The women of Salem Lutheran Church in Albert Lea shared an Epiphany brunch on Jan. 9. The theme was “A Gift of the Magi.” The fellowship hall was decorated with numerous nativity scenes, the three kings and the three wisemen following a prominent star.

Deb Beighley, WELCA president, gave the welcome. Katherine DePoppe offered devotions on the wisemen’s journey. Rebekah Sousa was pianist when the group sang “The First Noel” and “We Three Kings.” Lydia Circle served coffee cakes. All brought canned goods for local foods shelves, following through with the theme on gift-giving. Each person took home a small decorated box filled with miniature cookies, candies, bells, and stars, with a reading titled “The Sweetest Story Ever Told” — a keepsake of the morning. Marianne DePoppe recited by memory “The Ballad of The Harp Weaver” by Edna Vincent Millay.

Speaker for the event was Jan Jerdee, who gave the ladies a sneak preview of the book she is writing, which has not yet been named. She shared memories of Christmas past and stories she treasures about her mother. The morning was prepared by committee members: Helen Weik, Marianne DePoppe and Katherine DePoppe.