Moravian Music Festival for Youth

The Moravian Music Festival was held in Makkovik this year, from June 29 to July 2. This is the third year for the event. It was made possible thanks to a donation from Rev. Dr. Brigitte Schloss. Smaller donations were also received from Aurora Energy and Nunatsiavut Government’s Recreation Fund.

Poor flying weather played havoc with our schedule, and Nain was unable to travel at all. Christopher Guindon and four members of Nain’s school brass band plan to reschedule for late August or sometime in September. At that time they will play in church.

Rev. Glenna Tasedan of Happy Valley Moravian brought four members of her hand chimes group, and Nancy Barfoot brought four members of the Boys and Girls Brigade in Hopedale. They joined the Sunday School children of Makkovik, as well as two of Natalie Jacque’s violin students, for workshops and a concert. Besides workshops in vocal, violin, and hand chimes, Andrea Andersen of Makkovik instructed groups in use of the Inuit drum as a percussion instrument to accompany some favorite hymns chosen by the participants.

The Music Festival was dedicated to two fine musicians who served their churches for many years, but passed away in January: Amos Lyall and Inga Andersen. Amos was the former Vice Chair of the Provincial Board for the Moravian Church in Newfoundland and Labrador. He was also an acolyte for the Happy Valley Moravian, and organist on many occasions. Inga learned to play the organ in 1932 and continued to do so for over 60 years. Throughout her life, Inga served the Makkovik church well by being a Chapel Servant for many years and remained a Lifetime Chapel Servant until her death. In 2009, at the age of 95, Aunt Inga played on stage alongside her brother Jim (age 90), to visitors from a cruise ship. Her passion for music will be missed by all.

After the concert held in church on June 30, the participants were able to take part in the Canada Day activities in Makkovik, as well as tour the museum, fish plant, and walk Poet’s Path.

A welcome to Sr Glenna & Br George Tasedan

Someone has answered the call!

The Moravian Church in Labrador is pleased to announce that we now have an ordained minister to serve the congregation in Happy Valley.

She is Rev. Glenna Tasedan. Glenna and her husband George drove from their home in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, to take up their post, arriving on February 12. The weather was not the best as they trekked across the Trans-Labrador Highway. Their UHaul went off the road twice! But thanks to travelers who stopped to help, they arrived safe and sound.

We would like to say a big thank you to Ron and Miriam Lyall who drove from Happy Valley right into Quebec to meet them.

Bishop Paul Graf officiated at the ordination ceremony which took place on February 14, 2010, at the eleven o’clock service in Happy Valley. Also present was his wife Jane, and Loren Jendro, North Dakota, Labrador’s representative on the Board of World Mission.

The Provincial Board is happy to welcome Glenna to serve in our Moravian Province, and a hearty welcome to George. It is a big step they are taking. We trust that this move will be a good one. It will not be an easy time. They arrive just when the Moravian Church in Labrador is trying to promote the idea of greater stewardship.

We pray that their transition will be smooth and that they will find companionship and good will amongst the members of the Happy Valley congregation. Glenna is a talented musician and this gift will be a blessing to the congregation. She hopes to revive the choir and involve the youth through music ministry.

We wish her well.

Sr Joan Andersen

The passing of Amos Lyall

The Moravian Church in Labrador lost a fine member in January, 2010. Amos Lyall passed away after battling cancer.

Amos served as Vice Chair of the Provincial Board of MCNL. He had been acolyte and organist for the Happy Valley Moravian until a few months before his death. His cheery smile and positive outlook were always an inspiration.

Amos should also be recognized as the person who recommended working on the Inuktitut Bible, getting all books of the Bible under one cover. This project finished in 2009 with the launch of Gudib UKausingit.

Amos contributed in many ways to his church and was a huge supporter of all those involved in the work of the church.

Joan Andersen

Rev David Dickinson

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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 pictured in 2007 at Gosling Lake

Official Launch of the Inuktitut Bible

The Bible has existed in the Inuktitut language for a long time, but in seven separate books. The Bible is now under one cover, and the official launch of the newly printed “Gûdib oKausingit” will take place on January 20, 2009 at the Moravian Church in Happy Valley.

This project was made possible by the Canadian Bible Society (CBS)and funding from the Tasiujatsoak Trust, as well as private donors.

Hart Wiens and Ed Peters from the CBS will be there. They did the training in the Paratext program with the translators, Sarah Townley, Hilda Lyall, Sophie Tuglavina, Amos Onalik, and Andrea Webb, along with Coordinator Sabina Hunter. After the launch, they will continue work on the second book in the “Walking with Jesus” series of children’s books.

Rev. John Duff, from St. John’s, will represent the Newfoundland and Labrador branch of the CBS.

Two elders from each coastal congregation (Nain, Hopedale, Makkovik) are invited to attend. All will take part in a service conducted largely in Inuktitut.

We look forward also to the visit of Bishop Paul Graf from Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. He is coming to commission Glenna Tasedan for her work term as lay pastor in Labrador, and will stay for the Launch.

A historic day...

October 23, 2008 was a historic day for the Moravian Church in Labrador. That is when a Memorandum of Agreement was signed between the Moravian Church in NL and the Anglican Church (Eastern Diocese of Newfoundland and Labrador).

As Chair of MCNL, I was invited to attend the Anglican Synod (Labrador portion) in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, and at the closing service in St. Andrew's Church on October 23, Bishop Pitman (head of the Eastern Diocese) and I signed the Memorandum.

The Memorandum of Agreement paves the way for an Anglican minister to serve the Moravian congregation at Hopedale. It is hoped that a minister will arrive there before December of this year.

Sr Joan Andersen

MUN Brass Ensemble

What a treat! Thanks to Dr. Tom Gordon, Director of the School of Music at Memorial University of Newfoundland, the Moravian churches in Labrador get to hear a genuine brass band once again!

This is because the MUN Brass Ensemble is on tour…2008 Labrador Tour. Directed by Dr. Karen Bulmer, the students include:

On Trumpets...
Aaron Hodgson
Jill Dawe
Jennifer Murphy
Heidi Adams

On horn...
Kjellrun Hestekin

On trombone...
Chris Miller
Stephen Ivany
Phillip Holloway
Aiden Hartery

On tuba...
Celina Barry

They give a concert of various tunes and music styles, including some Moravian anthems such as the Hosanna, which sounds very stirring. After the intermission, they play a selection of Moravian hymns to which the audience can sing along.

The Brass Ensemble will be performing at the Labrador Interpretation Center in North West River and in the Moravian Churches at Happy Valley, Makkovik, Nain, and Hopedale, September 21 – 24.

Thank you to the Brass Ensemble for giving an impromptu concert at the Paddon Home for Senior Citizens. Although the request was given at short notice, the group readily complied, and perhaps this audience was the most appreciative!

Summer Camp 2008: A few photo's...

Summer Camp 2008

The 2008 Moravian Youth Camp at Gosling Lake is now a memory, but one filled with joy, excitement, and encouragement in our faith in Jesus Christ.

Although all aspects of camp were joy-filled, some of the highlights were the renewing of friendships, new relationships, exploring the beach of Northwest River, the positive interaction between staff and campers, the Inuit games and music, tie-dying t-shirts, the fun of making music together, and photographing it all. Excitement surely included the soccer game, "Go Beavers!" who took a loss this year, but are clearly focused for next year's contest. Then there was the black bear who visited during breakfast. As the camp director was trying to fearfully maintain composure while trying to figure out how to protect 27 campers and 8 staff, the crowd of campers (and remainder of staff) explode out of their chairs to take pictures and chase the bear. The beautiful black bear quietly exited the premises leaving nothing but fresh paw prints. Swimming, of course, is always a main event, only usurped by the canoeing, or should I say "canoe-towing" as many see the excitement of tipping canoes over in the shallow waters a much more enjoyable experience.

Some of the most encouraging moments of camp came during our small BREAKOUT! groups. Exploring our faith, our lives, and how all of that comes together as disciples of Christ as well as sharing our concerns and questions we've had over the past year.

The week ended with the dedication of a prayer quilt where the kids could offer prayers and concerns they had, and placing their handprint around the cross on the quilt. The quilt will be hung in the HVGB Moravian Church to be used as a prayer ministry in daily holding our youth in prayer.

Profound thanks go to Joan Andersen and the Labrador camp staff; Beatrice, Nancy, Natalie, Anita, Diane, and Tanya for their willingness to serve Christ at the youth camp.

"Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; ..... eager to serve;..." 1 Peter 5:2 NIV

Thank you with the fullness of my heart for the priviledge of spending time with your precious youth. They are exciting, filled with energy and ideas, and are joyful fun to be with.

With the love of Christ,
Glenna Tasedan

Music Worshop in Hopedale...

Music Workshop
Hopedale
Mainly geared towards junior and senior high school students
July 8th – July 13th 2008
Travel days, July 7 and 14.
(Begin on Tuesday and conclude workshop on Saturday, with a presentation on Sunday.)

The Moravian Church in NL is pleased to sponsor this Music Workshop. It is the brainchild of Bishop Sam Gray and Rita Andersen. Other musician leaders include Glenna Tasedan, Rev. Tim Byerly, Dr. Tom Gordon, and Natalie Fost. Students from each of the four Moravian congregations are invited to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It will be devotional, educational, creative, practical, and fun.

Deadline for applications: June 16th
Registration fee for those travelling in: $75.00

Summer Camp at Gosling Lake...

Summer Camp
For 13 to 15 year olds
June 29th – July 6th 2008
Deadline for applications: June 16th
Registration fee is $75.00 per camper

Labrador Christian Youth Camp
Gosling Lake, Happy Valley-Goose Bay

The Labrador Christian Youth Camp offers a wide range of outdoor activities in the wild beauty of Labrador. The week will be a great opportunity for young people to canoe, hike, swim, play games, learn about God, and many things besides. Participants (5) from Nain, Hopedale, Makkovik, and HVGB are invited to attend, along with Moravian leaders from the United States. Bishop Sam Gray will accompany the two returning leaders, Glenna Tasedan and Rev. Tim Byerly. Each community will also send a leader/chaperone.

Bring: Bible, sleeping bag, toiletries, swim suit, rain gear, warm coat, bug repellent, snacks, musical instrument, flashlight.

Happy Birthday Regula...

On April 27, 2008, the friends and church family of Regula Schule gathered together after the service to celebrate with Regula her 80th birthday.

There were many who came to honor Regula in the years that God has given to her. It was a privilege, for me personally, to take part in this joyous occasion.

From 12:00 noon until 2:00 p.m., most of the time revolved around eating and mingling with others. A 10 minute presentation was shown twice during the 2 hours which was created by Greg Matthews. It included pictures of Regula in her very early years on up until the present day, and the various places she has been and her life of ministry to others.

We are truly thankful for the choices Regula has made in her years to serve the Lord. She has been such a blessing to many people and continues to be even to this day.

A big thanks to Evelyn, Wilma and Darla for heading up this celebration and setting everything up for the occasion, as well as to Pearl for her special cake-making skills.

God bless you. Regula, for blessing us with your life and God with your service!

Carl Sonnichsen