1

The mission of the American Lutheran Congregation is to bring people of

different nations and denominations together, and in the English language,

empower them into becoming fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.

The ALC Messenger Volume 57 Issue 7 August 2013

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

Where there is injury, pardon;

Where there is doubt, faith;

Where there is despair, hope;

Where there is darkness, light;

Where there is sadness, joy. Taken from the Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi

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American Lutheran Congregation

Pastor: Timothy Stewart

Office secretary: Rie Melhoos

Council President: Robert Sebro

Messenger Editors : Mel Engebretsen, Rie Melhoos.

Visiting address: Fritzners gate 15, 0264 Oslo, Norway

Mailing Address: PO Box 3012 Elisenberg, 0207 Oslo,

Norway

Phone: + 47 22 44 35 84

Fax: +47 22 44 30 15

Email: office@alcoslo.org

Website: www.alcoslo.org

Bank account number for offerings :5081.07.47827

The ALC Messenger Monthly Newsletter for the American Lutheran Congregation

INDEX

ALC INFORMATION

INDEX PAGE 2

CALENDAR, LIVING ABROAD,

BIRTHDAYS PAGE 12-15

PASTOR’S CORNER,

CONDOLENCES

PAGE 3-4

SUNDAY SCHOOL, ICE CREAM

SOCIAL, CONFIRMATION PAGE 16-17

PRESIDENT’S CORNER

MEN’S GOLF TOURN. PAGES 5-6

NEW ALC WEBSITE,

WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP, BOOK

DISCUSSION

PAGES 18-19

STEWARDSHIP NEWS

CONCERT WITH PASTOR

GUY, PRAYERS

PAGES 7-8

YOUTH CONFERENCE, CONG-

REGATIONAL RETREAT, SUN-

DAY SCHOOL TEACHERS,

PAGES 20-22

WALKING TOUR RE-

PORT

LIVING ABROAD

PAGES 9-11 JR. YOUTH, BIBLE STUDY-

WOMEN’S RETREAT PAGES 23- 24

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Pastor’s Corner

Dear Friends,

Most of us recognize a dove as a symbol for the Holy

Spirit in both the Bible and in Christian art. However, in

Celtic Christian spirituality, its wild geese which symbol-

ize the Holy Spirit. It’s the untamed and unpredictable

nature of wild geese that are called on here to point us to

understanding the Holy Spirit, as well as their grace and

beauty. It recalls Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus

where the Spirit is likened to the wind which blows where it wills (John 3:8).

I first learned of wild geese as a symbol for the Holy Spirit when I came across

the ‘Wild Goose Festivals’ a couple of years ago. These are gatherings in the

U.S built around the intersection of Spirituality, art, music and social justice.

I’ve enjoyed following them from afar through social media, which gets better

each year.

It took me awhile to get used to the idea of wild geese as Holy Spirit symbol.

My wild geese experience had been limited mostly to watching them fly over-

head as they migrated and one unfortunate experience helping an inexplicable

trapped Canada goose escape from a stairwell. For my troubles I got bit...hard. I

haven’t worked out how bruises fit into the whole Holy Spirit symbolism, but

none-the-less I have come to appreciate the idea more and more.

Perhaps it’s because the latest Wild Goose Festival just ended that it’s on my

mind, but it makes me think of how appropriate a Holy Spirit symbol it is for

the approaching fall season in our church life. There is a sort of unpredictable

aspect to our coming months together. All summer we pray for those who God

is sending to us, just as in the late spring we pray for those move away from

Norway. We pray that God lead us to receive well those who come our way. We

pray for God to keep our eyes open to the opportunities and possibilities for

ministry which present themselves. Especially the unexpected ones.

4

Our congregation is one where lots of different traditions, cultures, stories and

ideas come together - sometimes crash together. It takes a wild Holy Spirit to

wrestle all that wonderful, faithful energy into something useful. But I believe,

when we give ourselves over to the Holy Spirit, something grace-filled and beau-

tiful can emerge. That is what we seek after: graceful, faithful, beautiful work

welcoming those whom God has sent. Receiving them well, and receiving from

them as well. Providing a place for them while they are here. Growing together

and serving together. Praying together - ‘Holy Spirit - lead us, encourage us, con-

vict us, comfort us, inspire us, equip us, surprise us, unite us - always in service to

the gospel which saves us and is redeeming the world.’

Come join us this fall and may God bless you in all good things.

In Christ,

Pastor Tim Stewart

Pastor’s Corner (continued)

Beatrice Abbey

Condolences to the Killmer family on the death of their

dear mother, mother-in-law and grandmother,

Beatrice Abbey.

Beatrice was a lovely sister in Christ who has

worshiped with us the past several years. After an

extended illness, she died in June in her homeland,

Ghana.

May she rest in God’s grace!

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President’s Corner

I hope all of you have had a good summer, and I welcome

back to those who have been away on vacation! The ALC

has had good attendance with many visitors this summer.

Now I am looking forward to seeing both new and familiar

faces joining us as the new school year begins.

We have many interesting and fun activities planned for this

fall. Check out the calendar and you will see what is in the

works for August. This month we are very fortunate to have our former Pastor, Guy

Redfield and his wife Renee visiting with us. Pastor Redfield will be preforming a

free will benefit concert on August 25th at 1 pm in our sanctuary, with proceeds go-

ing to combat malaria in Africa. Please make time to attend this event!

I also encourage you to read the articles in this Messenger containing more details

on what’s in store for the fall. Join in the activities of your choice for lots of fun and

good Christian fellowship! There are some great events where you can get reac-

quainted with old friends, and make some new ones! Mark your calendars with the

Sunday School Registration and Ice Cream Social on the first Sunday in September.

If you are interested in helping out with Sunday school this year please talk to Karin

Mandeville, Amalia-Diana Prodan or the church office.

Fall is the time of the year when many visitors are searching for a new church home.

We always welcome new members at the ALC Oslo, and we are looking forward to

getting to know you!

Soli Deo Gloria

Bob Sebro

ALC Council president

The choir meets in the loft every

Sunday at 10:30 am.

All are very welcome to join!

Do You like to Sing?

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Men’s Golf Tournament

The now traditional, annual Men’s Golf Tournament will take

place again this year!

Date: Saturday, 7 September Tee Time: 9 a.m. Place: Hauger Golf Club ( 20 min north of Oslo) www.hauger-golfklubb.no

This year we will be playing 18 holes on Saturday morning.

You ought to have an established handicap to participate or good enough to play with

those that do. However the goal is to have fun; we do not intend to be too serious.

There is a Greenfee.

Please note that the tee time is 9:00, 9:10 and 9:20 a.m.

You need to be there well in advance.

In order to sign up, please send an email to ericm@online.no.

The confirmation date to the golf club is Sunday 1 September, so please sign up as

quickly as possible.

If you cannot come this time but would like to be on our golf-event distribution list,

please send email to ericm@online.no as well.

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News from Stewardship

During the spring and summer months your Stewardship Commit-

tee has been looking into ways to make it easier for you to give

your offerings to the church. We have noticed that many people

now no longer carry cash when they come to church and also

when they go out shopping they pay by debit or credit card not

with cash. We have, therefore, decided to purchase a payment

terminal for the church which we hope will be available for use

early this autumn. The terminal will accept payments using debit , Visa and Mas-

tercard credit cards. You may also through your bank set a fixed amount to be

drawn from your bank account each month to be given to the church or if you want

you can even pay bills and give to the church using your cell phone.

Offerings to the church were over budget for the months of June and July, however,

we are still in the area of 200,000 kr. under our offerings budget for the year, but

thanks to the tax contribution which we received from the Norwegian State in June

of over 126,000 kr. our liquidity situation has now improved . We hope that you

will continue to support the church in the coming months and that offerings to the

church will continue to increase so that we will be able to meet our budget by the

end of the year.

Stewardship, however, it is not only giving money, just as important it is giving

your time and talents to the church. The more we give the better our church be-

comes and remember your gift to the church is also a gift to God.

Arthur Melhoos, Stewardship Chairman

Scripture Union Camp 2013 Has Started!

Thank You All for your support for the Camp that started on the 11th of Aug. Pastor

David is expecting 150 to 175 campers this year.

The ALC together with World Vision International has been able to give Pastor David

and his crew of helpers a chance to bring the Word of God the to such a vast number

of children which in turn will have a even greater influence on their family’s and the

community.

May God Bless all of you for your wonderful support!

Gonja Development Foundation

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Acoustic Artists for Africa

Presents:

Guy Redfield in Concert

Where:

American Lutheran Congregation,

Date/time:

Sunday August 25th kl. 13:00

Free Will offering to stop Malaria in Africa

Prayers

If you have prayer concerns, please contact our

Prayer Chain administrator, Gillian Holby, at

jillholby@gmail.com or the church office.

Thank you.

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ALC WALKING TOUR OF THE ORIGIN OF

CHRISTIANITY IN OSLO

On Sunday, August 11th more than

30 folks enjoyed a delightful, sun-

filled afternoon walking in Old

Town of Oslo (Gamlebyen in Norwe-

gian). Iori Roberts, our very talent-

ed and knowledgeable tour guide,

brought insights and humor as we learned about the history

of Oslo, and early Christianity in this part of the world.

Just as a sample, did you know:

King James VI of Scotland (yes, the one who authorized later the King

James version of the Bible as King James of England) married princess

Anne of Denmark right here in Gamlebyen in 1589?

Oslo was a very important Christian center for the early church in Europe,

with Franciscan, Cistercian, Dominican monasteries, as well as Bene-

dictine nuns residing in Old Town?

Edmund Munch was inspired to paint his famous “The Scream” at the top of

“Oak Tree Mountain,” easily visible from Gamlebyen?

Christian Magnus Falsen, the father of the Norwegian Constitution (May

17th, Norwegian’s national holiday, Constitution Day), is buried in the

Old Town’s cemetery.

Mr. Roberts offered this wonderful afternoon gratis with a voluntary donation

collected for the Watoto School/Orphanage in Uganda, a project to which he had

been dedicated to for many years – thanks to those who contributed to this

special cause.

It was a wonderful afternoon, filled with facts, fun fellowship!

Thanks to all who participated!

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Living Abroad, Hopes and Fears,

United in Christ Autumn in Oslo is here. Work winds back up, schools reconvene, the cruise ships

disappear.

The word “resolution” is generally one associated with New Year’s – as we leap into

the new year January 1st, we are resolute to start anew, be rid of old habits. A New

Year’s resolution to stop smoking, start exercising. Dedicate more time with family,

less work stress. Save money, share more. Reduce, recycle, reuse. Live simply.

Simply live.

For those who travel abroad for the Christmas holidays, January 1 can be a difficult

time to try to begin a new resolution, to start a new routine. The hassles of air travel,

jet lag, extended visits to family/friends, reentry into jobs and schools can make this a

tough time to focus on new resolutions – often survival is more the goal!

Autumn in Oslo feels like an opportunity to start anew. The lengthy summer holiday

means a reentry into work and schedules.

The intensity of Oslo’s summer sun is rap-

idly replaced by brilliant colors, lengthen-

ing shadows, and crisp air. As we take in

those last rays of summer sun sparkling on

the sea, consider reflecting upon how to

retool, reshape, reprioritize how and where

we place our energy … to cleanse our-

selves… in perfecting [God’s] holiness (2 Cor 7:1).

Of course, autumn, too, is a busy time – school

starts, work gears up, calendars fill up. So how do we keep it simple and realistic?

In Mark, Jesus’ simply answered, First, love the Lord your God with all your heart

and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength…and se-

cond, 'Love your neighbor as yourself. (Mark 12:29-31)

Wow. With all the diversity of life and cultures, conflicts amongst religions and with-

in denominations, and complexities of theological nuances, Jesus reminds us that God

simply wants us in relationship with God and each other. Daily convictions that stem

from a true desire to love the Lord. Nothing complicated, just simple and intentional.

Our relationship with God. Matthew tells us that after the 5,000 had eaten and dis-

persed, Jesus went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he

was there alone….(14:22-23). Jesus needed time to simply be alone with God. Jesus,

having been the instrument of God during the meal, needed to connect in a personal

and private way with his Father, the God behind the miracle.

First, love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all

your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength…and second, 'Love your neighbor as

yourself. (Mark 12:29-31)

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We, too, need to consciously devote time, to find our mountainside. Seek out ways to

nurture the blessing of our relationship with God. Where is it in our daily lives that we

can develop that personal relationship that God desires so much to have with each one

of us. To simply be alone with God.

But, how on earth do we find time for God with all the commitments of life abroad,

family and work responsibilities, the pressures of school? Think creatively and inten-

tionally – prayer while walking, reading

Scripture in a quiet nook, journaling on

the tram, singing in the beautiful Norwe-

gian forest during a hike. As the Torah

instructed the Israelites, when you lie

down and when you rise, twice a day to

simply recite the Shema, “The LORD

our God, the LORD is one. Love the

LORD your God with all your heart

and with all your soul and with all your

strength.” (Deuteronomy 6:4-5)

Our relationship with each other. Jesus commands to simply "Do unto others as you

would have them do unto you" (Luke 6:31).

The Golden Rule, and variations of the concept the ethic of reciprocity, can be found

in many religions. Theologian and author Karen Armstrong, in her book, “Twelve

Steps to a Compassionate Life,” concluded that the first person to formulate the Gold-

en Rule was Confucius (551-479 BCE) --- “Never do to others what you would not

like them to do to you.” A Hindu text written in about the same time period, the Ma-

habharata, includes the phrase, “Do not unto others which would cause pain if done to

you.” Similar concepts are expressed in Taoism, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism and many

other religions and philosophies. Armstrong continues that that Plato, in his medita-

tion, stated that while it was hard work, yet it was necessary to make a “place for oth-

er” and that the Way (dao) “is … doing-your best-for others (zhong).

The underlying theme, of course, is that we treat other people with kindness and re-

spect. For Christians, this is an outcome of our relationship to God. We extend our-

selves to others not because it “wins” us brownie points, or helps us attain salvation, or

just because it’s the right thing to do. But because it pleases God that we contribute to

God’s creation, that when we are right with God, our love for God manifests into self-

less love for others.

So, as the beautiful colors of fall quickly approach, let us each find time to reflect upon

our relationship with God and with each other. As the schedules fill up and routines

unfold, to be intentional about how to spend our time, share our talents, seek meaning-

ful relationships. That the golden leaves of fall lead us to a reflection upon the Golden

Rule. To find Fall resolutions that cleanse ourselves to that find ourselves closer to

God and to each other (continued on page 14 )

Jesus was not the first person to use the concept of the Golden rule.

Never do to others what you would not like them to do to you.

Confucius

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________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Book of the Month: Armstrong, Karen Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Book of the Month: Armstrong, Karen Twelve Steps to a Compassionate

Life. Life.

(There are several editions with different covers.) (There are several editions with different covers.)

Many faiths have a version of the Golden Rule as a test of true spirituality,

in essence, 'Always treat others as you wish to be treated yourself'. Theolo-

gian Karen Armstrong argues that compassion is in our spine, hardwired

into our brains, it is constantly pushed back by our more primitive instincts

for selfishness and survival. If we are intentional in transcending the limi-

tations of selfishness on a daily basis, we will not only make a difference in

the world but also lead happier, more fulfilled, lives.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

We continue to ask how you might contribute to this ALC ongoing dialogue on living

abroad. Do you have experience with a Christ-centered website, book, resource? A ques-

tion, a challenge, a success. Please share with our ALC community.

Submissions, sharings, joys, concerns:

Sharon Hermanson shermanson001@gmail.com

Pastor Tim pastor@alcoslo.org

We ask that contributions be in the context of ALC as a faith-based community

international community united in Christ, something for reflection, for question,

for guidance.

Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi

.Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

Where there is injury, pardon;

Where there is doubt, faith;

Where there is despair, hope;

Where there is darkness, light;

Where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,

grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console;

to be understood, as to understand;

to be loved, as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive.

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.

Amen.

15

1 - Sudha Richard

2 - Ørnulf Johansen

3 - Max Myrmo

4 - Maren Lande

4 - Amanda Limseth

5 - Dale Brattli

6 – Majid Alipour

7 – Song Shi Jun

9 – Mohamad Thomas Rozeh Dari

9 - Johannes Grønn

9 - Qian Meng

10 - Einar Kjesbu,

10—Louise Kepley

10 - Laura Kumwenda

11 - Amanda Goonetilleke

13 – Jonathan Brian Alcoriza

15 - Melisande Engebretsen

15 - Barbara Skeie

15 - Ian Horden

15 - Sheryl Swenson

16 - Piia Pretsch

17 - Jackie Ekgren

19 - Anders Østrem

19 - David Briggs

21 - Jennifer Crantz

23 - Aneeshiya Kajal

23 - Kaitlyn A. Dahl

23 – Lisa Crystal-Larsen

24 - Danute Grønn

25 – Muwopashe Ariellah Nyenya

26 - Jean Brøvig

26 - Rie Melhoos

28 - David Strai

28 - Peter Holby,

28 Filip Ryan Sarmiento Paulsen

31 - Luca Mellilo E.S. Pompa

2 - Himali Ghosh

3 - Kari Dubbel

3 - Daniel Håbesland

3 - Kristina E. Diseth

4 - Ratan Cyril Seth

5 - Reed Waldo

5 - Bjorn Radtke

6 - Espen Strai

7 - Ken Burton

7 - Kristine Myrmo

7- Liana Loose Berge

8 - Hendrix Liam

9 - Alexander Lien

10 - Leif Erik Mattson Engebretsen

10 - Erik Flekke

11 – Linore H. Crouts-Olsen

13 - Harry Liam

14 - Hardy Liam

14 - Wendy D.B. Wabende

15 - Torill Sebro

17 - Jacob Daniel Schmidt

17 - Camilla Emilie Crystal-Larsen

18 - Carl Staff

19 - Andreas Knudsen

20 – Pastor Timothy Stewart

21 - Isabelle Ringnes

21 – Amir Alwand Wahed

21 - Inese Johansen

22 - Danyal Ahmadi

23 - Kirsten Lanham

24 - Faggie Mdala

25 - Ann Alexander Lal,

25 - Ben Jones

26 - William Andersen

26 - Sundar Rat Mathuram

27 - Adam Edwards

27 - Tora Lande

28 - Thomas Kjølseth

28 - Mutsawashe Elise Nyenya

29 - Hagos Mengstab

August Birthdays

September Birthdays

Happy Birthday - God Bless you!

16

American Church Sunday School Ice Cream Sundae Social - September 1, 2013

The American Lutheran Congregation has an active Sunday School and

would like to invite your child to join us for Bible Stories, Games, Sing-

ing, Crafts and earning Bible Bucks to shop with at the Bible Bucks Store!

Ice Cream Social

On the 1st of September the Sunday School will be hosting an “Ice Cream

Sundae Social” following the service and conducting registration for Sunday

School after the service. Please join us in Hanson Hall (fellowship hall

downstairs) after Church.

Classes

The Sunday School classes are divided into the following age groups; 3–5 year

olds, 6-7 year olds, 8-9 year olds and 10–12 year olds. Classes will take place

every Sunday during the Worship Service (following the Children’s Sermon,

approx. 11:20 am – 12:20 pm). On the first Sunday of each month we have Kids

Church in Hanson Hall with Singing, Bible Stories, Games and Crafts.

The Christmas Pageant will be held this year during the service on De-

cember 8th.

We have a Teen Class from ages 13-18 which also meets during the service on

alternate Sundays.

Bible Bucks (BB)

Every child can earn BB by memorizing Bible verses, the Lord’s Prayer, the

Books of the Old Testament, the Books of the New Testament (we have

two songs to help them with these), the Ten Commandments and the 23rd

Psalm. They can also earn BB for bringing their Bible to church, bringing a

friend to Sunday School and helping clean up after class.

When your child earns Bible Bucks they can then shop at the Bible Bucks

Store on the 1st Sunday of every month. Items vary in price from 1 BB to 10

BB.

17

If you are not able to attend the Ice Cream Social and register on the 1st of

September, please contact the Church office at 22 44 35 84 or S. S. Coordi-

nator Karin Mandeville at

93 20 73 99.

Welcome and we look forward to seeing you this Fall!

Confirmation/Catechism Class

Families with young people age 14 and older who wish to partici-

pate in the 2013/2014 ALC Confirmation program are asked to

contact Pastor Stewart at pastor@alcoslo.orgbefore September 8.

A brief description of some key points of the ALC Confirmation

program is provided below. If you have questions about the pro-

gram, please contact Pastor Stewart

As a part of its education ministry to young people, the ALC offers Confirmation classes

to interested youth age 14 and older in preparation to for the Rite of Affirmation of Faith

(Confirmation). In some traditions these classes are called Catechism classes.

Our Confirmation classes are generally small, compared to Church of Norway confirma-

tion programs, depending on who is in the congregation at the time. Usually the class

size varies from 2 to 6 students.

We follow a Lutheran curriculum but include relevant discussions of other Christian

traditions.

Because of the highly transitory nature of the congregation, the course is normally fit

into a 9 month time frame, starting in Sept. and finishing in time for the Rite of Confir-

mation on Pentecost Sunday. If there are students who need extra time, Confirmation is

pushed out for them to Reformation Sunday the following Fall. T

o accommodate a wide variety of schedules, we've grouped the material into 3 or 4 long

Saturday sessions. Attendance at these is critical since we cover so much material at

them.

Students participating in the Confirmation program are asked to attend worship at the

ALC on a regular basis, participate in its community life and encouraged to volunteer in

the church programs, for example helping with worship occasionally.

Through the Confirmation course and subsequent Confirmation Sunday, students are

confirmed as members of the American Lutheran Congregation in Oslo.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

18

Have you visited the ALC’s new website? http://www.alcoslo.org/

On June 24th, the new ALC website went live. Many, many thanks to Naja

Boone, Woody Wilson and Lars Aune who together spent countless hours

and did most of the work on the new website. Without their extensive tech-

nical skills, and organizational ability, this website would never have been

ready so quickly. THANK YOU!

Sunday Morning Text Study

Starting Sunday, September 1st, you are invited to join Pastor Stewart each Sunday at

9:30 AM to take a look at the texts which will be read in worship that day.

This is a great way to deepen one’s understanding of the texts which will be a center

point of the following worship service. We’ll finish around 10:15, so to make the most

of our time together, please be sure to be at the ALC Library at 9:30. (the Library is

found next to the office on the top level of the ALC main staircase.)

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Women's Friday Evening Fellowship

Friday, September 6th

All the women at ALC are invited to an evening of fun and fellowship on Friday Sep-

tember 6th at 18:30. Naja Boone is our host this month. Directions to Naja’s place are

included below.

If you know ahead of time that you can attend, kindly send your RSVP to her email

najaboone@gmail.comwith subject "RSVP - ALC women’s event - 6 September". But

if you forget to RSVP, please come anyway! A little food or drink to share is always

welcome, but don't feel obliged to bring anything.

All newcomers are very welcome, and as always, consider bringing a friend along.

Our gatherings are informal and friendly - a nice chance to get to know one another

better. We hope to see you there! If you have questions about the Women’s Friday

Evening Fellowships or would like ot host a future event, please contact Mary Ann

Stewart at thestewarts10@hotmail.com. Also, mark your calendars for our next Wom-

en's Fellowship Evenings, which will be held on October 19th and November 9th.

Directions to Naja’s place - Bjørn Farmannsgate 4, 0271 Oslo inngang Skarpsnogata.

Down the street from United Bakeries in Skillebekk, trikk 13 to Skillebekk is best op-

tion for public transportation. There are some parking lots around the neighboring

streets. If you get lost you can call Naja at 93079019.

Monthly Book Discussion Group

This Fall you are invited to join a monthly book discussion group. Each month we’ll

read a recommended book and gather at the parsonage on the 3rd Wednesday of the

month to discuss what insights, surprises, joys or disappointments the book held for

us. We’ll begin at 19:00 and always finish by 20:30. They’ll be tea and coffee

available, but you may want to grab a bite to eat before hand. The recommended

book for each month is included below. They are all available (most of the time)

on Amazon.co.uk. The schedule for the fall follows:

Sept 18 - “Simply Jesus: Who He Was, What He Did, Why it Matters” by Tom Wright

October 16 - “Praying in Exile” by Gordon Mursell

November 20 - “Christianity After Religion” by Diana Butler Bass

December 18 - “The Meaning Is in the Waiting: The Spirit of Advent” by Paula Gooder

20

Please contact Amalia Diana Prodan or the church office

for more information

21

Join us for the ALC Congregational

Retreat! Saturday, September 20th

A wonderful opportunity for rest, renewal, and the strengthening of bonds Within

our community of grace. Come away with us to the beautiful Østmarkskapellet (southeast of Oslo) for a time of fun, food, fellowship

and a bit of learning for all ages.

Things to know about the ALC Retreat

Sign Up Today! Help us to plan for this special day retreat. A signup

sheet will soon be up on the bulletin board in the Narthex.

.

Walking In: We will park and walk in approx. 2 km, with a gradual to

moderate incline, on a well maintained dirt road. We are coordinating

transport to the trail start for those of you who don’t drive. If the walk is

too difficult for you, we have been allowed to provide limited transporta-

tion to the chapel, please speak with Amalia Diana Prodan who can give

you specific details or contact the church office.

Musically inclined? We are looking for a piano player or acoustic gui-

tar player or two to help with music. Is this you?

Come

Join

Us!

Come

Join

Us!

22

Call for Sunday School Teachers

Fall 2013

A new season of Sunday School (S.S.) is rapidly approaching, and we are

in need of a few additional teachers.

Volunteering to teach is rewarding and a blessing. This is truly to

touch the life of a child.

There will be S.S. classes this fall for the following age groups; 3–5 year

olds, 6-7 year olds, 8-9 year olds and 10–12 year olds. Classes will take

place every Sunday during the Worship Service (11:20am – 12:20 pm).

We recognize that the ALC S.S. teachers can’t always commit to every

Sunday; therefore we would like to have 2-3 teachers per class, substitute

teachers, and help on the first Sunday of each month when S.S. is held in

Hanson Hall with Bible stories, games and crafts. This also permits the

teachers to attend the worship service and take communion at least once

a month.

Prior experience is not required; just a heart for children and a desire to

share God’s Word with children. We provide interesting and easy to use

teachers’ guides and material.

Please keep in mind that men make good Sunday School teachers -

young boys need to see that Sunday School is not just for girls.

Please consider this prayerfully and if you feel called to volunteer please

contact: S.S. Coordinator Karin Mandeville at 93 20 73 99 or

kmandev@online.no or Pastor Timothy Stewart at 22 44 35 84 or

pastor@alcoslo.org.

23

Jr. Youth Group (ages 10 to 13)

The ALC Jr. Youth Group is offered for youth ages 10 to 13. We meet every

month, usually on Sunday afternoons after worship from 13:00 to 14:30 (times are

flexible and lunch is provided). Occasionally we’ll go out for a fun event in Oslo.

Please let us know in the office if you would like to be on a mailing list for this

ministry.

Our first meeting is Sunday, 8 September. Let us know if you will be joining us,

but if you forget to RSVP, please come anyway. There’s always room for one

more!

The schedule for this fall follows:

September 8

October 13

November 10

December 8

Monday Morning Bible Study resumes August 26!

Regular Bible Study is an important part of our Christian faith, and a transformational spir-

itual discipline. On September 3rd, Pastor Tim will resume our daytime Bible Study,

which takes place on alternating Mondays (with some variations to work around public

holidays). We meet in the Fireside Room at the Church. Join us at 10:30 for study, conver-

sation and fellowship. We finish at 12 noon. Although the classes are connected, if you

cannot attend every class, you can join in when you are able and not feel left behind. We’ll

choose our topic on August 26th at our first meeting.

If there is someone who would like to help host these Bible Studies (making coffee and

providing simple refreshments), that would be helpful. Please let Pastor Stewart know if

you are available to help in this way.

The following will be the fall Bible Study schedule: August 26, September 9th and 23rd,

October 7th and 21st, November 4th and 18th, and December 2nd and 16th. Mark your

calendars and come along for the journey! If you have any questions, speak with Pastor

Stewart or send him an email at pastor@alcoslo.org

24

Our Facilitator -----------------

“Caroline illuminated the room with her energy, insights, and faith-filled focus. As an ex-pat, she understands and lives the day-to-day stresses and challenges of life abroad. As a Christian, she seeks answers in God-centered prayer.” Caroline Corda-Razat has over a decade of experience leading women’s faith-based retreats, small groups and leadership meetings. Her brand of humor, au-thenticity and energy brings insight to God’s truth and encourages and equips listeners to develop a deeper relationship with God. Although she earned an MBA from New York University, she counts it all joy to replace her ambition for dealing in the world’s international business with taking part in God’s eternal business. Caroline now lives in Paris with her American/French family of four. She continues to be actively involved in Moms in Prayer International and is a founding member of the ministry in France. As a docent, she has the oppor-tunity to share the gospel regularly with tourists in the very center of Paris, using a real “power” point presentation: the images at Notre Dame Cathedral.

God Spa Be filled, revived, and

renewed as we enjoy a God’s SPA:

S --- Sit P --- Pray A--- Allow

What: Women’s Retreat: a precious gift of time of rest and renewal.

When: August 30th & 31st Friday (17.00 - 20.30), Sat (9.00 - 17:00)

Where: American Lutheran Church – Hanson Hall Who: Women of all ages, journeys in life who desire a faith-filled weekend of discovering renewal of body and soul.

Sign Up Today !