Tuesday, October 24, 2017

"Go and Do!"    


Dear Members & Friends of Our Savior's Lutheran Church,  
 
As you receive this weekly eBlast from me I am enroute to Iringa, Tanzania with OSLC members, Cindy Gackle and Sue Hedlund. We will be staying in Iringa for a few days before departing to visit our brothers and sisters at Mlafu, our partner village and congregation. We will bring your greetings to them! Please keep us in your prayers as we travel. We return home on Friday, November 3.
 
Meanwhile, important mission and ministry continues at Our Savior's. This coming Sunday marks the celebration of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. We have a wonderful service planned to recognize and celebrate. Guest Pastor Cassie Nault will be leading and preaching. Note that both services on Sunday will be identical and will be held in the sanctuary. Don't forget to wear red! It is the color of the day.
 
Also, this Sunday marks the beginning of our "Go and Do" Fall stewardship theme. As Lutherans we live and worship under the beautiful freedom of God's grace. This then, frees us to respond accordingly. Such grace only empowers us to put our faith into action. As a congregation, we have been good at inviting others to "Come and See." I commend you for this. It's working. Many visitors grace us with their presence week after week. We all, at one time or another, have come to this place, seen Jesus work, and have decided to make this our community of faith. My question for us to consider now is, "Have we responded accordingly?" You see, once we have come and seen, the necessary response is then to "Go and do." This is where the "putting our faith into action" comes into play. Such a response is sacramental. In both of our sacraments - baptism and communion - Jesus commands us to "Go and make disciples ..." and "Do this in remembrance of me." This reminds us that once we have come and seen, we have a responsibility, a calling, and a command to act on what we say we believe. The term for this is discipleship. We will be hearing more about this calling and this command in the weeks to come, as follows.
  • Sunday, October 29 - A Celebration of the Reformation with guest Pastor Cassie Nault preaching and leading worship. OSLC member, Dale Newton, will be sharing a personal testimony of why he and his family have chosen to give generously of their time to this community of faith.
  • Sunday, November 5 - All Saint's Sunday with Bishop Patricia Lull from the Saint Paul Area Synod, preaching. OSLC member, Joel Frost, will be sharing his personal testimony of why he shares generously his talents with this community of faith.
  • Sunday, November 12 - Pastor Dale preaching with OSLC members, Orv and Kathy Johnson, sharing their personal testimony of why they give generously of their treasures both within OSLC and beyond, and how God has blessed them in return.
  • Sunday, November 19 - Commitment Sunday will be an opportunity for you and your family to bring forward your newly decided commitment of financial sharing (Go and Do) towards Our Savior's during worship. You will be receiving a letter and commitment card later this week along with a Growth in Giving chart that may be helpful in deciding an amount to give this year.
Please pray about the ways you can "Go and Do" at Our Savior's. Thoughtfully consider the ways you can put your faith into action. And by all means, do so only out of your deep gratitude for what God has first given you - your selves, your time, and your possessions. I conclude with this African Proverb as we consider how to respond:
 
"Pray, but when you pray, move your feet."
 
Pastor Dale Stiles  
WORSHIP & FAITH FORMATION SCHEDULE
 
 
Wednesday, October 24, 2017  
 
5:00 pm Dinner
Walking tacos with fixings, Salad, Fruit 
Dessert & Beverage
Cost $4/person 
 
5:30 pm Worship
Sermon by: Chad Larson
 
6:10 pm Faith Formation (meet in classrooms)
Youth Group (meet in Youth Room)
 
7:00 pm Confirmation (Grades 8 & 9)
 
7:00 pm Kingdom Choir
8:00 pm Proclaim! 
 
 

Reformation Sunday, October 29, 2017  
Sermon by: Pastor Cassie Nault
 
8:00 am Worship in the Sanctuary
Special Music: Kingdom Choir
 
9:15 am Family Activity Sunday (CLC)
Adult Education (Sanctuary)
CAT Survey (Family Room) 
 
10:30 am Worship in the Sanctuary
   C hildcare available for the 10:30 am service.
 
11:45 am Evolve Youth Group (Grades 7-9)
 
5:00 pm Harvest Festival 
 

Adult Education Schedule
 
Sunday, October 29, at 9:15 am in the sanctuary: Church History 101 - Part 2.  Guest Speaker: Dave Shaw, OSLC member. An overview of the events and personalities that formed the core doctrine of the Christian Church.   
 
Sunday, November 5: The ELCA and St. Paul Area Synod
Guest Speaker: Bishop Patricia Lull. Discussion about global and local partnerships, as well as lessons learned from the Reformation.
 
Children, Youth & Family Ministry

Family Activity on Sunday, 10/29 and Wednesday, 11/1   
 
Families -- please bring a pumpkin and carving tools.    
Yes! I can help with the Harvest Festival on October 29th!   
  • Set up in CLC - Carnival games 11:30-12:30 on October 29
  • Clean up crew for CLC - 7:00-8:00 pm
  • Clean up crew for kitchen - 7:00-8:00 pm
  • Clean up Crew for Chili Cook-off - 7:00-8:00 pm
  • Bake cupcakes for cake walk (Need a variety of cupcakes including Gluten Free) - Drop off on 10/28 or before 3:00 pm on 10/29. Please mark your name and if cupcakes are gluten free on your cupcakes.
  • Candy donations (no hard candy) or prizes
  • Food stand helpers - make hotdogs, lemonade, cider, popcorn - 3:00-7:00 pm
Please contact Darla Goble if you can assist in any of these areas. Thank you!    
 
NOTE: We especially need more volunteers to bring cupcakes, candy donations and entries for the chili cook-off!  
Join us for the OSLC Harvest Festival   
 
On Sunday, October 29th from 5-7 pm we will be having our annual Harvest Festival. Come and enjoy carnival games, chili cook-off, bingo, pumpkin carving (bring your own pumpkin & tools); judging will take place at 6:15 pm, costume parade (all ages!), free food and cake walk! Feel free to invite your friends! 
All Worship Service Sign-ups   
 
Families, please sign up to help with "All Worship" services happening at 10:30 am on Sun., Nov. 15 and 5:30 pm on Wed., Nov. 19!
Elementary Christmas Program 


THE STORY
Stella wishes her good friend understood what Christmas really celebrates. This wish turns Stella and her friends Noel and Chris into hosts for a rush of unexpected guests. Into Stella's home come an intruding soldier, a demanding emperor, a surprised young woman, a worried young man, wayward travelers, an angry king, smelly farm workers, a runaway sheep, heavenly visitors, and a baby like no other.
 
Can this really be what Christmas is all about?
 
CAST AND CHOIR SIGN-UP
Students in grades 1 - 6 are invited to sign up between Oct. 22 and Nov. 5 to perform cast roles in this year's elementary Christmas program. Sign-up sheets are in the Gathering Area.
 
MUSICIAN SIGN-UP (Instrument and Vocal)
Students in grades 1 - 8 are invited to sign up between Oct. 22 and Nov. 5 to sing or play instruments (solo or small group) in the Christmas program.
Sign-up sheet is in the Gathering Area.
 
REHEARSALS DATES
  • Sat. Nov. 11, 9 am - 11 am, Children's Gathering Area - (Cast)
    *** ENTER THROUGH NORTHWEST DOOR ONLY***  
  • Sat. Nov. 18, 9 am - 11 am, CLC (Cast)
  • Sat. Nov. 25 - NO REHEARSAL
  • Sat. Dec. 2, 9 am - 11 am and Costume Fitting (Cast)
  • Sat. Dec. 9, 1 pm - 3 pm (Cast)
  • Sat. Dec. 16, 9 am - Noon - Dress Rehearsal (Cast, Musicians)
  • Performance Day Sun. Dec. 17
    8:45 am Put on Costumes, Classroom Area (Cast)
    9:15 am Final Run-Through, CLC (Cast, Musicians)
    10:30 am - Performance in CLC (Cast, Musicians)
CHRISTMAS PROGRAM HELPERS
Middle School and Senior High students and adults are welcome to volunteer as rehearsal helpers, stage crew, costumers, and other behind-the-scene roles. Sign-up sheet is in the Gathering Area.
 
PRESCHOOL CHRISTMAS PROGRAM
The Preschool Christmas Program will be rehearsed during Faith Formation time and will also be presented at the 10:30 am service on Sunday Dec. 17 in the CLC.
 
Announcements

Women's Cluster Meeting at OSLC   
 
Women from the East Central Cluster of the Saint Paul Area Synod will enjoy time with Katie Luther on Thursday, October 26, at 6:30 pm at Our Savior's.  This year of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation is a perfect time to learn more about the woman beside the man. Pati Kachel will present a costumed introduction and tribute to this founding mother of our Lutheran faith. Registration is $5.00.  A monetary offering will go to Women of the ELCA Katie's Fund and the St. Paul Area SWO.  Material offerings will go to Babies Need Boxes (infant supplies for at risk families).  The list of items needed is on the women's bulletin board across from the office.
Christmas Cookie Bakers Needed   
 
It's that time of year again! The Women's Team is looking for Christmas cookie bakers for our annual fundraiser. We will need 20-25 people to bake 10-20 dozen cookies each. You pick the cookie from our list, bake them and have them back to church by Friday, December 8th at 10 am. We will pack them in trays of 10 or 6 dozen to be sold for $40 or $25. Please sign up in the Gathering Area at church between services on October 29, November 5 and November 12. We will also be taking preorders for the trays. Don't miss out! Contact Susan Fredricksen with questions.
Advent Teas   
 
We know that Advent seems far away but it is time to be planning for the  women's Advent Teas.  If you would be willing to host or lead a tea please be in touch with Becky Maier or let the church office know.  Teas will be held the week of December 4-10.
 
Ministry Opportunities

Union Gospel Mission -- Thanksgiving Bag Donations Needed   
 
Please include only the following items in each bag:     
  • 1 bag of white rice
  • 2 cans of peas
  • 2 cans of whole kernel corn
  • 2 cans of green beans
  • 1 can of cranberry sauce
  • 1 can of yams/sweet potatoes
  • 1 box of stuffing
  • 1 box of instant potatoes
  • 1 box of cake or brownie mix
This year Union Gospel Mission is also requesting $10.00 grocery store gift cards to purchase turkeys. Please drop all gift cards in the drop box on the Welcome Desk or turn into the church office.
 
HOPE BEGINS WITH A MEAL
Please drop off your grocery bag(s) in the Gathering Area at Our Savior's Lutheran Church no later than Sunday, November 5. You can make a difference for an entire family. THANK YOU!
Meals from the Heart -- Just a few open spots left!   
 
Sign-up to help pack meals at "Meals from the Heart" by Mano Amiga on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017, from 4 to 6 pm at 5600 Memorial Ave which is located behind Stillwater Motors. We are looking for participants to donate 2 hours of their time and a donation of $10 per participant. People doing the meal packing event should dress in casual clothes...things that could get dirty/dusty and you must wear close-toed shoes . Sign-up sheet is located on the Welcome Desk in the Gathering Area. This is a great event for the entire family. Please consider giving to those in need!  
 
Reminder to those who have not yet paid, pelase drop off your $10/person check in the drop box. Checks should be made out to OSLC with "Meals from the Heart" on the memo line.  
 November & December Ushers and Greeters Needed      

If you worship on Sundays, please consider signing up to serve as either an usher or greeter. Y ou can view the openings and sign up from our church website or Sign-up NOW! Thank you!
Request for Prayers and Support
 
Everyday joys and sorrows...Once in a lifetime joys and sorrows. Your brothers and sisters at Our Savior's want to support you. Email or call Pastor Dale Stiles with any of your needs.  

Church Board
 
  Updates on the Ecumen Project  
  1. Zoning Text Amendment
    a. Planning Commission public hearing on zoning text amendment that allows Senior Living Facilities by Special Use Permit in the RA Zoning District (PASSED).
    b. City Council approval of first reading of the zoning text amendment (PASSED).
    c. City Council approval of second reading and adoption of zoning text amendment (PASSED).
     
  2. Concept Planned Unit Development
    a. Planning Commission public hearing on the Concept Planned Unit Development (PASSED)
    b. City Council hearing/vote on Concept Planned Unit Development. (8/2/2017 - City Council Voted to Approve Concept PUD)
     
  3. Neighborhood Meeting - Informational Meeting
    When: September 6, 2017
    Time:  5:00 - 6:00 pm
    Location:  Family Room at Our Savior's Lutheran Church
     
  4. Special Use Permit, Preliminary and Final Plat, Final Planned Unit Development at Council Chambers, City Hall
    a. Planning Commission holds public hearing on all of these requests at same time on October 11, 2017 at 7:00 pm (PASSED)
    b. City Council holds hearing on November 7, 2017 at 7:00 pm
     
  5. Building permit
    a. The building permit application
  6. Development Agreement
    a.City Council considers agreement.
  7. Preconstruction meeting
    a. As soon as development agreement is approved by City Council, the Ecumen engineers and development team could meet with the City Engineer.
  8. Site work
    a.Site work can begin after preconstruction meeting and payment of fees described in the Development Agreement.
    b.Work on the building itself has to wait until the building permit is issued
Giving Opportunities

Simply Giving

A more convenient way to give! In a few short minutes, you can make a one-time gift or set up a donation that will process automatically on a recurring basis. Recurring donations are convenient and provide our church with much needed consistent support throughout the year.   To give online, visit our church's website and get set up!   
 
Stewardship is about love:
serving others through our time, talent, and treasure.

Our Savior's Lutheran Church | 1616 W Olive St Stillwater, MN 55082 
info@oslcstillwater.org | 651-439-5704