May 2021 May 5, 2021 Volume LXXI No. 5
Volume LXXI No. 5
Retirement Party IN HONOR OF
Pastor John Holt Sunday May 23, 2021
Following the first and second service you are invited to Bethany Hall for Pastor John’s Open House
INGATHERING First Lutheran Church, Albert Lea Saturday, May 15, 2021 Check out page 9. Senior Recognition Sunday We will honor our graduating seniors on Sunday May 16 at the 10:30 a.m. service.
The Sunday morning Summer Worship Schedule Starts Sunday, May 30, 2021
8:30 am Worship Service
First Lutheran Church + F.L.C. + For the Love of Christ
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Our FLC Congregation Meeting
is scheduled for Sunday, May 16, 2021, at 9:00 am in the Sanctuary for the purpose of Election of Congregation Officers, Ministry Team Members and various Committees. Please be in prayer that God will raise up leaders for our church into the next century of our life together in mission and ministry. If you would like to view the ballot before the meeting, please stop by or contact the church office. We can email or print you a copy.
FLC BUILDING AND OFFICE HOURS Building— Monday-Thursday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM Office —Monday-Thursday 9:00 AM-3:00 PM FRIDAY & SATURDAY CLOSED Sunday Building Hours—7 AM—12 noon [Other times by special arrangement]
Great Marriage Resource!
Due to the generosity of a couple in our church who want to encourage people who are married, we have purchased some DVD resources. “Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage” is a fun set of teachings by a pastor from Green Bay, Wisconsin. My wife, Joan, and I were able to attend his sessions a few years ago, and found them not only very enjoyable, but helpful to make our good marriage even better. These will be available in the church office or the church library to check out, take home and view. You may return them, pass them on to friends or keep them for further reference. I think you will find yourself chuckling or laughing out loud as you view them. Watch them at home with your husband or wife; or invite another couple or two over to enjoy them with you; and have fun growing together in your marriage!
~Pastor John Holt
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Rejoice in the Lord !
Dear Friends in Christ, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” ~Jeremiah 29:11 My wife Joan and I used this verse in the birth announcements for each of our children. We trust that God does have a good plan and purpose for each of our lives. I am so grateful that part of His plan was to bring us to Albert Lea & First Lutheran Church. At each new beginning, we put our hope and trust in Jesus. 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. ~Romans 15.13 Now we are coming to the end of our journey together, as I retire from being Lead Pastor here at FLC. We have had many beginnings and endings here together at FLC—births & deaths, new staff & departing staff, new members & people moving away, new programs, projects, traditions and ministries and other ones that we have let go. Many times with an ending there has come a fresh new beginning. That is why I am filled with hope for FLC as I step down. I am excited for fresh new pastoral leadership, new ideas, new energy. Even so, I hope you never forget FLC uses the word First in our church’s name. Never forget that passage from the Bible’s Great Resurrection Chapter: For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, ~ I Corinthians 15:3b-4 You see, church life, faith life, all of life—it is all about Jesus and His love. And, with Jesus there is always new life coming. By now you may know my favorite life verse... Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! ~ II Corinthians 5:17 As Joan and I look forward to new beginnings in our journey together, it will be hard, but necessary to step away from our involvement here at FLC. Nevertheless, we will still hold you in our hearts and minds. As the Apostle Paul wrote: I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. ~Philippians 1:3-6 For the 18+ years we have had together, from the bottom of my heart, I say, “Thank you!” “Thank you!” “Thank you!” I leave you with this benediction: Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. ~Ephesians 3:20-21 In the Light of His love,
Pastor John F. Holt
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REPORT FROM YOUR CALL COMMITTEE
Pastor Roger Fears It’s official! On Sunday April 11th the congregation voted unanimously to call The Rev. Roger Fears as the new pastor of families and faith formation. Check out our First Lutheran website and click on the Facebook icon and you’ll see introductions (updated weekly) to Pastor Fears and his wife Heather and their family. What a joyful time for our congregation! His work at FLC begins on Monday, June 14th, 2021. You are cordially invited to his installation at our 8:30 a.m. service on June 27th. The Rev. Barb Streed an associate to the Bishop from SEMN synod, will be present for the installation. We are very grateful for the support of the SE Minnesota Synod as Pastor Streed has been an integral part of the call process, working closely with the call committee. Now it’s your turn to welcome Pastor Roger and family. He will, of course, be present at our worship service. Please wear your name tags. We’ll have them available in the gathering space. If you should need a temporary one, we will have them available for you to fill out. Pr. Roger will also want to visit with the many various groups that meet in the church. Please ask your chairperson or leader to extend an invitation to him. Additionally, the call committee and transition team are arranging for small gatherings of 8-10 members. Please sign up for a time of informal conversation with our new pastor. There will be many options for times and dates for these small group gatherings—if you have questions, please call Pastor Jan at the church office. At First Lutheran, we take pride in our spirit of hospitality. With gratitude and hope, we welcome the Fears into our congregational family and want to make them feel at home. Please continue to pray for Pastor Fears, his wife Heather and their family. Though the leadership transition process is not yet complete, we can rejoice in this milestone that the Spirit of God continues to lead. Please read and enjoy (and observe!) these Ten Commandments of welcoming a new pastor. Yours in Christ, Janice Hammer, Call Committee Pr. Jan Crissinger, Transitional Pastor
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I. Thou shalt not compare the old Pastor and the new Pastor, for the Lord thy God has made each person unique and wishes you to appreciate each original creation. II. Thou shalt not expect everything to stay the same when the new Pastor arrives. Nor shalt thou resist change, nor assume that change is bad, but thou shalt trust that the Lord thy God isn’t finished with your church yet and is bringing change for your good and the good of your mission. III. Thou shalt not make graven images of thine old grudges, nor shalt thou keep stale disappointments in the temple of thine heart, but thou shalt forgive and move on in the grace of the Lord thy God, for how can thou ask God for mercy unless thou give mercy from thine heart? IV. Thou shalt not commit gossip, nor shalt thou fearfully complain, nor shalt thou listen to those who do, but instead thou shalt entreat them to adjust their attitudes and lighten up, for everything shall be alright, and in fact, shall turn out very well indeed – better than you can even imagine. V. Thou shalt not commit nostalgia or say that the old days were better, for in so doing thou shalt make thy judgment come true. Be assured that the Lord thy God is not falling asleep at the wheel, but will be with thee and surprise thee with abundant blessings, more than thou canst contain or count. VI. Thou shalt not factionalize nor create “us-them” divisions, but thou shalt unify with thy brothers and sisters even when they annoy or confuse you. VII. Thou shalt not come to the new pastor with your demands, pressure, complaints, bad reports, manipulations, threats, agendas, unsolicited advice, or snide comments. But thou shalt say, “Welcome! How can we help you? We love you! We would like to increase our giving significantly. We’re praying for you and your family. Welcome to our community! We baked you some cookies!” And each week, thou shalt do so again and again until the new pastor begs you to stop. VIII. Thou shalt increase thy giving, and not withhold thy tithe, but invest thy money and thine heart in the future of thy community of faith and mission. IX. Thou shalt not come to thine old and former pastor with anything but praise for the new pastor, but thou mayest bring thy concerns to God in humble prayer, and if thou must, thou may also share concerns with the duly appointed leaders of the church. X. Most important, thou shalt trust God, and stay connected to God, and draw strength from God, staying deeply rooted in the message of God’s grace. For God is good, and God will never leave you nor forsake you. You can count on that for sure! © Copyright 2003-2007 Brian McLaren
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MAY 2021 SUN
MON
TUE
2 Honoring Health Care Workers at
3
4 8 am-Quilters-BH & MPR
5 6:
9:30 am-Staff meeting-P 6:30 pm-Blended Service Music Rehearsal
8 am9 am-
11 8 am-Quilters-BH & MPR
12 6
both services
8 Traditional Worship-S
9am-12pm-The Perfect Gift Shoppe open
10 am-Peace & Power BroadcastKAAL-TV, Channel 6
4pm-MC #6-MPR
WED
5:30 p 7 pm-
10:30 am Blended Worship-S 10:30 am-Live Broadcast-KATE Radio1450AM
9
Mother’s Day 8 Traditional Worship-S
10
8 am9:30 am-Staff meeting-P
9am-12pm-The Perfect Gift Shoppe open
10 am-Peace & Power BroadcastKAAL-TV, Channel 6
6:30 pm-Blended Service Music Rehearsal
10:30 am Blended Worship-S
5:30 p 6:30 p
10:30 am-Live Broadcast-KATE Radio-
16
8 Traditional Worship-S
9am-12pm-The Perfect Gift Shoppe open Congregational Bi-Annual Election meeting
10 am-Peace & Power BroadcastKAAL-TV, Channel 6
18 8 am-Quilters-BH & MPR
17 4pm-MC #6-MPR
8 am-
6:30 pm-Church Council meets-P
9:30 am-Staff meeting-P 6:30 pm-Blended Service Music Rehearsal
24
25 8 am-Quilters-BH & MPR
10:30 am Blended Worship-S Honor Graduating Seniors
19 6
10:30 am-Live Broadcast-KATE Radio-
23 Day of Pentecost 8 am-2:30 pm-Pastor
1 pm-
9:30 am-Staff meeting-P 6:30 pm-Blended Service Music Rehearsal
Holt’s last Sunday & Farewell
8 Traditional Worship-S 9am-12pm- The Perfect Gift Shoppe open
10 am-Peace & Power BroadcastKAAL-TV, Channel 6
30 Trinity Sunday 8:30 am - Worship Service-S 10 am-Peace & Power BroadcastKAAL-TV, Channel 6 10:30 am-Live Broadcast-KATE Radio1450AM
26 8
31
Office & Building Closed
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:30 am-Men’s Book Study-P -Prayer Group-PR -FLCW Board meets-BH
pm-7th grade Confirmation -8th & 9th grade Confirmation
6:30 am-Men’s Book Study-P -Prayer Group-PR
THU
FRI
1 6
7
8
14
15
8 am-Prayer Group-PR -Messenger Crew-P
11 am-Baptism of Noah Nystrom-Sanctuary
1 pm-Hardanger-MPR 5-6 pm-Food Ministry Drive Up-SL
13 Ascension Day
7 am-12 noon LWR Ingathering-SL
1 pm-Hardanger-MPR
pm-7th grade Confirmation pm-8th & 9th grade Confirmation 5-6 pm-Food Ministry Drive Up-SL
6:30 am-Men’s Book Study-P -Prayer Group-PR
SAT
20
21
22
28
29
1 pm-Hardanger-MPR 5-6 pm-Food Ministry Drive Up-SL
27 1 pm-Hardanger-MPR 5-6 pm-Food Ministry Drive Up-SL
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...NOTES OF THANKS...
The Worship Counting Team would like to thank the following members for their past years of service with the team: Russ & Maxine Wignes, Joyce & Norm Fredin, Selma Engebretson, Sue Olson and Ann Henderson. FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH OFFICE:
Due to the pandemic Altar Guild will not meet in May for their annual election of officers
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, jan@flcal.org (Cell—(507) 621-1758)
We will be placing red geraniums on the Altar for Pentecost Sunday. Plants can be purchased in the church office. Each 4½ inch potted plant is $6 Orders must be placed by Wednesday, May 19, 2021. You may pick up your plants following the 10:30 am worship service on Pentecost Sunday.
The Special Cause Offering for May is LWR Quilt & Kit Shipping Fund LWR’s approximate cost to deliver: One quilt $2.25 (FLC’s quilters have assembled over 265 quilts!) One School Kit $1.40 One Personal Care Kit $2.65 One Baby Care Kit $1.30 One Fabric Kit $1.00 Special offering envelopes will be available from the ushers at church services. You may also send your outreach offerings to the church. Please, make checks payable to FLC. 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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LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF INGATHERING The Social Ministry Commission WILL be hosting a Spring Lutheran World Relief Ingathering on Saturday, May 15, 2021 from 7am-12noon. Follow the Enter & Exit signs as you enter the parking lot off of St. Mary’s St. on the east side of the church. COVID-19 guidelines will be followed. There should be no need for you to leave your vehicle. Items greatly needed to fill empty warehouses are Mission Quilts, Personal Care Kits, Baby Care Kits, Sewing Kits, & School Kits. Guidelines for kit contents & packing instructions can be found at lwr.org, Please use sturdy & easy-to-handle boxes & heed the 40 pound limit! LWR no longer collects Fleece-tied Blankets or Bulk Soap. Monetary donations for the Quilt & Kit Shipping Fund will be forwarded to Baltimore. Make checks payable to Lutheran World Relief. Crossroads Trailer of Albert Lea will be delivering the truckload(s?) to the LWR warehouse in St. Paul. We need hearty (masked & gloved) volunteers on May 15 - giving as much time as possible, starting before 7am until noon.
FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH WOMEN Fist Lutheran Church Women are having a monetary donation for Lutheran Relief Kits from April until May15, 2021. Please make checks to FLCW (note memo LWR kits). Donations can be brought to the church office or sent to Ruth Noren; 240 Green Lea Lane, Bonnie Schneider; 813 Maple Hill Dr. B3 or Cindy Gandrud; 502 Sheridan St. Thank you!
First Lutheran Church Women General Meeting
Wednesday, May 12, 2021 1:15 p.m. in Bethany Hall Program: Annual Tea Devotions: TBD Offering Prayer: TBD
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Memorials, Honors & Special Gifts PEACE & POWER FUND
In Memory of:
Roger Bachman given by Jerald & Bonnie Charlson Don Berg given by Eugene & Wanda Soland Elaine Bergan given by Jerald & Bonnie Charlson Joan Blenka (Al Blenka’s mother) given by Jeanne & Dave Allard Beverly Brenno a faithful watcher of Peace & Power given by Don & Judy Kropp, the Arlene Thofson family Rodger Christenson given by Dennis & Carol Colstrup Rich Crissinger (Pastor Jan’s brother) given by LaVerne & Shirley Strand, Vernon & Judy Laite, Arlis Smith Dar Classen given by Bill & Judy Stilley Steve Erickson given by Carol & Gerald Frydenlund, friends and family Arlen Groe given by Kraig & Doris Smeby Tom Guiney given by Kraig & Doris Smeby, Larry & Cheryl Beavens Marvin Gulbrandson given by Audrey Christensen and Steve Christensen Roger Hermanson given by Jerald & Bonnie Charlson Sharon Jensen given by Curtis Jensen Jan Jerdee given by Carol L. Miller, Luther C. Opdahl Trucking Joyce Johnson given by family and friends, Tom & Karen Hovde Robert Johnson given by Mark & Judy Langrud Brian Jordahl given by Rick & Robin VerHey Marcia Larson given by Bill & Judy Stilley Ray Larson given by Kathryn Sandsmark Beatrice “ Tootie” Lee given by Arlene M. Lee Marilyn Light given by Dennis & Carol Colstrup Connie Maxwell given by Glen & LeAnn Juveland Bob Moreau given by Larry & Cheryl Beavens Jinni Olson given by Dennis & Carol Colstrup Russel Olson given by Bill & Judy Stilley Cheryl Page given by LaVerne & Shirley Strand Rosie Rasmussen given by Bill & Judy Stilley Dennis Rayman given by Bill & Judy Stilley Joie Rietveld given by Dennis & Carol Colstrup Gladys Rowe given by family & friends Kathleen Wolff given by Jan Flatness
Gifts Given By:
Rosalyn M. Lyle, Lois Brandt, David & Paulette Paulson, Boyd & Bonnie Grabau, Buddy & Phyllis Bonfy, Isabella Wilken, Leo & Grace Osbeck, First Lutheran Church Women, Albert Lea, MN, James & Kathe Grodhaus, Leona Howe, Kraig & Doris Smeby, Deacon Douglas Spiotta, Janice Jensen, James Osmonson, Ila Breck, Karen Ingvaldson, Gilbert Gilbertson, Patricia Tallman, Larry & Dorinda Leutink, Charles & Janet Griebenow FOOD FOR SCHOOL BACKPACKS FUND
In Memory of:
Steve Erickson given by Darv & Marcia Habben Cheryl Page given by Rick & Robin VerHey
Gifts Given By:
Craig & Brenda Ludtke, Dennis & Carol Colstrup FOOD MINISTRY DRIVE THRU FUND
In Memory of: Steve Erickson given by Robert & Joanne
Rowe, Marge & Joe LaFrance, David & Gay Noack Robert Johnson given by Ellwood & Janice Tukua Robert Moreau given by Ellwood & Janice Tukua Rich Crissinger (Pastor Jan’s brother) given by Cindy Gandrud, Pam Stern
Gifts Given By:
Shirley Stevenson, Melvin Iverson, Duane & Eunice Hatleli, Dennis & Carol Colstrup
GENERAL FUND
In Honor of:
Gen Montei given by Ann Hanson
Gifts Given By:
Kaye Schultz, Maye Schultz, Donald & Mary Ann Bartz, Marilee Waalkens, Bob & Marion Rice
Volume LXXI No. 5 Page 11
Memorials, Honors & Special Gifts (cont.) HELPING FAMILIES FUND
Gifts Given By:
Rich Crissinger (Pastor Jan’s brother) given by Bonnie Schneider, Larry & Julia Tonder, Audrey Christensen
LIGHTING FUND
In Memory of:
Gifts Given By: Judith Hagen
HAPPINESS IS A BLANKET
In Memory of:
Rich Crissinger (Pastor Jan’s brother) given by Bonnie Schneider, Bonnie Trampel Steve Erickson given by Sandra Ruud
Gifts Given By:
First Lutheran Church Women, Albert Lea, MN
In Honor of:
Pastor John Holt given by Norm & Joyce Fredin LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF TRANSPORTATION FUND
In Memory of: My sister Cecil Maureen Johnson given by Alton Flugum
SUNDAY SCHOOL UPGRADE
In Memory of:
Judith Hagen, Norm & Joyce Fredin
Rodger Christenson given by Hillcrest Cemetery Association
HYMNAL FUND Scott Overgaard given by Rick & Robin VerHey
TANZANIA MISSION PROJECT
KIMBERLY (OLSON) GODDARD SCHOLARSHIP FUND
In Memory of: Rich Crissinger (Pastor Jan’s brother) given by Carol Olson FLC MUSIC FUND
In Memory of:
Jinni Olson given by Wayne & Carol Hedalen RADIO FUND
In Memory of:
Gifts Given By: Stan Weltzen
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.
Mildred Flugum given by Alton Flugum
Thank you all so much for your kindness and generosity.
Pastoral Records: Baptisms, Weddings, Deaths, Funerals, Memorial Services Funeral: Declan Drescher, April 12, 2021 Baptism:
Don’t see your gift? Any gifts recorded by the church office after April 21, 2021 will appear in the next issue. Any questions or concerns, please call the church office 373-6424. Thank you.
Liam Alan Rose, April 18, 2021
Sunday’s Worship Schedule Through May 23 8:00 & 10:30 am—In-person Worship 10:00 am—Peace & Power broadcast on KAAL-TV ABC6 10:30 am—Live broadcast on KATE Radio 1450 AM 10:30 am—Live-stream of worship on the FLC Facebook page
HOLY COMMUNION
Celebrated on the 1st & 3rd Sundays of each month.
Anytime Access the video of our worship services at www.flcal.org. Access the recorded live-stream on the FLC Facebook page. Beginning May 30—Sunday at 8:30 a.m. only
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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