March 2023

Happenings

Church Picture Directory

Council Talking Points

• A congregational meeting will be held on May 7th at 9:15 in the Sanctuary. This meeting will be solely for the purpose of electing officers . Please save the date.

• The Review committee has conducted their review for 2022 and their report was given to the council. They have found the books and records of the church to be accurate in all respects.

• The 10:30 service on Sunday mornings has shifted to be a full contemporary service. If you have not checked it out, please do!

• The council continues to work with Emily Carson from the SYNOD on Visioning and planning. They are working toward setting goals and visions for the next 5 and 10 years and laying out a plan on how the congregation will get there.

Music Notes

Welcome to March! Lent has begun and schedules are filling in as we journey and reflect on Christ’s teachings and suffering as we approach Easter.

Our faithful choir has rallied to share music with all of you as we make our Lenten journey. We have begun rehearsing a cantata with First Presbyterian’s choir that will be presented on Palm Sunday (April 2nd) at both churches: 8 am at First Lutheran, and 10:30 am at First Presbyterian. The cantata, entitled, “Share the Good News – He Is Risen!” follows the story of Christ’s passion beginning with Palm Sunday, moving through the events of Holy Week to His glorious resurrection on Easter. The call continues for us ALL to share the good news that Christ has risen from the dead and His victory is our victory. Feel free to join us on Palm Sunday at either church for this special musical experience.

• The children at Fusion will be preparing music to be shared at the Wednesday, March 29th service at 6:30 pm, where the service will celebrate the events of Palm Sunday and Holy week.

• Rachel Christensen has offered to bring her harp music for a time of contemplation during Holy Week. Watch for date and time for this. Rachel will also share her music with us on Maundy Thursday.

May God bless your Lenten journey, keep you safe and healthy, and meet you wherever you are today and always.

Rebekah Sousa, your Music Coordinator

P.S. – We are missing a choir robe. It should have the number 19 written on the label at the back of the neck. If you happen to see this somewhere it does not belong, please let me know or bring it to my office. Thank you!!!

A few words from Pastor Roger

Greetings siblings in Christ!

We find ourselves in the heart of the season of Lent. This is an opportune time to cover some of the reasons and ways that we observe the Lenten season. So, we will start with the most obvious:

What is Lent? Lent is the forty days (excluding Sundays) that culminate in Easter Sunday. It is a time of solemn reflection on our lives and on the life of Jesus. We remember the ways that Jesus has joined his life to ours as we move toward his death on the cross (Good Friday) and ultimately his resurrection from the dead (Easter).

Why are the church banners and the pastors’ stoles purple during Lent? This is an interesting one that is rooted in history. Two thousand years ago, purple was not a common color. It was very expensive and rare to have a garment dyed purple. Therefore it became a color associated with royalty, because they were a few of the people that could afford it. When Jesus is crucified, the Roman soldiers put a purple robe and a crown of thorns on Jesus (Mark 15:17). It was a way of mocking Jesus. They did not realize that he really is the king of creation. We wear purple and decorate with purple in solidarity with our king.

Am I supposed to give up something for Lent? We have heard this over the years, but truthfully this is a question to ask yourself. As we reflect on our lives and faith during the season of Lent, we may discover that there is something in our lives that comes between us and God. The six week season of Lent is the perfect time to consider giving up anything that has been intruding on your relationship with God. It is up to you to consider what that might be and how to change it.

Those are just a few of the Lent basics. We encourage you to join us for worship during this deeply meaningful time as we journey together to the cross of Jesus.

Peace, Pastor Roger Fears

Council Corner with Diane Damerow

Tell us a little bit about who makes up your family. I have been married to my husband Ken for 50 years. I moved to Albert Lea for my job with the University of Minnesota Extension Service after graduation and never left! We have two sons Brett and Chad. Brett is married to Siri; they live and teach in Litchfield MN. They have three wonderful children, Tayah (14), Tate (10) and Tenley (5). Chad is married to Sarah; they live and teach in Fridley.

What do you love about First Lutheran Church?

I love the friendliness and caring of our church family. The rich history of First Lutheran Church, the beautiful worship space combined with the exciting growth of the last years has created a new energy that is contagious.

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

I am so excited to see our very capable staff as well as the Congregation Council, the Ministry Teams and all of the volunteers implementing new programming to meet the needs of our ever changing church family. I am excited to see what God’s plan is for our congregation.

Staff Spotlight with Pastor Joy

Job Title Pastor

Brief overview of your position?

1 Corinthians 12:12-27

What’s a fun fact not many people know?

I have climbed a 14er (a mountain that is 14,000ft in elevation).

What’s the last book you read?

I often read the book

“Click, Clack, Moo Cows that Type.”

What is your favorite hobby?

I don’t have just one favorite hobby I have many! A few include hanging with my family and friends, being outside, trying new things, traveling, taking photos, and obsessing over my dog and plants.

The first concert you ever attended?

Taylor Swift!!!

The next place on your travel bucket list?

I’d really like to see Greece and Alaska.

Women’s Ministry (FLCW)

March Meeting

Wednesday, March 8th

1:00pm

Bethany Hall

Program: Starting a small business with Angie Moller of Homestead Boutique

April Meeting

Blue Earth River Conference

Saturday,April 29

8am-11:30am

Hosted by WELCA at First Lutheran Church

Albert Lea, MN

Caring and Sharing March 2023

Chair: Deloris Fligge

507-383-3143

Sheri Nicol 319-350-1182

Workers:

Dorothy Blom

Lois Cole

Barbara Heavner

Barb Lang

Mary Peterson

Nancy Sorlie

Judy Worth

Cakes:

Rachel Alberts

Dawn Barnick

Shelly Beaver

Jill Clarambeau

Laura Davis

Bonnie Fletcher

Shari Fligge

Ginny Larson

Peggy Rahn

Arline Richter

Dawn Rozinka

March Meeting

Tuesday, March 28th 6pm

Supper & Work Night

We are looking for new members. Please come to the meeting or call Debbie Pilgrim 377-1544.

Friends at First will not meet in March

We hope you see you at the Lent Luncheons!

Daily Scripture Verses from the Sharing the Faith Team Prayer Ministry

In recognition of March being National Women in history month, we reflect on “the story of Esther saving the Jews”.

1 Esther 1:1-3,9-12

2 Esther 1:15-19

3 Esther 2:5-9

4 Esther 2:10-14

5 Esther 2:15-17

6 Esther 2:20-23

7 Esther 3:1-6

8 Esther 3:8-13

9 Esther 4:3-8

11

12

FLC Prayer Ministry

The Seven Works of Mercy

22 Psalm 146:5-7

23 John 4:14

24 Mark 9:41

25 James 2:13-16

26 2 Samuel 12:1-6

27 Psalm 27:4-6

28 Matthew 4:23-24

29 James 5:14-16

30 Hebrews 10:34, 13:3

31 Genesis 23:1-6

Want prayer for yourself or others?

Call Jo, 763-257-9018 or Julia, 373-9594. Prayers are kept confidential.

Theme for March: Prayer List

Ourprayersarerequestedforhealingandwholenessfor: Barb Callahan, Gary Laite, Laurie Lenz, Pauline Kohnke Nelson, Mollie Tolic, Julie, and Pam.

Ourcontinuedprayersarerequestedforhealingandwholenessfor: Jaya Fever, Joyce Fredin, Margaret Hagen, Les Harmon, Gregg Hatleli, Bob Herman, Nancy Jenson, Wanda Soland, Pam Stern, Jenny, John, Sheila, and their spouses, families, and caregivers.

All FLC graduating seniors are welcome to apply for a number of Scholarships offered through the church. Applications were mailed out in February. If you did not receive the packet or would like more information about the scholarships available, please contact the church office at 373-6424.

All Scholarship applications are due on Monday March 20.

The Perfect Gift Shop

During Lent the gift shop will also be open on Wednesdays during the lunch and noon service, 10:30-12:00

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

Mailing

(Cell

(Cell

Memorials, Honors, & Special Gifts

PEACE & POWER

In Memory of:

David A Breamer given by Bethlyn & David

Breamer

Harold “Bill” Christenson given by Larry & Cheryl Beavens, Gordy & LouJean Nelson, Audrey Christensen, Steve Christenson, Diane

Fugate, Bonnie Trampel, Bonnie Schneider

Jerry Carolus given by Sharon Wakefield, Clarence & Barb Heavner

Joan Meixell given by Bob & Pat Goldman

Chuck Nesse given by Glen & LeAnn Juveland

Larry Otto given by Paddy Hoium & Rollie

Twito

Marilyn Peters given Gordy & LouJean Nelson, Helen Lovik, Deloris Fligge, Jane Maiden, Duane Peterson given by Betty & Family

Nancy Stitz given by Marlin & Karen Johnson

Dick Swenson given by Clarence & Barb

Heavner

Ardis Swenson given by Clarence & Barb

Heavner

Bev Torgerson given by Family & Friends

Gifts Given By:

John & Nancy Sorlie, Lydia Mission Circle

Emmons Lutheran, Larhee Mathison, Dorina

Leutink, Bev Trinka, Bear Lake Lutheran, West

St Olaf Church Benevolence Fund, Dean & Christine Dahle, Kevin “& Martha Kenne, Gordon & Martha Lewis, Deacon Douglas Spiotta, Ila Breck, La Vonne Emmons, Sonja Cook, Margaret Otterson

FOOD MINISTRY

In Memory of:

Harold “Bill” Christenson given by Wayne &”

Jackie Sletten

In Honor of:

My Family given by Helen Lovik

Helen Lovik given by Bev Grotsun

Gifts Given By:

Carol Olson, Donald & Mary Ann Bartz, Lilah

Aas

HAPPINESS ISABLANKET

In Memory of: Bill Neff given by Cheryl Moran

MISSIONS MINISTRY

Gifts Given By: Hazel Senske

ROOF FUND

In Memory of: Judy Moen given by Rosemary Vangen

Bill Neff given by Mary Ellen Johnson

SUNDAY SCHOOL

In Memory of: Loretta Wacholz given by Wanda & Wangness

YOUTH

Gift Given By: Brooks & Angie Drescher

Pastoral Records: Baptisms, Weddings, Deaths, Funerals, Memorial Services

A note from the Parish Health & Wellness Team

March is “National Disabilities Awareness Month.” Since the passage of the American Disability Act (ADA), we have worked to improve our work environments and public spaces to be more accommodating to individuals with disabilities. However, this journey is far from being complete.

In reality, knowing who is experiencing a disability is not easy. Being disabled does not just mean the individual is in need of a wheelchair. According to Cooks-Campbell (2021) of the 42 million Americans living with a disability, 96% are invisible illnesses (e.g. mood disorders, neurological differences, learning disabilities, chronic health conditions, etc.) Furthermore, we are continually learning about the different disabilities and how to best accommodate them. In reality, almost all of us will experience a temporary disability at some point in our lives due to an acute illness or injury (joint replacement, broken bone, cataract surgery, etc.)

As members of FLC, it is important to think about how to be inclusive of all persons in our communities regardless of abilities. As Christians, we are fortunate Christ was the ultimate role model of how to be inclusive and how to interact with each other. Throughout the gospels, Jesus interacted with individuals of all abilities. In each of the interactions, Jesus demonstrates care, concern and compassion and inclusiveness.

FLC is a diverse community of individuals with all different abilities. It is important to embrace this diversity and follow Jesus’ example of demonstrating compassion and inclusiveness.

Cooks-Campbell, A. (2021) Better Up

https://www.betterup.com/blog/differentlyabled#:~:text=There%20is%20nothing%20to%20fix%20because% 20the%20individual%20isn't,step%20towards%20actually%20improving%20it.

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

Wednesdays

6:30pm - In-person Worship and live streamed on our Facebook page

Anytime: Access the video of our worship services at www.flcal.org

Stay

First Lutheran Church Albert Lea

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.