First Lutheran Church Women

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

Lovely piano selections were provided by Joan Holt.

Decorations were done by Virginia Hermanson in red, white and blue as a reminder of Sept. 11, which was 12 years ago.

Bonnie Trampel welcomed everyone and led the reciting of the purpose statement.

For special music, the group sang “Beautiful Savior.”

Devotions were given by Jinni Olson.

Olson introduced the guest speaker, Julie Seedorf, who writes “Something About Nothing” for the Albert Lea Tribune, which has been enjoyed by the entire group. She has also completed a book which is now on sale in Albert Lea. She provided the group with several ideas to improve their lifestyles by sometimes being silent and just listening to others. She had many comments about keep young and having a positive attitude. She showed the group her grandma shoes which lit up when she walked. She talked about her husband, children, grandchildren and her pets – a dog and a couple of cats. She also shared her spiritual life and ended her presentation with a prayer. The group enjoyed having her as the guest speaker.

The secretary’s report was read and the August and September minutes will be included in the October agenda.

In correspondence, Lois Jensen said there were two newsletters – one from Global Health and one from River Crossings.

In old business, Cindy Martin suggested the group try evening meetings as well as Saturday meetings so women that work during the week could attend the group’s meetings. Sandy Naverud said that the welcoming committee is considering dates and times that would be more convenient for its new members. It will be shared with the group as they continue to visit with new members and it will then be brought before the group’s board.

The Southeastern Minnesota Syndical Women’s organization convention was from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 21 at Grace Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. Naverud represented the group at the meeting.

There was nothing to report in committee reports.

In new business the Lutheran World Relief van will be at First Lutheran Church from 7:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday.

The triennial convention will be in Charolotte, N.C. Naverud will be the delegate at the conference.

The lefse bake will be Oct. 22-24.

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

The offering prayer was given by Ione Kelly.

Trampel thanked the ushers who were Marlene Behle and Phyllis Hamborg.

Greeters were Bonnie Schneider, Neva Mathison, Hazel Senske and Trampel.

Wheelchair attendants were Virginia Hermanson and Jan Overgaard.

Hostesses were co-chairwomen Jeanne Lageson and Marge LaFrance and their committee of Marion Ahnemann, Diane Damerow, Ann Hanson, Marlene Jensen, Judy Mullen and Joy White.

In caring and sharing, co-chairwomen Arlis Smith and Helen Lovik and their committee served six funerals in August.

Announcements were as follows: Sept. 21 was Southeastern Minnesota Synod women’s organization coffee at 8 a.m. with registration from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Albert Lea, a reformation luncheon was held at noon Oct. 9, and a confirmation celebration will be at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 13.

The group closed by praying the Lord’s prayer and by singing the table prayer.