December 2017

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

DECEMBER MESSENGER NOVEMBER 30, 2017

V OLUME LXVII + N O .12

CHRISTMAS WORSHIP SERVICES Christmas Eve Worship Services Sunday, December 24: 8:00 a.m.-Traditional Worship with Holy Communion 4:00 & 6:00 p.m.-Family Candlelight Services 10:30 p.m.-Holy Communion Candlelight Service with FLC Choir and Bell Choir

Fir st Luther an Church + F.L.C. + For the Love of Chr ist

Christmas Day Worship Service with Holy Communion Monday, December 25 at 10:00 a.m. ONLY

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Season’s Greetings

2

Caring & Sharing

3

What’s Happening

4-5

December Calendar

8-9

Memorials & Gifts

12-13

Musical Notes

15

Advent Adventure 11 am-devotions  11:30 am -lunch (Cost of the lunch is $6)  12:30 pm recital 

Wednesday, December 6, 2017 at 12:30 PM --Eric Bate, Violin Wednesday, December 13, 2017 at 12:30 PM --Tim O'Shields 1

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Rejoice in the Lord!

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Season’s Greetings, I read the sign on the post board outside my office that said, God Loves Y ou: A lways Has; Always Will. It is just one of many words of encouragement posted around the church, but the truth of this little sign blesses you as you stop to think of its meaning and relevance in your life. I found meaning in it when I rephrased it into 3 questions: How has God shown his love for me? How is God showing his love for me right now? How will God show his love for me? As you answer these keep in mind our holiday season of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year. Thanksgiving is having grateful hearts for the ways God’s love has provided for our needs. Christmas is God’s love personified in the birth of Jesus who is our greatest gift. And New Year’s is yet another opportunity to marvel at how God’s love will inspire, bless, and unfold for us in 2018. God’s love is at the heart of our holiday season. From our staff to your family, we wish you a Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year.

God Loves You: Always Has; Always Will. ~Pastor Sean

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FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH WOMEN (FLCW) CARING AND SHARING

December 2017 Co-Chairs Carol Frydenlund 377-2785 Joni Rowe 402-7493

+ Miriam +

Workers Dorothy Blom Joyce Fredin Alicia Helland

Stephanie Jansen Susan Jensen Jane Loge

Barbara Rofshus Tricia Syverson

Cakes Ann Adams Marion Bergemann Leann Bibus Marvyl Dahl Jenny Fjermestad Susan Forde

Jody Hauser Darlene Hendrickson Robin Kelly Marilyn Larsen Mary Lubke Rosemary Ludowese Leslie Millhouse

Sharon Overgaard Jayne Sigurdson Brenda Sorenson Karen Szymanowski Monica Wallace Diane Weisgram

FLCW December Program Wednesday, December 13, 2017 1:15 p.m.

Program: Christmas By: Pastor Sean Forde Installation of Officers Devotions: Hazel Senske Offering Prayer: Hazel Senske

All women are members of FLCW and invited to come.

All guests welcome!

Altar Guild Christmas Meeting & Program Tuesday, December 12 7 pm in Bethany Hall

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WHAT’S HAPPENING AT FLC? “The Nativity Story” by Angela Hunt and “A Plain and Simple Christmas” by Amy Clipston

Library Corner The Christmas Season is here! How about reading a Christmas Story from the FLC Library? We have many different books for the season and we have made a special space just for them to help you find them easily.

A few titles are: “Tidings of Comfort and Joy” by T. Davis Bunn,

There are also special devotional books appropriate for the season.

Visit your FLC Library. You’ll be surprised at the great selection of reading for you!

First Lutheran Church has a long standing tradition of remembering the hungry and poor in the United States and around the world through generous gifts to the ELCA World Hunger. During the Advent season you will again have an opportunity to consider a gift to help break the cycle of hunger and poverty. You can choose to make a direct donation to ELCA World Hunger, on line or in the mail. Or you can put your donation in the offering plate.

Christian Solos will not meet in December.

We will resume meeting in April 2018

You can also give a gift of poinsettias to decorate the altar, in honor or in memory of a loved one. Poinsettia $12, or sign up in the church office.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, his love endures forever.

FRIENDS @ FIRST Christmas Party with FLC Staff

Tuesday, December 19, 2017

Seminary Student Fund

11:30 a.m. in Bethany Hall

Just a reminder that our own Tim O’Shields is attending Seminary School. We have a fund set up where donations can be made to help with tuition and books. If you are looking to give to a special congregation member and staff member don’t forget Tim O’Shields and donate to the Seminary Student Fund in the church office!

Your donations are greatly appreciated!!!

Program: Musical Program By: Sharon Astrup-Scott Menu: Swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes, broccoli and craisin salad, Christmas cookies Please sign up and pay $6 for your meal reservation.

Everyone is welcome!

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WHAT’S HAPPENING AT FLC? (cont.)

We welcome these following new members into First Lutheran Church.

Clark & Lori Ericksen, Demita “Dee” Westrum Dan & Ariana Liebsch Ellison & Emery

Sunday, December 10, 2017

Jennifer Nilges Sarah McCormick; Billy & Hannah Kraft Colleen Nelson

The 4 year old Sunday School Christmas Program & the Kindergarten Sunday School Christmas Program will be presented as part of the 8 am service.

Krumkake Sale On Sunday, December 10 at all worship services, our FLC confirmation students will be selling krumkake. Anyone interested in helping make the krumkake on Wednesday, December 6 from 6-9 pm should contact Jenny at the church office. All proceeds will go toward youth camperships.

“The Twelve Days of Christmas”

1st –6th grade Christmas Program Sunday, December 17 9:15 a.m. in the Sanctuary

Recipes for the cookbook are coming in, and we thank you.

If your family has not submitted a family favorite, please do. Wouldn’t it be great to have a recipe or two from everyone in the congregation?

Kids send in your favorites too. We want the men to participate too!

If you have a memory or a story to share, there are forms at the Welcome Center and on the table outside the church office. If you would like to tell your story to someone, Cindy Gandrud would love to visit with you.

Thank you for your support of this cookbook project. We have some name submissions coming in as well. Looking for your name on a recipe!

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First Lutheran Church is looking for volunteers to serve on the following teams for our centennial celebration.

Historical Display Team This team will be in charge of going through all the memorabilia that we have accumulated over the years and finding a way to display the history of the past 100 years! Creating some sort of a History walk would be a great way to show off our church’s successes and history! Creating a visual for the community!

Community Engagement Team This will be a group of people who will take the lead on organizing community event/events throughout the year of 2019. Things such as party in the park, picnics, random acts of kindness notes, and other ideas you may have to include the community. This team is really to engage the community in our celebration Worship and Music Team This Centennial team will be in charge of getting some incorporation of our history into our worship services every quarter. Things such as the bishop speaking, past seminarians, past pastor recognition and etc. Celebrating special events in our worship services.

Technology Team The technology team will be managing the social media Sites, newspaper, website and media portion of the centennial celebration. Making sure that all of our events are published and visible to the congregation and community. This is a very important piece.

Gift Shop Team This team will take the lead on getting a location figured out for our gift shop. Determine items to be ordered, budget needed, logistics of the gift shop and how we can make this happen for 2019.

Anniversary Celebration Team This team will take charge of planning an event or series of events to occur on our actual anniversary in September 2019.

These Teams are very important to help us celebrate 100 years!!! Please Join us!

If you have any questions or are interested in serving on any of these teams please contact Kara Heinemann or Sean Forde at 507-373-6424, Belinda Krysan at 507-369-5447 or Jo Hanson at 763-257-9018.

Pastoral Records Funerals Marjorie Peterson— November 4, 2017 Larry Trampel — November 27, 2017

Baptisms Hank David Nelson— October 29, 2017 Lydia Mae Polis—November 12, 2017 Austun Lee Peterson—November 12, 2017

Kenneth Oman—November 28, 2017 6

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

The Social Ministry Commission would

like to remind 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.

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.

To get involved in the Christmas Angel program, simply remove the tag from 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. The last and final day to bring gifts to church is Sunday, December 17. After that date, please, take your gifts to the Salvation Army at 302 Court Street. Thank you.

Report from Happiness Is a Blanket quilters,

Help make someone’s Holiday Season a little “warmer”.

Thank you, fellow congregation members for supporting Operation Christmas Child. These boxes packed with our love and prayers will be sent to children around the world.

bedding such as sheets, pillow cases, blankets and mattress pads. We cannot use down quilts or rubber backed fabric.

On October 10, 2017, the quilters sent 117 quilts on the Lutheran World Relief Van. During the time since the last Lutheran World Relief drive we have also given the Salvation Army 4 comforters, 3 blankets and 4 quilts. We also donated 2 quilts to Good Earth Village and 1 quilt to the American Legion Auxiliary.

We always welcome anyone interested in helping. We meet on Tuesday mornings from 8:00 to 11:00 am. You do not have to know how to sew as there are various jobs to be done, such as tying, ripping, pressing and cutting blocks.

We want to thank all the quilters for their faithful dedication to this project. We also want to thank everyone who made donations. We can use donations of fabric, drapes, quilt fill, thread,

If you have any questions, please call Audrey Christensen 373-2770 or Bonnie Trampel 373-1665. Thank you.

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Sun

3

8 am-Traditional w/Comm.-S 9:15 am-Worship w/Comm.-C 9:15 am-Sunday School-BH 9:15 am-Donut Hour-YR 9:15 am-Immersion-P 10:30 am-Praise & Worship w/Comm.

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Krumkake Sales 8 am- Worship with Preschool & Kindergarten Christmas Program –S 9:15 am-Worship-C 9:15 am-Sunday School-BH 9:15 am-Donut Hour-YR 9:15 am-Immersion-P 10:30 am-Praise & Worship

17 8 am-Traditional w/Comm.-S

9:15 am-1-6th gr. Christmas Program-S 9:15 am-Worship w/Comm.-C 9:15 am-Donut Hour-YR 10 am-Sunday School-BH 10:30 am-Praise & Worship w/Comm.

12:30 pm-Christmas recital/students of Sharon Astrup-Scott-S

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Christmas Eve

Mon

4

8 am-Traditional -S 9:15 am-Worship -C 9:15 am-Immersion-BH 10:30 am-Praise & Worship -S

Tue

5 9:30 am-Staff meeting-P 3pm-Thorne Crest-FLC

6 pm-Welcome Ministry-GS 6:30 pm-Commissions-BH

6 8 am-Praye

10 am-FLCW Bo 10:30 am-Good Advent Adve  11 am-d  11:30 am  12:30 pm 3 pm-Oak Park 5:30 pm-Bell Ch 6:30 pm-Confir Dress Rehearsa

6 pm-Girl Scouts-MPR 7 pm-Narcotics Anonymous-RR

7 pm-Narcotics Anonymous-MPR 7:30 pm-Spirit Express Band & Singers Rehearsal

11

12

13 8 am-P

7 pm-Narcotics Anonymous-RR

7 pm-Narcotics Anonymous-MPR 7:30 pm-Spirit Express Band & Singers Rehearsal

6:30 pm-Confir 6:30-8 pm-FLC 7 pm-Eikon-YR

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19

20 8 am-P

9:30 am-Staff meeting-P 1 pm-St. John’s Comm.-Trinity 2:30 pm-Sr. Towers-Trinity

Advent Adve  11 am-d  11:30 a  12:30 p 7 pm-Altar Guild Christmas meeting & 1:30 pm-FLCW 5:30 pm-Bell Ch program-BH

9:30 am-Staff meeting-P

6:30 pm-Church Council meets-P

11 am-Library Board-L 11:30 am-Friends @First-BH

7 pm-Narcotics Anonymous-RR

7 pm-Narcotics Anonymous-MPR 7:30 pm-Spirit Express Band & Singers Rehearsal

25 Christmas Day

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8 am-Traditional w/Comm.–S 10 am-Christmas Day Service w/Comm.

4 & 6 pm-Christmas Eve Services-S 10:30 pm-Christmas Eve Service w/Comm.-S Church Office & Building Closed

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Decemb

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Church Office & Building Closed

1:30 pm-MC # 1:30 pm-MC # 5:30 pm-Bell Ch 6:30 pm-Confir 6:30-8 pm-FLC 7 pm-Eikon-YR

27 8 am-P

12:30 pm-Mess

5:30 pm-Bell Ch 6:30 pm-Confir 6:30-8 pm-FLC 7 pm-Eikon-YR

ber 2017 Wed

er Group-PR oard-BH d Samaritan-Grace enture devotions m -lunch m recital k Place-FLC hoir Rehearsal rmation/Making Krumkake al for the Hanging of the Greens

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Prayer Group-PR

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enture devotions am -lunch pm recital W Program-BH

hoir Rehearsal rmation Choir Rehearsal

Prayer Group-PR

12-MPR 31-P hoir Rehearsal rmation Choir Rehearsal

Prayer Group-PR senger Prep-P

hoir Rehearsal rmation Choir Rehearsal

Thu

set-up for Hanging of the Green

Fri

Sat

1

2

1 pm-Hardanger-MPR

10 am-Alcoholics Anonymous-MPR 1-4 pm-Orrie Shoff Birthday Open House-BH

8

9

set-up for Hanging of the Green 10 am-Alcoholics Anonymous-MPR

1 & 5:15 pm-Tops- LL 3 pm-Yoga Calm Class-RR 5:30 pm-Al-Anon-P 5:30 pm-Al-Anon kids-N

6:30 pm-Chapel Service w/Comm.

1 pm-Hardanger-MPR

7 pm-“The Hanging of the Greens”-S

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1 & 5:15 pm-Tops- LL

2:30 pm-St. John’s Comm.-Trinity 3 pm-Yoga Calm Class-RR 5:30 pm-Al-Anon-P 5:30 pm-Al-Anon kids-N 6 pm-Girl Scouts-MPR

12 pm-Service Club Luncheon-BH

16 10 am-Alcoholics Anonymous-MPR

1 pm-Hardanger-MPR

6:30 pm-Chapel Service

21

22

23

10:30 am-Prairie Sr. Cottages Comm.-FLC 1 & 5:15 pm-Tops- LL 3 pm-Yoga Calm Class-RR 1 pm-Hardanger-MPR 5:30 pm-Al-Anon-P 5:30 pm-Al-Anon kids-N

10 am-Alcoholics Anonymous-MPR

6:30 pm-Chapel Service w/Comm.

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29

1 & 5:15 pm-Tops- LL 3 pm-Yoga Calm Class-RR 5:30 pm-Al-Anon-P 5:30 pm-Al-Anon kids-N

30 10 am-Alcoholics Anonymous-MPR

Church Building & Office closes at 3 pm

6:30 pm-Chapel Service

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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)

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- Thursday: 8am-5pm; Friday: 8am-4:45pm 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 Sean Forde sean@flcal.org (Cell 772-323-1778)

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

All 2017 contributions must be post marked no later than Sunday, December 31, by law, to receive credit towards your 2017 contribution/tax record. Thank you.

REMINDERS...

The church office will be closed on Monday, December 25 and Tuesday, December 26, 2017 (building will close after Christmas Day worship). The church office will also close at 3 pm on Friday, December 29 and will be closed all day on Monday January 1, 2018. There will be no Sunday School on Sunday, December 24 and December 31. Classes will resume on Sunday, January 7, 2018. Also, there will be NO Confirmation on Wednesday, December 27 and Wednesday, January 3, 2018. Classes will resume on Wednesday, January 10, 2018.

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EVENTS

OF INTEREST

F.R.O.G. of Central Freeborn Lutheran Church presents: Clear Lake, Iowa, 3:00–9:00 pm, Saturday, December 2 Cost: $28 per person and includes: Coach Bus from Wok-n-Roll Albert Lea destination Clear Lake, IA, Tour Christmas activities on Main Street, Lighted Christmas Parade, View the fireworks on the lake, Chinese Buffet at Wok-n-Roll Restaurant in Albert Lea, MN Reservations are needed! Please contact: Bob or Genie Hanson at 373-8655, or Wayne or Bev Indrelie at 826-3267 Bring a friend!

PRAYERS

Our Continued Prayers are requested for healing and wholeness for:

Betty Abben, Adeline Baker, Alan J. Christensen, Mary Ann Christian, Alyssa Gilderhus, Grant Gordon, Tate Manahl, Millard Hamborg, Breckyn Heinemann, Karen Houge, Fred (Fritz) Moran, Michael Olson, Colleen Politz, Carol Spear, Betty Stolaas, Christina Woodside and‌safety for people serving in11the Armed Forces, and their families.

MEMORIALS, HONORS & SPECIAL GIFTS PEACE & POWER FUND In Memory Of: Mary Kron given by: Floyd & Donna Walker, Ron & Solveig Bymers, Craig & Brenda Ludtke, Inge Rhiger, Don & Neva Mathison, Burton & Joyce Halvorson, Ruth Benson, Arliss Bachtle, Mary Keating, Audrey Leonhardi, Virgil & Glenda Yost, Lavonne Bailey, Family & friends Mona Lund given by: Judith Popp-Anderson, Mike & Sue Jordan Dale Christopherson given by: Marvyl Dahl Olive Leland given by: Larry & Lorraine Fjelstad

Alice Miller given by: Maxine Hanson Marjorie Peterson given by: Tom & Judy Mullen, Vern & Shirley Strand, The Ruud Family, Helene Westrum, Hildy Vallevand, Bonnie Schneider, Hazel Senske, Linda Cook, Thomas Hunziker & Mary Egan, Craig & Mary Nelson, Kelley Plumbing & Heating of Albert Lea, MN, Lyle & Ann Hanson, Timothy & Susan Madson, Bradley & Amy Skinness, Joseph & Mary Regenscheld, Ione Kelly, Beverly Grotsun, Steve & Sharon Overgaard, Craig & Brenda Ludtke, Virginia Hermanson, John & Jennifer Edwin, Marv & Dianna Bednar, Shirley Ryan, Phillip & Ellen Kohl, W.A. & Gwenda Groskurth, Steve & Joan Schwartz, Michael & Anne Smith, Sue Lackey, Jerome & Gladys Ehn, Lilah Aas, Mark & Joan Anderson, Family & friends Bea, Juel & Charles Nelson given by: Mike & Sue Jordan Karen Neale given by: Mike & Sue Jordan Betty Ruud given by: Mike & Sue Jordan Harlan Bang given by: Rose Perteet Kathy Wilder given by: Donald & Arlis Smith Lawrence Olson given by: Dennis & Carol Colstrup, Barb Rofshus, Charlotte Olson, Family & friends Friends given by: Joy White Tom Wasmoen given by: Bonnie Schneider, Ben & Phyllis Fredrickson Aunt JoAnn Nesje given by: Bonnie Schneider My wife Sharon Jensen given by: Curtis R. Jensen Melvin Hobbiebrunken given by: Lorraine Bakken Dick & Jeanne Ulve given by: Their family

Keith Wilcox given by: Duane Skophammer

Our loved ones given by: Verna Smeby and family Cliff Olson given by: Cross of Glory Lutheran Church of Hartland, MN Darryl Juveland given by: Paula Juveland Beverly Moen given by: LaVerne & Shirley Strand, Helen Johnson Anne Sauer - sister of Neva Mathison given by: Friends Gene Haugen given by: Jack & Orlene Woodside Fern Wangen given by: Jack & Orlene Woodside

Ruth O’Byrne given by: Jack & Orlene Woodside Larry Trampel given by: Bonnie Schneider Joanne Sletten - stepmother of Dr. Wayne Sletten given by: Earl & Gayle Neist In Honor Of: Donna Heilman given by: Mary Keating Maxine Hanson for her 95th birthday given by: Larry & Janice Lestrud Gifts Given By: Dennis & Dianne Distad, Bernie & Irene Montgomery, Madelyn Wiedemann, Raymond & VaLane Tyler, MN Mission Circle of Silver Lake Lutheran Church, Elizabeth Rohrabaugh, Shirley Brownlow, Jane Maiden, John & Robin Kelly, Lawrence & Irma Rathbun, Silver Lake Lutheran Church WELCA of Northwood, IA, Patricia Tallman, Charles & Janet Griebenow, Pamela Doss, Leroy & Garnet Folie, Gilbert Gilbertson, Lunder Lutheran Church Bible Study Group of Albert Lea, MN RADIO FUND In Memory Of: Al Carstens given by: Cindy Martin

Gifts Given By: Jane Maiden SUNDAY SCHOOL FUND In Memory Of: Mary Kron given by: Bob & Sharon Johnson KIMBERLY (OLSON) GODDARD SCHOLARSHIP In Memory Of: Mary Kron given by: Dick & Barb Ochs BILL HAMMER SCHOLARSHIP FUND In Memory Of: Hank Guse given by: John & Barb Cliff

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MEMORIALS, HONORS & SPECIAL GIFTS (cont.)

Gifts Given By: Scott & Ann Goodmanson, James & Vicki Anderson, Paul & Judith Dilling, Leonard & Joan-Anne Shelhamer PRAYER SHAWL FUND In Memory Of: Sister Suzann Rogers OSF, from Mount Saint Francis of Dubuque, IA who died on October 9, 2017 given by: Jane Maiden Eunice Maiden for her October 22nd birthday given by: Her daughter Jane Maiden Gifts Given By: Crystal Ferley ADULT CHOIR STOLES/FOLDERS FUND In Memory Of: Thomas Wasmoen given by: Alan & Bonnie Bakken Melvin Hobbiebrunken given by: Alan & Bonnie Bakken CHORAL SCHOLARS FUND In Memory Of: My sister Carol Kuennen given by: Linda Cook INSTRUMENT REPAIR/REPLACE & MUSICIAN FUND In Memory Of: Marjorie Peterson given by: Thomas & JoAnne Hurtekant In Honor Of: The Connections group for their help this past fall given by: Hazel Senske

HELPING FAMILIES FUND In Memory Of: Continuing to celebrate the life of Betty Ruud given by: Wayne & Jackie Sletten ORGAN FUND In Memory Of: Marjorie Peterson given by: Bob & Joni Rowe, Chris & Deb Koenigs, Darv & Marcia Habben Gifts Given By: Verona Boe MUSIC FUND In Memory Of: Marjorie Peterson given by: Paul & Jan Overgaard, Jeff Kopseng, Wayne & Carol Hedalen, Davis & Julie Gilbertson, Roger & Rosalie Truax, Carole Bower, Bruce & Eileen Nelson-Ness, Robert & Lornell Kopp, David & Colleen Youngquist, Louise Moe, Brent Anderson, Larry & Julia Tonder, Marlene Jensen, Stephen & Diane Weisgram YOUTH MISSION TRIP FUND In Memory Of: Larry Gates– father of Julie Nafzger given by: Wayne & Jackie Sletten WORLD HUNGER FUND Gifts Given By: Verona Boe CONNECTIONS FUND Gifts Given By:

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 or be visited.~ Your FLC Pastors

HAVE YOU INCLUDED FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH IN YOUR WILL? Over the years, those First Lutheran Church members who have conscientiously included First Lutheran Church congregation in their estate planning have enabled some very important and powerful ministry to happen here. Please consider including First Lutheran Church, which has served you these many years, in your estate planning. You will enable this congregation to serve many, many more people in years and generations to come.

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MUSICAL NOTES Advent and Christmas Greetings! The Gospel of John opens: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.

Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in darkness. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory!" I think that John may be my favorite Gospel. Yes, we have seen his glory and we are going to proclaim the glory of Jesus Christ in all our musical events during Advent and Christmas. It is a special time of year and we hope that you will join us for all our services, our Advent Recitals, and The Hanging of the Green Christmas Concert. Have a blessed and safe Advent and Christmas Season! Peace, Tim ONGOING IN DECEMBER— First Lutheran Church Choir--Open to ages youth through adult--Wednesday Rehearsals from 6:30 to 8 PM. You don't have to read music! We will work with you!

First Lutheran Church Hand Bell Choir--Open to ages youth through adult--Wednesday Rehearsals from 5:30 to 6:25 PM. We are looking for music readers for bells!

Spirit Express Band and Singers--Open to ages youth through adult--Tuesday Rehearsals from 7:15 to 8:45 PM. We are always looking for singers and band players!

SAVE THE DATES!!!!— Advent Adventure returns to FLC on Wednesdays in Advent. Here is the Advent Recital Schedule: Wednesday, December 6, 2017 at 12:30 PM--Eric Bate, Violin Wednesday, December 13, 2017 at 12:30 PM--Tim O'Shields--Sounds of the Season The Devotions, presented by Pastors Holt and Forde, will begin at 11 AM on each day, following by a lunch at 11:30 AM. Please make your lunch reservations in the Church Office by Monday Noon of the week of that lunch. Cost of lunch = $6.00.

The Hanging of the Green Christmas Concert is Friday, December 8, 2017 at 7 PM. This holiday tradition will feature the traditional hanging of the Christmas "green" in the Sanctuary, the choirs of First Lutheran Church, and a full orchestra. This will be very special. Come and hear and see our musicians, dancers, and drama team, as together we present the story of Christ's Birth in the grandest way we possibly can--To God Be The Glory! A reception will follow.

Please invite your family, friends, and neighbors. See you all there! There is no cost for admission.

Thanks for your prayers and support. Peace, Tim tim@flcal.org, 507-373-6424, 303-887-4513.

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Come Worship With Us 8 am — Worship- in the Sanctuary 9:15 am — Worship- in the Chapel 9:15 am — Sunday School 9:15 am — Immersion-in Bethany Hall 10:30 am — Praise & Worship- in the Sanctuary

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

CHRIST’S WORK.

Thursday: 6:30 pm Worship Service in the Chapel * Holy Communion: First & Third Sundays of the month First & Third Thursdays of the month

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

Fir st Luther an Church—F.L.C.—For the Love of

[Address label here]

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