THE PARISH NEWS

December, 2003 Volume 8, No. 11

“HEAVEN’S MUSIC IS WAITING AT YOUR DOOR”

Dear Friends in Christ:

There once was a German prince who wished to possess a Cremona violin and he offered a princely sum to anyone who would offer such to him. For months he had no success. Then one day an old man appeared at the castle with a worn violin case under his arm. The servants at first refused to admit him to the prince, but he persisted and they finally agreed to bring word of the old man’s arrival to the prince. For he told them to tell the prince: “Heaven’s music is waiting at your door.”

The prince commanded that the old man come and appear before him. The old man entered the room, went over to a nearby table and laid the shabby case on it. He opened the case and took out a perfect violin. Then he began to play and to create such marvelous music as to win the prince’s ardent praise. The man was offered any price he cared to name for his beautiful violin, but the man only shook his head, saying, “No, sire, this violin may only be yours on condition that I pass my life within your house, and may use this instrument every day.” And so it was that the prince accepted the violin on those terms.

Consider now this story as a parable. In these next short weeks we will be hearing again the Christmas good news, especially in word and music, of God’s love come to us in the flesh of Jesus, God’s Son, Savior. The message to us is that “Heaven’s music is waiting at your door.” May we one and all, receive this Master Musician through the door of our hearts and homes, so that His beauty and joy may illuminate our lives.

We extend to you our personal wishes for a most blessed time of Advent preparation and of

Christmas celebration around this most gracious gift that God has given us.

Merry Christmas and a Most Blessed New Year!

Pastor John and Sharon

MEN’S ADVENT

BREAKFASTS

All male members of the parish and area communities are invited to gather in the Hayward Lutheran Fellowship Hall for four Tuesday mornings in the December season of Advent: December 2, 9, 16, 23, at 6:45 a.m.

Pastor Malm and any others who wish to volunteer their cooking skills will serve up some hot pancakes and sausage, along with coffee, juice, milk, syrup, etc. For about forty-five to fifty minutes, we will gather for some table fellowship to nourish our bodies and share in conversation, including spending a few minutes to feast on God’s Word with a short devotional. Those who need to do so can leave for their work duties and others are welcome to linger over another cup of coffee and more fellowship together. If you so wish, you can donate a couple of bucks to cover the food costs. Any donations gathered in excess of food costs will go towards a chosen community charity.

This is not just for members only. This is for males, young and old. This is a chance to invite friends, neighbors and relatives from surrounding churches and communities. Come and enjoy the fellowship and the Word, as we prepare our hearts and minds for the Blessings of Christ’s Incarnation. Call Pastor Malm at 373-8479 or 373-3966 to let us know if you will be attending so we know how many pancakes to make!

OPPORTUNITIES FOR HOLY COMMUNION

December 14 – Third Sunday in Advent

December 24 – Christmas Eve

HONESTY, SINCERITY, TENDERNESS AND TRUST

It was the drama, the plot of a country song to which I was listening as I made my morning walk. The couple was meeting at the restaurant, where, over a meal together the man was seeking to reconcile their relationship. What did he need to do to regain her love, her heart? She had written the words on a napkin and slid it over to him. He opened it up and there were those four key words: Honesty, sincerity, tenderness and trust. That is what he would have to give and be towards her if that relationship were to go on and be a lasting relationship.

Honesty, sincerity, tenderness and trust – those are four key ingredients essential to any lasting relationship, whether it be applied to one of parent/child, or friendship or marriage. One can even apply them to the business/customer relationship. And of course, they can also be applied to our relationship with God, or God’s relationship with us.

Those four key words are all wrapped up in what God is all about, and so also what God then expects from us. It gets at the heart of all that is proclaimed to us in the Ten Commandments, or in the Great Commandment: You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and your neighbor as yourself.

As I listened to the drama and plot of that song, I thought that it would be quite easy to rearrange a couple of words and the scene so that it is Jesus or God Himself who is passing those words to me, to you, saying “This is what I need from you for this relationship to be a lasting one, for this is what I am giving to you – honesty, sincerity, tenderness and trust.” Interesting, isn’t it? That is really what we seek, desire, and yearn for in any relationship. Deep down inside of us we know, we just know, that this is what it takes for any lasting relationship. For it has to do also with integrity – the integrity of who we really are or hope to be – the integrity of a God of love.

Honesty, sincerity, tenderness and trust – we don’t fire on all four cylinders all the time, do we? Our condition of sin and selfishness will dictate the misfires, the goofs, the times of straying away. So there is always that time when God needs to have us come to HIS table where he can pass us his note of reminder to us that this is what he needs from us for this relationship to be a lasting one, for this is what he also gives to us. That note of reminder comes to us in the form of bread and wine, flesh and blood, cross and empty tomb – honesty, sincerity, tenderness and trust.

Now, in this season of Advent and Christmas, this note is slipped to us across a table, and the table is in that setting of a cave-stable in David’s Town. As we prepare our hearts to celebrate that great gift of God’s Love in Christ Jesus, let us come and sit at table with Him and be filled up to overflowing with that wonderful good news of honesty, sincerity, tenderness and trust.

PARISH CHRISTMAS WORSHIP SERVICES SCHEDULED

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24 – 4 P.M.

AT HAYWARD LUTHERAN

CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP WITH HOLY COMMUNION

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25 – 9 A.M.

AT TRONDHJEM LUTHERAN

CHRISTMAS DAY WORSHIP

TRONDHJEM NEWS

TRONDHJEM

DECEMBER ASSIGNMENTS

Altar Guild

Linda Kraushaar

Coffee Servers

December 7 – Sunday School

December 21 – Sheldon & Ruth Lukes

Communion Assistant

Dean Lukes

DECEMBER ACOLYTE/USHER

ASSIGNMENTS

December 7 Daniel Jax & Sean Kraushaar

December 14 Andrew Reese & Zach Kestner

December 21 Matt Reese & Brad Thompson

December 25 Jessica Naatz & Megan Thompson

December 28 Scott Kraushaar & Cameron Kolbe

TRONDHJEM BIRTHDAYS

December 19 Cindy Severtson

December 20 Andy Reese

December 20 Tracy Jahnke

TRONDHJEM ANNIVERSARIES

December 5 Dean & Charlotte Lukes

December 6 Doug & Peggy Thompson

December 13 Dick & Shirley Kraushaar

Funeral

The funeral for Edward Prantner was held on Monday, November 24 at Hayward Lutheran Church. Edward passed away on Thursday, November 20^th, 2003. We extend our sympathy to his family.

TRONDHJEM WELCA NEWS

Quilting Project Completed

We want to thank all those who have given materials and have helped to complete our quilt project for this year. 100 quilts were made. At this time we are collecting material and preparing for our 2004 quilt project. Your support is greatly appreciated.

New Blinds and Valances in Place

The new blinds and valances are being enjoyed and we appreciate and thank those who worked on this fall project to completion.

Christmas Family Day Dinner And Sunday School Program

The Christmas Family Day and Dinner at Trondhjem will be on Saturday, December 6^th at 12 Noon. Following the dinner the Trondhjem Sunday School kids will present their Christmas Program. Come to Trondhjem for a good time and a time of worship.

---Betty Krause, WE

President

TRONDHJEM CONDUCTING FOOD DRIVE

From now until December 21, Trondhjem will be conducting a Food Drive. You may bring the food items to the church on Sundays through December 21. Check the expiration dates on the cans or packages. The Food Shelves cannot distribute food items which have expired dates.

CONGRATULATIONS to Dean and Charlotte Lukes and Dick and Shirley Kraushaar who are celebrating their 50^th Wedding Anniversaries this month.

On Sunday, December 14, cake and coffee will be served after church services in their honor.

HAYWARD NEWS

MISSION STATEMENT

We the people of Hayward Lutheran Church confess the Triune God, and strive to follow the words and deeds of Jesus Christ.

VISION STATEMENT

As a community of faith in Jesus Christ, we will demonstrate care and compassion for one another and also to a world in much need. God’s Word and the Holy Sacraments are central to our life of faith. As we grow and are nourished by these, we will bring the good news of God’s forgiveness, life and salvation to those around us.

DECEMBER ASSIGNMENTS

Altar Guild

Marlene Thompson & Carolyn Matson

Coffee Servers

December 7 Christmas Program

December 14 Sue & Tracy Skaar/Bonnie & Bob Felt

December 21 Faye Learn/ Darlene Gilby

December 28 Mary & Chris Elleby/Shannon Mayer

Ushers

*David & Marlene Thompson

Keith Iverson

Dick Hanson

Vern, Pat & Brett Frydenlund

Gary Jacobsma

Communion and Offering Duty

Steve Tufte

Randy Eggum

DECEMBER ACOLYTE/USHER SCHEDULE

December 7 Michelle Learn & Dahna Wright

December 14 Zoe Hill & Samantha Anderson

December 21 Cecilia Hill & Josselyn Hill

December 24 (4 p.m.) Julie Erickson & Lacy Wright

December 25 (9 a.m.) Louis Tufte & Hunter Gilby

December 28 Chelsea Hill & Caylee Tennis

HAYWARD BIRTHDAYS

December 3 Linda Johnson

December 4 Eugene Jenson

December 6 Vernon Lunde

Linda Jacobsma

December 9 Lori Westland

December 11 Samantha Mayer

December 12 Shirley Gray

December 14 Bernhardt Anderson

Dawn Jenson

December 16 Danielle Mayer

December 20 Patricia Frydenlund

December 22 Paula Broitzman

December 23 Brie-Anne Woitas

December 24 Jill Erickson

December 25 Gertrude Iverson

December 26 John Habana

December 29 Wayne Kromminga

Travis Jacobsen

HAYWARD ANNIVERSARIES

December 9 Vernon & Beverly Lunde

December 27 Kendall & Lila Johnson

December 30 Paul & Min Westland

WE WELCOME Richard and Judy Olson into our church family. They have transferred from Trinity Lutheran Church in Albert Lea to Hayward Lutheran. Richard is an electrician and owns his own business in the Hayward and Albert Lea area. Judy works in the activities department at Good Samaritan Home. Again, “WELCOME TO OUR FAMILY!”

ALTAR GUILD

NEWS

ALTAR FLOWERS

Fresh flowers for the altar are a beautiful addition to our worship service. If you wish to furnish flowers, all you need to do is call the Altar Guild president, Diane Ladlie, 256-7514. The Guild will purchase and display the flowers for you, and if you wish, will put an acknowledgement in the Sunday bulletin. Cost of the flowers is usually about $15. Your generosity and support are greatly appreciated. Thank you.

HAYWARD MEMORIALS

LIFT FUND

In memory of LaVonne Stieler, Arthur & Verda Gunnarson, Kenneth VanWilgen and Norman Bonnerup

KNOWN TO HAVE BEEN HOSPITALIZED

Paul Olson at Naeve

Sharlene Schwering (non-member) at Naeve

HAYWARD WELCA ANNUAL BAKE SALE

The women of Hayward Lutheran will have their Annual Christmas Cookie/Baked Goods Sale on Saturday, December 6^th from 8 a.m. – 12 noon. Coffee, Cider and Rolls will be served throughout the morning. Come and shop and enjoy the fellowship.

HAYWARD LUTHERAN – 2003

Where We Are

End of Month End of Month Variance

Budget Goal Actual

Jan. $8,455 $8,186 -$268

Feb. $16,910 $13.296 -$3,613

March $25,366 $19,770 -$5,595

April $33,821 $28,535 -$5,286

May $42,277 $34,009 -$8,268

June $50,732 $45,001 -$5,731

July $59,187 $50,247 -$8,940

Aug. $67,643 $56,483 -$11,160

Sept. $76,098 $63,160 -$12,938

Oct. $84,553 $72,167 -$12,386

ABOVE AND BEYOND

Your Congregation Council continues to express much thanks to you for the gifts you have given this year for the various ministries and programs we seek to support. At the same time, we continue to express our concern for the welfare of the General Fund. In order to make ends meet, we continue to borrow significantly from the Building Fund in order to keep bills paid through the General Fund. This means that our giving to the General Fund needs to be significantly improved as we head into the final two months of our fiscal year.

Whenever a congregation enters into the kind of building program that we have undertaken during this last year, the General Fund always seems to suffer. It is because we forget that, in our case, our giving to the Elevator or Handicapped Lift Fund needs to be “above and beyond” our regular giving to the General Fund, and not in place of it.

Because of that pattern of giving, we now have to ask one another to give “above and beyond” to the General Fund, so that this fund, along with the Building Fund, are not “handicapped” going into the future.

Please take these thoughts and concerns to heart as you consider your giving to your church in these next two months. Thank you.

Your Congregation Council

THANK YOU to Bob Armon for donating the fax machine to Hayward Lutheran for the Church Office. His generosity is greatly appreciated.

THANK YOU to all who so generously contributed to the Christmas Shoe Boxes for Marie Sandvik Center. Thirty-three boxes were wrapped and will be delivered to the Center.

FOR SALE

The following items will be for sale on November 2 or in the church office:

Size 10-12 Children’s T-Shirts $2.00

Size Large Adult T-Shirts $3.00

Size Large Adult Sweatshirts $5.00

Brass and Pewter Ornaments $4.00

Cookbooks $10.00

Picture Directory $2.00

Anniversary Books Free

SUNDAY SCHOOL TO PRESENT CHRISTMAS PROGRAM

The Hayward Sunday School will present a Christmas program on Sunday, December 7 at the 10:30 Worship Service. Practices will be during the Sunday School hour on November 23, 30 and December 7. Please have your children at church by 9:15 a.m.

HAYWARD CONGREGATION COUNCIL MEETING

November 16, 2003 – 11:55 a.m.

The Hayward Church Council met on Sunday, November 16, 2003 at the church starting at 11:55 a.m.

Present: Steve Tufte, Jean Skaar, Bob Armon, Sonja Johnson, Vickie Storlie, Sharon Malm, Pastor Malm. Absent: Randy Eggum.

Steve Tufte presided over the meeting.

The agenda was discussed. Sonja Johnson made a motion to accept the agenda. Jean Skaar seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Secretary’s Report:

Bob Armon Made a motion to accept the Secretary’s report for the October 2003 meeting as printed. Sonja Johnson seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report:

The Treasurer’s report was discussed.

Sharon will contact LaVonne Williams to see if there are any outstanding bills to be paid out of the Stained Glass Window Fund.

Jean Skaar made a motion that if there are no outstanding expenses to be paid out, the Stained Glass Window Fund, it will be closed out and the remaining balance be transferred to the General Fund. Vickie Storlie seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Vickie Storlie made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report. Bob Armon seconded the motion. Motion carried.

ITEMS TO BE CONSIDERED:

1. No report on the Social Hall Roof at this time. Randy is out of town.

2. The Ceiling tile has been replaced and needs to be painted above the steps. Bob Armon & Pastor John will take care of doing the painting with the Church providing the paint.

3. Restrooms: The men’s restroom is completed. The women’s restroom will be carpeted this week.

4. New stepladder. Looking for a 12’ sturdy stepladder. Bob Armon is checking on prices.

5. Thanks to Bob and Cindy Armon for donating the fax machine to the church.

6. Long distance phone service for the church has been switched to Trans World Network (Freeborn-Mower Coop).

7. Men’s Advent Breakfast. 16 men signed up for the breakfast. Pastor John will contact a couple of other churches inviting them to attend.

8. 2004 Budget. Information was passed out concerning the 2004 Budget. Steve, Obert and Pastor John will be meeting on December 8^th to discuss parish budget items.

9. Annual Meeting. Sonja Johnson made a motion to have the annual meeting on Sunday, February 1, 2004. Jean Skaar seconded the motion. Motion carried.

10. Thanksgiving Offering. Bob Armon made a motion to split the Thanksgiving Offering between the Alden and Albert Lea Food Shelves. Steve Tufte seconded the motion. Motion carried.

11. Nominating Committee members: Jerry Noland, Nick Schermer, Jean Skaar and Pastor John.

The next Council meeting will be held December 14^th after church services.

Joint Council meeting with Trondhjem will be Wednesday, December 17^th at 7 p.m. at Trondhjem.

Bob Armon made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Jean Skaar seconded the motion. Meeting adjourned.

--Respectfully submitted, Vickie Storlie, Secretary

ATTENTION STUDENTS IN GRADES 8-12

LUTHERAN SUMMER MUSIC ACADEMY AND FESTIVAL

JUNE 20-JULY 18, 2004

The Lutheran Summer Music Academy and Festival will be held at Luther College, Decorah, IA June 20 – July 18. This Festival includes intensive music study for students in Grades 8-12. Generous financial aid is available for all qualified students. You will find musical excellence in a caring, Christian environment. Applications are now being accepted for the summer of 2004.

If you are interested in attending the Festival and would like more information, you make pick up an Information Reply Card in the church office.

NEWS FROM WALDORF COLLEGE

Waldorf College received its largest gift ever, $4.5 million from the John K. and Luise V. Hanson Foundation to fund a new library. This facility will honor Luise Hanson, an 18-year member of the Waldorf College Board of Regents.

The new library is projected to contain 28,500 square feet and will likely be designed in a two-story plan arrangement. It will contain book stack space for at least 70,000 volumes with built-in expansion for growth.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT AT WALDORF –Saturday, December 6 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 7 at 3 p.m. in Hanson Field house. Concert by reservation only. Write: Christmas at Waldorf College, 106 S. 6^th St., Forest City, IA 50436. The concert is free.

GRACE LUTHERAN HAS CHRISTMAS PARTY

Grace Lutheran Church Women in Albert Lea invite you to join them for their Christmas party and guest night on Thursday evening, December 4^th, at 6:15 in the sanctuary. The Albert Lea High School Chorale will be singing.

A nursery will be available. Coffee & cookies will be served following our meeting.

HUSBANDS ARE ALSO WELCOME!

ALBERT LEA HIGH SCHOOL VOCAL DEPARTMENT TO HAVE CONCERT

The Albert Lea High School Vocal Department will present their annual holiday concert on Monday, December 15^th at 6 p.m. and again at 8 p.m. in the high school auditorium

The concert will feature the Tiger Choir, Varsity Choir, Concert Choir, Caroliers, and Chorale singing both traditional carols and other choral pieces. Also featured at the 6 p.m. concert will be the Albert Lea Area Youth Choir under the direction of Eileen Nelson Ness. The ALHS choirs are directed by Diane Heaney.

Admission is $5 for adults and $4 for seniors and students. Music concert passes are also valid for this concert. Tickets are available at the door and the doors will open at 5:15 p.m.

NOVA CANTABILE TO PERFORM

Nova Cantabile, a southern Minnesota semi-professional singing group, will perform at Grace Lutheran Church in Albert Lea, Minnesota, on Sunday, December 14, at 7:30 p.m.

The group will perform a concert of Christmas music, both sacred and familiar. Member of Nova Cantabile are musicians and music educators from throughout southern Minnesota.

The program features a collection of Spanish carols written by Conrad Sousa, accompanied by harpist, Rachel Christensen, marimba, and guitar. A wide range of Christmas music will be performed, including favorites “White Christmas”, “Masters in This Hall”, “Bring a Torch Jeanette Isabella” and many others.

Tickets are available for $5 at the church the day of the performance.

GOOD EARTH VILLAGE NEWS

WINTER FUN DAYS

Good Earth Village will have Winter Fun Days January 11 & 25 and February 1 & 15 from 2 – 5 p.m. Activities available include sledding, snowshoeing, hiking and cross country skiing. (Bring your own skates or skis)

There will be a warm fire, hot drinks and cookies available in Barr Lodge. Cost is $1 per person. Contact the camp at (507) 346-2494 or e-mail at goodearth@deskmedia.com if you plan to attend.

QUILTING RETREAT

A Quilting Retreat for Beginners will be held at Good Earth Village January 16-18, 2004. If you have ever wanted to learn the art of quilting, this is the retreat for you! The instructor will be Bonnie Burke, an extremely talented and experienced quilter. Participants need to have their own sewing machine in good working condition and know how to use it. You will be responsible for purchasing your own material and thread. Once you have registered, we will send you further information to help you prepare for your weekend of sewing. Cost for the weekend is $75, which includes lodging, meals and programming. Please contact the camp to reserve your space: (507) 346-2494 or goodearth@deskmedia.com.

GROWING UP THE “JAMES” WAY

A RETREAT FOR JR. HIGH BOYS will be held at Good Earth Village January 30-31, 2004. This is a retreat just for the guys! In addition to learning about the book of James, there will be time for worship, games, great food, playing in the snow and meeting new friends. You will learn about the importance of your actions, about perseverance, humility and patience, as well as judging others and how we should talk. Cost: $30/person (chaperones are free). To register, fill out a registration form (available in the church office) and send the form with a $15 deposit to GEV, RR 1, Box 258, Spring Valley, MN 55975.

HOW TO RESERVE CAMPER SPOTS AT GOOD EARTH VILLAGE

Congregations may now begin reserving space for a particular week and the space may be held with or without the $75 per camper deposit until February 1, 2004. Only spaces held with a deposit can be guaranteed.

Sometime in December, summer brochures will be mailed to 2003 Summer Campers and the congregations.

February 1, 2004, all reserved spots that have not been filled with an actual registration and deposit, will no longer be held. Deposits not used by this date will be refunded to the congregation. You may continue to hold spaces after February 1 with a $75 per camper deposit. However, your deposit becomes non-refundable and non-transferable.

BONNERUP FUNERAL SERVICE HOSTING A HOLIDAY SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE

Holidays are often very difficult times for people who have experienced the loss of a loved one. We want to create a special holiday event that will recognize and pay tribute to your special loved ones and in this way create a cherished memory.

The Bonnerup Funeral Service is hosting a Holiday Service of Remembrance on Saturday, December 6, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, December 7, 2003 at 1:00 p.m. There will be brief services conducted by area clergy and musicians, followed by refreshments.

Though not required, we would appreciate it if you would call to let us know which service your family chooses to attend. (373-2461)

+++

This is a story from the book Chicken Soup for Kids:

Coffee Soldiers

My mom is a first grade teacher. It was around Christmas and all the kids were really hyper. A little boy came into her room and put a coffee mug filled with toy soldiers on her desk. She asked what it was for. He said, “The best part of waking up is soldiers in your cup.” Have a great day!

Out Of the Mouths of Children

One rainy afternoon I was driving along one of the main streets of town, taking those extra precautions necessary when the roads are wet and slick. Suddenly, my son, Matthew, spoke up from his relaxed position in the front seat. “Mom, I’m thinking of something.” This announcement usually meant he had been pondering some fact for a while and was now ready to expound all that his seven-year-old mind had discovered. I was eager to hear.

“What are you thinking?” I asked. “The rain,” he began, “is like sin, and the windshield wipers are like God wiping our sins away.”

After the chill bumps raced up my arms I was able to respond. “That’s really good, Matthew.” Then my curiosity broke in. How far would this little boy take this revelation? So, I asked, “Do you notice how the rain keeps on coming? What does that tell you?” Matthew didn’t hesitate one moment with his answer. “We keep on sinning and God just keeps on forgiving us.”

PARISH NEWS DEADLINE

The deadline for turning in articles and calendar information for the Parish News is the 20^th of each month. Thank you for your cooperation.

ADDRESS CHANGE? If you or someone you know has had a change of address or phone number within this past year, please inform the Church Office as soon as possible. Thank you for your help!

A DIFFERENT KIND OF PRAYER

Heavenly Father,

Help us remember that the jerk who cut us off in traffic last night is a single mother who worked nine hours that day and was rushing home to cook dinner, help with homework, do the laundry and spend a few precious moments with her children.

Help us to remember that the pierced, tattooed, disinterested young man who can’t make change correctly is a worried 19-year-old college student, balancing his apprehension over final exams with his fear of not getting his student loans for next semester.

Remind us, Lord, that the scary looking bum, begging for money in the same spot every day

(who really ought to get a job!) is a slave to addictions we can only imagine in our worst nightmares.

Help us to remember that the old couple walking annoyingly slow through the store aisles and blocking our shopping progress are savoring this moment, knowing that, based on the biopsy report she got last week, this will be the last year they go shopping together.

Heavenly Father, remind us each day that, of all the gifts you give us, the greatest gift is love. It is not enough to share that love with those we hold dear. Open our hearts not just to those who are close to us but to all humanity. Let us be slow to judgment and quick to forgiveness and patience and empathy and love.

Amen!