Parish Visitor. Osseo Evangelical Lutheran Church (715) Wednesday, December 6th W/ELCA Christmas Festival Potluck

Transcription

1 Parish Visitor In This Issue Page 2 Pastor Terry s Message Page 3 Bishop Hoyme s Message Page 4 C-YA Youth, TGIF & ASP Page 5 Confirmation, Friendship Club, Sunday School & Teen Bible Study Page 6 Social Concerns Ministry, Food Pantry & Noisy Offering Page 7 W/ELCA, Staff, Annual Meeting & Parish Events Page 8 Prayer Shawl Ministry, Sponsorships & Planning Ahead Page 9 Worship Assistants & Staff Page ember Calendar Osseo Evangelical Lutheran Church (715) Wednesday, ember 6th 12:00 noon W/ELCA Christmas Festival Potluck Wednesday Advent Services ember 6th, 13th & 20th Thursday, ember 7th 4:00 PM Friendship Club Supper & Tour of Christmas Lights Sunday, ember 10th Grades 4K-3rd Christmas Program 8:15 Sunday, ember 17th Grades 4th-6th Christmas Program 10:45 Sunday, ember 24th Christmas Eve Christmas Cantata (no communion) 4:30 PM Candlelight Service w/holy Comm. 9:00 PM Candlelight Service w/holy Comm. Monday, ember 25th Worship with Holy Communion Sunday, ember 31st Worship with Holy Communion to Jane Stanek for sponsoring the Security System for ember in memory of Jim & Inez Pettis. 6:00 PM

2 Please hold...your call may be monitored for quality assurance... I don't know about you but when I hear that somewhat condescending, pre-recorded little ditty or some similar variation I always think to myself (and sometimes say aloud into the phone), Oh yeah, if you were really and truly concerned about quality assurance perhaps you wouldn't keep me on hold for so dang long. You may have already picked up on this but I'm not always the most patient person to deal with. I don't mean to take you down with me but statistics would support the assertion that not very many of us are all that good at waiting for anything these days. We don't like to wait idly in lines at the store or a restaurant, we don't like to sit quietly in the waiting room past the appointed hour, and we certainly don't appreciate the cumulative hours we spend listening to someone else's musical selections as we grow old on hold. Some contemporary biblical translations try to justify our impatience by employing the old saying, Idle hands are the devil's workshop. But I think it's a bit of a stretch to blame our disdain for waiting solely on fear of the evil one. I say this realizing that the Apostle Paul might fully disagree. Folks, for those of us who have been conditioned by any of the last five or six generations of life in America, waiting has become a sign of wasting time and we don't generally like to waste time. With that line of thought in mind, I'd like to ask a favor of you. Would you be willing to come and waste some time with Bella and I this Advent season? Who is Bella you ask? She is a sixteen year old junior, more fully known as Bella Nicolai, who attends Osseo-Fairchild High School and has agreed to assist me in leading midweek Advent worship services. What Bella and I have in mind is to spend some quiet, contemplative time considering what it means that God once decided to come into our world and become one of us. Bella and I invite you to come and be counter-cultural, come to worship and wait in preparation for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, Emmanuel. Come to hear the stories of three angelic announcements made to others who, long ago, also did some waiting for the birth of the promised Messiah: The story of Zechariah according to Luke 1:5-25 on Wednesday, ember 6 th, the story of Mary according to Luke 1:26-38 on Wednesday, ember, 13th and the story of Joseph according to Matthew 1:18-23 on Wednesday, ember 20 th. ALL ADVENT SERVICES BEGIN AT 6:00 P.M. A blessed time of Advent waiting and preparation to all, Pastor Terry Lorenz 2

3 Dear Friends of the Northwest Synod of Wisconsin, The year was 1986 and it was a beautiful ember morning in our new home in Minnesota. We had recently moved and I was preparing my Christmas Eve message for my new congregation. But I was having difficulty focusing on the task at hand. Each time I attempted to pen relevant and impressive thoughts, my eyes were diverted to a photo on my desk; a photo of a baby with thick dark hair and deep brown eyes. Although we had never met, she had been named and she was loved. Her name was Laura and Lutheran Social Services had assured us that she would soon be on a plane that would fly her from Seoul, South Korea to the Minneapolis airport and then into our arms. But for now, she was in a crib in an orphanage in a faraway land. And that made me sad I was sad because this little one would spend her first Christmas alone or as alone as one can be in a room filled with cribs. But she would not be held in the arms of loving parents and surrounded with gifts. And that was sad. And it made me feel alone. But I had a sermon to write so back to the words in my Bible and back to the story they told. Immanuel - God with us. This word is first written in the book of Isaiah and then again in the Gospel of Matthew. Both times it is written as a promise that God will be with us, and God will never leave us. It is a promise that a baby will one day be born and that baby will fulfill the promise of God s presence with God s people. Oh my goodness could this be true? Could God s promise not be an ancient one, but one that was being fulfilled, even as I attempted to write a message of hope to my new people? Is God really with us? Her first Christmas; wrapped in cloths and lying in a hard bottomed crib in the center of a faraway orphanage. And God is with her. God had knit her together in her mother s womb, and God would never leave her. And her name was Laura. And she was a child of God. I remember this beautiful ember morning often. I remember it when I am feeling alone. I remember it because I need to believe that God is with me. And that God will never leave me. And I believe it. This will be my last Christmas message to you as your bishop. Next year at this time, you will read words from a new bishop but the promise will not change. God is with you. His name is Immanuel and the promise is real. Have a blessed Christmas and go to church! God will be there! 3

4 Our High School Youth went bowling in November at Wagner Lanes in Eau Claire. The competition was fierce as only 4 pins separated the top 4 bowlers. In the end Nicholas Barka was the big winner with Taylor Volbrecht being the most improved bowler. A big thank you goes to Allyson Barka for being a driver and a great cheer leader. The 2nd Annual ASP Deer Hunters Dinner was a huge success. Mounds of fresh mashed potatoes, home made sour kraut, squash, applesauce and country style pork ribs were served up at the Cabin in the Pines. All proceeds will go towards this years ASP mission trip in June where 25 youth and 10 adults will be participating, going to Kentucky to work in some of the poorest regions in the USA. L-R: Bo, Les, Serg, Taylor, Nicholas L-R: Stephanie, Sue, Nicholas ASP Pizza Sale Over 1200 hundred pizzas were made by the hands of the ASP youth, family and friends on November 3 and 4. A big thank you to all the folks from the UCC Church and Osseo Lutheran in Osseo who helped make and buy all those delicious, gooey, chewy pizzas. A special thank goes to Great Lakes foods and Pigeon Falls meats in helping make this fundraiser happen. There are a few pepperoni pizzas left that are selling for $7 or 3 for $20. Call Les if interested. Middle School youth group, T.G.I.F., had a great outing at Beaver Bowling Lanes in Augusta on Sunday, November 12th. First place went to Karmen Paulus with a 163 in two games. Most improved bowler L-R-Front: Lydia, Della, Devyn, Karmen went to Amara Wilkinson who L-R-Back: Mia, Mitch, Amara, Rylee improved her second game by 30 pins!!! Most strikes went to Mitch Halvorson with 4 in two games. The next T.G.I.F. youth event will be Sunday, ember 10th. Meet at noon at OELC to eat, then make Christmas cookies and cards to pass out at Dove Health Care Center T.G.I.F. Pumpkin Carving Champions Lydia Jensen Mia Nicolai Brenna Seefeldt 4

5 ember Schedule Sunday, ember 3 8:15 A: Rylee Bratina 10:45 A:Kevin Halvorson 8:15 C: Chase Nelson 10:45 C: Mac Waloway Wednesday, ember 6 Snack at 3:35; Class at 4:00-5:00 PM Snack: Alexis Mazur 6:00 PM A: Cody Severson C: Logan Smith Sunday, ember 10 8:15 A: Mariah Steinke 10:45 A: Amara Wilkinson 8:15 C: Della Vojtik 10:45 C: Sub for Nathan S. Wednesday, ember 13 Snack at 3:35; Class 4:00-5:00 PM Snack: Keyton Boettcher 6:00 PM A: Kaia Metzler C: Kaleb Walsh Sunday, ember 17 8:15 A: Cayden Guntner 10:45 A: Miah Tankovich 8:15 C: Cody Severson 10:45 C: Rhiannon Prudlick Wednesday, ember 20 Snack at 3:35; Class 4:00-5:00 PM Snack: Rhiannon Prudlick 6:00 PM A: Madi Loonstra C: Braeden Metzler Sunday, ember 24 9:00 A: need volunteer 9:00 C: need volunteer 4:30 A: Torri Shimon 4:30 C: Connor Abley 9:00 A: Paige Skoyen 9:00 C: need sub Monday, ember 25 A: Ian Vold C: Spencer Anderson Wednesday, ember 27 No Confirmation Classes Sunday, ember 31 A: Brenna Seefeldt C: Brody Seefeldt A=Acolyte; C=Crucifer 7 th Grade Confirmation The 7 th grade confirmation class has been watching the video entitled The Bible the last three weeks. The youth really have enjoyed the history coming alive and how the bible stories they learned in Sunday school were portrayed in the video. In ember we will be studying the birth of Jesus and the Magi. 5 The Friendship club of Osseo Evangelical Lutheran Church will be sponsoring a bus trip Thursday, ember 7 th to tour the Lighted Christmas Village at Irvine Park in Chippewa Falls. The bus will also swing into Phoenix Park in Eau Claire to tour the River Lights and Lighted Bridge. Cost of the trip is as follows: Bus trip and roast pork dinner $20; just the bus trip $15. The dinner starts at 4:00 PM in the fellowship hall at OELC and the bus leaves at 5:30 fromm the church. You do not need to get off the bus during the tour of the lights. Call Molly now to reserve your seat. Sunday School Special Music Grades 4k to 3rd will sing every second Sunday of the month at the 8:15 service led by Val Lorenz and Molly Nicolet Christmas Program-8:15-Sunday, ember 10th Grades 4-6 will sing every third Sunday of the month at the 10:45 service - led by Jim Newman and Melissa Jensen Christmas Program-10:45-Sunday, ember 17th In all the hustle and bustle of the world and the holidays, how do we put/keep meaning in our Christmas Journey? Where does the Nativity fit in all of this? How can we be more intentional about a Christ centered season? We will talk, color, eat, read scripture, giggle, pray, try to answer thought provoking questions, and share ideas and perspectives. It won't be the same without YOUR thoughts! Making Christmas Meaningful! Bible Study for 9th-12th graders Sundays between services 9:30 Come to one, come to all!

6 Table of Friendship FREE Community Meal The smell of sauerkraut filled the air as you entered the fellowship hall at Oseeo Lutheran church the second Wednesday of November. That was because Chef Curt Nelson had prepared sauerkraut, mashed potatoes and Polish sausage for the Oseeo Community Meal. This delicious meal was enjoyed by over 80 guests. T h e n e x t F R E E Community Meal will be Wednesday, ember 13 th with serving starting at 4:00pm. The menu will be pork patties, mash potatoes and a veggie. The meal is FREE and open to everyone in the Osseo Community. Please spread the word and invite your friends to this wonderful FREE community meal held the second Wednesday of every month. Osseo Food Pantry In Need of Volunteers The Osseo Food Pantry, located at Seventh St., distributes food freely to all in need on the third Saturday of each month. While this ministry has good and faithful financial support from community members and area churches we are currently lacking in people to help on distribution day. Volunteers are needed to unload trucks and set up food items for distribution. There is only one shift and it is for roughly two hours, from 9:15 to 11:30 on the 3 rd Saturday of the month. If you are able to help with the effort to get food to those in need, please contact Pastor Terry at (715) Thank you for your consideration. Do you know someone who lives in the Osseo area and needs a ride to church??? OR Would you be willing to give someone who lives in the Osseo area a ride to church??? Call the church office today at The HARVEST SUPPER brought in $7,551.51!!! This will be designated at the ember Council Meeting. THE NUMBERS ARE IN: We served 426 carry-outs and 400 dine-in. THANKS to the many people and companies who donated time, money & materials to the Harvest Supper!!! The REFORMATION MEAL on October 29th brought in $541.51!!! This money was used to assist with the General Fund. 6 2nd Tuesday of the month 4:30-6:00 PM at Osseo UCC A NOISY OFFERING is being collected the last Sunday of every month (Praise Team Sunday). This is a fun way for everyone to give some spare change to be donated to a selected mission or ministry of OELC. The children (& adults) can bring tin-cans of loose change and make some noise by emptying it into a large kettle as we offer our gifts to God. November Noisy Offering was donated to the Northwest Synod of Wisconsin Resource Center.

7 W/ELCA Calendar 2017 ember 6 Christmas Potluck Christmas stocking making went well. 37 stockings stuffed with personal products are being sent to the food pantry. Thanks to all who participated on this fun day. Quilting is off to a good start. ember quilting will be on the 2nd Tuesday, ember 12th. All are welcome. Bring a sack lunch. We will be quilting from 10AM to 4PM. There will be no quilting on ember 26th. The Annual Meeting of the Congregation of Osseo Evangelical Lutheran Church will be held on Sunday, January 28th, 2018, immediately following our 8:15 worship service (approximately 9:15 ). All voting members should be present. All committee reports are due to Molly by ember 1st, The Annual Meeting booklet will be available after 10:00 on Wednesday, January 24th. The agenda will be available in the office on Monday, January 15th after 10:00 The amendments to the Model Constitution for Congregations will be available in the office on Thursday, ember 14th after 10:00 These amendments will be voted on at the Annual Mtg. W/ELCA Bible Study 3rd Wednesday of the month 1:00 PM Meet in the family room We Rejoice in the Baptism of: Bryor Clinton Fremstad, was born March 4, 2017, to Jesse & Ami (Mayer) Fremstad. Bryor was baptized on Sunday, November 5, Makena Sue Koch, was born April 3, 2017, to Dustin Koch & Jeri Biesen. Makena was baptized on Sunday, November 12, We Express Sympathy to the family and friends upon the death of Roger Alan Swett, 79, died Thursday, October 26th in Eau Claire. The service for Roger was Thursday, November 2nd at OELC. Marion Rudella Lee-Sampson, 97, died Thursday, October 26th in Osseo. The service for Marion was Friday, November 3rd at OELC. Richard Steven (Rick) Torpen, 65, died Monday, November 6th in Osseo. The service for Rick was Friday, November 10th at OELC. 7 L-R: Jane, Arnie, Betty, Shirley, John Thank you carrot peelers!!! These will be delicious at the ASP Steak Fry this Spring!!! OELC Staff: Pastor: Terry Lorenz ; pastorterrylorenz@tcc.coop Director of Music & Worship Ministries: Jim Newman jimnewman@centurytel.net Director of Youth & Family Ministries: Les Munnik ; lesmunnik@gmail.com Parish Administrator: MollyVold.oelc@triwest.net Asst. Parish Administrator: Deanna Klindworth...oelc2@triwest.net Chancel Choir Director & Organist: Dan Newman newmandr4546@me.com Kingdom Kids Preschool Teacher/Director: Melissa Jensen osseokingdomkids@gmail.com Custodians: Ingrid Thompson; Carl Holmen; Linda Ness; Nikki Barnhardt Financial Assistants: Shirley Bagley, Betty Ward Church Council: Council President-Betty Ward; Secretary-Carol Dodge; Vice President-Traci Loonstra; Treasurer-Mary Jo Halvorson; David Lundberg, Caroline Tietjens, Maria Paulus, Brett Jensen, Jody Groell, John Haugen, Erin Everson, Thea Vojtik

8 Our next monthly meeting is Wednesday, ember 6th from 1:00-3:00 PM. The group gathers the first Wednesday of the month. For more information, call Rosi at Stop by the church office if you d like to sponsor any of the following: Dates Available:. 31 & Most of st Committee Reports Due for Annual Mtg.. 3rd Book Club Meeting Christmas Jars by Jason F. Wright Poinsettia Orders Due. 6th W/ELCA Christmas Potluck. 6, 13 & 20 ADVENT Wednesday Services. 9th Lions Club Breakfast with Santa. 10th 4K-3rd Graders Christmas Program. 17th 4th-6th Graders Christmas Program. 19th Lifeline Screening. 24th 9:00am-Christmas Cantata 4:30 & 9:00pm-Christmas Eve Services. 25th Christmas Day service at 9:00. 31st New Year s Eve service at 9:00 Jan. 4th Red Cross Blood Drive Jan. 7th ASP Reunion Jan. 18th Dairyland Pastors Meeting at OELC Jan. 28th OELC Annual Meeting Feb. 14th Ash Wednesday Feb. 26th Lifetouch Photo Day March 29th Maundy Thursday March 30th Good Friday April 1st Easter Every Wednesday IGNITE 5:00-6:00 PM Supper 6:00-6:45 PM Worship Last Wednesday of the month = POTLUCK Osseo Evangelical Lutheran Church 8 Dates Available to Sponsor:. 3, 17, 31 & All of 2018 Dates Available to Sponsor: Beginning February 2018 Dates Available to Sponsor:. & into 2018 Christmas/Anytime Gift Idea Help our church provide for the expenses of our missions! Please order how many Magnetic Notepads you would like. The cost is $4.00 a notepad. FYI: ASP/Kwik Trip Gift Cards make great Christmas gifts. Get yours today in the church office!

9 Date Time 3 8:15 10:45 Nels & Nancy Gunderson Tim & Judy Johnson Linda Dahl, Kay Vold, Stuart & Carol Dodge Rylee Bratina Chase Nelson Kevin Halvorson Mac Waloway Stacy Holden Team #5: Frans Carlstrom (Capt.) Carol Dodge Team #6: Martin Jermstad (Capt.) 6 6:00 PM Cody Severson Logan Smith Advent Need volunteers 10 8:15 10:45 Mariah Steinke Della Vojtik Amara Wilkinson Need a sub Sunday School Pastor Terry Team #8: Curt Skoyen (Capt.) Team #7: Terry Halderson (Capt.) 13 6:00 PM Kaia Metzler Kaleb Walsh Advent Need volunteers 17 8:15 10:45 Cayden Guntner Cody Severson Miah Tankovich Braeden Metzler Pastor Terry Sunday School Team #9: Larry Husom (Capt.) Team #11: Shaun Everson (Capt.) 20 6:00 PM Madi Loonstra Rhiannon Prudlick Advent Need volunteers 9:00 Need Volunteers Christmas Cantata Team #12: Matt Nelson (Capt.) 24 4:30 PM Stuart & Carol Dodge Need 1 Volunteer Torri Shimon Connor Abley Tom Peterson Team #1: Mark Martinson (Capt.) Team #2: Rick Tiller (Capt.) 9:00 PM Betty Ward & Need 2 Volunteers Paige Skoyen Need a sub Marty Kempf Team #4: Eric Johnson (Capt.) Team #10: Dan Ness (Capt.) 25 9:00 Eric & Suzanne Rogness Rick & Jackie Tiller Ian Vold Spencer Anderson Betty Ward Team #3: Marv McCune (Capt.) 31 9:00 Greg & Tammy Dahl Jason & Shelley Christopherson Brenna Seefeldt Brody Seefeldt Sharon Jermstad Team #8: Curt Skoyen (Capt.) We are updating our Community Book/Photo Directory! Are you a new member of OELC? 9 Has your family changed? Did you miss our last photography sessions? Do you want updated professional family photographs? IF your answer is YES to any of these questions, save this date...monday, February 26th, 2:00-9:00 PM. More information will be out soon!

10 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY Pickleball League Mondays & 6:30 PM Thursdays $2.00 per day/session For more information, talk to Dave Lundberg or call the church office Annual Meeting Committee Reports Due 2 7:30 PM Stouthearted Men Concert O-F H.S. 3 Holy Communion 8:15 9:30 Sunday School Coffee Fellowship Teen Bible Study Book Club Meeting 10:45 Noon-3:00 PM C-YA Bowling Poinsettia Orders Due 4 6:00 PM Girl Scout Meeting 9:00am & 6:30 PM Pickleball Leagues 5 7:00 Men s Bible Study at Norske Nook 8:00 Staff Meeting 10:00-Noon Head Start 10:00-Noon Pastors Text Study 6 Noon WELCA Christmas Buffet 1:00-3:00 PM Prayer Shawl Gathering 4:00 PM Confirmation 6:00 PM Advent Worship Service 6:45 PM Chancel Choir 7 Pickleball League 4:00 PM Friendship Club Dinner 5:30 PM Christmas Lights Bus Tour leaves OELC 8 9 8:30-10:30am Lions Club Breakfast with Santa at OELC Use your credit card... Text your offering to 73256, enter OELC in the message, send & follow the prompts! The BOOK CLUB will meet. 3rd at 9:30. the book this month is Christmas Jars by Jason F. Wright. For COFFEE FELLOWSHIP Every Sunday between services. Coffee & treats for all! Sign-up in the office if you d like to provide and/or serve. 10 Monday thru Friday 8:00-4:00 PM (even during the summer) Pastor s Sabbath=Mondays

11 10 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 8:15 with 4K-3rd grade Christmas Program 9:30 Sunday School Coffee Fellowship Teen Bible Study Prayer Shawl Time 10:45 Noon-3:00 PM T.G.I.F. Middle School Youth Group 17 7:00 PM S. Beef 8:15 9:30 Sunday School Coffee Fellowship Teen Bible Study 10:45 with 4th-6th grade Christmas Program 24 3:00 PM S. Beef See cover for worship times. 11 9:00am & 6:30 PM Pickle-ball Leagues 18 8:00-4:00 Tremp. Cty. WIC 9:00am & 6:30 PM Pickle-ball Leagues 25 Holy Communion Worship Celebration 12 8:00 Staff Meeting 10:00-Noon Pastors Text Study 10:00-4:00 Quilting 4:30-6:00 PM Ruby s Pantry at Osseo UCC 19 8:00 Staff Meeting 8:00-5:00 Lifeline Screening 26 10:00-Noon Head Start 10:00-Noon Pastors Text Study 8:00 Staff Meeting 10:00-Noon Pastors Text Study 13 4:00 PM Confirmation 4:30-6:00 PM FREE Community Meal 6:00 PM Advent Worship Service 6:45 PM Chancel Choir 7:00 PM Church Council Meeting 20 7:00-9:00 PM Craft Night 1:00 PM WELCA Bible Study 4:00 PM Confirmation 6:00 PM Advent Worship Service 27 6:45 PM Chancel Choir 8:00 Newsletter Assembly 5:00-6:45 PM IGNITE Worship Service 14 6:30 PM 4-H Meeting Pickleball League 21 Pickleball League 28 IGNITE Meeting Pickleball League NEWSLETTER ARTICLES Due Tri-County Food Pantry 31 Holy Communion & Noisy Offering

12 PARISH VISITOR is the newsletter of Osseo Evangelical Lutheran Church Harmony Street Osseo, WI Osseo Evangelical Lutheran Church NONPROFIT Harmony Street U.S. POSTAGE PAID Osseo, WI OSSEO, WI Address Service Requested PERMIT NO. 5 * DATED MATERIAL * Please join us for Sunday Worship 8:15 & 10:45 Pastor: Terry Lorenz Our Mission at OELC: to share our faith and bring people to Jesus Christ, to love our neighbors as ourselves, and to minister to the needs of ALL people.