Friday evening during our Good Friday worship service, I had another first, and probably a first for many in the congregation. For our Good Friday service, we had communion, which followed the message at the beginning of the service. Following communion, we had a Tenebrae style of service, where we had a "Service of Shadows" - Scripture reading, followed by a song and the lights getting turned off one by one.
We had lined up enough people to do all the scripture readings, so I wouldnt have to lead that part of the service. I went and sat down by my wife. As I came to sit down, I noticed the nursery attendant came and got her to get our daughter. I guess she was crying inconsolably. Lately at night she is only consolable by mom, so Brenda had to go get her. She came back into the sanctuary with baby in hand. This is okay for a while, but Brenda had to sing a couple of times during the service.
When she got up to go sing, I took our daughter and thought this will be okay, she is good with me a lot. Well, the second, Brenda left, she started to fuss, I tried to get her to stop, but to no avail, she got louder. So, I walked out of church with her to calm her down. I think that is a first time people have seen their minister leave the service with his child. But, I didnt have to do anything during that part of the service. I had a couple of offers to take her for me, but I said it would be okay. She was pretty good as I walked around with her.
It worked out perfectly, Brenda sang a song, a verse of a hymn was sung, and then the Benediction, so after Brenda finished, she came to the back, the congregation was standing singing the final song and I could walk up to give the Benediction! It was like we planned it for this reason!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Awesome Experience
I know I havent blogged for a while, but I will get back to it soon, I have some ideas written down, so hopefully soon....
This past week I had to opportunity to go to BC to Panorama to ski. For the end of March, the conditions were pretty good. Most of the time, I would let my wife and her mom go out first thing and I would stay back with the baby. They would come back around 11 sometime and I would then go out, either by myself or with my mother-in-law. The first day I was feeling pretty good about what I had accomplished. I was feeling like I was getting the hang of it. The one green run that I went down is one of the highest ones I have been on. The second day, I didnt do as well. I mentally froze while going down a green run, I eventually chickened out and took my skis off and walked through the woods to get down the steep part. (Steep for me at least!). I almost got to the end, and it looked even steeper, so we took a different way. Later that day we realized that the last section is a BLACK! So, I was glad we avoided it! The third day I felt really good again about my skiing. I even went down 3/4 of a blue run. So, I felt pretty good about my skiing this year. I didnt get to go out as much, but that is how life goes sometimes.
It was so warm on Wednesday that the snow was melting pretty fast. When we were in the hot tob, I noticed the groomer was moving a LOT of snow to the base of the hill. I wanted to see what he had to do, so after supper I walked over to the base of the lift and saw what he had done. I noticed he was coming down the hill. I am very interested in watching machinery, especially big machinery like the cats that groom the ski hills. He came down, and backed right next to where I was standing on the stairs, and he opened the door and he said: "Hey, you want to ride?"
I said, "Are you serious?"
He replied, "Yeah, come on in, there is a door on the other side."
I was like, "Sweet!" So I ran around and hopped in. He took me straight up the side of the mountain and showed me how the thing works. He is in charge of the terrain park and so we even backed up to the edge of a few jumps. We drove straight up the side of the mountain, then we turned around and drove straight back down the mountain! It was such an awesome experience. I dont know anyone who has been able to ride in the Grooming Cat like that! I was so excited I had to run back and tell my wife and mother-in-law. They were surprised I was able to do that! I thought that it would be cool if he would ask me, but didnt think he actually would. That was probably the highlight of the trip!
This past week I had to opportunity to go to BC to Panorama to ski. For the end of March, the conditions were pretty good. Most of the time, I would let my wife and her mom go out first thing and I would stay back with the baby. They would come back around 11 sometime and I would then go out, either by myself or with my mother-in-law. The first day I was feeling pretty good about what I had accomplished. I was feeling like I was getting the hang of it. The one green run that I went down is one of the highest ones I have been on. The second day, I didnt do as well. I mentally froze while going down a green run, I eventually chickened out and took my skis off and walked through the woods to get down the steep part. (Steep for me at least!). I almost got to the end, and it looked even steeper, so we took a different way. Later that day we realized that the last section is a BLACK! So, I was glad we avoided it! The third day I felt really good again about my skiing. I even went down 3/4 of a blue run. So, I felt pretty good about my skiing this year. I didnt get to go out as much, but that is how life goes sometimes.
It was so warm on Wednesday that the snow was melting pretty fast. When we were in the hot tob, I noticed the groomer was moving a LOT of snow to the base of the hill. I wanted to see what he had to do, so after supper I walked over to the base of the lift and saw what he had done. I noticed he was coming down the hill. I am very interested in watching machinery, especially big machinery like the cats that groom the ski hills. He came down, and backed right next to where I was standing on the stairs, and he opened the door and he said: "Hey, you want to ride?"
I said, "Are you serious?"
He replied, "Yeah, come on in, there is a door on the other side."
I was like, "Sweet!" So I ran around and hopped in. He took me straight up the side of the mountain and showed me how the thing works. He is in charge of the terrain park and so we even backed up to the edge of a few jumps. We drove straight up the side of the mountain, then we turned around and drove straight back down the mountain! It was such an awesome experience. I dont know anyone who has been able to ride in the Grooming Cat like that! I was so excited I had to run back and tell my wife and mother-in-law. They were surprised I was able to do that! I thought that it would be cool if he would ask me, but didnt think he actually would. That was probably the highlight of the trip!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Looking the Part, Pt. 2
Well, I have had some interesting comments from people over on facebook with regards to my last post. I dont want people to think that I have a complex worrying about whether or not I look like a pastor. That is not the reason why I posted it. It was just an interesting thought, at least in my mind to think about. I appreciate the feedback I received on that post.
But thinking about that yesterday, got me to think back to my last catechism class I had. My class is rather small, 2 students, which has its challenges, but also its strengths. One of the questions that we were looking at was rather intriguing to me as well, and it dovetails the question I had raised yesterday.
The question that was asked then is something like this, "How can you tell if someone is a Christian? What do you look for?" So, I am wondering, can you tell if someone is a Christian? If so, how can you tell? What are some things that tell you that htey are a Christian? Is it by how they dress? Act? Live? Talk?
Another question might be, should we be able to see that someone is a Christian? Anyway, just some more things to think about and again, I would love any feedback! Thanks!
But thinking about that yesterday, got me to think back to my last catechism class I had. My class is rather small, 2 students, which has its challenges, but also its strengths. One of the questions that we were looking at was rather intriguing to me as well, and it dovetails the question I had raised yesterday.
The question that was asked then is something like this, "How can you tell if someone is a Christian? What do you look for?" So, I am wondering, can you tell if someone is a Christian? If so, how can you tell? What are some things that tell you that htey are a Christian? Is it by how they dress? Act? Live? Talk?
Another question might be, should we be able to see that someone is a Christian? Anyway, just some more things to think about and again, I would love any feedback! Thanks!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Looking the Part
This past weekend I had the opportunity to attend the Break Forth Canada conference in Edmonton. It was a great time to go to some seminars as well as attend various worship services and concerts. On the last night, we were able to attend a Michael W. Smith concert. It was a great concert. It was opened up by Lincoln Brewster, also very good. Lincoln Brewster is also a pastor, I think of worship of a church in California, (I believe that is what he said.) Anyway, one of the people I went with said to me that she could not believe that he was a pastor, based on his appearance mainly.
Anyway, On our way home, we got into a discussion about this. (I am sure one of them might even read this as it is posted on Facebook.) We got into a discussion about "looking like" a pastor. Both of the ladies riding with us said that I didnt look like a pastor. But other ones we talked about they said did more so. So this got me to thinking about this. What does it mean to "look like" a pastor. If I dont look like a pastor is that a bad thing? Should I be dressing differently? Should I be acting any differently?
I am really wondering now, what does it mean to look like a pastor? If anyone has any ideas or suggestions, I would love to hear what other people think about this. For those who know me, or knew me in High School, or earlier, is it surprising to you that I am a pastor? Do you agree with what the two ladies said that I dont look like a pastor? I hope that some would respond, either here or on Facebook, because I am curious to find out what people think a pastor should look like.
Anyway, On our way home, we got into a discussion about this. (I am sure one of them might even read this as it is posted on Facebook.) We got into a discussion about "looking like" a pastor. Both of the ladies riding with us said that I didnt look like a pastor. But other ones we talked about they said did more so. So this got me to thinking about this. What does it mean to "look like" a pastor. If I dont look like a pastor is that a bad thing? Should I be dressing differently? Should I be acting any differently?
I am really wondering now, what does it mean to look like a pastor? If anyone has any ideas or suggestions, I would love to hear what other people think about this. For those who know me, or knew me in High School, or earlier, is it surprising to you that I am a pastor? Do you agree with what the two ladies said that I dont look like a pastor? I hope that some would respond, either here or on Facebook, because I am curious to find out what people think a pastor should look like.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Vacation
So, as you can tell, I am glad I didnt make the resolution to have daily blogs. But, in my defense, the Monday after the last post, we were able to go on vacation. We left Sunday afternoon, we had soup and bun lunch and our second service at 1:15, so we could finish packing and headed for Calgary. It was hard to believe, but everything was beginning to melt before we left. We stayed at a hotel overnight, and then headed to the airport at about 7:30 am on Monday. Our flight didnt leave until 11:00 or so, but we had to be there early because of the new restrictions on those flying to the states. No carry-ons were permitted, except, purses, diaper bags, camera cases, so that is what we took on. But, doing this meant we had to have all of them searched by hand. We went through the metal detector, then we all got patted down, including our 4 month old baby! We couldnt believe it. But we made it through, and were on our way.
We made it to Los Angeles a few minutes late, but no bid deal. We dropped my mom off at work, and had to go to In-N-Out for lunch! That night I went and played basketball with my brother and some old high school classmates. That was a blast, except I always had to guard my brother who is a lot stronger and who is bigger than I am.
Tuesday was pretty much a blur, I dont remember what we did. Wednesday night we were able to meet up with some friends for dinner, which was really good. It has been a year and a half since seeing them, so it was long over due. Thursday we left for Palm Springs. We met up with a friend and his wife. It had been three and a half years since we had seen him. When they came to the condo we were staying at, someone made the comment "who would have thought at the last time you saw each other, the next time you would see each other, he would have a wife, and you would have a baby!" It was a lot of fun hanging out with them. On Friday we went up the Palm Springs tram and looked around up there. You go from about 2000 feet to 8000 feet in 10 minutes. It was quite a view from up there. Friday night we said goodbye to them, and the rest of my family joined us at the condo.
Saturday, the guys went and played golf. I am happy to say, that my brother and I tied but, most importantly, we beat our dad! Ha ha ha. Sitting by the outdoor pool in January, was awesome.
Sunday we went to a large church out there. It was a really good service. The only sad part about going to Palm Springs for the weekend was the fact that we couldnt go to my home church to see a lot of people that we missed seeing. We spent Sunday afternoon by the pool, it was a relaxing weekend. Monday we left and hit the downpour that all of California was experiencing.
Tuesday Brenda needed to shop, so she did! She was very successful, I guess...BUt it was fun trying to get the stroller out and in the vehicle in the pouring rain. I was wearing shorts for the principle of the fact we were in California. It was raining so hard that when a car drove past me rather slowly, it splashed enough water on my legs to soak my feet.
Wednesday we got up and went for breakfast with my Mom, Dad and Grandma. THen we left for the airport. We had great flights both ways. Our daughter did really well, and slept most of both flights! It was a much needed vacation as it was very relaxing. But it is also good to be home.
We made it to Los Angeles a few minutes late, but no bid deal. We dropped my mom off at work, and had to go to In-N-Out for lunch! That night I went and played basketball with my brother and some old high school classmates. That was a blast, except I always had to guard my brother who is a lot stronger and who is bigger than I am.
Tuesday was pretty much a blur, I dont remember what we did. Wednesday night we were able to meet up with some friends for dinner, which was really good. It has been a year and a half since seeing them, so it was long over due. Thursday we left for Palm Springs. We met up with a friend and his wife. It had been three and a half years since we had seen him. When they came to the condo we were staying at, someone made the comment "who would have thought at the last time you saw each other, the next time you would see each other, he would have a wife, and you would have a baby!" It was a lot of fun hanging out with them. On Friday we went up the Palm Springs tram and looked around up there. You go from about 2000 feet to 8000 feet in 10 minutes. It was quite a view from up there. Friday night we said goodbye to them, and the rest of my family joined us at the condo.
Saturday, the guys went and played golf. I am happy to say, that my brother and I tied but, most importantly, we beat our dad! Ha ha ha. Sitting by the outdoor pool in January, was awesome.
Sunday we went to a large church out there. It was a really good service. The only sad part about going to Palm Springs for the weekend was the fact that we couldnt go to my home church to see a lot of people that we missed seeing. We spent Sunday afternoon by the pool, it was a relaxing weekend. Monday we left and hit the downpour that all of California was experiencing.
Tuesday Brenda needed to shop, so she did! She was very successful, I guess...BUt it was fun trying to get the stroller out and in the vehicle in the pouring rain. I was wearing shorts for the principle of the fact we were in California. It was raining so hard that when a car drove past me rather slowly, it splashed enough water on my legs to soak my feet.
Wednesday we got up and went for breakfast with my Mom, Dad and Grandma. THen we left for the airport. We had great flights both ways. Our daughter did really well, and slept most of both flights! It was a much needed vacation as it was very relaxing. But it is also good to be home.
Monday, January 4, 2010
New Years Resolution: Daily Blogs!
Ha ha ha, Gotcha! Like that would actually happen. I am still trying to get in the routine of writing my thoughts down on here. I dont know how many people actually read this anyway, but it is a good practice at least for me to get some of my thoughts down. One of the problems with this is the fact that there are things that I dont know if it is good enough to write down. Another is that I havent completely thought them through all the way. I will try better at updating this, perhaps weekly. I did alright there for a bit, but then life got crazy busy and I just stopped writing.
Something that I have been thinking about lately has been the season of Christmas. This is a busy time for my colleagues and myself. I was very grateful that my church didnt give me any extra services. I mean we had Christmas and New Years day, but then we canceled the evening services on the Sundays after both of them. That has helped me a ton. I feel for my colleagues who have something like 8 services to plan in just over a 10 day span. It is challenging for myself, and maybe other pastors to really try to enjoy Christmas. It is a busy time and so much pressure it is hard to actually listen to the story yourself and hear the Gospel.
It is also hard for pastors and their families, (I know at least for us it is difficult sometimes) because Christmas is a time to be with family. We are not close to any family at all, and people ask, "So are you going home for Christmas?" Or they ask, "Is anyone coming to see you for Chrismtas?" The answer generally is no. We were fortunate enough at American Thanksgiving to have both of our families up here for our daughter's baptism. It is difficult to be away from family, but we know we are called to be here and to minister at the same time.
The thing that has really helped my wife and I is the fact that our Church Family is so hospitable. There has never been a lack for an invitation to someone else's family celebration. This year was the first year for me as a dad. It was really special to celebrate with my wife and almost 4 month old daughter. But it was also really special to really feel as if we belong as family to so many people in this church. There are some really wonderful people here!
Next week we look forward to some time down in California with my family. It will be a much needed break, at least for me. We are really looking forward to relaxing and visiting with family and friends.
Something that I have been thinking about lately has been the season of Christmas. This is a busy time for my colleagues and myself. I was very grateful that my church didnt give me any extra services. I mean we had Christmas and New Years day, but then we canceled the evening services on the Sundays after both of them. That has helped me a ton. I feel for my colleagues who have something like 8 services to plan in just over a 10 day span. It is challenging for myself, and maybe other pastors to really try to enjoy Christmas. It is a busy time and so much pressure it is hard to actually listen to the story yourself and hear the Gospel.
It is also hard for pastors and their families, (I know at least for us it is difficult sometimes) because Christmas is a time to be with family. We are not close to any family at all, and people ask, "So are you going home for Christmas?" Or they ask, "Is anyone coming to see you for Chrismtas?" The answer generally is no. We were fortunate enough at American Thanksgiving to have both of our families up here for our daughter's baptism. It is difficult to be away from family, but we know we are called to be here and to minister at the same time.
The thing that has really helped my wife and I is the fact that our Church Family is so hospitable. There has never been a lack for an invitation to someone else's family celebration. This year was the first year for me as a dad. It was really special to celebrate with my wife and almost 4 month old daughter. But it was also really special to really feel as if we belong as family to so many people in this church. There are some really wonderful people here!
Next week we look forward to some time down in California with my family. It will be a much needed break, at least for me. We are really looking forward to relaxing and visiting with family and friends.
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