First Lutheran Church Women met on at 9:15 a.m. Aug. 8 in Bethany Hall for its annual brunch.

Joan Holt provided the group with a prelude preceding the brunch. President Elaine Peterson welcomed the attendandts and guests from other churches.

Together everyone prayed the Table Prayer before enjoying the lovely brunch. Jane Reid read an excerpt from a book she had been given “All God’s Children Get Rolls” and also read a poem for her devotions.

The group’s purpose was read. Everyone sang the hymn “Lord Speak to Us That We May Speak.”

Neva Mathison introduced her daughter Julie Aikorigie, who is a social worker in St. Paul. Aikorigie grew up in Albert Lea and was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran. She graduated from Augustana College. She is a hospice social worker and bereavement councilor at Sholom Hospice. She spoke on “Care for the Caregiver” and stressed how important it is to ask the caregiver how they are rather than just ask about the person needing care. There are 66 million caregivers in the U.S. It is a fact that two-thirds of caregivers are women. It is also a fact that the average time spent care-giving is about 20 hours a week. Aikorigie’s program was interesting to everyone.

Business meeting:

Secretary’s report: The secretary’s report was reviewed and upon motion by Neva Mathison, seconded by Lorraine Bakken and was approved and placed on file.

Corresponding Secretary Lois Jensen reported that the group had received thank yous from Youth for Christ, MN Challenge and Good Earth Village. Also newsletters were received from River Crossings and Youth for Christ. She again reminded the group of the Ascension Lutheran Church Guest Night that was on Tuesday.

Committee reports: nothing to report.

Old business: none

New business: President Gen Montei suggested that all who could sew assist with sewing the new bags for the World Relief Van coming in October — instructions for these bags plus the items that need to be included can be found in the church office. Also bags can be purchased if you wish to purchase them. School supplies can be purchased already and some are even on sale during the month of August.

The Hymn “God of Mercy God of Light” was sung during the time the ushers were taking the offering.

The offering prayer was given by Marlene Behle.

Thank yous to:

Ushers: Deloris Fligge and Phyllis Hamborg

Greeters: Mavis Bryson, Arlis Smith and Bonnie Trampel

Hostesses: Chairwoman Carol Colstrup and her committee: Marlene Behle, Shirlie Brownlow, Judy Hoiseth and Alicia Holland

Caring and Sharing: Co-chairwomen: Bonnie Schneider and Helen Westrum and their committee served five funerals in July.

Announcements:

Starting Sept. 12 Financial Peace University classes, 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays for nine weeks

Saturday, Sept. 15: Bus trip/Twins game

Wednesday, Oct. 10: Reformation luncheon

Saturday, Oct. 13: Lutheran World Relief Van

Friday, Nov. 2, World Community Day, First Presbyterian, Albert Lea

The group closed its meeting by praying the Lord’s Prayer.