Where are the young church members?

Genie and I take our turn at serving coffee and goodies at Central Freeborn Lutheran Church rural Albert Lea Sunday morning February 15, 2026. We notice those in attendance are older in comparison to those attending the coffee hour 10-15 years ago. Where are the younger Central Freeborn Lutheran Church members?

 

Genie and I attend the Blue Earth River conference annual assembly of the Southeastern Minnesota Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America held at Ascension Lutheran church in Albert Lea on Sunday afternoon February 15, 2026. We notice those in attendance are older in age compared to those in attendance 10-15 years ago. (I am not comparing the ages of the clergy attending versus the ages of the Clergy 10-15 years ago. I suspect the average age of the clergy is younger.) Where are the younger eligible Evangelica members??

 

I have gotten to know many people over my lifetime, aging from 18-88. They retire, and, if no major health problem, they retire to some other place than southern Minnesota- usually the southern United States or the West Coast (California).

 

Why are the older people (on the average) leaving Minnesota??

 

These observations have a double barrel effect on Minnesota. 1. The younger people are not involved in the community. 2. The older people upon retirement are leaving Minnesota. 

 

The leadership of Good Earth Villagers by Spring Valley, Minnesota was present at Ascension Lutheran Church in Albert Lea with statistics of their experience in 2025. The budget was $1,366,756.71. Congratulations were involved with 29 congregations holding retreats there. 

 

(Genie and I have been involved there over many years. Genie was the camp nurse for 3-4 years. Genie and I stayed overnight for two years.) 

 

The local TV weatherman has a great way of looking at the weather; for example: We had a fake spring with no snow, outside flowers peeking through next to houses, and now a second winter, followed by a second spring and the first really warm weather beginning July!! (For example, we had iris outside on the west side of our house with green shoots!!) 

 

For you early birds ready for the Twins; F.R.O.G. (Fully Rely on God) out of Central Freeborn Lutheran Church, rural Albert Lea plans on taking a bus to Lutheran night at the Twins ballgame August 11, 2026. (The details will be coming out later.) 

 

After two days of high temperature, the same local weatherman gave a forecast regarding Valentine's Day of: If it got any nicer, it would be summer!!

 

Hey NRHEG Basketball girl fans - Genie and I are pulling for you - we want to see you be state champs!!

 

There is currently a lot of chatter in regards to rifles being OK to hunt deer within this area. Personally I don't think rifles should be allowed in Southern Minnesota - there is too much open range and a rifle bullet can travel a lot further than a shotgun slug. 

 

Have you noticed the brilliant sunsets??

 

An interesting recorded message on Presidents' Day Monday, February 16, 2026. “We are honoring Presidents' Day. Please do the same by calling back Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Thank You.”

 

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Bob is a retired AAL (Aid Association for Lutherans) agent, currently working on his master’s degree in Volunteering. His wife, Genie, is a retired RN, currently working on her doctor’s degree in Volunteering. They have two children, Deb in North Carolina, and Dan in New York. Bob says if you enjoy his column, let him know. If you don’t enjoy it, keep on reading, it can get worse. Words of wisdom: There is always room for God.