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August 2021 July 28, 2021 Volume LXXI No. 8

Volume LXXI No. 8

We are excited to announce our Faith Formation

classes are moving to Wednesdays! Christian love in action. Join us Wednesdays afterschool until 5:00 PM for kids K-6th grade. Each week we will have snacks, recreation time fun, arts & crafts, and bible study. Learn to practice what it means to be a child of God, a Disciple of Jesus, and a friend to people of all generations. Preschool Children ages 4 & 5 will meet Wednesdays from 4:30-5:00 PM. We are encouraging any parents or grandparents to join.

Online Registration will be available in mid-August Join us for a family meal followed by family worship. Meal: 5:15-6:15. $5 a person or $20 a family.

Worship: 6:30-7:00 PM

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Dear First Lutheran Congregation, We have heard you! We know how important youth and families are to First Lutheran Church because without them, we have no future. We have heard it’s time to make it easier for families to participate in education and worship. We have heard you want to know the Word of God better and worship as a family. We know how busy you are and what a great job you are doing caring for your families. Because we have heard you, we are super excited to switch our programing over to Wednesdays. Our new program is FUSION Life+Faith!! This program will be for K-6th grade afterschool until 5:00pm. Four and five year olds will meet from 4:30-5:00. We would LOVE to have our kiddos be accompanied by a parent or grandparent, so they too can join in on the FUSION fun in an intergenerational way. To make things even better, we will be offering an evening meal at 5:15 followed by a worship service which will be open to all. This service is going to be a contemporary setting and open to those who are young at heart! We heard you, families. We welcome your participation and value your presence in our church family. If you would like to volunteer to share your talents, feel free to contact Sue Loch at 507-383-9195 susaloch@gmail.com or Jenny Edwin at jenny@flcal.org. Sincerely, The Education Team FLC BUILDING & OFFICE HOURS Building

Office

Mon., Tues., Thurs. 8:00 AM-5:00 PM Wednesday 8:00 AM-5:30 PM

Mon., Tues., Thurs. 9:00 AM-3:00 PM Wed. 9:00 AM-5:30 PM FRIDAY & SATURDAY CLOSED Sunday Building Hours—7 AM—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 distractors. If you need to come in outside of normal office hours please call for an appointment.

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

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A few words from Pastor Roger Greetings to you, my dear siblings in Christ! Wow! My first month and a half have flown by! It feels like every day I meet a new person and learn something about First Lutheran Church. I am truly blessed to be a part of this family of faith. One of the most powerful phrases that we can be told is: “I believe in you.” Can you think of a time in your life when someone said that to you? I believe in you. It could have been a parent, a coach, or your spouse. Maybe it was a teacher, a friend, or a coworker that offered you this piece of encouragement. Whoever it was, I hope that those words found a home in your soul. They are words that can change a life when offered at the right moment. Each week when we speak the words of our creeds, one of the key phrases we say is: “I believe in…” We recite the core beliefs of our faith together. We believe in God. We believe in forgiveness. We believe in the resurrection and life everlasting. They are cornerstones of our faith that we learn when we are young, and they see us through our whole lives. As you recite those words, have you ever considered how much God believes in you? It is quite amazing to think about. Even in the darkest of moments, as he was being crucified, Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them.” This is the lowest point of humanity, we hang our savior on a cross, and he still does not give up on us. Jesus knows that through faith, he is making us new and freeing us from sin. From the depths of despair and death, God will give us eternal life. Good people of First Lutheran Church, God believes in you. I believe in you. We believe in each other. The Good News is alive amongst us. Go in peace and serve the Lord.

Blessings, Pastor Roger On Sunday August 8, 2021 we will only have one worship service here at church. The 8 a.m. service will happen as usual but we will not have the 10 a.m. service. We encourage our members to participate in the Community Fair Service held at 10 a.m. at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds Grandstand.

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Happy Retirement Julie Tlamka ! After 17 years of working at First Lutheran Church, JT is officially retiring!! Thank you JT for all the great memories, hard work and relationships that you brought to First Lutheran Church!! We will miss you! Let’s shower JT with cards of Appreciation and Well Wishes for her retirement. Please send to: First Lutheran Church Attn: Kara 301 W Clark Street Albert Lea, MN 56007

Did someone say baby??? FLC is starting the “onesie” program to celebrate babies born into our congregation. When a baby is born, they will be gifted with a custom onesie. If you know of a member who has recently had a baby please contact Kara at 507-383-8168

Blood Pressure checks are back at FLC! Parish Health and Wellness Ministry (PHWM) will be offering free Blood Pressure Screenings every first and third Sunday of the month from 9:00 AM until 10:00 AM beginning September 5, 2021. These screenings can be used to help you monitor your blood pressure in coordination with your medical provider. If you have a healthcare background or simply are interested in helping others, please contact the church office to indicate your interest in working with the PHWM. Ginny Larson, Health Ministry Chair

FLCW - August Program Wednesday, August 11 2021 1:15 PM Bethany Hall Program: Wednesday night FUSION program By the Education Ministry Team Devotions: Bonnie Schneider Hostesses: Carol Colstrup’s Team

Mark your Calendars! Polka Worship Service Sunday November 7, 2021

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“Get to Know Your Fellow Members at FLC!” LIFE AT FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH OF ALBERT LEA MINNESOTA TOM and KAREN HOVDE We are happy to tell you that First Lutheran Church of Albert Lea has played a very important role in our lives. Karen was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran. Tom moved to Albert Lea in 1966 for his first job after graduating from the University of Minnesota. We met in Bethany Hall while having coffee with friends in December of l967, and we were married at First Lutheran Church on November 23, 1968. Both of us have been very active at First Lutheran. Tom has served as Chairman of the Membership and Growth Team and on the Church Council. Karen taught 5th Grade Sunday School, sang in several First Lutheran choirs, sang in a special Christmas octet, played several years with the Handbell Choir, and was Co-President of the Women of the Church. Due to our experience as former owners of The Stables Supper Club, we have helped to prepare and serve many meals at First Lutheran Church, such as: Stone Soup Dinner, Spuds and Splits, and preparing Lefse for Holidays Ahead. Tom was transferred from Albert Lea in 1991 to West Central Minnesota by the University of Minnesota to continue his position with the Extension Service. We were away from Albert Lea for 23 years. After we retired from our jobs, we decided to return to Albert Lea to be closer to our grandsons and other members of our family. We are so glad that we made this decision. We highly recommend you join us in our daily lives at First Lutheran Church of Albert Lea by attending Sunday Services and becoming a helpful team member.

The First Lutheran Handbell Choir is coming back! The first rehearsal will be on Wed., Sept, 1 at 5:30 in the bell loft. Lilah Aas will once again be the interim director. If you have never tried handbell ringing before, this could be your opportunity. Whether you are a slightly experienced ringer or a veteran, please come and share your musical gifts. Ringers of all ages are welcome – maybe you have a grandchild who would enjoy it. Reading music is not required although it is helpful. For additional information or questions, please contact Lilah at 373-8617 or lilahestrem@gmail.com.

Reaching out in Faith 2021/2022 Ephesians 4:16 “from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” It’s time to think about your commitment to service and giving for the coming year. We thank you for your continued support and ask your prayerful consideration when making this decision.

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Prayer Ministry We are introducing monthly theme-based daily scripture verses for use in family, individual and group devotions. We encourage you to look up the scripture and spend time giving thanks for the freedom to worship we enjoy in our country and more importantly through the grace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We hope you will find these verses educational and inspirational as you spend time together this summer. Galatians 5:25: If we live by the Spirit; let us also walk by the Spirit. Sharing the Faith Ministry Team

Theme for August - Family The passages that are given here give us scriptures readings to follow to become better husbands, wives, sons, daughters, and grandparents, in Christ. Being a part of a family requires patience, caring, commitment, discipline, and most of all love. Hopefully we can all grow a better understanding of what God intended for us to do to make a better world through strong Christian families. 1 - Ephesians 6:1-4 2 - Matthew 19:13-15 3 - 1 Peter 1:13-16 4 - Malachi 4:1-6 5 - Proverbs 23:22-25 6 - Colossians 3:19-21 7 - Proverbs 1:8-10 8 - Romans 12:9-13 9 - 1 John 3:15-18 10 - Proverbs 13:22-25

11 - 1 Timothy 3:1-4 12 - Proverbs 22:1-6 13 - 1 John 4:18-21 14 - Proverbs 17:14-17 15 - Galatians 6:1-5 16 - Deuteronomy 6:5-8 17 - Proverbs 16:31-33 18 - Proverbs 19:11,20-21,27 19 - Deuteronomy 4:9-10 20 - 2 Timothy 3:14-17

21 - 1 Peter 4:8-11 22 - Matthew 7:21-23 23 - Luke 6:32-36 24 - Psalm 127:1-5 25 - Proverbs 24:3-4 26 - Matthew 18:2-6 27 - Deuteronomy 11:16-21 28 - Mark 9:35-37 29 - James 5:13-16 30 - 1 John 3:1-5 31 - Ephesians 4:1-7

Prayer List

Our Prayers are requested for healing and wholeness for: Thelma Foss, Duane Hatleli, Gregg Hatleli, Marilyn Moe, Pauline Kohnke Nelson, John Twito and Julie.

Our Continued Prayers are requested for healing and wholeness for:

Jody Bakken, Alan J. Christensen, Mike & Mary Ann Christian, Grant Gordon, Dorothy Hanson, Breckyn Heinemann, Glenn Helland, Nancy Jenson, Sharon Johnson, Phil Koppelman, Amy Ladlie, Pastor Matt Larson, Officer Arik Matson, Fritz Moran, Carol Olson, Jan Overgaard, Alexandra Peterson, Larry Peterson, Jean Stearns and their spouses, families & caregivers. And our neighbors serving in the Armed Forces, law enforcement, firefighting, rescue and emergency services and their families.

8 am-Traditional Worship-S 9am-11:30-The Perfect Gift Shoppe open 10 am-Peace & Power on ABC6 10 am Blended Worship-S 10 am-KATE Radio-1450AM

8 am-Traditional Worship-S 9am-11:30-The Perfect Gift Shoppe open 10 am-Peace & Power on ABC6 10 am Blended Worship-S 10 am-KATE Radio-1450AM 12 pm-Christian Solos-offsite

15 Missionary Sunday

10 am-KATE Radio-1450AM

at the Fairgrounds

8 am-Traditional Worship-S 9am-11:30-The Perfect Gift Shoppe open 10 am-Peace & Power on ABC6 10 am Community Fair Service

8 am-Traditional Worship-S 9am-11:30-The Perfect Gift Shoppe open 10 am-Peace & Power on ABC6 10 am Blended Worship-S 10 am-KATE Radio-1450AM

Sun

6:30 pm-Council Meeting-BH

1 pm-History Team Meeting-L

Mon

8 am-Quilters-BH & MPR 9:30 am-Staff meeting-P

8 am-Quilters-BH & MPR 9:30 am-Staff meeting-P 6:30 pm-Sharing the Faith Team Meeting-P

Tue

P =Parlor

Thu

C= Chapel

Fri

SSR=Sunday School Room

L=Library

SL=South Lot

S=Sanctuary

MPR=Multi-Purpose Room

1 pm-Hardanger-MPR 5-6 pm-Food Ministry Drive Up-SL

1 pm-Hardanger-MPR 1:15pm-Commmunion Ministers-P 5-6 pm-Food Ministry Drive Up-SL

PR= Prayer Room

BH=Bethany Hall

9:30 am-Bible Study-MPR 11 am-Mutual Ministry-P 1 pm-TOPS Group-SSR 1 pm-Messenger Crew-P 6:30 pm-Confirmation Orientation-BH 6:30 pm-Blended Service Music Rehearsal

25 8 am-Prayer Group-PR

8 am-Prayer Group-PR 9:30 am-Bible Study-MPR 1 pm-TOPS Group-SSR 6:30 pm-Blended Service Music Rehearsal

8 am-Prayer Group-PR 9:30 am-Bible Study-MPR 11 am-Mutual Min. Meeting-P 1 pm-FLCW General Meeting-BH 1 pm-TOPS Group-SSR 6:30 pm-Blended Service Music Rehearsal

8 am-Prayer Group-PR 9 am-FLCW Board meets-P 9:30 am-Bible Study-MPR 11 am-Spirit of Giving-P 1 pm-TOPS Group-SSR 6:30 pm-Blended Service Music Rehearsal

Wed

Sat

August

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Office/Building Help Needed (5-8 Volunteers)

We have a variety of things that volunteers can help with in the office and building. Things such as dusting, cutting business cards, organizing, mailings, stocking and cleaning pews, folding etc. This is something that someone can commit time to each week or month. For instance, if they want to give one hour a week, they can come in anytime during regular business hours and help. To Volunteer please contact one of our NEW Volunteer Coordinators Candy Herman 507-383-2318, Mary Jane Pierson at 507-402-0512 or email them at volunteer@flcal.org

Has your family experienced loss of a child? You now have an opportunity to “purchase a brick” in our children’s quiet play space in our Sanctuary, Easton’s Place. A personalized plate with your child’s name will be placed on a brick to remember your special Child of God. Memorial plates are $50 and can be ordered by calling the church office at 507-373-6424.

The Special Outreach Cause Offering for the month of August is the Five Sisters Project The Five Sisters Project mission is to provide help, healing, and hope to women and their families in crisis. Some of the services they provide are: temporary safe housing, resources & support, referrals, someone to listen, life skills classes, and Spiritual coaching The Five Sisters Project is located in Wells, MN. Special offering envelopes will be available from the ushers at church services. Please make checks payable to FLC. 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)

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MUTUAL MINISTRY TEAM You have probably heard about the Mutual Ministry Team and are wondering what it is and what the team does. It is a new team that was formed this spring and will continue its work as part of the fabric of FLC. The team will report their work in the Messenger as well as on the website, Facebook, email etc. so watch for more details on the Team. Purpose: To strengthen the relationship between staff and the First Lutheran Church congregation so that we can live out our Mission and Vision Statements to the fullest. Mission Statement Our mission is to Gather, Equip, and Empower people to joyfully do Christ’s work. Vision Statement Preparing passionate followers of Jesus Christ to identify, nurture, and encourage Spiritual Gifts to benefit the church, the greater community. and the world. The Team will focus on the following components: Operational Climate/Culture Conflict Resolution Support for Staff Team members:

Chair - Diane Damerow- 507-383-9284 - ddamerow@charter.net Secretary - Mary Stapleton- 507-402-3146 - stapleton.mary59@gmail.com Ginny Larson- 507-383-6686 - larsonvirginia3@gmail.com Joe LaFrance- 507-383-3247 – joefrnc@yahoo.comit Lynn Kermes -507-402-6152 - lynn.kermes@intellicents.com Dawn Thompson- 507-383-2953 - dthomps3@good-sam.com Jan Crissinger- 507-621-1758 - janet.crissingerclark@gmail.com Kara Heinemann – 507-383-8168 – kara@flcal.org

In-Home Communion Start up! In-Home Communion is starting back up and visits are underway! This is a vital part of our ministry at FLC. If you are interested in helping to serve communion or if you know anyone who is homebound or shut in that would like communion, please contact Anne Satre at 507-373-1189

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Memorials, Honors & Special Gifts PEACE & POWER FUND

In Memory of:

Dwaine Abbe given by Cliff, Colleen, John & Andy, f Family & Friends, Kathryn Sandsmark, Timothy & Megan Ryan, Dale Brekke given by Mark & Judy Langrud, Arnie & Mary Ann Venem Rich Crissinger given by Ken & Diane Damerow, Jim & Vicki Anderson Shirley Chryst given by Laverne & Shirley Strand Mildred Jennings given by Gen Montei Ernie Kabrud given by Sharon Nelson, Mark & Teresa Stadheim, Marvyl Dahl Deb Koenigs given by John Chesterman, Mary Ellen Johnson Dale Mehus given by Kathryn Sandsmark, Casper Munson given by Elaine Munson Dovain Otterson given by Eunice Bakken Gladys Rowe given by Elaine Munson Judy (Blenka) Seekamp given by Al & Sue Blenka Paul Stollard given by Edmund & Angeline Nelson Leonard Wacholz given by Audrey Christenson, Arlis Smith, Helen Lovik, Merriel Jahnke Helene Westrum given by Audrey Christensen, Bonnie Schneider, Arlis Smith, Larry & Julia Tonder, Julie Gilbertson, Lorraine Bakken, Bonnie Trampel, Helen Lovik, Anne Marie Harshbarger, Judy Hagen Virgil Yost given by Helen Lovik & Merriell Jahnke

Gifts Given By:

EASTON’S PLACE

In Memory of:

Ciarra & DJ Basemen given by Sandy Johnson Madison “Maddy” Mann given by Doug & Susan Olson FOOD MINISTRY

Gifts Given By:

Arlis Smith, Helen Lovik, Brekken Schumaker, Marie Carlin FOSTER CARE TRAILER

Gifts Given By:

Lilah Aas, Anne Marie Harshbarger GENERAL FUND In Memory of : Dwaine Abbe given by Jannelle Fischer Garnet Folie given by LeRoy Folie

Gifts Given By:

Sara Cogar, Lorraine Bakken, Thomas Anderson, Rosalyn Lyle, Alan & Bonnie Bakken

HABITAT 500

Gifts Given By:

Paul & Jan Overgaard, Ruth Noren, Kathryn Carter, Mavis Bryson, Dean & Sandy Jensen, Alton Flugum, Larry & Julia Tonder, Curtis Jenseon, Al & Nancy Stoa, Donna Henrikson,

Marilee Waalkens, Residents of Senior Tower, Leona Howe, Deacon Douglas Spiotta, Gilbert Gilbertson, Ila Breck, Marvin & Dianna Bednar , Janice Jensen, Margaret Dubbels, David & Paulette Paulson

HAPPINESS IS A BLANKET

BACKPACK PROGRAM

HYMNAL FUND In Memory of : Rich Crissinger given by Robert & Theresa Hartke Stan Noren given by Ruth Noren

In Memory of:

Helene Westrum given by Linda & David Pederson

Gifts Given By: Curtis Jensen

COMPASSION INTERNATIONAL

Gifts Given By:

Lorrain Bakken, Janet Engebretson, Carol Olson

In Memory of:

Elaine Panzer given by Deloris Fligge Helene Westrum given by Marcia Habben

Gifts Given By: Gary Larsen

Volume LXXI No. 8 Page 11

Memorials, Honors & Special Gifts (cont.) In Honor of:

The Staff of First Lutheran given by Ruth Noren Daughter & Family; Don & Kristin Lehne, Thomas, Griffin & Tate given by Ruth Noren Daughter & Family; Chris & Susan Jensen, Brock, Neely & Beckett given by Ruth Noren

Gifts Given By:

Ken & Diane Damerow,

KIM (OLSON) GODDARD SCHOLARSHIP

In Memory of::

Doris Baer given by Carol Olson Mary Jane Grandstrand given by Judy Folven NEW ROOF FUND

Gifts Given By:

Phyllis Hamborg, JoAnn Palmer, Dave & Sue Olson, Arlis Smith, Lorraine Bakken, Selma Engebretson

Cousin David Allen Maiden of San Jose CA who died July 8, 2021 given by Jane Maiden Helene Westrum given by Larry & Janice Lestrud YOUTH PROGRAM—Fusion

Gifts Given By:

Robert & Marion Rice

Pastoral Records: Baptisms, Weddings, Deaths, Funerals, Memorial Services Funerals David Drescher, June 26 Helene Westrum, July 9 Rolan Porter, July 17 Dean Wick, July 24 Ahne Ordalen, July 26

RADIO FUND

In Memory of :

Wayne Willand given by Bev Grotsun

ROOF FUND In Memory of:

Helene Westrum given by Circle 20 STAINED GLASS LIGHTING FUND

In Memory of:

Jim Livingston, who died June 22 in Watsonville CA given by his cousin Jane Maiden

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

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 Web site–www.flcal.org PASTORAL STAFF e-mails and emergency telephone numbers:

Pastor Jan Crissinger, jan@flcal.org (Cell—(507) 621-1758) Pastor Roger Fears - roger@flcal.org (Cell—(320) 297-1251)

Sunday’s Summer Worship Schedule

Sunday August 8, 2021

8:00 & 10:00 am—In-person Worship

8 am (only) service at church. The 10 am service will not be held at church.

10:00 am—Peace & Power broadcast on KAAL-TV ABC6 10:00 am—Live broadcast on KATE Radio 1450 AM 10:00 am—Live-stream of worship on the FLC Facebook page

Everyone is invited to a Community Worship Service at 10 am at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds Grandstand.

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

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 10:00 a.m. - Peace & Power-KAAL TV- Channel 6 10:00 a.m. - Live broadcast on KATE Radio 1450

First Lutheran Church

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