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Tuesday, September 12, 2017
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"Blessed to be a Blessing"
Dear Members & Friends of Our Savior's Lutheran Church,
It was a joy to see so many families and friends of Our Savior's last Rally Sunday as we celebrated with games and activities for the children and youth in our parking lot. We kicked off the "Fearless" theme in worship and look forward to five more Sundays throughout this program year to continue learning how to trust in God in the midst of our fears. This coming Sunday our official faith formation classes and activities begin. We expect to see even more families and children this week.
There is much to be thankful for at Our Savior's when we stop and look at all that is happening. I ask this week that you take time to reflect again on this congregation and how/why it makes a difference in your faith and relationship with Jesus. Church involvement is something that can easily be taken for granted and not fully appreciated.
The preaching text this Sunday is the parable of the unforgiving servant. He had been blessed with the forgiveness of a large debt, but went on to demand payment of a debt owed to him. When we consider the blessings we have been given by God (including our congregation), it is important that we pay them forward. In other words, we have been blessed in order to be a blessing. When we fully appreciate what God has done for us and continues to do for us, our faith is strengthened and we grow closer to God than ever before.
Take a moment today to ask yourselves how God has "forgiven your debts" or how God has blessed you abundantly, and how you might be challenged and encouraged to do the same for others.
As always, I pray that God reveals Himself to you in powerful ways through your involvement and engagement in the mission and ministries of OSLC.
Thank you and God bless you,
Pastor Dale Stiles
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WORSHIP & EDUCATION SCHEDULE
Sunday, September 17, 2017
Sermon by: Pastor Dale Stiles
Worship Times at 8:00 & 10:30 am
Education Hour at 9:15 am
8:00 am Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary
Special Music: Proclaim!
9:15 am Education Hour
Faith Formation, Ages 3 - Grade 6
Time for Parents (Narthex)
Adult Education (Family Room)
10:30 am Blended Worship in the CLC
Service Led by the Praise Band
C
hildcare available for the 10:30 am service.
11:45 am Jr. High Youth Group
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Adult Education Schedule for September - December
Sunday, September 17
: Guest Speaker, Matthew Hand, from Lutheran Mideast Development (LMD). Matthew will share the LMD story. LMD has served in the Middle East since 1910 and has met the needs of earthquake victims, established self-sustaining businesses, provided hundreds of scholarships, built community centers and served as peacemakers. Our Savior's Mission and Outreach Committee has supported LMD over the last several years.
Sunday, September 24:
ISAIAH, Faith In Democracy - Guest Speaker, Tammi Thompson, ISAIAH Sanctuary Organizer. Tami will speak on Immigrants and the Role of Sanctuary in Minnesota.
Sunday, October 1:
Looking back before looking forward: Review of 2013 OSLC Church Assessment Tool Survey in preparation for 2017 resurvey. Guest Speaker, Ray Valley, OSLC President.
Sunday October 8:
Open Hands Ministry, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, St. Paul Midway. Guest Speaker.
Sunday, October 15:
Church History 101 - Part 1 - Guest Speaker, OSLC member Dave Shaw. An overview of the events and personalities that formed the core doctrine of the Christian Church.
Sunday, October 22:
Living Your Strengths - Guest Speaker, Keri Bischoff, M. Ed. and Gallup Certified Strengths Coach. Discover Your God-Given Talents and Inspire Your Community.
Sunday, October 29:
Church History 101 - Part 2 - Guest Speaker, OSLC member Dave Shaw. An overview of the events and personalities that formed the core doctrine of the Christian Church.
Sunday, November 5
: The State of the ELCA and the Saint Paul Area Synod - Guest Speaker, Bishop Patricia Lull.
Sunday, November 12:
Racism Workshop --
Guest Speaker, Carolyn Farmer Sampson, has studied racism and racial justice at St Catherine University and the Humphrey School of Public Affairs. Her presentation includes insights gained through her experience as a white female business woman and suggestions for concrete actions every white person can take to be an effective ally with people of color.
Sunday, November 19:
Union Gospel Mission - Guest Speaker, Todd Shannon.
Sunday, November 26
: The Missional Church (Part 1) - Led by Pastor Dale - A summary of his doctoral dissertation and how his research can apply to congregations and OSLC specifically.
Sunday, December 3:
The Missional Church (Part 2) - Led by Pastor Dale - A summary of his doctoral dissertation and how his research can apply to congregations and OSLC specifically.
Sunday, December 10
: The Missional Church (Part 3) - Led by Pastor Dale - A summary of his doctoral dissertation and how his research can apply to congregations and OSLC specifically.
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High Top Tables -- Thank You!
Many thanks to the following individuals who made a donation towards the purchase of High Top Tables for the church:
Jon Burke, in memory of Dwaine & Ardythe Burke
Jesse & Meredith Caskey, in memory of Douglas Severson
Ardyce Fjestad, in memory of Paul Fjestad
Jon & Shelly Hill, in memory of Helen Nelson
Sherm & Jean Hoy, in memory of Helen Hoy
Orv & Kathy Johnson, in memory of Lee & Linnea Natwick
Paul & Gwen Johnson, in memory of Lee Natwick
Roger & Jan Leppla, in memory of Helen Nelson
Jerry & Becky Maier
Dick & Karen Miller, in honor of Kathy Newton
Joel & Sue Ortman
OJ & Ruth Rustad
Jean Schad, in memory of Ron Schad
David & Barb Shaw, in honor of family
David & LaVerna Scholz, in memory of Arthur & Evelyn Scholz and Eugene & Marion Riemenschneider
Doug, Susan & Parker Smith, in honor of Ken & Charlene Oberman
Property & Grounds Committee, in memory of Lee Natwick
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JuBellate Handbell Choir
Rehearsals for JuBellate are at 7:00 pm on Tuesdays. If you would like to be a part of this handbell ministry, please contact
Marlene Lentz or just come. We meet in the choir room. If you are new to handbells, lots of help is available! Give it a try!
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Be Part of the Kingdom Choir!
The Kingdom Choir at OSLC seeks to lead, teach and inspire the congregation in worship through making music together. We value fellowship in rehearsal and during worship. High school age and older are welcome. We typically sing two Sundays per month as well as for other special occasions. Rehearsals are Wednesday evenings from 7:00-8:00 pm. Come join us! Questions? Please contact
Michael Bloem.
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Children, Youth & Family Ministry
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Confirmation Kick-Off!
Confirmation kicks off on Sunday, September 17th at 5:00 pm with a Burger Bash dinner followed by a parent and student meeting. Calendars will be handed out, expectations and program details will be shared, and questions will be answered. All confirmation parents and students of
8, 9 and 10th graders are expected to attend.
We also ask that you bring an unopened package of underwear and/or socks for our Valley Outreach Undie Sunday clothing drive. These can be any size, but boys/mens are encouraged. Again, please make sure they are unopened and new.
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Children's Choir
This fall we will be bringing back a children's choir to OSLC! This will give kids (1st-6th grade) who want to sing an opportunity to be active participants in worship, offering the gift of music. The plan is to practice on the all family worship Sundays at 9:15 am when there are no regular faith formation classes (Oct. 8, Nov. 19, Jan. 7, Feb. 11 & Apr. 8). You may sign kids up through the church website under
Children, Youth & Family Ministry. Questions? Please contact
Meredith Caskey.
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Jesus and Me Volunteers Needed!
We are looking for a couple of leaders & assistants for "Jesus and Me." Jesus and Me happens during the 10:30 am service on Sundays. Children ages 3 years old through 3rd grade are invited to leave the service during the sermon to play a game or do an activity. Games, activities, and all supplies are provided. Please contact
Darla Goble to volunteer.
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2017-18 Faith Formation & Confirmation Registration
Registration for Fall Faith Formation & Confirmation (Sundays/Wednesdays) is happening NOW! We have something available for children & youth age 3 through 12th grade. Register Now!
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Where do you find yourself at OSLC?
**A relative newcomer trying to find a place that "fits?" **A professional skilled in your trade but looking for a way to apply those skills serving Christ and the church? **Recently retired and looking for new volunteer opportunities? **Or, maybe you've been carrying a big volunteer load at OSLC already, and you need to pull back a bit. **Wherever you are, we want to meet you there and offer you the best opportunity to serve. Sunday we launched our Time and Talent survey. You can fill out an old-fashioned paper survey available throughout the month of September at the Welcome Desk. Or, you can take an online survey.
OSLC is also moving to a more formal committee structure of governance. We will have 14 standing committees -- Art, Evangelism, Faith Formation and Development, Fellowship, Finance, Health and Caring, Giving Team, Legacy, Mission and Outreach, Personnel, Property and Grounds, Technology, Worship & Women's Ministries. Sign up now to serve on a committee. We all have a role to play. Where is God calling you?
Peace ~ Ray Valley, OSLC President
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WHAT IS UNDIE SUNDAY?
The Valley Outreach Clothing Closet offers gently used clothing for children and adults, relying almost exclusively on donations from area residents. What is not gently used, however, are the socks and underwear distributed to those in need. 'Undie' donations received from the faith community allow individuals to receive 5 pairs of socks and 5 pairs of underwear twice a year.
A receptacle is placed in the Gathering Area for OSLC members to drop off their donations. Any new, in-the-package socks and underwear are needed. For adults, the emphasis is on larger sizes for both women and men. For men: boxers are preferred. Last year, OSLC donated 1,096 socks and undies to Valley Outreach and took back the Undie Sunday trophy. Please help OSLC make a LARGE contribution to this worthy cause. Final collection days will be Sunday, Oct. 1 and Wed., Oct. 4. Thank you!
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Willing to Serve at Worship?
View Usher/Greeter slots for September and October
(Sundays at 8:00 or 10:30 am).
Those with last names beginning
P, Q, R and S
are called to help during September and October, though anyone can sign up who enjoys serving in these capacities. Thank you for helping us to share hospitality with all who enter our doors!
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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 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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