Orcas Island Postscript to WinterFest - Part 5

Sunday Morning Service, March 6

This was the end of WinterFest events.

Earl was to preach the sermon. 

We found out upon our arrival that he had been called home for a family emergency. We gasped and then prayed. Positive news came to us later that day.

Jeff and Brian were there to lead worship and Dick was well able to preach an amazing sermon using the text Earl had chosen.

Be Thou My Vision

Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart,

be all else but naught to me, save that thou art;

be thou my best thought in the day and the night,

both waking and sleeping, thy presence my light.

Be thou my wisdom, be thou my true word,

be thou ever with me, and I with thee Lord;

be thou my great Father, and I thy true son;

be thou in me dwelling, and I with thee one.

Be thou my breastplate, my sword for the fight;

be thou my whole armor, be thou my true might;

be thou my soul's shelter, be thou my strong tower:

O raise thou me heavenward, great Power of my power.

“C.S. Lewis Timeless Words for a World in Crisis”

Sermon Topic Scripture

"We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit." 1 Thessalonians 1:2-6

Key points/reminders in sermon.

Among the quotes that had come forth from Earl in reading Lewis was this one: “He knew his apostate”.  In context of that statement, the word, “apostate” meant that Lewis knew the audience to whom he wrote and in knowing that focus, he could stay in focus in the texts he penned. 

The message to us is that we look to the call God has on each of our lives and work toward accomplishing it - “be Thou our vision” will help us focus. 

The call to use our gifts is a daily one.

We are to be aware that spiritual warfare is real. We will run into obstacles. Keep focused but don’t let the reality of the warfare rule. Lewis addressed this beautifully in “The Screwtape Letters”. 

Aim at heaven and you’ll get earth (what Christ gives us on earth). Aim at earth and you will get neither.

***************************************

Sunday Evening

Vespers Service

As I stayed on Orcas Sunday night, I was able to attend this beautiful service. Jeff stayed on to provide worship for us and Brian turned to his Associate Pastor role to preach the message on the text of the Prodigal Son.

As Rembrandts rendering of this scene is one of my favorites - a print of it hangs in my home - that it was the image on the Vesper bulletin and a framed print also on a stand for display, I immediately settled in to be inspired. 

A number of songs were sung in worship and prayers recited but Jeff’s song, “Home Again", set the tone for the message Brian brought to us. Vespers ended with much to ponder.

I was then blessed by time with Dick Staub who offered  his insights and some caring direction about my “soon to be printed” book! 

Monday, March 7

This scene, from my deck, greeted me on the morning I was  gearing up to catch the 12:55 ferry boat home.

Indeed, I had a lot to "think through and treasure"  and a thankful heart made full from all that occurred during this WinterFest.  Amen! 

WinterFest - Orcas Island - Part 4

Saturday, March 6

Morning Worship and Lecture

It was one beautiful sunny day!
This scene greeted me from my deck.

. . .and this scene greeted me arriving at Orcas Island Community Church! 

Our time together was then committed in worship to all that God had planned for the day.

Trinity Bell
Lighting of the Candle

I Arise Today

Psalm 108

"O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise, . . .

 Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: and thy glory above all the earth;

Worship Bulletin 

Cover Artwork: Morning Colors

by Ellens

Merely Christian: A Compelling Invitation to a Larger Hope

I only "thought" I could cull from my notes taken as I listened to Earl speak. He says so much and says it well and I have a few notes but know where to head to find excepts he read in my own copies of Lewis' books. 

But they are not going to be "here". There is plenty for you to see of the amazing WinterFest God gave to those of us who were present.

I finally just gave in and listened and enjoyed the journey Earl took us on. 

He is so animated with joy and expression when he speaks, getting a good photo was also hard. This one I posted came the closest to his being "still" in the moment I clicked the shutter button!! 

WinterFest - Orcas Island Part 3

I am continuing to blog my WinterFest journey after returning home on Monday, March 7th! 

It was impossible to do more postings after the actual event began. I was trying to keep up with all that was happening, jotting down notes during the lectures, trying to journal - simply needing to let it all soak in.

I do want to bring you to the event and  I "think" I can through some photos and quotes. That is my hope! 

The short version is that it was simply an amazing three days and I came home exhausted, overwhelmed, and equally grateful.

March 4

I mentioned in my last blog entry, after the Friday evening lecture, what a delightful presence Earl Palmer brings to his teachings. After 50 years in ministry, he "retired" as Senior Pastor of University Presbyterian church in Seattle, Washington in 2006. He has far from retired, continuing to teach and minister. His scholarship, theological background, wide interest in the arts, among other giftings, is a joy to experience. By conference "end", I wanted to rush home and re-read all the Lewis' books he shared within the context of his lectures. His enthusiastic highlights, deep insights and exuberant readings had us all enthralled. 

It takes a team to plan such an event.

In acknowledging these gifted men in the photos below, I do not want to skip a thank you to those at the Orcas Island Community Church who made that environment one of gracious welcome. The church decor, the refreshments at each break and fellowship in the community room added a wonderful touch for all of us who gathered.  I met the most amazing, friendly people - both those visiting Orcas for the event and those who call Orcas and this church their home. 

Dick Staub: Pastor of Orcas Island Community Church

Founder and Director of The Kindlings, a relational movement seeking to rekindle the spiritual, intellectual an artistic legacy of Christians in culture. Thank you, Dick, for overseeing the moments of the days we gathered, for sharing your insights, and covering it all in prayer and God's guidance. You are so appreciated!

 Rev. Earl Palmer in the center

Our worship leaders, Jeff Johnson (Ark Music) and Brain Moss, musician and also the 

Associate Pastor at Orcas Island Community Church. 

I've shared my appreciation for Earl. Jeff and Brian gifted us by filling the environment with the music from their hearts. Through their talents our own hearts were drawn into a place of worship in song. I have known Jeff and his music for years - often have it playing to fill my home with the reminder of God's presence. Brian is a wonderful leader, as well, and a new "voice" to me. Together these men helped us get our focus where it belonged - on the One who had gathered us together at this special time. I know each life was touched. 

Next posting - 

the Saturday events, including our morning worship! 

Journeying on Orcas Island - Part 2

March 4, 2016 

It was a blustery day but I bundled up, took my walker for stability and ventured out to get some exercise - to breathe in the fresh air. The way was bumpy and, at times, rutted with work being done on the Inn’s property. 

I crossed the highway and looked back 

 such starkness as spring awaits its coming  

much as we long for those first blooms to awaken us! 

But wait!

 Looking down amidst the dry and the needed restoration - new life is waking! 

And around another bend - more sunshine emerging and some fragrance in hyacinths. I asked the groundskeeper if I might pick a few blooms for my room and he gave an enthusiastic “yes”. 

I journaled the joys that are 

already greeting me here on Orcas!

I’ve a website to start designing. 

What will light my path? 

I do know the burst of creativity that only God can bring, 

 be it along a worn path, a well tended garden, or a soul that waits in the silence to hear His quiet whisper.

Oh, yes! 

Today some glimpses are blooming of what is to come! 

. . . and blooming!! 

I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud

by William Wordsworth

I wandered lonely as a cloud

That floats on high o'er vales and hills,

When all at once I saw a crowd,

A host, of golden daffodils;  

Beside the lake, beneath the trees,

Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

Continuous as the stars that shine

And twinkle on the milky way,

They stretched in never-ending line

Along the margin of a bay:

Ten thousand saw I at a glance,

Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.

The waves beside them danced; but they

Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:

A poet could not but be gay,

In such a jocund company:

I gazed—and gazed—but little thought

What wealth the show to me had brought:

For oft, when on my couch I lie

In vacant or in pensive mood,

They flash upon that inward eye

Which is the bliss of solitude;

And then my heart with pleasure fills,

And dances with the daffodils.

from my journal entry (evening) March 4

after experiencing our first lecture by

Rev. Earl Palmer

Such a delightful man and speaker and a joy to share with him at the reception after the lecture. We spoke of mutual experiences and people from C.S. Lewis’ home (The Kilns). Earl heads to Oxford this summer to do the Study Week with our beloved friend, Kim Gilnett. 

I told him he may find my heart still settled there!

Oh, to share, to be embraced by this group of kindred souls, to “belong somewhere”. 

Thank You, Lord. How faithful You are! 

Amen. 

To be continued. . . 

Taking to the High Seas - More Updates on the Journey Toward Publication!

This is what got my attention!!

This is what got my attention NEXT!

Dick Staub and Earl Palmer in discusion on C.S. Lewis.

This Kindlings WinterFest is less intense with the number of events than the larger Summer KindlingsFest 

My reason for choosing to attend this March 4-7 event is two fold.

There is a potential to share with key people about marketing my book. Some of you will remember in 2010 my journey toward publication began here!

And the bonus is being able to hear Earl Palmer share about one of his passions: C.S. Lewis. I've heard him speak a number of times about Lewis and it is time well spent. 

I came a day early to try and get my head calmed down from the nearly hour long ferry boat ride. 

I am in a cozy Inn with a room just perfect for me and with a fireplace. I am putting colored pens to pad and fingers to key board to rough out idea for my website. There are a few other areas that need attention so I will see how that goes.

Thursday, March 3, 2016

Waiting for the Ferry in Anacortes

Heading to Orcas Island

Stay Tuned for Part Two