The world is hurting, and I think we're all feeling weary with everything going on. From natural disasters to discouraging news from dear ones, there is much that causes us to utter the words, “Lord, in your mercy.” Scripture is no exception either. It's filled with disasters, exile, and bad news. And throughout it, God's people responded to bad news in prayer called lament. We return to laments because they often give us words when it feels like our words are not enough. Laments often follow a format to address God and bring our grievances in front of God. For example, Psalm 13:

Address God: How long, O Lord? …

Bring your complaint: How long must I bear pain in my soul, and have sorry in my heart all day long?

Ask for help: Consider and answer me, O Lord my God!

Remember who God is: But I trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.

Praise: I will sing to the Lord, because God has dealt bountifully with me.

When we approach God in our anguish, it centers and reminds us that God is with us. When we know God is with us, we can respond praise for all that God has done and promises to make complete. Because God is with us, we are empowered to respond to the world’s aches and pains. Perhaps today is the day you need permission to turn off the news or engage in life-giving activity or stillness. Go, rest in God’s Word. I invite you to write or speak your own lament to the God who can hold it.

Perhaps God will speak to you ways to be a part of God’s loving purpose for the world. It could be your time to connect with a friend, journal, learn about the causes of strife in the world, or support organizations who are on the ground working to make the world safer and more whole.

READ THE FULL REFLECTION HERE.

This past weekend Our Saviour's started offering it's 10:30 am service at the Our Saviour's Campus. So wonderful to see so many in attendance.

You may have also notice the return of bulletins this past weekend at the Our Saviour's Campus! Not only were there paper copies available, but you can also access on your phone via a QR Code in the Narthax.

Did you miss the latest newsletter? There is also a QR Code in lobby & in the announcement slides to access all the latest information and links!

The first High School hangout of the school year! The next high school hangout will be September 18.

RSVP Here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0C4DA4AF23A1FE3-high7

Congratulations to Linsay and Curtis Pozzie and proud grandma Nancy Blash!

The teachers and office administrative staff are hard at work getting ready for the start of school!

Wonderful to see the Prayer Shawl Team together last week! Thank you for sharing your talent and for the love you put into each prayer shawl!

"The 2021 wildfire season is devastating the western United States. A prolonged drought and extreme heat waves are causing wildfires to spread rapidly, which makes them difficult to contain. California is currently the hardest-hit state — the Dixie Fire, in Northern California, is already the second largest wildfire in the state’s history, having burned over 505,000 acres. Tens of thousands of people are under evacuation orders, and hundreds of buildings have been destroyed.

The fires are not limited to California; more than 100 wildfires are now burning throughout 15 states. Smoke from these fires is carried across the country, a sign of the far-reaching effects of worsening wildfires." - Source: Lutheran Disaster Response

To give to Lutheran Disaster Response to help US Wildfire victims CLICK HERE and select Wildfires in the memo section.

An increasing number of Afghan allies and their families are arriving to the United States.

Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services (LIRS) has created a Neighbors in Need: Afghan Allies Fund that will will provide food, housing assistance, clothing, and other basic needs for our Afghan friends as they await the official services available to them.

To donate to the Neighbors in Need: Afghan Allies Fund through Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services (LIRS) CLICK HERE.

Interested in learning more about volunteering on the Tech Team? Contact Chris Brown at chrisbrown@oursaviours.com.

Aligning with the CDC guidelines it is recommended that everyone who will be attending Our Saviour's worship or other indoor gatherings at either of the campus buildings wears a mask.

The Church Front Office hours at the Our Saviour's Campus

Monday - Thursday: 9 am - 3pm

Friday: 9 am - 12 pm

Jesus' greatest hits can be found in the Sermon on the Mount. Filled with teaching, challenge, and some of the most well-known Bible verses, the Sermon on the Mount shows us how to live into and live out of the Kingdom of Heaven. Join us as we delve into this important Scripture from the book of Matthew.

For more information on Dialogues in Faith click HERE.

Wednesday, September 8 - Wednesday, April 13 (7:00 pm - 8:30 pm), Our Saviour's Campus

CARE Moms (College Age Requires Embracing) was founded to help both students and moms make the transition to college a bit easier. CARE Moms is a small, quiet but steady and consistent ministry that serves to remind our young adults that their church home is thinking of them, praying for them, and cheering them in all of their endeavors, whether they remain in Naperville or travel somewhere around the country. We send tangible messages that God is with them and for them -- no matter what! There is nothing required of them; it is a simple link to our community.

Moms meet monthly on the second Wednesday of the month to receive an extra bit of love, support, reassurance, and fellowship.

Cost per student: $25

The first Men’s Ministry Gathering will be on Saturday, September 11, 2021 at 8:00 am for Mini Golf. We will set up in the Our Saviour’s parking lot if the weather is nice, or in the Fellowship Hall if it rains. We will have a devotion, and will allow plenty of time for fellowship and putting. Bring your own golf ball, putter, and folding chair.

 If you want to design one of the holes, please contact Dan Zollner. In addition to low score (senior and junior divisions), there will be an award for best design (won by Pastor John last year).

To kick-off the new year of Women’s Ministry, a Fall Sign making party will bring us together and provide for a great time (sign will look similar to photo). No crafting experience necessary!

Registration Coming Soon!

We are gearing up for another fabulous year of Sunday School, Surge, and Ignition! These ministries rely on volunteers on a weekly, monthly, and occasional basis. We are looking for a wide variety of volunteer positions to be filled.

Contact Stephanie Engel at stephanieengel@oursaviours.com for more information or if you are interested in volunteering.

Registration is now open for Children and Youth Ministry and Choirs!

This includes:

Youth Ministry Parent Open House happening on August 29, 12:00-1:00 pm, Our Saviour’s Campus, Fellowship.

Turn in Medical Forms and have your questions for the 2021-2022 year answered!

Altar Guild is still looking for a few volunteers for the 10:30 services that will be restarting back up on August 22. If you are interested in helping, please contact Deb Collander at 630-369-1832 (home phone), 630-738-1832 (cell phone), or email at debcollander@gmail.com.

Our Saviour's is looking for team oriented, proactive, interpersonal, flexible and growth oriented individuals to join our staff team.

Full-Time Facilities Manager, click here for more details.

Interim Part-Time Children's Ministry Coordinator. We're excited for Kim Walker and family as they prepare to welcome a new baby boy in mid-August! We are currently looking for candidates for the Interim Children's Ministry Coordinator position from August-November. Click here for more details.

Part-Time Nursery Attendant, click here for more details.

Part-Time Children's Choir Director, click here for more details.

Bright Stars of Bethlehem’s Virtual Celebration of Hope Unlocked is going to be an event to remember! Mark your calendars for September 18th for Bright Stars of Bethlehem’s national virtual fundraising event.

We’ll feature inspiring Palestinian students sharing the hope and creative resistance they’ve demonstrated throughout this year. We invite you to join us for a night of excitement, opportunity, and moments to stand together to #UnlockHope for the next generation of creative Palestinian leaders.

Register at: t.ly/bvE2