Isaiah 25:9) That’S Abnormal

April 2020

Worship Schedule “And it will be said in that day, Such things are normal. What’s not 9:00 am-Traditional Worship “Behold this is our God for whom normal is when that fear continues, 10:15 am-Sunday School we have waited that He might save for a day, or weeks, or, for months. 11:15 am-Heartsong, Contemp. us…” (Isaiah 25:9) That’s abnormal. You are sick with it and need help. This is when fear Staff becomes faithlessness, and, this— Jim Nipper, Pastor This is one of the passages I was in my opinion—is where our nation Carolynn Bailey, Music Director shown as I googled the phrase “the is right now, yes, even the world. Melissa Malenda, Parish Nurse last days” I chose it because it Tony Mowell, Heartsong Leader seemed to me the most positive of Cindy Watkins, Office Admin. all the ones I saw. Keep the faith. How can I put this Marcy Aaroen-Faith Formation plainly? Turn off the TV, radio, The last days. Really, pastor? Are and every other device that exists Council and Officers you suggesting what I think you are in your home for at least two hours Ken Olander, President suggesting? Yes. But let me ex- each day (more would be better). Cassie McAllister, Vice President plain… Contemplate, pray, read Bible sto- Patty Wessner, Secretary ries. Listen to music. Share stories Susan Reaves, Treasurer You see, this is the problem. Peo- with your family about when you Ken Diehl, Financial Secretary ple jump to conclusions because of were young or stories your grand- Sean Golden, Christian Ed. the fear that’s in their hearts. Right parents told you. Remember – Lent Brenda Whitson, Outreach now there is more fear than faith in is still with us for about 2 weeks. Ken Loveday, Property our country. Even with the true Gene Maddox, Finance news about this pandemic (and we And, as far as it being the “last Cat Hopper, Social Ministry appreciate this news), the media is days”? Yes – the last days for the Tom Marshall, Stewardship still feeding our fears. Coronavirus. What I mean is with Patti Hembre, Worship/Music God’s help we will conquer this Ronda Keffer, Shepherds/Inreach Fear is okay; it is natural. When we virus. It will take a while, but it is Shawn Dahlke, Youth Ministry were young, a friend jumps out be- in its last days. Have faith. Believe Gabe Aaroen, Youth Rep. hind a tree and surprises us. We that God is with us and with all our healthcare people and systems. Be Our Saviour Lutheran Church jump back because for a moment it’s out of surprise but also fear. safe. Stay home. Keep washing 212 Sunset Drive those hands. Johnson City, TN 37604 423-282-2313 You know this feeling I’m about to God loves you and so do we Email: [email protected] describe. You are almost at the Web: www.oslc.church store, or at work, and you think you forgot your cell-phone. For a split Pastor Jim

News articles are due by April 22 to second you panic. But that panic appear in May’s NewSense. subsides when you find that your Please continue to mail in your tith-

phone had fallen down in your ing. We have monthly bills that are purse or down in the floorboard. It’s a momentary panic. not going to stay away just because we are supposed to.

Purpose statement: “Make disciples and grow in grace.” 1 Financial Recap: February 2020

Offerings & Expenditures Month of February Year to Date: 2020 Actual Budget Variance Actual Budget Variance Offerings $ 28,822 $ 30,428 $ (1,606) $ 64,432 $ 60,856 $ 3,576 Expenditures & Other Items 30,317 29,811 (506) 57,390 63,188 5,798 Gain or (Loss) $ (1,495) $ 617 $ (2,112) $ 7,042 $ (2,332) $ 9,374

February 29 Balance Sheet Assets Liabilities & Equity

Checking (Operating Cash) $ 42,130 Current Payables $ - Savings (Council-Restricted Cash) 141,075 Total Operating Cash $ 183,205 Mortgages & Long-Term Debt - Endowment Funds $ 40,211 Other Liabilities - Other Donor-Restricted Cash 37,858 Total Liabilities $ - Total Cash $ 261,274

Facilities and Other Fixed Assets $ 1,383,322 Equity $ 704,889 Less Accumulated Depreciation (939,707)

Net Fixed Assets $ 443,615 Total Liabilities & Equity $ 704,889 Total Assets $ 704,889

Highlights We started off the year with terrific offerings for the month of January. However, in February, we regressed some what in our offerings. February’s average offerings per Sunday were down 1.5% from last February, and down 7.1% from February 2018.

Expenses for February were slightly unfavorable to the budget, by $506.

Total Operating Cash (Checking and Savings) amounted to $183,205 as of February 29. The ELCA has recommended that a church keep 30 percent of its annual operating budget on hand in Total Operating Cash, as a safety margin for unforeseen eventualities. Our Total Operating Cash on February 29 represented 47 percent of our 2020 budget, meaning that OSLC remains in a sig- nificantly stronger financial position than the minimum recommended by the ELCA—especially important in a period such as we’re in now, with the national health crisis and its potential eco nomic impact.

2 April Changes and Reconfigurations

At this printing, everything scheduled for the month of April is cancelled or postponed. Please be available if the need be to take part in video conferencing of some type if your church leader asks for it. If you do not have a computer or smart phone, we are sure your leaders will be happy to make a hard copy of the meeting and send it out to you. Be patient with us and we try to teach patience to the world around us.

Our synodical bishop, Rev. Kevin Strickland has pastorally but strongly encouraged us not to worship during the month of April, so, we will comply. This also includes any and all weekly gatherings for study and prayer. We will continue to provide a form of worship on Sunday mornings via our YouTube channel for OSLC. Click the link on our webpage (www.oslc2.cc) to get the latest link. Marcy Aaroen is also publishing a lesson based on the week’s Gospel (which includes a children’s page as well as questions for adults. Not getting this page? That’s because we don’t have an e-mail address for you. Call and give it to Cindy and your name will be added.) Prayers for patience in the midst of this quarantine of our spiritual lives.

Tornado Relief for WORSHIP/MUSIC COMMENTS St. John’s Lutheran Ch urch It’s difficult to be home so much of the time but there are some things you can do to keep music and worship alive in your home. Your Council has approved the —Read your Bible and especially the gospels as Palm Sunday receiving of monies to be sent and Easter are almost here directly to St. John’s Lutheran —Call some church members including older people to talk Church, Nashville (the ELCA con- and to see how they are doing gregation destroyed by last —Listen to the Christian radio station WCQR 88.3 week’s tornado). We will receive If you have a computer or iPad, listen to Christian songs by Chris Tomlin, Matt Maher, Matt Redman or another favorite funds up through Easter Sunday, artist. Enjoy the beautiful voices of female vocalists Lauren April 12. Please make checks out Daigle, Kari Jobe, or Francesca Battistelli to “OSLC” and ear-mark for —Remember to watch Pastor Nipper’s video church service on “Tornado Relief.” We will then Sunday morning mail a check to St. John’s to their —Stay connected, stay home, and stay safe. PO Box in Nashville. May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else Thessalonians 3:12

3 April Volunteers for Traditional April Heartsong Volunteers If we meet. If we meet. Acolyte Worship Leader Acolytes 26 26-Caleb Wilcox Janeen Pennell,

Lector Schedule Mandy Widener

26-Helen Fetterolf Projectionist Usher Altar Guild 26-Julie Anne Mowell Travis Pennell 26-Susan Reaves

Communion Assistants LEM 26-TBD

Ushers

Financial Tellers 5-John Stamm, Sharon Raye 12-Karen Wilson, Jim Malenda Confirmation 2020 19-Christy Huff, Janeen Pennell 26-Joe and Lu Mattson Dear students and parents – watch for e-mails that may contain lessons for you to go over to- Families of the Week gether. We are basically almost finished with 5-Jimmy and Julia Guinn; Faith Akin our material for the year (I was going to use this time to start reviewing over the year). Will our 2nd year students affirm their baptisms on Pen- tecost May 31st? The jury is still out on that, Flowers for Sunday 26-Christy Huff but it will happen – just at a later date. Pray that we will be able to get together soon in every Hospital Visitor Christian Educational way. (And, watch for ..5-Gugliotta 12-Mattson 19-Miller 26-Blackmer those e-mails.)

Library Committee—Mary Ann McGaughey

Prayer Shawl Team 1st wk-Beverly Gugliotta, Nancy Shilling, Patty Neas 2nd wk-Lu Mattson, Celia Martin 3rd wk-Cheryl Milliken, Trudy Blackmer, Betty Chalkley 4th wk-Karin McCoy, Mary Ann McGaughey, Becky Hamilos,

Nursery—We need volunteers every week, please sign up! Attendance for March 2020 Date 9:00 am 11:15 am total First Communion March 1 157 54 211 We will not, obviously, be able to celebrate First 3/4 Lent Worship Noon-23 6:30 pm-24 47 Communion on our usual Palm Sunday. We will March 8 90 58 148 reschedule, as soon as the quarantine is lifted, try- 3/11 Lent Worship Noon-20 6:30 pm-39 59 ing to take into consideration when our little class March 15, 22, 29 all canceled. can gather and do this together. Prayers that we can be together soon! (Thanks for your patience!) Average attendance—60 worshipers for 8 worship opportunities for the month of March.

4 Upcoming Events

WELCA RETREAT

This is your invitation to the WELCA Churchhouse Retreat on Saturday, May 30. We’ve enjoyed 12 years of Retreat at the Farmhouse and hope this year to be able to attract and serve up to 50 women here at Our Saviour! It will be a relaxing and wor- ..1-Harmoni Metcalf shipful day away 2-Michael Rice with friends! 3-Annabelle Mason 16- Alyson Ross Laura Patrick 18-Darcy Flint At this retreat, we will give of ourselves to 4-Sean Golden Bailee Jarrett Rob Klix 20-Barbara Diehl others and say to God:” Here I am! Send Margaret Allown me!” 21-Jannette LeSage Lily Flynn Adonis King 26–Christy Huff Encourage others and sign up on the WELCA 6-Colton Leonard 27-Irina Gregory bulletin board right away. See you there! 7-Ed Wolff Brody Jarrett 9-Gary Gentry 29-Joseph Wilson 10- Lisa Pritchett Ron Dickey Susan Kirkland 30-Taylor Hall 12-Tom Petti

Due to the postponement of the March Circle meetings, both Hannah and Katie Circle will use the March agendas for our April meetings:

Hannah Circle will meet on April 20 at 1:00 PM at the home of Cheryl Millikin-2310 Roseber- ry Ln, Johnson City. The study of Seamless will continue.

Katie Circle will meet on April 22 at 10:30 AM in the Church Library. The study of the gospel of Matthew will continue.

( Stay tuned for any changes in these plans with the usual OSLC communication methods)

We continue collecting supplies for our Personal Care Kits – soap and monetary donations are most needed right now. We need a total of 400 bars of soap and have very few at this time. Dark colored towels are also needed – best value is the Mainstay brand a Walmart for $2.74/ each. Monetary donations- made out to WELCA marked with Personal Care Kits - can be given to Kathy Bass, Cheryl Milliken, or Beverly Gugliotta. Thanks to all who have already con- tributed to this project!

Council

Council minutes are not available .

Please share information of all thosegrad- Congratulations uating from high school, college, and ad- to Pamela and Jim Quillin who were mar- vanced degrees. Please send your infor- ried on February 29, 2020. mation to [email protected].

Our sympathies to Don Clemons and family. Don’s mother, Louise, died March 7 at Cornerstone.

Sharon Raye for the death of long time friend and fiancé, Herman Church.

6 Around the Parish

“First Saturday Prayer Breakfast” is on! On Saturday, April 4, at 8 a.m. at Golden Corral, 3104 Brown’s Mill Road, Primetimers is open to anyone Johnson City. Everyone is and meets the first Wednes- welcome to this Dutch- day of every month at 11 am in treat breakfast time of the church library for shar- prayers and devotions. We’ll have ing of concerns, thought, a devotion related to the upcoming Lenten prayers, and devotions. We invite and encourage anyone to come meet and eat with us on April 1 The Cover Girls to join this group. The Cover Girls meet the second and fourth Monday of each month at 10:00 am in Fellow- ship Hall.

Prayer Shawl Ministry Lutheran Girls’ Prayer shawls are available for extended family and friends in need of comfort and prayers. Group Lunch The Ministry meets on the second Tuesday of LGG is going to try to meet on Thursday, April each month, which is April 30 at 11:45 at Carrabba’s Italian Grill, 175 Mar- 14 at 10 am in fellowship hall. May or may not meet. ketplace Drive. Keep knitting at home. To join our list for announcements email: If you would like to learn to knit or crochet, the ladies will [email protected] or call teach you. They have all the supplies. 423.282.0400 Please call Karin McCoy at (423) 543-2640

7 News from Social Ministry

Charity for April Crumley House The Crumley house provides two types of services to brain injured men and women. The Day Program offers classes in academic learning, computer training, and physical training. The goal of their day classes is to Monetary and food donations are always increase cognitive learning as well as in- welcomed. Your donations make a differ- crease physical agility. The staff at Crumley ence in many lives. Food items needed: House also teach life skills such as household We cannot accept expired food. management, budgeting skills, personal hygiene, and time management, as well as Crackers Rice Macaroni & cheese many more. Soup Raisins Canned veggies Dry beans Apple sauce Peanut Butter The Residential Program is for clients who Muffin mix Hot/cold Cereal Canned meat live at the Crumley House. This is a time to Potato flakes Vienna Sausage Pancake mix reinforce much of what has been learned Pasta Pop Tarts Dehydrated soup during the day program as well as learning Pasta sauce Oatmeal Hamburger Helper independent living skills. Canned fruit Evaporated milk They need the following items:

Twenty grocery bags were given in late February to the Toothpaste Toothbrushes Ibuprofen Razors middle of March. Rags Clothes Hangers Personal hygiene products Flannel sheets Melting Pot Boxes are located in the hallway for your do- We will prepare and serve a meal on April 8. This will be a to go bag lunch. A volunteer sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board near the library. Melting Pot served 205 meals on March 11.

We have scheduled the next blood drive for May 17. If there are any changes, we will keep you informed. Thank you to all who went to Marsh Center to donate after the blood drive was canceled at church.

Blood supplies remain critically low. If you are interested in donat- ing before May 17, please give at the Marsh Center, 2428 Knob Creek Road. There hours of operation are Monday and Thursday, 10:30 am to 6 pm and Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm.

8 March

Stepping Stones (Pre-K & Kindergar- ten)

GUIDED LEARN- ING: If

Trail Blazers (Grades 1-3)

WORSHIP: Contin- ue to encourage your child to participate in worship by following along in the bulletin or on the screens. GUIDED LEARNING: If you have a child in Grades 1-3, please

High Road (Grades 4-6)

GUIDED LEARNING: This class will be continuing their Books of the Bible study this month. They meet in room 4 (the tan room) down- stairs. FAITH -FILLED SERVICE: This class will be

Summit Seekers (Grades 7-12)

GUIDED LEARNING: This class will continue their weekly Bible study based on the Lec- tionary. They meet in the Youth Room. FAITH-FILLED SERVICE: The Summit Seekers will have an opportunity to volunteer as worship assistants on March 29t (This is a good opportunity for parents to encourage their participation). They will also be preparing to host the Easter breakfast on April 12; watch for further information. FEL- LOWSHIP: The monthly dinner and fellowship will be on March 15 from 5-8 (dinner followed by time for Easter breakfast planning and preparation). Please make plans to attend if at all possible.

9 Holy Week 2020

Holy Week is almost here, and this gether as a church family. It will be year we are being challenged to find nice to see pictures of our church Worship new & different ways to mark the family! days between Jesus’s triumphant ar- Pastor Jim will also be available dur- rival in Jerusalem and His resurrec- ing this time to say a prayer from a tion on Easter morning. distance with each of you as you You are all invited to drive by the drive through. We look forward to PDO entrance of the church on seeing you on Thursday, April 2nd,

Guided Thursday, April 2nd, between 4:00- from 4:00-5:30. 5:30 p.m. I will be there to hand you Learning Grace and blessings... a bag with a Holy Week 2020: Sto- ries & Activities for All booklet and Marcy the necessary supplies to complete For anyone who can not make it on the activities during the week. Each Thursday, we will have the bags day you will have the chance to up- sitting on a table by the office door load a picture to our Facebook post on Friday, April 3rd, from 8:00-noon. Faith-filled so we can experience the week to- Service

Upcoming Celebrations Our First Communion celebration scheduled for April 5 has been postponed indefi- nitely. Our Affirmation of Baptism (Confirmation) service is still scheduled for Sunday, May 31, but that is subject to change. Fellowship

I will be in the office on Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00-2:00.

10 Parish Nurse Updates Happy Easter…ALL!

Because He lives, we can face tomorrow. I often think about the death of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I imagine the physical anguish that he suffered for our sins. Truthfully, being a nurse from my perspective, it is actually unimaginable. But this one thing that I know is He un- derstands our every symptom, ache, and issue that we experience as a result of poor health. Does he understand how bad my head hurts? YES- He wore a crown of thorns. Matthew 27:29 Does he understand that I cannot breathe without oxygen? YES- Crucifixion brings about death through asphyxiation, suffocation per se. (lack of exchange of oxygen and carbon diox- ide due to respiratory failure.)- Merriam-Webster Dictionary Does he understand this is not my fault, I had good health until I was attacked? YES, it was- n’t his fault that he had to be crucified. It was ours. I John 2:2- He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. Does he get it that the doctors can’t find a cure for my disease? YES- to the point that he cried out loud, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”-Matthew 27:46 Does he understand the chaos that the world is in right now and that we need him to help us? YES, he knows everything there is to know about chaos and CONTROLS IT!

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalms 46:1 The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Psalms 46:7. That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day. 2 Timothy 1:12. Just as Paul encouraged Timothy during his time of suffering, I want to encourage you today. I pray that during this time of chaos, our faith will strengthen as we trust that God is in control of yesterday, today, and forever! Amen!

If you have needs, questions, or concerns about this COVID-19 and need assistance in any way, please…call me. I had Cindy email you some information from Ballad health that I feel is important. If you did not receive the email from OSLC, please contact me so I can get the information to you. I am working closing with my Ballad health supervisor and administration to make sure that I am doing all I can to be not only an encourager but a health care provider to you and our community as well.

Parish nurse programming will continue when I get clearance that it is ok to do so. Please keep that in mind. I have spoken to several of you via phone and will continue to do that just to check in. I appreciate all that you are doing to be in compliance and encourage that you continue to do so. Remember to practice good clean hygiene, hand washing, and social distancing. Love to all! HE IS RISEN!!! ~Go God, Melissa Malenda, RN- parish nurse

11 …Thank you to…

…everyone for their prayers and patience during this time of Covid 19.

…Tony Mowell for leading the Soundboard training on March 7.

…all our volunteers who were trained to use the Soundboard.

…the painting company, Arte Bella, for their work on the nave and other narthex.

…our OSLC staff who continue to work their normal hours and will do so until we are told not to.

…all the children and youth who made cards for some of our people who are not as able to get out and around as others.

…our chancel choir and Heartsong Band for their patience during this time of staying at home.

…Melissa Malenda for continuing to make contacts with everyone via phone.

…Tony Mowell, whose last Sunday is March 29, as he takes a new music director job with another congregation in Kingsport. Our best wishes to him and special thanks for a wonderful four years together! (for Parker and Julie Anne as well!) ….to our staff for brainstorming ideas for online and long distance worship. ….to Susan Reaves, our treasurer. ….John Stamm for his knowledge and help with our computer equipment. ….to Ken Diehl, our financial secretary. ….to our members who are faithfully tithing through the mail, worshiping from home, and bringing food in for the food pantry,

Tony Mowell will no longer be with us as of April 1st. We didn't get to say a proper goodbye as things ended so abruptly but we still plan on having a going away party for him whenever the time seems right. He has been a big asset to our music program at OSLC and we will miss him dearly. At the same time we wish him well in his new ven- ture. God bless, Tony.

Sat

Easter EggEasterHunt

Prayer Breakfast Breakfast Prayer

canceled

Highroad Highroad Bowling Jarrett Bailee Flint, *Darcy

4 am 8:00 Corral Golden pm1:00 18 25 11

Golden, Rob*Sean Klix, Marga- ret LilyAllown, Adonis Flynn, King *

Fri

GoodFridaywor-

Chairyoga Chairyoga

Chair YogaChair yogaChair

- - -

canceled canceled

10 am 10

3 am 10 Good Friday 10 am 10 pm7:30 ship 17 am 10 24

Mason,*Annabelle Laura Patrick *LisaKirkland Pritchett, Susan * *

Walk/Talk Walk/Talk Walk/Talk Walk/Talk

Walk/Talk

- - - -

Thu

Yoga andDinner Yoga Yoga Yoga

LLG@Car-

- - - - -

FaithClub FaithClub FaithClub FaithClub FaithClub

- - - - -

Lenten BibleLenten Study

canceled

canceled canceled

10 am 10 am 11:30 6pm pm6:30 Maundy 9 Thursday am 10 am 11:30 pm6:00 MaundyThursday worship 16 am 10 am 11:30 pm6:30 23 am 10 am 11:30 pm6:30 Maybe 30 am 10 am 11:30 11:4am rabbas pm6:30 2

*Gary Gentry canceled Ross *Alyson *

PDO

Wed

KatieCircle

Property meeting

Choir Rehearsal Choir rehearsal Choir rehearsal

- - -

Choir rehearsal Choir

Choir Rehearsal Choir

Primetimers

Melting Melting Pot

2:00pm

PDO PDO

- -

— —

canceled canceled

canceled

2 2

canceled

- -

- - 8 8

1 Blue 1 Quilters Ridge

2020

pm7:15 6:45pm 6:45pm 9 Maybe 29 9 6:45pm 11 am 11 9 15 9:00 6:45pn 22 am 10:30 6:45pm 9 *Harmoni Mettcalf 111 * Paulson *Carmen Dickey Ron Wilson, *Joseph

Tue Walk/Talk MeetingStaff Walk/Talk

Walk/Talk

- - - -

PrayerShawls

canceled canceled canceled

7 am 11:30 pm 12:30 14 am 10 21 am 11:30 Maybe 28 11:30am

*Ed Wolff *Ed * Montgomery Martha LeSage, *Jeannette *

Mon

CouncilMeet- NAMI

- -

PDO PDO

Cover Cover Girls

- CoverGirls -

HannahCircle

Friends inFriends Grief

–

PDO

2pm 2pm 2

canceled canceled

- - -

canceled

6 9 10a 13 PDO No 10am pm6:30 ing Newsletter 20 deadline 9 pm 1 Maybe 27 9 am 10 pm5:30

*Colton Leonard *April Ryans Diehl *Barbara Gregory,*Irina Brody Jarrett

Heartsong

Sun

Sunday School School Sunday Heartsong Heartsong Heartsong

SunriseService

Sunday School Sunday

Blood Pressure Blood Breakfast

- - - -

- -

Confirmation

Breakfast

Traditional Worship Traditional Worship Traditional Worship Traditional

Easter SundayEaster

- - -

15 am 15 am 15

6pm

canceled

canceled -

canceled

7:15am

5 Pal m Sunday m Pal 5

10:15am am 9 am 10:15 am 11:15 12 8am am 9 10:15am 11: 19 am 11:15 3 class Maybe 26 am 9 10:15am 11:

*birthdays *birthdays * *Tom Petti *Christy Huff