Awake

Jeune Federale, Youth Events, and More!

Greetings, family and friends!  Since I last posted, much has happened here, so here is an update:

This past weekend was the annual Jeune Federale recognition (there are many accents in the words "Jeune Federale" that my computer cannot type).  There was a decree in the Canton of Vaud (cantons are similar to states) in 1832 that the 18th of September would be a day of prayer and actions of grace for those living there.  The same decree also encourages pastors, deacons, priests, ministers and those in the Jewish community to involve their faith communities in whatever way they see fit.  This year, quite the service was organized!*

On Sunday the 18th, six churches in Lausanne came together to worship.  The Scots Kirk congregation met at 10am and at 10:30 walked from our parish to the German speaking congregation at Villamont.  We met also with the French speaking parish of St. Francois and St. Jacques, the Catholic parish of St. Redempteur, and the Italian speaking congregations of the Missione Cattolica and Chiesa Valdese.  The four languages were brought together in prayer and song as we gathered.  It was a truly wonderful experience to pray the Lord's prayer and hear four languages at once!

I had the opportunity to be part of the service during a prayer of intercession.  The english speaking congregation of the Scots Kirk was asked to pray for peace- specifically for those communities shaken by natural disaster and terrorism.  It was truly a blessing to pray together in this community!   

Also on the agenda for the weekend were two youth events...one on Friday night for the 'tweens (9-12yr olds) and another on Sunday after church for the teens.  Friday night we watched a movie and tried to make pizza at my flat.  I ended up rolling the dough into calzone-type things instead, which seemed to work out!  On Sunday the teen events was supposed to involve a trip to the Cinema...but thankfully they were quite forgiving when I broke the news that I'd read the wrong Cinema day/time.  Darn French- (I'm improving though!  I'm taking lessons!)  SO, we ended up buying snacks and watching not one but TWO movies at my flat...which was quite good.  I've already gotten requests that it be a repeat event!  Sometimes language barriers can open new doors, I suppose. 

Thanks to all who have been checking up on what is going on in my life over here...feel free to scan over some new photo albums I've put up- one of an afternoon I spent in Evian, France- and one of some of my 'tweens at our movie/ calzone night!  Thanks for the comments, too!

*(The information about the Jeune Federale service was adapted from the Scots Kirk bulletin, September 18th, 2005)

Sewa BEATS

The first youth event for Scots Kirk and Christ Church happened this past Sunday!  We participated in Sewa BEATS, which is a team/ organization that works mainly with corporations to develop leadership skills and team work.  On Sunday, this group was holding a charity session in Massongex for Terre des hommes for people of all ages, and we attended!  There, the band taught us some basic African drumming skills on the djembe, and it proved to be both loud and really fun.  As a starter event, it was good to share some laughs with the youth and chaperones along.  We're in the process of "getting to know" one another and establishing foundations of trust. 

After the event, it started to downpour.  We arrived back at Scots Kirk soaking wet (even though we ran form our cars).  Despite the rain, many church members from the Scots Kirk gathered for a barbecue to welcome their new youth leader!  Sadly there are no pictures of the barbecue, but enjoy the pictures of us drumming!

On the Stirrings of Heart and Senses

Though Truth and Falsehood be
Near twins, yet Truth a little elder is.
Be busy to seek her; believe me this:
He's not of none, nor worst, that seeks the best.
To adore, or scorn an image, or protest,
May all be bad. Doubt wisely; in strange way
To stand inquiring right is not to stray;
To sleep or run wrong is.  On a huge hill,
Craggd and steep, Truth stands, and he that will
Reach her, about must and about must go,
And what the hill's suddenness resists, win so.
Yet strive so, that before age, death's twilight,
Thy soul rest, for none can work in that night.
To will implies delay; therefore now do.
Hard deeds that body's pains; hard knowledge too,
The mind's eneavours reach; and mysteries
Are like the sun, dazzling, yet plain to all eyes...

(an excerpt from: Seek True Religion! by John Donne)

     Clinking forks and plates sound outside my kitchen window each night, coupled with the waft of Bolognese sauces and crusty bread from the Italian restaurant across the street.  The well of red wine at the local Migros (grocery store) is far from running dry, and the past two weeks of time spent in a small town called Pully have enlivened my senses.  Sight has been blessed with glimpses of Lac Leman, backdrops of vineyards dotted with cottages, and clouds that mingle with mountain tops.  A three-time kiss on cheeks keeps with Swiss tradition at greetings for afternoon tea and Scottish shortbread.  I have arrived and been blessed with warm welcome into the communities of the Scots Kirk and Christ Church of Lausanne, Switzerland. 

     Two years ago, the program of PTS students to two of Lausanne's English-speaking congregations began.  The specificities of this program include a youth ministry focus.  I am working closely with Melvyn Wood, pastor at Scots Kirk, and Adele Kelham, priest of Christ Church.  The youth range from young to old, and there are traditionally two programs: one for 'Tweens (9-12 year olds) and one for Teens (13-17 years old).  Those who came before me have blazed the trail and laid foundations of fellowship and trust.  I am thankful for their hard work, and ready to work on trust-building and faith explorations during my time here.