Evendays

The armistice began at 11 AM, Paris time, on 11.11.1918.

As of yesterday, there were but 2 French veterans of that war who were still alive. During the war itself there were around 8,500,000 military deaths. During the war, the French suffered a 75% casualty rate (1.3 million dead. 4.2 million wounded.)
–
We had 6 youth from the Geneva church come and visit from Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon. Our Sunday singing was much improved. They were fun to have and an encouragement to our family and to the church.

In the afternoon, we tried to practice a Skype video conference call that will performed on December 2 with the College church in Fresno. The call worked but the video didn’t. Our capable technician in Fresno was up before 6 AM on Sunday morning to hook up with Beijing, Nairobi and Lausanne. It seems that video conferencing is possible for PC’s, but once you add participants, it doesn’t work for, ehem, us Macs.

Here is a translated, antiphonal prayer from a Reformed Protestant tradition, Crêt-Bernard, that we’ll be using to guide our thoughts on Pentecost Sunday. (Yup, this Sunday!):
–
Holy Spirit, Creator, who in the beginning hovered over the waters, by your breath every being received life.

     Holy Spirit, come!

Holy Spirit, Counselor, who inspired the prophets as they spoke and acted; you clothed them in your strength so they would witness to your Word.

     Holy Spirit, come!

Holy Spirit, Power, you covered the Virgin Mary with your shadow and you prepared her to become the mother of the Son of God.

     Holy Spirit, come!

Holy Spirit, Consecrator, you descended upon Jesus the day of his baptism to consecrate him as faithful witness to the Father.

     Holy Spirit, come!

Holy Spirit, Light, you led Christ into the desert; by your strength he cast out demons and you equipped him for the preaching the Kingdom of God.

     Holy Spirit, come!

Holy Spirit, Eternal One, through you the Christ, our Chief Priest, offered himself as a victim without blemish to deliver us from the works of death so we could serve the living God.

     Holy Spirit, come!

Holy Spirit, Defender, you came upon the apostles to teach them all things, to remind them of the words of Christ and to lead them into all truth.

     Holy Spirit, come!

Holy Spirit, you Console, and through you we are born to life as children of God; you make us living temples of your presence and you intercede within us.

     Holy Spirit, come!

Holy Spirit, Life Giver, you animate and sanctify the entire body of the Church; you live in each one of its members and will one day give life to our mortal bodies.

     Holy Spirit, come!

The Ukraine trip went well. Must have eaten something that didn’t agree with me 48 hours before flying back to Switzerland. The WC confinement took off about 8 pounds, but I was able to escape that helpful room twice to teach the scheduled lessons to the church. God was merciful. And he does answer prayer.

It’s been a whirlwind since. Sunday and Monday Christmas activities with the churches. Tuesday with the Geneva studies. Today I am preparing the Lausanne December 24 lesson. And writing my first post in a week.

Handel’s Messiah plays regularly in the background on our stereo. So many memories: McLane High School and our annual presentation with a 120 member chorus plus orchestra… Singing it again, nearly 30 years later, in a 700 year-old church here in Lausanne with Sons 1 and 2.

But my favorite Messiah memory, by far, is Daughter strolling through the house singing the opening tenor solo with such gusto: “Come for tea. Come for tea, my people.” (Boys, do NOT mention this post to her.)

Anyway, got a minute? If so, please do “come for tea”.

Much love from Lausanne…

Just a word to let you know it’s a holiday in Lausanne. It’s the Monday of the FAST. Yes, instead of having a Thanksgiving, as you Canadians and United Staterers do, we have a fast day. Of course, I don’t know many people who fast for the country, but I know it used to be done.

The fair is in town and Wife and I took some time off together to visit it. It started down-sizing about 10 years ago. Used to be that the ARMY had to be called out to direct traffic and help with crowd control. No more. But it still makes for a cheap date and good free samples.