July 2022

July 2022

Volume LXXII No. 7

Pictures from the first Summer Adventure on June 15.

The church building and office will be closed on Monday, July 4 and Tuesday, July 5.

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Happenings LIVE NATIVITY HELPERS

We are looking for people to plan, lead, and support the Live Nativity at First Lutheran Church that has happened in December.

If we do not get volunteers to lead this event, it will not happen.

If you are interested in helping, please contact the office! 507-373-6424

Update from the Call Committee The Ministry Site Profile was reviewed and approved by council on Monday, June 13. It has since been submitted to the synod, and the call committee will start to receive candidates for review the week of June 20. Thank you to the congregation for the candidate nominations we have received (final submission deadline is June 27), as well as for keeping call committee members and this entire process in your prayers.

The committee meets again on Monday, June 27.

Council Talking Points • • • •

Please help us welcome Paul Cerny our new Building and Grounds Assistant. He will be full time and work alongside Mike as a co-partner to maintain the building and grounds. His first day in June 28 Starting September 1st, worship times will switch to 8:00am and 10:30am Starting in September we will be receiving the sacrament of Holy Communion EVERY Sunday.

The pastoral staff is working on starting adult education programming on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings.

A few words from Pastor Roger Greetings siblings in Christ!

Thank you all for your responses to our Call Committee!

We appreciate the time and effort that you put into them. Your feedback will help to shape the future of our congregation.

Our Call Committee members have put in a lot of thoughtful hours to get our ministry site profile (sometimes referred to as an MSP) completed. There is a lot that goes into preparing to call a pastor. It can be a complicated process. Our Call Committee has been intentional about being transparent and keeping the congregation up to speed on how this process is progressing. As a pastor that has been through the call

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A few words from Pastor Roger continued process, I am taking this opportunity to share some of my perspective on it with you.

The process of calling a pastor can feel frustrating; it seems to take so long! There are a lot of questions that you may have. Why can’t we post a job ad and use the regular hiring process? Who are the people that will be interviewed? Why do we use the term “call” instead of job?

There is an interesting dynamic in being called to a Lutheran church as a pastor. In our tradition, we believe that the sense of calling is very important. As a pastor, I do not just have a job. This role is just as much about who I am, as it is about what I do. As Lutherans, we do not ordain a pastor solely after they have completed their studies in seminary. We feel that the calling of the church is as important as the calling that the pastor feels inside from God. We call this internal and external call; each confirms the other. That's why a pastor is not ordained until they have received a call from a church.

This is a part of my job that I take very seriously-we don't simply work for a congregationwe belong to each other. The congregation and the pastor belong to each other and commit to doing this sacred journey of life together. It is pretty amazing!

Another question comes up: Joy has been here for 8 months; can’t we just call her?

There is a short and a long answer for this. The short answer is yes! We may be able to call her, but to respect her calling and the church’s calling, we need to go through the call process and be keen to listen to how God is leading both the congregation and Joy. I often think of accepting a call as being like a marriage between the church and the pastor. It is for the mutual care and benefit of both.

We want Joy to experience that gift of being called by a congregation, not out of convenience or ease, but because we know that Joy and the congregation belong together. Doing our due diligence in the call process helps to instill the integrity that reinforces such a profound calling. For the sake of the church and Joy, an intentional and thoughtful process will best serve the mission of First Lutheran Church. We are a collaboration of Christ followers working to make our community and world a better place.

Keep praying! We are approaching an exciting point in this journey. We will continue to listen and pray; God is always faithful and the Holy Spirit will guide us.

Peace, Pastor Roger

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A note from the Parish Health & Wellness Team Current events, headlines, and information is continually available to all of us through our electronic devices (phones, computers, etc.) and other forms of media such as the TV and radio. It is important to stay informed, but consuming too much news is often unhelpful. For some of us, consuming too much news may make us feel anxious and interfere with our ability to effectively function (e.g. concentrating, completing daily tasks) or even sleep.

Therefore, it is increasingly important for all of us to manage our intake of headlines and current events. Jennifer Hughs, PhD, a psychologist with UT Physicians (2020), suggests scheduling the time when you will consume the news and limit the amount of time doing so. Consider discontinuing some of the news feeds coming to your computer or cell phone…then consider using this “new found” time doing something more positive: • Engage in a hobby.

• Get caught up on needed work (whether it is in your business or home environment).

• Enjoy quality time with family or friends.

• Exercise.

• Devotions and prayer.

Most of us feel there is never enough time in a day. Consuming a “bit less news” may even give you more time to enjoy our Minnesota summer.

Frank-Davis, L. (2020). Too much media can take a toll on mental and physical health. UT Health . https://www.utphysicians.com/consuming-too-much-news-can-take-a-toll-on-mentaland-physical-health/

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Women’s Ministry (FLCW) Caring and Sharing July 2022

July Meeting

Chair: Cheryl Moran 507-383-5066 Bonnie Schneider 507-373-7839

Wednesday, July 13 1:15pm in Bethany Hall Program: “Women Crooners of the 1950’s”

by Gary Schindler

August Meeting Wednesday, August 10 5:00pm at Pioneer Park Program: Bring a treasured item to share (i.e. collectible, quilt, dish, jewelry)

Workers: Paula Bennett Sharon Buley Karen Christenson Robin Evenson (Sat.) Cindy Fjermestad Julie Gilbertson

Laurie Lenz Sandy Nesse Deloris Osmundson Linda Pederson Barb Rognes Mary Stapleton

Cakes: Kathy Attig Susan Blenka Carol Hedalen Fran Heilman Jayne Iverson Pam Jerdee

Carol A. Johnson Lexie Light Brenda Malepsy Beverly Nelson Julie Schewe Sharon Wakefield

Picnic supper provided - freewill offering

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.

Friends at First will not meet in July or August

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Prayer Ministry Daily Scripture Verses from the Sharing the Faith Team

Themes for July Grace, Faith, and a Gift from God & God’s power of comforting 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 Luke 21:29-33 Galatians 5:13-15 Psalm 118:5-8 Ephesians 2:8-9 2 Corinthians 12: 9-10 Hebrews 11:1-3,6 Romans 6:19-23 1 Corinthians 12:1-6 1 Corinthians 12:7-11

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Psalm 84:1-4 Jude 1:17-22 Acts 2:38-41 Isaiah 35:1-5 John 8:12-16 Matthew 5:13-16 James 1:19-22 Job 8:7-10 Hosea 14:1-7 Isaiah 35:1-5

21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

1 Peter 1:22-25 Luke 12:27-30 Psalm 103:13-18 Romans 12:8-10 Psalm 17:1-3 1 Thessalonians 1:3-5 Colossians 1: 23-27 Philippians 3:8-11 Matthew 6:30-33 Psalm 16: 7-9 James 1:2-7

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: Sharon Buley, Aurora Everding, Cora Hall, Bob Herman, Phil Koppelman, Pauline Kohnke Nelson, Pam Stern, Shirley Stundahl, Mollie Tolic, Jenny, and Julie.

Our continued prayers are requested for healing and wholeness for:

Mike & Mary Ann Christian, Jim Hansen, Ann Hanson, Les Harmon, Gregg Hatleli, Nancy Jenson, Gary Laite, Khan Mut, Wanda Soland, Bob, Darlene, and their spouses, families, & caregivers.

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

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

8am-Worship-S

31

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

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

July

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

1pm-Worship Counters-P

8am-Worship-S

FR=Fusion Room PR= Prayer Room

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

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

28

27 8am-Prayer Group-PR

9:30am-Bible Study-MPR 1pm-Messenger Crew-P 3:30pm-Summer Adventures-FR 6pm-Gift Shop Open 6:30pm-Worship w/Comm.

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

21

20 8am-Prayer Group-PR 9:30am-Bible Study-MPR 3:30pm-Summer Adventures-FR 6pm-Gift Shop Open 6:30pm-Worship

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

14

13 8am-Prayer Group-PR 9:30am-Bible Study-MPR 11am-Mutual Ministry-P 1pm-FLCW General Meeting-BH 3:30pm-Summer Adventures-FR 6pm-Gift Shop Open 6:30pm-Worship w/Comm.

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

7

Thu

8:30am-FLCW Board-P 9:30am-Bible Study-MPR 1pm-Worship Counters 6pm-Gift Shop Open 6:30pm-Worship

6 8am-Prayer Group-PR

Wed

BH=Bethany Hall P=Parlor S=Sanctuary

26

25

24

19 8am-Quilters-MPR & BH 9:30am-Staff Meeting-P

8am-Worship w/Comm.-S

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

17

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

18

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

1pm-Worship Counters-P 1pm-History Team-L

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

8am-Worship-S

Closed

Closed

12

Building & Office

Building & Office

5

Tue

11

4

Mon

10

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

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

8am-Worship -S

3

Sun

29

22

15

8

1

Fri

30

23

16

9

2

Sat

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Join us for Summer Psalm Walks

Photos from Recent Baptisms

Jennifer Hueter June 1

Jett Nelson June 5

Beckham LaFrance June 19

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The Special Outreach Cause Offering for the month of July is

of Freeborn County NAMI of Freeborn County is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving lives of children, adults, and families with mental illness. They work to provide education, support, and advocacy to the community Special offering envelopes will be available from the ushers at all church services.

Please make checks payable to FLC.

May 2022

Giving

$57,820.57

Expenses

$87,788.85

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)

Giving vs.

Expenses

-$29,968.28

Year to date Giving vs.

Expense

$6,566.31

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 In Memory of: Steven Grosland given by Phyllis Hamborg Jim Jensen given by Chris Shoff David Mutchler given by Selma Engebretson Russ Olson given by Larry & Janice Lestrud Phil Peters given by Hildy Vallevand Eldon Senske given by John & Joanne Gold Lumen Sigurdson given by John & Joanne Gold James “Butch” VanRiper given by Irene VanRiper Dorothy Vandersnick given by Selma Engebretson, Jim & Sue Larson

Gifts Given by: LeSueur River ELCA, Gilbert Gilbertson, LaVonne Emmons, Sonja Cook, Ila Breck, Deacon Douglas Spiotta, Dorinda Leutink, Larhee Mathison, Janice Jensen

BACKPACK PROGRAM In Memory of: James Cisewski given by Dave & Linda Pederson

FOOD MINISTRY FUND In Memory of:

Rhonda, Michael and Landon Ruff given by Audrey Sorenson

Gifts Given by: Charles & Janet Griebenow, LaVaun Houge, Rosalyn Lyle, Dave Syverson Building Acct, Sara Cogar, Karen Brand

LANDSCAPING FUND Gifts Given by: Norm & Joyce Fredin

PRAYER SHAWL FUND Gifts Given by: Bob & Darlene Levisen

RADIO FUND In Memory of: Don Jensen given by Jane Maiden

ROOF FUND Gifts Given by: Jan Overgaard

Don Mathison given by Neva Mathison

Gifts Given by: JoAnn Palmer, Larry & Janice Lestrud

GENERAL FUND In Memory of: Vern Jahnke given by Audrey Sorenson Marilyn Moe given by Wayne & Carol Hedalen Russ Olson given by Wayne & Carol Hedalen Natasha Weigel given by Audrey Sorenson

In Honor of: Brenda & Dave Sorenson given by Audrey Sorenson Jayne & Ken Rimer given by Audrey Sorenson

Pastoral Records: Baptisms, Weddings, Deaths, Funerals, Memorial Services Baptisms

Jennifer Hueter, 6/1 Jett Thomas Nelson, 6/5 Beckham Henry LaFrance, 6/19

Funeral

Russel Olson, 5/31 James “Butch” VanRiper, 6/13

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The Perfect Gift Shop Many great baby and children’s items are available in the Perfect Gift Shop.

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.

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.