The Voice. Lenten & Holy Week Worship Schedule

Transcription

1 The Voice The monthly newsletter of Our Savior Lutheran Church 1103 N Broad St., Mankato, MN APRIL 2017 Lenten & Holy Week Worship Schedule Mid-week Lenten Service Wednesday, April 5 th 1:30 and 6:30 p.m. Palm Sunday, April 9 th, 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. Maundy Thursday Worship with Communion Thursday, April 13 th at 1:30 and 6:30 p.m. Good Friday Worship Friday, April 14 th at 1:30 and 6:30 p.m. Easter Vigil Saturday, April 15 th at 8:00 p.m. (Note: We will not have our 6 p.m. Worship) Easter Sunrise Worship with Holy Communion April 16 th at 6:00 a.m. Easter Sunday Worship with Holy Communion April 16 th at 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. Join the youth for a Continental Easter Breakfast served from 6:45 10 a.m. in the Fireplace Room

2 Contact Info: Church Office: Phone: Fax: Senior Pastor Office phone: Rev. Paul Lauer: Emergency number: Assistant 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: Marcia Gustafson 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 pastor is available at all hours and all days by calling his 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 April 2017 Sin, death, and everlasting condemnation. For some people, these are probably abstract concepts. For the vast majority of people, these are all very real! If you ve ever been bullied, discarded, or taken advantage of, then you ve seen sin and know how it can seriously hurt people, damage their relationships, and destroy their faith and hope in others and even in God. If you ve seen in yourself thoughts and desires that you d rather others not see, then you ve seen sin at work in yourself. Few will experience death more than once, but we all face little deaths every day as we recognize corruption and illnesses handed down through our genes, see the impact of aging, or witness the demise and death of others we know and love. Death is ultimately inevitable for everyone, but we prefer to put off thinking about it and we d rather not prepare for it until the last possible moment. Why? Perhaps we re too busy living! But more likely, we d just rather do anything else instead of thinking about our own ultimate death. It is an even more difficult thing to contemplate our condition after death. In fact, it is so difficult that some would rather believe that physical death is merely the end. That s because somewhere inside us we know that for every reason we might be considered a good person there is even more reason to know that we re not. We re not just faulty. We not just a little off. Truth be told, any god worth the title would know that we re really messed up. Some people think that Christians are shallow or that we are fooling ourselves into thinking that we re loved by some unknown god. But I believe that Christians are actually the most honest and realistic with ourselves and with the world. We do not hide or cover up our sin, make light of death, or talk our way out of judgement. Rather, we confess our sins and our need for a Savior. Then we point to the one who Saves us and we put ourselves entirely in His hands. This is the Christian faith: not that we loved God, but that God loved us and Saved us by His Son who took our sin, faced our death, and became our only Way to Everlasting Life. We call the day of His death GOOD Friday, because on that day God Saved us. He cried out, It is Finished! But two days later, on the third day, He was back, our sins were gone, death was defeated, and we were once again righteous that is, everything was set right again between us and our Creator. We have been Saved. Thanks be to God through Jesus, Our Savior! 3

4 From Pastor Matheny April 2017 Most of the time the church feels small. When we come to church, we know our way around the building. We know what each room is used for, and when. We know where the light switches are, and where to find what we are looking for. We know the people. We recognize faces and names. We know who does what, and approximately how long they have been doing it. So because we are so familiar with our surroundings at Our Savior s, we think of the church as a pretty small, even cozy place. But in reality, the church is much bigger than we think. The church is the congregation of all God s faithful people. Jesus faithful followers gather together in many more places than just our little church! They meet in congregations across Mankato, and all over our great state of Minnesota. They gather throughout our country and the world. The church also includes all those that are awaiting the resurrection of their bodies. That includes biblical saints like Adam, Moses, and Paul right on down to the saints that we have known personally that now rest with Christ. It is important to remember just how big the church is. When we get caught up in the minutia of what we are working on, or downtrodden because it feels like our work here just doesn t matter, it helps to remember that we are all part of something much bigger than ourselves. We are just one piece of the bride of Christ, awaiting the appearance of her Groom. That is why this year we will be holding an Easter Vigil service. It is a special service where we gather to hear God s word, and to pray. It is a service that puts special focus on our place as Christians in the larger body of the church. It is a service where we are reminded in a special way just who we are, and what our Savior has done for us. Articles for the May VOICE are due by Friday, April 14 th at 4 p.m. 4

5 PLANNING COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Our Savior s Lutheran Church 1103 North Broad St. Mankato, MN March 14, 2017 Members Present: Gregg Marg, Cindy Hobbs, Denise Painter, Rob Hobbs, Pastor Matheny, Matt Brand, Perry Eimers, Dave Eberhart, Kay Hislop, Judy Mensing, Chris Anderson, Barb Anderson Members Absent: Pastor Lauer, Bob Timm, Jo Eversman Confirmation Guests: RJ Hislop, Caleb Mead, Kristin Mead 1. Meeting was called to order by President Denise Painter at 7:00 p.m. 2. Pastor Matheny opened with prayer. 3. Congregation Public Presentation: none 4. Additions/Approval of Agenda 9a) Date for May Voters meeting. 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 February 14, 2017, minutes as presented. MOTION CARRIED. 6. Pastor s Report Pastor Matheny s current Sunday Bible class ends in two weeks. On Sunday, April 2nd & April 9 th, he will be starting a new class to introduce a new Easter Vigil service. 7. Treasurer s Report Income for the month of February was $43,818.34, and expenses for the month were $46, This was the highest contribution amount ever, for the month of February. MOTION was made and SECONDED to approve the OSLC Treasurer s Report as presented. MOTION CARRIED. 8. Unfinished Business a. Stephen s Ministry Update No update. b. Called Staff Position Descriptions Gregg Marg passed out draft copies of updated Our Savior s staff job descriptions to Council members to review before the April Council meeting. If members have any questions or corrections, they are to contact Gregg before the next meeting. 5

6 The Call resolution, to make Pastor Matheny an Associate Pastor, will be discussed at the next meeting. 9. New Business a. MS MN South District Capital Funding Campaign To All Generations President Denise Painter received a letter from the District informing our congregation of a new Capital Funding Campaign. Funds from this campaign are geared toward Christian education for Christian day schools and preschools. Our congregation will not conduct a formal campaign, but congregation members can donate individually. b. Date for May Voters meeting. The May Voters meeting has been set for Sunday, May 7 th, following the 10:30 a.m. church service. 10. Board Sharing (additions, questions, or explanations of written reports) Trustees: After trustee committee members tried to do the chimney repair, it was decided that they will hire a professional to do the job. Larry Schultz will add landscape fabric and soil to the front planters. He will also replace all the light bulbs in the chapel. Eventually the kitchen freezer will need to be replaced. Federer has taken another water sample from the boiler and will adjust chemicals as needed. Elders: The Board completed a draft copy updating Our Savior s staff job descriptions. Endowment: The Board continues to receive newsletters from Rxxxxx Sxxxxxx. They are posted on the bulletin board by the church office. Board of Ed: The Youth Book Club is going well. The Board is working on a plan for adult education. There will be two representatives at Pastor Lauer s Sunday Bible class. A Thrivent representative will give a presentation on March 19, and a LCEF representative will give a presentation on March 26. May 21 st is Sundaes on Sunday, where families can attend the last 20 minutes of class for an ice cream social. The annual church picnic will be held on Sunday, June 11 th. The Board will still do Wednesday evening Sunday School for six weeks this summer. 11. The meeting closed with the Lord s Prayer. 12. Meeting adjourned at 7:29 p.m. 13. Next Planning Council Meeting Tuesday, April 11, Respectfully submitted, Cindy Hobbs, Secretary, OSLC Planning Council 6

7 OSLC Treasurer s Report Commentary Period Ending February 28, 2017 Income and Expense Summary Current Month Y-T-D Income $43, $96, Operating Expenses -$46, $97, LCEF Mortgage Principal Payment -$ $1, Net for Period -$3, $2, 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 $108, Daily checking account Joyful Response $33, Joyful Response deposits and loan pmts Library Fund $20, Certificate of Deposit Accounts Receivable -$2.37 Total Cash Assets $162, Dedicated Accounts -$90, Amount of our cash balance designated for specific activities Other Liabilities -$3, Accruals for HSA payments, youth, etc. Available Cash Balance $68, $71, last month Long Term Debt (LCEF Mortgage) Current Balance $301, Monthly Payment $1, Interest Rate (Variable Annually) 3.875% Pay-off Date 7/2036 Additional Comments: Contributions so far this year are up about 20% over the past couple of years; however, expenses are up about the same amount. Therefore, we are at about the same point in terms of net income-expenses. Respectfully submitted, Matt Brand, Vice President, Acting Treasurer 7

8 Saturday, April 15 8 p.m. This year you will have the opportunity to attend a new and different Easter service! This service is known as the Easter Vigil, and it is one of the oldest services in use today. It is a service that is pretty different from a normal Sunday service, so on April 2 nd and April 9 th Pastor Matheny s class on Sunday morning will offer more details about it. Come to the sanctuary at 9:15 on those Sundays to learn the history and order of this beautiful service. Accessions & Losses Accessions: Joel, Renee, and Karee Henrich; Mt. Olive Lutheran Church; Mankato; ELS; March 17, 2017 Losses: Drs. John & Karen Boubel, Lutheran Church of the Ascension, Burnsville, MN; LCMS; March 11, 2017 Jackson Robert Bass Born: February 9, 2017 Baptized: March 5, 2017 Parents: Justin Bass & Ashley Mathes In Loving Memory Gay Mary Edwards March 28, 1944 ~ February 23,

9 Congratulations to the following students who have completed instruction and will confirm their faith on Sunday, April 9 th during the 10:30 service: Khia Lynn Buesing Roger John Hislop, Jr. Julia Anne James Caleb Mychal Mead Sydney Jo Nagel Katelyn Mary Wilson Youth Group Are you in 7 th through 12 th grade? If so, please come hang out! The Our Savior s youth group gathers each and every Sunday evening from 6-7:30. We have some sort of devotion or Bible study, then the possibilities are (nearly) limitless. The 4 th Sunday of the month is Book Club. Contact Pastor Matheny ( , or matheny@oslcmankato.org) if you have any questions. MISSIONARY VISIT Come hear the latest from the Dominican Republic. Deaconess Gail Ludvigson will share with us after the Maundy Thursday afternoon service. Gail was here a little over a year ago before her departure. She is back in the US and would enjoy some time to visit. We ll meet in the Fireplace Room about 2:30pm, April 13. 9

10 April 2017 Music Notes Next to the Word of God, music deserves the highest praise. The gift of language combined with the gift of song was given to man that he should proclaim the Word of God through Music. Martin Luther Music Appreciation Sunday will be held on Sunday May 7 th and 14 th during both worship services. It will consist of music presented during the 2016/17 year. Each group will be doing two of their favorite pieces. Watch for details in the bulletins to come. Contact Marcia at for questions. April Schedule April 2 nd : 8 & 10:30am services -SS Children April 5 th : 1:30pm Christus Choir; 6:30pm Beginner Bells April 9 th (Palm Sunday) 8 & 10:30 services SS children process in/palms leaves for both services April 13 th :(Maundy Thursday) 6:30pm Adult Bells April 14 th :(Good Friday) 6:30pm Adult Choir April 16 th :(Easter) 8 & 10:30am Adult Choir April 23 rd : 10:30am SS Pre-K April 30 th : 8 & 10:30am Kids Ring Singing His Praises, Marcia 10

11 STEPHEN MINISTRY By the power of God s Spirit, we are beginning a great ministry that will deepen and expand the person-to-person caregiving capacity of our congregation: Stephen Ministry! Stephen Ministry is a way for our congregation to train and mobilize members to provide Christ-centered care and support to people experiencing many different kinds of life difficulties, including grief, divorce, cancer, unemployment, a spiritual crisis, infertility, and other challenges. Here are some steps you can take as we begin this journey together: 1. Give thanks to God for the life-transforming ministry ahead of us. 2. Watch a couple of three-minute videos at to learn more about the difference this caring ministry makes in people s lives. 3. Pray for the Spirit to raise up men and women who will become our first Stephen Leaders and Stephen Ministers. If you have any questions about Stephen Ministry, what Stephen Ministers do, or how you could be involved with Stephen Ministry, please contact Deaconess Lisa Brand. As we begin this ministry, we believe that God will be at work through it. May St. Paul s words in Ephesians 3:20 capture our excitement, our hopes, and our dreams for Stephen Ministry: Glory be to God whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine. 11

12 Our Savior LCMS Women in Mission Lutheran Women s Missionary League INVITATION AND NEWS March 2017 Be kind and compassionate to one another forgiving each other just as Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 Providing you with Christian Friendship and Fellowship Exercising and Building your Christian Faith through Devotion, Bible Studies and Prayer Opening your life to new blessings through service to the Lord and His people Fellowship with Your Sisters In Christ: Ladies of Our Savior, we welcome you of every generation: 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s. Lenten Services on Wednesdays and Holy Week Services Wednesday, April 5: 3pm LWML Board in Library Thursday, April 6: 1:30pm Ruth & Lydia Circle Bible Study Wednesday, April 12: 1:30pm Mary Circle Bible Study Maundy Thursday, April 13: Deaconess Gail Ludvigson will visit. Refreshment and visit after the 1:30 service in the Fireplace Room Sunday, April 16: Mite Sunday. Mites for district grants and begin the mites for grants Tuesday, April 18: 6:30 p.m. Quarterly Meeting Connections Connected to Our Lord in Word and Prayer Saturday, April 22: 8:30 a.m. at Salem, Madelia Mankato Zone Rally. Rallies are for all members of the churches. Car pool. Tuesday, April 25: 1 p.m. Rebekah Circle Bible Study Future Dates: June 22-25, 2017: Jesus Christ Above All Philippians 2:9 Convention in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Information and registration forms in the Winter Quarterly. July 28-29: District Retreat 12

13 MISSION SERVICE: Supplies are always needed to make kits. If you are able, please bring any of the following donations to the Card Shop: toothpaste (any size), toothbrush, deodorant, hotel size soap and shampoo, gently used hand towels, cloth diapers, infant onesies, sleepers (no feet), sweaters and socks. Thank you for any donations. Donations of clean, used cotton sheets are needed. Please mark them For Bandages. Remember to save Christian Christmas card fronts four our Christmas Child boxes. Put them in the box in the former card shop. LWML Board Meeting will be held Wednesday, April 5 th at 3pm in the church library. You voice matters! Any questions, please contact Sharon Anderson, Membership: Please sign the membership book. Bring a friend WOM Newsletter Quarterly Mite Boxes Available in the Narthex Widowed to Widowed ~ Welcomes all Widows ~ The Widowed-to-Widowed Ministry here at Our Savior s is gathering on Monday, April 10 th at 11:30. We will be enjoying potluck lunch in the Fireplace Room. Our theme will continue You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies Psalm 23:5a. The Bible Study includes a drawing by dubois, Thomas on pages in Good News. Our group meets once a month for a potluck lunch, Bible study and fellowship. Please use the 4 th Street back entrance. Feel free to call Jean Beetsch at or Trudy Wiechmann at for more information. If a ride is needed, perhaps a family friend could bring you or you may call Kato Cab for a taxi ride to and from. Call the taxi one-half hour ahead. Their number is

14 Easter Garden Hurry! The deadline to order your flowers for the Easter Garden is Sunday, April 2 nd. Order forms are available in the Narthex. The Youth and Youth Committee thank you for your support. Young at Heart / Lutheran Laymen s League (YAH / LLL) FOR YOU of every age!!! YAH/LLL of Our Savior will be meeting the first Monday of the month, April 3 rd at 1:30p.m. in the Fireplace Room. We invite you to come enjoy fellowship and learning. Come one and all to spring into the season. Next month we attend the Gathering with members of Lutheran Churches in the MN South District. Next meeting will be in October. Lutheran Hour Ministries; Bringing Christ to the Nations and the Nations to the Church. Many new activities for all ages. Visit the LHM website Get more information at sages@mnsdistrict.org. Our Older Adult Ministry at OUR SAVIOR is the YAH (Young at Heart) and part of S.A.G.E.S. The Lutheran Layman News is available in the Narthex. Men s network: and check out the for children, Radio Every Sunday The Lutheran Hour: 6 p.m. KJLY a.m. WCCO 830 Read the S.A.G.E.S. newsletter Sagacity and other news at or Hard copies are available in the Narthex. Also, registration forms. S.A.G.E.S. Board meets Tuesday, April 4 at 10 a.m. S.A.G.E.S. Gathering XXIX will be May 1-2 at the Best Western Plus in North Mankato. Please register. 14

15 TUESDAY BIBLE STUDY Keeping an eternal perspective in a superficial world. As we study the Gospel according to Matthew, we ll see how Jesus did just that. Even if the disciples or the religious leaders get sidetracked, Jesus stays the course. We ll begin our study Tuesday, April 25 at 1:00pm. If you re available at all during the day, give it a try. We ll be waiting for you in the library. 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. Our Savior s will be hosting a Blood Drive on Friday, May 19 th from noon 5pm. Watch for sign-up and information. 15

16 Sunday Morning Breakfast Breakfast will be served from 8:45 to 9:15 each Sunday morning in the Fireplace room. A free-will donation will be accepted to help cover the costs. Serving in April: April 2 nd : Board of Deacons April 9 th : 5 th /6 th grade Sunday School April 16 th : Youth Easter Breakfast April 23 rd : Board of Endowment April 30 th : Adult Handbells Save the Date: July 31 Aug 4 6:00-8:00pm VBS 2017 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

17 Martin Luther: An Idea That Changed the World Show Times: 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. AMC Classic Mankato 6, 1600 Warren Street Cost: $10 per ticket The radical events, compelling personalities, and exciting drama of the Reformation are brought to life in Martin Luther: An Idea That Changed the World. The full-length documentary features thrilling reenactments of the sixteenthcentury events with commentary from leading church-history experts. This showing is sponsored by the LCMS churches of the Mankato Circuit. To order tickets for the 2pm showing, go to: Mankato3.NewLutherMovie.com To order tickets for the 6:30pm showing, go to: Mankato4.NewLutherMovie.com Deadline to order tickets is Sunday, April 16 th Cooking for Families Whether it is the birth of a baby or the death of a loved one, families are there for support. Our Savior s will be having a cooking day, April 30 to make and freeze meals to be brought in times of need. Bring a dish to share for lunch after the 10:30 service and then we ll get cooking! 17

18 An Open Invitation to Older Adults Here We Stand! is the theme of S.A.G.E.S. Gathering XXIX on May 1 and 2, 2017, in North Mankato. Dr. Rich Bimler is the presenter. Grace Notes will provide entertainment for the Monday evening banquet. Registration and Best Western Inn reservation forms are available at the church. You may get more information at contacting James Vehling at S.A.G.E.S. or Trudy Wiechmann at (Saints Alive, Growing, Ever Serving) is the older adult ministry of the MN South District. Please Register by April 18 th. Backpacking Spring is coming, and so is the annual spring backpacking trip! Are you looking for adventure, a chance to get to know others from church, and to get out in God's great creation? The trip is planned for May (Leaving early on Thursday and returning Saturday evening). Some camping experience is helpful, but no specific backpacking experience necessary. Don't worry if you don't have the gear, as we can borrow as necessary. If you are interested, please contact Matt Brand (mattsbrand@gmail.com) or Lisa Matzke. Looking forward to an adventure! 18

19 Thank you to our Church friends for the sympathy cards and prayers as our Mom and Grandma, Bertha Anderson, entered into God s Kingdom on February 1 st. Sharon Anderson Nate & Lindsey Marso & family Bethesda Auxiliary Scholarship Want part of $32,000 in student scholarships for the school year? Bethesda is looking for applicants for their Bethesda Student Scholastic and Service Scholarships. In the academic year, Bethesda will be awarding $32,000 in scholarships to Lutheran high school, college, and seminary students. Go to: for more information and application. The scholarships are offered in partnership with Bethesda Auxiliary, a nationwide organization that reaches forward in faith, word and deed by sharing the love of Jesus who have developmental disabilities. Only active, communicant members of Lutheran congregations will be considered for the scholarships. Applications are due Monday, May 1,

20 2017 Vine & Branches Conference Spiritual Warfare Lutheranism on Combating the Devil I. Exorcism in the history of Lutheranism Dr. Robert H. Bennett: CTSFW Guest Professor & Executive Director of Luther Academy, Fort Wayne, Indiana. II. Lutheran Theology and Practice Regarding Exorcism, Spiritual Temptation and Struggle Rev. John Dreyer, CTSFW Director of Admission, Fort Wayne, Indiana When: Saturday, April 22 nd, am 4 pm (Registration 9:30 am) Location: Lutheran Church of Our Savior 1157 Third Avenue Windom, MN Please register by April 17, 2017: Rev. Jerry Gauthier Phone: info@vineandbranchesconference.org Website: Trinity Lutheran Church th Street Lakefield, MN Late registration is welcome but the meal cannot be guaranteed This event is sponsored by various LCMS congregation in the Worthington and Sherburn Circuits and private donors. 20

21 Orgelkonzert Monday April 3rd, :00 pm Bethany Lutheran College Trinity Chapel Timothy Krause Music by J.S. Bach, Buxtehude, Mendelssohn, and Handel Reformation Tour 2017 President Dean & Susie Nadasdy will host a 500 th Anniversary Reformation tour of Germany September 22 October 3, The trip will include visits to the historic Reformation sites as well as the German and Austraian Alps. President Nadasdy, a former parish pastor ans eminary professor, will provide brief Bibl studies and lectures on Reformation themes. For more information, brochure, and registration form, contact the Nadasdys at dean.nadasdy@mnsdistrict.org. 21

22 Spaghetti Dinner & Silent Auction The annual Spaghetti Dinner and Silent Auction will be Friday, April 21 at Good Shepherd Lutheran School, 2101 Lor Ray Drive, North Mankato. The dinner is served 5 7pm. A free will offering will be received, supplemented by Thrivent Financial. The Silent Auction is 4:30 6:30pm, followed by the live auction. This year s special live auction feature is selling enough duct tape to tape Mrs. Garman, the lower elementary teacher, to the wall. From the Stewardship Committee April 2017 Easter is a moveable feast. Easter isn't on the same calendar date every year in the way that Christmas is always celebrated on December 25. The date for Easter each year always falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the Spring equinox. And once you find the date of Easter, everything else finds its place Good Friday and Maundy Thursday, Ash Wednesday and the Transfiguration, the Ascension of our Lord and Pentecost. All this is a long way of saying that Easter determines everything. Easter defines everything. It orders not only the entire church year, but it orders our very lives. It defines and gives meaning to our lives, as well to the things that happen in them. And since Easter defines everything, that means it changes everything too. It 22

23 redefines who we are and where we stand with God and with one another. Easter makes all things new. Without Easter, Jesus would not be raised from the dead. Without Easter death would still reign, we would still be in our trespasses and sins, and our faith and hope would be in vain. But Jesus is raised from the dead. Easter changes everything. It makes all things new. Therefore, darkness is overcome with light, wrath with peace, fear with hope, angst with rest, sadness with joy, hatred with love, sin with righteousness, and death with life. Easter changes everything, redefines everything, determines everything. Easter makes all things new. Thus, Easter also changes our attitude about giving. For if God gave us His own Son into death so that we will live, how will He not give us everything else we need? He will, and He does. He provides for us. He even gives us the gifts that we give back to Him for service in the church. Easter demonstrates that we have a God who loves us, a God who provides for us, a God who presses us into His service, a God who has made us new in the death and resurrection of His Son. For when you give to the church, you pass along those things that God alone has given to you. You pass along the message to others that Easter changes everything and makes all things new, even as it has done this for you. This is not a burden, but pure joy. For God has given you a part in the administration of His kingdom. He provides for the needy through your hands. He ensures that the Gospel is preached and the Sacraments are given out through the work of your hands and in the gifts that you give. And He honors and blesses this work and generosity as it redounds to those around you. So when you sit down on the first day of the week to make your offering to the place where Easter is proclaimed and where the gifts of Easter are given out, remember: Easter changes everything. It makes all things new. More than that: Easter has changed you and made you new. Because Jesus who was crucified for our transgressions is raised for our justification. 23

24 The Voice Our Savior Lutheran Church 1103 N Broad Street Mankato, MN THANK YOU ALL CONTRIBUTORS Karen Slipy Marcella Eilders Dianne Schmidt Karen Fischer Bonnie Bequette Doris Emich Marion Brunz Bernice Wilson Kathy Cornish April 2017 Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage P A I D Mankato, MN Permit No. 216 Address Service Requested 24

25 April 2017 Our Savior Lutheran Church, Mankato, Minnesota Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 2 8:00 Worship 8:45 Breakfast 9:15 Sunday School 9:15 Youth-Adult Bible Class 9:30 Youth-Adult Bible Class 10:30 Worship 12:00 Confirmation Photos/Reception 6:00 Youth Group 9 Palm Sunday 8:00 Worship 8:45 Breakfast 9:15 Sunday School 9:15 Youth-Adult Bible Class 9:30 Youth-Adult Bible Class 10:30 Worship - Confirmation 6:00 Youth Group 16 Easter Sunday 6:00 Easter Sunrise Service 6:45 Easter Breakfast 8:00 Worship 10:30 Worship 23 8:00 Worship 8:45 Breakfast 9:15 Sunday School 9:15 Youth-Adult Bible Class 9:30 Youth-Adult Bible Class 10:30 Worship 11:00 Fireplace Room Rental 11:35 Sunday School Teachers 11:45 Private Baptism 6:00 Youth Group/Book Club 30 8:00 Worship 8:45 Breakfast 9:15 Sunday School 9:15 Youth-Adult Bible Class 9:30 Youth-Adult Bible Class 10:30 Worship 11:30 Cooking for Families 6:00 Youth Group 3 6:30 Early Bird Bible Study 1:30 LLL/YAH 10 6:30 Early Bird Bible Study 9:00 Quilting 11:30 Widowed to Widowed 17 Office Closed 24 6:30 Early Bird Bible Study 9:00 Quilting 2:00 Luther Movie 6:30 Luther Movie 4 10:00 Staff Meeting 7:00 Bd of Elders 7:00 Bd of Trustees 7:00 Bd of Deacons 11 10:00 Staff Meeting 1:00 Bible Study 5:15 Bd of Education 7:00 Church Council 18 9:00 Circuit Pastors 6:30 LWML Quarterly Meeting 25 10:00 Staff Meeting 1:00 Bible Study 1:00 Rebekah Circle 5 1:00 Christus Choir 1:30 Lenten Worship 3:00 LWML Bd Mtg 5:00 Meal 5:00 Kids Ring 5:30 Kids Praise 5:45 Adult Bells 6:30 Lenten Worship 7:15 Jr. Confirmation 7:15 Adult Choir 12 1:30 Mary Circle 5:45 Adult Bells 7:00 Adult Choir 19 5:00 Kids Ring 5:30 Kids Praise 5:45 Adult Bells 6:00 Meal 6:45 Devotion 7:00 Adult Choir 26 5:00 Kids Ring 5:30 Kids Praise 5:45 Adult Bells 6:00 Meal 6:45 Devotion 7:00 Adult Choir 6 10:00 Cancer Companions 1:30 Ruth/Lydia Circle 13 1:30 Maundy Thursday Worship 2:30 Missionary Visit 6:30 Maundy Thursday Worship Good Friday 1:30 Good Friday Worship 4:00 The Voice Deadline 6:30 Good Friday Worship 1 6:00 Worship 6:00 Worship 15 10:00 Easter Garden / Breakfast Set-up NO 6pm Worship 8:00 Easter Vigil :30 LWML Zone Rally Salem, Madelia Moldstad/Westerlund Wedding 6:00 Worship 27 10:00 Cancer Companions Reunion Our Savior s Worship Service is aired Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. and Wednesday at 2 p.m. on KTV. Sunday Matins is aired at 8:03 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. each Sunday on KTOE 1420AM. 6:00 Worship

26 Date 4/2/17 Mike H. Chris T. A Early A Late Serving in April Elder of the Day Comm.Team Assistant Usher Usher Team Acolyte Greeter 8:00 10:30 8:00 10:30 8:00 10:30 8:00 10:30 8:00 10:30 8:00 10:30 Breakfast Richard & Kevin 1st 1st Evan H.; Riley S.; RJ Vern & Mona Bd of Dave H. Susanne N.; H. Early Late Derrick S. H. K.; Jean B. Deacons Marcella E. 4/5/17 [6:30] Mike H,Chris T. [6:30] Mark S. [6:30] 4th Late [6:30] 4/9/2017 Confirma tion Dave H. Mark W. B Early B Late Gary R. Kurt A. 2nd Early 26 2nd Late Naomi B.; Desiree L. Silas S.; Riley S. 4/13/17 TBD TBD [6:30] Kurt A. [6:30] 1st Early [6:30] Riley S.; RJ H. 4/14/17 TBD [6:30] Gordy W. [6:30] 1st Late [6:30] Khia B.; Alexis A. 4/16/17 [6am] TBD [6am] TBD [6am] Steve J. [6am] 2nd Early 4/16/17 Easter Roger A. Immanuel M. C Early C Late 4/23/17 Pete P. Roger S. A Early A Late 4/30/17 Judd S. Lon W B Early B Late Gordy W. Kevin H. Gary R. Mark S. Steve J. Dave H. 3rd Early 4th Early 2nd Early 3rd Late 4th Late 2nd Late [6am] Naomi B.; Katelyn W. Riley S.; RJ H. Evan H.; Derrick S. Katelyn W.; Naomi B. Khia B.; Alexis A. Desiree L.; Caleb M. Caleb M.; Silas S. [1:30] Chuck & Bev F. Pete & Jobi P.; Karen S. [1:30] Larry & Jan D.; Jean B. [1:30] Jerry & Nancy C. Perry & Jan E.; Dianne S. Alex & Heather J.; Marie G. Jay & Cindy J.; Bernice W. [9am] Volunteer Senior Pastor Assistant Pastor Deaconess Choir Director Secretary Custodian Rev. Paul A. Lauer Rev. Adam M. Matheny Lisa Brand Marcia Gustafson Sue Hendrickson Larry Schultz Office: Office: Office: Home: Office: Office: Cell: Cell: Home: Staff [6:30] Dave & Pam B. Chuck & Bev F.; Lisa M. [6:30] Dave & Barb E. [6:30] Merle & Lois K. Kurt & Jeanne A.; Chuck & Bev F. Dave & Sarah H.; Arlene W. Steve & Wendy J.; Mary H. 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 Gregg Marg-Chair Tim Hobbs Amy Mack Barb Anderson Mark Wellner Chris Anderson-Chair Dianne Willett Bob Timm Roger Schwanke Bruce Anderson Heather Johnson Dave Eberhart Immanuel Mueller Jerry Clausen Kathy Whitehead Board of Endowment Fund Lon Whitehead Kurt Anderson Lindsey Marso Perry Eimers-Chair Roger Asleson Nate Marso Kay Hislop-Chair Dave Kroells Mike Humburg Jerry Dehn Board of Deacons Denny Zellmer Chris Thompson Jo Eversman Dave Borchert Judd Schultz Nancy Clausen Brian Schroeder Pete Preston Katie Wilson Janet Timm Kirk Yungerberg Marcella Eilders Jan Eimers Dave Wintheiser Kristeen Asleson Vacant None 5th/6th Grade SS None None Youth Bd of Endowme nt Adult Bells