OUR SAVIOR’SLUTHERAN CHURCH

JANUARY 2020 NEWSLETTER “Behold, I am making all things new.”  (Revelation 21:5)

Happy New Year! What lies ahead? A new year brings a new beginning and new possibilities. I love new beginnings! As I look at my 2020 calendar, I give thanks for the blank pages yet to be filled. I wonder what the year will bring. Each day is a process of discovery, in our lives and in our church.

We can begin each day in the new year by asking, “What is God up to today?” “What part do I have to play in that?” I’ve been focused on details recently, including the joy of planning Advent and Christmas worship, teaching confirmation, and working with the call committee. Still, I try to remember that God continually invites us to keep the big picture in mind. 

As the psalmist prays, so should we, “Lord, teach us to count our days, that we may gain a wise heart.” (Psalm 119:12). I understand that to mean, “Lord, give us an appreciation for the fact that each day is a precious gift from you, and help us to keep your bigger picture in view.” Taking the long view helps us to keep the daily tasks and details in perspective.  

This is true for congregations as well as individuals. The interim time is a time for examining the details of our ministry and, perhaps more importantly, considering the long view of what God is calling us to be and do as Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Spring Valley, now and in the future. How will we be the church in a changing world? We look forward to the arrival of a new pastor in the in months ahead. Please continue to pray for the call committee as they work on your behalf to discover the one God is calling.  

May the new year bring you God’s peace and joy. No matter what lies ahead, we know that God is with us every day. We trust that God’s desire is to bless us. Thanks be to God, Emmanuel, for the gift of a new year!  

Grace and peace, Pastor Susan

Call Committee UpdateThe call committee is continuing to meet and update the Ministry Site Profile(MSP).  They are looking forward to reviewing it, which also includes the survey results, with the congregation in the early part of 2020.  Listed below are a few of the responses from the questions of the day.

WHAT DOES OUR SAVIOR’S MEAN TO YOU?  OSL means family and fellowship

Our Savior’s is a place where I feel a connection with others. A place where my faith can be nurtured and grow. Our Savior’s is a place where the building of faith in the young is strongly supported. 

Our Savior’s is a place of renewal for me. Each week, I am able to release my stressors and sorrows before the week ahead. It sets my heart and mind at ease.

WHAT EXCITES YOU ABOUT OUR SAVIOR’S RIGHT NOW?The noise and presence of the children. The leadership of many members. The music. 

Meeting together with my sisters and brothers in Christ!

Our visitation program for elderly and shut-ins in the last couple of months .Friendliness, activities offered, music program/choir.

Our next meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 6 at 6:00 PM.

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It is a new year and a new season to let the soul grow. Just as the fields rest under the winter snows, your soul will find that quiet time to reflect on God’s promises will prepare you for a rich harvest of faith. This season at church is called Epiphany. It means discovering a new, bigger vision of what God is like. The magi followed a star to see the new born king. Their visit to Bethlehem brought them face to face with God who is with us all. We will hear stories from the book of Matthew this season at worship about people who discover that Jesus changes lives for good. Disciples are called to follow. People are healed from diseases. The afflicted are comforted with good news. God’s exciting presence in the world is bringing hope that things can really be different. The soul is growing in faith with this new vision of God.

The new year is a great time to discover how God is being revealed to you in new ways. One thing to try is read through the New Testament this year. Included in this newsletter is a suggested schedule for reading a short passage every day. Reading and prayer and reflection will nurture your soul. See what God is doing among us today.

Christmas Senior Lunch and Communion

Sponsored by Caring Ministries

On Dec. 10 we welcomed 59 people for a lunch for those over 70 and others. All enjoyed thefestive atmosphere, food, fellowship, and theChristmas spirit. Attendees participated by play-ing the colored bells, the 12 days of Christmas and sang Christmas carols. We were blessed to receive an offering of $450.00 for the ELCA Global Barnyard. Thank you to all who helped in any wayincluding cookie bakers, helping set-up, serve

and clean-up, and to Helen House for the take-home favors.

Thank you to those who have shared poinsettias or have given a donation in memory of or in honor of:

Family and Friends from Dick and Sharon JahnClarence & Coleen Nash and Ora Mae Drury from Ginny Nash and Mike DruryDiana Danielson from The Lyle Danielson FamilyJeff Kolling from Sue, Aaron, Toni, Aspen,Paisley, Matt, Cheyanne, Mason, Caisa, & Callie KollingHarold Queensland from The Queensland FamilyHerman & Antonia Keim, , Bill & Lois Jones, Margaret Forrester, Ted Keim & Theodora Shroeder from The Bob Keim FamilyPeter Haack from Brenda HaackJim Dartt from Pastor Betsy DarttArnold & Cathern Groth from Nevin & Debby GrothLeo Smith, Del Bicknese, Kenneth & Mildred Merkel from Todd & Kathy MerkelKohns & Rentschlers from Linda & Lee RentschlerDale Baarsch, Harry & June Esklund from Bob & Kathy BaarschKelly Simpson from Dorothy Simpson & FamilyRobert Jones from Rhoda Jones & familyJodi Marie Christopherson Mercer, Robert & Virginia Johnson from Jodi’s mom and Bob & Virginia’s daughter Floyd Hafner & Duane Michener from Steve & Diane Hafner & familyKenneth & Mildred Merkel from Jon, Sara, Joshua, Thomas & Jacob WarrenPaul Jasper, Frances and Hoot Burmeister from Ryan and Wendy ThonJerry Lentz from Polly Lentz and family

Thank you to those who participated in Christmas Gift Giving enabling many people to have a Merry Christmas. The Mitten Tree, Christmas in Fillmore County, and the ELCA Global Barnyard.

The staff of Our Savior’s thanks you for the Christmas greetings and the gifts given to us. We also thank you for your continual prayers and support of the work of Jesus

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Reflectionswith Pastor Betsy Dartt

Christ. We wish you all a Blessed Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year.

Offering Envelopes for 2020 are here. Please pick up in the Narthex. If

you cannot find yours, please contact the church office via phone at 507-346-7251, email at oursaviorsspringvalley@gmail.com.

REMINDER: Our Savior’s Annual Meeting will be on January 26, 2019. Please submit reports by January 5, 2020 to the church office. Thank you. If weather cancellation occurs, the meeting will be held the following Sunday.

Senior Choir ScheduleJanuary

5th 7:45 Rehearsal Helen H.9:00 Worship

12th 7:45 Rehearsal Darlene P.9:00 Worship Choir SINGS

19th 7:45 Rehearsal Klevans.9:00 Worship

26th 7:45 Rehearsal Elliott G.9:00 Worship Choir SINGS

WELCA NEWSWomen of the Evangelical Lutheran

Church in America

All women of the ELCA are welcome to join a meeting. Please notify the hostess if you plan to attend.

Rachel Circle will meet January 16, 2020 at 2:00 PM at Jan Mlenar’s.

Rebekah Circle will meet on Tues., January 21, 2020 at 2:00 PM at the church. Shirley Gangstad hostess.

New Devotionals are available outside the office door.

We welcomed Donna McDonald as a new member on December 8, 2019.

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Readings for January 2020

January 4-5 – Second Sunday of Christmas1st Reading: Jeremiah 31:7-14

Psalm 147:12-202nd Reading: Ephesians 1:3-14

Gospel: John 1:10-18

January 11-12 – Baptism of Our Lord1st Reading: Isaiah 42:1-9

Psalm 292nd Reading: Acts 10:34-43

Gospel: Matthew 3:13-17

January 18-19 – Second Sunday after Epiphany1st Reading: Isaiah 49:1-7

Psalm 40:1-112nd Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:1-9

Gospel: John 1:29-42

January 25-26 – Third Sunday after Epiphany1st Reading: Isaiah 9:1-4

Psalm 27:1, 4-92nd Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:10-18

Gospel: Matthew 4:12-23

Scriptures subject to change.

If you have been with us in worship and would like to be a full member of OSL, please contact either Pastor Susan Li or Pastor Betsy Dartt.

Weather Cancellation Policy: Worship service cancellations will be announced on KAAL-TV, channel 6; KTTC-TV, channel 10; FOX-TV, channel 47; and Face Book.

COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS Sunday Dec. 8, 2019Worship Ministry TeamActivities & Discussions: Funds for organ repair are nearly complete, would like to try new LED lights for the bell tables, special worship services have been enjoyed, will replace stained acolyte gowns, discussed use of chancel space, there is a need for more worship assistants—ushers, videographers, poinsettias will be ordered, broken altar candles will be replaced, communion will be set up using the communion table, Sunday School program is December 14, Youth Christmas program is December 22, Christmas Eve services are December 24 at 3 p.m. and 9 p.m., camp weekend is January 18 & 19, looking into special services for next year, determined whose team terms are vacant, seasonal planning meeting will be on January 7.Business Ministry TeamActivities & Discussions: Doug Plaehn is working at getting QuickBooks cleaned up, reviewed the proposed budget.Education Ministry Team.Activities & Discussions: Second semester curriculum will be ordered, Sammy Struzyk will join the Team, Vacation Bible School will be May 31—June 4.Membership Ministry TeamActivities & Discussions: Reviewed the Beer & Hymns event, new members to be received December 7 & 8, inspirational calendars will be offered to members, help is needed for the coffee, fellowship time following worship, reviewed the budget.Youth Ministry TeamActivities & Discussions: Youth activities: Love Lights a Tree—December 1, will sell pizzas and Christmas cookies, Sally Hubka will join our team, retreat trip in June 2020 will be to Spirit Lake, IA.

Education Coordinator ReportRegular duties of Sunday School, Education Team Meeting, weekly staff meetings, Confirmation planning, prep and teaching, plan and prepare changed to the Church bags, attend the Faith Formation meeting in Rochester and will plan to attend the Faith Formation meeting Retreat in January. Old BusinessReceived update on the call committee process.We are close to acquiring the necessary funds for the organ repairs. The cinnamon roll fundraiser originally planned for December 15 has been changed to January 26, 2020.New BusinessProposed 2020 budget was presented, ministry team open positions were discussed, all team yearly reports need to be to the church office before the end of December 2019.

Detailed minutes are available on the bulletin board by the Food Cart.

--submitted by Helen House, Secretary

Next council meeting is January 12, 2020 at 10:15 Executive Meeting is January 8, 2020 at 5 p.m.

Caring & Concerns for members & friends in Special Care Facilities:

Spring Valley Senior Living & Rehab:Delores Erichsen, Eileen Freeman, Mary Jane Island (Ken Kraut’s mother), Bob & Maxine Jahn, Maxine Mlenar, Donna Rowe

Spring Valley Senior Living-Evergreens:Roy & Jan Christopherson, Dorothy Hafner, Mick Rathbun, Elaine Sheldon, Lorraine Hancock

Spring Valley Estates:Bev Jertson, Joan Baarsch, Anita Nelson

Ostrander Care & Rehab:Dale & Juneus Ristau, Darrell Vikse

Grand Meadow Care Center & Rehab:

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Jack Fox

Senior Living, Rosemount:Melvin Schmidt

Wildwood Senior Living, Le Roy:Karilyn Reiland

Prairie Meadows Senior Living, Kasson:Wil & Evelyn Mohlis

Known to have been hospitalized in December: Kelvin Niemeyer

Please note! Please remember to have family notify the church office if you are in the hospital. The privacy data laws do not allow the hospital to notify the church of your admittance.

Remember our Deadlines!Articles and announcements for the newsletter: The 17th of each month.

Announcements for the worship bulletin: Thursday, noon.

Camp Worship weekend will be January 18th

& 19th. Good Earth Village staff will be here to celebrate worship with us! Join us for an uplifting worship and to highlight camp ministry.

Youth News!!

Youth Christmas Pageant – Courtland Drury-DeBoer, Chantel Reiland, Macie Rasmussen, Aspen Kolling, Brayden Betts, Garrison Hubka, William Jahn, Christopher Knode, Blake Oeltjen, Gavin Hubka, Treyton Pokorney, Kaden Rath, Ira Schmidt, Mason Kolling, Riley Jacobson, Audrey Webster, Jackson Rowe, Cole Kruegel, Jacob Warren, McCormick Fowler, Nora Jahn & Jacob Welch. Also, a Big Thanks to Pastor Betsy for your vision, the volunteers who created the costumes: Linda Kruegel, Helen House, Ruth Lemke, Judy Frank, and Gretchen Logan et.al. Many thanks to Pastor Susan Li and Rachel Welch for your rehearsal help. Thank you to the musicians: Evelyn Clark, Myrna Legreid, Ann Oeltjen. Thank you to the Power Point and Sound help from Darla Erickson and McCormick Fowler. Thank you to Ken Fetterly and family for the set design and installation. The congregation was blessed watching the drama unfold. As Pastor Betsy said, we have taught the children this story since birth and now they are sharing it with us.

2019 Youth Retreat trip: Deadline for sign up and deposit is January 15th, 2020.

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Pizza will be delivered January

8th.

We have a large inventory of Scrip cards.  Please consider stopping at the table before you go shopping to purchase a

card.  The youth are able to purchase the cards at a discount. You pay full price and the youth use the difference for activities for all age levels.  The congregation has made this a very successful fundraiser for the youth of OSL.

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Education News

We are so thankful to our Sunday School staff: Ann Oeltjen, Olivia Rasmussen, Leah Stier, Emily & Matt Fowler, Madison Himle, Blake Oeltjen, Carol Copeman, Laney Schwinefus, Rylie Jacobson, Cheryl Runck, Ira Schmidt, Macie Rasmussen, Michelle Knode, Nikki Schmidt, Ashlyn Harwood, Brayden Oeltjen, Mitchell Plaehn & Sammi Barrie, William Jahn, Megan Back, Chad Knode, Christopher Knode, Jessica Bronson, LuAnn Klevan. We give thanks for our Confirmation staff also, Pastor Susan Li, Rachel Welch, and Gina Jahn.

Our offering received from the children supports our sponsor child, Hassani and the organ fund.

Contact UsOur Savior’s Lutheran Church

805 S Broadway AveSpring Valley, MN 55975Ph 507-346-7251Email: oursaviorsspringvalley@gmail.comWebsite: www.oursaviorsspringvalley.com Like us on Facebook Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Spring Valley, MN @OSLSVPastor Susan Li Interim PastorCell: 507-254-9875Email: pastoroslsv1950@gmail.com Pastor Betsy Dartt-Visitation PastorCell 507-884-4853 betsy.dartt@gmail.comSTAFFAudio/Visual – Darla EricksonBookkeeper – Kathy MerkelCustodian – Toni SandersEducation Coordinator – Gina Jahn Cell 251-1610Music Coordinator/Choir Dir. – Elliott Grandall Handbell Dir. – Myrna LegreidOffice Manager – Linda NiemeyerYouth Coordinator – Ann Oeltjen: oslsvyouth@gmail.com

Office Hours: Monday 9-12noonTuesday-Thursday 9am-3pmFriday: Closed

Deaths

Kristie Benson (sister to Sharon Goede) 4/10/1950-11/25/2019

Lucille J. Daggett - 8/22-1933- 12/25/2019May the Risen Christ be the comfort and hope of all who mourn.

Memorials and HonorariumsIn Honor of Ken & Joan Kujath and Bob & Maxine Jahn Wedding Anniversaries

General Fund Jan & Roy Christopherson In Honor of Lee and Carol Himle

Organ Fund Susan, Ryan, Chelsea, and KatiIn Memory of Kristie Benson (sister to Sharon Goede)

WELCA Jeanette BakerIn Memory of Jeff Liebold (son of Marilyn & Charles Liebold)

General Fund Lavonne KnutsonIn Memory of Orville Ruud

General Fund Wayne & Rita FenskeIn Memory of Lucille Daggett

WELCA Dick & Sharon JahnOrgan Fund Randy Daggett, Carol Ahern, Vic & Eileen

RathbunGeneral Fund Friends, Todd & Jill Jones

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Grace Notes Ministry Myrna, Steve & Erik Legreid

*Dates to Remember*January 1 – Office Closed/New Year’s DayJanuary 1 – No Confirmation or Senior LeagueJanuary 5 – Sunday School ResumesJanuary 5 – Annual Reports due to the officeJanuary 7 – Lent/Easter Seasonal Planning MeetingJanuary 8 – Confirmation, Handbells, & Senior League Resumes/Christmas Decoration Tear DownJanuary 15 – Deadline for Youth Retreat Sign up and DepositJanuary 17 – NEWSLETTER DEADLINEJanuary 26 – Annual Meeting

If you are unable to serve when scheduled, please find a substitute and notify the church office with the change.

Worship Assistants Sunday (9:00) – January 20 20

January 5: Acolytes  - Markay/McCormick FowlerAltar Guild – (1/4-5) Verna StockdaleGreeters – Bob & Kathy BaarschScrip Sellers –Kaden Rath & William JahnScripture Reader – Kathy BaarschVideographer – Rick Jahn, train Kaden RathYouTube Videographer – Blake Oeltjen January 12: Acolytes  - Blake Oeltjen & Jacob WarrenAltar Guild – (1/11-12) Gladys PetersonCommunion – Gina Jahn, Deanne Spurgeon, Sherry WendtGreeters – Brad & Ann IhrkeScrip Sellers –Thomas & Jacob WarrenScripture Reader – Ann IhrkeVideographer – Treyton PokorneyYouTube Videographer – Diesel Bronson January 19: Acolytes  -  Courtland Drury-DeBoer & Ira SchmidtAltar Guild – (1/18-19) Eileen Rathbun/Carol AhernGreeters – Lori Buchholtz, Sharon Jahn

Scrip Sellers –Macie & Olivia RasmussenScripture Reader – Gina JahnVideographer – Garrison HubkaYouTube Videographer- Gavin Hubka January 26: Acolytes  -  Caisa Kolling & Gavin HubkaAltar Guild – (1/25-26) Ann ThonCommunion – Nancy Stender/Jan Christianson/H HouseGreeters – Jerry & LuAnn KlevanScrip Sellers –Mason Kolling & Aspen KollingScripture Reader – LuAnn KlevanVideographer – Dick JahnYouTube Videographer – Christopher Knode

USHERS: (9:00) Bob Baarsch*, Dick & Sharon Jahn*, Dale Ahern, Dan Apenhorst, Jeff Fowler, Roger Hellickson, Gareld & Verna Stockdale*denotes head usher

Offering Counter – Shirley Gangstad7

Deliver Meals on Wheels – Week of January6-10: Sharon Jahn, Geraldine Williams

Saturday Service: (5:30)

Scripture Readers: Jan. 4 – Shirley GangstadJan. 11 – Evelyn ClarkJan. 18 – Marge LenzJan. 25 – Shirley Gangstad

Ushers: Jan. 4 – Ken NorthwayJan. 11 – Jan. 18 – Jan. 25 – Carol Ahern, Eileen Rathbun

January Service Group Organizer:Noreen Hebig

The service group lists are of people in the congre-gation who are asked to bring items for special events at the church. The lists have gone through some changes to try to even out the lists with people who can be available to respond in service. For a number of reasons, there are people who are not included on the lists (shut-in, live out of town, have indicated a desire not to be contacted, etc.) Thank you to all the people in Our Savior’s who live out their faith in caring support of the ministries of the church. Ahern, Carol Barth, PaulineAhern, Dale Beck, Kevin & KristinApenhorst, Dan Bellrichard, ShellyApenhorst, Rich & Evie Betts, Jessy & HeatherArcher, Tony & Jodie Bires, Bill & DebyArndorfer, Brenda Bly, KathyArneson, Larry & Joyce Boland, Tom & DarleneBaarsch, Bob & Kathy Back, Rex & SueBaker, Jeanette Bronson, Jon & Jessie

1Thank You for being an important part of Our Savior's Lutheran Church and for your generous support of our congregation's ministry. We invite you to continue as stewards of God's grace by making a commitment to Intentional Giving for the coming year. 

As of December 21, we are excited to share that 75 members of the congregation have submitted their letters of intent for 2020! Your faithful giving is so appreciated as it allows us to plan for the 2020. Our goal is to receive 165 Statement of Intents and once reached, anonymous donors will give an

additional $5,000! Please join in making a Statement of Intent of Giving so that we may plan to grow and strengthen the ministries that mean so much.

We appreciate your faithful giving. Your offerings are important; their impact ripples out to bless the whole church and beyond to our whole community. Knowing this, we have set a goal to increase overall giving by at least $200 per week ($10,000 annually) in order to sustain ministry excellence and expand our dynamic youth and Sunday School programs.

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Our Savior's is a place of worship and welcome for all ages. Each week, there are a variety of opportunities to worship, serve, learn, grow in faith, and enjoy the warm fellowship we share. You make this possible!

We also invite you to consider enrolling in our "Simply Giving" program. It offers an easy way to support our ministries with regular, scheduled gifts. "Simply Giving" offers you convenience and consistency in your giving, and it benefits the church with reliable resources. Another anonymous donor has given us a second challenge: if we reach 10 new enrollments to "Simply Giving", they will give a challenge gift of $1,000. Currently, there are 7 new members to enroll in this program. Will you prayerfully consider enrolling if you haven't already?

Thank you for your thoughtful prayers and consideration to support God's work and our ministry together at Our Savior's. Please know that your gift, whatever the amount, will be sincerely appreciated. Every gift is needed. Every gift makes a difference.

Can you help us reach our goals this year?

Blessings from the Stewardship Team at OSL,Pastor Susan, Pastor BetsyWendy Thon, Kathy Baarsch, Rick Jahn, and Harlan Bucknell

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Statement of Intent

Goal for 2019: Increase offerings by $10,000

To live out our ministry plan, an increase in giving is needed. Here’s how our gifts and offerings will be used:

$7,000 Sustaining Ministry Excellence

$3,000 Youth Ministry

In response to God’s grace and love in Christ Jesus, I/we intend to give this offering during 2020 beginning January 1 in support of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church’s ongoing ministry. I/We understand that this may be changed if necessary by notifying the church office.

Amount to be given: $ ______Weekly $ _____Monthly $ ______Other

I/We will begin using Simply Giving. (Please fill out enclosed form and mail in with this form)

I/We will continue using Simply Giving. (Please make any changes to the enclosed form and mail in with this form)

I/We will give my offering in the offering plate or in the mail.

I/We will make gifts online through the Our Savior’s Church website. (Debit or credit card)

Name (s) __________________________________________________________

Address ___________________________________________________________

Signature __________________________________________________________

Date ______________________________________________________________

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Please recycle this newsletter when you are finished with it.

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Our Savior’s Lutheran Church NON-PROFIT, ORG805 S Broadway Ave U.S. Postage PaidSpring Valley, MN 55975 Spring Valley, MNAddress Service Requested Permit #71