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In this Edition Men’s Retreat
The “Big Week”!
Red Cross Blood Drive
March 2020 | Monthly Newsletter of Our Shepherd Lutheran Church
on the horizon
Mexicali Mission Trip
8th Grade Class Trip
L E N T
Lenten Series based on The Lenten Cross Banner by Paul Waters
We will learn the importance of the cross symbols through the centuries and across all
lands of the world. Ash Wednesday we looked at the DIAGONAL CROSS, a reminder that we
are to “take up the cross” and follow Jesus. Our Lenten journey continues with: the Latin
Cross on Globe or CROSS OF TRIUMPH, the ANCHOR CROSS, the INVERTED LATIN CROSS, the
ORTHODOX CROSS, the JERUSALEM CROSS and finally celebrating Easter Sunday with the
CELTIC CROSS, where the circle, as the symbol of eternity, signifies eternal life that comes
through Jesus Christ.
We pray this series will inspire you to become “cross bearers” in the spirit of our Lord, Jesus
Christ! Thanks go to Barb and George Lemke for creating the Lenten Banner we will use
each week for worship. Our Holy Week worship schedule is inside.
Regular Worship Schedule
Contemporary Saturdays at 6:00pm
Traditional Sundays at 8:30am and 11:00am
Bible Education Hour Sundays 9:45-10:45am
Church Attendance
FEBRUARY 2020
Feb 1 - 6:00pm ............. 69 Feb 2 - 8:30am ............ 133 Feb 2 - 11:00am ......... 165
Weekend Total ........... 367 Feb 8 - 6:00pm ............. 98 Feb 9 - 8:30am ............ 119 Feb 9 - 11:00am ......... 262
Weekend Total ........... 479 Feb 15 - 6:00pm ......... 103 Feb 16 - 8:30am ......... 113 Feb 16 - 11:00am ....... 192
Weekend Total ........... 408 Feb 22 - 6:00pm ........... 73 Feb 23 - 8:30am ......... 117 Feb 23 - 11:00am ....... 254
Weekend Total ........... 444
Giving made easy
Text “give” to 248-430-4403
We join together to worship God
because of the love He has shown us in His son Jesus Christ. As we worship, we are assured of our forgiveness. By gathering we are responding to the
love of God in Christ Jesus with our prayers and praise.
Notes & News Deadlines
Articles due on or before the 25th of each month. NO CLASSIFIED ADS PLEASE.
Email: publications@ ourshepherd.net Text: 248-672-8248
Articles are subject to editing. Katie Priskorn, Editor
Kindrid|Give.Church makes it easy to schedule regular donations. Click on “Give” at ourshepherd.net, or text “give” to our dedicated giving number (above). It’s easy to change your gift and giving dates at any time.
ourshepherdlutheranchurch
@ourshepherdlcms
@ourshepherd
www.ourshepherd.net
Where to Find Information
The Notes and News monthly newsletter will be distributed the first weekend of each month. The newsletter will be available online through-out the month, also under the “Gather, Nurture, Serve” sign on the slat wall outside the Sanctuary doors. This area is our Information Center. You will find our prayer bulletin, a listing of monthly birthdays and baptism birthdays, a calendar of events and more! We encourage you to visit the Information Center every week.
Welcome Visitors!
We pray you are strengthened in your faith and relationship with Jesus Christ as you worship with us. Please fill out the “Guest” side of an attendance card located in the pew racks and pass it to the center aisle during the offering so we can get to know you better. If you wish to commune, please read our statement of faith on the laminated pew card God’s blessings on your time with us and look forward to seeing you again.
Continue to make donations to Renewing OS through check or online giving!
Dear Saints of Our Shepherd,
Rita Gaertner, my aunt, has the ability to communicate in a very powerful way the depth and mystery of God’s mercy. Her ability to share how God’s grace has been sufficient for her and his power made known in her weaknesses has come about through years of being the mother of a beautiful woman named Nicki. This last year my cousin Nicki passed away, and I was led to remember Rita’s words shared a few years ago to another mother that was struggling. As you read Rita’s letter you will learn more about the beauty of Nicki. This letter was written by Rita to someone whose friend has a child with Downs Syndrome. (I have changed a few details for privacy).
Dear Jill, My dear nephew Evan asked me to drop you a note regarding your friend's hard news of her new daughter with Downs Syndrome because we have been blessed with one of these special girls. You asked him how you can best help her. There is no easy answer - except to treat her as you would any friend's new baby. Pick her up and tell her how beautiful she is, comment on her tiny ears and sweet nose, tell her she smells good and you love the feel of a baby's bottom - you know. Tell your friend that you are sorry she has to learn great things through this trial, but that you know without a doubt that it will be a worth-while journey. I wish I could say I was ready that first month to take the step - it took me almost a year to stop shutting out God's grace for me. I had what I called a BIG SAD. Now I know it was depression, hidden from most everyone. But finally I opened my heart to God and He opened my heart to Nicki. The first year she was so frail and I really thought she would not live - so I held myself back, but she hung in there. Here are a few things God touched me with soon after her first milestone. She looked at me. I had been praying for that but she couldn't focus - and then one day in the same breath as my prayer, she did. My heart smiled - for the first time in a long while. Then He spoke to me through the Scriptures (I had just gotten The Living Bible - and it was just what I needed to hear Him speak to me) I had been hung up on all she was NOT - or would NOT ... Then He led me to read 1 Cor. 1:27 “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, God choose the weak things...to shame the strong. He choose the lowly things...and the despised things - and the things that were not…” CHOSEN for His purpose, useful for His Will. I was also given this verse - which I knew of course - but it became my YES. Nicki was saved by God grace - through faith (received at her Baptism) - not by her works - JUST LIKE ME. Today in church on her own, Nicki signed this series of words (she does not have any verbal skills): "Jesus, Cross, Loves, Heart, Makes me fine(!), Heaven, Come!" She has been given the Spir-itual gifts of welcome, acceptance of all, she has no guile, she looks for and notices how she can help another - and does it. Enough about us. What can you do? Do what you can to relieve her of any extra stress. If her financial needs are truly a burden, see if you can organize some kind of a fund raiser. Thrivent Financial can help match funds as well as give you some pointers.
Con’t. on next page
Our Shepherd School
Open House Dates
Preschool through Eighth Grade Thursday, March 19
9:00am-1:00pm 6:00 - 7:00pm
As a part of an Open House we conduct tours, showcase classrooms, and answer any questions you might have. Tours are available on Tuesdays and are scheduled through Missy Macavage.
If you have any questions about the Admissions process, contact:
Missy Macavage Admissions Counselor
248-645-0551 admissions@
ourshepherd.net
Lent and Holy Week Worship
Wednesday Mid-week Worship March 4, 11, 18, 25, April 1
Tuesday, March 31 “That All May Have Life”
Passion Play presented by Fifth Grade 6:30pm in the MPR
Palm Sunday, April 5 8:30am and 11:00am
Maundy Thursday, April 9 6:30pm
Good Friday, April 10 1:00pm and 6:30pm
Easter Vigil, April 11 6:00pm
Easter Sunday, April 12 7:00am, 9:00am, and 11:00am
Practical help is always good. Ask if you can baby sit while she gets her hair done (maybe you can find a hairdresser to donate a cut). Remind her of God's abiding love and that His compassion is new every morning - and to NOT get ahead of herself in all she worries about; to take one day or hour at a time and allow God to be sufficient. He is ABLE to meet ALL her needs - He promises. Help her find another (Christian) mom of a handicapped child that can encourage her. Talk with her about ordinary things, remind her to look for what is good today, enable her to take joy in the small accomplishments, bring her a flower, 3 chocolate-chip cookies, a cartoon. Ask how she would like you to pray for her. Tell her you pray for her energy, for joy to come, you've asked God to watch over her and her decisions - which reminds me, my mother gave me this verse and I treasure it: James 1:5 “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all WITHOUT FINDING FAULT, and it WILL be given to him.” He knows we don't know. But He does! In Psalm 103:14 another favorite! “He remembers we are dust…” Having a child with special needs takes a lot of pressure off of having a “perfect” kid. This is getting too long. Blessing on your visits. Pray first - ask God to bless your words, give her hugs. We love our Nicki! Once when Leela, our other daughter was 16 (lovely, sweet, kind, athlet-ic and smart -she received her MBA from Stanford) she made us laugh when she said, “Ya, mom is always saying she wishes I could be more like Nicki.” We have been blessed! Take good care, Rita (Gaertner) Soeken
I am glad that Rita has allowed me to share this letter with you. We rejoice as a community of believ-ers that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Indeed! Nothing.
OSL Men’s Retreat
God’s Extraordinary Grace for Ordinary Men Friday-Sunday, March 20-22
Registration open Registration is open for Men’s Retreat, held at Weber Conference Center, Adrian, MI. The theme is based on 2 Cor 12:9, “My grace is sufficient or you, for my power is made perfect in weakness,” and features well-known “40 Minutes in the OT” podcast speaker and author Chad Bird.
According to Chad, “To read the biblical story is to read the Word of God whose extraordinary grace pursues ordinary people who struggle with personal failures, family problems, loneliness, and a long list of other weaknesses and challenges. Their stories are still our stories today, and their God is still our God. We will immerse ourselves in these biblical narratives to better understand who we are, who our Savior is, and how the Old Testament continues to testify to the Lord of mercy.”
Register online at www.ourshepherd.net, or complete a registration form found in the tri-fold brochure at the Spiritual Education Information Board in the church atrium or school main hall, or contact Mark Nimtz at [email protected].
July 30 - August 1 Campout Pokagon State Park, Angola, Indiana
Make reservations early for this popular Indiana State Park, as the weekend is “Sand Castle Weekend”. Pokagon offers swimming, canoeing, boating, horse-back riding, hiking, and a host of other activities. Make reservations by logging on to camp.IN.gov. The OS group is attempting to make reservations in Campground #3, site #’s 300-306 and the strip of sites that run right through the middle of Camp-ground #3. Mini cabins and a lodge are available for those without a tent or camper.
Camping brochures can be found on the slat walls near the bookstore in the church atrium. Campouts are a great way to gather, nurture, and serve, and campouts are open to all - families, couples, singles, small groups. See you there!
Faith Legacy Faith Step “Faith Chest” Offered March 1, 8, and 15
Faith Legacy is a ministry that gathers parents of same age children and offers insight into how they might nurture discipleship in age - appro-priate ways within the home, and serve others. Preschool and elementary age parents meet for three 1-hour sessions to study and discuss a “Faith Step.” Each “Faith Step” has a unique gift that can be purchased to help children remember what the parents have discussed with them! Each Faith Step Series concludes with a blessing in the church on Sunday morning.
Faith Chest, designed for parents of newborns through 2nd graders, helps parents discover the importance of developing spiritual growth oppor-tunities in the home and family. Please contact Mark Nimtz at [email protected] to register, or join us Sunday, March 1, 8, and 15 in the West Wing Conference Room at 9:45am.
The CREW Guys Atrium Concert
Sunday, March 22
Following 11am worship
You may remember The CREW Guys visiting in the Spring of 2016. They provided us with an atrium concert following one of the Wednesday Lenten services. On Sunday, March 22, following the 11:00am service, The CREW Guys will per-form their unique acapella sound in the church atrium. The CREW feature Joel Haberstock, Gary Brucker, Dave Lieffertz, & Paul Mercier. Check them out at https://www.thecrewguys.com/ or on Facebook “The CREW guys.” Pizza, salad, dessert, and drinks will be provided! The concert is designed for people of all ages. Everyone is invited - Bring a friend!
Personal Protection Class Saturday, March 7
1:00-2:30pm, Church Gym Register by email: [email protected]
Gain knowledge and confidence to protect yourself, your family, and your friends. This hands-on intro-duction to personal protection will teach you funda-mentals of armed and unarmed solutions geared towards controlling personal assaults. This class is taught by Our Shepherd member Matthew New-comb, who is a 5th Degree Black Belt in Classical Sogobujutsu.
Note: this is a low-impact, active session, with little or no risk for injury, suitable for all fitness levels. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring some-thing healthy to drink. Ages 15+. The class is free of charge.
Camp Shepherd Our Shepherd Summer Camp is open to children completing Kindergarten through 12 years old. The camp is available from June 15 - August 7.
Weekly sessions are 7:00am-6:00pm - $235.00. Daily Rates - $60.00 Per Day (no minimum days required). Multi-Child Discount available
Registration is now open! Please visit
http://www.ourshepherd.net
View our weekly schedule and enroll your child today! For additional information call 248-645-5273 or email [email protected].
Easter Egg Hunt and Devotions Saturday, April 4, 10:30am
Join the action Saturday, April 4, at 10:30am in the school multi-purpose room for the annual Easter Egg Hunt and Devotions! The event is open to toddlers - 3rd graders (and anyone else who happens to show up! We’ll have a special “grownup” hunt, too!)
10:30am - Egg Dyeing & Crafts 11:00am - Easter Devotion 11:15am - Easter Egg Hunts 11:45am - Prizes & Closing
The event will be held snow, rain or shine! We are collecting Easter candy (peanut free, please) and miscellaneous Easter prizes. Collection boxes in school, pre-school, and church offices. The hunt will include a special allergy and diabetic friendly hunt area. Contact Mark Nimtz at [email protected] for more information.
Older Wiser LutheranS Our Shepherd Senior Luncheon
Pulled Pork Sandwiches and Stage Nature Center Presentation
Tuesday, March 31
Join the Senior Group, a.k.a. OWLS and roughly 55+ years old (but everyone is invited), in the Lower Level Tuesday, March 31 from 12:00-1:45pm for a great afternoon of fellowship, food, and nature presenta-tion presented by the Lloyd A. Stage Nature Center of Troy. The menu is pulled pork sandwiches and baked beans. Attendees are asked to bring a salad or dessert. A $5 free will offering is always welcome. Contact Mark Nimtz ([email protected]) for more info.
Lutheran Women
of the Year
Barbara Hynes Our Shepherd’s Lutheran Woman of the Year 2020
Jennifer Teeling Lutheran High Northwest Woman of the Year 2020
Both of these awesome women will be honored at the Council of Lutheran Women’s 56th annu-al luncheon Tuesday, March 17, at the Burton Manor in Livonia. Call Marge Tanney for tickets (248-594-4786). $29/person.
“Just Pray - Together” After each service, all who are interested and able to stay and pray together, please meet near the stained glass windows near the piano in the front of the church. We will spend a few minutes in prayer for those on the Just Pray list, for Our Shepherd, and for each other, as needed. Please contact Jill Hoegemeyer 248-890-0830 or Jessica Merz 313-460-4621 if you have any questions.
Feeding people at FoG church in 2020
What a wonderful ministry we have been blessed to participate in! We provide meals at FoG church in Southwest Detroit, one Tuesday of each month.
Upcoming Opportunities to Help:
March 10 and April 21
Needed: Helpers for food prep at 3:30pm in the OS kitchen; drivers to go to FoG at 5pm to serve and mingle. If you do not have transpor-tation, we do our best with the drivers availa-ble, but cannot guarantee a ride for everyone. Dinner begins at 6:15pm. Consider staying for Bible Class following dinner. Contact Terry Hynes for questions 248-631-8369.
www.fogdetroit.com
Mites Totals: February $52.91 January $250.48
MITES continue to support of men and women at Seminary and Concordia University. They provide medical care, food and faith nurturing of chil-dren, and funds for translation of Christian books and Bibles. We praise God for giving all of you, giving hearts! Thank you!!! The Mite Box is in the sanctuary the first full weekend of each month, (next on March 7-8). Empty Mite boxes are available at the Welcome Center. Mite Calendars are at the Women’s slat board. Your change, dol-lars and checks are welcome at any time. They may be brought to the church office via ushers, staff members or in person! Please continue to give in support of our missions. Your LWML rep-resentative from OSLC, Barb Hynes
We tell people
about Jesus both through words and actions. As our relationship with Jesus grows, our lives overflow with His love as we serve others. Our service to our community finds its source in God’s amazing grace.
Red Cross Blood Drive
Monday, March 23 1:00-7:00pm, Lower Level
Fantastic January Blood Drive! A total of 50 pints of blood were collected! Our goal was 46 pints. This included five power-red donations and four first time donors! 50 units of blood products could poten-tially save 150 lives. Many thanks to the generosity of the donors and volunteers from OS, Christ Our Light, and the community that made this a very successful day. Next drive is March 23 and is ready for scheduling (redcrossblood.org) or call Beth at 248-760-0468.
Carol’s Cupboard
EASTER FOOD BASKETS Saturday April 4, 9:00-10:30am
Thanks to everyone who help make the Carol’s Cupboard ministry possible! Through your gen-erousity, we provided food baskets to 40 families in need this past Christmas.
How can you help serve?
We pack and distribute food baskets as a one-day event. In order to make sure things run smoothly, we need extra hands. Please consider signing up to help pack, deliver and/or clean up after the packing. Additionally, the cupboard can use your food donations of the following key food items:
Cereal/Oatmeal, Canned Fruit, Canned Tuna/Chicken
Soups / Rice Toilet Paper or Paper Towels Your financial support to Carol’s Cupboard
To volunteer to help with the Easter food distribution effort, please email Mike Earl at
[email protected]. Thanks for your prayers and support!
School
(248) 645-0551
1658 Lincoln, Birmingham
Child Care Center
(248) 645-5273
Church and School Locations
Church
(248) 646-6100
2225 E. 14 Mile, Birmingham
The BIG Week at Camp Restore Detroit Join in a week of service in Detroit! Camp Restore Detroit is having a BIG Week of service from June 21-27. You can choose if you would like to serve at a VBS, A2E Sports Camp, or by doing construction or blight removal in a Detroit neighborhood. You can stay overnight at Camp Restore ($40/night) or you can commute from home (no cost). Camp Restore welcomes and encourages people of all ages to participate all week or to just serve part of the week if you are able. They are in need of 100 volunteers to pull off this week of service. If interested in participating, please talk to Hannah for more infor-mation about the week and how to register.
Hannah Walsh
Youth & Family Ministry
mobile: 734-625-7636
church: 248-646-6100 x107
Middle School Youth 6 - 8 Graders meet on the last Friday of each month. Our next Youth Night will be Friday, March 27 from 6:00-7:30. Meet in the Teen Room. We will enjoy food, fun games, and time in the Word!
The Drama Department of Lutheran Northwest invites you to an evening of one-act plays, directed by our Seniors: “Charming Princes” directed by Samantha Holtz; “How to Succeed in High School Without Really Trying” - Elisha Ewing & Grace Vollmert; “No More, Mister Nice Guy” - Leah Schroeder; “The Future Is in Your Tiny Hands” - Kat Sturges; and “An Absolutely True Story (as told by a bunch of lying liars)” - Makenna Dickens & Andrew Neff. Performances are March 6 and 7 at 7:00pm at Lutheran Northwest, 1000 Bagley, Rochester Hills. Tickets available at the door: $10 / adults, $8 / students & seniors. For details of upcoming events, please visit www.lutherannorthwest.com/events and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @LuthNorthwest.
High School Teen Night March 8 - Come help revamp some of our youth spaces! After our time of serving, we will do a devotion and have an open gym! Snacks will be provided.
March 22 - High Ropes Course . . . Cost is $12/person (please pay with cash), 6:00-9:00pm. Meet at church at 6:00pm. We will do the ropes from 6:30-8:30pm and return to the church by 9:00pm. A waiver must be filled out to par-ticipate. Hannah will send you the waiver link if you would like to join us for this fun activity!
