The First Lutheran Church Women met March 11 in Bethany Hall.

Co-President Donna Ludtke welcomed everyone. Devotions based on Psalm 23 were given by Joyce Fredin. They read the FLCW purpose statement together.

Special music was provided by Deb Koenigs, who sang “Surely the Presence of the Lord is in This Place” and “People Need the Lord” accompanied by Marilyn Chafee.

Bonnie Trampel introduced the speaker Annie Olson, a teacher at United Preschool and fitness instructor. She emphasized four key points of fitness: deep breathing, cardio/endurance, strength/power training and flexibility balance. In addition to demonstrating several techniques, she had the audience participate in several simple exercises.

During the business meeting, the secretary’s report was approved as printed with a motion by Nancy Jenson and seconded by Gen Montei. Virginia Hermanson  gave the treasurer’s report. Excess funds have been distributed except Happiness Is a Blanket, which will be held in the treasury and used as needed. This report will be placed on file for audit.

Corresponding secretary Bonnie Trampel had received thank yous from Darlene Peterson, the family of Jeanette Olson, FLC Radio Fund and Peace and Power. Also brochures from Albert Lea Catering and from Plymouth Playhouse “Late Night Catechism” March 18 – June 14. The Youth for Christ newsletter will be available in the library.

Old business: Members were reminded to invite others to attend next month’s meeting, which will be music by “St. Andrew Sisters.”

New business: Next month will be circle roll call.

Ludtke announced the spring event of the Blue Earth River Conference will be April 11 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. Oakland Lutheran will be assisting in hosting. Registration and coffee are at 8 a.m. The session will be from 9 to 11:30 a.m. with no noon lunch. Registration is $5. Keynote speaker is Karen Doering, who is community engagement coordinator for Channel One Regional Food Bank. Temple Talk time will feature Kathy Krebsbach taking about a food backpack program in Wells, the Rev. Tammy Dahlving with updates of Campus Ministries and Bev Jackson-Cotter and Pat Goldman reporting on the 2014 WELCA Triennial Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina.

After singing the hymn “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross,” Joyce Fredin gave the offering prayer.

Ludtke thanked the following: ushers Lou Jean Nelson and Bonnie Schneider; greeters Wanda Dorman, Betty Ruud and Trample; and hostesses Chairwoman Marge Moine and her committee Vergie Asper, Kathy Bennett, Audrey Christensen, Arlis Smith and Marion Ahnemann.

Caring and Sharing Co-Chairs Barb Andersen and Janice Tukua and their committee served four funerals in February.

Maudy Thursday is April 2 with a 9:30 a.m. coffee time, a 10:30 a.m. communion service for special guests that are homebound and shut-in residents — but all are welcome — and a 7 p.m. drama presentation and communion.

Good Friday is April 3 with a 7 p.m. Good Friday worship service.

Resurrection Sunday is April 5 with a 6 a.m. sunrise service and communion, a 6:45 to 10 a.m. egg bake breakfast in Bethany Hall, which is a fundraiser for youth going on a Bible conference trip to Florida this summer), and 8 to 10:30 a.m. festival worship services and communion.

The meeting was closed by praying the Lord’s Prayer and singing the Table Prayer.