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Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church 326 Leroy Street Audubon, IA 50025 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Non-Profit U.S. Postage

PAID Audubon, Iowa Permit No. 75

“Knowing Jesus, Growing in Jesus, Sharing Jesus” 1

Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church April, 2018 Shepherd’s Staff

LCMC Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ

“Knowing Jesus, Growing in Jesus, Sharing Jesus”

OSLC address: 326 Leroy Street, Audubon, Iowa 50025 OSLC Telephone: (712) 563-2625 OSLC Email: oslc@iowatelecom.net

OSLC Fax #: (712) 563-9965 OSLC Website: oslcauduboniowa.org Pastor Doug’s Phone numbers: 563-2151 (home) 712-304-5567 (cell phone)

Pastor Doug’s email address: pastordoug@iowatelecom.net

2018 HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE

Palm Sunday, March 25th: 9:00 a.m. Worship Children are invited to participate in a Palm Processional at the beginning of the Palm Sunday service.

The Rock Youth Group will present a crucifixion reenactment entitled “This Blood”.

7:00 p.m. Ecumenical music service hosted by St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with OSLC and area church choirs participating.

Maundy Thursday, March 29th: 7:00 p.m. Living Last Supper Worship

Good Friday, March 30th: Prayer Vigil in the Chapel from Noon Friday until Noon Saturday

7:00 p.m. Tenebrae Worship Easter Sunday, April 1st:

7:00 a.m. Sunrise Worship Service 8:00 a.m. Easter Breakfast

9:00 a.m. Easter Sunday Worship

Sunday School singing for the Friendship Home residents

Preschool through 6th Grade Sunday School children will be singing at the Friendship Home during the Sunday School hour on Palm Sunday, March 25th.

We will leave from the downstairs Social Room and return by 11:15 a.m. dismissal. We look forward to sharing some of our favorite songs with

our friends at the Friendship Home!

2

Dear friends in Christ, It’s Friday…But Sunday’s Coming! That is the title of a powerful sermon preached by an African-American pastor many years ago. These very same words deserve our attention as well. They of course refer to Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

In Matthew 16:21 Jesus began to tell His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and that suffering and death were awaiting Him there. The disciples heard the Friday story, that Jesus must “suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed,” but it seems that the Sunday good news, “and be raised up on the third day,” did not register with them at all.

It was not only the words of Jesus that the disciples failed to understand, it was also the words of other accounts of Scripture “For as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead.” (John 20:9) Jesus spoke plainly to the Twelve, declaring that “all things that are written through the prophets about the Son of Man will be accomplished,” His suffering and His death, “and the third day He will rise again.” (Luke 18:31-33) Therefore the failure of the disciples to believe was a failure to believe Holy Scripture.

It’s Friday…but Sunday’s coming. Sadly some of us in this world use these words as a source of comfort during difficult days of life or in anticipation of the coming weekend after a trying week. It is easy to fall prey to societal norms when we try to draw what may be called practical life applications from the days between Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

The disciples were waiting for Sunday with an expected coming of a triumphant conqueror, not the suffering Servant-Savior. They had been taught Old Testament prophecy, and even though they saw and heard the very words of Jesus, initially they still got it wrong, they needed help believing.

This leads me to the reminder for all of us, Good Friday is not about you or me, our troubles and trials of life. Good Friday is all about Jesus who took our place on the Cross at Calvary, and in so doing paid, in full, the price for our sins. Easter Sunday is all about Jesus too, as Holy Scripture boldly declares. He lives, and because of that fact of faith, we can see tomorrow, we can look beyond our years of this life to the day when faith becomes sight.

My prayer for all of us, myself included, is, “Lord, I believe, help my unbelief. Amen!

Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!

Pastor Doug

Men’s Bible Study! The Men’s Bible Study led by Pastor Doug will meet after Easter on

Tuesday mornings in the downstairs social room at 7:00 a.m. The Apostle Paul’s letter to the Roman Christians will be the focus of our study. The coffee will be ready! Bring your Bibles! Bring your friends and neighbors!

Thank you!

Thank you to the many faithful volunteers and staff who put in “extra time” during the Lenten and Easter services and Lenten suppers and to those who sponsor Easter lilies.

Your time, dedication, and generosity are greatly appreciated!

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Stewardship Square

Regular offerings 02/18 $6,290.97 02/25 $3,202.00 03/04 $7,289.48 03/11 $5,753.37 03/18 $5,544.00 Weekly Worship Attendance 02/18 157 02/21 94 02/25 195 02/28 88 03/04 177 03/07 68 03/11 169 03/14 60 03/18 221 March 4th loose offering to Caring & Sharing: $42.05

Needed Weekly to meet budget—$7,169.83 If you have any questions regarding the OSLC financial report, you are welcome to contact our Office Manager Pam Steckler

Praise Band If you have a passion for making music in praise of our Lord, and will be in high school or college next fall, prayerfully consider becoming a member of

the “Behind the Cross” Praise Band! Along with Pastor Doug, the Praise Band leads worship the fourth Sunday of the month, August – May.

Please contact Director Jo Beane or the church office for more information.

Online Giving To donate online, go to the OSLC website http://oslcauduboniowa.org and click on the online giving

tab located at the upper right hand corner of the webpage. Questions, contact the church office.

Update on Boiler Fund Project Estimate for Project: $105,000.00

As of March 19th, donations we have received: $91,866.80

Total left to raise: $13,133.20

Sound Operators Needed With two of our sound operators

graduating this spring, we are in need of additional sound volunteers. The

dedication of all OSLC sound operators is greatly appreciated and we thank those who serve in this capacity!

Please prayerfully consider if you could join the Sound Ministry Team. Instruction and support is provided.

10

OSLC Women of Faith have many opportunities for Bible Study. If you are interested in joining a Bible Study, contact the church office or one of the following Bible Study leaders.

Marlene Englin, Leader Norma Nielsen, Leader

Julie Opp, Leader Barb Christensen, Leader Whitney Nelson, Leader

Ruth Circle Bible Study, Leader Jean Jensen Naomi Circle Bible Study,

Leaders Barb Christensen & Donis Hansen

Upcoming Events & Worship Opportunities

March 25th: Palm Sunday

Holy Week Services: March 29th & 30th

April 1st: Easter Breakfast & Easter Sunday

April 22nd: Confirmation Sunday

April 29th: Sunday School End of Year Celebration

May 13th: Senior Breakfast & Recognition

July 30th-August 2nd: Vacation Bible School

August 26th: Praise in the Park

September 9th: Rally Sunday

October 7th-10th: LCMC Annual Gathering in Des Moines, IA

October 14th: Consecration Sunday

October 21st: Mission Sunday

November 4th: All Saints’ Sunday with All Saints’ Altar Processional

November 21st: Thanksgiving Eve Worship

December 5th, 12th, 19th: Wednesday Advent Services

December 24th/25th: Christmas Eve/Day Worship with Community Christmas Dinner

CHURCH WEBSITE—oslcauduboniowa.org

The church website is updated on a regular basis and is a great source for information on dates and times of worship services,

events, activities, Bible studies, etc. Also, OSLC has facebook, search Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church

on your facebook account.

3

We welcomed the following New Members to OSLC on March 11th!

Compassion Sunday—April 29th

The OSLC Sunday School students have sponsored Grace & Ibrahimu, from Tanzania since September of 2012 through

Compassion International. We have been blessed to get to know Grace & Ibrahimu throughout the years through letters and

pictures. We continue to pray for each other through all of the ups and downs of each other’s lives. Grace is an 11 year old girl

who loves arts and crafts, playing with friends and dolls and learning about God. Ibrahimu is a 13 year old boy who loves drawing and art, football and soccer and playing any kind of

game/sports. If you would like to learn more about sponsoring a child through Compassion International, please talk to Pastor

Doug or the church office or go to www.compassion.com.

Thank you to all the Sunday School students who sponsor Grace & Ibrahimu through their Sunday School offering!!

Women of Faith Update

We are in the process of taking steps to help improve this critically important ministry here at OSLC. April, 2018 – March, 2019 sign up

sheets are posted on the large west-wall bulletin board in the entryway for anyone (men, women, families) to greet prior to our worship services

in addition to sign up sheets for volunteers to provide snacks and/or serve at Sunday Fellowship/Coffee hours. The next gathering of

Women of Faith is set for Sunday, May 6th, at 10:15 a.m. Questions? Please contact Pastor Doug, the church office,

Carol Albertsen or Mary Kay Lewis.

God’s blessings to the following youth who celebrated their First Communion on Sunday, March 18th at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church.

Young Women’s Bible Study

Women ages 25-45 (or of any age!) are invited to join together for bible study. We will be continuing

Philippians, and meeting on Sunday mornings at 11:30

a.m.in the chapel. Those interested are encouraged to

contact Whitney Nelson at 712-304-2366 or

at whit.l.nelson@hotmail.com.

Thanks! Whitney

Isaac Jackson Sawyer McClain-Toft

Adam Obrecht Austin Pruitt

Mason Steckler

Michael & Jennifer Bauer and children Carson & Collin Mike & Allie Brooks and children Abby & Michelle

Brad Borkowski & Kristen Rutherford Dustin Bruch & Hailie Anthofer

4

Christian Butterfly Beginning Easter morning and throughout the Easter season a

stained glass butterfly will be hanging in our sanctuary. Have you ever wondered why? The butterfly emerging from the chrysalis has traditionally been a representation of Christ’s rising from the tomb. The stages of the butterfly - egg, caterpillar, chrysalis, and butterfly

- are also wonderful analogies to our life as Christians. *The miracle starts with an egg the size of the top of a straight

pin....just as human life starts with a tiny fertilized egg. A few short days later a tiny caterpillar emerges through the shell of the egg.....a baby is born.

*The caterpillar stage of eating, eating, eating is symbolic of life on earth.....preoccupied so often with the physical and material.

*In the chrysalis stage it appears the caterpillar is lifeless inside the chrysalis.....symbolizing death and the darkness of the tomb, an inevitable reality. But, lo, inside of the chrysalis a miracle is

taking place..... *The butterfly emerges..... symbolic of our souls rising from the

grave and ascending into heaven and eternal life!

A Dramatization of “The Living Last Supper”

THURSDAY, MARCH 29th - 7:00pm

Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church

The living dramatization of Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” is a re-creation of da Vinci’s world-famous painting with 13 living characters. Headed by the Harlan United Methodist Men,

they portray Jesus’s last meeting with his Disciples in the Upper Room. “The Living Last Supper” has been performed for the last 19 years in Harlan and various towns in Iowa and Nebraska.

Shortly after beginning the performances in 1999, some of the cast visited Guatemala and came in contact with an orphanage that greatly needed help. For several years, 100% of the donations received were given to the Hogar Del Nino Orphanage, but recently donations have been split between local missions and the Orphanage. This live performance is a very moving experience

accompanied by song and communion. Make plans to attend and invite others.

Okoboji Summer Camps Registration is open… Check out Okoboji.org

for more information/dates.

Altar Guild Volunteers We are in need of a couple of volunteers to serve on Altar Guild. If you are

interested or have questions, please contact Janice

Hemmingsen, 712-304-0604, or talk to Janice after a

church service. Thank you.

Janice Hemmingsen, Altar Guild Chairperson

9

THE ROCK YOUTH GROUP—(7th Grade-12th Grade)

Rock April News: The Rock leaders want the congregation to know we are blessed with

fantastic youth!! We had 13 youth participate in the Ignite Youth Leadership Conference March 9th and 10th. We learned during our break-out sessions,

praised God during the main sessions and sang with about 500 other youth, it was moving. Our youth were wonderful representatives of OSLC.

The Rock serves Easter Breakfast for the congregation between church services on April 1st. We have a sign up for egg bakes and muffins at the

church, we are also in need of adult help in the kitchen Easter morning this year. Please sign up at the church or text Tracie

if you are willing to help 304-1256.

The Rock will be putting on ‘This Blood’ during Palm Sunday at church service, come experience this moving piece. We are honored to put this on for

you. Thank you to the youth that already helped us put on ‘Flawless’, we had many people express how they were moved by it.

The Rock would also like to take the Rock Youth out for a movie/meal night the second week of April. We would like to see ‘I Can Only Imagine’,

we will text out info when we know what theatres are showing that week. For those that were not able to attend Ignite this year: we ordered an

audio of the break-out sessions, please contact Tracie 304-1256 if you would like to borrow it.

The Rock Youth Group Leaders: Tracie C. (304-1256), Sara S. (304-2363), Nate V. (304-0548)

Facebook: The Rock OSLC OSLC website: oslcauduboniowa.org

The Rock Email: therockaudubon@gmail.com

Easter Instrumental Ensemble It’s so uplifting to hear the instrumental ensemble at the 9:00 a.m. Easter morning service as we sing “Jesus Christ is Risen Today”! Brandon Toft will

be leading the ensemble and is in need of musicians, high school age on up. Please contact the church office

or Brandon (712-790-4034) if you are interested in playing in the ensemble.

Easter Lilies Would you like to sponsor an Easter lily

to adorn our sanctuary on Easter morning? The cost is $14 each and you may take your lily home after the 9:00 a.m. Easter Sunday

Worship service. Look for the sign-up sheet on the bulletin board above the

water fountain or contact the church office. Thank you!

8

USHERS Sam Graeve, Captain Logan Nielsen Lee Nielsen Nick Smith Nate Vorm Curtis Derry Tim Andersen TAXI DRIVER Tim Andersen ALTAR GUILD Cindy Vokt Lois Baier Genese Hamilton ACOLYTES 1- Brandon Jensen (7:00 a.m.) Hannah Thygesen (7:00 a.m.) Grace Slater (9:00 a.m.) Hannah Thygesen (9:00 a.m.) 8- Tyler Rugaard Allison Elmquist 15- Gavin Smith Keegan Deist 22- Sienna Albertsen Abbie Erickson 29- Brittany Huston Cooper Nielsen PROJECTION SYSTEM 1- Shannon Jensen (7:00 a.m.) Julie Opp (9:00 a.m.) 8- Raydene Mathisen 15- Bob Weber, Tyler Riebhoff, David Graeve 22- Krystal Albertsen 29-

VIDEO OPERATORS 1- Jeff Albertsen 8- Roger Larsen 15- Ken Burns 22- Brian Jensen 29- Dan Jorgensen SOUND OPERATORS 1- Jane Weber (7:00 a.m.) Krystal Albertsen (7:00 a.m.) 8- Curtis Derry, Logan Nielsen 15- Bob Weber, Tyler Riebhoff, David Graeve 22- Brandon Toft 29- Jane Weber NURSERY 1- Ann Guild 8- Sharon Winterboer 15- Linda Keller 22- Melissa Starmer 29- PRAYER PARTNERS 8- Lee Nielsen Julie Opp 15- Barb Christensen Dan Smith 22- Dan Smith Julie Opp 29- Lee Nielsen Barb Christensen JH SUNDAY SCHOOL ADULT 8- Krystal Albertsen 15-

Mark Your Calendars!!

Vacation Bible School Dates

Monday, July 30th-Thursday, August 2nd 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

5

More than one million people suffer from eye injuries each year in the United States. Ninety percent of these injuries could have been prevented if the individual had been wearing appropriate protective eyewear (with “ANSI Z87.1” marked on the lens or frame). In the house – when using household chemicals, read instructions and labels carefully, work in a well ventilated area and make sure to point spray nozzles away from you. Many chemicals are extremely hazardous

and can permanently destroy the surface of your eyes, resulting in blindness. In the workshop – think about the work you will be doing and wear protective eyewear to shield your eyes from flying fragments, fumes, dust particles, sparks and splashing chemicals. Many objects can fly into your eyes unexpectedly and cause injury. In the garden – put on protective eyewear before you use a lawnmower, power trimmer or edger and be sure to check for rocks and stones because they can become dangerous projectiles as they shoot from these machines. Do not forget the risk to bystanders when using these machines. In the workplace – wear appropriate safety eyewear for your mob. Many of the 2,000 employees who are injured each day didn’t think they needed eye protection or were wearing eyewear inappropriate for the job. Around the car – Battery acid, sparks and debris from damaged or improperly jump-started auto batteries can severely damage your eyes. Keep protective goggles in the trunk of your car to use for those emergencies and everyday repairs. Prevention is the first and most important step in protecting your eyes from injuries, so be sure to protect your eyes with appropriate protective eyewear. If you do experience an eye injury, seek medical attention promptly.

Adult Christian Education Sunday School Meet in the chapel, 10:20 a.m., Sunday mornings

Please join us in the chapel after worship and coffee for a time of fellowship and learning.

CONFIRMATION God’s blessings to the following youth as they celebrate their Confirmation on April 22nd at OSLC:

Abby Brooks, Chloe Jackson, Brandon Jensen, Allison Elmquist, Tyler Rugaard, Grace Slater, Gavin Smith, Hannah Thygesen

The coffee time will be in honor of the Confirmands, hosted by the Evangelism Committee.

Palm Sunday Ecumenical Service Featuring Area Church Choirs—Palm Sunday, March 25th

St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Audubon at 7:00 p.m.

6

1 Easter Sunday 7:00 Sunrise Worship 8:00 Easter Breakfast 9:00 Worship 2:00 Jail Pastoral Visit

2 2:00 Staff Meeting

3 7:00 Men’s Bible Study

4 2:30 Kids Choir 3:00 Confirmation

5 6 9:30 “The Weekly” Prayer Cell (Barb Christensen’s)

7

8 Second Sunday of Easter 8:15 Prayer Power 9:00 Worship 10:15 Coffee, Sunday School, Adult Sunday School, Senior Choir 11:15 Worship Committee meeting 4:00 Friendship Home Vespers 5:00 Healing Service

9 1:15 Quilting 2:00 Staff Meeting 6:30 Building & Property Committee Meeting

10 7:00 Men’s Bible Study 2:00 Naomi Circle

11 2:30 Kids Choir (last day of Kids Choir) 3:00 Confirmation (8th Grade only)

12 10:30 Friendship Home Communion

13 9:30 “The Weekly” Prayer Cell (Barb Christensen’s)

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15 Third Sunday of Easter 8:15 Prayer Power 9:00 Holy Communion 10:15 Coffee, Sunday School, Adult Sunday School, Senior Choir, Blood Pressure Checks 11:15 “BTC” Praise Band practice 11:15 Jr. Class Parent Meeting

16 2:00 Staff Meeting

17

18

19 9:30 Ruth Circle Bible Study

20 9:30 “The Weekly” Prayer Cell (Barb Christensen’s)

Shepherd Staff newsletter deadline at noon

21 Social Room reserved for a Bridal Shower

22 Fourth Sunday of Easter 8:15 Prayer Power 9:00 Worship-Confirmation 10:15 Coffee, Sunday School, Adult Sunday School, Senior Choir, 11:15 “BTC” Praise Band practice

23 2:00 Staff Meeting

24 7:00 Men’s Bible Study

25

26

27 9:30 “The Weekly” Prayer Cell (Barb Christensen’s)

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29 Fifth Sunday of Easter 8:15 Prayer Power 9:00 Worship with “BTC’ Praise Band & End of Year Sunday School celebration immediately following worship 10:15 Coffee, Adult Sunday School, Senior Choir 3:30 Exira Vespers

30 2:00 Staff Meeting

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

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1 Easter Sunday 7:00 Sunrise Worship 8:00 Easter Breakfast 9:00 Worship 2:00 Jail Pastoral Visit

2 2:00 Staff Meeting

3 7:00 Men’s Bible Study

4 2:30 Kids Choir 3:00 Confirmation

5 6 9:30 “The Weekly” Prayer Cell (Barb Christensen’s)

7

8 Second Sunday of Easter 8:15 Prayer Power 9:00 Worship 10:15 Coffee, Sunday School, Adult Sunday School, Senior Choir 11:15 Worship Committee meeting 4:00 Friendship Home Vespers 5:00 Healing Service

9 1:15 Quilting 2:00 Staff Meeting 6:30 Building & Property Committee Meeting

10 7:00 Men’s Bible Study 2:00 Naomi Circle

11 2:30 Kids Choir (last day of Kids Choir) 3:00 Confirmation (8th Grade only)

12 10:30 Friendship Home Communion

13 9:30 “The Weekly” Prayer Cell (Barb Christensen’s)

14

15 Third Sunday of Easter 8:15 Prayer Power 9:00 Holy Communion 10:15 Coffee, Sunday School, Adult Sunday School, Senior Choir, Blood Pressure Checks 11:15 “BTC” Praise Band practice 11:15 Jr. Class Parent Meeting

16 2:00 Staff Meeting

17

18

19 9:30 Ruth Circle Bible Study

20 9:30 “The Weekly” Prayer Cell (Barb Christensen’s)

Shepherd Staff newsletter deadline at noon

21 Social Room reserved for a Bridal Shower

22 Fourth Sunday of Easter 8:15 Prayer Power 9:00 Worship-Confirmation 10:15 Coffee, Sunday School, Adult Sunday School, Senior Choir, 11:15 “BTC” Praise Band practice

23 2:00 Staff Meeting

24 7:00 Men’s Bible Study

25

26

27 9:30 “The Weekly” Prayer Cell (Barb Christensen’s)

28

29 Fifth Sunday of Easter 8:15 Prayer Power 9:00 Worship with “BTC’ Praise Band & End of Year Sunday School celebration immediately following worship 10:15 Coffee, Adult Sunday School, Senior Choir 3:30 Exira Vespers

30 2:00 Staff Meeting

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

8

USHERS Sam Graeve, Captain Logan Nielsen Lee Nielsen Nick Smith Nate Vorm Curtis Derry Tim Andersen TAXI DRIVER Tim Andersen ALTAR GUILD Cindy Vokt Lois Baier Genese Hamilton ACOLYTES 1- Brandon Jensen (7:00 a.m.) Hannah Thygesen (7:00 a.m.) Grace Slater (9:00 a.m.) Hannah Thygesen (9:00 a.m.) 8- Tyler Rugaard Allison Elmquist 15- Gavin Smith Keegan Deist 22- Sienna Albertsen Abbie Erickson 29- Brittany Huston Cooper Nielsen PROJECTION SYSTEM 1- Shannon Jensen (7:00 a.m.) Julie Opp (9:00 a.m.) 8- Raydene Mathisen 15- Bob Weber, Tyler Riebhoff, David Graeve 22- Krystal Albertsen 29-

VIDEO OPERATORS 1- Jeff Albertsen 8- Roger Larsen 15- Ken Burns 22- Brian Jensen 29- Dan Jorgensen SOUND OPERATORS 1- Jane Weber (7:00 a.m.) Krystal Albertsen (7:00 a.m.) 8- Curtis Derry, Logan Nielsen 15- Bob Weber, Tyler Riebhoff, David Graeve 22- Brandon Toft 29- Jane Weber NURSERY 1- Ann Guild 8- Sharon Winterboer 15- Linda Keller 22- Melissa Starmer 29- PRAYER PARTNERS 8- Lee Nielsen Julie Opp 15- Barb Christensen Dan Smith 22- Dan Smith Julie Opp 29- Lee Nielsen Barb Christensen JH SUNDAY SCHOOL ADULT 8- Krystal Albertsen 15-

Mark Your Calendars!!

Vacation Bible School Dates

Monday, July 30th-Thursday, August 2nd 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

5

More than one million people suffer from eye injuries each year in the United States. Ninety percent of these injuries could have been prevented if the individual had been wearing appropriate protective eyewear (with “ANSI Z87.1” marked on the lens or frame). In the house – when using household chemicals, read instructions and labels carefully, work in a well ventilated area and make sure to point spray nozzles away from you. Many chemicals are extremely hazardous

and can permanently destroy the surface of your eyes, resulting in blindness. In the workshop – think about the work you will be doing and wear protective eyewear to shield your eyes from flying fragments, fumes, dust particles, sparks and splashing chemicals. Many objects can fly into your eyes unexpectedly and cause injury. In the garden – put on protective eyewear before you use a lawnmower, power trimmer or edger and be sure to check for rocks and stones because they can become dangerous projectiles as they shoot from these machines. Do not forget the risk to bystanders when using these machines. In the workplace – wear appropriate safety eyewear for your mob. Many of the 2,000 employees who are injured each day didn’t think they needed eye protection or were wearing eyewear inappropriate for the job. Around the car – Battery acid, sparks and debris from damaged or improperly jump-started auto batteries can severely damage your eyes. Keep protective goggles in the trunk of your car to use for those emergencies and everyday repairs. Prevention is the first and most important step in protecting your eyes from injuries, so be sure to protect your eyes with appropriate protective eyewear. If you do experience an eye injury, seek medical attention promptly.

Adult Christian Education Sunday School Meet in the chapel, 10:20 a.m., Sunday mornings

Please join us in the chapel after worship and coffee for a time of fellowship and learning.

CONFIRMATION God’s blessings to the following youth as they celebrate their Confirmation on April 22nd at OSLC:

Abby Brooks, Chloe Jackson, Brandon Jensen, Allison Elmquist, Tyler Rugaard, Grace Slater, Gavin Smith, Hannah Thygesen

The coffee time will be in honor of the Confirmands, hosted by the Evangelism Committee.

Palm Sunday Ecumenical Service Featuring Area Church Choirs—Palm Sunday, March 25th

St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Audubon at 7:00 p.m.

4

Christian Butterfly Beginning Easter morning and throughout the Easter season a

stained glass butterfly will be hanging in our sanctuary. Have you ever wondered why? The butterfly emerging from the chrysalis has traditionally been a representation of Christ’s rising from the tomb. The stages of the butterfly - egg, caterpillar, chrysalis, and butterfly

- are also wonderful analogies to our life as Christians. *The miracle starts with an egg the size of the top of a straight

pin....just as human life starts with a tiny fertilized egg. A few short days later a tiny caterpillar emerges through the shell of the egg.....a baby is born.

*The caterpillar stage of eating, eating, eating is symbolic of life on earth.....preoccupied so often with the physical and material.

*In the chrysalis stage it appears the caterpillar is lifeless inside the chrysalis.....symbolizing death and the darkness of the tomb, an inevitable reality. But, lo, inside of the chrysalis a miracle is

taking place..... *The butterfly emerges..... symbolic of our souls rising from the

grave and ascending into heaven and eternal life!

A Dramatization of “The Living Last Supper”

THURSDAY, MARCH 29th - 7:00pm

Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church

The living dramatization of Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” is a re-creation of da Vinci’s world-famous painting with 13 living characters. Headed by the Harlan United Methodist Men,

they portray Jesus’s last meeting with his Disciples in the Upper Room. “The Living Last Supper” has been performed for the last 19 years in Harlan and various towns in Iowa and Nebraska.

Shortly after beginning the performances in 1999, some of the cast visited Guatemala and came in contact with an orphanage that greatly needed help. For several years, 100% of the donations received were given to the Hogar Del Nino Orphanage, but recently donations have been split between local missions and the Orphanage. This live performance is a very moving experience

accompanied by song and communion. Make plans to attend and invite others.

Okoboji Summer Camps Registration is open… Check out Okoboji.org

for more information/dates.

Altar Guild Volunteers We are in need of a couple of volunteers to serve on Altar Guild. If you are

interested or have questions, please contact Janice

Hemmingsen, 712-304-0604, or talk to Janice after a

church service. Thank you.

Janice Hemmingsen, Altar Guild Chairperson

9

THE ROCK YOUTH GROUP—(7th Grade-12th Grade)

Rock April News: The Rock leaders want the congregation to know we are blessed with

fantastic youth!! We had 13 youth participate in the Ignite Youth Leadership Conference March 9th and 10th. We learned during our break-out sessions,

praised God during the main sessions and sang with about 500 other youth, it was moving. Our youth were wonderful representatives of OSLC.

The Rock serves Easter Breakfast for the congregation between church services on April 1st. We have a sign up for egg bakes and muffins at the

church, we are also in need of adult help in the kitchen Easter morning this year. Please sign up at the church or text Tracie

if you are willing to help 304-1256.

The Rock will be putting on ‘This Blood’ during Palm Sunday at church service, come experience this moving piece. We are honored to put this on for

you. Thank you to the youth that already helped us put on ‘Flawless’, we had many people express how they were moved by it.

The Rock would also like to take the Rock Youth out for a movie/meal night the second week of April. We would like to see ‘I Can Only Imagine’,

we will text out info when we know what theatres are showing that week. For those that were not able to attend Ignite this year: we ordered an

audio of the break-out sessions, please contact Tracie 304-1256 if you would like to borrow it.

The Rock Youth Group Leaders: Tracie C. (304-1256), Sara S. (304-2363), Nate V. (304-0548)

Facebook: The Rock OSLC OSLC website: oslcauduboniowa.org

The Rock Email: therockaudubon@gmail.com

Easter Instrumental Ensemble It’s so uplifting to hear the instrumental ensemble at the 9:00 a.m. Easter morning service as we sing “Jesus Christ is Risen Today”! Brandon Toft will

be leading the ensemble and is in need of musicians, high school age on up. Please contact the church office

or Brandon (712-790-4034) if you are interested in playing in the ensemble.

Easter Lilies Would you like to sponsor an Easter lily

to adorn our sanctuary on Easter morning? The cost is $14 each and you may take your lily home after the 9:00 a.m. Easter Sunday

Worship service. Look for the sign-up sheet on the bulletin board above the

water fountain or contact the church office. Thank you!

10

OSLC Women of Faith have many opportunities for Bible Study. If you are interested in joining a Bible Study, contact the church office or one of the following Bible Study leaders.

Marlene Englin, Leader Norma Nielsen, Leader

Julie Opp, Leader Barb Christensen, Leader Whitney Nelson, Leader

Ruth Circle Bible Study, Leader Jean Jensen Naomi Circle Bible Study,

Leaders Barb Christensen & Donis Hansen

Upcoming Events & Worship Opportunities

March 25th: Palm Sunday

Holy Week Services: March 29th & 30th

April 1st: Easter Breakfast & Easter Sunday

April 22nd: Confirmation Sunday

April 29th: Sunday School End of Year Celebration

May 13th: Senior Breakfast & Recognition

July 30th-August 2nd: Vacation Bible School

August 26th: Praise in the Park

September 9th: Rally Sunday

October 7th-10th: LCMC Annual Gathering in Des Moines, IA

October 14th: Consecration Sunday

October 21st: Mission Sunday

November 4th: All Saints’ Sunday with All Saints’ Altar Processional

November 21st: Thanksgiving Eve Worship

December 5th, 12th, 19th: Wednesday Advent Services

December 24th/25th: Christmas Eve/Day Worship with Community Christmas Dinner

CHURCH WEBSITE—oslcauduboniowa.org

The church website is updated on a regular basis and is a great source for information on dates and times of worship services,

events, activities, Bible studies, etc. Also, OSLC has facebook, search Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church

on your facebook account.

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We welcomed the following New Members to OSLC on March 11th!

Compassion Sunday—April 29th

The OSLC Sunday School students have sponsored Grace & Ibrahimu, from Tanzania since September of 2012 through

Compassion International. We have been blessed to get to know Grace & Ibrahimu throughout the years through letters and

pictures. We continue to pray for each other through all of the ups and downs of each other’s lives. Grace is an 11 year old girl

who loves arts and crafts, playing with friends and dolls and learning about God. Ibrahimu is a 13 year old boy who loves drawing and art, football and soccer and playing any kind of

game/sports. If you would like to learn more about sponsoring a child through Compassion International, please talk to Pastor

Doug or the church office or go to www.compassion.com.

Thank you to all the Sunday School students who sponsor Grace & Ibrahimu through their Sunday School offering!!

Women of Faith Update

We are in the process of taking steps to help improve this critically important ministry here at OSLC. April, 2018 – March, 2019 sign up

sheets are posted on the large west-wall bulletin board in the entryway for anyone (men, women, families) to greet prior to our worship services

in addition to sign up sheets for volunteers to provide snacks and/or serve at Sunday Fellowship/Coffee hours. The next gathering of

Women of Faith is set for Sunday, May 6th, at 10:15 a.m. Questions? Please contact Pastor Doug, the church office,

Carol Albertsen or Mary Kay Lewis.

God’s blessings to the following youth who celebrated their First Communion on Sunday, March 18th at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church.

Young Women’s Bible Study

Women ages 25-45 (or of any age!) are invited to join together for bible study. We will be continuing

Philippians, and meeting on Sunday mornings at 11:30

a.m.in the chapel. Those interested are encouraged to

contact Whitney Nelson at 712-304-2366 or

at whit.l.nelson@hotmail.com.

Thanks! Whitney

Isaac Jackson Sawyer McClain-Toft

Adam Obrecht Austin Pruitt

Mason Steckler

Michael & Jennifer Bauer and children Carson & Collin Mike & Allie Brooks and children Abby & Michelle

Brad Borkowski & Kristen Rutherford Dustin Bruch & Hailie Anthofer

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Dear friends in Christ, It’s Friday…But Sunday’s Coming! That is the title of a powerful sermon preached by an African-American pastor many years ago. These very same words deserve our attention as well. They of course refer to Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

In Matthew 16:21 Jesus began to tell His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and that suffering and death were awaiting Him there. The disciples heard the Friday story, that Jesus must “suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed,” but it seems that the Sunday good news, “and be raised up on the third day,” did not register with them at all.

It was not only the words of Jesus that the disciples failed to understand, it was also the words of other accounts of Scripture “For as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead.” (John 20:9) Jesus spoke plainly to the Twelve, declaring that “all things that are written through the prophets about the Son of Man will be accomplished,” His suffering and His death, “and the third day He will rise again.” (Luke 18:31-33) Therefore the failure of the disciples to believe was a failure to believe Holy Scripture.

It’s Friday…but Sunday’s coming. Sadly some of us in this world use these words as a source of comfort during difficult days of life or in anticipation of the coming weekend after a trying week. It is easy to fall prey to societal norms when we try to draw what may be called practical life applications from the days between Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

The disciples were waiting for Sunday with an expected coming of a triumphant conqueror, not the suffering Servant-Savior. They had been taught Old Testament prophecy, and even though they saw and heard the very words of Jesus, initially they still got it wrong, they needed help believing.

This leads me to the reminder for all of us, Good Friday is not about you or me, our troubles and trials of life. Good Friday is all about Jesus who took our place on the Cross at Calvary, and in so doing paid, in full, the price for our sins. Easter Sunday is all about Jesus too, as Holy Scripture boldly declares. He lives, and because of that fact of faith, we can see tomorrow, we can look beyond our years of this life to the day when faith becomes sight.

My prayer for all of us, myself included, is, “Lord, I believe, help my unbelief. Amen!

Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!

Pastor Doug

Men’s Bible Study! The Men’s Bible Study led by Pastor Doug will meet after Easter on

Tuesday mornings in the downstairs social room at 7:00 a.m. The Apostle Paul’s letter to the Roman Christians will be the focus of our study. The coffee will be ready! Bring your Bibles! Bring your friends and neighbors!

Thank you!

Thank you to the many faithful volunteers and staff who put in “extra time” during the Lenten and Easter services and Lenten suppers and to those who sponsor Easter lilies.

Your time, dedication, and generosity are greatly appreciated!

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Stewardship Square

Regular offerings 02/18 $6,290.97 02/25 $3,202.00 03/04 $7,289.48 03/11 $5,753.37 03/18 $5,544.00 Weekly Worship Attendance 02/18 157 02/21 94 02/25 195 02/28 88 03/04 177 03/07 68 03/11 169 03/14 60 03/18 221 March 4th loose offering to Caring & Sharing: $42.05

Needed Weekly to meet budget—$7,169.83 If you have any questions regarding the OSLC financial report, you are welcome to contact our Office Manager Pam Steckler

Praise Band If you have a passion for making music in praise of our Lord, and will be in high school or college next fall, prayerfully consider becoming a member of

the “Behind the Cross” Praise Band! Along with Pastor Doug, the Praise Band leads worship the fourth Sunday of the month, August – May.

Please contact Director Jo Beane or the church office for more information.

Online Giving To donate online, go to the OSLC website http://oslcauduboniowa.org and click on the online giving

tab located at the upper right hand corner of the webpage. Questions, contact the church office.

Update on Boiler Fund Project Estimate for Project: $105,000.00

As of March 19th, donations we have received: $91,866.80

Total left to raise: $13,133.20

Sound Operators Needed With two of our sound operators

graduating this spring, we are in need of additional sound volunteers. The

dedication of all OSLC sound operators is greatly appreciated and we thank those who serve in this capacity!

Please prayerfully consider if you could join the Sound Ministry Team. Instruction and support is provided.