... in mid-April – and it is snowing!! Mother Nature is playing games with us. Late winter and early spring are change-over months – so it is not totally unexpected. Likewise, our attempts at staying on top of Covid are also a bit bouncy. Care and patience and respect will carry the day. We have had to learn to live with this pandemic, and are very grateful that we can continue with our services and activities despite its presence. 

March allowed us to again begin assembling in the Royal Hall. Our usual weekly activity groups did their best to start up again. We had services in the church – complete with on-site construction evidence – but at least we could gather and enjoy the services and music. In April we had our AGM with both in-person and on-line participation. The membership approved the reports and we heard summaries of the activities of the various groups involved with the church. As we all know there was little activity in 2021 due to the pandemic, but even behind the scenes, events and preparations were taking place. The board members up for election were re-elected, and we have since taken on the same positions we had before as they are a very dedicated group. Two points were raised at the AGM that are worth noting. We need to find a way to bring in new and younger members. These are the children and grandchildren of our current friends and members. We need to reach out to them and find out what they would like to see and do as part of our church. Also, a suggestion was made to consider giving donations to the many local charities and shelters that are helping the homeless, the troubled, the needy, etc. It is very common for a church to be involved in such help. These points are important for us to find a way to accomplish.

April also allowed us to celebrate the holy week of Easter. On Palm Sunday we had a family service complete with an Easter egg hunt in the park. There were not many for the Good Friday service, but we did have the service in a very bare sanctuary. Easter Sunday was celebrated with joyous hymns, amazing music, and timeless readings telling us that Christ has risen. Both the in-person and on-line participants were treated to a wonderful service. This was followed by the presentation of the re-opening of the newly finished sanctuary including the unveiling of the altar paintings. We now have a fresh and modern sanctuary that we can all be proud of. Please see the update on this event elsewhere in the newsletter (pg.8).

There is also a very sad note. Elin Hansen, a life-long and well-known member of this church, had a very serious car accident that unfortunately took her life from her family and us. A memorial service for her was held just before Easter. She will be missed by many. Æret være hendes minde.

The upcoming months are going to be very busy. The spring bazaar for import and sandwich orders is on May 14. We are lucky to have some guest pastors to give Simon a break. There are concerts and story tellers coming. We have our usual Sunday service at the Grundlovsdag fest at Sunset Villa, but it will be held in the Mindepark this time to allow for a more focused service. We are starting to sell Skt Hans lottery tickets to be drawn at our Skt Hans fest. All this and much more. Please check the calendar or website for details.

This is your church – even from a distance. We need you to be part of it. Please come and see us. There is usually coffee after the Sunday services in the Royal Hall – as long as a volunteer or two is there to help. 

Sune Overgaard