September 2004

So, what is happening at Mindekirken?

The summer has gone by in a hurry and I just can’t believe that it is already September. As many of you know, I started a new career this spring and summer. I am now a licensed RealtorÒ working with Edina Realty in Woodbury. This does not mean that I no longer work with computers. I will still be maintaining the computer hardware and software at Mindekirken.

The Congregational Council at Mindekirken usually takes a break during the month of July. This year however, we ended up with two special Congregational Council meetings during the month. I want to apologize for not giving the council members a break this year, but I believe these were worthy meetings and we made great progress towards a solution to the rainwater drainage problem on the North side of the annex building.

It is with a bit of sadness that I tell you that we have activated the Call Committee. By experience we know that it usually takes about a year to select and hire a Pastor from Norway. The Call Committee has met several times and is now advertising in various newspapers in Norway. Pastor Dale plans on serving at Mindekirken until at least October 31, 2005. His wife, Trude will go back to Norway in June 2005 to resume her job as a journalist at a newspaper in Gjøvik.

A new Kitchen Committee, led by Kathy Sandom, has met several times this summer. Their goal is to give the kitchens and the people who work there more support, direction and plan for the future. They have the Council’s full and enthusiastic support. After worship, Kirkekaffe is one of the most popular activities we have. Every Sunday after the services we gather in the fellowship hall for something to eat, coffee and good conversation. This summer we have seen a renewed enthusiasm about Kirkekaffe. The food and the presentation have been just fantastic.

In 1976 I came to Minneapolis directly from Norway. I soon became the newest member of Mindekirken. The Kirkekaffe was special then too. That was the place I went to keep in touch with the language and culture of my home country. I remember putting $1 in the basket and felt that was a good donation for the finest coffee in town. Still today almost 30 years later, most people put just $1 in the basket. Now the kitchen and the Fellowship Hall are 30 years older and in need of a facelift. After expenses, monies donated at Kirkekaffe are earmarked for kitchen expenses and improvements. Perhaps it is time that we all think about giving Kirkekaffe a small increase of perhaps $2 or so. I know – it is still a free will donation, but sometimes the ‘free will’ needs a little push too.

Thanks to all that read this column and for all the support you give both to Mindekirken and me. God bless you all.

Magne A. Hatlevik

President

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