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.