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9am · Worship with Holy Communion

10:15am · Sunday School, Adult Ed, Coffee Fellowship

11am ·Worship-KDMA

9am · Praise Worship10:15am · Sunday

School, Adult Ed, Coffee Fellowship

11am ·Worship-KDMA

9am · Worship10:15am · Sunday

School, Adult Ed, Coffee Fellowship

11am ·Worship-KDMA5pm · Agape Singers

Concert

9am · Worship with Holy Communion

10:15am · Sunday School, Adult Ed, Coffee Fellowship

11am ·Worship-KDMA

10:15am · Sunday School, Adult Ed, Coffee Fellowship

11am ·Worship-KDMA3pm · U of M Morris

Choir Concert

7pm · Dorcas Circle

5:30pm · Management Board

6:30 · Ministry Board

9am · Quilting

10:15am · Staff Meeting

10:15am · Staff Meeting1pm · Work Group

Meeting

10:15am · Staff Meeting

9am · Quilting10:15am · Staff Meeting

9am · Martha Circle2pm · Christ’s Kids6:30pm · Ash

Wednesday Worship7:30pm Choir Practice

9am · Elisabeth Circle11:30am · Executive

Committee5pm · Church Council5:15pm· Lenten Supper6:30pm·Lenten Worship7:30pm · Choir Practice

1:30pm · WELCA General Board

5:15pm· Lenten Supper6:30pm·Lenten Worship7:30pm · Choir Practice

5:15pm· Lenten Supper6:30pm·Lenten Worship7:30pm · Choir Practice

9am · Senior Advisory5:30pm · Chimers

Practice6:30 · Hand Bell

Practice

9:15am · Julia Circle5:30pm · Chimers

Practice6:30 · Hand Bell

Practice

5:30pm · Chimers Practice

6:30 · Hand Bell Practice

5:30pm · Chimers Practice

6:30 · Hand Bell Practice

9amAltar Guild

9:30am · Global Missions

March 2019 Communion Schedule: 1st Tuesday · 2:00 pm Homefront · 3:00 pm Brookside · 4:00 pm Luther Haven

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY3

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31

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5

19

26

6

13

20

27

7

14

21

28

1

8

15

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2

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Worship Broadcasts:KDMA Radio 11:00 am Sundays

Television Channel 180Tuesdays 10:30 am · Wednesdays 2:30 pm

Thursdays 10:30 am

10 12

9

First Communion Retreat

312

Many times over the years as Ihave taught Confirmation, thestudents have asked thosequestions. You know the ones.The ones that are really hard andyou really have to search foranswers. These are the “Why”questions of life. Why do we haveto believe? Why do we have to bea Lutheran? Why do we have tofollow the Ten Commandments?Each of them are good questions,but hardly can be answeredquickly and easily.

Our Lenten Series this year looksat the “Why” questions of faithand life. We begin with “‘WhyBelieve?” and end on EasterMorning with, ‘Why is the tombempty?’” In between we look at“Why Christian, Why Lutheran,Why the Lord’s Supper and Whydid he have to die?” to name a few.We are jumping in the deep endof faith and struggling with thetough issues of faith and life. Eachof these why questions affect ourdaily lives and how we live. So wewill gather for worship and some

deep questioning. It will be aninteresting process.

In the world we live in today withall the science and technology, wehave to look at these questions. Ifwe do not struggle to understandour faith and our lives and howthey are intertwined, then we riskthat our faith is simply no longerrelevant. Many people today arespiritual they say, but not so manyare attending worship. It issomething that should make usstop and wonder. It is a fact thatmakes me say, “Well, let’s tacklethe big questions of faith and lifethat our faith will all be relevant inour world today.”

We gather then to worship andwonder together. We will not haveall the answers for sure. We willbegin a conversation that will takeyou and I into a deeper place. It will be a time of growth for each of us. I look forward to the journey.

In Christ, Pastor Don

Financial Information for January Offerings: $35,597.00 Expense: $42,408.00

FuneralsElna Louise Hanson 1/15/19Debra Lynn Buseman 1/23/19Layton Arthur Albrecht 2/9/19

March Worship Assistants

UshersRobb & Kathy GilkeyDavid & Robin Enevoldsen

& FamilyJerome & Kelly FragodtMarvin & Gayle JensenPaul & Ardis LarsonBen & Bobbi Jo TushausBrian & Lisa SchultzJackie Sachs & Family

Radio3/3 Dennis Brandon3/10 Brandon Raymo3/17 Bruce Vien3/24 DeVon Vien3/31 Stacy Tufto

Video 3/3 Maurice Erickson3/10 Tyler McKee3/17 Ross Winter3/24 Scott Burdorf3/31 Maurice Erickson

MemorialsAnita Gayken: Undesignated $ 30.00

Brad Lofthus Chairlift $ 75.00

BaptismsCamryn Marie Tammen 1/13/2019

A Call for Volunteers!A request from Copper GlenAssisted Living:We are reaching out to our areachurches to see if anycongregation members would beinterested in volunteering byplaying the piano for a sing-a-long or a church service. Or,working with the staff doing acraft with tenants. Or, simply justvisiting with tenants.I know the tenants would greatlyappreciate your time and it wouldbe a very rewarding experience forthe volunteer. If interested, please contact Sue Gilbertson at(320) 269-9668.Thank you in advance!Sue GilbertsonManagerCopper Glen

“I can do all things through Christwho strengthens me” Philippians 4:13

Answeringthe BigQuestions

4 11

family&youth

ministries

Quentin’s Update:Christ Kids met on February 6th.We had 15 students and talkedabout God’s love for us and howwe are called to share that lovewith others. For crafts, we madehearts that had the John 3:16bible verse at the center. Manythanks to Kris Johnson and KaylaHarwick for their continuedleadership. I would also like tooffer my heartfelt thanks to Edand Pam Delf for volunteeringtheir time each month to helpsupervise and lead Christ’s Kids.

Upcoming Events andImportant Information:OSLC Week at Camp:

Ourrecommendedweek at GreenLake LutheranMinistries is

June 21-26. We encourageeveryone to sign up for this week

so that your children already havefriends that are going. OurSavior’s will cover half the cost.However, you may sign up for anyweek of camp that you choose.Contact Quentin at the churchoffice at 269-8824 with anyregistration questions.

FirstCommunionRetreat:

Our 5th graderswill again begoing to Green

Lake Bible Camp for their FirstCommunion instruction onMarch 15 and 16. This retreatwill feature camp games, greatfood, crazy counselors, and, ofcourse, instruction on thesacrament of Holy Communion.Parents if you have not received aletter about this, please contactthe church office.

Spring Fever Youth Retreat:

Our ministry partners at GreenLake Bible Camp are againhosting a Spring Fever overnightretreat for grades 2-6. This retreatis on April 5th and 6th and willfeature games, bible study, greatfood, and great memories withfriends new and old. Registrationforms are in the Narthex by thewhite board and the cost is $110.

3and [Jesus] said, “Truly I tell you,unless you change and become likechildren, you will never enter thekingdom of heaven.”

Matthew 18:3b NRSV

Please pray with me; I know thatyou know this well. “The Lord ismy Shepherd; I shall not want. Hemaketh me to lie down in greenpastures; he leadeth me beside stillwaters. He restoreth my soul. Heleadeth me in paths of righteousnessfor his name’s sake. Yea, though Iwalk through the valley of theshadow of death, I shall fear no evil;for thou art with me; thy rod andthy staff, they comfort me. Thoupreparest a table before me in thepresence of mine enemies; thouanointest my head with oil; my cuprunneth over. Surely goodness andmercy shall follow me all the days ofmy life and I shall dwell in thehouse of the Lord forever.” Amen.

The 23rd Psalm brings us comfortbeyond our imagination. Itprovides us with hope and whenwe pray it, we can feel God’smercy overflowing in these loving words.

The Good Shepherd guides us andprotects us. The Good Shepherdcares about his sheep—that meansyou and me. The Good Shepherdunderstands us better than weunderstand ourselves.

The Good Shepherd calls us torest in his arms and brings uscomfort, when we least expect it.The Good Shepherd’s love for usis unfailing and never-ending. Nomatter what we have done in ourlife—no matter what path we havetaken, the Good Shepherd reachesout to us to draw us back to him.And then the Good Shepherdforgives us—always forgives us—who come to him and call out his name.

At Luther Haven we worshipevery Wednesday afternoon. The23rd Psalm is prayed. Residents,even those with memory loss,KNOW these words. It is a gift tome, to witness the faith of ourelder folks. What an honor it is topray these words together in a visitwith those who are well and thosewho are sick. They come easily to us and they really do help us feel better.

The Good Shepherd promises thateven when we walk in thatlonesome valley, we are not alone;

Thinking with...Pastor Marie Eckberg

510

Can’t get to church? Or, maybeyou didn’t quite hear the sermon?Listen on KDMA Radio1460 AMYou can hear Our Savior’s currentSunday worship at 11:00 amevery Sunday morning onKDMA 1460 AM.

we’ve accumulated on our tripwith others. Maybe even takingsome time to help someone elseplan and prepare for their trip.So, I guess as I think about thisjourney we’re on, we each willhave a exit sign, or two, ahead.We’ve been told what to expect bythe signs leading up to the exit,kind of like Wall Drug, cold waterahead only 400 miles to go. Onlyour signs have promised us, thatwith this water, we would neverthirst again.Your church is readyand willing to help make the finalpreparations and even has a bookof directions to help you get toyour journey’s end.For a UNIQUE experience, lookfor that exit ahead sign thatpromises you full services ahead, and the cold water ofeverlasting life.It’s the exit worth taking a chance on.

Phrases and figures of speech we useeveryday. Where did they comefrom?

Come, let us reason togetherIsaiah1:18

He that is not for me is againstme Matthew 12:30

Pride goeth before...a fallProverbs 16:18

The truth shall make you freeJohn 8:32

Let Your Light Shine—Be a Beacon

Ed DelfPresident Church Council

Lenten MealsWe will gather at 5:15 pm on March 13, 20, 27, and April 3 and 10 for supper. We have yet to decide on a menu,but it will be wonderful and allare invited.

This is a fundraiser for ourSummer Bible Camp and wehope that you might give a gift of$5.00 per person for these greatmeals. We will serve until 6:20 pm and then go to Lenten Worship at 6:30 pm.

Work Group MeetingThere will be a meeting to updatethe Work Group booklet forfunerals on Tuesday, March 12that 1:00 pm in the Fireside Room.We would like it if all work groupcallers would attend to help us onthis project!

If you have any questions, please call the church office at269-8824.

LQP Women of the ELCASpring Gathering

April 16, 2019Registration and coffee

at 8:30 am

First English Lutheran ChurchOrtonville, MN

Habitat for HumanityBig Build Vietnam 2018

240 volunteers—21 homes

Speaker: Pete ChristopherResource Director and Marketing Manager

Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity

$10 registration by April 10 to:Bernice Oellien

2570 280th StreetMadison, MN 56256

Noon lunch is included with your registration

Deadline for The Sentinelnewsletter is the

12th of each month.

Go With God’s Spirit,

Share the Word of God,

Reach out to those in need!

OSLC Mission Statement

we do not have to be afraid;comfort and peace come to us aswe call out to our GoodShepherd. And the promise ismade sure in the Good Shepherd’slife, death and resurrection.

Yes, the Good Shepherd is Jesus,the Christ. He comes to us; heseeks us out of our lonely placesin life and restores us in ourrelationship with him. Duringthis season of Lent, we becomeever mindful of his presence as wejourney with him to his cross.Jesus invites us to “walk and talkwith him as good friends shouldand do.” Let us remember andcling to these words as we hearJesus’ promise to us and for us,“The Lord is my Shepherd; I shallnot want.”

May we draw nearer to Jesus, each day.Pastor Marie

96

Church Council CornerWell we’re off and running towhatever 2019 will bring us. Theend of January was one of those“Are you Kidding” kind of coldsnaps that left me wonderingabout global warming. Iremember hearing about someplace in Australia that had 115°for a high so probably a 150-degree swing difference. Doeskind of remind me of the saying“No matter where you go thereyou are.” Guess we have to becareful what we wish for.

Our annual meeting was heldSunday, January 27:

Denise Bangsund, President,called the meeting to order andPastor Don followed withopening devotions.

She followed with a short talkthat highlighted her term asOSLC President. Thank youDenise for your leadership andcommitment to God’s missionthis past year. It was a pleasure toserve with you.

Areas that needed motions forapproval included the 2019budget and approving the Boardmembers and directors. Somequestions were asked on severalbudget issues and, afterdiscussions, both were voted onand approved.

Pastor Don discussed OSLCgeneral fund dollars; Memorialdollars; and Mission Endowment

dollars and the role of each andhow these dollars can be spent.For those that may have hadquestions, Pastor Don did a greatjob explaining how it all worked.In a nutshell, each is a separatefund. Monies given to MissionEndowment or to the MemorialFund cannot be used for day-to-day general operations.Sometimes that can be confusingif budget dollars are low or arepair or update is needed andthere are dollars in these Fundsbut, because of how and wherethese funds were donated, theycan’t be used.

Pastor Don had highlightedseveral areas that he, and thecouncil and boards have workedon since he arrived in 2002. Theinteresting thing was so many ofthe things done for OSLC, camefrom donations from you. Thingslike the organ console update($81,000) and new Sanctuary airconditioner ($55,000). The pointwas made that without yourcaring and help we could not haveaccomplished all we have done.So thanks for all you do in big andsmall ways—it all matters.

Pastor Don talked a little on ourchurch celebrating 140 years thisyear and that we are reviewingthings we can do to celebrate this.Denise will head a committee thatwill be looking at activities wemight do—if you are interested inbeing on this committee, or havesuggestions, please give her a call.

remember any of your road trips,didn't you ever wonder what wason the other side of some of thoseexit signs? I know I sure did.

I kind of think our life’s journey islike a road trip. From time-to-time we encounter those exit signsand maybe even those dreadeddetour ahead signs. I always likedseeing those great advertisingsigns that promised a uniqueexperience, and counted down themiles until there you were, at theexit. Like I said, time was short,so I probably did like most of uswould do though and just keptgoing. But, didn’t you ever thinkabout “What if I had stopped—what would I have experienced?”

To some degree, I think we alllook back at our life’s journey andwonder about those roads nottaken. We’ve all faced those exitsand detour signs and just didn’twant to, or always have the time,to think too much about them.We’re humming along and theroad is pretty smooth andcomfortable. All the pot holesseem to be in the other guy’s laneanyway. If we were given thechoice of staying on our nicecomfortable road vs. taking thatexit to, who knows where, well,the known vs the unknown canseem pretty scary, so the path ofleast resistance works pretty good.As I said, been there, done that.

I wonder if sometimes we look atour church as just another exitsign ahead. It might be interesting

to stop and see what’s going onbut we’re on a schedule. We beganour journey not really knowinghow long it would take, or, evenwhere we actually were headed.There’s is an old saying that says,“What could go wrong usuallydoes.” Maybe, so far, it hasn’tbeen real smooth sailing and youthink there really isn’t time tostop. Besides, your vehicle is oldor you haven’t had time toproperly prepare for your trip.Perhaps your vehicle was loadeddown with all your everyday caresand frustrations and it just didn’tseem like there was more room topack any more in. Worse yet,there’s a dash light on, warning usthat we need to take the vehicle infor service soon.

We so often complain about ourtrip, and what a burden it is, andthe funny thing is, the servicestation that would help us fixthose car problems, is right in ourback yard. That exit sign thatpromised us services ahead stops afew travelers, but a lot of usmaybe think that those weremeant for someone else, or youdecide to chance it, and try andmake the next exit.

I think that God puts those exitahead signs there for us to STOP,to see where we really are in ourjourney. Are we going so fast thatwe miss seeing the things thatGod wants us to see and do? Thatincludes taking the time to showlove to our families andneighbors. Sharing the things

78

Just a side note on our funddollars and how they are used. Iknow at times it seems like thereare a lot of requests for dollars toshore up our general fund or,there is a project that needsdollars, and donations would behelpful. The Council, Pastor Don,and Executive Board have triedvery hard to explain what thefund categories are, and how theycan be used. The reality is we havea very old building that does, andwill continue to need updates—kind of like our houses do. Alongwith this we have also put a lot ofeffort into having everyoneunderstand that the other guycan’t carry the whole load—ittakes all our members to makethis all work. I suppose it’s kind oflike going Dutch to a meal, youenjoy the meal but you know youhave a bill coming your way.Sometimes it may seem that “JustYou” are being asked for help, but,it’s really just helping all of usunderstand the needs, and havingcontinuing discussions on howwe can do this. So that’s thereason we do talk about dollarsand include all members in thesediscussions, and the ongoing needfor them, because they are thebase and life blood of OSLC as aCommunity of Faith and thecontinuing of God’s Mission for us.

The All Board meeting, scheduledfor February 10, has beenrescheduled for Sunday, February24 from 10:30 to 12:30. News

from this meeting will beincluded in the next Sentinel.

The Council met on Wednesday,February 13.

Designated fund money will go toFaith Comes by Hearing. MP3Military Biblesticks, that have thePsalms and New Testamentrecorded on them, are given toour military members, here, andaround the globe.

Under New Business:

We have been blessed again as achurch, to receive $25,000 fromthe estate of Art Lanes. TheCouncil approved, after reviewand discussion of all our options,$6,995 for the chairlift project-that completes the $16,850needed for this project. Anadditional $3,005 was given tothe kitchen project, Theremaining $15,000 was set asidefor general maintenance.

The Council approved CarenJohnson as our Vice President forthis year and the CouncilPresident for 2020 church year.Also approved was Mel Haugerudwho will fill out the term of JasonDehne, of the ManagementBoard. Thanks to both of you forsharing your time and talents.

Finally, requests from PastorMarie and Pastor Don todesignate a portion of theircompensation for housingallowance as allowed by the IRS,has been approved.

Pastor Don’s Report: –We have three weddingsscheduled so far for 2019. Eachone takes upwards of 30 hours ofprep work to get not only hiswork done, but to hopefullyprepare the couple for thathappens after the “I Do.” I thinkthat, at times, there should have been more listening andquestions asked.

–January was a busy month withnormal activities and lots of workto get the Annual Report ready.

News From Your Boards: *Note* The All Board meetingwas rescheduled due to weather sonot all have reports at this time.

Management Board:

–No Report

Ministry Board:

–Sonja Zenk recapped areas thatthe board will be working on thisyear: Contemporary servicechanges; Bible studyopportunities; 140 yearanniversary events.

Sr. Advisory Board:

–If you are a member of Thriventyou have a great opportunity togive free funds to OSLC forprojects and activities. Talk with your agent for details orPastor Don.

WELCA: –No Report

Youth Board:

–Quentin filled in as temporaryCouncil rep until the Boardchooses their chair etc

–VBS plans are already beingmade

–They have seven Board membersand are looking for one more—talk with any Board member ifyou are interested in being part ofa fun group.

Mission Endowment Board:

–Cory Reiffenberger handed outthe Fund balance sheet from Dec. 31, 2018 for review and/orquestions. To recap—there aresome dollars left in our allocationareas but, due to lack of returnsfrom the funds in 2018, we willnot have the dollars for activitieslike we did in 2018 from a great2017 year.

Treasurer’s Report:

–After normal expenses forFebruary we should haveapproximately $30,000 in thecheckbook yet at month’s end perPastor Don. Thanks to all for allthat you do for OSLC.

Just Thoughts: Exit Ahead—What to do?

When I was working, my jobtook me all over the UnitedStates. My schedules were usuallypretty tight so I rarely got to gooff the beaten path. But, if you

78

Just a side note on our funddollars and how they are used. Iknow at times it seems like thereare a lot of requests for dollars toshore up our general fund or,there is a project that needsdollars, and donations would behelpful. The Council, Pastor Don,and Executive Board have triedvery hard to explain what thefund categories are, and how theycan be used. The reality is we havea very old building that does, andwill continue to need updates—kind of like our houses do. Alongwith this we have also put a lot ofeffort into having everyoneunderstand that the other guycan’t carry the whole load—ittakes all our members to makethis all work. I suppose it’s kind oflike going Dutch to a meal, youenjoy the meal but you know youhave a bill coming your way.Sometimes it may seem that “JustYou” are being asked for help, but,it’s really just helping all of usunderstand the needs, and havingcontinuing discussions on howwe can do this. So that’s thereason we do talk about dollarsand include all members in thesediscussions, and the ongoing needfor them, because they are thebase and life blood of OSLC as aCommunity of Faith and thecontinuing of God’s Mission for us.

The All Board meeting, scheduledfor February 10, has beenrescheduled for Sunday, February24 from 10:30 to 12:30. News

from this meeting will beincluded in the next Sentinel.

The Council met on Wednesday,February 13.

Designated fund money will go toFaith Comes by Hearing. MP3Military Biblesticks, that have thePsalms and New Testamentrecorded on them, are given toour military members, here, andaround the globe.

Under New Business:

We have been blessed again as achurch, to receive $25,000 fromthe estate of Art Lanes. TheCouncil approved, after reviewand discussion of all our options,$6,995 for the chairlift project-that completes the $16,850needed for this project. Anadditional $3,005 was given tothe kitchen project, Theremaining $15,000 was set asidefor general maintenance.

The Council approved CarenJohnson as our Vice President forthis year and the CouncilPresident for 2020 church year.Also approved was Mel Haugerudwho will fill out the term of JasonDehne, of the ManagementBoard. Thanks to both of you forsharing your time and talents.

Finally, requests from PastorMarie and Pastor Don todesignate a portion of theircompensation for housingallowance as allowed by the IRS,has been approved.

Pastor Don’s Report: –We have three weddingsscheduled so far for 2019. Eachone takes upwards of 30 hours ofprep work to get not only hiswork done, but to hopefullyprepare the couple for thathappens after the “I Do.” I thinkthat, at times, there should have been more listening andquestions asked.

–January was a busy month withnormal activities and lots of workto get the Annual Report ready.

News From Your Boards: *Note* The All Board meetingwas rescheduled due to weather sonot all have reports at this time.

Management Board:

–No Report

Ministry Board:

–Sonja Zenk recapped areas thatthe board will be working on thisyear: Contemporary servicechanges; Bible studyopportunities; 140 yearanniversary events.

Sr. Advisory Board:

–If you are a member of Thriventyou have a great opportunity togive free funds to OSLC forprojects and activities. Talk with your agent for details orPastor Don.

WELCA: –No Report

Youth Board:

–Quentin filled in as temporaryCouncil rep until the Boardchooses their chair etc

–VBS plans are already beingmade

–They have seven Board membersand are looking for one more—talk with any Board member ifyou are interested in being part ofa fun group.

Mission Endowment Board:

–Cory Reiffenberger handed outthe Fund balance sheet from Dec. 31, 2018 for review and/orquestions. To recap—there aresome dollars left in our allocationareas but, due to lack of returnsfrom the funds in 2018, we willnot have the dollars for activitieslike we did in 2018 from a great2017 year.

Treasurer’s Report:

–After normal expenses forFebruary we should haveapproximately $30,000 in thecheckbook yet at month’s end perPastor Don. Thanks to all for allthat you do for OSLC.

Just Thoughts: Exit Ahead—What to do?

When I was working, my jobtook me all over the UnitedStates. My schedules were usuallypretty tight so I rarely got to gooff the beaten path. But, if you

96

Church Council CornerWell we’re off and running towhatever 2019 will bring us. Theend of January was one of those“Are you Kidding” kind of coldsnaps that left me wonderingabout global warming. Iremember hearing about someplace in Australia that had 115°for a high so probably a 150-degree swing difference. Doeskind of remind me of the saying“No matter where you go thereyou are.” Guess we have to becareful what we wish for.

Our annual meeting was heldSunday, January 27:

Denise Bangsund, President,called the meeting to order andPastor Don followed withopening devotions.

She followed with a short talkthat highlighted her term asOSLC President. Thank youDenise for your leadership andcommitment to God’s missionthis past year. It was a pleasure toserve with you.

Areas that needed motions forapproval included the 2019budget and approving the Boardmembers and directors. Somequestions were asked on severalbudget issues and, afterdiscussions, both were voted onand approved.

Pastor Don discussed OSLCgeneral fund dollars; Memorialdollars; and Mission Endowment

dollars and the role of each andhow these dollars can be spent.For those that may have hadquestions, Pastor Don did a greatjob explaining how it all worked.In a nutshell, each is a separatefund. Monies given to MissionEndowment or to the MemorialFund cannot be used for day-to-day general operations.Sometimes that can be confusingif budget dollars are low or arepair or update is needed andthere are dollars in these Fundsbut, because of how and wherethese funds were donated, theycan’t be used.

Pastor Don had highlightedseveral areas that he, and thecouncil and boards have workedon since he arrived in 2002. Theinteresting thing was so many ofthe things done for OSLC, camefrom donations from you. Thingslike the organ console update($81,000) and new Sanctuary airconditioner ($55,000). The pointwas made that without yourcaring and help we could not haveaccomplished all we have done.So thanks for all you do in big andsmall ways—it all matters.

Pastor Don talked a little on ourchurch celebrating 140 years thisyear and that we are reviewingthings we can do to celebrate this.Denise will head a committee thatwill be looking at activities wemight do—if you are interested inbeing on this committee, or havesuggestions, please give her a call.

remember any of your road trips,didn't you ever wonder what wason the other side of some of thoseexit signs? I know I sure did.

I kind of think our life’s journey islike a road trip. From time-to-time we encounter those exit signsand maybe even those dreadeddetour ahead signs. I always likedseeing those great advertisingsigns that promised a uniqueexperience, and counted down themiles until there you were, at theexit. Like I said, time was short,so I probably did like most of uswould do though and just keptgoing. But, didn’t you ever thinkabout “What if I had stopped—what would I have experienced?”

To some degree, I think we alllook back at our life’s journey andwonder about those roads nottaken. We’ve all faced those exitsand detour signs and just didn’twant to, or always have the time,to think too much about them.We’re humming along and theroad is pretty smooth andcomfortable. All the pot holesseem to be in the other guy’s laneanyway. If we were given thechoice of staying on our nicecomfortable road vs. taking thatexit to, who knows where, well,the known vs the unknown canseem pretty scary, so the path ofleast resistance works pretty good.As I said, been there, done that.

I wonder if sometimes we look atour church as just another exitsign ahead. It might be interesting

to stop and see what’s going onbut we’re on a schedule. We beganour journey not really knowinghow long it would take, or, evenwhere we actually were headed.There’s is an old saying that says,“What could go wrong usuallydoes.” Maybe, so far, it hasn’tbeen real smooth sailing and youthink there really isn’t time tostop. Besides, your vehicle is oldor you haven’t had time toproperly prepare for your trip.Perhaps your vehicle was loadeddown with all your everyday caresand frustrations and it just didn’tseem like there was more room topack any more in. Worse yet,there’s a dash light on, warning usthat we need to take the vehicle infor service soon.

We so often complain about ourtrip, and what a burden it is, andthe funny thing is, the servicestation that would help us fixthose car problems, is right in ourback yard. That exit sign thatpromised us services ahead stops afew travelers, but a lot of usmaybe think that those weremeant for someone else, or youdecide to chance it, and try andmake the next exit.

I think that God puts those exitahead signs there for us to STOP,to see where we really are in ourjourney. Are we going so fast thatwe miss seeing the things thatGod wants us to see and do? Thatincludes taking the time to showlove to our families andneighbors. Sharing the things

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Can’t get to church? Or, maybeyou didn’t quite hear the sermon?Listen on KDMA Radio1460 AMYou can hear Our Savior’s currentSunday worship at 11:00 amevery Sunday morning onKDMA 1460 AM.

we’ve accumulated on our tripwith others. Maybe even takingsome time to help someone elseplan and prepare for their trip.So, I guess as I think about thisjourney we’re on, we each willhave a exit sign, or two, ahead.We’ve been told what to expect bythe signs leading up to the exit,kind of like Wall Drug, cold waterahead only 400 miles to go. Onlyour signs have promised us, thatwith this water, we would neverthirst again.Your church is readyand willing to help make the finalpreparations and even has a bookof directions to help you get toyour journey’s end.For a UNIQUE experience, lookfor that exit ahead sign thatpromises you full services ahead, and the cold water ofeverlasting life.It’s the exit worth taking a chance on.

Phrases and figures of speech we useeveryday. Where did they comefrom?

Come, let us reason togetherIsaiah1:18

He that is not for me is againstme Matthew 12:30

Pride goeth before...a fallProverbs 16:18

The truth shall make you freeJohn 8:32

Let Your Light Shine—Be a Beacon

Ed DelfPresident Church Council

Lenten MealsWe will gather at 5:15 pm on March 13, 20, 27, and April 3 and 10 for supper. We have yet to decide on a menu,but it will be wonderful and allare invited.

This is a fundraiser for ourSummer Bible Camp and wehope that you might give a gift of$5.00 per person for these greatmeals. We will serve until 6:20 pm and then go to Lenten Worship at 6:30 pm.

Work Group MeetingThere will be a meeting to updatethe Work Group booklet forfunerals on Tuesday, March 12that 1:00 pm in the Fireside Room.We would like it if all work groupcallers would attend to help us onthis project!

If you have any questions, please call the church office at269-8824.

LQP Women of the ELCASpring Gathering

April 16, 2019Registration and coffee

at 8:30 am

First English Lutheran ChurchOrtonville, MN

Habitat for HumanityBig Build Vietnam 2018

240 volunteers—21 homes

Speaker: Pete ChristopherResource Director and Marketing Manager

Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity

$10 registration by April 10 to:Bernice Oellien

2570 280th StreetMadison, MN 56256

Noon lunch is included with your registration

Deadline for The Sentinelnewsletter is the

12th of each month.

Go With God’s Spirit,

Share the Word of God,

Reach out to those in need!

OSLC Mission Statement

we do not have to be afraid;comfort and peace come to us aswe call out to our GoodShepherd. And the promise ismade sure in the Good Shepherd’slife, death and resurrection.

Yes, the Good Shepherd is Jesus,the Christ. He comes to us; heseeks us out of our lonely placesin life and restores us in ourrelationship with him. Duringthis season of Lent, we becomeever mindful of his presence as wejourney with him to his cross.Jesus invites us to “walk and talkwith him as good friends shouldand do.” Let us remember andcling to these words as we hearJesus’ promise to us and for us,“The Lord is my Shepherd; I shallnot want.”

May we draw nearer to Jesus, each day.Pastor Marie

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ministries

Quentin’s Update:Christ Kids met on February 6th.We had 15 students and talkedabout God’s love for us and howwe are called to share that lovewith others. For crafts, we madehearts that had the John 3:16bible verse at the center. Manythanks to Kris Johnson and KaylaHarwick for their continuedleadership. I would also like tooffer my heartfelt thanks to Edand Pam Delf for volunteeringtheir time each month to helpsupervise and lead Christ’s Kids.

Upcoming Events andImportant Information:OSLC Week at Camp:

Ourrecommendedweek at GreenLake LutheranMinistries is

June 21-26. We encourageeveryone to sign up for this week

so that your children already havefriends that are going. OurSavior’s will cover half the cost.However, you may sign up for anyweek of camp that you choose.Contact Quentin at the churchoffice at 269-8824 with anyregistration questions.

FirstCommunionRetreat:

Our 5th graderswill again begoing to Green

Lake Bible Camp for their FirstCommunion instruction onMarch 15 and 16. This retreatwill feature camp games, greatfood, crazy counselors, and, ofcourse, instruction on thesacrament of Holy Communion.Parents if you have not received aletter about this, please contactthe church office.

Spring Fever Youth Retreat:

Our ministry partners at GreenLake Bible Camp are againhosting a Spring Fever overnightretreat for grades 2-6. This retreatis on April 5th and 6th and willfeature games, bible study, greatfood, and great memories withfriends new and old. Registrationforms are in the Narthex by thewhite board and the cost is $110.

3and [Jesus] said, “Truly I tell you,unless you change and become likechildren, you will never enter thekingdom of heaven.”

Matthew 18:3b NRSV

Please pray with me; I know thatyou know this well. “The Lord ismy Shepherd; I shall not want. Hemaketh me to lie down in greenpastures; he leadeth me beside stillwaters. He restoreth my soul. Heleadeth me in paths of righteousnessfor his name’s sake. Yea, though Iwalk through the valley of theshadow of death, I shall fear no evil;for thou art with me; thy rod andthy staff, they comfort me. Thoupreparest a table before me in thepresence of mine enemies; thouanointest my head with oil; my cuprunneth over. Surely goodness andmercy shall follow me all the days ofmy life and I shall dwell in thehouse of the Lord forever.” Amen.

The 23rd Psalm brings us comfortbeyond our imagination. Itprovides us with hope and whenwe pray it, we can feel God’smercy overflowing in these loving words.

The Good Shepherd guides us andprotects us. The Good Shepherdcares about his sheep—that meansyou and me. The Good Shepherdunderstands us better than weunderstand ourselves.

The Good Shepherd calls us torest in his arms and brings uscomfort, when we least expect it.The Good Shepherd’s love for usis unfailing and never-ending. Nomatter what we have done in ourlife—no matter what path we havetaken, the Good Shepherd reachesout to us to draw us back to him.And then the Good Shepherdforgives us—always forgives us—who come to him and call out his name.

At Luther Haven we worshipevery Wednesday afternoon. The23rd Psalm is prayed. Residents,even those with memory loss,KNOW these words. It is a gift tome, to witness the faith of ourelder folks. What an honor it is topray these words together in a visitwith those who are well and thosewho are sick. They come easily to us and they really do help us feel better.

The Good Shepherd promises thateven when we walk in thatlonesome valley, we are not alone;

Thinking with...Pastor Marie Eckberg

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Many times over the years as Ihave taught Confirmation, thestudents have asked thosequestions. You know the ones.The ones that are really hard andyou really have to search foranswers. These are the “Why”questions of life. Why do we haveto believe? Why do we have to bea Lutheran? Why do we have tofollow the Ten Commandments?Each of them are good questions,but hardly can be answeredquickly and easily.

Our Lenten Series this year looksat the “Why” questions of faithand life. We begin with “‘WhyBelieve?” and end on EasterMorning with, ‘Why is the tombempty?’” In between we look at“Why Christian, Why Lutheran,Why the Lord’s Supper and Whydid he have to die?” to name a few.We are jumping in the deep endof faith and struggling with thetough issues of faith and life. Eachof these why questions affect ourdaily lives and how we live. So wewill gather for worship and some

deep questioning. It will be aninteresting process.

In the world we live in today withall the science and technology, wehave to look at these questions. Ifwe do not struggle to understandour faith and our lives and howthey are intertwined, then we riskthat our faith is simply no longerrelevant. Many people today arespiritual they say, but not so manyare attending worship. It issomething that should make usstop and wonder. It is a fact thatmakes me say, “Well, let’s tacklethe big questions of faith and lifethat our faith will all be relevant inour world today.”

We gather then to worship andwonder together. We will not haveall the answers for sure. We willbegin a conversation that will takeyou and I into a deeper place. It will be a time of growth for each of us. I look forward to the journey.

In Christ, Pastor Don

Financial Information for January Offerings: $35,597.00 Expense: $42,408.00

FuneralsElna Louise Hanson 1/15/19Debra Lynn Buseman 1/23/19Layton Arthur Albrecht 2/9/19

March Worship Assistants

UshersRobb & Kathy GilkeyDavid & Robin Enevoldsen

& FamilyJerome & Kelly FragodtMarvin & Gayle JensenPaul & Ardis LarsonBen & Bobbi Jo TushausBrian & Lisa SchultzJackie Sachs & Family

Radio3/3 Dennis Brandon3/10 Brandon Raymo3/17 Bruce Vien3/24 DeVon Vien3/31 Stacy Tufto

Video 3/3 Maurice Erickson3/10 Tyler McKee3/17 Ross Winter3/24 Scott Burdorf3/31 Maurice Erickson

MemorialsAnita Gayken: Undesignated $ 30.00

Brad Lofthus Chairlift $ 75.00

BaptismsCamryn Marie Tammen 1/13/2019

A Call for Volunteers!A request from Copper GlenAssisted Living:We are reaching out to our areachurches to see if anycongregation members would beinterested in volunteering byplaying the piano for a sing-a-long or a church service. Or,working with the staff doing acraft with tenants. Or, simply justvisiting with tenants.I know the tenants would greatlyappreciate your time and it wouldbe a very rewarding experience forthe volunteer. If interested, please contact Sue Gilbertson at(320) 269-9668.Thank you in advance!Sue GilbertsonManagerCopper Glen

“I can do all things through Christwho strengthens me” Philippians 4:13

Answeringthe BigQuestions

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