Here we are, just back from a long trip to Scandinavia. I was a trip leader for a group of 42 skiers on a trip to Iceland, Holmenkollen in Oslo, Lillehammer and Copenhagen, Denmark. It was a great trip and all participants enjoyed the unique experiences we encountered. That included a trip to the Blue Lagoon in Iceland. We also attended the famous Holmenkoll Dagen Ski Jumping Competition (in the fog). We skied the Olympic downhill slopes at Kvitfjell near Lillehammer and tried dog-sledding at Skeikampen.

While in Lillehammer, about 15 people from our group took the trip to Moelv to visit former Mindekirken Pastor Ole Amund Gillebo and his wife Jorid. It was great to see Pastor Gillebo and Jorid again. True to the reputation of Norwegian hospitality, Ole Amund and Jorid gave us a hearty welcome and served a very delicious dinner. She was just disappointed that the entire group didn’t come!

After the dinner we had a tour of the parsonage they live in as well as a very informative tour of Ringsaker Kirke where Ole Amund serves as Sokneprest. Built before the Reformation, the church was originally Catholic Church. Some of the design of the church still shows its Catholic origin. I know that Pastor Gillebo and Jorid get this newsletter, so I want to say thank you to them for the great evening we had together.

Our travels took us to other parts of Norway to visit relatives and other friends of Mindekirken. Mindekirken is gaining a wide circle of friends that extends even to Norway!

We were also fortunate to be able to visit several other churches. Church services at Mindekirken are exactly as they are in Norway – same liturgy, same hymnal. With one striking difference: no offering plate was passed. If you remember, the government supports the churches in Norway. At Mindekirken, this is not the case.

It is great to be back to find that life at Mindekirken had not stopped in my absence. Spring is here and that always brings some special events to Mindekirken. Syttende Mai this year will be celebrated on Sunday May 16 with an 11:00 Festival Worship Service. Following the service, a "folketog" parade will take place followed by Syttende Mai festivities including ice cream at the church.

Thanks for your continuing support and I hope to see you at a service or other event in the near future.