APRIL | 2021

GOD OF THE LIVING This is a year, perhaps more than any other, that we need the message of Easter. And by “the message of Easter,” I don’t mean the message that someday, far off in the future, God’s love will ultimately triumph and we all will live in peace and harmony in heaven with God. (That’s an important message for us to hear, too.) But this year, I think we need the good news that God meets us right here, in the midst of a broken world, offering new life and hope even now.  We all know full well what a long year it has been. There has been much sadness and much struggle. The pandemic has kept us cooped up and separated from each other, and still today, many of us are worried about our loved ones. The divisions among us have been amplified along political, racial, and economic lines. We have had to deal with all the stress and anxiety of all the changes and trying to find a “new normal.” And even as it seems we are starting to see some relief, the uncertainty is still there, and the question is constantly there in front of us: “What’s next?”  I think this is a bit of what the disciples were facing that first Easter. They were locked up in a room, scared and uncertain, wondering, “What’s next?” They were separated, not by a virus, but by fear of authorities, fear for their safety and the safety of their loved ones, fear that they no longer had their Lord with them to share his powerful words of love and forgiveness and to show them the way.  Even the women, who were more courageous than the men, didn’t know what to think in those days. They were nervous as they took the long walk to Jesus’ grave. They were numb from the pain of watching him die, but they knew they had a job to do, bringing spices to anoint Jesus’ body and pay their respects as they said goodbye. Still, you can almost sense the anxiety in their voices. “What are we going to do about the stone that is keeping us from our Lord?” And maybe their next question isn’t recorded, because it was caught in their throats along with their grief, “What’s next?”  It was a difficult place to be. That place between Good Friday and Easter, between death and new life, not knowing what to think. But this is precisely the place where the Easter message showed up. “Why do you look for the living among the dead?” said the angels at the tomb. “He is not here, but has risen!”  Do you think the women believed those words when they heard them? Maybe not at first. It is hard to believe such words in the midst of the troubles of our world and in our lives. It is hard to comprehend such good news when we’re stuck in sadness and worry: that love does win, that death is not the end, that God’ has something more to offer us than the struggle we see right in front of us. But the rest of the story is that God did show up to them all: first to the doubting disciples on the road to Emmaus, then to the other 12 worried and afraid in their dark room, then to many other disciples in the next 50 days. And God has continued to show up in real ways to many others throughout the centuries: in the breaking of bread and prayer, in acts of kindness and compassion, as we love and forgive and support one another. And in places where we least expect him to be, Jesus keeps showing up, bringing light and life to us all.  Have you seen him, too? The God who has been there throughout this past year, showing up for you and me, even in the midst of locked rooms, even in the midst of a world full of heartache and division and struggle? I’ve seen it, as people like you share in loving actions for one another and for our community, bringing compassion and hope and new life. Christ has been right there, with and for you and me. After all, we have a God who isn’t just there when we die and go to live in heaven. Our God is alive in you and me and in our world, right here and right now. So why look for the living Lord among the dead? Christ is here, breathing new life, right here, today. Christ is risen. Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia!  Pastor Dane

CAN YOU CLICK THE FORWARD ARROW ON A KEYBOARD? Yes? Than WE NEED YOU! We are in desperate need for slide operators for Sunday and Wednesday worship services. If we are unable to add a few new members to this “team,” we may have to discontinue the use of the screens in worship and we’d really like to avoid that! If you can help, email Melissa at melissah@vinjechurch.com.

ANNUAL LOVING ARMS GERANIUM FUNDRAISER Loving Arms fundraiser sale of beautiful Stacy's Nursery geranium hanging baskets (red or pink) is happening! These beautiful baskets cost $28 and will be available for pick up outside of Loving Arms on May 5th. To order, email Melissa Hansen and note your name, quantity and color request. Then, you'll simply pull up to Loving Arms sidewalk on May 5th and pick up your beautiful plants. Payments can be made at pickup. (Delivery is also available-just request delivery in your email and send your payment by mail!).

ATTN: MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH We sure missed our summer service trip last year. This summer, even though Covid will prevent us from traveling too far we would love for you to join us in a service trip to the North Shore. You'll work with service organizations for two days, and explore the beauty of the Lake Superior area the other two days. We’ll kayak on Lake Superior and ride fat tire bikes through the trees. We will be staying at Camp House so you won’t even need to back your air mattress! And since they will make all our meals you won’t need to serve on kitchen crews either. The dates are July 11-16 and the cost is $250. Talk to Pastor Justin right away because spots will go fast. NOT JUST FOR YOUTH ANYMORE! Camp House also has spots for families to have their own cabin. If you want to serve as a family let Pastor Justin know. While youth are engaged in their events with camp counselors adults are free to attend events like Duluth brewery tours.

COMMUNION IS BACK! Holy Communion is once again a part of in-person worship at Vinje. On March 21 we returned to partaking in the Lord’s Supper together at Sunday worship and we will plan to do so during Wednesday worship services following Easter. We look forward to celebrating this important sacrament as a community of faith.

Plastic Alert: An estimated 8.8 million tons pf plastic waste enters the ocean every year! Stop using plastic straws. Reusable stainless steel straws are a good alternative. Use a reusable bottle or mug for your beverages, even when ordering from a to-go shop Pack lunches in reusable containers and purchase foods in bulk rather than products in single serve packaging (yogurt, applesauce, cheese sticks, etc.).   West Central Shredding is offering a free Shredding event on Saturday April 17 from 9-11 am at the Kandiyohi County Recycling Center at 1400 S.W. 22nd St., Willmar.

VINJE PHOTO DIRECTORIES If your family’s photo is in the Vinje directory, updated copies have arrived. Call the church office to make arrangements to pick up your directory.

Director of Music, Karen Wojahn The Good Friday worship service on April 2, will begin with three pieces of organ music for your reflection. Two of the pieces are by contemporary composers and use musical imagery to portray the ringing of the hammer, drops of Christ’s blood and the extreme sorrow of the cross. The third piece is by J.S. Bach and is considered one of the finest pieces of instrumental music written. It expresses deep sadness and grief through the chorale, “O Man, Bewail Thy Grievous Fall.” And then . . . Christ is Risen! He is risen indeed! In late February, the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians (ALCM) invited members to submit videos for a Virtual Choir offering of the classic hymn “Jesus Christ is Risen Today.” Vinje singers responded to my invitation and eleven videos were submitted, along with hundreds of others from around the country. ALCM members were able to request a customized verse of the hymn during which the videos of our own congregation’s singers will be seen amid the massive chorus. That Virtual Choir will lead our singing at the beginning of our Easter worship services, both online and in-person. What a great opportunity for all of us to be part of the larger church’s celebration of Christ’s resurrection!  Plans have been made to replace the handbell table covers in the sanctuary in the next few months. The current table covers were well-made, but over the past many years, there has been significant sun damage and wearing of the edges. Watch for JuBELLation’s new look later this spring and start thinking about the possibility of becoming a bell ringer this fall! If you consider yourself a “beginner ringer,” contact me; if there is enough interest, we could start a second handbell choir.

LOVING ARMS UPDATE SUMMER CARE FOR SCHOOL AGE KIDS! Loving Arms will once again be offering a fun and age-appropriate care option for kindergarteners through fifth graders (for the 2021-22) for summer 2021. There will be a “main event” activity each afternoon {pool days, parks, field trips, cooking, special guests & more!} Please email or call Chris at 235.7271 for more information or to reserve a spot for your child(ren).

COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS Approved annual Loving Arms budget of $550,500 of income and $541,650 of expenses. Discussed possible expansion for Loving Arms. Covid update. Intern interviews have been completed. We will learn in April who our next intern will be. A Call Committee has been formed. The committee includes: Lynn Johnson (chair), Jen Bobbe, Jesse Mages, Travis Michelson, Laura Negen, Myra Quale, Kendra Saunders, Erin Dresler, and Macee Hansen. We hope to begin interview in April. Approved the purchase of a new dishwasher.

EXPLORING VINJE'S HISTORY: TAPESTRY Pastor Andrés is digging into Vinje’s unique history. This month, he reached out to Cheri Buzzeo and Peggy Karsten who shared their memories of the Tapestry singing group. Tapestry was formed by Dan Oie in the late 1980’s. At the time, it was the only adult singing group that sang contemporary Christian music. At the beginning, the group sang two or three songs before the service as well as songs throughout the service. Some of the early members were Patty Dols on piano, Barb Wagner on bass, Gary Skordahl, Greg Anderson and Bill Gulbrandsen on drums, and Kris Gulbrandsen on flute. Peggy Karsten played guitar. Singers initially included Del Wagner, Steve Mathison, John Hafner, Al Juhnke, Nikki Dyson, Cheri Buzzeo, Marie Campbell, Ann (Coleman) Graupman, Chery Oie, LaRae Mikkelson and others. Tapestry sang at Robbins Island when Vinje had a service there for appreciation for Sunday school teachers and at a service at Green Lake Bible camp. Tapestry participated in the annual “Lessons and Carols” services as well. Once, Dan also directed the group at the Red Ruby theatre. The music performed was pop music such as “The Nightingale Sang on Berkeley Square.” Jay Beech directed Tapestry after Dan left. He played bass and introduced the group to his music, such as service music from his CD, One Body Alive. When Jay left, Phil Holzman took over.   When Vinje changed worship format and made the late service all contemporary music, Tapestry was in the rotation with other groups, such as Worth Saving. Tapestry then focused on World music and sang an anthem to differentiate themselves from other praise teams. After Peggy returned from a South African trip with the synod, she sewed African shirts for Tapestry, so every year, Tapestry lead the Umhambisano (a Zulu word that means “walking together”) service that celebrated our Southwestern Minnesota Synod walking together with our companion synod in South Africa. “Siyahamba” (in English “We are Marching in the Light”) was always part of that service. John Jahr added dance and theatre to the group’s activities. Once Deb Hanson choreographed a dance that was performed by Amanda Nelson. On Palm Sunday, Tapestry members voiced the parts in the passion for that Sunday.  Many other people have sung with Tapestry over the years. When John left, several of the remaining members indicated that they were not going to continue singing with the group. Maybe a reunion could be planned once a year for Umhambisano Sunday.

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VINJE ON THE GO! RADIO Listen on Sundays at 9:30 am on KWLM, 1340 AM. INTERNET Watch anytime! (go to YouTube and search Vinje Willmar).  TV Watch local access channel, WRAC 8/180, Sundays at 2:30 pm and 8:30 pm, Tuesdays at 8 am and 5 pm or Saturdays at 6 pm.