The week of April 26

Greetings from Swedlanda!

Today was Soil and Water Stewardship day, the Sunday on which we traditionally ask for God’s blessing on soil, water, seeds, and sowers of the seed. God was ahead of us and provided a much needed shower before worship began. The planting season has begun in earnest.

We also focused another kind of seed we have stewardship over, the word of God. Jesus sends the disciples into the world as witnesses. The message of the Gospel seemed especially fitting in light of Swedlanda’s mission statement: The mission of Swedlanda Lutheran Church, as people called and sent by God's Spirit, is to serve the Word of Jesus Christ to all people.

This past week, LaVaun D. and I represented the congregation at the annual meeting of the Gustavus Adolphus College Association of Congregations. We worshipped together, heard an inspiring message from Dr. Terrence Fretheim from Luther Seminary, enjoyed a nice meal, and attended workshops. I was impressed with a magnolia in bloom on campus.

Next Sunday we will be confirming three young men from the congregation, Jordan A., Zach P., and Brady Z. We also will have our monthly Swedlanda Family Sunday School and will focus on the question “What part does the Holy Spirit have in your faith story?" I hope to see you then.

God’s blessings,

Pastor Stewart

The Week of April 19

Greetings from Swedlanda,

This past week, Swedlanda hosted the Spring Conference of the Minnesota Valley Women of the ELCA, with about 100 women in attendance. The Esther Circle provided the meal and decorations, Bill Elmstrom offered a program on the work of Global Health Ministries, and there was an election and installation of officers.The South Africa Partnership Committee of our Conference also met during the week to finalize plans for a visit from the dean of our companions in the Vryheid Circuit. This will take place May 27-June 18.

Today at Swedlanda, we explored the concept of shalom or peace. The risen Lord Jesus Christ invited the early disciples into a new life. He invites us too. The narrative of Scripture changes us as we enter the stories. I shared with the congregation a basket of encouragement I received from the Rachel circle at St. Paul’s Lutheran in Hector. Each day, a gift is opened with a message of encouragement from the Scriptures. Where do you find encouragement and inspiration?The altar flowers today were in honor of Lyndon and Ruth’s 43rd anniversary. Congratulations!
After worship, I joined several of our members at the Kiwanis breakfast in Hector. Nancy and I have been helping with these breakfasts for some years and appreciate the support of our community.

God’s peace be with you this week.
Pastor Stewart

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The Week of April 12

Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!

Happy Easter from Swedlanda,

It has been quite a week! The Prayer Path (Labyrinth) was up throughout the week through Good Friday and many took advantage of the 11 stations as a spiritual discipline, somewhere in the neighborhood of 38 people. We also had a foot washing station before the Maundy Thursday service and several availed themselves of this demonstration of Servanthood and Hospitality, the topic of the evening. On Good Friday, many came for a service focusing on Forgiveness and Contemplation of the Cross.

This morning, just before the Sunrise Service, there was a great view of the sunrise behind the silver maple on the east side of the church; the birds were singing too. It was all an example of the beauty that surrounds us. Even the empty fields convey the promise of new life. When the women came to the empty tomb, it held the promise of a new life through our resurrected Lord.

The Sunrise Service was followed by a wonderful Easter Breakfast prepared by the Swedlanda Luther League. Many friends and family members were with us and it was a joy to see them.

The Service of Communion for the Resurrection of our Lord was complemented with many beautiful plants offered by our members in memory or honor of loved ones. We focused on the changes brought into the lives of those who witnessed the resurrection, Peter in particular. How is God changing your life?

If you day was anything like mine, you might have spent some time having a wonderful meal with family or maybe even a hunt for Easter eggs or baskets. However you spent the day, I hope you were blessed by God.

Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!

Pastor Stewart

Notices for the week:

The Minnesota Valley Women of the ELCA will have their Spring Assembly here at Swedlanda on Tuesday, April 14 beginning with registration at 5:30 p.m. There is a sign-up in the entryway.

The South Africa Partnership Committee of our Conference will meet at noon on Tuesday, April 14 at the Vets Club in Winthrop. All are welcome as we make plans for the visit of our South African partners.

The Week of April 5

Greetings from Swedlanda! Come visit the labyrinth! Members of the Evangelism Committee have constructed “The Prayer Path” in the basement of the church. The Prayer Path is a journey of prayer, self-discovery and encountering God. It provides a place to get away from the busyness of your life and dedicate an hour to prayer, contemplation of Scripture and spiritual commitment. This can be a part of your spiritual pilgrimage and an opportunity for a personal encounter with God.

Stations on the way:

Inward Journey: preparation-reflection-receiving-giving
Noise: many messages compete for our attention-stillness-quiet
Letting Go: tension-concerns-worries-release Hurts: broken relations-sin-letting go-forgiveness
Distractions: “false norths”-focusing on God Holy Space: God’s space with you-love and healing
Outward Journey: God made flesh in your life-receiving and giving
Self: mirror-God’s gift of life-made in God’s image The Planet: energy of creation-God’s world-the gift of life-seeds
Others: relationships-prayers
Impression: prints in the sand-what we leave behind You can use the Prayer Path at any time during the week, through Friday, April 10. Assistance is available Wednesday, 5-9 p.m., Thursday and Friday, 5-7 p.m. Our thanks to those who have planned and prepared the labyrinth.

The Maundy Thursday and Good Friday worship services each begin at 7 p.m. On Easter Sunday, the Sunrise Service is at 6:45 a.m. followed by a breakfast served by the Luther League. A service of Holy Communion begins at 9:30 a.m. Palm Sunday began today with a surprise from Mother Nature—a Spring Snowstorm. Nonetheless, we had a good attendance. We had a great Family Sunday School event, with several people sharing their faith stories. During the worship service, the choir led a palm processional and sang an anthem. The Passion story according to St. Mark was read for the congregation, focusing on the cross of Christ and the role this plays in our spiritual journey.In the afternoon, some of our members attended a special Palm Sunday event hosted by the Ministerial Association and held at First Lutheran in Hector. Bishop Jon Anderson of the Southwestern Minnesota Synod of the ELCA was there to show slides from his recent trip to Israel and Palestine and to give us some fresh insights from the perspective of the “living stones” who are residents of the Holy Lands.
On last Wednesday the focus of the Lenten service was on Faith and Testimony. Our three confirmation students, Brady, Jordan, and Zach led the service and shared their faith stories.

Last Thursday, the women of the church had a Unit Meeting with a program by Jill B. on health trends in our county and state. I was presented some balloons in celebration of the completion of my radiation treatments. Thank you!

Have a Blessed Holy Week. I hope that we will see you soon! Pastor Stewart