Tuesday, February 7, 2023

“Sing a new song unto the Lord.”

(Psalm 96:1)

Dear OSLC members and friends,

Last Sunday afternoon, Brian and I were blessed to hear a live concert from one of my best friends. Siri is also a Lutheran Pastor serving in Bloomington. She was releasing her 5th album entitled, “The Memory of Flight.” Her first two CD’s she recorded and released before I met her during seminary days. As I play guitar on her 3rd and 4th albums, I know many of her songs. We are known for singing duets together as I will often sing at her concerts. One of my favorite songs by Siri is called, “Shape the Ground.” It is a song that considers our sense of calling and how God empowers and inspires us to positively impact the world around us.

On Sunday, it was nice to simply receive and enjoy the music. Instead of having any other musicians join her, the concert was simple and very authentic with her solo voice. The next day, I looked at her new CD a little more closely. To my amazement, I play guitar on a couple of tracks. It is no wonder why I felt so familiar with the music. It would be a joy to have Siri do a concert at some point here at Our Savior’s.

The music that both Siri and I write are often prayers. One of my favorite spiritual practices is truly singing my heart out to God or listening to the music and prayers of others. This often is re-centering and renewing. This week, I encourage you to enjoy music that speaks to your soul. This can be such a holy encounter with God. May a time of worship allow you to bask in God’s grace and love.

Wednesday, February 8, 2023

 Message: Pastor Karna Moskalik

5:00 pm Supper

Menu: Chicken Wild Rice Hot Dish and Salad

5:30 PM Worship (CLC)

6:10 pm Faith Formation

6:10 pm Youth Group Evolve (Gr. 7-9)

7:00 pm Confirmation

7:00 pm Kingdom Choir

Sunday, February 12, 2023

Message: Pastor Karna Moskalik

8:00 AM (Sanctuary)

Traditional Worship

Special Music: JuBellate

9:00 AM (Online)

Blended Worship

Special Music: Kingdom Choir

9:15 am Faith Formation

9:15 am Time for Parents

10:30 AM (CLC)

Contemporary Worship

Worship Leaders: Praise Team

11:45 am Youth Group Evolve (Gr. 7-9)

4:00 pm Youth Group Activate (Gr. 10-12)

7:30 pm AA

 Online services found at

www.oslcstillwater.org 

Missed a Live streamed service? 

Watch it later from our website under

"Sermons"

8:00 AM Sunday Morning Volunteers

Volunteers are needed to greet, read, usher, assist with communion, make/serve coffee & provide treats. If interested, please sign-up from the church website under "What's Happening" or just click HERE.

Announcements

Graduate Connection -- Cookies Needed!

Homemade cookies are needed for the care packages that will be mailed to Our Savior's most recent high school graduates on February 21. Cookies are requested to be brought to the church kitchen by Monday, February 20. If you are able/willing to make some cookies, please let Nancy Fjestad (njfjestad@hotmail.com) know. There will be 25 care packages sent this year so lots of cookies are needed. Seven bakers making 3 dozen each will cover them all nicely. Please, no peanuts/nuts in any of the cookies. Thank you in advance.

Son-shine Club

If you are looking for a “behind the scenes” volunteer opportunity where you can make a positive difference in someone’s life, this is it! The “Son-shine Club” is looking for volunteers to join us for the April 2023-March 2024 season.

On behalf of the church, we share God’s love and light, and offer words of support and encouragement as we send cards during the year to our church family and friends who may not be able to join us in church anymore. We are part of the Health & Caring Ministry Team. If you might be interested, please contact Cindy Gackle at cgackle@enventis.net, or call: 612-751-7921. Information is also available on the church website:

Son-shine Club – Our Savior's Lutheran Church. Thank you.

High School Scholarship Update

Thank you to all who donated towards 3 scholarships for graduating high school seniors this year. Our goal has been met so we have taken down the online donation link and we will begin assembling the scholarship task force and do a formal call for applications. Your generous gifts are greatly appreciated.

Gratitude Containers

Gratitude containers will be given to any member of Our Savior’s that would like to pick one up. The women’s team will have them in the Gathering Area on February 12.  Each year members of OSLC use these containers to drop in a coin (or a bill) when they are feeling grateful for things happening in their lives. The filled containers are collected in November and the dollars are given to a charitable organization.

Staff Opening: Part-Time Evening Custodian

Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Stillwater, MN is seeking a Part-Time Evening Custodian for our church community to work approximately 15 hours/week. Job description posted at:

https://oslcstillwater.org/employment-openings

Interested candidates should forward their resume to karna@oslcstillwater.org

Children & Family Ministry

Camp Wapo Registration

WAPO registrations have been coming in since January 15. Camp Wapo will only hold our OSLC camper spots through February 15. OSLC dates are Seeds: June 23-25 and Youth: June 25-30. To sign-up, please use this link: http://lwlbci.com/os-stillwater Please sign up by February 15. Deposits need to be made to hold an OSLC spot.

VBS Decorating Supplies Needed!

Our theme this year is Stellar and it is about space and shining Jesus’ light! Contact Darla at darla@oslcstillwater.org if you have the following to donate for our VBS decorating or anything space related:

• Canvas tarps
• Bottle caps - various sizes
• PVC pipe
• Astronaut costumes or accessories

First Communion Class

At Our Savior's, we have empowered parents to decide when their child is ready to receive instruction to receive Holy Communion.

Who: 1st - 6th graders and a parent / guardian

Date: Tuesday, March 28 from 6-8 pm (eat before you come)

What to bring: Your Bible

RSVP by March 12: (go to https://oslcstillwater.org under “What’s Happening”) or CLICK HERE

Contact Darla if you need sibling care so we can make arrangements. Children will receive their First Communion in worship on Sunday, April 2 at either the 8:00 or 10:30 am service or Thursday, April 6, at 6:30 pm. Choose the service which works best for your family.

Valley Outreach -- Faith Formation Mission Project

Thank you to those who donated personal hygiene items for Valley Outreach! The last day to drop items off in the Gathering Area will be Sunday, January 12. Thank you for your generous donations for those in need.

Note: Items being collected include shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrushes, body wash or soap, deodorant, and feminine hygiene products. Please put items in or by the bin in the Gathering Area.

Preschool Playday

Our next preschool playday is Friday, February 24, from 9-10:30 am. All are welcome to join for activities, fellowship and fun! Snack will be served. All parents, grandparents and friends from the community are welcome to come with their kiddos.

Easter Celebration 2023

LADC and OSLC families, please join us for an Easter Celebration on Saturday, April 1, 2023 from 10-11:30 am in the CLC. We will enjoy fun Easter activities, snack and pictures with the Easter Bunny! Kids will receive a goody bag too! Please sign up by March 18 so we have enough supplies for everyone! Register NOW!

Guatemala Update

IGLESIA LUTERANA AGUSTINA SAN JUAN BAUTISTA CASERÍO ZACULEU, LA LIBERTAD, PETÉN.

November, 2022

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ from Nuestro Salvador Stillwater Cristo Rey in Minnesota, we send greetings, wishing you success in your daily work.

1. We wish that peace remains with each one of your families and homes, and that God fullfiles you with blessings, knowing that we all have you present in our prayers.

2. We thank ILAG for the support that they have provided to our congregation, especially Pastor Karen and the pastoral team, as well we want to thank you, our brothers and sisters in Christ, for the support you have given us in order for our activities to continue here in Guatemala.

3. We would like to share that after struggling with some health issues, Pedro Angel Martin Chamán Choc past away two months after his surgeries, his parents and us as members of the church thank everyone who stood by this family despite de grieve and absence of Angelito, his parents remain strong in faith with Jesus Christ.

4. Brothers and sisters in Christ, thank you for the economic support that you have provided us regarding the electric power project, according to Pastor Karen’s report, funds are available from you and all of us here in the community are very thankful, we would like to let you know that from now on we are going to start coordinating this project in DEORSA or ENERGUATE (this are the electricity companies) in Santa Elena Petén.

5. Our hopes are that by the end of this year this project has concluded.

6. The citric plants that we planted have been growing little by little, because the red ants have been slowing the growing process.

7. We have been experiencing a critical moment, because of the rain and in the region there has been a lack of corn and the basic grains are expensive.

8. We are very thankful with all of you, may God bless you and we will be waiting for your next visit if God allows it. Here in the community we haven't had deaths by COVID-19, God has protected us.

Sincerely:

The members of Iglesia Luterana Agustina San Juan Bautista.

La libertad, Petén

Parish Nurse

Stay and Pray

Volunteers are available after each service to pray for you! Share any prayer concerns or praises you have during a few minutes of private prayer. After 8 am and Wednesday evening services meet in the nurse's office, after 10:30 am service meet in the Fireside room.

Note: Volunteers are still needed for Stay and Pray, especially after our Wednesday Evening services. If you are interested in sharing the gift of prayer with others at Our Savior’s, contact Rachel Sass at nurse@oslcstillwater.org

Blood Pressure

Blood Pressure Checks are available at church! The third Sunday of the month between services, or upon request. If your blood pressure is elevated, there are things you can do about it! The following are a few tips; for more details talk to your provider, or to Rachel Sass (nurse@oslcstillwater.org). 

  * Eat a well-balanced diet that is low in salt

  * Limit alcohol

  * Enjoy regular physical activity

  * Manage stress

  * Maintain a healthy weight

  * Quit smoking

  * Take your medications properly

  * Work together with your doctor

       American Heart Association (www.heart.org)