April 2022

April 2022 Volume LXXII No. 4

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Easter Flowers Flowers are available for purchase to help decorate our Sanctuary for Easter.

If interested, please contact the church office.

Lilies - $12 Mums - $18 Tulips - $14

Ordering Deadline is Monday, April 4 For more than 40 years, Peace and Power has remained an important and vital ministry of First Lutheran Church in our mission to bring the Good News to our community. You are wonderful and faithful partners in helping this to happen each and every week. To help keep Peace and Power going strong, we are asking you to consider sponsoring a broadcast either in full or in part. A sponsorship is a great way to celebrate a birthday or anniversary or to honor a loved one. Each Peace and Power broadcast costs $750 to fully sponsor.

Please consider being a part of this life-giving outreach.

Lutheran World Relief Ingathering Saturday, May 14, 2022 7-11am Collecting Quilts, School Kits, Personal Care Kits, Baby Care Kits & Sewing Kits Volunteers to help with the loading process are needed and appreciated!

Last day of Fusion for the school year: Wed. April 27, 2022 We have a few council positions open.

Thank you to those who have volunteered to sit on council.

We are still looking for a few other volunteers.

Please contact the church office at 507-373-6424 or a current council member if interested.

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A few words from Joy “See A Need, Fill A Need” In the movie “Robots” (2005) a young and idealistic Rodney Copperbottom chases his dreams of becoming a famous inventor. I won’t spoil the movie for you, but throughout Rodney’s adventures he is reminded of a piece of advice given to him by his Dad while growing up: “See a need, fill a need!” This phrase stays with him throughout his journey and influences both the way he sees the world and how he interacts with those around him.

I think that this advice is quite pertinent for us today both in the church and in the world. It’s easy for us to ignore the need that is around us, because we are focused on our own lives. For example, I can’t tell you how many times I have ignored a piece of trash on the ground because I didn’t want to carry it or how many times I’ve passed by a homeless person on the side of the road because I didn’t have the time for them. We are busy people in a busy world, but when our own schedules and desires take precedence over the needs of others, I think we need to stop.

Now, I’m not saying that you have to go out and pick up every piece of litter around you (it’s an impossible feat. Trust me, I’ve tried) or help every homeless person you see on the road (help who you can, if you can), but I am saying that maybe we need to slow down. Maybe, we need to remember that it is not an inconvenience to serve those around us, but rather a joy. If the Son of God could take the time to wash his disciples’ feet, then we can take the time to serve those around us (John 13:1-17). This will look different for everyone, but I am going to challenge you this month to look around and see what needs you can fill. Do you see a piece of litter in the sanctuary? Pick it up! Perhaps you see someone who is lost and is looking for some direction, help them out. If you know someone who is lonely and needs a friend, give them a call. I don’t know what this kind of service will look like for you, but I do believe in the power of what you can do. Every Sunday we say the words, “You are done being the church in here. It’s time to be the church out there!” So go out and be the beautiful church that God has called you to be.

Thanks be to God, amen.

Friends at First will not meet in April.

We will resume meeting in May. A huge thank you to the person who found my family ring. Bless you!

- Carol Olson

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From Parish Health & Wellness Ministry Team The Parish Health & Wellness Ministry (PHWM) Team is a newer team at First Lutheran Church although the activities of the team are not new. Our work encompasses the following: • Blood pressure screenings.

• Coordination of communion delivery to our homebound FLC family members.

• Coordination and delivery of our prayer shawl ministry.

• Support to our grieving FLC families.

• Honor FLC families of newborns.

• Education through the distribution of Care Notes and monthly health messages in the Messenger.

• Assist FLC staff in ministering to individuals in need.

• Coordination of visitations to FLC family members who are unable to come to church.

• Support and coordination of FLC prayer ministry.

Our team meets on the second Monday of each month at 9 a.m. in the FLC Library.

We welcome you to join the PHWM team!

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Women’s Ministry (FLCW) Caring and Sharing - April 2022 Chair: Sandy Nesse Bonnie Trampel Workers: Janice Brandt Rachel Christensen Bonnie Fletcher Carol Hedalen Julie Johnson (Sat. only) Paula Juveland

Marge LaFrance Kristin Larson (Sat. only) Sherry Nyman Delores Osmundson Marilyn Sasser

507-373-1674 507-373-1665 Cakes: Joni Cather Doris Hagen Jane Hanson Darcy Hauser Gladys Heys Barb Morfitt Jody Nechanicky

April Introduction to Book Clubs

Coral Ringoen Nancy Royce Marilyn Sasser Pat Schrader Holly Stevens Tamera Wencl

May

Spring Tea

(more info. Coming)

Wednesday, May 11, 2022 1:15 p.m. in Bethany Hall

No General Meeting in April

Altar Guild Work Night & Potluck Tuesday, April 5 6:00 p.m.

Cleaning in the Sanctuary followed by a potluck in Bethany Hall.

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.

Dessert Meeting Tuesday, May 10 7:00 p.m. in Bethany Hall Election of Officers, installing new members & dessert.

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Prayer Ministry Daily Scripture Verses from the Sharing the Faith Team

Theme for April– Holy Week Our April bible readings are thoughts to prepare us for Holy Week, day-to-day passages to remind us of the suffering of our Lord leading up to his crucifixion and resurrection and finally, with his rising we think of the coming of spring as we witness the rebirth of our land.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Psalm 14:1-5 Ephesians 4:29-32 Proverbs 6:16-19 Galatians 6:7-10 1 Timothy 1:15-17 Joel 2:12-14 Luke 6:27-31 Mark 10:32-34 Philippians 2:5-11 John 12:12-16

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

John 2:13-17 John 8:1-11 John 13:18-28 Luke 22:7-22 Luke 23:44-49 Matthew 27:57-66 Matthew 28:1-6 Acts 4:32-35 1 Thess. 4:13-17 1 Cor. 15:1-6

21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Romans 6:1-4 Isiah 42:1-4 Deut. 32:1-4 Hebrews 11:1-3 Psalm 1:1-3 Deut. 11:13-15 Hosea 6:1-3 Isiah 44:1-4 Matthew 6:28-30 2 Cor. 5:16-18

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, Pauline Kohnke Nelson, Darlene Peterson, Pam Stern, Shirley Stundahl, 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, Les Harmon, Greg Hatleli, Bob Herman, Nancy Jenson, Phil Koppelman, Gary Laite, Marilyn Moe, Khan Mut, Larry Peterson, Wanda Soland, Jean Stearns and their spouses, families & caregivers.

20 8 am-Prayer Group-PR

25

24

1 pm-Worship Counters-P 9am-11:30-The Perfect Gift Shoppe open 6:30 pm-Church Council-P 10 am-Worship-S 10 am-Peace & Power on ABC6 10 am-KATE Radio-1450AM

8 am-Traditional Worship-S

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

26

Closed

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

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

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

8 am-Traditional Worship w/Comm. -S Office & Building

19

18

17 Easter Sunday

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

28

27 8 am-Prayer Group-PR

9:30 am-Bible Study-MPR 1 pm-Messenger Crew-P 3:30 pm-Last Day of Fusion 5 pm-Circle 6-P 5:15pm-Gift Shop Open 5:15pm-Wed. Evening Meal 6:30 pm-Worship w/Comm.-S 7 pm-Confirmation-BH 7:15-Choir Rehearsal-S

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

9:30 am-Bible Study-MPR 3:30 pm-Fusion-BH, SSR, MPR 5:15pm-Gift Shop Open 5:15pm-Wed. Evening Meal 6:30 pm-Worship-S 7 pm-Confirmation-BH

21

1 pm-Hardanger-MPR 4:45 pm-Food Ministry Drive Up-SL 7 pm-Maundy Thursday Worship-S

14

1 pm-FLCW General Meeting-BH 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

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

13 8 am-Prayer Group-PR

12

11

10

10 am-Mutual Ministry-P 1 pm-Hardanger-MPR 4:45 pm-Food Ministry Drive Up-SL

7

8:30 am-FLCW Board-P 11 am-Lenten Lunch-BH 12:30 pm-Lenten Worship-C 3:30 pm-Fusion-BH, SSR, MPR 5:15pm-Gift Shop Open 5:15pm-Wed. Evening Meal 6:30 pm-Lent Worship-S 7 pm-Confirmation-BH 7:15 pm-Choir Rehearsal-S

4

6 8 am-Prayer Group-PR

8 am-Quilters-MPR & BH 9:30 am-Staff Meeting-P 5 pm-Handbell Rehearsal 6 pm-WMA Team-BH

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

5

L=Library SL=South Lot SSR=Sunday School Room PR= Prayer Room

Mon Tue Wed Thu BH=Bethany Hall P =Parlor C= Chapel MPR=Multi-Purpose Room S=Sanctuary

3

APRIL

Sun

29

22

7 pm-Good Friday Worship-S

15

8

1

Fri

11 am-Naeve Nurses Alumni Lunch

30

23

16

11 amPhil Peters Celebration of Life Service

9

2

Sat

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Council Talking Points: •

The call committee met with Rev. Barb Streed from the synod and are reviewing the Ministry Site Profile and will be finalizing in the coming weeks. Please stay tuned for more updates.

•

As we wrap up the first year of Fusion, we want to celebrate the success of this new program.

The Congregation Council is so thankful for all of the individuals that have volunteered and put so much effort into the success of this new program; it has truly given a whole new life to our congregation!

•

The bylaws are being prepared in accordance with the new constitution. The congregation council has a few special meetings to review the proposed bylaws. Presentation to the congregation and approval of the bylaws will follow later this year.

Call Committee Update | March 24, 2022 The Call Committee met with the synod’s Call Process Administrator, Rev. Barb Streed, on Monday, March 21, to talk through what is needed to complete our Ministry Site Profile (MSP) and the other phases of the call process. We are fortunate to have the church’s previous MSP to reference as we ensure our current MSP is an accurate reflection of the church’s needs right now. The Call Committee is setting up weekly meetings so that we can work efficiently and swiftly, and we look forward to involving the congregation as much as we can. More to come!

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

Coming up on Wednesday, May 11, 2022, the Waldorf Choir (Forest City, Iowa), under the direction of Dr. Emilie Bertram, will be stopping here at First as part of their annual tour. Instead of regular Wednesday worship that evening, we will gather for a free concert at 6:30pm in the Sanctuary. As a gesture of gratitude for sharing their music with our community, we are working to completely cover their hotel expenses for that night, so please consider donating to help offset these costs. Cash or checks can be dropped off in the church office during business hours, or you can mail them to First Lutheran Church. Thank you for considering a donation, and let’s get excited to hear them perform in May!

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The Special Outreach Cause Offering for the month of April is

Care Ministry (Formerly known as Helping Families Fund) Care Ministry donations that are received help care for our community members in need.

Funds go towards things such as bus tickets; hotel rooms or providing a warm place to stay; gas for medical appointments; food, and many other items they may need. First Lutheran Church averages about 5-7 people a month stopping in for some sort of assistance.

These funds make a HUGE impact on our community!

Special offering envelopes will be available from the ushers at all church services.

Please make checks payable to FLC.

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

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.

Feb. 2022

Giving $63,067.05

Expenses $71,430.40

FIRST LUTHERAN MESSENGER (USPS196-560)

Year to date

Giving vs.

Expenses $-8,363.35

Giving vs.

Expenses $-16,327.45

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:

Sharon Anderson given by Mark Langrud Paul Buley given by Richard & Mary Diggins, Hazel Spiering, Don & Florence Gilster, Phyllis Ulland Barb Guiney given by Doris & Kraig Smeby Berneta Hansen given by Helen Lovik, Arlis Smith Debra Hanson given by Bev Grotsun, Helen Lovik Ernest Hanson given by Le Ann Honsey Rich Oliphant given by Family & Friends Paul Overgaard given by Sharon Wakefield, Marge Moine, Family & Friends, Phyllis Ulland, Darlene & Bob Levisen, Bev Grotsun, Hildy Vallevand, Erick & Dorothy Justesen, Tom & Karen Hovde, Vern Rasmussen given by Jim & Sue Larson, Helen Lovik, Sharon Wakefield, Larry & Julia Tonder, Dave & Sue Olson, Friends & Family Margaret Reese given by Bob & Helen Edwin Ruth Schilling givenby Richard & Mary Diggins Tom Sime given Betty and family Jim Stoen given by Jim & Sue Larson Grayden Thompson given by Bob & Helen Edwin

Gifts Given By:

Christian & Annette Hansen, Marilee Waalkens, Carol Aske, Deacon Douglas Spiotta, Ila Breck, Dorinda Leutink

Ken Joachim given by Karen Joachim Loring Olson given by Alan & Bonnie Bakken Paul Overgaard given by Alan & Bonnie Bakken, Gary & Ginny Thompson

Gifts Given By:

Patricia Loveland, Bette Narveson, Donald & Mary Ann Bartz, Gary & Ginny Thompson, Lorraine Bakken

FUSION

In Memory of:

Al Christensen given by Wayne & Jackie Sletten, Wayne & Carol Hedalen

Gifts Griven by:

Dennis & Arlene Galagan GENERAL FUND

In Memory of:

Vern Rasmussen given by Family & Friends

Gifts Given By:

Kenneth Schoeneman, Patricia Sites, Sara Cogar, Doris Schultz, Rachel Christensen, Kathleen Paul ROOF FUND

In Memory of:

Clarence “Wes” Anderson given by Anne Marie Harshbarger, Norbert & Miranda Paul Overgaard given by Dave & Brenda Van Fossen, FOOD MINISTRY Bethlyn & David Breamer, Steve & Sandy Nesse, Jane In Memory of: Maiden Eric Nelson given by Jane Maiden Paul Overgaard given by Wayne & Carol Hedalen, Vern Rasmussen given by Steve & Sandy Nesse Wayne & Jackie Sletten, Cindy Gandrud, Vern Rasmussen given by Bonnie Trampel

In Honor of:

Prayer Knitter given by a Friend

Gifts Given by:

Gloria Hautt, Patricia Loveland, Bette Narveson, Wayne & Jackie Sletten, Fred & Pat Nelson FOOD FOR BACKPACKS

In Memory of:

Ruth Breuer given by Alan & Bonnie Bakken Al Christensen given by Gary & Ginny Thompson

Pastoral Records: Baptisms, Weddings, Deaths, Funerals, Memorial Services Baptisms Austyn Wacek, 3/20 Funerals Vernon Rasmussen, 3/12 George Jensen, 3/16

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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

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)

Regular Worship Schedule Sundays 8:00am & 10:00am - In-person Worship 10:00am - Peace & Power broadcast on KAAL-TV ABC6 10:00am—Live broadcast on KATE Radio 1450 AM Wednesdays 6:30pm - 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 10:00am - Peace & Power on ABC 6 10:00am - Live broadcast on KATE Radio 1450

[Address label here]

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