Greetings from Swedlanda!
Yes, the corn is finally starting to disappear from the fields surrounding Swedlanda. The last few weeks of warm weather came as a welcome relief after a nearly a month of rainy, cool weather. All are grateful what God has provided. We have what we need and still have more to share with others.
Speaking of thanksgiving, Swedlanda will host the Mike Kingery Family on Thanksgiving Eve at 7:00 p.m. Mike was a professional baseball player for 17 years and his entire family of 10 has been singing together for the glory of God for several years. The family was with us for the Swedlanda Midsummer event in 2006. Members are invited to bring pies to share for the fellowship time which follows the program. Also, on Thanksgiving Day, there will be a Service of Holy Communion at Swedlanda at 9:30 a.m.
There has been much activity at the Swedlanda parsonage over the last two days. After 30 years, the septic system needed to be replaced. This required some excavating for the tanks and the construction of a mound for the drain field. It was a blessing to have such good weather for the installation.
The Women of Swedlanda have been busy assembling kits for Lutheran World Relief. Here are some pictures of members of the Esther club as they prepare school kits and health kits for shipping.
For All Saints Sunday at the beginning of November, the Evangelism Committee introduced the use of a tree to recognize some of the saints we have known. Members were invited to bring ornaments to the front of the sanctuary with the names of people they regarded as saints. Some also said a word about those they were recognizing. It was a meaningful service, as we thought about the way in which God has called us to be saints for one another, sharing that which we have received from Jesus Christ.
I cannot fail to mention the birthday celebration that was held after worship for Olga’s “Sweet Sixteen” party; she was 87 on October 16. Our Swedlanda “hugger” received the congratulations of many and was serenaded by the Kitchen Band from the Hector Senior Dining Center.
God’s blessings as we approach Thanksgiving Day and the holiday season which follows.
Pastor Stewart
This Sunday was the first day of Advent. After worship, several volunteers helped decorate the sanctuary, including the Christmas tree and altar hanging.
Blessings during this Advent Season, 
