October 2022

October 2022 Volume LXXII No. 10

Lutheran World Relief Ingathering Saturday, October 8, 2022 7-11am Collecting mission quilts, school kits, personal care kits, fabric kits, and baby care kits, as well as monetary donations for LWR shipping costs.

Volunteers to help with the loading process are needed and appreciated!

Annual Lefse Bake Monday, October 24 (8am-12pm) Tuesday, October 25 (8am-4pm) Wednesday, October 26 (8am-12pm) We need peelers, ricers, rollers, etc.

If you would like to help for any amount of time please call Bonnie at 373-3767.

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Happenings Grandparent Camp Sunday, October 16 New Pavilion at Edgewater Park (by the west entrance of the park)

1:30-4:30pm Sign up in the church office Interested in helping out?

Please call Janice Hammer 383-9957

Council Talking Points - October 9th at 9:15am will be the last Open Forum for the Bylaws. You can pick up a copy of the new Bylaws in the office and come with any questions you have regarding them.

- This year’s Polka Service is set for10am on Sunday, November 6th. Tickets for the lunch will go on sale on October 2nd at 9:15. Save the date!

- New Council Terms- We will have 8 council positions open for May 2023-May 2025. If you are at all interested please reach out to Kara Heinemann in the office. 507-373-6424.

- The congregational council is looking for your input in preparing a vision for our church. In October you will be receiving a survey during worship (it will also be mailed out with the messenger) with 5 questions. Please take a bit of time to fill out this important survey. We need you all to be a part of the church's vision!

Our Annual Polka Service and lunch are fast approaching. We will once again need helpers to assist the band, kitchen and dining room helpers, set-up and clean-up helpers, and volunteers to sell tickets throughout October on Sundays between services and Wednesdays before worship.

A sign-up sheet will be located at the Welcome Center beginning September 25th.

If you would like to help, it would be much appreciated.

Thank you in advance for your service!

The Polka Team

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A few words from Pastor Joy Dear FLCI am beyond excited to be your new-(ish) pastor! What an exciting time for both you and me.

Throughout this time of discernment I’ve been dwelling on the phrase, “the Gospel is not a one time event” when observing and dreaming about where this church can go. I think that too often churches are afraid to step into all that God has planned for them. It can be so easy to remain stagnant—to be comfortable with the way that things are because they are familiar and safe. Now, don’t get me wrong, I have a deep respect and an understanding for traditions, especially in the church. Traditions can give us a solid foundation as we move into the future. However, in order for us to grow, change is going to be inevitable. It might seem scary or hard at first, but if you take a look around you this congregation has already been growing and changing long before Pastor Roger and I ever arrived. Not only do you now have two new pastors, you’ve adopted a new values statement, a new pastoral structure, a new food ministry, new youth programming, even the addition of Easton’s place in the sanctuary! You see? Change isn’t actually that scary at all.

The Gospel is not a one time event because the Spirit is always moving and encouraging us to explore the endless possibilities of how we can better love God and our neighbor. Throughout his ministry, Jesus shows us the power of what the Gospel can do; how the goodness of God’s love can change people's hearts and lives for the better. If we truly believe that God can make all things new, then we cannot be afraid to listen to where the Spirit is guiding us. We must be willing to mold ourselves to God’s Word and mission for this church.

I like to think of myself like God’s bright pink playdough (I know that’s a bit unconventional, but clay is such a boring color). Throughout my life God has molded and formed me into a new and healthier person to answer this call of ministry. My job is to listen, be patient, and trust that God has shaped and placed me exactly where I am supposed to be. Each “shape” that God has molded me into has taught me a new lesson, and when the time is right, God will reshape me again...and again...and again!

So, know that I am looking forward to how God will mold us together in our ministry. We have an incredible staff and a great congregation and we can trust that the Creator of Life will continue to make all things new.

Thanks be to God. Amen.

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A note from the Parish Health & Wellness Team In the past couple of years, we have heard much about the evolving Covid vaccine, but it is important not to forget about the continued need for the seasonal flu vaccine. Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory disease caused by influenza viruses that is more dangerous than the common cold.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (n.d.) states: “The best way to reduce your risk from seasonal flu and its potentially serious complications is to get vaccinated every year.” Flu vaccines are available (or soon will be) at the local pharmacies and clinics.

The CDC (n.d.) also reminds us that everyone six months and older should get the flu vaccine (shot) every year ideally by the end of October. Flu shots are designed to keep recipients from getting the flu and/or reducing the severity of illness. Flu vaccines are extremely important for the following populations: • Individuals who have chronic health conditions.

• Women who are pregnant (the vaccine protects not only the mother but the baby for several months after birth.

• Children (A 2020 study) showed that the flu vaccine could reduce children’s risk of severe lifethreatening influenza by 75%.

• Individuals who engage with children or individuals who are older or who have chronic health conditions.

In other words, everyone fits into one of these populations and would benefit from the flu vaccine.

As always, if you have concerns or questions about if the vaccine is appropriate for you, it is important to contact your medical provider.

Enjoy the upcoming fall season and stay healthy!

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (n.d.). Influenza https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/vaccine-benefits.htm

Council Corner with Dave Van Fossen Tell us a little bit about who makes up your family.

My wife Brenda, our son Matthew and his wife McKenna, who live in Shakopee, our cat Joey and grand puppy Mowgli.

What do you love about First Lutheran Church?

We moved to Albert Lea in 1980. After visiting several churches, we found First Lutheran to be open and welcoming and joined in 1986. Our son Matthew was baptized here in 1990. It has become our church home and family. I feel our church continues to extend this fellowship to new members in search of their church home.

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

I am excited to have Pastor Joy now joining Pastor Roger in our shared ministry team. We have a great pastoral and support staff to continue to grow our congregational family.

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

October Meeting Reformation Luncheon (Past Presidents will be honored)

Chair: Mary Carstens Sandy Johnson

Wednesday, October 12 12:00 pm Bethany Hall

Tickets: $8 Available in the church office & Sundays in the gathering space.

Program: 3 CD’s Music Group

November Event

Holidays Ahead

Annual Craft & Baked Goods Fundraiser Saturday, November 19th 8:30am - 11:30am

Workers: Deb Flattum Gladys Heys Susan Jensen Cheryl Moran Jan Paske

Cakes: Jody Bakken Michelle Baseman Kathy Carter Nina Cole Nancy Kyllo Debbie Pilgrim

507-383-8866 507-383-8868

Mary Jane Pierson Marilyn Sasser Bonnie Schneider Terri Stadheim Phyllis Ulland

Cathy Malakowsky Shirley Stundahl Brenda Van Fossen Susan Van Ryswyk Sue Wittmer

Program for the Reformation Luncheon The 3 CDs have been singing together and loving it for 13 years.

“CDs” stand for “Choir Directors” as each of them has been a choir director. Julie Quamme is from Rake, IA, and directed the choirs at Zion Lutheran for many years. Audrey Kiihn is from Bricelyn, MN, and also directed her church choir at Bricelyn Lutheran. Linda Hill is from Kiester, MN, and taught music for 33 years. They have all now retired from that phase of their lives and have entered the next journey of sharing their love of music.

They LOVE to sing together.

Tuesday, October 18 11:30am in Bethany Hall Cost: $6 Menu: Lasagna, garden salad, garlic toast, pumpkin bars

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Prayer Ministry Daily Scripture Verses from the Sharing the Faith Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Theme for October: Faith

Ephesians 3:16-17 Mark 11:24 Hebrews 11:1 Romans 15:13 James 1:6 Hebrews 11:6 John 11:40 James 1:3 1 Peter 1:8-9 John 11:25-26

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Matthew 21:22 Mark 10:52 John 6:35 1 Corinthians 16:13 Romans 10:10 Hebrews 11:11 Romans 1:17 Galatians 3:26-27 John 3:16 Matthew 17:20

21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Acts 16:31 1 John 5:13 Romans 10:17 1 Timothy 6:12 John 6:29 Ephesians 2:8-9 Galatians 2:20 Mark 11:23 Romans 10:9 1 John 5:5 Romans 5:1

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, Donna Falksen, Joyce Fredin, Cora Hall, Sharon Wakefield, Mollie Tolic, Jenny, John, Julie, Pam and Sheila.

Our continued prayers are requested for healing and wholeness for: Sharon Buley, Mike & Mary Ann Christian, Les Harmon, Gregg Hatleli, Bob Herman, Nancy Jenson, Phil Koppelman, Gary Laite, Khan Mut, Pauline Kohnke Nelson, Cleo Ress, Wanda Soland, Pam Stern, and their spouses, families, and caregivers.

Congratulations to our students that were confirmed on Sunday September 25 at the 10:30am service. The students who affirmed their baptism are: Jayda Moyer, Elisa Brink, Zoie Jensen, Aurora Everding, Clara Chapek, Maddee Anderson, Aryah Hansen, Jenna Balfe, Jacob Miller, Max Possehl, Ledger Stadheim, Nicholas Belshan, Nickolas Doppelhammer, & Claire Ladlie.

18 8am-Quilters-MPR & BH 9:30am-Staff Meeting-P 11:30am-Friend@First-BH 5pm-Bell Choir-BL

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

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

30 Reformation Sunday 8am-Worship-S 8am-TTT Waffle Breakfast-BH

31 Reformation Day 9am-Crafters-BH 1pm-Worship Counters-P

26 8am-Lefse Bake-BH 8am-Prayer Group-PR 9:30am-Bible Study-MPR 1pm-Messenger Crew-P 3:30pm-Fusion-BH, SSR,MPR 5pm-Choir Rehearsal-CR

19 8am-Prayer Group-PR 9:30am-Bible Study-MPR 5:15pm-Gift Shop Open 6:30pm-Worship

October

24 25 8am-Lefse Bake-BH 8am-Lefse Bake-BH 9am-10:30-The Perfect Gift Shoppe open 1pm-Worship Counters-P 9:30am-Staff Meeting-P 9:15am-Adult Education-BH 5pm-Bell Choir-BL 10am-Peace & Power on ABC6 10am-KATE Radio-1450AM 10:30am-Worship-S

23 8am-Worship-S

17 9am-Crafters-BH 9am-10:30-The Perfect Gift Shoppe open 1pm-Worship Counters-P 9:15am-Adult Education-BH 6:30pm-Council-MPR 10am-Peace & Power on ABC6 10am-KATE Radio-1450AM 10:30am-Worship w/Comm.-S 1:30pm-GrandparentCamp

16 8am-Worship w/Comm.-S

12 8am-Prayer Group-PR 9:30am-Bible Study-MPR 11am-Reformation Lunch-BH 11am-Mutual Ministry-P 3:30pm-Fusion-BH, SSR,MPR 5pm-Choir Rehearsal-CR

11 8am-Quilters-MPR & BH 9:30am-Staff Meeting-P 1pm-Mem. & Growth-P 5pm-Bell Choir-BL 5:30pm-Worship & M.BH

10 9am-Crafters-BH 9am-10:30-The Perfect Gift Shoppe open 1pm-Worship Counters-P 9:15am-New Bylaw Open Forum-S 1pm-History Team-L 10am-Peace & Power on ABC6 10am-KATE Radio-1450AM 10:30am-Worship-S

Thu

28 29 4pmCommunity Trunk or Treat -Central Park

21 22

14 15

Fri Sat 7 8 7am-Lutheran World Relief Ingathering -South Lot

FR=Fusion Room PR= Prayer Room BL=Bell Loft

MPR=Multi-Purpose Room L=Library CR-Choir Room

BH=Bethany Hall P=Parlor S=Sanctuary

5:15pm-Gift Shop Open 5:30pm-Evening Meal-BH 1pm-Hardanger-MPR 4:45pm-Food Ministry 6:30pm-Worship w/Comm.

Drive Up-SL 6:30pm-Confirmation-BH 7:15pm-Adult Education Class

8:30am-Coffee w/Clergy -Caribou

27

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

8:30am-Coffee w/Clergy -Caribou

20

-Caribou 5:15pm-Gift Shop Open 1pm-Hardanger-MPR 5:30pm-Evening Meal-BH 4:45pm-Food Ministry 6:30pm-Worship w/Comm.

Drive Up-SL 6:30pm-Confirmation-BH 7:15pm-Adult Education Class

8:30am-Coffee w/Clergy

13

6 8:30am-Coffee w/Clergy 5:15pm-Gift Shop Open -Caribou 5:30pm-Evening Meal-BH 1pm-Hardanger-MPR 6:30pm-Worship 4:45pm-Food Ministry 6:30pm-Confirmation-BH Drive Up-SL 7:15pm-Adult Education Class

Wed

9 8am-Worship-S

Tue 5 8am-Prayer Group-PR 8:30am-FLCW Leadership-P 9:30am-Bible Study-MPR 3:30pm-Fusion-BH, SSR,MPR 5pm-Choir Rehearsal-CR

Mon

3 4 9am-Crafters-BH 8am-Quilters-MPR & BH 9am-10:30-The Perfect Gift Shoppe open 1pm-Worship Counters-P 9:30am-Staff Meeting-P 9:15am-Adult Education-BH 5pm-Bell Choir-BL 10am-Peace & Power on ABC6 10am-KATE Radio-1450AM 10:30am-Worship w/Comm.-S

2 8am-Worship w/Comm.-S

Sun

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The Perfect Gift Shop Here is a small sampling of the many great fall items available in the gift shop.

Hours are Sundays 9:00am to 10:30am and Wednesdays 5:15pm to 7:15pm.

To everyone who helped make my ordination happen, thank you!! The day was absolutely gorgeous. I am beyond grateful for all of the effort that was put in for the celebration. My family and friends were truly blown away by the hospitality that FLC demonstrated towards them, and they all felt extremely cared about. Thank you for your beautiful cards, gifts, time, and energy.

I'll see you around!

Blessings of Peace! -Pastor Joy

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The Special Outreach Cause Offering for the month of October is

The Blessing Project A new ministry effort at FLC to BLESS others in our community when tragedy or heartbreak hits. These funds simply go to BLESS someone or a family in our community that is going through a rough time. Blessing them with a movie and dinner, gas to get to doctor appointments, or a bouquet of flowers to cheer someone up. The intent of this outreach is to bring hope to those that may have none at this time in their lives, to come along side them as their church family and BLESS them! Your financial donation will make a difference!

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

Please make checks payable to FLC.

August 2022 Giving

$50,157.92

Expenses

$57,387.45

Year to date Giving vs.

Expense

Giving vs.

Expenses

$-7,229.53

$4,60163

Broadcast Ministries Year to date Income

$50,666.25

Year to date Expense

$52.368.35

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

$-1,702.10

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 Bowen given by Jeanne Birch Bonnie Braund given by Helen Lovik, Merrill Jahnke Jane Deckard given by Laverne & Strand Bernice Ellingson given Alan & Bonnie Bakken Larry Lenz brother of Lonnie Lenz given by Sharon Wakefield Steven Olson given by Jeanne Birch Stefan Oftedahl given by Mary Peterson Darlene Reed given by Paddy Hoium Dorothy Stillings given by Selma Engebretson James “Butchie” VanRiper given by family & friends Richard Wasmoen given by wife Lois Wasmoen Jan Wilder given by Barbara Butler

In Honor of: Lorraine Bakken given by Alan & Bonnie Bakken Pastor Joy’s Ordination given by Bev Grotsun, LaVerne & Shirley Strand, Bonnie Schneider, Bonnie Trampel

FOOD FOR BACKPACKS In Memory of: Darlene Reed given by John & Barb Cliff FOOD MINISTRY Gifts Given by: Arlis Smith GENERAL FUND Gifts Given by: Sara Cogar, Dave Syverson Building Account ROOF FUND Gifts Given by: Jane Maiden, Arlis Smith

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

Baptisms Harriet Weitzel—9-11

Funerals Elmo Hedum—9-27

Gifts Given by: Wayne & Jackie Sletten, Residents of Senior Tower, Donald & Mary Ann Bartz, Karen Brand, Elaine Hellickson, Harriet Wangen, Kevin & Martha Kenne, Curtis Jensen, John & Barb Cliff, Larhee Mathison, Ila Breck, Roger & Corinne Shirk, Deacon Douglas Spiotta, LaVonne Emmons, Sonja Cook, Beth Narveson, Patricia Loveland, Patricia Sites, Clifford & Jenne Blaser, Trainor Farms Inc, Arlis Smith

Harriet Weitzel was baptized on September 11

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Dad’s Belgian Waffles

Sponsored by: Albert Lea TTT Chapter October 30th 9:00 am - 12:30 pm. $10 Bethany Hall The TTT Society is an organization of women whose focus is to provide an educational camping experience for girls who might not otherwise have the opportunity.

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

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

Congregational Vision Survey

Please help us build the vision and future of FLC by completing this survey.

You can drop it off in the polka dotted box or mail it to church.

How would you like to grow in your faith?

What would you like to see happen to FLC in the next 5 years? (Programs, worship, Building)

What is our church all about? (Memories, traditions, Values, attributes)

What would you like to offer the next generation of FLC?

We live in a quickly changing world, how can FLC adapt to serve people in that world?

Please place your responses in the polka dotted box in the gathering space.

Turn in by October 31, 2022

Regular Worship Schedule Sundays 8:00am & 10:30am - In-person Worship and live streamed on our Facebook page 10:00am - Peace & Power broadcast on KAAL-TV ABC6 10:30am - Live broadcast on KATE Radio 1450 AM

Stay connected with us: Website

Facebook

Wednesdays 6:30pm - In-person Worship and live streamed on our Facebook page 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.