Celebrating the Epiphany of our Lord

Celebrating the Epiphany of our Lord

Introducing Brim Leigh Buchanan - our newest grandchild!

Introducing Brim Leigh Buchanan - our newest grandchild!

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Our Putz Blessing

Moss collected; rocks, Labradorite, sand (before the freeze), and driftwood - was a congregation experience.  Then, working around a very talented model train landscape artist's varied job hours, the landscape got built, the electricity came together, the northern lights were airbrushed, spotlights on, and the characters were delicately placed.  We stood there all amazed.  It is beautiful and quietly tells the story of "God with us."  Tonite we combined a Christmas sing-along with our Putz opening and all visitors were completely mesmerized. Thanks be to God for the effort by many who came together to begin this new tradition. We all look forward to next year. Please enjoy our pictures.....
 
"For unto us a child is born, a Son is given"

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Meet Woodrow, our new grandson!

Romans 1:20 NRS


Ever since the creation of the world his eternal power and divine nature, invisible though they are, have been understood and seen through the things he has made.

Friday, November 25, 2011

Hear The Angels Sing!

Telling the story of Jesus with puppets
There are many people in Labrador that peak my attention on a number of counts. I find that even though North Carolinians & Labradorians all brush their teeth evey night, read books & speak English, usually not a day goes by that I'm not overwhelmed with the differences in culture between the 2 locations. A true wonder to me might look like the relationship of a mother and her child, a natural wonder of the land, one's tenacity despite major challenges, or the bless-ed quietness & watchfulness of a person's soul.
Another thing my interest has been peaked by this week was the 'nature report' by a local biologist in the news. Two sightings of the white willow ptarmigan on the Trans Labrador highway (the same hwy Geo & I fell victim to in early 2010), a group of Bohemian waxwings observed in the valley feeding on the last remaining dogberries, not to mention a spotting of the dickcessel (the grassland bird). These are all signs of the lingering or premature arrival of God's creatures on the land signaling an extended fall season and a corresponding short winter in Labrador! Thanks be to God for Tony and the trappers who lead us all in showing us the signs of these important seasonal transitions. Unfortunately, as many birds and signs are observed around this region of Labrador, Tony and the trappers will never be able to predict the day of the first 'big' snow. Yet we all prepare for winter in some way.
Jesus wants us to know WHAT is our state of readiness for His coming? When a farmer prepares his land, he waits patiently for the rain to water the field because there is no way to predict the exact time, yet the farmer prepares.
So when our family comes during the holidays, we make the caribou stew, we tune up the skiddoo, we get out our red berries & bakeapples - it's not easy. My 2 questions are...Why do we prepare? 
Because we love to be with the ones we love. Well - so does God.  There's a huge gap between Him and us; HUGE!  He couldn't bear seeing us struggle so much, so He did something about it.1  The Cross.  
And, WHAT does our preparation to receive Jesus look like?  We look for need, like the wandering folks on the road each day needing a simple meal, or assisting in our new women's center, or helping single moms, or looking to bring relief to someone in depression through prayer or a cup of coffee.
Looking for a need in someone, and ministering to it, prepares our hearts for Jesus coming. And when we do, we recive a heavy dose of God's peace, God's joy, God's love. NO ONE on earth can make you feel that way.  You become immersed in God's grace.
In less than 4 weeks, we'll be singing:  "It came upon the midnight clear',........ 'peace on earth good will toward men, from heav'ns all gracious King', the world in solemn stillness lay, to hear the angels sing.'" 
"Be on guard! Be alert! Watch!" Jesus says.  Let us be about preparing our hearts, and we will be lead directly into the path of serving those out there that are in need of us. They're out there - in need of us - us!.... with our name written on their hearts - waiting for us. And when we respond to our name being called, we will hear the angels sing!

Soccer in the Streets (parking lot)
1 Gribble




Saturday, September 3, 2011

CREATION IS HIS VERY PRESENCE

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”
When an infant is born, it becomes immediately appraent that this child is good...and perfectly made. We don't stop to consider otherwise. In the Psalms, we repeatedly recognize the declaration that "the Lord is good ". God IS good by definition. The Hebrew people (as evidenced by the Psalmists) believed that God's goodness was basically reflected in a creation that was splendidly & perfectly ordered. Ps.65:9. Seas are in place, mts. can't move, animals, winds, rain, snow, the sun, the moon & even the stars have a name & their special place - not to mention the wonder of the Northern Lights. God is good and His love presence is dependable.

Even more basic is, the psalmists view of creation as good & not simply the work of the Lord, but even deeper ... Creation is HIS very presence. Separation from God's house & His presence left one weak & diminished. G.Fee They wanted to "dwell in the house of the Lord forever" .... "O send out your light & your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me unto Your holy hill & to your dwelling." And as these people knew all the hardships of life that we have today, they still found unshakeable faith.
We have the living Word. Can we declare our loyalty to the Word; openly declaring our love of the Saviour? We were made to be happy and joyful all of our days; not just a few. And that joy comes from filling our heart & soul with a saving knowledge of our Creator. "Taste & see that the Lord is good!"
"As God's chosen ones, holy & beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony." Col.3:12-14
We give thanks that we are all brothers and sisters in Christ; using our gifts, sharing His wondrous love.  It is a privilege, joy and honor to support you in our prayers.






Monday, August 1, 2011

His Wonderful Ways

Let not your worship of our Creator God end today with our morning prayer. Follow the wonderful ways of the Lord; listen and seek His leading. Don't fog your mind with personalities or material gain. Fix your soul upon Him who loves us without end.*
* John Baillie & A.H.

Monday, July 25, 2011

Summer in Happy Valley Goose Bay


"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith inthe Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20
What does an iceberg entering the sub-arctic flow of Labrador, and our journey in faith have in common? Both are beautiful, and both are slow in motion.

I walked into a home once and the piano was covered in a mass of family photos beautifully framed. It was several generations of joy as so fluidly described at length by the woman of the house. We are more than willing to talk about that which is most important to us. It isn't a job, we don't need training, & need very little encouragement to talk about such things.1 My question then, is this ...Why doesn't this happen more often with Jesus?


"Jesus is the priceless treasure, the source of purest pleasure and friend to me so true" as the the hymn text goes. You can't hide it or keep it secret. The insurpassable joy He brings to a heart and soul can not be contained!
As the one person was digging; another looked for pearls; the 3rd sought fish in his net, each, through their active searching, found the treasure (Matt.13). And we are blessed to have scripture in our own language, so we can keep our faith in motion, and the treasure unfolding. Eureka!
The past year & 1/2 here has been about bringing forth the availability of scripture; regular, large, and giant print bibles. We've also added bibles for different-aged children. Thank you for your support in that effort - your generosity has made a huge difference. Our hope is to begin building a childrens' resource center with colorful bible story books, movies, puzzles, and bible software (we had a donation of an operational computer) for all ages.

A new tradition emerged here, that of the Moravian Chicken Pie. It turned out to be a nice addition to caribou stew, fish n brews, flakey ham sandwiches (yum!), and all the local favorites. Our Moravian Chicken Pie fundraising dinner brought $1100.00! It was fun to see all the new faces in the church.

Camp at Gosling lake has been quite exceptional this year; Jen Burtner from Staten Isl., a creative arts teacher, Sherry from Wisconsin, and 2 Moravian youth from NC; Becky & Bailey. They have also been of huge assistance in worship through music and childrens' church.

This is a beautiful season for fishing; cod, salmon, char, trout seem to be the favorites. The town is full of folks coming from everywhere to fish in these waters.

I am reminded daily the necessity and benefit of listening and in understanding the Inutitut language. These folks have most patient and loving hearts and I admire many things about them. My soul is blessed to have the privilege of serving our Lord and Saviour in such a way. There really are no words to describe this gift in our lives.

George and I continue to pray for each of you and your bless-ed journey with Jesus.
Our God loves us... all of us... forever.... no matter what... and nothing... no Nothing! can separate us from His love.





Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Esto mihi

As Paul's Gospel purports in an individual way, "..... I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me: (Galatians 2:20), the balance insists that Jesus Christ "gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for Himself a people that are His very own, eager to do what is good" (tit 2:14;Acts 2:40-41). I love that! A Gospel that speaks to us individually in infinite ways, and a Gospel that pulls us all together as one - in Him. His purpose of self-giving on the cross was not only to save each of us, but to create a new community who love each other and belong to Him; zealously serving a world hungry for His love. The door to a renewed and reunited humanity was created through the Cross of Christ. As we begin our journey to the Cross of Christ this week, may we humbly approach the Communion table with boldness, with love, and with joy; Our boldness in our witness and our prayers to Our Lord; Our love for Christ which begets more love; and when we carry seed to sow, we will return with songs of joy.
Happy Valley has been blanketed (and a thick, heavy one at that) in fluffy white snow, which happily opens up the door to the winter lifestyle - not as full-filling as the Cross, but filling to the freezer and our dinner table; fresh fish! The skidoo ride out to the bay is pleasant as you watch the scenery go by - seeing animal tracks and searching for the perfect place to build your fire.
It is great fun listening to the crackle of bologne on the frying pan and watching the water come to a boil for a hot cup of tea. You soak in the warmth of the fire so the warm will last as long as possible out on the ice. When you place your little line down in the ice hole, you wait with anticipation for the line to start moving (smelt), or for a tug (trout). Usually minutes later - the procession of bounty appears.
Planning for summer camp has raised volunteers from New York, North Carolina, and Wisconsin. Five weeks of camp we have to look forward to and 1 of those weeks is a canoe trip!
Snow break is this week lending itself to all sorts of good food events, ice carving contest, snow shoe trails, skidoo treks, and a huge hockey tournament. This will be followed by Caines Quest - the grueling international skidoo race (check it out online!).
One more exciting happening here is our class of 7 confirmands. What a joy and privilege it is to get to share all the basics of our faith, bible skills, and open the doors to discipleship. I love it!
We are most grateful for your prayers and support in this ministry. As our new bibles have been life-changing for many, we are about to receive Children's bibles; early readers up to teens. One of our acolytes, Regula, will be most excited I think. Her 83 years is only surpassed by her bottomless love for children. Her other passion is ministering to the men in the Correctional Center. They appreciate her care of their souls. I have learned so much from Regula.
Thank you again for your love and support. Christ unites us in our hearts; making the distance minimal. In Him, G & G
"Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrifiiced. therefore let us keep the Festival" 1 Cor 5:7



Friday, January 7, 2011

To Stumble or Not to Stumble.... THAT is the question.

Here's an almost first-hand view of skidooing on the mountain. Enjoy the view! It's nice that we can see all that is coming at us here. In the Hebrew [OT] language, the future is behind a person and not out in front. Instead of striding confidently into the future, the Hebrews talked about stumbling backward into it. We can see the past, but we cannot see the future, and can never tell exactly where our foot will land.* The beautiful picture that Christ so desperately wants us to grasp, is that when we place our hand, our lives within His hands, we are stable, secure and of good footing all the way. Our future is in His hands and He ever leads us there.
*D.Kinlaw