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

DECEMBER MESSENGER DECEMBER 3, 2020 VOLUME LXX NO.12

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

Drive Thru Live Nativity

Carols & Scripture on FM radio Holy Communion 4:00 to 6:00 pm Sunday, December 20 and Christmas Eve, December 24, 2020 + Enter from W. Clark St. to St. Maryâ€™s +

A Bible study series for Advent See page 4. THE MISSION OF FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH IS: TO GATHER, EQUIP, AND EMPOWER PEOPLE TO JOYFULLY DO 1

CHRISTS WORK.

+ Rejoice in the Lord! + Dear Friends in Christ, Disruption! During this Holy Season, reflecting on the events of 2020, a word comes to mind: Disruption. Our lives have been disrupted by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus which causes the Covid-19 illness, riots in some American cities and political controversies. I don’t need to recount to you all the ways this pandemic has upset our normal ways of living. This is the context of our lives and world today. Looking back, let’s think about the disruption for Mary and Joseph. They had to uproot their lives when Mary was very pregnant, go on a difficult journey to Bethlehem, find ‘no room in the inn’, and take shelter at a manger (possibly in a stable or cave). The cause was not a pandemic, but a decree from the occupying Roman emperor, Caesar Augustus, to get registered for taxes. (Luke 2:1) This, no doubt, brought about hardship, risk, economic impact and interrupted their previously normal way of life—not just for Mary and Joseph, but for the whole known world. Nevertheless, life went on, the Baby was born, Mary’s first, and life was never the same afterwards. The holy couple became refugees in Egypt. Yet, all of life on earth was magnificently changed for the better because of Jesus’ birth. Looking back, we can see that God was in it, directing these events with a far greater and more magnificent purpose: to save the souls of all humankind... “...for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” [Luke 2:11] Now, back to today. Lives and livelihoods are upset. Individuals, societies, nations and economies are affected. Nevertheless, life goes on. People live and love, fight and fume, work and rest, eat and enjoy, stay close to home and ‘Zoom’ with others, are born and die. In my own family, Joan and I are expecting our fifth grandchild! This child, a boy, to be born in late December, is also the first for our daughter, Naomi and her husband, Andrew. Coming in this critical time we wonder, how will he affect life for others? What will his growing up, learning, loving, leading and living mean to the world? Not as much as Jesus’ life did, but in him, as in all of us, is a great potential to be a blessing to many people. I can certainly say that this child’s birth is going to disrupt life for his parents, and for his grandparents, but in a wonderful and welcomed way. 4 But when the right time came, God sent His Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. 5 God sent Him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that He could adopt us as His very own children. [Galatians 4:4-5] That’s what the birth of Jesus was meant to do—to disrupt our disrupted lives in a most magnificent and wonderful way! In the midst of our challenging times I hope each of you will welcome Christ into your heart and home. Rediscover the wonder of His birth, atonement and resurrection. Be transformed in your soul, knowing that God is in it—all of it. You are God’s beloved child! + + + What a great response to our Fall Stewardship Appeal around the theme Spirit of Giving ! It is so good to set a goal for giving that puts substance to good intentions. For those of you who have not yet submitted your Spirit of Giving “Statement of Intent for 2021” card, there is still time to do so. Paper forms are available in the church office, or you can respond to the link Spirit of Giving on our website, or scan this QR code on your mobile device. Intent Card QRCode + + + Again at this time of year, I reflect on all for which I am thankful. Thank you all for being among the most special gifts in my life and for the privilege of being your pastor and sharing in the lives of you faithful people—your struggles, your joys—as a community together, who rejoice that in Christ we live... ...In the Light of His Love, Pastor John F. Holt 2

Sanctuary Video & Sound System Update Sanctuary Video & Sound System We are almost completely done with our upgrade. To date the new equipment that has been installed includes: Soundboard, 2 projectors, a tv mounted on the organ loft (confidence monitor), 4 cameras, a computer & software to run the camera system, a computer to control audio for the Peace & Power Broadcast, equipment to send Peace & Power to KAAL over the internet, & a touchscreen power station (to turn audio/video system on/ off). There are a few things left to do to complete this project: Install new projector screens, connect the projector in Bethany Hall and the TV in the Gathering Space to the system (to view the service from those locations), and resolve the minor issue that pop up as we use this system. We have come a long way in the last couple of months on enhancing our worship experience for our Peace & Power viewers and worship attenders. There are still a few issue we are working on solving. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we finish this project up.

Confidence monitor and new projector

Soundboard and new monitors for the computer

New power station to turn system on/off

New setup for video recording (Annual Meeting shot) 3

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT FLC The Gospel According to Rudolph, Charlie Brown and the Grinch Biblical themes of longing, hope, identity, meaning, and sacrifice through Christmas Television Specials A Bible study series for Advent — December 2, 9 & 16 Come and join us for Advent reflection and fun! 9:30 a.m. in Bethany Hall For behold, I bring you tidings of great joy... Luke 2:10 Men’s Weekly Bible Study ~ Wednesday mornings at 6:30 am ~ in the Parlor Currently studying First Thessalonians ~ December 2, 9, 16 & 23 Come regularly or occasionally. All men are welcome.

A LITTLE HUMOR Everyone PLEASE be careful because people are going crazy from being locked down at home! I was just talking about this with the microwave and the toaster while drinking my coffee, and we all agreed that things are getting bad. I didn't mention any of this to the washing machine, because she puts a different spin on EVERYTHING. Certainly couldn’t share with the fridge, because he’s been acting cold and distant! In the end, the iron straightened me out! She said the situation isn’t all that pressing and all the wrinkles will soon be ironed out. The vacuum, however, was very unsympathetic, told me to just suck it up buttercup! But the fan was VERY optimistic and gave me hope that it will all blow over soon! The toilet looked a bit flushed but didn’t say anything when I asked its opinion, but the front door said I was becoming unhinged and the doorknob told me to get a grip!! You can just about guess what the curtains told me; they told me to “pull myself together!” We will survive!!

FIRST LUTHERAN CHUIRCH WOMEN CARING AND SHARING December 2020 - Miriam Cakes Leann Bibus

Robin Kelly

Sharon Overgaard

Marvyl Dahl

Marilyn Larsen

Jane Sigurdson

Jenny Fjermestad

Mary Lubke

Brenda Sorenson

Jody Hauser

Rosemary Ludowese

Monica Wallace

Darlene Hendrickson

Leslie Millhouse

Diane Weisgram

Workers Lilah Aas

Alicia Helland

Pauline Nelson

Dorothy Blom

Stephanie Jansen

Nona Sippel

Linda Hacker

Jane Loge

Tricia Syverson 5

December December 2020 Sun

First Sunday of Advent

10 am-Peace & Power BroadcastKAAL-TV, Channel 6 10am-Worship Service BroadcastKATE Radio-1450AM

Mon

Tue

1 9 am-FLCW Board-BH

2 6:30 am

9:30 am-Staff meeting-P 11:15 am-Transition Team meets-P 5:30 pm-Worship, Music & Arts-P 6:30 pm-Ministry Teams meet-BH 6:30 pm-Blended Service Music Rehearsal

9:30 am-Ad

9 6:30 am

9:30 am-Staff meeting-P 11:15 am-Transition Team meets-P

13 Second Sunday of Advent 14 10 am-Peace & Power BroadcastKAAL-TV, Channel 6 10am-Worship Service BroadcastKATE Radio-1450AM

5:30 pm-7th 7 pm-8th gr

16 6:30

9:30 am-Staff meeting-P 11:15 am-Transition Team meets-P

9:30 am-Ad

10 am-Peace & Power BroadcastKAAL-TV, Channel 6 10am-Worship Service BroadcastKATE Radio-1450AM

27 10 am-Peace & Power BroadcastKAAL-TV, Channel 6 10am-Worship Service BroadcastKATE Radio-1450AM

9:30 am-Ad

6:30 pm-Blended Service Music Rehearsal

20Third Sunday of Advent 21

5:30 pm-7th 7 pm-8th gr

23 6:30

9:30 am-Staff meeting-P 11:15 am-Transition Team meets-P 6:30 pm Church Council meets-P

6:30 pm-Blended Service Music Rehearsal

29 9:30 am-Staff meeting-P 11:15 am-Transition Team meets-P 6:30 pm-Blended Service Music Rehearsal 6

30 [No

Wed

Thu

Fri

h gr. Confirmation-Zoom r. Confirmation-Zoom

5-6 pm-Food Ministry Drive Up-SL

0 am—Men’s Group-P

24 Office & Building Closes at noon 25

m—Men’s Group-P dvent Bible Study-BH

Sat

1 pm-Hardanger-MPR

h gr. Confirmation-Zoom r. Confirmation-Zoom

5-6 pm-Food Ministry Drive Up-SL

m—Men’s Group-P

dvent Bible Study-BH

h gr. Confirmation-Zoom r. Confirmation-Zoom

0 am—Men’s Group-P dvent Bible Study-BH

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

17 1 pm-Hardanger-MPR

Office & Building Closed

o Men’s Group today]

31 Office & Building Closes at 3 pm

BH=Bethany Hall PR= Prayer Room

C= Chapel

MPR=Multi-Purpose Room

RR=Resource Room

YR=Youth Room

S=Sanctuary

P =Parlor SL=South Lot

w/Comm.=with Holy Communion 7

MEMORIALS, HONORS & SPECIAL GIFTS PEACE & POWER FUND In Memory of: Barb Andersen given by: Audrey Sorenson, Larry & Cheryl Beavens Amy Crawford given by: Rhonda Allison, Julie Gilbertson Lorraine Dillavou given by: Kathryn Sandsmark, Mark & Judy Langerud Millard Hamborg given by: Hazel Senske, Richard & Barbara Wichman, Mavis Abbe, Martha Tasker, Marvyl Dahl, Karen Joachim, Rebecca Boelter, Neva Mathison, Bev Grotsun, Jay & Kathy Dyrdal, Julie Gilbertson, Patricia Bangert, G.B. & J. M. Mc Cathy Marian Rajewsky, Genevieve Adams, Sharon Jahnke, Alice I. Jensen, Laverne & Shirley Strand Charles (Chuck) Hanson given by: Kraig & Doris Smeby Robert Hershey given by: Marcela Severson, Mavis Bryson. Bill & Ann Satre, Maxine Hanson, Larry & Cheryl Beavens Ione Kelly given by: Ruth Ann Noren, Gen Montei, Lilah Aas, Phyllis Hamborg, Thelma Foss, Bruce & Marilyn Foss, Eleanor Nolting, Kathryn Carter, Laverne & Shirley Strand John Leininger given by: Audrey Sorenson Maddie Mann given by: Audrey Sorenson Ron & Ria Miller given by: Jerald & Bonnie Charlson Donna Nielson given by: Laverne & Shirley Strand Loved Ones given by: J & D Flatness Scott Overgaard given by: John & Sharon Buley, Laverne & Shirley Strand, Larry & Debbie Runden, Bill & Ann Satre, Larry & Cheryl Beavens Duane Peterson given by: the Peterson Family Adeline Reese given by: Kitty Sandsmark Dennis Ryman given by: Rollie Twito and Paddie Hoium Marvel Schewe given by: Phyllis Hamborg Gifts Given by: Buddy & Phyllis Bonfy, James & Kathe Grodhaus, Patricia Tallman, Stanley Tweeten, Leona B. Howe, David & Margaret Drescher, Ruth & Richard Kaduce, Bob & Pat Goldman, Marjorie Moine, Janice Jensen Marvin & Donna Helgeson, Seymour & Darlene Ferley, Lois & Harold Brandt, Robert Jacobsen, 8

Thomas & Barb Guiney, Eugene Thompson, Elton & Jean Sheets, Rex Colling, Merrill & Deanne Mielke, Bob & Pat Goldman, Harvey & Berry Hotlan, Roger & Corinne Shirk, Curtis Jensen, Lunder Church Women, Kevin & Martha Kenne, Gilbert Gilbertson, Beulah Thompson FOOD MINISTRY In Memory of: Barb Andersen given by: Tom & Judy Mullen, Joe & Marge LaFrance Ione Kelly given by: Tom & Judy Mullen, Joe & Marge LaFrance, Jo Hanson Gifts given by: Donald & Mary Ann Bartz GENERAL FUIND In Memory of: Russ Miller given by: Melanie Gooden, Inge Rhiger, Rodger & Judy Luksik, Gary Iverson and Linda Eggleston Gifts given by: Glenville First Lutheran FLCW HAPPINESS IS A BLANKET In Memory of: Ruth Chladek given by: Pam Stern Ione Kelly given by: Bonnie Trampel, Donna Henrikson, Bonnie Schneider, Doug & Dorothy Blom, Joann Palmer, Audrey Christensen, Jane Maiden, Larry & Julia Tonder Scott Overgaard given by: Dawn Runden, Rollie Twito and Paddy Hoium Sharon Wadding given by: Pam Stern KEITH FLIGGE FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP In Memory of: Scott Overgaard given by: Deloris Fligge KIMBERLY (OLSON) GODDARD SCHOLARSHIP FUND In Memory of: Ione Kelly given by: Carol Olson

MEMORIALS, HONORS & SPECIAL GIFTS (CONT) LIGHTING FUND In Memory of: Scott Overgaard given by: Donna Ludtke

Mark & Terri Stadheim, Wayne & Jackie Sletten Ione Kelly given by David & Linda Pederson Russ Miller given by: Robert & Charlene Abraham, Dave & Michele Nelson

MUSIC MINISTRY In Memory of: Barb Andersen given by: Hazel Senske, Mike & Amy Petersen, Darlene Brandt, Todd & Stacy Vucenich, David & Carol Walter, Fern Urbatsch, Michael & Jane Hanson, Bev Grotsun, Dale & Marilyn Matson, Henry & Margaret Savelkoul, Mary Ann Martinson,

RADIO FUND In Memory of: Art Schneider Jr. given by: Alton Flugum Chip Parr of Juneau Ak, husband of Sandy (Slette) Parr who died November 8, 2020 given by Jane Maiden

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. 

Our Prayers are requested for healing and wholeness for: Jody Bakken, Grant Gordon, Jim Hansen, Deb Koenigs, Tom Loverink, Shirley Oberg, Larry Peterson and Joy White.

Our Continued Prayers are requested for healing and wholeness for: Alan J. Christensen, Rodger Christenson, Mary Ann Christian, Casey Dusza, Dorothy Hanson, Breckyn Heinemann, Glenn Helland, Sharon Johnson, Phil Koppelman, Officer Arik Matson, Fred (Fritz) Moran, Jean Stearns ... and their spouses, families & caregivers, and… safety for people serving in the Armed Forces, and their families. 9

MEETING GUIDELINES FOR FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH All meetings must be scheduled through the FLC Office to be placed on the Building Calendar. Meetings must be within normal business hours M-Th 8-5. If your meeting needs to be after hours, a staff member must be present. To coordinate a staff person to be present, please contact the FLC office.  

     

Meetings are limited to the Multi-Purpose Room, Bethany Hall and the Parlor If anyone in the group is feeling ill or has any symptoms we ask that they stay home Everyone must come through the back doors We ask that everyone wear a mask Social Distancing must be followed Hand Sanitizer is available in each room No Coffee, catered meals or outside food When the meeting is completed flip the sign on the table to Unsanitized

2019-2021 Council Members Quick Reference Guide President- Ginny Larson- 507-383-6686-larsonvirginia3@gmail.com Vice President- Dawn Thompson-507-383-2953- dthomps58@gmail.com Treasurer-Dan Dorman-612-245-5204- aldormans@gmail.com Secretary- Kristin Larson- 507-383-5695-kristin.m.larson71@gmail.com Education- Sue Loch-507-383-9195- susaloch@gmail.com Worship and Music- Sandy Jensen-507-319-1447- Sandrakay561@gmail.com Social Ministry- Cindy Gandrud-507-402-3909- gandy6gunhild@gmail.com Property Enhancement- Dave Van Fossen-507-402-0634- davevf@gmail.com Membership and Growth– Stephanie Passingham-passingham@wctatel.net F.L.C.W- President- Diane Damerow-507-383-9284- ddamerow@charter.net Sharing the Faith - Jo Hanson- 763-257-9018-jobunny19@gmail.com Youth—Fran Heilman - 507-373-2470-theteech@charter.net Lead Pastor – John Holt-507-373-6424-john@flcal.org Church Administrator- Kara Heinemann- 507-373-6424- kara@flcal.org Interim Pastor- Jan Crissinger- 507-373-6424-jan@flcal.org 10

FLC INFORMATION

OF INTEREST

FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH OFFICE:

If you have moved or changed phone numPhone (507) 373-6424; E-mail: firstoffice@flcal.org; Fax 373-6330 bers, (including cell phone), please, call the Mailing address—301 W. Clark St., Albert Lea, MN 56007 church office with your Web site–www.flcal.org new information. Also, PASTORAL STAFF e-mails The Special Outreach Cause Offering please, call in with, or for the month of July is Compassion send in, your email adand emergency telephone dress, so we can keep International you updated on things. numbers:

FIRST LUTHERAN MESSENGER (USPS196-560)

Periodicals postage paid at

Published by First Lutheran Church (Monthly) 301 West Clark Street, Albert Lea, MN

Albert Lea, Minnesota 56007 Subscription price $1.00 per year

(Postmaster send address correction to 301 W. Clark St, Albert Lea, MN 56007)

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.

PASTORAL ACTS AT FLC Baptism Blayne Allen Heinemann November 29, 2020 Funerals Robert Gulbrandson October 30, 2020 Ione Kelly November 16 , 2020

Sunday’s In Person Worship Suspended through December Watch Peace & Power-KAAL TVChannel 6 at 10 am Listen to KATE RADIO AM 1450 at 10 am

Anytime

on the FLC website to see video of current and past worship services. www.flcal.org

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

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