The Week of July 13

Greetings from Swedlanda!

We have a beautiful day for our outdoor worship service today and many came despite the fact that it was a bit cool in the shade with the traditional Swedlanda breeze. Imagine wearing jackets on the 13^th of July! Emily provided accompaniment and special music today and managed to hold on to her music. Several of those at the service had been present for Corn Chaff festivities over the weekend, including an all-class reunion. After the services, we filled ourselves with the wonderful food provided for the potluck. There is always more than enough!

I recently found this photo of LaVaun D. on our Synod website. She was in charge of the Companion Synod table at the Synod Assembly and is pictured with Marie Nelson, Chair of the Companion Synod Committee. LaVaun has been in attendance at the Triennial Women of the ELCA Conference in Salt Lake City.

I will be away for a few Sundays, as is explained in the announcements below, but if I have an opportunity, I will manage a posting or two. The message for the day is available through the link on the right of the page.

God’s blessings during the remainder of July!

Pastor Stewart

Announcements:

Pastor Stewart and Nancy will be attending the Global Mission Event at the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse, July 17-20. At the ELCA Global Mission Event, Lutherans of all ages from all over the world celebrate God’s mission and explore how to encourage and strengthen one another for global ministry.

Pastor Stewart will be taking a week of Continuing Education July 21-27 and will be attending a seminar at Luther Seminary in St. Paul as a part of the Doctor of Ministry program.

Pastor Ruth Edberg of St. Paul’s Lutheran, Hector will be available July 17-27 in case a pastor is needed and Pastor Keith Pearson of First Lutheran, Hector will be available July 21-27.

Come and join us on a mission trip to Lee Valley Ranch, August 3-8! The ranch offers a beautiful & peaceful setting near Crazy Horse Monument outside of Custer, South Dakota. There is always something to do! Opportunities for fellowship, sightseeing, community work projects, wildlife (Custer State Park), adventure (Harney Peak), or just relaxing. Take a few days off for a counter-cultural Christian experience. Sign up today!

Please be sure to join us for worship in the coming weeks, as we have some special speakers/worship leaders. Bernice C. will have the message on July 20. On July 27, Robert Bekkerus, a senior student at Luther Seminary, will lead the worship service. Wendy W. will have the message on August 3^rd. Neil C. will also be assisting as a lector. Thank-you to those from our congregation who are willing to share their gifts.

All are welcome to attend the local chapter meeting of Habitat For Humanity at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Fairfax. The next build will be in the Fairfax area.

Green Lake Lutheran Ministries 24^th Annual Quilt Auction.

Friday, July 18, 5:30-8:30 PM Quilt Review, Crafts & Country Store Admission $3.00/Silent Auction/Homemade Lefse/BBQ Supper.

Saturday, July 19, 9:00-11:30 AM Quilt Review, Crafts & Country Store Admission $3.00/Silent Auction/11:30 AM-1:30 PM Hog Roast/12:30 PM Quilt Auction.

The Week of July 6

Greetings from Swedlanda!

We had a very nice post-July 4^th celebration at Swedlanda today. Sophie and Nate, grandchildren of Ralph and Corrine S. offered a patriotic medley as a piano duet. Sophie will be having a piano recital in Duluth later this month. Both are very gifted and we were glad to have them with us.

After worship, most were able to stay for a fellowship celebrating Dick L’s 75^th birthday. His family provided the refreshments.

The sermon for the day is available through the link on the right. It related to the theme of community, represented in this banner of the Trinity which was used at the Synod Assembly this year.

Here are a few announcements from the day’s bulletin.

The Annual Outdoor Worship Service at Swedlanda is scheduled for Sunday, July 13 at 9:00 a.m. Please bring your lawn chairs; we will meet out behind the church, weather permitting. There will be a potluck afterwards, so bring something to share.

The Hector Firemen will be hosting a Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, July 13, 8 a.m. – 12 noon as a part of Hector Corn Chaff Days. Enjoy a pancake breakfast before coming to church!

Summer Camp Time! Take advantage of the opportunity at local Bible camps such as Green Lake Lutheran Ministries or Lee Valley Ranch (our trip is scheduled August 3-8). Scholarships are available: the Men In Mission will provide ½ the cost and the Women of the ELCA will provide $100. Sign up today!

The Swedlanda Church Council has designated the quarterly interest of $392.13 from the Eddy Anderson and Oscar Kulberg Mission Investment Fund for Midwest Flood Relief.

Pastor Stewart and Nancy will be attending the Global Mission Event at the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse, July 17-20. At the ELCA Global Mission Event, Lutherans of all ages from all over the world celebrate God’s mission and explore how to encourage and strengthen one another for global ministry.

Pastor Stewart will be taking a week of Continuing Education July 21-27 and will be attending a seminar at Luther Seminary in St. Paul as a part of the Doctor of Ministry program.

Green Lake Lutheran Ministries 24^th Annual Quilt Auction.

Friday, July 18, 5:30-8:30 PM Quilt Review, Crafts & Country Store Admission $3.00/Silent Auction/Homemade Lefse/BBQ Supper.

Saturday, July 19, 9:00-11:30 AM Quilt Review, Crafts & Country Store Admission $3.00/Silent Auction/11:30 AM-1:30 PM Hog Roast/12:30 PM Quilt Auction.

At the July meeting of the Church Council, the Swedlanda Treasurer’s Report indicated a general fund account balance of $3,663.79. We have currently borrowed $10,000 from the Mission Investment Funds of the church. Please remember your church during the summer months. Thank you for your stewardship.