February 2022

FEB. 2022

Volume LXXII No. 2

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Council Minutes will be available on the first Tuesday of the month in the eNewsletter or you can request a hard copy in the church office.

If you would like to join our email list to receive the eNewsletter please let Jordan know - jordan@flcal.org

We have a few council positions open.

If you are interested in being appointed to one of our open council positions, please notify the Church office at 507-373-6424 or a current council member.

Call Committee Update

Here are the members of the Call Committee. The Congregation at large members and the Alternates were voted in by the congregation at the Annual Meeting on January 16, 2022.

Council Members: Kristin Larson Jo Hanson Fran Heilman

Congregation at Large Members: Lilah Aas Jennifer Levisen Ken Damerow Nicole (Larson) Morrison

Alternates: Tom Larson Roger O’Berg

- Snack prep/clean-up - Hall monitors - Arts & Crafts helpers (clean-up) - Substitute teachers You can sign up online at flcal.org Click on Fusion Volunteer Sign up or contact Jenny Edwin at 373-6424

Friday, February 4 12 pm to 6 pm Bethany Hall

To schedule an appointment Call 1-800 RED CROSS or Visit redcrossblood.org and enter: FLC Albert Lea

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A few words from Joy Modern Day Miracles In my previous sermon I mentioned that I had Lasik done this past summer, and a few of you have asked about the procedure. Welcome to the extended version of Joy’s Lasik experience.

I’ve been wearing glasses since sixth grade. My Mom said I couldn’t have contacts until high school because they were expensive, but either way my eyes have always been very bad. Both eyes had a prescription of -6.5 and my left eye had astigmatism as well. Basically, if someone was standing in front of me I could see their silhouette and nothing else. My friends all told me about Lasik and how great it was, but I was too afraid to get it- what if I went blind? What if the doctor messed up? What if I sneezed during the procedure (like I did just now while typing this story!) I put off Lasik until this past July when my friend said I could do a FREE consultation to see if I was even eligible.

After nervously going through all of the eye tests at my consultation I found out that I was, in fact, eligible for Lasik. The doctor said my cornea was extra thick which was great news because they’d be using a laser to drill on my eye. No biggie. After asking all of my questions (what if I sneeze? I heard Asians have thinner corneas. Will I receive superpowers post Lasik?) I finally made the brave (and very dramatic) decision to get Lasik. I remember praying, “OK God, I’ve had 28 years of being able to see your beautiful creation. I’ve hiked my 14er. I’ve hugged my family. I’ve seen sunrises and sunsets. I’ve traveled abroad.

So, if this doesn’t go well, thanks for everything that I’ve seen!” and then amped myself up for the appointment.

My Mom drove me bright and early to the doctors office where I was given a valium to help me relax. I’m not sure if it did anything, but before you know it I was laying down on the doctor's table and listening to his instructions to look at a red light. He said that everything would be black for fifteen seconds, and counted down out loud until I saw a green light instead. After I saw the green light we did the exact same thing on the other eye and BAM everything was done in five minutes tops. I remember squeezing my eyes shut as they sat me up and then the doctor said, “you can open your eyes!” so I did…and without meaning to pulled down my mask and exclaimed, “OH MY GOD!!!” through a ginormous smile. He walked me out to the lobby and I could see clearly for the first time without glasses or contacts. I went home, crashed for a few hours, and then started my eye drop routine for the next three months.

As silly as this sounds, I believe that my Lasik procedure was a modern day miracle. Think about it- another human took a LASER and drilled some stuff in my eye so that I could see clearer. If that doesn’t blow your mind then I don’t know what will! Like any good post-Divinity school student I began to think about how miraculous it would have been to hear about a man named Jesus who could heal the blind.

Jesus heals the blind multiple times throughout scripture without a fancy laser system or help. He uses his spit and his physical touch to heal the blind three times (John 9:1-12, Mark 8:22-26, Matthew 9:27-31), but there could have been more who were healed. If my life has been drastically changed by this procedure I can’t even imagine what it would have been like for someone back then to have their vision restored.

They would have had their entire life given back to them and would at least have a fighting chance to survive. Doesn’t that give you chills?!

Until next timeJoy *If you’re interested in Lasik come talk to me and I’ll give you a referral to the best doctor ever.

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First Communion 15 of our 5th Graders took their first communion on Wednesday January 12th.

If you or someone you know would like to visit with the Pastors, please contact the church office.

From Parish Health & Wellness Ministry Team February is the month we celebrate those we love in our lives. The symbol of Valentines’ Day is the heart. Health care professionals often think of the importance of the heart in light of cardiac health.

In order to keep ourselves healthy, we attempt to care for our heart by eating healthy foods, exercising and managing the stress in our lives. Covid-19 has added complexities and stressors to almost every ones’ lives in the past two years. Each of us manages and reacts to life stressors differently. With that being said, we as Christians have been taught to show patience, kindness and tolerance for one another just as our Heavenly Father does for us. Being patient and kind is a great way to demonstrate our Christian love for one another.

Friends at First Tuesday February 15th 11:30 a.m. in Bethany Hall Cost: $6 Please sign up in the office & prepay

by Monday February 14

Menu: Swedish Meatballs, potatoes & gravy, green beans, bun, & strawberry cheesecake

Friends at First will not meet in March Will resume in April

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Women’s Ministry (FLCW) Caring and Sharing - February 2022 Chair: LouJean Nelson Kathy Oothoudt Workers: Vergie Asper Becky Boelter Janice Hammer Eunice Hatleli Paula Juveland

Nancy Kyllo Stephanie Passingham Ginny Thompson Janice Tukua

763-333-4697 507-383-3972 Cakes: Amy Belshan Carol Carr Tiffney Chapek Barb Collins Katie Davis Deb Drescher

Brooke Jacobson Paula Juveland Jennifer Rhiner Sue Runden Brenda VanFossen Amber Yost

March Program Wednesday, March 9, 2022 1:15 p.m. in Bethany Hall Program: Are you Ready for Spring?

With Linda Hacker

Altar Guild is looking for more members to join us.

Do you wonder who puts out the flowers for holidays, adds water to the font for baptisms, or prepares for communion?

Come experience this fulfilling and rewarding service to the church. Please contact the church office for more information on how to join.

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

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Prayer Ministry Daily Scripture Verses from the Sharing the Faith Team

Theme for February– Love

February, as we are all aware, is the home of Valentine’s Day. Statistics support that it is one of the most popular and celebrated holidays. As we begin a new church year, love for all people should be priority. In a world full of strife and division, lets reach out in love to each other and the world.

1. 1 Corinthians 13:4 2. 1 John 4:7 3. John 13:34 4. Ephesians 5:25 5. John 4:7 6. Proverbs 10:12 7. Peter 4:8 8. John 13:8-10 9. Colossians 3:14 10. Romans 5:8

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1 John 3:1 1 John 3:18 1 Corinthians 13:13 John 3:16 John 15:13 John 4:8 1 John 4:18 Romans 12:9 Hebrews 13:1 1 Corinthians 16:14

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1 John 5:3 1 John 4:19 1 Corinthians 13:2 1 John 4:10 1 John 3:16 2 John 1:6 Jeremiah 31:3 John 16:27

FLC Prayer Ministry

Want prayer for yourself or others?

Call Jo, 763-257-9018 or Julia, 373-9594.

Prayers are kept confidential.

Prayer List

Our Prayers are requested for healing and wholeness for: Aurora Everding, Les Harmon, Paddy Hoium, George Jensen, Pauline Kohnke Nelson, Darlene Peterson, Pam Stern, Mollie Tolic, and Julie.

Our Continued Prayers are requested for healing and wholeness for:

Mike & Mary Ann Christian, Dick Doeden, Mark Hagen, Ann Hanson, Greg Hatleli, Nancy Jenson, Phil Koppelman, Gary Laite, Marilyn Moe, Khan Mut, Larry Peterson, Vern Rasmussen, Wanda Soland, 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

10 am-Worship Service-S 10 am-Peace & Power on ABC6 10 am-KATE Radio-1450AM

9am-11:30-The Perfect Gift Shoppe open

27

10 am-Worship Service w/Comm. -S 10 am-Peace & Power on ABC6 10 am-KATE Radio-1450AM

9am-11:30-The Perfect Gift Shoppe open

8 am-Traditional Worship w/Comm. -S

20

10 am-Worship Service-S 10 am-Peace & Power on ABC6 10 am-KATE Radio-1450AM

9am-11:30-The Perfect Gift Shoppe open

8 am-Traditional Worship-S

13

10 am-Worship Service w/Comm. -S 10 am-Peace & Power on ABC6 10 am-KATE Radio-1450AM

9am-11:30-The Perfect Gift Shoppe open

8 am-Traditional Worship w/Comm. -S

6

Mon

1 pm-Worship Counters-P

28

1 pm-Worship Counters-P 6:30 pm-Church Council-P

21

1 pm-Worship Counters-P 1 pm-History Team-L

14

1 pm-Worship Counters-P

7

February

Sun

8 am-Quilters-MPR & BH 9:30 am-Staff Meeting-P 5 pm-Handbell Rehearsal

22

8 am-Quilters-MPR & BH 9:30 am-Staff Meeting-P 11:30 am-Friends @ First-BH 5 pm-Handbell Rehearsal

15

8 am-Quilters-MPR & BH 9:30 am-Staff Meeting-P 5 pm-Handbell Rehearsal

8

8 am-Quilters-MPR & BH 9:30 am-Staff Meeting-P 5 pm-Handbell Rehearsal 6 pm-WMA Team-BH

1

Tue

PR= Prayer Room

5

Sat

26

19

10 am-Women’s Ministry Valentine’s Card Making Workshop-BH

12

SL=South Lot

S=Sanctuary

MPR=Multi-Purpose Room

25

18

11

L=Library CR=Choir Room

C= Chapel

SSR=Sunday School Room

P =Parlor

BH=Bethany Hall

8 am-Prayer Group-PR 24 9:30 am-Bible Study-MPR 1 pm-Messenger Crew-P 1 pm-Hardanger-MPR 1 pm-TOPS Group-SSR 4:45 pm-Food Ministry Drive Up-SL 3:30 pm-Fusion-BH, SSR, MPR 5:15pm-Gift Shop Open 5:15pm-Wed. Evening Meal 6:30 pm-Worship Service w/Comm.-S 7 pm-Confirmation-BH 7:15 pm-Choir Rehearsal-S

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8 am-Prayer Group-PR 17 9:30 am-Bible Study-MPR 1 pm-TOPS Group-SSR 1 pm-Hardanger-MPR 3:30 pm-Fusion-BH, SSR, MPR 4:45 pm-Food Ministry Drive Up-SL 5:15pm-Gift Shop Open 5:15pm-Wed. Evening Meal 6:30 pm-Worship Service w/Comm.-S 7 pm-Confirmation-BH 7:15 pm-Choir Rehearsal-S

16

4

Fri

1 pm-Hardanger-MPR 12 pm-Blood Drive-BH 4:30 pmClasson/Weldon 4:45 pm-Food Ministry Drive Up-SL Wedding-S

3

Thu

8 am-Prayer Group-PR 10 9:30 am-Bible Study-MPR 11 am-Mutual Ministry-P 1 pm-Hardanger-MPR 1 pm-TOPS Group-SSR 4:45 pm-Food Ministry Drive Up-SL 3:30 pm-Fusion-BH, SSR, MPR 5:15pm-Gift Shop Open 5:15pm-Wed. Evening Meal 6:30 pm-Worship Service w/Comm.-S 7 pm-Confirmation-BH 7:15 pm-Choir Rehearsal-S

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8 am-Prayer Group-PR 8:30 am-FLCW Board-P 9:30 am-Bible Study-MPR 1 pm-TOPS Group-SSR 3:30 pm-Fusion-BH, SSR, MPR 5:15pm-Gift Shop Open 5:15pm-Wed. Evening Meal 6:30 pm-Worship Service-S 7 pm-Confirmation-BH 7:15 pm-Choir Rehearsal-S

2

Wed

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High School Senior Scholarships & Current College Age Student Scholarships All applications will be mailed to all FLC member high school seniors or can be found online at Albert Lea High School Website, except for Matching Scholarships and the Evelyn D. Stadheim Memorial Nurses Scholarship

High School Senior Scholarships

FLC will be presenting scholarship awards to FLC member high school seniors at the High School Awards Program this Spring. The applicants will be selected based on involvement with church activities since Confirmation, community service and academic achievement.

Kimberly (Olson) Goddard Memorial Scholarship

FLC has available the Kimberly (Olson) Goddard Memorial Scholarship. The recipient must be a member of FLC and preference is given to first year nursing (RN or LPN) students or first year students in any of the other medical fields.

Gordon D. Aas Memorial Theater/Fine Arts Scholarship FLC has available the Gordon D. Aas Memorial Theater/Fine Arts Scholarship. The recipient must be a member of FLC who is currently, or who will be, pursuing higher education in Theater or English, Music, Visual Arts, or another area of Fine Arts.

Bill Hammer Memorial Scholarship FLC has available the Bill Hammer Memorial Scholarship. Qualifications: pursuing a four year education in business or accounting; active member in a Christian church; 3.0 grade point average; and involvement in at least one extracurricular activity throughout their high school years.

Matching Scholarships The FLC Scholarship Committee may consider awarding scholarships to 2nd, 3rd & 4th year college students from FLC who are eligible for matching funds from their college. If interested, please pick up an application from the church office. (Many ELCA related colleges provide this kind of program.) Please, contact your college financial aid office to determine if you qualify to receive matching funds.

Evelyn D. Stadheim Memorial Nurses Scholarship

The Evelyn D. Stadheim Memorial Nurses Scholarship is available for students pursuing a career in nursing.

Applications will be available from the Naeve Hospital Nurses Alumni Association.

Norm and Joyce Fredin Scholarship Any student having successfully completed one semester in a 4 year college is eligible to apply for a scholarship towards tuition and/or books to continue their education in a 4 year college. Recipients must be members of FLC Albert Lea for at least one year. First degree applicants only. No second degree applicants.

The scholarship will be awarded upon successfully completing one semester at a 4 year college.

Keith & Deloris Fligge Family Scholarship Any student having successfully completed one semester in a 2 or 4 year Minnesota College, University or Technical College will be eligible to apply for a $800-$1000 scholarship toward tuition and/or books to continue their education.

Recipients must be members of FLC Albert Lea. First degree applicants only. The scholarship will be awarded upon successfully completing one semester at a 2 or 4 year college.

If you do not receive one, please, contact Kara Heinemann in the church office. Applications need to be submitted by March 15, 2021.

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The Special Outreach Cause Offering for the month of February is Food for Backpacks

Special offering envelopes will be available from the ushers at all church services.

Please make checks payable to FLC.

Recent Change First Lutheran Church has a new Fee Schedule and Rental Policy for all non FLC related functions.

If you plan to book an event in 2022 please contact the office to get an updated fee schedule and rental agreement.

FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH OFFICE: Phone (507) 373-6424; E-mail: firstoffice@flcal.org; Mailing address—301 W. Clark St., Albert Lea, MN 56007 Web site–www.flcal.org PASTORAL STAFF e-mails and emergency telephone numbers:

Pastor Roger Fears - roger@flcal.org (Cell—(320) 297-1251)

Dec. 2021

Giving $80,393.50

Expenses $59,167.92

FIRST LUTHERAN MESSENGER (USPS196-560)

Year to date

Giving vs.

Expenses $21,225.58

Giving vs.

Expenses $24,067.68

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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Memorials, Honors & Special Gifts PEACE & POWER FUND

In Memory of:

Jeff Bangert, Roger Bailey, Inez Cottrell, Robin Hall, Sharon Hauge, Roger Raymand, Mike Severtson, Esther Walheim and Sonja Willaby Given by Mary Martha Circle of Glenville FLC Marlene Behle given by Hildy Vallevand Ellsworth & Delores Bennett given by Jeff Bennett Cyndi Bergdale givenby James & Sue Larson La Donne Bonnerup given by Richard& Mary Swanson Doris Callahan given by Hildy Vallevand Al Chritensen given by Jody & David Nechanicky, Lilah Aas, Carol & Jeff Johnson, Rosemary Vangen, Wayne & Carol Hedalen Marion Drescher given by Hildy Vallevand Alton Flugum given by LaVerne & Shirley Strand, Bonnie Trampel Phyllis Fredrickson given by Terry & Nina Cole and family Dean Goette given by Sharon Wakefield, Mark & Judy Langrud Jim Gustafson given by family & friends Nancy Heidel given by Carol & Jeff Johnson Connie Hoyne given by Merriell Jahnke and Helen Lovik Ken Joachim given by Karen Joachim Loren Kaufman given by J R Venem Neal Larson given by Audrey Christensen Arlene Levine given by Helen Lovik Evelyn Nelson given by Audrey Christensen Darlene Nistler given by John & Barb Cliff Diane Olson given by Thomas Dahl Loring Olson given by Mark & Judy Langrud, Mary Keating, Hazel Senske, Sandy Narverud, Laverne & Shirley Strand, Lilah Aas, Julie Gilbertson, Sue Loch, Helen Lovik Evelyn Palmer given by family & friends Phil Peters given by Hildy Vallevand Mark Peterson given by James & Sue Larson Muriel Sargent given by Hildy Vallevand Tom Sime given by Laverne & Shirley Strand Ethel Underland given by Sue & James Marshall, Robert & Bernice Moreau, Family & Friends Erlys Wittmer, Alice Dugan, Harriet Knudsen,

Mavis Nelson, Connie Rygh and Ruth Schreiber given by Trinity Lutheran Church Women

In Honor of::

Neva Mathison for her December 23rd Birthday givenby Gen Montei, Phyllis Hamborg, Sharon Jahnke

Gifts Given By:

North Blue Earth Lutheran Church, Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church, River Bluff Cooperative, Phyllis Engler, Eugene & Wanda Soland, Kenneth Schoneman, Marlys Loew, Our Saviors Lutheran Church of Lyle, Phyllis Sands, David & Barbara Swart, Barbara Butler, Dorinda, Leutink, Roger Bekaert, Round Prairie Lutheran Church Women, West St Olaf WELCA, Shirley Kraushaar, Charles & Mary Sukup, Janette Jass, Glenville First Lutheran, Ernest Hanson, Anita Haugland, Roger & Beverly Dant, Grand Meadow WELCA, LeSuer River ELCA, Leona Howe, Patricia Tallman, Gilbert Gilbertson, Vista Evangelical Lutheran Church, Pontoppidan WELCA, Lunder Bible Study Group, Deer Creek Valley Lutheran Church WELCA, Moscow Lutheran Church, Women of Sion Lutheran Church, Central Freeborn Lutheran Church Women, Marlene Mudra Lechner, Kevin & Martha Kenne, Lorraine Bakken, Craig Crosland, Harris & LeAnn Hansen, Dan & Bonita Belshanm , Christian & Annette Hansen, Ila Breck, Janice Jensen BACKPACK PROGRAM

In Memory of:

Beverly Sprecher given by Karen Joachim Tammy Norby given by Karen Joachim Elaine Behr given by Karen Joachim

Gifts Given By:

Craig & Brenda Ludtke

CRANBERRY HYMNALS

In Memory of:

Wally Lovik given by Larry & Janice Lestrud

In Honor of:

Helen Lovik given by Larry & Janice Lestrud FOOD MINISTRY In Memory of: Alan Christensen given by Larry & Janice Lestrud, Don & Judy Kropp, Al & Bonnie Bakken

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Memorials, Honors & Special Gifts Dr. John Enger given by Al & Bonnie Bakken Dean Goette given by Ellwood & Janice Tukua Duane Hatleli given by Ellwood & Janice Tukua Donna Mittag given by Al & Bonnie Bakken Tom Sime given by Don & Judy Kropp, Al & Bonnie Bakken, Arlo Wallin given by Ellwood& Janice Tukua

ROOF FUND

Gifts Given By:

EVELYN STADHEIM SCHOLARSHIP

In Memory of:

Al Christensen given by Dave & Brenda VanFossen Alton Flugum given by Donna Henrikson Lavonne Palmer Frank given by Charles, Carole & Emily Westrum

In Memory of:

Norm & Joyce Fredin, Neva Mathison, Larry & Ginny Sabrina Ost Prescott given by Cheryl Moran Larson, Ellwood & Janice Tukua, Arlis Smith, Roberta Gates STAINED GLASS LIGHTING FUND GORDON AAS SCHOLARSHIP

Gifts given by: Lilah Aas

GENERAL FUND

In Memory of:

Loring Olson given by Mark & Terry Stadheim Lyle Hanson given by Ann Hanson & family

Gifts Given By: Carl Grandsterand, Robert Lubbert, Dolores Badger,

In Memory of:

Helen Westrum given bty Charles, Carole & Emily Westrum, Lonny & Laurie Lenz WORLD HUNGER

Gifts Given By: Les Ackland

Pastoral Records: Baptisms, Weddings, Deaths, Funerals, Memorial Services Baptisms Kyler Kominek, 1/16/22 Rylee Hauser, 1/16/22 Funerals Al Christensen, 12/30/21 Alton Flugum, 1/18/22

Paulette Manemann, James Senske, Janice Heusinkveid, Sally Walker, Kerri & Wade Hammer, Jay Waltman, Hobert & Joyce Salisbury, Nancy Grothe, Donald & Mary Ann Bartz, Scott & Cindy Goldbuff, Marlene Schenck, LaVaaun Houge,Douglas & Debra Brastrom, Lorraine Bakken, Tom & Paula Berg, FLC BUILDING & OFFICE HOURS Sara Cogar, Dave Syverson Bldg Acct, Geraldine Office Mullholland, Les Ackland Monday — Thursday 9:00 AM-3:00 PM FRIDAY & SATURDAY CLOSED HAPPINESS IS A BLANKET Sunday Building Hours—7 AM—12 noon In Memory of: [Other times by special arrangement] Al Christensen given by Bonnie Trampel s Loring Olson given by Bonnie Trampel These hours allow the office staff to be in the office and have time to work on special MUSIC FUND projects and events with fewer distractions. If In Memory of: you need to come in outside of normal office Al Christensen given by Cheryl Moran hours, please call for an appointment.

Loring Olson given by Deloris Fligge Building NAMI

Gifts Given By:

Tom & Paula Berg, Ruth Noren, Lorraine Bakken

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

Regular Worship Schedule Sundays 8:00 & 10:00 am - In-person Worship 10:00 am - Peace & Power broadcast on KAAL-TV ABC6 10:00 am—Live broadcast on KATE Radio 1450 AM Wednesdays 6:30 pm - In-person Worship (also live streamed on our Facebook page) 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 on ABC6 10:00 a.m. - Live broadcast on KATE Radio 1450

[Address label here]

Have you moved? Phone number changed? Please email Kara (kara@flcal.org) your updated info.