From Pastor Mark . . .

“How Ministry Works”

“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit.

There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.

There are different kinds of working, but the

same God works all of them in all people.

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is

given for the common good.” I Corinthians 12:4-7

Candyce Sylling is a newer member in our church. As we got to know each other, Candyce shared an interest and

passion for flowers. In her previous church, a group of people were given training in arranging flowers for

worship. Candyce expressed a willingness to help if there was a need in floral arrangements. The altar guild was

excited to have her help in beautifying the church for worship.

A few weeks ago, during worship, Candyce invited anyone who might have flowers in their yard to contact her

and she would be happy to come to their home and collect their flowers for arrangements. Recently, she told me

that ten families contacted her. Now there is a budding team (no pun intended), working together, using resources

they have, to contribute to the flower ministry of the church. The ministry took another step forward as a

suggestion was offered that the flowers could be taken to Josephine Center after worship and given away to be

enjoyed by still another group of people. Josephine Center was excited about the idea, and the ministry

blossomed even more.

As Candyce shared how this ministry seemed to naturally unfold and grow – it seemed to me that this was a

wonderful example how other ministries can grow up in our church.

Each of us has God given passions. When passion is coupled with training and preparation, it offers the

opportunity to use those passions to bless others and give glory to God. The church exists to help direct those

passions and help support them into ministries. As ministry ideas are explained and communicated to the

congregation, it offers the opportunity for others to join in and serve together. This service together strengthens

the body of Christ and helps to spread the love of Christ. Friendship, joy and satisfaction follow.

What passion has God placed upon your heart? Perhaps the Holy Spirit is nudging you with an idea of serving

Him and developing a ministry that will bless others. If so, talk with me or one of our council members. Perhaps

the church can come along side and support the seed God has planted in your heart and we might see how God

will cause it to grow. Follow your heart. Trust in God. Walk in obedience to the Holy Spirit’s leading.

Blessings are sure to come!

Praising God for the opportunity to serve with you all! Continue to rest this summer. Certainly God has plans for

us this Fall!

In Christ, Pastor Mark

Our Saviour’s

Lutheran Church of Stanwood

September 2013

Newsletter

Social Concerns Ministry

Care Team?? What an awesome church family you are!! Thank you so much for all of the prayers and get well cards that

you sent my way. I am back up to running speed and on schedule for the “birthday cards,” but a do have a

large request. As the Social Concerns Committee chair for OSLC Council, I need a committee. That means

more than one. I know that there are a lot of you out there that are involved in other

non-profit agencies that are active in our community and I need to hear from you please.

Pastor would like to see a Care Team formed that would take care of

visitations, emergency meals, transportation and in-home communion. That is part of the job description for the

Social Concerns Committee, and I know there are some of you out there that have the calling for that. God has

supplied our church with all of the talent to fill our needs, so please pray and take the time to listen in case He is

calling you to fill these needs.

I’m not one that needs any more meetings, so would suggest that if I have your name and telephone, I could

call you once a month to get your report, or you could hand it to me at church the week before our council

meeting. I can be reached at (360)387-1708 or email me at Jensen.farm1@frontier.com

Blessings, Carol Jensen, chairperson

Stewardship Ministry

Our Treasures

Originally this was to be the last in my last series of articles on Stewardship. It was to be about stewardship of our

possessions, money and such. You know, the grand finally where I ask you to give until it hurts. However this past Monday

we went over drafts of the proposed job descriptions for each council position. When it came to the Stewardship position,

one word kept coming up in the description, Treasures.

It caused me to think. What are my Treasures? My most prized possession? The answer came into my head very

quickly, my family. No doubt, take away my house, my cars, my boat, job, any personal possession, anything but my

family. I could live without any of those physical possessions, but the loss of any of my daughters, my wife, my brothers,

my parents or my grandchildren would hurt me more than losing any of the riches of this world. While writing this, I know

many of you have already experienced the loss of a “Treasured” loved one. I’m sure you would have been willing to give

up a year’s wages or any personal object, if it could bring back a loved lost too soon or eased the suffering of one whose

time has come. It would be something you would gladly do. That is why we call them treasures. These people in our lives

are irreplaceable.

Several years ago I gave a sermon in my former church. It was about being a good steward of God’s most Treasured

possessions, His most important gift, the gift of us to be parents, to watch over his children. I spoke about how God was

entrusting us to care for his children until the day he called them home. The sermon referred to how we were merely

guardians of God’s children.

I asked the question, when judgment day comes how will you be judged? On what will you be judged? Of course we all

know the basics. Did you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? Did you follow the Ten Commandments? Did you

follow the Golden Rule? Care for the poor and needy? Spread the Gospel of Christ? Everything we hear about in church.

But I also stated that I felt we would be equally judged on how we cared for God’s most precious possession, his children.

Did we nurture, support, care for, defend and love, his children? For they are not our children, they are God’s children. He

is simply entrusting us to watch over and care for them while they are on this earth.

So, much as I asked back then in my old church, I ask now. How will you answer God when he asks about your care of

his most precious gift? Tough question.

If you are at home reading this, GET UP right now and hug your children if they are with you. Tell them you love them

and are proud of them. If they aren’t at home pick up a pen and paper, write them a note and tell them you love them. If

they are out of town, pick up the phone and call them and say, “I LOVE YOU”. If time, distance, or circumstance has

estranged you from them. Pick up the phone, call and make a date to eat a meal together and work things out. It is never too

late for redemption or to ask for forgiveness. It is never too late to be a good Steward of God’s most precious gift.

Dan Norris, chairperson

September Van Trips

Tuesday, September 10

Wednesday, September 25

On Tuesday, September 10, we will go Whale Watching. We will leave the church at 9:00 A.M. and

return around 6:00 P.M. Seeing whales is guaranteed. If we don't see whales on the 10th, we will have free

tickets for trips until we do see whales. The trip is $85. You may bring a lunch or buy one on the boat. You will

also need money for your share of the van gas when we return.

On Wednesday, September 25, we will go the lunch in LaConner. We will leave the church at 11:00 A.M.

and return by 4:00 P.M. We will have lunch in La Conner and then have time to browse around town. If it is

raining, we will drive around the area after lunch and then return to church.

Sign-up on the sheet in the Narthex. Questions: Call Robin Erickson at 360-941-1593.

"Flower Lady" Candyce Sylling

ALTAR FLOWERS

CHOIR WILL SOON RETURN!!

If you've been waiting for a chance to join the choir, now's the time!

Our great leader, Erik, has planned the music and is ready to resume rehearsals on September 11 at

5:15 pm in the sanctuary. If you enjoy singing God's praises, please feel welcome to join the choir at this

rehearsal. Choir will resume singing at the 10:45 am service beginning September 15. There is a warm-

up rehearsal each Sunday at 10 am.

Vocal Recital by Robert MacNeal

Sunday, September 29 at 3:00pm

"Come enjoy a lovely vocal recital given by Robert MacNeal.”

Bob MacNeal has had a 30 year international career as star vocal soloist in operas, light operas, and in Broadway musicals. He will be singing pieces from each of these venues and will also entertain us with fun stories about several.

Mr. MacNeal will be accompanied by Ms. Laureen Breon from Arlington. She has taught piano to young students and up to teaching at WSU, Blue Mountain Community College in Pendleton, Oregon, and Edmonds Community College. She is presently teaching in the Arlington School District and directs the children's choir "Choir on Fire" as well as directing the choir at Our Saviour's Lutheran in Arlington.

A free-will offering will be taken and a reception will follow in the fellowship hall.

Thank you to congregation members who have offered

flowers from their gardens for altar arrangements this

summer. Your gift of flowers for the altar is greatly

appreciated! I plan to continue the arrangements as long as

flowers are blooming in the gardens.

Anyone interested in helping to arrange flowers is invited to

call me at 387-7512.

Lutheran World Relief

Baby Care Kit collection

Start with a Promise

Your needs will not be neglected by this world. You matter to us.

When you send Baby Care Kits, you provide encouragement by welcoming these little ones into an international community that cares. Baby Care Kits are distributed as part of emergency and relief efforts, to be sure, but they are also given out as part of LWR health initiatives to encourage women to seek prenatal care.

Martha Circle is gathering items for Baby Care Kits

Please put donated items in the box in the fellowship hall

We need the following items to complete kits: Two lightweight cotton t-shirts

Two long- or short-sleeved gown sleepers (without feet)

Two receiving blankets (medium-weight cotton, flannel, crocheted or knitted – up to 52” square

Four cloth diapers, flat fold preferred

One jacket, sweater or sweatshirt with a hood, or include a baby cap

Two pairs of socks

One hand towel, dark color recommended

Two bath-size bars (4 to 5 oz.) of gentle soap, in original wrapping

Two diaper pins or large safety pins

KIT TIPS

** Sizes up to 24 months may be used. Varying the sizes of items are useful as the baby grows.

** Sweaters may be knitted or crocheted from yarn, or made from heavy fleece. Preferred styles have buttons or

ties down front. For pattern recommendations see lwr.org/beinvolved.

** Diapers can be made from flannel or recycled t-shirts. For diaper tip sheet with instructions go to

lwr.org/beinvolved.

We will be assembling kits in mid-October.

Quilting ~ Local and LWR

Tied in Faith. Sent in Hope. Wrapped in Love.

Quilting Volunteers Needed

No experience necessary!!

If you enjoy working with fabric, we would love to have you join

us. We cut, pin, and tie the quits so sewing experience isn’t

necessary – but sewing machine skills are always welcome!

Call Marilyn Templeton 360-629-4779

or Ramona Snowden 360-629-4187

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Erling Skrinde, who will turn 91 on September 11!!!

to Ruth Miller, who will turn 98 on September 29!!!

Thank You . . .

THANK YOU to all who helped with the August 1 Gathering Place dinner. We had a great team and there were many

grateful recipients. If you are interested in joining in for the meal and fellowship it is every Thursday at 5:30 pm, hosted by

one of the churches in our area.

Dan & Linda Haskins wish to thank all of you who contributed items or made cash donations for the benefit yard

sale for Bernard Ongwae. The response was overwhelming. There were so many members of the Our Saviour's Lutheran

family helping to organize, haul the donated items, post signs, help "shoppers" during the 3 day yard sale, and clean up

afterwards that it made for a very fun weekend. We had deliveries arriving every day that last week. By Sunday night there

were only a couple of exercise bikes left in the front yard. All together $5700 was raised. We are truly blessed to be a part

of such a great congregation. We are now waiting to hear back from the State Department on Bernard's visa application.

Hopefully he and his dad will come over from Kenya for surgery sometime in August.

New Life through Baptism . . .

Congratulations to Andrew Wayne Stogner, son of Steve & Krista Stogner, who was baptized on July 21. Andrew’s sister

is Mali; grandparents are Larry & Jessica Sande, Larry Stogner, and L.D. & JoAnn Baker; great grandmother is Leona

Sande. Andrew’s sponsors are Chris & Ami Hoag-Manzuk.

Congratulations to Quentin Hoag Manzuk, son of Chris & Ami Hoag-Manzuk, who was baptized on July 21. Quentin’s

brothers are Aidan and Colin; grandparents are Steve & Jo Hoag and Myron & Paula Manzuk. Quentin’s sponsors are Steve

& Krista Stogner.

May the Lord bless the new life given to Andrew and Quentin.

Our Christian Love and Sympathy to . . .

Our Deepest Sympathy to Dan & Linda Haskins and family, on the passing of Dan’s mom, Shirley Elaine Haskins Huffman,

on July 30. A celebration of her life was held in Rochester, WA. May the Lord be with Shirley’s family during this difficult

time of loss.

“Pray for one another” James 5:16b

Thelma Christoferson, Gary Rygg, Garry Lund, Ray Saari, Paul Walderhaug

Mark Hillman, Arnold Ronning, Rob Ulbricht, Palmer Sather

Sarah Winship, Eldon Allen, Jim Woodward (Charlie Sylling’s cousin)

Jeannette Edlund, Kerri Mullen (Laurie & Charlie Glaspy’s niece)

Alonna Ray (friend of Elke Major), Janet Patrick (Helen Neher’s friend)

Irene Amundson, Gloria Arentzen, Jerry Hefty, Amy Duitsman (Lorri DeFelice’s daughter)

Scott Mullen (Laurie Glaspy’s brother), Jack Eldridge (grandson of Bobbi & Dave Eldridge),

Amy Duitsman (Lorri DeFelice’s daughter)

Eleanor Aldinger, Kathy Enselman (Jerry Hefty’s niece)

Gordy Pedersen, Fran Glaspy, Jean Jespersen, Carlene Garrison, Erling Skrinde

Betty Skrinde, Rosalie Hargrave, Shirley Ludwick

Joan Gilbertson, LoRee Taggart, Ryker (Paul & Judy’s Anderson’s nephew),

Mary Jane Lund, Kathryn Thoreson, Susan Wietzke Tupper, Gretchen Orsland

The family of Shirley Haskins Huffman

Michelle Brekhus in the Dominican Republic

Pastor Mark, Lauren, Our Saviour’s Lutheran congregation

Homeless, Armed Forces, Josephine and Warm Beach residents

Government and community leaders

PLEASE

Pray

FOR …

The Church Office will be CLOSED on Monday, September 2, in observance of Labor Day.

Bible Studies Tuesday morning men’s Bible Study will meet on

Tuesday mornings at 7:00 am in the fellowship room.

Breakfast is served at 7am with our study to follow.

Please join us. All men are welcome. Questions?

Contact Pastor Mark or the church office 629-3767.

Please join us for Women's Wednesday Bible Study this

Fall. We will begin meeting in October. We will be

studying the book of Acts. Kick off brunch will be on October 2 @ 9:00am, in the Fireside room. Books

will be available at that time. Contact Kathy

Beauchamp (360-387-0120) or Ramona Snowden

(360-629- 4187).

Quilting News Our quilting work projects have continued on a

smaller scale throughout the summer, but with fall

fast approaching it is time to get serious and get back

into our regular quilting days.

The WEEKLY Quilters will be quilting on September 3, 17, and 24. We have a great time and

would love to have help – no experience required.

Just bring a sack lunch. We quilt from 10 am to 2pm.

If you can only come a couple of hours, that’s OK to!!

You are welcome to come and see what we do.

The MONTHLY Quilters will be quilting on Tuesday, September 10. We meet the second Tuesday

of each month. We begin at 9:00 and work into the

afternoon. Lunch is provided. Come when you can;

leave when you need to.

Sunshine Committee Do you enjoy sending cards?

The Sunshine Committee will meet on Tuesday,

September 10 at 9am in the fireside room. We get

together once a month and write church donation

thank you cards, get well soon, thinking of you . . .

Some write cards, others stamp and address

envelopes. Join us!!

Martha Circle On Wednesday, September 11 at 1pm, the Martha

Circle will gather for the opening of the fall season.

Meetings are on the second Wednesday of the month at 1

pm in the Fireside Room, lasting approximately two

hours. This is a fun-loving, informal gathering, joining

together for refreshments, fellowship, fun, laughter, bible

study and business meeting. "A Woman Who Reflects the Heart of Jesus" by

Elizabeth George will be the continued study, starting with

"Day 23--Sensitive" -- page 193 in the main book and page

127 in the study guide. Copies of the Reader/Study books

will be available at the meeting. All women are invited.

^^^^^^^^^^^^

October Newsletter Articles due Saturday, September 14

to Ramona at ramona.thepest@frontier.com

^^^^^^^^^^^^

Men’s Fall Retreat September 20-22

Ingall’s Creek Retreat Center

Leavenworth, WA

The Men’s Fall Retreat will be held at Ingall’s Creek Retreat Center. This is a different location that in the past, and the men attending are all from OSLC.

Fly Fish, pitch horseshoes, great food,

relaxing atmosphere, meaningful

conversation and study,

New retreat center, great location,

great bunch of guys!

Please contact Pr. Mark for more information and/or if you are interested in attending.

RALLY SUNDAY

September 8

One Worship Service

at 9:45am

Kids’ Activities at 10:45

Food ~ Games ~ Activities

Don’t Miss Out!!!

CHURCH GARDEN

Summer has been very busy in the garden. Weekly

food bank deliveries have included lettuce and beans. The garden is beautiful this summer! If you haven't had a

chance, check out the flowers and vegetables. A lot of

produce has been donated to the food bank and utilized at

The Gathering Place.

Candyce Sylling has arranged lovely vases of flowers

for the alter on Sunday. These flowers are then taken to

Josephine where they are utilized for the residents. Help is

always appreciated! If you have any questions or ideas for

the garden, please contact Debbie in the office.

OSL Preschool

2013-2014

Open House – Wednesday, September 4, 5-7pm

Preschool starts Monday, September 9

Please call the church office at 360-629-3767 for

preschool registration and questions.

3 Year Old Class Monday & Thursday: 9:15am-11:45am (class full)

Nichole Mitchell ( Teacher) / cost $100 per month

Tuesday & Friday: 9:15am-11:45am

Natalie Hagglund ( Teacher) / cost $100 per month

4 Year Old Class Monday, Wednesday & Thursday:

Morning Class: 9:00am-11:30am (class full)

Afternoon Class 12:30pm-3:00pm

Jaimi McCall (Teacher) / cost $130 per month

5 Year Old Class Tuesday & Friday: 9:00am-12:30pm

Jaimi McCall (Teacher) / cost $125 per month

Puget Sound Blood Drive Friday, October 11 ~ 11am-5pm at OSLC The Puget Sound Blood Center needs blood donors to give

at the upcoming blood drive at Our Saviour’s Lutheran

Church on Friday, October 11. Our goal is to register 45-

50 donors between the hours of 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, with

a break from 1:00 to 1:45 pm.

Your help will be greatly appreciated as 900 donors

are needed each day to supply enough blood to 70

hospitals and clinics throughout Western Washington. All

blood types are needed every day. You may give blood

every 56 days so if you donate on or before August 16,

2013 you will be eligible to donate at this blood drive.

You may donate beginning at age 16 but will need the

attached permission slip completed. All donors will need

to bring photo identification.

For information and to make an appointment, please

email Joyce at geojoys@yahoo.com. The sign-up sheet

will also be in the Narthex and at Coffee Hour on

September 29 and October 6 or you can call the church

office at 629-3767.

Please eat and drink prior to donating and please bring

1 person to join you and help to increase participation

here!

For eligibility questions, please contact the Puget

Sound Blood Center at donorsched@psbc.org or at 1-800-

398-7888.

You may never know whose life you will save but know that you are saving lives.

Youth News!!

High School

Back to School Bash (September 6)

A final get together for our High School Monday night group. We will be having an all-nighter in Stanwood- devotions, games, food, and fellowship! Details will be announced soon!

High School and Middle School Parent

Meeting

(September 22) Parents of High School and/or Middle School Students, please plan to attend this meeting to go over dates and information for the youth happenings at the church.

Contact Lauren at 847.809.4143

oslcyouthdirector@gmail.com

Mark Your Calendar

Connexion begins

Wednesday, October 2

6-8pm

The Caring Place Update:

1. The Back-to-School giveaway started on August

10th. As of August 14th 179 children from the

Stanwood Camano School District had received

new shoes, clothes, backpacks and school

supplies. It’s exciting to work in unity with our

partner, Stanwood Foursquare Church. The

giveaway continues through September.

2. Stanwood Camano Food Bank and The Rotary

Club will distribute new coats at The Caring

Place between October 1st and October 31st.

3. The Caring Place will be closed November 1st,

and reopen for The Christmas House between

December 16 and 21.

4. The Caring Place will be closed between

December 21st and February 1. Thank you for your prayers, and continued support of

The Caring Place Ministry.

Dates to Remember

Tuesday Morning Men’s Fraternity

Tuesdays at 7am

Weekly Quilting

Tuesdays, September 3, 17, & 24, 10am-2pm

Youth Team Meeting

Tuesday, September 3, 4-5pm

Preschool Open House

Wednesday, September 4 – 5-7pm

Rally Sunday – One Worship Service

Sunday, September 8 – Worship at 9:45am

Kids’ Activities follow

Council Meeting

Monday, September 9 at 7pm

Monthly Quilting

Tuesday, September 10, 9am-3pm

Sunshine Committee

Tuesday, September 10 at 9am

Van Trip

Tuesday, September 10

leave 9am – whale watching

Martha Circle

Wednesday, September 11 at 1pm

Choir Rehearsal resumes

Wednesday, September 11 at 5:15pm

Beth Moore Simulcast

Saturday, September 14 – 9am-4pm

October Newsletter Articles

due to Ramona by Saturday, September 14

Men’s Fall Retreat

September 20-22, Leavenworth

Van Trip

Wednesday, September 25

leave 11am – lunch in LaConner

Robert MacNeal Vocal Recital

Sunday, September 29 at 3pm

Save the Date: Blood Drive

Friday, October 11 – 11am-5pm

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

November Dates

Monday, November 4, 7:00pm

November council meeting

Two Congregational Meetings:

Sunday, November 10, 9:45am during coffee hr.

Budget presentation and council nominations

Sunday, November 24, 9:45am during coffee hr.

Voting on budget and council nominations

BETH MOORE Simulcast Saturday, September 14 – 9am-4pm

Camano Chapel will be hosting

Purchase tickets thru Camano Chapel website or at the church ahead of time

Allow Beth Moore to inspire you