The Week of December 2

Winter has arrived at Swedlanda! I know, because I’ve been moving it around out in our driveway and on the church sidewalks. As you might imagine, it had the effect of limiting our Sunday attendance a bit. I don’t have any snow pictures, but you know what that looks like.

We are now in the season of Advent. The choir sang an Advent song as a prelude and Brady Z, our acolyte, lit the first candle of the season. The sanctuary is beautifully decorated, after our Advent Event. Speaking of which, Kevin, our treasurer, reports that the silent auction took in $4654.00. Thanks to all who participated.

Gail D. was recruiting young people (and possible a few older ones) to participate in the Sunday School Christmas Program, which will be presented during our worship hour on Sunday, Dec. 16. They will be practicing for this next Sunday.

A highlight of the day was the dedication of the Habitat For Humanity house in Buffalo Lake. Many were there to surround the Batson family with their love and prayers. It is a beautiful home and the dedication was very moving. Those involved in the project say that they have received much more than they have given. If you want to support our local chapter of HFH, consider purchasing a raffle ticket.

We added some folks to our prayers, including Deb C., who had a successful hip surgery last week, and Bernice C., who will be having a follow-up surgery on Tuesday. We also prayed for Pastor Becki Mathe from South Africa. I met him while there and hosted workshops at our Synod Assembly this year. His brother was killed in an auto accident recently.

My family and I did have the opportunity to attend Christmas In Christ Chapel at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter. The weather conditions were poor, but that didn’t prevent a good attendance. Here’s a photo taken by someone else (I forgot my camera). It was as beautiful, as usual, and the hymns and message all inspired.

Have a great Advent season as you prepare your heart for the coming of Christ.

Pastor Stewart

Here are some announcements from the bulletin:

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

The Women of the ELCA will have a Unit Meeting on Thursday, December 6 at 12:00 p.m. Louise S. from Renville County Public Health will give the program at WELCA Unit meeting on Thurs., Dec. 6, 2007 to be held at noon beginning with at Potluck dinner. WELCA members are to bring their World Hunger offerings

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. The Advent Event lunch offering for the India Library project was $518.99 + 1/2 of the MIF interest of $196.60 was sent. The total was $715.59.

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 N. or Pastor Stewart. The drawing will be held on February 3, 2008.

The next HFH meeting will be on Tuesday, Dec. 11 at 7:00 p.m. at the Lion’s Den, BL. All are welcome to attend.

The Swedlanda Men In Mission will meet on Wednesday, Dec. 12 at 8:30 p.m. to fill Christmas bags. Hosts are Dave J. & Brian L.