FROM THE PASTOR---

AT THE HEART OF IT ALL

When we think of February, we usually think of Valentine’s Day and its symbol of the HEART. It is the heart that we associate with the feeling, the emotion and the caring of love – love for that special person of the opposite sex, for spouse, children, family, friends.

It is interesting to look at how the word “Heart” is used in the Bible. In terms of the word being used to refer to the biological organ of the body, it is used rather rarely. To a much greater degree, the heart is a way of referring to the psyche or the life force of a person at its deepest level. It is a reference to the ‘spirit’ of a person, or to the ‘inward mind’ of a person. The heart was the innermost spring of individual life, the ultimate source of all its physical, intellectual, emotional, and volitional energies. Thus, the ancients thought that this was the part of a person by which one made contact with the divine. In the very chambers of the heart dwelt the thoughts, plans, attitudes, fears and hopes that determined the character of an individual. Here also, God could work in secret to transform that character by implanting new thoughts and feelings.

All of the emotions of which a person is capable were attributed to the heart – joy, sorrow, despair, courage, fear, envy, trust, generosity, hate, love. Thus, the heart could also behave as the body might. It could fail, faint, melt, tremble, throb, flutter, grow hot, be sick, be broken, be hungry, and be either good or bad.

The heart was thought to be the center of all intellectual life. Thought took its form in the heart, and it was the source of meditation, planning, speech,

memory, and wisdom. It was also the center of the will and of moral life. The heart could plan evil and become perverted. It could be prideful and become hardened, stubborn. One could have a deceived heart or a hypocritical one. The good heart was one that was righteous, blameless, whole, pure, and honest.

Thousands of years after the writings of the Bible, how often it is that we use these same kinds of references to

the heart. The ancients could understand what the heart was about and how basic it was to the life of a person or animal. Yet, it is really only in the last two centuries that we have come to know as much as we do about the brain, and about how much influence chemicals, hormones, etc. have a say in what the brain does and how it functions or doesn’t function. Yet, in our poetry, in our prose, in our romantic songs, etc., we still place the heart at the center of our thoughts and feelings.

We still refer to the heart as our point of contact with God. We speak about how our hearts need to be open to God and open to God’s influence upon us. We wish God to speak to our hearts as well as our minds, and that we want the Word of God to dwell in our hearts richly. We ask God to see into our hearts, to know us, as we ask for God’s forgiveness and for the cleansing of our hearts so that we can better trust him and do good.

We still use the language of the ancients, perhaps, because we still have that sense that the heart really is at the heart of it all, it really is at the center of our lives. It is difficult for us to survive long without the heart there to pump that life-giving blood through the many miles of arteries, veins, and vessels in our body. If the heart no longer pumps, we say that a person is dead, even though we know that the more accurate way for determining a person’s death is by the ending of all brain-wave activity.

I hope that we don’t get so scientifically or clinically knowledgeable or refined that we no longer use the symbols and poetry of the ancients in having that understanding of the heart being the center of all life. To have the heart be the center of one’s life, one’s thoughts and feelings is of some comfort to us. Perhaps even more so now, in the midst of much of the sterileness and coldness of life, where things often get too clinical.

I think there is comfort and peace for us in having a God who has created and formed our heart, and who

speaks to us through the heart, and who dwells in our hearts and brings forth faith from our hearts. There is comfort in knowing that God is at the heart of our lives and that he has the power to change us, reform us, heal us, reconcile us, forgive us and bring new life to us, and so make us complete and full.

May we keep praying that God would keep coming to us and knocking at the door of our hearts, seeking to come in and dwell with us and save us for himself. May we ever be open to receiving him.

JESUS; LEGEND OR LORD?

During the Lent and Easter seasons, come with us on a special video journey as we explore along a three-lane highway of history, geography and archaeology for insights into this man named Jesus of Nazareth. You may have your choice of two identical itineraries for this journey. You can come and join us on Wednesday mornings at 10:15 a.m., beginning February 16^th and ending on April 13^th. Or you can come on Sunday evenings at 6:30 p.m., beginning on February 20^th and ending on April 17^th. Or, if you miss on a weekday, you can join in on a Sunday session.

Dr. Paul L. Maier, Professor of Ancient History at Western Michigan University, will be our guide for this journey through a marvelous video presentation. For eight sessions we will look back to a world that Jesus

himself saw as he moved toward the cross and answer some questions that are very much on people’s minds today, as they were centuries ago: Was Jesus an actual historical figure? Did Jesus actually rise from the dead? What was the crucifixion? Through video, study guides and discussion we will explore these important questions.

In Sessions 1 and 2, we will look at History and Archaeology: God’s “backup system.” Ancient history and archaeology correlate admirably with Scriptures to give additional information about the people and events that gave birth to our faith.

In Sessions 3 and 4, we will seek our new perspectives on the life of Jesus. History and archaeology supplement the biblical record to give a better understanding of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem, youth in Nazareth and public ministry.

In Sessions 5 and 6, we will visit the Crucifixion and Resurrection of our Lord. The politics behind the Crucifixion help explain Pilate’s strange conduct on Good Friday. Dr. Maier shows how, with evidence outside the New Testament, the Easter event can be supported.

In Sessions 7 and 8, we will look at the explosion of Christianity. From Pentecost through the travels of Paul and the persecution of the early church, secular evidence from history helps explain religious events.

If you haven’t already done so, ask for the sign-up sheet at worship on Sunday.

MIDWEEK LENTEN WORSHIP – 2005

THE VALLEYS OF LENT

Beginning on Ash Wednesday, February 9^th, come along with us on a journey through The Valleys of Lent. It is a journey that will take us to some biblical sites from which we may derive some lessons for this sacred season.

Wednesday, February 9^th Ezekiel’s Valley of Dry Bones provides us a vivid picture of what those traditional words mean: “You are dust, and to dust you shall return.”

Wednesday, February 16^th Sin shows its results in the Hebron Valley where Jacob’s Sons plot to murder their brother, Joseph.

Wednesday, March 2^nd Gideon was hiding from the marauding Midianites in the Valley of the Wine Press. From there God called this unlikely hero to valiant victory.

Wednesday, March 9^th “Every Valley shall be lifted up,” says the prophet Isaiah about the coming of the Lord to rescue his people. Valleys still need to be raised up for the Lord’s arrival.

Wednesday, March 16^th “Choose this day whom you will serve,” said Joshua to the children of Israel. Lent continues to call us to what the Prophet Joel calls “the Valley of Decision.”

Sunday, March 20^th On this Palm/Passion Sunday, years before Jesus entered Jerusalem, King David led the Ark of the Covenant from the Valley of Rephaim to its home.

Thursday, March 24^th Jesus led his disciples through the cemeteries of the Kidron Valley to the Mount of Olives on the eve of his betrayal and death.

Sunday, March 27^th EASTER. In celebration of our Lord’s Resurrection, Psalms 104 and 65 lead us from the dark valleys of Lent to Valleys Bursting with Life, places waiting for God to fill them with life abundant.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR HOLY COMMUNION

February 6 (Transfiguration)

February 9 (Ash Wednesday) Parish at HLC

TRONDHJEM NEWS

FEBRUARY ASSIGNMENTS

Altar Guild

Eileen Reese

Coffee Servers

February 6 Kim & Annette Naatz

February 20 Randy & Mona Lukes

Communion Assistant

Steve Kraushaar

Lectors

February 6 Kiven Lukes

February 13

February 20

February 27 Steve Kraushaar

FEBRUARY ACOLYTE/USHER

ASSIGNMENTS

February 6 Cortney Thostenson

February 13 Daniel Jax

February 20 Jessica Naatz

February 27 Scott Kraushaar

FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS

February 4 Maynard Johnson

February 10 Richard Kraushaar

February 11 Alison Wangen

February 16 Irene Benesh

February 26 David Krause

February 28 Ann Chapek

Daniel Jax

FEBRUARY ANNIVERSARIES

February 15 Elna and Roger Severtson

KNOWN TO HAVE BEEN HOSPITALIZED

Margaret Ziebell in Albert Lea

Irene Benesh in Rochester

Annette Naatz in Rochester

Roger Severtson in Austin

TRONDHJEM LUTHERAN CHURCH ANNUAL MEETING

January 16, 2005

President, Obert Haldorson chaired the meeting. The Secretary’s report was read by Kiven Lukes. A motion by Dean Lukes to approve the report was seconded by Jack Kermes and carried. Jim Benesh gave a favorable report from the Audit Committee of the Financial Reports. Linda Kraushaar presented them, showing a current balance of $3,138.83 with the General Fund in the red by $1,099.63. The General Fund deficit has grown slightly despite the fact that giving was up this past year. Kiven Lukes made a motion to approve the Financial Reports. This was seconded by Betty Krause and carried.

Obert Haldorson gave a brief President’s Report, thanking everyone who helped mow the lawn and remove the snow and ice. Pastor Malm then gave his report. He said as we receive God’s light, we should return it by being disciples, joyful witnesses, and strong leaders. He thanked everyone for their work, prayers, and support. He asked us for continued support and challenged us each to increase our giving by 10%. Total membership as of Dec. 31, 2004 is 62 baptized and 57 confirmed. Pastor also explained the recommendations of the ELCA task force on issues concerning homosexuality. Linda Kraushaar mentioned that the full report is online and she asked that we read it and discuss it with her prior to the church wide assembly. Pastor Malm also mentioned that a few items in the parsonage basement and the kitchen stove might need replacing. There will probably be a new hymnal coming in 2007.

Betty Krause gave the WELCA report. The women made 100 quilts and gave them to the Red Cross and Victim’s Crisis Center. 74 boxes of supplies were sent to Appalachia. This year’s project will be funds to seminary. Last year’s donations totaled $1,516.

The Sunday School report was given by Linda Kraushaar. We have 9 children in class this year. They are studying the New Testament and what the stories mean to us today.

Emil Prantner presented the Nominating Committee’s slate of officers:

President Obert Haldorson

Secretary Kiven Lukes

Financial Secretary Steve & Linda Kraushaar

Treasurer Cheryl Lukes

Board of Education Linda Kraushaar

Custodian Jill Krause

Snow Removal Don Chapek

Trustee 1 yr. Dean Lukes

Trustee 2 yrs. Shirley Kraushaar

Trustee 3 yrs. Sheldon Lukes

Nominating Com. (1 yr.) Mike Severtson

Nominating Com. (2 yr.) Emil Prantner

Parsonage Dale Lukes

Audit Committee (1 yr.) Jim Benesh

Audit Committee (2 yr.) Kim Naatz

Synod Assembly Del. Linda Kraushaar & Obert

Haldorson

A motion by Kiven Lukes to cast a unanimous ballot for these officers was seconded by Linda Kraushaar and carried.

Steve Kraushaar made a motion, which was seconded by Sheldon Lukes to approve the Council’s recommended budget of $31,085. Discussion was opened and the proposal was gone over one line at a time. A vote was taken and the budget passed.

Special offerings were discussed. Dean Lukes offered the following motion: Thanksgiving would go to World Hunger, Easter to Lutheran Social Services and Christmas to be divided between the Salvation Army of Mower and Freeborn Counties. Linda Kraushaar seconded the motion and it passed.

There being no further business, Ruth Lukes offered a motion to adjourn, which was seconded by Jill Krause and passed.

Submitted by Kiven Lukes, Secretary

We welcomed CHAD AND TISHA WANGEN, CODY HUSTON, ALISON & MADALYN into the fellowship of Trondhjem Lutheran Church on Sunday, January 16, 2005.

AVA RENEE WOLFE was baptized on Sunday, January 16, 2005 at Trondhjem Lutheran Church

CODY HUSTON, ALISON & MADALYN WANGEN AND ANNA SEVERTSON were each presented with a Bible at the worship service at Trondhjem Lutheran on Sunday, January 15, 2005.

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 $23.806.34

April $33,432 $30,555.34

May $41,790 $37,145.34

June $50,148 $45,147.00

July $58.506 $50,706.00

August $66,864 $56,491.00

September $75,222 $67,013.31

October $83,580 $75,236.31

November $91,938 $81,900.31

December $100,291 $94,074.42

The Hayward Lutheran Church Council would like to thank each and every one of you for your financial contributions this year. We have weathered many challenges and you have given us your support again. Thank you in advance for your continued support

---Sonja Johnson, Treasurer

HAYWARD COUNCIL MEETING

Sunday, January 9, 2005

The Hayward Council met on Sunday, January 9, 2005 at 11:45 a.m.

Present: Sonja Johnson, Vickie Storlie, Pat Frydenlund, Sharon Malm & Pastor John. Absent: Randy Eggum, Bob Armon & Keith Iverson.

Sonja Johnson presided over the meeting.

Agenda: Vickie Storlie made a motion to accept the Agenda. Pat Frydenlund seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Secretary’s Report: Pat Frydenlund made a motion to accept the Minutes from the December 12, 2004 Council meeting. Sonja Johnson seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report: Vickie Storlie made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s report. Pat Frydenlund seconded the motion. Motion carried.

ITEMS TO CONSIDER:

Calendar:

Sunday, January 16^th, Pastor Sarah Lutter leading worship at Hayward. Pastor Malm will be at Trondhjem for their Annual Meeting

Sunday, January 30^th, Annual Meeting at Hayward at 11:30 a.m. with potluck dinner to follow. Short Council meeting with new Council members after the Annual meeting.

Wednesday, February 9^th. Lent begins with Ash Wednesday and Holy Communion at 7:00 p.m. at Hayward.

Sunday, February 13^th, 1:30 p.m. Blue Earth River Conference Assembly at Trinity Lutheran Church, Albert Lea.

Sunday, February 20^th, 11:45 a.m. – Council meeting.

Sunday, February 20^th, Good Earth Village Annual meeting at the camp at 2:00 p.m.

Parsonage:

Having some gas problems with the stove and oven. Will talk to the Parsonage Committee and get some ideas to have at the Annual Meeting.

Properties:

Bob Armon will install the diaper-changing table.

The plumbing has been finished in the men’s restroom.

The sewer backed up in the furnace room. Has been cleaned up.

Congregational Annual Meeting:

The agenda and the budget were discussed for the Annual meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 1:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Vickie Storlie, Council Secretary

FEBRUARY ASSIGNMENTS

Altar Guild

Marlene Thompson & Carolyn Matson

Coffee Servers

February 6 Greg & Carolyn Matson/Virginia

VandeKamp

February 13 Jerry & Bev Noland/Keith & Janet

Iverson

February 20 Lowell, Dawn & Jenny Nelson

February 27 Doran & Shirley Gray/ Colleen Lein

Ushers

*David & Paulette Paulson

Dale & Millie Westland

Steve, Kaye, Tristan & Louis Tufte

Bob & Bonnie Felt

Lectors

February 6

February 13 Shirley Gray

February 20

February 27

FEBRUARY ACOLYTE/USHER SCHEDULE

February 6 Hunter Gilby & Mitch Skaar

February 13 Lacy & Dahna Wright

February 20 Julie Erickson & Samantha Anderson

February 27 Caylee Tennis & Louis Tufte

FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS

February 2 Bob Armon

February 3 Kelly Jo Christensen

Carol Conley

February 4 Paul Westland

Greg Matson

February 5 Dave Paulson

February 8 Paul Ladlie

Brett Frydenlund

February 9 Clayton Peterson

Chris Skaar

Kellie Anderson

February 10 James Becker

February 14 Cheryl Freitag

February 17 Sandra Ruble

Susan Hoiseth

February 18 Edith Tennis

Meta Iverson

February 19 Marlene Schroeder

February 21 Steven Tufte

Joshua Enderson

Shelby Eggum

February 26 Kendall Johnson

Scott Nelson

February 28 David Westland

FEBRUARY ANNIVERSARIES

February 15 David & Marlene Thompson

February 26 Todd & Cheryl Enderson

Success in marriage is more than finding the right person. It’s becoming the right person.

But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. I Timothy 6:11

MEMORIALS

LIFT FUND

In memory of Kenneth Wacholz

In memory of Mary Storlie

In memory of Fred Beiser

In memory of Lorraine Braff

Have you noticed the STOP AND GO LIGHT in the narthex at Hayward Lutheran? It has been placed there to give all an opportunity to contribute to the needs of the hungry. Monies collected go to World Hunger Relief. Thank you for your support.

A Memorial Service was held at Hayward Lutheran on January 4, 2005 for LORRAINE D. BRAFF who passed away December 28, 2004. We express our sympathy to her family.

THANK YOU to the Leah Circle, Naomi Circle, Sarah Circle and WELCA for the money that they contributed to the General Fund. Also, to Rebecca Circle for their contribution to the Sunday School.

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

WOMEN OF THE CHURCH

Have you heard? Our WELCA quilting project for the needy is underway and will continue to meet on Tuesdays until Easter. Due to the recent disasters nationally and world wide, WELCA is putting forth an extra effort to make quilts this year.

All women of the church are members of WELCA and are invited to join the group of workers every Tuesday at 9 a.m. in the Social Hall.

If you are unable to join us, please make a monetary donation of $8 for tops and bottoms for the quilts. You may contact the Calico Hutch at 377-1163 and they will assemble a top or bottom for you.

If you have any scraps of material lying around your house that could be used for quilt tops or backs, we would appreciate it if you would drop them off at the church. Thank you!

---Edith Tennis, WELCA Co-President and Carolyn Matson, Quilting Chairman

REMEMBER THE QUILTING BRUNCH

The WELCA Quilting Brunch will be on Wednesday, February 2 at 9 a.m. Come and join us for a delicious brunch and for some wonderful fellowship.

The menu includes French Toast Bake, Link Sausage, Fresh Fruit, Coffee and Juice.

Come and see some of the quilts that have already been made. The WELCA women have already been busy!!

THIS ‘N’ THAT

GIVING TO STONES

“Sam, I can only get enthusiastic about my giving, when I know my money is going to people for evangelism, for charity, etc.,” declared Ben Bucks, “I don’t intend to support a building.”

“Ben, first know that the church will accept money ear-marked for specific purposes. So you have no reason for withholding your giving,” countered old Sam Elder. “All of us would prefer to benefit people.”

“Well, I don’t like to see other people contributing toward a building, when there’s so much suffering in this world,” continued Ben.

“How long do you think we would have an active church, if we didn’t have our building? The only thing that keeps new churches surviving is the hope of someday having their own home,” said Sam.

“Buildings are for comfort. I would like to see people a little uncomfortable, but giving much to charity,” argued Ben. “Good thought, but a church operates more efficiently, when it has its own space for equipment and supplies; for worship, classes, and meetings; thus we save time and labor for all the people involved,” Sam indicated.

“I could agree, if our church edifice was modern, but it’s old, worn and burdened with tradition. I can’t get sentimental about stones and mortar,” Ben said.

“Ben, years ago our forefathers endured hardship and sacrifices to leave this edifice for us. They built it strong and beautiful,” Sam told him. “If you can’t sense the spirit of those old saints, then at least appreciate the sacrifice this building represents. Support it with thankfulness.”

From the Publication, “Stewardship”

LENT

Easter is the oldest and most important festival of our Christian Church Year as it celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Preceding Easter is the season we call Lent. In modern times many Christians see it as a time for strengthening oneself through developing deeper understanding, love and faith.

Many people give up a favorite food, activity or habit during this time. For a positive approach to the season, try giving up these for Lent:

Give up grumbling

Instead in everything give thanks.

Give up looking at people’s worst points.

Instead concentrate on their best ones.

Give up worries.

Instead trust God with them.

Give up hatred or dislike of anyone.

Instead learn to love.

Give up speaking unkindly.

Instead let your speech be generous and understanding.

Give up TV one evening a week.

Instead, call or visit a lonely or sick person.

Give up buying anything but essentials for yourself.

Instead, give the money to God’s work.

Give up 10 to 15 minutes in bed.

Instead, use that time to pray.

Give up fear which prevents Christian witness.

Instead, seek courage to share your faith.

Give up worry about appearances.

And be yourself as God made and loves you.

Give up conformity to the world.

Instead, give up yourself to God.

Adapted from World Christian Digest, London

PARISH NEWS DEADLINE

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

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