THE PARISH NEWS

HAYWARD-TRONDHJEM LUTHERAN PARISH

BOX 426, HAYWARD, MN 56043

Rev. John Malm, Pastor

373-8479 – Office

373-3966 – Home

E-mail – hlctlc@msn.com

Vol. 14, No. 8 August, 2009

December, 2008 Vol.13, No. 12

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

A MESSAGE FROM OUR PASTOR

THE SPIRITUAL AND SOCIAL CENTER

You may know and remember a man who came to us across the television airwaves from Chicago through a program called “The U.S. Farm Report.” His name was Orion Samuelson. Although the program continues to be broadcast each week, Orion is now retired and no longer on the program. As far as I know, Orion is still living and is a member of one of our ELCA congregations. He grew up as a member of the Brush Creek Church of Cashton, Wisconsin, about 20 miles east of LaCrosse.

Orion once wrote an article entitled “A Salute to Country Churches.” In it he reflected on some early memories from that small rural church from his childhood years, and then about how he went back to that church as an older adult for the funeral of his father. He said, “This church was the spiritual and social center throughout my life.” He went on to write, “Country churches face more than their share of challenges today. Following the pattern of American agriculture, there are fewer and fewer houses of worship in rural and small-town America than there were even a couple of decades ago. Living in a large urban area most of my adult life, I have also found that rural and inner-city churches face one similar problem. Younger adults approaching their best income-producing years tend to leave their communities in search of better jobs. This leaves the older members with declining incomes to support facilities built for much larger and more affluent congregations. Those of us who have moved away from those churches need to remember them in our prayers and with our financial support. There’s no doubt that rural people still take great pride in their country churches. Despite the challenges, I believe the church will continue to be for many people what it was for me: “The spiritual and social center of the rural community.”

Picking up on what Samuelson wrote, we know that for many of those younger adults who have NOT left the small-town, rural communities, the church just doesn’t function in the same way for them as it did for generations past. There are other centers, social and otherwise, that capture their focus. There are other centers of entertainment and sociality and even other centers that may fulfill some of those “spiritual” needs. There are all kinds of weekend cults and cultures that pull us away from the community of faith and worship.

Orion Samuelson is one who has had opportunity to travel all around our country and world meeting with people on many matters of rural, agricultural and urban concerns. And out of all his experiences and observations, he says that there is still much value in the church, even the rural church, as that spiritual and social center, where moral and spiritual values are learned and that can guide a person throughout one’s life.

Those “spiritual centers” are still worth praying for and supporting, don’t you think? Therefore, please pray for your fellow members in Christ. Please pray for your pastors, present and future. Please pray for the ministry and programs of your congregation, your synod and the whole of the church, and please make your “presence” in worship known. Please share your support with thanksgiving for what you know you have received of moral and spiritual value, and that you know that you and other generations will continue to need, so that these small but important places on our rural landscapes can remain those spiritual and social centers.

Pastor John Malm

OPPORTUNITIES FOR HOLY COMMUNION

August 2 – Pentecost IX August 9 – Pentecost X

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.

Vacation Bible School for all four congregations will be August 17-21 at Oakland Lutheran Church, for 3-year-olds through 6^th grade. We meet at 6 p.m. for food and fellowship, 6:30 p.m. for singing and a Bible story, and 7 p.m. for crafts centering on the Bible story of the day, finishing by 7:30 p.m. The students are ready to come back together for class by August and the evenings allow people who work during the day to help. The Bible stories for this year are: Joshua, Gideon, Sampson, Samuel, and Ruth. We learn Christian songs to be sung for the congregations on Sunday, July 23. This is a great time of fellowship and Christian growth for all ages. You are more than welcome for the 6 p.m. congregational meal!

The confirmation students will be learning the life of Jesus and the Parables that He taught. The material costs $5. The first meeting for students and parents will be Wednesday, September 9^th at 7 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall at Oakland Lutheran Church. We will discuss confirmation and upcoming youth events for the year. I look forward to seeing you there.

MINUTES OF JOINT PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

Sunday, July 19 2009 – 11:15 a.m.

The Joint Parish Council meeting was called to order by President, Neal Skaar. Present were: Sheldon Lukes, Kiven Lukes, Steve and Linda Kraushaar, Mark Brekke, Todd Enderson, Jim Becker, Wayne Kromminga, Faye Learn, Pastor Malm, Sharon Malm and Sonja Johnson

There was a motion made, seconded and carried that Pastor John contact Mike Driscoll to fill in on a trial basis for the month of September, with the possibility of this becoming a permanent position for organist/accompanist. Mike is fluent in keyboard and has also directed choirs.

Sharon will order the organist liturgy and hymn accompaniment editions of the ELW for both congregations. The copies she has now, she purchased and are her personal copies. This motion was seconded and the motion passed.

We discussed the Parish Secretary and Hayward Lutheran Bookkeeper positions. Persons who are interested in these positions should contact Linda and Steve Kraushaar from Trondhjem Lutheran or Sonja Johnson from Hayward Lutheran. We talked about people who could be contacted as to the possibility of their interest in these positions.

Next meeting will be on Thursday, August 20, 2009 at 7 p.m. Note this change of date!!

Respectfully submitted,

Sonja Johnson, Acting Secretary

MINUTES OF JOINT COUNCIL MEETING

Sunday, July 26, 2009 at 11:00 a.m.

Present were Todd Enderson, Wayne Kromminga, Neal Skaar, Mark Brekke, Kiven Lukes, Pastor John, Mike Severtson, Faye Learn, Linda Kraushaar, Steve Kraushaar, Sharon Malm and Sonja Johnson.

President Neal Skaar called the meeting to order.

We had a list of two people who would be interested in serving as our interim pastor. This position will begin October 1, 2009. A motion was made to contact Pastor Dick Spande about coming to be interim pastor at Hayward Lutheran and Trondhjem Lutheran. A committee will meet and work out the details with him as to office hours, what we would like him to do, as well as his compensation. Pastor Spande has agreed. (The above-mentioned meeting was held on July 27 at 7 p.m. at HLC)

The HLC Council made a motion to appoint those nominated for Hayward Call Committee. They include Neal Skaar, Vickie Storlie, Steve and Logan Tufte, Meta Johnson, Tracy and Mitchell Skaar and Sonja Johnson. This motion was seconded and passed.

The TLC Council made a motion to appoint those nominated for the Trondhjem Call Committee. They include Jill Krause Rockers, Linda Kraushaar, Kiven Lukes and Elaine Lukes.

Linda Kraushaar and Sonja Johnson will be chairpersons of the respective Call Committees.

A motion was made, seconded and carried that we pay Pastor Paul Lutter by the guidelines for pulpit supply in the month of September.

Respectfully submitted,

Sonja Johnson, Acting Secretary

RETIREMENT AND FAREWELL PARTY FOR PASTOR JOHN

Sunday, August 30^th Pastor Malm will be leading his final service at Hayward Lutheran and Trondhjem Lutheran. He and Sharon will be retiring to St. Peter, MN where they have bought a home. This is a chance for all to congratulate and thank him for his many years (over 37) of service in the Church.

A Joint Worship Service will be held at Hayward Lutheran at 10 a.m. that day. Following the service a pot luck meal will be enjoyed by all. Please bring a large hot dish or salad as we will be having guests. Dessert will be furnished. There will be an Open House from Noon until 3 p.m. in the Social Hall to greet Pastor John and Sharon. Everyone is welcome.

PARISH SECRETARY NEEDED

Hayward and Trondhjem Lutheran Churches are looking for someone to fill the position of Parish Secretary for the two churches. If you are interested in this position or want to know more about it, you may call Steve or Linda Kraushaar (507-437-1531) or Sonja Johnson (507-373-9292).

PARISH ORGANIST NEEDED

Hayward and Trondhjem Lutheran Churches are looking for someone to fill the position of Organist for the two churches. If you are interested in this position or know someone who might be interested, please contact the Church Office (507-373-8479).

SENIOR MEMBERS TO VISIT SPAM MUSEUM

The senior members of Oakland and Moscow Churches and Hayward and Trondhjem Churches will travel to the Hormel House and the Spam Museum in Austin on Saturday, August 22 at 2 p.m. Following the visits, they will enjoy refreshments at Jerry’s Other Place. Come and join them for a very interesting time.

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!!

TRONDHJEM NEWS

DECEMBER AUGUST ASSIGNMENTS

Altar Guild Coffee Servers Communion Assistants

Jill Krause August 2 – Food Committee Kiven & Cheryl Lukes

August 23 – John & Sandi ChapekLinda Kraushaar December 2 Sunday School Steve & Linda Kraushaar

December 14 Emil & Bev Prantner

Lectors Acolyte/Ushers Lectors

August 2 – Reed Thostenson August 2 – Shirley Kraushaar

August 9 – Anna Severtson August 9 – Ruth Lukes

August 16 – Ethan Severtson August 16 – Sheldon Lukes

August 23 –Madalyn Wangen August 23 – Steve Kraushaar

CONGRATULATIONS to JILL KRAUSE and PAUL ROCKERS, who were united in marriage on

Saturday, July 25th. May God bless their life together. Their address is 2205 – 18^th Ave. SW,

Austin, MN 55912. Phone: 507-434-4181 – Cell # 507-202-3579

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 AUGUST BIRTHDAYS AUGUST ANNIVERSARIES

August 4 – Jessica Naatz August 5 – Ruth & Sheldon Lukes

August 6 – Annette Naatz August 22 – Debbie & Mark Brekke

August 8 – Sharon Malm

August 19 – Alayna Krause

August 23 – Roger Severtson

August 27 – Sandy Chapek

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 FINANCIAL REPORT FOR 2^ND QUARTER

Balance 3/31/09 - $17,151.07 Breakdown of Accounts:

2^nd Quarter Income - $7,043.13 Building Fund - $10,519.31

2^nd Quarter Expenses - $12,545.59 Organ Fund - $491.75

Balance 6/30/09 - $11,648.61 General Fund - $637.55

MEMORIALS

General Fund

In memory of ANNA BENSON by M/M Richard Kraushaar, M/M Dale Lukes, M/M Emil Prantner

MYRTLE TO HAVE COMMUNITY WORSHIP AND PANCAKE BREAKFAST

On Sunday, August 23^rd at 8:30 a.m. there will be a Community Worship Service at

Myrtle. The Myrtle Fire Department will also have

a Pancake Breakfast. There will not be Worship Services at

Trondhjem that day. All are invited to the Worship in Myrtle.

ICE CREAM SOCIAL COMING UP!!!

On Sunday, September 13^th at 5 p.m., Trondhjem Lutheran will have its annual Pie and Ice

Cream Social, Silent Auction and Bake Sale.

Come and enjoy the DELICIOUS pies that these ladies

make and enjoy the best barbecues! The Silent Auction is always a

fun event. Lots of competition!!! Then there’s

the Bake Sale! Oohhh can these ladies bake!

You don’t want to miss it!!

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.

MINUTES OF THE HAYWARD LUTHERAN CHURCH COUNCIL

July 19, 2009 – 11:15 a.m.

The monthly meeting of the Hayward Lutheran Church Council was held July 19, 2009.

Present were Todd Enderson, Faye Learn, Jim Becker, Wayne Kromminga, Neal Skaar, Sharon Malm, Pastor John Malm and Sonja Johnson

President Neal Skaar called the meeting to order.

A motion was made, seconded and passed to approve the Agenda.

A motion was made, seconded and passed to accept the Secretary’s Report from the last Joint Meeting.

A motion was made, seconded and passed to approve the Treasurer’s Report.

The Ready Reserve that we have at the American Bank was discussed.

An update on the Simply Giving Program was given.

The next meeting will be Thursday, August 20, 2009 at 7 p.m. Note the change of date.

Respectfully submitted,

Sonja Johnson, Acting Secretary

DECEMBER AUGUST ASSIGNMENTS

Altar Guild Coffee Servers Ushers

Diane Ladlie & Elaine Flusek August 2 - Bob & Cindy Armon *Lowell & Dawn Nelson

Scott Nelson Dean & Kellie Anderson

August 9 – Kris & John Schultz Kendall & Lila Johnson

August 16 – Wes & Cammie Tennis

August 23 – Dale & Millie Westland

August 30 – Vern, Pat & Camilla Frydenlund

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 Lectors Acolyte/Ushers

Todd Enderson, Neal Skaar August 2 – Shirley Gray August 2 – Logan & Tate Tufte

August 9 – Sharon Seidel August 9 – Mitchell & Jay Skaar

August 16 – Sue Braff August 16 – Kadie & Kasie Habana

August 23 – Barb Miller August 23 – Anna Englin & Lindsay

Nelson

August 30 – Bethany Tennis &

Shelby Eggum

Vickie Storlie & Todd Enderson

Acolyte/Ushers 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 AUGUST BIRTHDAYS AUGUST ANNIVERSARIES

August 1 - Cindy Armon August 21 – Nick Schermer August 4 – Curt & Natalie Larson

Paulette Paulson August 24 – Sylvia Kycek August 6 – LeMoyne &Carole Eggum

August 2 – Randy Eggum August 25 – Phil Tennis August 13 – Faye & Frank Learn

Caylee Tennis Gwen Hanson August 14 – Troy & April Habana

August 10 – Natalie Larson August 26 – Stephanie Larson August 16 – Vern & Pat Frydenlund

August 14 – Casey Eggum August 28 – Kay Skaar August 18 – Neal & Jean Skaar

Cody Eggum Millie Westland

August 17 – Min Westland August 29 – Katherine Skaar

Craig Nelson August 31 – Lila Esse

August 20 – Lola Matson August 31 – Julie Erickson

Melissa Sather

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

A. December 9 Vernon & Bev Lunde

1. December 27 Kendall & Lila Johnson

1. December 30 Paul & Min Westland

1.

MEMORIALS

General Fund

In memory of TIM JACOBSON by M/M Kendall Johnson

In memory of PHIL KERMES by M/M Bob Armon, Faye Nelson, Beatrice Wacholz

In memory of RICHARD WILLMERT by M/M Scott Woitas

In memory of DICK MATTICK by Beatrice Wacholz

In memory of ANNA BENSON by M/M Frank Learn

In memory of PHYLLIS LEARN by M/M Frank Learn

Worship and Music (Chimes)

In memory of PHYLLIS LEARN by M/M Darrell Storlie

In memory of TOM BERGEN by M/M Phil Tennis

In memory of TIM JACOBSON by M/M Phil Tennis

In memory of WARREN RABEN by M/M Phil Tennis

In memory of MARGARET FRITZ OLSEN by M/M Phil Tennis

In memory of SYLVIA VAN RYSWICK by M/M Phil Tennis

In memory of PHIL KERMES by M/M Phil Tennis

PHIL & EDIE TENNIS CELEBRATE 60^TH ANNIVERSARY

On Sunday, August 16^th, there will be a 60^th Anniversary Open House in honor of Phil & Edie Tennis. It will be held at Hayward Lutheran from 2 – 4 p.m. Congratulations, Phil & Edie!!

THANK YOU to Dick & Gwen Hanson for giving the new high chair for use in the Social Hall.

COMPUTER PRINTER FOR SALE

Hayward Lutheran has a computer printer for sale. Anyone interested may contact the Church Office at (507-373-8479). Make an offer.

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

THANK YOU to all of the members of Hayward Lutheran who worked so hard preparing for and serving the morning coffee and noon meal at Hayward Days. We also thank those who baked goodies for the bake sale. Your contributions were greatly appreciated. Thank you, too, to all of the people who came and enjoyed all of the goodies.

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.

GOOD EARTH VILLAGE OPPORTUNITIES

SCRAPBOOKING RETREAT – September 11-12, 2009

At this retreat you will be provided the space, the meals and devotions, and you provide the creativity. This is a time when you can catch up on your projects, learn some new ideas, see what others are doing and get away for some personal renewal.

You will need to bring all of your own materials. Lodging and work space will be in the Log Lodge. Register early because space is limited.

Cost: $125/person and includes housing, meals and devotions. A $50 deposit is due with your registration.

YOUTH BLAST – October 2-3, 9-10, 23-24 and November 6-7

These retreats include 24 hours of learning, games, hikes and lots of fun! These retreats are from 7:00 p.m. on Friday until 7:00 p.m. on Saturday.

Cost: $40/person (chaperones free)

QUILTING RETREATS – November 3-4, 6-8, December 4-6

A retreat of uninterrupted sewing! Good Earth does the cooking and cleaning and you do the creating! This is a chance for you to do something you love without the distractions of home!

Cost includes devotions, lodging, linens and meals. A non-refundable $75 deposit is due with your registration. Cost for weekend retreats: $150/person; Cost for midweek retreats: $100/person.

SPIRITUAL SPA – October 30 – November 1

You will be renewed, refreshed and pampered! Limit is 20 people. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Cost: $150/person and includes lodging in the Log Lodge, meals and programming.

To register for these retreats, contact Good Earth Village at info@GoodEarthVillag.org or (507) 346-1494

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?

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

STORY OF ELIJAH

The Sunday School teacher in a little country church was carefully explaining the story of Elijah the Prophet and the false prophets of Baal. She explained how Elijah built the altar, put wood upon it, cut the steer in pieces, and laid it upon the altar. And then, Elijah commanded the people of God to fill four barrels of water and pour it over the altar. He had them do this four times. “Now”, said the teache, “can anyone in the class tell me why the Lord would have Elijah pour water over the steer on the alter? A little girl in the back of the room started waving her hand, “I know! I know!” she said, “To make the gravy!”

LOT’S WIFE

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

GOOD SAMARITAN

A Sunday School teacher was telling her class the story of the Good Samaritan, in which a man was beaten, robbed and left for dead. She described the situation in vivid detail so her students would catch the drama. Then, she asked the class, “If you saw a person lying on the roadside,all wounded and bleeding, what would you do?” A thoughtful little girl broke the hushed silence, “I think I’d throw up.

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!