From the Pastor's pen

Up a Tree?
And when I am lifted from the earth, I shall draw all men to Myself (John. 12:32).

"He said this: "John tells us, "so that we would know what death He was to die" (Jn. 12:33). Lifted up from the cross, "I will draw all people to Myself." The word "men" in this context means everybody - every man, woman and child. We speak of the Cross having cosmic importance.
   What Jesus is saying here is, "When I'm lifted up, through this Event, everything in the world will be different. A new opportunity to live a special kind of life will be made available to everyone." Because Jesus made the sacrifice, gave His life on the cross, history is different, the world is different.
   An eighty-five year-old man was sitting on a park bench crying. A passerby who noticed the tears running down the man's cheeks stopped to see if he could be of any help. "I don't mean to intrude," he said, "but is there anything I can do to relieve your distress. Is anything wrong at home?"
   The eighty-five year-old man replied, between sobs, "No, everything is fine there. I have a big beautiful house, I have two new cars and a swimming pool, and a thirty-
five year old wife who is a superb cook, treats me like a king, and loves me madly." "Then why in heaven's name are you crying?" asked the passerby. To which the old man replied, "I can't remember where I live." The tragedy of our time is that we've lost our way; we can't seem to remember where our true home is.
   The resurrection Power has accomplished that feat of lostness, and a map to follow back home. In Jesus Christ, God became one of us to tell us that he loves us - infinitely loves us! We are loved by a gracious God who will never abandon us in some back alley. That is the heart of the matter, and until we experience this reality at the deepest level of our being, there is no way of finding our way back home.
   I think the key is understanding God's great loving nature and how much He loves us, so much that He sent His only begotten son to die for us and raised him from the dead. When we understand that, then our service to Him will be with joy. The power of the Cross and the spirit of the resurrection is here with us to free us from our fears, to speak his peace into our hearts, to forgive our sins, to turn our sorrow into gladness, to bless us, and lead us home. As we enjoy the freshness of spring, God's love is renewed in us each day.
   His peace be with us always!

Your friend and pastor
Samuel King-Kabu
pastor@st-ansgars-montreal.ca

Henning Ross-Jensen
(1924-2003)
   Henning grew up in Nørresundby, the third child of a customs officer. As a youth, Henning was active in the Boy Scouts. He met Eli at that time. She was active in the Girl Scouts. Henning's formal education was cut short by World War II. Not long after the Germans occupied Denmark, Henning became involved with the Danish Underground.
   Henning's role in the Underground was very active and often dangerous. Relationships and experiences during that time of his life were formative and long-lasting.
   In 1947, Henning married Eli and they changed their names to Ross-Jensen. In 1949 they emigrated to Montreal and lost no time in getting involved with St. Ansgar's Church. Work, family and church kept them busy. They raised two children, John and Hanne, and later enjoyed their grandchildren and geat-grandchildren. Their home in Dorval became a gathering point for immigrants, family and clergy.
   1997 was the year of Henning and Eli's 50th wedding anniversary. It was also the year of Eli's cancer surgery. Two years later, Henning was left a widower, with a terrible emptiness that nothing could fill.
   Goodbye, friend, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Thanks for all that you did, all that you gave, and all that you were.
   Tak for alt.

A Tribute to Henning
   How can a person do justice to a person such as Henning? We all remember Henning as a friendly, jovial person. He always had a kind word, a gentle farewell, a nice smile. Even during his last days in the hospital.
   Henning worked in the insurance business. He was an honest man, never selling someone what was not needed, or more than was needed. Yet, he sold some of the biggest contracts ever sold by his company in Québec. His clients came from all walks of life, and Henning could deal with them all. He merely saw them as people needing care. He handled them as discreetly as a doctor or minister, and people appreciated that.
   Henning had ideals, and he strove hard to achieve those ideals. This was particularly evident in his work with his church here in Montreal, in Kitchener at the Synod level, and in Winnipeg at the National level. He nudged, prodded and pushed to get the church to stay on track, to stay focused and committed to its mission. This one man, with the help of his wife, could raise the sights of the congregation. And he did it with a sense of integrity, style and class. There was a quality about him that one had to respect. He was a good example for us to follow.
   Thank you Henning, for all you have done for us.
E.H.
(The above is excerpted from the funeral bulletin and from the eulogy. For the complete text, please refer to the web side: www.st-
ansgars-montreal.ca)

Web Page prepared by:
Roger Kenner & Jette Blair.
Content-New Topics Last Updated: 2003/11/24
St. Ansgar's Lutheran Church - Montreal