First Lutheran Church Albert Lea, MN www.flcal.org
June Messenger First Lutheran Church + F.L.C. + For the Love of Christ
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May 25, 2017
First Lutheran Church Women
SALAD LUNCHEON First Lutheran Church 301 W. Clark St. Albert Lea Friday, June 16 Serving from 11:00am - 1:00pm Come Anytime-There is no program. Cost is $7- payable at the door. Proceeds to benefit Gathering Space Kitchen Updates and the SCRIP program.
Inside Story Inside this issue:
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Pastor Sean’s Letter
2
FLCW Caring & Sharing
3
The Garden Project
5
June Calendar
6-7
Memorials, Honors and Special Gifts
8
Happenings in Colombia
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Musical Notes
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THE MISSION OF FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH IS:TO GATHER, EQUIP, AND EMPOWER PEOPLE TO JOYFULLY DO CHRIST’S WORK.
Come for a great time of fellowship & food— to the annual…
SPUDS & SPLITS First Lutheran Church 301 W. Clark St. Albert Lea
THURSDAY, JUNE 29 4:30-7:00 p.m. in Bethany Hall Free will donation. Suggested Price $7 Everyone is welcome.
The First Lutheran Church Jessica Lokken Music Camp July 17-21
Vacation Bible School July 24-27
Rejoice in the Lord!
God is so good! I have been with you at First since the beginning of September last year and it’s already summer. My, how time flies! It has been a great season of ministry as we’re celebrating 500 years of the Reformation history through Bible Studies, a trip to walk in the footsteps of Luther in Germany, and joint worship and music opportunities this fall. We held our sermon series entitled Luther On, where we focused on Martin Luther’s teachings on the Sacraments, vocation, family, grace, and salvation. Pastor John introduced our Lenten focus: Journey to New Life, which allowed us to put our faith into action though seven practical steps that led us to the cross of Christ and through the cross to new life. And Tim O’Shields developed our season of Easter theme in conjunction with his pastoral studies: Jesus Christ is the Same Yesterday, Today, and Forever from Hebrews 13:8. It’s a fifty-day celebration of our risen Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, whose unchanging grace, mercy, and love has brought us through our past, is present with us now, and will forever sustain us through life everlasting. There are so many life-giving opportunities at First, here are a few we added this year. We had a seminary fundraiser for Tim O’Shields that raised over $6,000 to support theological education and his calling to pastoral ministry. Special thanks for the generosity of our congregation and the leadership of the Lokken, Sasser, Nesse, and Heinemann families for a wonderful event. Other events included Night to Shine, a prom in February to show teens with special needs God’s love led by Becky Rognes, Susan Forde, and Stacy Palmer as well as many community and high school volunteers. Our Youth and Family team led by Jenny Edwin and Jordan Winter put on an awesome Easter egg hunt for children in our community. Our Family Fun Day with games, food, and live music was led by Joee Winter, Ann Adams, Jenny Levisen and our Connections ministry team. As you can see, these are only a few of the many life-giving events happening at First. We can also see that leadership encompasses a team effort. We all help out, pitch in, motivate, and inspire each other as our Christian community comes together in unity. Thanks to you for making First Lutheran such an awesome church. As we look at our present financial giving, we are encouraged by the generosity of our congregation as our giving is up. Thank you so much for your continued support and partnership in the Gospel. And as we look ahead, there is a genuine excitement for what God is doing in, with, and through First Lutheran Church. We are reminded always that God is so good! Enjoy the summer months. Pastor Sean
Hope For Recovery Saturday June 17th 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Pastoral Records Baptisms
Our Savior's Lutheran Church 1600 West Oakland Avenue, Austin, MN. Spend a Saturday obtaining information, hope and practical strategies for dealing with the complexities of mental illnesses. Participants learn about mental illnesses, treatments, coping strategies, the mental health system and local resources.
Robert Paul Hartke, April 16, 2017 Axel Simmons, April 30, 2017 Haven Elizabeth Kay Olson, May 14, 2017
Funerals Delores Oakland, April 28, 2017 Dorothy Hendrickson, May 6, 2017 Illena Sletten, May 10, 2017
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FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH WOMEN (FLCW) SALAD LUNCHEON
CARING AND SHARING
First Lutheran Church Albert Lea
June 2017 - Sarah Co-Chairs Judy Hagen Sue Jensen
373-7663 373-7839
Friday, June 16 Serving from
11:00am - 1:00pm
Workers
Come Anytime-There is no program. Cost is $7- payable at the door.
Barb Cliff
Ruth Noren
Nancy Stoa
Diane Damerow
Barb Ochs
Shirley Strand
Judy Folven
Carol Olson
Elaine Syverson
Cathie Kammerer
Dawn Pestorious Kaley Waldemar
Proceeds to benefit Gathering Space Kitchen Updates and the SCRIP program.
All women are members of FLCW and invited to come.
Cakes Betty Abben
Jane Maiden
Sue Toenges
Beth Breamer
Debbie Pelvit
Jill Tweed
Barb Cliff
Betty Ruud
Mae Twito
Thelma Foss
Nona Sippel
Kristin Vanek
Rhoda Knudson
Aimee Struck
Hildy Vallevand
Darlene Levison
Tammy Swenson
All guests welcome!
The First Lutheran Church Women will be taking a bus to... Plymouth Playhouse—Heart Songs Wednesday, July 12 9 am-5:30 pm Cost $60 per person (includes lunch, play and coach bus) Sign up deadline is Monday, June 12 Pay when you sign up and please make check payable to FLCW. Sign up in the church office.
Support Local and Global Mission PURCHASE GIFT CARDS Cards will be available EVERY SUNDAY in the Gathering Space. Cards will also be available in the Office during the week.
Social Ministry Commission
GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE * Kwik Trip Gas and Gift * Kwik Trip Car Wash * Caribou Coffee * Herbergers Walgreens
Despite a cold and bone-chilling rain, the Social Ministry Commission and several more volunteers, had a successful Lutheran World Relief Ingathering on Saturday, May 20. Sixty area churches donated 3440 quilts, 75 blankets, 425 school kits, 1200 personal care kits, 8 fabric kits, 230 baby care kits, over 1500 bars of soap, and $4000 for LWR shipping expenses. A most grateful "Thank You!" to Crossroad Trailer of Albert Lea for the truck & transport to the LWR warehouse in St. Paul. Thanks also to the FLC office & custodial staffs for all the behind the scenes help.
Great for Graduation Gifts and Father’s Day
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WHAT’S HAPPENING AT FLC? Library Corner
person again, ask the bigger questions that still haunt you, receive wisdom for your busy life today the way you once did when you were younger?
Good Summer reading Book of the month
Mitch Albom had that second chance. He rediscovered Morrie in the last months of Maybe it was a grandparent, or a teacher, or a col- the older man's life. Knowing he was dyleague. Someone older, patient and wise, who un- ing, Morrie visited with Mitch in his study derstood you when you were young and searching, every Tuesday, just as they used to back in college. Their rekindled relationship helped you see the world as a more profound turned into one final “class”: lessons in place, gave you sound advice to help you make how to live. your way through it.
"Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom
For Mitch Albom, that person was Morrie Schwartz, Tuesdays with Morrie is a magical chronihis college professor from nearly twenty years ago. cle of their time together, through which Mitch shares Morrie's lasting gift with the world. Maybe, like Mitch, you lost track of this mentor as you made your way, and the insights faded, and the world seemed colder. Wouldn't you like to see that
Volunteer Appreciation Open House Wednesday, June 21, 2017 12:00-2:00 pm In Bethany Hall Open to any and all volunteers of First Lutheran Church. We would like to Thank ALL Volunteers for their much appreciated help and dedication! Come when you can and enjoy lunch provided by FLC!
Tuesday, June 20, 2017
Picnic at Edgewater Shelter Menu: Market Place fried chicken, potato salad, baked beans and Neapolitan ice cream
Please sign-up and pre-pay $6 for your meal reservation.
Everyone is welcome!!
The annual Spuds and Splits dinner sponsored by the Life & Growth Commission will be held on Thursday, June 29 from 4:307 pm. Baked potatoes with many toppings and banana splits with toppings will be served. Suggested donation is $7. Proceeds will benefit the Music Fund and the Seminary Fund. Everyone welcome. 4
FLC YOUTH ANNOUNCEMENTS The Garden Project
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You to everyone who came to
This summer our 7th—12th students will be participating in a garden project. They will be partnering with a local farmer to grow produce and donate it to homeless organizations. They will plan, prepare the soil, plant, and harvest the garden then visit local homeless organizations to distribute the food. Here is a picture of our plot of land. We will give updates through the summer of our progress.
the French Toast Breakfast on Sunday April 30th. The proceeds from the breakfast are a huge help in making the Boundary Waters Trip possible. Thanks again!
Boundary Waters Trip — June 25th - 30th 14 youth and 2 adults will be going to the Boundary Waters on an adventure trip. Please be praying for us as we are on our trip. We ask specifically for safe travels to and from the Boundary Waters, safety while in the Boundary Waters, and that we have open hearts to experience God in a new way. We also ask for you to pray for us by name: Max Le, Jacob Moffitt, Patrick Barnick, Rachel Barnick, Sam Jensen, Evan Goskeson, Maddy Fjermestad, Mikaela Pannkuk, Liz Nafzger, Natalie Nafzger, Emma Loch, Karter Kenis, Ryker Rofshus, Garret Larson, Julie Nafzger, and Jordan Winter. We want to thank everyone who has supported us so far through our fundraisers and through prayer.
Habitat 500 Bike Ride —July 9-15, 2017 For the 21st year, I will be riding in the Habitat 500. This year’s ride takes place during the week of July 9-15 beginning and ending in Victoria, Minnesota with the opportunity to work on a Habitat home in Sauk Rapids. Back in 1997 when I decided to experience the challenge of a long bike ride to raise money for Habitat for Humanity, I never dreamed that I would keep on riding for all these years. Yet, two bikes and over $160,000 later, here I am. This year my goal is to raise a minimum of $10,000.00 once again. I believe that Habitat for Humanity provides a wonderful opportunity for us to live our faith as we give people the opportunity to become the owners of simple, decent, affordable homes. The funds I raise all come back to our local Freeborn-Mower affiliate, which, in turn, sends a tithe of all donations to the International organization. In the past, the First Lutheran family has generously supported my efforts both financially and spiritually. There will be a between services coffee on June 18
during which you can make a contribution to my efforts. Throughout the month of June you can also drop off your donations in the church office or mail them to me at 1129 Lakeview Blvd. Checks “I never dreamed can be made to either First that I would Lutheran Church or Habitat 500. Keep on riding for Receipts can be provided for your all these years.” tax records, however, so cash is also fine. Please remember that no contribution is too small. There will not be special envelopes this year. If your finances do not permit you to make a monetary contribution, please keep me and my fellow riders in your prayers. We always need those and they don’t cost a thing! Thank you and God bless you. Lilah Aas
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June 201 SUN
MON
TUE
WED
Our Continued Prayers are requested for healing and wholeness for: Alan J. Christensen,
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Mary Ann Christian, Larry Fjelstad, Alyssa Gilderhus, Millard Hamborg, Breckyn Heinemann, Karen Houge, Fred (Fritz) Moran, Colleen Politz, Betty Stolaas and…safety for people serving in the Armed Forces, and their families.
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Day of Pentecost
8am-Traditional w/Comm.-S 10 am-Praise & Worship w/Comm.-S
3 pm-Thorne Crest-FLC
8 am-Traditional-S
9:15 am-Baptism-S 10 am-Praise & Worship-S
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8:30 am-FLCW Board-P
10:30 am-Good Samaritan-CEF 6 pm-Welcome Committee meets 3 pm-Oak Park Place-FLC 6:30 pm-Commissions meet-BH
6 pm-Girl Scouts-MPR
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7
12
14
13
Last day to sign up for FLCW field trip to Plymouth Playhouse
6:30
2:30 pm Grace
6:30
15
1 pm-St. John’s on Fountain LakeTrinity 2:30 pm-Sr. Towers-Trinity
10:30 a
6:30
18
Father’s Day
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20
21
11 am-Library Board meets-L 12-2 pm-Volunteer 8 am-Traditional w/Comm.-S 11:30 am-Friends @ First -Picnic Appreciation Day-BH Habitat coffee between services at Edgewater Bay Shelter 1:30 pm-MC #12-MPR for Lilah Aas 10 am-Praise & Worship w/Comm.-S 6:30 pm-Church Council meets-P 1:30 pm-MC #31-P
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8 am-Traditional-S 10 am-Praise & Worship-S
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27
6 pm-MC #6-MPR
BH=Bethany Hall P =Parlor
C= Chapel PR= Prayer Room
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6:30
28
29
1 pm-Messenger Crew-P
4:30 pm
5:30 pm-Sweet Hour of Prayer-C
CR-Choir Room
GS= Gathering Space
RR=Resource Room 6
6:30
S=Sanctuary
L=Library
M
SL=South L
WEEKLY REOCURRING EVENTS
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Sunday Events
8 am-Traditional Service-S 10 am-Praise & Worship-S
THU
SAT
Monday Events 9 am-Holidays Ahead Crafters-BH 7 pm-Narcotics Anonymous-RR
Freeborn County Historical Museum Style Show-BH
Tuesday Events 8:00 am-Happiness Is A Blanket 9:30 am-Staff Meeting-P 7 pm-Narcotics Anonymous-MPR 7 pm-Spirit Express Rehearsal 7:15 pm-Spirit Express Band & Singers Rehearsal
FRI 2
3
9
10
0 pm-Worship in the Chapel w/Comm.
m-St. John’s Lutheran Home-
0 pm-Worship in the Chapel
11 am-1 pm-FLCW Salad Luncheon-BH 2 pm-Freeborn County Historical Museum Style Show set up-MPR & BH 4 pm-Wedding rehearsal-S-P-L
3 pm- Anna Petersen and Zachery Gebhart Wedding-S-P-L
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17
am-Prairie Senior Cottages-FLC
9:30 am-MC #20-P
11 am-1 pm-FLCW Salad Luncheon-BH
Thursday Events 1 & 5:15 pm-Tops– RR
6:30 p.m.-Chapel Service
0 pm-Worship in the Chapel
4:30 pm-Wedding rehearsal-S-P-L
4 pm-Kaley Waldemar and Jacob Moen wedding -S-P-LP
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7 pm-Al-Anon-P 7 pm-Al-Anon kids-N Friday Events 1 pm-Hardanger-MPR Saturday Events 10:30 am-Alcoholics Anonymous-MPR
0 pm-Worship in the Chapel
30
m-Spuds & Splits
0 pm-Worship in the Chapel
MC= Mission Circle
Lot
Wednesday Events 8 am-Prayer Group-PR 9:30 am-Bible Study-MPR
YR=Youth Room
MPR=Multi-Purpose Room
N= Nursery
w/Comm.=with Holy Communion 7
MEMORIALS, HONORS & SPECIAL GIFTS PEACE & POWER FUND
CHORAL SCHOLARS FUND
Dorothy Cafourek given by: Rolland Twito & Paddy Hoium, Arlo & Julie Wallin David Kvam given by: Lee & Darlene Kvam, Konstance Haas Helen Allen given by: Lowell Olson Delores Oakland given by: Lorraine Bakken, Joy White, Bob & Helen Edwin, Mary Stapleton Darrel Juveland given by: Kathleen Lester My late husband, Ellsworth “Ace” Evenson given by: Kathleen Lester Michael Kropp given by: Francis & Marilyn Johnson, Monrad & Karen Mandsager, Bev Grotsun, Jane Reid Barbara Ganske given by: Hildy Vallevand Betty Ruud given by: Kathryn Oothoudt, Judy Menssen, Agnes Boss, Ron & Judy Hagen Paul Krysan - father of Craig & Belinda Krysan given by: Dwaine & Dawn Winkels, Bob & Joni Rowe Marjorie Larson given by: Edmund & Angeline Nelson Barb Westurn given by: Tom & Judy Mullen Betty Stoker given by: Agnes Boss My nephew Darrell G. given by: Agnes Boss Our Cousin - Roger Jahnke given by: Helen Lovik and her brother Merrill Jahnke Dorothy Hendrickson given by: Larry & Janice Lestrud Barbara Reynolds given by: Ben & Phyllis Fredrickson Ronald Hagen given by: Ben & Phyllis Fredrickson James Adams given by: Arlo & Julie Wallin Pamela Badik given by: Silver Lake Church Congregation of Northwood, IA & friends Gary Christian given by: Bob & Helen Edwin Verna Gilbertson given by: Joy White
Arnold Stadheim
In Memory Of:
Gifts Given By:
Marlene Overgaard, Norm & Joyce Fredin, Donna Prescher, Trinity Church Women of New Richland, MN, Gilbert Gilbertson, Patricia Tallman, Leroy & Garnet Folie, Kathryn Belieu, Larry & Dorinda Leutink, Charles & Janet Griebenow, Vern Jahnke, Audrey Sorenson
RADIO FUND
In Memory Of:
Betty Ruud given by: Shirley Christopherson Earl Ehrenberg of San Diego, CA given by: Jane Maiden Karen Schneider given by: Alton Flugum
In Honor Of:
Hildy Vallevand given by: Shirley Christopherson Marlene Jensen given by: Shirley Christopherson Shirley Strand given by: Shirley Christopherson
Gifts Given By:
KIMBERLY (OLSON) GODDARD SCHOLARSHIP
In Memory Of:
Helen Allen given by: Ron & Judy Hagen
TANZANIA MISSION PROJECT FUND
Gifts Given By: Arnold Stadheim
PARISH NURSE PRAYER SHAWL FUND
In Memory Of:
My cousin’s husband, Willy Haavik of Holter, Norway given by: Jane Maiden
YOUTH MISSION TRIP FUND
In Memory Of:
Michael Kropp given by: Keith & Deloris Fligge Fern Edwin given by: Bonnie Schneider
CONFIRMATION CAMPERSHIPS & EVENT FUND
In Memory Of:
Fern Edwin given by: Bob & Candy Herman, Steve & Jenni Field, Eric & Michelle Battle
HAPPINESS IS A BLANKET FUND
In Memory Of:
Betty Ruud given by: Arnie & Mary Ann Venem, Marge Moine, Carlyle & Jeanne Lageson
WORLD HUNGER FUND
In Memory Of:
Eldon Senske for his May 2nd birthday given by: Hazel Senske
YOUTH FUND
In Honor Of:
Our grandson Christian Tyler Jenson given by: Richard & Nancy Jenson Our new granddaughter Emma Elizabeth Jenson given by: Richard & Nancy Jenson
Gifts Given By:
John & Myrna Phillips
GENERAL FUND
Gifts Given By: Roger Sprague
DAVID & SUSAN OLSON ENDOWMENT FUND
In Memory Of:
Karen Neale given by: David & Susan Olson
F.L.C.W. SCRIP PROGRAM FUND
In Honor Of:
Our awesome First Lutheran Church staff given by: Larry & Janice Lestrud
Thank you all for your generosity!! 8
HAPPENINGS IN COLOMBIA
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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)
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eed a ride to church? We are using the Albert Lea Taxi Service. Those who need a ride to church can call 383-3341 to schedule a ride to the service of their choice 8:00, or 10:00 am on Sundays, or Thursday evenings at 6:30. Just let the driver know to bill FLC. Please help the office by letting us know if your event cancels or not being held that week or month. When we get calls in the office they expect us to know. Please help us out.
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-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Friday 4:50 p.m.) 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) Normal Hours for the FLC Building Sunday: 7:00 am–12:00 noon; Monday–Thursday: 7:00 am–9:00 pm Friday: 8:00 am – 4:50 pm; Saturday: 8:00 – 11:50 am Other times by appointment or as meetings/events are scheduled
The Special Outreach Cause for June is: “HOSPICE” Hospice care is prescribed for critically
ill individuals with a life expectancy of six months or less. The primary goal of this care is keep patients as comfortable as possible throughout the end stages of life. These comfort measures include pain management and methods for minimizing disease-related symptoms. Hospice care can be provided in the home, hospital, long-term care facilities, or a stand-alone hospice house. Special envelopes are available from ushers at our worship services. Please, make checks payable to FLC.
April 2017 Financial Reports — Year-to-date FLC General Fund (G.F.)
Reminder… There is an extra Name Tag Carousel at the South Entrance.
Offerings Other Income Total Income Expenses Surplus (Deficit) January 1, 2017 April 30, 2017 Radio Income Expense Net gain (loss) 10
Actual Budget Over/(Under) $ 238,219 $232,667 $5,552 38,117 35,933 $2,184 $ 276,336 $268,600 $7,736 $ 261,098 $268,600 7,502 $15,238 -0$15,238 $ 111,264 G.F. ‘Fund Balance’ $ 126,502 G.F. ‘Fund Balance’ FLC Broadcast Ministries Peace & Power Actual $ 5,209 Income $19,933 3,616 Expense 13,067 $1,593 Net gain (loss) $6,866
MUSICAL NOTES It can't be June already! We are approaching the Day of Pentecost and the coming of the Holy Spirit. The weather is beautiful and it is an exciting time of year! Throughout the entire year, we end every one of our worship services with the words, "Go in PEACE and POWER to serve the Risen Lord!" Those words resonate with me not only at the end of every worship service, but every morning when I get up. When I wake each morning, I ask myself if I will truly go out into the world armed with the peace and power of the risen Lord? I also ask myself, are you as committed as you should be to live in the peace and power of the risen Lord? To answer these questions, I just say that I keep trying every day! Our spiritual journey with God is a work in process. There are several scriptures that help me on my journey and I hope they help you. In Romans 15:13 we hear "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit". In Romans 8:11 we hear "But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you." One of my favorite "comfort and peace" Scriptures is John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." Jesus Christ invites us right there to receive the peace of the Holy Spirit. It is a beautiful thing--our bridge over calm and troubled waters! I am off to Luther Seminary for two weeks during this month. I will be studying on campus for what they call the "Intensive" study. This summer I am studying: Triune God and World: The Holy Spirit Thinking Theologically--Confessing Publicly Who I Am As A Christian Public Leader II Hebrew All of our choirs are on vacation through the end of August. They all deserve a rest for outstanding service throughout our season!
DOVE OF PEACE May God's blessings and peace be with you always. Tim
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Summer Worship Schedule
Come and Worship with Us... Two Services on Sunday 8 am — Traditional Service 10 am — Praise & Worship Service 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
First Lutheran Church—F.L.C.—For the Love of Christ
[Address label here]
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