Saying
Good-bye
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From the Open Files of: |
Eastern North Dakota Resource Center , 701-232-3180 |
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Contributed by: |
Sandra Larson, Intern Pastor, Vang Lutheran Church, Fairdale, ND |
SAYING GOOD-BYE
Pastoral Care to Those Whose Congregation is Closing
The bulletin for our final service
VANG LUTHERAN CHURCH - FAIRDALE, NORTH DAKOTA
1900 - 1995
CLOSING SERVICE - MAY 28, 1995
On March 31, 19900, a group of homesteaders met at the home of Ole A. Haugen. They had decided they needed a church and a cemetery and this was their organizational meeting. They chose a committee of 3, Ole O. Elton, Lars O. Elton and Knute Boe, to draw up the constitution. They also selected the officers for this new organization. President - Ole O. Elton, Vice President - Peder Hjelmsted, - Secretary, Knute Boe (who held this office until 1930), Elder - Magnus Bjorleing and 3 trustees - Andrew Quaffy, Ingval Skogstad and Peter Quaffy. Pastor J.B. Byberg, who lived on a farm northeast of Edmore, was asked to serve as pastor and he accepted, receiving a salary of $60 per year. The Luther League and ladies' aid were established with meetings held once a month.
It was customary at first to have services at the homes of the members, but in 1906-1907 1 1/2 acres of land was donated by Nels Hove and the building of the church began. Olaf Thorson, a carpenter at Lawton, was hired. The big question was financial. At one meeting, the 14 members present signed notes, promising to pay $14 each. At another time, each member was to pay one cent a bushel for each bushel of flax raised. A barn was built in 1919-1920 that contained 14 stalls. each family paid $10 a stall for the use of their team. In later years Oscar Lee purchased that building and moved it to his farm home.
By 1928 the altar was completed with all the furnishings that are in use today. Through the years such items as the piano, pictures, altar ware, hymn books and many more items have been given as memorials.
The church has had many phases of remodeling. A wind storm twisted it off its foundation. A basement was dug and a furnace installed. The steeple blew off and did damage to that part of the structure. It was repaired, the steeple was not replaced. The Adams Township School donated their bell to the church when they discontinued and it is erected near the door to the west.
PRELUDE ENTRANCE HYMN "Lead On, O King Eternal" #550 WELCOME ORDER OF WORSHIP Begins on Page 41 PRAYER OF THE DAY "Almighty and merciful God,
you have nourished and sustained your people in
this place through your Word and Holy Sacraments.
Continue to be present among us, that we might
serve you, love our neighbors, and spread the
Gospel of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who
lives and reigns with you and Holy Spirit, one God,
now and forever. Amen" A SHARING OF MEMORIES SOLO "A Tribute" July Olson PSALM 46 LESSON Isaiah 43:1-13 GOSPEL Luke 9:57-62 SERMON
_______________________Bishop
Rick Foss, Eastern North Dakota Synod HYMN "The Church's One Foundation" #149 THE NICENE CREED Page 4 OFFERING HYMN "Children of the Heavenly Father"
#572 OFFERTORY "Create in Me" Page 56 THE GREAT THANKSGIVING Begins on Page 58 THE DISTRIBUTION PRAYER We give you thanks, almighty God, that
you have refreshed us through the healing power of
this gift of life, as you have refreshed those
before us who have received your Word and Holy
Sacraments in this place. Turn our sorrow over the
closing of this congregation into joy over new
opportunities for life and ministry in other
congregations. In your mercy, strengthen us and
your whole Church in faith toward you and in
fervent love toward one another, for the sake of
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen" PRAYER OF THE CHURCH PROVISION FOR KEEPING OF CONGREGATIONAL
RECORDS SOLO "May the Good Lord Bless and Keep You" Judy
Olson BENEDICTION RECESSIONAL HYMN "Now Thank We All Our God"
#443 POSTLUDE Preacher Bishop Rick Foss Presiding Minister Pastor Erik Johnson Assisting Minister Intern Pastor Sandy
Larson Music Judy Olson Kerri Lee Reader Angie Wiste ALL ARE INVITED TO STAY FOLLOWING WORSHIP TO
LOOK AT PICTURES, SHARE MEMORIES, VISIT THE
CEMETERY AND ENJOY LUNCH SERVED BY THE VANG LADIE'S
AID. FLOWERS IN THE SANCTUARY HAVE BEEN PLACED BY
FAMILY AND FRIENDS IN HONOR OF FORMER
MEMBERS.
Hymns during distribution #543, #434
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