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Pastor’s Pen

Living the Resurrection

Let’s cut to the chase. We all know how the journey ends. I’m talking about

the Lenten journey. It ends at the cross and the empty tomb. The same. Eve-

ry year. Jesus Christ is risen today! Alleluia! So what?! What difference does

it make?

If Jesus has not risen, Christians are to be pitied beyond all others because our

faith and hope are based on a sham. But if Jesus is alive, it means all the dif-

ference in the world. The resurrection changes everything.

If Jesus is alive, it means he is the Christ and continues to be all that he said he

would be—My Lord, my God, my Savior and Redeemer, my ever present help

in times of danger.

If Jesus is alive, It means I’m not alone in facing temptation. Christ has been

there and know how to help me when tempted.

If Jesus is alive, it means I can be honest about who I am when I look in the

mirror...a poor miserable sinner. I can confess my sins and failures knowing

that God has made good on his promise not only to wash away my sins, but

also to show me His ways, teach me His paths, guide me in truth and lead me

on.

If Jesus is alive, it means the new life I have in baptism really is a life worth

living. Transformed by a renewed mind, I can know God’s will and put it into

practice. It means I can live the Christian life without fear and boldly proclaim

the kingdom of God, the good news of Jesus Christ. At the end of the day,

even it you lose you life for Jesus and the gospel—yet shall you live. In all

things, we are more than conquers through the living Jesus.

If Jesus is alive? No if. He IS alive. And it makes all the difference in the

world. That’s why every year we relive the journey to the empty tomb. But

it isn’t just a yearly journey. It is a daily journey. Lent or not, the entire life of

the believer should be characterized by daily repentance and contrition, as the

old Adam drowns and dies with all sins and evil desires, as a new person daily

rises to live before God in righteousness and purity. Because of Jesus, his cross

and his empty tomb, every day of ever year is worth the journey.

Yours for Christ and His Kingdom,

Rev. Stephen Wiesenauer

In This Issue

Scripture Readings, Pas-tors Pen, Servers for

month of March

Pgs. 2-3

Usher Schedule, Greeters,

Mission Giving Update

Pgs. 4-5

Here We Sit and See En-deavor, Men’s Bible Study, 1 Corinthians Bible Study, COS Church Picnic

Pgs. 6-7 Youth Group Scoop, LWML Spring Rally, Nominations Committee Members Need-ed, Easter Flower Sales

Pgs. 8-9 Empty Nesters, Thrivent member, Joyful Stewards

Pgs. 9-11

Sunday Morning Schedule

9:15 AM Worship

10:30 AM Children’s Sun-

day School

10:45 AM Adult Bible Study

Rev. Stephen Weisenauer

Lead Pastor

Rev, George Hamilton

Pastor Emeritus

Rev. John Panning

Pastor Emeritus

Volume 13 Issue 3 April 2017

CHRIST OUR SAVIOR

LUTHERAN CHURCH GOOD NEWS

FROM CHRIST

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Worship Schedule

Maundy Thursday: April 13, 7:00 PM

Good Friday: April 14, 7:00 PM

Easter Day: April 16,

8:00 AM Worship

9:00-10:00 Easter Breakfast

(Hosted by COS Youth)

10:30 AM Worship

During the Maundy Thursday Service we will be stripping

the altar. If you would like to help with this, please con-

tact Bonnie, in the office. There will be instructions on

how we are doing this before the service. Thank you

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CHURCH COUNCIL LEADERS:

President— Mark Johnson

V. President—Rob Shinsky

Financial Sec.—Derk Teusink

Treasurer—Philip Matro

Secretary—Sue Johnson

Education—Laurie Schnakenberg

Stewardship—Ann Campbell

Head Elder-Spiritual Welfare— Bruce Campbell

Ministries —John Olson

Evangelism—Andrea Teusink

Head Trustee—Rick Elushik

Missions—John Klug

Additional Elders: Matt Bosch, Art Fenrich, Dave Garnsey, Tom Nunhei-mer, Ryan Ohse, Brian Scheiderer, Josh Schnakenberg

Additional Trustees: John Bare-man, Ray Crockford, Ken Reimink

CHURCH WORKERS:

Admin. Assistant—Bonnie Crockford

Custodian—Pat VanSlooten

Youth Director—Carol Garnsey

WORSHIP FOR SHUT-INS

“Worship for Shut-Ins” is a

Lutheran television 30 minute

worship service. It includes

the Propers for the day, pray-

ers, and a LCMS pastor deliv-

ering a message that is one-on-

one to the viewer. Also includ-

ed are up to four choir selec-

tions. There are no commer-

cials or repeats. It is shown at

11:30 A.M. on local cable

channel 54 or Xfinity channel

21. This may also be viewed on

MISSION-GIVING UPDATE

(including “Local Benevolences”)

We joyfully respond to a resolution of the congregation passed several years ago that 10% of all “General Fund” offer-

ings would be designated for “Missions.” That percentage, then, is divided into two parts; so that 7% of the total “General Fund” offerings go for mission-work through our District and

Synod, and 3% of the total is given for “Local Benevolences.” Recently our Elders have distributed the Local Benevolence

portions for March as follows: One half each to:

CONTACTING

PASTOR WIESENAUER

Office: 616-738-0100

Cellular: 231-955-8354

E-mail:

pastorw.cos@gmail.com

HERE WE SIT AND SEE ENDEAVOR

Response to the Hear We Sit and See Endeavor is off to a

good start. We have received donations and fundraiser pro-

ceeds of $15,800 to date toward our $35,000 goal. This stew-

ardship campaign will provide funds for upgrades to our au-

dio & visual equipment, and for chair replacement.

At this time the committee is engaged in discussions to con-

firm final costs and timing for the projector, and sound equip-

ment as it appears funding for this phase may be committed

in the near future.

Please continue your prayers and support of this project as

we strengthen the body of Christ by encouraging each mem-

ber to work for the common good of the whole church under

the headship of Jesus.

Committee Members—

Mark Johnson, Co-Chair 616-558-5303

Rich Elushik, Co-Chair

John Olson

Ann Campbell

Josh Schnakenberg

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PAGE 3

SERVERS FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL

April 2 April 16– Easter Sunday

Reader—Rob Shinsky Reader—

Acolyte— Lydia Wiesenauer Acolyte—Jacob Trujillo

Ushers—Ray & Bonnie Crockford Ushers—Mark & Sue Johnson

Elders—Tom Nunheimer & Ryan Ohse Elders—Tom Nunheimer & Ryan Ohse

Music—Cathy Roush Music—Helen Travis & Cathy Roush

Primary Church— Primary Church—Krista Wiesenauer

Greeters—Charlie & Bernice Wentzel Greeters—Bonnie Crockford & Jane Martinsen

Sound—Elushik/Reimink/Fenrich Sound—Elushik/Reimink/Fenrich

Screen—Ray Crockford Screen—Ray Crockford

Altar—Bonnie Crockford Altar—Bonnie Crockford

Nursery—Lauren Nursery—Easter Break, no nursery

Refreshments— Refreshments—Youth Easter Breakfast

Counters—J. Martinsen, T. Reimink, B. Kievit Counters—Shari Atkinson & Bonnie Crockford

Bulletin Helper—Bruce Campbell Bulletin Helper—Louise Rowan

Flowers – Flowers—

April 9 April 23

Reader—Helen Panning Reader—

Acolyte—Thaddeus Abitz Acolyte—Bryce Ohse

Ushers—Art & Lisa Fenrich Ushers—Dave & Sue Schroeder

Elders—Tom Nunheimer & Ryan Ohse Elders—Tom Nunheimer & Ryan Ohse

Music—Helen Travis Music—Helen Travis

Greeters—John Roush & Ken Reimink Greeters – Peter & Teresa Schraudt

Primary Church— Primary Church—

Sound—Elushik/Reimink/Fenrich Sound—Elushik/Reimink/Fenrich

Screen—Ray Crockford Screen—Ray Crockford

Altar—Bonnie Crockford Altar—Bonnie Crockford

Nursery—Jacquelyn Nursery –Lauren

Refreshments— Refreshments—

Counters—Michele Jacoby & Ken Reimink Counters—Jean Vithium & Doris Kendall

Bulletin Helper—Bernice Wentzel Bulletin Helper—Doris Kendall

Flowers— Flowers—

April 30

Reader—Dave Garnsey Screen—Ray Crockford

Acolyte—Luke Bosch

Ushers—John & Esther Klug Altar—Bonnie Crockford

Elders—Tom Nunheimer & Ryan Ohse Nursery—Jacquelyn

Music—Cathy Roush Refreshments—Contributed Meal

Primary Church— Counters—J. Martinsen, T. Reimink, B. Kievit

Greeters—Jerry & Nelva DeBoer Bulletin Helper—Bonnie Crockford

Sound—Elushik/Reimink/Fenrich Flowers—

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June

4– Ryan & Julie Ohse

11– Dave & Angie Trujillo

18– Brian & Melissa

Scheiderer

25– Mike & Lila Overbeek

May

7– Jerry & Nelva Deboer

14– Mike & Michele Jacoby

21-Josh & Laurie

Schnakenberg

28– John & Deb Bareman

(Memorial)

April

2– Ray & Bonnie Crockford

9– Art & Lisa Fenrich

16– Mark & Sue Johnson

(Easter)

23– Dave & Sue Schroeder

30– John& Esther Klug

April 2– Charlie & Bernice Wentzel

April 9– John R. & Ken Reimink

April 16– Bonnie Crockford & Jane Martinsen

April 23– Peter & Teresa Schraudt

April 30– Jerry & Nelva DeBoer

Contact Shirley Olson for questions shirlolson@yahoo.com

Upcoming Events

April 16—Easter Breakfast

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Spring Voter’s Meeting Announcement

Christ Our Savior’s spring voter’s meeting is scheduled

for Sunday April 30th after the service. To be efficient

with time we would like everyone to get their snacks &

coffee after the service, then return to the pews so the

meeting can begin. Following the meeting will be our

“5th Sunday” Potluck lunch.

The primary item on the agenda will be voting on new

representatives for the Church Council, Elders, Trustees,

and Open Arms Committee. Positions are open due to

term limits, and to fill current vacancies.

Attendance by all members of Christ Our Savior is highly

recommended, as your input on our direction is both

welcomed and needed as we move forward. If there

are have any agenda items you would like added, or are

willing to serve please contact Mark Johnson, Council

President, Jean Vizithum (Nomination Committee) or

Bruce Campbell, Head Elder to see where you could

serve.

Open positions include:

Office Current Nominees

Vice President Rob Shinsky

Head Elder Bruce Campbell

Evangelism

Treasurer Phil Matro

Head Trustee Rick Elushik

Ministries John Olson

Missions John Klug

Elders Ryan Ohse, Brian Schiederer + 2 positions open

Trustees Ray Crockford, Ken Reimink

Open Arms Jean Vizithum + 1 position open

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Annual Egg Hunt

Mark your calendars for the upcoming Egg hunt at

COS. More importantly, start thinking about and

praying for who you can invite to come hear about

the REAL reason we celebrate Easter and find a few

hidden eggs, too. The event will be Saturday, April

8th @ 1pm.

Hear We Sit and See Stewardship Update

Ann Campbell, Stewardship Chair

Our next fund raising event we will be selling and/or buying Dutch Delight Pigs in a

Blanket. Everyone knows how delicious these are and are also handmade by our own

Ralph Van Asperen.

We are hopeful that you not only buy for yourselves but also offer to your extended fami-

lies, neighbors and friends. This event has the potential to raise a lot of money. Order

forms are available in the office or from a Stewardship committee member: Julie Ohse,

Jean Vizithum, Julia Dufon or Ann Campbell. There is also a sign-up sheet on the bulle-

tin board if you only want a dozen. They will be frozen.

Cash or check payable to Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church.

Orders and money due by Easter Sunday - April 16

$20.00 dozen

Pick up @ COS

Saturday, April 29

Time will be announced

Sunday, April 30

LWML Lakeshore Zone Spring Rally: Everyday Missionaries

The Spring Rally is a gathering of all societies of the Lakeshore Zone.

The LWML Lakeshore Zone is excited to announce their Spring Rally, Everyday Missionar-

ies on Saturday, April 22 from 9am-Noon, at our own COS Lutheran Church.

The day will focus on 1 Chronicles 16:23-24: “Sing to the Lord, all the earth! Tell of His

salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the nations, hid marvelous works among

all the peoples!”

Pastor Stephen Wiesenauer, will lead in a discussion of how God saves, equips and en-

courages us to tell of His salvation and declare His glory every day no matter who we are.

The price for the retreat is $8 per person, and ages 10 to 16 are welcome to join for $5

each. Please RSVP by April 16. You can do so by signing up on the bulletin board in the hall-

way across from kitchen.

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Empty Nesters small group is targeted towards couples who are either empty nesters or

soon to be empty nesters. (couples with adult children no longer living in the home).

Our goal is to encourage, challenge and care for one another as we share life experiences,

challenges and study the word of God. Currently the Empty Nesters meet every other

week combining fellowship and bible study time together. Our current study is "The Habits

of Happiness" a video study series by Rick Warren

The group currently meets at the Scheiderer's home at 6pm monthly for bible study. The

location and times for social events varies. The group determines the locations as sugges-

tions come up.

————————————————————————————————————————

Dear Friends at COS,

Thank you so much for all the

support, prayers, cards and gifts

you have given to support us

with the loss of Kathy Jacoby.

Harold was completely over-

whelmed by the cards and mes-

sages. Your love and friendship

means so much and helps during

such a difficult time.

God Bless you all as you have

blessed us in so many ways,

Harold, Mike and Michelle

Jacoby

If you play an instrument and want to be in

the COS orchestra for Palm Sunday, please

come to practice @ 11am on Saturday April 1

and 7. Little Children are encouraged to bring

toy drums, cymbals, tambourines, sticks, cow-

bells, bells, finger cymbals, etc. and join in the

procession, making a joyful noise unto the

Lord. See you Palm Sunday.

Bruce

Campbell,

Head Elder

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Pat VanSlooten needs helpers for the church picnic in August. Vacation Bible School needs a leader (lots of teachers and volunteers available for June) Nursery Needs a coordinator. See Laurie Schnakenberg April 30 (5th Sunday Meals - Here We Stand Fundraiser) needs a coordinator (set-up clean-up crews, Sign up sheet for food Sue Johnson needs helpers for the pictorial 25th year directory. If you’re still interested in having a 25th year Celebration 3rd Sunday in May—Bonnie and Bruce need volunteers to step up and be part of a working committee, don’t wait until the last minute. Fellowship hosts and hostesses are always needed. Sign up and share a Sunday with someone else to help. Got a God given talent in music? There always is room for you in the choir, bells, praise ensemble or instrumental groups. Church leadership needs two elders (prayerfully consider spiritual leadership) , the chair of evangelism will be vacant on the council, two board memebers to administer the “Open Arms Fund”. Election April 30th at the voter’s meeting. See Jean Vithium chairperson to the nominating committee. Perhaps you would like to help her. Praise the LORD for so many who do serve and who want to serve another two year term as elder, on the council or board or trustees. Our Church is very blessed to have willing servants who share their talents and time. Thank you to each person who does joyfully serve Jesus at Christ our Savior Lutheran Church. In His Service, for His Purpose, Bruce Campbell, Head Elder

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Dear friends of Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church, Thank you very much for your recent gift sent to LBT towards our support. Your prayers and support are a great encour-agement to us, as well as a blessing to those who are now enjoying having God’s word in their own language. Thank you for serving together with us to make this possible. As you are most likely aware, we will be retiring the first of April. It is a bittersweet time for us. We have appreciated how God has allowed us to work with translation teams over these 48 years of being with Lutheran Bible Translators. We have seen how God has used His word to change people’s lives when they finally have His word in their own language. Though there have been difficult times, we have to say that we have very much enjoyed our years being involved in translating the Bible into languages which did not have it in their language. So in retiring we are sort of sad that we will not be fully in-volved in that work. However! LBT has been working with us to possibly continue with some translation work even in retirement as an adjunct missionary. The details have not been completely worked out yet. We will be making a trip to our LBT headquarters on March 13 to discuss the details of such a position and at this time we will also have a final debriefing and retirement event. If we fell this is what God wants us to do., we will be happy to continue serving God in this way. We wait expectantly in the months ahead to see God’s leading in this possibility. This is something you can be praying about. In our retirement, we hope to be able to spend some additional time with our children, or should we say our grandchildren. We have not had a lot of time to be with our families in Minnesota. Once we have retired, we hope to spend more time with them. We do look forward to that. We recently returned from a trip to Arizona where we visited supporters, family, a retired LBT couple and several others from the area where we grew up in North Dakota. One was a class mate of Mae’s whom she had not seen for several years. One was a good trip and we appreciated being able to share the work with our supporters there. Guess we were anticipating warmer weather than what we encountered. I don’t believe it got over 60 degrees! Of course as soon as we got home, we heard temps were in the 70’s! Once again, thank you for your prayers and support over the years. As you and us have served together, we have reached literally thousands of people for the Lord. May God’s richest blessing rest on you now and always. Blessings, Larry & Mae

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Dear Members and Friends of COS Matt and Yuka Bosch and family will be leaving for Japan. Matt has a job teaching English to Japanese for the next three years. He is moving his family to Japan and they will be leaving USA during April. We plan a going away celebration for after the service on Palm Sunday. We are asking if you are able to make a sacrificial gift of money to help with moving and travel expenses that you would please bring your gift to help them at that time. The church where he has been preaching will join us to help in this celebration and going away present. Thank you for your generous gift. Bruce Campbell, head elder Mark Johnson, president of the council Pastor Stephen Wiesenhauer