Knowing Jesus, Growing in Jesus, Sharing Jesus. May, 2018 Shepherd s Staff LCMC Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ

Transcription

1 Our Saviour s Lutheran Church May, 2018 Shepherd s Staff LCMC Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ Knowing Jesus, Growing in Jesus, Sharing Jesus OSLC address: 326 Leroy Street, Audubon, Iowa OSLC Telephone: (712) OSLC oslc@iowatelecom.net OSLC Fax #: (712) OSLC Website: oslcauduboniowa.org Pastor Doug s Phone numbers: (home) (cell phone) Pastor Doug s address: pastordoug@iowatelecom.net Confirmation God s blessings to the following youth as they celebrated their Confirmation on April 22 nd at OSLC: Abigail Brooks, Allison Elmquist, Chloe Jackson, Brandon Jensen, Tyler Rugaard, Grace Slater, Gavin Smith, Hannah Thygesen OSLC Senior Recognition Sunday Sunday, May 13 th during 9:00 a.m. worship. We wish our graduates God s Blessings as they begin a new chapter in their lives. OSLC Graduates are: Jacob Burns, Macy DeBower, David Graeve, Amanda Irlmeier, Tyler Riebhoff, Taylor Sauers & Nolan Smith The coffee time will be in honor of the 2018 Graduates, hosted by the Evangelism Committee. Graduates, please remember to bring your Commencement robes on May 13 th. Audubon High School Baccalaureate Service A Baccalaureate Service for AHS Seniors is Wednesday, May 16 th at 7:00 p.m. in the Audubon High School Auditorium. Behind the Cross Praise Band will be leading music. 1

2 Dear friends in Christ, Dr. Kent Hunter, founder of Church Doctor Ministries, will be our keynote speaker at the Annual International LCMC Gathering in Des Moines, Iowa this October. He has written a book titled, Who Broke My Church?, in which he states, It has been said that you can survive up to six months without food, a few days without water and only a few minutes without air. However, you cannot survive a second without hope. He then goes on to remind us as missional leaders in God s Church to equip others in the Body of Christ to reach a changing world, and in doing so he says, The most important currency any Christian faith community has to spend is hope. If it gets spent down, there isn t much of anything else left. Like their pastor, a congregation can lose hope and cease to believe that the Spirit of God is among them. Our hope, the hope of this fallen world, is in Christ Jesus the resurrected Lord and Savior! God acts to renew our hope individually, congregationally, nationally and internationally. It was well known theologian, Emil Brunner, who appropriated reminded us many decades ago that, What oxygen is to the lungs, such is hope to the meaning of life. Are you open to what God desires for your life, for this congregation, for this nation and for the world as we know it? St. Augustine once stated, Hope has two beautiful daughters. Their names are Anger and Courage, Anger at the way things are and Courage to see they do not remain that way. This is the hope of Christ-centered faith that awakens us individually and corporately. Only then are we ready for the direction of the Apostle Peter to give an answer to everyone who asks you, the reason for the hope that you have (the hope that is within you). 1 st Peter 3:15 You, nor I, can share with others what we don t have or what we don t believe. No Christian can! We all need hope! Now having said this I would like to share with you some positive signs of Christ-filled hope in North American as Dr. Hunter has observed and reported in his book: 1-The growing number of Christian films, books and television shows, representing a high level of interest among the general population in issues of faith from the Christian perspective. (I recommend taking the time to see the movie I Can Only Imagine to confirm this reality) 2-The explosion of Christian radio stations over the last few decades. (Check out REAL based in Carroll, Iowa, which began broadcasting in July of 2015) 3-The rise and proliferation of multisite churches using technology to multiply teaching, balanced with the personal touch of discipling. (All of my adult children have been, or currently are, being fed in the Word through this means) 4-The baby-boomerang of spiritually lapsed baby boomers returning to God s Church with a commitment to leave a meaningful legacy. (Evidence of that fact of faith is happening here at OSLC) 5-Congregations leaving bureaucratic denominations to affiliate with uncluttered networks focusses on mission. (LCMC exists for that very reason) 6-The revolution in Christian contemporary music and Bibles translated into the heart language of target people groups. (We celebrate the use of contemporary music in our worship experience and are partners in ministry in reaching people groups that may not yet know Jesus as Savior) In closing let me encourage you in the words from a hymn of the faithful, My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus blood and righteousness; no merit of my own I claim, but wholly lean on Jesus name. On Christ the solid rock I stand; all other ground is sinking sand. Pastor Doug 2

3 Women of Faith Update We are in the process of taking steps to help improve this critically important ministry here at OSLC. April, 2018 March, 2019 sign up sheets are posted on the large west-wall bulletin board in the entryway for anyone (men, women, families) to greet prior to our worship services in addition to sign up sheets for volunteers to provide snacks and/or serve at Sunday Fellowship/Coffee hours. The next gathering of Women of Faith is set for Sunday, May 6 th, at 10:15 a.m. Questions? Please contact Pastor Doug, the church office, Carol Albertsen or Mary Kay Lewis. Compassion Sunday April 29 th The OSLC Sunday School students have sponsored Grace & Ibrahimu, from Tanzania since September of 2012 through Compassion International. We have been blessed to get to know Grace & Ibrahimu throughout the years through letters and pictures. We continue to pray for each other through all of the ups and downs of each other s lives. Grace is an 11 year old girl who loves arts and crafts, playing with friends and dolls and learning about God. Ibrahimu is a 13 year old boy who loves drawing and art, football and soccer and playing any kind of game/sports. If you would like to learn more about sponsoring a child through Compassion International, please talk to Pastor Doug or the church office or go to Thank you to all the Sunday School students who sponsor Grace & Ibrahimu through their Sunday School offering!! Young Women s Bible Study Women ages (or of any age!) are invited to join together for bible study. We will be continuing Ruth, and meeting on Sunday mornings at 11:30 a.m.in the chapel. Those interested are encouraged to contact Whitney Nelson at or whit.l.nelson@hotmail.com. Thanks! Whitney Sunday School Celebration Please join us on Sunday, April 29 th during 9:00 worship as we wind down the Sunday School year. Our Preschool-6 th grade Sunday School students will be sharing a few of their favorite songs from throughout the year. Everyone is welcome to join together in the downstairs social room to have ice cream and cookies following worship. Thank you to all the teachers, students and parents who have faithfully brought their children to Sunday School throughout the year. Men s Bible Study! The Men s Bible Study led by Pastor Doug meets on Tuesday mornings in the downstairs social room at 7:00 a.m. The Apostle Paul s letter to the Roman Christians is the focus of our study. The coffee will be ready! Bring your Bibles! Bring your friends and neighbors! 3

4 OSLC LIBRARY Do you like to read?? Take a look at the newly-organized OSLC library located in the main floor lounge! All books are alphabetized by authors and separated into categories. New, Fiction, and Nonfiction books are located on the west wall book shelves. Reference, Study and Self-Help books are on the north wall shelves located behind the door. Children s books are in book bins on the floor. You are welcome to borrow books for as long as needed. Please return books as soon as you are finished in order in that others may also enjoy reading them. There is a basket by the shelves to place books you are returning. If you have suggestions for Christian books to order for the library, or if you have a newer Christian book you would like to donate, contact library organizer Joan Mortensen or the church office. Happy reading! THE ROCK YOUTH GROUP (7th Grade-12th Grade) Rock May News: Congratulations to our Rock members that were confirmed, we have enjoyed sharing your faith journey with you! IGNITE: If you were unable to attend or missed a break out session, we have the flash-drive of the conference if you would like to borrow it! Contact Tracie at if you are interested. THANK YOU, to all those that helped make food/ prepare food/set up tables/ tear down and clean up for Easter breakfast. We appreciate all your kindness and willingness to help the kids serve Easter morning. End of The Year Celebration: Please watch texts for our end of the school year celebration plans. We want to celebrate a fun filled year with you! The Rock is working on plans and will text out once we have confirmation on which activity can accommodate us! Enjoy the spring weather! The Rock Youth Group Leaders: Tracie C. ( ), Sara S. ( ), Nate V. ( ) Facebook: The Rock OSLC OSLC website: oslcauduboniowa.org The Rock therockaudubon@gmail.com National Day of Prayer Thursday, May 3rd Summer Camps Summer is right around the corner and Okoboji Camp registration is open Check out okoboji.org for more information/dates. National Day of Prayer calls on all people of different faiths in the United States to pray for our nation and its leaders. Bethany Camp, located between Exira & Brayton, also offers Summer Youth Camps. For more information on Bethany Farm Camps, go to bethfarm.com. OSLC helps support youth financially that want to attend camp. Contact the church office for more information! 4 Altar Guild Volunteers We are in need of a couple of volunteers to serve on Altar Guild. If you are interested, or have questions, please contact Altar Guild Chairperson, Janice Hemmingsen, Usher Captains: Please remember to call your usher team members when it is your month to usher. Even though the monthly teams are listed in the bulletin and Shepherd s Staff, many may miss the notice. Thank you. Tenth Avenue North/MercyMe concert Family Fun activity update On April 12th, we had 34 adults and children attend and sit together at the Tenth Avenue North/MercyMe concert in Des Moines. MercyMe music has been a favorite in Sunday School and we were so blessed to attend this concert and continue to grow in our faith together. Some of the family fun activities we have done are carving pumpkins/roasting hot dogs, cookout at Albert the Bull, bowling, a Christian concert and we served a Lenten Baked Potato Bar to help with expenses for future activities. We look forward to gathering together in early summer for fellowship and fun so be watching for details! 9

5 Lightening Safety Lightning strikes the United States about 25 million times a year. Although most lightning occurs in the summer, people can be struck at any time of year. Lightning kills an average of 47 people in the United States each year, and hundreds more are severely injured. Lightning: What You Need to Know NO PLACE outside is safe when thunderstorms are in the area!! If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike you. When you hear thunder, immediately move to safe shelter: a substantial building with electricity or plumbing or an enclosed, metal-topped vehicle with windows up. Stay in safe shelter at least 30 minutes after you hear the last sound of thunder. Indoor Lightning Safety Stay off corded phones, computers and other electrical equipment that put you in direct contact with electricity. Avoid plumbing, including sinks, baths and faucets. Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches. Do not lie on concrete floors, and do not lean against concrete walls. Last Resort Outdoor Risk Reduction Tips If you are caught outside with no safe shelter anywhere nearby the following actions may reduce your risk: Immediately get off elevated areas such as hills, mountain ridges or peaks. Never lie flat on the ground. Never shelter under an isolated tree. Never use a cliff or rocky overhang for shelter. Immediately get out and away from ponds, lakes and other bodies of water. Stay away from objects that conduct electricity (barbed wire fences, power lines, windmills, etc.) Adult Christian Education Sunday School will not meet again until June 3 rd! We gather in the chapel at 10:20 a.m. on Sunday mornings During June & July, we will be viewing and discussing the God s Not Dead movies. Please join us in the chapel after worship and coffee for a time of fellowship and learning. 5

6 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 7:00 Men s Bible Study :30 The Weekly Prayer Cell (Barb Christensen s) 5 6 Sixth Sunday of Easter 8:15 Prayer Power 9:00 Holy Communion 10:15 Coffee, Senior Choir 10:15 Women of Faith meeting Altar Guild Meeting (to follow the Women of Faith meeting) 11:15 BTC Praise Band practice 2:00 Jail Pastoral Visit 7 2:00 Staff Meeting 8 7:00 Men s Bible Study 2:00 Naomi Circle :30 Friendship Home Communion 11 9:30 The Weekly Prayer Cell (Barb Christensen s) Seventh Sunday of Easter 8:00 Senior Breakfast 8:15 Prayer Power 9:00 Worship-Senior Recognition 10:15 Coffee, Senior Choir 11:15 BTC Praise Band practice 5:00 Healing Service 14 2:00 Staff Meeting 6:30 Building & Property Committee Meeting 15 7:00 Men s Bible Study 16 7:00 Baccalaureate Service 17 9:30 Ruth Circle Bible Study 18 9:30 The Weekly Prayer Cell (Barb Christensen s) Shepherd Staff newsletter deadline at noon The Day of Pentecost 8:15 Prayer Power 9:00 Holy Communion 10:15 Coffee, Blood Pressure Checks 21 2:00 Staff Meeting 22 7:00 Men s Bible Study 23 7:00 Council Meeting :30 The Weekly Prayer Cell (Barb Christensen s) The Holy Trinity 8:15 Prayer Power 9:00 Worship with BTC Praise Band 10:15 Coffee 28 Church Closed 29 7:00 Men s Bible Study

7 Shipwrecked Vacation Bible School Monday, July 30 th -Thursday, August 2 nd 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Ages 3 through those completing 4 th grade (must be potty-trained) Registration forms are available on the table by the coat racks! If you would like to sponsor a child to attend VBS, see the poster by the coat racks for more information! If you would like to provide food/snacks/drinks, there will be a list in May on the table by the coat racks. If you would like to volunteer as an adult or youth helper, please talk to Pam in the church office! USHERS Bruce Andersen, Captain Steve Mathisen Jeff AlbertsenJoel Rattenborg Danny Budd Wes Thygesen TAXI DRIVER Wes Thygesen ALTAR GUILD Troy Hagedorn Monica Hagedorn ACOLYTES 6- Collin Bauer Carson Bauer 13- Sienna Albertsen Abbie Erickson 20- Brittany Huston Keegan Deist 27- Cooper Nielsen Collin Bauer PROJECTION SYSTEM 6- Bob Weber, Tyler Riebhoff, David Graeve 13- Raydene Mathisen 20- Julie Opp 27- Shannon Jensen VIDEO OPERATORS 6- Dan Christensen 13- Frank Olsen 20- David Madsen 27- Jeff Albertsen SOUND OPERATORS 6- Bob Weber, Tyler Riebhoff, David Graeve 13- Curtis Derry, Logan Nielsen 20- Brandon Toft 27- Krystal Albertsen NURSERY 6- Ann Guild 13- Sharon Winterboer Judy Baker PRAYER PARTNERS 6- Lee Nielsen & Barb Christensen 13- Julie Opp & Lee Nielsen 20- Barb Christensen & Dan Smith 27- Dan Smith & Julie Opp 8

8 OSLC LIBRARY Do you like to read?? Take a look at the newly-organized OSLC library located in the main floor lounge! All books are alphabetized by authors and separated into categories. New, Fiction, and Nonfiction books are located on the west wall book shelves. Reference, Study and Self-Help books are on the north wall shelves located behind the door. Children s books are in book bins on the floor. You are welcome to borrow books for as long as needed. Please return books as soon as you are finished in order in that others may also enjoy reading them. There is a basket by the shelves to place books you are returning. If you have suggestions for Christian books to order for the library, or if you have a newer Christian book you would like to donate, contact library organizer Joan Mortensen or the church office. Happy reading! THE ROCK YOUTH GROUP (7th Grade-12th Grade) Rock May News: Congratulations to our Rock members that were confirmed, we have enjoyed sharing your faith journey with you! IGNITE: If you were unable to attend or missed a break out session, we have the flash-drive of the conference if you would like to borrow it! Contact Tracie at if you are interested. THANK YOU, to all those that helped make food/ prepare food/set up tables/ tear down and clean up for Easter breakfast. We appreciate all your kindness and willingness to help the kids serve Easter morning. End of The Year Celebration: Please watch texts for our end of the school year celebration plans. We want to celebrate a fun filled year with you! The Rock is working on plans and will text out once we have confirmation on which activity can accommodate us! Enjoy the spring weather! The Rock Youth Group Leaders: Tracie C. ( ), Sara S. ( ), Nate V. ( ) Facebook: The Rock OSLC OSLC website: oslcauduboniowa.org The Rock therockaudubon@gmail.com National Day of Prayer Thursday, May 3rd Summer Camps Summer is right around the corner and Okoboji Camp registration is open Check out okoboji.org for more information/dates. National Day of Prayer calls on all people of different faiths in the United States to pray for our nation and its leaders. Bethany Camp, located between Exira & Brayton, also offers Summer Youth Camps. For more information on Bethany Farm Camps, go to bethfarm.com. OSLC helps support youth financially that want to attend camp. Contact the church office for more information! 4 Altar Guild Volunteers We are in need of a couple of volunteers to serve on Altar Guild. If you are interested, or have questions, please contact Altar Guild Chairperson, Janice Hemmingsen, Usher Captains: Please remember to call your usher team members when it is your month to usher. Even though the monthly teams are listed in the bulletin and Shepherd s Staff, many may miss the notice. Thank you. Tenth Avenue North/MercyMe concert Family Fun activity update On April 12th, we had 34 adults and children attend and sit together at the Tenth Avenue North/MercyMe concert in Des Moines. MercyMe music has been a favorite in Sunday School and we were so blessed to attend this concert and continue to grow in our faith together. Some of the family fun activities we have done are carving pumpkins/roasting hot dogs, cookout at Albert the Bull, bowling, a Christian concert and we served a Lenten Baked Potato Bar to help with expenses for future activities. We look forward to gathering together in early summer for fellowship and fun so be watching for details! 9

9 Upcoming Events & Worship Opportunities April 29 th : Sunday School End of Year Celebration May 13 th : Senior Breakfast & Recognition July 30 th -August 2 nd : Vacation Bible School August 26 th : Praise in the Park September 9 th : Rally Sunday October 7 th -10 th : LCMC Annual Gathering in Des Moines, IA October 14 th : Consecration Sunday October 21 st : Mission Sunday November 4 th : All Saints Sunday with All Saints Altar Processional November 21 st : Thanksgiving Eve Worship December 5 th, 12 th, 19 th : Wednesday Advent Services December 24 th /25 th : Christmas Eve/Day Worship with Community Christmas Dinner CHURCH WEBSITE oslcauduboniowa.org The church website is updated on a regular basis and is a great source for information on dates and times of worship services, events, activities, Bible studies, etc. Also, OSLC has facebook, search Our Saviour s Lutheran Church on your facebook account. OSLC Women of Faith have many opportunities for Bible Study. If you are interested in joining a Bible Study, contact the church office or one of the following Bible Study leaders. Marlene Englin, Leader Norma Nielsen, Leader Julie Opp, Leader Barb Christensen, Leader Whitney Nelson, Leader Ruth Circle Bible Study, Leader Jean Jensen Naomi Circle Bible Study, Leaders Barb Christensen & Donis Hansen 10

10 Online Giving To donate online, go to the OSLC website and click on the online giving tab located at the upper right hand corner of the webpage. Questions, contact the church office. Praise Band Do you have a passion for making music in praise of our Lord, and will be in high school or college next fall? Please prayerfully consider becoming a member of the Behind the Cross Praise Band! Along with Pastor Doug, the Praise Band leads worship the fourth Sunday of the month, August May. Please contact Director Jo Beane or the church office for more information. Update on Boiler Fund Project Estimate for Project: $105, As of March 19 th, donations we have received: $93, Total left to raise: $11, Altar Guild There will be an Altar Guild meeting for all Altar Guild members on Sunday, May 6 th following the Women of Faith meeting. Stewardship Square Regular offerings 03/25 $3, /01 $8, /08 $4, /15 $3, /22 $4, Weekly Worship Attendance 03/ / / /01 (7 am) /01 (9 am) / / / Lent/Easter loose offering to Lutheran Services in Iowa: $1, Needed Weekly to meet budget $7, If you have any questions regarding the OSLC financial report, you are welcome to contact our Office Manager Pam Steckler or our Council Treasurer Brandon Toft. 11