OUR SAVIOR’S LUTHERAN CHURCH

JULY 2017 NEWSLETTER

Our Church Photography Dates:

Tuesday, August 8th through Saturday, August 12th, 2017

Weekday Photo Hours: 2:00-9:00 PM

Saturday Photo Hours: 9:00 AM-3:30 PM

HELP US MAKE THIS DIRECTORY COMPLETE! IT WON’T BE THE SAME

WITHOUT YOU! We would like to make this a complete representation

of our church family.

HOW DO I SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT?

You can sign up 2 ways:

1) Online Sign-up! There is a scheduling link on our church website! Check it out at:

www.oursaviorsspringvalley.com

2) Sign-up at Church after Worship. Please watch newsletters and bulletins for

appointment scheduling dates after church services.

There is no sitting fee! Just for participating, you will receive a complimentary 8”x10" portrait and a free church directory! Page 1

Saturday July 22nd & Sunday July 23rd

Christmas was originally celebrated in various months of

the year – and in the first years of the New Testament church, it

wasn’t celebrated at all. Join us as we explore the Christmas

tradition without the holiday stresses of buying presents,

preparing Christmas dinners, putting up decorations and

stringing lights, etc. We’ll sing

Christmas hymns as we celebrate Christ, the true gift of

the season.

1 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: 2 a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; 3 . . . and a time to build up;

Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 (NRSV)

Change is a constant. Everyday your body changes, and it does so throughout your entire life. Change can be painful but can also produce enjoyment. Change can bring much good, as in when illness turns to health, poverty moves to plenty, and sorrow turns to joy. Yet, a good number of people either fear change or resist it for numerous reasons. Whether we perceive it as good or bad, as something to be ignored or avoided, change “is.” Change happens. There is a time for everything. This is a time for me and Kara and Habbie (the church cat) as we have moved to a new home in Spring Valley. We lived in Colorado, then the Greater Toronto Area, then in Austin in my boyhood home and now SV. This means that for the first time in over 100 years a Van House family member will soon no longer live in/own the home in Austin, on the land that was first parceled in 1855. Things have changed. It’s time. Decades past the Van House neighborhood grocery store, right next door to the home, was sold and brought about the first change in the property in years. Things changed. It was time. This is the time in the church when we are celebrating 500 years of Reformation. To reform is to change. As we celebrate change we aren’t just looking to the past 500 years of change/reform in the church, but to reform/change in the church now and for the next 500 years. Our congregation is experiencing change now and will continue to change each year. While the Word (of God) remains the same the ways in which we read it and share/communicate it with our neighbor have changed – from word of Page 2

mouth to parchments to printed books to writing letters, radio and TV broadcasts, by phone, through computers, cell phones and electronic tablets, to e-mails to Facebook, texting and Twitter, to YouTube, etc. We have reformed the means by which we share the Gospel, the Good News. How we worship, how we welcome the neighbor and stranger into the life of the faith family has changed over 500 years and will continue to change/reform. We can try to ignore this or avoid it, but we won’t be able to halt the reform/change. As stewards of the Word, we can instead embrace the change/reform and spread the Word in new and different ways in a new age. We can acknowledge that there is a time for everything, as pointed out in Ecclesiastes, and live our faith life accordingly. As the Word remains the same, the body of Christ can and ought to grow in new ways that will serve God. This will show in how we approach every and each aspect in the life of this congregation. Life changes. It’s time to reform. That’s the word. – Micah 6:8b

Pastor Mark

BLESSING OF THE BIKES

Sunday, July 2nd, 9:00 AM

WORSHIP SERVICE. This service will focus on our

stewardship to God's creation. Please

bring your bicycles/bikes (motorized,

electric, etc.) to the July 2nd service.

See you on July 2nd for the Blessing of

the Bikes! You are invited to ride or

bring your bicycle/bike to worship.

’With Pastor Mark Van House

So much to do today. Grandchildren to hug; shelves to organize; phone to answer; emails to write, errands to run; visits to make; dinner to fix; hands to hold; floors to sweep; old papers to sort. Those papers brought a treasure. It was a newsletter from SIDS (a support group for parents who have lost children through Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). The deep emotions in this poem by Margerite Wray brought many faces to mind—families struggling with chemical dependency; husbands and wives who wonder if it’s worth it to go on; children who are victimized by abuse; the aging whose muscles and joints bring pain and frustration; the lonely who still bear the scars of death. We reach out in love and hope to one another as these words echo in our hearts. Imagine the power of these words when spoken to you by our Christ Himself:

Let me come in where you are weeping, friend,

And let me take your hand.

I who have known a sorrow such as yours can understand.

Let me come in, I would be very still beside you in your grief.

I would not bid you cease your weeping, Friend, tears bring relief.

Let me cone in, I would only breathe a prayer and hold your hand.

For I have known a sorrow such as yours and understand.

I have much to do today. So many who need a friend. Page 3

Our Savior’s Mission Statement Using God’s Word as a foundation, Our Savior’s Lutheran shall, through meaningful worship, study, prayer and mission outreach, provide a Christ-centered atmosphere of enthusiasm, support, sensitivity and openness to all people. God’s people find a place of belonging, God’s people devoted to seek God’s purposes, God’s people committed to compassionate caring.

Hello Scrip supporters, Our table is restocked and ready for your summer needs. We have a few new cards and plenty of Cabela's for your vacation

needs. Stop by the table on Sunday morning or in the office during the week to check out our new cards. We have Texas Roadhouse again, Kwik Trip $25 cards, Noodles, and Chipotle! Thanks once again for your continued support of our youth! If you have questions call Gina Jahn 507-251-1610.

Congratulations!! To the recipients of this year’s Our Savior’s Scholarship: Scott Lechner, Madalen O'Byrne, Brayden Oeltjen,

Gracie Schmidt, and Kellyn Webster.

*Dates to Remember*

July 2 – Blessing of the Bikes

July 4–Office Closed/Independence Day

July 5–7 – Good Earth Village Grandcamp

July 9-14 – GEV Confirmation Camp

July 13-16–WELCA Triennial Gathering

July 17 – NEWSLETTER DEADLINE

July 22-23 – Christmas in July Weekend

with Pastor Betsy Dartt

Reformation Celebration

Scheduled for

Reformation Sunday,

October 29, 3 p.m.

Everyone is invited to the Reformation

Celebration at Christ Lutheran Church

in Preston on Reformation Sunday,

October 29. This special event, being

organized in the Root River Conference

of the Southeastern Minnesota Synod,

will help people of all ages understand

the meaning of the Lutheran

Reformation and celebrate this great

heritage of the Christian church. The

Reformation Celebration will include a

worship service with great music, a

guest speaker, a Martin & Katie Luther

skit, and a creative blend of food

sampling, a learning called the “Table

Talk Feast” and a “Save the Bee” table

display by Pastor Mark & Kara.

Remember our Deadlines! Articles and announcements for the newsletter: The 17th of each month. Announcements for the worship bulletin: Thursday, noon. Page 4

Remember our Military Personnel

Shawn Nauman, (Duane & Gina

Knutson’s son-in-law), serves in the

Navy. He is an E-4 and a Seabee in

Spain.

Is someone in your family serving in our

military? Please let us know,

and we will add them to the

list. God Bless America and

our soldiers!

Pies, Pies, Pies and More Pies

Linda Kruegel and Sandy Richardson have

found a pastime.

While visiting with a doctor in Stewartville,

he requested two pies in return, he donated

money to our church.

They now have another donation for two

more pies for the 4th of July in Red, White,

& Blue.

The first donation went to purchase Bibles

for the kids.

If we have more orders, we will donate to

different areas in the church.

Linda & Sandy

Do you have any interesting stories, anecdotes, or upcoming notices for the church bulletin or newsletter? Send your information to Renee via email at oursaviors@mediacombb.net, bring it in to the office, or mail it to the church address. Thank you.

Do you no longer have a land line? Please let the church office know. We would like to update our records with your current contact

information. Thank you.

Thank you, for your prayers, thoughts, cards, and food, following my recent back surgery. I am doing well. I am proud to be a member of a church that reaches out to its membership in their time of need.

May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. Jeff Thauwald

Thank you for all your prayers, phone calls, cards, and expression of sympathy shown to me upon the death of my brother. Ken Vrieze

Thank you to the Membership Ministry Team, for the mug in recognition for serving on the Worship Ministry Team, and also for the visit from Wendy Thon. Sandy Richardson

Page 5

Picnic in the Park!!

On Saturday August 12, 2017, we will be having our annual Worship in the Park at the South Park

pavilions, put on by the Worship Ministry Team, starting at 5:30 PM.

Come hear music by the Arnold~Bradley Band.

Meal served after worship service. Menu: Broasted Chicken with Root Beer Floats will be provided. Please bring a favorite picnic dish to pass, if you wish.

Everyone is welcome! Hope to see you there! Come as you are!

Bring your lawn chairs.

****NEW OPPORTUNITY***** After a recent request, OSL has established an investment account that can accept donations of stocks or mutual funds from individuals for the general budget. There are potential tax benefits for the donor as well as benefitting OSL. If you have questions or are interested, contact Lori Schlitter.

We would like to Thank everyone for the cards and donations that we received in memory of our daughter Marcia Thompson. Warren & Eileen Freeman

Thank you for sending us the envelopes for offerings. I have been using up a bunch of old ones. Thank you again. Lorraine & Russell Hancock

For All My Church Family.

Just saying thank you doesn’t seem like enough. Pastor Betsy for visiting, bringing me some good reading material, Pastor Mark with prayer concerns, Shirley & everyone with Grace Notes. How it brightened my heart every time I read one. It’s a warm feeling knowing someone took the time to write to you. What a great surprise to have a meal delivered: hot dish, salad & cookies for dessert, a complete meal along with great conversation from Sharon, who delivered. No words can say thank you enough. I am truly blessed by the best church family ever. A special big thanks to all of my church family for calls, concerns, & prayers while I have been sick. Sandy Richardson

Readings for July

July 1-2 – Fourth Sunday after Pentecost 1st Reading: Genesis 22:1-14

Psalm: Psalm 13 2nd Reading: Romans 6:12-23

Gospel: Matthew 10:40-42

July 8-9 – Fifth Sunday after Pentecost 1st Reading: Genesis 24:34-49, 58-67

Gospel: Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30

July 15-16 – Sixth Sunday after Pentecost 1st Reading: Genesis 25:19-34

Psalm: Psalm 119:105-112 2nd Reading: Romans 8:1-11

Gospel: Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23

July 22-23 – Seventh Sunday after Pentecost 1st Reading: Genesis 28:10-19a Psalm: Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24 2nd Reading: Romans 8:12-25

Gospel: Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

July 29-30 – Eighth Sunday after Pentecost 1st Reading: Genesis 29:15-28

Psalm: Psalm 105:1-11, 45b 2nd Reading: Romans 8:26-39

Gospel: Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52

Scriptures subject to change.

COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS

Sunday June 11, 2017

Financial Report as of May 31, 2017: General Checking 1st Nt’l Bank Balance =$12,784.37 Checking 1st Nt’l Bank Shepherd’s Staff =$6,574.54 Dedicated Checking 1st State Bk Balance=$10,006.30 Checking 1st State Bank Shepherd’s Staff=$2,097.87 Dedicated Savings 1st State Bk Balance=$119,824.07 Savings 1st State Bank Shepherd’s Staff =$119,824.07 Line of Credit = $17,700.00

Youth Finalizing Retreat Trip-funding completed

Fundraising started for 2018 ELCA Nt’l Youth

Gathering

GEV clean-up only 2 participated

Flower sales profit $422.00

Upcoming: carnival, pool party, movie nights

Education Continued planning VBS-50 kids signed up

Business/Stewardship Giving is up, but so are expenses

LOC of concern, need to come up with a giving plan

Looking at replacing color copier

Membership/Outreach Photo directory pictures during August New coffee cart made by Jon Dahl

Property AC units are in

Waiting for bids on sealing the parking lot cracks

Nothing to report on pavilion for outside activities

Worship/Music/Arts Finalizing Brad Boice June 25 worship service

Complimentary continental brunch afterwards

Holiday worship meeting August 22nd

Audio-video team meeting on June 21st

Stewardship Put cards in pews for Simply Giving

No meeting in July.

Detailed minutes are available on the bulletin board by the Food Shelf Cart. --submitted by Rachel Welch

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. Page 6

Caring & Concerns for members & friends in Special Care Facilities

Spring Valley Senior Living & Rehab: Fran Burmeister Adah Fowler Arlene Kappers Maxine Mlenar Paul Ness Donald Rowe Donna Rowe

Spring Valley Senior Living-Evergreens: Dorothy Hafner Bob & Maxine Jahn Mick & Irma Rathbun Florence Thorson

Spring Valley Estates: Bev Jertson

Ostrander Care & Rehab: Wilma ‘Willie’ Esklund Ruth Ness Dale & Juneus Ristau Jewel Ruud Darrell & Glenna Vikse

Countryside Senior Living, Owatonna: Pastor E. C. Franke

Grand Meadow Care Center & Rehab: Gary Boelter Lester Fimon Jack Fox

Good Shepherd, Rushford: Anita Anderson

Senior Living, Rosemount: Melvin Schmidt

St. Marks Living, Austin: Clifford & Georgine ‘Jean’ Davis

Chosen Valley Care Center, Chatfield: Mabry Taylor, Jr.

Madonna towers, Rochester: Ginny Johnson

Known to have been hospitalized in June: Jeff Thauwald Ginny Johnson Glenna Vikse

Page 7

Vacation Bible School was a success! We had 54 kids from preschool through 6th grade join us during the week. We received $139.45 for the week’s offering designated to GEV to replace a fire ring. We learned that God Made Us, God is For Us, God is Always with Us, God Will Always Love Us, and God Made Us for a Reason! We sang together, learned 5 Bible Lessons, played games, made our own snacks, worked together at the imagination station, watched a KidVid, and celebrated each evening together. On the following Sunday, we shared our week with the congregation through a VBS led service. Thank you to our VBS staff, those who donated supplies and food, and a big thank you for all your prayers of support. VBS is a vital piece of our Education Ministry. Our 2017 VBS staff/helpers/donators include: Dawn, Audrey, Kellyn and Jay Webster; Pam Phillips; Wendy Thon; Gina Knutson; Sally Hubka; Nora, Rick and William Jahn, Shelby Larson; Nicole and Treyton Pokorney; Ross, Maribeth, and Christian Cooper; Troy and Alexys Harwood; Shelby Beck; Nick, Nolan, and Karen Fetterly; Brayden and Ann Oeltjen; Cheryl Runck; Michelle and Chad Knode; Olivia Rasmussen; Madison Himle; Jessica Bronson; Amy and Rachel Welch; Darla and Whitney Erickson; Lori Schlitter; Krystal and Pat Campbell; Jill Pease; Leah Stier; Liz Gusa; Pastor Mark Van House and Kara Johnston; Cheyanne Kolling; Aaron DeBoer; Michelle Plaehn; Sherry Wendt; Helen House; Sharon Jahn; Jen Niemeyer; Carol Copeman; Denise Erichsen; and Debby Groth. A big a thank you to the OSL staff for their support of this chaotic week and especially to Toni for all her extra set up and clean up!

Gina Jahn

Education Coordinator

507-251-1610

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION NEWS

Contact Us

Our Savior’s Lutheran Church 805 S Broadway Ave Spring Valley, MN 55975

Ph 507-346-7251 Fax 507-346-7231

Emails: oursaviors@mediacombb.net

oursaviorsspringvalley@gmail.com

Website: www.oursaviorsspringvalley.com

Like us on Facebook Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Spring Valley, MN @OSLSV

Pastor Mark Van House-Lead pastormarkvanhouse@mediacombb.net Cell 507-279-3141

Pastor Betsy Dartt-Visitation betsy.dartt@gmail.com Cell 507-884-4853

STAFF Bookkeeper – Kathy Merkel Custodian – Toni Sanders Education Coordinator – Gina Jahn Cell 251-1610 Music Coordinator – Elliott Grandall Office Manager – Renee Ziebell Youth Coordinator – Ann Oeltjen

youthatosl@yahoo.com

Office Hours: M-F 8:30 AM-3:30 PM

WELCA NEWS

Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Thank you for participating in the WELCA Bakeless Sale, which helps support the outreach projects of the church women.

Sit back with a cool glass of lemonade or tea; reach for the included Bakeless Sale envelope, add cash or check (made payable to WELCA). Put in the offering plate at church, drop off or mail to the office and enjoy the summer.

The cards and napkins have been restocked.

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

Rachel Circle No meeting in July or August.

Rebekah Circle No meeting in July or August.

New Members

Travis Duxbury on June 4, 2017

Courtney Duxbury on June 4, 2017

Baptisms

Maren Maryetta Duxbury (5-5-2017) Baptized on June 4, 2017

Daughter of Travis and Courtney Duxbury

Sponsors: Carl Heuer and Leah Bernau

Memorials and Honorariums

In Memory of Clarice Clark

Campership Fund Kenny & Janell Kraut

Caring Ministries Dave & Lori Schlitter, Friends

Cemetery Fund Warren & Eileen Freeman, Rick & Jan Christianson,

Steve & Diane Hafner, Ken & Joan Kujath, Friends

Memorial Fund Kelvin & Linda Niemeyer

Music/Piano Fund Scott, Rachel, Amy & Jacob Welch

Outdoor Flower Fund Jerry & Marlene Rollie, Friends

WELCA Bob & Kathy Baarsch, Jeanette Baker, Lucille Daggett,

Lee & Carol Himle, Dick & Sharon Jahn

In Memory of Eudoris Hagen

Mission Outreach Fund Friends

In Memory of Marilyn Affeldt

Cemetery Fund Dick & Sharon Jahn, Jerry & Marlene Rollie

In Memory of Leo Rendahl (100-year-old previous member)

Caring Ministries Shirley Gangstad

Cemetery Fund Irene Nelson

Choir Fund Friends

In Memory of Marcia Thompson (Warren & Eileen Freeman’s daughter)

Memorial Fund Roger Hellickson, Friends

In Memory of Leslie ‘Les’ Kruegel (John Kruegel’s son)

Caring Ministries Shirley Gangstad, Dick & Sharon Jahn

Memorial Fund Steve & Glenda Knode, John Kruegel

Sunday School Materials Nordeen & Linda Groth

Page 11

Let’s Worship Together… ▪ Saturdays at 5:30 PM

▪ Sundays at 9:00 AM

▪ DVD played on Mondays at 4:00 PM at Spring Valley Care Center

▪ Cable Television on KING4, Wednesday at 7:00 PM, Thursdays & Fridays at 8:00 PM, the

following Sundays at 2:30 PM

▪ Spring Valley Care Center Communion, Tuesday, July 18 at 10:00 AM

▪ Hillside Communion, Tuesday, July 18 at 10:40 AM

▪ Evergreen Communion, Wednesday, July 26 at 2:30 p.m.

Bring your friends Everyone is welcome

Our Savior’s Lutheran Church NON-PROFIT, ORG 805 S Broadway Ave U.S. Postage Paid Spring Valley, MN 55975 Spring Valley, MN Address Service Requested Permit #71

July 2017

Look inside for articles on … • Calendar on page 10

• Caring & Concerns on page 6

• Circle Schedules on page 7

• Church contact information on page 7

• Council Meeting Highlights on page 6

• Dates to Remember page 3

• Education Ministry news on page 7

• Memorials page 9

• Pastor Betsy Dartt’s column REFLECTIONS on page 3

• Pastor Mark Van House’s column THE WORD on page 2

• Scriptures for the Month page 5

• Thank You’s on page 5 & 8

• WELCA information on page 7

• Worship Assistants page 9

• Youth Ministry news on page 3

If anyone is not receiving the newsletter or notifications from the church, either by mail, email, Facebook, or website, please let Renee in the office know and we will get your information

updated. Thank you.

If you are unable to serve when scheduled, please

find a substitute and notify Renee with the

change.

Worship Assistants Sunday (9:00) – July 2017

July 2: Independence Day Weekend

Acolytes – Shelby Beck, Mason Kolling

Altar Guild – Geraldine Williams

Bread Provider – Ann Thon (1 loaf Saturday)

Communion – No Sunday Communion

Greeters – Harlan & Pat Bucknell

Scrip Sellers – (10:15) Josh Warren, Thomas Warren

Scripture Reader – Ruth Lemke

Videographer – Dick Jahn

July 9: Make a Joyful Noise Sunday

Acolytes – Garrison Hubka, Kaden Rath

Altar Guild – Annette Hyland

Bread Provider – Helen House (1 loaf, Sunday)

Communion – Jon Dahl, Kelvin & Linda Niemeyer

Greeters – Phil & Kirby Bussman

Scrip Sellers – (10:15) Madison Himle, Olivia Rasmussen

Scripture Reader – Zach Queensland

Videographer – Dan Reiland

July 16:

Acolytes – Nick Fetterly, Megan Queensland

Altar Guild – Wendy Kauffmann

Bread Provider – Deb Dahl (1 loaf Saturday)

Communion – No Sunday Communion

Greeters – Paul & Judy Frank

Scrip Sellers – (10:15) Alyx Rath, Kaden Rath

Scripture Reader – Dave Schlitter

Videographer – Reid Kruegel

July 23: Christmas in July Sunday

Acolytes – Cole Kruegel, Audrey Webster

Altar Guild – Gladys Peterson

Bread Provider – Evie Apenhorst (1 loaf, Sunday)

Communion – Helen House, Annette Hyland, Gina Jahn

Greeters – Lori Buchholtz, Sharon Jahn

Scrip Sellers – (10:15) Audrey Webster, Jacob Welch

Scripture Reader – Linda Niemeyer

Videographer – Nora Jahn

July 30:

Acolytes – Christopher Knode, Thomas Warren

Altar Guild – Eileen Rathbun, Carol Ahern

Bread Provider – No Communion

Communion – No Communion

Greeters – Dave & Lori Schlitter

Scrip Sellers – (10:15) Kaycie Bellrichard, Travis Kauffmann

Scripture Reader – Sherry Wendt

Videographer – Josh Warren

Page 9

USHERS: *Rick Christianson; *Doug Plaehn;

Matt Fowler, Jay Webster

*denotes head usher

Offering Counter – Judy Frank

Deliver Meals on Wheels –

Week of July 24 - July 28: ??????? (M-Tu)

Linda Niemeyer (W-F), Don & Judy Rose

Saturday Service: (5:30)

Scripture Readers July 1 – Evelyn Clark; July 8 –

Shirley Gangstad; July 15 - Linda Kruegel;

July 22 - Marge Lenz; July 29 – Evelyn Clark

Ushers July 1 – Eileen Rathbun & Carol

Ahern; July 8 - Shirley Gangstad; July 15 – Sandy

Richardson; July 22 - Ken Northway; July 29 -

Linda Kruegel

Postcard reminders are no longer being sent out each

month. Renee will send an email for the upcoming month

and each week before you are assigned. If you do not have

an email, please let Renee know. If you haven’t received a

notification, please update Renee with your correct email

address. Thank you.

July Service Group

Organizer: Judy Rose

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.

Freiheit, Wendell & Maggie Kolling, Sue

Knutson, Kermit & Joyce Kosfeld, Laura

Knutson, LaVonne Kraut, Ken & Janell

Koball, Connie Kruegel, Linda

Kohler, Theresa Kruegel, Lyle & Bonnie

Kohn, Carol J. Kruegel, Todd

Kohn, Brent & Sarah Kujath, Ken & Joan

Kohn, Rick & Stacy Kunert, Bill & Sue

Kohn, Susie Kurtz, Cassy

Kolling, Aaron & Toni Rose, Don

Kolling, Matthew & Cheyanne

If you would like to help, with the monthly Service

Groups, and have never been called, please let Renee

know and she can add you to a list.

Thank you.

The Membership Ministry Team