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,
Craggd 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.
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