talk 2018 - our savior's lutheran church...gigi’s playhouse collect your plastic lids the...
TRANSCRIPT
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Sunday, September 9 is the kick-off for growing
in faith, learning of God’s presence in our midst and
serving others! Worship services on
the 9th will be at 8:30 and 10:45.
Sunday School will gather in the Atrium on the 9th at 9:45 for a
“Treasure Hunt” experience! This year, kids and their parents will
explore the treasure that Jesus is with us always. This immersive
experience will provide a vibrant start to our program year.
In the Social Hall and Patio Room, everyone else can connect with serving opportunities
across all cabinets during our “Ministry Marketplace” (at 9:45). Playtown Preschool teachers will
also be available to share more about this vibrant ministry. Plus, you can take a first look at this
fall’s new three month book and Bible study effort, “Giving to God.” And a Backpack Blessing
during worship will include special prayers for our kids, teachers, schools and community.
Sunday, September 16 Dr. Mark Allan Powell will preach, teach and lead workshops all
weekend long. You will be able to purchase Mark’s book “Giving to God” and have it signed
as well. This book and weekend kicks off a preaching worship series program of Belonging to
God and our response of faithful living, giving and serving.
Once each month this fall, we will offer a Bible Study in worship instead of a sermon as we
work to Grow In Faith Together.
Building Blocks of Faith begins on Saturday, September 23rd at 1 PM with a workshop
for 1st grade children and their parents. Come and learn about special conversations with
God through prayer. We will equip parents to become prayer mentors for their child, and
they will take home a Prayer Pillow with prayer petitions stuffed in a special pocket.
Confirmation meetings start on Wednesday, September 5th for parents and youth in
grades 6th through 8th with an introduction to “9 Square in the Air!”
Come this September and Grow In Faith Together as we all do God’s work with our hands!
Pastor Jeff Fricke, Senior Pastor
Giving to God Mark Allan Powell will be with us the weekend of September 15 & 16
to kick-off a congregational-wide study of his book, Giving to God.
Dr. Powell will lead a workshop for council, cabinets
and committee members on Saturday at 3 PM, and
will preach at all worship services that weekend.
On Sunday, his agenda includes a book signing
between services, church lunch in the Social Hall at
Noon, and a 12:30 PM forum he will lead for the
whole congregation and community. Books are
available for purchase ($15 each). Sign up for lunch
in the Atrium; a free will offering will be received.
Each Sunday thereafter, the congregation will engage in a focused
presentation and Sunday morning forum discussion going chapter by
chapter. This leads up to our Response Weekend, November 17 & 18.
Special Duty, Delight and Dessert Forums will be held on the
following dates with these groups:
TBD WELCA Gathering
10/15 Men’s Lunch Group
10/17 Large Group Gathering (Confirmation, Choirs, Parents)
(continued on page 3)
Sundays in September
September 9 Rally Day
Golf Outing
Our annual program year kick-off includes
worship with a Backpack Blessing, plus a “Ministry
Marketplace” and “Treasure Hunt” between
services. See pg. 6 for Golf Outing details.
September 16 Giving to God
A congregational-wide study begins with lunch
and a forum.
September 23 Congregational Mtg
Prayer Pillow Workshop
Portico project discussed/voted upon during this
Noon meeting. Prayer workshop for 1st graders
and their parents (1 PM).
September 30 WELCA Sunday
Pet Blessing
Ministries of the women of the ELCA (WELCA) will
be highlighted. See back page for Pet details.
Talk 2018
Page 2
Calendar
September 2018
Worship and Music News
When do choir rehearsals begin?
Adult Choir Wednesday, Sept. 5 @ 7 PM
Carillon Ringers Wednesday, Sept. 12 @ 6 PM
Children’s Choir Wednesday, Sept. 12 @ 5 PM
Why should your children join a Church Choir?
They learn to sing! Children who cannot yet follow a melody
CAN learn to if they come to rehearsal regularly. Those who
already read music will learn vocal and music reading skills that
will stay with them throughout their lives.
They become trained as worship leaders. Children who feel their
presence in choir is important to God, the church and their
parents continue to center their lives in church long after their
children’s choir experience has ended. Those children are the
building blocks of the church and choirs of tomorrow.
Choir augments their Christian education through scripture,
praise and prayer.
Children learn first-hand about serving God with their time and
talents.
Children who sing in front of the assembly develop confidence
and poise.
The Children’s Choir is a shining example of small group ministry.
There is no extra tuition!
Page 3
Worship & Music
September 2018
(continued from page 1)
Giving to God
This book will explore two main issues (1) that “stewardship is a way of life” and (2) “how do I use all of my money in God-
pleasing ways?”
This fall will be an exciting adventure into God’s vision for our lives, and to come to understand that “Biblically speaking,
stewardship is our mission, not just a means for funding our mission.”
Mark Allan Powell is a Bible scholar and a theologian widely recognized for his work in spiritual formation
and congregational ministries. The Robert and Phyllis Leatherman Professor of New Testament Studies at
Trinity Lutheran Seminary, Columbus, Ohio, he has written more than twenty books, including Loving Jesus
and the massive Encyclopedia of Contemporary Christian Music.
Deacon Marti Bein / Director of Worship & Music / [email protected]
2018 Concert Series
AGAPE RINGERS
Sunday, October 7 @ 7 PM
Since 1992 when David L. Weck gathered a
group of musicians to found an initially-unnamed
handbell ensemble, the Agape Ringers has
shared music with audiences from England to
New England and from San Juan to the Pacific
Northwest in over 310 live performances. The
group has performed six times at national events
of the Handbell Musicians of America, and also
been heard by directors
around the ringing world on all
promotional recordings for
Hope Publishing Company's
handbell catalog since 1992.
As a community of handbell musicians, the
Ringers bring over 340 years of ringing experience
to this uniquely collaborative musical art, sharing
an instrument comprised of more than 200
individual handbells and handchimes. The Ringers
share their skills and enthusiasm with others through
workshops offered with Handbell Musicians of
America, and by serving in leadership roles at the
local and national levels of that organization.
Special Bible Lesson Saturday, September 29 @ 1:30
WELCA invites everyone to a Bible lesson with Dr. May Persaud,
instructor of Biblical languages at Wartburg Theological Seminary in
Dubuque. She will be here to lead us in a lesson called "A Study on
Psalm 131 and the Surprises it Holds." We will consider the translation
misunderstandings in this Psalm; a lesson that May says is one of her
students’ favorites. A fellowship time with refreshments follows. There is
no cost to attend this event but a donation of quarters is appreciated
for Laundry Love, a ministry of RALM that provides free laundry service
to those in need and alleviates health concerns and negative stigma
that unwashed clothing places on the vulnerable of our community.
WELCA Weekend
Guest Speaker Sunday, Sept. 30 Jennifer DeLeon, Director for Justice of the
Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America, will be our guest speaker at both
Sunday services during WELCA Weekend. Prior to
her current position, Jennifer served as LSSI’s
Director of Government Relations & Advocacy
and worked as a community organizer for the
Logan Square Neighborhood Assoc. in Chicago.
This spring, she will complete a masters degree at
Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago.
Education
Page 4
Rally Day “Treasure Hunt”
September 9 @ 9:45 AM
All are welcome to move through a
variety of stations that reveal an amazing
treasure – our friendship with Jesus! Join
us in the Atrium for this special event. Fun
adventures are waiting as we begin a
new program
year. Register for
Sunday School
and find your
classroom.
It’s rally time!
Prayer Pillow Workshop
Sunday, September 23 @ 1 PM
All first grade students and their parents
are invited to a Prayer Pillow Workshop,
part of OSLC’s Building Blocks of Faith
program.
High School Happenings
Sunday, September 9 7:00 2nd Sunday
Katie’s Cup
502 7th Street
Sunday, September 16 Noon Giving to God
with Mark Allan Powell
Social Hall
Sunday, September 23 6:00 High School Hangout
Youth Room
Sunday, September 30 6:00 Summer 2019?
Youth Room
Parents, please join your
youth as we make plans for
summer 2019.
Playtown Preschool Begins
Thanks to everyone who attended our Open House on Sunday morning,
August 19. Our school year is off to a great start, and we’re excited for a
successful year of learning and fun!
Adult Education
Bible Miners
Thursday, September 6 @ 9 AM
Fireside Room
Topic: Life of Isaiah
These discussions are open to all members
and friends of the congregation.
Saturday Series
Saturday, September 8 @ 10 AM
Fireside Room
We will begin an Andy Stanley study, “How to
get what you really want.” Please join us.
Page 5
Missions
Mission Update
Habitat for Humanity
Thank you to our OSLC volunteers who worked in July on the
local Habitat for Humanity Faith Build home, a home
constructed and funded by faith communities in Rockford.
It is located at 1224 Island Avenue (Rockford). OSLC’s team
scraped walls, stained and did floor prep. Word was
received that they “had a great time helping prepare this
house for its new owners.”
September 2018
GiGi’s Playhouse
Collect your plastic lids
The “Marvelous Mondays”
group from GiGi’s Playhouse
is collecting plastic lids –
pop and water bottles,
mayo and peanut butter
jars, etc. GiGi’s found a
company who will create a
bench once they have
enough lids. This is another
way to keep recyclables out
of our
landfills.
Bring your
lids to the
Welcome
Center
box, and
help them with their goal of
a new bench.
Good Neighbor
Sunday
Sunday, October 7
We will gather for one
worship service that
Sunday at 9:30 AM,
followed by lunch at
church and then
deployment of volunteers
to projects all around
Rockford to help others in
need. Mark your
calendars and watch for
more details soon.
Mission Updates
School Supply Drive
Thanks to the members of OSLC for another successful school supply drive! We were
able to meet the needs of our Do Day ladies for the Lutheran World Relief School Kits,
and make a significant donation to Johnson School. Great job, OSLC!
Bottles of glue 53 Erasers 100
Glue sticks 190 Pens 520
Folders 26 Pencils 1,200
Spiral notebooks 79 Pencil sharpeners 49
Loose leaf paper approx. 4660 sheets Hand sanitizer 1
Binder note paper 30 Colored pencils 216
Markers 33 packs Highlighters 100
Dry erase markers 106 Disinfectant wipes 16
Rulers 10 Scissors 62
Crayons 34 boxes Backpacks 24
Ziploc bags 4 boxes - quart
4 boxes - gallon
Page 6
Events
Wednesday, September 5 • 12:00 PM
Theme: “Garden of Eatin”
Join us for lunch catered by Gatherings by Sue. Special guest Mr. Tedd Snowden will provide our
program. He is the Program Director of Roots & Wings, an urban agriculture program of Angelic
Organic. Farm fresh produce will be on display to touch, smell and bring home for your “eatin”
pleasure. Devotion and door prizes included. Tickets $10; on sale September 1-2. Contact Karen
Johnson for details and reservations (815.543.7962).
Active
Seniors
Lunch
Saturday, September 8 • 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Our Savior’s is partnering with Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful (KNIB) and will serve as one of the
host sites for their Fall Clothing Drive. Watch for more details soon in THIS WEEK, OSLC’s weekly
announcements.
Clothing
Drive
New Member Classes
September 30, October 14 & 21
9:45-10:40 AM in the Fireside Room
Everyone interested in membership at Our Savior’s is invited to attend the fall 2018 New
Member Classes. With a focus on connecting to God, our faith and people, classes are
open to those who are new or returning to Our Savior’s. All are welcome. If you have thought
about being more connected with OSLC and becoming a member, listen and learn with
Pastor Jeff. Register online or connect with Cyndi Hlavin @ [email protected] or
815-399-0531 x106.
New Members received: October 21
Sunday, September 9 • 2:30 PM tee off; 5:30 PM dinner
Location: Swanhills Golf Course (Belvidere, IL)
Join us for an OSLC Golf Play Day, “scramble” format. Men/women/teenage golfers are welcome.
People can do golf and dinner, just golf or just dinner. Golfers pay greens fees at the course.
Dinner $12 per person; pay at dinner. Sign up in the Atrium, or call the church office.
Golf Outing
Monday, September 10 • 6:30 PM
Book Club is back! All are welcome to join us in the Conference Room for discussion on our next
read: “Five Presidents: My Extraordinary Journey with Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon and Ford”
by Clint Hill.
Clint Hill, Special Agent on the White House Secret Service Detail, was a witness to some of the most
pivotal moments in the twentieth century. His fascinating stories shed new light on the character and
personality of each of these five presidents, as Hill saw their human sides in the face of grave decisions.
Book Club
Saturday, October 27 • 5:30 – 7:00 PM
Our sixth annual event will be held in Shepherd’s Gate on the Saturday before Halloween. This
event has been hugely popular within our church and community, and we are asking for your
help to make it another successful event. Sign up to reserve a table or bring treats. Magic Mike will
be on hand, plus lots of candy and fun for the kids. Watch for more details coming soon.
Trunk or
Treat
Page 7
Among Us
Prayers and Blessings (as received through August 15)
We lifted up in Prayer:
Tom Backer, Bonnie Balok, Paula Bry, Jan & Jeff Cowles, John Dempster, Richard
Donner, Cindy Erickson, Tina Hallberg, Cindy Jensen-Toews, Joann Johnson, Karen
Johnson, Dirk Klein, Jane Kling, Penny Kurzrock, Bonnie Lynch, Richard Nazzarini, Lance
Nelson, Mary Osborne, Garry Peterson, Randy Peterson, Sandra Seleen, Savannah
Strandin, Sandra Walrath, Aubrey Winkie Roseberry
We offered Sympathy:
To the families of:
Cathy Baldin
Audrey Curatolo
Doris Delaporte
Randy Hilliard
Mike McInnis
Becky Shaffer
We prayed for peace in our world and protection for those in service
to our country:
Steven Anderson / Kyle Brees / Ryan Brees / Jeremy Buttram / Ben Everette /
Michael Galiano / Scott Hlavin / Dylan Kaltenbrun / Charity Moorhous / Brandon Morgan /
Matt Perry / Tyler Pillmore / Alex Rickard / Nicholas Rinaldi / Jake Thorn / Austin Wagner
September Birthdays
2: Allison Lackner, Jennifer Ratkovic 3: Scott Hlavin, Dale Melquist, Karen Thompson
4: Steven Elliott, Nancy Hausknecht, Holly Suddarth, Drew Swenson, Sue Vasseur 5: Evelyn
Langsholt, Marilyn Nazzarini, Rod Stevens 6: Taylor Addotta, Mia Anderson, Rosemary
Faber, Erma Svoboda 7: Daniel Bry, Zoe Doll, Dawn Hendricks, Sam McFarlane 8: Mary
Ann Gaunt, Patty Nau, Michael Pixler 9: Carol Edson, Stacy Wells 10: Marjory Day 11: Ina
Anderson, Audree Burnett, Rafael Hernandez, Albert Winters 12: Joseph Angileri 13: Noah
Derry, Tom Hartley, Ray Knutson, Ruth Ogness, Lorie Parker-Weinrich, Joshua Shoemaker,
Amanda Stewart 14: Scott Anderson, Candi Buelow 15: John Addams, Michael
Hielsberg, Griffin Sager, Paige Williams 16: John Heimbach, Fred Muehlfelder, Sophie
Prabhakar 17: Bonnie Balok, Catherine Carlson, Jonathon Kryder, Evelyn Milburn
19: Dawn Finnan, Tyrone Johnsen, Karen Montgomery, Marie H. Nelson, Betty Olson,
William Schmeltzer 20: Mary Buzzell, Adam Gissal 21: Betty Boyd, Tamara Spencer, Lisa
Williams 22: Noelle Batutis, Cyndi Hlavin, Keith Syfert 23: Sheila Bender 24: David
Gustafson, Paul Knopp, David Spencer 25: Susan Lacerra, Lois Moore, Colleen Strey
26: Allison Bernardi, Judy Millhouse, Catherine Wright 27: Aubrie Abbott, Sharon Angileri,
Carson Blatchford, Jerry Buss, Pamelyn Minneci, Noah Saunders, David Schultz 29: Bob
Renk 30: Tom Anderson, Elise Keaton, Helen Myers, Dave Sager
September Anniversaries
1: Marc & Megan Hooks 2: Gary & Laurie Page 4: Peter & Mary Kay Thomas 5: Michael &
Tracy Wallin 6: Steve & Britta Anderson, Brian & Karen Johnson, Victor & Judith Yehling
7: Robert Toews & Cynthia Jensen-Toews 8: Carl & Carol Lind 11: Joe & Candi Buelow
12: Albert & Gloria Winters, Jeff & Robin Winters 13: Greg & Julie Peet, Jim & Peg Provenza
14: Larry & Judy Gunderson 15: Tom & Deb Hartley, James & Judy Schmitt 16: Mark &
Sandra Byers 17: Ronald & Kim Berke, Ray Knutson & Cheryl Marshall-Knutson, Mike &
Karen Montgomery 19: James & Carol Edson, Jr. 20: Ted & Dina Getty, Mark & Jamie
Yarolimek 23: Michael & Nancy Booker 25: Steven & Kristen Elliot, Ted & Melissa Johnson,
Timothy & Nancy Seiter 28: John & Bonnie Heimbach, Wayne & Joy Wiedenhoeft
Thank You Thank you for the prayers,
calls, cards and visits
when I had my “surprise”
appendix surgery. I am
doing very well now,
almost back to normal.
God’s peace to all of you,
Erma Svoboda
Book of the Month
“The Broken Road”
by Richard Paul Evans
Chicago celebrity Charles
James can’t shake the
nightmare that wakes him
each night. By day, he
wonders why he’s so
haunted and unhappy
when he has all he ever
wanted – fame, fans and
fortune and the lavish
lifestyle it affords him. But
now, at the pinnacle of
his career, he’s started to
wonder if he wanted the
wrong things. A story of
redemption and grace
and the power of second
chances.
Calling All Bakers
for Rally Day (Sept. 9) Share your “gift” of baking
with donations of special
breads, muffins or coffee
cakes for coffee hour.
Please sign up at the
Welcome Center, and
bring to the Social Hall
kitchen by 9:00 AM on
September 9. Thank you!
September 2018
3300 Rural Street
Rockford, IL 61107-3540
815.399.0531
www.OSLCRockford.com
Weekly Worship Schedule:
Saturdays at 5 PM
Sundays at 8:30 AM
Sundays at 10:45 AM (Praise Ensemble Led)
Senior Pastor - Rev. Jeff Fricke
Interim Associate Pastor - Rev. Dr. Len Hoffmann
Addre ss Servic e R e-
Non-Profit
Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Rockford, IL
Permit No. 2645
In This Issue Pastor’s Corner 1
Giving to God 1
Calendar 2
Worship & Music 3
WELCA 3
Children’s Ministry 4
Youth News 4
Adult Education 4
Missions 5
Active Seniors 6
Golf Outing 6
New Member Classes 6
Among Us 7
Thank yous 7
Submissions for the
October issue of CrossTalk
must be submitted by
Monday, September 10
for consideration. Please
send your articles to
Congregational Meeting
Sunday, September 23 @ 12 PM
A special congregational meeting will be held to
vote on the proposed Portico project. If the vote is
carried and the project is approved, then a vote
will also be taken to name a building committee.
Please plan to attend.
Pet Blessing
Sunday, September 30 @ 3 PM
All God’s creatures have a place in the choir!
Our blessing of the pets will celebrate how they lift our
spirits and warm our hearts and clean our faces with
just one lick. Bring your pet(s) and join others in giving
thanks and seeking God’s blessings. Treats will be
served (for the pets, that is) and a prize given for the
most unique pet of the day! Meet in the Circle Drive
entryway for song, scripture, prayer and laughter. All
pets should be leashed or contained/controlled in
some way. Invite your neighbors and furry friends.
Call Committee
Update The Call Committee is meeting
with a candidate for a second
interview on August 20. Please
pray that God continues to guide
us and give us wisdom to discern
His plan for the future Associate
Pastor leadership at Our Savior’s.
In His Service,
Kathy Stim & Matthew Bork,
Co-Chairs
Mike Booker
John Wahlquist
Pam Keeling
Melissa Johnson
Abby Derry
Alyssa Guse
Makayla McLelland