Summer 2021: Being Church


Stay close because I am going to tell you a mystery—something you may have trouble understanding: we will not all fall asleep in death, but we will all be transformed. 
1 Corinthians 15:51 (The Voice)

Lost and found treasure from the past

By Nancy Meisel-Youngman 

Should we sample some, grape nut mousse, carrot chowder or heavenly bliss at our next potluck? Thanks to a recent gift, these tasty treats can be concocted!
 
Pastor Steve received a package in the mail with a letter dated April 25, 2021. It was from Greg L. who lives in Blaine, MN. Greg found an old Epworth cookbook at a garage sale, tried a few recipes, and contacted Pastor Steve.
 
The cookbook is entitled, Our Favorite Recipes and was compiled by the Woman’s Society of Christian Service of Epworth Methodist Church. There is no copyright date but the pastor at the time was, Rev. Thomas B. Shorts. The photo of the church only shows the original building. 
 
Pastor Steve, Don Erickson, and I looked through the book together and recognized the name of only one contributor: Mrs. W.N. Maxwell. We conjectured that this could be Epworthian Lillian Maxwell who passed away in the 1990’s. Names of other contributors include Mrs. J.B. Johnson, Mrs. M. Gudmundson, and Mrs. Arthur Schussler. 
 
There are also advertisements from Longfellow area businesses which have come and gone. Do you remember:
  • Deckas Appliance Sale Co where you could buy the 1941 Norge Gas Range? 
  • Ann’s Beauty Shop, specializing in Permanent Waving at 3352 36th Ave S? 
  • Garver’s Inc: Launderers, Cleaners and Dyers at 3309 East Lake Street? 
It’s nice to know that these community businesses and 45 other businesses supported the production of Our Favorite Recipes.

If you would like to view this cookbook, please contact me, Nancy Meisel-Youngman. I will add the cookbook to other historical items we have saved at Epworth.


Hearing Aids: Tale of caution … and faith
By Mary Ellen Reetz-Pegues 

When you’re an aging person, there’s something always fearful, but near the top of the list may be the fear of others using you for their advantage. 


Right now I’m in the midst of several projects, the largest one is selling my home and moving. (Moving where?) However, that’s still on the back burner. 


Some others relate to home improvements. Countless commercial enterprises will “fix”—for a hefty price.


Just now it’s hearing aids. After my response to an agency with a good ad and reputation (including coupons!—what a sap I am!) citing an affordable price, I’m now learning that price was the low end. The high end was seven times the advertised quote. 


Do I go ahead? This is a reputable company. Go somewhere else? Stay “hearing impaired”? Or should I listen to the tech: “It will only get worse and may lead to dementia.” 


What?? God! Help me! I need to feel calm and thankful. I AM thankful. I have so much and the world suffers. I get it!

 

It’s just that the aging population is a real target for the commercial world. We all know it; there’s no stopping it. I am thankful for family and friends who stand with me, behind me and beside me. Just like God!

 

Christmas Leftovers from Novotnys

One of the joys of any holiday is leftovers for days after the holiday. It’s been months since Christmas but we found another greeting card and letter sent by the Novotny’s that did not make the Echoes along with the other greetings the church received. Isn’t it fun to celebrate Christmas in the summer with excerpts from the Novotny Christmas letter? It’s not at all stale but joyous news.

Hope this finds you and your family well. As we prepare for the new year, we also take time to reflect on the past year, give thanks and gratitude for all its many blessings. … On the 4th of July weekend, we celebrated with family and friends a huge milestone, our 25th wedding anniversary … in Cedar Lake where we fist met. We are … on the road to recovery after Jay’s shoulder rotator cuff surgery. … Eric loves the challenges of being a homeowner in New Prague … with his darling Macy who is such a joy. … Macy will graduate from Mankato this spring … . Breanna and Kyle are living in Mankato. She is very successful in her career …. Kyle is finishing up his double major at Mankato State. … Thoughts and prayers are sent your way for a blessed holiday season.
 

Change

by Wendy Videlock


Change is the new,
improved 

 

word for god, 

 

lovely enough 

to raise a song 

 

or implicate 

 

a sea of wrongs,

mighty enough, 

 

like other gods, 

 

to shelter, 

bring together, 

 

and estrange us. 

 

Please, god, 

we seem to say, 

 

change us.


 





Location: Minneapolis, MN, USA

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