OUR SAVIOR LUTHERAN CHURCH AND SCHOOL “Serving Christ—Serving Others—Changing Lives”

December 17, 2017

Weekly Newsletter

Our Savior Offers Three Services on Sunday Morning 8:00 & 11:00 a.m. Traditional Liturgical Worship Services with Holy Communion

9:30 a.m. “Shout for Joy” Contemporary Worship and Praise with Holy Communion

In Sympathy Our Christian sympathy is extended to the family of Cindy Yadgaroff who died in the Lord on December 7

th at the age of 67 following a long

battle with cancer. Roland Forstner, long time member of Our Savior and a former congregational president, died this past week in Atlanta. He is survived by his wife Sue and two sons, Mark and Brian. The boys attended our pre-school and Lutheran Central and were confirmed at Our Savior. Roland spent 41 years as a pilot, for Pan Am and then Delta. Funeral will be at the National Cemetery in Atlanta on Tuesday.

Hospitalized or Surgery Duane Srot undergoing neurosurgery on his neck on Tuesday, December 19

th.

Please Keep the Following Members in Prayer: David, Marianne & Michael DeMinck, Roger Detwiler, Debbie Holub, Pastor Ed Nicklas, Luke Strang, Marilyn Gruenbaum, Pastor Rader, Rene Cucci, Rick and Maria Ullery, Jodi Waldron, Barbara Fischer, Wayne Reinhardt, Linda Burkhardt, Phil and Mary Jane Neils, Shawna Cartwright, Al and Val Perry, Josie Rivera-Abdo, Jim Cucci, Debra Bele, Dolores Camillio, Michael Hea, Rolf Fischer,

Nursing Home/Assisted Living/ Rehab. Assisted Living: Lillian Velez, Ted and Shirley Ray, Dorothy Hanser, Ken O’Brien, Marlene Venable. Rehabilitation at home: Sarah Tabor, Dolores Bethmann.

Flowers that adorn our chancel this morning were given by: Michael and Betty Hea in loving memory of their daughter Suzanne Lynn Hea.

Other Prayer Requests Pastor Moore as he leads our congregation as interim pastor, our call committee, leadership, former pastors and vicars of Our Savior, missionaries, chaplains, police, & firefighters. OSLS and Mirror Lake Elementary School, LifeNet4 Families, Food for the Poor, Mission Haiti, Alzheimer’s Association, Bold Justice, Wycliffe Bible Translators, Our nation and its leaders, president and all people in armed services. Members & Family in the Armed Services Austin Simms ( nephew of Mitch and Kim VanSant) in Germany, Anthony Valladares in Parris Island, Jorge Alberto-Peralta (son of Jorge Peralta) in Saudi-Arabia. Nicholas Mink (grandson of Allan and Jan Mink), stationed at Great Lakes Naval Station, IL, Ingrid Mink (granddaughter of Allan& Jan Mink) in South Korea. Jessica Lee (niece of Randy &Lynne Steinbeck) in Germany. Matthew Osborne (grandson of David & Marianne DeMinck) deployed (undisclosed location), Kyle Thornton, (grandson of Susan George-Kenyon) Air Force . Members: Brian Strang in USA West Point, Us Army Garrison. Jonathan Brown in Ft. Campbell. Brandon Edelstein in Japan. Steven Morrison in Dayton, Ohio. Scott Tucek in Germany, Troy MacLean in Paris Island-Marines

HELPERS NEEDED!!

On Sat., Dec. 23rd

the Altar Guild will be preparing the church for Christmas. Many

poinsettias will be delivered and we will also be putting the candelabras up and getting all

the Christmas bulletins ready. Need lots of help! Please join us at 10:00 a.m. on the 23rd.

CHRISTMAS EVE Sunday, Dec. 24

th

5:00 p.m.

“Families with Children”

“Candlelight Service”

Includes a message geared for children.

AND

7:00 p.m. “Traditional Candlelight Service”

CHRISTMAS DAY Monday, Dec. 25

th 10:00 a.m.

ONE SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP Sunday Dec. 24th at 10:00 a.m.

Fourth Sunday of Advent

ONE SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP Sunday, December 31st at 10:00 a.m.

This Week at a Glance

Sun. 12/17

3rd

Sunday of Advent

Back to Church Sunday

Services 8:00, 9:30 & 11:00 a.m.

Adult Bible Class 9:30 a.m.

Sunday School Christmas Program 9:30am

Fellowship Breakfast

Mon 12/18

Women’s Group Christmas Party 7 pm

Tues. 12/19

Wed. 12/20

Bible Brunch 10:30 a.m.

Handbell Practice 6:00 p.m.

Advent Service 7:00 p.m.

Thurs. 12/21

Fri. 12/22

Last half day of school till January 9th

Church Office Closed at Noon

Sat. 12/23

Need helpers at 10:00 a.m. to set up the

church for Christmas!!

Sunday 12/24

4th Sunday of Advent

One Morning Service 10:00 a.m.

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES

5:00 PM AND 7:00 PM

Monday December 25th

10:00 a.m. Christmas Service

Merry Christmas!

&

Sunday December 31st

One Morning Service 10:00 a.m.

SPOKE FOLK CONCERT 5:00 P.M.

SPOKE FOLK CONCERT – SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31ST 5:00 P.M.

You are invited to share in the ministry of Spoke Folk, who will bike here to share their faith using music, drama and puppets. The group will be spending the night at Our Savior and the Children and Youth Ministry is providing a dinner for them. If you can make a dessert for the group please see the sign -up sheet at the guest center. To learn more about Spoke Folk please visit: www.spokefolk.org

THANK YOU Judy Detwiler sends her heartfelt thanks to the congregation for the prayers, calls, and cards she received upon the death of her mom.

OUR RESPONSE TO GOD’S LOVE IN CHRIST

As measured by our church attendance:

These numbers represent Jan. – Dec.

Average Sunday Attendance 217

Average Last Year 248

Attendance 12/10/2017 536

(Elementary/MS Christmas Program at 11:00)

Midweek Advent Service attendance 30

Fabulous Christmas Concert on Dec. 9th 77

Please join us for the Advent Midweek Service on Wednesday, December 20th at 7:00 pm. It's fine to prepare your house for Christmas by decorating, and it's fine to prepare for Christmas by purchasing and wrapping gifts for the people you love, but what about preparing your heart to celebrate Christmas? You're welcome to join our Wednesday chapel services at 8:30 am, but this year we'll be offering evening services

as well. Please plan to come!

Ladies, mark your calendar for

December 18th starting at 7:00 pm. This

is the date for our next Women’s Group

Christmas Social. There will be games,

food and lots of fun. This year our gift

exchange will be kitchen Christmas

linens, tea towels, pot holders, aprons,

etc. If you would like to participate in

the exchange, wrap up something

festive and join in all the fellowship.

This should get us all in the Christmas

spirit!

Our next Book Club meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 4th, at 6:30 p.m.

We will be discussing “The Poisonwood Bible” by Barbara Kingsolver.

Contact Carol Tucek for more information:

ctucek@bellsouth.net

Hi! My name is Megan Strubbe and this is my 22

nd year teaching 3 year olds at Our

Savior Lutheran School. I taught 4 year olds my first year and also spent 2 years assisting Mrs. DePasquale in the Kindergarten classroom. Let me tell you a little bit about myself. I grew up in Michigan and Illinois, and after graduating from high school, I attended Northern Illinois University. I then moved to Florida to finish school and have lived here ever since. I married my husband, Pete, in 1981 and we have three married daughters who all live in Florida. Although I went to college for fashion and business, it was after having my children that my career path changed when I realized how much I loved nurturing and teaching children. To me, every year is a new beginning and brings new opportunities to make positive differences in the lives of young children. For this I am very thankful.

Getting to Know Our Teachers

Stars of the Week K – David Faux (not pictured) 1 – Manbir Cheema 2/3 –Nyla Tobias (not pictured) 4 – Madison Jones 5 – Giuliano Natale

MS – Katie Harter

CHRISTMAS BREAK

December 22nd at noon until

Tuesday, January 9th

MERRY CHRISTMAS

TO OUR SCHOOL FAMILIES!

THANK YOU SUNDAY SCHOOL STAFF AND STUDENTS! Thank you to all of our Sunday school students for telling us the Christmas Story

this morning at the 9:30 service. A special note of thanks to our Sunday school teachers who share Christ with our

children faithfully each and every week! Thank you for the joy you bring to God’s Word, inspiring our children to learn more!

Tammy Weidner – Children and Youth Ministry Chair Ellen Clark – Superintendent Jennifer Strickman -3rd-6th grade Preston Strickman, Assistant Ellen Clark – P-K – 2nd grade Drew Clark, Assistant

THANK YOU SO MUCH!! On behalf of our servicemen and women overseas, we want to thank the congregation and students of Our Savior Lutheran Church and School for your overwhelming outpouring of Christmas Cards and beautiful Christmas Artwork. We know from previous experience that these personal expressions from our congregation and our students touch the hearts of our soldiers as few other things can. Each message is a special gift from God through you to them. We thank you for your goodness and wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year! Lynne Steinbeck and Karen Walbridge Military Overseas Support Team – M.O.S.T.

Thank you to our Praise Team for the beautiful Christmas Concert they put on last Saturday, under the direction of Guy Shepherd. This team is so incredibly talented and they give of their time and talents for the Glory of God each week at our “Shout for Joy” service. Helena DeTorres,Christina Flahive, John-Paul Gonzalez, Christian Meskie, Cheryl Moore, Julian Sanchez, Jesira Rodriguez, and Nancy Volz,.

Dec. 17, 2017 Prayer Letter

Prayers may be emailed to jwithers@oursaviorplantation.org

(All anonymous prayers Are given to the Pastor)

WE GIVE THANKS AND PRAISE TO GOD

FOR HIS BLESSINGS “Praise the Lord for the glory of his name;

worship the Lord because He is holy.” Psalm 29:2

“Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together.” Psalm 34

Roberta Little offers praise and thanksgiving to our Almighty God that His mercies are new everyday. Judy Detwiler offers a prayer of thanks that the Lord met Cindy this past week.

WE PRAY FOR GOD’S HEALING TOUCH Ann Papp prays, “Dear God, wrap Your arms around Debra and family as she recovers from back surgery. Give them Your strength and comfort at this time.” Janice Landers requests prayers for her grandson, Michael, Jr. He is having a difficult time. Prayers for his parents that they stay strong in the Lord. He is our strength. Colin & Ginette Orrett seek prayers for the health of Brodie. The Weidners request prayers for all those traveling this holiday season. God, please keepthem safe. Kathryn, Phoebe, and Greyson pray for peace on earth. Norma Miller asks for continued prayers for healing for Claudette and Tessie. The Doeringers seek prayer for Rebecca Sheller, Lee Sheller, Tim Sheller, Rachel Sheller, and Ida Havasi. Christine Khan asks for prayers for peace and guidance for Christine & Jared. Neville & Dorothy Morrison request prayer for their brother-in-law, Jerry, who is recovering from a roll over accident & has traumatic brain injury.

Marilyn Gruenbaum asks for prayer for Dolores Bethman and for inmates to find Jesus as their Savior and retain their faith when released. Karen Walbridge asks for prayers of healing and encouragement for her Uncle Wayne in Michigan,Phil Neils, Allan Mink, Michael Hea . Val Perry, Barbara Fischer and Warren Hussey. Debra Beck requests prayer for her dad and his depression after the death of his wife. Also prayers for our new pastor. God bless. Ed Marshburn prays for continued healing of hearts and bodies of family & friends. Lisa Moore seeks continued prayer for her parents, Walter & Marlene Reimer, now under 24 hour care at home in Michigan. Altagracia Perdomo seeks prayer for Angel and her husband, Aresmendi. Aunt Joan seeks prayers for all victims of hurricane Harvey, Irma and Maria- continued prayers for her friends/family in England and for Norma. Prayers also for Jackie, my niece in Colorado and all other family in Colorado. Carol Tucek seeks continued prayer for a speedy recovery for Jim after a heart procedure and continued prayer for less pain for Rene. Beverly Embrack prays, “Thank God For many blessings. Thanks Mrs. Judy Detwiler, She prays for healing for Roger Detwiler, Gail Cummings-Day, and Ann Marie Thompson. Thanks in the name of Jesus Christ Our Lord.” Judy Detwiler prays for healing for Debra Bele, Dolores Bethmann, Rick Ullery, Sandy Heinie, Barbara, Fischer, Marlene Venable, Val & Al Perry, Judy Bontrager, Esther Mastrullo, Ken O’Brien, Gloria Volz, Peter Geisler, Amy Mathis, Jim Kreissler, Philip Neils, Mary Hackney, Phyllis Trafzer-Hill, Aunt Joan, Betty Hea, Kathleen Mathis, Louise Acton, Pastor Rader, Luke Strang, Dawn Schaffner, Marie Shanahan, Al King, Tyler DrePaul, Richie & Marilyn Cannezzarro, Nancy Volz, Ruth McVey, Amy Bontrager, Lillian Velez, Sheila Dix, Marie DrePaul,

Arlene Kleimeier, June Portner, Shirley and Ted Ray, Dorothy Hanser, Edna Wesley, Marianne, Dave & Michael DeMinck, Larry & Kristen McVey, Ellie & Amy Mathis, Glenda Strang, Sarah Tabor, Sue & Joe Franjione, Marie Wood, Lollie Sollanek, Harriette Leslie and Jane Sird. Less pain for Roger Detwiler. John and Glenda Strang request prayer for Glenda’s brother, Charles , Jesse Slankas and Lena who have cancer and need prayers for healing; prayers for Pastor Ed and Jane Nicklas, Pastor Medley, our sister-in-law Brenda Salter having liver issues, Gloria Volz, Nancy Volz, Roger and Judy Detwiler, Marilyn Gruenbaum, Amy Mathis, Jim Kreissler, Barbara Fischer. Prayers for our church and our country. Mrs. Holden from our school, Please keep my mother Velma Russell (Machaela's grandmother) on the prayer list. She will be starting Chemo next Tuesday. She will have to go into the hospital for 4 days every 3 weeks for the administration of the chemo. She will have 4 - 6 treatments. I am sure with God's guidence and prayers we will get thru this again. WE PRAY FOR GOD’S COMFORT, GUIDANCE, AND BLESSINGS “He gives strength to the weary and increases

the power of the weak.” Isaiah 40:29 The Family of OSLC pray for the lost to return to the Lord, for continued prayers for the Nicklas family, for OSLC/S as we remain open for all the Lord has for us to do, for the Holy Spirit’s support on our Pastoral call process and healing for our nation. Roberta Little prays that the Holy Spirit will set our hearts ablaze! And prays for the pastor God is preparing for us. Gerry Gruenbaum requests continued prayer for “Hope Women’s Center and their work to save the lives of unborn babies from the holocaust of abortion, the leading cause of death in America ,& prayer for the care for the mothers of these children.”

Al & Val Perry ask for continued prayers for their granddaughter, Courtney, and her two precious little girls, Laila and Ariana, to have the God of hope in their lives. Our prayers are bearing fruit and for that we are thankful! Marie Shaw writes, “Please keep Tyler in prayer. Please pray for Wayne & Marie as they are starting a new life together. Thanks Lord.” Debra Beck asks for prayers for OSLS and its staff. Rhoda Monaco writes, “Pray continually for all the sheep that have gone astray that they will respond to God’s call to bring them home. Karen Walbridge asks for prayers for the safety of all law enforcement officers, firefighters and for our military that the Lord will wrap His loving arms around them and keep them safe from harm.

BIRTHDAYS and ANNIVERSARIES December 17

th – 23

rd

Happy Birthday! 18

th Ian Bhalai, 19

th Kimberly Colburn,

Carol Dieck, 20th Kaitlyn Burkhardt,

Michael Koontz, 21st Belinda Aguilar,

Ellen Hornacek, 22nd

Robert Losier, 23

rd Kelly Concannon, Neville Morrison

Happy Anniversary! 17

th Harold & Christine Rodriguez 11 years

18th Michael & Kaitlyn Thielen 1 year

20th Harry & Caitlin Haeseker 10 years

23rd

Gordon & Anneli Liebig 25 years

Contact Us at:

Our Savior Lutheran Church 8001 Northwest 5th Street Plantation, Florida 33324

Office - 954.473.6888 Fax – 954-473-6895

e-mail: church@oursaviorplantation.org

Web site: www.oslplantation.church

Jeffery Moore, Interim Pastor revjcmoore@gmail.com

Jan Withers, Admin. Assist. jwithers@oursaviorplantation.org

Facebook.com/olsPlantation

(Updates will be made weekly)

Monday- Tuesday January 1st – 2nd Offices Closed

Wednesday, January 3rd

NO Bible Brunch - NO Bell Choir Thursday, January 4th

Book Club 6:30 p.m. Saturday, January 6th

Un-decorating the church 10-12 Tuesday, January 9th

School Resumes Wednesday, January 10th

Bible Brunch Resumes Bell Practice Resumes Monday, January 15th

Offices Closed/Martin Luther King Jr. Day

VISIT OUR WEBSITE at www.oslplantation.church Watch Sermons, Events Calendar, Weekly Newsletter, a Link to our Facebook Page. You can even make your donations through the website.

“The only blind person at Christmastime is he who has not Christmas in his heart.” —Helen Keller “Jesus took his place in a manger so that we might have a home in heaven.” —Greg Laurie “The most incredible thing about miracles is that they happen.” —G.K. Chesterton, by way of Father Brown “One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas Day. Don’t clean it up too quickly.”

—Andy Rooney

The perfect gift Do you stress about finding just the right gift for everyone on your Christmas list? Does it make the season more a hassle than a joy? Pastor Mike Slaughter reminds us that Christmas isn’t about perfect presents for people, as if it were their birthday — or ours. Christmas is about the perfect presence of Immanuel, God with us, through the birth of Jesus; it’s his birthday, after all! In Christmas Is Not Your Birthday (Abingdon), Slaughter writes, “How funny that it can be so hard to find gifts that will please certain family members or friends — the people who seem to have everything — and yet it is so clear what the Lord of lords and King of kings wants for his birthday. God wants you — your time, your talent and your treasure — used in service to others.”