April 2023

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.

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

A few words from Pastor Joy

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

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.

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 507-373-1674

Bonnie Trampel 507-373-1665

Janice Brandt

Workers: Cakes: Joni Cather

Rachel Christensen

Bonnie Fletcher

Carol Hedalen

Julie Johnson

Paula Juveland

Marge LaFrance

Kristin Larson

Delores Osmundson

Marilyn Sasser

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

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

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

Daily Scripture Verses from the Sharing the Faith Team Prayer Ministry

1 Luke 18: 31-33

2 John 11: 38-44

3 Acts 17: 1-4

4 Luke 19: 28-37

5 Luke 19: 28-38

6 Luke 19: 28-39

7 Luke 19: 28-40

8 Luke 19: 28-41

9 Luke 19: 28-42

10 Luke 19: 28-43

11 Luke 19: 28-44

12 Rev. 1: 17b-18a

13 John 12: 22-23

14

15

16

17

19

FLC Prayer Ministry

21 John 19: 38-42

22 Luke 23: 46-49

23 John 20: 24-29

24 Colossians 1: 13-14

25 John 20: 1-8

26 John 20: 10-18

27 Luke 24: 1-10

28 John 20: 19-23

29 John 21: 3-14

30 John 15: 1-8

Want prayer for yourself or others?

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

Theme for April Easter Renewal Prayer List

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

Ourcontinuedprayersarerequestedforhealingandwholenessfor: 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!

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.

The Special

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!

Memorials, Honors, & Special Gifts

PEACE & POWER

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,

BIRTHDAY BOX

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

CARE MINISTRY

Gifts Given by:

Wayne & Jackie Sletten

FOOD FOR BACKPACKS

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

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

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

Wednesdays

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

Stay

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

10:30am - Live broadcast on KATE Radio 1450

[Address label here]

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