The Week of April 6

Dear Swedlanda friends and family,

I believe there are more things going on now than before Easter! We had quite a few at worship today, several of whom were in town to help Winston J. celebrate his 90^th birthday. The congregation sang “Happy Birthday” to him, of course. Later in the afternoon, there was an open house for him at the Hector Community Center. Many old friends were there to renew acquaintances; it was a wonderful celebration. Winston is the oldest man in the congregation now.

Many of our “snowbirds” have now returned from the south, a hopeful sign of spring. It is always great to have them back at church.

We began our service with an anthem sung by the choir, which is always appreciated. Swedlanda has been blessed with people who are gifted musically. The Nyhus family remembered Amy with some beautiful arrangements today. Amy passed away 15 years ago on Saturday.

After church services today, I saw many of the same people repeatedly, first at the Kiwanis breakfast, where I volunteer my services, and then later at the open house. It was a big day! As a result, I decided to pass on some evening meetings.

We have been praying for Dale D., who was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor. He is now receiving treatment in Gainesville, FL, which is near the home of his daughter, Kim. Cards can be sent to Dale and Joyce at 5201 Griffen Dr., Hahira, GA 31632.

Next Sunday, Madison Lynn W., daughter of Brandon and Nicole will be baptized during the worship service. There will be a Coffee Reception that morning in the entryway of the church beginning at 9:15 a.m. Because of the reception, the Swedlanda Family Sunday School will be moved to the following Sunday, April 20 at 9:15 a.m. in the church basement. Be sure to plan on coming.

A few other announcements follow. If you would like to read the sermon for the day, you can find it through the link on the right.

God bless you this week,

Pastor Stewart

Notices:

Stewardship of the Good News: Conversation about our Ministry Together. An event for all at Peace Lutheran in Winthrop, April 8, 2008, 7-9 p.m. Issues addressed: Mission Support for our synod and Churchwide ministries; Teaching and modeling stewardship of God’s abundant blessings; Walking together with other members of the Body of Christ.

Men In Mission will have a rescheduled meeting on Wednesday, April 9 at 8:30 p.m. Plans for the Midsummer Event need to be discussed, so bring your suggestions.

This year’s Vacation Bible School is being scheduled from June 9-13, with the worship on June 15 to be led by VBS.

Student Recognition Sunday has been scheduled for May 4. Those being honored are: Matthew A., Shala A., Tom B., Megan S., Anna T., and Nicolette W.

The Buffalo Lake Habitat For Humanity project could use a few hands next Wednesday April 9th around 10 am to help put up the shed door and get the storm doors hung properly. The address is 522 NW 3^rd St. Please come if you can. Thank you.

All are invited to a Habitat For Humanity meeting at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Fairfax on Tuesday, April 15 at 7:00 p.m.

Minnesota Valley Conference Ambassadors In Mission (AIM)

Saturday, April 12, 2008

St. Matthew's Lutheran/Fernando, Stewart

2402 County Road 7

Phone: 320-562-2647

Program: Pr. Rebecca Sullivan, Bethany Lutheran, Judson

"Conference/Circuit Relationships" MN Valley / Vryheid Circuit-SE Africa.

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

Program and business meeting followed by noon meal

ALL ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND

Attention: Farmers/Gardeners. Your expertise could be very valuable in our relationship with our Companion Conference, the Vryheid Circuit in South Africa. They are trying to develop skills in growing food in small plots to help improve nutrition in rural communities. Come to the AIM meeting on April 12 to find out more (see the above notice). Thank you.

The Woodbury Singers Of Renville County under the direction of Richard Alton present "May There Someday Be Peace" Sunday, April 13 at 4:00pm, St. Andrew's Catholic Church, Fairfax. Free-will offering for the benefit of the Renville County Food Shelf.