Pastor’s Message The Lutheran Church of Our Savior December 2018 No. 12 Pastor’s Message 1-3 Seasoned Citizens 4 Stephen Ministry 4 LWML 5-7 LCOOS Youth 8 Christian Symbols 9 Council Minutes 10-14 Advent 15 Youth Activity Page 17 Leadership Directory & Birthdays 18 Calendar 19 Church Information 20 Inside this issue: Continued on next page…. From The Pastor…………….. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. [Luke 2:11] Greetings and Merry Christmas! This is a wonderful time of year is it not? I love the time of Christmas. I love the special decorations, I love the gifts, I love the cards in the mail received, I adore the music, and I love that people do indeed feel compelled to be kinder, gentler, and humbler this time of year. Yet, as is typical, when we get busy, we are tempted to forget why this is such a celebratory time. The announcement of the angel to the shepherds giving good tidings of great joy tells us why this is such wonderful news. A Savior has been born. A Savior. That is the title given by the angel to the shepherds – a Savior; and that Savior is identified – He is Christ the Lord. But back to the title, “Savior.” If you are drowning and I throw you a life preserver, and you grab that preserver and I pull you safely to shore, I, “saved” you. From what did I save you? From drowning. To what did I save you? To life. Well, this is the truth of why Jesus came; yet He saved us from far more than drowning; He saved us from sin, hell, and death. And He saved us to some- thing far greater than this life; He saved us for life eternal. Listen to the Scripture speak of both realities: First the reality of hellish eternity, and then the reality of heavenly glory. Revelation 20:11-15 11 Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. 12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books,
Transcript
Pastor’s Message
The Lutheran Church of Our Savior December 2018 No. 12
Pastor’s Message
1-3
Seasoned Citizens 4
Stephen Ministry 4
LWML 5-7
LCOOS Youth 8
Christian Symbols 9
Council Minutes 10-14
Advent 15
Youth Activity Page 17
Leadership Directory &
Birthdays
18
Calendar 19
Church Information 20
Inside this issue:
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From The Pastor…………….. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. [Luke 2:11] Greetings and Merry Christmas! This is a wonderful time of year is it not? I love the time of Christmas. I love the special decorations, I love the gifts, I love the cards in the mail received, I adore the music, and I love that people do indeed feel compelled to be kinder, gentler, and humbler this time of year. Yet, as is typical, when we get busy, we are tempted to forget why this is such a celebratory time. The announcement of the angel to the shepherds giving good tidings of great joy tells us why this is such wonderful news. A Savior has been born. A Savior. That is the title given by the angel to the shepherds – a Savior; and that Savior is identified – He is Christ the Lord. But back to the title, “Savior.” If you are drowning and I throw you a life preserver, and you grab that preserver and I pull you safely to shore, I, “saved” you. From what did I save you? From drowning. To what did I save you? To life. Well, this is the truth of why Jesus came; yet He saved us from far more than drowning; He saved us from sin, hell, and death. And He saved us to some-thing far greater than this life; He saved us for life eternal. Listen to the Scripture speak of both realities: First the reality of hellish eternity, and then the reality of heavenly glory. Revelation 20:11-15 11
Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. 12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books,
Pastor’s Message Continued...
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according to what they had done. 13 And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. 14 Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. 15 And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. Yet here is heavenly glory on the New Heavens and the New Earth: Revelation 21:1-7 1 1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." 5 And he who was seated on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." Also he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." 6 And he said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. 7 The one who conquers will have this herit-age, and I will be his God and he will be my son.
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Pastor’s Message Continued... This is the joy of having a Savior. Our names get written in the book of Life when we trust in the Way, the Truth, and the Life – Jesus. God sent His Son for a reason. Jesus was born to take our place in life. We have all sinned and fallen short of God’s glory; but we are saved from hell and death through belief in Jesus. He lived the life we could not live. He died the death we all deserve. He rose again to give everlasting physical resurrected life to all who will trust in Him. He sits at the right hand of the Father advocating for us right now. So let us rejoice with the shepherds – for unto us is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. In the midst of all our hustle and bustle, please take time to meditate on Jesus and remember why we celebrate as we do. Here are a few ideas:
Follow along in the advent devotional this year. All the messages on Wednesday and Sunday are going to be based on this devotional.
Nativity and ask them what part they play in the story of the Christ child.
I pray that your Christmas celebrations are truly blessed and focused on the Savior.
Your pastor and friend,
Pastor Christopher Ogne
The Seasoned Citizens celebrated an early Christmas at the Port Tobacco Players. Everyone enjoyed seeing their production of “'A Christmas Carol in Washington”.
Heading into December, the group has decided to have dinner on Thursday, December 13 at Marie's in LaPlata. Be sure to sign up to join us for an enjoyable evening of good food, fun, and fellowship.
In January they already plan to have dinner at Applebee's in La Plata. Look for further information in the LCOOS Bulletin. We wish everyone a blessed Christmas!
Do you feel compassion when you notice someone struggling? Do you natu-rally step up when you see a need? Do you feel satisfied and fulfilled by helping others? Do you enjoy blessing as you have been blessed? If any of these are true for you, please consider becoming a Stephen Minister.
The Stephen Ministry is designed to train laypeople for caring ministry. Lov-ing others in Jesus’ name is a challenge and an opportunity for all God’s children. Likewise, the joy of helping others is the privilege of all Christians, for the Holy Spirit has given gifts to each Christian to use in service to others and to build up the church (1 Corinthians 12:7-11).
Stephen Ministry will rely on the gifts the Holy Spirit has given to our lay members so that, as more peo-
ple are equipped to care, Christ’s love for us will be able to go out from us in ever greater and more
effective ways. For more information contact Pastor Ogne or one of the Stephen Leaders: Bev Linde, Adrienne Norwood, or Renee Nelson.
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Seasoned Citizens……...
Stephen Ministry……...
LCOOS Lutheran Women’s Missionary League…..
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LCOOS Lutheran Women’s Missionary League - AGENDA
November 12th 7:00pm
The meeting was called to order at ___7:05pm______. Attendees: Beth O, Beth M, Rosa Opening Prayer: Beth O. Devotion: Rosa – from ‘Prayers For Life’; “I have loved you with an everlasting love.” Reports:
LWML - Zone Rep Doris Simmons
Teresa (Chesapeake District LWML President) went to a Heart to Heart training Confer-ence just this last week as part of her Presidential duties. Teresa and Rosa plan to attend the LWML National Convention June 16-23 of 2019.
Altar Guild: Rhonda Piegols No report
Angel’s Watch Women’s Shelter: Rhonda Piegols No report
Shut-ins/Memorial Ministry: Saifu No report
Lutheran Mission Society Compassion Center of So. MD: Donna Ellis Compassion Trailer (10am-2pm) will be here December 6th-8th and January 3rd-5th
Bethesda Lutheran Home: Isatu Deen No report
St. Jude’s Hospital/Ranch: Isatu Deen No report
Post Card Ministry: - Shea Gronau No report
Cradle Role: JoAnn Garber No report
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Old Business:
Harvest Party was a success! 163 children attended! Fall Prayer Breakfast – thank you to all who helped set up and run the breakfast.
New Business/Upcoming Events:
F.I.G.H.T. Club is postponed for November. Will resume in December (14th and 28th)
Christmas Movie Night - Saturday, December 1st; 6pm – ALL are welcome! This is not just a women only event so please spread the word! Beth will request that it be put in the vocal an-nouncements and a half sheet flyer will be placed in the bulletins.
If anyone has a DVD copy of ‘Elf’, contact Beth Mays and let her know.
On January 12th from 11am-1pm, the ladies will hold a White Elephant Gift Exchange and prayer brunch combination.
Thinking way ahead:
February – President’s Day Breakfast with focus on prayer for Godly leadership – Saturday the 16th
March – Social Outing?
April 20th – Easter EGGstravaganza
May 4th – Mother’s Day Tea ‘Star Wars’ theme (yes, you read that right!) – stay tuned for more details!
June –Annual Fundraiser – AKA Yard Sale (people can start bringing GOOD used items and placing them towards the back of the small room to the left of the kitchen in the Fellowship Hall)
Have a Happy and safe Thanksgiving!
Church Christmas decorating!!! Friday, November 30th starting at 6pm. Please come to help if you can!
The next meeting is scheduled for November 12th at 7:00pm. Please attend! There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at ___8:05pm_____.
LCOOS Lutheran Women’s Missionary League Continued…..
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LCOOS Lutheran Women’s Missionary League Continued...
Living In The Spirit Is God’s Choice For Me….
In the Word:
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit — fruit that will last.” (John 15:16a)
Of the Word:
Life is filled with choices — what car to drive, what clothes to buy, which TV channels to watch, which foods to eat. Sometimes the choices bring satisfaction, and sometimes they bring great disappointment.
In and of ourselves, there is one choice we cannot make. We cannot choose God. Instead, Jesus assures us, I chose you … It is the Holy Spirit who enables us to hear God’s call.
And what is our response? We know how to handle life’s other choices: we drive the car, we wear the clothes, we laugh and learn from TV, we get nourishment from foods. Our response to God’s choice is to follow His direction, … go and bear fruit …
The fruit may be as simple as smiling at the harried supermarket clerk or helping the toddler get his shoes on the right feet. It may be as difficult as “parenting” an aged parent or working in a special church or community ministry. These are fruits that will last because they are responses to God’s gifts to us.
Walking with my Lord:
Dear Lord, thank You for choosing me. I know that I could never have chosen You on my own. Thank You for the gifts You have given to me. Help me to use them to bear lasting fruit for You. In Jesus’ name. Amen. ( Mustard Seed: Faith-Filled Parenting. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer)
December 7th at 7:00 pm. All youth are invited to attend. There will
be gifts, cookies, and of course food. They are going to have a fun
White Elephant Exchange which is always creates lots of excitement!
We will also be talking about the gift of the Resurrection!
Please make sure that your youth is signed up so that we know how
many gifts to buy! We wouldn’t want anyone to miss out.
Have a Blessed and Merry Christmas !
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Christian Symbols ……..
Did you know that we have a
Lost & Found?
It’s in a box in the Narthex Please take a “Look See”…….
Look and See if any of the items belong to you!
Any items left after December 31st will
be either disposed of or donated to one of the thrift shops.
Poinsettias
This shrub, native to Mexico, is at the heart of legend about a poor girl who wanted to bring Baby Jesus a gift one Christmas Eve. As she walked to church, she gathered a bouquet of weeds — which Jesus miraculously transformed into lovely red flowers. Thus the poinsettia (named for Joel Poinsett, the U.S. ambassador to Mexico who first brought the plant to America) is known in Mexico as la flor de la Nochebuena (flower of the Holy Night). The poinsettia is also an ideal Christ-mas symbol because its leaves turn red when deprived of sunlight and its flowers (the red inner buds) bloom in December.
LCOOS Council/Congregation Meeting Minutes…...
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Congregational Meeting Minutes
Lutheran Church of Our Savior
Bryans Road, MD
Date November 27, 2018 Council Attendees: President: Andrei Sapsai x V. Pres.: Hanson Kannie x Secretary: Patty Davis x Treasurer: Lynn Wells x Worship: Pastor Ogne x Head Elder: Michael Ellis x Discipleship: Saifu Deen x Outreach: Shea Gronau x Member at Large: Steve Holton x
The meeting was called to order at 7:00pm and opened with prayer by Andrei Sapsai.
Devotions were led by Pastor from Psalms 127:1-5.
Secretary: The minutes were approved electronically by the council on 2 Dec 2018
The Lutheran Church of Our Savior
Treasurer's Report
As of October 31, 2018
Cash Accounts
Operating Fund 1: $86,528.60
Operating Fund 2: $61,208.03
SAV – Bldg: $28,266.82
Savings: $70,883.58
Memorial Fund: $ 3,690.92
Budget and Revenue Estimates for 2018
2018 Yearly Operating Budget: $375,175.51 (based on 2017 income) 2018 Yearly Revenue Estimate: $366,404.00 ( 2.4% increase over 2017 Budget)
Operating
Offering (1&2) thru week 44: $304,584.10
Other income (3) thru week 44: $ 9,165.23
Operating Revenue thru week 44: $313,749.33
Operating Expenditures thru week 44: $295,684.03
Net Operating Income (Loss) thru 10/31/18: $18,065.30
LCOOS Council /Congregational Meeting Minutes Continued…...
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The Lutheran Church of Our Savior
Proposed Operating Budget 2019
Mission statement
Being rooted and established in the Word of God, we seek to love the Lord and make disciples, so that all people may be filled to the measure of the fullness of God.
As we prayerfully plan for 2018, we realize God provides for ministry through our tithes and offer-ings to do His work. Our budget reflects what we’ve been doing to fulfill our mission over the past few years. The overall 2018 Budget is $366,179.
To see where our first fruits are being used in our ministry, there are four areas we can look at: Living, Loving, Serving and Thriving.
Living – Our life focused in praise of God. Everything around our worship life is reflected here.
Loving – This is our life of discipleship, fellowship and care, so all of those ministries are in this category.
Serving – The work of outreach, evangelism, hospitality and missions is captured in this area.
Thriving – This is where all the other areas are supported. This includes property and building expenses of Our Savior.
NOTE: A copy of The Lutheran Church of Our Savior Proposed 2019 Budget Is available on the the table in the church narthex for your review or please ask Pam for a copy if they are all gone. Thank You
President: Andrei Sapsai Secretary: Patty Davis Voting Member at Large: Steve Holton
Motion to approve nominations by Pastor Ogne and unanimously agreed upon by the congregation.
Joe Gronau has accepted the position of Property Chair – not a position of the church council. We want to thank Steve Holton for the many years of service and repairs he has managed for LCOOS.
LCMS President Election:
Motion to name Andrei Sapsai as the Lay Delegate to vote during the election for LCMS President to be held June 22, 2019 – June 25, 2019. Motion unanimously agreed upon by the congregation.
Our Savior’s House – Abused Woman’s Shelter:
After much research, meetings and creating a business plan for Our Savior’s House, it was realized that operating this shelter would require a significant initial outlay and annual operating expenses. After discussion and prayerful thought, the council has agreed that our efforts would be better placed in as sisting those in need by increasing the annual Benevolence Fund to $30,000 and assisting people directly through the Benevolence Fund without the administration of operating a non-profit business. $15,000 of the Benevolence fund is for congregants and the other $15,000 is for assisting others as described above. The Board of Elder’s are responsible for management of the Benevolence fund.
Budget: Motion by Andrei Sapsai to adopt the FY 19 Budget as presented as presented. Motion seconded by Michael Ellis and unanimously agreed upon by the congregation.
Property Report: 1. Two heating element sensors to the heating units in the new building were replaced. Parts & labor $250.00
2. Heating coil to one of the heating units in the educational wing needs to be replaced. 18 lbs. of refrigeration. Parts & labor. Estimated cost $1500-$1800. Work to be done the week of Nov. 26-Dec. 1
3. Sump pump to the Educational wing needed replacing. Estimated cost $389.62 Labor and installation done by LCOOS members. 4. New lighting in sanctuary installed to improve the lighting on the alter 6 overhead spot lights were installed by LCOOS members. $20.00
5. Pneumatic door jam (door closer) to the front door to the Sanctuary. Installation done by LCOOS member. $ 60.00
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Calendar: LCOOS Christmas Party is scheduled for December 15, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. in the LCOOS educational wing
Christmas Eve-Eve Services – Sunday, December 23, 2018, normal services at 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
There will be two identical Christmas Eve Services on Monday, December 24, 2018 – 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Prayer – the congregational meeting concluded in prayer and supplication for the members and ministry of the
LCOOS Council /Congregational Meeting Minutes Continued…...
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Lutheran Advent Traditions
At a time when much of the world is frantically gift shopping, putting up
Christmas lawn decorations and anticipating the arrival of Santa Claus,
Christians around the world are observing the liturgical season of Ad-
vent. From the Latin word for “coming”, Advent is a time of preparation
and anticipation for the coming of Christ both in the past in His incarna-
tion as the baby Jesus, but also
in the future with His promised second coming as Christ
Triumphant. Furthermore, Advent is a time to focus on His
present coming to us in the Word and Sacraments. In the
Lutheran church there have been many traditions observed
during Advent that help Christians to both prepare for and anticipate His coming at this time. Martin Luther
encouraged families to observe Advent as a time for them to teach their children about the coming of Christ.
Advent marks the beginning of the church calendar. It traditionally starts on the Sunday closest to St. An-drew’s Day (November 30th) and continues for four Sundays until Christmas. During this time the liturgical paraments and vestments in many churches will change to violet to recognize Advent as a time of prepara-tion and repentance as well as a symbol of the royalty of the coming King. The color blue can also be used as a symbol of anticipation and hope. Christians in many countries have adopted various traditions of lighting candles during Advent to observe this as the time of the coming of Christ who is the light of the world. One widespread tradition is the use of an Advent wreath both in the church and the home to mark each Sunday in the Advent season. While the origin of this as an Advent tradition dates back to the Lutheran church following the Reformation, the cur-rent form commonly used today was developed more recently and is used in many other Christian churches throughout the world. The wreath is made out of evergreens in the shape of a circle to represent eternal life. It consisted of four candles originally; three purple or blue candles to match the liturgical colors and one pink candle lit on the 3rd Sunday in Advent. This 3rd Sunday is known as Gaudete Sunday, meaning “rejoice” in Latin and comes from Philippians 4:4. Lighting this 3rd candle, Christians relax the fast to rejoice for the promised Messiah is coming soon. Many Advent wreaths also have a 5th candle, the Christ candle, which is lit during the time of Christmas, symbolizing that Christ, the light of the world, has entered the darkness.
Another tradition, is the observance of special commemoration
days during the season of Advent, namely St. Nicholas, Bishop of
Myra on December 6th and St. Lucia, Martyr on December 13th. As
numerous stories surrounding St. Nicholas spread and became leg-
end, Martin Luther was concerned that the observance of St. Nicho-
las day was becoming separated from Christ the true giver of gifts.
As a response and an effort to
replace St. Nicholas Day, Luther began the tradition of
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celebrating the Christkindt or Christ Child who would bring gifts to children on Christmas Eve. Though Luther hoped to eliminate the secular traditions surrounding St. Nicholas, Lutherans today still observe his commemoration and give thanks to God for the gifts He gave him to bless others and confess Christ in a time of darkness and persecution. St. Lucia was a Christian mar-tyr in the 4th century who is traditionally known as wearing a candle-lit crown to light her way through the catacombs as she brought food to Chris-tians who were being persecuted. Her commemoration is meant to signal that Christmas is coming soon when Christ, the light of the world will arrive. Today many Christians throughout the world celebrate by lighting candles and attending major festivals not only to commemorate her confession of faith and care for persecuted Christians, but in anticipation of the coming of the Christ child.
There is so much beauty and rich tradition during the season of Advent to prepare Christians for the coming of Jesus, the babe of Bethlehem. When you see the altar draped in purple, remember your King who came to bring you life and salvation. If you don’t have one already, consider getting an Advent wreath for your home as you prepare for the coming of Christ, the light of the world. Give thanks to God for the confession of faith He gave to His people to shine His light in dark places. Learn about the tradition of reciting the O Antiphons (found in Lutheran Service Book along with hymn # 357 “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel) and incor-porate it into your Advent devotions. Finally, anticipate with joy the coming of our Lord!
