April 2008 Newsletter
Greetings, in the Name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

It’s hard to believe that it’s April and EASTER is already behind us.  As many of you have probably heard, Easter’s early date this year won’t be equaled in any of our lifetimes.   Next year, it falls on April 12th.

And so, this year by God’s design we move into April with some big things to look forward to, apart from our celebration of Easter.  And for all these things, I would request your prayers.

First of all, as God has called the Hetherington family to a new place of service, we want to thank Him for the gift to Our Savior and to each of us they have been.  Kim most recently taught Kindergarten, but also taught our second grade and pre-school.  Her tenure at Our Savior goes back some 14 years.  We want to pray that God will bless Greg, Kim, Erin and Joel as they go with Him.

And so, God has given us the opportunity here at Our Savior for another of His children to come and serve as our Kindergarten teacher next year.  I ask that you pray His guidance for our call committee as they seek His direction and pray for His leading us to that individual.  

On April 15 (tax day!) we will have Jon Lorenz back for another session of SiMPly... Listening to God, or SMP.   We will meet again in the gym on that Tuesday evening at 5:30 for dinner … followed at 6:30 PM by Jon’s presentation as he leads us in some activities which will help us “roll out” the work we did together this past February.  Please keep this time of Listening to Him in Your prayers daily as well.

On Sunday, April 20, we will have a congregational meeting after our worship services that morning.   The council is eager to share some of the ways they have seen the Lord blessing us this past year and talk about some of the ways we can join God in what He is doing in the months ahead.  We pray that we might also be able to extend a call by the congregation to a Kindergarten teacher at this meeting.

And then on Sunday, April 27, we as a church will join with seven of our young people as they participate in the Rite of Confirmation and become Communicant Members of our flock here at Our Savior.    We thank God for the blessings they are and will be to His Church.

In Him,
Pastor Fausel

In Spite of the Snow...

We decided to have school on Friday, March 7, because it was grandparents day.  And despite the snow, over 100 grandparents were able to be with us for our morning of activities.  The oldest in attendance?  88 years young.  Those who came the farthest? From Norfolk, VA, Flint, MI, and Seoul, Korea.  

Our “Taste of Our Savior” planning committee decided to NOT cancel the event on Saturday, March 8.  I’m told 90%-95% of those who had purchased tickets were able to make it out that night and join us for some great fun and fellowship.  Final expenses are still being tabulated but it is believed the total proceeds for the night after expenses will be $58,545 plus an additional $5700 specifically given for scholarships.  My thanks to Tracy Hannon and the planning committee for a job well done.  Thanks also to all who attended and made the night special.

We look forward to our annual spring musical on April 24.  Please plan to join us as we present, “The Big Bad Musical”.  Show time is 7 PM.
March 31-April 4 is Achievement Testing week.  Last year for the second consecutive year every class scored at or above the 70th percentile on these tests.  That is remarkable when you consider that our students are being compared to all the students in the United States who take this test and we allow every student’s score to count in the tabulation even though we could request those with known learning difficulties be kept out.  I’m very proud of the academic achievement of our students and credit an outstanding faculty and strong parental support with these remarkable scores.

In Christ,
Martin Brieschke

Notes from the Music Director

Dear friends in Christ,

During this Easter season, the Christian church sings out the news that Jesus Christ is alive.  He is not dead.  As we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, we proclaim that death is not final.  For as Christ lives forever, so shall those who believe in him.  And as we have been worshipping here on earth, so shall we also be singing in eternity forever.  It is exciting to know that the worship that we are learning and experiencing here today will one day be useable in heaven.   What a foretaste of the feast to come!!

In the Easter account, Mary tells the others that she has seen the Lord.  We also should proclaim to other people the ways that we have experienced God.  We all need to be willing to make our lives a song to God, willing to praise Him and to be a witness for Him. We must be willing to open our mouths and say, “I have seen the Lord!” I pray that God will help us all experience the risen Christ in our hearts and give us the courage to proclaim His love to others.  See you in worship!

In a loud voice the sang: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!”  Rev. 5:12
Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!”  And she told them that he had said these things to her. John 19:18

Yours in Christ,
Scott Kamman

God’s Word Penetrates

They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?" – Luke 24:32

Jesus joins those who are earnestly seeking Him. Two men walked along the road to Emmaus discussing the confusing events that had just occurred in Jerusalem. They thought they had understood the happenings of their day, but the death of Jesus had left them disoriented to God and His activity in their world. They had hoped that Jesus was the Messiah, but His death had left them perplexed and discouraged. They needed answers.
    
God reads the heart and knows the honest pursuit of His will by His children. Jesus drew near to these men, walked with them, and opened their minds to what the Scriptures said about them, and opened their minds to what the Scriptures said about Him and about the events of their day. As Jesus was speaking, their hearts burned within them! As they listened to Jesus relate the Scriptures to what they were experiencing, they knew in their hearts that they were hearing God’s truth. Their doubts vanished, excitement overcame them, and they raced back to share the truth with their friends!
    
If you become bewildered by circumstances in your life, Jesus can reorient you to Himself through the Scriptures just as He did for these two men. From your human perspective, the situation may be confusing and discouraging. It takes the presence of Christ to open your eyes to the truth of the Scriptures.
     
Have your circumstances confused you? You need Jesus to give you His perspective. Once you’ve heard from Him, you’ll be like these two men, excited to join God in what He is doing around you and eager to include others in the experience.

In Christ,
Paul Nickel

We Give Him Praise

God has given His people the gifts to do so much but yet it is said, “I don’t see where God is working”.  This monthly feature will spotlight different areas where people have seen God at work through His people .  No names will be used for these are acts of service to the Glory of God. For this month we give thanks and praise to God for:
  • For the blankets sewn for World Relief
  • Installation of Pastor Adam Kuder
  • The SiMPly...Listening to God Process
  • Successful Taste of Our Savior
  • The donations for Redeemer’s Food Pantry
  • Successful Sunday School Easter Egg Hunt
  • The special musical gifts presented during Lent and Easter
  • The preparation and serving of the Lenten Meals
  • Those who serve as Meals on Wheel Drivers
  • Those who serve the shut-ins and sick of Our Savior

Sunday School News for April

March was another fun month for Sunday School.

The children sang on a snowy and early morning, March 9.  Thanks to Sally Crespo and Scott Kamman for practice, music and direction.  
Thank, also, to the Sunday School Staff for providing a great lasagna meal for the March 5, Lenten meal.  

Palm Sunday was a great time with special thanks to Becky Kamman and others who helped organize, assemble and provide candy and gifts for the children’s Easter Egg Hunt.

We are pleased with the offerings that continue to grow for the EACM Ministries.  Keep up the good work.

Confirmation Sunday is April 27, at the 11 AM service.

The last day of regular Sunday School is May 25.

On a personal note, Heidi and Leanne, having enjoyed working with the Sunday School; are finishing their 4th year as superintendents and are looking forward to serving the church in other capacities.  If you or someone you know would like to serve as the superintendent of Sunday School please contact, Heidi or Leanne or Paul Nickel. Please prayerfully consider if God is calling you to serve in this role.  

Men’s Ministry Breakfast

Pancake Breakfast  
2nd Saturday of the month

Saturday, April 12, 8:00 - 9:30 am
Empowered By God – Insights into the Life of Moses
Led by Paul Nickel   
Join us and bring a friend!

Golden Oldies

Joining together in Christian Fellowship, Education, & Recreation

At each gathering you generally will find:
  • Lunch at 12:00 PM
  • Devotions
  • Speakers on a variety of topics or entertainment
  • Brief business meeting
  • Usually meet the 3rd Monday of each month
  • Occasional field trips or outings
On April 21, the Golden Oldies will have a program given by the Extension office's Urban Gardening Agent. Denise Peterson, will give information on "Container Gardening". If you need to cut back on the size of your garden, a container garden is a way to still have flowers, herbs or vegetables without requiring as much work as a traditional garden.

Camp Cedarbrook

It will now be Saturday April 19th.

We have much to do to start the new season and we need you.  We need YOU to make it happen!  We have jobs for children, youth, adults and seniors.   We will start at 9:30 and wrap up by 3 PM or as soon as things are done.  If you are willing to help, need directions, or have any questions call Jill at 502-797-8743.  Hope to see you there.

Congregational Meeting

April 20th after the 11 AM service.  Please mark your calendars and plan to attend this meeting.  Watch for additional details in the weekly announcement page of the bulletins.

Banner Help Needed

Anyone who enjoys hand-stitching is invited to help put the finishing touches on a banner. It is large enough that several people could work on it at the same time, giving opportunity for fellowship. Anyone interested please call Lois Lohmeyer, 327-8969

Our Savior Music “Notes”

National Lutheran Schools Week:  Thanks to all of Our Savior students who helped to lead worship on March 2 for the opening service of National Lutheran Schools Week!  You did a great job of leading worship.  Thanks especially to families who had students at both services and who went the extra mile to attend both.  You are appreciated!

Chapel worship:  Everyone is invited to worship with the school children each week as they gather for chapel on Wednesdays at 8:45 AM in the sanctuary.  It is an excellent opportunity for midweek worship.  Come and join us!

Our Savior Chapel Leaders
April 2-Guest Speaker
April 16-Grade 3
April 23-Paul Nickel
April 30-Preschool & Grade 8

Hymn of the month:  The children in our dayschool learn a special hymn or song of the month as part of their worship and religion class experience.  For the month of April, they will be learning the Easter hymn, “I Know That My Redeemer Lives.”  The text is based upon Job 19:25-27.  In the midst of the worst of things, Job responds with one of the most beautiful poems of hope ever written, so beautiful that nearly 3000 years later, it inspired George Friedrick Handel to write one of the most beautiful airs in all music, Number 45 of Messiah, “I Know that My Redeemer Liveth.”  Our hymn was written by Samuel Medley in 1775 and set to the popular hymn tune Duke Street.

I know that my Redeemer lives;
What comfort this sweet sentence gives!
He lives, He lives, who once was dead;
He lives, my ever-living head.

He lives triumphant from the grave;
He lives eternally to save;
He lives all-glorious in the sky;
He lives exalted there on high.

He lives and grants me daily breath;
He lives, and I shall conquer death;
He lives my mansion to prepare;
He lives to bring me safely there.

He lives, all glory to His name!
He lives, my Jesus, still the same;
Oh, the sweet joy this sentence gives:
I know that my Redeemer lives! 

Text and Music: Public domain

Hearing Assist devices:  Had trouble hearing well in our sanctuary?  These small sound amplifying devices are available from the ushers.  Please ask for them!  They amplify what is going through our sound system.  If you would like to purchase your own personal set of earphones for use with the church sound system, please contact the church office.  (These devices do not work outside the sanctuary.)  

THIS MONTH’S WORSHIP NOTES

The Divine Service, our weekly liturgical worship celebration, contains both changing and unchanging parts.  Within the service, there are certain parts – called “the Ordinary” – which remain unchanged from week to week.  These unchanging parts give stability, shape, and structure to our worship.  They include: the Invocation, Confession/Absolution, Kyrie, Hymn of Praise, Creed, Lord’s Prayer, Sharing of the Peace, Benediction, and when there is communion, Preface, Sanctus, Words of Institution, Agnus Dei, Post-Communion Canticle and Prayer.   Look for these elements of worship every week.  Next month, we’ll look at “the Propers,” the parts of the liturgy that are different every Sunday.

Thank You to the Scouts

A special thank you to all of the Scouts that worked on Easter Breakfast.  The food and fellowship was wonderful.  To those who prepared and served the food THANK YOU.

SiMPly…Listening to God – Next Meeting

Mark Your Calendars Now for SiMPly…Listening to God (SMP) the next meeting is scheduled for April 16, beginning at 5:30 with a meal and a presentation at 6:30 PM by Jon Lorenz.

Looking to get involved at Our Savior through music?

Adult Handbell Choir meets on Thursday evenings, 6:30 PM in the Music Room.

Adult Choir meets on Thursday evenings, 7:30 PM in the Music Room.

Contemporary Worship Teams still graciously welcome any musician who is interested in using his or her talent to help us in our contemporary worship.  Time commitment depends solely on you, as little or as much as you desire.  We are in need of singers and instrumentalists.  Practices usually are on Friday evening or Saturday morning.

Combined Handbell Choir meets on Tuesday afternoons, 3:30 – 4:30 PM in the Music Room.  (For grades 4 and up)

Our Savior Lutheran School Band meets on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 8:00 – 8:45 AM.  (For grades 3-6)
Questions?  Director of Music Scott Kamman can be reached at 426-1130 or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

ChristCare Small Groups

Leaders Training To Began In March!

ChristCare—Why Our Savior Needs Small Group Ministry

Small group ministry is a biblical way for Our Savior Lutheran Church to serve members’ needs, equip them for a life of discipleship, and reach out to others with Jesus’ love.

COMMUNITY

God created people to live in Christian community -- one of God’s most precious gifts. ChristCare small groups are one of the best places for people to experience life-giving relationships with Jesus and with one another.

People long for warm, meaningful relationships with others, but often find it difficult to form and keep them. ChristCare small groups overcome obstacles of awkwardness and superficiality by providing people with comfortable ways of building personal relationships that can grow and deepen over time.

Congregation members -- both new and sometimes even established members -- can have a hard time developing a sense of belonging. ChristCare small groups make it possible for members to connect personally with other, establish strong bonds of friendship, and be part of the life and mission of Our Savior Lutheran Church.

CARE

People in our congregation have a variety of needs for care. ChristCare small groups are an excellent way to provide specific kinds of nurturing care:
  • Sustaining Care. ChristCare small groups excel at the day-to-day nurture and support that everyone needs.
  • Healing Care. When group members go through times of suffering or crisis, group members can be right there, sharing the love of Jesus Christ.
  • Encouraging Care. ChristCare small group members also care by encouraging one another to grow as Jesus’ disciples.
The caring atmosphere that begins in ChristCare small groups spreads throughout the congregation. Our entire congregation becomes a more caring place.

DISCIPLESHIP

Jesus’ Great Commission is to “Go...and make disciples...” ChristCare small groups are fertile ground for growing disciples and helping members mature in faith.

ChristCare small group members are prepared for Christian life and service through the Biblical Equipping that takes place in ChristCare small groups.

ASSIMILATION

New church members are much more likely to remain members when they form meaningful relationships in the congregation. People more easily form such relationships in ChristCare small groups.

Research indicates that 80% of new members are willing to join groups, and will do so if groups are available.

SPIRITUAL GROWTH

Christians grow spiritually when they regularly encounter God’s Word. Relevant, participatory Bible study is a major part of ChristCare small groups.

Through word and deed, ChristCare small group members help one another understand that God cherishes them.

In ChristCare small groups, members discuss their relationship with Jesus and encourage one another to trust God more completely.

CONGREGATIONAL GROWTH

ChristCare small group members get excited about their groups and invite others to come and experience the same blessings.

ChristCare small groups are an attractive “port of entry” into Our Savior’s congregational life, especially for those who may be reluctant to come to a formal worship service at first.

Those who are not Christians come to believe in Jesus as Christ’s love is lived for them and shared with them in ChristCare small groups.

Many people will seek out our congregation when word gets out that we provide ChristCare small group experiences of a Christian community.

LLL Convention - Lexington, KY

The Lutheran Laymen's League International convention will be in Lexington July 24-27. Many volunteers will be needed to make the convention a success. Volunteer opportunities include assisting at the registration area and hospitality booths, decorating the facilities, serving as ushers, and more. Those who want to lift their voices in hymns of praise can participate in the special convention choir. We welcome you to get involved! To volunteer, contact Roger Fischer at (859) 548-2625 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Food Pantry Thanks

Dear Members of Our Savior and Students of Our Savior Lutheran School,

Thank you so much for your contributions to the Redeemer Food Pantry.  The shelves of the pantry no longer look bare thanks to the bags and bags and bags and bags...and boxes of food items, paper products, and cleaning supplies you collected and delivered to Redeemer.  
It may be hard to believe for those of us who have so much that there are those in our own city in need of these basics, but it is true.  You made a difference by reaching out to some of those in need.  Just this last month 53 clients representing 69 adults , 109 children, and 29 senior citizens were helped through the Redeemer Food Pantry.

Again, thanks for showing God’s love to those in need.

Pastor Tom Engel and the Redeemer Food Pantry Volunteers

Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study News

I KNOW JESUS. DO YOU?
The Letters of John

What would be the first thing you would tell someone about the Jesus you know? How would you go about telling someone about your real, personal, and intimate relationship with Jesus? Would you use the word “love” in that conversation?  On Sunday mornings we are going to begin a series of Bible studies designed to equip you to be better teller of the story of God’s relationship with you.

The first word that comes to mind when thinking about Jesus is “love.”  When you have the opportunity to tell someone else about Jesus a good place to start would be to share how Jesus loves you. To help us better understand the relationship between Jesus and “love” and His relationship with you, we’re going to take a look at the Letters of John. The theme of “love” runs through these letters. You will use these letters to take a look at your own heart and by the power of the Holy Spirit, they will lead you to love as He loves you and that love will change your life!

Widow’s Group

Greetings from the Widows Group,

April is the month we start to see the blessing of spring with all of it’s beautiful colors.

Our April meeting will be on 11th, at 10:45 AM.  

We again thank our leader, Emily Hayes, who inspires us in the love and support of each other.

Love and Devotion,
Yours in Christ,  Eleanor Clarke, 245-8103

Stewardship Month - 2008

Welcome Pastor Adam Kuder"!!   March 2, 2008 marked another great part of the dynamic history of Our Savior.  Pastor Kuder's installation!   If you have not yet had the pleasure of meeting Adam and Liz (Elizabeth), please do so.  We are indeed blessed and I know that our youth are excited, to say the least!  Greeting new members, meeting new friends, helping your neighbors and most important of all being a part of God's Family and sharing HIS blessings -- how fortunate we are.  Thanks for all that you do as a member of Our Savior's congregation.  

Peace & Love,   Larry   

LWML Kentuckiana Zone Spring Rally

April 19, 2008 at Epiphany Lutheran Church
Registration: Fellowship and refreshments from 9 - 10 AM
Registration Fee: $5.00/per person
Speakers: Ruth Thomas, Indiana District President and Representatives from Mission Churches
Offering: Will be directed to the Kentuckiana Zone Treasury to assist with delegates and Young Women Alive convention costs.
Ingathering:
  • Resurrection Lutheran Church  Needs: coffee, powdered creamer, sugar packets, coffee filters, Drinking water (jugs or bottles), powdered lemonade (with sugar already added), 2  quart plastic pitchers, packets of Hot Chocolate, Little Debbie Snack Cakes, 4-plastic garbage cans for kitchen and about 15-galoon trash bags; toilet plunger, air freshener sprays for bathrooms, juice boxes for kids, crock pot and roaster; pencils, 4-table cloths (for 8 ft long tables, snow shovel, TV with DVD player
  • Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Needs: Paper towels and toilet paper

Spring Sing! 2008

Presented by Our Savior Lutheran School on Thursday, April 24, 2008, 7:00 PM

The Big Bad Musical

A Howling Courtoom Comedy
Book by Alec Strum
Music and Lyrics by Bill Francoeur
performed by the  Hosanna & Gloria Choirs (grades 3-8)

A courtroom has never been more lively and fun than in The Big Bad Musical! The notorious Big Bad Wolf is being slapped with a class-action lawsuit by storybooks of quirky characters who want to get even: Little Red Riding Hood, her Grandmother, the Three Little Pigs and the Shepherd in charge of the Boy Who Cried Wolf. With Sydney Grimm as the commentator on live court TV, the two greatest legal minds in the Enchanted Forest—the Evil Stepmother and the Fairy Godmother—clash in a trial that will be remembered forever after.

Plus….special music provided by the handbells and school band. And a performance by our Cherub and Alleluia choirs!

There will be a free-will offering. Come and join us in the gymnasium for an evening of fun!
 

Copyright 2006-2008, Our Savior Lutheran Church