The Messenger ~ October 2016

Transcription

1 The Messenger ~ October 2016 Our Savior s Lutheran Church and School San Clemente, California Inspired to Love, Encouraged to Think, and Sent to Serve So, my son, throw yourself into this work for Christ. Pass on what you heard from me the whole congregation saying Amen! 2 Timothy 2.1 (The Message) Paul writes to a young leader in the church who is taking on the pastoral duties of the congregation. What Paul does in this little verse above is remind Timothy that his work is not to be done alone, but within the context of the local congregation. Together leaders and congregation throw themselves into the work of Christ and as Timothy preaches this faith in Jesus the congregation is to respond with an affirming AMEN. Amen of course is just a Greek work that means, so be it! My friends, I need to hear your affirming AMEN as we enter into our fall stewardship drive. The apostle Paul was never shy about asking for the time, talents and resources of the Christian community and in that spirit I too as your pastor ask that you might throw yourself into this work for Christ. Together we make a difference here at Our Savior s Lutheran Church that I think sometimes we take for granted. Not only do we gather on Sunday morning and evening to hear the Word and celebrate the sacrament of Holy Communion but our ministry through your generosity goes much further. Let me give you some examples. I remember seeing a former confirmation student on the nightly news, now a young marine who was standing guard in Iraq. In the midst of all the chaos of war, I knew that this Marine knew the promise of God in Jesus Christ and that the faith that he had affirmed at Confirmation was the faith that was going to give him the strength and comfort to face the days ahead. Your support provides this to our youngest members. in rural areas. Others teach children where there are few opportunities to go to school, or work in seminaries that prepare pastors and future church leaders. Others support, nurture and preach in some of the fastest growing Lutheran congregations in the world. And still others are young adults, engaging in a life-changing, year-long experience through the Young Adults in Global Mission. Let me list some of the countries where Christ is proclaimed because of YOU: South Sudan, Ethiopia, Uganda, Rwanda, Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, India, Nepal, Myanmar, Cambodia, Malaysia, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uruguay, Peru, Bolivia, Guyana, El Salvador, Guatemala, Cuba and Haiti. Together we show the love of Christ in our local work with Welcome Inn, Family Assistance Ministries, Gilchrist House, San Onofre Marine assistance, Habitat for Humanity and much more. This month you will begin to see our fall Stewardship Drive in action. Information about our ministry, estimate of giving cards, time and talent sheets, electronic giving information and devotional material will all be coming your way. Please, give this a resounding AMEN! Pass on the packet of information to a family down the street, pass on your faith for generations to come! Peace! Pastor Jeff Together we support over 240 missionaries in 40 countries around the world that bring the hope and good news of Jesus Christ to those who have never had a chance to hear of God s love. Some are doctors

2 John* Pert 10/2 Catherine Crancer 10/3 Julie Gordon 10/5 Michael Scott 10/5 Caitlyn Schmitt 10/6 Daryl Kowalik 10/7 Troy* Ferderer 10/8 Tanya Hathaway 10/8 Nicholas Reyes 10/8 Brian Burgett 10/9 Brianna Wright 10/9 Kelly Doyle 10/11 Gary Marzolo 10/11 Rena Schmiedeke 10/11 Christine Balaban 10/12 Stephanie Kania 10/12 Chris Lindholm 10/12 Jessica Lewis 10/13 Tom Densham 10/14 Marla Lund 10/14 Judith Halverson 10/15 Hensley Heidelman-Buehler 10/15 Rachel Mulligan 10/16 Griffin Buchan 10/19 Mila Olbrich 10/19 Wendy Kelly 10/20 Beverly Simon 10/20 Ryan Crowe 10/21 Patti Hilde 10/21 Pam Burgett 10/22 October Birthdays, Anniversaries & More ~ Birthdays ~ Shig Kinoshita 10/22 Ronan Hallinan 10/23 John Lucy 10/23 John Davidson 10/24 Shelby Lindholm 10/24 Andrew Cardoso 10/25 Brad Crowe 10/25 Ian Kos 10/25 Wyatt Lischalk 10/26 Nancy Llamas 10/26 Stan Schrofer 10/27 Ben Gardner 10/28 Wesley Gardner 10/28 Diane Miles 10/28 Erin Doyle 10/30 Sandra Hannah 10/31 October is Pastor Appreciation We, as a congregation thank you Pastor Jeff for the wonderful spiritual guidance, leadership, love and support that you share with each and every one of us. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You! Be sure to show your personal appreciation! ~ Anniversaries ~ Gus & Theresa Alvarez 10/1 Matt & Julie Gordon 10/5 Eric & Jill Baker 10/8 Greg & Christie Kalagian 10/10 Jeff & Julie McClure 10/10 Matthew & Kat Yeakel 10/10 Greg* & Stephanie Kania 10/12 Keven & Dee Matthews 10/13 Ed & Karen Fox 10/14 Ken & Arlene Ross 10/16 Mike & Diane Boquet 10/18 Jim & Barb Smoot 10/21 Barbara & Cliff* Hume 10/26 Andy & Mindy Goulding 10/27 Mike & Christi Calvert 10/30 Baptized September 4, 2016 Lily Mae Crancer We welcome Lily into the Lord s family and receive her as a fellow member of the body of Christ and pray that her light may always shine before others. Reformation Sunday October 30, 2016 Wear Red to Worship On October 31, 1517 an obscure but promising professor at Wittenberg University posted his 95 theses on the Castle Church door in Wittenberg. Martin Luther wanted to call the church into a debate over several of its practices which he found to be unacceptable in light of Holy Scripture. Chief among these abuses was the selling of indulgences for the forgiveness of sins. This was in direct conflict with Luther s rediscovery of the great truth of the Gospel: That we are put right with God by grace through faith, not by works of the law. Luther s ideas fueled the Protestant Reformation and a new era in the West where the individual could stand up before Pope or King on the grounds of conscience. On Sunday, October 30th we will celebrate Reformation Day here at Our Savior's Lutheran Church. Wear red, the color of the day to help us celebrate! 2

3 WHAT WE ARE DOING AS CHURCH TOGETHER! Pastor Jeff Receives Grant for Sabbatical Study! Pastor Jeff has been awarded full funding for his Sabbatical Grant proposal by the 2016 Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Program, administered through the Christian Theological Seminary. This award of $33, is to provide the means by which Pastor Jeff can pursue his upcoming Sabbatical planned for May July Provided in the grant is $12,000 to help pay the cost of having a guest pastor serve while Pastor Jeff is away. The 11 page grant proposal submitted for this competitive program outlines a sabbatical theme based on the Benedictine way of life that calls for hospitality, study, prayer and work. Highlights of the sabbatical include study at Oxford University in England, participation in the Tantur Ecumenical Institute outside of Jerusalem and volunteering with Augusta Victoria hospital in Jerusalem. Lilly Endowment intends for this program to enable pastors to live for a while at a different pace and in a new environment, in Sabbath time and space, said Dr. Christopher L. Coble, vice president for religion at the Endowment. We can think of no better way to honor these hardworking, faithful men and women than to help them experience personal growth and spiritual renewal in ways that they themselves design and find meaningful. We regularly hear that these renewal experiences are transformative for pastors, their families and their congregations. Congratulations to Pastor Jeff for receiving this prestigious grant! (Here is one place our offerings have gone) HOPE SPRINGS AT ABIDING MINISTRIES On Sunday, August 24, 2014 the last hymn was sung, the blessing was said and the doors closed on Bethlehem Lutheran Church, in Pittsburgh, PA. Bethlehem had merged with another congregation, and its 100- year-old building was scheduled to be torn down. That is, until a connection was made with Abiding Ministries a new ELCA faith community in Pittsburgh. Abiding Ministries was in search of a space and found a fit in the vacant church building. But it needed work. There were stray cats living in the building, the lights didn t work, the roof leaked. We came in and got things cleaned up, remembered Christine Rotella, mission developer for Abiding Ministries. In less than a year, the new congregation has become an important part of the neighborhood, offering a meal and worship on Sundays and financial workshops during the week. Abiding Ministries has become a source of hope where many experience extreme poverty: God has provided me with a new spiritual and physical energy here," said Moses, a member there. Another member, Patrick, added, [This church] has restored my faith, something I had given up on since I was a child. Children are even showing up after school for fellowship, snacks and support in a safe space. Once Rotella came across a group of five boys caught in a street fight with adults and pulled them inside the church. That afternoon ended with songs in the choir loft instead of violence. Two of boys came back and sang in worship that Sunday, and they have been visiting the church on and off ever since. 3

4 October 2016 October is here again time for the stewardship drive. Members of Our Savior s are asked to commit their time and their talents to support the ministry of our church. The talents (money) support is a given. It is obvious that in order to keep the lights on we need the financial support of our members. However, it is not all about the money. Our stewardship drive also asks for our time. I recently read an article online from a 2010 edition of Christianity Today. It quoted the following two Scriptures: 4 Romans 12:4-8New International Version (NIV). For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your [a] faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, [b] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. I Corinthians 12:12, New International Version (NIV) 12 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. The article goes on to say: Paul describes the church as designed to function in radically different terms and "volunteering" is not part of the equation. We are the body. The idea of a volunteer kidney or tibia in a functioning body is nonsensical. This article spoke to me. My volunteer work in the church is not something that I will consider in my spare time. I am needed! I am critical to the health of this Our Savior s Lutheran Church body! My physical body cannot survive without all its parts and the church body cannot survive without ALL of us. I do not think that any of us are an appendix or tonsil we are all critical to the health of our church. Volunteering is not optional find the way you will serve. In His Service ~ Karen Skipper, Director of Music We are all important! Enjoy this Coffee with Jesus 4

5 Youth and Children s Ministry by Bob Cooper - Director of Youth and Children s Ministries For our Rally Day celebration this year Our Savior s decided to expand on the car rally that was started last year. This year s event drew about 20 cars and was indeed a success. Just a Scratch Now I have been an antique, classic car, and hot rod lover all of my life and do have two classic cars myself, but alas neither of my cars were in any condition to be shown at the time of our Rally Day event. That s where my father comes in, you see my Dad is also a classic car enthusiast and has several cars of his own. Since ALL of his cars are in show condition I asked him if it would be OK if I borrowed one for our event. His response was sure, which one would you like? Well I ended up borrowing his beautiful Gumby Green 1954 Studebaker Commander, a car he built because it was just like the one my Mom drove in high school. My father restored and modified this car with his own two hands in his own shop and it is his pride and joy, naturally I was extremely cautious with its care while in my possession. (see a picture of Gumby on page 6) On the evening before I was to return My Dad s car to him I was putting the cover on and had an unfortunate accident where I tripped and fell while holding a metal flashlight. You guessed it, the flashlight struck the trunk of my Dad s beautiful car and put a one inch scratch in it, I was horrified! I had to make the very long drive to my parents house and deliver not only the car but the news that I had damaged it; I wasn t looking forward to this conversation. Well my Dad did what I knew he would do, he forgave me, told me not to worry about it, that it was just a car and totally let me off the hook. Later I received a text from him with a photo of the previously damaged area that he was able to repair with a little rubbing compound and elbow grease, what a relief, his comment was 100% fixed All of this reminds me of our relationship with God, he creates in us a beautiful, flawless being and we scratch it up. We bring our broken self to him and he says don t worry about it, I can see you are sorry, I forgive you then, through the blood of Jesus, he buffs that damage out and we are restored, or to quote another good father 100% fixed and that s good news. Thanks, Dad, but maybe I ll bring my own car next year. Bob Cooper, Director Youth and Children s Ministry 5 October Calendar October 2 - Sunday HSYG 6:00pm, Youth Room October 4 - Tuesday Kids Club 3:00pm, Youth Room October 5 - Wednesday 5th Grade Confirmation 3:00pm, Youth Room Youth Band 6:00pm, Youth Room MSYG 6:30pm, Youth Room October 8 - Saturday FAM Food Distribution 8:00am October 9 - Sunday HSYG 6:00pm, Youth Room October 10 - Sunday Welcome Inn Dinner 4:00pm, Doheny October 11 - Tuesday Gilchrist House 6:00pm October 12 - Wednesday 5th Grade Confirmation 3:00pm, Youth Room Youth Band 6:00pm, Youth Room MSYG 6:30pm, Youth Room October 15 - Saturday Service CCLM, San Bernardino October 16 - Sunday 7th Grade Confirmation 3:00pm, Founders Room HSYG 6:00pm, Youth Room October 19 - Wednesday 5th Grade Confirmation 3:00pm, Youth Room Youth Band 6:00pm, Youth Room MSYG 5:30pm, Youth Room October 23 - Sunday HSYG 6:00pm, Youth Room October 26 - Wednesday Trick or Trunk, 5:00pm October 28 - Friday Middle School Late Nighter October 30 - Sunday HSYG 6:00pm, Youth Room Rally Day pics on page 6

6 Rally Day Car Show 2016 G U M B Y P O K E Y 6

7 MATURE ADULT COMMUNITY Wednesday, October 26, 2016 A night of fun for ghouls of all ages! Our Savior s Lutheran Church A church, school, and community gathering 5:00pm Pizza Dinner ($5.00) on the church patio 6:00pm Trick or Trunk Church/School Parking Lot Children are encouraged to come in costume (Children must be accompanied by an adult) We do need people to host trunks! Scary or Fun...your choice Filled with lots of treats! Questions please contact Bob X226 or b.cooper@oursaviorsonline.net Please fill out and return to church office or click here to fill out online Name of Participating Family Phone Number Total number of Pizza dinners (pay at the window) Will you be hosting a trunk? Yes No To host a trunk, just decorate the trunk of your car and have candy to pass out, be as creative as you like! Please be here and ready to hand out candy by 5:45pm. Church parking lot opens at 6:00pm To our Mature Adult Community, thank you for the great response to the survey! Save the date: Catered luncheon on Tuesday, October 18 at 11:30am. During the meal we will review the results of the survey, make plans for more activities, and just enjoy each other's company. (More details to follow.) If you have not completed the survey, please fill out form below or click here or pick one up in the church office or Narthex. Completed surveys may be ed to Roberta at roberta_k_2000@yahoo.com or dropped off at church. Blessings, Roberta Wall, AIM I am interested in: Bible studies Prayer groups Retreats Special worship services Educational forums Book clubs Classes and discussion groups Dinners Game days Movie nights Field trips Visitation ministry Community volunteers Light exercise (Seniorcise) Walking groups Intergenerational ministry activities. Other suggestions: Name Phone # or 7

8 What s OSLC Blessing of the Quilts Sunday ~ October 2nd at 8:30am & 10:30am Saturday October 8, :00am - 8:30am Calling all men You are invited to join us for a men's breakfast at OSLC. RSVP: John Mulligan at mulli63@gmail.com Sunday Morning Bible Study 9:50am to 10:25am Founders Room JOURNEY WITH MOSES! We ll be taking a look at one of the most important people we meet in the Bible Moses. Each week we ll look at a different story in his life and see how that story might impact our faith in the modern world. No experience necessary, drop in when you are able. Wednesday Manna Bible Study 11:00am to 12:15pm Founders Room Join us as we read together the lessons for the coming week. Not only will you expand your knowledge and appreciation of scripture but there is no better way to prepare for Sunday worship. No Biblical experience necessary. Join Us! Wednesday Evening 5:30pm to 6:30pm Founders Room (Childcare needed...contact Pastor Jeff) WHO, WHAT, WHEN---UNDERSTANDING THE OLD TESTAMENT. Many Christians understand that the Old Testament is an important part of our story but we know very little about this part of the Bible? This OUTSTANDING CLASS---will give you all the information you need to make sense out of the Old Testament and understand how it impacts the Christian Story. I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS CLASS TO EVERYONE! 8:30am-9:00am 11:00am-12:15pm 3:00pm-4:00pm 5:30pm-6:30pm 6:30pm-8:00pm 6:45pm-8:00pm 7:15pm-8:00pm Elementary Chapel, Sanc Manna Bible Study, FR 5th Grade Confirmation, YR Adult Bible Study, FR Middle School Youth Group, YR Celebration Singers, Sanc 6th Grade Confirmation, Sanc Women's Bible Study Schedule Monday ~ October 17th 9:30am-11:30am, hosted by Evey Thomsen Tuesday ~ October 25th 9:00am-11:00am, hosted by Bonnie Little 8

9 SOCIAL CONCERNS MINISTRY TEAM NEWS Project Promise Personal Care Kits are shared with people who have lost everything from a natural disaster or life-threatening violence. For more information, go to Personal Care Kits were assembled Sunday, September 18, between services in classroom 1. Thank you to all who helped! Blessings of Quilts and Kits will occur on October 2, 2016 at morning services. Welcome INN Meal Service Monday, October 10th & November 14th Sent to Serve with Love Watch for the Sign-Up Genius from the church office. We need people to donate menu items & Carl s Jr. cards, and people to come with us to serve the dinner at Doheny State Park. Monetary donations for gift cards and supplies are needed too! Welcome INN has a new website! Our Welcome INN Coordinator is Heidi Works, hsworks7@cox.net or (949) ***If you plan on meeting us at the park, please always confirm the location with Heidi. There are often last minute changes*** Join Team Our Savior s at the 29th Annual Hunger Walk for Family Assistance Ministries on Sunday, October 16th. San Clemente Community Center 100 North Calle Seville Check in: 12:30pm Team Photos: 1:00pm Walk Begins: 2:00pm Register at sign up under Team Our Savior s Lutheran Church and School The Hunger Walk brings the entire San Clemente community together to raise funds for Family Assistance Ministries diverse programs that provide assistance to those in need in our community. It is FAM s main fundraiser each year, and it is a great opportunity to show love for our neighbors. Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. Matthew 25:40 If you have a prayer request for the Weekly Messenger and/or Prayer Chain or call the church office at: oslcsec@sbcglobal.net or (949)

10 October 2016 School Happenings Fruit of the Spirit This month s focus will be on JOY. Chapel offerings will be going to South County Hunger Walk. Meet the Masters: Elementary school students are studying Norman Rockwell in their Meet the Masters art program. Tuesday Afternoons: The 4th and 5th graders will be starting their off-campus golf program. Meet & Greet: Church and School families are encouraged to join us on Wednesday, October 5th at 5:30pm for our 2nd Meet & Greet each other at H.H. Cotton s located at 201 Avenida Del Mar in San Clemente. 25% of your purchases go back to the school! October 16: Families are encouraged to join us on Sunday, October 16 for the South County Hunger Walk in San Clemente. Wear a red T- shirt for our spirited team! Join us at 12:30pm. Walk begins at 2:00pm. October 20-21: 4th and 5th graders will be spending the night on the Pilgrim Tallship in Dana Point Harbor - October (Thursday & Friday). October 21: Free Dress Day - End of 1st quarter-½ day on Friday, October 21. October 23: Preschool Sunday October 24: Red Ribbon Week celebration - Act like a Tree and Leaf Drugs Alone. Join us for the Annual Red Ribbon Parade down Avenida Del Mar on Monday, October 24 at 3:00pm. OUR SAVIOR S LUTHERAN CHURCH TREASURER S FINANCIAL REPORT JULY 2016 Average July Attendance: Average Weekly Offering: Budget Requirement: 190 people $ 7,469/wk $ 10,963/wk July 2016 FYTD Unrestricted Gifts: $37,347 $ 37,347 Budget: $43,850 $ 43,850 These are your gifts to the church through general envelopes and plate offerings; they are used for operating budget expenses. Annual member contributions for the month ending July 31, 2016 were 14.83% BELOW the Congregation approved annual budget. Designated Gifts July 2016 Fiscal YTD World Hunger $ 580 $ 580 Habitat for Humanity $ 604 $ 604 Total $ 1,184 $ 1,184 Church Mortgage Balance: $ 567, *monthly mortgage payment for the classroom building is paid from the school funds Thank You For Your Stewardship! God Bless, Bruce Quade ~ Treasurer Like us on Facebook Church School October 28: Our Annual Barnyard Bash will be on Friday morning, October 28th - ½ day of school. October 31: No School - Elementary School Conferences- Monday, October

11 2 World Hunger 30 Reformation Sunday Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Blessing of the Quilts 8:30 Bold Worship 9:30 Adult Ed. 10:30 Classic Worship 6:00 Evening Worship 6:00 HSYG, YR 9 8:30 Bold Worship 9:30 Adult Ed. 10:30 Classic Worship 6:00 Evening Worship 6:00 HSYG, YR 16 Hunger Walk 8:30 Bold Worship 9:30 Adult Ed. 10:30 Classic Worship 3:00 7th Gr Conf. Mtg 6:00 Evening Worship 6:00 HSYG, YR 23 Preschool Sunday 8:30 Bold Worship 9:30 Adult Ed. 10:30 Classic Worship 6:00 Evening Worship 6:00 HSYG, YR Habitat 8:30 Bold Worship 9:30 Adult Ed. 10:30 Classic Worship 6:00 Evening Worship 6:00 HSYG, YR :00 Welcome Inn Dinner 17 9:30 Women s Bible Study, Evey Thomsen 3:00 Kids Club, YR 11 6:00 Gilchrist House 6:30 Council Meeting Holy Communion First Sunday of the month Last Sunday of the month Served every Sunday 11:30 Mature Adult Community Luncheon 9:00 Women s Bible Study, Bonnie Little 2016 October :00 Manna Bible Study 3:00 5th Grade Conf 5:30 Adult Bible St 6:00 Youth Band 6:30 MSYG 6:45 Celebration Singers 7:15 6th Grade Conf 12 11:00 Manna Bible Study 3:00 5th Grade Conf 5:30 Adult Bible St 6:00 Youth Band 6:30 MSYG 6:45 Celebration Singers 7:15 6th Grade Conf 19 11:00 Manna Bible Study 3:00 5th Grade Conf 5:30 Adult Bible St 6:00 Youth Band 6:30 MSYG 6:45 Celebration Singers 7:15 6th Grade Conf 26 11:00 Manna Bible Study, FR 5:00 Pizza Dinner 6:00 Trick or Trunk 6 Trick or Trunk October 26 8:45 MOPS Mtg. 13 8:45 MOPS Mtg. 20 8:45 MOPS Mtg. 27 9:00 Preschool Halloween Parade :00 Preschool Halloween Parade Barn Yard Bash Middle School Late Nighter 1 7:00 Men s 8:00 FAM Food Distribution CCLM Service Project, San Bernardino 29 11

12 Our Savior s Lutheran Church and School 200 Avenida San Pablo San Clemente California Non-Profit Org U.S. POSTAGE Paid Permit No. 40 San Clemente, CA RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Our Savior s Lutheran Church & School ~ The Messenger ~ October 2016 Inspired to Love, Encouraged to Think, and Sent to Serve WORSHIP HOURS 8:30am ~ Bold Worship, Sunday School 9:30am ~ Adult Education 10:30am ~ Classic Worship, Sunday School 6:00pm ~ Evening Worship Nursery Care available all at all services for children 4 and under! Inside this issue: Pastor s Page 1 Birthdays, Anniversaries & More... 2 Lilly Endowment, Abiding Ministries 3 Music Notes 4 Youth & Children s Ministry, Youth Calendar 5 Rally Day Car Show Photos 6 Trick or Trunk, Mature Adult Community 7 What s OSLC 8 Social Concerns 9 October 2016 School Happenings, Financial Report 10 October 2016 Calendar 11 Inside this Issue 12 Church Office (949) Fax (949) OSLCsec@sbcglobal.net School Office (949) Fax (949) J.Arnau@oursaviorsschool.net