From the Pastor’s Desk… “We needed a hero!”
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your minds so that you may discern the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:1 & 2
Dear friends in Christ,
The summer of 2022 is coming to a close. Eager students, teachers and aids, professors are back in the class room. Some events, people and thoughts stand out. The deaths of students and two teachers in Uvalde, Texas still hurts. Well trained and equipped people stood around talking for an hour before they took the shooter out. Please don’t misunderstand. I support and believe we need the law and a well trained and funded police force. But that day we needed a hero to step in quickly and stop another deranged guy who left us grieving this loss of innocent lives and to wonder what they would have accomplished and celebrated in their living!
Vin Scully, the voice of summer and the L.A. Dodgers play by play announcer passed away. Like the Cubs Pat Hughes, I just enjoyed hearing him call a baseball game. He was told by his mentor Red Barber, “just be yourself. You bring something into the booth that no one else in the world can bring.” When signing off from his last broadcast he told his audience, “You and I have been friends for a long time. But I know in my heart that I’ve always needed you more than you’ve needed me.” Last year it was Henry Aaron my childhood hero (along with some of the GB Packers!) Dad and I attended the Milwaukee Brave games where I saw “Hammerin Hank” play outfield, hit home runs and win the 1957 world series. Only recently did I learn he had to overcome virulent racism on his way to depositing the ball in the Braves left field bullpen for his 715th home run surpassing Babe Ruth’s record. Their deaths leave us feeling blessed, enriched by their gifts, proud but sad.
St. Paul said we are to present ourselves as a living sacrifice. I wonder have we lost our perspective? Have we lost the ability to see beyond our own lives desiring to control our own safe and comfortable world? Our culture presses us to acquire more rather than give away more. Do you want to impact others? Then love by giving the gift of yourself as an offering to God sharing your time, talent and treasure. If you want to experience the full adventure that God intended for your life and mine. Then you have
to be willing to take action and serve God helping where help is needed.
Our greatest gifts - time, talents and treasures are essential to this process of maturing and growing in faith and service. Our time is our most precious commodity. If you want to sacrifice something that no one else can give. Then give some of your time to help someone and do the work of God’s church. No one controls your time but you. How you spend your time is planted most firmly in your values. Jesus said it is found in what you treasure.
When it comes to talents, we all have them, every single one of us. We devise all sorts of excuses: You might think “I’m not a Bible scholar, so I can’t teach or do God’s work. I don’t have much money left over to support God’s work.” But think about what you can do. Consider the gifts and expertise developed in your work- whether it is office work, the trades, trucking, banking, sales, medicine or education. You have knowledge, abilities and skills that can change the lives of others if you’ll only share them. Can you listen and care, offer a smile, hug a person? Most of us underestimate the importance of just being present in the life of someone else.
Money and how we spend it also reveals a great deal about who we are and what we value most. God’s says it is okay to be blessed financially as long as we do two things with our money and possessions. Number one give God thanks for what we have instead of always wanting more. And number two is to give generously. If we’ll do both we will experience a level of satisfaction that money cannot buy. But if we hoard our blessings and take God’s goodness for granted, our hearts can harden and we’ll never discover what matters most is to give ourselves away completely and trust God will provide.
What the shooter in Uvalde, Texas and too many don’t understand is that we are part of a greater community. We are part of something bigger and greater than ourselves. You are a member of your family and church, perhaps a student in school, a citizen in a neighborhood and of the world. We are called to come together and sacrifice ourselves using the gifts God has given so we may help others. May God renew our minds so we may see and rise to do His will.
See you at worship this Labor Day weekend on site or the broadcast. Drive safe!
God bless... Pastor Dave.
PRAYERS FOR SEPTEMBER 2022…
Prayers of thanks …
+ for the leadership of Jennifer Johnson and her team of helpers, Sheila, Patti, Doug, the work of Our Savior’s family and friends to make the 2022 BBQ a great success. Thanks be to God for providing a beautiful day, the next Saturday it rained. We prepared, served and sold out of 1,100 delicious meals in overtime! Thanks for being generous and buying and working at the BBQ. That’s amazing! Thanks be to God!
+ Thanks for the rain. We needed it badly and God shared it with us and the farmers of our area!
+ wish Judy Heller a happy September birthday!
+ the beginning of Sunday School and continuing Confirmation classes. Pray that God will gift and challenge and provide teachers who love God and children and want to share the Christian faith.
+ for August 6th baptism of Ryder Streff.
+ for September baptisms of Archer Barragree and Grady Lusk and families.
+ the wedding of Ryan and Santy Augustine on September 2.
+ for a few fun days away at the cabin spending time on the water canoeing and paddle boarding, looking at stars and completing a few more items on the “to do” list.
+ for help erecting scaffolding to replace burned out sanctuary lights with a great crew of hard workers! How many you ask? 6 people to erect and turn the scaffolding while two guys held the Halogen bulb.
+ for our new custodian/janitor Brigette Bagg, a member of Our Savior’s who worshiped each week with her dad Kaye and her mom Beverly. Pray for her brother Charlie who resides in Alaska with his family and is recovering from an ATV accident.
Prayers for help, healing and generosity...
+ a dad and grandpa diagnosed with cancer.
+ a friend in treatment to break free from medicines used to treat anxiety.
+ a safe harvest for our farmers
+ that God’s people will continue to support Our Savior’s ministry with their tithes and offerings as all of us battle the (temporary) higher cost of gas and living.
+ for people in America and all over the world suffering the loss of lives and property from floods and harsh weather. Will this cause hunger to spread?
+ that God would be with the people of Ukraine and the millions of refugees resulting from this war.
Prayers of comfort for those who mourn…
+ thanks for the life of David Pruski, who passed away.
“I’d rather be 9 people’s favorite thing than 100 peoples 9th favorite thing. For 9 people will want to share their favorite thing with others, while 100 people will probably not share their 9th favorite thing!
When those 9 people share their favorite thing, it can become 81 peoples favorite thing. And when 81 people share their favorite thing with 81 more people, it can become 6561 peoples favorite thing.
What is your favorite thing to do Saturday night at 5:30 or Sunday morning at 9:30? I hope you said, “Be in my Father’s house to remember the Sabbath Day and keep it holy!”
Our Saviors offers three opportunities to worship each weekend, Saturday at 5:30, Sunday at 9:30 and the “Live Broadcast of some good news!”
In these challenging times people are seeking a church home where they can hear God’s word, worship and serve God among friends, help their children learn about God and the faith in Sunday School and Confirmation and feel welcomed by work in ministry beside people who care. Would you share “your favorite thing”, your church, and invite friends, family and co -workers to join you at worship. Push the ‘share’ button to invite friends to join you.
Thanks for giving an offering of thanks to God!
“Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have. God has said, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” Hebrew 13:1-5
We give a generous offering to thank God for our blessings and to help support the work of ministry.
1-You may bring your tithe or offering to worship or the church office and stop in to say “hello.”
2- Mail your offering to Our Savior’s 2465 West Sandwich Road, Sandwich, IL. 60548.
3- Give your offering electronically by going to the Our Savior’s web page at www.our-saviors.com. Click on the donate button. Our Savior’s ability to do ministry is dependent on the Holy Spirit and the generosity of our many members and friends who give their regular tithes and offerings. Would you pray and consider giving a generous weekly or monthly gift to the General Fund that pays expenses and the Building mortgage fund that pays the mortgage. Our August mortgage principal balance was $525,891. Thank you for supporting this ministry.
*** September project... rally day on September 18 and launch Sunday School workshops, work on the preschool play area!
September Servants... We need you! Would you help serve in September or throughout the year?
We want to expand our list of volunteers. Below find a list where we need additional help and you can serve....
Please specify your preferred day/service.
**Worship Assistant
__ Sat, 5:30 PM -or- __ Sun, 9:30 AM
__ Greeter
__ Reader
__ Usher
__ Altar Team, help set up Holy Communion
__ Communion Assistant …… please specify …..
__ Distribute elements - wine, juice, (or wafers,
if necessary)
__ Collect Communion cups
__ Operate sound System
__ Project worship service
__ Count Offering
__ Provide Altar flowers
*** My best month to serve ____
Christian Education
__ Sunday School Teacher/Presenter
__ Sunday School Shepherd
__ Planning Sunday School Workshops
__ Substitute teacher
__ Confirmation mentor
Office Help
__ Help assemble monthly Lightshine newsletter
Property Care
__ Trim Bushes & Weed Team, Yard clean up
__ Grass mowing Team
__ Adopt an Island
Help at the 2022 BBQ Auction
__ I want to help set up the three auctions
__ I will help call people the day of the auctions.
Live Nativity- First Saturday in December
__ Publicity
__ Help with Costumes
__ Sight/Sound music preparation
__ Cast member
Please e-mail your response or any questions to
oursaviorssandwich@gmail.com, 815-786-6406
Confirmation continues Wednesdays at 5:30!
Confirmation class for students 7th grade and up meets Wednesdays in our study of the Lord’s prayer in Luther’s Small Catechism. Each student should bring a readable Bible, note book and pencil/pen.
You may enroll your child in class or ask a question by calling 815-786-6406 or send an e-mail to oursaviorssandwich@gmail.com
Welcome! Welcome! Welcome!
Sunday School Begins September 18
2022 -23 Theme ‘Living By The Light’
We are so excited to welcome all students ages 3 through the 6th grade back to Sunday school. We will meet at 9:30 on Sundays during worship. Kids will start the hour in worship with their families and then be dismissed to class.
We will be delving into the Bible in six week units to learn about the Psalms, Treasures in Heaven, John the Baptist, The Lord’s Prayer and the Beatitudes during the year. (See pg 7 for more info ….)
Psalms are a collection poems, prayers, and songs many written by David. David loved to “talk” to God and told God his troubles but also praised God and thanked God for His faithfulness. We can do that too! Beginning September 18th we will be learning we can come to God with words of praise and prayer through dance, art, games, a memory challenge, storytelling and take a 23rd Psalm journey.
Please fill out the registration form included on the back page of this Lightshine so we can plan for the coming year.
We need your help! If you love kids and would like to be a part of the Sunday school education team please contact Joan Kaul @ 815-786-2622 (H) or 815-786-4843 (C)
Church Council meets Wednesday, September 14 at 6:30 p.m. There is important information to share and matters to discuss. Let’s set a date for an annual meeting.
Live Nativity will be presented the first Saturday in December. Get ready! We want to establish our cast in early October and avoid the last minute phone calls. If you want to help, please e-mail or call to volunteer.
2022 Our Savior’s Chicken BBQ Big Thank you ...
“That was the best tasting chicken ever!”
Thank you for your support and work at the 2022 chicken BBQ. This is big... really, really big. It includes every member and friend of the congregation. Jennifer Johnson take a bow! You organized us and ordered the food and supervised the day! Joan and I were walking on Friday morning when a person stopped their car and rolled down the window. With a smile he said, “That was the best tasting chicken ever! The chickens were so large my wife and I ate all we could on Saturday night. There was enough for the next day too! It tasted just as good! Whoever made it did a great job. You should do this every month!” I told him “thank you” That I would pass his kind words on to the church and all who led this events!
Each chicken weighed about 3 ½ pounds, 5 guys at Art’s grocery store cut them into halves and seasoned them on Friday night. Frank Palmer at Central DuPage Hospital, and Doug Stahl from his home, reported the chicken was great. Frank Palmer loves the chicken so much his grandson brought him some at Central DuPage hospital where he was a patient. People going to Italy the next week worked beside Joan and myself, Patti Weber and Mary Munson and Sharon Beverage on Saturday to fill cups with pasta salad and baked beans. Friends came Saturday to say that they had not received their tickets and want to buy theirs like every other year. When I asked,” how many do you want?” She said, “Everyone gets 10 tickets. I want 10! Next year we’ll be here to work but we couldn’t this year!”
We had 1,100 meals to sell and did so in overtime. There were about 40 meals left over. Everything went dead about 5:50! Thanks for buying some extra chicken meals to support your church. Fun to see friends putting down mulch and pulling weeds to manicure the yard, directing traffic, cooking that tasty chicken with extra smoke, making the pasta and beans on Friday night, starting the beans at 4:30 a.m., stuffing little containers with pasta and beans, packing the meals and serving the chicken, greeting our 1,100 friends with a smile, selling tickets, buying tickets. Cleaning up! Chasing down those pesky flies for the next 2 weeks! This happens only once a year and a lot is riding on it. We have a mortgage to pay. Thank you for your fatigue for God and your church. Thank you for the many new and exciting items for the coming auction. See enclosed. There is still time to donate your fun and creative items! God gave us a beautiful day and we gave our best. Time to celebrate!
….Now we have step two - the AUCTION beginning October 22nd. Here is our current list of items...
2022 BBQ-Auction Items:
~~ Collectible, Memorabilia ~~
* Framed 2020 Sandwich Fair Poster
* Framed 2021 Sandwich Fair Poster
* 2002 Sandwich Fair Paper Weight
* Bears ‘Otis Wilson’ autographed hat
* Bears Superbowl cypress wood wall hanging
* Race car themed Curio cabinet
~~ Hand Crafted / Decor ~~
* Three hand- carved decoys by Gene Westerberg –
a Ringneck, a Northern Shoveler, a Mallard.
(Awesome)
* Hand painted saw
* Bird house – multi level
* Handmade Crochet items – Doilies, a squirrel, and
a “beach” bear – complete with beach accessories
* Handmade Wool Appliqué Nativity Mat
* Quilled Christmas Snowflake Ornaments
* Hand Carved Santa with Nativity Scene (from
100-yr-old Cottonwood Bark)
* Nativity Scene
* “Faith, Family, Friends” Sign
* “Relax with a Book” gift basket
* Handmade Christmas & Birthday Cards & treat
boxes
* 6 Handmade Cards – Occasional
* Scripture decorative Pillow
* Yard/Garden Metal ornaments ( x3)
* Litho Framed Print – The Annunciation
* Fall Pumpkin decoration
* Various original paintings (oil/acrylic)
* Hand-painted mugs, trivet, pillow
* Cross stitch design tablecloth w/napkins
* Framed Cross
* Pumpkin Hangar
* Pumpkin Stack – “Grateful, Thankful, Blessed”
* Etched Glass “Blessing” Plate
* Fridge magnets
* Nativity Shelf sitter
* Stand-up Fall Pumpkin décor
* Framed “Peace on Earth”
* “I Believe” framed Christmas Wall Hanging
* Aloe Vera Plant in Planter
~~ Edibles, etc ~~
* 1 butchered hog with processing included
* Two (2) loaves of honey oatmeal bread
* Taste of Wisconsin Basket – Brats, beer, cheese
* Pecan Pies ( x2 )
* Chocolate frosted Brownies w/Nuts
* Sandwich Fair Crock w/Goodies
* Longaberger Picnic Basket w/4 Bottles of wine &
Munchies
* Wine Baskets –
- Liquid Apple Pie,
- ‘French Wines on Lorraine’
- Wine-Spaghetti Basket
* Two Specialty Coffee Baskets
* Chocolate Chip Cookies in Jar
* Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies in old jar
* White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Oatmeal Cookies
in old jar
* Spritz Cookies in Old Jar
* Basket of Homemade Jams
* Two dozen Kringla ( x6 )
* Homemade Caramel corn in Pyrex baking dish,
plus $25 Gift Card
* $25 Santa Fe Restaurant Gift Cards ( x4 )
* $50 Dearborn’s Restaurant Gift Cards ( x2 )
~~ Services, Household, etc ~~
* 6 hrs Interior painting
* Bronze Steel Fire pit w/cover
* Kate Spade Crossbody Purse
* Gift Cards:
- Arts - $50 ( x2 )
- Wal-Mart - $30
- Casey’s - $75 ( x2 )
* Full/Queen Bedspread
Our Saviors Fall Salad Luncheon
Thursday, Sept. 29
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
$12 – includes ….
Choice of various salads, desserts,
and beverage.
Please sign up to volunteer to work,
or to bring a salad or dessert.
Proceeds go to the
Building/Mortgage Fund.
Welcome Dear Girls and Boys,
Did you know that there is a book in the Bible called – PSALMS?
Ooops! Say it again. It’s not puh-salms. The P is silent – say salms.
What are PSALMS, you might ask. PSALMS are poems, songs, and prayers that
praise God and more.
Come to our first rotation and have fun spinning the
Wheel of Praise in the Game Workshop.
Do groovy moves to a Line Dance
while learning about Psalm 8.
Take a journey through Psalm 23 where a
table is set before you and quiet waters will calm you.
And if you are really up to it, take the Psalm 23 Memory Challenge. It is for those courageous in Spirit and that know how to do hopscotch. If you don’t know how to hopscotch … we’ll teach you.
PSALMS ROTATION
Praising Our Majestic Creator
Psalm 8, 13, 23
Date: September 18 - October 23
Time: 9:30 Sunday mornings
Sunday School Calendar 2022-2323 – “Living by the Light”
- September 18 - Oct. 23- Psalms, Praising Our Majestic Creator
- October 30 - No classes - See you in church!
- November 6 - Dec. 11 - Treasures in Heaven, Spirit and Stewardship
- December 18, 25 and January 1 - See you in church!
- Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
- January 8 - Feb. 12 - Preparing for the Light, John the Baptist
- February 19 - No classes - See you in church!
- February 26 - April 2 - Teach Me to Pray, Prayer and the Lord's Prayer
- April 9 - Easter, no class - come celebrate at worship!
- April 16 - May 21 - God Bless You, The Beatitudes