Fa l l i n t o m i n n e k i r k e n
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: 17th of May
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Pastor’s Message
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President’s Message
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Viking Ship
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Feature Stories
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NNL
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Upcoming Events
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Laugh a Little...
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News from Norway
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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.
We’ve been through many changes since Minnekirken was establlshed over 70 years ago—some great, and some challenging, but the one thing that remains as solid as it’s cornerstone foundation is our commitment to serve.
perhaps to help our the “choir”? Maybe you can serve coffee, or bring some grandkids to Sunday School. Perhaps the best way you can support us is by sending your prayers that we’ll continue to change, grow and serve.
We are so very blessed to have Pastor David and his unwavering enthusiasm serving the congregation. He may not be of Norwegian decent but his ability to interject Norway, Norwegian subjects and its people into his sermons and programs is not only fascinating, but educational as well!
Hjertelig Velkommen alle sammen!
Church President Beverly Coyveau is doing an extraordinary job of reaching out to the community, getting local interest in our beautiful church as well as real dollars to restore our magnificent stained glass windows. We hope you’ll visit us this fall for a sermon, a Bible study, “Taste of Norway” or
DID YOU KNOW…. 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, leandrat@sbcglobal.net
Minnekirken has a “Go Fund Me” page? For details, see page 8 Viking re-enactors are ready to entertain you? For details, see page 5 What Minnekirken is to you? See how you can find out on page 3 A light shines now shines all night in Minnekirken. Find out why on page 8 Minnekirken is loaded up on new events and programs to serve you? See page 8
Syttende Mai, Minnekirken-style! We marched and danced, we sang and played, we ate, waved flags and celebrated Norwegian Independence in our own Minnekirken manner—with our whole hearts! From left-right: “Tenold“ girls march Minnekirken’s banner; Eva stops at the Lund house along the parade route; our good friend Pastor Langseth, Ray Nilsen with some of our Sunday Schoolers; Spelmangslag entertains at the church concert; Sunniva smiling through the streets of Park Ridge; President Bev greets the church concert-goers; Normennenes looking and sounding festive; Lars Dahl hoists niece Mia as well as the flag; our own children’s choir gets the crowd clapping and tapping along at the concert.
Minnekirken’s Mission By Pastor David Schoenknecht
This August 2016 edition of Kontakt comes to you filled with celebration and expectation! Celebration in that recounts Minnekirken’s Syttende Mai and successful stain glass window restoration project. Mange tusen takk! for all who both marched with us in the Park Ridge parade and who have stood by our drive to keep our windows shining on Logan Square to the glory of God! All of this is symbolic of a much deeper sense of expectation that’s been afoot at The Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Church since the spring of 2015. That’s when we established our Mission and Vision Statements. By way of review our Mission Statement reads: We are rooted in Christ and Norwegian traditions to grow disciples and branch out in love. Our Vision Statement speaks to how we hope to fulfill this mission saying: In and Christian we look to: Open our doors heartslove to all; Proclaim the Good News for all; Meet and serve our neighbors; Revitalize our friendships and associations; Invite all into Christian community with us; Provide a Christian home for the Norwegian ethnic community in the Chicago area. Every time we open our doors to our community through concerts, and rummage sales, Vacation Bible Schools, community meetings, the Taste of Norway, and, of above all, Sunday morning worship we discover that we gain new friends of Minnekirken. That being said, I have been thinking a lot about the meaning of membership at our church. There is a natural progression from baptized, to confirmed, to voting membership that many of us are accustomed to. But Minnekirken also enjoys the association of many friends that are member’s elsewhere, or even nowhere, but still support the historic and cultural legacy of our congregation. Taking the step between a cultural connection to Minnekirken and considering us to be your church home is significant. But as Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” So too should we, as a worshipping congregation, ask “What is Minnekirken to you?” This is more than a question of institutional loy-alty, it’s a question of the heart. As the pastor of this amazing Lutheran Christian com-munity, I can honestly say that it has been my joy to be of service to Minnekirken as an agent of Word and
Sacrament ministry. We have been growing, and I feel that it’s time to offer our friends the invitation to take tangible steps toward membership in fulfillment of our fifth vision statement. Of course, we will always appreciate—and, truth be told, count on— the support of our friends. If there are any others who you think might appreciate this semiannual Kontakt from Minnekirken, please let us know at office.nlmc@gmail.com. It would be helpful if you would also at the time supply full names and addresses—both email and postal. If, however, you are a friend or visitor of Minnekirken and would like to explore a move toward membership please know that I will be hosting a “Lunch and Learn” on October 23, 2016. Come to our 11:00 am service then stay for a luncheon that considers the following four questions: Why Christianity? Why Lutheranism Why Minnekirken? Why Me? Please come and consider these important questions with me! Minnekirken members are also welcome to attend— especially those wanting to progress from baptized to confirmed to voting membership! There’s no pressure, no tests, no experience necessary! But hopefully, our conversations will lead to a deeper commitment to this incredible congregation. I truly believe that God has positioned Minnekirken to not merely survive, but to thrive on Logan Square. Come to the “Lunch and Learn” in October to reflect on how you can help Minnekirken more fully live into God’s calling to be the light of the world! Families with kids, please start bringing them to our “Fantastisk 4th” (Sunday of the month) family worship and Sunday School that starts up again on September 25th. Email me if you would like more information about either of these two faith formation opportunities. It’s great that our windows are shining brightly again, but I pray the same will be said of our members—adults and kids alike! By God’s grace in Christ and the power of His Holy Spirit, Pastor David Schoenknecht Pastor.nlmc@gmail.com
Greetings! From church president Bev Coyveau Did you know that Minnekirken is in the hottest, most trendy, neighborhood in the city? If you haven’t been around lately, now is a great time to come to church and see what is going on. Our attendance has been steadily growing and the neighborhood has embraced us as the only historic landmark church in the Logan Square neighborhood. Logan Square There is a great has become an international tourist attraction.
We are hoping and praying for a great turnout. Volunteers have been working very hard to ensure a successful event and have many fun things planned for kids - kindergarten through sixth grade.
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Along with new ministries for kids, we’ve positive energy improved access for flowing”... We have been hosting a everyone at MinneLogan Square Preserva- kirken. We now have a handicapped ramp for tion meeting once a those in need for easier entry to our Festsalen. month over the past year. As you know from pre- Our phone system has been also upgraded for vious communications, they have set up a “Go better communication. And we clearly have lots Fund Me” page (https://www.gofundme.com/ to share! minnekirken) to renovate our beautiful stained glass windows in the Our “Taste of Norway” is also on the agenda for front of the church. Come the customary Saturday before Thanksgiving. and see our first refurSave the date and sign up to volunteer for this bished window over our wonderful event. If you want to learn the art of door that was paid for by Christmas cookie making, bakers are always LSP. If you drive by at welcome! Just give us a call. night you will see our window illuminated shinPlease mark your calendars for the annual ing down the boulevard. Christmas Concert on December 4th at 6:30 p.m. Our large Good Sheptoo. herd window was just removed and sent in for There is a great positive energy flowing not only renovation. It should be reinstalled late summer, in the neighborhood but in our church. I encourearly fall. age you all to stop by and see for yourself! We are very grateful for everyone who contributed. We received a matching contribution of $1,800! We still need to raise only about $9,000 to have the entire front windows done. Our windows have been written about in several neighborhood papers. Many of our neighbors have supported our efforts. Our thanks to Bob Jacobsen for restoring his family’s window. We will have a rededication when it is returned. A rummage sale was held in July. The proceeds are earmarked for our first Vacation Bible School—Expedition Norway—starting August 7th.
Check it Out! Minnekirken will be participating in the... Logan Square Preservation House & Garden Walk Saturday, September 10th from 10am to 5pm. This is a wonderful way for people to see the inside of some historic Logan Square homes as well as our beautiful church! We will offer some traditional Norwegian hospitality along with waffles and coffee! Tickets are $25 presale and $30 the day of the walk. Go to Logansquarepreservation.org, or call Jaime Szubart at 773-398-6034.
Update on the Viking Ship Accomplishments - Location search continues – Visit in 2016
ACCOMPLISHENTS In 2015, Friends of the Viking Ship (FOVS) installed extensive support for Viking’s hull. As previously reported, support for Viking, when she was moved out of Lincoln Park in 1994, was totally inadequate for anything other than the short term. Emergency stabilization was done in 2008, and solid support for the keel provided in 2014. In 2015 the FOVS employed Methods & Materials to fabricate metal jacks, designed to support both lower (bottom) and upper (side) areas of the hull, and weld them onto the steel cradle on which Viking rests. Following the recommendations given to the FOVS by Viking ship builder Gunnar Eldjarn, volunteer members of the FOVS Stabilization Committee made all the measurements necessary, purchased the materials, oversaw the welding procedures, and then made temporary wood “pillows” that now support Viking’s lower and upper hull at every other rib. Plans are to install the jacks and “pillows” that will correctly support the bow and sternposts this year. In addition to stabilization work, volunteers scraped, sanded, and painted the steel cradle and jacks.
ADDITIONAL IMPROVEMENTS:
Fans that keep visitors cool on warm summer days were installed. Head and Tail banners, created by Lorraine Straw, now hang on the shelter doors. A beautiful tiller arm, hand-carved by Peter Kenar, replaces the stolen original. A new fabric, provided by Midwest Ground covers, covers Viking’s shelter.
FACEBOOK PAGE Visit and “Like” Friends of the Viking Ship on facebook where you will find historic newspaper articles & photographs, and many interesting facts about the amazing Viking. www.facebook.com/Friends-of-the-Viking-Ship136998666323612/
LOCATION SEARCH CONTINUES The FOVS Location Committee continues to meet and discuss recommendations for a permanent location. The committee is in search of a location with climate control and wide accessibility. Ideally, the FOVS seeks to partner with an organization with curating and educational professionals that are ready to help preserve and promote the Viking. Any suggestions will be very much appreciated. Email the Location Committee at viking.location@gmail.com. Suggestions may also be mailed: Friends of the Viking Ship, P.O. Box 3571, St Charles IL 60174.
VISIT THE VIKING SHIP
The Viking ship exhibit will be open during the months of
April through October 2016. Volunteer docents, information table hosts, and Viking re-enactors all do their part and gave visitors a friendly, fun, and educational experience. If you can’t come on a scheduled day, please contact Dave Nordin to arrange for a special tour. Make your request at least 2-weeks in advance. A minimum fee will apply. 630-302-7338
Visit our website www.vikingship.us for additional information.
Taste of Norway Needs You! Can you bake or eat baked goods? Can you sell raffle tickets or purchase them? Can you serve coffee or just enjoy drinking it? Maybe you can clear tables or fill them with friends! Would you enjoy a little “Taste of Norway?”
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then Taste of Norway Needs you! Saturday, November 19th 10 a.m. If you’re interested in helping contact Linda Olsen
T i n y Te l em a r k T r u n k s By Lynn Sove Maxson Even after many years of rosemaling classes at Vesterheim Norwegian American Museum in Decorah, IA, my enthusiasm for painting never diminished. Between work and many organizations, there was not much time to paint. Several of my teachers wanted to stretch my painting skills. Sigmund Arseth stretched me the most with a six foot panel - now hanging in the community center in Ephraim, WI. Small ornaments and smaller items were more satisfying for me to paint. It was fun working on mini immigrant trunks. They made nice gift containers for graduation checks or, with “smile” painted inside, they worked for depressed or ill people. Children loved watching me paint them. When their mothers or grandmothers gave them money to buy something at events, they came to my table. I painted their name inside the lid. When Vesterheim showed an interest in the boxes, I started painting for the shop. One day a member of my husband’s Sons of Norway called me to ask if I knew a Lynn Sove Maxson. She only knew me as Lynn Maxson. When I
told her my maiden name was Sove and that my father came from Skien in Telemark, she was very excited. She said a new member was interested in Hardanger sewing and other Norwegian crafts. This lady recommended Vesterheim classes to the new member, who was so pleased that she bought one of the little boxes in the museum shop for a thank you gift. Finding these boxes was becoming a problem. Everyone wants them, everywhere I go. Now they are not easy to find. People are sending them to me from several states. I look for them with all my travels. Last summer while taking a class at Vesterheim some friends, Barb and Joe were taking ale bowl carving. I had not seen them for years. We used to folk dance together. They had moved from Chicago to Switzerland and then to Seattle. It was a grand reun-
ion. Joe bought some of the mini trunks not realizing that they were my painting. We started talking about the boxes and I mentioned it was difficult to find them. He offered to look for them on the West Coast. Just before Christmas he called to say he had found some. He offered to bring them on a trip to Peoria, IL. Maybe we could connect in IL. Needless to say, it didn’t happen. He planned to visit a friend who lived in Geneva, IL, not too far from us. She was to bring them home and call me, but she never called. I called Joe in January and got her number and called her. Oh, she said, “Are you the box lady?????” We chatted and we found out that her husband dances with the Leikarringen Heimhug Norwegian Folkdancers in Chicago on Wed. nights! My husband Tom is President of this group. We agreed that her husband would bring the boxes to
practice. My husband came home laughing. He was hauling several large bags and a carton of boxes. There were 94 boxes of different sizes. It blew us away. When I called Barb the next day and said I owed them a fortune, she said, “Oh, that is Joe’s project!” He had a mission to look for my boxes all over the country where he took different classes. He said that I should stay at home and paint for Vesterheim and not look all over for boxes! I painted one of the larger boxes for them and a little one for their raffle at the International Dance Competition in California in June. The boxes then rode to Florida. They spent four hours stuck on top of a mountain in Kentucky in a blizzard. Next was an ice storm in Tennessee. They finally made it to Florida. In view of the sea, looking toward Norway, they were painted at Ormond Beach, Florida. Like the original Norwegian immigrants, they had a long, hard trip. Most of them are now in Vesterheim’s Gift Shop in Decorah, IA. Soon several will be taken to Norway. Recently two cartons came from Sandy, an employee at Vesterheim. These Tiny Telemark Trunks seem to bring out the best in everyone, young and old. It makes me happy to see all the smiles they bring.
Book Review by David Geilen
The Diary of Elisabeth Koren ed from university as a minister and accepted a pastoral call to serve a Among Norwegian settlement in NorweIowa. Coming from a gian emi- cultured family, Elizabeth grants was yet ready to take on traveling the challenge to start a to Ameri- new life with Vilhelm on ca in the frontier. And what a 1853, challenge it was! The one was Diary of Elisabeth a young, Koren, 1853 – 1855 is an newly-married woman actual transcript of her from Bergen named Elisa- diary, written day by day, beth Koren. about her life in the new Her new husband, community. Vilhelm, had just graduatAt last the smoke Take a look at this book
was so strong that it put me to flight; but now at any rate I have had a chance to see a prairie fire at close range. Conditions were primitive. After arriving in Iowa, they first lived as guests with a family of four in a one-room cabin--Helene and Erik Egge and their children Per and Kari. It was two years before a church and house were built for them. Elisabeth’s love of writing, reading and outdoor nature helped sustain her as she adjusted. But most of all, the warmth of people for
their pastor and his wife, and Vilhelm’s affection for his wife, and hers for him saw them through all their difficulties. The meeting is now underway downstairs; so I had to retire up here . . . I sit and laugh because of the hearty laughter I hear below; I suppose Vilhelm has made some witty remark. The community they helped found still exists today in the town of Decorah, Iowa, and is the home of the Vesterheim Norwegian American Museum and Luther College.
G o d H as y o u r B a ck By Lynn Sove Maxson
It was one of those days when it seems you are about to burst. Problems and projects are piled high with no prospect of solving or finishing them all. The beautiful late spring also brought itchy skin allergies and did you ever have a spot that itches and you can’t reach it? Well, all day I was trying to scratch
a spot on the middle of my back. Now I know why I see photos of grizzly bears sliding their backs up and down a tree!!!! I decided to take a break after supper and go to McDonalds for a Mocha before attacking the problems. My husband Tom was leaving for folkdance rehearsal and asked if he could drop me off. Husbands are very understanding when you are ready to burst!!!!! No, I told him it was better for me to take a long walk in the luscious green spring.
Mocha before hiking home. Well, it seems the local little league had just won a game and there was a room full of excited, lively leaguers!!!! So, I took my mocha and headed home sipping it on the way. It was lovely weather and on the last block I saw a long new mowed luscious lawn of green in front of the condos. It was near
my house and I started to think of what waited me at home. As I walked along, I noticed a long thin piece of wood in the pristine green lawn. I bent down to look at it and then I picked it up and laughed!I looked up to the heavens and said thank you God!!!!!! There was a man across the street who I am sure thought I was a little wacky but I didn’t care. I carried my brand new teak back scratcher, with price tag hanging from it, home. The back scratcher hangs in our kitchen and when I feel a little distressed or depressed, I know God has my back!!!!!!!!
When I got to McDonalds I was ready to sit and sip my
Greetings f r o m t h e N o r w e g i a n N at i o n a l L e a g u e ! It was so nice to see so many participating in and enjoying the 17de mai celebration this year. As this is the main event organized by the NNL, it is gratifying to see so many enthused in supporting the 17de mai tradition. The time and generosity of our small band of volunteers is truly appreciated. Many have asked what the general cost of the parade is and how it is funded. The parade event, which includes park entertainment totals $6,000 - $8,000. This
amount covers insurance for the day, facilities, city fees, and parade groups, in particular music. When I have been questioned as to the latter in particular, the reaction has been one of great surprise… that bands are paid to participate in the parade! Our colorful parade of bunads and /ags is made more enjoyable with the addition of entertainment such as the Medinah Big Wheels, and especially music. Each year we strive to include 3 bands in the parade which alone costs $2,500.
Funding: This is achieved through the program book ads and greetings, sales at our table in Hodges Park during the parade, and private donations. I encourage you to browse our website to read more about NNL and how to help with our effort to continue the 17 de mai celebration in the coming years. By the time you read this, Pay Pal will be an option for making a donation. Any amount $10 and more will be appreciated!
Sincerely, Barbra Kronborg-Mogil President, NNL
Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant. —Robert Louis Stevenson
IMPORTANT DATES Mark your calendar and set your smartphone for reminders, because you won’t want to miss out on these church events… Sunday, Sept. 18 Good Shepherd Window dedication during 11 a.m. Service Beginning Sept. 25 “Fantastisk 4th” Fourth Sunday of the month family worship and Sunday School - runs September through May. Sunday, Oct. 23, “Lunch and Learn” This new and potential Minnekirken member orientation follows the regular 11 a.m. service.
eranism, A sauerkraut and sausage supper will precede the showing of the movie. Sat. Nov. 19 Taste of Norway Beginning at 10 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016 at 6:30PM. Minnekirken Christmas Concert
Ongoing... Bible Study will begin at 9:30 am, preceding Sunday 11 a.m. services. Our lively discussions look ahead to the Revised Common Lectionary Bible Saturday, Nov. 5, Filmkveld / Movie Night readings appointed for the upcoming Sunday. It's a As a kick-off to the 500th Anniversary of the Lutheran great way to think ahead toward the themes of these Reformation in 1517, Minnekirken will be hosting a free Scriptures before we hear them read in church. At- 4:00 p.m. - showing of the 2003 film "Luther," starring tendees have often commented on how much more Joseph Fiennes. We will reflect on how the actions of they get out of hearing those readings in worship after one Roman Catholic monk changed the world. Norway ad the chance to discuss them in Bible Study and replays a prominent role in the growth of global Luthflect on them over the preceding week!
Minnekirken’s Magnificent Windows Shine over Logan Square After one of the monthly meetings of the Logan Square Preservation, (which occur at Minnekirken) Andrew Schneider, LSP President approached church president Bev Coyveau about the windows. It was obvious that our beautiful historic window, originally from around 1908 were beginning to need some attention. After time, they need repair, they bow out, warp, etc. Residing in an ever-changing neighborhood, they were eventually covered in plexiglass to protect them from vandalism. This actually damages them as it retains moisture.
level still need to be done. These will need to be covered in a protective vented glass. The window frames and wooden vents are also being scraped, painted and restored. The big Shepherd's window by the balcony along with the 2 side windows have been removed from restoration. These windows have to be totally disassembled piece by piece, repaired or replaced, and totally releaded. It takes 6 to 8 weeks. It's tedious and time consuming. One of the side windows is being donated by Bob Jacobsen as his family originally donated the window. That side window alone is approximately $5,000 to repair. There over 40 windows in the church. All of the side windows need to be repaired.
Andrew said it would be great if the neighborhood could see the beautiful windows and that's how it all started. LSP paid over $5,000 for the window over the door to be restored. Andrew set up a Go Fund Me page and reached out to the neighborhood. He These beautiful windows have lasted a good 100 years and also got $1800 in matching grant money from an anonymous donor. LSP asked that we illuminate them at night and the goal is for them to endure another 100. we agreed. A Go Fund Me page has been set up. Friends, members and Our first completed window can now be clearly seen shining neighbors have been very generous. down over the boulevard. This has been a real blessing. The repairs for the front windows alone are close to To help, please visit the Go Fund Me Page or use the $28,000. About $18,000 has been raised so far. The 4 envelope in this issue of Kontakt to send in your donation. long windows in front and the bottom 2 windows at street
Laugh a Little... Fun Facts… Many years ago in Scotland a new game was invented. It was ruled “Gentlemen Only...Ladies forbidden”… and thus the word GOLF entered into the English language. The average number of people airborne over the US ay given hour: 61,000
Jesus is wandering around Jerusalem with he decides he really needs a new robe. After looking around, he sees a sign for “Finkelstein, the Tailor.” He goes in and Finkelstein prepares a new robe for him which is a perfect fit. When he asks how much he owes, Finkelstein brushed him off: “No, no, no, no for the Son of God. There’s no charge! However may I ask a small favor? Maybe whenever you give a sermon you could just mention a little something about how your nice new robe was made by Finkelstein the Tailor.” Jesus readily agrees and, as promised, plugs Finkelstein’s robe every time he preaches. Some month later, he is walking through Jerusalem and happen by Finkelstein’s shop. There is a huge line of people wain for Finkelstein’s robes. He pushes his way through the crowd to speak to Finkelstein. Jesus, Jesus, low what a marvel you’ve been for business,” gushed Finkelstein. “Would you consider a partnership” “Sure, sure,” replies Jesus. “Jesus and Finkelstein it is.” “Uh no, no,” says Finkelstein. “Finkelstein and Jesus. After all I am the craftsman. The two of them debated this for some time. Their discussion was long, spirited, but ultimately fruitful. Finally, they come up with a mutually acceptable compromise. A few days later, the new sign went up over Finkelstein’s shop….
A snail can sleep for 3 years. A jiffy is 1/100th of a second. A cat has 32 muscles in each ear. Kneecaps take 2-6 years to develop. The hlft hand does 56% of the typing. Our nose and ears never stop growing. Goldfish have a 3 second memory span. Leonardo DaVince invented the scissors. An ostrich’s eve is bigger than its brain. Women blink nearly twice as much as men Almonds are a member of the peach family. Tiger have striped skin, not just striped fur. Rubber bands last long when refrigerated. Our eyes are always the same size from birth. Peanuts are one of the ingredients of dynamite. There are more chickens than people in the world. “LORD & TAYLOR” Dreamt is the only word that ends in the letter mt. No word rhymes with month, orange, silver or purple. A shark is the only fish that can blink with both eyes. A giraffe can go without water longer than a camel can. In 4000 years, no new animals have been domesticated.
Missing Chapter from Genesis So God asked him, “What is wrong with you? Adam said he didn’t have anyone to talk to. God said that He was going to make Adam a companion and that it would be a woman. He said, “This person will gather food for you, cook for you, when you discover clothes, she’ll wash if for you. She will always agree with every decision you make. She will bear your children and never ask you to get up in the middle of the night to take care of them. She will not nag hyou and will always be the first to admist she was wrong when you’ve had a disagreement. She will never have a headache and will freely give you love and passion. Adam asked God, “What will a woman like this cost?” God replied, “An arm and a leg.” Then Adam asked “What can I get for a rib?” The rest is history...
A life without love is like a year without summer. —Swedish Proverb
Sunday School is Starting Soon! Crafts, games, songs and lessons from the greatest book of lessons ever written! We’ll meet every fourth Sunday of the month in the festalen during the 11:00 a.m. service. Beginning September 25th. All elementary school-aged children are welcome!
News from Norway Norwegian energy provider Statoil has announced that it is entering the German offshore wind market, through a 50% acquisition of the Arkona offshore wind farm. The Arkona wind farm will provide renewable energy for up to 400,000 households in Germany, making it one of the largest ongoing offshore wind developments in Europe. “We are pleased to develop this project in Germany, where Statoil is the second-largest supplier of natural gas. We have been delivering gas from Norway through three direct pipelines for over 35 years,” says Eldar Sætre, Statoil’s president and CEO..The Arkona wind farm will be located in the Baltic Sea, 35 kilometres northeast of the Rügen island in Germany. (NRK/Press release)
Disney’s smash 2013 success, which has gone on to become the highest-grossing animated film of all time. The film, which retells the story of The Snow Queen by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, is set in a world of icy fjords, Norwegian stave churches, traditional costumes, and the Northern Lights, and even features gløgg and lutefisk. The film greatly increased tourism interest in Norway after its release and the knock-off effects show no sign of slowing down.
A poll has found that only 14 percent of people from North Norway are in favour of Norwegian EU membership. North Norway voted 28.6 per cent for and 71.4 per cent against The advance of ISIL affects Norway's security, says Prime EU membership in Norway's 1994 referendum, compared to the nationwide result of 52.2 per cent against and 47.8 Minister Erna Solberg. The Government has therefore decided to make a new military contribution to the internation- per cent for membership. Kjell Ingebrigtsen of the Norwegian Fisherman's Association (Norges Fiskarlag) told NRK al coalition’s operation against ISIL.The contingent of that he found it reassuring that the response to the poll was around 60 soldiers will provide training, advice and operaso convincing. "It's important that we are able to make are tional support to local Syrian groups that are fighting own decisions on how to catch the various fish species," he against ISIL. The Norwegian troops will be based in Jorcontinued. But former MP Ivar Kristiansen told NRK that, dan. (NRK/Press release) while the poll was not surprising, being outside of the EU Of all the 31 countries in the EU and the European Ecowas bad for the growth of the region in the long term. nomic Area (EEA), Norway is the only country that has adopted all EU directives before their deadline, according Hailed as a model by the pro-Brexit camp, Norway rejected to the EFTA Surveillance Authority (ESA). “Norway has European Union membership in two referendums in 1972 continued success in its strategy for eradicating the transand 1994 but it is still closely linked to the bloc through its position deficit, and provides an example for other EEA membership in the European Economic Area (EEA). While States,” ESA president Sven Erik Svedman said in a statethe EEA gives Norway's five million inhabitants access to ment. NTB/The Local (news@thelocal.no) Europe's lucrative inner market of 500 million consumers -the EU accounts for 80 percent of Norway's exports and 60 Visitors to Disney World in Florida get to experience even percent of its imports -- it does not give it a vote in setting more of what Norway has to offer at its new ‘Frozen Ever the rules. In Brussels, Norwegians have to leave the room After’ attraction. As part of the new attraction, Disney when big decisions are made, hard enough as it is to get World recreated a cottage from Sverresbrog in Trondheim the 28 EU member states to agree. Like Iceland and Liechto the great delight of the local tourism industry. “Now we tenstein, which are also members of the EEA, Norway has will really have the opportunity to show off the architecture a veto right allowing it to oppose European regulations but and history of Trøndelag,” said Stig Hillestad from Visit it has never used it for fear of the consequences. "Norway Trondheim. The new ‘Frozen’ attraction is at Epcot’s Noris not sitting at the table when the decisions are made but way Pavilion. The new addition includes the Royal Somstill we try to have as good a dialogue as possible with the merhus, a replica of Detlistua, a cottage constructed in Commission, " she tells AFP. 1817 in Oppdal and rebuilt at Sverresborg in 1924. “Little did Ole Halvorsen from Oppdal know in 1817 when he Norway announced plans Friday for its biggest military upmoved into the cottage he built for himself and his wife that grade effort since the end of the Cold War, to bolster its a copy of the building would 200 years later find its place in defences against an "increasingly unpredictable" Russia. Disney World in Florida” a press release from Sverresborg The Scandinavian country, a NATO member, plans new Trøndelag Folk Museum read. The Royal Sommerhus will fighter jets and submarines to boost its ability to protect allow children to meet Elsa and Anna, the animated stars of itself from its vast neighbour, with which it shares an Arctic
border. "We have an increasingly unpredictable neighbour to the east which is strengthening its military capacity, and showing willingness to use military force as a political tool," Prime Minister Erna Solberg told a press conference. The extra expenditure will bring Norway's military budget up towards the 2.0 % of GDP goal fixed by NATO. AFP ·18 Jun 2016.
1 consumer economist Magne Gundersen said. On the whole, fewer Norwegians than before are travelling overseas this summer. This is mainly due to economic factors, including a weak Norwegian krone that makes it more expensive to vacation abroad, poor domestic prospects for jobs and a downturn in Norway’s oil industry. The Local · 8 Jul 2016, 12:15
Head teachers from schools in the city of Stavanger are to receive training serious incidents such as mass shootings in schools. Response drills for shootings are common in the United States, where school shootings are a frequent occurrence. “There's an ongoing debate about this in society. Fortunately, we have limited experience with this kind of thing in Norway. We've had situations where we've feared something might happen, so it's important to have clear procedures," Pedersen told NRK.
With asylum numbers plummeting, Norway will close down an asylum centre in Finnmark that was set up last year to deal with an influx of migrants taking the so-called ‘Arctic route’ into the country from Russia. The asylum centre in Kirkenes near the Storskog border station with Russia was established to house as many as 600 people. But with no migrants attempting to enter Europe by crossing into Norway from Arctic Russia since November, the centre will now be closed. UDI said recently that just 1,185 asylum seekers came to Norway in the first third of 2016 – a 95 percent decrease from the same period last year and the Tighter holiday budgets have Norwegians choosing more lowest figure since 1997. Some 12,000 asylum accommotraditional and well-known destinations this year, much to dations currently sit empty across Norway. The Arctic the benefit of southern neighbour Denmark. Nearly route is significantly longer than crossing the Mediterrane450,000 Norwegians plan to holiday in Denmark this suman but was seen by many asylum seekers and migrants as mer, making it the top destination amongst Norway’s trava safer alternative. Most of those who crossed into Norway ellers, according to a survey from SareBank 1. from Russia came from Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq and Iran. .Neighbouring Sweden is the third most popular choice for Those arriving made the last stretch of the journey by bicyNorwegians while Spain is second. “We traditionally cle because Russian authorities do not let pedestrians choose our neighbouring countries, and as always sunny cross the border and Norway considers it human trafficking Spain remains a popular vacation destination.” SpareBank to transport migrants in a vehicle. NTB/The Local
IF YOU HAVEN’T GOT TIME TO GO TO NORWAY --TRY VESTERHEIM [“WESTERN HOME”] To travel from Chicago to Bergen, Norway, you go 3,850 miles. But there’s a town in northern Iowa, Decorah, a mere 275 miles from Chicago, where you can see many things Norwegian-American at Vesterheim Museum, and eat Norwegian food too at Ruby’s Restaurant. We won’t go into the time or cost differences on the two trips, but for a hint, Decorah can be done on a weekend, and you don’t need to bone up on your Norwegian. In addition to things brought from Norway and made by Norwegian immigrants, Vesterheim includes a Folk Art School and a large gift shop, where, among other things, you can purchase boxes and wooden roosters and paints for rosemaling, wood carving, and other traditional designs and crafts. On the drive back home to Chicago, you can stop and see the trolls in Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin, just west of Madison. That’s another town in the Upper Midwest of the U.S. which still shows a strong Norwegian influence! Find out more at www.vesterheim.org and www.visitdecorah.com
—Betty Geilen