Sundahl Lutheran Church 2010

Sundahl Lutheran Church is served by Pastor Ken Iverson. Each Sunday he calls the children to the front and teaches them a simple point from the Gospel text. This is followed by prayer and encouragement for the children. Often the encouragement includes kind words, but occasionally includes a special treat or gift. The Children's Sermon is a weekly highlight for all in attendance.

With few exceptions, we follow this schedule each Sunday September through May. The group of believers that would form Sundahl Lutheran Church first met on Sunday, July 26, 1885 at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Iver Swenson which was located on their farm North of Aneta. 

Pastor Iverson also serves Ottawa Lutheran Church located in rural Aneta near the Sheyenne River.

Norway Congregation was formed on January 24, 1891 and joined with Sundahl in 1967. A cemetery association was formed at that time to care for the grounds.

The steeple from their church building is still visible Northeast of Aneta.

The altar art from this church now hangs in Sundahl.

Logan Lutheran Church was organized on March 15, 1899 and joined the Sundahl Congregation on August 28, 1977. Their church building in Rugh Township is gone, but a chapel stands on the site.

The cemetery is marked by this sign and kept up by members of the former congregation.

Many of the Logan artifacts are in Sundahl including the beautiful Lord's Prayer crocheted by Mrs. Sigurd Sotvik.

Standing:  Don Fougner, Paul Retzlaff, Jane Lukens, Barb Locken,
Seated:  Bill Miller, Pastor Ken Iverson, Bonnie Gehrke
Not Pictured:  Janice Kueber and Tim Haakenson who serves a financial secretary.
The business of the church is overseen by the church council. Barb also serves as our church secretary.

Back Row:  Robbie Lukens, Jim Huso, Oscar Huso, Don Huso, Bill Miller

Middle Row:  Kirsti Lukens, Jane Lukens, Patty Aasen, Janice Mills, Joan Huso

Front Row:  Velma Iverson, Yvonne Hoge, Karen Retzlaff, Pepper Lippert

One of the enduring ministries of Sundahl Lutheran Church is the choir. The Senior Choir was organized no later than the 1890's. The choir sings at most worship services during the school year. This photo, taken on a winter Sunday morning, does not include all of the singers that we consider members. We also welcome any former members or singers who are in attendance at Sundahl.

Joan Thompson Huso is the musical director at Sundahl. She is the choir director and accompanist. She and Velma Iverson, wife of our pastor, serve as organists. Joan also plays for Sunday School music which is directed by Pepper Lippert. 

Back Row:  Cheryl Whitman, Carol Syverson, Jean Kiefat, Joan Thompson, Bonnie Gehrke

Middle Row:  Jill Haakenson, Norma Severinson, Linda Retzlaff, Joanne Johnson

Front Row:  Yvonne Hoge, Helen Gehrke, Eileen Kiefat, Patty Aason, Karen Retzlaff

The Sundahl Ladies Aid was organized in 1899. We are now referred to as WELCA which stands for Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The above photo is of some of the members who were in church one winter morning.
2010 WELCA Officers:  President-Kay Sundquist, Vice President-Marilyn Hoge, Secretary- Janice Mills, Treasurer-Helen Gehrke, Mission Growth-LuAnn Brooks, Mission Action-Patty Aasen 
The women are divided into seven committees to help keep the church functioning and four serving groups that are cheerful providers of food at church activities.

In 2010 Sundahl is celebrating our 125th Anniversary as a church and wants to continue to let the Light of the Gospel shine in the area and around the world.
Thanks to Karen Retzlaff for providing the best photos in this post.