Summer and fall of 2009 were filled with anxiety for the Johnston family. Son Ian (in Halifax) was “invaded” by a parasite and it took months for physicians to find the culprit. Ian almost died. He and his wife have two daughters, Samantha, 12, and Stephanie, 10. Grandma in Alberta invited the girls to fly out to be with them during this difficult time. It would be their first flight alone. I sent them each an e-mail to tell them how proud I was of them. Samantha replied, “No problem, Omi, all went well. But I pray for Dad every day just as I did for grandfather [my husband, John] last year.” Stephanie e-mailed: “Omi, all went well; we are having a great time here. Guess what we had for dinner tonight? Everything we ate grew in grandma and grandpa’s garden!”
Prayer and potatoes — do we not need both in our lives? Indeed I would say, Manna Days at Crieff Hill’s Community give us exactly that! If you have forgotten what manna was and is all about, do read Psalm 78 for an account of God’s challenge and care for God’s people — and the opening of the heavens in “raining down manna” upon them — and, sadly, to their continuing discontent.
On a typical Manna Day at Crieff we arrive late morning, warmly welcomed with healthy snacks and the first presentation by the speaker of the day. We then walk to the dining hall for an excellent home cooked lunch — round tables enable easy communication with those we might not know. Some then go for a walk in the lovely surroundings of the community to return to the hall for the second and last instalment of the speaker.
The last Manna Day I attended took place in May. Dr. Clyde Ervine of Central, Hamilton, Ont., spoke on “Boring through Presbyterianism.” He used the “borer” well and helped many of us understand both the history and theology of our denomination — without boring us! He spoke about: Confession — both personal and corporate as being “the bones in our body.” The Church — sharing Calvin’s bon mot, “There is no perfection this side of heaven!” (A perfection we often seek if not demand from minister and congregation alike.) And, preaching and the total interdependence of preacher and listener.
Themes of other Manna Days I have appreciated have been Peace Building Works by John Siebert from Project Ploughshares in October 2008. Making Sense of the Trinity by Dr. John Vissers in May 2009. Hopeful Thinking For Harsh Times by Dr. Marilyn Craven in October 2009. Take This Moment: Winning Strength Out Of Weakness by Dr. Herb Gale in February 2010.
If you have not attended a Manna Day, please come to one — it is truly a feast for both body and soul. Indeed, it consists of prayer and potatoes!
The most recent Manna Day was Oct. 14th, when Rev. Dr. Charles Fensham of Knox College, Toronto, spoke on Living in the Call of God: Exploring Reformed Spirituality for Today. Please go to crieffhills.com for more information.
