Very soon, it will all be history

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Created: 06 June 2024

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By JIM LUTGENS

Staff Writer

Almost every Sunday since 1882, there has been some sort of activity at First Congregational Church in New Richland.

It has been said that if you step into the building and listen closely enough, you can almost hear the echoes of countless worship services, weddings, receptions, funerals, baptisms, Sunday school activities, and fund-raising dinners.

There's a lot of history within those walls.

Soon, however - very, very soon - it will all be history.

In light of waning attendance, church elders have made the painfully difficult decision to cease services after May 26.

There will be one final chance for folks to bid farewell to a church that was a staple of the community for many decades, and Pastor Pamela Jensen made it clear that she's inviting any and all interested persons to attend the final services at First Congregational Sunday, May 26 at 10 a.m.

Jensen, the church's pastor the last 21 years, has mixed feelings about it, starting with sadness.

"I am, of course, feeling the sadness of an ending," she said. "But I am retiring from the paid ministry and look forward to worshiping with my husband again!"

Ask almost anyone else associated with the church about its closure and they express a deep sadness. For some, it's the only church they've ever known; their history in the church dates back two generations.

For Shelly Moxon, it started with her parents, Donald and Audrene Smith, and before that it was Donald's parents, Harry and Amanda Smith. Moxon's sister, Anne Hagen, has also been active in the church.

Moxon, baptized and confirmed at the church, is genuinely heartbroken to see it close.

"How does it feel?" said Moxon. "That's not even a fair question to ask. It's heart-wrenching. It's very, very difficult. There just aren't any words to describe how it feels. Don't make me start to cry."

Bruce Berg, chairman of the church's trustees, can relate. His parents, Harlan and Leah, were always in church, as were Berg and his eight siblings growing up. He remembers a time when the church was as big and as busy as any in town. It is noteworthy that former New Richland Star Publisher Margaret Engesser taught Sunday school there.

But Berg and all others involved can also see the proverbial handwriting on the wall. With younger folks moving away and older people dying, there just aren't enough active members - or dollars - to keep it all up and running.

"It's disappointing, but necessary," said Berg. "Unfortunately, I'm afraid it's the future of churches in small towns."

Jensen has seen a steady decline in active members since she took over as pastor.

"When I began serving First Congregational Church, there were 40 or 45 regulars in Sunday worship," she said. "Sunday school children and confirmands have grown up and moved away, while I have had the privilege of officiating at the funerals of nearly 30 of my brothers and sisters."

Jensen has also officiated at a few weddings and baptized a few babies, the most recent - Aria Leigh By JIM LUTGENS

Staff Writer

Almost every Sunday since 1882, there has been some sort of activity at First Congregational Church in New Richland.

It has been said that if you step into the building and listen closely enough, you can almost hear the echoes of countless worship services, weddings, receptions, funerals, baptisms, Sunday school activities, and fund-raising dinners.

There's a lot of history within those walls.

Soon, however - very, very soon - it will all be history.

In light of waning attendance, church elders have made the painfully difficult decision to cease services after May 26.

There will be one final chance for folks to bid farewell to a church that was a staple of the community for many decades, and Pastor Pamela Jensen made it clear that she's inviting any and all interested persons to attend the final services at First Congregational Sunday, May 26 at 10 a.m.

Jensen, the church's pastor the last 21 years, has mixed feelings about it, starting with sadness.

"I am, of course, feeling the sadness of an ending," she said. "But I am retiring from the paid ministry and look forward to worshiping with my husband again!"

Ask almost anyone else associated with the church about its closure and they express a deep sadness. For some, it's the only church they've ever known; their history in the church dates back two generations.

For Shelly Moxon, it started with her parents, Donald and Audrene Smith, and before that it was Donald's parents, Harry and Amanda Smith. Moxon's sister, Anne Hagen, has also been active in the church.

Moxon, baptized and confirmed at the church, is genuinely heartbroken to see it close.

"How does it feel?" said Moxon. "That's not even a fair question to ask. It's heart-wrenching. It's very, very difficult. There just aren't any words to describe how it feels. Don't make me start to cry."

Bruce Berg, chairman of the church's trustees, can relate. His parents, Harlan and Leah, were always in church, as were Berg and his eight siblings growing up. He remembers a time when the church was as big and as busy as any in town. It is noteworthy that former New Richland Star Publisher Margaret Engesser taught Sunday school there.

But Berg and all others involved can also see the proverbial handwriting on the wall. With younger folks moving away and older people dying, there just aren't enough active members - or dollars - to keep it all up and running.

"It's disappointing, but necessary," said Berg. "Unfortunately, I'm afraid it's the future of churches in small towns."

Jensen has seen a steady decline in active members since she took over as pastor.

"When I began serving First Congregational Church, there were 40 or 45 regulars in Sunday worship," she said. "Sunday school children and confirmands have grown up and moved away, while I have had the privilege of officiating at the funerals of nearly 30 of my brothers and sisters."

Jensen has also officiated at a few weddings and baptized a few babies, the most recent - Aria Leigh Nowak - this past Sunday.

"I have spent many happy hours at church suppers and worshiping at the care center," said Jensen. "I have been wrapped up in the loving arms of this particular family of God, and they have blessed me beyond measure."

Jensen grew up in a large suburban church in the Chicago area and then joined a large suburban church in the Twin Cities when she moved permanently to Minnesota. Being part of the New Richland community was a pleasant surprise.

"I had never experienced the blessing of being part of a family church," she said. "Where everyone knows everyone, visitors are seen and welcomed, everyone participates in some way to the ministry of the church, and everyone prays for their brothers and sisters and their families and friends. I have loved my time in New Richland and will always love my brothers and sisters in Christ here."

Moxon, active in all aspects of the church, spoke of many people helping over the years, praising the efforts of Loren and Kris Schlaak for maintaining the church's grounds. Kris' mom, Lorraine (Ducza) Meyer, was also always very active. So was Tom Smith, Moxon's uncle.

Tom Smith's widow, Marilyn, is 85 and could be the church's oldest active member. She did it all, serving as Sunday school teacher, superintendent and secretary.

"I have mixed feelings about it," said Marilyn. "It's very sad. My family has had a lot to do with that church, starting with Tom's parents."

At one point, according to Marilyn, the entire congregation was, "Like a close-knit family."

As for the future of the church building, Berg said it will be put up for sale. Its closure leaves Minnesota with six Congregational churches, in Waseca, Burnsville, Bayport, Remer, Edina and Minneapolis.

"Finding a new church home is exciting, a little scary, but absolutely necessary for all of us to continue to use our gifts for the bringing of God's kingdom on earth and to be in fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ," said Jensen.

The main message Jensen has tried to convey to parishioners in New Richland?

"God knows you and loves you with an everlasting love," she said. "That is sheer grace - God's riches at Christ's expense. Grace is ours - unearned, unlooked for, and life-giving."

Moxon has no idea which church may be in her future, but she does have the necessary paperwork for transferring current members to a new church. You can ask her about it when you see her or write to her at 572 Broadway Ave. So. in New Richland.

Jensen shared a farewell message in the church's final ever annual report.

"Wherever we may go from here, we will carry with us the blessings of God that we have shared," she wrote. "And we will continue to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit as we seek God's grace."

 

NR Mayor escorted from school on Friday

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Created: 06 June 2024

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By ELI LUTGENS

Publisher/Editor

 Interim New Richland Mayor Loren Skelton, 74, was escorted by police from the premises of Skelton, who told the Star Eagle on Friday he was not provided with a reason for his removal, also reports that he is on paid leave; he said he has been told to expect a meeting with school administration this week. At that time, he hopes to learn more about the reasons for his removal and the status of any ongoing employment with the school.

Skelton was appointed interim mayor effective April 2 following the resignation of former mayor Chad Neitzel. On Monday he served in his normal capacity as mayor during New Richland’s regular city council meeting.

Skelton had previously served on the New Richland council, and was elected to join it again in 2020 and 2022. 

Christensen joins city of NR

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Created: 06 June 2024

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By TRISTAN GEHRING

Staff Writer

 

Heather Christensen. Christensen, 34, started as New Richland’s assistant city clerk on April 15, 2024. She is a New Richland native who spent a few years away before coming back to the area. “I’m happier than ever,” she says about her new role. “I’m super excited to be working for my hometown. It’s so cool to see how everybody I graduated with has grown and to get to know the community.”

Of her new position, she says, “I’ve always loved the idea of working for my community. It’s something that’s appealed to me my entire life, helping.” She also explained that she handles big situations very well, with little stress, though she tends to “sweat the small stuff.” Over the next few years, she hopes to excel in her career with the City of New Richland, and do good for the town. “There’s a lot that can be taught and learned here,” she explained.

Christensen’s work history is varied. “I’ve gotten a lot of experience in the last ten years,” she said. She spent some time studying business administration, did several years in the healthcare field, worked in office settings, processed loans for a finance company, and managed a bar.

Christensen says her transition to this new stage is going great. “We had a couple bumps in the road in the beginning, but we worked like a team and we got through it,” she explains. “It’s been wonderful; everyone’s been super welcoming and great with helping with any questions that I may have, which I am very grateful for. We’ve got a good team here.”

“People may know my dad and step-mom,” Christensen says. Previously a Hines, Christensen is the daughter of Steve Hines and has two sisters and a step-brother. She met Kaleb Christensen in 2018. “It’s a funny story,” she said about their meeting, “In high school I was really good friends with his sister, but I never even knew he existed.” Kaleb had already moved out by the time Heather was spending time at his family home, and the topic never came up. Christensen describes meeting her husband as “coming full circle.” Meeting Kaleb was also what brought Heather home to New Richland. When her daughter Brynna, now 10, was born she remembers hoping Brynna would someday attend NRHEG schools. “I had such a good experience there,” Christensen recalls. Meeting Kaleb and returning to New Richland made that wish come true; her daughter started kindergarten at the Ellendale school. “I met him, we came back, and the rest is history,” Christensen says with a smile. She also has a son, Fisher, 3, with Kaleb. The two were married in a small, intimate ceremony on the lakeshore in 2022. “It was the best thing we ever did.”

The Christensens are outdoorsy people. They own a place near Mille Lacs Lake and like to spend time there fishing and enjoying nature. “In the summertime, any open weekend we go up to our land up north,” Christensen explained. She also enjoys attending rock concerts with her husband, and spending time together with family. Christensen describes herself as “very involved” with her family, which includes a plethora of nieces and nephews whom she loves to spend time with. While attending NRHEG High School, Christensen played volleyball, basketball, and softball. Sports are still an important part of her life – in the last few years she’s begun coaching her daughter’s basketball team; this summer she will coach her softball team alongside her husband. Cooking is another thing Christensen holds a passion for – at one time she wanted to attend culinary school to open a restaurant of her own, but life has taken her in a different direction. Even still, she loves experimenting in the kitchen and coming up with new recipes.

“I’m usually joking around,” Christensen says about herself. She explains that she is rarely in a bad mood, something evident to those around her. She also describes herself as very understanding and social. “I don’t want people to ever hesitate to reach out to me,” she adds.

“Don’t let yourself have regrets,” Christensen says. “I’ve hated looking back and having regrets that I didn’t take the chances I wanted to. But I got my kids out of it and I wouldn’t change that for the world. Taking chances is something we really instill in our kids – ‘Try it,’ we say. ‘See if you like it.’”

“I’m still learning, so hopefully people are patient with me,” Christensen said of her position with the city. “I’m super excited to start on this journey and to get more involved with the community and everybody else around here. I’m really excited to see where this is going to take me in the future.”

 

ProStart students set to serve Memorial Day Meal May 27

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Created: 03 June 2024

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By DEB BENTLY

Staff Writer

For the second year, students in the NRHEG ProStart program will be preparing and serving a meal following the Memorial Day ceremony taking place in the high school gym. The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 27; it will feature New Richland resident Gordy Loverink, a Vietnam Veteran, as a speaker. NRHEG students Halle Schultz and Will Tuttle will be reading “In Flanders Fields” and the Gettysburg address. 

The ceremony is free and open to the public; veterans are especially invited to be present, in uniform if they wish.

The New Richland American Legion organization is sponsoring the meal, which will consist of pulled pork sandwiches, pasta salad, a  pickle spear, cupcakes, lemonade and coffee. Cost for the lunch will be $10; serving will continue until about 1 p.m. or until the food is gone. Organizer Georgia Dinneen says the intent of offering a meal on site is to create an opportunity for those in attendance to visit, share experiences, and simply enjoy one another's company.

Wendy Garcia-Gutierrez, who was born and spent part of her childhood in Mexico, is among the students who helped serve the meal last year and who will be working there again. Wendy mentions the event was meaningful to her because she recognizes that people in the United States have more freedoms and opportunities. She said she was proud to be serving soldiers who helped create and defend those freedoms.

She also appreciated how polite and grateful everyone was as she helped serve the meal and took care of various tasks.

NRHEG Family and Consumer Sciences teacher Kelly Delacruz, the ProStart advisor, explains that all 18 ProStart participants will help with the preparation of food–including baking and frosting the cupcakes, during their regular class times; a group of eight students has signed up to decorate the school’s “upper” cafeteria for the event, set up the serving line and dish up the plates, and then to clean up afterward. Helping that day will be Pierce Anderson, Erik Nelson, Gavin Sletten, Wendy and Adrianna Gutierrez-Chesley, Madison Corkill and Zoe Wilson.