Wednesday, February 28, 2007

For those who don't know us...

The praise band of the Holy Trinity Presbyterian Church was formed about a year ago by a group of young people, the members of the church. We, the youth of the Holy Trinity, had a goal to ‘sing to the Lord a new song’. We knew, because of our church’s deep history in classical music, its members would need time to get used to a more contemporary, energetic style with guitars as well as require a high-level of quality and musicianship. This praise music differed from our very traditional hymnal worship. But the church administration including our Pastor promised they were ready to support us in every possible way. We prayed, developed a repertoire of songs we wanted to introduce to the church, and one day we played. We were worried that our elderly and conservative-minded members wouldn’t approve the radical changes in worship, so together with the elders we decided to keep the first church service the way it was, only playing the new music during second services. This way every member of the Holy Trinity was able to stay with their preferred style of worship.



Now there are more young people coming to our church and we have received compliments and encouragement from most of those coming to the second service. Our musical skills and experience have grown, as well as the size of our group. There are currently 10 of us: Jamie (leader/piano), Tim (guitar), Lena (guitar), Kolya (bass-guitar), Adam (bassoon), Ira, Katya, Yulia, Dasha (vocalists) and Vlad (sound). Jamie is the only professional musician, but we all try to do our best in order to be worthy of leading the church in worship. We are thankful for the talents the Lord has given us and feel so honored being able to gratefully use them for Him. With every rehearsal we improve our ability to glorify the Giver of all blessings.

Glory be given to God Almighty!


Monday, February 26, 2007

Read it out loud :)

I thought a thought.
But the thought I thought wasn't the thought
I thought I thought.
what I REALLY thought was...
'How much wood would a woodchuck chuck
if a woodchuck could chuck wood?
He would chuck, he would, as much as he could,
and chuck as much wood as a woodchuck would
if a woodchuck could chuck wood.'
yeah, I think weird things thomethimes :)

Friday, February 23, 2007

I meant to post this long time ago, but here goes...

CONGRATULATIONS to Dasha and Vlad on their engagement (to be married in May)!!!
May God bless you with patience :))) and everything great that marriage brings with itself.

(This post was mostly meant for Amy, who knows and appreciates our Vlad)

Dasha is the teen-youth-leader in our church and Vlad is a 'sound guy' for praise group.
May the Lord continue using them and their marriage for His Holy name.

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

She is my friend. She is the one I cry and laugh with. She understands, supports and encourages me. She has ALWAYS been there for me, from the first moment of my life. She is simply the best and I'm proud to be able to say that. I thank God for her, for this most generous gift of His, that I received even before was born.
There is no one like you, Mamma, I love you!!!

Sunday, February 18, 2007

'Edipresse launches “alternative” TV guide in Ukraine' as the Lord launches ME into the dream of my life

Please welcome the future editor in...

Edipresse TV guide

My part will be the highlighted one...

'TV Ekran will contain three main sections: stars and celebrities; TV programming; and advisory and service-oriented stories aimed at an entire family audience.'

Writing has been my dream for a LONG time. This is a gift from above. I don't have a work experience in editing (or any writing) field, I don't have my full degree yet, I'm not even sure I have the right grip for writing... but God knows better than me, He just gave me this opportunity, generously and kindly.

If you type 'edipresse' in Google, you'll find it's a Swiss Mass Media organization with its branches all over Europe. Lord willing, I'll become a writer in its Ukrainian branch and stay in it for a while.

Those who have known me for a while know how exciting this is for me, I can't stop smiling, I become rather goofy when I'm this hyper! Yahoooo! Pray for me please as I start an absolutely new career and totally rely on almighty Lord in it.

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Love is in the Air...



Wondered how to say 'I love you' in a very special way?
Do it in Ukrainian! or any other language ;)

Sunday, February 11, 2007

Having fun is fun ;-P

My advice to beginning bowlers:
The concentrated look does it all. Look like you know what you're doing.

How in the world are you supposed to throw the ball with fragile nails like that?

Somehow Katya finished two games without braking a single nail.
Gotta love the shoes! So stylish!

Normal people put these things on their feet...

Friday, February 9, 2007

They still believe in miracles!


It made my day yesterday. I happened to be walking home with two 8-year-olds from my class, snow softly falling on our shoulders. Diana said to me 'You look like Snegurochka with beautiful snowflakes on your hair!' (Snegurochka is a fairytale character, Santa's granddaughter and helper). I gave her a cheeky look and whispered 'I am her.' Boy, was I surprised when she believed me! I guess I could say I was Santa's niece, right, uncle Doug?

So I asked whether they believed in Santa when they both replied 'Of course!' as if it was obvious. So I told them stories about Santa and how they shouldn't try to see him, cheating and pretending to be asleep.

Wish adults were more like children to notice God's everyday miracles in their lives.

Sunday, February 4, 2007

Interesting Year 1981

1. Prince Charles got married
2. Liverpool crowned soccer Champions of Europe
3. Australia lost the Ashes tournament.
4. Pope Died

Interesting Year 2005
1. Prince Charles got married
2. Liverpool crowned soccer Champions of Europe
3. Australia lost the Ashes tournament
4. Pope Died

Lesson Learned
The next time Charles gets married...someone warn the Pope

Saturday, February 3, 2007

My Talented, Talented Husband





Jamie is our church praise band leader. He is doing it so well, with such enthusiasm, musical creativity, patience, dedication and servant's heart.
We all appreciate your work, Honey, you're the BEST!


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