The Voice The monthly newsletter of Our Savior Lutheran Church 1103 N Broad St., Mankato, MN 56001 MARCH 2019 Midweek Lenten Service Schedule Ash Wednesday March 6 1:30 and 6:30 p.m. Mid-week Lenten Services Wednesdays March 13, 20, 27, April 3, and 10 1:30 and 6:30 p.m. Coffee/Fellowship Hour following the afternoon services Supper served before the evening services from 5:15 6:15 p.m.
Contact Info: Church Office: Phone: 507-385-2180 Fax: 507-345-5113 oursav@hickorytech.net www.oslcmankato.org www.facebook.com/oslcmankato Senior Pastor Office phone: 507-385-2184 Rev. Paul Lauer: lauer@oslcmankato.org Emergency number: 507-304-2402 Associate Pastor Office phone: 507-385-2183 Rev. Adam Matheny: matheny@oslcmankato.org Emergency number: 812-449-6866 Deaconess Office phone: 507-385-2185 Lisa Brand: lisa@oslcmankato.org Secretary Office phone: 507-385-2180 Sue Hendrickson: sue@oslcmankato.org Custodian Office phone: 507-385-2180 Zac Painter: zac@oslcmankato.org Music Coordinator Home phone: 507-341-4173 Suzie Gangi suzie@oslcmankato.org 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 pastors are available at all hours and all days by calling their cell phone. Please use the office phone for other business. Please also remember that Sunday morning and other worship times are not for bringing 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
From Pastor Lauer If you were forced to choose between a world which is always fair verses a world which is always loving, which would you choose? Of course we d want both. But you can t always have both. For example, in a world which was perfectly fair, murderers would always get caught and always get punished. But what if the murderer was a 9 year old or a parent being threatened with the death of their own children if they didn t commit the murder? Is it fair to punish them the same as a serial killer? If not, then is it fair to the family of the one who was murdered that no one was punished? When God must choose between doing justice or showing love, He chooses love because we could not survive His justice. It is not fair for one who had no sin to die on account of sin as Jesus, Our Savior, has done for us. But it is the loving thing to do! God is love and His love endures forever. While God has made His choice to love you and unfairly assigned your guilt and punishment to His Son, what will be your choice? Will you insist on being judged on your own merits because you feel you were better than others or will you rejoice that God has chosen to love rather than punish you? Will you choose to be loving toward others or will you insist that everyone be judged and punished according to their deeds? You must choose one or the other or you will end up with neither. We admit that we don t deserve God s love and so we freely confess our guilt. Then we put our faith in Him to fulfill His promised love. Trusting Him, we no longer need to become perfect but seek instead to be loving as He is loving. And when we have learned to love as He has loved us, then we ll see that it was love which kept us from breaking His commandments. Has this been His purpose all along: to teach us how to be loved and to be loving? Yes. We have learned about evil and we have learned about love. We chose His love for us in Christ Who is for us the door to eternal life. 3
From Pastor Matheny What is Confession? Confession has two parts. First, that we confess our sins, and second, that we receive absolution, that is, forgiveness, from the pastor as from God Himself, not doubting, but firmly believing that by it our sins are forgiven before God in heaven. The Small Catechism When we think of the season of Lent we often think of it as a somber time. Colors are dark, the days are short, and most of our hymns are in a minor key. But the purpose of Lent isn t to be dreary. The purpose of Lent is to be repentant. The reason that this season expends so much of its time emphasizing pain, suffering, and death is because it seeks to draw our eyes and attention to the fruits of Sin. Lent aims to turn our gaze upon our suffering savior in order to better comprehend what our sin has wrought upon everything and everyone that it touches. Spending time in repentance makes forgiveness that much sweeter. And there is no better way to experience the repentance and forgiveness epitomized by the season of Lent than coming to confession. I know, I know, you thought private confession was a Catholic thing, but it is right there in the Small Catechism. I know that many of you didn t even know that Lutherans offered confession, and that most of you have never practiced it. But that is all the more reason to give it a try. Come and see what you have been missing. Come to your pastor and give voice to the wrongs that you have done. Think about your week and the ways that you have hurt God s own children with your thoughts, your words, and your deeds. Examine yourself in the spirit of Lent and see how you are found wanting. But do this in eager expectation that your sins will be forgiven. Knowing that your God and Father has provided pastors to hear your confession and pronounce forgiveness on that confession in His place. 4
Planning Council Meeting Minutes- Our Savior s Lutheran Church February 11, 2019 Members Present: Denise Painter, Matt Brand, Mel Hendrickson, Immanuel Mueller, Judy Mensing, Dale Bergemann, Chris Anderson, Dianne Willett, Pastor Paul Lauer, Pastor Adam Matheny Members absent: Rob Hobbs, Dave Eberhart, Barb Anderson, Judd Schultz, Lindsey Marso Guest: None 1. Meeting was called to order by President Denise Painter at 7 PM. 2. Pastor Lauer opened with prayer. 3. Public/ Congregation Presentation: None 4. Additions/ Approval of Agenda: Motion was made and seconded to approve February s agenda as presented. Motion carried. 5. Approval of Previous Council Minutes: Motion was made and seconded to approve January 15, 2019 minutes as presented. Motion carried. 6. Pastors Report: Pastor Lauer: 54 new members in 2018, 44% of membership is new since Pastor Lauer s arrival. Pastor Matheny: Nothing in particular to report. 7. Treasure s Report: Cash on hand is steadily improving, Motion made and seconded to approve report as read. Motion carried. 8. Unfinished Business: a) Organ project and fundraiser update: Fully funded, third payment has been sent to organ builders. b) Audio/ Video Project update: Paid in full, fine tuning the system, a work in progress, thanks to those working on it. c) Safety Committee Update: This is a work in progress finding members to take on the work. d) By-Law Revision- Set up committee: President Denise Painter is contacting people to begin work on this. 9. New Business: None 10. Board Sharing: (additions, questions or explanations of written reports) 5
Trustees: no meeting was held due to weather, will work at cleaning out the snow from parking lots on the 16 th of February. Deacons: No meeting due to weather, A reminder of Women s retreat on March 16 2019, Lisa s trip to Israel is the end of June 2019. 11. Closing Prayer: meeting was closed with all saying the Lord s Prayer. 12. Meeting Adjourned at 734 Pm. 13. Next Council meeting is March 12, 2019 at 7 PM. Respectfully Submitted Mel Hendrickson, Secretary OSLC Planning Council ATTENTION MEN! Don t forget that our Men s Bible Study meets at 7:30pm in the Fireplace room on the second Thursday of each month (Thursday the 14 th in March). This month we will continue to read and discuss Jeffrey Hemmer s Man Up. Potluck & Bible Study Please join us for food and Bible study! On Thursday, March 28 th we will gather at 5:30 in the Fireplace room for a potluck dinner. Then at 6:30 we will study God s Word together. See you there! 6
OSLC Treasurer s Report Commentary Period Ending January 31, 2019 Income and Expense Summary Current Month Y-T-D Income $51,823.13 $51,823.13 Operating Expenses -$49,807.36 -$49,807.36 LCEF Mortgage Principal Payment -$875.17 -$875.17 Net for Period $1,140.60 $1,140.60 Positive net value indicates we received more than our expenses, a negative number indicates that we have spent more than we have received for that period (deficit). Cash Summary Amount Notes Checking Account $120,128.09 Daily checking account Joyful Response $68,513.13 Joyful Response deposits and loan pmts Library Fund $20,107.12 Certificate of Deposit LWML Fund $10,000.00 Accounts Receivable $23.30 Total Cash Assets $218,771.64 Dedicated Accounts -$210,922.06 Amount of our cash balance designated for specific activities Other Liabilities -$5,165.99 Accruals for HSA payments, youth, etc. Available Cash $1,542.99 last month ($1,140.60 $2,683.59 Balance increase MOM) Long Term Debt (LCEF Mortgage) Current Balance $281,568.93 Monthly Payment $1,845.99 Interest Rate (Variable Annually) 4.125% Pay-off Date 7/2036 Additional Comments: With a generous one-time donation the organ project is now fully paid! We have also received the final bill for the A/V upgrades but have yet to submit the payment as services are still being rendered. All other expenses look normal so far. Respectfully submitted, Immanuel Mueller, Treasurer 7
Voters Meeting Minutes: Our Savior s Lutheran Church January 27, 2019 Attendance: 50 1. Call to order: President Denise Painter called the meeting to order at 1149 AM. 2. Opening Prayer was presented by Pastor Matheny. 3. Approval of Agenda: Motion was made and seconded to approve the agenda as presented, Motion Carried. 4. Approval of the December 2, 2018 Voter s meeting Minutes: Motion made and seconded to approve the minutes as published. Motion carried. 5. Pastor s Reports. Pastor Matheny thanked the congregation for putting up with and assisting him this past year, and to remind everyone he is available to assist in many ways. 6. Treasure s Report: Vice President Matt Brand went over page 8 in the annual report, any questions talk to him or the Treasurer Immanuel Mueller. 7. Board Reports: are available for review on pages 18-29 in the annual report. 8. Unfinished business: a. Organ Project, Audio/Video System, and fundraiser Updates: Have made one payment on the organ project, and 90% of the Audio/Video system, the organ is scheduled to be back in May 2019. As of January 15, 2019 we are just short of $15,000.00 to raise yet. 9. New Business: None 10. Closing Prayer: The meeting was closed with everyone saying the Lord s Prayer. 11. Adjournment: The Meeting was closed at 12 noon by President Denise Painter. Respectfully submitted Mel Hendrickson, Secretary OSLC Planning Council 8
Accessions & Losses No Accessions or Losses to report this month. Daily Bible Reading Do you have a daily Bible reading habit? If not, Lent is a great time to form one. Let s read the Bible together! Beginning March 6 th (Ash Wednesday) the Our Savior s Board of Education would like to invite you to read the Bible with us every day. We will read through the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew over the next two weeks utilizing a popular Bible app. Please speak with a board member or Pastor Matheny for more details. 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 345-3063 9
Book Club Book Club will continue with Eugene Vodolazkin s wonderful Laurus in March. Please join us in the fireplace room at 4:30 on March 10 th and 24 th for a captivating story and meaningful discussion. Widowed to Widowed Welcomes all Widows ~ Encouraging one another in the love of Christ. The Widows meet on the second Monday, March 11, at 11:30am at Our Savior Fireplace Room. And he said, Go, and say to this people Isaiah 6:9a Bible Study from Bless These Lips is Lesson Day 5, pages 29-34, Telling Tongue. New attendees, your Bible Study book is here for you. If you need a ride, you may call WS Transportation (420-4503 or 388-0708) one-half to one hour ahead of time. This service is provided by Our Savior s Taxi Fund. Wednesday Night Meals Everyone in the congregation is invited to supper each Wednesday night. During Lent, we begin at 5:15pm with prayer. A free-will donation is accepted (recommended donation of $3 per person). We hope you will join us! 10
Funeral Serving Group Please help us help others by serving families in their time of grieving. The funeral luncheon serving group is looking for volunteers to set up tables, serve the food, cleaning up, and running the dishwasher. Men are especially welcome as we rely on you for lifting heavy coffee pots and managing the dishwasher. Leaders are needed to take on the organizing and calling responsibilities. There are presently only two, Gretchen and Janet. Both will be out of town for most of March. This is not a difficult task and may be assumed for only specific times. There are sign-up sheets posted on the bulletin board near the office. Or call Janet directly evenings best: 388-9213 or 995-2429. Organ and A/V work update Last month we reported here that our fund raising for the Organ and Audio/Visual upgrade projects was about $21,000 from our goal of $200,200. Wow! That alone was tremendous news. But in response to last month's update in the VOICE we have received a generous donation of $21,000 which means that we have COMPLETED our fundraising and now have, on hand, all the funds necessary to make payments each month until the work is completed. At this time, the new audio system has been installed at a cost of about $15,000. This has eliminated the troubles we were having and has greatly improved the clarity of voices. The video system has also been updated, costing about $25,000, and provides high definition, digital recordings for broadcast on Mankato cable TV public access channels. Video and sound clarity for those who watch on local cable and online (accessktv.org) and reliability of the equipment are all greatly improved. Watch our website for pictures of our organ being worked on in the builder's shop (oslcmankato.org). 11
Music Notes Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. Psalm 95:2 March Worship Special Music Schedule: Sundays March 3- Sarah Bjornstad, violin March 10- Adult Bells March 17- Brass March 24- Adult Choir March 31- Emily Holman Wednesday Afternoon Service March 13- Christus Choir March 27- Christus Choir Wednesday Evening Service March 6- Adult Choir March 13- Kids Ring March 20- JAM March 27- Judd Schultz Special Lent schedule for Wednesday Rehearsals. The Christus Choir meets on Wednesdays in Advent and Lent for rehearsal at 12:30 prior to the 1:30 midweek services. This Lent, our rehearsals will be on March 6, March 13, March 20, March 27, April 3, April 10, April 17. Everyone is welcome to join us! We plan to sing for the 1:30 Wednesday afternoon services on March 13, March 27, April 10, and for the 1:30 Maundy Thursday service April 18. Join us for song and fellowship. No experience required! Pastor Lauer plans to direct this group again. Choirs-Anyone interested in joining our regular choirs or instrumental groups, please stop in any time during rehearsals and give it a try or contact Suzie for more information. Blessings, Suzie Gangi 507-341-4173 suzie@oslcmankato.org 12
Wednesday Schedule during Lent 12:30 Christus Choir 1:30 Mid-week Lenten Service 2:15 Coffee/Fellowship Hour 3:30 Cancer Companions (ends March 20 th ) 5:00 Kids Ring 5:15 Meal 5:30 JAM* 5:30 Adult Choir* 6:30 Mid-week Lenten Service 7:15 Junior Confirmation 7:15 Adult Class 7:15 Adult Bells* 7:50 Brass* * No rehearsal on Ash Wednesday, March 6 th. LCMS National Youth Gathering: July11-15, 2019 in Minneapolis. Twelve youth and 3 adults from Our Savior s are registered to attend this triennial event. Being so close, travel time and travel costs have been greatly reduced meaning that we can provide registration, housing, and food for the 5-day event at a cost of about $807 per person. Most of the fund raising is complete. Our thanks for the tremendous support at the February 10th bake sale which received $459 in donations! Our experience begins this month as we gather for 5 hours of Bible study and discussion on the theme for the gathering Real. Present. God. 13
Mission Service Wednesday, March 20 th, 4pm Mission Service is an Our Savior volunteer group who actively prepare mission projects. Volunteers are needed. With you, we are able to continue Mission Service and help more than 50 in need each month. Yes, you are very important to this Mission. If you are capable, Mission Service needs U on Wednesday, March 20, at 4pm in the Fellowship Hall. Supplies needed. If you are able, please bring any of the following donations for newborn kits and homeless kits to the former Card Shop. (Cloth items can be new or gently used): Bath towel (approx. 48-52 long) Wash cloth Bath size bar White Ivory Soap (in original packaging) Newborn cotton t-shirt (size 0-3 or newborn) Cloth diapers Diaper pins Travel size shampoo Travel size soap Travel size lotion Travel size Kleenex Tooth paste Tooth brushes Combs Portals of Prayer are also needed. Please bring your Portals of Prayer to the former card shop when you are finished with it. Thank you for sharing. Donations of clean used cotton sheets are also needed. Please mark them For Bandages. Remember to save Christian Christmas card fronts for our operation Christmas Child boxes. Put them in the box in the Former Card Shop. 14
Cancelled Stamp Program: All proceeds go to projects supporting Bible translation. Thank you for serving in the Lord s work through your efforts in collecting, saving, and trimming stamps. Here are a few guidelines: Save all stamps, US and foreign, cancelled and uncancelled, and computer-vended postage. For stamps on envelopes, when possible leave a ½-inch border around the stamp; do not attempt to trim too close. Picture postcards are also collected. Stamp collections, accumulations, and any other stamprelated items are collected. Please drop them off in the box in the former Card Shop. Thank you for all the winter donations! New Taxi Service Provider Free cab rides are made possible to and from Our Savior s for our members through the Taxi Fund to attend services or other activities such as choir rehearsals, meetings, special services, ie. Lent or Advent. To procure a ride, call WS Transportation at 420-4503 or 388-0708. Please call onehalf to one hour before you would like to leave. To call for a return ride, you may use the phone in the office or kitchen. Please dial 9 before you enter the number. Let WS know where you will be waiting the front door on Broad Street or the back parking lot door. 15
Young at Heart / Lutheran Laymen s League (YAH / LLL) FOR YOU of every age!!! LLL/YAH Social with special guest, Rev. Martin Teigen, gathers at 1:30pm on Monday, March 4 th at the church Fireplace room. This is your invitation to begin the exciting month of March. Why is March exciting?? The Lutheran Hour Speaker, Rev. Ziegler, will be in Mankato March 17 th and will serve as guest preacher at Our Savior s morning services, and then at the District Rally with massed choir (from all the churches of Minnesota South) at 4pm at Hosanna. Listen to The Lutheran Hour Sunday 6 p.m. on KJLY 107.1, and 6 a.m. on WCCO 830 Lutheran Hour Ministries: Bringing Christ to the Nations and the Nations to the Church. Many new activities for all ages. Visit the LHM website. Read the Lutheran Layman News. Hardcopies are available in the Narthex. Check out the Men s network: www.lhmmen.org and www.lhm.org for children, www.lhm.org/layman. An open invitation to older adults in the congregation: S.A.G.E.S. Saints Alive! Growing, Ever Serving LC-MS MN South District Older Adult Ministry Gathering XXXI May 6 & 7, 2019 Country Inn and Suites, Mankato, MN The GATHERING features: An outstanding Bible Study leader/presenter Interesting, informative breakout sessions Monday evening banquet with entertainment; and Fellowship! 16
The Sagacity Newsletter contains all information about Gathering XXXI. Registrations forms are included. Hard copies are in the narthex, or go to www.mnsdistrict.org/publications. Don t miss this educational, fun-loving Gathering Navigating Life Changes. The S.A.G.E.S. Board meets at Our Savior on Tuesday, April 2 nd from 10am to 12 noon. Are you available to help at 9am, or help with serving lunch at 12 noon? Please contact Trudy, 507-327-7082. Lenten Devotions People of the Passion the 2019 Lent Devotion is available from Lutheran Hour Ministries at https://www.lhm.org/lent/. Available to read online, as a podcast, or received as an e- mail subscription beginning March 6 th. You may also download and print the devotion booklet. Read. Pray. Listen. the 2019 Lent Devotion from Lutheran Indian Mission can be accessed at: https://www.lutheranindianministries.org/devotions/#lent. This can be downloaded and printed at home or received daily by e-mail. If you do not have access to a printer and would like a copy of either, or both, of these booklets, please see Sue in the office. VBS 2019 Miraculous Mission: Jesus Saves the World Monday Friday, August 5-9 from 6pm-8pm 17
1. is LWML Mites Our Savior s continues to collect Mite Offerings to be passed on to the Lutheran Women s Missionary League for their district, national, and international mission projects on the 3rd Sunday of the month. Mite Sunday is March 17 th. A large mite box is put out in the narthex to receive your offerings. You can pick up a small mite box to use at home or just add your loose offering to the box. Everyone is encouraged to contribute! What s a mite offering? It s a micro-offering, often being loose pocket change collected at the end of each day. See Luke 21:1-4. Go to www.mnslwml.org or www.lwml.org to keep up with the district news and activities. The Quarterly and WOM (Women on a Mission) always carry the mite grants and the contributions. To God be the Glory! National Grants for 2017-2019 close on March 31. Your Mites at work... Minnesota South District Aid Scholarships. LCMS MN South District Treasurer/ Business Manager, Rick Marko: It is a blessing to partner with the LWML in providing financial support to students. He provided the following information on the number of students benefiting from the LWML mission grant combines with other donations: Concordia Irvine, CA (1); Concordia Mequon, WI (3); Concordia St. Paul (14); Concordia Seward, NE (17); Concordia Seminary Fort Wayne, IN (4); Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO (17); and (4) Graduate students. Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21 18
Women s Retreat Jesus Healing Touch 9:00am 2:00pm, Saturday, March 16 Unable to help ourselves, Jesus brings HOPE to our hopeless situations. He brings FREEDOM to that which binds us. It is His healing that flourishes in us a heart of SERVICE. During our retreat we ll see how Jesus healing brings about more than just a physical change, but also a joy. Invite your friends! The retreat cost of $10 includes lunch and morning refreshments. To register contact Deaconess Lisa Brand by March 6, and let her know if you need childcare. (385-2185 or lisa@oslcmankato.org) Come be encouraged with us! Lenten Afternoon Coffee Hours Volunteers are needed to serve coffee and a snack for the Coffee/Fellowship Hour following each of the afternoon Midweek Lenten Services, starting Ash Wednesday, March 6 th through April 10 th. If you would be willing to serve, please sign up on the bulletin board near the office. Thank you. 19
Ladies of Our Savior... Email and mail information that comes for the ladies of Our Savior from LWML National, LWML District, Missionaries, and Mission organizations are placed on the LWML Bulletin Board or on the shelves in the former Card Shop. Take and read (ex. Pablo, Orphan Grain Train, notes from missionary Johanna Heidorn, Lutheran Hour Ministries, Gloria Sauck, Rachel Streich, 2018 Quilt Report, LWML e-news, etc.) New items every week. LWML Biennial Convention, will be held in Mobile, Alabama on June 20-23, 2019. Register now. Thirty-one new grant proposals to be voted on are in the narthex. Every person is asked to review them and tell or send Trudy Wiechmann your top ten choices. One grant, #8, is for Camp Omega in Minnesota for $50,000. The LWML Zone Board meeting is on Wednesday, March 20 at 9am at Good Shepherd, North Mankato. The Christian Life LWML Committee invites you to upcoming events and retreats planned for 2019 on Saturdays, March 30 th and September 28 th and a Retreat is planned for July 18-20. Don t miss the Our Savior retreat on March 16 th. Register by March 6 th. Mark your calendars, more details to follow. Share encouragement to those you know who could use a little boost. A card, phone call, special food, or? Articles for the April VOICE are due by Friday, March 15 th at 4 pm 20
Quilting group meets the second and fourth Mondays of each month through May. Come join us March 11 th and 25 th from 9 noon upstairs in the Youth Room. We sew tops, backs, and middles together and tie. No sewing experience necessary. Call Julie at 388-7533 if you have any questions. We enjoy good fellowship while working for a good cause, supplying nice warm quilts to people in need. 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: www.accessktv.org, 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. Lutheran Hour Ministries Rally Massed Choir The Lutheran Hour Ministry Rally Celebration in Mankato on March 17 invites all singers (children to adult) to participate in the massed choir. Choir members should pick up a copy of these three pieces from the narthex: Lord Keep Us Steadfast in your Word (Osianna), The Lord Bless You and Keep You (Lutkin), and Now Thank We All Our God (Bach). Rehearsal will be 2-3:30pm at Hosanna Lutheran Church, with the Rally beginning at 4pm. Dr. David Mennicke of Concordia University, St. Paul is directing the choir. Please feel free to contact him directly at dmennicke@csp.edu or 651-641-8828 with questions about the massed choir. 21
22
23
Special Fund Drive Completed! Now that the fundraising for the Organ and A/V projects has been completed, please consider continuing at the same level of giving by including that amount in your weekly or monthly General Fund offerings. With these added gifts to the General Fund, we could eliminate all deficit spending and fully fund our annual budget once again. All of our dedicated funds are presently fully funded -- that is, we have not borrowed from them to pay monthly expenses. However, our cash balance for the General Fund has been greatly reduced. These offerings can help us stay ahead. Grief Group Journey Through Grief Mayo Clinic Health System Hospice is sponsoring an eightweek grief group for families and individuals who have experienced the death of a loved one. Participants will meet weekly to share stories, explore the process of grief and healing, and find comfort in knowing they are not alone. The sessions will take place on Thursdays, March 21 May 9 from 10:30am 12:30pm at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 222 Pfau St. This group is offered free of charge and are limited to 10 participants each. Early registration is encouraged. For more information or to register, please call 507-594-2989. Mark Your Calendar... Our Savior s is hosting a Red Cross Blood Drive on Monday, May 6 th from noon to 5pm. Go to: www.redcrossblood.org, or download the Red Cross app on your mobile device to make an appolintment. Sponsor code: oslcmankato. 24
Our Savior s Lutheran Church Endowment Fund Treasurer s Report December 31, 2018 Total General Fund Scholarship Fund Beginning Principal $10,893.79 $100.00 $10,793.79 1995-2017 Gifts Received $591,487.57 $423,558.18 $167,929.39 1995-2017 Interest Income $275,673.46 $186,672.33 $89,001.13 1995-2017 Change in Market Value $23,806.16 $15,989.59 $7,816.57 1995-2017 Disbursements ($303,383.55) ($227,672.94) ($75,710.61) Fund Balances 12/31/17 $598,477.43 $398,647.16 $199,830.27 2018 Gifts Received $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 2018 Interest Income $19,315.32 $12,883.32 $6,432.00 2018 Change in Mrkt Value ($24,958.77) ($16,625.09) ($8,333.68) $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 2018 Disbursements ($73,967.50) ($64,043.77) ($9,923.73) Miscellaneous $2,412.12 $1,606.47 $805.65 Fund Balances Current $521,278.60 $330,861.62 $188,004.86 Assett Summary Wells Fargo Bank Checking $18,979.87 LCMS Foundation Account $502,298.73 Total Fund Balances $521,278.60 OSLC for St. Peter $12,000.00 Nicollet Co. Treasurer RE taxes 0.00 Nicollet Co. Assessments 0.00 Scholarships $8,900.00 Organ Fund $50,000.00 Fees LCMS $3,067.50 Total 2018 Disbursements $73,967.50 25
From the Stewardship Committee: Everything we have and everything we are is a gift of God s providential care. We understand that we re not islands unto ourselves. We could not exist without those who have gone before us and those who walk alongside us. God has given us forefathers in family, country, and faith. We are recipients of what God worked through them. We know God provides for our well-being through these means. He gives us farmers and ranchers so we can eat. But more than that, God created and gave us all the things those farmers and ranchers cultivate. He gave us the corn, the beans, the wheat, the cows for milking, the steers for grilling. He gave each of those things for our nourishment and sustenance. Without God creating and instilling in those things their taste, their nutritional value, etc., we would not exist. God gives us doctors, surgeons, nurses, and hospitals. He gives us medicine and medical instruments, and, of course, He gave us everything to make those medicines and medical instruments. He instilled in those things the properties to be utilized for those purposes. Without God creating and instilling healing properties into those things and without God creating the ability within man to learn this and implement it to serve our medical needs we would not enjoy the health we do now. But there s more. He gives us gainful employment through our employers and provides for the necessities of life through the labor of our hands: Then Moses said to the people of Israel, See, the Lord has called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah; and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, with intelligence, with knowledge, and with all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold and silver and bronze, in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, for work in every skilled craft. And he has inspired him to teach, both him and Oholiab the son of Ahisamach of the tribe of Dan. (Exodus 35:30 34) And one step back from that, He has created and given us hands, and attached to hands are arms with strength. He created us with minds to make those arms and hands move and accomplish the 26
work set before us. And with that mind, He has given us reason and senses. That mind, because of the reason God has instilled in it, is able to work through difficult problems before we press those arms and hands into labor. It allows us to grapple with concepts and run through scenarios instead of having to experience every situation personally. It allows us to learn from the mistakes, as well as from the accomplishments, of ourselves and others. This can be done for our entire body, all our skills and talents, everything that makes us us. So, everything we have and everything we are is a gift from Him. This is what we confess in the First Article of the Creed when we say that we believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth. But that is just the First Article of the Creed. We confess two more articles that deal with God s provision for our spiritual well-being. He sent his Son to die and be raised on the third day for our justification. He delivers that justification through the means of grace (baptism, preaching and the Word of God, and the Lord s Supper). And to give you those means of grace, He gives pastors and teachers, etc. Literally everything we have and everything we are in this life and the next is an inexpressible gift from God. And it is for this, all of this, that we give thanks. And that is what stewardship is all about giving thanks for God s provision for us. To give thanks is more than having an attitude of gratitude, more than just a feeling in our hearts. It is an action. It begins in the heart, but it doesn t stay there. It works its way out through the mouth in praise for God s gifts and in love and charity through the hands to our neighbors in family, country, and church. For all this it is my duty to thank and praise, serve and obey him (The Small Catechism, 16). So give thanks to God for His inexpressible gifts for everything we have and everything we are. Do this not only in word but also in deed. 27
The Voice Our Savior Lutheran Church 1103 N Broad Street Mankato, MN 56001 Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage P A I D Mankato, MN Permit No. 216 Address Service Requested THANK YOU ALL CONTRIBUTORS Bonnie Bequette Marion Brunz Marcella Eilders Kathy Cornish Doris Emich Mary Eckhardt Ramona Wilkening Karen Fischer Bernice Wilson Jean Beetsch Diane Schmidt 28 March 2019
March 2019 Our Savior Lutheran Church, Mankato, Minnesota Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 3 8:00 Worship 8:45 Coffee Time 9:15 Sunday School 9:15 Adult Bible Class 9:15 HS+ Bible Class 10:30 Worship 10 Daylight Savings Begins 8:00 Worship 8:45 Coffee Time 9:15 Sunday School 9:15 Adult Bible Class 9:15 HS+ Bible Class 10:30 Worship 4:30 Book Club 17 8:00 Worship 8:45 Coffee Time 9:15 Sunday School 9:15 Adult Bible Class 9:15 HS+ Bible Class 10:30 Worship 12:00 LLL Delegate Lunch 1:00 LLL District Meeting 4:00 LLL Dist. Rally @ Hosanna 24 8:00 Worship 8:45 Coffee Time 9:15 Sunday School 9:15 Adult Bible Class 9:15 HS+ Bible Class 10:30 Worship 4:30 Book Club 31 8:00 Worship 8:45 Coffee Time 9:15 Sunday School 9:15 Adult Bible Class 9:15 HS+ Bible Class 10:30 Worship 4 6:30 Early Bird Bible Study 1:30 LLL/YAH 11 6:30 Early Bird Bible Study 9:00 Quilting 11:30 Widowed to Widowed 18 6:30 Early Bird Bible Study 25 6:30 Early Bird Bible Study 9:00 Quilting Sue on vacation 5 10:00 Staff Meeting 7:00 Bd of Deacons 7:00 Bd of Elders 7:00 Bd of Trustees 12 10:00 Staff Meeting 1:00 Tuesday Bible Study 7:00 Church Council 19 10:00 Staff Meeting 26 10:00 Staff Meeting 1:00 Rebekah Circle 1:00 Tues. Bible Study 5:15 Bd of Education 6 Ash Wednesday 12:30 Christus Choir 1:30 Ash Wed. Worship 2:15 Coffee/Felloship 3:30 Cancer Comp. 5:00 Kids Ring 5:15 Meal 6:30 Ash Wed. Worship 7:15 Jr. Conf/Adult Class 13 12:30 Christus Choir 1:30 Lenten Worship 2:15 Coffee/Fellowship 3:30 Cancer Comp. 5:00 Kids Ring 5:15 Meal 5:30 JAM/Adult Choir 6:30 Lenten Worship 7:15 Jr. Conf/Adult Class 7:15 Adult Bells 7:50 Brass 20 12:30 Christus Choir 1:30 LentenWorship 2:15 Coffee/Fellowship 3:30 CancerComp Reun. 4:00 Mission Service 5:00 Kids Ring 5:15 Meal 5:30 JAM/Adult Choir 6:30 Lenten Worship 7:15 Jr. Conf/Adult Class 7:15 Adult Bells 8:50 Brass 27 12:30 Christus Choir 1:30 LentenWorship 2:15 Coffee/Fellowship 5:00 Kids Ring 5:15 Meal 5:30 JAM/Adult Choir 6:30 Lenten Worship 7:15 Adult Bells 7:50 Brass 7 9:00 Circuit Pastors 1:30 Ruth/Lydia Circle 14 7:30 Men s Bible Study 21 6:30 Stephen Ministry 28 5:30 Potluck/Bible Study 1 7:00 NYG Lock-in 2 6:00 Worship 8 9 6:00 Worship 15 4:00 Voice Deadline 22 1:30 Mary Circle 16 9:00 Women s Retreat 6:00 Worship 23 12:00 Fireplace Room Rental 6:00 Worship 29 30 6:00 Worship Sunday Matins is aired at 8:03am and 5:45pm each Sunday on KTOE 1420AM Our Savior s Worship service is aired Tuesday at 7pm and Wednesday at 2pm on KTV.
Serving in March Date Elder 8:00 Elder 10:30 Assistant Usher Usher Team Acolyte Greeter EOD Assisting EOD Assisting 8:00 10:30 8:00 10:30 8:00 10:30 8:00 10:30 3/3/2019 Steve Teresa K.; Jordis L.; Miah Bruce & Jeanne Kurt & Jeanne A.; Matt R. Alex J. Gaylen L. Chris T. Kevin H. J. 1st Early 1st Late Alex J. B. A.; Marie G. Arlene P. 3/6/2019 AshWednesday [6:30] Judd S. [6:30] Gordy W. [6:30] 2nd Early [6:30] Olivia A.; Mackenzie H. [1:30] Merle & Lois K.; Gwen C. [6:30] Matt & Lisa B.; Lyle K. 3/10/2019 Dave 2nd 2nd Macy N.; Jerry & Nancy Randy & Barb P.; Zak T. Randy B. Judd S. Mike B. Gary R. H. Early Late Madelyn M. Mike L.; Jack B. C.; Rhonda R. Jean B. 3/13/2019 Lnt Midweek1 [6:30] Kurt A. [6:30] 2nd Late [6:30] Mike L.; Jack B. [1:30] Karen S.; Doris E.; Karen F. [6:30] Bob & Janet T.; Betty M. 3/17/2019 Gordy Olivia A.; Roger & Kris A.; Matt W. Kirk Y. Lon W. Thad S. W. Mark S. 3rd Early 3rd Late Mackenzie H. Alexa W.; Jay C. Lyle K. Chuck & Bev F. 3/20/2019 Lnt Midweek2 [6:30] Kevin H. [6:30] 3rd Early [6:30] Alexa W.; Jay C. [1:30] Bernice W.; Larry & Jan D. [6:30] Dave E.; Lisa G. 3/24/2019 Teresa K.; Larry & Jan D.; Alex J. Matt R. Chris T. Gaylen L. Kevin H. Kurt A. 4th Early 4th Late Alex J. Abby L. Amy M.; Bev C. Gwen C. 3/27/2019 Lnt Midweek3 [6:30] Mark S. [6:30] 3rd Late [6:30] Teresa K.; Alex J. [1:30] Gwen C.; Karen S. [6:30] Orville & Renee Z.; Vicky S. 3/31/2019 Steve Macy N.; Jordis L.; Miah Dave & Cindy Chuck & Bev F.; Randy B. Zak T. Mike B. Judd S. Gary R. J. 1st Early 1st Late Madelyn M. B. W.; Richard U. LeAnn Z. Staff Senior Pastor Associate Pastor Deaconess Music Coordinator Secretary Custodian Rev. Paul A. Lauer Rev. Adam M. Matheny Lisa Brand Suzie Gangi Sue Hendrickson Zac Painter Office: 385-2184 Office: 385-2183 Office: 385-2185 Home: 341-4173 Office: 385-2180 Office: 385-2180 Cell: 304-2402 Cell: 812-449-6866 Home: 389-9088 Home: 388-3557 Cell: 381-4699 Congregational Officers and Elected Board Members President Vice President Secretary Treasurer Financial Secretary Denise Painter Matt Brand Mel Hendrickson Immanuel Mueller Judy Mensing 387-4963 389-9088 388-3557 995-2953 387-4908 Council Members at Large Board of Elders Board of Trustees Board of Education Rob Hobbs 243-3232 Judd Schultz-Chair 524-4521 Chris Anderson-Chair 388-6491 Heather Johnson Co-chair 382-2432 Barb Anderson 388-6491 Lon Whitehead 388-4891 Thomas Williams 995-0352 Kathy Whitehead 388-4891 Dale Bergemann 345-6556 Chris Thompson 388-2300 Bruce Anderson 327-8559 Lindsey Marso Co-chair 382-6168 Dave Eberhart 549-3686 Gaylen Lenz 726-6403 Jerry Clausen 612-619-2810 Deb Simpson - Secretary 726-6477 Board of Endowment Fund Kirk Yungerberg 345-8059 Kurt Anderson 381-9537 Cody Meschke 507-330-1839 Perry Eimers-Chair 387-1650 Matt Williams 995-0350 Jerry Dehn 385-0600 Jamie Streich 625-5235 Denny Zellmer 387-6939 Alex Johnson 507-272-6657 Board of Deacons Brian Schroeder 625-6153 Mike Blomquist 351-5051 Dianne Willett 420-4010 Janet Timm 388-9213 Randy Burmeister 720-6985 Ann Lauer 304-2128 Jan Eimers 387-1650 Thad Simpson 726-6477 Wanda Schwanke 340-6442 Gretchen Zellmer 387-6939 Matt Rottermond 317-8337 Michelle Rottermond 317-8338 Garvin Eichhorst 388-9227 Zachary Tess 920-265-8436 Samantha Tess 507-217-0354 Jen Larson 340-6441 30