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First Lutheran Church Albert Lea, MN

November 2015

Monthly Messenger

October 29, 2015

www.flcal.org

VOLUME LXVI, No. 11

First Lutheran Church FLC For the Love of Christ

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

TO JOYFULLY DO CHRIST’S WORK.

Saturday, November 21,

FLC presents:

“The Hanging of the Green” FLC choirs and orchestra in concert presenting the

sounds of Christmas and the seasons.

Friday, December 11 at 7 pm.

Thanksgiving Eve Worship Service, Wednesday, November 24

at 6:30 p.m.

The Church Building & Office will be closed

after Worship and all day Thursday

and

The Advent Adventure and Creche Walk--Wednesdays in

December. See page 7.

Special Congregation Meeting

Sunday, Nov. 22, 11:45 am

See page 18 for official notice.

FLC Broadcast Ministries Radio Peace & Power Actual

Income $ 5,672 Income 36,779 Expense 7,880 Expense 29,150 Net gain (loss) $(2,208) Net gain (loss) $7,629

Blessed to be a Blessing! As this goes to printing our annual stewardship drive is coming to a close. We hope that you have had a chance to reflect on the joy that comes with giving and sharing in your stewardship of God’s bless-ings to you. Many of you reading this have already returned your cards and renewed your commitment to share the blessings God has grant-ed. On behalf of the stewardship commission, the church council and leadership I would like to say thank you for your commitment and gener-osity. If you haven’t had time yet to fill out your card, it’s not too late to send it in or, if you prefer to stop by the church office and submit your pledge for the next year. Time flies and Thanksgiving is soon upon us. We all have mem-ories of sharing good food, comfort, and the blessings of family that come with the holiday season. It should come as no surprise that most churches, as well as other non-profit and charitable institutions, receive a large portion of their annual donations during this time. If you read the financial report elsewhere in these pages, we are behind in our budget-ary goals for giving this year. The year is not over however so can we all come together and “go the extra mile” in the next few months and we can reach our goal. This is especially important as we work on the budg-et for next year, as we base much of it on the previous year’s giving. We are all members of First Lutheran Church because we be-lieve the church has an important role in renewing and strengthening our faith and in spreading the Gospel of Christ to others. Our church pro-vides a place for us to come together to worship, to renew our faith, and to provide a springboard to spread that message into the world. We hope that you will all take a minute or two to pray and renew your com-mitment to share your time, talents, and treasures to further the mission of First Lutheran Church. ~ Steve Schulz, for the Stew-

September 2015 Financial Reports — Year-to-date

FLC General Fund (G.F.) Actual Budget Over/(Under) Offerings $ 475,948 $575,775 $(99,827) Other Income 51,212 51,750 $(538) Total Income $ 527,160 $627,525 $(100,365) Expenses $ 588,496 $627,525 39,029 Surplus (Deficit) $(61,336) -0- $(61,336) January 1, 2015 $ 125,601 G.F. ‘Fund Balance’ September 30, 2015 $ 64,265 G.F. ‘Fund Balance’

Rejoice in the Lord! Dear Friends in Christ,

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than

the one who is in the world. (I John 4:4)

Recently I have been meditating on this verse again. The context of this verse is the Apostle encouraging us to recognize what messages (thoughts, ideas) are from God, and those that are not from God (i.e., from the world, the sin-ful self or the evil one). In God, we find inspiration, truth and life. The key is acknowledging Jesus Christ (I John 4:2).

An old song, based on this verse, goes, “Greater is He that is in me; Greater is He that is in me; Greater is He that is in me, than He that is in the world.” I have found it very helpful to let it waft through my consciousness when I have faced negative thoughts, temptation or weariness. It acknowledges the presence of Jesus in my life. And in that reality, He strengthens, blesses and gives me confidence! So, I would recommend this verse to you as a way of ac-knowledging Jesus in your life. If, in case, you don’t know if Jesus is in your life, simply invite Him in through prayer. In Revelation 3:20, Jesus says, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”

+ + +

I hope you all will participate in one of the congregation informational meetings coming up on Sundays, Nov. 8 & 15, and Thursday, Nov. 12. Then, our FLC Church Council has called for a congregation meeting on Sunday, Nov. 22, in or-der to move forward with electing a Call Committee for the Associate Pastor position.

In these last two months of the year, please, faithfully and joyfully give your generous tithes and offerings to First Lu-theran Church. They are needed!

May the Lord direct our steps together.

In the light of His love, Pastor John F. Holt

Workers Bonnie Bakken Kathy Olson Beth Tostenson

Sandra Jensen Ann Satre Helen Tukua

Sue Larson Pam Slette

Jinni Olson Jackie Sletten

FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH WOMEN (FLCW)

Cakes Donna Anderson Katie Hebblewhite Niki Solum

Cheryl Beavens Denise Knutson Maureen Stiehl

Racy Edwin Joan Miller Wanda Wangsness

Janet Engebretson Kelly Pipho Elaine Weiser

Jean Grube Barb Rognes

Debra Hanson

Upcoming FLCW Programs

November 2015 - Elizabeth

Co-Chairs Carol Colstrup 373-4447

Wanda Dorman 373-3021

NOVEMBER Program

Wednesday, November 11

1:15 p.m. in Bethany Hall

Program: “Cuba” By: Larry Alvey Thank Offering

Devotions: Hazel Senske Offering Prayer: Hazel Senske

All church women are invited. All guests welcome!

DECEMBER Program

Wednesday, December 9 1:15 p.m. in Bethany Hall

Program: “Christmas Cheer”

By: Brenda Ludtke

Installation of Officers

Devotions: Brenda Ludtke

Offering Prayer: Jinni Olson

HOLIDAYS AHEAD

Used-A-Bit Shop for Holidays Ahead: Items received

from Nov. 11th to Nov. 18th ONLY!! Nothing will be received

after the 19th. Knick Knacks, dishes, decorations etc… (NO

CLOTHES, NO SHOES, NO JEWELRY), If you are able, please

bring the items to Bethany Hall behind the stage. If you have

any questions, please call Bonnie Schneider at 373-3767.

ANNUAL CRAFT AND BAKED GOODS BAZAAR

Holidays Ahead

First Lutheran Church, Albert Lea, MN

Saturday, November 21

8:00 a.m. –1 :00 p.m.

Coffee 8:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.

Lunch-11:00 a.m.- Served in Bethany Hall

Sponsored by F.L.C.W. for Missionaries

Reminder...

Poinsettias on the stage at Holidays Ahead will be for sale provided by Addies Floral & Gifts!

MUSICAL NOTES MUSICAL NOTES (cont.) In Isaiah 49: 15b-16, we are assured by God, that although others may forget us, He will NOT! He goes on to say "See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands." What blessed assurance! We ARE in the palm of God's hands. He made us. He sustains us. He loves us. He protects us. He guides us--when we let Him. HE HEALS US. HE gives us the path to Eternal Life-Eternal Light-Everlasting Heaven! WOW! We should not have to go through health scares or medical issues or trials of any kind to realize that God is always there. In my recent hospital stay, I honestly did ask God, "Where are You? I need You!". He was there all the time. Even in the darkest night, He is there and His grace comes through when all else fails. Alleluia! God's mighty grace planted seeds of inspiration for a song in my heart. It is called "In the Palms of His Hands". I am working on the music and the lyrics and will share the song soon. Meanwhile, the Body of Christ in Albert Lea, MN, known as First Lutheran Church, has been very, very good to me. In 2013, you took me in when I was a stranger. You have essentially housed me-fed me-accepted me-loved me. Now, as I have begun my third year here, you have also helped me, comforted me, and prayed for me at a time of a serious medical issue. Saying thank you is not enough. From the bottom of my heart, I want you all to know that your caring hearts, love, support, nurture, and prayers keep me going-every day! There are ups and downs in life, but when you have God and the people of First Lutheran Church in Albert Lea in your corner, you are on SOLID GROUND. If God is for us, who can be against us? Right? Praise His Holy Name!

RAYS OF LIGHT CHILDREN’S CHOIR (K-3rd grade) Meet on Wednesdays from 3:30 to 4:15 PM--snacks are provided.

SOUNDS OF JOY CHILDREN'S CHOIR (4th grade through 8th grade) Meet on Wednesdays from 4:15 –5:00 PM--Snacks are provided.

***If your child (Children) need transportation to choir, please call Tim O’Shields at the church for details on bus connections through South-west Middle School. We do not want any children kept from participat-ing due to transportation issues! We will work them out the best way possible! Bus 343 departs Southwest Middle School and makes a drop for choir children every Wednesday afternoon.

FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH CHOIR meets on Wednesdays at 6:30 PM

Join us for the Advent-Christmas season or join us for the full year!!! All Are Welcome!!! We are a fun group and we really love to make music together! Come and join us for the Advent/Christmas Music. You will have a great time!

FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH HAND BELL CHOIR meets on Wednes-days from 5:30 –6:25 PM. we practice every Wednesday and play in the 8 am service once a month. We still need several more ringers!

THE SPIRIT EXPRESS meets on Tuesdays at 7:15 PM for singers and the band joins at 7:45 PM. We sing at the 10:30 AM service each week! APPLICATIONS ARE STILL BEING ACCEPTED FOR THE 2015-2016 FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH CHORAL SCHOLARS PROGRAM. Stu-dents in 9th grade through college students are Invited to apply. Sing in the choir and earn a scholarship. Call Tim O’Shields, Minister of Music and Worship, at 373-6424 for more information! MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THESE UPCOMING EVENTS:

“THE HANGING OF THE GREEN”—FLC Choirs and orches-tra in concert presenting the Sounds of Christmas and the season. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015 AT 7PM.

FLC PRESENTS THE ADVENT ADVENTURE AND CRECHE WALK--WEDNESDAYS IN DECEMBER AT 11:30 AM ON December 2ND , THE 9TH, and THE 16TH. Devotions in Bethany Hall with the theme "Come Into My Heart, Lord Jesus" at 11 AM. Gourmet Luncheon at 11:30, Recital at 12:30. The Crѐche Walk is continuous with a display of more than a hundred Nativity Crѐches that will definitely put you in the Spirit of Christmas. If you have a Nativity Set/Crѐche that you are willing to share, please alert Tim O'Shields at the church. Please bring your Nativity Set/Crѐche to the church by October 30 to include it in this year's walk. We will mark your Nativity Set/Crѐche with a placard if you want to include it in memory of or honor of a loved one or friend. Pick up a detailed brochure in the Gathering Space! This is a very exciting and beautiful time of year. Plan now to worship regularly in the coming months. Plan on being at our Advent and Christmas festivities. Let's all meet together to worship and celebrate the end of one year and the beginning of another. Thanks for all your never-ending support! Peace, Tim

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

(Postmaster send address correction to 301 W. Clark St, Albert Lea, MN 56007)

Subscription price $1.00 per year

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 Al Stoa, alstoa@flcal.org (Cell–641-390-1563) Interim Assoc. Pastor Diane Odermann Diane@flcal.org

(Cell–952-693-6196) 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

MISCELLANEOUS FLC INFORMATION

Editor retains the right to edit submissions for grammar, spelling, space & content. It is also our policy to include something for everyone. Since some people like to find errors, we occasionally include a few in our publication to meet this need.

Report from... “Happiness Is A Blanket”

On October 10, 2015, the “Happiness Is A Blanket” quilters sent 168 quilts on the Lutheran World Relief Van.

During the year we also have given the Salvation Army 8 quilts, 5 throws, 20 afghans, and 16 baby quilts, and donated 2 quilts to the Good Earth Village Quilt Auction.

We want to thank all the quilters and people who have donated to this project. We can always use fabric, drapes, quilt fill, thread, bedding, (including sheets, and pillowcases) blankets, quilts, com-forters, bedspreads, bed skirts, and mattress pads.

We welcome anyone interested in helping with the quilting. We meet on Tuesday mornings from 8-10:30. You do not need to know how to sew as there are various steps to make a quilt.

If you have any questions call Audrey Christensen 373-2770 or Bonnie Trampel 373-1665.

ELCA Lutheran magazine is available for any congregation

members to purchase for $8.95 for 12 full issues. For more information about subscriptions, call 1-800-328-4648 or email subscriptions@augsburgfortress.com

The ELCA Lutheran Magazine is where members find news and views on faith, Scripture, mission, advocacy and more impacting daily life. The magazine is a resource for education, outreach and evangelism while providing a forum for discussion on issues of the day.

WORSHIP SCHEDULE Sunday 8:00 am Traditional worship*

9:15 am Worship service in the Chapel* 10:30 am Praise & Worship*

(led by Spirit Express) Thursday: 6:30 pm—Worship service in the Chapel*

* Holy Communion: First & Third Sundays at the worship services

First Thursday at the 6:30 pm service

Weekly Sunday School Schedule 9:15 am — Sunday School (4 yrs through 6th grade)

9:15 am — “The Donut Hour” (grades 7-12) 9:15 am — Immersion for adults in Bethany Hall 7th grade meets Wednesday evenings at 6:30 pm

The Fall Lutheran World Relief Ingathering was hosted by the Social Ministry Commission on October 10. Sixty-two area churches donated over 2000 quilts, 2250 School Kits, 465 Personal Care Kits, 380 Baby Care Kits, 45 Sew-ing Kits, 400 Bars of Soap, and $2200 for LWR shipping costs.

KUDOS to Jenny Edwin and the Sunday School children who assembled 152 School Kits! This project began in VBS. Help was received from Thrivent dollars, donations and assistance from FLCW members, and packing help from Confirmation youth. Ten boxes were filled.

More KUDOS to our Quilters for 168 quilts, to JT and Julie for their behind the scenes paperwork; to Steve Olson for his much appreciated inventiveness and presence; to everyone who volun-teered their time that Saturday morning, and to those who provided treats!

SPECIAL, and most GRATEFUL THANKS goes to Cross-roads Trailer of Albert Lea for providing the transportation of the quilts and kits to the LWR Warehouse in St. Paul. Our next Ingathering will be next May.

International Survivors of Suicide Loss Event The International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day is one day a year when people affected by suicide loss gather in their local communities to find comfort and gain understanding as they share stories of healing and hope. The loss of a loved one from suicide is painful and is a challenging grief journey. For many loss survivors, attending a Survivor Day event is an opportunity to discover that they are not alone in their experi-ence of losing someone they know and love to suicide. For those who are unable to attend an event in person, the American Foun-dation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) hosts a Survivor Day program online at survivorday.org. A local International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day event will be held in Albert Lea on Saturday, November 21, 2015 at Bon-nerup Funeral Services, 2210 E Main Street at 1:00 PM. There is no charge for this event. This year’s program will include a local panel of survivors and a screening of Family Journeys: Healing and Hope after Suicide, a new documentary produced by the AFSP that traces the ripple effect of a suicide through families and communities, and explores the challenges we face as we cope and heal. You are invited to join with a community of suicide loss sur-vivors to find comfort and gain understanding as we share stories of healing and hope. To learn more about the International Survi-vors of Suicide Loss Day, visit survivorday.org. To ask about the local event or to register call Judy Popp-Anderson at 507-373-2461 or e-mail judy@bonnerupfuneralservice.com.

LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF VAN

EVENTS OF INTEREST

VETERAN’S DAY

Wednesday, November 11 On Veterans Day let us remember and honor

those men and women who gave of themselves, and let us continue to pray for our men and women

currently serving in the military.

Sunday IMMERSION Bible Study

Upcoming Plans—9:15 am Sundays in Bethany Hall (usually)

Nov. 1 - in the Parlor – A Video & Discussion on one man's ex-

perience pursuing a literal biblical life for a year

Start of Series about Lessons in Discipleship

Nov. 8 - Live in the Spirit

Nov. 15 - Special Program on Healing Prayer with Pastor Diane

Odermann in Bethany Hall

Nov. 22 - Live in the Truth

Nov. 29 - Happy Thanksgiving! No Immersion.

Dec. 6 - Live in Faith

Dec. 13 - Live in Hope

Dec. 20 - Live in Love [All plans are subject to change.]

BH=Bethany Hall C= Chapel CR-Choir Room GS= Gathering Space L=Library MC= Mission Circle MPR=Multi-Purpose Room N-Nursery

P =Parlor PR= Prayer Room RR=Resource Room S=Sanctuary YR=Youth Room w/Comm.=with Holy Communion

November 2015 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 All Saints Sunday 8 am-Traditional

w/Comm. 8:30 am-12:30-TTT Belgian Waffle Breakfast-BH

9:15 am-Worship-C w/Comm

10:30 am-Praise & Worship w/Comm.

Daylight Savings Time Ends

2

3 1:30 pm-Thorne Crest-FLC 5:45 pm-Welcome Committee meets 6:30 pm-Commissions-BH

4 9 am-FLCW Board-P 5:30 pm-Education Commission meets-BH

5 8 am-5 pm-Human Ser-vices Child Protection meeting-Parlor

6:30 pm-Chapel Service

w/Comm.

6

7

8 Noisy Offering 8 am-Traditional 9:15 am-Worship-C 9:15 am-meeting/Survey-P 10:30 am-Praise & Worship 10:30 am-meeting/Survey-BH 11:30 am-meeting/Survey-BH

9 4:30 pm-Finance meets-MPR

10 2:30 pm-Sr. Tower-Salem

11 Veteran’s Day 1 pm-Good Samaritan-FLC 1:15 pm-FLCW Program-BH 3 pm-Oak Park Place-FLC

12 Noisy Offering 1:30 pm-St. John’s-Grace 5:30 pm-Alzheimer's Support-MPR 6:30 pm-Chapel Service

13

14

15 Noisy Offering 8 am-Traditional w/Comm. 9:15 am-Worship-C 9:15 am-meeting/Survey-P 10:30 am-Praise & Worship 10:30 am-meeting/Survey-BH 11:30 am-meeting/Survey-BH

16 4-7 pm-ARC Chili & Soup Supper 6:30 pm- Church Council meets-P

17 11:30 am-Friends at First-BH 5-8 Cookie Bake-BH

18 1:30 pm-MC #12-MPR 1:30 pm-MC#31-P

19 1 & 5:15 pm-Tops-RR 6:30 pm-Chapel Service

20

Holidays Ahead Set-up

21 Holidays Ahead

8 am-1pm

22 Christ the King Sunday 8 am-Traditional 9:15 am-Worship-C 10:30 am-Praise & Worship 11:45 am-Special Congregation meeting-BH

23 6 pm-MC#6-MPR

24 9 am-Library Board meets

25

6:30 pm-Thanksgiving Eve Service

26 Thanksgiving Day

Office & Building Closed

27 Office & Building Closed

28

29 First Sunday of Advent 8 am-Traditional 9:15 am-Worship-C

10:30 am-Praise & Worship 3-5 pm-Advent Workshop-BH

30

WEEKLY

REOCURRING EVENTS

Sunday Events

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

9:15 am-Immersion-BH

(No Immersion Nov. 29)

9:15 am-Sunday School

9:15 am-The Donut Hour-YR

10:30 am-Praise & Worship

Monday Events

9 am-Holidays Crafting-BH

Tuesday Events

8 am-Quilters-MPR

9:30 am-Staff Meeting-P 7 pm-Narcotics Anonymous-RR

7 pm-Spirit Express Rehearsal

7:15 pm-Spirit Express Band and Singers Rehearsal

Wednesday Events

8 am-Prayer Group-PR

9:30 am-Bible Study-MPR 3:30 pm-Rays of Light Choir

Rehearsal 4:15 pm-Sounds of Joy Choir

Rehearsal 5:30 pm-Bell Choir Rehearsal

6:30 pm-Confirmation

6:30 pm-FLC Choir Rehearsal

8 pm-Eikon-Youth Room

(No Eikon Nov. 25)

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 1 pm-Hardanger-MPR

Saturday Events

10:30 am-Alcoholics

Anonymous-MPR

FLC YOUTH ANNOUNCEMENTS FLC YOUTH ANNOUNCEMENTS (cont.)

Eikon Fall Schedule Nov. 4 – Youth Room

Nov. 11– Youth Room

Nov. 18 –Youth Room

Nov. 25 – No Eikon

Dec. 2 – Youth Room

Eikon is our youth group for 9th - 12th

Graders. We meet almost every

Wednesday night during the school year

and through the summer. We meet from

8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. during the

school year.

Wreath Fundraiser

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 you

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 con-

tact Jordan (373-6424)

Mark your calendars. The youth will be taking orders for

Wreaths/Garland in the Gathering Space.

Last day to order is Monday Nov. 2.

Wreaths will come in Sunday November 22.

7th &8th Grade

Z-tag Friday Nov. 6th

8:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. Cost: $3

Questions?/Sign Up - Talk to Jordan (373-6424)

It’s that time again for us to play Z-tag.

Bring your Nerf equipment if you have any.

Sign up Deadline: Wednesday Nov. 4th You must sign up in order to attend this event.

Recharge Weekends at Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camp

9th - 12th Grade

What is a Recharge?

A Recharge is a weekend retreat at Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camp in Mil-

ford, IA. For those who have been to confirmation camp, it’s a lot like a

week of camp packed into a weekend. The weekend consists 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.

Nov. 20 - 22

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

$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.

Nov. 13 - 15

7th & 9th Grade

30 Highlighters 60 Mechanical Pencils 60 Pens 60 pkg of Microwave Popcorn 30 pkg. of Gum 30 tubes of Chapstick Hard Candy 30 pkg of crackers 30 pkg of travel tissues

60 pkg of Post it Notes 60 packets of Hot Cocoa Mix 60 pkg. of Ramen Noodles 30 pkg. of Mints 50 Granola Bars 30 pkg of Easy Mac 60 Candy Canes Lots of Baked goods

Help us send Care Packages to our College Students We are planning on sending care packages to our college students at the begin-ning of December and we could use your help. If you feel lead to help/support there are a few ways to do that: 1. We are in need of supplies. (see Supply List below) 2. We need money to help cover costs for shipping. 3. We could use a few parents/adults to help coordinate the packing. 4. We ask for your prayers for our college students. Any amount of supplies/money/help is very much appreciated.

If you have questions or would like to donate you can contact Jordan (373-6424) or email at jordan@flcal.org

Care Package Supply List

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT FLC?

As the First Lutheran Church Altar Guild en-ters its 73rd year we are hoping to grow the membership with volunteers willing to join

us. We meet 6 times per year, on Tuesday evenings for Fellowship. This November 24 at 6:00 pm, in Bethany Hall, a dinner will be served to anyone coming to decorate the

Altar for The Festival of Thanksgiv-ing. Please consider this opportunity to

serve and share in the care for the Lord's Table.~Pamela Slette, Co-Coordinator

Upcoming Healing Prayer Class Level 1 One third of Jesus’ ministry was dedicated to healing peo-ple. Yet, in the church I find many people think in terms of black and white when talking about prayer. They think if they pray for healing and it doesn’t happen as they thought it should, God didn’t want healing for that person. This simply isn’t true. God takes de-light in bringing healing to His creation. There are many dimen-sions to prayer, the first one being: God is the one who heals. Sec-ond, God loves you His created, and longs to heal. Third, we are God’s vessels to bring healing to each other. If you have been drawn to understand healing prayer in greater depth, please come to this class. On November 15, I will offer a presentation to help you understand some of the things we will cover in the Healing Prayer class. Reverend Joel Erickson and I will start a healing prayer Level I class in January. ~Pastor Diane Odermann

The Special Outreach Cause offerings for November is:

Noisy Offering for the Salvation Army Food Shelf. This will be received during worship on Sunday, November 8,

Thursday, November 12 and Sunday, November 15.

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT FLC?

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

Tuesday, November 17 11:30 a.m. in Bethany Hall

Program: Dr. Leonid Skorin – Ukrain History, His family under Communism

Menu: Turkey dinner Sign-up and pre-pay $6 for your meal reser-

Holidays Ahead Crafters

meet Monday mornings at 9 in Bethany Hall.

If you have made any crafts you wish to donate,

please bring to the church by November 20.

Dad’s Belgian Waffles Sponsor, Albert Lea TTT Chapter W

Sunday, November 1, 2015 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

All you can eat! $7 person Children 5 & under FREE First Lutheran Church, Bethany Hall

ALL SAINTS SUNDAY-—On Sunday, November 1 we will celebrate “the communion of saints”. All faithful Christians, those in heaven and

those living for God on earth, are counted among this communion.

ARC Chili & Soup Supper First Lutheran Church

Monday, November 16 4-7 pm in Bethany Hall

Adults $7 Children ages 4-12 $4

Operation Christmas Child Shoe Box Project

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

Any and all ages can be involved in this special project.

For more information contact Joan Holt 377-0046 or Ann Satre 373-1189. Please have the boxes here by Sunday, November 22.

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT FLC?

EVANGILISM with MUFFINS & Y.F.C.! Many FLC members have heard the need for muffin donations

to support Youth For Christ's Middle School programming. Dee-Ann Bergland has provided an update for us:

“Things are going amazing! For those of you who don't know, Youth For Christ is conducting programming in rented space at Southwest every Wednesday morning. They serve muffins to the students who show up, and give a lesson on how Christ fits into their lives and all the good news that comes with loving and knowing him.

Weekly attendance at "Wednesday Morning Breakfast Club" has been outstanding! The program has seen over 212 differ-ent students this year, and attendance at single sessions has been as large as 160 Youth For Christ also has programming in the High School and a couple of the Elementary schools!”

The evangelism commission will be launching a more coordinated effort to provide donated muffins from congregation member's kitchens to the breakfast club serving platters. They need around 15 dozen muffins each week to make sure there are enough to go around. Please watch for an opportunity to help with this amazing

ministry of Youth For Christ. ~The FLC Evangelism Commission

Thank you to Ginny Thompson for the diligence in producing the

2015 First Lutheran Church Directory together with Janice Hammer, the Life and Growth Commission and volunteers who registered members at the photo sessions. Months of work and organization were involved to result in the final directory.

THANK YOUS

A huge thank you to everyone who helped make Rally Sunday such a fun day. A special thank you to the Educa-tion Commission, Steve Olson, Tim Miller, Kelly Hendrickson, Property Commission, and the wonderful Confirmation stu-dents. I appreciate all of your hard work!! Jenny

Third Grade Bible Recipients The following 3rd grade Sunday School Students received

their Bibles on Sunday, October 25:

Kaiden Baldwin, Jenna Balfe, Jayda Bearden, Nicolas Belshan, Clara Chapek, Nickolas Doppelhammer, Jackson Drescher, Tyson Fox, Ar-yah Hansen, Zoie Jensen, Claire Ladlie, Jacob Miller, Maximus Pos-sehl, Benjamin Schulz, Isabelle Schwarz, Ledger Stadheim and Nevaeh

Wacholz.

ADVENT WORKSHOP—Sunday, November 29 There will be many crafts to make, food and lots of fun. The workshop will run from 3-5 pm in Bethany Hall.

Please bring a plate of treats to share. Interested in helping ? Contact Jenny 373-6424.

All ages welcome. Bring friends. Don’t miss this fun family FLC tradition.

Informational meetings & surveys for hiring or calling of a new associate minister:

Sunday, November 8th 9:15 in the Parlor; 10:30 and 11:30 in Bethany Hall

Thursday, November 12th at 7:30 pm in the Gathering Space Sunday, November 15th

9:15 in the Parlor; 10:30 and 11:30 in Bethany Hall

First Lutheran Church Congregation Meeting This is the official notice that:

The First Lutheran Church Church Council, hereby, calls:

a Special Meeting of the congregation to be held

at 11:45 am, Sunday, November 22, 2015, in Bethany Hall.

The purpose of this meeting is to discharge the previous Call

Committee and elect a new Call Committee for the purpose of

calling an Associate Pastor for First Lutheran Church.

It is expected that the FLC Nominating Committee will present a

slate of candidates for the Call Committee at this meeting.

~Kristin Larson, FLC Congregation Secretary

When you need prayer...Call the prayer chain coordina-tors, Jo Hanson 763-257-9018 or Julia Tonder 373-9594

All prayer requests are handled confidentially.

To support people at the time of illness or injury we pastors do make personal visits in the hospital, homes or Care Centers. We occasion-ally check local hospital lists, but sometimes names do not show up on the list. So, please, call, if you want us to know. Do not hesitate to call the church [373-6424], if you have not seen a pastor and would like to request a visit. We try to be available in emergencies. ‘After hours’ the church phone system will automatically put your call through to the pastor ‘on call’ by keying #3. We ask permission before we include a name on our printed prayer list. Please let us know if you want to be on the list or be visited.

~ Your FLC Pastors

PERSONAL VISITATION BY THE PASTORS

In order to better serve our congregation and strengthen our congregation’s commitment to prayers for the healing and wholeness of others, on November 1, 2015, First Lutheran will begin a weekly prayer list in the Sunday bulletin for those requesting prayers for acute needs. We will keep them on the list for one month. For those requesting continued prayers after one month, we will have their names moved to the prayer list in the monthly Messenger. (See above.) Please contact the Church Office to have names included or to have names removed, 373-6424. Thank you.

~Your Pastors & Parish Nurses

Our Continued Prayers are requested for healing and wholeness for: Lily Anderson, Joy Bryson, Mary Ann Christian, Vernon Classon, Pembie Erickson, Kenneth Flat-ness, Patrick George, Sister Margaret Hoffman, Carol Kuennen, Michael Kropp, Fred (Fritz) Mo-ran, Elaine Peterson, Christian Reichl, Gloria Schumacher, Clarice Smith, Bob Steele, Betty Stolaas, Irene Thompson, and…safety for people serving in the Armed Forces, and their families.

PEACE & POWER FUND

In Memory Of: Wayne Willand given by: Ken &

Diane Damerow, Davis & Julie

Gilbertson, Paul & Lori Yeske, Al

& Tep Christensen, Donald & El-

eanor Sorensen, Rebecca Boelter

& Tom Larson, Marvyl Dahl,

Thomas & Karen Hovde, Ellen

Harrison, J.R. & Wanda Dorman,

Monrad & Karen Mandsager,

Gary & Ginny Thompson, Al &

Mary Carstens, Larry & Edith

Langsev, Glen & Leann Juveland,

Sharon Distad, Thomas & Barbara

Lindskog, Helen Moore, Jeremy &

Karen Newman, Rev. Kenneth &

Bonnie Jensen, Dale & Dorothy

Baldwin, Edmund & Angeline

Nelson, Genevieve Foss, Harlan &

Ardis Bang, Robert & Loetta

Bjoraker, Judy Menssen, Margie

Murtaugh, Alice Jensen, Duwayne

& Marguerite Kirchner, Kathleen

Madsen

Orville Petersen given by: Mil-

ton & Eva Haroldson

Ruth McMillan given by: Lyle

& Ann Hanson, Hazel Senske

Donna Thon given by: Ruth

Ann Maschka

Helen Seline given by: Lar ry &

Lorraine Fjelstad, Hildy Vallevand

LuVern Purdy given by: Joy

White

Harry Richter given by:

Ellwood & Janice Tukua

Sig Clow given by: Elaine Pan-

zer

MEMORIALS, HONORS & SPECIAL GIFTS

Joe Bauman given by: Richard

& Mary Diggins

Simon Lee given by: Richard &

Mary Diggins

Beatrice Stensrude given by:

Richard & Mary Diggins

Arlene Miller given by: Edward

Miller

Wife Sharon Jensen given by:

Curtis Jensen

Marion Boe given by: Shir ley A.

Hansen

Gregory Vangen given by: Fami-

ly & friends, Joy White, Dennis &

Carol Colstrup, J.R. & Wanda

Dorman, Frank & Joann Ostby,

Jack & Eldora Kelly

Our Parents: Amos & Eva

Knudson, Ernest & Alma

Scheibert & other departed

loved ones given by: Richard &

Rhoda Knudson

Lonnie Schmidt given by: Ar t &

Donna Ludtke

Lyle & Alice Lunning given by:

Lyle & Ann Hanson

Hazel Bennett given by: Maxine

Hanson

Pearl Lindeman given by: Clara

Satre, Rose Perteet

Billie Weisgram given by: Ed-

mund & Angeline Nelson

Robert Calgaard given by: Mary

Jane Calgaard

PRAYERS & PRAYER LISTS

MEMORIALS, HONORS & SPECIAL GIFTS (cont.)

Don’t see your gift? Any gifts recorded by the church office after

October 22 will appear in the next issue of the Messenger. Any questions or concerns, please call the church office 373-6424. Thank you.

MEMORIALS, HONORS & SPECIAL GIFTS (cont.)

Julius Hansen - Uncle of

Maureen Stiehl given by: Bri-

an & Julie Lokken & family

Wayne Willand given by:

Herb & Barb Andersen, Dennis

& Roxann Brue, Faith Dahl

Greg Vangen given by: Fami-

ly & friends

Gifts Given By: Leroy & Garnet Folie, Jamie &

Nancy Kyllo

BILL HAMMER SCHOL-

ARSHIP FUND

In Honor Of: Dave & Claire Frame for

their 50th wedding anniver-

sary given by: John & Barb

Cliff

ORGAN FUND

In Memory Of: Gregory Vangen given by:

Family & friends

Bonnie Schneider

Pastor John Holt given by:

Rev. Robert & Vernell Lea

Gifts Given By: Davis & Julie Gilbertson, Shirl-

ie Brownlow

YOUTH FUND

In Memory Of: Gene Matthes given by: Steve

& Paula Larson

JESSICA LOKKEN MU-

SIC SCHOOL FUND

In Memory Of: My cousin, Roberta “Bobbie”

Travis of Spencer, IA, who

passed away on September

11, 2015, and was always sup-

portive of her children,

grandchildren, and great

grandchildren in their musi-

cal interests given by: Jane

Maiden

birthday given by: Kathy

Bennett

STAINED GLASS

WINDOW FUND

In Memory Of: Ethel Doty - mother of Laurie

Senske given by: Wayne &

Jackie Sletten

Darla Christianson given by:

Darv & Marcia Habben

Helen Seline given by: Jane

Reid, Anne Marie Harshbarger,

Joyce Johnson

Marwood Isackson given by:

His family

Ricci Henderson given by:

Bonnie Schneider

Ruth McMillan given by:

Joyce Johnson

Gene Matthes given by: Jo-

Ann Christenson, Mary Mat-

thes, Steven & Sandra Nesse

My cousin, Kathy Carroll of

Rolling Meadows, ILL, who

died September 29th, 2015 given by: Jane Maiden

Mildred Kinnan of Oakdale,

NE, who died October 1, 2015 given by: Jane Maiden

Wayne Willand given by:

Wayne & Jackie Sletten,

Ellwood & Janice Tukua, Sha-

ron Wakefield, Mitchell Wake-

field, Gary & Marilyn Losh-

man

In Honor Of: Betty Ruud for her 90th

birthday given by: Jane Reid,

Rick Henderson given by:

Colleen Politz

In Honor Of: Betty Ruud for her birthday given by: Her children & their

spouses

Colin Richard Ulve - son of

Kristyn & Ryan Ulve for his

October 11th baptism at Sa-

lem Lutheran given by: Janet

Ulve

Gifts Given By: Donald & Louise Johnson,

Leroy & Garnet Folie, Vera

Nelson, Konstance Haas, Gor-

don & Mary Meyers, Lorraine

Slette, John & Thelma Foss,

Mavis Bryson, Rose Perteet,

Jean Grube, Silver Lake Lu-

theran Church WELCA of

Northwood, IA, Konstance

Haas, John & Marilee

Waalkens, Gordon & Mary

Ellen Meyers, First Lutheran

Church Women of Glenville,

MN

PARISH NURSE FUND

In Honor Of: Jim & Jane Loge for their

50th wedding anniversary given by: John & Barb Cliff

HAPPINESS IS A BLAN-

KET FUND

In Memory Of: Gregory Vangen given by:

Donna Henrikson

In Honor Of: Betty Ruud for her 90th

BAPTISMS: Jace Michael Mathews, September 27, 2015 FUNERALS: Ruth McMillan, September 14, 2015 Hazel Bennett, October 13, 2015 WEDDINGS: ♥ Thomas Martinez and Natalie Runden, October 10, 2015 ♥ Casey Colvin and Brittany Edwin, October 25, 2015

PASTORAL RECORDS