Address from Gerhard Knutson at Bremnes Church

Thorsheim Reunion 2012  Bremnes

From Gerhard Knutson

klokker

O Lord, our Maker, Redeemer and Comforter, we are assembled in Thy presence to hear Thy holy word. We pray thee so to open our hearts by Thy Holy Spirit, that through the preaching of Thy word we may be taught to repent of our sins, to believe on Jesus in life and in death, and to grow day by day in grace and holiness. Hear us for Christ’s sake. Amen

Now the Lord said to Abram, Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s  house to the land  that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation and I will bless you…so that you will be a blessing. Gen 12:1-2   By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called  to go out to a place which he was to receive as an inheritance…..Heb 11;8

It is good to be together in this place. We remember Ivar and Anna Thorsheim with thanks and affection who left their home in Seim to begin a new life and family here on Gilje!!  Their heart, mind and spirit has blessed this family of over 250 so far!!? They raised 10 children, 3 of whom died young. All were baptized here in this church that Ivar helped build and under a chandelier given by Ivar and Anna. Their faith and imagination have produced children with good minds and hearts to become teachers, economists, pastors, physicians, nurses, educators, sailors administrators, business people, farmers, fishers  etc They have given us a great legacy!

Some exchanged “Ya, vi elsker dette landet” for “land of the  free and the home of the brave” and now includes folks of many nations and colors to enrich our families and heritage. Yet the Thorsheim DNA and genes are in our blood and bones, rooted in the rocky land now sprouts and grows to new life and vitality in many places in this world.  The Thorsheims have fine minds but also big hearts of care and compassion. Today we remember and give Thanks! We know the roots from which we come and that gives solidarity and grounding.

We also live in the present and our lives, callings, work and mission is very much engaged in this world and its many issues in need of love, serving, growing and healing. We are thankful for our lives and homes and work and callings! By faith we are willing to leave the comfortable land and homes to journey to new lands of work service and mission!!

Ivar and Anna did not know what the future held for them and their family, but they were people of faith and action and hope.  Ivar was mayor, teacher, active in mission work. He was well educated and well read. He was proud of his children and grieved the three who died young and grateful for the 7 who went on to marry and serve. They would be amazed at this assemblage. We live in the promise of God for the future much of which is unknown and untrodden but in the knowledge that God goes with us and will bless and forgive as he has promised in the past so God will bless the future.

Abraham and Sarah

Lord God, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go, but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us; through Jesus Christ. Amen