The 126th Annual Business Meeting of the Hegre Lutheran Congregation was held at the church on Sunday, February 8, 2004, following the service and a potluck dinner. President Mike Patterson called the meeting to order which was attended by thirty-six parishoners. Pastor Keith Homstad led in devotions, song, and prayer.

Mike Patterson made two corrections to the agenda. Larry Gochnauer motioned to approve the corrected agenda, seconded by Gary Patterson.

Reports: All reports were approved as read; Mike thanked everyone who served on or helped with each committee and special events.
Secretary’s Report: Read by Mike Patterson in Shirley Erickson’s absence.
Pastor’s Report: Read by Pastor Homstad.
Council President’s Report: Read by Mike Patterson.
WELCA Co-President’s Report: Read by Mary Hill. Quilting help needed.
Intern’s Report: Read by Pastor Homstad. A bible study is open to all the 2nd and 4th Sundays at the Dennison Parsonage from 4 to 5 p.m.
Treasurer’s Report: Read by Julie Patterson.
Balance on 1/1/03: $13,710.81 Total income $41,201.72 Total expenses $37,510.93 Balance on 12/31/03 $17,401.60 Sunday School Report: Read by Julie Patterson.
Cemetery Report: Read by Julie Patterson.
WELCA Treasurer’s Report: Presented by Rebekah Patterson.
Leap of Faith Report: Presented by Pam Stucky.

Elections: Election tellers were Paul Berg and Gary Patterson.
Two positions were contested, those being President (Mike Patterson and Shane Broughten) and Trustee 2006 (Deann Engvall stepped down; Bessie Peterson and Lyndon Noser nominated.) Roxanne Hill motioned to close the nominations, seconded by Marty Hill. After elections of President and Trustee 2006, Gary Patterson motioned to cast a unanimous vote for the remaining nominated council and committee members, seconded by Larry Gochnauer and carried. Positions for 2004 include:
President: Shane Broughten - 1 year
Vice President: Marty Hill - 1 year
Secretary: Carrie Bakken - 1 year
Treasurer: Pam Stucky - 1 year
Deacon: Judy Pavek - 3 years
Trustee 2007: Gary/Julie Patterson - 3 years
Cemetery Board: Lyndon Noser - 3 years
Cemetery Treasurer: Pam Stucky - 1 year
Sextons(2): Marty Hill - 1 year
Shane Broughten
Head Usher: Martha Gochnauer - 1 year
Financial Secretary: Adeline Quimby - 1 year
Sunday School Co-Superintendents: Missy Patterson - 1 year
Beth Patterson
Decorating Cmte: Gary/Judy Pavek - 1 year
Intern Committee: Judy Pavek - 1 year
Dave Peterson
Nominating Cmte (5): Dave Peterson - 1 year
Lisa Berg
Carrie Bakken
Pam Stucky
Bessie Peterson
Worship Cmte (4): Lois Peterson - 1 year
Jane Froelich
Rebekah Patterson
Susan Jahnke
Audit Committe: Paul Berg - 3 years
Cannon River Conf. Voting Members(2 M and 2 F, no nominations): - 1 year
Synod Voting Members (1M, 1F): Lois Peterson - 1 year
David Peterson
Sunset Home Delegates (3): Myrtle Erickson - 1 year
Susan Jahnke
Mary Hill
Good Earth Village Annual Meeting (2): Larry Fitzgerald - 1 year
Donna Fitzgerald

Old Business:

Building/remodeling/repair: There has been some electrical arcing and malfunctions on the pole outside; this is a fire hazard and needs to be repaired/updated as soon as possible. Malloy Electric has given a bid of approximately $1788. Roxanne Hill motioned to accept this bid to start the repair immediately; seconded by Paul Berg. Motion carried.

New Business:

2004 Budget: The proposed 2004 budget was presented and explained by Mike Patterson followed by questions and discussion. Gary Patterson motioned to accept and implement the proposed 2004 budget, seconded by Rebekah Patterson. Motion carried.

Homosexual Study: Pastor Homstad explained a little bit about the study, put forth by the ELCA. It is in both booklet and internet form (www.elca.org/faithfuljourney). He would like the congregation to participate in this study. Rebekah Patterson motioned to complete the study over three sessions, dating April 7 & 18, and May 5. This would be during/after the regular church council meeting on two Wednesdays and one Sunday for those who cannot attend on a Wednesday. Seconded by Roxanne Hill. Motion carried.

Adjournment: Motioned by Judy Pavek, seconded by Carrie Bakken to adjourn. The meeting closed with the recital of the Lord’s Prayer led by Pastor Homstad.

Respectfully submitted,
Carrie Bakken, 2004 Council Secretary

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First of all, let me say that it is a privilege to work together with you in our common ministry as the people of God at Hegre Church. You are a gift to me and the church at large!

January 2004 – Unfortunately, the year started out with a funeral – for Jeff Gochnauer. We were all shocked and saddened by his death in a car roll over on New Year’s Eve. We miss him still. We heard the words of comfort spoken to us in the holy scriptures, words that have sustained all our ancestors, words that sustain us still as we grieve in our turn. The good news on the first Sunday in January was that we received three new members, Walter and Marie Baumgartner, and Carrie Bakken. At this time we also held Julie Patterson and the whole Patterson and Knott extended family in prayer since she was quite ill. We baptized Mali & Emma Crouse, twin daughters of Todd and Faye Crouse on the 25th. Intern Pastor Brian Hanson continued to teach confirmation classes each Wednesday evening.

February – On 1 Feb Julie Patterson was in church enjoying a respite in her health. We were all glad to see her there. About once a month our Intern Pastor joins us for worship to either lead the liturgy or preach. Intern Brian Hanson was well liked each time he joined us. Each month I make anywhere from 10 to 20 visits with Hegre folks, and attend from 12 to 20 meetings of various sorts where I represent both Hegre and Gol to the Cannon River Conference, the SE MN Synod of the ELCA and the Kenyon/Wanamingo Ministerial Association, plus preaching and presiding at worship about 50 Sundays out of the year, and supervising confirmation classes. However, YOU are the “eyes and ears” of the pastor as you minister to one another and keep me informed of special prayer requests, etc.

March - For Lent this year we experimented with having a guest pastor, Dave Olson, come to lead worship while I was leading worship at either Grace, Gol, St. John’s UCC or Nerstrand UMC. We also experimented one Sunday with a “dialog sermon” with myself taking one role and Gary Pavek taking one roll. From the feedback received, I’d say it went quite well. This month our prayers were focused on both Julie Patterson and her father-in-law, Forrest Patterson. Julie quietly died on Sunday the 14th in the early evening, her fierce struggle with cancer over at last. We miss her a great deal, and I suppose we always will. The next week we buried a woman about twice Julie’s age – Tillie Schultz, age 94.

April – The days were growing longer now as Palm Sunday began Holy Week – and Daylight Savings Time began once again. Holy Week saw the Seder Supper at Hegre, Tennebrae Service at Holden, the Great Vigil of Easter at St. Olaf College Chapel, and Easter Sunday at Hegre. In mid-April I was part of a group of first call pastors who traveled to ELCA Headquarters in Chicago to meet with Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson. We were warmly received and got the “grand tour” of your church’s international offices. It was quite impressive – they do a great deal on a very limited budget. After all, 90% or more of your offering to Hegre remains right at Hegre – only about 10% is forwarded on to the Synod and to the ELCA offices. You can be proud of those who minister in your name.

May – We rejoiced at the baptism of Zachary Linaman, son of Scott and Ashley Linaman, and we heard the public Confirmation of Brad Fitzgerald, Samantha Linaman, Crissa Knott, and Heather Jacobson. Then, we also had to bury Forrest Patterson, Ruth Duncan and Kenneth Flikke. All is mercy and grace. God’s will is to love us forever and ever. Amen. Life goes on, and now we look forward to graduation from the local high schools. Baccalaureate services were at St. Michael’s Church in Kenyon this year.

June – In June we “Honor the Grads” at Hegre by presenting them with a wonderful “blue jeans quilt”, and visiting all of their open house celebrations. Summer has begun at last! People are on vacation, but the work of the church goes on – visits, worship, attending meetings, etc.

July – Time for a little vacation. Intern Pastor Brian Hansen preached and presided at one service and Pastor Dave Olson at another while I was gone. Attendance drops off sharply when folks go on vacation – but maybe that is, in fact, a good thing! We all need to rest, renew and refresh ourselves. Of course we also need to continue our support of the church even while we are gone! And, when I returned I picked up where I left off on my round of visits and worship leadership. I represented the Bishop of the SE MN Synod at the 135th Anniversary of Wanamingo Lutheran on Sunday 25 July.

August - It was time to say “good bye” to Intern Pastor Brian Hanson, his wife Kendra and son, Aiden at a luncheon at Dale Church. But, even though we had the luncheon, Pastor Brian was just getting ready to take the Kenyon area kids out to Montana to hike in the mountains at Camp Christikon. And that’s exactly what they did for a glorious week! The evening of 20 August the “Relay For Life” event was held at the park in Zumbrota. Hundreds of luminaries lined the paths of the park, out door fireplaces felt good too because we hit record LOW temperatures for late summer. People walked the paths and remembered those who had to deal with cancer. The sums of money raised all go to research. And, it’s working. Slowly and surely we are learning more about this family of diseases and how to treat them – and we pray for all who are faced with illness.

September – Time to dig into the school books once again! Our new Intern Pastor, Judy Holmen arrived and spent her first Sunday at Hegre and Gol assisting leading liturgy. Welcome Judy! A warm sunny Saturday, the 4th, was a great day to work with Hegre folks on the Habitat for Humanity House in Zumbrota. Hegre Leap of Faith had a campout for kids on 11 Sept to kickoff Sunday School and Confirmation. De Ann Engvall teaches confirmation kids on Sunday morning and I meet with them monthly to go over their progress in learning, service projects, spiritual growth, etc. We presented Bibles to Ryan Stucky, Nathan Nozer, Dakota Walker & Santos De Leon. I represented Hegre & Gol at the installation of Pr. Luther Mathsen at First Lutheran in Kenyon. We had great weather for the Hegre Men’s Retreat – and I caught the biggest fish!

October – Perfect Fall weather for the De Mars / Simon wedding at Shattuck – St. Mary’s chapel! I regularly attend continuing education seminars throughout the year, this month I attended two on “Family Systems Theory” that will help me in ministering to people. We began an evaluation project of the liturgy in With One Voice. We used W.O.V. three out of the four Sundays. After several months we will re-evaluate and decide which liturgies we prefer.

November – Intern Judy Holmen accompanied me on some of my visiting rounds and got introduced to some of the Hegre folks. We both attended the annual SE MN Synod Theological Conference in Owatonna and heard an excellent speaker, Pastor Susan Briel lead a study on the Gospel of John. The Gideons came and gave a chancel talk on their Bible publishing work. I led the monthly Cannon River Conference pastors during a program at Vasa Children’s Home over by Redwing. They are starting their 150th year of serving young persons with handicaps. I helped the seniors in West Concord kick off Thanksgiving by providing some of the music for their feast. Albert (Duke) Ohlness died. Funeral at Hegre on 29 November. This was our 7th funeral this year.

December – The children got to see my icon of St. Nicholas up close and touch it. They each received a fresh orange with three fragrant whole cloves stuck in it – in memory of the three children saved by St. Nicholas so long ago. Preparations well underway for the Hegre Christmas program which is done by the whole Sunday School. It turned out to be a tremendous success with lots of great singing and fun! A joint Christmas party at the Sunset Home for Hegre and Gol residents was also enjoyed by all. For Christmas I brought the new icon of the Nativity that I had received. The children loved seeing it and holding it.

And so the calendar year came to an end. All is mercy and grace. Thanks be to God!

Pastor Keith E.O. Homstad

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Dear Members of Hegre,

2004 was a year of great loss for me personally, as well as for our church. We have lost more members due to death this year than in recent years past. While this is sad, and we miss them very much, we must go on. But we do not have to be without them, for they are with us in spirit. This church has seen many hardships in the past, and continues to overcome them with God’s help.

It was also a year of change in our council, with a number of new faces in different positions. I am very pleased at how the council came together and got the work done. I truly believe that this is the spirit of Hegre. When there is a problem or a challenge, we all pitch in to get the job done. It isn’t just one or two people doing all of the heavy lifting, with other people watching.

This spirit is not only used within our church, but also with things that reach people all over the world. One great example of this was the Operation Christmas Child project. With this project, Leap of Faith, Sunday School, WELCA, and the members combined to send 40 shoe boxes filled with all sorts of things to needy kids around the world. Along with the gifts, they received the Good News of Jesus Christ in their own language. This is just one example of the outreaching impact our small church has.

I want to again thank you for the opportunity to serve you this past year. I am always optimistic, and looking forward to what 2005 will bring. May God continue to bless you and Hegre.

Mike Patterson

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The Hegre WELCA was faced with a dilemma in 2004.……it was should it continue or should it disband. It was decided that we would compromise and have four meetings per year instead of 12. This has worked out well and sew day and circle continue as usual.

We had soup suppers for Lent and a Seder Supper with proceeds going to various groups.

We collected for the Food Shelf in March and November.

We again had the Salad Luncheon in May, which netted $421.21. Then in July the Ice Cream Social was held and that netted $550.15 and our Fall Supper netted $1545.21.

We served the month of July at the Sunset Home for Sunday coffee.

We donated a total of $2500.00 to various organizations and $375.00 went to our campers at Hegre.

We THANK everyone for all of their participation and help throughout the year!

God’s Blessing to all.

Judy Pavek

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I am, Judy Holmen, the Kenyon Area Intern. Beginning September 1 I began working with the following churches and pastors: Vang and Dennison Lutheran, Dennison area – Pastor Gerry Gengenbach, Grace Lutheran of Nerstrand – Pastor Judi Reitz, Holden and Dale Lutheran outside of Kenyon – Pastor Mike Lockerby, Gol and Hegre Lutheran outside of Kenyon – Pastor Keith Holmstad, and Trinity Lutheran of West Concord – Interim Pastor John Hagen. It has been a joy working with the various pastors and congregations.

I moved into the parsonage in Dennison the end of August while the construction workers were busy preparing the streets for black top. Yes, by early fall the streets in Dennison had curbs and were black topped. It was better than rolling the red carpet out in my book. Within in the community of Dennison I helped with the Halloween Party that the Lions organized and was able to meet people within the community. Throughout the last several months I have had the opportunity to meet various neighbors and individuals within Dennison. I have been enjoying the area with the beauty of the rolling hills and farm country as well as the Big Woods State Park.

I have had the privilege to attend various church dinners, suppers, Women’s Christmas gatherings and work the Lutefisk Supper at Vang. My experience thus far consists of leading worship and preaching as well as assisting with a couple of funerals, a wedding and observed several funerals, a baptism and a wedding rehearsal and wedding. Visitation within homes, nursing homes, and hospitals are part of my responsibilities in addition to the items listed below. Through attending text study, Kenyon Area Pastors Meetings, the Cannon River Conference meetings, the Southeastern Minnesota Synod Theological Conference this fall, and the St. Olaf Christmas Concert I have met other colleagues and have enjoyed good discussions. This fall I attended a class on Rural Church Organization. It was helpful taking this class while I was interning for several times things came up in class and in ministry that directly applied to what I was learning. I feel that I gained more from the class having been involved in the rural community and congregations.

In October and November I had the opportunity to coordinate and collect items that were needed for the Austin Area Flood Relief. THANKS to all the churches for their contribution of the handmade quilts, blankets, pillows, sheets, towels, silverware, dish towels, dish clothes, dishes and microwave. Your response was outstanding!! Thanks for reaching out to your brothers and sisters in need.

Responsibilities and Project
· At all the churches I lead liturgy and preach as well as assist with funerals and weddings as the opportunity arises.
· I will rotate attending council meetings, various women’s Bible studies and church events.
· Attending text study with various pastors as well as attend pastor conferences give me different perspectives as well as opportunities to get to know other colleagues.
· Meeting with all the individuals on the internship committee will provide support to me while I develop relationships with the congregations and individuals as I minister among you.
· More broadly is the question “How do I connect with people living in Dennison and exercise the spirit of evangelism within the community in which I live?”
· Holden and Dale – 8th grade confirmation
· Vang and Dennison – Lenten Season, lead an adult education at parsonage (which will be open to all congregations.)
· Gol and Hegre – Advent services, young adults, visitation
· Grace – VBS, visitation
· Trinity - visitation, evangelism (including preparation of outreach brochure)

My project this year will concentrate on theological readings and devotional materials provided by the pastors for my reading followed with discussion and reflection with the various pastors. I have learned much and look forward to gaining further knowledge of the ministry and role as a pastor, developing skills for the ministry which God has called me and growing in my faith and knowledge of God. I look forward to this New Year with excitement and joy as I minister with and among you.

May God bless you richly as you serve Him,
Pastor Judy Holmen, Intern

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I said to the Lord, be merciful unto me: heal my soul, for I have sinned against you. Psalm 41: 4

The health committee of Hegre Lutheran Church has concentrated on clarifying the relationship between faith and health. Health is a gift from God and only God heals. Our faith calls us to be good steward of our bodies and the world around us. The body, the temple of the Holy Spirit, is to be honored with healthful practices and spirit-filled living.

During the past year, we have held blood pressure screenings, provided health information for congregational members and written articles for the parish newsletter. Much of good health is prevention. Therefore, we have encouraged congregational members to wear seatbelts, quit smoking and get their flu shots. In the recent year, cancer has hit Hegre hard, leaving holes in our hearts. In August, congregational members participated in the American Cancer Society walks of Rice, Dodge and Goodhue counties. We walked for a cure for cancer. We also walked to honor those we love, individuals who have taught us how to live each day with courage, confident of God’s grace. May God bless their witness and their memories in our hearts.

In March, we sent missionary Tammy Lind to Cambodia. Tammy is working to bring the gospel to the factory girls of Phnom Penh. Because of the position of women in Cambodian society, these girls are more likely to be victims of misinformation and abuse. Tammy’s training allows her to be a health educator and resource for these young women.

Two thousand five presents our congregation to new challenges. The recent tsunami beckons us to be the hands of Christ for the disaster victims. Organizations such as the Red Cross and our own Lutheran World Hunger Relief offer us opportunities to help the tsunami victims.

Respectfully submitted,
Susan B. Janicke, RN
Parish Nurse

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The Music and Worship Committee met five times this past year to pick hymns and work on the worship service. We do try to pick hymns that relate to the lessons and the theme of each Sunday. We usually try to pick hymns for 2-3 months at a time and also address any special Sundays or seasons coming up.

For many months we have had a "hymn of the month" or sometimes a "hymn of the season". These seem to be well-received. We have learned 6-8 new hymns from the blue hymnal With One Voice.

We have continued the "hymn sing" for the last Sunday of most months. This gives you a chance to sing your favorite hymns. If you don't get your favorite hymn called out in time, feel free to let one of the committee members know which one, and we can work it in some Sunday.

Wednesday evening Lenten Services were led by Pastor Dave Olson. Last year we introduced some of the Holden Prayer Service as part of these services.

In the fall, we tried a liturgy from With One Voice, Service of Word and Prayer. It was used during October and November, about 6 times. Following this, we did a survey, which we received 7 or 8 responses. We received comments including the higher pitch of the music and the dislike of the sharing of the peace during colds and flu season. We know that change is hard for all of us and any new liturgy will take time to get used to. Thank you to those who gave the service a try and to those who took the time to give us some feedback.

Music and Worship Committee Members
Lois Peterson
Sue Janicke
Bekah Patterson
Pastor Keith Homstad

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