The Week of August 23

Greetings from Swedlanda,

This was a big day for me! The congregation celebrated my 60^th birthday and the 30^th anniversary of my ordination. We had a big crowd and most of my family members were able to join us. My daughter Teresa was the lector and my son Christopher gave the sermon. Both did a wonderful job. After worship, the congregation went downstairs for coffee and fresh caramel rolls, with a program organized by Eileen R. Several members offered words of appreciation. It was a deeply moving and affirming experience for me. After nearly 23 years at Swedlanda, I have been privileged to share many memories with those in our family of faith. Thanks be to God for His presence in our lives!

The congregation honored me with a new alb and stole. My children gave me a beautiful cross that Teresa found in Texas. Inspired by a sermon illustration, Joyce N. encouraged everyone to add one dollar to a collection for an “ELCA Good Gift” in my honor. She called later on to say that exactly $60 was collected. She will report later on as to the nature of the gift. Maybe we will be able to get a goat!

Nancy made a wonderful meal for the congregation and Teresa and family friend Katie S. helped serve. After our meal I was presented with a cake complete with 60 candles, fire extinguisher at the ready.

All in all, it was a wonderful day and I am deeply grateful for all of the kind thoughts and support. Thank you to all who made it possible.

Have a blessed week.

In Christ,

Pastor Stewart

P.S. Bishop Mark Hanson sent out an update on the ELCA Churchwide Assembly which was held last week. It is available through this link:

http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Office-of-the-Secretary/ELCA-Governance/Churchwide-Assembly/CWAUpdate_4.aspx

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The Week of August 16

Greetings from Swedlanda!

Here are a few photos from this year’s trip to Lee Valley Ranch. If you would like to join us next year, reserve August 1-5, 2010 on your calendar.

Today, the Karl & Clark provided special music for us again and Jill B. filled in as accompanist on short notice. The Sandgrens provided refreshments for our fellowship after worship.

The 2009 Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church will be held in Minneapolis, August 17-23.

Here is a prayer for the week:

Let us pray for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and its members who gather this week in its Churchwide Assembly. Inspire the celebration of God’s varied works throughout the church. Instill your peace in the midst of anxious deliberations. Shape the work of the church according to your will for the whole world. In Jesus Christ, amen.

Have a great week.

God bless,

Pastor Stewart

Today, may the light

you receive from the heavens

decorate your life with inward peace

May you heart rejoice in abundance

for the richness of God’s blessings

May your soul be lifted to greater heights

of spiritual discovery and enlightenment

And may you continue to walk peacefully

along the path of happiness.

Next Sunday, August 23, there will be a celebration following worship in honor of Pastor Stewart’s 30th anniversary and his 60th birthday. A meal will be served and all are welcome.

The Week of August 9th

Greetings from Swedlanda!

It has been awhile since I last posted. I was gone for a week of continuing education at Luther Seminary and after I returned, a crew of Swedlanda men arrived at the parsonage and poured some cement to replace a sidewalk and patio. They did a great job.

The following week I left for a mission trip to Lee Valley Ranch located near Custer in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Pastor Dick Borrud and his wife Cynthia had just celebrated 40 years in camping ministry and were hosting some family members. The Swedlanda crew consisted of me, Jim R., Erik D. and Rick T. from Minneapolis. Our task was to install several doors on the lodge. The work was satisfying and appreciated and the valley and ranch were beautiful, as usual. On the way to the ranch we passed many motorcycles on their way to Sturgis.

God blessed us with some welcome rain on Friday and Saturday. Quite a few were at worship on Sunday. The Lamb family provided special music for the service and Bob and Ruth F. prepared refreshments for the congregational fellowship.

God’s blessings during this week.

Pastor Stewart