here property is transitory

Well is it to him who seeks grace, consolation from the Father in the heavens.

A couple of lines from 'The Wanderer', roughly translated. It came to mind this morning at the church service in memory of the old church building. I say old, it was current so recently... One of the good things has been that we were doing a series on Genesis, and the life of Joseph (of technicolor dreamcoat fame), and how God has a plan even through things that seemto be working for the worst. Which seems appropriate. Also the Great Hall (which is where we were today) has a painting of Joseph's reconciliation with his brothers in it. Anyway it all fits together quite nicely. It was a good service, there were tears and rejoicing. There was organ music, and we had 'How Deep the Father's Love', which is a hymn I love. People remembered the church. My mother was there, she went to Barneys when she was uni. Apparently I was (probably) baptised there. I didn't know that, but there you go... It wasn't just a building that was lost, also the church records, personal effects of the assistant minister, the new chairs (but not the pews we laboured so long to get rid of, ironically enough. They are safe in storage.), old sermon tapes, and most of all the records.
There was good news though; the church was insured, we have somewhere to meet for the next few months, most of the plaques from around the walls were saved. This makes me happy, it was one of the things that bothered me. I find those plaques fascinating, there was one in the church at Scone commemorating a 'pioneer', sounded intriguing. Anyway, I copied one down once, cos I was sitting near it in church, so after the service I wrote it into my notebook. It goes like this:
"In memory of Samuel Worthington Mansfield, died 19th March 1881 aged 74 years
Also Julia wife of the above, died 14th February 1882 aged 49 years
'I waited patiently for the Lord and he heard my cry'"
Pretty standard right, except they died just a year apart, and that's quite an age difference. But then, it was a long time ago. But I'm happy that they have been salvaged, and can be incorporated into the new church building. 'Cos we are going to rebuild! In the meantime we are a transient church... But apparently there's been alot of support, thanks for your prayers guys, so that's positive. And as we were reminded today, there are other churches with a similar problem to ours which have less support and resources, so we're pretty lucky there. Above all, a time to remember God's great unchanging love (what time isn't?). I feel that it was a really encouraging service, reminding us of what is important, and to remain outward looking. God is good.

Other than that, it's not been a bad week. I've been a bit tired. Hmmm... maybe going clubbing the night before you have to get up to go to a church service isn't a good idea? I've been working, watching Buffy episodes and making cake alot. Also eating thai. I got to see my mum on mothers day, so that was really nice. Also my dad, and Merry, but that doesn't relate much to the whole 'mothers day' issue. Saw Hellena last night, also good. And isn't it cold? Also reminiscent of Old English poetry... full of ice and sea and snow... I think I need to go have a warming drink of coffee.
:)