The Week of September 7

Greetings from Swedlanda!

Today was Rally Sunday and our fall season got off to quite a start! The day began with Swedlanda Family Sunday School under the able direction of Gail D. We kept adding tables to accommodate everyone who came, both young and old. Today we talked about the significance of our names and how God knows us intimately and calls us by name. We even took thumbprints and drew some self-portraits. It was a great time of sharing our stories and our faith with one another. The Family Sunday School is on the first Sunday of each month, so be sure to join us next time. We have also added a pre-school on the 2^nd & 4^th Sundays to accommodate some our youngest children of God. There is also a Jr.-Sr. High class on all Sundays except the first. Adult study will begin on the 28^th, as will our choir practice. There are lots of ways to get involved, so check it out!

The worship service now begins at 10:15 a.m. Today, we enjoyed a beautiful prelude by Emily L., then she and Neil N. offered a beautiful rendition of Children of the Heavenly Father for special music. Wish I had a picture of Neil with his violin to show you, but I didn’t have my camera in the pew.

Jill B. and Eileen R. planned a special part of the service today. The congregation participated in a laying-on of hands as part of a healing service for me. It was very moving to have so many members of our family of faith come forward to offer their touch and prayers. My surgery will be on Wednesday, but I hope to be back after a 2 week recovery period.

The Globe Amaranth is a plant once grown by Thomas Jefferson at his home, Monticello. I used it today to help tell the story of his relationship with John Adams—their estrangement and later reconciliation. This was a focus of the Gospel Lesson today. For the sermon, click on the link to the right.

After our worship service, we enjoyed a Hog Roast. The hog was provided by Kim & Keri A. and many others helped prepare, serve, and clean up. We are grateful for the wonderful turn-out. Everyone had a good time of sharing.

Be sure to join the congregation for the next two Sundays. Elizabeth Roebke, daughter of John and Linda will be here to lead worship on the 14^th and Rev. Linda Piper, Synod Minister of the Southwestern Minnesota Synod will be here on the 21^st. There will be a Coffee Fellowship on each of the two Sundays, Sept. 14 and 21 at 9:30 a.m. prior to the worship service.

I will try to keep everyone informed of my progress as I am able.

God be with you in the coming week.

Pastor Stewart

Announcements:

The Family Sunday School will be held at 9:10 a.m. on the first Sunday of each month for people of all ages. On the 2^nd and 4^th Sundays of the month, beginning September 14, there will be a Pre-school at 9:10 a.m. Sunday School for Jr. & Sr. High will be held in the belfry classroom on all but the first Sunday of each month.

Adult Study will be at 9:30 a.m. beginning September 28.

Choir Practice will be at 8:25 a.m. beginning on September 28. If you enjoy singing, come and join us. New members are always welcome.

Pastor Stewart will be having surgery for cancer of the prostate at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park; he should be staying there overnight. Orders for recovery include returning to work on a part time basis in two weeks. Your prayers on behalf of Pastor Stewart and Nancy are much appreciated. During Pastor Stewart’s recovery, pastors Ruth Edberg (848-2325) and Keith Pearson (848-2845) will be available for emergencies.

Minnesota Valley Conference Ambassadors In Mission (AIM)

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Swan Lake Lutheran, Klossner

5140 Fort Rd (5 mi. SE on Cty Rd 5) Pastor Garry Grunzke

Phone: 507-228-8906

Program: Pastor Jim Knutson, South Africa

Coffee: 9:30 a.m. Program 10:00 a.m.

Program and business meeting followed by noon meal

ALL ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND

The Swedlanda Treasurer’s Report indicates a balance of $3,026.87 in the general fund, with $15,000 borrowed from the Mission Investment Fund. The Building Maintenance Savings Account stands at $24,089.66. Thank you for your continued support of Swedlanda.

Luther League meets on Wednesday, Sept. 17 at 7:00 p.m. Come and join us!

A note of thanks for your help with the library project in India

Dear Friends at Swedlanda. Thank you for your on-going support of the school library program in the Arcot Lutheran Church. We now have 61 sponsors. Sept. 2-5, 34 new schools will send their library committees, including students to select books from our second big Book Fair. It is exciting for us to all participate together in this special education ministry.

The Week of August 31

Greetings from Swedlanda on Labor Day Weekend!

I hope you have had an enjoyable time with family or friends. We have had some wonderful weather in the Hector area recently.

Today at Swedlanda Emily L. offered some wonderful special music in addition to accompanying the congregation’s singing. Gail & Gary D. offered refreshments for the fellowship following worship. Our thanks to those who made special contributions today.

We remembered those who had surgery this past week: Theresa F. and Suzie R. Both are recuperating at home now. We also prayed for those in the past of Hurricane Gustav.

An important note about our schedule for next Sunday, which is Rally Day at Swedlanda:

On Sunday, September 7^th, the Swedlanda Family Sunday School will begin at 9:15 a.m. This is a once-a-month event for people of all ages. Gail D. has something special planned for us, as we share our faith stories together, so be sure to come. Worship will begin at 10:15 a.m. and will be followed by a Hog Roast.

I hope all can join us as we begin the new schedule.

We focused on the Gospel Lesson from Matthew 16:21-28 in which Jesus invites us to take up our cross and follow him. Have you ever noticed how many crosses we see at worship every Sunday? You are welcome to read the message for the day by following the link on the right.

God bless you this week and always.

Pastor Stewart

Announcements:

The Wednesday morning Bible Study begins at 8:00 a.m. Bring your Bible and join us. No preparation necessary as we study the text for the week in light of our discipleship.

The Swedlanda Council meets on Wednesday, September 3 at 7:00 p.m. Pastor Stewart is the host.

The Swedlanda Women of the ELCA will have a Unit Meeting on Thursday, September 4 at 9:30 a.m.

Minnesota Valley Conference Ambassadors In Mission (AIM)

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Swan Lake Lutheran, Klossner

5140 Fort Rd (5 mi. SE on Cty Rd 5) Pastor Garry Grunzke

Phone: 507-228-8906

Program: Pastor Jim Knutson, South Africa

Coffee: 9:30 a.m. Program 10:00 a.m.

Program and business meeting followed by noon meal

ALL ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND

Habitat For Humanity Local Chapter Update

The Hector & Buffalo Lake builds are complete and very nearly paid for and the next build will take place in Fairfax, where pre-applications are circulating and the community is getting involved. They have a golf tournament scheduled for September 20 at the beautiful Mayflower Country Club in Fairfax and are also planning to do another car raffle. Call Julie Nesburg at 507-426-8187, or write her at PO Box 526, Fairfax, MN 55332 to register for the tournament. Financial contributions are always welcome and if you would like to help with planning, come to the monthly meeting at Our Savior’s Luth. on the third Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m.

The Week of August 24

Week of August 24^th

Greetings from Swedlanda,

We must be drawing close to the end of summer—I went to the State Fair last Saturday with family members. The best part (outside of “everything on a stick”) was a trip to the Miracle of Birth barn and a visit with Squeaky, the largest boar at 1240 pounds.

Back home at Swedlanda, the weather has cooled a bit and is quite comfortable. I won’t be long before we begin our fall schedule. Rally Sunday is on September 7 and I anticipate our traditional hog roast following the 10:15 a.m. worship service. I want to assure you that Squeaky will not be on the menu.

Jill B. played for our worship service and also provided special music. After worship, we had a fellowship time with refreshments provided by Wendy & Brad W.

During the service, I taught the congregation a song that Nancy and I learned at the Global Mission Event this year, “Bambelela”. Once you learn that word, you know all the words to the song. It is a song from the Xhosa people of South Africa, many of whom live in our Companion Synod. Nelson Mandela and Bishop Desmond Tutu are Xhosa. The word “bamelela” is usually translated “never give up”, but a more literal translation is “hold on”. It seemed appropriate in light of our Gospel lesson. Our faith in Jesus Christ is the rock of our lives, which we hold on to in all circumstances. You are welcome to read the sermon through the link on the right side of the web page.

We have added to our prayer list some of our members having surgery this week, Suzie (Eileen) R. and Theresa F. Please remember them in your prayers. Also, a date has been set for my surgery, September 10. I expect to be at Methodist Hospital just overnight. A week later or so, I should get a report from the surgeon indicating whether or not any spread of cancer outside of the prostate was found during surgery. Nancy and I are very grateful for your continued prayers and support.

God bless you this week and always.

Pastor Stewart

Announcements:

The Wednesday morning Bible Study begins at 8:00 a.m. Bring your Bible and join us. No preparation necessary as we study the text for the week in light of our discipleship.

The Swedlanda Council meets on Wednesday, September 3 at 7:00 p.m. Pastor Stewart is the host.

The Swedlanda W-ELCA will have a Unit Meeting on Thursday, September 4 at 9:30 a.m.

Habitat For Humanity Local Chapter Update

The Hector & Buffalo Lake builds are complete and very nearly paid for and the next build will take place in Fairfax, where pre-applications are circulating and the community is getting involved. They have a golf tournament scheduled for September 20 at the beautiful Mayflower Country Club in Fairfax and are also planning to do another car raffle. Call Julie Nesburg at 507-426-8187, or write her at PO Box 526, Fairfax, MN 55332 to register for the tournament. Financial contributions are always welcome and if you would like to help with planning, come to the monthly meeting at Our Savior’s Luth. on the third Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m.

The Week of August 17

Greetings from Swedlanda!

We are having some beautiful weather. And although several families have been vacationing, there were still quite a few at worship today, including some visitors. How quickly the summer months are going by. It will soon be time for school to begin. Some of our college students are already returning to campus.

Many have expressed their concern and have offered their prayers for me and my family recently. Thank you very much. I am both humbled and grateful. I can report that Nancy and I had some positive news regarding my prognosis when we met with a doctor specializing in radiation therapy last Thursday. He said that the CT and bone scans gave no indication of any spread of cancer beyond the prostate. That means that I will likely have surgery and if tissue samples in the area surrounding the prostate and the lymph nodes show no sign of cancer, radiation will probably not be necessary. We will meet with the surgeon on Tuesday and hopefully he will confirm that and set up a time for surgery. We appreciate your continued prayers.

On this, the third Sunday of the month, we are encouraged to remember our Companion Synod in prayer. Therefore, we prayed for:

Our Companion Synod, the Southeastern Diocese of South Africa and Bishop Sibiya

Our Companion Conference, the Vryheid Circuit and Dean Khumalo.

O, Lord of Our Worldwide Church, among our congregations here in the Minnesota Valley Conference we are seeking to develop a closer relationship with our brothers and sisters in Christ in the Vryheid Circuit in South Africa. Bless these fellow Christians and guide us as we strive to grow closer and find important ways to serve each other in the years to come. (Prayer written by Rev. Bill Nelson, Trinity and St. Paul’s Lutheran, Gaylord)

Here are a few announcements. As usual, my sermon for the day is available through the link on the right.

In Christ,

Pastor Stewart

Announcements:

The Treasurer’s Report for August indicates a checking account balance of $1,191.46 in the general fund. The Building Maintenance Savings Account Balance is $21,892.79.

The Christian Education Committee will meet on Wednesday, August 20 at 7:00 p.m. Members are: Jill B., Chair; Gail D.; Brian L.; Kasey P.; Keith P.; Lynn P.; Sandy P.; and Amy Z.

All are invited to a meeting of our local chapter of Habitat For Humanity at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Fairfax on Tuesday, August 19 at 7:00 p.m.

Mentor Works Too-Kinship is conducting a Back to School Supply Drive for students in Renville County. Please place your donations in the box located under the mailboxes in the entryway by August 18^th. All items collected will be distributed to low income students in Renville County so they start school excited and ready to learn. If you would like to support the project with a financial donation please mail it to: MentorWorks Too-Kinship, P.O. Box 225, Renville, MN 56284 Memo: Back to School Supplies

The Week of August 10

Week of August 10

Greetings from Swedlanda!

No, the church did not blow away while the pastor was gone, although we did lose a tree and some branches during a wind storm. I have been away from Swedlanda for a while and was not here for services on the past three Sundays, so this will be the first blog posting since mid July.

My wife Nancy and I attended the ELCA Global Mission Event in LaCrosse, WI, which was held July 17-20. We had not been to one for several years and found it to be a wonderful experience. Each day there was great music with sing-a-longs and plenary sessions with speakers from all over the world. There was a Global Fest where you could see displays from many countries and nearly 100 workshops on many topics relating to mission. Needless to say, we were kept very busy. The Women of Hope, Mashiah Foundation from Nigeria displayed a huge quilt at least 20 feet square that they crafted in Nigeria and sent to the US. Several of the women, whose lives have been impacted by HIV/AIDS, were present to tell their story. I attended a special track on “Growing Disciples” and Nancy went to one on World Hunger. We saw Gordon and Betty Olson from Lutheran Partners in Global Ministry there; Swedlanda and the story of our support for the kitchen in India was featured at their presentation. Nancy and I also saw Steve and Bethany Friberg, who have a ministry in Tanzania. It was a great get-together of people interested in the mission of the church. There won’t be another full GME until 2010, but there will be briefer 1½ day events planned for 2009. If you have an opportunity to go, be sure to take advantage of it. While I was at the GME, Bernice C. gave the Sunday message and Neil C. led the liturgy

During the week following the GME, I had classes at Luther Seminary as part of my Doctor of Ministry in Congregational Mission and Leadership program. It was an intense but rewarding week of long days and homework at night. The eleven pastors who make up our cohort are from all over the country—Oregon, New York, North Carolina, Minnesota, Canada, Illinois, and South Dakota. This seminar was on the Mission of the Church. While I had my week of Continuing Education, a senior seminary student came to do the worship service at Swedlanda. It’s always good for our congregation, but perhaps even better for students to have an experience of worshipping with a rural congregation.

I was back during the following week, but left again for a six-day mission work trip to Lee Valley Ranch near Custer, SD. What a great place for spiritual renewal and community building! I am putting up a link to their website on the right-hand side of the Swedlanda Blog. While there, Jim R., Gary D. and I put up steel siding on Arnold’s Place, which is now known as Lars’s place. This is a big workshop and storage area for the camp. We also installed some double pane picture windows in the lodge. We left feeling a sense of accomplishment as well as being spiritually refreshed. Dick Borrud has us penciled in for the first week of August in 2009, so be sure to consider it in your planning. While we were worshipping at the Custer Lutheran Fellowship on Sunday, Wendy W. was giving a message and Swedlanda and Eileen R. was leading the liturgy. Wendy’s message is available through the sermon link on the right.

It was good to be back at Swedlanda for Sunday worship today, but it was also difficult. Many were already aware of my own health concerns, because my name has appeared on the Prayer List for the last two Sundays. Last Friday, I received a diagnosis of prostate cancer based on a biopsy taken two weeks ago. This week I will have a CAT scan and bone scan, then follow up appointments with a radiologist and surgeon to talk about treatment. God continues to be present with me and my family during this time and I have felt surrounded by the prayers of the Swedlanda congregation as well. Thank you. The Bible lessons for today seemed especially appropriate for the situation. My message is also available through the link on the right.

Have a blessed week.

Pastor Stewart

Announcements:

Mentor Works Too-Kinship is conducting a Back to School Supply Drive for students in Renville County. Please place your donations in the box located under the mailboxes in the entryway by August 18^th. All items collected will be distributed to low income students in Renville County so they start school excited and ready to learn. If you would like to support the project with a financial donation please mail it to: MentorWorks Too-Kinship, P.O. Box 225, Renville, MN 56284 Memo: Back to School Supplies.

The Treasurer’s Report for August indicates a checking account balance of $1,191.46 in the general fund. The Building Maintenance Savings Account Balance is $19,104.01.

The Week of July 13

Greetings from Swedlanda!

We have a beautiful day for our outdoor worship service today and many came despite the fact that it was a bit cool in the shade with the traditional Swedlanda breeze. Imagine wearing jackets on the 13^th of July! Emily provided accompaniment and special music today and managed to hold on to her music. Several of those at the service had been present for Corn Chaff festivities over the weekend, including an all-class reunion. After the services, we filled ourselves with the wonderful food provided for the potluck. There is always more than enough!

I recently found this photo of LaVaun D. on our Synod website. She was in charge of the Companion Synod table at the Synod Assembly and is pictured with Marie Nelson, Chair of the Companion Synod Committee. LaVaun has been in attendance at the Triennial Women of the ELCA Conference in Salt Lake City.

I will be away for a few Sundays, as is explained in the announcements below, but if I have an opportunity, I will manage a posting or two. The message for the day is available through the link on the right of the page.

God’s blessings during the remainder of July!

Pastor Stewart

Announcements:

Pastor Stewart and Nancy will be attending the Global Mission Event at the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse, July 17-20. At the ELCA Global Mission Event, Lutherans of all ages from all over the world celebrate God’s mission and explore how to encourage and strengthen one another for global ministry.

Pastor Stewart will be taking a week of Continuing Education July 21-27 and will be attending a seminar at Luther Seminary in St. Paul as a part of the Doctor of Ministry program.

Pastor Ruth Edberg of St. Paul’s Lutheran, Hector will be available July 17-27 in case a pastor is needed and Pastor Keith Pearson of First Lutheran, Hector will be available July 21-27.

Come and join us on a mission trip to Lee Valley Ranch, August 3-8! The ranch offers a beautiful & peaceful setting near Crazy Horse Monument outside of Custer, South Dakota. There is always something to do! Opportunities for fellowship, sightseeing, community work projects, wildlife (Custer State Park), adventure (Harney Peak), or just relaxing. Take a few days off for a counter-cultural Christian experience. Sign up today!

Please be sure to join us for worship in the coming weeks, as we have some special speakers/worship leaders. Bernice C. will have the message on July 20. On July 27, Robert Bekkerus, a senior student at Luther Seminary, will lead the worship service. Wendy W. will have the message on August 3^rd. Neil C. will also be assisting as a lector. Thank-you to those from our congregation who are willing to share their gifts.

All are welcome to attend the local chapter meeting of Habitat For Humanity at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Fairfax. The next build will be in the Fairfax area.

Green Lake Lutheran Ministries 24^th Annual Quilt Auction.

Friday, July 18, 5:30-8:30 PM Quilt Review, Crafts & Country Store Admission $3.00/Silent Auction/Homemade Lefse/BBQ Supper.

Saturday, July 19, 9:00-11:30 AM Quilt Review, Crafts & Country Store Admission $3.00/Silent Auction/11:30 AM-1:30 PM Hog Roast/12:30 PM Quilt Auction.

The Week of July 6

Greetings from Swedlanda!

We had a very nice post-July 4^th celebration at Swedlanda today. Sophie and Nate, grandchildren of Ralph and Corrine S. offered a patriotic medley as a piano duet. Sophie will be having a piano recital in Duluth later this month. Both are very gifted and we were glad to have them with us.

After worship, most were able to stay for a fellowship celebrating Dick L’s 75^th birthday. His family provided the refreshments.

The sermon for the day is available through the link on the right. It related to the theme of community, represented in this banner of the Trinity which was used at the Synod Assembly this year.

Here are a few announcements from the day’s bulletin.

The Annual Outdoor Worship Service at Swedlanda is scheduled for Sunday, July 13 at 9:00 a.m. Please bring your lawn chairs; we will meet out behind the church, weather permitting. There will be a potluck afterwards, so bring something to share.

The Hector Firemen will be hosting a Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, July 13, 8 a.m. – 12 noon as a part of Hector Corn Chaff Days. Enjoy a pancake breakfast before coming to church!

Summer Camp Time! Take advantage of the opportunity at local Bible camps such as Green Lake Lutheran Ministries or Lee Valley Ranch (our trip is scheduled August 3-8). Scholarships are available: the Men In Mission will provide ½ the cost and the Women of the ELCA will provide $100. Sign up today!

The Swedlanda Church Council has designated the quarterly interest of $392.13 from the Eddy Anderson and Oscar Kulberg Mission Investment Fund for Midwest Flood Relief.

Pastor Stewart and Nancy will be attending the Global Mission Event at the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse, July 17-20. At the ELCA Global Mission Event, Lutherans of all ages from all over the world celebrate God’s mission and explore how to encourage and strengthen one another for global ministry.

Pastor Stewart will be taking a week of Continuing Education July 21-27 and will be attending a seminar at Luther Seminary in St. Paul as a part of the Doctor of Ministry program.

Green Lake Lutheran Ministries 24^th Annual Quilt Auction.

Friday, July 18, 5:30-8:30 PM Quilt Review, Crafts & Country Store Admission $3.00/Silent Auction/Homemade Lefse/BBQ Supper.

Saturday, July 19, 9:00-11:30 AM Quilt Review, Crafts & Country Store Admission $3.00/Silent Auction/11:30 AM-1:30 PM Hog Roast/12:30 PM Quilt Auction.

At the July meeting of the Church Council, the Swedlanda Treasurer’s Report indicated a general fund account balance of $3,663.79. We have currently borrowed $10,000 from the Mission Investment Funds of the church. Please remember your church during the summer months. Thank you for your stewardship.