The Week of July 19

Greetings from Swedlanda!

Today we had our annual outdoor service on the east side of the church. It was a beautiful setting, very comfortable with birds chirping and a view of the big silver maple tree in the church cemetery. Megan S. played on the electronic keyboard for us and following the service of communion, we had a potluck. As usual, I ate too much; it was all delicious. Doug T. provided the cake in celebration of his birthday today.

I am heading into the Twin Cities today and will begin a week of continuing education at Luther Seminary on Monday. This is an on-campus session on “Theological Foundations for Congregational Vitalization”, part of the Doctor of Ministry program I am enrolled in. I will be gone this coming Sunday and Gail D. will share a message with the congregation relating to her experiences at the Annual Synod Assembly, which was held in June.

Then, on either August 1^st or 2^nd, I will be leaving on a mission trip to Lee Valley Ranch in the Black Hills. I’m looking forward to seeing Dick & Cynthia Borrud and spending some time at the ranch amid the natural beauty. We will have a project to work on at the ranch and will spend some time sightseeing. I’m sure we will visit the Wildlife Loop in Custer State Park; we always see a lot of animals there. You should join us. If you want to come, contact me.

God’s blessing during the week,

Pastor Stewart

The Week of July 12

Greetings from Swedlanda!This past week’s activities began in Fairfax with a baseball outing. Curt Sampson was celebrating his 76th birthday and had invited several notable baseball celebrities, including Harmon Killebrew and Wally the beer man. Andy W. from Swedlanda made some good plays on the field and a number of Swedlanda fans were spotted in the crowd. A good time was had by all. Dale Dean, a life-long member of Swedlanda, passed away that same evening. His funeral was held on Friday, and was attended by many family members and friends. The sanctuary was filled with beautiful flowers. Dale had been on our prayer list for a long time and will be missed by all.The week concluded with Hector Corn Chaff Days. Many Swedlanda members attended various events in town.. Jayden F. took part in the Kiwanis Bike Rodeo. Our own Cyndi W. was selected as the Outstanding Citizen of Hector and others looked on as the parade passed by. Today at worship Ralph and Corrine S. invited grandson Nathan to provide special music. He played a superb medley on the piano. Afterwards, Nancy S. provided fresh rolls and coffee for our fellowship.
God’s blessings this week,
Pastor Stewart

The Week of July 5

Greetings from Swedlanda!

Yes, the Swedes have descended upon Swedlanda again. Last Sunday, we had a Ryberg reunion and this Sunday afternoon, a caravan of cars arrived in the front of the church and 40 Swedes poured out, looking for a Dahlgren tombstone. They were on a tight schedule, headed for the Palmyra Covenant and Palmyra Lutheran cemeteries, but I managed to coax a few inside the church before the tour guide rounded them up. As I said in my sermon today, the nations are coming to the neighborhood.

This was the 4^th of July weekend, so we recognized that fact at church today and the significance of our global civil community. Julie LaFond played the piano and organ for us, accompanying hymns and providing special music. It was nice to have her as a visitor.

I hope you have enjoyed a safe and relaxing weekend.

God’s blessings,

Pastor Stewart

The Week of June 28

Greetings from Swedlanda!

The church was full of guests over the weekend. Last Saturday, there was a wedding at Swedlanda. Jacquelyn Buboltz and Cole Fox were married before many family members and friends of the community. They left some beautiful altar arrangements for the congregation to enjoy on Sunday.

Some visitors have been returning to the area for various reunions. The Ryberg family filled the Swedlanda basement with relatives on Sunday afternoon. Good food and many memories were shared and there was even participation by Swedish relatives who connected over the internet.

God’s blessings over the 4^th of July weekend.

Pastor Stewart