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PARISH VISITOR
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Great Falls, MT
Permit No. 424
OUR SAVIOR’S LUTHERAN CHURCH
Great Falls MT
February 2015
From Pastor Anna:
Ah, February….the month of love. Yes, since Valentine's Day comes
mid-month, there is opportunity to be sure and tell that special someone how
much you love them. It seems to me every day could be an opportunity to do
that, but all those red hearts, candy and cards make for a nice transition from
the reds and greens of Christmas.
In the Lenten Season, we focus on ways God calls us to respond as Christians prayer, selfless giving, and fasting from what keeps us away from God. These
are known as the disciplines of Lent. Some give up something for Lent
(chocolate, soda, television, etc.), while others add something (additional times
of worship, additional offerings, special devotions).
You are invited to Our Savior's Lenten Worship Services and Soup Suppers.
These will begin on Wednesday, February 18th, with a Soup Supper at 6:00
pm and Ash Wednesday Worship with Holy Communion at 7:00 pm. The
following weeks will also include Soup Supper at 6:00 pm and Holden
Evening Prayer at 7:00 pm, with a Round Robin of pastors and Lay Leaders
rotating between several churches. I will be at Our Savior's on Ash
Wednesday. Those sharing the message the following Wednesdays are:
February 25th - Father Tim Ljunggren of Incarnation Episcopal Church
March 4th – Rev. Barb Gwynn of First English Lutheran Church
March 11th – Rev. Tammy Bull of New Hope Lutheran Church
March 18th – Rev. Marty Dreyer of Redeemer Lutheran Church
March 25th – Jodie Tooley, LPA of New Hope Lutheran Church
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
1326 First Avenue North
Great Falls, Montana 59401
OUR SAVIOR’S LUTHERAN CHURCH
Ok, I may sound a tad syndical about Valentine's Day, because there is another
"holiday" beginning in February this year that focuses on perfect love - God's
love. It is the season known as Lent. It begins on February 18th, Ash
Wednesday, and for forty plus days the church takes time to prepare to
celebrate the most precious demonstration of God's love for us – Jesus' death
and resurrection.
Plan now to include these special times of worship in your Lenten journey.
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Blessings.
#
COUNCIL PRESIDENTS MESSAGE
This message is being written on the evening of the 25th of January.
Today our congregation held its Annual Meeting. The meeting opened
with devotions by Pastor Anna, reports were given, elections were held,
and a budget was presented and adopted. The meeting was short
(maybe a record!).
Results of the election are:
Council first term for 3 years --Billy Jo Gee and Wende Curry
Council second term for 3 years -- Bob Fox and Harold Spilde
Memorial Committee first term for 3 years – David Hansen
Endowment Committee first term for 3 years – Jan Dahle
Memorial Garden Committee – 3 year term
1st term –Darla Dillabough - 2nd term –Jerry Ramstead
Nominations committee – Kathy Maynard, Judy Ericksen, Norbert
Johnson.
Following the Annual Meeting there was a short council meeting for
the purpose of electing officers for 2015.
President – Gloria Johnson
Vice President – Mike Kunka
Secretary – Stacey Hansen.
These 3 plus Immediate Past President Harold Spilde comprise the
Executive/Personnel Committee
Soon we will have a new directory. Thanks to Audrey Parkinson for
organizing that gigantic job. We have some new people on council and
committees. Thanks to all who have responded with a “yes”.
My prayer for 2015 is that we move forward in the faith that great
things are in store for Our Savior’s as we respond to the call to serve.
Let’s look for opportunities to serve as we celebrate our 125th year as a
congregation.
If you have suggestions or questions or concerns or if you are looking
for a place to serve, please feel free to contact me.
God bless.
Gloria Johnson
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Our Savior’s Lutheran
CONTACT INFORMATION
Church Secretary, Sally Morss office@oslcgreatfalls.org
Pastor Anna Merritt
pastor@oslcgreatfalls.org
Telephone:
727-4304
FAX number:
727-4331
Web Site:
www.oslcgreatfalls.org
Office Hours:
Monday through Friday
9:00 AM - 12:00 Noon
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
STAFF
Anna Merritt
Sally Morss
Harlan Orham
Ellen Forslund
Terry Lee
Pastor (H - 836-7464)
Financial Secretary
Treasurer
Worship & Music Director
Custodian
COUNCIL
Gloria Johnson
Mike Kunka
Stacey Hansen
Mike McCoy
Fred Martens
Bob Fox
Holly Molyneaux
Billy Jo Gee
Harold Spilde
Wende Curry
Linda Lassila
453-3764
452-1663
453-1444
868-2651
268-1431
453-2989
727-6884
750-2214
761-5009
750-5004
452-0565
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President
Vice-President
Secretary
YOU MAY BE WONDERING???
FEBRUARY SERVICE GROUP
Tom Jacobson
Gloria Johnson
*Nobby/Betty Johnson
Jan Kallestad
Roy/Suzanne Kirby
Tim Kirkegaard
Gene/Bonnie Knight
Dayton/Polly Kolstad
Kay Krezelok
Mike/Jenny Kunka
Bob/Bernice Laird
Jeff LaRock
Daryl/Linda Lassila
* name is the months coordinator
BLESSINGS TO ALL WHO ARE CELEBRATING
BIRTHDAYS IN FEBRUARY!!
If we have missed anyone’s birthday, please call the Church Office.
Wendy Fiske
2/1
Phil Hogenson
2/2
Greg McMann
Wende Curry
Cara Myers
2/3
Amanda Harvey
2/4
Don Marberg
2/5
Adam Vanni
Lindy Eberl
2/6
Janet Vestre
Anelise Carroll
Dale Stoverud
2/9
Taylor Curry
Christyl Myers
2/11
George Holm
2/12
Tavia Bangen
Samone Tessmer
Kerrie Ramstead
2/14
William Tanner Turville
Karen Andersen
Gary Bjelland
Kailey Rush
Trenton Cross
Susan Bueling
Pat Onstad
Dorothy Mullins
Kates Senn
Jeff LaRock
Dusty Molyneaux
Pat Tessmer
Ann Buen
Jim Hill
River Hanson
Marissa Amato
Blanche Westfall
Cory Reeves
Dave Dowson
Brooke Hanson
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2/15
2/17
2/18
2/19
2/21
2/22
2/24
2/26
2/27
2/29
Apostles' Creed vs Nicene Creed:
For several weeks after I arrived, the Nicene Creed was used during
worship. Was that just my preference, or was there another reason? The
Nicene Creed is appropriate for use during special times of the church
year: festival days (such as Christmas Day and Baptism of Our Lord
Sunday) and special seasons (such as Advent, Christmas, and Easter).
The Apostles' Creed is used at other times. With my arriving just before
Advent began, the Nicene Creed received a good amount of use.
The Lord's Prayer:
Which version to use? Do we say trespasses or sins, temptations or
trials, our Father in heaven or who art in heaven, and why the
differences anyway? Perhaps the better question is not why the
differences, but what is the prayer's intent? Based on the conversation
surrounding it in the gospels, the Lord's Prayer may not have been
intended to be memorized and recited as such. It was meant more to be
an outline for how to pray. After all, it follows a particular pattern of:
Acknowledging who God is - as Father or Leader or Creator the One first in our lives and to be revered, honored,
hallowed, respected as such.
Acknowledging we desire God's kingdom or reign to be
supreme, not only in our lives but in the world.
Realizing where everything we need comes from, and asking
that God provide (with the trust that God will do so).
Asking for the forgiveness we so desperately need, and that we
would be just as forgiving of others.
Asking that we would be spared from the evils of this world and
moved to veer from them.
Lastly, an ending of honor and respect once again for God and
God's kingdom, power and glory.
With all that said, we realize the Lord's Prayer has become a prayer
itself, memorized and spoken often. But to add to the mix, there have
been different ecumenical translations formulated and preferences have
developed over which to use, sometimes creating confusion as we pray.
It is not mandatory we all pray the same words (perhaps the most
beautiful time of my hearing the prayer spoken was in a setting where
all different types of languages were spoken at the same time. While it
sounded somewhat chaotic, it was deeply moving to hear the
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differences while knowing we were all praying the same thing to the
same God.). I do believe, however, it is important we learn more than
one translation. Therefore, the plan is to use both translations from the
ELW during different times of the church year, which will be indicated
in the bulletins based on how the prayer begins.
ATTENTION ALL KNITTERS OR CROCHETERS
Because of generous contributions from WELCA and Thrivent, we
have a new supply of yarn for making prayer shawls. The yarn and
instructions are available in the office.
Thank you, WELCA and Thrivent.
As always, if you have questions, thoughts, concerns or ideas, about
these "wonderings," or any others, my door is open and I am available
(including by phone at 836-7464). Pastor Anna
----MEANS OF GRACE STUDY
THE BOOK CLUB
will meet at Cynthia Thomas’ home
February 23rd at 6:30 PM
The book to be discussed will be
“Down the Long Hills”
by Louis L’Amour
On Sundays, February 8 and 15, from 3:00 pm - 4:15 pm, Pastor Anna
will be leading a conversation about the Means of Grace, specifically
focused on Holy Communion. The intent of this conversation is to
provide an opportunity for questions and learning about this important
sacrament. Hope you will join the conversation.
-----
COPIES OF THE ANNUAL
REPORT ARE AVAILABLE IN THE CHURCH OFFICE!
INTERESTED IN BECOMING A MEMBER
OF OUR SAVIOR'S?
OUR SAVIOR’S LUTHERAN CHURCH
FINANCIAL REPORT
Pastor Anna would like to talk with you. Please contact her at the office
(727-4304) or feel free to call her at home (836-7464).
-----
December 2014
Beginning Balance
HAVE YOU NOTICED A WHITE BOARD UNDER THE
ALARM KEYPAD AT THE ALLEY DOOR?
It is wonderful that folks often come and go from the building at Our
Savior's. It is good that the facility is utilized and that life permeates the
walls, no matter the hour. Yet, it can be a challenge when leaving to
make sure someone else is not in the building so that the alarm can be
set. Hence, the idea for the whiteboard. If you are in the building after
the regular office hours of 9-12 and 1-4 weekdays, please put your
name, date and the time you arrive on the whiteboard. Then, once you
prepare to leave, just erase your name. This will indicate to someone
else arriving that you are in the building, or to someone leaving, that
you are still there. Thank you for your help with this communication
tool.
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YEAR TO DATE 2014
-18,620.95 Beginning Balance
0
Deposits
43,859.50 Income YTD
200,759.31
Disbursements
24,790.54 Expenses YTD
200,311.30
0 Transfers YTD
0
448.01 Ending Balance
448.01
Transfers
Ending Balance
The goal of our stewardship ministry is to help God’s people grow in
their relationship with Jesus through the use of the time, talents, and
finances God has entrusted to them.
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HOPE, HELP, and HEALING
Plus
CareNotes booklets offer comfort, strength and healing
for those who are hurting.
Check the display cases in the narthex and Lunde Hall. Booklets on
Aging/Long Term Care, Cancer Care, Counseling, Health Care, Hospice
Care and Spirit Care have been added to those on Bereavement Care.
Share a CareNote!
Do You Want to Share Information About
What Lutherans Believe, About the Sacraments or Stewardship?
FaithGuides on these subjects are also available in the display cases
and the wire rack in Lunde Hall
Refresh your memory of what you learned in confirmation classes!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
YOUNG AT HEART
In the spirit of Valentine’s Day this month, Young at Heart will
focus on Heart Health and the newest medical breakthroughs in dealing
with heart issues. Our Mystery Guest will offer exciting information and
helpful ideas for us all to incorporate into our daily routines. Bring a
dish to share, your own table service, and a friend to Lunde Hall,
February 16, noon.
THE FAMILY PROMISE SHOWER was a big success with
quilts, towels, washcloths, blankets, lamps, sheets, clock radio, rug,
afghans, pillows, etc. gifted to this new ministry. Donations for 2 smoke
alarms were also received as well as household items for Opening
Doors, an after care program for people leaving jail or prison. Thanks to
Pat Orham who organized it and to Thrivent for the grant she received
to benefit Family Promise. And THANKS TO ALL WHO CAME OR
WHO GAVE GIFTS FOR THIS FUN EVENT! You/we are generous
God-people.
Plan ahead!
Lenten Brunch
Save the Date: Lenten Brunch, 10:30 a.m., March 28 at Heritage Inn
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WELCA
Thank you to everyone who helped make the Christmas Tea a
successful event on December 6. A fine time was had by over 50 people
attending. Thanks to Marillyn Thomas for being MC; Pastor Anna for
reading the Christmas Story; Cynthia Thomas for reading A Cup of
Christmas Tea; Olivia Vanni and Kelli McDowell for providing special
music; Jan Nerem for providing piano accompaniment; to all of the
ladies who decorated tables; to everyone who helped with decorating
Lunde Hall; to everyone who helped put up lights and set up trees; to the
men who helped with cleanup after the Tea. (And, thanks to all of you
who helped take down the Christmas decorations.)
The Annual Distribution of Funds was presented by Treasurer,
Renate Weldele, with $100 to each of the following-Great Falls Mercy
Home, Great Falls Receiving Home, Lutheran Social Services, Flathead
Bible Camp, FISH, Kogudus, St. Ann’s Soup Kitchen, Boys and Girls
Club, Northern Rockies Institute of Theology, Women’s Prison Billings
-Chapel of Hope, Katie’s Fund and the Synod House; $50 each to Great
Falls Rescue Mission and for Prayer Shawls; $250 to Our Savior’s
General Fund; $200 to Helping Hands.
The WELCA Regular Board Meeting date has been changed to
the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 1:15 p.m. The next meeting will be
February 11. Bible Study for Circle Leaders will be Tuesday, February
24.
“THANK YOU” NOTES
Thank you to OSLC for your continued support of Helping Hands at 1st
English. You are appreciated. We hope your year goes well.
Michelle
Dear OSLC Members,
Thank you so much for the Care Package this semester. It helped make
finals week a little more tolerable and is always a good reminder of the
love and support I have back at home. I hope all is well with you and I
look forward to seeing you soon! Thanks again!
Sincerely, Jim Allen
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IT'S COMING!!!!
The largest rummage sale in the world (at least the largest at 1326
1stAve N) is coming this summer!!! Start saving NOW!! Do you
need to pare down, need some more space, have items that you no
longer use, or just have too much STUFF?? Then your answer is to
get it to the Our Savior's Lutheran Church rummage sale which will
be held on June 13, 2015. The profits from the rummage sale will go
to the fund for buying Christmas gifts for the Pre-release Center
residents. The sale is again sponsored by the Human Concerns
Committee. Information on where to bring the items or if you need
pick-up will be available in the next few months.
NEW SUNDAY SCHOOL DURING LENT!
FAITH REPORTERS
COMING FEB. 22 – MARCH 15
During Lent instead of regular Sunday School, the Our Savior’s Youth
will stay in church until the service ends. Then, they will pick up their
pens and their reporter notebooks to interview church members.
Our youth want to find out:
What Sunday School was like when you were young?
Why you come to church?
What is your favorite Bible Verse?
They want to learn about your faith. They are ready to take notes on
why church is important to you.
Please sign up to be interviewed and be part of this intergenerational
time of learning with the youth.
*Details: The interviews will take place for no more than half an hour
after church. (Feel free to get some coffee first.) The students will be
waiting in the Sunshine Room upstairs.
You will sign up for only one Sunday.
**Parents take note that the Sunday School takes place after church for
half an hour.
MARCH 22 – YOUTH WILL MEET TO TALK ABOUT WHAT
THEY LEARNED FROM THE ADULTS
MARCH 29 – PASTOR ANNA WILL TALK TO THE CHILDREN
ABOUT HOLY WEEK (ADULTS ARE WELCOME!)
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