Tuesday, January 5, 2021
Meditation Moment
 
From the Pastor ....
    
“No eye has seen, nor ear has heard, nor human heart conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.” 
 (1 Corinthians 2:9)
Seeing the world with wonder is always a refreshing experience. Children are so great at possessing “beginner’s eyes.” Everything is new. Curiosity piques their interests in trying to make sense of the world. Ten years ago, I had an experience in which the world became new and fresh again. Let me explain.

Prior to 2011, I dreaded winter. It is cold, dark and dreary. Scraping ice off of a car is not ideal. Driving through a blizzard is terrifying. For kids, winter is often a joy. Every time it snows, children do happy dances at the thought of a “snow day.” (Perhaps post-pandemic someday there will never be such a thing as a “snow day,” anymore, but rather prayers for internet shut-downs.) Children learn to play in the snow and create a whole new world of snow people, forts, ice skating, hockey etc.
In 2011, friends from the gym introduced me to cross country skiing. Channeling my “inner Nordic heritage,” I found this to be an incredible pastime in the winter. I now see winter as a joyful experience. Snow is a friend again as I’ve learned how to “play” via getting fresh air and skiing. So, to my sheer delight, I discovered last week that a few houses down from our home in Settler’s Glen there are paved ski trails. The natural hiking paths, near the Brown’s creek trail, now snow-covered, are groomed in the winter for cross country skiing.

While the world is in a slow process of healing in the midst of a pandemic, I find that getting fresh air and outdoor activity fills my heart with praise and wonder. I also began to see hockey rinks in backyards, kids enjoying sledding, and others walking dogs on the paths. As I ski into the woods and hear the birds chirp, my heart begins to pray without ceasing. I find awe in our Creator God. The discovery of these trails feels much like the Chronicles of Narnia children stumbling into a new world awaiting past the wardrobe. This is a world of wonder and beauty. As the hymn sings, “This is my Father’s World.”

There is always hope and God is the great healer. So in this new year, may you find moments of peace and stillness. May you re-discover again that God is with us in all seasons of life. May you trust that God has a great path for you in this journey of life. May you not be afraid and know that Jesus is our faithful friend.
Faithfully ~ Pastor Karna

This Week at Worship


WORSHIP SCHEDULE


January 10, 2021 at 9:00 AM (online) 
Message: Pastor Karna Moskalik 
Special Music: Marlene Lentz


The Story Bible Study at 10:00 am 
Join Zoom Meeting


Online services found on Facebook or at
 
Missed a Live streamed service? 
Watch it later from our website under

Valley Access Schedule for OSLC Services
 
The time for Our Savior's Lutheran worship services to be shown on Valley Access are:
 
  • Friday -- 3pm, 9pm
  • Saturday -- 3am, 9am
  • Sunday -- 7pm
  • Monday -- 7am
OSLC Board Update
Meeting for OSLC 2021 Proposed Budget

On Wednesday, January 6, at 7:00 pm the OSLC Board will be holding a 2021 Proposed Budget Update for the congregation via zoom.

Topic: Budget Meeting
Time: Jan 6, 2021 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
 
Join Zoom Meeting
 
Meeting ID: 833 2995 5103
Passcode: 969282

Please plan to join us!

Chris Buse, Treasurer
OSLC Annual Meeting

Our annual meeting will be held via Zoom on Sunday, January 24, at 10:00 am. Please plan to attend to hear about what's going on at Our Savior's and to vote on important measures for 2021.

Topic: Annual Meeting
Time: Jan 24, 2021 10:00 AM Central Time (US and Canada)
 
Join Zoom Meeting
 
Meeting ID: 824 7517 1543
Passcode: 420703
Drive Up Communion, Annual Report, Offering Envelopes

On Sunday, January 17 from 11:00 am - noon, people can drive through the OSLC circle round at the main entrance to receive communion, a printed copy of the annual report and/or offering envelopes.

Additional Notes:
  1. The annual report will also be posted on our website beginning January 17, 2021.
  2. Offering envelopes can also be picked up during the week between 9 am - 1:00 pm. Just call Andy Peterson, OSLC Faciltiy Tech, at 651-703-2509 and he will let you into the building to pick up a pack of envelopes for 2021.
Announcements
Girls Time Out - Yogadevotion

The Friday, January 8, 2021 Girls Time Out Epiphany Yogadevotion with Pastor Cindy Senarighi has been cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Although we aren’t able to meet in person, we can carry on with the Epiphany Star Word tradition.
For those who haven’t been able to join us in the past, an Epiphany Star Word is simply a meditation and reflection word to live with for the following year. The word is printed on a paper or cardboard star and is traditionally given at random; however, you can make your own. Consider centering yourself in prayer and seek God’s direction in selecting a word; or, select a word at random. Within the next year, ponder what significance this word might have in your life, and how God might be speaking to you about the idea or concept that’s carried in a simple one-word message.
For those who are interested, Pastor Cindy will be leading a virtual Epiphany Yogadevotion experience with a meditation on Wednesday, January 6th at 7 pm. 

Here’s the link to the website event:

We wish you all a healthy and meaningful new year, and we look forward to seeing you in 2021! 
Times and links for "The Story Bible Studies"


The Story Bible Study sessions will resume beginning this Sunday,
January 10. We will pick up on Chapter 9, the story of Ruth.

Meeting times via Zoom are:

Sunday January 10 at 10 AM
Meeting ID: 836 8598 3451
Passcode: 445362

Wednesday, January 13 at 10 AM
Meeting ID: 885 6134 1573
Passcode 396795

Wednesday, January 13 at 6:30 PM
Meeting ID: 884 3321 7362
Passcode 399686
Care of Creation Tip
In gratitude, caring for God's Air, Water, and Land

Bubble, Bubble, Use It Double
Did you shop from home for Christmas and end up with bubble wrap and air bags from the boxes that were delivered? You have one recycle and two reuse options.
 
  1. Most stores that offer packing and shipping services will gladly take and reuse your air-filled packing materials.
  2. If you cut off one edge of the strip of bubble packs to let the air out, you'll get a roll of plastic bags you can reuse.
  3. If you deflate the plastic air bubbles (have fun popping the bubble wrap), you can recycle them with plastic bags at the Washington County Environmental Center.
 
A lot of "just one persons" working together can accomplish mighty things. ~ A message from your OSLC Care of Creation team.
2021 Altar Flowers

If you are interested in sponsoring altar flowers in 2021, please contact Kathy Newton at info@oslcstillwater.org. The cost is $35.00 and payment is due when you request a date for flowers. Please mail payment to OSLC with "Altar Flowers" in the memo line. Thank you!
Children & Family Ministry
Meal Train

The Jackson's new baby Devyn has arrived! Please see the meal train if you are interested in providing a meal for their family.

Prayer
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 Karna Moskalik with any of your needs.
Board Updates
 
To view church board minutes, please Click Here!
Giving Opportunities

Hassle Free, Secure Online Giving

By registering on the Our Savior's Giving Page, downloading the GivePlus+ mobile app, or texting 833-970-0714, you can make a one-time gift or set up a donation that will process automatically on a recurring basis. Recurring donations are convenient for you and provide our church with much needed consistent support throughout the year. We work with Vanco Payment Solutions to provide you a secure platform to manage your giving.
Giving is not a debt you owe; it is a seed you sow." -Unknown  
Our Savior's Lutheran Church | 1616 W Olive St Stillwater, MN 55082 
info@oslcstillwater.org | 651-439-5704