The Voice. The monthly newsletter of Our Savior Lutheran Church 1103 N Broad St., Mankato, MN AUGUST 2016

Transcription

1 The Voice The monthly newsletter of Our Savior Lutheran Church 1103 N Broad St., Mankato, MN AUGUST 2016

2 Contact Information: Church Office: Phone: Fax: Senior Pastor Rev. Paul Lauer: Office phone: Emergency number: Assistant Pastor Rev. Adam Matheny: Office phone: Emergency number: Deaconess Lisa Brand: Office phone: Secretary Sue Hendrickson: Office phone: Custodian Larry Schultz: Office phone: 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 August 2016 Being with our high school students at the National Youth Gathering last month was a truly wonderful experience. The kids were engaged, involved, connected, and fully alive in Christ with over 25,000 other Lutheran Christians in the same place and at the same time which they will probably not experience again until all believers are gathered in heaven. Thank you! to all who made this possible for them. What struck me most as I looked around the New Orleans Superdome was that there is no way that our generation could have given the kind of joy and unity and hope and more that they were seeing and showing on this trip. We brought them to Baptism as our Lord commanded, gave them Sunday School and VBS and Confirmation; brought them to worship and prayed and prayed for them, but only the Spirit of God could have given them what I saw and heard on this trip: I got to see their faith the faith of our 11 students, 3 chaperones, and 25,000 others just like them. What I saw was not one single fight or argument or confrontation. Instead, they approached and spoke with participants from all kinds of different places like they had known each other forever. I saw adult leaders and kids communicating and getting along and sharing insights and perspectives. I saw high school students ours and all the others hanging on every word of the presentations (sermons), deeply focused in prayer, singing and feeling free to use the Name of Jesus without fear or shame. I also saw tears: tears from their sorrows and their pains when the speaker touched on something from their own life. Then I saw their tears of joy when the message of God s love for them in Jesus hit home and they knew they could believe in and trust in Jesus to make a real difference in their individual life. I think we all would have liked to hear these sermons and personal stories being delivered in our own congregation. The organizers 3

4 were able to bring in the best of the best from our Synod to preach and sing and speak and serve. Every one of the thousands of adults present were there totally for them and the adults all gave their best efforts for them. The pastors and counselors and leaders opened their hearts and showed their souls sharing their own stories of struggles or doubts or fears and sins as well as their reasons for hope and joy In Christ Alone which was our theme. This encouraged the students to do the same with each other: to talk about their doubts and their failings as well as their confidence and joy which they have received In Christ Alone. The question which kept coming back to my mind again and again during the Gathering is, How can we bring out this same honest, open, and life-changing expression of faith in our own congregation? As I said a moment ago, we can preach and teach and administer the Lord s gifts, but the truth is that we cannot create faith or make it active. Only the Holy Spirit can do this. So what was it at this Gathering which brought out the faith which the Holy Spirit had given to these kids? What was different in New Orleans besides the sheer number of people? The difference, I believe, is that these younger Christians could tell that the older Christians were all for them. We prayed for them and with them. We spoke with them rather than to them. We gave and heard testimony from our own lives that faith in Jesus Christ, God s Son and Our Savior, makes a difference. The high schoolers at the National Youth Gathering received this message with joy and started practicing the same. This is what all our congregations need to consider: Yes, Jesus commanded us to preach and teach and Baptize. But He also declared that we were to be His Witnesses; that is, to share our stories of sin and failure and doubt as well as our faith and joy and confidence In Christ Alone for Our Salvation. In short, we reveal to each other how the Holy Spirit has been at work in us, and they will learn to see the Spirit doing the same in them. 4

5 From Pastor Matheny August 2016 I thank God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. Philippians 1:3-5 Gratitude. That is the most fitting word that I can find to share with you. I am grateful to all the saints of Our Savior s that have been of service to me and to my family since we have moved here. I am grateful to the men that helped to move us into our house. I am grateful to all those that attended my ordination service. I am grateful to all those that have shared a kind word and an introduction with me and with my wife. At the same time, I am grateful to the God and Father of us all that He has called me to serve this wonderful congregation. I am grateful that He has seen fit to nurture and form me through the gifts of my family, my home congregation, my seminary professors and friends. I am grateful that He has seen fit to create a partnership in the gospel between you and me. So, as I continue to get settled in and eagerly anticipate many prosperous years of that partnership please, for now, receive my heartfelt, Thank you! WEDDINGs Jenean Joy Williams & Mitchell Sean Cherney June 25, 2016 HOLY BAPTISM (River of Life Lutheran Church) Isabelle Grace Peterson Born: May 31, 2016 Baptized: June 26, 2016 Parents: Steven & Sarah Peterson 5

6 Accessions & Losses Accessions: Rev. Adam & Laura Matheny, Elijah [age 2]; Lillian [age 1]; Lutheran Church of our Redeemer, Evansville, IN; LCMS; July 7, 2016 Anthony & Julie Scheele, Evelyn [age 5], Gracelyn [age 3]; St. John Lutheran Church, Chaska, MN; LCMS; July 7, 2016 (to River of Life Lutheran Church) Losses: Mike & Shannon Reed, Johnathon, Michael, Trevor, Tyler [age 12]; St. Paul Lutheran Church, Prior Lake, MN; LCMS Articles for the September VOICE are due by Friday, August 19 th at 4 p.m. Join us at Tourtellotte Park Wednesday, August 3 to welcome the Matheny Family. We ve reserved the wading pool from 11-12pm. Come early and play on the playground or pack a lunch and stay to visit. 6

7 SPECIAL PLANNING COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES - Our Savior s Lutheran Church 1103 North Broad St Mankato, MN June 28, 2016 Present: Gregg Marg, Matt Brand, Cindy Hobbs, Jo Eversman, Denise Painter, Amy Mack, Larry Dalluge, Lexie Hislop, Robert Hobbs, Pastor Lauer 1. Meeting was called to order by President Denise Painter at 6:30 p.m. 2. Pastor Lauer opened with prayer. 3. New Business MOTION was made and SECONDED to appoint the President and Vice President as the two Council members to sign the LCEF loan papers. MOTION CARRIED. 4. Meeting adjourned at 6:35 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Cindy Hobbs, Secretary OSLC Planning Council PLANNING COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES - Our Savior s Lutheran Church 1103 North Broad St Mankato, MN July 12, 2016 Present: Gregg Marg, Cindy Hobbs, Denise Painter, Matt Williams, Larry Dalluge, Perry Eimers, Jo Eversman, Amy Mack, Ron Meyer, Rob Hobbs, Pastor Lauer, Pastor Matheny, Matt Brand 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 7e) Capital Funding Campaign Update MOTION was made and SECONDED to approve the Planning Council agenda as amended. MOTION CARRIED. 7

8 5. Approval of Previous Planning Council Minutes MOTION was made and SECONDED to approve the June 14, 2016 minutes as presented. MOTION CARRIED. 6. Treasurer s Report Income for Our Savior s for the month of June was $27, and expenses for the month were $38, Income is down for June, as in previous years. $3,600 was transferred to River of Life from the Dedicated Fund. St. Peter River of Life church income for the month of June was $24, and expenses were $14, $8,600 of the income is from offerings and the remaining income is a transfer of money from Our Savior s and reimbursements from the District. MOTION was made and SECONDED to approve the OSLC & St. Peter River of Life Treasurer s Reports as presented. MOTION CARRIED. 7. Unfinished Business a. Mortgage refinancing process update LCEF has approved the loan, and the closing date should be July 22, The funds will be wired to Our Savior s checking account that same day. b. Music Coordinator position MOTION was made and SECONDED to authorize payments to a Music Coordinator of up to $100 a week + FICA when the position is filled. MOTION CARRIED. c. Scrip program The Council made the recommendation to have the Youth operate the Scrip program seasonally. The Scrip account will stay open. Amy Mack will bring it up at the Board meeting and present an update next month. d. Tuck Pointing project update The Tuck Pointing project is near completion. $120,000 has been billed out. e. Capital Funding Campaign Update The goal for the Capital Funding Campaign was $100,000, with $96,300 has been received. MOTION was made and SECONDED to close the Capital Funding Campaign. MOTION CARRIED 8

9 8. New Business Treasurer position Laurie Miller has resigned as Treasurer. The Treasurer position will remain a 2 year elected term, volunteer position. A paid new position, Assistant to the Treasurer, would handle the weekly bookkeeping details, with a job description to be determined. MOTION was made and SECONDED to ask Lexie Hislop to accept the Assistant Treasurer position for $12.50 an hour up to $50 a week. 9. Board Sharing (additions, questions, or explanations of written reports) Deacons: Deaconess Lisa gave an update on her visits. She visited over 30 people in the last 2 months. Cancer Companions will have a table on July 15 at the Blue Earth County Relay for Life. Plans are being made for fall. Lisa Brand will contact people to volunteer for VBS meals. The Board is planning to serve meals for over 100 people. Lisa Brand will also contact Judy Mensing regarding setting up the Breakfast rotation for the next school year. The Board also discussed planning a Welcome for Laura Matheny. Trustees: Tuck Pointing work is complete. The final walk through is set for July 12. The Board will help with the installation of the insulation on the south side of the sanctuary. Work on the kitchen vents will be begin after August 12. Larry Schulz will go to Kato Sanitation to discuss the garbage contract. Endowment: The Board approved funds for this year to the following: $2,000 to Rachel S****** for her to continue on with Campus Crusades, $12,000 for River of Life and $3,000 to help Pastor Matheny with school loans. 10. The meeting closed with the Lord s Prayer. 11. Meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m. 12. Next Planning Council Meeting Tuesday, August 9, Respectfully submitted, Cindy Hobbs, Secretary, OSLC Planning Council 9

10 OSLC TREASURER S REPORT COMMENTARY Period Ending June 30, 2016 This report is Year-to-Date as June 30, It includes the following documents: Income & Expense Report by Account*, Balance Sheet by Account*, and Bank Account Balances Less Dedicated* reports. The month was closed on July 5, Income & Expense Report by Account: Total receipts for the month were $27, Operating expenses for the month totaled $38,975.17, resulting in a negative cash flow of $11, General Fund performance is presented in the following table. The difference between the disbursements and the expenses presented in the Income & Expense Report by Account is the LCEF loan principal reduction which is reflected in the Balance Sheet General Fund Activity Current Month 10 Y-T-D Income-from Income & Exp. Report 27, , Expenses-from Inc. & Exp. Report 37, , Plus: LCEF Principal Reduction 1, , Total Expenses 38, (38,975.17) 245, (245,474.37) Increase (Decrease) (11,377.77) (25,603.90) Balance Sheet: Assets Current Value Liabilities Amount Checking Account $60, Mortgage $134, Joyful Response $68, Dedicated Funds Payable $234, Music Fund $0.00 Current Liabilities $9, Library Fund $20, Wells Fargo Business Line $0.00 Accounts Receivable $0.00 Total $149, Total $378, Bank Account Balances Less Dedicated: All Dedicated Funds other than the LCEF accounts are included in the checking account and are used for cash flow. Currently, our entire balance of $149, falls short of covering our dedicated funds by $85, River of Life Congregation: Separate checking and savings accounts have been set up for the St. Peter congregation; these are being accounted for separately. There is currently a balance of $ in dedicated funds for the St. Peter congregation. These

11 funds will be transferred regularly in preparation for River of Life becoming an independent congregation. Respectfully submitted, Matt Brand, Vice President *See Reports on Church Information bulletin board near the office. RIVER OF LIFE LUTHERAN - ST. PETER TREASURER S REPORT COMMENTARY Period Ending June 30, 2016 This report is Year-to-Date as of June 30, It includes the following documents: Income & Expense Report by Account* and Balance Sheet by Account*. The month was closed on July 5, Income & Expense Report by Account: Total receipts for the month were $24, Operating expenses for this period totaled $14, resulting in a positive cash flow of $9, General Fund performance is presented in the following table General Fund Activity: Current Month Y-T-D Income-from Income & Exp. Rpt $24, $176, Expenses-from Inc. & Exp. Report $14, $92, Plus: LCEF Principal Reduction $0.00 $24, Total Expenses $14, $14, $116, , Increase (Decrease) $9, $60, Balance Sheet: Assets Current Value Liabilities Amount Checking Account $215, LCEF Freitag Loan $0.00 Savings Account $5, Dedicated Funds Payable $0.00 Accounts Receivable $ Current Liabilities $5, Total $221, Total $5, Additional Received Funds: There is currently a balance of $ in dedicated funds in the OSLC Mankato checking account for River of Life. These funds will be transferred regularly to prepare for River of Life becoming an independent congregation. Respectfully submitted, Matt Brand, Vice-President *See Reports on the Church Information bulletin board near the office. 11

12 Birthday Bags for ECHO VBS Ingathering 2016 You re invited to help the students of our Vacation Bible School prepare birthday bags for the ECHO Food Shelf! Birthday bags are a frequently-requested item at ECHO. They contain all the essentials for making and serving a birthday cake, with some special extras for a party: - Cake mix (child-friendly variety) - Canned frosting - Birthday candles (packages of 24-36) - Party plates (theme of your choice) - Plastic forks (packages of 12; may be packaged at home in Ziploc bags) - Party favors - Fun-size candy Please bring your donation of any of the above items to the birthday bag display in the narthex through Tuesday, August 9. Thank you! 12

13 Widowed to Widowed Widowed to Widowed (all Widows) gathers on Monday, August 8 th at 11:30 a.m. in the Fireplace room. Our Bible Study, the Good Shepherd, will be on pages 12 and 13 of Good News, He Makes Me Lie Down in Green Pastures, Psalm 23:2. We invite each widow to visit. We meet the second Monday of each month. If you need a ride, maybe a family member could bring you, or you may call Kato Cab at for a taxi ride to and from. Call the taxi one-half hour ahead. Please reserve September 12 th for an afternoon social time. Everyone is invited to a VBS Open House From 6 8 pm on Friday, August 12 we re encouraging kids to bring in their parents to show them what they ve been learning. We also want to invite other members to come catch some of the excitement from the week. You can listen to singing, watch the skit, check out the decorations, and just enjoy the joy of the moment. 13

14 Our Savior LCMS Women in Mission Lutheran Women s Missionary League INVITATION AND NEWS August 2016 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. Tuesday, August 2 10am noon S.A.G.E.S. Board meets at the District Office Thursday, August 4 9am LWML Board Meeting at church Thursday, August 4 1:30pm Ruth Circle Bible Study in the East Room at church Monday, August 8 11:30am Widowed to Widowed Potluck Tuesday, August 16 OR Wednesday, August 17 Mission Service (date and time to be announced) Sunday, August 21 Mite Sunday Monday, August 22 6:30pm Lydia Circle Tuesday, August 23 1pm Rebekah Circle Beautiful new religious greeting cards are available now at The Card Shop, located off the Fellowship Hall across from the courtyard. This is a mission service sponsored by the Women in Mission of Our Savior s Evening Guild. Items for sale include Birthday, Sympathy, Get-well, Wedding, Anniversary, and Thinking of You cards and note cards for a variety of occasions for $ $1.00 each (Cards inside the white drawers are sold by the box, with the price written on the back of the box). Come by anytime. Just drop payment in the box on the wall. Thanks for your support. 14

15 Ruth Circle Bible Study meets on Thursday, August 4 at 1:30pm in the East Room at Our Savior Lutheran Church. Visitors and new participants are welcomed. Notes for you from LWML National for the 2017 Convention in Albuquerque, New Mexico: Nomination for LWML officers and nominating committee need to be sent in by August 15 Mission Grant Proposals are needed by September 30 MISSION SERVICE: Supplies are 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. Kits have been delivered to Global Health on July 13: 22 Layettes, 30 Quilts, 60+ bandage rolls, four baby blankets, and bags of medical supplies WOM Newsletter Quarterly Mite Boxes Available in the Narthex 15

16 LWML Convention The convention was held at Verizon Center Mankato June 24-26, Convention theme The Living Word, Bible verse was 2 Timothy 3: All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. Christian Life day led us to a better understanding of our Convention theme. Registration attendance was 342. Special Convention guests included: Friday evening Opening Service Proclaimer: Rev. Tom Park Closing Worship Service Proclaimer: Rev. Scott Gustafson Bible Study Leader: Rev. Gregory Seltz, Lutheran Hour Speaker. Officers elected at this Convention were: Vice President of Christian Life Day: Debi Mahoney-Ylitalo Vice President of Human Care: Pamela Hunter Vice President of Servant Resources: Kathy Roslansky Treasurer: Darlene Fretham Pastoral Counselors: Rev. Dr. Larry Griffin and Rev. Peter Kufahl Nomination Committee: Chairman Patti Pierson, Linda Zabel, Kay Gottschalk, Carol Hubert, Darlene Harens Convention Offerings: 1. Mission Grant Goal $5, POBLO International $3, Linc (Lutheran Intercity) $3, Rachel s Hope? Mission Pledge Walk collected $2,400 and rocking donations of $ Gifts from the Heart: 904 Dental Kits, 2813 pairs of socks, and 737 Mercy Kits. A Mission Goal of $265,000 was established for the Biennium. 25% of this amount, or $66,250, will go to 16

17 support the National LWML mite goal. $198,750, or 75% of the total mite goal, will be divided as follows: $10,000 The Dwelling Place General Operating Support $60,000 Tuition Assistance for Students seeking a Lutheran High School Education $5,000 Concordia Seminary, St. Louis Food Bank $10,000 Mission Central Current Missionary Need $40,000 Minnesota South District Student Aid Scholarships for full-time professional church workers $10,000 Concordia Theological Seminary Good Co-op, Fort Wayne, IN $5,000 Trinity / HOPE $20,000 Camp Omega Rooted*Celebrating*Growing Capital Campaign $7,500 Lutheran Special Education Ministies $5,000 Soldiers of the Cross $8,000 Catechisms for Sudan & MN Sudanese Immigrants $15,000 Lutheran Theological Seminary in Tshwane, South Africa $3,250 Pastoral Training for Alaskan Native (Partial) Curious about Handbells? Kids and adults alike are invited to give handbells a try. During the week of VBS, August 8 12 we will be meeting in the balcony at 5:30pm. No experience is required. Recommend for 2 nd grade on up. If you have played before, this is also a nice time to brush up on your skills before fall. 17

18 Thank you to all of our current Greeters. You do an excellent job of making everyone feel welcome as they enter and leave our church. Opening doors, handshakes and your welcoming smiles are much appreciated by all! Anyone wishing to be a Greeter or wanting to get off the Greeter schedule, please call Bev Fitzloff, , or contact the church office at , or by oursav@hickorytech.net. Also, if you have any date preferences you go south for the winter, north for the summer, etc. Anyone can be a Greeter. We need singles, couples and families. You can choose either 8 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. service. A typical greeter greets six times a year and possibly one or two special services. All Greeters are mailed a schedule with the greeting protocol so you know the general guidelines for optimal greeting. We have received wonderful feedback on what a friendly church we have! Thank you for your dedication and efforts in making all who come to gather with God s people and hear God s Word feel welcomed! 18

19 Young at Heart / Lutheran Laymen s League (YAH / LLL) FOR YOU of every age!!! Our next meeting at Our Savior will be the first Monday in October, October 3 rd at 1:30pm. Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM); Bringing Christ to the Nations and the Nations to the Church. Older Adult Ministry, S.A.G.E.S. Board meeting is Tuesday, August 2 at the District office at 10am. Visit or come as a representative, or send your suggestions for future gatherings. Thanks! S.A.G.E.S., MNS District Older Adult Ministry, needs you as a representative. Get more information at sages@mnsdistrict.org. Our Older Adult Ministry at OUR SAVIOR is the YAH (Young at Heart) 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 Read the S.A.G.E.S. newsletter Sagacity and other news at or Hard copies are available in the Narthex. Martin Luther Part Two Coming August 1 A Man Named Martin -- Part Two: The Moment is a three-part Bible study that examines the wayward theology, faulty teachings, and widespread doctrinal errors of the late Medieval Church. It was against such Church abuses that Martin Luther and other reformers pushed for a return to Scripture as the only true 19

20 authority. Ultimately, Luther's 95 Theses and his hard-fought debates with Catholic Church hierarchy set in motion a theological overhaul of the existing order. As a follow-up to 2015's A Man Named Martin-Part One: The Man, this study takes a close look at Catholic Church teachings like purgatory, penance, celibacy, prayers for the dead, transubstantiation, the treasury of merits of Christ, devotion to Mary and the rosary, the institution of the Papacy, and the one Luther had a bitter distaste for: the sale of indulgences. Examining these and the antecedents leading up to their inclusion in the Church are Dr. Paul Maier, Dr. Ken Schurb, Dr. John Nunes, Dr. Joel Lampe, Dr. Susan Mobley, Dr. Joel Biermann, host Dr. Gregory Seltz, Speaker for The Lutheran Hour, and others. A Man Named Martin -- Part Two: The Moment includes a discussion guide and a supplementary text, The Reformation Twelve. This booklet highlights a dozen individuals who played principal parts in the widely scattered events and circumstances that led to the Reformation. To order one or more copies now, go to 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

21 Thoughts on Grief Session 7 Separation and Unity Separation hurts. Just listen as young ones undergo separation from their parents After death we can no longer see our loved ones, at least not in person, and we can no longer touch them or feel their touch, at least not yet. What we have once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes a part of us. (Hellen Keller) What, for you, helps bridge that gap of separation? For Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, and Jacob we are told that when they died they were gathered to their people. Abraham breathed his last and died in a good old age, and full of years, and was gathered to his people. (Genesis 25:8 ESV) These are the years of the life of Ishmael: 137 years. He breathed his last and died, and was gathered to his people (Genesis 25:17 ESV) And Isaac breathed his last, and he died and was gathered to his people, old and full of days. And his sons Esau and Jacob buried him. (Genesis 35:29 ESV) When Jacob finished commanding his sons, he drew up his feet into the bed and breathed his last and was gathered to his people. (Genesis 49:33 ESV) How does the thought of being reunited encourage you? After a loved one has died, the thought often comes around What if I die? What questions or concerns do you have regarding this? (practical or spiritual) 21

22 From the Stewardship Committee August 2016 Thanks be to God for His inexpressible gift (2 Cor. 9:15)! This is St. Paul s exclamation upon hearing the Corinthian church s response to the preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and his request for support for the Church in Jerusalem. The Christians in Corinth heard and received God s mercy in Christ, and they responded to St. Paul s call to support Christians in Jerusalem with a collection. The Corinthian s joy filled Jerusalem s need. This is the reality of stewardship. Because of God s generosity in the giving of His Son to die on the cross for us, we are to be generous with all that we receive from Him. What do we receive? Everything. All that we are and all that we have is the Lord s. He is the creator and the giver. We are His creatures and those who receive what He gives. It sounds easy. And it is. But then again it isn t. Stewardship is easy because it God s work. Through what God gives, we give to others. Through what God gives, we support the work of the church for the life of the world. He gives; we receive. And like our generous Father in Heaven, we, as His children, use what He gives to us to love and serve others. But stewardship is also difficult. That is because it goes against our natural inclination to think that what I have is mine to do what I want with. This is our sinful nature. It is our selfishness and our greed. How can we who have been given everything life, food, clothing, house, home, forgiveness, divine sonship, an eternal inheritance be so stingy with what we give to the church, the place where we hear about and receive all that God gives us and does for us? We are all guilty of this kind of thinking. And the only godly response is to repent and trust in the Gospel. For if God has given you His own Son, will He not give you all things? Yes. He will. This is His sure and certain promise. God provides for His people. He provides everything we need for this body and life and for the life that is to come. 22

23 The church is a mercy place. It s a place where God s mercy in the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ, is given and received. For we who believe in Christ, it means forgiveness, life, and salvation in the face of sin, death, and the power of the devil. Here in the church we inhale God s mercy in Word and Sacrament, and exhale this same mercy in love and service to our neighbor. And that is an enduring, joyful thing to do. Our joy fills our neighbor s need because His joy filled ours (Heb. 12:2). Thanks be to God for His inexpressible gift! 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. Summer Nursery During the summer, the nursery will be OPEN during Sunday services but will not be staffed. Please make yourself at home in the nursery when you need it. However, small children should not be left unattended. A BIG thank you to all who came to my 80 th Birthday Open House on June 19 th, and all who have sent cards. I have such a wonderful church family at Our Savior s. I have been a member there since The Lord has taken care of me in many ways. God bless you all. Joan Peterman 23

24 The Voice Our Savior Lutheran Church 1103 N Broad Street Mankato, MN THANK YOU ALL CONTRIBUTORS STAFF: Karen Fischer Bonnie Bequette Doris Emich Bernice Wilson Mary Eckhardt Jean Beetsch Priscilla Fladland Karen Slipy Gordon Westermann August 2016 Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage P A I D Mankato, MN Permit No. 216 Address Service Requested 24

25 August :15 Early Bird Bible Study 5:30 Walking Sakatah Trail Our Savior Lutheran Church, Mankato, Minnesota Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 5 6 6:00 Worship 2 10:00 Staff Meeting 7:00 Board of Elders 7:00 Board of Trustees 7:00 Board of Deacons 3 7:00 VBS Volunteer Training 4 9:00 LWML Ex Board 1:30 Ruth Circle 6:00 Walking Red Jacket Trail 7 8:00 Worship 9:15 Adult Bible Class 10:30 Worship 11:45 VBS Volunteer Training 6:00 Sundy Night Bible Study 8 6:15 Early Bird Bible Study 11:30 Widowed to Widowed 5:00 VBS Meal 5:30 Kids Ring 5:30 Walking Sakatah Trail 6:00 VBS 9 10:00 Staff Meeting 1:00 Bible Study 5:00 VBS Meal 5:30 Kids Ring 6:00 VBS 10 5:00 VBS Meal 5:30 Kids Ring 6:00 VBS 11 5:00 VBS Meal 5:30 Kids Ring 6:00 VBS 6:00 Walking Red Jacket Trail 12 5:00 VBS Meal 5:30 Kids Ring 6:00 VBS Open House 13 6:00 Worship 14 8:00 Worship 9:15 Adult Bible Class 10:30 Worship 6:00 Sunday Night Bible Study 15 6:15 Early Bird Bible 5:30 Walking Sakatah Trail 16 5:00 Board of Education 7:00 Church Council :00 Walking Red Jacket Trail 19 4:00 The Voice Deadline 20 6:00 Worship 21 Mite Sunday 8:00 Worship 9:15 Adult Bible Class 10:30 Worship 6:00 Sunday Night Bible Study 22 6:15 Early Bird Bible Study 5:30 Walking Sakatah Trail 23 10:00 Staff Meeting 1:00 Rebekah Circle 1:00 Bible Study :00 Walking Red Jacket Trail 26 4:00 Wedding Rehearsal 27 3:30 Jacobus/Hoffman Wedding 6:00 Worship 28 8:00 Worship 9:15 Adult Bible Class 10:30 Worship 11:30 Sunday School Teachers 6:00 Sunday Night Bible Study 29 6:15 Early Bird Bible Study 5:30 Walking Sakatah Trail 30 10:00 Staff Meeting 31 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.

26 Serving in August Elder of the Day Comm.Team Assistant Usher Usher Team Acolyte Greeter Date 8:00 10:30 8:00 10:30 8:00 10:30 8:00 10:30 8:00 10:30 8:00 10:30 Breakfast Chris W.; Orville & B B Kevin Dave 1st 1st Caleb M.; Steve & Wendy 8/7/16 Nick M. Mark W. Katelyn Renee Z.; None Early Late H. H. Early Late Sydney N. J.; Arlene W. W. Marie G. 8/14/16 Russ J. Mike B. 8/21/16 Mike H. Roger S. 8/28/16 Roger A. Lon W. C Early A Early B Early C Late A Late B Late Gary R. Gordy W. Kevin H. Kurt A. Mark S. Steve J. 2nd Early 3rd Early 4th Early 2nd Late 3rd Late 4th Late Jake W.; Kasota Z. Andrew Z.; Thomas Z. Ana M.; Dominic S. Alex H.; Khia B. Emily L.; Cameron D. Danica M.; RJ H Roger & Kris A.; Judy M. Roger & Jane H.; David N. Pete & Jobi P.; Bev C. Alex & Heather J.; Dianne S. Chad & Kris M.; Betty M. Chris & Beth T.; Jean B. Staff Senior Pastor Assistant Pastor Church Planter Deaconess Choir Director Secretary Custodian Rev. Paul A. Lauer Rev. Adam M. Matheny Rev. Tom Braun Lisa Brand Jodi Johnson Sue Hendrickson Larry Schultz Office: Office: Office: Office: Cell: Office: Office: Cell: Cell: Cell: Home: Congregational Officers and Elected Board Members President Vice President Secretary Treasurer Denise Painter Matt Brand Cindy Hobbs Vacant Council Members at Large Board of Elders Board of Trustees Board of Education Rob Hobbs Gregg Marg-Chair Matt Williams-Chair Amy Mack - Chair Mark Nelson Chuck Stensrud Tim Hobbs Dianne Willett Ron Meyer Mike Blomquist Barb Anderson Brook Ling Larry Dalluge Nicholas Mack Chris Anderson Cindy Wintheiser Board of Endowment Fund Mark Wellner Bruce Anderson Jan Karels Perry Eimers-Chair Roger Schwanke Jerry Clausen Heather Johnson Dave Kroells Dennis Heyen Board of Deacons Denny Zellmer Russ Johnson Barb Lindsay Dave Borchert Immanuel Mueller Jo Eversman Brian Schroeder Lon Whitehead Nancy Clausen Janet Timm Roger Asleson Dianne Schmidt Jan Eimers Mike Humburg Katie Wilson Vacant None None None 26