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September 2021 August 26, 2021 Volume LXXI No. 9

Wednesday September 8th 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm For students in PreK-6th Grade & their parents Stop by the church to meet the Fusion staff, see the Fusion room, find out more about the program, and register if you haven’t done so. Make sure to grab a slice of Jake’s pizza while you are here. We will be serving pizza to all parents & students. You are then invited to join us for our first Wednesday evening worship service from 6:30-7:00. We are still in need of volunteers to make Fusion happen. Please contact Jenny Edwin 373-6424 or Sue Loch 383-9195.

Registration is available online at: www.flcal.org

Thank you Pastor Jan for serving FLC! We will celebrate Pastor Jan’s last Sunday on September 12th with cake and social time between services! Please send any farewell/wishes cards to: Kara at 301 W Clark Street Albert Lea, MN 56007

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Dear Friends, 87 degrees and sunny. And humid…! We are getting some much-needed rain this week after a growing season that seemed, I’m sure, uncertain and much too long for many in our area. Travel, fun, family reunions, sports camps--all the things we looked forward to when we are driving behind the snowplow has come our way in this all-too-brief season of summer. An old movie, Endless Summer, featuring the life of surfers, was really not about the “endlessness” of summer. In fact, it was more about the seemingly endless journey and transitions of finding the “perfect wave” that formed the plot of the movie. We have been on a similar journey here at First, and like all wonderful stories, the crossroads come and we are faced with endings and change. We have welcomed Pastor Fears and soon we will welcome another new interim pastor. This was the moment we all prayed for and worked for during these 20+ months. It’s a time of excitement, and it’s also time for farewells. As I prepare to take my leave from you, I’m reminded of the wisdom of one of my favorite characters…. “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh I cherish the relationship I’ve had with you as your interim pastor. Because that relationship is sacred, I know you understand that I will covenant with you not to be in communication regarding the congregational events and concerns, nor will I provide any further pastoral care when your new pastor arrives. Honoring these boundaries helps all of us move forward in our respective journeys—your pastor as your new shepherd and servant-leader, you as faithful members, and me as I take on new responsibilities in a different setting. And I also know you’ll welcome your new interim pastor as you welcomed this stodgy Scots Presbyterian into your family back in October 2020. Here’s an old Scots blessing I share with you as the mighty spirit of God moves among us: Deep peace of the running wave to you. Deep peace of the flowing air to you. Deep peace of the quiet earth to you. Deep peace of the shining stars to you. Deep peace of the Son of peace to you. Thanks for being a “perfect wave” on this journey of mine First Lutheran Church. Love in Christ, Pastor Jan

FLC BUILDING & OFFICE HOURS Building

Office

Mon., Tues., Thurs. 8:00 AM-5:00 PM Wednesday 8:00 AM-5:30 PM

Mon., Tues., Thurs. 9:00 AM-3:00 PM Wed. 9:00 AM-5:30 PM FRIDAY & SATURDAY CLOSED Sunday Building Hours—7 AM—12 noon [Other times by special arrangement] s These hours allow the office staff to be in the office and have time to work on special projects and events with fewer distractors. If you need to come in outside of normal office hours please call for an appointment.

Tues. & Wed. 5:00-8:00 PM If there are meetings scheduled

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A few words from Pastor Roger Greetings siblings in Christ! It is hard to believe that we are already coming up on the end of summer. Last week, school started up again and fall will be here soon. It’s not quite time to break out the flannel and pumpkin spice just yet though. As we look ahead, we see the transitions that we know are coming. We do our best to prepare, and we trust God to be in the future that we can’t see yet. What changes are happening in your life right now? Are you sending a child or grandchild off to college? Perhaps you are retiring or thinking about a job change? Life is full of decisions. We all want to make the best choices and, at the end of the day, it often comes down to faith. There is a well-known verse that comes to mind: “For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 This verse gives me a reminder that we all need: we can always trust God and God’s promises. Over the coming weeks, we have a large transition ahead of us. Pastor Jan’s time with us will be ending. For nearly 2 years she has been a faithful servant of First Lutheran Church. We are all sad to see her go and her work here will never be forgotten. I hope that over the next couple weeks you take the opportunity to let her know how much she is appreciated. This time of transition is another moment where we are relying upon our trust in God. We trust that God has great things in store for Pastor Jan. She will continue in faithfulness to the call of the Holy Spirit. FLC will do the same. We trust that God has goodness in store for us. Whatever tomorrow brings; God will be there. I have a postcard on my desk that has a drawing of First Lutheran Church. On the back, it is postmarked July 28, 1923. Back in 1923, they had no idea that I would ever be called here as your pastor or that Pastor Jan would ever serve here. It was long before the conception of broadcasting Peace and Power each week or even color television. They never imagined anything like the Fusion program that we are beginning or livestreaming worship on Facebook. But those pioneers did have trust in God. And so do we. Let us step into the future with thanksgiving for what has been, and trusting God for what will be. Thanks be to God. Blessings, Pastor Roger Fears

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Operation Christmas Child School is starting…Fall is just around the corner and the holidays follow close behind. We, as a church, are again participating in Operation Christmas Child. This is just a reminder to start collecting items for your shoeboxes. Some suggestions are pencils, markers, crayons, tablets, coloring books. Date for collection of boxes is November 15-22, 2021. Make a child happy…..share the love of Christ!

The Perfect Gift Shoppe Fall Kickoff September 8th from 4:30-7pm Come check out the gift shop that now has NEW items, Fall Décor and Christian gifts!! All New Inventory! Normal Hours Sunday- 9-11:30am Wednesday- 5:15-7:15pm From Parish Health & Wellness Ministry Team Many of us are enjoying our “new found” freedoms. We are gathering for worship and fellowship sometimes even without masks! However, the Covid-19 pandemic is not gone and it continues to evolve. We encourage you to monitor and follow the recommendations of the experts (public health, CDC, or your provider). It is important that all of us to do our part to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe from the negative effects of Covid-19. With so much emphasis on Covid, it is important not to forget that “normal” flu season is soon here. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that anyone age six months old and older (with rare exceptions) receive a flu vaccine every year. Generally, these shots or vaccines are readily available from your provider or your pharmacy. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (n.d.) https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/keyfacts.htm

Home communion is another important and rewarding mission in our church. Our home communion ministers will bring the Lords Supper to anyone who is home bound or unable to attend church. Please contact the church office, if you desire home communion or if you know of anyone who does. Also, if any of you would like to assist with home communion or have any questions, please contact the church office. Be the hands and feet for Christ….

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“Get to Know Your Fellow Members at FLC!” A Short Story about Cindy My name is Cindy Gandrud, a member of First Lutheran since my birth. Retired from the Albert Lea Public Library, I find retirement to be wonderful and fulfilling. I love First Lutheran; I love my First Lutheran family; and I appreciate the many ways to serve God and my church. You will find me in the library, the Welcome Center, the audio visual booth, at First Lutheran Church Women gatherings, or at team and council meetings.

Reaching out in Faith 2021/2022 Ephesians 4:16 “from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” In September, you will be receiving another mailing from the Spirit of Giving Team. In the mailing you will find four items: a letter with important information, Intent Cards to use if you so choose, FLC’s Time and Talent Sheet, and a postcard that we are asking you to fill out and mail back to us to update all your information! The team is planning a celebration Sunday that will be held in January of 2022. We will celebrate our accomplishments for 2021 and set goals for 2022! Be on the lookout for this information! Thanks for giving of your time, talents, finances, and support of any kind!

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Fallfest - Sunday November 7, 2021 Polka Worship Service at 10 a.m. All are welcome

Dinner (following the service) Tickets: $12 Adult $5 Child Tickets can be purchased between services on Sundays or in the church office

Prayer Ministry Daily Scripture Verses from the Sharing the Faith Team

Theme for September - God, Our Teacher September brings the start of a new school year for hundreds of teachers and students all over the world. As we begin a new year of learning, let us remember our greatest teacher, God. No education is complete without the study of scripture and the Word. We hope as you read these scriptures, you will be reminded of the guidance and wisdom contained in the Word. Just as the apostles and disciples shared this wisdom and teaching with the people of Jesus time, we are to share these scriptures with our families, friends and neighbors. Learning is a lifelong process. We never stop. Just as infants begin learning as soon as they enter the world, we continue to learn until we enter the Kingdom of Heaven. We are blessed. Amen. 1 - Proverbs 22:6 2 - Proverbs 9:9-11 3 - Deuteronomy 11:19 4 - Matthew 6:33-34 5 - Ephesians 6:1-4 6 - Proverbs 18:15 7 - 2 Timothy 3:16-17 8 - 2 Timothy 2:15 9 - Proverbs 16:16 10 - James 1:5

11 - Colossians 2:8 12 - Colossians 3:16 13 - Deuteronomy 6:6-7 14 - 1 Peter 4:10 15 - Ecclesiastes 7:12 16 - Proverbs 3:5-6 17 - Proverbs 1:1-5 18 - Psalm 25:4-5 19 - Proverbs 16:22 20 - Matthew 5:19

21 - Proverbs 23:12 22 - John 14:26 23 - Proverbs 1:8 24 - 2 John 1:9 25 - Proverbs 2:6 26 - Psalm 119:66 27 - Isaiah 54:13 28 - James 3:17 29 - Colossians 3:20-21 30 - Psalm 23:1-6

Prayer List

Our Prayers are requested for healing and wholeness for: Aurora Everding, Thelma Foss, Duane Hatleli, Gregg Hatleli, Marilyn Moe, Pauline Kohnke Nelson and Julie.

Our Continued Prayers are requested for healing and wholeness for:

Jody Bakken, Alan J. Christensen, Mike & Mary Ann Christian, Grant Gordon, Dorothy Hanson, Breckyn Heinemann, Nancy Jenson, Sharon Johnson, Phil Koppelman, Amy Ladlie, Pastor Matt Larson, Officer Arik Matson, Jan Overgaard, Alexandra Peterson, Larry Peterson, Jean Stearns and their spouses, families & caregivers. And our neighbors serving in the Armed Forces, law enforcement, firefighting, rescue and emergency services and their families.

P =Parlor

8 am-Traditional Worship-S 9am-11:30-The Perfect Gift Shoppe open 10 am-Peace & Power on ABC6 10 am Worship-S 10 am-KATE Radio-1450AM

8 am-Traditional Worship-S 9am-11:30-The Perfect Gift Shoppe open 10 am-Peace & Power on ABC6 10 am Worship-S 10 am-KATE Radio-1450AM 12 pm-Christian Solos

8 am-Traditional Worship-S 9am-11:30-The Perfect Gift Shoppe open 10 am-Peace & Power on ABC6 10 am Worship-S 10 am-KATE Radio-1450AM

C= Chapel

Mon

9 am-Crafters-BH 9 am-Parish Health-L

9 am-Crafters-BH 1 pm-History Team-L 6:30 pm-Council Meeting-P

9 am-Crafters-BH 9 am-Parish Health-L

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

9:30 am-Bible Study-MPR 1 pm-TOPS Group-SSR 3:15 pm– Fusion-BH 5:15 pm-Gift Shop Open 5:15 pm-Wed. Evening Meal-BH 6:30 pm– Worship Service-S 7 pm-Confirmation-BH

29 8 am-Prayer Group-PR

8 am-Prayer Group-PR 9:30 am-Bible Study-MPR 11 am-Mutual Ministry-P 1 pm-TOPS Group-SSR 1 pm-Messenger Crew-P 3:15 pm– Fusion-BH 5:15 pm-Gift Shop Open 5:15 pm-Wed. Evening Meal-BH 6:30 pm– Worship Service-S 7 pm-Confirmation-BH

9:30 am-Bible Study-MPR 1 pm-TOPS Group-SSR 3:15 pm– Fusion-BH 5:15 pm-Gift Shop Open 5:15 pm-Wed. Evening Meal-BH 6:30 pm– Worship Service-S 7 pm-Confirmation-BH

15 8 am-Prayer Group-PR

8 am-Quilters-MPR & BH 9:30 am-Staff Meeting-P 5:30 pm-Worship, Music, Arts Team-BH 6:30 pm-Social Ministry-MPR

9:30 am-Bible Study-MPR 11 am-Mutual Ministry-L 1 pm-FLCW Gen.-BH 1 pm-TOPS Group-SSR 4:30 pm-Gift Shop Open 4:30 pm– Fusion open house 6:30 pm– Worship Service-S 7 pm-Confirmation-BH

Office & Building Closed

8 8 am-Prayer Group-PR

6 Labor Day

S=Sanctuary

8 am-Prayer Group-PR 9 am-FLCW Board meets-P 9:30 am-Bible Study-MPR 11:30 am-Gift Shop Open 1 pm-TOPS Group-SSR 6:30 pm - Confirmation Orientation 6:30 pm-Blended Service Music Rehearsal

Wed

L=Library

SL=South Lot

MPR=Multi-Purpose Room

Tue

SSR=Sunday School Room

PR= Prayer Room

BH=Bethany Hall

8 am-Traditional Worship-S 9am-11:30-The Perfect Gift Shoppe open 10 am-Peace & Power on ABC6 10 am Worship-S 10 am-KATE Radio-1450AM 9 am-1 pm-Kiwanis Fundraiser Breakfast-BH

Sept.

Sun

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

Thu

Fri

4 pmDoug & Sue Olson Vow Renewal

9 am-Naeve Alumni Nurses Club-BH

Sat

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Office/Building Help Needed The office and Building Staff are looking for volunteers that are willing to spend time weekly or monthly during our normal business hours to help with the following items: • Posting flyers on front bulletin board (as needed) • Generate Children’s Bulletins for Sundays (Weekly) • Go through Name Tag Towers (Monthly) • Mail Devotional Books (Quarterly) • Designing Flyers for Various Events ( as needed) • Dusting (Weekly) • Miscellaneous items in the building and office This is an opportunity to be able to come in when works for you to help serve your church. Please call Kara Heinemann at 507-373-6424 if you are interested in helping!

The Special Outreach Cause Offering for the month of September is:

MN Adult and Teen Challenge’s mission is to assist men, women and teens in gaining freedom from chemical addictions and other life controlling problems by addressing their physical, emotional and spiritual needs Special offering envelopes will be available from the ushers at church services. 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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Caring and Sharing - September 2021 Chair: Marge Moine 507-373-3548 Workers: Mavis Abbe Marian Ahnemann Mary Carstens Neva Mathison Gen Montei Breanna Munson

JoAnn Palmer Naomi Schmidt Nora Sippel Eleanor Sorensen Mae Twito Mary Ann Venem Kim Zenk

Cakes: Rita Drescher Jo Hanson Kara Heinemann Brandy Hensche Amber Jensen Debra Kenison

Brittany Millhouse Stephanie Olsen Diane Olson Laurie Olson Amanda Van Ryswyk

FLCW is having a monetary donation fundraiser for school supplies. It will be held for the month of September. Checks can be made to FLCW (memo school supplies). The funds will be divided between Lutheran World Relief and the local school system. Donations can be brought or sent to the church office, 301 West Clark St. Thank you for your generosity. God Bless!

Have you included First Lutheran Church in your will? Over the years, those First Lutheran Church members who have conscientiously included First Lutheran Church in their estate planning have enabled some very important and powerful ministry to happen here. Please consider including First Lutheran Church, which has served you these many years, in your estate planning. You will enable this congregation to serve many, many more people in the years and generations to come.

July 2021

Giving $57,170.34

Expenses $62,922.01

Year to date

Giving vs. Expenses $-5,751.67

Giving vs. Expenses $-27,346.73

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Memorials, Honors & Special Gifts PEACE & POWER FUND

CRANBERRY HYMNAL

Lorraine Dillavous given by Family & Friends Mary Jane Grandstrand given by Friends & Family Donald Lau given by Jeanne Birch Keith Lee, son of Arlene Lee given by Robert & Helen Edwin Tom Loverink given by Darlene Peterson Fred “Fritz” Moran given by Bonnie Schneider, Julie Gilbertson, Jim & Jane Loge, Audrey Christenson, Marge Moine, Bonnie Trampel, Ken & Diane Damerow, James & Sue Larson, Lonnie & Laurie Lenz, Ahne Ordalen given by Bonnie Schneider, Gen Montei, Arnold Peterson given by Darlene Peterson Pat Peterson given by Darlene Peterson Dick Reeves given by Robert & Helen Edwin Judy Seekamp, sister of Al & Sue Blenka given by Mike & Phyllis Craig Susan “Sue” Steele given by L Grace Vee Elaine Sundve gicen by Gordon & LouJean Nelson Helene Westrum given by Ken & Diane Damerow, Larry & Julia Tonder, Florence Brandt, Richard & Sandy Chapman, Janan Beenken

Sara Cogar

In Memory of:

In Honor of:

Julie “JT” Tlamka given by Bonnie Schnieder,

Gifts Given By:

Gilbert Gilbertson, Patricia Tallman, Karen Joachim, Boyd & Bonnie Grabau, Ila Breck, Deacon Douglas Spiotta, Dorinda Leutink, James & Barbara Braun, Leona Howe, Janice Jensen

Gifts Given By:

EASTON’S PLACE In Memory of:

In loving memory of daughter Lilliam Mae Scott given by Casey & Jessica Scott FOOD MINISTRY

In Memory of::

Donald Kremer given by Ellwood & Janice Tukua Colleen Loken given by Ellwood & Janice Tukua Janet Loken given by Ellwood ^&Janice Tukua Leonard Wacholz given by Ellwood & Janice Tukua In Honor of: Julie “JT” Tlamka given by Neva Mathison

Gifts Given By:

Freeborn Mower Operatinns Roundup GENERAL FUND In Memory of : Helene Westrum given by Mark & Karen Nelson, Friends & Family Ajne Ordalen given by Steve & Sue Gregerson & family Family

Gifts Given By:

Norbert Salisbury & Joyce Salisbury. Sara Cogar

BACKPACK PROGRAM

HAPPINESS IS A BLANKET

Mark Hornberger

Fred “Fritz” Moran given by Pam Stern Melvin Stoa given by Pam Stern Ans Van Erkel given by Pam Stern

In Memory of: Helene Westrum given by Kendra Hanson, Deb &

In Memory of:

In Honor of: COMPASSION INTERNATIONAL

Gifts Given By:

Ruth Noren, Lilah Aas,

Bonnie Viktora for her 90th Birthday given by Pam Stern

Gifts Given By: Julia Tonder

Volume LXXI No. 9 Page 11

Memorials, Honors & Special Gifts (cont.) KIM (OLSON) GODDARD SCHOLARSHIP

In Memory of::

Fred “Fritz” Moran given by Carol Olson NEW ROOF FUND

In Memory of:

Helene Westrum given by Craig & Karen Westrum, Family & Friends,

Gifts Given By: JoAnn Palmer

PRAYER SHAWL FUND

In Memory of:

Ahne Ordalen given by Jane Maiden Fred “Fritz” Moran given by Jane Maiden

In Honor of:

Pastoral Records: Baptisms, Weddings, Deaths, Funerals, Memorial Services Baptisms Miranda Riles, August 1 Maxwell Lundquist, August 15 Funerals Keith Lee, July 31 Fred “Fritz” Moran, August 6 Donald Lau, August 9 Glenn Helland, August 14 Jay Johnsrud, August 20

Julie “JT”Tlamka given by Jane Maiden RADIO FUND

In Memory of :

STAINED GLASS LIGHTING FUND

In Memory of:

Todd Ellertson given by Jane Maiden Helene Westrum given by Family & Friends

FLC Prayer Ministry

Want prayer for yourself or others? Call Jo, 763-257-9018 Julia, 373-9594. Prayers are kept confidential.

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 Jan Crissinger, jan@flcal.org (Cell—(507) 621-1758) Pastor Roger Fears - roger@flcal.org (Cell—(320) 297-1251)

Fall Worship Schedule

Church Council Leadership

Starting Sept. 5

Sundays 8:00 & 10:00 am - In-person Worship 10:00 am - Peace & Power broadcast on KAAL-TV ABC6 10:00 am—Live broadcast on KATE Radio 1450 AM Wednesdays 6:30 pm - In-person Worship (also live streamed on our Facebook page) Anytime: Access the video of our worship services at www.flcal.org.

President- Dawn Thompson Vice President- TBD Treasurer- Larry Larson/Dave VanFossen Secretary- Kristin Larson Education Team- Sue Loch Worship & Arts Team- Janice Hammer Social Ministry Team- Cindy Gandrud Youth Team- Fran Heilman Property Enhancement Team- Dave VanFossen Membership & Growth Team- Stephanie Passingham Spirit of Giving Team- TBD FLCW President Rep- Diane Damerow Sharing the Faith- Jo Hanson

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 10:00 a.m. - Live broadcast on KATE Radio 1450

[Address label here]

Have you moved? Phone number changed? Please email Kara (kara@flcal.org) your updated info.