The Week of November 25

Dear Swedlanda Friends and Family,

We had quite a day at church today with numerous guests! I would like to think it was my preaching, but it was more likely due to the fact that we had our Advent Event today. After worship, we had a live auction. Neil C. filled in as the caller because Tom G. was sick. People were very generous with their bids. Afterwards, we enjoyed a brunch prepared by the Evangelism Committee. A silent auction continued until 1:00 p.m., when the bell rang and bidders collected their trophies. Proceeds from the auction went to the general fund (I’m sure the amount will be reported later). Proceeds from the meal went to the Library Project (India) we are supporting through Lutheran Partners in Global Ministry. We also had a craft project for young folks and then several people helped decorate our sanctuary for Advent and Christmas.

We sang “Happy Birthday” to Darlene S. and her twin, Darwin, and to Keri A. Ray & Eldonna C. are also celebrating their 18^th wedding anniversary on Monday. I performed that wedding, an indication of just how long I’ve been around.

I was hoping to get to “Pitch In” today at First Lutheran, Hector. It was a fund-raiser for Kids Against Hunger, featuring area youth musicians, including our own Megan S. and Dawn J. Unfortunately, activities at church prevented my attendance.

This coming Thursday, several members from Swedlanda will take part in a Christmas Cantata being performed at St. Aloysius RC church in Olivia. Deb R. is the choir director, Cyndi W. the accompanist, Emily L. is a soloist, several are in the choir, and I am narrating. It is also a fundraiser through the Kiwanis club. I’m looking forward to it.

This coming weekend, my family and I are also planning to attend Christmas In Christ Chapel, an annual program performance at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, where my son Chris is a sophomore.

It’s a time of the year when there are many opportunities to be together with loved ones and reflect on what God has done for us. I hope you will be able to take advantage of some of these yourself.

I’ve added a few pictures from today as well as some announcements.

God’s blessings,

Pastor Stewart

Announcements:

The Swedlanda Church Council will meet on Tuesday, December 4 at 7:00 p.m. Todd Peterson is the host.

The Women of the ELCA will have a Unit Meeting on Thursday, December 6 at 12:00 p.m. There will be a potluck, with a program by Judy Johnson.

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.

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.

The Buffalo Lake HFH House will be dedicated on Sunday, December 2 at 2:00 p.m. All are invited to attend.

The treasurer's books will close on Friday, November 30th. If you are planning to make a contribution that you wish to have included in this year's report, please make it prior to that date. Thank you.

Happy Thanksgiving - November 22

Happy Thanksgiving,

I hope you are able to be with some of your loved ones on this day of gratitude.

On Thanksgiving Eve, we were anticipating the return of the Lawburgh family, but due to illness, they were not able to come. As a result, Emily L. volunteered to share some of her experiences from her trip to Israel and Turkey with a group led by Ray Vander Laan. She did a wonderful job and we had a great evening together and enjoyed some hymn-singing also. Afterward, we went downstairs to enjoy pies made by members of the congregation. There were some able-bodied young people available, so the Christmas tree was erected also.

Today we took the opportunity to worship and give some thought to the topic of gratitude. It was nice to see some folks back in the community for a visit. If you are interested in the sermon, just use the link on the right-hand side.

There are no new announcements, but a reminder that this coming Sunday is the day of the Advent Event, which will be held after worship. There will be a craft for young people, tree decorating, an auction, and, of course, food. Join us if you can.

God’s blessings to you and your family,

Pastor Stewart

Week of November 18

Greetings from Swedlanda,

Today there was a hint of winter in the area. A shower turned into a light snowfall during church services. It all melted right away, but it was a reminder of things to come.

This will be a busy week, with a Thanksgiving Eve program at 7:00 p.m. and worship on Thanksgiving Day at 9:30 a.m. We are hoping to have the Lawburgh family from Hendricks back with us for Thanksgiving Eve.

Preparations are already under way for the Advent Event to be held next Sunday. People are already beginning to bring contributions for the silent auction.

We added a few names to our prayer list. Steve B. had a surgery on his shoulder and is recovering at home. Some friends from other area congregations passed away, including Bud Zempel of Hector and Ramona Hillman of Buffalo Lake. May God bless their loved ones with His presence and promises.

Nancy and I (and Christopher) were rather busy today with the Kiwanis breakfast, which will provide support for the Hector library, which will need to buy replacement computers soon. It’s always good to see so many from the community come out in support of such things.

You will find a few announcements and a calendar below. May God provide you with a sense of gratitude this week.

God bless,

Pastor Stewart

Announcements:

The 2007 Advent Event Silent Auction will be held on Sunday, November 25, so now is the time to bring in your contribution. Crafts, gifts, baked goods and services are welcome. Tom Gruendemann will also conduct a live auction during part of the event. In addition to the silent auction, we will be decorating the church and hope to have a craft project for the children. . Auction proceeds benefit Swedlanda’s General Fund. Please contact Deb Rath or Wendy Wulkan if you have any questions.

Pastor Stewart will be attending the Region 3 Global Mission Event as a representative of our Synod on Monday and Tuesday of this week.

The treasurer's books will close on Friday, November 30th. If you are planning to make a contribution that you wish to have included in this year's report, please make it prior to that date. Thank you.

The 2007 Christmas cantata, Mary, Did you Know? will be performed Thursday, Nov. 29 at 7:00 pm at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Olivia. Several Swedlanda members will be participating

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.

The Buffalo Lake HFH House will be dedicated on Sunday, December 2 at 2:00 p.m.

The Week of November 11

Dear Swedlanda friends and family,

This Sunday we had Swedlanda family Sunday School in the fellowship hall before worship. As usual, Gail D., our resident teacher, did a marvelous job of making everyone feel welcome. After coffee cake, coffee, and juice, we reflected on the seasons of the church year, from Advent through the season following Pentecost. This gave us older folks an opportunity to do some coloring, cutting, and pasting as well. We found Bible verses appropriate to the seasons and sang as well.

Upstairs, in addition to the customary liturgy, lessons, and communion, there was also an opportunity to surround our confirmation students in prayer as they received new Bibles. Jordan A., Zach P., and Brady Z. all received copies of The Message, by Eugene Peterson. They came forward with parents for a laying on of hands and prayer.

Zach’s folks, Todd & Lynn are celebrating an anniversary this coming Wednesday. We remembered them and also those who have been on our prayer list. We added the family of Chad Kramer to our list. Chad was killed in a truck accident near Windom and his funeral is being held at the Redwood Falls Presbyterian Church on Monday. He is a great nephew to Doug and Carol T.

Here are a few announcements for the week. Some events are coming up in connection with Thanksgiving, including a Thanksgiving Eve program and an Advent Event with a silent auction. Have a blessed week.

Pastor Stewart

Notices:

All are invited to the Habitat For Humanity meeting on Tues, Nov. 13 at 7:00 p.m. at the Lion’s Den in Buffalo Lake.

The 2007 Christmas cantata, Mary, Did you Know? Will be performed Thursday, Nov. 29 at 7:00 pm at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Olivia. Several Swedlanda members will be participating

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.

The 2007 Advent Event Silent Auction will be held on Sunday, November 25, so now is the time to work on your contribution. Crafts, gifts, baked goods and services are welcome. Donations can be brought to the church beginning Nov. 18.

The treasurer's books will close on Friday, November 30th. If you are planning to make a contribution that you wish to have included in this year's report, please make it prior to that date. Thank you.

This year, for Thanksgiving Eve, the Lawburgh family from Hendricks will make a return performance. We look forward to sharing this time of reflection on our blessings. The program begins at 7:00 p.m. and will be followed by fellowship, pie, and coffee. ALL FAMILIES ARE ENCOURAGED TO BRING PIES. The Swedlanda Men In Mission are hosts for the evening. This year, we will not be sharing the event with the Palmyra Covenant Church.

The Thanksgiving Day Service of Holy Communion will be held at 9:30 a.m.

At a meeting held Oct. 7, the congregation voted to approve a recommendation from the council that covered several maintenance/repair projects: Replacement of the parsonage deck ($6-7,000); Church siding to be completed by 2009 ($23-25,000); Belfry floor maintenance; and a plan to replace shingles within 10 years. Your contributions toward these property items are much appreciated. Thank you. Total in the fund: $8,800.

Domestic violence exists in Renville County. Consider the following quote:

“The violence was escalating and I was convinced that he would kill me if I didn’t get out. Shelter House’s Renville County Outreach Program opened its doors to me and helped me plan for my safety. The advocates, Judy and Janine, listened to my story, offered support and taught me about domestic violence. They helped me get back on my feet.” Anonymous

Last year, the Renville County Outreach Program assisted 109 survivors of domestic violence and 27 survivors of sexual assault and for each one there was some potential for homicide. Would you like to help “Make a Difference?” The Renville County Outreach Program, under the direction of Shelter House, Inc., Willmar, is planning the “Make a Difference” fund-raising event for November 30, 5:30 pm at Max’s Grill in Olivia. The event includes banquet dinner, live music, silent auction items for bid, an impacting message of hope, and dancing with the D.J. until late in the evening. The funds raised at this event will be used by the Renville County Outreach Program to assist survivors from the Renville County area in finding safety and planning for a successful future. Tickets for the event cost $25.

The Swedlanda WELCA is donating a quilt for the silent auction. We're looking for people who would like to attend this "Make a Difference" event and help make a difference. Couples or singles makes no difference; we'd like to fill a table for eight. Contact Eileen R, 848-2356, for details and to put your name on the list.

The Week of November 4

Greetings from Swedlanda!

We had a nice crowd of people today for All Saint’s Sunday. Erling and LaVaun provided a beautiful basket of plants for our altar today in honor of their 50^th anniversary, which fell on Friday of last week. This is the second such anniversary in two weeks! Keith and Julie H. are also celebrating their anniversary this week-the 27^th. Everyone present received a gold star as a symbol that they are a Saint of God.

A name was added to our prayer list today. The unofficial hugger of Swedlanda, Olga S., fell at home and broke her tibia. Hopefully she will be home soon, if she is not already.

The Luther League is having a bonfire this evening at 7 p.m. On Wednesday, they will be bagging food at Kids Against Hunger, Cactus Jack’s, Stewart from 4-6 p.m. All are welcome to join them.

Thrivent was having an election of officers today and provided coffee, milk, and cookies in our entryway.

Deb R. also asked me to announce that the Relay for Life team is having a bake sale and will be serving coffee and morning treats this Saturday, Nov. 10 from 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. during Holiday Happenings in Hector. The team will be at the American Legion building.

Here are a few announcements for the week. As usual, my sermon is available through the link on the sidebar. Just let me know if you are having any problems with that.

God bless you this week. Remember that you are a Saint of God.

In Christ,

Pastor Stewart

Announcements:

Church Family Sunday School will be held next Sunday, Nov. 11. All people of all ages are invited to come to the Fellowship Hall at 9:20 a.m. for a time of sharing and learning together.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY UPDATE: We completed the painting, installed the kitchen cabinets, and are now in the process of hanging doors and trim. 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. Blessings on all. Ann

All are invited to the Habitat For Humanity meeting on Tues, Nov. 13 at 7:00 p.m. at the Lion’s Den in Buffalo Lake.

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.

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.

The treasurer's books will close on Friday, November 30th. If you are planning to make a contribution that you wish to have included in this year's report, please make it prior to that date. Thank you.

The Fall edition of Mosaic is now available on VHS tape in the church library: Understanding Fundamentalism. You may wish to view this at home or use it for a program.

The Swedlanda Church Council will meet on Tuesday, November 6 at 7:00 p.m. Gail D. is the hostess.

Community Events

The Hector Lioness Club will host an Omelet Breakfast today, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Hector American Legion Hall. Proceeds for special projects in the community.

Central Lutheran Church, rural Franklin, will have a Fall Supper on Wednesday, November 7, 5:00-8:00 p.m. Menu: Meatballs, Lefse, Potatoes, Dessert and more. $8 for adults.

Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Bird Island is hosting a Turkey Supper on Wednesday, Nov. 7 at 5:00 p.m. See information on the poster on the bulletin board.

The Renville County Veterans Assoc. is having a Pork Chop Dinner at the Fairfax Legion on Sunday, Nov. 11, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Proceeds got towards packages send to service personnel stationed overseas. Please come out on Veterans Day and help our veterans.

The Hector Kiwanis Club is hosting a Skillet Breakfast on Sunday, November 18, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Hector American Legion Hall. The menu includes scrambled eggs and French toast with fruit toppings or syrup, sausage, and beverages. There will be a free-will donation at the door.

A Family Fun Night will be held at First Lutheran, Hector November 18th. There will be games and prizes and entertainment for all, a meal of BBQ sandwiches and a raffle Proceeds from this event benefit the youth of First Lutheran. Details on our bulletin board.