January 2023

Annual Congregational Meeting

Sunday, January 15 at 9:15am in the Sanctuary

Please plan on attending this meeting in person. If you are unable to attend in person a Zoom option is available. if you would like to attend via Zoom please email Jordan at Jordan@flcal.org by Thursday, January 12 so the approiate link and instructions can be sent to you

*If there is inclement weather the snow date is January 22 at 9:15am

Happenings

Sunday Morning Adult Education

Starting January 8th, 2023 our Sunday morning adult education class will begin to look at Martin Luther King's sermons and how he used scripture to promote racial justice and equality for all. If you have any questions about what to expect from this study please contact Pastor Joy at joy@flcal.org

Thank you!

Thank you to all who participated in providing gifts for the mitten tree and the Angel tree. It was a great success.

God bless you all. Social Ministry Team

Council Talking Points

Staff Spotlight with Mike Johnson

Job Title Building & Grounds

Brief overview of your position?

I work closely with fellow staff member Paul to oversee all aspects of maintaining our building and property.

What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?

I am known as “the favorite” in my family

What’s the last book you read or are currently reading?

Boiler Operator’s Handbook

What is your favorite hobby?

Feeling the wind in my face while riding my motorcycle

What’s the first concert you ever attended? Richard Harris

What’s the next place on your travel bucket list?

Riding my motorcycle across the Mackinac Bridge

The Council did not meet in December due to the weather

A few words from Pastor Roger

Greetings Sisters and Brothers in Christ!

I hope that you and your families are doing well as we begin the cold January days.

As we begin the New Year of 2023, we have the opportunity to look back at the past year and see everything that we have accomplished. Likewise, it is also an opportunity to look forward into the future of First Lutheran Church.

Over the past year, we have welcomed several new staff to First Lutheran. Paul Cerny joined us to help maintain our building and grounds. Pastor Joy Knoppel was officially called as pastor and ordained right here in our church. Now we are excited that Bekah Sousa will be joining our team officially on January 3rd. All three of these individuals are invaluable additions to our team. We give thanks to God that we have been provided with these faithful servants and that they have answered God’s calling to First. From the pastors to our volunteers, no one person is more important. It takes all of us together to be the body of Jesus.

This past year we have honored traditions of the Lutheran Church that have existed for more than 500 years. We have also started some new activities within our congregation. I think about the tried and true events that we continue and the new ones that have been gateways to bringing new people into the church. In all of them, we have seen the hand of God rest upon the wonderful people of First Lutheran Church. It is impossible to be the church without God’s call and we are thankful for each and every way that all of you are a part of it.

What will 2023 bring for First Lutheran Church? It will be full of things that we can know. We will gather around the sacraments, because we know that Jesus meets us there and they are at the center of our Lutheran faith. There will be weddings, baptisms, and funerals. The Word will be preached and the confessions will be taught.

The coming year will have plenty of things that we do not know yet. One of the biggest questions is how our insurance claim for the roof will turn out. We still have several months before that will be finalized. We do not know who will be the next person to walk into the church that needs the hope we have in Jesus. We do not know all the celebrations and challenges await.

For all the things we do know and do not know, the greatest is that God goes before us. Our God is more gracious and greater than we can begin to imagine. There are many things in the world that can change, but the goodness of God never will. I am excited for First Lutheran Church as we go into 2023 and beyond. I am honored to walk beside all of you as we live into God’s mission in redeeming the world.

Thanks be to God.

Pastor Roger Fears

A note from the Parish Health & Wellness Team

Every year, immediately after the commercials end about what we “need” to purchase to ensure we have the perfect Christmas, the commercials begin encouraging us to develop our new year’s weight loss and healthy eating habits resolutions. As we all know most of these resolutions fail within a couple of weeks. Web MD (nd) provided a few helpful suggestions that will increase our success.

Here are a few tips to get you started:

Make time for breakfast "Skipping breakfast gives you the munchies later on and slows your metabolism down," says registered dietitian Heidi Reichenberger. She advises starting the day with yogurt and fruit or whole-grain cereal with low-fat milk.

Don't skip any meals or snacks. "Try not to let more than five hours go by without eating. Waiting too long can zap energy, and can lead to overeating later," Sass says. "Eat a (healthy) snack between lunch and dinner, maybe right before leaving work, so you will be less likely to grab snack foods once you get home."

Include a total of 30 minutes of activity every day."It doesn't have to be all at once," Reichenberger says. If it takes 10 minutes to walk from the bus stop, get off at the next furthest stop so you get a few more minutes walking. And walk it briskly you can lose some weight, improve your cardiovascular system, and sleep better.

Drink fewer sodas and other sweetened drinks, like iced tea.A big bottle of a juice-based drink can contain 300 calories and those calories add up. Drink water instead. Or mix juice and water, so you're not drinking something so heavily loaded with sugar.

Meet your goal. Aim to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables every day.

Buy pre-cut fruits and vegetables,. Convenience makes you more likely to choose them when you're hungry.

Keep frozen veggies in the fridge. They are easy, quick, and rich in nutrients. Take them to work for a quick lunch you can heat in the microwave. Season with black pepper, herbs, lemon juice, or a red wine-andbalsamic vinegar dressing.

Pack healthy snacks. Think of things like hummus, yogurt, cut-up veggies, and string cheese. Bring them to work, school, or other activities. That way, you're prepared and will save money.

Upgrade your salad. Add whole grains to boost the fiber, so you'll feel full.

Fix pasta dishes with veggies and lean protein(like canned tiny shrimp, tuna canned in water, precooked chicken breast, or soy crumbles). Adding protein and veggies to pasta allows you to cut back on the amount of pasta (which is high in carbohydrates) while still feeling full.

Go for variety. You don't want to eat the same fruits and veggies all the time. You want a wide array of colors and types. For instance, choose a variety of fruits instead of buying one large bag of the same fruit. "After the third or fourth day of apples, you'll likely be sick of them," Sass says "Mixing up a few different types of apples, one pear, one banana will keep you from getting bored."

Webb MD (nd) https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/keep-those-new-years-eat-better-resolutions

Council Corner with Ginny Larson

Tell us a little bit about who makes up your family.

I am married to Larry Larson and we have two adult children with two grandchildren.

What do you love about First Lutheran

Church?

I have been a lifelong member of FLC in fact I am a third-generation member of FLC. (My grandparents were some of the original members of FLC). It is where I have been baptized and confirmed and grown in my faith. The FLC family has been a part of all of the significant milestones of our lives weddings, baptism, confirmations and funerals.

What is one thing you are excited for First Lutheran Church’s future?

I am excited how FLC has embraced the future. FLC is adapting and evolving to continue to be relevant to our parishioners and in our ministries.

3:5

Romans 12:5-8

Chronicles 31:5

John 13:34

1 Peter 4:10-11

Galatians 6:2

Malachi 3:10

James 1:17-18 10 2 Corinthians 9:15

Prayer for the month

11 Luke 9:17 12 Leviticus 27:30 13 John 3:16-17 14 Mark 10:45 15 Hebrews 13:15 16 Ephesians 2:8-10 17 Matthew 6:33 18 1 John 3:17 19 Romans 8:23 20 Matthew 7:7

21 Proverbs 16:3 22 1 Corinthians 15:20 23 Hebrews 10:33 24 Proverbs 3:9-10 25 Matthew 5:16 26 1 Thessalonians 5:11 27 Luke 12:13-21 28 James 1:27 29 2 Corinthians 9:7 30 Luke 6:38 31 Matthew 16:26 Good Morning, Lord! Today's a new day, a chance for a new start. Yesterday is gone and with it an regrets, mistakes, or failures I may have experienced. It's a good day to be glad and give thanks, and I do, Lord. Thank you for today, a new opportunity to love, give and be all that you want me to be. Amen -Rebecca Barlow Jordan

14

Fri

6

Thu

5 8:30amCoffee w/ClergyCaribou 1pmHardangerMPR 4:45pmFood Ministry Drive UpSL

13

12 8:30amCoffee w/ClergyCaribou 1pmHardangerMPR 4:45pmFood Ministry Drive UpSL

21

20

19 8:30amCoffee w/ClergyCaribou 1pmHardangerMPR 4:45pmFood Ministry Drive UpSL

Wed

4 8amPrayer GroupPR 8:30amFLCW BoardP 9:30amBible StudyMPR No Evening Meal 5:15pmGift Shop Open 6:30pmWorship

11 8amPrayer GroupPR 9:30amBible StudyMPR 1pmFLCW General Mtg.BH 3:30pmFusionBH,SSR,MPR 5:15pmGift Shop Open 5:30pmEvening MealBH 6:30pmWorship w/Comm. 6:30pmConfirmationBH 7:15pmAdult Ed. Class

18 8amPrayer GroupPR 9:30amBible StudyMPR 3:30pmFusionBH,SSR,MPR 5:15pmGift Shop Open 5:30pmEvening MealBH 6:30pmWorship 6:30pmConfirmationBH 7:15pmAdult Ed. Class

Tue

3 8amQuiltersMPR & BH 9:30amStaff MeetingP 1pmWorship CountersP 5pmBell ChoirBL 6pmWorship & M.BH

Mon

2 Office & Building Closed

10 8amQuiltersMPR & BH 9:30amStaff MeetingP 5pmBell ChoirBL

9 9amParish HealthL 10:30amMutual Min.P 1pmWorship CountersP 1pmHistory TeamL

17 8amQuiltersMPR & BH 9:30amStaff MeetingP 11:30Friends @ FirstBH 5pmBell ChoirBL

16 1pmWorship CountersP 6:30pmCouncilMPR

Sun

1 10amWorship w/Comm.S 10amPeace & Power on ABC6 10amKATE Radio1450AM

8 8amWorshipS 9amThe Perfect Gift Shoppe open 9:15amAdult Education 10amPeace & Power on ABC6 10:30amKATE Radio1450AM 10:30amWorshipS

15 8amWorship w/Comm.S 9amThe Perfect Gift Shoppe open 9:15amCongregation MeetingS 10amPeace & Power on ABC6 10:30amKATE Radio1450AM 10:30amWorship w/Comm.S

27

26 8:30amCoffee w/ClergyCaribou 1pmHardangerMPR 4:45pmFood Ministry Drive UpSL

BH=Bethany Hall P=Parlor S=Sanctuary L=Library MPR=MultiPurpose Room CRChoir Room FR=Fusion Room PR= Prayer Room BL=Bell Loft

25 8amPrayer GroupPR 9:30amBible StudyMPR 1pmMessenger CrewP 3:30pmFusionBH,SSR,MPR 5pmCircle 6P 5:15pmGift Shop Open 5:30pmEvening MealBH 6:30pmWorship w/Comm. 6:30pmConfirmationBH 7:15pmAdult Ed. Class

24 8amQuiltersMPR & BH 9:30amStaff MeetingP 5pmBell ChoirBL

23 1pmWorship CountersP

22 8amWorshipS 9amThe Perfect Gift Shoppe open 9:15amAdult Education 10amPeace & Power on ABC6 10:30amKATE Radio1450AM 10:30amWorshipS

31 8amQuiltersMPR & BH 9:30amStaff MeetingP 5pmBell ChoirBL

30 1pmWorship CountersP

28 29 8amWorshipS 9amThe Perfect Gift Shoppe open 9:15amAdult Education 10amPeace & Power on ABC6 10:30amKATE Radio1450AM 10:30amWorshipS

A big thank you to all of the customers and volunteers that helped make The Perfect Gift Shop a success in 2022! Remember, 100% of profits go towards local missions.

Hours are Sundays 9:00am to 10:30am and Wednesdays 5:15pm to 7:15pm. Check

Memorials, Honors, & Special Gifts

PEACE & POWER

In Memory of:

Andy Dyrdal given by Friends & Family, Deloris Fligge,

Lyle Boelter given by Friends & Family

Jan Doyle given by Richard & Mary Diggins

Eugene Hagen given by Paddy Hoium & Rollie Twito

Dick Kary given by John & Barb Cliff

Matt Kleinschrodt given by Cousin Jane Maiden

Steve A Myre given by Tom & Karen Hovde

Charles “Chuck” Nesse given by Larry & Cheryl Beavens, Rhodette Groe, Mary Peterson, Donna Henrikson, Deloris Fligge, Helen Lovik

Dennis Overland given by Friends & Family

Marcia Peterson, Sandy Godtland and Kathy

Vokoun given by Bill & Judy Stilley

Jerry Rollie given by Family & Friends

Norman Soland given by brother & sister-in-law Eugene & Wanda Soland

Allan Stensrud given by Mark & Judy Langrud

Darlene Trytten given by Ann Hanson

Parents, Family Members & Loved Ones given by Dick & Elaine Rooney

Bud Tufte given by Connie Tufte, Friends& Family

Bernerd Walter given by Candance Jorgenson

Joy White given by Wayne & Carol Hedalen, Helen Lovik, Lorraine Bakken, John & Gayle Jurik, Brad & Nancy Vangen, Rosemary Vangen, Wanda Probst, Marcia Habben, Bonnie Trampel

In Honor of:

Members of the FLC Choir & Handbell Choir given by Anne Marie Harshbarger

Maxine Hanson’s 100th Birthday given by Dennis & Janice Brandt

Helen Lovik given by Larry & Janice Lestrud

Gifts Given By:

Bear Lake Women of the Church, Nordean Fox, Kevin & Martha Kenne, Carol Evenson, Lavonne Emmons, Sonja Cook, Boyd & Bonnie Grabau, Deacon Douglas Spiotta, Arliss Cerny, Rosalyn Lyle, Rosemary Colstrup, West St. Olaf WELCA, Ruth Circle of Bear Lake Church, Marilyn Busch,

Round Prairie Lutheran Church Women, North Blue Earth Lutheran Church, Red Oak Grove Lutheran WELCA, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church Women, Oakland WELCA, James & Beverly Gorder, Roger & Patricia Bekaert, Phyllis Ulland, Larhee Mathison, Ila Breck

BACKPACK PROGRAM

In Memory of: Ardella Attig given by Paddy Hoium

Gifts Given By: Marsha Habben, John & Sharon Buley, Dennis & Carol Colstrup

BLESSING PROJECT

Gifts Given By: Jackie & Wayne Sletten

FOOD MINISTRY

Gifts Given By: Dennis & Carol Colstrup, Carol Olson

GENERAL FUND

In Memory of: Lyle Hanson given by family

In Honor of: Janice & Larry Lestrud given by Marlin Schenk

Gifts Given By: Donald & Mary Ann Bartz

HALVORSON PLAYGROUND

Gifts Given By: Larry & Janice Lestrud, Jan Overgaard

ROOF FUND

Gifts Given By: Dennis & Carol Colstrup, Steve Nesse, Larry & Janice Lestrud