June-July 2009

A Welcome and a Farewell

What a glorious Syttende Mai we had this year!   Thanks to the thoughtful preparation and cooperative efforts of many volunteers we had a beautiful service, great music, an enthusiastic parade featuring the children, a band who led us through the neighborhood, then serenaded us as we enjoyed our hot dogs and ice cream, modern Norway's favorite 17th of May food.   There were hardanger fiddlers, dancers in bunads, and demonstrations of rosemaling, hardanger embroidery, and wood carving.   Many wore national costumes and other Norwegian finery as they enjoyed the blessing of perfect weather.   The church was packed to over-flowing, and I invite and encourage everyone who joined us that day to return soon and worship with us, take a class, or come to a concert.   We would love to have you with us again soon.   If you love Norway, this is your church too.   

In July we will say goodbye to Pastor Per Inge and Karin Vik.   They have made great use of their time in the US, finding relatives, traveling, hosting relatives and friends, and sharing their many gifts with our congregation.   While they were with us they experienced deep loss as their mothers passed on, and great joy as they welcomed their first grandchild.   They have represented us at many local functions, often including charming duets with Per Inge on guitar and Karin on flute.   They have been enthusiastic participants in all church activities, and have graciously hosted and shared their "ekte norsk mat" as well, both at church and in their home.   I will especially miss Pastor's insightful sermons and Bible studies.   He has a great skill in showing the face of God, and revealing the essential and profound in the scripture in a deceptively clear and "simple" way.   He has been our strong but gentle shepherd.  

Karin is naturally shy and reserved, and sometimes I could see how difficult it was for her to perform in public, but she is always there to help and support (and feed) us.   As a couple,  they are a beautiful example of how a good marriage works.   There will be at least two events at Mindekirken where we will say goodbye to them.   A special Tuesday Open House on July 14th will focus on them looking back at their time in the US.   On their last Sunday with us, July 19th, we will say farewell as a congregation.   Take a moment during their remaining time here to let them know how they have touched your life.   God bless, Darlene Nordos president(at)mindekirken.org

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