In a world that both resists authority and romanticizes royalty, what does it really mean to call Jesus “King”? We cheer for freedom, yet long for guidance. We’re captivated by earthly rulers, yet search for a higher reign. As we approach Christ the King Sunday, this series invites us to rediscover who our true King is—and what His kingdom looks like in our lives today.

Our local Operation Bootstrap Africa (OBA) is raising funds to support OBA’s School Lunch Program, which provides life-sustaining meals for students in Africa.



On Sunday, November 9, Jason Bergmann, Executive Director of OBA, will join us during worship to share how OBA’s mission is changing lives. For less than $1 a week, you can help provide lunch for a student in need. To donate, please make checks payable to Operation Bootstrap Africa and return them to the church by November 21. OBA will also host an information table on November 9—stop by to learn more about their inspiring work!

More about Andreas Kern:

Pianist Andreas Kern embarks on a search for the perfect love song. But what makes a song a love song? Andreas Kern leads the audience musically and playfully through the interactive evening, combining themes and emotions as ingredients of the perfect love song. The performance will present works by Frédéric Chopin, Richard Strauss, Yiruma, and many others. The audience will vote to influence the outcome of the cooperative music compilation. Every performance is different, as the diversity of individuals and their feelings impacts the results. The Perfect Lovesong created at the performance will be available for download as a special souvenir/remembrance of the delightful evening spent building this inspirational song together.

This is a gathering for anyone who is grieving the loss of a loved one during the holidays. Local professionals will offer tips to help cope during this difficult time. We will watch the GriefShare Movie "Surviving the Holidays" and have a small group discussion. No registration is required.

If you would like to help:

Volunteer: Contact the Outreach Food Shelf at 320-762-8411. They are located at 1205 Lake St, Alexandria, MN 56308.

Donate: Make checks payable to First Lutheran Church with “Outreach Food Shelf” in the memo line.



Note: At this time, physical food donations are not needed. The most effective ways to help are by volunteering and donating financially. Thank you!

Thanks to your generosity in providing kit supplies, the Mission Quilters were able to pack an amazing shipment of kits for global missions! If you’d like to get involved in this ministry, please contact the church office.

A Transition Task Force has been appointed by the Congregation Council to lead the congregation in the interim process. This will include gathering data and information for the Ministry Site Profile. The Ministry Site Profile is an extensive, multi-page document shared with potential candidates for the calling of a new lead pastor. The members of the Transition Task Force are: Tom Grotjohn, Stephanie Heseltine, Jeff Lindoo, Erik Preston, Faith Prigge, Jean Solheim, and Jeff Winter.

Thursdays, September 25-November 13, 2025

10:00am - 11:15am

Interested in exploring Bible and faith topics with past, present, and future pastors? Join us for conversation, coffee, treats, and a mystery topic. Come to one session or all—whatever fits your schedule. No sign-up required!

Hurricane Melissa devastated the Caribbean, and we continue to lift up in prayer the people of Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and the Bahamas.



Lutheran Disaster Response works with its partners to provide immediate relief, including water, food, clothing, gift cards, tarps, and other essential needs. Since many hurricanes also require a long-term response, LDR provides support on the long road to recovery with disaster case management, construction management, attention to unmet needs, and emotional and spiritual care.

Wednesday Meals 4:45-6:15pm

All meals include salad, dessert and beverage. Vegetarian and gluten free options are available.

$8 per person | $5 kids 2-10 | Free for kids under 2

Nov 12: Hamburgers and Chicken Sandwiches

Nov 19: Pasta Night

Nov 26: No Meal - Please join us for Thanksgiving Eve Worship

Dec 3: Tacos and Nachos

We are here for you!

The Care Team at First Lutheran would like to hear from you whenever you have a change of life circumstance. Whether it is an illness, hospitalization, death, divorce, or a happy occasion that you would like to share with us, we are here for you and want to support you. We would love to be able to pray with you and for you in whatever journey you are on. Please call the church office at 320.762.2196 or fill out the connect card here.

PRAYERS

HEALTH CONCERNS:

Renata Grant, Bev Nelson, Art Ross, Vannie Kuehl, Doc Hanson, Judy Neessen, John Stanz, Jim Johnson, Barb Riley, MaryAnn Odland, Bernice Berg, Pat Pederson, Karen Olson Freund, Jerry Svir, Bev Oien, Jerry Marks, Norm Mitlyng, and Ron Hacker.

GRIEVING:

Linda Zismer on the death of her sister-in-law, Opal Muth.

Barb Riley and family on the death of her husband, Roger Riley.

Marty and Mandy Ellenson & family on the death of Marty’s sister, Katy Ellenson.