Music is a powerful way to encounter God and express our faith. This Advent we will focus on the scriptures and stories behind some of the most beloved worship songs. The series will focus each week on a heartsong and the heart of a character in the nativity story building up to Christmas Eve with the Heart of Christ.

Poinsettias will adorn our sanctuary for Christmas worship services. If you wish to honor or remember a loved one by purchasing a poinsettia, please do one of the following:

• Order your plant online HERE.
• Mail a check to First Lutheran Church, 1655 18th Ave E, Alexandria, MN 56308 with "poinsettia" in the memo line. Please include a note indicating who your poinsettia is in honor of or in memory of and whom it is given by.

Plants are $20 and payment is required with your order. Orders must be received by noon on Monday, December 19 to be acknowledged during Christmas Eve worship.

This year's Advent of Gratitude project will support the Launch Pad. Three years ago this program began for homeless families in Alexandria facilitated through West Central Communities Action. The Launch Pad is adding two new units and needs our help once again with furnishings. A Christmas tree will be set up in the Gathering Space with ornaments representing a variety of items and donation amounts to assist this program. Please take an ornament off the tree and place your donation under the same tree any time during the Advent Season.

This is a special service held for families who have experienced the death of a child of any age. All parents, grandparents, and other loved ones who are grieving this loss during the holidays are invited to attend. Candles will be lit in remembrance of the children and the service includes special music and poems for healing. Childcare will be available.

Celebrate the nativity story with singing, movement, instruments, and fellowship! Paula Odland will be leading this event for kids ages 18 months - 5 years old joined by a parent or caregiver. There is no cost to attend, but we will be collecting music-inspired toys or books for a local toy drive. This event is open to the community - you are encouraged to sign up at the Welcome Center or by calling the church office at 320.762.2196.

Carols and Candles is a Christmas tradition at First Lutheran. Join us for this annual musical event featuring the Chancel Choir, Alleluia Ringers, and other special musical features. Bring a friend and get into the Christmas spirit!

With Val Trumm's pending retirement in May 2023, we are beginning the search for a part-time Parish Nurse. This position is for a licensed MN R.N. We'd love your help in getting the word out to anyone who may be a good fit for this role!

Kids Church Update

Kids Church is a special time during the 10:00am worship for kids ages Pre-K through 5th Grade. It begins right after children's time, where they go to another room for a Bible story, songs, and activities, and then return to worship at the end of the sermon.

To have your child or grandchild participate:

• Stop at the Welcome Center to get a form/nametag each week for each child.
• Parents/grandparents walk students to their room after children's time - Kindergarten & younger go to the nursery, and 1st-5th grade go to Room 1A.
• Parents pick up Kindergarten & under from the nursery.
• 1st-5th grade students will be brought to the sanctuary after the sermon.

We hope the kids in your life enjoy this time designed just for them!

Advent Small Groups

Join us as we take time each day in daily reflections that meet us in the midst of our urgent waiting with grace and renewal as we meet God through stories, scriptures, and connection. The weekly readings and the sermon series will coincide. Four-week sessions begin November 27th concluding with a Christmas Day reflection.

You can join an existing or new small group, a zoom group, or experience it at home as an individual, couple, or family. Sign-ups are located in the Gathering Space or you can email Pam Miller for options.

Advent Prayer Calendar

This Advent, we invite you to take time each day to pray individually, as a couple, in a small group, or as a family for each of the topics listed in the calendar linked below. It's our hope that you find this to be a meaningful way to slow down and connect with Christ this holiday season.

Download and print your calendar HERE.

Copies are also available at the Welcome Center.

Grief Support - All Are Welcome for Special Music

Tuesday, November 29 | 10:00am | Gathering Space

Anyone interested in music is welcome to join us for special music by Andrea Olson called, "Classic Songs Through the Decades".

Contemplative Prayer

Tuesday, November 29 | 11:00am | Prayer Room

Advent is a special time of waiting for the arrival of the Christ child to be born anew in our lives. Give yourself the opportunity of silent prayer to receive this blessing in your heart. Stay for any length of time your schedule will allow.

Parent's Group

Wednesday, November 30 | 5:40pm | Sacristy (Off the left side of the sanctuary)

High School Breakfast Club

Thursday, December 1 | 7:00am | Northstar Christian Academy

WELCA Gathering - Featuring the AAHS Carolers

Thursday, December 1 | 11:30am | Gathering Space

November 30 - Fruit and salad bar.

*Meals are subject to change based on product availability.*

PRAYERS

HEALTH CONCERNS:

Becky Husen, Myrnice Voss, Gary Thorstad, Ashleigh Rettig, Del Kirkeby, Michelle Rhen, Josh Eddy, Marcia Gae Schmitt, Lisa Colen, Pauleen Garmon, Linda Carey, Sarah Olson, Karen Anderson, and Janet Bohnen.

GRIEVING:

Bonnie and Dennis Miller and family on the death of Bonnie's mom, Gladys Frigard.