Week of February 24

Greetings from Swedlanda,

We began this week on a bittersweet note. After struggling with serious health issues for over a year, Jim Anderson passed away last Thursday. His funeral service was held at Swedlanda on Monday. Although he enjoyed a few months of health after his transplant, he succumbed to other complications. We continue to keep Jim’s wife Phyllis in our prayers, as well as Jim’s children, Nathan and Tara. The good news is that Jim was prepared for this final journey and now rests with his Lord. In addition to the Sunday sermon, I have included the funeral sermon on SkyDrive, available through the link on the right.

On Sunday, the choir sang during the offering—always a highlight.

This Wednesday, there is a supper at 6:00 p.m., followed by worship at 7:00 p.m. This year’s Lenten theme is “Bread for the Journey.” This week, the meal will be served by the Esther Circle.

Below are a few opportunities coming up and a devotional thought. Have a great week!

God’s blessings,

Pastor Stewart

Called to Adventure

When an adult bird knows it's time for its babies to fly, it starts to push. Now if the chick doesn't get it, the adult bird starts to peck at the talons or feet of the baby. And it gets to a point where it becomes more painful for the little bird to hold on than to let go. You see, the adult bird knows there is no danger in making the baby bird do what it was designed to do. Birds have feet and can walk, and birds have talons and can cling, but walking and clinging was not what they were designed to do. And the mother bird knows that it is no big deal to force its babies to do what they were designed to do, which is flying. Flying is what birds do best.

God knows that giving ourselves to God's work and kingdom and to others is what we do best. That's the design of the universe. And some of us look pathetic clinging to the dead branch of this world – the dead branch of bank accounts and of things – clinging to a nest of selfishness.

We don't think we can risk because we have never let go. God is calling you today to let go.

And when we do, we will be amazed at the experience. We will soar. We will soar in God's grace.

– Source unknown

Minnesota Valley Conference Ambassadors In Mission (AIM)

Saturday, March 1, 2008

Immanuel Lutheran Church, 8374 8^th Ave., New Auburn

Phone: 320-864-3561

Program: John Pederson, visitor to Vryheid Circuit, South Africa

Coffee: 9:30 a.m. Program 10:00 a.m.

Program and business meeting followed by noon meal

ALL ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND

Opportunities for personal enrichment

Congregational Leadership Day, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. March 1, 2008 at Faith Lutheran, Spicer. The Council has voted to pay the registration fee for any wishing to attend. Ask Eileen Roebke.

MN Valley Conference Assembly, March 9 at First Lutheran, St. Peter. John Ylvisaker will be there; he is a prolific song writer and enjoys both sharing his music and teaching. Swedlanda is encouraged to send 6 delegates, 3 men & 3 women. Others are also invited to attend as guests. Registration begins at 1:30 p.m. and the meeting at 2:00 p.m. At 3:30 p.m. John will provide a workshop for musicians, worship leaders, worship committees, etc.

Stewardship of the Good News. An event for all. Peace Lutheran in Winthrop: April 8, 2008

2008 ELCA Global Mission Formation Event, May 2-3 Golden Valley Lutheran, Golden Valley. Registration $35 for a wide variety of workshops. Check the bulletin board.

Green Lake Lutheran Ministries-youth, family and special camps plus retreats. Check out the 2008 brochure and the bulletin board.

The Salvation Army is looking for volunteers willing to receive Emergency Disaster Training. This training allows volunteers to get into a Disaster Zone and help people after a disaster has hit the area. The two day training is being offered at 8 a.m. March 27-28 (Thurs. & Fri.) at South West Initiative Foundation Building, 15 3^rd Ave NW, Hutchinson. Contact Kim Sheets at 507-326-5017 to register.