May 17, 2014 marked the 200th anniversary of the constitution of Norway. All around the world, Norwegian communities gathered to commemorate this momentous day.
Sjømannskirken is a Norwegian word that means "seamen's church", or the Norwegian Church Abroad. Established in 1864, Sjømannskirken today are "cultural, social, and spiritual" meeting places for nearly 1 million Norwegians in over 80 countries. According to the Sjømannskirken Miami website, the church offers "the atmosphere of a Norwegian home away from home with waffles, coffee, Norwegian newspapers and Norwegian TV."
Sjømannskirken is a Norwegian word that means "seamen's church", or the Norwegian Church Abroad. Established in 1864, Sjømannskirken today are "cultural, social, and spiritual" meeting places for nearly 1 million Norwegians in over 80 countries. According to the Sjømannskirken Miami website, the church offers "the atmosphere of a Norwegian home away from home with waffles, coffee, Norwegian newspapers and Norwegian TV."
I first connected with Pastor Britt Aanes Eckhougen of Sjømannskirken Miami through a referral from a mutual friend. Not having much prior knowledge of Norway's Constitution Day, I was enthusiastic about participating in this joyous celebration, that would involve a church service, food, children's games, a parade, and a silent auction.
As we arrived on the morning of May 17, Pastor Britt, soprano soloist Rikke, and other members of the church were busily making the preparations for the afternoon's event. Everyone was warm and friendly, and we instantly felt at home in the welcoming atmosphere.
As we arrived on the morning of May 17, Pastor Britt, soprano soloist Rikke, and other members of the church were busily making the preparations for the afternoon's event. Everyone was warm and friendly, and we instantly felt at home in the welcoming atmosphere.
Pastor Britt led us into the sanctuary, where our clarinet and piano duo began setting up for a short rehearsal. Pastor Britt and Rikke would be leading the congregation in singing hymns and patriotic songs throughout the service, accompanied by our clarinet and piano duo.
The celebration began with an instrumental prelude. Pastor Britt had asked if we had in our repertoire any music by Norwegian composers, such as Grieg. I suggested "Morning" (or "Morgenstemning") from Peer Gynt Suite.
The celebration began with an instrumental prelude. Pastor Britt had asked if we had in our repertoire any music by Norwegian composers, such as Grieg. I suggested "Morning" (or "Morgenstemning") from Peer Gynt Suite.
After the instrumental prelude, Pastor Britt then gave a welcome to the congregation and our musicians played "Måne og sol" while the congregation sang. Meaning "Moon and Sun", this hymn was written in 1974 and is used for many occasions, including weddings, funerals, and Christmas.
At the conclusion of the sermon, the children's choir led the congregation in singing "Norge I rødt hvitt og blått", or "Norway in Red, White, and Blue". Next, the congregation sang "Den prektig gledde sommerfugl", or "The Stately Dressed Butterfly", whose message reminded me of the hymn "His Eye Is on the Sparrow."
Soprano soloist Rikke then sang a beautiful rendition of "The Prayer", a song with deeply moving lyrics:
At the conclusion of the sermon, the children's choir led the congregation in singing "Norge I rødt hvitt og blått", or "Norway in Red, White, and Blue". Next, the congregation sang "Den prektig gledde sommerfugl", or "The Stately Dressed Butterfly", whose message reminded me of the hymn "His Eye Is on the Sparrow."
Soprano soloist Rikke then sang a beautiful rendition of "The Prayer", a song with deeply moving lyrics:
"I pray you'll be our eyes,
and watch us where we go
And help us to be wise,
in times when we don't know
Let this be our prayer,
when we lose our way
Lead us to a place,
guide us with your grace
To a place where we'll be safe. "
and watch us where we go
And help us to be wise,
in times when we don't know
Let this be our prayer,
when we lose our way
Lead us to a place,
guide us with your grace
To a place where we'll be safe. "
"Gud signe vårt dyre fedreland" concluded the first part of the program. A famous and beloved hymn, "God Bless Our Fatherland" is a patriotic song cherished in the hearts of every Norwegian, at home and abroad.
Hanne Aaberg, Secretary General from Norwegians Worldwide, gave a Commemorative May 17th Speech. This was followed by "Ja vi elsker dette landet", or "Song for Norway". Its title meaning "yes, we love this country," this deeply moving national anthem evokes images of Norway's nostalgic scenery and speaks of the struggles and triumphs of its people as they united to overcome all hardships in order to become the strong and proud nation it is today.
Finally, there was a greeting from the king of Norway. The service drew to a close with the congregation singing "Kongesangen", or "Song for the King".
After the service, Pastor Britt invited us to have cake and waffles. Everyone was very friendly and welcoming, and the waffles were delicious!
Finally, there was a greeting from the king of Norway. The service drew to a close with the congregation singing "Kongesangen", or "Song for the King".
After the service, Pastor Britt invited us to have cake and waffles. Everyone was very friendly and welcoming, and the waffles were delicious!
It was a pleasure to be a part of Norway's Constitution's Bicentennial Celebration at the Sjømannskirken, the Norwegian Church Abroad. May the flag of Norway always wave!
"Song of Norway"
. . .Yes, we love this country
as it rises forth,
rugged, weathered, above the sea. . .
. . .Yes, we love this country
as it rises forth,
rugged, weathered, above the sea. . .
Questions? Comments? Contact us!