Duplicate Bridge

Seven teams played Duplicate Bridge on April 2 at the Senior Center in Austin. Winners were Vandy Newman and Jim Fisher, first place; Barb Engebretson and Orrin Roisen, second place;  Edna Knobbe and Rick Stroup, third place; and Lorraine Lippert and Jaynard Johnson, fourth place.

Four tables played Duplicate Bridge on April 3 at the Senior Center in Austin. Winners were  Dave Ring and Orrin Roisen, first place; Larry Crowe and Jim Fisher, second place; Vandy Newman and Ron Peters, third place; and Barb Engebretson and Eunice Michaelis, fourth place.

Duplicate Bridge is played at 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays and at noon Wednesdays. Players come from Adams, Austin, Albert Lea, Rose Creek, Northwood and Mason City. All bridge players are welcome to come play. Those who need a partner can call 507-437-2750.

First Lutheran Church Women

First Lutheran Church Women met at 1:15 p.m. March 13 in Bethany Hall with prelude music provided by Joan Holt. Bonnie Schneider, co-president, welcomed members and guests.

Devotions were given by Joyce Fredin. She read a devotion from the book, “God is with Us Every Day.” The lesson was their own gifts with different doses and combinations and advised the group to use their gifts in ways that are meaningful to them and to others.

Schneider led the group in reading the FLCW purpose. The Rev. John Holt, accompanied by Joan Holt, then led the group in singing “Meditation” and “Jesus in the Morning.”

Jo Hanson introduced the guest speaker, Carol Smith, who spoke on the work and programs of the Albert Lea American Legion Auxiliary. She mentioned the auxiliary is also celebrating 100 years of existence this fall, as is First Lutheran Church. The general purpose of the auxiliary is to help veterans and active men and women who serve. Their focus is on promoting Americanism through teaching flag etiquette, helping children and youth as in the back pack program, community service projects, chaplain work with memorial service in May, education programs, legislation issues to support veterans and their families, national security for crisis prevention and environmental protection issues, and the poppy program with proceeds used for veterans.

The auxiliary needs new members so it can continue to provide the work it does for service people. Members pay yearly dues. It needs the support of everyone for its functions and money raising events, which includes two breakfasts every year.

Schneider called the business meeting to order. The secretary’s minutes from the Feb. 13 meeting were approved as printed by a motion from Carol Olson and seconded by Cheryl Moran. Cindy Gandrud, treasurer, presented the treasurer’s report. Corresponding secretary Bonnie Trampel read thank yous for a contribution gift from Good Earth Village and from First Lutheran Church for Peace and Power and radio fund broadcast gifts. She also read an invitation to the salad luncheon at Trinity Lutheran Church. She shared a brochure received titled “Leadership and Management Skills for Women” about a career track seminar for women.

The cookbooks are ready for sale.

Gandrud reported there are new chairs in the library and thanked Rod Nielsen and Dwaine Egge for putting them together.

The Luther College Collegiate Choral group presented a concert in the sanctuary on Friday.

The FLCW July field trip will be July 14, with lunch at Green Lea followed by the matinee performance of “State Fair” at Marion Ross Performing Arts Center. There will be a sign up sheet in the church office soon.

Jo Hanson presented Audrey Sorenson with a copy of the cookbook for winning the best title for the cookbook contest.

Following the business meeting the group sang the hymn, “In the Cross of Christ I Glory,” during which the offering was received. Fredin gave the offering prayer.

Schneider thanked ushers Donna Ludtke and Cheryl Moran; greeters Neva Mathison and Bonnie Trampel; and hostesses chairperson, Marge Moine, and her committee of Marian Ahnemann, Vergie Asper, Audrey Christensen and Arlis Smith.

Caring and Sharing chairwomen LouJean Nelson and Janice Tukua and their committee served two funerals in February.

Christian solos will start again. The following are set calendar dates:

April 10: FLCW program at 1:15 p.m. in Bethany Hall, guitar music and chaplain duties by the Rev. Kent Otterman of Good Samaritan Society of Albert Lea, Round Prairie Lutheran and Faith Lutheran churches and Circle Roll Call.

April 28: First Lutheran Church centennial celebration.

May 2019: Friends at First will start again.

Wednesdays during Lent: Soup and sandwich lunches will be served at 11:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. in Bethany Hall for $5. Evening Lenten meals will be 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. in Bethany Hall for $5. Lenten worship is at 12:30 and 6:30 p.m. in the sanctuary.

The meeting closed with the table prayer and the Lord’s prayer.