The Week of December 16

Greetings on the Third Sunday of Advent!

Today we had a Christmas Program presented by our young folks at Swedlanda. I was called “The Carpenter’s Dream” based on a story called “Where Love Is” by Leo Tolstoy. The classic Christmas tale is about a toy maker who encounters several people in need. He doesn’t realize that they represent the Lord. It was well done, thanks to Gail Dean and Brian Lamb, who staged it. Because of the program, there was no sermon for the day, although we did have communion.

There were quite a few visitors in church, including some that came for the program and some in town for family gatherings. It’s hard to believe that Christmas is just over a week away. The Church is decorated and some poinsettias have been appearing.

Lyndon A. is celebrating a birthday on Wednesday, so we sang to him. The choir also sang today during the offering.

A few announcements follow. Have a blessed week.

In Chris,

Pastor Stewart

Announcements:

The Swedlanda Christmas Eve Service is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. and we would like to encourage members of the congregation to bring their gifts to share. We will need readers and special music, in addition to offerings from the choir. Family groups are welcome, but so are individuals or instrumentals. If you would like to offer something, please let Deb Rath or Pastor Stewart know. Thank you.

The Christmas Day Service of Holy Communion will be held at 9:00 a.m.

The Swedlanda Church Council has voted to designate the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day offerings as follows: ½ Renville County Food Shelf; ½ Lutheran Social Services.

Looking for a great Christmas Gift? 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 SouperBowl Sunday, February 3, 2008.

A 30-day calendar and coin box has also been placed in mailboxes. Families are encouraged to use the calendar during the month of January and return them on February 3.

The Annual Meeting for Swedlanda Lutheran is scheduled for Sunday, January 13, beginning with the Cemetery Association meeting at 12:30. A potluck will be held immediately after worship on that day. The alternative date in case of bad weather is January 20.