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Pastor's Message
Greetings, in the Name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!
As mentioned in our Congregational Meeting at the end of January, Our Savior is one of eight churches now in our district that has formed what is called a
“Family Friendly Partnership Network.”
What that is all about is dealing with the issue all churches struggle with in our age, which is the loss of our young people. Statistics vary, but overall the average is about 8 out of 10 college students who grew up in a Christian Church drop out of church during their college years. Ouch!
What are we doing wrong? What are we not doing? Well, one expert has diagnosed the problem as a symptom of how we “do church.” No, it’s not the worship style … nor is it the Sunday School or Confirmation material.
What it is … is our expectations of the Church. For a long time we have gotten away from that header in Luther’s Small Catechism that says: “How the Head of the Household Should Teach His Family.”
Instead of following that, we have entrusted the church and its called workers to do that job … to nurture the faith which our children received in their Baptisms. We ARE the professionals after all. But here’s the problem:
Church professionals are trained to teach. And we do that well. But teaching is an intellectual exercise. And faith is more than that. True faith is not just knowing the right answers… as much as it is having a personal relationship with Him who is the Right Answer … Jesus Christ.
Guess who does that best? Parents. And so, our Partnership Network in which we have a stake is all about empowering, enabling, and encouraging parents to take the lead in the faith formation of their children. It’s all about changing how we “do church.”
And it’s not just limited to families “with children”… it encompasses all of us as a family of Christ; empty nesters, singles, widows, all of us, toward that end …that we would all grow in our faith-relationship with our Lord and Savior.
This is not an over-night change. Experience has shown that this shift takes from 3 to 5 years to accomplish. But it has happened elsewhere with very positive results. We will keep you posted. Who is we? The core committee: Becky Kamman, Karen McKinney, Bethany Kuhnle and myself. Want to get involved? Give us a call!
All for Jesus,
Pastor Fausel
 Notes from the Music Director
Dear friends in Christ,
Here we are, already winding down the season of Epiphany. As of February 22, we will officially be in the season of Lent, beginning with Ash Wednesday. In the meantime, I thought it might be interesting to actually look at the word “epiphany” for some insight. A college friend, in jest, once said he thought the word epiphany sounded like a cute, little cookie to serve with tea. Officially, the dictionary definition for epiphany is “to show" or "to make known" or even "to reveal." However, we better understand the word as suddenly “getting” something. We jokingly call “a-ha!” moments an “epiphany.” When students realize that they really do need to make sure their homework is done every day or lose privileges... that’s an “epiphany!”
In the book “Let Us Break Bread Together,” Fred Daniel Gealy writes, “The word Epiphany is a great Christian word. The grace of God has appeared in the testimony of every page in the New Testament. My eyes have seen that God has not just shown Himself in the past; nor is His coming simply some far-off divine event. The one who manifested Himself to [all] is here. The coming One has come. The Light shines. And in the presence of this revelation we see ourselves as we are in our true relation to the world, to one another, and to God…”
Simeon expressed his “epiphany” in the temple when he took the baby Jesus in his arms and spoke eloquent words that we sing in the Nunc Dimittis: “Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace; according to Thy word, for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation which Thou has prepared before the face of all people: A light to lighten the Gentiles and the glory of Thy people Israel.” What an “a-ha!” for him!
Praise be to God for Epiphany! As writer Christopher Wordsworth put it:
Grant us grace to see Thee, Lord, present in Thy holy Word—
Grace to imitate Thee now and be pure, as pure art Thou;
That we might become like Thee at Thy great epiphany
And may praise Thee, ever blest, God in man made manifest.
LSB 394, v. 5
Yours in Christ,
Scott Kamman
Director of Music
 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!
Feb. 1 Scott Kamman, Director of Music
Feb. 8 Grade 7
Feb. 15 Guest Leader
Feb. 22 Grades 2 & 5 (Ash Wednesday)
Feb. 29 Principal Martin Brieschke (National Lutheran Schools Week)
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 February, they will be learning and singing the hymn, “Come, We That Love the Lord,” written by Isaac Watts.
Come, we that love the Lord,
And let our joys be known;
Join in a song with sweet accord,
Join in a song with sweet accord,
And thus surround the throne,
And thus surround the throne.
Refrain:
We’re marching to Zion,
Beautiful, beautiful Zion;
We’re marching upward to Zion,
The beautiful city of God.
Public domain
Answer to the January quiz: The song that 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” is “O God of God, O Light of Light,” LSB 810.
February quiz: Which contemporary song states, “How great the pain of searing loss, the Father turns His face away as wounds which mar the chosen One bring many sons to glory”?
 Looking for brass instrumentalists! If you are a brass player of any kind, please consider stepping up to play some special music for Easter. A bit rusty you say? We’ll make sure the parts are easy and that you have plenty of time to practice. Please talk to Scott Kamman if you are interested.
 Lenten schedule: Mark your calendar! Our Lenten midweek services begin on Ash Wednesday, February 22 and continue through Wednesday, March 28. All services are at 7:00 PM. Come to Calvary’s holy mountain, sinners, ruined by the fall.
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.)
Worship Notes
 What are the Words of Institution?
At the beginning of Holy Communion, the Pastor speaks the Words of Institution which Jesus spoke when He instituted the Supper with His disciples in the Upper Room. With these words, the bread and wine are consecrated, that is, set apart for God’s use in this special meal.
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
Youth News!
The youth will be hosting 10 fundraisers in 2012 (listed below). We hope to have a large showing at the next National Youth Gathering, therefore we are starting to plan and fundraise a year and a half in advance. The goal is to inform the congregations of our set list of fundraisers for the year. Please use these opportunities to support the youth:
- February 6th- Sub Sales
- Lent Meals
- March 16-18, March 23-25- Concessions at Community Theater
- April 8th- Easter Breakfast
- Car Wash during Voters meetings
- September 22nd- Elegant Dinner Dance
- October 2012- Buy a youth or two for lawn service.
- Advent Meals
- December: Sell Christmas ornaments
- Sponsor a Youth
Thank you for your past support of the youth ministry here at Our Savior. All the funds will go toward service opportunities and spiritual growth opportunities for our youth.
Our first fundraiser for the year was a great success! Seventy-five participants wracked their brains and filled their tummy’s at the youth’s Chili Cook-Off and Trivia night, January 21st. The youth were able to raise a significant amount to help fund this summer’s mission trip to Nashville, TN and next summer’s National Youth Gathering. Thank you so much to all who came!
Our next fundraiser is the Super Bowl Sub Sales this Sunday! It’s not too late to put in an order. Email
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or call the church office. Please pay when you pick up your sub on Sunday morning.
The start time for Confirmation on February 10th will be moved up an hour. We will begin our opening at 4:00pm followed by an hour of class, dinner at 5:30 and then another hour of class. We are making the adjustment to accommodate Donkey Basketball which will be taking place in the gym at 7:00. Please have your child at confirmation as soon as possible. Confirmation will end at 6:25pm.
Jr. High and Senior High youth are invited to the Circuit Lock-In held in Shelbyville, March 16th. Mark your calendars! If there is a parent looking for an easy chaperone job, we will need some volunteers to work a shift during the night! More information to come!
It is not too late to sign up for the mission trip this summer! June 17-22 in Nashville, TN!
Please continue to pray for the youth of Our Savior.
God's Peace,
Bethany Kuhnle
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 tothese 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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Elder Information
Why do we have Elders?
The purpose of Elders is to assist our Called Workers in ministry to the Disciples of Our Savior and in sharing the Gospel message. The concept of Elders goes back to the early Christian Church. In Acts 14:23 Paul and Barnabas appointed elders in each church (i.e. Lystra, Iconium and Antioch). When they left to continue their missionary journeys, the elders remained as the leaders of the new Christian church. In our modern-day church, the Elders work with our Called Workers to help minister to the spiritual, emotional and physical needs of our church family. This includes encouraging the Disciples to live a Christian Life and grow in their personal relationship with our Lord.
What does an Elder do?
The duties of the Elders are given in Section B of Article VII of our Bylaws. Their responsibilities are:
- Assure that the Word of God is proclaimed and taught in accordance with the Holy Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions.
- Assist the Pastor with worship services.
- Review the Worship plan developed by the Pastor and Music and Worship Department.
- Be concerned with Congregation members’ attendance at public worship. Call on those entrusted to their care, especially those who become lax in worship.
- Prayerfully implement Church discipline in accordance with the Word of God.
- Coordinate with Evangelism and Stewardship for welcome, orientation and integration of new members.
- Be concerned with instruction of youth and adults for confirmation.
- Support Called Workers through (a) prayer, (b) encouraging them in their work and helping with difficulties in the ministry, (c) being concerned with their spiritual, emotional and physical health, and (d) arrange for temporary services in the event of a vacancy.
- Supervise and implement special gatherings to encourage fellowship of the Congregation.
What are the qualifications of an Elder?
We believe that Elders should meet the qualifications given for overseer (or elder) in I Timothy 3:1-7 and in Titus 1:6-9. This requires men who “hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.” (Titus 1:9). Elders should not be recent converts, but this does not mean that there is any age requirement.
Who are our Elders?
At this time, we have 8 Elders. They are:
- David Adams
- Mike Hayes
- Norm Kendt
- Earl Major --Vice-chairman
- Paul McKinney
- David Mehl
- Mark Otten --Chairman
- Rick Prenatt
Which Elder should I contact?
Each member household of Our Savior is assigned to an Elder Care List when they become a member. We have 14 lists, so each person or household is assigned an Elder number from 1 to 14. In general, your Elder number will not change as long as you are a member of Our Savior; however, the assignments may change if the number of members assigned to one list becomes too unbalanced.
Each Elder is assigned to one or two lists and this does not change for the duration of an Elders service. When a new person becomes an Elder he is assigned one to two of the lists. Likewise, when a person ends his service as an Elder, his list(s) is re-assigned to another Elder.
Our goal is to have 14 Elders, so that they are better to spend more time with each person or family in the care list.
The Elder list is currently being updated to account for Scott Smith's departure. For now, if you do not know who your Elder is, contact the church office.
When should I talk to an Elder?
There are no rigid rules about when members should, or should not, talk to their Elder. The Elders are brothers in Christ who have compassion for all fellow Christians. They are persons you can talk to in confidence to share joys and difficulties in your lives and persons who will pray with you or for you.
Federation Activity Report
OSLC is a contributing member of the Kentuckiana Federation of Lutheran Churches now comprising 17 Missouri Synod congregations. It supports Cedar Lake Lodge, Camp Cedarbrook, U of L Campus Ministry, a retreat for our pastors and other outreach projects.
In the January delegate meeting held at Concordia Lutheran Church, monetary grants of various amounts were approved for outreach programs at Risen Lord, Resurrection, Holy Cross, Gloria Dei, Campus Ministry and Circuit Youth work. Money from the 2011 Reformation service held at St John Lutheran Church was designated for pastoral training at both the St Louis Seminary and the Ft Wayne Seminary. A total of almost $12,000.
Current incumbent officers were elected to serve another term: V.P. – Fred Wilbur (Holy Cross), Treasurer - Charlotte Campbell (Gloria Dei), and Pastoral Advisor – Rev Mark Whitsett (OSLC). President – Clyde Lang (Concordia) and Secretary – Heidi Arnold (Holy Trinity, Leitchfield) continue to serve in their current terms.
Congregations are represented by delegates to the Federation which meets three times each year. OSLC current delegates are: Jean Pillischafske, Leon & Dorothy Van Sant.
Golden Oldies
Our next meeting will be at noon on Monday, February 20th, at church. As that is President’s Day, it is only fitting that we welcome our most distinguished guests, President Lincoln and his wife, Mary Todd. Lunch will be a potluck, with the meat provided. Please sign up on the poster in the Fellowship Hall to bring salad, potatoes/rice, vegetables or dessert for eight to ten people. 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 and type of food you are bringing to the list. President Lincoln has the reputation of being an outstanding speaker, so come early, bring a friend and enjoy another great program, good food and Christian fellowship. Questions may be directed to Bill Haller at 426-7755.
In March, Golden Oldies will feature a guest speaker from the Louisville Water Company celebrating their 150th anniversary.
About Golden Oldies
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)ync
- Devotions
- Speakers or programs on a variety of topics or entertainment
- Brief Business Meeting
- Occasional field trips or outings
Disaster ResponseTraining
 Lutheran Early Response Training Workshop
We are hosting a Lutheran Early Response Training (LERT) Workshop on Saturday, February 11th. Registration and lunch will open at Noon with class from 1-4 pm.
Over a year ago we started making plans for providing training for and establishing Lutheran Early Response Teams (LERT) throughout the Indiana district. Should a disaster happen, these teams may be put on call and asked to deploy in 72 hours or less to respond to the disaster. This program meets the federal guidelines that as of January 2010 any volunteers responding to a disaster must be trained and certified or they will be turned away.
What is LERT?
LERT is an outreach mission of LCMS to help those in need.
Who should do LERT?
Anyone interested in serving during an emergency or soon after.
What will the class cover?
This training will prepare team member for credentialing and will focus on the safety, work, and ministry of Lutherans as Early Responders.
Why would I want to do this?
Because it might be you, your church, or your community affected next and you will want to respond.
Registration is $20 and helps cover the cost of the training materials, meal, and the LERT T-shirt, which is required to be worn in a disaster response situation. Class fee can be paid at time of registration by cash or check at the door.
For more information or to reserve your spot, call Tricia Major at 502-475-2370.
Congregational Preparedness Training
We will be hosting Congregational Preparedness Training on Saturday, February 11th. Registration opens at 8:30 am with class from 9-Noon. Lunch will be served following class.
LCMS World Relief and Human Care has put together the training and tools needed for a congregation to develop a plan for being prepared if a disaster hits.
This takes about three hours with your congregational staff, which might include: one secretary, the janitor, the person responsible for archives and the church cemetery (if you have one), the school principalor teacher responsible for the school disaster plan, the school secretary, and key leaders of your congregation - especially the board of elders and outreach ministry.
Having recognized that God often uses disaster to open doors for his Church to do ministry, participants address questions like "What are some ways that our congregation can offer Christ's comfort to the community after a disaster?" and "What happens to the church budget - can designated funds be used in times of crises?"
Registration is $20 and helps cover the cost of the training materials and meal. Registration can be paid by cash or check at the door.
For more information or to reserve your spot, call Tricia Major at 502-475-2370.
Spring Cleaning
Women’s Ministry is planning a “Spring Cleaning” of the church on Saturday, February 11, at 9:30 am. We would appreciate your help in making “Our Church-God’s House” fresh and clean, a place to be proud of. If you can help, please come Feb. 11 with your cleaning equipment. Any questions, call Debbie Wolter at 243-4187.
Camp Lakeview Summer Registration
Camp Lakeview and Lakeview Villages (near Seymour, IN) are currently registering campers, grades K-12, for its 2012 summer season. What a great place to have fun and learn about God at the same time! To get more information and a registration form, pick up a summer brochure outside the church office, visit the camp’s website at www.camplakeview.com, or call the camp office at 812-342-4815.
The new Lakeview Villages campsite, designed to host programs for youth in grades 5-12, will be fully operational this summer when the Main Lodge and fourth Village Cluster are completed this spring. This exciting expansion project allows more kids to come to camp and allows youth to come throughout their high school years.
Registration forms must be postmarked on or after February 1st. Last year, many programs were filled quickly, so if you would like your child to have a Christian camping experience at Camp Lakeview, get your registration ready and mail it as soon as possible!
 Living Well--Chronic Disease Self-Mangagement Program
Sick and tired of being sick and tired?
TAKE CONTROL
The Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions Self Management Program is a FREE workshop for people with ongoing health conditions such as diabetes, asthma, emphysema, heart conditions, high blood pressure, MS, etc. Participants meet for about 2.5 hours per week for 6 weeks in community settings such as senior centers, churches, libraries and hospitals. There is no charge for the workshop, the accompanying CD, or the book “Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions”.
Program Overview
- Techniques to deal with problems and symptoms associated with chronic conditions such as frustration, fatigue, pain, negative emotions and isolation.
- Physical activity/movement for maintaining and improving strength, flexibility, and endurance.
- Relaxation techniques
- Dealing with negative emotions
- Improving communications with family, friends and others
- Tips for eating well
- Personal goal setting
- Effective problem-solving
Workshops help participants improve health and wellbeing while decreasing pain, stress, frustration, fear, fatigue, isolation and depression. Day to day management of your chronic disease improves through skills learned over the 6-week session.
Details and Registration
Location: Our Savior Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall
Date: Saturdays February 28- March 31
Time: 1pm
Pre-registration requested (space for 20 participants).
Contact Lisa Smith 502-472-0724
The FREE workshop package is valued at over $150, which includes 6 workshops and a resource book called Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions and a relaxation CD.
Sponsored By
Kentucky Department of Aging and Independent Living
Kentucky Department of Public Health Chronic Disease Prevention Branch
KIPDA- Kentuckiana Regional Planning and Development Agency
University of Louisville, Kent School of Social Work
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.
Monthly Calendar
View the complete February calendar.
Something missing? Email information to
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and it will be posted.
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