Special Bible study

The United Methodist Church of Albert Lea, located on Highway 69 South, will have a special Bible study for the season of Lent called “The Final Week: Walking with Jesus Through Holy Week.” The class will study Jesus’ final days and prepare the group’s hearts, minds and spirits for Easter.

The group will study the meaning behind the stories of Jesus’ last days and unlock the mysteries of this great story. The hope is to deepen the group’s understanding of that week. The classes are open to all area community members and are free of charge.

Classes are on Thursdays and there are two times available. The lunch time study is at noon on Thursdays and participants should bring a sack lunch. The evening study is at 6 p.m. on Thursdays.

Classes start March 10 and meet every Thursday until April 14. The schedule of classes is as follows:

March 10: “Waving Palms and Cleansing the Temple”

March 17: “Teaching and Challenging Authority”

March 24: “Anointed and Betrayed”

March 31: “The Last Supper”

April 7: “Good Friday”

April 14: “Toward the First Easter”

New class for end of life care

The Albert Lea United Methodist Church will be hosting a class for the community on issues surrounding the hard choices people have to make at the end of life. The hope is that the series will help people begin to consider and reflect on challenges that are faced when a loved one or family member needs special care late in life.

The class, called “Life, Death and Resurrection: Preparing for the Journey,” will bring community experts to the church to discuss topics like preparing a will and living trust, choosing the right nursing home, compassionate care from hospice and planning and preparing for a funeral.

While these issues are challenging and often hard to discuss, the group will provide a loving and compassionate environment and each participant will be given the tools to prepare for facing the end of life. The entire area community is invited and there is no cost for the class. Classes are at 6 p.m. on Mondays.

The weekly schedule is as follows:

March 14: “Protecting Our Rights and Wishes: Wills, Living Trusts and Legal Concerns.” Presenter is Attorney Mark Anderson

March 21: Providing Care: Thoughts on Choosing a Nursing Home for a Loved One” Presenter is Social Worker Polly Hillman

March 28: “Providing Comfort: When Do We Need Hospice?” Presenters are hospice Social Worker Jackie Carsten and hospice Coordinator Renee Meaney

April 4: “Saying Goodbye: Planning With the Funeral Home” Presenter is Funeral Director Paula Wilson

April 11: “Celebrating Life: Planning My Memorial Service” Presenter is the Rev. Tom Biatek