It's the season to give thanks
and we're thankful for you!
November 26, 2020 Newsletter
Coming This Sunday
November 29, 2020
The First Sunday in Advent

ONLINE SERVICE
Preparing for Christmas
With OSLC Musicians and more

This Sunday is the first day of a new church year and the first Sunday in the Season of Advent. Advent is a time of preparation, preparing for Christ's coming to us at Christmas. With things so different this year, I want to talk about ways we can prepare for Christmas, mentioning some traditional things and perhaps exploring new approaches. Join us! - PK
Scripture Reading for the Week

John the Baptist Prepares the Way
Mission Ministries
Gifts for Haiti
When we are in Haiti on our mission, we always pray before a meal asking that God remember those who do not have anything to eat. It is an awakening to our blessings and an awareness of the suffering of others. 

This year you can make a real difference to a family in Haiti by donating food, seeds, or a goat to a Family in need. If you are a sponsor of one of our Hope for Kidz children, you can direct the gift to go to that child's family. (contact Patti Ryall for details 503-312-2040.)

Things have been extra hard in Haiti these past few years. First, Hurricane Matthew, then drought, then political unrest, and finally feet of rain dumped by Hurricanes Laura and Iota. The rains destroyed crops that were about to be harvested, and took some of the livestock as well. For a while, Les Anglais was actually cut off due to impassable roads. Supply routes have been restored and the people are hungry beyond the hungry we know.

I heard of a lovely Christmas "Celebration " from a friend about doing a family virtual Christmas. This year, instead of gifts, the family members are each donating to charity. On Christmas they will exchange their "gifts" by sharing what charities have been remembered. I think Jesus must smile at these gifts given in honor of his Birthday!

Here's how you can simply do the same: 

Then enjoy the warmth in your heart knowing you helped "the least of these"!
Patti
Greetings Haiti Mission Supporters,
What a year it has been for all of us in the US and for our friends in Haiti! We pray you are well and coping with all that we have gone through so far. I am pleased to take this opportunity to acquaint you with the projects and prospects your mission team has been working on in 2020. Our apologies for this lengthy missive, but it has been a while!
Fellowship/Physical & Spiritual Wellness
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Lean Toward the Light this Advent and Christmas
A special Advent evening for women online, facilitated by Suzanne Emery.
Tuesday, December 1st, from 7-8 p.m.
If you have an Advent Wreath you can light, keep it handy, and if not, have a candle prepared. How do we lean into the light of Christ and allow it to shine through us into God's broken world in the coming year?

All women are welcome!
Below is the zoom link to connect

Suzanne Emery is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Lean Towards the Light Advent Evening
Time: Dec 1, 2020 07:00 PM
Join Zoom Meeting
Fellowship Forum and Council Update
At the Fellowship Forum last Sunday, Diane Dahlin, OSLC delegate to the recent Synod Assembly, gave an update on how the Synod Assembly operates. Ms. Dahlin informed everyone that any delegate may present a proposal or resolution at the meeting. At this year’s meeting a resolution to conduct a study concerning reparations in the Oregon Synod was presented and approved. A taskforce will prepare a second resolution with concrete action plans to be presented at the Oregon Synod Assembly in 2021. Click here to read the resolution. Pastor Kim reminded everyone that delegates vote their conscious and not necessarily the views of the congregation they represent. Council will strive to improve communication concerning Oregon Synod and ELCA activities. As a reminder you can always go to www.oregonsynod.org or www.elca.org for information on what’s happening.

Missions Ministry indicated all missions are stable considering the current circumstances. Information on the Giving Tree will be in next week’s newsletter. Confirmation and First Communion classes are continuing on-line. Based on the input from those participating in the Forum, future Forums will begin at 10:30 a.m. In conjunction with the January Fellowship Forum scheduled for January 24, there will be a brief congregational meeting for the sole purpose of voting on whether to repay the Payroll Protection Loan or request forgiveness of the loan. Information on this issue will be available in December.

Everyone is encouraged to read the weekly newsletter to stay abreast of church activities. If anyone has updated information on names on the prayer list, please contact the church office.

At the Council meeting last week the following Ministry-Council Liaison assignments were announced:
Property – Wayne Pederson
Education – Chris Carlson
Missions – Suzie Carmichael
Worship & Music – Claudia Jakim
Evangelism – Diane Dahlin
Fellowship/Spiritual Wellness – Chris Shaffer

The next Fellowship Forum will be December 20 at 10:30 a.m. (Note the time change).
2021 Offering Envelopes are available at the church beginning November 30. Help save postage by coming by to pick up your packet of envelopes. Please email accounting@oursaviors.net to let us know you will be stopping by. Those not picked up will be mailed at the end of December.
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Intercessory Prayer Team Message
The days are shorter, temperatures cooler, holiday season is here. It will be different this year. As we complete yard clean-up and bring out warmer clothing, many thoughts come to mind. Because of current restrictions in place, we may not be gathering around the table for festive meals. Many of us will choose to stay home while some will travel to gather with family and friends. No doubt we will be recounting memories of past celebrations... 
Book Discussion Group
No meeting this Saturday. The group will resume Saturday, December 5th, at 1 p.m. They are still finishing chapter three and will start chapter four. Newcomers always welcome. Contact Pr. Art at art1970kathy@hotmail.com.
Links to Online Servies
Watch the most recent online service on YouTube

This week's gospel reading speaks of Jesus’ eventual return and the rendering of his judgment. Sheep and goat are divided. In doing so I’ll compare and contrast the two groups, what they had in common as well as their differences.

Read more
www.youtube.com
"Dare to Care" Pr. Kim Frenz from 11/22/2020 by OSLC...

Audio-only podcast of last Sunday's sermon. Great for on-the-go listening!

Read more
soundcloud.com
Our Savior's Lutheran Church • 15751 Quarry Rd, Lake Oswego, OR 97035 • 503-635-4563