Echoes From Our Annual Meeting
Our congregation had its annual meeting at the beginning of March. There was about thirty people in attendance and the meeting went right on schedule under the leadership of Peter Makila. Peter deservedly and beautifully thanked Pertti Pietarinen, our council’s departing president, whose term came to a close this Spring. All of our volunteers and trusted individuals also received thank you’ s.
Most significant items on our agenda were the financial and functional challenges due to Covid-19 as well as the upcoming arrangements for taking care of pastoral duties. We came to the conclusion that despite these challenges, our congregation made it through the past year very well. The situation would have been much worse had we not sold the church building at the end of 2019.
I had draw two simple charts to show how the pastoral work is planned to be taken care of in a couple of years to come. The duties of a pastor will be executed by several different individuals. Year round work will be done by our new shepherd Sami Ettanen. The Florida-Bahamas Synod, which we are a part of, has given Sami the authorization for Word and Sacrament Ministry. The church of Finland will send a seasonal pastor to help Sami during the busy wintertime. We can trust that Mauri Vihko who knows our congregation well will send us a good and talented pastor. If necessary we will also use supply pastor’s from the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America).
Find below a portion of my speech from the annual meeting.
We have yet another change ahead. This time it refers to the new ways to take care of the pastoral duties of St. Andrew's. We have made careful and precise plans for this change to take place with the Church of Finland and the Florida-Bahamas Synod, already since last Fall.
Our new working model adds flexibility and saves resources for the important work of spreading the good news of the Gospel more effectively outside of the church walls.
I feel strongly that the changes which we are implementing are a blessing from our Heavenly Father. This is why I dare to say that St. Andrew’s congregation is in a good place even in these still somewhat uncertain times created by the epidemic. God is now in control.
Figuratively speaking, I can compare our congregation to a ship that was anchored in place to the bottom of a small bay for a long time.
Many parts of the ship had corroded over time in a way that a strong storm could have easily capsized it.
The crew woke up in time to strengthen the structure, rebuilding the sails and ensuring that the loved vessel would stay seaworthy. We are now observing the weather conditions and are ready to lift the sails and turn the bow of the ship towards new adventures. Let’s let God’s winds blow; let’s use His Word as our nautical chart, and let’s use a compass with a needle in the form of a cross. Ships are built to make journeys, not to stand still.
My own work here is nearing the end. I still have time to write one more Pastor’s Greeting for our Newsletter before my departure to Finland on the 24th of May. My farewell will be held at church on Pentecost Sunday of the 23rd of May, and at the same time we will celebrate our volunteers as well as Sami and Tarja who will be taking over many responsibilities.
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Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord. Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart— they do no wrong but follow his ways - Oh, that my ways were steadfast
in obeying your decrees! (Ps. 119:1-3,5)
Pastor Mia
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PRESENTING OUR CHURCH COUNCIL |
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ETTANEN, SAMI (Vice-president)
From the pen of Sami's daughter: My dad started in his dream job a month ago. Until now, he has made a career in business. But he also has extensive work experience as a chauffeur, head chef, housekeeping, and handyman - all important roles when raising two daughters. He is also a great listener, something he did not need to learn but rather came naturally to him. Whenever I have needed it, he has been there with the best advice. I can happily endorse his services in more challenging tasks than these! Recommended by, daughter.
Greetings, Ida.
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FOX, NAOMI
I was born in Massachusetts and lived there for the first years of my life. Since then
I have lived in New York, Ohio, Iceland and Florida. I have been a member of St. Andrew's Lutheran Church since 1976. I have worked as a medical assistant and later as a para professional for the PB county school district, the longest being at a school for handicapped children. My volunteer work at the church has included teaching
Sunday School, being youth leader, cradle roll secretary, council member and chime and chapel choir participant. I have one daughter who lives in LA and loves it. I also have one granddaughter who is the love of my life.
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KANERVIKKOAHO, LAURI
I was born in Alajärvi. I moved to the U.S. with my parents in 1962. After spending ten years in New York, the son of a farmer grew into a carpenter. We moved to Florida in 1972. My family members include my wife, two adult children, three grandchildren and a Robo-cat. I have experience on congregation councils and elders for nearly twenty years, of which the last four have been at St. Andrew's. The Bible is a good road map for life. We should all strive to live as it says in Peter's letter: Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. (1. Peter 4:10)
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KARVONEN, TUOMO
My roots were planted deep in Kuusamo, Finland, even though I was born in Oulu. As I may have mentioned during my devotions, I had my conversion experience during a confirmation summer camp, and from there on there were multiple steps and spiritual growth spurts. Eventually they led me to direct my studies in theology and missions.
I attended Ryttyla Theological Seminary, took a break in studies and did my military service in nearby Riihimaki. Through special teaching staff and their vision of using Mass Communication technology in spreading the Gospel, I transferred from theology to broadcasting and became a member of KRTV, a Christian Radio and Television ministry.
To learn the practical aspects of television production I travelled in 1972 to Portsmouth, Va., to a place called Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN), the first Christian television station in USA and the world. Two years later I moved to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, to help to develop a Christian news network for the several Finnish populated cities in Canada. With similar ideas in mind I then came down to Florida in 1975. Since that year I have been through several careers and working relationships, giving me a wider range of understanding the ways and means of operating and managing businesses and even ministries. During all these years in Florida I have continuously been active in churches and various parachurch ministries, especially with their music programs. The last three years I have been privileged to be a part of St. Andrew’s and I am excited to be involved in the growing and developing our part of our Finnish community.
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MANNER-SMITH, SUVI-KATRIINA (Secretary) Although I was born in the U.S.A. I was raised in Hartola, Finland and grew up attending the Lutheran Church always at the beginning and the end of the year. I also sang hymns for school morning devotionals and started conducting devotionals myself after my family became born again Christians. I thank my parents for taking me to all the meetings of local fellowship in order for us to grown in our newly-found personal faith. We moved back to the U.S. when I was a teen and we attended the Finnish Pentecostal and Finnish Nazarene Churches before I joined the “Voices of Thunder” youth group band of St. Andrew’s. I am very blessed to serve in the music ministry for the past decade with my old band-mate Michael. I am a teacher, librarian and a professional administrator. My family which consists of husband Brian, son Johan, and four cats with larger than life personalities, are relocating and praying for guidance in the process.
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MÄKILÄ, PETER (President)
I was born in Finland and have attended school there as well as in Canada and the USA. I have degrees in business and marketing, as well as two different certifications in the insurance field. I have served in many trusted positions during my life, for example the Canada-Finland Foundation, on the boards of Canadian and Floridian service clubs, Finlandia Foundation-Florida chapter, Finn Fest organizing comittee, as well as St. Andrew's church council member and president. I also serve as vice-president of the Finnish-American Chamber of Commerce, which I was involved in establishing. I have served as honorary counsul in Canada as well as here in Florida. I retired last year from my own insurance firm, which I lead for over twenty years. I continue on with the Finnish Honorary Consul work. My family includes my wife Arja, five children, nine grandchildren, and eight great grand children.
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SAARELA-VENING, SAARA
I was born in Rauma, Finland, and have resided in Palm Beach County for most of my life. I have worked for the School District of Palm Beach County for 16 years as a teacher, as a teacher leader for the Department of Safe Schools, and for the past 6 years as a high school Assistant Principal. I attended St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church when I was younger with my mother and slowly found my way back in adulthood. I have two children, Johannes (7) and Jakob (1), and have been married for 14 years to my husband Ross. I look forward to growing in Christ with our congregation.
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TUUTTI, SILJA
I was born in Helsinki. I came to America via England in the year 1963. The first ten years in New York went by very quickly. My main area of study at NYC Community College was financial and secretarial book-keeping, and this brough me a lot of work. After this I have lived my life here in Florida doing many different kinds of work. I have two children and four grandchildren, as well as one great grandchild. I am grateful to God for my diverse life which I have been able to live, and I pray that I may move forward and trust in Him and his leadership in the future.
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SARI MUSTONEN continues to serve as our Treasurer, for which we warmly thank her!
The congregation wishes these trusted individuals an abundance of blessing from our Heavenly Father and the strength to bring the congregation forward in prayer and with the will of God.
The new council will be installed on Easter Sunday 4.4 after the Finnish service.
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We warmly thank all those who have remembered and supported our congregation through their gifts. We are living through economically challenging times, and we need your prayers as well as financial support, so that our work can continue year round. May God bless you and your gift!
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Leadership teacher John C. Maxwell has written the following: “If you are older, a teacher, a babysitter, a pastor/ shepherd or coach- then you are leading others. It doesn’t matter who you are, or what you do, you are a leader, an individual who has the ability to affect others.” He continues, “the best starting point for a model leader can be found in the same place today as it was thousands of years ago. If you want to learn about leadership, look for it in the best leadership teaching book – the Bible.”
My own thoughts on leadership have been strengthened by reading his books. Over the years I have taken it upon myself to lead from the perspective of a leader who serves others. In worldly leadership positions this is a new way to see things, but as Maxwell has written, this all comes from the foundation of Jesus’ example, which is hard to ignore.
The job of a shepherd is to worry about his flock and lead them to fresh nourishment, and to the banks of refreshing waters. To try and convey God’s word and presence as to refresh others and strengthen faith. God has called Tarja and I to this, and opened the door to let us serve you.
A congregation is a group of people who voluntarily confess their faith to Jesus and want to serve God with their own gifts and abilities. In a congregation, everyone has something to contribute. My hearts desire is that I can equip and encourage people in this area. Together we can do amazing things, Jesus has promised us this. But this can only be realized through God’s will for your life and by listening to his voice.
A brilliant and faith filled Spring to all.
Shepherd Sami
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Moses returned to Egypt with his family according to God's command. Aaron and Moses tried several times to convince Pharaoh to let their people go free, but he refused. These questions are from Exodus chapters 5-25.
1. Which of these plagues did God rain down on Egypt? frogs / cancer / snakes / horsefly / grasshoppers (ch. 7-11)
2. What did the Israelites have to do to avoid having their children be killed? Carve a cross over their doorway / cover their doorframes with lamb's blood /keep a fire going under a sheepskin overnight (8:7)
3. Which of these are not part of the Easter meal? lamb /herbs / olives / sour bread. (8:8)
4.What sea did Moses lead the Israelites over? Red Sea/ Dead Sea / Reed Sea
5. What did God ask Moses to do in order to divide the sea and provide a route for the people? Raise his walking stick and kneel to the ground / Pray with Aaron to save the people/ Raise his walking stick and hold out his hands.(14:16)
6. God led his people in the desert with the help of the light from the sun and moon / fire and a cloud statue/ with Aaron's walking stick. (13:21-22)
7. How many days did Moses spend on Mount Sianai? 30 / 40 / 50 (24:18)
8. What or who did the Sabbath commandement not effect? Bulls and donkeys/ children and slaves/ foreigners / it effected all of the above mentioned (23:12)
9. What is God's radiance on Mount Sainai compared to? fire that burns everything/ the brightness of a thousand suns / "the brightness of all brightness"(24:17)
10.What material was the arc of the covenant made from? Gold / Cedar / Acacia / jasper-stone (25:10)
CORRECT ANSWERS AT THE END OF THE NEWSLETTER. 😊
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In March we celebrated the beginning of spring; worked in the school vegetable garden (with tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, lettuce, carrots, radishes, peas, cantaloupe and sunflowers); planted and measured our own bean plants; grew Easter grass, decorated eggs and had an egg hunt. We practiced singing our Easter songs and taped the children singing in church. We hope that you will watch the video when it is posted. |
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As we move into April we will finish our Plant studies and begin a new unit on Insects. We will have live caterpillars in the classroom and observe them as they grow, go into chrysalis and emerge as butterflies. We’ll release the butterflies into our own native plant garden. We also plan to have a ladybug release and make insect art. |
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Later in the month, we will celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day. The children will make art from recycled materials, learn how to conserve energy and water and discuss ways that we can help to take care of our earth.
The artist of the month will be Vincent Van Gogh. We will study his different famous paintings and then the children will create their own sunflower masterpieces in his style.
The school will be closed on Good Friday.
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Have a Blessed and Safe Easter,
Pirjo Komonen Campitelli
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Jessica Grotke, who has taught at the preschool for five years, is moving on to another teaching position.She will be missed! Onneksi Fortunately, Jessica has promised to fill in at our preschool when we need her and when her schedule allows for it. We will also see Jessica in the future singing in our Chapel Choir.
A warm thank you for all the past years Jessica!
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Jos listaltamme puuttuu jonkun syntymäpäiväsankarin nimi, niin ilmoitathan tästä välittömästi, KIITOS! |
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Norma Kaltto will reach the age of ninety on April 1st. We sang congrats to Norma on Palm Sunday and gave the joyful young looker a bouquet of flowers.
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Juppe Kuusela reached the age of eighty at his home in Tampere. We also sang for Juppe on Palm Sunday, and roses will be delivered in the summer.BLESSINGS TO THE HONOREES!
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The past month has really seen a revival of our congregation. The numbers have steadily grown as our congregation is slowly returning to the pews. What a difference it makes to have people in church. Our annual Lenten/ Easter Concert was a big success thanks to the many wonderful and talented musicians that we have in our church family. If you missed it, please watch the video from our facebook archives- I highly recommend it, there are some very good performances. |
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As our congregation slowly returns to a more in person presence, we have had the pleasure of having more people participate during our services as well. While our choirs have been on an extended hiatus, this has ended. Our Chapel Choir will be performing at our English service on Easter morning. We have all the old familiar faces returning, as well as a few new members joining in. If you have a singer’s voice and would like to participate in the fun, please come and join us.
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We are so blessed to have such great group of people giving their time and talents to our church and most importantly, doing it all for the glory of God. He is the reason for everything we do. Thank you so much once again to our great volunteers! Please keep us in your prayers-we need them! |
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My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you— I whom you have delivered. (Ps.71:23)
Wishing everyone a blessed April!
Michael
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PIRJO-LEENA KOSKISEN COLUMN |
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Easter tradition.
Easter is a holiday of both grief and joy. From my childhood I remember how we started to prepare for the Easter on Holy Thursday, we got so serious. The last shopping for food was done early, because the stores closed at noon or at least in the early afternoon. No visitors were admitted at home and when the Good Friday morning came, the atmosphere was very solemn and serious.
At that time, when there was no television broadcasts in Finland in the 50’s, we got it in the 60’s, we listened to the radio. The program was either religious or classical music. We were not allowed to laugh or play boisterous games. It was a very sad and depressing day for a small child and I knew of course what the day meant. It sure was a long Friday, in its whole meaning. In Finland Good Friday is still a holiday, a day off and all the businesses are closed. Also Swedish people think that it is a long Friday, ‘långfredag’ in Swedish. Germans are even more serious, they have a grieving day, ‘Karfreitag’. But Americans and all English speaking people call it a Good Friday. French people agree, they also call it good, ‘bon vendredi’.
No matter how we call it, without that Friday we would not have reason for joy, salvation and the miracle of the Easter Sunday. When the prophet Isiah told already 700 years before the Christ, what was the plan of God, he told it like he already saw it happen. When Jesus died, it all became true: our sins were washed away and He saved us from the death. He has risen indeed, praise the Lord and sing his glory, Amen!
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Happy Easter!
Pirjo-Leena
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RAIJA SIPINEN- GREETING TO THE CONGREGATION
PART III
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I definetely wanted to celebrate my 75th birthday in Florida. As I recall the party, I see the grand day which began at Finland House amid beautiful decorations inside. There, all of our friends wished their best. Thank you again! A special thanks to the employees of Finland House, its leadership couple, as well as Tommi Soidenmäki and his group, who came from Finland.
The program at Finland House included a marvelous presentation about the story of my life that Juha had written, and was presented by Tommi Soidenmäki’s ensemble. My daughter Marja had planned a nice celebration along with others that helped out. Thank you!
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My birthday was a happy occasion, but at the same time we were able to remember my brother Jorma, who is passed away, by lighting two candles in his honor at a specially designated table. |
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I also thought it very important to celebrate my birthday at church. At church my daughter’s husband Petri read the Bible texts. I was also happy that Pastor Mia had chosen all of my favorite hymns, which I had suggested. After the service I was able to give a thank you speech to the church parishioners.
At this point we moved to the fellowship hall where I was given the opportunity to hug all of the those who wished me luck and blessings. The food served at this occasion was prepared by my daughter’s Marja and Tarja, along with my brother’s daughter Satu and their helpers, same as at Finland House.
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Church council president Pertti Pietarinen gave a speech in my honor, where he remembered all of the good things that I have done for St. Andrew’s church. This warmed my heart.
I received a porcelain angel from the congregation, and a card that was wonderful. This card contained photos, poems and writings from our journey together. Pastor Mia read the poem that she had written aloud, at which point the tears rolled down my cheek.
I treasure this book immensely, and countless friends in Finland have had a chance to read it and get an understanding of my life in Florida.
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After the celebration, according to my wishes, we headed straight for Disney World. There we had an excellent time with the girls- Tarja, Marja, Satu and Marianne. Even though I am already older, I enjoy the beauty of Disney World, the childlike characters, and the rides which I am able to ride. |
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Half of the proceeds from the coffee celebrations went to the church and the other half to opening an account to help the needy.
With a tear in my eye, I have remembered the great times in Florida.
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On this year’s birthday, I was remembered on Järviradio, during a religious music show.In addition to this, my loved employees had decided to surprise me, and we spent several hours celebrating. In the evening, my church friends Kari and Jyrki came by to delight me with some snow lanterns.It is also a joy for me that our congregation in Palokka has become sister-congregation with St. Andrew’s Church in Florida. |
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All of my loved memories in Florida are worth more than gold, as it is possible that we won’t be able to make the trip anymore. Fortunately life goes on through the next generation, and Marianne has big hopes of returning to Florida to meet her friends at the rest home and other places. Sure enough,I hope to also be able to visit Florida myself, again.
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In conclusion, I would like to give all of my friends the blessings of angels; all those who have been around during our time in Florida. A majority have moved to a home with our Heavenly Father, but I can believe that there, we will meet again.
Raija Sipinen
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The absolute highlights of March have been our congregational visits to Annan Maja to see our loved residents. We held a crepe and music afternoon on Saturday the 13th, and a communion service on Friday before Palm Sunday. Next we will see them on Easter Sunday! |
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Our annual congregational meeting was held on March 7th, when we also had our first coffee social in over a year in the fellowship hall. Thank you to Sami and Tarja Ettanen! Everything went beautifully both at the meeing and coffee time. Maybe one day soon we will dare to have a shared lunch.
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As we have already read in music news, our Lenten concert was a very nice event for both the listener in church as well as those watching via the web. The realistic number of those who there in person was close to eighty. Thank you to the Florida Accordion ensemble performers: Merja Hulkkonen, Jean Lindblad, Sanna Eronimous, Paavo Kukkaro ja Gunnar Penttinen and the other artists: Pirjo Pedersen, Anna-Lisa Jakobsson, Lauri Kanervikkoaho, Hanna Kiuru, Suvi-Katriina Manner-Smith, Susanna and Robert Morgan, Lilli and Ella Theisen, Kristen and Tuomo Karvonen, Eino Grön and of course our music director Michae Poutiainen! Concert coffee was served by Tarja and Sami Ettanen.
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1. The ten plagues were water turning to blood, frogs, cancer, horseflies, rinderpest, abscesses, hail, grasshoppers, 3 days of darkness, the death of a child. Snakes were not part of the plague.
2.The Israelites were to paint their doorways with the blood of an Easter lamb, so that death would not occur in their house.
3. "Eat meat that night, eat it cooked by fire, with sour bread and strong herbs." Olives were not part of the Easter meal.
4. Bible scholars are not in total agreement about this. "Yam suph" can mean Red Sea or Reed Sea. More than likely, it was not a question of any shallow puddle, as some researchers have implied.
5. God said: "Tell the Israelites to start their journey. Raise your walking stick, hold out your hands toward the sea and you will part the waters", then the Israelites can move throught the dry land of the seabed.
6..God lead his people in the desert by a pillar of fire at night and a pillar of cloud during the day.
7. Moses was on Mount Sianai for Forty days and nights.
8. The Sabbath commandment says: "Do work six days a week, but on the seventh day, stay away from work, so that your bulls and donkeys can rest and your servants and slaves will be refreshed."
9."The Israelites saw the radiance of God near the mountain, and it was like fire, that burns everything."
10. Acacia wood.
"Then I can answer anyone who taunts me,
for I trust in your word." (Ps. 119:42)
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CLICK HERE TO GET TO OUR FINNISH
PARTNERS WEBSITES:
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St. Andrew's Lutheran Church | (561) 582-0554 | 928 South E Street, Lake Worth, FL 33460 | www.standrewsfl.com |
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