10 + 4 + Riverside Christian = a classic combo

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Fourteen is such a good number. That’s how many were in my high school graduating class in Newburg, N.D. back in . . . . . Don’t even want to think about that.

This year, Riverside Christian School, East Grand Forks, graduated 14 eighth graders, the largest eighth grade class in the school’s 30 year history.

Here they are all dressed up in the t-shirts that represent the high schools they’ll attend in the fall:

Front row, left to right: Grace Dahlen, Mikailah Corum, Ella Dostal, Karley Rygg, Tessa Chandler, Faith Ritchie, Olivia Dukes, Brooke Chine

Back row, left to right: Jacob Klug, Alex Hoeger, Jonah Hale, Riley Folson, Timothy Johnson and Joseph Schindler.

The students wrote testimonies of what attending RCS meant to them. Here’s Faith Ritchie’s:

It has been great attending RCS for all these years. The teachers really get to know you so it’s kind of like a family there. In middle school they really prepare you to be spiritually ready and Biblically aware for high school and the future. My classes have helped me to understand what is going on in the world and have expanded my worldview. I have appreciated being able to pray and be prayed for in class on a daily basis. I’m really going to miss that.

Faith continues:

I really enjoyed working on projects and presentations for classes. Presenting to the class helped me to work on my public speaking and has given me confidence. Going over current events in the classroom each day really opens a person’s eyes on how important a Christian worldview is. It is sad to hear about all these things and to know that so many people are lost. I am so thankful to have gone to RCS and to have been taught by all the wonderful teachers there. It really is a blessing and I am so grateful.

It’s not only the students who love attending RCS. Faith’s mother, Susan Ritchie, has her own thoughts about it:

“I just want to say how much I appreciate how the teachers not only educate our children and give them the spiritual tools necessary in life, but they also partner with us for a quality education,” Susan said. “I appreciate how they would recognize if something was not right with my child and they would pray with her, comfort and encourage her, sometimes discipline her, and always helped her to strive for excellence.

“There is prayer going on all the time at RCS for the kids,” Susan continues, “whether it was teachers and faculty praying or groups or intercessors that come to pray. Now that my daughter is going to a public high school, I realize just how valuable that prayer has been to our family. How can you put a price tag on all of that? I can’t be in a chapel service without crying. The presence of the Lord is so strong there and seeing the kids worshipping together is so beautiful. I’m thankful that we get to do it all again in the fall when our second daughter begins kindergarten at RCS.”

RCS also graduated several kindergarteners during a cap and gown ceremony. Members of that class are:

Sheigh Panos, Elijah Wellumson, Noah Isakson, Kailah Liang, Conlin Royer, Noah Walsh, Brooklyn Fuller, Jacob Chine, Marit Seeger and James Fewster.

Here’s wishing all these students a super and safe summer plus, for the new ninth graders, a beautiful transition into public school this fall.

Until Soon

Attagirl!

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When people ask where I’m from I say, “East Grand Forks, Minnesota,” adding, “I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.”

I’ve said it many times in the past and I said it again over the Memorial Day weekend.

Here’s one of the reasons.

This week, not long after returning from five days away, I jumped on my yellow Trek Cruiser bicycle to rack up a few miles. Every day when I ride, I’m on both the bike paths and the streets in my neighborhood.

People I don’t even know who apparently saw me out there last summer are calling out, “how many miles so far this year?” When I tell them I hear such remarks as, “attagirl.” Teen-agers and middle aged women call out, “nice bike,” and little playmate boys on their bikes inquire, “what’s your name?” as we pass.

What I like about living here is the friendliness of both the young and the younger and this week I got a little icing on my cake.

When I come off the bike path, I circle a cul-de-sac on the outskirts of my neighborhood and this time as I rode by one house a gentleman, who always calls out a friendly greeting shouted, “Hello! Welcome back!” He apparently noticed that I hadn’t ridden by for a few days. “Oh thank you,” I called back, with the warmest of feelings in my heart thinking how nice it is to be missed by someone I don’t even know.

We were away for such a good reason – the graduation of our oldest grandchild, Amelia, from Concordia Academy, Roseville, Minn.

CA is a Christian high school and commencement was held in North Heights Lutheran Church. The song, “Pomp and Circumstance,” has always tugged at my heart but the pull was even greater as I watched the smiling daughter of our son march in with 99 other students who would receive diplomas.

Every moment of the ceremony was moving, from the song, “Build Your Kingdom Here,” by the worship band, to the addresses by the salutatorian and valedictorian, to the concert choir’s closing benediction, “The Lord Bless You and Keep You.”

These seniors chose Philippians 4:8-9 for their class verse. What a send-off they gave themselves through these words by the Apostle Paul. Please look them up. I think you’ll agree it’s a mountaintop message.

The fun continued the next morning as Amelia chose to have a flapjack and sausage brunch for her graduation open house. Jim’s and my job, the day before, had been to fry sausage which we did from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Four hours at the stove – well worth it.

During the open house, the griddle was set up in the garage, a 40-foot tent covered all the tables and chairs on the driveway and when it was all said and done, they figure upwards of 200 friends and family stopped by to enjoy the food and festivities.

Scott the flapjack flipper

Amelia’s family lives on a cul-de-sac which was packed with cars. As Jim and I were eating pancakes he looked up and uttered, “Oh no, what are the police doing here?”

Then from the squad car emerged a smiling officer. Turns out he’s a close family friend who is a member of the St. Paul police force.

In the back seat was his K-9 dog, Gabe, a friendly, obedient and extremely well behaved German Shepherd.

Not to mention photogenic.

Graduation – what a bitter-sweet passage of time. One minute your graduate is a tiny baby and the next minute she’s a grown woman ready, willing and able to face the world.

On Amelia’s graduation announcement were printed the words of Proverbs 31:25 which read: “She is clothed in strength and dignity and she laughs without fear of the future.”

Attagirl Amelia!

Until Soon

No one’s mother really dies

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Very beautiful words of wisdom and food for thought are often printed in a funeral service bulletin or one of those little obituary brochures. Phydella “Bunny” Bertsch was the mother of our good friend, Alana Erickson, and Sunday evening at Bunny’s visitation, I read one such reading I had never seen before. I find comfort and hope and peace in the following and if you have just lost your mother, I hope you do, too:

You have never lost your mother

Though you’ve said your last goodbyes

Though there’s heartbreak in the parting

No one’s mother really dies

If you love to hear the old songs

For the memories they bring

It’s because you had a mother

Who taught you how to sing

If you stop to help a neighbor

Search your heart and you will find

It’s because you had a mother

Who taught you to be kind

If you go to church when weary

Seeking God to guide your way

It’s because you had a mother

Who taught you how to pray

No, you never lost your mother

Though you’ve said your last goodbyes

Through your thoughts and deeds she’s living

No one’s mother really dies!

Until  Soon

Chef Jeff is cookin’ good!

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It doesn’t get much better than this: A gourmet dinner cooked by the master chef himself, Jeff Tiedeman, brought to our home in a fancy Dutch oven and served to us at our very own dining room table.

Mikasa – come forth from the hutch!

At a January 2012 benefit for Kevin Grinde at the Knights of Columbus in Grand Forks, my husband Jim and I were the highest silent auction bidders on a Chef Jeff dinner. Jeff is former food editor at the Grand Forks Herald. Kevin, former managing editor, had a liver transplant in October of 2011. We all prayed for him and kept abreast of his recovery on his “Liver and Onions,” blog.

For more years than I can remember, Jeff, who recently retired from the Herald, Kevin, and I had a close working bond as we all graced the newsroom of the Grand Forks Herald. I think we are friends forever and I’m very thankful that Kevin is doing GREAT!!

Trying to find a date to hold this dinner was – well – interesting. The plan was to invite Kevin and his wife, Sarah, to join us for dessert.

The next part of this epic is so cute.

Jeff and I set the day for May 10 and Jim and I eagerly anticipated it because Jeff was going to fix pheasant from his freezer. He’s not only a fabulous cook and canner, he’s a hunter as well. Along with the pheasant, he was going to make wild rice. We didn’t know what else but we did know there would be dessert and that all would be delicious. Not only that, Kevin and Sarah were free that night to join us for dessert.

Well, about 4:30 p.m. on Friday, May 3, Jeff called. He was kind of wondering why I hadn’t called him to see how, “things were going.”

He said, “Naomi, isn’t this the day for the dinner?” I said, “No. It’s next Friday, May 10.” He bellowed an agonizing, “Oh No,” which made me wonder if he had dropped his Dutch oven on his toe.

I asked if he had all the food prepared – a week early.

“Yes,” he said, still groaning. Not only that (we know behind every good man is a good woman) Jeff’s wife Therese had made a lovely lettuce salad. They had scrumptious squash and a mouth-watering rhubarb dessert all ready to bring over.

Well, we had nothing planned for that night so I told Jeff to sit tight. I would call the other couple who was to join us to see if they could make it. Turns out they could and by 6:45 p.m., we were all seated at our dining room table enjoying a royal feast. The only downside was that Kevin and Sarah couldn’t join us for dessert, a week early, so we’ll do that another night and hopefully soon.

There’s a Bible verse in Romans which says, “all things work together for good to those who love God.”

We all do, and they definitely did.

Until Soon

Zion is United – then and now – 50 years to the day!

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May 5, 1963, was a special day to members of Zion United Methodist Church in Grand Forks.

As is May 5, 2013

The congregation will celebrate its 50th anniversary of worshipping in its current building this Sunday, exactly 50 years to the day the building was dedicated.

Former pastors have been invited back and the Rev. Bill Bates, who served God and His people in this place from 1976 to 1986, is guest speaker at the 10:30 a.m. worship service.

Other pastors who have served Zion since 1962 are: Clarence Schaeffer (1959-65); Walter Elmer (1965-68); Bob Worner (1968 – 76); David Mack (1986 – 91 ); Doug Diehl (1991 – 1998); Roy Caudill (1998 – 2003); Cliff Nelson (2004 – 2009); Russell Whaley (20010 – 2012). Current pastor Chang Yi.

Sunday’s festivities (May 5) begin with coffee and fellowship at 9 a.m., followed by a DVD viewing of the church’s construction process. After the worship service a catered meal will be served at 11:45 a.m.

Zion has a rather storied history.

It began as a mission church, part of the Holmes circuit, in 1882, and had its first pastor, Rev. William Fritz, in 1886. It was known at that time as the Grand Forks Evangelical Congregation.

In 1944 the church became self-supporting after 62 years as a missions church. It became Zion Evangelical Brethren in 1946 and, in 1968, became Zion United Methodist Church.

In 1958 a city block of land at 1001 24th Avenue South was purchased for $6,000. On June 3, 1962 ground breaking ceremonies were held at the new site and on May 5, 1963 a dedication ceremony was held for the new church.

Here are a couple of ground breaking photos:

Top Photo left to right: Ed Sheets, building contractor; Dr. A.G. Martin, District Superintendent, and Ray Redmer

Bottom Photo left to right: Cliff Matthews, Edith Kaufman, Don Ollman, Ray Redmer, Arlene Krueger, Reuben Lehr and the Rev. Clarence Schaeffer

A new building project, the addition of a narthex, began in 1996 and was completed and consecrated on May 23, 1998.

Then came the major Grand Forks Flood of 1997 and Zion was not spared. Water flooded the entire lower level and with help from UMCOR and other Methodist congregations around the country, it was completely renovated.

In 2012 gifts of a new organ and grand piano were given to the church by Zion families.

I know the faithful current and former members of Zion United Methodist will have a grand time marking this milestone, reminiscing and worshipping together on Sunday.

God bless them and their celebration.

Until Soon

Everyone loves a Skit

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I’ve been there and done this and I can tell you it’s a wonderfully delicious event.

A few years ago, Riverside Christian School, began featuring its students in a yearly dinner theater production. The students are gracious hosts meeting and greeting you at the door. They escort you to the dinner table, wait on you hand and foot, and after they serve the meal they take the stage. It all comes together for a great evening of fun, fellowship and inspiration.

This year’s event is Friday and Saturday night, May 3 and 4, in the school at 610 Second Avenue N.E., East Grand Forks. I’m sorry to say Friday night is sold out, but there still are tickets available for Saturday night. You can get them at the school or at the Christian Bookshelf in the Grand Cities Mall.

Riverside, with an enrollment of 148, is blessed to have many wonderful instructors. One of them is music teacher Krisha Fuller. It’s amazing what she brings forth from her students not only in song but in enthusiasm.

This time around their theater production is titled, “Skits.” That’s short for: Serving others, sharing Kindness, doing things In Him, Trusting God and Surrendering it all.

I know those who attend will leave with a song on their lips and a heart uplifted.

On the menu for the dinner part of the evening is: French dip with Au Jus, a spring salad, kettle chips, dessert and beverage all for $25. For more information call: (218) 773-1770

Established in 1981, Riverside Christian School is a non-denominational, parent supported school which currently includes:

- 3 yr old and 4 yr old pre-school programs
- ½ day kindergarten
- Grades 1-8
- afternoon childcare
- after school and before school programs

RCS meets all standards prescribed by the Minnesota Department of Public Instruction and offers those subjects commonly taught at the kindergarten, elementary and middle school levels.

The school is staffed by qualified teachers and is a member of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).

The academic programs of RCS are only a part of its educational process. The school presents a Bible centered philosophy of education that places Christ at the center of all things.

You’ll see that’s evident in “Skits.”

Until Soon

Hey! You’re treading on my turf

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My mom used to say you could take a stool out to the garden, sit down and watch the asparagus grow. According to her, that’s how fast the spears shot up. I never did try that experiment but I think the asparagus has met its match and then some.

Just came back from an afternoon bike ride and this is what I encountered on what I call the “two mile ring,” which lies just below the VFW Arena on the point in East Grand Forks. Red Lake River water was out of its banks and over the path this morning when I rode but it has risen drastically since then.

As I stood at the edge I announced to the Red Lake that it was treading on my turf. I’m sure it cares not!

The song, “Detour, there’s a muddy road ahead,” went through my mind. But I couldn’t detour. I had to back track.

The water will soon fill the meadow in the middle of the ring and cover the path on the other side as well — probably by sundown. It will be a while before I on my yellow Trek can do the “two mile ring,” again.

Today is the type of day that makes you almost forget winter ever existed. The sky is as blue as blue can be, I am seeing not “a robin,” but flocks of them in the trees and the eagle is back, or maybe it never left.

Yesterday, a beautiful American eagle flew above me on part of my ride like he was leading the way and I was to follow. It hovered over the path for a time, then would fly ahead, back track and fly over me again.

I’m sure it was welcoming me back outdoors and I wonder if this is the same one my granddaughter, Grace, and I spotted last summer. Maybe he even remembered me talking to him last year.

From now on, my camera will be in my basket and one day, hopefully, I can capture the eagle, too, with the blue sky in the background.

Until Soon

 

My new favorite things

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I do love estate sales and am particularly drawn to displays of glassware.

A few of my favorite things once belonged to someone else: cobalt blue water goblets, long stemmed black water goblets, a set of Old Holland dinner ware trimmed in 22 karat gold. I bring things home wondering about the lady who once owned and enjoyed them  before me.

I went to an estate sale on Sunday. First time I ever cried at one!

As I walked, bumper to bumper with people, I thought about the times I sat in that living room on that white sofa. I thought about the times I rode my bike to this house and sat at the kitchen table with the lady of it. I thought about the times she made me laugh.

So, so many times.

This estate sale was on Chestnut Street in Grand Forks – the home of my dear friend, Arlene McDougall, who died in January after a short illness. Arlene, a bonder, had many close friends and I was blessed to be one of them. Every one of us mourned with her the loss of her beloved son, Doug, when he died of ALS in 2011.

After Tom died, Arlene’s husband of more than 50 years, I took a road trip to Omaha with her when her second son, the Rev. Dan McDougall, marked 25 years in the ministry.

You can cover a lot of conversational ground on a thousand mile round trip by car. I shared things with Arlene and she with me that were never spoken again.

When my mother was in a nursing home for three years in Minot, N.D., I visited her at least once a month. On each trip, as I reached the outskirts of Grand Forks, I’d dial up Arlene. When she answered I’d say, “This is Filly Nelson and I’m on the road again.” We chatted until I reached Devils Lake.

I met Arlene when we moved here 37 years ago. I saw her faith in action as she and Tom were among those who first welcomed us to Immanuel Lutheran Church. Arlene sang alto in our choir and without fail every week at practice she turned around to wink or flash one of her beautiful smiles at me in the soprano row.

So it was, at Arlene’s funeral when the choir sang, “Shepherd’s Psalm,” we draped her choir robe and stole on her chair for she was with us in spirit.

Sunday as I meandered through Arlene’s home, I was reminded of her trademark words: faith, family, friends, live, laugh, love. They are printed on three decorative suitcases/boxes now gracing my home.

So is a beautiful jewelry chest with music box. You’ll notice that the bottom drawer of the jewelry box is open. When it is, it plays, “Somewhere My Love.”

I’m listening and remembering .  .  .  .  .  .  .

I don’t have to wonder about this lady whose things I now treasure. I knew her. I just loved her. I miss her.

Until Soon

It’s today, not Sunday

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Just wanted to let you all know that my talk on “Generation to Generation,” is today at 2 p.m.

Today is Saturday, April 13. It was incorrect in the religion briefs this morning.

It’s a gift for me to do this and I’m thankful for the sunshine today as my singing brothers and their wives and several singing cousins and their spouses are on their way – checking in as they travel. So far, so good.

I do hope many of you will join us at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1710 Cherry St. Afterwards we’ll chat over pie and coffee.

Until Soon

Tonight’s a Rusty Chords night

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There’s music in the air the second Friday evening of every month in the lobby of the Heart Institute of North Dakota.

Check your calendar. That’s tonight.

The strains of wonderful Southern Gospel music will soar throughout the spacious lobby.

This trio calls itself The Rusty Chords, but their voices are far from corroded. Instead, their intonation is like polished brass.

Marilyn Lee, Reynolds, N.D., who recently retired from the medical records department at Altru; Cecil Malme, a Shelly, Minn., farmer, and Dr. Noah Chelliah, a Grand Forks cardiologist, will begin their concert tonight at 7:30 at 1191 S. Columbia Road

They’ve been singing together a long time and now have released another album. Titled, “Jesus Will Outshine Them All,” the song on the album with that name is dedicated to Marilyn’s late mother, Alice Janzen.

The songs are all very beautiful. My favorite just may be Noah’s solo, “Heaven’s Sounding Sweeter.”

The CDs sell for $12.

To book a Rusty Chords concert call: Marilyn at (218) 791-8108; Noah at (701)780-2000; or Cecil (218) 886-8488.

Until Soon