HALF TRUTHS
“Everything happens for a reason.” Right? Or does it? Maybe things just happen. Maybe things happen that God doesn’t desire to happen. Years ago, before I was a pastor, I remember having a conversation with someone who was leading a Bible Study who said, “My favorite verse from the Bible is, “God helps those who help themselves.” I didn’t have the heart, or courage, at the time to tell him that wasn’t in the Bible. Neither is there a verse that says, “God won’t give you more than you can handle.” Certainly, there are many things that aren’t in the Bible. The bigger question is are the things we believe about God truly reflective of the God that is revealed in scripture, who comes to us in Jesus. Many simple phrases that are repeated often by well meaning people (maybe sometimes by us) may sound Christian, but aren’t really the full story of who Jesus teaches us God is.
Now the point isn’t to blame or shame anyone who has thought or said these things in the past. After all, life can get pretty complicated sometimes and at first glance it is easy enough to agree with some of these ideas but at Vinje we are going to dive a little deeper into what is really true. When we are able to explore how these phrases are only partially true it allows us to not only reach a better understanding of who God is, but helps us navigate complicated situations with our faith. Things may not be as simple as we would like them to be, but we trust the Holy Spirit will lead us to a better understanding of truth.
This fall at Vinje we will examine some of these well-known phrases that we’ve all heard before. They each contain a certain element of truth about God, but then also manage to really miss the point of who God is and how God works. Because of that we will call them “Half Truths” and we will explore one of them every week at worship starting on September 12. You can join us for worship on Sundays or Wednesdays for this series; or both since there will be a different preacher on the same topic each week. Come a examine these ideas and dig into scripture as we develop a better idea of the full truth behind God and what God is up to in our world.
Pastor Justin
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PRE K-5TH GRADE FAITH FORMATION OPPORTUNITIES
WENESDAY LIVE (FORMERLY GRACE NOTES)
Elementary age students are invited to join us for a renewed Wednesday program with a new name. From 3:30-5 pm on Wednesdays, we'll be hosting "Wednesday Live" for students K-5th grade. Kids will be bussed from the three Willmar elementary schools directly to Vinje, and we'll provide a snack, Bible story, music, and activities that are fun for kids of all ages.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
We invite all three year olds though 5th graders to join us for Sunday School each week from 8:30-9:15 am. This time together includes bible stories, crafts, activities, singing, snacks and more.
CLICK HERE to register your child(ren) for all faith formation activities!
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6TH-12TH GRADE FAITH FORMATION OPPORTUNITES
It’s that time of year again...time to fill the church with the energy, spirit, and noise like only 60+ middle & high schoolers can! We are looking forward to seeing (and hearing) you all soon!
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LUNCH WITH LUTHER
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 | 12 PM
Join us on the 2nd Thursday of each month as we continue our lunch time Bible study into the fall. We will be starting a new series based on some of the writings of Martin Luther and his insights into the scripture. In addition to his spiritual wisdom, Luther was a pretty colorful character, so we will have plenty to talk about. Bring your lunch, we will supply dessert!
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COVID UPDATE
Vinje's Council recommends that masks be worn during worship services due to MDH and CDC guidance. Also, due to recent increase in Covid case rates in Kandiyohi County, we will be temporarily suspending fellowship hour. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work through these difficult times together.
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WOMEN, WINE & THE WORD
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 | 6:30 PM
A new monthly gathering for the women of Vinje. Once a month we will meet at a person’s home for snacks, wine (or whatever beverage you desire), conversation, and a discussion on a scripture reading. September’s gathering will be hosted by Kari Michelson (5550 1st Ave W, Willmar). Bring a friend and join us for this new opportunity.
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VINJE ON TAP
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 | 7 PM
The women of Vinje aren’t the only ones who get a new opportunity to get together. This is the monthly gathering for men. We are kicking off the fall with a backyard gathering filled with snacks, fellowship, and sharing our thoughts on a scripture reading. While we are meeting in Joe Kuehn’s backyard (621 25th St SE, Willmar) this time, we plan to continue these meetings at different venues around town. BYOB & chair and join us for the fun.
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Thank you all for the warm welcome, gifts, and hospitality that I've received in my first month at Vinje! I'm grateful that you all chose to continue as a teaching congregation, and I'm blessed to learn alongside you all this year. I'm thankful for all of the support that I've received and look forward to our year together.
-Vicar Hope
Thank you so much for supporting me through the Vinje Scholarship. It has helped me immensely. I am graduating this upcoming spring as an elementary education major. I also plan to come back to Willmar and hope to get a job here. Again, thank you for your generosity.
-Cayle Hovland
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QUILTING IS BACK!
Vinje Quilters will resume on Thursday, September 9th at 9:00 am. All are welcome! No experience is needed.
September & October Quilting Dates:
September 9
September 23
October 14
October 28
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Solar is cheap and about to get more powerful
The solar industry has spent decades slashing the cost of generating electricity direct from the sun. A push for more powerful solar equipment underscores how further cost reduction remains essential to advance the shift away from fossil fuels. The average cost of a solar panel dropped by 90% from 2010 to 2020.
-Minnesota Star Tribune, 8/8/21
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FALL 2021 MUSIC OPPORTUNITIES!
The Vinje Choir is a mixed group of adult singers who practice on Sunday morning at 8:15am in the Choir Room. This group sings a variety of anthems twice a month for Sunday morning worship. The music style is varied from traditional to modern with an emphasis on 4-part singing and texts that have meaningful messages for both the singers and the congregation. New members, as well as returning singers, are always welcome.
The JuBELLation Handbell Choir is a group of people who practice on Monday evenings at 6pm. This group prepares anthems to play for Sunday worship once a month. Each ringer is assigned specific bells to ring during each anthem. The teamwork is amazing as everyone works together. Come join these ringers for some fun and fellowship!
Wednesday Live will include musical opportunities for students in grades K-5. Besides singing songs that teach the faith, the older students will be exploring rhythm chants and instruments. Music Leaders will be Mary Hodapp (K-2) and Karen Wojahn (Gr. 3-5.)
Sunday School Music for Pre-K through 5th Graders will be lead by Su Michelson during Sunday School.
Nova Voices (gr. 6-9) and Shalom Singers (gr. 10-12) practice groups practice on Wednesday evenings and are led by Su Michelson and Travis Michelson.
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LOVING ARMS UPDATE
As we have recently said goodbye to most of our college age staff, we’re once again looking for part time help! If you know someone that loves kids and would like to join our fun team, please have them call or email Chris (235.7271). |
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Pastor Andres has been thoroughly enjoying delivering extra Loving Arms meals to some of our Vinje members! We are all loving this fun opportunity for this joint ministry between Loving Arms and Vinje! |
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COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
- The Council applied for the Employee Retention Credit. Vinje is eligible to receive $65,000 through this program.
- The Council received the resignation of Jennifer Bobbe who moved out of town. Candidates to replace her were discussed.
- Updates on building project bids were shared.
- Creation Care invited council to attend an informational meeting on solar panels.
- After a discussion on current Covid levels in Willmar the council recommended the congregation wear masks for worship.
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EXPLORING VINJE'S HISTORY
Pastor Andrés is digging into Vinje’s unique history. This month, he reached out to long-standing Vinje member, Dan Kleven.
Vinje: Past Present and Future
I was recently wandering through the fellowship hall following Sunday church service.
I couldn’t help but notice the many generations of confirmation class pictures on the swinging display in the corner by the coat rack. While browsing through these photos I was able to identify many of my past as well as recent family members. Our family has been associated with Vinje for six generations beginning with my great great grandparents Mads and Anne Knudson. They were part of the original group of Norwegian homesteaders that founded Vinje. This inspired my thinking about the importance and advantage of receiving a Christian education. One keynote objective of Vinje is and has always been to engage our youth in an appropriate education of our Christian values. Confirmation is both the culmination and the beginning of our quest as individuals to understand the importance of our faith and how Christianity provides an appropriate compass to guide us in our everyday lives.
As I am getting older and looking back on the events of my life I realize that many of my decisions that I simply took for granted were in fact a direct manifestation of my Christian upbringing. My appreciation for Vinje has become much more focused as I age, not because of a fear of my own demise but because I am so thankful for the positive things that I have enjoyed due in part to my Christian education. Vinje is presently very fortunate to maintain this same quality emphasis towards education regardless of the age of the recipient. Our mission statement refers to our desire as a congregation to reach out. I can think of no better way to reach out than for Vinje to continue our keynote value of providing Christian education opportunities every time that presents itself. We are fortunate to enjoy leadership at Vinje that emulate these values and I remain confident that this will not change in Vinje’s future.
Dan Kleven
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Make a one-time contribution or set up reoccurring giving here. Need help? Call the church office!
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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.
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