"Lord, even as we enjoy the Super Bowl football game, help us to be mindful of those who are without a bowl of soup to eat." Souper Bowl of Caring Founding Prayer
This coming weekend, those who come to worship at the Lutheran Church of Our Savior will participate in the Souper Bowl of Caring. All proceeds will go directly to the New Hope Food Pantry in Dayton. This is an annual event that started with one church in 1990 and has now grown to over 15,000 churches and civic groups nationwide. Approximately $8,26,191 worth of food and money was raised in 2007, with $826,191 of that coming from ELCA congregations. No money or food is sent to the Souper Bowl of Caring itself - all proceeds go directly a charity chosen by each participating group.
We encourage everybody attending our services this weekend to give generously. We will be collecting both food items and monetary donations.
For more information, see http://www.souperbowl.org/ and www.elca.org/hunger/resources/souperbowl.html. If you click on "Social Ministry Projects" below, you'll see more postings about the New Hope Food Pantry.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Driftwood for Window Displays During Lent
Lent starts very early this year - Ash Wednesday is Feb. 6. If you have any driftwood that can be used in the window displays during the season of Lent (a depiction of a dry creek bed), please let Gary or a member of the Worship Committee know, and bring it in by Feb. 3.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
A Message From Our Pastor
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Our worship theme this weekend, grounded in our lessons, deals with our response to God's call to obedience and servanthood. We have the opportunity to reflect on our own responses to God's call as we hear in the Gospel lesson the account of Jesus calling his first disciples to follow him. This is big stuff, and demands that we dream big!
It's here! The "Hearts for the Lord's Will" All-Congregation Birthday Celebration will be held this Sunday, January 23 11:45 a.m. in the fellowship hall. If you have forgotten to make your reservations, not to worry. The Evangelism Team says come on - just bring a covered dish to share (something other desserts, please – from the reservations, it looks like we'll have plenty of sweets!). Not only does this promise to be an exciting event, it also promises to do a great job of "setting the table" for our Annual Meeting, held the following week! We hope you will be with us. Nursery care and activities for children will be provided.
Looking Ahead:
- Annual Meeting - Sunday, February 3, 11:45 a.m. Catered lunch, followed by meeting to act on the proposed budget, celebrate last year's ministries, and act on a Local Benevolence proposal
- Ash Wednesday observance - February 6, 6:00 p.m. dinner; 7:00 p.m. worship (sanctuary). This will be a traditional service using the liturgy for Ash Wednesday from Evangelical Lutheran Worship, including the imposition of ashes.
The volunteers who work at the New Hope Food Pantry have expressed their gratitude to the members of LCOS for their generous support. The food and money you send does make a difference, and is greatly appreciated. Last month, they provided assistance for over 300 people, and they couldn't have done it without us. You've probably read that food pantries and food banks around the country are experiencing shortages of food. While the shelves at the New Hope Food Pantry aren't empty, they are very low. Particular needs right now are for canned fruit and fruit juices (keep in mind that people on blood pressure medication can't eat grapefruit); rice; and high-protein foods such as canned salmon and tuna, beans, prepared dinners, stews, "chunky" soups, etc. The collection point for donations is the kitchen in the parrish house.
Parting thought: the late Episcopal theologian Henri Nouwen once wrote, community is first of all a quality of the heart. It grows from spiritual knowledge that we are alive not for ourselves but for one another. Community is the fruit of our capacity to make the interests of others more important than our own (see Philippians 2:4). The question, therefore, is not, "How can we make community?" but "How can we develop and nurture giving hearts?"
As we prepare to gather for worship and fellowship in our community of faith this weekend, may we come with giving hearts. See you in worship!
In Christ's peace,
Gary
Our worship theme this weekend, grounded in our lessons, deals with our response to God's call to obedience and servanthood. We have the opportunity to reflect on our own responses to God's call as we hear in the Gospel lesson the account of Jesus calling his first disciples to follow him. This is big stuff, and demands that we dream big!
It's here! The "Hearts for the Lord's Will" All-Congregation Birthday Celebration will be held this Sunday, January 23 11:45 a.m. in the fellowship hall. If you have forgotten to make your reservations, not to worry. The Evangelism Team says come on - just bring a covered dish to share (something other desserts, please – from the reservations, it looks like we'll have plenty of sweets!). Not only does this promise to be an exciting event, it also promises to do a great job of "setting the table" for our Annual Meeting, held the following week! We hope you will be with us. Nursery care and activities for children will be provided.
Looking Ahead:
- Annual Meeting - Sunday, February 3, 11:45 a.m. Catered lunch, followed by meeting to act on the proposed budget, celebrate last year's ministries, and act on a Local Benevolence proposal
- Ash Wednesday observance - February 6, 6:00 p.m. dinner; 7:00 p.m. worship (sanctuary). This will be a traditional service using the liturgy for Ash Wednesday from Evangelical Lutheran Worship, including the imposition of ashes.
The volunteers who work at the New Hope Food Pantry have expressed their gratitude to the members of LCOS for their generous support. The food and money you send does make a difference, and is greatly appreciated. Last month, they provided assistance for over 300 people, and they couldn't have done it without us. You've probably read that food pantries and food banks around the country are experiencing shortages of food. While the shelves at the New Hope Food Pantry aren't empty, they are very low. Particular needs right now are for canned fruit and fruit juices (keep in mind that people on blood pressure medication can't eat grapefruit); rice; and high-protein foods such as canned salmon and tuna, beans, prepared dinners, stews, "chunky" soups, etc. The collection point for donations is the kitchen in the parrish house.
Parting thought: the late Episcopal theologian Henri Nouwen once wrote, community is first of all a quality of the heart. It grows from spiritual knowledge that we are alive not for ourselves but for one another. Community is the fruit of our capacity to make the interests of others more important than our own (see Philippians 2:4). The question, therefore, is not, "How can we make community?" but "How can we develop and nurture giving hearts?"
As we prepare to gather for worship and fellowship in our community of faith this weekend, may we come with giving hearts. See you in worship!
In Christ's peace,
Gary
Friday, January 18, 2008
A Message from Our Pastor
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Looking toward this weekend, our lessons for worship remind us that identity is not wrapped up in our answers to the question, "What do you do?", but solely in what God does for us, through Jesus, in baptism - making us children of God. As you prepare to worship together this weekend, I encourage all of us to prayerfully ponder the question "Who am I?", comparing what you "do" with that which God has created you to be.
Tonight (Friday), we will hold another Spiritual Journeys event for anyone who wishes to explore a deeper relationship with God. Meet around the fireplace in the parish house foyer at 10:00 p.m.
Saturday, students in the Confirmation Cluster will gather at First Lutheran Church, downtown, to participate in a service project of feeding the community's poor/homeless.
Looking Ahead:
Next Sunday, January 27, the Evangelism Team is hosting the All-Congregation Members' Birthday Party at 11:45 a.m. in the fellowship hall. Remember to RSVP to your invitations!
Ash Wednesday Service - the start of the Lenten season - February 6. Dinner at 6:00 p.m. followed by the service at 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. This will be a traditional service using the liturgy for Ash Wednesday from Evangelical Lutheran Worship, including the imposition of ashes. We will be joined by members of St. Paul's Lutheran Church (Downtown Dayton) for this service and dinner. I will write to you more later about the Wednesday night services for the remainder of Lent, which will alternate between LCOS and St. Paul's.
Question: Whose life have you improved this week by libing our your faith?
I look forward to being with you in worship this weekend!
In Christ's peace,
Gary
Looking toward this weekend, our lessons for worship remind us that identity is not wrapped up in our answers to the question, "What do you do?", but solely in what God does for us, through Jesus, in baptism - making us children of God. As you prepare to worship together this weekend, I encourage all of us to prayerfully ponder the question "Who am I?", comparing what you "do" with that which God has created you to be.
Tonight (Friday), we will hold another Spiritual Journeys event for anyone who wishes to explore a deeper relationship with God. Meet around the fireplace in the parish house foyer at 10:00 p.m.
Saturday, students in the Confirmation Cluster will gather at First Lutheran Church, downtown, to participate in a service project of feeding the community's poor/homeless.
Looking Ahead:
Next Sunday, January 27, the Evangelism Team is hosting the All-Congregation Members' Birthday Party at 11:45 a.m. in the fellowship hall. Remember to RSVP to your invitations!
Ash Wednesday Service - the start of the Lenten season - February 6. Dinner at 6:00 p.m. followed by the service at 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. This will be a traditional service using the liturgy for Ash Wednesday from Evangelical Lutheran Worship, including the imposition of ashes. We will be joined by members of St. Paul's Lutheran Church (Downtown Dayton) for this service and dinner. I will write to you more later about the Wednesday night services for the remainder of Lent, which will alternate between LCOS and St. Paul's.
Question: Whose life have you improved this week by libing our your faith?
I look forward to being with you in worship this weekend!
In Christ's peace,
Gary
Monday, January 14, 2008
Chancel Choir Seeking New Members
The Chancel Choir is seeking new members. If you've ever thought about joining, now would be a good time to do so. We'll be starting to work on music for Easter in a couple of weeks. You don't have to make a long-term commitment; we'll be glad to have you sing with us even if you can only come for a while. If you have any questions, contact director Ginger Minneman.
Thanks . . . .
to all the people who have helped take down and store Christmas decorations! Everybody in the Worship Committee appreciates the assistance.
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Prayer Vigil
Thanks to those who attended the Prayer Vigil for Peace last Saturday, and to Joyce Long who played flute for the Taize music. Ginger Minneman picked out a particulary nice selection of Taize music and readings for the 7;30-8:30 p.m. hour. We'll plan similar events in the future. Look for announcements here, in the church news letter The Voice and in worship bulletins.
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Chancel Choir Rehearsals Resume This Evening
Just a reminder to members of the Chancel Choir - rehearsals resume this evening at 7:00 p.m.
Epiphany Prayer Vigil for Peace with Taize and Other Matters: A Message from Our Pastor
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Happy New Year! What a way to begin another year – snow as far as the eye can see!!
This weekend, we celebrate the Festival of the Epiphany, one of the oldest festivals in Christianity (January 6). It is a celebration of God revealing ("epiphany" = to reveal) Jesus to the non-Jewish (Gentile) world through the visit of the magi. The season after the Epiphany is often called an "accordion" season, because the magi loved polka music. Not really – actually the length of the season expands or contracts from one year to the next depending upon when Easter occurs in the calendar. This year, it is a short season (5 weeks) because Easter is observed on March 23! The lessons associated with the season after the Epiphany all help the worshipper come to know who Jesus is – the Son of God.
On Saturday, January 5, the Worship Planning Team is hosting an Epiphany Prayer Vigil for Peace. Held in the chapel from 12 noon to 9:00 p.m., prayers will be offered by many throughout the day – prayers for peace in our lives, our homes, communities, nation, and throughout the world. From 7:30 – 8:30 p.m., Ginger Minneman and some musicians will be leading Taize music interspersed with prayers and readings in the chapel. You are invited to come by the chapel at any time from noon to 9 p.m., offer prayers, and light candles. A book of prayers will be available for your use, or you may create your own.
Weekend Activities
Friday There will be NO Spiritual Journey gathering
Saturday
Noon Start of Epiphany Prayer Vigil (chapel)
5:30 p.m. Worship (sanctuary)
7:30 p.m. Taize' Prayer Service (chapel)
Sunday
8:15 a.m. worship (sanctuary)
9:00 a.m. Children's Choirs rehearse
9:15/9:30 a.m. Sunday School classes
10:30 a.m. worship (sanctuary)
3:00 p.m. MUSICA! concert – this is the holiday concert that was postponed due to snow in December; it will be held in our sanctuary – tickets will be available at the door
3:15 p.m. Confirmation youth meet at St. Paul Lutheran
Church on Wayne Ave. for the bus trip to Columbus
FLOWER CALENDAR HAS 7 SPOTS
The following spots remain on the 2008 altar flower calendar:
2/3, 3/30, 4/20, 8/17, 8/24, 11/2, 12/28
If you would like to place flowers on the altar on one of these dates, please respond to this email or call Terri at the church office (293-1147). Cost of each vase is $30, and the florist will bill you directly.
LOOKING AHEAD
Sunday, January 27 - Birthday Party for all members
Sunday, February 3 - Annual Meeting to receive 2007 ministry reports and act on the 2008 proposed budget
Wednesday, February 6 - Ash Wednesday – the start of the season of Lent, with worship opportunities at noon and 6:45 p.m.
May the God who makes all things new, including this new year, breathe into you new passion for ministry this week. I hope to see you in worship this weekend!
In Christ's peace,
Gary
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
