September 2022

September 2022 Volume LXXII No. 9

Worship time Change

Faith Formation on Wednesday Nights is back!

K - 6th Grade - 3:30-5:30pm Pre K - 4:45-5:30pm (Starting September 7th) 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

Wednesday Night Meals are back for the school year!

See page 8 for more details

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Happenings Mark your calendars!

Saturday, October 8

7-11am

Collecting mission quilts, school kits, personal care kits, fabric kits, baby care kits, & monetary donations for LWR shipping costs.

Volunteers needed & greatly appreciated!

Ingathering

Update from the Call Committee 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!

In grateful appreciation of your support and prayers, Lilah Aas, Chair Ken Damerow

Kristin Larson Tom Larson

Jo Hanson Jack Ladlie

Fran Heilman Jennifer Levisen

Roger Oberg Nicole Morrison

Council Talking Points - 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.

- 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.

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.

Like us on Facebook @awakenedFLCalbertlea

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A few words from Pastor Roger Greetings siblings in Christ!

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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!

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. 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.

God bless you all!

Pastor Roger Fears 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!

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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?

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!

-Tyler Egge, music coordinator

A note from the Parish Health & Wellness Team 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.

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?

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 valuable to you (and your loved ones).

Council Corner with Kristin Larson Tell us a little bit about who makes up your family?

My husband Matthew, our five children Jacqui, Jayna.

Connor, Garret & Gretta and our four grandchildren Chevy, Everett, Freya & Adaline.

What do you love about First Lutheran Church?

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.

What is one thing you are excited for First Lutheran Church’s future?

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!!

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Women’s Ministry (FLCW) September Field Trip Saturday, September 10

Caring and Sharing September 2022

Tour Spam Museum, activity at Daisy Blue, and the Art Center for a painting experience.

Chair: Marge Moine 507-373-3548 Sandy Narverud 507-383-3344

Meet in the church parking lot at 9am to carpool.

Lunch on your own. Home by 4pm.

Sign up in the church office

October Meeting Reformation Luncheon (Past Presidents will be honored)

Wednesday, October 12 12:00 pm Bethany Hall Program: 3 CD’s Music Group (Retired Choir Directors)

Workers: Mavis Abbe Marian Ahnemann Mary Carstens Neva Mathison Gen Montei

Cakes: Rita Drescher Jo Hanson Char Habana Kara Heinemann Brandy Hensche Amber Jensen

Breanna Munson JoAnn Palmer Naomi Schmidt Eleanor Sorensen Mary Ann Venem

Brittany Millhouse Stephanie Olsen Diane Olson Laurie Olson Amanda Van Ryswyk

Tuesday, September 20 11:30am in Bethany Hall Cost: $6 Menu: Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Buttered Corn, & Apple Crisp

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Prayer Ministry Daily Scripture Verses from the Sharing the Faith Team

Theme for September: Learning and Trusting in God, Our Heavenly Father 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.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Psalm 28:7 Romans 8:28 Proverbs 3:5-6 Joshua 1:9 Mark 5:36 Isaiah 12:2 Psalm 112:7 Hebrews 11:6 Ezekiel 18:14-17 Psalm 9:10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

1 Peter 2:2-3 Philippians 4:6-7 Jeremiah 17:17 Psalm 119:153 John 14:1 Isaiah 26:3 Proverbs 4:2 Romans 12:19 Daniel 4:35 Proverbs 4:5

21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

2 Timothy 3:16-17 Psalm 33:20 Proverbs 3:1 Luke 2:40 Proverbs 18:15 1 Corinthians 13:11 Psalm 37:4-5 Isaiah 41:10 Proverbs 16:20 Ephesians 1:11

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: Barb Callahan, Aurora Everding, Joyce Fredin, Cora Hall, Phil Koppelman, Gary Laite, Cleo Ress, Sharon Wakefield, Mollie Tolic, Jenny, John, Julie and Pam.

Our continued prayers are requested for healing and wholeness for: 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.

Mon

9:15am-Adult Education Class 10am-Peace & Power on ABC6 10am-KATE Radio-1450AM 10:30am-Confirmation Worship-S

9am-10:30-The Perfect Gift Shoppe open

25 8am-Worship-S

9am-New Bylaw Open Forum-BH 10am-Peace & Power on ABC6 10am-KATE Radio-1450AM 10:30am-Worship w/Comm.-S

9am-10:30-The Perfect Gift Shoppe open

18 8am-Worship w/Comm.-S

9:15am-Adult Education Class 10am-Peace & Power on ABC6 10am-KATE Radio-1450AM 10:30am-Worship-S

9am-10:30-The Perfect Gift Shoppe open

11 8am-Worship-S

10am-KATE Radio-1450AM 10:30am-Worship-S

Wed

BH=Bethany Hall P=Parlor S=Sanctuary

Tue

20 8am-Quilters-MPR & BH 9:30am-Staff Meeting-P 11:30am-Friends at First-BH

13 8am-Quilters-MPR & BH 9:30am-Staff Meeting-P 6pm-WMA Mtg.-BH

26 27 9am-Crafters-BH 8am-Quilters-MPR & BH 1pm-Worship Counters-P 9:30am-Staff Meeting-P

19 9am-Crafters-BH 1pm-Worship Counters-P 6:30pm-Council Meeting-P

12 9am-Crafters-BH 9am-Parish Health-L 1pm-Worship Counters-P 1pm-History Team-L

6 8am-Quilters-MPR & BH 9:30am-Staff Meeting-P 6:30pm-Social Ministry-MPR

28 8am-Prayer Group-PR 9:30am-Bible Study-MPR 1pm-Messenger Crew-P 3:30pm-Fusion-BH, SSR,MPR 5:30pm-Evening Meal-BH 6pm-Gift Shop Open 6:30pm-Worship w/Comm.

7pm-Confirmation-BH 7:15pm-Adult Education Class

21 8am-Prayer Group-PR 9:30am-Bible Study-MPR 3:30pm-Fusion-BH, SSR,MPR 5:30pm-Evening Meal-BH 6pm-Gift Shop Open 6:30pm-Worship 7pm-Confirmation-BH 7:15pm-Adult Education Class

14 8am-Prayer Group-PR 9:30am-Bible Study-MPR 11am-Mutual Ministry-P 3:30pm-Fusion-BH, SSR,MPR 5pm-New Bylaw Open Forum-S 5:30pm-Evening Meal-BH 6pm-Gift Shop Open 6:30pm-Worship w/Comm.

7pm-Confirmation-BH 7:15pm-Adult Education Class

7 8am-Prayer Group-PR 8:30am-FLCW Board Mtg.-P 9:30am-Bible Study-MPR 3:30pm-Fusion-BH, SSR,MPR 5:30pm-Evening Meal-BH 6pm-Gift Shop Open 6:30pm-Worship 7pm-Confirmation-BH 7:15pm-Adult Education Class

FR=Fusion Room PR= Prayer Room

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

4 MN Adult & Teen Challenge Sunday 5 8am-Worship-S 8am-Kiwanis Waffle Breakfast-BH Office and Building 9am-10:30-The Perfect Gift Shoppe open Closed 10am-Peace & Power on ABC6

September

Sun

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

8:30am-Coffee w/Clergy-Caribou

29

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

8:30am-Coffee w/Clergy-Caribou

22

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

8:30am-Coffee w/Clergy-Caribou

15

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

8:30am-Coffee w/Clergy-Caribou

8

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

8:30am-Coffee w/Clergy-Caribou

1

Thu

30

23

16

9

2

Fri

24 6:30pmConfirmation Rehearsal

17

10 9am-FLCW Field Trip to Spam Museum, Daisy Blue & Art Center

3

Sat

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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

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The Special Outreach Cause Offering for the month of September is

Local & Global Missions 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.

Special offering envelopes will be available from the ushers at all church services.

Please make checks payable to FLC.

July 2022 Giving

$52,499.87

Expenses

$45,637.52

Year to date Giving vs.

Expense

Giving vs.

Expenses

$6,862.35

$11,831.22

Broadcast Ministries Year to date Income

$35,231

Year to date Expense

$50,308.35

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)

Year to date Giving vs.

Expense

$-15,077.35

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: 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 Izaak Epland given by Al & Bonnie Bakken Marvin Evenson, Ann Satre’s Brother given by Bev Grotsun, Jane Maiden John Flaherty given by Jane Maiden Ruth Gstalder given by Doug & Mary Thompson John Harshbarger given by wife Anne Marie Harshbarger For their August 3rd Anniversary 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 Mildred Sigurdson given by John & Joanne Gold Donald Smith given by Arlis Smith Fern Urbatch given by Lorraine Bakken 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

BIRTHDAY BOX Gifts Given by: Judy Worth FOOD MINISTRY In Memory of: Marv Evenson, Ann Satre’s Brother given by Gary & Ginny Thompson Gifts Given by: Karen Joachim

GENERAL FUND In Honor of: Cheryl (Hedum) McDonnell & Vicky (Hedum) Austin for their September Birthdays given by Jim & Sheila Hanson Gifts Given by: Sara Cogar NAMI Gifts Given by: Donald & Mary Ann Bartz, Tom & Paula Berg, Lorraine Bakken

ROOF FUND In Memory of: Al Christenson given by Bill & Judy Stilley Pam Rhiger given by Bill & Judy Stilley Donald Smith given by Arlis Smith Gifts Given by: LaVaun Houge, Larry & Janice Lestrud, JoAnn Palmer, Verona Boe

In Honor of: Marianna Caroline Sorlie for the first anniversary YOUTH FUND In Memory of: of her baptism given by John & Nancy Sorlie John Kohnke given by Mark & Terri Stadheim Gifts Given by: Margaret Hagen, Eugene & Wanda Soland, Lilah Aas, Ralph & Judith Pesonen, Carol Gilbertson, Pastoral Records: Baptisms, Weddings, Jacob Levisen, Arlis Cerny, Diane Wangen, Deaths, Funerals, Memorial Services Dorinda Leutink, Roger & Patricia Bekaert, Nordean Fox, Larhee Mathison, Janice Heusinkveld, Janice Baptisms Jensen, Deacon Douglas Spiotta, Ila Breck, Ramona Waylon Johnson—8-14 Swenson, Louise Ott, Lavonne Emmons, Sonja Cook, Marilee Waalkens, Karen Joachim Weddings Rachel Jensen & Kyle Augustine—8-20

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The Perfect Gift Shop

The Perfect Gift Shop has many great items for that special person or for yourself!

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.

Photo from Recent Baptism

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

Waylon Johnson August 14

Monday - Thursday 8:00AM-5:00PM Tues. & Wed. 5:00-8:00PM If there are meetings scheduled

Regular Worship Schedule

Stay connected with us:

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)

Website

Facebook

Instagram Anytime: Access the video of our worship services at www.flcal.org.

flcal.org @FLCalbertlea @flcalbertlea First Lutheran Church Albert Lea

Vimeo

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.