Greetings, in the Name of the RISEN our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!
You ever wondered what you would do if God somehow were to speak to you like He did to Abraham and Moses and actually give you an assignment? Outside of a “burning bush” how could you be sure it was God speaking? And what about the assignment?? Usually when God assigns a task, it’s bigger than ourselves … it’s something that only God Himself can accomplish … and yet, He calls us to do it.
Several years ago, here at Our Savior, many of our members went through a period of Spiritual Growth using a workbook called “Experiencing God.” It ‘s time for us to do it again. But this time, we ALL need to be involved. Why? Because God is calling us to do some big things here at Our Savior … big things like we haven’t seen since the start up of our school … things like starting up a whole new church using a Child Care facility as a way to reach out to families in the current growth corridor of our community.
But, God isn’t so interested in getting these jobs done … as He is in having a relationship with you. You get to know Him, you get to experience Him, you get to learn to trust Him more and more as He leads you through His assignments.
Now. As we said, we are a body of Christ in this place … and so, the call is for all of us to be involved. To help us all understand better what this means … my task will be to share the principles presented in “Experiencing God” with you from the pulpit beginning this Fall. I promise you, this will be an exciting time of Spiritual Growth.
In the meantime … I encourage you to read the letter from our Congregational Chairman, Jim Snyder, in this issue. And also to check out the Child Care Project Team’s progress report from Norm Kendt. I pray in doing so, you will catch the enthusiasm that our leadership has for our future, as we experience God together.
In Him,
Pastor Fausel
More To Celebrate!Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Proverbs 3:3
Under the banner of this Bible verse our 8th grade will graduate on Thursday, May 24, 2007. We give thanks for the opportunity we have had to share God’s love with them and prepare them for a life of love and faithfulness. May God’s continuing blessings go with these eight young people as they leave Our Savior Lutheran School.
Congratulations:
Brittany Bowen
Whitney Haynes
Xiah Kim
Addison Sipes
Allie Southard
Yuki Takeuchi
Morgan True
Courtney Wileman
“For I know what plans I have for you ,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
As we wind down this 17th year of Grace for Our Savior Lutheran School we look forward with Hope and with Faith that God will continue to send to us families seeking quality Christian education with a personal touch. As of the middle of April 164 students are enrolled for next year already. We want to go over 180 by the time school starts. Please consider sharing the good news about Our Savior with those you know have school aged students. We’d love to minister to them as well. If nothing else, we ask that you pray for this special ministry that touches not only the lives of the students but their families as well.
We don’t know what is in store for us next year, but we know this: God’s plans are to prosper His ministry and give us hope. We celebrate the great things God has done for us this year and look forward to being able to celebrate even more next year.
In His Service,
Martin A. Brieschke, Principal
Scrap Booking EventMay 11 at 6 PM a group of ladies will be gathering in the Fellowship Hall to work on their Scrap Book projects. Anyone interested is invited to join in the fun. Just bring your supplies and a snack to share and a beverage to drink. This is open to beginners and experts as each person works at their own pace and own their own projects. This is a great way to get together for some wonderful Christian fellowship. Take this opportunity to give your spouse some one-on-one time with the children and enjoy an evening of relaxing creativity. Call Karen Ranzau with questions.
Vacation Bible School is on the Horizon! Uncover the truth about Jesus at Quest for Truth on July 16-20 from 9 AM to noon. Kids ages 3–12 meet friends, explore Bible stories, do fun activities, sing great songs, make crafts, play games, and eat snacks. We expect a great response, so we’ll need a lot of volunteers. If you’re willing to help, give our director, Tracy Hannon, a call.
Golden OldiesJoining 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 ofeach month
Occasional field trips or outings
The Golden Oldies will meet at church on Monday, May 21, for a potluck luncheon. The speaker will be Lynne Hollingsworth from the Kentucky Historical Society. Her topic will be "Preservation of Family Papers and Photographs".
Sunday School in MayFun was had by all during the Palm Sunday- Sunday School hour. Becky Kamman and her crew did a wonderful job on the Easter Egg hunt. Thank you to Diane Rowan of the Sunday School staff, who did all the planning, contributing and assembling of supplies for the crafts that morning. She did a terrific job.
Summer Sunday School ProgramOur summer program depends on member volunteers to lead 3 different age groups Look for the sign up sheets by the music room soon. It is fun and easy and a great way to be involved with the children. All teaching materials are supplied.
Paul Nickel is currently seeking replacements for Heidi and Leanne who are stepping down from their superintendent positions at the end of May. Please speak to Paul regarding your interest in the position. Training and support will be provided for the position.
Get Your Scuba GearGrow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. --2 Peter 3:18
I have a friend who is really into scuba diving. He showed me some of his gear and stressed the importance of the air and depth gauges. The air gauge is important, of course, because the tanks have a limited supply. If you're the diver, you need to know how much air is in them when you're far below the surface. The depth gauge is crucial as well because you need to know how deep you are in relation to how much air you are carrying. And the human body cannot survive at deeper levels unless the diver is wearing a special suit.
As I thought about my friend's explanation, it occurred to me how our Christian lives can be gauged in a similar way. As believers and as followers of Christ, we need to look at our "spiritual air gauge" and realize that God has given only a limited amount of time here on earth.
So what we do with this time is vital.
We also need to check our "spiritual depth gauge"; that is, we need to evaluate how much time and effort we spend growing in the knowledge of Him. We do that by "diving" into the Scripture, praying, having fellowship with other believers, attending church to worship and grow in Him, living in obedience to Him, sharing our faith with the unsaved, and much more.
In relation to God and His Word, the knowledge of Him that we can strive for is deeper than we can imagine. It's like Crater Lake in Oregon which is nearly 2,000 feet deep--far beyond what a sports scuba diver would attempt. We can spend hours in the Word and still only scratch the surface of what we can learn. It seems in my life that just when I feel I've learned a lot and have made some good progress, the Lord encourages me to "go still deeper." I'm never to quit growing in Him and always to know Him still more (2 Peter 3:18). In this sense our "spiritual depth gauge" is unlimited.
So get your "spiritual scuba gear" on and dive into the depths and the riches of God's Word. By doing so you'll grow to know Him better.
Adult Bible Class Opportunities
Sunday Morning (9:45 AM) Bible Study 1. (New) The Lutheran Difference: Worship – Fellowship Hall – Pastor Fausel
2. Exodus – School Library – Kyle Lohmeyer
3. (New) The Communicating Marriage – 7th Grade Classroom – Paul Nickel Tuesday Morning (10:15 AM) Bible Study
Matthew – Fellowship Hall – Paul Nickel Wednesday Afternoon (2:00 PM) Class Matthew – Oxmoor Lodge – Paul Nickel Women's Monday Night (6:30 PM) Bible Study(New) A Love Worth Giving - Faculty Lounge - Melissa Nelson
Women's Friday Morning (9:30 AM) Bible Study(New) Walking by Faith: Lessons Learned In The Dark - Friday Mornings (9:30 AM) - Fellowship Hall - Paul Nickel Men's Second Saturday (8:00 AM) Bible StudyHope Under Construction: Insights Into the Life of Nehemiah - Fellowship Hall - Paul Nickel
Men’s Ministry BreakfastPancake Breakfast
2nd Saturday of the month
Saturday , May 12, 8:00 – 9:30 AM
Bible Study “Hope Under Construction: Insights Into the Life of Nehemiah”led by Paul Nickel
Join us and bring a friend!
Holy Trinity Breaks Ground On Sunday morning, April 15th, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Leitchfield, KY, broke ground for their new church building. Representatives from many Louisville area Lutheran Churches, including Paul and Linda Nickel from Our Savior, were in attendance to join in this joyous occasion. These representatives along with members and the Deacon of Holy Trinity, Monty Gleitz, participated in the ground breaking service. Area Lutherans along with grant money have help the members of Holy Trinity raise almost $110,000 toward the construction of their new worship facility. Their original goal was$150,000. The building plans where altered to fit the monies collected. We pray that God will use the members of this church and their new building to add more believers into His kingdom! We join with the members of Holy Trinity and give thanks for what God is accomplishing in their midst.
Childcare Project Team UpdateIn keeping with the Great Commission, our vision is to foster the establishment of a new outreach ministry for Our Savior Lutheran Congregation in the form of a self-supporting high quality Christian Early Childhood Development Center (for children 6 weeks to 5 years of age).
The Indiana District has assigned its Architectural advisor Don Amt, to evaluate our current campus for the feasibility of adding a Childcare Center to the property. We have sent him a copy of our site plans and building plans; and he is in the process of evaluating the plans. We anticipate an on-site visit from him shortly.
Church Development Partners (CDP) will work with us to help us identify the very best potential and affordable Childcare sites. Greg Beste from CDP will come to Our Savior in June and conduct a two-day assessment workshop. The first purpose of the workshop is to help us develop a clear picture of the availability of the properties and where the Market Study should be conducted. Secondly, the workshop will help determine where Our Savior should be placed on CDP’s schedule to assist with property acquisition. Also while Greg is here, he will meet with church leaders, conduct a “town meeting” on Wednesday, June 13th, for all interested members, and personally look and evaluate the potential sites identified for Childcare sites.
A meeting has been scheduled on May 1st with our sister congregation interested in starting a “preaching station” in the same area where we have identified a “high potential” Childcare site. Also invited and committed to attend the meeting will be Dave Dubbelde of the Indiana District, the Louisville Federation, and Alan Barber from Mission Planting Advocates. From the meeting we desire to develop a plan of co-operation and a commitment of working together to “Grow the Kingdom”.
The Team is attempting to move the project along as fast as possible, but wants to ensure we thoroughly do the upfront “homework” necessary for success and are following God’s will for us. We estimate that the Market Study will not be conducted until next fall. The congregation’s prayers are requested to help Our Savior determine the Lord’s will.
Norm Kendt
Meet Two more of our New ChristCare Leaders Emily Hayes is a person who really needs no introduction. She has been a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church for many years. She has been active in many capacities within the church especially as a participant in many Bible studies both on Sunday morning and during the week. Emily has been a member of Norm Kendt’s ChristCare Group since 1999. Emily has been instrumental in providing caring fellowship opportunities for the widows of our congregation. She will continue that focus through her ChristCare Group: Senior Singles for Women.
Scott Kamman is another person who needs no introduction. Scott has been a Called member of the staff here at Our Savior since the day school opened in 1990. He began as teacher of grades 3/4 combined, taught music and choir and played the organ. His roll has changed over his time here. He currently teaches all the music in the school, school choirs, directs the church choir and handbells as well as plays the organ and keyboards for worship, schedules and rehearses the instrumentalist and singers for contemporary worship, and develops all our worship services and liturgies. Scott is married to the former Rebecca Kassel, our kindergarten teacher. The Kamman’s have two daughters, Hannah and Leah. Scott will be leading a ChristCare Group that focuses on parents with elementary/middle school children.
Seniors Sharing Our Faith
Focus: All Seniors
Leader: Norm Kendt
Phone: 254-1612
Single Seniors for Women
Focus: Single Senior Women
Leader: Emily Hayes
Phone: 253-5541
C2P2 – ChristCare’s Proud Parents
Focus: Parents of Elem./Mid. School Children
Leader: Scott Kamman
Phone: 254-1308
Soul Food
Focus: Anyone interested in in-depth Bible study
Leader: Mark and Pat Otten
Phone: 244-5903
Meets every other Sunday
YALL - Young Adult Lutheran Life
Focus: Young Adults
Leader: David & Leah Robison
Phone: 938-4766
Meets every Thursday, 7:30 - 9:00, at 1505 Cadence Ct
Your ChristCare Equipper Team
Charles and Marsha Puckett, 473-1691
Paul Nickel, 426-1130
Comments from the Council PresidentHaving previously served three consecutive terms as the President of Our Savior Lutheran Church in the mid-90s, it was a difficult decision to having my name placed on the ballot for the election of officers for 2007. After some agonizing and prodding, I accepted the nomination. While performing Army Reserve duty the weekend of the Voters Assembly, I received the call that I had been elected to the office. My first question was, “what was the margin of victory?”…answer: “Unanimous…your were unopposed.” Needless to say I was disappointed knowing that I had been selected by default. It is a sad situation when a congregation of our size cannot attract nor motivate individuals to step forward as willing leaders regardless of the position. I also believe that if one does not approve of how things are being managed, it is not enough to complain but instead get involved if you want to influence or make a difference. Based on this assessment and supporting comments, I wish to share with you my vision for OSLC. As previously stated, having been elected by default, the first problem that requires attention is, encouraging and motivating members of the congregation to “get involved”.
Our Savior Lutheran Church has gone through some very challenging times since the mid-to-late 90s, which resulted in the exiting of a significant number of long-time members and division within the membership. Consequently, Pastor Fausel inherited a congregation that was looking for direction and a vision for the future but the leadership from the congregation did not appear to identify what should be done or was fully engaged in tackling and resolving many of the problems that plagued the healing process that was so desperately needed.
I am confident and pleased to say that within the past three years, I have noticed, albeit slow, progress and it is my desire to be a part of the process through leadership that is designed to 1) create and promote a sense of ownership on behalf of every member, 2) motivating members to get involved, 3) not to dwell in the past but take the lessons learned from the past to improve the planning process and avoid similar mistakes in the future, 4) maintaining an open line of communication between the respective departments (Church Council) and the membership, 5) dispelling the belief that the Department of Day School is a separate entity and “drives” the Church rather than being regarded as a mission and department of the Church, 6) to be good stewards of our resources and talents, 7) to set aside our differences and come together as a unified congregation, 8) to always move forward. What happened a minute, hour, day, weeks, or years ago is in the past. We should be constantly moving forward, 9) to support, facilitate, and nurture Pastor Fausel’s ministry and vision, and 10) to commit to carrying out the work of our gracious and loving Lord who is our Ultimate Leader and Advisor; 11) to practice prudent and faith-driven fiscal responsibility. Rather than continue to rearrange the pot, as we have been doing, we must instead focus our efforts on the Growth of Our Savior.
In other words, “Let’s Get Turned On”. Each of us should be spiritually motivated and believe that HE prompts what we are doing. With your involvement in, and commitment to the growth and unification of Our Savior Lutheran Church, we, as a Congregation can look at ourselves and say, His Will Shall and is Being Done.
In His Name,
Jim Snyder, President
From the Music DirectorDear friends in Christ,
In honor of Mother’s Day, and with thanks to God for the blessings of our mothers, I offer this light-hearted prayer for all you wonderful mothers (and mothers-to-be) out there!
Mom's PrayerNow I lay me down to sleep,
I pray my sanity to keep.
For if some peace I do not find,
I'm pretty sure I'll lose my mind.
I pray I find a little quiet
Far from the daily family riot
May I lie back--not have to think
about what they're stuffing down the sink,
or who they're with, or where they're at
and what they're doing to the cat.
I pray for time all to myself
(did something just fall off a shelf?)
To cuddle in my nice, soft bed
(Oh no, another goldfish--dead!)
Some silent moments for goodness sake
(Did I just hear a window break?)
And that I need not cook or clean--
(well hey, I've got the right to dream)
Yes now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray my wits about me keep,
But as I look around I know--
I must have lost them long ago!
Author Unknown
Yours in Christ,
Scott Kamman
Director of Music
High School YouthCalling all High School Youth! Check out the pictures of the latest monthly youth events , both on the posters by the Faculty Lunge and in the Youth Room, and online. (See the Youth Room white board for the password to se the pictures online). Want to get in on the fun?” Next meeting will be May 20th. For rides or questions call, the Robision’s, 938-4766 or the Otten’s, 244-5903.
High School Youth Event!Yes, we are still going strong and we hope to see you at the next events! Sunday May 20, and Sunday, June 24, at the church (times to be determined, so watch the bulletin and your mailboxes). If you have questions about what we typically do, ask Julia, Chapin, James, Andrea, Shelley, Belle, or Caroline, who were at the March event. June 24th we are having a water extravaganza. BYOWW (bring your own water weapon)! We hope to see you all there! For questions or rides, call the Robision’s, 938-4766 or the Otten’s 244-5903.
The Stewardship Corner: Charitable Gift AnnuityMany individuals choose to support their church or favorite nonprofit organization through the use of a charitable gift annuity. This financial tool is a private agreement through which a donor gives an asset to a charity in exchange for a specified life income from that charity. This annuity allows the individual to give a meaningful gift and receive an income benefit without investment responsibilities. It also serves as a means of generating income from a low- or no-income asset. Gifts of appreciated property can also reduce a donor’s taxation of capital gains. Finally, donors may receive a partial income tax deduction from this giving method.
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, and its respective associates and employees cannot provide legal, tax or accounting advice or services. Work with your team of professionals, including your Thrivent Financial representative, your attorney and tax professional to determine and implement the appropriate option.
Courtesy of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans
Our Savior Music “Notes”Lutheran Service Book: Praise God!! Many thanks to those of you who have helped purchase new Lutheran Service Books for Our Savior. They were dedicated to the glory of God on April 22. We are so very blessed by this instrument of praise by which we magnify God’s holy name! Soli Deo Gloria!
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 May, they will be learning the hymn, “In God We Believe.” This hymn text was written by Rev. Gregory Wismar, a Lutheran pastor who serves Christ the King Lutheran Church in Newtown, CT. Its text is a poetic setting of the creed, in which we confess our beliefs in God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is set to the Welsh folk tune, St. Denio.
In God we believe: the Creator whose pow’r
In mercy has brought us for worship this hour.
He graciously grants us our years and our days
And blesses with kindness our work and our ways.
In Jesus, the Savior, our hope is secured.
True God and true man once the cross He endured
To grant our lives wholeness, forgiveness of sin.
With hearts freed from guilt, we know true peace within.
God’s Spirit at work in our lives we confess;
With power and truth the church now He does bless.
As saints, God’s forgiven, one day we shall then
Be living in glory forever. Amen.
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!
Thank You! A great big thank you to all our singers, handbell ringers, and instrumentalists who made our Holy Week and Easter services so special. To God be the glory!
Worship Reminder: Please remember to turn the ringer of your cell phone off when entering the sanctuary! Thank you for maintaining a worshipful atmosphere.
Answer to the April quiz: The song that elates “Away with sin and sorrow! My Love, the Crucified, has sprung to life this morrow” is “This Joyful Eastertide” (LW140).
May quiz: Which hymn petitions “My gracious Master and my God, assist me to proclaim, to spread through all the earth abroad, the honors of Thy name”?
Spring Sing 2007! Thanks also to all who helped with our production this year! To God be the glory!
Contemporary Worship Teams: Singers and musicians, if you are out there, know that we are still in need of volunteers to help us out at our 11:00 AM Majestic Celebration worship services. We are in special need of a keyboard leader and guitarists, as well as wind instrumentalists and vocalists. If you would like to sing or play on a regular basis, talk to Scott (426-1130). Time commitment depends solely on you, as little or as much as you desire. We need you!
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! 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! Check out this month’s edition of “Worship Notes!”
In Holy Communion, we receive comfort, strength, and joy from Christ’s body and blood. It is OK to smile as we depart in true peace! It is also a good practice to offer a silent prayer of thanks when we return to our pews. While the meal is being distributed, the congregation is encouraged to join in singing the appointed hymns or songs.
Helping Hands Day Mark your calendar now, to help with the Join Hands Event, sponsored by the Jefferson County KY chapter of Thrivent, on May 12, from 9:30 AM until 1:30 PM. We will be working on the landscaping around the building and the playground of The Healing Place for Women at 1607 West Broadway. The Healing Place is a homeless shelter and substance abuse recovery center that serves women and their children. Please bring your shovels, rakes, trowels, and pruning shears to remove existing shrubs and plant and mulch redesigned beds. The Healing Place has a recovery rate of 65% for sobriety one year out, which is five times greater than the national average. Persons at the center have nothing when they arrive. Sprucing up their surroundings gives them something beautiful to see; thereby giving hope. A small bit of hope can grow into a large amount of hope. Your demonstration of caring for their world, also shares God’s love for them, the largest message of HOPE in the world. If you plan to help please, contact Marcia Hermann. Lunch will be provided and there will be an opportunity for you to tour The Healing Place.
Church Directory ~ Thank YouThe church directory should be arriving in May. Due to the photo make up day in February, the delivery date has been delayed. As coordinator of the directory I would like to thank all the people that helped me in the completion of the directory. First I would like to thank the members of the committee-Leann Hardin, Sue Kendt, Steve Lindgren, Nora Horecny and Sue Wolter. I would also like to thank Karen Tate and Bev Silletto for their help. Finally, I would like to extend a "very special" thank you to Sharon Wahlbrink, without her help and guidance we would not have been able to get this directory put together. Thanks to all of you!
Debbie Wolter
Congregational Voter’s Assembly Meeting and PotluckMay 20 after the 11 AM Service
On the Agenda: The Budget and the calling of a Youth Director
Please plan to attend and watch the bulletin for additional information on the meal and what will be provided and what you will need to bring.
Mens Softball Players NeededMen’s softball on Monday nights at Watkins Methodist Church beginning after Derby. Our Savior is looking for players. The cost is around $35. If you are interested contact Scott Krantz or Mike Hayes.
Habitat for Humanity
Our Savior is working with Thrivent, and other Lutheran churches in the area again this year to “Raise the Roof” of a Habitat for Humanity House. We need a financial commitment of $8,000; as well as a strong commitment of prayers, and physical laborers. Watch the church bulletin board for dates to sign-up for work-days. Any questions please contact Steve Lindgren. The dates Our Savior will be working on the site will be Saturday, July 28 and Saturday, August 25.
On June the 22 and 23 and 29 and 30 will be “Raise the Roof” weekends, when all churches are needed to provide as many workers as possible to help literally ‘raise the roof’. On Saturday, June 23, Our Savior will providing the meal and drinks for the workers.
If you are unable to go the days Our Savior is assigned to work, and desire to go and help, contact Steve and he can assist you with another day.
Golf ScrambleThe Lutheran Family Services Of Kentuckiana is holding its 9th Annual Scramble at Tanglewood Golf Course on Saturday May 12, 2007. Lunch will be catered by Bootleg Bar-B-Q, at 12:30 PM. There will be a shotgun start at 1:30 PM. For registration or additional information please call Lutheran Family Services at 899-5991.
Blood Drive Mark your calendars now for May 9, 2007 from 2-7 PM, for our Spring Blood drive. There will be sign up tables between services as the date approaches. As the spring and summer months approaches the donations for blood is lighter. Please plan now to give in May. Your gift can truly save a life. School parents may vote for the grade that their child attends. The grade with the most votes wins an ice cream treat.
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