CHRISTMAS 2016 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
We are not sure what plans the Lord has for you in in the new year, but we certainly hope they include lots of visits to 2614 N. Kedzie Blvd. Because it truly is a new dawn for Minnekirken with new children’s programs, bible studies, lunches, concerts, dinners and more. See page 8 for a full list of upcoming events. And then come on down to see us. We remain ready to serve.
Visit Minnekirken’s website: www.minnekirken-chicago.org Visit us on Facebook! Minnekirken-Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Church Visit us in person… Open every Sunday at 11 2614 N. Kedzie Blvd.Chicago
Pictures of Past Church Events
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Church Calendar
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Beasts of the Manager, Pastor David
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Greetings from Church President Bev
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Meet Susan Tokich
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Upcoming Events
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Laugh a Little (and sometimes a lot!)
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Leif Erickson
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Martha and Maud
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Greetings!
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News from Norway
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Velkommen alle Sammen! Please join us... at Minnekirken’s annual Christmas Concert. Our own very talented music director, Yeeson Kwon has a very special Christmas program planned entirely for your listening pleasure. GUARANTEED to lift your spirits and plant the spirit of Christmas in your heart!
Sunday December 4th 6:30 p.m.
2016 Summer Wrap Up This past summer we brought children, laughter, and fun into church. Minnekirken’s 1st ever Vacation Bible School “Expedition Norway,” included crafts, games, costumes and lots of hands-on learning!
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CHURCH CALENDAR DECEMBER Sunday, Dec. 4 Sunday, Dec. 11 Sunday, Dec. 18 Sunday, Dec. 25
11:00 a.m. 6:30 p.m. 11:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m.
Sunday Service. Christmas Concert. Sunday Service. Holy Communion. Sunday Service. Christmas Day Service.
11:00 a.m. 12 noon 11:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m.
New Year’s Day Sunday Service. Juletrefest. (Christmas Tree Party) Sunday Service. Holy Communion. Sunday Service. Fantas sk 4th Family Worship Service. Sunday Service.
FEBRUARY Sunday, Feb. 5 Sunday, Feb. 12 Sunday, Feb. 19 Sunday, Feb. 26
11:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 12 noon
Sunday Service. Sunday Service. Holy Communion. Sunday Service. Fantas sk 4th Family Worship Service. Mardi Gras Open House.
MARCH Wednesday, Mar. 1 Sunday, Mar. 5 Sunday, Mar. 12 Sunday, Mar. 19 Sunday, Mar. 26
6:00 p.m. 11:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m.
JANUARY Sunday, Jan. 1 Sunday, Jan. 8 Sunday, Jan. 15 Sunday, Jan. 22 Sunday, Jan. 29
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
Life is the first gift, Love is the second, And understanding is the third. Marge Piercy
Ash Wednesday Supper and Service. Sunday Service. Sunday Service. Holy Communion. Sunday Service. Fantas sk 4th Family Worship Service.
Fantas sk Fourth!
Hey Kids! If you like…
Get Minnekirken’s Latest Event Information
Games Songs Cra s Stories Fantas sk Fourth is for you!
To receive e‐mails on church events, concerts and other announcements, send your e‐mail address to:
All children ages K‐8 are welcome. Every 4th Sunday of the month during the 11 a.m. Service—Meet in the Coffee Hall. For more informa on contact Leandra 847‐292‐9999
Next Fantas sk Fourth: January 22, 2017 3
duidesmal@sbcglobal.net In the subject line type “add me to Minnekirken’s e‐mail list.” It’s free, it’s easy and it keeps you “in the know!”
Friends of Minnekirken, Beasts of the Manger: What Have we if we do Not Have Christ? It’s hard to believe that a year has come and gone since I began my service as “resident pastor” of The Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Church. I use the term “resident pastor” because I have been impressed by the eager and regular support of Christ’s servants from Norway—Kenneth Andersen, Arne Ekra and family, Tore and Anita Skjæve‐ land, all of whom graced Minnekirken’s pulpit since my last Kontakt ar cle! Would it surprise you to know that of the 6000 people reached by our @Minnekirken Facebook posts each month that 25% of them are from Norway? In order from top down, our Norwegian friends hail from Kris ansand, Olso, Bergen, Lyngdal, Kvinesdal, Stavanger, Ålesund, Sandnes, and elsewhere. We love to hear that family and friends abroad are paying a en on to and praying for our church – mange tusen takk og Gug velsigne deg! But the friends of Minnekirken are right next door as well, a quick visit to Logan Square Preserva on’s www.gofundme.com/minnekirken reveals just some of the support we have received toward the comple on of our Logan Square facing stained glass window restora on project. In less than a year, our neighbors, mem‐ bers, and you—our beloved Kontakt readers—have not only begun, but completed, and completely paid for this ambi ous venture. Takket være Gud! We’ve taken the idea of being a “Friend” of the congrega on very seriously at The Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Church. At our last congrega onal mee ng, we passed a by‐law addendum that officially honors non‐members, members of other congrega ons, supporters near and far—if they so choose—with the tle “Friend” of the church. Sue Tokich, our new part me parish administrator, is working with the mailing lists to improve accuracy and be er iden fy who's who. Though we have about 70 vo ng members, we have 1200 supporters! And so now, if you want to be officially recognized as a “Friend” Minnekirken, please let Sue know! Quarterly I will be hos ng a “Lunch & Learn” to orient poten al bap zed, confirmed, and/or vo ng members—as well as “Friends of Minnekirken. You are more than welcomed to a end our next “Lunch & Learn”! One of Sue’s other important roles is to coordinate the “Welcome Wagon” ministry of the church. Our zipcode receives 50‐60 new move‐ins a month. As Welcome Wagon’s exclusive church partner in Logan Square, Minnekirken will be ac vely reaching out to all our new neighbors. As our gi to them, visitors from this program will receive a ta ed cross bookmark which my wife, Lynn, creates using her Husqvarna sewing machine! A er about 20 minutes and 8000 s tches—Viola!—a ta ed cross. If anyone would like to help her with this outreach ministry, please let me know! Speaking of ministry, you may know from the previous Kontakt that we hosted our first “Expedi on Norway” Vaca on Bible School at Minnekirken. In Septem‐ ber we restarted our Logan Square Crescendo! community kid’s choir for the 2016‐17 season. We also ini ated family worship and Sunday School on the fourth Sunday of each month, which we call our “Fantas sk 4th.” Minnekirken very much wants to serve the children the Lord has blessed us with and we pray that our member families and neighbor families will take ad‐ vantage of our ministries of faith forma on. Lutherans around the world will be observing the 500th Anniversary of the Reforma on over the upcoming year, 4
so I will focus on teaching part of Luther's “Small Catechism” in each of our “Fantas sk 4th” Sundays between now and October 31, 2017! Because this is Kontakt contains our Christmas gree ngs to you, I would be remiss not to men on that this year’s Christmas Day fes val worship is at 11:00 a.m., Sunday, De‐ cember 25th. A week later we will celebrate New Year's Day at 11:00 a.m., Sunday, Jan‐ uary 1st, followed by our Juletrefest ac vi es during the fellowship hour a er church! Sing, dance around our tree, and welcome the “special visitor” who comes bearing treats for the kids! Yes, Minnekirken is a very special place. One that I hope you will con nue to pray for and support in 2017 and beyond. Do visit us whenever you can and make it your 2017 resolu on, dear members and friends, to make the ongoing forma on—or perhaps re‐forma on—of faith in your fam‐ ily a top priority. This October we received the gi of a first aid kit from The Scandinavian American Police and Fire Associa on of Illinois. In that worship service, I told the representa ves of the SAPFA that Minnekirken can make their jobs easier by teaching our members to be people of faith, hope, and love. Just as the Norwegian church school teach‐ er resisted the influence of Nazi Germany during WWII, I truly believe that Chris an Churches are called by God to counteract the violence on the streets with grace and peace in Christ. This Christmas, may Minnekirken be the cradle of Christ and may you come before it—for as Mar n Luther said on Christmas Day of 1521: He lies in the manger. No ce here that nothing but Christ is to be preached throughout the whole world. What is the manger but the congrega ons of Chris ans in the churches to hear the preaching? We are the beasts before this manger, and Christ is laid before us upon whom we are to feed our souls. Not all mangers have Christ neither do all sermons teach the true faith. There was but one manger in Bethlehem in which this treasure lay….0 what a dark night this was for Bethlehem that was not conscious of that glorious light! See how God shows that he u erly disregards what the world is, has or desires; and furthermore, that the world shows how li le it knows or no ces what God is, has and does. What had Bethlehem when it did not have Christ? So too, what have we, this Christmas, if we do not have Christ? Pastor David Shoenknecht Sending wishes for a Merry, Blessed Christmas
Free Offer!
and a Happy, Healthy New Year
REVERSE ADVENT DEVOTIONAL BOOKLET
to all our members, friends and families! From your 2016 Church Board...
Would you like to celebrate a “Reverse Advent” with the members of Minnekirken? For Advent, instead of gobbling chocolates as you open Advent windows on a calendar—or in addition to doing that—how about filling a basket with items for the needy?
Bev Coyveau Kari Diesen-Dahl Karena Dahl Inger Tenold Sweeney Shawn Murphy
The Pastor has created a "Reverse Advent" devo‐ tional booklet with readings and prayers and sug‐ gestions for your basket. You could even add figu‐ rines to your crèche as explained in this 25 day Ad‐ vent devotion booklet.
Kay Long Barbra Kronborg-Mogil Jill Crooker Bob Anderson Aslaug Bruli
If you would like a free copy, contact pastor.nimc@gmail.com
Andy Bruli
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Hilsener from Church President Bev Coyveau God Jul! What a busy year we have had at Minnekirken! We have experienced many blessings under the leadership of our very enthusias c Pastor David Schoenknecht. Our online presence has increased tremendously (Facebook and Minnekirken‐chicago.org) and we can feel an excitement and electricity in the air. Our neighborhood outreach is evi‐ dent with our refurbished stained glass windows. All the front windows of our church have been renovated, so at night our light now shines down Logan Boulevard. We host monthly Logan Square Preserva on (LSP) mee ngs and are grateful for their con nued support of our historical landmark and our beau ful win‐ dows. We will con nue to fundraise for these precious jewels un l we have refurbished every stained glass window in the beloved church where we are blessed to be shepherds. We are thankful for people who have chosen to sponsor the renova on of our sanctuary windows. We were a stop on the Logan Square Housewalk this September. Many historical homes were featured and over 100 visitors came inside our church. This event is held every 2 years; next me I would encourage you to jump on the trol‐ ley and enjoy nearby architectural homes that people have preserved. Many thanks to John Aaberg who always is ea‐ ger to be a docent for us. Our doors were open as the smell of waffles en ced our neighbors to come inside. Thanks to our first shi waffle maker Me e, her helper Tommy, and second shi waffle maker Linda, we sold waffles ll 5 pm and probably could have stayed open all night! We all enjoyed conversa ons with the visitors and tourists who came in. Our talented bakers worked in the fashionable church kitchen every Saturday before our pre‐Thanksgiving “Taste of Norway,” filling ns and more ns of cookies for this special event. Thank you Karena & Susan for spearheading this project and also thanks to our many home bakers and loyal supporters! Logan Square con nues to be a hotbed of ac vity with new restaurants and redevelopment plans, some good, some with concerns. We are aware and ac ve in the process of upcoming changes which may affect our church. A “Mega Mall” on Milwaukee is going to be redone, maybe with a grocery store and apartments, for example. Our 100‐year‐old parsonage roof was replaced this year. It was a total tear off down to the original roof. Inside, Logan painted the back hallway, replaced the back door and is refurbishing the stairway windows. Meanwhile, the City has installed new sidewalks in front of our church as well as repaving some nearby streets. We have much to be thankful for as both our church and our community are in a period of growth and revitaliza on. Come visit us and stay for coffee! We look for‐ ward to seeing you all in the New Year.
New Roof, New Windows, Vaca on Bible School, Kontakt…
All of these 2016 improvements, programs and even the mailing of this issue of Kon‐ takt adds up to tens of thousands dollars in costs. We are blessed to have had the Logan Square community, the Taste of Norway “elves” and the donated support of others in order to accomplish the things that needed to get done in 2016. However more help is needed! As you plan your Christmas shopping lists, we hope you’ll add Minnekirken to your list of gi recipients this year. An envelop is included in this issue of Kontakt for your convenience. Because we are determined to keep our beau ful church’s doors open, the windows shining and the coffee pot brewing Sunday a er Sunday. Tusen Takk! God Jul og ha et rik g Ny År!
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We think our church looks as good in 2016 as it did when this picture was taken approx. 100 years ago!
Meet….Susan Tokich, Parish Administrator Sue grew up in Logan Square with her grandmother, who o en spoke Norwegian with her mother. But as many im‐ migrants in those days, her grandparents wanted to embrace their new country and its lan‐ guage, so she was not taught to speak Norwegian. As a child Sue a ended Minnekirken with her grandmother and Tante Anna. She has fond memories of Minnekirken because a er service her grandmother would buy her waffles to eat. Sue wouldn’t return for many years but has always considered Minnekirken as her family church and had her daughter Jackie bap zed here. Many years later, she came to a service with sister Beverly (Coyveau) and has been a ending regularly for the last two years. Her grandaughter was also bap‐ zed in the church last Reforma on Sunday, and she and her daughter have been coming to service regularly for the last year. In her official capacity as Parish Administrator, Sue works for the pastor. Her responsibili‐ es include; worship prepara on and support, internal and external communica ons such as maintaining the prayer list, emails, mail outreach to church visitors, Welcome Wagon move‐ins, and other pro‐ mo onal materials as well as bookkeeping and general administra ve work. The posi on became necessary as the pastor was returning to work full me and needed help so he could focus on his sermon. “I quickly expressed an interest in the posi on, because I love to organize and thoroughly enjoy all as‐ pects of administra ve work. My goal is to get everything organized, up to date and entered into the computer, to help the pastor in reaching out to the community and growing our church, and ge ng more people involved with volunteering their me. “ Sue can be contacted by leaving a message on the church phone, or by email at office.nlmc@gmail. Her office hours are Sunday from 8 to 10, and Monday and Tuesday from 8 to 12. She is also available in person before or a er church service.
Our windows have been completed! A er months and months of construc on, fundraising and an cipa on, our beau ful windows have all been refur‐ bished, restored and reinstalled. We are so pleased to know that future genera ons of visitors to the church and Lo‐ gan Square will be able to enjoy the magnificent stained glass windows of Minnekirken!
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UPCOMING EVENTS YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS... Every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. we have Bible study. Come join Pastor's study that delves into each Sunday's read‐ ings a week ahead of time. Do you have a heart that longs to sing? Then we can work with your voice! No prior experience needed! Adult choir practice for our annual Christmas concert is on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Contact our Music Director, Yeeseon Kwon, at yeeseon.kwon@gmail.com for more information. Every 4th Sunday of the Month we have our "Fantastisk 4th Family Worship and Sunday School." Please come and bring the whole family! Over 2016‐2017, in recognition of the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation, both worship and Sunday School will celebrate the teachings of Luther's Small Catechism. This year the Advent season begins on Sunday, November 27, 2016. Join us for worship at 11:00 a.m. as we prepare our hearts and minds to approach the true meaning of the birth of the Christ child. In Support of the Chicago Hope food pantry, please consider participating in Minnekirken's "Reverse Advent" ‐ a devotional food drive inspired by the advent calendar. Learn more about that in worship throughout November. The Christmas program at the Museum of Science and Industry is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 3rd at 2:15pm. In addition to the Minnekirken Children's chorus, the Grieg Ladies, and Leikarringen 'Heimhug" will participate. Minnekirken's annual Christmas Concert is, December 4th at 6:30 p.m. Please join us for this traditional night of Scandinavian music, food, and juletider fellowship! Christmas Day Festival Worship at Minnekirken is Sunday, December 25 at 11:00 a.m. Sunday, January 1st, after New Year’s Day worship at 11:00 a.m. We will celebrate Juletrefest with cookies, songs, and dancing around the Christmas tree.
Norwegian Royalty Among Us Lorraine Straw’s passion for the 1893 Viking Ship and all things Norwegian is well‐known throughout the communi‐ ty. But why,did she jump in over her head and spend day and night with such passion for these things? Yes, her par‐ ents set an example; they were proud of their culture and heritage. When Lorraine and Perry went to a North Dakota conven on two summers ago, they did a Viking Ship PowerPoint presenta on for the Norlandslaget people . (nordlandslaget.com) One of the men there felt that Lorraine may be Royalty. Many hours were spent at U of ND and Perry has been trying to prove it ever since. Well he hit pay "dirt" on Geni.com. Perry had been work‐ ing on (Geni.com) (Pro) for about 12 years and has go en Lorraine's family over in Norway to get involved as well. He now has over 52 studies of confirmed Matches for Lor‐ raine's blood‐line family back to Harald I "Fairhair" alfdans‐ son, (VIKING) King of Norway. 8
Laugh a Little…. What is the shortest chapter in the Bible? (Answer—Psalms 117) What is the longest chapter in the Bible? (Answer—Psalms 119) Which chapter is the center of the Bible? (answer—Psalms 118) Fact: There are 594 chapters before Psalms 118 Fact: There are 594 chapters after Psalms 118 Add these up and you get 1188 What is the center of the bible? (Answer— Psalms 118:8) Psalms 118:8 “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.” Now isn’t this odd how this worked out (or was God in the center of it)?
Pain ng the Church There was a Sco sh painter named Smokey MacGregor who was very interested in making a penny where he could, so he o en thinned down his paint to make it go a wee bit further . As it happened, he got away with this for some me, but eventually the local church decided to do a big restora on job on the outside of one of their biggest buildings. Smokey put in a bid and, because his price was so low, he got the job. So he set about erec ng the scaffolding and se ng up the planks, and buying the paint and yes, I am sorry to say, thinning it down with turpen ne... Well, Smokey was up on the scaffolding, pain ng away, the job nearly completed, when suddenly there was a horrendous clap of thunder, the sky opened and the rain poured down washing the thinned paint from all over the church and knocking Smokey clear off the scaffold to land on the lawn among the gravestones, surrounded by telltale puddles of the thinned and useless paint. Smokey was no fool. He knew this was a judgment from the Almighty, so he got down on his knees and cried: "Oh God, Oh God, forgive me; what should I do?" And from the thunder, a mighty voice spoke. "Repaint! Repaint! And thin no more!" “Blessed are the cracked, for they are the ones who let in the light."
If you can get going without pep pills… If you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains… If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles… If you can eat the same food everyday and be grateful for it… If you can understand when you loved ones are too busy to give you any time… If you can overlook it when those you love take it out on you when, through no fault of yours, something goes wrong... If you can take criticism and blame without resentment… If you can ignore a friend’s limited education and never correct him… If you can resist treating a rich friend better than a poor friend… If you can face the work without lies and deceit… If you can conquer tension without medical help… If you can start the day without caffeine…
If you can relax without liquor… If you can sleep without the aid of drugs… If you can say honestly that deep in your heart you have no prejudice against creed, color religion or politics… If you can give love unconditionally without pressure or expectation… 9
THOUGHTS FOR THE NEW YEAR... As you look forward to the year 1.What name would you like your new year's journey to have? What gi s do you bring with you into the year before you? 2.Do you find any resistance within you? Of what you are most afraid as you enter a new year? 3. What is your greatest need for the coming year? 4.Who do you bring with you for your support and strength as you begin to journey through the year? 5. How is your rela onship with the Holy One as you pause on the threshold of the new year's vast landscape? 6. What do you hope to contribute to society in this coming year? —Joyce Rupp
LEIF ERICKSON DAY, 2016 This year Minnekirken partnered with Norwegian Na onal League (NNL) to commemorate the 115th commemora on of Leif Erikson Day at the Leif Erikson Monument in Humboldt Park, Illinois. Typically NNL conducts a brief ceremony and a toast to Leif Erikson as the first European to land in North America. The history of Leif Erikson Day commemora on started with the Columbian Exposi on of 1893, in which Norwegian Americans and Norwegians from Norway par cipated. From this exposi on, a stavekirke was fashioned in Norway and assembled here. The Viking Ship (which now resides in Geneva, Illinois) was conceived by Captain Magnus Andersen and built in Norway and sailed to Chicago. And, the Norwegian American's noted that the Italian's at the Exposi on claimed that their ancestor, Christopher Columbus, was the one who "discovered" America. Not so, thought the Norwegians. And from the Columbian Exposi on a group of Norwegians formed the Leif Erikson Monument Society. The idea to create a monument commemora ng Leif Erikson's "discovery" of America was born. The Leif Erikson Monument Society commissioned Norwe‐ gian‐American sculptor Sigvald Asbjornsen to design and build the statue. From the unveiling of the statue in October, 1901, to the present with NNL, Leif Erikson has been acknowl‐ edged by Scandinavian‐Americans for his historical and cultural legacy. To be sure, the history of the Na ve American was not chronicled by the Norseman except to call them skraelinger who interfered with se le‐ ment. From the Na ve American perspec ve, of course, it was the Norsemen and other Europeans who were the interlopers and posed a threat to their way of life and very lives! This year the church commemorated Leif Erikson day by explaining in worship service that Leif Erikson was a Chris an convert under King Olav Tryvasson. A er the service, the church hosted a "meet and greet" and offered fun facts and exhibits regarding Leif Erikson Day. A fun part of the celebra on was an 8 minute video solicited by the church and produced by Pastor David Schoenknecht. The Leif Erikson Day Commi ee at church solicited gree ngs from the Leif Erickson Interna onal Founda on (LEIF) from their Leif Erickson Monument in Sea le, Washington, and also solicited gree ngs from the monument in Trondheim, Norway (which was a gi from LEIF in 1997 to mark that city's millennium celebra on). Norwegian TV personality Tore Stromoy, a cousin of this author, recorded his gree ngs and a majes c view of Leif looking out over Trondheim ord. Pastor David produced a video with gree ngs and facts about archaelogical discoveries in Newfoundland which support the Icelandic sagas recoun ng of "Leif the Lucky" having landed on the shores of Vin‐ land as Leif named the area he "discovered." The Leif Erikson commi ee served a simple yet tasty brunch which included unleavened "Viking bread" which is 1,000 year old bread. No, just kidding. It was a recipe for unleavened bread of a type which was "discovered" in Birka, Sweden and apparently archaologists tested to determine the ingredients. To spice it up, it was served with bu er and lingonberries with whipped cream atop. All were invited to proceed to the Leif Erikson monument in Humboldt Park. It was a gor‐ geous fall day, upper 60s and sunny. There, all who wished to do so recorded a video gree ng back to our friends in Sea le, Washington and Trondheim, Norway, by introducing ourselves our organiza ons. We included fun facts about Leif Erikson monument, and guests appearing at the monument included Norwegians living here, neighborhood friends, members and a visi ng Norwegian guest, Per Lykke, Chairman of the Board of Hardangervidda, the largest na onal park in Norway which oversees the heavy water preserva on at Rjukan and Vemork. Pastor David read Barack Obama's Presiden al Proclama on for Leif Erikson Day, 2016, which falls on October 9th each year by Act of Congress in 1964, it authorizes the U.S. President to make a proclama on each year On the next page you will find excerpts from President Barack Obama's proclama on in 2016 along with excerpts from the Skandinaven on October 13, 1901 regarding the Leif Erikson Banquet which was held a er the unveiling of the statue. 115 years later, and the Norwegian‐Americans love for their country, both the U.S. and their homeland remains strong, and the Viking spirit of independence and adventure and overcoming adversity prevails. 10
Excerpts from President Obama’s Proclamation More than 1,000 years ago, an intrepid Scandinavian explorer, Leif Erikson, embarked on a voyage that landed him on the North American coast. A son of Iceland and grandson of Norway, Erikson and his crew are believed to be the first Europeans to reach the shores of our continent, founding the Vinland settlement in modern-day Canada. Eight centuries after Leif Erikson's trip, six families of Norwegians boarded a ship called Restauration bound for New York City. Following in Erikson's footsteps, these individuals sought the promise of freedom and opportunity America offered and became the first group of organized American immigrants from Norway. The United States and our Nordic partners are united by ties of family and friendship, history and heritage. Nordic countries remain some of our most reliable and effective partners, steadfastly helping us meet the shared challenges of our time. We remain grateful for their friendship, and for the ways the Nordic people have influenced our country and enhanced the American melting pot. On Leif Erikson Day, as we express our appreciation for the myriad contributions of Nordic Americans, let us remember the discovery that set this profound history in motion. NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim October 9, 2016, as Leif Erikson Day. I call upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs to honor our rich Nordic-American heritage BARACK OBAMA
Excerpts from Skandinavian—October 13, 1901 The Leif Erickson Banquet The banquet in the Sherman House was a gala celebra on. The first of the highlights came when the sculptor Sigval Asbjornson entered the banquet hall. Among the speakers were Paul O. Stensland..."This celebra on is certainly an unusual one; Leif Ericson in America is now and forever a fact. No one can deny it. He is here, not only in his old Vinland, but in busy Chicago, in our very midst. "Leif, himself, is, however, a subject which I will gladly leave to others here to discuss. His namesake in the park is a figure of whom the original‐ ‐according to the judgement of competent cri cs‐‐might well have been proud. The statue is a work of genuine art; and our countryman, Mr. Asbjornson, deserves a great deal of credit for his style and workmanship‐‐ Oscar M. Torrison, spoke as follows: "Of all the countries in the world, there is none so dear to me as the land of my birth‐‐the United States of America. But of all countries, there is none which appeals to me as much as the land of my fathers, the li le country of Norway. Under her ins tu ons and with her history, Norway is of necessity in line with the best thought of the age. It is not surprising that a people whose literature leads the world, also leads in the posi‐ on it accords to women. There is no surer barometer of the advancement of a na on than the posi on it assigns to women. Women have been admi ed to the University of Norway for nearly twenty years; they have the right to vote in municipal elec ons. The ul mate civic ambi‐ on of the Norwegians in America is to do their full duty toward this country; to transplant the virtues of their northern homes to the broad and fer le fields of this land; to leave the imprint of what is best in them on this na on. "Meanwhile we are not disposed to believe that any though ul American will view with suspicion the fact that the Norwegians of America cling with affec on to the tradi ons and historical achievements of their fathers. There is nothing in them that runs counter to good Americanism. It is their children who will inherit these priceless resources of good American ci zenship. And so I say as my final word: Let the Norwegians in America, and their children and grandchildren, if possible, o en turn to the rock from which they are hewn."
Pictured standing at the base of the monument just to the le is Minne‐ kirken's then pastor, Dr. Kristoffer Sverre Norborg. He served our congre‐ ga on as pastor between 1948–1960, and again between 1964‐1966. The Humboldt Park Field House and Refectory appears in the background just south of the statue—the statue's original placement in 1901. But the statue was moved by NNL in 1950 to right at the intersec on of Humboldt Blvd and Refectory Drive to be more accessible and visible to the general public. Pastor Norborg appears here most likely with then‐members of Norwe‐ gian Na onal League. NNL has organized the commemora on of Leif Erikson Day ac vi es and commemora ons, which con nues to date. Leif Erickson statue in Humboldt Park circa 1948 11
Did you Know... Oslo parks contain more statues of women than can be seen in New York's Central Park! Girl Scout ac vists have even taken no ce. The Scouts say Americans need more women's statues for girls to look up to. Two fine examples are the statues of royal figures Maud and Martha. In 1906 a er the Norwegian Parliament dissolved the union with Sweden, the King and Queen elected Haakon VII and Queen Maud, who died in 1938. She worked in social causes and liked to ski. Martha liked sewing and Red Cross work. She and crown Prince Olav made visits to FDR in Washington DC during WWII and worked to keep up American support for Norway. Martha and her husband, Crown Prince Olav, first met Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt when they visited the United States in 1939. However, it was dur‐ ing the war years (1942–1945) that the friendship between the crown princess and the president grew. In 1942, a submarine chaser, re‐christened the HNoMS King Haakon VII, was presented to the Norwegian navy by President Roo‐ sevelt. It was at this presenta on that the president gave his “Look to Norway” remarks, followed by remarks by the crown princess. You can hear Martha's voice in a short newsreel video from 1942 on youtube.com (type in "Roosevelt look to Nor‐ way"). (submi ed by Be y Geilen)
Sharing our beau ful church with our countrymen!
Asbjørn Odd Ystebø of the western Norway emigra on Center in Rådal is a tour guide who brought this group through. He comes a couple mes every year with 30 to 40 Norwegians and he takes them all over the country. He also takes them to see Mindekirken in Minneapolis. He gives a generous dona on each me he comes through. 12
From Us and Ours to You and Yours... God Jul og Godt Nytt År To our friends near and far….
A Blessed Holiday Season to All
Barbra, Michael, Kelsey, Rebekah, DerekHayden, Erika, Nick
Jill K. Crooker
God Jul og an Godt Nytt År Einar, Anna-Lise, Inger and Laila
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to All!
Tenold
Aslaug and Andy Bruli
God Jul og an Godt Nytt År To All Our Friends! Ragnar and Synnøve Lund
Gree ngs from the Norwegian Na onal League! During this me of giving, the NNL looks ahead to the 2017 Scholarship Program, in its 18th year. We are proud to con nue offering the program with the help of our supporters in the Nor‐ wegian community. The four age categories from 1st grade thru 12th grade, allow for a wonderful experience for students to explore their Nor‐ wegian heritage with a chance for a monetary award. Details providing qualifica ons and instruc ons for applying are on the web‐ site: www.nnleague.org I ask that you encourage your children, grandchildren and young acquaint‐ ances to apply for this wonderful program! To support the Scholarship program, NNL holds a silent auc on during the 17de mai banquet, with all proceeds benefi ng the program. Individual dona ons are always appreciated. If you would like to help support this worthwhile program, please make your check to: Norwegian Na onal League and designate it to the Scholarship Program. It should be sent directly to our Treasurer, Thor Fjell at 1041 W. Odgen, #118, Naperville, IL 60563. For those who prefer credit card payment, the website offers PayPal. Tusen takk! Barbra Kronborg‐Mogil
CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD
Kick off your 2016 Christmas season by taking your friends and family to the Museum of Science & Industry’s
“Christmas Around the World” Norwegian program.
NNL President
Saturday, December 3 at 2:15 p.m. NNL will present a traditional Norwegian Christmas program complete with Minnekirken’s Children’s Choir, Grieg Ladies, and Leikarringen Heimhug 13
NEWS FROM NORWAY The west coast town of Voss was reminded of its history this week, as an unexploded bomb from the Second World War was uncovered in the middle of the town centre. The bomb was found several meters under the main street, Vangsgata, in front of one of the only wooden structures s ll found in the town centre. Voss was repeatedly bombed in April of 1940 by the invading Germans. Subse‐ quently, most of the old town centre burned to the ground. Voss’ unique stone church, and just a few wooden structures were spared, and have since been surrounded by concrete structures, built a er the war. Throughout the war Voss served as a base for Germans in the inner‐ Hordaland region, and a er the war has hosted Norwegian army barracks at Tvildemoen, Bomoen, and Mjoe ell, which has a firing range. The bomb was uncovered during current street works, aimed at replacing sewage and plumbing lines, work which has closed the town centre. The Mine Removal Team of the Haakonsvern naval base moved the bomb to the Mjoe ell firing range for disposal without incident. Norway Post reporter at Voss: Erick Haukebø Larson Offshore Scotland, the Norwegian energy provider Statoil will launch Batwind, a new ba ery storage solu on for offshore wind energy. The new concept will be piloted in the world’s first floa ng wind farm, the Hywind pilot park off the coast of Peterhead in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Bat‐ wind will be developed in co‐opera on with Sco sh uni‐ versi es and suppliers, under a new Memorandum of Un‐ derstanding (MoU) signed in Edinburgh on 18 March be‐ tween Statoil, the Sco sh Government, the Offshore Re‐ newable Energy (ORE) Catapult and Sco sh Enterprise. The wind park is currently under construc on and start of electricity produc on is expected in late 2017. (NRK/Press release) STATOIL posted the news on their intranet Tuesday morn‐ ing, informing their employees that all employees would receive an offer to apply for severance packages. Previous prac ce in complying with necessary workforce reduc ons has been severance packages to groups and departments within the company. Statoil currently employs 22,000 people in 38 countries around the world. The aim is a re‐ duc on of 1,500 employees by 2016 in addi on to a reduc‐ on of 500 temporary employees by the end of 2016. Ac‐ cording to the annual report , the workforce was reduced
by 1,900 employees during 2014. Statoil posted a 2,8 Billion NOK loss pr. 3'rd quarter 2015. (Press release) A Norwegian court on Friday confirmed that condi ons have been met to extradite a controversial Iraqi Kurdish cleric to Italy to face terrorism‐related charges. The extra‐ di on of the 60‐year‐old Mullah Krekar, the religious lead‐ er of a Kurdish network is suspected to be linked to the Daesh group. A refugee in Norway since 1991, Krekar is accused by Italy of leading the Raw Shax, a network that has planned to carry out a acks in the West. Krekar’s lawyer, Brynjar Meling, has repeatedly accused Norway of using the case as an excuse to get rid of a cumbersome Krekar, who cannot be deported to his country. He has been at risk of deporta on since 2003 a er Norwegian authori es ordered him to be expelled as a threat to na‐ onal security. (AFP) The Norwegian government has allegedly tried to hide mil‐ lions of dollars in contribu ons to the Clinton Founda on spread out over eight years. Daily newspaper Dagbladet has tracked $89.6 million of contribu ons back to Norway. Foreign Minister Børge Brende violated the government’s own policies by handing $3.57 million from the foreign aid budget to the Clinton Founda on, according to an internal memo. The dona on took place last year a er Brende and Prime Minister Erna Solberg promised a contribu on fol‐ lowing a mee ng with former President Bill Clinton. (dailycaller) Norway will host a figh ng force of 300 US Marines at Værnes in central Norway, reports Adresseavisen. De‐ fence Minister Ine Eriksen Søreide writes in an e‐mail to the newspaper that this is part of the close dialog on mili‐ tary level between the US and Norway. Researcher John Chris an Skorgen by Norwegian Foreign Policy Ins tute believes this could be perceived as construc on of a mili‐ tary base in Norway and that it will lead to reac ons. More than 300 wild reindeer were found dead a er light‐ ning struck a central mountain plateau in southern Nor‐ way, authori es said Sunday. A thunderstorm hit the Hardangervidda mountain plateau on Friday in the Tele‐ mark region, where game wardens had so far counted 322 dead reindeer, Knut Nylend, spokesman for the Norwegian Nature Inspectorate, told Norwegian broadcaster NRK. Nylen a ributed the “unusually high” death toll to the lightning strike and the fact that reindeer o en stand close to each other.
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Bring on the Christmas Lutefisk
Yanar Mohammed has won Norway’s pres gious Ra o Prize. The Iraqi ac vist was awarded on Thursday the 2016 Ra o Prize for her work with the Organiza on of Women’s Freedom in Iraq (OWFI), which aims to pro‐ mote human rights for vic ms of sexual abuse in the war‐torn country. OWFI,‐founded in 2003, provides protec on to the minori es and women who have suffered from such violence. The Ra o Prize was creat‐ ed in 1986 in honor of Norwegian academic and human rights ac vist Thorolf Ra o. It awards recipients with $20,000 (17,837 euros). blc/kms (AFP, dpa)
The following was printed 28 December 2002 The Norway Post
In a Christmas Day feature, "The New York Times" claims that the Norwegian delicacy of the Christmas Season, the Lutefisk (lye-cured cod) splits US families, particularly when only one partner is of Norwegian descent. "All along the lutefisk zone - a vast swath of the US, stretching from Chicago to Seattle - it is again the season to rejoice in, and quarrel over, a food that stinks up hundreds of Lutheran church basements and injects menu-planning torment into hundreds of thousands of mixed marriages", NY Times reporter Blaine Harden writes.
A Norwegian policeman writes himself a 500 NOK (60 USD) cket for not wearing compulsory life jacket on patrol. Police officer Arne Stavnes was pictured by Nor‐ wegian daily VG at the helm of his police boat without a life jacket during a patrol of Utoya island. The readers of the newspaper commented jokingly that he broke the law by not wearing his life jacket, which is compul‐ sory in Norway on vessels less than eight meters long. As a response, the honest policeman accepted the cri ‐ cism and published a photo of his self‐issued 500 Nor‐ wegian kroner penalty on Facebook.
The paper tells the story of Allen Vevang, an undertaker of Norwegian ancestry, who had to enjoy his annual lutefisk dinner in solitude at Pearson's Restaurant in Minneapolis, an institution that caters to the seasonal cravings of Scandinavian-Americans.
To address the need to work with female civiilians in war‐torn areas, Norway’s Jegertroppen, or “Hunter Troop” — the world’s first and only all‐female special opera ons unit., was established in 2014. Jegertrop‐ pen has earned a reputa on for its rigorous instruc on and low acceptance rates.—only 13 of the unit’s 317 candidates made it through the Jegertroppen course in 2014. Colonel Frode Kristoffersen, the head of Norway’s Special Forces, told Foreign Affairs that the Jegertrop‐ pen’s presence on the ground could open up cri cal interac ons and informa on channels with indigenous female popula ons in future conflicts, especially in the Middle East. Kristoffersen also explained that the unit’s members have displayed superior shoo ng and obser‐ va on skills. (taskandpurpose)
If Charlotte, his wife of 30 years would join him, Vevang says, he would be filled with joy. But Charlotte (of German descent) refuses, as long as lutefisk is on the menu. Despite the strained relations in some families, more lutefisk is consumed in the US than in Norway. Annually, Americans put away around 500 tonnes of the dried cod which is soaked in water and potash lye, the paper writes. Posted on the Christmas International Group at Yahoo.com, January 12, 2003.
The Top 3 Ways to Celebrate this Christmas…
Editor's Note: Lutefisk does not stink; it does, however, had a distinctive odor. No flavor. Just odor. Add lots of butter and its better. Also, in my family, it was pronounced Loo'-ta-fisk. Your mileage may differ. A light white wine is recommended.
1. Church Concert, Sunday, December 4, 6:30 p.m. with music, sing-alongs, solos, instrumentals, choruses and refreshments! You do not have to go downtown for a wonderful, magical, musical Christmas concert. Bring your friends and family! 2. Church Service, Sunday, January 25, 11:00 a.m. Wise men, angels, stars, shepherds, and a savior! The 2000+ year-old story never gets old. 3. Juletrefest, Sunday, January 1st after the 11 a.m. service. Songs, games, caroling around the tree, refreshments and, perhaps a special visitor from way, way up north (farther than Norway!) 15