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Dear Church,
Whew! We just arrived home from a nearly two week vacation in Canada. As a student once announced in my daughter's English class at North High School, "Dude, that's like a whole nother country up there!" Well, yes it is. It is beautiful, and vast, and just foreign enough to make it an adventure, as a safe driving speed is 120, a warm day is 26 degrees, and July 4th is on July 1st! True. We were in Banff for Canada's Independence Day parade.
But there is nothing like coming home! As excited as Marsha and I were to begin our travels, we were happy to drive across the border into the U.S. And familiar things gradually appeared as we drove southward...Miles replaced kilometers, Fahrenheit replaced Celsius, and Dollars replaced Loonies and Toonies! But even this was not the best part. When we pulled into our driveway, it wasn't 2 minutes before a neighbor greeted us. The next morning, another neighbor boy had already placed a sprinkler on our scorched lawn. And our familiar TV channels, and our cozy bed, and a re-stocking trip to Cub...all of this just screamed WELCOME HOME!
Was all of this just an allegory...a parable not unlike The Prodigal Son? Wandering is exciting, new sights and sounds intrigue us, but coming home fills us with comfort and a sense of belonging. And I mention this today because after being gone from Church for two Sundays, I'll be there on Sunday. And perhaps you are reading this thinking "Yikes, I've been away from church a lot longer than two weeks!" I can promise you this: Returning "home" to worship this Sunday will fill you with comfort and a sense of belonging. Familiar faces, and friendly voices, and warm words of welcome will remind you that you have returned to a place where you are loved. You will be "sprinkled" with grace. You will be restocked with the bread and wine of communion. And you'll smile when you leave, because coming home feels good!
See you in Church (I hope!),
Pastor Steve
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 | The Talking Pew
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 Hear the sermon and join the conversation!
"Prayer - Part 2" Read the sermon from July 8th by Pastor Linda Friesen. Click hereShare with us on The Talking Pew. Click here
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| Worship & Music this Week
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Sunday, July 15th - Seventh Sunday after Pentecost "Truth and Consequences" by Pastor Steve Molin Text: Ephesians 1:3-14; Mark 6:14-29 8:00 am Worship + Holy Communion
9:30 am "The Edge" Contemporary Worship + Holy Communion Special Music: Eric Billings (8:00 service) Childcare is available at all services.
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| Announcements |
|  | Have you completed the pre-registration survey?
Fall Faith Formation registration is almost here! We are sending out a pre-registration survey to help us plan for fall. If you have children ages 2 years through 8th grade, or if you are able to teach a faith formation class, please take a couple of minutes to let us know your plans. Thank you! Click here for survey or click on the link from our website.
Last day to complete the survey is Friday, July 13th at midnight.
"Windy" Community Night on July 11th!
We'll have big inflatables and windy activities to help us think about the Holy Spirit. Come at 5:30 pm for a picnic supper and stay for the fun! To help us plan for the meal, please RSVP to the church office at info@oslcstillwater.org or 651-439-5704.
The next Community Night will be August 22. Baptism - water is the way God binds us together. Join us for water games!
Summer Choir on July 22nd
If you like to sing and praise God in music, come join us one Sunday a month in the summer. We will meet at 7 am and sing something very simple at the 8 am service. Come as you are. Summer attire ok! We hope to see you! For questions, please contact Joshua Rau at joshua@oslcstillwater.org. Final summer choir on August 12. PEP Summer Picnic on July 16th Join us at 12 noon at Boutwell's picnic area. Bring your own utensils as well as a dish to pass. Please sign up on the PEP bulletin board near the Welcome Desk. |
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| Adult Faith Formation & Opportunities for Service
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Invitation to Past and Future Mission Jamaica Participants!
All who have served Mission Jamaica in the past and all who are interested in joining Mission Jamaica 2013 (January 30-February 6) are invited to join us on July 22 at 2 pm at Tom and Linda Nyman's home, 2246 VanTassel, Stillwater. Ever consider an international mission trip to Jamaica? It is a vacation with a purpose! Come and learn more! Questions? Contact Pastor Linda (linda@oslcstillwater.org) or Tom Nyman (tomnyman88@me.com).
Book Chat on July 23rd at 1 pm
We meet at the Stillwater Public Library. Come with your book suggestions and leave with some new ideas.
"Too Busy Not to Pray" on July 23rd at 7 pm
Summer is an opportunity to STOP and listen for God's direction. Join Pastor Linda as we continue our sessions on PRAYER--why we do it, along with tips and techniques for a busy life. We will meet at Starbuck's (5980 Neal Ave N, Hwy 36 & Hwy 5) at 7 pm. Final night is August 13th. You don't need to attend all three--come as you are able. |
| Early Childhood/Children & Family Ministry News
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Volunteers Needed for Sky VBS on July 30th and August 3rd
Sky VBS needs adults for the following:
- Registration help on Monday 7/30, 8:15-9:30am
- Picnic Lunch Team (prep & clean-up) on Friday 8/3, 11am-1pm
- VBS Take-Down Team on Friday 8/3, 12:30-4:00pm
To sign up, please contact Dawn at dawn@oslcstillwater.org
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| Youth & Family Ministry News
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Please Keep Us in Your PrayersThis summer, youth in both our Jr. High and High School ministries will be attending camps, activities, and even the BWCA (Boundary Waters Canoe Area)! We would greatly appreciate your thoughts and prayers as we plan and participate in the opportunities that God has blessed us with!
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| Help Wanted
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| | Help build a home with Habitat for Humanity!
Our Savior's is again working with several other churches in the St. Croix Valley to assist with building a home for a family in need through Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity. We are scheduled to work the weeks of August 6 and August 13 on a project near Woodbury. Work days are from about 8:30 to 4:00 on weekdays. You can volunteer for as many days as you care to work. No equipment or special skills are necessary. You will be provided all you need at the site. It is a great opportunity to learn new skills, meet some great people, and help those in need. If you are interested, please contact Dave Schad at cdurtschi@comcast.net, 651-407-6397.
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| For more information ...
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To view all programs and events scheduled at Our Saviors, please visit our website: www.oslcstillwater.org
 Use the Calendar link on the homepage to access the church calendar.
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Newsletter published by Our Savior's Lutheran Church  | | Follow us! |
(ELCA), 1616 W. Olive St., Stillwater, MN 55082.
For more information, go to www.oslcstillwater.org Phone: 651-439-5704. If you would like to be removed from this mailing, please contact us at: info@oslcstillwater.org
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