Kindred Spirit Newsletter July 2019

PAID PERMIT #2 NON-PROFIT

U.S. POSTAGE the ORGANIZATION MN 56307 ALBANY, Kindred Spirıt July 2019 Newsletter of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church · Albany, MN · 320-845-2405

Summer Worship

Sundays: 9:00 am Worship 25, No. 7 Vol. 10:00 am Faith5, Bible Study

Wednesdays: 5:30 pm Faith5 6:30 pm · Worship

Sunday, July 21 Box 670 P.O. Pastor Steve’s 840 Lake Avenue Retirement Celebration MN 56307-0670 Albany,

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED 9:00 am Worship 10:00 am Celebration & Lunch

Summer Worship Times: Summer Worship Pastors: Steven Olson & Bobbi Bell & Ministry Associate for Youth Families: Diana Brown Mike Aronson Music Coordinator: Receptionist/ Secretary: Angela Mosman Custodians: Bestman & Josephine Dennis Hours: Office Church Monday – Friday · 9am 1pm (320) 845-2405 [email protected] www.OurSaviorsLutheranAlbany.org Sun. 9:00 am · Wed. 6:30 pm Sun. 9:00 am · Wed. July 2019 Additions to the calendar? Email Our Savior’s Lutheran Church office: [email protected] or call 320-845-2405 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 6/30 1 2 3 4 5 6 9am · Worship 7pm · NA Meeting 5:30pm · Faith5 Group Independence Day 10am · Faith5 6:30pm · Worship and Ice Cream Social

Church office closed

Luther Crest Family Camp 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 9am · Worship 7pm · NA Meeting 9am · Staff Meeting 8am · Men’s Bible 10am · Faith5 1pm · Quilting Squares Study 5:30pm · Faith5 Group 1pm · Prayer Circle 6:30pm · Worship and Ice Meeting Cream Social

Luther Crest Camp Week

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 9am · Worship 9am · Lady Generators Mtg 9am · Staff Meeting 8am · Men’s Bible 10am · Faith5 6:30pm · Congregational 12pm · Mary’s Circle Potluck Study 3pm · Girl Scouts 248 & 251 Council Meeting & Bible Study NO all committee meeting 5:30pm · Faith5 Group 7pm · NA Meeting 6:30pm · Worship and Ice Cream Social

21 22 23 24 25 26 27 9am · Worship 7pm · NA Meeting 9am · Staff Meeting 10am · Pastor Steve’s 5:30pm · Faith5 Group Retirement Celebration & 6:30pm · Worship and Ice Lunch Cream Social

28 29 30 31 8/1 8/2 8/3 9am · Worship 7pm · NA Meeting 9am · Staff Meeting 1pm · Prayer Circle 10am · Faith5 9:30am–12:30pm · Stearns Meeting 3pm · Girl Scouts 248 & 251 County Household Waste Collection 5:30pm · Faith5 Group 6:30pm · Worship and Ice Cream Social Worship Ministers—July 2019 had come to step aside and open the door for a new beginning. Reader Communion Ushers With that in mind, I am now in the process of winding down 36 Wednesday, July 3 years of ministry as a pastor, 6:30 pm Sound board: Matt Refteseth cleaning my files, culling my library and preparing a briefing for Sunday, July 7 my successor. I am still working 9:00 am Jolen Lobitz Jolene Lobitz Jenny Miller with prospective new members Sound board: John Sundet Ray & Cheri Evei Fischer and have hopes of doing some Salzer more work on the membership rolls. That is proving to be a challenge with the time available, Wednesday, June 10 but I will keep doing what I can in 6:30 pm Sound board: Kevin Beuning the time I have left. I also will carry on with my regular pastoral Sunday, July 14 visits until the end. 10:30 am Sandy Paulsen Sandy & Ron Dave & Lori sound board: Pat Johnson Paulsen Grabmeier Last things As to our plans, following our retirement, we plan to spend three Sue Koplin months doing some traveling and When Diane and I came to down sizing our possessions in Wednesday, July 17 Albany four years ago, I said we anticipation of a move at a future 6:30 pm Sound board: Matt Rafteseth would stay for three years, with date. We do not have any concrete the possibility of an additional plans but we will begin looking at Sunday, July 21 three years, if the church decided that after our three month 9:00 am Kourtney & Kenzie Kourtney & Dale & Kelly to begin a building program. My sabbatical. In a time when the sound board: Kevin Beuning & Kenzie Fauk Rafteseth goal in coming here was to help church is facing a clergy shortage, Eric Ruch the congregation come out of a although I am retiring from full very difficult season and to set the time ministry, Diane and I always Greeters: Renee & Carissa Stark stage for a long term pastor. want to remain open to the calling of the Spirit to some form of part- Wednesday, July 24 Earlier this year, I announced my time ministry. 6:30 pm Sound board: Kevin Beuning retirement after 44 years of service to the church, including 36 years Our last Sunday with you will be Sunday, July 28 as a pastor. The timing of that on July 21st, but as we prepare to 9:00 am Deb Kurtz Jim & Deb Kevin & Lisa announcement coincided with the part ways, I wanted to explain realization that I had done what I some of the ground rules. Here in sound board: Jerry Stark Kurtz Beuning could to achieve the first set of Albany, my line will be, “Just call Lisa Beuning goals and that I would not be able me Steve.” Although I remain a to complete any possible future pastor of the ELCA, I am not a Wednesday, July 31 building program in an pastor of this church. So I will not 6:30 pm Sound board: Matt Rafteseth appropriate manner. So the time be performing any pastoral acts 14 3 here, except under very extreme Summer Worship: conditions and at the request of Prayer July 2019 the Senior Pastor. 9:00 am Sundays Box Victory 6:30 pm Wednesdays Nor will we in any way be “57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord involved in the every day life and Summer worship hours will Jesus Christ.” 1 Cor. 15:57 decisions of the congregation, continue through Labor day “37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him although you will most certainly weekend. Then on the Sunday who loved us.“ Romans 8:37 be in our prayers. after Labor Day we want to pull “14 But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s Finally, as is expected of retiring the whole congregation back triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the pastors, we will be transferring our together for a celebration called knowledge of him everywhere.” 2 Cor. 2:14 membership from OSLC to “God’s Work, Our Hands.” That will be on September 9th. So for “13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” another ELCA congregation. So Philippians 4:13 even though we live in Albany we now save the date. “14 For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under will not be worshipping here. The As for summer worship times: the law, but under grace.” Romans 6:14 reason for all of this is to help the congregation bond with your next “8 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Sunday Mornings: We will be Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who pastors. I know that will be hard using our regular worship service for some, but trust me, it is for gives life has set you[a] free from the law of sin and death.” with a little time extra for our Romans 8:1-2 the best. favorite hymns and songs of faith. 6 So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be Diane and I want to thank the Wednesday Evenings: Wednesday afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” Hebrews 13:6 congregation, the council and the worship is a great hit for weekend “4 For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for staff of OSLC for your support of warriors and those who like to you against your enemies to give you victory.” Deuteronomy 20:4 our ministry over the past four sleep in on Sundays. Once again “12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any years. Please keep us and your this year we will have a shorter congregational leaders in your double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, and more relaxed summer style joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” prayers as we enter into this season worship followed by an ice cream of transition. Hebrews 4:12 sundae bar. Come and check “15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a May God bless you and by the it out! public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” Spirit’s grace, may you become a Colossians 2:15 church of God’s dreams for this “9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, time and place. God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who Pr. Steve Olson called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9 Lord, forgive me for giving place in my heart to resentment, to lust, Hazardous Waste to anger, to alcohol. Forgive me for giving place in my life to Worship is Recorded Collection: resignation and self-reproach and shame, to fear and doubt and control. I renounce it now. Come, Jesus Christ, and take your Worship is recorded to CD Stearns County will be hosting a rightful place in my heart and in my life here. Come and set me free every Sunday. If you would like hazardous waste collection in our here, in these very places. I plead your blood over these sins, and I to listen to the service, please call parking lot from 9:30 am to break every hold I gave my enemy here, in the name of Jesus Christ. the church office. 12:30 pm on July 31st. 4 13 New Feature in the more accurate picture of the true Newsletter! state of affairs, encouraging members, while avoiding In addition to hosting two extra discouraging new comers. congregational meetings a year, giving updates on our ministries Monthly Finances and their support, we are also moving the financial snap shot to May Total the newsletter from the bulletin. General Fund Giving $15,091.37 We believe that, in addition to giving the congregation a deeper General Fund understanding of our life together, Needed Each Month $20,979.75 this will also strengthen our The fundamental fact of God creates beauty. God gives outreach ministry. Here is why: General Funds existence is that this trust in God, peace. God acts in surprising Income thru ways. God listens. God desires a Regular members of the church May 31, 2019 $97,465.42 this faith, is the firm foundation loving relationship with us, understand that people are extra under everything that makes God’s children. generous during the run ups to General Funds Christmas and Easter, and then Expenses thru life worth living. less so during the other nine May 31, 2019 $102,481.13 Only when we believe, trust and months of the year. So as a result *Yet to be approved. This does not Hebrews 11:1-2 have faith in God’s actions and churches tend to run in the red for include designated funds. The Message (MSG) power, can we experience the love, most of the year. We know that, joy and peace that God promises. and so we are not surprised to see “Simply Giving” Have you ever been afraid of what By the way, God keeps promises! our expenses greater than our Program would come next? We all have. Fear of the unknown is far more income right up until the week The “Simply Giving Program” is a By an act of faith, Abraham said yes paralyzing than fear of what we after Christmas. way to automate your giving to God’s call to travel to an know or expect. We often fear unknown place that would become Yet, newcomers are not aware of online, in a secure, automatic what is different. Change is by his home. When he left he had no this. So for newcomers and those recurring contributions. definition the act of making or idea where he was going. By an act who are less informed seeing a There are two ways to enroll. You becoming different. Change is of faith he lived in the country budget deficit leads to a sense of can pick up a form at the office often feared. promised him, lived as a stranger discouragement. Further for and use that to enroll or you can camping in tents. enroll online. For those who enroll newcomers, the logical question God calls us to have faith and online, you can view your history would be, “Why do I want to join trust in God. God casts out fear. Hebrews 11:8-10 MSG anytime. To enroll online, follow a church running in the red?” God promises to save us from sin, these easy steps: This is why we are moving this death and the power of the devil. By an act of faith, pastors go to an 1. Visit the church website at information to the newsletter, unknown place with no idea of oursaviorslutheranalbany.org, which tends to be read mainly by By faith, we see the world called into what to expect. By an act of faith, members. Replacing the weekly 2. Click the Online Giving button existence by God’s word, what we see they say “yes” to God’s call and snapshots with trimester meetings Click the Create Profile button. created by what we don’t see. live as a stranger, temporarily and monthly snapshots in the Then follow the onscreen camping among God’s people. By newsletter will allow us to give a instructions to create your profile. Hebrews 11:3 MSG an act of faith, God’s people 12 5 welcome a pastor into their Adult Vacation Bible School presence. By an act of faith, all of God’s people learn together about August 4-8, 2019 Quilting how much God loves them! Sunday thru Thursday! NEW! Squares God loves you! Believe, trust and Calling All Adults!! have faith in God’s presence, Do you remember the fun of The Quilting Squares have two power and love! Vacation Bible School? Do you more quilts ready to deliver to like to learn about how God loves Terebinth Healing Center. The I thank God through Jesus for every you? Come to Vacation Bible house is full with eight ladies and one of you. That’s first. People School and do both! You’re invited to one child. everywhere keep telling me about Mary’s Circle Bible Study your lives of faith, and every time I Adult attendance grew from 6 in A thank you letter is on the The third Wednesday of the hear them, I thank him. And God, 2017 to 15 in 2018. This year’s bulletin board. The quilts are very whom I so love to worship and serve theme is “To Mars and Beyond” month. For June, July and August appreciated. and the “Vector Verse” that directs we will have a Noon Potluck with by spreading the good news of his The need for quilts at Terebinth is Son—the Message!—knows that the stories and activities is Bible study to follow. We will be Ephesians 3:20 - “Glory to God, studying the book of Esther. ongoing, as each person who stays every time I think of you in my there can take their quilt with prayers, which is practically all the who is able to do far beyond all July 17, August 21 that we could ask or imagine by them when the leave. time, I ask him to clear the way for Noon me to come and see you. The longer His power at work within us!” Thank you for all of your help in this waiting goes on, the deeper the We will have meaningful activities our mission service project to ache. I so want to be there to deliver that reflect God’s activity in our Women’s Ministry provide a loving, personal gift God’s gift in person and watch you lives. We will join the children for Lady Generators of a quilt. grow stronger right before my eyes! the opening lesson and singing Tuesday, July 16 But don’t think I’m not expecting to Please come and help tie on and then have our own Bible 9:00 am get something out of this, too! You study, activities and craft based on Wednesday, July 10 have as much to give me as I do the daily themes before we rejoin 1:00 pm. to you. the students for the closing Making quilts with love, blessing. Romans 1:8-12 MSG NO All Committee Elaine Randall, 320-260-8977 The daily themes are Go Beyond Meeting Night in July God’s Peace, with: Faith, Boldness, Kindness, Committees will not be Pastor Bobbi Bell Thankfulness and Hope! In meeting at the monthly addition to the well attended Recycle your committee night in July, student VBS, we will again offer aluminum cans and however, Council will still an adult component because we all meet on Tuesday, July 16th support the Youth & desire to know God and have fun at 6:30 PM. Family Ministry! Newsletter deadline learning how God is at work in us. Any committee reports or Drop off your cans in the fenced is the 15th Sign up on the Our Savior’s information can be sent to area next to the garage at the website or by calling the office - of the month the office to be shared. back of the parking lot. (320) 845-2405 6 11 NO July meeting—next meeting: Faith Journey FAITH5 and congregationalLife Wednesday, August 21 Summer Bible Study at 5:30 pm Would you be interested in a in the Fireside Room. Join us! Wednesday evening worship &mission Summer schedule for worship committee service during the school year? will be a single 9:00 am Would you like to have a meal, go Sunday morning service and a into worship as a family, split out single 6:30 pm Wednesday Sunday, July 21, 9:00 am Operation Christmas Child for age appropriate lessons evening service. is Pastor Steve’s last day Shoeboxes (Children's Church, Affirmation serving us at OSLC of Baptism (Confirmation) and Following the Sunday service, This year, we will be collecting the Adult Bible Study for starters and Please join us for shoeboxes in September. Bible study will continue in a gather again for Holy FAITH5 format. The Bible study Pastor Steve’s School supply sales will be starting Communion and blessing? is based on “Joseph: Beyond the Retirement soon (yikes!) so remember items Coat of Many Colors.” We Celebration & Lunch! We would like to offer this option for your shoebox as you are in the for families who would like to continue at a far reduced rate Following the service, join us in stores. We will have the Operation worship together but have than originally planned at the the Fellowship Hall for lunch and Christmas Child boxes available weekend commitments or families request of the average of 15 a wonderful celebration program. again in September—you’ll find who have a student in participants. There has been an them in the Lobby. abundance of great conversation Be sure to stop and sign the confirmation and younger or older You can learn more about OCC at children as well. We know the as well as getting into their special gift we have for Pastor Bibles! Super group. Steve and Diane. Samaritan’s Purse: many challenges parents and www.samaritanspurse.org/what- families face and we want to help Let’s all gather to bless them we-do/operation-christmas-child make it easier for you to grow in Before the Wednesday service, on their journey into retirement your faith relationships. there will be a FAITH5 group at or whatever God may be calling 5:30—back by request—as we Our Savior’s If any of this sounds interesting, them to do! had last summer. All are welcome Church Staff and especially if you would be to explore the many ways God Pastor Steven Olson interested in providing musical loves you and wants you to live cell: 320-296-6294 talent, please let Pastor Bobbi in loving relationship! Holy Yoga [email protected] know. Our Savior's wants to will return in August Pastor Bobbi Bell provide opportunities to support cell: 320-761-1484 your Faith Journey! Watch the bulletin and newsletter [email protected] for dates. Ministry Associate for Youth & OSLC MISSION: Families: Diana Brown Name Tags Our Savior’s Lutheran Church Music Coordinator: Everyone is invited to have your Mike Aronson is one people united in Christ, You can Support own Our Savior’s Lutheran Kristin Wolford, Receptionist / Secretary: empowered by God’s grace Angela Mosman Church name tag! The tags are missionary to the Dominican magnetic, look better, and through worship and the study Republic, with a gift or set up Custodians: of His Word, to glorify God by Bestman& Josephine Dennis are easier on clothing. monthly support: serving and witnessing in the Church Office Hours: Just sign up on the sheet in www.igo-worldwide.org Monday–Friday · 9am–1pm the Lobby and a volunteer will community and the world. and click on Emmanuel. make tags for you! 10 7 discover the wonders of God’s Valleyfair Day! What really matters... OSLC universe. We’ll become Voyagers on a journey through space, Monday, August 12 A friend who was working in the YOUTH & exploring where God’s power can Depart from church, 8:00 am Dominican Republic with Habitat for Humanity had take us. Beginning in our Enjoy a day at Valleyfair! All ages FAMILIES sanctuary—an outpost on befriended a small boy named are welcome! Grades 7-12 will be Etin. He noticed that when Etin Mars—we’ll lift off to distant in groups that will have planets on special missions to wore a shirt at all it was always designated check-in times. the same dirty, tattered one. A collect power sources. Along the Students in Grades 5 and 6 will way, we’ll learn how God walked box of used clothes had been left One small step for kids...one be in adult chaperoned groups. at the camp, and my friend with heroes of the Bible, and that Students in Grade 4 and below giant leap for God’s Kingdom! God is always with us, too. Add found two shirts in it that were are welcome to attend with a in reasonably good shape and to the adventure with out-of-this- parent or guardian. Students go world fun, learning, and timeless about Etin’s size, so he gave them by 2018-2019 school year grade. to the grateful boy. Bible stories that inspire us all to Bring a lunch or spending give glory to God, who is able to money to buy lunch at the park. A few days later he saw another do far beyond all that we could Dress for the weather! boy wearing one of the shirts. ask or imagine! When he next met up with Etin AWESOME ADULTS are he explained that the shirts were August 4th needed to chaperone. Speak with meant for him. Etin just looked Go Beyond with Faith—Daniel Diana if you are interested in at him and said, “But you gave trusts God in the lion’s den: spending the day guiding our me two!” Daniel 6 students. Text or Call What really matters is what you (320) 260-7651 Email: do with what you have. August 5th [email protected] or call —Shirley Lord Go Beyond with Boldness— church, 845-2405 Vacation Bible School Queen Esther takes a stand: Monday, August 12th Albany Food Shelf Esther 4-9 Sunday, August 4th – Depart: 8:00 am OSLC Parking The following items are needed this Thursday, August 8th Lot and Return: approximately month at the Albany Food Shelf: August 6th 8:00 pm OSLC Parking Lot. Sunday start this year! Go Beyond with Kindness—The Pancake Mix · Syrup Good Samaritan helps a fellow Transportation: Bus traveler: Luke 10:25-37 COST: $45.00 includes Remember...the first Sunday Theme Verse transportation and tickets. of every month is Food Shelf Glory to God who is able to do far August 7th Scholarships are available— Sunday. Bring a food item beyond all that we could ask or Go Beyond with Thankfulness— Please ask. Please return donation for our local food shelf. imagine by his power at work Jesus heals 10 Lepers: registration and payment by The need is great, and with your within us! Ephesians 3:20 Luke 17:11-19 Thursday, August 8th. Make help, people right here in our checks payable to “Our Savior’s community are able to provide August 8th Lutheran Church.” food on the table for their Blast off with the first VBS to Go Beyond with Hope—Jesus You can find registration in families. Donations can be land on the moon! OSLC’s To comforts friends on the way to the Lobby, on Facebook, or dropped off in the designated bins Mars and Beyond will help kids Emmaus: Luke 24:13-35 email Diana. in the Narthex. Thank you! 8 9 discover the wonders of God’s Valleyfair Day! What really matters... OSLC universe. We’ll become Voyagers on a journey through space, Monday, August 12 A friend who was working in the YOUTH & exploring where God’s power can Depart from church, 8:00 am Dominican Republic with Habitat for Humanity had take us. Beginning in our Enjoy a day at Valleyfair! All ages FAMILIES sanctuary—an outpost on befriended a small boy named are welcome! Grades 7-12 will be Etin. He noticed that when Etin Mars—we’ll lift off to distant in groups that will have planets on special missions to wore a shirt at all it was always designated check-in times. the same dirty, tattered one. A collect power sources. Along the Students in Grades 5 and 6 will way, we’ll learn how God walked box of used clothes had been left One small step for kids...one be in adult chaperoned groups. at the camp, and my friend with heroes of the Bible, and that Students in Grade 4 and below giant leap for God’s Kingdom! God is always with us, too. Add found two shirts in it that were are welcome to attend with a in reasonably good shape and to the adventure with out-of-this- parent or guardian. Students go world fun, learning, and timeless about Etin’s size, so he gave them by 2018-2019 school year grade. to the grateful boy. Bible stories that inspire us all to Bring a lunch or spending give glory to God, who is able to money to buy lunch at the park. A few days later he saw another do far beyond all that we could Dress for the weather! boy wearing one of the shirts. ask or imagine! When he next met up with Etin AWESOME ADULTS are he explained that the shirts were August 4th needed to chaperone. Speak with meant for him. Etin just looked Go Beyond with Faith—Daniel Diana if you are interested in at him and said, “But you gave trusts God in the lion’s den: spending the day guiding our me two!” Daniel 6 students. Text or Call What really matters is what you (320) 260-7651 Email: do with what you have. August 5th [email protected] or call —Shirley Lord Go Beyond with Boldness— church, 845-2405 Vacation Bible School Queen Esther takes a stand: Monday, August 12th Albany Food Shelf Esther 4-9 Sunday, August 4th – Depart: 8:00 am OSLC Parking The following items are needed this Thursday, August 8th Lot and Return: approximately month at the Albany Food Shelf: August 6th 8:00 pm OSLC Parking Lot. Sunday start this year! Go Beyond with Kindness—The Pancake Mix · Syrup Good Samaritan helps a fellow Transportation: Bus traveler: Luke 10:25-37 COST: $45.00 includes Remember...the first Sunday Theme Verse transportation and tickets. of every month is Food Shelf Glory to God who is able to do far August 7th Scholarships are available— Sunday. Bring a food item beyond all that we could ask or Go Beyond with Thankfulness— Please ask. Please return donation for our local food shelf. imagine by his power at work Jesus heals 10 Lepers: registration and payment by The need is great, and with your within us! Ephesians 3:20 Luke 17:11-19 Thursday, August 8th. Make help, people right here in our checks payable to “Our Savior’s community are able to provide August 8th Lutheran Church.” food on the table for their Blast off with the first VBS to Go Beyond with Hope—Jesus You can find registration in families. Donations can be land on the moon! OSLC’s To comforts friends on the way to the Lobby, on Facebook, or dropped off in the designated bins Mars and Beyond will help kids Emmaus: Luke 24:13-35 email Diana. in the Narthex. Thank you! 8 9 NO July meeting—next meeting: Faith Journey FAITH5 and congregationalLife Wednesday, August 21 Summer Bible Study at 5:30 pm Would you be interested in a in the Fireside Room. Join us! Wednesday evening worship &mission Summer schedule for worship committee service during the school year? will be a single 9:00 am Would you like to have a meal, go Sunday morning service and a into worship as a family, split out single 6:30 pm Wednesday Sunday, July 21, 9:00 am Operation Christmas Child for age appropriate lessons evening service. is Pastor Steve’s last day Shoeboxes (Children's Church, Affirmation serving us at OSLC of Baptism (Confirmation) and Following the Sunday service, This year, we will be collecting the Adult Bible Study for starters and Please join us for shoeboxes in September. Bible study will continue in a gather again for Holy FAITH5 format. The Bible study Pastor Steve’s School supply sales will be starting Communion and blessing? is based on “Joseph: Beyond the Retirement soon (yikes!) so remember items Coat of Many Colors.” We Celebration & Lunch! We would like to offer this option for your shoebox as you are in the for families who would like to continue at a far reduced rate Following the service, join us in stores. We will have the Operation worship together but have than originally planned at the the Fellowship Hall for lunch and Christmas Child boxes available weekend commitments or families request of the average of 15 a wonderful celebration program. again in September—you’ll find who have a student in participants. There has been an them in the Lobby. abundance of great conversation Be sure to stop and sign the confirmation and younger or older You can learn more about OCC at children as well. We know the as well as getting into their special gift we have for Pastor Bibles! Super group. Steve and Diane. Samaritan’s Purse: many challenges parents and www.samaritanspurse.org/what- families face and we want to help Let’s all gather to bless them we-do/operation-christmas-child make it easier for you to grow in Before the Wednesday service, on their journey into retirement your faith relationships. there will be a FAITH5 group at or whatever God may be calling 5:30—back by request—as we Our Savior’s If any of this sounds interesting, them to do! had last summer. All are welcome Church Staff and especially if you would be to explore the many ways God Pastor Steven Olson interested in providing musical loves you and wants you to live cell: 320-296-6294 talent, please let Pastor Bobbi in loving relationship! Holy Yoga [email protected] know. Our Savior's wants to will return in August Pastor Bobbi Bell provide opportunities to support cell: 320-761-1484 your Faith Journey! Watch the bulletin and newsletter [email protected] for dates. Ministry Associate for Youth & OSLC MISSION: Families: Diana Brown Name Tags Our Savior’s Lutheran Church Music Coordinator: Everyone is invited to have your Mike Aronson is one people united in Christ, You can Support own Our Savior’s Lutheran Kristin Wolford, Receptionist / Secretary: empowered by God’s grace Angela Mosman Church name tag! The tags are missionary to the Dominican magnetic, look better, and through worship and the study Republic, with a gift or set up Custodians: of His Word, to glorify God by Bestman& Josephine Dennis are easier on clothing. monthly support: serving and witnessing in the Church Office Hours: Just sign up on the sheet in www.igo-worldwide.org Monday–Friday · 9am–1pm the Lobby and a volunteer will community and the world. and click on Emmanuel. make tags for you! 10 7 welcome a pastor into their Adult Vacation Bible School presence. By an act of faith, all of God’s people learn together about August 4-8, 2019 Quilting how much God loves them! Sunday thru Thursday! NEW! Squares God loves you! Believe, trust and Calling All Adults!! have faith in God’s presence, Do you remember the fun of The Quilting Squares have two power and love! Vacation Bible School? Do you more quilts ready to deliver to like to learn about how God loves Terebinth Healing Center. The I thank God through Jesus for every you? Come to Vacation Bible house is full with eight ladies and one of you. That’s first. People School and do both! You’re invited to one child. everywhere keep telling me about Mary’s Circle Bible Study your lives of faith, and every time I Adult attendance grew from 6 in A thank you letter is on the The third Wednesday of the hear them, I thank him. And God, 2017 to 15 in 2018. This year’s bulletin board. The quilts are very whom I so love to worship and serve theme is “To Mars and Beyond” month. For June, July and August appreciated. and the “Vector Verse” that directs we will have a Noon Potluck with by spreading the good news of his The need for quilts at Terebinth is Son—the Message!—knows that the stories and activities is Bible study to follow. We will be Ephesians 3:20 - “Glory to God, studying the book of Esther. ongoing, as each person who stays every time I think of you in my there can take their quilt with prayers, which is practically all the who is able to do far beyond all July 17, August 21 that we could ask or imagine by them when the leave. time, I ask him to clear the way for Noon me to come and see you. The longer His power at work within us!” Thank you for all of your help in this waiting goes on, the deeper the We will have meaningful activities our mission service project to ache. I so want to be there to deliver that reflect God’s activity in our Women’s Ministry provide a loving, personal gift God’s gift in person and watch you lives. We will join the children for Lady Generators of a quilt. grow stronger right before my eyes! the opening lesson and singing Tuesday, July 16 But don’t think I’m not expecting to Please come and help tie on and then have our own Bible 9:00 am get something out of this, too! You study, activities and craft based on Wednesday, July 10 have as much to give me as I do the daily themes before we rejoin 1:00 pm. to you. the students for the closing Making quilts with love, blessing. Romans 1:8-12 MSG NO All Committee Elaine Randall, 320-260-8977 The daily themes are Go Beyond Meeting Night in July God’s Peace, with: Faith, Boldness, Kindness, Committees will not be Pastor Bobbi Bell Thankfulness and Hope! In meeting at the monthly addition to the well attended Recycle your committee night in July, student VBS, we will again offer aluminum cans and however, Council will still an adult component because we all meet on Tuesday, July 16th support the Youth & desire to know God and have fun at 6:30 PM. Family Ministry! Newsletter deadline learning how God is at work in us. Any committee reports or Drop off your cans in the fenced is the 15th Sign up on the Our Savior’s information can be sent to area next to the garage at the website or by calling the office - of the month the office to be shared. back of the parking lot. (320) 845-2405 6 11 New Feature in the more accurate picture of the true Newsletter! state of affairs, encouraging members, while avoiding In addition to hosting two extra discouraging new comers. congregational meetings a year, giving updates on our ministries Monthly Finances and their support, we are also moving the financial snap shot to May Total the newsletter from the bulletin. General Fund Giving $15,091.37 We believe that, in addition to giving the congregation a deeper General Fund understanding of our life together, Needed Each Month $20,979.75 this will also strengthen our The fundamental fact of God creates beauty. God gives outreach ministry. Here is why: General Funds existence is that this trust in God, peace. God acts in surprising Income thru ways. God listens. God desires a Regular members of the church May 31, 2019 $97,465.42 this faith, is the firm foundation loving relationship with us, understand that people are extra under everything that makes God’s children. generous during the run ups to General Funds Christmas and Easter, and then Expenses thru life worth living. less so during the other nine May 31, 2019 $102,481.13 Only when we believe, trust and months of the year. So as a result *Yet to be approved. This does not Hebrews 11:1-2 have faith in God’s actions and churches tend to run in the red for include designated funds. The Message (MSG) power, can we experience the love, most of the year. We know that, joy and peace that God promises. and so we are not surprised to see “Simply Giving” Have you ever been afraid of what By the way, God keeps promises! our expenses greater than our Program would come next? We all have. Fear of the unknown is far more income right up until the week The “Simply Giving Program” is a By an act of faith, Abraham said yes paralyzing than fear of what we after Christmas. way to automate your giving to God’s call to travel to an know or expect. We often fear unknown place that would become Yet, newcomers are not aware of online, in a secure, automatic what is different. Change is by his home. When he left he had no this. So for newcomers and those recurring contributions. definition the act of making or idea where he was going. By an act who are less informed seeing a There are two ways to enroll. You becoming different. Change is of faith he lived in the country budget deficit leads to a sense of can pick up a form at the office often feared. promised him, lived as a stranger discouragement. Further for and use that to enroll or you can camping in tents. enroll online. For those who enroll newcomers, the logical question God calls us to have faith and online, you can view your history would be, “Why do I want to join trust in God. God casts out fear. Hebrews 11:8-10 MSG anytime. To enroll online, follow a church running in the red?” God promises to save us from sin, these easy steps: This is why we are moving this death and the power of the devil. By an act of faith, pastors go to an 1. Visit the church website at information to the newsletter, unknown place with no idea of oursaviorslutheranalbany.org, which tends to be read mainly by By faith, we see the world called into what to expect. By an act of faith, members. Replacing the weekly 2. Click the Online Giving button existence by God’s word, what we see they say “yes” to God’s call and snapshots with trimester meetings Click the Create Profile button. created by what we don’t see. live as a stranger, temporarily and monthly snapshots in the Then follow the onscreen camping among God’s people. By newsletter will allow us to give a instructions to create your profile. Hebrews 11:3 MSG an act of faith, God’s people 12 5 here, except under very extreme Summer Worship: conditions and at the request of Prayer July 2019 the Senior Pastor. 9:00 am Sundays Box Victory 6:30 pm Wednesdays Nor will we in any way be “57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord involved in the every day life and Summer worship hours will Jesus Christ.” 1 Cor. 15:57 decisions of the congregation, continue through Labor day “37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him although you will most certainly weekend. Then on the Sunday who loved us.“ Romans 8:37 be in our prayers. after Labor Day we want to pull “14 But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s Finally, as is expected of retiring the whole congregation back triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the pastors, we will be transferring our together for a celebration called knowledge of him everywhere.” 2 Cor. 2:14 membership from OSLC to “God’s Work, Our Hands.” That will be on September 9th. So for “13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” another ELCA congregation. So Philippians 4:13 even though we live in Albany we now save the date. “14 For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under will not be worshipping here. The As for summer worship times: the law, but under grace.” Romans 6:14 reason for all of this is to help the congregation bond with your next “8 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Sunday Mornings: We will be Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who pastors. I know that will be hard using our regular worship service for some, but trust me, it is for gives life has set you[a] free from the law of sin and death.” with a little time extra for our Romans 8:1-2 the best. favorite hymns and songs of faith. 6 So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be Diane and I want to thank the Wednesday Evenings: Wednesday afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” Hebrews 13:6 congregation, the council and the worship is a great hit for weekend “4 For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for staff of OSLC for your support of warriors and those who like to you against your enemies to give you victory.” Deuteronomy 20:4 our ministry over the past four sleep in on Sundays. Once again “12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any years. Please keep us and your this year we will have a shorter congregational leaders in your double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, and more relaxed summer style joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” prayers as we enter into this season worship followed by an ice cream of transition. Hebrews 4:12 sundae bar. Come and check “15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a May God bless you and by the it out! public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” Spirit’s grace, may you become a Colossians 2:15 church of God’s dreams for this “9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, time and place. God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who Pr. Steve Olson called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9 Lord, forgive me for giving place in my heart to resentment, to lust, Hazardous Waste to anger, to alcohol. Forgive me for giving place in my life to Worship is Recorded Collection: resignation and self-reproach and shame, to fear and doubt and control. I renounce it now. Come, Jesus Christ, and take your Worship is recorded to CD Stearns County will be hosting a rightful place in my heart and in my life here. Come and set me free every Sunday. If you would like hazardous waste collection in our here, in these very places. I plead your blood over these sins, and I to listen to the service, please call parking lot from 9:30 am to break every hold I gave my enemy here, in the name of Jesus Christ. the church office. 12:30 pm on July 31st. 4 13 Worship Ministers—July 2019 had come to step aside and open the door for a new beginning. Reader Communion Ushers With that in mind, I am now in the process of winding down 36 Wednesday, July 3 years of ministry as a pastor, 6:30 pm Sound board: Matt Refteseth cleaning my files, culling my library and preparing a briefing for Sunday, July 7 my successor. I am still working 9:00 am Jolen Lobitz Jolene Lobitz Jenny Miller with prospective new members Sound board: John Sundet Ray & Cheri Evei Fischer and have hopes of doing some Salzer more work on the membership rolls. That is proving to be a challenge with the time available, Wednesday, June 10 but I will keep doing what I can in 6:30 pm Sound board: Kevin Beuning the time I have left. I also will carry on with my regular pastoral Sunday, July 14 visits until the end. 10:30 am Sandy Paulsen Sandy & Ron Dave & Lori sound board: Pat Johnson Paulsen Grabmeier Last things As to our plans, following our retirement, we plan to spend three Sue Koplin months doing some traveling and When Diane and I came to down sizing our possessions in Wednesday, July 17 Albany four years ago, I said we anticipation of a move at a future 6:30 pm Sound board: Matt Rafteseth would stay for three years, with date. We do not have any concrete the possibility of an additional plans but we will begin looking at Sunday, July 21 three years, if the church decided that after our three month 9:00 am Kourtney & Kenzie Kourtney & Dale & Kelly to begin a building program. My sabbatical. In a time when the sound board: Kevin Beuning & Kenzie Fauk Rafteseth goal in coming here was to help church is facing a clergy shortage, Eric Ruch the congregation come out of a although I am retiring from full very difficult season and to set the time ministry, Diane and I always Greeters: Renee & Carissa Stark stage for a long term pastor. want to remain open to the calling of the Spirit to some form of part- Wednesday, July 24 Earlier this year, I announced my time ministry. 6:30 pm Sound board: Kevin Beuning retirement after 44 years of service to the church, including 36 years Our last Sunday with you will be Sunday, July 28 as a pastor. The timing of that on July 21st, but as we prepare to 9:00 am Deb Kurtz Jim & Deb Kevin & Lisa announcement coincided with the part ways, I wanted to explain realization that I had done what I some of the ground rules. Here in sound board: Jerry Stark Kurtz Beuning could to achieve the first set of Albany, my line will be, “Just call Lisa Beuning goals and that I would not be able me Steve.” Although I remain a to complete any possible future pastor of the ELCA, I am not a Wednesday, July 31 building program in an pastor of this church. So I will not 6:30 pm Sound board: Matt Rafteseth appropriate manner. So the time be performing any pastoral acts 14 3 PAID PERMIT #2 NON-PROFIT