Worship on Sunday, October 24^th

“Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord.” James 5:14

During worship on October 24^th, there will be an opportunity to engage in a healing ritual. If not for the pandemic, Pastor Sue would invite people to come forward for anointing with oil; however, this will not be an option. Instead, everyone is asked to bring a small amount of oil or lotion which members of a family can use to anoint one another or which people can use to anoint themselves. Travel size containers of lotion would work well. People who are watching worship via live-stream are encouraged to have lotion or oil handy for their use.

Let us pray for one another and for all who are ill.

Reformation Sunday - October 31 - Wear Red!

Join us after service in the Fireside Room or via Zoom for the October Fellowship Forum. We will celebrate October birthdays, share what's happening at Our Savior's and receive an update on the Transition Process.

October Fellowship Forum - Oct 24, 2021 10:30 AM Pacific Time

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 842 9799 1899

Passcode: 198599

Council met last night and decided to continue to observe the protocols we have been following for worship services – every other row will remain roped off, within rows keep distance between family units, keep masks on indoors, and no congregational singing. A "COVID Precaution Team" is being formed to stay on top of the ever changing information and status of the virus situation. This Team will keep Council informed of any changes. As the situation changes, Council will modify protocols as recommended.  Thank you for your continued patience.

Offering Envelopes for 2022 will be available in December. Please let the church office know if you no longer need envelopes or if you would like envelopes.

Last week, I mentioned the Transition Team. We will soon be entering the process to form the Transition Team; I will say more about that process next week. This week I want to outline how the Transition Team will be different from the Call Committee.

The Transition Team lays the foundation for the work of the Call Committee. The work of the Transition Team will enable the Call Committee to be instantly prepared to begin the work of receiving names of candidates from the synod; but the Call Committee will not be formed for a few months.

The Transition Team’s work will involve connecting with as many members of the congregation as possible in the quest to define the identity, context, and purpose of the congregation. They will shape specific questions to help you reflect and discuss different aspects of these things. They will plan and lead events that will help you share your thoughts, ideas, concerns, dreams; and help you listen to one another. They will give you feedback and seek to understand more deeply what you share with them. I will act as the coach and guide to help the Transition Team.

The Call Committee has to work differently. They must maintain the confidentiality of the candidates who they will be considering. They will be able to give very general information, such as: “The bishop has given us some names.” “We have some interviews scheduled.” But nothing more than that until they are ready to recommend a candidate to the council, which will then help arrange a “meet and greet” with the candidate and call a congregational meeting.

So, the two groups work very differently. The Call Committee itself must represent all aspects of the congregation around one table. The Transition Team must connect with all the different categories of people in the congregation. The Transition Team will start slowly in its process to understand and define the congregation more deeply and will involve all of you. The Call Committee will be ready to begin its work immediately, subject only to waiting for names of candidates from the synod. The bishop will work with the Call Committee, I will meet with the Transition Team and be their guide and coach.

Since the Transition Team will seek to connect with all the members of the congregation, it is important that the members of the team have some specific qualities. They need to be good listeners, spiritually wise and discerning, trustworthy, actively connected to at least one part of the life of the congregation. Please note this: I am not asking anyone to volunteer themselves!!! I am asking you to pray. On Sunday, during the Fellowship Forum, we will have the opportunity to speak more about these things. So come, prepared with your questions and I will seek to give answers!

Peace,

The Book Group will not meet this Sunday, October 24, due to the Fellowship Forum. We will resume on Sunday, October 31, with chapter four of the book, "Grounded", by Diana Butler Bass. There are a few books available for anyone who needs one. As usual, newcomers always welcomed.

This is a reminder for tonight's (Oct 21) Region 1 (That's us) Emergency Preparedness event at 6:00 p.m. The ELCA hosts a great Emergency Preparedness online event. They provide a wealth of information and also have drawings for “Go Kits” gear. Go Kits are a self-contained and portable stockpile of emergency supplies.

New to the Disaster Preparedness Network or a repeat participant, we look forward to seeing you!

This month the Evangelism Club and the Emergency Preparedness Team are joining for a special offering. With Halloween falling on Sunday we are taking the opportunity to hand out tiny "Go Kits" that have a bottle of water, a granola bar and an activity booklet. The booklet was created by FEMA and the Red Cross and informs children how to prepare for an emergency. The "Kits" will be in the Narthex on Sunday the 31st. Please take as many as you can pass out. Remember your family and neighbors as well.

The easiest way to watch the Livestream of upcoming services is to go to the OSLC YouTube page and click on the red SUBSCRIBE button. There's no cost, it's free! When new livestream videos begin, you'll receive a notification to click on and enjoy the live service. Recordings of the livestream will be available afterward.