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November 2014
Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church
“Inviting, Embracing and Equipping
for the sake of Christ.”
In this Issue:
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The Quest Inside for Uniting Spirit
(Q.I. for U.S.)
Daily Spiritual Practice: Gratitude
“[G]ive thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18
The practice of gratitude can change the course of your life. It gradually shifts your perception and your focus becomes clearer. Actively
searching for and finding things to be grateful for opens up the space to accept all things.
Are you ready to be grateful? Here are some ideas to get you started expressing gratitude on a daily basis:
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Create a Gratitude Journal — Spend time shopping for one that makes you feel happy when you look at it, with a “feel” you like.
Decorate the cover with a drawing, pictures or words; Add favorite quotes. Let your imagination lead you. Maybe you want to carry
it with you in your car, purse or pocket. Take the time to create or choose your journal, allowing it to mean something to you.
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A Gratitude Basket — It could be a jar, an old basket, or even a shoebox. Again, get creative and make it special. Then find
something to write your blessings on — different colored pieces of paper can be fun!
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A Gratitude Board — You’ll want a piece of poster board, a cork board or a dry erase board. You may want to give a title, such as
“The Gunning Family Gratitude Board” or “Got Gratitude?” (you get the idea). This is a great way to share what you are doing with
members of your home and even start a conversation with friends and visitors!
Once you have your journal, basket or board, set out to write down a specific number of things you are grateful for at the end of each
day (or as the mood strikes). Three to five things is a good place to start. It can be anything such as hearing a bird sing, seeing your child
smile or getting a promotion at work. Once you’ve been at it a while, trying finding gratitude in the things that don’t seem worthy of
thanks at first glance!
This month I am grateful for all of you. I pray that you are able to find and give thanks in all things.
Alissa Gunning | Spiritual Director | Our Saviours Lutheran Church | November 2014
(2) Pastor’s Note
(2) Announcements
(3) Children & Youth
(3) Music Ministries
(4) Serving the
Community
(5) Monthly
Celebrations
(6) Ministry
Opportunities
(7) Sharing Our
Talents
(8) The Quest Inside
for Uniting Spirit
Upcoming Readings:
November 1 & 2
Exodus 20:1-16
Ephesians 4:25-5:2
Luke 22:54-62
November 8 & 9
Exodus 20:1-17
1 Corinthians 6:1-11
Matthew 20:1-16
Nov. 2 — Dr. Stan
Olson, President, WTS
Nov. 9 — Open
Nov. 16 — Discuss
stewardship, music
ministry and other
future concerns
November 22 & 23
November 29 & 30
Exodus 20:1-21
1 Corinthians
7:17-24
Matthew 21:33-46
Ezekiel 34:11-16,
20-24
Psalm 95:1-7a (7)
Ephesians 1:15-23
Matthew 25:31-46
Isaiah 64:1-9
Psalm 80:1-7,
17-19 (7)
1 Corinthians 1:3-9
Mark 13:24-37
In October, our council informed the congregation that giving is $30,000 behind our budget
($20,000 behind actual expenses), and we are only 6 months into our fiscal year.
Rather than cutting salary pay this time, we will begin addressing the needs in the following
ways:
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November Adult
Forums:
November 15 & 16
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Asking the congregation to increase regular giving,
using Simply Giving as a helpful resource and tool.
Leaving vacant the Communications Specialist position when Averi leaves
us at the end of December (this will save approximately $4,000).
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Considering programmatic changes that will alleviate
current pressure on staff and resources.
WE WILL NOT DISCONTINUE OUR MINISTRIES TO THE COMMUNITY.
Please pray for the wisdom and discernment of our congregation leaders, for generous
hearts and faithful stewardship of our resources, and for God’s Holy Spirit to stir within us
new life for the sake of the world.
“For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life
for my sake will save it.” Luke 9:24
Nov. 23 — FEAST
10th Anniversary
Celebration
Financial Snapshot: September, 2014
Nov. 30 — Ashtyn
Lampe: serving in
YouthWorks and
beyond
Monthly Expenses: $ 42,100
Monthly Giving:
$ 38,100
Rent / Other Income:
$ 800
Over / Under:
($ 3,200)
YTD* Over/Under:
($19,800)
OSL's financial "year" is April 1 through March 31
New to OSLC? Plans are underway to offer a New Member
Orientation during Lent (mid-February through April, 2015).
Of course, you are always welcome and encouraged to
participate in all activities and elements of worship. Please
contact the church office with any questions: 402-483-4126.
VISION RALLY — November 9, 12:00p.m. We’ll discuss
upcoming plans for Pastor Tobi’s sabbatical in 2016 and, if
time, address stewardship concerns of OSLC.
QUARTERLY CONGREGATIONAL MEETING — November 16,
12:00p.m. Agenda: Ministry Team reports, updates on
financials, Task Forces for Pastor’s sabbatical, Music Ministry
vision, filling Property Steward council position.
FEAST Ministry Celebrates 10 Years! Started at OSLC in 2004
by Pastor Bud Christianson and Pastor Lowell Hennings with 6
initial participants from the Community Correctional Center,
we now serve an average of 40 men and women each
weekend! Hundreds of volunteers have helped make it
all happen, and we celebrate this milestone on November 23.
All who have participated are invited to join us for a catered
meal (funded by the Merele Ellerbeck Memorial Fund).
Vocatio Speaker Series, hosted by the Lutheran Center,
presents: Health and Healing as Christian Vocation on
November 4 at 7:00p.m. in the UNL City Union Auditorium.
G. Scott Morris, M.D., M.Div. will be the keynote speaker.
The event is free and open to the public.
Advent Worship Series: Light of the World/Walking in the
Dark Weekend worship will draw our eyes and hearts to the
Advent (coming) of Jesus Christ. But God's presence can also
be experienced in the darkness. Wednesday evening Midweek services (Dec. 3, 10, 17 at 7:00pm) will calm our hearts
and minds to listen for God's Word in the darkness. This focus
is inspired by "Learning to Walk in the Dark" by Barbara
Brown Taylor. I encourage you to read this book this Advent
Season. An additional book discussion will be facilitated by
Pastor Tobi on Wednesdays, Dec. 3, 10, 17 at noon. Bring
your lunch!
Lincoln Lutheran Food Pantry: New Temporary Location
Donations can now be delivered to St. Andrew’s Lutheran
Church at 1015 Lancaster Lane, Monday through Friday
8:00a.m. to 4:00p.m. Follow the signs as you enter the main
office door. If you need to make arrangements to drop off
food at another time, please call Patti Flynn at 402-310-8919.
A permanent location is still being sought.
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Nov. 1 & 2
“Traditions of Home”
What makes home feel like home? Is it pictures on the
wall or sounds of morning as family wakes up? That weird stain
on the counter or the slightly funky smell of the basement every
time it rains? The comfy chair past it’s prime but too beloved to
dismiss? How you feel at the end of a long day, finally in a space
defined (in part) by what you’ve contributed to it?
What makes OSLC your church home? Perhaps the
music, the leaders, the liturgy, the way the setting sun warms the
pews just inside the stained glass window; Much of what makes
us feel at home are rituals like these — patterns of our days and
lives that mark the time and subtly point to our small presence in
a much larger cosmos. We have rituals for getting up in the
morning and going to bed at night; For preparing for vacation or
setting up a home in a new location; We have rituals for
celebrating births and grieving deaths, for welcoming and saying
goodbye.
Some of our most fond rituals or traditions are
encapsulated within the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.
We have rituals about who visits which parts of the family for
certain holidays or on certain days of each holiday. We often
have rituals about how and when we decorate. We even have
rituals around the meanings and histories or our decorations.
As we prepare our facility for Christmas this year, we
invite you to bring your home with you — to make your home
within the Church — the Body of Christ. As God came to us in
Christ, making a home among us, we too can leave a part of us to
make a home amongst God’s people. During November, we
invite you to bring a family Christmas decoration to the
congregation for dedication and to be added to our Atrium tree.
The christmons used in the previous years are stating to look
shabby, so what better way to welcome one another into
worship than to say, “Welcome home” with decorations from
our own homes?
Please not that your gift will not be returned, but reused
each year to welcome the people of God each Advent season.
Perhaps you want to take a picture of your decoration and
include a story that goes with it — where it comes from, what it
means, or what it meant to your family. Perhaps you want to
donate a new decoration with your hopes and dreams for the
congregation — a new hope for a new home. Whatever you
give, it will be loved and appreciated.
Let us make our home among God’s people — marking
time in a way that celebrates our collective stories of joy and
pain.
Welcome home.
In Christ’s Name,
Pastor Tobi White
Nov. 8 & 9
Altar Flowers
Ramona Maske
Cliff & Jan Sorensen
Altar Guild
Deb & Caroline Startzer, Gary & Wanda
Hein, Cindy Rudolph, Norma Bartels
Deb & Caroline Startzer, Gary & Wanda
Hein, Cindy Rudolph, Norma Bartels
FEAST meal provider
Serendipity
St. Andrews
Communion
5:30
Hospitality Team
Hospitality Team
Assistants, Ushers,
8:15
Team Faith
Team Faith
and Greeters
10:45
Harrison Team
Harrison Team
Lectors
8:15
Sandra Anderson
Donna Durrette
10:45
Meals on Wheels
Nov. 15 & 16
Nov. 22 & 23
Nov. 29 & 30
Altar Flowers
Bob & Mary Schlutz
Mary Barton
Altar Guild
Deb & Caroline Startzer,
Gary & Wanda Hein, Cindy
Rudolph, Norma Bartels
Deb & Caroline Startzer,
Deb & Caroline Startzer,
Gary & Wanda Hein, Cindy Gary & Wanda Hein, Cindy
Rudolph, Norma Bartels
Rudolph, Norma Bartels
FEAST meal provider
Patti Ochoa
Catered
FEAST Partners
Communion
5:30
Hospitality Team
Hospitality Team
Hospitality Team
Assistants, Ushers,
8:15
Team Faith
Team Faith
Team Faith
and Greeters
10:45
Harrison Team
Harrison Team
Harrison Team
Lectors
8:15
Nate Blum
Mark Mesarch
Donna Durrette
10:45
Meals on Wheels
Tyler Schur
Pam & Ashlynn Brunke
Dresbauch Family
Sign up to read (lector) in the Atrium at the information kiosk. Flower sign-up hanging on wall beside elevator
(cost is $35). Those wishing to serve on Altar Guild, contact Elaine at [email protected]. Those wishing
to serve with hospitality, contact Jaylynn at [email protected].
“Called and compelled by our hope in Jesus Christ,
we empower our community
to care, learn, teach, lead, and serve.”
Thank You to the Hospitality Teams for your service in October!
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**COMING UP** Bible Study for Dummies: Now there are no Women’s Groups
excuses...you TOO can be a Bible Study leader. Training is
available to everyone through the lay leadership conferences, Esther Circle: 2nd Wednesdays at 9:00a.m.
provided by the Nebraska Synod on November 15-16 at Camp
Contact Audrey: 402-488-6515
Carol Joy Holling. If you’re interested in leading a study at OSLC,
we will cover your registration costs (up to $125 per person). Grace Circle: 4th Thursdays at 7:00p.m.
Contact Pastor Tobi for more information at 402-483-4126.
Contact Jan: 402-466-5986
**COMING UP** Yesterday's Youth is hosting a catered Lydia Circle: 2nd Tuesdays at 7:30p.m.
Thanksgiving meal on November 6 at 12:00p.m. Pastor
Contact Sondra 402-489-2202
Wacker will be leading a Thanksgiving-themed meditation. If
you plan on attending, please RSVP with Laura in the office by Martha Circle: 2nd Tuesdays at 9:30a.m.
November 3 at: 402-483-4126.
Contact Alice 402-423-0975
**NEW** OSLC Game Night is held the 3rd Friday of November from 7:00p.m. to 9:30p.m. in the Community Room. Mary/Martha Circle: 1st and 3rd Tuesdays
Feel free to bring cards, board games or other fun games and
Contact Jody: 402-327-9052
snacks.
Adult Pitch Group is each fourth Friday at 7:00p.m. at OSLC.
Men’s Groups
Newborns in Need Meets every first Sunday at 10:00a.m.
Please keep an eye out for any winter clothing or blankets Tuesday Study: Tuesdays at 8:00a.m. (Stauffer’s Café)
that could be included in next month’s layettes.
We are currently studying the book of Romans.
Sunrise Sisters meets each Wednesday at 7:30a.m. in the
Contact Gary: 402-477-8610
nursery. We are currently reading “God is Not Christian” by
Desmond Tutu. Contact Jan at 402-483-4126 for more info— Thursday Study: Thursdays at 7:00a.m. (Community Room)
newcomers are welcome to join!
Members rotate bringing breakfast.
Widow’s Supper Group meets the 4th Monday of each
Contact OSLC: 402-483-4126
month at 5:45p.m. for support and fellowship.
Contact
the church for more information: 402-483-4126.
A Safe Place Support Group is for men and women who
have been recently released from incarceration. We meet
every Thursday at 7pm in LL01. The 2nd Thursday of the
month, we have a potluck meal, and the 4th Thursday is
movie night (popcorn provided!) Transportation is available if
needed. For more info, contact Bonnie at 402-484-6190.
Chat N Sew is a group of ladies that meet every 4th
Wednesday from 9:30a.m. to noon to put together quilts for
Lutheran World Relief and local charities. Some sew the tops
at home and then tie them at the church. We would love to
have you come visit and maybe tie a knot or two over a cup
of coffee. Contact Frankie Ostlund at 402-488-5155 or
[email protected].
Wonder Seekers meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each
month. Come seek out the wonder in God’s world! Contact
Jody Rapp at 402-489-1338 or Willa Foster Jones at
402-483-4126.
Ray of Hope offers support for those who lost loved ones to
suicide. The group meets every other Monday at 7:00p.m. in
LL01. Contact the church for more info 402-483-4126.
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StoryKeepers & Confirmation November Schedule:
Nov. 5—Regular study groups
Nov. 12—Regular study groups
Nov. 19 — Service projects;
Confirmation Group #3 packs backpacks at 5:45p.m.
FALL 2014 SCHEDULE
Spirit Calls Praise Band Ensemble
High school, college-age and adult
singers and instrumentalists,
Tuesdays 7:00-8:30p.m.
Nov. 26 — OFF for Thanksgiving
BELLS of OSLC
High school, college-age and adult hand
bell ringers,
Wednesdays 6:00–6:50p.m.
Prayers for the Children at the Border
Set Free Choral Ensemble
College-age and adult singers,
1st & 3rd Thursdays 7:15–8:30p.m.
Que canten los niños, que alcen la voz,
Sanctuary Choir
College-age and adult singers,
Wednesdays 7:15-8:30p.m.
May the children sing, may they life their voice
Que hagan al mundo eschchar.
May they make the world listen
Rapture Ringers Handbells
5th-8th grade hand bell ringers,
Wednesdays 5:15–5:50 p.m.
Que unan sus voces yl lleguen al sol
May they unite their voices and reach the sun
En ellos estála verdad.
If you would like to be involved, contact
Willa Foster– Jones
at (402) 483-4126 for more info.
The truth is in them.
GET INVOLVED!
It was a beautiful Friday night. The air cooled quickly as the sun set. The group
gathered to pray was quiet and contemplative. If I listened close enough there
was a faint mix of Spanish and English conversations among those I stood near. I
knew no one but it didn’t matter. We were all there to light a candle and pray for
children we didn’t know, children who are gathered is small, cramped quarters,
alone, after a terrifying journey from their home to a place they hoped would be
safe and their dreams could be realized.
Que canten por esos que no cantarián
May they sing for those who will not sing
OSLC is currently looking for Meals on
Wheels volunteers, Worship Readers and
Backpack Program packers. Please sign up
in the atrium if you are interested.
Fundraising for
OSLC Youth!
Porque han apadado su voz.
Because they have muffled their voice.
This Month’s Opportunity: Nov. 9
The children of Christo Rey Church sang so beautifully in the darkness of the
night, for children whose voices we cannot hear. They lit candles to represent the
light of Christ, the Christ that is present with them in their peril as He is
present with us in our freedom. We prayed together for their safety, for
resolution, for understanding and compassionate hearts.
I say thank you to our neighbors at Christo Rey Catholic Church for bringing
leaders of different faith backgrounds together, for letting the children minister as
only they can, and for providing a quiet place to offer prayers of hope for God’s
children at the border.
When: Second Sunday of each month,
between 11a.m.-9p.m.
Where: BOTH Don & Millie’s (82nd & O St.
and 56th & Hwy 2).
Who: ALL OSLC members & participants.
How: When you order, tell the cashier you
are there for Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church
Youth, and 20% of what you spend on food
& drinks will go to our OSLC Youth.
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Serving the Community
In our church family
prayers we remember:
Those Ill: Gretchen Zwetzig, Theresa
Thompson,
Susan Rooksby, Joan (Witt)
Cowan, Karole Kahldahl, Steve Anderson, Stacy
Milligan, Burt Anderson, Tayden Grohs, William
& Alice Miller, Sharon Knapp, JoAnn, Dick
Anderson, Mona Anderson, Brandy Nava, Jerry
Rus, Ken Tyser, Judy Rathie, Rosalie Lickteig,
Denis Schneckloth, Laura Ries, Luke Nesheim,
Rick & Shirley Mendoza
Homebound: Barb Albers, Elaine Asbjornson,
Bea Bonacker, Verna Chudly, Merle
Fredrickson, Clarence & Junas Fruhling, Myrtle
Hiatt, Pat & Wayne Mumford, Margaret Sieck,
Luella Sphon, Tena Steinkamp, Woody Wilson,
Audie Wise, Jack & Maxine Magwire
Service Personnel: Robb Douglas, Kip Brewer,
Jonah Lux
Our partners in Mission: Kimangaro Parish in
Tanzania, Lincoln Area Cluster Churches
Prayers for Peace: Family and friends of
students at Marysville-Pilchuck High School;
All who have been victims of violence;
Palestine & Israel; Ebola patients; Bicyclists
Grieving: Danni & Paula at the death of their
father; Dale & Vivian Brittenham, Leslie &
Michael Brestel and families at the death of
Vivian’s mother, Marcy Koch; Friends and
family of George Gill;
New Births: Tucker Ray Engel, son of Nick &
Lindsey Engel;
Confirmands: Griffin Buller, Katie Cooper,
Emily Dresbach, Derek Eitzmann, Derek Hahn,
Michael Johnson, Trenton King, Ryan Lampe,
Keith Lampe, Annika Novotny, Mira Patel,
Brendan Rauner, Sierra Umland, Emma Wobig,
Noah Yoder, Alyssa Zimmer
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER FOCUS:
Alternative Giving Ideas that Make a Difference
Good Gifts — We will be partnering with our brothers and sisters
around the world to assist in providing sustainable
income to those in need.
The Sock Tree — Helping to provide warm socks for the homeless men
and women of Lincoln.
Gift Bags — Providing essential toiletries for Mall Talbot guests.
The Toy Box — If you buy a toy to donate for a child, we will deliver it
to one of the Lincoln agency toy drives (Center for
People in Need, City Impact or Salvation Army).
Angel Tree —These are gifts for children whose parents are
incarcerated.
Volunteers from Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church are participating in
Angel Tree, a unique program connecting parents in prison with their
children through Christmas gifts given on the parent’s behalf. Sixteen
children will have the opportunity to experience Christ’s love as they
receive an unexpected gift (worth $15 -25), selected from a category
provided by their incarcerated parent. If you want to take part in Angel
Tree, either to buy a gift, to verify caregiver’s delivery addresses, or to
buy and ship a gift to an additional child without a sponsoring church in
Nebraska, please contact Pastor Bob Bryan at 402-640-7145 or
[email protected].
“Give Joy to a Prisoner’s Kid this Christmas. Volunteer for Angel Tree.”
Affirmation of Baptism
The following students were confirmed at our Affirmation of Baptism service last month. We congratulate and support them as
they continue in their journey with Christ.
Griffin James Buller, son of Courtney & Heather Buller; Katherine Marie Cooper, daughter of John & Karen Cooper; Emily Grace
Dresbach, daughter of Tony & Lisa Dresbach; Derek Jeffrey Eitzmann, son of Jeff & Kathy Eitzmann; Derek Jeffrey Hahn, son of
Tim & Jamie Hahn; Michael Stuart Johnson, son of Jeff Johnson and Janette Johnson; Trenton Alexander King, son of Brandon
& Jill King; Ryan Joseph Lampe, son of Glen & Julie Lampe; William Keith Lampe, son of Todd & Sheri Lampe; Annika Bailee
Novotny, daughter of Don & Danette Novotny; Mira Angelene Patel, daughter of Samip & Megan Patel; Brendan Jeffrey
Rauner, son of Paul Rauner and Kelli & Nate Blum; Sierra Lynn Umland, daughter of John & Deb Umland; Emma Kate Runge
Wobig, daughter of Kyle & Kathy Wobig; Noah Tollie Yoder, son of Tollie & Jen Yoder; Alyssa Madelyn Zimmer, daughter of
Mitchel & Cindy Zimmer.
Thank you to Sharon Strong for crafting the banners for our youth.
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Birthdays
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1— Kimnn Eitzmann, Mary Gobber
2— Sarah Kocher, Margaret Shaw
4— Jason Johnson
5— Philip Leick, Luella Sphon
6— Jessica Pohlmann
7— Traci Rathje
8— Kasey Moyer
9— Larry Horstman
10— Seth Brittenham, Asante Hairl-McLaughlin,
Bess Rapp, Dixie Underhill
12— Scott Reed
13— Jeffrey Bauman, Kent Damme, Wanda Hein
15— Jeff Baron, Jarrett Bodfield
16— Claire Hoppmann, Grace Rapp,
Lacey Remmenga
17— Kent Reinhard, Kraig Tyser
18— Betty Epp, Jame Johnson, Mark Lureen
19— Richard Maxwell
21— Mason Buller, Luella Cox, Karrie Lickliter,
Landyn Michel, Ryan Schrad
22— Allycen Ernst, Erika Nunes, Kristine Sphon
23 — Cindy Rudolph
24— Alec Schrad
25— Wes Alm, Rose Schleif
26— Timothy Cox
27— Wallace Albers
28— Lucinda Beckmann
29— Julie Lampe, Cora Monroe, Jace Paulsen,
Matt Rathje, Kathy Wobig
Don’t forget to wish these people a
“Happy Birthday”
when you see them next!
Anniversaries
1 — George & Janice Haase
2 — Ken & Patricia Hoppmann
9— Clifford & Janet Sorensen
19 — Robert & Mary Ann Schultz
29— Bruce & Jan Riedman
POSITION OPENING
Our Communications Specialist position will be opening
at the end of December. Due to decreased giving, we will
not fill this position; Current staff will continue producing
the bulletins and Tidings, as we are able. The website
will have basic information but will not be updated regularly. We recognize that members of this congregation
value communication, and we will do the best with what
we have, but we may not be able to maintain the quality
to which we have become accustomed. Remember, your
gifts to God through this congregation help to
communicate events, concerns and blessing.
OSLC Staff and Council Members
Pastor: Tobi White
Director of Faith Formation : Rick Strong
Director of Outreach Ministries: Jan Riedman
Sexton: Bruce Riedman
Office Manager/Bookkeeper: Laura Pester
Director of Worship, Music & Arts: Willa Foster Jones
Keyboardist: Yun-Hsin Tseng
Communications Specialist: Averi Melcher
Council President: Dan Rudolph
Vice President: Kim Eitzmann
Council Treasurer: Julie Petersen
Council Property Steward: Glen Lampe
Congregational Care Team Mission Advocate: Jen Jackson
Stewardship Team Mission Advocate: Don Witt
Outreach Ministry Team Mission Advocate: Elsa Larson
Faith Formation Team Mission Advocate: Deb Umland
PLEASE REMEMBER:

Print your name legibly when you sign in the register books, so our volunteers can read the information.


Submit all address changes and email updates to Laura in the OSLC offfice.
Submit any updates or announcements to Averi at [email protected]. Thank you.
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