Author: Ron Baker

Last night I sneaked out to where writers meet!

Down at Cafe Danse a group of four lounged around a table, drinking tea and swapping stories.  This was my first time with Linda, and Twila and Dale.  For an hour we enjoyed each other’s presence.  I heard a great new poem.  And two longer, conversational type stories.

The group is new this past September, and this is the first time I was privileged to meet with them.

I suppose the story of the bus driver, a fire, and poor decisions was a highlight.  You’ll have to wait til the group’s book comes out (Pearls from the Prairies)!

My schedule doesn’t suit the usual meeting times, but I’ll have to see what I can do.  Nothing like a good story, good table talk and a bit of tea to provide an evening’s delight!

So, it’s Thursday lunch.  I’m sitting at Tim Horton’s!

24 hours earlier my PDA showed no sign of movement for this time slot.  In fact, my wife had asked if I was going to be home for lunch.  My answer?  Yes.

Then I receive an email in the morning.  A pastor friend, Randall Friesen, from Prince Albert is on his way through and will be around for lunch.  Am I available?  “Sure!” – I emailed back.

At 11:45, I’m completing a meeting and getting ready for my “impromptu” lunch.  I miss a call and search to find out the source.  Another pastor friend from Prince Albert, Dan Haugan and his wife Bev,  are at Tim Horton’s and I’m invited for lunch.

As I wander down to the local eatery, I’m asking myself how many times a double booking can work so well! 

Both pastors are men whom I had worked closely with in Prince Albert. 

Both pastors are men who blessed me and encouraged me in my ministry as I lunched with them. 

Both were God’s appointment.

Years ago I got the website of Ginghamsburg church on CD.

That was back when web design was new, and churches were just getting involved in the web and the whole media revolution.  Now, we would consider the design basic and the site fairly static.

So, take yourself to their site now.  They continue to be on the front edge of using computers for the church.  The site is clean, usable and relevant.

Jill ran across their site when she wanted to look at some sermons – she’s considering speaking at a women’s meeting.  The sermon archives (scroll to the bottom to get to previous sermons – back to 1997) not only have the sermon (in audio, video and sometimes written), but also have comment points, graphics and other attachments.  On the home page you can find the sermon podcasts as well.

And what about a daily journal?  Check out this approach which is all electronic – the video promo is great!

Six of us church workers have been trying to get together since the new year.  Hasn’t happened!

Remember, this is small town Saskatchewan.  We figure once a month should not be hard.

The latest attempt was interrupted by two funerals. 

I’ve committed to buying pencils for one person – he’s penciled the schedule in so many times his PDA is getting holes in it!  Another mentioned this was getting surreal – or as he might call this “sure real.”

Now I’m starting to think of new ways to stay connected.  We email to set up our schedules.  Maybe the handshake and conversation of the internet may have to work??