As we embark on this New Year I am excited to see what the Lord brings our way. My name is Larry Grove and I am the pastor at Hauge Free Lutheran Church in Kenyon. My wife Joan and I have been in this position since October of 2021. The challenges that churches have been facing since the start of this decade have been devastating and heartbreaking. Covid had a catastrophic impact on churches as faithful attendees were encouraged to stay home and protect themselves. As the pandemic eased its grip on people, many became comfortable in their new way of worship or found other things to busy themselves with on a Sunday morning. The scheduling of sporting events and tournaments on weekends has also proved to be detrimental to church attendance as we all want to support and follow our children and grandchildren in their efforts to compete in these activities. At Hauge we have been praying that God would bring about spiritual revitalization and renewal in the hearts of the people in Kenyon and the surrounding area. Our goal is not to take members from other churches. Quite the contrary. We are wanting to see God draw people closer to Himself and get back to their churches and get involved. The ultimate objective is to see the body of Christ grow and mature and watch as God adds to His numbers those that are being saved. If you have not been attending church services recently or have never attended church on a regular basis, come and join us in worship. Our services are at 10:00 A.M. on Sunday morning. We have implemented serving a meal that follows each service. This has been an integral part of the growth and excitement we have experienced. We are adding an assistant pastor to our staff. His name is Loren Bauer and he is an alumnus of Kenyon High School and grew up in Hauge. He will be working at getting a praise and worship team going and will fill in on the occasion of my absence. He is involved in leading Bible Studies and is an encourager of growing deeper in your walk with Christ. Please let us know how we can be praying for you individually or as a church so we can be most effective in ministering to the community. Contact me at grove.larry55@gmail.com Our services are streamed on YouTube at Hauge Lutheran Church, Kenyon, Mn. May God richly bless the Kenyon area as He brings about renewal and revitalization in all the local churches. Sincerely in Christ, Pastor Larry Grove and Joan Hauge Free Lutheran Church
