Mindekirken

COMMUNICATOR Newsletter of the Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Church - ELCA

Documentary Film about Mindekirken To be shown Sun., Feb. 23 following 11 a.m. Family Worship

Åge Andre Breivik

“Mindekirken – A different piece of Norway” is a film portrait of the church and the people running it. Through the stories of a few of its members, we get a glance of what’s going on in the church. (2012). This documentary film is an attempt to show the daily life of the church, and some of the activities the members put together. Filmmaker Åge Andre teaches in Volda, Norway. His wife, Heidi Fagna is a reporter for NRK (Norwegian Broadcasting). They will both be in attendance.

New Norwegian Hymnal Now in Use On December 1 Mindekirken began use of the new Norwegian hymnal, "Norsk Salmebok 2013", (N13) thanks to a generous donation by the Nelson family. As Pastor Sundt wrote in the December Communicator, the new hymnal is characterized by its breadth of styles, reflecting the increasing diversity and multiculturalism of the modern church. In writing about the "N13" hymnal, David Scott Hamnes, consultant for church music and hymnody at the Liturgical Centre, Church of Norway, and Organist at the Ilen church, Trondheim, has observed that a new hymnal reflects our own time, much in the same way that an organ is a mirror of architectural tastes and styles of its era. Hamnes notes that a hymnal is especially important for a Lutheran congregation with its basis on a rich tradition of corporate singing. Indeed, the singing congregation is the most important musical instrument in a Lutheran church.

"With the Bible in one hand and the hymnbook in the other, we are equipped to interpret and reflect the Christian faith", writes Hamnes. Comprising 899 hymns and 1,079 texts (including 240 new hymns), N13 is a large book by any church hymnal's standard. From an organist's perspective, the Koralbok (harmonized accompaniments), although in the form of two very large volumes, is a welcome improvement, as all of the texts are included along with harmonization of the melodies. And many members of the congregation will be pleased to find some hymns in harmony in the Salmebok, traditionally a "melodyonly" book for use in the pew.

No. 124 February 2014

Newly Announced Events Mon., Feb. 3 5-7 pm Feed my Starving Children Mobile Pack event at Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church, in Prior Lake. Join 15,000 volunteers packing 3 million meals from Feb. 3—8! Sign up at www.mindekirken.net/ index.php/serve/feed-my-starvingchildren or call church office Community members can support this MobilePack by making a donation to cover meal costs, or by volunteering to package food at the event. See www.fmsc.org.

March 2014 Sun., March 2 1 pm Congregational Conversation led by Dr. Roland Martinson Sat., March 15 10 am “Fun in the Snow for all Ages” Mindekirken family event at Theodore Wirth Park, Minneapolis Sat., March 22 10 am “The Changing Liturgy of the Church of Norway” Presentation by Pr. Jorunn Raddum. Organist Dean Billmeyer, Seminary Student Kristofer Coffman and Pr. Kristin Sundt will also provide leadership at this worship seminar. Lunch will be provided.

In the last few weeks, we have barely begun to scratch the surface of what will be a marvelous resource and tool in our worship life. Dean Billmeyer Organist

The Communicator is published monthly (except for July) by the Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Church 924 East 21st Street, Minneapolis, MN 55404-2952 www.mindekirken.org Office (612) 874-0716

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From the Pastor: A visit to Minnekirken in Chicago Mindekirken, Minneapolis & Minnekirken, Chicago on the other hand have always been part of an American Lutheran Church body and then became part of the ELCA when three Lutheran Churches merged back in1988. Both congregations use Church of Norway hymnbooks & liturgy, and have been served by many pastors who have come from the Church of Norway. I recently had the opportunity to visit Minnekirken in Chicago for the first time when I preached and led the worship service there on December 29, 2013. It was great to meet some of their leaders with whom I previously only had been in touch via e-mail and phone, and to greet the worshipping congregation at our sister congregation Pr. Kristin Sundt at Minnekirken in Chicago in Chicago. The congregation now known Mindekirken in Minneapolis and as Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Minnekirken in Chicago, Illinois are Church/Den Norske Lutherske Minthe only two Norwegian-American nekirke was started in Logan congregations in the US which still Square, Chicago back in 1905, at a conduct worship services in Norwetime when that area had a large gian on an ongoing basis. Both spellNorwegian–American population. ings mean “Memorial Church”. There Their church building was completare Norwegian Seamen’s Churches ed in 1912. in Houston, Los Angeles/San Pedro, The Great Depression hit the Miami, New Orleans, New York & congregation hard and the church San Francisco, but those congregaclosed in 1928. However, the foundtions are part of the Norwegian ing minister returned and regular Church Abroad which mainly serves activities resumed at the same Norwegian citizens who temporarily place in1934. live outside of Norway.

Logan Square has gone through a similar transformation as our own Ventura Village neighborhood here in Minneapolis. Today, both places are part of the multicultural fabric of our cities. The members and friends of Minnekirken live all across the Chicago metro region and commute to the church. It is convenient in Chicago to use public transportation to get to church since Logan Square is a station on the Blue Line which goes between O’Hare & Forest Park (via downtown subway.) Norwegian musicians and singers have often come to perform at Minnekirken in Chicago. Jim Reilly (our former choir director and organist) and The Mindekirken Choir have performed there as well. Now, Minnekirken is without a called pastor. A call committee has been formed. Please pray that their search process goes well and that a new pastor will soon be able to fill the pulpit. My two daughters (Christina & Erika) travelled with me by bus to Chicago. Minnekirken has an apartment next door to the church which is the congregation’s parsonage. We were able to stay at this lovely apartment while we were visiting Chicago. My hope and prayer is that our two congregations will keep in better touch and be of mutual help to each other as we face the future together. Kristin Sundt

From the President: Looking back and looking forward I became a member of Mindekirken nearly 40 years ago. Since then, I have watched as new generations of dedicated Norwegian/ Orlyn Kringstad American leaders, both new and longer term members, step forward to follow with God’s guidance, as they themselves guided Mindekirken into a new era. I often think of the progression of Norwegian pastors whom I, and we, have had the privi-

lege to know and become friends with over the past forty years. The pastors who we have called to Mindekirken have each given years of their professional pastoral lives to lead worship services and cultural activities for and with our members. A piece of each of them remains embedded in our church history and in the memories of all of us who have served with them. The same holds true of Congregation Council members. Looking back, I view Mindekirken’s transitions in leadership in terms of rolling decades - ten-year

periods of time - where as past leaders “retire” from the Council and move on to serving in other capacities as volunteers and mentors. New and (not always) younger members bring new energy, ideas and life to our council, committees and other groups. Looking forward I sense such a transition occurring now. The leaders and members of our Deacon, Trustee and Executive Committees are as strong as ever. They are showing a determination to review, strengthen and improve our worship and administrative practices and procedures in many positive ways. (“President” continues on p. 3)

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Pr. Jorunn Raddum to preach at Mindekirken on Sun., Feb. 9 A study to determine the eligibility for listing on the “National Register of Historic Places” has been funded by a grant from the Minnesota Historical Society from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. A contract was signed in April of 2013, with Stark Preservation Planning LLC, to prepare this application. The draft report is available for review at the church office or via email. Listing on the National Register, will serve to honor our church for its important contribution to the Norwegian immigrants that came to America and could help us financially to preserve our property. Important point: Listing in the National Register honors the property by recognizing its importance to its community, state, or the nation. Private property owners can do anything they wish with their listed property, provided that no federal license, permit, or funding is involved. Owners have no obligation to open their properties to the public, to restore them, or even to maintain them, if they choose not to do so. Robert J. Hanson Project Coordinator

Rev. Jorunn Raddum is pastor of Lesja and Lesjaskog Churches in Gudbrandsdalen, Norway. After graduating from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, S. Dakota in 1991, she completed two years of Master’s degree studies in church music at Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minn. She then returned to Norway to pursue her degree in theology at the University of Oslo. She is currently involved in Master’s degree studies in practical theology, with a special emphasis on liturgy. Raddum is spending the academic year 2013/14 at Luther Seminary as a visiting scholar. She is accompanied in the Twin Cities by her husband Per Dag Hole and their children Johannes and Josefine.

Treasurer’s Report Dear Friends of Mindekirken The General Fund ended December 2013 with a positive balance of $46,831. Income from the four fall fund raising events totaled $22,000. Sixty-five giving units (families and individuals) have pledged to contribute a total of $119,758 for 2014. This increases pledged giving over 2013 by $6,054 . On behalf of the Council, I want to thank all those who pledged for 2014, and all the volunteers who worked at the fundraising events in 2013. Mange Takk Robert J. Hanson

Sun., Feb. 2 10 a.m. All – Congregation Worship Service 11:30 a.m. Annual Meeting of the Congregation Pastor Sundt will be on vacation from Feb. 4 -8, 2014. Please contact the Church Office (612) 8740716 if a pastor is needed while she is out of town.

“President” continued from p. 2 The Executive Officers of the Congregation Council show both experience and renewal. So I believe that we can say that the management of Mindekirken is in good hands. Transition and renewal are important for any organization, but for an ethnically-oriented church such as Mindekirken, it is especially important. Attendance at special worship and cultural events which draw 300 to 600 (Syttendemai for example) people to church attests to the broad interest and recognition that Mindekirken has with the Norwegian and Norwegian-American population in our community. I believe that many are ready to join

Mindekirken and become part of the next generation of leaders. They just need to be invited to do so. At our Annual Meeting two years ago we talked about “just asking” potential new members to join. Many of our current members joined because they were invited to do so. New members often become engaged in volunteer and leadership activities within a year or two of joining. This is a process that must happen if we are to continue renewing our volunteer positions. We should all remember, when meeting visitors at worship services, church coffee or other events, to “just ask” if they would like to become a member.

In my January column I expressed my gratitude to Pastor Sundt, the Congregation Council and staff for their contribution of time, talent and the general participation that they have given during the past two years that I served as Council President. The new Council beginning in February will have some people who are serving for the first time. I encourage all members, associate members and visitors to support and work with the Council members as they lead us toward our centennial, just eight years away. Orlyn Kringstad, Congregation President

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Welcome to Tuesday Open House in February 11—11:30 a.m. Fellowship and Lunch 11:45 a.m. Devotions and Announcements A suggested donation of $7.00 is received at the door (elevator access from parking lot entrance)

12 noon—1 p.m. Cultural Program [email protected]

Feb. 4 Roselyn Hanson Weber — Egil Hovland: a Norwegian Musical Treasure Egil Hovland (1924-2013), one of Scandinavia’s predominant 20th century composers, created a massive opus of works that Egil Hovland encompasses nearly every genre and performing medium.

During his lengthy career as composer and Kantor at Glemmen Kirke in Fredrikstad, Norway, his contribution to music both in Norway and internationally was enormous. Hovland’s role as leader and reformer of church music is well known in Scandinavia, his compositions ranging from hymns and liturgical settings (including the beloved Måne og Sol), to church operas and ballets. Presenter Roselyn Hanson Weber, a native of the Twin Cities, completed her doctoral dissertation on

Hovland’s mature choral music while serving as Kantor in Sauherad Kommune, Telemark, Norway (2007 -2011). Through this position, she experienced Hovland’s enormous impact on Norwegian church music firsthand. Hanson Weber hopes to increase awareness and appreciation of Egil Hovland’s work through her presentation, marking the one-year anniversary of his death on Feb. 5, 2013.

Feb. 11: Wendi Storhoff — Elementary Students learning English in School In Fall 2013, Communicator readers were asked for donations of school supplies for students at John A. Johnson Achievement Plus Elementary in St. Paul, where 96% of the students live in poverty. Boxes full of books, markers, pencils, and other items were generously donated by readers, and then distributed to students via Wendi Storhoff, ESL teacher at that school and also a member of Mindekirken. Storhoff will bring a group of 2nd graders to whom she is especially endeared. They will sing some of the songs they have learned, and express their thanks. Wendi will speak about how and why she teaches songs to help struggling students with reading and language.

Feb. 18: Gordon Krantz “Claus & Christine” (book); and Ancestral DNA Tracing Gordon Krantz will tell about his mother's life as an immigrant from Tingelstad, Gran, Hadeland, Norway. He recently published her biography, together with that of his father, an immigrant from Småland, Sweden. Gordon collaborated with his sister Carol to compile the family stories in a book titled, “Claus and Christine”.

Krantz will also present a charting of his mother's maternal ancestors' journey from the Near East to Scandinavia as indicated by DNA tracing. He will discuss the DNA method of revealing ancestral migrations for both his father’s and mother’s line. Photo Right: Gordon Krantz with sister Carol Krantz

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Feb. 25 Lew Linde — Rep. Andrew Volstead’s Role in Prohibition Andrew John Volstead was the son of Norwegian immigrants. He became a member of the United States House of Representatives from Minnesota (1903–1923). His name is closely associated with the National Prohibition Act of 1919, usually called the Volstead Act. This act was the enabling legislation for the enforcement of national prohibi-

tion beginning in 1920. Due to voter outrage he lost his seat in the House. The Minnesota History Center (in Saint Paul, MN) currently has an exhibit called “American Spirits: the Rise and Fall of Prohibition”, illustrating the social problems leading to the act, and the role Minnesota had in the initial passing of the law - together with problems Volstad faced as the result of authoring the bill.

Andrew Volstead

TOH Programs in March 2014 Hal Cropp— Ibsen festival, Lanesboro MN Commonweal Theater 11 Arna Rennan— Folk Music Reflects the thinking of the times 18 Ruth Bachman— Inspirational speaker 25 Pr Jorunn Raddum-Life as a Parish Pastor in Lesja, Norway

Thanks to our Communicator SPONSORS

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Billmeyer Organ Recital Feb. 25 in St. Paul Mindekirken's organist Dean Billmeyer will appear in recital at the Church of St. Louis, King of France, in Saint Paul on Tuesday, Feb. 25 at 12:35 p.m.. Billmeyer's program will include music of J. S. Bach, Carl Phillip Emmanuel Bach, and Georg Friedrich Kauffmann. The church is located at 506 Cedar St, St Paul, MN 55101.

Meeting: Sun., Feb. 16 at 1:00 p.m. This Bible Study Group is for you who have questions about the Christian Faith, would like to explore the writings of contemporary Christian theologians and are ready to wrestle with faith issues in a new and different way. Luther Seminary student Kristofer Coffman leads this group which will meet following noon coffee hour in the Kirkestua at Mindekirken. Meeting: Wed., Feb. 19 at 6:45 p.m. Bible Study with Gracia Grindal (no meeting on Feb. 5) 6:45 pm Fellowship & coffee 7 – 8 pm Bible Study

Find updates on “Mindekirken” Facebook page “Like” us!

WILLIAM K. WANGENSTEEN ATTORNEY AT LAW 900 EAST WAYZATA BOULEVARD • SUITE 110 WAYZATA, MINNESOTA 55391 Estate Planning, Wills, Trusts, Probate, Real Estate

Telephone FAX (952) 473-0130 (952) 473-3219 EMAIL: [email protected]

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Vi er i gang and 2014 is off to a strong start with solid enrollment in Mindekirken’s Norwegian Language and Culture Program! Our spring session will begin Mon., March 24. Watch for more information on www.mnlcp.org about upcoming classes, events and programming related to the upcoming grunnlovsjubileet. To learn more about our program or to register online for classes visit us at www.mnlcp.org. Liker du MNLCP og det vi står for? Become our fan on Facebook. We always welcome new students regardless of your prior knowledge or experiences. Velkommen skal du være! Vennlig hilsen Krista Marie Schweppe, Program Administrator

[email protected]

www.mnlcp.org

Two of the Norwegian films in this year’s festival are listed at bottom of this page Check out www.nordiclightsfilmfestival.org for more information on screening times, ticketing, film information, our Opening Night party, and panel discussion times. Showing at Screen 3 at the St. Anthony Main Theater, in collaboration with partner The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul.

Kon-Tiki

De Andre

(2012) Directed by Joachim Ronning and Espen Sandberg Adventure, History, Narrative 118 Minutes Rated PG-13 Norwegian with English Subtitles

(2012) Directed by Margreth Olin Documentary, Drama 93 Minutes NR Norwegian with English Subtitles

7 FILMAFTEN Feb. 21 at 7pm (free) “Kautokeino Opprøret” (The Kautokeino Rebellion) Norwegian film with English subtitles Shown in the Fellowship Hall Religious and cultural awakening inspires rebellion in a 19th century Norwegian village. This film is based on a true story set in the North of Norway in 1851 - 1852. A brutal and ruthless Swedish store owner, Carl Johan Ruth supplied alcohol to a growing number of Sami men. A Sami woman Elen Skum desired to keep the men off the liquor. The final scenes are especially poignant. Director: Nils Gaup Anni-Kristina Juuso as Elen Skum, Michael Persbrandt as Carl Johan Ruth In Norwegian, Swedish, Danish and Sami with English Subtitles. 96 min Production year: 2008 Category: Drama and History Rating 11 years. Viewer’s discretion strongly advised.

Congregational Conversation to continue Sun., Feb. 9 at 1:00 pm in Fellowship Hall Led by Dr. Roland Martinson Come join us as we at Mindekirken continue to explore information, convictions, and concerns as we work towards developing a congregational approach to discussing matters facing our congregation. At the first gathering (Jan. 19) we worked on developing an Accurate Description of and Approach to the Question of Performing Same Gender Marriages. At the next meeting (Feb. 9) we will look at Consideration of the Essential Issues regarding Performing Same Gender Marriages. On March 2 we will consider Options for Mindekirken regarding Performing Same Gender Marriages. These 3 Congregational Conversations led by Roland Martinson will address the issue of ‘How do we relate to others who have different opinions than us?’ It is from this platform we will engage in dialog about same-gender marriages. Roland Martinson will guide our conversations, and will not advocate for a certain stand on any issue. Handouts from the first conversation held on Jan. 19 are available at the church. Roland Martinson is the Professor Emeritus of Children, Youth and Family Ministry and the former Academic Dean at Luther Seminary. He faithfully served at Luther Seminary for 36 years. Members, associate members and friends of Roland Martinson Mindekirken are encouraged to join these sessions as we speak to each other in guided conversations.

Grieg Society Concert at Mindekirken March 2: The Bakken Trio at 4:00 p.m. This program will include: String Quartet in F by Carl Nielsen, Fourteen Little Pieces by James MacMillan and Sonate in G for Violin and Piano by Edvard Grieg. Stephanie Arado (violin), Judy Lin (piano), and Mina Fisher (manager) define the Bakken Trio. Tickets: $20 (Students free) Variations of this ensemble have showcased classical chamber music in the Twin Cities area for more than thirty years. The Bakken Trio earned the McKnight Artist Fellowship and numerous other awards from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council. http://bakkentrio.org/

Den Norske Lutherske Mindekirke, ELCA

924 E 21st St., Mpls MN 55404-2952

(Located 1 block south of E. Franklin & 10th Ave. S.) office phone: (612) 874-0716 fax (612) 874-1971 E-mail: [email protected] Web page: www.mindekirken.org Pastor: Pr. Kristin Sundt [email protected] Appt hrs: Wed.- Fri. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Office Secretary: Kaia Knutson [email protected] Open Office hours: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Tues - Fri Bookkeeper: Magne A. Hatlevik Mon & Fri [email protected] Custodian: Les Tufte [email protected] Choir Director: John De Haan [email protected] Organist: Dean Billmeyer [email protected]

Event Coordinator: Magne Hatlevik [email protected] Kitchen Coordinator: Terry Parker [email protected] Webmaster: Magne A. Hatlevik Communicator Staff: Kaia Knutson, Pr. Sundt Deadline: 15th of Feb. for March issue No subscription fee – supported by your donations.

Executive Committee for 2013: President: Orlyn Kringstad Vice President: Jana Aune Deach Secretary: Jennifer Thue Treasurer: Robert J Hanson Chair of Deacons:Frank Brathen Chair of Trustees: Steinar Berg Pastor: Kristin Sundt

February 2014 MINDEKIRKEN COMMUNICATOR 924 E 21st St Minneapolis, MN 55404-2952

Worship schedule—Everyone is welcome!

Other Meetings

English transcripts provided for the Norwegian service Nursery care is provided during the 11:00 services Sun., Feb. 2 4 Epiphany 10:00 a.m. All—congregation Bilingual Service (sermon in English) Holy Communion Special music by flutist Gro Schibsted Sandvik (Bergen, Norway) 11:30 a.m. Annual Meeting of the Congregation Sun., Feb. 9 5 Epiphany Guest minister: Pr. Jorunn Raddum 9:00 a.m. English Service 11:00 a.m. Norwegian Service / Choir / Sunday school 1:00 p.m. Congregational Conversation Led by Roland Martinson Sun. Feb. 16 6 Epiphany 9:00 a.m. English Worship with Holy Communion 11:00 a.m. Norwegian Service with Holy Communion / Choir Sunday school 1:00 p.m. Bible Study with Kristofer Coffman Sun. Feb. 23 7 Epiphany NO 9 a.m. service 11:00 a.m. Bilingual Worship Service (Sermon in English) The Mindekirken Choir / Installation of Congregation Council 12:00 p.m. Kirkekaffe (coffee hour) with visitors from Gjøvik, Norway Documentary film by Åge Andre Breivik about Mindekirken shown

2nd Tuesday— Feb. 11 6:00 p.m. Deacons / Trustees 7:10 p.m. Congregation Council Tuesday Open House — p. 4-5 Norwegian Language & Culture Classes www.mnlcp.org — p. 6-7 Filmaften—Norw. Film Night Fri., Feb. 21 at 7 pm—see p. 7 Newsletter Assembly by volunteers Tues., Feb. 25 at 10 a.m. — Please call to confirm this date when the time is closer. Volunteers are appreciated! Join us for an hour or two to help fold and label the March mailing. Coffee served—you may bring your lunch. Thanks! The Mindekirken Choir rehearses on Thursdays, 7—8:30 p.m. New members welcome any time!

Velkommen!