A Welcome Letter
From the Desk of Pastor Andrew
In many ways, Lutheran Church of the Savior is like other churches: we know God's
boundless love for us in Jesus Christ, and we strive to share that love with the world.
What sets us apart in doing so is the people who are Christ's body in this community.
LCS is a community in which individuals can live out their baptismal calls to a variety of
ministries. Some collect supplies to combat local hunger and homelessness; some raise
money for international relief efforts. Some participate in prayer groups; some help
plan and lead worship. Some organize our garage sale, while others organize
community meals, and still others work with our ecumenical partner churches on
Vacation Bible School and Youth Group.
We are a welcoming community where the diverse gifts of each are cobbled together
in the Spirit to produce a vibrant congregation sharing God's love with one another
and the world. As the Pastor, I am lucky to be a part of this ministry. Come check us
out in worship, or give me a call sometime so we can talk about how LCS might
welcome you into our community.
{Insert Signature Here}
Pastor Andrew Tengwall
===========================================
Contact Pastor
Email: lcoskalamazoo@gmail.com
Church Cell Phone: (269)-250-0521
Church Office Phone: (269)-342-0069
Weekly Office Hours: Please call ahead to schedule
Online submission form (goes directly to email): www.lcoskzoo.com/contact_pastor.ht
Top
List
Suggestions from OLD visitors to NEW visitors
Sit next to someone to help navigate the worship service
Sign-in the brown visitor pad on each row, so we know you joined us for worship
(pencil should be inside).
Come to Coffee Hour to mingle with members of the parish and enjoy a warm
brew (immediately after worship)
Introduce yourself to Pastor Andrew, he’d love to meet you!
Visit our website at www.lcoskzoo.com to learn more about the congregation.
Attend Faith Formation to grow your faith (Adult Bible Study on Sundays or
Wednesdays/Children’s Sunday School for the kids)
Make sure you are signed-up to receive the monthly newsletter to keep
informed, call the office at (269)342-0069 or register online at our website. It’s
quite handy!
Interested in becoming an official member of the congregation? Talk to Pastor
Andrew after worship. Interested in more? Look on the website or the monthly
newsletter to learn about the many committees or groups within the church.
Mark Your Calendar
Consistent items to mark down
WORSHIP:
Sundays at 10:00am
FAITH FORMATION:
Sunday School (adults & children)-Sundays at 9:00am
Adult Bible Study-Wednesdays at 6:30pm
Women’s Bible Study (2nd Thursday of ea. Month at 10:00am)
COFFEE HOUR:
Immediately after worship each Sunday at 11:15am
SHARON’s CIRCLE:
3rd Saturday of each month
PRAYER FELLOWSHIP:
1st and 3rd Sundays of each month at 11:30am
SHEPHERD CENTER:
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:00am to 4:00pm
VARIOUS COMMITTEES & GROUPS:
Contact the leader of each committee for date and times (vary)
MONTHLY CALENDAR OF EVENTS:
Found in the weekly bulletin, the monthly newsletter, and on the website at
www.lcoskzoo.com.
“How to…” Guide
FAQs: Navigating the complexities
QUESTION: How do I know when to stand or sit during
worship?
ANSWER: As a new member, there are three tricks to
mastering this dilemma. First, asterisk marks are listed in the
bulletin next to any items we stand for. Second, you can
just look around and follow others. Third, often Pastor will
motion to sit. You may notice some people choose to
remain seated. Some people opt to remain seated for
health and comfort reasons. If you fall into this category,
please do not hesitate to remain seated. Also, if you need
any accommodations for hearing, sitting, or communion,
please see an usher or greeter for assistance.
QUESTION: Why do we have two hymnals and how do I
know which one to sing from?
ANSWER: Next to each listed hymn (song) in the bulletin,
you will find either ELW or WOV prior to the page number.
ELW (the most commonly used hymnal) = Red Hymnal
WOV = Blue hymnal
QUESTION: What is the difference between something listed in the bulletin as a “page”
verses a “No.”?
ANSWER: All hymns (songs) are listed under “Nos.” The “Nos.” are
found in the second half of the red hymnal. “Pages” are found in
the first half.
QUESTION: During the weekly Psalms reading, I cannot locate the
page it is found on. Where can I locate the Psalms?
ANSWER: Oddly, the Psalms are found in the ELW hymnal without
page numbers. However, if you close the book and look at the
pages, the Psalms are listed in order, beginning on the last red tab
(red highlighted page edges). This red edged tab is found about a
third of the way in.
QUESTION: Where do I find the First, Second, and Gospel Readings?
ANSWER: The three weekly readings are located on the back page of the worship
bulletin.
QUESTION: If I have young children, what should I do with them during the service?
ANSWER: At LCOS, we love families and children of all ages. We encourage children to
grow in their faith by being a part of worship. Each week, children may come up for a
brief children’s sermon. Additionally, kids may come up to The Alter for communion to
receive a blessing. Most families find it is easiest to bring coloring pages or small puzzles
to entertain small children. If need be, we have a nursery available for kids in the east
wing of the church (led by Joan Ulmer).
QUESTION: In the bulletin, what is “The Peace?”
ANSWER: “The Peace” is a brief period to reach out to those around
you to greet one another. This is a great opportunity to meet a few
people around you.
QUESTION: In many of the response sections of the worship bulletin,
what do the “Ps”, “Cs”, “Rs” and “As” stand for?
ANSWER:
P: Pastor only reads
C: Congregation reads
A: Assisting minister only
R: Reader only
QUESTION: What should I know about Communion? Am I welcome to take communion
as a visitor or non-Lutheran?
ANSWER: All worshipers are welcome to receive Holy Communion or to come forward
for a blessing. Our congregation uniquely offers Holy Communion every Sunday for
worship. We offer a “common cup” option or an “individual cup” option. The
“common cup” is shared by multiple parishioners. As an individual option, the tiny
clear cups have a red grape juice or white wine. Yes, all are welcome to take
communion.
QUESTION: How do I let someone know I was here?
ANSWER: We would love to follow-up with you and send you a monthly newsletter. In
order for us to do this, write down your name, phone, and address in the brown pad
found at the end of each pew.
QUESTION: How do I find out what goes on beyond Sunday worship?
ANSWER: The best routes are to obtain the current month’s newsletter or to check out
our website at www.lcoskzoo.com.
QUESTION: Do you hold any special services throughout the year?
ANSWER: Yes, special services are held for special religious occasions throughout the
year. Typically, we hold Wednesday evening services leading up to Easter and
Christmas. We also hold a Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve (Candle Service), and an
occasional summertime outdoor service.
QUESTION: Is there any sort of special dress code for worship?
ANSWER: Most people find worship to be very casual place. Most
worshippers wear blue jeans and a button-up shirt or polo.
QUESTION: Do I need to sign-up to attend Sunday School or Adult Bible
Study?
ANSWER: No, just show up.
OTHER POINTS OF INTEREST:
 You may notice a baptismal bowl is found at the entranceway
of the sanctuary. Worshippers may touch the water in the bowl and make a sign
of the cross in remembrance of their baptism.

Audio equipment is available for those requiring hearing accommodations,
please ask.

Let an usher know if you would prefer the worship participants to come to you at
your seat for Holy Communion.

Sign-ups and news are posted on a pillar in the narthex (lobby entrance).

The Children’s Sermon is given by a rotating crew of church members. Each
week, a different person gives the special message to the kids of the parish.

Most of the worship participants are volunteers from the parish: greeters, ushers,
readers, assisting minister, communion assistant, and acolyte.
Frequently Used Terms
The Religious Dictionary
ALTAR: location in the sanctuary where communion and
service is conducted.
BELL CHOIR: musical group of church members that play
hymns using various sized bells.
BULLETIN: the worship itinerary (pamphlet handed out prior to
worship)
CHILDREN’S SERMON: a special message during worship for
young children.
CHOIR: small group within the church that sings special
hymns during pauses in service (typically during offering).
CHURCH COUNCIL: decision-making body of the church, consisting of elected
members who serve two year terms.
COFFEE HOUR: brief shared social time at the end of Sunday worship (in the
fellowship hall).
COMMON CUP: Shared communion cup with wine.
CONGREGATION: group of people who gather for worship (worshippers)
ELW: red hymnal used in worship (acronym for title)
ELCA: Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (acronym)
FAITH FORMATION: term used to describe all church education (adult bible
study, Sunday school)
FELLOWSHIP HALL: the location for the Coffee Hour and other large social
gatherings.
HOLY GOSPEL: third reading during the service, read by pastor. H.G. are the
passages that tell the story of the life of Jesus Christ. The Bible extract comes
from Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
HYMN: song of praise (hymnal: book containing the words and music)
INDIVIDUAL CUP: Small clear cups used during communion with juice (red) or
wine (white) options.
MEAL: portion of service with offering and communion
NARTHEX: the entrance of a church
OFFERING: financial giving during the worship service
ORGAN: large musical instrument that produces sounds at different volumes
using compressed air passed through pipes. Similar appearance to a piano
(Organist: one who plays the organ).
PARISH: another term for the church
PASTOR: minister or priest in charge of a Christian congregation
PEW: the cushioned wooden benches (seats)
PRAYER CHAIN: group within the church that hears submitted prayer requests.
READINGS: Bible passages read aloud by a volunteer reader, the three readings
can be found on the reverse of the worship bulletin ( referred to as “the word”).
RITE OF HEALING: special worship segment for those who suffer from pain or
sickness.
SANCTUARY: the most sacred part of a holy building, where worship is
conducted
SERMON: the weekly religious message provided by the leader of the church.
SUNDAY SCHOOL: consists of Adult Bible Study and Children’s classes. Classes
begin at 9:00 am on Sunday mornings.
THE WORD: Bible passages read aloud, also referred to as “readings”
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL (VBS): week long educational activities conducted in
the evenings during a time slot selected in the summer.
WOV: Blue Hymnal used in worship (Acronym for title)
The Power of Prayer
An Integral Part of Our Faith
At LCOS, we believe in the power of prayer. Prayer is a fixture in our weekly
services and we provide other unique avenues for prayer outside of worship. There are
three ways to share a prayer request(s).
#1: Submit Online
For online prayer requests, fill out an automatic online form (it can be found at
www.lcoskzoo.com/prayer_chain.html) . Your request will then be forwarded to the
LCOS Main Office. Please note that any requests will not be received until the next
business day. The best part of this method is that you can do so from anywhere on the
globe, day or night. You’ll just need an internet connection and a computer.
#2: By Phone
Calling is the best alternative if you do not care to use the online submission form. To
have your prayer concerns placed on the Prayer Chain, please contact Martie
Gates at (269)-623-3970 or the church office at (269)-342-0069.
#3: Use a Pew Card
Prayer concerns may also be directed to the Prayer Fellowship Group, which responds
to the pew prayer cards. Cards may be found on the backside of most pews
during worship services. Just put your card inside the offertory plate when it is passed
around. The Prayer Fellowship Group is led by Joan Ulmer and Richard Dinda and
meets on the first and third Sunday after the worship service (11:30am).
Committees & Groups
Short description of the various committees and groups
Altar Guild: a group of rotating volunteers that coordinates the elements of worship.
Church Council: elected decision-making board of the church. The Council meets
once per month. Members elected to 2 year terms.
Congregational Care: tends to the members of the church that homebound, ill, or in
need. The committee was recently created as a branch of the Outreach Committee
to focus more specifically on internal needs of current members.
Faith Based Wellness: group within church that provides health resources, information,
and testing to members.
Faith Formation: establishes the curriculum and education plans for adult and child
church education programs. Programs include adult and child Sunday school,
Wednesday Adult Bible Study, Confirmation, and Women’s Bible Study.
Fellowship: coordinates events and activities meant to strengthen and grow the
church family.
Finance: establishes and maintains the congregation’s budgetary plans. The
committee pays the bills, reports to the council on the church’s financial status, and
does the ongoing budgeting.
Mutual Ministry: meets monthly with Pastor to serve as an advisory group and to
provide unique perspectives on the gospel.
Outreach: finds ways to reach out to recent or prospective visitors of the church. The
committee seeks to provide the information and communication outside the church
walls.
Prayer Fellowship: meets the first and third Sunday to address the many prayer
requests of the church.
Property: assures that the proper maintenance and care is taken for the building and
surrounding outdoor assets.
Sharon’s Circle: works diligently throughout the year to create prayer shawls and
blankets for special causes.
Social Concerns: meet each month to discuss the philanthropic missions of the church.
According to the 2009 fundraising summary, the Social Concerns Committee raised
over $5,000 for local, national, and global mission initiatives.
Stewardship: works each year to challenge congregation members to give time,
talents, and financially to help the church family thrive.
Women’s Bible Study: a special once per month class for women only, led by Pastor.
Worship: coordinates the plans for the weekly worship services. The committee also
helps to coordinate all special services that occur throughout the year. The group is
responsible for music, liturgy, and scheduling of worship participants.