October 2001

The hymns, music, readings, prayers, and the sermon focused on the tragedy that occurred in New York and Washington DC on Tuesday 11th of September.

Let me quote from the Norwegian bishops letter to the congregations: "Tuesday 11th of September is forever marked in our history and in our minds.

The terror that on this day hit the heart of the United States of America has touched the entire world and shocked all of us. Can life be the same after this?

During these days our thoughts reach out to the American people and all those who so brutally have their lives changed through loss and suffering.

During this time of grief we are challenged as a Church and as Christians to walk along "with faith in darkness" so that neither hate or mistrust overpower us.

As bishops we will encourage people to gather at church this Sunday and participate in prayer for all those who are affected by this tragedy, for the entire American people and the nation’s leadership. Let us pray for all those who have the great responsibility of taking care of peace in our world, those who fight for human basic rights such as freedom and safety.

We greet you all with the following words: God is calling the entire humanity to fight the powers of injustice, bondage and tyranny…In following Christ we are called to serve God by initiating peace and building justice. His love is calling us to break off from the bondage of hate and mistrust and to love those who are called our enemies."

The text for the sermon on this particular day was Psalm 23, from which President George W. Bush quoted in his first address to the nation after the terrorist attack: "Even when I walk in the valley of shadow of the death, I have no fear, for you are with me."

Facing this kind of tragedy, I think it is good to have a break . It is proper to take time for prayer and reflection and to share our feelings and experience. It is important to provide an opportunity for the children and youth to talk about their fear and anger. But after a while it is proper to go back to normal. To follow the common pattern and everyday routine is the best in the long term. Back to business. Back to school and work. Life has to continue.

A small group of enthusiastic people met several times during winter and spring 2001 to discuss our relationship to the neighborhood. The Church Council had a very positive and constructive discussion in two workshops, and finally at the Council meeting Sept. 10 voted for the Mission Statement, structure and activities.

The current leadership committee is: Kristian Olav Dahl, Chair, Suann Dahl, Secretary, Arne Kristian and Diane Solbakken, John Casey, and Ole Amund Gillebo.

One of the fall activities is an After-School-Program for neighborhood kids which will be taken care of by students from Augsburg College with professor Frankie Shackelford as supervisor.

Sunday School began Sept. 9 and will be held every Sunday at 11:00 AM Megan Ehresmann, a freshman student at Augsburg College, offered to volunteer in teaching Sunday School. She was presented at Mindekirken on Sun., Sept 9. and she is very much appreciated and welcome to help with this very important part of our congregation..

Confirmation Class has 4 students: Per Øveraas, Bente Madson, Ivan Anleu (Knutson), Andrew Worrall. They will be presented at Mindekirken, Sunday 30th of September.

Honorable guests will participate in the Service at Mindekirken Sunday 7th Oct: former Vice President Walter Mondale, the new Norwegian Consul General and wife Tor and Kjersti Johansen, Professor at Luther Seminary Dr. Todd Nichol.

Sunday 14th of Oct guest preacher is Bishop Emeritus of Oslo, Dr.Andreas Aarflot.

The Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Church ·  924 E. 21st St, Minneapolis, MN 55404-2952 ·  (612)874-0716