October 2009 Newsletter

Entertaining Strangers

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

By the Lord’s grace, Our Savior is blessed each week with a number of guests and visitors who make the decision and the effort to come and worship with us.

Not all of our guests are relatives from out of town of our members.   Right now, particularly, there is a number of Louisville people with Lutheran backgrounds going around checking out churches.   And we have seen many in worship at both of our services.

Why that activity right now?   Recently the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church of America) approved the ordination of homosexual pastoral candidates.  For many traditional Lutherans in the ELCA, this was one step too far.  Many of these Lutherans are now considering leaving the congregation that may have been their family’s home church for generations.  

For those who feel that their church has lost its moorings we can only pray that they can find peace and a home somewhere else within the family of Christ.   For Lutherans in such straits, we might pray that they might find that home within our denomination, perhaps even here at Our Savior.

And on that score I feel some praise is in order.  Sometimes I see a few unfamiliar faces at the altar, and I wonder if they are somehow related to the members standing at communion with them.  (Sometimes there is a real family resemblance!)
But recently, as I’ve been greeting people after a service, members have been bringing visitors to me saying, “Pastor I want you to meet these people I’ve just met who are visiting with us today!”  And then they introduce the visitors to me.  Praise the Lord!!   That’s God’s Spirit at work!

What a blessing it must be for those guests to feel so cared for, that our members would take the time not just to say “Hi,” but ask their names and introduce them to others including the pastors.  I hope and pray that our local “church shoppers” might find that kind of welcome from us.  And I pray that God’s Spirit would continue to work in you as He has!

In Him,
Pastor Fausel

Faith and 3 Nails

A while back I was talking to a friend in another state and she were complaining about some person who had given her a hard time about her faith.  She informed me that towards the end of her conversation, this person said to her, “You’re just so pious all the time.”  To which I asked her, “Did you thank them?”

It seems too often today that much of society wants to take certain words and turn their definitions totally around.  Making these certain words appear to have negative connotations instead.  Now this may sound like a fairly small deal but quite often, it’s the small things that have the most profound effect, whether for good or for evil.  Just look what three nails did for us.

May God continue to bless your walk with Him.

Pastor Adam Kuder

pi·ous adjective: 1. Having or exhibiting religious reverence; earnestly compliant in the observance of religion; devout.

What’s Happening at School

Several major activities involving school families are scheduled this month.  First of all, we invite all school and congregational families to attend our annual Fall Festival on Saturday, October 10, from 12-4 PM. The day will include food, fellowship, games, crafts, and fun for all ages.

The month ends with our annual Book Fair which begins on Wednesday, October 21 and runs through Friday, October 23.  The books will be on display in the gymnasium during the hours our teachers are meeting with parents for their end of the first quarter conferences;  Wednesday afternoon from 3:30-8:30, Thursday from 12 – 8:30 PM, and Friday from 9 AM until Noon.  All are welcome to visit and purchase from the fair.  Proceeds are used to enhance our library collection.

On Monday and Tuesday, October 26 & 27, our faculty will be traveling to Indianapolis to join with the other teachers in the Indiana District for our annual Teachers’ Conference.  Teachers will be choosing from over 50 sectionals for presentations that will improve their classroom and our school as a whole.  One of the great joys of these conferences is the worship time when over 600 professional church workers join together to celebrate God’s great love for us.  Those worship times together help encourage us as we bring that same message to our classrooms each day.  

It’s not too early to begin telling your friends and neighbors about our annual recruitment Open House scheduled for Sunday, November 15, from 2-4 PM.  It has certainly been evident to me that many have been inviting others to learn about our school.  This  ”word-of-mouth” advertising is still the best way we have of recruiting new students to this outstanding Christian Educational Ministry.

A special congratulation goes out to Mrs. Karen Tate, Computer and Spanish teacher, who has successfully completed her colloquy and earned a Lutheran Teacher’s Diploma.  This is a very special accomplishment and worthy of much praise.  “Well done, Mrs. Tate!”

In Christ,
Martin A. Brieschke

Shaken, Not Stirred

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14.27

Through Jesus you can also experience genuine peace within yourself.  Internal peace is a sense of wholeness, contentment, tranquility, order, rest, and security.  Although nearly everyone longs for this kind of peace, it eludes most people.  Genuine internal peace cannot be directly obtained through our own efforts; it is a gift that God gives only to those who believe in his Son and obey his commands (I John 3:21-24).  In other words, internal peace is a by-product of righteousness....

Taken from The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict
by Ken Sande, Updated Edition (Grand Rapids, Baker Books, 2003) p. 46

Food for Thought

When it comes to peace, whose definition are you using?

The world defines peace as the absence of conflict.  No more war, no more injustice, no more -- you fill in the blank.  Jesus defines peace as the presence of the Comforter, right in the middle of wars and rumors of wars.  Remember? His peace is not as the world gives/defines.

As Jesus speaks to his disciples in John 14, notice his target:  "Do not let your hearts..." He is speaking about their internals, if you will.  Ken's emphasis in this passage from The Peacemaker is also on an internal peace, not necessarily an external one.  Miss that difference and you miss an important peace.

Jesus' desire is that those hearts not be troubled.  A little investigation into that word troubled and you'll find that one of the primary meanings is to be stirred. Imagine a huge pitcher of sugar-induced, southern iced tea.  Now picture mama's hand coming up with a long wooden spoon, sticking it down in the middle of that pitcher, and swirling it around.  That's the image here.  Jesus does not want their hearts to be stirred, as in something coming in and stirring them internally.

Jesus was well aware of what was to come, and he was trying to relay that to his friends.  Phrases like, "the world will not see me anymore," "the world will hate you," and "anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God," no doubt shook the disciples.  It wasn't just about to get hot in the kitchen; the whole house was about to burn down.  The peace that Jesus was giving to his disciples was internal, not external.  He wasn't trying to keep them from being shaken, but rather from being stirred.  "My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one." (John 17.15). Placing our trust in him and his goodness and his righteousness allows us to "keep on keepin' on" even when the earth's foundations are shaking.

In Christ,
Paul Nickel

Family Devotions. . .

Dear friends in Christ,

When I was young, my family, though active in their church and Sunday School, didn’t have a regular family devotion time at home. We tried several times, but it never turned into a regular habit. When Becky and I started our own family, we decided that having a devotion time was something we needed to start. We began having regular evening devotions at supper time, reading from a simple child’s devotional book called “Little Visits with God,” put out by CPH.

Each story is told from the Bible, paraphrasing just enough to make it easy for a young child to understand, while still being true to many of the words and all the meaning in the real Bible. At the end of each short story is a short list of questions. We often try to memorize the Bible verse after the devotion.  As our girls have gotten older, we have also occasionally added the Sunday School periodical, “My Devotions” into the mix, although it is more applicable to Hannah’s age.

After we read and discuss the Scripture and lesson, I close in prayer and we have dessert. We sometimes will sing a familiar song that is applicable to the lesson, (especially if it is one their music teacher is teaching them!)

What began as something that felt awkward now feels like the most natural thing in the world.  And if I forget, I am quickly reminded, “Umm, Daddy….devotions?”  

Family devotions. Just do ‘em! Once they become a habit, you’ll discover they are some of the most precious memories in the world to plant in your children’s hearts.

Hope to see you in worship!

Scott Kamman

Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.  Proverbs 22:6

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
  Psalm 119:105

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
Matthew 19:14

My son, keep my words and store up my commands within you.  Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye.  Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart.
  Proverbs 7:1-3

Lutheran Witness Subscriptions

If you would like to order a subscription for the 2010 Lutheran Witness, please submit a completed form along with payment to the church office.  The deadline is October 26.  Forms are located on the church bulletin board.

Youth Activities--Dates and Events to Remember

October  4:  Jr. High time - right after late service until  2PM
October 11:  c & t 6-9 P.M at the Kuder’s
October 18: Sr. High A.B.S. right after late service until 4 PM
October 24: Jr. High, Sr. High, and c & t trip out to the “Corn Stalk  Maze” (drivers needed) - meet at church at 6 PM
Coming in November on the  6-8: Sr. High Retreat

Portals of Prayer

Portals of Prayer is a Lutheran personal and family daily devotional book. Beginning this Quarter (Oct-Dec), a special thank you to a generous member who has provided copies of Portals of Prayer for members of the congregation.  Please only take one per family so that every family may have a copy if they desire. They are available in the church lobby and in the narthex. If you cannot locate a copy, please contact the church office.  

Adult Bible Study  

Sunday Mornings, after October 25th

Pastor’s “Peacemakers” Bible Class and Sermon Series will be ending on Sunday, October 25.  RALLY DAY #2 will take place in the sanctuary on November 1, during the Sunday school/Bible class hour. This will be a time not only for children but for all adults as well, to celebrate and praise for the opportunities for young and old to grow in our faith through the study of God’s Word. It will also be a time when adults will be presented with information about the classes that will be available on Sunday mornings beginning November 8th and you can meet and talk with those who will be leading those classes. More information in November’s newsletter.

Golden Oldies  Creation Museum  Trip  (Open to All)

Golden Oldies sponsored trip to the Creation Museum is on Monday, October 19. If you have signed up, meet at church at 8:15 AM, to check-in and load the bus.  We will return to church at 4:30 PM.  There are still a few spaces available on the bus so contact Sue Kendt, 254-1612, if you are interested.  Cost is $30 for age 60+ and $34 for adults.  

Music Notes

Our Savior’s Fall Music Program has begun, but it is not too late to get involved!  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.  Talk to Scott Kamman about any of the opportunities at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . Here are our musical offerings:

Our Savior 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!  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 or singer who is interested in using his or her talent to help us in our contemporary worship. We are in special need of guitar players! 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.

Adult Handbell Choir is meeting on Thursday evenings at 6:30 PM before 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 could use you!!  

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. We are practicing after school from 3:30 - 4:30 PM in the music room, with beginners meeting on Wednesdays and returning advanced ringers on Tuesdays.

Our Savior Lutheran School Band is for our school children in grades 3 and above.  Inquire in the school office for more information.

Answer to the September quiz:  The hymn encourages us to “Lift high his royal banner; It must not suffer loss” is “Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus.”

October quiz:  Which hymn includes this prayer:  “Give us lips to sing Thy glory, tongues Thy mercy to proclaim, throats that shout the hope that fills us, mouths to speak Thy holy name”?

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, talk to Scott Kamman (426-1130).  Time commitment depends solely on you, as little or as much as you desire.  We need you!

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!

Oct.   7 - Grades 1 & 4
Oct. 14 - Mr. Brieschke
Oct. 21 - Grade 7
Oct. 28 - Pastor Fausel

This Month’s Worship Notes   

Q: Look at the stained glass window hanging in the upstairs elevator lobby.  What is the significance of Luther’s Coat of Arms?
A:  Luther’s Coat of Arms is a cross within a heart, resting on a rose representing Christ, surrounded by a gold circle.  The cross in the heart signifies that faith in Christ crucified within our heart saves us.  The heart is on a white rose to show that faith gives peace and joy.  The rose is on a sky-blue background to show that our joy now is a small taste of the future joy of heaven.  The gold circle indicates that joy in heaven is endless and more precious than gold.

Sunday School Information

Thank you for an awesome Rally Day and a successful Sunday School! We are off to a great start and I am so thrilled for this year!  We are continuing to J-walk through the fall as we learn what is means for us to walk like Jesus. We have so many exciting things happening with Our Savior Sunday School; come join us so you don’t miss out!  Classrooms are in competition for a Breakfast party!  Earn points for your class just be attending Sunday School weekly and if you bring a friend, offering, catch someone-J-walking you earn additional points.  

We are raising funds, with OSLS Chapel, to buy a bike for two pastors in Africa.  Some African pastors have to cover areas the size of Rhode Island, using only dirt roads or foot paths, spending many hours walking for days from home.  With a bike, he can cover more ground and spread the Good News of Jesus even faster! Offering envelopes are available from your teacher; remember to take them home and to bring them back with a little something extra.  

October 7:  Sunday School Teachers: Next Sunday School Teachers Meeting is October 7 at 7 PM.  All teachers, substitutes, and helpers are encouraged to attend.

November 1:  Rally Day 2:  Everyone (children &adults) are invited to join us as we learn of the Bible Studies that will begin.

Operation Christmas Child:  Start saving your shoeboxes today, as we begin to gather items for the boxes.  Watch for information in the weekly announcements and in next month’s newsletter.

Children’s Christmas Program:  If anyone is interested in helping out with the Christmas Sunday School program, please contact Liz Nickel, 415-6838.

Helping a Soldier in Afghanistan

The church office has received names and addresses of several soldiers who are fighting in Afghanistan who do not receive mail or care-packages. If you would like to receive a name with which to correspond or send a care package, please contact the church office. This is a great outreach ministry for children to participate.  

Men’s Ministry Breakfast

There will not be a Bible Study and breakfast this month due to the retreat.

Entertainment Books

Entertainment books are available for $20 each, in the church office.  They have some great coupons for many local restaurants; businesses and family activities.

Dining Out Together (DOT)

On October 17, the group will be gathering at Bruce’s Smokehouse Ball Park Grill, located at 10317 Watterson Trail. The group grows each month and what is missing is you.  Please join us for the food, fun, and the fellowship.

Expired Drug Toss

On October 9 from 10 AM to 2 PM, community agencies will collect expired medications, at Middletown Christian Church, 500 North Watterson Trail, 40243.  Please place all tablets and capsules (over- the-counter or prescription) into a large plastic bag and then place bottled liquids, tubes or vials of medication into another zip-lock bag.   REMEMBER to mark out any personal information on the bottles.  By dropping off your medications in this manner you are protecting our drinking and ground waters.  Tossing medications into the trash or into the toilet, creates drinking and ground water contamination.  Expired medications DO NOT manage your health condition for which they were prescribed and can harm you.  Please take time to review your medications and collect those you no longer use and those which are expired.  NO SHARPS will be accepted.

Circuit Reformation Service  

The annual Kentuckiana Circuit Reformation service this fall will be held at Grace Lutheran, New Albany, IN, on Sunday, October 25.  The guest preacher will be Dr. Kenneth Klaus, Lutheran Hour speaker.  Pastor Klaus has 28 years experience as a parish pastor. Before taking the Speaker's microphone, he was administrative pastor of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Dallas, Texas. He served the International Lutheran Laymen's League (the same organization as Lutheran Hour Ministries) as its pastoral advisor from 1996 to 2000. We will be having a combined choir that afternoon.  Choirs from sister churches in our circuit are being asked to come and sing.  Watch the bulletin announcements for information about the choir’s rehearsal time.  All Our Savior singers are invited to come and sing with us.  See Scott Kamman if you’d like to participate.

ChristCare Training and Groups

Our current class of ChristCare Leader trainees will be completing their training on October 20. Sherri Trotter, Chris Francik and Caron Fausel will be commissioned into their new ministry positions on Sunday, November 8. Along with their commissioning, current Leaders and Equippers will be rededicated into their ongoing ministries in ChristCare. This will be a time to thank and praise and celebrate what God has been accomplishing in and through our ChristCare Groups. That means some new ChristCare groups will begin forming during the beginning of November. If you are interested in becoming a part of a Christ Care Group contact a group leader or Charles or Marsha Puckett, 473-1691.

All of our ChristCare Groups will be participating this fall and winter in a follow up study to the sermon series and Bible class that Pastor Fausel has been conducting. Blessed Are The Peacemakers is a six-session Biblical Equipping study that reviews the basic teachings of Scripture regarding peacemaking. With the Gospel clearly articulated in each lesson, this study is written from a distinctly Lutheran perspective. This small group study will reinforce concepts Pastor Fausel has introduced and expand our understanding of what it means to live a peacemakers lifestyle. This study will also be offered on Sunday mornings for people who are not currently participating in a ChristCare Group.

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.

Fall Women’s Retreat

Ladies, Camp 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, 1-812-342-4815 or on-line at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . Registration forms are also located on the Women’s Bulletin board.

Blood Drive

Be a donor at our BLOOD DRIVE on Wednesday, October 7, from 1:30 - 6:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall, with walk-ins welcome.  The Red Cross has given us a goal of 25 units.  School parents who donate may vote for the grade that their child attends.  The grade generating the most units will be awarded an ice cream treat.  One unit benefits three (3) different individuals, so your life-saving gift is important.  Help make this drive a success!

Fall Festival

Saturday, October 10 from 12-4 PM

The day will include food, fellowship, games, crafts, and fun for all ages.  Advance tickets will be on sale at 5 tickets for a $1 and at the door 4 tickets for a $1.  Watch for additional information in the announcements and Panther Tales. Proceeds will benefit the school.

EACM News

During the month of October the food collections will be taken to our sister congregation, Redeemer.  All non-perishable food items and daily toiletry and household items are needed.  During the month of August they served a total of 301 people, which was a record.  WINTER COATS and winter clothing (gloves, hats, scarves, mittens, boots, etc. WILL ALSO BE COLLECTED - new or gently used.  Deadline for coats to be collected is NOVEMBER 15. There will be a box in the Fellowship Hall for the coats.

Coming Soon THANKSGIVING BASKETS: Watch the Sunday announcements and in the church lobby for the baskets.  Lists will also be available for the items needed for the baskets.  If you prefer, you may also submit a check, made out to NVP for Thanksgiving Baskets, then someone will shop for you.  Last year we gathered 30 baskets.

ANGEL TREE:  In November we will also begin collecting for the Angel Tree.  Donations include clothing (tops, shirts, pants, underwear, socks, etc.) for children and adults, personal items (wallets, purses etc.), bath and bed linens, toys and other items that will brighten the Christmas of those less fortunate.  The need is greater this year that ever before.  Please consider making a donation.  

Men’s Retreat

Find Yourself and God’s Glory in Nature!

October 16-17 (Friday-Saturday) at the Lose’s Farm.  Contact Paul Nickel for a map.  Sign up outside of Paul Nickel’s Office.  We will meet at church on Friday at 4 PM and carpool. The cost is $20 for the three meals.  Please bring your Pillow, Sleeping Bags, Bibles, Flashlights, & Bug Repellent.

Join us for a day and a half of hiking, campfires, good food and self-exploration. Revel in the Lord’s Creation!

Thrivent Financial

I see it every day. A person who has never needed financial guidance walks through my door right after a significant life event, seeking advice for important decisions. Those events include:

Marriage. About two-thirds of married people say they disagree with their spouse about money.

Birth or adoption of a child. Adjusting your budget is important. So is evaluating your need for additional disability income and life insurance coverage, as well as considering college savings plans.

Inheritance. Many people plan for their deaths, but often overlook the fact that they might receive a loved one’s legacy.

Retirement.  Both financially preparing for retirement and appropriately tapping one’s financial assets in retirement are key needs.

Whatever life changes you’ve experienced, talking with a financial professional about your values, goals and needs can help secure your financial future.

For financial guidance, contact Robert L. Ranzau, FIC at 502 403-1097 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it 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.

Building Keys

If anyone has a key to the church or school building, we are asking for you to contact Sharon in the church office, 426-1130 or Jim Snyder.  An accurate record of those who possess a key is needed, do not assume that someone is aware that you have a key, so please take a minute.  Thank you for your cooperation.

Papa’s Corner

The month of October has been designated  for Pastor Appreciation. This month I would like to put out a call to all members of the congregation to consider becoming a Prayer Partner for each of our Pastors.  Please consider committing to one day a month to pray for either of our Pastors.  This would mean 30-31 people for each one.  The idea is that each person would pick a date, say the 5th of each month, and they would commit to specifically lifting up either Pastor Fausel or Pastor Kuder on that date every month for a year.  In this way, we can support our Pastors by praying for God to cover them with His grace, to inspire their words for writing their sermons, for protection from temptation, for wisdom to shepherd our congregation, for discernment for God’s will for our ministries, etc.   In our SMP process we committed to “pray about everything” in our church, and to pray for our spiritual leaders seems like a very good place to start that prayer commitment!  If you are interested, please contact Sheila Hildebrandt at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Trunk or Treat

Coming Soon!  Mark your calendar!
Our October Fun and Fellowship Night
Saturday, October 24, 2009
5-8 PM

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. (no gory costumes, please)
  • Church and school families, park your vehicle in the church parking lot and hand out goodies to the costumed visitors.  
  • Decorate your vehicle!  Vehicles will be judged for prizes.
  • If you plan to park your vehicle and participate, please sign up in the church lobby.  Don’t forget to buy plenty of candy!
  • A great opportunity to invite your friends, relatives, or neighbors to Our Savior!
  • Watch for more details coming up in the Panther Tale and church announcements.
 

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