The Week of September 28

Dear Friends,

It was quite an experience to be back at Swedlanda this Sunday. There were quite a few people in church, due in part to the Fredrickson Family reunion which took place after the worship service. Nancy and I were made honorary Fredricksons for the day and were invited to the potluck.

The congregation sang a song with Jayden F, who is in our new Sunday Pre-school class. The class is held at 9:10 a.m. on the 2^nd and 4^th Sundays of the month.

The Jr.-Sr. High Sunday School was held as usual and we had the first Adult Study of the season. That class begins at 9:30 a.m. each Sunday of the month, except for the first Sunday. We will be starting the Pastoral Epistles beginning on October 12, so be sure to join us.

Another important note with regard to our educational program: Next Sunday, October 5^th marks the first Sunday of the month, so we will have the Swedlanda Family Sunday School. We have been talking about sharing our faith and all are encouraged to bring family Bibles or baptismal certificates or other things that tell their faith story. This is an event for all and as you can see, we had a wonderful turn-out last month. Come for a great time together with your family of faith!

Besides myself, there have been others who have had surgery recently and we included them in prayer on Sunday. Tom G. and Bruce L. had successful surgeries and are expected to be released from the hospital on Monday. It was also good to see Dale and Joyce D. in church on Sunday. Dale continues his recovery at their lake home.

The theme for the day was the new heart and life we receive through Jesus Christ. Click on the link to the right to see the sermon. Before the sermon began, I took the opportunity to brag a little about my newly born grandson, Benjamin, who is a sign of love and life in our family.

A few additional announcements follow.

God’s blessings this week,

Pastor Stewart

Announcements:

Fall Schedule

Choir Practice will be at 8:25 a.m. If you enjoy singing, come and join us. New members are always welcome.

The Swedlanda Family Sunday School will be held at 9:10 a.m. on the first Sunday of each month for people of all ages.

On other Sundays: A Pre-school class will be held at 9:10 a.m. on the 2^nd and 4^th Sundays of the month. Sunday School for Jr. & Sr. High will be held in the belfry classroom at 9:10 a.m. Adult Study will begin at 9:30 a.m.

Many, many thanks to all for your concern and prayers. My surgery for prostate cancer was very successful and I am well on the road to recovery. I will need to be tested routinely, but the outlook is very positive. Thanks be to God for his loving presence. Pastor Stewart

The Swedlanda Women of the ELCA will have a Unit Meeting on Thursday, October 2^nd at 7:00 p.m. Deb Rath has the program and hostesses are Deb R. and Wendy W.

The newly elected Executive Board for W-ELCA will meet at 6:00 p.m. before the Unit Meeting in order to do planning.

The Minnesota Valley Women of the ELCA will have their Fall Gathering at American Lutheran, Gaylord on Saturday, October 11. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.