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have purpose, beyond the consumption of goods.
The Christian life offers a way to experience
depth in what is mostly a shallow world. First
and foremost depth comes when we allow
ourselves to invest in those who provide us no
immediate profit. For Christians this has often
meant caring for the last, the lost and the least of
these. It means learning to love for the sake of
love, not for the reward that we assume will come
our way. Depth comes when knowing full well
our insignificance in the world; we are overcome,
and in fact overjoyed with our ability to be
significant and to make the world a better place.
In a world that is often shallow may we know the
depth of Christ. Amen!
Peace!
Pastor Jeff
The Messenger ~ May 2012 Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and School
San Clemente, California “Inspired to Love, Encouraged to Think, and Sent to Serve”
Looking for depth…..in a shallow world
In the midst of all the hoopla over the 100th
anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic director
James Cameron was once again in the news with
his 3D version of his film depicting the fate of the
worlds most famous luxury liner. But what
interested me more than yet another 3D
adaptation was Cameron’s deep dive as a member
of the National Geographic Society as he went to
the deepest part of the ocean, some 35,576 feet
beneath the surface of the sea, which is deeper
than Mt. Everest is high. Other’s had been that
deep before, (only two of which only one is still
alive) but what made Cameron’s trip so unique is
that he was able to stay at that depth and explore
for hours before coming back to the surface.
So what did he find? As far as I know he didn’t
find anything. It was a lunar type landscape with
only the occasional amphipod—a small shrimp
like critter—that gave any hint of life being
present at such depths. During an interview he
described the following: "There had to be a
moment where I just stopped, and took it in, and
said, 'This is where I am. I'm at the bottom of the
ocean, the deepest place on Earth. What does that
mean?'"
In many ways I think Cameron’s adventure is a
metaphor for what a lot of people are trying to
find—depth. That place where we can stop all the
noise, all the busyness of our everyday lives and
just ponder what it means to be ourselves, to be
people, to be neighbor and follower of Christ.
This is not escapist fantasy, but on the contrary it
is an important balance to our usual frantic
struggle to find height!
We yearn for the depth of relationship, not just
acquaintances. We want to know that our lives
“And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the
Lord’s people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.”
Ephesians 3. 17-18 selected
2
Vernette Blumhorst 5/1
Jill Murphy/Lischalk 5/1
Alan Lundgren 5/1
Shanna Rowe 5/1
Chad Wilcox 5/1
Katherine Yeakel 5/2
Peter Davies 5/3
Karleen Marienthal 5/4
Liz Derdzinske 5/6
Bryant Kalagian 5/6
Lola McHugh 5/8
Dave McKee 5/8
Myla Pert 5/8
Linda Taylor 5/8
Alexa Waldfogel 5/8
Debbie Garcia 5/9
Chris Aitken 5/10
Bruce Quade 5/12
Caroline Tully 5/12
Lily Aasland 5/16
Wilma Bloom 5/16
Heidi Mullinix 5/16
Pete Vainoris 5/16
Gay Bemoll (Secretary) 5/17
Anna Berschauer 5/19
Marianne Bourgeois 5/22
Kim Lindholm 5/22
Diana Hamil 5/23
Tony Taylor 5/25
Bob Berschauer 5/26
Todd Hornsby 5/26
Bobby Guilliams 5/27
Jenn Olmstead 5/27
Andy Wilson 5/27
Terry Johnson 5/29
~ Birthdays ~
May Birthdays, Anniversaries & More
Michael & Marlene Fitzhugh 5/1
Scott & Priscilla Plail 5/1
Frank* & Debbie Krogman 5/4
Tyler & Jennifer Salwender 5/4
Jerry & Deborah Cloninger 5/8
Diego & Jennifer Gabira 5/9
Joel & Carol Hoffmeister 5/10
Ron & Grace* Cadler 5/12
Howard & Sally Sharp 5/18
David & Lisa Copenhaver 5/20
Pastor Jeff & Kelly Frohner 5/21
Mike & Denise Campbell 5/24
Bob & Loretta Cooper 5/25
Greg & Ellie Gardner 5/26
Tony & Linda Taylor 5/26
Don & Marla Lund 5/27
~ Anniversaries ~ April Baptisms
April 22nd
Nicole Inna Johnson
We welcome Nicole Inna
Johnson into the Lord’s family
and receive her as a fellow
member of the body of Christ
and pray that their light may
always shine before others.
Sunday ~ May 27, 2012
10:30am worship
Rite of Confirmation (see page 7 for more information)
Vacation Bible School
June 25 - June 29, 2012
9:00am to Noon
Ages 4 (by 9/1/12) thru entering 3rd grade.
Registration Forms available in the
Church & School Office.
3
Music Notes ~ May 2012
I t’s hard to believe that in just a few weeks the
school year will be ending. With the end of
school, the programs at Our Savior's will adjust to
their summer schedule.
This program year has been a full one. We said
“goodbye” to our longtime accompanist and
children’s music director, Bob Levesque, and his
family and said “hello” to Sarah Weinzetl who has
added her gifts to our music ministry. We have
added many new members to the music ministry –
our vocal team, worship band and choir. Besides our
regular worship services, we sent carolers out to 7
homes/facilities to spread God’s word at our annual
Christmas caroling night. Our Wednesday night
children’s ministry provided music at Christmas and
will present an act at our “Tacos and Talent” night.
Our Savior's hosted the first San Clemente
Community Bell Choir Concert, the brainchild of our
bell director, Sharon Guilliams.
However, even though school is out, the music
ministry goes on. Look for some fun special music
this summer – solos, ensembles. We are planning a
special music event for late summer.
Many thanks to all our great musicians. And many
thanks to the people in the pews each Sunday for
your constant support and love.
In His Service
Karen Skipper, Director of Music
Many Musical Thanks
A s I write this
article, the “Hear
the Bells Ring”
handbell concert for
F A M h a s n o t
happened, but I know
that with God’s hand
it will be great. There
are so many blessings
associated with this endeavor. First, thank-you to Our
Savior’s for allowing us to have the concert at the
church and allowing the Community Handbell Choir
to have Our Savior’s as a base of operations. The
Social Concerns committee is really the group that ran
making the connection with FAM when I simply
wanted a contact name. A special thanks to Linda
Howard, for coordinating the peripheral, but
necessary, activities on April 29, 2012 allowing me to
concentrate on making sure the music happens. (She
knows I get hyperactive when Jubilee Bells ring in
church, now multiply that by 3 choirs, 12 songs, 20
ringers, 6 singers, and 1 guitar musician!)
Karen has been great. I have been able to bounce
ideas off her, as well as get suggestions on the singing
ensemble. Billie Buffington has been my cheerleader,
listening to me babble, and encouraging me along the
way. Bob H. is wonderful. I wanted the concert to
demonstrate the spectrum of music that handbells can
play. This includes more “contemporary” music, as
well as fanfares and classics. However, you cannot
simply give a bell choir a chord sheet and they will
make music. Bob was kind enough to go through
some of the bell pieces that I have
and chose one that he could
adapt. I admit that the piece is
not a fantastic bell arrangement.
However, when Bob came to
work with the Community
Handbell Choir, he made some
suggestions, and now it ranks
right up there as one of the best pieces. I hope next
year that Jubilee Bells will perform the piece in
church.
What’s On Wednesdays
11:00am-Noon • Manna Bible Study, FR
4:00pm-5:00pm • 5th Grade Confirmation, YR
5:00pm-5:30pm • Pizza Dinner ~ $3
5:30pm-6:30pm • Firelight Children’s Program,
Starts in the Sanctuary (4yrs-Kindergarten, 1st-
2nd grade & 3rd-5th grade)
5:30pm-6:30pm • Adult Bible Study, FR
6:30pm-8:00pm • MSYG, Grades 6,7,8), YR
6:45pm - Celebration Singers, FR
7:15pm-8:00pm • 6th Grade Confirmation, Sanc
4
OUR SAVIOR’S LUTHERAN CHURCH
TREASURER’S FINANCIAL REPORT
MARCH 2012
Average March Attendance: 193 people
Average Weekly Offering: $ 7,716/wk
Budget Requirement: $ 8,711/wk
Current Month FYTD
Unrestricted Gifts: $30,863 $310,058
Budget: $34,843 $313,587
These are your gifts to the church through general
envelopes and plate offerings; they are used for
operating budget expenses. Annual Contributions
are currently below the Congregation approved
annual budget needs.
Designated Gifts: $ 938 $ 8,145
World Hunger $ 532 $ 4,216
Habitat for Humanity $ 406 $ 3,929
Church Mortgage Balance: $ 809,115.13*
*monthly mortgage payment for the classroom
building is paid from the school funds
Thank You For Your Stewardship!
Blessings! Karen Coffee, Treasurer
Next council meeting ~ May 8 at 6:30pm
CHURCH COUNCIL
We are thankful for our
Church Council Members.
Iain Buchan
Chris Lindholm
Karen Coffee
Liz Derdzinske
Wilson Olbrich
Loretta Cooper
Billie Buffington
Katherine Yeakel
Marlene Fitzhugh
Steve Kos
Collette LaClair
Michael Turner
Bonnie Little
President
Vice President
Treasurer
Secretary
Buildings & Grounds
Christian Education
Evangelism
Fellowship
Social Outreach
Stewardship
Worship & Music
Youth
Financial Secretary
(not a council position)
Our Savior’s Trip to the Holy Land!
July 2 – 11, 2013
Many people have asked
Pastor Jeff about leading a
trip to the Holy Land and it is
finally on the books! Mark
your calendars for a year
from this July and prepare for
a trip of a lifetime. We
picked the July departure to
maximize participation—
hopefully with kids out of school parents with children
at home will have an easier time being away. It is also
a lower month for crowds which helps in navigating
and enjoying the many sites. Pastor Jeff has teamed up
with Leah Emerson (Parish Nurse and RN) from
Mission Lutheran in Laguna Niguel to put together our
combined trip for 2013. Pastor and Leah both went to
the Holy Land last January and have personally put
together the itinerary. This is not a leisurely jaunt
(there are no days to sit by the pool) but will be a
spiritually rich and very full itinerary of walking where
Jesus walked and experiencing the land of Israel first
hand.
Highlights of the tour: Mt Carmel and the Megiddo
Valley, Boat ride and Communion on the Sea of
Galilee; tour Capernaum where Jesus called Peter and
healed his mother-in-law; visit Nazareth, Cana, the spot
of the Beatitudes and the Mount of Transfiguration.
We then move down the Jordan Valley to Jericho the
oldest and lowest city in the world on our way to
Masada, the Dead Sea and Qumran where the Dead Sea
Scrolls where found. Finally we come to Jerusalem
with visits to the Mount of Olives, the Western Wall of
the Temple, the Temple Mount, Garden tomb and off
to Bethany and Bethlehem to the church of the
Nativity. On our final day we walk the way of the
cross and visit the Holy Sepulcher where Christ was
crucified and the site of the Resurrection.
Includes all accommodations, Breakfast and dinner
daily, Airfare, All entrance fees, All ground
transportation, lunch at the Shepherds Field. The
approximate cost $3,880 (cash price), $3,996 (regular
price). Single supplement extra. Land only price
$1,875 (cash price), $1,995 (regular price).
May 20th between morning worship service Pastor Jeff
share some of his pictures and experience of being in
the Holy Land and answer any questions that folks
might have. Deposits will be due in November 2012.
5
Youth and Children’s Page
by Bob Cooper - Director of Youth and Children’s Ministries
What We’ll Do on Our Summer Vacation
This summer the High School Youth group will travel to New Orleans for the ELCA National Youth
Gathering. We are partnering and traveling with several other churches in order to create a more memorable
experience for the youth as well as to save a few bucks by getting group discounts. Nine of us from Our
Savior’s will be traveling with 41 people on our flight and 16 more to meet us in New Orleans for pre-
gathering activities. This will be a fantastic group experience with a total of 57 of us in community before
joining the other 35,000 Gathering participants for 5 days of praise, worship, and community outreach!
We will be flying to New Orleans 2 days before the actual start of the gathering to do some sightseeing and
community building that will include a swamp tour, a city tour, and a “spirit” tour exploring the area’s
fascinating “haunted” landmarks. All of this, combined with the gathering itself will create a powerful
experience for our youth as well as the adults that will be supervising. But all of this does not come cheap and
the youth have been working very hard to raise money to fund this adventure.
Below is a breakdown of our efforts to date:
This is a wonderful achievement and certainly a cause for celebration, but we still have much to do. We still
have the annual “Tacos and Talent” event on May 6 and another e-waste recycling event on June 9 as well as
our ongoing 144 envelope drive. The youth group would like to express their sincere thanks to the
congregation for your amazing support of their efforts as we move towards our goals for fundraising and
discipleship.
See you around the campus and feel free to drop by the youth room on Sunday evenings following worship
and say “Hi” and see what we are doing!
New Orleans or Bust!
Bob Cooper,
Youth and Children’s Ministry
Total Funds Raised by Youth $6865.32
Oct 9, 2011
Dec 2012
Jan 21, 2012
Feb 11, 2012
Mar 11, 2012
Apr 1, 2012
Apr 18, 2012
Misc. Contributions
Envelope 144
Net = $430.00
Net = $149.00
Net = $719.32
Net = $225.00
Net = $300.00
Net = $490.00
Net = $544.00
Net = $150.00
Net = $3858.00
Chili Cook-off
Christmas Childcare
E-Waste Recycle
Valentine’s Childcare
MOPS & POPS Childcare
Pancake Breakfast
Car Wash
6
Looking at Summer (and late spring, when everybody goes to Mexico)
June 9 - Saturday E-waste Recycling Fundraiser
June 25-29 - Monday-Friday Vacation Bible School
July 16-23 - Monday-Monday National Youth Gathering, New Orleans
July 23-27 - Monday-Friday Vacation Bible Camp
August 6-10 - Monday-Friday
Extreme Week
May 1 - Tuesday Kid’s Club 3:00pm, Youth Room
May 2 - Wednesday 5th Grade Confirmation 4:00pm, Youth Room
MSYG 6:30pm, Youth Room
May 5 - Saturday HSYG Service at The Atria, 5:45pm
May 6 - Sunday Youth Committee Meeting 9:30am, Room 5
Tacos & Talent, 4:00pm
May 8 - Tuesday
Gilchrist House 6:00pm
May 9 - Wednesday 5th Grade Confirmation 4:00pm, Youth Room
MSYG 6:30pm, Youth Room
May 13 - Sunday HSYG 7:00pm, Youth Room
May 16 - Wednesday 5th Grade Confirmation 4:00pm, Youth Room
MSYG 6:30pm, Youth Room
May 20 - Sunday HSYG 7:00pm, Youth Room
May 23 - Wednesday 5th Grade Confirmation, Youth Room
MSYG 6:30pm, Youth Room
May 25-26 - Friday & Saturday 7th grade Confirmation Retreat
May 27 - Sunday HSYG 7:00pm, Youth Room
May 30 - Wednesday 5th Grade Confirmation, Youth Room
MSYG 6:30pm, Youth Room
Great Talent!
Prizes!
Delicious F
ood!
Piñatas!
Tacos & Talent
Sunday ~ May 6th @ 4:00pm
Join us for the 9th Annual
Tacos & Talent Night
Food, Fun and Prizes
New this year…
Best tasting salsa contest
Don’t miss out!
Proceeds to benefit OSLC Youth Group
7
Special May 2012 Dates
• National Day of Prayer, May 3
• Mother’s Day, May 13
• Ascension of the Lord, May 17
• Armed Forces Day, May 19
• Pentecost, May 27
• Memorial Day, May 28
PENTECOST SUNDAY! MAY 27th
Congratulations to our Confirmation Class!
Transforming Flame
On the day of Pentecost, events are set into motion
that will form the church as we know it. Over years,
Pentecost, while not overlooked, sometimes gets less
than the full observance it deserves. It doesn't
involve exchanging gifts and doesn't have any
special candies or foods. But perhaps the real reason
Pentecost gets short shrift is that it describes events
that make us nervous.
We can debate whether it's the speaking in tongues
or the evangelizing that makes us most anxious. Or is
it the rushing wind and the flame? Maybe Pentecost
leaves us feeling worried that we'll be found
wanting, incapable of doing what must be done. We
are people who like plans: a daily plan, a five-year
plan, a ten-year plan—yet the circumstances of our
lives, on both individual and global scales, often
make planning difficult or impossible.
But let's think back to ancient church history, those
first few decades after Pentecost. Think about what
those early followers accomplished. Think back
further to those gospel stories that seem to emphasize
the inadequacies of the disciples, who never seem to
understand the true nature and message of Jesus.
Somewhere along the way, those disciples were
transformed into a powerful force. Pentecost
introduces us to the transformative nature of the
triune God.
The day of Pentecost reminds us of the mystical
promise of the Spirit. We do not have to know
exactly what we are doing; we just need to be open
to the movement of the Holy Spirit in our lives and
trust that this is sufficient.
At 10:30 we’ll celebrate CONFIRMATION for our
7th graders who have completed our 3 year program.
Wear red and prepare for the Spirit!
100 Wells Challenge our Youth!!
We are a church that rolls up our
sleeves and gets to work. This
year, ELCA youth will join
together to do just that through
the 100 Wells Challenge.
Our goal Nationwide is to raise
$250,000 in 2012 to support the
water projects of ELCA World
Hunger where they are needed
most. Just think, $250,000 could mean 100 wells —
each one with the potential of bringing clean water to
500 families at a time. Youth from around the
nation will be bringing their gifts to the National
Youth Gathering to be a part of this great effort!
Tacos & Talent
raffle
May 6, 2012 ~ 4:00pm
Get Your Raffle Tickets Available for purchase after
each service on May 6th. $1.00 per raffle ticket.
A few of our sponsors this year are:
Rocket Fizz San Clemente Cyclery
Tony Hawk, Inc Villa Cocina
All Proceeds Benefit our High School Youth Trip
to the National Youth Gathering in New Orleans in July 2012
8
Our Savior’s is a good Lutheran
Church, in that there are those that
swear “coffee,” “donuts,” and “pot
luck” are written in the Bible,
somewhere. However, did you ever
think about those persons that make
that coffee and donuts happen.
There is Lisa Banks who coordinates
the refreshment servers for each
service. The 8:30 am folk get to go to the donut store
and pick up 12 dozen (144) donuts each week, as well
as bring a gallon or so of apple juice. Then there is
making the coffee, caffeinated and decaffeinated.
Debbi Townsend, the Kitchen Coordinator estimated
that we go through roughly 75 to 100 coffee cups each
week. That is a lot of coffee. I love watching the
activities when a family serves refreshments. The kids
are so excited about pouring the apple juice and
making sure that the littlest ones get the “right” donut.
What a teaching moment for the parents; the
importance of service to others, celebration, and
fellowship in the Christian community.
Until I started on this endeavor of highlighting the
behind the scene people and activities taking place at
Our Saviors, I had no idea there was a Kitchen
Coordinator. The kitchen always looked good and I
did not give it a second thought. Debbi makes sure that
the consumable items in the kitchen remain stocked.
She told me that she is typically at church for one thing
or another, at least once a week, if not on Sundays.
She cruises through the kitchen and checks on supplies
when she is there. If anything is needed, she stops by
Smart and Final. She says she enjoys checking on
everything and making sure that the kitchen can be the
hub of fellowship that it has become.
When I was talking to Debbi about the “details” and
God’s work in those details, she related a story about
her daughter, Carlye, and serving in the church office.
Carlye while helping in the office one day doing some
filing, helping put bulletins together, and answering the
phone. This is a good “help the
church,” and stay out of trouble type
activity. What struck me was Debbi
indicated that Carlye learned how to
answer a phone in a “business”
setting. In this little detail, the
church provided one of its youth a
skill sometimes forgotten in this day
of instant everything.
There are so many other people that make Our Savior’s
the warm and friendly church that it is. As I have
talked to the people that have been highlighted in these
articles, and the others that I did not have the room to
include, there is always a smile on their face, and no
sense of burden; but only joy, for it is their church.
I hope these articles have demonstrated that the
“details” do have an impact on our church; given you a
sense that serving within the church does not take
countless hours; and allowed you to get to know some
of your fellow church members, just a little bit better.
Next month I hope to highlight some “detail”
opportunities that exist within our church.
Sharon Guilliams
God’s Work is in the Details - Part 3
9
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT OUR SAVIOR’S
Sunday Morning Bible Study
9:45am ▪ Founders Room
Sunday Morning: “Who’s who in the Bible.” We
continue to look at the major characters in the
Biblical story as we move through the time of exile
and approach the New Testament period. Join us
in the Founder’s room as we explore these important
people together.
Wednesday Manna Bible Study
Founders Room
11:00am to Noon every Wednesday
Midweek Study of Sunday’s lessons: You will get
much more out of worship if you have a chance to
study and look at the Bible readings before hand.
Join us each Wednesday as Pastor Jeff leads us
through an initial reading of Sunday’s lessons and
ask questions together which might even help shape
the Sunday sermon.
Wednesday Evening
5:30pm ▪ Founders Room
(April 18 - May 30)
Making Sense of the Cross. (A Theology 303
offering!) Join us on Wednesday Nights starting
April 18th as we take a theological exploration of
what the cross means.
The way we understand the cross very much shapes
the way we regard God. And just how should we
regard the cross? Is it a sad tragedy that we should
grieve? Is it the moment of God’s victory and
redemption that we should celebrate? Is it the place
where we stand in awe to see God’s
incomprehensible love poured out for us? Is it a
combination of these, or something we haven’t
named altogether? Wednesday night April 18th
through May 30th we’ll take an exploration of trying
to make sense out of the cross. We’ll use DVD and
Bible Study to help us on the journey.
IT’S SPRING
GO FOR
A RIDE
The weather is getting nice and we will have
“sprung” forward, so join us for a bike ride. We
will meet at 9:00 am on Saturday May 21, 2012 at
the San Clemente DMV (down towards the bus
stop). We will go to Dana Point and then up to the
wood bridge in San Juan Capistrano via the bike
path along the canal. It’s only 10 to 12 miles and
you can turn around at several different spots. If you
want to add mileage we can go to the Ocean
Institute. This is a change in starting location from
past ride. The route is pretty flat and not a lot of
traffic.
If you have any questions, you can contact
Sharon Guilliams at:
Cell: (949) 842-6391 Home: (949) 498-2883
Saturday ~ May 14, 2012
7:00am - 8:30am
Calling all men…..
You are invited to join us for a
men's breakfast at OSLC.
RSVP: John Mulligan at [email protected]
Hope you will be able to join us.
Women’s Small Group Bible Study
Anna Circle
Thursday, May 3rd ~ 6:30pm-8:00pm
OSLC Founders Room
Ruth Circle
Tuesday, May 8th ~ 1:00pm-3:00pm
OSLC Founders Room
Angels Unaware Circle
Monday, May 21st ~ 9:15am-11:30am
at the home of Evey Thomsen 492-2967
Martha Circle
Tuesday, May 29th ~9:00am-11:00am
at the home of Bonnie Little 369-5762
10
FELLOWSHIP
Contact Katherine Yeakel
regarding fellowship events at
(949) 292-7910
Ever find yourself preparing a classic OSLC dish that
we all have come to love and enjoy at events? Ever
wished you could snag a recipe that you have come to
dream of and hope is at every OSLC function?
WE NEED YOUR RECIPES!!!
OSLC Recipe Box is awaiting your scrumptious and
delightful recipes for us to collect and store in our
Recipe Box!
Please submit your recipes to:
Church Office [email protected]
Fellowship [email protected]
We would love to know any history behind these
treasures as well! Any family, historical, or just plain
funny fun facts will be a great addition to this
collection!
Thursday ~ May 3rd at 7:00pm
Night of Prayer
A gathering of all to give glory to God for all of
life's blessings!
Join us as we gather as members of Christ's
family, members of our beautiful country, and as
members and friends of Our Savior's Lutheran
Church to honor the National Day of Prayer!
Prayer stations, symbolic interactions among one
another, and simply putting the time aside to pray
together.
For further details, please contact Kat Yeakel at
Mother’s Day Tea
Sunday ~ May 13th
Bring your best tea hats, best dish to share, and best
smiles all around! This time is to honor all of our
favorite mothers and ladies whom we love and
adore!!!
Tea Time will be held after
both services on the patio!
For more info and dish
sign-ups contact
Kat at [email protected]
♫Take me
out to ball
game ♫
Family Day at Angel Stadium MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Sunday ~ July 8th at 12:35pm Angels - vs - Baltimore Orioles
$15.00 per person Ticket sales start Sunday, May 6th.
11
The celebrations of Lent and Holy Week joyous and
inspiring. So many reminders of the blessings given
to us. Of course, most importantly, is the gift of
God’s unconditional love and forgiveness. Wow! I
know that is truly more than my poor brain can
comprehend, but I like to think my heart knows.
Don’t you agree that such good news should be
shared? How can we enjoy such blessings without
wanting to share them with others?
During the past month, I have met with different
people looking for ideas and help in making my job
of Evangelism council member bring something of
value to OSLC. We have come up with a few
things. I welcome your thoughts and additional
suggestions.
1. Wearing visors or caps and t shirts, with our
church logo and name, when we are volunteering
for events. Maybe even name tags. Some of
our members are looking into vendors and costs.
If you have suggestions or want to help, please
let me know.
2. Family “Greeters”. We are so blessed to have a
cross generational congregation. What a joy it is
to see all of our young families sharing the Good
Word. Imagine the warm feelings a young
family would feel if another family came
forward with a warm welcome and offers of
help.
3. More volunteering for Chamber events. Beth
Apodaca was named Chamber volunteer of the
year, and I have asked that she help us get more
involved, so we can reach a whole new group of
people. (Of course, we would wear our shirts
and hats, so people would know who we are!)
4. Name Tag Sunday, once a month. I know. I
know. Many of you don’t like the idea, but most
of us remember a name, if we see it in writing.
Visitors would, as well.
5. Designing a 3x5 card, with our logo, service
times, address, phone, and a little about what we
do, to hand out to interested parties, at events we
serve.
6. Welcome packets have been updated.
7. Form a group of people willing to welcome our
visitors, every Sunday. Make a sign up chart,
much like we have for ushering, reading and
communion. You may expect a call, asking for
your help, but please feel free to volunteer!!
8. Work more closely with our military families.
We already do some work, but more of us could
get involved. Perhaps we could adopt a family or
unit.
I hope to hear from some of you. In the meantime,
keep our efforts in your prayers.
Blessings,
Billie Buffington ~ Evangelism Ministry
“Live long and
prosper”. Most, or at
least some of us, will
remember this as the
parting statement from Mr. Spock of Star Trek
fame. Whereas nothing in this world is guaranteed,
except God’s grace, death and taxes, there is plenty
of proof that exercise and proper eating will help
you live longer. Please take a moment to ask
yourself, have I taken care of myself today, this
week or even last week? Get those bones moving so
you will live longer and prosper in God’s love.
In His service,
Steve Kos,
Stewardship Chairman
12
Social Concerns Ministry Team News
Lutheran World Relief Personal Care Kits May 1-31
Please join us in our last major collection drive this fiscal year. As we have been doing since 2003, Our Savior’s will assemble Personal Care Kits for Lutheran World Relief. Please donate the following items anytime during the month of May: Lightweight bath-size towels (max 52”x27”),
dark color preferred [*inexpensive, thin towels are requested because they are lighter to carry & dry faster]
Bath-size bars of soap (4-5oz size) in original wrapping
Sturdy, wide-tooth combs Our goal is 200 kits. Only the new items listed above are requested. We have the other items that will be included in the kits. If you do not want to shop, we welcome your donation of any amount. Please make checks payable to OSLC, memo: LWR Kits. Each kit costs approximately $15, including shipping.
Thank You!
Where Did Last Year’s Kits Go? Lutheran World Relief distributed 311,763 Personal Care Kits to the following countries in 2011: Angola, Azerbaijan, Botswana, Cambodia, Chad, Haiti, Jordan, Liberia, Muritania, Nepal, Niger, Peru, Philippines, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Syria, Tanzania.
When LWR distributes Personal Care Kits, it’s often to people who have lost everything. In the wake of an earthquake, or having fled from violence as their homes were overtaken, they clasp a towel from a faraway place, with a bar of soap, a toothbrush…and washing up, they know that they have not been forsaken by the world. The very simple gesture of giving a Personal Care Kit can give someone the encouragement to start anew, starting with a bath. LWR works efficiently and transparently through respected partner organizations in the affected country whenever possible. Of every dollar donated, $.90 goes directly to program services and $.10 is spent on general administration and fundraising.
Bread for the World 2012 Offering of Letters—Sunday, May 20
Since 2006, we have joined our voices with 6,000 Christian churches nationwide to communicate with our members of Congress about bipartisan legislation that benefits hungry and poor people in the United States and abroad. This year’s campaign is “Help Create a Circle of Protection Around Programs Vital for Hungry People.” We will urge our leaders to protect programs that alleviate hunger and help lift people out of poverty. These programs represent a miniscule share of our federal budget, but they are essential to those who struggle to get enough to eat. We invite you to learn more at www.bread.org and to write a letter voicing your support. You may use the sample letter shown here or use your own words.
Dear Sen Boxer, Sen Feinstein and Rep Calvert: Please stand up for hungry people at home and abroad by protecting funding for critical programs that alleviate hunger and help lift people out of poverty. The budget is tight, and we must work to reduce our deficit—but our choices must not hurt the most vulnerable among us. Programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Child Tax Credit, poverty-focused development assistance, and food aid promote the dignity of all persons, especially those who are poor and who struggle to feed themselves and their fami-lies. I urge you to form a circle of protection around funding for programs that serve as the greatest—and sometimes only—line of defense between millions of families and hunger. Thank You. (Your Signature and Address)
Bring your letter to church on May 20. We will also have pre-written letters available for your signature.
13
Baskets for Bednets
2012
A fun time was had by all on April 20 as we commemorated World Malaria Day with our 3rd Annual Fundraiser. 40 people took the challenge to see how many free throws they could sink in 60 seconds—the malaria death rate of African children. Many others stepped up to make donations to the ELCA Malaria Campaign. A final tally of dollars raised will be available next month.
Thanks to everyone who participated! Our winners were:
19 + older: Jasmine DeNault 8-19 years: Sean Hoffmeister
8 + Under 1st place: Ben Cooper 8 + Under 2nd place: Savannah Wilcox
Congratulations!
What’s Up With KONY 2012? In March, Our Savior’s was one of the first to screen Invisible Children’s film, Kony 2012. The purpose was to bring attention to Joseph Kony and the Lord’s Resistance Army who have been terrorizing the people of central & east Africa for decades. Within days the film went viral, generating much controversy, and has been viewed on the internet over 100 million times!
Over two hundred countries, President Obama and U.S. legislators of both parties have rallied to this cause, and legislation supporting African efforts to capture Kony and try him in the International Criminal Court is pending. A second video can be seen at www.kony2012.com. Keep up with this issue. It isn’t going away until Kony is stopped.
Welcome INN Breakfast—Saturday, May 26 Our Savior’s has joined a rotation of local churches to feed the homeless on Saturday mornings through Welcome INN (Interfaith Needs Network). Upcoming dates are May 26, and June 23. We prepare 35 snack bags to hand out to the working poor and homeless in Capistrano Beach at 7:45am. It takes about one hour start to finish. We invite you to become a part of this ministry either to shop for food, prepare food, assemble bags, or hand-out the food. We are excited to serve our community in this way and hope you will join us! Heidi Works, [email protected] or 361-5179, is our local coordinator. You can learn more about Welcome INN at www.welcomeinnoc.com.
“I was hungry and you fed me.”
14
Our Savior’s Lutheran School News
May 2012
MEET THE MASTERS
Our elementary artists will study the French painter,
Auguste Renoir (1841-1919). Renoir was called a
“Painter of Happiness.” His Impressionistic
portraits and landscapes were painted with a
beautiful rainbow palette. The children will learn
about color and reflection when they create their
own Impressionistic
landscape using
watercolor crayons.
Catalina Here We Come!
The 5th graders will be participating in the Catalina Marine Institute Marine Biology camp at Fox Landing, April 30th-May 2nd. They will enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, and participating in hands-on science labs throughout their stay. What a fun way to learn about marine science and the ecology of the island.
Sacramento The 4th grade is looking forward to an a c t i o n - p a c k e d adventure when they travel back in time to
the Gold Rush. They will be attending the Coloma Outdoor Discovery School, which is located along the south fork of the American River. It is a unique experience where the students “live” the gold rush experience through stories, songs, skits, creating a shelter, baking cornbread and panning for gold. The students walk in the footsteps of the forty-niners and experience some of the challenges of surviving away from home. On the last day they travel to Sacramento to visit the State Capitol; Senate and Assembly Chambers; California Railroad Museum; and other historical buildings. In 3 full days the 4th graders will be changed from “greenhorns” to experienced “sourdoughs.”
The annual Field Day is scheduled for Friday,
May 18th. Kindergarten through 5th grade compete
in a variety of events including hula hoop, jump
rope, beanbag toss, limbo, standing long jump, etc.
The morning ends with a race around the school for
4th and 5th grades and a relay race for the other
grades.
On Tuesday, May 15th, Our Savior’s Preschool will
be hosting its annual Open House. The evening
begins at 6:00 pm. All families are encouraged to
visit their child’s classroom. This is an opportunity
for the children to share with their parents the work
they have been doing.
The Elementary Open House will be held on
Tuesday, May 22nd at 6:00 pm. This evening is for
the students to “show off” their work. It also gives
parents the opportunity to visit the classroom that
their child will be in beginning in the Fall.
15
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
3:00 Kid’s Club,
Youth Room
2
11:00 Manna Bible Study,
FR
4:00 5th Grade Conf, YR
5:00 Pizza Dinner
5:30 Firelight Children’s
Program, Sanctuary
5:30 Adult Bible Study,
FR
6:30 MSYG, YR
6:45 Celebration Singers,
FR
7:15 6th Grade Conf.,
Sanctuary
3
6:00 SHAPE
Class
6:30 Anna Circle,
FR
7:00 Prayer Night
4
5
5:45 Atria
Service, Youth
6 “World Hunger”
8:30 Bold Worship
9:30 Sunday School,
Adult Ed., Jubilee
Bells, Youth
Committee Mtg
10:30 Classic Worship
4:00 Tacos & Talent
7:00 Evening
Worship
7
9:00 PTF
Meeting, FR
7:00 Social
Concerns, FR
6:30 Community
Handbells, YR
8
1:00 Ruth Circle,
FR
6:00 Gilchrist
House, HSYG
6:30 Council
Meeting, FR
9
11:00 Manna Bible Study,
FR
4:00 5th Grade Conf, YR
5:00 Pizza Dinner
5:30 Firelight Children’s
Program, Sanctuary
5:30 Adult Bible Study,
FR
6:30 MSYG, YR
6:45 Celebration Singers,
FR
7:15 6th Grade Conf.,
Sanctuary
10
8:45 MOPS Meet
6:00 SHAPE
Class
11
Teacher/Staff
Appreciation
Luncheon
12
7:00 Men’s
Breakfast
@OSLC
13 “Mother’s Day”
8:30 Bold Worship
9:30 Sunday School,
Adult Ed., Jubilee
Bells
10:30 Classic
Worship
Mother’s Day Tea
7:00 Evening
Worship
7:00 HSYG, YR
14
6:30 Community
Handbells, YR
15
6:00 Preschool
Open House
6:30 School
Board Mtg, FR
16
11:00 Manna Bible Study,
FR
4:00 5th Grade Conf, YR
5:00 Pizza Dinner
5:30 Firelight Children’s
Program, Sanctuary
5:30 Adult Bible Study,
FR
6:30 MSYG, YR
6:45 Celebration Singers,
FR
7:15 6th Grade Conf.,
Sanctuary
17
6:00 SHAPE
Class
18
19
9:00 OSLC Bike
Ride
20
8:30 Bold Worship
9:30 Sunday School,
Adult Ed., Jubilee
Bells
10:30 Classic
Worship
7:00 Evening
Worship
7:00 HSYG, YR
21
9:15 Angels
Unaware Circle,
Evey Thomsen
6:30 Community
Handbells, YR
22
6:00 Elementary
Open House
23
11:00 Manna Bible Study,
FR
4:00 5th Grade Conf, YR
5:00 Pizza Dinner
5:30 Firelight Children’s
Program, Sanctuary
5:30 Adult Bible Study,
FR
6:30 MSYG, YR
6:45 Celebration Singers,
FR
7:15 6th Grade Conf.,
Sanctuary
24
8:45 MOPS Meet
6:00 SHAPE
Class
25
26
7:45 Welcome Inn
Breakfast
Outreach
27
“Habitat for Humanity”
8:30 Bold Worship
9:30 Sunday School,
Adult Ed., Jubilee
Bells
10:30 Classic
Worship, Rite of
Confirmation
7:00 Evening
Worship
7:00 HSYG, YR
28
Church &
School Office
Closed
29
9:00 Martha
Circle, Bonnie
Little
30
11:00 Manna Bible Study,
FR
4:00 5th Grade Conf, YR
5:00 Pizza Dinner
5:30 Firelight Children’s
Program, Sanctuary
5:30 Adult Bible Study,
FR
6:30 MSYG, YR
6:45 Celebration Singers,
FR
7:15 6th Grade Conf.,
Sanctuary
31
6:00
SHAPE
Class
2012
1st Sunday
of the month Last Sunday
of each month
Holy Communion
Served
every Sunday
7th Grade
Confirmation Retreat
Pastor’s Message 1
Birthdays, Anniversaries & More 2
Music Notes 3
Financial & Council, Holy Land Trip 2012 4
Youth & Children’s Page 5
Youth & Children’s Calendar, Tacos & Talent 6
Pentecost Sunday, Rite of Confirmation, 100 Wells 7
God’s Work is in the Details-Part 3 8
What’s Happening @ OSLC 9
Fellowship Events 10
Evangelism, Stewardship 11
Financial Report, Council News, Planning & Values 12
Social Concerns 12 & 13
School News 14
May 2012 Calendar 15
WORSHIP HOURS
8:30am ~ Bold Worship
9:30am ~ Sunday School, Adult Education, Jubilee Bells
10:30am ~ Classic Worship
7:00pm ~ Evening Worship
Nursery Care available all morning for children 4 and under!
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Non-Profit Org
U.S. POSTAGE
Paid
Permit No. 40
San Clemente, CA Church Office
(949) 492-6164 ▪ Fax (949) 492-2904
School Office
(949) 492-6165 ▪ Fax (949) 492-6132
Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and School
200 Avenida San Pablo San Clemente California 92672
Inside this issue:
Our Savior’s Lutheran Church & School
~ The Messenger ~
May 2012
“Inspired to Love, Encouraged to Think, and Sent to Serve”
