Duplicate Bridge

Nine teams played Duplicate Bridge on Nov. 27 at the Senior Center in Austin. Winners were Gail and Ray Schmidt, first place; John Leisen and Rick Stroup, second place; Judy Bungum and Dave Solomonson, third place; and Barb Engebretson and Orrin Roisen, fourth place.

Five tables played Duplicate Bridge on Nov. 28 at the Senior Center in Austin. Winners were John Leisen and Rick Stroup, first place; Dave Ring and Orrin Roisen, second place; Loren Cleland and Bud Higgins and Vandy Newman and Ron Peters, tied for third; and Gail and Ray Schmidt, fifth place.

Duplicate Bridge is played at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and at noon on Wednesdays. Players come from Adams, Austin, Albert Lea, Rose Creek, Northwood and Mason City. All bridge players are welcome to come and play.

Trinity Lutheran Church Women

The Trinity Lutheran Church Women Thankoffering took place at noon Nov. 13. Music was played from CDs as people arrived.

Co-president Linda Olson welcomed everyone. The Rev. Marcia Hall gave devotions. Her focus was on “This is the day that the Lord has made,” with a reference to Psalm 118:24. The group sang the table prayer, “Be present at our table Lord.” Greg Andersen catered the luncheon. He was assisted in the kitchen by Shorty Jensen. The Mary Circle helped to serve.

Following the luncheon, A Litany for Gathering was led by Jo Meyer. The song, “Come, ye Thankful People, Come” was sung.

The WELCA Thankoffering was read by Jan Drews. It was a history of the Thankoffering.

“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.”

The hymn, “Praise and Thanksgiving” was sung. The offering prayer was led by Meyer.

The Rev. Eileen Woyen led the Bible study.

Announcements were given by Olson. The Trinity Lutheran Church Women books will be ready in January. Special napkins for funerals are available for circles to use.

Nanciana Jensen presented the proposed budget for 2019. A motion to accept the budget was made by Erna Berthelsen. It was seconded by Katie Jacobsen.

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

Circles met in their individual circles to organize for 2019 and collect offerings.