The Week of October 5th

Greetings from Swedlanda,

Yes, we had royalty at Swedlanda today. Cousins Tyler B. and Kasey P. were both here. They were elected as homecoming King and Queen at BL-H Schools this past week. Congratulations to them both! Kasey is healing up from recent knee surgery, but was without a brace today.

We started out with Swedlanda Family Sunday School today, with Jill & Steve B. leading in some discussion and sharing about baptism and our faith. Those who were there had some good stories to tell. Jill brought along a baptismal gown that has been used in their family for children and grandchildren. We also sang the popular hymn, “Borning Cry” and had an opportunity to some coloring. Don’t forget to join us the next time we have this event for people of all ages. It is scheduled on the first Sunday of every month.

It is a dreary day today and we have had a little rain, so that seems to have slowed the pace of the harvest a bit. But trucks have been running steadily on the roads and I have noticed fields disappearing quickly. I took a few photos on my way to a homecoming game at Gustavus Adolphus College yesterday. I was hoping to take some pictures of leaves turning, but it is hard to capture the colors and it is still a little spotty.

If interested in the sermon, you can get to it by clicking on the right-hand link. You need to have a free hotmail or msn account and if you have a new account, you may need an invitation from me, so let me know if you are having difficulties. In today’s gospel reading, Jesus tells a parable of the vineyard, an image of Israel, the prophets’ mission, and Christ’s death. For Christians, the vineyard also speaks of God’s love poured out in the blood of Christ, given to us for the forgiveness of sin. Grafted onto Christ the vine at baptism, we are nourished with wine and bread, that we may share Christ’s sufferings and know the power of his resurrection.

Have a great week and God bless.

Pastor Stewart

Announcements:

By action of the Council, the Eddy Anderson & Oscar Kulberg Mission Investment Fund Interest of $390.77 has been dedicated for the Minnesota Valley Conference South Africa Partnership Committee, to be used to help fund travel expenses for visitors from our Companion Conference, the Vryheid Circuit.

The current balance in our maintenance and building fund is $24,142.53. Pending projects include siding and roof for the church and the parsonage deck. Thank you for your support. The balance in our general fund was $2,044.54 at the end of September, with a current outstanding loan of $15,000, which is from our Mission Investment Funds.

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.