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Pastor's Message: Buddy Jesus Greetings, in the Name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!
As we enter this New Year, we want to share an excerpt from the 2010 Christmas Eve message …
Let me tell you about something that happened in our 8th grade confirmation class a couple of weeks ago. Part of the curriculum for the class this year was a skit for the students to put on. The skit was called “Buddy Jesus.”
The skit began with a bunch of kids sitting down to a meal. There was some bickering and fighting going on … but finally they said together the common table prayer … “Come Lord Jesus, be our guest, and let these gifts to us be blessed, amen.”
And then the bickering and fighting started up again. However, just then Jesus showed up. The kids wanted to know what He was doing there. “Well, you called me,” He said. “Oh, yeah … we did. We said, ‘Come, Lord Jesus …, didn’t we?”
“Well, what do you want?” the kids asked, “Don’t you have more important things to do…?” Jesus assured them that things were under control.
Well, as the meal went on, Jesus kept interrupting their bickering and fighting and name calling… and asking them to act as His children … particularly, if it was their intention to call Him “Lord” Jesus.
That put the kids on point. They realized they’d have to change their behavior if they wanted to call Jesus their Lord.
Well, that was just too much for the kids, so they agreed to call Him “Buddy Jesus” instead of Lord Jesus. And then they dismissed their “Buddy” from their table … and their bickering continued. Curtain, cut to black.
We draw your attention to this excerpt because it speaks to “All For Jesus.” We like to see Jesus as our Savior/Redeemer … but not as our Lord. Lord means that we can’t ignore His will when it comes to our lives and our priorities.
What does it mean to YOU that Jesus is your Lord? Is your “All” for Jesus?
This will be our theme this year as we continue our spiritual journey together in His name.
In Him,
Pastor Fausel
 Notes from the Music Director
Dear friends in Christ,
One of my essential tasks as the music teacher and music director at Our Savior is to try to acclimate our children to the worship service. If you are a parent or grandparent of a school-age child, no doubt you feel the same obligation. It is an age-old challenge that many before us have dealt with, often unsuccessfully. How do we get children to understand the pattern of worship, the materials we use, the words that are repeatedly spoken, and the actions that are performed? We have often assumed that they would learn simply through observation and imitation. But, do they?
Our job as parents and teachers is to nurture our children’s worship lives, educating them in our faith, being willing to spend time in both Sunday School (Bible study) and worship. It is even acknowledged to parents and sponsors in the sacrament of Holy Baptism: “It is your task…to [bring him/her] up in the true knowledge and worship of God…[and] to bring him/her to the services of God’s house.” We need to help children feel welcome and included as participants in worship. I encourage you to see this task as extremely important. It is sometimes difficult, but don’t give up! As a small assistance, I even add a “Worship Note” to my newsletter article as a springboard for family discussion. Try it!
I would also like to take this idea one step further. Many of our children who do attend church are regularly attending only one style of worship. They are not exposed to the different worship liturgies and music styles. Parents or grandparents, why not attempt to attend one of our other services, step out of your comfort zone for just a Sunday now and then? Experience the full picture of worship at Our Savior! You and your children will certainly learn that God-pleasing worship occurs in many different ways. I believe you will also learn to appreciate other worship styles. Teach your children diversity!
Lastly, when toddlers are old enough, keep them IN the service. Yes, we have a great nursery and staff, as well as a cry room; however, once children are old enough, get them in worship with you. You may have to keep them busy for a while with quiet toys and books (there are some GREAT kids’ Christian books out there!), but they will become acclimated to the expectations you have of them in time. They will learn from your example. Encourage them to fold their hands when the congregation prays, and when they are old enough to read, get them involved in the singing of songs and hymns.
Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Matthew 19:14
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:15-16
Yours in Christ,
Scott Kamman
Director of Music
Advent/Christmas Services: Many thanks to those who helped to make our Advent and Christmas services so special. To the choirs, praise teams, instrumentalists, organists, handbell ringers, and soloists: Thank you and to God be the glory!
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 January, they will be learning the hymn, “Renew Me, O Eternal Light,” a hymn written by Johann Friedrich Ruopp, 1672-1708.
Renew me, O eternal Light,
And let my heart and soul be bright,
Illumined with the light of grace
That issues from Your holy face.
Remove the pow’r of sin from me
And cleanse all my impurity
That I may have the strength and will
Temptations of the flesh to still.
Create in me a new heart, Lord,
That gladly I obey Your Word.
Let what You will be my desire,
And with new life my soul inspire.
Grant that I only You may love
And seek those things which are above
Till I behold You face to face,
O Light eternal, through Your grace.
Text and Music: Public domain
Created by Lutheran Service Builder © 2006 Concordia Publishing House.
 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!
Jan. 5: Pastor Fausel
Jan. 10: Camp Lakeview Staff (Monday, 10 AM)
Jan. 19: Grade 4
Jan. 26: Scott Kamman
Answer to the December quiz: The hymn that tells us that “This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing,” is “What Child Is This?”
January quiz: Which hymn paints the picture for us: “Cold on His cradle the dewdrops are shining”?
 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!
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. (These devices do not work outside the sanctuary.)
 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
 Time to hop in! Now is the time to get involved in one of the many music groups at Our Savior. Since we will all begin learning new music this month, it is a great time to get your feet wet. You are invited to join us! Check the church calendar for rehearsal times or talk to Scott! (426-1130)
Worship Notes  Sanctus is a Latin word that means “holy.” This part of the sung communion liturgy contains the words from Isaiah’s vision of God (Isaiah 6:3) and the crowd’s response on Palm Sunday when Jesus entered Jerusalem (Matthew 21:9). We join them in spirit by singing their words as we anticipate Christ’s coming in the Sacrament: “Holy, holy, holy, Lord, God of Sabaoth. Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!”
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
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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
Celebrate Christmas! 2010 2011?! You are cordially invited to Our Savior Lutheran School’s “Celebrate Christmas! 2010 2011?! featuring  presented by the Hosanna and Gloria Choirs (Grades 3-8) of Our Savior Lutheran School Friday, January 7, 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
New Member Class Pastor will be leading the next New Member Workshop on Saturday January 15th, 2011 from 9:30 AM to 3: 30 PM (lunch included) in the Fellowship Hall. This class is for anyone who would like to know more about the Christian Faith and how we practice that faith as Lutheran Christians at Our Savior. People who wish to join Our Savior who are not transferring from another Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod congregation need to attend one of these quarterly workshops before being received into membership.
Congregational Meeting A congregational meeting will be held on January 16th following the 11:00 AM service. The meeting will be to vote on the issues discussed at the last meeting concerning repairs that need done on both the church and school. A pot luck lunch will be served. Please bring a side dish, salad or dessert for 10-12 people. Hotdogs and hamburgers will be provided. Thank you.
Portals of Prayer The new January--March 2011 edition is now available. They are on the tables in the welcome center. If there are none there please stop in the church office to pick one up.
DOT: P. F. Chang's Ready to get the New Year started with good friends, fun and fellowship? Come join our group for our Dining Out Together on Saturday, January 8 at 6:00 PM. This month we will be going to P. F. Chang's Bistro located at 9120 Shelbyville Rd. Again, this is one of the restaurants supporting our Annual Taste of Our Savior in 2010. Now we will show our appreciation by bringing our group to them.
There will be a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board at the bottom of the stairs in the church lobby. For new folks, this is a very informal gathering that gives us an opportunity to meet some folks we may miss in church, just have some good fellowship or even to make new friends. Hope you can join us, it is always a good time.
Please contact Billie Detroy if you have any questions. Phone 905-4834 or email
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Golden Oldies The Golden Oldies next meeting will be on Monday, January 10th at 10:00 AM and carpool to the School for the Blind for a tour of their Facilities. After the tour we will proceed to the Olmsted Bistro on the Masonic Home Campus for lunch. Bring a friend! Questions may be directed to Bill Haller at 426-7755.
Offering Envelopes Your 2011 envelopes are now available. They are on the table in the Narthex hallway. Please pick them up at your earliest convenience. If for some reason yours are not there please let the church office know. Thank you.
L.E.A.F. You should have received information in the mail regarding the Lutheran Education Annual Fund. Please take a moment to read over the brochure and consider making a donation to this important campaign. No amount is too small because every dollar counts towards a quality Christian education.
Women's Ministry Book Sale The Women's Ministry Book Sale will be held on two Sundays in January – Jan. 9th and Jan 16th after church services. On the 16th we will remain open until 2 P.M. for the public. In addition to books, we will offer DVD’s, C D’s, books on tape and videos. Funds raised will go to the work that Women’s Ministry does in the church (Funeral meals, Coffee Hour, Altar expenses, etc). This is a good opportunity to stock up on your winter reading and entertainment at a reasonable price. Questions call Sue Kendt 254-1612 or Debbie Wolter 243-4187.
"Neighbor Map" Updated  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.
Monthly Calendar View the complete January calendar.
Something missing? Email information to
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