First Lutheran Church Albert Lea, MN www.flcal.org
JUNE 2020 MESSENGER MAY
28, 2020 VOLUME LXX NO. 6
THE MISSION OF FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH IS: TO GATHER, EQUIP, AND EMPOWER PEOPLE 1
TO JOYFULLY DO
CHRISTS WORK.
Rejoice in the Lord ! Dear Friends in Christ, Over 40 years ago, Peace & Power, the television broadcast ministry of First Lutheran Church, began over KAAL-TV, Channel 6. It has served people who could not make it to worship on Sunday mornings for all of these years. At the time of its founding, it was quite innovative. Who could have guessed how valuable it would be to serve people in the year 2020, in the face of the isolation brought on by public health safety measures with the Covid-19 coronavirus? Through our Peace & Power ministry the impact of First Lutheran Church has been felt for miles around. We have received mail from all over the region. These are many of the towns from which we have received cards, letters, many with donations: In Minnesota: Adams, Albert Lea, Alden, Austin, Blooming Prairie, Blue Earth, Byron, Chatfield, Dodge Center,
Eagle Lake, Eyota, Glenville, Grand Meadow, Hayfield, Kasson, Kenyon, Mankato, Owatonna, Preston, Rochester, Spring Valley, Stewartville, Waterville, Wells, Winnebago, Wykoff, and Zumbrota; In Iowa: Britt, Charles City, Corwith, Cresco, Forest City, Lake Mills, Lime Springs, Manly, Mason City, Northwood, Osage, Osage, Rockwell, and Thompson; In Wisconsin: Fountain City.
I heard once that for every letter a radio or TV station receives on a topic, there are likely 100 others who feel the same way, but don’t write in. If that’s the case with our Peace & Power correspondence, we may be reaching thousands of people each week. Here is a sampling of excerpts from some of these letters: Keep up the good work and your love that never fails us. I thank God for this blessing. I have been listening to Peace and Power each week since this isolation began. Thank you for the love and
thoughtfulness that comes through the sermons and prayers.
Thank you for broadcasting the peace and power hour. I have found it to be inspiring. Thank you for producing this program each week. Thank you for allowing me to partake in the Lords supper. Thank you ... your message makes my day. I feel like I have been to church, almost. Your service helps me re-
new and get through the week. God bless you for all your faith and the comfort and the message....
Thank Pastor Jan for her sermon of love on the May 17 worship. It touched my heart deeply. Our being able to worship with you on Sundays on channel 6 has been a pandemic miracle for us! I am particularly grateful for the many times you have encouraged those tuning in to remember to support their
own congregations through this time.
We have been thankful to listen to Peace and Power several Sundays. It is so well done. Now that we don’t have services at our church, I watch Peace and Power, which a lot of us watch.… Thank you to Pastor John and all participants in worship services broadcast on channel 6. I love the way you have got pastors from local churches so we can still be watching Peace and Power. I guaran-
tee there are a lot more people watching P and P now...
...it’s sure a blessing. John and Jan do a wonderful job of getting the word out to us. Thank you. My church is just on the Internet, and I don’t have Internet, so you have been my only church service lately. I am very appreciative of all the work and effort required to present the telecast—organist, TV technicians, cus-
todians, etc. ...Bless you for your efforts to keep me close to my Lord and Savior.
...and I am so glad to watch and pray with your church in Albert Lea. It is a lifeline for us, especially during these days of COVID-19.
What a privilege to be a part of this Holy Spirit inspired ministry at FLC! “and you will be My witnesses ... to the ends of the earth.” ~Acts 1:8
Excellent proclaiming the gospel! They lift my spirits and assure me of God‘s ongoing
love and concern. .... I find it very fulfilling.
For your TV broadcast. We think it is great. Thanks for being there! ...it is such a godsend to be able to tune in on Sunday.
... like an oasis in the desert. Thanks for helping us get through these tough times! Your ministry has been a huge blessing in my life... Thank you...for the wonderful hour of hope and peace. I miss going to church, but your service is so inspira-
tional, and I really appreciate it.
In the light of His love,
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Pastor John F. Holt
FLC PROPERTY ENHANCEMENT TEAM First Lutheran Church Lighting Projects
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FLC CONFIRMATION PROJECT Our Confirmation students created and left May Day baskets.
May baskets are made as part of the May Day tradition in celebration of Spring.
A May Day Basket is a basket filled with treats and/or flowers and left on your neighbors or friends door on the first day of May!
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SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS General Fund totaling $11,000 Ashley Butt Sydney Collins Koby Hendrickson Karter Kenis Lauren Miller Ryker Rofshus
Norm and Joyce Fredin Scholarship Lauren Miller Bill Hammer Memorial Scholarship Travis Jensen Kimberly Olson Goddard Memorial Scholarship Tierney Murtaugh Keith Fligge Memorial Scholarship Lauren Miller and Ryker Rofshus
FLC COUNCIL MAY 2020 UPDATE The council would like to thank the Congregation for their faithfulness in giving during the challenging time when we are unable to meet in person! The staff at First Lutheran are working on a plan over the coming weeks to start reopening and gathering in a safe way! Stay tuned! The Spirit of Giving Team will be putting together a plan for our Fall Stewardship Campaign. The council and nominating committee is still looking for someone who is feeling led to be our council Secretary and the Chair of our Youth Ministry Team. If you are interested please contact Kara Heinemann, Ginny Larson or Larry Larson. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 NIV U P DAT E O N C A L L C O M M I T T E E Greetings congregation! The Call Committee is going to have a direction from the Church Council after their July meeting. There has been serious consideration of the needs of First Lutheran in our forward growth along with much dialogue. They have worked hard in assessing our church family making sure of the right decision. We as a committee will be ready to finish and submit the Ministry Site Profile at that time and move forward. We look forward to serving you all with Spirit guided work. We ask for your continued prayers. These are exciting times of transition! Any questions can be directed to Janice Hammer 507-383-9957. May God guide us! 5
The future is all yours now. Go for it! May the Lord bless your steps and watch over you."
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Prayer List Our Prayers are requested for healing and wholeness for: Casey Dusza, Nancy Kotyk, Darlene Kvam and Officer Arik Matson.
Our Continued Prayers are requested for healing and wholeness for: Jody Bakken, Alan J. Christensen, Rodger Christenson, Mary Ann Christian, Millard Hamborg, Dorothy Hanson, Breckyn Heinemann, Glenn Helland, Barbara Holt, Sharon Johnson, Deb Koenigs, Phil Koppelman, Tom Loverink, Fred (Fritz) Moran, Paul Overgaard, Elaine Panzer, Jean Stearns, ... and their spouses, families & caregivers, and… safety for people serving in the Armed Forces, and their families. CARING & SHARING
FLC Prayer Ministry Want prayer for
Co-Chairs:
yourself or others? Call Jo, 763-257-9018 or Julia, 373-9594. Prayers are kept confidential among prayer chain members.
Workers
Personal Visitation by the Pastors
June —Sarah
Judy Hagen Sue Jensen
507-373-7663 507-373-7839
Barb Cliff Diane Damerow Judy Folven Jill Johnson Cathie Kammerer Ruth Noren Barb Ochs
Carol Olson Dawn Pestorious Nancy Stoa Shirley Strand Elaine Syverson Kaley Waldemar
Cakes
Beth Breamer Barb Cliff Jill Johnson Sharon Koppelman Darlene Levison Marilyn Light Julie Nafzgar Debbie Pelvit
Marilyn Sasser Darla Schnaith Dawn Thompson Sue Toenges Jill Tweed Mae Twito Hildy Vallevand
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 ❸on 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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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, (Cell—(507) 621-1758
2019-2021 Council Members Quick Reference Guide President- Ginny Larson- larsonvirginia3@gmail.com Vice President- Dawn Thompson-507-383-2953- dthomps58@gmail.com Treasurer-Dan Dorman-612-245-5204- aldormans@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-57-402-3909- gandy6gunhild@gmail.com Property Enhancement- Dave Van Fossen-507-402-0634- davevf@gmail.com Spirit of Giving- Dan Liebsch-319-721-0700- dliebschdvm@gmail.com Membership and Growth- Joyce Fredin- 507-383-2646-nefredin@charter.net F.L.C.W- President- Diane Damerow Sharing the Faith - Jo Hanson- 763-257-9018-Jobunny19@gmail.com Lead Pastor – John Holt-507-373-6424-john@flcal.org Church Administrator- Kara Heinemann- 507-373-6424- kara@flcal.org Interim Pastor- Jan Crissinger- 507-373-6424-jan@flcal.org
If you have moved or changed phone numbers, (including cell phone), please, call the church office with your new information. Also, please, call in with, or send in, your email address, so we can keep you updated on things.
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) 9
Memorials, Honors & Special Gifts Clarice Smith given by Jane Maiden Donald Smith Birthday May 14 given by Arlis Smith Gary Sola given by his family and friends Bob Sundve given by Marliss Bachtle, Gordon & LouJean Nelson Evelyn Tordoff given by Don & Jan Flatness Charlie Troe given by Marliss Bachtle Doris Trustem given by Betty Johnson
PEACE & POWER FUND
In Memory Of:
Ellsworth & Dee Bennett given by Kathy Schulz Dorothy Bjerke given by Millard & Phyllis Hamborg, Dwaine & Mavis Abbe Steven Brownlow given by the Harshbarger family, Robert & Joanne Rowe, Gordon & LouJean Nelson, Bonnie Schneider, Donna Henrikson, Hazel Senske, Jim & Vicki Anderson Richard Bryson for his 90th Birthday May 16th given by Mavis Bryson and family My loving husband Gene Engebretson in celebration of his Birthday May 22 given by his wife Selma Engebretson Carol Goldman given by Jane Maiden, Rev. Maria Hall Arline Gore given by Audrey Christensen Wayne Hanson given by Neva Mathison, Bonnie Trampel, Margaret Hagen, Audrey Christensen, Mary Ann & Arnie Venem Arlys Jensen given by Arlene Jensen Richard Jensen given by Ione Kelly Sharon Jensen given by Curtis Jensen Ken Joachim given by Bonnie Trampel, Marcia Habben Russ Juers husband of Patti (Maiden) who died May 9, 2020, given by her cousin, Jane Maiden John Kingstrom given by Marliss Bachtle, Helen Lovik and Merriell Jahnke Carlyle (Collie) Lageson given by Thelma Foss, Bonnie Trampel, Ruth Ann Noren, Laverne & Shirley Strand Lois Lau given by Eddie & Violet Hanssen, Don & Jan Flatness Burnett Loge given by Arlene Jensen, Marliss Bachtle, Gen Montei Melvin Mattson given by Patricia Bangert Joe Narverud given by Sandy Narverud My husband Clifford Otterson given by Margaret Otterson Connie Peterson given by Selma Engebretson Darell Pries given by Sharon Pries, Deb Koenigs Brother Roger Rebelein given by Arlis Smith Roger Rebelein brother of Audrey Christenson and Arlis Smith given by Bonnie Schneider, Diane Olson, Geraldine Sauke, Marian Ahnemann, Merriell Jahnke, Helen Lovik, Carol Olson, Bonnie Trampel
In Honor Of :
Marguerite Kirchner given by Beverly Grotsun
Gifts Given by: Stan Tweeten, Lois Brandt, Steve & Sharon Overgaard, Donna Erdman, Robert Lubbert, Vernon Ebeling, Ernest Ness, Glenville FLC Women, Linda Schmidt, David Paulson, Audrey Johannsen, Karen Flim, Patricia Tallman, Jim Clark, Phyllis Bacon, Deacon Douglas Spiotta The Cottages Stewartville, MN, Barbara Schnoor, Robert & Karen Meyer, Anita Haugland, Roger & Pat Bekaert, Janet Schmidtke, June Nelson, Annette Hansen, Kathryn Oothoudt, Bob & Pat Goldman, Eugene Soland, Gilbert Gilbertson, Ila Breck, Arlen & Rhodette Groe, LeRoy & Garnet Folie, Carl & Mary Jane Grandstrand, Carol Olson, RADIO FUND
In Memory Of:
Burnett Loge given by Friends and family, Arlene Jensen Clarice Smith given by Jane Maiden
In Honor Of :
My brother, Marlin Schenck for his April 26th Birthday given by Janice & Larry Lestrud
ALTAR GUILD
In Memory Of:
Arline Gore given by Bonnie Trampel
GENERAL FUND
In Memory Of:
Arline Gore given by Inge Rhiger Wayne Hanson given by Dennis Wentzel Burnett Loge given by Jay & Marilyn Reierson My mother Mary Nelson for Mother’s Day given by Jim & Sheila Hansen Gary Sola given by Marcia Sola
In Honor Of : My Godmother Margaret Courrier for Mother’s Day 10
given by Jim & Sheila Hansen
Gifts Given by:
HELPING FAMILIES FUND
David & Marilyn Erickson, Joan Johnson, Allan Anderson, Carol Zetah, Nancy Ellison, Donald & Wenonah Berkland, Marcia Sola, JoAnn Thoe, Dolores Bowers, Rex Colling, Mike Ask, Susan Ellinghuysen, Fred Fiebelkorn, Leroy & Kathy Schiffman, Alberta Sorenson, LaVonne Gilderhus, Donna Erdman, Louise Martell, Kent & Mary Hallling, Constance Trihus, Ramona Swenson, Phyllis Lau, David & Patricia Klinge, Gladys Biehl FOOD FOR SCHOOL BACKPACKS PROGRAM FUND
In Memory Of:
In Memory Of:
Steve Brownlow given by Steve & Sandra Nesse, Wayne & Jackie Sletten
KIMBERLY (OLSON) GODDARD SCHOLARSHIP FUND
In Memory Of:
Connie Olson given by Beverly Nelson Herb Sorenson given by Carol Olson Cliff Otterson given by Carol Olson Connie Peterson given by Neva Mathison, Carol Olson Steve Brownlow given by Carol Olson
MUSIC FUND
In Memory Of:
Steve Brownlow given by Allen & Bonnie Anderson, Burnette Loge given by Gwen Borst Gary & Ginny Thompson Joy Christian given by Marcia Habben SANCTUARY LIGHTING FUND Sharon Jensen given by Curtis Jensen In Memory Of: Burnette Loge given by Robert & Joanne Rowe, Cindy Bill Bahr, brother in law of Al & Sue Blenka given by Al & William Nassen, Robert Voss & Sue Blenka
Gifts Given by:
Gifts Given by:
Gary & Ginny Thompson
Norm & Joyce Fredin
HAPPINESSS IS A BLANKET
TIM O’SHIELD S INTERN FUND
In Memory Of:
Roger Rebelein given by Janice & Larry Lestrud
BILL HAMMER SCHOLARSHIP
In Memory Of: Dennis Lair given by Larry & Cheryl Beavens
In Honor Of:
First Lutheran Church Staff given by Jim & Vicki Anderson
WORLD HUNGER FUND
In Honor Of :
Cindy Gandrud given by Marvyl Dahl
Pastoral Records: Baptisms, Weddings, Deaths, Funerals, Memorial Services Baptism Rowan Eugene Lennie, May 7, 2020 Wedding Sue Toenges and Doug Olson, May 23, 2020 Death Carlyle Lageson, May 20, 2020
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Come Worship With Us Sundays: 8 am — Traditional Worship Service* 10 am — Praise & Worship Service* Wednesdays: 6:30 pm — Worship in the Chapel* Holy Communion is celebrated on the 1st & 3rd Sundays of each month, and the Wednesdays preceding those Sundays.
9:15 am- Sunday morning “Immersion” 9:30 am- Wednesday morning Bible
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)
Fir st Luther an Church—F.L.C.—For the Love of
[Address label here]
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