Voters Meeting Sunday, January 21 st 11:45 a.m. in the Sanctuary All confirmed members age 18 and older are encouraged to participate

Transcription

1 The Voice The monthly newsletter of Our Savior Lutheran Church 1103 N Broad St., Mankato, MN JANUARY 2018 Voters Meeting Sunday, January 21 st 11:45 a.m. in the Sanctuary All confirmed members age 18 and older are encouraged to participate 7 th Annual Chili Cook-off Immediately following the Voters Meeting, make your way to the Fireplace room to sample and vote for your favorite chili! Grilled Cheese Sandwiches and Ice Cream Sundaes will be provided To enter a chili, bring your best pot of mild, hot, or non-traditional chili to the kitchen between services or following the late service

2 Contact Info: Church Office: Phone: Fax: Senior Pastor Office phone: Rev. Paul Lauer: Emergency number: Associate Pastor Office phone: Rev. Adam Matheny: Emergency number: Deaconess Office phone: Lisa Brand: Secretary Office phone: Sue Hendrickson: Custodian Office phone: Larry Schultz: Music Coordinator Home phone: Suzie Gangi Office hours are Monday through Friday (except holidays) from 8:00 am to noon and 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Unless there is an activity or event taking place, please use the Broad Street entrance by the mailbox. In case of emergency or urgent need, our pastors are available at all hours and all days by calling their cell phone. Please use the office phone for other business. Please also remember that Sunday morning and other worship times are not for bring church business to other members or staff but for focusing upon the Word and gifts of God. The seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work. - Exodus 20:10 2

3 From Pastor Lauer I read an article recently about what people want to talk about when they re dying. It was fascinating to consider and as I thought about it from my own experience I m convinced that it s true. When all is going well, we make small talk about work, politics, culture, community, our neighbors, and lots of things that everyone listening may have opinions about. None of it really matters much. Usually they are topics that we can t do anything about. We call it polite conversation. When people are sick or injured, they like to tell you about their health or the experience of their injury or the care they ve received. That makes sense. Usually we re truly curious about how they re doing and we like to hear about their journey through the health care jungle. But what do people talk about (with their pastor or close family members) when they re dying? We might expect that they d talk about life and death, faith, religion, and God. Some do. A few do. But the author pointed out, and I have to agree, that they mostly talk about their families. They talk about the families they grew up in, the families they made for themselves, and the family they have now that everyone is grown up and starting their own. Parents, siblings, spouse, children, grandchildren. That s what they talk about mostly when they are dying. The first point to be made about this is that considering the end of our earthly life helps us to see what s really important. It s not our job or our achievements or our political view. What is important to us are the people we love and those who love us. The second point (and this was what I really learned from that article) is that talking about our family IS also talking about God. For how do we know God? God calls us His children and Himself as our heavenly father. Christ loved His bride, the Church, and gave Himself up for her. Those are just a few examples of how God has given us families to learn about His love. 3

4 Talking about your family is a way of talking about what you have found that love is and is not. Talking about your family is a way of talking about what it means to be loved or not; what it means to love others or not. It s how we learn about forgiveness, hope, and faith. Love teaches us what it means to be apart from those we love and what it s like to be together. Through all of this, we use the language of family to learn about and to talk about God and His attitude and actions for us. It was Jesus Himself who said, God so LOVED the world that He GAVE His only Son. It was Jesus who said, No great love has anyone than this: that he lay down his life for his friends. Then Jesus, looking at His disciples said, YOU are MY friends. And that is what He did, out of love, for us all! This is also why the Apostle Paul has written that without love we are nothing but noisy gongs and clanging cymbals just so much noise. That s because love gives everything meaning. At Christmas and also in the weeks and months to come, Jesus shows us what it means to be a child of God, His brother or sister, and members of His Divine family. He is the son of Mary and of God. He calls you His brother or sister. He lays down His life for His Church, whom He loves, and He promises to come back for her. Do you see it? The way we talk about and treat our family members reveals what we believe about how God sees us and treats us. We really don t have any other language to describe Who God is, who we are, and what that means for us except as we talk about God s love using family-language. So listen to how your parents, your spouse, and your children talk about the family to hear what they believe about God. Articles for the February VOICE are due by Friday, January 19 th at 4 pm 4

5 From Pastor Matheny And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. What does this mean? We pray in this petition that our Father in heaven would not look at our sins, or deny our prayer because of them. We are neither worthy of the things for which we pray, nor have we deserved them, but we ask that He would give them all to us by grace, for we daily sin much and surely deserve nothing but punishment. So we too will sincerely forgive and gladly do good to those who sin against us. As we pray this petition we acknowledge our sinfulness before God and we ask Him as our dear father to forgive us. I love the way that Dr. Luther puts it. We ask that God, would not look at our sins, or deny our prayer because of them. With this petition we not only see our own sinfulness, but we recognize that there is no reason that our Righteous God should listen to His wayward people. But we are asking Him to ignore that, on account of Christ. We plead with God that He would not look upon our sins but hear and answer our prayers in spite of them. In addition, we also promise before God that as He forgives our sins so too will we forgive the sins of those who wrong us. We commit here to take Christ s forgiveness for us and share it with our neighbors. What a wonderful God we are called to worship! Not only does He forgive us our trespasses, but He uses us as His means of taking His forgiveness to those that we love. He not only heals us of our own ills caused by our sin, but then employs us as His physicians healing any that we meet. 5

6 PLANNING COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Our Savior s Lutheran Church 1103 North Broad St. Mankato, MN December 12, 2017 Members Present: Denise Painter, Rob Hobbs, Pastor Matheny, Kay Hislop, Chris Anderson, Barb Anderson, Dave Eberhart, Perry Eimers, Cindy Hobbs, Pastor Lauer, Gregg Marg, Judy Mensing, Matt Brand Members absent: Bob Timm Guest: Roger Hislop, Dale Bergemann 1. Meeting was called to order by President Denise Painter at 6:59 p.m. 2. Pastor Matheny opened with prayer. 3. Congregation Public Presentation: none 4. Additions/Approval to Agenda MOTION was made and SECONDED to approve the Planning Council agenda as presented. MOTION CARRIED. 5. Additions/Approval of Previous Planning Council Minutes MOTION was made and SECONDED to approve the November 14, 2017, minutes as presented. MOTION CARRIED. 6. Pastor s Report Pastor Lauer presented statistics and official acts through November, There were 1 adult and 17 children Baptisms. Baptisms are up and deaths are down. There are more young families in church. Worship planning has been completed for December, which includes 22 services throughout the month. Pastor Matheny talked about a seminary class now being offered, as a continuing education course, for Pastors. It is about history and geography throughout the Bible. The class involves some pre-reading and then a 15 day trip to Israel. Pastor Matheny asked if the Council had any questions and their thoughts about him attending, if schedules could be worked out. All comments from Council members were favorable. 7. Treasurer s Report Income for the month of November was $50,371.42, and expenses for the month were $45, Operating expenses were fairly typical this month and contribution to the general fund were up slightly over the same period last year. 6

7 Contributions to the organ fund were $20,785. We are still running a fairly significant deficit of $60,100 for the year. MOTION was made and SECONDED to approve the OSLC Treasurer s Report as presented. MOTION CARRIED. 8. Unfinished Business a. Organ Fundraiser Update To date the amount of cash for the organ fund is $38,786, not including the matching fund from the Endowment Board. The Fundraising Committee will meet Wednesday, December 13 th. We will probably go to Phase II sooner than expected. b. December 3rd Voters meeting review No Council members had questions or comments. 9. New Business a. Called Staff Housing Allowance Resolution 2018 Housing Allowance Resolution RESOLVED, that Our Saviors Lutheran Church, authorizes and establishes the following individuals(s) housing allowance for the year 2018: Rev. Paul Lauer Amount: $32,000 Rev. Adam Matheny Amount: $18,000 Deaconess Lisa Brand Amount: $16,800 The housing allowance will be paid from January 1, 2018, to December 31, MOTION was made and SECONDED to approve the 2018 Housing Allowance Resolution as presented. MOTION CARRIED. b. Appoint Matt Rottermond to the 12 th Elder position MOTION was made and SECONDED to appoint Matt Rottermond to an Elder position. MOTION CARRIED. c. Set Date for Annual Voters Meeting in January, 2018 The January 2018 Voters Meeting will be held on Sunday, January 21, at 11:45 a.m. d. Date for Installation of Congregational Officers and Boards The date for installation of congregational Officers and Boards is Sunday, January 7, 2018, at the 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. church services. 7

8 10. Board Sharing (additions, questions, or explanations of written reports) Board of Ed: The Board positions are all filled. Pastor Matheny would like to expand Thursday s Bible Study to include a Women s Bible Study. Thanksgiving dinner at Matheny s house was great and 12 kids from the congregation attended. The annual dinner went well. 90 people were served. The Board is looking into an ice skating event for the Youth and possibly skiing at Mount Kato. 125 boxes were packed and will be mailed out for the Operation Christmas Child. Kay Hislop found out that these boxes were mailed to two areas in Africa and 1 hard to reach unknown country. The Children s Christmas program is December 16 th, beginning at 4:30 p.m. The Happy Birthday party for Jesus will be held the following day on Sunday, December 17 th, during the Sunday School hour in the fireplace room. Trustees: Larry Schultz continues to work on the boiler. A programmable thermostat, if installed, is a bigger project than the Board thought, and could cost up to $10,000. The insurance company is requiring us to replace the tape covers on the boiler room electrical panel with metal or plastic plugs, and is also requiring us to replace our gasoline can with a non-vented type can. The new snow removal service will issue an invoice and a credit each month for tax purposes. This will result in no cost for this service. Elders: The Board has all 12 positions filled. The Board welcomed Matt Williams Alex Johnson, Thad Simpson, Randy Burmeister and Mike Blomquist as new Elders and thanked Gregg Marg, Immanuel Mueller and Roger Asleson for their time and work as Elders. 11. The meeting closed with the Lord s Prayer. 12. Meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m. 13. Next Planning Council Meeting Tuesday, January 9, Respectfully submitted, Cindy Hobbs, Secretary OSLC Planning Council 8

9 OSLC Treasurer s Report Commentary Period Ending November 30, 2017 Income and Expense Summary Current Month Y-T-D Income $50, $465, Operating Expenses -$45, $515, LCEF Mortgage Principal Payment -$ $ Net for Period $4, $60, Positive net value indicates we received more than our expenses, a negative number indicates that we have spent more than we have received for that period (deficit). Cash Summary Amount Notes Checking Account $70, Daily checking account Joyful Response $44, Joyful Response deposits and loan pmts Library Fund $20, Certificate of Deposit Accounts Receivable $0.00 Total Cash Assets $134, Dedicated Accounts -$118, Amount of our cash balance designated for specific activities Other Liabilities -$4, Accruals for HSA payments, youth, etc. Available Cash Balance $11, $6, last month Long Term Debt (LCEF Mortgage) Current Balance $294, Monthly Payment $1, Interest Rate (Variable Annually) 3.875% Pay-off Date 7/2036 Additional Comments: Operating expenses were fairly typical this month, and contribution to the general fund were up slightly over the same period last year. Contributions to the organ fund were $20,785. We are still running a fairly significant deficit of $60,100 for the year. Respectfully submitted, Matt Brand, Vice President, Acting Treasurer 9

10 Officer & Board Member Installation Newly elected and returning officers and board members are asked to be present at one of the morning services on Sunday, January 7 th for installation. The rite of installation itself is not required, but it is very helpful to members to see the number of people it takes to fill all of our positions and to recognize the faces of those who will be serving in God s Love in Acti n We made it! Our first class of Stephen Ministers finished their training and will be commissioned Sunday, January 21. We give thanks for: Nancy Benson Daniel Gahler Mark Wellner Our congregation can now benefit from a group of trained and committed members to care for those facing challenges in their lives. Our Stephen Ministers found the classes to be enriching and look forward to the caring relationships to come. Who might receive care from a Stephen Minister? Care receivers may be dealing with health issues, grieving the death of a loved one, separated or divorcing, homebound, unemployed, adjusting to the birth of a child, or otherwise experiencing difficulties. If you would be interested in having a Stephen Minister, to listen and walk with you, please contact Deaconess Lisa Brand at

11 Family meals are served Wednesday nights. Everyone in the congregation is invited. We begin with prayer at 6pm and enjoy a delicious meal together, the choirs join us when they are able. Pastor Matheny leads a devotion from 6:45 to 7pm, and Jr. Confirmation begins at 7pm. Accessions & Losses Accessions: Bryan Felske, Trinity Lutheran Church, Janesville, MN; LCMS; December 6, 2017 Kimberlee Diel; Resurrection Lutheran Church, Mankato, MN; LCMC; December 15, 2017 Clark & Jane Diel; Resurrection Lutheran Church, Mankato, MN; LCMC; December 15, 2017 Losses: Joanne Eversman; River of Life Lutheran Church, St. Peter, MN; LCMS; December 7, 2017 Silas Clark Battig Born: November 7, 2017 Baptized: December 10, 2017 Parents: Kimberlee Diel & Kirt Battig Christmas Decorations will be taken down on Sunday, January 7 th immediately following the late service. All help will be greatly appreciated. When all the trees and decorations have been put away for another year lunch will be served. It s fun to help and a good opportunity for fellowship. 11

12 Are you a man? If so, then you are invited to Pastor Matheny s new class for men only! We will meet the second Thursday of each month (continuing January 11 th ) from 7:30-8:30p.m. in the fireplace room. We will continue this class by discussing the vocation of father. The Lord is Lord of All God is willing to do whatever it takes to demonstrate Himself as the Lord of all and to call His people, time and again, back to Himself. In the book of Jeremiah, we get to see the personal challenges this prophet faces as he continues in a tough job with much opposition. Through Jeremiah s sharing, we get a view of God s heart as He aches over their rejection of Him. We too hear of His promises of a future time of blessing. The book of Jeremiah is full of emotion and symbolism as some of the prophecies are presented not just with words but with actions and object lessons. Consider joining us in studying this intriguing book. We will meet in the library on the 2 nd and 4 th Tuesdays at 1:00pm beginning January 9. See Deaconess Lisa Brand with any further questions. 12

13 A Prayer Shawl, simply put, is a soft warm shawl, knitted or crocheted, which is given to persons who are ill, have suffered a loss or are in the midst of a crisis. Shawls... made for centuries are universal and embracing, symbolic of an inclusive, unconditionally loving God. If you know of anyone who you would like to receive a prayer shawl, please contact Nancy Clausen at Widowed to Widowed ~ Welcomes all Widows ~ The Widowed to Widowed Ministry will again potluck at 11:30am at church on Monday, January 8 th. Call Kato Cab at one-half hour ahead if you need a ride. FYI: How festive was the Christmas Party, even sweaters that light up! We welcomed daughters who brought mothers and other special guests. We were very blessed with good food and fellowship, games and reading. Thanks for God s gift of Jesus His Son. From Heaven Above If you missed the Children s Christmas Service From Heaven Above, or would like to see it again, it will be broadcast on KTV on Monday, January 1 st at 6pm, Wednesday, January 3 rd at 8:30am, and Saturday, January 6 at 7am and 5pm. KTV, the public access channed, can be viewed on Consolidated Communications channel 7, Spectrum Charter cable channel 181, or on-line at The Order of Service is available on the church s web-site so you can follow along: 13

14 Our Savior s Cancer Companions has a new group starting on January 11 th at 10am in the church library. Please use the east entrance parking lot door. The group meets weekly on Thursdays for nine weeks, then we ll take a week off and have a reunion on Thursday, March 22 nd. This group is for anyone touched in any way by cancer. Be it a family member, close friend, or yourself. We share our story, our belief, and Christian life. If you would like more information contact Lisa at or lisa@oslcmankato.org, or Mel Hendrickson at suemel@charter.net. I know you want this, we are there for you! Adult Confirmation Instruction Pastor Lauer will be teaching a series of six classes on the Lutheran view of the Christian faith beginning Sunday, January 7 th from 3 5 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. We ll look at our need for salvation, God s answer, the Bible, God s instructions for living, Baptism, the Christian Life, the Lord s Supper, and the Church along with questions and commentary as they arrise. Completion of the class can lead to Communicant Membership for those who agree with this teaching. Don t worry, we ll skip class on Superbowl Sunday and missed classes can be made up by viewing lectures online. 14

15 Music Notes Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. Psalm 95:2 Thank you to everyone who participated in special music during the Advent and Christmas Services! What a blessing it is to have talented musicians in our congregation! January Worship Music Schedule: January 7- Gin Kuske January 14- Denise Painter, Barb Anderson, Lisa Matzke January 21- Adult Choir January 28- Judd and Missy Schultz Back to regular schedule for Wednesday Rehearsals! 5:00-5:45 Kids Ring 5:45-6:30 J.A.M. 5:45-6:30 Adult Bells 7:00-8:00 Adult Choir 8:00-8:15 Brass Choirs-Anyone interested in joining our regular choirs or instrumental groups, it s not too late! Stop in any time during rehearsals and give it a try! Special Music Opportunities- There are many opportunities to share you musical talents with the congregation. Please let me know if you would like to play a musical instrument or sing for special music. Blessings, Suzie Gangi suzie@oslcmankato.org 15

16 Our Savior LCMS Women in Mission LWML Evening Guild Calendar Monday, January 1: Tournament of Roses Parade on HGTV or RFD-TV at 10am Thursday, January 4: Ruth/Lydia Circle Bible Study at 1:30pm Tuesday, January 16: Quarterly Meeting Theme: Food for Thought. Bible Study: Wants and Needs. Project: Food for the Food Shelf. Time change to afternoon at 2pm. Future Dates June 29-30, 2018: District Convention at the Verizon Center, Mankato. MISSION SERVICE: It is noticeable that we need to change to a more convenient time for mission service. Please give suggestions to Marcella as to a good time for you to volunteer. Watch for the new time in the February VOICE. Supplies are still needed all the time. If you are able, please bring any of the following donations to the former Card Shop: toothpaste (any size), toothbrush, deodorant, hotel size soap and shampoo, gently used hand towels, cloth diapers. Thank you for any donations. Donations of clean, used cotton sheets are also needed. Please mark them For Bandages. Remember to save Christian Christmas card fronts for our Operation Christmas Child boxes. Put them in the box in the former Card Shop. New information: the towel size for newborn kits now is a regular size bath towel (not longer than 48 ). Other items include: 1 washcloth, 1 36 square muslin or sheeting cut to size (no need to hem), 1 bath size bar ivory soap in original packaging, 1 newborn cotton t-shirt size 0-3 or newborn, 1 newborn stocking 16

17 hat small size (head about 14 in circumference), 1 receiving blanket approx. 30 by 30 (cotton, acrylic or light flannel, not wool), 2 cloth diapers, 2 diaper pins. We need two-gallon or larger Ziploc plastic bags for these kits. You Are Needed A Repeat Invitation Your expertise, your talent, your gift from God is needed for the many activities of the Lutheran women in Mission. Volunteer now for the 2018 activities, offices, committees and missions of the Lutheran Women at Our Savior congregation, Mankato Zone, Minnesota South District or National. Let us always remember that each one of us have gifts given by God to use to glorify Him. As you use your gifts to serve the Lord, remind and encourage others to do the same. Call for information. Connect with LWML Online! The LWML App has devotions, Bible studies, activities, and more! Fall WOM Newsletter Fall Quarterly 75 th Anniversary Mite Boxes - Available in the Narthex Quilting Quilting meets on the 2 nd and 4 th Mondays each month through May. Join us January 8 th and 22 nd at 9am upstairs in the youth room. We assemble the quilts put tops, middles, and backs together, then tie them. We also make time for coffee and fellowship, and finish up by noon. No experience necessary. We welcome any and all help. If you would like to donate cotton fabric, please bring to the former Card Shop. Please contact Julie ( ) if you have any questions. 17

18 Attention 7 th through 12 graders! Let s go ice skating! We ll meet up Sunday, January 14 th at All Season s Arena from 2 3:30pm. Admission is $3 and skate rental is $2. See you there! Attention Readers!! Our Savior s Book Club is beginning again. We will meet the second and fourth Sundays of the month from 4:30 6pm in the Fireplace room. This time we will read and discuss Harper Lee s classic work To Kill a Mockingbird. For our first meeting on January 14 th, chapters 1 through 4. Do you like to study the Bible? Enjoy getting together with friends and family for a meal? Then have we got a deal for you! Beginning January, we will offer a new evening Bible study. We will meet the 4 th Thursday in January (the 25 th ) at 5:30. We will share a meal together until 6:30 and after that we will have Bible study together until 7:30. A main dish will be provided, so please bring a side dish to share. If you have questions, please see Pastor Matheny. Everyone is invited, so we hope that you can make it! 18

19 Young at Heart / Lutheran Laymen s League (YAH / LLL) FOR YOU of every age!!! No meeting on January 1 st, so you can watch for the Lutheran Hour Ministries Float in the Tournament of Roses Parade that day. We will meet on February 5, As you fill in your 2018 calendar, the information for the 2018 S.A.G.E.S. Gathering is new this year. The Gathering is designed to provide information and fellowship and to demonstrate how older Christians can serve each other, as well as have activities or entertainment that they will find enjoyable. The Gathering will be held at Country Inn & Suites, Mankato, May 7 and 8, with presenter Rev. Ted Schroeder. Lutheran Hour Ministries: Bringing Christ to the Nations and the Nations to the Church. Many new activities for all ages. Visit the LHM website Read the Lutheran Layman News. Hardcopies are available in the Narthex. Check out the Men s network: and for children, Listen to The Lutheran Hour Sunday 6 p.m. on KJLY 107.1, and 6 a.m. on WCCO 830 Read the Sagacity newsletter and other news at or Hard copies are available in the Narthex. The 2018 Lutheran Hour Ministries Tournament of Roses Parade float is entitled: Bringing Christ to the Nations. The Theme of the parade is Making a Difference. Watch the entire parade commercial-free on the Home and Garden channel or RFD-TV at 10am. These are the only channels you are guaranteed to see the Lutheran Hour Float, due to commercial breaks on other channels. 19

20 Voters Meeting Our Savior s Lutheran Church 1103 North Broad St Mankato, MN December 3, 2017 Attendance: Meeting was called to order by President Denise Painter at 12:35 p.m. 2. Pastor Lauer opened with prayer. 3. Approval of Agenda MOTION was made and SECONDED to approve the Voters Meeting agenda as presented. MOTION CARRIED. 4. Approval of the September 24, 2017, Voters Meeting minutes MOTION was made and SECONDED to approve the September 24, Voters Meeting minutes as presented. MOTION CARRIED. 5. Financial Year in Review Year-To-Date Income is $415,183.15, and Operating Expenses are $470, Our year-to-date deficit is $64,201. Last year at this time it was $60,000. The checking account amount is $45, Joyful Response amount is $43, and Total Cash Assets are $108, The Dedicated Accounts amount is $97, and Other Liabilities are $3,662.50, with an Available Cash Balance of $6, This is the cash available before we will need to borrow from our dedicated funds. The refinanced interest rate is 3.9%. Our Current Loan Balance is $ Unfinished Business a. Organ Fundraising Update: Phase 1 As of today we have received of a total of $35,453 cash for the Organ Project. Our goal is to reach $100,000 by Easter, 2018, when adding the matching contribution of $50,000 from the Endowment fund. Phase 2 Our goal from Easter, 2018, to Easter, 2019, is to raise another $80,

21 7. New Business a Our Savior s Budget Total expenses for the year is $622,000. There is about a 3% increase in staff salary and insurance. Stephen Ministry line item has been added. The Treasurer s Assistant budget amount of $ should be changed to Payroll Services for a total of $2,500. MOTION was made and SECONDED to approve the 2018 Budget. MOTION CARRIED. b. Officer and Board Members Election MOTION was made and SECONDED to approve the ballot as proposed. MOTION CARRIED. b. (1) MOTION was made and SECONDED to modify the Board of Elders quorum to be a majority of those filled positions. MOTION CARRIED. c. Circuit Visitor Nomination Recommendations MOTION was made and SECONDED to recommend Reverend Dennis Heiden of Hosanna Lutheran Church, Mankato, MN, and Reverend Paul Lauer, Our Savior s Lutheran Church, Mankato, MN, to be on the ballot as Circuit Visitors. MOTION CARRIED. d. Synod Nomination Recommendations MOTION was made and SECONDED to nominate Reverend Mark Tewes of Living Christ Lutheran Church, Chanhassen, MN, as District President and Reverend Tom Braun of River of Life Lutheran Church, St. Peter, MN, as Regional Vice President. MOTION CARRIED. 8. The meeting closed with the Lord s Prayer. 9. Meeting adjourned at 1:07 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Cindy Hobbs, Secretary OSLC Planning Council 21

22 From the Stewardship Committee It s a new year. It s a time when we take stock of the year past in order to improve the year to come. It s a time when we sit down to plan and implement what we want to accomplish and even change. Part of that is planning our stewardship for the coming year. Often we find this difficult and daunting and even joyless. But it doesn t have to be. In fact, it is really quite simple and full of joy. So here are some tips to make that planning less stressful. You begin by answering these three questions: Who are you? To whom do I give? And how much? So, who are you? The Table of Duties in the Small Catechism informs us. Are you a hearer of God s Word? Are you a citizen of society? Are you a member of a family? Stewardship covers these three estates: church, society, family. We don t particularly struggle to give to society or family. Our struggles, our difficulties and our questions arise in giving to the church. So, what is our duty as members of the church with regard to giving? The Table of Duties, again, gives us a guide. If you are a hearer, a member of the church who receives instruction, St. Paul taught: Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor (Gal. 6:6). This means the local congregation is primary. Your pastor is the one called to preach the Gospel to you and administer the Lord s blessed sacraments to you. Your congregation is the place where those things happen. Thus, when God calls us to give to the church, He has the local congregation in mind. For the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel (1 Cor. 9:14). How much do we give to the local congregation? Our only instructions are these: to give regularly (1 Cor. 6:1 2), proportionally (1 Cor. 16:1 2; 2 Cor. 8:12), and generously (2 Cor. 8:20) of our first fruits (Gen. 4:4; Prov. 3:9; Lev. 27:30) with a spirit of eagerness (2 Cor. 9:2), earnestness (2 Cor. 8:7), cheerfulness (2 Cor. 9:7), and love (2 Cor. 8:23). 22

23 In other words, giving to the church is not to be an afterthought, given after everything else is spent. In this way, it is deliberate. We give regularly weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, quarterly, or yearly keeping in mind our own strengths, weaknesses, and limitations. We set it aside beforehand before anything else is spent. From those first fruits, we set aside a proportionate and generous amount. Ten percent was the standard for the Israelites. This was a command for the ancient Israelites. We can give as much as we want, but ask yourself: do we really want to be less generous than was commanded of the Israelites? Is the job of the New Testament Church bigger or smaller than the job given to Israel? And how are we to give it? We give it with eagerness and earnestness. We give it cheerfully and with love, not out of compulsion. For through the preaching of the gospel and the administration of the sacraments, God has made us His children, forgiven us all our sins, given us grace upon grace, promised us life everlasting with Him in His kingdom, and filled us with His own Spirit, the Holy Spirit. This makes giving a joy, as Jesus said, it is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35). It s that easy. And it is joyful. For in stewardship, our gracious and giving Lord invites us to take part in the work that He accomplishes here on earth, providing for the ongoing preaching of the gospel as well as those who are in need. Taking part in that makes all our work holy work that is done in service to the Lord as priestly members of His kingdom. Watch Our Savior s Sunday Worship anytime on KTV (Public Access) After Our Savior s worship has been uploaded for viewing on KTV, it may be viewed on their web site at your convenience. Go to: hover over Watch KTV, then slide down and click on Public Access. Scroll down to the calendar and click on the original date aired (Tuesday or Wednesday). Select Our Saviors Lutheran Church from the schedule. Then click on the arrow to start play. 23

24 The Voice Our Savior Lutheran Church 1103 N Broad Street Mankato, MN THANK YOU ALL CONTRIBUTORS Karen Fischer Marion Brunz Priscilla Fladland Doris Emich Bernice Wilson Jean Beetsch Mary Eckhardt Dianne Schmidt Marcella Eilders January 2018 Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage P A I D Mankato, MN Permit No. 216 Address Service Requested 24

25 January 2018 Our Savior Lutheran Church, Mankato, Minnesota Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 7 8:00 Worship 8:45 Coffee Time 9:15 Sunday School 9:15 Youth Bible Class 9:25 Adult Bible Class 10:30 Worship 11:30 Take Down Decorations 3:00 Adult Confirmation 6:00 Youth Group 14 8:00 Worship 8:45 Coffee Time 9:15 Sunday School 9:15 Youth Bible Class 9:25 Adult Bible Class 10:30 Worship 11:35 K-5 Sun. School Staff 2:00 Youth Ice Skating 3:00 Adult Confirmation 4:30 Book Club 6:00 Youth Group 21 Mite Sunday 8:00 Worship 8:45 Coffee Time 9:15 Sunday School 9:15 Youth Bible Class 9:25 Adult Bible Class 10:30 Worship 11:45 Voters Meeting 12:30 Chili Contest 3:00 Adult Confirmation 6:00 Youth Group 28 8:00 Worship 8:45 Coffee Time 9:15 Sunday School 9:15 Youth Bible Class 9:25 Adult Bible Class 10:30 Worship 3:00 Adult Confirmation 4:30 Book Club 6:00 Youth Group 1 New Year s Day Office Closed 8 6:30 Early Bird Bible Study 9:00 Quilting 11:30 Widowed to Widowed 15 6:30 Early Bird Bible Study 22 6:30 Early Bird Bible Study 9:00 Quilting 29 6:30 Early Bird Bible Study 2 10:00 Staff Meeting 7:00 Board of Elders 7:00 Board of Deacons 7:00 Board of Trustees 9 10:00 Staff Meeting 1:00 Bible Study 7:00 Church Council 16 9:00 Circuit Pastors 2:00 LWML Quarterly Meeting 23 10:00 Staff Meeting 1:00 Bible Study 5:15 Board of Education 30 10:00 Staff Meeting 3 5:00 Kids Ring 5:45 JAM 5:45 Adult Bells 6:00 Meal 6:45 Devotion 7:00 Jr. Confirmation 7:00 Adult Choir 8:00 Brass 10 5:00 Kids Ring 5:45 JAM 5:45 Adult Bells 6:00 Meal 6:45 Devotion 7:00 Jr. Confirmation 7:00 Adult Choir 8:00 Brass 17 5:00 Kids Ring 5:45 JAM 5:45 Adult Bells 6:00 Meal 6:45 Devotion 7:00 Jr. Confirmation 7:00 Adult Choir 8:00 Brass 24 5:00 Kids Ring 5:45 JAM 5:45 Adult Bells 6:00 Meal 6:45 Devotion 7:00 Jr. Confirmation 7:00 Adult Choir 8:00 Brass 31 5:00 Kids Ring 5:45 JAM 5:45 Adult Bells 6:00 Meal 6:45 Devotion 7:00 Jr. Confirmation 7:00 Adult Choir 8:00 Brass 4 1:30 Ruth/Lydia Circle 11 10:00 Cancer Companions 7:30 Men s Bible Study 18 10:00 Cancer Companions 25 10:00 Cancer Companions 5:30 Meal/Bible Study :00 The Voice Deadline 6:00 Worship 6:00 Worship :00 Worship 6:00 Worship Sunday Matins is aired at 8:03am and 5:45pm each Sunday on KTOE 1420AM Our Savior s Worship service is aired Tuesday at 7pm and Wednesday at 2pm on KTV. Special Note: The Children s Christmas Service will be aired on KTV on Monday, January 1 st at 6pm and Wednesday, January 3 rd at 8:30pm.

26 Serving in January Elder of the Day Comm. Team Assistant Usher Usher Team Acolyte Greeter Date 8:00 10:30 8:00 10:30 8:00 10:30 8:00 10:30 8:00 10:30 8:00 10:30 1/7/2018 Matt Chris Mark Abby L..; Amy Mack; Bev Merle & Lois K; Alex J. Kevin H. Kurt A. 1st Early 1st Late Jay C.; Kaitlyn H. R. T. W. Macy N. Clark Becky K. 1/14/2018 Pete Randy Judd Mike Steve Evan H.; Dave & Cindy W.; Kurt & Jeanne A.; Gary R. 2nd Early 2nd Late Desi L.; Jordis L. P. B. S. B. J. Derrick S. Marcella E. Mary H. 1/21/2018 Kirk Y. Matt W. Lon Thad Gordy Mark Naomi B.; Alex & Heather J.; Chad & Kris M.; 3rd Early 3rd Late Silas S.; Mike L. W. S. W. S. Abby L. Lorraine K. Arlene W. 1/28/2018 Alex J. Matt R. Mark W. Chris T. Kevin H. Dave H. 4th Early 4th Late Teresa K.; Macy N. Olivia A.; Alexis A. Marion B.; Richard U.; Marilyn L. Dave & Barb E.; Vicky S. Staff Senior Pastor Associate Pastor Deaconess Music Coordinator Secretary Custodian Rev. Paul A. Lauer Rev. Adam M. Matheny Lisa Brand Suzie Gangi Sue Hendrickson Larry Schultz Office: Office: Office: Home: Office: Office: Cell: Cell: Home: Congregational Officers and Elected Board Members President Vice President Secretary Treasurer Financial Secretary Denise Painter Matt Brand Cindy Hobbs Vacant Judy Mensing Council Members at Large Board of Elders Board of Trustees Board of Education Rob Hobbs Mark Wellner Tim Hobbs Heather Johnson Barb Anderson Lon Whitehead Chris Anderson-Chair Kathy Whitehead Dale Bergemann Chris Thompson Bruce Anderson Lindsey Marso Dave Eberhart Judd Schultz Jerry Clausen Kay Hislop Board of Endowment Fund Pete Preston Kurt Anderson Deb Simpson Perry Eimers-Chair Kirk Yungerberg Nate Marso Cody Meschke Denny Zellmer Matt Williams Jerry Dehn Board of Deacons Brian Schroeder Alex Johnson Nancy Clausen 4j Janet Timm Mike Blomquist Marcella Eilders Jan Eimers Randy Burmeister Kristeen Asleson Gretchen Zellmer Thad Simpson Dianne Willett Garvin Eichhorst Matt Rottermond Ann Lauer Wanda Schwanke