September 2022 Volume LXXII No. 9 Volunteers Needed We are excited for our second year of Fusion. Because of the growth of this ministry, we need more adult help. We are looking for weekly, semi monthly, and monthly help in the following areas: teachers, art helpers, snack/kitchen help, outdoor recreation leaders, and other areas. Contact Jenny Edwin 373 6424 or jenny@flcal.org Faith Formation on Wednesday Nights is back! K - 6th Grade - 3:30-5:30pm Pre K - 4:45-5:30pm (Starting September 7th) Wednesday Night Meals are back for the school year! See page 8 for more details
Happenings
Fusion is starting back up! August 31st from 4:30 6:30 will be the Fusion Open House where families can come sign up and get a tour of the Fusion Space. Fusion programming will start on September 7th from 3:30 5:30pm.
Council Visioning Retreat- The council is planning a Visioning Retreat in November where they will come together and brainstorm the 5-10 year vision for the church. If the congregation has any Dreams or Visions for FLC we would love to hear from you. Please submit them to Kara in the office by November 1st.
Saturday, October 8 7-11am
Ingathering
Lilah Aas, Chair Kristin Larson Jo Hanson Fran Heilman Roger Oberg Ken Damerow Tom Larson Jack Ladlie Jennifer Levisen Nicole Morrison
Update from the Call Committee
Awakened is a new ministry at First Lutheran that strives to empower Christian females. Our focus is growing in our faith and networking and serving within our church and community. We will host many events throughout the year to bring women and families together in a faith-based setting.
Collecting mission quilts, school kits, personal care kits, fabric kits, baby care kits, & monetary donations for LWR shipping costs. Volunteers needed & greatly appreciated!
In grateful appreciation of your support and prayers,
Mark your calendars!
Council Talking Points
Like us on @awakenedFLCalbertleaFacebook
We are thrilled that through much prayer and guidance by the Holy Spirit we have selected our candidate of choice to be called into Shared Ministry at First Lutheran Church. This candidate will be presented for your vote on Sunday, Aug. 28 at 9:15 a.m. Our candidate is a woman and she is energetic, poised and ready to assume a shared ministry position at FLC. Both her strengths and our indicated wants in a pastor are well aligned. After her second interview, our entire committee was in agreement that she has the skills we want and need at FLC. Pastor Roger was present for her second interview and concurred that she was his candidate of choice as well. Our entire committee is looking forward to Aug. 28, and we hope you are too!
- Call of a Shared Ministry Pastor- We will hold a congregational meeting on Sunday, August 28th to vote on the candidate selected by the Call Committee.
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My friends, I have a challenge for you this month. I want you to consider how your head and your heart and your hands are all connected through your faith in Christ. In particular, I want you to think about the phrase: Faith does ______. How can you fill in that blank space? How will you finish that sentence? When you find your answer go out and do it!
P.S. Our Wednesday morning Bible study is from 9:30-10:30am. We are beginning a new book on August 31st, although you can join anytime!
As we have come to the end of the book, I have started thinking about faith in another way. Rather than thinking about “love does,” I have been thinking about “faith does.” Faith has a lot of similarities with love. Just as love always involves action, faith does also.
A few words from Pastor Roger
The book takes its title from a couple sentences of the final chapter. They say: “...love does whatever it takes to multiply itself and somehow along the way everyone becomes a part of it. You know why? Because that’s what love does.”
God bless you all!
My prayer is that activities like “Faith does _____” will broaden our perspective and help us to see that every moment of our lives is a part of our faith journey. God shows up everywhere when we have eyes to see.
For the past couple months, our Wednesday morning Bible study has been reading a book written by Bob Goff, entitled, “Love Does.” In this book, Mr. Goff recalls a number of different times in his life that he has encountered God in unexpected ways. Each chapter details an adventure of his life. As he looks back on each one, he finds that his faith and the way that he lives his life are always deeply intertwined. In touching and often humorous ways, Mr. Goff finds God’s presence and love in everything from a squished wedding cake, getting fired, to car crashes and sailing.
For example, I could insert the word: inviting. Faith does inviting. We know Jesus invited others to join his life giving ministry, so we can put it into action by inviting a friend to come to church with us. Another example could be encouragement. Faith does encouragement. I can encourage the people around me because I know that they are also beloved children of God.
Greetings siblings in Christ!
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I find this description of love to be beautiful in how simple it is. Love is one of those things that is much more difficult to define than to identify. It feels almost impossible to capture love in one definition. Yet, when we see love in action, we know it right away. I believe that is what Mr. Goff is getting at. Love is not something that we explain and talk about, so much as love is how we act and live.
Pastor Roger Fears
Tyler Egge, music coordinator
What do you love about First Lutheran Church?
As Minnesotans, we treasure the summer months that are often filled with activities taking advantage of the warm weather. Many of the “routine events/programs” in our lives take a pause so that we can enjoy this special time of year.
I love the beautiful windows and woodwork. I also love that this is my church. As a little girl, I attended Sunday School and VBS here. During my teenage years I was a member at another church and was confirmed there. As an adult, I found my way back here to my church. This is where I was married.
I am excited for the growth within the congregation. In addition to being on the Congregation Council as secretary, most recently I was on the call committee to call our next pastor in shared ministry. Exciting days ahead!!
A note from the Parish Health & Wellness Team
Tell us a little bit about who makes up your family?
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Being over committed or being committed to activities that are in conflict with our values and belief systems may result in feeling overwhelmed and stressed. Before saying yes to all of the opportunities that fall brings to us, reflect on what is realistic and
Fall is often filled with new beginnings: school, sports activities, programs, etc. All of these “new beginnings” can often prove to be a bit stressful. Realistically, there may be more opportunities than we (or our family members) have time, energy, or even resources to participate in. As we make choices about how to spend our most valuable commodity (time), reflect on what is most important to you and your family. What brings you internal joy and peace? What activities align with your personal values? Do these activities reflect your Christian values and faith?
If you’ve ever thought about any of those questions, if you love theater, art museums, or music, or if you’re like me and you just like gathering in community and asking the big questions of faith, life, and human existence, then get excited! I am busy planning a series of “Faith & Arts” events for the coming year. These events will hopefully include things like field trips where we will get to experience different forms of art together, casual topic driven conversations over coffee or other beverages right here in town, and more! Stay tuned for further information coming early this fall, but if you’re super excited about it in the meantime, you can reach out to me (tyler@flcal.org) to talk more about these topics and opportunities. I am looking forward to sharing these new experiences and learning together with you!
What is art? Why do we feel things when we experience the arts? How do faith and theology impact the artists, musicians, and performers who create art? Does God care about beauty?
What is one thing you are excited for First Lutheran Church’s future?
Council Corner with Kristin Larson
My husband Matthew, our five children Jacqui, Jayna. Connor, Garret & Gretta and our four grandchildren Chevy, Everett, Freya & Adaline.
Mary Ann Venem
Eleanor Sorensen
Sandy Narverud 507 383 3344
Cakes:
Tour Spam Museum, activity at Daisy Blue, and the Art Center for a painting experience.
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Saturday, September 10
AmberBrandyKaraCharJoRitaWorkers:DrescherHansonHabanaHeinemannHenscheJensen
Naomi Schmidt
Caring and SeptemberSharing2022
Breanna Munson
Neva Mathison
September FieldTrip
Women’s Ministry (FLCW)
Gen Montei
Meet in the church parking lot at 9am to carpool. Lunch on your own. Home by 4pm.
Brittany AmandaLaurieDianeStephanieMillhouseOlsenOlsonOlsonVanRyswyk
Sign up in the church office October Meeting Reformation Luncheon (Past Presidents will be honored) Wednesday, October 12 12:00 BethanypmHall Program: 3 CD’s Music Group (Retired Choir Directors) Tuesday, September 20 11:30am in Bethany Hall Cost: $6 Menu: Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Buttered Corn, & Apple Crisp
Mary Carstens
Mavis MarianAbbeAhnemann
JoAnn Palmer
Chair: Marge Moine 507 373 3548
Scripture
Daily Verses from the Sharing the Faith Team Theme for September: Learning and Trusting in God, Our Heavenly Father
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Prayer Ministry FLC Prayer Ministry Want prayer for yourself or others? Call Jo, 763-257-9018 or Julia, 373-9594. Prayers are kept confidential. 1 Psalm 28:7 2 Romans 8:28 3 Proverbs 3:5-6 4 Joshua 1:9 5 Mark 5:36 6 Isaiah 12:2 7 Psalm 112:7 8 Hebrews 11:6 9 Ezekiel 18:14-17 10 Psalm 9:10 11 1 Peter 2:2 3 12 Philippians 4:6-7 13 Jeremiah 17:17 14 Psalm 119:153 15 John 14:1 16 Isaiah 26:3 17 Proverbs 4:2 18 Romans 12:19 19 Daniel 4:35 20 Proverbs 4:5 21 2 Timothy 3:16 17 22 Psalm 33:20 23 Proverbs 3:1 24 Luke
Ourcontinuedprayersarerequestedforhealingandwholenessfor: Sharon Buley, Mike & Mary Ann Christian, Les Harmon, Gregg Hatleli, Bob Herman, Nancy Jenson, Khan Mut, Pauline Kohnke Nelson, Wanda Soland, Pam Stern , and their spouses, families, & caregivers.
Fall is coming and soon schools and colleges will be in session. Learning is a constant in all seasons. Trust is a part of every day of our lives. God is with us and available to us twenty four hours a day. All we need to do is reach out. God's word in scripture is both a comfort and a source of wisdom. Learning goes on from birth until eternity. 2:40
Prayer List
Ourprayersarerequestedforhealingandwholenessfor: Barb Callahan, Aurora Everding, Joyce Fredin, Cora Hall, Phil Koppelman, Gary Laite, Cleo Ress, Sharon Wakefield, Mollie Tolic, Jenny, John, Julie and Pam.
25 Proverbs 18:15 26 1 Corinthians 13:11 27 Psalm 37:4 5 28 Isaiah 41:10 29 Proverbs 16:20 30 Ephesians 1:11
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openShoppeGiftPerfectThe10:309am ForumOpenBylawNew9amBH ABC6onPower&Peace10am RadioKATE10am1450AM w/Comm.Worship10:30amS
Caribouw/ClergyCoffee8:30am Hardanger1pmMPR MinistryFood4:45pm SLUpDrive
September
GroupPrayer8am--PR Mtg.BoardFLCW8:30am--P StudyBible9:30am--MPR 3:30pm-Fusion-BH,SSR,MPR MealEvening5:30pmBH OpenShopGift6pm Worship6:30pm Confirmation7pmBH ClassEducationAdult7:15pm-
openShoppeGiftPerfectThe10:309am ClassEducationAdult9:15am- ABC6onPower&Peace10am- RadioKATE10am1450AM WorshipConfirmation10:30amS 26 Crafters9amBH CountersWorship1pmP 27 Quilters8amMPR&BH MeetingStaff9:30amP 28 GroupPrayer8amPR
S=SanctuaryP=ParlorHallBH=Bethany LotSL=SouthL=LibraryRoomPurposeMPR=Multi- RoomPrayerPR=RoomFR=Fusion
Fri Sat
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openShoppeGiftPerfectThe10:309am ClassEducationAdult9:15am- ABC6onPower&Peace10am- RadioKATE10am--1450AM Worship10:30am--S
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Quilters8amMPR&BH MeetingStaff9:30amP 6pmWMAMtg.BH
Crafters9amBH HealthParish9amL CountersWorship1pmP 1pmHistoryTeamL
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Caribouw/ClergyCoffee8:30am Hardanger1pmMPR MinistryFood4:45pm SLUpDrive
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FLCW9am toTripField Spam Museum, &BlueDaisy CenterArt
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BuildingandOffice Closed
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Crafters9amBH CountersWorship1pmP MeetingCouncil6:30pmP
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openShoppeGiftPerfectThe10:309am ABC6onPower&Peace10am RadioKATE10am1450AM Worship10:30amS
StudyBible9:30amMPR MinistryMutual11amP 3:30pmFusionBH,SSR,MPR ForumOpenBylawNew5pmS MealEvening5:30pmBH OpenShopGift6pm w/Comm.Worship6:30pm Confirmation7pmBH ClassEducationAdult7:15pm
Worship8amS
21 GroupPrayer8amPR
StudyBible9:30amMPR 3:30pmFusionBH,SSR,MPR MealEvening5:30pmBH OpenShopGift6pm Worship6:30pm Confirmation7pmBH ClassEducationAdult7:15pm
Caribouw/ClergyCoffee8:30am Hardanger1pm--MPR MinistryFood4:45pm- SLUpDrive2423
6:30pm Confirmation Rehearsal
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w/Comm.Worship8amS
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StudyBible9:30amMPR CrewMessenger1pmP 3:30pmFusionBH,SSR,MPR MealEvening5:30pmBH OpenShopGift6pm w/Comm.Worship6:30pm Confirmation7pmBH ClassEducationAdult7:15pm 29
BreakfastWaffleKiwanis8amBH
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Caribouw/ClergyCoffee8:30am Hardanger1pmMPR MinistryFood4:45pm SLUpDrive 30
Caribouw/ClergyCoffee8:30am Hardanger1pmMPR MinistryFood4:45pm SLUpDrive
Quilters8amMPR&BH MeetingStaff9:30amP FirstatFriends11:30amBH
GroupPrayer8amPR
Worship8am--S
Quilters8amMPR&BH MeetingStaff9:30amP MinistrySocial6:30pm--MPR
SundayChallengeTeen&AdultMN
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
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LIVE NATIVITY HELPERS
FIRST LUTHERAN MESSENGER (USPS196 560) 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) Page 9 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 The Special Outreach Cause Offering for the month of September is Special offering envelopes will be available from the ushers at all church services. Please make checks payable to FLC. PASTORAL STAFF e mails and emergency telephone numbers: Pastor Roger Fears roger@flcal.org (Cell (320) 297 1251) Local & Global Missions Giving $52,499.87 Expenses $45,637.52 Giving Expensesvs. $6,862.35 Year to Givingdatevs.Expense $11,831.22 July 2022 Broadcast Ministries Year to Incomedate $35,231 Year to Expensedate $50,308.35 Year to Givingdatevs.Expense $-15,077.35 Some of the missions that have been supported over the years are: our missionaries, the Swanson family & the Satre family, Meals on the Go, SEMCAC, the Ecumenical Food Shelf, and collection of school supplies for the local elementary schools.
Izaak Epland given by Al & Bonnie Bakken Marvin Evenson, Ann Satre’s Brother given by Bev Grotsun, Jane Maiden
In Memory of: John Kohnke given by Mark & Terri Stadheim
Sonja Honstad given by Maxine Hanson, Janice & Dennis Brandt, Mary & Judy Langrud Eunice Johnsrud given by Mark & Judy Langrud Mary Keating given by John & Barb Cliff Dale Mratz given by Arlene Lee Colleen Politz given by Garnice Rasmusson, Family & Friends
ROOF FUND
John Harshbarger given by wife Anne Marie Harshbarger For their August 3rd Anniversary
Gifts Given by: Donald & Mary Ann Bartz, Tom & Paula Berg, Lorraine Bakken
In Memory of: Sharon Bednar’s Brother given by Bill & Ann Satre Janet Hart Deane given by Jane Maiden Jan Doyle given by Clarence & Barb Heavner Bernice Ellingson given by Shirley & LaVerne Strand
Gifts Given by: Karen Joachim
In Honor of: Cheryl (Hedum) McDonnell & Vicky (Hedum) Austin for their September Birthdays given by Jim & Sheila Hanson
In Memory of: Al Christenson given by Bill & Judy Stilley Pam Rhiger given by Bill & Judy Stilley Donald Smith given by Arlis Smith
Ruth Gstalder given by Doug & Mary Thompson
In Honor of: Marianna Caroline Sorlie for the first anniversary of her baptism given by John & Nancy Sorlie
Memorials, Honors, & Special Gifts
Gifts Given by: Margaret Hagen, Eugene & Wanda Soland, Lilah Aas, Ralph & Judith Pesonen, Carol Gilbertson, Jacob Levisen, Arlis Cerny, Diane Wangen, Dorinda Leutink, Roger & Patricia Bekaert, Nordean Fox, Larhee Mathison, Janice Heusinkveld, Janice Jensen, Deacon Douglas Spiotta, Ila Breck, Ramona Swenson, Louise Ott, Lavonne Emmons, Sonja Cook, Marilee Waalkens, Karen Joachim
FOOD MINISTRY
Fern Urbatch given by Lorraine Bakken
Baptisms Waylon Johnson 8 14 Weddings Rachel Jensen & Kyle Augustine 8 20 Pastoral Records: Baptisms, Weddings, Deaths, Funerals, Memorial Services
In Memory of: Marv Evenson, Ann Satre’s Brother given by Gary & Ginny Thompson
Gifts Given by: LaVaun Houge, Larry & Janice Lestrud, JoAnn Palmer, Verona Boe
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Gifts Given by: Judy Worth
John Flaherty given by Jane Maiden
Gifts Given by: Sara Cogar
GENERAL FUND
NAMI
Mildred Sigurdson given by John & Joanne Gold Donald Smith given by Arlis Smith
YOUTH FUND
BIRTHDAY BOX
PEACE & POWER
Ruth Breuer, JeVonne Budach, Florence Palmer, Jim Sanvik given by Bill & Judy Stilley Edward Hanson, Wes Anderson, JeVonne Budach, Beth Belshan, Hunter Robertson, Gary Gulbrandson, Cindy Nelson, Julie Houg, Dylan Thompson given by First Lutheran of Glenville Mary Martha Circle
If there are meetings scheduled
FRIDAY & SATURDAY CLOSED Sunday Building Hours 7AM-12 noon [Other times by special arrangement] s
Fall Hours are Sundays 9:00am to 10:30am and Wednesdays 5:15pm to 7:15pm. We are looking for a few more volunteers to help in the gift shop. If you are interested please call the church office.
Office
Monday Thursday 9:00AM-3:00PM
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Monday - Thursday 8:00AM-5:00PM Tues. & Wed. 5:00-8:00PM
The Perfect Gift Shop has many great items for that special person or for yourself!
The Perfect Gift Shop
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
InstagramVimeo [Address label here] First Lutheran Church 301 W Clark St. Albert Lea, MN 56007 Sunday Worship Broadcasts 10:00am Peace & Power on ABC 6 10:00am Live broadcast on KATE Radio 1450 Periodicals Postage Paid at Albert Lea, MN 56007 THE MISSION OF FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH IS TO GATHER, EQUIP, AND EMPOWER PEOPLE TO JOYFULLY DO CHRIST’S WORK. Regular Worship Schedule Sundays 8:00am & 10:30am 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) Anytime: Access the video of our worship services at www.flcal.org Have you moved? Phone number changed? Please email Kara (kara@flcal.org) your updated info. Stay connected with us: Website @FLCalbertlea@flcalbertleaFacebook First Lutheran Church Albert Lea flcal.org
