May 2022
Volume LXXII No. 5
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!
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For more than 40 years, Peace & Power has remained an important and vital ministry of First Lutheran Church in our mission to bring the good news of the gospel to our community. You are wonderful and faithful partners in helping this to happen each and every week. To help keep Peace & 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 & Power broadcast costs $750 to fully sponsor. Please consider being a part of this life-giving outreach.
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A few words from Pastor Roger Greetings siblings in Christ! Can you believe it?! Next month, June, will mark one year that I have served alongside the wonderful people of First Lutheran Church. The time has gone so quickly. My family and I love it here. This church is a great community, and the town of Albert Lea is a terrific fit for us. As I look back over the past year, I thought to myselfwhat do I know now that I wish I would have known then? So, here goes: The number one thing I would tell myself one year ago: trust. Trust in God. Trust in the people of First Lutheran Church. Trust the people around me to continually amaze me. You probably don’t know this about me, but I am a worrier. I worry about all of you often, I pray for you all often. I truly want this church to be a force for reconciliation, justice, and peace in our community. Looking back, I would tell myself to trust. Not everything is going to turn out the way I think it should. In fact, much of it turned out better than I had imagined. The next thing I would tell myself: have fun. Along with worrying, I sometimes overanalyze things and forget to enjoy the moment. Over the past year, I have become more and more comfortable being myself. That has helped me to be more vulnerable, build relationships, and be a better pastor. I am incredibly grateful to all of you for that opportunity. The final thing that I would tell myself from one year ago: be brave. This church is the body of Christ, and is ready for the challenge to live out our faith in our community. I would tell myself to be brave and you to be brave in doing that. The world is a better place because each of you are in it. Let’s be brave in knowing that God will see us through! Those are my insights for the past year, and it is my challenge for the next year. It is the challenge for both you and me. Let us trust, have fun, and be brave as we live out our calling to be followers of Jesus Christ! God bless and keep you all, amen. Pastor Roger
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From Parish Health & Wellness Ministry Team Spring is finally here and so is allergy season! Many of us are excited to shed our winter coats and see the trees and grass become green again. As Minnesotans, we treasure the warm weather and our freedom from bulky winter clothes. But as we begin to enjoy the outdoors, some of us experience allergy symptoms (runny nose itchy eyes, nasal congestion, sneezing, scratchy throat, coughing, or even postnasal drip). Then we check our phones— there is an alert on our phones that tells us the pollen count is high for the day (as if we hadn’t already figured that out). Outdoor allergy (or hay fever or allergic rhinitis) season is here. But as true Minnesota Lutherans, we do not easily give up! There are ways to reduce our allergy symptoms and still enjoy our time outdoors. There are many types of pollen, so it is helpful to determine what triggers your symptoms. Other strategies include: - Stay indoors on dry windy days. Enjoy the outdoors after a rain, which clears the air of pollen. - Delegate the lawn work or gardening activities to others. - Change clothes and even shower once you have enjoyed your time outside. - Don’t hang laundry outside to dry. - If using allergy medication, begin taking the medication before your symptoms start. - Close doors and windows and even shut off the air conditioner when the pollen counts are high. - If necessary, consider over-the-counter remedies that may be helpful (antihistamine, decongestants, nasal spray, etc.). If all else fails, consult your medical provider, so they can help you devise a plan that works for you! Enjoy the warm weather!
Mayo Clinic (n.d.). Seasonal allergies: Nip them in the bud. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseasesconditions/hay-fever/in-depth/seasonal-allergies/art-20048343
Tuesday, May 17, 2022 11:30am Bethany Hall Cost: $6
Tuesday, June 21, 2022 11:30am Bethany Hall Cost: $6
Menu: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes & gravy, buttered corn, apple crisp
Menu: Shoestring chicken salad, fresh fruit, muffin, blueberry cheesecake
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Women’s Ministry (FLCW) Caring and Sharing - May 2022 Chair: Bonnie Schneider Bonnie Trampel Workers: Audrey Christensen Lois Cole Doris Hagen Sandy Hareid Judy Kropp Cakes: Trudy Adams Jody Bakken Beth Barclay Barb Collins Carol Farris
507-373-3767 507-373-1665
Jeanne Lageson Susan Larson Darlene Levisen Coral Ringoen (Fri. Only) Marilyn Sasser Cindy Gilbert Margaret Hagen Allicia Helland Janice Lestrud Nancy Martin Nancy Meyer
June Program
Annual Salad Luncheon Saturday, June 11, 2022 11am in Bethany Hall
FLCW is having a monetary donation for Lutheran World Relief from now until May 14. Please make checks to FLCW (note memo LWR). Donations can be brought to the church office or sent to Cindy Gandrud at 502 Sheridan St. Albert Lea. Thank you!
Altar Guild Dessert Meeting Tuesday, May 10 6:00 p.m. in Bethany Hall Election of Officers, installing new members & dessert. Altar Guild is looking for more members to join. 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.
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Prayer Ministry Daily Scripture Verses from the Sharing the Faith Team
Theme for May: Spring-A New Beginning May is the month we see new life in the budding trees, baby ducks learning to swim, tulips and daffodils popping up in our gardens, and birds and animals coming out of their winter homes. It is also the month that we celebrate our mothers and all of the things they do for us every day. We give thanks for their patience and love and ask God's blessing on them as we appreciate and honor them.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Matthew 1:23-23 2 Corinthians 9:8-12 John 11:1-2 Romans 9:9-10 Mark 3:32-35 Luke 1:38-41 1 Timothy 3:11-13 Titus 2:4-5 Hebrews 2:13 1 Peter 3:5-7
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Matthew 6:26 Galatians 5:22-24 John 19:25-27 Luke 1:57-60 Ephesians 5:22-25 1 Timothy 2:12-15 Mark 9:36-37 John 11:17-21 1 Corinthians 15:38-40 Hebrews 11:11-12
21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
Isaiah 41:13 John 20:25-27 Acts 20:10 Mark 16:1-4 Ephesians 6:2-4 Acts 25:14-17 Romans 16:2-3 John 4:11-15 Ephesians 4:31-33 Luke 12:27-28 Acts 10:36-41
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, Cora Hall, Pauline Kohnke Nelson, Pam Stern, Paul Stevens, Shirley Stundahl, Mollie Tolic, Henry Wilson, Bob, Darlene, 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, Khan Mut, Darlene Peterson, Larry Peterson, Wanda Soland, Jean Stearns and their spouses, families & caregivers.
1pm-Worship Counters-P
10am-Worship-S 10am-Peace & Power on ABC6 10am-KATE Radio-1450AM
9am-11:30-The Perfect Gift Shoppe open
8am-Traditional Worship-S
29
10am-Worship-S 10am-Peace & Power on ABC6 10am-KATE Radio-1450AM 11:15am-Call Committee-P
9am-11:30-The Perfect Gift Shoppe open
Office & Building Closed
30
1pm-Worship Counters-P
8am-Traditional Worship-S
8am-Quilters-MPR & BH 9:30am-Staff Meeting-P 1pm-Worship Counters-P
31
8am-Quilters-MPR & BH 9:30am-Staff Meeting-P 5pm-Handbell Rehearsal
May
28
21
7amLWR Ingathering
14
3:30pmHall/Doherty Wedding
7
Sat
BH=Bethany Hall P=Parlor S=Sanctuary
27
20
13
5:30pmHall/Doherty Wedding Rehearsal
6
Fri
SSR=Sunday School Room PR= Prayer Room
MPR=Multi-Purpose Room L=Library SL=South Lot
26
1pm-Hardanger-MPR 4:45pm-Food Ministry Drive Up-SL
19
8am-Prayer Group-PR 1pm-Hardanger-MPR 4:45pm-Food Ministry 9:30am-Bible Study-MPR 1pm-Messenger Crew-P Drive Up-SL 5pm-Circle 6-P 5:15pm-Gift Shop Open 6:30pm-Wed. Worship w/Comm.-S 7:15pm-Choir Rehearsal-S
25
24
23
18
22
8am-Traditional Worship w/Comm. -S
12
1pm-Hardanger-MPR 4:45pm-Food Ministry Drive Up-SL
5
Thu
8am-Prayer Group-PR 10am-Mutual Ministry-P 9:30am-Bible Study-MPR 1pm-Hardanger-MPR 4:45pm-Food Ministry 1pm-FLCW Tea Party-BH 3pm-Waldorf Choir-BH,MPR,P,SSR Drive Up-SL 5:15pm-Gift Shop Open 6:30pm-Waldorf Choir Concert-S
11
8am-Prayer Group-PR 8:30am-FLCW Board-P 9:30am-Bible Study-MPR 5:15pm-Gift Shop Open 6:30pm-Wed. Worship-S 7pm-Confirmation-BH 7:15pm-Choir Rehearsal-S
4
Wed
8am-Prayer Group-PR 9:30am-Bible Study-MPR 5:15pm-Gift Shop Open 6:30pm-Wed. Worship-S 7:15pm-Choir Rehearsal-S
17
8am-Quilters-MPR & BH 9:30am-Staff Meeting-P 5pm-Handbell Rehearsal 6pm-Altar Guild-MPR
10
8am-Quilters-MPR & BH 9:30am-Staff Meeting-P 5pm-Handbell Rehearsal 6pm-WMA Team-BH 6:30pm-Social Ministry-MPR
3
Tue
1pm-Worship Counters-P 8am-Quilters-MPR & BH 9am-11:30-The Perfect Gift Shoppe open 6:30pm-Council Meeting-P 9:30am-Staff Meeting-P 10am-Graduating Sr. Recognition 11:30am-Friends@First-BH Worship w/Comm. -S 5pm-Handbell Rehearsal 10am-Peace & Power on ABC6 10am-KATE Radio-1450AM 11:15am-Call Committee-P 2pm-Blessing of the Bikes-SL
15
10am-Worship-S 10am-Peace & Power on ABC6 10am-KATE Radio-1450AM 11:15am-Call Committee-P
16
1pm-Worship Counters-P
8am-Traditional Worship-S
9am-11:30-The Perfect Gift Shoppe open
9
8
10am-Worship w/Comm. -S 10am-Peace & Power on ABC6 10am-KATE Radio-1450AM 11:15am-Call Committee-P 3pm-Blessing of the Pets-Morin Park
9am-11:30-The Perfect Gift Shoppe open
2
8am-Traditional Worship w/Comm. -S
Mon
1
Sun
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Council Talking Points: - The personnel committee is still looking for a Part-Time Building and grounds assistant. We will continue to search for this position until it is filled. If you know of anyone interested in this position, please let Kara in the office know! - We are happy to welcome our two new council members, Bob Ackland and Natalie Martinez!!! If you see them please give them a warm welcome to the council! - We will be updating our Security and Alarm System at the church to help enhance the safety of our building, members, and staff.
Call Committee Update Dear First Lutheran Church, Greetings from the Call Committee! As you know we have been given the task of updating the Ministry Site Profile which is the first step in preparing to extend a call for a second pastor to serve in Shared Ministry. To adequately reflect the feelings of the congregation, we need your help and input. For the three Sundays and Wednesdays following Easter, members of the Call Committee will take a few minutes to elaborate on the questions to which we are requesting your responses. Overall, there are six questions and a Ministry Site Characteristics sheet taken directly from the MSP. Each week you will receive a paper copy featuring two main questions to respond to. The Ministry Site Characteristics sheet will be distributed the Sunday and Wednesday following Easter, April 24 and April 27. The questions and the Ministry Site Characteristics sheet are also available online at flcal.org, in the church office, at the Welcome Center, and have been mailed to all members. Responses to the questions, as well as the Ministry Site Characteristics sheet, are ultimately due to the polka-dot paper covered collection box at the Welcome Center by Sunday, May 15, 2022. If you have questions or comments please contact one of the members of the Call Committee directly or through our email address which is callcommittee@flcal.org. Thank you for your assistance in completing this necessary step in the call process. Sincerely, Your Call Committee Members Lilah Aas Kristin Larson Ken Damerow Tom Larson Jo Hanson Jennifer Levisen Fran Heilman Nicole Morrison Jack Ladlie Roger Oberg
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The Special Outreach Cause Offering for the month of May is
Ingathering Special offering envelopes will be available from the ushers at all church services. Please make checks payable to FLC.
A donation of $1000 was made by The Perfect Gift Shop to the Thursday Night Food Ministry. Over 125 drive-up meals are served each week to our community. The gift shop is located off the Clark Street entrance. It is open Sundays from 9 to 11:30am and Wednesdays from 5:15 to 7:15pm.
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. 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)
PASTORAL STAFF e-mails and emergency telephone numbers:
Pastor Roger Fears - roger@flcal.org (Cell—(320) 297-1251) 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
CARE MINISTRY
Paul Buley given by LaVerne & Shirley Strand Our Niece Bridget Burlingame given by Jim & Sheila Hanson LaVonne Christenson given by LaVerne & Shirley Strand, David & Susan Olson, Audrey Christensen, Steve Christensen, Diane Fugate, Bonnie Schneider, Robert & Bernice Moreau, Marvyl Dahl Dolly Feeley given by Gordy & LouJean Nelson Roger Jackson given by Rosemary Vangen, Tom & Karen Hovde Vic & Mary Nelson given by Jim & Sheila Hanson Arlene Levine given by Gordy & LouJean Nelson, Paul & Judith Dilling, LeRoy Morgan given by Jerome Baer Mavis Nelson given by Jody Hauser, Don & Dorothy Hanson Paul Overgaard given by Leland & Louise Sundet Florence Palmer given by Gordy & LouJean Nelson John R Peterson given by Denise Knutson Vern Rasmussen given by LaVerne & Shirley Strand, Ken & Diane Damerow, Clarence & Barb Heavner Orya Sorenson given by Marilyn Lewison Ethel Underland given by Don & Debbie Goodnature
Fred Nelson given by Jane Maiden
In Memory of:
In Honor of:
Lorraine Bakken for her Birthday given by Hildy Vallevand
Gifts Given By: Larry & Cheryl Beavens, Clifford & Jerenne Blaser,
Ila Breck, Dean & Christine Dahle, Norm & Joyce Fredin, Gilbert Gilbertson, Omar Hamer, Christian & Annette Hansen, Curtis Jensen, Janice Jensen, Kevin & Martha Kenne, Jane Morley, Patricia Tallman, Kitty Sandsmark, Eugene & Wanda Soland, Deacon Douglas Spiotta, Trinity Lutheran Church WELCA, West Freeborn Lutheran Church, Bess Weidner
In Memory of:
FOOD MINISTRY
In Memory of:
Paul Buley given by Pam Stern Al Christenson given by Pam Stern Paul Overgaard given by Pam Stern Ronald Spain given by Pam Stern Celebrating the lives of George & Arlys Jensen Given by Wayne & Jackie Sletten
Gifts Given by: Donna Hollrah
EASTERN EUROPE CRISIS RESPONSE
Gifts Given by:
Steve & Sandy Nesse, Arlis Smith, Helen Lovik, Judith Hagen, Dennis & Georgia Wentzel GENERAL FUND
In Memory of:
Vern Rasmussen given by John & Donna Jorgenson, Dwaine & Beth Egge
Gifts Given By:
Mark & Kathryne Stelzer, Dennis & Georgia Wentzel, Andrew Krein, Thomas & Paula Berg MUSIC FUND
In Memory of:
Arlene Levine given by Cheryl Moran ROOF FUND
In Memory of:
Vern Rasmussen given by Cheryl Moran, Steve & Sandy Nesse
Pastoral Records: Baptisms, Weddings, Deaths, Funerals, Memorial Services Funerals Lavonne Christenson 3/25 Marilyn Moe, 4/21
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Easter Flowers/Gifts to World Hunger LILY GIVEN IN MEMORY OF:
Our parents Walt & Ev Abraham, Mel & Alice Sletten and daughter Wendy Lyn given by Wayne & Jackie Sletten and Greg Abraham Keith Fligge given by Deloris Fligge & family Arlen Groe given by Rhodette, Kevin, Terri, Duane & Nick Elmer & Pearl Groe given by Rhodette, Terri & Kevin Nile & Janet Heilman given by Fran & Jason Heilman Easton La France given by Joe & Marge LaFrance Our parents Don & Verla Missel and Arland & Dorothy Anderson given by Jim & Vicky Anderson Golden Neff given by William Neff Parents given by Doug & Dorothy Blom Parents Harold & Dawn Runden given by Mary Runden In Loving Memory of our Parents given by Mike & Wanda Wangness Husband Harold Tasker & Son Tom Tasker given by Martha Tasker Son Mitchell, husband Clyde, parents John & Margaret Osheim, sister & brother-in-law Carolyn & Ralph Schonrock and brother Don Osheim given by Sharon Wakefield Harold & Irene Tangen given by Rhodette, Terri & Kevin
LILY GIVEN IN MEMORY OF:
Our Children Scott, Tara, Noah, Lily & Nash Peterson and Ryan, Brooke, Wil, Jack and Andi Anderson given by Jim & Vicky Anderson In Thankfulness to God for our Precious Children and Grandchildren, Mark, Paul, Emma & Noah, Jill Marie & Steve, Paul & Samantha, Wes, Jack & Amelia, Sydne & Greta, Daniel & Jenniefer, Jacob, Anders & Macallan given by Wayne & Jackie Sletten
MUM GIVEN IN MEMORY OF:
Loved Ones by Becky Boelter LeRoy & Lorraine Gilbertson given by Robert & Darlene Levisen Donald & Lorraine Levisen given by Robert & Darlene Levisen Our Parents given by Larry & Janice Lestrud Donald & Delores Westergard given by Randy & Sheri Nicol
MUM GIVEN IN HONOR OF:
Joan Ness given by Fran & Jason Heilman Our Great Grandchildren Emma, Luna, Leif, Kolten, Karter & Brooks given by Larry & Janice Lestrud
TULIPS GIVEN IN MEMORY OF:
Loved Ones given by Becky Boelter Marcine & Norman Drescher given by their family Paul Overgaard given by Nancy Overgaard Don Johnson given by Mary Ellen Johnson Bill Hammer given by Janice Hammer Ted & Joanne Schrader given by Pat, Perry, Jim, Tiffany, Seth, Kollyns & Harper LeRoy & Lorraine Gilbertson given by Carol Gilbertson Lars & Clara Hove, Glen & Doris Hammer given by Janice Hammer Husband Richard Bryson given by Mavin Bryson Gigi & Papa Brassard given by Melanie & Jeremy Wacek
TULIP GIVEN IN HONOR OF:
All our precious shut-ins & dear ones on our prayer list given by Wayne & Jackie Sletten To the glory of God for our church “family” and the awesome staff & their families that shepherd us!! given by Wayne & Jackie Sletten Our Sons & their families given by Joe & Marge LaFrance Jan Overgaard given by Nancy Overgaard Grandchildren & Parents given by Janice Hammer My Family given by Carol Olson
GIFTS TO WORLD HUNGER IN MEMORY OF: My Husband & Family given by Helen Lovik Goldean Neff given by William Neff Donald Smith given by Arlis Smith
GIFTS TO WORLD HUNGER IN HONOR OF:
Our dear servicemen & women, past & present and their devoted families back home given by Wayne & Jackie Sletten Family
GIFTS TO WORLD HUNGER:
Les Ackland, Dennis & Georgia Wentzel, Ron & Nancy Meyer, Lilah Aas, Helen Lovik
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)
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
Anytime: Access the video of our worship services at www.flcal.org.
Monday - Thursday 8:00AM-5:00PM Tues. & Wed. 5:00-8:00PM If there are meetings scheduled
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.