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First Lutheran Church Albert Lea, MN

December 2015

Monthly Messenger

November 19, 2015

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.

VOLUME LXV, No. 12

CHRISTMAS WORSHIP SERVICES Pre-Christmas Communion Service & Luncheon

Thursday, December 17 at 10:30 a.m. Special guests will be any and all home-bound/shut-in

residents. Even so: Everyone is Welcome!

Christmas Eve Worship Services Thursday, December 24:

4:00 & 6:00 p.m. Family Candlelight Services especially for families with children*

(*Unsupervised nursery will be available for small children.) 5:15 pm (or so) Holy Communion in the Chapel

10:30 p.m. Holy Communion Candlelight Service with FLC Choir and Bell Choir

No Peace & Power broadcast

Christmas Day Worship Service with Holy Communion Friday, December 25 at 10:00 a.m. ONLY KATE radio (AM-1450) broadcast at 10:00 am

New Years Eve Worship Service with Holy Communion Thursday, December 31 at 6:30 p.m. in the Chapel

Baby’s First Christmas Event—Sunday, December 13 See page 7 for more information!

Thanksgiving Eve Worship Service,

Wednesday, November 25

at 6:30 p.m.

ADVENT WORKSHOP Sunday, November 29 3-5 pm in Bethany Hall.

All ages welcome. Bring friends.

A fun family FLC tradition!

Blessed to be a Blessing!

The Special Outreach Cause offering for December is: the

Tanzania Mission Project—Walter Nnko. Please pick up special offering envelopes from the ushers at

church services. (Make checks to F.L.C.)

October 2015 Financial Reports — Year-to-date

FLC Broadcast Ministries Radio Peace & Power Actual

Income $ 5,672 Income 37,404 Expense 8,670 Expense 32,257 Net gain (loss) $(2,998) Net gain (loss) $5,147

FLC General Fund (G.F.)

Actual Budget Over/(Under) Offerings $ 519,785 $639,750 $(119,965) Other Income 55,887 57,500 $(1,613) Total Income $ 575,672 $697,250 $(121,578) Expenses $ 649,579 $697,250 47,671 Surplus (Deficit) $(73,907) -0- $(73,907) January 1, 2015 $ 125,601 G.F. ‘Fund Balance’ October 31, 2015 $ 51,694 G.F. ‘Fund Balance’

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. As I see the lights, the trees, hear songs, the parties, being with family and friends and even the store ads, I think of the song “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”. But let’s not forget what really makes it the most wonderful time of the year is the birth of Jesus Christ. At this time of year most of us are thinking of what we are going to give to that friend or loved one. That is the joy of giving. The joy of giving also includes our Lord Jesus Christ. First Lutheran is falling short of meeting its expenses for 2015. We are asking for your extra support this December so that we can start 2016 in the Black! How many times have you said “l’ll be there”? At First Lutheran those are not just words-they are a promise, a pledge, a vow of responsi-bility to all those who chose to follow Jesus Christ. That is why we need your financial support to continue Gods work now and in the future. So join the “Joy of Giving” team this season, so we can start the New Year right by meeting our 2015 expenses and look forward to a happy and prosperous New Year here at First Lutheran!

~Joe LaFrance-Stewardship Chair

Rejoice in the Lord! Dear Friends in Christ,

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which

means “God with us”). (Matthew 1:22-23)

In his Gospel account of the birth of Jesus, St. Matthew clearly sets the prophetic context of Jesus’ birth as Almighty God’s heart intention to be “with us”. That is the meaning of the word Immanuel—God with us. What a wonderful truth:

God is with us! Has that reality taken root in your soul?

God is with us in the good times. He is also with us in the difficult and challenging times. God is with us when we can sense His nearness, when we can feel His love and when we hear His voice in our hearts. He is also with us when He seems to be distant, silent, or our feelings betray us into a sense of lost-ness. The psalmist declared: Yeah, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for Thou art with me. (Psalm 23:4) Yes, even at the dark times and death, we are not alone, when we have Jesus, our Immanuel.

As we think of Christmas and gift-giving, I hope we all re-member that we have been given the best gift of all—God’s presence with us in Jesus. I hope you have personally re-ceived Him though faith. He is also the best gift we can share with others through our witness. I believe that the longing we often have of being with loved ones at Christmas is not just some nostalgic feeling, but comes right from the heart of God who longs to be with us in Jesus.

+ + +

As you think of the giving you will do in this last month of the year, please, faithfully and joyfully give your extra gener-ous tithes and offerings to First Lutheran Church. They are really needed to finish the year in the black!

May the Lord direct our steps together.

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

MUSICAL NOTES MUSICAL NOTES (cont.) "Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." Luke 2:13-14 Imagine being a shepherd on the hillside by Bethlehem. It had to be a terrifying event until the angel reassured them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people." Luke 2:10 What a powerful event and announcement when a GREAT COMPANY of heavenly hosts joined together to proclaim Christ's birth. It was astounding and great news! This is a beautiful time of year. It is so easy to watch this beautiful season pass right by--because we all agree it comes quickly and goes quickly. There are so many worldly and cultural distractions. I hope you take time this year to connect with a GREAT COMPANY OF BELIEVERS right here in First Lutheran Church. We have many Sunday Advent Services to choose from as we prepare for the coming of the Christ Child. We have many options for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. We have the Advent Adventure and Crѐche Walk. We have the "Hanging of the Green" and the Children's Kindergarten and Sunday School Programs. It truly is about connecting during this season--connecting to celebrate and share the Good News of Jesus Christ--at Christmas, every day, and for eternity. Let's bring out best this Christmas Season and make it a deeply spiritual season of great celebration. We are free through Jesus Christ. As we consider how we will connect this Christmas season, remember the Magi did not bring shabby gifts. They brought their best. Let's bring our best as we proclaim Christ's birth! Alleluia! Merry Christmas!

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 –5:15 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 SW Middle School. We do not want any children kept from participating due to transportation issues! We will work them out the best way possible! Bus 343 DEPARTS SOUTHWEST MIDDLE SCHOOL AND MAKES A DROP TO 301 W. Clark Street 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 Wednesdays 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. Students 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 ORCHESTRA IN CONCERT PRESENTING THE SOUNDS OF CHRISTMAS AND THE SEASON. See the beautiful procession of Christmas greens as they are hung in celebration of the coming of Christ. The FLC Hand Bell Choir will ring as the greens are processed and hung. The First Lutheran Church Choir will sing Advent and Christmas Selections accompanied by the FLC Christmas Orchestra. The Children's Choirs (Rays of Light and Sounds of Joy) will share their Christmas story in song. This will be a celebration for your ears, your eyes, and your spirits! "The Hanging of the Green" is followed by a grand reception in Bethany Hall. 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 around the theme "Come Into My Heart, Lord Jesus" at 11 AM. DEC 2nd: Pastor Holt will present "Come Into My Heart, Lord Jesus" AT THE MANGER--In Celebration of the Season. DEC 9th: Pastor Odermann will present "Come Into My Heart, Lord

Jesus" IN OUR EVERYDAY LIVES. DEC 16th: Pastor Stoa will present "Come Into My Heart, Lord Jesus" THE PATHWAY FOR ETERNAL LIFE. A Gourmet Luncheon will be served at 11:30 with Executive Chef, Steve Nesse, at the helm. The Recitals all begin at 12:30 PM. The recitals run about 45 minutes.

DEC 2nd--Eric Bates, Violin--Accompanied by Tim O'Shields DEC 9th--John Sens, Trombone--Accompanied by Tim O'Shields DEC 16th--Tim O'Shields, Organ, Piano--Multimedia presentation to celebrate Christ's Birth! The Crѐche Walk runs continuously with a display of nearly two hundred Nativity Sets and Crѐches. This powerful and beautiful display will definitely put you in the Spirit of Christmas. Advent Adventure brochures are available in the Gathering Space! ~Thanks for your prayers and support! ~ Peace, Tim

FLC YOUTH ANNOUNCEMENTS FLC EDUCATION, YOUTH & FAMILY

Krumkake Sale On Sunday, December 13 at all worship services, our FLC confir-mation students will be selling krumkake. Anyone interested in helping make the krumkake on Wednesday, December 9 from 6-9 pm should contact Jenny at the church office. All proceeds will

go towards youth camperships.

Sunday, December 11

The 4 year old Sunday School Christmas Program & the Kindergarten Sunday School Christmas Program will be

presented as part of the 8:00 a.m. service.

“Away From the Manger”

1st –6th grade Christmas Program

Sunday, December 20 9:15 a.m. in the Sanctuary

Baby’s First Christmas Event

Sunday, December 13

3:30-5 pm in Bethany Hall Families will be invited who have had a baby with-

in the past year and are a member of the church and

it will be their babies first Christmas.

Look for a letter in the mail.

Eikon Fall Schedule Dec. 2 – Youth Room

Dec. 9– Youth Room

Dec. 16 – Youth Room

Dec. 23 – No Eikon

Dec. 30 – No Eikon

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

7th - 12 Graders

Come enjoy some free donuts on Sunday mornings from 9:15 to

10:15 in the Youth Room. We will eat, relax, and have some

good conversation. Don’t miss it!

The Donut Hour Sunday Mornings

9:15 - 10:15

Youth Room

No Donut Hour: December 27th

Thank you to everyone who ordered a

wreath, garland , or centerpiece.

It was a great fundraiser!

Thanks again!

Summer Trip 2016

For youth in 9th - 12th Grade

We will be going on a Mission Trip

to Cincinnati, Ohio.

Interested? Want more info? Talk to Jordan ASAP

Help us Send Care Packages to our College Students We still need your help to supply the contents of the packages. A

good chunk of the items have been donated already but we are still

in need of supplies. Please contact Jordan (jordan@flcal.org or

373-6424) or sign up on our Supply Sheet in the Church Office.

All Donations are needed by Monday, November 30th. Thanks

for all of your prayers and support in making this ministry happen

Workers Marian Ahnemann Stephanie Jansen Barbara Rofshus

Dorothy Blom Sharon Johnson Tricia Syverson Joyce Fredin Robin Kelly Mae Twito

Alicia Helland Jane Loge

FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH WOMEN (FLCW)

Cakes Ann Adams Darlene Hendrickson Sharon Overgaard

Marion Bergemann Carol Kuennen Jayne Sigurdson

Leann Bibus Marilyn Larsen Brenda Sorenson

Marvyl Dahl Mary Lubke Karen Szymanowski

Jenny Fjermestad Rosemary Ludowese Monica Wallace

Jody Hauser Leslie Millhouse Diane Weisgram

Upcoming FLCW Programs

December 2015- Miriam

Co-Chairs Carol Frydenlund 377-2785 Joni Rowe 373-4256, 402-7493

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

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, December 15 11:30 a.m. in Bethany Hall Program: Christmas

Menu: Swedish meatballs Sign-up and pre-pay $6 for your meal reser-

vation.

CHRISTMAS GIFTS OF LOVE First Lutheran is offering 2 ways to honor your loved ones at Christmas time: Flowers: Poinsettias in memory of or in honor of Loved Ones may be ordered for placement by the Altar in the Chancel area on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Food: Your gift toward ELCA Hunger Appeal can be given in memory of or in honor of someone or a special event.

Orders for either food or flowers may be placed in the Church Office. The cost per plant is $12.

The Social Ministry will make available in the gathering space an Advent Tree Ornament display, with ELCA GOOD GIFT ideas for you and your family, to give to those in need.

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

December 2015

WEEKLY

REOCURRING EVENTS

Sunday Events

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

(No Chapel Service Dec. 20) 9:15 am-Immersion-BH

9:15 am-Sunday School

(No Sunday School Dec. 27 & Jan. 3)

9:15 am-The Donut Hour-YR

(No Donut Hour Dec. 27 & Jan. 3)

10:30 am-Praise & Worship

Tuesday Events

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

(No Confirmation Dec. 23 & 30)

6:30 pm-FLC Choir Rehearsal

8 pm-Eikon-Youth Room

(No Eikon Dec. 23 & 30)

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

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 1:30 pm-Thorne Crest-FLC

6:30 pm-Commissions-BH

2 10 am-FLCW Board-BH

Advent Adventure 11 am-devotions 11:30 am -lunch 12:30 pm recital 1:15 pm-Crèche Walk

1 pm-Good Samaritan (FLC)

3 pm-Oak Park Place (Grace)

3

6:30 pm-Chapel Service w/Comm.

4

12-2 pm-Cedar Valley

Christmas Party-BH

5 Burton

Family

Gathering-BH

6 8 am-Traditional w/Comm.

9:15 am-Worship w/Comm.-C 10:30 am-Praise & Worship

w/Comm.

7 6 pm-Girl Scouts-MPR

8 2:30 pm-Sr. Towers (Grace) 7pm-Altar Guild Christmas meeting & program-BH

9 Advent Adventure

11 am-devotions 11:30 am -lunch 12:30 pm -recital 1:15 pm-Crèche Walk

1:30 pm-FLCW Program-BH

2:30 pm-Prairie Sr. Cottages-(FLC)

10 1:30 pm-St. John’s (FLC)

5:30 pm-Alzheimer's Group-

MPR 6:30 pm-Chapel Service

11

12 pm-Service Club Luncheon-BH

7 pm-

“The Hanging of

the Green”-S

12

13 Krumkake Sales

8 am- Worship with Preschool & Kindergarten Christmas Program

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

3:30-5 pm-Baby’s First Christmas-BH

14 15

11:30 am-Friends @ First

Christmas dinner with the staff

16 Advent Adventure

11 am-devotions 11:30 am-lunch 12:30 pm recital 1:15 pm-Crèche Walk

1:30 pm-MC #31-P

17 10:30 am-Shut in service

& meal-BH

6:30 pm-Chapel Service

18

19

20

8 am-Traditional w/Comm. No 9:15 Chapel Service

9:15 am-1-6 gr. Christmas Program-S 10:30 am- Praise & Worship

w/Comm.

12 pm-Christian Solos Potluck-P

21 First Day of Winter

6 pm-Circle #6-MPR 6:30 pm-Church Council meets-Holt’s

22 9 am-Library Board

23 24 Christmas Eve Church Office closes

at noon

4 & 6 pm-Christmas Eve Services

5:15 pm-Communion-C 10:30 pm-Christmas Eve

Service w/Comm.

25 Christmas Day

Church Office

and Bldg. Closed

26

27 8 am-Traditional 9:15 am-Worship-C

10:30 am-Praise & Worship

28 29 30

31 New Year’s Eve

Church Office Closes at 3 pm

6:30 pm-New Year’s Eve Service w/Comm.-C

Jan. 1, 2016 Happy New Year

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.

THANK YOU

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

There will be no Sunday School on Sundays, December 27 and Janu-ary 3 Classes will resume on Sunday, January 10, 2016.

Also, there will be NO Confirmation on Wednesday, December 23 and Wednesday, December 30. Classes will resume on Wednesday, Jan-uary 6, 2016.

REMINDERS...

All 2015 contributions must be post marked no later than Thursday, December 31, by law, to receive credit towards your 2015 contribution/tax record. Thank you.

The church office will close at noon on Thursday, December 24 and the church office will be closed on Friday, December 25 (building will close after Christmas Day worship). The church office will also close at 3 pm on Thursday, December 31 and the church building will close after the New Year’s Eve service and closed all day on Friday, January 1, 2016.

Please Note: In Case of Inclement Weather CANCELLATIONS & POSTPONEMENTS will be announced on:

KAAL TV and KATE Radio [1450 AM]

Heartfelt thanks to God, and to all of you for concern, encour-agement and support. Your prayers and messages have been very meaningful and sustaining, and I am so thankful for renewed health and energy! It’s been a long journey, many weeks of recovery following heart valve surgery, then infection requiring six weeks of daily IV infusion, followed by many weeks of cardiac rehab, just completed. Thanks offered to so many staff and lay people, especially the Parish Nurses, for dedication in stepping up to the task of filling my shoes in Visitation Ministry. Please know my extreme gratitude. Wishing all of you God’s love and peace in the upcoming Advent

New Members who joined First Lutheran Church Wayne Miland Brent & Jill Tweed Daniel & Deanna Young David Perkins Julie Bartz Laura Davis Tony & Amy Stevens; Caden and Carly Michael & Katie Davis Simon Bumetet, Dawn Runden Paddy Hoium Travis Hauser; Brooke and Ethan John & DeeAnn Berglund Mary Lee Peterson Justin Drescher Brien & Kara Heinemann: Breckyn Judy Worth Bernie & Irene Montgomey Dustin & Krystal Lennie

HEALING PRAYER CLASS

FLC Men’s Dart Ball starts Monday, November 30 at home with Alden at 7:30 pm. New players welcome.

The Social Ministry Commission is sponsoring a Salvation Army Christ-mas Angel Tree.

A Christmas Angel tree can be found in the Gathering Space. The tree is decorated with Christmas Angel tags that represent a boy or girl under the age of 18 years of age. These are children whose families have

qualified for holiday assistance through the Salvation Army and have met the criteria established by the or-ganization.

To get involved in the Christmas Angel program, simply remove the tag from the tree, then shop for your angel(s). The gift may be a small stocking stuffer gift or a larger main gift. Return your gifts to the tree, with the

Angel Tree tag, unwrapped, and the Salvation Army will take care of the rest.

The Social Ministry Commission would like to remind you that a special tree

will be placed in the Gathering Space in December, for donations of hats, mittens, and scarves. These items will be taken to

local charities for distribution at Christmas time. Help make someone’s Holiday Season a little “warmer”.

HELPING OTHERS IN NEED

Thank you, fellow congregation members for supporting Operation Christmas Child. These boxes packed with our love and prayers will be sent to children around the world.

N eed a ride to church?

We are using the Albert Lea Taxi Service. Those who need a ride to church can call 383-3341 to schedule a ride to the service of their choice 8:00, 9:15 or 10:30 am on Sundays, or Thursday evenings at 6:30 pm.

Just let the driver know to bill FLC.

Starts January 5 (13 sessions) Tuesday’s from 6:30—8 pm

In the church parlor Sign up in the church office by

Monday, December 28. Cost of the manual is $30

NEW MEMBERS

FLC MEN’S DARTBALL

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, Junior A. Dorman, Pembie Erickson, Kenneth Flatness, Patrick George, Breckyn Heinemann, Sister Margaret Hoffman, Karen Houge, Michael Kropp, Carol Kuennen, Fred (Fritz) Moran, Elaine Panzer, Elaine Peterson, Christian Reichl, Gloria Schumacher, Lorraine Slette, Clarice Smith, Bob Steele, Betty Stolaas, Irene Thompson, Nick VonOhlen, Gary Walk and…safety for people serving in the Armed Forces, and their families.

PRAYERS & PRAYER LISTS Luke 2:11

“The Annual Congrega-

tional Meeting is sched-

uled for Tuesday, January

26th

, 2016 in Bethany

Hall. Stone Soup at

6 p.m., meeting at 7 p.m.

Snow date will be February 2nd

.”

MEMORIALS, HONORS & SPECIAL GIFTS (cont.)

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

November 11 will appear in the next issue of the Messenger. Any questions or concerns, please call the church office 373-6424. Thank you.

PEACE & POWER FUND

In Memory Of: Caroline Tatge given by: Sharon

Wakefield, Mitchell Wakefield

Phyllis Haaland - sister of Hele-

ne Westrum given by: Lar ry &

Lorraine Fjelstad, Dorothy

Greibrok

My sisters Carol Olsen & Phyllis

Haaland given by: Helene

Westrum

Gregory Vangen given by: Susie

Sather

Kernel Knudsen given by: Clar -

ence & Barbara Heavner

Ricci Henderson - son-in-law of

Russell & Maxine Wignes given

by: Selma Engebretson

Raisa (Barbie) Sheyko given by:

Paddy Hoium, Dawn Runden

Dale Redman given by: Ben &

Phyllis Fredrickson

Jill Doppelhammer given by:

Ben & Phyllis Fredrickson

Andy Sanders given by: Jack &

Karen Neale

In Honor Of: Thank you to our Co-

Presidents: Joyce Fredin & Don-

na Ludtke given by: The FLCW

board of Albert Lea, MN

Gifts Given By: Evelyn Petri, Bruce & Donna

Prescher, Geraldine Sauke, Nor-

man & Joyce Fredin, Gilbert Gil-

bertson, Effie Neist, Sr. Towers of

Albert Lea, MN, Gordon & Mary

MEMORIALS, HONORS & SPECIAL GIFTS

In Memory Of: Darice Hamberg given by:

Jane Maiden

HAPPINESS IS A BLAN-

KET FUND

In Honor Of: Betty Ruud for her 90th

birthday given by: Marge

Moine

PARISH NURSE FUND

In Memory Of: Darice Hamberg given by:

Larry & Janice Lestrud

In Honor Of: Jim & Jane Loge for their

50th wedding anniversary given by: Bob & Joni Rowe

MUSIC FUND

In Memory Of: Dick Montei given by: Gen

Montei

In Honor Of:

A special thank you to Ra-

chel Christensen for the

beautiful Harp meditation on

Sunday, November 1st at the

8:00 a.m. service given by:

Gen Montei

CONNECTIONS FUND

In Honor Of: Thank you to the Connec-

tions group given by: Marge

Moine

PRAYER SHAWL FUND

Ellen Meyers, Red Oak Grove Lu-

theran Church of Austin, MN

STAINED GLASS FUND

In Memory Of: Ricci Henderson - son-in-law of

Russell & Maxine Wignes given

by: Gen Montei, Russell & Maxine

Wignes

Our 70th wedding anniversary

on November 22nd given by: Ve-

rona Boe

Joe Tikasky, Jr. - father of Mary

Jo Dorman given by: Keith &

Deloris Fligge

Gene Matthes given by: Joey

Christenson, Mary Matthes, Sandi

DeRaad, Steve Carlson

In Honor Of: Wayne & Dorothy Hanson for

their 60th wedding anniversary given by: Bonnie Schneider

Gifts Given By: Shirley Brownlow

JESSICA LOKKEN

SCHOOL OF MUSIC FUND

In Memory Of: In loving memory of my aunt

Anita Bronken Matthew given

by: Linda

BILL HAMMER SCHOLAR-

SHIP FUND

In Memory Of: Ricci Henderson - son-in-law of

Russell & Maxine Wignes given

by: Vern & Shirley Strand

BAPTISMS: Gage Joshua Kermes, November 8, 2015 FUNERALS: Marilyn Landmark, November 9, 2015 Darice Hamberg, November 14, 2015 Dick Moore, November 14, 2015

PASTORAL RECORDS