From the interim pastor: Still the Call to Faithfulness

So where are we and who are we?

A common greeting is “How’s it going?” or “How are you?” And for someone we haven’t seen for a while: “What are you doing these

days?” Psychologists tell us that issues of “identity,” failure to understand who we are or confusion about who we are, can be very dangerous. I believe that Christians should have a ready and comforting answer to those questions. “How are you?” someone asks. We answer “Well, I’m a child of God, redeemed by my savior, my sins forgiven and trying to apply that to every minute of my life.” Martin Luther said we should remember every day that we are baptized children of God and that this foundation should make us able to get through anything.

Of course, it’s not always that simple and it is rarely easy. But we are indeed who we are—redeemed children of God—and that is the starting point for our lives. Collectively, as members of the Church of the Savior, we are a community of God’s people, empowered by the Holy Spirit, engaged in God’s mission in the world. This continues no matter what. It continues whether we have an interim pastor or a

full-time called pastor. It continues whether we are large or small in number. It continues whether we are diligent or lazy about doing our part. Naturally, it is better when we all do our part. Then we are able to do more in God’s name, be better at Christian fellowship, be more inspired and made joyful by God’s grace. As we pray for our new pastor, make our commitments for the year ahead, consider the ways we can each be more energetic about responding to God’s grace, we have no “identity crisis.” We know who we are and we know where we are and if we listen carefully, we know what we should do. If we worship, pray, serve others and trust God, we will find the strength to do it.

See you in Church, Pastor Austin

P.S. Thank you for the kind “Pastor’s Appreciation Month” (who knew there was one?) gift. The little sign will stand on my desk and remind me that I appreciate you, too.

Savior’s Call an interim newsletter

What is this? The Interim ‘Call’

Y our new pastor and leadership team will

have some ideas about

communication with

members and others.

Meanwhile, we will from time to time, issue this “Interim Call” which, like whatever follows, will be different from

the former newsletter.

Keep informed.

Keep reading!

Christian Citizenship God calls us into the world and all its activities. It is part of our Christian responsibility see how we can best help our neighbor and bring peace to the world. In our country, we do that by taking part in the political life of our nation. Do not forget to vote this November!

Lutheran Church of the Savior, Paramus, New Jersey October-November, 2016

The ELCA has about 3.7 million members and 9,300 congregations in the U.S. and Caribbean.

From the president: Laurie Feingold Let’s Talk Our Visit with Bishop Bartholomew

O n Oct. 23, Bishop Tracie Bartholomew, head of the ELCA’s New Jersey Synod, preached at our church and spent time

with us at coffee hour. We invited her so she could see who our congregation is. We also wanted to give you the opportunity to meet Bishop Bartholomew. Since the Bishop is the person responsible for pastoral matching candidates to churches, we wanted to make sure that she could “put a face to the name.” I spent some time with her after the coffee hour to hear her thoughts about our church and her experience here. There were three things that stood out to her. “You have a strong spirit here.” This is what we wanted Bishop Bartholomew to feel when she came here. That we are a healthy and vibrant congregation. One where you can feel the love that we have for the Lord and for each other. I found this to be an important and promising observation, because our spirit is what makes Church of the Savior a desirable place for a pastor to shepherd. “You have a dedicated and strong lay leadership.” Everyone Bishop Bartholomew spoke with is actively involved in the life of the church. We spoke about the need, when a congregation is without a permanent pastor, for its members to step up to continue the mission of the church. Your commitment is evident, and it is what will sustain us until we get a new pastor. “You’re managing the change well.” When a church is without a pastor, research has shown that membership goes down, offerings decrease and there is often a feeling of lethargy in the congregation. While we have experienced all of that, we’ve been able to maintain our vitality. I applaud you for your ability to be agile, even when the changes may be difficult to adapt to. I asked Bishop Bartholomew when we are going to a new pastor. She said she did not know. We may be seeking a pastor newly graduated from seminary. Those candidates come through in February, May and October. Unfortunately, the pool of candidates is small; there are more congregations looking for pastors than there are available pastors. With the Bishop’s visit, we’ve been successful in demonstrating for her who we are. Now, we have to continue to trust that the Lord is working quickly through Bishop Bartholomew to call a new pastor to Church of the Savior.

Peace, Laurie

“Word and Image: A Martin Luther Exhibit” At the Morgan Library, New York Word and Image includes more than ninety objects, highlighted by one of the six existing printed copies of the Ninety-Five Theses, and nearly forty paintings, prints, and drawings by the celebrated German Renaissance artist Lucas Cranach the Elder. Also on view will be Luther’s manuscript draft of his famous Old Testament translation, sculptor Conrad Meit’s exquisite statues of Adam and Eve, and over thirty of Luther’s most important publications. The majority of the works in the show are loans from German museums and have never before been exhibited in the United States Tickets are $20 ($13 for seniors and students). Admission is free on Friday’s from 7 to 9 p.m. The Morgan Library is at 225 Madison Avenue at 36th Street. Website: themorgan.com

At our Nursery School Welcome Fall! Welcome October! The children have adjusted to their classes in the nursery school – hooray! We look forward to Back to School Night October 13th and Zoofest on October 19th when the children will decorate pumpkins, have their faces painted, visit the on campus zoo, get tattoos, and enjoy hot dogs. As October ends, three-year olds will have pumpkin parties and fours will have Harvest Celebrations. There will be programs for parents to add to the joy of the season. Our children will learn about the wonderful God who has created all things that we may grow and learn. Have a beautiful month.

Love, Mrs. Hayman

PIANIST TAMMY LUM Concert on November 13 “Music at Savior” will present pianist Tammy Lum on Sunday, November 13, at 3 p.m. in a recital of works from the classical repertory, with music by Argentinian composer Alberto Ginastera on the 100th anniversary of his birth, Spanish composer Enrique Granados on the 100th anniversary of his death (he drowned trying to save his wife after a German torpedo hit their ship), and the famed transcription of the Bach Chaconne by

legendary pianist/composer Ferrucio Busoni. The concert also includes music by jazz guitarist Daniel Carillo. A native of Hong Kong, Tammy Lum is a graduate of the Eastman School of Music, the Julliard School and Manhattan School of Music, a winner of the Leschetizky Foundation Competition, and made her U.S. solo debut in Carnegie Hall. A freewill offering will be taken and a reception follows. Members are invited to bring their friends. Call Bill Vollinger at 201-391-3519 for further information.

Live Webcast: ELCA Presiding Bishop and a Panel on The 500th Anniversary of the Reformation

O n Oct. 27 at 8 p.m., Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton,

noted Lutheran historian Martin Marty and other panelists will present a live webcast discussing the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. You can tune in by visiting ELCA.org/webcast, where a link to the recorded video will be also be made available after the broadcast. You can also follow along through Facebook Live by visiting Facebook.com/Lutherans. If you would like to submit a question to be considered during the live webcast, send it to livinglutheran@elca.org and provide your name and your congregation’s name, city and state. You may also join the conversation by using #ELCAwebcast on social media.

Another way to give ... and keep giving Have you thought of making sure the church is in your will? Many people choose this way of giving to God’s mission; and it is actually sort of a “deferred giving” plan. They designate a portion of their estate for the church they so loved during their lifetime. If you wish to consider that, discuss it with your financial advisor or contact the church office and we will put you in touch with someone. If you are a Thrivent member, they have advice on deferred giving also.

Lutheran World Federation in Haiti to provide assistance

T he Lutheran World Federation is preparing to assist the communi-ties in Haiti affected by Hurricane Matthew.

With wind speeds of 230 kilometers per hour, Matthew is estimated to be the worst hurricane to hit Haiti in the last 10 years. The main bridge connecting the capital Port-au-Prince to the affected areas in the south has been destroyed, phone and internet lines have been in-terrupted. “The most affected groups are those most vulnerable living in areas along the coast, in low lying areas or close to steep slopes,” says Sylvie Savard, Country Representative in the joint office of LWF and Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe in Haiti. “Many people, especially in rural areas, live in poorly constructed homes that could not stand up to the winds and rains. People have been evacuated to save their lives, but the storm and the floods will have swept away what little they have.” The LWF team is distributing shelter material and hygiene kits. The LWF team, almost all Haitians, is affected as well. Staff members reported that their houses or those of close family were destroyed or severely damaged. “Six years ago they were in the middle of a massive hurricane disaster. Experiencing this situation causes additional stress. We are making sure they receive the support they need, as they are launching an emergency response and at the same time might need to house rela-tives or assist elderly parents,” said Savard. Haiti is situated in a hurricane corridor and on a geological fault line. The country is one of the poorest in the world and extremely vulner-able to natural disaster.

Calendar for November-December November Nov 5 Men’s Breakfast—8am Nov 6 ALL SAINTS DAY SUNDAY Council Meeting Follows Worship Nov 11 No School—Professional Day Nov 13 Coffee Hour (by Laurie Feingold & Cindy Day) Music at Savior—3pm —Pianist Tammy Lum in Recital —Music by Jazz Guitarist Daniel Carillo Nov 20 Congregational Meeting Follows Worship Nov 23/25 No School – Thanksgiving Holiday Nov 24 THANKSGIVING DAY—9:00am Worship Nov 27 ADVENT—New Church Year Begins Lunch and wreath Making Workshop After Church Hosted by Board of Education Nov 28 Dinner and Wreath Making Workshop December Dec 3 Men’s Breakfast—8am Christmas Gala – 6pm Dec 11 Coffee Hour Follows Worship Dec. 16 Nursery School Staff Christmas Party 4—7pm Dec 23/30 No School—Christmas Vacation Dec 24 CHRISTMAS EVE—7pm & 10pm Worship Dec 25 CHRISTMAS DAY—10am Worship

Choir Practice Wednesdays – 6:30pm Adult Bible Study Thursdays – 1pm

Sunday School Ages 2—100+ 8:45am – 9:45am 1st Sunday of Each Month – Food Offerings

From Chalagne... Dear friends in our Lord, I want to thank God – and you – for the amazing and joyful privilege entrusted to me to serve Him as Parish Secretary here at Church of the Savior for 34 years. It was a wonderful place to work! Every day held beautiful treasures of so many precious opportunities to be, in a very small way, a "carrier of God's love." I thank God for the privilege of doing the little things He enabled me to do here, for the glory of God and for the love of His people and for the building of His kingdom here in this place. What a privilege He - and you - entrusted to me in allowing me to serve Him here! And I am so grateful for all the loving hands and kind hearts that worked to hard to plan my special retirement luncheon here on September 11 - God bless you all! God is very good –always! Thank you, everyone.

With love, Chalagne

Mother Teresa said, “Small things, with great love.” A shoe box is small. But we invite you to help us fill it with God’s great love! For many children, this will be the only present they will receive this Christmas.

The Collection starts now! We invite everyone to help bring in empty shoe boxes - and fill them with gifts and health items for children in desperate situations around the world. These boxes, and the Good News of God’s love, will be delivered by Samaritan’s Purse - Operation Christmas Child. Since 1993, more than 70 million shoe boxes have been delivered to children across the globe. You can help by bringing us your empty standard size shoe boxes, or plastic containers. Please give your boxes to the office. Your cash donations will help cover shipping costs. Bring your envelope marked “Christmas Child” to the office, put it in the offering plate, or speak to Joan Baumann.

You can also help by contributing Christmas wrap and the items to go in the boxes (listed below), or you can pack your own box. Everything needs to be here by Nov. 13th, when our Sunday School children will get the boxes packed and ready to mail out. Here’s what we need – and thanks for your help!-Small toys, such as small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, (no violent toys); -Pens, pencils and sharpener, crayons or markers, writing pads, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, etc. -Toothbrush, toothpaste, mild bar soap (in a plastic bag), comb, washcloth, (no liquids) -Hard candy and lollipops (please double bag all candy), mints, gum; no chocolate, please! -T-shirts, socks, ball caps, sunglasses -Hair clips, toy jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries)

Operation Christmas Child – Help us fill 100 empty shoe boxes with God’s love

What has God done for you? And how will you respond?

W e respond with our praise, our prayers, our worship and our service of others. And we respond with our offerings.

“Money” is not worldly; it is very spiritual because how we see our money and how we use it shows what we value and truly care for. This fall we will ask you to pray about what God has given you and we will ask that you consider a pledge to God through the Church of the Savior for the year ahead. This not only helps you “program” your response to God’s love, it helps our leaders further our mission for the coming year. Watch for the pledge card in the mail. Then pray, consider your blessings and the mission of the church.

W e will collect the pledges on Nov. 20—Christ The King Sunday—the Sunday before Thanksgiving.

Worship notes... Our liturgy has a “form,” that is, an order that doesn’t change much. “But!” you say, “It changes all the time.”

Yes. And No. The parts of the liturgy may change, as the hymns change every week; but the basic form remains. Gathering We begin with a gathering ritual. Often it is confession and absolution; although it may be just a greeting and a prayer. We gather as an assembly of people ready to worship. Word The Word of God, present in scripture and sermon and song, is always a part of our liturgy. And we respond to the Word with our prayers and offering. Meal The Sacrament of the Altar, the Lord’s Supper, Holy Communion, the Eucharist—this is the “family meal” of the people of God. In this meal Christ comes to us in the bread and wine that is his body and blood. Our sins are forgiven as we partake and we are “communing” with the Church and the saints of the ages. Sending Having gathered around word and sacrament, we are then sent out into the world with God’s blessing and with the message of the Gospel. We share it with others and we serve others in the name of Jesus. That is the “form” of our liturgy: the gathering, the word, the meal, being sent. Every Sunday.

ARE YOU A FAITHFUL STEWARD?

G od not only expects our financial gifts but he is more impressed when we prioritize our time and talents to serve

him. Church of the Savior has always been a place for people to serve in diverse ways. Please consider adding one new ministry as evidence of your love for God and others. Let it be said, “AS FOR ME AND MY HOUSE, WE WILL SERVE THE LORD” (Joshua 24:15) Ways you can volunteer and serve God and our parish:

Worship: Acolytes Altar Circle Readers Ushers Worship Assistants Adult Choir Worship Band Coffee Hour Ministry Greeter Social Minstries: Walk-In Dinners in Hackensack Dumont Home Ministry (4th Sunday of each month) Shoe Box Ministry – Christmas

Cookie Bake for College Students Christmas Caroling to the Home Bound Easter Egg Hunt CROP Walk Meals for the Sick Advent Wreath Suppers Backpack Ministry Caring Visitor to the Home Bound Caring Telephone Caller Card and Note Sender

Teaching Ministries Men’s Breakfast Men’s Retreat Home Bible Study Groups Adult Bible Class (8:45 on Sundays) Sunday School Teacher Fellowship Events: Christmas Gala Fish Fry (May) Shrove Sunday Pancake Brunch (March) Clean Up Days

Compiled by Head Elder: Cindy Day

Lutherans and Roman Catholics Commemorate the Reformation Together: Sunday, Oct. 30, Grace Lutheran, Teaneck

Come at 4 p.m. for a panel discussion on how we have found “unity” through our “differences;” how we rediscover the Gospel of Jesus Christ together, and how we can serve the world better as fellow

Christians rather than as enemies. Grace Lutheran is at 1200 River Road, Teaneck, just off Route 4.

Church Of the Savior at Annual CROP Walk

O n October 16, Wendy McFarland, Christophe Moderacki, Brenda Moderacki and Ed Moderacki participated in the annual CROP Hunger

Walk in Ridgewood, NJ. Many thanks to our congregation sponsors who contributed over $550! If you haven't had the opportunity to contribute to this cause you may still do so until Sunday, November 6th by contacting Brenda Moderacki or Linda McElroy at Sunday worship service or the Church Office. Checks can be made out to CWS/CROP. CROP Hunger Walks Church World Service , especially grassroots, hunger-fighting development efforts around the world. In addition, each local CROP Hunger Walk can choose to return up to 25 percent of the funds it raises to hunger-fighting programs in its own community. CROP Hunger Walks provide food and water, and resources that empower people to meet their own needs. From seeds and tools, to wells and water systems, to technical training and micro-enterprise loans, the key is people working together to identify their own development priorities, their strengths and their needs something CWS has learned through some 70 years of working in partnership around the world. Check out http://www.crophungerwalk.org on line for more information about CWS and CROP.

Contact Us Church Office

201-261-0420

Church Email

coslutheran@verizon.net

School

201-261-0420

Pastor Austin

201-394-5485

Pastor Austin Email

caustin4@optonline.net

Website

http://churchofthesavior-lutheran.org/

God’s Work, Our Hands

Church of the Savior-Lutheran 643 Forest Avenue Paramus, New Jersey 07652

PLACE STAMP HERE

Romans 3:28

For we hold that a person is justified by faith, apart from works prescribed by the law.