September 2020

First Lutheran Church Albert Lea, MN www.flcal.org SEPTEMBER 2020 MESSENGER AUGUST 27, 2020 VOLUME LXX NO.9

Remotely Join us

Sunday, September 13th from 10-11 AM for drive-thru mini doughnuts in the back parking lot.

In addition, you can pick up your remote Sunday school aids to help enhance your experience Come and celebrate the start of Sunday school!

Please register on the FLC website (www.flcal.org) for remote Sunday school. We will be beginning our Sunday school year remotely.

Beginning September 20th, a link will be emailed or texted to you with the weekly lesson. Make sure and pick up additional Sunday school aids (weekly leaflets, activities, and crafts) on Rally Sunday September 13th or at the church office the week of September 14-17.

Starts September 1, 2020 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 THE MISSION OF FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH IS: TO GATHER, EQUIP, AND EMPOWER PEOPLE TO JOYFULLY DO1 CHRISTS WORK.

 Rejoice in the Lord  Dear Friends in Christ, Be Ready “I wasn’t ready for that!” Have you ever heard anyone say something like that? I sure have. I’ve said it myself.

Recent events have led me to think about readiness. The Boy Scout motto is: “Be Prepared.” It’s a good motto, especially for those going on a camping adventure in the wilderness.

Who of us was ready for a pandemic? Who can be ready for the sudden crash of a car or a recreational vehicle? In the blink of an eye life can change. There are some things for which it just seems we can never be fully ready.

Life is an adventure. Adventure is defined in Dictioary.com as: “an exciting or very unusual experience; participation in exciting undertakings or enterprises: the spirit of adventure; a bold, usually risky undertaking; hazardous action of uncertain outcome.

Doesn’t that say it all—exciting, sometimes unusual, often risky, even hazardous, and of uncertain outcome?

I like to think of life as an Adventure with God. In the midst of the next unexpected thing, one thing is certain—our gracious and loving God. Jesus said, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20b) He also reminds us: “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5b) A favorite story I shared years ago about this adventure of life is entitled “A Tandem Bike Ride With God”.

I used to think of God as my observer, my judge, keeping track of the things I did wrong, so as to know whether I merited heaven or hell when I die. He was out there, sort of like a president. I recognized His picture when I saw it, but I didn’t really know Him. But later on, when I met Jesus, it seemed as though life was rather like a bike, but it was a tandem bike, and I noticed that Jesus was in the back helping me pedal. I don’t know just when it was He suggested we change places, but life has not been the same since I took the back-seat to Jesus, my Lord. He makes life exciting. When I had control, I thought I knew the way. It was rather boring, but predictable. It was the shortest distance between two points.

But when He took the lead, He knew delightful long cuts, up mountains, and through rocky places and at breakthrough speeds; it was all I could do to hang on! Even though it often looked like madness, He said, “Pedal!” I was worried and anxious and asked, “Where are you taking me?” He laughed and didn’t answer, and I started to learn to trust. I forgot my boring life and entered into the adventure. And when I’d say, “I’m scared”, He’d lean back and touch my hand.

He took me to people with gifts that I needed, gifts of healing, acceptance and joy. They gave me their gifts to take on my journey, our journey, my Lord’s and mine. And we were off again. He said, “Give the gifts away; they’re extra baggage, too much weight.” So I did, to the people we met, and I found in giving I received, and still our burden was light.

I did not trust Him, at first, in control of my life. I thought He’d wreck it, but He knows bike secrets, knows how to make it bend to take sharp corners, jump to clear high rocks, fly to shorten scary passages. And I am learning to be quiet and pedal in the strangest places, and I’m beginning to enjoy the view and the cool breeze on my face with my delightful constant companion, Jesus.

And when I’m sure I just can’t do any more, He just smiles and says… “Pedal.”

(Author unknown)

Of course, we all should be ready to meet the Lord at life’s end. It’s our Lord and Savior Jesus who makes us ready.

He gives us faith to trust what He did on the cross and in an empty tomb.

He also calls us, in First Peter 3:15a—But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.

This is what church is about—readiness—for eternity and for the adventure of life now—and to share this Adventure with God with others.

In the light of His love,

Pastor John F. Holt

PS—I’m so proud of our staff and leaders who are doing their best to have our church building and programs ready to deal with all of the “adventure” of life in the pandemic. Thanks to all of you! And, remember, all meetings in the church need to be approved well ahead of time through the church office, to be done safely and expediently.

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SANCTUARY VIDEO & SOUND SYSTEM UPDATE The Church Council has approved to go ahead and update our video and audio system in the Sanctuary. This update will greatly enhance the worship experience for our Peace & Power viewers and our in person worshipers.

Some of the new equipment included in the update are: 4 High Definition cameras, 2 laser projectors, 2 new drop down screens, a confidence monitor mounted on the balcony of the organ loft, & a new sound board.

This project is fully funded through our Peace & Power Fund.

Our hope is to have this update completed by the end of October.

We will update you as the project goes forward.

AUGUST FLC COUNCIL ACTION HIGHLIGHTS 1.. Reviewed lessons learned from the first post COVID-19 inperson worship. The Council expressed appreciation to the staff for the significant planning that was done to ensure everyone’s safety.

2.. Approved moving forward with the 2020 Spirit of Giving appeal that will begin October 18 and will culminate in a celebration on Sunday November 15, 2020 as recommended by the Stewardship Commission.

3.. Approved continuing with the Thursday food ministry since we continue to have funds through generous donations and grants. Will monitor every 1 to 2 months to ensure the funds are adequate to cover expenses as recommended by the Social Ministry Commission.

4. Approved moving Thursday mid-week worship services to Wednesday nights since Wednesdays are generally reserved for religious activities in our community. Wednesday evening youth education and programing is also being developed under the guidance of the Education Commission.

5. Approval given to adopt the ELCA Cranberry Hymnal which was released in 2006 as funds allow as recommended by the Worship, Music and Arts Commission.

6.. Approval given for the Sanctuary video and sound upgrades as recommended by the Property Commission.

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FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH WOMEN Caring and Sharing September 2020 —Rachel Co-Chairs—Marge Moine 507-373-3548 and Sandy Narverud 507-383-3344

Workers Mavis Abbe Marian Ahnemann Mary Carstens Neva Mathison

Gen Montei Breanna Munson JoAnn Palmer Naomi Schmidt Nona 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

First Lutheran Church Women will be having a school supply monetary donation drive through the month of September. Checks can be made to FLCW designated for school supplies. They can be given to Bonnie Schneider, Ruth Noren or Cindy Gandrud or mailed to Treasurer, Cindy Gandrud at 502 Sheridan Street, Albert Lea, MN 56007.

These monies collected will be divided between Lutheran World Relief and Albert Lea School District, Due to Covid -19 we feel this is a safe way of donating to both.

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FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH WOMEN

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Sun

Mon

Tue 1

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

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8 9

6:30 pm-Ministry Teams meet-BH 1

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8 am-Quilters-BH & MPR 9:30 am-Staff meeting-P 2:30 pm-Sr. Towers service of Communion-FLC

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14

15 8 am-Quilters-BH & MPR

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27

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13 Rally Sunday

9:30 am- Blended Worship-Sanctuary 10 am-Peace & Power Broadcast-KAALTV, Channel 6 11am-Worship Service Broadcast-KATE Radio-1450AM

National Grandparents Day

Labor Day

9:30 am-Staff meeting-P 11:15 am-Transition Team-BH

9:30 am- Blended Worship-Sanctuary 10 am-Peace & Power Broadcast-KAALTV, Channel 6 11am-Worship Service Broadcast-KATE

First Day of Autumn

9:30 am- Blended Worship-Sanctuary Newsletter Articles Due 8 am-Quilters-BH & MPR 10 am-Peace & Power Broadcast-KAAL9:30 am-Staff meeting-P TV, Channel 6 6:30 pm Church Council 11:15 am-Transition Team-BH 11am-Worship Service Broadcast-KATE meets-P Radio-1450AM

9:30 am- Blended Worship-Sanctuary 10 am-Peace & Power Broadcast-KAALTV, Channel 6 11am-Worship Service Broadcast-KATE Radio-1450AM

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

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8 9

Wed

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Thu

Fri

Sat

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6:30 am—Men’s Group 8 am-Prayer Group-P 9:30 am-The Mayberry Bible Study-BH

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6:30 am—Men’s Group 8 am-Prayer Group-P 9:30 am-The Mayberry Bible Study-BH

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6:30 am—Men’s Group-P 8 am-Prayer Group-P 9 am-FLCW Board meeting-BH

2 pm-Erick Anderson and Anna Waltmam wedding-S

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10:30 am-Good Samaritan Communion

6:30 am—Men’s Group 8 am-Prayer Group-P 9:30 am-The Mayberry Bible Study-BH 1 pm-Messenger Crew-P

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6:30 am—Men’s Group 8 am-Prayer Group-P 9:30 am-The Mayberry Bible Study-BH

Patriot Day

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4:30 pmConfirmation Service-S

BH=Bethany Hall C= Chapel MPR=Multi-Purpose Room P =Parlor PR= Prayer Room RR=Resource Room S=Sanctuary SL=South Lot YR=Youth Room w/Comm.=with Holy Communion 7

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 backdoors We ask that everyone wears 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- Joyce Fredin- 507-383-2646-nefredin@charter.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 Lead Pastor – John Holt-507-373-6424-john@flcal.org Church Administrator- Kara Heinemann- 507-373-6424- kara@flcal.org 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.

The Special Outreach Offering Cause For September 2020 is:

In the explosion at the port in Beirut, Lebanon on August 4, 2020, three LWR shipping containers full of quilts and other supplies, destined for relief aid in the region were destroyed. Let’s help the great LWR mission by giving our gifts this month to replenish and encourage this endeavor for the sake of the Gospel for suffering peoples.

Records of Pastoral Acts at FLC: Funerals Jill Ann Buley, July 11, 2020 Wayne Hanson, August 20, 2020 Francis Johnson, August 27, 2020 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) 9

MEMORIALS, HONORS & SPECIAL GIFTS PEACE & POWER FUND In Memory Of: Kathy Bennett given by Maxine Hanson, Helen Lovik, Elaine Mucha Odean Berg given by Judy Folven Steve Brownlow given by Larry & Cheryl Beavens Wayne Hanson given by Dave & Sue Olson, Ken & Diane Damerow Arlo Jasperson given by June Jasperson Kenneth Joachim given by Hildy Vallevand, Tom & Karen Hovde, Gail Thurnau, Ron & Betty Stoick, Brian & Debra Blowers, Eric & Michelle Willey, Don & Kim Rasmussen, Jerome & Sharon Meyer, Bill & Cheryl Sorbo, Dan & Rhonda Schriever, Sheryl & Richard Sydnes, Tammy & Jerry Brua, Gloria Ugland, David Skoheim, Patti Freeman, Lewis & Lavonne Aase, Neva Mathison, Sharon Jahnke, Phyllis Hamborg, Carol Olson, Carol Wendell, Sally Benson, Gen Montei, Rose Perteet Mike Jordan given by Tom & Karen Hovde Elvera Kabe given by Patricia Steele, Janet Venem, Wayne & Beverly Indrelie, Lloyd Knudson given by Helen Lovik, Merriell Jahnke Lee Kvam given by Darlene Kvam, Charlotte Olson, Arlo & Julie Wallin, Lorn & Sonja Wallin and family, Lanette, Greg & Callen Jerstad, family and friends, LaDon & Linda Wallin and family, Dave & Ruth Christensen Marilyn Light, mother of Mark Light given by Sandy Johnson, Larry & Cheryl Beavens Marge Lonning given by Hildy Vallevand, Millard & Phyllis Hamborg, Alan Meyer given by Helen Lovik, Merriell Jahnke Ralph & Marjorie Peterson given by Charlotte, Patti, Carol and Anita and their families Roger Rebelein given by Rosemary Olson, Steve Christensen Ellie Van Deer given by Clarence Heavner Al Whitaker given by Mark & Judy Langrud Wilbur Wittmer given by Arlis Smith

In honor of Father Sophus Holstad birthday given by Greg & Sharyl Ruben In Honor Of : Pastor John Holt given by Margaret Hagen, Beverly Grotsun. Arnie & Mary Ann Venem, Al & Nancy Stoa, Larry & Janice Lestrud, Frances Kycek, Marge Moine, Eleanor Johnson and Jackson, MN parishioners—Hans & Carol Carlson, Arnold & Marion Benson and Clanie Nasby Gifts Given by: Ms Martha Kenne, Jane C. Morley, Louise Martell, Janice Kirchgatter, Stanley Tweeten, Shirlie Brownlow, Mailee (Judy) Waalkens, Constance Trihus, Linda Schmidt, Buddy & Phyllis Bonfy, Bob & Pat Goldman, Gale Nelson, David Paulson, Marvyl Dahl, Marvin & Donna Helgeson, Virgil & Arlene Thofson Jerry & Jill Morstad, Marilyn Busch, James & Christine Wallace, JoAnn Thoe, Charles & Janet Griebenow, Nadiene Olson, Mary Best, Janice Jensen, James & Phyllis Sands, Ann Berry, Patricia Ann Stiles, Deacon Douglas Spiotta, The cottages, Stewartville, MN ALTAR GUILD In Memory Of: Our friend Kathy Bennett given by Mission Circle #20 EDUCATION ROOM FUND Gifts Given by: Al & Tep Christensen KEITH FLIGGE FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP In Memory Of: Wayne Hanson given by Deloris Fligge Mike Jordan given by Judy Folven

FOOD MINISTRY Gifts Given by: Glenville First Lutheran Church Women, Lilah Aas, Wayne & Jackie Sletten, Mark & Sue In memory of Mother Eldora Holstad given by Greg Runden, Dorothy Hill, Al & Tep Christensen, SEMN Synod & Sharyl Ruben 10

MEMORIALS, HONORS & SPECIAL GIFTS (CONT) In thankfulness to both Kenneth and Karen Joachim such faithful servants given by Wayne & Jackie Sletten

BILL HAMMER SCHOLARSHIP In Memory Of: Maggie Bowe given by Judy Folven

FOOD FOR SCHOOL BACKPACKS PROGRAM FUND In Honor Of : Pastor Holt for his 40 year ordination and service to our church given by Laverne & Shirley Strand, Gary & Ginny Thompson

HAPPINESSS IS A BLANKET In Memory Of: Kathy Bennett given by Bonnie Schneider, Bonnie Trampel, Audrey Christensen, Altar Guild, Marge Moine Clarissa Harvey given by Bonnie Schneider Ken Joachim given by Bonnie Schneider

Gifts Given by: Larry & Janice Lestrud, Karen Joachim, Ruth Noren, Curtis Jensen GENERAL FUND In Memory Of: All my family who have gone home given by Marilyn Moe Gifts Given by: Marlin Schenck, Tom & Barb Guiney KIMBERLY (OLSON) GODDARD SCHOLARSHIP FUND In Memory Of: Kathy Bennett given by Carol Olson Ken Joachim given by Carol Olson Marilyn Light given by Carol Olson

HELPING FAMILIES FUND In Memory Of: Arlene Gore given by Family and Friends, INGHAM OKABOJI In Honor Of : Pastor Holt given by Don & Judy Kropp LANDSCAPING FUND Gifts Given by: John & Maureen Frydenlund RADIO FUND In Memory Of: Kathy Bennett given by Deb Pilgrim Ken Joachim given by Rose Perteet Marge Lonning given by Jane Maiden

PRAYER NEEDS Our Prayers are requested for healing and wholeness for: Casey Dusza, Jim Hansen, Officer Arik Matson, and Roger Oberg.

Our Continued Prayers are requested for healing and wholeness for: Jody Bakken, Alan J. Christensen, Rodger Christenson, Mary Ann Christian, Millard Hamborg, Dorothy Hanson, Breckyn Heinemann, Glenn Helland, Barbara Holt, Sharon Johnson, Deb Koenigs, Phil Koppelman, Tom Loverink, Fred (Fritz) Moran, Paul Overgaard, Elaine Panzer, Jean Stearns, ... and their spouses, families & caregivers, and… safety for people serving in the Armed Forces, and their families.

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.

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Sunday’s 9:30 am-Blended Style Service, in person, Starting August 16, 2020 in the FLC Sanctuary Watch Peace & Power-KAAL TV- Channel 6 at 10 am Listen to KATE RADIO AM 1450 at 11 am Anytime Click on the links on the FLC website to see video of current and past worship services. www.flcal.org

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

[Address label here]

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