Hello, everyone. The website has not been updated in a while, but please don't think that things came to a halt at St. Ansgar. Your friendly webmaster has been dealing with happy, but busy life changes. While I was away from the site, ......
The Sunday School Christmas Pageant which had been delayed by snow was performed in early January to the delight of the congregation.
Valentine's Day provided lots of opportunities to brighten up the whitest of winters. The Sunday School decorated the church with colorful heart posters. The Sewing Group put together cheerful Valentine's baskets for shut-ins. The congregation exchanged valentines at coffee hour.
Lent was a time of community and prayerful reflection. As is our yearly tradition, we teamed up with First Lutheran, Trinity, and Emmaus for Wednesday evening services. The theme this Lent was finding meaning in work. The services were preceded by soup dinners and a pickup chorus. A somber holy week was followed by our Festive Easter worship. Young and old enjoyed punctuating the alleluias with bells and assembling a cross of fresh flowers. Many attended the Easter Breakfast before service, filling up on pancakes and funding camperships to Calumet for the youth in the congregation.
The Sunday School had another bake sale to benefit the orphanage in Hosur, India.
This Saturday a group of church members and friends came out for a Spring Potluck and Game Night. The food was fantastic, and all enjoyed the games and sing-a-long.
Happy Spring all!
If you didn't buy your raffle tickets for this beautiful, homemade Christmas wall hanging at the fair, it is not too late. The raffle runs through the St. Lucia Festival this Sunday, December 9th. Tickets are 1 for $1 or 6 for $5. Good luck!
This year St. Ansgar will hold its St. Lucia Festival on Sunday, December 9th at 4PM. The event is free and open to the public.
What is the St. Lucia Festival? It is a Swedish Christian tradition that dates from the 14th century. According to the old Julian Calendar, December 13th was the longest night of the year, and thus marked the first step toward spring, with its promise of light and sunshine. It is on this date that the people of Sweden celebrate the Lucia Festival. Christian legend has it that the Romans betrayed Lucia. Later, Vikings impressed by her faith, are said to have brought her legend to Scandinavia from Sicily, where she is the patron saint of fishermen.
Every year at St. Ansgar, the St. Lucia legend is told. Authentic Swedish carols are sung, and a young woman from the congregation is crowned the “Queen of Light.” Traditional Scandinavian refreshments are served, and unique items from our International Table are available.
This year, St. Ansgar is pleased to announce that Kristina Ann Birthisel, age 16, will be honored as this year's Queen of Light." Kristina is a mostly home-schooled student and plans to attend Greely High School and/or USM Early Studies Program next semester. She is the daughter of Karen and Bill Birthisel of Cumberland.
Ever wonder what makes the julekake bread at St. Ansgar's fair taste so wonderful? Long to know the secret behind St. Ansgar's famous fish chowder?
Mark your calendars for Friday, November 9th. Bakers will be churning out loaves all day. The chowder team will start at 6PM. Come, help out, and learn how to cook like a civic minded Lutheran. Who needs the Food Channel?
Members and Friends,
It's that time again! Your help is needed - from set-up to clean-up. As usual we will need baked goods and candy. Volunteers are also needed to work in the kitchen, dining area, and at the tables from 10AM - 2PM. Please contact St. Ansgar if you can help. Leave a message for Julie D.
