A Message from Pastor Tony God

AUGUST 2021

Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Beloit, WI

A Message from Pastor Tony God. The perseverance that slowly allows athletes to Perseverance excel is the same perseverance that slowly opens our eyes to what is possible through faith. Jesus tells a story

Then Jesus told them a parable about their about a widow as an example of this, but he might as need to pray always and not to lose heart. well have spoken about a teenage basketball player from – Luke 18:1 Athens, Greece. Through perseverance, great things can be accomplished. A widow received justice from an unjust judge and a Greek Freak becomes the world’s best Perseverance may be the very best reason to enjoy the player. NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks. More than any other These lessons of perseverance translate wonderfully into league, the NBA is set up to allow excellent teams to prayer and our relationship with God. Prayer is a funny take it up a notch and become unbeatable through a thing. We teach children to pray, and we know we should flexible system that permits them to stack the deck with pray, and we understand that it’s important, but so many superstars. Recent champions like the Lakers, Raptors, never get much further than that… forever playing and Warriors were built that way. Their glory shines HORSE in the driveway. While the orange ball may be the brightly for a time until everyone abandons ship. The same, there is a world of difference between HORSE and Bucks were not built that way. Their cornerstones of an NBA champion. Like the big orange bouncy Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton have been basketball, prayer is a tool that opens the door to so Milwaukee teammates since 2013, Giannis starting as an much more. It is a means for relationship with God, a 18-year-old. They slogged through terrible years, until portal that is in tune with the kingdom of heaven, a suddenly they were not so terrible… pretty good even. power sharing device through which God provides us They reached the heights of the having the best record grace, an instrument of hope, a lens for seeing what is in the NBA in 2019 but faced bitter playoff real, and earbuds for direction and guidance. To disappointments. Finally, through perseverance and persevere in prayer is to grow in understanding all these commitment, they came out as champions. It is easy to things and more. To persevere in prayer is to grow, love this team. slowly, in wisdom about life and recognize the fact that Jesus teaches us about perseverance, and while I’m sure every day is a chance to face the world with God. he could have put together a magnificent basketball Rejoice always! team, his lessons for us are grounded in the kingdom of Pastor Tony

Welcome Statement We welcome and encourage the full participation of all people, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, age, ability, appearance, or anything else that threatens to divide us. We have all been claimed as God’s children, and all are welcome here.

“There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.” -Galatians 3:28

Our Mission Statement: To reflect God’s love through service to the family of God. A Message from Pastor Jason Youth Ministry is… In just a month we will be embarking on a new school year (yeah, sorry to be the bearer of that reality) and with that comes some exciting things happening here at Our Savior’s with our middle and high school youth. We will begin faith formation classes (Confirmation) for our middle school youth on Wednesday, September 8, and then high school youth group gatherings on the 2nd Sunday of each month starting on September 12. Theses two ministries are direct ways in which we as a congregation live into the promises we made at baptism to the youth of our faith community to teach and accompany them on their faith journey. I take my role in fulfilling that promise very seriously and strive to create a safe space where youth ministry is: Real: Teenagers have the uncanny ability to sniff out the least bit of inauthenticity. Our time together will be filled with failure stories and real-life transparency. Our topics will matter to students, be guided by students questions and experiences, and when we gather there don't have to be pretenses. Youth can be who they are and who God is creating them to be without putting on a performance. Relational: While programs are important, there is nothing better than time spent building relationships with God and with one another. At FLY we’ll provide opportunities for growing these relationships. Relevant: One of the strongest advantages to youth ministry is the ability to relate the timeless truths of God to the teenage life. Being relevant doesn’t mean I’ll ever achieve being super trendy, it simply means creating ministry experiences that are relevant to the life of a teenager, listening to their ideas and questions, and moving in the direction of the gospel as it informs their lives. Our ministry must matter to students or it no longer exists. Relaxed: It is the hope that when youth show up at church, their shoulders drop as the tension is released from their bodies. That the worries and pressures teenage life are put aside, even if only for an hour or two. I am so excited to get started and see what this next step in this journey holds. It is always a blessing to be walking alongside you. +Pastor Jason

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A Message from our President

The Church Board met on July 8, 2021. There were three topics that took a great deal of time and discussion. First, we had a lengthy discussion about finances, the amount to try to hold in savings as a cash reserve to help cover the short fall in offerings through the summer months when giving drops. The decision was to try to maintain an amount equal to 3 months of expenses or about $118,000. The financial reports from May 31, 2021 showed a balance in the general savings of $223,000. The offering number was at $147,000., which is 33% of the budgeted number of $450,000., in simple numbers we would like to see 41.6% of budget after 5 months or $187,500.. The board understands that giving increases in the last quarter of the year, that is why a cash reserve is important to have. Expense numbers are $205,000. or about 43% of the budget number of $472,000., or about 1.5% over budget. This led to discussion about a Stewardship committee and giving. When we laid out the plan that called Pastor Each Monday, an email is sent out to the OSLC Jason, the board knew we would need to use cash Prayer Chain with the names of people we are reserves until offerings increased. The board and the lifting up in prayer for that week. If you would like congregation felt that the mission and ministry of this have people added to the list, write their names on call was worth the cost. Now is the time we all need to the back of the “Yellow Slip” at the beginning of prayerfully consider how we as a congregation will meet worship. Or you can email the church at this challenge. [email protected] to inform us of people to be included. The second topic was a motion to sing all the hymns during the church service. Again, the board discussed If you would like to receive the weekly Prayer Chain this at length with many good reasons for and against list, contact the church at the above email address the motion. The board’s vote ended in a tie, as board or give us a call. Members of the OSLC Prayer Chain president my no vote broke the tie. We will look at this make a commitment to pray for these sisters and again next month, but for now we will only be singing brothers in Christ throughout the week. the last hymn, based on my no vote. The third topic was how to re-engage and encourage families with children to return to church. Some families are concerned for the safety of their children, where masks are optional for those who are vaccinated and encouraged for those who are not. I believe we all need to take a deep breath and pray for understanding of how the people with different views on this feel and not Pastoral Acts just look at our own feelings. After lengthy discussion, Baptism: Alivia Lopez, 6/27/2021 including the possibility of outdoor services to a service where masks would be required, the board sent the topic to the Worship, Music and Arts committee for a recommendation. This committee will meet on July 22. Monthly financials June 2021 June 2020 I ask for everyone to pray for your church board, these Offerings $ 32,830.75 $ 30,079.00 are not easy discussions or decisions. We welcome all comments and input from the Income $ 34,146.75 $ 31,364.52 congregation. May the Son Shine on You! Expenses $ 47,987.19 $ 44,187.60 Jon Lang, Budget $489,010.00 $460,627.31 Board President

PAGE 3 High School Supplies for Youth Group Birthday Bags One of our projects for God’s work. nd Our hands. Sunday (September 12) 2 Sunday of each Month | 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm is making Birthday Bags for Caritas Beginning September 12 Food Pantry. We are now Each week we will begin with dinner and then have open excepting donations of boxed cake mixes, canned time to explore what it means to live out our faith in our frosting, candles, and sprinkles to help fill our bags! daily lives. The discussion topics and interactions will be Everyone deserves a birthday celebration, let’s rally guided by the youth and be a time for frank and together to make 50 birthday bags for children in our relevant mutual conversation and fellowship. community!

Confirmation Lutheran World Relief Our middle school faith formation We are collecting items for Personal program (Confirmation) will begin with Care Kits during the month of August. a parent/family/youth meeting on Each kit requires: Wednesday, September 8 beginning • One light-weight bath size towel with dinner at 6:00 pm with the meeting (20" X 40" to 52" X 27") following at 6:30 pm. All those youth and families in 7th- th • Two or three bath size bars of soap 9 grade this fall are invited to join us. (equaling 8-9 oz. in original wrapping) • One adult size toothbrush Scholarship Sunday (in original packaging Thanks to the generosity of our • One wide toothed comb congregation, seven of our young • One metal nail clipper

adults will receive OSLC Please place supplies in the LWR BIN, located in the scholarships for continuing Commons. We continue to collect supplies for all of the education totaling $2,900 this kits. Thank you for you continued support. year! The following students will be recognized and receive their scholarship checks on Sunday, August 8, at the 10:15 am worship service: McKenna Dodson, Worship Opportunities Bailey Dusso, Grant Dusso, Sarah Erdmann, Jameson Hosey, Sydney Prowse, and Maura Spain. MeKenna, from Home While we have returned to regular in- Bailey, Grant, Sarah, Jameson and Maura will each person worship at Our Saviors, you still receive $350. Sydney will receive $800. Please have options for worshiping from home. congratulate these outstanding young people and wish The 5:00 pm Saturday and 8:30 am Sunday worship them well as they begin the fall semester of school. services are livestreamed on our YouTube channel

“Ministry Coordinator OSLC.” You can phone in and New Member’s Orientation listen to 8:30 am service by calling toll-free 855-216- Sunday, August 15, after late service 7749 on any telephone. Services are also available on Are you interested in joining Our Savior’s cable TV channel 992, Sundays at 1:00 pm and Lutheran Church? A New Member Wednesdays at 5:00 pm, but we have been informed by Orientation will be held after the late the station that because their person responsible for service on Sunday, August 15. Meet putting these on TV is on paternity leave, the service with Pastor Tony to learn more about the congregation, broadcast throughout the summer will be a rerun. to have your questions answered, and discover how life in a community of faith opens you up to God’s grace and power. Please contact the church office if you would like to be a part of this group, or email Pastor Tony at [email protected].

PAGE 4 Lutheran’s on Vacation Bible School Sign up to be part of the OSLC God’s the Move Team Olympic Games on August 3 & 5 Presents a trip this fall to and 10 & 12 from 6:00-7:30 pm. We are planning to Colorado Springs for 9 days/8 do an outside VBS at OSLC in the evening. We will have nights. We will be on travelling an opening worship followed by a rotation of activities September 18-26, 2021. Total and then a closing ceremony with a take home snack. cost is $869.00 and includes the motorcoach, lodgings, Fill out the registration form on our website: https:// 14 meals and various sights. Come and join us and enjoy oursaviorsbeloitwi.org/.

the fun times we have as well as building friendship with others on the trip. If you have any questions or would Tuesday, August 3 like to sign up, please call Jean Lincoln at 608-346-0370 Opening Ceremony with the Battle of Jericho

after 3:00 pm. Flyers can be found in the Commons by the phone. Thursday, August 5 Track & Field Night with David & Goliath

Support OSLC Youth! Tuesday, August 10 NEED A NEW MASK? Why not Soccer & Gymnastics Night with purchase a custom cloth OSLC mask Daniel & the Lion’s Den

to wear both here at church and when you are out around Beloit and beyond. Thursday, August 12 The cost is $5.00 per mask and all proceeds benefit Water Sports Night with Jonah & the Whale our high school youth and their trip to the 2022 ELCA Youth Gathering next summer. To purchase a mask contact the church office or see Pastor Jason. Thrivent Action Teams Needed WELCA Do you own a Thrivent financial At a recent WELCA Board meeting, product? Did you know that you which was attended by Pastor Tony, can write two "action teams" a year, earning up to $500 it was decided to go ahead with the for your favorite charity or project? It's easy! Let Valerie planning for the Fall Harvest Dusso ([email protected]) know if you'd like Festival the first weekend in November. We will be to help. We have several upcoming projects which could contacting program chairs as well as those who worked benefit from your support! on the various committees to confirm their willingness to participate this year. The Household Sale, Jewelry/ Purse Sale, Craft and Bake sale will take place, as well as Choir Rehearsal the raffle and the luncheon. Choir rehearsals are planned to resume on

Thursday, September 30. New singers As usual we will be looking for household items, jewelry are always welcome! Full vaccination is and craft items. So keep the festival in mind as you advised. We will make adjustments to clean your closets, drawers and donate old household rehearse safely and begin singing for items and jewelry and purses you no longer need.

services as soon as possible. Watch for further updates We will resume our regular WELCA Board Meeting on in the September Messenger or contact Cheryl Licary at Thursday, August 19 at 5:00 pm, looking forward to any service, or by email: [email protected]. seeing everyone. Special thanks to all of the cantors who have helped provide music for recordings and services over the past Altar Flowers many months! To sponsor Altar Flowers please write your name next to the date on the sign up sheet in the Commons, take an Altar Flower envelope, and return the completed envelope with payment. The cost to sponsor flowers is $50 per week.

PAGE 5 Autumn Bible Study… Coming in September

“I Lift Up My Eyes to the Hills” A Study of the Songs of Ascent

Pastor Tony’s Autumn Bible Study will look at Psalms 120-134, the “Songs of Ascent” used in ancient Israel for pilgrimage journeys. As we journey through life and face many obstacles on the road, these psalms ground us in our true source of hope and guide us SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 to dwell in communion with God. Coming out of the pandemic, we are excited More information will be coming later this to participate in the ELCA’s National Day of month. Classes will be in-person on Sunday Service once again: “God’s Work, Our mornings beginning in mid-September. Hands.” A bulletin board has been setup in the Commons that will contain details on the various opportunities to serve. From card making to outdoor work there will be projects that seek to help community organizations such as Project 16:49 and Caritas.

God’s work can be done with the hands of all God’s children of all ages and all physical abilities. Contact Pastor Tony or Valerie in the office if you have a project idea you would like to help lead. Together, we are reflecting God’s love through service to the family of God.

PAGE 6 PAGE 7 Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Beloit, WI PERMIT 749 Bluff Street, Beloit WI 53511 NO. 167

Phone: (608) 362-0716

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Worship with Us. Saturday - 5 :00 pm Sunday - 8:30 am | 10:15 am TO:

Our Staff: Pr. Tony Dusso Senior Pastor Pr. Jason Poole-Xiong Associate Pastor Valerie Dusso Administrative Assistant Kelly Erdmann Financial Secretary Cheryl Licary Organist & Choir Director Natasha Reed Housekeeper Amy Smith Children’s Ministry Coordinator John Smith Custodian