January 2023

January 2023 Volume LXXIII No. 1

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

Pictures from our Youth Christmas Programs

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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 The Council did not meet in December due to the weather

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

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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

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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.

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Women’s Ministry (FLCW)

January Meeting Wednesday, January 11 1:15pm Bethany Hall Program: FLC Bells with Lilah Aas

February Meeting Wednesday, February 8 12:00pm Bethany Hall Program:Valentine Get-Together Light Lunch bring an Hors d’Oeuvres to share Readings & Activities: Sheri Nicol

Caring and Sharing January 2023 Chair: Bonnie Anderson Marge LaFrance Workers: Denise Elseth Deloris Fligge Jane Friedman Bev Grotsun

Mary Ellen Johnson Edith Langsev Michele Nelson

Join Altar Guild.

We are looking for new members.

Please come to the meeting or call Debbie Pilgrim 377-1544.

507-402-4051 507-383-5753 Cakes: Rebecca Anderson Jillian Barnick Amy Casterton Carol Farris Heidi Fjermestad Cindy Gandrud

Susan Gregerson Candy Herman Robin Kelly Denise Knutson Jennifer Levisen Sue Runden

Tuesday, January 17 11:30am in Bethany Hall Cost: $6 Menu: Swedish Meatballs, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Roll & Butter, Dessert

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Prayer Ministry Daily Scripture Verses from the Sharing the Faith Team

Theme for January: Giving and Receiving with Equal Joy

We continue to celebrate the birth of Our Savior, count the blessings we have received, and joyously look forward to the year before us as the church. God is good, all the time, and He continues to bless us and move us forward to new and exciting plans He has for us. May we seek His guidance and continue to seek to welcome all people and serve and love each other through the years ahead. Love came down at Christmas. To quote Bob Goff, "Love Does."

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Matthew 6:19-24 Proverbs 3:5 Romans 12:5-8 2 Chronicles 31:5 John 13:34 1 Peter 4:10-11 Galatians 6:2 Malachi 3:10 James 1:17-18 2 Corinthians 9:15

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

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

21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Proverbs 16:3 1 Corinthians 15:20 Hebrews 10:33 Proverbs 3:9-10 Matthew 5:16 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Luke 12:13-21 James 1:27 2 Corinthians 9:7 Luke 6:38 Matthew 16:26

Prayer for the month 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

FLC Prayer Ministry

Want prayer for yourself or others?

Call Jo, 763-257-9018 or Julia, 373-9594.

Prayers are kept confidential.

Prayer List

Our prayers are requested for healing and wholeness for: Barb Callahan, Jaya Fever, Joyce Fredin, Margaret Hagen, Cora Hall, Laurie Lenz, Pauline Kohnke Nelson, Wyatt Paulson, Mollie Tolic, Mae Twito, Jenny, John, Julie, Pam, and Sheila.

Our continued prayers are requested for healing and wholeness for:

Sharon Buley, Mike & Mary Ann Christian, James Hansen, Les Harmon, Gregg Hatleli, Bob Herman, Russ Heys, Nancy Jenson, Phil Koppelman, Gary Laite, Khan Mut, Wanda Soland, Pam Stern, and their spouses, families, and caregivers.

9:15am-Adult Education 10am-Peace & Power on ABC6 10:30am-KATE Radio-1450AM 10:30am-Worship-S

9am-The Perfect Gift Shoppe open

29 8am-Worship-S

9:15am-Adult Education 10am-Peace & Power on ABC6 10:30am-KATE Radio-1450AM 10:30am-Worship-S

9am-The Perfect Gift Shoppe open

22 8am-Worship-S

9:15am-Congregation Meeting-S 10am-Peace & Power on ABC6 10:30am-KATE Radio-1450AM 10:30am-Worship w/Comm.-S

9am-The Perfect Gift Shoppe open

15 8am-Worship w/Comm.-S

9:15am-Adult Education 10am-Peace & Power on ABC6 10:30am-KATE Radio-1450AM 10:30am-Worship-S

9am-The Perfect Gift Shoppe open

8 8am-Worship-S

1 10am-Worship w/Comm.-S 10am-Peace & Power on ABC6 10am-KATE Radio-1450AM

Sun

30 1pm-Worship Counters-P

23 1pm-Worship Counters-P

16 1pm-Worship Counters-P 6:30pm-Council-MPR

9 9am-Parish Health-L 10:30am-Mutual Min.-P 1pm-Worship Counters-P 1pm-History Team-L

Office & Building Closed

2

Mon

31 8am-Quilters-MPR & BH 9:30am-Staff Meeting-P 5pm-Bell Choir-BL

24 8am-Quilters-MPR & BH 9:30am-Staff Meeting-P 5pm-Bell Choir-BL

17 8am-Quilters-MPR & BH 9:30am-Staff Meeting-P 11:30-Friends@First-BH 5pm-Bell Choir-BL

10 8am-Quilters-MPR & BH 9:30am-Staff Meeting-P 5pm-Bell Choir-BL

3 8am-Quilters-MPR & BH 9:30am-Staff Meeting-P 1pm-Worship Counters-P 5pm-Bell Choir-BL 6pm-Worship & M.-BH

Tue

Thu

27

20

13

6

Fri

28

21

14

7

Sat

PR= Prayer Room BL=Bell Loft

CR-Choir Room FR=Fusion Room

L=Library MPR=Multi-Purpose Room

BH=Bethany Hall P=Parlor S=Sanctuary

1pm-Hardanger-MPR 4:45pm-Food Ministry Drive Up-SL

8:30am-Coffee w/Clergy -Caribou

26

1pm-Hardanger-MPR 4:45pm-Food Ministry Drive Up-SL

8:30am-Coffee w/Clergy -Caribou

19

1pm-Hardanger-MPR 4:45pm-Food Ministry Drive Up-SL

8:30am-Coffee w/Clergy -Caribou

12

1pm-Hardanger-MPR 4:45pm-Food Ministry Drive Up-SL

8:30am-Coffee w/Clergy -Caribou

5

January

25 8am-Prayer Group-PR 9:30am-Bible Study-MPR 1pm-Messenger Crew-P 3:30pm-Fusion-BH,SSR,MPR 5pm-Circle 6-P 5:15pm-Gift Shop Open 5:30pm-Evening Meal-BH 6:30pm-Worship w/Comm.

6:30pm-Confirmation-BH 7:15pm-Adult Ed. Class

18 8am-Prayer Group-PR 9:30am-Bible Study-MPR 3:30pm-Fusion-BH,SSR,MPR 5:15pm-Gift Shop Open 5:30pm-Evening Meal-BH 6:30pm-Worship 6:30pm-Confirmation-BH 7:15pm-Adult Ed. Class

11 8am-Prayer Group-PR 9:30am-Bible Study-MPR 1pm-FLCW General Mtg.-BH 3:30pm-Fusion-BH,SSR,MPR 5:15pm-Gift Shop Open 5:30pm-Evening Meal-BH 6:30pm-Worship w/Comm.

6:30pm-Confirmation-BH 7:15pm-Adult Ed. Class

4 8am-Prayer Group-PR 8:30am-FLCW Board-P 9:30am-Bible Study-MPR No Evening Meal 5:15pm-Gift Shop Open 6:30pm-Worship

Wed

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The Perfect Gift Shop

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.

Check out the new window decal!

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

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The Special Outreach Cause Offering for the month of January is

The Food Ministry Program Special offering envelopes will be available from the ushers at all church services. Please make checks payable to FLC.

November 2022 Giving

$54,347.22

Expenses

$56,178.72

Year to date Giving vs.

Expense

Giving vs.

Expenses

$-1,831.50

$-20,205.17

Broadcast Ministries Year to date Income

$73,535.25

Year to date Expense

$76,172.06

FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH OFFICE: Phone (507) 373-6424 E-mail: firstoffice@flcal.org Mailing address: 301 W. Clark St., Albert Lea, MN 56007 Web site–www.flcal.org FIRST LUTHERAN MESSENGER (USPS196-560)

Year to date Giving vs.

Expense

$-2,636.81

PASTORAL STAFF e-mails and emergency telephone numbers:

Pastor Roger Fears - roger@flcal.org (Cell—(320) 297-1251) Pastor Joy Knoppel - joy@flcal.org (Cell—(612) 462-6836) Periodicals postage paid at

Published by First Lutheran Church (Monthly) Albert Lea, Minnesota 56007 301 West Clark Street, Albert Lea, MN Subscription price $1.00 per year (Postmaster send address correction to 301 W. Clark St, Albert Lea, MN 56007)

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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

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Pictures from Advent by Candlelight

Recent Baptisms

Hadleigh Larson was baptized on December 14 Pastoral Records: Baptisms, Weddings, Deaths, Funerals, Memorial Services

Baptisms Hadleigh Larson—12/14 Rainor Olson—12/18

Funerals Chuck Nesse—11/30 Joy White—12/5 Barbara Fraley—12/9

Rainor Olson was baptized on December 18 Office Monday — Thursday 9:00AM-3:00PM FRIDAY & SATURDAY CLOSED Sunday Building Hours—7AM-12 noon [Other times by special arrangement] s

These hours allow the office staff to be in the office and have time to work on special projects and events with fewer distractions. If you need to come in outside of normal office hours, please call for an appointment.

Building

Monday - Thursday 8:00AM-5:00PM Tues. & Wed. 5:00-8:00PM If there are meetings scheduled

Regular Worship Schedule Sundays 8:00am & 10:30am - In-person Worship and live streamed on our Facebook page 10:00am - Peace & Power broadcast on KAAL-TV ABC6 10:30am - Live broadcast on KATE Radio 1450 AM

Stay connected with us: Website

Facebook

Wednesdays 6:30pm - In-person Worship and live streamed on our Facebook page Instagram Anytime: Access the video of our worship services at www.flcal.org.

flcal.org @FLCalbertlea @flcalbertlea First Lutheran Church Albert Lea

Vimeo

THE MISSION OF FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH IS TO GATHER, EQUIP, AND EMPOWER PEOPLE TO JOYFULLY DO CHRIST’S WORK. First Lutheran Church 301 W Clark St. Albert Lea, MN 56007

Periodicals Postage Paid at Albert Lea, MN 56007

Sunday Worship Broadcasts 10:00am - Peace & Power on ABC 6 10:30am - Live broadcast on KATE Radio 1450

[Address label here]

Have you moved? Phone number changed? Please email Kara (kara@flcal.org) your updated info.