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Dear Church,
I have a picture hanging in my office that I look at every day. It was a gift from Carol Whitcomb, entitled "Laughing Jesus." It pictures Jesus, holding a shepherd's staff in his hand, fishing nets and a boat just over his shoulder; and the best part: Jesus flashing a brilliant smile, as if to say "I am so happy to see you!"
What's your picture of Jesus? Is he sort of a pathetic, wimpy character who looks like he might cry any moment? Or is he a rugged mountain man, angry at the world; unapproachable and scary? I like my version - the one in my office. This is the kind of person I would be drawn to in person, who would be fascinating in conversation, but also one who would really want to know all about me. And his joy and passion would be infectious.
Recently, I read about a pastor whom someone approached and said, "I don't believe in God." The pastor responded, "Well, tell me all about this God that you DON'T believe in!" And the person went on to describe a God who was rigid, unwelcoming, uncaring, and mean. The pastor responded, "I don't believe in that God either." And then he went on to describe the God of Love.
Do you know that when you gather for worship, you have a notion of what God is like. Or when you pray, you already have a conception of who God is, and what God does. And this informs everything else about your relationship with God. So I'd like to encourage you to "clarify" God. What's God like? Not just God's physical appearance, but God's nature, God's personality, the stuff God would talk about if you two met for coffee some day. Then, when you get a chance, poke your head into my office some day and see the picture I see. Whatever your perception of God is, enjoy the view!
See you in Church,
Pastor Steve
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 | The Talking Pew
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 Hear the sermon and join the conversation!
"Truth and Consequences" Listen to or read the sermon from July 15th by Pastor Steve Molin. Click hereShare with us on The Talking Pew. Click here
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| Worship & Music this Week
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Sunday, July 22nd - Eighth Sunday after Pentecost "It's About Time" by Pastor Steve Molin Text: Mark 6:30-56 8:00 am Worship
9:30 am "The Edge" Contemporary Worship Special Music: Kingdom Choir (8:00 service) Childcare is available at all services.
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| Announcements |
|  | Deadline for the next issue of The Stream is August 1st
Please submit any items for the Fall issue of The Stream to the church office or email them to publish@oslcstillwater.org. Thank you!
A ROOF - Coming soon to a church near you!
On Monday, August 6th, Befort Roofing Company will begin their work on our roof. Tearing off the old, applying the new will take about two weeks, and will alleviate the leaks that have plagued us for the past several years (Cheer Here!). The bid was $87,000; we've raised just over $52,000. Now that it's a reality, if you'd like to contribute to the "Roof for the Ages" fund, you may do so. Cards are on the Welcome Desk. And to those who have given, and to those will, we say THANK YOU!
Summer Choir on July 22nd
If you like to sing and praise God in music, come join us this Sunday
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. |
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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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