February 2021

February 2021 January 28, 2021

Volume LXXI No. 2

Ash Wednesday is February 17, 2021, an opportunity to check our spiritual condition, to repent (if needed) and to walk more faithfully with our Lord. If we take Lent seriously, we can begin to discover a new vision for life – a more joyous way to live. Lent can enable us to discover the immeasurable benefits of living the Christian life passionately.

Check out page 3.

The mission of First Lutheran Church is: to gather, equip, and empower people to joyfully do Christ’s work.

+ Rejoice in the Lord! + Dear Friends in Christ,

Hey Men! Read this!

2 Peter 3:18–But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

Man, are you growing in your Christian life, home life, work life? Are you struggling in any areas of your life, especially in this pandemic and the challenges it brings? Over the years here at FLC we’ve had various opportunities specifically for men to help us grow, and some community-wide events and meetings through Az-One: “33 the Series”, Saturday morning Men’s Prayer, early morning Bible Studies, “Men’s Fraternity”. These days with the pandemic we cannot meet as freely, so we look for other resources.

Do you remember a movement among Christian men that was started a few decades ago called Promise Keepers (PK)? PK had stadium events around the country encouraging men to step up and be real men, godly men, faithful men—good husbands, fathers, employees and bosses—that put Christ first in all we do and how we live. In other words to make and keep good promises in our lives. I remember attending an event with thousands of men at the Metrodome in Minneapolis.

Well, that movement seemed to fade from public view for a few years but has still been around. Recently, I received notice of a new free resource from PK that encourages men, especially in marriage. It is a good, challenging resource for us men who are married, but I think it would be good for any man, and especially young men to help set a good vision and course for their lives. It’s almost 2 hours long and can be viewed all at once or piecemeal as you have time. I think it’s worthwhile. Here’s the link: https://www.youtube.com/user/PromiseKeepers?mc_cid=a90550c473&mc_eid=e24b2d17ea.

Watch it alone or watch it with a trusted male friend and discuss it. (Proverbs 27:17–As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.) It can be a helpful and wholesome way of Here are some Bible Verses from living out a true Valentine’s Day life of love every day.

Fulfilling the role of a Christian man in life and relationships is the New Testament that give us men a high and holy calling. It takes every ounce of energy, creativity, direction and encouragement: strength and concentration we can muster. And, it’s totally worth First John 2:14–I write to you, dear children, it! Plus, we’re not alone. Jesus Christ, His Holy Spirit and His because you know the Father. I write to you, Word are there for us. My prayer for us men is that we take our fathers, because you know him who is from the calling seriously and live the most satisfying life, not distracted by beginning. I write to you, young men, because the temptations of this world, but focused and filled with joy in fol- you are strong, and the word of God lives in lowing Christ. you, and you have overcome the evil one.

The best life is a life lived...

Titus 2:6-7a–Similarly, encourage the young ...In the Light of His Love, Pastor John F. Holt men to be self-controlled . In everything set them an example by doing what is good. + + + Ephesians 5:25–Husbands, love your wives, Hey, everybody, I want to say thanks and praise the Lord for just as Christ loved the church and gave himhow our FLC finances turned out at the end of 2020. We ended self up for her. the year in the black! Faithful giving by so many of you, even Ephesians 6:4–Fathers, do not exasperate though down some from the previous year, careful management, your children; instead, bring them up in the control of expenses and some staff changes all led to this suctraining and instruction of the Lord. cessful outcome. God is good all the time!

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 17. We’ll miss the noon lunches and evening fellowship meals that have been such a staple of our Lenten observances in FLC in years past. Nevertheless, we are still planning to have special mid-week Lenten worship services, using Holden Evening Prayer for our liturgy. Look for a service around noon and also at 6:30 pm on Wednesdays in Lent.

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Lent FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH OFFICE: February 17,373-6424; 2021 E-mail: firstoffice@flcal.org; Fax 373-6330 Phone (507) Two services Mailing address—301 W. Clark St., Albert Lea, MN 56007 The Special Cause Offering for 12 pm and 6:30 pm Two worship services February is Web site–www.flcal.org In the Sanctuary with Communion PASTORAL STAFF e-mails and emergency telephone numbers: 12 pm and 6:30 pm Pastor Holt, johnh@flcal.org (Cell–383-4750; Home–377-0046) In theJohn Sanctuary Pastor Jan Crissinger, jan@flcal.org (Cell—(507) 621-1758) We will live stream the 6:30 pm services on our Facebook page at facebook.com/FLCalbertlea Services will also be posted on our website: flcal.org JANUARY 2021 FLC COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS This story can fit 100-150 words. from Criticalness Fasting The subject matter that appears in newsletters is virtually Most fasting involves temporarily endless. You can include stogiving up you enjoy. riessomething that focus on current technologies or innovations in your When you long for a cookie or a field.

favorite You show, you instead turn your may also want to note attentionbusiness to God, reorienting or economic trends, youror make predictions for your self to Ifhis youbest. have moved or changed customers or clients. phone numbers, (including cell phone), please, call isthe church office If the newsletter distributed Catherine Marshall, incomment A Closer with your new Also, internally, youinformation. might please, call in with, or send in, your Walk,email presents a so different address, we can keep you updated on things.

approach she calls fasting from “criticalness.”

God dealt with her judgmental spirit by prompting her to spend 24 hours without criticizing “anyone about anything.”

At first, Marshall felt rather empty when she didn’t engage in a heated political debate. But friends and

family didn’t seem to miss her comments. Plus, God replaced the energy she’d spent attempting to correct others with energy and creativity to positively influence them.

A critical spirit can make us lose perspective, joy and even relationships. It also can prevent the good work God wants to achieve through us. Consider what could happen as a result of your own “criticalness fast.”

Pray for God to do the correcting while you focus on building up others.

—Janna Firestone

God dealt with her judgmental spirit by prompting her to spend 24 hours without criticizing “anyone about anything”.

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FLC HISTORY The History committee has placed a box in the library where you can place history items such as photos, documents, etc. We are particularly looking for items from 1995-to 2019. We are now entering our second 100 years, and would appreciate anything from 2020 and the present. Please help us maintain our history going forward.

Thank you, Jane Loge, chairperson

CALL COMMITTEE UPDATE Call Committee update: Welcome to the new year! The Call Committee is working on some new leads. We will continue to interview when candidates are forwarded to us. We thank you for your patience. This is an important task and we are keeping the congregations desires in mind as we interview.

If you have questions please be sure and ask. My contact is Janice Hammer 507-383-9957. May the Spirit continue to guide us. We ask for your continuing prayers. Janice Hammer, chair

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Christ distributes courage through community; he dissipates doubts through fellowship. He never deposits all knowledge in one person but distributes pieces of the jigsaw puzzle to many. When you interlock your understanding with mine, and we share our discoveries, when we mix, mingle, confess and pray, Christ speaks. —Max Lucado, Fearless Inside Story Headline

SPECIAL OUTREACH OFFERING The Special Outreach Cause Offering for the month of February is Food for Backpacks.

Special offering envelopes will be available from the ushers at church services. You may also send your outreach offerings to the church. Please, make checks payable to FLC.

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2020-2021 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

MEETING GUIDELINES FOR FIRST LUTHERAN CHUIRCH 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. 

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     

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

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Our Prayers are requested for healing and wholeness for: Jim Hansen, Deb Koenigs, Tom Loverink, Merrill & Reda Nottingham, Alexandra Peterson, Larry Peterson, Carl Pierson and Molly.

PRAYER NEEDS

Our Continued Prayers are requested for healing and wholeness for: Jody Bakken, Alan J. Christensen, Mary Ann Christian, Rich Crissinger, Grant Gordon, Dorothy Hanson, Breckyn Heinemann, Glenn Helland, Sharon Johnson, Phil Koppelman, Officer Arik Matson, Fred (Fritz) Moran, Jean Stearns, Joy White ... and their spouses, families & caregivers, and‌ safety for people serving in the Armed Forces, and their families.

Loving God, I pray that you will comfort me in my suffering, lend skill to the hands of my healers, and bless the means used for my cure.

Give me such confidence in the power of your grace, that even when I am afraid, I may put my whole trust in you; through our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

Personal Visitation by the Pastors To support people at the time of illness or injury, pastors usually do make personal visits in hospitals, homes or Care Centers. However, during the restrictions due to the corona virus pandemic, visits are limited to telephone calls.

Hospitals only call pastors/churches to inform them of dire emergencies where family requests them to do so. So, please, call us, if you want us to know. We try to be available in emergencies.

Do not hesitate to call the church (373-6424), if you have not talked to a pastor and would like to request a call. If you call the church office after hours and get the recording, pushing number â?¸ on your phone to reach the pastor on call.

We are glad to make home visits as requested when it is safe to do so.

No name is automatically put on a printed prayer list. We ask permission before we include a name on our printed prayer list. Please, let us know if you want to be on the prayer list or have a pastor call. ~Your FLC Pastors John & Jan

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Sun

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

7

Boy Scout Day 10 am-In Person Worship-S 10 am-Peace & Power BroadcastKAAL-TV, Channel 6 10am-Worship Service BroadcastKATE Radio-1450AM

14 Transfiguration Sunday

Mon 1

2 Ground Hog Day

4 pm-MC #6-MPR

6:30 pm-Blended Service Music Rehearsal

8

9

4 pm-MC #6-MPR

6:30 pm-Blended Service Music Rehearsal

21 10 am-In Person Worship-S 10 am-Peace & Power BroadcastKAAL-TV, Channel 6 10am-Worship Service BroadcastKATE Radio-1450AM

28 10 am-In Person Worship-S 10 am-Peace & Power BroadcastKAAL-TV, Channel 6 10am-Worship Service BroadcastKATE Radio-1450AM

8 am-Quilters-BH &MPR 9:30 am-Staff meeting-P 11am-Transition Team meets-P

8 am-Quilters-BH &MPR 9:30 am-Staff meeting-P 11am-Transition Team meets-P

15 Presidents Day 16

Valentines Day 10 am-In Person Worship-S 10 am-Peace & Power BroadcastKAAL-TV, Channel 6 10am-Worship Service Broadcast KATE Radio-1450AM

Tue

8 am-Quilters-BH &MPR

9:30 am-Staff meeting-P 11am-Transition Team meets-P 4 pm-MC #6-MPR 6:30 pm-Church Council

22 4 pm-MC #6-MPR

6:30 pm-Blended Service Music Rehearsal

23

8 am-Quilters-BH &MPR

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

29

30

4 pm-MC #6-MPR

6:30 pm-Blended Service Music Rehearsal

8 am-Quilters-BH &MPR 9:30 am-Staff meeting-P 11am-Transition Team meets-P

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Wed 3

6:30 am-Men’s Bible Study-P 9 am-FLCW Board meets-BH

Thu

Fri

4

Sat

5

6

12

13

19

20

26

27

1 pm-Hardanger-MPR 5:30 pm-7th grade Confirmation 6:30 pm-8th & 9th grade Confirmation

5-6 pm-Food Ministry Drive Up-SL

10

11

6:30 am-Men’s Bible Study-P

1:15 pm-FLCW General meeting-BH

1 pm-Hardanger-MPR

5:30 pm-7th grade Confirmation 6:30 pm-8th & 9th grade Confirmation

5-6 pm-Food Ministry Drive Up-SL

17

18

6:30 am-Men’s Bible Study-P

1 pm-Hardanger-MPR 5-6 pm-Food Ministry Drive Up-SL 6:30 pm-Ash Wednesday Service w/Comm.-S

24

6:30 am-Men’s Bible Study-P 9:30 am-Bible Study-MPR 12 pm-Lenten Worship-S 1 pm-Messenger Crew-P 5:30 pm-7th grade Confirmation 6:30 pm-8th & 9th grade Confirmation 6:30 pm-Lenten Service-S

31 6:30 am-Men’s Bible Study-P 9:30 am-Bible Study-MPR 12 pm-Lenten Worship-S 5:30 pm-7th grade Confirmation 6:30 pm-8th & 9th grade Confirmation 6:30 pm-Lenten Service-S

25 1 pm-Hardanger-MPR 5-6 pm-Food Ministry Drive Up-SL

BH=Bethany Hall

C= Chapel

MPR=Multi-Purpose Room

P =Parlor

PR= Prayer Room

RR=Resource Room

S=Sanctuary

SL=South Lot

YR=Youth Room

w/Comm.=with Holy Communion

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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 online at Albert Lea High School Website except for Matching Scholarships and 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 the 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 the 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.

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Scholarships available (cont.)

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. Must be 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 towards 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.

MISCELLANEOUS FLC INFORMATION FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH OFFICE: Phone (507) 373-6424; E-mail: firstoffice@flcal.org; Fax 373-6330 Mailing address—301 W. Clark St., Albert Lea, MN 56007

Web site–www.flcal.org PASTORAL STAFF e-mails and emergency telephone numbers: Pastor John Holt, johnh@flcal.org (Cell–383-4750; Home–377-0046) Pastor Jan Crissinger, jan@flcal.org (Cell—(507) 621-1758)

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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Here is a picture from the council meeting a few days ago. As you can see they met over Zoom (not in person).

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Inside S

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Memorials, Honors & Special Gifts PEACE & POWER FUND

In Memory of:

Leona Bjelland given by David & Marilyn Stadheim, Jerald & Bonnie Charlson Jerry Blakesee given by Donna Henrikson Lavonne (Bonnie) Bonnerup given by Mary & Rick Swanson Laurie Cichos given by Mark & Judy Langrud, Gary & Ginny Thompson Rodger Christenson given by Ken & Diane Damerow, Gen Montei, Audrey Christensen, Bonnie Trampel, Tom & Judy Mullen, Carol Olson, Gary & Ginny Thompson, Irene Van Riper, Todd & Robin Schmidt, Arlis Smith, Helen Lovik Debra Delgado given by Audrey Christensen Deloris Heilman given by Gary & Ginny Thompson Donna Heilman given by Gen Montei, Bonnie Trampel, Verona Boe, Wayne & Carol Hedalen Mavis Hollenbeck given by Mark and Dave Hollenbeck Dale Jahnke given by Merriel Jahnke and Helen Lovik Sharon Jensen given by Curtis Jensen Ione Kelly given by Jeanne Lageson, Gary & Ginny Thompson Lily Laite given by Arlene M. Lee Doris Madson given by Arlis Smith, Helen Lovik My cousin Donnie Maiden who died December 19, 2020 given by Jane Maiden Robert Miller given by Mavis Bryson Frank Ostby given by Eldora & Jack Kelly and family, Kristine Davis, Paul Ostby, Cheryl Crawmer Gerald Rasmussen given by Gary & Ginny Thompson JoAnn Rietveld given by Gary & Ginny Thompson Phyllis Scherb given by JR Venem Irene Slette given by Gen Montei Richard Wasmoen given by Lois Wasmoen

In Honor Of:

Our family given by Kenneth & Joan Kujath

Gifts Given By:

John & Robin Kelly, Phyllis Ulland, Red Oak Grove Lutheran WELCA, LeSueur River ELCA, Carolyn Flesche, Donald & Sharon Neubauer, Elaine Cox, Patricia Tallman, Ila Breck, Terry & Iris Tarvestad, Moscow Lutheran Church, Gilbert Gilbertson, Trondhjem Lutheran Church, Dennis & Simone Voll, Robert H. Lubbert, Roger & Bev Dant, Betty Lyle, Lillian Gravos, Marilee Waalkens, Richard Erickson, Robert & Theresa Hartke, David & Paulette Paulson, Douglas Spiotta, Karen Thomas, Buddy & Phyllis Bonfy, Judy & Conrad Schaefer, Robert & Bonnie Hoenk, Leona Howe, Christian & Annette Hansen, Bob & Pat Goldman, Marvin & Donna Helgeson, Orille Iverson, Janice Jensen, James & Kathe Grodhaus, Irene Montgomery, Senior Tower, Douglas & JoAnne Chaffee, Kevin & Martha Kenne, Our Saviors Lutheran Church Women, Lyle, MN, Larry & Barbara Schnoor, Trinity Lutheran Church WELCA, Hayfield, MN, Sion Lutheran Church, Northwood, IA, Velma Suchanek, Edward & Harriet Ivers, Margaret Schumann, Gordon & Terry Briggs, Dave & Sue Olson GENERAL FUND

In Honor Of:

Janice & Larry Lestrud given by Marlin Schenk

Gifts Given By:

Sara Cogar, Donald & Mary Ann Bartz FOOD FOR SCHOOL BACKPACKS

Gifts Given By:

Randy & Sheri Nicol, Paul Stieler (Lavonne Stieler Memorial Fund)

FOOD MINISTRY

In Memory of:

Rodger Christenson given by Bonnie Schneider, Joe & Marge LaFrance Donna Heilman given by Bonnie Schneider Pat Linnes given by Cheryl Moran

Gifts Given By:

Randy & Sheri Nicol, John Chrz, Theresa M.

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Volume LXXI No. 2

Memorials, Honors & Special Gifts (cont.)

Hanson, Carol Olson, Lawrence & Edith Langsev, Lilah Aas, Donna Henrikson, Christian & Annette Hansen, Vergie Asper, Neva Mathison, Mary Lee Peterson, Jim & Jane Loge, Betty Paul, Ruth Noren, Curtis Jensen, Karen Joachim, Audrey Christensen, Kaye Toquam, Ken & Winifred Greenlee, Helen Lovik, James & Jill Johnson, Larry & Janice Lestrud

FOOD FOR BACKPACKS

James Grotsun given by Beverly Grotsun Lloyd & Marlys Lestrud, Floyd & Josie Schenck and Darlene Lestrud given by Larry & Janice Lestrud SUNDAY SCHOOL

In Memory of:

Rodger Christenson given by Wayne & Carol Hedalen, Bob & Darlene Levisen

In Honor Of:

YOUTH FUND

GENERAL FUND

Rodger Christenson given by Tom & Sue Westland

Marvin & Donna Helgeson

TANZANIA MISSION PROJECT

KEITH FLIGGE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

James Senske

Helen Lovik given by Tom & Judy Mullen

Gifts Given By:

In Memory of:

Gifts Given By:

In Memory of:

Dr. Gerald Rasmusson given by John & Barb Cliff RADIO FUND

In Memory of:

Pastoral Records: Baptisms, Weddings, Deaths, Funerals, Memorial Services Funeral:

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.

Rodger Christenson, January 18, 2021

Baptism: Sophia June Polis, January 16, 2021

SUNDAY’S WORSHIP SCHEDULE In Person Worship - FLC Sanctuary at 10 am

Watch Peace & Power-KAAL TV - Channel 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 (10:00 a.m. - KATE RADIO AM 1450)

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

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