The Albert Lea Salem Lutheran Women’s Executive Board met on Nov. 4. The meeting opened with devotions given by Eleanor Schember on a step-by-step special interpretation of The Lord’s Prayer. All Circles were represented and reports were offered by chairwomen of the wedding committee, program committee and mission committees. A thank you from the Salvation Army was received for a recent donation.

President Judy Billing announced that a full slate of officers has been obtained for 2010 as follows: President Deb Beighley, Vice President Mary Lahs, Treasurer Sharon Billing and Secretary Katherine DePoppe. Pauline Hall reported 24 Salem homebound/shut-ins were visited by the WELCA Team in October. Mary Gulbrandson announced there are two upcoming weddings scheduled. Marianne DePoppe and her program committee were commended for the program with Lena and Mena at the dedication dinner held on Oct. 22, with good attendance and generous offering given to the Salvation Army Food Shelf, Pastor’s Discretionary Fund and The Rock. The Epiphany brunch is set for Saturday, Jan. 9. Laurel Herdina reported that Sew ‘N Tell had met on Oct. 13 and 27 and 77 boxes of used clothing were packed for the Marie Sandvik Center and 22 boxes were packed for Appalachia.

Salem members say they miss the Rev. Jay Dahlvang, who has now filled the vacancy at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Mankato. With all he taught Salem in the past seven years, programs have gone on and members have pulled together and this month served an all mission potluck, the annual Salem soup and pie supper and a successful stewardship Sunday with congregational meal.

Interim Pastor Wangberg from Rochester will be at Salem in the coming months.