Halloween has just passed!
On Friday we were in a second hand store that was selling Halloween costumes. A group of kids were looking for costumes, the type of thing that I wore back when I was their age. These “costumes” appeared to be all the rage for Halloween for these university students.
So . . . here is a picture of me taken in 1974 (35 years ago). Some of you will have to guess which one is me (I actually had hair). Wouldn’t you want to wear a leisure suit like that?!!
The last few decades saw churches close out their Sunday evening meetings. For various reasons, the Sunday evening is being revived. Not in the same pattern, but with groups and activities that just close off the weekend.
We’ve seen this with sessions we are holding called the Truth Project. Somewhere around a third to half of our congregation are participating.
In many ways this arises in response to weekend activity patterns. Most people are able to be out of town, or at a meeting, or scheduled in some way during Saturday and Sunday. The evening of Sunday most people are back home, and available for a closing activity. One that is encouraging, that prompts community and leaves you ready to attack a new week.
That’s my hope for these next few weeks. So far, so good!!
Friday afternoon we ventured into Saskatoon. And an adventure it has become – with actual gridlock in mid afternoon on Idylwyld Drive and Circle Drive. Which would not have been a problem if not for the reason we were there!
Our son was to fly out to Heathrow Airport in London for a time on board a ship as a stage manager. The arrival time at the airport was to be one hour prior to departure. We made it about five minutes late.
But, the check-in was extremely quick. Two people in line prior to Tim’s check-in. The security check was expected to be slowed since renovations were happening. When he stepped through security there was only one person ahead of him. He had a good 3/4 of an hour before departure as he headed to the departure lounge.
We have enjoyed our time with Tim these past two months. We expect to see him again in four months. May God bless and keep him, and may His face shine upon Him in all he does.
As I was preparing . . .
Last week Jason Ambros preached at our church. This was one of those occasions where he graciously offered to preach with short notice.
Jason’s topic was on suffering. As a blessing (my paraphrase!).
As I prepared for this week’s sermon, I returned to the scripture passage I have been working through. There, in the midst of the next few verses was another take on suffering.
Sometimes I think God just does this to surprise me!!