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!

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Great News is God News!

"May my cry come before you, O LORD; give me understanding according to your word. May my supplication come before you; deliver me according to your promise. May my lips overflow with praise, for you teach me your decrees. May my tongue sing of your word, for all your commands are righteous. May your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts. I long for your salvation, O LORD, and your law is my delight. Let me live that I may praise you, and may your laws sustain me. I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commands." Psalm 119:169-176
The heart of the Psalmist is one that has overflowing and dynamic flow.  Words can't express what they're feeling or experiencing as they know God is ever actively working around them; depending upon His forgiveness, guidance and grace.  Here is a heart open to learn, open to experience the adventure of a loving and creative Father in heaven. 
Although many months have passed, we marvel at how God continues to move in amazing directions with His most infinite grace around here.
October 2012 led Glenna to the Unity Synod meetings in Hernnhut, despite the hurricane Sandy's major impact upon flights.  But in giving that trip up to our Lord, whether He really needed me there or not, he not only provided a safe and expedient trip, but some wonderful direction for the future in ministry.  More about that later.
December 2012 was a beautiful and exciting time of fellowship within the HV congregation and record numbers at our Christingle services. 
January  2013 was our long anticipated visit from Bishop Graf of Wisconsin.  A very special time of story-sharing took place here that always helps  to remind us of how God moves us into new avenues of ministry and encounters; stretching and challenging us, so that growth can emerge. 
March emerged and the birth of our new granddaughter Gloria Jean Wild Buchanan; a tiny person with the big name.
Lent was truly special this year with the theme of the Ascent Psalms; highlighting the Israelites' journey experience to the temple, and our lay leaders taking turns leading Wednesday services.  Holy Week in the English and Inuktitut services is always awesome as we not only get to hear the stories of our Saviour in 2 languages, but new faces always emerge for this most favorite of worship seasons.
April was also special this year as we had very willing and spiritual worship leaders to cover all the worship services while we were in North Carolina to see our grandchildren. I am most grateful for their love of worship and courage to lead. 
Since last fall, God has led the way in the emergence of a new bible learning initiative for the Labrador province; called the MCNL Bible Initiative.  Aimed at growing bible understanding, renewing lay leadership, and growing new indigenous lay leadership, this program will combine online lectures [Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary], online classes and discussion with the minister, in-person classes with the minister, textbooks, and online "iron sharpens iron" discussions among students. Students will receive a certificate upon completion of the 6-week requirements.  This is an exciting time for the province, and hope that this initiative is the foundation possibly to either a bible school or school of worship and music. 
Many, many thanks and our deepest gratitude to the many who have followed, supported and prayed for this ministry of the Gospel of Jesus Christ; that's what it is all about.  Your prayers are richly felt, and know that we continue to keep you in our prayers as well.  Thank you for including the following in your prayers for this ministry:
  • Ministers of the Word to be called into ministry to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
  • That God would continue to raise of lay leadership in all Labrador Moravian congregations.
  • That our children be protected from the many challenging circumstances; abuse, drugs, alcohol, bullying, etc.
  • For the MCNL Bible Initiative beginning September 16th.
  • For healing among Inuit women.
  • For our continued good health and strength in ministry
  • For our continued diligence in seeking God's guidance in all decisions; discerning of His Will. 
  • For a possibly new partnership with the Moravian Women's Desk.
  • For George, his new driving ministry, and God's faithful guidance in new directions.
  • For our children; now in Shanghai, in Kentucky, and preparing to move to ministry in the middle east, Jordon. 
  • For my congregation members growth in Christ.  Every Sunday feels like a Pentecost!
Again, thank you for all you do for the Kingdom.  I love being in ministry with my brothers and sisters in Christ; working to the day when all ears will hear the Name of Christ, and Christ comes to establish His Kingdom in fullness.
In His Service,
glenna & George
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105