2003: LENT –
STORIES OF BREAD
BREAD. The dictionary defines it as baked food made of flour or meal mixed with water, etc. Thus, we sometimes refer to money as “bread”. When we “break bread”, it refers to eating a meal.
Bread is and has been one of those basic foods for nourishment for many millennia and for billions of people. We often remark how great it is to eat freshly baked bread, or to fill our nostrils with the aroma of baking bread.
In the Bible we find all kinds of important
and meaningful references to bread, from the manna, the heavenly bread God sent
to the people of
It is to some of those biblical references that we will turn during this coming season of LENT, at our Midweek Services. We will explore these stories of bread in the following way:
March 5 – Ash Wednesday: BREAD FROM EARTH (Genesis
March 12 – BREAD FROM HEAVEN (Exodus 16:1-7)
March 19 – BREAD FROM A STONE (Matthew 4:1-4)
March 26 – BREAD FOR THE MANY (John 6:5-15)
April 2 – BREAD FOR THE FEW (Luke 24:28-35)
April 9 – BREAD FOR THE SOUL (John
April 17 – Maundy Thursday – BREAD FOR THE
BODY (Mark
Service times will be at
All of these experiences with bread should be ways to remind us, not only of God’s great providence and mercy upon us, but also of God’s only Son, Jesus, Who comes to us daily as “The Bread of Life”, bringing us forgiveness, life and salvation – nourishment for our souls.
So, come and join us as we feed upon bread, bread for our bodies and bread for our souls.
PASTOR JOHN
Scattered throughout John’s Gospel, from
chapter four through eighteen, there are at least eight different times that
Jesus declares who He is with the beginning phrase “I AM”. Just to say “I AM” was a strong and radical
thing to say, for the Jewish people understood that to be the very name of
God. Thus, both John and Jesus witness
to who Jesus really is, namely Messiah, Son of God.
With those
opening words Jesus also goes on to tell us both who He is and what He does as
God’s Son, and that will be our focus and reflection during the Sundays in Lent
and then on Easter Sunday. Come and hear
the good news of God’s “I AM”.
MARCH 9 I
AM HE (MESSIAH)
MARCH 16 I
AM THE LIGHT OF THE
WORLD
MARCH 23 I
AM THE GATE, THE GOOD
SHEPHERD
MARCH 30 I
AM THE WAY, TRUTH AND LIFE
APRIL 6 I
AM THE TRUE VINE
APRIL 13 I
AM HE (JESUS OF
APRIL 20 I
AM THE RESURRECTION AND
THE
LIFE
THRIVENT FINANCIAL FOR
LUTHERANS
ESTABLISHING CONGREGATIONAL
SERVICE TEAMS
GET INVOLVED! HELP OTHERS!
DEAR MEMBERS OF THE CONGREGATION:
Now that
the new Thrivent Financial For Lutherans has been established across the
country, made up of the former Lutheran Brotherhood and AAL insurance
companies, it is time for us to get involved in establishing the structure
needed to help provide for special projects in our congregation and community
and their needs for matching funds for special projects.
Under the
new structure, Lutheran members and congregations within our
Members in
our congregation who have Thrivent Financial products such as insurance policies
or other investment products make up what are called “Thrivent Financial Member
Households.” Those who wish to pay a $10
annual fee, may also be considered a Member Household and participate. For any particular project within the
congregation or community, a minimum of six Thrivent Member Households can form
what is called a “Congregational or Community Service Team.” Each congregation will also have three people
who will act as coordinators, relating to any team that is formed. The team, with the coordinators, then leads the way
for the particular fund-raising function.
Once the project has been outlined, this group then applies for matching
funds to the County Chapter Leadership Board.
(At least that is how we understand it at this point.)
WANTED:
Initially, we need 3 persons/volunteers who would qualify as
Thrivent Member Households to take on the task of being Congregation
Coordinators. The first task of these
Coordinators is to plan (soon) an event for all members of the congregation to
attend, so that this new structure and procedures can be explained and
questions answered. If you would be
willing to be such a Coordinator, please let Pastor or Mrs. Malm know very
soon.
THANK YOU!
High School Seniors who are planning to attend
LOCAL CHURCH SCHOLARSHIPS TO
BE AWARDED
Hayward
Lutheran and Trondhjem Lutheran are both offering scholarships to their
OPPORTUNITIES FOR HOLY COMMUNION
During these coming weeks, members of the Parish will have
the following opportunities to participate in Holy Communion on the following
dates:
March 2 – Transfiguration
March 5 – Ash Wednesday -
Come, be blessed and nourished at the Lord’s Table.
THE HOUSE OF HOPE
About five years ago, some concerned and
very dedicated citizens of the
The House of Hope is designed to be a home
away from home for medical center patients and families, for visitors of
nursing home residents and for families at their time of bereavement. The requested donations for the use of the
home are very reasonable. The kitchen is
provided so that persons and families can prepare their own meals while staying
there. Also, laundry facilities are
provided. It is close to the hospital,
the downtown area and the city library.
Off-street parking is available, and the facility is smoke free.
The House of Hope is a non-profit
organization. They welcome your gifts of
support, as well as any opportunities that you or others you know may have to
make use of the house. You can send your
donations to: The House of Hope,
CONFIRMATION SCHEDULE
From March 5 through April 9 the Trondhjem and Hayward Confirmation Classes will meet jointly at Hayward Lutheran at
TRONDHJEM NEWS
TRONDHJEM
MARCH
ASSIGNMENTS
Altar Guild
Elna
Severtson
Coffee Servers
March
9 – Roger & Betty Krause
March
23 – Randy & Mona Lukes
Communion Assistant
Sheldon Lukes
MARCH
CONFIRMATION ACOLYTE/USHER
ASSIGNMENTS
March 2 - Jessica Naatz & Megan Thompson
March 5
(Ash Wednesday) – Brad Thompson & Scott
Kraushaar
March 9 – Sean Kraushaar & Andrew Reese
March 16 – Scott Kraushaar
March 23 – Daniel Jax & Cameron Kolbe
March 30 – Zachary Kestner & Matthew Reese
TRONDHJEM BIRTHDAYS
March 2 Matthew Reese
March 9 Olivia Krause
March 13 Bev Prantner
March 15 Margaret Ziebell
March 19 Mary Cox
March 21 Mavis Billadeau
Orin
Krause
March 22 Dean Lukes
March 24 Lucetta Kermes
March 25 Anna Johnson
March 29 Sean Kraushaar
TRONDHJEM ANNIVERSARIES
March 2 Lucetta & Clifford Kermes
TRONDHJEM MEMORIALS
General
Fund
In memory of Elsie Bejna by
M/M Jim Benesh
Sr.
In memory
of Olive Westrum by M/M Jim Benesh Sr.
In memory
of Melvin Wacholz by M/M Jim Benesh Sr.
Building
Fund
In memory of Louis Belshan by
M/M Emil Prantner
In memory
of Melvin Wacholz by Marie Belshan.
In memory of Melvin Wacholz
by Mary Cox
We the people of
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.
MARCH
ASSIGNMENTS
Altar Guild
Sally Anderson and Carole Eggum
Coffee Servers
March 2 – Nancy & Jim Skaar/ Vickie
& Darrel Storlie
March 9 – Kim & Scott Woitas/ Clayton
Peterson
March 16 – Sonja & Dan Johnson/ Linda
& Steve Johnson
March 23 – Carmen & Galen
Johnson/Janet & Wayne Krominga
Ushers
*Paul
& Barb Miller
Chris, Mary, Eric & Jordan Elleby
LeMoyne Eggum
Ted
Eggum
Jim
Skaar
Chris
Skaar
Steve
Johnson
Communion and Offering Duty
Sonja
Johnson and
March Confirmation
Acolyte/Usher
Schedule
March 2 – Michael Larson & Justin Erickson
March 5
(Ash Wednesday) – Melissa Sather & Brooke
Woitas
March 9 – Miranda Garduno & Michelle Learn
March 16 – Chelsea Hill & Lacy Wright
March 23 – Ben Berhow& Eric Elleby
March 30 – Michael Larson & Justin Erickson
March 1 Dane
Duenes
March 2 Travis
Quam
March 4 Bev
Noland
March 5 Art
Sherman
March 6 Ashe
Skaar
Judy
Becker
March 7 Michael
Larson
March 10 Sarah
Frydenlund
March 12 Samantha
Anderson
March 15 Gen
Olson
March 16 Bertha
Frydenlund
Steve
Sorenson
March 22 LaVonne
Williams
March 27 Michelle
Learn
March 28 Nicholas
Paulson
March 30 Aaron
Enderson
March 5 Terry &
Debra Bolinger
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.
Anyone wishing to donate a quilt
top for quilting this year may contact the Calico Hutch – 377-1163. The cost is $8.00. Quilters meet each Tuesday at
LIBRARY NEWS
During Coffee
Hour look for the Library Book Cart in the
Fellowship Hall.
Listed below are
several books which have been donated recently.
1.
ssAmy Ephron
2.
“The Pilot’s Wife” by Anita
Shrewe
3.
“
Remember, a complete set of The Mitford Series has been
donated to our Library.
Library Committee, Camilla & Edith
LIFT FUND
In memory of Melvin Wacholz by M/M Curtis Larson, M/M Willis Phieffer, Gertrude
Iverson, M/M Bernard Anderson, Clayton Peterson, M/M Jerry Schewe, Barb
Willmert, M/M Keith Iverson, M/M
In memory of Art Gunnarson by James Frydenlund, Bertha Frydenlund, M/M Nick Schermer,
M/M Willie Pfieffer, Hayward Sr. Citizens, Polly Noland, Merle Anderson, Tom
& Judy Hagmann, Lila Esse, M/M Jerry Noland.
In memory of Janet
Skaar Pecora by Mrs. Paul Stieler.
In memory of Olive Westrum by Marlys Johnson, M/M Bill Murphy, Nancy & Jim Skaar,
Gen Olson, Fred & Lee Friedricksen, Charles & Lenore Sutton, John &
Lola Evans.
In memory of Max Noland
& Harlan Wegner by M/M Jerry Noland.
In memory of Verda
Gunnarson by M/M Jerry Noland.
In memory of Lydia Waalkens by M/M Jerry Noland, Sally Anderson, Pauline Noland, Lila
Esse, Merle Anderson, Harold & Gladys Westrum, Camilla Frydenlund, M/M
Willis Pfieffer, Simon & Irene Thompson.
In memory of Louis
Belshan by Sylvia Kycek.
In memory of Esther
Yeadon by Sylvia Kycek.
ALTAR GUILD
In memory of Melvin
Wacholz by M/M Richard Hanson.
In memory of Lydia
Waalkens by M/M Richard Hanson.
ORGAN FUND
In memory of Melvin Wacholz by Henrietta Brabec, Jim & Nancy Bottleson, Rick &
Vicki McAnally, Curt & Greta Anderson, Ray & Mary Keating, Orlo &
Jean Willmert, Tom & Pat Nelson, Judith & James Olson, Barb Nerby,
Gayle & Vicki Kuethe, Robert & Jud7y Olson, Helen Dockwell, Ethel
Corbin, Emily Cech
STAINED GLASS FUND
In memory of Melvin Wacholz by Delores Wegner, M/M Chris Skaar, M/M Paul Westland.
In memory of Lydia Waalkins by Lydia Waalkens Estate, Bob & Donna Nelson, M/M
Theodore Thorson, Steve & Connie Schultz, Don & Janet Flatness, Nancy
Vertley, M/M Arnold Schultz, Doris Sletten, Ron & Donna Sletten, M/M Ed
Plantage, Ray & Ramona Bentzen, Ed & Nancy Verhey, Eunice Jensen, Joan
Hagen, Bev Wright, Mike & Marlys Jensen, Family & friends, Dave &
Paulette Paulson, Dale & Millie Westland.
In memory of Evelyn
Matthies by Delores Wegner.
In memory of Gene Van
Wilgen by Paul & Min Westland.
In memory of Renee
Waalkens by Paul & Min Westland.
In memory of Janet
Skaar Pecora by Valborg Head.
CEMETERY FUND
In memory of Melvin
Wacholz by Vila Rynerson, M/M William Lyle.
The meeting was called to order by Steve
Tufte, President.
Secretary’s Report
The Secretary’s Report was
printed in the Annual Report. Kendall
Johnson made a motion to accept the Secretary’s Report as printed. Richard Hanson seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report
The Treasurer’s Report was
printed in the Annual Report and presented by Steve Tufte. Paul Westland made a motion to accept the
Treasurer’s Report. Kaye Tufte seconded
the motion. Motion carried.
Pastor’s Report
Pastor Malm gave a brief
report. There is also a report printed
in the Annual Report.
Committee Reports
Building and Grounds – Dean Anderson reported that the eaves and peaks on
the ends of the church had been redone. Also wanted to thank everyone that helped with the windows this
past year.
Cemetery Board – Dan Johnson reported that there were 6 burials and
12 gravesites sold this past year. He
also reported that there are 8 sites in a lot and some of them haven’t had any
activity for the past 75 years and there aren’t any descendants in the
area. The board is wondering if some of
them could be resold. Gwen Hanson made a
motion to authorize the Cemetery Board to check into seeing if the lots (sites)
can be resold. Jack Thisius seconded the
motion. Motion carried.
Handicapped Lift – Steve Tufte reported that we have around $74,000
in cash and pledges as of the end of the 2002 year. Goal for the lift was $91,000.00. At this time we haven’t called upon those
that haven’t made a pledge. We have
approached Americana National Bank about getting a $50,000 loan. Three-year loan with 5 ¾ % interest. We would probably be getting the loan in late
April 2003. We should probably publish
in the church newsletter about when pledges are due.
Steve also attended the January
Hayward City Council meeting. They are
concerned about tearing up the street to hook the sewer up and the condition
the street would be in afterwards. At
that meeting they declined to issue a permit to hook into the sewer at the
street. Some other options were looked
at: Digging across through the basement
floor to present sewer hookup would be expensive because the floor tiles
contain asbestos and would need special removal procedures; using the larger
closet off the Social Hall but then some of the tables and chairs would have to
be stored on the lower level; also the Pastor’s Study was mentioned. Another more viable option was going through
the heat pipe tunnel under the sanctuary north to the Sacristy sink drain. This will be looked into. Also, we are on the agenda for the February
Hayward City Council meeting which is
Parsonage Committee – Steve Tufte reported that a lot of work had been
done for the move in of Pastor John and Sharon.
With the passing of the proposed budget the furnace and air conditioner
will be replaced this year.
Stained Glass – LaVonne Williams reported that five (5) more
windows have been ordered and should be in by Easter.
WELCA – Edith Samuelson read the WELCA report which is also
printed in the Annual Report.
New Business
1.
Worship
Times
A.
There was some discussion about changing the worship
starting time back to
B.
Summer Schedule:
Trondhjem at
C.
Easter Services: There was discussion on different options
for services on Easter Sunday. Paulette
Paulson made a motion that we request from Trondhjem to exchange regular
morning services on Easter Sunday, April 20th, so that we would have
the following schedule: 6:00 a.m. Easter
Sunrise Service; 7:00 a.m. Easter Breakfast; 8:45 a.m. Hayward Service; 10:30 a.m. Trondhjem Service. Doran Gray seconded the motion. Motion carried.
2.
Nominating
Committee
The Election Ballot distributed
at the beginning of the Annual Meeting.
Delegates for the Synod Assembly, Blue Earth River Conference,
Church Council: Sonja Johnson & Bob Armon
Sunday School
Board: Nancy Berhow & Darlene Gilby
Cemetery Committee: Dan Johnson
Nominating Committee: Jerry
Noland & Nick Schermer
Audit Committee: Kim Woitas
& Jean Schermer/Kris Schulz
3.
Church
Organ
Steve Tufte reported on the
problems with the current organ and mentioned the costs for fixing some of the
problems. The $10,000 that was donated
to the organ fund was designated for a new organ. The Council was in contact with Schmitt Music
in
4.
2003
Proposed Budget
Pastor Malm made a motion to
accept the 2003 Budget. Motion seconded
by Paulette Paulson. Discussion
followed. On page 2 of
the budget regarding Pastor Hagen’s pension. He hasn’t finalized the amount with the
Pension Board. The amount should be
around $5,900.00. Pastor Malm has been
in contact with the Bishop regarding this matter. Kim Portz bill, still have not had contact
with him regarding this bill. The lawn
care and snow removal has been donated by Gene Jensen and Dick Hanson at this
time. If this should change we should
have it included in the budget. Dick
Hanson made a motion to amend the 2003 Budget to include the $900.00 for lawn
care and snow removal. Jack Thisius
seconded the motion. Motion
carried. The amended budget for 2003
will be $101,564.00.
5.
Mission Statement – We the
people of
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.
6.
Electronic
Offering
Neal & Jean Skaar mentioned
the option of having your offering automatically withdrawn from your checking
account. They encourage others to do
so.
A motion was made by Sonja
Johnson to adjourn the meeting. Shirley
Gray seconded the motion. Motion
carried. Meeting adjourned at
Respectfully Submitted,
Secretary
Pastor Malm called a meeting of the Church
Council on
Present:
Steve Tufte,
The following were elected to leadership
positions:
President – Steve Tufte
Vice-President – Sonja Johnson
Secretary –
Treasurer – Sue Skaar
Members at Large – Jean Skaar, Randy
Eggum & Bob Armon
The next Council meeting will be
Steve Tufte made a motion to adjourn the
meeting. Randy Eggum seconded the
motion. Carried.
Respectfully submitted,
The Hayward Church Council meeting was held
on
Present were: Sonja Johnson,
Sonja Johnson, Vice-President, called the
meeting to order. The agenda was
discussed and approved.
Secretary’s Report:
Motion was made by Sonja and
seconded by Jean Skaar to accept the Secretary’s Report as printed. Motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report:
Sue was not present. Pastor Malm gave general account figures.
Items to Be Considered:
1. Calendar:
A.
B.
Lent – Midweek Worship beginning Wednesday, March 5th,
C.
Easter Sunday schedule:
D.
March 16th next Council meeting.
E.
April 16th, Wednesday,
F.
April 27th – Confirmation Day at both
G.
May 2-3 – Synod Assembly at
2.
Elevator
– Lift Project:
A congregational meeting has
been called for March 2,
Sonja Johnson made a motion to authorize
Steve Tufte and Sue Skaar to sign the note for the construction loan with
Americana Bank, with the fixed rate of 6.25%.
Jean Skaar seconded the motion.
Motion carried.
3. Coffee Machine:
Has been
replaced.
4.
Church
Organ
Jean Skaar made a motion to purchase
the Johannes Opus 20 organ from Schmitt Music in
Dewey Krueger in Northwood will
be contacted to see if they are interested in the old organ.
5. Pastor Hagen’s Pension:
6. Offering Sheet Reports:
Discussion on some changes to
the offering sheet report and the counting of memorials.
7. Parsonage Furnace & Air Conditioner:
The furnace and air conditioner
have been installed.
Jean Skaar made a motion to pay
for the parsonage furnace & air conditioner by a combination of cashing in
the Edward D. Jones Stock and using money from the Building Fund. Bob Armon seconded the motion. Motion carried.
8. Habitat for humanity:
Tom Engen,
1.
Keep Habitat in your prayers.
2.
Direct families in need to their office.
3.
Volunteer your time to the mission.
4.
Commit to financial support at a comfortable level.
He was also looking for a
contact person in the church other than the Pastor. Jean Skaar volunteered to be the contact
person.
9. Offering for Lenten Service Meals:
The distribution of the offering
given during the Lenten Suppers will be decided at the Joint Council meeting in
April.
10.
Connecting
with the Spirit Appeal for
A motion was made by Jean Skaar to adjourn
the meeting. Motion seconded by
Next meeting
Respectfully submitted,
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
On Sunday, March 2 at
Where We Are
End
of Month End of Month Variance
Budget
Goal Actual
Jan. $8,455 $8,186 .33 -$268.67
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!
The PARISH BIBLE STUDY is held Sunday, evenings at
THE SILVERSMITH
Malachi 3:3: “He will sit as a refiner and purifier of
silver.”
This verse puzzled some women in a Bible
study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and
nature of God. One of the women offered
to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their
next Bible Study.
That week, the woman called a silversmith
and made an appointment to watch him at work.
She didn’t mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her
curiosity about the process of refining silver.
As she watched the silversmith, he held a
piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one
needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were
hottest as to burn away all the impurities.
The woman thought about God holding us in
such a hot spot. Then she thought again
about the verse that says: “He sits as a
refiner and purifier of silver.” She
asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the
fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered that yes, he not only had to
sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the
entire time it was in the fire. If the
silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.
The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, “How do you
know when the silver is fully refined?”
He smiled at her and answered, “Oh, that’s easy. When I see my image in it.”
If today you are feeling the heat of the fire,
remember that God has His eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees
His image in you.
Life is like a coin. You can spend it any way you wish, but you
can only spend it once.
ECUMENICAL
BELLS
Ecumenical Bells will present a concert at
the historic Paramount Theatre on Sunday afternoon, March 16, at
Ecumenical Bells is a community based hand
bell choir from the
March is Minnesota Food Share Month. The Salvation Army would like to thank you
for your continuing support of the Salvation Army Food Shelf. Your concern made it possible for many
families and individuals to receive assistance.
The fear is that 2003 will bring even more families to
those food shelves as cutbacks proliferate, rents continue to rise and
prescription drugs become more and more expensive for our senior citizens.
Please consider a monetary contribution or
a food donation. Food shelves have
access to discounted food that you don’t.
Cash feeds more families. Please
consider donating cash to your local food shelf. Everything, whether it is donated foods or
money that is received for the food pantry in March, will count towards what we
receive in matching funds to help our community.
Food items should be brought to The
Salvation Army at 402 South
Robert R. Myers
ART SERIES
OF UNITED
MERRILL
N. DAVIS III
Merrill Davis III is a master
player on the “King of Instruments.” His
work as artistic director of Euro Musik Corporation takes him to the wonderful
organs of the world. He has studied with
great teachers and shows a very expressive style of organ playing. He is known for his organ improvisation
technique. You will be treated to an
intense, colorful, and exciting musical experience at this exceptional program.
HELLO, GOD
Hello, God, I called tonight to talk a
little while. I need a friend who’ll
listen to my anxiety and trial. You see,
I can’t quite make it through a day just on my own. I need your love to guide me, so I’ll never
feel alone. I want to ask you please to
keep my family safe and sound. Come and
fill their lives with confidence for whatever fate they’re bound. Give me faith, dear God, to face each hour
throughout the day, and not to worry over things I can’t change in any
way. I thank you God, for being home and
listening to my call, for giving me such good advice when I stumble and
fall. Your number, God, is the only one
that answers every time. I never get a
busy signal, never had to pay a dime. So
thank you, God, for listening to my troubles and my sorrow. Good night, God, I love you, too, and I’ll
call again tomorrow!
ROSE
The first day of school our professor
introduced himself and challenged us to get to know
someone we didn’t already know. I stood
up to look around when a gentle hand touched my shoulder. I turned around to find a wrinkled, little
old lady beaming up at me with a smile that lit up her entire being. She said, “Hi handsome. My name is Rose. I’m 87 years old. Can I give you a hug?” I laughed and enthusiastically responded, “Of
course you may!” And she gave me a giant squeeze. “Why are you in college at such a young,
innocent age?” I asked. She jokingly replied, “I’m here to meet a
rich husband, get married, have a couple of
kids…” “No, seriously,” I asked. I was curious as to what may have motivated
her to be taking on this challenge at her age.
“I always dreamed of having a college education and now I’m getting
one!” she told me.
After class we walked to the student union
building and shared a chocolate milk shake.
We became instant friends.
Every day for the next
three months we would leave class together and talk nonstop. I was always mesmerized listening to this
“time machine” as she shared her wisdom and experience with me.
Over the course of the year, Rose became a
campus icon and she easily made friends wherever she went. She loved to dress up and she reveled in the
attention bestowed upon her from the other students. She was living it up. At the end of the semester we invited Rose to
speak at our football banquet. I’ll
never forget what she taught us.
She was introduced and stepped up to the
podium. As she began to deliver her
prepared speech, she dropped her 3 x 5 cards on the floor. Frustrated and a little embarrassed, she
leaned into the microphone and simply said, “I’m sorry I’m so jittery. I gave up beer for Lent and this whiskey is
killing me! I’ll never get my speech
back in order so let me just tell you what I know.”
As we laughed, she cleared her throat and
began, “We do not stop playing because we are old; we grow old because we stop
playing. There are only four secrets to
staying young, being happy, and achieving success.
1) You have to laugh and
find humor every day.
2) You’ve got to have a dream. When you lose your dreams, you die. We have so many people walking around who are
dead and don’t even know it!
3) There is a huge difference between growing older and growing up. If you are nineteen years old and lie in bed
for one full year and don’t do one productive thing, you will turn twenty years
old. If I am 87 years old and stay in
bed for a year and never do anything I will turn 88. Anybody can grow older. That doesn’t take any talent or ability. The idea is to grow up by always finding the
opportunity in change.
4) Have no regrets. The elderly usually don’t have regrets for
what we did, but rather for things we did not do. The only people who fear death are those with
regrets.”
She concluded her speech by courageously
singing “The Rose.” She challenged each
of us to study the lyrics and live them out in our daily lives.
At the year’s end Rose finished the college
degree she had begun all those years ago.
One week after graduation Rose died peacefully in her sleep. Over two thousand college students attended
her funeral in tribute to the wonderful woman who taught by example that it’s
never too late to be all you can possibly be.
NEW ORGAN TO BE INSTALLED
The Hayward Congregation Council
made the final decision to purchase the Johannes Opus 20 from Schmitt Music of
.