December 2016

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

December Messenger First Lutheran Church + F.L.C. + For the Love of Christ December is the last month of your paper messenger unless you’ve notified the church.

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CHRISTMAS WORSHIP SERVICES Pre-Christmas Communion Service & Luncheon Thursday, December 15 at 10:30 a.m.

Special guests will be any and all home-bound/ shut-in residents.

Everyone is Welcome!

Christmas Eve Worship Services Saturday, December 24: 4:00 & 6:00 p.m. Family Candlelight Services especially for families with children 10:30 p.m. Holy Communion Candlelight Service with FLC Choir and Bell Choir Peace & Power will air on Christmas Day at 10:00 a.m.

Christmas Day Worship Service with Holy Communion Sunday, December 25 at 10:00 a.m. ONLY KATE radio (AM-1450) broadcast at 11:00 am New Years Day Worship Service with Holy Communion Sunday, January 1 at 10:00 a.m. ONLY

Annual Meeting Tuesday, January 24, 2017

THE MISSION OF FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH IS: TO GATHER, EQUIP, AND EMPOWER PEOPLE TO JOYFULLY DO CHRIST’S WORK.

The Advent Adventure and Crèche Walk-Wednesdays Thru December 14.

See page 11.

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Rejoice in the Lord!

Our Staff of First Lutheran would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We work hard to make sure that Christmas is a season filled with joy, light, peace, and hope. Yet, every Christmas season we have to be mindful that not everyone is filled with joy this holiday season. Some have experienced loss, heartache, brokenness or death during this season, and Christmas serves as a reminder of hurt or pain instead of a joyous occasion of life and light. Some of us just can’t seem to get into the merriment, or decking the halls, or the fa la la’s. So, it’s a good thing that Christmas is a God thing.

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have a broken heart or whether your heart is full of joy—it’s a good thing that it’s a God thing. You see, Christmas has always been, always is, and always will be a God thing. On Christmas everyone; the poor and the rich, the young and the old, the healed and the broken, the joyless and the joyfilled all get the same gift. “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Jesus is the best gift that God could give a hurting world in need of salvation. Jesus comes for those who are sick, If you have or haven’t gotten a tree—it’s a good thing it’s a poor, suffering, and broken because He gives voice to the God thing. If you have or haven’t put up the decorations— voiceless, hope to the hopeless, and life to the lifeless. He it’s a good thing it’s a God thing. If you have or haven’t fin- comes so that we may enter the song of thanksgiving. He ished all the shopping—it’s a good thing it’s a God thing. If comes so that we may have life and have it abundantly. you have or haven’t figured out what food to serve—it’s a Jesus truly is the reason for the season. To you and your good thing it’s a God thing. If you do or don’t have the family, Merry Christmas and a Happy New year. money for it all—it’s a good thing it’s a God thing. If you Pastor Sean Forde Dear First Lutheran Church Family, As my fourth year of service as Minister of Music and Worship has begun here at First Lutheran Church, I want to say thank you for the privilege of serving in this very special place. The Holy Spirit continues to move in our church. Since I was small child, I felt an undeniable calling from God for service to him in ministry. I tried to fulfill that calling through the years through music ministries. However, God has continued to grip my life and my thoughts to make it clear to me that my calling in life is pastoral care. I moved here from Colorado, where I had spent nearly half my life. I worked hard in the Corporate world as part of the environmental testing and consulting industry. I had a great career, an unbelievable home and property, fast cars, and pretty much everything else I thought I needed or wanted. Life was good. But--my faith had taken a back seat during the height of my career. My faith was still there, but dormant. In July 2011, I got the news that a new company had taken over the company I worked for and that my position (and most of the Corporate Staff) were eliminated. I had complete confidence that I would get another job, making just as much money, in my beloved Colorado. Well, it did not work that way. As much as I tried to hang on, life unraveled. When things got really tough, I looked to God. God systematically stripped me of everything. It was not God’s punishment. It was his preparation. It was his way to line me up with his will.

God has put this clear grip of calling on me and I have tried to follow it. I entered the SE MN Synod Candidacy process almost a year ago. I was 'Entranced' into the program last Friday after months of testing, evaluations, interviews, and discernment. I was accepted to Luther Seminary week before last. I will start classes on January 8, 2017. I have entered the Distributed Learning Program at Luther for a Masters of Divinity that will lead to ordination. The Council, Executive Committee, Personnel Committee, and fellow staffers, have been very supportive. I will have to be on campus in St. Paul for two full weeks in January and in June each year. Other than that, I can study from here with a few exceptions. I am asking to be placed on your long-term prayer list as I start this journey. The church is looking at ways to support this calling financially. There are plans for fund raisers for this purpose. With God's help and with the backing of this community of faith, I commit to work hard and learn as much as I can. Let's all listen to God as He guides us through this journey together.

Peace, Tim O'Shields

FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH WOMEN (FLCW) DECEMBER

CARING AND SHARING December 2016 +Miriam+ Co-chairs Carol Frydenlund

377-2785

Joni Rowe 373-4256, 402-7493

Workers Marian Ahnemann

Alicia Helland

Barbara Rofshus

Dorothy Blom

Stephanie Jansen

Tricia Syverson

Susan Forde

Robin Kelly

Mae Twito

Joyce Fredin

Jane Loge

Wednesday, December 14 1:30 p.m. in Bethany Hall Program: Christmas Memories By: Judy Menssen Christmas Songs Led by Julia Tonder Installation of Officers Devotions: Pam Slette Offering Prayer: Pam Slette

All women are members of FLCW and invited to come.

Cakes Ann Adams

Darlene Hendrickson

Sharon Overgaard

Marion Bergemann

Carol Kuennen

Jayne Sigurdson

Leann Bibus

Marilyn Larsen

Brenda Sorenson

Marvyl Dahl

Mary Lubke

Karen Szymanowski

Jenny Fjermestad

Rosemary Ludowese

Monica Wallace

Jody Hauser

Leslie Millhouse

Diane Weisgram

All guests welcome!

Christmas Meeting & Program Tuesday, December 13 7 pm in Bethany Hall

Support Local and Global Missions

BUY SCRIP CARDS

Pastoral Records Baptisms

Fundraising while you shop On November 27, December 4, 11 and 18

Isaac Matthew Bauman, October 23, 2016 Elijah Brian Lokken, November 13, 2016

In the Gathering Space

Wedding

Caribou, Dominos, Herbergers, Kwik Trip,

Corey Bakken & Danielle Krogman, November 12, 2016

and Walgreen Cards are available

Funerals Tammy Jensen-Praska’ October 27, 2016 Betty Gulbrandson, November 5, 2016

“Great for Holiday Gift Giving”

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WHAT’S HAPPENING AT FLC? “The Annual Congregational Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 24th , 2017 in Bethany Hall.

Stone Soup at 5:30 p.m., meeting at 7 p.m.

Snow date will be January 31st.”

Sunday, December 4 3:30—5 pm in Bethany Hall

Annual Meeting

Friends at First

Christmas with the Staff

Tuesday, January 24, 2017

Tuesday, December 20 11:30 a.m. in Bethany Hall Program: Pastor Sean Forde speaking on Christmas Menu: Swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes, Broccoli Salad and Christmas cookie.

The Special Outreach Cause offering for December is: the Tanzania Mission Project—Walter Nnko. Please pick up special offering envelopes from the ushers at church services. (Make checks to F.L.C.)

Sign-up and pre-pay $6 for your meal reservation.

Everyone Welcome!!

CHRISTMAS GIFTS OF LOVE The World Hunger Appeal during Advent

Gift catalogs on display or from one First Lutheran Church has a long standing tradition of the ornaments from the tree of remembering the hungry and poor in the United in the gathering space.

States and around the world through generous Give thanks to the Lord, for he is donations to the World Hunger Appeal. With the good, his love endures forever. upcoming Advent season you will again have an opportunity to consider a gift to those in need.

Thank you and wishing you all a Blessed Advent Christmas Season, You can choose to make a direct donation to the World Hunger Appeal or give a gift of poinsettias Sharon Overgaard to decorate the altar, in honor or in memory of a Social Ministry Commission loved one. You can consider a gift from the Good World Hunger Appeal Coordinator 4

New Ways to Give your Offering!!!

Give by QR code!

Give by Mobile App!

Give on our Website!

( Currently only for I phone users, Android users coming 2017)

Steps to Give via QR !

Steps to give online!

1. Download the “QR Scan1. Go to www.flcal.org ning “ app on your smart 2. Click on Online Giving phone Steps to give by Mobile app!

3. Give your offering to 2. Scan the “QR” code in your 1. Download the “ Vanco General Fund, Peace & bulletin or any other printed Mobile Plus” app on your Power or Radio fund on material smart phone our website 3. Give your offering to the 2. Enter “First Lutheran General fund, Peace & Church” in the search Power or Radio Fund right bar or click find churches on your smart phone near me ** All sites and networks are 3. Create an account secured and safe to enter financial information** 4. A verification email will be sent to your email Thank you!

5. Give your offering to the General Fund on your mobile device

You can now make a contribution to First Lutheran Church with a quick text message!

Simply send a text to 507-788-8767 with the amount you would like to contribute. Make sure to include the dollar sign before the amount. Within a few minutes, you’ll be sent a text with a link to register. Once your registration is complete, you will receive a text verification and a receipt via email.

For future giving, simply send a text with the amount you wish to give, and it will process automatically!

All 2016 contributions must be post marked no later than Saturday, December 31, by law, to receive credit towards your 2016 contribution/tax record. Thank you.

October 2016 Financial Reports — Year-to-date FLC General Fund (G.F.) Offerings Other Income Total Income Expenses Surplus (Deficit) January 1, 2016 October 31, 2016 Radio Income Expense Net gain (loss)

Actual Budget Over/(Under) $ 528,768 $606,750 $(77,982) 82,171 84,250 $(2,079) $ 610,939 $691,000 $(80,061) $ 647,934 $691,000 43,066 $(36,995) -0$(36,995) $ 118,372 G.F. ‘Fund Balance’ $ 81,377 G.F. ‘Fund Balance’ FLC Broadcast Ministries Peace & Power Actual $ 8,195 Income 39,078 9,070 Expense 34,528 $(875) Net gain (loss) 4,550

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The stewardship commission would like to remind you of all the different ways to give this Christmas Season.     

Stewardship Envelopes FLC Website Download our Mobile App (Give Plus ), find First Lutheran Church Albert Lea Give by Text by texting 507-788-8767 with the dollar amount Give by QR Code by scanning the QR Code located in the Bulletin or Messenger

Thank you for your Prayers and Support!

December 20 Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Our Continued Prayers are requested for healing and wholeness for: Alan J. Christensen, Mary Ann Christian, Pembie Erickson, Patrick George, Breckyn Heinemann, Karen Houge, Gary Laite, Fred (Fritz) Moran, Christian Reichl, Betty Stolaas, Nick Von Ohlen and…safety for people serving in the Armed Forces, and their families.

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8 am-Traditional w/Comm.

9:15 am-Worship w/Comm.-C 10:30 am-Praise & Worship w/Comm.

3:30-5 pm-Baby’s First Christmas-BH

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7 9:30 am-Bible Study-MPR

10 am-FLCW Board-BH Advent Adventure  11 am-devotions  11:30 am -lunch  12:30 pm recital 6 pm-Welcome Ministry-GS  1:15 pm-Crèche Walk 1 pm-Good Samaritan (FLC) 3 pm-Oak Park Place (Grace) 6 pm-Girl Scouts-MPR 6:30 pm-Commissions-BH Confirmation/Making Krumkake Dress Rehearsal for the Hanging

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6:30 pm-Cha

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1:30 pm

3 pm-Thorne Crest-FLC

6:30 pm

of the Greens

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Krumkake Sales

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Advent Adventure  11 am-devotions  11:30 am -lunch  12:30 pm recital  1:15 pm-Crèche Walk 7 pm-Altar Guild Christmas 1:30 pm-FLCW Program-BH meeting & program-BH 2:30 pm-Prairie Sr. Cottages-FLC 7 pm-PEO Christmas Music 3 pm-Oak Park Place-(Grace) with Tim O’Shields-S & GS

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8 am-Traditional w/Comm.

9:15 am-Worship w/Comm.-C 9:15 am-1-6th gr. Christmas Program-S 6:30 pm-Church 10:30 am-Praise & Worship w/Comm. Council meets-P

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Christmas Day

14 9:30 am-Bible Study-MPR 15

2 pm-Muffins due at Rock 2:30 pm-Sr. Towers (Grace)

8 am- Worship with Preschool & Kindergarten Christmas Program 9:15 am-Worship-C 10:30 am-Praise & Worship 10:30 am-New Member Orientation-P 11:30 am-Baptism Open House for Brandtley Lau 12:30 pm-Christmas recital/students of Sharon Astrup-Scott-S

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10 am-Christmas Day Service w/Comm.

Church Office & Building Closed BH=Bethany Hall C= Chapel PR= Prayer Room

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11:30 am-Friends @ First 1:30 pm-MC #12-MPR Christmas dinner with 1:30 pm-MC #31-P the staff No Children’s Choir Rehearsals

27 9 am-Library Board meets

28 No Choir Rehearsals No Confirmation No Eikon

10:30 am

Service Clu

6:30 pm

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6:30 pm

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6:30 pm

CR-Choir Room GS= Gathering Space L=Library MC= Mission RR=Resource Room S=Sanctuary SL=South Lot YR= 6

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WEEKLY REOCURRING EVENTS Sunday Events

Thu

Fri

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m-Chapel Service

m-Shut in service & meal-S & BH

Sat

3 2-4 pm-Party for Burnett Sanderson’s 100th Birthday-BH

apel Service w/Comm.

m-St. John’s-Trinity

8 am-Traditional Service-S 9:15 am-Worship-C 9:15 am-Immersion-BH 9:15 am-Sunday School

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(No Sunday School Dec. 25 & Jan.1)

9:15 am-The Donut Hour-YR (No Donut Hour Dec, 25 & Jan. 1)

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10:30 am-Praise & Worship-S

Monday Events 7 pm-Narcotics Anonymous-RR

Tuesday Events 9:30 am-Staff Meeting-P 7 pm-Narcotics Anonymous-MPR 7 pm-Spirit Express Rehearsal 7:15 pm-Spirit Express Band & Singers Rehearsal

7 pm-“The Hanging of the Greens”-S

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Wednesday Events

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8 am-Prayer Group-PR 9:30 am-Bible Study-MPR

12 pm-Service Club Luncheon-BH

(No Bible Study Dec. 21 & 28)

3:30 pm-Rays of Light Choir Rehearsal 4:15 pm-Sounds of Joy Choir Rehearsal

ub Luncheon Set-Up

(Children’s Choir Christmas Party Dec. 14) (No Children’s Choir Rehearsals Dec. 21 & 28)

5:30 pm-Bell Choir Rehearsal (No Bell Choir Rehearsal Dec. 28)

m-Chapel Service

6:30 pm-Confirmation

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Church Building & Office closes at noon

Christmas Eve

4 & 6 pm-Christmas Eve Services 5:15 pm-Communion-C 10:30 pm-Christmas Eve Service w/Comm.

m-Chapel Service

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(No confirmation Dec. 28)

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New Year’s Eve

Church Building & Office closes at 3 pm

(No Choir Rehearsal Dec. 28)

8 pm-Eikon-Youth Room (No Eikon Dec. 28)

Thursday Events 1 & 5:15 pm-Tops– RR 6:30 pm-Chapel Service 7 pm-Al-Anon-P 7 pm-Al-Anon kids-N

Friday Events

m-Chapel Service

Circle MPR=Multi-Purpose Room N= Nursery =Youth Room w/Comm.=with Holy Communion

6:30 pm-FLC Choir Rehearsal

Pastor John’s Day Off

1 pm-Hardanger-MPR Saturday Events

P =Parlor 7

10:30 am-Alcoholics Anonymous-MPR

FLC EDUCATION, YOUTH & FAMILY Sunday, December 11

REMINDERS...

The church office will close at noon on Friday, December 23 and the church office will be closed on Monday, December 26 (building will close after Christmas Day worship). The Krumkake Sale—On Sunday, December 11 at all church office will also close at worship services, our FLC confirmation students will be 3 pm on Friday, December 30 selling krumkake. Anyone interested in helping make the and the church building will krumkake on Wednesday, December 7 from 6-9 pm should close after the New Year’s Day contact Jenny at the church office. All proceeds will go to- service and closed all day on ward youth camperships.

Monday January 2, 2017.

The 4 year old Sunday School Christmas Program & the Kindergarten Sunday School Christmas Program will be

“12 Symbols of Christmas”

There will be no Sunday School on Sundays, December 25 and January 1. Classes will resume on Sunday, January 8, 2017.

Also, there will be NO Confirmation on Wednesday, December 21 and Wednesday, December 28. Classes will resume on Wednesday, January 4, 2017.

Please Note: In Case of Inclement Weather

1st –6th grade Christmas Program

CANCELLATIONS & POSTPONEMENTS will be announced on: KAAL TV and KATE Radio [1450 AM]

Sunday, December 18 9:15 a.m. in the Sanctuary

FLC YOUTH ANNOUNCEMENTS Six youth (Sam Banks, Ellie Wallace, Aliyah Garzon, Anna Dahl, Makenna Jacobson, Ryker Rofshus) went to a weekend Retreat at Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camp on November 11-13.

Thank you to everyone who ordered a wreath, garland, or centerpiece. It was a great fundraiser! Thanks again!

Thank you to everyone who donated supplies and money to the care packages for our College Students!

Our High School Youth packed and sent 28 care packages to our College Students

Eikon Winter Schedule No Eikon: Dec. 28 Eikon is our youth group for 9th - 12th Graders.

We meet almost every Wednesday night during the school year. We meet from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The Donut Hour Schedule No Donut Hour: Dec 25 & Jan. 1 Donut Hour meets Sunday mornings from 9:15 to 10:15 in the Youth Room. We eat, relax, and have good conversation.

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HELPING OTHERS IN NEED The Social Ministry Commission is sponsoring a Salvation Army Christmas Angel Tree.

Thank you, fellow congregation members for supporting Operation Christmas Child. These boxes packed with our love and

A Christmas Angel tree can be found in the Gathering Space. The tree is decorated with Christmas Angel tags that represent a boy or girl under the age of 18 years of age. These are children whose families have qualified for holiday assistance through the Salvation Army and have met the criteria established by the organization.

prayers will be sent to children around the world.

The Social Ministry Commission would like to remind

To get involved in the Christmas Angel program, simply remove the tag from Doing the most good the tree, then shop for your angel(s).

The gift may be a small stocking stuffer gift or a larger main gift. Return your gifts to the tree, with the Angel Tree tag, unwrapped, and the Salvation Army will take care of the rest.

you that a special tree will be placed in the Gathering Space in December, for donations of hats, mittens, and scarves.

These items will be taken to local charities for distribution at Christmas time. Help make someone’s

Holiday Season a little “warmer”.

The last and final day to bring gifts to church is Friday, December 9. After that date, please, take your gifts to the Salvation Army at 302 Court Street.

Thank you.

MISCELLANEOUS FLC INFORMATION 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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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 service of their choice 8:00, 9:15 or 10:30 am on Sundays, or Thursday evenings at 6:30 pm. Just let the driver know to bill FLC.

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 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Friday 4:50 p.m.)

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 Sean Forde sean@flcal.org (Cell 772-323-1778) Normal Hours for the FLC Building Sunday: 7:00 am–12:00 noon; Monday–Thursday: 7:00 am–9:00 pm Friday: 8:00 am – 4:50 pm; Saturday: 8:00 – 11:50 am Other times by appointment or as meetings/events are scheduled 9

MEMORIALS, HONORS & SPECIAL GIFTS PEACE & POWER FUND In Memory Of: Dorothy Steinke given by: Paul & Mary Thompson, Richard, Peggy & James Manges, Jim & Holly Bagley, Nancy, Mike & Morgan Hutchins, Doris, Earl, Emily, Elgen Heskett & Family, Steve & Karen Quam & family, John & Alice Schulte, Jones, Haugh & Smith, Inc., Ron & Dawn Egge, Vernon & Bev Lunde, Gordon & Ramona Ramsey, Cathy Davis & family, Jean Grube, Art Smith, Dick & Marti Anderson, Harold & Joan Bagley, Bernice Ellingson, Laurie Hovendick, Jim & Vicki Manges, Elaine Wallace, Larry & Cheryl Beavens

Gifts Given By: Vern Jahnke, Joyce E. Bakke, Patricia Tallman, Gilbert Gilbertson, Arlo & June Jasperson, Mark & Sharon Christian, Patricia Tallman, Konstance Haas, Leroy & Garnet Folie RADIO FUND In Memory Of: Dorothy Hagen given by: Millard & Phyllis Hamborg STAINED GLASS FUND In Memory Of: Rik Trytten given by: Joyce Johnson

Our parents, Helmer & Marie Brackey; Edmund & Margaret Rooney for Christmas given by: Dick & Elaine Ronald Haroldson - father of Annie Haroldson given by: Rooney Clayton & Connie Tufte Our nephew Scott Sasser for Christmas given by: Dick & Cousin, Claude Engebretson given by: Carlyle & Janet Elaine Rooney Engebretson Loved ones for Christmas given by: Dick & Elaine Friend, Ted Hellie given by: Carlyle & Janet Engebretson Rooney Sharon Jensen given by: Curtis R. Jensen

Friend, Dave Steffens given by: Carlyle & Janet Engebretson

Gifts Given By:

Robert Mortenson given by: Bill & Judy Stilley

ADULT CHOIR ROBE FUND

Beverly Boone given by: Bill & Judy Stilley Ruby Fredrickson given by: Bill & Judy Stilley

Bob & Theresa Hartke

In Memory Of:

Ronald Haroldson - father of Annie Haroldson given by: Wayne & Jackie Sletten

Mary Hoffman given by: Bill & Judy Stilley Ardis Bergo Thorson given by: Bill & Judy Stilley Vernon Classon given by: Jon & Sandy Duncan

Gifts Given By:

Pastor Otto & Ruth Staehling, former Pastor of Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Myrtle, where I was confirmed and we were married by Otto given by: Gordon & LouJean Nelson

In Memory Of:

Shirlie Brownlow, Norman & Joyce Fredin PARISH NURSE PRAYER SHAWL FUND Betty Gulbrandson given by: Gerry Gilbertson HANS & LUCY HANSEN ENDOWMENT FUND

Betty Gulbrandson given by: Bev Nelson, Dennis & Janice In Memory Of: Hans & Lucy Hansen Brandt, Maxine Hanson

PERSONAL VISITATION BY THE PASTORS To support people at the time of illness or injury we pastors do make personal visits in the hospital, homes or Care Centers. We occasionally check local hospital lists, but sometimes names do not show up on the list. So, please, call, if you want us to know. Do not hesitate to call the church [373-6424], if you have not seen a pastor and would like to request a visit. We try to be available in emergencies.

‘After hours’ the church phone system will automatically put your call through to the pastor ‘on call’ by keying #3. We ask permission before we include a name on our printed prayer list. Please let us know if you want to be on the list 10 or be visited.~ Your FLC Pastors

Don’t see your gift? Any gifts recorded after November 10 will appear in the next issue of the Messenger. Any concerns, please call the office 373-6424. Thank you.

When you need prayer...Call the prayer chain coordinators, Jo Hanson 763-257-9018 or Julia Tonder 373-9594.

All prayer requests are handled confidentially.

If you want an ongoing legacy of First Lutheran Church Consider a donation to the endowment fund!

MUSICAL NOTES Spiritually and musically, this has to be one of my favorite times of the year. Advent is such a beautiful time for self reflection. It is a time to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. It is also a time to pray and talk to God and gain more understanding about what God's will is for our lives. We all have a calling and purpose from God--to follow him and to use the gifts he has given us in service to him. Imagine, the young woman, Mary, and how she must have felt when she was visited by the angel who explained her purpose as the Mother of Jesus. While she was likely terrified, she opened her heart and her mind and followed God's will. As the great Advent Hymn says, "Prepare the Royal Highway--the King of Kings is near!" Please join our church family in Advent and Christmas Worship Services, as well as the special Christmas music events that are outlined below. We, your Music Ministry Team, are going to tell the exciting story of Christ's birth through beautiful music and art. Christ's birth was a long-awaited event. In so many ways, Christ's birth gave eyes to faith. The Messiah was no longer eagerly anticipated; Messiah was real. That same "realness" is true for us today. Jesus Christ, his love, and the gift of Salvation, are as real today as they have ever been. Let's open our hearts and cry, "Come into my heart, Lord Jesus. There is room in my heart for you--now and always!"

Rays of Light Children's Choir-Wednesdays: 3:30-4:15 PM--Grades 1-4. Resumes January 6, 2017 Sounds of Joy Children's Choir - Wednesdays: 4:15-5:15 PM)-Grades 5-9. Resumes January 6, 2017 First Lutheran Church Hand Bell Choir-Wednesdays: 5:30-6:25 PM. First Lutheran Church Choir meets on Wednesdays from 6:30-8 PM. We also have our "annual" Choral Scholars Program for youth in 10th grade through college, who are continuing or planning to continue their education. It is simple! You participate and meet the requirements of Choral Scholars and you earn a scholarship for the season! Applications are available in the church office, the music kiosk in the Gathering Space, or the office of the Minister of Music and Worship.

Spirit Express meets on Tuesdays at 7:15 PM for the Singers; at 7:45 PM the Band joins the Singers. Spirit Express is committed to worship leadership and music in our 10:30 Service.

Mark your calendars for : The HANGING OF THE GREEN CHRISTMAS CONCERT with Orchestra on Friday, December 9, 2016 at 7 PM. Come and hear the choirs of First Lutheran and the Christmas orchestra. Come and see the Festival Procession and Hanging of the Christmas Green. This event will feature: Featured Soloists: Stephanie Erdman (Mary Did You Know), Jennifer (Ordalen) Paulson (Give Me Jesus), Cali Mowers (Be Born In Me), and Noah Iverson (I Wonder As I Wander) The ADVENT ADVENTURE--three Wednesdays in Advent-- Each Wednesday will include: Devotions/Meditations in Bethany Hall at 11 AM. This Year's Theme is "The Coming of Jesus Christ: Faith, Hope, and Love".  Lunch will be served at 11:30 AM  Advent Recital will be held at 12:30 PM in the Sanctuary.  Wednesday, November 30 features Holly Dalager, Oboe, Principal of the Austin Symphony Orchestra  Wednesday, December 7 features the Ovation String Duo from Minneapolis, MN  Wednesday, December 14 features Tim O'Shields "Christmas Is Here Again--It Never Gets Old!" Multimedia and Musical Presentation  Crèche Walk is Continuous--Visit Bethlehem a Powerful display of Nativities, Angels, and Art Thank you for your prayers, support, and participation in our Music Ministry. To God Be The Glory! Peace, Tim

Come and Worship with Us...

Meet New Friends SERVICE TIMES Worship Schedule 8 am — Traditional Worship Service 9:15 am — Worship in the Chapel 10:30 am — Praise & Worship Service Thursday: 6:30 pm Worship Service in the Chapel * Holy Communion:

First & Third Sundays of the month First Thursday of the month

Adult Bible Study

9:15 am — Sunday morning “Immersion” 9:30 am — Wednesday morning Bible Study – Multi Purpose Room

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 (11:00 a.m. - KATE RADIO AM 1450

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

[Address label here]