Little festivities are always in order from time to time. Such a celebration was organized by Rev. Jukka Joensuu’s family at Emmaus, Burnaby. The church was filled with friends for the celebration.
Last June marked 50 years since Pastor Jukka was ordained in Finland. He turned 75 last July and has been retired almost 10 years. He was a pastor-developer of Emmaus (Suomi) in 1979 and continued to serve that congregation until his retirement.
Pastor Jukka particularly wanted to invite former confirmation students and everyone who had attended the church’s summer camps to the celebration. At the end of the service, they were asked to gather for a group photo. A camp cheer was shouted for the photo—it may not be heard in the picture, but it shows!
The liturgy was conducted by Rev. Timo Saarinen of Emmaus. Pastor Jukka delivered the sermon, which was translated into English by his daughter Eleonora. Sofia, his other daughter, welcomed the congregation, and Anneli, his wife, organized the catering.
Pastor Jukka began his sermon by borrowing the welcome message from the Thomas Community in Finland. It goes like this: “Welcome visitors and old friends. Welcome regardless of belief, ethnic background, sexual orientation, gender, socio-economic status, marital status, age, abilities or life situation. Welcome believers and doubters, as well as doubting believers.”
“We experienced joy at the celebration! Thank you for life! Soli Deo Gloria!”
—Rev. Jukka Joensuu
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