A PUBLICATION OF

OUR SAVIOUR’S LUTHERAN CHURCH

Jesus, Radiant One~ Every day is an epiphany in which I too, can pay you homage. Every day I can kneel before you and open the treasure chest of my life. In there, I find unending gifts of every kind to offer you. Help me to offer to you every day - my gratitude for you, my desire to grow more loving, my longing to be true. Every day may I reach into that treasure chest and offer my trust that you are near, my hope for all you promise, my belief in what is unseen. Every day may I offer my desire to live justly, my commitment to be generous, my struggle to be whole. Jesus, Divine Light~ I give you these gifts and so much more. The treasure chest is boundless. Each time I reach within I see you smiling at my gesture, for you, Great Giver of Gifts, have placed each treasure there. You greet my gift with welcoming pleasure when it returns home back to you. Jesus, Bestower of Gifts~ Thank you for all that my treasure chest of life holds. I will look daily for my persistent star of recognition. May it stand boldly over the house of my heart where you dwell, so that I will be aware of your presence and pause to give you homage. --by Joyce Rupp

January 2011

A Prayer for Epiphany and Daily Epiphanies~ Submitted By Jeanne Grevlos

On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother;

and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him

gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. --Matt. 2:11

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By Pastor Tom “In every mind there is an enormous store of not-knowing, of being puzzled, of wonder, of radical amazement.” ~Abraham Heschel God created us with a natural curiosity. As a child, our minds take on the form of a giant question mark---every sentence beginning with “why.” As we travel through the years, we still ask

“why,” but we are also like the Magi from the East seeking the Christ-Child, wondering “Where is he? Where is this Savior of the world? Where is God to be discovered? Where is God in my suffering and pain? Where is meaning in life to be found?” I believe as spiritual beings created by God, there is a hunger and thirst for the active presence of God in our life. No matter what our age and stage in life we need to know that we are not alone, that my life does have purpose and meaning, and that God‟s promises are true. This is why it is so important for us to never lose our sense of curiosity, our search for meaning and truth through a deepening of relationship with Jesus. When we are “seekers,” we invite God‟s light to shine light in our lives. When let our defenses down and we inquire and discover and encounter our living Lord, this leads us to radical amazement. One of my very favorite ministers was an un-ordained pastor by the name of Michael Yoncanelli. He called himself a K-Mart pastor of the slowest-growing church in America. His insight and down-to-earth faith was refreshing and inspiring. He tells a story in his delightful book, Dangerous Wonder, that I will paraphrase. I was asked to go to the house of a friend who was very sick to give him communion on Christmas Day. I placed the bread and wine on the table and asked if there were any questions. An eleven year old boy asked if he, too, could participate-- “May I take communion?” Joshua asked. “Sure,” I said, “Do you understand what this all means?” Joshua’s family assured Yoncanelli that he did understand. Joshua received the sacrament and just as the final prayer was about to be said, he shouted out; “Sir, can you hear God speak to you?” His response was brief and to the point, saying that if you really listen and wait, God will speak. Immediately Joshua squeezed his eyes shut and started intently listening. “I hear him!” Joshua yelled, “I heard God speak!” Michael Yoncanelli described the room filled with adults patronizing the eleven year old, not really believing that God would actually show up. So Yoncanelli asked him, “What did he say?” Joshua’s response one of wide-eyed wonder. He said, “Don’t forget me.” In this boy’s quest for God, his own curiosity and inquiry had brought him in the presence of God. Radical amazement! My hope and prayer for all of us traveling on this journey of faith is that our quest will be to seek the Christ-Child in our lives. Perhaps our New Year‟s resolution should be one of inquiry, discovery, and being open with radical amazement at the mystery of God at work and at play. Where is God? God is right here. God is still speaking. God is saying, “Don‟t forget me!” Let us listen with an open heart and an open mind and never stop the quest. May your journey of faith and life in 2011 be filled with radical amazement! Blessings!

Observations from the Deck

February 11/12 “Marriage that Works”

Conference at the Celebration! Campus.

Give the perfect

Valentine‟s Day gift to each other...the gift of "growing in holy love!"

Featuring nationally-

reknown comedian Jeff Allen on Friday, February 11, and great speakers,

music, learning, and culminating with a

renewal of wedding vows (optional) on Saturday,

February 12.

The cost is $100.00 per couple.

Register at

www.samaritancenter.org.

*Limited to 225 couples -

so register soon! *A collaborative effort by

Our Saviour's, Good Shepherd,

St. Timothy, Knox Presbyterian, and Samaritan Interfaith to

help grow healthy Christ-centered marriages.

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Check Out Some of the

Upcoming Events for

January:

Worship... Church Winter Worship and Adult Faith Formation Series: “Heaven on Earth” Starts worship weekend of January 29/30 through February 26/27.

Men’s Epiphany Sing

Worship Concert

Sunday, January 30 - 3:00 pm

Main Campus

The Children’s Center… Registration for Our Saviour‟s members has begun and Open Registration for the wider community begins on January 15.

Children’s Ministries... Open Book at the Open Door - Book reading for preschool children Wednesday, January 19 - 1:45 pm The Open Door at Celebration! Campus

Church School Begins again on January 8/9. Friday Night Lights Open House Friday, January 21- 6:00-8:30 pm Celebration! Campus Troop 107 Appreciation Night at Colonial Café Thursday, January 13 4:30 - 9:00 pm This troop is sponsored by Our Saviour's, and is planning to raise money toward the 50th Anniversary project, which is a garden at Main Campus.

Youth Ministries... Meal Nights January 9 4:45 - 5:45 pm Celebration! Campus High School Ski Trip January 28-30 Chestnut Mountain Valley just outside Galena, IL Suicide Prevention Talk Sunday, January 30 For Parents and Students

Adults… Career Transition Workshop - January 8 - February 26 8:00 - 10:15 am, Lower Level at Celebration! Campus Epiphany University ... Back By Popular Demand! Illuminating Health, Healing and Wholeness Sundays: January 16, 23, 30 4:00 - 5:30 pm at Main Campus Looking Behind the Mirror: Understanding What We Reflect Intersecting faith and life in a PRACTICAL way! Saturday, January 22 9:00 am - Noon Adult Learning Center at Celebration! Campus

Training Class for Stephen Ministry Starts Monday, January 24, and will continue for 8 consecutive Mondays through March 14, 7:00 - 9:30 pm Conversation Peace: The Power of Transformed Speech Beginning Tuesday, January 25, 12:45 pm This class will continue for several Tuesdays Adult Learning Center at Celebration! Campus

Men Ministries... Men’s Breakfast Saturday, January 8 7:30 am Main Campus

55 Plus - Senior

Ministries…

Senior Luncheons January 10 - noon Nelson Fellowship Center at Main Campus Gospel Extravaganza Saturday, January 22 - 7:00 pm Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E. Benton Ave , North Central College Campus

Missions... Daddy Daughter Dance Saturday, January 29 6:00 - 8:00 pm Celebration! Campus

Sermon Series “What Keeps You Up

At Night.” Starts January 2

Check Out Winter Happenings located in the kiosks at both campuses.

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Monthly Connections Needs You! Share your stories with us! We are looking for stories, poetry, and photos of events that have touched the lives of others. All articles can be sent to Jean Jepson at jeanjepson@oursaviours.com. The deadline dates for the next three months are as follows: Articles for February are due on January 13, 2011. Articles for March are due on February 10, 2011. Article for April are due on March 10, 2011.

Thank You for Making Christmas Special for so Many People Christmas Eve was a special night at Our Saviour‟s for many member and visitors. We had approximately 2500 people worship with us. Thanks to over 75 volunteers who donated their time and talents to make everyone feel welcome and part of our community. We are truly blessed to have so many people who are passionate about what we do here at Our Saviour‟s, and who “Make Jesus Known” in so many ways.

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Epiphany University ... Back

By Popular Demand!

Illuminating Health, Healing and Wholeness Sundays: January 16, 23, 30 - 4:00 - 5:30 pm

Main Campus The purpose of Epiphany University in 2011 is to integrate God's healing power into our own spiritual journeys. Participants will come to understand that God desires wholeness for God's creation and therefore provides the gifts of this earth for human health and healing. The courses through which we will explore God's desire for health and wholeness are listed below. Don‟t miss this exciting opportunity. For more information contact Jeanne Grevlos, Director of Adult Faith Formation at 630-281-4217 or jeannegrevlos@oursaviours.com.

Emotional Well-Being: A Layperson's Perspective Certified clinical counselors will engage us in defining emotional and mental well-being. What does it mean to be emotionally healthy ? What does it mean to begin to move away from emotional health, including degeneration into despair and hopelessness? Knowledge is power. Emotional health will be presented on a continuum for clarity of subject matter. This course is also for parents of children in Surge and Ignition, and will coincide with the presentation on suicide prevention to our young people on January 30. Be informed--share information! -Taught by experts in the field of mental health from Suicide Prevention Services of Illinois. Jesus as Healer: A Study in Scripture The ills of people compelled Jesus to action! He was a tender and compassionate healer. Scripture is full of anecdotes of Jesus ministering others into well-being and health. As we dig deeply into the stories, how do we apply our understandings into everyday life for practicality? Does Jesus still heal?! Is there a difference between curing and healing?! How do we become vessels of healing for others? Join us for this lively study. -Taught by Pastor Tom and Jeanne Grevlos Meet the People, Hear Their Stories Pastor Mark invites you to meet and dialogue with individuals who have been recipients of justice, kindness, and mercy as they have struggled to overcome a variety of afflictions. Their stories of empowerment and vulnerability will make the gospel come to life! Come--meet the people whose very lives bear witness! -Taught by Pastor Mark Nourishing Mind, Body and Spirit Eat, Love, Pray! NOT a book study, but presenters adept in nutrition, healing oils, and prayer. Patty Minta, Dawn Duffy, and Pastor Jan will each take a turn presenting their expertise. Tangible and specific--content rich--action oriented--inspiring! -Taught by Patty Minta, Dawn Duffy, and Jan Jones

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Advent—A Special Time In Children’s Ministry

Families who attended “The Journey to Bethlehem” started Advent in

a whole new way. Designed as an experiential re-creation of the

days before Jesus‟ birth – children and their families “journeyed”

through different parts of the story.

Each child was given a scroll and encouraged to listen for the words

HOPE, PEACE, JOY and LOVE throughout the evening.

The next station found them in the Temple in Jerusalem where Zechariah was serving. Children were awed when an angel appeared to old Zechariah and told him he would be a daddy, but Zechariah didn‟t believe it. As a result Zechariah was not able to tell the children good-bye because he wasn‟t able to speak! Eventually Zechariah would know the PEACE of God‟s promise fulfilled.

Polar Express…

A Great Family Event By Laura Nylen

Families came together in their PJ's on a cold and snowy morning to watch a showing of the Polar Express movie. Together, families enjoyed breakfast, crafts and the POLAR EXPRESS. Families left ready to talk about the True gift of Christmas.

The first stop was a place from a long time ago where Isaiah told God‟s message that a savior would be born. This gave the people HOPE. “Jesus is coming, but he‟s not here yet!” was their response.

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Open Mic at The Open Door By Nick Pradel Being a young musician in today's world is a rough place to be. You have to maintain your instrument, choose to go solo or join a band, book gigs, and so on. But here at Our Saviour's we take care of one of the issues. The gig. On December 3rd this month, we held a coffee house open mic night at The Open Door at the Celebration! Campus. We enjoyed music, improv, and delicious drinks. Being a musician at the event was a good introduction to the music community for me. You have a live audience, an open mic, and the positive support of our community here at OSLC as well as the community of Naperville. The next event is in February, and we hope you will show up for fun, live entertainment in and from our own backyard.

The Junior High Lock-

In This year the junior high students headed to Hidden Cove Sportsplex in Bourbonnais, IL for the junior high lock-in. Students did a variety of activities throughout the night like;

Playing great video games in the arcade, including Guitar Hero.

Racing each other on the go-carts.

Challenging each other with some games of bowling.

Exploring their rock climbing skills.

And just chilling out with friends for some pizza and snacks.

A great time was had by all who went and a special thanks to all the mentors who gave up their evening, and their sleep, to accompany the students on lock-in.

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Personal Messages from this year’s Africa Mission Team

Parish Nurse Ministry Changes Say to him: "Long life to you! Good health to you and your household! And good health to all that is yours!" ~1 Samuel 25:6

The purpose of Advocate Parish Nurse Ministry is to nurture the human spirit through health education, spiritual support, and linking the needs of the whole person to resources within the congregation, community, and the health care system. This is the definition of who Saralea Holstrom, Advocate Parish Nurse, has been to Our Saviour‟s. Saralea was one of the first parish nurses to start the program 26 years ago. In December we honored Saralea with a retirement reception. Luther Court and Nelson Fellowship Center were filled with people thanking Saralea and wishing her well on the next journey in her life. Saralea been so important in

the lives of so many, and we thank her for everything she has done for both members of Our Saviour‟s, and the community. Starting in January, we will welcome Dawn DeBoer as our new parish nurse. Dawn has been a member of Our Saviour‟s in the past, and is returning to help us continue this important ministry. Please take the time to stop in and introduce yourself to Dawn.

Celebrate the Light!Epiphany Concert

3:00 pm Sunday, January 30,

2011

In 2011, the Men Sing Chorus comprised of men from OSLC, St. Tim‟s and various surrounding churches is presenting a benefit concert at 3:00 pm on Sunday, January 30 at the Main Campus to celebrate the season of Epiphany. The men, under the direction of Phil Spencer, will be presenting beautiful seasonal music and some of their favorite anthems from the previous summers. The free-admission concert will also feature the OSLC Brass. This will be a benefit concert with a free will offering going to benefit Naperville‟s Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry. Just as Epiphany is the season of Light, so too is Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry a beacon of hope and sustenance in the greater Naperville area. Please mark your calendars, and plan to join us for an afternoon of great sounding music!

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Holiday Sharing Thank You by Pastor Mark

This year, instead of focusing on our individual holiday mission projects (e.g. Christmas Sharing, the Giving Tree, etc) we decided to focus more on the purpose and the people we serve ... the homeless and the hungry. And judging by what we collected, I think God blessed our new direction.

By the time you read this, all the gifts will have been distributed and the food probably all eaten. However, the impact of your generosity will live on as a testimony of your own response to God‟s goodness. This holiday season as a result of the Holiday Sharing Mission opportunities, Our Saviour‟s collected:

4,800 pounds of food.

300+ gifts for children and teenagers from Naperville‟s Loaves and Fishes and Holy Family

School in Chicago

Thousands of dollars of gifts for the Bethel Christmas Store

And even gifts for local refugee families And there is a good chance that the food and gifts we purchased went to some of the Loaves and Fishes families found in the numbers below. In November alone, Loaves and Fishes:

Distributed food to 5,768 people

Helped 440 single moms feed their families

And provided food to 609 seniors and 2,445 children.

Volunteers also spent many hours transporting our purchases as well as volunteering in the very organizations we delivered our gifts to; working at Loaves and Fishes and volunteering hours at the Bethel Christmas Store.

None of this would have been possible without your commitment to pay God‟s love forward by providing for the homeless and under-resourced in our own community.

Thank you Our Saviour‟s for all you do to know Jesus and make Jesus known.

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Special Notes

Wellness Tips By Saralea Holstrom Traditionally, January is a time for resolutions and new beginnings; many times it's "I'm going to take off those extra holiday pounds and exercise more." Be good to yourself and think of the "energy balance" by looking at balancing the amount of calor ies (energy) from food and drinks by doing a moderate activity such as walking (Winter Walking at Celebration! For any amount of time between 8:00 - 8:45 am Monday - Friday in warmth and no snow or ice). Allow yourself to have fun with

this activity, or if there is something you've always wanted to try like joining the YMCA or a health club, go for it. When you exercise then relax, your body releases endorphins, a natural hormone that increases your sense of well-being and you'll find it's easier to sleep and to concentrate when you need to and experience less stress, fewer headaches, and perhaps even lower your blood pressure.

Suicide Prevention From Sherry Bryant "Suicide Prevention Services (SPS) would like to express its deep appreciation to Our Saviour‟s Lutheran Church for its generous donation through a dedicated offering in September, and a donation from the Mega Garage Sale. OSLC is a faith-based leader in the fight to save lives and restore hope. This church‟s willingness to openly address this tragedy makes it possible for us to „bear one another‟s burdens‟ and bring people to peace and healing. Staff, Board and Volunteers at SPS thank the leaders of OSLC and all the congregation members for being a part of the solution for those who have lost hope. With your help, SPS will never give in, give out, or give up! "

Finacial Statements You can now see your current pledge and giving by going to “myConnections” via our church website at www.oursaviours.com. Look under “When We Worship” and then “Giving”. If you haven‟t used this tool yet and need a password, please email Jennifer Sevatson at jennifersevatson@oursaviours.com. Beginning in 2011, we will not be mailing a statement at the end of each quarter, but instead, only at year-end. This change will save the church approximately $1500 each year in postage and supplies. Going online will allow you to track your giving at your convenience. I encourage you to log onto “myConnections, as we are beginning to use this secure and confidential tool for registrations, volunteer opportunities, and giving. If you do not have access to a computer and still wish to receive paper statements throughout the year, please let Jennifer Sevatson know by calling her at 630-281-4234 and she will print the statements for you.

PADS Support By Saralea Holstrom

Thank you for your generous response to Our Saviour's Holiday Sharing Ministry through PADS sock & undies drive, Loaves & Fishes, Bethel New Life, and for those in need within Our Saviour‟s faith family. Your generous gifts of thinking of others less fortunate indeed do make a difference and are truly appreciated and put to good use.

Stephen Ministers By Jane Kahle If you have ever wondered about being a Stephen Minister this is the month to make your interest known! A new training class will be offered this month. We are receiving names now of those who are interested so that preparations for the class can be made. The training runs for 8 consecutive Monday evenings, offering training in active listening, spiritual direction, and individual caring skills. As one of our current Stephen Ministers recently wrote, "Stephen Ministry provides a unique, personal way to share God's love and care. Stephen Ministers share their time by listening and giving support to fellow Christians during those times in their lives when they need extra spiritual food, encouragement, support, acceptance, and love. Facing a crisis, a new challenge, or change can be emotionally and spiritually depleting, and it does not need to be faced alone." Training Class for Stephen Ministry will start Monday, January 24, and will continue for 8 consecutive Mondays through March 14, 7:00-9:30 pm. Please consider this caring ministry. Each person trained will meet one on one with someone going through a difficult time. Stephen Ministry allows individuals to make a difference in the lives of others with a close caring connection. Prayerfully consider Stephen Ministry. Contact Jane Kahle at 630-281-4269 or Pastor Joe Schultz at 630-281-4222, if you would like more information or if you would like the support of a Stephen Minister.

Help for Military Families

Through Stephen Ministry Any previously trained Stephen Minister has the opportunity to receive extra training from the Stephen Ministry Program of St. Louis. This training gives us the qualifications to be a connection for Military families having a difficult time. The trained Stephen Minister would offer caring support to military personal and/or their families. What a gift you can be to someone serving our nation, yet so far away from their own family support. If you would like to become a part of this ministry, training will begin January 24, for 8 consecutive Monday's. This training, along with the training from St Louis, will prepare you to be a caregiver to our congregation and community, as well as those in the Military Service.

Grief Group Sunday morning‟s grief and loss group will meet weekly starting January 9. The group will meet at 10:30 am in the Parish Nurse office. It is an open group for anyone to join. Please call Jane Kahle or Pastor Joe with questions. This is a safe and supportive environment to share what has changed your life and is a challenge for you at this time. Please contact Pastor Joe Schultz, 630-281-4222, or Jane Kahle, 630-281-4269 for more information.

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Bereavement We express our sympathy and lift up in love and care prayers for: Dave Kiel and family on the death of Dave's cousin, Tim Kiel. Susan Dillon and family on the death of Susan‟s mother. Jill and Tom McKay and family on the death of Jill's mother, Joreen M. Young. Char Linne and family on the death of husband, father and grandfather, Curtis Linne.

Births We celebrate and pray for God‟s blessings and love for: Courtney and Brad Price, grandparents, Karen and Rick Roose and great-grandparents, Millie and Dan

Adams and Wilma Roose, on the birth of Lily Ann.

Care and Support

Our Saviour's Evangelical Lutheran Church 815 S. Washington Street Naperville, IL 60540 Phone: (630) 355-2522 Fax: (630) 355-2553 E-mail: info@oursaviours.com Web site: www.OurSaviours.com

Worship Services Main Campus 815 S. Washington St., Naperville Saturdays at 5:00 pm, Sundays at 8:00, 9:00, 10:30 am

Celebration! Campus 919 S. Washington St., Naperville Sundays at 10:00 am

Pastors Tom Grevlos, Mark Borgetti, Joe Schultz, Janelle Hooper

Mission Partners Bohdan Hroboň - Slovakia

For Children Church School is available from September - May for 3 year olds - 5th Grade at 9:00 and 10:30 am at Main Campus and at 10:00 am at Celebration!

Our Saviour’s Mission "Knowing Jesus and Making Jesus Known"

Our Saviour’s Vision EXPERIENCE Christ, CONNECT others to Christ, REFLECT Christ

Our Saviour’s Core Values Model Jesus, Teamwork, Speak the Truth in Love, Pursue Excellence, Live Abundantly and Generously, Practice Hospitality

VISION 2012...Our Saviour’s Five-Year Plan for Ministry and Mission

Grow Participation in worship, faith formation for all ages, generosity, serving

Strengthen our Missions through focus and resourcing

Foster Learning for all ages, making disciples and growing in faith

Enhance Facilities for supporting growth Strengthen the Organization by evaluating and strengthening the infrastructure

Warm Up

Cold Winter

Days at The

Open Door Monday - Friday 8:00 am - noon Sundays - 9:30 - 11:00 am 3:30 - 6:00 pm Daily dollar specials available. Check out our new drink and snack items.