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Pastor's Message
Greetings, in the Name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!
My prayers are for all of us as we enter the New Year.
The Lord be with You!
First of all, let me thank you as the congregation for your support of the “Staff Gift” fund this past year. The amount contributed far exceeded any previous years. On behalf of all of us who receive compensation from our work here at Our Savior, I wish to thank you for your love and for your generosity!
Secondly, I sincerely pray that our services held this past Christmas season were a blessing to all. My prayers are especially for the 105 souls who signed in as visitors for our Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services. My prayers are also for each of us as we now move into a brand new year with its own challenges and blessings.
And in that, let me encourage every one of us to be in Sunday School or Bible Study as we enter this New Year. As you could tell from our Sunday School Christmas Program this year, there is great life in what is going on in all the departments. My personal thanks to all the teachers and staff.
Also, as we begin this New Year, there are five different Bible Study offerings for adults …
- A Study on Christian Living from the Book of Acts with Pastor Whitsett
- A Bible Study on Parenting issues by our Principal, Marty Brieschke
- A video-based study of a the history of the LCMS with Karen McKinney
- A reprise of last Fall’s witnessing study with our DCE, Paul Nickel
- Also a reprise of “Experiencing God” with myself as the leader.
As they say: “something for everyone” that we may grow in faith together!
Living “All for Jesus,”
Pastor Fausel
 Notes from the Music Director
Dear friends in Christ,
 One of my essential tasks as the music teacher and music director at Our Savior is to try to acclimate our children to the worship service. If you are a parent or grandparent of a school-age child, no doubt you feel the same obligation. It is an age-old challenge that many before us have dealt with, often unsuccessfully. How do we get children to understand the pattern of worship, the materials we use, the words that are repeatedly spoken, and the actions that are performed? We have often assumed that they would learn simply through observation and imitation. But, do they?
Our job as parents and teachers is to nurture our children’s worship lives, educating them in our faith, being willing to spend time in both Sunday School (Bible study) and worship. It is even acknowledged to parents and sponsors in the sacrament of Holy Baptism: “It is your task…to [bring him/her] up in the true knowledge and worship of God…[and] to bring him/her to the services of God’s house.” We need to help children feel welcome and included as participants in worship. I encourage you to see this task as extremely important. It is sometimes difficult, but don’t give up! As a small assistance, I even add a “Worship Note” to my newsletter article as a springboard for family discussion. Try it!
I would also like to take this idea one step further. Many of our children who do attend church are regularly attending only one style of worship. They are not exposed to the different worship liturgies and music styles. Parents or grandparents, why not attempt to attend one of our other services, step out of your comfort zone for just a Sunday now and then? Experience the full picture of worship at Our Savior! You and your children will certainly learn that God-pleasing worship occurs in many different ways. I believe you will also learn to appreciate other worship styles. Teach your children diversity!
Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Matthew 19:14
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:15-16
Yours in Christ,
Scott Kamman
Director of Music
Boar’s Head Festival: Gracious thanks to all who participated or helped out in any way for our festival service. It was a truly blessed event that touched the hearts of many. Ideo Gloria in excelsis deo! (Therefore, Glory to God in the highest!)
 Advent and Christmas Services: Thanks also to all those who participated in our December services: our choirs, instrumentalists, organists, handbell ringers, soloists, and readers. We praise God for your willingness to serve and use your talents to enhance our worship. God bless you!!
 Time to hop in! Now is the time to get involved in one of the many music groups at Our Savior. Since we will all begin learning new music this month, it is a great time to get your feet wet. You are invited to join us! Check the church calendar for rehearsal times or talk to Scott! (426-1130)
Worship Reminders: Please respect the quiet time of meditation before the service begins. Enter the sanctuary reverently and with worship in mind. Socializing is best done in the narthex or lounge areas before and after the service. Also, please remember that if you arrive late for church, wait until the congregation begins singing a hymn or piece of the liturgy before being seated. That is the appropriate time to enter into worship. Thank you for maintaining a worshipful atmosphere.
 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!
Jan. 4: Pastor Fausel
Jan. 9: Camp Lakeview guys (switched to Monday!)
Jan. 18: Paul Nickel
Jan. 25: Grade 6 and PS 3 year olds
Song 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 January, they will be learning and singing the hymn, “I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light.”
I want to walk as a child of the light.
I want to follow Jesus.
God set the stars to give light to the world.
The star of my life is Jesus.
Refrain
In Him there is no darkness at all.
The night and the day are both alike.
The Lamb is the light of the city of God.
Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.
I want to see the brightness of God.
I want to look at Jesus.
Clear Sun of Righteousness, shine on my path,
And show me the way to the Father.
Refrain
I’m looking for the coming of Christ.
I want to be with Jesus.
When we have run with patience the race,
We shall know the joy of Jesus.
Refrain
Text and Music: © 1970, 1975 Celebration Used by permission: CCLI# 851148.
Created by Lutheran Service Builder © 2006 Concordia Publishing House.
Answer to the December quiz: The song that contains a prayer: “O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray; cast out our sin and enter in, be born in us today” is “O Little Town of Bethlehem.”
January quiz: Which hymn retells “Till through the deep Judean night Rang out the song, ‘Good will to men!’ Sung once by firstborn sons of light, It echoes now, ‘Good will!’ Amen”?
Worship Notes
 What is Epiphany about?
Epiphany Day is January 6. The length of the season depends on the date of Easter. Epiphany lasts until the start of Lent and could have from four to nine Sundays depending on the time of Easter.
Epiphany means “to show or make known.” It was first observed as a feast commemorating Jesus’ baptism. In the fourth century, it became a celebration of Christ being made known to the Gentiles, beginning with the Wisemen. The traditional color for Epiphany is green, though white is used to show light and purity on the Sundays commemorating the Baptism and Transfiguration of Jesus.
In an effort to try to help us all learn about our worship life and liturgy, we offer this little “tidbit” of information each month. It can serve as a review for you, an answer to that question, “Why do we do that?”, or as a teaching tool for our children or grandchildren. Please share this with your family. Discuss it prior to worship. If there is something you would like to have answered, let me know. I’ll do my best to find out!
Looking to get involved in a musical group at Our Savior?
Adult Handbell Choir meets on Thursday evenings, 6:30 PM in the Music Room. New ringers are welcome!
Adult Choir meets on Thursday evenings, 7:30 PM in the Music Room. New singers are welcome!
Contemporary Worship Teams usually rehearse on Friday evenings or Saturday mornings in the sanctuary. Singers and musicians are always welcome!
Junior Handbell Choir meets on Monday (beginners) and Wednesday (advanced) afternoons, 3:30 – 4:30 PM in the Music Room. (For grades 4 and up)
Our Savior Lutheran School Band meets on school mornings before school. (For grades 3 and up)
Questions? Director of Music Scott Kamman can be reached at 426-1130 or by email at
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Monthly Liturgy Rotation for "Joyful Heritage" Services
First week: Divine Service Setting 2
Second week: Divine Service Setting 4
Third week: Divine Service Setting 5
Fourth week: Divine Service Setting 3
Fifth week: Matins or Service of Prayer and Preaching
Winter Sunday Morning Adult Education Opportunities
Starting January 8, 10am - 10:45am
 1. C. F. W. Walther
Leader: Karen McKinney
Location: 6th Grade Classroom
October 25, 2011, marked the 200th anniversary of the birthday of Rev. Dr. C.F.W. Walther, the first president of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, who also served as president of its seminaries. In honor of this historic event, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, produced a five-part, high-definition video series which follows the life of Walther, presents a history of the LCMS, and – through studying Walther’s life and teachings – provide participants with a better understanding of the importance of the Holy Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions. This is a video based discussion class
 2. Living As the PEOPLE of God: A Journey through Acts
Leader: Pastor Mark Whitsett
Location: Fellowship Hall
Church, Body of Christ, Congregation: All terms used to describe the association of people who are followers of Jesus. BUT WHAT DOES THIS MEAN????? Does it mean getting back to what it meant for the early believers or being more relevant, or behaving/relating in a particular way? These and other questions will guide us as we seek to live “All for Jesus.”
 3. Parenting Skills for Christian Parents
Leader: Martin Brieschke
Location: 7th Grade Classroom
Raising children is a challenge for every parent! Children don’t come with an instruction manual. There is no such thing as a perfect child. And there are times when we could really use some help! This class will provide some relief for any and every parent or anyone who deals with children – yes, even grandparents. Godly children just don’t happen; they are nurtured. This class will give you some tools to use to raise your child(ren) in the “nurture and admonition of the Lord.” Mr. Brieschke brings the experience and knowledge learned through being responsible for over 200 children every day as well as being a father and grandfather.
 4. Experiencing God
Leader: Pastor Fausel
Location: Library
If you have not had the opportunity to be a participant in an Experiencing God class, here is your chance! THIS STUDY IS FOUNDATIONAL. Over the years God has used the truths of Experiencing God to awaken believers to a radically God-centered way of life. As a result, many in our congregation have come to know God intimately, to recognize His voice, and to understand His will for their lives. God is inviting you to experience Him in an intimate love relationship through which He reveals His will, His ways and His work. Experiencing God will lead you to know when He is speaking to you; recognize His activity around you; adjust your life to Him and His ways; identify what He wants to do through you; and, respond to His activity in your life.
 5. The Second Greatest Story Told – Your Story
Leader: Paul Nickel
Location: 8th Grade Classroom
Each member of our congregation makes up the front-line troops charged with the task of taking the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world. This study/workshop is designed to equip and prepare you to better carry out your God-given task. This opportunity is being offered again for those who were not able to attend this past fall or who would like a refresher. The goal is that upon completing this study you will be better equipped to “share your story.” Come and find out what your story is, how to share it, and to whom you might have opportunities to share.
Youth News!
Youth Email Lists
We have create two new email lists for the church--one for information about Junior High events, and the other for information about Senior High events. If you are in Junior or Senior High, have a child that age, or want to know what's happening with the youth at our church, subscribe to these lists to stay informed.
To subscribe, visit this link and enter your email address. If you are already subscribed to a church email list, you will be taken to a page with another link where you can modify which lists you are subscribed to.
If you need assistance subscribing, contact David Robison at
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January Youth Events
January 8: Senior High Sunday nights commence at 7pm.
January 13: 6th, 7th and 8th grade meet for confirmation
January 15: Parent meeting after late service to discuss future fundraising for mission trips and National Youth Gathering.
January 20: 7th and 8th grade meet for confirmation
January 21: Youth are hosting a TRIVIA NIGHT and Chili cook-off!!
Golden Oldies
Our next meeting will be at noon on Monday, January 16th, at church. Well known jockey, Pat Day, will present a program entitled “My Life and How I Found Christ”. Pat’s wife, Sheila, is President and C.E.O. of Mom’s Closet, and it has been requested that Golden Oldie members bring a new or gently used article/s of women’s or children’s clothing as a donation. Order in pizza with salad and dessert will be provided at a cost of $5.00 per person. Please sign up on the poster in the Fellowship Hall, as we need to know how many pizzas to order. If you are unable to sign up on the poster, please call Don in the church office at 426-1130 and he will be glad to add your name to the list. Bring a friend and enjoy another interesting program. Questions may be directed to Bill Haller at 426-7755.
February’s President’s Day program will be highlighted by a visit from President Lincoln and his wife, Mary Todd.
Everyone over 55 (members and non-members) is invited to participate in Golden Oldies. Our purpose is to provide Christian Fellowship, Education, and Recreation opportunities. The group generally meets on the 3rd Monday of the month. At each gathering attendees will find:
- Lunch at 12pm (Noon)
- Devotions
- Speakers or programs on a variety of topics or entertainment
- Brief Business Meeting
- Occasional field trips or outings
Offering Envelopes
Your 2012 envelopes are now available. They are on the table in the narthex. Please pick them up at your earliest convenience. If for some reason yours are not there please let the church office know. Thank you.
New Member Class
Pastor will be leading the next New Member Workshop on Saturday January 21st, 2012 from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM [lunch included] in the Fellowship Hall. This class is for anyone who would like to know more about the Christian Faith and how we practice that faith as Lutheran Christians at Our Savior. People who wish to join Our Savior who are not transferring from another Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod congregation need to attend one of these quarterly workshops before being received into membership.
Portals of Prayer
The new January--March 2012 edition is now available. They are on the tables in the welcome center. If there are none there please stop in the church office to pick one up.
Epiphany Eve Service
Faith Lutheran Church will host an Epiphany Eve Service on January 5th at 7:00 PM. This is a major festival in the Church year and all are welcome to attend.
Pastor or Deaconess?
Have you ever considered being a Pastor or Deaconess? If so, Rev. Bill Wrede from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis would like to meet with you at Concordia Lutheran Church on Tuesday, Jan. 10th, anytime between 4 and 8 PM. Rev. Wrede is interested in meeting with prospective seminary students of all ages- elementary school age through adults who are already employed in another vocation. Conferences are individual, informal, and family/friends are welcome. Reservations are not necessary, but strongly encouraged. If you are interested in scheduling a specific conference time, please call Concordia Lutheran Church at 585-4459. Also, feel free to contact Rev. Wrede at
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regarding your appointment.
Name Tags
Please remember to go to your mailbox prior to service and put on your name tag. We have many visitors during the holidays and even some of the new members may not have had the chance to meet and learn all our names yet.
Aluminum Recycling
Help make a difference by recycling your aluminum at school! Save up your cans or any aluminum and bring them to the blue and gold trailer parked in the West parking lot. Our cub scouts will be recycling them for both community service and fundraising.
Monthly Calendar
View the complete January calendar.
Something missing? Email information to
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and it will be posted.
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