1860 Wisconsin Street
Oshkosh, WI 54901
Our Savior’s Lutheran
Church ELCA
920-235-4850
www.oursaviorsoshkosh.org
FEBRUARY 2016 BELLRINGER
Lent and Easter 2016
Ash Wednesday: February 10th
6-7am. Come any time during this hour for brief prayer and imposition of ashes.
11am-12 noon. Come any time during this hour for brief prayer and ashes.
6:30 pm. Ash Wednesday service with imposition of ashes and Holy Communion
Midweek Lenten Services
Wednesdays: Living into our Baptisms
5pm. Confirmation class
5:30-6:30 pm soup supper
6:30 -7pm Service
7pm Bible study continues in Lent
Sundays in Lent: The Road where Faith is Found. Our Lenten Journey 2016
We will be giving each member of our faith community a Lenten devotional book and a
pocket prayer shawl. Each Sunday will also include the chance to bring a written
confession of sin to be placed on the nails of our Lenten cross. These papers will be burned
on Good Friday.
Palm/Passion Sunday is March 20th
We will be doing a dramatic reading of the Gospel (no acting or costumes required) and
need 9 readers, male and/ or female. See Pastor Jan
Holy Week
Maundy Thursday, March 24th, 7:00pm. This meaningful service includes the opportunity
to come forward to hear individual words of forgiveness and absolution, and receive
communion as we hear the story of the Last Supper. At the end of the service, the altar and
chancel are stripped.
Good Friday, March 25th, 7:00pm. This is a service of scripture and prayer where we
hear the story of Jesus on the cross. At the end, we will burn our written confessions of sin.
Easter Sunday is March 27th! Alleluia, He is Risen, Indeed!
An Easter breakfast will be shared before our 9am service. Details in the March Bellringer!
1|P age
A Lenten word from your pastor
I suspect that you have heard what I am going to say before, but I won’t let that keep me
from saying it, of course.
I’m not in favor of giving anything up for Lent.
It isn’t my practice.
Instead, I’d like to suggest that we add something for Lent…. to add a spiritual practice to
help us understand how near God is to all of us.
This year, we have a number of opportunities to do just that.
We will be giving each one of you a Lenten daily devotional book (written by seminary
students at Luther Seminary in St Paul, MN) along with a pocket prayer shawl made especially for
you by the knitters and crocheters of this congregation.
Ash Wednesday is February 10th. For those of you who don’t drive at night, or would like
to receive ashes before work, you are welcome to come to the sanctuary anytime between 6-7am
or 11am and noon for brief prayers and to receive the cross of ashes on your forehead.
The traditional Ash Wednesday service is at 6:30pm and includes imposition of ashes and
communion. This unique service begins our observance of Lent.
There will be midweek Lenten services each Wednesday in Lent thereafter, with Soup
suppers 5:30-6:30 and a service from 6:30-7pm.
Our Sunday services in Lent will have an additional devotional practice of bringing written
anonymous confessions of sin up to the wooden Lenten cross. On Good Friday, we’ll burn the
sins…remembering in this what Jesus did for our sin on the cross.
Another idea for adding a devotional practice during Lent would be to try out the
Wednesday Bible studies at 10am or 7pm, or one of the WELCA circles’ Bible studies.
I close by quoting from Acts 17:28, a verse that is rich with the promises of God. Paul is
speaking to the people of Athens who have made an altar to the ‘Unknown God’ and he tells them
that this god is the Lord….”so that they would search for God and perhaps grope for him and find
him—though indeed he is not far from each one of us.”
Lenten blessings, dear sisters and brothers in Christ!
Pr Jan
2|P age
2016 Council Members
Our Mission
 Believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior
 Belong to His community of faith
 Become servants of the Gospel in the world
Our Staff Members:
Pastor:
The Reverend Jan Veseth
Email: jveseth@gmail.com
Home Phone: (920) 479-5554
Cell Phone: (309) 721-4190
Office Hours: Mondays, 9am – 11am;
1pm - 4pm.
Call for appointment at other times.
Pastor’s day off on Fridays.
Church Secretary: Ivy Schears
Email: o u r s a v o s h @ s b c g l o b a l . n e t
Phone: (920) 235-4850
Office Hours:
Monday 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
Wednesday 7:30 am – 1:30 pm
Friday 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
Music Ministry:
Custodian:
President:
Lynn Harron
Chair of Personnel Committee
Email: Lkharron913@gmail.com
Phone: (920) 252-3318
Vice President:
Robin Grable
Chair of Education Committee
Email: scrrg@sbcglobal.net
Phone: (920) 379-6063
Secretary:
Corky Abraham
Email: corkyabraham@gmail.com
Phone: (920) 235-0674
Committee Liaison
Michael Abraham (Finance and
Fellowship)
Maria Bouche (Outreach)
Mike Dodson (Stewardship)
Jim Englund (Property Chair and Liaison)
Lynda Jameson (Worship)
Wanda Richmond (Fellowship)
Jenny Williams (Stewardship Chair)
Sally Elsinger & Kirstin Ihde
David Grable
Important Request for Easter
As many of you know, time is precious,
especially around the holidays. Our Savior’s is
asking for assistance to coordinate the Easter
Breakfast. If you are interested in lending a
helping hand, please contact fellowship. Your
assistance would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you for your understanding
regarding the need to update my
schedule. I would like to give an
explanation as to why this has been
necessary, and it is due to the pursuit of
my Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood
Education at Marian University. Don’t
worry, this won’t affect my employment
here for quite some time!
Your Faithful Church Secretary,
Ivy Schears
Raise the Roof
We paid our January installment out of the remainder of Pastor Jan's moving refund.
$1651.00 has been collected to date, which pays for February's installment, and gives a good
start to March! Please give as you are able--maybe even a dollar a day!
Thank you!
3|P age
Let’s Help Welcome Ali Paris Back to Oshkosh!!
Ali Paris brings his musical stylings on the Qanum to Oshkosh, Thursday, February 11.
Ali will play at Peace Lutheran Church, 240 W 9th Ave, on Thursday, February 11 with the
show starting at 6:30pm. Tickets or reservations are not needed and a free will offering will be
taken. Open to the general public. Questions may be directed to local promotions, Andrew
Moscinski 920.231.4730 or andymo@peaceoshkosh.org
Ali Paris is an Actor, Producer, Singer & Qanun prodigy of the highest order; his consistently
brilliant performances, recordings and exciting audience have marked his technical virtuosity
and emotional expression by uncanny intuition and masterful improvisational dexterity to
establish him as an international phenomenon.
The hallmark of his career lies in the seamless integration of music. Among various accolades,
his music and extraordinary contribution to the music world at such young age were honored
with widely heralded appearances in recent concerts at the US Embassy in Madrid, Royal
Palace of Jordan, Auditorio Nacional in Spain, the United Nations, The prestigious Newport
Jazz Festival and Istanbul Jazz Festival. He has also appeared as a soloist with the Boston
Symphony Orchestra, and is a featured Artist in the Hollywood movie “Noah” and Quincy Jones
numerous projects where he most recently performed at the Perlada Music Festival in Spain.
As a classical Qanunist and Vocalist, Ali Paris debuted professionally at the age of twelve and
has gained overwhelming appreciation from connoisseurs and critics of Arabic Classical Music
in the Middle East and abroad for over a decade. Growing up as the favorite accompanist for
many of the most renowned Arabic classical musicians he has established himself as one of the
foremost classical Qanunists on the national stage and has not let his genius rest there. He
began thriving as a composer, exploring fertile ground in the crossover between Arabic
Classical Music and a variety of genres including Flamenco, Jazz and Electronica.
His professional career jettisoned after a performance at the Royal Palace for the President of
Palestine, Mr. Abbas and Queen Noor of Jordan, later that evening he was invited by Ban Ki
Moon to perform at the United Nations where he received large recognition in the international
press and began performing extensively as a bandleader with his own group “Ali Paris Quintet”
Today, from his home in New York, Ali aims to constantly learn and grow as an artist. His
concerts tour Canada, Europe, Australia, Middle East and Scandinavia and feature him in major
international festivals as well as reputed universities: in performances and lecturedemonstrations. Ali is set to release his debut album, "Dream” in 2015. It is the fruit of his artistic
expression and interpretations on the Qanun and vocals, punctuated with surprising elements of
jazz, soul and pop.
Let’s Help Welcome Ali Paris Back to Oshkosh!!
4|P age
A Note from the Library
The Lenten season will be here soon. With this being a time of personal
reflection, here’s some books that have some good insight:
“Adventures in Prayer” by Catherine Marshall
“Too Busy Not to Pray” by Jo Carr and Imogene Sonley
“Where God Meets Man” by Gerhard O Forde
“The Cost of Discipleship” by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
For the Children:
“A Child’s Book of Prayer in Art” by Sister Wendy Beckett
“Best Loved Prayers” by Mary Joslin
Devon Pedersen, Library Committee
5|P age
Our Savior’s Women of the ELCA
Ah…SWEET FEBRUARY!! “SWEET” because it’s time for our initial fundraiser of the year,
which is on February 14…called the “SWEETEST DAY” sale. ALL the proceeds are given to and
support mission efforts in the name of our Lord, Jesus. In order to have a successful event, we really
need your donations of baked goods and silent auction items. We encourage groups, committees,
and individuals to create unique gift baskets/containers. Last year, these were very successful!
Bring your donated items to the Fellowship Hall on Sat., Feb. 13, from 10 a.m. to noon, or before
service on Feb. 14. Then come after service to have some fun bidding on the silent auction items,
and scooping up tasty treats!
Have you noticed the “Good Gifts” table we sponsored this year during the Advent/ Christmas
season has been renewed for year-long gift giving? There are MANY ways to give to both those
we know and love, while at the same time, giving to those who need our love. Please take a look at
the table in the SW corner of the Narthex….you’ll find ELCA World Relief “Good Gifts” catalogs, as
well as information and marked envelopes for giving to the Oshkosh Area Food Pantry, the Day by
Day Warming Shelter, Lutheran World Relief kits (needed items & shipping costs), and Winnebago
Mental Health Institute.
Also updated is our Lutheran World Relief kit in-gathering table in the Narthex. Currently, we
need items to complete Personal Care Kits. Imagine being a refugee, fleeing a natural disaster or a
war-torn homeland and being able to at least use soap and brush your teeth! We take so much for
granted. Please consider donating 4 oz. bars of soap (new, 2 bars in each kit), a nail clipper, an
individually wrapped toothbrush, a sturdy comb, and a bath-sized towel, (darker color preferred, and
can be new or gently used).
As you also are aware, the “Tie That Binds” LWR quilting group is a most active (and prolific!)
mission activity here. They are in need of supplies and can use the following (contact us, or mark &
bring to Fellowship Hall):
 Flat sheets of any size or color
 Yarn (not very heavy/ thick
kind…#4 is good)
 Sewing thread of any color

Fabric...Any pattern or color (not
 Clean blankets (even with
tiny pieces)
rips/holes/electric)
 Large safety pins
At the January General meeting, we decided to “march boldly” into the new year by nearly
depleting our account, and giving a gift of money to the appeal for funds to replace a portion
of the roof here at Our Savior’s*. We also approved an exciting Mission focused budget which
has expanded to include support to Our Savior’s missionary “son”, Jacob Pedersen, the Day by
Day Warming Shelter, and for shipping of gift packages to those serving in the armed forces who
have ties to Our Savior’s. (PLEASE let us know if you have a loved one serving!!)
What we do we can do only with your support, and in the precious name of Jesus. Thank you so
much!
Shari Englund, President
920-426-4959
*Note from Pastor Jan and Church Board: We
Jeng2000@sbcglobal.net
are so grateful for your faithful Stewardship!
6|P age
February 7th
Altar Guild:
Greeters:
Reader:
Communion:
Acolyte:
February 14th
Altar Guild:
Greeters:
Reader:
Communion:
Acolyte:
February 21st
Altar Guild:
Greeters:
Reader:
Communion:
Acolyte:
February 28th
Altar Guild:
Greeters:
Reader:
Communion:
Acolyte:
Communion
Daphne Riedi and Heidi Witt
Ron & Eileen Kuehl
Erin Williams
Hope Williams
Communion
Daphne Riedi and Heidi Witt
Carol Stewart and Lila Apell
Robin Grable
Joel Rasmussen
Braelee Jodarski
USHERS
John Holdorf
Ron Kuehl
Eileen Kuehl
Karl Keas
Communion
Daphne Riedi and Heidi Witt
Dave and Robin Grable
Brad Jodarski
Shari Englund
Jessica Jorgenson
Communion
Daphne Riedi and Heidi Witt
Donna Rasmussen and
Bev Scheuerman
Karen Williams
Diane Schmude and Barb Schneider
Max Englund
We are always looking for people to read
the lessons, serve as assisting ministers,
and distribute Communion on Sundays.
We are also in need of people to serve on
the Altar Guild!
Any help would be greatly appreciated. If
you are interested please speak to
Carol Stewart:
(920) 231-7331
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YOU’RE INVITED
LUTHERAN CAMPUS MINISTRY— OSHKOSH
ANNUAL MEETING
We have so much to share with you about our growing ministry! If you have a desire to serve a term
on our board of directors, please let us know. Refreshments will be provided. Please join us. Students
from The Gathering Place will talk about their experiences and board members will share more about
what has happened and what is on the horizon for this vital young adult ministry.
We hope to see you there!!
Sunday, February 21st 1:00 - 3:00 pm
All Saints Lutheran Church
1072 Honey Creek Road, Oshkosh
For questions call Connie Weiss: Office #: 920.231.1168 or Cell#: 920.979-5934
Equipping Ministry in a Diverse World:
Listening Deeply to the Other….
Turns out to not be so easy when our assumptions get in the way. In an increasingly diverse
world, it's important to consider aspects of your own culture within that diversity and how our
assumptions make it difficult to hear The Other. We will begin a conversation that will move
us forward into more effective and just relationships.
The following events taking place throughout the synod in January and February for
Rostered, Congregational Members, High School Youth and Young Adults.
Saturday, February 6, 2016— Trinity Lutheran Church
209 S. Allen Street, Appleton
The conversation will continue with Judith Roberts, the ELCA Program Director for Racial
Justice, and flow into our 2016 Synod Assembly and beyond, as we seek, too, to build bridges
across differences that divide.
8:30am—3pm with lunch. Separate information and registration to come
8|P age
We recently celebrated a major Christian holiday with songs, prayers and words: Peace on Earth. This
is an opportunity to act and make the message live!
Join and bring your fellowship to World Interfaith Harmony Week-Fox Valley, Wednesday, February 3,
2016, 7:00 PM at St Mark Lutheran Church, 140 S Green Bay Rd, Neenah. Presenters are Dr. Younis
Zaidan, UW-Fox Valley, and Dr. Stephen Savides, Senior Pastor, First Congregational United Church of
Christ, Appleton.
World Interfaith Harmony Week was established by unanimous approval of the United Nations. As an
annual participant since the celebration began in 2010, the Fox Valley’s venue provides constructive
dialog and a focus on shared values of mercy and tolerance. Come and thereby join people all around
the world who, during this week, strive to create a meaningful partnership and make Peace on Earth
real for every human.
Be the change you pray for as we connect with one another and break bread together. Share in the
power of friends and neighbors together encouraging Love of God and Love of the Neighbor as well as
Love of the Good and Love of the Neighbor.
The event is voluntary, free and excludes no one. Questions: Dr. Mamadou Coulibaly, 618 203 6891 or
Tom McCord, 920-722-1566.
Our confirmands will be going with Barb Schneider and Pastor Jan. Let us know if you would like to join!
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
God’s work. Our hands.
Dear Our Savior’s Lutheran Church,
Thank you for your recent gift of $884.00 ($715.00 Family Farm, $50.00 Water Purification Tablets,
$40.00 School fees and Uniform for a Girl, $50.00 Blanket, and $29.00 Mosquito Net) to support the
mission and ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) through ELCA Good Gifts.
Through your support, your voice is one of many that makes up a chorus of caring and compassion heard
throughout the world. Your passion for the good works that the ELCA does through ELCA Good Gifts
enables us to share the gospel and continue doing God’s work of restoring and reconciling communities.
Together as the ELCA, we do more than we ever could alone. Because of your partnership and generous
support, we are truly transforming lives.
In Christ,
Christina Jackson-Skelton
Executive Director, Mission Advancement
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
9|P age
FEBRUARY 2016
SUN
MON
1
TUE
2
WELCA Board
Meeting
WED
3
10:00 am Bible Study
THUR
FRI
4
5
6
One Body,
Many
Members at
Trinity
Lutheran in
Appleton
from 8:30
am – 3pm
11
Ali Parish
Concert
6:30 pm at
Peace
Lutheran
12
13
18
19
20
25
26
27
World Interfaith
Harmony at St. Mark
Lutheran at 7:00 pm
(Meet at Church at
6pm)
7
Worship 9am
8
Council
Meeting
Sunday School
10am
9
10am Elizabeth
Circle
NO PM Bible Study
10
Imposition of Ashes
(6-7am & 11am12pm)*
PRJ Text Study
1-3pm
9am Mary Circle
SAT
10am Bible Study
Stewardship
Meeting 6:30 pm
Ash Wednesday
Service 6:30pm
No PM Bible Study
14
Worship 9am
15
Sunday School
10am
Joy Circle 6pm
Sweetest Day
Sale
21
Pastor Jan at
Oshkosh Conf.
Annual Meeting
6-8pm
22
Worship 9am
Sunday School
10am
Confirmation Class
Serves at 4:30pm
Soup Supper 5:306:30 pm
Midweek Lenten
Service 6:30-7pm
Bible Study 7pm
24
Bible Study 10am
Confirmation Class
5pm
Midweek Lenten
Service 6:30-7pm
Lutheran
Campus Ministry
Annual Meeting
1pm @ All Saints
Lutheran
Sunday School
10am
OSLC Polling
Place 7am-8pm
23
PRJ Text Study
1-3pm
17
Bible Study 10am
Soup Supper 5:306:30 pm
Mutual Ministry
Meeting 11am
28
Worship 9am
16
PRJ Text Study
1-3pm
Bible Study 7pm
29
Sara
Circle
6:30 pm
*You may come any
time during that hour
for brief prayer and
Imposition of Ashes.
10 | P a g e