Canada Day, July 1, 2008

Isa 32:1-5, 16-18

Rev. Garth Wehrfritz-Hanson

Ecumenical Canada Day Celebration Service

Kin Coulee Park, Medicine Hat

Today we celebrate the 141 birthday of our nation, Canada. Happy birthday Canada! And many more! May God continue to bless and keep this land glorious and free. As we celebrate Canada Day, we Canadians are often prone to wax eloquently about our nation and, in particular our national identity—or shall I say lack thereof? Like, for example, the following famous anonymous quote filled with humour and an irony that may make us laugh or cry: “What is a Canadian? A Canadian is someone wearing English tweeds, a Hong Kong shirt and Spanish shoes, who sips Brazilian coffee sweetened with Philippine sugar from a Bavarian cup while nibbling Swiss cheese, sitting at a Danish desk over a Persian rug, after coming home in a German car from an Italian movie…and then writes their Member of Parliament with a Japanese ballpoint pen on French paper, demanding that he or she do something about foreigners taking away our Canadian jobs.”

In a more sober and perhaps sceptical vein, writing back in 1990, University of Lethbridge sociologist, Reginald Bibby, in his Mosaic Madness: The Poverty and Potential of Life in Canada, begged the following question: “In Canada, the time has come to address a centrally important question. If what we have in common is our diversity, do we really have anything in common at all?” I’m certain that each of us here today likely has a different answer to Bibby’s question—those differences both define us as well as paradoxically unite us. We are a nation, actually modelled after, either by accident or God’s providence, the earliest Christian Church wherein the most profound theologian, the apostle Paul, describes the Church as the Body of Christ and points to the Church’s identity as unity in diversity and diversity in unity. Yet, as a nation, and as Christians living in this nation Canada, that does not mean we do not struggle with this model of identity. I think this is a never ending struggle, because we all as limited, finite, sinful human beings build walls, and limits to narrowly define ourselves with and live under that which nurtures our comfort zones. In short, we all struggle with such questions as: Ought there be limits to our pluralism? If so, what ought those limits be and how shall we live within them? How can limits within as diverse a nation as ours serve us while, at the same time, respecting and protecting a just and peaceful nation for all of our citizens? Such questions we and future generations shall continue to face.

Yet, on this Canada Day, there is much to be celebrated as a nation. It was Sir Winston Churchill who once said: “There are no limits to the majestic future which lies before the mighty expanse of Canada with its verile, aspiring, cultured, and generous-hearted people.” And recently, former U.S. President Bill Clinton stated: “In a world darkened by ethnic conflicts that tear nations apart, Canada stands as a model of how people of different cultures can live and work together in peace, prosperity, and mutual respect.” Then there was former Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau, who observed that: “We peer so suspiciously at each other that we cannot see that we Canadians are standing on the mountaintop of human wealth, freedom and privilege.” Yet, as Marshall McLuhan I believe correctly observed: “Canada is the only country in the world that knows how to live without an identity.” Most likely that is our weakness and, paradoxically, our strength.

In today’s first reading from Isaiah 32, we are given a wonderful vision of an ideal king, who, assisted by other wise leaders, rule with a divine vision of righteousness, which in the Bible means: right relationships between God and people, people with each other, and people with God’s creation and living in a state of trust, relying on God’s life-giving promises. This righteousness is also closely connected with justice and peace. I love the Book of Isaiah; it is so prolific in its beatific vision of righteousness, justice and peace. In this particular passage, the prophet speaks of righteousness, justice and peace by comparing them with the natural world. Here we have pictures of righteousness, justice and peace as: a shelter from high winds; providing safe cover in stormy weather; like streams of water in a dry place; as the shade of a great rock in a weary land—which, you may recall, we sing in the old familiar hymn, “Beneath the Cross of Jesus.” A blessing of righteousness, justice and peace opens eyes to see and ears to hear, which is the reversal of people who rebel against God and have blind eyes and deaf ears. Then too, says the prophet, there will be another kind of reversal: the impulsive will be able to make sound decisions, and the tongue-tied will speak with eloquence. God’s blessing upon his people with righteousness, justice and peace shall enable them to be very wise and discerning—seeing and understanding things for what they really are. Thus fools shall not be popular nor crooks be rewarded with fame. According to the prophet, true, God-given righteousness, justice and peace are most productive, they shall be present in the wilderness as well as in the fertile field; and true peace, God’s shalom, shall be more than the absence of war; people shall live quietly, safely, and in endless trust. Such is the vision of the ideal government and the perfect, peaceful, just and righteous nation.

In comparison, our nation, its leaders and people haven’t done too badly, although there is still a long way to go to reach this biblical vision—as the weakest and poorest Canadians are still too often neglected and forgotten. As finite creatures, we are not perfect, therefore we shall always continue to strive for such an ideal society and leaders. As theologian Reinhold Niebuhr once said: “Humanity’s capacity for justice makes democracy possible; but humanity’s inclination to injustice makes democracy necessary.” If we become too indifferent and apathetic towards our democratic nation; we are in danger of losing it.

As people of faith, I encourage you to remember that you are created in the image of God and therefore you can and do make a difference in this wonderful nation of ours and in the wider world. I would like to leave you with a quote from Holocaust survivor and author, Elie Wiesel, from his book, From The Kingdom Of Memory: Reminiscences: “There is so much to be done, there is so much that can be done. One person—a Raoul Wallenberg, an Albert Schweitzer, a Martin Luther King, Jr.—one person of integrity can make a difference, a difference of life and death.” May God grant us grace to live with this kind of integrity. Amen.

Trip to Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park

Today my wife, daughter and I made a trip down to Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park, also known as Áísínaí pi National Historic Site. It is around a two hour automobile ride southwest of Medicine Hat. The Park-Historic Site is considered a sacred place by the Blackfoot People. Our guide described it as an outdoor cathedral for her people. It is believed that First Nations have used this area along the Milk River for at least 3000 years. Indeed, one is filled with awe and wonder as one beholds the hoodoos-rock formations, the beautiful array of shapes and sizes, some resembling human faces, birds and animals.

The Park-Historic Site contains the largest collection of First Nations’ rock art in Canada. Here is and example of what you will see as you hike through the Park. In this particular petroglyph, the person was successful in obtaining horses. The horses are facing west, which according to our guide, was regarded as a sign from the spirit world of life and success. If you visit the Park-Historic Site, please do not touch the petroglyphs, as some are quite old and can be easily damaged. By not touching or damaging the petroglyphs, you shall be doing your part in preserving the natural and spiritual treasures of the sacred place for future generations.

One of the stories our guide told us was about the origins of the Blackfoot name. She said they came to be called the Blackfoot People because of the many prairie fires that left the earth black and therefore blackened the feet of the people who walk on the burnt prairie. She also told us that the Blackfoot consisted of four tribes which, in their past history, spanned the region from the Rocky Mountains to as far east as the Saskatchewan Cypress Hills, and as far north as Edmonton.

A few words of advice about your visit to Writing-on-Stone. If you visit here in the summer, make certain that you have enough water to drink, wear comfortable and sturdy shoes, a hat, bring along sunscreen and mosquito repellent, and stay on the walking paths. You have the option of taking the guided tour for eight dollars per person or following the trail on your own out from the visitor’s centre. Speaking of the latter, you can also enjoy the displays and information provided there as well as chat with the friendly park staff.

Alberta & the Territories Synod Convention: June 5-8, 2008

Our church – synod convention is now history. I’d encourage readers to check out the synod blog created by a pastor and an intern reflecting on each day of the convention over here. You can also check out their blogs here and by clicking on Kevin Powell on my blog roll. I appreciate their commentary and add a few observations as well:

• Many (most) of us lament the reality that we are a divided church. We have not been able to reach a consensus on same-sex blessings, nor are we likely to do so in the foreseeable future. At its roots, this is a very complex issue (For example, are people born homosexuals or are they socialized to become homosexuals or do they turn to homosexuality because they have been sexually abused?) some are tired of it and wished it would go away; while others are still trying to learn more and respond appropriately to it.
• I thoroughly enjoyed the workshops by Pastor Kevin Powell on blogging and Social Ministry Coordinator Joyce Zutter on Creation Stewardship. Kevin’s blog is well worth the visit not only for his content, but also for ideas on how to improve the quality of one’s blog re. layout and presentation. Joyce’s presentation certainly challenged most of us as to our daily habits and how we either contribute to the ongoing pollution of our planet or become more responsible as caring stewards of creation.
• I was inspired by the music during the worship services, as our congregation is musically challenged. I love to learn new hymns and liturgies.
• There was also the fun, stress-relieving event of packing safely as many people into a Smart Car as possible in two minutes to support campus ministry. There was a three way tie, each of the three winning teams packed in nine persons. I was on one of the winning teams! The Good Samaritan Society Team. Thanks to the folks in campus ministry for sponsoring and organising this event. I’m sure it will be a popular one at future conventions.
• The times of table fellowship, including the banquet, and celebrating the ordination anniversaries of our pastors were also opportunities to affirm “the communion of saints,” (and, of course, the shortcomings of sinners)!
• Our convention demographics indicate we are an aging synod. Looking at all of the grey heads during our convention sittings confirmed this truth. Where are our younger folks? Next convention I do hope there is a more diverse demographic representation.

This new header is from a lithograph by artist Amram Ebgi, titled: “Jerusalem for Peace.” You can view it in more detail under Jerusalem over at The Text This Week, and click on art index.

3 Pentecost Yr A, 1/06/2008

Matt 7:21-29

Rev. Garth Wehrfritz-Hanson

Pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, &

Chaplain of The Good Samaritan Society’s

South Ridge Village, Medicine Hat, Alberta

“House Building”

Today’s gospel marks the end of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. It is quite instructive for us that at the conclusion of this Sermon, Jesus gives us teachings that are very practical concerning not just speaking the right words but doing the right actions. He also warns all would-be disciples not to be deceived by those who speak well and call attention to their abilities to prophesy, cast out demons and do deeds of power in Christ’s name. There is a word of sober judgement here on such people. There is also a word of warning to listen carefully to Jesus’ words and then act on them. Those who do listen and act in faith are like a wise carpenter who builds on a solid foundation of rock, unlike a foolish carpenter who builds on sand.

The famous Danish theologian Soren Kierkegaard once wrote a vivid parable concerning the danger of becoming just a satisfied customer with religion, an occupation so absorbing that it left no inclination to do anything about it.

He imagined that near the cross of Christ had stood a man who beheld the terrible scene, and then became a professor of what he saw. He explained it all.

Later he witnessed the persecution and imprisonment and cruel beating of the apostles and became professor of what he had witnessed.

He studied the drama of the cross, but he was never crucified with Christ in his own life.

He studied apostolic history, but he did not live apostolically.

He was an observer and a talker about Christianity, but not a doer.1

There is an old adage, “When all is said and done, there is a lot more said, than done!” Is this not true of many people in our world today? There are so many “experts” who know a tremendous amount of information about their subject that they have specialized in, but does their information really get translated into actions, to practical doing? In many cases, I think the information gets lost in the “lack of translation” from the theoretical, the academic, to the practical, active, everyday real life of the world.

This is also related to what Jesus has to say about those who say to Jesus: ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many deeds of power in your name?’ Or in modern day language: “Every day a sucker is born. Beware of charlatans who may speak with words of sweetness and light, yet are working overtime to deceive you.”

There are so many charlatans out there—everything from telemarketers on the phone to televangelists on the T.V., to false contractors who prey on seniors promising to do home improvements, to name only a few. Isn’t it interesting that, according to a recent article in The Medicine Hat News Canada is finally cracking down on telemarketers. By this fall, September I believe, Canadian citizens will be able to register and have less pesky telemarketers calling us. I for one am certainly looking forward to that!

In the realm of faith—there surely are no shortage of televangelists out there on T.V. promising things that are rather controversial and questionable. For example, I happened to watch a short advertising blurb by one televangelist lately who promised special blessings on those who would send him money to purchase a handkerchief, which, he claimed, had the power to give blessings. This fake televangelism so insults true Christianity and Jesus himself in that the false televangelists believe they can reduce Jesus to the ability to sell him like any other consumer product for their own personal gain no matter how manipulative and deceitful are their methods as long as it works for them. NO! Jesus soberly warns us today, such folks shall face a hard judgement: “Then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; go away from me, you evildoers.’”

In stark contrast to this false, charlatan type of faith, Jesus tells the parable of building one’s faith on a solid rock foundation. What kind of house of faith are you building? Are we building on solid rock, Christ our Lord and Saviour, or are we building on sinking sand?

Albert P. Stauderman tells the following story: For many years a man had worked faithfully as foreman of the building crew for a wealthy contractor. The contractor decided to take a long vacation on a world cruise, but before leaving he gave his foreman a set of plans for a dream house. “Build it according to specifications and spare no expense,” he instructed. “I want this to be a good house for a special reason.”

After the contractor had gone, the foreman thought about the many years he had worked for small wages, and he decided that this was the time to make a profit for himself. He cut down on the specifications for the house and substituted cheap material wherever it would not show, pocketing the difference. Then the contractor returned and examined the house. Then he told the foreman, “You have served me well for many years. In reward I have planned this house for you. It is yours, to own and live in.”

Who got cheated?2

Upon what do we build our house, our faith and life? Is it Christ the solid rock or is it sinking sand? There are many things that people invest in—pouring out their time, energy, money and other talents and resources. However, are they lasting or fleeting? Do they satisfy the deepest needs of life? Do they enhance and strengthen life and faith? Do they contribute to the overall health and well being of individuals and society as a whole? Oftentimes those things that are fleeting and fail to strengthen life and faith may very well appeal to folks at first sight; people may benefit from them in an immediate way; however, when people begin to face the storms, earthquakes and floods of life—when the going gets tough such things shall not last nor give strength to life and faith. It is by listening to Christ’s words and then acting on them in faith that give us strength in life and deepen our faith. If we do this, then we shall surely be able to endure any storms, earthquakes, floods and tornadoes that life dishes out.

Scottish entertainer Sir Harry Lauder always left his audiences laughing. But as he came out of a theatre one night, he was handed a telegram informing him that his son had been killed in action. Lauder cancelled his engagements, but three weeks later he was on his way to France to entertain the troops. “When a man has a great sorrow,” Lauder said, “he can turn sour on life, or turn to drink, or turn to God and find joy and hope in doing his will.”3

People of faith who trust in Christ the rock, our solid foundation to build their house, are folks like Sir Harry Lauder—they obey Christ, they listen and then act, and they “find joy and hope in doing his will.” May God grant all of us sufficient grace so to do. Amen.

1 Cited from: Sermon Illustrations For The Gospel Lessons (St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1980, 1981, 1982), pp. 20-21.

2 Albert P. Stauderman, Let Me Illustrate: Stories and Quotations for Christian Communicators (Minneapolis: Augsburg Publishing House, 1983), p. 107.

3 Ibid. p. 67.

2 Pentecost Yr A, 25/05/2008

1 Cor 4:1-5

Rev. Garth Wehrfritz-Hanson

Pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, &

Chaplain of The Good Samaritan Society’s

South Ridge Village, Medicine Hat, Alberta

“Non-judgemental Servants and Stewards”

I rather like the “Peanuts” cartoon. In one cartoon there is a girl who came to Charlie Brown and said, “Yes sir, Charlie Brown, Abraham Lincoln was a great man. Charlie Brown, would you like to have been Abraham Lincoln?”

Well, now, I don’t think so,” Charlie answered thoughtfully; “I am having a hard enough time being just plain ole Charlie Brown!”

God never expects me to be a person other than who I am. However, God does expect you and me to make full use of our God-given talents and to live a life of integrity and faithfulness before God.

One faithful follower of Jesus said it like this: “When I die I will not be asked, ‘Why were you not the apostle Paul, why were you not Martin Luther, why were you not this or that famous leader in the Church?’ NO! You and I will be asked, ‘Why were you not you!’”

That is precisely what the apostle Paul is saying to the Corinthians in our second lesson today. There were some in the church at Corinth who were trying to compare and play off Apollos, Peter and Paul against one another. They were becoming overly arrogant, proud and judgemental of Apollos, Peter and Paul and dividing themselves up into different camps. Paul counsels them to look at the leaders and leadership of the Church in a different way.

He says: “Think of us in this way, as servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries.” Or as Eugene Peterson states it in The Message: “Don’t imagine us leaders to be something we aren’t. We are servants of Christ, not his masters. We are guides into God’s most sublime secrets, not security guards posted to protect them.”

According to Professor Wm. Barclay: The word (Paul) uses for a servant is interesting; it is huperetes and originally meant a rower on the lower bank of a trireme (i.e. an ancient Roman or Greek galley with three banks of oars), one of the slaves who pulled at the great sweeps which moved the triremes through the sea. Some commentators have wished to stress this and to make it a picture of Christ as the pilot who directs the course of the ship and Paul as the servant who accepts the pilot’s orders and labours only as his Master directs.

Then Paul uses another picture. He thinks of himself and his fellow preachers as stewards of the secrets which God desires to reveal to his own people. The steward (oikonomos) was the major domo….in charge of the whole administration of the house or the estate; (s)he controlled the staff; (s)he issued the supplies; but, however much (s)he controlled the household staff, (s)he (her)himself was still a slave where the master was concerned. Whatever be a (person’s) position in the Church, and whatever power (she or) he may yield there or whatever prestige (she or) he may enjoy, (s)he still remains the servant of Christ.1

Paul then goes on to say that his stewardship, along with that of other Church leaders is that “of God’s mysteries.” God’s mysteries are not meant to be the best-kept secret. God’s mysteries do not belong to a choice, privileged, elitist group of people. Rather, the word “mysteries” refers to the ministry of preaching the word and administering the sacraments. It also refers to the content of the word of God—i.e. the message of the Gospel, the Good News that Jesus Christ is the Saviour of the world and through him we receive the forgiveness of sin and the promise of abundant life and grace now, and in the future, eternal life.

As stewards of God’s mysteries, Paul says the leaders, the preachers of the Church are required to “be found trustworthy.” Or as Eugene Peterson puts it: “The requirements for a good guide are reliability and accurate knowledge.”

Trustworthiness is not just a given, it is most often earned. What happens when people don’t trust God’s stewards? Well, I think we’ve seen quite clearly what happens through the media coverage of all the abuse and scandals that have occurred within Christendom. When God’s stewards are not trustworthy, people are abused sexually, emotionally, physically and spiritually. This is tragic, because lack of trust kills healthy relationships, and many of those who have been abused are wounded for life, sometimes their sufferings are so devastating that they become permanently ill and are robbed of life’s blessings.

Trustworthy stewardship of resources is also important. If stewards fail to manage and administer the resources given to them with care and wisdom that can result in the destruction, loss or extinction of such resources. We have already seen this in the natural world around us—several animal species have become extinct or are now regarded as endangered species. Moreover, the failing quality of our air we breathe, the soil we grow our food in, and the water we drink are a sober testimony to the poor stewardship of natural resources.

We speak of trust in God as if that action were one-sided. But there is another side. God also places trust in us to be the ones who express God’s love. It is an honour to be trusted in this way, but what are we doing with that trust? The other day on CBC radio, I heard that we Canadians are marketing food products in a very untrustworthy, misleading way. Two examples were given. Garlic that did not originate here in Canada was labelled “a product of Canada.” Why? Because someone in Canada cut it up and placed it in a plastic bag. Apple juice was also labelled “a product of Canada,” however, the only thing that was Canadian was the water added to the concentrate. Such are the deceitful practices of the marketplace these days here in our nation. In light of these two examples, I cannot help but ask if they are merely the tip of the iceberg. Contrary to these examples we followers of Jesus are exhorted to be faithful, trustworthy stewards of what God has given us.

We hold a treasure of possibilities, gifts from God to be shared with others in the world God loves. What kind of trust is shown if we give grudgingly, if we are afraid to give more than what we think is our fair share?

There is plenty of mistrust in our world that keeps people from friendship and community with others or with God. Trust in God calls for a different way of being in the world, including a different way of sharing gifts. Gifts from God are never just for us!2 Through our giving, hope becomes real for others. I think we here at Grace are particularly blessed in this way. Our deceased brother, Art Stenby, is an inspiration to us; he was a trustworthy steward. He gave generously, as Scripture teaches us to do. God had blessed Art and, in response, Art shared with his church the generosity of God’s blessings. Now, as trustworthy stewards we are privileged to manage wisely and generously share what has been given to us in such a way as to bear witness to God’s love in Christ for us.

After Paul emphasises the importance of trust as stewards of God, he addresses the issue of judgement. He tells the Corinthians that it is not up to them to judge Paul. In fact, Paul says, he doesn’t even judge himself. Rather he leaves the judging up to the Lord. He will judge us all on the appointed judgement day and reveal things that are now in darkness—bringing into the light even the most hidden motives of our thinking, speaking and acting.

As Eugene Peterson puts it: “So don’t get ahead of the Master and jump to conclusions with your judgments before all the evidence is in. When he comes, he will bring out in the open and place in evidence all kinds of things we never even dreamed of—inner motives and purposes and prayers. Only then will any one of us get to hear the “Well done!” of God.”

It is very tempting to judge others prematurely and unfairly. Yet when we do, in most cases we are wrong and called into judgement ourselves. Francis Gay tells the following story: I remember a minister telling about conducting a service in a church where he had not been before. Everyone was sitting towards the back of the church so before the sermon he suggested it might be better if they all moved forward.

Everyone did this except 3 people sitting together in a back pew. The minister proceeded with the sermon but couldn’t help feeling that the 3 might have followed the lead of the rest of the congregation.

However, after the service he went to the door, pausing to speak to the three as they passed. He discovered that one of them had a severe handicap who would have had a great difficulty getting to church at all but for the help of the other two.

How important it is to be sure of the facts before we make our judgements on others!3

Paul’s final emphasis concerning God’s judgement of us is an interesting one, he states with hope that after God’s judgement: “Then each one will receive commendation from God.” In other words the judgement of God will purify us like a refining fire and remove, purge us of all impurities, all sins and shortcomings, and make us right with God, worthy to receive God’s commendation, the “Well done!” declaration of God.

So, even God’s judgement is good, life-giving, and gives us hope; after we are confronted with our sins and God deals with them, we are forgiven and given God’s blessing. God in Christ has paid the price for humankind’s rebellion, sin, and evil. God wills that all be forgiven and blessed. Such judgement then is like the love and welcome of the prodigal son by his father when he returns. Praise God for his mercy and loving kindness. Amen.

1 Wm. Barclay, The Letters to the Corinthians Burlington, ON: G.R. Welch Co., Ltd., 1975), p. 36.

2 Cited from “So Much Trust!” Ecumenical Center for Stewardship Studies, 1994 bulletin insert. Produced by and for churches in Canada and the U.S.A.

3 F. Gay, The Friendship Book 1986, meditation for June 26.

Most readers are aware of the tragic situation in Burma as they try to recover from the devastating cyclone. The response of the military junta has been far too slow and hard-hearted. Finally they have agreed to let the international community in to offer disaster relief. You can help too by supporting organisations like Canadian Lutheran World Relief and the Evangelical Lutheran Church In Canada’s Global Hunger and Development Appeal. You can call CLWR to donate at: 1.800.661.2597 or visit: www.clwr.org/donate . You can call ELCIC’s GHDA to donate at: 1.888.786.6707 or visit: http://elcic.ca/GHDA. Most NGOs of this nature are highly trustworthy; even supported by the Canadian International Development Agency; and do excellent work—respecting the cultural values and dignity of the recipients; while efficiently managing resources to keep administrative costs at a minimum and ensuring that the appropriate assistance reaches those in greatest need.

Pentecost, watercolour by Estella Louisa M Canziani (1887-1964) at Leicestergalleries 

The Eva Brewster Story

is presently being exhibited at the Esplanade here in Medicine Hat until June 29. Yesterday, May 1, which is Yom HaShoah—Holocaust Remembrance Day—I visited this deeply moving exhibition. Eva, along with her mother survived two years of hell in the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp—and years later published a memoir entitled: Vanished in Darkness. Tragically, her first husband and their young daughter died in the camp. This exhibit is a fulfillment of Eva’s promise to her mother that she would work for the remainder of her life to continue to keep the history of the Holocaust alive. Thank you to the Galt Museum in Lethbridge, The Sons of Abraham in Medicine Hat, The Southern Alberta Jewish Historical Society, and the Esplanade for sponsoring this exhibition. May God protect the Jewish people from this ever happening to them again! You can read more about this exhibition here.

Last night, April 26, 2008, my wife and I attended a Bill Bourne and Eivør Pálsdóttir concert organised by the Medicine Hat Folk Music Club. Bill and Eivør played to a sold out audience, and now I know the reason why. This was an absolutely fabulous concert! Eivør is a native of the Faroe Islands, and Bill was raised right here in Alberta around the Red Deer area. Eivør’s voice is one of the most beautiful I’ve ever heard—if this is what the music of heaven sounds like, then what a treasure is in store for us! Her songs gave me goose bumps all over my body, something that I haven’t experienced in quite a while. Bill too is a fine musician, I particularly like the gentle harmonizing and signature rhythms so exuberantly summoned from his guitar. Most of all though, I deeply appreciated Christian motifs in a few of the lyrics. Blessed are the music-makers, for the realm of God is in their midst. I highly recommend all readers of this blog to attend a Bill Bourne and Eivør Pálsdóttir concert if they ever come your way. In the meantime, please visit their websites: Bill Bourne here and Eivør Pálsdóttir here.