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| October 2007 Newsletter |
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Greetings, in the Name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! For the past several months we’ve devoted this space in the Newsletter to talking about “Experiencing God,” talking about what we’re going to be doing. Well finally, that much anticipated moment has come: the September 30th Kick-off and the start of the 12-week Sermon series and Bible Studies along with over a dozen discussion groups. By God’s grace, He’s brought us to this unique time in the life of our congregation. Now, quite frankly, what happens is all up to Him. I want to give special thanks and recognition to Paul Nickel who has done more than anyone knows in getting the discussion groups going, the publicity out and the materials in place. And I give thanks to God for calling forth from the congregation not only the leaders but also all the participants of our discussion groups. My prayer is that God would now touch us and lead us by His Spirit into discovering just how deep His love is for each of us. And also I pray that His revelation of that Love in our lives might become more and more real for us through the coming days. Those are my prayers. I pray them for all of us every day. In Him, Pastor Fausel In Full Swing!The school year is well on its way. We are privileged to be serving 186 children this year, the most students enrolled since the 2002-03 school year. Twenty of those students are a part of our new Preschool Child Care program. God has surely blessed this activity. Our thanks to those groups who may have been inconvenienced a bit when using the fellowship hall during the preschool child care use of the nursery room. We appreciate your cooperation and willingness to help us reach out to more and more families with the Gospel message.Much is happening in October. Our annual Fall Festival is scheduled for October 13 from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm. We invite all members of our church and school family to join us for an enjoyable afternoon of games, food, and fun. Our staff will be meeting with each student’s parent at our fall Parent/Teacher conferences on October 25 & 26 as we review first quarter progress. Beginning on Wednesday, October 24 through Friday October 26 will be our annual Book Fair. A large variety of books, CD’s, and posters are available for purchase. Again, all church and school families are invited to come and see the items available for purchase. The book fair is open Thursday night until the last parent/teacher conference ends. Activities like the Fall Festival and Book Fair can only happen when we have willing volunteers. Our thanks to the many parents and staff who make both these events successful. In Christ, Martin A. Brieschke We Give Him PraiseGod has given His people the gifts to do so much but yet it is said, “I don’t see where God is working”. This monthly feature will spotlight different areas where people have seen God at work through His people . No names will be used for these are acts of service to the Glory of God. For this month we give thanks and praise to God for:
Circuit Reformation ServiceThe Circuit Reformation Service will be October 28, at 3 PM at Shepherd of the Hills, in Georgetown, Indiana. President Dan May will be the guest preacher. Also during the service Rev. Mark Whitsett will be installed as the Director of pastoral Care for Cedar Lake Lodge.Sunday School NewsSunday School is off to a great start. Attendance has been terrific! We have changed the Opening to a Closing this year. So, Parents please send or take your child(ren) directly to their Sunday School classes at 9:45 AM as they gather for a Closing at 10:30 AM this year, which their teachers will take them to the Music Room for Bible Trivia, prayer requests, and a song. Please pick your child(ren) up at 10:45 AM in the Music Room.We hope to add one or two more teachers to our staff. Please contact us if God is tugging on your heart to teach our Youth. We intend to start Operation Christmas Child in early October. It is a worthwhile mission that helps many, many children...so start saving and wrapping those shoe boxes now. The 3rd Grade Bible presentation will be Sunday, October 28, 2007. We hope to bring our Sunday School children before the congregation in song this month. Please watch for the announcement. Thank you for your continued support. Heidi and Leanne Men’s Ministry BreakfastPancake Breakfast2nd Saturday of the month Saturday, October 13, 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! Book ClubWe will meet October 7, at the Bristol on Hurstbourne Lane after the late service to discuss The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini. Call Karen Osborne, 243-1765. The book we will be reading during the month of October for the November discussion is Three Cups of Tea, by Greg Mortenson and David Olliver Relin. Karen has loaner books available.StewardshipPastor and the Church Council feel that Stewardship Month/Sunday should be delayed so that the Full effect of EXPERIENCING GOD series can be realized before we have our annual Stewardship Drive. A date will be announced after the 1st of the new year for STEWARDSHIP 2008.Peace and Blessings, Larry Meals on Wheels Volunteers NeededIf you are interested in assisting with serving Meals on Wheels in the community of the church to people in need of nutritious meals on Mondays please contact Caroline Wesley at 244-6761. You can determine the amount of time you want to commit to the program.Golden OldiesJoining together in Christian Fellowship, Education, & RecreationAt 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 Wednesday, October 17 we will travel by TARC bus to watch an IMAX show "The Living Sea" at the Louisville Science Center. Following the IMAX show, we will eat a buffet lunch at the Galt House. The bus departs at 10:45 a.m. and will return @ 2:15 p.m. For additional information and reservations, please call Norm Kendt or Dorothy Groemling. Notes from the Music DirectorDear friends in Christ,We have been experiencing new hymns and songs in our worship quite regularly now. Here are some pertinent reminders when you encounter an unfamiliar hymn or song… Don’t be hesitant. Take a deep breath and try it. Don’t spoil your experience of worship by blaming someone else for selecting an unfamiliar hymn. Remember that all familiar songs were once unfamiliar. Don’t condemn a musical creation because you do not immediately appreciate it. Don’t refuse to sing another Christian’s heart-felt expression of his beliefs or spiritual emotions because it is a new thought to you or because it is not your feeling at the moment. Please don’t close your hymnal or worship folder and sulk. DO listen carefully when the music is played by the organ or keyboard. You may learn to like it. DO read the words meditatively. They may express a flight of spiritual thought in which you can concur, and you may find your own spirit winging to the Father of us all. Do remember that the hymns and songs of our church body have been selected by musicians and ministers well-trained in their fields. Out of thousands of possibilities, these have been thought the most appropriate and worthy of the common worship of the church. Do thank God for the privilege of extending your musical and spiritual horizons in something new; that you are not confined to the limitations of your past experience; and that the creative song of the church is so extensive! Yours in Christ, Scott Kamman “Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.” Psalm 96:1 “Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things…” Psalm 98:1 Our Savior Music “Notes”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 October, they will be learning the hymn, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God,” the best known of Martin Luther’s Hymns. Luther wrote the words and composed the melody sometime between 1527-1529. It has been translated into English at least seventy times and also into many other languages. The words are a paraphrase of Psalm 46.A mighty fortress is our God, A trusty shield and weapon; He helps us free from ev’ry need That hath us now o’ertaken. The old evil foe Now means deadly woe; Deep guile and great might Are his dread arms in fight; On earth is not his equal. Text and Music: Public domain 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! Answer to the September quiz: The song that reminds us “Not the labors of my hands can fulfill Thy Law’s demands” is “Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me.” (LSB 761). October quiz: Which song states, “You are the potter, I am the clay; Mold me and make me. This is what I pray.”? 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. 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!” THIS MONTH’S WORSHIP NOTES! In the Sanctus, we sometimes sing the words “Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of Sabaoth.” What does “Sabaoth” mean? The word itself is Hebrew for hosts or armies. “Hosts” may refer to the whole realm of heaven and earth or may be reference to legions of angels. Music MinistryOur Savior’s Fall Music Program has begun. 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.Adult Choir is meeting 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**. Contemporary Worship Teams still graciously welcome any musician who is interested in using his or her talent to help us in our contemporary worship. 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 both singers and instrumentalists. Adult Handbell Choir are meeting on Thursday evenings, beginning at 6:30 PM -- directly before the choir rehearsal, 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**. Junior Handbell Choir is meeting on Tuesdays after school. Talk to Mr. Kamman if you are interested. Our Savior Lutheran School Band is for our school children in grades 3-6. The Beginning Band meets on Wednesdays before school; the Advanced Band meets on Mondays before school; and the combined group meets on Friday before school. **Scott Kamman can be reached at 426-1130. Finding the Strength WithinThe Center for Women and Families mission is to engage individuals and communities in the elimination of domestic violence, sexual assault, and economic hardship through service, advocacy, and education. The U.S. Bureau of Justice has stated, “1 out of 3 American women will be a victim...1 out of 3 girls and 1 out of 6 boys will be sexually assaulted by 18 years old”.You are invited to attend a FREE 3-hours “Voices of Strength” training opportunity this fall on “Engaging Faith-Based Communities”. The Center is looking for one or two individuals from your organization that will become an ongoing support system within your institution. He or she will be educated on bringing awareness about the Center for Women and Families services, domestic violence, and sexual assault through various efforts. Here are the key focus areas for this training: The Center for Women and Families Mission and Services Myth Debunking Domestic Violence Overview Discussion on engaging faith-based communities in awareness-building Boundaries, Mandatory Reporting Laws, and Responding to victims who disclose This training will be offered at two different times. You will only need to register for one of the flowing courses: Tuesday, October 23, 2007 from 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM or Thursday, October 25, 2007 from 9:30 AM -12:30 PM The location of the meetings is at The Center for Women and Families, 927 South 2nd Street, Louisville, KY, 40203 Registration Deadline: Contact JoAnn Rowan for more information about the event during the October Domestic Violence Awareness Month and registration for the training. She can be reached at 1-502-753-3214 (Louisville number). Each participant will receive a certificate for attending. ChristCare Needs to GrowRight now ChristCare Small Group Ministry is touching the lives of about 50 members of our church on a regular basis. We give thanks for this because this time last you there was only one functioning ChristCare group that involved about 10 people. There is still room in all of our existing ChristCare groups for more members. Remember the maximum size for a group is 12 members.While we are thankful for those who are already participating and experiencing the unique care and discipleship that takes place in these groups, 50 participants is only small percentage of our total membership. In order for ChristCare to grow we need two things to happen. First, we need to identify and train additional ChristCare Small group leaders. A new training class will begin in February. We already have two candidates for leaders training. But we would like to identify and train a minimum of four additional leaders. Second, we need to expand our ChristCare Equippers leadership team. ChristCare Equippers are the administrative and training arm of ChristCare. Right now that team includes Paul Nickel and Marsha and Charles Puckett. To be more effective we need to expand our team to six. In order to become or continue as an Equipper, it is necessary to attend a week long intensive training workshop held in April in St. Louis. Paul and Charles have attended this workshop. Marsha is able to attend this April. We would like to send additional people as well. As you seek where God is working in your life as you Experience God this fall and winter, perhaps He may direct you toward ChristCare’s unique ministry of caring for one another and helping each other grow as His disciples. We can see God working in and through this ministry. Maybe He’s directing you to join us. We pray only that you seek His will for you. Meet Our ChristCare Groups! For information about when and where these groups meet, please contact the leader. 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 Elementary and Middle 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, 40222 Your ChristCare Equipper Team Charles and Marsha Puckett, 473-1691 Paul Nickel, 426-1130 Lutheran Education Annual Fund (LEAF)It is that time of year when the Department of Day School of Education asks for your support through the Lutheran Education Annul Fund (LEAF) Please look for information in your mailbox in early October on how you can contribute to this campaign. Your participation is an important part of helping the school maintain the quality learning environment at Our Savior.Missional Planning and Childcare Project Team UpdateIn view of the decision to determine the Lord’s Will for Our Savior’s future direction in ministry through the Strategic Ministry Planning (SMP) process, work on developing a Missional Plan has been suspended until the SMP is complete.The Missional Planning Committee and the Church Council have agreed on the final schedule for the SMP process. The SMP will take place in February 2008 (immediately following Experiencing God). It will be preceded by a month of preparation during January 2008 (during the final Experiencing God classes). The kickoff will be on Sunday February 10, 2008, followed by several sessions of members with the SMP Facilitator, and will be concluded with a special congregation meeting on February 24, 2008. More details on the schedule and the important role members will play in the process will follow in the coming months. Jon Lorenz has been assigned by LCEF to be Our Savior’s facilitator for the SMP process. Experiencing God starts with a Festival Service and Congregation Potluck and Introduction Meeting on Sunday September 30, 2007. The class sessions will begin the following week. All members are encouraged to participate in an Experiencing God class. As part of the LCMS synod wide ABLAZE Program, Our Savior was invited to become a Covenant Congregation. A Covenant Congregation is a congregation that is committed to starting up to 4 new churches by 2017 (part of the LCMS goal to start 2000 new churches by 2017). Pastor and Norm Kendt attended an Indiana District Meeting to learn more about the program. To meet the need for at least 2000 new pastors by 2017 (to serve the 2000 new congregations) synod has inaugurated a new pastor training program to train qualified men at home without having to spend time on campus at a Seminary. Upon completion of the program these men can be called to serve as pastors in specifically defined ministries. On August 16, 2007, a group including the Childcare Team, Missional Planning Committee, the Indiana District Architectural Advisor, and an experienced Open Arms Childcare Director toured the Ford property. The group concluded that:
Entertainment Book 2008Entertainment Books for 2007-2008 are available form LWML for $20 in the church office. Make your checks payable to LWML.. The Entertainment Books have discount Coupons for local restaurants, entertainment activities, services, and other discounts. Come by the church office to purchase one. These books make great gifts. Some restaurants included are Café Emilie, Shalimar, Magdalena’s, Ferd Grisanti, Bootleg Bar-B-Q, Burger King, Steak & Shake, Baskin Robbins, Graeters, Sonics, and numerous local pizza establishments just to name a few. For entertainment there are coupons for the Zoo, Holiday World, movie theaters, Frazier Historical Museum, Speed Museum, Ali Center, Puzzle Dome, Champs, Iceland, Renaissance Park, bowling, golf, and many more. If you have any questions please contact Billie Detroy.Widow’s GroupTo all the Widows of the Church,Come and join us. We are sisters in Christ. We support each other through prayer, compassion, understanding, and fellowship. We meet the first Friday of every month at 11 AM. Emily Hayes leads a ChristCare group just for Widows on the third Friday of every month at 3 PM. We look forward to seeing you soon. If you have any questions about our group please contact Emily Hayes, 253-5541, or Lily Snook, 452-1277. Yours In Christ, Melitta (Lily) Snook Women’s RetreatCamp Lakeview is offering a fantastic Women’s Retreat on October 12-14. Special guest speaker Linda Harlow will focus her session on the theme, “Woman by God’s Design”. To pamper you, the weekend includes many interesting sectionals, an optional massage, manicure, recreation, and a Saturday evening banquet. For more information, pick up a brochure, in the rack next to the church office. Come away for some spiritual renewal. Leave your worries behind and treat yourself to a weekend off! Don’t delay in sending your reservation.Blood DriveBe a donor at our Fall Blood Drive on Wednesday, October 10 from 2-7 PM. We have been given a goal by the Red Cross of 25 units. School parents who donate may vote for the grade that their child attends. The grade that generates the most units will be awarded an ice cream treat. One unit is able to benefit 3 different individuals so you gift of life is very important. Help us make this drive a success.You may sign up after church services on Sunday for a specific appointment time but walk-ins are also welcomed. To answer questions if you are eligible to donate you can go to the web at www.redcross.org/services/ and look for the guidelines for donating. If you are unsure, call the local Red Cross, with your eligibility questions. Congregational Voter’s MeetingOn October 14 after the late service there will be a Congregational Voter’s Meeting and Potluck to elect the following positions to the church Council: President and Vice President and the department heads of Day School, Evangelism, Building and Grounds, Elders, Parish Education, and Finance and Administration (Treasurer). Steve Lindgren is the Chairman of the Nomination Committee, if you or someone you know is interested in running for one of the positions listed above please contact Steve Lindgren, Luther Oberhaus, Norm Kendt, or Larry Ashley. |