CHRONICLES OF 2004

And it came to pass in the year 2004 when King Ralph of the tribe of Klein was ruler over the land, that the people of the church (that nestles beside the Great Ridge that has numerous springs flowing out of it – especially in the years of El neno’s when there is much rain,) came together after the days of celebration – even unto the last day of the year – to recall and remember the happenings of the year past.

          And there stood up from among them one of their Deacons (whose hair had turned white because of his age, along with his wife, whom he had married in the year of our Lord 1944), who spoke to them and said:

Dear People,

We have been greatly blessed in the year past – ‘spiritually’ because we have dedicated leaders in our midst; especially one by the name of Jeremiah from the tribe of Buhler, who, with his helpers and spouse, have ministered to us throughout the year in a manner appreciated by all.  He is also in great demand by other congregations throughout the land who would hear his works of advice and wisdom, which he acquired by study and sitting at the feet of great teachers in the land of States.

          The Lord has also opened his Almighty Hand this past year, and multiplied our flocks and herds and sales, and has given us much grain to make the bins bulge and even piles of it could be seen throughout the land- so great was the abundance thereof. He sent the rain and sunshine to swell the grains and cause the grass to grow on the hillside for the cattle and animals alike.  And the people lived from off the fat of the land.

Yes – we remember and are thankful.

          There also rose up from their midst a leader from the tribe of Willms – having the given name of Linden – who was willing to be chosen as leader and moderator of our Alberta Conference, at a time when there was misunderstanding and division among our churches; and we prayed that he might be given wisdom and direction from on high that would cause the dissenting churches to come back into the fold of unity and work together in cooperation under his able tutelage.

          And we remembered and were thankful.

          They also found willing people to sit on council and committees, who could advise on directions to go and decisions to make that would lead us in the desired direction; and they all tried to walk in the ways of Lord and do what would be pleasing in His sight.

          There were willing people who would lead the worship service in the right manner – people who would usher us in and usher us out; even gathering our tithes and offerings and passing them on to the willing keepers of the books and treasury and sending them on to the four corners of the world to help those who are less fortunate than us – even unto Macau and Columbia – lands far to the south where the sun shines hot all year.

          There were people in their midst who knew how to cause life sustaining water to flow in for our use, and to flow out again after it was used; to trim the grass and shrubs of the church and graveyard, where loved ones lay sleeping, awaiting the great resurrection and ascension.

          Able teachers there were to instruct the children in the ways of the Lord, and teach them how to sing and pray. Musicians were not wanting who would play for us on the drum, the harp, the flute and the lyre – thus enhancing the worship service as we praised and glorified God.  One  such teacher and musician came to us from the east of our great land, four provinces removed – even from the fifth one far away – when he joined himself to the afore mentioned clan of Willms by marriage. He was very much appreciated as he contributed to the well-being of the congregation by music, singing and teaching – even unto teaching among the tribes of the Peigan, who had settled along the Banks of the River to the North – known as the Old Man.

          There was also a keeper for the little scrolls and books of the library who can advise us on which books to read for our pleasure and enjoyment and edification, and remind us to return them in due time.

          And so the assortment of people worked in harmony and understanding, to make the organization run efficiently and smoothly for the benefit of all – and the people remembered.

          And we were exceedingly thankful.

          And so it was that the year 2004 came to an end and was swept into the great annals of history.

          And as they stood on the threshold of the portals of the New Year 2005 – and because they did not want to think anxiously about the future, thus forgetting the present – they entreated the Lord, who had so richly blessed them in the past – to again extend His Mercy, His Goodness and His Grace.