THE PARISH NEWS

HAYWARD-TRONDHJEM LUTHERAN PARISH

BOX 426, HAYWARD, MN 56043

November, 2008 Vol.13, No. 11

Whose Image?

“Then Jesus said to them, ‘Whose image is on this coin, and what is the inscription?’ They answered, ‘The Emperor’s.’ Then Jesus said to them, ‘Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to GOD the things that are GOD’S.’” (Matthew 22:20-21)

It was a simple, silver coin, weighing about one eighth of a troy ounce. Today, it would be worth about $1.50. It was a Roman coin, called a denarius, and so it was imprinted with the image of the current Roman emperor, along with some writing about him and the date it was minted. It was not only the coin used to pay the dreaded Roman tax, but it was also the coin used to pay a laborer for a day’s work.

Jesus had asked to see the coin, because His enemies had asked Him an important but rather deadly question: “Is it lawful to pay taxes to the Emperor or not?” It was a trick question, designed by these enemies to get Jesus into a quandary. If He answers YES, then He is a Roman sympathizer, and that would put Him at odds with the common people who hated the Romans. If He answers NO, then He can be termed a traitor and be arrested and imprisoned and even killed. So, in His typical way, Jesus answers the question with another question: “Whose image (icon) is on the coin and what is the inscription on it?” So they have to answer back: “The emperor’s.” Jesus says, “Then give to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and give to God the things that are God’s.”

Through His answer, Jesus is really asking them, and also us, “Whose image, whose imprint, is on you?” In Genesis, chapter one, we read, “Then God said, ‘Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness’…so God created humankind in His image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them. God blessed them…God saw everything that He had made, and indeed, it was very good.”

I remember, long ago, listening in on one of the Billy Graham Crusades, and in his sermon, Billy was saying that this ‘image of God’ in which you and I are created is a moral image, for God created us with something of Himself, namely, that ability to make a moral choice – to choose between what is right and what is wrong. That moral choice is reflected in what the ancient Joshua said to his people of Israel after they had conquered Palestine and settled there and before his own death: “Now if you are unwilling to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve…as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua was asking the same question as this new Joshua of Nazareth: “Whose image is imprinted on you?” Is it not God’s image – God’s divine moral image? If so, then it follows that you would give back to God all that is God’s, including your own self? Everything is God’s Everything has God’s image on it, him or her. The whole creation is imprinted with the image of God, but especially we human beings. God’s image is imprinted on you, whether you like it or not. The ability to choose is imprinted on you. It was imprinted on you from your very conception, and most certainly from your new birth in Christ Jesus at your baptism, when you were marked with the cross of Christ upon you.

Image, for us in our society, seems to be something that is ever so important. We are raised and trained to put forth that good image to others in our society, an image that will tell other people that we are honest, trustworthy and true; an image that will tell people that we are clean, well-groomed, neat, pretty, handsome, and beautiful; an image that will tell people that we are wealthy, caring, polite, successful and sensitive. We like to wear clothing or drive cars or have homes and furnishings that are imprinted with important, prestigious names or icons on them. We wear those images of status and of being in the very IN crowd. And in the midst of all that, Jesus comes at us with that probing question, “Whose image is imprinted on you? “ Is the image of your baptism, your faith, your convictions imprinted on you? What image are you willing to display to your family, friends and neighbors? Are you giving to God all that belongs to God, including your own self?

We must not let our own sinfulness blur our eyes to what it means to truly live as the children of God. The imprint of God and Jesus is upon us, and not, first and foremost, that of any government, flag, pope, president, celebrity or societal fad. God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit is our first and primary obligation, and all else will fall in line under this, or not at all. Let us then gather together as God’s people in worship and be reminded who we are and whose we are, in whose image we are created. Let us gather around Word, water, bread, wine and one another where we can be given that ever new perspective on what God has given us and what we, in turn, can joyfully return to God in and through our life and living with prayer, praise and thanksgiving.

Pastor Malm

PARISH ADULT CLASSES CONTINUE

GOOD GOD QUESTIONS: Talking on Really Tough Issues

What’s in a question? The asking of questions can lead us into some new discoveries. Asking questions about God can open us to a deeper understanding of the character of God and of God’s mission in the world, and thus, what is our mission in this world.

This fall’s adult classes take us on a journey into some of those probing and difficult questions – questions about how God fits into our lives and into some of the troubles where our life and circumstances lead. We will hear some of our foremost Lutheran teachers and theologians with these questions, and do so with humility, humor and grace. And in the process, we will wrestle with these great mysteries as well, and perhaps discover something new, or perhaps something very old, about God. The host for these video presentations is Dr. Rolf Jacobson, Assistant Professor of Old Testament at Luther Seminary in St. Paul. Rolf has truly wrestled with these questions first-hand. He is a paraplegic, having lost both his legs at an early age, and he’s also fought back from two bouts with cancer. He has a tremendous witness of faith to share. He and three other colleagues will definitely have some good things to share.

These classes are offered in two time slots: Wednesday mornings at 10:15 a.m. in the overflow room, and Sunday evenings at 6:30 p.m. in the same room. These topics stand alone, so if you cannot make all the sessions, you won’t feel like you’re lost when you can come. The following is the schedule:

Wednesday, October 29 and Sunday, November 2 WHY DID JESUS HAVE TO DIE?

Wednesday, November 5 and Sunday, November 9 HOW DO I KNOW GOD’S WILL FOR MY LIFE?

Wednesday, November 12 and Sunday, November 16 IF I AM FORGIVEN, WHY WILL I BE JUDGED?

OPPORTUNITIES FOR

HOLY COMMUNION

November 2 All Saints

November 23 Christ the King

NOVEMBER IS FOOD DRIVE MONTH

In November we will focus on collecting food for the hungry. Many people in our area don’t realize how many of their neighbors are struggling to feed themselves and their families.

The hungry are innocent children who go to bed with empty stomachs because their parents, even though they’re working, can’t always afford to put food on the table. They are elderly men and women who are barely surviving on fixed incomes, unable to afford both their medicine and meals. They are Americans who simply cannot make ends meet with the increased cost of food and fuel today.

During the month of November, PLEASE REMEMBER TO BRING FOOD ITEMS TO THE CHURCH to help those in our area who are in need. Please understand that items that are bulging, rusty, outdated, or without labels cannot be accepted.

If you want to make a monetary donation, make out the check to Hayward Lutheran and indicate that it is for the Food Shelf. The monetary donations will be supplemented by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

IF YOU NO LONGER HAVE A LAND LINE PHONE NUMBER, PLEASE NOTIFY THE CHURCH OFFICE OF YOUR CELL PHONE NUMBER. WE HAVE DISCOVERED THAT SOME OF THE LAND LINE PHONE NUMBERS THAT WE HAVE ON FILE ARE NO LONGER BEING USED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP!

CONFIRMATION CLASSES

Confirmation classes will be held on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. In November they will be at Moscow Lutheran, December and January at Oakland Lutheran and February at Trondhjem Lutheran. In March there will be no classes since it is Lent. In April the classes will be at Oakland Lutheran.

A retreat at Good Earth Village for 3^rd – 5^th graders is a wonderful opportunity to come to camp during the school year. During this 24-hour retreat we will play games, hike and learn about awesome people in the Bible! Cost is $40/person. One chaperone Free/8 kids. Dates are November 7-8. If you are interested in attending one of these retreats, registration blanks are available in the Church Office or for more information contact Good Earth Village at 507-346-2494 or info@GoodEarthVillage.org

WHAT HAVE THE YOUTH BEEN DOING?

CHICAGO TRIP – Ten confirmation students, along with Pastor bob, traveled to Chicago in June. It was such a long trip they just HAD to stop to rest at a water park along the way! Lots of swimming, boat tours at the Wisconsin Dells and on Lake Michigan and we were shown the ministry of Lutheran Social Services.

KAYAKING – This was the chance for those that went along to see their pastor do a cannonball into the Cannon River.

HORSEBACK RIDING – At the Minnesota Harvest Ranch to ride the Dreamy Hill Trails and visit the petting zoo.

UPCOMING EVENTS

The “Big Trip”! The ELCA Youth Gathering next July. Where else than historical New Orleans! 9^th through 12^th graders are invited, but you must sign up ASAP, because there is only room in the van for 9 students and 2 adults. The cost for the convention, transportation and housing will be about $600, BUT as other youth trips, the students pay only half. So, your cost will be $300 plus money for meals and souvenirs.

Confirmation Christmas Caroling for the home bound

Water Park of America

Imax and Science Museum in St. Paul

“CANDLES AND CAROLS” TO BE PRESENTED

On Christmas Eve, December 24^th a service of hope, peace, joy, and love, entitled “Candles & Carols”, will be presented by the joint HLC/TLC Choir.

MISSIONARY HARTWIG COMING TO VISIT

On Wednesday, November 12^th, our Parish will welcome back Dr. Kristopher Hartwig, who is the missionary we sponsor in Tanzania. Dr. Hartwig works with many hospitals throughout Tanzania in training hospital staff in programs of hospice care for those who are ill with AIDS and with other blood diseases and cancers. Mrs. Hartwig (Rebecca) continues to teach music to several students in the city of Arusha, where they live.

That evening, members of both TLC and HLC are invited to gather at HLC for a pot luck meal at 6:00 p.m., after which Dr. Hartwig will share in both word and pictures what this hospice care program has been doing for people in Tanzania (about 6:45 or 7 p.m.) Free will donations will be accepted to help with Dr. Hartwig’s travel expenses.

PARISH THANKSGIVING

WORSHIP AT TRONDHJEM

On Thursday, November 26^th, at 7 p.m., Trondhjem Lutheran and Hayward Lutheran will join together at Trondhjem Lutheran for a service of Thanksgiving. There will be special music and following the service the Trondhjem WELCA will serve refreshments. Come and join us!

TRONDHJEM NEWS

NOVEMBER ASSIGNMENTS

Altar Guild Coffee Servers Communion Assistants

Linda Kraushaar November 2 Dale & Elaine Lukes Kiven & Cheryl Lukes

November 9 Kiven & Cheryl Lukes

November 16 Mike & Cindy Severtson

November 26 (Thanksgiving) WELCA

November 23 Roger & Elna Severtson

November 30 Altar Guild

Lectors Acolyte/Ushers

November 2 Linda Kraushaar November 2 Ethan Severtson

November 9 Steve Kraushaar November 9 Madalyn Wangen

November 16 Elaine Lukes November 16 Cortney & Reed Thostenson

November 23 Shirley Kraushaar November 23 Anna Severtson

November 30 Elaine Lukes November 30 Ethan Severtson

NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS

November 6 Kiven Lukes November 18 Steve Reese

November 8 Debra Brekke November 21 John Lukes

November 13 Mark Severtson November 26 Cheryl Lukes

November 14 Emily Cech November 27 Clifford Kermes

November 17 Arlyn Krause November 28 Brian Kraushaar

November 30 Dale Lukes

NOVEMBER ANNIVERSARIES

November 29 Don & Arlene Chapek

MEMORIALS

GENERAL FUND

In memory of MYRA FOSS by M/M Emil Prantner & Barb Prantner

In memory of OBERT HALDORSON by M/M Ray Miller, M/M Wayne Miller, Gilma Bothum, M/M Emil Prantner, M/M Clifford Kermes, M/M Steve Kraushaar

MISSIONS

In memory of OBERT HALDORSON by Trondhjem WELCA

ORGAN FUND

In memory of OBERT HALDORSON by M/M Dale Lukes

BUILDING FUND

In memory of OBERT HALDORSON by Irene Benesh, M/M Roger Severtson, M/M Mark Brekke

In memory of CHARLES HANSON by M/M Mark Brekke

MARK YOUR CALENDARS …..

FOR THE TRONDHJEM FAMILY CHRISTMAS DINNER AND SUNDAY SCHOOL PROGRAM!!

On Saturday, December 13^th

12 Noon – Pot Luck Meal

Those Trondhjem Ladies know how to put on a pot luck meal!!!

Christmas Program to follow the meal

The Trondhjem Christmas Program is always a “HIT”

Directed by Linda Kraushaar

Always fun for young and “not-so-young”

ATTENTION, TRONDHJEM WELCA MEMBERS

Please remember to turn in your Fall Offering by November 1^st, 2008.

TRONDHJEM AUGUST/SEPTEMBER FINANCIAL REPORT

August Starting Balance $11,671.78 Breakdown of Accounts:

August/September Income $12,749.86 Building Fund $16,299.22

August/September Expenses $7,489.77 Organ Fund $411.75

Balance Sept. 30, 2008 $16,931.87 General Fund $220.90

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.

NOVEMBER ASSIGNMENTS

Altar Guild Coffee Servers Ushers

Carole Eggum November 2 Frank & Faye Learn *Darrell & Vicki Storlie

Sally Anderson Kiven Learn Jerry & Bev Noland

November 9 Dean & Kelly Anderson Bob & Cindy Armon

Sally Anderson Gary & Paula Broitzman

November 16 LeMoyne & Carole Eggum

Ted Eggum

November 23 Paul & Diane Ladlie

November 30 Kendall & Lila Johnson

Red & Ruth Larson

Communion Assistants

Faye Learn & Curt Larson

Acolyte/Ushers Lectors

November 2 Shelby Eggum & Bryce Skaar November 2 Neal Skaar

November 9 Caylee Tennis & Anna Englin November 9 Pat Frydenlund

November 16 Mitchell & Jay Skaar November 16 Pastor Malm

November 23 Logan & Tate Tufte November 23 Steve Tufte

November 26 (Thanksgiving) Kadie & Kasie Habana November 30 Volunteer Needed

November 30 Anna Englin & Lindsay Nelson

NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS

November 1 Dawn Nelson November 16 Faye Learn

November 5 Heather VandeKamp November 18 Tate Tufte

November 6 Kasie Habana November 19 Brie (Matson) Davis

November 7 Eugene Flusek November 21 Kadie Habana

November 7 Rebecca Skaar November 22 Helen Dockwell

November 13 Graden Hanson November 26 Bruce Jensen

November 15 Doran Gray November 26 Karin Shelton

November 15 Virginia VandeKamp November 28 Nancy Skaar

NOVEMBER ANNIVERSARIES

November 24 Keith and Janet Iverson November 24 Lowell & Dawn Nelson

MEMORIALS

GENERAL FUND

In memory of KENNETH BENESH by M/M Vernon Nordaune

In memory of DORIS BENESH by M/M Vernon Nordaune

In memory of OBERT HALDORSON by M/M Jack Thisius

In honor of students by M/M Vern Frydenlund

In memory of INGEBORG TAYLOR by Elinor Stotts, M/M Vernon Lunde

BUILDING FUND

In memory of OBERT HALDORSON by M/M Dan Johnson, M/M Nick Schermer

In memory of INGEBORG TAYLOR by M/M Ashle Skaar

“A MOUSE’S TALE “……..

Is the title of the Sunday School Christmas Program to be presented on Sunday, December 7^th. The Sunday School children will be practicing for the program during November. The program is about the Christmas story told through the eyes of stable animals on Christmas night

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

WELCA TO HAVE CHRISTMAS BAKE SALE

The Hayward WELCA will have their Christmas Bake Sale and morning coffee

on Saturday, December 6^th beginning at 8 a.m.

There will be a drawing for a Quilt chest donated by Louie Larson and a quilt donated by Greg and Carolyn Matson.

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.

THIS ‘N’ THAT

The Hollandale Christian School will hold it’s ANNUAL FALL SUPPER on Friday, November 7^th from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. The menu includes turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, carrots, stuffing and all the trimmings. Please invite a friend or relative and join us for a fantastic meal! A free-will offering will be received.

REBECCA SKAAR AND BENJAMIN HILGERT IN CONCERT

On Sunday afternoon, November 2^nd at 3 p.m., Rebecca Skaar and her husband, Benjamin Hilgert, will perform in concert at United Methodist Church in Albert Lea. There is no admission charge. Rebecca is the daughter of Neal and Jean Skaar of Hayward.

CONRATULATIONS TO SCOTT CHRISTENSEN!

Congratulations to Albert Lea resident Scott Christensen, who was inducted into the Minnesota Softball Hall of Fame in Mankato on Saturday, October 25^th.

Scott started his softball career in 1978 when he played for Cottage Café in Geneva. He played on the Happy Chef team of Mankato from 1980 – 1998. Scott has received many honors throughout his career. Scott is the son-in-law of David & Marlene Thompson of Hayward.

“A SECRET GARDEN” HAS HAYWARD TIES!

Nicole Hanson, a member of Hayward Lutheran who is 11 years old and in 6^th grade, played the lead part of Mary in the Bloomington Kennedy High School fall musical production, “A Secret Garden”. She attends Oak Grove Middle School. Her parents are Graden and Jesse Hanson and grandparents are Dick & Gwen Hanson. There were 47 students in the cast and 17 in the orchestra. Congratulations, Nicole!! We’re proud of you!!

eeeeeeeee

The irate customer calling the newspaper office, loudly demanded to know where her Sunday edidtion of the newspaper was. “Ma’am,” said the employee, “today is Saturday. The Sunday paper is not delivered ‘til Sunday.” There was quite a pause on the other end of the phone, followed by a ray of recognition. “So that’s why no one was in church today.”

eeeeeeeee

The Sunday School teacher was describing how Lot’s wife looked back and turned into a pillar of salt, when little Jason interrupted, “My mommy looked back once while she was driving,” he announced triumphantly, “and she turned into a telephone pole!”

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Nine-year-old Joey was asked by his mother what he had learned in Sunday School. “Well, Mom, our teacher told us how God sent Moses behind enemy lines on a rescue mission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. When he got to the Red Sea, he had his army build a pontoon bridge and all the people walked across safely. Then, he radioed headquarters for reinforcements. They sent bombers to blow up the bridge and all the Israelites were saved.” “Now, Joey, is that really what your teacher taught you?” his mother asked. “Well, no, Mom. But if I told it the way the teacher did, you’d never believe it!”

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!