November 2022

November 2022 Volume LXXII No. 11

See page 5 for details.

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Happenings Grandparent Camp Highlights

Thank you to everyone who made this great afternoon happen!

Council Talking Points - The Nominating Committee has started their search to find new council representatives. The council has been reformatted to create more involvement from our congregation members. If you are interested in serving in a leadership position or have questions about serving, please contact Larry Larson at 507-383-3389 or the church office.

- We will have our annual congregational meeting on Sunday, January 15th at 9:15am in the Sanctuary.

We will review and approve the 2023 Budget, vote on the new proposed bylaws, and vote on amendments to the current constitution. Please save the date!

- Our Christmas worship times will be 4pm, 6pm and 11pm on Christmas Eve, 10am on Christmas Day, and 10am on Sunday, January 1.

THANK YOU to ALL the hearty volunteers who braved the chilly temperatures on the morning of Saturday, October 8, to assist with the Lutheran World Relief Ingathering!!

Thirty-five area churches contributed 1265 Quilts, 60 Fabric Kits, 1628 School Kits, 186 Baby Care Kits, & 338 Personal Care Kits. The LWR Shipping Fund received $3146.30 in donations.

Once again, GRATEFUL THANKS to Crossroads Trailer of Albert Lea for delivering the donations to the LWR Warehouse in St. Paul.

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A few words from Pastor Roger Greetings siblings in Jesus!

I love our adult education classes! We have three of them currently.

Each class is different and studies different topics. The part that always amazes me is how beautiful it is when these followers of Christ share their lives and experience with each other. Doing life together is one of the gifts of being a part of our church family.

A couple weeks ago, in one of our Bible studies, we started talking about regret. Specifically, we were talking about Genesis and the story of Noah’s Ark. There comes a point when the earth is so overrun with evil and violence that God regrets creating human beings and determines to wipe them all out. Soon after this we learn that Noah is righteous and has found favor from God. Rather than destroy all people, God asked Noah to build the Ark and you know the rest of the story. The beauty is that God did not destroy everything and everyone; through Noah and the Ark, people and creation recover from the flood. All is not lost.

Throughout the book of Genesis, we see that God has strong emotions for God’s people and for creationeven when that emotion is regret. Each and every one of us knows how it is to regret something we have said or done. We may have regrets about things we have not said or not done, times we did not act and we should have. The good news is for us also: All is not lost.

God does not wait for us to get everything right before coming to us. Rather, Romans 5:8 puts it like this: “God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us.”

Take heart, God meets you right where you are. Wherever you find yourself in life and whatever regrets you carry, it is never too much for God. There is a way forward in life. God saw Noah and his family through trouble, and God walks beside you also. Through Jesus, you have peace and promise in God. The floods will not overcome you.

If you are interested in being a part of one of our adult classes, they are Sundays at 9:15am and Wednesdays at 9:30am and 7:15pm. Sundays we focus on scripture study; Wednesday each class is reading through a different book. You can pop into class any day. If you contact the church ahead of time, we can get you set up with a book.

Blessings, Pastor Roger Fears

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A note from the Parish Health & Wellness Team November is National Caregivers Month. There are “formal and informal” caregivers. Some individuals are employed as a caregiver (home care and hospice, nursing home services, etc.). However, the larger group are family caregivers. Family caregivers provide “free” care for family members or loved ones. In fact, it is estimated this 65 million (29% of the U.S. population) provide care equating to 375 billion dollars per year according to the Caregiver Action Network. The majority (69%) of the caregivers are women who often have children or grandchildren living with them. However, there are also 1.4 million children (ages 8 to 18) in the U.S. also provide care to an adult relative. The caregiving may be done in the care recipients home, the caregivers home, a nursing home, or assisted living.

Most of us will be in a caregiving situation at some point in our lives. Providing care to a loved one can be very rewarding, but it can also be very challenging--physically, emotionally and economically. Family and/or friends are often very willing to assist, but they may need to be given “permission” to help. The medical team caring for your loved one can be very helpful in identifying resources as will As a faith community, we can support the caregivers within our FLC family by providing a “listening ear” or by giving the caregiver a respite from their care duties.

Don’t hesitate to ask for help.

Caregiver Action Network (n.d.) https://www.caregiveraction.org/resources/caregiver-statistics?

Council Corner with Sue Loch Tell us a little bit about who makes up your family.

I’ve been married to my husband, Brad for 27 years. We have 3 children: Luke, who is married to Morgan and they have 2 little girls, Elsie & Lina; Brady, who is living at home and will be graduating from Mankato State in December; and Emma, who is a senior at Iowa State University.

What do you love about First Lutheran Church?

I love the rich Lutheran tradition of our church. This building is absolutely beautiful, and I feel so fortunate to worship in this environment. While we enjoy our history, we are in an exciting time of growth, and I absolutely love the energy we have going right now. I also love worshipping with my whole family, my mom, and my sister and her family.

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

I am SO excited to have two pastors that are young and full of new ideas! I love the idea of challenging what has always been done and finding ways to meet people where they are at today. I embrace the idea of getting comfortable with being uncomfortable.

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Women’s Ministry (FLCW) Gift baskets will once again be available to purchase at Holidays Ahead.

If you would like to make a basket, please attach a list with the contents and value.

Baskets should be turned in to the church office by Wednesday, November 16th. If you have any questions, please call Mary Stapleton at 402-3146.

December Meeting Wednesday, December 14 1:15pm Bethany Hall Program: Homemade Cookie Exchange Christmas Carol Sing-a-long

Caring and Sharing November 2022 Chair: Carol Colstrup 507-373-4447 Ginny Thompson 507-383-4216 Workers: Bonnie Bakken Sue Blenka Bobbie Gates Mary Harty Sue Larson

Kathy Olson Patricia Rainey Ann Satre Beth Tostenson Sadie Wuerflein

Cakes: Cheryl Beavens Rachel Christensen Raycy Edwin Paddy Hoium Denise Knutson Sue Loch

Renee Martinez Connie Moffitt Kelly Pipho Barb Rognes Wanda Wangsness Elaine Weiser

Fall Meeting November 22 at 6pm Decorating the altar for Thanksgiving.

Meal and meeting will follow.

Anyone interested in joining?

Call Debbie Pilgrim 377-1544 Tuesday, November 15 11:30am in Bethany Hall Cost: $6 Menu: Pork chop, mashed potatoes & gravy, green beans, sherbet

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Prayer Ministry Daily Scripture Verses from the Sharing the Faith Team

Theme for November: Thanking for the Harvest and Bountiful Blessings Thanksgiving to God for the bounty of harvest and blessings he provides every day. May we be reminded of the multiple resources and gifts we receive every day. As we look forward to winter months, we are grateful for God's sustenance through the months when fields are bare, and the hope for the rebirth that comes in Spring.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

1 Corinthians 10:31 Mark 8:7-9 Luke 10:21 Acts 2:46-47 John 13:2-5 Luke 10:2-8 Galatians 3:14-15 Mark 14:12-14 Acts 11:11-13 1 Corinthians 10:16-17

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Luke 9:17 Mathew 25:34-37 Deuteronomy 24:19 Mark 6:41-44 Hebrews 4:12-13 Luke 17:7-8 Romans 14:13-14 John 4:10-12 Mark 14:12-14 Acts 13:45-46

21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Revelation 21:3-4 Luke 4:4-6 Hebrews 10:8-10 Colossians 1:3-6 Mark 2:42-44 Acts 14:11-13 Revelation 16:1-3 Mark 8:8-9 1 Corinthians 15:57-58 Mark 4:28-29

Prayer for the Month Whatever we are facing Lord, we can trust that you know what's next and are protecting us along the way. We ask that in those moments when doubt creeps in, you will remind us of today's verse. When fear creeps in of what is going to happen, remind us that you are in total control and that you have already gone before us, you'll be with us during it, and you'll go behind us. Thank you that you are trustworthy for these beautiful promises to help navigate us through this life. In your mighty name we pray. Amen. Alisha Headley

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, Joyce Fredin, Cora Hall, 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, Russ Heys, Nancy Jenson, Phil Koppelman, Gary Laite, Khan Mut, Pauline Kohnke Nelson, Wanda Soland, Pam Stern, Sharon Wakefield, and their spouses, families, and caregivers.

22 8am-Quilters-MPR & BH 9:30am-Staff Meeting-P 5pm-Bell Choir-BL 6pm-Altar Guild-S & BH

20 8am-Worship w/Comm.-S

28 29 1pm-Worship Counters-P 8am-Quilters-MPR & BH 9am-10:30-The Perfect Gift Shoppe open 9:30am-Staff Meeting-P 9:15am-Adult Education-P 5pm-Bell Choir-BL 10am-Peace & Power on ABC6 10:30am-KATE Radio-1450AM 10:30am-Worship-S

27 8am-Worship-S

21 9am-Crafters-BH 9am-10:30-The Perfect Gift Shoppe open 10:30am-Mutual Min.-P 9:15am-Adult Education-BH 1pm-Worship Counters-P 10am-Peace & Power on ABC6 6:30pm-Council-MPR 10:30am-KATE Radio-1450AM 10:30am-Worship w/Comm.-S

15 8am-Quilters-MPR & BH 9:30am-Staff Meeting-P 5pm-Bell Choir-BL

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

23 8am-Prayer Group-PR 9:30am-Bible Study-MPR 1pm-Messenger Crew-P 5pm-Circle 6-P 5:15pm-Gift Shop Open

16 8am-Prayer Group-PR 9:30am-Bible Study-MPR 3:30pm-Fusion-BH, SSR,MPR 5pm-Choir Rehearsal-CR 5:15pm-Gift Shop Open

9 8am-Prayer Group-PR 9:30am-Bible Study-MPR 3:30pm-Fusion-BH, SSR,MPR 5pm-Choir Rehearsal-CR 5:15pm-Gift Shop Open

7 8 9am-Crafters-BH 7am-8pm-Elections-BH 1pm-Worship Counters-P 8am-Quilters-MPR & BH 9:30am-Staff Meeting-P 5pm-Bell Choir-BL 5:30pm-Worship & M.-BH

14 9am-Crafters-BH 9am-10:30-The Perfect Gift Shoppe open 9am-Parish Health-L 9:15am-Adult Education-P 1pm-Worship Counters-P 10am-Peace & Power on ABC6 1pm-History Team-L 4pm-Life Center Chili 10:30am-KATE Radio-1450AM 10:30am-Worship-S Feed-BH 12pm-Council Visioning Retreat-BH

13 8am-Worship-S

10am-Peace & Power on ABC6 10:30am-KATE Radio-1450AM 11am-Fallfest Lunch-BH

10am-Fallfest Polka Worship w/Comm.

9:15am-Adult Education-BH

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

6

2 8am-Prayer Group-PR 8:30am-FLCW Board-P 9:30am-Bible Study-MPR 3:30pm-Fusion-BH, SSR,MPR 5pm-Choir Rehearsal-CR

Tue

1 8am-Quilters-MPR & BH 9:30am-Staff Meeting-P 5pm-Bell Choir-BL

Mon

November

Sun

Thu

5:15pm-Gift Shop Open 5:30pm-Evening Meal-BH 6:30pm-Worship 6:30pm-Confirmation-BH 7:15pm-Adult Education Class

5:30pm-Evening Meal-BH 6:30pm-Worship w/Comm.

25 26

18 19 8:30amHolidays Ahead

11 12

Fri Sat 4 5

PR= Prayer Room BL=Bell Loft

CR-Choir Room FR=Fusion Room

MPR=Multi-Purpose Room

S=Sanctuary L=Library

BH=Bethany Hall P=Parlor

24 Office & Building Closed

17 5:30pm-Evening Meal-BH 8:30am-Coffee w/Clergy -Caribou 6:30pm-Worship 1pm-Hardanger-MPR 6:30pm-Confirmation-BH 7:15pm-Adult Education Class 4:45pm-Food Ministry Drive Up-SL

10 8:30am-Coffee w/Clergy 5:30pm-Evening Meal-BH -Caribou 6:30pm-Worship w/Comm.

1pm-Hardanger-MPR 6:30pm-Confirmation-BH 7:15pm-Adult Education Class 4:45pm-Food Ministry Drive Up-SL

3 8:30am-Coffee w/Clergy 5:15pm-Gift Shop Open -Caribou 5:30pm-Evening Meal-BH 1pm-Hardanger-MPR 6:30pm-Worship-All Saints 4:45pm-Food Ministry 6:30pm-Confirmation-BH Drive Up-SL 7:15pm-Adult Education Class

Wed

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The Perfect Gift Shop

Fall sale with many items 1/2 price!

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

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The Special Outreach Cause Offering for the month of November is

Noisy Offering for the Salvation Army Food Shelf Special offering envelopes will be available from the ushers at all church services. Please make checks payable to FLC.

September 2022 Giving

$35,487.01

Expenses

$61,408.06

Year to date Giving vs.

Expense

Giving vs.

Expenses

$-25,921.19

$-33,288.19

Broadcast Ministries Year to date Income

$60,952.25

Year to date Expense

$60,668.35

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

$283.90

PASTORAL STAFF e-mails and emergency telephone numbers:

Pastor Roger Fears - roger@flcal.org (Cell—(320) 297-1251) Pastor Joy Knoppel - joy@flcal.org (Cell—(612) 462-6836) 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 10

Memorials, Honors, & Special Gifts PEACE & POWER In Memory of: Ed & Olive (Tukua) Bakke given by Raymond Kyllo family Richard Bryson given by Mavis Bryson Janet Engebretson given by Julie & Larry Tonder, Bonnie Schneider Thelma Foss given by Donna Henrikson, Family & Friends, Bonnie Trampel Rona Gstalder given by Marilyn Sasser Phyllis & Elmer Lee given by Phyllis Lee Estate Eunice Maiden for her October 22nd Birthday given by daughter Jane Maiden Joe Narverud given by Sandy Narverud & family Vern & Rosie Rasmussen given by Sherri Rasmussen Edith Zobel given by Beverly Wolff, Deloris Fligge, Marge Moine

FOOD MINISTRY In Memory of: Thelma Foss given by Scott & Jody Ellertson, Family & Friends

In Honor of: Pastor Joy for her ordination given by Jane & Jim Loge, Carol Olson

Gifts Given by: Scott & Cindy Goldbuff, Sara Cogar

Gifts Given by: Pam Stern, Sandy Nesse, Paddy Hoium FUSION Gifts Given by: Michael & Katie Davis GENERAL FUND In Memory of: Darlene Reed given Dennis & Georgia Wentzel In Honor of: Maxine Hanson’s 100th Birthday given by Ann Hanson

PRAYER SHAWL FUND In Memory of: Kathy Vokoun given by Sue Blenka

Gifts Given by: Friends at First, Kevin & Martha Kenne, Bernard & Elinor Nester, Larhee Mathison, Ila Breck, Deacon Douglas Spiotta, Dorina Leutink, Lavonne RADIO FUND Emmons, Sonja Cook, Marilyn Busch, Eugene & In Memory of: Wanda Solland Dave Hagen given by Jan Overgaard Barb Wood given by Jim & Norma Nelson BIRTHDAY BOX Gifts Given by: ROOF FUND Bonnie Trampel Gifts Given by: Pam Stern, Sandy Nesse, Paddy Hoium, Lavonne Houge BLESSING PROJECT Gifts Given by: Pastoral Records: Baptisms, Weddings, Lilah Aas

Deaths, Funerals, Memorial Services Funerals Elmo Hedum—9/27 Thelma Foss—10/1 Janet Engebretson—10/11

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A few words from Tyler It is with a wonderful mix of feelings–nervousness, excitement, sadness, anticipation–that I write this to you all, but I have accepted a full-time position at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where I will primarily be leading faith formation programming for middle school and high school youth. My last day at First Lutheran will be Sunday, November 13. I am sad to leave this place that both helped raise me and that supported me when I came back as a staff member, and still I am looking ahead with happiness to joining in the work of another faith community.

We have had so much fun together in the last year! I have seen God breathing new life into us in so many ways, especially in all the excitement that our Wednesday afternoon and evening programming has brought. We stepped into so many changes together in faith, not knowing where we would end up, and just look where we are now! My hope is that you continue to embrace change, not fear it. I pray that you take the intentional time to imagine where God might be leading you as a community, all the while remembering that the Holy Spirit is always stirring things up, that our Creator is always making things new, and that Christ always walks with us on the way.

In this time of transition, a hymn text from the ELCA’s new hymnal supplement, All Creation Sings, keeps coming to mind. “Spirit, Open My Heart” (text by Ruth Duck) has quickly become one of my favorite hymns–if you have been to the later Sunday service, we have sung it many times! The third verse is a beautiful summation of the life to which we are called as Christians: May I weep with those who weep; share the joy of friend and neighbor.

As I live from day to day, love will be my finest labor.

As we each step into holy unknowns, may we live the life into which this verse calls us. May we be with each other fully in both times of sorrow and times of joy; may we live lives of service and hospitality to all people; and may we remember that radical, inclusive love is the finest gift we can share with others.

God’s peace to you, Tyler Egge

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 10:30am - Live broadcast on KATE Radio 1450

[Address label here]

Have you moved? Phone number changed? Please email Kara (kara@flcal.org) your updated info.