President’s Message from Kirkehilsen Jan-Feb 2022: ... before Christmas in order to get this issue of Kirkehilsen out in time for Christmas. With that in mind, I wish all of you a happy and safe Christmas. 

We are aware of the recent increase of Covid numbers and continue to follow the guidelines put out by the health departments. We encourage everyone to get vaccinated – including the new booster dose. This winter will be challenging with all sorts of indoor activities – but with common sense, care, and respect, we can stay on top of this pandemic.

By now everyone should be aware of our successful on-line fall bazaar with Danish imports and smørrebrød. Between the two we earned about $30,000 of much needed funds. A big thank you to all who participated, and in particular to those working very hard behind the scenes to help make this event a success. Many also enjoyed and supported our outdoor “jule hygge” event which raised funds for the sanctuary upgrade. 

Two weeks later we celebrated the 60th anniversary of our Lucia pageant. Those present and those watching the live-streamed event enjoyed a very beautiful and heart-warming service, complete with a special Christmas story. An extra-special thank you to Liselotte for all the work she has done over these many years to bring us this joy every December. 

In the coming months we will listen to the Danish Queen’s New Year message, watch some movies, and celebrate a family Fastelavn service – along with our usual Sunday services and other weekly activities. Please check our website for details of all events and times.

You will have received a 2022 membership/donation/address form with this newsletter. Becoming a member by paying the $15 levy allows you to participate in our AGM, and more importantly, allows you to have a voice in the comings and goings of events and finances of the church. We hope to have an in-person AGM in March/April – but until we get the upper hand on Covid, we may have to resort to a zoom meeting again. We have a vacancy on the board and are willing to accept replacement suggestions of any interested member. Please contact Simon or Sune for more information. 

We are also asking for your financial support. We are a charity and rely fully on our members’ generosity for not only operating costs but also for special projects like our sanctuary upgrade. Many of you have seen the beautiful new lights and chairs. We plan to have the remaining changes done in the next few months. We may have to relocate our sanctuary use perhaps to the Royal Hall for a few weeks, but we should be able to manage with a little patience. In the meantime, donations and other contributions of all sizes are needed and will be gratefully accepted. You can use this form to do this – and include any new mailing or email addresses. Best to keep us current with where you are – so we can keep you current with what the church is up to. 

Many are enjoying our regular Sunday services online. We are glad to reach out to you this way – but do try to make an effort to join us at the church if you can. This is also your church – even from a distance. It is so nice to see real faces and have a conversation with real people. After the service, we do offer a limited self-serve snack of coffee and perhaps a small sandwich and/or cookie. We are always looking for volunteers to help with this minor chore.

I mentioned this last time, but feel it is worth repeating. The past two years have been very challenging for everyone. But with your participation and support, together we can move forward and make a difference. Warm wishes for a happy and safe New Year. 

Sune Overgaard