April 2020

First Lutheran Church Albert Lea, MN www.flcal.org

APRIL 2020 MESSENGER MARCH 26,

First Lutheran Church + F.L.C. + For the Love of Christ

2020 VOLUME LXX

NO. 4

Come Worship With Us! Palm Sunday, April 5 8 am, 9:15 am and 10:30 am with Holy Communion Maundy Thursday, April 9 6:30 pm with Holy Communion Good Friday, April 10 6:30 pm Easter Vigil, Saturday, April 11 6:30 pm with Holy Communion Easter Sunday, April 12 8 am and 10:30 am Festival Holy Communion

THE MISSION OF FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH IS: TO GATHER, EQUIP, AND EMPOWER PEOPLE TO JOYFULLY DO

CHRIST ’ S WORK. 1

 Rejoice in the Lord!  Dear Friends in Christ, I almost changed the header on this article given our current circumstances of all the sequestrations on meeting together, etc., in relation to the corona virus covid-19 outbreak. How can we rejoice at all when we cannot even get together? Then I remembered the context of this phrase in Philippians 4:4. The Apostle Paul was imprisoned and in chains, yet he wrote: Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Why he could say that is shown in the very next verse: Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

The Lord is near. Of course, no matter our circumstances, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ is with us.

His Holy Spirit is here to comfort, inspire, correct and cheer us. He promises in Matthew 28:20: And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

The prolific hymn writer, Fanny Crosby, who was blind, wrote these words, which are especially poignant for us during this holy season of Lent: Jesus, keep me near the cross, There a precious fountain Free to all, a healing stream Flows from Calvary’s mountain.

Refrain: In the cross, in the cross, Be my glory ever; Till my raptured soul shall find Rest beyond the river.

Near the cross, a trembling soul, Love and mercy found me; There the bright and morning star Sheds its beams around me The Apostle Paul always looked to the cross of Christ. (See I Cor. 1:18 & Gal. 6:14.) The Lord who promises to be with us went all the way to the cross to die in our place. If that isn’t ‘God with us’, I don’t know what is. Not only the cross, but the empty tomb! Jesus rose from the dead to show that any separation from God is bridged by Jesus. Our justification is complete. Trust in Jesus. Invite Him into your circumstances, your fears, your life. In Him is life in all it’s fullness, even in extremely challenging times.

Since Paul knew Jesus is alive, he could complete this passage from Philippians 4, with verses 6 & 7: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

May you know that peace during these uncharted days of loving our neighbors by not being together in large groups and meetings. Whether on April 12, we can meet, or not, we will still shout at home or wherever: Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia! And in Jesus we always Rejoice! + + + Notes: 1. We still plan to broadcast on KAAL-TV ABC6 & KATE 1450 radio each Sunday as usual.

2. We plan to post links to our mid-week Lenten & Holy Week services on our website and Facebook.

3. We are planning drive-through prayer & blessing times on the south side of the church where staff will visit, receive prayer requests & give blessings in person & from a safe distance.

4. Enclosed is a Time & Talent sheet where you can indicate how you would like to serve in FLC. 5. Please, remember FLC with your generous tithes & offerings. They are sincerely needed.

6. Send your email address to: kara@flcal.org. to be included in our electronic communications.

7. We pastors are available for telephone or in-person personal consultation; just call 373-6424.

In the Light of Jesus’ Love, 2

Pastor John F. Holt

If you know where this picture hangs in the First Lutheran Church building send in your answer to firstoffice@flcal.org or send your answer in the mail by April 30th to have a chance at a special prize!

Save the Date August, 2020 Congratulations & Thank You First Lutheran Church members for your faithful giving throughout 2019, and especially for responding to the appeal for December! December envelope giving was up 17.8% over the previous year.

Our General Fund bottom line for 2019, was only a ($4,450) deficit, much improved over 2018. In addition you supported the Centennial celebration, Food for Backpacks—feeding local hungry school children, and helped Peace & Power have a surplus in operations for 2019. Three new handicapped assistance automatic restroom doors make FLC more welcoming.

Wow!—God is doing these great things and more through your generosity!

Thank you and to God be the Glory!

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WHAT’S HAPPENING AT FLC? "First Lutheran Church of Albert Lea is offering a drive-up blessing at the south entrance of the building. During this time of social distancing, the church would like to invite anyone in the listening area to receive a personal show of spiritual support. Church staff will greet you with a spoken blessing and prayer as you drive up. This service is offered free of charge.

Every Wednesday 10-11 and 5-6.

Daily during Holy Week. For other times, please call 373-6424 and we will arrange a time. "

April is Volunteer Appreciation month. I want to dedicate this month’s column to the First Lutheran Library Board which is made up of five women. It is such a pleasure to work with them. All are true readers, bringing ideas for book purchases to each monthly meeting; there is never a shortage of selection suggestions. When we meet, books are catalogued, the library is rearranged to make it more appealing, the display case is updated with different books and décor and decisions are made about the content and condition of newly donated books. In addition, if someone is at church and has extra time, she will pop into the library to check in returned books and shelve them. The first Sunday of the month a board member is in the library, and the board members take turns writing an article for The Messenger. Be sure to read them as they are well written and informative. Not only hardworking, these women are knowledgeable, make the meetings fun, truly care about the library and see ways to make it friendlier to all ages. Have you tried out the new, comfortable chairs, scoped out the Children’s Corner or noticed the shelves with special author collections? All done by this board. Thank you to these wonderful women: Mary Carstens, Neva Mathison, Cheryl Moran and Ruth Noren.~ Cindy Gandrud, Library Board Chair

The Special Outreach Offering for April is Foster Care Trailer.

Rachel Dressen a member of our community has started a foster care trailer. This trailer serves as a place for children that are newly placed into foster care to come and “shop” for clothes, undergarments, hygiene items, winter wear, diapers, formula and essentials. A lot of times these children have absolutely nothing and when they are placed with a new family it is essential that they get clothes and etc that make them feel like a normal kid!

Rachel has received a lot of donations from community members of gently used clothes, however what she is really needing is things that cannot be donated like undergarments, formula, diapers, personal hygiene items and etc! Donating to this cause would help her purchase some of those items for these precious kids!

Special offering envelopes will be available from the ushers at church services. Please, make checks payable to FLC. 4

FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH WOMEN (FLCW) The Altar Guild meeting Tuesday, March 31, 2020 has been canceled.

The following FLCW events have been canceled due to the health and safety of everyone in this time of uncertainty with the Covid-19 corona virus.

The April 1 (9 a.m.) FLCW Board Meeting has been canceled.  The April 8 (1:15 p.m.) FLCW Program and Meeting has been canceled.  The Blue Earth River Conference Women of the ELCA Spring Event scheduled for April 4, 2020, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, rural Glenville, has been canceled. There is a possibility it will be rescheduled in the fall. 

CARING AND SHARING April 2020— + Esther + Co-Chairs

Judy Mullen Bonnie Trampel

507-373-0026 507-373-1665

Workers Janice Brandt Rachel Christensen Bonnie Fletcher Carol Hedalen

Julie Johnson (Sat. Only) Paula Juveland Marge LaFrance Kristin Larson (Sat. Only)

Brenda Ludtke Sherry Nyman Delores Osmundson Coral Ringoen (Fri. Only)

Cakes DeeAnn Bergland Joni Cather Jean Eaton Doris Hagen

Jane Hanson Darcy Hauser Barb Morfitt Jody Nechanicky Coral Ringoen

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Nancy Royce Marilyn Sasser Holly Stevens Tamera Wencl

301 West Clark Street, Albert Lea, MN 56007 Telephone (507) 373-6424 Email: firstoffice@flcal.org Website: www.flcal.org

God’s Calling to Each of Us How is God calling you? Please, prayerfully listen to God’s Spirit to see where and in what way His call would be for you. God calls us to use our unique abilities and interests to serve Him at home, on the job, in the community and in congregational life.

Spiritual Impact That’s what you will have when you serve your FLC Family by giving of your time & talent to our congregational life. Helping others to feel welcome, encouraged and to grow in faith happens when you serve in an area in which God is calling you.

Spiritual Satisfaction Knowing you are making a positive difference in the lives of others is deeply satisfying. It’s like when everyone pitches in at home, or at a family Christmas gathering—it’s fun and fulfilling. To serve Christ in our congregation has a sublime effect on the servant’s soul.

The Opportunity The + Service Opportunities Sheet + 2020 + on Messenger pages 7 & 10 (the back of the calendar sheet) has a list of ways to serve the FLC family with joy in Jesus’ Name. Some are ‘up front’. Others are ‘behind the scenes’. All are important and will be a blessing to the FLC Family. Please, fill it out and submit it. +

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This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone. ~Titus 3:8

First Lutheran Church + F.L.C. + For the Love of Christ 6

+ Time and Talent Interest Sheet +

 Be on Health Advisory Team  Grief Support Group  Make Prayer Shawls  Help with Visitations  Prayer Team

 Chaperone Mission Trips  Sponsor Children for Camp  Chaperone Youth Service

 Serve on Church Council  Serve on Scholarship Team

Leadership Opportunities

Sunday School:  Teacher  Substitute Teacher  Music Accompanist  Opening/Closing Leader  Music Leader  Christmas Program  Special Project Coordinator  Special Project Helper Wednesday Confirmation  Small Group Leader  Lenten Supper Leader

Projects

 Help with Fund Raisers  Drivers  Chaperone Overnights  Chaperone Day Trips  EIKON meeting youth participant  Youth Room Helper

 Sunday Greeter  Welcome Ministry Team  Welcome Center  New Member Mentor

Altar Guild

Parish Nurse

in your home  Decorating Team  Projector or Sound Board

Youth Education

 Children’s Choir (K-6)  Children’s Handbell Choir  Adult Choir (High School to adult)  Handbell Choir (Age 15 to adult)  Holidays/Special Programs  Pianist/Accompanist  Summer Special Music  Solos and Ensembles:  Vocal  Instrumental  “Spirit Express” Praise Team:  Vocal  Instrumental  Host Music Group members

Youth Activities

 Bible Reader  Serve Communion  Nursery Helper  Serve as Usher  Skits & Drama  Serve as Greeter at Funerals

Welcome Newcomers

Worship & Music

Involvement

Service Opportunities + 2020 Serve on Ministry Team for:  Education  Membership and Growth  Foreign Missions  Property Enhancement  Spirit of Giving  Sharing the Faith  Worship and Music  Youth Ministry  Social Ministry  Lutheran World Relief  ShineFest Community  Local Food Shelf Drive  World Hunger Appeal  Relay for Life  Church Library

 Altar Guild  Purchase for Communion:  Bread Wine Grape Juice  Bake Bread for Communion See other side for more opportunities to serve.

To sign up for opportunities, please fill out one form per person and return. Thank you!

Name ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Ad-

(Please print clearly)

dress

____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone ____________________________________________

Mobile Phone _____________________________________________

Email ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

First Lutheran Church + F.L.C. + For the Love of Christ 7

Sun

Mon

Tue

April 1

5 Palm Sunday 8 am-Traditional w/Comm.-S 9 am-12 pm-Gift Shop Open

9:15 am-Worship w/Comm.-C

9:15 am-The Donut Hour-YR 9:15 am-Immersion-MPR 9:15 am-Sunday School

10:30 am-Praise & Worship w/Comm

12 Easter

8 am-Traditional w/Comm.-S 9 am-12 pm-Gift Shop Open

6

7 8 am-Quilters-MPR 9 am-Holidays Ahead Crafting-BH 9:30 am-Staff Meeting-P 11am-1pm-Gift Shop Open 3 pm-Thorne Crest Communion

8 am-Prayer G 9:30 am-Bible 10:30 am-Goo Communion 11am-1pm-Gif 11:30 am-Lent

8

7 pm-N. A.-RR

6:30 pm-Ministry Team meeting-BH 7 pm-N. A.-MPR 7 pm-Spirit Express Rehearsal

8 am-Prayer Gr 9:30 am-Bible S 11am-1pm-Gift S 11:30 am-Lenten 12:30 pm-Lenten 1 pm-Tops-RR 4 pm-Music Theo 5:30 pm-Handbe

13 Easter Monday

14

15

Office & Building Closed

9:15 am-Worship w/Comm.-C

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

7 pm-N. A.-MPR 7 pm-Spirit Express Rehearsal

8 am-Prayer Group 9:30 am-Bible St 11am-1pm-Gift Sh 1 pm-Tops-RR 5 pm-1st Commun 5:15 pm- Handbel 6:30 pm-Confirm

21

22

2:30 pm-Sr. Towers Communion

9:15 am-The Donut Hour-YR 9:15 am-Immersion-BH 9:15 am-1st. Communion Class-P 9:15 am-Sunday School

10:30 am-Praise & Worship w/Comm.

19 8 am-Traditional w/Comm.-S 9 am-12 pm-Gift Shop Open

20

9:15 am-The Donut Hour-YR 9:15 am-Immersion-BH 9:15 am-1st. Communion Class-P 9:15 am-Sunday School

9 am-Holidays Ahead Crafting-BH 8 am-Quilters-MPR 11am-1pm-Gift Shop Open 9:30 am-Staff Meeting-P 1 pm-Library Board meets-L 5:30 pm-Finance meeting-P 6:30 pm-Church Council meets-P 7 pm-N. A.-MPR 7 pm-N. A.-RR 7 pm-Spirit Express Rehearsal

26 8 am-Traditional-S

27

9:15 am-Worship w/Comm.-C

10:30 am-Praise & Worship w/Comm 9 am-12 pm-Gift Shop Open

9:15 am-Worship-C

9:15 am-The Donut Hour-YR 9:15 am-Immersion-BH 9:15 am-1st. Communion Class-P 9:15 am-Sunday School

10:30 am-Praise & Worship-S

28

8 am-Quilters-MPR 9 am-Holidays Ahead Crafting-BH 9:30 am-Staff Meeting-P 11am-1pm-Gift Shop Open 7 pm-N. A.-MPR 7 pm-Spirit Express Rehearsal

6 pm-MC #6-P 7 pm-N. A.-RR 8

8 am-Prayer Gr 9:30 am-Bible S 11am-1pm-Gift 1 pm-Tops-RR

5:30 pm-Handb

29

8 am-Prayer Gro 9:30 am-Bible 11am-1pm-Gift 1 pm-Tops-RR 1 pm-Messenge 5:30 pm-Handbe

2020 Wed

Group-PR e Study-MPR od Samaritan

ft Shop Open ten Lunch-BH

12:30 pm-Lenten Service-S 1 pm-Tops-RR 3 pm-Oak Park Place Communion 4 pm-Music Theory 101-P 5:30 pm-Handbell Choir Rehearsal 7:15 pm-Confirmation 7:15 pm-FLC Choir Rehearsal

roup-PR Study-MPR Shop Open n Lunch-BH n Service-S

5:30 pm-Lent Meal-BH 7:15 pm-FLC Choir Rehearsal 7:15pm-Confirmation 7:30 pm-Eikon-Youth Room

ory 101-TBD ll Choir Rehearsal

p-PR tudy-MPR hop Open

6:30 pm-FLC Choir Rehearsal 7:30 pm-Eikon-Youth Room

nion Make up Class-P ll Choir Rehearsal mation

roup-PR Study-MPR t Shop Open

6:30 pm-Confirmation 6:30pm-FLC Choir Rehearsal 7:30 pm-Eikon-Youth Room

bell Choir Rehearsal

oup-PR Study-MPR Shop Open

er Crew-P ell Choir Rehearsal

6:30 pm-Confirmation 6:30 pm-FLC Choir Rehearsal 7:30 pm-Eikon-Youth Room

Thu 2

Fri 3 11am-1pm- Gift Shop Open 1pm-Hardanger-MPR

Sat 4 10 am-A.A.-MPR

5:15 pm-Tops-RR 5:30 pm-Al-Anon-MPR

9 Maundy Thursday 10 Good Friday 11 11am-1pm- Gift Shop Open

Easter Vigil 10 am-A.A.-MPR

Office & Building Closes at 5:15 pm-Tops-RR 12 noon 5:30 pm-Al-Anon-MPR 6:30 pm-Easter 6:30 pm-Maundy Thursday Service 6:30 pm-Good Friday Service Vigil w/Comm.-S

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17

18

10:30 am-Prairie Senior Cottages 11am-1pm- Gift Shop Open Communion 1pm-Hardanger-MPR 1:30 pm-St. John’s on Fountain Lake Communion 3 pm-St. John’s Communion 5:15 pm-Tops-RR 5:30 pm-Al-Anon-MPR

9:30 am-MC #20-P 10 am-A.A.-MPR

23

24

25

11am-1pm- Gift Shop Open 1pm-Hardanger-MPR 5:15 pm-Tops-RR 5:30 pm-Al-Anon-MPR 6:30 pm-Worship in the Chapel

30 5:15 pm-Tops-RR 5:30 pm-Al-Anon-MPR 6:30 pm-Worship in the Chapel 9

10 am-A.A.-MPR

Serving At Church

 Website Pages & Design

In the Office:  Help Assemble the monthly Messenger  Help with mailings  Answer the Phone  Office Help  Proofreading  Archives Building & Grounds  Painting Projects  Repair Projects  Gardening and Yard Work  Cleaning Church  Decorating Team  Carpentry  Plumbing  Electrical Work  Other Handy Work

Divorced, Singles)

 Drive the Church Van  Help with Loaves & Fishes  Load Clothing on LWR Truck  Meal Ministry  Transport School Backpack Meals to the school  Christmas Angel Tree  Help Transport Gifts to Salvation Army Distribute communion to:  Shut-Ins  Nursing Home Residents

 Organize Events  Parenting Events  Fellowship Group  Children’s Events  Trunk or Treat  Baptism Mentor

First Lutheran Church Women

Fellowship Group Outreach Opportunities

Counselors in your home

 “Friends at First” (Seniors)  “Connections Group” (Adults)  Christian Book Club  Men’s Bible Study  Women’s Bible Study  Couples’ Bible Study  Christian Solos (Widowed,

Family Ministry

 Teacher Assistant  Craft Leader  Music Leader  Recreation Leader  Provide Snacks  Student Leader  Host Bible Camp

Opportunities for Service + 2020

Miscellaneous

School (Summer)

Vacation Bible

First Lutheran Time and Talent Interest Sheet + Continued +

 Serve on FLCW Board  Salad Luncheon Co-Chair  Monthly Co-Chair for

Caring/Sharing  Join a Circle Bible Study  Join Sewing/Quilting Group  Assist with FLCW Functions  Lenten Soup Luncheon Leader  Help Serve at Luncheons  Represent FLCW at Synod and regional WELCA meetings and conferences

+ This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for every-

one. (Titus 3:8)  IT (Internet Technology)  Photography +  Decorating Team ...and they have devoted them Skits & Drama selves to the service of the  Provide Sunday Snacks  Serve at Funerals Lord’s people.  Provide Cake for Funerals (I Corinthians 16:15b)  Provide Cake/Bars for Events  Help with Special Events +  Wedding Coordinator

See other page for more opportunities!

First Lutheran Church + F.L.C. + For the Love of Christ 10

FLC YOUTH NEWS Students volunteered at Global Health Ministries and Feed My Starving Children on March 9th, 2020.

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MEMORIALS, HONORS & SPECIAL GIFTS PEACE & POWER FUND In Memory Of:

Marie Querna given by Jack & Orlene Woodside Lois Schoeneman given by Mark & Terri Stadheim, Robert & Theresa Hartke, Marv & Dianna Bednar, given on behalf of her children Kristen Thurlar and Michael Schoeneman, Thomas & Sandra Clauson

Phyllis Bangert given by Glen & Leeann Juveland Joy Christian given by Doris Madson, Craig & Brenda Ludtke Beverly Bidne given by Clarence and Barbara Heavner

Davis Gilbertson given by family & friends

Bill Schulte given by family & friends, Linda & Steven Kraushar, Bill’s 1969 Albert Lea High School Classmates–Linda Hanson Anderson, Andrea & Mike Jensen, Barb Abben Morfitt, Charlotte Habana Bongartz, Cheryl Jones Drenth, Cheryl Dorman Utpadel, David Johnson, Deb Goodeman Madson, Deb Ruup Richardson, Karen Levisen, Larry Weiler, Gary Blake, Patti Herman Freeman, Candy Gold Herman, Rochelle Randall, Don Anderson, Roxanne Adams, Judy Kycek Nishimura and Bill & Mary Lubke

Delores A. Hill given by Ann Hansen

Melvin Schumaker given by Bill & Judy Stilley

Sharon Jensen given by Curt Jensen

Richard Stenzel given by Clarence & Barbara Heavner

Janine Dahl given by Lorraine Bakken, Candace Jorgenson, Dick & Mary Diggins Anno (Ed) Delger given by Bill & Judy Stilley Dale Drescher given by Craig & Brenda Ludtke My dear friend Mavis Felland given by Gen Montei Mary Fink given by Sharon Wakefield and family

Kenny Joachim given by Gordy & LouJean Nelson, Bonnie Schneider Delores Kraushaar given by Bill & Judy Stilley, Candy Jorgenson, Dick & Mary Diggins

Alan Swenson given by Clarence & Barbara Heavner Les Tufte given by Robert & Helen Edwin

Richard “Cannonball” Nelson given by Jack & Orlene Woodside

Harlan Wittmer given by the family of Harlan Wittmer

Keith Fligge given by Deloris Fligge Loved ones and beloved “fur baby” Oskkar given

by John & Nancy Sorlie

In Honor Of: Lorraine Bakken for her Birthday given by Hildy Vallevand, Jeanine Dahl & family

Carlton E. Miller of New Prague, MN brother of Rose Perteet, Beulah Thompson, Rose Perteet

Bridget Burlingame given by her Godparents Jim & Sheila

Cliff Otterson given by Paul & Jan Overgaard, Maxine Hanson, Ken & Diane Damerow, Gen Montei, Jay & Kathi Gregerson, Arlis Smith, Jack & Orlene Woodside, Judy Hagen, Helen Lovik, Duane & Eunice Hatleli, friends & family, Marge Moine

Alvin & Elaine Klunder for their 70th anniversary given by Helen Lovik and Merriell Jahnke Mary Nelson given by James & Sheila Gifts Given by: Lois Brandt, Gilbert Gilbertson, Judy Waalkens, Joyce Calgaard, Kathleen Paul, Leroy & Garnet Folie, Charles & Janet Grieboow, Deacon Douglas Spiotta, The Cottages, Stewartville MN, First Lutheran Church Women of Albert Lea, MN, Silver Lake Lutheran Church Minnesota

Dave Palmer given by Dick & Mary Diggins Duane Peterson given by Robert & Helen Edwin, Kitty Sandsmark, Gary Sandsmark, Diane King, Bonnie Underbakke, Bill & Ann Satre, Betty Peterson, friends and family, Maxine Rogness

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MEMORIALS, HONORS & SPECIAL GIFTS CONT. Mission Circle, Ila Breck, Patricia Tallman RADIO FUND In Memory Of: Davis Gilbertson given by Family & friends Cliff Otterson given by Bonnie Schneider Melford Schneider given by Alton Flugum Daryl Walk given by David & Beth Breamer Gifts Given by: Leroy & Garnet Folie, First Lutheran Church Women of Albert Lea, MN, Patricia Tallman FOOD FOR SCHOOL BACKPACKS PROGRAM FUND In Memory Of: Joy Christian given by Daryl & Amy Dodd Sharon Jensen given by Curt Jensen Gifts Given by: First Lutheran Church Women of Albert Lea, MN GENERAL FUND In Memory Of: Donna Prescher given by Ernest Kiene, Folmer & Jane Carlsen Clifford Otterson given by Wayne & Carol Hedalen

HAPPINESS IS A BLANKET In Memory Of: Gaylen Spain given by Pam Stern Gifts Given by: Carol Olson, First Lutheran Church Women of Albert Lea, MN, Pam Stern NIGHT TO SHINE In Memory Of: Dave Palmer given by Mark & Terri Stadheim STAINED GLASS WINDOWS FUND In Memory Of: Joy Christian given by Steve & Sharon Overgaard TANZANIA MISSION PROJECT Gifts Given by: Stan Weltzin TIM O’SHIELD S INTERN FUND In Memory Of: Dave Gilbertson given by Rodger & Karen Christenson Art Ludtke given by Rodger & Karen Christenson Donald Smith given by Rodger & Karen Christenson WORLD HUNGER FUND Gifts Given by: Mission Circle #4

Gifts Given by: Circle #4, First Lutheran Church Women of Albert Lea, MN, Lois Brandt

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

Hannah Marie Farris, March 4, 2020 Wayne Foster Tuttle, March 8, 2020 Parker Roy Tuttle, March 8, 2020 Elijah Roy Tuttle, March 8, 2020

Deaths

Kenneth Joachim, March 11, 2020 Gloria Schumacher, March 12, 2020 Julie Anderson, March 17, 2020 13

FLC PASTORAL CALL TEAM UPDATE We continue to move forward with what needs to be completed for the Ministry Site Profile (MSP).

The MSP is like a résumé of our congregation that the synod uses to match us with potential pastoral candidates. On Sunday, March 15, we handed out a portion of the MSP for FLC members to complete, to be used as input for the final version of our MSP. We had hoped to do this more, however, with not meeting it has been curtailed for now. The Transition Team is compiling information from the “Lutheran LIFE game” focus groups for input into the MSP. Our meeting with the Synod representative was postponed due to the virus pandemic public health guidelines. No decisions have been made other that that we will take many things into consideration, and we ask for your peace and patience, and, above all, your prayers for this process. If you have questions, I ask that you bring them to me as the spokesperson for the committee. May our God guide us through this process. He is in control. Thank you. ~Janice Hammer, Pastoral Call Team Chair

MISCELLANEOUS FLC INFORMATION FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH OFFICE: Phone (507) 373-6424; E-mail: firstoffice@flcal.org; Fax 373-6330 Mailing address—301 W. Clark St., Albert Lea, MN 56007 Office Hours- Monday- Friday: 9:00 am–3:00 pm Building Hours- Monday – Thursday: 7am-8:30pm; Friday: 8am-4:45pm Saturday: 8am-12pm; Sunday: 7am-12pm Other times by appointment or as meetings/events are scheduled

Web site–www.flcal.org

PASTORAL STAFF e-mails and emergency telephone numbers: Pastor John Holt, johnh@flcal.org (Cell–383-4750; Home–377-0046) Pastor Jan Crissinger, (Cell—(507) 621-1758 If you have moved or changed phone numbers, (including cell phone), please, call the church office with your new information. Also, please, call in with, or send in, your email address, so we can keep you updated on things.

N

eed a ride to church?

We are using the Albert Lea Taxi Service. Those who need a ride to church can call 383-3341 to schedule a ride to the worship service of their choice on Sundays, Wednesday or Thursday evenings.

Just let the driver know to bill FLC.

Albert Lea

Please Note: In Case of Inclement Weather CANCELLATIONS & POSTPONEMENTS will be announced on: KAAL TV and KATE Radio [1450 AM] 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) 14

March FLC Church Council Meeting Highlights  

 

Jo Hanson was elected as the Sharing the Faith Team Chair! Congrats Jo! The plan for FLC’s building, services and activities is to follow the CDC guidelines and remain closed until further notice. Each week the staff is reviewing the circumstances and making a decision on what is recommended. Once the building is open we will post on Facebook, our website and on our phone system!

The Nominating committee is working on filling the Secretary position along with the Youth Chair position. An update will be presented at the April Council meeting.

The Spirit of Giving Team is kicking off the new Time and Talent sheets here in the April Messenger so watch for the new format!

FLC Prayer Ministry Want prayer for yourself or others? Call Jo, 763-257-9018 or Julia, 373-9594. Prayers are kept confidential among prayer chain members.

Our Prayers are requested for healing and wholeness for: Wayne & Dorothy Hanson, Nancy Kotyk, Officer Arik Matson and Paul Overgaard.

Our Continued Prayers are requested for healing and wholeness for: Jody Bakken, Alan J. Christensen, Rodger Christenson, Mary Ann Christian, Casey Dusza, Millard Hamborg, Breckyn Heinemann, Glenn Helland, Sharon Johnson, Deb Koenigs, Phil Koppelman, Tom Loverink, Fred (Fritz) Moran, Elaine Panzer, Jean Stearns, Warren Van Riper, ... and their spouses, families & caregivers, and… safety for people serving in the Armed Forces, and their families.

Personal Visitation by the Pastors To support people at the time of illness or injury, pastors usually do make personal visits in hospitals, homes or Care Centers. However, during the restrictions due to the corona virus pandemic, visits are limited to telephone calls.

Hospitals normally do NOT call pastors/ churches to inform them of admissions, other than in dire emergencies where family requests them to do so. So, please, call us, if you want us to know. We try to be available in emergencies.

Do not hesitate to call the church (373-6424),

if you have not talked to a pastor and would like to request a call. If you call the church office after hours and get the recording, pushing number ❸ on the phone will send your call directly to the pastor on call.

No name is automatically put on a printed prayer list. We ask permission before we include a name on our printed prayer list. Please, let us know if you want to be on the prayer list or have a pastor call. ~Your FLC Pastors 15

Come Worship With Us Sunday: 8 am — Traditional Worship Service* 9:15 am — Worship in the Chapel* 10:30 am — Praise & Worship Service*

Holy Communion is celebrated on the 1st & 3rd Sundays of each month, and the Thursdays preceding those Sundays.

First Lutheran Church 301 W Clark St. Albert Lea, MN 56007

9:15 am- Sunday morning “Immersion” 9:30 am- Wednesday morning Bible Study

Periodicals Postage Paid at Albert Lea, MN 56007

Sunday Worship Broadcasts 10:00 a.m. - Peace & Power-KAAL TV- Channel 6 (11:00 a.m. - KATE RADIO AM 1450

First Lutheran Church—F.L.C.—For the Love of Christ

[Address label here]

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