November 2002

November is Stewardship Month
by Magne A. Hatlevik, President of Congregation

It is the fall season, and as sure as the leaves on the trees are changing color, Mindekirken’s Congregation Council has begun another Stewardship drive. A committee has already met and decided on a stewardship campaign format similar to that of last year.

For many of you, the concept of Stewardship at Mindekirken might not be too unfamiliar. The idea is to return to God a portion of the gifts we have been given by Him. There are several ways that this can be done but typically your stewardship of the church takes the form of giving of your time, talent and/or treasures.

Each of these fits into an area that ends up making our church life a richer and more rewarding experience. The first of them we see in the many uses we make of volunteers – ushering, altar guild, kitchen help, assistance with our many church events, as well as help with preparing and mailing this newsletter that you are now reading.

The second shows in areas in which members of our congregation can give of their special expertise that help the church. This can be one of our many musical talents, to the knowledge that keeps the office computers running, to the legal expertise that helps us call pastors from Norway, to the mechanical knowledge that helps keep our water and furnaces functioning.

The third and final area, the financial realm, is very important to keep the church running. Sure, Mindekirken has expenses for utilities, salaries, and the general office and building maintenance. Yet, we like to think about meeting these responsibilities more so as the stewards’ need to give than the church’s need to receive.

By the time you read this, you may already have gotten the first mailing that comes out as part of the stewardship program. During the November 10^th church services, we will share with you some information on the program. The following Sunday, November 17^th will be "Stewardship Sunday". On that day we will hand out to those attending services, or mail to those who aren’t able to make it, some materials that will include a card for you to turn back in with your best estimate of what your monetary contribution to Mindekirken will be in 2003. The following Sunday, November 24th, will be Dedication Sunday. On that day we will celebrate the result of the stewardship campaign with a potluck lunch. You are all invited to bring a dish to share.

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