Church News - A Message From Our Pastor

Dear People of God,

In our first worship lesson this weekend from the Acts of the Apostles, Luke describes the disciples looking up, watching Jesus ascend into heaven. After a time, two heavenly messengers appear and ask why they are just standing there, gazing up in the sky – the implication being that they need to go home and be about the work that Jesus trained them to carry out, leaving Jesus to worry about when he is going to return. And yet, throughout the history of Christianity, the Church has forgotten that angelic admonition, obsessing over the end times, even if it is just our own, worrying about where we will end up instead of focusing on what Jesus has trained us to carry out – in the here and now. This Sunday, 5 of our young ladies will affirm their baptismal faith in a service of confirmation (during the 9:45 a.m. service). They will be vowing to use their faith in their daily lives to serve God, to strive to make a positive difference in this world, in the here and now. I invite you, I encourage you, I implore you, to support them in this new chapter in their faith journeys – help them to remain focused on the here and now. Let Jesus take care of what happens at the end time.

In Christ's joy,

Gary

 

Volunteers Needed for Kingdom Kids Children's Church

This summer, instead of holding Summer Sunday School classes concurrent with worship, the Christian Education Team is extending Children's Church through the summer. Volunteers are needed to help lead the children in this special worship/learning time, which is held during the 9:45 a.m. worship (after the Children's Moment through the offering time). NO prep work is involved! If you would like to help out one or more Sundays this summer, please respond to this email, or contact Rachel Lammi with questions (rachel@oursaviordayton.org).

 

Vacation Bible School Supplies Needed

For the games at VBS this month (June 20-24), we need 40 plastic half-gallon milk/juice containers. Please start saving your containers and bring them to the church. PLEASE RINSE OUT THE CONTAINERS BEFORE BRINGING THEM TO CHURCH!!! Thank you.

 

Lutheran Disaster Relief

As tornadoes and other natural disasters continue to disrupt/destroy lives and property around our nation, Lutheran Disaster Relief is helping. You can help by making a monetary donation to LCOS, designating it for LDR; you can also designate your gift for domestic assistance if you want it to remain in this country. If you are interested in volunteering to help clean up in Joplin, please respond to this email. A group is forming from our church, and will be joined by Lutherans from area congregations. LDR will contact us when they are ready for volunteers to begin working in Joplin, and then we will start planning details.

 

Youth Sale

No, we're not selling youth . . . instead, our youth are participating in the Oakwood Rotary Garage Sale, hosted by LCOS this Saturday, June 4. The youth will be selling food items, and a variety of craft items, with the proceeds going to our Confirmation Camp ministry. If you have any craft/food items you would like to donate to the cause (you don't have to staff the sale table), please bring all items to the small conference room next to the church office. And, of course, you are welcome to wander through the sales tables to find that special treasure.

 

Mac and Cheese Weekend

The Social Ministry Committee invites all of us to bring to the church food donations of Macaroni and Cheese for the food pantry this weekend.

 

THE CHURCH AND THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT: WORKING FOR PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST

On Sunday, June 12, 3:00 – 5:30 p.m., LCOS will host a special event for the Dayton Conference and the Dayton community, featuring a presentation by Skip Cornett, Director of Continuing Education and Life-Long Learning at Trinity Lutheran Seminary. Skip is the Ohio-Indiana coordinator for "Churches for Middle East Peace", and the chair of the Southern Ohio Synod Middle East Task Force. Sponsored by three Lutheran congregations (North Riverdale, St. Paul, Wayne Ave., and LCOS), this event is a great opportunity to learn more about the history of the on-going Israeli-Palestinians conflict, as well as the current issues and various lobby groups that offer resolution to this conflict (or keep it alive). Please RSVP to this email if you plan to attend so that materials can be prepared.

Holy Week News

Dear People of God,

 

The mysteries and powerful wonders of God that we mark and celebrate over these next four days changed the world forever. We offer worship on all four days in the hopes that as you participate in worship – in the prayers, and singing, and Sacrament of Holy Communion, and in the retelling of these sacred stories – your lives may be changed forever as well. As you read over the schedule below, plan to join us!

 

In Christ's joy,

Gary

 

            Maundy Thursday (6:30 p.m., @ Our Savior)

            We celebrate God's gift of the Sacrament of Holy Communion, along with offering prayers and

            anointing for healing.

 

Good Friday (6:30 p.m., @ St. Paul's, Wayne Ave.)

We hear the story of Jesus' Passion – arrest, trial, torture, crucifixion and burial – as recorded in Scripture, through the "Stations of the Cross".

 

            Holy Saturday (5:30 p.m., @ Our Savior)

            We gather in the chapel for prayer (sung, spoken and silent), asking God to send peace and

            healing to the world. We will also celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion.

 

Celebration of the Resurrection! (8:15 and 10:30 a.m., @ Our Savior)

Let our "alleluias" lift to the skies as we praise God for new life! This day is why our lives have meaning; it is the source of all hope and new life in the world. Kid's Church will take a break this day so that our families can be together.

 

Palm Sunday and Holy Week

Dear People of God,

   This weekend the church marks the start of the holiest week in the church year with the commemoration of "Palm Sunday". And as much as history has tried to romanticize Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, Scripture reveals that it was a calculated, well-planned public demonstration designed to unveil the true King: not Caesar, not Herod, but God, the champion of justice and mercy. In his actions during the last week of his earthly life, Jesus acts and speaks out of a sense of calling – he can do no other – without obsessing over the consequences. In his writings, Paul calls us to be imitators of the one who enters Jerusalem – not to die on a cross, but to have the courage to pursue justice and mercy in the face of pain and evil, regardless of the consequences. Are you up to it? I hope and pray that you are!

   In Christ's peace,

            Gary

 

New Members

We will receive new members into our fellowship this weekend during worship on Saturday evening and at 10:30 a.m. Sunday. A reception will follow both services for you to greet our newest members.

 

Palms

Palm fronds will be handed out at all three services, and a special processional will begin the 10:30 a.m. Sunday service. Children are asked to gather in the narthex immediately after Sunday School, at 10:15 a.m.

 

Holy Week Schedule

 

Tuesday, April 19, 6:00 p.m. – The Lutheran Course, at St. Paul (Wayne Ave.). Dinner is served at 6:00 p.m., followed by our discussion at 6:45 p.m.

 

Thursday, April 21, 6:30 p.m. – Maundy Thursday Worship, at Our Savior, featuring prayers and anointing for healing, and the celebration of Holy Communion.

 

Friday, April 22, 6:30 p.m. – Good Friday Worship, at St. Paul (Wayne Ave.), featuring the "stations of the cross".

 

Saturday, April 23, 5:30 p.m. – Prayer Service in the chapel, featuring spoken, sung and silent prayers, and the celebration of Holy Communion.

 

Sunday, April 24, 8:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. – Celebration of the Resurrection! Let your "Alleluias" rise to the rafters!

 

Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday, April 16, 2:00 p.m. at the church, featuring The Hunt, along with games, face painting, activities and crafts, and CANDY!!!

 

Mid-week Lenten Opportunities

Dear People of God,

 

Tomorrow, Wednesday, April 13, we have more opportunities for learning and worship during this season of Lent:

            1. Bible Study – "The Psalms of Lent", 12:00 noon in the parish house meeting room. This week we will look at Psalm 31:9-16. Bring your lunch.

 

            2. Lenten Dinner/Worship – St. Paul Lutheran Church (Wayne Ave.):

                        5:45 p.m. – light dinner in the upstairs fellowship hall

                        6:30 p.m. – worship in the sanctuary

                We conclude our thematic discussion of the values of Jesus, drawn from Philip Gulley's book, If the Church Were Christian; this week, the discussion topic is: "paying more attention to this life than the afterlife".

 

I hope you can make time in your schedule to participate in one or both of these ministry opportunities.

 

In Christ's joy,

Gary

Ash Wednesday Schedule

Dear People of God,

            We begin the season of Lent tomorrow, Wednesday, March 9, with the observance of Ash Wednesday. Our schedule for the day is as follows:

 

            Bible Study – noon to 1:00 p.m. in the parish house meeting room (blue room).

Bring your own lunch and join in the study of "The Psalms of Lent". Tomorrow, we will look at this Sunday's psalm, which is #32, King David's song of repentance after the Bathsheba debacle; it is a companion song to #51. Coffee will be provided.

           

            Evening Soup and Worship – we kick-off our joint mid-week Lenten services with St. Paul Lutheran Church (Wayne Ave.), with the first service at LCOS tomorrow.

                                    Soup dinner is at 5:45 p.m. in the parish house meeting room.

                                    Worship in the sanctuary at 6:30 p.m., with imposition of ashes and the celebration of Holy Communion

 

I hope you will make time in your schedules to participate in one or both of these mid-week Lenten events.

 

In Christ's peace,

Gary

Transfiguration, Schedule for Lent, and Other Matters

Dear People of God,

 

We close out the Epiphany season this weekend with the celebration of the Transfiguration of our Lord. The title is a reference to Jesus' experience on the mountaintop with his friends/disciples Peter, James and John, wherein Jesus' appearance is momentarily changed (transfigured) to dazzling white and he is joined by Moses and Elijah. More importantly, Jesus' ministry is validated by God as the disciples hear the divine voice instruct them to listen to Jesus. How easy it could have been for Peter, James and John to completely miss that God-moment, had they been joking around on the mountain, enjoying the view, taking a nap, or making a sled run. How easy it is for us to miss out on the God-moments in our lives as well, for the Lord comes to us each day in and through so many people and events. Have there been times in your life when you have been aware that God has been with you? Are you aware that God is with you as you read this? Or when you are at school, driving to work, at the grocery store, in a meeting, on the playground, in a restaurant, as you work in your yard? How might your life be different if you were more aware of God's presence? I invite you to pay attention to these questions as we enter the season of Lent next week.

 

I hope we can be together in worship this weekend!

 

In Christ's joy,

Gary

 

RECEPTION FOR U.S. MARINE CORPORAL BRYAN GRIFFIN

Bryan arrived in Dayton last night, much to the joy of his family! He will be with us in worship on Sunday, and a reception is being held in his honor at 11:45 a.m. in the parish house BLUE ROOM. You are invited to welcome home Bryan from his tour of duty in Afghanistan.

 

BIBLE BOWL

Following the reception for Corporal Griffin, we will move to the fellowship hall for lunch and the hilarity of our second annual Bible Bowl. Below are two examples what you can expect in the competition:

           

What will the two witnesses wear who prophesy?

            a. Calvin Klein

            b. Gap

            c. Sackcloth

            d. Old Navy

           

            What did the writer see between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders?

            a. a Lamb

            b. a Lion

            c. a Witch

            d. a Wardrobe

 

If you can join us for lunch, please respond to this email.

 

OPEN HOUSE @ NOAH'S ARK PRESCHOOL

This Sunday, from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m., the congregation is invited to stop in at the Noah's Ark Preschool Open House, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, on Wayne Ave. This is one of our joint ministry projects with St. Paul, and our own Linda Petersen is the school director.

 

GROCERY BAG FOOD COLLECTION

Remember to bring your food donations to church this weekend to help stock the New Hope Food Pantry. Items on the "shopping list" are:

            1 pouch/can of meat or fish (spam, tuna, chicken, salmon, etc.)

            1 pasta or potato side dish

            1 can of veggies

            1 fruit (canned or dried)

            1 box cereal

            1 jello or pudding

            1 box of Bisquick or 1 cake mix and frosting

            1 juice, coffee, or tea

 

LENTEN MID-WEEK ACTIVITIES

The season of Lent begins with our observance of Ash Wednesday on March 9. This year, on Wednesdays, we will offer both a noon Bible Study and an evening worship service. Below are the details:

 

The noon Bible Study will look at the "Psalms of Lent" will meet in the parish house Meeting Room, and will include a brown bag lunch (bring your own). We will conclude around 1:00 p.m.

 

The evening worship will again be a joint ministry with St. Paul Lutheran Church, Wayne Ave. A simple soup dinner will be held at 5:45 p.m., and worship will begin at 6:30 p.m. Our worship theme this year will be "Reclaiming the Values of Jesus". Special thanks to everyone who has volunteered to make soup for the three Wednesdays we are hosting dinner/worship. We are still seeking people to make one pot of soup for March 23, and one pot for April 6 (any kind). If you would like to make a pot of soup, please respond to this email, and indicate which date you are cooking for. The Ash Wednesday dinner and worship will be held at Our Savior.

 

 

Wintry Church News

Dear People of God,

 

   As I write this, I am able to see the grass in my backyard for perhaps only the second or third time in over a month, and by tomorrow, my backyard is supposed to be covered with snow again. I am well aware that not everyone is giddy with delight at the prospect of more snow. In fact, after the first flakes made an appearance in early December, some of you were telling me that you couldn't wait for the arrival of Spring! A dear friend and ministry mentor from Wilmington, North Carolina, helped me to understand the importance of "being in the moment", and celebrating life as it came each day. While on my internship "at the beach", I shared with John that I could not wait to receive my first call to parish ministry (1.5 years from then), and he gently accused me of trying to wish my life away. Over the years I have come to appreciate that gift of being in the moment, because despite all my planning and hoping, the present is all I have each day. The Gospel lesson for this weekend is about following Jesus, answering our baptismal calling to become disciples of our Lord. Discipleship, living out our faith, happens in the moment, because God is in the moment. Planning for tomorrow is certainly important, but if we wish away today, we not only miss opportunities for ministry, we also miss God in our lives. I would never wish that for you.

   So, for those of you who are not giddy with delight about more snow, here's my invitation: Spring will get here soon enough, so have fun with the life God gives you NOW – this Saturday and Sunday, bring a snow ball into worship and aim for me!

 

Seriously!

 

In Christ's snowy joy,

Gary

 

STEWARDSHIP LUNCHEON

The Confirmation youth, with help from youth, parents and council members, are preparing our meal this Sunday for the Stewardship Luncheon, which will be held in the fellowship hall, 11:45 a.m. Please RSVP by this Friday if you plan to attend. The event will include a discussion about our congregational stewardship, ministry plans and dreams for 2011, and an opportunity for you to prayerfully discern how you wish to participate in our 2011 ministries. Your participation will assist the council in finalizing the 2011 budget proposal.

 

HOLY TERRORS PLANNING MEETING

This Sunday, 9:00 a.m., the parents of the Holy Terrors will meet in the parish house blue room to create the activity schedule for this year.                                                                                                                                                                       

 

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6 EVENTS

Surely, there is something for you on this day:

            - It's Super Bowl Sunday, so everyone is invited to wear clothing to worship with the name or mascot of your favorite school or team – any sport - high school, college, pro

            - It's also Souper Bowl Sunday, the national food collection day to help fight hunger in our country – so bring canned soups or other canned food items to church

            - It's Lutheran Outdoor Ministry "Camp Sunday", in which we begin collecting money for scholarships to assist children and youth in our congregation to attend summer church camp

            - and it's Annual Meeting Sunday, 11:45 a.m., in the fellowship hall, with covered dish lunch; we will act on the proposed budget for 2011 and hear ministry news from various ministry teams/committees

 

Have you started reading The Book of Revelation in Scripture? Remember to write your name and chapter number on the little yellow angels provided in the narthex and chapel areas (one angel for every chapter you read).

 

A LITTLE HELP?
We are planning to construct a game show buzzer board for the March 6 Bible Bowl. Instructions have been secured on-line, but I could use some electrical help/assistance with the wiring. If interested, please let me know. Thanks!

 

 

 

Bell Choir

The Bell Choir will resume its rehearsals this coming Sunday, January 9, after the 10:30 service.

News for a New Year

Dear People of God,

 

There is an old, old joke about finding evidence of the existence of baseball in the Bible, in Genesis 1:1 – "In the big inning . . ." It is interesting that those words – the real ones – "In the beginning" show up a couple times in Scripture, and one place is in our Gospel lesson for this weekend. It is truly fitting, I believe, that as we read the prologue to the Gospel According to John ("In the beginning was the Word"), we will be walking through the doorway that leads us into a new year, experiencing another "beginning". But, with all of the hype placed on the start of a new year, we tend to forget that every day God blesses us with another beginning. And the questions that swirl around the start of a new year are the same questions that we should be answering as we start each day, each new beginning: How does God want me to live my life today? How can I use the gifts God has given me to make a positive difference in someone else's life? What opportunities for ministry will God place in my path this day? What can I shed from my life this day that gets in the way of my relationship with God, with my relationships? As those opening words of the Gospel According the John are read this weekend in worship, I invite you to praise God for the beginnings the Lord gives us each day, and to prayerfully consider how you will use those beginnings.

 

In Christ's peace,

Gary

 

NEW YEAR'S DAY WORSHIP

As 23 of us did last Saturday on Christmas evening, you are invited to gather at the fireplace this Saturday at 5:30 p.m. for worship. The service will contain sung and spoken prayers for God's guidance, healing and peace for all in the new year, lessons, and the celebration of Holy Communion.

 

SUNDAY WORSHIP

Our worship schedule for this Sunday:

            Worship – 8:15 and 10:30 a.m., with Kid's Church resuming during the late service

            Sunday School and Children's Choirs – between services

 

TREES AND CHRISMONS COMING DOWN

Following the 10:30 a.m. service on Sunday, you are invited to stay and help remove the Chrismons and lights from the 4 chancel trees, and dismantle the trees. The season of Epiphany begins on January 6.

 

YEAR-END DONATIONS

You have one more day if you wish to make a year-end donation to the church. Donations will need to be at the church by 11:00 a.m. tomorrow (Friday, Dec. 31)

 

CHRISTMAS THANKS!

Many, many thanks to everyone who worked hard to make our Christmas Eve worship celebrations so joyous:

            pageant actors/actresses, costume makers, directors and coordinators, encouraging parents, worship assistants, Children/Hand Bell/Chancel Choir members, candle lighters, communion assistants, readers, ushers, musicians, and vocalists. 

Christmas Schedule

Dear People of God

If you are in town this weekend, I hope you will join us for worship, as we gather to celebrate the birth of Hope into the world. May that Hope be manifest in your lives all year long!

CHRISTMAS WEEKEND WORSHIP SCHEDULE

Friday:        4:00 p.m. - Family Service w/ Pageant (nursery care provided)

                10:00 p.m. - Traditional Candlelight Service (nursery care provided)

Saturday:    5:30 p.m. - Prayers, singing and Holy Communion at the fireplace in the Parish House foyer

Sunday:      8:15 and 10:30 a.m. - Service of Holy Communion

                 9:30 a.m. - All-grade Sunday Church School with Christmas Trivia, Wise Men Tales, and homemade Star cookies

There will be no "Kingdom Kids Children's Church" during the 10:30 a.m. service this Sunday. Families are encouraged to worship together and enjoy a message which includes Children's poems. Children's Church will resume on January 2.

YEAR-END DONATIONS

If you normally make donations at the end of the year, or wish to do so, please make sure your donation is in to the church office by Friday morning, December 31. Thank you!

2011 OFFEERING ENVELOPES

If you have not yet picked up your set of offering envelopes for the new year, they are on a table in the church narthex. Please pick up your set this weekend!

2011 FLOWER CALENDAR

Please remember to sign up for altar flowers for worship in the new year. The calendar is in the narthex.

May God bless you with the joys and hopes of the Christ in your life!

In Christ's loving hope,

Gary

Chance Choir Special Rehearsal

Just a reminder that the Chancel Choir will have a special rehearsal on Saturday, December 18 at 11:00 a.m. to prepare for the Christmas Eve service.

Bell Choir Schedule

Just a reminder.  The Bell Choir will rehearse after the 10:30 a.m. service this coming Sunday, Dec. 19.  We are playing at both the late evening Christmas Eve service on at the 10:30 a.m. service on December 26.

Church News; Christmas Schedule

Dear People of God,

"Trust me". How many times have we been sucked in with that simple, two-word phrase? It's not that we don't want to see the best in people, but after having our trust in others dropped and shattered, it's hard not to become jaded when responding to that seemingly innocent request. But, those two simple words are what God whispers to us each morning we rise to begin a new day. God knows there are plenty of things and people promising us everything under the sun everyday; God knows that "all that glitters isn't gold" as Neil Young sang in "Don't Be Denied"; and God also knows that we humans love to go chasing after quick fixes and overnight solutions. God also knows what is behind most of those fixes and solutions – T R O U B L E. Our Old Testament and Gospel lessons for this fourth and last weekend in Advent lift up two contrasting examples of trust – one man ignores God's invitation to trust in the Lord and chooses that quick fix, and the other swallows his pride and chooses to trust in God. The results are astounding, even history-altering. Choosing in whom we trust may not change the course of human history, but it certainly impacts our own history, our own lives. I know how hard it can be to wait for God to act when all of those worldly glittering promises are dancing around in my head. But I also know, often in hindsight, that God's "trust me" never disappoints, never leaves us wishing we had not risked following God!

In Christ's joyous hope,

Gary

HEALING PRAYERS

This Sunday, during the 10:30 a.m. service, we offer prayers and anointing for healing at the altar railing during the celebration of Holy Communion.

YEAR-END DONATIONS

Please remember to bring/send your monetary donations to the church for 2010. If you are traveling for the holidays, or heading for warmer climes for the winter, please continue to send in your contributions while you are away, or send them in before you leave. Not only do we want to be able to meet our ministry obligations for this year, but we also want to continue those ministries into the new year!

PAGEANT REHEARSAL

Rehearsal for the Christmas Pageant will be held this Friday, 6:00 p.m. Dinner will be provided. Parents are invited to stay and help assemble bulletins and prepare candles.

ADOPT-A-FAMILY DELIVERIES

We will deliver gifts to the 18 families in our Adopt-A-Family project this Saturday, December 18. THANK YOU! to all who participated in this important community ministry! If you wish to be a part of delivering Christmas joy, meet at the church at 9:00 a.m.

MUSICA! CONCERT

The choral group MUSICA! will present a special Christmas concert at Lutheran Church of Our Savior this Sunday, December 19, at 3:00 p.m., in the sanctuary. Tickets will be available at the door. Our own Elyse Fenstermacher and Ginger Minneman are singing this year!

COUNCIL ELECTIONS

Last Sunday, December 12, the following people were elected by the congregation to serve a three year term (2011-2013) on the congregation council:

            Wes Boord (2^nd term)

            Kyle Maschino

            Susie Seleem

            Jan Wallace

CHRISTMAS WEEKEND WORSHIP SCHEDULE

Christmas Eve:             4:00 p.m. – Family Service with pageant

                                   10:00 p.m. – Traditional Candlelight Service

Christmas Day:             5:30 p.m. – Carols, Prayers, Communion at the fireplace in the Parish House foyer

Sunday, 12/26               8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. worship, with large group Sunday Church School event at 9:30 a. m.

May God bless you in your serving others this week!

Your Chance to Sing

Our Annual Christmas Caroling is this Sunday, starting with lunch at 12noon in the Church Blue Meeting Room. The Holy Terrors fellowship group is hosting the event. All Ages are welcome!

Bllessing of the Animals

Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

 

Just a reminder that we will hold our annual Blessing of the Animals service tonight, 7:00 p.m., in the sanctuary. Hope you and your pet(s) can be present to help us "make a joyful noise to the Lord"!

In Christ's joy,

Gary

 

News From Our Pastor

Dear People of God,

This weekend, I will be leading a Men's Retreat for Lutheran Outdoor Ministries in Ohio (LOMO) at Lutheran Memorial Camp, and the Rev. Terry Morgan will be leading worship at LCOS. Pastor Morgan served Good Shepherd, Kettering, before serving the Duke University Lutheran congregation in Durham, NC. His final stop was to serve on the synod staff of the Southern Ohio Synod before his recent retirement. You will enjoy Pastor Morgan as your worship leader! The boilers are on at the church – the weatherman says we'll need it Sunday. It's supposed to be 36 Sunday morning at camp! Ahhhh, sweet autumn . . .

 

Weekend Worship

In our Gospel lesson, Jesus instructs us about the power of faith, and calls us to adopt the attitude of servants responding to our baptismal identity. Part of that servanthood is praying for others. This weekend, we pray for all who wrestle with mental illness, as well as for the family members and friends who care for those dealing with mental illness.

 

Blessing of the Animals

Monday, October 4, 7:00 p.m.! Bring your pets to church for our annual blessing service. If we have enough light, we'll gather in the prayer labyrinth; otherwise, we will be in the sanctuary. You are invited to bring any and all pets. Please have dogs on leashes, and everything else on leashes, in cages, fishbowls, etc.

 

Thank You!

Special thanks to all of you who volunteered your time and talents for the Jeremiah's Letter Oktoberfest last Saturday night. You donated silent auction items and pies; you shared your time in setting up, cleaning up, cooking and serving; and you shared your resources by purchasing tickets, attending, and bidding on the silent auction items. Thank you very much!!

 

Joint Bible Study Starts This Month

This is year three in which St. Paul Lutheran Church and LCOS have met together for monthly Bible Study. Tuesday, October 19 begins a new study: How Lutherans Interpret the Bible. This month, LCOS will host the event, which begins with a light dinner at 6:00 p.m., followed by an hour discussion from 6:45 – 7:45 p.m. Everyone is welcome!

 

May God bless you all with a Spirit-filled weekend!

 

In Christ's joy,

Gary

 

News from the Pews

Dear People of God,

 

Last weekend was a fun way to kick off our Fall Ministries, leaving behind our summer worship schedule and returning to 8:15 and 10:30 a.m. format; launching the Kids' Church ministry during the 10:30 a.m. service; gathering for our SCS Rally Day festivities; and enjoying the glorious weather and great fellowship at the kick off picnic at Schafor Park! This week, our Children's Choirs and SCS classes officially begin.

 

WORSHIP

One of the strangest, most outlandish stories told by Jesus is our Gospel lesson this weekend. Coupled with the Old Testament reading from the prophet Amos, our lessons can really grate on us all, dreamers or practical-minded. It can, and often does, make us both grateful and furious at the same time.

 

CHOIRS BEGIN

The Sunshine and Joyful Noise Children's Choirs will begin rehearsals this Sunday, at 9:00 a.m., upstairs in the parish house. The Hand Bell Choir will also resume rehearsals this Sunday, in the balcony, after the late worship service.

 

LOMO MEN'S RETREAT

There are still spots left for the Men's Fishing Retreat, held October 1-3, at Lutheran Memorial Camp. This retreat is sponsored by Lutheran Outdoor Ministries in Ohio, and I was asked to lead it. The retreat topic is What are we fishing around for in life?, and the weekend will also include a pan fish derby on Saturday, ending with a fish fry at the lake. You do not have to like fishing to attend, and there will be other food choices if you do not eat fish. If you are interested, check out the LOMO website – www.lomocamps.org, and click on the "retreats" link, or contact me for more details.

 

FOOD DRIVE

The New Hope Food Pantry has requested donations of dry pinto beans and rice. We will hold a drive for these items on October 9th and 10th. Two smaller packages is better than one large package, as they help more families; and if a large family has a need they can take two bags. We hope you can help; the need for assistance grows every day with more people than ever seeking help.

 

PRAYERS

Received a text late last night that Athens County (southeast Ohio) has been declared a disaster area due to severe tornado damage. Please keep the people of southeastern Ohio in your prayers.

 

OFFEREINGS

Please remember to support our ministries through your weekly/monthly $ donations.

 

May God bring us together in worship this weekend.

 

In Christ's joy,

Gary

 

Remember!

Worship times change this Sunday from one to two services – 8:15 and 10:30 a.m., with Rally Day festivities at 9:30 a.m. Fall Kickoff Picnic at 11:45 a.m. at Schafor Park shelter. Fried chicken and drinks provided – bring a picnic dish to share, as well as lawn chairs or picnic blanket, outdoor games, and a SMILE!

 

Peace!

Gary

 

Worship Schedule

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

 This Sunday, September 12, we move to our Fall/Winter/Spring worship schedule, which means there is no more 9:45 a.m. service. Please note the changes:

             8:15 a.m. – contemplative worship

          10:30 a.m. – liturgical worship, with chancel choir

 We will also hold Rally Day festivities to kick off our Fall Educational Ministries, and these will begin at 9:30 a.m. for all ages.

 Saturday evening worship remains at 5:30 p.m. in the Prayer Labyrinth.

 And, remember – our FALL KICKOFF PICNIC will be held this Sunday, 11:45 a.m. at the Schafor Park pavilion (Patterson Rd. and Schafor Blvd.) down the hill from the church. Fried chicken and drinks will be provided – you are asked to bring:

            - picnic dish to share

            - lawn chairs or picnic blanket

            - outdoor games

 It's time to begin our fall ministry schedule – join us in worship, Sunday School, and the Kickoff Picnic this weekend!

 In Christ's renewing joy,

Gary