Welcome to the New School Year At Our Shepherd we are aiming toward the way things are supposed to be. The theme verse for this school year is “Arise, and shine, for your light has come” (Isaiah 60:1). The prophet Isaiah encourages us to have a vision of hope and restoration. There is the darkness of sin shadowing so much of what we experience in this world. We recognize that the main problem with things as they are is sin. Not just sin of others but our own sin as well. We miss the mark, and we struggle to make our aspirations concrete and real. Because of our common faith in Jesus Christ, we trust there is a light to shine in the darkness.

I know the faith and teachings of Our Shepherd are not shared by everyone in the world, and even personally we may struggle to figure out how the faith we have been taught fits into this modern world. Recently, I have been thinking more about how people around me do not always see the world with the same set of beliefs or understandings of what is right and wrong. The conflicts and confusions I experience are not just a matter of philosophical or intellectual differences but more significantly the loss of shared stories. People do not react the way I expect, and resolutions to conflicts seem farther away from me.

The way we react to what is going on around us is largely about trying to figure out what story we think is being written in this world. Do we have an active part in writing this story or are we just an audience? At Our Shepherd, I want each student, parent, faculty and staff member to know they are a part of how God’s story is being written in our community. No one should feel like an audience member to the working of God.

Kip Fox is a Lutheran singer/songwriter. Fox wrote in 2011 the song “This Dust.” The chorus of this song captures for me the conflicts of the story of life in this world and how we still have a story to share with the world around us.

Death is all around us, we are not afraid; written is the story, empty is the grave.

We can bravely face struggle and death because we know that God is writing a story of hope and promise. I pray that this school year we will share in this story of hope and promise. We will deal with struggles in our community and world during this pandemic, yet we will be the light by sharing story of Jesus. The most important truth of the Christian faith is that death has been conquered by Jesus. We will be the light that shines in the darkness. We believe in the good news of Jesus Christ.

Be the light this new school year with confidence that God will be at work in our community.

Rev. Dr. Evan Gaertner Senior Pastor

Our Shepherd Lutheran Birmingham, Michigan

Welcome to Our Shepherd Lutheran!

August 23, 2020 - School Opening Service

Please Stand

Opening Hymn - “Blest Are They”

Text and tune: © 1985 GIA Publications, Inc. Used by permission: LSB Hymn License no. 110002437

Opening Versicles

L This is the day which the Lord has made; C let us rejoice and be glad in it. L From the rising of the sun to its setting, C the name of the Lord is to be praised. L Better is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere; C I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of

the wicked. L Make me to know Your ways, O Lord. C Teach me Your paths. L Sanctify us in Your truth. C Your Word is truth. L From the rising of the sun to its setting, C the name of the Lord is to be praised. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.

Worship Participants

Peaching .... Pastor Gaertner Liturgists .... Pastor Vieregge Pastor Woodfin

Musicians Drums ......... Riley Lukas Guitar ......... Andy Peitsch Piano .......... Katie Priskorn Audio/Tech Director Tim Garthe

Please be seated Reading Isaiah 60:1-4

Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the bright-ness of your rising. Lift up your eyes all around, and see; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from afar, and your daughters shall be carried on the hip. L This is the Word of the Lord. C Thanks be to God.

Reading Matthew 5:14–16

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

L This is the Word of the Lord. C Thanks be to God.

Responsory

L Forever, O Lord, Your Word is firmly set in the heavens. C Lord, I love the habitation of Your house and the place where Your glory dwells. L Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and keep it. C Lord, I love the habitation of Your house and the place where Your glory dwells. L Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. C Lord, I love the habitation of Your house and the place where Your glory dwells.

School Theme Song “Go Light Your World” by Chris Rice

Verse 1 There is a candle in ev'ry soul, some brightly burning some dark and cold. There is a Spirit who brings a fire, ignites a candle and makes His home. So carry your candle run to the darkness, seek out the hopeless confused and torn Hold out your candle for all to see it, take your candle and go light your world, Take your candle and go light your world.

Verse 2 Frustrated brother see how he's tried to light his own candle some other way. See now your sister she's been robbed and lied to, still holds a candle without a flame. So carry your candle run to the darkness, seek out the lonely the tired and worn Hold out your candle for all to see it, Take your candle and go light your world, Take your candle and go light your world.

Verse 3 We are a family whose hearts are blazing, so let's raise our candles and light up the sky Praying to our Father in the name of Jesus, make us a beacon in darkest times. So carry your candle run to the darkness, seek out the helpless deceived and poor Hold out your candle for all to see it, take your candle and go light your world. Carry your candle run to the darkness, seek out the hopeless confused and torn Hold out your candle for all to see it, take your candle and go light your world, Take your candle and go light your world!

Chris Rice © 1995 Universal Music - Brentwood Benson Publishing (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc.) For use solely with the SongSelect®. Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI License # 1061322

Please Stand

Ten Commandments C You shall have no other gods.

You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God. Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Honor your father and your mother. You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.

Apostles’ Creed

C I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life T everlasting. Amen.

Lord’s Prayer

C Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.

Please be seated

Sermon Be the Light - Isaiah 60:1 Hymn - “I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light”

Text and tune: © 1970, 1975 Celebration. Used by permission:

LSB License 110002437

Offering

Please Stand

Prayers L . . . let us pray to the Lord: C Lord, have mercy. L Finally, for these and for all our needs of body and soul, let us pray to the Lord: C Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Blessing of the Teachers

Blessing L Let us bless the Lord. C Thanks be to God. L The almighty and merciful Lord, the Father, the T Son, and the Holy Spirit, bless and

preserve us. C Amen.

Closing Song “My Lighthouse” by Rend Collective

Verse 1 & 2 In my wrestling and in my doubts, in my failures You won't walk out. Your great love will lead me through, You are the peace in my troubled sea whoa oh, You are the peace in my troubled sea. In the silence You won't let go, in the questions Your truth will hold. Your great love will lead me through, You are the peace in my troubled sea whoa oh ,You are the peace in my troubled sea.

Chorus My Lighthouse, my Lighthouse, Shining in the darkness I will follow You, oh My Lighthouse, my Lighthouse, I will trust the promise You will carry me safe to shore --------- Safe to shore------- safe to shore --------- safe to shore!

Verse 3 I won't fear what tomorrow brings, with each morning I'll rise and sing, my God's love will lead me through. You are the peace in my troubled sea whoa oh, You are the peace in my troubled sea. (Chorus)

Bridge Fire before us, You're the brightest, You will lead us through the storms (Repeat 3X) (Chorus)

Chris Llewellyn | Gareth Gilkeson © 2013 Thankyou Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) For use solely with the SongSelect®. Terms of

Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI License # 1061322

Greetings to you, in our caring Christ! What an exciting day today is for us all. Today we celebrate the opening of the 2020-2021 school year! Our school theme is “Be the Light”, Isaiah 60:1. Our Bible Verse reminds us how God gathers us together as His children to nurture and serve because Jesus loves. God has blessed us with an outstanding staff.

Sarah Kosciuk, Preschool Director

Carly Yednock Teacher, Young Preschool

Sulaf Al-Banosh, Sandy Borsodi, and Natavia Chatman Young Preschool Aides

Rita Bajawa and Danielle Miscovich Preschool Teachers, 3 Year Olds

Rachel Andrzejewski and Alysia Tyson Preschool Teachers, 4 Year Olds

Emily Garthe, Joe Klausmeier, Ardiana Rira, Maria Schwab, and Ashley Thompson 3s and 4s Preschool Aides

Rebecca Cadeau and Elizabeth Wilson Kindergarten Teachers

Hollie Kamm, Kindergarten Aide

Debbie Pierce, 1st Grade Teacher

Sue Grams, 2nd Grade Teacher

Kim Kern, 3rd Grade Teacher

Tammy Sellers, 4th Grade Teacher

Wendy Nimtz, 5th Grade Teacher

Carol Stathakis, 6th Grade Teacher

Christi Gaertner, 7th Grade Teacher

Esther Spanos, 8th Grade Teacher and Assistant Principal

Sarah Mischley, LSEM (Special Education)

Kelsey Peper, Technology Teacher

Craig Rhoads, Physical Education Teacher

Jeannie Bay, Art Teacher

Trina Lyons, Music Teacher

Maria Pila, Spanish Teacher

Katie Priskorn, Upper Grade Choir Director and Church Office Manager

Stephania Morrison, School Office Manager

Missy Macavage, Admissions Counselor

Laura Jones, Tuition Manager

Shannon Ozias, Food Services Director

Janet McLoughlin, Director of Children’s Education and Care: Childcare, Preschool, Day School (K-8) and Sunday School

Sharon Dunsmore, Enrichment and Support Coordinator

Emily Gottschling, Childcare Director

Paul Dwyer, Childcare Office Manager

Pastoral Staff: Rev. Dr. Evan Gaertner, Senior Pastor Pastor Mike Vieregge

Pastor Steve Woodfin

Dr. Mark Nimtz, Director of Spiritual Education and Service

David Priskorn, Director of Operations

Hannah Walsh, Youth and Family Ministry Leader

Meet our Staff

Preschool Teacher, Mrs. Rachel Andrzejewski

Rachel was born in Battle Creek, MI and lived in Union City until her dad was called to St. John Lutheran Church in Napoleon, OH. She attended St. John Lutheran from K - 8th grade. Rachel’s mom became a Kindergarten teacher at St. John in 2002. Rachel went to Napoleon High School and began her education at Concordia Ann Arbor. After seeing her mom’s work, babysitting for many years, and working in an Early Childhood Center, Rachel knew she wanted to minister to God’s little lambs. Rachel graduated in Dec. 2017, with a Bachelors of Language Arts in Elementary Education.

She minored in Early Childhood Education and received her Lutheran Teacher’s Diploma. At Concordia, God brought Rachel and Jakob together and they were married on June 16, 2018. Rachel has taught for two years, in St. Joseph, MI during her Jakob’s vicarage and in New Haven, IN as he completed his final year at Concordia Seminary Fort Wayne. Jake was ordained and installed as the pastor at St. Paul Lutheran - Royal Oak, MI in July 2020. In her free time, Rachel enjoys spending time with her husband, family, and friends playing board games and watching movies. She is excited to begin teaching at Our Shepherd this year!

Meet our new Teachers We welcome the following teachers to our faculty for the 2020-2021 school year

Preschool Teacher, Mrs. Danielle Miscovich

Danielle Miscovich graduated in 2009 from Oakland University with a degree in Elementary Education with a major in Language Arts. Danielle began her career in teaching at Our Shepherd as a long term substitute before teaching in several local Lutheran schools in a wide range of grade levels. Danielle is looking forward to teaching 3 year old preschool and working at Our Shepherd.

Kindergarten Teacher, Ms. Rebecca Cadeau

Ms. Cadeau is in her first year of teaching Kindergarten at Our Shepherd Lutheran School. She is a graduate of Grand Valley State University with a Bachelors degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Language Arts. Before teaching at Our Shepherd she taught for five years as the Toddler Co-Teacher in an early childhood center. When she’s not teaching, Ms. Cadeau loves to read, spend time with her family and go camping in West Michigan!

Kindergarten Teacher, Mrs. Elizabeth Wilson

Mrs. Wilson began her career at Our Shepherd Lutheran Preschool in August 2019; however she has been a member of Our Shepherd Lutheran Church and attended our school since kindergarten. She graduated from Concordia Chicago with a Bachelors of Science in Early Childhood Education with an endorsement in ESL (English as a Second Language). She has her Illinois teacher certification for birth-3rd grade, a Michigan teaching certificate for K-5 grade, and an Early Childhood Education endorsement. Elizabeth also has her LTE (Lutheran Teacher Education) certificate and is a called

Lutheran teacher. This is Elizabeth's third year teaching. Outside of teaching, Elizabeth volunteers to teach Sunday School at Our Shepherd Lutheran Church alongside her husband, Alex, who leads music.

6th Grade Teacher, Mrs. Carol Stathakis

Mrs. Carol Stathakis grew up in the Chicago area in a loving Christian family, a faithful church, and Lutheran Schools. Carol is married to her best friend, Rick. Their marriage is blessed with three wonderful children, Karl, John and Rachel, a daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren. Carol earned a BS in Elementary Education from Concordia Nebraska, an MA in Educational Psychology from Eastern Michigan University, and a diploma in School Leadership Development (SLeD) through LCMS School Ministry. She served for 29 years in Lutheran Schools in Michigan and Tennessee

as classroom teacher, teacher of gifted students, and principal. Rick and Carol's son, John, is at home in heaven with Jesus, and their thankfulness to God for John's eternal life is impactful in Carol's desire to teach children about Jesus.

Giving made easy Text “give” to 248-430-4403

Kindrid|Give.Church makes it easy to schedule regular donations. Click on “Give” at ourshepherd.net, or text “give” to our dedicated giving number (above). It’s easy to change your gift at any time.

ourshepherdlutheranchurch

@ourshepherdlcms

@ourshepherd

www.ourshepherd.net

School

(248) 645-0551

1658 Lincoln, Birmingham

schooloffice@ourshepherd.net

Child Care Center

(248) 645-5273

Church and School Locations

earlychildcare@ourshepherd.net

Church

(248) 646-6100

2225 E. 14 Mile, Birmingham

churchoffice@ourshepherd.net

Worship Schedule Saturdays at 6:00pm (Contemporary) Sundays at 8:30am & 11:00am (Traditional) Live Stream is available on our Youtube channel

Worship Attendance Let us know your weekly worship attendance by filling out the Worship Attendance Form found at ourshepherd.news/gather or by aiming your phone camera at the QR code.

Kids of the Rock Sunday School Yes, the format is different, but the message is the same – Jesus is Lord! Please join us! Visit the OS YouTube Sunday School Playlist, or head to ourshepherd.net kids ministry page for access to the Sunday School lessons every week. There are songs to sing, activities, and stories. We are learning about how God used people in the Old Testament to show His love and power. This month we learn about Joseph and how God made him a Great leader. We miss seeing your bright shiny faces, but we can still praise Jesus together!

VBS (Vacation Bible School) God helps us use this pandemic to help spread His word. How you ask? Well, normally VBS lasts for five days. This year it goes on and on through the videos posted at www.ourshepherd.net/vbsathome/. Tell your friends and watch them again and again. The FUN and LEARNING never ends!

Lutheranism 101 Member Classes This is a 7-week course covering the basic teachings of Scripture. Next classes run from Sunday, Sept 27 – Sunday, Nov 8. We meet in the church library from 9:45–10:45am. Classes are open to all, from newcomers to seasoned members, and those interested in becoming members of Our Shepherd. Class is informal and conversational. Contact Rev. Steve Woodfin at woodfin@our shpeherd.net or 248-228-4485 for more information.

Middle School Youth Nights this Fall/Winter are on Fridays, once a month, from 6:30 - 8:00pm. All are in person at the church outside (weather permitting). We follow proper social distancing guidelines. All 6-8 grade students are welcome! Schedule is subject to change.

Sept 25 ........... Scavenger Hunt Oct 30 ............ Halloween Bonfire Nov 20 ........... Outdoor Movie Dec 18 ........... Christmas Bonfire

Teen Bible Study Sundays at 10:00am over Zoom for High School students. Students share highs and lows from their week and are encouraged with a brief Bible Study. Hannah Walsh sends out weekly reminder emails.

Zoom Meeting ID: 916 7274 5752 Passcode: OSteens

High School Teen Nights this Fall/Winter are on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month from 6:30 - 8:00pm. All will be in person outside at the church (weather permitting). We will follow proper social distancing guidelines. All 9-12 graders are welcome! Schedule is subject to change.

Sept 13 ........ Water Games Sept 27 ........ Scavenger Hunt Oct 11 .......... Whiffle Ball/Yard Games Oct 25 .......... Bonfire Nov 8 ........... Kickball Nov 22......... Outdoor Movie Dec 13 ......... Bonfire

Opportunities to Serve The mission of Our Shepherd Lutheran is to Gather, Nurture, and Serve because Jesus loves. Serving can be done in a variety of ways within the church, school, and childcare. You may Serve by . . .

Facilitating/hosting a Small Group contact Mark Nimtz, 248-646-6100

Providing a meal for those in need at Family of God (FOG) contact Terry Hynes at 248-631-8369

Providing a dish for a funeral meal contact Joan Darge at 248-561-3572

Volunteering at the OSLS Parent Work Sessions contact Scott Kamm at 248-302-4132 or skamm@yahoo.com

Volunteer with South Oakland Shelter when OS hosts them in February 2021 contact Brent Hall at 248-808-3404

Volunteer in your child’s classroom by contacting their homeroom teacher.

Contact Dr. Mark Nimtz, Director of Spiritual Education and Service at nimtzm@ourshepherd.net or 248-646-6100 for more information how you might serve.

Men of Integrity - Study of Acts Beginning Saturday, Sept 19, a group of us gather in the church lower level for breakfast, fellowship, and a study of the Book of Acts, and I am inviting you! We meet every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month from 7:00–8:30am, which seems to impinge less on valuable family time. Due to the pandemic we are BYOB – Bring Your Own Breakfast. Contact Dr. Mark Nimtz, at nimtzm@ourshepherd.net or 248-646-6100 for more information.

Contact Hannah Walsh, Youth & Family Ministry Leader, with any questions!

hwalsh@ourshepherd.net mobile: 734-625-7636 church: 248-646-6100 x107