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"Fearless!
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Dear Members & Friends of Our Savior's Lutheran Church,
This week I am spending time doing a part of my call as your pastor that I find most rewarding - watching young people discover and grow in their faith at Bible camp. I, along with our children, youth, and family staff, Chad and Darla, are spending the week at Camp Wapo with our campers. The theme for the week is "Fearless!" and is based on verse nine of the first chapter of the Old Testament book of Joshua. It reads, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
This is a good theme for our young people to be reminded of. Fear is a part of life. Fear can play a significant role in our daily decisions. We might fear loneliness, conflict, rejection, failure, our own safety, the safety of others, taking risks, and so much more. In the gospel of Mark, the fourth chapter, as Jesus slept, an enormous storm surrounded the boat and the disciples feared for their lives. In the chaos of the storm, the disciples questioned if Jesus cared for them. Jesus quickly responded by quieting the storm. Jesus' questions that followed must have been humbling for the disciples to hear. "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" Do such questions sound familiar? This is a good reminder, not only for our young people but for all of us. Have we not all experienced a fear that stopped us in our tracks? Isn't it hard to trust that things are going to be okay? We live in a world that can be unpredictable, a world where fear is real. But Jesus is constantly calling us to not be afraid, to live fearlessly, and to put our faith and trust in God's care for us.
As Darla, Chad, and I observe our youth growing in faith and becoming strong and courageous in the Lord this week, I will continue to pray for you too, that you will grow in faith while becoming stronger and more courageous every day as you rest in the promises of God's grace and love for you.
I remind you that this coming Sunday, because it is the holiday weekend, we will only have one worship service at 9:00 a.m. in the sanctuary.
Come and See!
Pastor Dale Stiles
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Summer Worship & Music This Week
Sunday, July 2, 2017
Sermon by: Pastor Dale Stiles
Single Worship Time at 9:00 am
Worship in the Sanctuary
Special Music: Rolf Larson, Oboe
(8:50 am Hymn Sing prior to worship)
Childcare available at 9:00 am service
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Sunday July 2 -- Single Worship Service at 9:00 am
Because it's the Sunday closest to Fourth of July, we will be having only one worship service July 2 at 9:00 am in the Sanctuary.
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Summer Music Opportunities
Might you share your musical gifts at Summer Worship? Special music opportunities available on Sundays at 8:00 and/or 9:30 am through September 3. Sign up at the Music Room Bulletin Board or email Jane Gay.
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Children, Youth & Family Ministry!
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Vacation Bible School Volunteers Needed!
We still have several volunteer openings for the week of VBS!
- Station leaders/co-leader
- Preschool crew leaders
- Elementary crew leaders
- Photographer
- Kitchen Assistance
- Misc.
Everything is organized and set up for you!
Sign up here to volunteer.
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Vacation Bible School (VBS)
When: July 31 - August 4
Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Cost: $35.00
Eligible Participants: Age 3 - 6th Grade
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Altar Guild Volunteers Needed!
Volunteers are needed to join existing dedicated teams on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th or 5th Sundays of a month. Responsibilities include picking up the Altar flowers from the florist and delivering them to the church, setting up communion, refilling candles with oil, changing the paraments, and preparing the baptismal font as needed. Time commitment is minimal for this important worship service role. If interested in joining our team, please contact Mary Artig
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Bible Study in the Park
The first Bible Study in the Park will be held at Valley View Park in Oak Park Heights on July 6 at 9:30 am. Pastor Dale will lead the study "Stand with the Least of These." Everyone is welcome to attend this study.
Bring a friend and enjoy not only the study but the fellowship and the continental breakfast.
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OSLC Float for Lumberjack Days Parade on Sunday, July 23!
We are looking for members, of all ages, to ride the float and walk along side. Please sign-up at the Welcome Desk if interested in joining us!
Donations are also being collected for parade candy.
Please deposit wrapped candy that can be thrown along the parade route (no chocolate or anything that will melt please). Please drop off donations in the "Candy Box" located near the Welcome Desk.
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In-Kind Gifts
Eight women from Our Savior's will be attending the Triennial Gathering of Women of the ELCA July 13-16 in Minneapolis. They will be joining 3000 other women from across the country and the world. Several items are being collected at the gathering that will then be given to agencies across the Twin Cities Metro Area.
Our Savior's is invited to participate with any of the following items:
- Gift cards ($10 min) from Target, Walmart, T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, Home Depot, Ace Hardware, Lowes, Cub foods or gas cards. Gift cards should be placed in the slot on the welcome desk.
- Hygiene products: ethnic hair products, shampoo, conditioners, body wash, soap, razors, skin lotions, hand soap, toothbrushes, feminine hygiene items, baby wipes and diapers, new socks and underwear and white t-shirts. These items can be placed in the box in the gathering area labeled "In-Kind Gifts."
A full list of In-Kind Gifts can be found on the Women's bulletin board across from the office. The women of Our Savior's thank you in advance for your generosity!
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Open Hands Midway
Open Hands Midway is
having a fundraising golf outing and dinner at Applewood Hills Golf Course on July 30 (a Sunday) with tee off at 1:00 pm. Come enjoy a round of golf (or just a ride/walk) and stay for dinner (or just come for dinner) to hear the story of Open Hands Midway ministry. Registration forms are available in the Gathering Area. If you have any questions, please ask Pastor Keith or Larry Puckett.
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Habitat for Humanity
Please mark your calendars for this year's Habitat for Humanity build
July 24th through 28th. This build will again be at 14932 Generation Acres, Hugo, MN. Look for details and sign-up information at the Kiosk in the SE corner of the Gathering Area or contact Don Schuld at 651-491-2078 or donschuld@gmail.com.
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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 or our Parish Nurse, Jean Pottratz, with any of your needs.
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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!
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Stewardship is about love:
serving others through our time, talent, and treasure.
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