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First Lutheran Church Albert Lea, MN

December 2014December 2014

Monthly Messenger

November 20, 2014

www.flcal.org

VOLUME LXV, No. 12

First Lutheran Church FLC For the Love of Christ

TTHEHE MISSIONMISSION OFOF FFIRSTIRST LLUTHERANUTHERAN CCHURCHHURCH ISIS:: TOTO GATHERGATHER, , EQUIPEQUIP, , ANDAND EMPOWEREMPOWER PEOPLEPEOPLE

TOTO JOYFULLYJOYFULLY DODO CCHRISTHRIST’’SS WORKWORK..

CHRISTMAS WORSHIP SERVICES Pre-Christmas Communion Service & Luncheon

Thursday, December 18 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 Wednesday, December 24:

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

(*The 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

Peace & Power (KAAL TV-Channel 6) live broadcast

Christmas Day Worship Service with Holy Communion Thursday, December 25 at 10:00 a.m. ONLY

KATE radio (AM-1450) broadcast at 10:00 am

See page 6.

Baby’s First

Christmas

Event

Sunday, December 7

See page 5. $6

2

Rejoice in the Lord! Dear Friends in Christ,

The happy Christmas comes once more The Heavenly Guest is at the door. He comes to earthly dwellings still With joyous tidings, “Peace, good will.” *

Here we are in December—the joyful season of Advent and Christmas! November snowfall and decorations are going up around town. Merchants are gearing up for special holiday sales.

Plans and rehearsals for programs and worship services are gearing up as well in First Lutheran Church. It’s such an enjoy-able time with Holidays Ahead, the music, food, gatherings... (The list could go on.) I am looking forward to the special Hanging of the Green concert on Friday, December 12.

And, then, there are the special Christmas Eve and Christmas Day worship services here at FLC. It’s fun to be part of the crowds. It’s fun to meet new people and see people from far away who are here to be ‘home for the holidays’. I’m so glad they in-clude worship at FLC in their plans.

I have a concern, however. I hope whether you find yourself here or far away from here on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, that you don’t limit your worship to just what is done in the church building. I hope that you truly include worship of Christ in your home, family gatherings and parties.

From the hymn verse above: “The Heavenly Guest is at the door. He comes to earthly dwellings still.” Jesus is at the door of our hearts, and we let Him in when we include Him in our homes.

How? We include Christ with Bible reading; an Advent calen-dar with a verse, prayer or devotional activity every day; the music we sing and play; the conversations we have. O come let us adore Him — together in worship services, of course, but also, and more importantly, at home with family, neighbors and friends.

O wake, our hearts, in gladness sing, And keep our Christmas with our King, Till living song, from loving souls, Like sound of mighty water rolls. *

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

* Words: Nikolai F. Grundtvig, 1810; translated: Charles P. Krauth, 1867, alt.

19

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) Minister Dr. Kyle Fever, kyle@flcal.org (Cell-651-472-4232) Pastor Al Stoa, alstoa@flcal.org (Cell–641-390-1563)

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

MMISCELLANEOUSISCELLANEOUS FLC IFLC INFORMATIONNFORMATION

Be sure to let the church office know if your mailing address, your email address, or your phone numbers change. Thanks!

To be added or subtracted from our mailing list, e-mail firstoffice@flcal.org

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.

“Christ In Our Home” devotional books are available throughout the church and in the church office. There is no charge for these devo-tional guides. Use it daily at home!

Also, pick up a Faith 5 bookmark in the Sanctuary to use with your devotional book.

FREE DEVOTIONAL BOOK & BOOKMARKFREE DEVOTIONAL BOOK & BOOKMARK

18

The Special Outreach Offerings Cause 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 2014 Financial Reports — Year-to-date

FLC Broadcast Ministries Radio Actual Peace & Power Actual

Income $ 7,878 Income 35,046 Expense 8,765 Expense 34,868 Net gain (loss) $(887) Net gain (loss) $178

FLC General Fund (G.F.)

Actual Budget Over/(Under) Offerings $ 530,291 $614,667 $(84,376) Other Income 56,685 57,083 $(398) Total Income $ 586,976 $671,750 $(84,774) Expenses $ 630,137 $671,750 41,613 Surplus (Deficit) $(43,161) -0- $(43,161) January 1, 2014 $ 143,125 G.F. ‘Fund Balance’ October 31, 2014 $ 99,964 G.F. ‘Fund Balance’

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

KAAL TV and KATE Radio [1450 AM]

A Holiday Service of Remembrance to honor deceased loved ones will be held Saturday, December 6, 2014 at 7 PM at Bonnerup Funeral Service, 2210 E. Main Street, Albert Lea MN. RSVP by Thursday, December 4, 2014 by calling 373 – 2461. If you wish to share a photo of your deceased loved one you may bring a framed picture no bigger than an 8” x 10” to Bonnerup Funeral Services by Thursday, December 4, 2014 or you may bring the photo with you the night of the service.

3

There will be no Sunday School on Sundays, December 21 & 28. Classes will resume on Sunday, January 4, 2015.

Also, there will be NO Confirmation on Wednesday, December 24 and Wednesday, December 31. Classes will resume on Wednesday, January 7, 2015.

REMINDERS...

All 2014 contributions must be post marked no later than Wednesday, December 31, by law, to receive credit towards your 2014 contribution/tax record. Thank you.

The church office will close at noon on Wednesday, December 24 and the church office will be closed on Thursday, December 25 (building will close after Christmas Day worship) and the office and building will be closed all day on Friday, December 26. The church office & build-ing will also close at 3 pm on Wednesday, December 31 and all day

on Thursday, January 1, 2015.

FRIENDS @ FIRST Christmas Party with First Lutheran Staff

Tuesday, December 16 11:30 a.m. in Bethany Hall

Please sign up and pre-pay $6 at the church office for your meal reservation.

Everyone is welcome!

The JOYFUL READERS book club will meet

Thursday, December 18 at 6:30 pm in the Multi-Purpose Room. The book for discussion will be

“A Nantucket Christmas” by Nancy Thayer. New members are always welcome.

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT FLC? WHAT’S HAPPENING AT FLC?

4

Workers Marion Ahnemann Alicia Helland Jane Loge

Dorothy Blom Stephanie Jansen Barbara Rofshus

Karen Fate Sharon Johnson Tricia Syverson

Joyce Fredin Robin Kelly Mae Twito

FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH WOMEN (FLCW)FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH WOMEN (FLCW)

All church women are invited.

All guests welcome!

December 2014 - Miriam

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

Cakes

Ann Adams Darlene Hendrickson Jayne Sigurdson Marion Bergemann Carol Kuennen Laurie Skarie Leann Bibus Marilyn Larsen Brenda Sorenson Marvyl Dahl Mary Lubke Karen Szymanowski Jenny Fjermestad Leslie Millhouse Monica Wallace Jody Hauser Sharon Overgaard Diane Weisgram

UPCOMING FLCW PROGRAM

Wednesday, December 10 1:30 pm in Bethany Hall

Christmas Program Choral Group from FLC Tim O’Shields

Installation of Officers Devotions: Jinni Olson

Offering Prayer: Marcia Habben

Christmas Meeting

& Program

Tuesday, December 9

7 pm in Bethany Hall

17

MMEMORIALSEMORIALS, H, HONORSONORS & S& SPECIALPECIAL GGIFTSIFTS (cont.)(cont.)

Gifts Given By: Brian & Julie Lokken

ORGAN FUND

In Memory Of: My brothers & sisters who are all

now deceased. God Bless them

all! given by Carl & Mary Jane

Grandstrand

PARISH NURSE FUND

In Memory Of: Dennis Stoa - brother of Al Stoa given by: Rev. Phil & Marilyn Pe-

ters

In Honor Of: Jane Maiden for her November

birthday given by: Rev. Phil &

Marilyn Peters

ALTAR GUILD FUND

In Memory Of: LaVonne “Vonnie” Oftedahl given by: Audrey Christensen,

Don & Neva Mathison

SOUTHLOT FUND

In Memory Of: Daniel Schoeneman given by:

Wayne & Jackie Sletten

HELPING FAMILIES

FUND

In Memory Of: LaVonne “Vonnie” Oftedahl given by: Bev McMullin

Gifts Given By: Marge Moine

JESSICA LOKKEN

SUMMER MUSIC

SCHOOL FUND

In Memory Of: LaVonne “Vonnie” Oftedahl given by: Gordon & LouJean Nel-

son

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

November 13 will appear in the next issue of the Messenger. Any questions

or concerns, please call the church office 373-6424. Thank you.

When you need prayer...Call the prayer chain coordina-tors, Betty Ruud 373-5906 or Ione Kelly 373-2141.

All prayer requests are handled confidentially.

WHEN YOU NEED PRAYER...WHEN YOU NEED PRAYER...

BAPTISM: † Chevy Michael Edwards, November 2, 2014

FUNERAL: Jeff Kamp, November 7, 2014

FLC PASTORAL RECORDS

16

MMEMORIALSEMORIALS, H, HONORSONORS & S& SPECIALPECIAL GGIFTSIFTS (cont.)(cont.)

James Minear given by: Ruby

Fredrickson

Annette Mickelson Chapek given by: Ruby Fredrickson

Our parents, Joe & Leah Sko-

phammer, for their 70th wed-

ding anniversary given by:

Daughters Mary Jo, Diane &

Nancy

Elmer Lee who passed away

December 18, 2013 given by:

Phyllis Lee and family

Carl Hacker given by: Doris

Groff, Lorraine Bakken

Ruby Ringoen given by: Sey-

mour & Darlene Ferley

Charles Stolaas - cousin of

Duane Hatleli given by: Duane

& Eunice Hatleli

In Honor Of: Larry & Lorraine Fjelstad for

their 65th wedding anniversary given by: Helene Westrum

Audrey Christensen for her

80th birthday given by: Larry &

Bonnie Trampel

Pastor John Holt & Dr. Kyle

Fever given by: Ken Mullen

Gifts Given By: Gilbert Gilbertson, Vern Jahnke,

Katherine Farry, John & Myrna

Phillips, Arlene Matson, Vista

Evangelical Lutheran Church of

New Richland, MN, Keith

Redman, Red Oak Grove Lu-

theran Church of Austin, MN,

Senior Towers of Albert Lea, MN

RADIO FUND

In Memory Of: Mrs. Glenn Smith’s parents, Clara & Oluf Jackson, brother and sister, Robert and Arlene Jackson, and our daughter and sister Elaine and husband and father Glenn R Smith given by Mrs. Glenn R. Smith and Mr. & Mrs. John R. Smith and family

Sharon Jensen given by: Bon-nie Schneider

Carl Grandstrand’s sister given by: Bonnie Schneider

KIMBERLY (OLSON)

GODDARD SCHOLAR-

SHIP FUND

In Memory Of: Timothy Groff given by:

Gordon & LouJean Nelson

GENERAL FUND

In Memory Of: Daniel Schoeneman given by:

Lemour & Crystal Ferley, Larry

& Carolyn Tande, David & Ra-

chel Christensen, Robert &

Theresa Hartke, Thomas & San-

dra Clawson, Virginia Klenk

STAINED GLASS FUND

In Memory Of: LaVonne “Vonnie” Oftedahl given by: Joe & Marge LaFrance

MUSIC FUND

In Memory Of: Phillip McCornick - brother of

Cathy Fenner given by: Alan &

Bonnie Bakken

5

FLC EDUCATION, YOUTH & FAMILY

Krumkake Sale On Sunday, December 14 at all worship services, our FLC confir-mation students will be selling krumkake. Anyone interested in helping make the krumkake on Wednesday, December 10 from 6-9 pm should contact Jenny at the church office. All proceeds will

go towards youth camperships.

Sunday, December 14

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.

“Alphabet Christmas”

1st –6th grade Christmas Program

Sunday, December 14 9:15 a.m. in the Sanctuary

Baby’s First Christmas Event

Sunday, December 7

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

within 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.

6

MUSICAL NOTESMUSICAL NOTES MUSICAL NOTES "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." Jesus came to earth as the Christ, the Son of God. "Glory to God in the Highest and on Earth, Peace, Good Will Toward men." Happy Advent and Happy (Soon to Come) Christmas! Here are some things that need your prayers and support: THE ADVENT ADVENTURE--THIS IS YOUR DESTINATION for Wednesdays in Advent: December 3rd, December 10th, and December 17th. We are inviting all of Albert Lea! We are inviting Seniors Organizations, Civic Clubs, other Social Organizations in a "1-Hour Drive" Radius of Albert Lea. We truly want to reach out to people and help them prepare their hearts for the coming of the Lord as a destination for music, arts, and spiritual enrichment. Each Wednesday will include:

11 AM Devotion and Meditation 11:30 AM Hearty Lunch-Cost $6 (Executive Chefs Steve Nesse and

Cathie Kammerer) 12:30-1:15 PM Advent Recital 1:15 PM--Stroll leisurely through the Crѐche Walk and

view dozens of Crѐche and Nativity Displays--This will help put you in the spirit of Advent and Christmas as you prepare your heart!

Recitals will be presented by Rachel Christensen, Harp, on December 3, 2014 and Sharon Astrup-Scott, Vocals on December 10, 2014 and Tim O'Shields, Organ on December 17, 2014. Devotions and Meditations include: December 3rd (Prepare Ye The Way: Remembering the Birth of Christ) December 10th (Prepare Ye The Way: Opening our hearts to Christ in our everyday lives as we approach 2015), and December 17th (Prepare Ye The Way: Christ Will Come Again In Glory).

15

MMEMORIALSEMORIALS, H, HONORSONORS & S& SPECIALPECIAL GGIFTSIFTS

PEACE & POWER FUND

In Memory Of: Sharon “Shari” Jensen given by:

LaVerne & Shirley Strand, Marlene

Jensen, Jane Reid, Dennis & Geor-

gia Wentzel, Gen Montei, Larry &

Bonnie Trampel, Lyle & Ann Han-

son, Paul & Jan Overgaard, Curt

Jensen family, Paul & Leola Ander-

son, Les & Lois Anderson, Patrick

& Sandy Tuzinski, Denny & Marie

Enser, Bernice Ellingson, Larry &

Bonnie (Schocko) Trampel, Marie

Carlin, Roger & Mary Lee Thomp-

son, Harold & Pat Hanson, Jerry &

Lois Olson, Mr. & Mrs. Clarence

Beenken, Richard & Rhoda

Knudson, Junice Schuhmacher

LaVonne “Vonnie” Oftedahl given by: LaVerne & Shirley

Strand, Dee Bennett, Elaine Panzer,

Helen Lovik, Larry & Janice

Lestrud, Susie Sather

Dennis Stoa - brother of Al Stoa given by: Gordon & LouJean Nel-

son

Warren H. Thorson given by: Ve-

rona Thorson

Lorna Troe given by: Freeman &

Maxine Rogness

Timothy Groff given by: Hildy

Vallevand, Ruby Fredrickson,

Helen Helland, Christopher &

Debra Koenigs

Agnes Sherman given by: Hildy

Vallevand

Tom Everson - brother of Hildy

Vallevand given by: Hildy Valle-

vand, Judy Menssen

Helen Dockwell - mother of

Cheryl Beavens given by:

Dwaine, Beth & Tyler Egge

Daniel Schoeneman given by:

Betty Ruud, Ellen Harrison,

Mark & Terri Stadheim, Paul &

Judith Dilling, Arnold Stadheim

Don Johnson given by: Dennis

& Carol Colstrup

Delores Schmidt given by:

Gene & Ann Arnold

Viola Greenfield given by:

Helen Lovik, Merriell Jahnke,

Art & Donna Ludtke, Bob &

Bernice Moreau, Lester & Lois

Anderson, Bev McMullin

Winston Hamersly given by:

Eddie & Violet Hanssen Alan &

Bonnie Bakken

Ralph Peterson given by: Bob

& Pat Goldman, Richard &

Ginny Loberg, Elizabeth Rohra-

baugh, Linda Cook, Craig &

Brenda Ludtke, Dennis &

Lorene Olson, Eleanor Nolting,

Jerome & Gladys Ehn, James

Schlichting, Lorraine Christen-

sen, Randy & Lori Sternberg,

Gary & Ginny Thompson

Lillian Perkins given by:

Lorraine Bakken, Jim Bakken,

Danny & Kathy Bakken, Helen

Allen, Alan & Bonnie Bakken,

Joy White, Teddy & Joyce Bas-

sett, Roger & Phyllis Jackson,

Franklin & JoAnn Ostby, John &

Becky Severtson

14

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. We try to be available in emergencies. Do not hesitate to call the church, if you have not seen a pastor and would like to request a visit. Pastors’ numbers are on the recording when you phone the church office after hours. We ask per-mission 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 PERSONAL VISITATION BY THE PASTORSBY THE PASTORS

Over the years, those First Lutheran Church members who have consci-

entiously included First Lutheran Church congregation 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 en-

able this congregation to serve many, many more people in years and

generations to come.

HAVE YOU INCLUDED FLC IN YOUR WILL?

7

MUSICAL NOTES (MUSICAL NOTES (cont.)cont.) First Lutheran Church Christmas Music Program The finishing touches are going on our Christmas Music Service to celebrate this festive Season. We are calling the celebration "The Hanging of the Green: A Ceremony of Carols." The Sanctuary will be Transformed with the twinkling of lights and the warmth of Christmas Greens as our Youth Process bearing the "Christmas Green" of the season. Alleluia! Jesus Christ is Born! We have almost thirty pieces in our Christmas Orchestra. These dedicated and professional musicians will ensure that the majesty and brilliance of Christmas are heard and felt in every note! Our Choirs,--the FLC Choir, Children's Choirs, and Hand Bells have worked hard to polish every note for the festivities. We offer our mu-sic to the Glory of God upon the Birth of His Son. We need you HERE on that night. Please bring yourself, your family, your neighbors, and your friends. We want to have a full house to celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ! This will be a Special Service and we hope you and yours will be here. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014 7PM FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH presents THE HANGING OF THE GREEN: A CEREMONY OF CAROLS featuring THE FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH CHOIR THE FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH HANDBELL CHOIR CHRISTMAS ORCHESTRA THE RAYS OF LIGHT CHILDREN'S CHOIR THE SOUNDS OF JOY CHILDREN'S CHOIR FREE ADMISSION--ALL ARE WELCOME!

Yes, we are still taking applications for Choral Scholars. We have 5 more scholarship positions to fill. Please call me at the church for additional information.

The door is always open for members of the children's choirs! We are having a great time together and the children are great! The joy and energy that comes out of those rehearsals is priceless! We are talking about some transportation options for the New Year. If you are retired and willing to help with Children's Choir Car Pools, please let me know! Rays of Light Choir: (K-3rd gr.)--Meet Wednesday afternoons at 3:30 Sounds of Joy Choir: (4-7th gr.)-- Meet Wednesday afternoons at 4:15

Have a blessed Advent and Christmas Season. I seems impossible that it is Christmas time again. We, your Music Ministry, look forward to sharing our music at this special time of the year! Peace, Tim

8

FLC YOUTH ANNOUNCEMENTS FLC YOUTH ANNOUNCEMENTS

Highlighters

Mechanical Pencils

Pens

Microwave Popcorn

Gum

Chapstick

Hard Candy

Rolls of Quarters

Hot Cocoa Mix

Tea

Socks

Baked goods

Help us send Care Packages to our College Students

The Senior High Youth will be putting together all the packages

on Wednesday, December 3rd.

Please have all your donations in by:

Monday, December 1st. Thanks for all your help and support!

If you have questions you can contact Jordan (373-6424)

Care Package Supply List

We are sending care packages to our college students, but we

need your help to supply the contents of the packages.

Here is a list of items we need:

Thank you to everyone who ordered a wreath,

garland, or centerpiece.

It was a great fundraiser! Thanks again!

*Any monetary donations would be great (we need to cover our

shipping cost & purchase any extra supplies).

Winter’s Olympics (For 7th—9th Grade)

Monday, December 22nd

Come to the Winter’s Olympic

Games. Lots of games will be played

(Wii, board,

obstacle, made up, etc.)

The ’Olympic Champions’ will be

crowned at the end of the night

(trophy included).

At First Lutheran Church

6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Cost: $3

Questions/Interested? Talk to Jordan (373-6424)

Pizza, Soda, & Snacks

will be provided.

Sign Up Deadline:

Wednesday, Dec. 17

13

A tradition of long-standing here at First Lutheran during the Advent Season is to give to “World Hunger” or give a gift of poinsettias in memory of or in honor of

a loved one. We will publish names and donors for orders made and paid for by Monday, December 15 in a Christmas bulletin.

Opportunities to Help Alleviate World Hunger

ELCA Good Gifts Catalogs will be on display in the Gathering Space. You may purchase a gift from this catalog or select a gift of an animal or poultry to help poor families. These catalogs help you in select-ing a gift, and then personalizing it in honor of or in memory of a loved one. Gift cards will be available. Buy Fair Trade Coffee and Chocolates (on hand) to enhance the livelihood of small farmers in collaboration with LWR-SERRV.

Or simply pick up a Hunger Appeal offer-ing envelope in the Gathering Space, enclose your gift, and bring it as a special Advent-Christmas offering in behalf of the hungry.

People in need throughout the world thank you, our church thanks you for giving, caring, and sharing. Jesus and all God’s people thank you and say “Amen, thanks be to God for all His gifts, which we can share.” Social Ministry Commission

Monrad Mandsager

World Hunger Appeal Coordinator

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 . The cost of the plant is $12.

Orders for either food or flowers may be placed in the church office.

CCHRISTMASHRISTMAS GGIFTSIFTS OFOF LLOVEOVE

12

The Social Ministry Commission is sponsoring a Salvation Army Christmas 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 organization.

To get involved in the Christmas Angel program, sim-ply 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 very last day to bring gifts to church is December 14.

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 NEHELPING OTHERS IN NEEDED

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, or 10:30 am on Sundays, or Thursday evenings at 6:30 pm.

Just let the driver know to bill FLC.

9

FLC YOUTH ANNOUNCEMENTS (cont.)FLC YOUTH ANNOUNCEMENTS (cont.)

Eikon Fall Schedule Dec. 3 – in the Youth Room

Dec. 10 – in the Youth Room

Dec. 17 – Christmas Party in Youth Room

Dec. 24 – No Eikon (Christmas Eve)

Dec. 31 – No Eikon (New Year’s Eve)

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 10 p.m.

7th - 12th 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

Morning Buzz

Summer Trip 2015

CAMP

For youth in 9th - 12th Grade We will be going to

Panama City Beach in Florida for the BigStuf Camp.

Sign-up Deadline: Wednesday, Dec. 3rd

Interested? Talk to Jordan ASAP

Wednesday Mornings at 7:15

at Caribou (HyVee Gas)

Join us Wednesday mornings at Caribou for the Morning Buzz. We will be

reading from the book, ‘Love Does’ and having some discussion.

No Donut Hour: December 21st or 28th

10

BH=Bethany Hall C= Chapel CR-Choir Room GS= Gathering Space L=Library MC= Mission Circle MPR=Multi-Purpose Room P =Parlor PR= Prayer Room RR=Resource Room S=Sanctuary YR=Youth Room w/Comm.=with Holy Communion

December 2014 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

6 pm-Brownie Troop-

MPR 6:30 pm-Special FLC

Executive Session Council meeting-P

7:30 pm-Dartball-BH

2

1:30 pm-Thorne Crest- (FLC)

6:30 pm-Commissions-BH

3 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)

4

6:30 pm-Chapel Service w/Comm.

5

Wedding Rehearsal

6 4 PM

Tracy Tlamka &

AJ Peterson

Wedding

7

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

w/Comm.

3:30 pm-Baby’s First Christmas-BH

8

6:30 pm-Church Council meets at Holt’s

9 2:30 pm-Senior Towers (Grace) 7 pm-Altar Guild Christmas meeting & program-BH

10 Advent Adventure

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

1:30 pm-FLCW Program-BH 6 pm-Krumkake Bake-BH

11 1:30 pm-St. John’s (FLC)

6:30 pm-Chapel Service

12 7 pm-

“The Hanging

of the Green”-S

13

14 Krumkake Sales

8 am- Worship with Preschool & Kindergarten Christmas Program

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

15 16

11:30 am-Friends at First

Christmas dinner with the staff

17 Advent Adventure

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

18 10:30 am-Shut in service

& meal-BH 12:00 pm-SPIRE-L

6:30 pm-Chapel Service 6:30 pm-Book Club-MPR

19

12 pm-Service Club Luncheon-BH

20

21 First Day of Winter

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

w/Comm.

12 pm-Christian Solos Potluck-P 1-3 pm-Student Recital-S

Reception following in the GS

22

6-10 pm-Winter Olym-

pics (7-9 gr.)

6 pm-Circle #6-MPR

23 9 am-Library Board

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

10 am-Christmas Day Service w/Comm.

Church Office & Building Closed

26 Church Office &

Building Closed

Wedding Rehearsal

27

5 PM Kersten Hanson & Christopher

Aurich Wedding

28 8 am-Traditional

10:30 am-Praise & Worship

29 30 31 New Year’s Eve

Church Office & Building Closes at 3 pm

Jan. 1, 2015 Happy New Year

[No evening service.]

11

BH=Bethany Hall C= Chapel CR-Choir Room GS= Gathering Space L=Library MC= Mission Circle MPR=Multi-Purpose Room P =Parlor PR= Prayer Room RR=Resource Room S=Sanctuary YR=Youth Room w/Comm.=with Holy Communion

WEEKLY

REOCURRING EVENTS

Sunday Events

8 am-Traditional Service

9:15 am-Immersion-BH

(Chapel December 14)

9:15 am-Sunday School

9:15 am-The Donut Hour-YR

10:30 am-Praise & Worship

Monday Events

7 am-Searchers “for men”-MPR

7 pm-Narcotics Anonymous-RR

Tuesday Events

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

7:15 pm-Spirit Express Rehearsal

7:45 pm-Spirit Express Band and Singers Rehearsal

Wednesday Events

7:15 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-Evening Meal-BH 6 pm-Bell Choir Rehearsal

6:30 pm-Confirmation

7 pm-FLC Choir Rehearsal

8 pm-Eikon-Youth Room

(no choir rehearsals, Eikon,

Confirmation, Evening Meal on

Dec. 24 & 31)

Thursday Events

1 & 5:15 pm-Tops– RR

6:30 pm-Chapel Service

7 pm-Al-Anon-P

Friday Events

Pastor John’s Day Off

Saturday Events

10:30 am-Alcoholics

Anonymous-MPR

December 2014 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

6 pm-Brownie Troop-

MPR 6:30 pm-Special FLC

Executive Session Council meeting-P

7:30 pm-Dartball-BH

2

1:30 pm-Thorne Crest- (FLC)

6:30 pm-Commissions-BH

3 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)

4

6:30 pm-Chapel Service w/Comm.

5

Wedding Rehearsal

6 4 PM

Tracy Tlamka &

AJ Peterson

Wedding

7

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

w/Comm.

3:30 pm-Baby’s First Christmas-BH

8

6:30 pm-Church Council meets at Holt’s

9 2:30 pm-Senior Towers (Grace) 7 pm-Altar Guild Christmas meeting & program-BH

10 Advent Adventure

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

1:30 pm-FLCW Program-BH 6 pm-Krumkake Bake-BH

11 1:30 pm-St. John’s (FLC)

6:30 pm-Chapel Service

12 7 pm-

“The Hanging

of the Green”-S

13

14 Krumkake Sales

8 am- Worship with Preschool & Kindergarten Christmas Program

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

15 16

11:30 am-Friends at First

Christmas dinner with the staff

17 Advent Adventure

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

18 10:30 am-Shut in service

& meal-BH 12:00 pm-SPIRE-L

6:30 pm-Chapel Service 6:30 pm-Book Club-MPR

19

12 pm-Service Club Luncheon-BH

20

21 First Day of Winter

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

w/Comm.

12 pm-Christian Solos Potluck-P 1-3 pm-Student Recital-S

Reception following in the GS

22

6-10 pm-Winter Olym-

pics (7-9 gr.)

6 pm-Circle #6-MPR

23 9 am-Library Board

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

10 am-Christmas Day Service w/Comm.

Church Office & Building Closed

26 Church Office &

Building Closed

Wedding Rehearsal

27

5 PM Kersten Hanson & Christopher

Aurich Wedding

28 8 am-Traditional

10:30 am-Praise & Worship

29 30 31 New Year’s Eve

Church Office & Building Closes at 3 pm

Jan. 1, 2015 Happy New Year

[No evening service.]