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 OWLs Past Events

   

Food, Faith, and Fellowship
"Support Those Who Protect Us"
May 3, 2012


Psalm 23:4 says “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” Intern Dave McCarty gave personal testimony of how God has been with his brother-in-law who has been deployed in the war zones five times in the past last 11 years. Representatives John and Lucy Rodvik of the Military Support Ministry of Lord of Life shared the history, experiences, projects and goals of the ministry. Through the servant heart and hands of many, God
is indeed with each soldier and their family.

  Gerten's Greenhouse
April 19, 2012


On April 19th, 2012, the OWLS visited Gerten's Greenhouse and Garden Center in Inver Grove Heights. Sitting in the outdoor furniture area among the hanging baskets, the guide told how Gerten's has been family owned and run since it was started in the early 1900s as a truck farm selling rhubarb and grown into a 60 acre garden mecca including 10 acres of greenhouses. Then, they toured the seed planting and potting areas in the climate controlled greenhouse and saw very large areas of developing plants which will be ready for purchase in a month or so. Gerten's sells plants, shrubs, trees, soil, garden tools and anything pertaining to gardening. With over an hour to shop, the OWLS loaded up the back seats of Zippy with their green bags of purchases. A trip to Old World Pizza for lunch and back home to dream of getting into their gardens soon.
 
  Sea Life at Mall of America
March 15, 2012


On March 15, 2012 the OWLS headed for the Mall of America to visit Sea Life Aquarium. During a behind-the-scenes tour the guides told of the care and feeding of the 5000 sea creatures living there and how the water in the tanks is monitored to keep them healthy. They were allowed to walk out on platforms above the 14 ft. high tank to watch the fish and turtles swimming below. They then went down to the aquarium exhibits where they could touch sea stars and crabs, visit the fascinating newly-opened jellyfish displays, see colorful tropical fish in tanks, and then enter the glass tunnel where hundreds of saltwater sharks, sea turtles, stingrays, and other fish swam beside and above them. The tunnel then went through the freshwater area where sturgeons and other fish and turtles live. It was a wonderful adventure. After a delicious lunch at the Rainforest Cafe and a short time to shop, the OWLS headed home.
 
  Faith, Food, and Fellowship
“Make Fitness a Goal for Life”
March 1, 2012

“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit….Therefore honor God with your body”, I Corinthians 6:19-20.  Beth Kanthak from Lord of Life’s Health and Wellness Ministry encouraged the OWLs to be active, do everything in moderation, and don’t compare ourselves with others. Just our personal best!   As a group, we did some stretching and walking in place movements.   Beth gave helpful hints and suggestions for making the best of our exercising as well as our daily diets in order to keep our “temples” healthy for the Lord.

  Minnesota History Museum and the Russian Museum
February 16, 2012

 
The Owls were out and about in February visiting the Minnesota History Museum and the Russian Museum.
The 1968 exhibit covered an extremely eventful year. Video of news reports from Vietnam, President Lyndon Johnson's announcement he would not seek reelection, the Democratic national convention with Hubert Humphrey getting the nomination and Robert Kennedy's assassination and more. We could pull the lever in an old voting booth. We enjoyed seeing the old record players and kitchen and living room "antiques". The Russian Museum had a wonderful exhibit covering ancient history artifacts of the area by the Kiev in Ukraine area to Romania. The pottery and gold artifacts were amazing in detail and artistry. The guide gave us a better understanding of the changes due to warring tribes, commerce of the bread basket of the area, and religious changes till Eastern Orthodox Christianity. Lunch and laughs always make our events THE BEST.
  Food, Faith, and Fellowship
Valentines Party
"Love Stories to Warm the Heart"
Thursday, February 2

Nearly a hundred enthusiastic Owls celebrated Valentines in the Youth Room on February 2.  International Storyteller Pati Kachel warmed our hearts with her singing, sense of humor, and her personal and family treasures of love stories. Pastor Todd reminded us of the never ending and boundless love for each one of us. Whether our love and kindness to others is large or small; in so doing, we are giving thanks to God for his love and kindness to us.



  "Hairspray" at the Chanhassen Dinner Theater
Wednesday, January 18
 

Twenty-four OWLs left the Chanhassen Dinner Theatre on January 18th with smiles on their faces and songs in their hearts. The story line of Hairspray reminded all of us of how important it is to be compassionate to the needs of one another. This was told through great songs and dances by a wonderful acting cast. It was especially fun for us to watch the talents of cast member Jeff Quast, the son of Sharon and Oly . We felt very special when he came to greet us as we ate and hopped on the bus to say good-by. Everyone that attended had a wonderful and relaxing day at the theater.
  Food Faith and Fellowship
"Lunch and Movie"
January 5, 2012


The Owls began the New Year enjoying hearty and hot soup, fresh rolls, salad and dessert as well as good fellowship on January 5. Then with the smell of fresh popcorn in the air, it was a short walk to the church theatre for a movie called “faith like potatoes”. It was a true story about a farmer from Scotland who moves his family to South Africa and suffers a series of seemingly insurmountable losses. Through unlikely friendships and much needed divine intervention, he discovers his life’s true purpose…trusting God.
  Schubert Club Museum
December 15, 2011

 
The OWLs traveled to the Landmark Center in downtown St. Paul. Built in 1902, this former Old Federal Courts Building now houses The Schubert Club Museum. The history of piano development was told by the tour guide as they viewed some of the many keyboard instruments owned by the society. The fascinating collection also contains many valuable letters written by famous musicians, music boxes, victrolas, Thai drums and many other interesting muscial instruments. They then attended a Courtroom Concert given by the students of The Saint Paul Conservatory of Music. These talented, young (youngest was 8 yrs.) musicians played a variety of instruments such as recorders, strings, harpsicord and they also sang. It was a wonderful concert by a very impressive group of students! The OWLS then walked across the street to The Saint Paul Hotel for a delicious lunch in The Grill.
  Food Faith and Fellowship - Christmas Party
"Come on Ring Those Bells...Jesus is the King"
December 1, 2011

Bells rang out at the OWLs Christmas Party declaring the beginning of the celebration that Jesus is the King born for you and me. Pastor Peter talked about “God’s Gift Exchange”. God is willing to exchange our worries and hurts with his peace and comfort. Mary Larson shared her faith and gift of music. Some of the songs she blessed us with were: “Mary, Did you know” and “O Holy Night”, plus a piece about when Jesus comes again “End of the Beginning”. Come on Ring those Bells….Jesus is the King!!
 
Plymouth Playhouse
November 17, 2011

The OWLs saw the new Church Basement Ladies production of A Mighty Fortress is Our Basement at the Plymouth Playhouse. It's a musical comedy set in the 1960's. Lots of new songs and crazy antics kept us smiling while faith and friendships were strengthened!
  Food, Faith, and Fellowship - "History of Favorite Hymns"
November 3, 2011


What’s your favorite hymn? Pastor Karen shared interesting facts about each of the Owls favorite hymn writers. The majority of the hymns were written in Britain during the 18th century.  Special occasions, people and memories made each hymn very special.  Led by David Frank, the Owls made a “joyful noise unto the Lord”. (Ps. 100:1)

 

OWLs Mystery Tour
October 20, 2011

Onto the bus, but, the OWLs had no idea where they were going?? They passed Minneapolis and stopped in St. Paul! Then, Edna Murray, "The Kissing Bandit", boarded the bus carrying her Thompson Machine Gun! Edna entertained them with very clever and amusing stories as they toured many of the locations made famous by the gangsters that operated during the 1920's and 1930's from St. Paul. These gangsters were able to carry on robberies, kidnappings, and liquor sales during this time of prohibition under the protection of a number of crooked cops, including the Chief of Police. Such notorious gangsters as John Dillinger, Ma Barker and her sons, Babyface Nelson and the Barker Gang (which included Edna) and many more lived or operated in the area. After lunch in the Wabasha Street Caves, once dug as limestone (silica) mines, then used for growing mushrooms, and now used for parties and dances, they had a tour of the caves. It was an interesting day learning about an infamous time in the history of St. Paul.   

   

Faith, Food, and Fellowship - "PSG Opportunity"
October 6, 2011

Did you guess? PSG Opportunity stands for Personal Spiritual Growth Opportunity. We grow spiritually by strengthening our personal faith. Merle and Michelle Waldron with Diane Sjolander introduced the opportunity to attend a Via de Cristo weekend. It’s a life changing unique time to experience God’s love. We also grow spiritually when we share our faith with others. Jan Sower challenged the Owls to consider mentoring with another person through the Spiritual Mentoring Ministry. Finally we grow spiritually by serving others. The Owls assembled 100 “Grab and Go” bags for the Hope Lodge Cancer Center.

 

OWLs to Cedar Ridge Arabian Horse Farm
Thursday, September 15

The Song, “Oh What A Beautiful Morning” comes to mind as 22 OWLs board the bus and travel to Jordan.

Our first stop was at the OK Corral for a delicious lunch of chicken or beef brisket. After lunch we were greeted by the Sheriff who escorted us to Cedar Ridge Arabian Horse Farm for a tour. While at Cedar Ridge we learned about breeding, birthing and training of Arabian horses. We even had a chance to see some of the beautiful grand champion horses and some mares with their foals. After our tour we had time to stop at Jim's Apple Barn to do a little shopping before our trip back to Maple Grove.

The Owls arrived home a little WISER from our tour of Cedar Ridge Arabian Horse Farm. Ask one of us about Mable!