THE PARISH NEWS

HAYWARD-TRONDHJEM LUTHERAN PARISH

BOX 426, HAYWARD, MN 56043

October, 2007 Vol. 12, No. 10

SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES BEGIN!

Sunday School has begun at both Hayward Lutheran and Trondhjem Lutheran. Sunday, September 9^th was the first day of Sunday School at Hayward Lutheran and Sunday, September 16^th was the first day at Trondhjem Lutheran.

We are grateful to those who have volunteered to be teachers. Linda Kraushaar is the Sunday School teacher at Trondhjem Lutheran. Thank you, Linda!! The following people were installed as teachers at Hayward Lutheran on September 9^th during the worship service.

K-1^st Grade: Jean Skaar, Lacy Wright, Kalli Schaub, Kisti Skaar

2^nd – 5^th Grade: Faye Learn, Bev Noland, Pat Frydenlund

6^th Grade and Up: Steve and Kaye Tufte, Neal Skaar

Substitutes: Sue Skaar, Nancy Berhow, Jim and Judy Becker

THANK YOU for saying “yes” to the call!!!

CONGREGATIONS COLLECT DONATIONS

FOR FLOOD RELIEF AND TANZANIA SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Both Hayward Lutheran and Trondhjem Lutheran designated their loose offerings for flood relief and for the Tanzania Scholarship Fund during the month of September. As of September 16^th, $492.33 was donated for Flood Relief by both congregations and $114.25 was donated for the Tanzania Scholarship Fund by both congregations. Thank you for your generosity!

FALL ADULT CLASS GATHERING:

Jesus of Nazareth

All are invited to our Fall Class as we continue to focus on the film “Jesus of Nazareth”. Last spring we focused on the close of the film in looking at Jesus’ final days in Jerusalem, including His death and resurrection. This fall, in keeping with the coming of Advent and Christmas, we will look at the beginning of the film and the episodes that deal with Jesus’ birth, childhood and early ministry. Our time of discussion will center on the biblical texts that correspond with these events in the life of Jesus. We will once again have two offerings of the class – one on Wednesday mornings at 10:15 a.m. and one on Sunday evenings at 6:30 p.m. We will have a sign-up sheet during the church services on September 23^rd and 30^th, and then on October 7^th. Sign up and bring a friend. We will meet in the church overflow room.

WEDNESDAYS – 10:15 A.M. – Oct. 10, 17, 24, 31 and Nov. 7 & 14.

SUNDAYS – 6:30 P.M. – Oct. 14, 21, 28 and Nov. 4, 11 & 18.

SPECIAL

REFORMATION GATHERING

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2007

4:00 P.M.

YOU ARE INVITED

TO A SPECIAL PRESENTATION

AT HAYWARD LUTHERAN CHURCH

AND A POT LUCK MEAL AFTER

“IT’S NOT OVER ‘TIL IT’S OVER”

THE SHAPE OF THE REFORMATION TODAY

A PRESENTATION BY

PASTOR PAUL LUTTER

DOCTORAL CANDIDATE, LUTHER SEMINARY

ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA

Pr. Lutter writes: “There are many who are asking whether or not the

Reformation is over. They ask this, in part, because they look at the

declining numbers of people in worship and also at the declining amount

of money given to the church on the local and national level.

Contrary to those who make such claims, however, I suggest that the

Reformation is far from over; indeed, the Reformation isn’t over until

Jesus returns on the last day. But to see this, we need to fling wide the

doors of the church so that we can see what is going on in the world and

also that the world can see what is going on in the church.

The Reformation isn’t over ‘til Jesus’ return for two main reasons: First,

because of the kind of God we have, and second, because of the way

that this God works in, with, and through us in the world.”

Paul has some good and needed things to share,

but he also does so in a relaxed way and with a good sense of humor.

Come and join us in this special gathering.

Bring a friend; bring a food dish to share.

Bring your questions and your yearning for learning.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR HOLY COMMUNION

October 7^th – Time after Pentecost Lectionary 27

October 28 – Reformation Sunday

“COME TO THE WATERS” IS THE THEME OF THE UPCOMING WELCA 7^TH TRIENNIAL GATHERING

The WELCA Gathering will take place in Salt Lake City, Salt Palace Convention Center July 10-13, 2008. Information regarding the Gathering is included in this Newsletter. Motor coach reservation sheets and information about hotel reservations are available in the church office.

CONFIRMATION CLASS GETTING UNDER WAY

Orientation for confirmation students and parents was held on Sunday evening, September 23^rd at Oakland Lutheran Church. At this meeting the parents and students learned more about the confirmation program. The confirmation classes will meet every Wednesday each month except the second Wednesday unless the parents and students are informed otherwise.

During the month of October the classes will meet at Oakland Lutheran. During November they will meet at Trondhjem Lutheran and during December they will meet at Hayward Lutheran. The parents and students have received a schedule as to when and where the classes will be held.

Please keep these young people in your prayers.

DISMANTLING OR MAINTAINING?

During part of my boyhood years, my parents and I lived in a neighborhood on the near south side of downtown Minneapolis. It was only about ten or twelve blocks to the heart of downtown where people worked and where many came to shop at stores like Dayton’s, Donaldson’s, J.C. Penny, etc., and to take in movies at the theaters that lined both sides of Hennepin Avenue. As is true today, there was always some kind of building project going on downtown, just as we see such projects happening now in Albert Lea. As a boy, even as it remains so for me today, it was fun to be able to stop and watch all the work crews, and the bulldozers and trucks and cranes, and to watch them pour cement into the forms or lay the bricks or steel girders into place. Later, we would see the electricians and plumbers come to do their parts.

Imagine, if you would, such a building site. The workers are all busy doing their jobs and applying their various skills in putting up that new building. What a grand undertaking, to build such a magnificent building, one that would be strong and secure, one that would protect its occupants from the rain and cold, the sun and the wind; one that you could eventually walk into and see the finished product and be proud of the work that had been done.

What a shock it would be, then, if you were to walk by that newly completed building a few months later and find that the plumbers, carpenter, electricians, brick-layers were all back there and all were busy taking apart their respective materials and hauling them away. Slowly, but surely, the building is being dismantled, taken apart, and for no apparent reason. How shocking! How foolish it would all be.

How often is it the case that adults, that parents, tend to do this same kind of thing with their own faith and also with the faith of their children? After years of “building up the faith,” through faithful attendance at worship, Sunday school, Confirmation class, and Bible class, all of a sudden that faith is no longer regarded as important, as needed. Thus, piece by piece, through inactivity, silence, ignoring, turning away, all that has been “built up” over many years begins to unravel, and come apart. Piece by faithful piece, those Christian teachings and values, those encouragements and deeds of discipleship are taken away.

Those who serve as the Trustees or overseers of any organization or building will be quick to tell us how important it is that buildings be properly maintained. They need to be periodically inspected, and the Trustees need to see that they are painted, caulked, tuck-pointed, or that worn materials are replaced. If nothing is done, buildings and materials deteriorate.

Such is also true in our life of Christian faith and discipleship. If such is left untended, with no proper “maintenance” through worship, education, and Bible reading, they will deteriorate. And then, when those storms of life or those darts of the evil one attack us, where will those gifts and values of faith, hope, love, and endurance be?

Here’s hoping that you, as parent, adult, or child, won’t undo or dismantle what has taken years to put into place by no longer doing what is needed to further your gift of faith and that of your whole family. May you take seriously the power that Christ Jesus can bring into your life, and may you leave your children and grandchildren that “treasure” of your example in the faithfulness of your worship and prayer and involvement and your support of that special faith community we call “The Church.”

Pastor John

TRONDHJEM NEWS

OCTOBER ASSIGNMENTS

Altar Guild Coffee Servers Communion Assistants

Shirley Kraushaar October 7 – Dick & Shirley Kraushaar Dean & Charlotte Lukes

October 14 – Chad & Tisha Wangen

October 28 – Sheldon & Ruth Lukes

Lectors Acolyte/Ushers

October 7 – Shirley Kraushaar October 7 – Cortney & Reed Thostenson

October 14 – Jill Krause October 14 – Anna Severtson

October 21 – Charlotte Lukes October 21 – Ethan Severtson

October 28 – Shirley Kraushaar October 28 – Cortney & Reed Thostenson

OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS OCTOBER ANNIVERSARIES

October 7 Betty Krause October 10 Emil & Bev Prantner

October 7 Don Chapek October 21 Mike & Cindy Severtson

October 9 Mark Brekke October 24 Steve & Eileen Reese

October 9 Madalyn Wangen

October 28 Steve Kraushaar

October 28 Cameron Kolbe

October 31 Eileen Reese

MEMORIALS

BUILDING FUND GENERAL FUND MISSIONS

In memory of BERRY JAHNKE by In memory of BERRY JAHNKE by In memory of BERRY JAHNKE by

Barb Prantner & M/M Emil M/M Jim Benesh, Sr., M/M WELCA

Prantner Dale Lukes

In memory of ARTHUR RANDALL

By Emily Cech

We extend our sympathy to the family of BERRY JAHNKE, whose funeral was held on September 15^th at Hayward Lutheran Church. Please keep Tracy and the members of her family and friends in your prayers.

TRONDHJEM FINANCIAL REPORT

Balance on 7/31/07 $5,233.09 ACCOUNT TOTALS:

August Income $5,112.02 Building Fund Balance $6,093.01

August Expenses $2,004.56 Organ Fund Balance $ 376.75

Balance 8/31/07 $8,340.55 General Fund Balance $1,870.79

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.

OCTOBER ASSIGNMENTS

Altar Guild Coffee Servers Ushers

Jean Skaar October 7 – Troy & April Habana *Neal & Jean Skaar

Camilla Frydenlund John & Janice Habana Vernon Lunde

LaVonne Williams October 14 – LaVonne Williams Richard & Judy Olson

Carol Conley Faye Learn

Neil & Jean Skaar

October 28 – Gene, Bev & Dawn Jenson

Communion Assistants Acolyte/Ushers Lectors

Faye Learn October 7 – Kadie Habana & Bryce Skaar October 7 – Neal Skaar

Wayne Kromminga October 14 – Anna Englin & Caylee Tennis October 14 – Gwen Hanson

October 21 – Kasie Habana & Mitchell Skaar October 21 – Barb Miller

October 28 – Tate & Logan Tufte October 28 – Jean Skaar

OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS OCTOBER ANNIVERSARIES

October 6 Kurt Freitag October 7 Jeff & Alice Englin

October 7 Jean Skaar October 8 Eugene & Elaine Flusek

October 11 Adison Wangen October 22 Richard & Gwen Hanson

October 12 Kaye Tufte October 27 Tracy & Sue Skaar

October 16 Eric Westland

October 17 Sally Anderson

October 18 Marlene Thompson

October 19 Todd Enderson

October 24 Gwyneth Nelson

October 26 Zachary Jensen

October 28 Steven Johnson

October 29 Lou Larson

MEMORIALS

BUILDING FUND GENERAL FUND

In memory of ELLSWORTH ESSE In memory of BONNIE NEUBAUER by

By M/M Dan Johnson Beatrice Wacholz

In memory of BERTHA FRYDENLUND In memory of ED CLAASSEN by M/M

By M/M Vern Frydenlund, M/M Paul Dick Hanson

Westland, M/M Nick Schermer, Jim and

Sue Larson, Helen Dockwell

In memory of ARNOLD BROITZMAN by

M/M James Becker

In memory of HUBERT INDERLIE by

M/M Kendall Johnson

In memory of BARBARA (ESSE)

HANSON by M/M Kendall Johnson

We extend our sympathy to the family of BERTHA FRYDENLUND, whose funeral was held on September 18^th at Hayward Lutheran. We remember Bertha’s family and friends in our prayers.

THANK YOU to Dale Westland for his hours of volunteer work cleaning up the northeast

corner of the Hayward Cemetery. We appreciate all of your hard work, Dale.

Everyone is invited to a Bridal Shower for HEIDI VOSS, Bride-to-Be of ANDREW LADLIE,

on Saturday, October 13^th at 9:30 a.m. in the Hayward Lutheran Social Hall.

You are invited to a Baby Shower for Ellery Ravenhorst, daughter of Dan and

Holly (Matson) Ravenhorst, on Saturday, October 13^th at 1 p.m. in the Hayward

Lutheran Social Hall

Congratulations to DANA SCHROEDER and JONATHAN SMERUD, who were

married at Hayward Lutheran on Saturday, September 22. Please remember them

in your prayers.

Congratulations to AUDREY COX, who celebrated her 80^th birthday with a party at Good Samaritan

Home on September 23^rd. Also, congratulations to POLLY NOLAND who celebrated her 92^nd

birthday with a special coffee fellowship in her honor Sunday morning, September 30^th, at

Hayward Lutheran.

Audrey’s actual birth date is September 19^th and Polly’s is September 17^th.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, “GIRLS”!

Please remember BRIE-ANNE WOITAS and MATTHEW MICHAEL TUBBS, in prayer. They will

be married at Hayward Lutheran on Saturday, October 6^th.

HAYWARD LUTHERAN

OUR STEWARDSHIP FOR 2007

Month Where we Are Should Be Where We Are Total Expenses Through Sept. 20, 2007

January $ 9,125.50 $5,546 $ 8,538

February $18,251 $14,219 $17,802

March $27,376.50 $21,887 $25,351

April $36,502 $34,033 $35,397

May $45,627.50 $38,048 $41,097

June $54,753 $50,615 $52,123

July $63,878.50 $58,436 $60,854

August $73,004 $65,808 $65,125

September $82,129.50 $71,819 $70,387

October $91,255

November $100,380.50

December $109,506

NEWS FROM OUR LIBRARIAN

HAYWARD LIBRARIANS HOSTED MEETING OF AREA CHURCH LIBRARIANS

Hayward Lutheran Church hosted the August 30^th meeting of the Area Church Librarians. Pastor John shared devotions and he and Sharon provided two musical selections for the group of twenty-four.

President, Jeanie Hanson, led discussion about how to promote the work of the librarians and funding to assist the group in meeting their mission.

The Hayward library has two new books and an audio book listed as follows:

“Minnesota Mysteries” by Joann A. Grote; “Animal Friends/Ducktails” by Janette Okes, and “On Her Own” by Wanda E. Brunstetter.

With the move of Edith Samuelson to St. Paul, there is need for one or two more volunteers to organize and mark new books, as well as file returned ones. Anyone wishing to help can call Bev Noland at 373-1986.

Thank you.

Bev Noland, Hayward Lutheran Librarian

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 $20. Your generosity and support are greatly appreciated. Thank you.

WELCA NEWS

PURPOSE STATEMENT

As a community of women created in the image of god, called to discipleship in Jesus Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves to grow in faith, affirm our gifts, support one another in our callings, engage in ministry and action, and promote healing and wholeness in the church, the society and the world

HAYWARD WELCA PLANNING FALL OUTING

The Hayward WELCA is planning a fall outing to the Freeborn County Historical Museum on Wednesday, October 3rd. We will meet at the church parking lot at 10:30 a.m. to carpool. Lunch will be served at the Turtle Dove Tea House at 1:15 p.m. If you haven’t signed up yet, you may call Jean Skaar (373-9004) to let her know that you will be coming along.

WELCA WOMEN HELPED PLAN THE FOUR-CHURCH PICNIC

By Gwen Hanson

Jeanne Schermer and I went to the Oakland Church as representatives of Hayward Lutheran to plan the picnic for the four-church picnic held on July 19^th.

After planning our menu, I offered to purchase the food. Oakland offered to donate the paper supplies and Moscow donated the toppings for the ice cream. I donated a large jar of pickles.

Thank you to Barb Schroeder, who was my co-chair, and all of those in our Unit. We had plenty of good help.

After all of the expenses were paid, each church was given a check for $51.18.

Thank you all for your generous contributions. --------Gwen

GOOD EARTH VILLAGE OPPORTUNITIES

YOUTH BLAST! This 24-hour retreat is for 3^rd-6^th graders. While at Good Earth Village, the youth will be involved in bible Study, games and fellowship! Retreat includes programming, lodging and meals. Cost is $40/person, chaperones are free! October 5-6, 12-13, 26-27, November 2-3

FAMILY FALL FESTIVAL There’s no better way to kick off fall than spending the afternoon at Good Earth Village! Gather the kids, grandkids, neighbors and friends and head out to camp! There will be hikes, games, crafts and food! Cost is $5/person or a maximum of $15/family. October 7^th.

QUILTING RETREATS Join us at Good Earth Village for these 2 or 3-day retreats! With quilting as the theme for these retreats, fellowship and renewal are the goals. You are welcome to work at your own pace on whatever you choose. If you feel the spirit call you to take a walk, nap or read, we encourage you to follow that call. Program, lodging, linens and meals are included in the price of the retreat. Midweek cost is $65; weekend cost is $110. October 23-24, 26-28, November 2-4, 6-7, 30-December 2.

SPIRITUAL SPA: THE FRAGRANCE OF OUR LIVES Retreat to Good Earth Village for our Spiritual Spa. Not only will your mind and body find rest, but your soul will be renewed through the Bible study focused on our fragrance essence of life through Christ. There will be sessions on ancient uses of perfumes and incense and experimenting with essential oils. Program, lodging, linens and meals are included in the price of retreat. Deadline is October 1^st. Cost is $145/person. October 28-30.

NEWS FROM OUR NEIGHBORS

ST. JOHN’S AUXILIARY BENEFIT LUNCHEON – Sunday, September 30^th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free-will donation and drawing for a quilt.

SALAD LUNCHEON at Grace Lutheran Church, Albert Lea, on Friday, October 12^th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cost is $6.00.

LUTEFISK DINNER at First Lutheran Church, Blooming Prairie on Tuesday, October 16^th – Noon – Walk-Ins – Serving from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Tickets sold all morning. ADVANCE SALE ONLY – serving at 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. CARRYOUT IS RESERVATIONS ONLY!! Adults - $15, Children (ages 5-12) - $5.

LUTEFISK AND MEATBALL SUPPER at Oakland Lutheran Church on Sunday, October 28^th from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Advance sale tickets - $14, At the door - $15, Children ages 5 to 10 - $5. Tickets available in Albert Lea at: Addie’s Floral & Gifts, Cup of Faith, Ben’s Floral & Frame and Northbridge Hallmark. Tickets available in Austin at: The Hardy Geranium and Main Street Sterling. You may call the church to reserve tickets – 507-373-1737 (Leave a message).

SALEM LUTHERAN CHURCH WELCA GUEST LUNCHEON – Saturday, October 6 at 11:30 a.m. Guest is Elaine Peacock from Elk Point, S.D. She is a gospel singer with a message.

THIS ‘N’ THAT

WHO’S YOUR DADDY?

A seminary professor was vacationing with his wife in Gatlinburg, TN. One morning they were eating breakfast at a little restaurant, hoping to enjoy a quiet, family meal. While they were waiting for their food, they noticed a distinguished-looking, white-haired man moving from table to table, visiting with the guests. The professor leaned over and whispered to his wife, “I hope he doesn’t come over here.” But, sure enough, the man did come over to their table.

“Where are you folks from?” he asked in a friendly voice. “Oklahoma,” they answered. “Great to have you here in Tennessee,” the stranger said. “What do you do for a living?” “I teach at a seminary,” he replied. “Oh, so you teach preachers how to preach, do you? Well, I’ve got a really great story for you.” And, with that, the gentleman pulled up a chair and sat down at the table with the couple.

The professor groaned and thought to himself, “Great. Just what I need. Another preacher story!” The man started, “See that mountain over there? (Pointing out the restaurant window) Not far from the base of that mountain there was a boy born to an unwed mother. He had a hard time growing up because every place he went he was always asked the same question, ‘Hey, boy, who’s your daddy?’ Whether he was at school, in the grocery store or drug store, people would ask the same question, ‘Who’s your daddy?’

“He would hide at recess and lunchtime from other students. He would avoid going into stores because that question hurt him so bad. When he was about 12 years old, a new preacher came to his church. He would always go in late and slip out early to avoid hearing the question, ‘Who’s your daddy?’

“But, one day the new preacher said the benediction so fast he got caught and had to walk out with the crowd. Just about the time he got to the back door, the new preacher, not knowing anything about him, put his hand on his shoulder and asked him, ‘Son, who’s your daddy?’

“The whole church got deathly quiet. He could feel every eye in the church looking at him. Now everyone would finally know the answer to the question, ‘Who’s your daddy?’ This new preacher, though, sensed the situation around him and using discernment that only the Holy Spirit could give, said the following to that scared little boy. ‘Wait a minute! I know who you are! I see the family resemblance now. You are a child of God!’ With that he patted the boy on his shoulder and said, ‘Boy, you’ve got a great inheritance. Go and claim it.’

“With that, the boy smiled for the first time in a long time and walked out the door a changed person. He was never the same again. Whenever anybody asked him, ‘Who’s your Daddy?’ he’d just tell them, ‘I’m a Child of God.’

The distinguished gentleman got up from the table and said, “Isn’t that a great story?” The professor responded that it really was a great story! As the man turned to leave, he said, “You know, if that new preacher hadn’t told me that I was one of God’s children, I probably never would have amounted to anything!” And, he walked away.

The seminary professor and his wife were stunned. He called the waitress over and asked her, “Do you know who that man was – the one who just left that was sitting at our table?”

The waitress grinned and said, “Of course. Everybody here knows him. That’s Ben Hooper. He’s the former governor of Tennessee!”

Does someone in your life need a reminder that they’re one of God’s children?

YOU ARE ONE OF GOD’S CHILDREN!

“GIVE AND IT SHALL BE GIVEN UNTO YOU”

In a book called Growing Into Light, Max Long writes about a leathery old westerner who called himself Desert Pete. Living out in the sun-beaten country where water is so very precious, Desert Pete wrote a note, put it in a baking-powder can and wired it to an old pump. Here is what he wrote:

Under the white rock I buried a bottle of water, out of the sun, cork end up. There’s enough water in it to prime this pump, but not if you drink some first. Pour about one fourth, and let her soak to wet the leather. Then pour the rest medium fast and pump. You’ll git water. The well has never run dry. Have faith. When you git watered up, fill the bottle and put it back like you found it for the next feller.

Desert Pete

P.S. Don’t go drinking up the water first. Prime the pump with it…I’ve give my last diime away a dozen times to prime the pump of my prayers, and I’ve fed my last beans to a stranger while a’sayin’ “Amen.” It never failed yet to git me an answer. You’ve got to git “Your Heart Fixed To Give” before you can be give to.

Desert Pete in his own special style was teaching the same lesson that Jesus taught. “Give,” said our Lord, “and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For the measure you give will be the measure you get back.” (Luke 6:38). Mark adds, “…and still more will be given you.” (Mark 4:24).

Have you ever met anyone who really had his “heart fixed to give,” who did not testify that he was the one who benefited by the giving? Think about that as we consider giving to our Lord’s work through your church. It is in giving that we truly receive.

From the publication Stewardship published by Parish Publishing, LLC

CRUISING IN YOUR SENIOR YEARS

About two years ago my wife and I were on a cruise through the western Mediterranean aboard a Princess liner. At dinner we noticed an elderly lady sitting alone along the rail of the grand stairway in the main dining room. I also noticed that all the staff, ships officers, waiters, busboys, etc., all seemed very familiar with this lady. I asked our waiter who the lady was, expecting to be told that she owned the line. But, he said he only knew that she had been on board for the last four cruises, back-to-back.

As we left the dining room one evening I caught her eye and stopped to say “hello.” We chatted and I said, “I understand you’ve been on this ship for the last four cruises.” She replied, “Yes, that’s true.” I stated, “I don’t understand,” and she replied, without a pause, “It’s cheaper than a nursing home.”

So, there will be no nursing home in my future. When I get old and feeble, I am going to get on a Princess Cruise Ship. The average cost for a nursing home is $200 per day. I have checked on reservations on a Princess and I can get a long-term discount and senior discount price of $135 per day. That leaves $65 a day for:

1. Gratuities which will only be $20 per day.
2. I will have as many as 10 meals a day if I can waddle to the restaurant, or I can have room service (which means I can have breakfast in bed every day of the week).
3. Princes has as many as three swimming pools, a workout room, free washers and dryers, and shows every night.
4. They have free toothpaste and razors, and free soap and shampoo.
5. They will even treat you like a customer, not a patient. An extra $5 worth of tips will have the entire staff scrambling to help you.
6. I will get to meet new people every 7 to 14 days.
7. T.V. broken? Light bulb need changing? Need to have the mattress replaced? No problem! They will fix everything and apologize for your inconvenience.
8. Clean sheets and towels every day, and you don’t even have to ask for them.
9. If you fall in the nursing home and break a hip you are on Medicare; if you fall and break a hip on the Princess ship, they will upgrade you to a suite for the rest of your life.

Now hold on for the best! Do you want to see South America, the Panama Canal, Tahiti, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, or name where you want to go? Princess will have a ship ready to go. So, don’t look for me in a nursing home. Just call shore to ship.

P.S. And don’t forget. When you die, they can just dump you over the side – at no charge.

Whatever your cross, Your sorrows may linger,

Whatever your pain, Throughout the night,

There will always be sunshine, But suddenly vanish

After the rain. In dawn’s early light.

Perhaps you may stumble, The Savior is waiting

Perhaps even fall, Somewhere above

But God’s always ready, To give you His grace

To answer your call. And send you His love.

He knows every heartache, Whatever your cross,

Sees every tear, Whatever your pain,

A word from His lips, “God always send rainbows

Can calm every fear. After the rain.”

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!