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.