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

NOVEMBER 5, 2020 VOLUME LXX NO.11

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

Notice: The First Lutheran Church Annual Meeting is scheduled for 10:30 am Sunday, November 22, 2020 in the Sanctuary. (See inside on page 5)

Holiday Worship Thanksgiving 2020 Plans now are to not have an in-person Thanksgiving Eve worship service, instead recording a shorter service for viewing via our website. This is for our health and safety in the pandemic due to the growing number of Covid-19 cases in Freeborn County, and the out-of-town guests who might attend. We can still have thankful hearts, words, actions and worship at home—Thanks be to God.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Pastor John’s Letter

Christmas Eve Worship

Council Highlights

FLCW Caring & Sharing

Annual Meeting

Notice: Call Committee

November Calendar

8-9

What’s Happening?

10-11

Memorials, Honors and Special Gifts

12-13

Meeting Guidelines

Our FLC Worship & Music Team has plans underway to have an outdoor, drive-through worship experience in our parking lot, instead of the in-person large gathering for Christmas Eve. This, too, is for our health and safety in the pandemic due to the growing number of Covid-19 cases in Freeborn County, and the out-of-town guests who might attend. We also encourage everyone to celebrate and worship at home with Christian Christmas carols, Bible Readings, generosity and prayer.

THE MISSION OF FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH IS: TO GATHER, EQUIP, AND EMPOWER PEOPLE TO JOYFULLY DO 1

CHRISTS WORK.

REVITALIZATION TASK FORCE Members: Sue Loch, Craig Ludtke, Pastor Jan Crissinger, Ginny Larson, Diane Damerow, Chair The Church Council charged the Revitalization Task Force with establishing programs that would revitalize FLC. The Council approved the following goals and assigned them to a Commission to ensure the continuation of the programs as leaders come and leave. 1. Regenerate the Connections group for the young adults and families, develop a group for the middle age adults and families, and continue to support Friends of First for the older adults and families Goals for these groups include: Fellowship and support Spreading the Gospel and joy of the Lord Sharing service projects and other programming/events determined by the committee Responsible to the Membership and Growth Commission 2. Continue developing Immersion Responsible to Education Commission 3. Food Ministry Program â€“ provide meals/food boxes for food deprived families Responsible to Social Ministry Commission 4. Increase the visibility for FLC within the congregation and within the community Communication Committee is responsible 5. Record the contemporary worship service and post it on social media and website Responsible to Worship, Music and Arts Commission 6. Design, implement and evaluate a Wednesday afterschool program including school age children, Confirmation students and their families Responsible to the Education Commission The Food Ministry Program (goal 3) has been implemented and is going well â€“ up to 150 persons are being helped with a warm meal each Thursday. The Communication Team is implementing activity to increase the visibility of FLC (goal 4). The other goals are being worked on and will be ready to implement when FLC opens up.

FLC COUNCIL OCTOBER 2020 HIGHLIGHTS Annual Meeting set for November 22, 2020. Ministry Site Profile (MSP) has been sent to Synod.

FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH WOMEN CARING AND SHARING November 2020 - Elizabeth Co-Chairs Carol Colstrup 507-373-4447, 507-318-0250 Ginny Thompson 507-383-4216 Workers Bonnie Bakken

Kathy Olson

Ann Satre

Mary Harty

Patricia Rainey

Deb Strosahl (Sat. Only)

Sue Larson

Beth Tostenson

Cakes Cheryl Beavens

Denise Knutson

Julie Ulve

Rachel Christensen

Joan Miller

Wanda Wangsness

Raycy Edwin

Connie Moffitt

Elaine Weiser

Katie Hebblewhite

Kelly Pipho

Melody Wynia

Barb Rognes

A heartfelt thank you from First Lutheran Church Women for the generous response to the monetary school supply drive. The money will be divided between Lutheran World Relief and the Albert Lea School District.

A BIG THANK YOU to everyone who contributed to the First Lutheran Church Women Bake LESS Bake Sale Fundraiser! For anyone who would still like to make a donation, please make your check payable to First Lutheran Church Women (FLCW) and designate that it's for the Bake LESS Bake Sale. Checks can be mailed to the church office, dropped off in the mailbox beneath the back portico, placed in the offering plate, or dropped off in the church office. â€œEvery single gift of any size Will help us our goal to realize Missions at home and abroad we serve We share our bounty without reserve.â€? FLCW God's richest blessings to all of you! 4

FLC ANNUAL MEETING

Spirit of Giving Fall Appeal With the pandemic and staff quarantines due to exposure, etc., our plans for a robust fall appeal have been altered. Look for a general mailing in the month of November, and, please, respond prayerfully with a courageous, cheerful and generous heart. 5

HISTORY DISPLAY TEAM 100TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION In 2018, planning began for the 100th Anniversary Celebration. The History Display Team was one of five teams who participated. The History Display Team was made up of Diane Damerow, Jo Hanson and Marge LaFrance. The Team reviewed existing history documents and requested additional information from the congregation to produce a comprehensive history for First Lutheran Church from September 9, 1919 through September 9, 2019. The glass cases located in the office area of the church were relocated to the lower level in the south entrance entry area. All the memorabilia was cleaned, repaired, identified with new signage in the new location to offer a more central place to view the items. Tom Larson designed, built, and donated a new display case for the shovels used in various groundbreaking ceremonies in the expansion of the church building. Our custodial staff graciously dismantled and re-assembled the cases in their new location. Banners that included pictures of past pastors and various events in our history were designed and created with the assistance of Pastor Sean Ford. These banners are easily moved and were displayed in the church in various areas during the Anniversary celebration. A booklet containing pictures and descriptions of the stained-glass church windows was created with the help of Matt Levorson (photography) at the suggestion of Ginny Thompson. These booklets were made available to members of the congregation on the celebration day in April 2019. Five albums were created to cover the pre-church incorporation date through the full 100-year history of First Lutheran Church of Albert Lea. These albums were created in 25-year periods, plus the events leading up to the actual church formation. These albums, plus many other items of remembrance, pictures and history of the church women were include in the visual display on celebration day in April and Community Celebration day as well. The albums and memorabilia now reside in the FLC Library with plans to set up a permanent display so members may view the history. An anniversary history book is being published to share the history of our congregation over one hundred years. It includes detailed information about our beginnings and growth and change since the congregation was incorporated in 1919. There are lots of pictures obtained from a variety of sources. We are grateful to the Historical Museum, Tom Mullen and Kristen Larson for helping us in this process. Kristen provided many of the pictures used in this publication. We also want to thank the congregational members who brought in various items and documents that expanded the story. Please look for the â€œCentennial Celebration History of First Lutheran Church of Albert Lea, September 1919-September 2019 that will soon be available to purchase for $15.00 in the church office.

Just in time for Christmas -- The History of First Lutheran Church the Centennial edition is finished and ready for purchase! Cost is $15; we ask for a check payable to FLC or the exact change. The book can be purchased in the church office or at the south entrance on Sundays after worship. Perfect for a gift!!! 6

NOTICE FROM YOUR CALL COMMITTEE Now that we have forwarded the MSP to the Synod we are able to invite members to submit possible candidate names for the Associate Pastor position. These forms will be in the church office and should be returned to Janice Hammer, Chair. They will be forwarded to the synod for processing. Thank you. We ask for prayers for the Spirits guidance in this continuing process.

Thanksgiving Beatitudes Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire. If you did, what would there be to look forward to? Be thankful when you don’t know something, for it gives you the opportunity to learn. Be thankful for the difficult times. During those times you grow. Be thankful for your limitations, because they give you opportunities for improvement. Be thankful for each new challenge, because it will build your strength and character. Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons. Be thankful when you’re tired and weary, because it means you’ve made a difference. —Author unknown

VETERAN’S DAY Wednesday, November 11, 2020 On Veterans Day let us remember and honor those men and women who gave of themselves, and let us continue to pray for our men and women currently serving in the military.

November 2020 Sun 1 10 am-Peace & Power Broadcast-KAAL-TV, Channel 6 11am-Worship Service Broadcast-KATE Radio-

9:30 am– In Person Worship-All Saints Service -S 10 am-Peace & Power Broadcast-KAAL-TV, Channel 6 11am-Worship Service Broadcast-KATE Radio-1450AM

15 9:30 am– In Person Blended Worship-H

Mon

Tue

6 am-10 pm-General Elections polling-BH 1:30 pm-Staff meeting-P

8 am-Quilters-BH & MPR 9:30 am-Staff meeting-P 11:15 am-Transition Team meets-P

3-7 pm Fudge Sale The Life Center Drive Thru Back Parking Lot under 3-7 pm-Back up date for Fudge Sale Canopy 6:30 pm-Ministry Teams meet-BH 6:30 pm-Sharing the Faith Team-P 7:00 pm-Blended Service Music Rehearsal

17 8 am-Quilters-BH & MPR

10 am-Peace & Power Broadcast-KAAL-TV, Channel 6 3 pm-AL Pastors meeting-P 11am-Worship Service Broadcast-KATE Radio-1450AM 6:30 pm Church Council meets-P

9:30 am-Staff meeting-P 11:15 am-Transition Team meets-P 7:00 pm-Blended Service Music Rehearsal

22 9:30 am– In Person Blended Worship

24 8 am-Quilters-BH & MPR

9:30 am-Staff meeting-P 11:15 am-Transition Team meets-P 1 pm-Messenger Crew-P

10:30 am-Annual Meeting-S 10 am-Peace & Power Broadcast-KAAL-TV, Channel 6 11am-Worship Service Broadcast-KATE Radio-1450AM

First Sunday in Advent

7:00 pm-Blended Service Music Rehearsal

9:30 am– In Person Blended Worship-S 10 am-Peace & Power Broadcast-KAAL-TV, Channel 6 11am-Worship Service Broadcast-KATE Radio-1450AM 8

Wed 4

Thu 5

6:30 am—Men’s Group-P

Fri

Sat

1 pm-Hardanger-MPR 5:30 pm-7th Grade Confirmation Class-2nd Floor C 7 pm-8 & 9th Grade Confirmation Class-BH and Old Preschool Room 7:00 pm-Blended Service Music Rehearsal

5-6 pm-Food Ministry Drive Up-SL

6:30 am—Men’s Group-P 8 am-Prayer Group-P 9:30 am-The Mayberry Bible Study-BH 11 am-Red Cross Blood Drive set up 12 –6 pm-Red Cross Blood Drive-BH 5:30 pm-7th Grade Confirmation Class-2nd Floor C 6-7 pm Red Cross Blood Drive Clean Up-BH 7 pm-8 & 9th Grade Confirmation Class-BH and Old Preschool Room

6:30 am—Men’s Group-P 8 am-Prayer Group-P 9:30 am-The Mayberry Bible Study-BH 1:30 pm-MC #31-P 5:30 pm-7th Grade Confirmation Class-2nd Floor C 7 pm-8 & 9th Grade Confirmation Class-BH and Old Preschool Room

25 6:30 am—Men’s Group-P

PR= Prayer Room

5-6 pm-Food Ministry Drive Up-SL

19 1 pm-Hardanger-MPR 5-6 pm-Food Ministry Drive Up-SL

8 am-Prayer Group-P

BH=Bethany Hall

1 pm-Hardanger-MPR

C= Chapel

Office & Building Closed

MPR=Multi-Purpose Room

RR=Resource Room

YR=Youth Room

S=Sanctuary

P =Parlor SL=South Lot

w/Comm.=with Holy Communion 9

Worship, Music & Arts Decorate Sanctuary for Christ-

WHATâ€™S HAPPENING AT FLC The Special Outreach Cause offering for November is Noisy Offering for the Salvation Army Food Shelf. Noisy Offering collection for the Salvation Army Food Shelf will be every Sunday in November this year. The collection will be done with the Regular Offering. There will be buckets labeled Noisy Offering near the Regular Offering Plates for Noisy or quiet donations. Checks can be made to the Salvation Army Food Shelf. Special offering envelopes will be available from the ushers at our in person church service. You may send your donations to First Lutheran Church, 301 W. Clark St., Albert Lea, MN 56007.

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT FLC Get your FLCW 100th Anniversary Cookbook in the church office. Great for Christmas Gifts $16

(Before we run out!!)

Again this year, First Lutheran will be collecting filled shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. Please consider filling a box and sharing your love of Christ. We will be collecting these boxes the week of November 16-23 with the final day being November 22, 2020. However, you can bring your boxes to the church office at anytime before that date.

The Gospel According to Rudolph Charlie Brown and the Grinch Biblical themes ofof longing, hope, identity, meaning, and sacrifice through Hanging the Greens Christmas Television Specials Service A Bible study series for Advent – December 2, 9, 16 Sunday, November 29, 2020 9:30 a.m.

Ever wonder why those Christmas TV shows bring back such great memories? They “hook” the part of us that hungers for meaning and joy --and we discover the source for those in the gospel story of Jesus' birth. Help yourself and help the children in your life find deeper meaning in the entertainment of the season. Come and join us for Advent reflection and fun! 9 :30 a.m. in Bethany Hall For behold, I bring you tidings of great joy... Luke 2:10 11

MEMORIALS, HONORS & SPECIAL GIFTS PEACE & POWER FUND In Memory Of: Samantha Alder grand daughter of Don & Eleanor Sorenson given by Ellwood & Janice Tukua Helen Allen given by Sherry Guffey Barb Andersen given by Garnice Rasmusson, Donna Henrikson, David & Susan Olson, Eleanor Nolting, Gen Montei, Gary & Ginny Thompson Addie Baker given by Bonnie Schneider, Bob & Pat Goldman, Truman & Barbara Thrond, family and friends Kathy Bennett given by Hildy Vallevand Bonnie Berndt given by Ross & Karen Quam Amy Crawford given by Gordon & LouJean Nelson, Thomas & Karen Hovde Jim Grosland given by Edmund & Angeline Nelson Elaine Hallum given by Hildy Vallevand Millard Hamborg given by Lilah Aas, David & Susan Olson, Circle #12, Gen Montei, Arlis Smith, Tom & Judy Mullen, Helen Lovik, Doug & Dorothy Blom, Hildy Vallevand, Roger Lonning, Larry & Julia Tonder, Marilyn Johnson, Tim & Mary Stapleton Stan Jensen given by Alice Jensen, Phyllis Hamborg, Evelyn Soland, Jeanne Lageson, Bonnie Trampel, Marvyl Dahl, Talora Grosland, Norma Demmer, Delores Goskeson, Bob & Bernice Moreau, Dale & Dorothy Baldwin, Anita Hendrickson, Brian & Lisa Doyle, Norm & Joyce Fredin, Stan Jensen family Ken Joachim given by Doug & Gloria Fallgatter My sister Cecil Maureen Johnson given by Alton Flugum Francis Johnson given by family & friends, Phyllis Hamborg Ursula Kuiters given by Inge Rhiger Lee Kvam given by Linda Nydeager Carlyle Lageson given by Hazel Senske John Leininger given by Jack & Orlene Woodside, Gen Montei, Gary & Ginny Thompson Marilyn Light given by family & friends Burnette Loge given by Robert & Joanne Rowe, Bev Grotsun Phillip Lunning given by Jerome Baer, Dale & Mary Mehus 12

Madison “Maddie” Mann given by Grandma Susan and Doug Olson John Nielsen given by family and friends Myrtle Peterson given by family & friends John & Audree Wagner given by Doug & Dorothy Blom Russ Olson given by Mrs. Norris J. Lovik, Phillis Olson Adeline Reese given by Maxine Hanson Lorraine Reim given by Rolly Twito and Paddy Hoium, Donna Henrikson, Clarence & Barb Heavner Wilber Wittmer given by Phyllis Hamborg In Honor Of: Savanna Clark’s Confirmation given by Arlene Lee Gifts Given by: Joann Palmer, Judy Waalkens, Frank & Pat Gjersvik, Kathryn Olson, Leroy & Garnet Folie, Bob & Bonnie Hoenk, Bob & Pat Goldman, Glen & Deanna Bakke, Leona Howe, Doris Schulz, Norm & Joyce Fredin, Lois Brandt, Joyce & Kent Knorr, Kaye Schultz, Maye Schultz, Harriet Wangen, Lois Johnson, Brian & Suzanne Bestul, Karen Thomas, Jane Morley, Glen & Connie Albright, Larry & Dorinda Leutink, Craig Nash, James & Kathie Grodhaus, Buddy & Phyllis Bonfy, Dale & Mary Mehus, Patricia Tallman, James & Barbara Braun, Larry & Barbara Schnoor, Gilbert Gilbertson, Phyllis A. Bacon, Kathryn Sandsmark, Ila Breck, John & Nancy Sorlie, Glen & Connie Albright, Gilbert Gilbertson, Patricia Tallman, Ila Breck, Alberta Sorenson, Janice J. Jensen, Mary Best, Eugene & Wanda Soland, John & Lisa Deyo, Bob & Pat Goldman, Barbara Benda, Marie & Zane Dubbels, Cynthia Jensen, Carolyn Flesche, Constance Trihus, Doug & Joanne Chafee, Jim & Beverly Gorder, Mailee (Judy) Waalkens, CONFIRMATION FUND In Honor Of: Our granddaughter Katelyn Oudekerk’s confirmation given by Steve & Sue Gregerson

MEMORIALS, HONORS & SPECIAL GIFTS (CONT) BILL HAMMER SCHOLARSHIP FUND In Memory Of: Burnett Loge given by the Beckman Family

KEITH FLIGGE FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP In Memory Of: Russ Olson given by Gen Montei Barb Andersen given by Deloris Fligge

HAPPINESSS IS A BLANKET In Memory Of: FOOD MINISTRY Millard Hamborg given by Donna Henrikson, Gifts Given by: Frank & Pat Gjersvik, Mark & Susan Runden, Marie Audrey Christensen, Bonnie Schneider, Bonnie Trampel, Dave & Linda Pedersen Carlin Albert Peanuts Whiteaker given by Pam Stern GENERAL FUND Linda Nichalson given by Pam Stern In Memory Of: HELPING FAMILIES FUND Jim Grosland given by Richard & Darlene In Memory Of: Doeden Burnett Loge given by Donna Mathison In Honor Of: John Nielsen given by family & friends Pastor John & Joan Holt’s 40 year ordination MUSIC MINISTRY given by Sharon Wakefield In Memory Of: Pastors John and Jan for their dedication to FLC Barb Andersen given by Richard & Judith Kary given by Lorraine Bakken Jim & Jane Loge, Marcia Habben, Perry & Gifts Given by: Suzanne Deloquin, Crystal Ferley, Shirley Marcele Schlichting, Jane Morley, Gordon & Brownlow, David & Rachel Christensen Martha Lewis, Donald W. Neubauer RADIO FUND KIMBERLY (OLSON) GODDARD In Memory Of: SCHOLARSHIP FUND Holden Broitzman given by Gordy & LouJean In Memory Of: Nelson Millard Hamborg given by Carol Olson Millard Hamborg given by Jane Maiden Barb Andersen given by Carol Olson TANZANIA MISSION PROJECT Gifts Given by: Stan Weltzin

PRAYER NEEDS Our Prayers are requested for healing and wholeness for: Casey Dusza, Grant Gordon, Jim Hansen, Officer Arik Matson, and Larry Peterson. Our Continued Prayers are requested for healing and wholeness for: Jody Bakken, Alan J. Christensen, Rodger Christenson, Mary Ann Christian, Dorothy Hanson, Breckyn Heinemann, Glenn Helland, Sharon Johnson, Deb Koenigs, Phil Koppelman, Tom Loverink, Fred (Fritz) Moran, Elaine Panzer, Jean Stearns, ... and their spouses, families & caregivers, and… safety for people serving in the Armed Forces, and their families. 13

MEETING GUIDELINES FOR FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH All meetings must be scheduled through the FLC Office to be placed on the Building Calendar. Meetings must be within normal business hours M-Th 8-5. If your meeting needs to be after hours, a staff member must be present. To coordinate a staff person to be present, please contact the FLC office.  

     

Meetings are limited to the Multi-Purpose Room, Bethany Hall and the Parlor If anyone in the group is feeling ill or has any symptoms we ask that they stay home Everyone must come through the back doors We ask that everyone wear a mask Social Distancing must be followed Hand Sanitizer is available in each room No Coffee, catered meals or outside food When the meeting is completed flip the sign on the table to Unsanitized

2019-2021 Council Members Quick Reference Guide President- Ginny Larson- 507-383-6686-larsonvirginia3@gmail.com Vice President- Dawn Thompson-507-383-2953- dthomps58@gmail.com Treasurer-Dan Dorman-612-245-5204- aldormans@gmail.com Secretary- Kristin Larson- 507-383-5695-kristin.m.larson71@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-507-402-3909- gandy6gunhild@gmail.com Property Enhancement- Dave Van Fossen-507-402-0634- davevf@gmail.com Membership and Growth– Stephanie Passingham-passingham@wctatel.net F.L.C.W- President- Diane Damerow-507-383-9284- ddamerow@charter.net Sharing the Faith - Jo Hanson- 763-257-9018-jobunny19@gmail.com Youth—Fran Heilman - 507-373-2470-theteech@charter.net 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 14

FLC INFORMATION

OF INTEREST

FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH OFFICE:

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.

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)

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)

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.

RECORDS OF PASTORAL ACTS AT FLC Baptism

Funerals

Roric Jon Olson, October 29, 2020

Millard Hamborg, October 2, 2020

Weddings Anna Waltman and Erik Anderson, September 4, 2020

Barb Andersen, October 12, 2020

Debra Strosahl and Bradley Menges, October 17, 2020

101.9 FM KJLY CHRISTIAN RADIO PO BOX 72 BLUE EARTH, MN 56013 1-800-810-5559 KINSHIPRADIO.ORG LISTEN ON-AIR OR ONLINE 15

Sunday’s

Blended Style Service, in person, 9:30 am in the Sanctuary Watch Peace & Power-KAAL TV- Channel 6 at 10 am Listen to KATE RADIO AM 1450 at 11 am

Anytime

on the FLC website to see video of current and past worship services. www.flcal.org Celebrated on the 1st & 3rd Sundays of each month.