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| December 2007 Newsletter |
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Greetings, in the Name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Hail Thee, Festival Day! The Advent and Christmas seasons are upon us! We have been immersed in Experiencing God since September, and now we are entering into a time that is familiar and steeped in tradition. By God’s design (not because we are such great planners) we will be completing the section of Experiencing God that addresses us individually on December 9, leaving us the three units which address us as a church to be completed in January. As we closed out the past Church Year on November 25, we noted that our prayer is that what we have studied and talked about together this fall will make this Christmas Season one of our most memorable. Why? Because our relationship with God through Christ by the power of His Holy Spirit has become deeper and more personally meaningful over the past many weeks. Perhaps Christmas has been more of a “joy to the world” experience … rather than a “joy” addressed by God specifically to you. But, that is our prayer … that this will be a “joy to you” Christmas. We pray also that as many of us have carved out some special time for our Experiencing God work in our daily routines … that that time will not just be suddenly filled up with holiday activities … but that those hours might still be a time for you and God to continue to grow in love for one another against the backdrop of this special season. From me and my family to you and yours, Blessed Christmas! Pastor Fausel Joy to ShareThere’s Much Joy to Share!It was a fantastic day! Recruitment Open House day I mean. A steady stream of students, both new and old, came through our building that afternoon. I was extremely proud of our presently enrolled students (Student Activity Leadership Team (S.A.L.T.) members) who served as tour guides and all our choirs, band, and hand bell groups who provided musical entertainment for our visitors. Our own school board members also served as guides for new families. At one point we had so many visitors we had to recruit additional students and parents to help us out, which they all did willingly. Smiles adorned all faces. And the bottom line – we welcomed 16 new families to our program, one of which has already submitted an application for 2007-08. Now that’s some joy to share! But that’s not all. On November 21 we held our annual “Thanksgiving Feast”. Numerous volunteers cooked over 120 lbs of turkey for us. The lunch room staff made the mashed potatoes and gravy and kept everything running smoothly, students from the upper grades helped set up and clean up afterwards, and families brought salad, vegetable, or desserts to share with all. My estimate was over 250 people in attendance as we gave thanks to God for all the blessings He showers upon us. Now that’s some joy to share! But that’s not all. As I write, a committee of parents is already actively working on plans for the annual “Taste of Our Savior”; Mr. Kamman and staff are preparing for the annual Christmas program; others are diligently coordinating the L.E.A.F Campaign; still others are leading basketball and thinking about that annual tournament at the end of January; and in the midst of it all, students are daily in God’s Word, daily growing in academics, daily learning how to live and play with others, daily experiencing quality Christian education with a personal touch.. Now that’s some joy to share! I cannot imagine how anyone who is involved at Our Savior Lutheran Church and School cannot find overwhelming joys to share and give thanks to God for abundant and overflowing blessings. May your Christmas season be filled with reasons to share the joy! In Him, 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:
Sunday School News for December Thank you to all the church members and families who participated in Operation Christmas Child. We will report on the number of boxes delivered in next month’s newsletter.SPECIAL THANKS to all the students who sang at the November18th service and to Mrs. Crespo who directed the group. It was enjoyed by all! CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM is scheduled for Dec. 16th at the 11 AM service. A practice for all Sunday School children will be held the morning of December 15th at 10 AM in the sanctuary. The children will be performing Las Posadas once again. Las Posadas translates to "lodgings", and is a traditional Advent/Christmas celebration in Latin America, particularly Mexico. It dates back more than 400 years to Spain. It is a reenactment of the story of Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem and their search for lodging. You won't want to miss this memorable service. Lutheran Education Annual Fund (LEAF)The Day School Board would like to thank all those who have donated towards LEAF. This campaign will run through the end of the fiscal year (6/30/2008). Your gift to support the education of the students at Our Savior is appreciated at any time.Men’s Ministry BreakfastPancake Breakfast2nd Saturday of the month Saturday, December 8, 8:00 - 9:30 am Empowered By God – Insights into the Life of Moses Led by Paul Nickel Join us and bring a friend! Entertainment Book 2008Entertainment Books for 2007-2008 are available from 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, Magdalena’s, Ferd Grisanti, Bootleg Bar-B-Q, Burger King, Steak & Shake, Baskin Robbins, Graeters, Sonics, and numerous local pizza establishments. For entertainment there are coupons for the Zoo, Holiday World, movie theaters, Frazier Historical and Speed Museum, Puzzle Dome, Champs, Iceland, Renaissance Park, bowling, golf, and many more.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 Monday, December 17, Dave Mehl and his trio will perform holiday selections for listening and to sing along. Share the holiday spirit with your church friends at the December luncheon program Book ClubWe will be taking December off and resuming in January with "Fahrenheit 451" by Ray Bradbury.Notes from the Music DirectorDear friends in Christ,December is prime time for teaching our children about all the signs and symbols that are important in our church. Though symbols and signs are a visual reminder to us, they often need a verbal explanation to help young ones understand. Here are some signs and symbols to talk about with your family: Light! – Now that our days are becoming shorter, we begin to long for sunlight and warmth. We begin to push back the shadows by lighting candles, laying fires on our hearths, decorating with sparkling lights and speaking through liturgy and song of a light shining in the darkness. These lights are a sign of the promise of God’s faithfulness. We also light the Advent wreath to count the weeks of the journey to Christmas (see Worship Notes). Signs of Faith – The Advent calendar is an excellent way for children to anticipate Advent. They often contain small symbols and signs to remind us of our Savior’s love. The Chrismon ornaments on some church trees are Christian symbols that remind us of the wonders and acts of God. A manger scene is an excellent tool for teaching the Christmas story. Environmental symbols – Discuss and learn about the symbols visible in our sanctuary. Search for symbols in on your bulletin, and in hymnals, Bibles, or other religious books. Explore the legends of the poinsettia, the evergreens, the holly, the yule log, and the Christmas tree. Open the doors of this visual richness for your children. Our task is to help our children be aware of the signs and symbols around us. These religious symbols might be overlooked unless they are revealed by a caring parent or grandparent. Let this December be a time of revelation as you share the wonderful world of sign and symbol with the children whose lives you touch. My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, 2 for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity. 3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Proverbs 3:1-4 Yours in Christ, Scott Kamman Our Savior Music “Notes”Advent and Christmas Services: Be sure to note and plan ahead for upcoming worship opportunities in Advent and Christmastide. Take time out of your busy schedules to come and worship Christ the newborn King! All Advent services are preceded by a light meal at 6:00 PM; services start at 7:00 PM. Special services and programs are as follows:December 4 Messiah Sing-a-long (7:30 PM) Answer to the November quiz: The hymn that implores, “O refresh us; O refresh us, Trav’ling through this wilderness” is “Lord, Dismiss Us with Your Blessing.” (LSB 924)December 5 Midweek Advent service December 12 Midweek Advent service December 16 Sunday School Christmas Program “Las Posadas” (11:00 AM) December 19 Midweek Advent service December 20 School Christmas Program “Holiday in Bethlehem” (7:00 PM) December 24 Christmas Eve Services 5:00 Family worship led by the Praise Team singers and instrumentalists 7:00 Service of Lessons and Carols led by the Adult Choir December 25 Christmas Day service (10:00 AM) December 31 New Year’s Eve service (7:00 PM) December quiz: Which hymn contains, “Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!”? Holiday in Bethlehem: Don’t procrastinate…plan ahead! All are invited to Our Savior Lutheran School’s Christmas Program on Thursday, December 20. Besides hearing beautiful holiday music from our school choirs, handbells, and band, we will also be presenting “Holiday in Bethlehem,” a musical performed by the 3-day preschool, Kindergarten, and grades 1 and 2. Come and worship Christ, the newborn King! 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 December, they will be learning the ancient hymn, “Oh, Come, Oh, Come, Emmanuel.” This hymn finds its origin in the medieval Roman Church of the twelfth century. It began as a series of antiphons – short statements sung at the beginning of the Psalm during the Advent season. Each of the antiphons greets the Savior with one of the many titles ascribed to Him in the Scriptures (Emmanuel, Wisdom, Lord of might, Rod of Jesse’s stem, Key of David, Dayspring, Desire of nations). Are these words special to you? The kids will be learning them. Hopefully, this hymn will be meaningful to them also. O come, O come, Emmanuel, And ransom captive Israel, That mourns in lonely exile here Until the Son of God appear. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel! O come, Thou Wisdom from on high, Who ord’rest all things mightily; To us the path of knowledge show, And teach us in her ways to go. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel! 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! Dec. 5 ~ Scott Kamman Dec. 12 ~ Grade 7 Dec. 19 ~ Pastor Fausel 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!” This Month’s Worship Notes:What is Advent about? It begins on the Sunday closest to Nov. 30 and lasts between 22 and 28 days, ending on Christmas Eve. Advent begins the Church Year and always includes four Sundays.Advent means “coming.” It is the season to look forward with hope as we prepare to celebrate Christ’s first “coming” at Christmas, and as we get ready for that future day when He will come again to rule the earth. The traditional color for Advent is royal purple or blue to symbolize Christ’s royalty, our penitence, and hope. The four candles represent each week of Advent, symbolizing hope, peace, love, and joy. Looking to get involved at Our Savior through music?Adult Handbell Choir meets on Thursday evenings, 6:30 PM in the Music Room.Adult Choir meets on Thursday evenings, 7:30 PM in the Music Room. Contemporary Worship Teams still graciously welcome any musician who is interested in using his or her talent to help us in our contemporary worship. Time commitment depends solely on you, as little or as much as you desire. We are in need of singers and instrumentalists. Practices usually are on Friday evening or Saturday morning. Combined Handbell Choir meets on Tuesday afternoons, 3:30 – 4:30 PM in the Music Room. (For grades 4 and up) Our Savior Lutheran School Band meets on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 8:00 – 8:45 AM. (For grades 3-6) ChristCare — We Need More LeadersRight now we are recruiting our next class of ChristCare Group Leaders. Our existing ChristCare Groups are continuing to meet. Also many of you have experienced the benefits of meeting in a small group environment through your participation in an Experiencing God Small Group. We pray that many of you would desire to continue participating in a small group. Because of this we anticipate needing more trained leaders to make more small groups possible.ChristCare Group Leaders play a crucial role in our congregation’s Christ Care Group Ministry, and we are looking for people whom God is calling to serve in this way. Because this is such a key position, they need to be people who are gifted in the areas of nurturing and leadership, and who are willing to commit to serve for a minimum of two years. What do ChristCare Group Leaders do? First, they complete ChristCare Group Leader Training, where they learn to facilitate, and nurture ChristCare Groups. They are commissioned by the congregation to serve as ChristCare Group Leaders. After being commissioned, they work to recruit members for their own ChristCare Groups. They begin meeting together regularly with a group of three to twelve people in order to grow in their relationships with Jesus Christ and with one another. During this time, they also meet with other ChristCare Group Leaders and ChristCare Equippers on a regular basis in SEA (Support, Encouragement, Accountability) Groups. To begin the process of becoming a ChristCare Group Leader, first, read Psalm 32:8 and pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Second, review our congregations “ChristCare Group Leader Job Description” available from Paul Nickel at 426-1130. Third, read Proverbs 19:20-21, seek the counsel of trusted Christian friends, and pray that the Lord will direct your path into the ministry God plans for you. Fourth, get an “Application to Serve as a ChristCare Group Leader” from Paul Nickel. Complete and return this application. Then, you will be contacted regarding your application. If you’ve never led a small group before and you’re afraid you might run into a problem with your group, that’s what SEA Groups are for. ChristCare Group Leaders and ChristCare Equippers meet twice monthly for ongoing support. During those meetings, you will have the opportunity to present any problems you are experiencing in your ChristCare Group; to get encouragement and feedback from other SEA Group members; and to search with them for the most effective ‘next step.” If you are looking for a ministry challenge in your life, leadership of a ChristCare Group is definitely what you’re looking for! The job of facilitating a group of three to twelve people with diverse needs, goals, struggles, and outlooks on life is always a healthy, do-able challenge. You will have the opportunity to get to know these people, to walk with them on their faith journey, and to provide a place where our congregation can care for and nurture them. Q: How will my role as a ChristCare Group Leader touch other’s lives? A: When you step forward as a ChristCare Group Leader, others will follow. They will want to learn what being in a ChristCare Group can mean. As a ChristCare Group leader, you will help group members live out Jesus’ Great Command (to love others) and Great Commission (to make disciples). Through personal contact with your ChristCare Group members and by equipping and encouraging them to reach out to others, you will help them accomplish what Jesus has told all Christians to do. Q: As a ChristCare Group Leader, will I have the opportunity to care for others, or will I be kept too busy with administrative details? A: Caring leadership is what being a ChristCare Group Leader is all about. As you lead your group and facilitate group meetings, you will learn about group members’ problems, needs, joys, and sorrows. By keeping in regular contact with each group member, you will stay attuned to how you and the group can best care for him or her. Q: Where can I get more information? A: If these questions lead you to ask other questions, please contact Charles or Marsha Puckett at 473-1691 or Paul Nickel at 426-1130 Widow’s GroupGreetings from the Widows Group,We are into the Advent time for the preparation to celebrate the birth of our Savior. The widows join me in wishing every one a blessed holiday. Remember ladies our Christmas gathering on December 21, on Friday, at the home of Emily Hayes. If you have any questions about our group please contact Emily Hayes or Lily Snook. Yours In Christ, Melitta (Lily) Snook Altar MinistryThe Altar Ministry will be decorating the church on Saturday, December 15 at 10 AM. We plan to go out to lunch after we are finished. Please contact Lois or Sue if you will be unable to attend.Increase Our Faith!To call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith.—Romans 1:5As we have be studying Experiencing God we have read and heard about one of the biggest mistakes that Christians make on a regular basis. We have read and heard that when the Lord gives us direction or instruction in a matter, instead of asking Him to strengthen our faith, we make excuses for why we will not obey. When I read this, it was like a light went on in my spirit. I suddenly began thinking of all the bad habits, faults, and weaknesses I could overcome, if I only began getting serious about praying for more faith. I thought about the passage in the Gospel of Luke, where Jesus tells His disciples: "If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. If he sins against you seven times a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, 'I repent,' forgive him." (Luke 17:3-4) And how do the disciples respond to the Master's instructions? "Increase our faith!" they declare. (Luke 17:5) Why did they ask the Lord for more faith? Because they knew that where their faith was at the time, there was no way they could live up to Jesus' words. They rightfully equated faith with obedient action. The apostle Paul made the same connection when he wrote about "the obedience that comes from faith." (Romans 1:5) For years, I've been confessing the apostle Paul's declaration of faith in Galatians 2:20: "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." But now that I've gotten a clearer revelation of the connection between faith and obedient action, this verse has a lot more meaning for me. Even though I knew that I had a new nature through my union with Christ in baptism, I still struggle with many of the bad habits that have plagued me much of my life. This was simply because I still had “old sinful nature” that wanted to have its own way. These days, when I confess this verse, I focus on the part that says that the only way I can live this life "in the body" is "by faith in the Son of God." This reminds me to ask the Lord to strengthen my faith, so that I can walk in greater obedience and faithfulness all the time. The Bible says that faith is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8), and that He has given each of us a "measure of faith." (Romans 12:3) We can cooperate with the Lord to increase our faith on a regular basis. First of all, we need to pray for ever-increasing faith that grows out of an ever-increasing relationship with Him. Another thing we can do is to feed on the Word of God regularly. Scripture says that faith comes from hearing the Word of God. (Romans 10:17) That means that every time we listen to preaching, or go to a Bible study, or even read the Scriptures, our faith has the potential to grow--if we are being attentive, and if we have an open heart. I have found that one of the most effective ways of boosting my faith is to hear myself speaking the Word of God. That's one reason why I make it a priority every day to read, study, memorize, and meditate on the Scriptures. A wise man once said, "If you have little knowledge of God and His Word, you will have little faith." The link between having a working knowledge of the Scriptures, and having great faith growing out of an intimate relationship with God, cannot be denied. When the apostle Peter heals a crippled man in the Book of Acts, he announces to everyone that this man's miraculous healing is a result of his faith in the name of Jesus, a faith that came from Christ Himself. (Acts 3:16) So when I need healing of mind, body or spirit, I often ask the Lord to give me the faith I need to meet my circumstances or opportunities. What obstacles could you overcome in your life, what opportunities could you meet and what God given assignments could you carry, if you just got serious about praying for the faith you need on a regular basis? May the disciples' plea be ours from this day forward--"Lord, increase our faith!" Lord, Your Word says that You are the "Author and Perfecter of our faith." (Hebrews 12:2) So I ask You to give me the faith I need to overcome the circumstances and meet the opportunities in my life. Teach me how to saturate myself with Your Word, so that I may partner with You in Your growing of my faith. Thank You for the victories and successes that will be mine as my faith in You abounds! In Christ, Paul Nickel Thank YouBrothers and sisters in Christ,We have been truly humbled by your many expressions of sympathy after the loss of our beloved Matthew. The outpouring of love and compassion was more than we could have ever anticipated. The reflection of God’s love that has been made so evident through each of you has been a blessing. Please accept our sincere appreciation and thanks. With grateful hearts, we praise God for our wonderful family at Our Savior. With love, The Trotter & Nelson Families Taste of Our SaviorThe 5th Annual Taste of Our Savior will be in March 8, 2008. This is our school's largest fundraiser and we couldn't make it happen without the help and support of MANY Our Savior families. Our auction committee is already at work and have begun collecting donations. If you have any contacts for donations or would like to help out in any way please contact Tracy Hannon. We still have a few positions to fill and welcome any comments or suggestions you might have for the auction.Stewardship – Today and Everyday!Our Savior certainly has had a lot going on in 2007, and 2008 appears to be even busier.EXPERIENCING GOD is going great to say the least with many, many participants. If you have not taken complete advantage of this program (and I can say that I have not since I have been out of town for most of the last 2 months), you can still opt in by picking up a workbook in the office. Pastor Fausel still has about 2 months to go with this, so pick up your workbook and catch up! How about that NEW PRE-SCHOOL AGE PROGRAM that Mr. Brieschke, our principal, has put in place? Using existing facilities, we are already FULL WITH A WAITING LIST – and they keep coming!! Want to see this in action? Call the school office and get with him for a real eye-opener. Hopefully, if our numbers hold up (and they certainly will do that), we now have a predicted 70% retention ratio FEEDING the Kindergarten of our wonderful school! Nationwide, parochial schools are struggling and merging to keep from closing altogether – NOT AT OUR SAVIOR! Why? STEWARDSHIP AT OUR SAVIOR IS AT AN ALL TIME HIGH & GROWING!!! Thank You -- Keep praying, working and stay involved. Several of you have asked – WHEN IS STEWARDSHIP MONTH? We have previously had our annual Stewardship drive in the fall of each year. Experiencing God will end after the first of the year (I might add, in presentation only and not in actual everyday PRACTICE of using what we will have learned to better do God's will) and Stewardship month will follow Experiencing God in the First Quarter of 2008. Your COUNCIL, under the very capable leadership of Jim Snyder is truly alive and well! Every department head is communicating well with the wonderful attitude of “One for All and All for One”! THANK YOU AGAIN for all that you do for your fellow members at Our Savior. The message has been received – Our Blessings are many and the fruits of our labor are truly showing! Peace, Larry |