Greeting
This is Newsletter No. 33. North Sidney Messenger is sent to you once a year to bring you news since last Memorial Day to present time. If you are a first-time reader of the letter, we say WELCOME. Thank you to long-time readers for your continued support and interest.
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About Us
North Sidney Church and Cemetery Historical Association is registered with the State of Michigan as a non-profit organization. Our purpose is to take care of the church and cemetery and to preserve it for future generations. Membership can be either by paying dues yearly of $2.00 per year after the first fee of $10.00 is paid or life membership of $50 per person and is a one-time fee which is much easier. Dues are used for newsletter, postage and other general up-keep expenses. Cemetery up-keep is paid from the Perpetual Care Fund. If a lot has no perpetual care fund, a special fee is paid. If your lot is not under perpetual care you might want to consider it, one payment and you are done. Download a printable membership application.
At this time there are no more grave sites available for purchase. If you know of someone that owns a lot but isn't going to use it and would like to sell it, let Wesley Thomsen our Sexton know.
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Website
Please check out the North Sidney Church and Cemetery Historical Association website www.NorthSidney.com. There are links to other sites as well as information on how to purchase books and become a member. The newsletter will also be posted so if you have an email address and would like the information from the website instead of mailing the letter please let us know. If you have ideas on how to improve it or information that could be added, just send Krista a note. Also, if you have any news or information that you would like to share for next year’s newsletter just send us a note or email.
If you know of someone that would enjoy the newsletter and currently doesn't receive it, let one of the officers know and we will make it happen. Also, if your address has changed, make sure we get updated information so our postage expenses aren't wasted with returns.
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Financial News
It is difficult for me to say this but your donations to the North Sidney Church & Cemetery Historical Association would really be appreciated. The last several years due to the low interest rates, the Perpetual Care interest that we receive has been greatly reduced. This fund used to cover the cost of the mowing and trimming each summer. Last fall we reported that the mowing service cost $1550.00 and the Perpetual Care we received was only $104.02. As a result of this, our treasury has decreased substantially. The only funds we receive are yearly dues which are $2.00 per person or $50.00 for a lifetime membership and donations. These are difficult times for everyone but any donation would be appreciated. Please send them to Jennifer Thomsen, Treasurer.
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Cookin' Corner
FRIKADELLER (Danish Meatballs) -- In Memory of Marie Christoffersen
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1/2 lb. pork steak, ground
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1 large egg |
| 1/2 lb. round steak, ground |
1-1/2 Tbsp flour |
| 1-1/2 slice white bread, toasted |
Salt and pepper to taste |
| 1 small onion, diced fine |
Pinch of allspice (optional) |
Place meat in bowl, add seasoning, toasted bread crumbs and diced onion in center of bowl. Pour a little boiling water on crumbs and onions. Cover bowl and let steam for a few minutes. Add egg, stir and add flour. Mix well and form into balls and fry slowly.
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Did You Know?
Settlement Lutheran Church was part of the Little Denmark Evangelical Lutheran Church of Montcalm County which was organized at the Monroe School on April 23, 1873. In 1874 the Rev. Ole Amble came to Gowen to live and be the church's pastor for more than 53 years. In 1876-77 decisions were made to build a church building north of Gowen on what was called the Jens Rasmussen corner. The first stone was laid in the foundation on October 4, 1877. In those days the weather and times were hard so the church was not finished until May 18, 1878, when it was dedicated by the Rev. Ole Amble and several visiting pastors from the Midwest. Settlement Lutheran Church is the one remaining body of the First Lutheran Church of Montcalm County. They are the sister church to St. John's in North Sidney. There is a strong feeling of kinship between the people who had their beginning under the leadership of the Rev. Ole Amble. (This article was taken from the North Sidney Area book.)
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Focus on Our Area Families
This year's "Focus on Our Area Families" is Julius Petersen. Julius was born in Tiernehoved, Denmark, April 8, 1886, the son of Peter and Ane Petersen. Maggie May Brown was born in Montcalm County November 18, 1897 the daughter of Charles and Jeanette Brown. Julius and Maggie were married April 16, 1916. They owned and operated a farm west of Sidney on Sidney Road. Maggie passed away December 23, 1965. Julius passed away October 4, 1975. They had two children, Howard and Marguerite. Howard married Reva Wisber. They owned and resided at the homestead on Sidney Road. Howard retired from R.J. Tower Corporation; Reva was employed at Ore-Ida Foods, Inc. Howard and Reva had two children, Susan and Mark. Marguerite married Robert Thompson. They live on Sidney Road, Montcalm Township. Marguerite is a retired Secretary from Gibson Appliance Co. They owned and operated Thompson Farms for many years. Marguerite spent many hours at the North Sidney Church, cleaning and helping out the week before Memorial Day. She was Treasurer for many years. She always makes sure we have her delicious desert bars for the Memorial Day Services.
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Memorial Day Service & Volunteers
Please plan on attending the Memorial Day Service on Monday, May 30 at 2:00pm. Final plans will be made at the Annual Meeting on May 11. The meeting is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. at the Church.
Luke Dudenhofer has again agreed to deliver this year's message. Luke and his wife Melissa grew up in the Stanton/Sidney area and now live in Chicago. Luke is pastor of the New Life Community Church in the Bridgeport neighborhood and they have three children, Josiah Wesley, Titus Charles and Ethni Aniah Rose.
When you visit the Church please check out the "Heritage Wall". There are many pictures of previous year's services as well as from the past. See how many faces you recognize!
The week prior to Memorial Day we are looking for volunteers to spend a few hours to keep the church open and greet visitors. Please let Jennifer Thomsen or myself know if you are willing to do this, so we can make sure the church will be unlocked. Thank you to members that volunteered last spring.
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North Sidney Book
We still have copies of the North Sidney 1884-1984 book. There is much information on the Sidney area and families in the area. Contact Jennifer Thomsen or pick up one at the Church during the Memorial Day service. You can also print out order forms from the website.
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Friends & Family in the Armed Services
Please remember and pray for all of our men and women serving
in the military. May they all return soon. Flags are placed on the grave
of Veterans each year. A special thanks to Sidney Township for furnishing
the flags and John and Lillian Christophersen for placing them on the
grave sites.
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Officers/Offices, Dues & Donations
The officers and their addresses are listed on the last page of this letter (see Contact page). Please send dues or donations to Jennifer Thomsen, Treasurer. Due to the increase in the cost of stamps, receipts will no longer be sent if you pay dues by check. Donations will be recognized.
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Lawn Care
The cemetery is being taken care of by a professional lawn service. Jon Kooi has done an excellent job the last few years for us. If you have any concerns about your lot care contact Wes Thomsen and he will contact Jon.
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Salutation
As I close for another year, I want to thank everyone who assists with keeping the Association running smoothly whether it is with donations, volunteering to help during Memorial Day week, bringing cookies to share or helping with clean up. Thanks to all who attend the Memorial Day Service and hope to see you Memorial Day.
~Marilyn Thomsen, Secretary
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Church & Cemetery Historical Association |
