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"Remember the days of old; consider the years of many generations; ask your father, and he will show you, your elders, and they will tell you". Deuteronomy 32:7
Our family took a trip last week to Norway to visit the home of our Norwegian ancestors. Karina and I had dreamed of this kind of trip for years. We were able to meet with some of Karina’s “Kaarhus” (Corhus) paternal relatives near Haugesund, and we were able to meet with some of my “Hovland” maternal relatives from the island of Bømlo.
Our trip began with seeing the sights and sounds of the capital city of Oslo. We saw the changing of the guard at the Royal Palace and visited the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History where we saw the beautiful wooden Gol “stave” church, watched folk dances, and walked through old farm buildings and animals. Go Vikings!
Then we took the “Norway in a Nutshell” tour by train and ferry to see the mountains, fjords, and waterfalls along the way to the city of Bergen. The views were majestic, much different than Florida. They said it was much warmer and dryer than usual, and most places don’t have or need air conditioning. It has a similar latitude as Anchorage, Alaska, but the Gulf Stream keeps the climate much milder.
We went to worship at the church where Karina’s relatives were from on Sunday in the village called Vats. The pastor was retiring (for the second time!) on Sunday and he let me share a short greeting during the service. They had a choir, soloists, and a saxophonist for the special occasion. It was a beautiful service, even though we didn’t really understand much of it! A few people came up afterwards to talk to us about her family and we saw some tombstones of some of her ancestors. We took a pictures in front of the street sign “Kaarhuswegen”where her grandfather’s family farm had been.
My relatives met us at the dock in Bømlo waving Norwegian flags as a light rain shower gave us a rainbow! They served us coffee and delicious Norwegian waffles before going to visit two churches – the old Bømlo church, now a museum, and the new one, built in 1961. We also visited the “Prayer House” where people meet for Bible study, youth activities, meals, and prayer.
As we reflected on our trip, the thoughts of how our ancestors left behind their friends and families to immigrate to the United States crossed our minds. Why did they leave (poverty, famine, persecution, more opportunity)? What was it like crossing the Atlantic in ships or find their new homes in the Midwest? How did their faith impact their travels?
It is good to be back home, but with a richer understanding of where we came from. The world is much smaller, including the Church! We are thankful for the rich heritage of faith we received through our ancestors and how it continues in and through us today.
In Christ;
Pastor Dan
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
· Do you know someone who might be looking for a church home? Talk to one of the pastors or call or email the church office. We have a group we are welcoming on August 17th.
· Mission Update: Gary Sellari will be giving an update this Sunday from Anthony & Soyoung Sellari, our missionaries in Egypt. A written newsletter is printed in this Sunday’s bulletin on the website.
· First Evangelical’s Church Council will be next Sunday (August 8th) after worship.
· First Evangelical’s Centennial Anniversary Committee will meet on August 17th after worship.
· Help feed a friend with our Food Drive this summer! Dry goods are being collected at the back of the church and given to the Palm Beach County Food Bank. Please, NO GLASS items. Jhadha delivered 92 pounds of food a few weeks ago, helping to provide over 77 nutritious meals to families, children, seniors and individuals in need throughout Palm BeachCounty. This mission project will continue through August, keep the food coming! Thank you.
· Join us for a delicious lunch following worship this Sunday in the Fellowship Hall
