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November 24, 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.

Signs that God is Near

Advent is once again upon us and it always has a two fold significance for Christians: waiting for the celebration of the birth of Christ and waiting for the second coming of Christ. Through our faith in Christ, we are promised that God’s Kingdom will one day come in its fullness and yet has already begun today.

I don’t think it does us much good to read the “tea leaves” and wonder if and when the second coming is near. Jesus says in Matthew’s Gospel (24:8), "But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." It is futile for us to speculate about the second coming. It does, however, serve us to wonder about where the reign of God is near today. It is a Christian calling to wonder where the in-breaking of “God’s preferred future” is happening today. Advent is a wonderful season to look for signs of God in our daily lives.

In our first Advent text from Luke, Jesus tells them a parable, “Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near.”

What “fig trees” do you see sprouting today that help you trust that God is indeed with us through the Holy Spirit? Do you trust that God is with us in word and sacrament, filling us with trust for the present and future? Each Sunday I see God with us when I lead worship. When I see our congregation give thanks to God, and hear the good news of God’s forgiveness, I sense that the reign of God is near. I am grateful for the opportunity to turn towards God and give thanks for being included in God’s continuing creation. It is an experience and spiritual practice that grounds me in gratitude.

As we gather this Thanksgiving, on the eve of Advent, I encourage you to look for signs of God in our world. I encourage us to give thanks and praise to our God who chose to create this beautiful world and chose to dwell with us in order to heal our wounds and bring us hope.

Advent and Thanksgiving blessings,

Pastor Joel

Become a Member

Are you interested in joining the church or “officially” joining the church? Church membership is certainly not necessary to be a part of our worshiping community but it helps us to organize for mission and helps you feel a deeper sense of belonging. This Sunday, November 28, we will welcome new members as we begin the Advent season. Let Pastor Joel or Rebecca know if you want to be included and introduced, or complete this new member form. 

Mark your calendars for our next fun all-ages Sunday school on December 5th from 9:45-10:15 am. We'll meet 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.

Bible Study
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.
*No Bible Study tomorrow*
Happy Thanksgiving!
READINGS FOR NOVEMBER


https://www.lcmwwu.com/
We are currently meeting on Wednesdays in Bond Hall (Rm 111) at 6pm for weekly Bible Study and worship. And be sure to 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 LCM email list.
We are currently following the Governor's guidance, and we expect 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.

Worship Service

Sundays at 10:30 am

We meet in person and also live stream to YouTube. 

If joining us by live stream click here to go to our YouTube Channel. Here's the bulletin if you would like to follow along from 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
~ Betty Strand for healing and peace of mind.
~ Bill Simpson (father of Liza Okan) for comfort and healing while in the hospital.
~ 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
~ Charlene (Cochran, sister of Merrilee) for comfort and strength
~ David (Swinehart, brother of John) for comfort and strength as he
    lives with cancer.
~ 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
~ Michelle (niece of Laurel Vodopich) for strength, healing and peace
     of mind while in the hospital.
 ~ 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!

We want YOU to be a part of this eNewsletter! 

  • Send pictures
    • Who is important to you?
    • Who do you love to brag about?
    • Have any cute pet photos?
  • Write an article
    • How has faith and church participation added to your life?
    • Do you have a faith story to share?
    • Have an interesting hobby you’d like to talk about?
  • Share events
    • Are you part of a group doing good in the world, and want to invite people in?
    • Know of any events happening around town you think others might be interested in?
Email the office.
 
As a Reconciling in Christ congregation, we believe in a God who loves all people unconditionally. You are welcomed and affirmed here regardless of age, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion or economic status. We are a church that is committed to anti-racism. We stand by our belief that God loves us all, no matter what.
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Church Office Hours
Monday - Thursday
10 am to 3 pm
office@oursavioursbham.org   |   360-733-6749
Copyright © 2021 Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, All rights reserved.


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