The Week of May 25

Greetings from Swedlanda on Memorial Day Weekend.

We have switched to our summer schedule now, so worship begins at 9:00 a.m. We had some beautiful flowers in church from the funeral of Corwin Anderson, which was held on Friday. It was also announced this morning that another person from our community passed away, Roger Olson. His funeral will be held at Palmyra Covenant Church on Wednesday morning at 10:30 a.m.

If you were not at church today, you missed the first coffee fellowship for the season. Nancy provided coffee cake to go with our coffee and juice. If you wish to read the sermon for the day, you can find it through the link on the right.

The Legion will have a service in the Swedlanda Cemetery on Memorial Day at about 8:15 a.m. The flags are out on the graves of veterans. And some of our flowering trees are now in bloom.

Have a good weekend and week.

God bless,

Pastor Stewart

Graduation/Open House Announcements

There will be an Open House reception from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, June 1st at Megan S's home to celebrate her graduation from Buffalo Lake Hector High School. Congratulations to Megan for being selected Student of the Month.

There will be a Graduation Open House for Shala A. at the Hector Community Center on Saturday, May 31 from 2:00 p.m. until whenever. All are welcome.

Graduation Open House for Matthew A. on Saturday May 31, 2008 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Matthew's home.

I would like to thank the Grace Circle for my Quilt that I received, and the junior parents for hosting the senior recognition brunch. Thank You, Matthew.

There will be a Farewell for Tom B. during our Coffee Fellowship time on June 8 after worship. Tom will be celebrating his 18^th birthday on June 4.

Matthew S. graduated with honors from Minnesota Community and Technical College, May 9th (Constructional Electricity)

Jason and Sally B. received their Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Degree at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences on May 17, receiving special recognition for excelling in academics, attitude and service. They will do their residency in Detroit, Michigan for four years. Jason is specializing in emergency medicine and Sally in internal medicine.

This year’s Vacation Bible School is scheduled from June 9-13 5:30-8:00 p.m., with the worship on June 15 to be led by VBS. If you would like to provide a meal for one of the evenings or help with teaching, please contact Theresa. Thank you.

Wednesday, June 18 7:00pm--"A Midsummer's Festival !" Performing and presenting at the Festival will be Kim Schnitzer & Vicki Marthaler of "Sing & Tell the Story". Midsummer's Eve historically is the day set aside to celebrate John the Baptist's birth. John the Baptist was the voice calling out in the wilderness to "Prepare the Way for the Lord." Today, as God's People, we have been called out of the darkness and into His Marvelous Light! Let us "Sing& Tell the Story" of Jesus and His love. Let us continue the mission of John the Baptist to "Prepare the Way for the Lord!" Please join us this Midsummer's Eve.

The Week of May 18

Dear Swedlanda Family and Friends,

The tulips are finally out! We have had some beautiful weather recently and the fields are being planted. Holy Trinity Sunday was the last Sunday before going to our summer schedule, as next weekend is Memorial Day Weekend. Services will be at 9:00 a.m. I hope you will have an opportunity to enjoy the wonderful creation God has provided for us.

Psalm 8

O Lord, our Sovereign,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!

You have set your glory above the heavens.

When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars that you have established;
what are human beings that you are mindful of them,
mortals that you care for them?

Yet you have made them a little lower than God,
and crowned them with glory and honor.
You have given them dominion over the works of your hands;
you have put all things under their feet,
all sheep and oxen,
and also the beasts of the field,
the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea,
whatever passes along the paths of the seas.

O Lord, our Sovereign,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!

The sermon for the day is available through the link on the right hand side of the page. It’s called “A Holy Calling into Community with The Holy Trinity”.

The quilters of Swedlanda have produced a beautiful quilt for the Green Lake Bible Camp Quilt Auction, which will be held on Saturday, July 19. It is hanging in the entryway of the church, should you want a closer look.

A few announcements are included below. Have a God-inspired week.

Pastor Stewart

Announcements:

Luther League members: Remember Softball & Cook Out May 21 at 6:00 pm. and bring a friend.

The Swedlanda Men in Mission will meet on Wednesday, May 28 at 8:30 p.m. Please join us.

This year’s Vacation Bible School is scheduled from June 9-13 5:30-8:00 p.m., with the worship on June 15 to be led by VBS. If you would like to provide a meal for one of the evenings or help with teaching, please contact Theresa F. at home. Thank you.

The Week of May 11

Greetings from Swedlanda,

Happy Mother’s Day to all who are mothers! There were several celebrating families represented at the worship service today. It was also the Day of Pentecost, so the focus was on the Holy Spirit. Guess what Pastor Stewart used as an illustration today!

Unfortunately, it doesn’t feel much like Mother’s Day outside. It has been quite wet and the weather service said it got down to 34 degrees overnight. The parsonage tulips are not showing any color yet, but the magnolia tree is in bloom.

We had some lovely flowers inside from the funeral of Mary Kay Swierenga, the sister of Carol Toreen. Services were conducted last Wednesday in Prinsburg.

The Swedlanda Family Sunday School was assembled today as we finished the Bible study on heroes of the Bible. Also, we had some fresh cinnamon and caramel rolls baked by Nancy.

Check out the sermon on the right and note the announcements below.

May God’s Spirit be evident in your life this week.

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Stewart

Announcements:

The Summer Worship Schedule begins on Memorial Day Weekend. On Sunday, May 25, worship will begin at 9:00 a.m.

We will have a Coffee & Juice Fellowship after church beginning on Sunday, June 1, providing we have volunteers. Please sign up on the sheet in the entryway. Thank you.

At a meeting held Oct. 7, the congregation voted to approve a recommendation from the council that covered several maintenance/repair projects: Replacement of the parsonage deck ($6-7,000); Church siding to be completed by 2009 ($23-25,000); Belfry floor maintenance; and a plan to replace shingles within 10 years. Your contributions toward these property items are much appreciated. Thank you. Total in the fund: $15,110.62.

Our Relay for Life team is planning a garage/bake sale fundraiser for May 15-17 (Thursday PM through Saturday 1PM). Because our sale has outgrown mom’s garage, Curt Sampson is donating the use of his “Nuts and Bolts” building on Hwy 212. If you are spring cleaning and have items to donate; you can drop those off at Lois F’s home in Hector or let us know and we’ll pick them up. As always, thank you so very much for your support for helping us find a cure. Deb R., Wendy W., Doug T. & the FCS Cornfield Commandos team.

The Week of May 4

Greetings from Swedlanda,

It was quite a day at Swedlanda on Sunday, which was High School Senior Recognition Sunday. We honored six local graduates: Matthew, Shala, Tom, Megan, Ashley, and Nicolette. The congregation is very proud of them and wishes them will in the future. Swedlanda member Dr. Carla (Dean) Kilty, who is a veterinarian practicing in New Hope, gave an excellent message. I have added the text of her message to the sermons which can be accessed through the link on the right-hand side of the page. The choir also sang “People Need the Lord” during the service and Megan provided a prelude and special music. The women of the church presented each of the graduates with a quilt and a brunch provided by parents of the Junior class was held before church. It was a great get-together.

Our Sunday prayers included those having birthdays or anniversaries, according to a new policy recommended by the Worship & Music Committee (see below). We also prayed for the family of Mary Kay Swierenga, who passed away Saturday. Mary Kay is the sister of Carol Toreen.

I have included a few announcements below. Have a wonderful week.

God bless,

Pastor Stewart

Announcements:

Worship & Music Committee Recommendations

The Committee met last Sunday to make Special Music assignments for the summer and plan for the summer worship services. They also made the following recommendations:

Birthday/Anniversary Recognitions. In the future, birthdays and anniversaries for the week will be included in the Prayers of the Church instead of being recognized during announcement time. This means we will not be singing “Happy Birthday” prior to the service.

Holy Communion. Beginning this month, communion will be celebrated at the railing on the first Sunday of the month, with intinction being used during the remaining Sundays.

In collaboration with the Renville County HRA/EDA, local photographer Ron Bolduan has made photos of Renville County available on the HRA/EDA website at www.renville.com. Click on the “Photos” link on the top of the page (in the green header). Pictures of Svedlanda are included in the collection. A link to the site has been placed on the right-hand side of this blog.

Our Relay for Life team is once again planning a garage/bake sale fundraiser for May 15-17 (Thurs. PM through Sat. 1PM). Because our sale has outgrown mom’s garage, Curt S. is donating the use of his “Nuts and Bolts” building on Hwy 212. If you are spring cleaning and have items to donate; you can drop those off at Lois F’s home in Hector let us know and we’ll pick them up. As always, thank you so very much for your support for helping us find a cure. Deb R., Wendy W., Doug T. & the FCS Cornfield Commandos team.

This year’s Vacation Bible School is scheduled from June 9-13 5:30-8:00 p.m., with the worship on June 15 to be led by VBS. If you would like to provide a meal for one of the evenings or help with teaching, please contact Theresa F. Thank you.

The Week of April 27

Greetings from Swedlanda!

On Wednesday of last week, this handsome tom turkey decided to pay the Swedlanda Bible study group a visit. He came right up to the south door and peered in. He was a little camera shy, but after circling the church a few times, he came across the street to visit the parsonage and kept me company just outside the south door. He’s welcome back anytime. You are also welcome to stop by on a Wednesday morning.

This Sunday we celebrated Earth Sunday and Soil and Water Stewardship. The weather has been a bit unseasonable, as you can see from photos taken on Saturday morning. Perhaps this was a spring reminder to take better care of Mother Earth. It certainly got our attention.

Don’t forget to check out the Sunday sermon. Just use the link on the right.

Next Sunday is High School Senior Student Recognition Sunday. Those being honored are: Matthew Aarons, Shala Anderson, Tom Bjorkman, Megan Sandgren, Ashley Toren, and Nicolette Wertish. There will be a brunch at 9:15 a.m., so be sure to join us to celebrate the milestone accomplishments of these students. We will also have a special speaker: Dr. Carla (Dean) Kilty, who now practices veterinary medicine in New Hope.

A community fundraiser for victims of the Cottonwood bus accident will be held on Friday, May 2, 3-9 p.m. at the NEW Hector Fire Hall on Hwy 212. Brats, Hot Turkey Sandwiches and Baked Beans will be served. Free Will Donation. The event is supported by the members of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans through the Care in Regions Program

Have a great week! May God bless you.

Pastor Stewart

The Week of April 20

The Week of April 20

Last Wednesday, the men of the church got together for a project at the parsonage. They took off the old deck, which needs replacement. They were having so much fun, they just kept going, removing the concrete steps and walks on the south and west sides. We should do this more often! Just a question: Now that the deconstruction phase is done, what’s next? Keep watching for further developments.

At our Sunday service today, we honored Tracy H. with song for her 21^st birthday. Lyndon and Ruth A. were also recognized as they prepare to celebrate their 42^nd year together this Wednesday.

We remembered those who have lost loved ones recently. There was a memorial service for Terry Walsh in Manitowoc, WI on Saturday. Terry is the brother of Lynn (Mark) F. A funeral for Stanley J., Winston’s oldest son, is scheduled for Wed. in Caldwell, Idaho. May God bring these families the comfort of His loving presence.

Our quilters brought a sampling of their handiwork to Swedlanda today. They have completed 147 quilts this year and will now take a break for a few months. What a wonderful ministry!

This afternoon, Megan S. gave her senior piano recital at First Luth. in Hector. She is wonderfully talented and we wish her well as she begins college this fall.

A few other announcements are listed below. Have a great week.

In Christ,

Pastor Stewart

Announcements:

A community fundraiser for victims of the Cottonwood bus accident is being planned by churches and service organizations in our area. It will be held on Friday, May 2, 3-9 p.m. at the NEW Hector Fire Hall on Hwy 212. Brats, Hot Turkey Sandwiches and Baked Beans will be served. Free Will Donation. The event is supported by the members of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans through the Care in Regions Program, matching $1 for every $3 raised up to $1,000. Volunteers are needed for 2 hour time-slots at the event. Time is short, so please sign up in the entryway today! Thank you.

The Minnesota Valley Women of the ELCA will have a Spring Assembly at Christ Lutheran, Glencoe on Tuesday, April 22 beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Student Recognition Sunday has been scheduled for May 4. Those being honored are: Matthew A., Shala A., Tom B., Megan S., Ashley T., and Nicolette W.

Our Relay for Life team is once again planning a garage/bake sale fundraiser for May 15-17 (Thursday PM through Saturday 1PM). Because our sale has outgrown mom’s garage, Curt S. is donating the use of his “Nuts and Bolts” building on Hwy 212. If you are spring cleaning and have items to donate you can drop those off at Lois F’s home in Hector or let us know and we’ll pick them up. As always, thank you very much for your support for helping find a cure. Deb R., Wendy W., Doug T. & the FCS Cornfield Commandos team.

The Week of April 13

Greetings to Swedlanda family and friends,

It was quite a morning at Swedlanda today! The big event was the baptism of Madison Lynn Washburn, daughter of Brandon and Nicole. She was a good baby throughout the service, even though startled with a splash of water. There were quite a few visitors here for the baptism—very nice to see. We had a reception for Madison before the service began in the church entryway.

Olga S., the “Swedlanda hugger” was back with us today also. She is back in her own home after a long recovery period following surgery and a stay in the Golden Living Center in Olivia and Prairieview in Hector. We were all very happy to see her.

We were saddened to learn that Terry Walsh, brother of Lynn Fredrickson passed away last week at the age of 45. Our thanks for prayers on behalf of the family.

Announcements:

The Swedlanda Family Sunday School will be held next Sunday, April 20 at 9:15 a.m. in the church basement. Be sure to plan on coming to this event for all ages.

Our Relay for Life team is once again planning a garage/bake sale fundraiser for May 15-17 (Thursday PM through Saturday 1PM). Because our sale has outgrown mom’s garage, Curt S. is donating the use of his “Nuts and Bolts” building on Hwy 212. If you are spring cleaning and have items to donate; you can drop those off at Lois F’s home in Hector or let us know and we’ll pick them up. As always, thank you so very much for your support for helping us find a cure. Deb R., Wendy W., Doug T. & the FCS Cornfield Commandos

Student Recognition Sunday has been scheduled for May 4. Those being honored are: Matthew A., Shala A., Tom B., Megan S., Anna T., and Nicolette W.