March 2022

March 2022 Volume LXXII No. 3

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During Lent this year, we will begin learning a new ELW liturgy setting for Sunday worship at both 8am and 10am! Setting 10 is one of Tyler’s favorites from Evangelical Lutheran Worship, because it takes hymn tunes you probably already know and pairs them with texts for all the parts of our Lutheran liturgy. Beginning on Sunday, March 6, we will start with three new portions of this setting, and come Easter, we will add some more to what we have already learned.

Nervous about trying something new? Don’t worry! The FLC Choir will be sitting among the congregation in the sanctuary on our first day of this new setting to help us learn these beautiful tunes.

Council Minutes will be available on the first Tuesday of the month in the eNewsletter or you can request a hard copy in the church office.

If you would like to join our email list to receive the eNewsletter please let Jordan know - jordan@flcal.org

We have a few council positions open.

If you are interested in being appointed to one of our open council positions, please notify the Church office at 507-373-6424 or a current council member.

Easter Flowers Information coming soon about ordering Easter flowers to decorate our Sanctuary for Easter.

No Fusion or Confirmation on March 16, 2022

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A few words from Pastor Roger There is a well-known hymn that was written about 250 years ago called, “Blest Be the Tie That Binds.” The first and last verses go like this: 1) Blest be the tie that binds, our hearts in Christian love; the unity of heart and mind is like to that above.

4) From sorrow, toil, and pain, and sin we shall be free; and perfect love and friendship reign through all eternity.

Over the years, it has been sung innumerable times and is a favorite hymn for weddings. It speaks to this deep connection that develops between people of faith. This hymn by John Fawcett testifies to the beauty of unity that exists when we understand that the faith that unifies us is stronger than anything that can divide us.

That reminder is a breath of fresh air to our souls. Our world is full of many different labels that try to divide us and pull us apart. Just a few examples of labels include young and old, rich and poor, liberal and conservative, or black and white. The labels that we attempt to apply will never be as powerful as God’s ability to knit us together into the body of Jesus.

The faith that holds us together must be stronger than any of the differences between us.

The past few weeks have been marked by several funerals for our congregation. It may sound counterintuitive, but amid the planning and preparing for these services I was reminded of how my ties to you and your ties to me grow each day. The more we experience life together, the more our ties are blest.

I am incredibly happy to be your pastor. I am proud of all the work you put into being a community that builds each other up. Over the past eight months together we have treasured traditional ways of being the church, and we are always exploring new ways of being the church.

Thank you for who you are and what you do. God calls you beloved child, and I call you family.

Shalom, Pastor Roger Fears

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Friends at First will not meet in March.

We will resume meeting in April.

Women’s Ministry Card Making Workshop th on February 12 in Bethany Hall

From Parish Health & Wellness Ministry Team According to the Preventblindness.org (n.d.), March has been declared as Workplace Eye Wellness Month. When thinking about eye wellness, we often think about the importance of preventing eye injuries, diseases affecting the eye (cataracts, macular degeneration, etc.), and the need to protect our eyes from ultraviolet (UV) light. However, another eye concern has become prevalent in the past decade—screen time. From the youngest to the oldest, the use of screens (via computers, phones, iPad, etc.) has become widespread within our work, academic and personal lives. In February 2019, Scripps reported that adults spent 11 hours a day staring at some kind of screen. During COVID the amount of screen time significantly increased. The use of screens has been how employees worked (telecommuting); students have been taught (remote learning); how we socialized (Facetime, Zoom); and how we spent our personal time (computer games, electronic books, etc.).

There are numerous negative effects of too much screen time. These include, but are not limited to, eye strain, headaches, insomnia, social media addiction, neck and shoulder pain, sedentary lifestyle health concerns (e.g. heart disease, obesity, etc.).

It is important to take breaks from the screen and to set limits for yourself and your family members (particularly young children). During these breaks engage in physical activity, conversation with a loved one or friend, or a fun activity.

The use of screens is now an integral part of our lives, but it is important to manage this time .

Now I am going for a walk!

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Women’s Ministry (FLCW) Caring and Sharing - March 2022 Chair: Deloris Fligge Sheri Nicol Workers: Dorothy Blom Lois Cole Barbara Heavner Barb Lang

Sherry Nyman Mary Peterson Nancy Sorlie Judy Worth

507-383-3143 319-350-1182 Cakes: Rachel Alberts Dawn Barnick Shelly Beaver Jill Clarambeau Laura Davis Bonnie Fletcher

March Program Wednesday, March 9, 2022 1:15 p.m. in Bethany Hall Program: Are you Ready for Spring? with Linda Hacker

Shari Fligge Virginia Larson Peggy Rahn Arline Richter Dawn Rozinka Pam Stern Joee Winter

April Introduction to Book Clubs

Altar Guild is looking for more members to join us.

Do you wonder who puts out the flowers for holidays, adds water to the font for baptisms, or prepares for communion?

Come experience this fulfilling and rewarding service to the church. Please contact the church office for more information on how to join.

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 PASTORAL STAFF e-mails and emergency telephone numbers:

Pastor Roger Fears - roger@flcal.org (Cell—(320) 297-1251)

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Prayer Ministry Daily Scripture Verses from the Sharing the Faith Team

Theme for March– A Season of Reflection

Ash Wednesday is March 2nd and brings us into a season where we consider and reflect.

Some give up something they will really miss to celebrate Lent. Many spend more time reflecting on their faith and behavior through the last year. We celebrated the birth of our Beloved Savior and now we watch as He gives up his life, accepts the shame of our sin, and dies that we might live. He paid a debt He didn't owe; He died so that we all may be brothers and sisters in HIM!

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

1 Peter 5:6 Matthew 6: 16-18 Joel 2: 12-13 Isaiah 58: 6-7 1 Timothy 4: 1-5 Colossians 2: 16-17 Matthew 4: 25 Mark 1: 15 Isaiah 43: 25 1 Peter 1: 3

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Genesis 3: 19 Acts 15: 9 Daniel 9: 3 Luke 13: 3 Matthew 9: 15 Ezekiel 18: 21 Acts 26: 20 John 17: 17 2 Corinthians 6: 2 Mark 7: 7-9

21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

John 1: 1 Luke 6: 12-15 John 3: 16-19 Matthew 28:20 2 Timothy 3: 16 Acts 1: 3 Matthew 16: 24 Isaiah 54: 17 Joel 2: 1-2 Romans 1: 16-17 1 Corinthians 15: 20-21

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: Aurora Everding, Les Harmon, Paddy Hoium, George Jensen, Pauline Kohnke Nelson, Darlene Peterson, Pam Stern, Mollie Tolic, Jenny, and Julie.

Our Continued Prayers are requested for healing and wholeness for:

Mike & Mary Ann Christian, Dick Doeden Jim Hansen, Ann Hanson, Greg Hatleli, Nancy Jenson, Phil Koppelman, Gary Laite, Marilyn Moe, Khan Mut, Larry Peterson, Vern Rasmussen, Wanda Soland, Jean Stearns and their spouses, families & caregivers.

1 pm-Worship Counters-P 8 am-Quilters-MPR & BH 9:30 am-Staff Meeting-P 5 pm-Handbell Rehearsal

8 am-Traditional Worship-S

10 am-Worship-S 10 am-Peace & Power on ABC6 10 am-KATE Radio-1450AM

9am-11:30-The Perfect Gift Shoppe open

30 8 am-Prayer Group-PR

28

27

29

9:30 am-Bible Study-MPR 11 am-Lenten Lunch-BH 12:30 pm-Lenten Worship-C 1 pm-TOPS Group-SSR 3:30 pm-Fusion-BH, SSR, MPR

9:30 am-Bible Study-MPR 11 am-Lenten Lunch-BH 12:30 pm-Lenten Worship-C 1 pm-Messenger Crew-P 1 pm-TOPS Group-SSR

8 am-Traditional Worship w/Comm. -S 1 pm-Worship Counters-P 8 am-Quilters-MPR & BH 9am-11:30-The Perfect Gift Shoppe open 6:30 pm-Church Council-P 9:30 am-Staff Meeting-P 10 am-Worship w/Comm. -S 5 pm-Handbell Rehearsal 10 am-Peace & Power on ABC6 10 am-KATE Radio-1450AM

22

5:15pm-Gift Shop Open 5:15pm-Wed. Evening Meal 6:30 pm-Worship-S 7 pm-Confirmation-BH 7:15 pm-Choir Rehearsal-S

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

31

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

25 26

24

23 8 am-Prayer Group-PR

21

20

3:30 pm-Fusion-BH, SSR, MPR 5:15pm-Gift Shop Open 5:15pm-Wed. Evening Meal 6:30 pm-Worship w/Comm.-S 7 pm-Confirmation-BH 7:15 pm-Choir Rehearsal-S

9:30 am-Bible Study-MPR 11 am-Lenten Lunch-BH 12:30 pm-Lenten Worship-C 1 pm-TOPS Group-SSR

15

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

5:15pm-Gift Shop Open 17 18 19 6:30 pm-Worship Service-S 1 pm-Hardanger-MPR 7:15 pm-Choir Rehearsal-S 4:45 pm-Food Ministry No Fusion or Confirmation Drive Up-SL

11 12

5

16 8 am-Prayer Group-PR

10

4

8 am-Traditional Worship-S 1 pm-Worship Counters-P 8 am-Quilters-MPR & BH 9am-11:30-The Perfect Gift Shoppe open 9 am-Circle 4-P 10 am-Worship-S 9:30 am-Staff Meeting-L 10 am-Peace & Power on ABC6 1:30 pm-Circle 12-P 10 am-KATE Radio-1450AM 5 pm-Handbell Rehearsal

3:30 pm-Fusion-BH, SSR, MPR 5:15pm-Gift Shop Open 5:15pm-Wed. Evening Meal 6:30 pm-Lent Worship w/Comm.-S 7 pm-Confirmation-BH 7:15 pm-Choir Rehearsal-S

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

3

Fri Sat

14

9 8 am-Prayer Group-PR

1 pm-TOPS Group-SSR 3:30 pm-Fusion-BH, SSR, MPR 5:15pm-Gift Shop Open 5:15pm-Wed. Evening Meal 6:30 pm-Ash Wed. Worship w/Comm.-S

Thu

13

8

8:30 am-FLCW Board-P 9:30 am-Bible Study-MPR 11 am Ash Wed. Lunch-BH 12:30 pm-Ash Wed. Worship w/Comm.-C

2 8 am-Prayer Group-PR

Wed

9:30 am-Bible Study-MPR 11 am-Mutual Ministry-P 11 am-Lenten Lunch-BH 12:30 pm-Lenten Worship-C 1 pm-FLCW General Meeting-BH 1 pm-TOPS Group-SSR

7

L=Library SL=South Lot

MPR=Multi-Purpose Room S=Sanctuary

BH=Bethany Hall P =Parlor C= Chapel

8 am-Quilters-MPR & BH 9:30 am-Staff Meeting-P 11 am-Spirit of Giving-P 5 pm-Handbell Rehearsal 6 pm-WMA Team-BH 6:30 pm-Social Min.-MPR

1

Tue

8 am-Traditional Worship w/Comm. -S 1 pm-Worship Counters-P 8 am-Quilters-MPR & BH 9am-11:30-The Perfect Gift Shoppe open 9:30 am-Staff Meeting-P 10 am-Worship w/Comm. -S 5 pm-Handbell Rehearsal 10 am-Peace & Power on ABC6 10 am-KATE Radio-1450AM

6

Mon

March

Sun

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Wednesday Lenten Lunch Menu March 2: Lasagna, Salad, Garlic Toast, & Bars

March 23: Chicken Wild Rice Soup, Spam/Egg Salad Spread, & Bars

March 9: Chili, Cornbread, & Bars

March 30: Veggie Beef Soup, Cheese & Egg Salad Sandwiches, Bars

March 16: Scalloped Potatoes & Ham, Bun, & Pistachio Salad

April 6: Beef Stew, Baking Powder Biscuits, Ice Cream

Wednesday Evening Meal Menu March 2: Lasagna, Salad, Garlic Toast, Cookies, & Bars March 9: BBQ Riblet on a Hoagie, Chips, & Jello March 16: No Evening Meal

March 23: Chicken Wild Rice Soup, Hoagie Sandwich, Apple March 30: Cheesy Potatoes w/Ham, Veggie, Roll, & Pudding

Coffee with Clergy Thursdays 8:30 a.m. at Caribou All are welcome!

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The Special Outreach Cause Offering for the month of March is Noisy Offering for Salvation Army

Noisy Offering for the Salvation Army Special offering envelopes will be available from the ushers at all church services.

Please make checks payable to FLC.

Recent Change First Lutheran Church has a new Fee Schedule and Rental Policy for all non FLC related functions.

If you plan to book an event in 2022 please contact the office to get an updated fee schedule and rental agreement.

HAVE YOU INCLUDED FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH IN YOUR WILL? Over the years, those First Lutheran Church members who have conscientiously included First Lutheran Church in their estate planning have enabled some very important and powerful ministry to happen. Please consider including First Lutheran Church in your estate planning.

You can enable this congregation to serve many more people in the years and generations to come.

Jan. 2022

Giving $47,966.90

Expenses $54,217.17

FIRST LUTHERAN MESSENGER (USPS196-560)

Year to date

Giving vs.

Expenses $-6,250.81

Giving vs.

Expenses $-6,250.81

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 FUND

In Memory of:

Clarence “Wes” Anderson, father of Nancy Brandt given by Arlis Smith Jean Barlough, Mike Johnson’s sister Given by Dwaine, Beth & Tyler Egge Debra Bolinger given by Arlene Lee Paul Buley given by Candance Jorgenson Al “Coach” Christensen given by Bev Grtosun, Glen & LeAnn Juveland, Wayne & Bev Inderlie, Joanne Johnshrud, Thomas Jacobson, Dean & Carolyn Wangen, John & Barb Cliff, Norm & Joyce Fredin, Darlene & Bob Levisen, Anne Marie Harshbarger and family, Ken & Diane Damerow, Don & Judy Kropp, Bill & Ann Satre Marion Drescher given by Friends & Family Alton Flugum given by Lorraine Bakken, Larry & Julia Tonder, Shirley Hansen, Helen Schuck, Janice Cordell, Bill & Ann Satre, Friends & Family Phyllis Fredrickson given by Patricia Bangert Betty Gabrielson given by Darlene Thaisen Diane Gerry given by Merriell Jahnke and Helen Lovik Arlene Levine given by Selma Engebretson, Bill & Ann Satre Loring Olson given by Bill & Satre Paul Overgaard given by Ken & Diane Damerow, Don & Judy Kropp, LaVerne & Shirley Strand, Friends & Family, Bonnie Schneider Pamela Rhiger given by Norris Lovik, Brian Kyllo, Jamie & Nancy Kyllo, Mary Servertson, L. Grace Vee Arlo Wallin given by Darlene Kvam, Brian & Denise Kvam, Brenda & Eric Strenge, Lavonne Schuetz, Bob & Rachel Krier Bill Malepsy, Diane (Galvin) Olson, Gary Bergland, Carol Manuel, Peg Shelton, Charlie Kermes, Barb Guiney given by Bill & Judy Stilley

Gifts Given By: Constance & Paul Thompson, Kenneth Schoneman, Janice Jensen, Suzi Stone,

Dorinda Leutink, Kevin & Martha Kenne, Bear Lake Lutheran Church FOOD MINISTRY In Memory of: Al “Coach” Christensen given by Larry & Janice Tukua, Audrey Christensen, Wayne & Jackie Sletten James Gardner given by Wayne & Jackie Sletten Ken Joachim given by Karen Joachim Paul Overgaard given by Bonnie Trampel Pamela Rhiger given by Larry & Julia Tonder Arlo Wallin given by Ellwood & Janice Tukua

Gifts Given by:

Gerald & Carol Frydenlund, Lorraine Bakken, Marge Moine, JoAnn Palmer, Gloria Hautt, Karen Brand, Larry & Dorinda Leutink FOOD FOR BACKPACKS

In Memory of:

Al “Coach” Christensen given by Alan & Bonnie Bakken Marion Drescher given by Family and Friends Ken Joachim given by Karen Joachim

Gifts Given By: Lilah Aas

BILL HAMMER SCHOLARSHIO

In Memory of:

Diane Olson given by Larry & Cheryl Beavens Mike Johnson given by Larry & Cheryl Beavens Barb Guiney given by Larry & Cheryl Beavens NAMI

In Memory of:

Paul Buley given Diane Olson KIM (OLSON GODDARD SCHOLARSHIP

In Memory of: Al “Coach” Christensen given by Carol Olson Paul Overgaard given by Carol Olson ROOF FUND

In Memory of:

Paul Buley given by Donna Henrikson Al “Coach” Christensen given by Paddy Hoium George & Cora Runden given by Bill & Judy Stilley Ellsworth & Laura Runden given by Bill & Judy Stilley Paul Overgaard given by Donna Henrikson

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If you or someone you know would like to visit with the Pastors, please contact the church office.

Tech Team Volunteers

Interested in helping out with our audio, video, & PowerPoint for worship on Sundays and Wednesdays?

Contact Jordan—jordan@flcal.org or (507)373-6424

Pastoral Records: Baptisms, Weddings, Deaths, Funerals, Memorial Services Funerals Al “Coach” Christensen, 2/3 Paul Buley, 2/11 Paul Overgaard, 2/15 Office Monday — Thursday 9:00 AM-3:00 PM FRIDAY & SATURDAY CLOSED Sunday Building Hours—7 AM—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 8:00 AM-5:00 PM Tues. & Wed. 5:00-8:00 PM If there are meetings scheduled

Regular Worship Schedule Sundays 8:00 & 10:00 am - In-person Worship 10:00 am - Peace & Power broadcast on KAAL-TV ABC6 10:00 am—Live broadcast on KATE Radio 1450 AM Wednesdays 6:30 pm - In-person Worship (also live streamed on our Facebook page) Anytime: Access the video of our worship services at www.flcal.org.

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 10:00 a.m. - Peace & Power on ABC6 10:00 a.m. - Live broadcast on KATE Radio 1450

[Address label here]

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