Árdís - 01.01.1958, Page 8

6
ÁRDIS
The Master's Vineyard
Delivered by S. O. BJERRING ai a Dedicaiion Service ai
Sunrise Luiheran Camp, July 6, 1958
At this particular spot in the spacious outdoors and at this
time the portion of scriptures just read appropriately suggested it-
self as a basis for my brief remarks.
The figure of the vineyard applies of course to the widest field
of work and service in the cause of furthering and promoting the
kingdom of God in the minds and hearts of old and young.
The institution located on these grounds, dedicated as it is to
serving youth can most assuredly be considered as a little corner
of God’s vineyard where laborers of different qualifications and
ability can find scope and a calling for their talents.
We notice in the parable that some of the workers started early
on the job, perhaps even before breakfast for there are some people
so constituted that they must get moving with the first light of day.
This recalls to my memory some matters relating to the camp
that have been little known or lost sight of. It was in the early
hours of this particular vineyard when the project was only an
idea, without even a blue print, when the women of the Lutheran
Women’s League were promoting their dream — for a dream it
appeared to be at that date of ‘LVi decades ago — were presenting
this vissionary plan to the Synodical convention of the Icelandic
Lutheran Synod. They presented it not only at one convention but
at successive yearly conventions, striving to enlist the active
support of that body in the venture. Finally they obtained what
might be termed a half-hearted blessing to go ahead on their own
if they wished to do so! I say this not to cast reflection on the
synod which had its own problems at the time but to show that
the women were a few jumps ahead of them.
The Lutheran Women’s League, nothing daunted, accepted the
challenge and went ahead to prove the value and courage of their
convictions. They started out on a modest scale by renting camp