December 2010 Newsletter

Table of Contents

Click on a link to jump to that section in the newsletter.

Pastor's Message: All For Jesus

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

All for Jesus!

Having just completed a three-Sunday Sermon series based on “All for Jesus!” I was amazed as I went back and re-read my Newsletter piece for the November issue which was written BEFORE we conducted “Change of Heart.”  If you don’t still have a copy, stop by the office or check it out on our website, oursaviorlouisville.com.  It sums up what we are about, where we are headed, and why, in just a few words.

So … what’s next?  Prayer time.  Listening to God time.  And talking with each other time.  This Nativity Season is a good time to do all that.  

The truth is; this season of the year is a time that Our Lord uses to turn our hearts toward our home …to those closest to us… to our families to all those friends-I-haven’t-seen-in-years with whom we exchange Christmas Cards.   It’s a time to reflect on the Lord’s blessings … a time to share that unconditional Love of Christ in the exchanging of gifts, and a time to celebrate with others we’ll see in Paradise our common joy in the coming of our Lord.

The business of the Church sort of goes on-hold for this season.   January will find us with lots of things to discuss and work on.  But this Advent-Christmas season is about God doing all the acting on our behalf, as we just stand back in amazement.  (It’s nice that our budget year ends in June instead of December, isn’t it?)

And so, for me and my family, I wish to express our gratitude for how much we have been blessed by you, the congregation, this year.   
Thank You!  Have a blessed Nativity,

In Him,
Pastor Fausel  

Notes from the Music Director

Dear 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 our church Christmas tree 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
Director of Music

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 hymn, “Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus,” a traditional Advent hymn, written by Charles Wesley. 
 
Come, Thou long-expected Jesus,
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us;
Let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel’s strength and consolation,
Hope of all the earth Thou art,
Dear desire of ev’ry nation,
Joy of ev’ry longing heart.

Born Thy people to deliver;
Born a child and yet a king!
Born to reign in us forever,
Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.
By Thine own eternal Spirit
Rule in all our hearts alone;
By Thine all-sufficient merit
Raise us to Thy glorious throne.

Public domain.

Chapel Worship:  Everyone is invited to worship with the school children each week as they gather for chapel on Wednesdays at 8:45 AM in the sanctuary.  It is an excellent opportunity for midweek worship.  Come and join us!

Dec. 1: D.C.E. Intern Bethany Kuhnle
Dec. 8: Principal Brieschke
Dec. 15: D.C.E. Paul Nickel

Answer to the November Quiz: The hymn that reminds us that “He helps us free from ev’ry need that hath us now o’ertaken” is “A Mighty Fortress is our God.”

December Quiz: Which hymn tells us, “This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing”?

Contemporary Worship Teams: Singers and musicians, if you are out there, know that we are always in need of volunteers to help us out at our 11:00 AM Majestic Celebration worship services.  We are especially in need of guitarists, as well as wind instrumentalists.  If you would like to sing or play on a regular basis, talk to Scott (426-1130).  Time commitment depends solely on you, as little or as much as you desire.  We need you! 

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.

If you partake of the individual communion cup, please clearly hold the empty cup in front of you to help the communion assistant who is serving the common cup to see that you have already communed.   Thank you

Upcoming Worship Dates of Importance

December 1, 8, 15: Wednesday Evening Advent services, 7:00pm
December 5: Blessing of the Manger Scenes
December 7: Messiah Sing-a-long, 7:30pm
December 16: OSLS “Celebrate Christmas 2010!,” 7:00 PM featuring “Arrest These Merry Gentlemen”
December 24: Christmas Eve services:
    5:00pm, Majestic Celebration (led by Praise Team)
    7:00pm, Joyful Heritage (led by Adult Choir and Handbells)
December 25: Christmas Day service, 10:00am
December 31: New Year’s Eve service, 7:00pm

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.

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!

Looking to get involved in a musical group at Our Savior?

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 usually rehearse on Friday evenings or Saturday mornings in the sanctuary.

Junior Handbell Choir meets on Monday (beginners) and Wednesday (advanced) afternoons, 3:30 – 4:30 PM in the Music Room.  (For grades 4 and up)

Our Savior Lutheran School Band meets on school mornings before school.  (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 .

Monthly Liturgy Rotation for "Joyful Heritage" Services

First week: Divine Service Setting 1
Second week: Divine Service Setting 4
Third week:Divine Service Setting 5
Fourth week: Divine Service Setting 3
Fifth week: Matins or Service of Prayer and Preaching 

School News

School Recruitment Open House a GREAT SUCCESS! In the 10 days since our school Open House (Nov. 14), we have already received 9 applications for next year.  That represents 45% of the students whose families were at the Open House.  I can’t remember a more successful day since I have been here.  Two of those applications are for Preschool.  Two more are for Kindergarten, one for fourth grade, and four applications for 6th grade.  If all our existing students return for Kindergarten and 6th grade, these applications leave us only one spot in each of those classes – and it’s not even December yet.  We could be looking at an enrollment for 2011-12 that will exceed 215 or even 220 students.  God has truly blessed this ministry.  All praise to HIM.

Preschool Reorganization for 2011-12. We will be making some changes in our preschool program for 2011-12 in the hope of perhaps being able to service a few more people and at the same time simplify preparation and work load for our staff.  Mrs. Amy Masterson will be responsible for all 3 year olds in the morning.  Those students will have the option of 2 mornings, 3 mornings, or 5 mornings a week for the formal preschool.  Mrs. Becky Kamman will be offering 3 mornings and 5 mornings a week for the 4 year olds.  Mrs. Masterson will continue to be responsible for the preschool child care after 11:30 am until closing at 6:00. Mrs. Kamman will continue in her role as Educational Support Specialist for K-8 in the afternoons, working with students who are challenged as well as those who are gifted.

Have You Noticed the New Paint Job?  Many thanks to those who power washed and painted the bulk of the school classroom building.  It looks great!

The School Christmas Program is scheduled for Thursday night, December 16 in the Gymnasium. The program, “Arrest These Merry Gentlemen” begins at 7:00 pm.

Congratulations to our students who collected 756 canned goods for the Redeemer Lutheran Food Pantry.  This effort was organized and carried out by our student government leaders known as S.A.L.T. (Student Activities Leadership Team).  As a result of the collection, Mr. Brieschke, who promised the students he would spend 36 minutes up on the roof for every 100 cans donated, ended up on the roof for 4 hours and 32 minutes on Monday, Nov. 22.

Eleven children from five families will receive special Christmas presents from our students.  Our students will be donating $5 each to go for this project.  They do this in lieu of exchanging gifts with each other.  What a great way to show God’s love to others less fortunate than we.

Manger scenesBlessing of the Manger Scenes

The C2P2 ChristCare group would like to invite the congregation to participate in a new Advent ritual, the Blessing of the Manger Scenes.  On the second Sunday in Advent (December 5), Our Savior families are invited to bring their manger scenes to church and set them up in the church narthex area.  The church will be open on Saturday, December 4 until noon, or families may set theirs up prior to early service on Sunday, December 5.  Tables will be provided.  Each family will then fill out an information card to be placed by their nativity scene, including their name, where they got the scene, and perhaps why it is special to their family.  The congregation will be invited to view the manger scenes before and after services.   There will be a special blessing by Pastor at the end of each service. Families may then take their manger scene home to begin the preparation for Advent and Christmas after late service viewing.  Questions?  Ask Scott or Becky Kamman.

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  21st Annual Community Messiah Sing-a-Long on Tuesday, December 7, 2010 at 7:30 PM in the sanctuary of Our Savior Lutheran Church.

You may come and sing in the chorus sections of the Messiah or you may come and just listen.

There will be gifted soloists and musicians, so come be a part of the chorus or simply 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.

A cookie and punch reception will follow.

Facebook Event Page

Help Fill Christmas Stockings at Grace Lutheran

Each year we meet at Grace Lutheran in New Albany to fill Christmas stockings for children whose parent(s) are incarcerated in correctional institutions in Southern Indiana and Kentucky.  Join us at 10:00am on Tuesday, December 7th .  We hope to fill 300 stockings. Lunch will be provided. Contact Dolly Jenkins, 812-923-8719 if you have any questions. Thanks!

Parent’s Shopping Night!

The YTK ChristCare group is offering an evening of free babysitting so you can get some much needed shopping taken care of on Friday, December 10, from 6-9pm. Please provide your children’s dinner if they will need to eat during that time.  Email, call, or text us by Wednesday, December 8th to let us know how many children you will be dropping off.  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 502-216-2633  

High school youth!  If you need community service hours and are available Friday, December 10th from 6-9pm and are interested in being reinforcements for the Parent’s Shopping Night, please contact Leah Robison This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 502-216-2633.  Thanks!

Cookie Wrap

Plan ahead to help with the upcoming cookie wrap on Saturday, December 11th for our home-bound members.  We need donations of cookies and your help wrapping and delivering them.  We will meet in the Fellowship Hall at 9:00 am on that day if you can help.  Please contact Nora Horecny at 425-6419 with any questions.

Celebrate Christmas 2010!

You are cordially invited to Our Savior Lutheran School’s
“Celebrate Christmas! 2010”
featuring

presented by
the Hosanna and Gloria Choirs (Grades 3-8)
of Our Savior Lutheran School
Thursday, December 16, 7:00 PM
Our Savior Lutheran School Gymnasium
plus
special performances by
the Alleluia Choir (Grades 1&2)
and the Cherub Choir (3-day Preschool and Kindergarten)
as well as both Handbell Choirs and the Our Savior Band

Free will offering.

“Glory to God in the Highest!”

Facebook Event Page

Gift for OSLC Staff

Finalizing your Christmas list?  It's not too late to include the hard working staff of Our Savior Lutheran Church and School.  If you would like to wish a very Merry Christmas to one and all, please consider making a single lump sum contribution that will be shared among all the staff members.  Donations will be collected over the next few weeks and paid-out in time for Christmas.  You can drop-off your contribution in the Church office, School office, or the offering plate in an envelope marked "Staff Gift".  If you are thinking about contributing, please do not delay.  The deadline for this special collection is Sunday, December 19th.
 
Your Church Council

Poinsettias

The last day to order this wonderful Christmas flower is December 19.  The price per flower is $10.00.

You can pick up an order form in the Narthex or click this link to download and print one at home.

Bring the order form to the church office upon completion.

LEAF is Coming

You can show your support for the school by making a donation to the Lutheran Education Annual Fund.  This campaign exists to help with the rising costs of a Christian education.  More information will be sent to you in the mail at the beginning of December regarding this important fund.

January Book Sale

The Women's Ministry wants your used books for our January Book Sale.  During the month of December there will be boxes in the Fellowship Hall, School and Welcome Center for the books.  Funds are being raised for the work that the Women’s Ministry does in the church (Funeral Meals, Coffee Hour, Altar Flowers etc).  We accept fiction, non-fiction, cook books, and any appropriate books that you have read and would like to get off your shelves.  Then in January you are invited to come and buy a supply of books for your winter reading.  Any questions call Sue Kendt Ph. 254-1612 or Debbie Wolter Ph. 243-4187.

Our Savior Family Christmas Tree

Does your family have an ornament on our lobby Christmas tree?  If you do not, here’s a reminder to bring one in.  It can be an ornament that is a symbol of your family, or a simple ornament with your family name, just for decoration.  Make sure you put your family name on the ornament, if it is not there already, and drop it off in the church office.  It will be hung when the tree is put up in early December.  Then, check out the tree and see if you can find your name amidst the hundreds of other names of members, past and present.

"Neighbor Map" Updated

Map of Louisville, KY The C2P2 ChristCare group has been busy updating the "Are You My Neighbor?" map in the Fellowship Hall.  All church families' names have been placed on the map at this time.  We are currently adding the school families into the mix as well.  If you notice that your name is missing or that you are in the wrong place, kindly share that information with Scott Kamman or Doug Netherton, and we will correct it.  Members are encouraged to use the map to be aware of who lives near to them and to reach out to those people, especially in times of need.

All Saints

After the week of All Saints’ Sunday, the names of those written on the sheets in the back of the Sanctuary were transcribed as you see below. As we celebrate the Lord’s Supper we recognize that we are participating with “angels, archangels, and all the SAINTS in heaven…” including these we hold fast in our hearts:

Thelma Behrman
Helen Beneker
Louise Berger
Michael Berger
Tom Boone
Will Brown
Addie Bryden
Joyce Cook
Carolyn Daughtery
Larry Detroy
John Eleanor
George Fellwork
Colin Galgher
Samantha Garwood
Mike Gonzales
Beulah Greathouse
Lester Greathouse
John Haller
Jack Haller
Mim Hawkins
Herb Heauner
Bob Heinze
Merideth Hendley
Ron Higginbotham
Patsy Hunter
Carl Jakway
Jennie Jakway
John Kamman
Louise Kamman
John Paul Kamman
Harold Kendt
Theresa Kendt
Nancy Kendt
Towns Kohn
Carl Kuhnle
Barbara Maas
Elaine Maas
Lydia Mehl
Barney Mehl
Willard Metcalf
Anna Meyer
Louise Lose Meyer
John Meyer
Linda Nickel
Carrol Noll
Jay Nolting
Bob Ogburn
Jean Probos
Margaret Robinson
Ken Robinson
Urban Schaffner
Barbara Schultz
Andy Shorter
Rebecca Wacker
Bob West
Hondo Whitehorse

Monthly Calendar

View the complete December calendar.

Something missing? Email information to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and it will be posted.
 

Copyright 2006-2011, Our Savior Lutheran Church