February, 2008

Hello Friends,

I am writing this, my first Communicator column, from sunny Tucson, AZ. Although hard to be away from Mindekirken, I appreciate the warm sun on my back as I recover from an unexpected case of bronchitis. While in Tucson, I attended service at the Lutheran Church of the Foothills where I met Pastor John Lilly and others in his congregation. The Christian Spirit is strong at Foothills and I felt very welcome there.

I was born in Grand Rapids, MN and attended Zion Lutheran church. My mother was Inga Othelia Engen, born on a homestead in Des Lacs, ND. She was one of eleven children born to Christian and Martha Engen. They were born on farms near Lillehammer and emigrated to America in 1884. Christian was a snekker (carpenter) and built many churches across the Midwest. My father’s maternal grandparents were also Norwegian immigrants from Hallingdal and Ringerike in Buskerud. His Great Grandfather, Tore Skotland, was one of the founders of Luther College.

I first came to Mindekirken as a friend and work associate of Magne Hatlevik. I fell in love with the people and felt at home there right away. I became a full member in April, 2001, while Ole Amund Gillebo was pastor. I have since served as a Trustee and Vice President plus countless odd volunteerisms.

The 2008 council year will start effective with the annual meeting on Feb 3^rd. I expect it will be a busy year filled with many challenges for council and congregation alike. I am also confident that we have good people, willing to do the job.

Yours in Christ …

Tom Lanman

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