A stained glass window inside Holden Lutheran Church, rural Kenyon, Minnesota.
Copyright 2016 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Part IV from Wanamingo: Touring Trinity Church March 24, 2016
Trinity Lutheran Church, 301 Second Avenue, Wanamingo, Minnesota.
THE LUTHERAN CHURCH STANDS solid on a corner lot a few blocks off Wanamingo’s Main Street. Brick strong. Enduring strong. In the faith strong.
The cornerstone of this ELCA church is dated 1922, to the left in this photo.
A cornerstone on Trinity Lutheran Church simply notes LUTHERAN CHURCH 1922. I know nothing more about the history of this congregation, of this building.
The beautiful sanctuary as photographed from the balcony.
That matters not. For I appreciate churches like this which are lovely houses of worship. For these truly are houses to the families of faithful. Therein, worshipers, if not related by blood, are related by the commonality of faith and lives shared. They truly become family in joy and in grief.
One of my favorite stained glass windows in Trinity is this one of Ruth gathering grain to help support her mother-in-law. The window is partially covered by the balcony. To me, this window symbolizes deep love and devotion to family.
This trio of stained glass windows rises above the altar.
One of the windows flanking the sanctuary.
Within the walls of an aged sanctuary like Trinity, visual symbols of faith embrace those who enter therein. Intricate stained glass windows shine the light of grace and of Scripture.
One can only imagine the messages delivered from this sturdy pulpit.
The sturdy pulpit with its handcarved trim looms as a time-honored place for preaching of the Word, the wood dulled by the hands of many preachers.
Balcony pews.
Worn pews reflect the history of generations.
Another view, this from the center church aisle.
Art, history and a heavenly presence prevail. It is here, within the walls of Trinity. Visually. And in spirit.
BONUS PHOTOS:
The risen Lord centers the trio of stained glass windows above the altar.
A basket holds church bulletins and other worship essentials.
Church mail slots.
A final message for worshipers is posted on a window next to an exterior front door.
FYI: Please check back next week for more posts in my “from Wanamingo” series.
© Copyright 2016 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Part III from Wanamingo: The connection to a beloved hymn March 23, 2016
The Lars Larson log cabin sits next to the water tower in Wanamingo. The blue grey structure to the right is the information center.
IN THE UNLIKELIEST OF PLACES, beneath an aged water tower and next to an historic log cabin, an unexpected bit of Wanamingo’s history is revealed. It is typed on sheets of paper sandwiched under Plexiglas in a handcrafted case labeled Information Center.
The song: It Is Well With My Soul. The writer and composer’s names are highlighted in blue.
It is the story of the beloved hymn, It Is Well With My Soul, and its link to this Southeastern Minnesota farming community of nearly 1,100.
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul.
My lips move in silence as I read the familiar words, the familiar melody chorusing comfort. It is well, it is well with my soul.
The story of the Spaffords and the hymn, along with images, is posted.
I’d never considered the story behind the words. But now that I’m reading about Horatio and Anna Spafford’s personal tragedy, I am deeply moved. The couple lost their four oldest daughters at sea when the Ville du Haure collided with an English sailing ship en route to Europe in 1873. Only Anna survived, cabling her husband, who remained back home on business, with two words: Saved Alone.
During his voyage to see his grieving wife, Horatio penned It Is Well With My Soul. Three years later, Philip Bliss composed the accompanying music.
This sign marks the log cabin.
But what does any of this have to do with Wanamingo? The connection begins about two decades earlier when 14-year-old Anna Larson journeys to Wanamingo Township from Chicago to be with her ill father. Lars E. Larson moved to Minnesota the year prior in hopes farming would improve his health. He died in the spring of 1857, within a year of Anna’s arrival. That same year, Anna, 15, met her Sunday School teacher, 29-year-old Horatio Spafford. In 1861, she married Horatio, a then successful Chicago attorney.
Within 10 years, the Spaffords have four daughters. And then those girls are dead, drowned at sea. Their mother, Anna, survives, kept afloat by a plank until she is rescued.
How many people drive by this log cabin on Main Street in Wanamingo and never stop? I was tipped off by a local to the story I’ve shared here, thus I stopped.
Having read this story behind the familiar hymn while standing in the shadow of the Wanamingo water tower next to the Larson log cabin, I am moved. I am moved by the faith of Horatio Spafford who, in sorrow rolling like sea billows, penned such profound and comforting words. It is well, it is well with my soul.
FYI: Check back tomorrow for another post in my “from Wanamingo” series. I will take you inside Trinity Lutheran Church.
© Copyright 2016 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Valentine’s Day love at Sunday School February 14, 2016
HOW WAS YOUR Valentine’s Day?
Except for the hour I spent photographing Sunday School students and their families, mine would have been just another Sunday. Early to church, followed by bible study. Then brunch at home prepared by my husband.
But because I’ve recently become the go-to person to document happenings at my church, Trinity Lutheran, I pulled photography duty this morning. And I’m fine with that because I enjoy photography. Now if I was asked to give a minute-man speech (which I’ve been asked to do) or count money or serve on a board (which I’ve been asked to do), I wouldn’t do it. My talents and interests don’t lie in those areas.
Ask me to bring my camera, however, and I will likely be there.
In the one hour I covered the Sunday School’s Valentine’s Day event, I shot some 200 photos. But, because these images are for church use, I can only share a few generic photos with you.
I can tell you, though, what I witnessed. And that was kids and parents, and, yes, even some grandparents, celebrating the gift of love. Kids made valentines, stacked candy hearts and unwrapped Hershey’s kisses with mittened hands. But the most memorable moment came when parents applied sticker dots to their children’s faces—each dot representing a quality they love about their children. I heard words like beautiful, smart, kind, my first-born…
After those professions of love, the kids stuck the dots to portraits of Jesus with the children, expressing their love for Jesus.
I left feeling like I’d gotten the perfect Valentine’s Day gift—a reminder that I am—we are—loved.
TELL ME, what made your Valentine’s Day special/memorable?
© Copyright 2016 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Celebrating God’s Creation at Trinity Lutheran in Faribault February 8, 2016
Worship opened with the hymn, “All Creatures of Our God and King,” shown on the big screen next to a mountain crafted for the 2015 Mt. Everest themed Vacation Bible School.
GOD’S CREATION FOCUSED every aspect of worship at my church, Trinity Lutheran in Faribault, this weekend.
A snippet of snowflake art quilted by Kevin Kreger, who coordinated the Creation themed worship service.
The theme seemed ideally suited for a February weekend when a blizzard was forecast for portions of the state.
A sunflower painting jolts color into an art display.
Come this time of year, Minnesotans are beginning to long for green grass, sunshine and warmth.
The Rev. Paul Rieger uses a book to showcase Creation during the children’s object lesson.
Singing about, hearing about and viewing depictions of God’s creation lifted my spirits. The words of my favorite hymn, Beautiful Savior; a scripture reading from Genesis; and a display of artwork brought in by worshipers highlighted Creation.
Viewing the art after the 8 a.m. worship service.
God’s creation of fish depicted in this crocheted art piece.
Lots of Creation art in many mediums.
After worship—after the singing and preaching and listening—congregants perused art displayed within the sanctuary. Creation worked into fabric and photos, yarn and paintings, wood and paper, and more. So much talent crafted by the hands God created.
Crosses, because they are made of materials from the natural world, were interspersed with the other art.
And then there was the-feet-in-the-hammock photo that flashed onto the big screen during the pastor’s sermon. He used the image to illustrate that “God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation.”
A simple bowl of fruit rests as a work of art and and example of God’s Creation.
Slight laughter rippled across the pews of the Lutheran church. Yet, the point was made. God rested. And so should we. But do we?
BONUS PHOTOS:
More artistic examples of God’s Creation.
Looking up at autumn leaves in fabric…more of God’s Creation.
An overview of the major portion of the art display, including my photos on the big screen.
© Copyright 2016 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Wishing you a Merry Christmas December 25, 2015
This paper Baby Jesus goes on my Christmas tree each year. It is from the 1960s, from my Sunday School Christmas lesson. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo.
MY DEAR READERS, I wish you a most blessed Christmas as we celebrate the birth of Christ. May peace, joy and love be yours. Merry Christmas!
Copyright 2015 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Thanks for great friends, a grandbaby on the way & no more mice November 26, 2015
I created this Thanksgiving display in a stoneware bowl. My sister-in-law Rena crafted the Thanksgiving card.
DURING THIS THANKSGIVING WEEK, thoughts naturally turn to, well, thankfulness.
Life has presented numerous challenges in recent years. But I still have many reasons to give thanks. Like most of you, the obvious food and shelter cannot be omitted from my list of blessings along with my family, my dear dear family.
The extended Kletscher family poses for a photo on the Fourth of July 2015. Seven are missing. My nephew’s wife, in the purple-and-white striped shirt, gave birth to a daughter in August. Hattie joins two other great nieces, Sierra and Evelyn, born this year. What a blessing to have all of these new babies on both sides of the family. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo 2015.
In five more months, my immediate family will grow in size as my eldest daughter and her husband welcome their first baby, my first grandbaby. Excited? Yes, you betcha.
I just know that my husband, Randy, will be a wonderful grandpa. He’s not the most demonstrative with words or emotions. But when it comes right down to it, he’s as good as they come. He works hard. He’s loyal and strong and smart. And funny. He makes me laugh. That is a blessing. Plus, he’s great with kids. Our 2 1/2-year-old nephew Landon, who moved a year ago to rural Faribault with his family, considers Randy one of his “papas” (aka grandpas).
And then there are those close friends… Honestly, these are the people who are here for me through the ups and downs of life. They don’t judge. They don’t criticize. Rather they listen and encourage. They pray and support and show care and compassion. Life would be a lot harder without them.
One of my favorite depictions of Christ, this one in a stained glass window at Trinity Lutheran Church, North Morristown. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo.
Which brings me to my faith. Thank God for God.
This photo from March shows the basement project in progress. We removed Styrofoam insulation and paneling from the clay tile foundation walls. We brushed and scraped loose concrete and paint from walls before washing with Borax and painting white. We also removed Styrofoam sheets from the ceiling. I painted the ceiling boards white. Later, we also removed the rest of the paneling from the stairway and surrounding area, replacing it with sheetrock. That, too, was painted white. Floors are now covered with carpet tile. We installed a Beaver waterproofing system and a sump pump. (Yes, eventually I’ll post more about this project.)
And thank God we finally finished our basement project after more than a year. (OK, the steps aren’t carpeted yet, but I’m still calling the project done.) We now have a waterproofed basement with white walls and ceiling. The clean industrial look. Gone are the mold, dark paneling and red carpet. Totes are now neatly organized on a corner shelving unit. But the best part of all—the absence of mice after we uncovered, and sealed, their entry point. Everyone knows the arrival of cold weather in Minnesota brings mice inside.
Given my love of words, I created this Thanksgiving display in my dining room with thrift store art and Scrabble letters.
I’m not particularly fond of Minnesota’s cold and snowy months. But I am thankful to live in a state that embraces and supports the arts. In the past year, I’ve participated in three poetry readings, been published in two anthologies (poetry and creative nonfiction) and penned poems for a joint photo-poetry exhibit. All of these opportunities connect me to other writers. Minnesota truly is a great place to engage in all facets of the arts.
That’s my post, labeled “Barn Memories,” featured on November 30, 2013, on Freshly Pressed. Daily, WordPress editors highlight the best content from WordPress sites in a section now tagged “Discover.” My work has been showcased thrice on Freshly Pressed. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo 2013.
I also count this blog as a major blessing. Through my writing and photography, I’ve connected with some pretty fantastic people both in person and online. And, as a blogging bonus, I’ve also sold photo rights to clients ranging from creative agencies to authors to an Austrian musician to a local funeral home and more. I’ve had an especially good year in photo sales, just at a time when the extra income is especially needed. (If you’re interested in buying rights to my photos, email me at audrey at mnprairieroots.com.)
Yes, I am thankful for you, dear readers. You are the best. Happy Thanksgiving!
I purchased this vintage turkey candle several years ago in a Redwood Falls thrift store. The candle has never been lit and never will be.
Read a related story on NPR about gratitude being good for the heart and soul. Click here.
This concludes my three-part “blessings” series. Click here to read my first blessings post and then click here to read my second.
© Copyright 2015 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Highway blessings in St. Peter November 25, 2015
YOU’LL FIND IT in the gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke. And in the Psalms:
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.
You will also find this Scripture in St. Peter. The town. The words banner across the front of a house along South Minnesota Avenue/U.S. Highway 169 which slices right through the heart of this southern Minnesota community.
I know nothing about the house—whether it’s home or business or something else.
But I know that I appreciate the blessing of this bible verse upon travelers like myself passing through St. Peter.
If you are traveling this holiday, may your journey be safe.
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Click here to read my first post in this three-part “blessings” series. Check back on Thanksgiving to read my personal list of blessings during the past year.
© Copyright 2015 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
A destination for the faithful in the woods of southwestern Wisconsin November 16, 2015
The Mother of Good Counsel Votive Chapel, visible upon arrival at the Shrine site.
TUCKED INTO A HILLSIDE just south of La Crosse, the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe draws modern day pilgrims seeking solace, peace and hope.
This view of the parking lot shows the scenic rural setting.
How this shrine came to be in rural Wisconsin traces to the desires of a Bishop and of a family to create a place that would bring people closer to God.
This sculpture of Juan Diego stands near the Pilgrim Center.
To summarize, in 1531 Aztec convert Juan Diego five times witnessed apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary. His uncle, Juan Bernardino, reported that she had cured him and was thereafter to be known as Santa Maria de Guadalupe.
This image of Our Lady of Guadalupe is woven into the Juan Diego statue.
I am not of the Catholic faith. Therefore I do not understand the intricacies of Juan Diego’s story. But I glimpse his significance to those, especially, of Hispanic heritage. Juan, a native of Mexico, is the first Roman Catholic Indigenous saint from the Americas.
Outside the Pilgrim Center rests this sculpture of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
When I recently visited the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Wisconsin, visitors of Hispanic origin outnumbered all others.
A rack holds 576 candles inside the Mother of Good Counsel Votive Chapel. Visitors, for a price, may have a candle lit. A lift allows lighting of the tiered candles stretching high into the chapel.
But, no matter your ethnicity or religion, this worshipful setting distances the distractions of life, replacing them with hope and serenity.
BONUS PHOTOS:
Some of the “rules,” posted on a window outside the Pilgrim Center entry.
Our Lady of Guadalupe
The stained glass windows inside the Mother of Good Counsel Votive Chapel depict “Our Blessed Mother.”
Another chapel statue, of, I assume, the Virgin Mary.
The scent and heat of burning candles prevail in the chapel.
Rosary beads on a chapel window sill.
The stained glass windows in the chapel are exquisite.
Up the path from the chapel, a statue of the first canonized Native American, Saint Kateri Tekakwitha.
The path winds up the hill toward The Shrine Church and other attractions. Golf cart rides to the Shrine are available.
The Shrine Church. Photo courtesy of Miranda Helbling.
Inside the Shrine Church, constructed between 2004-2008. Photo courtesy of Miranda Helbling.
Art abounds inside the Shrine. Photo courtesy of Miranda Helbling.
The Memorial to the Unborn celebrates and honors the lives of the unborn. Photo courtesy of Miranda Helbling.
FYI: This religious site just outside of La Crosse includes many attractions such as the Pilgrim Center (with cafe and gift shop), Mother of Good Counsel Votive Chapel, The Shrine Church, Stations of the Cross, Rosary Walk, Devotional Areas and the Memorial to the Unborn. Click here for more information.
© Copyright 2015 Audrey Kletscher Helbling & Miranda Helbling
From North Morristown: Church basement food & fellowship October 13, 2015
THE OCCASIONAL LUMP in mashed potatoes is culinarily acceptable to me, because it means the potatoes are real. Not instant.
Delicious home-cooked food fills roasters at Trinity’s annual fall harvest dinner on Sunday. That’s gravy in the first roaster and squash in the second.
When you dine at the annual fall harvest dinner at Trinity Lutheran Church North Morristown, as I did on Sunday, you get (mostly) authentic homemade food. Potatoes that have been peeled and mashed in the church basement. Sometimes with lumps. Baked turkey and ham sliced into roasters. Squash picked from the garden and baked. Cranberries that are prepared, not dumped from a can.
Volunteers sell tickets outside the church.
As much as I savor the delicious food served at this church dinner, I also delight in the location and the people.
Trinity Lutheran Church North Morristown
To drive into the country on an October Sunday to celebrate the harvest among hard-working folks rooted in the land seems a rural pilgrimage.
A snippet of the stained glass window in the balcony.
Diners file into the sanctuary through a side door and wait in pews until dining space opens in the basement.
Stunning stained glass windows line the sides of the sanctuary.
To wait in the pews of an aged church, stained glass windows filtering light, seems almost sacred.
Members of the kitchen crew dish up meals for take-out.
In the fellowship of church diners, there’s a reverent respect for those who labor in the church basement. For they provide that which fills the stomach as much as the soul with all that is good. Food and fellowship.
Decorations celebrate a thankfulness to God for the harvest.
Whether you come with family or friends or no one, you’ll soon be engaged in conversation.
Two lines keep things moving. About 430 diners attended Sunday’s dinner.
Dining in the church basement.
There’s something simply satisfying about sitting on a folding chair in the closeness of a church basement communing with others at a Thanksgiving style meal. Conversation and pass the coleslaw please. Or the cranberries. Clatter of knives and forks and a swarm of volunteers squeezing between tables to pour coffee and deliver plates of frosted cakes and then, afterward, to clear plates and set new place settings.
The pastor and his family raise chickens in a backyard coop.
North Morristown is authentically, next to cornfields and farm sites, rural. It’s as rural as chickens in the pastor’s backyard.
Sven the dog plays catch me.
It’s as rural as Sven the dog roaming the church grounds.
Just down the road from Trinity, harvest is underway at this farm.
It’s as rural as a grain truck and a wagon brimming with soybeans a farm site away.
Vehicles ring the church and school during Sunday’s dinner.
No pretentiousness exists here. Even the pastor excuses himself to wash dishes in the church basement.
BONUS PHOTOS:
Gigantic painted pumpkins sit outside the church and school. Kids at the school painted pumpkins as part of art class.
A camo pumpkin.
Produce, baked and canned goods, crafts and more are sold in a back room of the church basement.
Church members bring in canned produce to sell, like these pickles.
Several years ago I photographed this lovely woman drying dishes. She worked for years at the dinner, but is no longer able to do so. I found her resting at the craft and bake sale.
My friend Tammy, a native of North Morristown, crafted these caramel crosses and other items for the craft sale.
© Copyright 2015 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
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