TH E LES SER WORD — May 2017The people of Church of Our Savior are committed to developing a deeper relationship with God and to

reaching out to each other, the community, and the world through scripture, tradition, and reason.

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,Alleluia! Christ is risen! The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia!

For a while now, as part of my daily prayers, I have been reading from the sermons of Oscar Romero, Archbishop of San Salvador during the Salvadoran Civil War in El Salvador in the latter 1970s. Romero was a choice for archbishop that pleased the government because he had a reputation as a careful and conservative theologian at a time when many priests were openly embracing Marxist thought in their theology and criticizing the government for injustice done to the poorest Salvadorans, many of whom, because of the injustices, were organizing and fighting back, only to be met with kidnappings, torture, and murder at the hands of the government. Romero, it was thought, would toe-the-line and defend the status quo, or at least not make waves. The opposite was the case, however. He courageously spoke out against poverty, social injustice, assassinations, and torture; he actively denounced violations of the human rights of the most vulnerable people and defended the principles of protecting lives, promoting human dignity and opposition to all forms of violence. He did all this from the pulpit and had this to say about preaching:A church that doesn’t provoke any crises, a gospel that doesn’t unsettle, a word of God that doesn’t get under anyone’s skin, a word of God that doesn’t touch the real sin of the society in which it is proclaimed—what gospel is that? Very nice, pious considerations that don’t bother anyone, that’s the way many would like preaching to be. Those preachers who avoid every thorny matter so as not to be harassed, so as not to have conflicts and difficulties, do not light up the world they live in. They don’t have Peter’s courage, who told the crowd that had killed Christ: “You killed him!” Even though the charge could cost him his life as well, he made it. The gospel is courageous, it’s the good news of him who came to take away the world’s sins. (Oscar Romero, The Violence of Love. [Maryknoll, New York: Orbis Books, ©1988], p. 44.)

Many would rather that preaching remain rather innocuous, restricted to pious platitudes that comfort and sooth but do not challenge. When I first arrived at Church of Our Savior, Sunday attendance was up—the 10:30 service alone regularly worshipped eighty-plus folks. Within six months, that number dropped to between fifty and sixty, where it remains now. Why? I can remember exactly. I preached a series of sermons on poverty in which I challenged the political rhetoric of the time that

203 W. 4th St. North Platte, NE 69101 308/532-0515 www.churchofoursaviornp.com

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stereotyped and demonized the poor as lazy loafers who would rather live off the government than pull themselves up by the bootstraps and get themselves out of poverty. The reality, however, was (and still is) very different. In fact, most poor are working poor who work two and three low-wage jobs and still can’t make enough to raise them out of poverty. After that series of sermons, some folks wandered away. One

203 W 4th St, North Platte NE 69101 308/532-0515 May 2017

when asked why she left, accused me of preaching politics from the pulpit. She did not want political rhetoric, but comfort. She wanted to feel better about herself after she had been to church.

Oscar Romero would not understand such thinking; neither do I, and neither did Peter, who despite the very real threat to his person, mightily preached truth to power, calling out the religious leaders of his time for their active collusion in the death of Jesus: “Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with deeds of power, wonders, and signs that God did through him among you, as you yourselves know—this man, handed over to you according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of those outside the law.” (Acts 2:22–23) For his trouble, Peter often was flogged, imprisoned, and, like Jesus, was ultimately crucified. But the gospel compelled him in the knowledge that no matter what they did to him, it was not the final word, for “God raised [Jesus] up, having freed him from death, for it was impossible for him to be held in its power.” (Acts 2:24) And if Jesus couldn’t be so held, neither could those who believed in Jesus.

In light of the death and resurrection of Jesus, we are compelled as Jesus’ followers to speak the truth—the whole truth—in order that God’s vision for the world may become a reality here and now. Speaking the truth is not limited to pious platitudes that comfort the afflicted; sometimes speaking truth must also afflict the comfortable. The word of God, we were reminded again at Morning Prayer on Holy Saturday, “is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow…able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12) The word of God is both a word of comfort and challenge. Sometimes, therefore, one must speak in such a way as to provoke a crisis, to unsettle, to get under the skin. Sometimes, such words are directed at individuals. Sometimes such words are directed at the

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culture and at political leaders. This is not a matter of taking up sides—liberal or conservative, Democrat or Republican—it is a matter of speaking the truth of God’s word to whomever chooses to ignore it and so get in the way of realizing God’s vision for the world. If our preaching does not do this, then what good is it? What gospel is that?

Alleluia! Christ is risen! The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia!Peace!

Fr. Jeffrey+

203 W 4th St, North Platte NE 69101 308/532-0515 May 2017

From the Senior Warden . . .

I have done some substitute teaching in several schools recently.  It has been fun being with kids again!  Some of them really do say the darndest things!  I am also amazed at how resilient students are, especially the ones who come from really, really tough times and situations. Even dealing with difficult situations, they go on with the “job” of just being a kid. They laugh, do silly things and just keep moving forward.

There has been research done on resiliency and longevity.  It seems a positive attitude and the ability to adapt positively to adversity can lead to a longer life. I witnessed this in my own life. My mother died at 91, but to me, she epitomized the definition of resilience. In a year and a half, she experienced the death of her only son, her husband and both of her siblings. In that time, she also found out that her youngest grandchild was diagnosed with cancer.  She had cancer herself three times.  She survived the death of a great grandchild to SIDS. She made the brave decision at the age of 90 to go on dialysis, because “she wasn't ready to give up”.  I remember her doctor telling her that “dialysis is not for wimps”, but she was willing to try!  A week before she died, she got her hair fixed, went to the Library for her five books to read, and got groceries at Wal-Mart!  She wasn't planning on dying anytime soon!  She finally succumbed to an infection which is always a possible side effect of dialysis. Even though in her heart and mind, she was not ready to give up, her poor body just couldn't go on. Throughout her life though, even dealing with many difficulties that could have broken her down, she just kept going…. She was amazing!

Back to the students I worked with at school. As resilient as I have seen these kids, (my mother and other people be), I am betting that they will overcome their adversities and have long, successful lives. At least that is my hope and prayer for them, and for all of us!

Chris Vieyra, Senior Warden______________________________________________________________

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May Holy DaysThere are three holy days in May.

The Feast of Saint Philip and Saint James, Apostles is on Monday, May 1. We with celebrate Communion from the Reserved Sacrament at 12:15 p.m. in the chapel. The Ascension of Our Lord Jesus Christ is celebrated on Thursday, May 25 with The Holy Eucharist at 7:00 p.m. in the church. Incense will be used. On Wednesday, May 31 is The Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We will gather at 11:45 in the chapel to pray the Rosary and then celebrate The Holy Eucharist beginning at 12:15 p.m. Please join us. All are welcome here!

203 W 4th St, North Platte NE 69101 308/532-0515 May 2017

The Downtown Community Meal

We need more volunteers from Church of Our Savior to step up and help with the meal, particularly for the serving/clean-up shift from 5:00-6:30 p.m. Church of Our Savior serves on the 1st, 4th, and 5th Wednesday of the month. Sign-up sheets will be available in the hallway by the Fireside Room. Also, if you are interested in supporting this ministry in another way, food donations are always welcome. We are particularly in need of proteins such as meat, eggs, sausage, etc., however, any food donation is welcome. Talk to Shari Shore for more details, and thanks!____________________________________________________________________________

ALTAR FLOWERS FOR MAYFlowers will be given by: May 7: Fr. Jeffrey, Sam and Lynda PerryMay 14: Chuck and Kristi Salestrom, Bonnie LarsenMay 21: M.L. Martin – both vasesMay 28: Nisley Family – both vasesIf you would like to donate altar flowers during the year, there

is a sign-up sheet in the narthex or you may contact Susan Fry at 532-8160. Cost per vase is $25 plus tax. You may order one vase or both vases, or share cost of a vase. Westfield Floral is now furnishing our altar flowers and they will bill you. _____________________________________________________________________________

United Thank OfferingThe mission of UTO is to expand the circle of thankful people. To achieve this mission, we encourage daily prayers, offerings and awareness of the abundance of God’s blessings. UTO addresses compelling human need through grants to projects that alleviate poverty, both domestically and

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internationally, within the Anglican provinces, dioceses and companion dioceses. Roughly 2-3 million dollars is awarded each year. UTO’s Values are Thanksgiving, Generosity, Mission and Ministry. We invite you to embrace one or more of these values as we prepare for our spring ingathering on May 14 and 21. If you choose to be generous please make any checks to Church of Our Savior with UTO on the memo line.__________________________________________________________________________________________

OUR CHURCH FAMILY

Our sympathy to family and friends ofBetty R. Levine, 91, who died February 28, 2017. Services were held at Church of Our Savior March 6, 2017.Dean G. Candea, 96, who died April 5, 2017. Inurnment services were held April 21, 2017 at Church of Our Savior.

203 W 4th St, North Platte NE 69101 308/532-0515 May 2017

IN THE NEWS

Connie Edwards attended the Eagle Scout Ceremony at David City on March 26, for her grandson, Jacob Witter. He is the son of Jim and Jo Witter. He joins his brothers Jim and Jeff and cousins Nathan and Matthew Witter, sons of Marc and Brenda Witter of Omaha, who are also Eagle Scouts.

We welcomed four new members into our fellowship of faith on Easter Sunday. Barbara Christensen, Bobbi DeNaeyer, Amanda Miller, and her son, Christopher Miller, are the newest members of Church of Our Savior. We are honored by and grateful for their presence among us and are excited about the gifts they bring to help us further reflect God’s love into the world.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR GRADUATESyble Heffernan, daughter of Heather Heffernan, is graduating from North Platte High School. Here are a few details of her next adventure: I'm going to Londrina, Brazil where I will be living with anywhere from 1-3 host families.  I already have daily contact with my first host family and am very excited to meet them!  I will begin my year studying at Colégio Londrinense, a private secondary school in Londrina where one of my host sisters currently attends.  There will be a break because their school year is opposite of ours, and then I will resume my

education either at the same school or potentially a community college, this information is to be determined.  I will be leaving towards the end of July/beginning of August and return to the United States the following June!  I especially look forward to all of the trips I will be making around the country with my family, friends, and other students on exchange in my district.  By the end of my time there I will have visited every region of Brazil! Also, I would like to invite everyone to an open house/graduation brunch on Saturday, May 13 from 10 am - noon in the Fireside room. 

Note: if you have a news item you would like to share, please bring it to the church office or to Marcia Mapes.

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__________________________________________________________________________________________Celebrating in May

ANNIVERSARIES

5/21 M.L. and Rick Martin5/30 Phyllis and Milo Shavlik

BIRTHDAYS5/2 John Huebner; 5/6 Connie Edwards; 5/12 John Striebel; 5/15 Randy Sullivan; 5/19 Austin Axford; 5/20 Aardel Walters; 5/21 Colton Nisley; 5/22 Ryan Farley, Wanda Smith; 5/24 Dan Wright; 5/25 Brandon Eller.

203 W 4th St, North Platte NE 69101 308/532-0515 May 2017

May 2017 CalendarSunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 St. Philip and St. James

12:15 Communion from the Reserved Sacrament

210:00 WW12:00 Worship/ Arts Meeting 5:30 WW7:00 G-12

3 11:00 Staff Mtg12:00 Rosary4:00 Catechesis 5:30 Downtown Community Meal6:30 Adult Ed Class

410:30 St. Margaret’s Guild12:00 ThursdayBible Study5:30 The Holy Eucharist with Healing6:15 Altar Guild

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5:00 G-127:00 SUN

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74th Sunday of Easter9:30 The Holy Eucharist11 Confirmation2:00 Pr. Shawl3:00 Worship at Premier Estates

8 5:30 Girl Scouts

910:00 WW11:15 Pr. Min 5:30 WW6:00 M. Group/W. N. Out 7:00 G-12

1012:00 Rosary4:00 Catechesis 5:15 Finance Meeting5:30 Downtown Community Meal6:30 Adult Ed Class

1110:30 ThursdayBible Study

5:30 The Holy Eucharist with Healing

125:00 G-12

1310:00-12:00Syble Heffernan Graduation Brunch

14 5th Sunday of Easter9:30 The Holy Eucharist11 Confirmation

2:00 Stamp ClubUTO Sunday

157:00 Prayer Shawl

16 10:00 WW5:30 WW6:00 Vestry7:00 G-12

17 11:00 Staff Mtg12:00 Rosary5:30 Downtown Community Meal6:30 Adult Ed Class

Fr. Jeffrey out of town through May 24

18 10:30 ThursdayBible Study

5:30 Communion from the Reserved Sacrament

195:00 G-127:00 SUN

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21 6th Sunday of Easter9:30 The Holy Eucharist

UTO Sunday

22 5:30 Girl Scouts

2310:00 WW11:15 Pr. Min. 5:30 WW7:00 G-12

2412:00 Rosary5:30 Downtown Community Meal

2510:30 ThursdayBible Study

5:30 The Holy Eucharist with Healing

26 5:00 G-12

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287th Sunday of Easter9:30 The Holy Eucharist11:00 Healing Minister Mtg

29 Office Closed

MemorialDay

30 10:00 WW5:30 WW7:00 G-12

31 11:45 Rosary12:15 The Holy Eucharist

5:30 Downtown Community Meal

203 W 4th St, North Platte NE 69101 308/532-0515 www.churchofoursaviornp.org

May 2017 Ministry ScheduleSunday,May 7

Sunday,May 14

Sunday,May 21

Sunday,May 28

Acolytes Syble HeffernanMontana HeffernanPam WrightHenry Cline

Elleigh FisherRyan FarleyRenée SullivanJanine Stickelman

Joseph EllerStephanie EllerMarcia MapesDaNelle Nisley

Skip AltigPam WrightRenée Sullivan

Lector & Intercessor

Chris Vieyra Milo Shavlik Bonnie Larsen

Element Bearers & Coffee Hosts

Chuck and Kristi Salestrom

Sharon MeyerDan & Pam Wright

Chalice Bearers

Greeters Chuck and Kristi Salestrom

Ushers Jon FarleyDan Wright

Don YoshidaSteve Kay

Chub MapesChuck Salestrom

Brian GardnerDan Brown

Altar Guild Lisa Huebner Lisa Huebner Nicki Evans Nicki Evans7

Ruth Carson Ruth Carson Dorothy Sauer Dorothy Sauer

Healing Minister Marcia Mapes

Tellers Rob Evans Amy Waples

Rob Evans Amy Waples

Rob Evans Amy Waples

Rob Evans Amy Waples

If you can help, sign up on the sheets outside the Fireside Room.

203 W 4th St, North Platte NE 69101 308/532-0515 www.churchofoursaviornp.org

Grief support for those who have experienced the loss of a spouse or partner

When your spouse or partner dies, your world changes. There is no right or wrong way to mourn. Many people share the same feelings; most deal with the pain of loss, or some worry about the future. But, there also can be differences. It may help to talk with other people who also are grieving. Join our support group where you can feel comfortable sharing your feelings and concerns. The group meets every Thursday for eight weeks starting May 4 through June 22, 1:00 to 2:30 p.m., North Platte Senior Center dining room area, 901 East 10th St., North Platte, NE. No registration is required and this class is offered free of charge._____________________________________________________________________________

Wednesdays.comThe Catechesis of the Good Shepherd concludes for the year on Wednesday, May 10 from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. on second floor of the education building. Our Adult Education Class concludes on May 17 with a planning session for the fall. If you have an idea for a study, come and give us input. Please join us!Bible Study

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The Tuesday Bible Study,  led so ably by Naomi Getty for years, has decided to disband due to Naomi's health. The Restoration Bible Study, a group-led study using a Bible and a Bible commentary, which has been meeting on Thursday mornings at 10:30 a.m. will move to Thursday noon beginning April 27, and will be renamed The Thursday Bible Study. All who have been involved in the Tuesday Bible Study especially are invited to join The Thursday Bible Study. But we hope more people in the parish will also join us as we explore God's Word together. This is how we come to understand what God desires

of us and how to live and respond as followers of Jesus. All are welcome!

203 W 4th St, North Platte NE 69101 308/532-0515 May 2017

CursilloThe Cursillo 25 retreat entitled “You did not choose me, but I chose

you,” is scheduled for June 8-11, 2017 at Immaculata Monastery in Norfolk. Applications are available from Fr. Jeffrey and are due by June 1.

Cursillo is a community within the church. Its purpose is to help people understand their individual callings to be Christian Leaders. The leadership may be exercised in work situations, in the family and social life, in leisure activities, and within the Church environment. Leadership, in Cursillo, does not mean power over others, but rather to let God work through each of us as we influence others, as all of us should be aware that we can exert a positive influence on those around us. ___________________________________________________________________________________

Footsteps CampA Healing Journey Through Grief

June 10, 2017 at Camp Comeca

Camp Information: Footsteps Camp is a day-long camp focused on children and teens, along with their guardian, who have experienced the death of a loved one. At the camp, all participants will learn about their grief and connect with others who have experienced a loss.The camp is free to all campers and is made possible by gifts to the Great Plains Health Care Foundation.Breakfast, lunch, snacks, activity supplies and T-shirts will be provided.

Programs for each age group (K-12) are available and facilitated by experienced professionals and volunteers.

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Programs for children: Children will participate in fun activities and crafts while interacting with other children who have experienced death in their families.Programs for teens: Teens will have an opportunity to express themselves through art, games and other challenge activities, keeping in mind their own unique grief issues.Support program: In order for a child or teen to participate, at least one adult guardian per family group must be present. He or she will participate in separate activities specifically designed to help manage their own grief while also helping their child or teen find their own way.For more information, contact Renee Callaghan 308.568.7918 callaghanr@gphealth.org

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203 W 4th St, North Platte NE 69101 308/532-0515 May 2017 Vestry Minutes Tuesday, March 21, 2017

Members in Attendance: Chris Vieyra, Senior Warden, Stan Rohr, Junior Warden, Rob Evans, Lisa Huebner, Ruby Coleman, Shari Shore, Toni Dale, Janice Roth, Fr. Jeffrey Nelson, Kathy Stevens, Treasurer, and Marcia Mapes, clerk of the vestry.Not in Attendance: Ruth Carson

Opening: The meeting began at 6:00PM with The Holy Eucharist in the chapel (Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury and Martyr). Following the liturgy, the vestry resumed the meeting in the library.

Minutes: Corrections to the February minutes were: Lent begins with Ash Wednesday instead of Shrove Tuesday and remove Dan’s name from Policy Ministry. Rob moved to accept the minutes as corrected, second by Stan. Motion carried.

Priest’s Report: Fr. Jeffrey stated he is all moved in and thanked Amy, Howard, Janine, Dan, Brian, and Stan for their help.Lent has begun and the Tuesday concert series has gone well. Stations of the Cross has a good attendance.Bishop Barker will be here this Sunday, March 26. Ryan Farley, Syble Heffernan, and Montana Heffernan will be confirmed.A dinner for new members will be held soon.Fr. Jeffrey reported the Come and See program is alive and well and the Endowment Fund saw an increase of $22,000.

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Senior Warden’s Report: No report.Junior Warden’s Report: Stan reported the roof work should be done Friday. Renovation for retreat room and shower installation is complete with the cost of $2500.New carpet installed in Administrative Office.The History room and the Administrative office have been rekeyed.

Finance Report: Kathy reported the Finance Committee recommends all funds move from Adams Bank and Trust to Equitable Bank effective June 1, 2017. Toni moved to accept the recommendation of Finance Committee re: transfer of funds, second by Ruby. Motion carried.Kathy brought up wording of Utility Use Agreement for the retreat room which prompted some discussion.Lisa moved to accept the finance report and to pay the bills, second by Shari. Motion carried.

Standing Committee Reports: Endowment – see Priest’s Report. Worship and the Arts – Fr. Jeffrey reported work is planned through Pentecost.

Ministry Area Reports: Christian Formation – (Janice) No report Communications – (Shari) Fr. Jeffrey asked everyone to be aware of all the services in the next few weeks and to attend as you can.Hospitality – (Ruby) Ruby stated the Come and See speakers have been well received. “Be Welcoming”Nominating – (Ruth, Rob, Lisa) No reportPersonnel – (Lisa) No reportPolicy – (Toni) No reportOutreach – (Ruth) Ruth could not be in attendance but left the information for the kitchen stoves replacement for all to discuss.Stewardship – (Rob) No report

Old Business: New assignments for Ministry Area Liaisons were announced. Janice will be Christian Formation, Shari will be Communications, Ruby will be Hospitality, Ruth, Rob, and Lisa will be Nominating, Lisa will be Personnel, Toni will be Policy, Ruth will be Outreach, and Rob will be Stewardship.Discussion was held regarding the Weekly Financial Reports that are put in the Sunday announcements. It was decided the report should be a tool for parishioners to keep track of the church finances.

New Business: Chris reported the need for a new vacuum cleaner to replace the one currently being used by the Sexton. Stan will check on prices.Ruth left information on stoves for the kitchen including size, cost, etc. Her recommendation was Volcan, a commercial stove sold by Cash Way Distributors. Cost is $4600 plus cost of adding rollers. Money to pay for two stoves will come from Men’s Group, memorial money, and donations from the congregation. A question regarding the cost was raised so no motion to purchase stoves was made.The condition of the tile floors was mentioned. Fr. Jeffrey reported a parishioner will donate time to clean and wax them after Easter when rooms can be blocked off.

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Other Business: The next meeting of the vestry will be April 18, 2017, beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the chapel.Blessing and Dismissal: Fr. Jeffrey gave a blessing and the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted, Marcia Mapes, Clerk of the Vestry

203 W 4TH ST NORTH PLATTE NE 69101

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Parish Leadership: Weekly Liturgies:Bishop: The Rt. Rev. J. Scott Barker Sundays:Rector: Rev. Jeffrey S. F. Nelson 530-8321 The Holy Eucharist 9:30 AM Senior Warden: Chris Vieyra 532-5851 Thursdays:

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Junior Warden: Stan Rohr 308-660-1428 The Holy Eucharist with Healing Treasurer: Kathy Stevens 534-3506 5:30 PM-Chapel

Parish Staff: Weekly Contemplative Prayer: Administrative Assistant: Marcia Mapes Wednesdays:Choir Director: Chrysanne Bailey Rosary, 12:00 PM-ChapelOrganist: Carolyn ClineOrganist Emerita: Naomi Getty Sexton: Jesse Lira Vestry Members:

Ruth Carson 308-534-4549 Office Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Rob Evans 308-532-4022 Parish Contact Information: Lisa Huebner 308-368-7422Admin. Asst.: secretary.cosnp@gmail.com Ruby Coleman 308-534-1940Pastoral Care: rector.cosnp@gmail.com Shari Shore 308-539-1715Treasurer: treasurer.cosnp@gmail.com Toni Dale 308-534-2186Phone: (308) 532-0515 Janice Roth 402-440-6307Toll free 1-888-314-8653Website: www.churchofoursaviornp.org FAX: 308-534-0339

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