Issuu

June 2022

Volume LXXII No. 6

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Happenings On Saturday, May 7, the Southeastern Minnesota Synod Assembly was held at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center in downtown Mankato, Minn., under the theme “Imagine: Endless Possibilities in God’s Grace.” Individuals from all around the synod gathered for worship, a plenary speaker, and decision-making for the synod and the wider church. Janice Hammer, Joy Knoppel, and Ginny and Larry Larson attended on behalf of First Lutheran, and Lilah Aas (not pictured) and Tyler Egge attended as synod volunteers in various capacities. It was a great day

Update from the Call Committee

A huge thank you to all who participated in our recent Q&A sessions. The Call Committee has met to review the findings and is actively working on completing our Ministry Site Profile. Next steps are to have the council approve the MSP and then to submit it to the synod to start the call process. Please reach out to any committee members with any questions! A huge thank you to the congregation of First Lutheran for your participation in the Thursday Evening Food Ministry! It is because of your support and donations that this ministry continues which benefits the greater community we live in. In June we will have been doing this for two full years. That roughly means we have distributed close to 16,000 meals! Thank you! Whether it be in prayer, participation or donation we are thankful that God has provided. As we work to keep this funded we are applying for some grants and ask your prayers for successes with our applications. Once again First Lutheran you are doing Gods work in the greater community. Praise God!

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A few words from Joy A Moment in Time “Remember the Sabbath and keep it Holy” Exodus 20:8 One of the lessons I learned during the COVID19 pandemic was how to practice a Sabbath. You see, growing up my Mom would call me her “energizer bunny” because I could never sit still. Don’t believe me? Throughout grad school I balanced a minimum of three jobs (one of them including overnights) and added as many extracurricular activities as I could to my schedule because I loved being busy. To be blunt, I thrived on it. Attending church on Sunday throughout those years was easy because as a part of my school curriculum we were expected to serve at a parish. So, Sunday worship counted not only as a job, but also as my Sabbath. At least that’s what I told myself. If I had done a better job of listening to my body instead of ignoring the stress hives, morning heaving, and constant headaches then I may have learned this lesson a lot quicker- that practicing the Sabbath is a commandment for a reason.

In his book The Sabbath Jewish theologian A.J. Heschel shares what the Sabbath means and looks like in his spiritual tradition. There are a lot of incredible pieces of wisdom throughout his book (I highly recommend it), but one sentence stands out in particular to me for today. Heschel writes, “The Sabbath is meaningful to God, for without it there would be no holiness in our world of time (54).” I interpret this to mean that by setting aside a time to remember who God is and what God has done we are able to bring holiness and meaning to our time on earth. It is easy for us to fill up our schedules with anything and everything, but if we do not understand that our time is from God and for God then what is it really worth? We have been called to both work and rest, but in our world today we forget the resting part. This week I want to encourage you to let God’s holiness enter into your time and space. Maybe this looks like going to church or taking a silent walk outside. Perhaps it’s journaling or practicing a form of meditation. My prayer for you is that you will remember the Sabbath and keep it holy in all that you do. Thanks be to God, Amen.

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From Parish Health & Wellness Ministry Team Summer has finally arrived. All of us are anxious to be able to enjoy this great time of year after the isolation we have experienced during the winter months and the pandemic. However, don’t forget to keep your and your loved ones safe during the great days of summer. • • •

• • • • •

Protect yourself from the sun! Wear hats, sunscreen (reapply often) and protective clothing. Bonfires are fun but be sure to manage the fire appropriately. Keep young children away and ensure the fire is completely out before leaving it. Wear helmets when riding those fun summertime vehicles (e.g. bikes, motorcycles, ATVs and even horses). Use caution when enjoying the water. Always swim with a “buddy” and wear life jackets. Drive water craft responsibly. Spring and summer is also Minnesota tick season. Wear protective clothing and check for ticks after being outside. Many enjoy alcoholic beverages during outdoor gatherings. Be sure to drink in moderation. Alcohol can cause questionable decision-making and slowed reflexes. Most of us enjoy the beauty of fireworks, but in reality, the fireworks can be very harmful. Save yourself a trip to the emergency room by letting the professionals manage the fireworks. Don’t forget that Covid-19 continues to be a threat all of us.

Enjoy your summer!

https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/tips-to-keep-yoursummer-safe-and-injury-free

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Women’s Ministry (FLCW) Caring and Sharing June 2022 Chair: Judy Hagen Sue Jensen Workers: Barb Cliff Diane Damerow Judy Floven Jill Johnson Cathie Kammerer Ruth Noren Cakes: Beth Breamer Barb Cliff Angie Drescher Jill Johnson Arianna Liebsch Darlene Levisen

507-440-6940 507-373-7839

Barb Ochs Carol Olson Dawn Pestorious Shirley Strand Elaine Syverson Kaley Waldemar

Julie Nafzger Marilyn Sasser Dawn Thompson Sue Olson Jill Tweed

Women’s Day at Good Earth Village Saturday, June 25, 2022 9 AM – 2 PM Theme: Living our Legacy: Stewarding Our Live with Intention Presenters: Emily Carson, Office of the Bishop, SEMN Synod Tharan Leopold, Churchwide and SEMN Synod Dianna Parks, Executive Director, Good Earth Village Come join us for spirit filled day!! Contact Diane Damerow at ddamerow@charter.net or 507-383-9284 if interest in attending. We will car pool to Spring Valley.

Altar Guild 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 June:

Honoring the Father of Us All and the Fathers He Gave Us June is here and earth is displaying her beauty and abundance everywhere we look. God, Our Father has blessed us richly once again. As we celebrate new growth and plant and seed our gardens and yards, we also remember our earthly fathers who raised us and provide for the family. June 19th is Fathers Day. As you celebrate Father's Day give thanks for our one true Father, God. Thank you Abba Father for all you have given and continue to give us.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Luke 11:11-13 Job 1:4-5 Colossians 3:20-21 Deuteronomy 1:31 Proverbs 13:24 Deuteronomy 8:5 Hebrews 12:7-11 Proverbs 3:11-12 Psalm 78:2-8 Proverbs 15:5

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 Proverbs 29:15 Matthew 19:17-19 Proverbs 13:1 Exodus 20:12 1 Timothy 3:2-5 Psalm 103:13 Leviticus 19:3 John 3:16 Joshua 24:15

21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Malachi 2:10 Matthew 15:4-6 Proverbs 10:1 Joshua 1:9 1 Corinthians 8:6 Psalm 127:3-5 Matthew 6:26 1 Peter 2:17 Proverbs 22:6 3 John 1:4

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.

Tue

1pm-Worship Counters-P 6:30pm-Council Meeting-P

8am-Traditional Worship-S

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

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

8am-Quilters-MPR & BH 9:30am-Staff Meeting-P

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

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

21 8am-Quilters-MPR & BH 9:30am-Staff Meeting-P 11:30am-Friends@First 3pm-Fun in the Sun Community Connect

8am-Traditional Worship w/Comm. -S 1pm-Worship Counters-P

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

8am-Quilters-MPR & BH 9:30am-Staff Meeting-P

1pm-Worship Counters-P 5:30pm-Council Meeting-P

8am-Traditional Worship-S

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

7 8am-Quilters-MPR & BH 9:30am-Staff Meeting-P 6pm-WMA Team-BH

FR=Fusion Room PR= Prayer Room

MPR=Multi-Purpose Room L=Library SL=South Lot

BH=Bethany Hall P=Parlor S=Sanctuary

Mon

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

June

Sun

8am-Prayer Group-PR 9am-Summer Adv. at the MN Zoo 9:30am-Bible Study-MPR 4pm-Spuds & Splits-BH 6pm-Gift Shop Open 6:30pm-Wed. Worship

8am-Prayer Group-PR 9:30am-Bible Study-MPR 1pm-Messenger Crew-P 3:30pm-Summer Adventures (4th-6th)-FR 5pm-Circle 6-P

8am-Prayer Group-PR 9:30am-Bible Study-MPR 12pm-Volunteer Appreciation Lunch-BH 3:30pm-Summer Adventures (K-3rd)-FR 6pm-Gift Shop Open 6:30pm-Wed. Worship

8am-Prayer Group-PR 9:30am-Bible Study-MPR 11am-Mutual Ministry-P 6pm-Gift Shop Open 6:30pm-Wed. Worship w/Comm.

8am-Prayer Group-PR 8:30am-FLCW Leadership Team-P 9:30am-Bible Study-MPR 6pm-Gift Shop Open 6:30pm-Wed. Worship 7:15pm-Choir Rehearsal-S

Wed

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

Thu

Fri

2pm-Caleb Banks Grad Party-BH

11am– FLCW Salad Luncheon-BH

Sat

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Summer Psalms and A Song of Ascents For centuries--millennia, really--people have made pilgrimages to Jerusalem. In recent history, to see the sites, like the Old City, the Via Dolorosa, the Temple and the Dome of the Rock, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. In the past (and present) people made the journey for festivals, like Passover. Imagine for a moment, making that trek today. Not from a plane in Denver to New York to Istanbul to a bus in Tel Aviv to the Holy City itself. But on foot from Hebron or Nazareth, from sandy, rocky hills and valleys.That’s the trek many ancient Hebrew people made. It’s believed that while they walked up toward Jerusalem, they sang psalms.

The book of Psalms is a compilation of 150 individual psalms. Some psalms are prayers for help, others are thanksgivings, poems, songs, and even liturgies. Psalms 120-134 are each called a Song of Ascents, believed to be the psalms the Hebrew people sang as they traveled to Jerusalem. The psalms have long been sung and prayed by Jewish and Christian assemblies. They have sustained weary souls and ushered God’s beloved from this life into the next. Martin Luther said that the Psalms, “might well be called a little Bible. In it is comprehended most beautifully and briefly everything that is in the entire Bible.” The Lutheran Study Bible notes that Luther means by this, “the Psalms explore the highs and lows of the life of faith. They sing with joy and trust from the mountaintop moments and cry out with pain ‘out of the depths’. The Psalms weep with those who suffer, laugh with those who celebrate, and teach all of us about the long journey of faith.” (Lutheran Study Bible, Augsburg Fortress, page 848) This summer, we invite you to join us for a light walk on Tuesday evenings beginning June 7th, 2022 at 6:30pm. We’ll begin each hike by reading the psalm and prayer for the week. You may choose to walk with the group, a partner, or alone--whatever your spirit needs. All are welcome, but minors must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Information for time and meeting location will be shared on Sunday during worship, thechurch website, and social media pages. June 7th we will meet at The Blazing Star Trail. Bring with you: water, sunscreen, and maybe a snack--we’re engaging in the spiritual practices of meditation and movement not fasting!

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The Special Outreach Cause Offering for the month of June is the

Foster Care Trailer All monetary donations go to help youth that are in Foster Care with essential needs Special offering envelopes will be available from the ushers at all church services. Please make checks payable to FLC.

Come check out the new inventory of t-shirts. Sizes: S-2XL are available. The gift shop is located off the Clark Street entrance. It is open Sundays from 9 to 11:30am and Wednesdays from 6pm to 7:15pm.

Totals from the Ingathering The Spring Lutheran World Relief Ingathering was held on Saturday, May 14. Twenty-two diligent volunteers loaded donations from 50 area churches including 2414 quilts, 1261 Personal Care Kits, 210 School Kits, 134 Baby Care Kits, & 14 Fabric Kits. $4778 was donated for the LWR Shipping Fund. Crossroads Trailer of Albert Lea provided the transportation to the

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

EASTERN EUROPE CRISIS FUND

Roger Bakken given by Lorraine Bakken Al Christensen given by Friends & Family LaVonne Christenson given by Harold Christenson Emily Colby, Ellen Bjelland, Harold Knutson, Helen Iverson given by Jerald & Bonnie Charlson Carolyn Flesche given by Nancy Haas Family, Rebecca Peterson, Becky & Steve Peterson Valta Hestness given by Phyllis Hamborg Ernest Clarence Hanson given by Family & Friends Melvin C Folie Jr. given L. Grace Vee Julie Houg given by Friends & Family Marilyn Moe given by Marge Moine, Jane Maiden, Larry & Julia Tonder, David & Lindaa Pederson, FLC Circle 20, Bonnie Trampel, Friends & Family, Selma Engebretson Florence Palmer given by Arlo & Julie Wallin Vernon & Rosalie Rasmussen given by Sherri Rasmussen Marjorie Schaffer given by Laverne & Shirley Strand, Helen & Russell Ashley, Marily & Duane Halverson, Jacqle Mickey & Jerry Wacholz, Charles & A. K. Skjevland, Paul & Melinda Bogle, Reid & Sherry Ulve Carole Schember given by Arlene Lee Marilyn Stoa given by Tom & Karen Hovde Mary Beth Walton given by Martin & Karen Johnson

My Dad Arnie and Uncle Al for their April 28th Birthday given by Jane Maiden

In Memory of:

KEITH FLIGGE SCHOLARSHIP

In Memory of :

Al Christensen given by Family & Friends Paul Larson given by John & Barb Cliff

FOOD FOR BACKPACKS

In Memory of:

Eric Nelson given by Linda Egge Pederson Fred Nelson given by Linda Egge Pederson FOOD MINISTRY

In Honor of:

Inge Rhiger for her 90th Birthday given by Cindy Gandrud

Gifts Given by:

Larry & Ginny Larson on behalf of the Blessing of the Bikes, Linda Ferguson

FUSION

Gifts Given by:

Brooks & Angie Drescher, Sheila Calderon GENERAL FUND

In Memory of:

LaVonne Christenson given by Ron & Betty Matthews, Glen & Leann Juveland Lyle Hanson for his 98th Birthday given by Ann Gifts Given By: Hanson Kevin & Martha Kenne, Emmons Lutheran Church Phil Peters given by Wayne & Carol Hedalen Lydia Mission Circle, Rod & Vanessa Ehni, Lavonne In Honor of: Emmons, Sonja Cook, Ila Breck, Liam McGary’s Baptism given by Arlene Jensen Janice Jensen, Doug & Joanne Chaffee, Bob & Dar- Gifts Given By: lene Levisen, Senior Tower Residents, Phyllis Ulland, Marilee Waalkens, Sara Cogar, Dave Dorinda Leutink, Helen Lovik, Marilee Waalkens Syverson Ford, Kenneth Schoneman, Jean Knoppel, Mark & Kathrune Stelzer CARE MINISTRY

Gifts Given By:

Donald & Mary Ann Bartz, Judy Hagen

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Memorials, Honors & Special Gifts LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF

In Memory of:

Parents Mr. & Mrs. Sylvester Marberger, Husband Neil Brownlow and Son Steven Brownlow given by Shirlie Brownlow

Gifts Given By:

Jim & Jane Loge, Larry & Janice Lestrud, Ascension Lutheran Church KIMBERLY (OLSON) GODDARD SCHOLARSHIP

Pastoral Records: Baptisms, Weddings, Deaths, Funerals, Memorial Services Baptisms Liam Thomas Mc Gary, 5/1 Adalyn Grace Ortega, 5/1 Zeniana Briana Schumaker, 5/22 Funeral Connie Hoyne, 4/22

In Memory of:

John R Peterson given by Jon & Tricia Syverson ROOF FUND

In Memory of:

Phil Peters given by Deloris Fligge WALDORF CHOIR FUND Gifts Given by: Dave & Sue Olson, Janice Hammer, Dwaine & Beth Egge, Wayne & Carol Hedalen, Lilah Aas, Ruth Noren

Tuesday, June 21, 2022 11:30am Bethany Hall Cost: $6 Menu: Shoestring chicken salad, fresh fruit, muffin, blueberry cheesecake

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.