Gifts and
Attendance for
March 2015
Sunday Average
Attendance...........................161
Wed Average Attendance….90
General Fund...........$24,846.54
Noisy Offering to the Food Bank
at Concordia ………......$202.31
Sign Fund…………..….$890.00
Youth Pastor………..…$850.00
GriefShare………..……..$20.00
Flowers…………………$270.00
Tanzania Mission……...$710.00
Total Giving………...$27,788.85
Membership Changes for
February 2015
Cabot Acts
Our Savior Lutheran Church
Newsletter
April 2015
The President’s Corner
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Easter is almost here! As we continue with Holy
Week, remember that OSL will not have a Wednesday night
service, but will have worship services on Maundy Thursday,
April 2nd (no meal) and Good Friday April 3rd (no meal). OSL
will have multiple worship opportunities Easter Sunday, three
services: (Sunrise Service at 7:00 in the pavilion, 8:30 and 11:00
in the sanctuary), with a hearty breakfast after the 8:30 service
(8:00 for those attending Sunrise Service). There will also be an
Easter Egg Hunt at 10:00 A.M. Come, bring a friend and be
blessed by the Lord’s message about the resurrection of Our Lord
and Savior.
Please continue to pray for the Call Process as OSL
continues the search for a Director of Christian Education or a
Youth Pastor. Pastor Mac and the Call Committee have conducted
Skype and phone interviews with several DCE and Youth Pastor
candidates. The Call Committee is taking it’s time to be sure, with
the Lord's Will, that the right person is chosen to guide the Youth
here at OSL.
New Members: 0
Baptisms: 0
Visitors: 61
Funerals: 1, Shirley Fondren on
Sat., the 28th
The new sign is in place and running. Heather Amerman
is learning the new sign software and will be preparing the
messages shown on the sign. Many thanks to all who contributed
in any way to this project. Most of the major OSL events will be
announced on the sign, but as always, be sure to check the website
www.oursaviorcabot.org or the bulletin board in the hallway for
the dates of all OSL events and activities.
Sometime in May, OSL will have the first congregational meeting of 2015. The Council will give the
congregation an update on how things are going at OSL and will also update the congregation on the status of
the Call Process. The Council will decide on the date and time of the May congregational meeting next week
during the April business meeting, and will post an announcement of the date and time shortly thereafter.
Several OSL families have lost loved ones in the past few weeks and months. Please continue to lift up
in your prayers these friends and family who have experienced losses. While the loss of loved ones are sad and
trying times, we rejoice knowing that one day we will be reunited with them again in heaven. Please keep the
Our Savior Lutheran leadership and Call Committee in your prayers. Our Savior Lutheran is a very loving and
caring congregation and I thank each of you for all you do for our church family. As each of us continues to
grow in our faith, may it be to the glory of God.
Your Servant in Christ,
Jim Cranor
Tanzania Times
I would like to thank the merciful members of Our Savior Lutheran Church for your prayers, cards, words of
encouragement, and donations toward my most recent mission trip to Meatu District, Tanzania. The
evangelism/church planting mission was very fruitful, Praise God!! 1,512 souls came forward as new
Christians and were baptized, and you were an instrumental part of that!!
New parishes will be started as a result and smaller current parishes will grow much larger with follow-up by
area pastors and evangelists to disciple the new Christians in the ELCT (Evangelical Lutheran Church of
Tanzania). We worked with the SELVD (Southeast of Lake Victoria Diocese, HQ in Shinyanga), which was
started three years ago as a result of explosive growth in the ELVD (East of Lake Victoria Diocese, HQ in
Mwanza) and several pastors, bishop, and church workers we have partnered with in the past. What a
reunion it was!!!
Our team consisted of 9 Lutherans from five states: Nebraska, North Carolina, Tennessee, Oklahoma, and
Arkansas, one of them a pastor. We had a blast, despite long hours, a lot of walking, and a tire blowout on the
highway. God’s angels were all around us on that day. We worked in five villages within the Meatu district,
and our hotel was in Meatu town. We were assisted by several in each village – guides, pastor or evangelists,
scribes to record the names of those baptized, the bishop, and two translators, one English to Swahili, and one
Swahili to the native Sukuma tongue. We all were split into 4 groups, and were sent north, south, east and
west inside the villages. What an amazing experience to visit among the Sukuma once again!! We came
across those who were Roman Catholic, Pentecostal, Seventh Day Adventist, African Inland (nondenominational), Muslim, and witchdoctors. So many had never heard the story of Jesus’ love and sacrifice.
They came in droves after hearing the truth, and an average of over 300 per day was baptized.
Baptisms were offered three times per day; this required three trips to the assigned village each day,
scheduled around rest periods and meals: morning, while visiting door-to-door; afternoon, when holding
church “meeting” (service) for all we could invite; nighttime, after the showing of “Jesus,” a very effective
evangelism tool we showed as a movie in which they could learn about the life of Jesus. The film was in
Swahili, but there was also a Sukuma Lutheran interpreter who translated the highlights to those who did not
know Swahili.
The funds of $950.00 you so graciously donated for this mission went to these projects:
1. $100 toward a $330 purchase of beans and rice to the Albino Compound. We were cautioned about
buying too much because the workers in the compound are suspected of taking some of the food
home to their families, instead of going to the children 100% of the time.
2. $200 toward a total of $1200 for the ongoing seminary education in Fort Wayne, IN of Pastor Frank
Mdindi, one of the pastors who hosted us. His education thus far in secondary school and the MTC
(Mission Training Center) was sponsored by Cindy Buckner, one of our team members. This will pay for
one year. The pastors do not receive any salary in the villages.
3. $400 toward the training of an evangelist-to-be for one year to attend the MTC to eventually have his
own church in the absence of a pastor (see below).
4. $200 toward an $1100 “pikipiki,” a motorcycle to Pastor Patrick Zengo, the Meatu district pastor who,
along with two other pastors are in charge of six parishes and 24 subparishes (a total of 30), and must
visit each one by the end of every month to perform weddings, baptisms, sacraments, and other. They
have no form of transportation unless they hitch or ride a bicycle.
This brings the grand total to $900 by Our Savior Lutheran Church. After all our expenses and financial
assistance, the team still had over $500 left, held by the diocese. We asked that this money be used for
famine relief in the Meatu District where the crops are dying. No crops = no food and death.
There are many other great needs and projects within the two dioceses where we have worked:
The Albino Project (more on that next month)
Wells for clean water
Motorcycles for pastors
Evangelist training in the MTCs
Higher education for Tanzanian pastors for seminary in Fort Wayne
Roofs for churches
Bibles
Famine relief in Meatu and Negezi District, where the nearest MTC is
Selling Sukuma arts and crafts to fund pastors’ retirements (currently they receive nothing)
If you feel moved to help support any of these Tanzanian needs, please send your checks to:
LCMS Mid-South District
1675 Wynne Rd.
Cordova, TN 38016
On the memo line, designate “Tanzania” and what project you would like your money to go toward. The
Tanzanian dioceses will be forever grateful, and so will I. Thank you so much.
In Christ,
Laurie Gent
MEN’S BIBLE CLASS
FOR APRIL
The Men’s Bible Class will meet Saturday, April 11th and April 25th. We will meet in the Fellowship Room
from 9:00 am until 10:00 am. Please mark your calendar for those dates and join us as we study about The 23rd
Psalm, Your Good Shepherd. Dates for next month are May 9th and the 23rd . If you have any questions call
Lou Holtman.
OSL F.L.Y. Group Happenings:
F.L.Y. Group: Due to our next discipleship date being on Easter Sunday, we will cancel. All
youth are invited and encouraged to attend the 30 hour famine on April 10-11. This is a
partnership with World Vision to raise awareness and funds for hungry children around the
world.
Congregation, please prayerfully consider donating $35 to the youth for the 30 Hour Famine
Project. The funds raised will go to World Vision. Checks should be made out to the OSL
Youth. The youth will also have a car wash on Saturday, April 11, from 10am to 2pm. For any
questions regarding this, please contact Maria Orr at 501-920-8313.
Renews items for April will be canned goods and boxed meals. Thank you for your
continued support of this community outreach mission.
PRAYER MINISTRY
And as he (Jesus) taught them, he said, “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer
for all nations’?” (Mark 11: 17).
Our Savior Prayer Ministry is now underway. Brief prayers are being offered to God prior to worship
services. People are in place to go to homes of those who are ill or are caregivers who are unable to
attend worship. If this service is needed, call the church at 605-8082 and two people will be
scheduled to come to your home and pray with you.
If you would like to volunteer for this ministry please call the office and leave your name and phone
number and the prayer ministry coordinator will contact you.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus-Love, Love, Love
SUNDAY ADULT BIBLE CLASS
10:00 am to 10: 50 am Fellowship Room
Please join us!
Pastor Mac presented a “participation” series a few months ago. Please prayerfully consider
how you could assist in one (or more) of these areas. Contact the office, your Elder or a council
member for more information. Highlighted are areas we need help in IMMEDIATELY!







Altar team
o Set-up/ cleanup for communion
o Flowers
o Banners
o Christmas decorating/ un-decorating
o Easter decorating/ un-decorating
Media team
o Run slides/computer / sound board for services
o Help with advertising
o Help keep computers/network running
Nursery
o Care for kids during services
Christian Ed
o Christian Ed Chairperson/Co Chair
o Sunday school teacher/ substitute or classroom helper
o Special Events Coordinator VBS volunteer/ or Harvest fest or Easter fest
 Leader
 Food
 Crafts
 Decorating
o Work with youth/ youth programs (and a new youth Pastor or DCE)
Fellowship
o Clean-up after services, set up for fellowship time
o Picnics and fish fry’s & pre service meals (Lent/Advent)
 Setup. Clean up/ Cooking (grilling)
o Checking supplies—note what is needed Plate, bowls, plastic wear, coffee, paper towels, etc.)
Griefshare
o Set-up/ clean-up
o Fellowship (light food /coffee, tea)
o Griefshare Facilitator
o Advertising/ coordination for event
Properties
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o


Yard care team (Lawn mowing & edging/ weed spraying, fertilizing)
Leaf (gumball) and branch cleanup
Roundup (spraying grass/weed killer) parking lots, asphalt and gravel)
Trimming bushes/ weeding flowerbeds and hedges/ watering as needed
Painting Inside and outside

Outside doors, classroom and front Hallway all needed now)

Wood “bridge” between Fellowship Hall and Classrooms needs paint/sealing)
Minor repairs (toilets/ faucets)
Major work—door replacements, tile and carpet replacement
Checking lights and replacing burned out bulbs (inside and outside)
Checking smoke alarms (replacing batteries) and Exit signs
Trash disposal (after events and weekly)—gather trash from trashcans, bag and take to large outside can—bring large cans to curb
for trash pickup/ return cans after pickup
Checking/ changing HVAC filters quarterly
Check door locks/ lubricate/adjust as needed (door / locks knobs come loose)
Clean leaves/debris from drain between kitchen/Fellowship Hall and Classrooms
Checking supplies—note what is needed (toilet paper, paper towels, cleaning supplies etc.) for purchasing agent
Organize and clean out storage areas
Trash cleanup (from front/side ditches and yard)
Usher/ Greeters
o Hand out bulletins, big print hymnals, help with lights, etc
o Acolytes ( lighting candles)
o Check that thermostats are set appropriately before/after services
o Ensure building is open before and locked up after services, trash gathered
Several Council Officers and team helpers are needed
o Vice President (to become President following year) both people stayed in position because of lack of
volunteers)
o Evangelism/ Outreach helpers
o Christen Ed Chairperson
Website/Social Media
Please "like" our page & get scriptures, event updates, or an encouraging word.
Please “like” & "SHARE" posts & especially any events on your own page,
so we may continue to reach more people, especially in our community!
"EACH ONE REACH ONE"
God’s Blessings, Heather Amerman & Colleen Godley
Sunday Fellowship Schedule
SET UP (Before 8:30 a.m.)
CLEAN UP
April 5
Easter Breakfast
April 5
Everyone
April 12
Patsy Lackie
April 12
Susan Buser
April 19
Cindy Dahnert
April 5
Denia Murphy
April 26
Pat Taylor
April 26
Terry Bledsoe
Joy Group
Unfortunately the Garvin Gardens trip had to be cancelled. With a death of one of our members, it was appropriate to
cancel. We will try again next year.
For April—with all the Easter activities, I propose a Movie/Game night/ Potluck at OSL Fellowship Hall. A date has not
been set, but the third weekend-Saturday, 18 April or Sunday 19 April after third services suggested. Please pass your
input to the Valdez family ( I will be out of state). Mark and Karen have kindly agreed to coordinate this event. I am
sure they would appreciate any help anyone is willing to give them.
For May—Mark and Karen Valdez have proposed a BBQ/Cookout at their place (they are now living in Cabot-near
Knight’s grocery store). They will provide the meat and ask folks to bring side dishes/deserts The proposed date is
Saturday, 16 May from 4:00 PM until ????
For June—looking at another trip to Murray’s Dinner theater for another dose of “The Church Basement Ladies.” This is
the same comedy theme of the last show, but is a NEW show. The proposed date is Saturday, 13 June for dinner and a
show. Much more to follow on this after I get to talk with Murray’s to get date, time, and Group rate setup.
Did You Know—OSL Properties update and info
I got a good response from my last article and appreciate all the inputs. Several folks asked me to state the
settings for the thermostats when areas are not being used—so here it is--- 62 winter or 78 summer is a good
place to set them. Please also shut off lights and close doors between the zoned heat/cooling areas.
The sign is installed—and I have heard a lot of comments—almost all of them positive! Heather is doing a
great job putting messages together for the sign. She is still learning all the finer details of the program—BUT
already we are touching the community and helping put OSL on the map. The last thing to finish this project
will be to dig out the old sign foundation and re-dig the parking lot cut, fill both with concrete. And then repaint the parking spaces. This will probably be done in May. Also the flower bed will be re-leveled and mulch
spread over the area.
All of the toilets in the women’s bathroom have been fixed (new fill and flush valves and new seals)—
hopefully that has resolved the running toilets and hard flush problem.
Now for the DID YOU KNOW
It is time to refresh/ re-mulch flowerbeds before the hot summer. If you have winter plants (decorative kale,
pansies, etc.)—they will need to be replaced with plants for spring/summer. With the late cold weather, they
may still look OK, but the summer plants should be put in now to establish a good root system before the hot
days begin. If you have some time—the Garden Team could use your help to do exactly this for our OSL flower
beds. See Jim Marg if you would like to help. And IF YOUR TALENT ISN”T in the garden BUT you still want to
help—still see me—there are several programs at OSL that still need helpers!!!
My inputs—God Bless
Jim
Kroger gives back to the community & ministries
we support like Options Pregnancy Center & ReNew Community Center?
If you shop at Kroger PLEASE read this.
A Kroger card not only gives you discounts & the capability of earning points; but it gives non-profit
organizations the ability to earn points as well. It’s a community rewards program. Kroger WILL NOT
take points from you or your account, Kroger simply gives points to the group you choose & sends
them a check every quarter. You can support a ministry in a super easy way & it won’t cost you a
dime! Here’s what you need to do: Go to: https://www.kroger.com/communityrewards,
sign into your account or create one if you do not have one.
Then you may search & select an organization.
If you’d like to choose Options PC to receive points use 81308 as their code #
or select “A Woman’s Place” (former name).
IT’S THAT EASY! Now every time you make a purchase with your Kroger card you are donating!!!
If you would like to order lilies to decorate the sanctuary on Easter Sunday an
envelope has been placed on the bulletin board in the hall.
The cost is $10. Easter Sunday is April 5th this year.
Directory Update
Please remember the church mailing address is:
Our Savior Lutheran Church, 301 S. Pine St., Cabot, AR 72023
Important Dates in April
April 1…………………………………………. Men’s Breakfast at Cheryl’s Diner 8am
April 2…………………….…………………………. Maunday Thursday service 7pm
April 3…...…………………………………………………….Good Friday service 7pm
April 4……………………………………………………………GriefShare 9am-11am
April 5… Easter worship service 7am in the pavilion, 8:30 & 11am in the sanctuary
April 5................................………Easter Breakfast 8am, then again 9:30thru 11am
April 5……………………………………………………………Easter Egg Hunt 10am
April 7…………………………………………..…………. Ladies Bible Study 9:30am
April 7.....………………………………………….………………….……Al-Anon 7pm
April 8....….…….….………………………...Men’s Breakfast at Cheryl’s Diner 8am
April 8 ……………………………………….………….Church Council Mtg. 6:30pm
April 8…………………………….……………………………………Elders Mtg. 7pm
April 10…………………………….……Youth 30 Hour Famine Lock-in begins 5pm
April 11……………………….…….……Youth 30 Hour Famine Lock-in over 10pm
April 11……………………..……LWML Spring Rally at First Lutheran in Little Rock
April 11………………………………………Youth Car Wash Fundraiser 10am-2pm
April 14…………………………………………………… Ladies Bible Study 9:30am
April 14....………………………………………….………………….……Al-Anon 7pm
April 14…………………………………………………………..…………..LWML 7pm
April 15....….…….….………………………...Men’s Breakfast at Cheryl’s Diner 8am
April 15………………………………………………….Confirmation resumes 6:30pm
April 21…………………………………………………… Ladies Bible Study 9:30am
April 21....………………………………………….………………….……Al-Anon 7pm
April 22....….…….….………………………...Men’s Breakfast at Cheryl’s Diner 8am
April 22…………………………………………………………….Confirmation 6:30pm
April 25…………………………………………………………..Men’s Bible Study 9am
April 28………………………………..…………………… Ladies Bible Study 9:30am
April 28....………………………………………….………………….……Al-Anon 7pm
April 29....….…….….………………………...Men’s Breakfast at Cheryl’s Diner 8am
April 29…………………………………………………………….Confirmation 6:30pm
April
Birthdays
Edward Sims, Jr.
Cinna Peterson
Joshua Amerman
Lanie Grace Richter
Jeremy Godley
Clyde Bockelman
Matthew Cookro
Kevin Hamilton
Analiegh Anderson
Lacie Young
Carolyn Saddler
Taylor Sims
Mackenzie Drozd
Sandra Cookro
Len Bjerken
J.P. Sellers
Patty Yetmar
4/3/2003
4/7/2001
4/13/1989
4/13/2004
4/18/2012
4/18/2013
4/20/2005
4/26/1999
4/27/1995
1
2
3
7
8
9
13
13
18
18
19
20
26
27
28
29
29
Marty & David
Sellers
Dave & Becky
Woods
Joe & Alanna Young
2
10
13
OSL Featured Member Business Directory
Tutoring
Sandra Cookro
501-259-9092
The Electric Chair
Shirley Fields 605-3620 & Mendy Grace
606-9146
MARY KAY PRODUCTS
Cheryl Cookro
Independent Consultant
259-4100
The Wardrobe
Consignments of all kinds
32 S. Pine, Suite 5
Denia Murphy
501-941-1514
(also on facebook)
Piano Lessons
Cheryl Cookro
259-4100
Our Savior Lutheran Church
A Place of Encouragement
This church is filled with “humble servants”. People who do big things,
people who do little things. People who do work behind the scenes, or work
that is front and center. The point is this: We’re blessed to have such
faithful servants and are encouraged as individuals to notice them. As we
do, the body of Christ here at Our Savior builds itself up in love. Sooo, look
around and take notice of the incredible servants here. Seek them out and
offer words of affirmation. Hebrews 3: 13 says, “But encourage one another
daily as long as it is called today.”
Join Us for Worship
8:30 & 10:00 a.m. Traditional Worship
10:00 a.m. Sunday School &Adult Bible Classes
11:30 a.m. Blended Worship Service