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October 6, 2021
By the grace of God, we at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church are filled with the Holy Spirit and respond to God's love by sharing the Good News with our friends and neighbors. We go into our community and world to make a difference in the name of Jesus.

Letting Go

The pen name, Ann Landers, was used by advice columnist Esther Lederer for over 50 years. The Ann Landers column was widely popular and rivaled only by another column, Dear Abby, written by Esther’s twin sister Pauline. A quote attributed to Ann Landers helps us understand the power of surrendering control which is a major theme in this week’s Gospel reading.

“Some people believe holding on and hanging in there are signs of great strength. However, there are times when it takes much more strength to know when to let go and then do it.” – Ann Landers

How has the concept of surrender played out in your life? What are the things that provide you with a sense of control? Often money and material possessions help us feel a sense of security and provide a feeling of control over our lives when they seem haphazard. Jesus, this week, tells a “rich man” that in order to inherit eternal life, he must sell all that he has and give it to the poor. It is not good advice by the world’s standards and is just about impossible. So what might Jesus mean? It appears Jesus is calling for the man to let go of that which provides him with a false sense of control. While his money may provide much influence and power in this life, they do not have power over death. God and only God has the power to grant eternal life and through Jesus, we are told that God has provided this for all of us through his life, death and resurrection. In our lives on earth, it is tempting to rely on our materials to feel powerful but Christ says that we can experience eternal life today as we let go and surrender to God in this life. The more we can let go and share our resources with one another the more joy we will find. We when let go and enter into the eternal life now, we are more compassionate people able to care for each other. We are less anxious and living life with God at the center.

See you in worship!

Pastor Langholz

We want to hear from you, the members and friends of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church...

We want you to answer one of the following questions:
  • How has faith and church participation added to your life?
  • Do you have a faith story to share?
Email your response/story to office@oursavioursbham.org.

We are excited to announce that beginning in November, we will have monthly “all ages” Sunday School events. Starting Sunday November 7th, we will meet at 9:45 in the Fellowship Hall to share in a theme of the day, act out the Bible stories, make crafts, sing a song and participate in other creative ways to learn about God’s work in our lives. Pastor Joel and a team of Sunday School leaders will lead and it is an intergenerational event open to all. We will wear masks and distance. Contact Pastor Joel with any questions.

Young people in middle school and high school are encouraged to attend confirmation on October 17th at 5 pm in person, at the church. Pastor Joel and Laurel Vodopich will once again lead and homemade pizza will be on the menu!

Information on Local Afghan Refugee Resettlement Efforts

The Whatcom Cluster of ELCA churches is hosting an informational session with the local director of World Relief. World Relief is the group approved and tasked with welcoming refugees to Whatcom County. Dean of the Cluster, Rev. Rebecca Langholz, will host a discussion on October 27th at 6pm with Director Steven Shetterly on Zoom. Mark your calendars and we will share the Zoom link when we get it.

*Save the Date*
Meal Fundraiser to Support Local Refugee Resettlement Efforts

Mark your calendars for November 14th and get excited to pick up a delicious Pasta dinner. Pastor Joel, and others, will help cook Spaghetti with Salad, Garlic Bread and dessert. Prices are $10 per meal and people can pick up their meals from 5-7 PM in the Fellowship Hall. Orders are helpful but walk ups are ok too, as there should be plenty. We are grateful to utilize a Thrivent Action Team Grant for this special event. While the minimum suggested donation is $10 per meal, we hope that some will feel called to help us raise additional funds for this important mission.
Getting to Know Our Coast Salish Neighbors
Monday October 11, 10:00am–3:00pm
Children of the Setting Sun Productions (CSSP) is hosting a virtual Indigenous People's Day celebration. Come and join in the celebration and recognition of Mother Earth and the Salmon People. For more information, visit the CSSP Facebook page or click here to go their website and see the agenda. CLICK HERE TO JOIN the Zoom session at any time during the celebration.

A People of Hope: Until All Are Fed
An online benefit for ELCA World Hunger

Bishop Eaton invites us to an online benefit for ELCA World Hunger. 

When: Thursday, October 14, 2021
Time:  7:30 p.m. Central Time

"This online benefit for ELCA World Hunger will feature interviews hosted by my friend, Rick Steves, with people on the ground who are doing the dynamic work of fighting hunger around the world. Special guests include the Rev. David Beckmann, who is being honored for his lifelong service to end hunger; the Rev. Rebel Hurd; Willie and Anne Langdji; and the Rev. Rafael Malpica Padilla. There will also be special performances by Rachel Kurtz, Peter Mayer and the St. Olaf Choir.

As a vital supporter of the church, we would love for you to join us as we hear compelling stories, listen to wonderful music and gather in fellowship to invest in this life-giving work. Register here."
~ The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, Presiding Bishop

Every Thursday at 1 pm
Join Pastor Joel and your OSLC community as we check in and explore the coming week's Gospel lesson. Pastor  Joel leads us through an informative PowerPoint presentation and facilitates discussion.
 
READINGS FOR OCTOBER


https://www.lcmwwu.com/
We are currently meeting on Wednesdays in Bond Hall (Rm 111) at 6pm for weekly Bible Study and worship. Also, come and check in with us at Red Square on Monday mornings from 10-12 and grab some coffee and donuts. Ask Pastor Joel for more information or to be added to our email list.
SAVE THE DATE
Lutherwood's Auction
Saturday, November 13th
The camp is looking for quilts, fun items, cabin rentals, trips, dinners, baskets and outings, etc. to auction. Please email adventure@camplutherwood.org or call their office at 360-734-7652 to arrange pickup or drop off! 
 

Readers Wanted
We're starting to put together a schedule of readers for the Advent Season. Never been a reader before, but want to give it a try? We supply the readings in advance so you can familiarize yourself with the texts before Sunday. Please let Pastor Joel or Rebecca know the dates you're available. Thank you for your service!
We are currently following the Governor's guidance, and we strongly encourage both unvaccinated and vaccinated alike to wear a mask in worship. This will help us to ensure that we can continue to worship in person and we will continue to adjust based upon any new information we receive.

Sunday Worship Service

Join us at 10:30 a.m.

We meet in person and also live stream to YouTube. 

If joining us by live stream click here to go to our YouTube Channel and click here to download a printer-friendly version of the bulletin for home.
We are singing!
You are welcome to sing while wearing a mask.
You can take communion!
We have individual communion kits available on your way into the sanctuary.
We are social distancing!
We require masks and 6 feet of social distancing at all times. We have disposable masks available for anyone who needs one. There is also a contact trace sign-in sheet to keep track of people in attendance, just in case someone is exposed to the COVID virus.
Bring a friend or neighbor and join us soon!
Please hold in prayer...
Members
~ Larry Jackson (and his wife and caregiver Marlene) for comfort and strength
~ Margaret Smithson for comfort and strength
~ Sue Cross for comfort and healing after eye surgery
~ Summer Trudell for healing
 
Friends and Family
~ Ann (friend of Elin Valtyrson) for comfort and healing following surgery
 ~ Charlene (Cochran, sister of Merrilee) for comfort and strength
~ Jenny (Daughter-in-law of Elin Valtyrson) for strength and healing
~ Karen Lyon for comfort and peace in assisted living
~ Kristi (wife of William Warnekros) for comfort and strength following surgery
~ Laurel (Leigh, friend and mentor of Sue Cross) for healing and strength
    during treatment for advanced lung cancer
~ Linda (Earl, sister-in-law of Elin Valtyrson) for strength and healing
~ Lydia (Barren, daughter of the Jacksons) for strength and healing
~ Margie (sister of Alice Reberger) for strength and comfort
~ Rev. Dr. Ray Bakke (former interim pastor) for comfort and strength as he
    lives with cancer
~ Sarah (daughter of Larry & Bonnie Larson) for strength fighting cancer

Ministries
~ Camp Lutherwood
~ ECHOES (ELCA mission for the unchurched)
~ Interfaith Coalition
~ Love INC
~ Lutheran Campus Ministry at WWU
~ Lutheran World Relief
~ Our Saviour’s House
 
Please let Pastor Joel or Rebecca in the office know of changes or additions
to this list. Thank you!
 
As a Reconciling in Christ congregation, we believe in a God who loves all people unconditionally. You are welcome here regardless of age, race, sexual orientation, religion, economic status or gender identity. We stand by our belief that God loves us all, no matter what.
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Church Office Hours
Mon & Wed 9–12; Tue, Thurs & Fri 1–5
office@oursavioursbham.org   |   360-733-6749
Copyright © 2021 Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, All rights reserved.


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