News for the New Year

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

 

As we step through the doorway into a new year, we praise God for gifting us with so many blessings and guiding us through our many challenges! How appropriate that our worship theme this weekend, the first of the new year, is the prologue to the Gospel According to John: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God . . . . It is also the second and final Sunday in the 12 day season of Christmas, so decorations and carols are still the order of the day. If you wish to read ahead, the lessons for worship are:

            Jeremiah 31:7-14

            Psalm 147:12-20

            Ephesians 1:3-14

            John 1:1-18

Following the 10:30 a.m. Sunday worship, for those who can help, we will begin taking down the candles, Chrismons, and trees.

 

 

EPIPHANY WORSHIP

Wednesday, January 6, is the Festival of the Epiphany, the day commemorating the visit of the Magi to the boy Jesus. We will hold a simple prayer service at 6:45 p.m. in the sanctuary, and then finish taking down the decorations. You are invited to bring your left-over Christmas cookies to share.

 

Epiphany Stars

&    Everyone is encouraged to read the complete book of Luke between January 6 and February 16, the season of Epiphany in the church year.  For each of the 24 chapters you read, you can add a gold star to the hanging displays in the sanctuary and chapel.  Let's all read so our worship spaces are filled with glittering gold stars. 

&    Each week there will be questions about the book of Luke in the bulletin.  Answers to the questions will be given in worship during the week after they appear in the bulletin.

&    At the end of Epiphany, youth and adults will face off in a congregational Bible Bowl here at Our Savior.  Watch the newsletter for details of when and where; and start reading Luke now.

 

EPIPHANY PARTY

You are invited to participate in an Epiphany Party at St. Paul Lutheran Church (Wayne Ave.) on Sunday, January 10, 11:45 a.m. Food (pork, sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, rolls, dessert), carol singing, and a gift exchange will be enjoyed. If you wish to join in the gift exchange, bring a wrapped $5.00 gift to place under the tree. There is no charge for lunch, but reservations are required (call 224-0589 or 643-1788).

 

HUMAN SEXUALITY DISCUSSION

On Tuesday, January 12, 7:00 p.m., we will hold an informal discussion about the ELCA adoption of the human sexuality resolutions at last August's national assembly. This discussion will be held in the first floor meeting room in the parish house. All points of view are welcome.

 

EUCHRE, ANYONE?

The next monthly Euchre gathering will be held on Sunday, January 17, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. in the parish house first floor meeting room. Please contact Rachel Lammi if you plan to attend (so enough tables are set up) at ras@oursaviordayton.org.

 

LUTHERAN COURSE

This month, we reconvene our joint educational opportunity with St. Paul Lutheran Church. "The Lutheran Course" will be offered on Tuesday, January 19, at LCOS – a light dinner is served at 6:00 p.m., with discussion to follow at 6:45 p.m. This month's discussion topic is How to receive God's grace/How are we saved?

 

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

We will hold an all-congregation birthday celebration on Sunday, January 24, 11:45 a.m. in the fellowship hall. This festive fellowship event is designed to help us celebrate everyone's birthday for the whole year. Lunch is being prepared by Lacie Sims and Marty Beyer. A cake decorating contest will be just one of the special activities offered. Plan now to attend by responding to this email to make your reservations. A free-will offering will be collected to help with the cost of lunch.

 

It was suggested to me that we have a Church Motto for our congregation for 2010, and that it be the line that Jesus gave his mother when, at the age of 12, he was in the temple while his parents were looking for him: "Didn't you know that I had to be here?" I like that, and I hope and pray that in this new year, all of us will deepen our relationship with God in worship, prayer, study and ministry! Happy New Year!

 

In Christ's peace,

Gary

 

 

 

Fwd: Christmas Eve Worship

Dear People of God,

 

I pray that you all will be filled with God's blessings of joy and hope this Christmastime. Many of you are traveling; may your trips be safe, joy-filled, and restful. For those who are in town, I invite you to join us in worship Thursday:

 

            4:00 p.m. – Family Service, with children's pageant, candle lighting, and celebration of Holy Communion.

          10:00 p.m. – Traditional Candlelighting Service, with much of the service in candlelight, featuring the chancel choir and celebration of Holy Communion.

 

For those who are unable to be out and about on Christmas Eve, I invite you to worship with Mt. Tabor Lutheran Church, in West Columbia, South Carolina (my congregation while I was attending seminary). At 7:00 p.m., they will broadcast their Christmas Eve service on the Web. You can access the service at http://www.WISTV.com. This broadcast is especially intended for military personnel serving overseas, but if you can't be in worship on Christmas Eve, I encourage you to check out this service.

 

Reminder – Our weekend worship schedule remains the same: Saturday, 5:30 p.m. in the chapel; Sunday, 8:15 and 10:30 a.m. in the sanctuary.

 

Merry Christmas!

Gary