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.