First Lutheran Church Women met at 1:15 p.m. in Bethany Hall on Jan. 11.

Prelude music was provided by Joan Holt.

Co-president Gen Montei welcomed everyone and led the group in the reciting of the purpose statement. Gen also reminded group members to pick up their new 2012 program books.

Devotions were given by Bonnie Trampel who spoke on “Outside Our Comfort Zone.”

The group sang hymn No. 532 “How Great Thou Art.”

The memorial service was presented by Neva Mathison and Bonnie Trampel. Deceased members of 2011 were as follows: Beulah Grotegut, Deloris King, Virginia (Ginny) Helleckson, Marlene Olson, Kathryrf Syverson, Stella Kopsing, Alice Meixell, Nellie Johnson, Bernice Benson, Barbara Ulman, Florence Hendrickson, Dorothy Miller, Myrtle Nelson, Alice Kycek, Doris Herth and Dorothy Slette. Francis Swenson was there in honor of her mother Alice Kycek, and Pam Slette and Sandy Farr were there to honor their mother Dorothy Slette.

Marge Moine introduced Donna Henrikson who presented the program on the group’s FLC Altar Guild. Henrikson explained that all the people that participate in Altar Guild are servants of the worship space. She said there are six things members of Altar Guild keep in mind when preparing the worship space. First, the beauty and harmony, second, the simplicity (which is part of beauty), third is the quality, fourth is worthiness (must be the best), fifth is the appropriateness of the way the altar looks, and sixth, the training of all members to see that everything is in place and beautiful.

Milton Olson handmade the cabinet that holds the communion pitchers and also the holders for the communion cups. Every Sunday there is always something for the members to accomplish, and they take turns in making the altar look lovely. Audrey Christensen assisted in the presentation. Marge Moine thanked both Henrikson and Christensen for the excellent presentation.

Business meeting:

Secretary’s report: The secretary’s report was presented and upon motion by Donna Ludtke, seconded by Vonnie Oftedahl and unanimously passed, this report will be placed on file.

Treasurer’s report: In the absence of the treasurer and the assistant treasurer this report was reviewed and upon motion by Ione Kelly seconded by Hazel Senske. The treasurer’s report was approved. This report will be placed on file for audit.

In the absence of the corresponding secretary, Elaine Peterson gave the report noting that the group had received a thank you from Ann Satre and a letter from Scott Satre who are serving in the mission field. River Crossing’s newsletters were also received as well as Lutheran Services brochures which will be placed in the library. A card from the The Rock with a picture of their staff was received.

Committee: Nothing to report.

Old business: None.

New business: The group was reminded that they were to serve at St. John’s Lutheran Home on Jan. 22 and were to be there at 1:30 p.m. to get everything ready for the lunch. They were also to remember to see Ione Kelly or Betty Ruud to receive their Secret Prayer Partners before they left.

The group sang “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” as the offering was received.

Offering prayer: Phyllis Hamborg gave a lovely offering prayer.

Thank you: Vonnie Oftedahl and Jinni Olson asked that Bonnie Schneider and Marge Moine step forward to receive their “belated” Christmas gifts from the group. They explained that these gifts had been delivered before Christmas — they surprised them with the Christmas Angels just before Christmas — Olson said they were surprised to receive these gifts,

However, Vonnie and Jinni were even more surprised to know that they were to be given at the December meeting. They also told both Bonnie and Marge that they were wonderful co-presidents and that the group all appreciated their hard work during 2011.

Thank yous: Elaine Peterson thanked the following people for their participation in the day’s meeting:

Ushers: Lorraine Fjelstad and Geraldine Sauke

Greeters: Virginia Hermanson, Marlene Behle and Phyllis Hamborg

Hostesses: Chairperson: Helen Lovik and Arlis Smith and their Committee: Jeanne Allard, Beverly Hoium, Janice Lestrud, Delores Schilling and Naomi Schmidt

Caring and Sharing: December co-chairs: Marilyn Johnson and Elaine Peterson and their committee served one funeral.

Announcements:

Jan. 16: Martin Luther King Breakfast 7 to 8 a.m. in Bethany Hall

Feb. 8: Circle Roll Call

Feb. 15: Bingo at Good Samaritan Society

Feb. 17: Blood drive from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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