alc june messenger
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The mission of the American Lutheran Congregation is to bring people of
different nations and denominations together, and in the English language,
empower them into becoming fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.
The ALC Messenger Volume 57 Issue 6 June /July 2013
“The heart of man plans his
way, but the Lord establishes
his steps.” Proverbs 16:9
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American Lutheran Congregation
Pastor: Timothy Stewart
Office secretary: Rie Melhoos
Council President: Robert Sebro
Messenger Editors : Mel Engebretsen, Rie Melhoos.
Visiting address: Fritzners gate 15, 0264 Oslo, Norway
Mailing Address: PO Box 3012 Elisenberg, 0207 Oslo,
Norway
Phone: + 47 22 44 35 84
Fax: +47 22 44 30 15
Email: [email protected]
Webpage: www.alcoslo.org
Bank account number for offerings :5081.07.47827
The ALC Messenger Monthly Newsletter for the American Lutheran Congregation
INDEX
ALC INFORMATION
INDEX
PAGE 2 CALENDAR PAGE 10-11
PASTOR’S CORNER
PRAYERS
PAGE 3-4
LIVING ABROAD,
HOPES & FEARS, PAGE 12-13
PRESIDENT’S CORNER PAGES 5
BIRTHDAYS,
RETREAT
PAGES 14-15
KRISTI HIMMELSFART-
DAG AND PINSE PAGES 6-7
MINISTRY OPPORTUNITY PAGES 16-17
SCRIPTURE UNION
4TH OF JULY
WOMEN’S GATHERING
PAGES 8-9 COUNCIL MINUTES
WOMEN’S RETREAT PAGES 18- 20
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Pastor’s Corner
Dear Friends,
In the traditional liturgical calendar there is marked a set of days throughout the year.
These days have no particular meaning to the secular world. But to me, and to the com-
munity of faith from which I come, these days commemorate different people who
throughout the history of the church have witnessed to the power of the Gospel of Jesus
Christ by the personal example of their lives. They come from all different races, times
denominations and regions of the world.
This Monday is the commemoration day shared by Columba, died 597; Aidan, died
651; and Bede, died 735; renewers of the church. Tuesday is the Festival of Barnabas,
Apostle. Friday is given over to Basil the Great, Bishop of Caesarea, died 379; Gregory,
Bishop of Nyssa, died around 385; Gregory of Nazianzus, Bishop of Constantinople,
died around 389; and Macrina, theologian, died around 379. They are a diverse bunch,
but what they have in common is a love of God and a story which can serve to inspire
the rest of us.
I also carry around with me, not written in my calendar but
rather on my character, the names of another set of ‘saints’
of a more personal nature: Dr. Fred Prosh, Mrs. Clemmens
and Miss Zeidler from my childhood and Mamma Lloyd
and Trip Smith from when I was a teenager. There are
other names as well – all people who have in some way
been an inspiration to me in my faith journey.
They are the Sunday School teachers, the Youth Group
Advisors, the Choir Directors of my childhood and youth. They are the larger than life
adults who had time for me when I was a kid. There is no commemoration day for them,
and they are virtually unknown beyond the small circle of the church communities they
belonged to and the people in those communities whose lives they touched. But it would
be difficult to overestimate what they have done to serve the Gospel in the lives of
scores of young Christians.
That is how it is in the community of faith: we raise up disciples through the hard work
of ministering to those God has sent to us. There is little or no fanfare to accompany the
work, and often the seeds we plant bear fruit years after our paths have diverged. But
the work is important. In our caring attitudes and undivided attention; in our willingness
to listen, to teach, to share, to accompany; in our very lives we bear witness to a loving
God who listens, teaches, shares and accompanies. Through our lives others learn about
God and His gift of love and life to the world.
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On Sunday, 9 June, we say thank you to our Sunday School teachers at the ALC who have
served the children and youth of our congregation this past year. These are the folks who
have stepped up to share their time and gifts to serve the Gospel by teaching and nurturing
our young people. The seeds they have planted will bear fruit in the years to come and are
all grateful for their generosity of spirit and faithful commitment. Thank you to each and
every one of you.
As much of the congregation heads out over the coming weeks for the summer holiday,
our Sunday School will go on hiatus now until September. In August you will start to hear
and read a call to the congregation for Sunday School teachers and workers to pick up this
essential ministry again. However, I wish to close today by encouraging you to start lis-
tening for the Spirit’s nudging now. Perhaps it is you who will nurture faith and plant
seeds in our young people in the year ahead? Something to pray about.
May the love of God show through your life and give light to those you meet.
In Christ,
Pastor Tim Stewart
Pastor’s Corner (continued)
Prayers
If you have prayer concerns, please contact our
Prayer Chain administrator, Gillian Holby, at
[email protected] or the church office.
Thank you.
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President’s Corner
Summertime is upon us, school is out soon, and vacations are in
their final stages of planning. For some this is also a time when
you will be packing up and moving away. Although this can be a
challenging process, historically it?s the way our congregation
works. God directs you through our doors, together we worship, pray and have
fellowship, and you become a part of the ALC church family.
Each person is an important part of making our congregation complete. Our
goal is to fulfill our Mission statement as it is stated on the front page of this
Messenger. If you happen to be moving on, we are thankful for your time with
us, please keep us in your thoughts and prayers, and keep us updated on your
whereabouts so we can stay in touch. We will miss you but wish you God?s
speed.
As new people come through our doors this summer, take time to greet them,
make them feel welcome, and invite them to Hansen Hall after the service, this
is how we work to bring people together?!
“Proverbs 16:9. The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his
steps?.
The first week of June, we had our first committee evening; a time where our
committee chairmen and their committee members could work together. This
also gave us the chance to work on our upcoming fall programs. Mark your
calendars:
God’s Spa, women’s retreat 30th and 31st of August
Sunday school registration and Ice cream social September 1st.
Congregational Retreat at Østmarkakapellet September 20th.
Many of our committees need more members, so if you have some time or gifts
to share let Pastor or I know. Take the summer to think about how and where
you can be more active this fall. There are a great number of ways to serve, and
your support is important!
Safe travels to all and have a great summer.
Soli Deo Gloria
Bob Sebro
ALC president
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We have turned our Norwegian calendars from May to June, some of us for the first
time having seen two holidays – Kristi Him-
melsfartdag and Pinse (Whitsuntide) Mon-
day – huh?
The first, Kristi Himmelfartsdag (divide
the last word into three, roughly translated
as himmel= heaven; farts= toward; dag=
day, so toward heaven day), or Ascension
Day, is celebrated on the 40th day after
Easter Sunday (always a Thursday). The
altar cloths remain white, as Ascension Day
is always with the Christian Easter season.
After 40 days of revealing himself to his apostles post-Easter, the risen Christ, in the
sight of His apostles, ascended bodily into Heaven (Luke 24:51; Mark 16:19; Acts 1:9
-11). During these 40 days John records Jesus’ promise of “another Counselor … the
Spirit of truth.” The Holy Spirit lives with you and will be with you always. Amen!
The second Christian holiday (Norwegian Constitution Day, May 17th, of course, was
in between this year) we celebrated in May this year, Whitsuntide (White Sunday), or
Pentecost (pente coming from Greek for fiftieth), was originally a Jewish holiday held
50 days after Passover. Pentecost was one of three major feasts during the Jewish year,
celebrating Thanksgiving for harvested crops.
Today, for Christians, Pentecost is the 50th day after Easter (always a Sunday, with
Monday being the observed holiday in counties which do so). The term, White Sun-
day, refers to the white robes, that, historically, have been worn in some Christian
communities, as adults new to the Christian faith are baptized on this day. Addition-
ally, some churches also celebrate Confirmation Sunday on Pentecost, when young
people, also in white robes, having been instructed in basic Christian doctrine, confess
their faith in the presence of the church, having accepted the power of the Holy Spirit.
Pentecost is about Christ’s promise for “the Spirit of Truth” having been fulfilled.
After Christ’s Ascension, his disciples prayed, now with Christ’s early presence, that
that Spirit come. The Counselor, the Holy Spirit be revealed to them.
A mere ten days later, Peter and the early Church, including the disciples and Jesus’
mother and family, were gathered in Jerusalem for the Jewish celebration of Pentecost,
when suddenly, as Luke describes, “They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that
separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy
Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” (Acts 2:1–4).
Kristi Himmelsfartdag and Pinse – What?
And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with
you forever — the Spirit of truth. The
world cannot accept him, because it nei-
ther sees him nor knows him. But you
know him, for he lives with you and will
be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. John 14:16–18
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The Spirit had come, the disciples grew in their con-
fidence and experience and faith. The church was
born. The transition from Christ’s time on earth
with his disciples following him, to the disciples
spreading the Gospel with the power of the Holy
Spirit. The Kingdom fulfilled, yet to come.
With Pentecost, the white altar cloths of Easter sea-
son are replaced with red, the fire and passion of the
Holy Spirit. Pentecost as the birthday of the church.
What does this mean for us today? Pentecost is
more than a memorial, a celebration of what hap-
pened 2000 years ago. It is a proclamation to create the
alive atmosphere that those gathered around Peter experienced. How do we allow the pow-
er of the Holy Spirit to work through us in manifesting God’s vision for the world? To gar-
ner the courage? To dare to dream dreams, as Peter challenges the church? To bring light
and life, hope and hospitality to the community of believers. To allow the Spirit to work
through us -- us as individuals, us as community in Christ.
The same Spirit who Christ promised two thousand years ago is the Spirit that lives
and dwells in each of us – regardless of our journeys, geographic home towns! We are
united across the globe and generations alike! So, as the light shines bright and long as summer approaches Norway, let us remember the
promise of Himmelsfartdag and the power of Whitsundtide! The promise of Christ’s
church!
And the possibility of being able to pronounce and spell these two days come May 2014! …
Sharon Hermanson
And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your
sons and daughters will proph-
esy, your old men will dream
dreams, your young men will
see visions. Even on my serv-
ants, both men and women, I
will pour out my Spirit in those
days..
Joel 2:28-29
The choir meets in the loft every
Sunday at 10 am.
All are very welcome to join!
Do You like to Sing?
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Remember to attend the
Scripture Union Camp Fund
Raiser on June 23rd.
Sadama will be making lunch for us
Come and support this great cause!
American Independence Day
Celebration
Sunday, June 30 in Frogner Park
From 12:00 Noon to 17:00 (5PM)
For the 28h year there will be an US Independence Day celebration in the
Frogner Park. The American Coordinating Council of Norway arranges the
event, and the ALC is a member organization.
Why not plan on heading over to the park after worship on Sunday?
The ALC will have an information booth in the park, drop by and say “Hi”!
FREE ADMISSION – FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT – GREAT FOOD –
SPORTS – CHILDREN’S GAMES – CRAFTS – BOOK SALE - BRING YOUR
FRIENDS – FUN FOR EVERYONE – RAFFLE WITH FANTASTIC PRIZES
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Mark Your Calendars for Our July Women's
Gathering on
July 5th
Friday, July 5th at 18:00
There will be hot dogs on the grill in the
backyard. Bring something else to grill if
hot dogs aren’t your thing, picnic side
dishes, chips, desserts (anyone for root beer floats?) , such – or
anything as you are inspired!! ….If you aren’t able to bring
something, come anyway – there is always enough! The
evening will conclude with a brief time for gathering as a group
for conversation and discussion about several upcoming ALC
activities, projects. As always, food, fun, fellowship
Volunteers Needed!
Most of us love the waffles that
are served
after the Sunday Worship Service
But….
We need volunteers to make them!
Please consider signing up for making
waffles one Sunday !
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Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2
3
19:00 Prayer Group
19:00 AA
4
Office Closed
USA’s Independence Day!
5
18:00 ALC Women’s
meeting
6
14:30 AA
7
10:30 Choir Rehearsal
11:00 Worship Service,
Holy Communion
12:00 Fellowship
8
17:00 tNET
17:15 Al-Anon
9
10
19:00 Prayer Group
19:00 AA
11
12
13
14:30 AA
14
10:30 Choir Rehearsal
11:00 Worship
12:00 Fellowship
15
17:00 tNET
17:15 Al-Anon
16
17
19:00 Prayer Group
19:00 AA
18
19
20
14:30 AA
21
10:30 Choir Rehearsal
11:00 Worship Svc
Holy Communion
12:00 Fellowship
22
17:00 tNET
17:15 Al-Anon
23
24
19:00 Prayer Group
19:00 AA
25
26
27
14:30 AA
28
10:30 Choir Rehearsal
11:00 Worship Svc
12:00 Fellowship
29
17:00 tNET
17:15 Al-Anon
30
31
19:00 Prayer Group
19:00 AA
July 2013
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Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2
3
19:00 Prayer Group
19:00 AA
4
Office Closed
USA’s Independence Day!
5
18:00 ALC Women’s
meeting
6
14:30 AA
7
10:30 Choir Rehearsal
11:00 Worship Service,
Holy Communion
12:00 Fellowship
8
17:00 tNET
17:15 Al-Anon
9
10
19:00 Prayer Group
19:00 AA
11
12
13
14:30 AA
14
10:30 Choir Rehearsal
11:00 Worship
12:00 Fellowship
15
17:00 tNET
17:15 Al-Anon
16
17
19:00 Prayer Group
19:00 AA
18
19
20
14:30 AA
21
10:30 Choir Rehearsal
11:00 Worship Svc
Holy Communion
12:00 Fellowship
22
17:00 tNET
17:15 Al-Anon
23
24
19:00 Prayer Group
19:00 AA
25
26
27
14:30 AA
28
10:30 Choir Rehearsal
11:00 Worship Svc
12:00 Fellowship
29
17:00 tNET
17:15 Al-Anon
30
31
19:00 Prayer Group
19:00 AA
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Living Abroad, Hopes and Fears,
United in Christ Where are you from?
A simple question to get to know someone, for someone to get to know
us.
This question can evoke wonderful feelings. Many of us remember, as
a child, proudly being able to write our name and say our address. A great feeling of
being a grown-up.
As an adult, the question can remind us how small the world can be. We meet some-
one at church, a conference, or through mutual friends. You’re from what country?
Me too. Oh really, what part. Gosh, what city? No way, me too – and so begins one
of those wonderful serendipitous, God-filled conversations about local restaurants,
church, community, activities.
Yet, where we are from can be complicated. Where we live(d) is not the same as
where we are from. In this ever-shrinking world, the longer we live, the more compli-
cated it gets! Well, I was born in …., went to school….. my parents moved …. My/
spouse’s job has taken us to ….. Maybe we dread the question. There is so simple, “I
am a young man of Egypt.”
This is not a new question. In Biblical times, be-
fore the days of passports, retina scans, and na-
tional ID numbers, this question was the way in
which one’s reputation, status was determined.
Micah asks the question of a priest, “Where are
you from?” He replies, "I am a Levite from Beth-
lehem in Judah.” (Judges 17:9) David asks of the
servant, “Where are you from?” who replies “I am a young man of Egypt…” (1 Sam
30:13).
Mark tells us that Simon (Peter) and his brother Andrew lived in (or very near) Caper-
naum 1:21-29), while John records that “the city of Andrew and Peter” was Bethsai-
da (1:44). Certainly, this can be accounted for in that Peter and Andrew were living in
Capernaum at the beginning of Jesus ministry, while Bethsaida was likely where they
established themselves as adults. Two different times. We can relate to this!
Where was Jesus from? Jesus’ birthplace was Bethlehem (Matthew 2:1), though he is
not referenced as Jesus of Bethlehem, but of his childhood home, Jesus of Nazareth
(Matthew 2:23). Interestingly, Pilate asked Jesus, “Where are you from?”, Jesus gave
him no answer.
Birthplace is straightforward. “Hometown” gets fuzzy, and “where are you from” can
be a crazy labyrinth! Perhaps this unveils that the English vocabulary needs some new
words for a changing world!
Birthplace is straightforward. Hometown gets fuzzy.
Where you are from can be a crazy labyrinth.
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As Christians, we can grapple with, laugh about, struggle with how to answer this
question, how we feel about multiple addresses, home(s) away from home, lacking a
simply answer.
A question we are assured about is who we are from. We are from God. God, the
creator, who wants nothing more than to be in relationship with us, who God creat-
ed. During this season of Pentecost, let us be reminded that no matter our address
(es), how complicated our answer to “where we are from,” We are assured who we
are from. God gives us the gift of the Holy Spirit always and everywhere. Praise the
Lord!
Through Christ, with Christ, in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and
honor is yours, almighty Father, forever and ever. Amen.
Hymn of the Month: Bless Now, O God, the Journey Hymn of the Month: Bless Now, O God, the Journey Words: Sylvia Dunstan, Born 1955
Music: Welsh, 19th century
Bless now, O God, the journey that all your people make,
the path through noise and silence, the way of give and take.
The trail is found in desert and winds the mountain round,
then leads beside still waters, the road where faith is found.
Bless sojourners and pilgrims who share this winding way;
your hope burns through the terrors, your love sustains the day.
We yearn for holy freedom while often we are bound;
together we are seeking the road where faith is found.
Divine eternal lover, you meet us on the road.
We wait for lands of promise where milk and honey flow,
but waiting not for places, you meet us all around.
Our covenant is written on roads, as faith is found.
Consider how you might contribute to this ALC ongoing dialogue on living abroad.
Do you have experience with a Christ-centered website, book, resource? A ques-
tion, a challenge, a success? Please share with our ALC community.
Submissions, sharings, joys, concerns:
Sharon Hermanson [email protected]
Pastor Tim [email protected]
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God Bless You on Your Special Day! June Birthdays
1- Elin Swedberg
2 - Anne Siri Greenquist,
2 - Sofie Lilja Donker
2 - Tani Sebro
2 – Joshua Morland
2 - Giovanna Pompa Mellilo
3 - Lightness Mamashita
4 - Mimi More,
4 - Matthias Ansgar Hultgren
4 - Peace Flood,
4 - Elisabeth Vestrum
5 - Arne Dag Johansen
5 - Kristine Wold
6 - David Lee Brock
6 - Warren R. Flood
6 - Nicola Rao
7 - Anna Kumwenda
7 - Tore Tøtdal,
7 - Janis Berzins
8 - Linda Kumwenda
10 - Emma Limseth
11 - Audrey Faykus Sjøstedt
11 - Mark Riding
13 - Dora Akudago
13 - Eric Mandeville
13 - Aleksander J. Brataas
14 - Kevin L. C. Herrera
17 - Maja Elizabeth Donker
17 - Lily Anne Donker
18 - Knut Killmer
18 - Minken A. Austad
19 - Paul Martin
20 - Astrid Bando Herkules
20 - Olivia Aleksandra Wang
21 - Abraham John Kumar
21 - David Mauk
22 - Knut Døhlen
23 - Janet M. Østrem,
23 - Karen Espegren
24 - Rolleiv Solholm
24 - Angelina Thomas
24 - Beatrice Abbey
26 - Paige Elisabeth Brown
28 - Jim Nelson
28 - Benedikte Jakobsen
29 - Elias Granerud
29 - Erik (E.J.) Odd H. Mandeville
29 - Paul Helge Grønn
30 - Ann Thune,
30 -Fegxian Li
1- William Ghonsal, Nariman Farshad
3 - Henry Liam, Naser Qawe
6 - Christi Limseth
7 - Eirik Grove
8 - Sudama Kajal
9 - Jacob Greenquist
10 - Alexander Staff
11 - Jannelle Nicolaisen Brataas
12 - Elizabeth Bell Mandeville
14 - Grace W. Horn
15 - Richard Blucher
16 - Adam Joseph Plato
17 - Grace Lubega
17 - Birikiti Mihretab
18 - Maria Østrem
20 - Thomas Sjøstedt,
20 - Mehdi Neyayati Pedarsani
22 - Rachel Martin
22 – Khabonina Grace Ngwenya
23 – Selma Sofie Nakken Olsen
24 - Sushma George
24 - Fahrad Mozafar
25 – Angel Faith Mdala
28 - Amsalework Tameru Flood
29 - Lars Lunde
29 – Karin Mandeville
29 - George Smefjell
29 - Andreas Kjeldahl Crouch
29- Anders Marstrander
31 - Kaia Aas Grove
July Birthdays
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Save the date!
The weekend of
September 20th!
Is the
2013 Congregational
Retreat at Østmarkskapellet
Last year we had a great turn out for the
Congregational Retreat. Over 40 of you made it
to the beautiful chapel in Østmarka.
We hope that you will take part this year too. As
with last year we will have the possibility for
limited transportation for those who might have
difficulties walking. So don’t let that stop you.
We will have more information in the August
Newsletter.!
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Ministry/Volunteer Opportunity
We are exploring creating a booklet/resource of some type that is
helpful to newcomers to Oslo. The goal is to provide a booklet/
resource to “shorten the learning curve” in transitioning to life in Nor-
way. Some information is out there in various places, some will come
from your experiences – the goal is that ALC have a one booklet “go-
to” guide as a helpful guide/service/ministry for newcomers to Oslo.
Kristi Sandven has graciously stepped up to offer her energy, exper-
tise, and skills to this potential project. However, for this project to get underway, we
need 2-3 more people to join in to help her co-coordinate things. The vision is to
create a short, straight-forward booklet to assist folks as they relocate to Oslo.
Topics might include (and/or any ideas you have!):
Cultural Adjustment
Tips, observations, etc. for the newcomer to Oslo
Helpful publications, books, news sources
Relocation Advice, Checklists (some examples might include):
Checklist in preparing to come to Oslo
Choosing where to live
Holidays
Phone/cable/Internet service
Postal service
Financial and Legal Information
Banking/Paying Bills
Medical Information
Emergency care
Non-emergency care
Transportation in Oslo
Public transportation
Driving, biking, walking
Children: Schools, Childcare and Activities
Food and Cooking, Eating Out
Shopping
Culture and Entertainment
Important Emergency/Contact Numbers
Useful Websites/Community Resources, etc.
Useful Norwegian Words/Phrases
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What we need? Volunteers with ideas, energy, experience willing to:
2-3 folks willing to help Kristi in co-coordinating
Numerous folks willing to commit to writing but a few short paragraphs on one or
more of the above topics (or one we haven’t thought of!) -- the nature of the book-
let and what it will include depends on YOU!
Everyone to share booklets, brochures, pamphlets, any information that you found
helpful in making the transition –simply pass it along to Kristi, Sharon Hermanson,
or the ALC office
Questions – if you are new to Oslo, we can use your “real-life” questions to learn
how to create a booklet that is convenient and helpful.
Anecdotes – if you are a long-termer, we would love to include contributions, indi-
vidual experiences, resources, ideas, those things that you wish you have known
about early on in your transition to Norge!
Someone with computer skills/an eye for formatting, creating a document that is
user-friendly. Perhaps even experience in publishing?
Contributions, big and small appreciated!
If this sounds like something that you would like to offer your time, talents, contributions,
great! Questions? Contact: Kristi Sandven ([email protected]) and/or Sharon
Hermanson ([email protected]))
Bible Study on Break until the Fall
Today the Monday Morning Bible Study group completed
their study of the Book of Revelation. Due to upcoming
vacations and travels during the coming weeks, this group
will take a break now until the fall. Watch the Messenger
and your email inbox for more information in August.
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Attended: Bob Sebro, President, Mel Engebretsen, Secretary, Mark Lanham, Volun-
teers, Sarvo Martin, Membership, Ingrid Fossland and Hakon Berger, Fellowship, Amalia
Diana Prodan, Education, John Chamberlain, Properties, Bjorn Radtke, Outreach; Timo-
thy Stewart, Pastor
Special welcome and Introductions for Ingrid Fossland and Hakon Berger our new
Fellowship chairs.
Treasurers Report March 2013
Offerings are still down. Coins and paper money were sent in which amounted to a
significant amount. DNB is making it difficult to cash in coins. It is much better if peo-
ple use net banking for offerings. This saves the church time and effort.
We paid the accountant in March
NOK 216,000 was paid out for the lift.
We are down NOK 168,000 after our first quarter compared to the budget. We have
reached 14% of our budget where we should have reached 25% by the end of the first
quarter.
Bob will give a “temple talk” on Sunday – He will inform the congregation about the
problems that we have with cash. We must look into providing bank card machine in
the church. Gain access to Square which connects through paypal
Stewardship Education - Possible letter this spring to our members to let them know
that we really do need the money now.
We can reach out to temporary workers and Alumi who have gone back to their home
countries. (AFCU)
Alumni in the US can give money to the ALC through the ELCA. This would allow
their contribution to be tax deductible in the US
We must find a way to become a national congregation so that we qualify for monies
from the State.
We have not paid out the benevolences yet – NOK 90,000 under accrued expenses
Sending out a quarterly report over giving
Pastors report
Discussion about types of membership – We are losing money from the government
because of the way our membership is classified. We want to encourage everyone to
be a full member.
Perhaps we should encourage those who have State church membership in Norway to
choose Associate member but if they have membership in another country then
choose full membership.
Committee plans, discussion and feedback
Membership - Sarvo
Celebration of new members in the coffee hour
Membership Directory - Mary Ann did the last directory in 2011. Now it is time for a
new one.
Summary of Council Approved Minutes April 2013
19
Make little information brochure and send it out.
Made a draft of what they are going to send out.
Check with Woody to see if the committee email accounts are working. Email
accounts for each committee were set up previously
Sarvo discussed the need for the membership committee to have keys so that they
can take those interested in membership to the church for a cup of coffee instead of
taking them out which of course costs money.
Volunteers - Mark
Jumbo Sale/ Bring & Buy – May 4th – Remember we need help especially to set
up on Friday night.
The point was made that there are people who can’t come to church because they
need to be picked up – elderly, bad timing with buses, definitely in the winter
time. In addition the cost of coming to church can be a problem so some people.
To come to church for As for example costs 180 NOK.
Mark will write a short piece for the Messenger. In addition a notice could be put
on the bulletin board asking if people needed rides.
Worship
Agenda item, paying substitute organists – NOK 1250 is the amount that we will
pay substitute organists. The going rate is 1650. We will try to go half way.
We need to pay this amount 5 times a year when Brad has vacation.
HES Report – John
Exits from the windows for the day care. Should not be less than 50 CM. Our
windows are not that large. There are ways to get around that. John will send the Oslo
Fire Inspector two reports from Multiconsult -2003 and 2004 which will show what
has been done.
April 25th there will be an HMS review of the church. We will walk through the
church that day.
Additional Discussion Greeters - We need a roster of greeters. We have security people every Sunday to
monitor the doors. They also welcome people but we also need specific people to act
as greeters.
We should have at least two people signed up as greeters each Sunday.
We could also set up families to greet
The greeters names could be put in the Bulletin
Next Meeting is scheduled for May 23
The meeting ended at 9:20 PM
Summary of Council Approved Minutes (Continued)
20
Our Facilitator -----------------
“Caroline illuminated the room with her energy, insights, and faith-filled focus. As an ex-pat, she understands and lives the day-to-day stresses and challenges of life abroad. As a Christian, she seeks answers in God-centered prayer.” Caroline Corda-Razat has over a decade of experience leading women’s faith-based retreats, small groups and leadership meetings. Her brand of humor, au-thenticity and energy brings insight to God’s truth and encourages and equips listeners to develop a deeper relationship with God. Although she earned an MBA from New York University, she counts it all joy to replace her ambition for dealing in the world’s international business with taking part in God’s eternal business. Caroline now lives in Paris with her American/French family of four. She continues to be actively involved in Moms in Prayer International and is a founding member of the ministry in France. As a docent, she has the oppor-tunity to share the gospel regularly with tourists in the very center of Paris, using a real “power” point presentation: the images at Notre Dame Cathedral.
God Spa Be filled, revived, and
renewed as we enjoy a God’s SPA:
S --- Sit P --- Pray A--- Allow
What: Women’s Retreat: a precious gift of time of rest and renewal.
When: August 30th & 31st Friday (17.00 - 20.30), Sat (9.00 - 17:00)
Where: American Lutheran Church – Hanson Hall Who: Women of all ages, journeys in life who desire a faith-filled weekend of discovering renewal of body and soul.