Today I held my first comfirmation class ... It was held at the local bowlng alley ... we needed a venue, and this one promised fun and a place to chat. Unfortunately, only two kids showed up. But nonetheless, we bowled for an hour, then we talked for a little while about what it means to be the Church now that we're homeless.
It was a good conversation ... it will lead to more. Over the next week I want the kids (young adults) to think about their faith and what is important in that faith to them ...
When the class ended, we headed to the Ukrainian Hall where the UCW were holding their St Patrick's Day Tea and Bazaar ... there's something wonderfully ecumenical about the St Patty's Day tea being held in the UKRAINIAN Hall ...
It started with a small crowd, and the ladies were a little worried that maybe we were too far off the beaten path ... but within the hour the place was packed and everyone had a good lunch, good fellowship and a good time. (Thanks Ladies !!) There were folks of all ages and the room hummed with laughter and conversation.
I noted when I opened the tea (this has been one of the highlights for me each year - being asked to open the St Patty's Day Tea is just fun) that this is our first Celebration in a borrowed home ... So, it was vested with the added meaning of being a statement of life in the midst (spring even) in the cold and snow of winter. We may have a couple of St Patty's Day teas away from home, but one glorious day we will hold our first St Patty's Day Tea and Bazaar in our new home ... I can't wait to have the rolled sandwiches and dainties that day !!
I said many days ago that the fire didn't affect the institution of the Church, but that it affected the ladies who for 105 years have been pouring tea and passing sandwiches - well, today those ladies proved that they are stronger and better then those who tried to rob us of Sanctuary. They tried, but they haven't hurt the Church - they've just rendered us temporarily homeless, but in the process they have reminded all of us of what is important.
Today one of our participants in the Confirmation class shared that they had neglected coming to Church or being involved because it was "always there." On February 12th, that changed and now they feel compelled to become more involved ... the neat thing today in our community is that they are not alone in that feeling. All around us are more and more people who want to get more involved for the same reason ...
In some places the Church is dying of apathy ... In Minnedosa, the fire has helped rekindle the ashes that were in danger of growing cold ...
L'chaim,
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