“Inspired to Love, Encouraged to Think, and Sent to Serve”
Transcript of “Inspired to Love, Encouraged to Think, and Sent to Serve”
Summer is Here...Yay!
I hope you will take every opportunity to gather with the church on Sunday mornings. We are stronger together. We also know that summer worship isn’t just listening to songs in church or reading the Bible. Worship isn’t a “once a week” experience (hopefully), it is a part of everyday living in different ways. In Gary Thomas’ book “Sacred Pathways,” he describes nine ways we can interact with God. They are listed below. We may relate to one of these, or more than one, or perhaps one that he hasn’t listed. Which pathways he suggests do you most identify with? I’d be interested to know as your interim pastor. I think I am sort of a “Naturalist” and a “Sensate” and an “Activist” by the way. See you on Sunday! Pastor Rich Ajer
Enthusiasts: Worship and celebration are words that appeal to you. You desire inspiration and feel close to God when you are inspired. Naturalists: You experience God best out in nature — in His world. You feel closest to God on a hike, sitting beside a brook or river, or simply being outside. Sensates: You appreciate beauty, art and music. You feel closest to God when listening to music, working with your hands or viewing art or photography. Activists: You want to be part of a social or evangelistic cause. You feel close to God taking faith-risks, and you seek growing dependence on Him while striving for justice and against evil. Traditionalists: You are drawn to God through ritual, symbol and sacrifice. You need something tangible to do to draw close to God. Caregivers: You love God best by loving people. You feel close to God when serving the poor, hosting people in your home or helping with a church event. Intellectuals: You experience God best with your mind. You love to study and have a need to learn new things about God. Contemplatives: You worship God best through adoration. You love digging into a good book or engaging in a thoughtful discussion. Ascetics: You need quiet, solitude and simplicity to feel close to God. You benefit from a silent retreat away from your phone and other external distractions. Now that we’ve thought about how God has wired us, how can we explore that in our relationship with Him?
The Messenger ~ July & August 2021 Summer Edition
Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and School ▪ San Clemente, California “Inspired to Love, Encouraged to Think, and Sent to Serve”
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Christina Bauer 7/1 Anna Hoey 7/1 Claudette Miller 7/3 Janet Gillespie 7/4 Grant Gordon 7/4 Michael Schmall 7/5 Darcy Hall/Scott 7/6 Nanette Jensen 7/6 Thomas Calvert 7/8 Beth Ammann 7/10 Bob Cooper 7/10 Christian Murphy 7/10 Melissa Bacon 7/10 Lily Maestro 7/13 Sue Wilcox 7/13 Devin Mears 7/17 Ron Cadler 7/18 Delaney McClure 7/18 Herb Niermann 7/19 Kirsten Pert 7/19 Wyatt Davies 7/20 Denise Mears 7/22 Drew Mills 7/22 Mindy Goulding 7/23 Liam Hallinan 7/23 Brienne Greco 7/24 Michael Reavis 7/25 Tom McKeown 7/28 Ben Cooper 7/29 Judi Phillips 7/30
July & August Birthdays & Anniversaries
Bruce & Joyce Quade 7/1 Chuck & Judy Pridham 7/6 Randy & Helen Wooley 7/7 Mike & Peggy Heyes 7/14 Steve & Christy Karsten 7/15 Wendell & Marilu Person 7/16 Herb & Cynthia Niermann 7/19 John & Kirsten Pert 7/22 Hector & Carrie Reyes 7/24 Steve & Tracy Simon 7/26 Jay & Charla Rayl 7/28 Gregg and Laura Horvath 8/1 Jack & Ruth Martin 8/5 Nick & Karyn Martello 8/9 Alan & Janice Tsuma 8/26 Ralph & Sandy Hannah 8/30
Katie Fitzhugh 8/5 Tiffany Rennie 8/5 Steve Thomsen 8/6 Carly Hoffmeister 8/7 Helen Woolley 8/7 Terry Gillespie 8/10 Janey Allman 8/14 Greg Gardner 8/16 Steve Stewart 8/18 Kelly Small 8/18 Dennis Works 8/18 Joe Llamas 8/19 Diane Boquet 8/20 Dorrie Brent 8/20 Joelie Buchan 8/20 Rennie Karsten 8/20 Nick Martello 8/20 Pat Kelly 8/21 David Goulding 8/23 Dick Hoye 8/25 Cassidy Flanagan 8/30 Colton May 8/30
~ July Birthdays ~ ~ August Birthdays ~ ~ July & August Anniversaries ~
If you prefer to donate electronically Venmo us at @OurSaviorsSanClemente”
or scan the QR code below.
We truly appreciate your generosity.
Pastor Rich on Vacation August 16 - 25, 2021 I will be taking some vacation days in August. Gay has the numbers for Pastor Juli Patten who will be available for pastor emergencies while I am gone. Pastor Lucy Stafford-Lewis is planning to fill in on the Sunday I am away, August 22nd. Thank you to these wonderful colleagues!
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“This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before. I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ.”
~ (Phillippians 3:13-14)
We are back in church, live and in-person!!! With the good news from the CDC and the State of California that vaccinated people can gather without being masked, it is so good to see people in the pews. It is wonderful to be able to “make a joyful noise” out loud and sing and pray together. There is still some uncertainty as to whether COVID-19 is a thing of the past, but, the vaccine seems to be working. So…what does that mean for everyday life and for worship? To me, that means that I can see the faces of people I love and hear their voices. BUT…it also means that I need to respect the comfort level of others. I am vaccinated but I always carry a mask and do not mind putting it on if those around me feel more comfortable when I do so. I LOVE singing out loud. The choir will sing a couple times this summer. BUT…we will continue to observe recommended precautions for singing in groups. Not everyone feels comfortable with the lifting of restrictions. None of us know what the future brings in terms of this virus (or anything else, for that matter). So, we need to remain diligent, respectful and informed. Most important, we need to remember that whether we are worshipping in our sanctuary or in our homes, with a mask or without a mask, singing or listening, we gather together to worship God in fellowship wherever we are.
1 John 1:7 ”But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light,
we have fellowship with one another,
and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.”
In His Service, Karen Skipper Director of Music
July/August 2021
How do we know what to do???
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Youth and Children’s Page
by Bob Cooper - Director of Youth and Children’s Ministries
A Bigger, Better Summer!
So here we are, the Summer of 2021, and it looks like things are finally taking baby steps towards a more normal season in the life of our youth. We have just completed our largest Vacation Bible School event in many years, and it was a fantastic success. At our special outdoor VBS Sunday worship celebration we had an attendance number that is usually only seen at Christmas or Easter, it was awesome! For our service and sharing component we collected toothbrushes and toothpaste, so much that I could not lift the box by myself, great job VBS kids!
Our VBS staff consisted of many volunteers from Our Savior’s as well as representatives from several other area congregations, truly a wonderful, ecumenical effort to get the understanding of God’s love to our youngest disciples.
Let us not forget the youth, our middle and high school students really stepped up to help lead and assist with VBS and I can’t thank them enough, plus they made new friends in the process which resulted in our weekly high school youth group meeting which followed our Sunday outdoor celebration having the largest number of teens that we have seen in several years! I cannot wait to see what happens when we invite our new sixth graders into the middle school group later this week.
A big thank you to our adult helpers: Diane Simpson, Karen Robison, Pastor Juli Patten, Grace Crancer, Catherine Crancer, Linda Howard, Brandon Lanford, Heidi Works, Kelsey Wong, Rebecca Lanford, Skarlett Duncan, Cindy Baas, Lois Faist, Ken Gilliland, Anita Jones, Bridget Callanan, and Karen and Ed Fox.
Not to forget our amazing youth volunteers: Savannah Salvin, Cassidy Flanagan, Myla Pert, Kristian Rorvik, Presley Rennie, Emma Crancer, Ben Cooper, Emma Robison, Lukas Rorvik, Vivienne Quade, Tomas Stohler, Avalon Greco, Natal Stohler, Lily Crancer.
We will be doing summer events as things open up and will be joining our other local Lutheran youth groups for some combined events, but they will have to be announced as they are confirmed, we are still in a bit of a funky place when kids and Covid are involved. Thank you and don’t forget your sunscreen, Bob Cooper Director of Youth and Children’s Ministry
July & August 2021
July 4 - Sunday
No HSYG July 7 - Wednesday MSYG 6:30pm, YR July 11 - Sunday
HSYG 6:30pm, YR July 12 - Monday
Welcome INN 4:00pm, @ Doheny State Park July 14 - Wednesday MSYG 6:30pm, YR July 18 - Sunday
HSYG 6:30pm, YR July 21 - Wednesday MSYG 6:30pm, YR July 25 - Sunday
HSYG 6:30pm, YR July 28 - Wednesday MSYG 6:30pm, YR August 1 - Sunday HSYG 6:30pm, YR
August 4 - Wednesday MSYG 6:30pm, YR
August 5 - Thursday Soak City MS/HSYG
August 6 - Wednesday Knott’s Berry Farm MS/HSYG
August 8 - Sunday HSYG 6:30pm, YR August 9 - Monday
Welcome INN 4:00pm, @ Doheny State Park
August 11 - Wednesday MSYG 6:30pm, YR August 15 - Sunday HSYG 6:30pm, YR
August 18 - Wednesday MSYG 6:30pm, YR August 22 - Sunday HSYG 6:30pm, YR
August 25 - Wednesday MSYG 6:30pm, YR August 29 - Sunday HSYG 6:30pm, YR
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NEW LOCATION
Tuesday’s at 8:00am - Meet at Pico Park across from the U-Haul. We will walk the
beach trail to the pier and back.
All OWLs and OWLs in training (those below 55) are welcome to join us!
Questions call Roberta Wall at (209) 404-9012
A big thank you to church members for
attending our Annual Meeting on June 13. We were able to approve our 2021-2022 budget, our updated
constitution and bylaws , and our new church council members. I appreciate you giving of your time to take care of church business. If you would
like to get more involved in the church, please contact Pastor Rich. We are still in need of a
few people to serve on church council. The following positions are open:
Vice President
Treasurer Christian Education
Community Outreach
Many hands make for light work. Thank you for giving it your consideration.
Connie Lawrence Council President
Saturday
July 10 & August 14, 2021 7:00am - 8:30am Calling all men…
You are invited to join us for a men's breakfast and fellowship at OSLC.
Emails will be going out as the dates get closer.
Men’s June 12 Breakfast
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SOCIAL CONCERNS MINISTRY TEAM NEWS
There are so many places where a small donation will make a big difference this month!
Pacifica Synod AMMPARO Summer of Love
Donations for Migrant Children
Summer clothing (T-Shirts, Shorts, Pajamas, etc.) Jackets, Sweatshirts, Sneakers, Sandals
Underwear, Socks (must be new) We are seeking infant and children’s clothing (sizes 6mo – size 14)
in new or “near new” condition. Perhaps your children or grandchildren have barely worn clothing they have outgrown.
The Pacifica Synod AMMPARO network of Lutheran churches is assisting migrant children at the border in several different ways. For our part, Our Savior’s is helping in two ways: First, we are providing clothing, shoes, and possibly household supplies to the Alerte family. This Haitian family of five recently arrived in San Diego where they are living legally while they navigate the asylum process (a year or more). Second, we are providing clothing and shoes to children staying at Madre Asunta shelter in Tijuana. This is a shelter for women and children who are waiting to present themselves at the border for asylum. There is a bulletin board display in the Narthex. Thank you for your generosity and for Thrivent’s approval of an Action Team for this project.
Got questions? Please contact: Linda Howard at (949) 422-5258 or [email protected]
or Roberta Wall at (209) 404-9012
What is AMMPARO?
AMMPARO stands for Accompanying Migrant Minors with Protection, Advocacy, Representation and Opportunity. To quote the ELCA, “AMMPARO is a holistic, whole church commitment by the ELCA, as a church in the world, to accompany children today and in the future.” In addition to advocating for children arriving at our borders, it also seeks to address the root causes of migration, particularly in the northern triangle of Central America where we have companion Lutheran synods and churches. More specifically, the Pacifica Synod AMMPARO network brings local Lutheran churches together to provide direct support at the San Diego border in a variety of ways. We hope you will participate in Our Savior’s Summer of Love project as our contribution to Pacifica Synod AMMPARO’s efforts.
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School Supplies, Food and Hygiene Drive
Family Assistance Ministries We are always collecting items for FAM. Bring your donations to the narthex or church office and we’ll deliver them often. Empty egg cartons, too! School Supplies (needed by July 25th): Lunch boxes, Pencil boxes, Dry erase markers, Washable markers, Crayons, Erasers, Glue sticks, Calculators, Child scissors. Most needed non-perishable food items: Canned beans, soup, chili, fruit, veggies. Cereal. Pasta and pasta sauce. Rice. Peanut butter and jelly. Ensure/Boost. Mac & cheese. Most needed hygiene items: Full-size shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste. Razors, toothbrushes. feminine hygiene products. Sunscreen. Diapers sizes 4, 5, 6 only. Baby wipes. Hand sanitizer. Sanitary wipes.
NO GLASS PLEASE
The Social Concerns Ministry thanks you
for benevolence gifts given in May 2021 over and above general giving:
ELCA World Hunger: $270 FAM: $100 Food & Toiletries
Habitat for Humanity of OC: $70 LWR Quilt Ministry: $50
SCMFO Library Books: $75 Welcome INN: Yummy Food
Your generosity is so appreciated!
Welcome INN Meal Service
Monday - July 12 & August 9
The Welcome INN meal service continues throughout the summer. Thanks to all who
participate! Please respond to Sign-Up Genius if you are able to provide food and make sure it
is in the church kitchen before 2:00pm so the meals can be assembled on-campus
Our Welcome INN coordinator is Jim Wall, [email protected] or (209) 534-9584.
Women's Bible Study Resumes in September
Tuesday, September 28th
9:00am-11:00am
Hosted by Bonnie Little
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Church www.facebook.com/oursaviorsonline
School www.facebook.com/osls.sc
Our Savior’s Lutheran Church Financial Report
May 2021
Our members and visitors continue to be faithful in their stewardship.. We collected 72% of our May
budgeted amount. Fiscal year to date we have funded 79% of the approved budget. We truly
appreciate your dedication to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. We continue to be prudent in our spending.
Fellowship Hall Building Fund Balance: May 2021: $587,443.26
Building 300 Classrooms Mortgage Balance: May 2021: $ 425,747
Projected loan payoff: September 2031
Thank You For Your Stewardship!
Designated Gifts May 2021 Jul - May YTD
World Hunger $270 $4,281
Habitat for Humanity $ 70 $2,390
Total $340 $6,671
Average Weekly Offering $ 6,157
Budget Requirement $ 9,886
Offering May 2021 Jul - May FYTD
Unrestricted Gifts $30,784 $374,286
Budget $42,839 $471,230
You might be on vacation... We Aren’t!
Please remember that while we hope you have the opportunity to go on vacation—your church NEVER DOES! Please remember to send in your tithes and gifts to the church before you go, or offer on Sunday a gift that represents those weeks you’ll be gone as well. Unlike the movies we aren’t ‘paying’ for the show. We are giving as a response to God’s gracious love to us living out our discipleship with Christ. Thank you!
July & August 2021
Preschool News
The preschool office will be closed for the first three weeks
of July for a much-needed rest. I will be back to teach Summer Camp the last week in July and the first two weeks in August. Preschool opens on August 16th. The Infant Center will have a full day and the Preschool will have a Meet Your Teacher morning. As I write this, we have 160
spots filled for fall and I am sure by the time you read this
we will have more. There is still much uncertainty about
large gatherings for the preschoolers who are not yet eligible for the Covid-19 vaccine so we will fill you in on all
the details in the fall.
We thank the Congregation for the tremendous support you show to the Preschool and we hope and trust you will have a wonderful summer. See you in the fall.
Joan Lundbohm
Preschool Director
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Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
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2
3
4 World Hunger
9:00am Blended Worship
No HSYG
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6
8:00 OWLs Walk
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6:00 Movie Night
6:30 MSYG
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10
7:00 Men’s Breakfast
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9:00am Blended Worship
6:30 HSYG
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4:00 Welcome Inn Dinner
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8:00 OWLs Walk
5:15 Exec Mtg
6:30 Council Meeting
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6:30 MSYG
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16
17
18 Building Fund
9:00am Blended Worship
6:30 HSYG
19
20
8:00 OWLs Walk
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6:30 MSYG
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23
24
25 Habitat
9:00am Blended Worship
6:30 HSYG
26
27
8:00 OWLs Walk
28
6:30 MSYG
29 30 31
Served every Sunday
Holy Communion
Last Sunday of the month First Sunday of the month Third Sunday of the month
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Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 World Hunger
9:00am Blended Worship
6:30 HSYG
2
3
4
5 Soak City - Middle School & High School
6 Knotts Berry Farm, Middle School & High School
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9:00am Blended Worship
6:30 HSYG
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4:00 Welcome INN Meal Service
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8:00 OWLs Walk
5:15 Exec Mtg 6:30 Council Meeting
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6:30 MSYG
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13
14
7:00 Men’s Breakfast
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9:00am Blended Worship
6:30 HSYG
16
17
8:00 OWLs Walk
18
6:30 MSYG
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20
21
22 Building Fund
9:00am Blended Worship
6:30 HSYG
23
24
8:00 OWLs Walk
25
6:30 MSYG
26
27
28
29 Habitat
9:00am Blended Worship
6:30 HSYG
30
31
8:00 OWLs Walk
Served every Sunday
Holy Communion
Last Sunday of the month First Sunday of the month Third Sunday of the month
Church Office
(949) 492-6164 ▪ Fax (949) 492-2904
School Office
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San Clemente, CA
Pastor’s Page 1
Birthdays, Anniversaries & More... 2
Music Notes, Coffee with Jesus 3
Youth and Children, Youth Calendar 4
Highlights from VBS 2021 5
What’s Happening 6
Inside this issue:
Social Concerns 7
Social Concerns, cont. 8
Financials, Preschool News 9
July 2021 Calendar 10
August 2021 Calendar 11
In this Issue 12
Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and School
200 Avenida San Pablo San Clemente California 92672