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Pastor’s Corner
Peace I Leave with You
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. I do not
give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be
troubled and do not let them be afraid. - John 14:27
I cannot express strongly enough how grateful I am for all of the prayers, cards and
kind words I received from so many of you after my dad died on May 4. While one
might think that I shouldn’t have been surprised by your condolences, it still came to
me and my family as an unexpected gift. There are many occasions in life when one
feels alone, even when in truth we’re not alone at all. Your expressions of support were
powerful reminders that God’s gift of community matters, and that God will use those
communities as means of expressing his grace. Thank you.
God, in many and various ways, let it be known to my family that we were not alone in
this journey with my dad. God’s faithfulness leaves me in awe. Once again, though I
didn’t expect or ask for it, God made his presence known during a time when troubled
hearts defined the state we all were in.
Jesus promised us that this would be the case: that we would never be alone.
Sometime, read through Jesus’ farewell discourse in John 14-17. In four chapters,
Jesus expresses his gracious desires for us. He wants our souls to dwell deeply in his
peace. He prays that we might find such peace in community, where brothers and
sisters can be united as one. He promises that he will not leave us alone because the
peace he gives us will be the Holy Spirit: our advocate, comforter and encourager.
Life-changing events, or watershed moments that impact our individual lives or the life
of community forever, tend to be the times when we either feel most troubled or most
in communion with the divine. Sometimes we experience a bit of each simultaneously.
But when we have practiced our faith as part of who we are inside and out, our eyes
are opened to God’s faithfulness and we are ready to receive the peace that comes
forth from God’s abundant mercy. Christ does not give to us as the world gives;
therefore, do not let your hearts be troubled. Do not be afraid.
Rejoice Always!
Pastor Tony
Pastor Tony Dusso, Pastor for Discipleship
Bibles & Brats
Begins June 15 • 6 PM
All are welcome and the pool is open – come join us for Bibles & Brats. We will meet the
third Wednesday during the summer (June 15, July 20 & August 17) at Bob & Cindy
Toews home: 6074 Abington Drive. Please bring a dish to pass, yourself and
invite a friend. This is a midweek refreshment!
We eat, talk, share and listen outside around
the relaxing pool. Come and be fed!
For questions or more information, call the
church office at 815-399-0531 or visit our
website.
Cave Quest VBS
June 13-17 • 9 AM - 12 PM
Please see page 4 for all the details on this underground adventure – join in the fun!
Page 3
Worship & Music
Marti Bein, Director of Worship & Music, AIM
As the program year at
Our Savior’s draws to a close, together let us give thanks for the musicians who faithfully
attend weekly rehearsals, and arrive early on Sundays
even when there are several inches of snow and the
temperatures hover below zero. And ─ additional thanks
to their leaders: Lorie Parker-Weinrich, John Wahlquist, Ron
Burmeister and Jay Samp.
Adult Education News
On June 5, during the education hour, we will explore the
ins and outs of designing a worship service. What is
considered in worship planning as we come together as
Lutherans for Word and Sacrament? To name a few:
lectionary, liturgy, context, engaging all senses and with
components that touch our hearts, souls, minds and
bodies. What does this mean? Please mark your
calendars.
LOMC Swing Choir Concert
Plan to be in attendance at OSLC on the evening of
Friday, July 22 when the campers from LOMC’s Swing
Choir Camp begin their tour with a concert at Our Savior’s
staring at 7:00 PM.
Looking Ahead
Jonathan Rundman
August 20 and 21 we welcome
Jonathan Rundman to all three worship
services. Jonathan is a classically
trained contemporary musician rooted
in the Lutheran tradition. He brings gifts
of composing, teaching and engaging
the Assembly in participatory worship.
In addition to his leadership in worship, Jonathan will work
with our Praise Band and present a workshop on Sunday
afternoon for musicians and pastors from the Northern
Illinois and South Central Wisconsin Synods.
Taizé Worship
Rest in candlelight, simple song and silence.
September 15 the ecumenical Taizé worship service will
return to Our Savior’s. Worship @ 6:30. Choir will rehearse
@ 5:30.
Luther College Nordic Choir
The Nordic Choir from Luther College will perform at Our
Savior’s on Friday night, January 27.
Adult Education / Coming in September
The Sequel to The Story: Randy Frazee’s BELIEVE
Two years ago, Our Savior’s engaged in a journey
through The Story, helping us engage in the wonder
revealed to us about God in the Scriptures. So what’s
next? Now that we know about God’s story, how does it
enter into our story?
The BELIEVE experience helps Christians of all ages
answer three significant questions:
What do I believe? What should I do?
Who am I becoming?
More information about BELIEVE will come this summer,
but for now prepare your hearts for the journey of your
lives. Imagine and pray about what it would mean if you
and countless individuals would be able to declare:
“I know what I believe and why, and in God’s strength, I
will seek to live it out all the days of my life.”
Graduate Sunday • June 12 We will honor our OSLC college and high
school graduates on June 12 at both services. Graduates
will be asked to come up to the altar for a prayer, blessing
and gift. Between services, we will share cake and
conversation. We offer our congratulations to the following
OSLC 2016 graduates:
College Graduates
Student Graduating from Graduation plans
Adam Bernardi Augustana College Univ. of Illinois
College of Medicine
Lauren Hlavin Saint Mary’s College Orr Fellowship
with Lumavate
Jason Peck Bradley University Rockford Acromatic
Products
Andrea Strike Illinois State University Nurse
High School Graduates
Student Graduating from Graduation plans
Grant Bliss Rockford Lutheran
Anthony Busse Rockford Lutheran Apprenticeship at
Rockford Toolcraft
Spencer Cable Rockford Lutheran Iowa State
Garret Gibson Stillman Valley undecided
Karyn Holmes Rockford Lutheran Rock Valley College
Matthew Larson Rockford Lutheran Rock Valley College
Noah Saunders Rockford Christian Rock Valley College
Nickolas Schanstra Rockford Lutheran Luther College
Anna Stim Rockford Lutheran DePaul University
Cole Timmerwilke Auburn Academy University of Illinois
McKenna Turrek East/RVC Assoc. degree Rockford University
Youth Ministry
Page 4
Tyler Parks
Director of Youth Ministries
Howdy, Our Savior’s! To help with the cost of the mission trip this summer, a Famous Flamingo Flock will be making its way
around Our Savior’s Lutheran Church this month. ROCK students sold “Flamingo Insurance” during the month of May,
which guarantees these pink pretties stay away from your home for the whole season! The flock of Flying Flamingos will be
flapping around OSLC May 31 - June 30. If the Flamingos happen to land at your residence, and you do not have a
Flamingo Insurance Policy, there will be instructions on how to set these famous, flapping flamingos free and keep them
flying on to a neighbor of your choosing! Thank you in advance for making this a super FUNdraiser for our Youth!
Fourteen of our eighth grade students were confirmed on May 1, and I am so proud of their Affirmation and I am praying
for them as they start this new leg in their journey through faith! But they don’t have to do it alone! I want to invite them and
all youth to get connected with ROCK, our high school ministry that meets Sunday nights from 6 - 8 PM in the Youth Room
by the Shepherd’s Gate gym. Our current ROCK students have been praying and are excitingly awaiting to get to know
you in the weeks ahead! They have planned some special activities throughout the summer. We look forward to seeing
you at these upcoming events:
Joanna Heffner
Director of Children’s Faith Formations
Dear Parents and Guardians
of Sunday School children, First of all, I want to give a big thank you to Mrs. Kristina
Rediger for all her wonderful help throughout the year, and
for being there for Mother's Day Flowers!
Our last Sunday School class was May 15 – we had a great
year of teaching ministry. Thank you for all you did, and
teaching the Word of the Lord to every student. You have all
made a difference by praying with and loving His children.
We ended with a nice celebration and breakfast on May 22,
to thank the teachers and volunteers that helped make
Sunday School a huge success. Thank you to everyone who
provided a yummy dish to pass and drink. We couldn't have
done it without you.
Children’s Ministry
Cave Quest VBS
June 13 - 17 • 9 AM - Noon You can still register your child, preschool
through fifth grade, either online, or by
stopping by the Welcome Center for a form. Also, if you or
anyone you know would love to volunteer or lead a group,
please email [email protected] or sign up at the
Welcome Center. Thank you.
VBS Leaders Training
Training meetings are planned for all volunteers and leaders –
please plan to attend the one most convenient for you.
Wednesday, June 1 @ 6:00 PM
Sunday, June 5 @ 9:45 AM
VBS Open House/BBQ Dinner
Thursday, June 16 • 6-7 PM
A wonderful evening for all VBS students and their families!
ROCK Movie Night
June 26 / 6-8 PM
Come out for a night of
fun and fellowship as
we watch a movie, play
games, and hang out
in the Youth Room by
Shepherd’s Gate Gym.
Family Faith Night
June 30 / 6:35 PM
Take me out to the ballgame and cheer on
the Rockford Rivets, our new Northwoods
League Baseball Team (using the previously
named Aviators Stadium @ 4503 Interstate
Blvd, Loves Park, IL 61111). This is a great
opportunity to get the family together for a
fun night out at the ball park! Dinner/ticket
price bundles are available. If you are
interested, contact [email protected]
to sign up today!
Magic Waters Day
July 20 / 11 AM - 6 PM
Students are invited to meet at Magic Waters
for a day at the waterpark! Students are
invited to bring a friend and a small cooler
for lunch (we’ll stake out a picnic location at
the park). Sign up by emailing me, Tyler, at
[email protected], and let me know
if you need a ride. We will coordinate so that
everyone is able to have a ride to and from
the waterpark if needed.
I am looking for adults who would like to connect with our youth. We all have hobbies, talents, and things that we are
interested in; wouldn’t it be great if we could connect you to a youth who shared something in common with you? Sign up
by giving me your contact information on the back of the Welcome Center desk, and I will work to connect with you.
Page 5
Missions
Cyndi Hlavin
Connections Ministry Director
Baptism Class
Sunday, June 5 • 9:45 AM
Register online or connect with Cyndi Hlavin
([email protected]). The Baptism class
is a requirement for Baptism scheduling.
Connections
Storytime
Wednesdays • July 6, 13, 20 & 27 from 9:00 - 10:30 AM
Children along with their parent or guardian are invited to come to
Summer Storytime. We will meet in the library Wednesday mornings at
9:00 AM to listen to a story, then move upstairs for an activity, enjoy a
snack together and end our morning with checking out a book from the
library. Registration for Storytime is suggested by going online or calling
the church office. There is no cost for this summer activity.
July 6 “It’s the Bear” by Jez Alborough
July 13 “Planting a Rainbow” by Lois Ehert
July 20 “The Wide Mouthed Frog” by Keith Faulkner
July 27 “Baby Beluga” by Raffi
Security / Safety Task Force The Operations Cabinet has formed a Security / Safety Task Force to discuss and address issues pertaining to security
and safety. Training and communication are priorities, and other items will be discussed and addressed as
appropriate. If you are interested in participating in this area, please contact Operations Cabinet director, Keith Shaver,
or Business Coordinator, Elizabeth Brinkley.
Facility Access & Keys Do you need access to the facility at times when the facility is locked? Do you have keys to OSLC?
We are considering re-keying exterior doors and possibly interior doors at OSLC. Please see Elizabeth Brinkley to discuss
your specific need for building access, so that we can make informed decisions about securing the facility. Doors at
entry A, C, and L are currently open during worship times and other congregational gatherings. Appropriate doors are
unlocked per scheduled activities.
Garden Club Do you have a green thumb? OSLC could use your help! The grounds of OSLC are large,
and in order to keep costs down, the Garden Club divides up the OSLC landscaping
(islands, flowerbeds and such) into manageable sections where volunteers can sign up to
maintain a portion of the landscaping. There are garden plots currently available. More
information is available at the Welcome Center. If you would like to volunteer to manage
one of the available plots, please contact Sharon Jackson ([email protected]) or
Elizabeth Brinkley ([email protected]).
Reverse Offering June is the month for Reverse
Offering. Slips will be distributed
June 4-5, with collections
received June 11-12. All
proceeds go to stock the
shelves at our local Rock River
Food Pantry.
Missions Cabinet
Operations
April Missions Update A huge, heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated in the April Missions
project for Rosie’s Birthday Club. Your generosity was a blessing to the 30 children
who received a birthday present for their special day! God’s Work, Our Hands!
Summer Opportunities Looking for a local Mission experience for this summer? The Missions Cabinet has
two to lift up to you! Project 1013 is June 24-27 in the Ellis Heights neighborhood
from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM each day. Sharefest will focus on the beautification of
Alpine Park from June 3-11. Consult websites for additional details.
Page 6
Tuesday, June 28
Donate a Birthday Cake
Channel your inner “Cake Boss” for the upcoming monthly birthday party for PA Peterson residents.
Donate a birthday cake (purchased or home-made) for their June 28th birthday party. Just drop it
off at the front desk of PA Peterson Home on Parkview Ave. before 1:00 pm on Tuesday, June 28.
Call Mary Larsen @ 815-394-1349 if you can give to this lovely ministry.
PA Peterson
Birthday
Party
Events
Golf Scramble
Friday, July 8 @ Swan Hills Golf Course, Belvidere
Visit rockfordarealutheranministries.com for more details.
Bus Trip — Lincoln Park Zoo & Millennium Park
Saturday, July 9
Cost: $20 adults; $15 children (ages 3-18); $55 family maximum
A minimum of 35 people is needed by June 1. Contact RALM at 815.962.4279 or [email protected].
Lutheran Night @ the Ski Broncs
Friday, July 15
Bring your own picnic or purchase concessions at 5:30 and enjoy the FREE Ski Broncs Water Ski show at 7 PM. Location near
5100 East Drive, Loves Park, IL 61111. (Please Google Ski Broncs and/or RALM for up-to-date information.)
Wednesday, June 1 • 12:00 PM
Theme: “One of Rockford’s ‘20 People You Should Know’ ”
Join us at Noon for lunch catered by Gatherings by Sue. Special guest Steve Larsen, Music Director
of the Rockford Symphony Orchestra, provides the program. Devotions and door prizes included.
Tickets $10; on sale May 28-29. Contact Karen Johnson for reservations (815.543.7962).
Active
Seniors
Lunch
RALM Events
Saturday, July 16 • 9:00-11:00 AM
DAUGHTERS of ABRAHAM
Shepherd’s Gate
ALL WOMEN – members of Our Savior’s with their family and friends – are welcome to attend a
brunch and educational presentation by the current International Muslim Speaker for Peace.
Responding to ELCA Bishop Eaton’s request that congregations “reach in peace to members of
local mosques, share a meal and create a dialogue,” OSLC WELCA has created this unique
educational experience for all women of Our Savior’s. We are one of five Midwest congregations
hosting a “2016 Speak for Peace” brunch and dialogue.
Reservations: Due July 4th; register @ OSLCrockford.com/Events OR Welcome Center clipboard
Cost: Free-will offering
Recommended reading: Abraham by Bruce Feiler, New York Times editor and NPR contributor
WELCA
Event
Playtown Preschool Center Our Savior’s Playtown Preschool Center is accepting registrations for Fall 2016.
Three-day and five-day classes are available for preschoolers ages 3 to 5. Both morning and
afternoon sessions are available. Check our website for more information and to register.
oslcrockford.com/playtown-preschool
Page 7
Among Us
Prayers and Blessings (as received through May 15)
We lifted up in Prayer:
Grant Atkinson, Tom Backer, Bonnie Balok, Roz Birch, Gary Campbell, Kayla Collier, Janet Darrow, Gerri Elswick, Carl Engaldo,
Laura Erickson, Lou Everett, Brent Fredberg, Judy Gunderson, Elva Hallstrom, Joann Hudson, Sheryl Jecklin, Cindy Johnson,
Melissa Johnson, Nicole Johnson, Juan Juarez, Jane Kling, Libby Knopp, Pat Lang, Gus Larsen, Terry Marzen, Neil Mizen,
Brenda Moorhous, Bud Nau, Roberta Nielsen, Dick & BJ Peterson, Randy Peterson, Ryan Peterson, Karen Schanstra, Becky
Shaffer, Katy Stenberg, Jeff Wessman, Verlyn Westra
We offered Sympathy:
To the families of: Elmer Arnold, Helen Brekke, John Cotton, Richard Dusso, George Michael Suta, Dave Thorson
We prayed for peace in our world and protection for those in service to our country:
Steven Anderson / Kyle Brees / Ryan Brees / Jeremy Buttram / Ben Everette / Michael Galiano / Scott Hlavin /
Dylan Kaltenbrun / Michael McKenzie / Charity Moorhous / Brandon Morgan / Tyler Pillmore / Kayla Rasior / Alex Rickard /
Nicholas Rinaldi / David Shukis / Jake Thorn
June Birthdays
1: Laurie Larsen, Brooklyn Milburn, Kim Randles 2: Preston Dusso, Abigail Seiter, Grace Weaver 3: Kim Cain, Jack Weyburg
4: Lea Bradford 5: Don Bein, Joanna Heffner, Andrea Jacobsen, Mackenzie Ramsey, Kristine Sibounheuang 6: Ella Derry,
Arny Larson, Tom Rozanas, Shirlee Theden 7: Jaymie Batutis, Colin Finnan, Bill Hughes 8: Bonnie Carlson, Richard Donner,
Donna Homuth, Kathleen Murphy 9: Reagan Rundquist, Terry Whitesel 10: Susan Allen, Kiersten Johnson, Kody Page
11: Donald Holt, Naomi Madden 12: Branden Dewitt, Renee Guse, Colleen Hoffman, Brad Morton, Grace Weinrich,
Michael Winters 15: Wyatt Moore, Gloria Stafseth 16: Susan Lindsay-Jones, Tracy Peck, Cooper Schultz, Nolan Smith, Robert
Toews, Joan Ursin, McKenzie Wallace 17: Nolan Granite, Mark Huffman 18: Isaac Dhyanchand, Patricia Lang, Austyn Moore,
Natalie Rediger, Anna Rediger, James Tracy 19: Lisa Doll, Penelope Ellerbroek, Brandon Morgan, Karen Stebbins 20: Verna
Dhyanchand, Todd Harmsen, Ariana Hecker, Dave Miller, Ron Thorson 21: Linda Andrews, Amy Johnson, Dirk Klein
22: Sharrell Person, Sharon Peterson, Katie Shukis, Nancy Yehling 23: Sandy Everett, Lloyd Hausknecht, Jose Mayer, Easton
Streed, Wilma Tracy 24: Jerry DeWitt, Robb Firch, Jack Mannelly 25: Lisa Hughes, Gus Larsen, Kenneth Olson 26: Rick
Nicholson, Bob Rothkopf, Mark Zarnke 27: Leah Anderson, John Timmerwilke 28: Becky Baeverstad, Kristyn Klint, Greg Peet,
Gloria Swanson 29: Anthony Busse, Maxton Lall 30: Claudia Holen, Gordon Kleber, Andrew Shaw
June Anniversaries
3: Fred & Lois Bruning, Walter & Ida Reinhold 4: Bill Nelson & Elinor Johne-Nelson 5: Robert & Marie Nelson 6: Gene & Betty
Boyd, Adam & Sara Derry, Greg & Mary Kampmeier 7: Thomas & Kathy Geissler 8: Lloyd & Nancy Hausknecht, Dean & Kathy
Thomas 9: Ronald & Carol Burmeister 10: Ron & Ellie Hasley, Bill & Dianne Juffernbruch, John & Sally Koepsell 11: Loring &
Norma Aronson, Bob & Jaymie Batutis, Craig Brown & Patricia Panzica, Don & Judy Holder, Ken & Kelly Petersen 12: Dave &
Kris Alter, Dave & Kristen Sager 13: David & Jennifer Spencer 14: Kent & Mary Buzzell, Franklin & Lois Johnson, Wade & Cindy
Johnson, Charles & Jane Purin 15: David & Vicki Bond, Gary & Sally Raymer 16: Gary & Karen McGraw 17: Alan & Lori Granite,
Paul & Colleen Hoffman, Charlie & Jill Jackson 18: Ted & Rosemary Faber 19: Henry & Lisa Doll 20: Jeff & Jennifer Anderson,
Ralph & Carolyn Bennehoff, David & Fran Cleven, Alan & Jackie Krahenbuhl, James & Donna Linhart 21: Lee & Kate Aschim,
Jim & Helen Barrett, Robert & Judy Bell, Richard & Emily Dhyanchand, Bill & Christina Gissal, Mike & Julie Johnson, Floyd &
Mavis Kuhn, Robert & Holly Lembkey, Richard & BJ Petersen, KeoOudom & Kristine Sibounheuang 22: Jeffrey & Denise
Wessman 23: Roger & Dorothy Mahler 24: Scott & Stacy Anderson 25: John & Lisa Nielsen 26: Lou & Debbie Larson, Roger &
Helen Myers, Gary & Kim Randles, John & Marianne Wahlquist, Doug & Karen Weyburg 27: Ryan & Vanessa Garnhart, Doug
& Mary McDuff, Ken & Gloria Swanson 28: Dan & Donna Harvey, Austin & Trista Larson, Benjamin & Cara Patterson 29: Dave &
Shirley Lawson 30: Jerry & Marge Buss, Arne & Linda Jacobsen, Gus & Lee Larsen
Thank You All of the kindness (the cards, telephone calls,
visits and food) that I received from my church
family during my time in the hospital, at PA
Peterson and since I've been home is greatly
appreciated. I especially thank you for keeping
me in your prayers. What better medicine than
to hear "we've been praying for you." I'm still in
therapy but able to get out and around.
Thanks be to God!
Gerri Elswick
We’d like to thank our church family for the
many cards and prayers given to us with the
passing of our son, Dave. The up-lifting given to
us by our pastors brought us peace, strength
and comfort.
God bless all,
Ron & Doris Thorson
Mortgage
Update As of April 30,
our
mortgage balance is
$396,154. This balance
reflects $40,897 in
additional principal
reduction payments
from contributions.
3300 Rural Street
Rockford, IL 61107-3540
815.399.0531 Office
815.399.8934 Fax
www.OSLCrockford.com
Weekly Worship Schedule:
Saturdays at 5 PM
Sundays at 8:30 AM
Sundays at 10:45 AM (Praise Ensemble Led)
Senior Pastor - Rev. Jeff Fricke
Pastor for Discipleship - Rev. Tony Dusso
Address Service Requested
Non-Profit
Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Rockford, IL
Permit No. 2645
In This Issue Pastor’s Corner 1
Bibles & Brats 1
Calendar 2
Worship & Music 3
Adult Ed 3
Graduate Sunday 3
Youth Ministry 4
Children’s Ministry 4
VBS 4
Missions 5
Operations Cabinet 5
Events 6
Garden Club 6
Among Us 7
Thank You 7
Submissions for the July issue
of CrossTalk must be submitted
by Friday, June 10. Please
send your articles to
Spit and Polish for the
Church Kitchen
June 6 • 9 AM
You’re invited to our kitchen cleaning day! Our
Social Hall kitchen is used often by many groups
throughout the year, and it's crying out for some
attention. Maybe your group has used the kitchen
this past year? Many hands make light work, so
come join in the fun and camaraderie. Show up
on Monday, June 6 between 9:00 - 9:30 AM and
we'll give you an assignment. A delicious lunch
will be provided for all
workers. Call Mary Larsen
at 815-394-1349 with
any questions.
Book of the Month
“The Walk” by
Richard Paul Evans
When Seattle ad executive Alan
Christoffersen loses his job, his
home and the love of his life all
at the same time, he’s tempted
by his darkest thoughts. Then, as
he sits with a bottle of pills in his
hand, he hears a voice telling
him to live. That’s when he
decides to go on a walk, but no
ordinary walk. Taking with him
only the barest of essentials, Alan
leaves behind all that he’s known
and heads for the farthest point
on his map: Key West, Florida.
The people he encounters along
the way, and the lessons they
share with him, will save his life
and inspire yours.
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