MAY, 2018 PASTOR S COR NER

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1 OUR SAVIOUR S LUTHERAN CHURCH 1524 WEST MAIN, DURANT, OK MAY, 2018 O u S a v i i o u r s L u t h e r a n C h u r c PASTOR S COR NER Then Jesus said, There was man who had two sons. Luke 15:11 The above text is the beginning of the Prodigal Son story. We just returned from the 2018 Synod/Mission Area assembly held in Temple Texas and our bible study leader this past weekend, The Rev. Dr. Mandy Brobst-Renaud, used this text to push us about how we tell, think about, and receive stories in our lives. Probably because she wrote her dissertation on the text! There was man who had two sons And then we are off to the races in our mind, wondering how this story is going to end. It is an archetypal story found all throughout the biblical witness and even the secular witness. The Jewish people of the first century upon hearing those words would already be ready for something not going to go very well, at least at the beginning of the story. The Bible study theme was how story shapes us and continues to push us into new and unknown places, and that our God is one who crosses the threshold for both the younger son (rule breaker) by running out to him and the older son (rule follower) who refuses to join in the party. This is a different understanding that the Greek secular culture had of this type of story. They would expect the younger son not to change and the older son to get some justice. But - our God shows us a different way. We cross the boundaries and thresholds and go out to both alike and the story is open ended. There are so many ways to process this story that it still has power to transform today. There was a man who had two sons While there were some things that I could take issue with on the presenter s understanding of this very popular story from Luke, I am particularly struck by the power of this story and the history of how it has shaped who we are both individually and systemically. Just before we left for assembly I received a call from Erie Pennsylvania and of course I had to decide if I was going to answer it or not since the story we immediately have in our mind is that it is a telemarketer. I decided to pick up because I was going to mess with and have some fun with whoever was on the other end of the line. To my surprise, it was a Lutheran pastor from that area, who was contacting me because he had a former parishioner who was now living in Atoka, and this particular person is not doing very well health wise, and was requesting communion from a Lutheran pastor. Long story short, (no pun intended), I made a contact with this person in Atoka and in the course of our initial conversation I innocently asked how he found himself in Atoka from Erie and for the next hour and a half I listened to his very deliberate story. This story had many mundane and yet some very profound moments and it was the story of his adult life up until now and what a privilege it was to hear that story. We, here at Our Saviour s Lutheran, have a story of GRACE and sometimes it is mundane and sometimes it is profound and sometimes there are moments that GRACE seems to be hidden from us but it is our GRACE (continued on page 3, pastor s corner)

2 P A G E 2 O U R S A V I O U R S N E W S Church council notes Our Saviour s Lutheran Church Council Meeting Minutes Sunday, April 21, 2018 In attendance: Brandon Burnette, Gary Hicks, Paige Poppe, Rade Radasinovich, Sarah Weissenbuehler, Pastor Jeff Corson, Kathleen Burnette (guest) Absent: Robin Bell President Rade Radasinovich called the meeting to order at 11:10 am.. Pastor Corson opened the meeting with a reading from Exodus 4 and prayer. Minutes of the March 11, 2018 regular meeting of the Council and the March 31, 2018 financial reports were presented. Brandon moved to approve the minutes and financial report as presented; second by Gary; motion passed. Committee Reports were presented by the following representatives: Brandon (Fellowship) The April 13th Bad Luck Party (game night) hosted by the Slices was enjoyed by ten attendees. The Lambs are planning to host a Pool Party on June 9 th. Additionally, Steve Remshardt approached Brandon concerning the removal of downed limbs on the church property. Kevin Kusch had a conversation about this project with Pr. Jeff. Pastor will put Kevin in touch with Steve to set a workday for this project and together they will call for assistance from congregational members who would be willing to assist. Martha (Secretary) Martha read thank you notes from the following: Oak Ridge Manor (for last December s Angel Tree collection of gifts for residents who have no family and do not receive gifts at Christmastime); Eli Nicholes and students from Des Moines, Iowa (for their overnight, stay at OSLC during their alternative spring break trip); and The SE Wesley Campus Ministry (for a monetary donation from Women of the ELCA and for hosting a Thursday Student Lunch last Fall semester). Sarah (Education) The Sunday morning Christian Education class continues their study of Mark. Last Sunday s (April 15) Family Faith Formation, Well, well. What have we here? was enjoyed by all with the construction of a well in the Fellowship Hall. The last FFF for this term will be held on May 20 with the Celebration of Baptism. A summer program is in the planning stages with possible off campus trips and tours of local service centers. Paige (Worship) Paige presented an overview of the Lenten/Holy Week/Easter services. The Easter service with the SE Ombo Combo jazz ensemble was exciting and joyful. Planning at the May 16 meeting of the Worship Committee will center on Pentecost and summer services. April 29 th Pr. Jeff will be attending the NT-NL Synod Assembly in Temple, Texas, along with Paige Poppe and Martha Landua as delegates and Sarah Weissenbuehler as a guest. Rhonda Collier will preside during OSLC s service and Holy Communion (with possible assistance by Skip Lamb) and Brady Fox will give the sermon. Gary (Stewardship) New teams led by Shanetha Collier/Paige Poppe and Larisa Comer/Kevin Kusch are working smoothly. Robin (Ministries) no report Pastor Jeff Pastor presented his March report. He pointed out in particular the notation in his report concerning the Light of Hope Homeless Shelter. He has agreed to participate on the Board of this newly forming organization, which is excited about attempting to combine several small organizations in the area into one larger organization in order to pool their resources to garner support for a shelter/program for the homeless in Durant and surrounding area. Pr. Jeff announced that the ALICE (Alert Lockdown Inform Counter Evacuate) training will be organized and scheduled after his class comes to a close at the end of this semester. (continued on page 3, church council notes)

3 M A Y, P A G E 3 CHURCH COUNCIL NOTES CONTINUED Other Business: A change to the language of Bylaw C that was approved by the Council at the March 11 th meeting was presented to reflect that the Council will appoint at their first meeting after election and seating of the new Council any one of the duly elected members of the Council to the position of Vice-President for a one year term. Sarah moved that Bylaw C be so changed and submitted to the Congregation for a vote; second by Brandon; motion passed. New Business: After discussion the Council decided to announce on Sundays, April 22 and April 29 that a Special Called Meeting of the Congregation be held on May 6, 2018, for the purpose of presenting and voting on this proposed change to Bylaw C Beginning in JUNE (and until further notice) the Council will plan to meet in regular session on the SECOND Sunday of each month AFTER FELLOWSHIP in order that the current monthly financial reports are available. (During the March 2018 Council meeting it was decided that there will be no Council meeting in July.) Paige moved to adjourn the meeting at approximately 11:50 am; second by Gary; motion passed. The Council enjoyed a meal provided primarily by Rade then gathered in Retreat led by Pastor Jeff until 3:10 pm. Respectfully submitted, Martha Landua, Congregational Secretary The next meeting of the Church Council will be on May 6, 2018 following Worship service. PASTOR S CORNER CONTINUED story and what a privilege it is to tell that story of GRACE and how it has shaped this community in Durant, Oklahoma. It is my hope and prayer that we keep on telling the story of GRACE in this place through worship, prayer, study, mission, and fellowship. There was a man who had two sons See you in Church, Pastor Jeff PENTECOST IS MAY 20TH! A Pentecost Prayer May the Holy Spirit, who set the Church on fire upon the Day of Pentecost, bring the world alive with the love of the risen Christ. - The Anglican Digest HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAY 3 Eran Gray 4 Josh Nannestad 7 Shannon Phelps 14 Mary Slice 17 Charlee Bell 18 Rhonda Collier 25 Kristine Martin 26 Jessica Corbin 27 Don Grube 29 Isaac Lamb 29 Nate Lamb HAPPY ANNIVERSARY MAY 25 Larisa & Chris Comer SPECIAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING WHEN: MAY 6, 2018 TIME: IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING WORHIP PURPOSE: TO VOTE ON A PROPOSED CHANGE BY THE CHURCH COUN- CIL TO OSLC BYLAW C REASON: TO CHANGE HOW THE OSLC VICE PRESIDENT IS SELECTED. PROPOSED CHANGE IS POSTED ON THE CHURCH BULLETIN BOARDS.

4 P A G E 4 O U R S A V I O U R S N E W S SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS COME ONE! COME ALL! Join us on May 20 after worship for our final Family Faith Formation this spring! In addition to learning about baptism, we will revisit the previous Biblical water stories and will hopefully have a chance to do some of our favorite activities again! It will be a water extravaganza! Well, at least we will have a good time and remember the stories we have already explored this year. Check out the well in the fellowship hall that was built to help us learn about the story of Jesus meeting the woman of Samaria at the well. The well is amazing and is covered in many of our Biblical texts that involve water. (I just think the well is pretty cool and you should check it out! While you are at it, read the story in John 4 again of Jesus interactions with the woman of Samaria and ponder how Jesus being the Living Water impacts our lives.) If you have not had the opportunity to attend Family Faith Formation, May 20 is your chance! As always, there will be a light luncheon after church followed by song, story, and activities! The adult Sunday School class continues study of the Gospel of Mark Sunday mornings at 9:30. Join us any time! The class will take a break for the summer with the final class this spring on May 20. Summer opportunities for Christian education have not been finalized so stay tuned! If you are unable to attend our formal educational offerings, remember that personal daily devotion and prayer, Bible reading, worship attendance, and theological study are always options! Pastor Jeff can direct you in ways to grow in discipleship and faith whatever your circumstance! May God bless us as we grow in faith together as a Christian community! Sarah Weissenbuehler KIDS IN CHURCH: Six-year-old Angie and her four-year-old brother, Joel, were sitting together in church. Joel giggled, sang, and talked out loud. Finally, his big sister had had enough. You re not supposed to talk out loud in church. Why? Who s going to stop me? Joel asked. Angie pointed to the back of the church and said, See those two men standing by the door? They re hushers. After the christening of his baby brother in church, Jason sobbed all the way home in the back seat of the car. His father asked him three times what was wrong. Finally, the boy replied, That preacher said he wanted us brought up in a Christian home, and I wanted to stay with you. One four-year-old prayed, And forgive us our trash baskets as we forgive those who put trash in our baskets.

5 OUR SAVIOUR S NEWS PAGE 5 Congratulations to our graduates DEVIN FOX Devin will graduate from Southeastern Oklahoma State University on Saturday, May 12th, at the 2 p.m. ceremony in the Bloomer Sullivan Arena and will receive a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Safety and Health degree. Devin is going to work as a Safety Engineer for Hensel Phelps Construction. He will be located in Austin, TX. His first day of work is June 4th. BRADY FOX Brady will graduate from Kingston High School on May 18th at 8 p.m. at the KMAC in Kingston. Brady enlisted with the Army Reserve and leaves for boot camp on June 4th. He will be at Ft. Jackson, South Carolina for boot camp and then Ft. Lee, Virginia for AIT school. Since Brady won t be finished until October with AIT, he will start college in January. He is planning to start at Southeastern Oklahoma State University and then transfer to Texas Lutheran University either Fall of 2019 or 2020 as he can afford it. Brady s current plan is to eventually become an Army Chaplain. We congratulate and wish God s blessings upon both Devin and Brady as they embark on new paths in their lives. Note: We need to keep their mother, Jenny Hale, in our prayers as she adjusts to both boys leaving the nest at the same time. KIDS IN CHURCH: A Sunday School teacher asked her children as they were on the way to church service, And why is it necessary to be quiet in church? One bright little girl replied, Because people are sleeping. CHARLEE BELL invites you to attend the following events she will be in during the month of May and at the OSF Children s Theater. *May 12 After School Program Piano Recital in Montgomery Auditorium at 5 pm *May 16 Last AWANA Party and Awards Fairview Baptist Church at 6 pm *May 19 DSDU DANCE UNLIMITED HOME OF THE STOMPERS Dance Recital at Choctaw Event Center 6 pm *May 21st Girl Scout AWARDS at First United Methodist Church on Hwy 70 at 6 pm June 29 2 pm and 7 pm and July 2pm Children s Theater, OSF play Alice in Wonderland in Montgomery Auditorium Please add to your church directory: Peggy and Kevin Milks Madeline, Colton and Liam 471 Parker Road Mead, OK peggymilks@gmail.com & Carter Moore Allen Road Kingston, OK cartermoore02@gmail.com

6 M A Y, P A G E 6 Pregnancy center baby bottle of bryan county campaign Our Saviour s is once again participating in the annual fund raising Baby Bottle Campaign for the Pregnancy Center of Bryan County. The object is to fill a baby bottle with change from Mother s Day, May 13th through Father s Day on June 17th. Coins, bills and checks are welcomed bottles do not need to be completely filled as any monetary amount is appreciated. Bottles will be available in the church narthex in May. Please write (or print) your name on the list, found on the narthex table next to the empty bottles that you have taken and return the filled bottles to the church by Father s Day, June 17th. If you have any questions, contact Mary Slice. Thank you. CONGRATULATIONS TO BRADY FOX who recently earned the title of Oklahoma Academic Bowl All Stater, He also was one of six who were given a $350 scholarship from the Oklahoma Academic Coaches Association. We re proud of you, Brady! PICNIC/POOL/ICE CREAM SOCIAL AT THE LAMB S Danelle and Skip Lamb invite you to their home on Saturday, June 9th starting at 5 pm for a fun evening of food, fellowship, outdoor games, swimming and other fun. If you want to swim, please bring your suit and towel. Please bring lawn chairs also. The main dish and drinks will be provided but you are asked to bring either a side dish, dessert or homemade (or store bought) ice cream to share. Let s see how many flavors we have to choose from! Yum! Yum! Need directions to the Lamb home? Ask Skip or Danelle. SPEAKING FROM A GRANDMOTHER S POINT OF VIEW HOW TRUE! HAPPY MOTHER S DAY TO ALL MOTHER S, GRANDMOTHER S, AND GREAT GRANDMOTHER S! From Joyful Noiseletter.com. Reprinted with permission of Bil Keene.

7 May 2018 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 9:30 Adult SS 10:30 Worship & Special Congregational Meeting & Council Meeting Meeting MOTHER S DAY 9:30 Adult SS 10:30 Worship & Fellowship Set up tent on east lawn for First United Chairman s Club picnic NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER Eran Gray Chairman s Club picnic on Shannon Phelps ASCENSION DAY Mary Slice 5:30 pm Worship Committee Meeting Charlee Bell Rhonda Collier 9-4 pm Quilters Retreat PENTECOST 9:30 Adult SS 10:30 Worship Noon: FFF Kristine Martin Happy Ann. Larisa & Chris Comer Jessica Corbin 10:30 Worship & Fellowship Don Grube MEMORIAL DAY Isaac Lamb & Nate Lamb

8 OUR SAVIOUR S LUTHERAN CHURCH 1524 West Main Street Durant, OK MAY, 2018 OUR SAVIOUR S NEWS PENTECOST MAY 13, 2018 MAY 20, 2018

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