September 2006 Newsletter

Greetings, in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

Last month I shared some thoughts about “human care” – about how we as a church and school can reach out in love to those of our membership in need.

Beside that picture we could also paint one of all the work we do as a church and school to reach out in love to those in need in our community and beyond.  Along with all the things we see publicized, like our work with Eastern Area Community Ministries (EACM), Thrivent Builds, the Brickyard Builders … how many of us are aware that we tithe (give 10% of our offerings) to the work of the church, through our synod and district primarily?

And that brings up a good question:  What is the work of the church?  The primary work of the church has always been reaching out to people in their greatest need … their need for Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

The purpose of the church is to do MISSIONS.  Yes, like Jesus, out of compassion, the church does see to the physical needs of those it touches …HOWEVER …there are many wonderful organizations that are geared to do just that: human care.

The church is here …the church was instituted by God …to address the life-and-death spiritual need of all people …their need for Jesus Christ.

Sometimes we can lose sight of that in all the work that is going on around us.  In a church and school organization our size there are many things that can divert our attention from the one thing most needful …reaching out to the LOST with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Unfortunately today many Christians downplay the words of Jesus: “I am the Way the Truth and the Life, no one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)   They feel that there may be other ways of salvation apart from Jesus.  If that is true, then why do missions?  Just let everybody believe what they want.  That was never Jesus’ approach, nor Peter’s, nor St. Paul’s, nor The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod’s.

The Scriptures are clear: We all need Christ Jesus!   And that is why Christ Himself commissioned the Church to be about that task.

This month we’ll have three major opportunities to focus our attention on our primary mission:

Mission Sunday:  September 17:  Missionary Edward Lim will be our guest preacher
Mission Sunday:  September 24:  Missionary Larry Merino will be our guest preacher
“The 4 Jolts of Culture Shock Workshop” – September 24, Noon - 6:00 p.m. conducted by Larry Merino and Harvest Mission International

More details will be forthcoming about each of these events.  I hope to see you there.
In Him,    
Pastor Fausel

Praise the Lord!

“Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy name.  Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits – …”  Psalm 103: 1-2

From my perspective, we simply don’t celebrate enough.  I’m not sure why it is, but it seems to me that our eyes are too often on the negative when we might better be served focusing on the great blessings God showers on us.  As we begin a new school year, let me take a moment and Praise the Lord! For these great blessings in our school ministry:

Praise the Lord!

For fourteen faithful teachers of the Word who make children and their families the foremost priority in their ministry – Mrs. Kamman, Mrs. Tate, Mrs. Hetherington, Mrs. Netherton, Mrs. Brown, Mrs. Shreve, Mr. Francik, Mr. Hiegel, Mrs. Shively, Mrs. Exner, Mr. Schultz, Mr. Kamman, Mr. Brieschke.

Praise the Lord!

For ten support staff who are committed to the Lord and sharing God’s love with our school families – Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Hardin, Mrs. Belay, Mrs. Strohmeier, Mrs. Barati, Mrs. Kelty, Mrs. Epperson, Mrs. Haynes, Mrs. Hannon, Mr. Hildebrandt.

Praise the Lord!

That he has sent us 40 new students and 30 new families to whom we can minister.

Praise the Lord!

For an active Parent Teacher League and multitudes of volunteers who work diligently to make this ministry outstanding.

Praise the Lord!

For a dedicated Department of Day School Ministry Board giving countless hours to the service of the school ministry.

Praise the Lord!

For financial support through the Thrivent matching funds campaign, the Taste of Our Savior auction, participation in the Market Day and Scrip programs, and many other gifts that help us provide the materials, staff, and programs needed to succeed.

Praise the Lord!

For a congregation that generously supports this outreach ministry.

Praise the Lord!

That we needed $20,000 less than budgeted from congregational funds this past school year.

Praise the Lord!

That a parent was able to share with me how their child who attended the school was able to minister to the family after the loss of a parent and grandparent.

Praise the Lord!

That we are able to continue to reach out to the community through our school ministry.

Golden Oldies

Joining together in Christian Fellowship, Education, & Recreation
At each gathering you generally will find:
1.    Lunch at 12:00 PM
2.    Devotions
3.    Speakers on a variety of topics or entertainment
4.    Brief business meeting
5.    Usually meet the 3rd Monday of each month
Occasional field trips or outings

Upcoming Event

The Golden Oldies will resume meeting on September 18, 2006, after taking August off.  Lunch will be at 12 PM.  Following lunch, Mr. Steve Wiser,  an  architect and a member of the Louisville Historical League will present his slide presentation “Un-built Louisville”.  Over the years he has collected renderings of grand and not so grand ideas that were and were never constructed around Louisville.  He has spoken at many civic gatherings, rotary clubs, and architectural meetings.  We look forward to having you join us for this presentation about Louisville’s past. For more information about this meeting call:  Norm Kent or Dorothy Groemling.

Sunday School in  September

Welcome back everyone!
Thanks to all of our volunteer teachers who helped this summer.

Make it a point to attend Sunday Day School as we will be practicing a song to sing in church in early October.

Parents, be looking for a letter from Leanne and Heidi regarding Sunday School events and activities.

Missions....an important way to teach our children the value of helping others. We will continue to support our child, Jose Andres Sangucho Calle who lives in Quito, Ecuador, the church food drive in September and of course, our Operation Christmas Child shoebox drive in December.

Be on the look out now for neat little items to put in your shoeboxes for that special boy or girl that you will be sending your shoebox to!

See you in Sunday School!

Senior High Youth Event

The next event will be held September 24, from 5 - 6;30 PM in the church.  Bring a friend and join us for music, games, snacks, and Bible study.  For more information, contact David or Leah Robison or Mark or Pat Otten.

Treasure Cove Thank You

A huge thank you to all who helped in any way make Treasure Cove such a tremendous success! I hope I haven’t missed anyone. Your participation in any way was a tremendous blessing for Our Savior. We had such a wonderful group of leaders and helpers. A special thank you to the youth that were leaders and helpers. Each and every one took their responsibility seriously and made the days fun for the children they were in charge of. Several folks have commented to me what a great job these young people did!  It is wonderful to hear such positive feedback. There were many who donated time and items needed for snacks and decorations in preparation for the week. School teachers gave up their rooms during a busy time for them, staff from church and school helped with phone calls and direction when we could not find something we needed. It was wonderful to see so many people excited about VBS and their willingness to not just help, but go above and beyond! It was a terrific week for me personally as well. I had an opportunity to interact with lots of people. Some I only knew the face or the name, but had really never met before. What a blessing for our church and school to have this kind of enthusiasm and dedication to serve our children.
When you see any of the people below, please say thanks to them for making Treasure Cove fun for every one involved!     We had 96 children registered and an average daily attendance of 85.

Ellie Ansback, Joyce Berndt, Linda Brown, Anna Buetow, Naomi Buetow,  Sharon Coleman, Annelise Cook, Olivia Deppen, Harvey Detroy, Lisa Diers, Danielle Doak, Melanie Douglas, Carla Emig, Lauren Epperson, Sheila Flanagan, Brandon Hall, Tracy Hannon, Debbie Haswell, Zack Haswell, Emily Hayes, Meredith Hayes, Kim Hetherington, Fred Hildebrandt, Dakota Hilton, Karen Jones, Becky Kamman, Scott Kamman, Julia Koch, Kellie Krantz, Barbara Lamkin, Logan Lloyd, Rebecca Luking, Amy Masterson, Rachel Masterson, Nicholas Masterson, Dave Mehl, Diane Mehl, Belle Mertz, Susan Mueller, Leah Nelson, Melissa Nelson, Paul Nickel, Cindy Oberhaus, Luther Oberhaus, Andrea Osborne, Karen Osborne, Charles Puckett, Marsha Puckett, Karen Ranzau, Amy Romines, Dianne Rowan, Brooke Saunders, Tracy Saunders, Kristen Scarboro, Austin Speaker, Alex Swetnam, Pat Swetnam, Laurie Tancula, Joe Tancula, Abby Tappendorf, Carole Terkula, Stephen Terkula, Sharon Wahlbrink, Megan White

Blessings,
Billie Detroy

HIS ASSIGNMENTS

One of the greatest challenges we have here at Our Savior is the recruiting of volunteers. Our church could not function without volunteers. It doesn’t matter where you look, if ministry is taking place it’s either because of volunteers or the ministry is being greatly enhanced by volunteers. I wrote the article below for the Our Savior Lutheran Church Email Prayer Chain the week of July 23rd with this in mind. I share it with you now as you ask yourself… “Where is the Lord leading me to serve Him now?”

When he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king, of whom he testified and said, “I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.” Of this man's offspring God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as he promised. Before his coming, John had proclaimed a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. And as John was finishing his course, he said, “What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. No, but behold, after me one is coming, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie.". . . For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep and was laid with his fathers and saw corruption. -Acts 13:22-36 (ESV)

Many of us make assumptions about God's will and purposes for our lives.

I recently visited a successful businessman. He has everything you can imagine. He lives in a gorgeous, palatial home. He's in the prime of his career. Deals, people, success, and recognition are just pouring his way.

But there's a problem. Although he's a wonderful Christian, he confessed to me that he lives in quiet desperation. He's not satisfied in his heart of hearts. He believes that God has called him to invest his life in fulltime Christian work, but he's afraid and he doesn't want to “walk away” from the image, prominence, and all the trappings that he's enjoying.

I asked him, “What's the problem?” He said, “Paul, I've gotten addicted to being in control of my life, and because things are working I don't want to give up what I have.” It's a tremendous struggle for him.

Are you someone who likes to wrap your arms and hands around your own life? Maybe you've been turning down the volume to that gentle leading of the Spirit of God, who is saying, “I have something else for you.” The irony is that even though you may experience a rush of checking off your dreams, goals, and ambitions, you'll never know the real joy of having accomplished God's purposes and intentions for your life. There is no greater joy than knowing and doing the will of God.

David, the greatest king Israel ever had, knew all about that experience. He was a man after God's own heart. He was a man who sought to live in line with God's truth and God's principles. Even though he failed miserably, he repented and got back in lockstep with God and His purposes.

The apostle Paul did a eulogy of this great man and servant of the Lord, David, in Acts 13:22-36. David's life accomplished God's purposes, and he experienced the pleasure of God.

Let's rush to where God wants us to be—not necessarily where we'd like to be—and press on to accomplish His assignments.

Jesus, what did you just awaken in me? How have you just revealed your will to me?

Don't make assumptions about God's will for your life.

Paul Nickel

Congregational Carload

This Congregational Leadership Conference will meet Saturday September 23, 2006 at Carmel Lutheran Church in Carmel, IN. The feature Plenary Speaker for September is Rev. Scott Snow, LC-MS Director of Outreach.  The deadline for registration is Tuesday, September 12.  There will be over 30 break-out sectionals to select from during the 9 AM —3 PM program which includes:  Building Committee, Lay Ministry, Stewardship, community Outreach, Sunday School, Creation/Evolution, Pastoral Supply/Demand, Treasurers, Elders, Schools & Early Childhood, Urban Ministry, Katrina Relief, Singles Ministries, and Youth Ministries.  Registration information is on the bulletin board in the church lobby.  If you are interested in attending.

Our Savior Music “Notes”

Our Savior’s Fall Music Program will be starting up soon.  We have many opportunities for service for those of you who have been blessed with musical talent and wish to use it for God’s glory.  This is a great way to not only serve the Lord, but also do something that you enjoy.  Please feel free to give our groups a try!  We’d love to have you.  

We will be providing childcare on Thursday evenings for those of you with young children.  Here are our musical offerings:

Adult Choir will  be starting up again on Thursday,  September 7 with a choir open house and refreshments.  We will continue to meet on Thursday evenings from 7:30 PM to 8:45 PM in the music room.  Anyone, high school age or older, is welcome to join us.  This is a great way to use your talents in an enjoyable way.   We are especially in need of male singers.  Come join us!  Questions?  Talk to Scott Kamman.

Adult Handbell Choir will be starting up on Thursday, September 14.  We will meet on Thursday evenings directly before the choir rehearsal, beginning at 6:30 PM in the choir room.  Anyone, high school age or older, is welcome to join us.  Basic music note reading ability is our only requirement.  If you’ve played handbells before, we will need you this fall!!  Talk to Scott Kamman.

Contemporary Worship Teams still graciously welcome any musician who is interested in using his or her talent to help us in our contemporary worship.  Schedules for worship teams are being put together for the fall.  If you would like to sing or play on a regular basis, talk to Scott Kamman.  Time commitment depends solely on you, as little or as much as you desire.  We are in need of singers and instrumentalists, especially those of you talented in bass or guitar.

Junior Handbell Choir is for any child from Our Savior Lutheran Church or School in grades 4-8 who has an interest in playing and has some music reading skills. Beginning September 5, we will be practicing after school from 3:30 - 4:30 PM in the music room, with beginners meeting on Wednesdays and returning advanced ringers on Tuesdays. Talk to Mr. Kamman if you have questions.

Our Savior Lutheran School Band will be starting up this fall for our school children in grades 3-5.  Look for more information in upcoming Panther Tales and school mailings.

Confirmation Information

Confirmation is a two-year program at Our Savior.  Year-one is normally for baptized students entering 7th grade, year-two follows for those in 8th grade.  However, at parental discretion, students may enter the program later (not earlier) than 7th grade. The program still will require a full two years for completion.

Class rosters are now being set for the 2006-2007 classes (year-one and year-two).  Those who successfully completed last year’s year-one class will be automatically enrolled in this year’s year-two.  If your child is entering 7th grade this year or a later grade and has not participated in Confirmation, please speak with us in the church office to ensure your child is enrolled.
 
Parents and confirmands are to attend a meeting on September 13 at 7 PM, in the Music Room.  Overview of confirmation class, the class schedule, expectation of parent and confirmand, and joint responsibilities and any questions will be answered.

Confirmation Retreat:  September 15-17.  The purpose of this retreat is twofold.  First, the groundwork will be laid for your confirmand’s confirmation instruction.  Secondly, this retreat is designed to be a bonding process for Confirmands who come from different schools and backgrounds.  Your help and encouragement for your confirmand will help us to make this retreat a positive, worthwhile experience for all concerned – a spiritual memory maker.

We will be meeting at Our Savior on Friday, September 15, at 4 PM, leaving for McDonalds for dinner.  The only cost involved for this retreat is the cost of your confirmand’s dinner on Friday evening and again for lunch on Sunday.  All other expenses are covered.  Parents should be at church to pick up your Confirmand no later than 2 PM Sunday, September 17.

ChristCare Small Group Ministry

A True ChristCare Story: “The One Answer to All Her Questions”

Marla Crane was a recently widowed mother of a 2-year-old son, TJ. When she came to Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church in Oroville, California, she was searching for answers to many questions. She found there the one answer to all her questions.

The Rev. Mick Ista, pastor of the church, recognized her needs right away. “Even though Marla wasn’t a Christian, she needed Christian friends. I connected her with a ChristCare Group immediately,” Rev. Ista said.

ChristCare Group Leader Barbara Stringfellow was leading her first group, all women, when Marla joined the group. “We openly discussed our faith with her,” Barbara said. “It was beautiful to watch Marla discover how much Jesus loves her.”

Soon Marla was ready for the next step of faith. “I asked my ChristCare Group about baptism,” Maral said. “They helped me decide that TJ and I needed to be baptized. I asked them all to be our sponsors.”

Marla and TJ have a new life in Jesus thanks to the Spirit’s work in and through her ChristCare Group. “There’s so much love there, I can’t imagine anyone not benefiting from this kind of experience. We’re so thankful for everything God has given us through Calvary Lutheran and ChristCare,” Marla said.

It will happen here at Our Savior, too.

On September 5th five people begin training to be ChristCare Group Leaders! Please pray for our trainees and ChristCare Equipper presenters during this 30 weeks of training.

Stephen Ministry

Beginning Thursday, September 21st, a new class in caregiving as Stephen Ministers will be offered to members of OSLC.  We have not had a class the past two years and there is a great need to add more people to our team.  Currently we have six Stephen Ministers on our roster.  

Melissa Nelson, Pastor Fausel and I have identified and spoken to a number of prospective Stephen Ministers in our congregation.  If we have not contacted you and you feel that this ministry is your gift to our church and Lord please do not hesitate to speak to any one of us.

The weekly training will last from 5-6 months and covers a 50-hour block of instruction in such areas as learning the art of listening, compassionate  assertiveness, confidentiality, crisis theory and intervention,  and sensing others’ feelings.  The primary focus of the training is spiritual, emotional and prayer support.

Stephen Ministry is a one-on-one caregiving ministry named after Stephen, the first layperson the Apostles asked to care for the needs of hurting people in a Jerusalem congregation.  Today, it serves as an out-reach ministry that brings Christ’s healing love to
people experiencing  hurt – whether a divorce, loss of a loved one, job loss or some other personal crisis.

September 10, at 9:45 AM (during the Bible Study Hour) in the church Fellowship Hall,  the current Stephen Ministers will be present to share some of their own experiences with new class members and assist in answering questions for anyone who is interested.  We hope you will be able to attend.      
- Lee Berndt

Belles & Beaus

We welcome the Belles & Beaus, an organized square dancing group into our church and school. They have entered into an agreement with us to rent the gymnasium on the first, third, and fifth Fridays of the each month.  Please make them feel welcome if you see them and if they ask of your assistance please try to help them if you are able.  

This group will be starting a beginner’s class the first Monday in September and continues through May.  If anyone is interested in participating in the class please contact the church office. The beginner’s classes will be held at Jeffersontown United Methodist Church.

“A Message from the Music Director”

 Dear friends in Christ,

“Again!  Again!”  I hear these words from my daughter Leah very frequently.  Like most children, she utters them often after hearing a story or participating in some fun activity.  And you don’t dare change anything or alter the story, or she lets you know that that’s not how it goes!
Young children often learn quickly through such repetition.  They practice things over and over until it becomes natural for them.  Think of how you learned to ride a bike, or tie your shoes, or say the Lord’s Prayer.

This is also the way that everyone learns to worship.  Our worship is winsome when it becomes natural for us, like riding a bike.  We learn the rituals and words, motions and gestures, and they become second nature to us.  We no longer worry about what we say or do at certain times.  Our minds and bodies become used to worship, and it flows very naturally.  When the pastor says, “The Lord be with you,” we know to respond, “and also with you.”  When the pastor prays, “Lord, in your mercy,” we respond with “hear our prayer.”  

That is why our worship often uses a very basic format that we follow week after week.  Though it may seem repetitious to some, it is a way the church has used for centuries to promote greater participation in worship.  Of course, keep your attention on the parts that DO change from week to week:  the content of the readings, the sermon, and the music.  All of these help to provide a richer worship experience from week to week as we gather to freely praise our God.
“Again, again!”  we hear the young ones say.  And in our worship, we do!  Telling over and over the wonderful story of Jesus.
    
Hope to see you in worship!
Yours in Him,
Scott Kamman

Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.  Psalm 95:1-2
Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord,   always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:19-20

The Speed Art Museum

Presents Stow Chapman, architect of Our Savior

September 12, 2006
6:00 PM

The Speed Museum presents a lecture on the architecture, Stow Chapman as part of the University of Louisville Morgan lecture series.  They have extended an invitation to us to attend this lecture that will  discuss the design of our church.  Admission to this event is free.

Architect Stow Chapman will talk about his 40 years of practice in the Louisville area with selected views of some of his more than 50 completed buildings.  Our Savior Lutheran Church, Saint Stephen Martyr Catholic Church, Our Lady of Lourdes, Catholic Church and his house on Cherokee Road will be included.  Chapman will discuss some of his guiding architectural principles, including honesty of design, the need for experimentation, and the belief that architecture should be of its time and place.  Church architecture is an important part of his work.  Other religious buildings, homes, offices, and non-profit commissions will also be discussed.  This lecture is sponsored by the Hite Art Institute at the University of Louisville.

EACM Golf Benefit

SEPTEMBER 18, 2006 at the Polo Fields Golf and Country Club

Golf Scramble ~ Tee Time 9:00 AM

Lunch 1:30 PM
$100/person or $400/team

Includes: green fees, cart breakfast snack, lunch and awards presentation
DEADLINE TO REGISTER:  September 8, 2006

The Golf Benefit proceeds will support the programs of EACM:  Neighborhood Visitor Program (Dare to Care Distribution Site, Clothes Closets, Emergency Financial Assistance) Older Adult Services, Youth and Family Services, and Latino Outreach Services

Please see the flyer on the bulletin board in the church lobby if you are interested in registering.  All the information you need you will find there.

Fall Adult Bible Study Opportunities

Sunday Morning (9:45 AM) Adult Education Opportunities

The Lutheran Difference: Baptism

Leader: Pastor Fausel
Location: Fellowship Hall
Style: Lecture and discussion
Begins October 1st

As Lutheran Christians interact with other Christians, we often find ourselves struggling to explain our beliefs and practices. Although we may have learned the “what of the teachings of the Lutheran church, we don’t always have a full scriptural foundation to share the “why.” When confronted with different teachings, we cannot clearly state our faith, much less understand the differences. Because of insecurities about explaining particular teachings or practices, some Lutherans may avoid opportunities to share what we have learned from Christ and His Word. In this class we will identify how Lutherans differ from other Christians and show from the Bible why we differ. We will begin this year’s study of our Lutheran difference by taking a look at what we believe about Baptism in five sessions followed up our beliefs about Confession in four sessions.  

Blessed Are The Peacemakers

Leader: Caron Fausel
Location: Faculty Lounge
Style: Discussion -- Begins Sept.10th  

“Blessed are the Peacemakers,” the first in a series of studies, will help you to understand and fully appreciate God’s gift of Peace; of reconciliation by His grace. This class will improve your service as ambassador for Christ in your everyday life. As you learn to live in his perfect peace you will begin to taste life eternal here on earth.

Focus on the Family Marriage Series: The Covenant Marriage

Leader: Paul Nickel
Location: 7th Grade Classroom
Style: Discussion -- Begins Sept. 10th
If you want a role model to help you build a successful marriage and strengthen a strong one, this study points you in the right direction. It examines the concept that God is our marriage role model as it explores the covenant He made with Abram and His descendants and how it relates to marriage. The themes of the four sessions are: The Role Model: Marriage is a reflection of God’s commitment to us; The Betrothal: A biblical picture of what the marriage commitment should be; The Ceremony: A covenant relationship conducted before and witnessed by God; The Commitment: An unbreakable bond forged by God, leaves no room for divorce. This study is the first of nine studies of marriage in this series.

Exodus

Leader: Kyle Lohmeyer
Location: The Scout/LWML Room
Style: Discussion-- Begins Sept.10th

Some people think of God as remote and uninvolved in the affairs of this world. But Exodus shows God intimately involved in the lives of His people and powerfully directing the course of history. In addition to the exodus event, Exodus shows God
Calling the nation of Israel into a covenant relationship with Himself;
Forgiving when the covenant was broken; Giving His people detailed instructions on how they were to live and worship.  This study of Exodus explores those issues and helps you see how people and events in Exodus point forward to God’s greatest saving act of all time – the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

Making Children Mind Without Losing Yours

Leader: Martin Brieschke
Location: School Library
Style: Video Based- Begins Sept. 10th

Psychologist Kevin Leman teaches principles of child-rearing that really work! This popular six session video seminar will be enjoyed by teachers, parents and grandparents alike. The six topics covered are: 1. Be Courageous: Developing the courage to do what is best for your kids! 2. Why Kids Misbehave: Understanding kids and why they do what they do! 3. The Parent Or Teacher: Maintaining Authority without being an authoritarian! 4. Nine Ways To Be Your Teenager’s Best Friend: How to gain your teenager’s love and respect and keep it forever! 5. ABC’s Of Self Image: Helping kids feel good about themselves for all the right reasons! 6. When To Let The Little Buzzards Tumble: Turning everyday hassles into everyday successes!

A Tuesday Morning Opportunity: The Gospel of Matthew

Leader: Paul Nickel
Location: Fellowship Hall
Style: In-depth -- An Ongoing Study
Time: 10:15 AM – 11:30 AM

The apostle Matthew writes his gospel to proclaim to the world that its promised Savior has come. Pointing to Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophesies, Matthew proclaims the universality of Jesus’ love. Matthew shows Jesus as the king who Lives today after suffering, dying, and rising again to save us; Gives life, salvation, comfort, and hope; Desires everyone as a member of His kingdom; Invites us to trust in Him as we live as His people. By inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Matthew’s account tells us about Jesus Christ, the Son of God, ruler of the universe, and our personal Savior and friend.

ChristCare Groups

ChristCare groups are another opportunity available to you for the study of God’s Word. These groups meet twice a month. We currently have one active ChristCare group. For more information contact the group leader, Norm Kendt.

These groups focus on getting to know a small group of people, prayer and worship, Bible study, and service in the kingdom of God.

Women’s Bible Studies

DANIEL: LIVES OF INTERGRITY, WORDS OF PROPHECY

By Beth Moore
Join us and Beth More in a faith-building study of prophecy, and learn how to shine for Christ in our modern culture. Just as the prophet Daniel faced unbelievable pressures – to compromise his faith, to live in a hostile culture, and to confront temptations and threats – we face many of the same trials. Divided into two parts, the 1st portion deals with the life of the prophet and is extremely contemporary. Daniel faced pressures and temptations similar to those of a Christian in today’s world. He teaches and models for us how to develop enduring integrity in an enticing world. The 2nd half turns to explore the prophecies of Daniel. It deals in-depth with the historical details, predictions, and fulfillments detailing history from the time of Daniel, through the inter-biblical period, the time of Christ, and on to His second coming.

Offered Twice Each Week:

Monday Evening        
Begins September 11th    
Led by Melissa Nelson    
6:30 PM-8:30 PM        

Friday Morning
Begins September 8th
Led by Paul Nickel
9:30 AM-11:30 AM

INTENTIONAL CHOICES: Discovering Contentment In Stressful Times

Discover the secrets to handling stress! Life can be overwhelming at times. Stress and anxiety come at us from all directions – relationships, jobs, crises, change, unfulfilled expectations, criticism, and the list goes on. Is there anything that can relieve this pressure that we’re under? This practical 13-week study will help you find the antidote to anxiety and stress. You’ll learn how God uses stress in your life and how you can experience contentment in stressful times. Plus, you’ll apply what you learn in practical projects, and embrace life-change goals for yourself. Open God’s Word to discover how you can find peace in a complex and difficult world. Deepen your walk with Christ, as we discover together how stress can draw you closer to one another and to the Lord! 

Offered Each Week on Thursday Morning.
Begins September 7th
Led by Paul Nickel
8:30 AM-10:30 AM
Fellowship Hall -- Child Care Available

Women’s Retreat

The annual retreat at Camp Lakeview is October 13-15, 2006.  Make your reservations early as space is limited and it usually fills up quickly.

Spend a weekend away from the hectic pace of life at home.  It’s a time for renewal through Christian fellowship, excellent presenters, realization, and God’s Word.  All ages are welcome.  Leave your worries behind and treat yourself to a weekend off.  The cost to stay over night and meals is $75.  The main presenter is Elaine Bickel , a well-known inspirational speaker and humorist.  She serves as a principal of a Lutheran elementary school in Michigan.  Her mission is to “help make heaven full and hell empty”.  

Special features horseback riding, October foliage, massage or manicure, watercolor painting, making a fleece throw, wine tasting, silk flower arranging, yoga/pilates, many Bible studies, presentation by Ruth Garret, author of “Born Amish” and “Crossing Over”.

The best opportunity of this retreat is for you to refocus on God and His wonderful love for you.

Registration Forms are in the wall unit by the church office.  If you are interested and cannot find the form please stop in the church office.  

A Family Thank You

The family of Alvin W. Graef would like to thank our Christian friends for your prayers and support after our father’s death.  Many of you greeted Dad at church and visited him during the week.  We appreciate your caring.  Dad loved his Lord and church.  Bill and Barbara Haller.

“4 Jolts of Culture Shock”

Presented by Dr. Larry Merino, Executive Director of Harvest Mission International Inc.
September 24, 2006 at 1 PM

This workshop will teach us how to recognize “The 4 Jolts of Culture Shock” (for them and us):

Tensions About Time:  See how different cultures view time.  Would a person from Africa or an un-churched neighbor view time differently from you?

Ricky Relationship:  Discover the importance of friendship in a relationship.  Can you truly be friends with your spouse or a person from Asia without first taking a risk?

Conquering Communications:  Explore why communication can be a challenge.  Have you ever been misunderstood by your teenagers or your Hispanic co-worker?

Vaulting Vulnerability: Examine why being vulnerable and willing to leave your “comfort” are vital.  Do people form other countries or the other side of town ever make you feel uneasy?

Food Pantry

FOOD PANTRY ~ SUPPLIES:  SEPTEMBER is the month assigned to Our Savior to support the Food Pantry. While we have been supporting it continually through the summer, September is the month that we are the main supporter of the Pantry.  Food items suggested are: shelf stable milk, canned meats (spam, chicken, ham, etc.) canned fruits and vegetables, cornbread, biscuit, bread mixes, peanut butter, jelly, pancake mix, syrup, rice, dried beans, jell-o, cookies, granola, pasta, pasta sauces, toilet paper, facial/bar soap, shampoo, toothpaste, diapers.

Everyday Evangelism

Concordia Lutheran Church will host this Lutheran Hour Ministries Seminar on September 16 from  9 AM to 2 PM.  Advance registration are requested, so they may plan for the meal.  

Isn’t it heartbreaking having a neighbor, friend or family member who doesn’t know Jesus or who doesn’t go to church?  How do we reach out to them without being threatening or pushy?  Discover how God equips you to be a gentle and effective witness at the “Equipping to Share” Workshop.  This interactive training from Lutheran Hour Ministries helps believers with the privilege of sharing the truth and love of Christ in everyday situations.

Youth Leadership Retreat

Camp Lakeview’s annual Youth Leadership Retreat will be held September 8-10, 2006.  Henry Graf, who had been a very inspiring leader of this event in past years, will once again be the guest speaker.  This retreat is for young adults in grades 9-12.  The cost for the weekend is $60 which includes five meals, 2 nights lodging, and full programming.  While the event is designed for groups, individual are certainly welcomed.  

Lutheran Service Book Hymnal Information

The Commission on Worship and Concordia Publishing House have scheduled more than 270 Lutheran Service Book introductory workshops in the U.S. and Canada for the fall of 2006.  Each workshop will be three hours in length and will be held from 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM.  Our Savior has been chosen as the site for all LCMS churches in Kentucky on October 21!  

Cost for the workshop is $20 per person.  This includes:
  • instructional sessions with the presenter and the musician who will lead the participants in singing the LSB guide
  • a copy of the pew edition
  • sample copies of other LSB editions, which will be on hand for browsing
Registrations for the workshop can be accepted both online, with credit card payment (http://lsb.cph.org), and via regular mail, with payment by check.  See Scott Kamman for a registration form if you are interested.

A committee is being formed to study the new Lutheran Service Book and its possibilities for Our Savior Lutheran Church.  If you’d care to be a member of that committee, please contact Scott Kamman.

A Layman Reflects as Synod Anticipates Lutheran Service Book 

By James D. Lowitzer

Ever since the 1998 Synod convention encouraged work to begin on a new hymnal for our church body, Lutheran Service Book has been in careful and loving preparation by many men and women who love their Lord and their church. 

The Synod's Commission on Worship and CPH are preparing to jointly publish the new worship resource by this fall.

We have long recognized that use of God's spoken and sung Word in our liturgies and hymns keeps us firmly grounded in the Holy Bible -- the one anchor and truth for our lives.  Our hymnals are God teaching us how to worship Him by putting His Words into our mouths through the words of the liturgy.  They are the sermons on His Word sung to each other through the texts of hymns.

Lutheran Service Book stands in a long line of books that have helped us to express our joys, sorrows, thanks, praise, awe, calls for help, prayers, and deepest expressions of human feeling and emotion.  The liturgies and hymns have helped us to come together in all these things and more.  They help us to support each other, to teach each other, and to confess to one another.  They teach us the Word of God in a most memorable way from an early age.  They provide us with a rhythm for our lives.

When I was growing up in Rochester, N.Y., I remember looking forward to Pentecost with great anticipation.  It meant that school was almost out for the summer.  There was the long season of Trinity -- later called the Season after Pentecost.  It didn't matter what it was called, since it was summer vacation to me.
A few weeks after school started, we sang "A Mighty Fortress."  That meant we were at the edge of the holiday season, with lots of food, lots of people around, and, of course, finally culminating in the pile of gifts under the tree in the living room. 

As the years have passed, the words of "A Mighty Fortress" have taken on increasingly rich and true meaning for me.  I now know what it means to need a trusty shield and weapon.  I know that fighting by myself comes to nothing and that Christ is the one fighting for me.  I know what it is to see Satan around me and see him felled by one little word.  Experiencing the deaths of an infant daughter in 1984 and my first wife in 1993, I know what it is to have child and wife taken from me and understand that the Kingdom remains mine, as it is theirs in the Church Triumphant.

As I grew, I began to associate times and seasons with hymns we sang on Sunday morning.  Some hymns defined the rhythm of the hour of worship. 
"O Day of Rest and Gladness" and "Open Now Thy Gates of Beauty" were hymns that might begin our time together.  "On What Has Now Been Sown" and "Savior, Again to Thy Dear Name We Raise" were often how we ended.  When I heard the organ begin to play "The Savior Kindly Calls," I knew there was about to be a baptism.  "We Give Thee But Thine Own" was a reminder of the source of material blessings.  "Thy Table I Approach" taught me much about the Sacrament long before I was catechized and confirmed. 

The seasonal hymns defined the movement of the year -- the church year, the school year, even the weather.  There were special hymns for special occasions.  "From Greenland's Icy Mountains" often meant that we would be going that afternoon to a huge Lutheran Hour Rally with Lutherans from all over the area.  And did we ever sing there! -- hymns like "The Church's One Foundation," "Hark! the Voice of Jesus Crying," and "Jesus Shall Reign Where'er the Sun," with a descant that would just soar over the three or four thousand people. 

A special time for me each Sunday was when my pastor announced the grace of God unto all of us, and that by the command of Jesus Christ all my sins were forgiven.  Pretty amazing stuff!  Years passed, and a new blue hymnal was put in the racks.  I didn't like this hymnal. 
Then one day we sang "Lift High the Cross."  It became an instant old favorite.  Another time we sang "Hail Thee, Festival Day," which has also become a favorite. "O God, O Lord of Heaven and Earth" was such a powerful hymn that I didn't want to lose it.  "This Is the Feast" was new, but it seemed right and I was glad to have it.   

I found that I was learning many of the new hymns, but I could still remember the old ones, too!

It took some getting used to that "Abide With Me" now had only five stanzas instead of eight.  I still remember all eight.  I'm fairly certain that the last stanza will be on my mind and my lips when I move to the Church Triumphant.  That will put me in the company of thousands of people before me, and with thousands of people after me.  It's going to be in Lutheran Service Book, too.

I'm looking forward to Lutheran Service Book.  I already know some of the new content.  "Alabaré," "What Wondrous Love Is This," and "Voices Raised to You" are just three of my new favorites in the new hymnal. 

Holy Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions join us as Lutherans.  Lutheran Service Book can also do its part to join us, to bring us together in worship and praise and song. 

I can sing many hymns and several liturgies from memory.  I can't recite any of the sermons I've heard, and I don't remember as much of the Small Catechism as I'd like.  But I sure do remember a lot of hymns and liturgies.  They bring the Word to me at any time during my day.  I want to ensure that my young daughter has these grand texts deeply imbedded in her memory as they are in mine.  I want to know that in times of trouble and sorrow, in times of joy and happiness, she will be able to recall these wonderful words taken from the Scriptures and matched with music.

I'm eagerly awaiting the time when Lutheran Service Book will take its place on my piano at home beside its predecessors.  I'm eagerly awaiting the time when the Lutheran Service Book will take its place in the hymn racks of my congregation and bring not only the hymns and liturgies that we know, but also add some new rhythms to the rhythm of my life and our lives together in Christ.

James D. Lowitzer, a member of Faith Lutheran Church, Collierville, Tenn., is a former member of the Synod's Commission on Worship. Reprinted from “The Reporter,” May, 2006
 

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