October 2016

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

October

Messenger

Volume LXVI + No. 10

Fir st Luther an Church + F.L.C. + For the Love of Chr ist Inside this issue: Pastor Sean’s Letter

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FLC Happenings

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Connections Events

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Team Kropp Day Benefit

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Education, Youth & Family

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FLCW Caring & Sharing

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October Calendar

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Miscellaneous Info

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Blessed to be a Blessing

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Memorials, Honors and Special Gifts

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Youth Announcements

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Musical Notes

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September 29, 2016

Scroll to the bottom of the website and click on the monthly messenger!!!! You are able to view it just like a paper copy in booklet format!

Paper copies will be discontinued as of January 1st, 2017 unless you notify the Church Office to receive a paper copy!

The Social Ministry Commission of First Lutheran Church will host its Fall Lutheran World Relief Ingathering on Saturday, October 8, from 7:30 am until 12 noon. A semi-trailer,

penses. $100 will ship 44 quilts, 71 School Kits, 37 Personal Care Kits, 100 Fabric Kits, 76 Baby Care Kits, and 818 lb cartons of soap. Please make CHECKS payable to Lutheran World Relief; we will forward them to the Baltimore office.

donated by Crossroads Trailer of Albert Lea, will be in the parking lot behind the church, Our Spring off of St. Mary's Ave. Follow Ingathering the Enter and Exit signs. will be May Besides collecting quilts, 20, 2017. blankets, kits, and bars of soap, we accept monetary donations for LWR for its shipping ex-

The mission of First Lutheran Church is: to gather, equip, and empower people to joyfully do Christ’s work.

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Rejoice in the Lord!

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asked the disciples; “What were you discussing on the It has been a blast to move to Albert Lea and make way?” But they kept silent, for on the way they (were comparing) which of them was the greatest. Mark 9:33-34. new friends in our community. We’ve received your warm hospitality in many forms; namely cookies, sweet Sometimes we just can’t help to compare everything, even ourselves to one another. treats, and a good old fashioned Minnesota hot dish.

With regard to this, Jesus called the twelve and said It’s been a great transition, not just for me but also for to them, “If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of my family.

People have been trying to make us feel welcome in all and servant of all.” Mark 9:35. This is the community that Jesus has called us, First Lutheran, to be. It’s not a variety of ways, through conversations about one that bids us to compare ourselves to each other, nor Albert Lea, the schools, good fishing spots, and, of to other congregations in the community. Because we course, the upcoming winter. I feel if I survive the are truly first, we put Jesus first in our lives; we lovingly winter I’ll earn a badge of courage. put other people before ourselves, we’re the first to Some people are still scratching their heads wondering what on Earth would bring us from Florida think of others in their time of need, the first to pray to Albert Lea. It’s as if to imply there is no comparison, with and for others, the first to extend forgiveness to others, the first to sacrifice for others, and the first to or if you do compare Albert Lea, MN to Boca Raton, FL—we know which place is better. I would like to tell serve others. I think that’s what it means to be the you that you might be surprised by how God gives you people of First Lutheran. I think that’s what the charter members of our congregation intended when they chose eyes to see His goodness. our name. Thank you for the honor of serving Christ Since I accepted the call to serve at First, I have along side of you, following Jesus’ example of being last fielded a lot of comparison questions from both sides of all and servant of all thereby making us First. about our move. My Florida friends are asking me about Minnesota and my Minnesota friends are asking In the Light of His love, Pastor Sean me about Florida. I’ve enjoyed much of the conversation about the heat versus the cold, the ocean versus the lake, sandals versus snow boots, t-shirts versus winter coats, the Dolphins versus the Vikings, and the south versus the north. It’s normal and it’s just what we do. But, I’ve struggled when people ask me, Pastoral Records “Which do I prefer?” That’s an entirely different Weddings matter; one that I try to avoid at all cost. Here’s why.

Jennifer Ordalen & Brody Paulson The Atlantic Ocean has its own beauty just as September 10, 2016 Fountain Lake has its own beauty. Neither of them Jamie Brickson & Tyler Jensen need be compared to the other. I find them both September 17, 2016 beautiful. But the question becomes, “Which do you Funerals prefer?” The truth is that I prefer to let each “rest” in Pauline Aske-Ochoa, September 2, 2016 their own beauty, taking nothing away from either one Wayne Miland, September 15, 2016 of them. You see, comparing “Which is better? What is Nancy Metz, September 18, 2016 Cecil Mulholland, September 23, 2016 better? Who is better?” usually comes at an unnecessary Junior A. Dorman, September 26, 2016 expense.

Comparing things have become our way of life and is so ingrained in us that I don’t think we can stop it even if we tried. It reminds me of the time when Jesus

Greetings Good People of First,

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT FLC? Friends at First is a ministry for Older

The Special Outreach Cause offering for October is Crisis Shelter for battered women.

Adults that meets on the third Tuesday of the month at 11:30 a.m. in Bethany Hall for lunch and a program.

Friends at First will meet Tuesday, October 18

To support services that help women and children who are victims of domestic violence.

Program: Habibo Haji, Journey of a Shepherd Girl in Somalia and Africa

Special offering envelopes are available from the ushers at church services.

(Make checks payable to F.L.C.)

Lunch: Chicken Noodle Hotdish, buns and bars

Holidays Ahead Crafters meet Monday mornings at 9 in Bethany Hall.

All Volunteers welcome!

Everyone Welcome!

Being a welcoming face with a Name Tag As First Lutheran Church continues to grow we are finding it important for everyone to wear their name tags. It is especially important with the call of our new Pastor, Sean Forde. Let’s make it easier for him to get to know us by wearing our name tags!

If you do not have a name tag or have misplaced it, please stop at the welcome center or church office to fill out a form and have a new tag made!

Name tags are suggested for ages 13 and up.

Join us for ...

Connections Events

The service of Installation of Pastor Sean Forde On Sunday, October 9, 2016 at the 8:00 am service.

Saturday, Oct. 1 4:00 - 8:00 pm Connections Fall Kick Off Meet the Forde's Evening of games, food and fellowship at the Forde's. Wear your favorite sports team attire. Children are welcome.

Saturday, Oct. 29 8:00am - 12:00pm Fall Clean Up A morning of fall clean up service work helping out members of our congregation.

Chili lunch to follow at church.

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD SHOEBOX PROJECT

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Our church will again be assembling and collecting shoe boxes to be sent to children around the world.

Team Kropp Fun Day Benefit A benefit for Michael Kropp (son of FLC members Don & Judy Kropp) will be held on Saturday, October 15th, at Faith Lutheran Church in Wabasha, MN. Activities begin at 9 am and include a Silent Auction, a Carnival, a 5k Run/Walk, and a Pulled Pork Dinner (10 am-1 pm). A Bubbleball Tournament will be held in the afternoon.

Michael and his wife, Kristi, are the parents of Conner (17) and Rachel (10). Michael was diagnosed 6 years ago with a Stage 4 brain tumor. His is unable to return to his teaching and coaching positions this fall.

To donate, make checks payable to Team Kropp. Donations can be left at the FLC office before noon on Friday, October 14, or mailed to Liesl Knox, 218 Second Street East, Wabasha, MN 55981. A GoFundMe account has also been established.

“Live Life—One Adventure at a Time.” (Michael’s favorite saying!)

August 2016 Financial Reports Year-to-date FLC Broadcast Ministries

Radio Income Expense Net gain (loss)

$ 7,245 7,410 $(165)

Peace & Power Income Expense Net gain (loss)

FLC General Fund (G.F.) Offerings Other Income Total Income Expenses Surplus (Deficit) January 1, 2016 August 31, 2016

Actual 33,576 27,328 $6,248

Actual $ 419,156 64,184 $ 483,340 $ 505,768 $(22,428) $ 118,372 $ 95,944

Budget Over/(Under) $485,400 $(66,244) 67,400 $(3,216) $552,800 $(69,460) $552,800 47,032 -0$(22,428) G.F. ‘Fund Balance’ G.F. ‘Fund Balance’

FLC EDUCATION, YOUTH & FAMILY A huge thank you to everyone who helped make Rally Sunday such a fun day. A special thank you to the

The Christian Education Team will be presenting our third graders with Bibles.

Education Commission, Steve Olson, Tim Miller, Kelly Hendrickson, Property Commission, and the wonderful Confirmation students. I appreciate all of your hard work!! Jenny nd

On Sunday, October 30, at the 8:00 am service, any child in third grade from First Lutheran Church is welcome to receive a Bible.

Letters will be sent to the families of children who we know are in third grade. If you do not receive a letter and would like to receive a Bible on this Sunday; please contact Jenny Edwin at the church office, 507-373 -6424.

th

All 2 - 6 graders please join us for the FLY Halloween Party on Sunday, October 30th from 3:00-5:00 pm in Bethany Hall.

Please come in your favorite costume. We will play games, make crafts, eat lots of yummy treats! The cost is only $5. So bring your friends and come and shine with the light of 4

FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH WOMEN (FLCW) CARING AND SHARING October 2016 + Rebecca +

Co-chairs Marlene Behle 373-2742 and Karen Hovde 952-432-9074 Workers Selma Engebretson

Joyce Johnson

Teri Stadheim

Shirley Hansen

Jan Overgaard

Karen Trow

Joan Holt

Jan Paske

Phyllis Ulland

Susan Jensen

Mary Jane Pierson

First Lutheran Church Women Reformation Luncheon Wednesday October 12, 2016 12 noon in Bethany Hall Tickets $5 Purchase tickets by Sunday, October 9.

Program: “The C.D.’s” By: Linda Hill, Audrey Klihn, Julie Quamme

Coming in November ...

Holidays Ahead

Cakes Michelle Baseman

Arlene Jensen

Debbie Pilgrim

Kathy Carter

Sarah Keer

Cathy Rofshus

Nina Cole

Nancy Kyllo

Judy Stevens

Dawn Dahl

Lora Millang

Shirley Stundahl

Emily Hudspith

Elaine Munson

Susan Van Ryswyk

Rebecca Jacobson

Sherry Nyman

Sue Wittmer

All church women are Invited to FLCW. All guests welcome!

First Lutheran Church Women’s Annual Craft and Baked Goods Bazaar First Lutheran Church Women Wednesday, November 9, 2016 1:15 p.m. in Bethany Hall Program: “American Legion Honor Guard” By: Dave Olson Thank Offering Special Music: Julia Tonder Devotions: Marlene Behle Offering Prayer: Marlene Behle

Enrich Your Relationship on a Fall 2016 Lutheran Marriage Encounter Weekend!

Attend our Weekend in Albert Lea, MN on October 21 - 23. Apply now at GodLovesMarriage.com, or contact Pete & Phyllis McMahon at mcmahonp@comcast.net or 763-561-1575 for more information.

Pre-registration is required and weekends fill up fast - don't miss out!

Married couples everywhere are looking for:   

Satisfying communication More romance Stronger commitment

Help strengthen families by strengthening marriages.

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October 2016 Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Our Continued Prayers are requested for healing and wholeness for: A

Pembie Erickson, Patrick George, Breckyn Heinemann, Karen Houge, Fred (Fri Christian Reichl, Betty Stolaas, Nick Von Ohlen and…safety for people servin

2 World Communion

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Sunday 8 am-Traditional w/Comm.-S 9:15 am-Worship w/Comm.-C 10:30 am-Praise & Worship 6 pm-Girl Scouts-MPR w/Comm.-S 10:30 am-New Member Orientation-P

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10 8 am-Traditional with the

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3 pm-Thorne Crest CommunionGrace 6 pm-Welcome Ministry meets 6:30 pm-Healing Prayer Class-P 6:30 pm-Commissions meet-BH

9 am-FLCW Board meeting-P

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1 pm-Good Samaritan-Oakland/Mosco 3 pm-Oak Park Place-Ascension 5:30 pm-Education Commission meets

2:30 pm-Senior Towers Commun- 12 noon-FLCW Reformation Luncheonion-Ascension 2:30 pm-Prairie Senior CottagesCommunion-Grace

Installation of Pastor Sean Forde -S

9:15 am-Worship -C 10:30 am-Praise & Worship -S

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Freeborn Mower Award Recipient Reception-BH

6:30 pm-Healing Prayer Class-P

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17 Albert Lea HS Chorus 18 8 am-Traditional w/Comm.-S 9:15 am-Worship w/Comm.-C 10:30 am-Praise & Worship w/Comm.-S Christian Solos meet

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Wreath Youth Fundraiser starts

8 am-Traditional -S 9:15 am-Worship -C 10:30 am-Praise & Worship -S

30 Reformation Sunday 8 am-Traditional with 3rd gr. Bible handout-S 9:15 am-Worship -C 10:30 am-Praise & Worship-S 3-5 pm-F.L.Y.-BH

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and Orchestra Rehearsals-S Albert Lea HS Chorus and Orches4:30 pm-Finance meets-P tra Concert-S 6:30 pm-Church Council meets-P Albert Lea HS Chorus and 6:30 pm-Healing Prayer Class-P Orchestra Concert-S

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6 pm-MC #6-MPR

6:30 pm-Healing Prayer Class-P

8-11 am-Lefse Bake-BH 9 am-Library Board meets

1:30 pm-MC #12-MPR 1:30 pm-MC #31-P MEA No Confirmation/No Eikon, No children’s Choirs

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8-4 am-Lefse Bake-BH

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BH=Bethany Hall C= Chapel CR-Choir Room G MPR=Multi-Purpose Room N= Nursery P =Parlor SL=South Lot YR=Youth Ro

Reformation Day Halloween 6

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Fri 1

Alan J. Christensen, Mary Ann Christian, itz) Moran, Stacy Palmer, Colleen Politz, ng in the Armed Forces, and their families.

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6

ow

s

-BH

Sat 4 pm-Connections meet the Forde’s-at the Forde’s 7 pm-Taylor Johnson & Garrett Wencl wedding-S-P

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Orchestra Rehearsals-S

1:30 pm-St. John’s CommunionHayward 5:30 pm-Alzheimer's Group-MPR 6:30 pm-Chapel Service

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7:30 am-12 noon Lutheran World Relief Ingathering-SL

8 am-11pm-Lefse Bake-BH

6:30 pm-Chapel Service

9:15 am-Immersion-BH (Not in BH on Oct . 2) 9:15 am-Sunday School (In BH on Oct. 2) 9:15 am-The Donut Hour-YR

Monday Events 9 am-Holidays Ahead Crafting-BH 7 pm-Narcotics Anonymous-RR

Tuesday Events

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Albert Lea HS Chorus 9:30 am-MC#20-P and Orchestra Rehearsals-S

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8 am-Happiness is a Blanket-MPR 9:30 am-Staff Meeting-P 7 pm-Narcotics Anonymous-MPR 7 pm-Spirit Express Rehearsal 7:15 pm-Spirit Express Band & Singers Rehearsal

Wednesday Events 8 am-Prayer Group-PR 9:30 am-Bible Study-MPR 3:30 pm-Rays of Light Choir Rehearsal (MEA Oct. 19 no rehearsal)) 4:15 pm-Sounds of Joy Choir Rehearsal (MEA Oct. 19 no rehearsal)) 5:30 pm-Bell Choir Rehearsal 6:30 pm-Confirmation (MEA Oct. 19 no Confirmation) 6:30 pm-FLC Choir Rehearsal 8 pm-Eikon-Youth Room (MEA Oct. 19 no Eikon)

6:30 pm-Chapel Service

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8 am-Traditional Service-S 9:15 am-Worship-C

10:30 am-Praise & Worship-S

6:30 pm-Chapel Service w/Comm.

13 Albert Lea HS Chorus and

WEEKLY REOCURRING EVENTS Sunday Events

8 am-12 noon Connections Fall Clean Up Baby Shower/Kati Stieler-P

Thursday Events 1 & 5:15 pm-Tops– RR

6:30 pm-Chapel Service 7 pm-Al-Anon-P 7 pm-Al-Anon kids-N

Friday Events Pastor John’s Day Off

GS= Gathering Space L=Library MC= Mission Circle PR= Prayer Room RR=Resource Room S=Sanctuary Room w/Comm.=with Holy Communion

1 pm-Hardanger-MPR

Saturday Events 10:30 am-Alcoholics Anonymous-MPR 7

Blessed to be a Blessing!

“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”

1 Corinthians 12:27

Once more fall is here and with that comes our annual Christian stewardship campaign. Now is the time to think about renewing our commitment to be faithful stewards of the gifts and blessings that God has bestowed upon us. With fall comes the harvest, and in this part of the country this time of year always reminds us of the material abundance God provides us. You can take a quick drive through the countryside and see the trucks, combines and tractors and all the activity that makes this bounty possible every year.

No single farmer can create this on his own. Behind each farmer is a supporting cast of hundreds of people, from the ones who manufacture sell, and repair the implements and equipment, others who provide finance, and more who make or sell seed, fuel and fertilizer and all the other inputs that support American agriculture.

In a similar way, First Lutheran relies on the contributions and generosity of our members who share their time, talents and treasure to build our church community and spread God’s word. Without all these people bringing their diversity of gifts together we wouldn’t have this amazing place to worship and celebrate Jesus Christ.

Thank you for all that all of you do. Please look for your pledge card in the mail, as we pray, reflect, and ask ourselves if we can pledge just a bit more every year to keep our church a vibrant and thriving part of the body of Christ. Our stewardship campaign only happens once a year, but God’s grace and love is bestowed upon us every minute of our lives.

~Steve Schulz, for the FLC Stewardship Commission

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-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Friday 4:50 p.m.)

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 Sean Forde sean@flcal.org (Cell 772-323-1775) Normal Hours for the FLC Building Sunday: 7:00 am–12:00 noon; Monday–Thursday: 7:00 am–9:00 pm Friday: 8:00 am – 4:50 pm; Saturday: 8:00 – 11:50 am Other times by appointment or as meetings/events are scheduled

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.

FIRST LUTHERAN MESSENGER (USPS196-560)

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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 8:00, 9:15 or 10:30 am on Sundays, or Thursday evenings at 6:30 pm. Just let the driver know to bill FLC.

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) 8

Memorials, Honors & Special Gifts PEACE & POWER FUND

In Memory Of:

Ruby Fredrickson given by: Mission Circle #31 of First Lutheran Church of Albert Lea, MN, Joy White, Maxine Hanson, Helen Lovik, Bonnie Schneider, Marjorie Schaffer, Ben & Phyllis Fredrickson, Hildy Vallevand, Vern &Shirley Strand, Paddy Hoium, Bill & Deb Foster, Dale Foster, Janice Kelly, Jean Grube, Martha Tasker, Marvyl Dahl, Earl & Pat Dillavou, Terry & Natalie Edgar, Monrad & Karen Mandsager, Isabel Lee, Dawn Gilbertson, Reid & Sherry Ulve, Robert & Constance Navratil, Kraig & Doris Smeby Mildred Woodside given by: Helen Lovik, Bev Grotsun Rik Trytten given by: Bonnie Schneider, Ione Kelly Margaret “Peggy” Haskins given by: Colleen Olson, Kraig & Doris Smeby Beverly Sutton given by: Dwight & Judy Gingerich, FAS friends of Patrice Sutton, Gordon & LouJean Nelson, Mary Burger, Dennis & Bonnie Felesena, Family and friends Beverly Boone given by: Harriet Harne Ollie Godtland given by: Ben & Phyllis Fredrickson Dorothy Wedge given by: Hildy Vallevand Jane Edwards given by: Carlyle & Janet Engebretson Our brother-in-law, Claude Engebretson given by: Selma Engebretson & family Mildred Sigurdson given by: John & JoAnn Gold Mary Hoffman given by: Paddy Hoium Ted Hellie given by: Jack & Orlene Woodside Nathan Kinkade given by: Selma Engebretson & family Pauline Aske-Ochoa given by: Selma Engebretson & family, Carlyle & Janet Engebretson Gordon Yost given by: Donald & Arlis Smith Dolly Sichko given by: Craig & Brenda Ludtke Paul Egge - brother of David & Linda Pederson given by: Judy Menssen Nancy Metz given by: Dee Bennett, Helen Lovik Junior Dorman given by: Hildy Vallevand, Jack & Orlene Woodside Donna Cornick given by: Bonnie Schneider Judy Klukow given by: Tom & Karen Hovde, Art & Donna Ludtke John Klaster given by: Beulah Thompson Wayne Miland given by: Stephen & Diane Weisgram, Matthew & Kristin Larson, Wanda Dorman, Donald & Neva Mathison, Cindy Martin, Al & Tep Christensen, Robert & Jane Manges, Robert & Linda Paulsen, Verna Miland, Milford & Beverly Bohonek, Steve Seipp, Jon & Janet Kapitz, Phyllis & Louis Tomschin, Ruth Vermadahl, Rick & Sandra Hoffmann, Lorraine Schaper, Herbert & Karen Brand, Gertrude Anderson, Joan Mattick, Charles & Lisa Evert, Danny & Susan Steele, Larry & Sandra Johnson, Larry & Julia Tonder, Bonnie Schneider, Jo Hanson, Margaret Hagen

In Honor Of:

Marion Drescher for her 90th birthday given by: Marvyl Dahl, Hildy Vallevand

Gifts Given By:

West St. Olaf Lutheran Church of Hayfield, MN, Leroy & Garnet Folie, Effie Neist, Larry & Dorinda Leutink, Konstance Haas RADIO FUND

In Memory Of:

Ruby Fredrickson given by: Alton Flugum, Carrie Kitner, Dave & Donna Stanke, Todd & Mary Eversvillen, Cindy Martin, Michael & Sue Phillips, Glen & Brenda Larson, Mavis Bryson, Larry Toenges, Sharon Hansen, Jeff & Lori Hansen, Mark Severson, Tim & Nancy Phillips, Frank & Sue Fredrickson, Terry & Nina Cole, Neil Burtness Rik Trytten - son-in-law of Bill and Ann Satre given by: Al & Bonnie Bakken Donna Cornick given by: Al & Bonnie Bakken Gladys Wagner given by: Al & Bonnie Bakken Lorraine Slette given by: Shirley Christopherson Ellen Harrison given by: Shirley Christopherson STAINED GLASS FUND

In Memory Of:

Peggy Haskins given by: Fred & Cheryl Moran Jane Edwards given by: Pam Slette Rik Trytten given by: Jane Maiden Gordon H. Anderson - a past member of First Lutheran Church from 1964 - the mid 80’s, along with his wife Maxine, their children, Douglas, Phillip, Brad & Janet were confirmed here and graduated from Albert Lea, MN. Gordon worked at Almco for over 20 years and both were master bridge players given by: Keith & Deloris Fligge Nancy Metz given by: Paddy Hoium KIMBERLY (OLSON) GODDARD SCHOLARSHIP FUND

In Memory Of:

Millie Woodside given by: Dick & Barb Ochs Dolly Sichko given by: Dick & Barb Ochs Wayne Miland given by: Carol Olson & family MUSIC FUND

In Memory Of:

Addie Rolands given by: Gen Montei Wayne Miland given by: Gen Montei HAPPINESS IS A BLANKET FUND

In Memory Of:

Nancy Metz given by: Doug & Dorothy Blom, Larry & Bonnie Trampel, Larry & Julia Tonder, Cindy Gandrud, Family & friends, Pamela Slette Wayne Miland given by: Wayne & Dorothy Hanson, Larry & Bonnie Trampel CHILDREN’S CHOIR ROBE FUND

In Memory Of: Ruby Fredrickson given by: Fred & Cheryl Moran ADULT CHOIR ROBE FUND

In Honor Of:

Art & Donna Ludtke for their 68th wedding anniversary given by: Craig & Brenda Ludtke Celebrating the life of Peter Estrem given by: Wayne & Jackie Sletten 9

Memorials, Honors & Special Gifts (cont) Junior Dorman given by: Don & Judy Kropp Paul Egge - brother of David & Linda Egge given by: Wayne & Jackie Sletten

Dale & Donna Falksen for their 50th wedding anniversary given by: Jane Maiden ORGAN FUND

Gifts Given By:

In Memory Of:

In Memory Of:

Gifts Given By:

Shirlie Brownlow PARISH NURSE FUND

Rik Trytten - Husband of Julie Satre given by: Bob & Joni Rowe TANZANIA MISSION PROJECT FOR WALTER NNKO

Peggy Haskins given by: Carroll & Janae Clausen Rik Trytten given by: Tom & Judy Mullen PARISH NURSE PRAYER SHAWL FUND

Don & Neva Mathison NURSERY FUND

Don’t see your gift? Any gifts recorded by the church Ruby Fredrickson given by: Bob & office after September 21 Sharon Johnson will appear in the next issue of the Messenger. Any questions or concerns, please call the church office 373-6424.

Thank you.

In Memory Of:

In Memory Of:

Ruby Fredrickson given by: Bev McMullin Ellen Harrison for her September birthday given by: Bev McMullin Nancy Metz given by: Jane Maiden

In Honor Of:

Dorothy Adams for her 90th birthday given by: Jane Maiden

FLC YOUTH ANNOUNCEMENTS Summer Youth Trip Meeting Sunday October 9th 11:30 a.m.in the Youth Room For 9th - 12th Graders & their parents

Wreath Fundraiser

Join us for this meeting if you are interested in going on the 2017 Summer Trip. Questions?/Can’t make the meeting ?...

Contact Jordan (373-6424)

Mark your calendars. The youth will be taking orders for Wreaths/Garland in the Gathering Space starting Sunday October 23rd.

Wreaths will come in Sunday November 20.

Recharge Weekends

7th - 9th Grade

at Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camp

Z-tag

7th & 9th Grade

Wednesday Oct. 9th, 9 - 11:30 It’s that time again for us to play Z-tag.. Bring your Nerf equipment if you have any.

Nov. 11 - 13

9th - 12th Grade

Nov. 18 - 20

$35 (the church will pay the rest) Please make checks payable to: First Lutheran Church We will leave on Friday at 6:30 p.m. from First Lutheran and return home Sunday by 3:00 p.m.

Sign up Deadline: Monday Oct. 17th You must sign up in order to attend this event Questions?/Sign Up - Talk to Jordan (373-6424)

If you are interested in going please contact Jordan (373-6424)

What is a Recharge?

A Recharge is a weekend retreat at Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camp in Milford, IA. For those who have been to confirmation camp, it’s a lot like a week of camp packed into a weekend. The weekend consist of worship, skits, food, games, other youth, fellowship, craziness, fun, and much more. Recharges begin on Friday at 8 p.m. and end on Sunday 12:00 p.m.

ATTENTION: Parents of College Students

We would love to send your college student a care package from our congregation this fall (sometime before Finals). We want to let them know we are thinking about and praying for them during their time of studies. Please email Jordan (jordan@flcal.org) your student’s address so we can get them on our list and send them a package.. If you have questions or would like to help please contact Jordan (373-6424) 10

MUSICAL NOTES John Newton was an Englishman who wrote a hymn in 1779. The hymn was first titled: "Faith's Review and Expectation." John Newton was known by all, and even admitted himself, to be a 'bad boy' with criminal tendencies. However, he was very influenced by his Mother and her faith. Despite her fragile health, she dedicated herself to attempting to nurture his soul. After her death, John went through many years of very bad behavior. Through the AMAZING GRACE of God, the seeds of faith planted by John's mother, began to grow and flourish. While John was blinded by sin in his youth and early adulthood, he later became one of the most powerful evangelical preachers in British history. You could definitely say that while he once was blind, that he indeed came to the point in his life where he could fully see! He could see the grace and love and Salvation that comes only through Jesus Christ. John's hymn was renamed "Amazing Grace". There is a verse to that beloved hymn that has been nearly forgotten through the years. That verse is: "The earth shall soon dissolve like snow; the sun forbear to shine; but God, Who called me here below, shall be forever mine."

No matter what challenges or disappointments we face in this world, God is always 'present' for us. God is the Alpha and Omega and by Him, in Him, and through Him, we will have Eternal Life. Alleluia!

The Rays of Light Children's Choir meets on Wednesdays at 3:30 PM (until 4:15 PM). We changed the Rays of Light for this year to include Grades 1-4. Children who will still be pre-school for this school year and have already participated in the choir are automatically invited back to choir.

The Sounds of Joy Children's Choir meets on Wednesdays at 4:15 PM (until 5:15 PM). We changed the Sounds of Joy for this year to include Grades 5-9.

The First Lutheran Church Hand Bell Choir meets on Wednesdays at 5:30 PM (until 6:25 PM). Youth from Grades 5 and up through Adults are welcome to join us!

The First Lutheran Church Choir meets on Wednesdays at 6:30 PM (until 8 PM). This will be an exciting year in the life of our choir. We are looking at new robes and we have new concert risers for better comfort and safety. We need singers for ALL parts-S-A-T-and B--ladies and gentlemen. It would be great to see more youth involved in the choir. Singers from 8th grade and up are invited to join the choir. We also have our "annual" Choral Scholars Program. We have twelve scholarship positions for youth in 10th grade through college, who are continuing or planning to continue their education. It is simple! You participate and meet the requirements of Choral Scholars and you earn a scholarship for the season! When paying for college, every penny counts! Applications are available in the Church Office, the Music kiosk in the Gathering Space, or the Office of the Minister of Music and Worship.

Spirit Express meets on Tuesdays at 7 PM for the Singers and at 7:45 PM for the Band with the Singers. We the Spirit Express are committed to worship leadership and music in our 10:30 Praise and Worship Service.

Mark your calendars for : The HANGING OF THE GREEN CONCERT with Orchestra on Friday, December 9, 2016 at 7 PM (Dress Rehearsal on Wednesday, December 7, 2016 6:30 PM Orchestra and 7:30 PM Choirs and Orchestra.)

The ADVENT ADVENTURE--Wednesdays in Advent--Wednesday November 30, 2016, Wednesday December 7, 2016, and Wednesday December 14, 2016. Each Wednesday: Devotions/Meditations will be held in Bethany Hall at 11 AM, Lunch will be held at 11:30 AM, and an Advent Recital will be held at 12:30 PM in the Sanctuary.

Thank you for your prayers, support, and participation in our Music Ministry. To God Be The Glory!

Peace, Tim

Come and Worship wih Meet New Friends SERVICE TIMES

Fall Worship Schedule

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:

First & Third Sundays of the month First Thursday of the month

Adult Bible Study

9:15 am — Sunday morning “Immersion” 9:30 am — Wednesday morning Bible Study – Multi Purpose Room

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

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