Give to Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund

The La Crosse Area Synod has this information for Haiti relief, also designated as a memorial for Ben Larson by his parents and wife. Thrivent members can have a $1 match for each $2 gift through the Thrivent website. Checks can also be sent through the synod office, with a notation in the memo line for “Haiti.”

• From the ELCA: ELCA website or call 800-638-3522
• From LWR (Lutheran World Relief) : On the LWR website, or by mailing a check or money order to: Lutheran World Relief Haiti Earthquake Relief, P.O. Box 17061, Baltimore, MD 21298-9832

Ben Larson’s Memorial Service was held at Luther College this past Friday. There is no La Crosse memorial planned. We grieve greatly for our friends and our Church which lost a tremendous voice and future pastor. Our former bishop’s family has released this statement:

“As an infant Benjamin Judd Ulring Splichal Larson was wrapped in the arms of God in the waters of baptism, and from those waters, his life was an outpouring of love and joy, laughter and play, in response to God first loving Ben. Ben’s love of God, walking in accompaniment, passionately loving others, listening and learning from those who are poor across the globe, drove his serving. We give thanks to God for the incredible joy of knowing Ben. His laughter, playfulness, passionate heart for those who are hurting was manifest in his daily life. He delighted in the privilege of serving and knowing God, laying out his life in joy.

We are blessed by still being able to hear Ben‘s music. His father Judd says, ‘If you want to know Ben, go to his music.’ In his tender music remains some of the treasure that is Ben: what he believes, what he cares about, his deepest soul. Most of the people who died in this deadly earthquake in Haiti are the poorest of the poor in this hemisphere. Ben went to Haiti to teach theology and scripture in the new Lutheran Church of Haiti; but more deeply to learn from these people loved by God. In his young death his life joins the bodies of the poor. In the Haitian rubble Ben’s life joins these dear beloved people of God: all those parents crying for their children; young widows calling out for their husbands; new orphans searching for their parents. God have mercy on us.”

Contact information for the Larsons is as follows:

6030 E Superior St #308
Duluth MN 55804-2567

Join Us For a Chocolate Extravaganza on February 14th

We are celebrating Valentine’s Day with a Chocolate Extravaganza! Please bring your favorite chocolate dessert to church on February 14th for a Valentine’s Day-themed coffee fellowship. Just how creative can you be with your chocolate concoction? We will have chocolate for dipping fruit and candy treats on the tables. Once everyone’s chocolate cravings are satisfied, you can select your own plate of chocolate goodies to take with you with a donation to the Women’s Clothes Closet.

This event is sponsored by the Membership Committee. All are welcome!

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!

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!

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.

Christmas Caroling on December 19th

Our Savior’s will be caroling Saturday, December 19th to our home bound members and we want YOU, and your family and friends to join us. We will meet at church at 3 pm and caravan.

Join us for pizza and pop back at the church afterwards (around 5 pm).

Volunteers Needed for Office Help and Brochure Design

Our Savior’s is looking for two special volunteers!

Both persons should have good computer skills. The office position is for someone who is interested in learning how to organize the weekly bulletin and monthly Messenger newsletter when Laura Hoins is out of the office. Thank you, Sue Kortness Staples, for all you did in Laura’s absence. We would like one other person to join Sue.

The brochure designer is needed to help our ministries present their opportunities to the community. Look for our new Welcome Center coming
soon!

LICAH Needs Volunteers

Do you have a desire to make a difference in someone else’s life? Do you want to put your faith into action? The Interfaith Collaborative for Affordable Housing (LICAH) is seeking individuals who can give one hour/month to be a mentor to an individual in the La Crosse area who needs someone to help them connect to resources, advocate for them, and be their friend.

There is a minimum of one year commitment. Full training and support will be provided. For more information or questions, please contact Rod Tisthammer.

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