December 2024: A Trip to Manitoba, A Celebration of Life, and Christmas Fun!!

December 2024 started with some fun time in Nashville with my wife Lynne. I talked about this last month so I'll just say we had some good flights home and headed back to work and normal life after some good times away. I managed to make it to the dentist (no cavities!!) and Lynne took me to a concert featuring the current members of the Glenn Miller Orchestra. Lynne's dad is an accomplished musician who played stand up bass in these kinds of bands for many years so this music has a special place in her heart. The concert was really good!!

These days at home were also filled with preparations for my next and final trip for work for 2024. I flew to Winnipeg, Manitoba and from there I flew north to the city of Thompson. There was a crazy snowstorm in Edmonton on the day I flew out and lots more crazy snow in Winnipeg that same day. The airplanes managed to leave mostly on time and they got me where I was going...even with all the snow. I was thankful that my rental truck was ready and that I was able to find my way to my hotel. Here's a picture of me settled in there. Notice the snow outside...and believe me, it was cold!!!


My week in Thompson was focused on trying to connect with community leaders and community members in Thompson and points north (Leaf Rapids, South Indian Lake, Lynn Lake, Marcel Columb Reserve). I had a wonderful lunch with Pastor Abi in Thompson...he works with churches in Thompson, Leaf Rapids, and South Indian Lake. He gave me some good advice on my travel plans as I tried to figure where to go first and who I should talk to. I appreciate him taking the time to visit with me.

I drove north from Thompson all the way to Lynn Lake. I managed to meet up with a local volunteer who helped our LAMP VBS team last summer. She was part of the crew who helped serve snacks and a lunch for the kids and volunteers each day. I also met up with Father Ravi, the local Catholic priest who serves Lynn Lake and five other communities (including the LAMP communities of Brochet, Lac Brochet, Lynn Lake, and South Indian Lake) Father Ravi lets the LAMP team use the church house in Brochet for lodging...his support and help are very much appreciated.  I also had the chance to drop by and visit Jamie at the Native Friendship Centre as well...our LAMP team in Lynn Lake stayed at the youth hall of the Friendship Centre and hosted a VBS program there. We appreciate Jamie's support and advice very much! I tried to visit our contact at the Marcel Columb Reserve as I headed back to Thompson but I missed her. I also dropped off some Christmas gifts for people in the community of Leaf Rapids from some of their friends from the LAMP team that goes there in the summer. I almost felt a little bit like Santa Claus there for a moment! Here's a picture of the Band Office and the office of Jordan's Principle on the Marcel Columb Reserve. If you haven't heard of Jordan's Principle, it's a pretty special program that can be found on many reserves...it's primary goal is to help children on reserves who have special needs. More information is here... Jordan's Principle 


Back in Thompson, I reached out to our contact from St. James the Apostle Anglican Church. I was hoping to meet with him and to tour the church there. He was unable to do so but I was able to drive over to the church and take a few photos. This church has hosted a VBS team for LAMP for several years now and we are so thankful for their support. Here's both a front view and also a view from the back.




These photos also remind me of how beautiful the snow, the trees, and the sky was as I drove around the area. Here's just a taste of some of what I saw...


On the last day before I flew out, I checked out of my hotel and headed over to Tim Hortons. I was able to buy some steeped tea (yum!) and set up my temporary office for a few hours. Later, I would grab some lunch and then head over to the public library in town and set up a temporary office there. I am very thankful for wifi and my trusty computer that works most of the time. Here's a picture of me in Tim Horton's working hard!!


My flights home were uneventful (though I did a have a neat and unexpected visit in the Winnipeg airport with a retired farmer who now travels the world sharing the gospel with young people). I was booked to play worship music for the early service at my church that Sunday morning and it mostly went well...despite me being a little sleepy from my week.

I first started working full-time in a Lutheran Church - Canada congregation in 1993. At the time, the Synod president was Rev. Ed Lehman and our ABC (Alberta - British Columbia) president was Rev. Harold Ruf. I learned so much from watching both of them as they worked to lead the church through the various opportunities and challenges that they and the churches in LC-C encountered in those days. I also appreciated their wisdom and support in various ways...especially President Lehman's work on helping establish the diaconate in LC-C. (I am happy and proud to be a rostered deacon in LC-C) It was sad to hear the news that both Ed and Harry had passed away this month. I was thankful to be able to attend President Lehman's funeral this last week and catch up with his family and other church friends. I hope to attend President Ruf's funeral in January if I'm able. Truly the end of an era in LC-C!! I was also glad to catch up with former LAMP pilot/staff person Rev. Bill Kronen at the funeral. Bill and I have been friends ever since we met in 1988 in northern Alberta...I'm always glad to catch up with him. Here's a picture of me and Bill and here is a picture of President Lehman's funeral handout.




My wife and I are happy to be welcoming our youngest son and his family home for Christmas. We've enjoyed the decorating, the shopping, and even the cleaning as we get ready to celebrate with them. We are hoping to see our other local family members here at various gatherings and events over the Christmas season. We'll also be spending some time on ZOOM or other platforms to visit our dear ones who are far away. This year, I'll be singing a solo for Christmas Eve at our church and we'll enjoy lighting the candles and singing "Silent Night" together. We'll be off till early January when work and normal life will start up again. We wish you all a merry Christmas and a happy new year! 

Here's the words to the song I'll be singing at the Christmas Eve service...you can also find a recorded version here.  https://youtu.be/ryUgs3WQOc4  It's a gooder...enjoy!!

Manger Throne

What kind of King would leave His throne
In Heaven to make this earth His home?
While men seek fame and great renown
In lowliness our King comes down

Jesus, Jesus, precious One
How we thank You that You've come
Jesus, Jesus, precious One
A manger throne for God's own Son

You left the sound of angels' praise
To come for men with unkind ways
And by this Baby's helplessness
The power of nations is laid to rest

What kind of King would come so small
From glory to a humble stall?
That dirty manger is my heart, too
I'll make it a royal throne for You

My heart is a throne
My heart is a throne for God's own Son

+++

God bless us, everyone!




 


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