St. John’s Auxiliary

St. John’s Auxiliary met at 10:30 a.m. Nov. 16 in the St. John’s chapel. President Jan Jerdee welcomed everyone and read a poem entitled, “Never be Discouraged.” The group sang “Now Thank We All Our God,” accompanied by Irene Goskeson.

Auxiliary Secretary Bonnie Schneider read the minutes of the October meeting. Treasurer LeAnn Knutson gave the treasurer’s report. Both reports were approved.

Activities Director Shirley Leeman reported that there were 806 volunteer hours for October, 88 hours of parade and haunted tunnel, and two hours of You & Me clubs. She reported on activities for December as follows: Dec. 1 L.A. Sasse; Dec. 2 Loren Wolfe music; Dec. 3 Kent Larson music; Dec. 5 David Vaagen classical guitar; Dec. 10 Chris Von Arx music; Dec. 11 Jeff Buege music; Dec. 12 Dunnell Lenort; at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 14 Careyaires; 10:30 a.m. Dec. 17 First Lutheran Home Bound Service; Dec. 18 Jonny Bird Music; 10:30 a.m. Dec. 21 Auxiliary meeting; 10 a.m. Dec. 24 Christmas Pageant; Dec. 25 Merry Christmas; and 2 p.m. Dec. 31 New Year’s Eve party.

Vice president Les Harmon read the names of residents celebrating November birthdays. The group sang happy birthday.

Churches thanked for serving Sunday coffee were Lunder, Central Freeborn and Grace Lutheran.

The program was provided by Jerdee. It was about aprons and how they were used at church, weddings and at home.

The meeting closed with the Table Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer.

 

Presbyterian Women

Presbyterian Women will host its annual Christmas gathering at 1 p.m. Wednesday. The women will share dessert and devotions before moving to the sanctuary for a Christmas musical program provided by Tim O’Shields.

O’Shields is the minister of music and worship at First Lutheran Church of Albert Lea. He is in his third year there after moving to Albert Lea from Colorado, where he spent nearly half of his life.

As the minister of music, O’Shields plans worship and service layout and is the director of the First Lutheran Church choir, the First Lutheran Church hand bell choir, Rays of Light Children’s Choir and Sounds of Joy Children’s Choir. He also leads in worship for the First Lutheran Church contemporary service, where Spirit Express Singers and Band provide the music.

O’Shields started the word alive drama concept at First Lutheran Church. This drama and support team provide seasonal dramatic presentations, such as an original drama by O’Shields called “In Remembrance of Me: Yesterday, Today and Forever.” O’Shields also created the Advent Adventure, which is presented seasonally. The program includes a series of Advent and Christmas devotions, a gourmet luncheon, a music recital and access to “The Creche Walk,” a display of 200 nativity sets.

Before moving to Albert Lea, O’Shields had a vision for beginning a school of music and art. With the support of First Lutheran Church and the Jessica Lokken Memorial, a summer school of music and art was initiated in the summer of 2015. O’Shields vision was to provide opportunities to all community children and youth to learn various aspects of music and art, such as singing playing various instruments and painting.

With the full backing from First Lutheran Church, O’Shields also implemented a choral scholars program, where students who are continuing their education earn scholarships through participation in the First Lutheran Church choir. O’Shields loves the special services of the year and has assembled the Christmas orchestra, Easter brass and a Thanksgiving celebration. O’Shields goal is to connect people of all ages to enhance the worship and music experience.

The Presbyterian women look forward to the Christmas presentation.