First Lutheran Church Women

First Lutheran Church Women met at 1:15 p.m. Nov. 13 in Bethany Hall with prelude music provided by Joan Holt. Bonnie Schneider, co-president, welcomed members and guests. Donna Ludtke gave a devotion by Billy Graham from his book “Day By Day” about giving thanks to the Lord by words and by doing unselfish deeds. Schneider led the group in reading the purpose and then introduced special music soloist Sue Jorgenson, who sang two selections, “Bow the Knee” and “You Raise Me Up,” accompanied by Matt Gender.

Janice Lestrud introduced the program speaker, Kathy Skorin, who spoke on “Memories of a Nazi Concentration Camp.” Her emphasis of speaking is to remind everyone that the horrific series of events are never to be forgotten. Her father and his family lived in eastern Poland in 1939 at the time of the Nazi Germany invasion. Her father told of the invasions affecting every facet of the citizens’ lives. The Poles, Gypsies and Jews were the main targets. Her father’s home became a headquarters for the German army. Eventually the family members were placed in concentration camps. She relayed the memories about the conditions and of the camps where her father, a prisoner at Dachau, became a slave laborer at the age of 17. Her father told about the treatment of prisoners, the organization of the camps and about the crematoriums. By 1945 when the Allies entered the camps, the Nazis had tried to destroy all evidence of the atrocities that had taken place. The Allies confiscated photos and as much evidence as possible so all humanity and future generations could be made aware of what had happened there, so that it would never happen again. Her father was then able to emigrate to the United States, passing through Ellis Island and locating in Chicago.

The group then sang “Praise and Thanksgiving,” which was followed by the Litany of Thanksgiving and receiving of thank offerings.

Bonnie Schneider called the business meeting to order. The secretary’s minutes from the Oct. 9 meeting were approved as printed by a motion from Donna Ludtke and second by Jo Hanson. Cindy Gandrud, treasurer, reported a balance on hand of $2,633.19 in checking and $5,091.88 in savings as of Oct. 31. Corresponding secretary Bonnie Trampel read a notice from the Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge that their Christmas Concert will be at 3 and 7 p.m. Dec. 14 at Grace Lutheran Church in Eden Prairie. Also received was their newsletter as well as newsletters from Good Earth Village, Global Health Ministries, and “Perspectives” from Plymouth Christian Youth Center. Thank yous for donations were received from SE Synodical ELCA and from First Lutheran for the radio broadcast.

Under committee reports, Diane Damerow asked for questions pertaining to the upcoming Holidays Ahead with a reminder that all church members are invited to donate baskets for the auction and that there will be a gluten-free lunch choice. Schneider reported that 148 3/4 dozen lefse were made and will be sold for $16 per dozen and $8 per half dozen.

Schneider announced that a new floor scrubber and water heater were purchased for the church using $3,300 from the special projects fund and $1,000 from the cookbook profit.

There was no new business.

Following the business meeting, the group sang the hymn, “Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us,” accompanied by Holt, followed by the offering prayer given by Ludtke.

Schneider thanked the following: greeters Marge Moine and Sandy Narverud; ushers Deloris Fligge and Neva Mathison; hostesses chairperson Marcia Habben and her committee of Jennifer Edwin, Carol Hedalen, Brenda Ludtke, Jan Overgaard, Mary Ann Venem and Georgia Wentzel.

Caring and Sharing chairpersons Karen Hovde and Ruth Noren and their committee served one funeral in October.

Advent Wednesdays will be Dec. 4, 11 and 18. An 11:30 a.m. Advent lunch in Bethany Hall will be followed by 12:30 p.m. Advent worship in the sanctuary.

It was noted that the potluck stewardship celebration Nov. 17 had been cancelled.

The meeting closed with singing the Table Prayer followed by the Lord’s Prayer.

Duplicate Bridge

Nine teams played duplicate bridge at 12:30 p.m. Dec. 3 at the Senior Center in Austin. Winners were Joyce Crowe and Millie Siever, first place; John Leisen and Rick Stroup, second place; Sue Mann and Gail Nelson, third place; and                         Vandy Newman and Ron Peters, fourth place.

Five teams played at noon Dec. 4 at the Senior Center in Austin. It was another day of  highly competitive bridge; five teams placed all within only a point and a half  from first-place team. Winners were Joyce Crowe and Millie Siever, first place; Gail and Ray Schmidt, second place; Eunice Michaelis and Dave Ring, third place; and Vandy Newman and Ron Peters and John Leisen and Rick Stroup, tied for fourth and fifth place.

Plans are made to have a Christmas party at 11 a.m. Wednesday. All players are invited to enjoy pizza provided by the group; everyone should bring a snack or goodies to share, and play will resume at noon,

Players come from Mason City, Albert Lea, Adams, Austin and Rose Creek. The welcome mat is always out for anyone who might want to play the competitive game; one needs not be a member of the Senior Center to come play. Call 507-437-2750 if you need a partner.

Freeborn American Legion Auxiliary

The Freeborn American Legion Auxiliary Post No. 552 met at the Legion in Freeborn following the community coffee time Nov. 16. The meeting was called to order by President Sandy Anderson. She led in the pledges.

The secretary’s report was discussed and accepted. The treasurer’s report was read and accepted. Anderson was paid for the stamps she has used. The Auxiliary had a new member attend its meeting. They welcomed LaVonne Kalke.

In unfinished business, there are only three members who need to renew their membership. The goal is 61 members; it has 58 current members. The group decided to have the landline phone in the legion removed since many people now have cell phones. They discussed money makers for the year, and decided to table this until another meeting. There is no meeting in December.

The group had community coffee in November. They served sweets, coffee and orange juice. There were 14 people in attendance. It is nice to see people you may not have seen for a while, the group stated.

They had their Legion Auxiliary Christmas party. It starts with Christmas projects, led by Jackie Henke, for the little ones. The adults sit and have cookies and coffee and enjoy watching the children. Mayor Ed Mosser plays Santa. Henke brings gifts and treats for the children. The Santa expenses are paid for by the Freeborn Legion gambling fund. They have the Hospice tree lighting with a ceremony led by Jen Ignaszewski in the Legion and then go across the street to a park for the tree lighting. They had a potluck next, followed by bingo with Steve Seipp doing the calling. There were 29 people in attendance for bingo and about 260 prizes given out. A good time was had by all.