Greetings,
in the Name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!
One of the most important principles we learned in Experiencing God is
that God is always at work … all around us. And as
He is, He invites us to join Him in what He is doing, which is always
about building up His Kingdom of Grace here in our midst.
For some time now, we have had a desire to work with God in expanding
His kingdom through the planting of a new congregation.
Why? Because experience has shown that new congregations are
most effective at reaching people who are unchurched.
And guess what? God has called us into such an
opportunity. About a year ago, Concordia congregation was
very instrumental in starting a new congregation at the former Pilgrim
Lutheran Church site. God blessed their efforts; and now more
than 30 people are worshiping there on a regular basis.
However, with Pastor Peter’s retirement and Pastor
Lehenbauer’s taking a Call and leaving Divine Savior, the new
congregation, called Resurrection, has found itself without regular
pastoral support.
How could WE help? The Lord gave us a big
nudge! Once upon a time, our Director of Christian
Education (DCE) Paul Nickel was a “circuit rider”
who provided pulpit supply here in Kentucky from Paducah to
Winchester. So, we went to the new congregation with our
Circuit Counselor and with the blessing of our Elders and investigated
what role Paul might play.
The new congregation found that Paul was ideal for them. Not
only did he know the physical plant having served Pilgrim as Principal
of Martin Luther School, but he also brought the administrative
experience of over 40 years in church work.
But most importantly, Paul would bring his preaching, Bible study,
worship leader, and ChristCare experience. With that kind of
assistance, the congregation could see itself growing with only a
minimum of pastoral support from the circuit.
So, Resurrection congregation drafted a proposal to request
Paul’s help on Sunday mornings for worship and Bible Study
and for additional time to amount to a total of one day a
week. Compensation for his time would be worked out between
the two congregations. And, this would be for a
trial period of September through December of this year.
This proposal went to our Board of Elders who unanimously approved it
for final approval of Our Savior’s Church Council.
The Council unanimously approved it at October’s meeting.
As Paul puts it, “It’s my job to work myself out of
a job.” In other words, Paul’s mission is
to help the new congregation get organized in order to grow.
And as it does it will be able, finally, to call its own pastor.
But now, as Our Savior, we keep Paul and Resurrection in our prayers as
they continue to draw new Christians into their fellowship.
And we give God the glory as He has called us to join Him IN WHAT HE IS
DOING!!!
In Him,
Pastor Fausel
Starting a New Year
As we complete the first quarter of this school year we are already
starting the recruitment process for the 2010-11 school year.
On the afternoon of November 15 your school will host their annual
Recruitment Open house from 2-4 PM. All members of our
congregation are invited to stop by and see our school, experience all
four choirs, handbells, and band perform, meet school families, take a
tour lead by a student, alumnus, and board member, and generally learn
about your Christian School Ministry.
We anticipate 20-30 new families will join us also that
afternoon. Be listening to WHAS - 840 AM during the coming
weeks. By the way, if you know someone who is interested in
Christian Education with a personal touch and you refer them to us,
they could receive a 5% discount on tuition if they enroll.
Contact the school office, 426-0864 for a referral card or give us the
name, address, and telephone number or e-mail and we will contact them
for you.
Let Us Give Thanks
For the fifth consecutive year our school will host a
“Thanksgiving Feast” on the last school day prior
to Thanksgiving Vacation, November 25. The feast
begins right after the early dismiss at 11:45 AM. This is a
great opportunity for parishioners to meet and interact with our school
families (one of the SMP initiatives). The school provides the turkey
and the mashed potatoes. Families are asked to bring salad,
veggie, or desserts to complete the meal.
Well over 200 people will sit down together that day. Make
the day complete by joining us at 10:45 AM that morning for school
chapel too.
Special Thanks ...
Our thanks to our American heritage Girls for hosting the fires of what
I hope will be many “Daddy-Daughter Dances” on
October 16. I understand 70 Daddies and daughters and at
least one grandfather and granddaughter enjoyed a wonderful night
together.
In Christ,
Martin A. Brieschke
Even The Small Peaces
Are
not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will
fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father.
Matthew 10:29
To be sovereign means to be supreme, unlimited, and totally independent
of any other influence. God alone has such power (Ps. 86:10;
Isa. 46:9-10). The Bible teaches that God's dominion is so
great that he has ultimate control over all things. His
sovereignty extends over both creation and preservation (Ps. 135:6-7;
John 1:3; Col. 1:16-17; Rev. 4:11). He rules over all
governments (Prov. 21:1; Dan 2:20-21; 4:35). He alone
controls individual lives and destinies (Jer. 18:6; John 6:39; Rom.
9:15-16; 15:32; Eph. 1:11-12; James 4:15). At the same time,
he watches over events as small as a sparrow's fall from a tree (Matt.
10:29).
Taken from The Peacemaker: A
Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict,
by Ken Sande, Updated Edition (Grand Rapids, Baker Books,
2003) p. 60.
Food for Thought - Big or
small, God is over all.
Sovereign. All Powerful. Supreme.
Unlimited. Those are words that speak of power and might and
greatness. They describe our Father who art in heaven and
rightly so. Ken reminds us that we serve a God who is
"totally independent of any other influence." It's reassuring
to know that our great and mighty God is fully involved in bringing
peace to situations and circumstances too big for us - the BIG
peaces. Peace in Jerusalem. Peace in
Darfur. Peace in inner city New York.
But it's humbling to remember that our great and mighty God is also
totally committed to bringing peace to those places and spaces that
aren't so big and grand - the little peaces. Such as peace
between two families in a church of fifty people tucked away in the
hills of Carolina. Peace between a husband and wife who
squabble over financial matters; not a lot, but just enough to keep
distance between them. These situations-in-need-of-peace will
never make the evening news or the front page of the Sunday
paper. But neither do sparrows falling to the
ground. But He sees them. And our Sovereign,
Supreme, and Unlimited God sees and cares and desires his peace to
reign, regardless of the size.
In Christ,
Paul Nickel
Notes from the Music Director
Dear friends in Christ,
I’d like to share with you a devotional thought reprinted
from InTouch Ministries Online:
For many believers, Sunday morning goes something like this: First,
beat the alarm clock into submission. Saturday's late-night fun wasn't
compatible with Sunday's early morning responsibilities.
Second, oversleep. That starts a domino effect which results in the
following: Jump out of bed and hit the shower. Yell upstairs to make
sure the kids are awake. Run through the house, simultaneously dressing
children, letting the pets out, eating a bowl of cereal, and making
lunch plans with in-laws. Herd the family into the car. Argue with the
spouse about being late. Screech into the church parking lot. Run
through the front doors of the sanctuary. Plop down in a pew. Elbow the
spouse, who made another crack about being late. Open a hymnal. Sing
some songs. Hear a sermon. Leave church to meet the in-laws at the
restaurant. Go home and take a nap. Sound familiar?
There's obviously something wrong with this all-too-common Sunday
scenario: Where's the worship? This family made it to the service, but
praising God and studying His Word were just items on their checklist
of activities. There was no room for an encounter with God. Worship
seemed to be an interruption of their Sunday, not the focus of it.
Psalm 100:1-5 instructs us to "enter… His courts with
praise." Does this request characterize how you enter into worship each
week? Don't let the "Sunday rush" become a problem for your family.
Remember, worship is not something you have to do; it's something you
get to do! So, plan ahead and prepare your heart, mind, and loved ones
to meet the King.
In the fourth chapter of John's Gospel, Jesus encounters a Samaritan
woman with whom He discusses religious observance. Midway through their
conversation, He declares, "But an hour is coming, and now is, when the
true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such
people the Father seeks to be His worshipers" (John 4:23).
There's an implication here. There's a lot of talk these days about
people "searching for God." But in John chapter four, we read that God
is actually looking for us. Specifically, He is looking for those who
worship Him "in spirit and truth."
"Spirit" means our praise can never be just another item on our to-do
list. True worship is not an obligation, burden, or scheduling item.
It's a total spiritual recognition of God's grace and loving-kindness.
"Truth" means genuine praise is not just an emotional high. Unless
worship is based on the truth of God's Word, then all we have is a
sentimental feeling. And, simple feelings will neither last nor promote
the life change that God desires for us.
Are you worshiping the Lord "in spirit and truth"? Are you the kind of
worshiper God is seeking? Take some time this week to do a spiritual
checkup, and discover if your worship is real… or
routine. Reprinted from www.intouch.org
Hope to see you in worship!
Scott Kamman
Director of Music
L.E.A.F Campaign
Kick-Off
During the last year God has continued to shower His blessing on his
work being done at Our Savior Lutheran School. The school
enrollment increased by 8.5% and we are praying for a 5% increase for
the 2010-11 year. In addition, we were able to install the
last five SMARTBoards needed to complete that project and have
implemented online grade books and assignments this year.
One important aspect of our financial stability is our annual L.E.A.F
(Lutheran Education Annual Fund) campaign. This year the
campaign will run from November 8 through December 31. During
that time we especially encourage all to consider a gift to our school
ministry. Those who are members of Thrivent will have their
gift matched at the rate of a $1 for every $2 given up to a total gift
of $600. This matching gifts program is being eliminated
after this year. Although we know that Thrivent will be
replacing this program with a new one, it is unclear at this time what
form that it will take.
The majority of the funds generated through this campaign will be used
to help meet ongoing operating expenses. Last year these fund
($20,000) amount to 2% of our operation costs. In previous
year we have exceed $40,000 in gift and matches and we would love to
approach those numbers again. Please watch for fund
information and envelopes in your mailbox within the next few weeks.
Thank you for your support of this worthwhile ministry and your
willingness to share from the bounties provided to you by our Heavenly
Father.
Thanksgiving Eve Services
The members of Our Savior celebrate our nation’s National
Holiday of Thanksgiving on Wednesday, November 25 at 7
PM. Please invite your friend and family to attend
this service. There will not be a service on Thanksgiving Day.
Advent Meals Coming Soon
Beginning December 2, we will again host our free-will offering Advent
meals at 6 PM prior to the Advent Worship at 7 PM. These
meals will be held on December 2, 9, and the 16. Please plan
to attend.
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.
“In view of God’s mercy …
offer your bodies As living sacrifices, Holy and pleasing to
God” (Romans 12:1)
Peace,
Larry - Stewardship
“Music
Notes”
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, especially those of you talented in bass or
guitar. Practices usually are on Friday evening or Saturday
morning.
Beginning Handbell Choir meets on Wednesday afternoons, 3:30
– 4:30 PM in the Music Room. (For grades 4 and up)
Advanced Handbell Choir meets on Tuesday afternoons, 3:30-4:30 PM in
the Music Room. (For grades 5 and up with ringing experience)
Our Savior Lutheran School Band meets on Monday and Wednesday mornings
at 8:00 AM, and on Thursday mornings at 8:45 AM (For grades 3
and up)
Questions? Director of Music Scott Kamman can be reached at
426-1130 or by email at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
.
Thanksgiving Services: Once again, we will be celebrating the
national holiday of Thanksgiving on Thanksgiving EVE, Wednesday,
November 25, at 7 PM. Before you head out of town,
or while you are preparing for your own Thanksgiving, take time out to
come and thank God for His great goodness and love. Come, you
thankful people, come!
Our Savior’s Nursery Hours: Did you know that our
church provides nursery care through both services and the Sunday
School hour, thanks to the gracious efforts of many of our nursery
volunteers? (THANKS, LADIES and GENTS!) If
you’d like to volunteer, contact Sue Francik.
Worship Reminders: Remember to turn the ringer of your cell
phone off when entering the sanctuary! (If Someone Important needs to
get your attention during worship, you’ll hear the trumpet
sound.) Thank you for maintaining a worshipful atmosphere.
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!
Nov. 7 - Grade 3
Nov. 11 - DCE Nickel
Nov. 21 -
Pastor
Nov. 25 - Grade 5
Mark Whitsett, from Cedar Lake Lodge
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 month of November, they will be
learning and singing the song, “Father Welcomes,”
written by Robin Mann. Robin recorded this information about
his song on his website (www.robinmann.com). In 1973. The day before
our daughter was born, I had a tune running round my head. Kristin was
finally born, by caesarean section, on the evening of Thursday 12 July,
and John Sabel, student chaplain and good friend, suggested I write a
baptism song for her. The tune in my head became the chorus, and I
recall consulting Luther's Large Catechism for the verses and playing
the song on the Sabels’ piano that Sunday. Dorothy wasn't
feeling much like songs at the time, but even she was pleased at the
result when I sang it to her in the Ashford Hospital. It's been the
most popular and widely used song of any I've written, and I'm not
sorry about that. The
experience of having a child, of being a parent, led to a joy that
completely took me by surprise. Mixed with the other main ingredients
— the parable of the prodigal son and the sacrament of
baptism — that joy was transformed into this song. It pleases
me that it has become a kind of signature tune.
Chorus: Father welcomes all his children, to his
family through his Son.
Father giving his salvation, life forever has been won.
1. Little children, come to me, for my kingdom is of these;
life and love I have to give, mercy for
your sin.
2. In the water, in the word, in his promise be assured:
those who are baptized and believe shall
be born again.
3. Let us daily die to sin, let us daily rise with him —
walk in the love of Christ our Lord,
live in the peace of God.
© Kevin Mayhew LTD. CCLI #841158.
Answer to the October quiz: The hymn which 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” is “Thy Strong
Word.”
November quiz: Which song uses a Shaker tune and contains the
lyrics “I danced in the morning when the world was
begun”?
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.)
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!
Upcoming worship dates of importance:
November 1 All Saints’ Day
November 22 Last Sunday in the Church Year
November 25 Thanksgiving Eve service,
7:00 PM
November 29 First Sunday in Advent
December 1 Messiah Sing-a-long, 7:30 PM
December 2 Wednesday Evening Advent
service, 7 PM
December 9 Wednesday
Evening Advent service, 7 PM
December 16 Wednesday Evening Advent
service, 7 PM
December 17 OSLS “Carols by
Candlelight,” 7 PM
December 24 Christmas Eve services:
5 PM, Majestic Celebration (led by
Praise
Team)
7 PM, Joyful Heritage (led by
Adult Choir
and Handbells)
11 PM, Liturgical candlelight
service
December 25 Christmas Day service, 10 AM
December 31 New Year’s Eve
service, 7 PM
This Month’s Worship
Notes
The Creed is a confession of our Christian faith that we usually speak
as a group after God’s Word is shared. It is
customary to speak the Nicene Creed when the Lord’s Supper is
celebrated. This statement of belief was adopted by the
Council of Nicaea around A.D. 325. The Apostle’s
Creed is often spoken on non-communion Sundays. It is a
shorter confession of faith put together by the early Christian church,
not the Apostles themselves. The lengthy Athanasian Creed is
often used on Trinity Sunday. All creeds state our belief in
the Triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. .
Carols by Candlelight!
On Thursday evening, December 17, at 7 PM, Our Savior Lutheran School
will be performing a relatively new Our Savior Christmas experience,
“Carols by Candlelight.” Mark your
calendar and invite your friends
and family for a night of music and celebration. There will
be special
music by our school children, with guest appearances from Our Savior
celebrities.
Sunday School Information
Join us November 1 for our 2nd Rally Day - “Honey
Day.” After the children depart, adults will learn about the
opportunities for growing in our faith available for adults both on
Sunday mornings and throughout the week. 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 by 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 bring them back with a little something extra.
November 1: Rally Day 2: Everyone (children
&adults) are invited to join us as we learn about
God’s love for His people and us from the Bible and
it’s stories.
November 22: Operation Christmas Child - This is an
opportunity to share God’s love through a shoebox to children
in other countries. Dedication Sunday for the Shoeboxes will
be November 22. Please start now by wrapping a shoebox
(including the lid) in Christmas paper, determine if you will send to a
boy or a girl and begin filling it with small items such as toys,
personal care items, hard candy, mints, socks, sunglasses,
hair clips, or other items that you find.
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.
Salvation Army needs Bell
Ringers
The Salvation Army is in need of volunteers to be bell
ringers at their red kettles collections. The
monies raised help supports Bible studies and educational classes for
adults, abuse support groups, meals, housing, counseling, help locating
employment, and offers so much more through Disaster Relief.
Volunteers are asked to commit to a 2 or 3 hour period at a location
near you. This is a great family
opportunity to serve the community. You may contact them at
671-4920, or at www.ringbells.org.
Dining Out Together (DOT)
Our next Dining Out Together evening will be at Joe’s
O. K. Bayou (authentic Cajun cooking) located at
9874 Linn Station Road, 40223, on Saturday, November 14 at 6 PM. Our
group continues to grow, hope you will join us for food, fellowship and
fun. If you plan to attend please sign up on the church bulletin board
by November 10, so that accurate reservations may be made. For more
information, please contact Billie Detroy 905-4834.
Congregational
Voter’s Meeting
On Sunday, November 8, there will be a Congregational Voter’s
Meeting and potluck meal after the Combined Worship Service, which is
being held at 10 AM. Sunday School and Bible Study time will
be at 9 AM.
The current agenda at the time of printing includes the election of
officers. The current ballot is below, but the floor will be
opened up for nominations from the floor.
President - Jim Snyder
Vice President - Mark Otten, Dave Tappendorf
Treasurer - John Kuecker
Board of Elders - Mike Hayes
Building & Grounds (1-yr term) - Rick Fry
Day Sch. Board - Rick Hannon, Dwayne Hardin
Stewardship (1-yr term) - no candidates
If you or someone you know would like to serve please contact Luther
Oberhaus, Caron Fausel, or Norm Kendt.
Radio Ministry Needs
Although we have received many monetary gifts two years ago for the
radio ministry, in the past year, we have not received any special
gifts. Our current status is that we do not have enough
dollars to complete this years agreement with the radio station through
June of 2010. Please consider a special gift to this special
fund as we approach the Thanksgiving and Christmas season.
Our total cost for the radio ministry program is around $ 10,500 per
year. This is an outreach ministry as well as a ministry that
reaches our shut-ins. Thanks for your consideration.
New ChristCare Groups Now
Forming
Our current class of ChristCare Leader trainees has completed their
training. Sherri Trotter, Chris Francik and Caron Fausel will be
commissioned into their new ministry positions on Sunday, November 8th.
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 Small. 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 peacemaker’s lifestyle. This study will also be
offered on Sunday mornings for people who are not currently
participating in a ChristCare Group.
Adult Bible Study News
All adults are urged to attend the Sunday, November 1st, Rally Day #2,
beginning at 9:45 in the sanctuary. We will join with the children of
our Sunday school to celebrate our 1st “Honey Day.”
Find out why it’s “Honey Day!” After the
children leave the leaders of all our Adult Classes including
ChristCare Small Group Leaders as well as those groups that meet on
Sunday morning and those that take place during the week, will be given
the opportunity to tell you what it is they will be leading. Their
presentations will give you the best idea of where the Holy Spirit
wants to guide you through His Word
Watch for a brochure that includes some of the information presented at
Rally Day #2 in your mailbox in the narthex. This brochure will include
mini-descriptions of every Bible Study group and ChristCare group that
is meeting this fall including where each group meets along with
contact information if needed.
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.
A Special Thank You
A special thank you to those who assisted with the family funeral meal
for our sister Lily Snook. Lily touched many in her
life and was a loved member of this congregation. God has
given us this ministry that we are able to witness to others of His
love for all.
EACM News
During the month of November 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.
Box Tops and Labels for
Education
Did you know if you register on-line at www.ElabelsforEducation.com,
the school receives automatic accounting your qualifying purchases for
Labels for Education. Between now and November 11, for every
4 items you purchase the school receives an extra 100 points towards
their purchase of items. Then you can turn the labels in at
school and they are counted for a second time for the school to get
credit. Box Tops are also valuable for the school, with each
top having a cash value of $0.10.
The school has a goal for 20,000 ($2,000) this school year, so remember
to save all of them no matter how small, in an envelope, and turn them
in at the church or school office. When you spread the word of the goal
to others , they are willing to help make the goal, so set up a
container for your co-workers to help you collect them.
If you need a list of the brand items which has the box tops, contact
the school office or go on line at www.boxtops4education.com, you can
register to receive coupons, recipes, and just for registering and
using Our Savior Lutheran School, the school earns extra box tops. For
a list of products with Labels for Education go to
www.labelsforeducation.com or contact the school office.
The school collects Box Tops and Labels for Education all year round,
so keep saving and lets see if we can break the goal!
Messiah Sing A Long
And
His name shall be called…Wonderful, Counselor, The
Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of
Peace!
You are cordially invited to attend the 20th Annual Messiah Sing A Long
on Tuesday Evening, December 1, 2009 at 7:30 PM, with a light cookie
and punch reception following.
There will be gifted soloists and musicians, so come be a part of the
chorus or simple come and listen. This event is free and open
to the public, so invite a friend to join you for this unique
opportunity to prepare your heart and mind for the coming of the
Lord’s birth. If you would like a flier for your
place of business, please contact the church office.
PaPa’s Corner
Prayers
asked, Prayers Answered
As I write this today, I am reminded of several family members who have
faced medical threats this year and the gracious answer God has given
us to our prayers on their behalf.
Two of my family members were facing the threat of cancer, one breast
cancer and one ovarian cancer. In each instance the
preliminary medical tests indicated a strong possibility of cancer, yet
when the time came for the definitive testing, there was no cancer
present.
Between the preliminary testing and the definitive testing came a lot
of prayer! There are two ways to look at these results: one
is that the cancer was never there and we “dodged the
bullet”, the second is that the cancer was there and God
chose to remove it in answer to our prayers.
We will never know (at least, not in this life) which is the true
course of events. So when we get the negative results, how should we
react? As if the cancer was never there, or as if God has answered our
prayers and removed the cancer? I am somewhat ashamed to say
that in similar circumstances in the past, my nursing background would
say, ‘oh, well, the initial tests were just false positives,
nothing to worry about’ and go on with life. This time, I am
compelled to say, “To God be the glory! If the cancer was
never there, Praise God that He has protected us from this threat, and
given us an opportunity to come closer to Him through prayer.
If the cancer WAS there, Praise God that He has answered our prayers
for healing and the removal of the cancer, and God has given us an
opportunity to come closer to Him through prayer! God is
Great, God is Good!
Do you have any experiences with prayers asked and prayers answered
that you would like to share in this format? Please feel free
to contact Sheila Hildebrandt at 244-2941 or
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.
News from Resurrection
Lutheran Church
Our Mission Church in
Louisville
Pastor Fausel, in his front page article, answered the question
“Where is Paul Nickel? We don’t see him on Sunday
mornings anymore. What happened to him?” Well, I bring you
good news from Resurrection Lutheran Church (the former Pilgrim) where
the Lord, the Elders and Church Council has granted me the opportunity
to serve on Sunday mornings as worship and Bible class leader. I also
serve them the equivalent of one day a week. I don’t have
office hours at Resurrection. My full time office is here at Our
Savior. My responsibilities at Our Savior have not changed
significantly. If you want to know what Paul Nickel does (there seem to
be some out there who aren’t too sure), ask Karen McKinney,
chairperson of the Department of Parish Education for a copy of my job
description as well as my goals for this program year. But what the
average person in the pew will notice is that Paul Nickel is not at Our
Savior on Sunday mornings.
In addition to preaching and leading the service each week at
Resurrection I perform other pastoral responsibilities like getting to
know the congregation which right now is represented by the 20-30
people who worship there each Sunday of which the majority attend Bible
class each week. Some of these people you might know or once were aware
of. The president of the congregation is Andy Dobelstein who was
confirmed here at Our Savior and whose father, Chuck, was once
president of this congregation. I first met Andy as a member of our
youth group when I was actively involved in that ministry. There are
other names you might recognize like Pastor Robert and Marlys Koch who
are there every Sunday.
Lisa Flory is a person I doubt that you know. She began attending
Resurrection because one day she was driving down the Watterson
Expressway and saw a sign on the gym wall visible from the Watterson.
Lisa is a young woman in her early twenties. She’s a one
woman evangelist. She brings more visitors with her than everyone else
in the congregation combined it seems. She has become the pianist
(Resurrection has no organ.) One of the visitors she brings is her
boyfriend who’s in the Air Force stationed at Louisville
International Airport. Lisa and her boyfriend met skydiving. Yes,
that’s right, they really “fell” for each
other. Lisa will be more than willing to take you skydiving with her
next time she goes. Pastor Curt Peters is conducting a new member class
out of which three new members will join the congregation officially on
November 22nd. These three have no previous Lutheran background. There
will also be four more accepted by transfer.
There are and will be many opportunities for Our Savior to partner with
Resurrection and assist them in their ministry. One example is in the
area of small group ministry. We will be able to add potential
ChristCare Leader trainees from Resurrection in our next ChristCare
Leader trainee class. This will assist them in beginning small group
ministry from their earliest years and help small group ministry to
become a part of their culture. They will also be trained to use
ChristCare Small Groups as a means for opening a door for new people to
join the church. Our church treasurer, Mike Chinberg, has already
provided much needed guidance in selecting software and other budget
preparation considerations.
My real assignment from God in regards to Resurrection is to help that
congregation grow so that they are able to afford and call a full-time
Pastor. The Lord truly wants me to work myself out of this assignment.
It will happen in God’s time and with your prayers. Pray that
the Holy Spirit will continue to keep the enthusiasm growing within and
among the members. Pray that He will lead them in His way to grow
Resurrection and that the members will follow that lead. Pray that He
will provide the opportunities for Our Savior to partner with
Resurrection and give us the willingness to participate in that
partnership.
More next month from our Mission Church – Resurrection
Lutheran Church.
In Christ,
Paul Nickel
Men’s Breakfast and
Bible Study
Join us on Saturday, November 14 at 8 AM for Breakfast and a Bible
Study. FEARLESS LEADERSHIP: Insights into the life of Joshua,
led by Paul Nickel. Bring a friend. Come with your
ideas as to where you see God at work around us – places
where we as men can join Him in that work. Our Father has an assignment
for us!
Golden Oldies
The Golden Oldies will meet November 16, at 12 Noon for our
Thanksgiving Luncheon. It will be potluck with the meat
provided. Please sign up to bring your favorite dish, which
needs to feed 10-12 people, as there will be a large number in
attendance. Our guest speaker Mr. Tom Owens, from the
University of Louisville, will speak to our on “Life in the
Old City Neighborhood”. We look forward to seeing
you.
Special Fall
Events At Sister Congregations
Faith’s LWML will be sponsoring our Fall Fest Soup Supper and
country Store on Saturday, November 21, from 4-7 PM. The will
be serving a variety of homemade soups, plus sandwiches, dessert and
drinks. They are asking for a free-will offering, which will
receive matching Thrivent funds to support the South Louisville
Community Ministries. There ill also be baked goods, Crafts
and white elephant items for sale, with Thrivent matching fund proceeds
going to the Healing Place.
Grace will be holding their annual Turkey Supper and Bazaar
on Saturday, November 7 from 4-7 PM, with the bazaar beginning at 2
PM. The meal includes turkey, dressing, dumplings, mashed
potatoes and gravy, green beans, roll, cranberry sauce, slaw or carrot
salad, dessert and beverage. The cost is $8/adult and $4/for children
under 10. Proceeds will be used for mission projects within
the church and community.
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