Just three months after his ordination and installation as pastor at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Warman, Reverend Peter Knelson is preparing a message for a wider audience.
Knelson will be one of the featured speakers at the annual Remembrance Day service scheduled for the Legends Centre in Warman on Wednesday, November 11. This year, because of COVID-19 health restrictions, the service will be live-streamed on the internet, with attendance at the ceremony limited to the colour party.
Former St. John’s Lutheran Pastor Reverend Randy Heide provided the message at Remembrance Day services for many years. Heide now works with the Lutheran Association of Missionaries and Pilots (LAMP) serving remote communities in the north.
Knelson said Remembrance Day ceremonies are especially important to observe during difficult times.
“The sacrifice of veterans and those who served in the cause of freedom is something that should never be taken for granted or forgotten,” said Knelson in an interview October 28. “We need to honour those who gave so much so that we can live peaceful lives.”
Knelson said remembering history is a theme that stretches back centuries.
“In the Old Testament, God said to the Israelites, remember my covenant and commandments,” said Knelson. “Remembering history is key to understanding society, and to helping build a better, peaceful world.”
Knelson said in his Remembrance Day message, he’ll rely on Psalm 46, which states God is a refuge and source of comfort and strength during times of trouble.
“In the midst of a global pandemic, and with many ongoing wars and conflicts, faith in God and hope for the future is a message we need to hear,” he said.
Knelson grew up in Saskathcewan and said he’s happy to be back in his home province.
Hesaid he’s “honoured” to serve the church in Warman, adding the congregation and community have been very welcoming. He noted it’s a big step from being a student at Concordia Lutheran Seminary in Edmonton to aking on the responsibilities of a full-time pastoral charge.
“I know I have big shoes to fill,” he said. “And it is challenging in many ways, particularly during this pandemic. But it’s also true that nobody’s experienced what we’re going through, so we’re all learning as we go.
“My wife and I feel very blessed to have the support of the church community,” he said.