The school district is more than supportive and helpful to us as tenants to their schools on Sundays. We have a great working relationship with them and the no show from the janitor last week really was unusual. They went out of their way to apologize and of course we are very appreciative for them and their support.
So last week we were ready after the outdoor service to see things sort of come back to normalicy. The janitor was there early to let us in and we started set up but we soon realized that we didn't have any speakers. It was my job to pick up the speakers on Saturday from the rental place, but .... so, we huddled again and decided to go completely unplugged. No amplification of sound.
The musicians were up for the challenge. Heather and Melanie were great. We moved the chairs all closer in and I as people arrived we tried to explain that we were going to be unplugged that morning. I was loosing my marbles and some people prayed for me and I was fine after that. The service started and it was again memorable.
I did go this week to the rental shop and I have the speakers and extra cables ready to go.
Hopefully, I or anyone else doesn't forget much this coming Sunday.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Forgetfulness
With all our sound equipment gone, we had a few days to pull together some equipment for the upcoming Sunday gathering. Brian did a huge effort detailing stuff missing and renting enough equip for Sunday. Alex bought a new lock and put in extra hours following up on things.
Sunday came and there was a lot happening that morning. There was going to be a baptism, some testimonies, a pot-luck after the service -- just a whole lot of fun and good stuff - and add the edge of patching together a sound system.
I got to the school early at around 8:50 to get a jump on the setup. The janitor usually arrives at 8:55ish. But by 9:12 no janitor. Made a ton of calls to janitor and school district office - all answering machines. 9:16 we realize that we will not have access to the school. We huddled around and thought of our options. Mike DV had some generators and kevin went to pick them up. We found an outside hose tap to fill the tank for the baptism. Some extra tents showed up for shade. It was going to be an outside service on a hot day.
Brian patched the sound together using one generator and the other generator was used to keep the crock pots hot for the potluck.
The service was special and raw. Carina and Kyle professed their faith and Carina was baptised. Very emotional. It was a special morning. And the food after was great. Melanie did a great job co-ordinating all the social part of things.
It was quite something to see how people pitched in happily to make a difficult situation turn into something fun and very meaningful.
Sunday came and there was a lot happening that morning. There was going to be a baptism, some testimonies, a pot-luck after the service -- just a whole lot of fun and good stuff - and add the edge of patching together a sound system.
I got to the school early at around 8:50 to get a jump on the setup. The janitor usually arrives at 8:55ish. But by 9:12 no janitor. Made a ton of calls to janitor and school district office - all answering machines. 9:16 we realize that we will not have access to the school. We huddled around and thought of our options. Mike DV had some generators and kevin went to pick them up. We found an outside hose tap to fill the tank for the baptism. Some extra tents showed up for shade. It was going to be an outside service on a hot day.
Brian patched the sound together using one generator and the other generator was used to keep the crock pots hot for the potluck.
The service was special and raw. Carina and Kyle professed their faith and Carina was baptised. Very emotional. It was a special morning. And the food after was great. Melanie did a great job co-ordinating all the social part of things.
It was quite something to see how people pitched in happily to make a difficult situation turn into something fun and very meaningful.
Welcome Coby Grace!
Coby Grace was born into this world yesterday, Sept 23!
A new sister to Finn. Mom and Dad are doing great!
A new sister to Finn. Mom and Dad are doing great!
Monday, September 21, 2009
The Storage Bin Break-In
Got a call last week Friday from the school that we rent on Sunday's, that our storage bin door was open. I was visiting with some other ministry people in Abbotsford and left the meeting early and drove to the school.
I called our setup team leader, Alex, and he got to the school before me and noticed that the bin door was open and all our sound gear was gone. Probably $15-20K worth of stuff. Sound board, speakers, monitors, cables, etc.
The church people are troubled that someone would be that desperate that they would need to steal from a church. We are more concerned for the people that needed to steal than we are the stuff that was taken. The church owned equipment will be replaced over time, but the people who stole the stuff are more valuable to us than the equipment.
The church has an insurance policy, but we are unsure how much of the equipment will be covered.
This is difficult news for us, as we are trying our best to help people. In just two days, this Sunday, we will be discussing as a church family how to help people in the community in a more intentional way. We are growing in this. This theft will give us more resolve to help others.
I called our setup team leader, Alex, and he got to the school before me and noticed that the bin door was open and all our sound gear was gone. Probably $15-20K worth of stuff. Sound board, speakers, monitors, cables, etc.
The church people are troubled that someone would be that desperate that they would need to steal from a church. We are more concerned for the people that needed to steal than we are the stuff that was taken. The church owned equipment will be replaced over time, but the people who stole the stuff are more valuable to us than the equipment.
The church has an insurance policy, but we are unsure how much of the equipment will be covered.
This is difficult news for us, as we are trying our best to help people. In just two days, this Sunday, we will be discussing as a church family how to help people in the community in a more intentional way. We are growing in this. This theft will give us more resolve to help others.
Bruins Chapels Start Today
There are a lot of changes with the Chilliwack Bruins this year. With a new coaching staff and many new players, it has been educational for me to see the changes being rolled out.
I am very fortunate and grateful that the coaching staff does support the work of a chaplain with the team. They have been very gracious and supportive as we are getting to know each other.
This is my 4th year as the chaplain for the Chilliwack Bruins and after the season opener is when the first chapel is usually scheduled.
This year, the first chapel starts today at 5:00pm at the rink.
We bring in food (usually lots of protein and carbs) and I have a talk from scripture about life and hockey. There is often some lively discussion and prayer for the team at the end.
Can't wait for 5:00pm.
I am very fortunate and grateful that the coaching staff does support the work of a chaplain with the team. They have been very gracious and supportive as we are getting to know each other.
This is my 4th year as the chaplain for the Chilliwack Bruins and after the season opener is when the first chapel is usually scheduled.
This year, the first chapel starts today at 5:00pm at the rink.
We bring in food (usually lots of protein and carbs) and I have a talk from scripture about life and hockey. There is often some lively discussion and prayer for the team at the end.
Can't wait for 5:00pm.
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