Feb. 2006

From the Council President - The Annual Meeting

February marks the beginning of a new fiscal year for Mindekirken.   The congregation will hold its annual meeting on Sun., Feb.5 and discuss important topics such as who will lead the congregation, who will represent the church at synod meetings, and to vote on the financial guidelines for the coming year.  You might say it’s a new beginning.  It is, but it is one that is built on the foundation of years of hard work and dedication of many people. 

 On Jan. 9, 1922, Mindekirken was formed with 22 charter members.  They were a part of what was at that time the Norwegian Lutheran Church in America.  The NLCA has merged with other synods over the years.

Today Mindekirken is a member of the ELCA—Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. 

Now, 84 years later, how do we fit into this picture?  Mindekirken and the tradition of being a Norwegian language church with pastors from Norway have a solid place in the ELCA family.  We are considered a niche church – a church serving a specific group of people.    

At the same time Mindekirken is serving those who worship in Norwegian, there are ELCA Lutheran churches in Minneapolis worshiping in Spanish, Latvian, Korean, Oromo and sign language.  

Mindekirken church leaders are committed to upholding and supporting the traditions that the church was built on and that are stated in the Constitution and Bylaws.  Mindekirken will continue to provide services in the Norwegian language and minister to Norwegian-speaking people, as a center for Norwegian church and cultural life in Minneapolis.  

In closing, I’d like to thank the outgoing 2005 officers, council members, representatives and committee members for their service this past year. 

Your hard work, commitment and support have been greatly appreciated.

Yours in Christ, Cindy M. Hatlevik

Council President president@mindekirken.org

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