Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Church DEN NORSK LUTHERSKE MINNEKIRKE 2614 NORTH KEDZIE BOULEVARD • CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60647
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Velkommen Tilbake!!
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Fa l l / h ø s t 2 0 1 9
Pastor’s Message
2
President’s Report
4
Baking Time
5
Visitng Pastor Ekra
6
Construction Update
7
News from Norway
8
Per Hugo
10
Laugh a Little...
13
Memories
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Visit Minnekirken’s website: www.minnekirken-chicago.org Visit us on facebook! Minnekirken-Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Church Visit us in Person…. 2614 N. Kedzie Blvd., Chicago Service every Sunday at 11 a.m.
KONTAKT magazine is published by the congregation of the Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Church, 2614 N. Kedzie Blvd. Chicago, IL 60647 (773)252-7335 Email: office.nlmc@gmail.com Editor: Leandra Trifunovich. (847)292-9999, leandrart@sbcglobal.net
Perhaps you have heard of Flat Stanley? If not, then Travelocity’s Roaming Gnome? Flat Stanley was a great way for school kids to learn about the world, each child would cut out and color their own Flat Stanley and people would take pictures of the children’s Stanleys and send them back to the class as the cut-outs made their way here and there. Sparkhouse publishers did this with a “Flat Jesus” too—much to the delight of Sunday School kids! The “Roaming Gnome” was more of a marketing campaign, but it was fun to see where Travelocity’s gnome would pop-up next! This summer Minnekirken had an opportunity to enjoy our own version of this! With gratitude for the many people who made the Schoenknecht’s trip to Norway possible, pastor gave away Minnekirken T-shirts! Thanks to Matt and Erika Nygaard, we created the shirts in honor of being chosen as the Grand Marshall unit at the front of the 2019 Syttende Mai Parade! It certainly was fun to see our large group from church proudly marching in their Bunads and T-shirts. Then it became clear to pastor that the Minnekirken Ts would be a great thank you gift, and so two dozen made their way across the North Atlantic! Rev. Tore and Anita Skjæveland immediately donned theirs and wore them all around Bergen— even on trampolines! Newlywed Eirik Hilleren Finne Jerven Berger wore his at Apalvik, the family farm on Nordre Sandøy in the Hvaler. Will we see any more on Facebook? If you have a T-shirt and are reading this – whether in Norway, the US, or anywhere - please take a picture so we can see where our shirts are being seen! Share the pictures to the church Facebook page! If you want a T-shirt, let us know! They are great encouragments for us all to wear our faith in Christ and our love for Minnekirken proudly wherever God takes us in life!
DID YOU KNOW…. We’re going troll hunting! For details, see page 3 We are applying for landmark status? For details, see page 7 Minnekirken will be featured again in Open House Chicago . Details on page 11 It’s Baking Time! And TONs of fun!!! Details on page 5 1
Pastor’s Greeting
Celebrating, Singing, Playing and Participating….
We’ve been away. It was less than a week after my summer sabbatical from Minnekirken ended when I began to write this, and I’m still processing all the incredible experiences of the past summer. It did include an epic trip to Norway—wonderful friends, joyous occasions, fabulous weather, sights, sounds, flavors, landscapes that will be forever etched upon my family’s collective memory. Gud er god! My favorite photos have been the "panoramas." It seems like that format was the only way to even begin to capture the wideness and wonder of the Norwegian landscape. From meeting the Rotheims, Eveyln and Eirik in Oslo, overlooking the harbor on our first night; to the wedding at Røed Gård på Jeløy; to Apalvik on Nordre Sandøy Hvaler; to our "Norway in a Nutshell" trip to Bergen, it could not have gone better.
That said, from what I've seen there have also been some epic things accomplished by Minnekirken in our absence – from some initial structural engineering work on our landmark red brick facade to efforts to reprise last year’s Mission Backpack giveaway in Logan Square. Others have penned articles about all this elsewhere in this issue of Kontakt, folks who are more intimately acquainted with all these goings on than me. I was in Norway, after all!!! 2
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Viking Verbiage Ever wondered where the word ‘berserk’ comes from? ‘Berserkers’ was the name of some terrifying Viking warriors who wore bear or wolf skins and howled in battle like wild animals! The word probably comes from ber (bear) + serkr (shirt). Dozens of words from Old Norse, the language of the ancient Nordic gods, the Vikings, and Scandinavia itself remain in the English speaking world's daily lexicon, no doubt forced upon it when Viking warriors and merchants invaded Britain more than 1,000 years ago. Let's take a closer look at some of them... Ugly—When the Vikings felt like insulting one another, there’s a fair chance they would use the word uggligr… stemming from the word ugga – to fear. If a Viking wasn’t fearsome enough, an ugly one would have been enough to make you choke on your meat. Thursday —The word Thursday stems from Thor's Day, who was the Norse god of Thunder. This one dates way back to the 12th century, from Old Norse thōrsdagr. Window—Literally translated, a window is a wind-eye according to Old Norse. It stems from vindauga, where vind means wind and auga is eye. The Swedes have abandoned this word for fönster from the German fenster, but the Danes still use it today (vindue). Knife—Yes, the Scandinavians coined this word too. The knife, from Old Norse knīfr was an important part of Viking culture, and was often buried together with its owner. Knives were used for hunting and combat. Husband According to Old Norse, husband means "householder" from hūsbōndi, where hūs is house + bōndi means holder. Not sure what the modern, gender-aware Swedes would have to say about this, but their predecessors were adamant that it was the man and the man only who held the house. Freckle—"Freckle" joins the club of Old Norse words, this one stemming from freknōttr. You may have noticed that many of these words feature the letter K – makes you hope the Vikings took full advantage when it came to Viking Scrabble... Elves and trolls—"Elf" (alfr) and "troll" are two more Norse words. Besides the Vikings, Scandinavia is famed for its folklore and mythology – especially in Norway. You may be thinking there's nothing so fearsome about the troll pictured below, but get your teeth into some Norse lit and you may quickly change your mind Cake—Next time you blow out the candles on your birthday cake, take the time to consider that if it wasn't for Norse, it wouldn't be a "cake", or kaka, and therefore wouldn't be a birthday at all. Viking—If there was ever a word we could guarantee came from the Vikings it would have to be the word Viking. The word comes from the Old Norse: vīkingr – with one theory suggesting it stems from the phrasal verb fara í víking, "to go on an expedition", which in turn stems from the Old Norse vika, meaning "sea mile".
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But now I’m getting back into the groove of things. With a summer soon ending, I prayerfully look ahead – so here’s my “panorama” in words for Fall 2019 at Minnekirken! We’re praying that our "Mission: Backpack" in August will create some inroads for Minnekirken with the young families of our community. We want to follow-up with some new opportunities for youth and family ministry. Anyone who is interested in helping with youth ministry should let me know. After Labor Day I will begin a Sunday sermon series that will features some of our experiences in Norway. I’ve been meditating over the possible themes, but it’s still in the percolation stage as I write this. Come September our “Fantastisk 4th” – fourth Sunday of the month family worship and Sunday School – will begin again over the school year. Hopefully our families will be in worship more than once a month, but I do hope you’ll mark fourth Sundays as great days for the entire family to be in worship at Minnekirken. Tell the kids that their friends are welcome too! On a side note, don’t be surprised if I try to line up some of Minnekirken’s kids to read, acolyte, and participate in other ways on 4th Sundays over 2019-2020. In October, I’m looking ahead to our Leif Erickson Adventure Day on Monday, October 14 (aka Columbus Day). It’s beeen suggested we go troll hunting at the Morton Aborteum! Go to their website for more details. Perhaps a lock-in retreat at Minnekirken for kids on the Sunday before might be fun too. Again families should let me know if you are interested! October also brings with it Open House Chicago! About 2000 visitors come through Minnekirken’s doors the weekend of October 19-20. Docents and other volunteers are needed for this event! I’ll be scheduling docent training soon, so if you are interested in learning more about our landmark building and it’s Norwegian heritage, perhaps this is an outreach ministry for you! It always best to check our website or Facebook page for the latest happenings. As I write this article mid-summer, it’s with great expectations to see many more of you in worship and at our numerous events come fall. I know it’s not always easy to get into the city on hot, summer days. But please keep Minnekirken and our ministry near-and-dear, especially as we lean into the busy autumn and Christmas holiday seasons. On a side note, I should say that after a wonderful dinner out with my wife, the General Manager of Saba Italian Bar + Kitchen, Kyle Fountaine, has said that if anyone from Minnekirken comes to brunch with the day’s church bulletin they would “do something special.” This could be a fun new community partnership! Saba is just a block north on Milwaukee – across Sawyer from the McDonalds. It’s an easy walk! Church + Brunch = a Delightful Sunday in Logan Square! See you in worship!
Pastor David Schoenknecht
[pastor.nlmc@gmail.com]
Minnekirken was built over 100 years ago with a lot of materials and processes that are considered obsolete today.
Play with us Sing with us Create with us Laugh with us Learn with us Join us the 4th Sunday of every month for…
As with the Notre Dame Cathedral in France, old buildings are very susceptible to damage due to decades of weather and settling and shifting due to area construction. Although we are working on securing Landmark Status for the entire building which would make the church eligible for specific architectural and structural funding , the day-to-day maintenance of this old building, as with any old structure, is very expensive. Please consider using the envelope included in this issue of Kontakt to send in your donation today so that generations ahead of us will continue to worship and enjoy that “little red church” at 2614 N. Kedzie Ave. Tusen Takk!
Fantastisk 4th! All elementary-aged children are invited to Sunday School in the festsalen immediately following Pastor’s Children Message during Sunday service. Our first lesson will be on Sunday, 9/22 and we hope to see you there! 3
President’s Report
Laugh a Little...
Council President Bev Coyveau
Church Ladies with Typewriters…
the Church.
Minnekirken was honored to be the Grand Marshall’s of this year’s Synette Mai parade. It was a beautiful event. We were also honored to have the Ambassador from Norway, Mr. Kare Aas attend our parade and also the banquet. He was delightful and we all had a good time. The Norwegian National League does a great job hosting the banquet and I would encourage you all to attend next year’s dinner.
It is unclear at this point when and if this project will start. We are hoping and praying for city approval. Please include us in your prayers for our beloved Church. We have been here for over 100 years and we continue to hold strong!
We continue to be active in the community supporting neighborhood activities such as the Paseo Garden Mother’s Day plant sale. We open our doors and sell our famous waffles, which are always a big hit, and we have fun doing it. We strive to have our doors open to the community and encourage neighborhood people to attend our services. At one of our Logan Square Preservation meetings, an architect, Mr. Barnaby Wauters pointed out a severe problem with the front of our Church. Water was getting behind the 100+ year old brick façade. We had an emergency board meeting and voted to apply for full landmark status from the City of Chicago to assist us in this massive endeavor.
Also, some news concerning the Grace Methodist Church at the corner of Kimball & Wrightwood – They have a large footprint on the corner which includes the Church, a gym & a parsonage building. This property has been up for sale. The community does not want this architecturally significant building torn down. There is a proposal to have the gymnasium turned into a field house for the nearby Unity Park. Also talks are happening for other churches to join in with The Grace Church.
The sermon this morning: “Jesus Walks on the Water.” The sermon tonight: “Searching for Jesus”.
Looking forward to seeing everyone at the Taste of Norway!
As always it is a privilege to serve as President of this wonderful congregation. Fall 2019 Kontakt Kontributors: Pastor Schoenknecht Bev Coyveau Karena Dahl Betty Geilen Matt Nygaard Lynn Maxson Barb Kronborg-Mogil Grace Trifunovich
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He only had one major publication. It was in Hebrew It had no references. It wasn’t published in a refereed journal Some doubt he wrote it himself He may have created the world but what has he done since then?
Announcement in a church bulletin for a national Prayer and Fasting Conference: “the cost for attending the Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals.” 7. The scientific community can’t replicate His results
Baking for the Taste of Norway will begin in September. If you are interested in joining in on this please contact Kare-na Dahl or Susan Tokich.
In the meantime we have had to structurally secure the front of our building. A restoration company was hired to do this job. It took approximately one week at a cost of over $20,000. I can’t stress how very very fortunate we are to have professional people volunteering to help us. We received letters from both Alderman Carlos RamierzRosa Ward 35 and Alderman Scott Waguspack, Ward 32 supporting our application for full Landmark status. This will include landmark status for our sanctuary as well. We currently have landmark status on only the front façade of
Bertha Belch, a missionary from Africa, will be speaking tonight at Calvary Methodist. Come hear Bertha Belch all the way from Africa.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
The Grace Furniture building next door is on their third developer and I am told construction will begin sometime in August.
We are again hosting Open House Chicago. The dates for this event are October 19 & 20th. This is an honor as it is the third year in a row that we have been invited to partic-ipate. It is great exposure for us. Over 1700 people passed through our doors last year.
We are very blessed to have the community support for this project. Mr. Ward Miller, also an architect and a long time advo-cate of Minnekirken attended this meeting along with a structural engineer and some of our members. This is a long process and we are grateful to Matt Nygaard for spear heading this project and getting an application submitted to the city for approval. The estimated cost of this renovation is in the range of $500,000 - $800,000.
the following actually appeared in church bulletins or were announced in church services
Why God was Denied Tenure…
Our youth basketball team is back in action Wednesday at 8 pm in the recreation hall. Come out and watch us kill Christ the King. The peacemaking meeting scheduled for today has been cancelled due to a conflict. Barbra remains in the hospital and needs blood donors for more transfusions She is also having trouble sleeping and requests tapes of Pastor Jack’s sermons. Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered.
8. He never got permission from the ethics board to use human subjects 9. When one experiment went awry, He tried to cover titup by drowning the subject 10. He rarely came to class and just told students: “Read the Book” 11. Some say He had His son teach the class. 12. He expelled His first two students 13. His office hours were irregular and sometimes held on a mountaintop. 14. Although there were only 10 requirements, most students failed.
10 Commandments—Norwegian Style 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Der’s only one God, ya know. Don’t make that fish on yur mantle an idol. Cussing ain’t Minnesota nice. Ladies Bible Study will be help Thursday morning at 10 am. All ladies are invited to lunch in the FellowGo to church even when yur up nort. ship Hall after the B.S. is done. Honor yur folks. Don’t kill. Catch and release This evening at 7pm there will be a hymn sing in the There is only one Lena for every Ole. No cheatin. park across from the church. Bring a blanket and If it’aint yur lutefisk, don’t take it. come prepared to sin. Don’t be bragging’ bout how much snow ya shoveled. The church will host an evening of fine dining, superb 10. Keep yur mind off your neighbor’s hotdish! entertainment and gracious hostility. The pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the con- The following are from gregation would lend them him their electric girdles You think it’s hot here?—God for the pancake breakfast next Sunday. Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles and other items to be recycled. Proceed will be used to cripple children.
actual billboards ...
Let’s meet at my house Sunday before the game—God We need to talk—God Keep using my name in vain, I’ll make rush hour longer-God Follow me.—God Don’t make me come down there!!!!—God 13
IMPORTANT DATES—Velkommen Alle Sammen! Sunday September 8: Pre-service Bible studies resume with pastor at 9:30 a.m. Note all are invited to this weekly meeting. Sunday September 22: Sunday School Returns! All elementary school-age children are welcome. We start each lesson upstairs during the regular service and then after the children’s message move to the Festsalen for Sunday School fun! Sunday October 6 at 10am: Leif Erickson Day Commemoration at the statue in Humbolt Park, Chicago. Monday, October 14 (aka Columbus Day): Leif Erickson Adventure Day "troll hunting" trip to Morton Arboretum. Sunday September 29 at noon: Semi-annual Congregational meeting right after the 11 a.m. service. Please spread the word and plan to attend. Your church needs your input and support!
Weekend of October 19-20: 9a.m.-3p.m. Open House Chicago. Last year Minnekirken hosted hundreds of visitors who were interested in the beauty and history of our magnificent church. If you are interested in serving as a docent or making and selling waffles, please contact Bev Coyveau.
Saturday, September 7 begins preparations for The Taste of Norway—bakers and helpers of all kind are welcome! See page 5 for details. Saturday November 16 beginning at 10 am: Taste of Norway with Christmas cookies, ertesuppe, Norwegian waffles, crafts, sweaters, raffles and fun. Contact Karena today or the church office if you are able to help - we need bakers, raffle sellers, pea soup servers, cookie sellers, white elephant help, set up, break down and more. Upcoming...weekly choir practice in preparation for the Christmas Concert. No experience necessary. Contact our Music Director Yeeson Kwon for more information.
Join Us For Baking At Minnekirken
MAKE NORWEGIAN CHRISTMAS COOKIES TO SELL AT TASTE OF NORWAY 2019
Baking usually begins around 10:00 a.m. Timing flexible to accommodate your availability. The batter is made ahead of the baking time. Lunch is provided – coordinated by a volunteer - so we’ll take a nice break to enjoy!
The church will be stocked with any special equipment needed (cookie sheets, cooling racks, parchment paper, storage boxes, molds, cutters, etc.). There is a lot that can be accomplished with many willing hands!
9/07/19
Spritz
9/14/19
Peppernøtter and Serinakaker
9/21/19
Berlinerkranser and Julekaker
9/28/19
Spritz and Sandnøtter
No Free Rent By Lynn Sove Maxson Recently in one of my daily readings, I saw a phrase which I believe was attributed to Ann Landers. “No Free Rent”. The article was dealing with anger and frustration. Don’t we all have that to relate to. First I began examining myself and analyzing my reaction to anger and frustration. Then I noticed the behavior of friends and thought about it more. I didn’t focus on faults but saw the anger and frustration eating away at people. That brought another quote to mind by George Eliot: “It is a narrow mind which cannot look at a subject from various points of view.”
10/05/19 Pepperkaker and Julekaker
10/12/19 Berlinerkranser and
Serinakaker
Since I was about five years old, I was a bookaholic. It is something which I learned from my Norwegian parents. Books are sacred and should be treated with respect and shared. To this date it is a big part of my daily life. The things I read have helped me through life. When I share the most important ideas and helpful hints, it reinforces them in me. By sharing I have to set an example – not do what I say follow my example! When you get angry or frustration sets in –Stop! Think about the situation because God always shows you an out or gives you choices! Instead of closing all the doors and getting ready to explode Stop-NO FREE RENT in your brain! First that thought usually brings a smile and if someone is around it might produce a laugh. Can you change or solve the situation? Do you want to? Back off with a clear brain. Did you ever put the problem onto the person causing it? No, I don’t mean blame! Maybe this person has more “baggage” or problems than you and it is easier to pick on someone else. They may use No Free Rent unconsciously. Also, some people enjoy looking down or picking on others. That is really sad and they need more understanding to help them. Some people don’t think and may not be aware of their actions, hopefully. My philosophy is to share a smile and look for a bright side. Laugh and you get one in return. Share a positive moment and it is doubled. Life is way to short to miss an enriching moment and smile. While writing this on the back porch, listening to a fountain and birds singing, a bright red cardinal landed on the rich green lawn. Wow, God is a great artist. Oh, I should be getting dressed for church – he flew away. 12
10/19/19 and 10/26/19 – No Baking 11/02/19
Drømmer and Sirupsnipper
11/09/19
Kokosmakroner and Spritz
11/16/19
Set-up and packaging
Contact Sue Tokich at the church office (772-252-7335) or Karena Dahl (224-622-3606) for additional details.
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ARNE EKRA, VISITING PASTOR Norwegians Arne Ekra and his family serve Minnekirken for a month every summer. He preaches, and during the service his two daughters, Mathilde and Tomine, sometimes sing duets, and this year his wife Miriam did the soprano part in a trio with Karina Dahl and our church organist Dr. Kwon.
Song: Dagen i dag Visiting Norwegian Pastor Ekra gave us his loose translation to English of the song “Day by Day” by the north Norway folk group “Hekla Stålstrenga.” Here is the middle verse: Jeg trengte ikke havet or elvene I didn’t need the sea and the rivers Før jeg krøp gjennom varme og tørke Before I crawled through heat and dry Jeg trengte ikke sola og månen I didn’t need the sun and the moon Før jeg løftet opp øynene fra mørket Before I lifted my eyes from the dark Jeg trengte ikke roen og freden I didn’t need the peace and quiet Før jeg hvilte fra uro og jag Before I rested from turmoil and chaos Jeg trengte ikke smilet og ordene I didn’t need the smile and the words Før jeg tok imot dagen I dag. Before I accepted the day today
His last sermon this summer amusingly linked the Mary and hardworking Martha Bible story with recalling his own struggles assembling an IKEA “Billy” bookcase. He set aside the instructions and tried to assemble the bookcase on his own. The result was something like a bookcase, but there were leftover parts, which he hid from his wife, and the shelves were not fully stable. Teacher Ekra parted from us with these words: “Be close to Jesus. Follow his instructions. Good luck! When we come home to Norway we talk a lot about you—we bring back good memories. In our daily life you are always there. Stay close to Jesus. Find out what Jesus wants you to do. Go in peace, check the instructions for today and serve with gladness."
You can the music video here - https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=STzxGOGLL3I&list=PLS4qoosrke25phubZeWmJlrQW_ibYSIHd&index=10 &t=0s
School Backpack Giveaway Event For the second year, Minnekirken will hold a school backpack giveaway event on Sunday, August 18th. Last year, we partnered with Hosanna! Lutheran Church in St. Charles to show us the ropes, and this year we’re managing the event on our own. We’ve had a successful fundraising campaign and we are able to provide 300 backpacks and school supplies to needy Kindergarten through 8th grade children from our neighborhood. An event of this size takes a lot of planning and even more help on the day of the event. Last year, we had nearly 100 families waiting for our doors to open, and we had over 15 volunteers to handle registration, crowd control, and the actual backpack distribution. We also had a prayer station for the children could receive a blessing for the upcoming school year. It was great day for everyone. Minnekirken is happy to provide this much-needed resource to the Logan Square community, and hope to continue this event in the years to come. 6
CELEBRATION DINNER
Open House Chicago 2019 Is October 19-20 and Minnekirken Needs You!
NORWEGIAN HONORARY CONSUL GENERAL PAUL ANDERSON IS RETIRING AFTER 20 YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE NORWEGIAN COMMUNITY IN ILLINOIS.
The church will once again open its doors to new visitors who have always wondered what the inside of that beautiful red church in Logan Square looks like. If you are interested in helping, making waffles or being a Minnekirken docent, please contact church president Bev Coyveau.
PLEASE JOIN US IN HONORING PAUL, LINDY AND THEIR FAMILYIN APPRECIATION OF ALL THEY HAVE DONE FOR US DURING HIS TERM AS HONORARY CONSUL. Date: Friday, November 8th, 2019
Place: ROLLING GREEN COUNTRY CLUB 2525 East Rand Road ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL Time: 6:30 pm Details: Cocktails (open bar), hors d’oeuvres, dinner and dessert Cost: $120 per person (includes valet parking) Please contact Randi Broch, via email: rbroch46@sbcglobal.net or phone 847-677-3755 for additional information
They’re… Delectable, Delightful, Delicious, Scrumptious, Special, Splendid, Exquisite, Extraordinary, Awesome And on November 16th “they’re” available for sale.
Join us for the annual Taste of Norway Date: November 16 Time: 10a.m. – 4pm Place: Minnekirken Festsalen
Who: Anyone who enjoys fresh, hand-made, cookies and cakes made with same kind of real ingredients and attention that Mor Mor gave to her sweets! • Browse our Scandinavian white elephant sale. • See a rosemaling demonstration and purchase handcrafted gifts by Lynn Sove Maxson. • Enjoy a snack of fresh, yummy Norwegian vafler og kaffe. • Take a chance on some of our very popular raffle packages. • Savor a delicious Pea Soup lunch made by our master kokker: Pastor David and Lynn. Kringler? Kransekaker? Krumkaker? Spritz? Fattingman? Sandkaker? Pepparkaker? Julekake? Lefse? Come to TON to see the selection! Remember: They make excellent hostess gifts (Christmas and Thanksgiving are coming up fast)
It‛s our biggest annual fundraiser as well as the most delicious way to support Minnekirken! 11
Viking Quotes (in honor of Leif Erickson Day)... Better to fight and fall than to live without hope.--~Volsunga, c. 12 Kinsmen to kinsmen should be true.--~The Saga of Olaf Haraldsson, c.186 To take up great resolutions, and then to lay them aside, only ends in dishonor.--~King Olaf Trygvisson’s Saga, c.9 Stand by your own trial and not by what others say.--~Gudmundur Jonsson Often times it is not numbers that wins the victory, but those who fare forward with the most vigor.--~Saga of Thrond Gate, c.19 No one is a total fool if he knows when to hold his tongue.--~Grettir’s Saga, c.88 Nothing good can happen to people who break their solemn vows.--~The Saga of Hrafnkel Freysgothi, c.6 There is more honor in accumulating little by little than in reaching for the sky and ending up flat on your face.--~Vatnsdæla c.7 Often is there regret for saying too much, and seldom regret for saying too little.--~The Saga of Hrafnkel Freysgothi, c.7
Although Minnekirken friend and resident Swede Per-Hugo Kristensson has moved back to Sweden, he sends greeting to all of his friends at Minnekirken—especially pastor Schoenknecht who hooked him up with a Swedish realtor that was finally successful in selling his home here in Chicago. Per reports that he is very happy to be with his Swedish cousins and friends as well as the “surprising number of foreigners who are good and kind human beings.” The article (left) in the HP & PT HarrydaPosten Parille Tidning describes his return to Sweden…. There was never a night or a problem that could defeat sunrise or hope.— Bernard Williams Never take a person's dignity: it is worth everything to them and nothing to you.—Frank Barron Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.—Mother Teresa Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.--Albert Einstein If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.—Nelson Mandela
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What is that in the sky above Minnekirken? During the first week of June, a large crane hoisted a restoration expert and a structural engineer high above the front doors of Minnekriken to examine the façade and tower of our beloved church. The purpose of this ride into the sky was two-fold; they documented the work required to restore the façade and tower, and they performed tuckpointing and other stabilization techniques to fortify the church for the upcoming winter season. There is a lot of construction underway in Logan Square with the hotel conversion next door and the work at the nearby CTA stations, so the Minnekirken church council was eager to get our own projects on track. With the information and documentation from our experts, we submitted an application to the City of Chicago for a grant to cover the façade and tower restoration work. Minnekirken’s façade and tower are a part of the Logan Square Landmark District, so we were able to apply to funds available to Landmark buildings. We have also hired a consultant to compose the historical account of Minnekirken that will be a part of our application for Sole Landmark status of the entire church building. Needless to say, it has been a very busy summer at Minnekirken, and we will provide more detail of this important work at the mid-year congregation meeting.
Bowl Me Over By Lynn Sove Maxson While demonstrating rosemaling in the Norsk Museum in Norway, IL a friend, Alice Olson, showed up whom I hadn’t seen in a while. Jeff, her husband, a wood carver, and I demonstrated together many times at the Sons of Nor-way Host Fest in Montgomery, IL. She told me she had seen an article in the newspaper that I would be demon-strating at the museum on the opening day in June. So, she came to tell me that her husband had passed away and brought me a box of wooden items to paint. Both Alice and Jeff enjoyed my painting. Jeff sometimes asked me to paint his carvings. He would carve two items two paint. One for him and one for me to keep. The following week I received another box in the mail with items I love to paint. She was preparing for a huge auction and as she found some of the things he bought or made, she wanted me to have them. She wrote a lovely letter saying I would appreciate them and didn’t want them in the auction. I called her and told her how thrilled and grateful I was. She said she had some more items and a nice large sled. I didn’t want her to pay for more postage, so my husband and I drove to Sandwich to visit her. She had put aside so many things including some paints. It was humbling when I saw several of my rosemaled items in her home. It was decided that I would paint some items for her grandchildren and her. She was very busy going thru eve-
rything in the house, workshop and big garage for this huge auction. There were so many things Jeff had bought or made. He even had taken classes at Vesterheim and had items from there. Several weeks after Alice’s auction, a box came in the mail. When I opened it, I was bowled over!!! In the box was a special bark edged bowl. Jeff had bought it at Vesterheim and the label was on it. Alice said when she was going thru things, she found this box and when she opened it, she said, “this is not going in the auction but to Lynn, who will appreciate it.” Well, not only was I overwhelmed by the great bowl but totally humbled by God’s gift. In a few weeks I was taking a rosemaling class at Vesterheim Museum in Decorah, IA with Anne Hesvik from Norway. The project was a special bowl!!!! One bowl was prepared for the class and we were to buy another one. The bowl is American Basswood made by Phil Holtan. My teacher was excited about the quality of the bowl. All with whom I shared the tale with, were as overwhelmed as I was. Thank you Jesus! I was nervous about painting it! With the help of the teacher, I designed and painted the bowl with passion. 7
News from Norway A Russian nuclear-powered submarine, which sank in the Norwegian Sea in 1989, is leaking high levels of radiation, according to Norwegian scientists. Still, the scientists say that the situation is not alarming. The attack submarine was built during the Cold-war, in the early 1980s. In April 1989, a fire broke out on the submarine. 42 of the 69 crew members were killed – the vast majority from hypothermia. In the end, the submarine sank to the bottom of the Norwegian Sea, and took with it two nuclear torpedoes with plutonium warheads. Since then, both Russians and Norwegian monitored regularly the wreck. This summer, for the first time, the Norwegian scientists had the opportunity to explore the sunken submarine in detail with a ROV (remotely-operated vehicle). The high levels of radiation were found only inside the ventilation duct and not in the surrounding water. —7/14/2019 TNP Finding freshwater in the Norwegian Sea and the Atlantic gives researchers hope for new water resources. It may supplement areas that lack drinking water. The discovery iwas made at an 800-metre depth in two narrow valley rifts off the Lofoten Islands. The phenomenon probably arose during the last ice age, when the ice cap, which enclosed Norway, pushed the earth’s crust down with tremendous force. This led to large amounts of melt-water being forced down through cracks in the seabed. Researchers from Norway’s Geological Survey haven’t the faintest idea about how much freshwater is hidden under the seabed. Posted By: Victoria Garza 13. July 2019 Stavanger University Hospital has halved the time it takes for a patient to enter the door to the start of their medical treatment. Every minute counts during a stroke, and in Stavanger they have shortened “the door-to-needle time the time when a patient arrives at the hospital and they insert the needle for treatment with intravenous thrombolysis. Over the past three years, the median time has been reduced from 27 to 13 minutes. No hospital in the world reports shorter times. NTB Scanpix /#Norway Today For the first time outside the U.S., Norwegian and American F-35 Lightning II maintainers worked together on their aircraft. A team of five maintainers and four pilots from the 421st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron deployed to Norway for the historic cross-servicing event, during which the maintenance teams received and turned two American F-35As after their arrival from Finland. The visit was the first time American F-35s have landed in Norway.— June 22, 2019 8:19 pm Norwaynews.com
from his refuge in Hammerfest late last week, only to resurface Sunday near Alta, over 50 kilometers away. Debate flew over whether he should be escorted back to Hammerfest and cared for by researchers and minders, or allowed to chart his own course. The whale’s origins remain a mystery, but he clearly sought out human contact after being freed of straps he was wearing when Norwegian fishermen realized he needed help. It’s widely believed that he escaped from a research facility or marine reference to Russian President Vladimir Putin. He’s since become a mascot of sorts. He was even hand-fed by Prime Minister Erna Solberg last month, during an official visit she made to Finnmark. He’s been regularly fed fish by others as well, despite some researchers’ pleas that he learn to fend for himself. His fate will ultimately be up to local and state officials, if Hvaldimir resurfaces again. newsinenglish.no/Nina Berglund Norway’s Arctic regions are experiencing another boom in tourism this summer. Hotels in Harstad, for example, can report occupancy rates of between 85- and 90 percent. Many cite spillover effects from the tourist magnet of nearby Lofoten. Harstad Tidende reported that both the Thon and Clarion hotels in Harstad plan to expand with 50 and 37 new rooms respectively.—newsinenglish.no Norwegians are increasingly switching to electric cars. The choice is especially green in this country, where most of the electricity produced is derived from hydro power. More than half of new cars sold in the country in March were run on batteries. While Norway is the biggest oil producer in Western Europe, it is officially aiming for all new cars sold to be zero emission by 2025. But do Norwegians, who owe their immense wealth to North Sea oil, really have a greater environmental conscience than others? Probably not -- Electric cars are almost entirely exempt from the heavy taxes imposed on petrol and diesel cars, which makes them competitively priced. As Norway's car fleet grows increasingly cleaner and is therefore subjected to fewer taxes, the state's revenue from car-related taxes is now 2.6 billion euros lower than in 2007. "We subsidise electric vehicles in Norway because they have somewhat lower CO2 emissions than conventional cars," notes Bjart Holtsmark, a researcher at Statistics Norway. But the congestion, accidents, noise and so forth are similar problems caused by both types of cars. But on Oslo's streets, the electric hearse still raises eyebrows. "Often, when we drive around, people walking by -- and even some drivers -- take out their phones to take pictures," says Jolstad, —5 July 2019 news@thelocal.com
The tame white whale known as Hvaldimir disappeared 8
Sing and Share
ty, Oselio Ladies Chorus, Minnekirken choir, and Grieg Ladies. After announcing the 17 parade for over 30 By Lynn Sove Maxson years, I was honored to sing the anthems with both Singing has been part of my men’s choruses each year. whole life. Either I was enjoying This spring I received a call from the director of the Bjornlistening to concerts or I was son Male chorus. There was a song composed by a Norblessed to be a part of them. wegian and they would like some women to join them on Growing up near Humboldt park and going to all the the last verse. The women also joined them in their clubs with my family was a happy part of my childhood. Spring Concert. On 17 mai or other holidays we would go from Chicago The singing saga goes around from listening to the men’s Norske Club and down the street to Bjornsons and choir as a child and singing with them as an adult. SingNormenens. ing and sharing is a special part of life! Through the years, I sang with the Bjorgvin Singing Socie-
Cool Minnekirken T-Shirts! Many of you have seen the new Minnekirken website: https://www.minnekirken-chicago.org/. Well, we came up with the idea of taking “The Red Church” design to make a new Minnekirken t-shirt to sell as a fundraiser. Erika Nygaard (who designed the website logo)flipped the colors to make a red shirt to match the bricks of the church and the white church façade and tower became the focal point on the front of the shirt. She added “Gud er Kjaerlighet” across the back, and the new t-shirt was born. We kicked off sales at the Syttende Mai concert at Minnekirken and at the parade in Park Ridge. That weekend we sold 34 t-shirts, so we are off to a good start. Pastor Schoenknecht took 20 tshirts with him to Norway for gifts as well. We’ve raised nearly $1,000 through t-shirt sales with every penny going to the church. The t-shirts are $20 and come in adult sizes S-XXL. They are available for purchase at the church on Sundays, and we will also sell them at the Open House Chicago and Taste of Norway events this fall. We hope to add children’s sizes as well. We hope that you will consider adding this cool t-shirt to your collection!
Window Restoration Update Recently we have been restoring our original 113 year old widows. Thanks to the Logan Square Preservation Group, and donations, we were able to help raise $5,000 to help us cover the cost of the first part of the process. We plan on raising more money, then restoring the rest of our windows to bring light and beauty to our church.
These windows were visited by descendants of the original window’s sponsors (Jacobsen family) during Open House Chicago, 2018. During their visit they discovered that the windows needed refurbishing and have very generously decided to fund the project to keep the Jacobsen family window beautiful and shining for another 100 years. 9