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. 7 July, 2009

The happiness emporium barbershop quartet

will be coming to Hayward for our Hayward Days Outdoor Worship on July 12^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. Pastor John and Sharon heard them last summer and they are a marvelous group of singers who share the Good News in a very inspiring presentation!!

INVITE YOUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS!

COME AND JOIN US FOR AN UPLIFTING TIME OF

WORSHIP AND MUSIC

A MESSAGE FROM OUR PASTOR

DO YOU BUILD A MONUMENT OR A MISSION?

At our Synod Assembly, as I was walking down the skyway/walkway, heading towards the Civic Center in Rochester, I found myself listening in on the conversation of a couple of pastors walking behind me. Apparently, the one younger pastor was serving one of our newer congregations and the other, older pastor was saying how his congregation wanted to make a special gift to this new congregation. But, he said, the members wanted to give a gift of something tangible, like some altar paraments or something that could be pointed to and be seen and be remembered when those members would visit this new congregation. He went on to try and explain further.

The younger pastor said that he understood where they were coming from and he would accept the gift of $400 from this older congregation with that in mind. Yet, at the same time, it kind of rankled him a bit. He said to his colleague, “You know, I preach to my people all the time that we should not be about the business of building a monument, but that we should be building a mission.” How true that is. Perhaps that is why we call new congregations “Mission Congregations.” Yet, whether a congregation is very new or very old, we should be thinking in terms of being a “Mission Congregation.” Both HLC and TLC were started well over a hundred years ago. At that point THEY were the “Mission Congregations.” But should any congregation ever NOT be one? And there’s the danger – the danger of becoming more like a monument than a mission. Indeed, we often succumb to it much more than we would care to admit. It is so easy to get focused on monuments instead of on mission – on self-preservation rather than self-less mission to others.

This being the month of our national celebration of Independence Day, I find myself reflecting on the several visits I have had to our nation’s capitol of Washington, D.C. There is a city that is filled with many large and splendid monuments: The Washington Monument, The Lincoln Memorial, The Jefferson Memorial, The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the various War Memorials, and the many museums, legislative and judicial halls. Sometimes we can get so focused on those great and imposing monuments that we lose sight of what is at the foundation of them all and why they are there. We must not forget that they are meant to be reminders and inspirations to us of what this country and democracy are all about, and that as citizens of this country what we are obligated to defend and uphold and proclaim and commit to others. There is a mission to which we are all called as citizens of this country that is spelled out for us in documents like “The Declaration of Independence”, and “The Constitution of the United States,” and “The Bill of Rights.” There is a mission to which we are called that is spelled out for us in that Word of God we call the Bible.

Put into your mind’s eye the picture of your pastor standing before you at the front doors of your place of worship. In your mind’s eye see also that there stands in front of him a young child, perhaps five or six years old. “Look around you,” says the pastor. “Look at the fine woodwork of the pulpit and altar, the beautiful pictures and banners, the wonderful stained glass, and the colorful paraments. Listen to the sweet sound of the ringing bell.” But is this what we have been called to build? Now look at this young child. Is this not the focus of our mission, our calling? Did not Jesus tell us, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.”

Has that commission and mission ever changed? Is it not still supposed to be focused on people, on children, on human beings in need of forgiveness, life and salvation? But how much easier it is to focus our time and energies and money on monuments rather than on mission – on the spiritual needs and education of that young child, or on the physical needs of that person who is hungry, thirsty, alone, in prison or in poverty or oppression.

In your mind’s eye do you see that child in your church or in your community or neighborhood? And if they do not remain at the heart of it all, then of what need or value are all the monuments, whether spiritual or national? All the more reason for that investment of your time, talents and treasures to continue to meet those mission needs. Keep the focus on the mission more than the monument.

Pastor John Malm

OPPORTUNITIES FOR HOLY COMMUNION

July 5 – Pentecost V July 19 – Pentecost VII

SENIOR MINISTRY GROUP VISITS

BOHEMIAN BRICK HALL

On Saturday, June 27^th, the Senior Citizens from the joint parish (Hayward, Trondhjem, Oakland & Moscow) visited the Bohemian Brick Hall. They heard about the history of the Hall and its place in the community.

Refreshments were served following the program.

UPCOMING EVENTS

The following article was taken from

the Oakland and Moscow Lutheran Parish Messenger

and was written by Pastor Bob Berthold

The 2009 ELCA Youth Gathering will be in New Orleans, LA, with the van full of students leaving Sunday, July 19^th, returning Tuesday, July 28^th. On the way we’ll stop at hotels with a swimming pool and for some recreation. The cost is $300. Transportation and housing will cost about another $300 to total + $600. The students bring money for food and souvenirs. The church will pay half and the students pay half. Brenda Wangen from Oakland Lutheran Church is coming as the woman chaperone. Students going are: Alice Wangen, Andrew Wangen, Amy Lysne, Skyla Bena, Logan Tufte, Tate Tufte, Amanda Glassel, Isaac Paulson, and Ben Paulson.

The Theme, Jesus, Justice Jazz, draws from the rich faith history, diverse cultures, and arts of New Orleans. It will stretch our understanding of what it means to live in relationship and service with each other in the manner of Christ…for life…wherever we are! At Youth Gatherings, youth and adults are immersed in worship, music, Bible study, service, learning, play, prayer, the witness of faithful leaders from around the world, reflection, caring for others, and new friendships. The Gathering is a time of change and growth because we gather in the presence of God’s Spirit with others who journey with Jesus.

The 4^th, 5^th, & 6^th grade students recently went to the St. Paul Science Museum and Imax theater. The 7^th, 8^th & 9^th grade students recently went to The WOW Zone in Mankato for laser tag, bowling, and miniature golf. Both groups of students will be invited to go kayaking on the Cannon River the end of June. The cost for that is $10.

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.

The Adults are invited to a Bible Study on Thursday mornings at 10 a.m. at Oakland Lutheran Church to study the book of Revelation. Think about joining us to discuss this important book in the Bible.

HARTWIG’S FINISH THEIR TIME IN THE STATES

The following letter was recently received from our missionaries, the Hartwigs

Greetings in Christ.

We have finished up our time in the States now, having had a wonderful time celebrating Heidi’s St. Olaf College graduation. She looks to be in Slovakia the next year or two, teaching biology at a Lutheran high school. Kirsten took a break from nursing to join us from Alaska, and Jenny got a day off from Virginia and teaching to join us too. Seeing parents as well meant balm for our souls and a sense of very special privilege.

We are healing well, albeit slowly, from the February robbery. We are now in a new house rental situation, and finding a new kind of ‘normalcy’ for living there.

As we work through our own difficult memories, several messages of a similar type came to us these past few weeks. Heidi’s Senior Art Show (Biology/Studio Art majors) was on the theme of “Calling Shadows”. It had 6 charcoal drawings and one oil painting inspired by her interaction with HIV/AIDS in our Tanzania environment. We felt the power of the mourning and the uncertain futures in those images. “Thy Father’s Will” is a book written by a third cousin, Kirsten Jacobson Stasney, a historical fiction piece about our great grandfather and his struggles as a single parent that eventually lead to his taking of his own life. That story has been a silent shadow in our family’s past these many years, only now getting the telling that we all need in order to make some sense of a complex past. Finally, I am reading a fine novel by Annie Dillard, “The Living”, recounting the years in the late 19^th century of “settling” the far Northwest.

We are indeed amongst the living, however we might suffer, and part of our lot is to live with the shadows of the past and of the future. Reference Psalm 116 – long a favorite – especially verses 8 and 9: "For you have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling. “I walk before the Lord in the land of the living.

Next time we will write more of my Hospice work, which goes very well. Connected to the above themes has been our work these past 6 months at incorporating bereavement care for children. With what memories and what futures do they live?

We continue to appreciate prayer for us and for the work here. Many thanks.

Kristopher and Rebecca in Tanzania

Hayward/Trondhjem Lutheran Parish

Joint Council Meeting

May 17, 2009

Present: Neal Skaar, Sonja Johnson, Jim Becker, Todd Enderson and Bonnie Felt from Hayward Lutheran.

Mark Brekke & Steve Kraushaar from Trondhjem Lutheran

Pastor John Malm

President, Neal Skaar called the meeting to order. Sonja Johnson made a motion to accept the Agenda – seconded by Todd Enderson.

The pros and cons of our 2-year agreement with Oakland/Moscow was discussed. A motion was made by Kiven Lukes and seconded by Steve Kraushaar as follows:

Resolved, that we extend the agreement with the Oakland/Moscow congregations, as is, for another two-year term, subject to ratification of the Hayward and Trondhjem congregations at their next Annual Meetings (January, 2010).

A motion was made by Mark Brekke to adjourn – seconded by Steve Kraushaar.

Respectfully submitted,

Bonnie Felt

Four-Congregation Parish Meeting

May 20, 2009

The four-parish agreement with HLC/TLC, Oakland/Moscow was discussed.

A motion from HLC/TLC presented to Oakland/Moscow to read as follows:

RESOLVED, that we extend the agreement with the Oakland and Moscow congregations, as is, for another two-year term, subject to ratification of the Hayward and Trondhjem congregations at their next annual meetings (January 2010).

All four churches will meet in April and September of each year.

There was discussion about liability for Pastors visiting other parishes.

August 17-22 – Vacation Bible School at Oakland Church from 6-7:30 evenings for 3-year-olds thru 6^th Grade.

Older kids can help and are welcome.

Oakland/Moscow to make motion to continue with the agreement with HLC/TLC.

Present:

HLC – Bonnie Felt TLC – Mark Brekke Oakland/Moscow – Joyce Erstad, Kayla Olson, Kent Sleigh

Eldon Gilbertson

Pastor John Malm and Pastor Bob Berthold

Respectfully submitted,

Bonnie Felt - HLC

JOINT MEETING OF THE HAYWARD/TRONDHJEM COUNCIL

June 17, 2009

The joint meeting of the Hayward and Trondhjem Church Councils was held June 17, 2009 at Hayward Lutheran at 7 p.m.

Present were Wayne Kromminga, Sheldon Lukes, Dale Lukes, Linda Kraushaar, Jim Becker, Todd Enderson, Mark Brekke, Pastor John Malm, Sonja Johnson and Bishop Harold Usgaard.

Absent were Steve Kraushaar, Bonnie Felt, Faye Learn, Kiven Lukes, Neal Skaar, Mike Severtson and Cheryl Lukes.

Vice President Wayne Kromminga conducted the meeting.

A motion was made and seconded to approve the Agenda. Motion carried.

A motion was made to approve the Joint Parish Council Minutes, the Hayward Council Minutes, the Four-Congregational Parish Meeting, and the Hayward/Trondhjem Lutheran Parish Minutes. This motion was seconded and carried.

Bishop Harold Usgaard led us in devotions.

We discussed some of the positive things that we had learned from Pastor John. Pastor John and Sharon’s last day will be August 30. We will have a joint church service with a pot luck meal following.

A motion was made and seconded to renew the Ready Reserve, which is due July 10, 2009. This motion passed.

The following motion was made, seconded and passed.

RESOLVED: That the Hayward Lutheran Church Treasurer, (Sonja Johnson) Bookkeeper, (Sharon Malm) be authorized, at the direction of the Congregational Council, to sign any necessary bank, loan or financial documents on behalf of the Congregation and the Council, and also be the co-signers on any checks written on any of the congregation’s banking fund accounts, including that of the cemetery. (This does not include the accounts of the Sunday School, the LYO, the WELCA or the Altar Guild.) This authorization is to be in effect from year to year until rescinded by the Council or by the Congregation at a duly called, official meeting.

Hayward and Trondhjem Lutheran Joint Council:

RESOLVED: That the Hayward and Trondhjem Lutheran Joint Council hereby accept the resignation, for purposes of retirement, of Pastor John R. Malm from his call to serve Hayward Lutheran Church and Trondhjem Lutheran Church as their pastor effective on October 1, 2009. Pastor Malm’s last Sunday of leading worship will be on August 30, 2009 after which he will use his accumulated vacation and continuing education time in September of 2009 for the purposes of transition into retirement and for moving to Pastor and Sharon’s new residence in St. Peter, Minnesota.

RESOLVED: That the Hayward and Trondhjem Lutheran Joint Council hereby accept the resignation of Sharon A. Malm from her duties as Parish Secretary, effective October 1, 2009. The month of September will be used to train and orient a newly hired person into this position.

RESOLVED: That the Hayward Lutheran Congregational Council hereby accept the resignation of Sharon A. Malm from her duties as Congregational Organist, effective September 1, 2009.

RESOLVED: That the Trondhjem Lutheran Church Council hereby accept the resignation of Sharon A. Malm from her duties as Congregational Organist, effective September 1, 2009.

ALL of the above were accepted WITH REGRET.

Discussion was held on finding an organist.

Discussion was held on finding someone to be secretary.

Discussion was held on the Ready Reserve Note coming due at Hayward, and the meeting to be held with the banking person from American Bank.

The rest of the meeting was discussion with the Bishop about steps in the Call process for the Southeastern Minnesota Synod. They are short of pastors. We talked about getting an interim pastor, and how to go about the Call process.

The Hayward Council will have a special meeting on June 28, 2009 at 11:15 a.m.

Meeting adjourned at 9 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Sonja Johnson, Acting Secretary

TRONDHJEM NEWS

JULY ASSIGNMENTS

Altar Guild Coffee Servers Communion Assistants

Ruth Lukes July 5 – Sheldon & Ruth Lukes Sheldon & Ruth Lukes

Acolyte/Ushers Lectors

July 5 – Anna Severtson July 5 – Jill Krause

July 12 – Outdoor Worship at HLC July 12 – Steve Kraushaar

July 19 – Madalyn Wangen July 19 – Kiven Lukes

July 26 – Alison Wangen July 26 – Linda Kraushaar

CONGRATULATIONS to ANDY REESE and LINDSEY BLOM who were united in marriage on

Saturday, June 20^th. May God bless their life together.

JULY BIRTHDAYS JULY ANNIVERSARIES

July 5 – Shirley Kraushaar July 22 – Roger & Betty Krause

July 6 – Arlene Chapek July 22 – John & Sandy Chapek

July 18 – Greg Lukes

July 28 – Anna Severtson

July 28 – Joleen Krause

MEMORIALS

General Fund

In memory of PHILLLIP KERMES by Emily Cech

THANK YOU to all who helped with the yard work at our church: Dick & Shirley Kraushaar,

Dale & Elaine Lukes and Steve Kraushaar. THANK YOU to Kiven Lukes for supplying the

grass seed for the project.

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.

JULY ASSIGNMENTS

Altar Guild Coffee Servers Ushers

Bev Lunde and Gwen Hanson July 5 – Katherine Barnick *Curt & Natalie Larson

Phil & Eddie Tennis Tracy & Mitch Skaar

July 12 – Keith & Janet Iverson Wes Tennis family

Meta & Chris Johnson

July 19 – Ray & Sharon Seidel

Gwyneth Nelson

July 26 – Bob & Bonnie Felt

Communion Assistants Lectors Acolyte/Ushers

Bonnie Felt & Jim Becker July 5 – Sue Braff July 5 – Mitchell & Jay Skaar

July 12 – Sharon Seidel July 12 – Kadie & Kasie Habana

July 19 – Dan Johnson July 19 – Anna Englin & Lindsay Nelson

July 26 – Neal Skaar July 26 – Bethany Tennis & Shelby Eggum

JULY BIRTHDAYS JULY ANNIVERSARIES

July 3 – Sarah & Troy Wangler

July 2 – Ted Eggum July 20 – Diane Ladlie July 10 – Nick & Jeanne Schermer

July 3 – Barb Miller July 20 – Scott Nelson July 11 – Thomas & Stacey Westland

July 8 – Jay Skaar July 21 – Brian Berhow July 13 – Jerry & Bev Noland

July 12 – Michael Nelson July 25 – Cheryl Enderson July 14 – Wes & Cammie Tennis

July 16 – Sarah (Iverson) Wangler July 26 – Gary Broitzman July 17 – Troy & Susan Eggum

July 17 – Karen Sorenson July 30 – LeMoyne Eggum July 20 – Phil & Edie Tennis

July 27 – Gene & Bev Jenson

July 28 – Steve & Kaye Tufte

CONGRATULATIONS to AARON ENDERSON who graduated from South Central College in Mankato with a degree in Automotive Service Technology. In June he left for 9 weeks of boot camp for National Guards.

JESSE JAMES WOODSON was baptized on Sunday, June 21^st during the worship service at

Hayward Lutheran. Jesse’s parents are Ray Hemenway, Jr. (Step-father) and Bobbi Jo Hemenway. His sponsors are Jesse & Susan Bowman and Beth Stahl.

Hayward Lutheran Church Council Meeting

May 17^th, 2009

President, Neal Skaar called the meeting to order.

AGENDA

Sonja Johnson made a motion to approve the Minutes – seconded by Jim Becker

The Treasurer’s Report was given. There was discussion on our debt. We will challenge the congregation to give and help us out of debt. Todd Enderson made a motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report – seconded by Bonnie Felt.

A. Calendar

1. May 18 Mon. 7 p.m. – Hayward Boosters meet at HLC

2. May 20 Mon. 7 p.m. – Four-Congregation Parish meeting at HLC

3. May 24 Sun. Summer worship schedule: TLC at 8:30 a.m. – HLC at 10 a.m.

4. May 25 Mon. Memorial Day

5. May 27 Wed. 7 p.m. – Baccalaureate service at Glenville High School

6. May 28 Thur. 7 p.m. – Baptism service at HLC

7. May 29 Fri. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – County Electronics Collection at the

The Fairgrounds

8. May 30 Sat. 9:30 a.m. – Bridal shower for Amy Sola, bride-to-be of Kevin Learn

9. May 31 Sun. Summer Schedule - Day of Pentecost – Holy Communion

10. June 6 Sat. Open House in Social Hall for Josh Enderson, 2-4 p.m.

11. June 7 Sun. Summer Schedule – Holy Trinity – Holy Communion

12. June 8-11 Monday thru Thursday, VBS with Albert Lea Churches at

Edgewater Park

13. June 14 Sun. Pentecost 11 – Holy Communion

14. June 17 Wed. 6 p.m. – Joint Council meeting – Family Meal

7 p.m. – Meeting with the Bishop

15. June 21 Sun. Summer Schedule – Hemenway Baptism

16. June 22-23 Sunday Aft. Thru Tues – Pastor John & Sharon in the Twin Cities

17. June 27 Sat. 2 p.m. – All-Parish Seniors Event at the Bohemian Brick Hall

B. Congregational Life

Discussion as per above, concerning Parish Agreement

C. Congregational Properties

Will send thank you to Bob Armon and Louie Larson for all the work and time they have put into the

Church.

Jim Becker made a motion to adjourn and Todd Enderson seconded.

Respectfully submitted,

Bonnie Felt

HLC CONGREGATION COUNCIL CHALLENGES IT’S MEMBERS

Through our General Fund account with American Bank, we have a line of credit that is called a Ready Reserve account. Through that we are authorized to draw up to $10,000 to help us when our income is less than our necessary expenditures. The Congregation Council authorized that increased line of credit a year ago. On July 10^th, we need to renew that note. With that in mind, it would be helpful if we can significantly reduce the amount of debt we have through that line of credit, which is now at about $5,500. This is our mutual CHALLENGE – to go the extra mile with our giving in order to reduce this debt and still keep up our regular giving to the needs of our church. We met the challenge with our Building Fund debt; can we now do the same with this account? Thank you for your consideration and help.

The HLC Congregation Council

MEMORIALS

Worship & Music Fund (Chimes)

In memory of DON GOLDE by M/M Paul Westland

In memory of BERNARD HOIUM by M/M Paul Westland

In memory of TIM JACOBSEN by M/M Paul Westland, M/M Dale Westland, M/M Dick Hanson, M/M Dave Paulson

In memory of PHIL KERMES by M/M Paul Westland, M/M Dale Westland, M/M David Paulson, M/M Keith Iverson

General Fund

In memory of PHILIP KERMES by M/M Neal Skaar, M/M Vern Frydenlund, M/M Kendall Johnson, M/M Bev Lunde

In memory of LLOYD PALMER by M/m Neal Skaar

In memory of TIM JACOBSEN by M/M Dan Johnson, M/M Dave Paulson, M/M Bob Armon, Sharon Seidel, Lois Stotts, M/M Neal Skaar, Barbara Larson, M/M Curt Larson, Jr., M/M William Angell, M/M Chris Skaar, LaVonne Williams, M/M Jim Skaar, M/M David Lundak, M/M/Jerry Noland, Kristin Schultz, M/M Vern Crowson, M/M Larry Beavens

In memory of STUART EVENSON by M/M Kendall Johnson, M/M Vern Lunde

In memory of OSWALD EVENSON by M/M Vern Lunde

In memory of LUZELLA KASSA by M/M Vern Lunde

In memory of CHARLES ROCKWELL by M/M David Paulson

Building Fund

In memory of PHIL KERMES by M/M Nick Schermer

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 SERVE MORNING COFFEE AND NOON LUNCH

AND HAVE BAKE SALE DURING HAYWARD DAYS

On Saturday morning, July 11, the Hayward WELCA will be serving rolls, juice and coffee from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. in the church Social Hall. Beginning at 8 a.m. they will also have a bake sale in the Social Hall. From 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., the women will serve a noon lunch.

All the women of the church are asked to bake $15 worth of baked goods or donate $15, which can be dropped off at Nick’s Grocery. Please bring the baked goods to the church, packaged and priced, on Friday evening before 6 p.m. OR by 8 a.m. Saturday morning. Proceeds from these events will be supplemented by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, Freeborn County Chapter 31190

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

THIS ‘N’ THAT

IS JESUS KNOCKING?

A nurse on the pediatric ward, before listening to the little ones’ chests, would plug the stethoscope into their ears and let them listen to their own hearts. Their eyes would always light up with awe, but she never got a response equal to four-year-old David’s comment.

Gently she tucked the stethoscope into his ears and placed the stethescope over his heart. “Listen”, she said. “What do you suppose that is?” He drew his eyebrows together in a puzzled line and looked as if lost in the mystery of the strange tap – tap – tapping deep in his chest.

Then his face broke out in a wondrous grin and he asked, “Is that Jesus knocking?”

AM I A FIREMAN YET?

In Phoenix, Arizona, a 26-year-old mother stared down at her 6-year-old son who was dying of terminal leukemia. Although her heart was filled with sadness, she also had a strong feeling of determination. Like any parent, she wanted her son to grow up and fulfill all his dreams. Now that was no longer possible. The leukemia would see to that. But, she still wanted her son’s dream to come true.

She took her son’s hand and asked, “Billy, did you ever think about what you wanted tobe once you grew up? Did you ever dream and wish what you would do with your life?” Bill said, “Mommy, I always wanted to be a fireman when I grew up.” Mom smiled back and said, “Let’s see if we can make your wish come true.”

Later that day she went to her local fire department in Phoenix, where she met Fireman Bob, who had a heart as big as Phoenix. She explained her son’s final wish and asked if it might be possible to give her 6-year-old son a ride around the block on a fire engine. Fireman Bob said, “Look, we can do better than that. If you’ll have your son ready at 7 o’clock Wednesday morning, we’ll make him an honorary fireman for the whole day. He can come down to the fire station, eat with us, go out on all the fire calls, the whole nine yards! And, if you’ll give us his sizes, we’ll get a real fire uniform for him, with a real fire hat – not a toy – one with the emblem of the Phoenix fire department on it, a yellow slicker like we wear and rubber boots. They’re all manufactured right here in Phoenix so we can get them fast.”

Three days later Fireman Bob picked up Billy, dressed him in his uniform and escorted him from his hospital bed to the waiting hook and ladder truck. Billy got to sit on the back of the truck and help steer it back to the fire staton. He was in heavenn.

There were three fire calls in Phoenix that day and Billy got to go out on all three calls. He rode in the different fire engines, the paramendic’s van, and even the fire chief’s car. He was also videotaped for the local news program.

Having his dream come true, with all the love and attention that was lavished upon him, so deeply touching Billy, that he lived three months longer than any doctor thought possible.

One night all of his vital signs began to drop dramatically and the head nurse, who believed in the hospice concept – that no one should die alone – began to call the family members to the hospital. Then she remembered the day Billy had spent as a fireman, so she called the fire chief and asked if it would be possible to send a fireman in uniform to the hospital to be with Billy as he made his transition. The chief replied, “We can do better than that. We’ll be there in five minutes. Will you please dome a favor? When you hear the sirens screaming and see the lights flashing, will you announce over the PA system that there is not a fire? It’s the department coming to see one of its finest members one more time. And, will you open the window to his room?”

About five minutes later a hook and ladder truck arrived at the hospital and extended its ladder up to Billy’s third floor open window. Sixteen fire fighters climbed up the ladder into Billy’s room. With his mother’s permission, they hugged him and held him and told him how much they LOVED him. With his dying breath, Billy looked up at the fire chief and said, “Chief, am I really a fireman now?” “Billy, you are, and the Head Chief, Jesus, is holding you hand,” said the chief..

With those words, Billy smiled and said, “I know. He’s been holding my hand all day, and the angels have been singing.” He closed his eyes one last time.

PARISH NEWS DEADLINE

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