First Lutheran Church Women

The First Lutheran Church Women met at 1:15 p.m. on Jan. 9 in Bethany Hall. Prelude music was provided by Joan Holt.

Co-president Neva Mathison welcomed everyone and also introduced Bonnie Trampel and herself as co-presidents of the group for 2013.

Arlis Smith gave a devotion entitled “God Knows Best” which was appropriate for the new year.

Those in attendance read aloud the purpose of the group.

Neva Mathison introduced the special music which was two vocal solos by Deby Koenigs with Lilah Aas as her accompanist. Deb’s first vocal arrangement was “I’m Trying to be like Jesus” and her second was “Jesus King of Angels” — both selections were lovely.

Marion Drescher presented the memorial service giving a special tribute to these deceased women of First Lutheran Church: Fern Baer, Harriet Butenhoff, Marcine Drescher, Carol Emmons, Genevieve Folven, Dorothy Hamberg, Esther Tostrud Hanson, Janet Heilman, Deloris King, Dolores Kopseng, Elvira Lahs, Isabel Loken, Germaine Matthies, Ida Mildenstein, Dorothy Nelson, Vivian Olson, Vickie Paulson, Lorraine Richards, Genevieve Rye, Susan Weberg and Carol Westland. Their family members were given a token of appreciation in memory of their loved ones. Following the service they sang “Oh Happy Day When We Shall Stand.”

Gen Montei introduced John Kelly, an employee of Motor Inn for the past 20 years who gave a most interesting and informative program on car care and maintenance for women.

John was a graduate of Mankato State College and the son of Ione Kelly, an active member of First Lutheran Church Women. He is married to Robin and has two children. John covered many car care tips for both winter and summer and gave many maintenance tips to keep vehicles in tip-top shape without spending a fortune on car care. He stated that by doing so, vehicles will last longer and will help with fuel economy. Some simple things to have checked is the air in tires, see if the fuel deicer is outdated and changing oil. Synthetic oil is more expensive; however, your car can go twice as long before the next oil change. It is also important to make sure all the lights are working on the car. He also answered several questions that were important to the group which were well received.

Business meeting: The secretary’s report had been distributed prior to the meeting and a motion was made by Bonnie Schneider, seconded by Cheryl Moran and unanimously passed to approve these minutes which will be placed on file.

Correspondence: Donna Ludtke reported that thank you’s were received from: Gen Montei and Elaine Peterson for their Christmas gifts and Ann Satre and the Rev. Al and Nancy Stoa. A thank you from the family of Marcene Drescher was also received for serving her funeral. Brochures were received from Lutheran Social Services as well as Nepal Social Services fund and will be placed in the library.

There were no committee reports.

Old business: The group’s booklet will be ready by the February meeting. Also Hazel Senske announced that the Church Women United has had a very difficult year and has been unable to get officers for the coming year. Consequently, there will be a meeting as they cannot disband without a vote. This meeting will be at the church to determine what needs to be done.

New business: All that wish were asked to sign up for their secret prayer partners after the meeting. Also under new business was a rededication of redecorating of the parlor.

Hymn LBW 448 “Amazing Grace” was sung as the offering was received.

The offering prayer was given by Marlene Behle.

Thank you notes to greeters, Lorraine Fjelstad, Donna Ludtke and Hazel Senske; ushers, Mavis Bryson and Cheryl Moran; hostesses, co-chairpersons Deloris Fligge and Karin Mattson and their committee, Karen Neale, Elaine Panzer and Jurene Wick; and caring and sharing: co-chairwomen Marilyn Johnson and Joni Rowe and their committee served four funerals in December.

The following announcements were made. Friends at First was Jan. 15. A Martin Luther King Jr. breakfast will be from 7 to 8 a.m. Monday in Bethany Hall, an Arc waffle breakfast will be at 9 a.m. on Jan. 27 in Bethany Hall, a stone soup meal will be at 6 p.m. on Jan. 29 with the annual meeting to follow at 7 p.m. in Bethany Hall.

Circle roll call has been postponed until sometime in April or September.

The group prayed the table prayer before lunch and closed the meeting with the Lord’s Prayer.