THE OUR GLASS MARCH Page 12. The Newsletter of Our Saviour s Lutheran Church 3009 N. Meade St., Appleton, Wisconsin 54911

Transcription

1 THE OUR GLASS The Newsletter of Our Saviour s Lutheran Church 3009 N. Meade St., Appleton, Wisconsin MARCH 2015 Wednesday Lent Worship: 10:30 am & 6:30 pm through March 25th Palm Sunday (3/29) Worship: 8:00 & 10:30 am Palm Sunday Breakfast from 8:45-10:15 am Sunday School Palm Sunday Easter Egg Hunt Maundy Thursday (4/2) Worship: 10:30 am & 6:30 pm Good Friday (4/3) Worship: Noon & 6:30 pm Easter Sunday (4/5) Worship: 8:00 & 10:30 am Page 12 Cover: Crosses in a street by Rafael Ben-Ari, Old City of Jerusalem, Israel. Copyright Rafael Ben-Ari/ AGE FotoStock/SuperStock. Used by permission through Sundays and Seasons.

2 2 C O N T E N T S & N E W S Our Saviour s Lutheran Church 3009 N. Meade Street Appleton, Wisconsin Rev. Kurt Hoffman Rev. Dee Sim Vision: love God. love others. Mission: gather. grow. go. Phone...(920) Fax...(920) office@oslc-appleton.org Youth youth@oslc-appleton.org Web Site... Office Hours M-F 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Worship Hours Thursday: 6:30 pm Sunday: 8:00 or 10:30 am Highlights From The Pastor s Desk... pg. 2 Lenten Worship Series... pg. 2 News from the Youth... pg. 3 Easter Season Information... pg. 4 Opportunities... pg. 5 Alive & Revive... pg. 5 Caring for Creation... pg. 6 Nefarious Sex Trafficking... pg. 6 Updates... pg. 7 C.S.I.... pg. 7 Council Highlights... pg. 8 & 9 News from FVLH... pg. 9 Church Calendar... pg. 10 Worship Associate Schedule... pg. 11 Tryouts! OSLC Hearing Loop... pg. 12 From the Pastor s Desk... March Greetings to OSLC family and friends, We are in the midst of Lent and gathering for Worship on Wednesdays and Thursdays or Sundays. While participating in worship let us think about how our liturgy for worship is carefully and traditionally planned to enrich our worship experience. Recently I met with the ninth grade confirmation group to teach a class on liturgy and was reminded that our liturgy is all based on scripture and is meant to engage us in the stories and their deeper meanings as we speak and hear the words. For example our Lutheran Book of Worship s Confession and Forgiveness language is found in 1 John 1:8-9 If we say that we have no sin we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 2 Corinthians 13:13 reads The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you. Sound familiar? All throughout the liturgy we hear and speak words from scripture. During Holy Communion the Words of Institution said to bless the elements are from Mark 14, Matthew 26, Luke 22 or 1 Corinthians 11 and the Lord s Prayer is Matthew 6 or Luke 11. I know many of us have wondered why we share the peace during worship and this is one of the areas in which the scripture lesson truly enlightens the words we say from John 20: Jesus said Peace be with you. Then breathing on them said Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any they are retained. We share the peace not only to share physical contact and a kind word with one another, but to let each other know that we have forgiven & been forgiven and the peace we share includes the gift of our being in right relationship with God & one another. While studying the liturgy we also discussed the worship pattern or the order in which the service flows: Gathering, Word, Meal and Sending it occurred to me that this pattern is an extension of our Vision and Mission statements which are: love God. love others. and gather. grow. go. We gather and then grow through hearing the Word and receiving Christ s body and blood. Then we are sent to go into the world showing our love for God and one another. May our continued Worship strengthen our Vision and Mission and may our continued Vision and Mission extend beyond our walls to invite people to experience God s call to Worship as we gather grow and go together. God s Grace and Peace, Pastor Dee Sim A five week Lenten Worship series will take place on Wednesdays, February 25, March 4, 11, 18 & 25 at 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. The themes will be: Baptism Apostles Creed Lord's Prayer 10 Commandments Holy Communion What a wonderful opportunity for a deeper understanding or refresher on the main parts of the Small Catechism we experience so often in Worship!

3 Y O U T H & Y O U N G A D U L T M I N I S T R Y 3 Church Summer Intern (CSI) applications now being accepted. Please see page 7 for more information. Palm Sunday Breakfast March 29th, 8:45-10:15am Come support our mission trip youth, who will be travelling to Toronto, Canada this June! All profits go to mission trip. Youth helpers: Please sign up in narthex to help, and sell tickets before/after worship. All congregation members are invited to donate supplies for the meal. Ticket Prices: Adult (12+): $6 Youth (3-12): $4 Children 3 & under: Free Thank you for your support! GUYS After God s Heart Starts Sunday, March 22nd Youth Game Room, 9:15-10:15am Brian will be leading a high school/young adults men s mentorship group Sundays. Come and get to know Brian and your classmates better and talk about what it means to be a man of God. Periodically we will meet with the Girls for Guys & Girls After God s Heart. Make sense? Simple enough. See you there. Girls After God s Heart Sundays Youth Lounge, 9:15-10:15am All high school girls are invited to join Allie Westerbur for discussion time and encouragement. Bring some coffee and relax! March Confirmation Class Schedule: NO MEALS DURING LENT! Instead, meet n greet time in fellowship hall at 5:45 each night Wednesday, March 4th NO MENTOR NIGHT 7th-9th: Lenten Worship 7th-8th: Romans and Epistles Introduction 9th: Holy Communion Class Wednesday, March 11th 7th-9th: Lenten Worshihp 7th-8th: Corinthians 9th: The Ten Commandments Class Wednesday, March 18th 7th-9th: Lenten Worship 7th-8th: GOD EATS POPCORN (Gal., Eph., Phil., Col.) 9th: Creeds Class Wednesday, March 25th 7th-9th: Lenten Worship 7th-8th: Letters to Timothy, Hebrews, and Non-Pauline Letters 9th: Lord s Prayer Class Wednesday, April 1st NO CONFIRMATION (Holy Week) Pizza. Friends. Free. High School Youth The Pizza Ranch, Darboy March 1 & 15 6:30-8:30pm Toronto Mission Trip Meeting Wednesday, March 4th 7:35pm in Fellowship Hall Bring your calendars! Above: QUAKE Youth in Sheboygan, January

4 4 E A S T E R S E A S O N A T O S L C Decorate Our Saviour s for Easter There are two ways you can participate: 1. Purchase a plant in honor, in memory, or in celebration. Easter Lilies, Hyacinth and Tulips are available for $10.00 each. Payment envelopes are available next to the sign-up sheet on the bulletin board in the Fellowship Hall. Turn form in by Sun., March 29 to have it printed in the Easter bulletin. Palm Sunday Eggstravaganza! Calling all Sunday School Students: Join us for a fun Easter Egg hunt and activities! Sunday, March 29 th during the regular SS time. The 2015 OSLC Lenten Offering will benefit the Adult and Youth Mission Trips. Lent is a time of giving and doing charitable work. The mission trip participants reach beyond our community to give of their time & talents to help others in need. Lent Worship Wednesdays through Mar :30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Palm Sunday Worship Mar. 29 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Palm Sunday Breakfast hosted by the youth 8:30 a.m. 10:15 a.m. Maundy Thursday Apr.2 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Good Friday Apr. 3 Noon and 6:30 p.m. Easter Sunday Apr. 5 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. Lily $10 each (quantity) Hyacinth $10 each (quantity) Tulip $10 each (quantity) Donor s Name: In Honor, Celebration, or Memory of: Please make your check payable to OSLC and mark it Easter Flower. Place your order with your check on a desk in the church office. Your flowers may be taken home after 10:30 a.m. Worship on Easter morning or picked up no later than Wednesday, April 8th. 2. Be part of a group to decorate the narthex and sanctuary at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 4th. Just show up! Foot washing Maundy Thursday Worship 10:30am and 6:30pm John 13:5, 12b-15. Then [Jesus] poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciple s feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him... Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord and you are right, for that is what I am. So if I your Lord and Teacher have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do what I have done to you. The past few years we have held a Seder meal as our worship service which has broadened our understanding of the Last Supper and why we celebrate the sacrament of Holy Communion. This year we will include foot washing as part of our 10:30 and 6:30 worship service. Foot washing like our sacraments is something that Jesus told us to do and we will listen to our Lord. The plan is to alternate both of these important celebrations of Maundy Thursday. Therefore Foot washing Worship is this year and next year we will celebrate with the Seder meal again.

5 O P P O R T U N I T I E S The Soul Sisters study group will meet on Monday, March 2nd at 7:00 p.m. at church. Members will continue reflecting on the cups of their lives --- on the importance of moving from: imperfection to wholeness brokenness to healing and sorrow to joy Saturday, March 7th 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Lunch included. Interested in learning more about Our Saviour s... or becoming a member? Plan to attend. Please contact the church office if you will be attending! office@oslc-appleton.org or x0 All members are asked to bring something of theirs that is flawed and yet brings them comfort or has special meaning. It could be stained, faded, torn, broken, frayed, chipped, missing a part, out of shape, wrinkled, or with a hole in it. (Members need not bring a cup this month.) 5 YOU HOLD THE KEY!! Opportunities to Serve Check any and all opportunities that interest you. [ ] Yes, I am interested in teaching Sunday School. [ ] Yes, I am interested in being an Usher, a Communion Assistant or a Coffee Barista. [ ] Yes, I am interested in baking for Sunday morning s coffee hour. [ ] Yes, I am interested in helping the Music Movement and would like to offer my gift(s). Michael Emrick is the champion of the OSLC Faith & Fantasy Football season! Watch for your opportunity in the Fall to join in this fun ministry. Money collected is donated to the charity of the winner s choice. The Men s B,B & B Group will gather on Tuesday, March 3rd at 6pm at Mark s East Side. Contact Sid w/ questions at [ ] Yes, I am interested in attending Alive & Revive. [ ] Yes, I am interested in more information about the adult mission trip. Music Movement 2015 [ ] Yes, I am interested in baking for the pie auction. Do you have a musical gift? Would you like to use it in worship? Contact Katy Sunstrom [ ] Yes, I am interested in coordinating a church cookbook to benefit OSLC technology, especially the hearing loop project. [ ] Yes, I am interested in helping Hey Mom here's something for you! Drop your kids at Sunday School or the Worship Nursery, grab a cup of coffee, and join us for 45 minutes of pure Mom time. We're taking some time for ourselves and you're invited to join in! We're calling our group Mom 2 Mom and we're meeting the third Sunday of each month from 9:15-10:00 (watch for signs about the location) Attend March 15th. The way we see it, no one understands motherhood better than other moms! Let's share ideas, laughs and encouragement while we raise our kids with. Name: Phone: Please return to the church office. For more information call

6 6 C A R I N G F O R C R E A T I O N Nefarious Video Showing Tuesday, April 7th 6:30-9:00pm in the OSLC Sanctuary FREE & open to the community Nefarious is a documentary looking into the world of sex trafficking in America and across the world. The film was produced by Exodus Cry, a Christian non-profit committed to abolishing sex slavery through Christ-centered prevention, intervention, and holistic restoration of trafficking victims. Viewer discretion is advised, and all viewers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult; no admittance under age 14. Please joins us as our church seeks to educate our community and learn how to deal with such a widespread problem. The video will conclude with a very short discussion. Help for the Homeless Collecting through March 15 Look for the HELP FOR THE HOMELESS BIN near BIG BLUE!! We are collecting: Toothpaste, Toothbrushes, OSLC s Prayer Shawl Ministry BASICS is collecting candy, trinkets, stickers, etc. in Big Blue during the month of MARCH for the Easter Eggstrava- A ministry of knitting or crocheting prayer shawls has been a part of OSLC for a couple of years. Prayer shawls are available to the pastors and members of OSLC to give as a gift to those who are ill, have a newborn, or are need in prayers on behalf of the community. They are in a basket in the pastors office to be given as members want to share with those in need. If you are interested in being a part of this ministry, but don t know how to knit or crochet, please join us and learn! We meet the 3 rd Saturday each month in the OSLC church narthex from 9:00-11:00 am. We share patterns, a short devotion and much fellowship. If you have questions, please call Kathy Won t you please take a turn? There are numerous opportunities to take a turn at leading a Sunday School class. Help finish this school year strong. Contact Kara to find out how to sign up!! Thank you!! Team up and make it even more fun! Contact Kara Lendved at or kara@oslc-appleton.org. Pie & Cake Auction (after 8:00 and 10:30 am Worship) Help support the Youth & Adult Mission Trips! Watch for more details! Saturday, March 21st 9:00 11:00 a.m. VBS at OSLC INVEST some vacation time to participate in the OSLC Adult Mission Trip. Your time will show someone in need that they matter and that someone cares. June 13-20, Destination to be determined. Questions? Contact Tim & Deb Hofacker or the church office.

7 U P D A T E S 7 Church Summer Intern CSI, OSLC Set your clocks to Spring ahead. Daylight Saving Time officially begins on Sunday, March 8th at 2:00 a.m. Meeting: Thursday, March 12 at 11:45 am. Program to follow at 12:15 pm. We are now accepting applications for the Church Summer Intern (CSI) position. This is a paid internship open to young adult OSLC members over 18 years of age. Interns walk alongside all church staff, and give special time to youth programming and planning, including the mission trip to Toronto. Applications are due April 5th, and are located in front of the youth bulletin board and on the church website. Watch for details in the announcement sheet... coming soon. Please attend. We have much to discuss. Thank you. Bob Frye Received by Our Saviour s Lutheran Church From Ron & Sue Ernst in memory of Lee Witter Maci Elizabeth Savage Born: Dec. 11, 2014 Baptized: Feb. 1, 2015 Daughter of Michael & Rachel Savage Our prayers and sympathies remain with the families & friends of La Vern Warmbier who was born to eternal life on February 12, 2015 Received by Our Saviour s Lutheran Church For the hearing loop project from Ted & Eileen Landmann, Tom & Marlys Regan, and Janet Ertl in memory of Lorraine Bociek, Jackie Leppla s Mother WANTED: First English Lutheran Church-Oshkosh is seeking a person to become a member of its ministry team as Education Coordinator. This is a full-time position with benefits. The ideal candidate should have a college degree in Education and/or a proven oneself as a qualified Christian leader. This Coordinator administrates a total congregational educational program from Baptism through adulthood. Please submit resume with salary requirements and references to J Schmidt at 1013 Minnesota St., Oshkosh, WI

8 8 C O U N C I L H I G H L I G H T S FEBRUARY 2015 COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS: 1. The Evangelism Committee continues to collect surveys from each household in order that Our Saviour's continues to meet the need of our congregation as well as determine how we can grow. Please pick up a yellow survey from the usher's desk and drop it into the wood box provided. Our Saviour s Lutheran Church Council Minutes January 5, 2015 Present: Jim Pierce, Diane Bezella,, Kris Bougie, Jim Leppla, Elizabeth Panzer, Pastor Kurt Hoffman, Lorna Wulterkens, Mike Stevens, Amy Kiefer, Pastor Dee Sim, Alan Babcock, Pete Bailen, Brian Westerbur and Steve Bartell Absent: Caralyn Karck 1. Opening Prayers & Spiritual Growth: Our meeting opened at 6:45pm with prayers and devotion led by Pastor Dee Sim. Council members shared both blessings as well as prayer requests. 2. Minutes: Minutes from the December 9 th, 2014 council meeting were voted on and approved. 3. Staff and Committee Reports: Written reports are reviewed by council in advance of each council meeting. These reports are on file in the church office. Only issues raised by committee chairs for discussion are recorded in the minutes. Financial Updates: Kris Bougie and Mike Stevens spoke to the Council with regard to our current financial standing. Due to the fact that the annual meeting is scheduled for January 25 th, Kris wanted to update the Council on the latest budget page which would be included in the Annual Report provided to the congregation. Kris and Mike noted that since income for the month of December was approx $85,000.00, there was a $26, payment made to the line of credit bringing it down to $ We had also made a significant payment toward benevolence to the East Central Synod Office in the amount of $11, There was a short discussion about the Endowment Fund and promoting this avenue for giving in Property: Alan Babcock updated the Council on his research with regard to property and liability insurance options. He had been trying to get a quote from our current carrier since last Fall. He has had no response and yet a new carrier was interested in providing options which gave Our Saviour s a lesser cost with additional coverage. There was significant discussion on these points. The Council voted and approved that Alan would again submit an to the current carrier and would complete the transfer to the new insurance carrier by Friday this week if there was no response from the current insurance company. We would then be starting with the new company by Monday the 12 th of January. Evangelism: Amy Kiefer spoke to Council with regard to an upcoming survey which will be provided to all members of the church at the Annual Meeting. Amy reviewed the questions to be presented and council members noted a few changes prior to its printing. 2. Our Church Council continues to need interested people in the areas of both our Safety Committee as well as Long Range Planning. For anyone interested, please contact Jim Pierce at (920) There are two openings for representatives to attend the ECSW Synod Assembly on May 15th-16th at the KI Center in Green Bay. Costs are supported by Our Saviour's and if you are at all interested in attending this conference, please let one of the pastors know. Nominations: Elizabeth Panzer updated the Council on current names and positions that have been filled, noting that Steve Alstad was willing to chair the Personnel committee and Brian Hiltunen was nominated for Vice President in These individuals will be brought to the congregation at the Annual Meeting for vote. Final 2015 Budget Proposal: Jim Pierce spoke to all areas of the budget and discussed its presentation to the congregation on January 25 th at the Annual Meeting. Pastor Kurt and Pastor Dee had significant concerns with regard to changes proposed and made by the Council for those staff covered by health insurance. There was much discussion with regard to remaining with the same health plan and coverage. The increase was estimated at approximately 13% for With an increase in deductable for those electing insurance, the premium increase would then be at a lesser increase of approx 5% for There was then concern and comments as to how this change in deductable would be made up to the staff electing insurance. In the end, Council discussed the very difficult financial year we have had and with this change and many others, we were able to get to a point of bringing our church s spending closer to our income. The Council then voted to increase the 2015 HSA accounts for a single plan election from $ to $ per person to assist, but not cover, the entire difference from a $2000 to $2500 per person deductable. Pastor Kurt noted that upon review of insurance for next year he would like to see a comparison to Portico, the ELCA benefit plan. Both Pastor Dee and Pastor Kurt also asked that they be allowed to designate up to 35% of pastoral income toward their individual housing allowance. Council voted and approved this request. With that, the Council then voted on and approved the 2015 proposed budget to be sent to the congregation for vote on January 25 th, Adjournment: The meeting adjourned after the Lord s Prayer at 8:45 pm. The next council meeting will be held on February 10 th, 2015 at 6:45pm. Respectfully Submitted, Diane Bezella

9 F O X V A L L E Y L U T H E R A N H O M E S MARCH 2015 NEWS The Board, as well as the staff, at Fox Valley Lutheran Homes would like to encourage you to visit the Linwood Place apartments and Commons if you haven t done so. The facilities are remarkable and we need to help get the word out to the seniors, age sixty-two and older in our communities. Please help us do this! As the new Executive Director, I will be visiting a different church each month, trying to personally spread the word about FVLH and invite you to come and see us, volunteer to minister among us, or consider this as a living option for you or someone in your family. We have an active and happy family of tenants here who truly enjoy living here and enjoy the variety of activities and the facility itself. At Fox Valley Lutheran Homes, we can always use volunteers, friendly faces, prayers, and support. This is a ministry of the Appleton Conference of the ELCA. As I come around to visit your churches, I will share the history with your congregations and also share what WE can offer your congregation. I look forward to seeing you as I come to visit! If you are interested in volunteering an hour or two a week, or interested in seeing the facility, call John, our building manager at , or Becky at Your continuing prayers and support keep our ministry here at FVLH alive! Becky Luett, AIM, Executive Director Steps to Avoiding Scams Fox Valley Lutheran Homes Linwood Commons 425 N Linwood Appleton March 2, AM 9 Fox Valley Lutheran Homes is sponsoring a program especially for seniors. Home Helpers will present information regarding scams which are focused toward senior citizens. This program is free of charge and no financial products will be sold. You can discover: The 10 most popular scams targeting seniors 8 ways to protect yourself What to do if you have been scammed. Next Council Meeting: March 10th at 6:45 p.m. You will receive a free scams handbook to take home. All are welcome to attend and preregistration is required by February 23rd. You may register by calling Please leave a message with the number attending. Hope to see you at Linwood Commons!

10 10

11 Wont you please sign up to help usher or be a Communion Assistant? Contact Laura Purath in the church office at or laura@oslc-apleton.org 11

12 12 EXCITING UPDATE Our Saviour s Lutheran is constantly striving to improve our worship experience, helping the Word of God come alive in people s lives. The latest avenue we re going down to improve the quality of our worship experience is to install a Hearing Loop system temporarily during Holy Week and Easter Sunday so that those with hearing aids will be able to have sound come directly into their hearing aids without having to listen to it through the speaker system. The dates that Our Saviour s will have the temporary Hearing Loop system will be March 26 th through April 5 th, which includes worship on Thursday evening 3/26, Palm Sunday 3/29, Maundy Thursday 4/2, Good Friday 4/3, and Easter Sunday 4/5. This will give everyone ample opportunity to see how much better our worship is just by being able to hear well. The hope is to have this system paid for through memorial money and special gifts, not through the general operating budget. The estimated cost is $ , of which some of the money has already been raised. People have been sharing that some hearing doctors are encouraging them to leave their church (in this case OSLC) if they don t have the hearing loop system as there are plenty of churches in the valley that do. There are flyers available at the Seniors Table in the Narthex with more information about this system. Please make sure that you let any of the following people know what you think about this system after experiencing it: Pastor Kurt, Pastor Dee, Alan Babcock (property committee chair), Pete Bailen (technology committee chair), Laura Purath (office manager), Craig LeBeau (sexton), Elizabeth Panzer (worship & music committee council rep), Kris Pierce (music & worship committee chair). It d be wonderful to have it installed permanently early this summer. If you would like to help make this technology a reality at OSLC and are able to make a contribution, you can make checks payable to OSLC and mark hearing loop in the memo area. There are also envelopes on the Senior Table in the Narthex.