“Giving thanks, a greater context and consequences”
From the Pastor’s Desk…
“I am grateful to God - whom I worship with a clear conscience, as my ancestors did - when I remember you constantly in my prayers.” 2 Timothy 1:3
Dear friends in Christ,
The turkey served at our Thanksgiving feast and other delights may cost a bit more this year. But that cannot diminish our thanks shared with God for His goodness and love. His blessings are all around us. God bless the Pilgrims. They had a tough year in this new land America encountering numerous unforeseen obstacles and challenges, disease and even suffering the deaths of loved ones and friends. They prayed that God would grant wisdom and strength then rose to face what was before them with faith and resolve. Now on their first thanksgiving in a new land, they gathered with family and friends to give thanks to God who preceded and blessed them.
Coming out from beneath the long shadow cast by Covid taking the lives of millions around the world including our loved ones and keeping us apart, we will give thanks. There is a vaccine. We can celebrate this Thanksgiving offering a toast in the good company and presence of family and friends again and are not alone viewing each other on a screen. Thank God the sun rose each morning and for timely rain, seeds and the good earth. We grew food in the Kaul garden - luscious tomatoes, peppers, green beans, amazing peas and gorgeous roses. We drank fresh water and breathed clean air and can thank God we did not have to fight in a war in Vietnam or Afghanistan. From the safety and comfort of our homes we found the strength to grumble cope with higher utility bills, the cost of a gallon of gas and how poorly the Cubs, White Sox and Bears disappointed or whatever struck our fancy. We enjoyed in person get-togethers, outings and gatherings with friends and family and vacations away. We can thank God for people who showed kindness and for opportunities that blossomed into something good. God forgave our sins. We received the word and sacraments and heard that we were loved by God. We needed that day we came to worship feeling sad or bad silently confessing our mistakes and sins. We prayed and God listened. We walked through an unlocked door and called his name. He was there for us. We give
thanks that God is always there first and for us. Sadly, we will remember loved ones who passed remembering they are enjoying God’s presence from another shore in that country not made with human hands.
As we pray for our country, America, may God help us to see the greater context and consider the consequences of our actions and words.
I grow weary of the “destructive” choices of the misinformed and misled and messed up. I mourn the violence and abuse they inflict upon another, the politician, the police, the innocent, the divorced spouse, the children. I pray for healing for people who are self medicating masking their sadness, depression, pain, illness and anger abusing alcohol and drugs. Evil is, and has always been, present. Jesus warned that one day God will gather the wheat into his barn and burn the chaff. We want to consider what sort of fruit our lives and course of action or words on social media may bear.
A friend supplied a check list of questions which guided his thinking to help discern right from wrong.
1- Is a contemplated action or word in accord with the Ten Commandments?
2- Will my contemplated action or words be hurtful or helpful to myself and others?
3- Will I be grateful tomorrow if this deed is done or word is spoken today?
4- Ten years from now will I be thankful to have done what I am thinking of doing or saying today?
5- Will I be pleased to tell my grandchildren about it?
We are free to choose our actions but not free to choose the consequences or outcome. A short term delight may result in something good or a long term misery while a short term sacrifice or hitting the pause button to reflect may yield long term joy. My favorite seminary systematics theology professor, Dr. Paul Sponheim, said,” God can always bring more good from good than God can bring out of evil.” We cannot presume upon God’s providence or believe there will not be consequences created from our words or actions. May God show us the right roads and give us patience, strength and wisdom to walk them.
We are his beloved children. In spite of our bad choices, we can always return to him. He never stops loving us. May God bless you and yours and as those who have gone before us, fill you with thanks and praise in Jesus name.
In his love... Pastor Dave.
A STORY OF THANKSGIVING …
+ Luther, the kitty finds a home. That may sound like it was easy and not without effort or kindness. That would be untrue!
You could hear the sad cries of a kitty outside the church door on a Monday night. But every time Joan or I went to find him, he ran away. The pattern repeated itself every day until Friday. He was emaciated, dehydrated and stopped resisting our advances. He ran to us crying and started to purr and loudly meow. I went to buy food and gave him water. He guzzled it purring his thanks and delight gorging on the serving of ½ can of tuna and liver. There was a celebration of life for Scotty Pruski that Friday afternoon. Now with food in his tummy he played with the children and helped to cope providing a great distraction from their grief and pain. Twice he had to be removed from the Sanctuary after sneaking in with guests moving quickly through the front door. He was caught and removed with his claws fully extended and pawing the air expressing his disapproval. He loved being with people. That afternoon Joan visited area farms and homes to see if “Kitty” belonged there. Nope! Checking with area vets, no one was looking for him. It was with great fear of his being run over by a tire in his eagerness to greet people and thoughts of his coming home with us that I fed him that Saturday morning. After going home for breakfast, the phone rang. A good friend said she was preparing communion for Saturday and Sunday worship and asked if we knew there was the cutest kitty outside the church? We explained our interaction and that Kitty was looking for a home. They said they had a ten year old cat and were milling over a companion. We said he is all of that and more! A super fun kitty that loved and purred and played and enjoyed being with people. They were welcome to have him. They responded they would take him to the vet for a checkup. The word was he was all good but looked like a kitty they had seen from a home on Latham Street. A visit to return him brought the news this was not his home. Their cat wore a different colored collar. They parted ways saying that was too bad but this was also untrue. Under their breath began the celebration. Kitty had found a his home! Calls were made to grand children asking, “What shall we name him?” Somehow they arrived at a most glorious name. He came from a church. His name shall be “Luther!” Full of energy and kitty shenanigans, I am happy to report both “Luther” and the family are most happy. Though the beautiful 10 year old is still adjusting when not trying to get escape his playfulness and asking, ”Who let him in here?” Thanks adoptive parents!
PRAYERS FOR NOVEMBER 2022…
Prayers of thanks for…
+ the successful extensive back surgery for a friend,
+ that a wonderful daughter-in-law is healing and well.
+ The Live Nativity will happen the first Saturday in December at 5:30.
+ for new and old friends who are attending Our Savior’s worship, Sunday School and Confirmation.
+ for generous people who when asked to give an auction item and bid at the auction had the means to respond generously with a gift to help pay the mortgage..
+ Thank you for the gift of new gravel poured by the pond whose banks were undermined by the muskrats.
+ Thank you for the gift of the great mulch and those who helped cart it to various flower and planting beds keeping weeds in check, including Gene, Jerry, Gail, Vickie, John, Pastor Dave and Joan. The church yard in all of its fall glory looks amazing. (See the pictures on pg. 5 that don’t do it justice!)
+ Thank you that Sunday School and Confirmation are in full swing with workshops about the Psalms and Stewardship and Confirmation students are studying Luther’s Small Catechism about the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion.
+ Thank you for your questions, comments and thanks for the Reformation celebration. For some friends this was the first time hearing about Martin Luther and the events and people of the Reformation.
+ We are thankful there will be a mitten tree in Advent to purchase gifts for area children in need.
+ Thank you for veterans, those who served in the armed forces to share with us the gift of freedom. Veterans Day is November 11!
+ Joan Kaul’s sister Lyle is beginning new chemo treatment in her battle with multiple myeloma. We continue to pray for her healing, strength and joyful spirit.
Blessed are those who mourn..
+ May God bring comfort as we give thanks for the life of Chuck Anderson. Chuck grew up in Sandwich, the son of Lillian Anderson, always positive, hard working and a friend to every person and loved his family and God. He had the gift of encouragement and was a big brother to a relative who really needed a big brother. Celebration of life is November 12 at Our Savior’s at 3:00, visitation begins1:30.
+ Thanksgiving is a difficult time for those who have lost loved ones. Would you include them in your prayers and invitations of friendship.
Council to Meet in November…
We want to meet. Tell us the best evening for you. Thank you for your leadership.
All Saints Day... the first weekend in November.
Once a year the church remembers how in Holy Baptism God makes saints out of sinners. We give thanks for the lives and faith of saint’s who now live with God. We ask God for the strength to hear and to heed his call to pick up the cross and follow him in a life of serving discipleship.
On November 5 and 6, we will remember at worship and give thanks for shared life and the faith of...
Kathy Fincham, Victor Mauhar, Janet Bluis, Jim and Pam Wyman, Elberta van Ekeren, Catherine Carlson, Beverly Bagg, Alan Horn, Carl Wilson, Donalyn Kerr, Rick Rogers, Rick Stahl, Patricia Ferguson, Dr. Barbra Dellenback, her brother James Dellenback, David Hayes, Grace Dahlberg, Linda Swanson, Barb Stewart, David Scotty Pruski, Douglas Westbrook, Stephen Ayers, Frank Palmer, Charles Anderson.
First Communion Instruction for students 4th grade and older, their parents begins Saturday, November 12 at 9.
Pastor Dave will lead students and parents/grandparents in a lively Saturday morning study of the sacrament of Holy Communion beginning November 12 at 9 a.m. The class helps children prepare to receive their first communion that will take place at the Thanksgiving worship or thereafter. To enroll your children in the class call the church office or send an e-mail. This class is one of the highlights of the year for students and their parents.
“You sure know how to show a girl a good time.”
Time for a paradigm shift!
In Covid times everyone’s focus was on staying apart and staying home. The work of the church fell pretty much on staff and the faithful few.
The above quote came from a tired Joan Kaul last week on our way driving home in the car after we spent part of a morning pulling and digging weeds and removing leaves from the churches clogged narthex gutter in preparation for the forecasted several inches of rain coming that afternoon. This was on top of her preparing the worship hymns, prayers and responses and recording the every Sunday Morning “The Good News Broadcast” and helping to lead the excellent Sunday School program. Folks ask why don’t we call and ask for help? The urgency of the job before us often needs immediate attention. It was going to rain, the gutters were full of leaves. Let’s get up there!
It is time for a paradigm shift out of Covid thinking and how we organize church work. This was necessary at that time as we all just tried to survive. Now most of us are out and about. I pray you are asking where can I help at my church?
This is not an attempt to shame or cause guilt but an honest statement and invitation from those of us who have been doing the work and getting tired and invite the blessed, talented and good folks of all ages to join us.
Our stewardship of God’s gifts includes giving money, time and abilities for the work of God’s Kingdom. Now we must create teams of volunteer workers of all ages
who desire to share in Christ’s work and will sign up. So when a need arises, they would make themselves available to help.... There are...
1- Immediate one time projects like lining up scaffolding and replacing lights in the sanctuary.
2- More regular ongoing commitments to work….
a- maintaining the yard or remove leaves from clogged
gutters,
b- assembling and folding the monthly Lightshine
newsletter,
c- work on the annual auction or chicken BBQ team,
d- help with Sunday School, teach, prepare materials,
e- at worship we look forward to warm greeters at the
door, ushers to welcome and hand out bulletins and
direct to communion, serve help Holy Communion,
f- prepare the elements for communion,
g- Live Nativity
All of this “work” is a gift given to God and our way of giving back using our time and abilities serving in Christ’s church. Our Savior’s is a large and growing church in mission with many talented people. Would you give some of your time and gifts in ministry to serve Christ and his church?
In the month of November/December we will be mailing an annual stewardship packet. We ask you to fill it out. Currently Barb French and Ann Hagemann are coordinating the volunteers.
We invite you to pray asking God to help you see where you could serve. We look forward to hearing from and can’t wait to teach, train and work with you. Contact us at ……
815-786-6406, or oursaviorssandwich@gmail.com.
SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS ….
New Unit to begin November 6
“Treasures in Heaven, Spirit Led Stewardship”
“The earth and everything in it belongs to the Lord.” Psalms 24:1. We will be learning that a faithful response to this scripture is to be a good steward – one who is led by the Spirit and lives by taking care and using what God has provided in faithful ways. In the Cooking Workshop, children will hear two stories in which the characters practiced their relationship with God daily and were led by a generous Spirit. Putting this in action children will be making a Pancake Mix to sell to support the ELCA “Good Gifts” projects which might include providing vaccinations or farm animals, fish, water filters, hygiene kits or even mosquito nets where they are needed. We are hoping to raise enough money to provide a chicks ($10), a goat ($50) or a piglet ($30) to a needy community. If you are approached by a Sunday school student who wants to sell you some pancake mix please be generous! Thank you for your good stewardship of God’s gifts to you.
Some extraordinary happenings at Our Savior’s
Mowers... the mowing season is winding down, we want to thank our mowers. You men are amazing and have given a great gift to your church. The beautiful yard is testament to your hard work. (See the pictures!) Thank you.
Gravel .. Thank you for the gift of new fabric underpinning and gravel poured by the pond to stop the erosion caused by spring rains and the nasty work of muskrats who tunneled under the slope digging holes. We will miss all the excitement and commotion created when due to the steep grade and slippery grass mowers rolled the machines into the pond had fun pulling them out. But knowing that you and the bank are now safe will have to suffice! Thank you! Mulch... thank you for the amazing gift of mulch and those who helped to cart it to the various flower and planting beds and islands keeping those nasty “country” weeds in check. Thank you and may God bless Gene, Jerry, Gail and Vickie, John, P. Dave and Joan for your hard work. The church yard looks amazing. (See pictures!” Thank you!
Thank you for giving a generous offering to Our Savior’s.
This is the way the Spirit of God works. God’s grace is overflowing. We draw upon it for living. We slowly form our walk with following Jesus and want to support God’s work in the world by giving an offering. Try it! God blesses and we give our thanks.
We want to thank the people who feel their gifts to Our Savior’s ministry are among the best decisions they have ever made. We have good news to share and you are giving an offering to support the work of Christ’s church.
1- You can bring your tithe to worship or the church office.
2 - Mail your offering to Our Savior’s, 2465 West Sandwich Road, Sandwich, IL. 60548.
3- Give your offering electronically by going to Our Savior’s Web page at www.our-saviors.com. Click on the donate button. Thank you!
Facebook changes have affected the Sunday broadcast of some good news from Our Saviors. How can I find the Our Savior’s worship broadcast?
Recent changes by Facebook and the strength of the upload speed with Frontier have challenged the Sunday Live Broadcast. Know that we are always at church recording at 9:30. If there are challenges we will post the recording after worship later that day to the Our Savior’s Facebook page. This means we must down load the worship that will take some time and then Facebook posts it at their discretion. But the “Live” sharing of this time in worship together with people all over the country is very important and meaningful to us. You can find the broadcast by doing a Google search for Our Savior’s Lutheran, Sandwich, Il. Scroll down the many ‘Our Savior’s’ listings and click on Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Sandwich, Illinois and worship with us.
Mitten /Angel Tree is coming prior to Thanksgiving - to give a local child the Christmas gift of a needed piece of clothing.
Every year the youth and family team place the Angel tree in the narthex with a mitten listing a gift and the age or size of a local child in need. We invite you to select a mitten and go purchase the item and place it under the tree. The gift is then shared with the child. Brenda Adrian, Jennifer Lovejoy and Jennifer Johnson are our eyes and ears who will help provide every child with what they need, winter coats, hats, gloves and scarves are shared anonymously. You may also choose to make a donation of $100, $75, $50, $25, $10 and we will shop and purchase the item for you. Be sure to write “Our Savior’s angel tree” on your check! Thank you
Live Nativity- We are creating a cast of fun loving people who want to present the story of Jesus birth with our community. We are thankful to the people who said ”Yes” or signed up at the church when asked to participate. We seek a star walker and Inn Keeper, additional farm animals, a friendly goat, some chickens.
Auction... The first auction of 2022 is coming to a close at noon on Saturday, November 5.
The exciting new items for Auctions 2 and 3 are listed on page 6. Items are still coming in, so the lists will be updated prior to each auction. We invite everyone to bid and if you don’t find an item, please pray and consider giving a generous once a year gift above and beyond your current offering support to help pay the mortgage. Thank you. Happy bidding!!!
Thanksgiving Worship
Saturday, November 19th at 5:30 and Sunday, November 20th at 9:30.
Worship theme - “Praise and Thanksgiving, God we would offer.”
We invite you to join your church family and friends at this once-a-year worship as we gather Saturday evening and Sunday morning to give thanks to God.
Our Savior’s Thanksgiving worship has always been the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving Day. We inquired if making this change would be helpful for you? We discovered that many people are often away or out of town the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving. Others said with working, they need the time to be home that Wednesday night preparing food or house to serve family or guests the next day. It is only about two weeks away so make plans to join us as we give our thanks to God in worship!
Auction #2: November 5 – November 19
Auction Favorites:
1- Carved Decoy (choose favorite of 2 remaining) -
carver Gene Westerberg
2- Framed Sandwich Fair Poster - Kim Trout
3- Sandwich Fair Fenton Crystal Toothpick Holder or
Paper Weight
4- Bears Otis Wilson autographed Hat - Rev. Bob Dell
5- Hand painted saw - Marsha Ruch
6- Vintage Post Cards – Ray/Sandi Kepka
7- Nativity Scene - Rick/Lynn Olson
8- Scripture Decorative Pillow - Sharon Beverage
9- $25 Gift Certificate to Santa Fe Restaurant - Mario
& Cindy Jiminez
10- $50 Arts Gift Card,- Joe & Laurie Dewey
11- $ 75 Casey’s Gift Card - Don & Iris Greif
12- $50 Dearborn Gift Card - Sharon & Don Ness
13- 6 Hours Interior Painting - Barb French
14- Purse/Tote – Lisa Flyte
15- Small BBQ Grill / Grilling Spice Set – Ray Kepka
& Julia Berg
16- Aloe Vera Plant - Paula Hill-Emery
From our bakers kitchens
17- Pecan Pie – Bonnie Bauer
18- White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Oatmeal Cookies
- Linda Frieders
19- Kringla – a) 2 dozen & b) 2 dozen - Jeannie
Hohmann
Overflowing with delightfulness delicious enticing baskets
20- Wine-Spaghetti Basket – Cheryl Augustine-
Borneman
21- Coffee Basket – Roasters – Todd & Jen Clason
Our creative hands - From the craft shop, artists brush, stitchery, crochet and embroidery
22- Crochet Fun items– a) squirrel & b) ‘beach bear’ –
Karin Carlson
23- Handmade birthday cards & treat box – Beth
Swickert
24- Yard/Garden metal ornaments – Dean Burau
25- Oil/acrylic painting – “Field of Yellow Flowers” –
Kathy Winemiller
26- Hand-painted mugs, trivet, pillow - Kathy
Winemiller
27- Cross-stitch design tablecloth w/napkins – Opal
Zitka
28- Framed Cross for Mantel or Hearth – Paula Hill-
Emery
29- Fall Craft Décor – a) Pumpkin Centerpiece
w/Candle; b) Fall Acorn Door or Wall Hanger;
c) 2 Standing Fall Wooden Pumpkins; d) Pumpkin
hanger; e) “Grateful, thankful, blessed” Pumpkin
stack - Paula Hill-Emery
Auction #3: November 19 – December 3
Auction Favorites:
1- Carved Decoy (last one) - carver Gene
Westerberg.
2- Sandwich Fair Fenton Crystal Toothpick Holder or
Paper Weight
3- Race Car themed Curio cabinet – Brigette Bagg
4 -“Faith, Family, Friends” sign – Todd & Jen
Clason
5- $25 Gift Certificate to Santa Fe Restaurant (x2)-
Mario & Cindy Jiminez
6- $30 Wal-Mart Gift Card, Nancy Melcher
7- Handmade Purse/Tote – Lisa Flyte
8- Bronze Steel Fire pit w/cover - Cheryl Augustine-
Borneman
9- Full/Queen Quilt set – Floral – Julia Berg
10- Teddy Bear – Sings ‘Elvis’ – Julia Berg
11- Litho framed print of the Annunciation – Greg
Roate
12- Glass Etched ‘Blessing’ Plate – Paula Hill-Emery
From our bakers kitchens
13- Chocolate Frosted Brownies w/Nuts in Tray –
Bonnie Bauer
14- Chocolate Chip Cookies in Jar – Sharon
Beverage
15- Spritz Cookies in Old Jar – Linda Frieders
16- Kringla – a) 2 dozen & b) 2 dozen - Jeannie
Hohmann
Overflowing with delightfulness delicious enticing baskets
17- “French Wines on Lorraine” gift basket – Barb
French
Our creative hands - From the craft shop, artists brush, stitchery, crochet and embroidery
18- Handmade Wool Appliqué Nativity Mat –
Jeannie Thompson
19- 6 Handmade ‘Occasional cards – Paula Hill-Emery
20- Hooded Children’s Bath Towels – a) & b) – Vickie
Matthies
21- Trio of Crosses – hand carved – Jim Dockendorf
22- Yard/Garden metal ornament – Dean Burau
23- Oil/acrylic painting: “Girl on the Beach” - Kathy
Winemiller
24- Christmas Craft/Décor – a) Framed “Peace on
Earth”; b) Fall “I Believe” Christmas Wall Hanging;
c) Nativity shelf sitter; - Paula Hill-Emery
24- Winter Craft/Décor – a) “Let It Snow” wood
hanging; b) “Let It Snow” Cardinal scene; c)
Snowman - doily and hoops - Paula Hill-Emery
26- Painting – “Blue Bridge” – 8x8 Canvas-wrapped –
Kathy Winemiller
27- Painting – “Country Church” – 6x6 with stand –
Kathy Winemiller
Dear girls and boys,
Where do you store your treasures? In a box … a drawer … your closet … or under your bed?
Can moths get to them and ruin them?
Can thieves find them and steal them?
Jesus tells us not to store up our treasures on earth. Our treasures on earth are just temporary. Moths can eat them, thieves can steal them … soon they are all gone.
Jesus tells us to store up our treasures in heaven. These treasures last forever. They are treasures of the Spirit.
Our next rotation is called - TREASURES IN HEAVEN. Come find out what treasures Jesus wants us to store up in heaven.
Join us for a Treasure Hunt on Treasure Island. You will get your very own treasure map and clues to many different spots where you will uncover treasures that last forever!
So … hoist the Christian flag, pull up the anchor and join us for a trip of discovery you won’t want to miss.
TREASURES IN HEAVEN
Spirit Led Stewardship
November 6 - December 11
Sunday mornings at 9:30