February’s Book Club Selection: Have a Little Faith by Mitch Albom

The OSLC January book club selection is Have a Little Faith by Mitch Albom. This is a true story of author Mitch Albom, having been asked to write a eulogy for an elderly rabbi, begins a relationship with the man in order to get to know him better, and, in the process, also becomes involved with the plight of a local pastor whose church is falling down around him, leading Mitch to better understand the importance of faith.

We have a wonderful group of members who enjoy reading and then coming together for a discussion of ‘the book of the month’. Talking about books is another way to learn some thing new about our friends and ourselves as we travel our faith journey together. We look forward to seeing you!

Laptop Computer Needed

Our Savior’s is looking for a laptop loaded with Windows XP (or newer Operating System), with a docking station for Pastor Mark to use  regularly. Combined with speakers and a projector, this laptop would  enrich our meeting presentations and our educational endeavors.

Please contact the church office if you can help out. Thank you!

Church Council Looking For Key Leadership in 2010

As OSLC  approaches its annual meeting on January 31st, three positions need the right persons to fill them: congregational treasurer, stewardship committee chair, and Christian education chairperson.

• Congregational Treasurer: Our hired bookkeeper does check writing and reconciliations, so the treasurer signs checks and stays on top of our financial reports and transactions.

• Stewardship Committee Chairperson: This position is backed by a multiple of stewardship materials available for monthly usage from our ELCA, so we are looking forward to having someone able to access this material on line, and lead our public discussions throughout the year on how we use God’s gifts among us.

• Christian Education Chairperson:  This position not only involves Sunday School, but youth and adult life-long learning.

Anyone interested, please contact  Becky Grapes or Rod Tisthammer. Thank you!

Souper Bowl Players Needed for the Souper Bowl of Caring

Join our 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. We are looking for ‘players’ from the congregation to help the youth fill large soup buckets in the narthex of the church with cans of soup and/or dollar bills during Super Bowl Weekend, February 7th, 2010.

Soup suggestions include: cream of chicken, cream of mushroom, chicken noodIe, 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. Thank you!

January’s Book Club Selection: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian

The OSLC January book club selection is “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian,” by Sherman Alexie. This book is categorized as a ‘young adult’ novel and is appropriate for anyone in Grade 7 or above. Exploring Indian identity, both self and tribal, the novel is a semi-autobiographical chronicle of Arnold Spirit, a.k.a. Junior, a Spokane Indian from Wellpinit, WA. The bright 14-year-old was born with water on the brain, is regularly the target of bullies, and loves to draw. He says, “I think the world is a series of broken dams and floods, and my cartoons are tiny little lifeboats.” …The teen’s determination to both improve himself and overcome poverty, despite the handicaps of birth, circumstances, and race, delivers a positive message in a low-key manner. (School Library Journal)

Please see or call Sandra Hansen if you would like to purchase this $8.00 paperback book. We have a wonderful group of members who enjoy reading and then coming together for a discussion of ‘the book of the month’. Talking about books is another way to learn some thing new about our friends and ourselves as we travel our faith journey together. We will meet in the Fellowship Hall on Thursday, January 28th at 6:30. We look forward to seeing you!

AMOS Volunteers Needed

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.

Questions or concerns may be directed to the Social Ministry Team. Thank you!

Mobile Meals Needs Drivers

Our Savior’s is responsible for delivering meals to inbound residents in our area four times a year. The months are March, June, August and September. We are currently in need of drivers (and back-up drivers) for deliveries.

The pick-ups are at Gundersen Lutheran Hospital and drivers need to arrive by 11:30 a.m. on delivery day. You may volunteer for one or more days during that week.

To volunteer or if you have any questions or concerns, please contact Betty Linse. Thank you!

RIC Sunday is January 31st

Along with many other RIC congregations across the nation, on Sunday, January 31st we will be reaffirming our commitment as a Reconciling In Christ Congregation.

With a big thank you to Pastor Mark, Pastor Libby Howe (who is the Assistant to the Bishop in our synod and an OSLC member) will be speaking to us on this special day. We will also have a couple of “temple talks” about the positive effects of RIC and OSLC. Also, we may be learning a new song or two. Please mark this date on your calendars and plan on attending this inspirational Sunday!

Double Your Women’s Clothes Closet Donation!

The Women’s Clothes Closet has received a $5000 Economic Outreach Bridge Grant from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Congratulations!

The WCC also received an Economic Bridge Challenge Grant. Any funds raised for the WCC between now and March 31st will be met dollar for dollar from Thrivent up to $10,000. This is a great opportunity for the Women’s Clothes Closet to purchase some much-needed supplies!

Donations can be sent to The Women’s Clothes Closet, Our Saviors Lutheran Church, 612 Division Street, La Crosse, WI 54601.

A Special Christmas Message from Bishop Hanson

Bishop Mark Hanson, presiding bishop of the ELCA, has written a special Christmas message for 2009. Download Bishop Hanson’s Christmas Letter or watch the video:

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