Florida Summer
We have now experienced this warm, wonderful summer here in Florida. Of course, this year, Finland has had a record breaking hot summer, so in that regard it wasn’t a very big difference where we were this summer. But, these endless sand beaches and the constant swimming in the pool have felt very nice.
The one thing that has certainly changed throughout the years is how fast time goes by. During younger years it felt as if the summers would last forever, and now the summer just flew by. Just as June began, then July was over. We are already living in the days leading up to Christmas.
In reality I have had time to do quite a lot. In June we had normal services and of course the highlight was Tarja and her wonderful helpers prepared a Finnish Brunch luncheon. In July, we took some vacation and our intention was to not do any work or have any events. But due to congregation request, we arranged a few Bible studies, in both Finnish and English at our church office. I have also officiated three memorial services this summer.
The beginning of summer was filled with remodeling work, and it was quite the undertaking. Plumbers, electricians, materials, and then painting and even more painting. The second plumber did not show up, how about the third? Ok, that’s enough. Wow, luckily we got everything done. I have made it to the golf course a few times, which I am very happy about. And of course, my favorite past time is laying down on the patio and reading. A good book and iced coffee, what a great combination!
At the beginning of August, just as we were getting ready for the beginning of the Fall season, I got a head cold and throat infection, and as a result, lost my voice. On Friday morning I could not get any sounds out. Just raspy breathing. On the agenda for the weekend was a memorial service and the normal worship services, and I was in full panic mode. Where would I find a substitute if my condition were the same the next day. Fortunately, my voice was adequate, and all of the events were successfully completed.
One dream that I am awaiting with a wet tongue, is witnessing the hatching of sea turtles. We have always wanted to see the small turtles hurrying towards the protection of the sea. The beaches are now filled with marked turtle nests and soon you will find us at night creeping around on the beach.
Armfuls of blessings!
Sami SAM Ettanen
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PRESIDENTS COLUMN - A CELEBRATION AT PALOKKA CONGREGATION |
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Greetings from wonderful Finland! We have made several different visits all around Finland, and are now in Jyväskylä. We got the information some time ago that our St. Andrew’s Lutheran congregation has made friendship or sister church agreement with the Palokka area congregation. For many reasons we have not been able to have an event to honor this agreement, but now was finally the time.
We met the Sipinen family on Saturday for the first time here on our Finland trip at their restaurant in the Water Tower (Vesilinna), which was accompanied by a fine meal. From there we continued to Raija and Seppo’s home, where we were their guests for our duration in Jyväskylä.
The beautiful Palokka church has been closed during this corona-era due to a big remodeling project, reason being that their was internal issues that could cause health problems.
On September 5, the church was finally opened to a more robust congregation and there was a big crowd on hand. in addition to the locals, some of our Florida congregation was invited to join in. These invites were handled by Raija Sipinen. We first celebrated a nice worship service where we heard some nice musicians, great choir as well as two church organists. The service began with Pastor Arto Viitala blessing the new worship space in the name of our triune God.
Marianne Mäenpää then sang a beautiful song called “bird”, and the service continued with the area chairman telling of the church’s new space and remodel, and then reciting a poem. Towards the end of the service was a memory that stayed in my mind when the prayer leader asked the congregation to stand up and stretch so that we could sit for the remaining time without discomfort. And the most important and great thing was that we were able to share in Holy Communion at the altar, and thank our God for every moment.
Pastor Teija Laine introduce me to speak on the friendship agreement between our congregations, and I gave our new sister congregation a book as a gift. We can be very thankful to Raija Sipinen for being instrumental in arranging this friendship agreement. She then gave the last speech where she urged us to be thankful for both the good and the bad times that God has brought into our lives.
Then at the end Marianne, with her delicate, beautiful voice, sang the Finnish song, "Roots in Finland". Also with us at this service were our friends Pirkko Venetjoki and Sinikka Luukaslampi.
I remember this time with thankfulness.
Peter
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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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The new school year is well under way and we have welcomed a new group of students to our preschool family. It was difficult saying good-bye to our 5 year olds as they left to start kindergarten on August 10th, but it is always a pleasure getting to know our new young students and their families.
We have had to limit the number of new students because of the resurgence of the Covid19 Delta variant. We are back to following all of the safety protocols that we instituted over a year ago and that includes keeping our groups smaller. Hopefully things will improve as we move into fall and we will be able to start some of the other students that are on our waiting list.
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It was a long hot summer at the preschool. Our old air conditioner creaked, groaned and sweated through most of it, but it finally had to be replaced. We are very grateful for cool air and thankful for our new, more efficient unit.
The school was closed for our one week break in July, but otherwise we were there every day singing, playing, learning and creating. The children had fun learning about Superheroes, Japan and the Summer Olympics. We just started our new big theme – “Transportation”- at the end of August and we’ll continue learning about planes, trains, and automobiles (and boats, bikes, buses, submarines, helicopters, rockets and hot air balloons!) through the first weeks of September.
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An on-going theme in September and October is “Colors and Shapes”. We learn about mixing primary colors to make secondary colors, study the basic shapes and we’ll paint, cut, paste, sculpt and incorporate colors and shapes into all of our projects. We will study the artist Piet Mondrian and make our own masterpieces in his style- using primary colors, squares and rectangles.
September also means the beginning of the fall season. We will paint fall leaves and have some fun with apple art and apple tasting.
The school will be closed on September 6th for Labor Day.
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God Bless!
Pirjo Komonen Campitelli
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Sometimes our birhtday lists are not up to date. If you notice someone's name missing, please notify us. THANK YOU! |
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The summer sure has gone by quickly and we are starting a new year here at our church, a new era- a different phase. I would like to, as always thank all of the wonderful volunteers who kept the services going in the month of August during my absence. The work you do is so important, and we are blessed to have you. Great job everyone! |
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We are moving into this new year with an open mind and heart to serve, to serve God. Our congregation is eager to come together and worship under the same roof. Hopefully in the near future this will be possible, and the borders of our country will begin to open up, if the Corona-virus situation goes into a declining phase. |
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I am also eager to move into this new year and see what wonderful events we have to look forward to. I am looking forward to prayer groups, preschool meetings as well as visits to our loved residents at the rest home, and of course our Sunday services. At our services, we will continue with a good variety of traditional hymns along with a mix of newer gospel music as well – something for everyone to enjoy. I hope at some point, if the health crisis slows down that the choirs could have practice sessions, but for now this does not look possible. |
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There will be plenty of challenges along the way, but I am thankful for everything that God has planned for us. We must continue with His guidance; we must listen to his voice. I look forward to working with everyone in this new year. Together we can make it great. |
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Thank you and God Bless,
Michael
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PIRJO-LEENA KOSKISEN COLUMN |
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Being a mother is a weird thing: you worry about the sleep cycle of your baby, the nap during the daytime, healthy eating and later on about the school, school mates, their wellbeing and future, everything possible – you worry all the time. No matter how old the kids are, you still worry, only about different things. There’s a saying: small children, small worries, big children, big worries. No matter how grown-up they are, they are always on your mind. Especially now when there’s all kinds of threats health-wise, you worry about them all, including the grandchildren. All of mine have stayed healthy here as well as in Finland and I pray for their continuous well-being. Two of our eldest grand-children have come to the age when they go to middle school and that means a change of school as well as longer travels back and forth – and more risks on the way.
Bicycling is a healthy way to travel but there are risks, too. I’m happy that they can attend school and be with other children after home schooling; the parents are still partially working at home. It’s a good thing if you can do it, it saves energy and time, especially if you otherwise have to drive 125 miles per day – like one of my sons normally does. I cannot shield any of them from harm, I wish I could, but instead I will take them in my prayers to the hand of the Heavenly Father and ask for His protection for all of them, at home and in their travels.
And about the worrying: Scripture tells us not to worry, because we cannot add the amount of days or the length of our life by worrying, so let’s leave it to the good Lord. Let’s take care of our daily business with a joyful attitude and leave our loved ones to the loving care of Jesus!
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Blessings to the new school year and for all who are returning to work!
Pirjo-Leena
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PARTNERS WEBSITES:
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Have a Blessed September! |
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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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