Labrador fondly remembers Rev. David Dickinson, who passed away after a long illness, October, 2009, in the UK.
He came to Makkovik as a student pastor in 1965. A handsome young man, only 23 years old, and soft spoken. A breath of fresh air amongst the dear old-timers, who were serving here at the time.
Rev. Dickinson wrote this from Fulneck in 1996: “Being called to Makkovik was something beyond my experience … because it was such a different life to the one I knew, I have a number of memories coming near to calamity. The one that stays in my mind the most is of an occasion when I took a walk to the south of Makkovik, across the Makkovik Brook, across the neck of land, and across the next bay. I really went too far, and as I reached the top of the forest to the south side of the bay, and looked on a series of islands, the sun went down. Dropping back down through the forest, I kept slipping into the boles of trees as I was not used to snowshoes and the shot gun I carried froze up. Curiously, I never felt in danger although I guess I was far from safe (and tired).
“As I came down to the rim of the bay, I saw the light of a snowmobile coming across the ice. It was Ted Andersen. My sense of relief was enormous. I was exhausted, with still a long way to go, and no certainty of making it.
“That day has stayed in my mind very clearly and it still reminds me of the degree of care our people on the coast have for one another.”
Rev. Dickinson endeared himself to other congregations that he served, in Hopedale and Happy Valley. He was easy to get along with, and people enjoyed the fact that he visited them in their homes.
He was an artist and his sketches were used to illustrate the booklet entitled “The Moravian Church in Labrador” that was printed in our bicentennial year, 1971.
We in Labrador take comfort in knowing his pain is over. May he rest in God’s peace.
Sr Joan Andersen
Summer Youth Camp 2013 - Our Future
Sunday, 11 October 2009
Thursday, 8 October 2009
Don & Una Saunders
Happy Valley Moravian Church held a farewell tea for Don and Una Saunders on October 1, 2009. They are moving to New Brunswick in order to be closer to their son and his family.
Just a little history... Happy Valley began in 1943 when three families who had come to find employment at Goose Air Base settled there. They were John Broomfield from Big Bay, Thorwald and Alice (Perrett)Perrault from Makkovik, and Gilbert and Eliza Saunders from Davis Inlet. The men found work with McNamara Construction Company which was building the base, and later worked on the ‘American side’. Gilbert Saunders, one of the founders, was the father of Don Saunders. Don would have been a young lad then. These same families, along with a few more, were instrumental in building the Moravian Church in 1954.
Don and his wife Una have always been actively involved with their community and church. It is with much sadness that we have to say farewell to them, but our good wishes go with them.
The following messages were read during the farewell tea held for Don and Una. They were presented with gifts made from Labrador tartan material, a vest and a shawl.
MESSAGES
Hello Don & Una,
I am only one in hundreds that will miss you in Happy Valley. One of the most memorable instances that I have of Happy Valley is when Bishop Graf and I entered the Happy Valley annex last January and you turned and upon seeing us you welcomed each of us with a big "Welcome Home." You and Una have made Happy Valley and all of Labrador feel like home to me. I am sure that you have made many others feel at home over your life of dedicated service in Happy Valley. I wish you many blessings as you relocate to New Brunswick. I am sure that within several weeks the locals there will feel that they have known you for your entire life. The Spirit of Christ is shown through your life.
Loren Jendro
Hi Don & Una,
Greetings from Lake Mills, WI. We have great memories from working with you and everyone at the church in Happy Valley. Best wishes as you move to your new home in New Brunswick.
Erna & Bill Kiessling
Don & Una,
When I walk into the church, I can feel with how much love it was built, and you were a big part of it.
When I stayed with you, I experienced more fun, laughter, and great work at the women's meetings, than anywhere else -- the heart and soul of the fall fair. Thank you for everything you did and everything you are. May God's rich blessing go with you and continue to bless others through you, as he blessed us.
Brigitte. (Schloss)
Don & Una,
You have been builders of the Happy Valley Church. To say you will be missed is an understatement. It is like removing the cornerstone from the church.
Don, I will miss your smiling presence. You were always there to see what needed to be done. Not only at church, but I remember you shovelling off the roof for Cheryl one winter! I hope you will get a well deserved break in your new home in New Brunswick.
Una, you are an inspiration. You have led so many projects for the church. With your health difficulties, this was not always easy. Yet you did not use that as an excuse to sit back. Your unruffled character encourages others to bear one's burden with dignity. I am so glad that you will now get to spend time with your family. We wish you and Don many joys in your new home.
Joan Andersen
on behalf of the Moravian Church in NL
TRIBUTE AND THANKS by Amos Lyall
This Christmas will mark the 55th anniversary of the Happy Valley Moravian Church. Don and Una Saunders have been faithful servants --- chapel servants --- during most, if not all of those years. From working on the construction of the building to shovelling snow in the winter; from sewing curtains and stitching altar cloths; to guiding other chapel servants and many ministers in wise discussion and decisions; from serving apples and candles on Christmas Eve to encouraging young people in their faith; to contributing knowledge and wisdom to provincial conferences and other meetings; in all of this and much, much more, Don and Una have been faithful servants.
On behalf of the Moravian Church in NFLD and Labrador it is my honour and duty to present you these parting gifts, small symbols of our appreciation. May you wear them with the pride that their heritage represents, both as Labradorians and as Christians: one a vest of courage; the other a mantle of protection. God bless you.
BENEDICTION
May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and Jesus Christ.
The Lord bless you, and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
Just a little history... Happy Valley began in 1943 when three families who had come to find employment at Goose Air Base settled there. They were John Broomfield from Big Bay, Thorwald and Alice (Perrett)Perrault from Makkovik, and Gilbert and Eliza Saunders from Davis Inlet. The men found work with McNamara Construction Company which was building the base, and later worked on the ‘American side’. Gilbert Saunders, one of the founders, was the father of Don Saunders. Don would have been a young lad then. These same families, along with a few more, were instrumental in building the Moravian Church in 1954.
Don and his wife Una have always been actively involved with their community and church. It is with much sadness that we have to say farewell to them, but our good wishes go with them.
The following messages were read during the farewell tea held for Don and Una. They were presented with gifts made from Labrador tartan material, a vest and a shawl.
MESSAGES
Hello Don & Una,
I am only one in hundreds that will miss you in Happy Valley. One of the most memorable instances that I have of Happy Valley is when Bishop Graf and I entered the Happy Valley annex last January and you turned and upon seeing us you welcomed each of us with a big "Welcome Home." You and Una have made Happy Valley and all of Labrador feel like home to me. I am sure that you have made many others feel at home over your life of dedicated service in Happy Valley. I wish you many blessings as you relocate to New Brunswick. I am sure that within several weeks the locals there will feel that they have known you for your entire life. The Spirit of Christ is shown through your life.
Loren Jendro
Hi Don & Una,
Greetings from Lake Mills, WI. We have great memories from working with you and everyone at the church in Happy Valley. Best wishes as you move to your new home in New Brunswick.
Erna & Bill Kiessling
Don & Una,
When I walk into the church, I can feel with how much love it was built, and you were a big part of it.
When I stayed with you, I experienced more fun, laughter, and great work at the women's meetings, than anywhere else -- the heart and soul of the fall fair. Thank you for everything you did and everything you are. May God's rich blessing go with you and continue to bless others through you, as he blessed us.
Brigitte. (Schloss)
Don & Una,
You have been builders of the Happy Valley Church. To say you will be missed is an understatement. It is like removing the cornerstone from the church.
Don, I will miss your smiling presence. You were always there to see what needed to be done. Not only at church, but I remember you shovelling off the roof for Cheryl one winter! I hope you will get a well deserved break in your new home in New Brunswick.
Una, you are an inspiration. You have led so many projects for the church. With your health difficulties, this was not always easy. Yet you did not use that as an excuse to sit back. Your unruffled character encourages others to bear one's burden with dignity. I am so glad that you will now get to spend time with your family. We wish you and Don many joys in your new home.
Joan Andersen
on behalf of the Moravian Church in NL
TRIBUTE AND THANKS by Amos Lyall
This Christmas will mark the 55th anniversary of the Happy Valley Moravian Church. Don and Una Saunders have been faithful servants --- chapel servants --- during most, if not all of those years. From working on the construction of the building to shovelling snow in the winter; from sewing curtains and stitching altar cloths; to guiding other chapel servants and many ministers in wise discussion and decisions; from serving apples and candles on Christmas Eve to encouraging young people in their faith; to contributing knowledge and wisdom to provincial conferences and other meetings; in all of this and much, much more, Don and Una have been faithful servants.
On behalf of the Moravian Church in NFLD and Labrador it is my honour and duty to present you these parting gifts, small symbols of our appreciation. May you wear them with the pride that their heritage represents, both as Labradorians and as Christians: one a vest of courage; the other a mantle of protection. God bless you.
BENEDICTION
May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and Jesus Christ.
The Lord bless you, and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
Tuesday, 18 August 2009
Music Workshop Improvisation...
This is an musical improvisation session; there is a foundational rhythm (the guy on the right w/ the cowbell), and then the drummers are adding their own rhythm to enhance the foundation - for which the staff leader (Andrew) adds his rhythm to it using his own sound. Collectively, they are looking to create music in its own through a variety of percussive sounds. Percussive instruments used at the workshop included: cowbells (not their technical name), indigenous drums, wooden sticks, snare drums, empty 5-gallon water bottles, shakers (made from gourd), and anything just about that made a sound that could be added. This was a break-off group, but the entire workshop participants collectively made their own music. Sometimes, the handchimes were solely used in an improv session. It can be very rhythmic and beautiful.
Sr Glenna Tasedan
Monday, 13 July 2009
Music Workshop
We had 17 youth a-playing, 16 year-olds a tooting, 15 minute sessions,14 sopranos singing, 13 maids-a-milking (not really), 12 chimes-a-ringing, 11 recorders cording, 10 boys for pizza, 9 girls for chicken, 8 notes per octave, 7 hymns rejoicing, 6 drums-a-drumming, 5 guitars strumming, 4 guest musicians, finally 3 O'Clock!!!!!, 2 parts per canon, and a week at Moravian Music Camp DONE!
Moravian youth from Hopedale, Nain, Makkovik and Happy Valley converged upon Happy Valley Moravian on June 29th, full of an incredible wealth of musical talent. Many brought their instruments including guitars, clarinets, voices, recorders, and trumpet. In addition, Dr. Karen Bulmer came from Memorial University with her tuba, and two students came with a host of African percussion instruments and a trumpet. The kids worked hard in learning to read music, learning music improvisation, and learning Moravian music in a variety of ensembles. Moravian worship was experienced each morning including their own lovefeast. They retreated to their billets at 3pm each day, only to return in the evening for a variety of events; including a soccer game against an All-Star team in which they tied 5 to 5! Go Penguins! It was a stunning effort by all, and many thanks to Coach Joan. Just when you thought John had all the sport talent in the family.
Friday evening the youth shone brightly with a beautiful concert featuring a guitar solo, a youth band ensemble, a brass quartet, 2 handchime groups, a recorder ensemble, the Lovefeast Song, a staff handchime ensemble, a percussion number and 2 choral selections.
To complete the week of fun, the entire Workshop group visited the Interpretation Center, roasted marshmellows at Gosling Lake, and played volleyball at the gym.
The week revealed the kids musical abilities and potential, brought encouragement for them and developed their leadership skills. New friendships emerged and many kids expressed their desire to come to the next workshop.
With Christ, our all in all,
Sr Glenna J. Tasedan
Moravian youth from Hopedale, Nain, Makkovik and Happy Valley converged upon Happy Valley Moravian on June 29th, full of an incredible wealth of musical talent. Many brought their instruments including guitars, clarinets, voices, recorders, and trumpet. In addition, Dr. Karen Bulmer came from Memorial University with her tuba, and two students came with a host of African percussion instruments and a trumpet. The kids worked hard in learning to read music, learning music improvisation, and learning Moravian music in a variety of ensembles. Moravian worship was experienced each morning including their own lovefeast. They retreated to their billets at 3pm each day, only to return in the evening for a variety of events; including a soccer game against an All-Star team in which they tied 5 to 5! Go Penguins! It was a stunning effort by all, and many thanks to Coach Joan. Just when you thought John had all the sport talent in the family.
Friday evening the youth shone brightly with a beautiful concert featuring a guitar solo, a youth band ensemble, a brass quartet, 2 handchime groups, a recorder ensemble, the Lovefeast Song, a staff handchime ensemble, a percussion number and 2 choral selections.
To complete the week of fun, the entire Workshop group visited the Interpretation Center, roasted marshmellows at Gosling Lake, and played volleyball at the gym.
The week revealed the kids musical abilities and potential, brought encouragement for them and developed their leadership skills. New friendships emerged and many kids expressed their desire to come to the next workshop.
With Christ, our all in all,
Sr Glenna J. Tasedan
Tuesday, 5 May 2009
An introduction to Br Gert Zenker
Br Gert Zenker writes from Nain...
Dear Brethren, dear Sisters and Brothers in our Lord,
I'm Brother Gert Zenker, a minister. Born in October 1953, I?' now 55 years old. I am a Protestant theologian and also a member of the Moravian church in Germany. During five weeks I will stay with you in Nain, assisting all congregational work till 26th of Mai. I come from Saxony in Germany, from Herrnhut, this little town precisely, from where the first Moravian missionaries came over to Labrador in the 18th century and founded Nain in 1771. Herrnhut was founded in 1722 on the property, the land of the famous Count Zinzendorf. He is buried on the cemetery there, on the Hutberg. The Moravian Daily Texts (The Daily Watchwords) also come from Herrnhut; they are translated in many languages all over the world.
As to my education and my professional work: From 1973 - 1978 (during five years) I attended the University of Leipzig as a student of theology. In 1978 I got my Diploma. In the years after I did a doctorate. 1986 I finished my thesis for the doctorate degree of Systematic Theology. During 10 years I worked as an ordained Protestant Pastor in two large rural parishes near Leipzig. In the last three month (January till March 2009) I helped with the ministry of the Moravian congregation of Herrnhut in order to prepare spiritually my journey to Labrador.
I'm married. My wife's name is Hannelore (short form: Henny, like Hanny Hettasch). My family and I live in a village of nearly 1000 inhabitants not far from Herrnhut (about 12 kilometers). Two years ago we became members of the Moravian congregation in Herrnhut. We have got three children: five years, three years, and the baby of the family: seven months old. To say the truth, I have also some grown-up sons and daughters; the eldest son, Armin, is 35 years old. In the midst of May I will show you and all interested people in Nain, some pictures of my family and of the region where we live, the so called Upper Lusatia in Saxony, Germany. A beautiful landscape, too.
Now I'm here in Nain / Labrador, to stay with you and doing all work of a Moravian minister: the Sunday Service (step by step), Sunday school, visits, spiritual care, and studies in the school library etc. On Mothers Day 11.15, after the Inuktitut Sunday Service, we will start the Sunday- School, by the help of Sue Webb and others. The time of my assistance in Nain will last exactly five weeks, two are already gone. On Easter Monday I started in Germany, on 21st April I came to Nain, on 26th Mai (after five weeks exactly) I will leave Nain for Goose Bay and turn back to Germany on 3rd of June, 2009.
Why am I here, what's the purpose? There was, last year (and the year before) an interchange of letters between me and the Provincial Board of the Moravian church in NFLD and Labrador. Finally the Provincial Board invited me with the purpose to learn to know each other. To say it short: we try to find out whether we can work together in Nain or not. It will be a mutual decision; the result is yet open on both sides. In case of a good understanding (in case of a call) I could imagine coming back to Labrador next year, with my family, in order to work as a Moravian minister, living with you in Nain for five years and more.
It's not so easy for us to leave Germany for Labrador. In Germany is now full springtime, this means: we have blooming cherry-trees in our garden, children playing on green meadows, a blue sky and warm, summery weather (about 20 degree and more), as now in Vancouver / BC, maybe. Anyway, I like winter and snow. And I like people in Nain, I feel not as a stranger, indeed. Thank your for welcoming me in Labrador, in the Moravian congregation, in your beautiful church, in your town! Thanks to all people here, to the children, to young people I chanced to meet on the road, to the Moravian church elders (to Davis, Gordon and others), thanks to the chapel servants, thanks last but not least to Sister Tabea Murphy for all her kindness introducing me in the English Sunday Service.
Learning to know each other is very important among Christians and other people. We will like the other better when we understand him more. Most important, the main purpose is: that we can hear and understand God's Word, the Gospel of His Grace together (I underline also this together). Understanding the Gospel of Grace would be the best way, I think, in order to understand one another. I'm sure God will show us His way. - Such is the confidence that we have through Christ towards God (2 Cor 3 : 4, the second text of the Moravian Daily Texts at 3rd Mai, 2000).
To make it short: I came to Nain not by my own, not as a tourist. I'm a minister. - For you, for all people in Nain, I bring over the kindest regards and Blessings from the Moravian congregation in Herrnhut / Saxony, and also from the Moravian Provincial Board of the European Continental Province in Bad Boll / Germany. The Brethren in Germany support my journey and pray for us.
We all are human beings, creatures of the One Almighty God. And there is One Moravian Church all over the world. - What might be the foundation? In the Bible, 1 Corinthian 13:13 is written down: ?And now FAITH, HOPE, LOVE abide, these three; and the greatest of them is LOVE. Translated in Inuktitut: Ma'nale makkoa pingasut: okpernerlo, nerriungnerlo, naglingnerlo sokKoserniangilat. Naglingnerlo tamakkonangat anginerpauvok.
Let's praise our Lord! Amen.
Brother Gert in Nain
3rd / 4th Mai, 2009
Dear Brethren, dear Sisters and Brothers in our Lord,
I'm Brother Gert Zenker, a minister. Born in October 1953, I?' now 55 years old. I am a Protestant theologian and also a member of the Moravian church in Germany. During five weeks I will stay with you in Nain, assisting all congregational work till 26th of Mai. I come from Saxony in Germany, from Herrnhut, this little town precisely, from where the first Moravian missionaries came over to Labrador in the 18th century and founded Nain in 1771. Herrnhut was founded in 1722 on the property, the land of the famous Count Zinzendorf. He is buried on the cemetery there, on the Hutberg. The Moravian Daily Texts (The Daily Watchwords) also come from Herrnhut; they are translated in many languages all over the world.
As to my education and my professional work: From 1973 - 1978 (during five years) I attended the University of Leipzig as a student of theology. In 1978 I got my Diploma. In the years after I did a doctorate. 1986 I finished my thesis for the doctorate degree of Systematic Theology. During 10 years I worked as an ordained Protestant Pastor in two large rural parishes near Leipzig. In the last three month (January till March 2009) I helped with the ministry of the Moravian congregation of Herrnhut in order to prepare spiritually my journey to Labrador.
I'm married. My wife's name is Hannelore (short form: Henny, like Hanny Hettasch). My family and I live in a village of nearly 1000 inhabitants not far from Herrnhut (about 12 kilometers). Two years ago we became members of the Moravian congregation in Herrnhut. We have got three children: five years, three years, and the baby of the family: seven months old. To say the truth, I have also some grown-up sons and daughters; the eldest son, Armin, is 35 years old. In the midst of May I will show you and all interested people in Nain, some pictures of my family and of the region where we live, the so called Upper Lusatia in Saxony, Germany. A beautiful landscape, too.
Now I'm here in Nain / Labrador, to stay with you and doing all work of a Moravian minister: the Sunday Service (step by step), Sunday school, visits, spiritual care, and studies in the school library etc. On Mothers Day 11.15, after the Inuktitut Sunday Service, we will start the Sunday- School, by the help of Sue Webb and others. The time of my assistance in Nain will last exactly five weeks, two are already gone. On Easter Monday I started in Germany, on 21st April I came to Nain, on 26th Mai (after five weeks exactly) I will leave Nain for Goose Bay and turn back to Germany on 3rd of June, 2009.
Why am I here, what's the purpose? There was, last year (and the year before) an interchange of letters between me and the Provincial Board of the Moravian church in NFLD and Labrador. Finally the Provincial Board invited me with the purpose to learn to know each other. To say it short: we try to find out whether we can work together in Nain or not. It will be a mutual decision; the result is yet open on both sides. In case of a good understanding (in case of a call) I could imagine coming back to Labrador next year, with my family, in order to work as a Moravian minister, living with you in Nain for five years and more.
It's not so easy for us to leave Germany for Labrador. In Germany is now full springtime, this means: we have blooming cherry-trees in our garden, children playing on green meadows, a blue sky and warm, summery weather (about 20 degree and more), as now in Vancouver / BC, maybe. Anyway, I like winter and snow. And I like people in Nain, I feel not as a stranger, indeed. Thank your for welcoming me in Labrador, in the Moravian congregation, in your beautiful church, in your town! Thanks to all people here, to the children, to young people I chanced to meet on the road, to the Moravian church elders (to Davis, Gordon and others), thanks to the chapel servants, thanks last but not least to Sister Tabea Murphy for all her kindness introducing me in the English Sunday Service.
Learning to know each other is very important among Christians and other people. We will like the other better when we understand him more. Most important, the main purpose is: that we can hear and understand God's Word, the Gospel of His Grace together (I underline also this together). Understanding the Gospel of Grace would be the best way, I think, in order to understand one another. I'm sure God will show us His way. - Such is the confidence that we have through Christ towards God (2 Cor 3 : 4, the second text of the Moravian Daily Texts at 3rd Mai, 2000).
To make it short: I came to Nain not by my own, not as a tourist. I'm a minister. - For you, for all people in Nain, I bring over the kindest regards and Blessings from the Moravian congregation in Herrnhut / Saxony, and also from the Moravian Provincial Board of the European Continental Province in Bad Boll / Germany. The Brethren in Germany support my journey and pray for us.
We all are human beings, creatures of the One Almighty God. And there is One Moravian Church all over the world. - What might be the foundation? In the Bible, 1 Corinthian 13:13 is written down: ?And now FAITH, HOPE, LOVE abide, these three; and the greatest of them is LOVE. Translated in Inuktitut: Ma'nale makkoa pingasut: okpernerlo, nerriungnerlo, naglingnerlo sokKoserniangilat. Naglingnerlo tamakkonangat anginerpauvok.
Let's praise our Lord! Amen.
Brother Gert in Nain
3rd / 4th Mai, 2009
Labrador welcomes a visiting minister
Dr.Gert Zenker arrived in Labrador on April 16th. He travelled to Nain on April 21, and is serving the congregation there for five weeks. He comes from Germany, leaving behind his wife and three young children, while he realizes a personal call to serve in Labrador. If the work term proves to be beneficial to him as well as to the Nain congregation, Dr. Gert Zenker would like to return (with his family) to serve on a full-time basis.
He speaks English admirably, and is now making an effort to learn Inuktitut. We are pleased to welcome such a dedicated person into our province. We trust that he will benefit from the experience in Nain and that members of the congregation will be inspired by his faith and ministry.
He speaks English admirably, and is now making an effort to learn Inuktitut. We are pleased to welcome such a dedicated person into our province. We trust that he will benefit from the experience in Nain and that members of the congregation will be inspired by his faith and ministry.
Tuesday, 17 March 2009
Happy Valley Youth Sunday
It was a cold snowy morning, . . . is there any other kind in Labrador during February? . . . and 16 Moravian youth began to assemble in the sanctuary, preparing last minute preparations for their very own youth worship service. Behind them, slowly forming were 2-3 dozen Girl Guides, anxious to take their vows during worship, and lining up with their handchimes to play for the service. With a team of 7 adults, the Moravian youth gathered for 3 weeks prior, to fellowship and plan their own worship service for regular worship time of the Happy Valley Moravian church congregation. The support of the congregation was strong, and the beauty of the worship on Sunday, February 22nd reflected all things coming together for the good of the Body of Christ and to God's glory.
The youth sang songs, shared their message about Christ-the light of the world, reading scripture, and sharing a drama to music, reflecting the abundance of gifts they possessed and their willingness to share those gifts. The Girl Guides brought a beautiful benediction to the service through handchime and organ music. This service was special to all attending, and the pews were full to the balcony. It was a joyful Sunday indeed and we will hopefully explore and use the gifts of our children for years to come.
Sr Glenna Tasedan
Thursday, 12 March 2009
Official launch of the Inuktitut Bible (part 2)
The second half of the celebration was held in the church annex. Hilda Lyall started things off by lighting the kudlik, a traditional Inuit stone lamp, which in the past would have contained seal oil for burning.
Sabina Hunter, coordinator for the Inuktitut Bible Project, introduced and thanked members of the Canadian Bible Society: Hart Wiens, Ed Peters, and national director Ted Seres.
A box of Bibles was presented to a representative from each of the four Moravian congregations.
Sr Joan Andersen
Chair person of the Labrador Province
Sabina Hunter, coordinator for the Inuktitut Bible Project, introduced and thanked members of the Canadian Bible Society: Hart Wiens, Ed Peters, and national director Ted Seres.
A box of Bibles was presented to a representative from each of the four Moravian congregations.
Sr Joan Andersen
Chair person of the Labrador Province
Official Launch of the Inuktitut Bible (part 1)
On January 20, 2009, the Inuktitut Bible "Gudib UKausingit" was officially launched at a ceremony in Happy Valley. An Inuktitut Bible has existed in the past, but in ten volumes. They had been printed by the British and Foreign Bible Society. Now the Bible is contained in one book. The publication was made possible thanks to funding received from the Tasiujatsoak Trust.
Hart Wiens of the Canadian Bible Society told of their involvement in the project. A video was made during the Launch, and it can be seen at www.biblesociety.ca
Julius Ikkusek of Nain expressed his appreciation for having the Inuktitut Bible under one cover.
The translators expressed their joy at seeing the completed Bible under one cover.
Rev. Brian Burrows (Hopedale) and Bishop Paul Graf (Wisconsin) conducted the bilingual service at the Moravian Church in Happy Valley.
Hart Wiens of the Canadian Bible Society told of their involvement in the project. A video was made during the Launch, and it can be seen at www.biblesociety.ca
Julius Ikkusek of Nain expressed his appreciation for having the Inuktitut Bible under one cover.
The translators expressed their joy at seeing the completed Bible under one cover.
Rev. Brian Burrows (Hopedale) and Bishop Paul Graf (Wisconsin) conducted the bilingual service at the Moravian Church in Happy Valley.
Thursday, 22 January 2009
Canadian Bible Society
Hilda Lyall, Sophie Tuglavina, Sarah Townley, Andrea Webb, K. Naeme Tuglavina and Amos Onalik, along with the Director of Translations Hart Wiens and technical expert Ed Peters from the Canadian Bible Society are working on the second book of the "Walking with Jesus" series.
The translators are all working hard and providing their expertise to this continuing work. There are six books in the series and the first one was translated, completed, and printed before Christmas 2008.
Sophie Tuglavina has said that in Makkovik, the primary teachers are using that first book in their class. The books are geared toward children 0-3 years old.
Hopefully once the series is completed the incredibly gifted translators will work on a more contemporary version of the Bible.
Thank you to them for their dedication and expertise.
Sr Sabina Hunter
The translators are all working hard and providing their expertise to this continuing work. There are six books in the series and the first one was translated, completed, and printed before Christmas 2008.
Sophie Tuglavina has said that in Makkovik, the primary teachers are using that first book in their class. The books are geared toward children 0-3 years old.
Hopefully once the series is completed the incredibly gifted translators will work on a more contemporary version of the Bible.
Thank you to them for their dedication and expertise.
Sr Sabina Hunter
Monday, 19 January 2009
News from India...
Br Russell Winfield writes with news from his latest placing...
Dear All,
I have exchanged the South African Rand for the Indian Rupee and I write to you from my new home in Rajpur, Dehra Dun, which is about 250km north of Delhi, in the foothills of the Himalayas.
I hope you have had a good Christmas and New Year, and are your winter, i hear that after an unusally warm spell of weather you have recently faced a lot of snow and it has got very cold. I have had a hectic few months, from finishing my work in South Africa, spending time at home in England with friends and family, and then travelling round the world to get to India. Leaving Cape Town was very difficult, not least saying goodbye to the street boys I had grown very close to, and the congregation (Moravian Hill) and friends I made during my year.
On my way to India(!) I was able to visit Vancouver and took in a hockey game - the Flames v Canucks, and here is a picture of me in the arena:
The Flames won which I was very happy about, although I could not find any Flames jerseys for a photograph with, so opted for a Canucks one, but my allegiances have definitely not changed. I had a look at the recent NHL standings and Calgary continue to do well, I note that Montreal are going strong, poor old Maple Leafs seem to be suffering!
I flew into India after Vancouver but then had to return home to England as my Grandma passed away. So I actually began my work here on 29th December. Thankfully my train stop was the final stop as I had fallen fast asleep and it was only when the minister of the Church here where I am working boarded the train looking for me that I woke up and was able to introduce myself! Not my best first impression. Dehra Dun is nice, much quieter than Delhi although still quite a bustling place, and the place where I am staying is about 10km outside in an area called Rajpur, which is beautiful.
I am based in a school called the Moravian Institute (MI) which has about 400 K-12 pupils, aged 4-18, and of these 180 or so are boarders. The MI is a free hostel and education facility established in 1963 for underprivileged children from varying backgrounds, be it street children, Tibetan refugees, poorer families, etc. The MI is led by a minister called Revd Thsespal Kundan, who is Principal of the School, and co-leads the local Church. I am staying with Thsespal and his family, in my own room, but share all my meals with them and report to him directly each day. They have truly welcomed me and I feel a really part of their family which has made settling so much easier, and they were very kind and considerate when my Grandma died. The Church is quite a spectacular building, which is separate from the MI although many of the pupils attend (it is their free choice).
My work is twofold, although it may become ‘more-fold’ I figure. Firstly it is in the school helping them with their administration and finances. Dehra Dun as an area is very famous for its education (Doon School is known as the Eton of India), but the cost of these places is very high for most Indians. The school I am based at is a more affordable, in fact free for vast majority of the students, and was started firstly to serve refugees from Tibet who could not afford or access education. The school is well organised and run but they just need some assistance in future planning. I am helping investigate and plan with the aim of improving the conditions and number of pupils that can study here.
Secondly my work is in the Church, helping out the pastors, and will include preaching. The main language here is Hindi, which I have yet to master, but English is widely spoken and understood and so with patience and some translation I am hopeful to be able to get my message across. I also am getting to know a lot of the younger people and I will be working with them as well.
Finally, the food. I wasn’t sure what to expect...being English our national meal is the supposedly Indian inspired Chicken Tikka Massala and our most popular restaurants are Indian, but I have tasted here nothing like what is served in them. Rice makes up the staple part of any meal, with daal and usually some curried vegetables and a rooti (a type of small chipati). Excuse my spellings on all these words. The food is delicious, my portions are always very large. I can easily judge how hot something is going to be by the number of eyes watching me eat...the hotter the more people expectantly wait for me to react, but so far so good.
I should get back to work now, the electricity here tends to breathe, as the lights brighten and dim in some strange rhythmic pattern.
It is no exaggeration to say I miss Labrador greatly, all the people, especially at this time of year.
My prayer is that you are all well, and continue to see God at work in your lives.
God Bless,
Br Russell
Dear All,
I have exchanged the South African Rand for the Indian Rupee and I write to you from my new home in Rajpur, Dehra Dun, which is about 250km north of Delhi, in the foothills of the Himalayas.
I hope you have had a good Christmas and New Year, and are your winter, i hear that after an unusally warm spell of weather you have recently faced a lot of snow and it has got very cold. I have had a hectic few months, from finishing my work in South Africa, spending time at home in England with friends and family, and then travelling round the world to get to India. Leaving Cape Town was very difficult, not least saying goodbye to the street boys I had grown very close to, and the congregation (Moravian Hill) and friends I made during my year.
On my way to India(!) I was able to visit Vancouver and took in a hockey game - the Flames v Canucks, and here is a picture of me in the arena:
The Flames won which I was very happy about, although I could not find any Flames jerseys for a photograph with, so opted for a Canucks one, but my allegiances have definitely not changed. I had a look at the recent NHL standings and Calgary continue to do well, I note that Montreal are going strong, poor old Maple Leafs seem to be suffering!
I flew into India after Vancouver but then had to return home to England as my Grandma passed away. So I actually began my work here on 29th December. Thankfully my train stop was the final stop as I had fallen fast asleep and it was only when the minister of the Church here where I am working boarded the train looking for me that I woke up and was able to introduce myself! Not my best first impression. Dehra Dun is nice, much quieter than Delhi although still quite a bustling place, and the place where I am staying is about 10km outside in an area called Rajpur, which is beautiful.
I am based in a school called the Moravian Institute (MI) which has about 400 K-12 pupils, aged 4-18, and of these 180 or so are boarders. The MI is a free hostel and education facility established in 1963 for underprivileged children from varying backgrounds, be it street children, Tibetan refugees, poorer families, etc. The MI is led by a minister called Revd Thsespal Kundan, who is Principal of the School, and co-leads the local Church. I am staying with Thsespal and his family, in my own room, but share all my meals with them and report to him directly each day. They have truly welcomed me and I feel a really part of their family which has made settling so much easier, and they were very kind and considerate when my Grandma died. The Church is quite a spectacular building, which is separate from the MI although many of the pupils attend (it is their free choice).
My work is twofold, although it may become ‘more-fold’ I figure. Firstly it is in the school helping them with their administration and finances. Dehra Dun as an area is very famous for its education (Doon School is known as the Eton of India), but the cost of these places is very high for most Indians. The school I am based at is a more affordable, in fact free for vast majority of the students, and was started firstly to serve refugees from Tibet who could not afford or access education. The school is well organised and run but they just need some assistance in future planning. I am helping investigate and plan with the aim of improving the conditions and number of pupils that can study here.
Secondly my work is in the Church, helping out the pastors, and will include preaching. The main language here is Hindi, which I have yet to master, but English is widely spoken and understood and so with patience and some translation I am hopeful to be able to get my message across. I also am getting to know a lot of the younger people and I will be working with them as well.
Finally, the food. I wasn’t sure what to expect...being English our national meal is the supposedly Indian inspired Chicken Tikka Massala and our most popular restaurants are Indian, but I have tasted here nothing like what is served in them. Rice makes up the staple part of any meal, with daal and usually some curried vegetables and a rooti (a type of small chipati). Excuse my spellings on all these words. The food is delicious, my portions are always very large. I can easily judge how hot something is going to be by the number of eyes watching me eat...the hotter the more people expectantly wait for me to react, but so far so good.
I should get back to work now, the electricity here tends to breathe, as the lights brighten and dim in some strange rhythmic pattern.
It is no exaggeration to say I miss Labrador greatly, all the people, especially at this time of year.
My prayer is that you are all well, and continue to see God at work in your lives.
God Bless,
Br Russell
Thursday, 8 January 2009
Welcome to Labrador!
The Moravian Church in Labrador warmly welcomes Glenna Tasedan from North Carolina. She has come to serve for six months as Labrador lay minister. This is part of her course work, the final stint towards her Master of Divinity. She currently holds an M.Ed.
Glenna will serve the congregation in the Happy Valley Moravian Church for January and February. She heads to Makkovik for March and April, and if all goes as planned, to Nain for May and June.
Glenna is no stranger to Labrador. She has served at the Moravian Youth Camp held at Gosling Lake for the past two summers. She was also one of the organizers of the Moravian Music Workshop held in Hopedale, July 2008. She sings and plays the organ and it will be a treat to have a trained minister serve our congregations again.
Glenna will serve the congregation in the Happy Valley Moravian Church for January and February. She heads to Makkovik for March and April, and if all goes as planned, to Nain for May and June.
Glenna is no stranger to Labrador. She has served at the Moravian Youth Camp held at Gosling Lake for the past two summers. She was also one of the organizers of the Moravian Music Workshop held in Hopedale, July 2008. She sings and plays the organ and it will be a treat to have a trained minister serve our congregations again.
Glenna pictured in 2007 at Gosling Lake
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