Duplicate Bridge

Duplicate Bridge was played by 13 teams on Dec. 5 at the Senior Center in Austin. Winners were Gail and Ray Schmidt, first place; Barb Engebretson and Orrin Roisen, second place; Carolyne Higgins and Chuck Borneman, third place; Joyce Crowe and Millie Seiver, fourth place; Judy Bungum and Dave Solomonson, fifth place; and John Liesen and Rick Stroup, sixth place.

Duplicate Bridge was played by seven teams Dec. 6 at the Senior Center in Austin. Winners were John Liesen and Rick Stroup, first place; Gail and Ray Schmidt, second place; Larry Crowe and Dave Ring, third place; and Loren Cleland and Bud Higgins, fourth place.

Duplicate Bridge is played at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and noon on Wednesdays at the Senior Center in Austin. All bridge players are welcome. Call 437-2750 if you need a partner.

Trinity Lutheran Church Women

The Trinity Lutheran Church Women Thankoffering was at noon Nov. 14. Dori Schou played the piano as people arrived. Co-president LeAnn Juveland welcomed everyone. The Rev. Marcia Hall gave devotions. Her focus was on offering thanks with a reference to Psalm 100, “A grateful heart is a happy heart,” and “To be grateful is to be thankful.” Greg Andersen catered the delicious luncheon. After a Litany for Gathering the group sang “We plow the fields and scatter.” Schou accompanied the group on the piano.

The Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church Association Thankoffering was read by Jan Drews.

“As we give our Thankofferings today, we share in a tradition that goes back to the 1800s or even earlier. Then, when it seemed that there was not enough money to carry out the work of the church, the women would take action. Gathering in groups called “cent” or “mite” societies, each woman would set aside offerings at home throughout the year, in thanksgiving for blessings received. And on occasion, the women would come together as we do today, joining their offerings together to support ministry of many kinds. When Women of the ELCA was formed 30 years ago, we committed to continue this tradition of giving in gratitude for blessings. Each year, in thousands of congregations, Thankofferings are given to support the life-changing ministries of Women of the ELCA. Together, we do more than we could ever do apart. In gratitude for all God has given to us, and with hope for all that is to come, let us now give our Thankoffering,” she read.

The hymn, “We Praise You, O God” was sung. Schou accompanied the group on the piano.

There was a collection of offerings and an offering prayer led by Jo Meyer.

The Bible study was led by the Rev. Eileen Woyen. It was a study of the third article of The Apostles’ Creed.

The Trinity Lutheran Church Women Christmas meeting was at 1:30 p.m. and included a meeting, coffee and dessert. The chorale sang at 2:30 p.m.

Nanciana Jensen presented receipts, expenses and profit for the 2017 soup and pie fundraiser. She also presented the profit for the lefse sales. This was followed by the proposed changes to the proposed budget for 2018.

Woyen announced officers for 2018: Juveland and Linda Olson, co-presidents; Karen Nelson, vice president; Mary Roozenboom, secretary; Jensen, treasurer; Donna Oliva, mission community secretary; Drews, mission growth secretary; and Meyer, mission action secretary. The officers for 2018 were installed by Woyen.

The benediction was given by Woyen, and the Lord’s Prayer was prayed by all.

Circles then met in their individual circles to organize for 2018.

Fully Rely on God

On Dec. 2, 50 people travelled to Clear Lake, Iowa, on a bus sponsored by Fully Rely on God.

Twelve games of Deal or No Deal were played along the way. Winners were Darlene Muilenberg, Roger Femming, Carol Bertelson, Donna Stolaas, Dick Haug, Don Hernes, Elaine Wach, Dorothy Kirsch, Angie Bernal, Jeremy Reitsema, Theresa Pedersen, Darlene Johnson and Richard Frydenlund. Some of the prizes were provided by the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce and FROG.

A Christmas stocking from the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce was given to each person on the bus. The bags included coupons from KFC, Arby’s, Trumble’s Restaurant, Applebee’s and a Christmas beanie baby.

Bus driver Marilyn Matson parked the bus in a reserved space where passengers could see the lighted Christmas parade and the fireworks during Christmas on the Lake.

Upon arriving back in Albert Lea, passengers dined at Wok N Roll. The group sang “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” and received Chinese New Year’s gifts from the staff.

The next FROG event will be its annual Valentine’s Day event at 6 p.m. Feb. 3 at Central Freeborn Lutheran Church.  According to a press release, there will be pizza, pop, 12 games of Norwegian bingo and an ice cream buffet. Reservations are required. The cost is $5 per person.