THE PARISH NEWS

HAYWARD-TRONDHJEM LUTHERAN PARISH

BOX 426, HAYWARD, MN 56043

December, 2008April, 2009 Vol.143, No. 412

GOOD NEWS!!

December is our chance, as the church, to get the jump on the rest of the world, for this is when we begin our NEW YEAR. As we begin this New Year, we focus on some new scripture lessons, as we focus on the Gospel of Mark, along with other lessons from both the Old and New Testaments. Mark is the condensed version of the story of Jesus; it comes at us quickly, ever using that word “immediately.” Mark does not even bother to give us the birth stories of Jesus, leaving that to Matthew and Luke. He starts his story of Jesus with the ADVENT, the coming, of John the Baptist, who will announce “the way of the Lord.” In quick fashion, Jesus is suddenly there, along the Jordan River, being baptized by John and blessed by God the Father, and then moving on into His public ministry, where He proclaims His preaching theme: “The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”

For the people of Jesus’ day, this TIME that has come is the fulfillment of Jewish dreams, the TIME when God will show His special love for the Jews by breaking the bonds of their servitude and exalting them among the nations. It is the TIME that they have been waiting for – waiting so long that they had almost ceased to believe that it could ever come to pass. Suddenly, God comes near to them, among them, in the person of Jesus of Nazareth, God’s Son, Savior, and invites His people to REPENT, to open their hearts and change their minds, and believe that God’s promises are now being fulfilled right before their eyes. Truly this IS the good news.

Today, we who claim Jesus as the Christ, our Lord and Savior, as we hear those words of Jesus, we understand that He is speaking not just to His fellow Jewish people then, but to us now, we who are willing to listen to this good news here and now. Yet, it is a surprising and extraordinary thing to say – that the Kingdom of God has come near you and that you must believe it. As this Advent season moves on to the Christmas – Epiphany season, this good news continues to be surprising. Suddenly, out of the blue, a young girl in Nazareth gets the news from one of God’s own messengers that SHE has been chosen by God to become pregnant and deliver into this world the very Son of God, the Messiah. Who me? Pregnant? Really?

Mary quickly recovers and humbly agrees to her new and chosen role as God’s own servant, and goes on to rejoice in it all. But that shock – that of receiving good, yet unsettling, news – that shock is also something that WE share with Mary. For this message of Jesus is not just glad tidings of hope for a weary, war-torn, terrorized world; it also is a calling, an invitation to turn from all our worldly preoccupations and REPENT, open our hearts and change our minds. Something FROM us, then, is required. And the ADVENT scripture lessons go on to tell us what that is: we need to step it up, get to work, prepare, watch, wait, turn, open, and change.

The NEW YEAR begins once again with these words and urgings for our new and continuing journey through the coming months; that TIME, that ADVENT has come once again. This ADVENT season is a time of joy and expectation. It is a time of HOPE amid our various world crises, it is LIGHT come into our self-created darkness, it is a time of EXPECTATION for One who will, once again, come among us and deliver us, and it is a time of TRUST in the sure and certain promises of God. God IS among us and God has NOT abandoned us. Yes, the Kingdom of God is among us, with us, embracing us. That is GOOD NEWS, and it reminds us that we, the faithful, have a way at looking at this troubled world in a GOOD NEWS way that, to the non-believing world, looks rather odd and senseless. These days the world can only say, “Look around you. Look at this mess we’re in, the economic mess, the natural disasters mess, the war, violence and terrorist mess, the global-warming mess. It’s all a big mess! Where’s the good news in any of this?”

But into this human, self-centered, greed-induced mess, comes Jesus Christ, God’s Son, Savior, and announces to this whole, messed up world, “The Kingdom of God has come near to you; REPENT, and believe in this good news.” The angel of the Lord comes to that young girl, Mary and proclaims “Do not be afraid!” A nervous mother listens to God’s Word and to the hopes that it engenders in her heart. A prophet stirs people to action, encouraging their expectation of a coming age of justice and peace. WAKE UP PEOPLE! The NEWS will be good, even if, like the people of Jesus’ day, we have almost ceased to believe that it could ever come to pass. Take heart; be of good courage, for the Lord has come near to us. Dare to believe in this hope of the gospel, and dare to share it with others. As we have just heard from our Lord on the Day of Christ the King, continue to bring that good news of salvation and hope to others by feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, clothing the naked, visiting the lonely, imprisoned and oppressed, caring for the sick and lame, and welcoming the stranger.

Joy to the world, the Lord is come!

Let earth receive its King;

Let ev’ry heart prepare Him room

And heav’n and nature sing.

No more let sin and sorrow grow

Nor thorns infest the ground;

He comes to make His blessings flow

Far as the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace

And makes the nations prove

The glories of His righteousness

And wonders of His love.

Pastor Malm

A NEW LUTHERAN STUDY BIBLE IS AVAILABLE

Early in 2009, Augsburg Fortress will be publishing a Lutheran Study Bible. This is timed to coincide with our ELCA emphasis on Bible Book of Faith. The biblical text will be the New Revised Standard Version, and will feature introductions, notes and articles on the biblical books and texts that are written by over sixty Lutheran pastors and teaching theologians. This can be a valuable resource for you to experience the Bible and its message through solid background material, unique Lutheran insights, and opportunities for faith reflection. This is a Bible that is reader-friendly, inviting, and engaging; a study Bible for both youth and adults who want to encounter Scripture in a fresh, new way.

During December, we have an opportunity to order this new Study Bible for a significant discount if we can order ten or more copies. At the discount, a hard cover version of this Bible will sell for $22.75 each (10 copies or more). A paperback version will sell for $17.50 (ten copies or more). If you are interested, please let Pastor Malm know, or contact the church office (373-8479) on or before Christmas Day, December 25^th.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR

HOLY COMMUNION

THE GARDEN TOMB

Thirty years ago, in early March, I was with a small group on a tour of Israel, or, as some call it, “The Holy Land.” It was a rather fast tour, using up only seven days in Israel and then a couple of days for a stopover in Rome and to see some sights there. But, of course, it was a very memorable experience, for we were able, as the song says, to “walk today where Jesus walked.” In a few instances there, I truly had that feeling that I WAS walking in the footsteps of our Lord, even footsteps that were leading Him to His arrest, trial, suffering and death.

In Jerusalem, the tourists can go to two different sites that lay some claim to being the place where Jesus was buried after His death. The oldest site, which has the strongest note of authenticity, is the one over which is built The Church of the Hoy Sepulchre, within what is now called “Old Jerusalem”. This Eastern Orthodox Church also has within it the site of the crucifixion. In that rather ornate cathedral, off to one side, and up some steps, you come to an altar and small worship area which is the site of Jesus’ crucifixion. Then, back down at the street level, only a few yards away, there is another altar and worship area, and then an opening that leads down some stairs to the place where Jesus was entombed, and from which, on the third day, He arose from the dead. This cathedral church is at the end of what is known as THE VIA DOLOROSA, the path that winds along the narrow streets of Old Jerusalem from the ancient site of the Roman Antonia Fortress to this cathedral and the cross and the tomb.

Several blocks away from this site, tourists can visit another tomb site, one that was discovered much later by a man named Gordon. Thus, this site is called “Gordon’s Tomb,” but is also called “The Garden Tomb.” This site shows three or four small tomb rooms carved into the face of a small cliff area. There is a door into each of the tomb rooms, a door so small that you can barely squeeze through and for which you also have to duck down to get into the room. In the small room you see a couple of ledges or bench seats that have been carved out as a place where the body can be laid. Outside each door is a carved-out channel or gutter, in which a large, carved, round stone can be placed and then rolled in front of the door. It is quite an experience to enter such a tomb and to see and touch and experience what such a burial place must have been like. This area is called “The Garden Tomb,” because there are lots of trees and flowers planted along several walkways, and also some pools of water. There is even a nearby, stone-paved area with some benches where people, like our tour group, can gather and have a worship service and share in Holy Communion. For our group, this was a very memorable, even emotional, time of worship. I still have the little communion cup, carved out of olive wood, that our leader gave to each of us to use and to keep as a memorial.

To have that experience of being together in worship at that site of the empty tomb, and to share together in the Lord’s Supper; to hear those powerful words, “He is risen, He is not here,” and to sing those powerful songs of Easter resurrection – it is an experience that has not left me, even after thirty years. I even remember the day: March 9, 1979.

This year, on April 12, 2009, Easter Sunday, and on the several Sundays of Easter to follow, including the Day of Confirmation, you will also have opportunities to come to worship at Hayward or Trondhjem, and to gather around the Lord’s Table in Communion, and to hear those powerful words and sing those inspiring songs of Easter – “He is risen, He is not here.” This is OUR setting of the Empty Tomb, and OUR place to hear the resurrection stories of new life and of forgiven lives. As we hear and experience the Easter Good News we have opportunity to realize once again that those powers of the world, sin, death and the devil no longer have power over us. God has come, IN Christ Jesus, and has turned the tables on those powers. Through Christ’s death and resurrection you and I have been set free from our captivity to those powers and they have been placed under the captivity and rule of the very Son of God, Jesus Christ, Savior.

On these Sundays of the Easter season, and on ALL our Sundays (for they are ALL Easter Sundays), we will have opportunity to celebrate the victory as we gather at the Lord’s Table, as we gather around God’s Word, and to celebrate those powerful events in our lives when all this was accomplished for your sake and my sake, and the sake of the whole creation. I hope that you will NOT MISS this wonderful opportunity to come and hear and proclaim this good news of God’s salvation.

CHRIST IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN, INDEED! ALLELUIA!

Pastor Malm

MIDWEEK LENTEN WORSHIP SERIES – 2009

“BY HIS STRIPES” – Healing Wounded Relationships

April 1 Wednesday The secret of forgiveness and absolution is seen in

Jesus’ opening of paradise to the thief on the cross.

April 9 Maundy Thursday The relationship of Jesus to His disciples on the eve of His death

upon the cross. Worship with Holy Communion in worship

Sanctuary.

April 12 Easter Sunday Sunrise worship with Holy Communion at HLC at 6:30 a.m.

Easter Breakfast at HLC at 7:45 a.m.

Easter Worship with Holy Communion at TLC at 9:30 a.m.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR

HOLY COMMUNION

April 5 – Lent VI

April 9 – Maundy Thursday

April12 - Easter

December 7^th – Advent II

December 24^th – Christmas Eve

December 25^th – Christmas Day

December 28^th – Christmas I

“CANDLES AND CAROLS” TO BE PRESENTED

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

This is a cantata with narration and choir anthems. The congregation will join the choir singing familiar Christmas carols.

CONFIRMATION CLASSES

Confirmation classes in December and January will be 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.

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

Imax and Science Museum in St. Paul

PARISH TO HAVE MEN’S ADVENT BREAKFASTS

You are invited to parish Men’s Advent Breakfasts held on Tuesday mornings at 7 a.m. from December 2^nd through December 23^rd. A breakfast of pancakes or French toast or some other warm and tasty goodies will be served. Following the breakfast there will be a short devotional before you head off to work or whatever you have planned for the day. Come and join the fellowship!! Bring a friend or neighbor!!

EASTER MUSIC!!

On Easter Sunday the HLC/TLC Choir will share a musical presentation called “Alleluia, He is Risen!” The congregation will have opportunity to join in with the choir on some of these songs. Vern Frydenlund will be accompanying the choir on the trumpet during the presentation. Come and join us in celebrating the Risen Lord at 6:30 a.m. on Easter Sunday, April 12^th!!

At 9:30 a.m. on Easter Sunday at Trondhjem Lutheran, the Trondhjem Singers will sing, “Let All The World Be Glad & Sing!”

COME AND JOIN US!!

MAKING THE OLD CHIMES NEW AGAIN

If you have been at worship at Hayward Lutheran recently, you may have noticed that Sharon has made use of the old set of chimes that are above the organ on the wall. These have not been in use for several years since we installed the new organ. We recently got them rewired to a power source so that they can be used again. Unfortunately, during their time of disuse, the chime keyboard was damaged and needs to be replaced, and then the chimes need to be cleaned and tuned. The cost for this is estimated to be about $1,500. For this purpose, we now have about $477.00 in our Worship and Music Fund that can be applied towards this project. If you are interested in supporting this project, your gifts are welcomed. Please designate them to that fund. Thank you!!

LOOKING AHEAD TO HAYWARD DAYS WORSHIP

THE HAPPINESS EMPORIUM

will be coming to Hayward for our

Hayward Days Outdoor Worship on

July 9^th, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. on the church lawn. The HAPPINESS EMPORIUM was formed in December 1972, and right away they sounded like a winner. In their first year and a half, they won four contests and placed in the top 10 in international competition. Then, a year later, in June 1975, the HAPPINESS EMPORIUM was proclaimed the International Champions of Barbershop Quartet singing. The members of the quartet have a combined total of over 125 years of quartet experience. They have sung with seven district champion quartets, toured Pacific military hospitals on USO tours, and have sung for countless barbershop chapters all over America, Canada, England, Sweden and Ireland. They have also sung for countless conventions, coast-to-coast barbershop shows, variety shows, gospel shows, radio and TV, the Grand Ole Opry, on New York’s Broadway and London’s Barbican Centre.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS AND COME AND JOIN US FOR AN UPLIFTING TIME OF

WORSHIP AND MUSIC

“SHARE THE GOOD NEWS”

The following “thank you” was received from Leslie Neist:

“To the Church Women:

“Thank you so much for your gift of $100 for my education. Things are going well for my internship out here in Washington. How I do miss home and the snow though. J

“Currently I’m working on my final paper for approval as an ordained minister. I’ll be graduating in December and will be ready for my first Call.

“Blessings to you all for your generosity.”

Thank you,

Leslie Neist

TRONDHJEM NEWS

DECEMBER APRIL ASSIGNMENTS

Altar Guild Coffee Servers Communion Assistants

Linda Kraushaar April 5 – Don & Arlene Chapek Sheldon & Ruth Lukes

Linda Kraushaar December 2 Sunday School Steve & Linda Kraushaar

December 14 Emil & Bev Prantner

Lectors Acolyte/Ushers Lectors

April 5 – Madalyn Wangen April 5 – Steve Kraushaar

April 12 – Allison Wangen April 12 – Kiven Lukes

April 19 - Reed & Cortney Thostenson April 19 – Linda Kraushaar

April 26 - Anna Severtson April 26 – Shirley Kraushaar

December 7 Linda Kraushaar December 7 Madalyn Wangen

December 14 Steve Kraushaar December 14 Cortney Thostenson & Allison Wangen

December 21 Jill Krause December 21 Anna Severtson

December 25 Elaine Lukes December 25 Ethan Severtson

December 28 Pastor Malm December 28 Reed Thostenson

DECEMBER APRIL BIRTHDAYS APRIL ANNIVERSARIES

April 2 – Chad Wangen April 6 – Steve & Linda Kraushaar

April 6 - Roger Krause

April 7 – Mona Lukes

April 10 – Mable Handeland

April 13 – Lisa Kraushaar DECEMBER ANNIVERSARIES

December 19 Cindy Severtson December 5 Dean & Charlotte Lukes

December 20 Andrew Reese December 13 Dick & Shirley Kraushaar

December 20 Tracy Jahnke

TRONDHJEM WELCA TO MEET IN AUSTIN

On Thursday, April 23^rd, the Trondhjem WELCA

will meet in Austin at 9:30 a.m. for a

breakfast meeting.

Watch for the announcement as to

the place of the meeting.

MEMORIALS

GENERAL FUND

In memory of CAROL MORGAN by Sue Ball

In memory of OBERT HALDORSON by M/M Don Chapek, M/M Sheldon Lukes, M/M Nordune Haldorson, M/M Keith Eastman, M/M Emerson J. Yess, M/M B. E. Haldorson, M/M Don Flatness, M/M Jerry Schewe, M/M Tim Struck, Lila Esse, M/M Douglas Riskedahl, M/M Vernon Nordaune, M/M David Prantner, Mr. Julius Hansen, Ronald Burkhow, David Hernes, M/M Clayton Kearns

In memory of KENNETH MUDRO by M/M Roger Krause, Barb Prantner, M/M Emil Prantner

ALTAR GUILD

In memory of OBERT HALDORSON by M/M Richard Kraushaar

ORGAN FUND

In memory of OBERT HALDORSON by Barb Prantner

TRONDHJEM WELCA MAKES MANY QUILTS

The Trondhjem WELCA met every Thursday morning at 9 a.m. for nine weeks to tie quilts. They tied 84 quilts and 10 baby quilts in that time. Some of the women work all year round making the tops for the quilts. Some of the quilts are given to Nursery Crisis Center in Albert Lea & Austin, Salvation Army in Albert Lea & Austin, Red Cross, Albert Lea & Austin, Blind and Deaf in Faribault, and some are saved for needs that may arise in the area, and the rest are sent to World Relief.

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”

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.

DECEMBER APRIL ASSIGNMENTS

Altar Guild Coffee Servers Ushers

Jean Skaar, Camilla Frydenlund April 5 – Jerry & Bev Noland

*Louie & Stephanie Larson

April 12 – Easter – No Coffee Scott & Kim Woitas

April 19 – Brian & Nancy Berhow Todd Enderson

April 26 – Elaine Flusek, Scott & Kim Woitas

Marlene Thompson December 7 Gary & Paula Broitzman *Dave & Marlene Thompson

Stephanie Larson December 14 Dave & Marlene Thompson Keith Iverson December 21 Steve & Kaye Tufte Vern & Pat Frydenlund

December 28 Nick & Jeanne Schermer Steve Johnson

Communion Assistants

Todd Enderson & Wayne Kromminga

Vickie Storlie & Todd Enderson

Acolyte/Ushers Lectors

April 5 (Palm Sunday) – Anna Englin & Lindsay Nelson April 5 – Alice Englin

April 12 ( Easter) – Bethany Tennis & Shelby Eggum April 12 – Neal Skaar

April 19 – Logan & Tate Tufte April 19 – Dan Johnson

April 26 – Mitchell & Jay Skaar April 26 – Jean Skaar

Lectors

December 7 Shelby Eggum & Bryce Skaar December 7 Shirley Gray

December 14 Caylee Tennis & Anna Englin December 14 Dan Johnson

December 21 Mitchell & Jay Skaar December 21 Volunteer Needed

December 24 Logan & Tate Tufte December 28 Volunteer Needed

December 28 Kadie & Kasie Habana

“A MOUSE’S TALE “……..

Is the title of the Sunday School Christmas Program to be presented on Sunday, December 7^th at Hayward Lutheran. The program is about the Christmas story told through the eyes of stable animals on Christmas night.

DECEMBER APRIL BIRTHDAYS

April 3 – Beatrice Wacholz April 15 – Scott Kromminga

April 3 – Helen Brandt April 17 – Jennifer Nelson

April 4 – Lucille Larson April 18 – John Malm

April 5 – Mitchell Skaar April 23 – Richard Hanson

April 7 – Faye Nelson April 24 – Ruth Larson

April 7 – Carolyn Noland April 25 - Faye Olson

April 7 – Mackenzie Berhow April 25 – Betsy (Paulson) Smith

April 10 – Sophia Rose Christensen April 30 – Harriet Skaar

April 12 – James Frydenlund April 30 – Troy Eggum

April 14 – Nancy Berhow April 30 – Rachel Frydenlund

April 30 – Jeff Englin

APRIL ANNIVERSARIES

April 3 – Lou & Stephanie Larson

April 4 – Dave & Paulette Paulson

December 3 Linda Johnson December 20 Patricia Frydenlund

December 4 Eugene Jenson December 22 Paula Broitzman

December 6 Vernon Lunde December 23 Brie-Ann (Woitas) Tubbs

December 10 Erwin (Red) Larson December 24 Jill Erickson

December 12 Shirley Gray December 26 John Habana

December 14 Bernhardt Anderson December 28 Isabella Nelson

December 14 Dawn Jenson December 29 Wayne Kromminga

December 29 Travis Jacobson

DECEMBER ANNIVERSARIES

December 9 Vernon & Bev Lunde

December 27 Kendall & Lila Johnson

December 30 Paul & Min Westland

MEMORIALS

General Fund

In memory of CARL REIMANN by M/M James Skaar

In memory of BEATRICE PAULSON by M/M Frank Learn, M/M Curt Larson, Jr.

In memory of RAYMOND HENDRICKSON by M/M Vern Lunde

In memory of LORETTA WACHOLZ by Beatrice Wacholz

Building Fund

In memory of BEATRICE PAULSON by M/M Dan Johnson

In memory of ANDY WAALKENS by M/M Darrell Storlie

In memory of DELBERT MCMULLEN by M/M Darrell Storlie

In memory of CARL REIMANN by Shirley Olson, M/M Ashle Skaar, M/M Phil Tennis

In memory of OPAL SANDE by M/M Phil Tennis

In memory of CHARLES JAMES by M/M Phil Tennis

In memory of BILL BROWN by M/M Phil Tennis

In memory of BERNICE VELDMAN by M/M Phil Tennis

Worship & Music Fund (Chimes)

In memory of BEATRICE PAULSON by M/M Paul Westland, M/M Richard Hanson, Erik & Edith Bohrnstedt, Ryan, Becky & Eric Uhlenhopp, Lucille Larson, Ted & Janet Thorson, Doris Sletten, M/M Michael Larson, Haley & Culley, Larry Larson, M/M Paul Miller, M/M Gilbert Larson, Ramona Bentzen, M/M John Nevins, M/M Kent Jasperson, M/M Brian Berhow, M/M Scott Woitas & family, Lila Esse, Laura Siemens, M/M Mike Jensen, M/M Neal Skaar, M/M John Schultz & Melissa, M/M Maurice Lysne, M/M Bill Lyle, M/M Phil Kermes, Nancy Golde, M/M Steve Jerdee, M/M Ron Vokoun, M/M Gene Anderson, Elinor Stotts, M/M Larry Hanson, M/M Greg Matson & family, M/M Mike Cottrell & family, M/M Barney Bjerke & family, M/M Chuck Tufte, M/M Gary Peterson, M/M Odean Jerdee, Bonnie Berndt, M/M Bob Armon, M/M Gene Jenson, M/M Bob Wittmer, M/M Paul Ladlie, M/M Ordell Underland, M/M Rol Hoium & family, Marjorie Wangen, Lowell Wangen, Jan DeVries, M/M Don Flatness, M/M Bob Peterson, M/M Mike Ellingson & family, M/M Steve Tufte, M/M Loren Lair, M/M Harlan Smith, M/M Ed Plantage, Joe Dimler, M/M Dale Westland, M/M John Evans & family, M/M Bob Ellingson, M/M Al McGill & family, M/M Jerry Noland, Marge Larson, M/M Wayne Kearns, Delores Wegner, M/M Wayne Kromminga, M/M Gary Westland

In memory of JANET WARNER by M/M Darrell Storlie

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to MIC Skaar, son of Tracy & Sue, who will be awarded the rank of Eagle Scout at a ceremony on Friday, April 3^rd, 6:30 p.m. at the Fairlane Building on the Freeborn County Fairgrounds. Attaining the rank of Eagle Scout is no easy thing, and so we give Mic our high commendation for his achievement. Keep up the good work and the good example.

50^th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY OPEN HOUSE

Congratulations to Dale & Millie Westland on their upcoming 50^th Wedding Anniversary. The family is holding an Open House for them on Saturday, May 2^nd from 1 to 4 p.m. at the HLC Social Hall. No gifts please. Just bring and share your friendship and your memories.

WE ASK GOD’S BLESSINGS AND SAY CONGRATULATIONS

to Bobbi Jo and Ray Hemenway, Jr.,

whose wedding was on March 7, 2009 at Hayward Lutheran.

A HEARTY THANK YOU to Gene Jenson

for cleaning the snow from the church parking lot every winter.

WE APPRECIATE YOU, Gene.

From the members of HLC

We would like to thank all those who extended their sympathy with thoughts, cards, memorials, food, and flowers when Dave’s mom, Beaty, passed away. Below is a recipe that remains a family favorite. Beaty made many, many, many dozen in her lifetime. We wish to give special thanks to Paul and Min Westland, who made 21 dozen of these cookies which were served during the visitation.

Dave, Paulette, Nicholas, Betsy & Nate

Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

(Recipe of Beatrice Paulson)

1 ½ Cups Flour

1 tsp. Soda

1 tsp. Salt

1 Cup Shortening (Margarine & Crisco)

¾ Cup Brown Sugar

¾ Cup White Sugar

2 eggs

Nuts & Chocolate Chips

2 Cups Oatmeal

Vanilla

Bake at 350 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes

NEW CHAIRS FOR THE SOCIAL HALL ARE HERE!

We say “thank you” to the HLC WELCA for providing the funds for the purchase of new, padded folding chairs for the Social Hall. The Congregation Council approved the order for a total of 124 chairs, which were delivered on March 23^rd.

The old chairs will be for sale to members of the congregation or anyone who wishes to purchase some. The dining chairs will be offered at $3.00 each, and then we have some folding chairs that have the desk arms on them, which will be sold for $5.00 each. The desk chairs are less used, and the arm pieces can be fairly easily removed, if desired. The funds raised from the sale of the old chairs will go to the WELCA Refurbishing Fund, so any checks should be made out to the HLC WELCA. Please contact Dick or Gwen Hanson, or Pastor John or Sharon if you wish to purchase any of the chairs.MEMORIALS

GENERAL FUND

In memory of OBERT HALDORSON by M/M Neal Skaar, Camilla Frydenlund

In memory of WILFORD QUAM by M/M David Paulson

BUILDING FUND

In memory of OBERT HALDORSON by LaVonne Williams

In memory of WILFORD QUAM by M/M Curtis Larson

CEMETERY FUND

In memory of ANDREW & INDIANA SANDERSON, MIKAEL & DORA CHRISOPHERSON, IRENE REYNOLDS by M/M Harry Dunn

ALTAR GUILD

In memory of ANDREW & INDIANA SANDERSON, MIKAEL & DORA CHRISTOPHERSON, IRENE REYNOLDS by M/M Harry Dunn

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

OPPORTUNITY TO HELP WITH LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF PROJECTS

This year the WELCA will be assembling Health Kits and School Kits for Lutheran World Relief. You have the opportunity to contribute to this worthwhile project. You will find information and instructions on Page 13 of your Hayward Lutheran Church Women Booklet as to what these kits need to contain and how to assemble them.

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 at 11 a.m. for a Quilt Chest donated by Louie Larson and a Quilt donated by Greg and Carolyn Matson. The quilt and quilt chest are displayed in the social hall at HLC

HAYWARD WELCA DONATES QUILTS TO GOOD EARTH VILLAGE QUILT AUCTION

On August 17, 2008 Good Earth Village held a Quilt Auction. The Hayward WELCA donated several quilts for the auction and they sold for a total of $545. Diane Ladlie donated a quilt and that sold for $210. Kay Noland Smith donated some quilts and runners and they sold for a total of $415. The total credited to Hayward WELCA came to $1,170. Thank you to the women who made these donations to help the work of Good Earth Village.

ALTAR GUILD

WOULD YOU LIKE TO CONTRIBUTE FRESH FLOWERS?

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

OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF GOD’S KIDS

My family grew up in the Wyoming prairie, and on the long drive from church we would sing hymns to pass the time. Coming home from church one Easter Sunday, my parents asked us what hymns we wanted to sing.

My little sister yelled, “Gravy Rose!”

We all looked at her and my Mom said that she didin’t know that hymn.

“Yes you do!” my little sister insisted. “You all know it. We sang it this morning.”

My sister began singing, “Up from the gravy rose, with a mighty triumph for his toes….”

---Mark E. Honstein, Chaplain, Lutheran Good Samaritan Society, Loveland, CO

J

On Easter Sunday in a Catholic church, a four-year-old boy pointed to a statue and asked his mother, “Who’s that lady?”

His mother replied that she was Mary, the mother of baby Jesus.

“I thought you said Mary had a little lamb,” the youngster said, bringing laughter to the neighboring pews.

---via Jeff Totten, Hammond, LA

J

During the children’s sermon at the Easter Sunday service at First United Methodist Church in Kalamazoo, MI, the pastor asked the youngsters, “What is hope?”

A child replied, “Santa Claus!”

---Diane Lane, Kalamazoo, MI

J

A pastor announced that the church’s “prison quartet” would be singing at the Sunday service. When four church members approached the pulpit, the pastor introduced them and said, “This is our prison quartet. Behind a few bars and always looking for the key.”

---via Lois Ward, Longmont, CO

J

During the Sunday morning sermon a baby began to cry at the top of her voice, and the mother carried her toward the door.

“You don’t have to leave,” the pastor addressed the mother. “Your baby is not disturbing me.”

“She may not be disturbing you,” replied the mother, “but you’re disturbing her.”

---Jim Reed, Cotter, AR

Prayer:

O Lord, we thank you for giving us the opportunity to

worship you. Help us to bring others to you

so that they too can experience your love. Amen.

GOLD, COMMON SENSE AND FUR

My husband and I had been happily (most of the time) married for five years, but hadn’t been blessed with a baby. I decided to do some serious praying and promised God that if He would give us a child, I would be a perfect mother, love it with all my heart and raise it with His word as my guide. God answered my prayers and blessed us with a son. The next year God blessed us with another son. The following year, He blessed us with yet another son. The year after that we were blessed with a daughter.

My husband thought we’d been blessed right into poverty. We now had four children, and the oldest was only four years old. I learned never to ask God for anything unless I meant it. As a minister once told me, “If you pray for rain, make sure you carry an umbrella.”

I began reading a few verses of the Bible to the children each day as they lay in their cribs. I was off to a good start. God had entrusted me with four children and I didn’t want to disappoint Him.

I tried to be patient the day the children smashed two dozen eggs on the kitchen floor searching for baby chicks. I tried to be understanding when they started a hotel for homeless frogs in the spare bedroom, although it took me nearly two hours to catch all twenty-three frogs.

When my daughter poured ketchup all over herself and rolled up in a blanket to see how it felt to be a hot dog, I tried to see the humor rather than the mess.

In spite of changing over twenty-five thousand diapers, never eating a hot meal and never sleeping for more than thirty minutes at a time, I still thank God daily for my children.

While I couldn’t keep my promise to be a perfect mother, I didn’t even come close. I did keep my promise to raise them in the Word of God.

I knew I was missing the mark just a little when I told my daughter we were going to church to worship God, and she wanted to bring a bar of soap along to “wash up” Jesus too.

Something was lost in the translation when I explained that God gave us everlasting life, and my son thougth it was generous of God to give us his “last wife.”

My proudest moment came during the children’s Christmas pageant. My daughter was playing Mary, two of my sons were shepherds and my youngest son was a wise man. This was their moment to shine. My five-year-old shepherd had practiced his line, “We found the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes.” But he was nervous and said, “The baby was wrapped in wrinkled clothes.”

My four-year-old, ‘Mary’ said, “That’s not ‘wrinkled clothes,’ silly. That’s dirty, rotten clothes.” A wrestling match broke out between Mary and the shepherd and was stopped by an angel, who bent her halo and lost her left wing.

I slouched a little lower in my seat when Mary dropped the doll representing Baby Jesus, and it bounced down the aisle crying, “Mama, Mama.” Mary grabbed the doll, wrapped it back up and held it tightly as the wise men arrived. My other son stepped forward wearing a bathrobe and a paper crown, knelt at the manger and announced, “We are the three wise men, and we are bringing gifts of gold, common sense and fur.”

The congregation dissolved into laughter, and the pageant got a standing ovation. “I’ve never enjoyed a Christmas program as much as this one,” Pastor Brian laughed, wiping tears from his eyes. “For the rest of my life, I’ll never hear the Christmas story without thinking of gold, common sense and fur.”

“My children are my pride and my joy and my greatest blessing,” I said as I dug through my purse for an aspirin.

I Corinthians 13 – A Christmas Version

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I’m just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family, I’m just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir’s cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child. Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the spouse. Love is kind, though harried and tired. Love doesn’t envy another’s home that has coordinated Christmas China and table linens. Love doesn’t yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way. Love doesn’t give only to those who are able to give in return, but rejoices in giving to those who can’t. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust, but giving the gift of love will endure.

1.

WHO STARTED CHRISTMAS?

A woman was out Christmas shopping with her two children. After many hours of looking at row after row of toys, and everything else imaginable, and after hours of hearing both her children asking for everything they saw on those many shelves, she finally made it to the elevator with her two kids.

She was feeling what so many of us feel during the holiday season time of the year – overwhelming pressure to go to every party, every housewarming, taste all the holiday food and treats, getting that perfect gift for every single person on our shopping list, making sure we don’t forget anyone on our card list, and the pressure of making sure we respond to everyone who sent us a card.

Finally the elevator doors opened and there was already a crowd in the car. She pushed her way into the car and dragged her two kids in with her and all the bags of stuff. When the doors closed she couldn’t take it anymore and stated, “Whoever started this whole Christmas thing should be found, strung up and shot.”

From the back of the car everyone heard a quiet calm voice respond, “Don’t worry; we already crucified Him.” For the rest of the trip down the elevator it was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop.

Don’t forget this year to keep the One who started this whole Christmas thing in your every thought, deed, purchase, and word. If we all did it, just think of how different this whole world would be.

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!

HAPPY NEW

YEAR!