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