1. Our Saviour’s Voice
Our Saviour Lutheran Church, 120 S. Henry Street, Green Bay, Wisconsin, 54302
(920) 468-4065
December 2013
or
answers in the wrong places. They wonder, “Maybe I
will find inner peace in more money; more success;
more possessions; a finer reputation; a more prestigious
job, car or house?” All they find are dead end roads,
bigger questions and larger burdens. Sure, those things
are nice, but we are back to the basic truth - We will
leave here with empty pockets, we will leave here with
no pockets at all.
Some folks go around as if they were a walking
human
question
mark, all
bent over
with a
burden on
their back,
wondering,
“Where did I come from? Who am I? Why am I
here? Where am I going?”
Nothing in this world will bring the deep inner harmony
our soul longs for, the contentment and peace of God
that passes all understanding. Nothing, that is, except an
inner relationship with the living God through our Lord,
Christ. Nothing but Christ’s grace can unshackle us, can
remove that burden from our back.
Ebenezer Scrooge was like that…. bent over and
burdened. The Ghost of Marley, his former business
partner, described that burden as a chain, holding him
down, never answering his question.
Another view of a person walking around like a human
question mark was in
the story, “Pilgrim’s
Progress” by John
Bunyan. We have
mentioned this time
and again, but never
often enough. Here is
an
image
of
“Christian”, walking like a question mark with a burden
on his back.
Let’s listen in: “Again the spectre raised a cry, and
shook its chain and wrung its shadowy hands. "You are
fettered," said Scrooge, trembling. "Tell me why?” “I
wear the chain I forged in life," replied the Ghost. "I
made it link by link, and yard by yard; I girded it on of
my own free will, and of my own free will I wore it. Is
its pattern strange to you?" Scrooge trembled more and
more. "Or would you know," pursued the Ghost, "the
weight and length of the strong coil you bear yourself? It
was full and heavy and as long as this, seven Christmas
Eves ago. You have laboured on it since. It is a
ponderous chain!" Scrooge glanced about him on the
floor, in the expectation of finding himself surrounded
by some fifty or sixty fathoms of iron cable: but he could
see nothing. - Dickens, Charles (2004-08-11). A
Christmas Carol (p. 13). Public Domain Books. Kindle
Edition.
Now I saw in my dream, that they went on, and GreatHeart before them. So they went, and came to the place
where Christian’s burden fell off his back and tumbled
into a sepulcher. - Bunyan, John (2010-12-13). The
Pilgrim's Progress - Unabridged With Original
Illustrations
(Kindle
Locations
2895-2896).
www.graceflow.org. Kindle Edition.
A lot of folks today walk around like human question
marks. They wander and wonder, trying to find all the
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2. Let’s get to Christmas. God became one of us for many
reasons, not the least of these is that after our salvation
had been won for us, the inner Christ would begin to
“change our character”. That is, He changes us from
being walking question marks, to walking exclamation
marks.
shouting, “Free, free, new, whole, righteous, saved” and
all kinds of other cool new words!
How about, “He is risen! Alleluia! Amen! Praise the
Lord!” - Now, truer than
true, we won’t find
many Lutherans going
around shouting those
words out loud, but we
can shout them from the
inside.
With all that He has done for us, including releasing our
burden of sin, unshackling us from an entrapment of
chains to the things of this world, He begins to change
our character. That is, we take on the mind of Christ. We
are back to the original and authentic meaning of
“Repentance”
“A
metamorphosis
of
the
mind”. Yuppers, that’s it…
change in character.
How
about,
Saviour is born!”
“The
Stand tall, Pilgrim. You
are no longer walking
and wallowing like a
human question mark,
no more walking in
Scrooge had one!
circles in search of answers.
Christian
in
Pilgrim’s
Progress had one!
Christ in you sets you tall and new like a human
exclamation mark!
Once loose, we stand tall
and straight like walking
exclamation
marks,
Merry Christmas, everyone!
Pastor Dave
EDITOR NEEDED…COULD IT BE YOU?
Do you want to serve our Lord in a creative way? Do you have experience in layout and
design and editing? OSLC is seeking someone special to serve as the Editor of this
newsletter, The Voice Online. Content provided! Interested?
See Pastor Dave or email him at dave@oslc-gb.org.
OFFICIAL ACTS
Baptisms
Ila Mae Tompkins
Born: April 6, 2013
Baptized: October 27, 2013
Daughter of Matthew and Rachel Tompkins
Membership Changes
IN:
Tara DeGrave, Profession of Faith
Marilyn Reinke, transfer form Christ the King
Ev. Lutheran Church, Green Bay, WI (ELCA)
Funerals
Mavis M. Desotelle
October 1, 1924 ~ October 18, 2013
Funeral service held on October 22, 2013
Weddings
Angela Lee Haase and Seth Bradley Lemke
United at Our Saviour on October 25, 2013
Tiffany Treml and Andrew Rozek
United at Our Saviour on October 26, 2013
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3. January 2014
OSLC Usher Schedule
Day:
Thu.
Sun.
Date
2-Jan
5-Jan
Service:
7:00 PM
7:45 AM
Lead
Paul Kuehl
Allen Knaus
Usher Team:
Bill Baneck; †UN; †UN
Clarence Ney; Josh VanKauwenberg; Jerry VanKauwenberg
Sun.
5-Jan
9:15 AM
Wendy Chamberlain
Randy & Roxanne Dyle; Alex Chamberlain; McKenzie Waniger; Nathan Scholz
Sun.
Thu.
Sun.
Sun.
Sun.
Thu.
Sun.
Sun.
Sun.
Thu.
Sun.
Sun.
Sun.
Thu.
5-Jan
9-Jan
12-Jan
12-Jan
12-Jan
16-Jan
19-Jan
19-Jan
19-Jan
23-Jan
26-Jan
26-Jan
26-Jan
30-Jan
10:45 AM
7:00 PM
7:45 AM
9:15 AM
10:45 AM
7:00 PM
7:45 AM
9:15 AM
10:45 AM
7:00 PM
7:45 AM
9:15 AM
10:45 AM
7:00 PM
†UN
Royal Bruhn
Norm Krueger
John Kielpikowski
Dave Wians
Jerry Buechner
Chuck Arthur
Matt Dalebroux
Randy Vande Hei
Mike Charles
Paul Kuehl
Mike Morgan
Dave Bitters
Royal Bruhn
Norm Krueger
-Usher Needed
Rich Ryman; Sue Bruhn; Richard Christianson
†UN; †UN; †UN
Chad Kielpikowski; Ron Klumb; †UN
Lonnie Peerenboom; Davis LaMarche; Dan Richer
Carmen Leuthner; Lloyd Leuthner; Rich Spangenberg
Carl Zimonick; Gary Kirchman; Dick Zimonick
Andrew Prescher; Al Brietlow; Barry Dalebroux
Walt Juhnke; Tiffany & Brian Duff; Chelsea & Rachel Vande Hei
Don Larson; Karen Kiekhaefer; Hunter Alft
Bill Baneck; †UN; †UN
Vernon Siech; Gloria Morgan; Ralph Hoerchler
Robin & Shelley Williams; Frank Helebrant; Don Schultz; Trey B.
Rich Ryman; Sue Bruhn; Richard Christianson
†UN; †UN; †UN
If you'd like to volunteer as an usher:
Please contact the Lead Usher of the group you'd like to join;
Or, contact Rich Spangenberg (920) 857-3014 or email "spangenr.ret@uwgb.edu"
EASY GIFT GIVING 101
Shopping for Christmas gifts can be a fun experience! Okay, that depends on your
definition of fun, right? Well, you can make shopping easier with SCRIP. Buy
SCRIP based on your budget for giving…you won’t overspend, your budget will be
unscathed AND you just made an additional gift to Our Saviour.
Or, buy SCRIP and give those gift cards as the gift…let the
receiver of your generosity buy what they want from the store
you select. SCRIP can be purchased on Sunday mornings at the
Welcome Center or in the church office (Monday thru Friday
from 8-12pm and 1-4:30pm). Many popular cards are ‘on-hand’
and can be purchased on the spot; some cards need to be ordered
and will be available on the Thursday following the Sunday they are ordered. Order
early (December 1st or 8th would be ideal!) to avoid being disappointed with a
popular card that is ‘back-ordered’. Get a gas card for your paper carrier, a
Starbucks card for your hairdresser or a restaurant card to give your child’s teacher
a night out….the possibilities are almost endless.
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4. “WORKING TO BUILD GOD’S KINGDOM”
Our Saviour Lutheran Church - 2014
Two good things happen as a result of your gifts…those you help will be glad…(and)…they
will praise God for this proof that your deeds are as good as your belief… They will pray
for You…because of the wonderful grace of God shown through You. Thank God for His
Son—His gift too wonderful for words.”
2 Corinthians 9: 13-16 (TLV)
In His Word, our Lord teaches us to return to Him first out of His blessings, but these blessings are
not limited just to money. Each of us is blessed in many ways, with time, talent, and treasures, and it behooves
each and every one of us to return a portion of all of these to The Lord.
From a financial perspective, the Bible teaches about tithing, returning to The Lord a percentage of His gifts to
us. You may wish to use this worksheet to help you as you prayerfully consider your commitment. Please note
that you keep this portion for your records.
$
Annual Household Income
X
Percent to Return to the
Lord for His work
=
$
Total for the Lord’s work
(15% = 0.15, 10% = 0.10, 5% = 0.05)
From a time and talents perspective, we urge you to consider where God fits into your life. Is He more
important than a favorite TV show, or soccer practice, or band rehearsal, or whatever it is that pulls at your life
throughout the week? If so, then please consider how you can devote a percentage of your week to the work of
The Lord, whether that is by attending Bible classes or volunteering on boards, committees, or special events at
church. A week has 168 hours in it; ten percent (a standard tithe) would be almost 17 hours. Including
worship, reading the Bible, and daily prayer, how many hours do you devote to the Lord?
Before you return this card, please pray: “Lord, we thank You for Your many great gifts. May we generously
and trustingly fulfill our intention to support your ministries through our offerings to Your cause. In the power
of Your Name. Amen.”
Please cut along this dotted line and return the bottom portion to the church. We ask that all members who are
able to attend bring their commitment card to Loyalty Sunday on December 15, 2013 and place it in the offering
plate. Until that date, there will be a box set up in the Narthex for the commitment cards. If you cannot attend
on that date, please mail the completed bottom portion of this page to Our Saviour Lutheran Church, 120 S.
Henry Street, Green Bay, WI 54302. Please do not put your name or your envelope number on your pledge.
Out of thanks and trust to our Lord, I/we commit:
Talents I will offer in service of the Lord
Hours of service each - week / month / year (circle one)
Financial gifts - weekly / monthly / annually (circle one)
For the OSLC Family Ministries during 2014
5. A EULOGY BORN FROM A CRUCIBLE EXPERIENCE
As we have said before, suffering
is often referred to as a “crucible
experience” – we come out
different than we went in.
Frequently traumatic events are
crucible events.
A crucible is a device that
chemists use to purify and alter
the elements that are exposed to
its heat. The elements are changed
during the heating. They are never
the same again. People’s minds
and souls are transformed through
crucible experiences.
Recently at OSLC, one of our
members passed away. Her body
was taken by cancer, her soul
taken home by the Savior. She
will get a new body at the
resurrection. The family is left
behind. The family will continue
to be transformed by her life in
Christ.
Introduction by David H. Hatch
brought him to this line of
thinking. A short list: Cancer,
chemo, waiting, praying, good
news, bad news, anger, grief,
death and acceptance. Roll these
things through the mind and heart
over and over, and something is
going to happen. A crucible
experience transforms. For the
seeming eternity of months, years
and the last days and minutes, life
as he knew it with his mom, was
changing, and he was changing.
Following the theme, “Suffering
teaches”, what might this young
man’s words teach us today, at
this moment in our story?
That Eulogy follows here:
During the Coronation Service
(funeral), the adult son of the
deceased stood at the microphone
and gave a eulogy about his mom.
In the crucible experience, we can
see that the eulogy was actually
about what God was doing inside
he and his family as a result of
their experience. It is very likely
that the young man never could
have conceived two years before,
or even two weeks before, that
these would be his words. His
thoughts, expressed in the eulogy,
were the result of a crucible
experience.
“As we sat in the garden at the
hospital last week, my dad asked
us kids to write something about
Mom. I was reluctant. Not for any
personal reasons, but what words
could accurately portray the
incredible woman she was. There
is not an adjective in the
dictionary that can describe the
way she lived her life.
We have included the essence of
his words below, with permission.
As you read them, consider what
experience he had endured that
Last week my son asked me why
Nana is going to Heaven. I had to
stop and think before answering. I
have spent 2 1⁄2 years angry with
5
God for this very same question.
Of all the people in the world,
why her? She never once put
herself above anyone else. She
lived her life helping others. She
wasn’t a teacher or a doctor or a
counselor, she was all of them
and more. Whatever she needed
to be to solve that day’s problem,
she was. There wasn’t a problem
she couldn’t solve or an item she
couldn’t fix. This past week
someone said, “If each of us were
given just one of her skills, the
world would be a much better
place. We often struggle with
tasks she used to do and none of
us can figure them out. She had a
way of “Momguyvering” things.
And with everything she did,
never once did she complain or
expect reimbursement. How many
times do we help someone, and in
the back of our minds we expect
some form of payment, be it
material or a future favor. Not
once did she expect anything in
return. Just knowing that she was
able to help someone and make
(continued on page 6)
6. Eulogy (continued from page 5)
their life better or easier was all
the payment she wanted. Her
struggle with cancer was no
exception. She never once
complained or felt like giving up.
She endured numerous hospital
visits, chemo treatments and
surgeries. Her only concern was
not for herself, but to make sure
her grandbabies were taken care
of if she were to leave this earth.
Then I realized I just answered
my own question. If God needed
a special angel to join him in
Heaven, wouldn’t He want the
best? Instead of questioning why
her, I should have been thinking,
why not her. There is no one
better on this earth. He couldn’t
have chosen a better person to
oversee the world’s troubles. She
was already an angel on this
earth. I can only imagine what she
will be in Heaven. I couldn’t have
been blessed with a better mother.
And she is the only one on this
earth (besides the Lord Himself) I
would want with the
responsibility of guarding over
our family and friends from
Heaven. She was an amazing
mother and now joins a group of
other amazing mothers. With all
of these women’s
accomplishments, and lives they
touched on earth, I can only
imagine what they can
accomplish together in Heaven.
Just as I thought I had understood
everything going on, I found
myself once again questioning
God’s Plan this week. As our
mother lie peacefully in her
hospital bed, we were presented
with the news that any moment
she may receive her welldeserved crown. We knew God
had larger plans for her and would
soon take her hand. As we held
her hand and said our good-byes,
we made peace with the fact that
she was going to a much better
place with no sorrow or pain. As
the hours turned to days and the
days started adding up, I began
questioning if we were being
punished. It was hard enough to
say our good-byes once, but felt
like it had turned into a daily
event. Then we received a visit
from a special person. This person
asked us if we had to choose
between her receiving her crown
at that moment or possibly being
blessed with a couple more days
with her here on earth, which
would we choose. She looked
peaceful and at ease, so it was
obvious we had thought of our
own pain and anxiety and not the
miracle that lay before us.
I believe being the person she
was, she used her courage and
strength to hold on as long as she
could to allow her family and
friends the blessing of being able
to say their good-byes and hold
her hand for the last time. Even in
her last days she put everyone
else’s needs above her own. She
allowed us time to experience
some special moments with
family and friends. As a result of
her courage, we experienced
many memorable stories, mended
broken relationships and
developed new ones.
I now find myself feeling selfish
for questioning God’s plan. The
only one I am angry with now is
myself. How could I have spent
all of these years with this
wonderful person in my life and
taken it for granted? I was so used
to her catering to our every need,
I never stopped to think of what
6
life would have been like without
her. I am angry with myself for
not hugging her more. For not
telling her I love her more. For
not thanking her more. For not
spending more time with her in
the last year.
I ask everyone here to go home
and thank their mother, father,
husband, wife, brother or sister
for all they have done. The
kindness shown by our family
should not be expected, it should
be appreciated. I also ask
everyone here to think of a broken
relationship they have that may be
weighing heavy on their hearts.
Many special relationships were
mended in this last week and I am
grateful for this. No one knows
when they will get the call to
graduate to Heaven, and every
day on earth should be used to
appreciate having the people we
do in our lives.
There is nothing I can do about
the past, but I can try to make
today and tomorrow better. This
is what Mom would have wanted.
The best way to honor her
incredible life is to live as she
would have. To take every
opportunity to spend with family
and friends, and to give a helping
hand whenever one is needed. If
we all act as she would have
when faced with decisions in life,
the world will be a much better
place and her memory will live on
in all of us.”
There is one more trait of Mom I
would like to mention. My Mom
wasn’t just the most amazing
woman in the world, she was also
half of the most amazing team in
the world. On one of the last
(continued on page 7)
7. Eulogy (continued from page 6)
nights with her, I witnessed my
dad lean over, kiss her head, and
apologize to her for not being able
to save her. This absolutely broke
my heart.
Like my Mom, my Dad has also
always put others above himself.
He will always drop what he is
doing to help someone out. His
only flaw is his inherited heavy
heart. His constant concern for
those around him cause much
stress that is difficult to
overcome. What he has endured
in the last 2 1⁄2 years in more
stress than most people see in a
lifetime. From doctor
appointments, to emergency room
visits to chemo treatments to
medications, he has had much to
be concerned about. What he has
gone through in recent years and
the way in which he has handled
it has been amazing. And also like
my Mom, has done this with no
concern for himself and no
complaints. He has definitely had
some incredible help from Heidi,
Sheri and Nicole. And also from
Matt and Brett who often had to
act as single parents to give the
girls time to help. But other than
the girls help, he has single
handedly taken care of every
aspect of my mom’s life, and
every step, milestone, or
disappointment in her treatment.
On any typical day he would
wake at 3 am to get my mom
showered and dressed. He would
then make her breakfast, do some
dishes, and have about 10 minutes
to get himself ready for work. He
would then go off to his 12 hour
shift at the paper mill. After work,
he would make dinner, help mom
eat, then get her comfortable in
her recliner with her favorite TV
show. After cleaning up dinner,
he would do some laundry, cut
the grass and/or pay some bills
and then get my mom ready for
bed.
Dad, I don’t want you to ever
think for one second you failed.
When cancer came knocking at
the door, you said (strong words)
to that disease. Because of your
love for mom and her amazing
strength, we were blessed with
almost two years of time we
weren’t supposed to have. I
recently heard a quote that God
gives his toughest tasks to his
strongest soldiers, and I think this
perfectly fits you and mom.
idealized for courage, outstanding
achievements, or noble qualities.
This couldn’t be more fitting. You
are our hero for the
compassionate and unselfish way
you took care of mom. There
wasn’t a single thing more that
could have been done. It was her
time and God’s plan, no chemo or
miracle drug would have changed
the outcome. As was in her
nature, I believe she would have
wanted to go first in order to have
the cabin in Heaven ready before
we get there.
– By permission from Jason
Hoffmann, from a eulogy spoken
at his mother’s funeral. His mom
was Diane Hoffmann. The funeral
was on September 14, 2013 at
OSLC. Diane (Clark) Hoffmann,
55, Green Bay, went home to the
Lord on Tuesday, September 10,
2013, after a courageous two and
a half year fight against cancer
with her loving and devoted
family by her side. She was born
June 15, 1958. Diane was the
perfect wife, amazing mother and
a world class Nana. God gave her
endless talents and she used them
to touch the lives of many people.
I looked up the definition of a
hero this week. It said “a person,
typically a man who is admired or
Pastor Dave
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT GREEN BAY TRINITY THIS MONTH??
On December 2 from 4-8pm, Pizza Ranch will be holding a fundraising night for Trinity. The school
receives a portion of the sales and any tips that are left in a special container at the restaurant. The 7th
and 8th grade students and their teacher will be serving and bussing tables. Come out and enjoy a
break from your 10th turkey sandwich!
On December 16, the students of Green Bay Trinity will celebrate Christmas in story and song.
Come to the Sanctuary at Our Saviour at 7pm and watch these children show their love for their
Saviour as he comes to us in human form to save us from our sins.
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8. THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS SHINES THOUGH AT OSLC
The Board of Evangelism has arranged for Our Saviour members to participate in these
community giving opportunities this Christmas season. All donations and gifts are due back
to church by December 8, 2013. (The church will be open on December 7 from 9-11am for the Christmas
Program practice if you are unable to come on Sunday due to the change in Packer game time.)
Our Saviour is a collection spot for the Salvation Army’s ‘Toys for Teens’ program; this is a spin-off of the
‘Toys for Tots’ program. A list of teen gift ideas can be found in the Narthex. These and other gifts for
children (tots OR teens) can be brought to Our Saviour; the collection box is near the2nd floor elevator).
Many children in our area will receive no Christmas gifts outside of the Salvation Army’s programs. Toys
for Tots/Toys for Teens gifts should be unwrapped and unlabeled.
Another opportunity comes to us through Bornemann Nursing Home. A list of eight residents and
suggested gifts for each can be found at the Welcome Center. (We have had a tremendous response
and all residents were adopted as of the writing of this article.) All gifts should be returned wrapped
(or placed in gift bags) and labeled.
We also have member families who are struggling to make ends meet. If you would be interested in
adopting a family, or individual members of a family, please contact Michelle in the office at (920) 468-4065
or by email at info@oslc-gb.org. Food, Christmas gifts, gift cards and/or monetary donations are requested.
Let’s not forget that our CHICKS WITH STIX are working year-round to help those locally with winter
hats, scarves and mittens as well as making wheelchair bags for local nursing home residents and dolls and
pillowcase dresses for needy around the world. If you have winter knit items, please also bring those to Our
Saviour by December 8 so they can be distributed this year.
COMING IN 2014…BEGIN COLLECTING NOW
A Pair and a Spare - This collection of new socks and underwear will run from January 13th to February 11th.
New socks and underwear for all ages, male and female, will be collected during this annual campaign.
Make an effort to buy a ‘pair or a spare’ for someone in need this winter.
Help for the Homeless is an annual collection of personal hygiene and household cleaning products. This
year’s campaign will run from March 1 to March 30. Items focused on for this collection are personal
hygiene items (deodorant, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes and more) as well as cleaning supplies like Mr.
Clean, dishwashing detergent, and laundry soap.
All items collected during these two campaigns will be distributed to local homeless shelters and to needy
individuals through local non-profit venues that focus on helping those in need in our area.
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10. OSLC THANKS OUR SPONSORS!
Advertisements in the business directory help Our Saviour defray the cost of ‘The Voice” each month. If you
would like to advertise, please contact Michelle in the Church office at (920) 468-4065 or info@oslc-gb.org.
Please support the sponsors who help support us.
“Our Saviour’s Voice” is published monthly by Our Saviour Lutheran Church, Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Vacancy Editor, DH Hatch. Please feel free to contact the church office with constructive suggestions and/or
comments at info@oslc-gb.org. Thanks to those who have already commented! We are always seeking more
congregational input and submissions.
OUR SAVIOUR STAFF
Senior Pastor – David H. Hatch
dave@oslc-gb.org
Associate Pastor – Greg Hovland
(920) 544-3614
greg@oslc-gb.org
Church Office – Michelle Burhite
(920) 468-4065
info@oslc-gb.org
Preschool Director – Christina Scholz
(920) 609-0248
(920) 468-3596
christina@oslc-gb.org
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11. We all need a plan for our money. Financial Peace University (FPU) is that plan! It teaches
God's ways of handling money. Through video teaching, class discussions and interactive
small group activities, FPU presents biblical, practical steps to get from where you are to
where you've dreamed you could be. This plan will show you how to get rid of debt, manage
your money, spend and save wisely, and much more!
FPU classes meet for around an hour and a half each week for nine weeks. It will meet on
Tuesday nights at 6:30pm starting January 7, 2014 (ends March 4). It is hosted by Our
Saviour Lutheran Church. You do not need to be a member to participate. For more
information or to register, go to http://fpu.oslc-gb.org. or call (920) 468-4065.
Each family of participants will need a FPU membership kit. You may purchase the kit
directly from http://daveramsey.com or from Our Saviour Lutheran (for $100).
HOW SHOULD WE THEN LIVE?
Classes begin January 8, 2014 (Wednesdays at 6pm and Sundays at 10:30am)
The idea of the project, How Should We Then
Live?, both as a film documentary and as a book,
was conceived in 1974 and completed in 1976. In
the Acknowledgements, Francis Schaeffer writes
about the idea behind the project: “Using my
study, over the past forty years, of Western
thought and culture as a base, we could attempt to
present the flow and development which have led
to twentieth-century thinking and, by so doing,
hope to show the essential answers.” The subtitle
is “The Rise and Decline of Western Thought and
Culture.” Starting from ancient Roman times,
tracing man’s development throughout the Middle
Ages, going to the Renaissance, Reformation, and
Enlightenment, he shows the steps which led to the
modern era.
(Review by Jacob Schriftman, Author of The C.S.
Lewis Book on the Bible: What the Greatest Christian
Writer Thought About the Greatest Book)
Those that participated in The Truth Project will find this series to be similarly thought-provoking as you
develop a world-view. This series will expand our understanding of how we got where we are politically,
socially and culturally. No sign up necessary. Wednesdays begin the class with the same topic on the
following Sunday.
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12. KEEP IN TOUCH WITH OSLC
There are many ways to keep in touch and know what is happening at Our Saviour.
1. Check your mail…you never know when you might be the recipient of mail from OSLC!
2. Pick up a copy of The Voice, which includes a monthly calendar, or view it on our website.
3. Read the Church Council minutes. These are available at the Welcome Center or on our
website after they have been approved.
4. Read the weekly announcement sheet when you attend service; you are welcome to take a
copy home as a reminder of future events!
5. Visit the website (www.oslc-gb.org) to see calendar events, The Voice, the weekly
announcements and more…Sign up to receive notices by email including Fish Fry
reminders and volunteer opportunity information.
6. Social Media - follow us on Twitter and Facebook and check in at Four Square when
visiting church.
7. Notify the office by email (info@oslc-gb.org) or phone (468-4065) of changes to your
mailing address, phone number and/or email address. Let us know when your kids move
out (or back in)!
8. Have a friend or relative call us if you are hospitalized. Or ask the admitting nurse to
notify us (this takes longer but we’ll get the message).
UPCOMING events
Don’t’ be left behind! We have many events planned, so
add these events to your calendar and plan to attend.
December 1
December 8
December 13
December 15
December 15
December 15
December 16
December 18
December 18
December 24
December 24
December 25
December 31
January 7
Weds., January 8
Sun., January 12
9:00am
All Day
5:00pm
10:00am
All Services
10:45am
7:00pm
5:30, 6 and 6:30pm
5:00pm-7pm
1:30pm, 3:30pm
5:30pm, 7:30pm
10:00am
6:00pm
6:00pm
6:00pm
Christmas Cookie, Candy and More Bake Sale
Last Day: Toys for Teens/Nursing Home Gifts
Monthly Fish Fry
Voters’ Meeting
Loyalty Sunday
S.S. Christmas Pageant
GB Trinity Christmas Program
Live Nativity – 3 presentations
Soup Supper
Praise Worship Service
Traditional Worship Service
Traditional Worship Service
New Years’ Eve Worship
Financial Peace – First Class (runs 9 weeks)
Francis Schaeffer’s ‘How Should We Then Live’
Weds/Sun Series runs thru February 26
STEWARDSHIP BOARD PROMOTES
LOYALTY SUNDAY
It’s not about the money…it’s about serving the Lord. On Loyalty Sunday, every
confirmed member of Our Saviour is asked to bring forward their ‘Loyalty Card’. This
card, which you should pray over before completing, shows the personal time, talent and
treasures that will be used for their Lord in 2014. Please consider what you can offer in
thanks to all that you receive.
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13. “Christmas at the barn”
At the rock-k ranch (2374 Day St, Hwy 96, Greenleaf)
Thursday, December 19
5:30-8:30pm
Live Nativity in the Barn (every 30 minutes beginning at 5:30pm)
Special music and caroling in the barn
Free Hayrides – Wagons leave every 20 minutes beginning at 5:30pm. Dress warmly for the
40-minute round trip through woods to the bonfire and back.
Bonfire in the Woods – Warm up and sing by the fire.
Warming Shed Events
5:30-6:30pm: The Juggler with the Yellow Shoes
6:30pm-8:30pm: “The Magic of Christmas” (ventriloquist, puppets, clowns & more)
FACE PAINTING
FREE HOT CHOCOLATE, CIDER AND COOKIES
HOT DOGS & CHIPS FOR SALE
This event is sponsored by Alleluia Lutheran Church. Please call 532-3892 if you have any questions.
All events are provided free of charge; donations are welcome.
2014 OFFERING ENVELOPES
Offering envelopes for 2014 are now
available for pick up in the office
hallway. Envelope numbers are
offered for the purpose of having your
offerings to Our Saviour recorded. If
offering envelopes were not assigned
to you but you desire to use them for
2014, please contact the office.
weekly, monthly or two times per
month for the amount you select. You
can designate the unified budget
and/or the building/mortgage budget.
With SimplyGiving, you don’t need
to remember to write a check; your
offering is received by the church,
whether you are able to attend or not!
Your offerings can also be recorded
without envelopes by utilizing
SimplyGiving, with automatic
withdrawals from your checking or
savings account. Under
SimplyGiving, you are assigned a
special number under which
donations that are not automatic
would also be recorded. Draws can be
Annual statements showing your
offerings for 2013, which can be used
for tax purposes, will be available at
church in early to mid-January 2014.
Statements not picked up by January
26 will be mailed to the address on
record at Our Saviour.
13
14. LET’S EAT!
As Lutherans, we don’t hold the corner on good eats but we do pretty well
with sharing what we have and including food in many fellowship events.
In December, we have the opportunity to reach out to the community with
not just the monthly Fish Fry on Friday, December 13, but also the Soup
Supper on December 18.
The monthly Fish Fry utilizes a fish and chicken dinner menu with
waitresses and carryout available. Make sure to pick up a schedule of
dates thru May 2014.
The Soup Supper brings warmth to the night of the Live Nativity, December 18.
Come to relive the journey of Mary and Joseph, the miracle of the birth of our
Lord, Jesus Christ in a manger in Bethlehem and the visit from Three Wise Men
bearing gifts.
SUNDAY SCHOOL OFFERS
CHRISTMAS STORY WITH SONG
The Sunday School children will share their love of God our Father and Jesus
Christ, his son and our brother, in “The First Christmas” on Sunday December 15
at 10:45am. Please join us for this very special hour.
Parents, rehearsal for the pageant will be during the Sunday
school hour for the next three weeks as well as on two Saturdays
(December 7 and 14 from 9-11am). Please make sure that your
child’s Sunday school teacher knows if your child will participate
in the December 15 pageant. If you have an email address in the
church database, copies of the songs to practice were sent to you
last month.
14
15. December 2013
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
1
7:45am Trad Worship
9:15am Praise Worship
w/Holy Baptism
9:30am Sun School
10:45am Trad Worship
2
4pm-8pm Pizza Ranch
Fundraiser for Trinity
7pm Board of Elders
3
7am Bible Study*
9am Bible Study*
7pm Choir Practice
4
12pm Staff Meeting
3pm Youth Night
5pm Meal
6pm Praise Band
6pm The Truth Project
6pm Confirmation and
Ken Ham Series
6:30 pm HS Bible Study*
5
12:15pm Worship
5:30pm Schleh/Miller
Wedding Rehearsal
6:30pm Cub Scouts
7pm Trad Worship
6
3pm Schleh/Miller
Wedding
7
9am Christmas Pageant
Rehearsal
8 MITE BOX SUNDAY
7:45am Trad Worship
7:45am Bible Study*
9:15am Praise Worship
9:15am Bible Study*
9:30am Sun School
10:30am Ken Ham
9
9am Circuit 19 at OSLC
1pm Chicks with Stix
6pm Personnel & Finance
6:45pm Church Council
10
7am Bible Study*
9am Bible Study*
7pm Choir Practice
11
12pm Staff Meeting
3pm Youth Night
5pm Meal
6pm Praise Band
6pm The Truth Project
6pm Confirmation, Live
Nativity Practice and
Ken Ham Series
6:30 pm HS Bible Study*
7:30pm Youth Board
12
12:15pm Worship
4pm Fish Fry Prep
7pm Trad Worship
7:45pm Evangelism
13
5pm Monthly Fish Fry
14
9am Christmas Pageant
Rehearsal
15 LOYALTY SUNDAY
7:45am Trad Worship
7:45am Bible Study*
9:15am Abbreviated
Praise Worship
9:15am Bible Study*
9:30am Sun School
10am Voters Meeting
10:30am Bible Study
10:45am SS Children’s
Christmas Pageant
16
7pm Board of Education
7pm Trinity Christmas
Program
17
7am Bible Study*
8am OLM Meeting
9am Bible Study*
6:30pm Preschool Family
Christmas Night
7:15pm Choir Practice
18
12pm Staff Meeting
3pm Youth Night
5pm Soup Supper
5:30pm Live Nativity (and
6 and 6:30pm)
6pm Praise Band
6pm The Truth Project
6:30 pm HS Bible Study*
19
12:15pm Worship
6:30pm Cub Scouts
7pm Trad Worship
20
21
22
7:45am Trad Worship
7:45am Bible Study*
9:15am Praise Worship
9:15am Bible Study*
10:30am Bible Study
10:45am Trad Worship
23
24 CHRISTMAS EVE
7am Bible Study*
1:30pm Praise Worship
3:30pm Praise Worship
5:30pm Trad Worship
7:30pm Trad Worship
25 CHRISTMAS
10am Worship
26
12pm Gym Rental
27
28
29
7:45am Trad Worship
9:15am Praise Worship
10:45am Trad Worship
30
31 NEW YEAR’S EVE
7am Bible Study*
6pm Worship
Packers games in December are on the 8th (at noon-changed from 7:30pm) and the 22nd
(currently scheduled for 3:25pm). Workers are still needed for both games; contact Neil Burmeister
at 866-9088 to get the details or to volunteer. Please note the change in the date of the Voters’
Meeting (due to the Packer’s change) from the 8th to the 15th.