The ALC Messenger Volume 58 Issue 8
October 2014
50th Anniversary of the Dedication of our Sanctuary! 1
The ALC Messenger Monthly Newsletter for the American Lutheran Congregation
INDEX ALC INFORMATION
PAGE 2
CALENDAR , WHY THE ALC? UPDATE FROM THE CALL
PAGES 8-10
PASTOR’S CORNER,
PAGES 3-4
YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS, BIRTHDAYS, MOMS IN PRAYER
PAGE 11-12
PRESIDENT’S CORNER ,
PAGE 5-6
INDEX
WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP EVENINGS, REPORT ON
PAGES 14-18
FAMILY RETREAT
MONDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY, PRAYER GROUP,
MONTHLY OFFERINGS, PANCAKE BREAKFAST
PAGES 7
PAGES 15-16
American Lutheran Congregation Interim Pastor - Peter Rogness Office Secretary: Rie Melhoos Council President: Robert Sebro Messenger Editors and Helpers : Mel Engebretsen, Eric Mandeville, Bob Sebro, Rie Melhoos, Visiting address: Fritzners gate 15, 0264 Oslo, Norway Mailing Address: PO Box 3012 Elisenberg, 0207 Oslo, Phone: + 47 22 44 35 84 Fax: +47 22 44 30 15 Email: office@alcoslo.org Webpage: www.alcoslo.org
The mission of the American Lutheran Congregation is to bring people of different nations and denominations together, and in the English language, empower them into becoming fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. 2
Pastor’s Corner Dear Partners in Ministry, Thanks for the welcome. It is with that greeting that I began every report, E-letter, or newsletter piece I wrote to my synod when I served as a bishop. It is the same phrase I use in writing this first newsletter article to you whom I now serve as pastor for these months we are together. No one, pastor, lay leader, or occasional drop-in attender – does the church’s “ministry” by him- or herself; the body of Christ is a body, not an individual sign-up sheet. For a few months now we are partnered in this part of the life of that body. Gerry and I are already deeply grateful for the invitation to be among you as you step into this holy journey of calling a new pastor. It is certainly a holy time – the Spirit opens our eyes to see who we are, our ears to hear how others speak of us, and our hearts to stir visions of what we might be. We embrace our challenges and foibles as well as our gifts and hopes. You are indeed an incredibly unique place, blessed with a unique convergence reminiscent of the vision in the book of Revelation, “…every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne….” It is a joy and adventure to be among you… Call Process It is a joy and adventure to join you in the great anticipation that is the Call Process. I walked with many congregations through that period in my former call. Much work goes into planning, analyzing, deciding; it is the faithful stewarding of the congregation’s life through a time of transition to the next chapter. It is also a deeply spiritual time in that ultimately the change that will settle in on the congregation over these next years will unfold in ways that no one might have guessed. 50th Anniversary of Sanctuary Dedication It is fitting that in the midst of this process we pause to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Dedication of this Sanctuary in 1964, six years after the very beginning of this congregation. No one could have foreseen what this congregation would look like when they first gathered in 1958 or 1964. Then it was for American Lutherans living in Oslo. Now it is made up of some from that tradition, but more from other denominations and other countries… but all seeking what was sought then: a place to be nourished in faith and worship of the love of God we know in Jesus Christ. 3
Pastor’s Corner (continued) Through the gift of the ecumenical movement that was just being born about the same time this congregation was being born, Lutherans around the world understand themselves to be ecumenical at our core. All of which means that our tradition serves us as well for the future as it has in the past. Several months ago, when I wrote my final report to the synod I had served for 12 years, I closed with these sentences: When Gerry and I first drove around the Norwegian countryside and visited very old cemeteries, we were struck by how often the gravestone gave the name, dates, and simple inscription, “Takk for Alt.” Thanks for All. Each person’s life had its joys and tragedies, but the summary was simple and clear. For all we have shared these years, for all each of you have brought to this work together that we have shared, for all the ways God has used what we have done, the simple words endure. Takk for alt. I thank you for the privilege of serving among you. I now add this congregation and you, its people, to the list of blessings my journey has brought to me. Peter Rogness
Some of our Charter Members.
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President’s Corner Remembrance Sunday October 12, 2014 “What a unique and beautiful church
building you have!” is a sentiment I have heard said by family and friends when they visit the ALC, “We never knew how nice your church is!” is another. I wholeheartedly agree with them. I always feel proud when I share a little history of the ALC. 55 years ago a small group of Americans in Oslo founded The American Congregation with Oscar Hanson as their Pastor. They soon established a goal of building their own church. With the help of The American Lutheran Church in the US, that goal already began to materialize in 1962, when land was purchased, and the work of erecting a building started. On October 11th 1964 the first official service, led by Pastor Marius Knutson, was celebrated in the newly dedicated church building. 2009 marked the 50th anniversary of the founding of The American Lutheran Congregation. Then we especially remembered the strong faith and dedication shown by the founding members during the early years. Now 50 years after that first worship service, we rejoice in the legacy left to us. We are grateful to God, and to the first members of the ALC who gave generously of their time, talents and financial resources to provide us with a beautiful place to gather and worship in today. We must honor this legacy by being good custodians of this house of God. This building holds deep significance for so many of us, and we want it passed on to future generations of Christians. Over the years God has led thousands of people into our building to meet other Christians, worship, pray, and fellowship. Many baptisms, confirmations, weddings, and funerals have taken place here.
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President’s Corner (con’t) The reality of today is that our 50 year old building needs renovation in addition to regular up-keep. Through “The Master key project” of fund raising we have now raised 60 000 kroner towards the much needed renovations. Estimates show that we need about 900 000 kroner to refurbish the Sanctuary (excluding protecting the stained glass windows), Hanson Hall, and the kitchen. That is a substantial amount, and we must continue to raise funds for this important project. The ALC has evolved over the years and today’s members come from many different nations, religious, and ethnic backgrounds. We are all Christians wanting a place to worship and pray using the English language. I welcome all who want to be a part of ensuring that English speaking Christians in Oslo continue to have a church home that is beautiful and well maintained for generations to come. Remembrance Sunday is a celebration of the past, the present, and the future of the ALC, as we thank God for the gift of our church building. Soli Deo Gloria Bob Sebro AlC Council President
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Monday Morning Bible Study is Back! Pastor Rogness has offered to reconvene the Monday morning Bible Study EVERY OTHER WEEK for the rest of the year. He will be leading us through "Opening the Book of Faith." It is chance to look at 4 passages from Exodus, Jeremiah, John and Romans. Seekers and doubters, long time believers and skeptics alike – come one, come all! We are a diverse community which loves conversation! Mondays at 10:30 – beginning next Monday, September 29. Then alternate Mondays: September 29, October 13 , October 27 November 10, November 24 December 8 Come as you can. Come once, come twice, come thrice. But do come. So check your Monday mornings in your fall schedule. Coffee, conversation, Christian community. The learning is stimulating, the perspective enlightening, and the community Christ-filled. (And, as it works, social time for lunch after….)
Give it a Try … Pick a Monday -- See you!
Wednesday Night Prayer Group INVITATION FROM THE PRAYER GROUP The Prayer Group is starting a new Bible study based on Michael Harper's book The Healings of Jesus. We will be looking at Jesus' ministry of healing to people in need, based upon the different healing accounts in the Gospels. How did Jesus minister to them, and what role was played by intercession and faith? We will study one text each week and see what lessons can be learned for the church's healing ministry today. The study runs for 10 weeks, and you are welcome to join us. The Prayer Group meets at 7 PM (19:00) on Wednesdays in the Fireside Room. Please contact Richard Blucher for more information. rblucher@online.no
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8
20
16:30 tNET 17:15 Al-Anon
19
10:00 Choir Rehearsal 11:00 Worship with Holy Communion 12:00 Fellowship
12:30 AWC Fireside Forum 16:30 tNET 17:15 Al-Anon
10:00 Choir
11:00 Worship with Confirmation
27
26
19:00 Church Council Meeting
16:30 t NET 17:15 Al-Anon
10:30 Monday Bible Study
28
21
19:00 AA
19:00 Prayer Group,
29
19:00 AA
19:00 Prayer Group,
22
19:00 AA
17:00 Sons of Norw 19:00 Prayer Group,
15
14
13
Church Office closed
19:00 AWC Board
16:30 t NET 17:15 Al-Anon
50th Anniversary 11:00 Worship Special Anniversary Lunch
12
Holy Communion 16:00 Oslo Kirken
19:00 AA
8
19:00 AA
19:00 Prayer Group,
1
Wed
11:00 Worship with
7
Tue
19:00 Prayer Group,
6
October 2014
Mon
10:00 Choir
5
Sun
30
23
16
9
2
Thu
31
24
17
10
3
Fri
14:30 AA
25
18 Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser
11 15:00 AWC Regional Conference
Confirmation Class 14:30 AA
4
Sat
Why the American Lutheran Church? By Gillian Margaret Beresford Holby The answer to this on a purely human way of thinking is because I was running late for the Anglican. I was driving with my young friend from Trinidad, Carol, to church having left my children at home with their father and on driving up Bygdø Alle we knew we were late and then, before our eyes was the signpost to the American Lutheran Church. I looked at Carol and asked, "shall we give it a go"? "Helen always raved about it, (my daughter had a boyfriend who attended) so we agreeing "why not"?, I turned right up Fritzners gate and there I set eyes on the building which was to become my spiritual home. Little did I know. But God did. We were greeted warmly and ushered into the sanctuary where friendly people were being seated. And children! So many of all ages, and I thought of my two smallest ones, at home. I found there was a nursery for the youngest and Sunday School for the older ones. Wow! The Service began and the pastor began with warm words of greeting in JESUS Name. It was Pastor Myrus Knutson, a dynamic, warm-hearted JESUS loving man, who with his wife Helen, was to become my dear friend. Spiritual friends. The Service progressed, not unlike the Anglican, and all my favourite hymns were sung with a beautiful choir leading. After the Pastor greeted us he introduced Carol to some younger people who invited her that evening to a youth fellowship. An answer to my prayer as I was worried about her lack of friends here!! The following Sunday two more children came to the ALC, John, then 3 and Peter, 6 months old and the first baby to be put in the baby crib. (To be continued next month.)
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Update from Call Committee September 2014
The work of the Call Committee is entering a new phase. We have now completed updating the Congregational Profile and the Pastor’s Job Description. The Congregational profile is a document that describes who we are, our challenges and dreams. This document is written based on feedback from members of the Congregation and the experience of the members of the Call Committee. Based on the Congregational Profile, the Pastor’s job description has also been updated. Finally, the ALC Council has reviewed the documents. The feedback from the congregation, the views of the Call Committee and comments from the ALC Council are all consistent. This is important moving forward - there is an overall consensus as to who we are, and what we would like to see in a new Pastor. A printout of The Congregational Profile and the Pastor’s Job Description is available for review in the Church Office. Our ALC Constitution and Bylaws state that we call a new Pastor from the ELCA in the US. The Congregational Profile, Pastor’s Job Description and an outline of the Compensation Package has been sent to the ELCA, and they are posting the available position this week. We have set November 1st as the deadline for the pastoral applications. Over the next four weeks, the Call Committee will be preparing to review the applications and also preparing for the subsequent interviews. God has a definite new pastor for us and we as a congregation should pray diligently that God grant the Call Committee the wisdom and discernment to recognize this pastor.
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Youth and Young Adults Young Adults: Young at ALC and looking for a group of Christian fellowship? Than you are welcome to join us. We are an international group of young adults that have in common the desire to share our faith and grow in faith. This group is open for you as short term or longer term expect in Oslo. Bible studies, serving at ALC and exploring Norway are things we have focus on. Welcome to our meeting on the following dates: 4th October
25th October
15th November 22nd November 6th December
13th December
If you are interested in this group and would like more information, please write to education@ alcoslo.org or contact Amalia Prodan
Senior Youth group: 13- 18 years This fall we will continue to go through the great stories of our Re:formers. We will meet on Sundays during church service on the following dates. 19th October 26th October 16th November 30th November 7th of December 14th of December We would also like to remind you about the Youth Conference in Bonn from 6-9 th November. Deadline to register is 5th October. Contact Amalia Prodan or the Church Office for Details
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Happy Birthday - God Bless you! October Birthdays Birthdays September 2 - Jennifer Alcoriza 3 - Jonas Engebretsen 3 - Ditlef Knudsen 3 – Sara Caitlyn Gabrielsen 4 – Olav Mundal 4 - Cherry Mae Frugalidad 5 - Caroline Tøtdal 6 - Daniel Ryan Ruth 7 - Michael Menk 7 - Kelly Kaspersen 8 - Johan Knudsen 9 - Finn Flood 11 - Perpetua Mohr 11 - Joachim Kjesbu 13 - Line Knudsen 13 - Sirkka Stephens 14 - Isabella A. Wang 16 - Mac Stephen Richards 17 - Tea Alexandra Tandberg
19 - Olga Bye 20 - Erin G. Austad 20 – Chad Michael Brown 21 - Merete Heggelund 23 - Helen Johnsen 23 - Alexander Balfour 24 - Irmelin Marie Benes 24 - Unni Fyrde 26 - Elisabeth Martin 27 - Charmaine Pascual 28 - Catlin Smefjell, 28 - Virginia Ringnes 29 - Marit Engebretsen, 29 - Marielle Minutella 30 - Margaret Briggs 30 - Benjamin Trumpy 30 - Gudny Trumpy 31 - Robin Thune Larsen
Moms In Prayer We’re a group of mothers at the ALC who meets regularly to pray for our children. We’ve registered this group at MomsinPrayer.org and use their four step prayer as the basis for our meetings which typically last an hour. We welcome any mothers with children any age who would like to join us in prayer. The main purpose with our group is… • To pray that our children will receive Jesus as Lord and Savior, then stand boldly in their faith • To pray for teachers and school staff • To pray that teachers, administrative staff, and students would come to faith in Jesus Christ • To provide support and encouragement to moms (especially those who carry heavy burdens for their children)
We typically bring our children and meet up at someone’s house for a prayer session based on the chosen prayer sheet/theme. Currently, our group meets up Tuesdays on a bi-weekly basis. The schedule is flexible and reflects the participating mothers. For more information about Moms In Prayer (MIP) International at www.MomsinPrayer.org. If you are interested and would like to learn more about our group, please contact prayersgroup @ alcoslo.org. 12
ALC Women’s Fellowship Evenings We started the autumn term with a meaningful retreat at the end of August and want to continue on from there with our monthly women’s gatherings. If you haven’t attended yet, here comes a warm invitation to join us every first Friday of the month. Different women open their homes to us for a time of relaxed and informal fellowship. We eat together, talk (as women doJ), have fun and share our lives and stories. This is particularly rewarding as we come from different walks of life, various nations and different generations. There is no pressure of expectation to produce or perform; our desire is to encourage one another and be refreshed in the Lord. There’s always time for prayer and a chance to share your joys and sorrows. As we focus on the Lord together he meets us and encourages our hearts. Here are the remaining dates for this year’s diary: October 3rd November 7th December 5th Hostess names, addresses and travel instructions go out by separate email. If you would like to be included in that mailing list, please contact Ulrike Krallmann, gukrallmann@gmail.com or Naja Boone Solend , najaboone@gmail.com and we’ll make sure that you are in the loop. WELCOME!
The ALC financial situation is quite serious. Let us pray for a revival of giving in our church. Supporting God's work with our tithes and offerings is an important part of being disciples of Jesus. If you have not given offering to ALC before and are wondering how you can send your gifts, you are welcome to contact our Stewardship Committee or Church Office. We have offering envelops that you can get free of charge at the church office, our web site has an online giving function. www.alcoslo.org If you like to send money electronically through your bank, please send to this account number: The American Lutheran Congregation 50810747827
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Congregational fall retreat – retreating and moving forward simultaneously! Once again the fall congregational retreat was held at Østmarkskapellet, south of Oslo. Walking through the woods for 2 km before arriving made clear this was not simply showing up at a job site, but a retreat site. Glorious early fall sun warmed the 25 or so retreaters. It was what a retreat was meant to be – a time apart, a different pace, a time to connect. And we who gathered both pulled back from immediate tasks, and looked forward to the unfolding life of our church as it moves through this time of transition from one chapter to the next. Pastor Rogness led opening scripture focus from the prophet Joel, who brought the word of the Lord that “your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions.” (We did decide that women also had dreams and visions!). Taking up this invitation given to God’s people to vision and dream, we engaged each other in small group focused discussions around the question, “What are the Three Main Things ALC must make sure to do really well, because if these three aren’t done well, nothing else you do will matter?” Sharing in groups of four brought many stories of the kind of welcome and grounding people had experienced at ALC. After a tasty lunch prepared by Tor Erik Engebretsen and time for hiking and enjoying the outdoors, Vicki and Chris Cook picked up guitars and led the group in singing, with Sirrka Stevens joining in on several on piano. Amalia Prodan led a group of young adults who stayed over both Friday and Saturday evenings, and were joined by Bob and Torill Sebro, and Tor Erik Engebretsen and Geir Habesland in making and serving waffles after the Sunday noon worship that is held in the chapel for families spending the day hiking in the area. A “retreat” is to be a time to change the pace of life for a bit, and this time was that – to settle back with creation, each other, and God. You’re invited to make a mental note to join in next fall!
Prayers The ALC is fortunate to have many individuals who lift up other members, friends, and relatives to the Lord in prayer. If you are in need of prayers or know of others who who would like to be prayed for or with. You may want to contact: Our Prayer Chain administrator, Gillian Holby, at jillholby@gmail.com Our Prayer Group which meets Wednesdays, at 7 PM in the Fireside Room. Please contact Richard Blucher at rblucher@online.no. In addition please contact the church office directly with any requests for prayers. 14
15
Feb
63017
63444
107818
Jan
56931
87502
184204
2014
2013
2012
JAN
Year
0
20000
40000
60000
120000 N O 100000 K 80000
140000
160000
180000
200000
MAR
APR
86255
59363
81408
80567
135587
73077
86382
154353
JUN
93603
143210
108524
May Jun
MAY
90050
Mar Apr
FEB
73370
SEPT
69661
71076
54008
Aug
AUG
136837
79307
Jul
JUL
OCT
83671
138666
Sep
ALC Monthly Offerings 2012-2014
98019
99082
Oct
NOV
69504
89766
Nov
DEC
175973
138661
Dec
2012
2013
2014
AMERICAN PANCAKE BREAKFAST
October 18th, 2014 Treat yourself and your family to a traditional American favorite - a stack of freshly made pancakes, warm from the skillet, dripping with syrup and with a side of homemade sausage, juice, coffee or tea, milk and all served with the hospitality that makes you feel like you are stateside in your favorite breakfast restaurant. Join us on Saturday October 18th in Hanson Hall at the American Lutheran Church. We look forward to seeing you. All proceeds go towards the ALC building improvements in celebration of the 50th anniversary of its completion.
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