Posted: 8/21/02

Hosanna celebration is Sept. 7

Cliff Buchan
News Editor

Hosanna Lutheran was dealt a staggering blow by fire in late May, but the Forest Lake congregation is resolved to move forward. A public event is being planned to tell the community what Hosanna has planned for its rebuilding effort.

Hosanna is Moving Forward is how the congregation is billing its event on Saturday, Sept. 7. The event is being hailed as a celebration.

ìCome and join us for an afternoon of festivities and see how the cleanup is progressing,î Pastor Michael Sparby said.

ìGet an idea of what will be happening next in the re-building of Hosanna and join us in giving thanks to God for all that he has done and continues to do for us as we rebuild our facilities.î

The Sept. 7 celebration will take place from 3-7 p.m. at the Forest Lake campus, 9300 Scandia Trail N. (TH-97).

Three musical acts will entertain. The bluegrass music of ìTrue Northî will kick off the event followed by the 4 p.m. performance of jazz trio Tim Lackas, Bruce Smith and Mark Keating.

Charlie Ollmann, aka ìCharlie Oî will perform at 5 p.m.

A worship service on the church lawn will start at 6 p.m.

Activities for kids will include races, face painting and crafts.

Hot dogs, brats, chips and pop will be served at a nominal charge. Hosanna T-shirts commemorating the event will sold.

The Hosanna Fair sign up and registration tables will be open for volunteers wishing to take part in the various activities that are ongoing at Hosanna throughout the year.

A highlight of the celebration will be a silent auction of theme baskets donated by individuals and businesses in the area. Funds raised by the silent auction will be matched by a donation from Lutheran Brotherhood branches Bridging the Valley 8792, Heart of the Lakes 9011 and Chisago County 8419.

Donations for the Sept. 7 celebration are still being taken. Theme baskets for the auction and cases of pop for the concessions operation can be dropped off at the temporary church office at the old District Memorial Hospital building on SE 11th Ave. in Forest Lake.

Anyone attending the event is also welcome to bring a stone from their yard or garden for inclusion in the Hosanna ìAltar of Stoneî project.

Those attending on Sept. 7 are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on.

For more information, call the church at 651-464-5502.

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