October 2020 by First Lutheran Church Messenger

First Lutheran Church Albert Lea, MN www.flcal.org OCTOBER 2020 MESSENGER SEPTEMBER 23, 2020 VOLUME LXX NO.10

Building— Monday-Thursday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM Office —Monday-Thursday 9:00 AM-3:00 PM FRIDAY & SATURDAY CLOSED Sunday Building Hours—9 AM—11 AM [Other times by special arrangement] Our building hours have changed as we try to navigate the best way possible to use our staff time and resources. To be good stewards‘ of God’s Blessings it is our job as leaders to make sure we are using our staff time the best way possible. We feel that changing these hours will help reduce costs, allowing our staff to work without disruption, therefore being more productive.

Again this year, our church will be collecting filled shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. Even though this year is different for all of us, we are going to share our love and hope in these boxes for children around the world. Operation Christmas Child started in our church 10 years ago. In 2010, we collected 20 boxes with each year bringing more —2019 --152 boxes. Please consider filling a box and sharing your love of Christ. As you pack your box, say a prayer for the child receiving that they may feel that accepting 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. Boxes and brochures are available in the office. If you have any questions or are unable to get a box, please contact me at 373-1189. Ann Satre The church council voted to have Operation Christmas Child the Special Cause Offering for October.

CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP We are (already!) working on plans for Christmas Eve worship services. Watch The Messenger for announcements and updates. 1

Pictures from Rally Sunday

Materials being packed for Sunday School packet.

FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH WOMEN CARING AND SHARING October 2020– Rebecca Co-Chairs Mary Carstens, 507-383-8866 Karen Hovde, 952-432-9074 Workers Selma Engebretson

Jan Overgaard

Bonnie Schneider

Shirley Hansen

Mary Jane Pierson

Teri Stadhei

Joan Holt

Marilyn Sasser

Karen Trow

Susan Jensen

Phyllis Ulland

Cakes Michelle Baseman

Nancy Kyllo

Shirley Stundahl

Kathy Carter

Sherry Nyman

Brenda VanFossen

Nina Cole

Jan Paske

Susan Van Ryswyk

Arlene Jensen

Debbie Pilgrim

Sue Wittmer

Cathy Malakowsky

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.  

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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 4

DEAR MEMBERSHIP OF FLC Youth, youth, Youth Where are the youth? We need more for youth! For many years now I have heard this same thing from members around the church. First as a member of the youth commission and now as a member of council and the youth team chair. I can’t agree with you more! However, in order for that to happen we must have involvement from the youth, families and you FLC members. Granted I know many of you are saying, I’m to busy, or I don’t have kids any more, or I did my time when the kids were younger. Trust me, I get it … I (Jason and I) don’t even have kids and here I find myself the CHAIR of the youth commission. But we still need you to be involved and participating in the process of providing youth programming. (Remember how fun the intergenerational Advent Journey was last winter). Currently the youth commission has 6 members! If we as the church think or want Youth and young adult programming to be the focus, we need more of you to be a part of our team. As of this letter we have 54 kids in Confirmation in grades 7-9 and 18 getting confirmed in 10th grade and 87 kids registered for Sunday school. That is 159 kids and let’s just say that would be 100 families. If we could get even 1/8 of that number to actively participate on the youth team, we could get some stuff really happening. With only 6 members it is really hard to have enough energy, man power, and brain power to get things planned and implemented. So, I am asking you to do 4 simple things. 1. Pray for the youth and young adults of First Lutheran Church--- With all the things they are facing in 2020 they really need our prayers. 2. Consider and Pray about the ways that you are willing to step up and help support the church councils focus on Youth and Young adult programing. (Time, Talent, Resources) 3. Participate, Communicate and be a part of the programing provided to the youth of our church. 4. Consider taking a more active role and join us for our Next Youth Commission Team Meeting MONDAY OCTOBER 5th at 6:30 in Bethany Hall. I know what you are thinking---- What about COVID---- Well truthfully, I look at it this way. God has provided us with the perfect time to plan and prepare for the future. HE has also provided us with a time when our Youth are less busy and need positive creative outlets that keep them safe. COVID is still a big worry but we still can do youth ministry, it just may look different than it has in the past. That is why we need all of our creative brains working together to help figure out what we can do and what we need to do for the Youth of our church. Thanks for Listening, Praying and Acting. Fran Heilman Youth Commission Chair PS. Prov. 22:.6: “Train up a child in the way he should go and even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Please help us with that training.

Octobe Sun

Mon

Tue

A Lesson in Appreciation

During a church anniversary celebration, a pastor overheard a group d congregational leaders over the years. Her ears perked up when an olde “Whenever someone asks which of our pastors I liked best, my answe we have at any given time is my favorite.’” What a relief for the pastor a great lesson for Pastor Appreciation Month. God sends each shephe specific set of spiritual gifts and then works through those gifts to bles

World Communion Sunday

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

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

5:30 pm-Youth Commission meeting-BH

11 9:30 am– In Person Blended Worship-

Sanctuary 10 am-Peace & Power Broadcast-KAAL-TV, Channel 6 11am-Worship Service Broadcast-KATE Radio1450AM

3 pm-Thorne Crest Communion-FLC

10 am-Peace & Power Broadcast-KAAL-TV, Channel 6 11am-Worship Service Broadcast-KATE Radio1450AM

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

6:30 am— 8 am-Prayer Gro 9 am-FLCW Board 10:30 am-Good S 3 pm-Oak Park P

6:30 pm-Ministry Teams meeting-BH 6:30 pm-Blended Service Music Rehearsal

5:30 pm-7th Grad 7 pm-8 & 9th Gra Old Preschool Ro

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

6:30 pm-Blended Service Music Rehearsal

18 9:30 am- Blended Worship-Sanctuary

6:30 am— 8 am-Prayer Gro 9:30 am-The May

5:30 pm-7th Grad 7 pm-8 & 9th Gra Old Preschool Ro

21 6:30 am—

6:30 pm Church Council meets-P

6:30 pm-Blended Service Music Rehearsal

5:30 pm-7th Grad 7 pm-8 & 9th Gra Old Preschool Ro

Newsletter Articles Due

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

8 am-Quilters-BH & MPR 9:30 am-Staff meeting-P 11:15 am-Transition Team-BH 6:30 pm-Blended Service Music Rehearsal

8 am-Prayer Gro 9:30 am-The May

6:30 am— 8 am-Prayer Gro 9:30 am-The May 1 pm-Messenger 5:30 pm-7th Grad 7 pm-8 & 9th Gra Old Preschool Ro

er 2020 Wed

iscussing various er member said, er is always, ‘The one to hear — and what erd to us with a ss us.

—Men’s Group-P oup-P d meeting-BH Samaritan Communion-FLC Place Communion

Thu

Fri

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

8 1 pm-Hardanger-MPR 5-6 pm-Food Ministry Drive Up-SL

de Confirmation Class-2nd Floor ade Confirmation Class-BH & oom

4:30 pmConfirmation Service

—Men’s Group-P oup-P yberry Bible Study-BH

de Confirmation Class-2nd Floor ade Confirmation Class-Bethany Hall & oom

1 pm-Hardanger-MPR

—Men’s Group-P oup-P yberry Bible Study-BH

de Confirmation Class-2nd Floor ade Confirmation Class-Bethany Hall & oom

—Men’s Group-P oup-P yberry Bible Study-BH r Crew-P de Confirmation Class-2nd Floor C ade Confirmation Class-Bethany Hall & oom

Sat

Debra Strosahl and Bradley Menges wedding-S

5-6 pm-Food Ministry Drive Up-SL

22 1 pm-Hardanger-MPR

Morgan Field and Dillon Benz wedding-S

5-6 pm-Food Ministry Drive Up-SL

29 1 pm-Hardanger-MPR 5-6 pm-Food Ministry Drive Up-SL 7

Reformation Day

THE WORSHIP, MUSIC AND ARTS COMMISSION The Worship, Music and Arts Commission of First Lutheran Church recently made the recommendation to update our hymn books. It was approved. This means that our Green book will be replaced by the newer “Cranberry” colored Hymnal. There are several reasons this is a good step forward for our congregation.  The new book incorporates many of the best contemporary and folk songs with our treasured traditional hymns  Introduces several new settings for communion that are beautiful and very singable and still offers the standard settings that we have used for years  The new book comes with a fully digital copy so our staff will save time when inserting segments in the bulletin or making copies for the screen display  We will soon be bringing two new Pastoral staff members on at FLC. Most Lutheran pastors have been using the Cranberry Hymnal for years now and this will ease the transition for these people We hope that you share in our excitement about exploring the new book.

FLC CALL COMMITTEE UPDATE The Call Committee has completed the MSP (Ministry Site Profile). It has been approved by the church council and now will be available to the congregation through hard copy by request in the church office. This is what the synod presents for candidates to look at regarding First Lutheran and our community. The committee has given time and thought to this document to present First Lutheran and our surrounding community in a truthful and inviting way. We ask for continued prayers for this process. Spirit guide us. As always, if you have questions feel free to contact me: Janice Hammer: bhammer_1@charter.net

THANK YOU To all of you who supported my participation in the Virtual Habitat 500 this year my deepest thanks. For 24 years your continued support of money, prayers, and love to a cause in which I believe fills me with joy, hope, and humility. This year I have raised over $10,000 for Habitat for Humanity with over $2,000 coming from First Lutheran Church. Thank you! May God continue to bless you all. If you missed the opportunity to donate this year, you can do so next year when I plan to ride for the 25th and final time. Lilah Aas 8

FLC INFORMATION OF INTEREST FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH OFFICE: Phone (507) 373-6424; E-mail: firstoffice@flcal.org; Fax 373-6330 Mailing address—301 W. Clark St., Albert Lea, MN 56007

Web site–www.flcal.org PASTORAL STAFF e-mails and emergency telephone numbers: Pastor John Holt, johnh@flcal.org (Cell–383-4750; Home–377-0046) Pastor Jan Crissinger, jan@flcal.org (Cell—(507) 621-1758)

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.

Notes from September Council Meeting 1. The 2021 Spirit of Giving campaign will be initiated in October. 2. The following goals for 2020-21 were adopted: Improve communication amongst the church staff and members as evidenced by parishioners receiving information needed when they need it in the preferred method. Update technology so as to enhance the worship and education experiences as evidenced by technology will be compatible with TV station for peace and power and media can be used for the education programs within the church. Increase parishioner engagement as evidenced by increased participation within FLC activities. Enhance local ministry as evidenced by providing outreach programs/support to members of the community. Develop policies/systems/infrastructure that will support and keep FLC church programs current and operational as staff and volunteers’ turnover. 3. Due to the increasing need for communication and technology support within the FLC ministry, Jordan Winter has been asked to take on the role of Communications and Technology Director on an interim basis. In the meantime, coordination of youth activities will be addressed by the Youth Commission. FIRST LUTHERAN MESSENGER (USPS196-560)

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Albert Lea, Minnesota 56007 Subscription price $1.00 per year

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MEMORIALS, HONORS & SPECIAL GIFTS PEACE & POWER FUND In Memory Of:

Jimmy Amarosa given by Gene & Ann Arnold and Jack & Orlene Woodside Bob Benson given by Tom & Karen Hovde Bonnie Berndt given by Jan Flatness Herbert R. Brand given by Karen Brand & family Ray Gold Jr. given by Candy & Bob Herman Jim Grosland given by Lorraine Bakken Wayne Hanson given by Murna McKean, Bartholomew & Theresa Coughlin, Mark Langrud, Truman & Barbara Thrond, Karen Joachim Clarissa Harvey given by Helen Lovik, Arlis Smith Pat Higgins given by Dawn Runden, Paddy Hoium Arnie Hochhalter given by Clarence & Barb Heavner Stanley Jensen given by Rolly Twito, Bonnie Trampel, Dorothy & Dale Baldwin Jackie Jenson given by Lorraine Bakken Ken Joachim given by Michael & Nancy Olsen Frances Johnson given by Laverne & Shirley Strand, Paddy Hoium, Kathleen Micek, Bonnie Trampel, Helen Lovik Burton Kittelson given by Dorothy Kittelson John Leininger given by Jim & Sue Larson, Darlene Stensrud, Dale & Dorothy Baldwin, Marilyn Light mother of Mark Light given by Norma Demmer, John & Nancy Sorlie, Marva &Truman Gullord, Mary & Marvin Thompson, Beverly Grotsun, family and friends,, Burnett Loge given by Patricia Heining, Bob & Marilyn Blong, Madison Mann given by Bonnie Trampel Russ Miller given by Bonnie Charlson, Lilah Aas, Mrs. Norris Lovik, Grace & Robert Haukoos, Lowey & Diane Doppelhammer, Orlo & Jean Willmert 10

Ted Myers given by Jane Maiden Dale Nelson given by Keno & Donna Knutson In Honor Of : Helen Lovik for her September 12th Birthday given by Larry & Janice Lestrud Mark & Mary Jane Pierson given by Myrwood Bagne who baptized and confirmed and officiated their wedding Gifts Given by: Leroy & Garnet Folie, Omer Hamer, Arlene Levine, Bob & Pat Goldman, Doug & Joanne Chaffee, Leona B. Howe, Carol L. Miller, Norm & Joyce Fredin, Margaret Dubbles Schumann, Joyce Calgaard, Ben & Phyllis Fredrickson, Deacon Douglas Spiotta, Stewartville, MN KEITH FLIGGE FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP In Memory Of: Ed Mickuleich given by Judy Folven FOOD MINISTRY In Honor Of : Janice Hammer for her giving spirit given by Bill & Ann Satre Gary Thompson’s Retirement given by Bill & Ann Satre Gifts Given by: Ken & Diane Damerow, Karen Olson FOOD FOR SCHOOL BACKPACKS PROGRAM FUND In Memory Of: Jason Attig given by Bonnie Bakken Kathy Bennett given by Anne Marie Harshbarger Jim Grosland, Jody Bakken’s father given by Bonnie Bakken Sue Gutknecht given by Bonnie Bakken

MEMORIALS, HONORS & SPECIAL GIFTS (CONT) Wayne Hanson given by Craig & Brenda Ludtke, Bonnie Bakken Marcia Larson given by Bonnie Bakken John Leininger given by Bonnie Bakken Marilyn Light, Mark Lights mother given by Bonnie Bakken Dr. Ted Meyers given by Bonnie Bakken Stanley Stadheim, Jamie Jensen's Grandfather given by Bonnie Bakken

KIMBERLY (OLSON) GODDARD SCHOLARSHIP FUND In Memory Of: Bev Head given by Carol Olson Christina Jahnke given by Carol Olson Burnett Loge given by Caroline Jelle, Patricia Knutsen Don Mathisonâ€™s October 1st Birthday given by Neva Mathison

HAPPINESSS IS A BLANKET In Memory Of: Clarissa Harvey given by Jane Maiden Francis Johnson given by Bonnie Trampel, Gifts Given by: Audrey Christensen, Bonnie Schneider Paul & Jan Overgaard, Ron & Nancy Meyer, Janet Burnett Loge given by family & friends Engebretson, Carol Olson HELPING FAMILIES FUND GENERAL FUND In Memory Of: In Memory Of: Burnett Loge given by Bruce & Ann Lachney Maggie Boe step mother of Joni Rowe given by RADIO FUND Teri & Peter Van Erkel Vern Jahnke given by Audrey Sorenson, Dave & In Memory Of: Brenda Sorenson, Ken & Jayne Rimer, Michael & Burnett Loge given by Beverly Haugo, Clair & Cala Nassen, Corlyn & Janice Paulsen Rhonda Ruff and Landen Ruff Russ E. Miller given by Jane Rinehart Karen Schoeld given by Bob & Sharon Johnson In Honor of: Pastor Holt and his wonderful wife Joan40 year ordination and service to our church

In Honor Of : Alexander and Ryan Mason Baptisms given by David & Wendy Walker

RECORDS OF PASTORAL ACTS AT FLC

Gifts Given by: James & Kathe L. Grodhaus

Mabel Jo Yost, September 12, 2020

Baptisms

Alexander Kenneth Mason, September 12, 2020 Ryan Alexander Mason, September 12, 2020 Funeral

Adeline Baker, September 23, 2020

Sunday’s Blended Style Service, in person, in the FLC Sanctuary Watch Peace & Power-KAAL TV- Channel 6 at 10 am

Celebrated on the 1st & 3rd Sundays of each month.

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

CHRISTS 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 (11:00 a.m. - KATE RADIO AM 1450)

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

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