September 2007

President’s Message:  Prairie Churches

Prairie churches hold a special place in many memories and especially in Scandinavian history.  I was reminded of this while on a trip back home to North Dakota for a centennial celebration.  The history book tells about this newly developing community, bustling with activity.  A real melting pot of nationalities, including Norwegians, all looking for a promising future.

Sure, there was business to tend to – hotels, banks, general stores and livery stables, not to mention all the challenges of farming and ranching.  But to be really successful, they knew churches were central to the new community.  It wasn’t long before a spot of land was donated, materials gathered and the now-familiar white spires were dotting the prairie landscape.

Mindekirken is not a pioneer church and has been around for some 85 years now.  But with every year, there are new opportunities for Christian learning and fellowship – all within the Norwegian culture experience.  To keep these opportunities available to everyone takes the work and commitment of many people.

Do you have a bit of the pioneer spirit in you?  Our church is already built, but there is always work to be done.  Please contact the office to volunteer to work at some of our fall events that are listed in this newsletter.  Remember the saying “Many hands make light work”.

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