OUR SAVIOR’S LUTHERAN CHURCH
359 North Leonard Street
West Salem, WI 54669
PRESORTED
STANDARD
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DECEMBER 2013 NEWSLETTER
OUR SAVIOR’S LUTHERAN CHURCH
WEST SALEM, WISCONSIN
DECEMBER 2013
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Advent & Christmas Schedules
Senior Ministries
Staffing Change
Sunday School & Confirmation News
New Members
Mission Endowment Distributions
Year End Contributions
Mission Statement:
To reach toward God
and to each other
for the sake of the world
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Our Savior’s Voice
Our Savior’s Lutheran Church 359 N. Leonard St. West Salem, WI 54669
www.oursaviorswestsalem.org 608-786-0030 [email protected]
DECEMBER 2013
PARSON TO PERSON
Thanks, too, to leadership – to members of the
Congregation Council who have also been gifts
to us – thanks to Corey, Mike, Ruby, Mark,
As I write this, Thanksgiving is a way off – the
turkey not even yet purchased. As you read
this, the turkey is in the oven and the “Black
Friday” ads are beckoning. Maybe, therefore,
it’s appropriate to put the two together –
Thanksgiving and Christmas, that is.
Sandi, Dottie, Marjorie, Jim, Vernetta, Pam, and
Char for your faithful leadership of this
congregation’s ministries.
But giftedness also transcends our time here.
We offer our thanks to those whose gift of
leadership laid the groundwork – thanks to
Of course, you will give thanks on Thanksgiving
– for turkey and stuffing, family and friends,
house and home. But looking ahead, the gifts
of Christmas give us even more for which to
give thanks. The Baby Jesus tops the list!
council members who served in the past years,
especially during the pastoral vacancy, and
thanks to Pastor Rog and Pastor Dave for their
work to make transitions smooth and ministry
continue. We are here and in place because
Still, as I ponder December and Christmas, and
do so with Thanksgiving yet looming, I can’t
help but think of the myriad of gifts for which I
am thankful. So give me a few moments to lay
a few of them out there…
you made great handoffs!
Still, we can go back even further, to even more
gifts of the past – pastors and laypeople from
years past may not be here to receive our
thanks, but we thank God for all those who have
worked in this community of faith, pastors like
Ranum and Brauer, to name just two, and lay
leaders who taught Sunday School and prepared
lutefisk for the Norwegian Dinner. You, too,
We’ve been at Our Savior’s for almost a year
now. Lots of thanks to share – thanks to all of
you for welcoming us, partnering with us, and
being patient with us as we have learned names
and routines. Pastor Jean and I, time and time
have been gifts of a good and gracious God.
again, have remarked how fortunate we are to
be here, where we feel at home, and where we
know God is at work. YOU have been great
gifts to us and, as you share in the many
ministries of this congregation, great gifts to
others as well.
And then we thank God, too, for the gift of West
Salem. This is a wonderful community. From
schools to neighbors, from shops to community
servants, we have many gifts of God for which
to be thankful!
As has our staff – your giftedness is so evident.
So, thanks to staff for your work and your
support over the course of this past – thanks to
But of course, Christmas is still about Jesus.
And so as we look ahead to our Christmas
celebration, we look ahead to sharing Jesus with
you. So many other things get in our way,
distract and divert us. Jesus, however,
continues to break through the clutter and
cacophony of sounds the season brings. Jesus
Bonnie, Dana, Kay, Rob, and Pastor Vern.
Thanks to Linda, Kathy, Eric, Jill and Lynnette.
Great people to work with, with great gifts to
share!
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WEDNESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY
is the hope we have, and Jesus is the hope we
carry to the world around us. We celebrate
Jesus, and we give thanks to God for the gift of
Jesus!
Wednesday morning Bible study is into
Christmas! Through December 18,
we will look at Christmas themes
and stories. A great way to prepare
for the celebration of the birth of
Jesus our Lord and Savior!
And that brings me to the last gift – and the last
thanks to share – shortly, in January we want to
begin to take some time to ponder where God is
calling us to go as a community of faith. Or, in
other words, how in West Salem are we called
to proclaim the hope of Jesus and carry it into
the world around us. That is an exciting
prospect – imagine that God has a role for YOU
and for ME in the work God carries out! What a
gift to be privileged to share the gift of Jesus!
More about that in this issue of Our Savior’s
Voice and much more in January.
Bible study will NOT meet December 25 or
January 1, but will meet again January 8. You
are ALWAYS welcome to join us – we meet at
9:30, with a cup of coffee and some time to
connect with each other, and then we dive in.
No experience or prior knowledge necessary –
just bring your Bible and an “enquiring mind.”
See Pastor Jon for more information.
But for now – thanks to God for the mission we
have, and thanks to God for calling us to work
together, as partners in the gospel of Jesus!
USHERS NEEDED FOR DECEMBER
AND THE CHRISTMAS SEASON
Pastor Jon
 Two people to usher for the month of
December on Saturday nights at the 6
p.m. service.
VACATION
Pastor Jon and Pastor Jean will be on vacation
December 26 through December31. Contact the
office for any pastoral care
needs. We thank Cathryn
and Allyson Bottem for
leading worship on December
28 and 29.
 One more person to usher on Christmas
Eve at the 5:30 p.m. service.
COMMUNION SERVERS NEEDED
FOR CHRISTMAS EVE
December 24
CHRISTMAS EVE
5:30 p.m. __________
__________
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CHRISTMAS BIBLE STUDY CONTINUES
Get ready for Christmas…just a bit
differently…with a Bible in hand!
We continue to explore Christmas
traditions in light of the message of
God’s word in the Bible. We will
meet on Tuesdays through December 3, from 78:15 p.m. See Pastor Jon or Pastor Jean for
more information.
Please call the Church Office, 786-0030, if you
can help.
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FROM THE STAFF AT OUR SAVIOR’S…
ADVENT WORSHIP
In these days of
confusion and
uncertainty, in the
midst of distractions
and diversions, may
you know again the
life-giving power of the Child of Bethlehem. May
God’s gift in Jesus Christ fill your heart with joy,
your life with purpose, and your future with
hope as the New Year approaches. We are
grateful for your support, your partnership, and
your presence with us in the community of faith
we call Our Savior’s. A blessed Christmas to you
and your loved ones!
Prepare ye the way! Advent worship will be
held on Wednesday, December 4 and December
18, both times at 7 p.m.
Pastor Jon, Pastor Jean, Dana, Kay, Linda, Eric,
Kathy, Jill, Rob, Lynnette
December 18 – come and
join an old-fashioned carol
sing. Our 7th & 8th graders
will have been out caroling
in the neighborhood, then
joining us for our worship
time. We will carol
together, hear the words of scripture that
prepare us for Christmas, and leave ready to
welcome the newborn child of Bethlehem.
December 4 – we celebrate the
“Hanging of the Greens,” as we
“deck the halls” with signs and
symbols of the season. Come to
prepare for Christmas by
discovering the meaning in many
of the symbols and traditions that surround our
worship. Congregational members are
encouraged to bring an ornament to hang on
the tree during the Christmas season.
HOLY COMMUNION SCHEDULE
FOR DECEMBER
With the choir cantata on
December 15, we will have a
different schedule for Holy
Communion. Holy
Communion will be
celebrated on December 7/8
and December 21/22, and NOT on December
14/15. Communion will be on the first weekend
of the month as usual, and on Christmas Eve as
well.
SALVATION ARMY BELL RINGERS
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6:
4:00-5:30, 5:30-7:00
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7:
9-10:30, 10:30-12:00, 4:00-5:30,
5:30-6:00
CHRISTMAS TREE DECORATING
Ring those bells for the
Salvation Army! You can
sign up in groups,
singles, families, etc. Sign
up is located at the Youth and
Family board in the Gathering
Area.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1
It’s Decoration Time Again:
The Social Committee will be
putting up Christmas
decorations in the sanctuary
on December 1 starting at
11:45 a.m. and we would love your help. We
need help transporting and decorating a 14foot tree. We will all enjoy pizza, pop, hot
chocolate and cookies. So please help with the
fun!
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JOINT BIBLE STUDY AND
POTLUCK DINNER
Christmas Eve
1:30 p.m.
3:30 p.m.
5:30 p.m.
Festive Celebration of
Jesus’ birth with candle
lighting, special music, and
Holy Communion
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12
Women’s Bible Study ~ Join us on Thursday,
December 12 at 10
a.m. at church. The
women’s circles will
meet for their annual
joint Bible Study and
potluck dinner. The
profits from the Lutefisk Dinner will be
distributed.
10 p.m.
Lessons, carols, candle
light…Holy
Communion…and the newborn Jesus!
SENIOR CHOIR CONCERT
Christmas Day
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15
The Senior Choir will
present "Classic Noels" at
both services on Sunday,
December 15; please join
us! "Classic Noels" blends
classical pieces with favorite Christmas carols,
creating a unique collection of holiday music.
It features compositions by Handel and Bach
with carols such as "Joy to the World" and
"The First Noel." We look forward to
presenting this music at the worship services!
10 a.m.
We gather in the morning to
welcome the newborn child of
Bethlehem and to reflect on
the gift of grace God gives us
in Jesus.
DECEMBER HUNGRY JAR
There is wild life in the ELCA Global Barnyard!
Think about the sustaining
gifts needy people can get
from all the money you donate
to the Hungry Jar through the
month of December. Our
Sunday school kids are going
to make the decision of what livestock to buy
from the ELCA Global Barnyard. With the
money totaled, the kids will put their math
skills to work and vote on what they want to
buy and what they can afford to buy for
others. Please keep giving and be ready to ask
the Sunday school kids what they decided to
buy.
LAKEVIEW GIVING TREE
Each year Lakeview Health Center
provides us with a wooden Christmas
tree. On the tree are 27 tags with
the Christmas needs of the residents
at Lakeview. Some of these
residents are far from family or are
alone. We help to make their Christmas just a
little brighter.
When you receive this newsletter, the tags will
already be gone. This is a reminder, however
that the gifts are due back to the church by
December 6.
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Transportation
Ministry to
Seniors
Senior
Ministries
… we have several
items available for our
“senior” population to help you during your
worship experience or to help you in your faith
journey wherever you may be …
If you have time
during the day and drive a car …
… we have a job for you!
Many of our senior members need to get to
doctor’s appointments and other appointments
– hey, they even need to get to church! –
and they are no longer able to drive. We are
beginning to compile a list of volunteers who
are available to drive our seniors to these
appointments and to church. Sometimes a
friendly face is enough to help these folks get
through the fears, stresses, and challenges of
these appointments. If you are willing to have
your name shared, or if you would like more
information about this ministry of caring,
contact Pastor Jean
([email protected]) or call the church
office.
When you’re at church … feel free to ask an
Usher for …
 a large print bulletin for use during
worship – everything is included in the
bulletin, no need to fumble with heavy
hymnals
 a hearing assist device available for
use during worship
For those who can’t get to church …
 we have large print copies of the daily
devotional “Christ In Our Home” that
comes out quarterly
 a DVD is made each week
of the Sunday worship
service
STAFFING CHANGES
If you would like to receive either
of these, please call the church
office and let us know. We are happy to
deliver!
Pastor Vern Skarstad, our visitation pastor, has
asked us to complete his work with us at the
end of November. We are deeply grateful for all
of the wonderful ministry Pastor Vern has done
for us, and we give thanks for his ministry in our
midst. The Congregation Council has set
Saturday/Sunday, January 18/19 as a time to
give thanks to Pastor Vern. More details will be
in the January Our Savior’s Voice.
Breakfast
and Bible
Study
Monday, December 9th at 9 AM
at Salem Terrace
NURSING HOME WORSHIP
We are starting a Bible Study for our members
– and friends … all are welcome – who live at
Salem Terrace and Mill Street Manor (or
whoever would like to stop by). The kickoff
event will begin with breakfast at 9 a.m.,
followed by Bible Study. If you are interested
in attending, it would be helpful if you call the
office to let us know.
The pastors will be leading worship at Lakeview
(10:30 a.m.), Salem Terrace (1 p.m.), and
Mulder’s (2:45 p.m.) on Thursday, December
19. Want to give a great Christmas gift? Come
and join us as we share in worship with those
who are homebound and sometimes very lonely
in our community. See Pastor Jon or Pastor
Jean for more information.
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THE LIFE OF AN INTERN PASTOR…
It is hard to believe that I have been an Intern
Pastor (or “Vicar” as they call me at English
Lutheran Church) for three months. I have
met so many people and am finally getting
good at matching names with faces. They
have been very kind, welcoming and
encouraging as I learn and try new things.
This past weekend I led an 8th grade retreat
with Pastor Mark Solyst—I was totally in my
comfort zone! The youth were great and it
was fun to see them grow in their faith as we
rediscovered stories in the Bible, learned about
the Seven Faith Practices and experienced a
labyrinth together. It was fun to meet the 8th
graders since I am teaching 7th grade
confirmation this year. I’m loving all the
questions that they have about the stories we
are learning from the Old Testament.
*We thank the Mailing Crew for assembling
the Newsletter. The members who helped this
past month were Connie Blunck, Bev
Bockenhauer, Helen Friell, Saundra Holthaus,
Russ and Diane McClintock, Inger Michael,
Judy Morzinski, Mary and Rich Storandt and
Betty Whitlock.
* Thank you to all who worked the Norwegian
dinner. We served 528 in the dining room with
108 carryout meals. This is 47 more than last
year. It appears that profits will be slightly
greater than last year. Complete profit and
distribution of the money will be reported in
upcoming newsletters.
I am preaching once a month, which is a
wonderful gift for me. Pastors Solyst and
Pupilla have been very gracious about letting
me assist in worship the other three weeks
each month. One of my projects, as an intern,
is to plan the Advent worship services. We will
be using the theme “Star of Bethlehem.” Our
Director of Worship is building a huge 12’ by 6’
star that will be filled with lights and hang from
the center of the sanctuary! Each week we will
be learning a little bit about what Bethlehem is
like today. This is a wonderful opportunity for
us to tie our “Bethlehem Event” that we are
hosting this year. I’m personally inviting each
of you to come to English Lutheran Church on
December 21 or 22 (noon to 5) to experience
the town of Bethlehem 2000 years ago—
complete with shop keepers, beggars, live
animals, and the baby Jesus!
Special thanks to our businesses who made
donations, Family Tree Floral, Kwik Trip,
Linda's Bakery, Hansen's IGA. Also to Ken and
Norma Piper for rutabagas and Vicki Olson’s
family for potato tubs to be used for years to
come.
* Thanks to the Crew!
Thanks to the hard working cleaning crew for
getting us spiffed up for the Norwegian Dinner.
Judy Gilbert, Dylan Wiese, Shannon Wiese,
Brandon Wiese, Rob Wiese, Ruby Kerkman, Jim
Michelson, and Mike Alumbaugh (did we miss
anyone?) worked up a sweat on Saturday,
October 26. We appreciate your work and your
care for our building!
I miss the people of Our Savior’s and think of
you often. I appreciate the prayers and
support that you have given me as I journey
through seminary as a daughter of Our
Savior’s.
Grace and Peace, Bonnie Klos
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NOMINATING COMMITTEE
FALL STEWARDSHIP MINISTRY
Our Savior’s Nominating Committee is in the
process of securing nominations for
Congregation Council, Endowment Committee,
Sugar Creek, and Bethany Lutheran Home
Corporation. If you have an interest in serving
Jesus through the work of Our Savior’s in one of
these positions, please let one of the pastors
know – we will pass your name along to the
committee!
All members received a
stewardship letter and an
Estimate of Giving Card
asking for a commitment for
our 2014 ministry. Estimate
of giving cards are still welcome in the office!
Please get your card in soon, as it will help us to
assemble our budget for 2014. Lots of things
are happening – God is at work, and God is
good!
SYNOD ASSEMBLY VOTING MEMBERS
HUNGRY FOR CHRISTMAS BREAD?
With the election of a bishop in the La Crosse
Area Synod for 2014, Synod Assembly voting
members will need to be selected earlier than in
past years. Voting members need to be in place
by early February.
April Haldeman will be
selling Stollen, a
braided German sweet
bread containing raisins
and dates and topped
with a butter frosting, on Sunday mornings
between services in December. All proceeds
will be going to the Children's Miracle Network
Hospitals. She will be baking and selling until
she makes her goal, so get one quick before
they are all gone.
Synod Assembly for 2014 is June 13-15, at
Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. If you would
like to be considered as a voting member this
year, please speak with one of the pastors or
Corey Sjoquist. This is a great opportunity to
see how the church works together as a synod,
as God’s people working together beyond our
own congregation.
YEAR END
CONTRIBUTIONS
DUE DECEMBER 29
Members of the congregation are reminded to
make their year-end contributions by Sunday,
December 29. No credit for contributions
given after December 29, 2013 can be credited
to your giving statement for 2013. Statements
will be mailed to you in January.
Thank you for your contributions.
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SUNDAY
SCHOOL NEWS
Attendance Challenge …
Have you been keeping
track of your attendance
charts lately to see how your
class is doing? As of midNovember, the Pre-K class
has had the most weeks of
perfect (+/- 2) attendance
with 7. They are on track
for the treats in December.
It’s hard to believe we are
almost one-third of the way
through our Sunday School year. We are using
a lectionary-based curriculum from Augsburg
Fortress, which means the children are
learning about the same stories the
congregation is hearing about during worship.
Helps to make Children’s Messages more
interesting!
Anyone want to challenge
them? The next most weeks
are 4 and there is a tie
between the two 2nd grade classes for that.
We also have 16 children across the
grades with perfect attendance, and 26
more that have only missed 1 week!
Way to go!
The Sunday School students once again did a
great job singing in worship on November 10th!
We thank them for their hard work, along with
Mr. Larson, Mrs. Vick, Mrs. Pavelko, and Mrs.
Berg. They are now focusing their efforts on
the upcoming Christmas Pageant. Kids, don’t
forget about the practice on Saturday
morning, December 14th at 10 AM.
Sunday School
Christmas Pageant
“Silent Night,
Holy Night”
Saturday, December
14 at 4 PM
at the Presbyterian Church
Gifts to share …
Have you said to yourself
lately, how can I share my
gifts with our young
people? We have just the
opportunity for you! Plans
are underway to create two
classes of third graders as that class has the
potential of over 30 students, and we are
averaging 20-23 every week – what a gift that
is! We are looking for someone to help
team-teach the additional 3rd grade class.
Please speak with Pastor Jean if you believe
God is calling you to share your gifts.
(625 W. Franklin)
Join us for the Sunday School Christmas
Pageant – invite your family and friends! There
will be treats and a time for fellowship following
the program. We will be collecting a free-will
offering for Lutheran Disaster Response in the
Philippines and food items for the Care & Share
Food Pantry.
NO Sunday School classes …
… December 1 – for
Thanksgiving holiday
… December 22 and 29 – for
Christmas holiday
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CONFIRMATION HUMMING ALONG!
Parents –
we still need you!
Confirmation classes continue to move ahead.
6th graders are studying the Bible, working
through the Old Testament. 7th and 8th graders
are working on their elective courses on
December 4 and 11.
… if you haven’t signed up yet to
help in your child(ren)’s
classroom, please stop by and talk
with the teacher soon! We are
finding it invaluable having our
parents’ support and presence in the
classroom. Come check it out!
On December 18, we head out
for caroling. Join us for the
afterschool time, followed by a
light meal – then out the door
by 6 p.m. to walk the
neighborhood. When we
return at around 7 p.m., we will join the Advent
Caroling in the sanctuary.
Offerings for Malaria …
Goal by May 18th – $1,000
As of November 10th –
$184.75
9th graders, meanwhile, will be exploring families
and the gifts that God gives through our
families. 9th graders and their families will join
us in the “Hanging of the Greens” on December
4, and then spend a few minutes talking about
the gift of families – and then they will have a
project to celebrate that gift.
Check out the bulletin board outside of
Pastor Jean’s office to see how we’re
doing with our offerings for
Malaria. So far our 1st grade
class has collected $33.25,
with the 3rd grade close
behind at $29.25. Remember,
the class with the most
mosquitos at the end of the year will
receive a special treat so be sure your
offering is clearly marked with your class
on it! Parents and grandparents (and
congregation members) are more than
welcome to assist the children with this
project, too! Help us make a difference
and reach our goal!!
No classes (of course!) on December 25 or
January 1 – but all 6-8th graders resume with
classes on January 8.
SCRIP CARDS FOR CHRISTMAS



Stocking stuffers
College student favorite
EVERYONE can use one!
Consider purchasing Kwik
Trip cards for your Holiday
shopping this year. 10%
of all sales go directly to
our programs including
our mission trip to Puerto Rico. Find our table
in the Gathering Area!
Sunday School offerings for the 2013-2014
year will be used to purchase mosquito netting
for the ELCA Malaria Campaign. A child dies
from malaria every 60 seconds. We can be a
part of the solution to turn this around. Our
gifts to the ELCA Malaria Campaign help
provide mosquito netting, insecticides,
medication, health care, and education to help
eliminate deaths from this disease – for good!
Denominations available: $10, $20, $25, $50,
$100.
10
OSAP-OUR SAVIOR’S
AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM
th
SOUNDS LIKE LOVE RECAP
There are no adequate words to describe my
first experience with Sounds Like Love. 300+
students from around the
Midwest came together with
director John Jacobson to put on
an outstanding worship
experience. They expressed their love of God
and desire to know Him more through
incredible singing and dancing. Three of our
students obtained speaking parts through
auditions. It was a transformational weekend
that ignited the fire in the hearts of our youth.
For pictures and video clips, visit our youth
Facebook page.
th
6 -8 Graders come over to the
church after school each
Wednesday you have confirmation
class or elective. Hang out with a
ton of things to do: Ping pong,
basketball, football, video games, music,
homework room, or just hang out!
December activities:
December 4: Holiday mail for shut-ins - Write
letters to members that do not have the option
to come and worship with us during the
holidays.
December 11: Learn to Crochet
December 18: Trivia Challenge
A HUGE thank you to Linda Berg for working
with the students over the past few months.
She rehearsed the music every Sunday with
them. Also, a thank you to the congregation.
Supporting our fundraisers allows us to send
students to events like these that have a direct
impact on their faith journey. THANK YOU!
8TH GRADERS—YOUTH ENCOUNTER
WEEKEND IS WAITING FOR YOU!
March 28-30, 2014
Bloomington, MN
Students and Leaders
Asher Carlson
Justin Beckley
Aunna Carlson
Lydia Sells
Molly Hunter
Allie Skrentny
April Haldeman
Rachel Quamme
Melissa Haldeman
Tracey Beckley
Amazing and innovative bands,
motivational speaker and
hilarious comedian, Wes
Halula. A transformational
weekend made for you that
will make the faith we speak
about every week very REAL!
Don’t miss your chance to come with us.
E-COMMUNICATIONS
Registration deadline: December 15. Cost
$146. Registration forms and more
information at the Youth Board!
Did you know that 111 people
receive the newsletter by email
instead of a paper copy?
Interested in helping us save paper and
postage? One way we can do that is to send
you an email each time we post the newsletter
on our website. Give us your email address, let
us know you don’t want a paper copy of the
newsletter, and we’ll do the rest. You can find
the website at
www.oursaviorswestsalem.org
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NEW BOOKS IN THE
CHURCH LIBRARY
CHILDREN’S:
Bemelmans – Madeline
Once again, you’re invited to place poinsettias
in the church at Christmas. Many people have
found it a special way to remember or to honor
someone in this season. You may provide your
own plant or we will order a plant for you
through Family Tree Floral here in West Salem.
Red or white poinsettias are available for
$15.00. Please let us know how we can
acknowledge your poinsettia in the Christmas
bulletins.
YOUTH:
Wilder – Little House in the Big Woods
Wilder – Little House on the Prairie
FICTION:
Brunstetter
Brunstetter
Brunstetter
Brunstetter
Brunstetter
–
–
–
–
–
The Silence of Winter
The Hope of Spring
The Pieces of Summer
A Revelation in Autumn
A Vow for Always
CHECK ONE:
NONFICTION:
Driver – Driven
Kurtz – Hardly a Silent Night
Kurtz – Ring the Bell, Count the People
_____Please purchase a poinsettia for me. I
understand the price is $15.00.
_____Red _____White
_____I will provide a poinsettia but prefer to
purchase my own plant. I will have it at
church by December 23.
E-MAIL FROM
PASTOR JON
Pastor Jon will begin
sending out occasional emails with announcements
about happenings at Our
Savior’s, and a weekly reflection on God, life
and faith. If you are not already on the e-mail
list from Our Savior’s, and would like to be,
please send Pastor Jon your e-mail address, or
speak with him. We will never sell your e-mail
address, and if you want to get off the list,
we’ll do that too!
IN MEMORY OF
__________________________________
IN HONOR OF
____________________________________
GIVEN BY
____________________________________
Please return this slip and $15.00 by December
12 to the church office or put it in an envelope
and place it in the offering plate.
You may take your poinsettia home after the
Christmas Day worship service.
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REFRESHMENTS
A sign-up sheet is on the
bulletin board outside the
kitchen in the Gathering Area.
Please sign up for either
serving refreshments or baking.
DECEMBER SERVING & BAKING
SCHEDULE
December 1
Serve
Bake
December 8
Serve
Bake
December 15
Serve
Bake
December 22
Serve
Bake
Melody Schmitz and
Jim Michelson
Melody Schmitz, Sandi Stavlo,
Norma Piper
Bridget Peterson’s Old
Confirmation Group
Confirmation Group
______________
Judy Morzinski, Ilene Pavelko,
Sharon Olson
_____________________
Shannon Wiese,___________,
________________
December 29
Serve ____________________
Bake
_______________, _________,
______________
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GUITAR LESSON SUNDAY’S
HAVE BEEN A HIT
FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY
Last month, 13 families completed Financial
Peace University. In
nine short weeks,
they paid off over
$27,000 in debt,
saved over $19,000
and cut up 26 credit
cards. In nine weeks, we learned how to
budget, who the nerds and free spirits are,
what insurance we do and do not need, how to
plan for retirement and college, and most
importantly “How to live like no one else so
later we can live and give like no one else.”
The guitar group hasn’t been writing any hits
quite yet, but since October 6th, Dean Olson,
Marty Frank and Dan Backhaus have been
leading guitar lessons
on Sunday nights.
There have been 13
beginning guitar
players, ranging in
ages from grade
school students to retirees. The group has
been learning how to tune a guitar, play
chords and even play a few songs. Marty
Frank stated that, “It has been a lot of fun. It
has been great to see people take interest in
playing the guitar and it has been fun teaching
too! The hour goes by very fast.” The group
meets at 5 p.m. in the church library and
people of all ages and skill sets are welcome.
The lessons are free and we’ve been able to
accommodate a few of the people that don’t
have guitars. The group will continue to meet
every Sunday, taking Sunday, December 22
off.
Below are some quotes from the last night of
class. “In the last nine weeks we have talked
about money more than in 26 years of
marriage.” “I can now see the end of my
school loans.” “This class has helped us put
together a plan to get us on track and out of
debt.” “I now know where all my money is
going.”
Interested in taking the class? We will be
offering another class-starting mid-January.
Looking for the perfect Christmas present for
your son or daughter who just graduated or
got married? FPU is offered all over the area
and country.
If you have any questions or are interested in
attending, contact Marty, Dan or Dean.
If you are interested in taking the class but
have questions, see Tim Tiber, Eric Ender or
the church office.
HOSPITAL REMINDER
Being hospitalized is
never easy. Our goal is
to visit each member
during this difficult time. At Gundersen, please
be sure to alert the hospital of your church
affiliation when they ask and they will then
release your room number to us when we call.
At Mayo Clinic Health System/Franciscan
Healthcare, it is important that you or a family
member contact the church office to notify us
of your stay. Mayo is no longer able to give
out that information.
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DATE
ATTENDANCE
OFFERING
Nov. 3
Nov. 9 & 10
Nov. 16 & 17
324
414
369
$6,295
$9,184
$6,170
SUNDAY
SCHOOL
70
77
84
Wendy Kane
Kamryn
620 Lynn Drive
West Salem, WI 54669
608-769-3543
Kevin and Becky Murphy
Andrew, Katie, Kenzie
W4950 County B
La Crosse, WI 54601
608-782-4185
WE WELCOMED NEW MEMBERS at our
worship on Sunday, November 17. Please
introduce yourself to these people and welcome
them to the life and mission of Our Savior’s.
Clark and Melissa Olson
Brielle, Landon
W390 County T
Mindoro, WI 54644
608-386-4979
Rich and Beth Clements
Eva, Sophia, William
140 West Avenue S
West Salem, WI 54669
608-498-2125
Velma Schmidt
960 Highway 16 West
West Salem, WI 54669
608-786-2338
Kimberly Farr
Makensie, Mallory
W5289 County B
La Crosse, WI 54601
608-781-6967
PASTORAL ACTS
Jackie Hartmann
N1700 Sunnyslope Drive
La Crosse, WI 54601
787-6689
Baptisms
 Ava Marilyn Jandt, daughter of Greg
and Jessica Jandt, was baptized November 3.
Her baptismal sponsors are Erik and Nicole
Jones, Dana Labus, Lisa Jandt.
Derek and Erin Hebrink
Kaelyn
128 Scenic Court
West Salem, WI 54669
507-421-9230 (Derek)
507-421-3542 (Erin)
 Emma Ann Jandt, daughter of Greg
and Jessica Jandt, was baptized November 3.
Her baptismal sponsors are Jill Kukowski,
Andrea Hemker, Carrie and Brandon Risch.
Joe and Jacki Hickey
Jacob, Jessalyn
819 Deerfield St
West Salem, WI 54669
608-786-6205
 Lauryn Marie Langrehr, daughter of
Tom and Sarah Langrehr, was baptized
November 10. Her baptismal sponsors are
Christi Gronemus and Melissa Schulz.
Memorial Service
 We express our Christian sympathy to
the family of Marlin Wehrenberg who died
November 9. A Memorial Service was held
November 13 with burial in Christ Ev. Lutheran
Cemetery.
Nicki Kammel
Spencer, Reice, Morgan
720 Mark Street
West Salem, WI 54669
608-786-3467
15
STEWARDSHIP CORNER
‘Whoever has two tunics is to share with him
who has none…” Being a good steward to
your community can be that simple.
Coats 4 Kids
Bring your gently used, winter coats and put
them in the Coats 4 Kids tote in the coat area.
There are moms, dads, and kids who will be
very grateful.
On most mornings, I park my car on State
Street and walk into the Coleman building at
Western Technical College. My route from the
car to the building often will lead me past the
Salvation Army on State and 8th Street. As I
walk past with a smile and hello, I watch
moms who have to put their kids in a cab to go
to school. After passing the building, my heart
and soul remind me of how grateful I am to
have the house, car, job, and family I have.
Many of us would say, “I just can’t imagine
what that would be like.”
Stacy J. Mitchell
OUR SAVIOR'S MISSION ENDOWMENT
MAKES DISTRIBUTIONS
The Endowment Committee is
happy to have been able to make
the following disbursement of
interest from the Endowment Fund for 2013:
More recently as the temperatures have
dropped, I walk past the Salvation Army and
watch families come out after their warm
breakfast. Some have a scarf, hat and warm
jacket and some people are still wearing what I
would call a thin coat with no gloves or hat.
As if it is not hard enough being without a
home, imagine being without a warm coat
when trying to put a life back together by
finding a job or home.
The one solution Salvation Army has is their
Coats 4 Kids drive. Even though the title may
have you believe it is just for kids, the coat
drive is for anyone of any age and any size.
Believe me, they use every coat they get! Last
year one of my classes sponsored a Salvation
Army Coat Drive, and we collected over 300
coats of all sizes. As a class, we delivered
them and about two weeks after delivery, the
volunteer coordinator asked if we wanted to
keep going. All the coats were already in use.
Many of us have closets, totes, or basements
that are storing our unused coats, hats, gloves,
scarves, or mittens. Now is the time to share
these grateful gifts with your community. As
Luke 3:11 says, “And he answered them,
Category 1 Outreach in Community Synod
La Crosse Area Synod ELCA Fund for Leaders
Salvation Army
Companion Synod (Peru)
Lutheran Campus Ministry
New Horizons
St. Clare Health Mission-La Crosse
Sugar Creek (designated scholarships)
Total Disbursed Category 1
$500
$1,000
$750
$300
$1,250
$2,000
$200
$6,000
Category 2 Missions of the ELCA
Global Barnyard Program
Lutheran Disaster Relief
Well Project
Malaria Campaign
Total Disbursed Category 2
$620
$1,400
$275
$525
$2,460
Category 3 Local Capital Improvement
Our Savior’s Lutheran for property needs
Senior Ministry Outreach
Total Disbursed Category 3
$2,240
$500
$2,740
TOTAL DISBURSED FOR 2013
$11,200
Funds are disbursed using the interest earned on the
Endowment Fund.
16
CONGREGATION COUNCIL REVIEW

The Congregation Council met on Monday,
November 11, with Vice President Mike
Alumbaugh presiding. At this meeting the
council:












Heard from Dana Roemhild about our
youth ministry program, with Dana
leading devotions for the meeting.
Received and approved the minutes from
October, along with the treasurer’s report
for October, and the pastor’s reports for
October.
Received and accepted Pastor Vern
Skarstad’s resignation as of the end of
November. Discussed ways to thank
Pastor Vern for his service to Our
Savior’s, and set the thank you date for
January 18/19.
Received the Mission Endowment grant
for capital improvement needs and
establishing a Senior Outreach Ministry.
Received a gift from Jim Michelson to
match the Endowment Fund gift for
senior ministry.
Received a proposal to realign some of
the funds held by the congregation.
Tabled the proposal in order to be able to
study and discuss it at a future date.
Previewed the new web site.
Discussed a number of items including
recruiting ushers and readers, annual
report assignments, emergency
procedures, and synod assembly voting
members.
Decided to change the budget line from
“synod missions” to “Lutheran Campus
Ministry” to more accurately reflect the
recipient of these gifts. This does not
affect our regular synod support.
Received the following into membership:
Kevin and Becky Murphy (Andrew, Katie,
Kenzie), Nicki Kammel (Spencer, Reice,
Morgan), Clark and Melissa Olson (Brielle,
Landon), Rich and Beth Clements (Eva,
Sophia, William), Wendy Kane (Kamryn),
and Jackie Hartmann.


Designated Pastor Jon and Jill Iliff as
authorized persons to work with the
Edward Jones accounts.
Authorized the purchase and installation
of a 60” flat screen TV in the Gathering
Area for overflow worship.
Authorized the purchase or creation of a
new paschal candle stand.
Noted that the December council meeting
will be at Pastor Jon and Pastor Jean’s
home, and include a Christmas party with
families.
Closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
The council meets again on Monday, December
9. See Corey Sjoquist or one of the pastors if
you have any questions.
DISCERNING GOD’S CALL
It’s no secret that we have some
challenges…and some HUGE opportunities at
Our Savior’s these days. Lots of new families,
Sunday School bursting at the seams, and a wee
bit of uncertainty as to what we should do. At
the same time, however, we have some
properties, lots of gifted folk, and most of all –
what has been handed down to us by the
generations before us – the good news of Jesus!
Beginning in January, we will begin a process of
discerning God’s call to us as a congregation.
We will invite all members and friends of Our
Savior’s to a series of conversations about what
God is up to in our midst and around us. We
will want to hear from you as we share our
insights and observations – and most of all, as
we share together in prayer and reflection.
Pastor Jon has gathered a team to work with
him to plan our gatherings. Watch for more
details, especially in the January Our Savior’s
Voice. For now, keep praying – God is at work
and God is working through us!
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DECEMBER
ACOLYTES
December
ACOLYTES
December
7
14
21
28
1
8
15
22
24
25
29
READERS
December
READERS
December
7
14
21
28
1
8
15
22
24
25
29
6 p.m.
Brent Heilman
Anna Jacobson
Breana Jones
Austin Kennedy
8 a.m.
10/10:30 a.m.
Jayden Beckley
Carlie Burkhardt
McKenzie Fitzpatrick
Haley Freybler
Molly Hunter
Zach Ihle
Alex Jeranek
Abby Johnson
Christmas Eve
1:30 p.m. Kate Nuttleman
3:30 p.m. Sarah Novak
5:30 p.m. ________________
10:00 p.m. Ted Tiber
Christmas Day 10 a.m. Travis Reedich
Emily Trautman
Mallorie Trautsch
6 p.m.
Mary Czajka
Carol Wittenberg
Kathy Brisson
Connie Pinski
8 a.m.
10/10:30 a.m.
Ken Spraetz
Dana Roemhild
Gus Zabel
Gary Berg
Jeanne Peterson
Carla Burkhardt
Vernetta Moe
Marjorie Anderson
Christmas Eve
1:30 p.m. Paul Ranum
3:30 p.m. Candice Stoll
5:30 p.m. Errol Kindschy
10:00 p.m. Jeff Haldeman
Christmas Day 10 a.m. Paul Ranum
Paul Ranum
Jenny Leren
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SHUT-IN COMMUNION SERVERS
December
Paul and Marilyn Ranum
SATURDAY COMMUNION SERVERS 6 p.m. (Dates in bold are Communion dates)
December
7
Judy Gilbert
Marty Frank (Offering)
14
Vernetta Moe
21
Lee Fernstaedt
Vernetta Moe (Offering)
28
Tim Tiber
COMMUNION SERVERS (Dates in bold are Communion dates)
8 a.m.
10/10:30 a.m.
December
1
Mike Alumbaugh
Vernetta Moe
Sharon Olson
Jeff Haldeman
8
Mike Alumbaugh
Todd Michael
Allyson Bottem
April Haldeman
15
Dean Olson
Corey Sjoquist
22
Dean Olson
Corey Sjoquist
Cathryn Bottem
Eric Iliff
December 24
Christmas Eve
1:30 p.m. Denise Jones
Dean Olson
Carla Burkhardt
3:30 p.m. Erik Peterson
Dottie Baumgartner
Lee Fernstaedt
Sandi Stavlo
5:30 p.m. __________
Norma Piper
Tim Tiber
25
29
10:00 p.m. Jeff Haldeman
Melissa Haldeman
Christmas Day 10 a.m. __________
Ruby Kerkman
Pam Gresens
ALTAR GUILD
Shari Aleckson
SATURDAY USHERS
6 p.m.
_______________
_______________
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USHERS
December
8 a.m.
Rick Morgan
Harlan Oldendorf
Ken Spraetz
Gus Zabel
10/10:30 a.m.
Steve Noffke
Mark Johnson
Paul Beckley
Justin Beckley
Advent services at 7 p.m.—Confirmation Groups
Christmas Eve—1:30 p.m.
Jim Anderson
Marjorie Anderson
Trygve Anderson
Thor Anderson
Christmas Eve—3:30 p.m.
Ken Spraetz
Tim Goodenough
Boston Goodenough
Keith Goetzinger
Christmas Eve—5:30 p.m.
Rick Morgan
Harlan Oldendorf
Tim Tiber
Ken Piper
Christmas Eve—10 p.m.
Monte Wick
Jared Haldeman
Christmas Day—10 a.m.
Eric Ender
Bev Bockenhauer
OUR SAVIOR’S STAFF
Pastor Jonathan Schmidt, Senior Pastor
608-612-0217
Email: [email protected]
Pastor Jean Schmidt, Associate Pastor
608-612-0217
Email: [email protected]
Kay Niemeier, Parish Secretary
Church Office: 786-0030
Fax Number: 786-0951
Email: [email protected]
Dana Roemhild, Director of Youth & Family Ministry
608-280-1200
Email: [email protected]
Jill Iliff, Treasurer
Linda Berg, Organist
Eric Sorenson, Senior Choir Director
Rob Wiese, Custodian
Lynnette Wick, Money Counter
Web Site: oursaviorswestsalem.org
20