It sure seemed like doom and gloom in November when the General Fund was nearly $40,000 in the red. 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. Thank you to all of you.

The congregation of Mindekirken was met with some hard challenges this year. Early in the year we were labored with the challenge of forming an outreach relationship between Mindekirken and the Christian Ethiopian congregation lead by Saleshi Testaye. After much prayer and deliberation, it was decided that this type of relationship would not be a good fit for Mindekirken. With the help of Pastor Cherian of Agora Ministries, Saleshi and his congregation found another church in the Twin Cities to call home and we have continued our support during the year by including Agora Ministries in our Mission projects.

During the fall months I had to call two special Congregational meetings to vote on the ‘Declaration of Easements and Covenants’ that will govern the relationship between Mindekirken and the City-County Federal Credit Union. The Credit Union has purchased the lot to the north of the Annex building at Mindekirken. The ‘Declaration of Easements and Covenants’ will spell out our mutually beneficial use of our combined parking lots. We hired Mr. Mike Bash, an outside legal advisor with experience in these matters to review the contract and work with us in the negotiations. At the meeting on November 23^rd the Congregation approved a motion that will, in cooperation with our legal advisor, allow us to complete the final negotiations and approve the agreement with the Credit Union.

There were good times too during the year. Among those, I want to mention the LEIF festival that among other offered a great concert by the Nidaros Cathedral Boy’s Choir and many fantastic events at the "Tuesday Open House" programs. One of the best was the program with Rolf Stang as "Hans Kristian Andersen" telling his own fairy tales.

There are so many individuals to give thanks to and my space is filling up. All in all, 2003 was a great year for Mindkirken. Thanks to all that contributed to the success.