Women Veterans of Freeborn County

The regularly scheduled meeting of the Women Veterans of Freeborn County met at American Legion Post 56 on Aug. 6.

Women veterans present included Ruth Perry, Judy Olson, Ila Schmidt, Sandy Maiden, Jane Maiden, Marge Lukehart, Joan Paczkowski and Deanne Luedtke.

Topics of discussion centered around current military events to include the destruction of Christian churches in Mosul, the assassinated general and health issues of the organization’s members. They also discussed the women’s initiative. This is the old task force that concentrated on finding women veterans and letting them know what their rights are.

They sent a memo to encourage the organization to nominate a Military Woman of the Year. However, it was decided that the suspense date in September would not give them enough time to submit a nominee. The organization will try to pursue this issue for next year’s Woman of the Year.

Additionally, there will be a state veterans’ luncheon in Minneapolis in October. Details to follow.

The minutes of July’s meeting were read as well as the treasurer’s report.

All members bring an item of nonperishable food to donate to the food pantry after each monthly meeting. Olson and Sandy Maiden take turns delivering the donations to the food pantry. The organization thanks the both.

The next meeting will be 11:30 a.m. on Sept. 3 at American Legion Post 56. The organization encourages all women military veterans to join us for an informal lunch, discussion and camaraderie. Please call Deanna Luedtke at 373-9792 for more information.

 

St. John’s Auxiliary

St. John’s Auxiliary met at 10:30 a.m. Aug. 18 in St. John’s Chapel. President Caroline Sorenson welcomed everyone.

Pianist Irene Goskeson led everyone in singing “Children of the Heavenly Father” and “Breathe on Me Breath of God.”

Secretary Bonnie Schneider and treasurer LeAnn Knutson gave their reports. The reports were approved.

It was announced that the Auxiliary fundraiser for Christmas gifts and gardening for the residents will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 21 at 901 Luther Place at the chapel entrance. A free donation will be accepted, dine-in or drive-thru options are given and it is open to the public.

Volunteer Coordinator Carla Reichel reported 989 hours for July. Day care had 30 hours, two You and Me clubs and one singalong.

Activities Director Shirley Leeman reported activities for September: L.A. Sasse Tuesday, Johnny Bird music Friday, singalong with John Ulland Sept. 8, music by Richie Z Sept. 12, country music with Dunnell Sept. 13, Cletus Goldirsh accordion music Sept. 19, St. John’s Auxiliary fundraiser lunch Sept. 21, Robert Coates Sept. 24 and Kent Larson music Sept. 26. Many other activities such as bingo, Farkle, trivia, movies and others will be throughout the month.

The names of residents celebrating August birthdays were read and the birthday song was sung.

Churches thanked for serving Sunday coffee were Trinity Lutheran, Community Lutheran in Geneva, Ascension Lutheran and Mansfield Lutheran.

The program was provided by Sharon Astrup-Scott. She played “Morning Prairie,” “Blessed Assurance,” “Fur Elise,” “ Minuet in G,” “The Old Rugged Cross” and “God and God Alone” on piano. It was a beautiful program and enjoyed by all.

The Lord’s Prayer was said and the meeting was adjourned.

 

First Lutheran Church Women

The First Lutheran Church Women met at 9:15 a.m. Aug. 13 in Bethany Hall for the annual brunch. Joan Holt provided prelude music and everyone sang the table prayer.

Neva Mathison introduced The C.D.’s — Linda Hill, Audrey Klihn and Julie Quamme — who presented a program of beautiful music. The three vocalists are retired choir directors from southern Minnesota and northern Iowa.

Devotions from “Christ in the Home” were given by Jinni Olson. Hospitality should be extended to all people, for the sake of the gospel.

Donna Ludtke led the reciting of the FLCW purpose statement and conducted the business meeting. The secretary’s report was approved as printed with a motion by Hazel Senske and seconded by Olson.

Friends at First met at 11:30 a.m. Aug. 19 in Bethany Hall to hear Ema’s story of a modern day miraculous healing.

Lori Jensen reported receiving thank yous from the Roy Stevens family for serving the funeral and from Good Earth Village. Newsletter from Plymouth Youth Center and Women of ELCA will be placed in the library.

There was no old business or new business.

Offering was taken during the singing of Hymn No. 370 “Blest Be the Tie That Binds.” Olson led in the closing prayer.

Ludtke thanked ushers Joyce Johnson and Arlis Smith; greeters Marge LaFrance, Olson and Betty Ruud; hostesses chairperson Carol Colstrup and her committee Marlene Behle, Shirlie Brownlow, Alicia Helland and Judy Hoiseth.

Caring and Sharing co-chairpersons Bonnie Schneider and Helene Westrum and their committee served two funerals in July.

The meeting was closed by praying the Lord’s Prayer.