Pioneer Norwegian Christmas

 

Jerico - Americans of Norwegian ancestry or connected to the community of the Norwegian settlements in Northeast Iowa gathered at Jerico Lutheran Church, rural New Hampton, on Sunday afternoon, Dec. 4, 2016, to hear the story of the early Pioneer Norwegian settlers and how they celebrated Christmas in their new country.
Pastor U. V. Koren and his wife Elisabeth moved to America from Norway in 1853. They both recorded their memories of this experience, which were shared in the first part of the program by Pastor Peter Faugstad and Kristin Faugstad.
Then Luke 2:1-14 was read along with parts of a sermon delivered by Pastor Koren in 1905. Interspersed with these readings the assembly sang Scandinavian Christmas hymns.
The last part of the program included memories from the Korens’ daughter read by Marit Faugstad. Andrea Kolbet shared information about games commonly played by the Norwegian pioneers. 
Marge Johnson concluded the program with descriptions of traditional Norwegian foods served at Christmastime. The guests were then invited to sample these delicious Norwegian treats prepared by members of Jerico Lutheran.
The church was beautifully decorated for the event. Greeting the guests at the main door was a pair of julenek, made of wheat and meant for the birds to eat. A spruce tree was decorated by children of the church with straw ornaments, handmade woven hearts, Norwegian flag garlands, and candles. Individual small tables around the room were adorned with various Norwegian objects. To see pictures from the afternoon, please visit “Saude & Jerico Lutherans” on Facebook.
This event officially began the 150th Anniversary celebration of the congregation which was founded in 1867 by Pastor Koren. The main celebration day and program for this anniversary will take place on Sunday, June 25, 2017. Please mark your calendars now and watch for more information in the future.

Cresco Times

Phone: 563-547-3601
Fax: 563-547-4602

Address:
Cresco TPD
214 N. Elm Street
Cresco, IA 52136

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