The Week of October 28, 2007

Greetings to Swedlanda family and friends,

Today at worship, we had some visitors who were here to celebrate special occasions. In addition to birthdays, we recognized recent and impending anniversaries: Doug & Darlene S. – 50^th; Calvin & Mary A. – 19^th; Erling & LaVaun D. – 50^th. What a blessing to have these couples as a part of our faith community!

Hannah C. was with us to play on the piano for her grandparents’ anniversary; she is very accomplished. Megan S. also played the flute, accompanying the Swedlanda Choir—very beautiful piece. God has graced us with many musically talented people.

Two folks were added to our prayer list: Helen P., mother of Ruth A., who had a fall and resulting broken pelvis; she is recovering and doing well. We also added Rev. Joyce P., who is the Synod minister for our Conference; she has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

The sermon for the day is What Does This Mean?—a title chosen to reflect the fact that this is Reformation Sunday. You should be able to access it if you chose to with the link on the sidebar.

I distributed an article encouraging daily prayer to the mailboxes of our members. We have been given permission to use it in our congregation, so I am copying it in a box on the sidebar. Just scroll down until you find it. It is copyrighted material, so please don’t redistribute it without permission. I encourage you to use it for fourteen days, as suggested by the author.

I have added a few announcements below. May you have a grace-filled week.

In Christ,

Pastor Stewart

Announcements:

A message from the Habitat For Humanity site co-supervisor, Ann: Well, I hope you have all missed my weekly updates!!! My computer was "down" for four weeks so I am glad to be up and running again. Eric Fennern finished the mudding, taping and spraying two weeks age, we completed the painting, installed the kitchen cabinets, and are now in the process of hanging doors and trim. We can REALLY use some extra hands as we finish up with the detail work. With our steady crew of retired farmers still out in the fields, we need some new volunteers. None of it is heavy, hard work so easily handled by women too. We are trying to get everything completed before Thanksgiving so PLEASE consider making time to join us for a day, or even half a day. We start about 8 AM. If anyone can come in the evening, give me a call at 320-523-1008 and I will be there. We should have ceiling lights installed this week so won't have to work in the dark!!! Blessings on all. Ann

The Swedlanda Women of the ELCA will have a Unit Meeting on Thursday, November 1 at 1:30 p.m.

The Wednesday morning Bible Study begins at 8:00 a.m. each week. Please bring your Bible and join us. No advance preparation.

Swedlanda has pledged $300 per year for 5 years to build a library for Melpattambakkam Girls School in India through Lutheran Partners in Global Ministry. A jar has been placed on the narthex table for your donations. Thank you for your help with this important mission.

It’s time to begin practice on the 2007 Christmas cantata, Mary, Did you Know? by David Guthrie & Bruce Greer. Rehearsals are planned for 5:30 pm on Tuesdays & Wednesdays October 30, 31, Nov. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, & 28, (if needed). Rehearsal location: Olivia’s Faith United Methodist Church, 202 South 9^th St. Concert Date: Thursday, November 29, - 7:00 pm (After the Electric Light Parade) at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Olivia. See Deb R. for information

Pastor Stewart will be attending a Congregational Mission & Leadership meeting on Thursday evening at our Seminary in St. Paul. The meeting will be followed by a two-day Consultation on the Missional Church, Friday and Saturday. These events focus on the mission of our local congregation and the church at large and are closely connected with the Doctor of Ministry program.

The Swedlanda Luther League is planning a bonfire for Sunday, November 4 at 7:00 p.m.

The Luther League is also planning a service trip to “Kids Against Hunger” at Cactus Jack’s, Stewart on Wednesday, Nov. 7, 4-6 p.m. to help bag food. All are invited to join them!

The 2007 Advent Event Silent Auction will be held on Sunday, November 25, so now is the time to begin thinking of what you could contribute. Crafts, gifts, baked goods and services are welcome. Donations can be brought to the church beginning Nov. 18.

Habitat For Humanity Raffle tickets are now available!! This year, the Grand Prize is a candy apple red 2008 Ford Mustang convertible. Other prizes include a 15” Lap Top Computer, $500 cash, Apple I Pod 80 GB Video, and 27” Digital Color TV. Tickets are $50 and may be purchased from HFH Board members, Joyce Nyhus or Pastor Stewart. The drawing will be held on February 3, 2008.

Minnesota Valley Conference Ambassadors In Mission (AIM)

Saturday, November 3, 2007

Christ Lutheran Church, 1820 Knight Ave N., Glencoe

Program: Efi Tembon, Wycliffe Missionary- Cameroon

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