June 2021

June 2021 May 26, 2021 Volume LXXI No. 5

Volume LXXI No. 5

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR RETIREMENT PASTOR HOLT!

Sunday’s Summer Worship Schedule

Starts Sunday, June 6 2021

8:00 am - Traditional Worship 10:00 am - Blended Worship

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

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“It’s harder to build than destroy. To build is to engage and change.

In jazz, we call progressing harmonies ‘changes.’ Changes are like obstacles on a speed course.

They demand your attention and require you to be present.

They are coming...they are here... and then they’re gone. It's how life comes.

Each moment is a procession from the future into the past and the sweet spot is always the present. Live in that sweet spot. Be present.”

Winton Marsalis, Jazz and Classical Musician

Dear Friends,

June 2021

“Can you hear me now?” It’s a familiar question with cell phone users when they are past the boundaries of a tower. When you get out of range, the communication can be suddenly dropped. Being able to hear and respond is also the larger question of prophets and teachers and poets in the scriptures. This summer, as we prepare and receive a new pastor into our midst and we take to the lakes and woods, it’s a good time for us to reflect on the power of communication.

“Summer,after all, is a time when wonderful things can happen to quiet people…

Summer just opens the door and lets you out.” Deb Caletti Summer truly does provide Minnesotans the opportunity for delightful things to happen to quiet, hardworking people. After months of COVID restrictions, we are more than ready. Summertime also means we can “get out of range” of the demands of daily life. That’s one of the things we most appreciate about this season. While you’re out and about, I encourage you to stay “in range” with God and with your faith family.

Here at the church we’re always working on the ways that we can better communicate. Our new newsletter format is a work-in-progress to assist the congregation in staying current with the life of the church and our community. Our weekly worship bulletin is now 90% projected on sanctuary projection screens. That has been a necessary move imposed by the pandemic. Announcements are posted on the website and Facebook. In short, the leaders at church are always exploring ways we can increase awareness, promote the sense of community and encourage faithfulness and servanthood in our daily lives—not just on Sunday.

But communication isn’t just a “one-way-street.” For our efforts to truly bear fruit, our staff, council and committees need to hear from you. If you have a bit of humor to share, a milestone event, or any item of significance to share—we want to hear from you. Let’s all expand the ways we communicate with one another and with God: Praying, listening, encouraging.

No matter how far we travel this summer, we are never out of range of the love of God. The psalmist says it best: “If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.

Thanks, friends, for holding me in prayer and for being present, especially following the loss of my beloved brother last month. With God’s help, I promise to be present and hold each of you in my heart as we move forward.

Yours in Christ, Pastor Jan

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Greetings siblings in Christ!

I am incredibly excited to begin our journey together at First Lutheran Church. My family and I have received so many warm welcomes already-and we haven’t moved into the community yet! We have a beautiful new home to move into and an amazing new family of faith to call our church.

New beginnings are the perfect time to grow in enthusiasm together. We find ourselves at a moment when many things feel new as we begin to venture out. We have all been impacted by the past 15 months of living in a world struggling with a pandemic. With vaccinations being administered and Covid case numbers declining-it feels like a breath of fresh air. We are encouraged and cautious as we begin to think that life may be close to returning to normal. We are hopeful for the future, even as we know that it will look different. Likewise, we will carry memories of how we were each affected by the pandemic.

As I begin my ministry with you, I am sure that you have a combination of hope and excitement for the future of FLC. Along with that, it is normal to be having questions about that same future. What will Pastor Roger be like? Am I going to be changing anything from the way you do it now? What changes will happen in welcoming a new pastor?

I do not have an answer for every question, but I can share with you my approach to being a pastor. I love being a pastor, but I love the people that God has called me to pastor even more. I believe that I am always called to love my people more than I love my job. I will give to you the best that I have, while also challenging you to give your best to each other. I carry with me these words from scripture: I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:34-35 We have blessed and wonderful days ahead of us.

In the love of Jesus, Pastor Roger PS: My first day in the office will be June 14th.

I have an open-door policy, so feel free to stop by anytime!

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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 Pageas 4 we prepare for the upcoming expense.

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”

Baptism Banner Help!!!!

We are looking for someone who loves to do crafts and would be interested in making our Baptism Banners.

We have the supplies, stencils, etc.

We just need someone who loves to craft willing to make the banners when needed.

If you are interested please contact Kara Heinemann in the Church Office for more information!

THE LAST NIGHT OF CONFIRMATION MAY 12, 2021 To celebrate the end of the year, the 8th & 9th Grade Confirmation students went to the Ninja Warrior Course at the Albert Lea Gymnastics Club.

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SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS First Lutheran Church General Fund totaling $9,950 Aliyah Garzon, Ellie Wallace, Ashlyn Yost, William Ladlie, Makayla Anderson, Ethan Battle, Anna Dahl, Caden Jensen, Caden Stevens, Logan Barr, Gracie Boyenga, Aaron Farris, Noah Iverson Norm and Joyce Fredin Scholarship: Aaron Farris & Caden Jensen Bill Hammer Memorial Scholarship: Elise Grzybowski Kimberly Olson Goddard Memorial Scholarship: Ellie Wallace & Ashlyn Yost Keith Fligge Memorial Scholarship: Ethan Battle, Aaron Farris, & Ellie Wallace

SENIOR RECOGNITION SUNDAY MAY 16, 2021

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June 2021 SUN

MON

TUE

WED

1 8 am-Quilters-BH & MPR

2

9:30 am-Staff meeting-P 3:30 pm-Membership &Growth Team Meeting-P 6:30 pm-Sharing the Faith Team Meeting-BH 6:30 pm-Blended Service Music

6

7

8 Traditional Worship-S

9am-12pm-The Perfect Gift Shoppe open

10:00 am-Peace & Power BroadcastKAAL-TV, Channel 6

1:00 pm-History Team-L

10:00 am Blended Worship-S

14

8 Traditional Worship-S

9am-12pm-The Perfect Gift Shoppe open

10:00 am-Peace & Power BroadcastKAAL-TV, Channel 6

4pm-MC #6-MPR

10:00 am Blended Worship-S

Father’s Day

21

8 Traditional Worship-S

9am-12pm-The Perfect Gift Shoppe open

10:00 am-Peace & Power BroadcastKAAL-TV, Channel 6

6:30 pm-Church Council meets-P

10:00 am Blended Worship-S

27

28

9am-12pm-The Perfect Gift Shoppe open

4pm-MC #6-MPR

10:00 am-Peace & Power BroadcastKAAL-TV, Channel 6

10:00 am Blended Worship-S 10:00 am-Live Broadcast-KATE Radio-1450AM

9:30 am-Staff meeting-P

8 am-P 11 am1:15 pm

8 am-Quilters-BH & MPR

15

16

9:30 am-Staff meeting-P

8 am-P 9 am-B

8 am-Quilters-BH & MPR

22

23

9:30 am-Staff meeting-P

8 am-P 9 am-B 11 am1 pm-M

8 am-Quilters-BH & MPR

6:30 pm-Blended Service Music Rehearsal

10:00 am-Live Broadcast-KATE Radio-1450AM

Pastor Fears Installation 8 Traditional Worship-S

9

6:30 pm-Blended Service Music Rehearsal

10:00 am-Live Broadcast-KATE Radio-1450AM

20

8

6:30 pm-Blended Service Music Rehearsal

10:00 am-Live Broadcast-KATE Radio-1450AM

13

8 am-P 9 am-F

29

30

9:30 am-Staff meeting-P

8 am-P 9 am-B

8 am-Quilters-BH & MPR

6:30 pm-Blended Service Music Rehearsal

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D

Prayer Group-PR FLCW Board meets-BH

Prayer Group-PR -Mutual Ministry Team-P m-FLCW Tea Party at Sheri Nicol’s home

Prayer Group-PR Bible Study-BH

Prayer Group-PR Bible Study-BH -Mutual Ministry Team-P Messenger Crew-P

Prayer Group-PR Bible Study-BH

THU

FRI

SAT

3

4

5

11

12

18

19

25

26

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

10 1 pm-Hardanger-MPR 5-6 pm-Food Ministry Drive Up-SL

17 1 pm-Hardanger-MPR 5-6 pm-Food Ministry Drive Up-SL

24 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

REPORT FROM HAPPINESS IS A BLANKET QUILTERS On May 15, 2021 the quilters gave 291 quilts to the Lutheran World Relief Van. During the time since the last Lutheran World Relief Drive we have also given the Salvation Army 2 quilts, 1 blanket and 1 comforter.

We want to thank all of the quilters for their faithful dedication to this project. We also want to thank everyone who made donations. We can use donations of fabric, drapes, quilt fill and bedding such as pillow cases, blankets and mattress pads. We cannot use down quilts or rubber backed fabric. Monetary donations are welcome.

We always welcome anyone interested in helping. We meet Tuesday mornings from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. You do not have to know how to sew as there are other jobs to be done such as tying, ripping, pressing and cutting blocks.

If you have any questions, please call Audrey Christensen 373-2770 or Bonnie Trampel 373-1665.

Thank you.

The Special Cause Offering for June is the Foster Care Clothing Trailer

The foster care clothing trailer provides many basic needs for kids in foster care. Most of the children who enter foster care come with little to no clothes, this is a big financial burden on the foster parents. The goal of the foster care clothing trailer is for foster children and foster parents to be able to come and “shop” just like a store, with no cost to them.

Monetary donations are used to purchase the items in the trailer that we can not accept used. Things like: socks, underwear, bras, diapers, wipes, formula, deodorant, shampoo, soap, body wash, feminine hygiene products, hair brushes and hair ties. It also goes to purchase each foster family one car seat to use for their foster children. Those items are the most used and the most costly. Continued support of the foster care clothing trailer means so much to our foster care community!!!

FIRST LUTHERAN MESSENGER (USPS196-560) Published by First Lutheran Church (Monthly) 301 West Clark Street, Albert Lea, MN

Periodicals postage paid at Albert Lea, Minnesota 56007 Subscription price

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

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LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF INGATHERING

FLCW Garden Tea Party Wednesday, June 9, 2021 1:15 p.m. at the home of Sheri Nicol 78389 180th St., Albert Lea RSVP to Sheri at 319-350-1182 If you wish to carpool meet in the church parking lot Please bring a nonperishable food item as your offering

SAT. MAY 15, 2021

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

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Memorials, Honors & Special Gifts PEACE & POWER FUND

In Memory of:

Dwaine Abbe given by Merriell Jahnke & Helen Lovik Kenny Anderson given by family & friends Beverly Brenno given by Bonnie Trampel Perry Clifford given by Mary & Tim Stapleton Marilyn Dulitz given by Peter Dulitz Steve Erickson given by Gary & Ginny Thompson.

Roxanne & Dennis Wadding, Jerry & Patricia Dahl Garnet Folie given by Sue Loch, friends & family, Sandy Narverud, Carl & Nancy Anderson, Bruce & Joni Cather, Lester & Anita Casterton, Marie Wilson, Tom Guinney given by Dennis & Carol Colstrup Jimmy Hagen given by David & Bethlyn Breamer Thelma Isaacson given by Garnice Rasmusson, Bill & Ann Satre, Fern Urbatsch Caroline Jelle given by Jane & Jim Loge Deb Koenigs given by Bonnie Schneider, Bonnie Trampel, Ruth Noren, Mike & Wanda Wangsness, Laverne & Shirley Strand, Tom & Betty Sime, Darlene & Bob Levisen, Ellwood & Janice Tukua, Al & Bonnie Bakken, Jill Clarambeau, Robert & Theresa Hartke, Wayne & Carol Hedalen,, Thayne & Becky Nordland, Lilah Aas, Marcia Habben, Jim & Jane Loge, Ken & Diane Damerow, Tom & Judy Mullen, Bill & Ann Satre, Larry & Julia Tonder Carlyle Lageson for the 2nd anniversary of his May 15th death given by Jeanne Lageson James (Jim) Madson) given by Lorraine Bakken Connie Maxwell given by Helen Lovik Joe Narverud & Virginia Gaasdalen Olson given

by Sandy Narverud & family Greg Nelson (son of Beverly Nelson) given by Lorraine Bakken, James & Jane Madson, friends & family Virginia Gaasdalen Olson given by Miriam & Robert White Gladys Rowe given by Judy Folven, Kelley & Sally Wheeler, Mike & Su Ellen Sip, Ashvin & Beth Ragoowansi Mervin Schuhmacher given by D J Morrison, Bruce & Teresa Schuhmacher Don Swanson given by Lois Friedrich Flugge

In Honor of

Tim O Shields given by Donna Henrikson

Gifts Given By:

Constance Trihus,, Marlene Peterson, Deloris Singlestad, Jonathon Schmidt, Judith Everds, Ona Meyer, Christian & Annette Hansen, Buddy & Phyllis Bonfy, Becky Logemann, Leona Howe, Janice Jensen, Harriet Wangen, Dennis & Jane Behr, Deacon Douglas Spiotta, Donald & Sharon Neubauer, Beulah Thompson, Kevin & Martha Kenne GENERAL FUND

In Memory of

Rich Crissinger (brother of Jan Crissinger) given by Dennis & Georgia Wentzel

Gifts Given By:

Sara Cogar, Julie Walk,, Heartland Insurance, JJim & Bev Gorder, Faith Ryan

FLIGGE FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP

In Memory of

Gladys Rowe given by Deloris Fligge FOOD MINISTRY

In Memory of

Judy Nelson given by Ellwood & Janice Tukua James Madson given by Ellwood & Janice Tukua HELPING FAMILIES FUND

Gifts Given By

Lilah Aas, Curtis Jensen

In Honor of

Tim O’Shields in Celebration of his Ordination given by Wayne & Jackie Sletten

Gifts Given By: Judith Hagen

HAPPINESS IS A BLANKET

In Memory of:

Thelma Isaacson given by Cheryl Moran

Volume LXXI No. 5 Page 11

Memorials, Honors & Special Gifts (cont.)

HYMNAL FUND In Memory of Rich Crissinger (brother of Jan Crissinger) given by Janice Lestrud, Helen Lovik FLC MUSIC FUND

In Memory of:

Deb Koenigs given by Gary & Ginny Thompson, Cheryl Moran, Tim & Mary Stapleton

In Honor of

Tim O’Shields given by Deloris Fligge, Mary & Tim Stapleton CHOIR ROBE FUND

In Memory of

Deb Koenigs given by Norm & Joyce Fredin RADIO FUND

Gifts Given By:

Pastoral Records: Baptisms, Weddings, Deaths, Funerals, Memorial Services Funeral: Gregory Nelson, April 13, 2021 Agnes Boss, May 12, 2021 Kenneth Anderson, April 14, 2021 Thelma Isaacson, May 14, 2021 Debra Koenigs, May 17, 2021 Baptism: Wyatt John Peterson, April 25, 2021 Noah Andrew Nystrom, May 8, 2021 Maren Jean Froisland, May 15, 2021 Ariana Costanza Lopez, May 15, 2021 Mabel Esther Martinez, May 16, 2021 Annabelle Marilee De Wolf, May 22, 2021

Jonathon Schmidt

FLC BUILDING & OFFICE HOURS

STAINED GLASS LIGHTING FUND

In Memory of

Building

Greg Nelson (son of Beverly Nelson) Given by Donna Henrikson

Mon., Tues., Thurs. 8:00 AM-5:00 PM Wednesday 8:00 AM-5:30 PM

In Honor of: Pastor John & Joan Holt (for his Retirement) given by Donna Henrikson,, David & Sue Olson, Jane Maiden, Bonnie Trampel, Lilah Aas, Bonnie Schneider, Marcia Habben, Al & Sue Blenka, Jim & Jane Loge, Neva Mathison, Gary & Ginny Thompson

LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF TRANSPORTATION FUND

Gifts Given By Donald & Sharon Neubauer, Lilah Aas, Karen Joachim, Lonny & Laurie Lenz, Emmons Lutheran Church

Office 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] 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)

Sunday’s Summer Worship Schedule

Welcome 2021-2023 Church Council Leadership!!

Starts June 6 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- Dan Dorman 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 Please Join us for the installation of our new council on June 13th at 10:00am!

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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