News

Updates, Events, Announcements pertaining to First Lutheran or the greater church

Ash Wednesday – February 22, 2023 (and Lent, too!)

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Ash Wednesday worship: weather precluded our in-person gathering 2/22/23. Here is the audio devotion link for you to use at home.

Ash Wednesday Audio Home Devotion

In addition, we have some exciting changes and some longstanding traditions Lent and Holy Week 2023.

First: SOUP SUPPERS ARE COMING BACK-with a twist. We’re calling it “soup AND suppers”-as volunteer groups plan one simple, kid-friendly entree and one soup to choose from. Meals begin Wednesday, March 1 and conclude March 29. Each meal service in the Luther Rooms begin at 5:45pm with a freewill donation. At 6:30 pm, we gather in the sanctuary for brief worship. Our theme for midweek worship is O CHRIST, SURROUND ME. You’ll learn the background of this phrase (it’s ancient!)…and, over 5 Wednesday nights, we will spend holy time considering God’s protection and courage. Worship is 30 minutes.

Wednesday nights are the perfect time to rest in Christ, and make friends old and new. Consider inviting a neighbor, a coworker, or anyone you feel might need some special moments for Christ to surround us all.

To nurture your faith at home, each household is welcome to this FREE book, courtesy of the Memorial Committee. You may pick up yours in the Narthex starting on Transfiguration Sunday.

Education Programming Resumes Feb 16 & 20

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We look forward to seeing you soon. Please return only when you are symptom-free (any illness) and not under quarantine. Families/individuals who are ill and/or under restrictions are automatically excused. Be in touch if you have any questions, or wish to report an extended absence.

With prayers and love for each of you, Pastors Heidi Heimgartner & Mike Walerius & Melissa Stoen, Director of Children’s Ministry

Annual Meeting Sunday, January 30 @10am

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While Sunday School is on pause, in-person worship & a socially-distanced business meeting is planned. Please join us in the Luther Rooms to elect new leaders, and celebrate God’s faithfulness to our congregation and community. All confirmed members are eligible to vote.

A PDF of the report is online (click button below).

Paper copies available the day-of. After Jan 30, check the narthex info rack.

2021 Annual Report

Basic Info for Pandemic Worship

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In April 2021, First Lutheran returned to indoor, in-person worship options each Sunday at 9am. In accordance with current StaySafeMN guidelines, our church is open.

In August 2021, your Executive Committee adopted the following guideline:

First Lutheran encourages the use of a mask, and especially in indoor spaces when CDC designates Steele County COVID transmission to be substantial or high.

Date: February 2, 2022

Level is: HIGH

Click HERE to view the CDC Data Tracker.

Click HERE to view Full Information on First Lutheran’s Current Best Practices.

Parking Lot Worship & Q Mtg, Dec 13

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No Facebook Live this Sunday, as we will be outside. Radio broadcast only.  [Missed?  We have the audio linked right here]

This will be great practice for Christmas eve, so do plan to join us in the parking lot!

Following regular worship: a brief quarterly meeting to consider the 2021 mission budget.  [Motion Passed-copy of minutes available in office] The Stewardship Team will have lawn signs to share as you depart. We have hope!