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July 2020

Newsletter of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church · Albany, MN · 320-845-2405

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Live Worship Services Sundays 9:00 AM

Facebook: OSLC56307

Or, tune into KASM 1150 AM Radio

Worship on Wheels at church parking lot.

July 2020 Additions to the calendar? Email Our Savior’s Lutheran Church office: oursaviors@albanytel.com or call 320-845-2405

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

9am Online Worship Service 10am Online Joyful Noise 10:30 am Zoom Coffee Hour

9am Online Worship Service 10am Online Joyful Noise

9am Online Worship Service 10am Online Joyful Noise 10:30 am Zoom Coffee Hour

9am Online Worship Service 10am Online Joyful Noise 10am–Noon VBS Supply Pick-up 10:30 am Zoom Coffee Hour 6pm VBS Facebook Live Kick-off

9am Online Worship Service 10am Online Joyful Noise 10:30 am Zoom Coffee Hour 6pm VBS Facebook Live

6/28

1pm Staff meeting

10:30 Staff meeting

office closed 1pm Staff meeting

1pm Staff meeting

office closed

6/29 6/3012:30pm Lunch w/the Pastor, Zoom 7pm Building & Gorunds meeting (outside) 8pm Inspired Book Club

12:30pm Lunch w/the Pastor, Zoom 8pm Inspired Book Club

10 am VBS Zoom Session 12:30pm Lunch w/the Pastor, Zoom

10am VBS Zoom Session

17pm Bishop Zoom with Coucil Presidents

9:30am Great River Conference 7pm Bishop Zoom with Coucil Presidents

7pm Bishop Zoom with Coucil Presidents

office closed 7pm Bishop Zoom with Coucil Presidents

7pm Bishop Zoom with Coucil Presidents

office closed

office closed

office closed

office closed

office closed

2 3

Happy Independence Day!

1pm Visitation and 2pm Celebration of Life for Roman Gilsrud, Blenker Farm

4

5 6 8 9 10 11

12 13 15 16 17 18

19 20 22 23 24 25

26 27 29 30 31 8/1

7pm NA Meeting

2:15pm Bishop’s Zoom with Pastors 7pm NA Meeting

office closed 7pm NA Meeting

7pm NA Meeting 6:30pm Zoom Council Meeting

7pm NA Meeting

7

14

21

28

Please check the website calendar for schedule changes and/or cancellations: OurSaviorsLutheranAlbany.org

Week One · At Home Vacation Bible School · Five-Week Series

Week Two · At Home Vacation Bible School · Five-Week Series

318

“Bonuses of mask wearing:

1. Don't have to worry if food is stuck in my teeth.

2. Extra garlic at lunch means I offend only myself.

3. Pop of color to suit mood.

4. Your risk drops of getting Covid from me unawares.

Quadruple wins right there.”

This post made me smile, and called me back to mindfulness.

And not only that, we had several social media friends add to the list:

5. Protects half your face from the sun!

6. Only need to put makeup on your eyes (I know the guys really can relate).

Dear Siblings in Christ,

COVID19 has changed all of our lives. Mindfulness is a spiritual practice that I find helpful during this time. As I pay attention to the ways that life has changed, the ways that I am both grateful and sorrowful, I find my spirit lifted and more able to stay the course. Paying attention to myself and my internal responses to things can give me so many opportunities to reach for God. God, help me. God, Thank you. God, remind me. God, this is beautiful. All these are simple, mindful prayers.

My friend, fellow pastor and former nurse, Pastor Caitlin Trussel, posted this on her social media over the last few days:

Don’t Forget Your Offering... During this time of Social Distancing while you are away from weekly services, it’s important to remember the financial needs of the church remain ongoing. Now is the time to enroll in Online Giving using a convenient link on our website at www.OurSaviorsLutheranAlbany.org. New users must create an online profile by providing an email address and creating a secure password. Next, you will Add a Transaction to setup your donation amount and frequency as shown below. Enter and review your giving information and choose Process. Once the donation is processed, a confirmation screen will appear. And you’re DONE—it’s that simple! Vanco (the servicing agent of OSLC online giving) also provides the Give Plus+ app you can access from your Smart Phone or tablet. You can also put a stamp on your offering envelope and drop it in the mail. Please know your church is here to provide healing and comfort to help you through these uncertain times, and we appreciate your continued support of our mission.

Ideas to Love One Another At Home: • Pray for your neighbors, those most vulnerable, those most anxious. God hears you.

• Volunteer to call someone and check in with them. Tell Deb Feeney you are willing to help out 320-260-6666 or dahrenholz@charter.net

• Tell the church office if someone you know is unable to listen on KASM radio or worship online, so we can deliver them an audio CD.

Romans 6:1b-11

“Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.”

For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin.

R O M A N S 6 : 7

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7. No strangers tell you to smile.

Maybe you have your own to add? It is too easy to get caught up in the nuisance of things like masks, and to forget the reason we go through the trouble of wearing them. If you haven’t seen it, there is some new research(1) out that is leaning towards mask wearing being more important. The trick is, and I struggle with this, doing it effectively.(2)

Alongside the masks, I am mindful of the struggle of those who are ill. And a new aspect of this was brought to light for me this week. What would I do if Steve and I got sick, who would take care of our kids? Would my 8 & 9 year old be responsible enough to take care of us? Do I want to put that burden on them? I have heard from pastors in other communities that one brings different meals to a home if you know an 8 year old is the one preparing it for the family. So I found these resources(3) helpful to think through my plan for when (or if ) we get sick. And here is a template(4) to use to write out and share your plan with your closest helpers.

We all will be living with this virus for a long time, unfortunately. And I know that can be painful to read. Grief is completely normal - sadness, anger, denial, bargaining - we go through it all before we are able to come to acceptance that life is just different now. But we still are living our new life in

PrayerBox

July 2020

The Peace Prayer of St. Francis Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,

Where there is hatred, let me sow love; Where there is error, truth; Where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt; faith; Where there is despair, hope;

Where there is darkness, light; And where there is sadness, joy.

Oh Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console; To be understood, as to understand;

To be loved, as to love; For it is in giving that we receive; It is in pardoning that we are pardoned; It is in self-forgetting

that we find’ And it is in dying to ourselves that we are born to eternal life.

Amen.

Christ, even in the midst of the pandemic. We are still given the gifts of God’s abundant grace and resurrection life. I pray you are open to living mindfully right now. First, mindful of God’s presence. Mindful of your internal life and how you are perceiving God. Mindful of those around you, mindful of God’s love flowing through you to them.

Even in the midst of change, we live, mindful that God has already done for us all that we need.

May the Peace of Christ be with you always.

Pastor Kirsten

(1) New Research: https://tinyurl.com/yalv2t2y

(2) Doing it Effectively: https://tinyurl.com/w26ajmj

(3) Resources: https://tinyurl.com/y7ulxkms

(4) Template: https://tinyurl.com/ydxxw8lm

Prayer Chain

“Is any of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.”

—James 5:13

Need a prayer? Want some help? Facing challenges, big or small? The power of many prayers can help you. Please contact the church office at 320-845-2405, to put Our Savior’s pray-ers in action.

All requests are confidential and use a first name, initials, or just a friend from church. We will pray for you... God will hear, as He knows who you are!

Connecting with church staff during this time: Please contact us by phone for assistance, 320-845-2405, or by email, OurSaviors@albanytel.com. For pastoral emergencies, contact Pastor Kirsten Nelson Roenfeldt, 508-422-6277. For youth & family needs, contact Diana Brown, 320-260-7651.

Lifemission&

congregational

committee

We will resume meeting on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 5:30 pm, when we can.

You can Support Kristin Wolford, missionary to the Dominican Republic, with a gift or set up monthly support at: www.igo-worldwide.org /ramas-vivas. KristinWolford@yahoo.com 320-309-0707 (US) 320-497-2064 (DR)

516

Adult Faith Formation

Lunch with the Pastor! Wednesdays 12:30 pm If you have access to a phone or computer, you can have lunch with Pastor Kirsten! Starting April 22nd, Pastor Kirsten will host a Lunch Zoom meeting, where we can talk about the Holy Story that is coming up next in worship and check in during this pandemic. Below is the Zoom information to join the meeting. Mark your calendars! (This is the same Zoom info we used for the special congregational meeting on Sunday, 4/26.) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/805816506 Meeting ID: 805 816 506 One tap mobile +13126266799,,805816506# US (Chicago) Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) Meeting ID: 805 816 506

Zoom Coffee Hour! Sunday after worship

10:15 Zoom Room Launch 10:30 Fellowship & conversation Bring your own coffee and treats!

Contact the church office for phone or Zoom numbers

to connect.

Sundays, 9:00 am Parking lot opens at 8:30

Worship in your car in the church parking lot!

If you can’t print your own, the weekly worship materials are available by contacting the church office by noon Thursday: oursaviors@albanytel.com or 320-845-2405. Hymnals are available, if you like.

Bring your bread, grape juice and printed worship materials

Begin parking 30 minutes early

Park as directed by volunteers. six feet apart

Volunteers wears masks and gloves

Stay in car and six feet apart

Tune KASM 1150 on the radio

Plan ahead, no bathrooms on site

Stay home is you feel ill

At-risk people should stay home

For those who choose to stay home, worhsip is broadcast on: KASM 1150AM Facebook Live Public Access TV (week delay)

Congratulations, Nyra!

Congratulations to Nyra Brown who was elected to the Southwestern Minnesota Synod Lutheran Youth Organization (LYO) Board this spring. This is a valuable learning experience and it is truly an honor to be chosen to serve on the board. The service of the LYO is vital to youth ministry in our synod and there is no doubt that each youth has been called to serve on the board for a reason. The synod board is made up of 15 youth and up to 13 adults.

The calling of the LYO is to:

Represent the voice of Lutheran Youth in SW MN Plan, coordinate and staff the Jr. and Sr. High Youth Gatherings Represent the youth of the SW MN Synod at church wide functions; and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ through the above activities

Please pray for Nyra as she begins this step of her faith journey and mission to serve!

OSLC MISSION:

Our Savior’s Lutheran Church

is one people united in Christ,

empowered by God’s grace

through worship and the study

of His Word, to glorify God by

serving and witnessing in the

community and the world.

156

The Women’s groups will meet as soon as we are able.

We miss you all!

Stearns County Emergency Preparedness Information

Sally Sands, the Emergency Preparedness public health official for Stearns County, and a member of Our Savior’s, joined us by Zoom on Sunday, June 28th for a Q&A session. Watch the weekly e-news or next month’s newsletter for valuable information shared during this session.

OSLCYOUTH &FAMILIESI’m sure you wish that this summer’s VBS were an in-person event, just as we do. We are truly going to miss seeing all of the children singing, laughing, learning, and growing together this summer at VBS. Still, we hope we can offer your children the very best alternative with this At-Home experience.

As the most constant part of your child’s life, you have also been most important in helping your child know how loved they are by God, by you, and by others, and in guiding their spiritual growth and formation. Thank you for all you do in the work of daily discipleship, and thank you for your role in making sure this summer we have the very best VBS experience as possible! Your leadership and supervision in just a few activities will make all the difference.

Because we know you’ve already been busily adapting to the current reality of safe at home, we want to make this as easy as possible. With that in mind, we will be including a simple step-by-step guide to assist you as you select and use the activities provided in each At-Home Packet. We will also be including a session

overview chart and per-child supplies list so you can be more than prepared for each week

~ We will hold At-Home VBS through 5 weeks with 1 lesson per week starting July 19th. There will be a combination of prerecorded videos, live Facebook, and designated zoom sessions.

~ Zoom sessions will be available on Wednesdays at 10am. Facebook live Kickoffs will be Sundays at 6pm. Access to other videos and useful activities through out the week will be sent in emails weekly. Be sure to provide an email so that you and your family will receive VBS updates.

~ On July 19th there will be a time for you to pick up prepackaged supplies that you and your family will need for the 5 lessons over 5 weeks of VBS at Our Savior’s Church at 840 Lake Ave in Albany.

~ Parent and guardian support and help through text, phone calls, and zoom can be arranged! Please don’t hesitate to reach out. Check in email will happen mid-week.

Please know that we are praying that you will “Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power!” as we walk together through this discipleship journey.

Thanks to you for joining in ministry through VBS!

Register online!

Albany Food Shelf

The following items are needed this month at the Albany Food Shelf:

Pork and Beans Kleenex

At this time, we ask that you drop off your donations at the Food Shelf, located across the street from church in the Senior Center building, 741 Lake Ave. Times are listed below.

Any extra donations or monetary gifts are greatly appresicated! Many families in the area are in greater need at this time.

Albany Food Shelf Hours 1st Thursday – mornings 3rd Thursday – Early evenings Connect with Edna (320) 291-6623

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

Our Savior’s Church Staff

Interim Pastor Kirsten Nelson Roenfeldt

cell: 508-422-6277 Pastor.OSLC2405@gmail.com

Ministry Associate for Youth & Families: Diana Brown

Music Coordinator: Mike Aronson

Receptionist / Secretary: Angela Mosman

Custodians: Bestman & Josephine Dennis

Church Office Hours:by appointment at this time

714

Congregational Council

Matt Eggert, President, Personnel Matt.eggert@gmail.com, 605-376-5104

Tim Sands, Vice President Worship & Music timsands5@gmail.com 320-291-4593, 320-845-2389

Deb Solarz, Secretary, WELCA drsolarz@albanytel.com 320-250-0273, 320-845-4534

Lynda Hartwig, Treasurer (bonded), Finance MLHartwig@albanytel.com 320-248-6479

Judy Fischer, Financial Secretary (bonded), Cong. Life & Mission, jfischer@albanytel.com 320-250-6452, 320-845-2342

Wade Rodenwald Building & Grounds wrodenwald@century21.com 320-267-7162, 320-845-2508

Emily Evenson Education & Youth enjo5179@icloud.com 320-266-2179, 320-845-6628

Kyle Evenson, Cemetery kyleev@atsinc.com 320-260-3826, 320-845-6628

Deb Feeney Welcome & Membership dahrenholz@charter.net 320-260-6666, 320-845-7515

Kelly Orbeck, Education & Youth orbeck5@albanytel.com 320-293-1331, 320-845-4656

Ways to Worship

Sundays, Live 9:00 am: Facebook - OSLC56307

Broadcast on: KASM 1150 AM Radio

Worship on Wheels

The following Sunday: 9:00 am Public Access

Channel 19

Ways to support VBS: Glitter Construction paper Craft sticks Duct tape in fun colors Craft gems Masking tape Rubber bands Clothespins Small paper cups Marbles Straws Tennis balls Paint stir sticks Plastic spoons Pool noodles Non drying modeling clay Freeze pops Individual snack items (pudding cups, applesauce, crackers, cookies, etc.) Prayers and Facebook shares!

Drop off items in the box outside the church office or make other arrangements by contacting Diana. Thank you!

Newsletter deadline is the 15th of the month

COVID-19 safety precautions): Instead of hosting a one-day event with over 100 golfers all present at one time, we are extending the time frame for golfing from July 15 to August 15. You can sign up to golf any day that Lake Miltona Golf Club has tee times available. If you have more than one team that would like to sign up to golf on the same day, you are welcome to arrange this with Lake Miltona Golf Club. Golfers—register online with Luther Crest to participate Pay for the event registration through the registration link or online ad LutherCrest.org Call Lake Miltona Golf Club to set up your golf date and time. Phone 320-852-7078, info@lakemiltonagolfclub.com Pay for golf at Lake Miltona Golf Club the day you golf. Turn in your scorecard to Lake Miltona Golf Club. Luther Crest will announce all winners after August 15.

Jody Johnson Development Director Luther Crest Bible Camp 8231 County Road 11 Office 320.846.2431 Cell 320.760-9476

Luther Crest Faith Formation resources

For your information, please feel free to view this youtube video to hear a bit about our Bold Transformational Faith Program!

https://youtu.be/zBChbNwPiHM

Second, hop on to this website for more info about our program! This is your portal, location, for all the information you need.

https://www.luthercrest.org/churchportal.html

Third, share these videos, share this website below, so that your people have an opportunity to build faith this summer!

https://www.luthercrest.org/register-for-bold-transformational-faith.html

Finally, we want to serve your communities...our Cabins are up for rent, for this is the one way we are able to bring people onsite. Please click here to see what our options are for all!

https://www.luthercrest.org/familyretreat.html

Until next time

God's Peace

David Holtz

execdir@luthercrest.org

320-292-9241

www.luthercrest.org

138

Mission Endowment Fund

Over the past several months, the Congregational Council Executive Committee has been exploring different ways of expanding on the generous financial gifts bestowed on us by Vern and Eddie. Through discussions with the ELCA and other financial partners such as Thrivent, we have decided to move forward with forming a Mission Endowment Fund.

By creating an ongoing financial resource above and beyond regular offerings, mission endowment funds enable congregations to expand outreach in the local community and around the world, sponsor missionaries, and fund scholarships, for example. Steady income streams from the fund can also help us achieve other goals envisioned by our members, such as building improvements and educational opportunities for our youth--things not covered in

our annual budget. In addition to strengthening our ministry, mission endowment funds are a hallmark of sound financial stewardship. We will be able to offer congregational members the flexibility to make outright and planned gifts, and manage large gifts more effectively--making the most of all that God has blessed us with.

With information and guidance from the Synod, the Executive Committee has started the legwork to further advance this initiative. Next steps involve the formation of a five-member Endowment Committee, which is integral to establishing the fund (with congregational approval) and managing it going forward. For more information or to sign up for the committee, please contact Matt Eggert, Deb Solarz, Lynda Hartwig, Tim Sands or Pastor Kirsten.

Financial Summary as of May 31, 2020

April only April YTD General Offerings/Income $ 26,716 $ 92,075 General Fund Expenses $ 15,630 $103,956

Net Differences $ 11,087 $(11,882)

Annual Budget Annual to-date General Fund Offerings/Income $ 247,272 $ 92,075 Needed each month $ 20,606 $ 18,415 Needed each week $ 4,755 $ 4,185

Please note: above information does not include designated funds.

Saturday, August 1 · 11am-1pm Curbside Pickup Quilt Auction Turkey Lunch Take a drive out to camp and pick up lunch at Luther Crest. Luther Crest will be taking orders for Quilt Auction Turkey Take Out Lunch until Monday, July 27. Quilt Auction Turkey sandwiches are a tradition at Luther Crest. We would like to celebrate 75 years of ministry and quilt events by offering this take out lunch option on Saturday, August 1st. Take Out Lunch includes: 1 pulled turkey sandwich, potato salad, fresh mixed fruit, chips and cookie To order, please complete the order form at www.luthercrest.org. Each lunch is for 1 person.

19th Annual Luther Crest GOLF SCRAMBLE July 15 - August 15, 2020 at the Lake Miltona Golf Club (extended dates) Cost: $65 per golfer Includes: Registration & $50 Donation, 2 mulligans per person, AND your name in the prize drawing. Does not include golf or cart fees. You will contact Lake Miltona Golf Club to set up your golf date and time. You will pay for your golfing at Lake Miltona on the day you golf. Notable changes to the Golf Scramble this year (allowing for

75th Anniversary Online Quilt Auction—New format and New dates! Monday, July 27 at 10:00am through Friday, July 31 at 5:00pm Location: Online Auction at luthercrest.org—Online Quilt Viewing will begin on Monday, July 13, Online Bidding Opens 10am, July 27 Winners of items can pickup items on Saturday, August 1 or contact camp for alternative pickup options. Items that need to be shipped will have the shipping cost added to the winning bid amount. Luther Crest will still be having the Quilt Auction, but will be altering the format to an online, week-long auction. We are still accepting items for the online quilt auction until July 1st. Please contact jodyj@luthercrest.org if you have any questions about donating an item to camp. The online auction website will include fun 75th Anniversary interviews and stories and videos about the amazing history of the Luther Crest Quilt Auction. The Online Auction Page is still being developed and will be available soon. Stay tuned!! New curbside lunch options—taking orders now!

912

From Kristin Wolford, Missionary, Dominican Republic Dear Friend, Though we are in different countries, immersed in different languages, climates, cultures, governments and economies, I suspect we have something in common right now: these past few months have not gone as we imagined they would. First COVID-19, the unexpected roadblocks that were placed on your path, loved ones falling ill, isolation, and the challenge of sorting through all the interpretations of why COVID-19 happened and how we should respond. Now, we hear about the murder of Mr. George Floyd in Minneapolis and all the hurt, fear, outrage, distrust. We see and carry a determination to find a meaningful way to respond so this might be the very last tragedy of this kind to ever occur. It is all so hard. COVID-19 affected your daily routines, your work, your family, your relationships, your emotions, and so much more. Now, your heart hurts. Your head is spinning. You see chaos and destruction. You see your neighbor in pain. You want to do something, but you’re not quite sure what you could say or do that would really make a difference. Our Ramas Vivas team in the Dominican Republic is writing now to reach out and let you, a

dear and faithful member of our team, know that we care about you; we’re thankful for you; and we’re praying for you as you wade through all of this. Ramas Vivas continues to stick with our four main objectives through COVID-19: 1. Grow in unity as a team. 2. Care for our team members. 3. Disciple our team members. 4. Add value to our community through the crisis. Today, we add number 5: Pray daily for YOU, our ministry partners. You matter to us. Your family matters to us. Your thoughts and emotions matter to us, and your work in the United States – the way you respond to all of this is important. We pray for grace, courage, wisdom, strength, understanding and love as you take your next step on what might be a totally new road for you. You can do this! Here in the Dominican Republic, we are ok. We’ve been doing a lot of electronic communication to check in with team members, do small group Bible studies, “gather” as a team, strategize with leadership, pray and worship together. Since many of the teacher’s of our children’s classes are still in school themselves and come from families where parents live day-to-day financially, for the past few months we’ve given extra financial

support to many of them. We’ve also been able to gift many of the children’s families with a big bag of groceries. We know by the tears of relief and heartfelt expressions of gratitude from their parents that things are tough right now for many in the Dominican Republic. Some estimate that by the time this pandemic is over, we could lose at least 10 years’ progress in the fight against poverty. The construction of the water project was stalled for a few months and is just now starting up again. I’ve included a list of the remaining pieces of equipment we need to purchase to reach our economic goal. Just a few days ago, government officials informed us that we are phasing into a new season they are calling “Living safely with COVID-19.” More businesses were allowed to open this week. Churches will be allowed to have one meeting a week starting on June 3rd. There are other phases to the plan that takes us into July and August. We continue to step into the unknown in faith, holding tightly to the One who goes before us. May your grief, the tension you feel and the burdens you carry for your family, your neighbors, your state, your nation and our world lead you closer to Jesus who will give you the courage and faith you need to step forward on a new path.

With love and appreciation, Kristin Wolford and the entire Ramas Vivas team

A note about giving right now: Each of us is experiencing change due to current world events a bit differently financially. • For those of you who continue to give amid financial hardships: we want to say thank you very much. • For those of you who have been able to make your financial commitment regularly: we want to say thank you very much • For those of you who have had to stop giving due to this sudden change: we want to say thank you, and we hope that you can get back to work soon. • For those of you who have not given before: If you find yourself in a place where you are able to give, would you consider starting at this time? • If you are one of the few who have actually found yourself in a better financial position: Would you invest towards one of our remaining equipment needs for the water project or maybe it’s time to become a monthly investor in the work God is doing in this region of the World. (Use the ACH form included to set up automatic monthly transfers from your checking account.) Thank you so much for all that you do to advance the Kingdom of God!

10

11

Generator

Agua Purificada Ramas VivasAn economic engine to sustain the ministry of Ramas Vivas International in the Dominican Republic.

Air Conditioners

Power Inverter & Batteries

After delays due to COVID-19, the construction of our water purification center here in the Dominican Republic has begun again! We hope to complete construction and start selling safe drinking water to members of our community this fall.

Will you cover the cost of or give towards these missing pieces? Your investment will help get this business up and running. Together we will take this giant, life-changing step towards sustaining Ramas Vivas ministry in the Dominican Republic.

Invest Today! Go to www. igo-worldwide.org/ramas-vivas or send a check payable to IGO WORLDWIDE with RVWater in the memoline to P.O. Box 2164 Stillwater, MN 55082

$1800 total

$10,500

$2100 each

2 - Motorcycles with Trailers

$2500

3 units

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From Kristin Wolford, Missionary, Dominican Republic Dear Friend, Though we are in different countries, immersed in different languages, climates, cultures, governments and economies, I suspect we have something in common right now: these past few months have not gone as we imagined they would. First COVID-19, the unexpected roadblocks that were placed on your path, loved ones falling ill, isolation, and the challenge of sorting through all the interpretations of why COVID-19 happened and how we should respond. Now, we hear about the murder of Mr. George Floyd in Minneapolis and all the hurt, fear, outrage, distrust. We see and carry a determination to find a meaningful way to respond so this might be the very last tragedy of this kind to ever occur. It is all so hard. COVID-19 affected your daily routines, your work, your family, your relationships, your emotions, and so much more. Now, your heart hurts. Your head is spinning. You see chaos and destruction. You see your neighbor in pain. You want to do something, but you’re not quite sure what you could say or do that would really make a difference. Our Ramas Vivas team in the Dominican Republic is writing now to reach out and let you, a

dear and faithful member of our team, know that we care about you; we’re thankful for you; and we’re praying for you as you wade through all of this. Ramas Vivas continues to stick with our four main objectives through COVID-19: 1. Grow in unity as a team. 2. Care for our team members. 3. Disciple our team members. 4. Add value to our community through the crisis. Today, we add number 5: Pray daily for YOU, our ministry partners. You matter to us. Your family matters to us. Your thoughts and emotions matter to us, and your work in the United States – the way you respond to all of this is important. We pray for grace, courage, wisdom, strength, understanding and love as you take your next step on what might be a totally new road for you. You can do this! Here in the Dominican Republic, we are ok. We’ve been doing a lot of electronic communication to check in with team members, do small group Bible studies, “gather” as a team, strategize with leadership, pray and worship together. Since many of the teacher’s of our children’s classes are still in school themselves and come from families where parents live day-to-day financially, for the past few months we’ve given extra financial

support to many of them. We’ve also been able to gift many of the children’s families with a big bag of groceries. We know by the tears of relief and heartfelt expressions of gratitude from their parents that things are tough right now for many in the Dominican Republic. Some estimate that by the time this pandemic is over, we could lose at least 10 years’ progress in the fight against poverty. The construction of the water project was stalled for a few months and is just now starting up again. I’ve included a list of the remaining pieces of equipment we need to purchase to reach our economic goal. Just a few days ago, government officials informed us that we are phasing into a new season they are calling “Living safely with COVID-19.” More businesses were allowed to open this week. Churches will be allowed to have one meeting a week starting on June 3rd. There are other phases to the plan that takes us into July and August. We continue to step into the unknown in faith, holding tightly to the One who goes before us. May your grief, the tension you feel and the burdens you carry for your family, your neighbors, your state, your nation and our world lead you closer to Jesus who will give you the courage and faith you need to step forward on a new path.

With love and appreciation, Kristin Wolford and the entire Ramas Vivas team

A note about giving right now: Each of us is experiencing change due to current world events a bit differently financially. • For those of you who continue to give amid financial hardships: we want to say thank you very much. • For those of you who have been able to make your financial commitment regularly: we want to say thank you very much • For those of you who have had to stop giving due to this sudden change: we want to say thank you, and we hope that you can get back to work soon. • For those of you who have not given before: If you find yourself in a place where you are able to give, would you consider starting at this time? • If you are one of the few who have actually found yourself in a better financial position: Would you invest towards one of our remaining equipment needs for the water project or maybe it’s time to become a monthly investor in the work God is doing in this region of the World. (Use the ACH form included to set up automatic monthly transfers from your checking account.) Thank you so much for all that you do to advance the Kingdom of God!

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Mission Endowment Fund

Over the past several months, the Congregational Council Executive Committee has been exploring different ways of expanding on the generous financial gifts bestowed on us by Vern and Eddie. Through discussions with the ELCA and other financial partners such as Thrivent, we have decided to move forward with forming a Mission Endowment Fund.

By creating an ongoing financial resource above and beyond regular offerings, mission endowment funds enable congregations to expand outreach in the local community and around the world, sponsor missionaries, and fund scholarships, for example. Steady income streams from the fund can also help us achieve other goals envisioned by our members, such as building improvements and educational opportunities for our youth--things not covered in

our annual budget. In addition to strengthening our ministry, mission endowment funds are a hallmark of sound financial stewardship. We will be able to offer congregational members the flexibility to make outright and planned gifts, and manage large gifts more effectively--making the most of all that God has blessed us with.

With information and guidance from the Synod, the Executive Committee has started the legwork to further advance this initiative. Next steps involve the formation of a five-member Endowment Committee, which is integral to establishing the fund (with congregational approval) and managing it going forward. For more information or to sign up for the committee, please contact Matt Eggert, Deb Solarz, Lynda Hartwig, Tim Sands or Pastor Kirsten.

Financial Summary as of May 31, 2020

April only April YTD General Offerings/Income $ 26,716 $ 92,075 General Fund Expenses $ 15,630 $103,956

Net Differences $ 11,087 $(11,882)

Annual Budget Annual to-date General Fund Offerings/Income $ 247,272 $ 92,075 Needed each month $ 20,606 $ 18,415 Needed each week $ 4,755 $ 4,185

Please note: above information does not include designated funds.

Saturday, August 1 · 11am-1pm Curbside Pickup Quilt Auction Turkey Lunch Take a drive out to camp and pick up lunch at Luther Crest. Luther Crest will be taking orders for Quilt Auction Turkey Take Out Lunch until Monday, July 27. Quilt Auction Turkey sandwiches are a tradition at Luther Crest. We would like to celebrate 75 years of ministry and quilt events by offering this take out lunch option on Saturday, August 1st. Take Out Lunch includes: 1 pulled turkey sandwich, potato salad, fresh mixed fruit, chips and cookie To order, please complete the order form at www.luthercrest.org. Each lunch is for 1 person.

19th Annual Luther Crest GOLF SCRAMBLE July 15 - August 15, 2020 at the Lake Miltona Golf Club (extended dates) Cost: $65 per golfer Includes: Registration & $50 Donation, 2 mulligans per person, AND your name in the prize drawing. Does not include golf or cart fees. You will contact Lake Miltona Golf Club to set up your golf date and time. You will pay for your golfing at Lake Miltona on the day you golf. Notable changes to the Golf Scramble this year (allowing for

75th Anniversary Online Quilt Auction—New format and New dates! Monday, July 27 at 10:00am through Friday, July 31 at 5:00pm Location: Online Auction at luthercrest.org—Online Quilt Viewing will begin on Monday, July 13, Online Bidding Opens 10am, July 27 Winners of items can pickup items on Saturday, August 1 or contact camp for alternative pickup options. Items that need to be shipped will have the shipping cost added to the winning bid amount. Luther Crest will still be having the Quilt Auction, but will be altering the format to an online, week-long auction. We are still accepting items for the online quilt auction until July 1st. Please contact jodyj@luthercrest.org if you have any questions about donating an item to camp. The online auction website will include fun 75th Anniversary interviews and stories and videos about the amazing history of the Luther Crest Quilt Auction. The Online Auction Page is still being developed and will be available soon. Stay tuned!! New curbside lunch options—taking orders now!

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Congregational Council

Matt Eggert, President, Personnel Matt.eggert@gmail.com, 605-376-5104

Tim Sands, Vice President Worship & Music timsands5@gmail.com 320-291-4593, 320-845-2389

Deb Solarz, Secretary, WELCA drsolarz@albanytel.com 320-250-0273, 320-845-4534

Lynda Hartwig, Treasurer (bonded), Finance MLHartwig@albanytel.com 320-248-6479

Judy Fischer, Financial Secretary (bonded), Cong. Life & Mission, jfischer@albanytel.com 320-250-6452, 320-845-2342

Wade Rodenwald Building & Grounds wrodenwald@century21.com 320-267-7162, 320-845-2508

Emily Evenson Education & Youth enjo5179@icloud.com 320-266-2179, 320-845-6628

Kyle Evenson, Cemetery kyleev@atsinc.com 320-260-3826, 320-845-6628

Deb Feeney Welcome & Membership dahrenholz@charter.net 320-260-6666, 320-845-7515

Kelly Orbeck, Education & Youth orbeck5@albanytel.com 320-293-1331, 320-845-4656

Ways to Worship

Sundays, Live 9:00 am: Facebook - OSLC56307

Broadcast on: KASM 1150 AM Radio

Worship on Wheels

The following Sunday: 9:00 am Public Access

Channel 19

Ways to support VBS: Glitter Construction paper Craft sticks Duct tape in fun colors Craft gems Masking tape Rubber bands Clothespins Small paper cups Marbles Straws Tennis balls Paint stir sticks Plastic spoons Pool noodles Non drying modeling clay Freeze pops Individual snack items (pudding cups, applesauce, crackers, cookies, etc.) Prayers and Facebook shares!

Drop off items in the box outside the church office or make other arrangements by contacting Diana. Thank you!

Newsletter deadline is the 15th of the month

COVID-19 safety precautions): Instead of hosting a one-day event with over 100 golfers all present at one time, we are extending the time frame for golfing from July 15 to August 15. You can sign up to golf any day that Lake Miltona Golf Club has tee times available. If you have more than one team that would like to sign up to golf on the same day, you are welcome to arrange this with Lake Miltona Golf Club. Golfers—register online with Luther Crest to participate Pay for the event registration through the registration link or online ad LutherCrest.org Call Lake Miltona Golf Club to set up your golf date and time. Phone 320-852-7078, info@lakemiltonagolfclub.com Pay for golf at Lake Miltona Golf Club the day you golf. Turn in your scorecard to Lake Miltona Golf Club. Luther Crest will announce all winners after August 15.

Jody Johnson Development Director Luther Crest Bible Camp 8231 County Road 11 Office 320.846.2431 Cell 320.760-9476

Luther Crest Faith Formation resources

For your information, please feel free to view this youtube video to hear a bit about our Bold Transformational Faith Program!

https://youtu.be/zBChbNwPiHM

Second, hop on to this website for more info about our program! This is your portal, location, for all the information you need.

https://www.luthercrest.org/churchportal.html

Third, share these videos, share this website below, so that your people have an opportunity to build faith this summer!

https://www.luthercrest.org/register-for-bold-transformational-faith.html

Finally, we want to serve your communities...our Cabins are up for rent, for this is the one way we are able to bring people onsite. Please click here to see what our options are for all!

https://www.luthercrest.org/familyretreat.html

Until next time

God's Peace

David Holtz

execdir@luthercrest.org

320-292-9241

www.luthercrest.org

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The Women’s groups will meet as soon as we are able.

We miss you all!

Stearns County Emergency Preparedness Information

Sally Sands, the Emergency Preparedness public health official for Stearns County, and a member of Our Savior’s, joined us by Zoom on Sunday, June 28th for a Q&A session. Watch the weekly e-news or next month’s newsletter for valuable information shared during this session.

OSLCYOUTH &FAMILIESI’m sure you wish that this summer’s VBS were an in-person event, just as we do. We are truly going to miss seeing all of the children singing, laughing, learning, and growing together this summer at VBS. Still, we hope we can offer your children the very best alternative with this At-Home experience.

As the most constant part of your child’s life, you have also been most important in helping your child know how loved they are by God, by you, and by others, and in guiding their spiritual growth and formation. Thank you for all you do in the work of daily discipleship, and thank you for your role in making sure this summer we have the very best VBS experience as possible! Your leadership and supervision in just a few activities will make all the difference.

Because we know you’ve already been busily adapting to the current reality of safe at home, we want to make this as easy as possible. With that in mind, we will be including a simple step-by-step guide to assist you as you select and use the activities provided in each At-Home Packet. We will also be including a session

overview chart and per-child supplies list so you can be more than prepared for each week

~ We will hold At-Home VBS through 5 weeks with 1 lesson per week starting July 19th. There will be a combination of prerecorded videos, live Facebook, and designated zoom sessions.

~ Zoom sessions will be available on Wednesdays at 10am. Facebook live Kickoffs will be Sundays at 6pm. Access to other videos and useful activities through out the week will be sent in emails weekly. Be sure to provide an email so that you and your family will receive VBS updates.

~ On July 19th there will be a time for you to pick up prepackaged supplies that you and your family will need for the 5 lessons over 5 weeks of VBS at Our Savior’s Church at 840 Lake Ave in Albany.

~ Parent and guardian support and help through text, phone calls, and zoom can be arranged! Please don’t hesitate to reach out. Check in email will happen mid-week.

Please know that we are praying that you will “Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power!” as we walk together through this discipleship journey.

Thanks to you for joining in ministry through VBS!

Register online!

Albany Food Shelf

The following items are needed this month at the Albany Food Shelf:

Pork and Beans Kleenex

At this time, we ask that you drop off your donations at the Food Shelf, located across the street from church in the Senior Center building, 741 Lake Ave. Times are listed below.

Any extra donations or monetary gifts are greatly appresicated! Many families in the area are in greater need at this time.

Albany Food Shelf Hours 1st Thursday – mornings 3rd Thursday – Early evenings Connect with Edna (320) 291-6623

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

Our Savior’s Church Staff

Interim Pastor Kirsten Nelson Roenfeldt

cell: 508-422-6277 Pastor.OSLC2405@gmail.com

Ministry Associate for Youth & Families: Diana Brown

Music Coordinator: Mike Aronson

Receptionist / Secretary: Angela Mosman

Custodians: Bestman & Josephine Dennis

Church Office Hours:by appointment at this time

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Adult Faith Formation

Lunch with the Pastor! Wednesdays 12:30 pm If you have access to a phone or computer, you can have lunch with Pastor Kirsten! Starting April 22nd, Pastor Kirsten will host a Lunch Zoom meeting, where we can talk about the Holy Story that is coming up next in worship and check in during this pandemic. Below is the Zoom information to join the meeting. Mark your calendars! (This is the same Zoom info we used for the special congregational meeting on Sunday, 4/26.) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/805816506 Meeting ID: 805 816 506 One tap mobile +13126266799,,805816506# US (Chicago) Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) Meeting ID: 805 816 506

Zoom Coffee Hour! Sunday after worship

10:15 Zoom Room Launch 10:30 Fellowship & conversation Bring your own coffee and treats!

Contact the church office for phone or Zoom numbers

to connect.

Sundays, 9:00 am Parking lot opens at 8:30

Worship in your car in the church parking lot!

If you can’t print your own, the weekly worship materials are available by contacting the church office by noon Thursday: oursaviors@albanytel.com or 320-845-2405. Hymnals are available, if you like.

Bring your bread, grape juice and printed worship materials

Begin parking 30 minutes early

Park as directed by volunteers. six feet apart

Volunteers wears masks and gloves

Stay in car and six feet apart

Tune KASM 1150 on the radio

Plan ahead, no bathrooms on site

Stay home is you feel ill

At-risk people should stay home

For those who choose to stay home, worhsip is broadcast on: KASM 1150AM Facebook Live Public Access TV (week delay)

Congratulations, Nyra!

Congratulations to Nyra Brown who was elected to the Southwestern Minnesota Synod Lutheran Youth Organization (LYO) Board this spring. This is a valuable learning experience and it is truly an honor to be chosen to serve on the board. The service of the LYO is vital to youth ministry in our synod and there is no doubt that each youth has been called to serve on the board for a reason. The synod board is made up of 15 youth and up to 13 adults.

The calling of the LYO is to:

Represent the voice of Lutheran Youth in SW MN Plan, coordinate and staff the Jr. and Sr. High Youth Gatherings Represent the youth of the SW MN Synod at church wide functions; and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ through the above activities

Please pray for Nyra as she begins this step of her faith journey and mission to serve!

OSLC MISSION:

Our Savior’s Lutheran Church

is one people united in Christ,

empowered by God’s grace

through worship and the study

of His Word, to glorify God by

serving and witnessing in the

community and the world.

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7. No strangers tell you to smile.

Maybe you have your own to add? It is too easy to get caught up in the nuisance of things like masks, and to forget the reason we go through the trouble of wearing them. If you haven’t seen it, there is some new research(1) out that is leaning towards mask wearing being more important. The trick is, and I struggle with this, doing it effectively.(2)

Alongside the masks, I am mindful of the struggle of those who are ill. And a new aspect of this was brought to light for me this week. What would I do if Steve and I got sick, who would take care of our kids? Would my 8 & 9 year old be responsible enough to take care of us? Do I want to put that burden on them? I have heard from pastors in other communities that one brings different meals to a home if you know an 8 year old is the one preparing it for the family. So I found these resources(3) helpful to think through my plan for when (or if ) we get sick. And here is a template(4) to use to write out and share your plan with your closest helpers.

We all will be living with this virus for a long time, unfortunately. And I know that can be painful to read. Grief is completely normal - sadness, anger, denial, bargaining - we go through it all before we are able to come to acceptance that life is just different now. But we still are living our new life in

PrayerBox

July 2020

The Peace Prayer of St. Francis Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,

Where there is hatred, let me sow love; Where there is error, truth; Where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt; faith; Where there is despair, hope;

Where there is darkness, light; And where there is sadness, joy.

Oh Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console; To be understood, as to understand;

To be loved, as to love; For it is in giving that we receive; It is in pardoning that we are pardoned; It is in self-forgetting

that we find’ And it is in dying to ourselves that we are born to eternal life.

Amen.

Christ, even in the midst of the pandemic. We are still given the gifts of God’s abundant grace and resurrection life. I pray you are open to living mindfully right now. First, mindful of God’s presence. Mindful of your internal life and how you are perceiving God. Mindful of those around you, mindful of God’s love flowing through you to them.

Even in the midst of change, we live, mindful that God has already done for us all that we need.

May the Peace of Christ be with you always.

Pastor Kirsten

(1) New Research: https://tinyurl.com/yalv2t2y

(2) Doing it Effectively: https://tinyurl.com/w26ajmj

(3) Resources: https://tinyurl.com/y7ulxkms

(4) Template: https://tinyurl.com/ydxxw8lm

Prayer Chain

“Is any of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.”

—James 5:13

Need a prayer? Want some help? Facing challenges, big or small? The power of many prayers can help you. Please contact the church office at 320-845-2405, to put Our Savior’s pray-ers in action.

All requests are confidential and use a first name, initials, or just a friend from church. We will pray for you... God will hear, as He knows who you are!

Connecting with church staff during this time: Please contact us by phone for assistance, 320-845-2405, or by email, OurSaviors@albanytel.com. For pastoral emergencies, contact Pastor Kirsten Nelson Roenfeldt, 508-422-6277. For youth & family needs, contact Diana Brown, 320-260-7651.

Lifemission&

congregational

committee

We will resume meeting on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 5:30 pm, when we can.

You can Support Kristin Wolford, missionary to the Dominican Republic, with a gift or set up monthly support at: www.igo-worldwide.org /ramas-vivas. KristinWolford@yahoo.com 320-309-0707 (US) 320-497-2064 (DR)

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“Bonuses of mask wearing:

1. Don't have to worry if food is stuck in my teeth.

2. Extra garlic at lunch means I offend only myself.

3. Pop of color to suit mood.

4. Your risk drops of getting Covid from me unawares.

Quadruple wins right there.”

This post made me smile, and called me back to mindfulness.

And not only that, we had several social media friends add to the list:

5. Protects half your face from the sun!

6. Only need to put makeup on your eyes (I know the guys really can relate).

Dear Siblings in Christ,

COVID19 has changed all of our lives. Mindfulness is a spiritual practice that I find helpful during this time. As I pay attention to the ways that life has changed, the ways that I am both grateful and sorrowful, I find my spirit lifted and more able to stay the course. Paying attention to myself and my internal responses to things can give me so many opportunities to reach for God. God, help me. God, Thank you. God, remind me. God, this is beautiful. All these are simple, mindful prayers.

My friend, fellow pastor and former nurse, Pastor Caitlin Trussel, posted this on her social media over the last few days:

Don’t Forget Your Offering... During this time of Social Distancing while you are away from weekly services, it’s important to remember the financial needs of the church remain ongoing. Now is the time to enroll in Online Giving using a convenient link on our website at www.OurSaviorsLutheranAlbany.org. New users must create an online profile by providing an email address and creating a secure password. Next, you will Add a Transaction to setup your donation amount and frequency as shown below. Enter and review your giving information and choose Process. Once the donation is processed, a confirmation screen will appear. And you’re DONE—it’s that simple! Vanco (the servicing agent of OSLC online giving) also provides the Give Plus+ app you can access from your Smart Phone or tablet. You can also put a stamp on your offering envelope and drop it in the mail. Please know your church is here to provide healing and comfort to help you through these uncertain times, and we appreciate your continued support of our mission.

Ideas to Love One Another At Home: • Pray for your neighbors, those most vulnerable, those most anxious. God hears you.

• Volunteer to call someone and check in with them. Tell Deb Feeney you are willing to help out 320-260-6666 or dahrenholz@charter.net

• Tell the church office if someone you know is unable to listen on KASM radio or worship online, so we can deliver them an audio CD.

Romans 6:1b-11

“Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.”

For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin.

R O M A N S 6 : 7

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July 2020

Newsletter of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church · Albany, MN · 320-845-2405Su

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Live Worship Services Sundays 9:00 AM

Facebook: OSLC56307

Or, tune into KASM 1150 AM Radio

Worship on Wheels at church parking lot.