Church

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??

Today Jill and I will wander over to our local senior’s manor for a birthday party.  This facility works mostly with care level 3 – 4 (in our health care system, this is just prior to hospitalization and also includes those who are disoriented, unable to care for themselves, and for whom home care would be unadvisable). 

We won’t have a long time together.  The program is planned for 2:30 with very short introductions, perhaps a song and then just being with the people.  And therein lies the effort and the joy!

Not everyone who comes will remember later what happened.  Not everyone who is there will enter into interesting and coherent conversation.  But everyone who is there is God’s creation and as such is dignified with his image!  So, we will gently touch people, speak about their birthdays, and bless them in God’s name.

With this year’s weather, we may be out planting in the next few weeks (OK, last night was down to around -20, but warm weather is on the way).

 I’m not a great gardener, but I’ve watched my wife carefully arrange flower beds with annuals.  The first plants you want to put in are the early bloomers.  If you miss their growing season, might as well pack it up till next year.  Then the mid summer night’s dreams and finally the one’s that just beat the frost.  

These annuals spring up, wither and then die.  Their seeds are gathered.  Next year the plants bloom again through that shell that looked dead but somehow survived as a seed.

On the other hand, perennials just keep popping up each year.  They remain in the ground and rejuvenate with warm weather, water and willing gardeners (I’ve been known to kill off rhubarb – a great perennial that used to come up every year until I got a little too close with the rototiller!).

Both types of plants make for a great garden.

Last night we had our annual meeting.  The church has seen some beauty die, and just a little seed remains – we are hoping to see those plants flourish once again.  Some programs have a life sustaining ability that goes on from year to year.  And along the way we want to pick up some new plants to add colour and hue to the landscape!

But the true secret of the garden we call Kindersley Alliance Church?  It’s the people who tend the plants and watch over the growth!  Congratulations to each and every one of you!!!