Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Swedish Reading Club: The Colony (Stacken) by Annika Norlin
7 PM
Our meeting will be held online using Zoom. For more information, including the link to join the meeting, please email info@sahswm.org.
Burnt-out from a demanding job and a bustling life in the city, Emelie has left town to spend a few days in the country. Once there, in the peaceful, verdant hills, down by the river she encounters a mysterious group of seven people, each with personal stories full of pain, alienation, and the longing to live differently. They are misfits, each in their own way, and all led by the enigmatic and charismatic Sara.
How did they end up there? Are they content with the rigid roles they’ve been assigned? And what happens when an outsider appears and is initially drawn to their alternative lifestyle but cannot help but stir things up?
A masterful blend of humor, emotion, unforgettable characters, and sharp social commentary, The Colony is a magnetic and deeply touching story about love, community, and the unfathomable power we other others and that others have over us.
You can buy the book online at Schuler’s, or at a 20% discount in the store.
Saturday, December 5, 2026
Annual Lucia Celebration
Mayflower Congregational Church
10 AM
We invite you to come and enjoy this lovely Swedish introduction to the Christmas season and listen to the Lucia choir sing in a beautiful setting. It will once again be held in the beautiful sanctuary of Mayflower Congregational Church (2345 Robinson Rd. SE, Grand Rapids). There will be plenty of free parking. There will be baked goods and coffee to enjoy afterwards plus a Julmarknad sale! Bring cash if you are interested in purchasing any items.
Once again, SAHS is sponsoring our annual Lucia scholarship competition. The Doris & Clarence Anderson Memorial Scholarship is in memory of two of our organization’s founding members. Doris and Clarence were involved in almost every activity that our organization undertook. Doris was an especially integral part in our annual Lucia celebration. Among Doris’ many achievements was her selection many years ago as Chicago’s first Lucia.
The Scholarship Committee will award $500 each to a high school senior girl and senior boy who have been participants in our local Lucia pageant. Additionally, each applicant must be either the child or grandchild of a member of SAHS/WM. Applications can be downloaded here (PDF) and are due Nov. 25. We look forward to announcing the winners of this annual competition in December.