What Does This Mean?

The rock glass windows in the lobby at the La Vista Site depict the life of ourSavior, beginning with His birth in humbleness and continuing to His rule andreturn in authority and power. They were part of our first building at 90th andQ Streets. This month we focus on the meaning in the 4th window.

The Fourth Window - The Teachings of Jesus. John 10:1-18 The scroll

reminds us of God’s Word, at the center of which stands the living Word,Jesus Christ. Some of His most beautiful, comforting teachings are found inHis description of Himself as the Good Shepherd who loves His flock.

Spoken - Written - Images

“Ecclesiastical Art” is the technical term for things like stained-glass windows,statues, paintings, and the design of altars, pulpits, clergy vestments, and soon. At the risk of losing most of you who are under the age of 50, let’s makesome comparisons. Before TV, film, and digital media existed, millions ofpeople were still visual learners. Printed or spoken words communicated lesseffectively than images. Ecclesiastical art emerged as a way tocommunicate Biblical and doctrinal truths to these folks ... like me. I learnmore with my eyes that with my ears. That’s one reason why I absolutely lovehow we use the screens in our worship centers! So, all you visual learners outthere, take this challenge: As you look at our stained-glass windows, altar,backdrops and other ecclesiastical artwork, think of what spiritual messagesthey communicate to you. And if you want some Bible references, I’d behappy to provide some for you if you ask, especially if you’re under 50 ... andI can send them directly to your in-box.

Jim Haack

Volume 51 - Issue 4 April 2013

Reminder - Students & Parents

The 5th and 6th Grade and the 7th GradeWednesday classes resume on April 3at their regular times.

FYI

The church office will be closed on Monday,April 1. All evening classes and MondayNight Worship will take place as scheduled.

Discovery Class

This 8-week Bible study covers the basic teachings of the Lutheran Church and is designed especially (but not

exclusively) for people from non-Lutheran backgrounds who are considering joining Beautiful Savior. The class

is offered on Sundays, beginning April 7, at 8:30 a.m. at the West Maple Site; 9:15 a.m. at the Grover Site; and

9:30 a.m. at the La Vista Site. You can sign-up online: www.bslcomaha.org.

Spring - The Sound of Music + * +

Yes, “The Sound of Music” is the name of a movie featuring Julie Andrews. But it is also an appropriate

expression for this time of year. As spring develops its completeness, the song birds return bringing another

aspect to the beauty of this season. The program of the Thursday, April 4 meeting of New Horizons will present

a human version of song birds as the Papillion Senior Singers entertain with a selection of period songs.

The noon meal will be potluck. Please add another serving to the special food item you decide to bring so our

delicious potluck will be sufficient to share with the sixteen members of the Papillion Senior Singers.

It is helpful to the volunteers who set up for the meeting to know how many members will be in attendance.

So again, let your plans be known to the hostesses. Carolyn Schrader receives the calls from members whose

last name begins with “A - Mc.” Her telephone number is 402-331-3833. Alice Downey receives the calls from

members whose last names begin “Me - Z.” Alice’s phone number is 402-493-3944.

New Horizons meets the first Thursday of each month in the Lower Fellowship Hall at Beautiful Savior - La Vista

Site. After coming together for fellowship at 11:30 a.m., the welcome is extended and a devotion is held at

noon, followed by the potluck and the program. Guests are welcome!

Fun Tr ip in Apri l

LIFT - Ladies in Fellowship Together will travel to the Durham Museum for a tour of the

“Women Who Rock” display. We will meet on THURSDAY, April 11 at 12 Noon to

carpool. The tour starts at 1:00 p.m. and is about one hour long. This will be a guided

tour and we will get a group rate of only $5 per person. Reservations MUST be made

ahead. A limited number of spots are being held for us. You will pay at the door.

Please call Karen Wollberg with your reservation - 402-884-6777. We may stop for an

ice cream treat on the way home!!

2

Women’s Connection

Invite your daughters, mothers, grandmothers, aunts and girlfriends to join us for a special

Mother-Daughter Tea and delicious brunch on Saturday, April 13, beginning at 9:30 a.m. in the

Lower Fellowship Hall. We are usually done by 11:15 a.m. Our speaker this month is Karen

Phillips from Omaha. Her topic is “How to Have Peace in an Out of Control World.” The cost is

$11.50. Please make your reservations by calling Susan Parsons, 402-731-1937. Free babysitting is

provided, but we need advance notice.

Shout Pra ise K ids

We are looking forward to seeing

YOU in the La Vista Worship

Center from 6:15-7:00 p.m. on

Thursday April 18, April 25 and

May 2nd.

We will meet for 3 SPK sessions

which will prepare us for leading

and sharing on Sunday, May 5 at

the beginning of the 9:30 and

11:00 a.m. services.

Any questions? Call Jennifer

Srygley anytime at 402-490-6871.

Mul t i -S i te Update

The LCMS

Nebraska

District

gave our

congrega-

tion a July

1, 2013,

deadline to decide if we intend

to buy the Grover Site facility. The

Mission Leadership Council

decided to not purchase the

Grover Site facility at their March

meeting. The asking price from

the LCMS Nebraska District is

$300,000. Because of limited

parking and facility space, and

necessary renovations, investing

in this facility was deemed poor

stewardship and would inhibit

future growth possibilities. We will

be meeting with the District

Officials in April to learn how long

we will be allowed to stay at the

Grover Site. In the meantime, the

Grover leadership team will be

looking for a new location for the

Grover Site in the upcoming

weeks. The three key factors

which are being used to

determine where the next site is

located are as follows:

1) Location

2) Mission Spirit

3) Demographics (How

many of our current members live

in the area?). The Food Pantry

has been a truly wonderful and

successful ministry, and will follow

us if possible. However, space

and location issues may require

us to operate the food pantry

independently from our worship

space.

At the same time, Pastor Ryan

and the West Maple Site are also

in the process of looking for a new

location in Northwest Omaha. The

20 Grand Theater is starting a

major remodeling project in April

that will force us to eventually find

a new home. Pastor Ryan has

already discovered a couple of

options for the relocation.

However, if you have possible

leads for a facility that will hold up

to 300 people in Northwest

Omaha, please let him know.

Please pray fervently for the Lord

to guide and bless both the

Grover Site and West Maple Site

relocations. Growing pains are

complicated, but good!

3

Apr i l Sermon Ser ies

When most people think about death, they don’t think of positive things. But death doesn’t

have to be a frightening thing to those who are connected to the risen Savior Jesus Christ.

In our series “Kick the Bucket” we will learn what God’s Word has to say about dying and

rising.

April 7/8 Dying Psalm 90:12 and Psalm 116:15

April 14/15 Resting Ecclesiastes 12:7 and Luke 23:39-43

April 21/22 Rising Daniel 12:2 and 1 Corinthians 15:35-58

April 28/29 Home Revelation 21:2-5

Adult B ib le Study

Sunday

Crossways is a comprehensive, 2-

year overview of the Bible. The

first 30 units are being covered in

2012-13, and the second 30 units

in 2013-14. 9:15-10:45 a.m. – Room

215 – Led by Terry Taege and Erle

Carter.

The Art of Marriage A video and

discussion-based Bible study for

couples married for any length of

time. 9:30-10:30 a.m. – Preschool

Room 1 – Led by Blake and Anna

Cole.

Thessalonians. Paul wrote two

letters to the Christians in the city

of Thessalonica in modern-day

Turkey. What he told them is still

relevant and vitally important for

Christians today in Omaha,

Nebraska! Come and learn these

timeless lessons. 9:30 a.m. – Upper

Fellowship Hall – Led by Brian

Swanigan.

Life Lessons from Ephesians This

women’s class uses Max Lucado’s

study guide to apply the wisdom

of this Biblical book to our daily

lives. 9:30 a.m. – Room 229

[Library] – Led by Rachel Grimm

Discovery Class - see explanation

on page 2.

Celebration of Discipline is the

classic study on the deeper

Christian life by Richard Foster.

Topics include Simplicity,

Meditation, Fasting, Celebration,

and other practices that

strengthen us in our life of faith.

9:30 a.m. – Room 215 - Led by

Rev. Wendell Stavig.

Thinking Like A Christian - New

Class Most Americans don’t

realize how much our “worldview”

has been shaped by the culture

around us. Even if we do know

this, how are we to respond

effectively? This course will

introduce you to “worldview”

thinking and how Christians can

be a better influence for good.

9:30 a.m. - Preschool Room 1 - led

by Blake Cole

Weekday

Monday

Men’s Bible Breakfast 6:30 a.m. –

Summer Kitchen Café (120th &

Giles). Led by Jim Haack

Living Beyond Yourself: Exploring

the Fruit of the Spirit is a women’s

study course by Beth Moore. 7:00

p.m. – Room 216 – Led by Lisa

Draper and Penny Freyer.

Tuesday

Ladies’ Bible Study 9:00-10:30

a.m. – Upper Fellowship Hall – Led

by Jim Haack.

Wednesday

Foundations of Apologetics An

equipping course from Ravi

Zacharias Ministries that helps you

defend your Christian beliefs in an

increasingly secular and hostile

world. 6:15-7:30 p.m. – Preschool

Room 2 – Led by Brandon Odom

and Dave smith.

The Oxygen Mask A class where

parents whose children are in

Wednesday night classes get to

meet each other and learn the

same lessons as their children.

6:15-7:30 p.m. – Preschool room 1

– Led by Jim Haack.

Thursday

Early Riser’s Study Pastor Tim is

leading a study on the book of

Acts at the Farmhouse Café, 84th

Street by Manglesen’s at 6:15

a.m.

4

The Girl’s Still Got It A study of the

book of Ruth for women by

author Liz Curtis Higgs 9:00 a.m. –

Room 216 – Led by Rachel Grimm

Saturday

Men’s Bible Study 8:00 a.m. –

Junior High Room – Shared

leadership.

Dear Friends in Christ,

As is always the case, the preschool continues to be a busy, busy, busy place! We

cannot believe how fast the time is flying. Let me fill you in.

During the month of March, we presented our wonderful preschool art fair on display upstairs and welcomed

our preschool families to worship with us. The kids did an awesome job singing in this Monday night service. Thank

you’s go out to Jay and Pastor Tim for helping lead our worship. In addition, we want to thank the Tuesday morning

ladies bible study for providing delicious cookies to munch on after the service. We hope those of you in the

congregation who were in attendance enjoyed the evening as well.

In February, the preschool collected money for the Pennies for Patients campaign to benefit the Lymphoma

and Leukemia Society. Of course, this is very near and dear to our hearts. Once again, our preschoolers have

outdone themselves by breaking last years record. The total raised for this wonderful outreach was $1202.19 -

$439.51 more than last year!!! These preschoolers continually amaze me with their willingness to help. Our

families are the best! Thanks for involving your little ones in this most worthy endeavor.

April promises to be just as busy. After our Spring Break during Holy Week, we will come right back to a

joyous Easter celebration. All of our classes will be visiting the Rose Theater for a live performance at the end of

April and beginning of May. And of course we will celebrate our mothers by having our annual Mother’s Night with

a super surprise guest.

Enrollment for the fall is in full swing with a couple of sessions already filled and a couple more getting

close. Thank you so much for continuing to spread the word, please let us know if we can be of help to you in any

way. Only one more month to report on and we will once again bid one group goodbye and prepare to welcome yet

another.

Since providing The New Beginners Bible to all of our preschoolers at the beginning of the year, we have

had added more and more students to our “Bible Reading Club”, those who have “read” the entire Bible. For our

school year last year, we had 5 students who were part of the club. Thus far, we have 24 students. We even had

one student who said he read his Bible 100 times! Preschoolers, you gotta love them! In addition, we have had

more and more preschool families attending services at Beautiful Savior, some finding a permanent church home.

God is definitely working in the preschool, blessing our students, the preschool families and our staff on a daily

basis.

Finally, if you are downstairs, take a quick tour and check out our bulletin boards in the hall and in the

classrooms. They truly allow us to make Christ more visible and to share the children’s handiwork. Also check out

our website at kidnect.org. We have added new information, as well as pictures of our awesome preschoolers!

In the name of our risen Savior and Lord,

Pam and the preschool staff

5

T The Board of Directors of

Concordia Schools is

beginning the search for a “Head

of Schools.” This administrator will

be the chief educational officer

of our school system. He/she will

be charged with taking the

schools to ever-higher levels of

academic excellence, caring

concern for students, and

excellent service and

communication. This leader will

also be instrumental in crafting

the strategic vision for the future.

The plan is to have the Head of

Schools in place by the start of

the 2013-14 school year. We also

intend that the Head of Schools

will serve as interim Principal of

Concordia Academy, our K-6

elementary school, for the 2013-

14 school year.

T The annual Concordia

Delegate meeting will

take place at St. Mark Lutheran

Church (1821 North 90th Street)

on Sunday, May 5, from 2:00 – 3:00

pm. The meeting will include

review and approval of the

annual budget and elections for

the Board of Directors. Following

the annual meeting, we will have

an Open House in St. Mark’s

Fellowship Hall from 3:00 to 5:00

pm to celebrate the ministry of

Dean Raabe, who is retiring as

Principal of Concordia Academy

effective June 30, 2013. Over the

past eight years, Dean has

faithfully served students, parents

and staff with love and

enthusiasm. His career in

education spans nearly 42 years.

We wish Dean every blessing as

he prepares for the next chapter

of his life.

T The new building

expansion at Concordia

Jr.-Sr. High School is on track to be

finished in June 2013. The new

addition includes six classrooms,

an expanded

cafeteria/commons, a gym,

locker rooms, coaches’ offices,

training rooms, a weight room

and additional parking.

T Concordia Lutheran

Schools of Omaha will host

a 5K and a 1 mile fun run/walk at

Standing Bear Lake on Saturday,

April 27, 2013. Starting time is 8:00

am for the 5K immediately

followed by the 1 mile. Funds

raised will benefit the mission of

Concordia Lutheran Schools of

Omaha. For more information or

to register, click on the 5K tab at

www.concordiaomaha.org.

Grover Food Pant ry

This has been an average month at the pantry. On March 2 we served 141 households, representing 415

people and on March 9 it was 110 households or 327 individuals. Because of our numbers we now qualify for

fresh produce from the Food Bank and this month received potatoes and lemons in large

quantities as well as miscellaneous other produce with which to bless our clients.

We again thank all who volunteered on Saturdays and those who helped unload the delivery

truck. The pantry could not operate without you. In the future we want to make the volunteer

system more organized so that we have an appropriate number each time rather than a

plethora of volunteers one week and few the next week. To accomplish this, Tammy Latimer

has set up a web site so you can sign up for a specific job on a specific day or days. However, in order to use

the web site, you must give Tammy your email address so that she can issue you an “invitation” to sign up.

Please contact her at 402-547-3553 or email 5.latimers@gmail.com . We ask your cooperation in using the web

site ahead of time so we know how many volunteers will be available on a given day.

Thank you also, to all who have donated food either at one of the church sites or through the Hy Vee “Buy a

Bag” program. Hamburger or tuna helper and soups are the main needs right now. Continue to watch the

overhead screens for the weekly specials at local supermarkets for these and other items suitable for the

pantry.

For information about the pantry or to volunteer, please contact Mark or Cheryl Roth (402.339.0308) or email

m.roth@computer.org or Tim or Susie Fjelstad, 402-290-3064, sefjelstad@aol.com .

6

Words f rom Pastor T im

We are ready to embark upon

our third year of worship ministry

at the Grover Site. Things have

been awesome of late. We have

gone from worshiping 75 on a

Sunday to worshiping 90 on a

Sunday over the last four months.

We have received 10 new

members in the past two months.

We have around 15-25 students in

our children’s church each

Sunday. The growth has been so

phenomenal that we are starting

to look for a new site for our

Sunday worship. Our parking (or

lack thereof) can no longer

support further growth at 44th and

Grover.

If you have not worshiped with us

at the Grover Site you might want

to share in the experience before

we cease to worship at 44th and

Grover. Our warm and friendly

fellowship takes place from 10-

10:30 a.m. on Sunday mornings.

Our “world renowned” praise

band” (they are close to being

that good) then gets us going

with praise and worship. We

usually conclude our worship at

11:40 AM. We follow the regular

sermon series and always have

one of our pastors preaching

“live” at the Grover Site.

Things are good at Grover. Pray

for God’s blessings as we consider

certain transitions for our ministry

at and from the Grover Site.

Mod 17 Worship

Beautiful Savior about 15 months

ago adopted Mod 17 of Douglas

County Corrections to offer

worship and Bible Study. Rik

Walgrave and Pastor Tim

alternate leading worship on

Sunday afternoons from 2:30-3:30

p.m. They are assisted by Ray

Stier, Steve Weber, Ann and Gary

Wallace. Sharon Price of our

congregation also assists in other

worship and one-on-one

mentoring at Douglas County Jail.

We could use more volunteers to

assist us. All you need to do is

attend a 3 hour orientation on a

Saturday morning at Douglas

County Jail. You will then be

credentialed and can serve as

often as you like. Please consider

being a volunteer at the Douglas

County Corrections Center. Call

Pastor Tim 402-934-3782 if you

have an interest or if you have

any questions.

Private Home Visits

If you are not able to be with us in

worship and would desire a

private visit and the Lord’s Supper

at home or where you are

convalescing please call Pastor

Tim at 402-331-7376. We have

several individuals who are

sanctioned to share the

sacrament with you.

Understanding God and Suffering

I thought I would share a few

quotes each month from my

seminar on “A Christian

Perspective to Understanding

Suffering.” I will more than likely

offer this seminar again in the fall.

“Perhaps the reason why we

don’t understand our suffering is

that we are objects of a love we

don’t understand.” “Making

Sense of Suffering” – Peter Krefft

“The point of our lives in this world

is not comfort, security, or even

happiness, but training. Our lives

are not for fulfillment but prepara-

tion.” “Making Sense of Suffering”

Peter Krefft

“The key to happiness lies not so

much in avoiding pain at all cost

as in understanding its role as a

protective warning system and

harnessing it to work for you and

not against you.” “Where is God

When it Hurts” Phillip Yancey

“Christianity needs to be less

about performance and more

about a way of life.” “Your God is

too Small” J.B. Phillips

Peoples’ lives are cramped and

narrow and joyless because their

god is the same.” “Your God is

too Small” J.B. Phillips

We are looking forward to our second year starting this Fall. We are

currently in search of people interested in being a part of our

leadership team. Here is a chance to use your God-given talents by

being part of this fun team while serving women in their early years

of parenting. Women of all ages and walks of life are welcome!

Please contact Heidi Carlson at carlsonfam3@cox.net or 402-680-

2059 for further information.

7

Adult L i fe Group News

A Life Group is where you can meet people, learn the Bible, experience care and accountability, deepen

friendships and find avenues for meaningful service. Some groups meet weekly, some every other week and

some monthly.

There are two ways to find a Life Group that fits your needs: Contact Jim Haack jim@bslcomaha.org or

(402.331.7376); Search for a group on our website, www.bslcomaha.org. Click on “get connected” and then

on Life Groups. From there you will be able to find every Life Group that submits information. You can contact

the host and see if the group will have what you are looking for.

Life Groups Celebration: This month or next, as soon as our new addition is approved for occupancy, we’ll throw

a big “Life Groups Celebration” event involving all of our adult and HSM Life Groups, and anyone who is looking

for a Life Group! Each Life Group will contribute something to make this event fun and meaningful. So far these

groups have volunteered:

· Publicity: Adult Vala Group

· Set-up: Adult Koehler Group

· Decorations: Nicole Bremer, Karen Crandall, Erika Pritchard

· Greeters: Adult L.I.F.T. Group

· Food and Beverages: Adult Groups – Haack, Koehler, Larson, L.I.F.T., Schraeder, Shroder

· Take-down: Adult Jaeger Group

· TBD task: Adult Selig Group

· Other jobs as needed: HSM Groups

As of the deadline for this newsletter, we are not able to pick a firm date for this event, but the plan is that it will

take place on a Saturday night (6:30-9:00) between April 27 and May 20. All of our Life Group Hosts will be

notified by e-mail and phone call the moment we find out that we can legally occupy the new addition!

Thank You, Thank You Thrivent Members!!!

A big THANKS to all Thrivent members of Beautiful

Savior who designated “Choice Dollars” for

congregational support during 2012. Almost $10,000

was designated and those funds were distributed as

follows:

1. $2000 was given as a scholarship to Tyler Carter, a

member of BSLC who is a student at the Seminary

in St. Louis.

2. $4,000 was designated to help with furnishings for

the new youth room.

3. $1500 for mission support.

4. $1500 for the Benevolent Fund.

5. $1000 for the purchase of tables for use by the

New Horizons.

“Choice Dollars” were also used to provide funds for

the Pizza and Pop dinners for the Confirmands and

for the purchase of Baptismal Medallions. If you

have questions, please contact Bill Koehler at 402-

339-2512.

Thank you to all of the ladies (and men) who

donated desserts and their time to help the

Women’s Ministry at their Lenten Supper. Because of

your kindness and generosity almost 200 people

were served. Funds raised will help fund the

upcoming Beth Moore simulcast in September.

Carey Oswald, Women’s Ministry Leadership Team

Beautiful Savior,

Thank you all for being there when we need you so

much. We cannot appreciate you more!

God bless.

Rick & Carol Evers

Nicole & Andrew Bremer

A sincere “Thank You” to everyone who supported

the COBS (Concordia Omaha at Beautiful Savior)

Lenten pancake supper on March 6. Over $580 was

earned for the scholarship fund.

8

Have you had the opportunity to read the musingsof our Beautiful Savior women bloggers yet? If not, http://womenofbslc.wordpress.com/ is where youcan find them. They share their frailties, blessingsand revelations with you praying that you will beable to relate to their testimonies and beencouraged to ponder Christ’s presence and lovein your life. Be sure to leave comments, we want tohear your voices, too!

K I N D L E

Susan Lewis and Terry Riessen have justfinished their “cluster” meetings with JimHaack as the coach in this leadershipdevelopment program. To date, 44 BeautifulSavior members have been involved inKINDLE. What can participation in KINDLE dofor you? It will help you create “appliedlearning plans” based on assessments, whereYOU control the areas of servant-leadershipin which you want to grow. You will alsoemerge from the “cluster” experience withyour own unique “personal missionstatement” that will empower you to say yesor no to all the opportunities to impact yourworld that confront you each day. To find outmore, contact Jim Haack, 402-331-7376 orjim@bslcomaha.org. He will start up a newcluster within the next few months,depending on people’s availability. (KINDLEstands for the Karpenko Institute for Nurturingand Developing Leadership Excellence). Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church

7706 S 96 Street - La Vista

Tickets: $20 through April 15 – $30 after April 15Available on Sundays & in the Church Office

Program begins at 9:30 a.m. and runs to 4:15 p.m.Boxed Lunch Included

O d d s & E n d s

1) Jim Haack has begun his

vicarage and online studies in

the Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP)

program through Concordia

Seminary, St. Louis. Pastor Keith

will serve as Jim’s vicarage

supervisor over the next four

years. The Board of Elders has

given Jim authority to consecrate

the elements in the Lord’s Supper.

2) The 4th Pastor Call Committee

will be receiving information

about potential candidates from

Nebraska District President Russ

Sommerfeld. The Call Committee

consists of Dave Stout (Chairman),

Kirsten Fletter, Scotte Hansen, Rob

Kosiski, Katie Kraft,

Lindsey Marek, Scott Oswald,

Dorothy Pflug, Mark Schmidt, Paul

Tillema, and Bob Wickert. This 4th

Pastor will be responsible for

starting a new worship service in

the La Vista facility addition on

Sundays at 11:00 am. He will also

oversee the “Life Group” ministries

at BSLC.

3) There will be an “Open House”

for the new facility addition

immediately after the late service

on Sunday, May 5, 2013. Our

guest speaker for the worship

services on that day is Gary Thies,

Mission Development Counselor

for the LCMS Iowa West and

Nebraska Districts. We will

officially dedicate this facility

addition later in the summer

when furnishings and A/V

components are installed. Our

goal is for worship services to

begin in this new addition in

September 2013.

4) We currently have 35 active

Stephen Ministers with the

addition of these new training

class participants who were

commissioned on Sunday, March

10: Melissa Bergoch, Anna Cole,

Leanna Fritz, Kris Laeding, Steve

Weber and Peg Williams.

5) Beautiful Savior will be hosting

the Pastoral Leadership

9

Institute’s “Missional Leader

Conference” April 10-12 from 8:30

a.m. - 5:30 p.m. We are

expecting over 50 pastors to

participate in this event. PLI

provides advanced missional

leadership training for pastors

whose hearts burn with passion for

the gospel and who have

exhibited potential for leadership

excellence. It is an initiative

conceived with the express

purpose of supporting a strong,

viable church for the next

millennium.

6) The “Baccalaureate 2013”

worship service for seniors who

are graduating from Ralston,

Papillion-La Vista, and Papillion

South High Schools will take place

at Papillion South on Sunday, May

5, at 7:00 pm. This event is

sponsored annually by the Tri-City

Ministerial Association.

7) Gary Thies invites everyone to

Mission Central near Mapleton,

Iowa, to hear missionaries tell

about their work around the

world. All speaking events are

in the barn at Mission Central.

Beautiful Savior member and

Missionary to Hong Kong, Judy

Newhouse, will be speaking at

Mission Central on Saturday, May

25, at 1:30 pm. For more

information on Mission Central,

visit their website at

www.missioncentral.us.

8) These statistics from a recent

study are startling: 50 years

ago 69% of Americans went to

church. Today that number is 17%.

If trends continue, church

attendance in 2050 will be half of

what it is today: 8.5%. Lutheran

Church Extension Fund (LCEF) is

committed to supporting the

overall mission and ministry of

Lutheran churches and

partnering to serve communities.

LCEF offers a wide array of

investment opportunities to help

individuals and Lutheran ministries

meet their investment goals. To

find out more, visit www.lcef.org.

9) An informational meeting was

held at Beautiful Savior on

Sunday, March 3, to discuss the

possibility of starting a new

Lutheran elementary school in

Sarpy County in the future.

Twenty-five people were in

attendance for this grass roots

initiative that will work in

conjunction with the Concordia

Schools of Omaha. This school will

not be located at Beautiful Savior

because of facility shortcomings.

10) Among all protestant

churches across North America

(including Lutherans), only 20%

are growing. In sharp contrast a

much higher percent of large

churches are growing (79%

between 2010 and 2012). There

are 1,600 churches in North

America with a worship

attendance of at least 2,000

adults and children.

ROC – OMAHA IS OCTOBER 18-19, 2013Lutheran Hour Ministries hits the heartland, bringing its Regional OutreachConference to Omaha! This power-packed outreach conference brings youinspiring presentations, hands-on outreach projects, awesome worship music,and loads of practical tools that will transform the way you live as a witness andhow you think about outreach!

Here's what's in store for you at ROC-Omaha:T Practical outreach helps for everyday situations from the Speaker of The Lutheran Hour, Rev. Gregory

Seltz.T Breakout sessions on hard-hitting topics to reach our communities with the Gospel.T Worship music led by Kip Fox.T Idea exchanges with outreach consultants in the "Guru Room." T Mini-workshops and one-on-one technological advice in the "Technology Center" T Age-appropriate training events for children and teens, and more!

Several Beautiful Savior Staff will be assisting and leading workshops at ROC-Omaha. Reserve a spot on yourcalendar and join us for this powerful outreach event taking place at the Omaha Marriott (10220 RegencyCircle). Registration is $89 for adults; $49 for teens (grades 8-12); $29 for children (grades K-7); and $225 forfamily. ROC-Omaha registration cut-off date is Tuesday, October 15. To learn more, go to www.lhm.org/roc.

10

Making Fa i th Par t o f Everyday

"Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road,

when you lie down and when you get up." -- Deuteronomy 6:6-7

Impress them on your children, God says. Surely this means to engrave His words deeply in their

hearts, to etch them in their very souls. So start early and don't stop. In 2 Timothy 3:15, Paul

reminds Timothy that he has known the Scriptures from infancy. Let a children's Bible be your

first gift to your baby. Read aloud the timeless stories, even before he or she understands the

meaning. Include "Jesus Loves Me" in your collection of lullabies.

Teaching God's Word can be as simple as leaving your child an encouraging Bible verse on the bathroom

mirror with dry-erase marker, or as tender as placing a verse that addresses his or her specific needs on a pillow.

Begin each morning with a statement of praise: "Look at the beautiful day God made."

Time spent riding in a car can afford great opportunities to talk about the things of God. Point out the beauty of

creation as you drive: the frosty blankets of grass, the first tulips pushing up through the mud, the autumn leaves

bursting with color. When you pass an ethnic restaurant, pray aloud for missionaries and the unsaved in that

culture. When you hear a police, fire or ambulance siren, pray for the workers and those involved in the

accident or crime. When you pass a school, pray for the teachers and the children who attend

there. And when hurrying through the drive-through, be sure to bless those kids’ meals too.

Model godly behavior for your child at his or her sports events. Encourage your child to play as

though playing for God, and to pray for coaches and teammates. Ultimately the goal is for your

child to see God in action in every facet of life — and to live for Him.

Use meal times to encourage spiritual discussions. Choose a child-friendly devotional for dinner devotions a few

times per week. Guide them in praying for others and for themselves. Pray that God would present them with a

need that they can help with and that He would make clear how their gifts and abilities could best serve Him.

As your children grow, you might read aloud a chapter of Psalms or Proverbs that correspond with that date.

The range of emotions in the Psalms reminds us that God is open to hearing about and working in everything

we might feel. The time-tested wisdom of Proverbs is always relevant to our daily lives.

Bedtime is a great time for hearing your child's heart and their questions and ideas about God. Listen well. Pray

with them. As you tuck them in and turn out the light, remind them of the certainty of God's presence, even

when you are not with them.

Training a child in God's way is no small task. It is an awesome, humbling responsibility. But God promises that

His Word does not return to us void. It won't to our children either. So take advantage of the opportunities every

day to impress God's truth on some very teachable hearts — yours included.

Are you looking for a simple, memorable, and meaningful meal prayer? How about this “Table Prayer” from

Crossways International:

Lord, we thank You for the food before us,

the family and friends beside us,

the love between us,

and Your presence among us. Amen

11

Stewardship Thought

What is your specific calling?

Few people spoke to James Bond

with more exasperation than his

quartermaster Q. The recurring

scenes were part of the 007

magic. Having been given his

orders by M, the head of the

British secret service, Bond then

reported to Q to receive the

gizmos, gadgets and guns

necessary to accomplish the

mission. Bond's casual disrespect

for Q created playful tension

between the two and provoked

Q's frustrated calls to "Pay

attention, Double-O-Seven!"

This pattern evident within her

Majesty's Secret Service actually

fits nicely with what the Bible says

about the role of leaders in the

church. While the popular model

of ministry today views pastors

more like M, the organizational

chief who determines the agents'

missions, the New Testament

presents a model of church

leadership that looks more like Q.

To reach a new generation, we

must affirm not just God's general

mission, but people's specific

callings. Then we train and equip

them for the role God assigns.

Mail - Web - Email

We have come a long way from

hand crank mimeograph

machines when it comes to

publishing church newsletters!

Beautiful Savior’s

Connections has been

printed with a color copier

for a couple years. But with

such a variety of ways to

receive information today I am

wondering just how our members

would prefer getting their

information about the activities

and ministries at Beautiful Savior.

The Connections newsletter is

always available online at our

website, www.bslcomaha.org

and, obviously you receive one

in your mailbox. We also

have the capability to

email the Connections to

you. During April there

will be a form in your

bulletin and also

available on the tables in the

back of the Worship Center which

you can use to let me know how

YOU wish to receive information

about the activities and ministries

in your congregation. This is also a

matter of stewardship since we

will be saving paper and postage

for all those who choose email or

going to the website themselves.

Thank you for your consideration.

I look at making these changes

for the May Connections.

Lynne Saathoff

lynne@bslcomaha.org

Al l Lad ies Inv i ted

The 35th Biennial LWML Convention is set for June 27-30, 2013 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Come for a weekend

filled with excitement and inspiration. The theme chosen for the convention is “Quenched! By the Water,”

based on John 4:16 where Jesus says, “...but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be

thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water

welling up to eternal life.” A special worship service has been designed. For more

information on convention activities visit the LWML website at

www.lwml.org/conventions.

Ladies, you are also invited to Beautiful Savior’s LWML meeting on Thursday, April 18

at 6:45 p.m. at the Grover Site. Come and see what International Lutheran Women’s Missionary League and

our local LWML is all about. Come for fellowship and inspiration. We would love to share our friendship and

interest in missions with you! Also - remember the LWML recycles your devotional booklets. Bring them to

Conference Room 215 and put them on the LWML shelf. Thanks!

12

Teaching Position Available

Concordia Jr/Sr High School is currentlyaccepting applications for a part-timeMath teacher. Qualified individuals mustpossess a current Nebraska teachingcertificate. If you are interested pleasecontact the principal, Matt Korte, byphone (402.445.4000) orkortem@concordiaomaha.org. Pleasesend resume to Mr. Matt Korte, Principal,Concordia Jr/Sr High, 15656 Fort, Omaha,NE 68116. A great opportunity to teach ina Christ-centered setting.

Spring Crafters Event

Mt. Calvary Lutheran School is hosting thisevent for all who might need to get “caughtup” on scrapbooking, quilting, sewingprojects, or whatever kinds of crafts youenjoy. It will be Saturday, April 20 from 9:00a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The $35 cost includes alarge table/workspace, breakfast, lunch,supper, snacks and drinks. We will also havea silent auction, several craft vendors, and acrafters’ “Garage Sale.” Please contactTeresa Czarnecki for more information at402-960-5810 or d.tczar@me.com. Space islimited! Hope to see you for a fun day!!

Mark your calendars for Beautiful Savior’s La Vista Site VBS which will be June 24-28,

2013. Kids will learn to STAND STRONG for God through medieval adventures all week

long.

This year we will be offering two sessions. The first session will be as usual in the morning

from 9:00 a.m. to Noon. We will be offering a separate session in the evenings from 6:00-

8:30 p.m. Our evening session will be more geared toward families attending VBS

together. Watch for more information and registration coming soon.

Men. Mission. Movement.

Basecamp 2013 is an invitation to all men, ages 13 and older who are part of a congregation in the Nebraska

or Iowa District West LCMS. The event is sponsored by the Iowa District West and Band of Brothers Network of

King of Kings, Omaha. Basecamp 2013 is set for Friday night and all day Saturday – August 23 & 24 at Mission

Central near Mapleton, Iowa.

The focus will be for men to hear, see and experience:

Missional Living – leading their wives, families, churches, neighborhoods and communities as bold men of Jesus.

Missional Giving – hearing about and responding to the mission opportunities offered by Mission Central

Missional Serving – taking on a service project for a few hours at Mission Central or in Mapleton

The Basics:

Tent camping on the grounds of Mission Central Friday night (bring your own tent & camping supplies

Breakfast and lunch (for a small fee) will be provided on Saturday

There will be teaching sessions and worship time Friday evening and Saturday

Missionaries Josh Lange and Shaun Daughtery will be at the event on Friday and Saturday

We will be praying for and financially supporting Josh and the Daughtery family on Saturday.

More information, including registration information will be available soon on the website,

http://bandofbrothersusa.net/basecamp-2013/.

13

Want To Make A Change?

Learning to Embrace These 17 Little “I Am’s” Will Change Your Life

I Am A Follower Of Christ

I Am Created For A Purpose

I Am More Than A Conqueror

I Am Held Accountable For My Actions

I Am Defined By What God Thinks Of Me And Not What People Think

I Am Called To Love And Make A Difference In The Lives Of Others

I Am Characterized By The Potential and Not My Past

I Am Writing My Testimony

I Am A Work In Progress

I Am Forgiven and Free

I Am A Lender And Not A Borrower

I Am Fearfully And Wonderfully Made

I Am Chosen

I Am Destined

I Am A Masterpiece – I Am The Master’s Piece

I Am Born To Manifest The Glory Of God Within Me

I Am What I Am – By The Grace Of God

Concord ia Fun Run

Concordia Lutheran Schools of Omaha will host a 5K and a 1 mile fun run/walk on Saturday, April 27, 2013, at

Standing Bear Lake. Starting time is 8:00 a.m. for the 5K immediately followed by the 1 mile. Funds raised will

benefit the mission of Concordia Lutheran Schools of Omaha. The 1 mile event is $25 and the 5K event is $30

(plus registration fee). For more information or to register go to www.concordiaomaha.org. Click on the 5K

tab. This event will replace the Plant Sale this year.

14

April Wedding Anniversaries

4/3 Lucas & Aimee Berndt, Harold & Karen Knapp; 4/5 David & Teri Lee, Tim & Darlis Vauble; 4/7 Ellen & Doug

Rowland; 4/8 Curt & Kelly Hiatt; 4/9 Brianne & Beau Linn; 4/10 Nick & Amy Beard, Jim & Lorrie Cobb, Kyle & Melissa

Frans, Matt & Christy Shuput; 4/12 Gary & Teri Cissell, Michelle & Mark Rule, Joseph & Donna Seefeld, Jonathan &

Cheryl Simmons, Don & Linda Winters; 4/13 Michael & Jane Valerius; 4/14 Kenneth & Carol Deman, Matthew &

Johanna Valerius; 4/15 Kevin & Irene Schubert; 4/16 Chad & Renae Congrove; 4/17 Robin & Ken Arens, Kevin &

Denise Klein, John & Heidi Mogensen, Matthew & Stacy Nash, Chad & Cheryl Wallace; 4/18 Andrew & Amy Feaser,

Tom & Vivian Schirmer, Marv & Gayle Vala; 4/20 Jerry & Jeanie Shank, Scott & Chris Wollberg; 4/21 Bart & Anna

Jesseritz; 4/23 Mike & Kathy McKenney; 4/24 Michelle & Jshon Breeling, Brandon & Jamie Draper, Marcia & Tom

Schrad, Steven & Mary Wisnieski; 4/25 Bill & Carol Jensen, Wendell & Monica Stavig; 4/26 J.D. & Teri Cook, Ken &

Debra Marek, David & Catherine Rafteseth; 4/27 Bruce & Tammy Argotsinger, Darci & Dallas Hoogeveen, Scott &

Mandy Kincaid, Pat & Kari Wilson; 4/28 Ron & Faye Miller; 4/29 C. John & Lauren Balleweg, Lorie & Shawn Hubbard,

Paul & Susan Schiltz, Steven & Christine Slezak; 4/30 Joe & Paula Kresl, Mark & Wendy Milne.

April BirthdaysADULTS: 4/1 Kyle DeBusk, Jean Harder, April Lingerfelt; 4/2 Karen Beckman, Jim Durant; 4/3 Janet Baumgart, Melvin

Doerr, Tracy Durant, Lisa Jungbluth, Julie Korte, Linda Winters; 4/4 Linsey Herbolsheimer, Frank Holmes, Matthew

Valerius, Kelly Voelker, Valarie Warner; 4/5 Rhonda Byers, Jeanne Klinker, Frederick Leu, Mark Mellick, Zev Rohloff,

Josh Sillik; 4/6 Dana Crumley, Bill Jensen, Scott Oswald; 4/7 Clarice Baumgart, Eileen Krenz, Susan Lewis, Mitch

Munstermann, Devon Reick, Robin Thoms; 4/8 Mabel Aiken, Lisa Green, Fred Mahler, Kaitlyn Negless, Katie Watkins;

4/9 John Dulany, Michael Foresman, Melissa Kucera; 4/10 Jason Freidrichs, Connie Jacobitz, Shelly Kosiski; 4/11 Ray

Ashby, Lindsay Byers, Jessica Loontjer, Gina Marchio, Ronald Pigg, Shelby Rauscher, Alan Wellman; 4/12 Hali Allen,

Kathryn Bertrang, Kurth Brashear, Anna Cole, Zach Johnson, Fern Metz, Chad Wallace; 4/13 Kathe Downs, Matthew

Nash, Jay Srygley; 4/14 Dave Brinkman, Judy Flynn, Pam Glidewell, Carol Munstermann; 4/15 Corky Luedders, Nancy

Miser, Ross Passmore, Brian Sorensen, Paul Steube, Cathy Van Winkle, Sami Winter; 4/16 Chris Jamrock, Rebecca

Pflug, Aric Wenzel; 4/17 Don Daubert, Kevin Loontjer, Lee Petersen; 4/18 Gloria Dubas, Candas Marsicek; 4/19 Cindy

Boex, Katie Boyd, Andrew Feaser, Sandra Gaube, Justin Michaelson, Michael Paukert, David Rafteseth, Nancy Ries,

Larry Vidlak; 4/20 Scott Glidewell, Steven Odom, Patrick Rezac, Vicki Schroder, Jason Toth, Rachel White; 4/21 Meg

Hall; 4/22 Tim Reick, Pam Root, Lynne Saathoff; 4/23 Kelsey Kirkpatrick, Bill Koehler, Mark Schmidt, Randy Zotti; 4/24

Loreen Blume, Noreen Jungbluth, Milisa Riley; 4/25 Michelle Adams, Annie Mconaughey, Heather Nelson; 4/26 Erin

Byers, Tom Guernsey, Gail Hawkins, Vicki Hoover, Bill Janssen, Brittany Jones, Scott Vesely, Nick Wessel; 4/27 Kim

Fitch, Jeff Schroder; 4/28 Jalene Eberhardt, Rita Landmark, Vernette Passmore, Katie Sievers, Marilyn Slezak; 4/29

Dan Bombeck, Kathy Bruner, Jeffrey Caccomo, Judy Edwards, Lana Politano, Pam Priebe; 4/30 Carla Zak.

TEENS: 4/2 Jaret Bray; 4/3 Drew Lainson; 4/6 Garrett Graveline, Heath Whiting; 4/7 Marci Stavig, Drew Welsh; 4/11

Alex Schubert; 4/12 Timothy Isenberger; 4/14 Caroline Engwell, Brooke Pafford; 4/15 Sutton Boex; 4/17 Eric Vander

Woude; 4/18 Kelsey Hansen, Blythe McKain; 4/19 Brennan Askew; 4/22 Clara Hawkins, C.J. Toth; 4/23 Cydnie

Argotsinger, Jaymie Argotsinger; 4/25 Dylan Dean; 4/26 Randy Headrick, Olivia Keilig, Morgan Smith; 4/27 Makenzie

Cartwright; 4/28 Emma Latimer; 4/30 Kori Breeling.

CHILDREN: 4/1 Scotlyn Kincaid, Rylee Loontjer; 4/2 Carter Bombeck, Jaelynn Bremer, Lauren Langenfeld, Kaitlyn

Vander Woude; 4/3 Luke Downs, Christian Newsom, Allison Wilson; 4/7 Abby Matthew; 4/8 Mallory Berndt, Tyse Brink;

4/9 Trey Potthoff, Holden Schardt, Evan Wessel; 4/12 Emmett Meyer, Andrew Schmidt; 4/13 Alaina Conn, Tyler Cox,

Trevor Cox; 4/14 Cole Drumheller, Aubriana Garcia; 4/15 Lexi Arians, Sophia Rafteseth; 4/16 Jolene Henry; 4/17

Sophia Srygley; 4/18 Evan Benton, Hailey Kempfert; 4/19 Landon Christensen; 4/20 Estelle Schaap; 4/21 Jackson

Sheldon; 4/22 Claire Drog, Sarah Flaugh, Cora Vander Woude; 4/23 Emma DeWitt; 4/24 Isabelle Bertrang; 4/25

Alyssa Anderson, Keagen Burns, Kohen Burns, Vivian Jacobitz; 4/29 Ainsley Stolley.

15

Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church

7706 S 96th Street

La Vista NE 68128April

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Our Mission Statement

Empowered by the Holy Spirit the members of Beautiful Savior will:Reach people for ChristGlorify the Savior through worshipConnect them with believersGuide them to Christ-like maturityEquip them for a life of service

Non Profit Org.US Postage

PAIDOmaha, NEPermit #618