AMOS Seeking Task Force Members

AMOS (Advocating-Mobilizing-Organizing in Solidarity) is an interfaith congregation-based coalition working for justice in the La Crosse area. AMOS has formed four task forces to address issues here in La Crosse. The task forces are: Healthcare, Hmong Issues, Restorative Justice and Food Insecurity in La Crosse. Volunteers are needed to develop a “core team” here at OSLC and/or join one of the task forces. Task forces are made up of people committed to doing justice in their parish and in the La Crosse area.

AMOS is endorsed by the synod Church in Society Committee. Complete task force information may be found online. Questions or concerns may be directed to Rod Tisthammer.

“Got Bible?” Resumes on Sunday, January 9th

Throughout the ELCA, congregations are united in a renewed emphasis to help all our members speak clearly using our first language of faith. This language comes from the Holy Scriptures and our faithful engagement with God’s Word which has enriched and guided the family of God through the centuries.

For this first part of 2011, we are learning about the contents of the various books of the Bible. Our study is call “The Greatest Story: Bible Introduction”. A companion book costing $13.00 is highly encouraged. They can be purchased when you attend.

Everyone has a story. They shape us and define us. In this study we will embark on a journey that starts at the very beginning of God’s good creation and then quickly goes into the tragedies of a fallen humanity. We will be introduced to our family of faith, very human stories of struggling with sin and evil, and God’s persistent efforts to reconcile with God’s rebellious people. The story continues on through the surprise of God’s answer in Jesus, the appearance of the Holy Spirit, the seeds of Christian faith in a new church, and Church witnessing in Jesus’ name. That means we are part of this story!

If you miss a Sunday, come on Wednesday. Or come when you can. We invite all our high school and adult members to join in this time of learning even more about the very basis of our Christian faith. Of course, you are invited to bring friends from other communities of faith, or of no faith. The course content will fit persons of all backgrounds.

Our 2011 Schedule is:

January 9th and 12th	“The Story”: Introducing the Bible
January 16th and 19th	“Beginnings”: Genesis
January 23rd and 26th	“God’s People on the Move”: Exodus – Deuteronomy
Jan. 30th and Feb. 2nd	“Getting Settled”: Joshua – Ruth
February 6th and 9th	“Kings and Kingdoms”: Samuel – Chronicles

We continue on until Ash Wednesday, and then pick up our studies after Easter. Join us, especially if you have never been in a Bible study before!

Mission Trip 2011: Daytona Beach

Any youth that is currently in grades 6th-12th … get closer to Jesus this summer as you join YouthWorks for a week of meaningful service in Daytona Beach, Florida on Sun., July 31st – Friday, August 5th, 2011. This summer you can have the experience of a lifetime volunteering and participating in cultural and recreational opportunities. This experience is an excellent way for you to serve, learn and grow.

Register before Sunday, January 9th, 2011 with Jessica Zinniel. A $100 non-refundable deposit is due at the time of registration to guarantee your spot.

Souper Bowl of Caring Is February 6th

On Sunday, February 6th, 2011, after worship in the Narthex, join our Youth Souper Bowl Team! This winter our Youth will be presenting the congregation with the opportunity to join in the fight against hunger in our community and our world. Last year, $10,174,243.00 was generated by 13,027 groups nationwide and we are looking for “players” from the congregation to help this year by filling large soup buckets with cans of soup and/or dollar bills during Super Bowl Weekend, February 6th, 2011. Soup suggestions include: cream of chicken, cream of mushroom, chicken noodle, chicken with rice, beef noodle, vegetable beef, packets of ramen noodles and any of the “chunky” style soups.

The winners of the Souper Bowl are the many families served by WAFER and each of you who follow the teaching of Jesus to help feed those who are hungry!

Book Club Selection For February: The Power of Myth

The OSLC Book Club selection for February 2011 is The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell and Bill Moyers. The Power Of Myth launched an extraordinary resurgence of interest in Joseph Campbell and his work. A preeminent scholar, writer, and teacher, he has had a profound influence on millions of people. To him, mythology was the “song of the universe, the music of the spheres.” With Bill Moyers, one of America’s most prominent journalists, as his thoughtful and engaging interviewer, the book touches on subjects from modern marriage to virgin births, from Jesus to John Lennon, offering a brilliant combination of intelligence and wit.

Book cost is $6.50. See Sandra Hansen for details!

Living Lutheran: A New Website for Lutherans

From the new Living Lutheran Website:

LivingLutheran.com serves up a daily blend of culture, conversation and community for ELCA members and friends. We’re looking for answers about what it all means and hope you’ll stop by to put in your two cents.

You won’t find breaking news here, although there’s plenty of commentary on what’s happening in the world and what ELCA members think about it. We have resources for congregations, videos to inspire and amuse and places to share what’s on your mind.

Pastor Mark will be promoting this valuable new resource in the coming weeks. Please take a few minutes to look around the site!