FROM THE PASTOR---

WE SAY YES

“Think of us in this way, as servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy.” (I Cor. 4:1-2)

I like to read various mystery novels, like those written by Agatha Christie or by Mary Higgins Clark, etc. There are two ways to read a mystery novel. The quickest way is to skim through the first few pages, find out who was killed and who the suspects are, and then skip immediately to the end to find out who did it. That is the quickest way, but not at all the most exciting.

The other way to read a mystery novel is to settle in to your cozy chair and start from page one. You read through the book word by word, following all the twists and turns that the writer has included to keep you guessing as to who did it. You find yourself captured by it all and you can’t put the book down, even when it gets so late at night. You read on until finally, you come to the dramatic ending and you finally know who the guilty person is.

Impatient readers might prefer the quicker method. Yet true mystery fans will tell you that the second way is much more fulfilling. Likewise, some people say that it doesn’t matter how we do things, as long as we get them done. All that matters is the end result. You know the saying, “the end justifies the means.” Our Lord Jesus clearly disagrees with that approach. He described the Christian life as a process, not merely a final, end product. That is why He calls us to take up the burden of that cross daily and to say a clear YES to God in every moment of our lives. There are no shortcuts along our Christian journey, but we go in the faith and trust that God walks with us every step of the way.

We are called to be stewards, good managers, of the mysteries of God. Jesus is not as concerned about the end product of our lives or all that we accomplish as He is that we be found trustworthy along the path of that Christian journey. To follow Christ Jesus and live as a

faithful steward of all of God’s riches upon us may include a few unexpected turns. Yet we are caught up in that Christ-story, and we might be rather amazed at how fulfilling the whole process can be.

SAY YES to God’s call and become a steward, a good manager of God’s mysteries, and you will find that God has some wonderful surprises in store for you.

Pastor John

OPPORTUNITIES FOR HOLY COMMUNION

September 5 Pentecost XIV

September 12 Pentecost XV

DO YOU HAVE SOME

ARTISTIC TALENTS? WE NEED YOU

Beginning in September we will no longer be using the bulletins purchased from Augsburg Fortress. The Councils of both Trondhjem Lutheran and Hayward Lutheran made the decision to discontinue our subscription for these bulletins.

Therefore, we will be designing our own bulletin covers. That is why we need those of you with artistic abilities. If you (youth or adult) would like to be one of the people to design a bulletin cover, please talk to Pastor John or Sharon or a member of the Church Council.

DO YOU HAVE A STUDENT GOING OFF TO COLLEGE?

If you have a student who will be going off to college this fall and you would like them to receive the church paper, please inform the church office of their address.

TRONDHJEM NEWS

SEPTEMBER ASSIGNMENTS

Altar Guild

Elaine Lukes

Coffee Servers

September 12 Pastor John & Sharon

September 26 Emil & Bev Prantner

Communion Assistant

Doug Thompson

SEPTEMBER ACOLYTE/USHER

ASSIGNMENTS

September 5 Sean Kraushaar and Andrew Reese

September 12 Jessica Naatz & Megan Thompson

September 19 Scott Kraushaar & Matthew Reese

September 26 Daniel Jax & Cameron Kolbe

SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS

September 1 Ralph George

September 8 Kim Naatz

September 12 Cortney Thostenson

September 16 Ken Benesh

September 22 Michael Severtson

SEPTEMBER ANNIVERSARIES

September 1 Bette & Ralph George

September 11 Arlyn & Joleen Krause

September 14 Dale & Elaine Lukes

September 22 Kiven & Cheryl Lukes

September 25 Maynard & Anna Johnson

MEMORIALS

GENERAL FUND

In memory of Ann Arett by M/M Roger Krause,

In memory of Anna Arett by M/M Robert Dana

In memory of Matthew Rohne by M/M Jim Benesh, Sr.

In Memory of Paul Olson by M/M Jim Benesh, Sr.

In memory of Paul Olson by Barb Prantner

BUILDING FUND

In memory of Paul Olson by M/M Emil Prantner

In memory of Paul Olson by Mary Cox

In memory of Matthew Rohne by M/M Dale Lukes

KNOWN TO HAVE BEEN HOSPITALIZED

Irene Benesh at Albert Lea Medical Center

REMEMBER ICE CREAM SOCIAL

Mark your calendars now! The annual Trondhjem Pie and Ice Cream Social will be held on Sunday, September 12^th beginning at 5 p.m.

Come and join us for the delicious sloppy joes as well as “yummy home made pies” and ice cream to top it off. And last, but not least, come and join us for the fun and fellowship! The proceeds will go to Good Earth Village.

THOMPSON WINS THE GOLD

Sixteen-year-old Megan Thompson, a member of Trondhjem Lutheran Church, has spent many years at the YMCA in Austin in the gymnastics program there. Megan has traveled to the “Y” in Austin two or three days a week, every week, since she was seven years old. She will be a junior at Glenville High School this fall.

On August 4^th, 2004, she competed in the Junior Olympics in Des Moines, IA and brought home five gold medals. She competed on the balance beam, floor exercise, uneven parallel bars, and vault and received a gold medal in all four as well as a gold medal for all-around score.

This past June, 2004, she competed in the National Competition in Palm Beach, FL and brought home a gold medal in floor exercise and a silver medal in uneven parallel bars, vault, balance beam and all-around score, for a total of 4 silver medals.

The main season for gymnastics is December through March where she competes in the Midwest – Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota. In March she competes at the State Level.

Megan goes to the “Y” after school during the school year as well as during the summer months. She averages about 8 hours of practice a week. Before she was able to drive, her parents would take her to the practices and meets. Now that she is able to drive she can get to practice on her own. Megan says, “I am grateful to my parents for their commitment and support over the years.”

Her future plans include going to a college where she can compete in college-level gymnastics and possibly major in veterinary medicine.

Megan is the daughter of Doug & Peggy Thompson of Hayward and the granddaughter of Dick & Shirley Kraushaar of Trondhjem Lutheran and David & Marlene Thompson of Hayward Lutheran.

ATTENTION TRONDHJEM SINGERS!

The TRONDHJEM SINGERS will meet on Sunday, September 5^th at 11 a.m. to practice. We will sing on Sunday, September 12^th for the worship service.

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.

HAYWARD LUTHERAN

OUR STEWARDSHIP FOR 2004

Month Where we Actuals Should be

January $8,358 $7,291.42

February $16,716 $16,032.34

March $25,074 $22.806.34

April $33,432 $30,555.34

May $41,790 $37,145.34

June $50,148 $42,566.00

July $58.506 $50,706.00

August $66,864 $55,796.00

As of 8/22/04

A NOTE FROM YOUR TREASURER

THANK YOU to those of you who have made an extra effort to help with our summer financial crunch. Even with your extra efforts we needed to again borrow from the Building Fund Account to cover expenses. Please help us get back on schedule.

Sonja Johnson

Congregation Vice-President and Treasurer

SEPTEMBER ASSIGNMENTS

Altar Guild

Sally Anderson & Carole Eggum

Coffee Servers

September 5 Neal & Jean Skaar

September 12 Paul & Min Westland/Kris

Schultz & Dave Westland

September 19 Chris & Kay Skaar/Tracy & Sue

Skaar

September 26 Shirley Olson/Mary Stanley/

Sharon Hemenway

Ushers

*Paul & Min Westland

Brian, Jake & Ben Berhow

David, Nathan & Sara Westland

Faye, Christina & Michelle Learn

Kris Schultz Melissa Sather

Communion and Offering Duty

Bob Armon & Pat Frydenlund

SEPTEMBER ACOLYTE/USHER SCHEDULE

September 5 Chelsea Hill & Caylee Tennis

September 12 Michelle Learn & Dahna Wright

September 19 Zoe Hill & Samantha Anderson

September 26 Cecilia Hill & Josselyn Hill

SEPTEMBER ANNIVERSARIES

September 6 Doran & Shirley Gray

September 13 Harriet & Ashle Skaar

September 16 Kelly Jo & Shane Christensen

September 28 Paul & Barb Miller

SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS

September 1 Wes Tennis

September 2 Logan Tufte

September 3 Brooke Woitas

September 5 Mabel Larson

Paul Miller

September 6 Lucille Anderson

September 7 Jack Thisius

September 9 Amy Larson

September 13 Darrell Storlie

Vanessa Storlie

September 14 Kevin Learn

September 15 Nathan Westland

September 16 Holland Matson

September 17 Pauline Noland

Paul Samuelson

Jerry Noland

September 19 Audrey Cox

September 20 Lila Johnson

James Skaar

Dale Westland

September 22 Patrick Noland

September 24 Kristin Schultz

Mac Noland

September 25 Sue Skaar

September 27 Galen Johnson

September 29 Camilla Frydenlund

Brock Noland

KNOWN TO HAVE BEEN HOSPITALIZED

Carole Eggum in Mason City

Lila Esse in Albert Lea

Curt Larson Sr. in Albert Lea

MEMORIALS

LIFT FUND

In memory of Fremont Fredrickson

In memory of Paul Olson

BUILDING FUND

In memory of Dwane Hargis

In memory of Paul Olson

CEMETERY FUND

In memory of Iner C. Sola

In memory of Paul Olson

ALTAR GUILD

In memory of Paul Olson

LIBRARY

In memory of Paul Olson

Dear Friends,

I want to thank everyone for all the prayers and cards, telephone calls and gifts. Also thanks to Pastor Malm for his visits and prayers. All was appreciated. God’s blessing to you all.

Lois Schroeder

Dear Hayward Lutheran Church,

Thank you for thinking of me on my graduation day with the gift of the small New Testament Bible.

Amy Larson

A marriage may be made in heaven, but the maintenance must be done on earth.

Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband. Ephesians 5:33

ATTENTION ALL SINGERS!!!

THE HAYWARD CHOIR will have its first rehearsal on Sunday, September 26 at 11:30 a.m. We are looking for more voices. If you enjoy singing, this group is for you!

THE WOMEN’S CHORUS will practice on Wednesday, September 8 at 6:30 p.m.

THE MEN’S CHORUS will practice on Sunday, September 19^th at 11:30 a.m.

COME AND JOIN US!!

VOTE FOR LIFE!

In last month’s synod newsletter, “River Crossings,” our Bishop, Pastor Usgaard, reminded us that, because of our country’s constitutional separation of church and state, congregations and other church bodies need to be very careful about not endorsing any particular political candidate. Federal IRS rules state that churches (the corporate congregation) can certainly encourage people to participate in the political process, but may not endorse candidates, contribute to their campaigns, engage in fund-raising, distribute statements or engage in any other activities that maybe beneficial or detrimental to any candidate. If a congregation or church body were to do so, it would risk losing its non-profit status.

Some 500 years ago, Martin Luther wrote quite a bit about church and government issues. In his treatise “Freedom of a Christian,” he wrote “Christians should be subject to the governing authorities and be ready to do every good…(and) by so doing serve others.” Luther was schooled in the ways of St. Augustine, who emphasized that as Christians we are citizens of two different kingdoms, an earthly kingdom and a heavenly kingdom. In another treatise, “Secular Authority”, Luther wrote, “It is out of the question that there should be a common Christian government over the whole world, nay even over one land…for this reason these two kingdoms (earthly and heavenly) must be sharply distinguished: the one to produce piety; the other to bring about external peace and prevent evil deeds…”

In the education sessions I had last month with Dr. Marva Dawn on the Gospel of John, she made reference to the current presidential politics. She said, “I’m a ‘Demopublican.’”. It was her way of saying that she did not espouse to any particular political party or candidate, but always made an effort to look at what each candidate was saying about LIFE. What is this candidate saying or what is a particular party platform saying about LIFE? Which plan or policy contributes the most to LIFE? Who is going to work for those policies that contribute consistently to LIFE? She reminded us that those are biblically oriented questions.

Bishop Usgaard made reference to Dr. Martin Marty, a retired Lutheran professor of Church History, who was writing about another Lutheran and devout Christian, recently deceased, Senator Paul Simon. When he was the Senator for Illinois, Paul Simon once sought to be the Presidential candidate for the Democratic Party. But as a public servant, Marty said that Simon sought to be “100% Isaianic.” Simon sought to pay heed to those questions of the Old Testament prophets, as well as THE Prophet, Jesus. What about the poor? Do all people have access to healing? Are the hungry being fed? Does everyone have access to decent housing, education, noble work, and safety? Such are LIFE questions. Christians should be for those policies that contribute consistently to LIFE, and so be PRO-LIFE in that sense of being consistent.

To be PRO-LIFE means much more than taking a stand against the practices of abortion. One must be FOR the life of the mother, and FOR the life of those who are hungry and starving, and those who are victimized by war and disease, storm and drought, prejudice and violence, personal and corporate greed. One must also be FOR the life of the soils, rivers and lakes, and for the life of all God’s creatures, especially those endangered by our human greed and stupidity. One must be FOR the life of this whole, beautiful blue planet. Dawn reminded us that Christians dare not get sucked into single-issue causes that pull one away from being consistently FOR LIFE in the scope of the big picture.

When we stop and consider all of these things together, then it gets a lot more involved and complicated to determine who will be the best persons to represent us as a legislator, a congressman, a senator or as governor or president. It tells us that we cannot take any of this very lightly. It is a serious thing and it calls us to read and listen and have conversation and learn well what policies and platforms are being proposed.

There is that famous story told by both Matthew (20) and Luke (20) about how the Jewish leaders sent out some spies among those gathered around Jesus, hoping to entrap him into saying or doing something by which they could then arrest Jesus and have done with him. So they approached Jesus, saying all kinds of flattering things about him, and then asked, “Is it lawful to give taxes or payments of tribute to Caesar (the Roman Emperor)?” Jesus immediately perceived their craftiness and asked them to show him a Roman coin (mmm, would a loyal Pharisaic Jew dare have a tainted Gentile coin on his person?). They gave him the coin and he asked whose head was inscribed on the coin? They said it was that of the Emperor. Jesus then said, in effect, “Give to Caesar that which you are obligated by him to give (taxes), but then also give to God what God expects you to give to God (isn’t that at least 10%, if not everything?).”

Earlier, we noted Luther’s words that “Christians should be subject to the governing authorities and be ready to do every good…(and) by so doing serve others…” As earthly citizens, we make that investment of ourselves and some of our income in that government, which we need for the sake of good order. We believe that God does work through good government for the sake of well being in the world. Jesus did not pull us away from our being responsible citizens and participants in that governmental process. As earthly citizens we need to be true to God’s Word in Christ and seek to be FOR LIFE and FOR what is just and true and life-giving for God’s whole creation.

ALTAR GUILD

WOULD YOU LIKE TO CONTRIBUTE FRESH 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, Marlene Thompson (373-3895). 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.

WELCA NEWS

WELCA TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ALTAR GUILD

At the next meeting of the Hayward Women of the ELCA the women will be given a presentation by Marlene Thompson as to the activities of the Altar Guild of Hayward Lutheran.

The meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 1^st at 2 p.m. The hostesses will be Natalie Larson & Nancy Berhow.

YOUTH NEWS

HOW SHALL WE THEN LIVE?

That was the theme question for eight people from HLC, along with two counselor/guides from Camp Amnicon, who went on an adventurous canoe trip for six days on a very beautiful wilderness stretch of the Flambeau River in North Central Wisconsin. In addition to canoeing on this beautiful river and seeing fish jumping, eagles soaring, and deer staring back at us and some of us trying to catch some fish, we had two or three group sessions each day to contemplate that question of how we can live as Christians in community as Jesus taught us. That question made for some interesting discussion and reflection. Those on the trip were Cody and Casey Eggum, Dustin Eggum, Aaron Enderson, Louis Tufte and friend Ryan, Kaye Tufte, Pastor John, and guides Jason and Monica. Special thanks to Kaye for all the work she put into making all the contacts, plans and arrangements for this trip, as well as providing the transportation to get there. It was an enjoyable trip for all, even for an “elderly” preacher who was not as “nimble” as he was forty years ago.

PARENT/STUDENT CONFIRMATION ORIENTATION AND CLASSES SCHEDULED TO BEGIN

A Confirmation Orientation meeting for all parents and confirmation students is scheduled for Wednesday, September 8 at 7 p.m.

Confirmation Class will begin on Wednesday, September 15 at 6:30 p.m.

SPORTS: WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT

It is a time of the year when a lot of us focus our attention on a number of different sports as the school year begins. We have just finished watching some of the thrills and heartaches of the Olympics in Greece. Now we look forward to the end of the baseball season and the beginnings of football, soccer, cross-country and more golf and tennis by the pros.

About a year ago, a famous professional tennis player retired from the game: Michael Chang. He wrote an article in the “USA Today” paper, saying the following:

“As the curtain closes on my professional tennis career, I close my eyes and remember 17 years filled with hard work, drama, exhilaration and the occasional heartache. The Fab Four of my generation – Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, Jim Courier and I – have competed since the age of 8 when Pete and I first played in Poway, Calif. We have won countless titles and many majors. But more important, I believe the Lord Jesus Christ has taught me what tennis and sports as a whole are all about.

Sports teach a youngster many qualities he will come to need in life, such as hard work, discipline, respect, perseverance, character and, of course, sportsmanship. Granted, we never completely learn them the first time around, but over time these traits become ingrained. And we take what we’ve learned and strive to become the very best that we can be. Winning titles and becoming one of the best become important.

But as our collective show comes to a close, I’ve learned that while Grand Slam wins and world rankings are important, they are by no means greater than life. None of us can play professionally forever, but as professional athletes, we can use the platform given to us to make an impression and a real difference.

Sports often are about who is the best and what seemingly impossible feat can be achieved. But in the scheme of things, I don’t believe sports ever were meant to be just that.

Sports really are about encouraging, inspiring and touching hearts. They are about making a difference and helping people to believe that one can get through a difficult situation or that one can accomplish something

even though everyone else believes otherwise. They are about lifting up the spirit and changing a negative attitude into a positive one. They are about saying, “I can” or “I will” instead of “I can’t’ or “I probably won’t.” When did that ever get us anywhere?

Grand Slams, tournament wins, prize money and endorsements…this generation has enjoyed much of that, but hopefully, as we leave the stage to future generations, we will have left a legacy where people were encouraged and inspired and hearts were touched.

Sports, when it comes right down to it, should be a great way to inspire and bring people together. I know that’s how I got started, and I know that’s how I want to finish.”

(Chang played in 17 consecutive U>S> Open Tennis Tournaments and also won the French Open in 1989. He now devotes his time to the Chang Family Foundation, seeking to help the needs of others.)

SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS

RALLY SUNDAY IS COMING!

Come and Share in the Pot Luck Meal

Sunday, September 12^th, marks the opening day of a Sunday School year for children ages Pre-K through 9^th grade.

Classes will be held from 9:15 a.m. – 10:10 a.m. each Sunday morning.

On September 12^th we will share a POT LUCK MEAL following the Worship Service to share in some fellowship and fun to really kick off the year. See you there!!

The Board of Education

LIBRARY NEWS

By Edith Samuelson and Bev Noland, Librarians

LIBRARI ANNS MEET

On July 29^th the Librari Anns held their meeting at Trinity Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. We were introduced to Author Joan Claire Graham of Albert Lea, daughter of Cookie Graham.

The title of her book is Minnesota Memories. The author of this book would appreciate any story you wish to submit about life in Minnesota. Send your story to:

Joan Claire Graham

439 Lakeview Blvd.

Albert Lea, MN 56007

LIBRARY RE-ORGANIZING ALMOST COMPLETE

We have finished entering all the books on the computer. The next step is to categorize them properly and re-shelf them. We will also alphabetize the list of books for your convenience.

The Library is in need of three bookcases for the west wall of our library. If you wish to donate bookshelves, we would appreciate them.

WELCA has plans to furnish new carpeting for the Library and we thank them for that.

NEW BOOKS HAVE BEEN PURCHASED

The following are books that have been purchased for the library:

Grandma’s Attic by Arleta Richardson – “Magical pieces of a day gone by…told by that natural storyteller of loving families – Grandma, the one who never forgets the fun and laughter of a simpler, perhaps richer time.”

Andrew, You Died Too Soon by Corinne Chilstrom – “A family experience of grieving and living again after losing a son to suicide.”

I Grew Up Little by Patsy Clairmont – “The autobiography of a teenage girl who rebelled against those times. She wanted more. She wanted something different. She wanted out.”

The Five Love Languages of Teenagers by Gary Chapman – “You can more effectively meet your adolescent’s need for love and thus, better support your child in every area of life by gaining a better understanding of ‘The Five Love Languages of Teenagers’”.

Simple Acts of Faith by Norman Rockwell and text by Margaret Feinberg – “Stroll through Norman Rockwell’s small-town America where generosity, good will, and faith are contagious. Along the way, listen to stories that magnify the beauty of small kindnesses which transformed individuals and the world.”

Noah, Build Your Boat, edited by Jeff Kunkel – “Old Testament stories & pictures by kids.”

GOOD EARTH VILLAGE NEWS

THERE’S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE AT GOOD EARTH VILLAGE

There are many events scheduled at Good Earth Village this fall for all ages.

September 11 – Confirmation Kick-off, a day event for confirmation classes.

October 2 – Work Day

8-9 – Youth Blast – a retreat for 3^rd-6^th graders

10 – Family Fall Festival – an afternoon for families

11-13 – A Spiritual Spa – a getaway of scripture and pampering

14-15 – Quilting Retreat

15-16 – Youth Blast

20-21 – Spiritual Direction Retreat

26-27 – Quilting Retreat

29-31 – Quilting Retreat

For more information on these events, check out our web site at www.goodearthvillage.org or call the camp office at 507-346-2494.

HAYWARD-TRONDHJEM JOINT COUNCIL MEETING

June 16, 2004 – 7 p.m.

The Parish Joint Council meeting was held on Wednesday, June 16, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. A pot luck meal was served before the meeting at Hayward.

Present: Obert Haldorson, Sonja Johnson, Keith Iverson, Pat Frydenlund, Randy Eggum, Vickie Storlie, Shirley Kraushaar, Steve Kraushaar, Doug Thompson, Dale Lukes, Sheldon Lukes, Pastor John, Sharon Malm. Visitor: Deb Smith, ELCA Mission Investment Fund.

Randy Eggum presided over the meeting.

Obert Haldorson made a motion to accept the agenda. Bob Armon seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Pastor John gave devotions.

Deb Smith spoke on the ELCA Mission Investment Funds and the different types available.

SECRETARY’S REPORT: Sheldon Lukes made a motion to accept the Minutes of the April 7^th Joint Council meeting. Sonja Johnson seconded the motion. Motion carried.

CALENDAR: The Parish calendar was discussed. Pastor John reported that Pastor Lillejord would be here for the Iverson/Wangler Wedding and was wondering about asking him to preach on July 4^th. Keith Iverson made a motion to have a 10:00 a.m. joint parish service at Hayward with a pot luck dinner to follow and coffee at 9:15 before church. Steve Kraushaar seconded the motion. Motion carried. Obert Haldorson made a motion to pay Pastor Lillejord $100 ($50 per congregation). Steve Kraushaar seconded the motion. Motion carried.

ITEMS TO CONSIDER:

Parsonage: The driveway and sidewalk project will be put off until early September.

Sunday Bulletins: The subscription for the Sunday Bulletin covers was cancelled.

Sonja Johnson made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Keith Iverson seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Vickie Storlie, Secretary

HAYWARD LUTHERAN CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING

Wednesday, June 16, 2004 – 9:00 p.m.

The Hayward Lutheran Church Council met on Wednesday, June 16, 2004 at 9:00 p.m.

Present: Randy Eggum, Sonja Johnson, Pat Frydenlund, Keith Iverson, Vickie Storlie, Sharon Malm and Pastor John.

Randy Eggum presided over the meeting.

Sonja Johnson made a motion to accept the agenda. Randy Eggum seconded the motion. Motion carried.

SECRETARY’S REPORT: Pat Frydenlund made a motion to accept the Secretary’s report from the May 16^th Council meeting. Bob Armon seconded the motion. Motion carried.

TREASURER’S REPORT: Keith Iverson made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s report. Vickie Storlie seconded the motion. Motion carried.

ITEMS TO CONSIDER:

Properties: Thermostats were purchased.

Garbage Contract: Waste Systems will match Thompson Sanitation’s price. Keith Iverson made a motion that the church would stay with Waste Systems. Vickie Storlie seconded the motion. Motion carried. Pastor John will sign and send in the 2-year contract.

Rocks & Shrubs: Thanks to Dick, Gwen, Stephanie and Louie Larson.

Keith Iverson made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Vickie Storlie seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Vickie Storlie, Secretary

THIS ‘N’ THAT

Dear Hayward Lutheran Church,

I am writing to let you know about an awesome experience our family enjoyed last year when we hosted an exchange student from Kosovo through the Center for Cultural Interchange (CCI) program. Johona is 18 years of age and is from Prishtina, Kosovo, where she recently returned to complete her high school education. Because Jehona enjoyed meeting new people in Albert Lea, making new life-long high school friends, attending dances, homecoming events, and prom, being a hockey manager, learning new things and living in a different environment from which she has grown up, her outlook for her future is much more positive. Johona’s family in Kosovo is a typical family in Kosovo. Her father, Nygip, is a computer engineer and earns $350.00 per month, if they want to pay him. Her mother, Elvira, is a housewife who stays home to care for Jehona and her two younger sisters. Jehona’s grandpa lives with them also. The six family members reside in a two-bedroom apartment. They only have electricity two hours out of every eight hours. This is a lifestyle far different from what Jehona experienced in Albert Lea, Minnesota, where buying shampoo, for instance, is not considered a luxury.

At the Albert Lea High School Jehona completed her junior year of high school. It’s hard for us to imagine what she must have thought when she walked into our beautiful facility. Because of Jehona’s positive experience in Albert Lea, she would like to return to complete her post-secondary education. She recently found out she was accepted at Riverland Community College.

Because of Jehona’s family circumstances in Kosovo, she is unable to afford the Riverland tuition. There are very few international scholarship available. We are searching for sponsors for Jehona to attend college in Albert Lea, Minnesota. We are able to provide her food, clothing and housing, but not the tuition. We are writing to our family, friends and Albert Lea businesses to let you know about this great opportunity to help Jehona succeed in her quest for a better education. If you are able to donate, please send donations to Americana Bank (for the benefit of Jehona Syla), Albert Lea, Minnesota 56007.

Thank you,

Dennis & Kristie Lau

HAVE YOU EVER TOLD A LIE?

For all the ladies who bake for church events

Alice was to bake a cake for the church ladies’ group bake sale, but she forgot to do it until the last minute. She baked an angel food cake and when she took it from the oven, the center had dropped flat. She said, “Oh dear, there’s no time to bake another cake.” So, she looked around the house for something to build up the center of the cake. Alice found it in the bathroom…a roll of toilet paper. She plunked it in and covered it with icing. The finished product looked beautiful, so she rushed it to the church. Alice then gave her daughter some money and instructions to be at the sale the minute it opened and to by that cake and bring it home. When the daughter arrived at the sale, the attractive cake had already been sold. Alice was beside herself.

A couple of days later, Alice was invited to a friend’s home where two tables of bridge were to be played that afternoon. After the game, a fancy lunch was served, and to top it off, the cake in question was presented for dessert. When Alice saw the cake, she started to get out of her chair to rush into the kitchen to tell her hostess all about it, but before she could get to her feet, one of the other ladies said, “What a beautiful cake!” Alice sat back in her chair when she heard the hostess (a prominent church member) say, “Thank you; I baked it myself.”

PIANO DUET

Wishing to encourage her young son’s progress on the piano, a mother took the boy to a Paderewski concert. After they were seated, the mother spotted an old friend in the audience and walked down the aisle to greet her.

Seizing the opportunity to explore the wonders of the concert hall, the little boy rose and eventually explored his way through a door marked “NO ADDMITTANCE”. When the house lights dimmed and the concert was about to begin, the mother returned to her seat and discovered that the child was missing.

Suddenly, the curtains parted and spotlights focused on the impressive Steinway on stage. In horror, the mother saw her little boy sitting at the keyboard, innocently picking out “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.” At that moment, the great piano master made his entrance, quickly moved to the piano, and whispered in the boy’s ear, “Don’t quit. Keep playing.”

Then leaning over, Paderewski reached down with his left hand and began filling in a bass part. Soon his right arm reached around to the other side of the child, and he added a running obbligato. Together, the old master and the young novice transformed what could have been a frightening situation into a wonderfully creative experience. The audience was so mesmerized that they couldn’t recall what else the great master played. Only the classic “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.”

Perhaps that’s the way it is with God. What we can accomplish on our own is hardly noteworthy. We try our best, but the results aren’t always gracefully flowing music. However, with the hand of the Master, our life’s work can truly be beautiful. Next time you set out to accomplish great feats, listen carefully. You may hear the voice of the Master, whispering in your ear, “Don’t quit. Keep playing.”

May you feel His arms around you and know that His hands are there helping you turn your feeble attempts into true masterpieces. Remember, God doesn’t seem to call the equipped; rather, He equips the ‘called.’ Life is more accurately measured by the lives you touch than by the things you acquire.

NOAH’S ARK

It is the year 2004 and Noah lives in the United States.

The Lord speaks to Noah and says: “In one year I am going to make it rain and cover the whole earth with water until all is destroyed. But I want you to save the righteous people and two of every kind of living thing on the earth. Therefore, I am commanding you to build an Ark.” In a flash of lightening, God delivered the specifications for an Ark. Fearful and trembling, Noah took the plans and agreed to build the Ark. “Remember,” said the Lord, “ You must complete the Ark and bring everything aboard in one year.”

Exactly one year later, a fierce storm cloud covered the earth and all the seas of the earth went into a tumult. The Lord saw Noah sitting in his front yard weeping. “Noah”, He shouted, “where is the Ark?”

“Lord, please forgive me!” cried Noah. “I did my best but there were big problems. First, I had to get a permit for construction and your plans did not comply with the codes. I had to hire an engineering firm and redraw the plans.

“Then I got into a fight with OSHA over whether or not the Ark needed a fire sprinkler system and floatation devices.

“Then my neighbor objected, claiming I was violating zoning ordinances by building the Ark in my front yard, so I had to get a variance from the city planning commission.

“I had problems getting enough wood for the Ark, because there was a ban on cutting trees to protect the Spotted Owl. I finally convinced the U.S. Forest Service that I needed the wood to save the owls. “However, the Fish and Wildlife Service won’t let me catch any owls. So, no owls.

“When I started rounding up the other animals, I got sued by an animal rights group. They objected to me only taking two of each kind aboard. Just when I got the suit dismissed, the EPA notified me that I could not complete the Ark without filing an environmental impact statement on your proposed flood. They didn’t take very kindly to the idea that they had no jurisdiction over the conduct of the Creator of the universe.

“Then the Army Corps of Engineers demanded a map of the proposed new flood plain. I sent them a globe. Right now I am trying to resolve a complaint filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that I am practicing discrimination by not taking godless, unbelieving people aboard!

“The IRS has seized all my assets, claiming that I’m building the Ark in preparation to flee the country to avoid paying taxes. I just got a notice from the State that I owe some kind of user tax and failed to register the Ark as a recreational watercraft.

“Finally, the ACLU got the courts to issue an injunction against further construction of the Ark, saying that since God is flooding the earth, it is a religious event and therefore unconstitutional.

“I really don’t think I can finish the Ark for another 5 or 6 years!” Noah wailed.

The sky began to clear, the sun began to shine and the seas began to calm. A rainbow arched across the sky. Noah looked up hopefully. “You mean you are not going to destroy the earth, Lord?”

“No,” said the Lord sadly. “The government already has.”

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until early September.