March 2020

First Lutheran Church Albert Lea, MN www.flcal.org

MARCH 2020 MESSENGER FEBRUARY

27, 2020 VOLUME LXX

NO. 3

Special Lenten Observances At First Lutheran Church

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

Soup & Sandwich Lunches 11:30 am in Bethany Hall Evening Meals 5:30 pm in Bethany Hall Lenten Worship 12:30 and 6:30 pm in the Sanctuary Meals are $5 per person Supports our Youth Confirmation Camps.

Pastor’s Page

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FLC Library

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FLC Call Committee Update

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March Calendar

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What’s Happening at FLC

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Night to Shine

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FLC Women

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Crossword Puzzle

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“Lord, do your resurrection work in me. Transform my heart and my life into one that gives You glory and praise in every way. Pull me deeper and bring me closer to Your heart."

"God, shine a light on the areas of my life where I have selfish motives that draw my attention away from You. Strengthen me as I fast from those things and Instead prioritize You."

THE MISSION OF FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH IS: TO GATHER, EQUIP, AND EMPOWER PEOPLE TO JOYFULLY DO

CHRIST ’ S WORK. 1

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

Lent—Obligation or Opportunity Welcome to Lent.

What is Lent to you?

Is it a meaningless obligation, or is it a hopeful, meaningful opportunity?

Looking at Lent as an obligation might make you want to shy away.

Looking at Lent as an opportunity might make you want to embrace it?

The word ‘Lent’ is related to the word ‘lengthen’ as during this time of year the daylight hours get longer each day. After the darker days of winter, we look forward to lighter days and the warmth of spring.

Some are already thinking about planting gardens and flowers in the spring.

Right now nurseries and green houses are planting seeds in pots and growing little plants, so that they will be ready to sell in the warmer days of May. They do this, so the plants can be set out in the gardens and soon be fruitful and beautiful.

Like the nurturing of flowers and vegetable plants in green houses, Lenten disciplines help us grow deeper in our faith, like roots going down into fertile soil. This, then, leads to more beautiful and fruitful lives, like the flowers that will bloom, and the vegetables that will grow in our gardens.

I was trying to think of a simple acrostic that I could design for the word Lent. I did not come up with one that would be totally comprehensive, but I did come up with some that might help you see some of the helpful aspects of Lent. How about some of these?

Learning Eternally Necessary Truths

Light Exposing Needed Trust

Loving Eagerly, Nurturing Ties

Loosing Every Negative Tendency

Life Enriching Now Time Here are some suggestions to make Lent a meaningful opportunity for you: 1. Come to church Sundays, and also on Wednesdays. What is more important than coming to worship and thanking God for another week of life? Together we experience God. 2. If you don’t already, start each day with 10 minutes of prayer. Listen for God. 3. Try praying throughout the day. At the top of each hour, pause for 10 seconds to connect with God. 4. If you ‘give up something’ for Lent, let it be a joyful response to Him Who gave His all for you.

Dear God, may Lent be a time where we find ourselves Living Ever Nearer to Thee. Amen.

God bless you this Lent, a season of opportunity.

In the Light of Jesus’ Love,

Pastor John F. Holt For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” ~ Matthew 18:20 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” ~ Matthew 11:28-30

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FLC CALL COMMITTEE UPDATE

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PRAYER

We ask for prayers for us and the congregational family in this process. Please pray for the Spirit’s guidance.

"He who began the good work in you will be faithful to bring it to completion until the day of Jesus Christ." Philippians 1:6 We, the Call Committee of FLC, are inviting you to pray along with us: God of love, as you have richly blessed our congregation in the past, so we now ask your guidance and encouragement as we seek new pastoral leadership for our future. Through your Holy Spirit, grant to us unity, wisdom, patience and the joy of Christian community as we celebrate our history and look forward in hope; through Christ our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Jan Crissinger

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WHAT’S HAPPENING AT FLC?

Lenten Lunches 11:30 a.m. – 12:20 p.m. in Bethany Hall Cost $5

If you would like to order Easter flowers to decorate our sanctuary for Easter or donate to World Hunger, please do so through the church office. We will publish all names and donors for orders made and paid by Monday, April 6, 2020.

Lenten Evening Meals 5 :30 – 6:15 p.m. in Bethany Hall

Cost $5 Proceeds support our Youth Camperships

Lenten Worship Services 12:30 and 6:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary

The Special Outreach Offering for March is NOISY OFFERING for the Salvation Army Food Shelf.

Gather your change and bring it on Sunday, March 8, Wednesday, March 11 and Sunday, March 15, 2020 to support the local food shelf ministry. Special offering envelopes will be available from the ushers at church services.

Please, make checks payable to FLC.

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FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH WOMEN (FLCW)

CARING AND SHARING March 2020— + RUTH + Co-Chairs

Joyce Fredin

507-383-2646

Sheri Nicol

319-350-1182

Workers Dorothy Blom Deloris Fligge Barbara Heavner

Marilyn Johnson Sharon Koppelman Barb Lang Sherry Nyman

Mary Peterson Nancy Sorlie Judy Worth

Cakes Rachel Alberts Dawn Barnick Shelly Beaver Jill Clarambeau Laura Davis

Bonnie Fletcher Shari Fligge Virginia Larson Nancy Olsen

Peggy Rahn Arline Richter Dawn Rozinka Pam Stern Karen Westrum

Upcoming FLCW Programs First Lutheran Church Women March Program

First Lutheran Church Women April Program

Wednesday, March 11, 2020 1:15 p.m. in Bethany Hall Program: Fellowship of Christian Athletes By: Jake Larson Music: Group Sing Along Devotions: Joyce Fredin Offering Prayer: Joyce Fredin

Wednesday, April 8, 2020 1:15 p.m. in Bethany Hall Program: Habitat for Humanity, World Build-Romania, By: Kim & Steve Zenk Circle Roll Call Devotions: Jo Hanson Offering Prayer: Jo Hanson 5

LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF National Quilting Day is observed annually on the third Saturday in March each year.

For nearly 70 years, compassionate people have put their faith into action and made quilts for people in need around the world. And not just a few quilts – hundreds of thousands of quilts every year. These gifts of love make life brighter, softer, and a bit more comfortable for our neighbors around the world struggling with displacement, chronic poverty, illness, natural disaster and conflict.

This amazing ministry is one that blesses the lives of quilters and those who receive quilts. We want to lift up your ministries and show others the phenomenal work you do. Thank you for answering God’s call to comfort our neighbors in need!

LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF has announced two NEW POLICIES regarding Bulk-Soap and Fleece Blankets. *BULK-SOAP (soap not part of a Kit) will NO LONGER be ACCEPTED. Baby Care Kits & Personal Care Kits still need bath-size bars of soap!! *Because fleece has caused environmental concerns, FLEECE TIED BLANKETS will NO LONGER ACCEPTED.

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March is Minnesota Food Share Month Minnesota FoodShare began its work in 1982 with a campaign advanced by congregations to restock food shelves in the 7-county Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. The effort was so successful and the need was so evident, the March Campaign became a statewide program just one year later.

The largest grassroots food and fund drive in the state, the Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign brings together various community organizations, businesses, and faith communities to help stock nearly 300 food shelves statewide.

During March the annual statewide FoodShare campaign promotes the collection of funds to purchase and stock the state's food shelves. learn how boys and girls behaved then, how much work went into making a loaf of bread, and the descriptions of the wide-open spaces of Wisconsin, Kansas, Minnesota, and the Dakotas that were both beautiful and treacherous. In those days to live in a house meant finding On a recent Sunday morning a grandmother the wood and building it. Horse and buggy and her granddaughters inquired of a church were the only means of travel and candy library board member whether we had the was a rare treat from town at that time.

“Little House on the Prairie” book series.

Many of their meals I am happy to report the library board meant Pa Ingalls had to recently purchased the complete nine book hunt or trap their food. set written by Laura Ingalls Wilder and it is These books are classics now available in the library. The suggested for a good reason, as they age level is 8-12 years old, but children will take readers on a journey enjoy having a family member or friend read back in time unfamiliar to it to them, even at a younger age. Ma and us. It’s a wonderful series Pa Ingalls have a growing family of about a family, perseverdaughters—Mary, Laura, Carrie, and Grace ance, and the adventuras they travel across the American frontier. ous heart. Thank you for They live in numerous places, including a asking about the book series as we want to tiny cabin in the woods, on the windswept build our selection of books for patrons prairie, along a creek, and in small towns. using the library of ALL ages.

Frontier living in the 1800s is very tough as the family faces lost crops and frozen winters, and nearly starve several times. We 7

March Sun 1

Noisy Offering Talk

8 am-Traditional w/Comm.-S 9 am-12 pm-Gift Shop Open

9:15 am-Worship w/Comm.-C

Mon

Tue

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9 am-Holidays Ahead Crafting-BH 11am-1pm-Gift Shop Open

3 7 am-8 pm-Presidential Primary Election-BH 4 9:30 am-Staff Meeting-P

9:15 am-The Donut Hour-YR 9:15 am-Immersion-BH 9:15 am-Sunday School

7 pm-N. A.-RR

3 pm-Thorne Crest Communion 6:30 pm-Ministry Teams meet 7 pm-N. A.-MPR 7 pm-Spirit Express Rehearsal

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9

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10:30 am-Praise & Worship w/Comm.

Noisy Offering

8 am-Quilters-MPR 9:30 am-Staff Meeting-P

9 am-12 pm-Gift Shop Open

9 am-Holidays Ahead Crafting-BH 11am-1pm-Gift Shop Open

9:15 am-The Donut Hour-YR 9:15 am-Immersion-BH 9:15 am-Sunday School 9:15 am-Welcome Ministry meeting-L

7 pm-N. A.-RR

7 pm-N. A.-MPR 7 pm-Spirit Express Rehearsal

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8 am-Traditional-S

9:15 am-Worship-C

10:30 am-Praise & Worship-S Noisy Offering

8 am-Traditional w/Comm.-S 9 am-12 pm-Gift Shop Open

9:15 am-Worship w/Comm.-C

9:15 am-The Donut Hour-YR 9:15 am-Immersion-BH 9:15 am-Sunday School

9 am-Holidays Ahead Crafting-BH 11am-1pm-Gift Shop Open

2:30 pm-Sr. Towers Communion

8 am-Quilters-MPR 9 am-MC #4-P 9:30 am-Staff Meeting-L 1 pm-Library Board-L

6:30 a Discus 8 am9 am-F 9:30 a 10:30 Comm 11am11:30 12:30

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6:30 am-M

Group-MP 8 am-Pra 9 am-12 Dementia 9:30 am 11am-1p 11:30 am 12:30 pm

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6:30 am-M

Group-MP 8 am-Pra 9:30 am11am-1pm 11:30 am 12:30 pm 1 pm-Top

10:30 am-Praise & Worship w/Comm.

6:30 pm-Church Council meets-P 7 pm-N. A.-RR

7 pm-N. A.-MPR 7 pm-Spirit Express Rehearsal

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11:45 am-1st Communion Kick Off-P

6 pm-MC #6-P 7 pm-N. A.-RR

7 pm-N. A.-MPR 7 pm-Spirit Express Rehearsal

6:30 am-M Group-MPR 8 am-Pra 9:30 am11am-1pm 11:30 am12:30 pm-

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7 pm-N. A.-RR

7 pm-N. A.-MPR 7 pm-Spirit Express Rehearsal

12 pm-Christian Solos meet (not at church) 9 am-12 pm-Gift Shop Open

9:15 am-Worship-C

9:15 am-The Donut Hour-YR 9:15 am-Immersion-BH 9:15 am-Sunday School

10:30 am-Praise & Worship-S

9 am-12 pm-Gift Shop Open

9:15 am-Worship-C

9:15 am-1st Communion Class-P 9:15 am-The Donut Hour-YR 9:15 am-Immersion-BH 9:15 am-Sunday School

10:30 am-Praise & Worship-S

9 am-Holidays Ahead Crafting-BH 11am-1pm-Gift Shop Open

9 am-Holidays Ahead Crafting-BH 11am-1pm-Gift Shop Open

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8 am-Quilters-MPR 9:30 am-Staff Meeting-P

8 am-Quilters-MPR 9:30 am-Staff Meeting-P

h 2020 Wed

am-Men’s Book ssion Group-MPR -Prayer Group-PR FLCW Board-P am-Bible Study-MPR 0 am-Good Samaritan munion -1pm-Gift Shop Open am-Lenten Lunch-BH pm-Lenten Service-S

isy Offering Men’s Book Discussion PR ayer Group-PR pm-Sr. Prairie Cottages a Training-P -Bible Study-MPR pm-Gift Shop Open m-Lenten Lunch-BH m-Lenten Service-S

Men’s Book Discussion PR ayer Group-PR -Bible Study-MPR m-Gift Shop Open m-Lenten Lunch-BH m-Lenten Service-S ps-RR

Men’s Book Discussion R ayer Group-PR Bible Study-MPR m-Gift Shop Open -Lenten Lunch-BH -Lenten Service-S

1 pm-Tops-RR 3 pm-Oak Park Place Communion 4 pm-Music Theory 101-P 5:15 pm-Handbell Choir Rehearsal 5:30 pm-Boy Scouts-P 5:30 pm-Lent Meal-BH 6:30 pm-Lent Service-S 7:15 pm-Confirmation 7:15 pm-FLC Choir Rehearsal 7:30 pm-Eikon-Youth Room

1 pm-Tops-RR 1:15 pm-FLCW Program-BH 4 pm-Music Theory 101-TBD 4-7 pm-Sr. Prairie Cottages Dementia Training-P 5:15 pm-Handbell Choir Rehearsal 5:30 pm-Lent Meal-BH 6:30 pm-Lent Service-S 7:15 pm-Confirmation 7:15 pm-FLC Choir Rehearsal 7:30 pm-Eikon-Youth Room 1:30 pm-MC #31-P 4 pm-Music Theory 101-P 5:15 pm- Handbell Choir Rehearsal 5:30 pm-Lent Meal-BH 6:30 pm-Lent Service-S 7:15 pm-Confirmation 7:15 pm-FLC Choir Rehearsal 7:30 pm-Eikon-Youth Room 1 pm-Tops-RR 1 pm-Messenger Crew-P 4 pm-Music Theory 101-P 5:15 pm-Handbell Choir Rehearsal 5:30 pm-Lent Meal-BH 6:30 pm-Lent Service-S 7:15 pm-Confirmation 7:15 pm-FLC Choir Rehearsal 7:30 pm-Eikon-Youth Room

Thu 5

Fri

Sat

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11am-1pm- Gift Shop Open 10 am-A.A.-MPR 1pm-Hardanger-MPR

4:30 pm-Al-Anon-MPR 5:15 pm-Tops-RR

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11am-1pm- Gift Shop Open 10 am-A.A.-MPR 9 am-12 pm-Sr. Prairie Cottages Dementia Training-P 1pm-Hardanger-MPR 4-7 pm-Sr. Prairie Cottages Dementia Training-P 4:30 pm-Al-Anon-MPR 5:15 pm-Tops-RR

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Scholarships are Due

10:30 am-Prairie Senior Cottages Communion 1:30 pm-MC #35-P 1:30 pm-St. John’s Communion 3 pm-St. John’s Communion 4:30 pm-Al-Anon-MPR 5:15 pm-Tops-RR

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11am-1pm- Gift Shop Open 1pm-Hardanger-MPR

National Quilting Day

9:30 am-MC #20P 10 am-A.A.-MPR

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11am-1pm- Gift Shop Open 10 am-A.A.-MPR 1pm-Hardanger-MPR

4:30 pm-Al-Anon-MPR 5:15 pm-Tops-RR

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NIGHT TO SHINE, FEBRUARY 7, 2020 Night to Shine is an unforgettable prom night experience, centered on God's love, for people with special needs ages 14 and older. Night to Shine celebrates its sixth anniversary!

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FLC YOUTH NEWS " Love boasting about what God has done in my life. I've had the privilege of sharing my story with the 7th grade confirmation students annually since 2014. You know God is present when you have that many teenagers in one room and they are still for an hour. Very grateful for the opportunity to speak truth and love into their lives. Thank you Jenny Edwin for this invitation."—DeeAnn Bergland

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MEMORIALS, HONORS & SPECIAL GIFTS PEACE & POWER FUND In Memory Of: Beverly Bidne given by: Lorraine Bakken Betty Cashin given by: Rose Perteet Gwen Christensen given by: Helen Lovik Joy Christian given by: Friends & family of Joy Christian, Wayne & Jackie Sletten, Wanda Dorman, Neva Mathison, Reid & Sherry Ulve, Marge Moine, Arlis Smith, Circle #12, Helen Lovik, Bev Grotsun, Ione Kelly Paul Cooper given by: Craig Nash My husband Wallace Cox given by: Elaine Cox Lois Hansel given by: family of Lois Hansel Shirley Hanson given by Ione Kelly Adeline James given by: Al & Ann Christensen Duane Peterson given by: Lorraine Bakken Forry Porter given by: Ione Kelly Marilyn Remakel given by: Al & Ann Christensen Emil Malakowsky Jr. who passed away on January 18, 2020. given by: Bob & Sherry Nyman Roger Olson given by: Eunice Bakken Duane Peterson given by: Lorraine Bakken Bill Schulte given by: Ann Satre Betty Stolaas given by: Judy Hagen Leslie Tufte given by: Audrey Christensen, Clayton & Connie Tufte, 70 years of friendship of Mildred Jennings and Colleen Politz which began at Luther College, Decorah, IA Daryl Walk given by: Helen Lovik and her brother Merriell Jahnke In Honor Of : Lorraine Bakken’s 95th Birthday given by: Bev Nelson, Marge Moine, Beverly Grotsun Helen Lovik given by: Tom & Judy Mullen

RADIO FUND In Memory Of: James Grotsun given by: Bev Grotsun Bill Schulte given by: Bonnie Schneider In Honor Of : Lorraine Bakken for her 95th Birthday given by: Bonnie Schneider, Larry & Janice Lestrud FOOD FOR SCHOOL BACKPACKS PROGRAM FUND In Memory Of: Joy Christian given by: Daryl & Amy Dodd, Phyllis Hamborg Gifts Given by: Donald & Mary Ann Bartz Craig & Brenda Ludtke HAPPINESS IS A BLANKET In Memory Of: Jerry Wayne given by: Pam Stern In Honor Of : Lorraine Bakken given by: Bonnie Trampel Gifts Given by: HELPING FAMILIES FUND In Memory Of: Harold Tasker’s Birthday February 2 given by: Martha and David Tasker PRAYER SHAWL FUND In Memory Of: Lois Hansel given by: the family of Lois Hansel Dick Livingston of WA who died February 10, 2020 given by: his cousin Jane Maiden STAINED GLASS WINDOWS FUND In Memory Of: Joy Christian given by: Steve & Sharon Overgaard

Gifts Given by: Delphine Drommerhausen Estate, Kevin & Martha Kenne, Tom & Barb Guiney, The Cottages Deacon TANZANIA MISSION PROJECT Gifts Given by: Douglas Spiotta, Ila M. Breck, June Jaspersen, Larry & Dorinda Leutink, Patricia Tallman, 13 Stan Weltzin

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 Office Hours- Monday- Thursday: 8am-5pm; Friday: 8am-4:45pm Building Hours- Monday – Thursday: 7am-8:30pm; Friday: 8am-4:45pm Saturday: 8am-12pm; Sunday: 7am-12pm Other times by appointment or as meetings/events are scheduled

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

If you have moved or changed phone numbers, (including cell phone) please call the church office with your new information.

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.

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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 on Sundays, or Thursday evenings. Just let the driver know to bill FLC.

Albert Lea

Please Note: In Case of Inclement Weather CANCELLATIONS & POSTPONEMENTS will be announced on: KAAL TV and KATE Radio [1450 AM]

FIRST LUTHERAN MESSENGER (USPS196-560)

Periodicals postage paid at

Published by First Lutheran Church (Monthly) 301 West Clark Street, Albert Lea, MN

Albert Lea, Minnesota 56007 Subscription price $1.00 per year

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

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MISCELLANEOUS FLC INFORMATION Personal Visitation by the Pastors To support people at the time of illness or injury, pastors do make personal visits in hospitals, homes or Care Centers.

Many hospitals like the Mayo’s Methodist & St. Mary’s Hospitals in Rochester no longer give pastors access to lists of patients. So, if we happen to be there visiting someone, and we don’t know about someone else hospitalized, we have no way of discovering that person any more. Hospitals do NOT call pastors/churches to inform them of admissions, and have not for decades. So, please, call, 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 seen a pastor and would like to request a visit. If you call the church office after hours and get the recording, pushing number ❸ on the phone will send your call directly to the pastor on call.

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 visit.

Our Prayers are requested for healing and wholeness for: Wayne & Dorothy Hanson, Nancy Kotyk, Officer Arik Matson and Paul Overgaard.

Our Continued Prayers are requested for healing and wholeness for: Jody Bakken, Alan J. Christensen, Rodger Christenson, Mary Ann Christian, Casey Dusza, Millard Hamborg, Breckyn Heinemann, Glenn Helland, Sharon Johnson, Deb Koenigs, Phil Koppelman, Tom Loverink, Fred (Fritz) Moran, Elaine Panzer, Jean Stearns, Warren Van Riper, ... and their spouses, families & caregivers, and… safety for people serving in the Armed Forces, and their families.

Pastoral Records: Baptisms, Weddings, Deaths, Funerals, Memorial Services Baptism Kaylynn Rae Simmons, February 9, 2020

Funerals

Clifford Otterson, February 20, 2020 Dale Drescher, February 25, 2020

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Come Worship With Us Sunday: 8 am — Traditional Worship Service* 9:15 am — Worship in the Chapel* 10:30 am — Praise & Worship Service*

Thursday: 6:30 pm — Worship service in the Chapel* Holy Communion is celebrated on the 1st & 3rd Sundays of each month, and the Thursdays preceding those Sundays.

9:15 am- Sunday morning “Immersion” 9:30 am- Wednesday morning Bible Study

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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