First Lutheran Church Women

First Lutheran Church Women met at 1:15 p.m. March 13 in Bethany Hall.

Prelude music was provided by Joan Holt.

Co-president Neva Mathison welcomed everyone to the meeting.

Janice Hammer gave devotions from the program entitled “The Wild Olives” by Saundra Finseth and her group. This group is a First Presbyterian women’s ministry to lead women to become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ, loving sincerely. Their vision is to encourage and equip women to pursue a closer walk with Jesus. It was presented in a skit form and thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. In closing, sheets were passed out and the group sang “Count Your Blessings.”

In the business meeting, the secretary’s report from Feb. 13 was reviewed. A motion was made by Hammer and seconded by Shirley Christopherson to approve the minutes.

The treasurer’s report was presented by Virginia Hermanson.

In correspondence, Donna Ludtke read thank yous from Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge, First Lutheran Church for the gifts to the radio fund and Peace & Power and from Youth for Christ. She also received correspondence for a women’s conference titled “Cultivating your Creative Life” on March 23 and 24 at the First Baptist Church in Clarks Grove with Staci Frenes as the speaker and musician.

In old business, nine dozen spoons and 12 dozen forks were ordered and have been received for the kitchen. The purchase of table cloths for the small tables was checked into. 2013 Church Women booklets are still available.

In new business there was not a soup and sandwich luncheon on March 17. Instead, Brenda Ludtke presented a Lenten musical meditation at 12:15 p.m. in the sanctuary. The group will have circle roll call at the April 10 meeting.

The women sang hymn No. 107, “Beneath the Cross of Jesus” as the offering was received. The offering prayer was given by Bonnie Schneider.

The group would like to thank its ushers, Christopherson and Sharon Johnson, its greeters, Ludtke, Carol Olson and Lavonne Oftedahl and its hostesses, co-chairs Marge Moine and Elaine Peterson and their committee who served four funerals in February.

In caring and sharing, co-chairs Barb Andersen and Janice Tukua and their committee served four funerals in February.

In announcements it was stated that the women’s conference was March 23 and 24 at First Baptist Church in Clarks Grove. March 17 was the deadline for registration. The Blue Earth River Conference is scheduled for Sunday at Our Savior’s Church in Kiester.

Also announced was special Lenten observances at First Lutheran Church: soup and sandwich lunches at 11:30 a.m. in Bethany Hall through March 20, Lenten musical meditations at 12:15 p.m. in the sanctuary through March 27, evening lenten meals at 5:15 p.m. in Bethany Hall through March 20 and Lenten worship at 6:30 p.m. in the sanctuary through March 20.

Holy week services were announced. Services for Palm Sunday were at 8, 9:15 and 10:30 a.m. with palm procession at 9:15 a.m. Maundy Thursday on March 28 had Easter homebound/shut-in-coffee time at 9:30 a.m. and communion service at 10:30 a.m. and the Maundy Thursday service with communion was at 7 p.m., the first communion for some. On Good Friday, Holy Week Oratorio was at 7 p.m. On resurrection Sunday, there was a 6 a.m. sunrise service with communion, an egg bake breakfast from 7 to 10 a.m. and festival services at 8 and 10:30 a.m.

The women closed with the Lord’s prayer.

The table prayer was sung and lunch was served.