American Lutheran Church

Gaylord, Minnesota

November, 2026 Newsletter

 

“A Cheerful Heart is Good Medicine”

 

I’m preaching a Sermon Series this fall called “The Wisdom of Proverbs.” 
We are looking at 11 well-known proverbs, exploring the questions:  
What do the proverbs mean and how can we apply them to our lives of faith today?

 

A proverb is a short, pithy saying that expresses a basic truth or gives some practical advice. It’s based on common sense and life experience. 
The Book of Proverbs is about wisdom. 
Wisdom on a variety of topics, including our relationship with God, marriage, raising children, friendship, work, money, and self-control.

 

On Sunday, October 18, I preached on Proverbs 17:22- “A cheerful heart is a good medicine, but a downcast spirit dries up the bones.”

 

What does this proverb mean?

God has wired us as whole persons. There is a deep connection between our inner, spiritual and emotional state and our outer, physical well-being.  
Laughter and a positive attitude can lower stress, relax the body, and act as a natural energy boost.
In contrast, chronic anxiety, bitterness, or anger weighs heavily on the body- depleting energy, weakening our strength, and leaving us “dried up” to the bones. 

 

What causes a “downcast spirit”?

Difficult circumstances such as recovering from surgery, facing the loss of a job, caring for an elderly relative, dealing with chronic illness,
studying for midterm exams, resolving family conflict, and grieving the loss of a loved one can lead to a downcast spirit.  
These difficult life experiences wear us down emotionally and physically. 

 

Anxiety and worry, dwelling on things that may or may not happen, can become all consuming. 
Harboring resentment, anger, or unforgiveness can poison our inner well-being as well as our relationships.
Unresolved guilt or shame can carry a heavy emotional toll. Constant exposure to harsh, critical, speech from others can crush a person’s spirit over time.

 

How can we cultivate a “cheerful heart”?

Practice gratitude.  What are you thankful for?  Be specific. Think of several things every day.  Listen to Chrisitan music or other uplifting music.  
Read the Bible and/or a daily devotional.          Let go of past hurts, grudges, and anger.   Be willing to forgive. 
Seek meaningful connections with family, friends, and church members.  Share fun and laughter.  Nurture your spiritual life. 
Bring your sin, griefs, and struggles directly and honestly to God in prayer.

 

Each week we relate the proverb to Jesus to get a fuller, deeper understanding of the proverb. 
In the Gospel of John, Jesus told his disciples, “I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you,
and that your joy may be complete.” (John 15:11)
Jesus said these words at the Last Supper/Foot Washing, the night of his betrayal and arrest.  
Even in this stress-filled moment, Jesus spoke of his own joy and giving this joy to his disciples.    

 

Jesus is the Great Physician.  He heals us emotionally, physically, and spiritually. 
He does not merely offer a temporary emotional lift to cheer us up and put us in a good mood. 
Jesus brings a deep, lasting joy that transcends our circumstances.  Don’t let a downcast spirit sap your life. 
Have a cheerful heart.  It will be a good medicine for your body and soul. 

 

+ Pastor Paul Kratzke

 

 

 

 

 

 

“I was glad when they said to me,

‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.’”

Psalm 122:1


Worship Services

 Worship Services will be held on Sundays at 9:30 AM in November. 
Holy Communion will be served on the first and third Sundays of the month. 
We will continue to stream our services through the Facebook Live app for people wanting to worship from home.  
We will also upload the services to our Facebook Page so people can watch them at a later time.      

 

Schedule of Musicians

Here is the schedule of Musicians/Singers for the months of November:

 

November 1:  Tyler will play his guitar and the Gospel Group will sing.        

November 8:  Lenore will play the piano and the Praise Team will sing.

November 15:  Patty will play the piano.

November 22:  Tyler will play his guitar and the Men’s Group will sing.

November 29: Patty will play the piano and the Men’s Group will sing.

Fall Sermon Series

“The Wisdom of Proverbs”










Sermon Topics

Pastor Paul is planning to preach a Sermon Series this fall called “The Wisdom of Proverbs.”             
Each week we will look at a well-known proverb from the Book of Proverbs.
We will explore three questions: What is the proverb?  What does it mean?  How can we apply it to our lives of faith today. 

See the schedule of remaining dates and topics below:


Sunday, November 1- Proverbs 22:1  Character
Sunday, November 8- Proverbs 22:6  Raising Children
Sunday, November 15- Proverbs 27:17  Relationships
Sunday, November 22- Proverbs 31:10  Spouse

 

 

 

“Train a child in the right way,

and when old, they will not stray.”

Proverbs 22:6







Sunday School

 Sunday School for students in preschool through seventh grade will be held on Sundays from 8:30-9:20 AM. 
Kids meet with Krystal (preschool-second grade) and Tami (third-seventh grade) for a Bible lesson and craft in Sunday School rooms.
The focus this fall is the “Four Gospels”.  Christmas Program practice will begin on Sunday, November 29.

 

Confirmation Class

Confirmation Class for sixth and seventh graders meets on Wednesdays from 3:45-4:30 PM in the Friendship Room.  
Students are studying the basics of the Christian faith, religion, God, the Bible, Jesus, the Lutheran Church, and faith practices.     

 

Video/Bible Study

The Video/Bible Study called “The Holy Spirit: An Introduction” by John Bevere will continue to meet on Tuesdays at 5:00 PM. 
In this study, people will learn more about the Holy Spirit and how the Spirit works in our lives.  Vicki is leading the study. 

 



 

“For all the saints who

from their labors rest.”










All Saints Sunday

All Saints Sunday is November 1.  It’s a day to remember and give thanks for the Christian saints who have gone before us in death and eternal life. 
During the service we will remember the saints from church who have died since All Saints Sunday last year.
They are Bert P, Earl K, Jim H, Steve B, Carole P, Ruth L, Harold J, Charles A, and Milton L. 
There will also be an opportunity for people to fill out forms so that we can recognize non-member family and friends
(including Bill Walsh, whose funeral was at church) who have died in the past year.
After receiving communion, worshippers can light a candle from one of two stands in memory of a loved one. 


See the flyer on the bulletin board or talk to Ann for more information. 

 




Grief Support Group

A Grief Support Group will meet on Wednesday, November 4 at 6:30 PM. 
Anyone who is experiencing grief from the loss of a loved one is welcome to attend. 
Pastor Paul will lead the group in sharing memories, expressing grief, and finding comfort and hope. 
If there is enough interest, this group will continue to meet on a regular basis.


 

WELCA Bible Study

The Women of the ELCA will meet on Wednesday, November 11 at 12:30 PM. 
The ladies will conclude their three-session Bible Study called “Bold Faith on an Unexpected Journey” by Rev. Tiffany Cheney.  
Session 3 is titled “Proclaiming Resurrection in Hope” and is based on the story of Mary Magdalene who encountered the risen Jesus at the empty tomb. 

 

Prayer Shawl Group

The Prayer Shawl Group will meet on Wednesday, November 11 at 6:30 PM. 
Thank you to the talented women who provide this compassionate ministry! 
You can find the most recent cards from people who received a prayer shawl on the bulletin board. 

 

Worship Committee Meeting

The Worship Committee will meet Wednesday, November 11 at 7:00 PM.   
The committee will review worship services from the fall and start making plans for Advent and Christmas. 
Current members of the Worship Committee are Pam, Todd, Terry, Connie, April, Patty, and Ann.

Stewardship:

Sharing God’s blessings.

Stewardship Sunday

Our annual Stewardship Service will be held on Sunday, November 15.
The service will focus on how we can be good stewards of our time, talent, and treasure. 
As good stewards of God’s gifts, we are called to share our blessings with gratitude and generosity.  
People in church on Stewardship Sunday will fill out Time & Talent Forms.  

 

WELCA Thankofferings will be collected on Sunday November 15. 
Offering envelopes and boxes will be set out in the narthex for a few weeks in advance.   
The money that is collected will be used to support local and global women’s ministries.

 

Stewardship Letters will be available to members of the church the week of November 15.  
Letters not picked up in the mail slots on Sunday morning will be mailed out. 
This will kick off our annual Stewardship Drive that will continue to the end of the year.    


Baptism  

Anton Bradley, son of Nick & Rylee, will be Baptized during the service on Sunday, November 15. 
He was born on March 19, 2026 at the Glencoe Regional Hospital.

Church Council Meeting

The Church Council will meet on Wednesday, November 18 at 6:30 PM. 
The minutes from the meeting in October are included in this newsletter.

 

Ninth Grade Class

The Ninth Grade Confirmation Class will meet on Sunday, November 22 to help deliver Thanksgiving Meals to community residents. 


“Give thanks unto the Lord

for He is good

and His mercy endures forever.”














Thanksgiving Service 

There will be a Thanksgiving Service on Wednesday, November 25 at 7:00 PM. Join us as we give thanks to God for the blessings of life. 
Pastor Paul is working on a skit.   A free will offering will be received for the Sibley County Food Shelf. 

 

Season of Advent

In 2026, the Season of Advent begins on Sunday, November 29. 
Advent is a time of waiting as we prepare to celebrate Christmas and the birth of Jesus- and his Second Coming in glory. 
There are four Sundays in Advent.  The liturgical color is blue, which is a symbol of hope. 


ELCA Good Gifts

Once again, we will support the ELCA Good Gifts Program during the Advent and Christmas seasons starting on Sunday, November 29. 
You can purchase items off a Christmas tree that will be set up in the narthex or you can donate money to our congregational project.
If you have any questions, please talk to Judy Young.     

 

Treatment Center Gifts

Donations for the St. Peter Regional Treatment Center will be received through Sunday, December 6.
There will be a plastic tote placed on a table in the fellowship hall. Some ideas for donations include:
Men’s and women’s clothing (pajamas, t-shirts, hoodies, sweatpants, jeans, underwear, and socks),
hygiene items (shampoo, body wash, deodorant, and toothpaste), and entertainment items (books, DVDs, and CDs). 
Cash gifts are also appreciated. 

 

Poinsettia Plants

Church members can purchase Poinsettia Plants- in memory or in honor of loved ones- that will be used to decorate for Advent & Christmas. 
The cost of a plant is $18.00 and will be purchased from Jeri Odenthal this year.  Forms can be picked up in the narthex. 
You may put your check (payable to American Lutheran Church) in the offering plate or you can drop it off in the church office. 
The deadline to place orders is Sunday, December 6.

 

Santa’s Workshop

Santa’s Workshop will be held at American Lutheran Church on Tuesday, December 8 from 9:00 AM-6:00 PM and
Wednesday, December 9 from 9:00 AM-4:00 PM.  The purpose of this program is to help low-income families with gifts for Christmas.   

 

**************************************************************************

 

Deb Hadley Program

Deb Hadley, an inspirational speaker and author from Alexandria, gave a presentation at church on Wednesday, October 7. 
There was a meal, followed by Deb’s presentation titled “From Broken to Blessed, God’s Purpose in our Pain.”
The event was sponsored by the Prayer Shawl Group.  Thank you to Benita for reaching out to Deb and making this event possible. 
Thank you to everyone who prepared and served the meal.

 

Funeral Meal

The meal following the Sharon W Funeral at St. Michaels Catholic Church was held at church on Saturday, October 10. 
Thank you to Gail and Julie for helping the crew from St. Michael’s in the kitchen.

 

New Member Reception

Mary L joined the church on Sunday, October 11.  Please make her feel welcome in her new church home.  Mary is the wife of Dan. 
They have two adult children, Josh and Amber.  Mary is retired and watches her three grandchildren.  Dan & Mary live on a farm site north of New Auburn. 

 

New Council Member

Ann has replaced Chris on the Church Council as of the meeting on Wednesday, October 21.
Chris resigned her council position since she is unable to attend meetings due to her work schedule. 
Ann will finish out the remainer of Chris’ term as the Social Action chairperson on the council.


 

911 Eighth Street  PO Box 176

Gaylord, MN 55334

507-237-2428
amlc@rsfiber.net

www.alcgaylord.com

                

The mission statement of

American Lutheran Church is:

“to help people grow in their faith in Jesus

and to live out their faith in daily life.”