It’s that time of the year…..

Time to update the blog!  Actually, we’re way over due to update the blog.  But here are some pictures that tell a bit about what happened in our last 6 weeks in Sweden before we left on 1 June for 7 months in the USA…

 

So...if we're including this photo, we're going back more than just 6 weeks....this is who represented Serve Globally, the mission priority of the Evangelical Covenant Church, at the Refugee Highway Partnership (RHP) European Roundtable in 2022.

 

Actually, this one goes back even further....Advent 2021 with pastor Albin and 2 of our interns at the Christmas party ~ Julfest ~ in our city.  Who's looking like an elk???

Even as we released and blessed one pastor on his continuing journey of service in another corner and region of Sweden, our local congregation embraced Albin in his continuing and expanding role as lead pastor at Wesleykyrkan ~

Because every missionary needs to have a picture that shows them in some kind of Sunday School drama, right??

When the annual meeting is still happening online...and your host for the team that gathered to represent our local congregation is from the Middle East....tea and fig cookies for fika ~ yummy!

When your Swedish princess cake world meets your celebration of Eid (the festival at the end of Ramadan, the month long fast)...

This is the advertisement at the local grocery store on our walk to church...my, how things have changed in the 5 years we've been in Sweden!

So, the ad reads "set the table for the party.  Celebrate with good food.  Now it's time to set the table for Eid al-Fitr" (the big celebration that happens as Ramadan finishes).  So you can buy your halloumi cheese, Lebanese pita bread, eggplants and dates on sale in time for your party!

That all important day when the regional boss came across from Denmark not to install but to consecrate and set apart our lead pastor Albin and his associate/mentor, Steve, for service and leadership in this next season

Just another party....cuz we're at our best when we gather for worship and prayer but also as we gather and break bread around the table!

Cuz every meal needs to be finished off with apple cake with vanilla sauce, raspberry cheesecake, a bowl of strawberries and coffee, right?

The preaching dialogue ~ fun for everyone involved!

After consecration Sunday, it was inspiration Saturday! The church that hangs together and gets inspired together, stays together!!!

And the lunch table was inspired by the world....dishes from England, Sweden, several Middle Eastern countries....hummus made by an American...we celebrate God's rich creation and the diversity of our congregation and city!

Worship, oh sweet worship.  Coming together before our God ~

Baptizing and preparing the next generation of believers in our midst!

And ministry keeps going on...and on...and on!