THE PARISH NEWS

July/August,  2003                                           Volume 8, No. 7

 

 

 

 

WILL THEIR LIFE INCLUDE JESUS?

    Statisticians tell us that children born in our country these days have the potential, due to medicines and technology, to live to be over 120 years old.  That is of some interest to my wife and me, since our first grandchild was born some ten months ago.  Thus, if two such children were to marry at about the age of twenty, they could conceivably celebrate their 100th wedding anniversary.  In addition, their minds have the potential to be greater than the greatest computer, and they will see advances in technology that are beyond our wildest comprehension.  When they grow up to be elementary age, they will have incredible levels of energy, such that when the day is closing and you want to wind down, they are just getting their second wind.  As a parent, when you just want to sit and relax in front of the TV, they will come bouncing in upon your lap like Tigger and have a dozen things that they want to do with you that would be lots more fun.  So, what do you DO with these kids, anyway?

    For a lot of parents or guardians, the solution is often to just give them a hockey stick or put a soccer ball at their feet.  Just keep them busy and perhaps they’ll burn up some of that incredible energy.  Not a bad idea, but if you think it will take care of a good portion of those millions of calories they need to burn off, think again.  These young and very young children are the human equivalents of nuclear reactors.  One stop at a McD’s or the Pizza Place and they are all energized again.  Face it; you’ll never really wear down those bundles of energy.

    But there’s another fact you are going to have to consider if these kids are going to grow up to be the human beings God intended them to be.  It’s an understanding that you, parent/guardian, have to give them concerning what faith, prayer, worship and Jesus Christ are all about.

    As both a pastor and a parent for over thirty years, I can tell you that volleyballs and basketballs alone are not going to do it.  Your children need to know what forgiveness is all about, and God’s kind of peace and contentment.  They need to know some good examples of what it means to be a person of integrity, of principles, of courage, morals, character and conscience.  They need to know that there is more to life than making money and scoring goals.  They need to know about a man named Jesus, who died on a cross for them in order that they might have that wonderful gift of eternal life.  They need to know that when Grandpa and Grandma die, they have a wonderful, Godly promise of some day being reunited with them.

    And they are NOT going to learn any of these things unless you, parent/guardian, are very certain and conscientious about bringing them WITH you to that church of yours down that road or street so that they can experience WITH you what Christian worship and Christian education are all about.  They won’t understand worship until they stand next to YOU and see YOU as YOU sing and pray and close YOUR eyes and get in touch with your God.

    Will these infants, these children, YOUR children, know Jesus?  It really is up to you.  Yet, even in this you are not alone, for Jesus has also reminded us that with God, all things are possible.

 

 

PASTOR JOHN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPPORTUNITIES FOR HOLY COMMUNION

 

During these coming weeks, members of the Parish will have the  opportunity to participate in Holy Communion on the following dates: 

    

July 6 – Fourth Sunday After Pentecost

August 3 – Eighth Sunday After Pentecost

August 10 – Ninth Sunday After Pentecost

             

Come, be blessed and nourished at the Lord’s Table.

 

 

JOINT COUNCIL MEETING OF HAYWARD AND TRONDHJEM  LUTHERAN CHURCHES

Wednesday, June 18, 20036:00 p.m.

 

   The Joint Council meeting of Hayward and Trondhjem was held at Hayward Lutheran Church  at 6:00 p.m.,  following a meal.

   Present were:  Obert Haldorson, Steve Tufte, Shirley Kraushaar, Dean Lukes, Sheldon Lukes, Vickie Storlie, Randy Eggum, Jean Skaar, Sue Skaar, Sonja Johnson, Pastor Malm, Kevin Lukes and Steve Kraushaar.

   Steve Tufte presided over the meeting.

   A motion was made by Obert Haldorson to approve the agenda.  Kevin Lukes seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

   Pastor Malm opened with devotions.

Secretary’s Report

   A motion was made by Randy Eggum to accept the Minutes from the April 16, 2003 Joint Council meeting.  Shirley Kraushaar seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

 

I.                    CALENDAR:

A.        Hayward Days:  Sunday, July 13th Joint Outdoor Worship at 10 a.m. at Hayward.

B.        Sunday, July 13th Open House at the Parsonage from 2-5 p.m.

C.        Pastor Malm on vacation July 14-31st.  Ms. Rachel Oldfather, Seminary student, will do pulpit supply on July 20th and 27th.

D.       Sunday, September 7th, begins fall schedule:  Trondhjem at 8:45 a.m. and Hayward at 10:30 a.m.  First day of Sunday School and Rally Day.

E.        Sunday, October 19th, former Bishop Glenn Nickelmoe to speak regarding our ELCA & Synod’s Funds for Leaders in Mission.  The goal of this project is to have enough endowed funds to cover the basic tuition costs for those attending seminary.

F.        Two other times Pastor and Sharon will be gone from the parish:  June 23-24 for Organ Institute in Minneapolis and June 30-July 2 to help move their daughter and son-in-law.

II.                  FALL PARISH FORUM:

      Two years from now, at Churchwide Assembly, ELCA delegates will vote on an issue of pastoral ministry.  One part will be the matter of whether or not to ordain non-celibate homosexuals for pastoral ministry.  Another part will be the matter of allowing ELCA pastors to bless same-sex unions.  The ELCA is offering to congregations two different four-session studies on these matters.  The first four-session study focuses on matters of sexuality in general.  The second focuses more specifically on matters of homosexuality.

   Obert Haldorson made a motion that Pastor Malm lead the first four-session study of a general discussion of sexuality.  This will be held on Sunday evenings at 6:00 p.m., beginning on September 7th.  During August, a sign-up sheet will be available for those who wish to attend this study.  Jean Skaar seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

III.                PARSONAGE:

A.        Previous items discussed on the parsonage have been taken care of.

B.        Pastor Malm asked permission to install edging and rock around some of the trees and telephone poles.  Granted.

IV.                GOOD EARTH VILLAGE – CAPITAL CAMPAIGN:

      Discussion was held on some ways to do fund-raisers towards each congregation’s goal of $1,200 a year for the Connecting With the Spirit building fund for the new lodge.

V.                  KOA CAMPGROUND:      

      The posters advertising the times of the church services are done and will be taken to the campground this week.

VI.                BANNING FIREARMS FROM PROPERTIES:

      Due to the new concealed weapons law, congregations would need to post signs declaring that weapons are banned from the premises.  Discussion was held on this issue with further decisions to be made at our separate meetings.

VII.              LUTHERAN CAMPUS MINISTRY “PASS THE BUCK TO LCM”:

      The synod assembly authorized & encouraged congregations to participate in a program to help raise funds for LCM ministries within our synod.  The “Pass the Buck” campaign is for a specific building project on the campus of Winona State University.

      Steve Kraushaar made a motion to select Sunday, Sept. 21st to designate a special offering to Lutheran Campus Ministry.  Kevin Lukes seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

VIII.          YOUR PASTORAL MINISTRY AFTER ONE YEAR:

    Pastor Malm asked how we thought things were going.  Feedback was given.

 

Sheldon Lukes made a motion to adjourn the meeting.  Sonja Johnson seconded the motion.  Motion carried.  Meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Vickie Storlie

 

 

GOOD EARTH VILLAGE NEWS

 

 

 

 

 

FAMILY CAMPING AT GOOD EARTH VILLAGE

 

    Come to Good Earth Village for a few days of family camping!  Housing options include the new Log Lodge, the Hilltop Cabins, the Old Town Cabins, or the Family Campground.      

     There are three time slots for family camping this summer:  June 28-July 1 (Sat.-Tue.), July 3-6 (Thur.-Sun.), or Aug. 1-3 (Fri.-Sun.)

    For the four-day events, costs range, depending on size of family, from $185 (family of 2) to $265 (family of six).  For the three-day event, costs range from $165 (family of 2) to $205 (family of six).  If you use tent or camper, deduct $25 per family.  If you stay in the Log Lodge, add $50 per family.  All fees include lodging, meals and program.

    Daily activities include:  hiking, games, canoe trips, arts & crafts, Bible Study, trout fishing, night hikes, canteen, worship.

    A pastor/couple will be on hand as program leaders for each event.  Contact GEV at (507) 346-2494 or E-mail  at goodearth@deskmedia.com.  Or, ask Pastor or Sharon for more information.

 

 

 

 

 

DAY CAMP

 

    Oakland, Moscow, Hayward and Trondhjem Churches are planning an exciting opportunity for Christian growth in partnership with Good Earth Village Ministries for youth in kindergarten through sixth grade.  The Day Camp will be held at Oakland Lutheran Church.  Camp staff together with people from our parishes will lead the experience.  Camp will be held Monday, July 7 through Thursday, July 10, beginning at 9 a.m. and ending at 3 p.m.  Thursday evening at 6 p.m. there will be a family potluck supper, followed by a program.  On Friday, July 11, Camp will be held from 9 a.m. to noon.

    Each child needs to bring a sack lunch each day.  Beverage will be provided.

    If you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact Faye Learn at 373-1235.

 

 

 

 

 

COME AND JOIN THE FUN!!!

 

   Youth in Grades 7 and on up have an opportunity for some fun get-togethers during the week of Day Camp, July 7 – 11. 

   On Tuesday evening, July 8, at 6 p.m., the youth will meet at the home of Randy & Tammy Eggum for an evening of food, fun and fellowship. 

   Meat will be provided.  All you need to bring is a dish to share.  (Something that’s your favorite!) 

   A volleyball game and a bon fire will be among the fun things to do.

   Then, on Wednesday evening, July 9 at 7 p.m., there will be another get-together at Oakland Lutheran Church for more fun and games.

   COME AND JOIN THE FUN!!

 

 

THANK YOU  to all who made contributions and helped out with the meal sponsored by the Sunday School on May 18. Your support was greatly appreciated!

 

 

 

 

 

LUTHERAN NIGHT AT THE TWINS – WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 13TH

 

    Once again we have arranged for a bus and tickets for attending the Twins game against the Cleveland Indians on Wednesday evening, August 13th.  The bus will leave from Hayward Lutheran at 4:00 p.m. and the cost for bus ride and tickets will be $22.00 per person.  Tickets are upper level club section #227, beginning with row 12, which is behind home plate.  You will have an excellent view of the field.

    Sonja Johnson is once again heading up this endeavor.  Make out checks to her and call her to sign up at 373-9292.  If it is more convenient, you can also leave your registrations with Pr. Malm at church.  Deadline for both sign-up and money is no later than Sunday, July 20th.  Call ASAP.

  

 

 

PARSONAGE OPEN HOUSE

JULY 13TH

   Pastor John and Sharon invite all members of the Hayward-Trondhjem Parish to come to the parsonage for an Open House on Sunday, July 13, 2003, from 2 – 5 p.m.  “Here’s yer chance to see what dem der preacher folks have dun to da house.  You betcha!”  No other special reason but a chance for you to come and visit a spell, along with some simple refreshments.

 

 

TRONDHJEM NEWS

 

TRONDHJEM

JULY/AUGUST ASSIGNMENTS

Altar Guild

            July - Ruth Lukes

            August – Charlotte Lukes

Coffee Servers

            July 20             Sunday School

            July 27             Lucetta & Clifford Kermes

            August 3          Doug & Peggy Thompson

            August 17        Altar Guild, Elaine Lukes,

Communion Assistant                          hostess 

            July - Dean Luke

          August – Sheldon Lukes

 

JULY/AUGUST ACOLYTE/USHER

ASSIGNMENTS

July 6 – Jessica Naatz & Megan Thompson  

July 13 – Outdoor Worship at Hayward Lutheran

July 20 – Brad Thompson & Scott Kraushaar

July 27 – Sean Kraushaar & Andrew Reese

August 3  - Scott Kraushaar

August 10 – Daniel Jax & Cameron Kolbe

August 17 – Zach Kestner & Matt Reese

August 31 – Brad Thompson & Scott Kraushaar

 

 

 

 

 

TRONDHJEM  BIRTHDAYS

 

July 5  - Shirley Kraushaar

July 6 – Arlene Chapek

July 15 – Zachary Kestner

July 18 – Greg Lukes

July 28 – Joliene Krause

              Anna Severtson

August 4 – Jessica Naatz

August 6 – Annette Naatz

August 23 – Roger Severtson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TRONDHJEM  ANNIVERSARIES

 

July 22 – Betty & Roger Krause

August 5 – Ruth & Sheldon Lukes

 

 

 

TRONDHJEM  MEMORIALS

 

Missions

          In memory of Marie Belshan by WELCA

 

General Fund

            In memory of Josephine Martinson by M/M Jim Benesh Sr.

 

Building Fund

            In memory of Olaf & Wilma Thompson by Emily Cech

            In memory of Marie Belshan by M/M Emil Prantner, M/M Richard Kraushaar, Mary Cox, Emily Cech, M/M Ed Prantner, M/M Cornelius Slegh, and Marie Belshan’s family.

            In memory of Milo Cafourek by Mary Cox

 

Organ Fund

            In memory of Marie Belshan by M/M Dale Lukes

 

FUNERAL

            Marie Pondelicek Belshan – Friday, May 30, 2003, 11:00 a.m.  at Bayview Funeral Home

 

KNOWN TO HAVE BEEN HOSPITALIZED

 

Dale Lukes at Austin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BIG THANK YOU to the following people who gave of their time to restore our Sunday School Room:  Mike Severtson, Mark Severtson, Steve Kraushaar, Sean Kraushaar, Scott Kraushaar, Linda Kraushaar, Pastor Malm, Doug Thompson, Lisa Kraushaar & Dale Lukes.  Also, thank you to Dale and Elaine Lukes for planting the flowers and taking care of them

   - Submitted by Bev Prantner

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REMEMBER THE PIE AND ICE CREAM SOCIAL

    On Sunday, August 24, Trondhjem will hold their annual Pie & Ice Cream Social, beginning at 5 p.m.  The menu will include Sloppy Joes, Pie & Ice Cream.  Come and join the fun!  The proceeds and matching Funds from Thrivent will go to the Good Earth Village “Connecting with the Spirit” fundraising appeal.

 

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.

 

JULY/AUGUST  ASSIGNMENTS

 

Altar Guild

    July - Noona Barnick & Gwen Hanson

    August – Sally Anderson & Carole Eggum

Coffee Servers

    July 6           Diane & Paul Ladlie

    July 13         Paulette & Dave Paulson

    July 20         Cindy & Bob Armon

    July 27         Kaye & Steve Tufte

    August 3      Marlene & Dave Thompson

    August 10    Natalie & Curt Larson

    August 17    Cammie & Wes Tennis

    August 24    Jean & Neal Skaar

    August 31    Faye Olson & Sylvia Kycek

                                                           

Ushers     July

            *Curt, Natalie, Amy & Michael Larson, Jr.

            Neal & Jean Skaar

            Tracy Skaar

            Wes & Cammie Tennis

            Travis & Brandon Quam

 

               August

            *Gary & Paula Broitzman

            Lowell, Dawn & Jenny Nelson

            Gene & Bev Jensen

            Kendall & Lila Johnson

 

Communion and Offering Duty

            July - Jean Skaar & Randy Eggum

            August – Jean Skaar & Bob Armon

 

 

 July/August Acolyte/Usher

Schedule

 

July 6           Chelsea Hill & Justin Erickson

July 13                       Outdoor service at Hayward Lutheran

July 20                     Ben Berhow and Eric Elleby

July 27                     Mike Larson & Justin Erickson

August 3        Melissa Sather & Brooke Woitas

August 10    Chelsea Hill & Michelle Learn

August 17      Ben Berhow & Lacy Wright

August 24      Eric Elleby & Michael Larson

August 31      Justin Erickson & Ben Berhow

 

 

 

HAYWARD BIRTHDAYS

July 2               Ted Eggum

July 3               Barb Miller

July 5               Christine Westland

July 6               Bobbi Jo Jacobsma

July 7               Scott Thebiay

July 8               Jay Skaar        

July 12             Michael Nelson

July 15             Nathaniel Lein

July 16             Sarah Iverson

July 17             Karen Sorenson

July 20             Diane Ladlie

                        Scott Nelson

July 21             Brian Berhow              

July 24             Kyle Iverson

July 25             Cheryl Enderson

                        Denise Jenson

                  Chelsea Hill

                  Joshua Johnson

July 26             Gary Broitzman

July 30             Shane Christensen

                        LeMoyne Eggum

August 1          Cindy Armon

                        Paulette Paulson

August 2          Randy Eggum

                        Caylee Tennis

August 8          Sharon Malm

August 9          Virginia Hill

                        Emily Hafstad

August 10        Natalie Larson

August 12        Dylan Schroeder

August 14        Casey Jo Eggum

                        Cody Eggum

August 17        Min Westland

                        Shannon Mayer

                        Craig Nelson

August 20        Curtis Larson, Sr.

                        Melissa Sather

August 21        Nick Schermer

August 22        Helen Kycek

August 24        Sylvia Kycek

August 25        Philip Tennis

                        Gwen Hanson

August 26        Stephanie Larson

August 28        Millie Westland

                        Kay Skaar

August 29        Katherine Skaar

August 31        Lila Esse

                        Julie Erickson

                        Preston Lein

                        Haley Larson

 

 

 

 

 

HAYWARD ANNIVERSARIES

 

July 10                   H.C. & Faye Nelson

                              Nick & Jeanne Schermer

July 11                   Thomas & Stacey Westland

July 13                   Jerry & Beverly Noland

July 14                   Wes & Cammie Tennis

July 17                   Troy & Susan Eggum

July 20                   Philip & Edith Tennis

July 27                   Eugene & Beverly Jenson

July 28                   Steven & Kaye Tufte

August 4                Curt Jr. & Natalie Larson

August 6                LeMoyne & Carole  Eggum

August 13              Faye & Frank Learn

August 14              Troy & April Habana

August 16              Christian & Mary Elleby

                              Vern & Pat Frydenlund

August 18              Neal & Jean Skaar

August 26              Devon & Cindy Wriedt

 

 

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 William Duguid

            In memory of Marie Belshan

            In memory of Alvin Larson

  

GENERAL FUND

            In memory of Marie Belshan

 

HOLY COMMUNION INSTRUCTION

   Congratulations to the following persons who have received instruction and are now certified to receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion:

 

Julie Erickson  ,daughter of Jill

Hunter & McKenzie Gilby, children of Lyn & Darlene

                        Gilby     

Caylee Tennis, daughter of Wes & Cammie Tennis

Dahna Wright, daughter of Beverly

 

WEDDING

          Cheryl Heimsness and Kurt Freitag, Saturday, June 14th

 

TRANSFER OUT

          Jose and Joni Duenes, Jade, Presley & Dane to Salem Lutheran Church, Albert Lea

 

TRANSFER IN

            Kurt Freitag and Ashlyn from St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Granite Falls

 

KNOWN TO HAVE BEEN HOSPITALIZED

 

Paul Samuelson at St. Mary’s, Rochester

David Thompson at St. Mary’s, Rochester

Eugene Flusek at St. Mary’s, Rochester

 

 

 

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           $33,814           -$8,463

 

 

YOUR CONGREGATION BUDGET AND INCOME

 

You may remember that in the June Newsletter, the Council put forth a “RED FLAG” concerning our weekly and monthly income.  It was noted that if that income trend continued, then we would find ourselves having to dip into our ready-reserve bank loan fund.  That loan fund is an agreement with our bank to borrow up to $5,000 as needed.  Well, the need has come, for a total right now of $1,700.  Once again, your Council asks that if you are able to go the extra mile in your giving this summer, it would be greatly appreciated.

 

WANTED:  PERSON TO BE CHURCH TREASURER – HAYWARD LUTHERAN

 

At the Congregation Council Meeting on June 18th, Sue Skaar gave notice of her resignation as Treasurer for Hayward Lutheran.  She has graciously agreed to remain as Treasurer until a replacement is found, but no later than the end of this year.  The Council is now in a search for a replacement for Sue.  If you would be interested in this position or know of someone who might be a good candidate, please contact the Congregation President, Steve Tufte (373-2356) or one of the other Council Members

 

HAYWARD CONGREGATION COUNCIL MINUTES

June 18, 20038:30 p.m.

 

   The Hayward Congregation Council meeting was held June 18, 2003 at the church, starting at 8:30 p.m.

   Present:  Vickie Storlie, Sonja Johnson, Randy Eggum, Steve Tufte, Jean Skaar, Sue Skaar and Pastor Malm.

   Steve Tufte presided over the meeting.

   Secretary’s Minutes:

Sonja Johnson made a motion to accept the Secretary’s Report as printed.  Randy Eggum seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

   Treasurer’s Report:

We had to use the Ready Reserve (loan) on the General Fund.  $1,700 was transferred and used.  Interest rate of 10.25%.

   Randy Eggum made a motion to give the executive committee authority to transfer money from the Building Fund to the General Fund if the ready reserve is getting close to being maxed out at $5,000.  Sonja Johnson seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

   Jean Skaar made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report.  Randy Eggum seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

A.     LETTER OF RESIGNATION:

Sue Skaar turned in a letter of resignation as Treasurer.  Notice of the job opening will be placed in the bulletin and newsletter.  Please contact Steve Tufte or another member of the council if you are interested in the position.

B.     BAPTISMAL FONT:

Bill Lyle made the new top for the baptismal font.

Jean Skaar made a motion to accept with thanks the gift from Bill Lyle of the new baptismal font cover.  Randy Eggum seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

C.     CHURCH SIGN, CO. RD. 26:

Dave Thompson reported that he would like to redo the church sign on Co. Rd. 26.  He would take care of the expenses.  Possibly an 8’ x 8’ sign with heavier posts.  He is looking for helpers.

Sonja Johnson made a motion to allow Dave Thompson to redo the church sign on Co. Rd. 26.  Motion seconded by Vickie Storlie.  Motion carried.

D.    OLD CHIMES:

Steve Tufte made a motion to place an ad in the Metro Lutheran paper to try and sell the chimes replacing the motion from May 21st meeting.  Sonja Johnson seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

E.     KIM PORTZ INVOICE:

Don Savekoul sent a letter to the collection agency on June 12th in response to their letter regarding the Kim Portz invoice.

F.     BANNING FIREARMS FROM PREMISES:

Steve will check with the insurance company to see if they have any insurance issues regarding not posting any signs.

G.    HANDICAPPED LIFT PROJECT:

Larson’s have started working inside, going through the floor, etc.

The next meeting of the council will be Sunday, August 10th following the worship service.

Meeting adjourned at 10:15 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Vickie Storlies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

YOUTH NOTES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUMMER CAMP

 

   This year we have six of our youth from Hayward Lutheran signed up to attend camp at Good Earth Village.

 

   For the Settlers Program, beginning June 25th, we have Tate Tufte attending.

 

   For the Canoe Trip, beginning July 13th, we have Nate Lein and Louis Tufte attending.

 

   For the Pathfinders Program, beginning July 13th, we have Preston Lein, Mitchell Skaar and Logan Tufte attending.

 

  We hope that you have a good time at camp, filled with much fun, learning and fellowship.

 

   Still interested in attending camp?  Check out the camp website: www.goodearthvillage.org or E-mail the camp: goodearth@deskmedia.com.  Remember that there are camperships available from the WELCA for those who would like to attend.  Ask at the church office

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BRIDAL SHOWER will be held for Brie Matson on Saturday, July 27 at 9:30 a.m. at Hayward Lutheran Church Social Hall.  Everyone welcome.

 

 

 

THANK YOU to the Hayward Congregation for being there and believing in me the whole way!  God bless!    

       - Brooke Woitas

 

THANK YOU to the Hayward Congregation and the Thrivent Chapter for being a part of my day.  Whether it was in thought or by your presence, it was appreciated.  Thank you also for the cross.

     - Mike Larson

 

THANK YOU to the members of the Sunday School Board  and Sharon Malm for hosting my Bridal Shower on June 7th.

     - Cheryl Freitag

 

 

BAPTISMAL FONT:  SPECIAL THANKS TO BILL LYLE:

The congregation Council, along with Pastor Malm, expresses sincere thanks to Bill Lyle for creating a new cover for the Baptismal Font.  Bill took some specially chosen rough cut pieces of walnut wood and shaped them into a marvelous round, tiered top with a cross in the middle, and stained to match the wood base of the font.  Thanks, Bill, for sharing your special talent and skills with your church in this way.

 

 

POT LUCKS AND POTATO CHIPS

(The following article was written up in the “The Des Moines Register” sometime in 1993 by Valerie Van Kooten of Pella, Iowa.  Valerie is a free-lance writer and teaches technical writing at Central College)

 

   It’s about that time of year again:  Drag out the picnic baskets and outdoor eating utensils, dust off the thermoses and schlep food around the countryside in a bizarre ritual called “a potluck dinner.”

  I’ve come to dread them.  Not that I don’t like lukewarm lemonade as well as the next person, but to be frank, I’m a potluck reject.  My gelatin doesn’t gel, my meatballs leak through everything else in the basket, and my Pink Perfect salad wilts to its lowest common denominator – cottage cheese.

   I come from a long line of potluck misfits.  My great aunt once baked a spoon into the cake she proffered to an unhappy tangle of hungry cousins.  Another unnamed (but very guilty) relative has been known to bring nothing but a bag of potato chips, letting everyone wonder which gourmet delicacy she has contributed.

   My biggest problem is transporting the meal.  My food can barely make it from the oven to the table, let alone from the oven to crumb-encrusted-picnic-table-in-a-bug-ridden-shelter house.  The pots and pans I use are sadly lacking in picnic value.  Although I have precisely 122 pieces of Tupperware stuffed into what my husband calls “The Plastic Jungle”, under our microwave cart, there

there‘s nary a lid to match.

   No lid can cause problems.  Case in point?  A recent potluck for our local day care center.  Five minutes before we’re ready to leave, our 2-year-old son, Cameron, opens the refrigerator and pours half a glass of milk onto my Jell-O salad.  His rationale?  “It makes the Jell-O happy, Mommy.”  It didn’t make Mommy happy.

   I spent the next few minutes spooning milk off an already soggy salad and then remembered my mom’s 11th Commandment:  “A little shipped cream hides a multitude of sins.”  I slathered it on thickly, covered it precariously with a sheet of aluminum foil, and proceeded to the potluck.

   Is there anything more painful than watching a mass of famished people pointedly spurn your offering?  No one touched it.  Within five minutes of arrival, the salad had congealed into a sodden mound of discolored whipped cream with a few stray nuts floating on the surface.  Our 6-year-old, Colin, summed up the catastrophe:  “No one’s taking your salad, Mom, because it’s the grossest thing they’ve seen.”  I had to concede he was right.

   What to do next is the true test of potluck success.  Whenever you have a potluck bomb, everyone will wait to see who picks up that pathetic-looking gluck and takes it home.

   Here’s my solution:  Don’t claim it.  Bring your offering in a disposable, tin foil pan and let it sit there.  After exhaustive questioning – and if you can keep your kids from piping up your ownership – someone will put it out of its misery and dump it.  I promise.

   The other major problem with potlucks is that you’ll invariably be seated beside the Maven of Matched Cutlery.  She’ll have her entire family outfitted with trays specifically made for picnics, and forks and spoons that all bear the same pattern.  She always has enough extra table service for the unexpected dozen or so relatives who might drop in., and when the meal is over she passes around the moist towelettes to her kids.

   Don’t torture yourself this way.  She probably also has one of those cloth casserole carriers that keeps everything warm, and will spend two hours hunting down a lost salad fork after the potluck is over.  Clearly, she’s not to be trusted.

   I can’t say I’ll be unhappy when the potluck season is over once more.  Next year, I’m joining with the only other sane person in my family and bringing my new specialty……..potato chips.

 

PARISH NEWS DEADLINE                   

 The deadline for turning in articles and calendar information for the Parish News is the 20th 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!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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