Feb. 2003
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2002 - was it a good year? Many of the readers will classify 2002 as a mediocre year. The economy was bad. The stock market took a dive and took with it a great part of retirement savings for many of us. Scandals surfaced both here and there. Threat of war and other bad things seemed to be looming on the horizon the entire year. And this was my first year as the chosen President of the Congregational Council of Mindekirken. For Mindekirken on the other hand, I think 2002 turned out to be a good year. It sure seemed like doom and gloom when I wrote my column just a month ago. The cash flow of Mindekirken was falling apart with forecast of ending the year with the greatest deficit anyone can remember. But thanks to God answering our prayers and the generosity of all the members and friends of Mindekirken we ended the year in the black with just a bit to spare. I want to give a special thanks to The Kirkering group chaired by Reidun Mauritzen. They donated $15,500 to Mindekirken in December 2002. Also thanks to The Alle Kvinner group led by Margery Nelson. They gave $5000. Another $2000 came from the Norwegian Language Classes. Thank you to all of you. In April 2002 we said goodbye to our pastor of two years Ole Amund Gillebo and his wife Jorid. They both did wonderful work for Mindekirken and we miss them much. Our next chosen pastor Jens Arne Dale arrived in April. We are so grateful for the way that worked out. Jens came with new ideas, great sermons and interesting (sometime dangerous) ways to deliver them. You are all invited to experience his family sermons where he is preaching while illustrating the point with paint and an easel while standing on top of a table. Mindekirken is known for the high quality of its musical programs. The Summer Concert Series was no exception. In fact, one of the summer choir events "The Soloist Choir" filled Mindekirken beyond capacity when they visited in August 2002. Another example of the quality events that are sponsored by Mindekirken was the Leiv Eriksson International Festival of 2002 superbly led by Mindekirken’s music director, Jim Reilly. The LEIF Festival put on events for the entire month of October and many of the events were at Mindekirken. There are so many individuals to give thanks to and my
space is filling up. All in all, 2002 was a good year for Mindkirken. Thanks to
all that contributed to the success. |
The Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Church · 924 E. 21st St, Minneapolis, MN 55404-2952 · (612)874-0716 |