December 2006

OUR SAVIOR LUTHERAN STAFF

OUR SAVIOR LUTHERAN CHURCH EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA

Inside this issue:

Classes & Schedules 2

LOST 2

Jottings 2

Breakfast 2

Healing Service 2

Council Clips 3

Prepare for Easter 3

Lilies & Flowers 3

Ministries 4

Border Missions 4

April 2014

Volume XXIV, Issue 4

Our Savior Lutheran Church Living Faith Center

WORSHIP WITH US

Traditional Worship at 9:00 AM

Sunday School Classes at 10:15 AM

Praise Worship at 11:15 AM Coffee & Fellowship between the services.

Communion is served the 1st, 2nd & 3rd

Sundays of this month.

This month transitions between Lent and Easter. That is most noticed dur-ing Holy Week – Sunday of the Pas-sion/Palm Sunday, Maundy Thurs-day, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday (April 13-20). All those days have a focus here at OSLC, and we invite you to walk with our Lord and Savior through those significant events both for Him and for our Salvation. The Cross and Resurrection go together. Death leads to new life both now and in eternity. Come walk with us on the journey again this year. We are add-ing a sunrise service this year at 7am out by the new butterfly garden (in front of the cross on the west side of the sanctuary). There will be a small breakfast following that service for those that attend. . . . . . Do remember that our Sunday morn-ing worship and educational times change on Apr. 6th. Traditional wor-

ship will begin at 9am, followed by an education hour at 10:15am, and the contemporary worship at 11:15am. The 11:15am worship will have a bap-tism and First Communion for various members of the church. . . . On Palm Sunday, we will hear the Passion Story read by various read-ers from the Gospel of Matthew. The congregation will also have assigned parts to read. Come hear the story again. . . . . I did get by to see the movie “Son of God” this past week. It was an excel-lent way for me to reflect upon and feel again the significant events of Jesus’ life. Yes, I would recommend it for your viewing. It’s not a literal retelling of the gospel lesson, but it is very effective at giving its interpreta-tion of those events from scripture. It especially brings out the earthly threat that Jesus was to both the religious

MINISTERS ALL PEOPLE OF OSLC

PASTOR STEVEN HERZBERG

ASSOCIATE IN MINISTRY JANET WEST

OFFICE MANAGER SUE WADGYMAR

CHOIR DIRECTOR KENNETH RIVENS

PIANIST RON ACEBUCHE

YOUTH DIRECTOR DAWN EVERSON

COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESIDENT RUDY LOSOYA

VICE PRESIDENT NORM FREY

TREASURER TOM RIESTERER

SECRETARY/PUBLICITY LINDA FRASER

BORDER MISSIONS NORM FREY

FRED VARNER

FELLOWSHIP RUDY LOSOYA

LAUREN MILLIGAN

OUTREACH KATHY BUSH

LAUREN MILLIGAN

LEARNING & YOUTH KATHY HERZBERG

MARY LOVIG

PROPERTY NORM FREY

SAM MEYER

STEWARDSHIP JANET WEST

WORSHIP & MUSIC VICKI DREWS

KELLY VANHEE Financial reports and minutes are available in the Narthex.

Pastor’s Notes

Lenten Worship

Wednesdays, April 2 & 9:

5:30 p.m. Lenten Meal

6:30 p.m. Lenten Worship

Holy Week

Maundy Thursday: 6:30 p.m.

Good Friday: 12:00 & 6:30 p.m.

Easter Sunday: 7:00, 9:00 & 11:15 a.m.

HOMBRES DINNER

We’ll meet Thursday, April 10 at

6:30pm in the home of

Norm Frey, 301 E. Hall

Acres Rd, #714, Pharr,

701-471-9568. Please

sign up in the Narthex.

and political establishments. And all for our salvation. . . . . Make this a special month for you and family. Pastor Steve

Easter Sunday Sunrise

Worship in the Meditation Garden

7:00 AM followed by a light breakfast.

Page 2 Bible Classes for Everyone

SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES meet at 10:15am in the LFC.

SUNDAY ADULT CLASS: 10:15 AM in the Friendship Room. Join

Pastor Steve beginning April 6th for “Toward a Vision for Evange-

lism,” a 5 session course to assist our congregation to clarify a vi-

sion for evangelism/outreach and identify the necessary steps to

bring it to life.

CONFIRMATION CLASS for 6th to 8

th graders meets Wednesdays

at 7:15pm during Lent and then back to 6:30pm April 16th.

WEDNESDAY EVENING STUDY: We will meet at 7:15pm through April 9 and then resume the 6:30pm time in the Library. For Lent, both “God’s Abiding Love,” daily devotions for Lent and “Hunger: A Matter of the Heart’ Bible studies will be used. THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY: Join Pastor

Steve for “Sing the Faith”, a study of the music, poet-

ry, and stories associated with “Come, Gracious Spir-

it, Heavenly Dove.” We’ll be looking at Bible studies to begin April

13th for April-May. Come join us. We meet at 10:00am in the Par-

ish Hall.

LEARNING & YOUTH COMMITTEE will meet April 3rd at 6:30pm.

REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS

Healing: Lena Doering, Don Dun-shee, Jeanne Fuentes, Darrel Hei-

er, Joel Heikes, Virginia Huston,

Brent & Bryan Jackson, Matt

Juncker, Kay McLaughlin, Ella

Meyer, Guy Morris, Jim Offerdahl,

Bob & Pat Phillips, Neil Sideen,

Anna Smith, Dick Welding, Hope

Young.

Family Members: Bob & Carol

Bitner, Evelyn Lawrence, Darrell &

Leona Smith.

Friends of Congregation: Ronnie

Gilchrist, Leo Gonzalez, Bob Han-

son, Wyatt Kamp, David Keith, Bar-

ry Kelley, Avis Liljedahl, Leann

Martens, Lucy McKay, Jim Meyers,

Farrah Mumma, Paul Nejarian,

Clarice Oeltjen, Karen Powell, Fran

Prukop, Alicia Rodriguez, Jean

Sahm, Anna Villareal, Iola Wall. In military service: Johnny Can-

non (Tom Riesterer’s grandson),

Cody Crumpler (relative of the

Todd’s), Robert Eason, Justin Gar-

cia, Brian Hovland, Bryan Phillips

(Esther Olsen’s grandson), Ramiro

Sandoval (Burnhams’ son), Mat-

thew Walker.

SERVICE OF HEALING

Tuesday, April 15, at

6:30pm for all those in

need of

healing and

comfort.

Faith formation. Worship. Fellowship. Service. Don’t forget fun!

These are the elements of youth ministry at every congregation—and key components of the ELCA Youth Gathering designed for middle and high school students. The next Gathering is only a year & a half away—July 15-19, 2015, in Detroit, Michigan.

The funds from the L.O.S.T breakfast fundraiser on March 23rd will help with the cost of our youth being able to participate in this unique Lutheran expe-rience. Thanks, everyone. L.O.S.T. Future events: Friday, April 11-Jeremy Camp Concert; Sunday, April 13-Youth Council Meeting 12:15pm; Thursday, April 17-LOST Lock-in 6:30pm in the LFC.

Jottings from Janet: As I write this morning I am also thinking of our Lenten journey together. My heart is filled with love and the promise of

Jesus that He will come again. As you know our mid-week Lenten series is about “Making Change”. The next time I talk

with you all I will be talking about “Change of Circumstance”. This is a favorite of mine as I often say, “these are my

plans, subject to change.” I have started visiting again and my heart is overjoyed, I just feel so blessed to be about my

work again. If you would like a visit or know of someone who needs a visit please let us know. Healing services con-

tinue each month, with communion and laying on of hands. All who are in need of healing or comfort of any kind are

welcome. This is the service for YOU. We encounter the Holy Spirit at these services. Our Listening Hands group con-

tinues to meet each month for breakfast, Bible study, conversation, and food bags. Pastor Steve comes to breakfast

and does the Bible study in Spanish. If you know of a family with children who is in need of food tell them about our Lis-

tening Hands group. Our Wednesday night Bible study group is doing a study on “Hunger: A Matter of the Heart” as well

as a daily Lenten devotional titled “God’s Amazing Love”. All are welcome.

Thank you for letting me serve you. Janet West, AiM.

LOOK it's new...The Living

Faith Center now has a large bul-

letin board to put up news, fliers

and announcements of activities

at OSL. Please use it to bring in

more visitors.

BREAKFAST FOR MISSIONS!

Come enjoy breakfast for a

good reason on Palm Sunday,

April 13. Funds raised will help

two of our youth, Julie Rivas

and Zari Liljedahl, with expens-

es for their mission trip to Hon-

duras in June.

3

ANNIVERSARIES

17 Rowan & Twila Wiltse

24 Duane & Janis Sommer

BIRTHDAYS

3 Linda Fraser

3 Brandon Milligan

7 Jeanette Smith

8 Bill Cowsky

8 Zari Liljedahl

9 Sylvia Groom

12 Etta Mooney

13 Lois Thompto

14 Birger Olson

19 Dolores Ness

20 Ruth Casey

21 William Curll

23 Jamie Long

27 Hal Case

28 Leona Smith

April

EASTER LILY AND EASTER CROSS ORDER FORM

I/We _________________________________________ would like to order ______(how many) Lilies to decorate the church.

Please make checks to Our Savior Lutheran Church and mark them Lilies. Each plant is $7.00. Send your order slip to the

office or place it in the box in the Narthex marked Lilies and Cross Flowers.

In Honor of __________________________________________________________________________

In Memory of __________________________________________________________________________

To the Glory of God ( )

And a donation toward flowers for Easter Cross $__________ Cross flowers and lilies may be taken home Easter Sunday.

Total amount enclosed _____________________

PREPARE THE WAY!

Come to help set up the

Sanctuary for Easter on Sat.,

April 19 at 10:00am. We’ll

arrange the lilies and fill the

Easter Cross with flowers!

Council Clips 3-11-14 The meeting was called to order by President Rudy after determining there was a quorum

present. Pastor Steve gave the opening devotion entitled: “He is Risen”. Each month the

opening devotion is directed to the leaders of the council and their role in the church. It is

more than sitting in a meeting once a month.

Minutes from the February meeting were reviewed and approved along with the agenda

for the night’s meeting. The Treasurer’s report was given by Rudy and approved. YTD

planned giving by the congregation is below the plan, but other income is above the plan.

The total YTD income is 1.3% above the plan. Expenses YTD are 1.7% above the plan.

The $15K surplus from 2013 was transferred to the Capital Outlay account. We are sav-

ing these monies for major repairs to the buildings and parking lot. The audit of the 2013

books was completed and there were no issues.

Pastor’s report followed with the report of attendance which continues to indicate a de-

cline over previous years. The 1st Communion class is complete and the kids will have

their 1st Communion on April 6

th. Sarah Stegall will also be baptized that morning.

The RGV Conference will meet at Love of Christ on March 29th. Leaders and all interest-

ed people are encouraged to attend to be informed about our conference. I will not go to

the Synod Assembly this year but will stay and conduct worship.

The AiM report followed with no additions to her report. The Presidents report was next

and Rudy welcomed the newest council members Kathy Herzberg and Fred Varner.

Committee report followed. Stewardship indicated that there would be more emphasis on

stewardship this year. The council was asked to consider a mortgage reduction bar-b-que

in the fall.

Publicity and Outreach have contacted the Monitor about notices in the newspaper of im-

portant events. After discussing this possibility the council voted to approve up to $200

per month for newspaper ads.

Property indicated that they would prioritize the necessary repairs/replacements and pre-

sent to council next month.

The BAMM report indicated the activities of the Caring and Sharing group and their

search for ways to help others in need.

Youth and Learning indicated no Sunday School on Easter Sunday. There will be an

Easter egg hunt as always. Aug 4-8 we will host a Day Camp at OSLC along with the

churches from Edinburg, San Juan, and Las Milpas. And the week of June 22 Pastor will

take the kids to Chrysalis for confirmation camp.

Worship and Music appointed Kelly VanHee as the new chair of the group. We will have

a sunrise service on Easter morning followed by a light breakfast.

Under new business Janet asked the council to consider serving the Lenten meal on the

19th of March we will have about 36 youth from the Houston area staying at the LFC and

working on a Habitat for Humanity project. They will eat with us and worship with us on

that day. Mary Lovig volunteered to coordinate the meal and all agreed. It will be good to

break bread with the young people.

The meeting closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

Respectfully submitted, Janet West, AiM

OUR SAVIOR LUTHERAN

CHURCH

1105 WEST FERN AVE

MCALLEN, TX 78501

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

PERMIT #65

Phone: 956-631-6121

Email: oursaviormcallen@sbcglobal.net

www.oursaviormcallen.org

DATED MATERIAL

This newsletter was taken to the

Post Office on March 21, 2014.

If you received this newsletter in error, please

contact the church office.

BORDER AREA MISSION MINISTRIES SHARING AND CARING: Caring & Sharing has been very busy this month. We have made a connection through

BARCA to distribute food and clothing to a very, very needy colonia in Edinburg. Several people in our group have served as the drop off and delivery people. We distributed the underwear from Undie Sunday to Cristo Rey Lutheran Church, Su Casa and the Estrella’s House.

Cristo Rey is Pastor Alma's church in Las Milpas. They in turn help a colonia. Su Casa is a shelter for abused women & children. Estrella’s House is a government facility were police can drop off troubled children. Thank you to all who donated. Our big projects were the painting of the Living Faith Cen-ter and the nursery. God has blessed us abundantly so we like to pay it forward. Please join us if you are able and will-

ing. Items to bring on Communion Sundays for our friends in need are: April 6-MASA & OIL, and April 20-RICE & BEANS.

The Piecemakers: Piecemakers meet every Tuesday at 9:00am. Many hands are needed to make the quilts-come

and lend us yours.

BAMM also hosts mission groups when they come to the valley to volunteer.

From March 16-21 OSLC hosted a group of high school students and sponsors

from Incarnate Word Academy and St. Thomas High School, Houston, who

worked with Habitat for Humanity in San Juan. They joined us for our Lenten

meal and worship on that Wednesday.

Next a group Oak Grove Lutheran School from Fargo, ND, will stay with us in

the Living Faith Center from March 30 to April 4. God’s Work, Our Hands

APRIL 2014

D ime Ministry: The Piecemakers were the designated ministry for the 1st

quarter of 2014, with $133 for Jan. & Feb. Another ministry will benefit

from the dimes for the 2nd quarter of this year. Save the dimes you receive in

change and bring them to church on the last Sunday of every month.

The Food Ministry helps families in need with $25 food cards.

We are helping 3 families in our congrega-

tion with your donations. Thank you.