Professing our Faith as Peacemakers
Greetings, in the Name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!
We as a congregation are about to embark on what could be called a second phase of Experiencing God.
This phase will have the ear-marks of Phase One, except it will be for only 6 weeks … running from September 13 through October 18. Still, it will include a 6-week sermon series and 6 weeks of combined Adult Bible Study on Sunday Mornings. Small groups are also part of the plan.
What will this be about? Like Phase One, this will be about practical spiritual growth … learning things from the teachings of the Bible that each of us, regardless of age or station in life, can put to use EVERY DAY.
What we are going to do is … based on the biblical understanding of the Priesthood of all Believers and the authority God has given each of us to announce His forgiveness of sins.
Forgive sins? Yes. When someone sins against you, you have been given the authority as a child of God to convey not only your own forgiveness, but God’s forgiveness as well. Perhaps the sweetest words we might say are, “I love you.” But a close second is the words, “I forgive you.”
And so, this second Phase of Experiencing God is going to be about learning how to live our lives as Peacemakers. That means we will be learning about how to deal with conflict wherever it might arise: in church, at home, on the job. And to deal with it in such a way that what we do gives glory to God.
We’ve sung that song, “They’ll know We are Christians by Our Love.” But actually, the truly distinctive virtue of Christians in this world is not so much LOVE, as it is the God-given ability to FORGIVE.
I am Real Excited about this second phase of Experiencing God!! If you think the first phase made a difference in your life and in the life of our church, wait until you see what happens after we finish the second!
In Him,
Pastor Fausel
Imitating God… Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. –Ephesians 5:1
There’s an old comedy routine that I heard years ago. And in this routine, the comedian is talking about what it’s like to be a parent. He then goes on to talk about how you have to be so careful when you say anything because if your child hears you, there’s a good chance that they might be repeating it later. As this comedian goes on with his routine he describes a situation where he was driving and some person cut him off. To which he responded by using some colorful words. Right after he said that, he heard form the back seat that same language repeated.
Now hopefully, this hasn’t happened to you. But it begs the question, “When we are out and about, how much of what we do and say are other people repeating and or associating with Christianity?” Some times it can be a hard pill to swallow but in a sense we really are our brothers keeper. This is why God calls us to be imitators of Him … when we are home and when we are out and about.
It’s a fairly safe assumption that we will fail in our attempts to be imitators of Him from time to time. However, that’s why His forgiveness is so great. It’s through His forgiveness that He enables us to get back up and try again.
May God continue to bless your walk with Him.
-Pastor Adam Kuder
J-Walking Now Legal in School That’s correct! When the new school year begins, our faculty and staff will be encouraging all students to be “J-Walkers”. That stands for “Jesus Walkers”. Under the banner of Isaiah 2: 3b, 5 our theme for the 2009-10 school year is to “…walk in His paths” and “…walk in the light of the Lord”. We look forward to helping all 200+ students grow in this theme as the year develops.
You read that correctly…As of this writing there are 200 students enrolled in school for this year. We still have a week to go before school begins and have people visiting and calling daily seeking information. Who knows how many God will send our way before all is said and done. What a privilege it will be for our faculty and staff to share God’s love and grace with these students.
Speaking of faculty, we are pleased that all are returning for the 2009-10 school year. This will allow for real consistency and cohesiveness as we work together in this important ministry of Our Savior Lutheran Church.
I’d like to take this opportunity to invite all to “Come & See” school in action whenever you might be in the building. By September 1 we should have SMARTBoards in all classrooms, including the preschool and music room. If you have not seen our teachers use this amazing technology, make it a point to come in and watch how education has changed.
We continue to give thanks to God for this ministry and ask His presence be evident among us.
In Christ,
Martin A. Brieschke
Youth Activities September 12th – Sr. High Movie Night @ the Kuder’s
September 13th – Sunday morning Ice Cream Fundraiser
September 13th – c&t 6-9 @ the Kuder’s
September 20th – Sr. High A.B.S. right after late service
October – Jr. High, Sr. High, and c&t trip out to the “Wickland Corn Maze” (drivers needed)
Trunk or Treat: Our October Fun and Fellowship Night
October 24, 2009
Our First Annual Trunk or Treat! Good food and fun for all.
Kids and families, come in your best costume and trick or treat at church with people you know and trust.
Church and school families, park your vehicle in the church parking lot and hand out goodies to the costumed visitors. Decorated vehicles will be judged for prizes.
Sign-up for parking spaces will be in September. Watch for it! Also, watch for more details coming up in the October newsletter and the Panther Tale.
Facebook event page for Trunk or Treat.
Our Savior Adult Choir Open House
When? Thursday, September 3
What is it? Our first rehearsal with singing, fellowship, refreshments and a few great jokes from our director.
When are rehearsals? Every Thursday evening from 7:30 to 8:45 PM
Where? In the music room next to the school lobby.
Who may come? Anyone, high school age or older, who loves to sing 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 our director, Scott Kamman.
Holy Halitosis? Your staff has been involved in a study about what it truly means to live the lifestyle of a peacemaker, in preparation for the congregational emphasis on developing a culture/lifestyle of peacemaking both individual but also as a church. For the next two months both in my newsletter article and my weekly devotion that accompanies the email prayer chain, I am going to quote passages from the book “The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict” by Ken Sande that have stuck in my mind and provide food for continued thought. It is those thoughts that will be shared with you.
And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit." - John 20.22
“Peacemakers are people who breathe grace. They draw continually on the goodness and power of Jesus Christ, and then they bring his love, mercy, forgiveness, strength, and wisdom to the conflicts of daily life. God delights to breathe his grace through peacemakers and use them to dissipate anger, improve understanding, promote justice, and encourage repentance and reconciliation.” [Taken from The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict, by Ken Sande, Updated Edition (Grand Rapids, Baker Books, 2003) p. 11]
Food for Thought When it comes to the believer's breath on others, it's usually one of two aromas -- life or death. What does your breath smell like?
Have you ever been around someone with halitosis (bad breath)? Unless you have the patience of Job, most of us back up a little and suddenly remember an urgent appointment. Those with Job's fortitude stick it out, digging around in their pockets for a mint. Now consider the phrase, holy halitosis. Have you ever been around someone with that? Everything from their denominational wardrobe to their Christian reading list screams HOLINESS. But when they open their mouths, it's anything but grace they breathe; in fact, it's usually some variation on the theme of condemnation.
Halitosis, of the natural kind, is usually connected in some way to what we're taking in. A steady diet of onions or feta cheese and voila! -- bad breath. A similar principle applies to the spiritual realm. As Ken writes, we must draw continually on the goodness and power of Jesus Christ. Drawing in, or breathing in, Christ's goodness fills our spiritual lungs with the breath of Holy Spirit filled, lifesaving grace. Then our tanks are full, so to speak, to breathe out that same grace on and in the lives of others.
We're as much peacebreathers as we are peacemakers. There's a rhythm there as ancient as creation itself. Inhale and exhale. Breathe in and breathe out. Grace in and grace out. Do a little spiritual diagnosis on yourself, first, and then on others around you. If you find that you rarely breathe grace, it's a red flag that you're not taking any in. The same goes for people around you. The only difference is that if it's you, then some time feasting on the riches of God's grace is in order. Take. Eat. If it's your neighbor, then you may be the vessel that God wants to use to bring grace and peace to a troubled soul, marriage, or household. Breathe on us, breath of God!
Notes from the Music Director
Dear friends in Christ,
“Do it again! Do it again!” I hear these words from my daughter Leah very frequently. Like most children, she shouts 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!
“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. For any of the offerings, please contact Scott Kamman. Here are our musical offerings:
Our Savior Adult Choir will be starting up again on Thursday, September 3 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! If you are unable to commit singing regularly there are opportunities to sing for special times, such as Christmas, Easter, or Passion Week.
Contemporary Worship Teams still graciously welcome any musician who is interested in using his or her talent to help us in our contemporary worship. We are in special need of vocalists, wind instrumentalists, and guitar players! Schedules for worship teams will be drawn up in August for the fall. Time commitment depends solely on you, as little or as much as you desire.
Our Savior Lutheran School Band will be starting up this fall for our school children in grades 3 and above. Look for more information in upcoming Panther Tales and school mailings.
Adult Handbell Choir will be starting up on Thursday, September 10. 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. We need you this fall!!
Children’s 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 8, 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. Watch for information in the school’s Panther Tale.
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!
Sep. 2 - Pastor Fausel
Sep. 9 - DCE Paul Nickel
Sep. 16 - Scott Kamman
Sep. 23 - 8th grade class
Answer to the August quiz: The hymn encourages us to “follow His example pure” is “Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus.”
September quiz: Which hymn encourages us to “Lift high his royal banner; It must not suffer loss”?
Song of the month: The children in our dayschool learn a special hymn or song of the month as part of their worship and religion class experience. For the months of August and September, they will be learning and singing the song, “Walk Like Jesus,” written by Mary Rice Hopkins.
Chorus: I want to walk walk like Jesus;
I want to go wherever He goes.
I want to walk walk like Jesus,
For I know He loves me so.
Verse: If I walk in Jesus' love,
I will share His love with you.
I'll be your friend, even when
Love's so hard to do.
Bridge: I'll be His voice.
I'll be His feet.
I'll be His hands
To everyone I meet.
Walking and talking
And loving like Him;
I'll be His feet wherever I am.
© 1988 Big Steps 4 U
(Admin. by Music Services) CCLI #841158.
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.)
Instrumentalists are always welcome to participate in worship, either by assisting in the accompanying of the hymns or playing special music for the worship service.
Wanted: Guitar players! Fret masters -- if you are out there, know that we are still in need of volunteers to help us out at our contemporary worship services. If you would like to play on a regular basis. Time commitment depends solely on you, as little or as much as you desire.
This Month’s Worship Notes Q: My child is in confirmation class. Why are these students sometimes called “catechumen”?
A: A catechumen is a “learner,” one who is being instructed in the Christian faith. The word comes from the Greek and means “to echo” or “sound in the ear.” Catechumens were traditionally taught through question and answer, with the answer echoing back what was first taught.
Thrivent - Take a Fresh Look at your Finances
September is a time of change. Vacation ends and kids return to school, making it an ideal time to examine your finances.
Experts recommend reviewing your finances at least once a year. Here’s how:
Identify your goals. What are your short- and long-term financial goals? Have you made progress toward them this past year? If not, where have you fallen short? Have your goals changed? If so, write down your new goals.
Evaluate life changes. Events such as getting married, having a baby or getting a new job can have a big impact on your finances. Plan ahead to make the transition smoother.
Protect your assets. Review your health, auto and life insurance to ensure you have adequate coverage. And don’t forget long-term disability insurance, which protects your most valuable asset—your earning ability.
Evaluate your investments. Calculate the return on each of your stocks, bonds and mutual funds. Are you satisfied with their performance? Are your assets diversified? Are you taking an appropriate amount of risk based on your age and financial circumstances?
Review your retirement plans. Are you contributing the maximum to your employer’s 401(k) plan or an IRA? If not, start today.
Prepare for the unexpected. Review your will. Does it still reflect your desires? If not, now’s an ideal time to update it. Do you have enough in an emergency savings account?
For financial guidance, contact Robert L. Ranzau, FIC at 502 403-1097 or
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today, or visit thrivent.com.. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is a fortune 500 financial services membership organization helping nearly 3 million members achieve their financial goals and give back to their communities. This column was prepared by Thrivent Financial's Media Relations Department for use by this representative.
Golden Oldies Join us on Monday, September 21, for our Kick-Off POTLUCK meal at 12 PM, as we resume the monthly activities of the Golden Oldies. Our guest speaker for the event will be Chaplain Ken Baehm, from the Backside Ministry. Everyone needs to bring a dish to share with at least 8 other people. Please join us.
Creation Museum Trip Open to All
The sign-up sheet for the Golden Oldies sponsored trip to the Creation Museum on Monday October 19th is posted on the bulletin board. This event is also open to congregation members and friends until the bus is full. Cost of the trip including bus and admission is:
Seniors (60+) $30
Adults 34
Children (5-12) 26
Make checks payable to Our Savior Golden Oldies and put them in the Sunday collection plate or give them to our treasurer, John Moore. We must pay for the bus a month in advance so we need payment by Sept. 13th. On Sept. 19th be at church at 8:15 AM. for an 8:30 AM. departure. The bus will return to church at approximately 4:30 PM.
A typical day at the museum includes ‘A Walk through History Canyon’, a Lecture and a Special Effects Theater Show. Weather permitting; there is a Botanical Garden and a Petting Zoo. There are two choices for lunch right in the museum. Any questions call Sue Kendt.
Widow’s Ministry Dear Sisters in Christ,
We enjoyed our meal at the Bristol in Jeffersonville, Indiana and had a good view of the Ohio River, despite the muddy waters. We continue to keep the flood victims in our prayers.
The ringing of church bells, calls us to God’s house and a time to be in His presence. There is nothing in the world as the love of Christ and treasuring the gift of Jesus Christ in our daily lives. Rejoice in Him and share His love with one another and those who do not yet know Him.
Our next lunch is scheduled for Corbett’s will be September 11, (as September 4, is part of Labor day), Please plan to join us.
Yours In Christ, Lily
EACM News EACM is serving about 300 families a month with food assistance and 25 families with financial assistance. All the offices and programs are now being coordinated from John Knox Presbyterian Church. On September 26, at 10 AM they will be having a dedication service and an Open House for anyone who would like to visit their new home. There will be inflatables outside for the children, with lemonade and popcorn.
Watch for our Thanksgiving Baskets coming up in November and the Angel Tree at the end of November and early December.
Entertainment Books Entertainment books are available now for purchase ($20 each) in the church office. They have some great coupons for many local restaurants; including TGI Friday’s, Fox and Hound, The Melting Pot, Buca di Beppo, CiCi’s, Domminos, Bearno’s Pizzas, Angio’s Italian, Goose Creek Dinner, Furlongs, Hardees, Arby’s, Burger King, Sonic, White Castle, Subway, Cold Stone Creamery, Cinnabon, Graeters, Subway, Steak ‘n’ Shake, and many more. Also, Dicks Sporting Goods, car rentals, movie rentals, hotel accommodations, The Paint Spot, golf courses, Dunkin Donuts, Breadworks, Dooley’s Great Harvest, My Favorite Muffin, Baskin Robins, and many, many more.
ChristCare Groups JON (Jahnke/Oberhaus/Next)
Focus: Anyone needing Christ’s love in their life (Couples or singles)
Leaders: Ginny Jahnke/Luther Oberhaus
C2P2—ChristCare’s Proud Parents
Focus: Parents of Elem./Middle School Children
Leader: Scott Kamman
Meets: 1st Friday & 3rd Sunday at 6 PM, monthly
YTK
Focus: Young Families
Leaders: David & Leah Robison
Meets: Every other Friday at 7 PM
Soul Food
Focus: Anyone interested in in-depth Bible Study
Leaders: Mark & Pat Otten
A Mother’s Heart
Focus: Women with children away at college
Leader: Ginny Cunningham
Seniors Sharing Our Faith
Focus: All Seniors
Leader: Norm Kendt
Prayer Partners
Leader: Sheila Hildebrandt
Meets: Every Tuesday, at 4 PM
Single Seniors for Women
Leader: Emily Hayes
Meets: 3rd Wednesday of month at 3:30 PM
If you are interested in joining one of these ChristCare groups please contact the individual leaders or Paul Nickel.
Men’s Ministry Breakfast
Saturday, September 12 at 8 AM until 9:30 AM. Join us for Bible study and breakfast.
Fall Women’s Retreat at Camp Lakeview Ladies, once again, Lakeview is offering a fantastic Women’s Retreat on October 9-11, with special guest speaker Jan Burnette. Her topic for the weekend will be Beside Still Waters, based on Psalm 23. A list is on the bulletin board for those who would like to carpool. To register or for more information contact them at 1-812-342-4815 or on-line at
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. Registration forms are also located on the Women’s Ministry Bulletin board in the church lobby.
Stewardship “Every Member is called to Ministry”
I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something; and what I should do and can do, by the Grace of God, I will do. I am, you are and we are OUR SAVIOR.
Peace, Larry Ashley
Baby Bottle Boomerang Results A special thank you again goes out to the children of VBS, The Kamman’s ChristCare group, and those who donated in this fundraising project. Our total was $1014, which will help support the needs of the newborns at the Pregnancy Resource Center.
Women’s Ministry Project for September 2009 During September we will be partnering with Southeast Christian Church’s Women’s Ministry to gather old sheets and table cloths. These will be used by a SCC group to make sheets for six Ukrainian orphanages (1,600 orphans).
We will also collect pillow cases and sewing trim to be used by one sewing ministry to make dresses for girls in Africa (littledressesforafrica.org) and colorful cottons are used by another ministry to make sundresses for girls in Haiti.
Items needed:
- Sheets. Any size, flat or fitted.
- Pillow cases, any size.
- Thread in assorted colors.
- Double wide or extra wide bias tape, any color.
- ¼” - ½” elastic
- Simple laces or other embellishments for Haiti dresses.
- Cotton or quilting material; bright colors for Haiti dresses.
Mission teams from different churches around town have helped to deliver thousands of finished items. No supplies received are ever wasted. This is your chance to do missionary work without leaving town. Contact Ginny Adams or Barbara Haller for more information.
Note: They do not use all white sheets, or dark colors or jersey or satin sheets. They do not use pillow shams .The sewing ministries use sheets that are cotton or cotton blends, including flannel. Bring pastels, and light or bright colored prints, including Disney and character prints.
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