The Reverend Wayne P. Gollenberg, Pastor

Home Phone:  860-283-2250

JULY - AUGUST  2010

Worship with Holy Communion

Every Sunday 10:15 AM

CONGREGATION  COUNCIL  MEMBERS

Congregation Council 

            Marty Rajcok Jr.         Allan Howard             Jennie Kerney

         John Vergauwen    Beth Ouellette

President:  Sandy Talbot        Vice President:  Betsy D’Amico

Secretary:  Karen Grabherr       Treasurer:

Financial Secretary: Carolyn Chesto

Mission Statement

Our Savior Lutheran Church is by God’s grace

a forgiven people, guided by God’s Spirit,

committed to strengthening the Body of Christ

by living and sharing God’s Word,

by worshipping and inviting persons to faith and new life,

by being instruments of God’s love.

V    

Worship  This 

July  and  August

“Hallelujah!

Praise God in his holy house of worship,

praise him under the open skies.”

Psalm 150

We will be doing just that this summer –

inside and outside Worship!

Worship

with

Holy Communion

will be

at 10:15 AM Sunday

(except on July 18^th when we have our Annual Picnic

beginning with Worship at 11:00 AM at Northfield Dam, lower pavilion)

During these days of vacations…

Blessing for Travelers:

O God, whose glory fills the whole creation,

and whose presence we find wherever we go:

Preserve those who travel;

surround them with your loving care;

protect them from every danger;

and bring them in safety to their journey’s end;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen

Pastor’s  Page

“Couldn’t Leave Well Enough Alone”

My brother-in-law, Bob, taught Ellie and I a new ending to the table prayer that’s been used by our family for decades.  We used to say, “Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest, and let thy gifts to us be blessed. Amen,” before every meal… EVERY meal.  It was simple, it was short, it thanked our Lord for the food, AMEN.  Direct and to the point.

Then Bob had to open his mouth and teach us more to the prayer.  It continues… “And may there be a healthy share, on every table everywhere, and my we help to put it there.  Amen.”

That gets a bit more pointed.  It takes the food off of my table and puts it in the hands of those who don’t have enough.  It makes me remember, at every meal, that there are people in God’s world who don’t have enough to eat and it’s my Christian responsibility to help put food “on every table everywhere.”

That’s huge.  Why couldn’t Bob leave well enough alone?  Now, at every meal, I have a renewed awareness and concern for others.  At EVERY meal.  There’s no getting away from it.  Now the prayer seems incomplete unless we add the new ending.  Thanks Bob! 

We taught that ending to the folks at “Tuesday Night Sunday School.”  Everyone there thought it was a great way to end the common table prayer.  I wonder if anyone else is feeling the concern for others that I feel at every meal.  You probably shouldn’t start praying the new ending if you are queasy about remembering the poor and hungry before you begin your meal.

And yet, it’s good that we remember those who have less than us.  It’s good because now I’m more likely to buy something in the food store to put in our Blue Bucket (Cereal in July and Pasta in August).  I’m more aware of the mailings I get from Bread for the World and Lutheran World Relief.  I’m more likely to find a way to care for someone in need because every day, at EVERY meal, I’m remembering others.   Thanks Bob, for not leaving well enough alone!

Keep Praying, Hope To See You At Worship!

Health and Wellness

Did you know there is something new at Our Savior Lutheran Church?  Members with healthcare experience have been meeting and discussing ways of sharing information and healthcare tips, answering your questions concerning healthcare and listening to your concerns.  For example, do you know what is considered "normal" for blood pressure?  Do you know what your blood pressure is?  Do you know the signs and symptoms of lyme disease? Perhaps we can help.  Do you have questions concerning diabetes or other health issues?  Perhaps we can help you find the answers that may make life a little easier.

The Health and Wellness Team is comprised of nurses with experience in many specialty areas, EMT's, and a member with medic training. We hope to expand the team by adding a member with social services experience and others with health care interests.

We have a mission!

"To share the healing presence of Christ."

We hope to present programs of interest, education and information to our congregation.  Your input as to your needs is important to us, so please let us know how we can best serve the members of Our Savior Lutheran Church.  And, watch for more information and announcements soon.

Your Health and Wellness Team Members:

Bev Aubrey

Michael Druckenmiller

Linda Howard

Pat Krin

Carol McCorkle

Beth Ouellette

Bev Sabia

Youth  Events

Our first “event” went very well!  The “Grill and Games” night in June was terrific.  Wiffle-ball, board games, great food prepared by Marty, ice cream, and a beautiful day all combined to make it a super event.

Next we get to arrange and run the games at the Annual Picnic, and then we will hang out at the picnic site at Northfield Dam to hike, eat, and make some smores.  That’s July 18, 2010, starting with Worship at 11 AM, and then head for home about 6 PM.  

On August 14^th we’re headed out to play miniature golf.  We’ll meet at church at 4:00 PM, play some mini-golf, find a place to eat, and head back to church around 7:30 PM. 

Everyone from seventh grade through college age is invited to come along and have some fun.  You’ll like being together and getting to know each other a bit better.  Come for the fun, come for the food, but get out here!

First  Communion

You’ll know it’s time for your child to begin preparing for Holy Communion when he or she starts asking about what we do around the altar as we kneel and put out our hand.  You’ll know it’s time to talk to pastor when your child wonders why he or she isn’t yet eating what everyone else is eating.   You’ll know it’s time for your family to meet with other families where these questions are being asked so that together we can explore the wonders and joys of First Communion Preparation.  There is no perfect age for First Communion.  Usually parents and pastor will talk, children will participate, and a decision will be reached within the family regarding the timing of First Communion.  To begin the process please call Pastor Gollenberg.

Annual  Meeting  Highlights

About 35 people gathered after Worship on June 20^th to see and hear the reports of our activities over the past year and to look forward to this coming year in the life of our congregation.  After a delicious time of refreshments and prayer we had a wonderful presentation about Lutheran Marriage Encounter by Karen and Jeff. 

After Pastor’s report the nominations committee explained how they had come up with names for our congregation council.  They are:  Sandy Talbot, Jennie Kerney, and John Vergauwen.  There were no nominations from the floor (we still have three council seats that need to be filled) so these three were elected.  We thanked those going off council, Diane Elwood and Cyndi Vergauwen, for their years of dedicated service!

Reports followed the election… many reports… all contained in the Annual Report Booklet available at the church office.  One video was shown of “Tuesday Night Sunday School” in action – a touching review of the years activities. (video available too!)

Our Voting Members to the New England Synod Assembly shared their reflections of their time at assembly.  John Vergauwen, Kristyn Vergauwen, and Brian Rajcok each talked briefly and eloquently about activities and actions of the assembly.

The decision was made to take care of the outside of our building that is beginning to show its age with dirt and grime and dents.  At a cost, not to exceed $10,000.00 (which we almost have saved in our Building Fund and Change for the Church Fund), we will hire a contractor to do the work. (We already have an estimate of close to $10,000.00)

It was also reported, with thanks and great appreciation, that our “Summer Challenge Fund” had been met!  Thanks to generous and sacrificial givers and to God!  (Our spending is still exceeding our offerings, so your continued generosity is greatly needed!)

The council met when the meeting adjourned to elect officers:  Sandy Talbot, president; Betsy D’Amico, vice president; Karen Grabherr, secretary; Carolyn Chesto, financial secretary; and, this is big, we need someone to be Treasurer!

“NEW BEGINNINGS”

“He who has two coats, let him share with he who has none.”

Luke 3:11

            Every year presents us with its share of blessings and challenges.  Our blessing is that people are ready, willing and able to give and shop for our children of "New Beginnings".  The challenge is in finding the children in need.  This is mostly due to the fact that so many towns have cut their Social Service Offices out of their budgets.  Hmmmm, very sad.  So we will be patient and learn to give in new ways.  Yes we will still be shopping for brand new school clothes but I think that we are not going to have the whole summer to work on this.  So…..

          Be Prepared, because we know not when they come!  Lets just adjust our vision of giving and make sure that we meet the needs of the communities.  Let us have as much fun shopping for the older students as we do for the little ones.  Lets just be prepared to shop or give as the children’s needs become apparent to us.  Let us not loose sight of giving on the level where the need is with no regard to our own wants and pleasures.

Serving with pleasure,

Eileen Finer, New Beginnings Area Coordinator

All 

THRIVENT 

Policy  Holders  or  Investors

Heads  Up!

You will be getting a letter soon where you will be asked to designate where you want your fraternal dollars to go.  Hopefully your answer will be:

Our Savior Lutheran Church, Thomaston!

You will probably be able to call, write, or email your desire to Thrivent.  If you don’t indicate OSLC then “your” dollars will drift off to where Thrivent wants to put them.

So, watch for the letter, make sure you respond, and we’ll see where we might be able to put the Thrivent money to good use in our congregation, community, or beyond!

Upcoming events at Our Savior Lutheran Church

July 2010

• July 4:  Worship Committee

• July 5:  Red Cross Blood Drive 1-6PM

• July 10:  Marriage of Amanda Peterson/Michael Berecz

• July 11:  Fellowship Committee

• July 12: “TNSS” Planning Team 6:30 PM

• July 13:  Bible Study Begins  7:30 PM

• July 14:  Finance Committee 7:00 PM

• July 17:  Marriage of Heather Swanson/Rayon Lennon

• July 18:  Annual Picnic with Worship 11:00 AM,                                            @ Nothfield Dam

• July 20:  Bible Study 7:30 PM

• July 21:  Congregation Council 7:30 PM

• July 27:  Bible Study  7:30 PM

• July 28:  Finance Committee 7:00 PM

• July 30:  Marriage of Richard DeLaRosa Jr/Jacqueline Guiles

August 2010

• August 1:  Worship Committee

• August 2:  “TNSS” Planning Team 6:30 PM

• August 3:  Bible Study 7:30 PM

• August  10:  Bible Study 7:30 PM

• August 11:  Finance Committee 7:00 PM

• August 14:  Youth-Mini Golf

• August 15:  New Beginnings Blessing

• August 16:  Deliver New Beginnings Thomaston

•                    September Newsletter Deadline

• August 17:  Bible Study 7:30 PM

• August 18:  Council Picnic

• August 23:  “TNSS” Planning Team  6:30 PM

• ·    August 24:  Bible Study  (last for the season)

Bible  Study  This  Summer

Tuesday evenings, beginning July 13^th and continuing through and including August 24^th at 7:30 PM

Bible Study will take place at church.

The request last month to suggest what we might study during our time together yielded one suggestion –

Proverbs.

Okay, not the most popular portion of Holy Scripture,

not the most widely read,

not even cracked open in some Bibles;

however,

we will take some time to become acquainted with

Proverbs.

Please know that you are invited to this informal and informative time.  Bring your Bible, or we’ll provide one,

and spend some summer time with scripture!

Order  for  Healing

Our Worship on July 25^th will include the “Order for Healing.”  Here all who sense the need for God’s healing in any aspect of their lives may join in prayer for others and themselves.  Here each person may come to receive a word of blessing and prayer.  Here each one may also receive a physical gesture of healing:  the laying on of hands accompanied by anointing with oil.    These signs, first given in Baptism, tell us again that we are sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked forever with the cross of Christ, who is health and salvation for the whole world.

Annual  Picnic

It’s coming sooner than you might think! 

This year the picnic is July 18^th,

beginning with

Worship at 11:00 AM,

and food and fun to follow.

Bring a dish or two of your favorite food

to share with others… it’s a pot-luck picnic. 

Hamburgers and hot dogs will be provided. 

Bring what you want to drink.

Bring a comfortable chair if you

don’t like picnic tables.

There will be games for children.

There will be food for everyone.

The Youth will hang out after

the picnic to do some hiking and eat leftovers.

Ministers of Holy Communion

from the Assembly

We changed our meeting date

from June 22^nd to July 6^th, at 7:15 PM.

Soon there will be a group of people trained, ready, and enthusiastic about bringing Holy Communion to those who can’t come to Worship.  How wonderful it will be to include more of our brothers and sisters in Christ in what we do on Sunday morning.  To share the Means of Grace with those unable to travel will be a blessing!

Lutheran  Home  of Southbury

Pastor Gollenberg will lead Worship at the

Lutheran Home on July 11, 2010, at 2:30 PM.

He would love some company… to help sing,

read from scripture, transport residents,

and help distribute Holy Communion.  

“Summer  Challenge  Fund”

Remember a little over a month ago one of our members “challenged” the congregation to give above and beyond our pledged offerings and he would match our sacrificial giving $.50 on every dollar up to $2,000.00 (so that he would give up to $1,000.00).

Well, even before summer officially began we met the challenge!   You were extraordinarily prompt and generous in giving to this challenge!  THANK YOU!

This unusual manner of encouraging giving yielded marvelous results.  Thanks to our “challenger” and thanks to all who contributed!

As you might remember, this $3,000.00 goal will not alleviate our financial concerns.  We’re still operating in red ink right now.  Your dedication to the mission and ministry of this people of God is appreciated and everyone is encouraged to continue to keep Our Savior Lutheran Church in their prayers.   Again, thanks!

Earthkeeping

Thanks to the participation of a group of children, youth and adults the area around the church sign has been planted with dozens of marigold plants – which the group had started from seed earlier this year. Someone asked about the leaves of the daffodils which had been wrapped with rubber bands. This was done to encourage the energy in the leaves to return to the bulbs which will assure bigger bulbs and more blooms next spring.

The Earthkeeping Team will meet after worship on July 11.  We will develop a care plan for the flower garden during the growing season.  New participants are always welcome.

We are grateful for the continued generosity of the congregation during our “food of the month” emphasis.  The July item will be CEREAL.  It will benefit the Watertown food pantry.  August will be PASTA.  And it will be brought to the Thomaston food panty.  Other non-perishable food items are always welcomed.

-          Carolyn and Henry Brau, facilitators

“Coffee  and  Conversation”

will take place on

July 4, 11, and 25 (not the 18^th);

August 8, 15, 22, and 29 (not the 1^st).

at 9:00 AM,

as we share reflections from living

our Christian lives,

reflect on events as they touch our lives,

and read the Michael Foss book,

Real Faith for Real Life.

You are invited!

Worship Assistants   July-August 2010

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