Off for Today

Last night I did my first ever baby dedication of Olivia Marie Welch. It was really nice with lots of the Welch's family and freinds present. I also preached on the importance of family, using the reconciliation of Joseph and his brothers as the biblical example.

A nice surprise was 5 people from Saskatchewan who all now live in downtown Vancouver. They were all connected with the Connection. The connection is a church that Felicia and I were both attending when we lived in Saskatoon. It was started by my friend Sam Chaise. It was started 10 years ago, and has recently exploded in size and ministry.

first@night is in a lot of ways in the same position that the connection was 10 years ago - small, finding its way.

I am currently reading the biography of johnny Cash, written by Steve Turner. It's really good. It's interesting - there's a story of Cash meeting Don Freed - a singer/songwriter from Saskatoon. He was a long time boyfriend of Joni Mitchells. Freed played a song for Cash once, Cash liked it and tried to get him a contract with Columbia. Guess he never got it.

Lost Lamb - Adam dropped "Lammy" - his stuffed lamb - his best friend. Dropped him on Cambie Street on our way back from Starbucks. We didn't notice he was missing for a couple of hours. I went out and there he was, all bended up, wet and looking sad. I picked him up and rushed him back to Adam who asked him why he went out on the street.

Good question.

Comments

katevp-a said…
Of course I remember when you baptised me Santosh! I did not know that it was your first baptism. That is pretty cool.

Baby dedications are also very sweet. It's good to hear all that you and Felicia are doing in the 'Couv.

Kate
9:40 AM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Go to church

Image
We are several months out of even the most limited pandemic restrictions. I cannot remember the last time I wore a mask. When I see someone wearing a mask, it feels nostalgic - a reminder of a strange time when that person was the norm and I - the unmasked one would look strange. Despite the fact that we can break the 6-foot barrier and admire the lower halves of other's faces - I have been surprised at the number of Christians I meet who are just NOW starting to return to live worship services. I understand the lure of the live stream worship experience while sitting at home on the couch - worshipping in sweats and hot coffee in my mug - much more appealing than a hard couch and no coffee. I've also met believers boldly walking away from regular church attendance and proclaiming they can worship God anywhere - including the pickleball court. Nature is my sanctuary. "God’s Spirit and gift of salvation are not defined by church walls. But without an embodied community of be
Read more

Coaster goes up (a little)

Image
Unused photo from the Globe and Mail shoot. So, last night and all day today I was on the top floor of the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Vancouver. Quite auspicious surroundings for church council/pastors meetings! there were stunning views of the North Shore mountains, Stanley Park and the downtown buildings. The meetings were lengthy, exhausting and a lot of work. Basically, FBC has been on a year long journey of crafting its vision statement and core values - we did it with the assistance of a coach from Outreach Canada. We are coming down the home stretch and needed to hammer out everything for presentation to the congregation. Today was the first day that I have begun to feel lighter and ready to resume the work. Although still feeling wounded from this whole mess, I'm ready to limp on. It's true: Sunday,Monday - elation at finally reaching a goal of holding a first@night service in a trendy nightclub - excitement at getting press coverage - even thoug
Read more

Where the Light Falls

Image
I've read two books by Augustine - City of God and Confessions. I think I've read his confessions 3 times. I like him because he is a good writer, has lots of self-insight, and loves God passionately. He was very honest about his pre-Christian life. At one point he makes this observation: "I had my back toward the light, and my face toward the things on which the light falls." Most people have their back to the light - and they focus where his light falls. Where the light falls refers to God's common grace. God does not keep good things only for those who follow him. Because he is good he distributes his blessings and grace widely. Where the light falls are places of grace: art, music, beauty, sunshine, loving relationships, a baby's smile. But - these things are not the light - to enjoy and encounter the light, we must turn around and follow the rays of light back to the source. What is the source of beauty, love, and truth? Jesus said he is the light of the
Read more