First Lutheran Church

822 Douglas Street
Alexandria, MN 56308
(320) 762-2196

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Reaching Seekers,
 Building Believers

Bulletin Announcements for the Weekend of
May 3 - 4, 2008

Radio station KXRA 1490 AM broadcasts the First Lutheran Church
worship service each Sunday morning at 9:45

Please remember in your prayers the following people known to be hospitalized this week: Fyrn Dobberpuhl, Audrey Gustafson, Bob Stob, Donald Fernow.

We express sympathy and God's blessings to to the family and friends of Muriel Omland and Leona Cowan; to Judy and Dale Haugejorden on the death of Judy's mother, Stella Warner; to Joanne Kensinger and family and Eric and Shelly Karlstad on the death of Joanne's father, Hjelmer Karlstad; and to Mark and Deb Rau on the death of Mark's mother, Lorraine Rau.

Radio Broadcast is given in memory of Pete and Audrey Bursch from the Bursch family.

Baptisms: Tait Theo Schlichter, son of Scott and Joshlyn Schlichter, was brought to the Lord in Holy Baptism this weekend during the 5:30 p.m. service. Tait's sponsors were Brittany Jerman and Sara Schlichter.

Marriage: Congratulations and God's blessings to Kelsey Foshaug and Aneese Skaff who were joined in marriage at First Lutheran on Saturday, May 3, 2008.

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VBS registration begins on May 4th for First Lutheran's Sonworld Adventure Park Vacation Bible School. 
         Preschool VBS:   June 2-6 ... 9:00am-11:30am
         K-6 VBS:   June 9-13 .... 8:45am-12:00pm
We're looking forward to an exciting event with the children and parents in our church and neighborhood! Let us know how you can be a part of the excitement! Contact Jen Jabas for more information at 762-2196.

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"GREEN" tip of the week:   Wash your laundry in cold water. Most loads don't need the warmer cycles and nearly 90% of the energy used by washing machines goes towards heating. Even switching from the “Hot” cycle to the “Warm” cycle will make a difference. To dry clothes hang your laundry outside (or inside on a drying rack) rather than always using the dryer. You'll save energy and you'll get that natural fresh scent too!

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“Reaching Seekers, Building Believers” FUND APPEAL Informational Meetings … Please plan to attend an informational meeting at one of the following … all meetings will be held in the Family Room/Library area.      
      Sunday, May 3 following the 8:30 and 9:45 worship services (NEWLY ADDED)
      Tuesday May 6 - 3:00 and 6:00 PM.
Please call the office to register or sign up at the Welcome Center.

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”Reaching Seekers, Building Believers” Fund Appeal PRAYER VIGIL
Saturday, May 17
4:00 – 7:00 p.m.

You are invited to participate. This vigil will be held in the Family Room here at church. It will be a time set aside to lift the fund appeal and the hopes and dreams of our congregation to God in prayer. Participants will be provided with a prayer guideline if they wish to use one. Please join us. Sign up for a half-hour time slot as an individual, a couple or a family. The sign-up poster is located next to the Welcome Center. We thank you for your prayerful support.

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Faith and Life at First ... is a class designed for folks seeking membership and for members wanting to review First's history and Lutheran basics. The next class is Monday, May 12, 7:00 PM. Please call the church office at 762-2196 or stop by the Welcome Center to register.

Baptism Class: This class is offered every other month for all those desiring a baptism. Expectant parents are welcome to attend before the birth of their child. The next class will meet on Wednesday, May 14, at 5:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. We request that you register prior to the class, call the church office at 762-2196.

Focus Book Club meets again on Tuesday, May 20, at 6:30 PM in the Family Room. “Every Storm” by Lori Wick is this month's book for discussion. All adults welcome.

Reminder: On Sunday, May 25 of Memorial Day Weekend, the Outdoor Services will begin. The Carlos State Park service is at 10:30 AM, the City Park service is at 11:00 AM. You will need a park sticker to enter the Sate Park , and you should bring your lawn chair or blanket with you to City Park . The City Park service takes the place of the 11:00 service in the Sanctuary UNLESS it rains … in that case worship will be held in the sanctuary. Invite your friends and family to join you!!

Tickets for the Mother~Daughter~Friend Brunch: Tickets are sold out. Contact the church office if you'd like to be on a waiting list. The brunch is Saturday, May 10, at 10:00 AM.

Grace Filled Aging … Pastor Sherry along with a weekly guest speaker presents a 6-week series on aging designed not only for older persons but for caregivers and family members as well. The class will meet each Wednesday now thru May 14 from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM .
         Topic on May 7th::   Spirituality
Please come join us for the 5th week in a 6-week series. Upcoming topic will be End of Life and Funeral Planning.

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June 21: FAMILY VALLEY FAIR BUS TRIP
Sign up now!  Family Valley Fair Trip on June 21st! Cost is $39 for individuals, 48 inches and over, and $32 for those under 48 inches. This includes a Valley Fair ticket as well as transportation on a Utopia coach bus. Please join us for a day of fun with rides, games, food, and much more! All children and youth attending this field trip must be accompanied by a parent/guardian or authorized adult chaperone. Sign up sheet with more information is located at the welcome center.

June 25: MYSTERY BUS TRIP
Back by popular demand is our one day Mystery Bus Trip. This year we are heading in a different direction but with just as much fun planned as last year. Cost is $59.00 per person.  We'll depart at 7:00 AM and return about 8:30 PM.  Dinner costs are on your own. You can sign up and pay for your trip at the Welcome Center or the church office. Payment is due when you sign up and is non-refundable. Reservations are 1st come.

July 26: CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES II BUS TRIP
If you enjoyed those Church Basement Ladies the first time around then you'll really like the “second helping.” This sequel has received rave reviews, so don't miss this great opportunity to go see it with friends from church. The group will attend the 3:00 PM matinee and will go out for dinner afterwards. Cost is $45.00 per person.  We'll depart at 12:15 PM and will return about 9:00 PM. Cost for dinner after the matinee will be on your own. Sign up and pay at the Welcome Center or the church office. Payment is due when you sign up and is non-refundable. Reservations are on a first come basis.

August 19: LUTHERAN NIGHT AT THE MINNESOTA TWINS BUS TRIP
This trip always fills up fast so watch for further updates in the May newsletter and bulletins.

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Prayer Shawl Ministry will meet May 1st at 3:00 pm in the Family Room. We welcome all knitters and crocheters. We will be sharing stories of what the shawls have meant to our shawl receivers.

First Lutheran Church has purchased a “shuttle sized bus”.  The driving of this vehicle requires a Class B license with a passenger endorsement . If you have such a license ... or ... if you are interested in learning more about obtaining this license ... and/or ... if you would be willing to be on a driving team schedule, or drive as needed, please leave your name at the Welcome Center or call Terri Lee at 762-2196.

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UPCOMING EVENTS AT LUTHER CREST:
To sign up for any of these events, please e-mail lcbc@luthercrest.org OR call 320-846-2431.

Luther Crest is looking for volunteers to help over Memorial Day Weekend, May 23-25, beginning Friday at 7:00 PM through Sunday mid-afternoon to get the camp ready for the camper season. Individuals, families, and groups are welcome. There is NO CHARGE for this event but you must register so projects, food and accommodations can be coordinated. Projects of varying difficulty and skill level are available including cleaning cabins, painting welcome and direction signs, construction, gardening, daycare for any kids who come. There will be free time and fun activities for all, great food, and fellowship with other supporters of Luther crest and campfire worships! Contact Luther Crest by May 13 to register, 320-846-2431.

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AREA EVENTS:

CRABTREE FAMILY FUNDRAISER … On Friday, May 9, from 5:00-8:00 PM there will be a Carnival Fundraiser for the Crabtree Family at Discovery Middle School . The Crabtrees are members of First Lutheran and have had a number of medical issues and expenses to contend with over this last year. We are in need of volunteers to assist with the Carnival ... contact Pastor Greg if you can help.  Financial donations can be dropped off at the church office ... checks should be made out to First Lutheran with Crabtree in the memo line. Thrivent Financial for Lutheran will be providing additional funds.

Elder Network's Waffle Supper and Antique Appraisal (No weapons allowed for appraisal). Tuesday, May 6, 4:00 - 7:00 PM Alexandria Senior Center, 414 Hawthorne Street , Alexandria . Dad's Belgian Waffles, sausage, beverages, all you can eat. Adults $6.50, Appraisals $5.00 each item.