Advent Greetings!

A wonderful Thanksgiving weekend at Our Savior included the first Sunday in Advent and the beginning of a new church year.     First, many thanks to: Judy Kloski, our strong behind the scenes coordinator for the Home Alone Thanksgiving Dinner;  to Colleen Heagy, chief cook (and Thanksgiving Day “Cover Girl” on the Press Journal!); Linda and Ted Krieger,  on site hosts and coordinators; and all the wonderful volunteers who made this year’s Home Alone Thanksgiving Dinner a wonderful event for everyone.  We are very grateful for all of you.

 

Then in worship this past weekend we entered the season of Advent; a time of hope, promise, preparation and anticipation.  This is a wonderful, hopeful season of the year which is characterized in worship by the lighting of the Advent wreath at the beginning of each service by one of our families, the blue paraments, the singing of “O Come O Come Emmanuel” before the reading of the Gospel, the wreaths in the church, and more.  This was also likely the last weekend of having to come into the church through the side doors!  Hopefully, this coming weekend we will be able to use the new main entrance! 

 

Then looking ahead just a little, on Sunday December 11 we will have only one service at 10am, which will include a dedication of our new narthex, lobby, and bell tower and a celebration of Our Savior’s 50^th Anniversary!  Following the service there will be a 50^th Anniversary Luncheon.  Reservations for the luncheon need to be in by this Wednesday, Nov. 30!   Cost is $15 per person or $25 per household.

 

While that will be a big weekend, for anyone available, there will be a “painting party” at “The Little House” on Saturday, Dec.10 beginning around 9am.   This is a house being renovated for Big Brothers Big Sisters at 1850 18^th Ave., just west of the Freshman Learning Center.  Paint and equipment are all there.  Your help would be much appreciated.  Call Allan Klotsche for more information at 234-0441.

 

This week our Wednesday supper menu will include Italian Sausage with onions and pepper.  The suppers are held each Wednesday at 6pm, with a break for the holidays.  Watch for more details.

 

Finally, at this time of the year we have a lot more folks worshiping with us, some for a short time, some for the season.  Please make the extra effort to be a welcoming presence to those around you.  The world can often be a harsh and unwelcoming place.  A welcoming word at worship to your neighbor can sometimes say as much (or maybe even more) than the sermon!  God’s work; our (welcoming) hands. 

 

As this season unfolds, in the middle of all of the comings and goings, may your days be filled with hope, peace and joy in the promised coming of our Lord.  

 

See you in church.    Pastor Jack Diehl +      www.oursaviorelca.com

 

 

Happy Thanksgiving Week...and some righteous indignation at the end of this email!

From: Our Savior Lutheran Church
Sent: Monday, November 21, 2011 12:18 PM
To: Our Savior Lutheran Church
Subject: Happy Thanksgiving Week...and some righteous indignation at the end of this email!

 

First, a big THANK YOU to all who were a part of our annual Bazaar/Health Fair this past weekend!  Our parish nurse/seminarian Bonnie Lanyi wanted to make sure to send out this “Thank You” to everyone, but I first want to extend my thanks to HER!   She did an amazing job coordinating so much of the weekend, from table layouts, set up and clean up, to lining up people for blood pressure and blood sugar checks, flu shots, “ask the pharmacist”, “ask the dietician”, etc.  So, many thanks to Bonnie for all of that, and also to all of those who made it a great event: including all the Health Fair people mentioned above along with the “Crafty Ladies”, those who contributed to the bake sale, the kitchen crew, our “hospitality” crew and more.  Such a pleasant morning!   Lots to be thankful for!

 

Youth Group on Thanksgiving Eve will include a trip to see “The Muppet Movie”.  Contact our Youth leader (794-0746) Jimmy Smith for more info.

 

On Wednesday around 2pm preparations for our Thanksgiving Home Alone dinner will continue (some of the prep has already begun!)   Potatoes will be pealed, and the tables will be set up and decorated.   This is all a great part of our Thanksgiving celebration. 

 

Thanksgiving Day will begin with a Thanksgiving Service in the church at 11am, followed by our “Home Alone” Thanksgiving Dinner at noon.  Many years ago, Our Savior was one of the first places in our community to offer a Thanksgiving Dinner, on Thanksgiving Day for anyone who would otherwise be “Home Alone”.   With families scattered and schedules as they are today, it’s likely that not everyone can get together on Thanksgiving (or Christmas).  That is why we have these “Home Alone” meals.  They are our gift to the community.  There is no charge for the dinners nor is there even an offering taken.  It’s pure grace.  J

 

Now, here’s my righteous indignation.  I’m afraid Thanksgiving is soon going to be thought of as only a prelude to “Black Friday”.  That seems to be where our culture is moving more and more.  “Black Friday” (so named, because it helps our retail businesses get “in the black”, from what I understand) used to start Friday morning, after a day of giving thanks, feasting, family and football, among other things.  But now, look at all the businesses opening at midnight on Thanksgiving night!  And some stores are even starting their “sales” at 10pm on Thanksgiving night!   How does this help us, or especially the employees of these businesses, focus on being thankful to God and enjoying being together on this national day of Thanksgiving when meals and gatherings have to be cut short only in order to bow at the altar of consumerism!?   This is just shameful, and I hope that somehow the word gets to the people making decisions about those ridiculous hours to go back to staying closed til early Friday morning.  Maybe between writing letters, talking with friends and family, or just not shopping on Friday (some of us avoid that already!) that terrible tide can be turned.  Whew.  Thanks.  I had to say that!

 

So, whether you are coming to Our Savior for Thanksgiving or celebrating Thanksgiving somewhere else, may it be a time for you to reflect on the blessings you have and truly be thankful to God.  That after all is why our country established a day of Thanksgiving…to pause and recognize that we are blessed beyond measure, even with all of our challenges and struggles, and give thanks to God, the source of all we are and have.   

 

Have a safe, blessed and happy Thanksgiving!    Pastor Jack Diehl +  www.oursaviorelca.com 

 

 

 

 

 

FW: Bits 'n Pieces

Just a reminder about the Bazaar and Health Fair this Saturday.  The Bazaar is from 9am til 1pm and the Health Fair portion is from 9am til 11am.  If you can donate any baked goods or other goodies, please bring them in during the day Friday between 9am and 3pm or Saturday morning.   Also, FOR KIDS, from 9am til 11am there will be crafts to make in the nursery!  See you Saturday!

 

We are in the final stages of the financing for our Building Project.  If you are interested in holding a note (in increments of $10,000) at 3% interest, please call Shannon Banitt at 772-713-6839 or Allan Klotsche at 414-510-3443.  This opportunity will be closing by the end of the month. 

 

Speaking of the end of the month, if you’d like to join us for the 50^th Anniversary Luncheon, we need those reservations in by the end of the month also.  Cost is $15 per individual or $25 per household.  The luncheon, which follows the one service at 10am that day, December 11, will include marinated chicken vegetable kabobs and pork and vegetable kabobs, baked Spanish rice, and more.

 

This coming weekend is Christ the King Sunday, the last Sunday of the church year!   Watch for an insert re: our Christmas poinsettias.  They are only $10 each, with proceeds going to the Our Savior Scholarship Fund.  Or you can just email us your order along with information if it is given in memory or in honor of someone.

 

And finally, it looks like maybe only about 2 more Sundays of traveling “over the river and through the woods” to get to the sanctuary.  We will soon be able to park close again and walk in those beautiful new front doors! 

 

See you at the Bazaar, then see you in church!     Pastor Jack +

Bazaar/Health Fair/Thanksgiving and more...

 

After hearing some pretty tough, fire and brimstone readings this morning (especially that one from Zephaniah), it was great to also hear St. Paul’s words in the second reading, “But you, beloved, are not in darkness, for that day to surprise you like a thief; for you are all children of light and children of the day.”  When that new identity takes root in us, it changes everything….how we live, how we see God, ourselves and each other, and ultimately how we die.  “Therefore encourage one another (in this new God given identity) and build up each other, as indeed you are doing.”

 

Now, as children of the Light, it’s getting into that time of year when a lot is going on around Our Savior where we live out, celebrate and encourage one another in that new identity.   In that light, this email will be a walk through the next few weeks around here. 

 

This Wednesday, Nov. 16, will be our last Wednesday night supper before Thanksgiving!  (There is no supper the night before Thanksgiving, but the suppers will resume the following week.)   This week will have a “Tailgate Party” theme.  The Lutheran Men in Mission will be grilling burgers and hot dogs.  Beans and coleslaw will also be on the menu.  So wear your favorite team’s colors and come “tailgate” with us in the Fellowship Hall.   Supper is served at 6pm.

 

If you’d like to hear some great handbell music, “The Atlantic Ringers”, a community handbell choir, with experienced ringers from area churches (including Our Savior), will be in concert Friday at 7:30pm at the Community Church.  A donation will be accepted at the door.

 

Saturday, Nov. 19 is Our Savior’s annual Bazaar (9am til 1pm) and Health Fair (9am til 11am).   The bazaar will have baked goods (you can bring some to sell anytime on Friday or Saturday morning),  lunch, and very nice crafts for sale.   This is a great way to start to ease into the holiday season.  The Health Fair will have the Blood Mobile on site, flu shots, balance screening, “ask a pharmacist”, child safety kits, a registered dietician, blood pressure and blood sugar screenings!  Wow!  Lots of good stuff!   Besides these things, Our Savior’s 50^th Anniversary ornaments, designed by the same artist who does the ever so popular annual Garden Club ornaments, will be available for $20 each.    Swarovski crystal crosses will also be available.  The proceeds for both the ornaments and crosses all go to the Building Fund. So, be sure to come by Saturday morning.  There will be something for everybody.

 

On Sunday afternoon at 3pm, Nov. 20, a favorite annual event takes place…the making of Advent wreaths.  These are beautiful wreaths made with live greenery.  There are only a limited number of spots left, so call the church office (567-2253) to reserve your place. Cost of materials is $15 per wreath. 

 

Then looking ahead a little farther, our annual Home Alone Thanksgiving Dinner will be held at noon on Thanksgiving Day.  A Thanksgiving service is held in the church at 11am followed by dinner in the Fellowship Hall.   Volunteers are needed to help peel potatoes on Wednesday at 2pm, and pies are needed also.  If you can provide a pie, please bring it by the church anytime Wednesday between 9am and 3pm the day before Thanksgiving.  Call the church office to make a reservation (772-567-2253).  There is no cost and no offering received.  This is our gift to the community.  Don’t be home alone, come celebrate Thanksgiving with us.  If you know of someone who will be home alone on Thanksgiving, tell them about our dinner also.  

 

Finally, be sure to mark your calendars for our Anniversary Celebration and Building Dedication at our one service that Sunday at 10am.  An anniversary luncheon will follow at noon.  Tickets ($15 per person or $25 per household) are required and need to be purchased by November 30 to reserve a place. 

 

50th Anniversary Celebration!

 

The 50^th Anniversary Celebration for Our Savior is coming up in a little over a month!  Here are some details about that event. 

 

On Sunday December 11 there will be only one worship service at 10am.  Bishop Ed Benoway of the Florida Bahamas Synod will be our guest preacher that day.  During the service we will both dedicate our new building addition as well as celebrate our 50 years of ministry here in this place.  Before and after worship a pictorial review of our 50 years will be scrolling on the wall over the hymn board, thanks to Zac Barringer.  This 50 year pictorial history is Zac’s Eagle Scout project. 

 

During worship we will introduce all those involved in our building project:  the building committee, the builders and workers who can join us, and our church council. 

 

Our worship that day, the third Sunday in Advent, will fittingly center around the theme from the Gospel reading: “The true Light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.”

 

After worship there will be a reception with light refreshments in the new lobby for anyone not going to join us for the 50^th Anniversary Luncheon at noon which will be held in the Fellowship Hall and a big tent on the north side of the hall.  During that time before the lunch, there will be “stations” in the church in various places with posters for people to sign if they were married, baptized, or confirmed in the church.   There will also be a table with a sign in sheet and candles to light for anyone who had a loved one who’s memorial service was held at the church. 

 

Then the luncheon, beginning at noon, will be a time of remembering, celebrating and giving thanks for our life together.  The menu will be:

 

Marinated chicken and vegetable kabobs;  Marinated pork and vegetable kabobs

Baked Spanish Rice; Corn relish; Apple Slaw

Watermelon Boat and Carrot Cake and Petit Desserts

along with coffee, iced tea and lemonade.

 

The cost of the luncheon is $15 per individual or $25 per household.  This is only a partial cost of the event (with the rental of the tent and all).  The balance of the cost will be covered by the congregation.  If you’d like to make a donation toward the event, that would be welcome.

 

Some of you have already picked up your invitation and have sent in your reservation and money!  Included in our November/December newsletter will be a reservation reply form or pick one up after worship or in the church office.   We look forward to this happy milestone in the life of Our Savior!  

 

 

Wednesday suppers/Bazaar & Health Fair/and $!

From: Our Savior Lutheran Church
Sent: Monday, November 07, 2011 3:33 PM
To: Our Savior Lutheran Church
Subject: Wednesday suppers/Bazaar & Health Fair/and $!

 

First, how good it was this past weekend to remember all the saints who have gone before us since All Saints Day last year.  This is always a meaningful, moving time and we are grateful to be able to share that with so many.  But this was also a time for us to remember all those other saints who have touched our lives over the years, and to be reminded that we too are called and blessed to be numbered among the saints!   And finally, it was also good welcoming back more of our regular winter “saints”!  Every weekend recently feels a little like “family reunion” time!  Glad to have you back!

Once again this coming Wednesday, our suppers continue with the meal served at 6pm.  These suppers have been very well received, and we want to especially thank the following 4 “Crew Chiefs” who spear-head these suppers. Each Chief takes one Wednesday a month to set up, cook, serve and clean up.  Chief of the Crew Chiefs and one of the 4 Chiefs is Nancy Ogonoski (569-1798).  The other 3 are: Colleen Heagy (774-8795), Sue Davia (226-7783) and Linda Krieger 299-0729) (all 772 area code).  Also a special thanks to Brian Rogers, who almost single handedly sets up the tables most Wednesdays!  If  you would be able and willing to help out any of these crews, please let them know either when you come on Wednesdays, or call them ahead of time and volunteer.  Clean up is especially appreciated. You can just stay and help with that any Wednesday.   Although it is work, it really is also a lot of fun working with those folks.  So, please lend a hand when you can!   You’ll be glad you did!

Now, it won’t be long til our annual Bazaar and Health Fair is here (a week from Saturday!)  Below are details from our Parish Nurse, Bonnie Lanyi, about the event and what you can do to be a part of it!

Annual Bazaar is Saturday, November 19 from 9:00am to 1:00pm in the Fellowship Hall.  Please bring your crafts in no later than November 16.  Please donate baked goods and drop them off in the Fellowship Hall on Friday or Saturday morning before the sale begins.  Along with crafts and baked goods there will be lunch available.  All proceeds from this event go to charities.

Health Fair is the same day from 9:00am to 11:00am and will include the following:
Indian River Blood Bank Blood Drive-You can tell them to donate $5 to the Harvest Food and Outreach instead of getting a gift for yourself.
VNA-free blood pressure and blood sugar screenings.  For best results, fast after midnight for the blood sugar test.  Preservative-free flu shots.  Getting your shot here will help the VNA provide home care, hospice and wellness services to the uninsured and under-insured in our community.
Humane Society-What do you do with your pet during an emergency such as a hurricane?
Balance Screening by Sunshine Physical Therapy.
Indian River Sheriff's Dept-Child safety kits, vials of life, and safety info.
Treasure Coast Community Health-ask a pharmacist about medications.
Gwen Turner, Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator-nutrition info and body fat analysis.
Treasure Coast Ovarian Cancer Alliance
Our Savior Health Ministry Team
-- thank you,
Bonnie
Bonnie Lanyi RN
Parish Nurse
Our Savior Lutheran Church
1850 Sixth Ave
Vero Beach, FL 32960
www.oursaviorelca.com

Finally, this coming weekend is “Stewardship Weekend”!  Many of you have already brought or sent your commitment cards (which you received in the mail last week) in for 2012!  If you haven’t, this coming weekend we will be gathering those cards during worship. (Extras will be available).  It’s been amazing how you all have stepped up to help support our 50^th Anniversary Building Project, along with continuing to support the general life and ministry of Our Savior this past year.  In these challenging economic times, you are all living proof of God’s ongoing nurturing hand at work among us.  Sincere thanks to all!

In another separate and special email later this week, watch for details on our 50^th Anniversary Celebration and Building Project! 

As this week now unfolds, may you both be blessed and be a blessing to those around you.   God’s work; our hands.   Pastor Jack +