July 2021 June 23, 2021 Volume LXXI No. 7
Volume LXXI No. 7
Summer Adventures at FLC for youth in K-6th grades Join us for 4 summer adventures in the south parking lot. At each adventure we will: learn to be followers of Jesus, craft, play games, and eat snacks.
K-3rd Grade
4th-6th Grade
Storms
Storms
July 14th – 3:30-5:30
July 21st – 3:30-5:30
*Please bring a plastic empty water bottle for a craft
Walking on Water July 28th – 3:30-5:30 *Please wear something that can get wet
Walking on Water July 28th – 3:30-5:30 *Please wear something that can get wet (Swimsuit, water shorts, etc.)
(Swimsuit, water shorts, etc.)
To sign up your child please call the church office 373-6424 Pictures from the first Summer Adventure on June 16th
First Lutheran Church + F.L.C. + For the Love of Christ
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Greetings Siblings in Christ! The Fourth of July is nearly upon us. That means hot summer days, cooking food on the grill, and -of course- fireworks! It is a day each year that we remember the things that we love about our country and the freedoms that we enjoy. That word freedom is usually at the top of the list of things that make America special. I learned an important lesson about freedom during my military service. I discovered a deeper meaning to the word. When I was growing up, I often thought that freedom meant that I could do whatever I wanted to do. I mistook it for meaning that because I am free, nobody could tell me what to do. I quickly realized in the Army there were lots of people that had the ability to tell me what to do! I learned this great truth: freedom is much more about who you are than it is about what you do. The things that we do come from who we are. Freedom is about the chains that no longer bind your heart and soul. We see that truth in our relationship with God through Jesus. We are set free from sin through the grace that belongs to us through faith alone. And yet, we know that not one of us is capable of living our life without sinning. We try our best. We attempt to be the most righteous version of ourselves that we can be. Each and every one of us will fail at this. As Romans 3 says, “For there is no distinction, since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…” It would be hopeless for us if we were to stop at that place. If that were the end, our freedom would have been wasted. Thankfully, the apostle Paul continues, “they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” As much freedom as we have, we can never choose to overcome sin and death on our own. That is freedom that comes through Jesus alone. Forgiveness, salvation, and true life is ours—all through the cross of Jesus. Let us give thanks that we have been set free; if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. Blessings, Pastor Roger
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Feeding the Hungry in Albert Lea Transition team congratulates the Food Ministry Team The congregation spoke and we listened. During our Game of Lutheran Life assessment back in January 2020, we heard from many members of a desire to be in direct, tangible support of people in our community who face financial hardship and food insecurity. One year ago, the council approved a new ministry to respond to this need. After 52 weeks of serving drive through meals to our sisters and brothers we are happy to report: Approximately 6,000 meals served 6-8 volunteers per week Average 100+ meals per week Operates solely on donations and grants from synod Menus vary each week always with a hot entrée The meal ministry of FLC is a visible, tangible sign of Christ’s love at work in our community. If you’d like to be a part of this ministry project, please contact the church.
Special thanks to our chefs, Joe LaFrance and Janice Hammer and the many dedicated volunteers who serve our neighbors. Congratulations, team! Pastor Jan
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New Roof for FLC
The Slate Roof on the building at First Lutheran Church is around 70 years old! As our building ages the roof is becoming harder and harder to repair. The Property Team has been working hard to get bids on a replacement roof. We know this will need to be done in the next 9-12 months with the projected cost anywhere from $600,000 $1,000,000. Please consider donating to the New Roof Fund as we prepare for the upcoming expense. Page 4
Ways to Donate to the Roofing Fund: • Mail your Donation to 301 W Clark Street, Albert Lea, MN 56007 • Drop your Donation off in our Drop Box in the south parking lot • Stop in our office from 9am-3pm to make your donation. Please note that your donation is for the “New Roof Fund”.
FLCW July Outing July 14th Tour at Historical Museum & Village (Meet at 9:45 a.m. with tour from 10 a.m. – 12 noon) Followed by lunch at Green Lea Golf Course (from 12:00 noon – 1:30 p.m). Reservations are required by July 8th Reservations can be made by contacting the Church Office, Sheri Nicol 319-350-1182 or Diane Damerow 507-383-9284
Help us feed kids Our Food for Backpack Program has made a difference in the lives of many students in our community. In order to continue this program we need volunteers to help deliver boxes of food weekly to Halverson School. We also need someone to oversee the program that includes: lining up weekly volunteers, keep in contact with our partnering church Hayward Lutheran, and communicating with the school social worker. If you are willing to help contact Kara (507) 373-6424. Without volunteers we will not be able to continue feeding students.
A NEW WAY TO STAY IN TOUCH July 6th we will start our new Bi-Weekly E- Newsletter that will be published every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month.
To stay connected to things happening at FLC send your email to jordan@flcal.org
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For the past 24 years, I have been riding in the Habitat 500, which is a 500 mile week-long bike ride that raises funds for Habitat for Humanity. Thanks to the generosity of many individuals and groups, I have raised over $206,000 for Habitat affiliates in southeastern Minnesota. I think that one of the best things about this particular ride is that each rider designates where his/her funds go rather than just going into a large national treasury. I feel very blessed! Due to the covid virus, this year’s ride is another virtual one. It will be happening not-in-person the week of July 11-17. Each rider still has to pay the usual registration fee and raise funds. The biking part is on our own. I’m kind of liking the fact that I can choose not to ride in rain or when it is extremely hot. I will ride at least 500 miles plus additional training miles. Although the ride is virtual again this year, now that the church is allowing the serving of coffee and treats, there WILL be a time for enjoying delicious baked goodies between services on July 11th. My deep thanks to Helen Lovik and Arlis Smith for once again providing them. In 1997, I decided that I would like the challenge of participating in a week-long bike ride to raise money for Habitat for Humanity. I was faced with two obstacles: (1) to purchase a bike and train for the ride and (2) raise at least $1,000.00. Now in my 25th year of riding, I no longer see obstacles, but rather opportunities to raise both funds and awareness for Habitat for Humanity. Thank you for so generously supporting me in the past and for considering supporting me again this year. Checks should be made out to Habitat 500 or to First Lutheran Church. Contributions can be made at any time and are fully tax-deductible, to the extent allowed by the law. If individuals wish to donate, they can use the special envelopes now that we are back in the sanctuary or include a check when they make regular offerings and indicate it is for the Habitat 500. There is also the online option to donate by going to the Habitat 500 website. When it shows a Donate to Rider choice, you click on it and type in my name. You can also mail a check to me at 1129 Lakeview Blvd. Thanks, and glory to God for His Blessings! In Christ’s Love, Lilah
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Prayer Ministry We are introducing monthly theme-based daily scripture verses for use in family, individual and group devotions. We encourage you to look up the scripture and spend time giving thanks for the freedom we enjoy in our country and more importantly through the grace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We hope you will find these verses educational and inspirational as you spend time together this summer. Galatians 5:25: If we live by the Spirit; let us also walk by the Spirit. Sharing the Faith Ministry Team
Theme for July - Freedom 1 - Romans 8:21 2 - John 8: 31-32 3 - Isaiah 61:1 4 - Galatians 5:13 5 - 2 Corinthians 3:17 6 - Psalm 118:5 7 - Romans 6:22 8 - Leviticus 25:10 9 - Romans 8:2 10 - Galatians 5:1 11 - 2 Peter 2:19 12 - John 8:36 13 - Romans 6:14 14 - 1 Peter 2:16 15 - Exodus 5:1
On July 4th we celebrate the freedom of our country from tyranny. 16 - 2 Timothy 1:7 Every day, we should celebrate 17 - 1 Corinthians 6:12 Easter as the redemption of all 18 - Acts 13:39 God’s children from sin and death. 19 - Isaiah 45:8 Jesus died because he loved us so 20 - John 3:16 much that he died to save us from 21 - James 2:12 our sinful natures and ensure us 22 - Galatians 5:16 everlasting life. As we celebrate 23 - Ephesians 2:8 our country, our veterans, our good 24 - Galatians 2: 20 25 - 1 Corinthians 9: 19 fortune and the joys of freedom, let us also celebrate each other and 26 - Romans 6:7 remember that we are all the chil27 - Psalm 91: 14-15 dren of God. We should love each 28 - Galatians 5:18 other as He first loved us. Free29 - Romans 6:18 dom is a gift we have not earned. 30 - Galatians 5:1 God’s gift of grace. Amen. 31 - Psalm 97:10
Prayer List
Our Prayers are requested for healing and wholeness for: Josie Gardner, Duane Hatleli, Gregg Hatleli, Pastor Matt Larson, Pauline Kohnke Nelson, Carol Olson, Jan Overgaard and Julie.
Our Continued Prayers are requested for healing and wholeness for:
Jody Bakken, Alan J. Christensen, Mike & Mary Ann Christian, Grant Gordon, Dorothy Hanson, Breckyn Heinemann, Glenn Helland, Gladys Heys, Nancy Jenson, Sharon Johnson, Phil Koppelman, Amy Ladlie, Officer Arik Matson, Fritz Moran, Alexandra Peterson, Larry Peterson, 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.
10 am-KATE Radio-1450AM
10 am Blended Worship-S
9am-11:30-The Perfect Gift Shoppe open 10 am-Peace & Power BroadcastKAAL-TV, Channel 6
8 Traditional Worship-S
25
10 am-KATE Radio-1450AM 12 pm-Christian Solos meet
10 am Blended Worship-S
9am-11:30-The Perfect Gift Shoppe open 10 am-Peace & Power BroadcastKAAL-TV, Channel 6
8 Traditional Worship-S
18
10 am-KATE Radio-1450AM
10 am Blended Worship-S
9am-11:30-The Perfect Gift Shoppe open 10 am-Peace & Power BroadcastKAAL-TV, Channel 6
8 Traditional Worship-S
11
10 am-KATE Radio-1450AM
10 am Blended Worship-S
Mon
4pm-MC #6-MPR
26
6:30 pm-Council Meeting-BH
19
SL=South Lot
Building & Office Closed
Wed
YR=Youth Room
RR=Resource Room
MPR=Multi-Purpose Room
8 am-Quilters-BH & MPR 9:30 am-Staff meeting-P
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8 am-Quilters-BH & MPR 9:30 am-Staff meeting-P
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8 am-Quilters-BH & MPR 9:30 am-Staff meeting-P
8 am-Prayer Group-PR 9:30 am-Bible Study-MPR 11 am-Mutual Min. Meeting-P 1 pm-Messenger Crew-P 6:30 pm-Blended Service Music Rehearsal
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8 am-Prayer Group-PR 9:30 am-Bible Study-MPR 6:30 pm-Blended Service Music Rehearsal
21
8 am-Prayer Group-PR 9:30 am-Bible Study-MPR 11 am-Mutual Min. Meeting-P 1 pm-FLCW General Meeting-BH 6:30 pm-Blended Service Music Rehearsal
14
8 am-Prayer Group-PR 9 am-FLCW Board meets-P 9:30 am-Bible Study-MPR 6:30 pm-Blended Service Music Rehearsal
8 am-Quilters-BH & MPR 9:30 am-Staff meeting-P
13
7
6
w/Comm.=with Holy Communion
4pm-MC #6-MPR
12
5
C= Chapel
Tue PR= Prayer Room
S=Sanctuary
P =Parlor
BH=Bethany Hall
9am-11:30-The Perfect Gift Shoppe open 10 am-Peace & Power BroadcastKAAL-TV, Channel 6
4 8 Traditional Worship-S
July
Sun
1 pm-Hardanger-MPR 5-6 pm-Food Ministry Drive Up-SL
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1 pm-Hardanger-MPR 5-6 pm-Food Ministry Drive Up-SL
22
1 pm-Hardanger-MPR 5-6 pm-Food Ministry Drive Up-SL
15
1 pm-Hardanger-MPR 5-6 pm-Food Ministry Drive Up-SL
30
23
16
9
2
1
8
Fri
Thu
31
24
1 pm-Frances Swenson Bridal Shower-P
17
10:30 am-Tractor Run Stop-BH
10
3
Sat Page 7
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Let’s help Spruce Up our Church We are in the process of sprucing up the landscaping around the church and are looking for people willing to donate funds toward shrubs, flowers, mulch, outdoor lighting, rocks and anything to help enhance the look of the exterior of our building! If you are interested in donating, you can drop off or mail donations to the church with a note designating funds to the “landscape project”.
Has your family experienced loss of a child? You now have an opportunity to “purchase a brick” in our children’s quiet play space in our Sanctuary, Easton’s Place. A personalized plate with your child’s name will be placed on a brick to remember your special Child of God. Memorial plates are $50 and can be ordered by calling the church office at 507-373-6424. The Special Outreach Cause Offering for the month of July is Compassion International
Special offering envelopes will be available from the ushers at church services. Please, make checks payable to FLC. We sponsor 2 children as our special outreach cause for July through Compassion. Sponsorship for Adiel and Vania is $74 a month.
FIRST LUTHERAN MESSENGER (USPS196-560)
Vania Age: 5 Indonesia
Adiel Age: 9 Peru
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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LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF INGATHERING
SAT. MAY 15, 2021
The Social Ministry Team hosted a Lutheran World Relief Ingathering on May 15. Forty-five churches donated 2925 quilts, 19 blankets, 673 School Kits, 980 Personal Care Kits, 195 Baby Care Kits, & 30 Sewing Kits. $4810 was collected for LWR shipping costs. sa
An additional $460 was received through the FLC monthly special cause offerings. FLCW contributed $600 for School Kit Supplies. THANK YOU to the 25 volunteers who helped with the loading process! THANK YOU to staff members for the required set up (& take down) & paperwork! SPECIAL THANKS to Crossroads Trailer of Albert Lea for donating the transportation means & delivery to the LWR Warehouse in St. Paul!! A Fall Ingathering will be held on October 9, 2021.
Did someone say baby??? FLC is starting the “onesie” program to celebrate babies born into our congregation. When a baby is born, they will be gifted with a custom onesie. If you know of a member who has recently had a baby please contact Kara at 507-383-8168
In-Home Communion Start up! In-Home Communion is starting back up and visits are underway! This is a vital part of our ministry at FLC. If you are interested in helping to serve communion or if you know anyone who is homebound or shut in that would like communion please contact Anne Satre at 507-373-1189
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Memorials, Honors & Special Gifts PEACE & POWER FUND
In Memory of:
Dwaine Abbe given by Selma Engebretson, Maryann Ahnemann Kenny Anderson given by Bob & Sherry Nyman, Don & Olene Eckerts Agnes Boss given by Brenda & Craig Ludtke, Glen & Leann Juveland Deb Brown given by Dennis & Carol Colstrup Mary Jane Grandstrand given by Barb & John Cliff, Dave & Sue Olson, Judy Hagen Deb Koenigs given by Selma Engebretson, Doug & Dorothy Blom, Helen Lovik, Jeanne & Donald Tomlinson, Ross & Karen Quam, Joe & Marge La France, Mark & Mary Jane Pierson, Deb Pilgrim, Sharon Wakefield, Family & Friends, Terry & Laurie Cochran.Rita Williamson, Steve & Sue Gregerson Darlene Langfald given by Selma Engebretson James (Jim) Madson) given by Mark & Judy Langrud, Marliss Bachtle, Gordon & LouJean Nelson Harry Laskin given by: Louise Groe Greg Nelson (son of Beverly Nelson) given by Shirley & Laverne Strand Gladys Rowe given by Family & Friends
In Honor of:
Pastor John & Joan Holt given by Marge Moine,, Shirley & Laverne Strand, Selma Engebretson, Maxine Hanson, Audrey Christensen, Dennis & Janice Brandt,
Gifts Given By:
Mavis Bergo, Joann Ring, Buddy & Phyllis Bonfy, Larry & Barbara Schnoor, Gilbert Gilbertson, Patricia Tallman, Carolyn Flesche, Ila Breck, Leona Howe, Janice Jensen, Deacon Douglas Spiotta, Mary Haugen
CHOIR FUND In Memory of :
Deb Koenigs given by Judy Hagen GENERAL FUND
In Memory of
Agnes Boss given by Susanne Boss Deb Koenigs given by Dennis & Georgia Wentzel Laverne (Grasdalen) Engen given by Robert & Darlene Levisen
In Honor of :
Pastor John & Joan Holt given by Robert & Deloris Signelstad, Elaine Nelson
Gifts Given By: Tom Anderson
HELPING FAMILIES FUND
In Memory of:
Mary Jane Grandstrand given by Larry & Julia Tonder
Gifts Given By
Larry & Janice Lestrud HAPPINESS IS A BLANKET
In Memory of:
HYMNAL FUND
In Memory of
Ginny Olson given by Arlis Smith Deb Koenigs given by Arlis Smith Rich Crissinger given by Arlis Smith Rich Crissinger given by Deloris Fligge
In Honor of: John & Joan Holt given by Larry & Janice Lestrud
Gifts Given By Janice Hammer
KIMBERLY (OLSON)GODDARD SCHOLARSHIP FUND In Memory of
Deb Koenigs given by Carol Olson, Cynthia Fjermestad Jim Madson given by Bev Nelson STAINED GLASS LIGHTING FUND
In Honor of:
Pastor John & Joan Holt given by Lyndon & Diane West, Hans & Carol Carlson, Friends & Family, Judy Hagen, Cynthia Fjermestad, Stephan & Diane Weisgram, Ken & Diane Damerow,David & Carol Wolter, Barb & John Cliff, Robert & Theresa Hartke, Candance Jorgenson, First Lutheran Altar Guild, Duane & Eunice Hatleli, Carol Olson, Ruth Noren, Jason & Fran Heilman, Steve & Sue Gregerson,
Volume LXXI No. 7 Page 11
Memorials, Honors & Special Gifts (cont.) LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF TRANSPORTATION FUND
Pastoral Records: Baptisms, Weddings, Deaths, Funerals, Memorial Services
Pastor John & Joan Holt given by David & Carol Wolter
Funeral: Richard Crissinger, June 12, 2021
In Honor of:
Gifts Given By:
Wayne & Carol Hedalen, Mark & Sue Runden TANZINIA MISSION PROJECT
Gifts Given By:
FLC BUILDING & OFFICE HOURS
Building
Sandy Narverud
Mon., Tues., Thurs. 8:00 AM-5:00 PM Wednesday 8:00 AM-5:30 PM
NEW ROOF FUND
Gifts Given By:
Doug & Sue Olson
Tues. & Wed. 5:00-8:00 PM If there are meetings scheduled
RADIO FUND
In Memory of:
Mary Jane Grandstrand given by Wayne & Carol Hedalen
Gifts Given By:
Office
Carl Grandstrand
FLC Prayer Ministry Want prayer for yourself or others? Call Jo, 763-257-9018 Julia, 373-9594. Prayers are kept confidential among prayer chain members.
Mon., Tues., Thurs. 9:00 AM-3:00 PM Wednesday 9:00 AM-5:30 PM FRIDAY & SATURDAY CLOSED Sunday Building Hours—7 AM—12 noon [Other times by special arrangement] These hours allow the office staff to be in the office and have time to work on special projects and events with fewer distractors. If you need to come in outside of normal office hours please call for an appointment.
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 Jan Crissinger, jan@flcal.org (Cell—(507) 621-1758) Pastor Roger Fears - roger@flcal.org (Cell—(320) 297-1251)
Sunday’s Summer Worship Schedule
Church Council Leadership
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 10:00 am—Live-stream of worship on the FLC Facebook page Anytime Access the video of our worship services at www.flcal.org.
President- Dawn Thompson Vice President- TBD Treasurer- Larry Larson/Dave VanFossen Secretary- Kristin Larson Education Team- Sue Loch Worship & Arts Team- Janice Hammer Social Ministry Team- Cindy Gandrud Youth Team- Fran Heilman Property Enhancement Team- Dave VanFossen Membership & Growth Team- Stephanie Passingham Spirit of Giving Team- TBD FLCW President Rep- Diane Damerow Sharing the Faith- Jo Hanson
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-KAAL TV- Channel 6 (10:30 a.m. - Live broadcast on KATE Radio 1450)
First Lutheran Church—F.L.C.—For the Love of Christ
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