Interested in Joining Our Saviour Congregation

We just welcomed new members and will be setting a date in the near future for the next new member’s class. This class is a wonderful time to meet others who are new to the congregation and to make connections with those who have been at Our Saviour for a while. We will think about why we belong to Christian community, what is important about the Lutheran church, and how to find our place at Our Saviour. you plan to attend the class, please speak to Pastor Debbie, so that she can prepare materials for you. 

Lenten Soup Suppers and Services

Lenten service will soon be here, and we must start planning for our traditional soup suppers. The dates for the services and suppers are as follows: February 24, March 3, March 10, March 17, March 24. We usually need approximately 10 pots of soups (variety) and either bread or crackers for each meal. Drinks will be provided by the Special Events committee. If you belong to a church committee, check with your committee members to see if they are interested in providing soup and bread and serving dinner on one of the Wednesdays listed. If you just want to donate a pot of soup, please call Sandy Benfit at (540) 272-1673. .

Vacation Bible School:  July 12-16, 2010

Mark your calendars is going to Egypt, and you don't want to miss it!will go from prison to the palace leaders we have had up until now have decided to pursue other opportunities, so this is your chance to make a difference in the life of a child!, music, Joseph, crafts...all jobs are available contact Dawn Peters at dpeters70@gmail.com or (540) 937-7393.Thank you!

LWR Quilt Group

Our second meeting for 2010 will be Saturday, February 20 from 10:00-noon. We will again be cutting and ironing squares for our quilts. Please let me know if you would like to accomplish another quilt task and that will be done. We are at least four quilts towards our goal of 112 LWR Quilts for 2010. OSLC congregation: Our group is always in need of people, materials, and cash donations. Join us for fun and fellowship. Go LWR Quilt Ministry! Contact Jackie Collins for more information: (703) 754-8428 or ejc070944@comcast.net. 

Thank You:

Thanks to Regina Bedarf for serving as our funeral meal coordinator over the last three years.  This ministry of our congregation brings God’s loving care to those who grieve by providing a meal for family and friends following a funeral. Thank you, Regina, for caring for all the details of this ministry, sharing your passion for food, and encouraging everyone on the funeral meal ministry task group to share their gifts so generously. We rejoice that Joan Anderson will serve as the funeral meal coordinator for 2010. Joan has already been serving on the task group for funeral meals and has shared in a similar ministry elsewhere. Thank you, Joan, for answering God’s call to offer care and compassion. If you are not already participating in our funeral ministry and would like to share your gifts in this area, please give Joan a call at (703) 282-6844.

You Are Invited To A Time Of Food And Friendship

When:  February 16^th at 6:00pm, Shrove Tuesday dinner

What:  The Evangelism task group invites you to come for dinner and bring  a friend.  This night has historically been a time of feasting and fellowship in the Christian church prior to the season of Lent. AT OUR SAVIOUR,  THIS NIGHT WILL BE AN OPPORTUNITY TO RENEW OLD FRIENDSHIPS AND TO MAKE NEW ONES. Bring a member of our church that you haven’t seen for a while, a neighbor or co-worker without a church home, and don’t forget to bring the whole family.

Why? Because we have great joy in the Good News of God’s love for us in Christ, and we want to share it with all our friends in Christ around food and Christian conversation.

Care-Giving Ministry

Interested in being a part of our care-giving ministry but are unable to serve on a team that serves regularly?  Check out the care-giver resource  list on the table in the church narthex.  There are opportunities to share your caring gifts periodically thru making a meal, picking up prescriptions, sitting with a  person while there care-giver is away, doing yard work, doing home repair, etc. You may turn the resource list information into the church office.  Thank You.

Laura Barr Circle

Laura Barr Circle will meet on Wednesday, February 17 at 10:30 a.m. in the Daughters of God room. Please join us for fellowship and Bible study. We especially extend a welcome to our newer members who have joined OSLC in the past year. We would love to share fellowship with you. Let’s remember the OSLC food pantry!   

Fellowship Ministry

Fellowship Ministry delights in inviting members, guests, and visitors to gather together and enjoy our friendships through Christ each Sunday* in the Fellowship Hall following the 8:00 a.m. service. Coffee, tea, and juice are served. Remember that our 2nd Sunday Fellowships also include light refreshments.  Please note special upcoming Sunday Fellowship events:  

January 31–5th Sunday Brunch: Join us for fellowship and brunch! Everyone is invited to bring a favorite breakfast dish, baked goods, fruit/veggies, and other delights to share as we gather together in fellowship!  

February 14–“Meet Our Church Council”: During 2nd Sunday Fellowship on February 14 we celebrate those who serve on the OSLC Council and offer an opportunity to meet them. Their leadership guides our church programs, goals, and budget. You are invited to meet the Council members, ask questions, give input, and share in fellowship. Light refreshments will be served, and we invite everyone to bring baked goods, fruit, and other goodies to share.

Donations for Fellowship

Wish List During the month of February

We are looking for donations to help restock some of our Fellowship kitchen supplies. Your help is greatly appreciated.

Please mark donated items with “FELLOWSHIP” and leave them in the kitchen. Thanks so much!

Wish List Items:
COFFEE, COFFEE, COFFEE (both regular & decaf)

HOT CHOCOLATE PACKETS

PLATES: sturdy paper plates (both dessert & dinner size) – if you have some leftover from other events   we gladly accept all colors & patterns

POWDERED FLAVORED CREAMERS – (Medium or small size preferred)

Sunday School News

Pet Food: The 3-year-old through fifth grade classes will continue collecting pet food through the month of December.  
Christmas Program: The 3-year-old through fifth grade classes have been preparing a Christmas program for the 10:30 a.m. service on December 13. The children are doing a terrific job.
Canned Goods:  The Confirmation, High School, and Adult Sunday School morning classes are encouraged to bring a canned or boxed food item as an offering each week.  Thank you, Kim Succop and Karen Yergin

Faith-full Families Discussion Group

2010 Calendars ready? There will be a Faith-full Families Discussion Group on Sunday mornings in the Library at 9:30 from January 3 to February 14. We will read and discuss Scripture passages which give insight into Making Meaningful Memories with a focus on priorities, time together, traditions, values and worship. Bring your cup of coffee and settle in for a casual time of talking together.   Thank you, Karen   

Join Us For Adult Education During February

Read Through the Bible 
Sunday mornings (9:30-10:15 a.m.)
Adult Education classroom
This class will read through the Bible to learn the scriptures and faithfully apply them to life. Led by Lou Schaffer.   

Faith-full Families Discussion Group
Sunday mornings (9:30-10:15am) Church library
TheFaith-full Families Discussion Group will meet  through February 14. We will read and discuss Scripture passages which give insight into Making Meaningful Memories with a focus on priorities, time together, traditions, values, and worship. Bring your cup of coffee and settle in for a casual time of talking together. Led by Karen Voth and Pastor Debbie.

“CROSSWAYS”
Wednesdays (7:00 p.m.)
Daughters of God Room
This class uses discussion, visual images, and the Biblical story to give participants an in-depth understanding of the Bible, its most important messages, and an enhanced appreciation of the participants place in the Biblical story.  The class meets through May 2010. Led by Pastor Debbie.

Thursday Morning Bible Study (10:00-11:30 a.m.)
Daughters of Good Room
In February, the class will be studying the Gospel of John using resources from The Book of Faith initiative. Come for a great time of fellowship and learning. Led by Dave Raecke.

A Brief Walk Through The Psalms
Saturdays (4:15-5:30 p.m.)
Daughters of Good Room
This class will meet for eight weeks beginning January 9.  Come and enjoy a time of Christian fellowship and study of the beautiful and power book of Psalms. The class is open to all and led by Linda Campbell and Irene Sleath.

Welcome to The Lord’s Table
Sundays during Lent beginning
February 21 (9:30-10:15am) Church Library
A Holy communion study for older youth and young adults will offer a time of conversation and exploration of this grace-filled sacrament for those who did not go through first communion in fifth grade. The class will be led by Nancy Scheffel. If you might be interested, e-mail Nancy at nancy@lostcornerva.com or speak to Pastor Debbie.

Imagine Yourself Debt Free!
Financial Peace University
Wednesdays beginning February 24 (7:00pm-9:00pm)
Financial Peace is coming to OSLC again! Our first cycle was wildly successful. For the first five weeks of class, enjoy the Lenten soup suppers at 6:00 p.m. and get fed before class! To learn more, come to a preview lesson on Sunday, January 31 at 9:30 a.m. or Wednesday, February 3 at 7:00 p.m. If you would like more information, please call Tom or Donna Bartkiewicz at (540) 349-9753.

Mark Your Calendar for the
Congregational Meeting on February 14 

We invite you to join your brothers and sisters in Christ at noon on February 14 for a potluck lunch and a time of Christian fellowship lunch, around 12:30pm, we will the congregational meeting, which will include the following agenda items:

¨ Reception of reports from teams, task groups, officers of the congregation, and the pastors related to our 2009 mission and ministry as a congregation
¨ Election of a Nominating Committee for 2010
¨ Election of to the 2010Synod Assembly
¨ A ratification of a change to our constitution (related to our youth representative on council) which was presented and approved at our November 2009 congregational meeting
¨ A congregational vote on the four resolutions adopted by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) in August 2009 regarding persons in same gender relationships.
Once the Council and Pastors understand our congregation's views related to the church-wide assembly’s action on same gender relationships, we will deliberate a council regarding how to faithfully move forward as a congregation in a way that reflects our will. We will take up this matter on February 18, 2010 at a special council meeting at 7:00 p.m. special meeting, as are all of our regular council meetings, is open to members of the congregation.  

Join your brothers and sisters in Christ for prayer and action!

At our November 8, 2009 congregational meeting, the following motion was passed in regard to the ELCA decisions in assembly on human sexuality:

· OSLC consider in prayer and action (e.g. education, distribution of written materials, etc.) the four resolutions adopted by the ELCA in August 2009 [771-230 as amended, -402, 559-4151, and 667-307, as amended].

· OSLC undertake a closed ballot of support of, or dissent from, each of the four aforementioned resolutions independently, as a whole congregation at the semiannual congregational meeting in February  2010.

· In the event that any or all four of the aforementioned resolutions receive a majority dissenting vote, then OSLC shall adopt a timeline and a process, as recommended by the church council and as amended by the congregation, for a formal congregational response in dissent of said resolution(s) to the Virginia Synod of the ELCA.

· In the event that any or all four of the aforementioned resolutions are supported by a majority of the congregation, then OSLC shall issue a public letter of support of said resolution(s) to the Virginia Synod of the ELCA.

If you want a lot of additional information please click here to download the following ziip file (32meg) which contains multiple documents and presentations to assist you in better understanding this issue. Click here to download.  

We Care

Our pastors and care-givers are ready to support you as you or a family member faces sickness, crisis, loss, or difficulty. Please don't hesitate to notify us of how we can offer Christian care. The pastors may be reached at 540-347-3224 or click to send an email to Pastor Debbie or Pastor James. Our care-givers respond to care needs only after our pastors have offered care and after the care recipient has given permission for the care-givers to respond..

Prayer Chain

Please share your prayer concerns with us and we will pray for you. All prayer concerns will be kept confidential. Please contact Jane Osburn at (540) 349-2843 or Carol Orr at (540) 937-6201.

2009 is now in the books. Congregational giving to the mission of the Church was virtually identical to 2008, growing by 0.1 percent over the previous year. Our financial position remains strong with approximately two months of expenses in the operating account and cash reserve CD.

In December, the new A/C units for the sanctuary and front half of the fellowship hall were installed. These units replace the original units installed in 1986. We can all thank the property committee for their work on getting the A/C units installed with a minimum of disruption to the activities at OSLC. As authorized at the November Congregational meeting, we were able to pay for the A/C units using offerings directed to the building fund. Having the building fund/capital repair fund available allows the congregation to be good stewards of our facility. Offerings directed to the Capital Repair fund will allow us to replenish these funds for future needs.

Tom Bartkiewicz – OSLC Financial Secretary

Operating Account Balance Start: $50,023.11
Operating Account Balance End: $57,572.53
Total Income for Month: $50,304.52
Total Expense for Month: $42,755.10
YTD Income against Budget: $373,588.68
YTD Expense against Budget: $381,697.49 

Cans of food/food items collected: 367 (Dec.)

Food baskets filled: (Dec.) 7

Food Distribution: 89 families/282 people (Dec.) [Distribution was small due to the snow.]

People Helping People:9-1/4 volunteer hours (Dec.)

December activity- Gifts for 18 Angel Tree plus 8 children from congregation and community; Senior Angels-9 “angels” adopted from Warrenton Manor—each received a gift and a $25 gift card

February activity-Easter Baskets: collecting food and money

Coffee sales-6 units in Nov., 1 in Dec.

Voltran-drove 1009 miles, 60 volunteer hours, 21 people were driven to appointments

Free Clinic-Opportunity to provide 20 meals for staff on February 11