GET IN TOUCH Church Address: 115 N Washington Ave, Albert Lea MN 56007 Phone: 507.373.2184 Fax: 507.377.8990 Website: salemalbertlea.org Worship: Sunday 9:00 am

STAFF Pastor Erica Cunningham Cell: 563.505.6417 | Home: 507.320.1950 Email: pastorerica1517@gmail.com Secretary: Vicki Reichl Email: secretary@salemalbertlea.org Cell: 507.402.1775 Organist: Eileen Nelson Ness Custodian: Ray Smith

OFFICE HOURS: Tue - Wed | 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thu | 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

ROOF UPDATE UPCOMING EVENTS MARCH AT SALEM

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

MARCH 2020

WELCOME!

Salem Lutheran Church is a Christ-Centered Community, building relationships, growing in faith, and serving others.

02 | NEWS & EVENTS MARCH 2020 ISSUE

THIS MONTH AT SALEM

Who: Age 3—6th Grade When: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 Wednesday, March 18, 2020 Wednesday, April 1, 2020 3:30—5:00 What: Bible Stories Games Snacks Music Fun!

WELCA Visitors

March 11

Sew ‘N’ Tell

March 10 & 24

TUESDAY, MARCH 17 Margaret Haupt/Salem

1:30 p.m. At Salem

WED. MARCH 18 Mary Magdalene/

Lydia Circle 9:00 a.m. At Salem

THURS. MARCH 19 Sarah Circle

6:00 p.m. At Salem

MARCH CIRCLE MEETINGS

Once our roof project is completed, the new carpet installed, and the room painted we are going to have an ALL CHURCH CLEANING DAY! We will need people to dust, vacuum, sweep, put things away, and make the building look fresh and new again! Please look for more information in the coming weeks!

Men’s Bible Study

Every Friday

6:30 am

03 | BUILDING UPDATES MARCH 2020 ISSUE

ROOF UPDATES

Building Fund as of 1/31/2020

January 2020 income: •$245.20 Green Mill Fundraiser •$1,479.98 donations Total Income: $17,215.20 January 2020 Expense: $0.00 Total Expense: $13,300.55 -Reim Roofing & Metal Construction $545.68 -Joseph Construction Co. $5,552.00 -Engineer (Short, Elliot, Hendrickson) $6,003.02 Water Softener $1,199.85

Work continues to progress on the roof! Almost all of the trusses have been replaced. They are currently spraying foam insulation and are hoping to start drywall on the 20th. Lighting is being updated and new carpeting and paint are being planned. Once the roof is complete, we need to repair the stained glass window in the balcony. This is where the water was entering the building and the window structure is damaged. We will also need to do tuckpointing on the north wall this summer. Building and Grounds are hard at work getting bids and keeping everything running smoothly. Thanks especially to Paul Dilling and Larry Lahs!

04 | STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE FEBRUARY 2020 ISSUE

FINANCIAL CORNER JANUARY INCOME $11,431.00

JANUARY EXPENSES $11,010.80

JANUARY INCOME VS. EXPEMSES $420.20

2020 INCOME: $ 11,010.80

2020 FROM SCHWAB: $ 0

2020 OTHER TRANSFERS:

FEBRUARY NOISY OFFERING: $ 64.77 (Food for Backpacks)

2020 TOTAL: $164.19

FEBRUARY QUIET OFFERING: $ 180.00 (roof fund)

2020 TOTAL: $ 357.98

How Mission Support Works:

Your Congregation Your offering is stewarded by your congregation’s council to support the work of your congregation. When your congregation votes to adopt its annual budget, you designate a portion of your offering to be shared with your synod and the ELCA churchwide organization. These fund are call Mission Support

Your Synod Your Congregation’s Mission Support dollars are then stewarded by your synod leaders to support the work of the synod. Synods use Mission Support to nurture ELCA congregations and rostered leaders and support local partners (camps, colleges,

seminaries and more). Some synods support companion churches around the world. Synods also designate a portion of the Mission Support funds they receive to be sent to the churchwide organization.

Your Churchwide Organization Your churchwide organization stewards Mission Support dollars to respond to national and worldwide ministries and to lead ministry initiatives on behalf of the whole church. In 2018, ELCA members gave $1.75 billion in unrestricted offerings to support God’s mission and ministry through the three expressions of the ELCA.

A Note to Thrivent Financial Members Remember to direct your Thrivent Choice Dollars by March 31, 2020 (for 2019 earnings). It is easy to do. By phone: Call Thrivent at 800-847-4836 and when prompted, say “Thrivent Choice.” Press 1 to direct Choice Dollars and a representative will help you. Online: Visit Thrivent.com/thriventchoice. In the Direct Choice Dollars section on the right, click “Get started now” and follow the prompts. Everyone’s Choice Dollars add up to help support the ministries of Salem Lutheran Church.

05 | CHURCH COUNCIL FEBRUARY 2020 ISSUE

MEMBERS

PRESIDENT Jim Gulbrandson

VICE PRESIDENT Troy Waldemar

SECRETARY Patti Cotton

TREASURER: Bruce Ness

WORSHIP & MUSIC Shari Budach

BUDGET/FINANCE Mary Gulbrandson

CHURCH IN SOCIETY Donna Werner

BUILDING & GROUNDS Larry Lahs

STEWARDSHIP Kathy Paul

YOUTH Diane Henry & Linda Kaderabek

EDUCATION OUTREACH

UNOFFICIAL COUNCIL HI-LITES FEBRUARY 18, 2020 • There will be a Special

Church Council Meeting on March 5th at 5:30 p.m. with Emily Carson of the Synod Office to talk about our future and our financial situation.

• Budget & Finance: Mary Gulbrandson explained the printed reports for the new members benefit.

• Building & Grounds: Larry Lahs reported the new insulation in the Gathering Space has been installed; going to get a bid from Joseph Company for tuck pointing. Larry suggested a clean up day after the Gathering Space project is complete. An estimate from Thompson to finish

electrical in Gathering Space was approved.

• Pastor Erica informed the council that the Interiors Committee will begin process of picking paint and carpet samples and getting estimates.

• Youth: Diane Henry & Linda Kaderabek will be getting with Pr. Erica to discuss their vision.

• Troy Waldemar reported that he is waiting for improved weather to install the Little Free Pantry.

• Motion was made and approved that the March Noisy Offering go to the Ecumenical Food Shelf.

06 | PRAYER & WORSHIP FEBRUARY 2020 ISSUE

MINISTRY SCHEDULE

PRAYER & WORSHIP

WORSHIP ASSISTANTS

March 1 Jim Gulbrandson

March 8

March 15 Kathy Paul

March 22 Mary Gulbrandson

March 29

USHERS

March 1

March 8

March 15

March 22 Larry T. Lahs, Thomas Eustis

March 29

GREETERS

March 1 Pauline Hall

March 8

March 15

March 22

March 29 Pauline Hall

FLOWERS

No flowers during Lent.+

LETS US PRAY Please pray for the following: Sue Micklick, Andrea Rhodes, Wendy Schamberg (sister of Ken Delano), Duane Wessels Family and friends of Emil Malakowsky. Delores Kraushaar (mother of Scott Jacobsen), Beverly Bidne (mother of Linda Larson).

07 | BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES MARCH 2020 ISSUE

March 1 Dane Duenes

March 2 Chad Citurs

March 3 Jason Gilderhus

March 4 Randy Kolling, Holli Waldemar, Darleen Zimmerman

March 6 Pauline Hall, Mary Nelson, Terry Osmundson

March 8 Deb Kolling

March 9 Charles Mangskau, Dwight Stevens

March 10 Maxine Bye, James Manges

March 11 Elizabeth Anderson, Janice Ayers, Brad Pirsig

March 12 Kathleen Bleckeberg, Mary Thompson

March 13 Kash Petersen

March 15 Larry Sunde

March 17 Kelly Preble, Tye Trappe

March 21 Charlotte Olson

March 22 Whitney Reim Sr.

March 24 Larry Lahs, Travis Ness

March 25 Laura Delano

March 26 Deb Kaufman

March 3 Bruce & Eileen Ness 41 years

March 6 Brian & Kelly Treble 1 year

March 24 Roger & Clarice Bakken 57 years

Noisy Offering More than 30 years ago the Ecumenical Food Pantry was established at the First Presbyterian Church. The pantry has moved around a bit due to increased inventory and is now located in the Christian Education wing of the church. The pantry is open on Tuesday and Friday mornings from 9:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. It is staffed by members of First Presbyterian Church and by members of other area churches. There are thirty five dedicated volunteers working in the Food Pantry. Contributions to the food pantry come from area churches, the Boy Scout Food Drive, the Postal carriers Food Drive, and the Big Freeze Food Drive. The food is purchased from Channel One. In 2019, the Food Pantry distributed 71,996 pounds of food to 1,936 households. The February Thank Offering from the circles at Salem Lutheran Church will be contributed to the Ecumenical Food shelf as will be the March Noisy Offering from Salem Lutheran Church.

08 | NEWS & EVENTS MARCH 2020 ISSUE

Who is St Patrick?

St. Patrick is often the stuff of legends and lore, but there was a real Patrick, who was later named the Patron Saint of Ireland. He was born in 389, in either Scotland or Roman Britain, the son of a deacon. His grandfather is said to have been a priest. Irish raiders invaded his homeland and took him as a prisoner at the age of 16. Patrick served as a slave in Ireland for the next 6 years before he escaped and fled back home. He later confessed that as a youth he had turned away from God. It was during his time as a slave that Patrick was led back to faith in God. He spent the next several years in a monastery strengthening his relationship with God. Patrick “heard” a voice calling him to return to Ireland, “Holy boy, please return to us. We need you.” Patrick did return as a missionary. He came to Ireland, a beautiful country that was that was ruled by tribalism, warlords and druids. They worshipped many Gods. Patrick came and told them about the true God. He preached throughout the land and was so successful the Ireland became known as the Isle of Saints. He established the first Christian church in Ireland and is said to have planted over 300 more. He was also responsible for sending out many of his converts to Christianity out as missionaries to other countries. Legend credits St. Patrick with using a shamrock, a three-leafed plant common to Ireland, to teach the Irish about the doctrine of the Holy Trinity. He pointed to each leaf as the Christian teaching of God being three persons in one God. That is why shamrocks are the official symbol of St. Patrick ’s Day. Patrick is remembered for almost single-handedly bringing Christianity to Ireland. St. Patrick ’s message is best summed up in a poem he wrote that expresses his faith and trust in God. It is called “The Breastplate.” “Christ be within me, Christ behind me, Christ before me, Christ beside me, Christ to win me, Christ to comfort and restore me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ inquired, Christ in danger, Christ in hearts of all that love me, Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.” There are a lot of legends surrounding St. Patrick, but the real St. Patrick is well worth remembering. And what he did in bringing Christianity to Ireland is well worth celebrating.

09 | FROM THE SYNOD FEBRUARY 2020 ISSUE

WEATHER CLOSINGS Please tune into KATE, KIMT, or KAAL for ALL cancelations…Salem Lutheran will follow the Albert Lea Public School District’s policy regarding closings, cancellations, etc. SO...If schools are closed.. SALEM LUTHERAN is closed (church & office) no activities, worship, etc. If they dismiss classes early or cancel after school activities, SLC also cancels evening activities. What about Sundays? If the worship service needs to be cancelled due to inclement weather, it will be announced ASAP.

Bright Spot: From the Border On Borders

It is the Rio Grande River that creates an over 1,250 mile geographic border between the United States and Mexico. Boundaries and borders are often established by some landscape feature; a river, a valley or ra-vine, or a mountain range. These landscape features usually provide an easy demarcation for what land belongs to which city or country or continent. The scale can be visible to the eye or so immense it can only be seen drawn on a map or from space.

Our group of nine from Southeastern Minnesota and Iowa arrived on January 24 to participate in Border Servant Corps‘ ( BSC) Border Immersion Program. On Sunday from where we stood in Chamizal National Monument in El Paso the bridge that spans the Rio Grande, the sign that says Mexico, and the wall were all within our view. If we would have had our passports with us we could have easily walked across the bor-der into Mexico. No, or few, questions asked.

BSC serves as a temporary Hospitality Center for refuge families who have been released by U.S. Immigra-tion and Customs and U.S. Border Patrol. It is one of the non profit organizations who have worked in El Paso, Las Cruces, and other communities along the U.S.Mexican border for many years, even before the re-cent headline attention to refugees, to provide humanitarian aid for those wanting to enter into the United States for various reasons–most commonly seeking asylum from violence and threat of death.

Each day we are wading deeper into the immersion presentations, into the realities and confusion created by policies and laws, borders created by rivers of fear and privilege and the often invisible but yet im-mense borders that have been and are being drawn into the hearts and minds and souls in our country.

While each of the nine us arrived with various gifts and different hopes for what we might return home with we all came to listen and learn, to meet and observe.

While we have yet to cross the Rio Grande, we have crossed multiple borders and boundaries into the im-mense geographies of fear and depression, despair and grief to listening to less than a handful of the thou-sands who have walked in darkness seeking only a landscape of hope and justice, a landscape where fear is not their daily bread.

The prophet Amos said “Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.” Here where thousands wait just across this river border justice and righteousness seem land-scapes away.

In our daily reflections we are asking what is our work? How do we accompany those seeking refuge? How do we enter into the waters of justice and righteousness?

March 2020

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

9:00 Worship

Coffee

2

3

9:30 Staff Mtg.

10:00 WELCA

Board Meeting

4

3:30 BLAST

5:30 Lenten Service

5

4:30 Worship &

Music Mtg.

5:30 Special

Council Mtg

6

6:30 Men’s Bible

Study

7

8

9:00 Worship

Coffee

9

10:30 WELCA

Study Leaders

10

9:30 Staff Mtg.

9:00 Sew ‘N Tell

11:00 Pastor’s

Text Study

11

1:00 WELCA

Visitors

5:30 Lenten Service

12

13

6:30 Men’s Bible

Study

14

15

9:0 Worship

Coffee

3:30 p.m. Girl

Scouts

16

17

9:30 Staff Mtg.

11:00 Pastor’s

Text Study

1:30 Margaret

Haupt/Salem

Circle

18

9:00 Mary

Magdalene/Lydia

Circle

3:30 BLAST

5:30 Lenten Service

19

6:00 Sarah Circle

20

6:30 Men’s Bible

Study

21

22

9:00 Worship

Coffee

23

1:30 Tai Ji

24

9:00 Sew ‘N Tell

9:30 Staff Mtg.

11:00 Pastor’s

Text Study

2:30 Grief Group

25

1:30 Tai Ji

5:30 Lenten Service

26

27

6:30 Men’s Bible

Study

28

29

9:00 Worship

Coffee

30

1:30 Tai Ji

31

9:30 Staff Mtg.

11:00 Pastor’s

Text Study

10 | CALENDAR MARCH 2020 ISSUE

Postage Paid Permit No. 229

Albert Lea MN 56007-2488

Non-Profit Organization

THE BUILDER | MARCH 2020

“Change Service Requested”

THE SIMPLICITY OF PRAYER

“Behold , I am coming soon, bringing my recompense, to repay everyone for what he has done. I am the Alpha and

the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end… I Jesus have sent my angel to you with this testimony for the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, the bright morning star.

Revelations 22:12-13, 16

Dear Lord, these words at the end of the Bible are an incredible reminder that you have always been there with me and you will always be here, glowing in my heart as I live my life. The words are also a reminder that you know all that I have done—good and not so good. Please forgive me for my faults, Lord and know that I love you. Thank you, Lord.