Salem Lutheran Church in Albert Lea held its annual dedication dinner on Oct. 22. More than 40 women attended to hear a special “Mena and Lena” program presented by Gail Thurnau and Mary Wayne.

The tables in the fellowship hail were decorated for the autumn season. Mena and Lena entered in their aprons and brought down the house with memories. There were many references to lutefisk and Jell-O and heads would nod when the old wringer washing machines were mentioned and that “let it all hang out” in those days meant hanging the clothes outside on the clothesline.

Thurnau gave a version of letting her hair down as she played piano on “You Can’t Get A Man With a Gun” while Wayne really let her hair down and sang it! She went from hoe down to show down when she jumped from “Where Are You Going My Little One?” to “Queen Of The House.”

Marianne DePoppe and Valta Hestness attended the Women’s Synodical Convention at Rochester and they gave highlights of what they learned there. Bekah Sousa, Salem’s associate in ministry, played a piano musical selection while the women came forward with their dedication offering. This year the offering will be given to the local Salvation Army Food Shelf, the Rock, and the pastor’s descretionary fund.

Nov. 8 is Consecration Sunday, when financial commitments will be made by the congregation and a catered celebration luncheon will follow.