TOPS Minnesota Chapter 979

The TOPS Minnesota Chapter 979 announces its January, February and March winners. Division winners were Betty Hanson, Caroline Sorenson, Betty Johnson, Janice Schroader, Caroline Sorenson, Darlene Hauge, Mindy Christenson, Dorothy Porter, Katie Koziolek and Keith Porter.

Quarterly winners were Mindy Christenson, Barb Solberg, Hauge, Darlene Kenison and Keith Porter.

Quarterly KOPS winners were Frieda Johannsen, Ardis Bang, Ardus Sanderson and Elayne Wichman.

The 15-year KOPS winner was Frieda Johannsen.

Four-week loss winners were Lois Goodnature, Hauge, Kenison and Sorenson.

The 17-year KOPS winner was Peggy Inderlie.

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) is a nonprofit weight-loss support group.

 

Blue Earth River Conference

The Blue Earth River Conference Spring Event was April 5 at United Lutheran Church in Walters with Mansfield Lutheran Church of rural Alden assisting.

There were 83 guests who attended. The theme of the event was “Our Hands: God’s Work within the Family.”

Temple talks were given by John Kipp of Good Earth Village, Marcia Smith of Hospice and Minnie Dunbar on Women of the ELCA Triennial Gathering.

A message was given by Jan Jerdee titled “Our Hands — God’s Work within the Family.” Jerdee said: What do you think of your hands when you look at them? Hands are God’s tools. We do many things with our hands. In God’s hands we need to trust. To be ‘rooted in faith, look up to God and hands out to serve.’ We crave the touch of hands through a hug or touch. We work with what we have, we each have different talents. In Isaiah it states, ‘do not fear I will help you.’” Jerdee concluded by reading the poem “The End of My Sleeve.”

The 2014 newly elected officers are Mary Thrond, secretary; Joanne Wertjes, member at large; Margaret Melcher and Lorraine Schaper, conference nominating committee and Lorraine Jacobson, SE MN Synod nominating committee. They will serve along with Denise Kluender, convener; Alice Goemann, publicity; Esther Ziemer, member at large, and Hazel Spiering, conference nominating.

Greetings from the SE MN Synod were given by Marie Tesch, SE MN Synodical president.

Marie Tesch and Minnie Dunbar, serving on the SE MN Women of the ELCA Synodical Board, recognized the retiring officers and installed the new officers. They also commissioned delegates to the triennial gathering.

The closing, “A Litany of Hands,” was led by Spiering. The meeting was closed with song and a benediction.

The 2015 spring event will be at Trinity Lutheran in Albert Lea with Oakland Lutheran of Oakland assisting.

 

Grapevine Twist Square Dance Club

The Grapevine Twist Square Dance Club held a dance April 12 at the Senior Center at the Skyline Plaza. Elaine Peacock was the caller and called to over three squares. Cake was served after the dance. Servers for the evening were Renee Johnson and Beth Boelsen. The next dance was April 26. Ernie Auringer was the caller. Potluck was served after the dance.

 

United Methodist Women

The United Methodist Women met April 2.

Norieta Rippentrop of Mary Grace circle introduced Paula Wilson from Bonnerup Funeral Services. Wilson spoke on “The Dash,” which represents the time between our birth and death.

President Jerry Horswell opened the business meeting thanking Mary Grace circle for the program and Hope circle for serving. She led in prayer and the United Methodist Women’s purpose.

The secretary’s minutes and circle attendance were given by JoAnn Seuser.

Treasurer Ruth Vermedahl gave the report for the past month. She also reminded the group of the pictures for the directory to be taken this next week.

Sharon Nelson, social action chair, read a letter from Dorothy Balder. Balder is a former member of the Albert Lea United Methodist Women.

Reading program chair Judy Hargrave read a portion of a book, “True Cost of Lower Prices.” She also reported that residents of Emma Norton Services are in need of umbrellas. Thanks were given to John and Jodi Bromeland for delivering gifts to the Emma Norton residents.

Tracy Vandegrift told of mission work being done by her daughter and son-in-law Judy and John Westrum. They are presently living in Germany and working with the Roma people.

The next meeting will be May 7. Members are reminded of a change in time. A memorial program will be given by Martha circle, followed by a luncheon served at approximately  11:30 a.m., served by Mary Grace circle.

 

St. John’s Auxiliary

St. John’s Auxiliary met at 10:30 a.m. April 21 in St. John’s chapel. President Caroline Sorenson welcomed everyone. A Bible study is at 10 a.m., so devotions are held at that time.

Auxiliary Secretary Bonnie Schneider and Treasurer LeAnn Knutson gave their reports. They were approved as read.

Volunteer Coordinator Carla Reichel reported 870 volunteer hours for March. Day Care had 31 hours, and there were two You & Me clubs and two sing-alongs.

Vice President Jan Jerdee read the names of residents celebrating April birthdays and everyone sang “Happy Birthday.”

Churches thanked for serving Sunday coffee were Cross of Glory of Hartland, West Freeborn Lutheran, Emmons Lutheran, Round Prairie Lutheran and Hayward Lutheran. Sunday escorts were also thanked.

The program was provided by Orville and Irene Goskeson. They sang and played the saw and the guitar on many hymns, “America the Beautiful,” “God Bless America” and others.

The Lord’s Prayer was said.