April 2023

April 2023

Volume LXXIII No. 4

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Happenings Church Picture Directory Photo Session Dates & Times May 2-5 - 2pm - 8:30pm May 9-12 - 2pm-8:30pm May 6 - 10am-4pm May 13 - 10am-4pm

Online Scheduling Available!

Go to www.ucdir.com,

Church Code: mn339 Church Password: photos.

Participating families will receive a free 8X10 portrait and a church directory

Questions?? Please contact Shirley Strand (507) 373-5951

Council Talking Points • •

•

•

The property team is looking for individuals that are interested in helping with landscaping around the church. Please contact Dave VanFossen at 507-402-0634.

If you are interested in serving on a team or on the Church Council, please contact Larry Larson at glarson44@charter.net or Sue Loch at susaloch@gmail.com.

Elections will be held on May 7th at 9:15am.

If you have not yet signed up for your picture to be taken for our new photo directory please sign up in the gathering space for a time or online at www.ucdir.com using code: MN339 and password: photos. If you are unable to come in to get your photo taken, you can submit a photo of your own, and a donation of $15 is greatly appreciated.

The church will be listing our van for sale in the near future. If you have questions or are interested in purchasing it, please contact Dave VanFossen at 507-402-0634.

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A few words from Pastor Joy Grace and Peace to you from God who is, who was, and who is to come!

I’m sitting at my desk right now with my window open and listening to the birds. What a wonderful reminder that Spring is slowly coming.

This morning I listened to NPR and they interviewed a victim from the Mississippi tornado. As the tornado was coming his way a carpet blew up from the ground and covered him as he was hiding, and he claimed that this carpet took part in saving his life. He saw it as God protecting him and reminding him that he was not alone. His words were powerful because even though his entire home had been swept away he trusted that God was with him and would not leave his side.

This story made me think about our Easter story and how powerful it is that we have a God who reminds us that nothing, not even death, can separate us from God’s love. No matter what “tornadoes” we might have in our lives, God is always with us and for us. God took the form of a human and died on a cross willingly so that we could have an eternal relationship with the Creator of all forever.

No matter how many times I hear the Easter story, I am always humbled and reminded about the power of hope that our Christian faith teaches us. Our world is always in need of hope, especially now. In Jeremiah 29:11, we are reminded that God has “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future,” reminding us that even when things seem incredibly dark and hopeless, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. This is our Easter story, the crux of our Christian faith. This is the thing that sets us apart from everyone else... hope.

So as you go out this month and begin to live as Easter people, I’d like to encourage you to look for hope. Where do you find it? What does it look, smell, taste, or feel like? How does God show you hope? As always, my door is open and I would love to hear any and all answers you might have.

For me, hope looks like the sunrise every morning. It smells like petrichor and tastes like a crunchy communion wafer. It feels like a midnight bonfire, and I see it when children dance in front of the altar or when my dog wags his tail at the park. FLC, hope is all around us!

Blessings of Peace, Pastor Joy

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Council as Leaders Event

About 140 people gathered at First Lutheran in person and online on Sunday, March 19 for the annual Councils As Leaders learning event hosted by the synod. With ten different workshop options, participants had the chance to learn about topics like stewardship, constitution updating, what intergenerational ministry can look like, how to have difficult conversations, and what the ELCA social statements are. Attendees moved around to the topics of most significant interest to them.

In addition to listening, there were many opportunities to share and ask questions.

Staff Spotlight with Pastor Roger Job Title Pastor Brief overview of your position?

Mark 16:15 What’s a fun fact not many people know?

I have been learning to play guitar.

I have a lot to learn, but I am really enjoying it.

What’s the last book you read?

I am usually reading 3 or 4 at a time. A good one I’m reading now is “Emotionally Healthy Spirituality."

What is your favorite hobby?

My favorite is to go camping with my family. Also, a good day is when I can take my motorcycle for a ride.

The first concert you ever attended?

I don’t make it to a lot of concerts. The first that comes to mind is Nickelback The next place on your travel bucket list?

I love to go anywhere with mountains.

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Women’s Ministry (FLCW) Blue Earth River WELCA Conference

Spring Event - Just Love Saturday, April 29, 2023 First Lutheran WELCA is hosting the spring meeting for the Blue Earth River Conference. We hope that FLC will be represented well: all women are invited to attend. There is a $10 registration fee payable at the door. Use the south entrance.

8-9am - Registration, coffee, & refreshments Displays in the Gathering Space -Bible Book Store from Fairmont -Campus Life from Mankato -Good Earth Village

9-11:30am-Program in the Sanctuary Speaker - ‘Portrayals of Women of the Bible’

by Shirley Gangstad Temple Talks - Tyler Anderson, GEV Campus Ministry, MSU

Caring and Sharing April 2023 Chair: Sandy Nesse Bonnie Trampel Workers: Janice Brandt Rachel Christensen Bonnie Fletcher Carol Hedalen Julie Johnson

Paula Juveland Marge LaFrance Kristin Larson 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

Sherry Nyman Coral Ringeon Nancy Royce Marilyn Sasser Pat Schrader Holly Stevens Tamera Wencl

Tuesday, April 25 11:30am Bethany Hall We are looking for new members. Please come to the meeting or call Debbie Pilgrim 377-1544.

Roast Pork Loin with Orange Cranberry Sauce, Au Gratin Potatoes, Mixed Veggies, Roll, Strawberry Tart

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Prayer Ministry Daily Scripture Verses from the Sharing the Faith Team

Theme for April Easter Renewal 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Luke 18: 31-33 John 11: 38-44 Acts 17: 1-4 Luke 19: 28-37 Luke 19: 28-38 Luke 19: 28-39 Luke 19: 28-40 Luke 19: 28-41 Luke 19: 28-42 Luke 19: 28-43

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Luke 19: 28-44 Rev. 1: 17b-18a John 12: 22-23 John 16: 17-18 John 13: 3-10 John 18: 1-8 Luke 23: 1-5 John 14: 1-3 John 19: 1-9 John 18: 25-27

21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

John 19: 38-42 Luke 23: 46-49 John 20: 24-29 Colossians 1: 13-14 John 20: 1-8 John 20: 10-18 Luke 24: 1-10 John 20: 19-23 John 21: 3-14 John 15: 1-8

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: Laurie Lenz, Pauline Kohnke Nelson, Mary Powell, Larry Weberg, Julie, and Pam.

Our continued prayers are requested for healing and wholeness for:

Jaya Fever, Joyce Fredin, Les Harmon, Bob Herman, Nancy Jenson, Pauline Kohnke Nelson, Wanda Soland, Pam Stern, Mollie Tolic, Jenny, John, Sheila, and their spouses, families, and caregivers.

Good Friday meditation service with harp music by Rachel Christensen.

At 4 p.m. on Friday, April 7th, Rachel Christensen will provide a quiet time for meditation and prayer in the chapel at First Lutheran Church. You are free to quietly come and go as you wish or need. This time of meditation will last about 45 minutes. Come listen to the tones of Rachel's beautiful music as you contemplate our Savior crucified on this high holy day. Thank you, Rachel, for giving us all this opportunity for prayer and reflection!

6

Fri

18 8am-Quilters-MPR & BH 9:30am-Staff Meeting-P 5pm-Bell Choir-BL 6:15pm-Choir Rehearsal-CR

16 8am-Worship w/Comm.-S

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

9am-The Perfect Gift Shoppe open

30 8am-Worship-S

April

24 25 1pm-Worship Counters-P 8am-Quilters-MPR & BH 9am-The Perfect Gift Shoppe open 9:30am-Staff Meeting-P 10am-Peace & Power on ABC6 11:30am-Friends@First-BH 5pm-Bell Choir-BL 10:30am-KATE Radio-1450AM 10:30am-Worship-S 6:15pm-Choir Rehearsal-CR

23 8am-Worship-S

17 1pm-Worship Counters-P 9am-The Perfect Gift Shoppe open 3pm-Circle 20-MPR 10am-Peace & Power on ABC6 6:30pm-Council Mtg.-MPR 10:30am-KATE Radio-1450AM 10:30am-Worship w/Comm.-S

11 8am-Quilters-MPR & BH 9:30am-Staff Meeting-P 1pm-History Team-L 1pm-Worship Counters-P 5pm-Bell Choir-BL 6:15pm-Choir Rehearsal-CR

10 Office and Building 9am-The Perfect Gift Shoppe open Closed 10am-Peace & Power on ABC6 10:30am-KATE Radio-1450AM 10:30am-Worship w/Comm.-S

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

8:30am-Coffee w/Clergy -Caribou at Trails

27

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

8:30am-Coffee w/Clergy -Caribou at Trails

20

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

8:30am-Coffee w/Clergy -Caribou at Trails

13

28

21

14

PR= Prayer Room BL=Bell Loft

MPR=Multi-Purpose Room CR-Choir Room FR=Fusion Room

BH=Bethany Hall P=Parlor S=Sanctuary L=Library

26 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

19 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

1

Sat

29 8am-Blue Earth River WELCA Conference

22

15

8:30am-Coffee w/ 7 8 Clergy-Caribou at Trails 4pm-Meditative Worship

Thu

12 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 w/Comm.

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

Wed

9 Easter Sunday 8am-Worship w/Comm.-S

Tue

5 8am-Prayer Group-PR 8:30am-FLCW Leadership Team-P 1pm-Hardanger-MPR in the Chapel 4:45pm-Food Ministry 6:30pm-Good Friday 9:30am-Bible Study-MPR Drive Up-SL 3:30pm-Fusion-BH,SSR,MPR Worship-S Thurs.

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

Mon

3 4 1pm-Worship Counters-P 8am-Quilters-MPR & BH 9:30am-Staff Meeting-P 9am-The Perfect Gift Shoppe open 5pm-Bell Choir-BL 10am-Peace & Power on ABC6 6pm-Worship & M.-BH 10:30am-KATE Radio-1450AM 6:15pm-Choir Rehearsal-CR 10:30am-Worship w/Comm.-S

2 Palm Sunday 8am-Worship w/Comm.-S 8:30am-Pancake Breakfast

Sun

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The Perfect Gift Shop

The Perfect Gift Shop has a variety of baby and children's items along with new T-shirts and home decor.

Hours are Sundays 9:00am to 11:30am and Wednesdays 5:15pm to 7:15pm.

Good Samaritan Society is looking for volunteers to help with resident activities during the week. A group activity happens daily at 2:00 p.m. Volunteers may also do a one-on-one activity or visit with residents in their rooms.

If interested, please contact Tracey, Activities Coordinator at 507-379-2738.

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The Special Outreach Cause Offering for the month of April is

Care Ministry 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.

February 2023 Giving

$26,013.25

Expenses

$56,929.51

Year to date Giving vs.

Expense

Giving vs.

Expenses

$-30,916.26

$-32,989.35

Broadcast Ministries Year to date Income

$14,877.00

Year to date Expense

$9,881.42

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

$5,005.58

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

FOOD FOR BACKPACKS

In Memory of: Verona Boe given by Hildy Vallevand Harold “Bill” Christenson given by Bob & Bernice Moreau, Marvyl Dahl Eugene Hagen given by Jerry & Diane Runden, Bill & Judy Stilley, Marilyn Peters given by Alice Jensen Marcia Peterson, Pete Berglund, Kellie Kalstad Peterson given by Bill & Judy Stilley Joy White given Hildy Vallevand Cousin Jean Delgado given by Sharon Wakefield Jean Bosacker given by Diane Olson Gifts Given By: Dorinda Leutink, Deacon Douglas Spiotta, Ila Breck, Trondhjem Lutheran Church, Kathryn Sanderson, Craig Nash, Larry & Barb Schnoor, Deer Creek Valley Lutheran Church WELCA, Women of Sion Lutheran Church, Arlo & Julie Wallin, Kevin & Marilyn Kenne, LaVonne Emmons, Sonja Cook, Lunder Church Bible Study, Hayfield Trinity Lutheran Church WELCA, Moscow Lutheran Church, Bess Weidner, Patricia Tallman, Carmen Skophammer, Gilbert Gilbertson, Margaret Otterson, Shirley Brownlow, Larhee Mathison, Lois Thompto, Rosalyn Lyle, Phyllis Hamborg,

In Memory of: Ken Joachim given by Karen Joachim Gifts Given By: Gary Larson, Rebekah Sousa, John & Nancy Sorlie, Ruth Noren, Ron & Nancy Meyer, Robert & Patricia Bekaert, Lorraine Bakken

BIRTHDAY BOX Gifts Given By: Diane Damerow, Jo Hanson, Judy Worth

CARE MINISTRY Gifts Given by: Wayne & Jackie Sletten

FOOD MINISTRY Gifts Given By: John & Nancy Sorlie

GENERAL FUND In Memory of: Elmo Hedum given by Gary & Jane Dunn Gifts Given By: Clifford & Jerenne Blaser, C. Nelson, Donald & Mary Ann Bartz, Richard & Ann Hawkins

PRAYER SHAWL Gifts Given By: Barb Rognes

Pastoral Records: Baptisms, Weddings, Deaths, Funerals, Memorial Services Funerals Gary Laite - March 25

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A note from the Parish Health & Wellness Team

April is Autism Awareness Month Over the past few years, it seems that we are hearing more about the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). According to the CDC, it is still unclear if there is an actual increase in the number of people with ASD, broader definitions of ASC, better diagnosis or a combination of all of these factors.

CDC (n.d.) goes on to state, “ASD occurs in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. It is more than 4 times more common among boys than among girls.”

Unfortunately, the cause(s) of ASD are still largely unknown. Some people with ASD do have a genetic condition, however scientists believe there are often multiple factors that often act together to cause ASD. We still have much to learn.

“People with ASD may behave, communicate, interact, learn, move or pay attention in ways that are different than most people” (CDC, n.d). However, many individuals without ASD have many of these same characteristics. Therefore, diagnosis of ASD is often very challenging and requires a skilled medical professional(s).

It is important to remember that the abilities of people with ASD vary significantly. Some individuals will need significant support in their daily lives, while others require very little support.

Often these abilities may change over a period of time.

What can all of us do to support individuals with ASD and their families? We need to remember that each person with ASD is different. Allow the individual to utilize their strengths and support them in the areas where help is needed. Accommodate the individual’s different learning and communication styles. Most importantly be supportive of families and loved ones of individuals with ASD. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/index.html Blood pressure screenings will return on the first Sunday of each month. They will be located near the Welcome Center beginning in April.

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.