1 | Page A word from your Pastor in Lent This year, our Sunday worship services are center around the prayer: Give us faith to live your word And our midweek Lenten services focus on the theme: Hunger: a Matter of the Heart. For the whole of my life, Lent has been associated with hearing about what people are giving up for those weeks. Often it’s a favorite food/candy/beverage or a TV show, or Facebook, or even a meal a day. The idea is that by giving up something beloved, we find ourselves more readily focusing on Jesus; his life, his crucifixion and his resurrection. Recently we read portions of Isaiah 58 that speak to a kind of fasting that God calls us to do …and it really hit home with me in terms of our Lenten themes This is the kind of fast day I’m after; to break the chains of injustice, get rid of exploitations in the workplace; free the oppressed, cancel debts. What I’m interested in seeing you do is: sharing your food with the hunger, inviting the homeless poor into your homes, putting clothes on the shivering ill-clad, being available to your own families. Do this and the lights will turn on, and your lives will turn around at once….. If you get rid of unfair practices, quit blaming victims, quit gossiping about other people’s sins, If you are generous with the hungry and start giving yourselves to the down-and-out Your lives will begin to glow in the darkness, your shadowed lives will be bathed in sunlight. Isaiah 58:5-8a, 9b-10 The Message, Eugene Peterson Sounds a lot like Jesus’ two rules of loving the Lord our God with all that we have and loving our neighbor as ourselves, doesn’t it? As we hold out our hands and hearts to the world, as we ask God to help us use our faith to live according to those 2 rules, We end up growing closer to the One who has loved us for all time The One who came to earth for us; who lived a life that was not easy, for us Who died a painful death, for us and who rose again, promising forgiveness and love for us all. This Lent, would you join me in praying? “Give us faith to live your Word, Lord. Help us to see our neighbor in the people who are hungry and food insecure as your beloved children and show us how to be your love to them and to the world. “ ~Pastor Jan Our Savior’s Lutheran Church ELCA 1860 Wisconsin St. Oshkosh WI 54901 920-235-4850 www.oursaviorsoshkosh.org
Transcript
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A word from your Pastor in Lent This year, our Sunday worship services are center around the prayer: Give us faith to live your word And our midweek Lenten services focus on the theme: Hunger: a Matter of the Heart.
For the whole of my life, Lent has been associated with hearing about what people are giving up for those weeks. Often it’s a favorite food/candy/beverage or a TV show, or Facebook, or even a meal a day. The idea is that by giving up something beloved, we find ourselves more readily focusing on Jesus; his life, his crucifixion and his resurrection. Recently we read portions of Isaiah 58 that speak to a kind of fasting that God calls us to do …and it really hit home with me in terms of our Lenten themes
This is the kind of fast day I’m after; to break the chains of injustice, get rid of exploitations in the workplace; free the oppressed, cancel debts. What I’m interested in seeing you do is: sharing your food with the hunger, inviting the homeless poor into your homes,
putting clothes on the shivering ill-clad, being available to your own families. Do this and the lights will turn on, and your lives will turn around at once…..
If you get rid of unfair practices, quit blaming victims, quit gossiping about other people’s sins, If you are generous with the hungry
and start giving yourselves to the down-and-out Your lives will begin to glow in the darkness, your shadowed lives will be bathed in sunlight. Isaiah 58:5-8a, 9b-10 The Message, Eugene Peterson
Sounds a lot like Jesus’ two rules of loving the Lord our God with all that we have and loving our neighbor as ourselves, doesn’t it?
As we hold out our hands and hearts to the world, as we ask God to help us use our faith to live according to those 2 rules, We end up growing closer to the One who has loved us for all time The One who came to earth for us; who lived a life that was not easy, for us Who died a painful death, for us and who rose again, promising forgiveness and love for us all.
This Lent, would you join me in praying? “Give us faith to live your Word, Lord. Help us to see our neighbor in the people who are hungry and food insecure as your beloved children and show us how to be your love to them and to the world. “ ~Pastor Jan
Our Savior’s Lutheran Church ELCA 1860 Wisconsin St. Oshkosh WI 54901
920-235-4850 www.oursaviorsoshkosh.org
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The theme for Lent this year is Hunger: A matter of the heart.
We will join with St. Andrew’s and Christ Lutheran joining for Lent. We want to share our soup
suppers and services in a way that provides the best stewardship of resources, so we will hold some
of the services in only one church. We get the chance to break bread and worship together once at
Christ Lutheran and once at St. Andrew’s in Lent…see below. The rest of the time we are ‘at home’
and members of the other two churches are invited to join us!
Ash Wednesday February 26th
Imposition of Ashes and prayer at 12:00pm in sanctuary Service with Holy Communion and imposition of Ashes 6:30pm
Wednesday March 4th Lenten service held for all three churches at Christ Lutheran Church which is in the basement of the Hooper Building, 36 Broad St.
Soup Supper at 5:30pm in the basement from 5:30-6:30 Service at 6:30pm.
Wednesday, March 11th Lenten service held for all three churches at St. Andrew’s Lutheran,
1100 E. Murdock St in Oshkosh. Soup supper at 6:00pm Worship at 7:00pm
Wednesday, March 18th Lenten service for all three churches at Our Savior’s, Oshkosh Soup Supper at 5:30-6:30pm Worship at 6:30pm
Wednesday, March 25th Lenten service at Our Savior’s, Oshkosh Soup Supper at 5:30-6:30pm Worship at 6:30pm, Pastor Bryan Schmidt, Lutheran Campus Ministry, UW-O preaching
Wednesday, April 1st Lenten service at Our Savior’s, Oshkosh Soup Supper at 5:30-6:30pm Worship at 6:30pm
Holy Week: Palm/Passion Sunday, April 5th 9:00am Maundy Thursday, April 9th Service with communion 6:30pm Good Friday, April 10th, Service 6:30p.m.
Easter Sunday, April 12th. Breakfast 7:30am Service with Holy Communion, 9:00am
2020 Lenten Services
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Women of Our Savior’s “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35
LOOKING AHEAD…
1.) SPRING EVENT, Sat., April 18 right here at Our Savior’s! JUST LOVE…CARRY IT WITH YOU! Save the date now! Enjoy a “continental style” breakfast, Worship with our sisters from ELCA congregations of the Oshkosh Conference, (led by Pastor Jan), learn about “Fill the Gap” social justice program from guest speaker, Pastor Connie Weiss, enjoy a remarkable lunch ...and great shopping at the Just Fare Market display! Registration required ($14/person): forms will be available in February, and posted in the Fellowship Hall. (We have “scholarships” available for 1st time attendees, or to help in cost...if you want to attend, you will!)
2.) “Fair Offer” RUMMAGE SALE: May 14-17 Again, please mark your calendar! We will set up on Thursday, May 14. The sale will be open to the public on Fri., May 15, & Sat., May 16. On Sunday, May 17, we’ll keep the sale open until noon for anyone who attends worship that day, then clean up. As the date draws nearer, we will have sign-up sheets for help. In the meantime, clean out your closets, cupboards, basements, etc, and bring items to area at back of Grace Place. Thanks!!
Invitation: “Love Without Limits” book study...meets the 3rd Tuesday of each month in Grace Place at 6 pm. It’s NOT TOO LATE to join in...come one time or every time...whatever works for you. We read the chapters out loud, so you don’t need to prepare, or have a copy to be included. We are usually done by 7:15 pm. EVERYONE is welcome!
Current Women’s Leadership Team members: Barb Schneider(920-233-4789 or [email protected]); Shari Englund (920-379-5669 or [email protected]); Kim Steiner (920-232-0330 or [email protected]); Diane Schmude (235-4689 or [email protected]) Find these leaders in WOOS Handbook, pg. 6-9: Eileen Kuehl (Baby Care Kits/Giving Tree), Heidi Witt (School & Personal Care Kits), Linda Meyer (Prayer Shawl/Baptism Blanket Ministry), Audrey Reichow (The Tie That Binds-LWR Quilters).
YOUR OUTREACH TEAM: Debbie Kamark, Bob Kolinski, Ron Kuehl, Pastor Jan LaVake, Karen Marone, Jenny Williams
Thanks to all who continue to generously support our Hunger Ministries.
Texas Roadhouse in Appleton, on College Ave, has a program
that will give us 10% back for food purchases. Dine in restaurant
only on any Sunday. This program runs indefinitely and is
subject to end at any time. I encourage you to hand a copy of
this flyer out to family and friends—flyers can be found on the
table in the Narthex.
Since Sundays are a slower day for the restaurant, many other
organizations may be doing the same thing, so it is important to
turn in the flyer at the time of payment. Flyers are totaled once a
month and they will send us a check. Money received from this
program will help feed the hungry.
Please note: The program will be voided if we distribute these
flyers to tables at the restaurant.
We will have more dining opportunities in Oshkosh throughout
the year and will keep you posted.
Blessings, Debbie Kamark
New members were received in transfer from other ELCA churches:
† The Rev. Jennifer Czarnota and her son Jonathan Czarnota (Pastor Czarnota serves a UCC church out of town.)
† JoAnne (Joni) Feiter
OSLC Outreach
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Reimagining Church Message Respectfully submitted by: Maryla Karl
I CAN ONLY IMAGINE…
I Can Only Imagine is a song by MercyMe. I love the title because it can allude to so many things.
I would like to reflect on this title with regards to children in our church.
I recently attended a funeral for a young man who passed away unexpectedly. This young man was very disabled – being non-verbal, unable to walk so he was confined to a wheelchair or he sat on the floor with friends and family around him. He loved to be with his family at home and in the community (check out MyTeam Triumph) but he mostly loved being in church to worship. His worshipping was different than that of the regular parishioners. This young man had a pray station in the back of the church. As he listened to the music in church he would try to vocalize, play (his) drums, or just voice his pleasure. I’m sure it wasn’t always quiet as if to hear a pin drop. Sometimes he would drag/crawl himself to the front of the church to be close to the music and prayers. He had a unique way of worshipping, one that was different than the rest but all the same Praising God.
“Surrounded by Your glory What will my heart feel Will I dance for you Jesus Or in awe of You be still Will I stand in your presence Or to my knees will I fall Will I sing hallelujah Will I be able to speak at all I can only imagine I can only imagine”
Bart Millard, Writer Performed by MercyMe
As he was eulogized, I realized that as a child of God he was a powerful testament to what being “Church” is all about.
I sit in the back of the church by choice. I love the row my husband and I sit in because it is lively and most of the time gives us lots to smile or laugh at. There are many children that sit in our row. Sometimes they are very quiet and respectful and sometimes they are not. That is the nature of children. It doesn’t bother us in the least. I just want to remind everyone that Reimagining Church means we need to respect and love one another whether we are sitting, standing, pulling, or crawling our way to the front to show our love for Jesus and one another.
We need to remember that any children that are worshipping in unusual ways are a
blessing to us all and are “Reimagining Church” in their own way. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matt. 19:14
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“PEOPLE LIKE TO HELP PEOPLE”
For the next several months, your Stewardship team would like you to consider the 7 most often given reasons why a person gives to their church community. We have already named the #1 reason people give to their faith community: Gratitude for all the blessings God has given us. We added #2: Giving adds meaning to life; and #3: People like to help people.
At the end of the following paragraph(s), reflect on your own connection to this month’s reflection on #4: People know that giving their money is a spiritual response to God's gift of our salvation.
John Wesley wrote, “If people were more alive to God, they would be more liberal.” Giving liberally is a direct consequence of commitment to Christ. Christian stewardship is a spiritual matter. The writer of First John declares, “We love because Christ first loved us” (4:19). We know how to express Christian love because we have first experienced the sacrificial giving love of Jesus Christ. In the same way, we give because Christ first gave to us. As love begets love, so giving begets giving. Giving our offering during worship is one more way to express our appreciation to God for the greatest gift of all…the gift of our redemption.
(As an addition to this insight offered in the cited work, it’s a great time for your Stewardship committee to thank YOU all at Our Savior’s for your continued support with your time, talents, treasures and PRAYERS, to the many mission efforts of this congregation. We pray your blessings may increase each time you exercise your faith commitment to continue the work!)
Giving to God is an exercise in spiritual growth. We encourage everyone to thoughtfully consider if they give because “Giving is a spiritual response to God’s gift of our salvation”.
Reprinted from “Generous People”, Eugene Grimm, edited by Herb Miller, Effective Church Series, Abingdon Press, Nashville, 1992
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Mark your calendars!!
CULVER’S FUNDRAISER—Monday, March 23rd from 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Our Savior’s is sponsoring a fundraiser at Culver’s (2270 Westowne Ave. near Menards) A percentage of all food purchases sold during
that time is donated to our hunger ministry fundraiser. We will need volunteers to bring food to the tables and to vehicles—please talk to Dan Williams if you can help.
If you are hungry, come and eat and feed hungry people at the same time!
Congratulations to Payten Totz (freshman) and Lindsay Porst
(sophomore) for achieving Highest Honors and to Jessica Jorgenson
(senior) for achieving Honors in the first semester of this school year at
Oshkosh North High School.
Collection for Birdie’s Box Every 3rd Sunday of Each Month
Thank you for your generous donation of food and funds on February 16th!!
We are collecting canned goods for our Birdie's Box on the third Sunday of each month. You may bring the items with you to your
seat, and our children will come with their little red shopping carts to collect them. A list of the most useful items can be found in the little red shopping carts the kids use to collect the food on Sunday. Thank you for supporting this vital hunger ministry to our community!
Upcoming Collections: March 15th
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BABY CARE KITS – 2020
We welcome any and all help!
Our goal this year is to collect enough items to send 50 complete
Baby Care Kits to countries/people, through Lutheran World Relief,
who are in need of these items due to earthquakes, storms, hurricanes,
or other devasting disasters.
Included in each Baby Care Kit are the following items:
4 CLOTH DIAPERS 2 DIAPER PINS
2 SLEEPERS/GOWNS 2 RECEIVING BLANKETS
2 BARS OF SOAP 2 T-SHIRTS
2 PAIRS OF SOCKS 1 HAND TOWEL
1 SWEATER OR JACKET W/HOOD OR HAT/CAP
We would like to highlight several items to be collected each month that you could donate to our
cause. But, if you see something that is needed, and on the list, please pick it up and donate it.
IDEAS WHERE YOU MAY FIND ITEMS:
Rummage Sales, Neighbors, Friends – explain who these items are for and they might donate to our cause. St Vincent’s on Jackson Street: On the First Monday of the Month, they always have all items 50% off. Other times, if you explain to the store manager who these items are for, they may give you a special deal. Dollar Store: Bars of Soap and Hand towels, etc.
MARCH ITEMS TO PICK UP:
Bars of Soap Qty. 100 Hand Towels Qty. 50 (Hand towels may be used, but must be clean with no rips)
PLEASE PUT ALL ITEMS COLLECTED IN THE CLEAR PLASTIC BINS ON THE BENCH
ALONG THE WALL IN THE FELLOWSHIP HALL - THANK YOU!
You may be experiencing any number of difficulties that are causing pain or sadness. If so – you may find a Stephen Minister helpful. We will meet with you for 1 hour a week to listen and care.
Stephen Ministry is a confidential one-to-one lay caring ministry that takes place in congregations that use the Stephen Ministry Series system.
Stephen Ministry congregations equip and empower lay caregivers—called Stephen Ministers—to provide high-quality, confidential, Christ-centered care to people who are hurting.
The AFTER People…… ▪ After the phone call you hoped you’d never get ▪ After the funeral when everyone has left ▪ After the relationship falls apart ▪ After the doctor says “I’m sorry” ▪ After the nursing home director says “welcome to your new home” ▪ After the last child waves and drives away ▪ After the gavel comes down and handcuffs go on ▪ After the baby arrives demanding more than possible ▪ After you find the pink slip in your final paycheck ▪ After your family and friends have heard your story too many times
We are having another training class this Fall! If you would like a Stephen Minister or would like to become a Stephen Minister Contact Pastor Jan or Linda Tedlie at 920-410-0745 / [email protected] Please don’t hesitate to call with any questions!
ONLINE PRAYER CHAIN
Plug into Prayer OSLC church has an on-line prayer chain and every year we ask if anyone else would want to be added to be a “prayer warrior” or be removed from the list. These wonderful, loving caring and tenacious “prayer warriors” take time each day to pray for the needs of other. If you would like prayers for yourselves, others or a situation whether personal or global, please contact stor Jan, Eileen Kuehl at [email protected] or 235-6393, or Diane Schmude at [email protected] or 235-4689 – We are available 24/7!
Upcoming Noisy Offerings
March 8th (purchase bus passes for OASD students)
April 12th (purchase diapers for community member)
May 10th (South African visitor transportation costs)
June 14th (Loaves & Fishes meal for May 31st)
July 12th (Feed Hungry Kids program)
August 9th (Loaves & Fishes meal for August 29th)
September 13th (Oaklawn School children in need fund)
The February Noisy Offering collected $216.94 that went to the Oshkosh
Day By Day Warming Shelter Thank you for your continued generosity in supporting
Equipping People in Congregations: A workshop for all congregational leaders/members, youth, pastors & deacons
Mark your calendars! The annual EPIC event will be held March 14th at Zion Lutheran Church in Shawano. This event features several different kinds of
workshops built around building new skills and developing church leaders. From developing new communication skills, to enhancing your finances, this one-day workshop has something for everyone!
Here are just a few of the many workshops available that may be of interest:
4A, 4B, 4C “Noticing God: Guided by the Spirit” Discover how individual and group spiritual direction can help us reflect on how to be beings in a doing world as we come closer to God. We are busy being doers that we neglect God's presence and God's invitation to be the ones God created us to be. Presenters will demonstrate, give you basic information, and resource materials that will help you consider getting started in spiritual direction. 5A, 5B, 5C “Social Issues: What does the Church Have to Say?” Explore how the ELCA exercises a public voice and where it stands on several current social problems, with a focus on caring for God’s creation. Plus, Rev. Cindy Crane will share her recent experience at COP25 (Conference of Parties25), the United Nations annual climate change conference. Most people are familiar with COP21, where the Paris agreement was signed. 7A, 7B “Oh, the Places We Go!” This workshop will take you on our pilgrimage to Israel/Palestine. You will learn about the area and hear from the voices of those living there. We will share our insights, and the work that we are continuing upon our return. Resources will be provided to equip and support your own efforts for justice, equality and peace for all people.
If interested, contact ECSW - East Central Synod of WI at 920-734-5381 [email protected]
or go to the website directly to register or to see a complete list of seminars available: http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/Please don’t delay as session fill up quickly!
Please pick up a brochure on the table in the church Narthex!
presents
Local Service Agencies
In an effort to become better aware of the resources that are available for those in need, we are offering a workshop to introduce three more of our local service agencies. The March workshop will feature:
United Way Advocap
St. Vincent De Paul
Thursday, MARCH 19th
Morning Session: 9-11:30 am Evening Session: 6-8:30 pm *RSVP
*Evening Session Only Available with Adequate Response RSVP - [email protected]
The Hooper Community Center
36 Broad St. Oshkosh ٠ Lower Level Gathering Space
When: Saturday, March 14, 2020 from 8:30am to 3:45pm
Sunday School starts after worship service (approximately 10:00am). Snacks are offered during class.
We have one classroom for ages 3 through 2nd grade and one for 3rd grade through-6th grade
We ask that families pick students up from their classrooms at 11am.
There will be music twice each month.
Also…If you would like to donate some pre-packaged snacks (no nuts please) and juice boxes it would be much appreciated. There is a sign-up sheet in the Narthex on the table by
the Library Books. Thank you!!
Sunday School Teachers’ Schedule
2020 PK-2 SS Teacher
3-5 SS Teacher
March 1 Leah Locke Krissy Seeley Kathy Baccus
8 Erica Nourse Jamie Bliske
15 Ben & Lisa Trepanier Amy Alvarez
22 Leah Locke Barb Schneider
29 Leah Locke Jamie Bliske
April Passion Sunday 5 Leah Locke Ben & Lisa Trepanier
Easter Sunday 12 NO SUNDAY SCHOOL
19 Amy Alvarez Barb Schneider
26 Erica Nourse Jamie Bliske
May 3 Last Day—Project Day! All Available Teachers
Christian Education
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2020 Greeters Reader Communion Assistant/s
Worship Assistant Acolyte
March 1 Maryla Karl &
Carol Stewart Barb Schneider Kim Steiner
Barb Schneider Ella Seeley
8 Jim & Shari
Englund Dan Williams
Jenny Williams Sam Englund
15
Dave & Judy Abraham
Lisa Trepanier Diane Schmude
Garret Koerner
22
Lynn Harron & Michael Abraham Lisa Trepanier Maryla Karl Maia Butzlaff
29
Julie Bohn & Kari Hyatt Cathi Nimmer Jerry Johnson Ella Seeley
April 5
Corky & Karla Abraham
Palm Passion Readers Barb Schneider
Emelia Levezow
Easter 12
Kathy Keas & Diane Schmude Jenny Williams Dan Williams Sam Englund
19
Lynda Jameson & Mike Dodson David Bayer Amy Alvarez Ella Seeley
26
Jim & Shari Englund Maria Bouche Sally Tusken
Garret Koerner
Ushers: March: Jeff Koerner, Erica Nourse, Toby & Debbie Kamark April: John Koerner, Steve Nelson, Nick Bouche Altar Guild: March: Daphne Riedi and Heidi Witt April: Diane Schmude and Pat Krohn
We are always looking for more volunteers to become Greeters, Readers, Communion Assistants and Worship Assistants…Please let us know if you are interested or would like more information! Just fill out a communication card located in the church pews or send an email to the church secretary at: [email protected]
Worship Service Volunteer Schedule
Please Note: With the ever-rising cost of postage to mail information, we would really prefer to send materials electronically. Do we have your correct email address on file? Many times, emails that are sent come back to us as “undeliverable” because the email address we have on file for you is no longer valid. If you currently are not receiving emails from OSLC (like the monthly Bellringer or the weekly events reminder), and you would like to, please send Vickie an email at [email protected] to let her know what your correct email address is or fill out one of the Communication Cards located in the pews. Thank you!!
1. Call to Order: 10:25 in Fellowship Hall / 51 present at the meeting which included 2 visitors.
2. Opening Litany and prayer led by Pastor Jan
3. Pastor Jan’s reflection we worship together… we share the table….. and we pray. Humbled and strengthened by the prayer in this community. We are active in being Matthew 25 people. We are trying to be a community that reflects the light of Christ. Although we are a small congregation we are not afraid, we are hopeful. The world is changing, we may need to change with it but we are not actively dying. Thank you for all who support this church with your time and talent and your treasure. Treasures do not define a community of faith. What is God calling us to do? We are grateful God has called us together.
4. Outreach Updated Ron Kuehl lifted up our outreach team. Report on page 13/14. Pointing out the team has developed a love and trust for each other. He introduced the team and their unique values. There are a number of key activities. Ron went with a delegate from the synod on a South Africa mission trip in 2007. In Oshkosh the conference hasn’t been too active. There have been some travels back and forth over the last couple years and a delegation from our synod travelled there in 2018. Even years they come here and in 2022 we will send delegation there. They will come June 18-30 this summer. There are 33 people who want to come to the Oshkosh Conference. (have been none before) We need to find hosts. Visa process can be difficult so we need to commit quickly. Hosting entails Room / board / lifestyle / faith community / places we live and serve in. $150-$200 per person. We are going to cover expense to bring them to Appleton and medical insurance. Meeting on Thursday to discuss. Can’t ask for vote today because it wasn’t on the agenda. If you can support boarding and financial let Ron know by 10 days.
5. Mission Statement: Linda Tedlie presented the new Mission Statement. The council held workshops
to identify our our current and future purpose, core values, vision and mission. From these items we
reviewed a number of drafts of a mission statement that could encompass the items that were
revealed. We have adopted this mission statement for our congregation.
“Called to be servants of Christ, we reach out to welcome all as beloved children of God and practice faith active in love” Appendix A will be published with the minutes from this meeting and contains the detail from the council workshops. We ask that as you go forward in our committees and activities that you center around this mission statement to ensure you are aligning with it in some way. If you have a question about it, please come forward to discuss with a council member or Pastor.
6. Election of new council members:
Dennis Karl is willing to serve a second 2 year term. Continuing in their second term are Toby Kamark and
Dan Williams. In her first term is Linda Tedlie.
A) Nominated and willing to serve: Lisa Trepanier Ben Trepanier Barb Schneider B) At least 1-2 more council members are needed. Nominations of offers to serve will be received from the floor for
2 year terms. Meetings will the first Tuesday of each month at 6 pm. C) Nominations from the floor: Linda Tedlie nominated Pat Krohn who accepted. D) Prayer
E) Pastor Thanks to outgoing council members: Jerry Andersen, Maria Bouche, Lynda Jameson and Jenny Williams
F) Motion to accept by Maria Bouche 2nd by Linda Tedlie and carried.
7. Presentation of proposed Budget:
Shelley Rasmussen presented proposed budget. Final budget $205,104.66
Question about the cost of interest on the mortgage. Shelley acknowledged an approximate $540 per month.
Give+ instruction sheets were shared. We can set up giving through the app on our phones.
UNOFFICIAL To be voted on at the Annual Meeting in 2021.
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Increases in salaries was reviewed. Shelley noted that Pastor asked to not have an increase, however, we felt it was an important aspect of our church leadership.
Discussion:
Are we short $44,000? Yes – if we look at estimates of giving compared to giving, we are short.
Can we still do Simply Giving? Yes – Simply giving and Give Plus reach the same place. However, Simply Giving is through the Church Office set up by Judy Abraham and Give Plus is on your phone as an app. You can continue with our current platform of Simply giving but must coordinate through Judy Abraham.
Can you only do Give+ on your phone? Yes – Give + is currently a phone app only.
Is there a cost to use the app? Both Simply Giving and Give + have a fee for the church which is calculated by transaction. You can adjust your amount to include this transaction or allow the transaction to be taken off the amount you give.
Motion was made to pass the budget: Lynda Jameson, 2nd John Holdorf –Carried
A) Pastor objected to the increase recommended for her. The voting body agreed to keep the increase.
8. Old Business:
a) Approval of minutes from Annual Meeting 1/27/19: John Holdorf moved and Dick Reichow 2nd. The motion
was Carried.
b) 150th Anniversary was held and was successful. Please review pictures and material.
1. New Business:
a) Endowment Fund Policy: Jerry Andersen presented the endowment policy.
We found an old endowment fund policy. We decided to adopt that and update it. The committee will include 3 members with one on the Council and two from the congregation. They will meet 4 x / year and report back to the church council. Members will agree to a 6 year term / max of 2 terms. Grants and scholarships will be available for request from this fund. It is important that we give from the proceeds of this money. At least 50% of the growth will be used each year. At least 25% of this growth will be used for mission and benevolance (global and mission work of the ELCA). Committee members will help educate the congregation about the purpose of the endowment fund. A copy of the fund will be placed in the council minutes book in the Narthex. Consider your wills or winnings to be invested in the endowment fund. John Holdorf has agreed to serve on this committee. Lynda Jameson and Maryla Karl motioned and seconded and the motion was carried.
b) Election of Delgates for East Central Synod of Wisconsin Synod Assembly May 16-17 in Oshkosh (one Male / one Female) Linda Tedlie and Toby Kamark
c) Election of delegates to 2020 Oshkosh Conference Annual meeting in the Fall (October) Maria Bouche
d) Election of delegates to Miravida Living Annual meeting on March 9, 2020 at 5:30 pm at Bethel Home Diane Schmude and Cathi Nimmer
e) Election of delegates to Lutheran Campus Ministry at UWO annual meeting on March 1, 2020 at 1pm at All Saints Lutheran Church - Maria Bouche / Shelley Rasmussen
f) Election of delegates to Crossways Campus Ministry annual meeting: date Sat March 14th 10-1 at St. Mark’s Neenah. Barb Schneider and Tracy Bliske were not present at the meeting agreed to attend.
Motion- Shelley Rasmussen / Maryla Karl 2nd….. carried to accept these delegate nominations.
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Additional discussion:
By default, undesignated memorials have been going to debt reduction. We may have these memorials go into the endowment fund. A team should be established to review these policies and a memoiral policy should be prepared. Judy Abraham will work on this.
Additional New Business:
Shari Englund revisited the idea of paying off the mortgage. Offering envelopes include mortgage payment option. Pat Krohn asked to focus on how much you are paying in interest. Shelley will follow up on this.
Dave Abraham thanked everyone for their donations to the Oshkosh Food Panty. We donated 725# / $1,425.28. Please continue to donate in the cart in the entry way when you can.
Cathi Nimmer – asked if there is a group that prays for Pastor Jan weekly? She would like us to be doing that.
2. Meeting Adjourn Motion Linda Tedlie / Dick Reichow 2nd… Carried
3. Closing Prayer
Action Items 1/26/2020
Action item: Person responsible: Date:
1 What is our current remaining interest amount? Shelley Rasmussen
2 Put a copy of the endowment poslicy in the council minutes book Jerry Andersen
3 Establish a memorial team to develop a memorial policy Judy Abraham
4 Post how to pay off mortgag / how much interest to say Shelley Rasmussen
5 Cathi Nimmer will coordinate a group to pray for Pastor Jan Kathy Nimmer
6 Personnel report will be publised in the February Bellringer Amy Jodarski / Pastor
7 Advise Ron Kuehl if you are interested in hosting delegates for the Oshkosh
9am Worship Service w/Communion Choir Sings Today!
10am Coffee Hour/Sunday School
1pm Pr. Jan @ Campus Ministries Annual Mtg.
1pm Girl Scouts meet in SS Room
2 (Church Office
Closed) 5:30pm Arts for All Wisconsin (VSA) Practice
3 9am Circle of Light meets in Grace Place
2pm Pr. Jan Text Study
5:15pm Exec. Committee Meets
6pm Mutual Ministry meets in Grace Place
4 (Church Office
Closed) 10:00am Bible Study 4:15pm Choir Practice 5:30pm Soup Supper @ Christ Lutheran
6:30pm Lenten Service @ Christ Lutheran
5 Church Office
Open 9am-4pm
8:30am Quilters Meet
Noon – 1PM City FHK meeting @ OSLC in Fellowship Hall
6-8pm Stephen Ministry meets in Grace Place
6 Church Office
Open 9am-2pm
7
8 9am Worship Service w/Communion Noisy Offering (See pg. 7) 10am Coffee Hour/Sunday School
9 4pm Worship Committee Mtg. 5:30pm Arts for All Wisconsin (VSA) Practice
5:30pm Pr. Jan at Miravida Shareholders Meeting @ Chapel of Faith & Life-Oshkosh
10 9:00am Pr. Jan attending Oshkosh Conference @ Emmanuel, Brandon 6pm Council Meeting
11 8am Mary Circle Meets
10:00am Bible Study @ the Simonsons (BYO-Bible see pg 16)
4:15pm Choir Practice
5:30pm Soup Supper @ St. Andrew’s
6:30pm Lenten Service @ St. Andrew’s
12 8:30am Quilters Meet
13
14 8:30am – 3:45pm EPIC 2020 event at Zion in Shawano (see pg. 8 )
15 9am Worship Service w/Communion Choir Sings Today!
Birdie’s Box Collection (see pg. 5)
10am Coffee Hour & Sunday School
16 9am-10am Respite Care Meeting @ St. Paul's in Neenah
5:30pm Arts for All Wisconsin (VSA) Practice
17 10:30am Pr. Jan @ Chrism Mass-Gloria Dei in Neenah
1:30-3:30pm Respite Care in Grace Place
6pm Joy Circle meets in Grace Place
18 10:00am Bible Study
4:15pm Choir Practice
5:30pm Soup Supper @ OSLC
6:30pm Lenten Service @ OSLC
19 8:30am Quilters Meet
20
21
22 9am Worship w/Communion
10am Coffee Hour/Sunday School
1pm Girl Scouts meet in SS Room
Pr. Jan is OFF at Noon (Pr. Karen Jewell covers 920.420.5386)
23 5-7pm Culvers Fundraiser for OSLC Hunger Ministries (See pg. 5)
5:30pm Arts for All Wisconsin (VSA) Practice
Pr. Jan is OFF (Pr. Karen Jewell covers 920.420.5386)
24 1:30-3:30pm. Respite Care in Grace Place Pr. Jan is OFF (Pr. Karen Jewell covers 920.420.5386)
25 10am Bible Study
4:15pm Choir Practice
5:30pm Soup Supper @ OSLC 6:30pm Lenten Service @ OSLC Pr. Bryan Schmidt preaches
26 8:30am Quilters Meet
27 28
29 9am Worship w/Communion
10am Coffee Hour & Sunday School
30 5:30pm Arts for All Wisconsin (VSA) Practice
31 2pm Pr. Jan Text Study
Holy Week: April 5th Palm/Passion April 9th Maundy Thursday Service at 6:30pm at OSLC April 10th Good Friday Service at 6:30pm at OSLC April 12th Easter Breakfast at 7:30am Worship Service at 9:00am
18 | P a g e
Our Saviors Lutheran Church 1860 Wisconsin Street Oshkosh, WI 54901
Save the Date!
March 23rd 5-7pm Culvers Fundraiser for OSLC
Hunger Ministries (See pg. 7)
Ash Wednesday is February 26th
Imposition of Ashes and prayer at 12:00pm in sanctuary
Service with Holy Communion and imposition of Ashes 6:30pm
