Rev. Karen Smith Sellers (UCC Minnesota Conference Minister) attended UCC today to present Sandy with the Leyseth Award.  Sandy was given the award at the conference in June, but Karen came to UCC today to share this annoucement with our congregation.  The Layseth Award is given to a person who lifts up the role of women in ministry, provides new life in the church and community , and who continues to grow through further education.   Rev. Karen Smith Sellers was introduced by Molly Woehrlin the chair of the Congregation, Minister Relations Committee (MCRC). 

Today was also Sandy’s birthday and we celebrated

 with cake and ice cream after worship.

We have yet to find a real ‘cottage’ in Northfield , but reminiscent of a relaxed summer at the lake, one group has already met, outdoors on a deck, and 3 more are planned for August.

Our first one was a real success–just the right number of people:  11 plus Sandy and 2 hosting Woehrlins. We had a combination of “oldtimers” plus very committed relative newcomers and 3 very new attenders. We used “What is your church history and how have you arrived at First UCC?” as the question for the circle which led to an interesting focus for two new parents (different families) had rejected the Catholic Church because they had a lesbian daughter and were looking for a welcoming congregation.  Two other sets of parents present had gay children, so we had a very interesting conversation on that subject.  Sandy shined, as usual, told a lot about herself, the process of her coming out to the congregation and some history of ‘open and affirming’ in the denomination.  At that time the focus was on peace and justice and equality issues not the ‘moral’ issue that the national debate has evolved into.  A lot of honesty was present.

 Next meetings with Pastor Sandy:

§ Saturday August 2^nd, 9:30-11:00 a.m. at the home of Matt and Sarah Forster (408 E. 2^nd St.) Childcare available.  Reservations with number and age of children especially important! 

§ Tuesday August 5^th, 3:00 p.m. at the home of Liz and Jerry Hankins (2004 Park Pointe Court)

§ Tuesday August 19^th, 7:00 p.m. at the home of Bobbie Peterson  (514 Union Street - Bobbie has recently moved to the home her Jacobson grandparents lived in)

Alas, the Fighting Saints baseball game gathering didn’t work out because of scheduling conflicts…another summer! 

Members and friends of all ages gathered on July 2 to eat fresh strawberry shortcake and listen to piano and flute music.  If you missed the Strawberry Festival, you’ll enjoy these pictures.  Here are Jean Parsons, Patte Rhodes, and Barbara Crouter.

  The kitchen crew had fun, too — Charlotte Smith, Adrie Mohrig, Cathy Cammack, and Cynthia Lund.

Dam Nguyen and daughter Annika had a good time, too — though they look a little tuckered out …

Fighting Apostles go to bat for CAC

An inspired Fighting Apostle squad accepted the Church Softball All-Star Game Challenge and delivered in full measure, pounding out another 17 runs in a 17-5 win over New Covenant last Sunday.

For those participating in the challenge, the Apostles recorded 34 runs in the last two games and would be happy to present your check to the Community Action Center at the July 13^th event. Tristan Cox and Greg Muth will be representing us there.

There were lots of heroes in last week’s game, our one-legged pitcher, Doug Morris, for one, who valiantly hurled the win despite a pulled hamstring and no extended warranty on parts and labor. Mark Beaver continued to deliver at the plate as did Tristan Cox, Jacob Newman, Matt Forster and others.

But the real story of the game was Eli Szydlo. He had three hits and two runs scored, but more importantly made pivotal, if not determinant play in the field to seal the win. New Covenant was threatening with a late-inning rally, when a screaming liner was hit right at him in  right field. He barely had time to react, but he coolly gloved it for an out that took the starch out of our opposition. We countered with six runs in the top of the seventh and coasted to the win.

We are off this week, but will resume play on July 13^th when we play the Rejoice Prophets at 6:10 p.m. at Sechler Two. It is better than reality TV.

Due to the Memorial Service for Phyllis Clifford-Albers, which takes place on Tuesday, the Strawberry Festival has been postponed.  The new date is July 2 at 2:30 pm. 

 The guys are great players, but I enjoyed watching the Future Fighting Apostles at the game last night.  

If you haven’t been to a Fighting Apostles softball game this season you are missing a lot of fun.  Not only is it exciting to watch the guys play, it’s  fun to watch the fans.  It’s a great sense of community and a wonderful opportunity for some intergenerational fun. 

PS…They won the game last night:) 

These guys can hit:

    The Fighting Apostles used the entire field last Sunday to defeat Little Prairie 17-6.

    We hit them hard. We hit them soft. We hit the lines. We hit the gaps, and we even hit one off the fence, thanks to Doug Morris. But the point is we hit, and we hit, and we hit.

   In fact, three of our guys — Doug, Tristan Cox and Mike Schlottmann — each hit inside the park homeruns. Mike’s was notable not only for his well-stroked ball that rolled to the fence, but also for how artfully he tip-toed around the bases trying to avoid outrunning Dave Burton, the base-runner in front of him. It was like “me and my shadow” as they crossed home plate a split second apart.

    The defense was solid. Greg Muth turned in the play of the game. An outfielder who was asked to plug a hole at second base, Greg pounced on the first ball hit his way, scooped it up and came up throwing, delivering a strike to first base for the out.

   Those participating in the Church All-Star Game Challenge for the CAC will note the 17 runs scored. We’ve challenged folks to contribute one dollar for every run scored in last week’s game and in tonight’s contest against New Covenant. Check the website early next week to see how we did and let your conscience be your guide.

Submitted by Scott “Manager of the Year” Richardson

We are offering a series of informal “cottage” gatherings to chat informally with Pastor Sandy as a way of becoming better acquainted with her and other members of the congregation.

Wednesday June 25th 7 pm at home of Molly and Bill Woehrlin 302 Maple St

Tuesday July 1st 3 pm at home of Liz and Jerry Hankins 2004 Park Pointe Court

Saturday August 2nd 9:30 at home of Sarah and Matt Forster, especially welcoming young children, child care provided. 408 2nd St. East

We are asking you to “sign up” for a gathering by e-mailing or calling the church office (645-7532) or one of the hosts.

Do join us for a casual summer visit!

Apostles overcome elements, Methodists.

The Fighting Apostles’ “iron nine” ignored the waterlogged field and threatening skies to notch their fourth win of the season with an 8-4 victory over the Methodist Maroon.

We spotted the Methodists a four-run lead, but then held them scoreless over four innings. Meanwhile, we we put up eight runs. We broke through for four in the bottom of the third. Fred Pender’s sharp single up the middle drove in two runs to knot the score. We came back with three more in the fourth and an insurance run in the fifth to close it out.

Doug Morris was masterful on the mound, forcing an able Methodist team to hit balls with enough hang time that our beleaguered three-person outfield could navigate the tropical conditions in the outfield and track them down. Jacob Newman had a timely hit and played a solid third base.

Player of the game awards, however, must go to the valiant Mueller-Dahl boys. Logan was called off the disabled list and played despite a sprained wrist. Mark pulled a quad while running the bases and hobbled through the last four innings. We almost ran out of duct tape, keeping those two on the field.

Pastor Sandy was awarded the 2008 Leysath Award tonight at the UCC MN Annual Conference in St. Joseph.

The Leysath Award is given to a person who lifts up the role of women in ministry, provides new life in the church and community , and who continues to grow through further education. Rev. Dr. Karen Smith Sellers, our Conference Minister, made the presentation at tonight’s awards event. Smith Sellers cited Sandy’s exemplary service to the conference Committee on Minstry and her own congregation at First UCC, Northfield.

Congratulations Pastor Sandy on this well deserved honor.

Here we are at the UCC MN Conference Annual Meeting in St. Joseph, MN Pictured are Pastor Sandy, Jerry Hankins, and our own Bob Gregory-Bjorklund getting the party started.

Okay, maybe not history — but they did beat the Methodist White team on June 1!

This is the report filed by Manager Scott Richardson…

Apostles defeat Methodist White The Fighting Apostles played ” small ball ” to defeat United Methodist White 14-6 last week.

We scored 14 runs with only three extra base hits. Mike Schlottmann posted the best slugging percentage with two doubles. Doug Morris had two hits, including a triple. Eli Szydlo quietly scored three times to lead the way. Brother Dan scored twice, while exhibiting great range and a strong arm at shortstop.

We are now 3-1 on the season. Please join us for a game. All are invited.

It was a bittersweet experience on Sunday as  Damen preached a great sermon, but it was also his last at First UCC, Northfield.  Damen has finished his time with us and is moving ahead on his journey to become a minister.  What an honor it has been to have him with us over these last many months.

  Damen and his fan club.  Parents David and Karen, Aunt Kathryn, Aunt Teresa and Uncle Denny Birdwell.  They traveled from various points in Iowa to be with Damen on this special day. 

One of the many social happenings at UCC is a group called 9 to Dine.  This project brings together 9 people who get together for “pot luck” meals shared at each of their homes throughout the year.  Many friendships are formed with these random groupings of people.  Some groups even have reunions even though they have moved on to new groups over the years.  This group formed in 2006 and still manage to get together once a year to catch up and socialize.  Pictured here are Ed and Doris Srsen, Julie Maxson, Elizabeth Olson, Bob Kahn, Sue Mieska, Liz Hankins, Garda Kahn and Jerry Hankins.