We embrace the teaching of Jesus to love one another as we are first loved by God: wholly and abundantly. We want all people to know that they are worthy of God's unconditional love and grace.
Whoever you are-
we want you here.
Whatever your gender identity-
we want you here.
Wherever you're from-
we want you here.
Whatever your status-
we want you here.
Whatever your sexual orientation-
we want you here.
Whomever you love-
we want you here.
Whatever you look like-
we want you here.
Whatever your abilities-
we want you here.
Whatever you bring to Christ's table-
we want you here.
You are wanted here.
As we all move forward with the work of being God's love for all people, we commit ourselves to making God's justice, healing, grace and inclusivity a reality in this congregation and throughout the world.
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So, I bragged about ya’ll in a meeting this week…
yes you! I was in a meeting for the Rejoicing Spirits ministry I help coordinate for the Rocky Mountain Synod, (the ministry for people who are cognitively and intellectually differently abled) and we were doing a check in, as we haven’t met for a couple of months. When I was asked the formidable question these days, “how’s it going?” I burst out with
how it’s really going
!
I told them about how quickly OSLC pivoted to on-line spaces and rallied to care for one another with an abundance of precaution so that no one is harmed. I shared how our music and worship team stepped up to make worship on-line happen well, how generosity and care of neighbor became the number one priority and so the Community Support Initiative was created and supported at astonishing levels. I exclaimed how supportive and affirming you have all been of the hard decisions made by council and myself in the past three months. I told about your patience at understanding that this is all new. I swooned about how you call each other, write notes, emails, and texts. How you deliver care packages to SS families, flowers to bring cheer to members, and showered our graduates with love. How OSLC proved that you can do physical distancing while being socially connected.
Thank you for your faithfulness, your patience, perseverance, and love of your neighbor. I am grateful to serve as you pastor in this time. I know that the last few months have been difficult, and the coming months may not be what any of us hope for or want. AND I know that whatever is in front of us, we will walk through it together, trusting in God’s Holy Spirit to be present in all times, places and spaces and focusing on what it truly important-faithfully witnessing to the power and mercy of God in the world through the love of Jesus Christ. When someone asks us “how’s it going?” we can confidently answer: Faithfully forward.
Peace, mercy and blessings to you all!
Pastor Brigette
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Upcoming Events (June 24 - July 5)
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* Via Zoom
** Via FaceTime
Wednesday, June 24
3:30 PM Rocky Mountain Synod Congregational Leader* (Clergy and lay)
4:00 PM Confirmation**
Thursday, June 25
7:00 PM OSLC Choir Zoom Meet-Up* (contact Judy England to join.)
Friday, June 26
Saturday, June 27
Sunday, June 28
Monday, June 29
9:00 AM Staff Meeting*
1:30 PM Bible Study*
Tuesday, June 30
11:00 AM Utah Clergy Conference Meeting*
7:00 PM "Conversations on Holy Grounds"*
Wednesday, July 1
3:30 PM Rocky Mountain Synod Congregational Leader* (Clergy and lay)
4:00 PM Confirmation**
Thursday, July 2
Friday, July 3
Saturday, July 4
Independence Day
Sunday, July 5
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In compliance with
physical distancing
guidelines, and
the recommendations from the Rocky Mountain Synod,
the OSLC building will remain closed. Staff will be working from home as much as possible and no one should access the building at this time. We will provide more information in the coming weeks. Thank you for your understanding and patience.
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Multiple ways to connect!
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A variety of opportunities to connect with your friends at OSLC are available!
You're welcome to call the office though the best way to contact us for any reason is to email [email protected] or [email protected], or call Pastor Brigette at (720) 202-8212.
Take a look at the information below for additional worship and
community information.
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Online Worship Information
Worship online by visiting the
OSLC YouTube
channel. Search for "OSLC SLC" on YouTube.com, or click
here
.
Online bulletins are available at
oslcslc.org
to help you follow along with the service. Check the
OSLC Facebook page
for announcements, daily devotionals and updates.
OSLC Meetings via ZOOM
There are multiple opportunities for all ages to connect with OSLC online using
Zoom teleconferencing
! Check out the announcement below or click
here
to view a full list.
Small Group Ministry Opportunities
We know that it's easy to feel disconnected right now. Please know that you are welcome at any existing bible study or small group or meeting that you would like to attend. Also, please contact Pastor Brigette at [email protected] if you have an idea for another type of digital small group opportunity (via Zoom, FaceTime, etc). We can help you get it going! You are not alone and we are here together for you!
Prayer Request Opportunities
We are a vibrant community of prayer that encourages opportunities to share prayer requests with each other!
- Prayers of the People: Email [email protected] by 12:00 PM on Friday if you would like a prayer read out loud during online worship.
- OSLC Prayer Chain: Email [email protected] or call (801) 278-1412 during regular office hours.
- Urgent prayer requests: If you desire immediate prayer support, please contact your friends or small group. You may also text or call Connie (801) 558-6158 or Cathy (801) 557-2032 to contact appropriate pray-ers.
(Permission should be received ahead of time from the person for whom we will be praying.)
Please pray this week for
:
Bernie, Denny, Katsy, Rich, Alan, Charmaine, Janice, Adam, Betty, Pat, Evelyn, John, Marty, James, Sam , Zoe, Lisa, June, and Kathy.
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Stephen Ministers & Visiting Angels
OSLC has Stephen Ministers and Visiting Angels available to offer a listening ear, share a prayer, or engage in friendly conversation. Contact Connie at (801) 558-6158 or Cathy (801) 557-2032 if you would like to receive a phone call.
This week's e-news article "How do we pray?" is also a helpful resource.
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Enews Article submissions must be made by Tuesday at noon each week for the Wednesday publication.
Please note that announcements should be short, list a contact for more information and will run for two weeks unless otherwise specified by the submitter. Thank you!
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OSLC Meetings via ZOOM
There are multiple opportunities for people of all ages to connect with OSLC friends online using
Zoom
teleconferencing
! Click on each of the names below to access a meeting.
Enter the meeting ID when prompted in Zoom. You can also join Zoom conferences by telephone. A list with full information for each of the meetings can be found by clicking
here
.
Come with your favorite morning beverage and catch up with your OSLC family at 11:00 AM!
Meeting ID: 148 834 738
Join us each Monday at 1:30 PM as we discuss the lectionary scriptures for the upcoming Sunday and connect them to our modern lives. All are welcome!
Meeting ID: 734 218 050
Beginning Tuesday, June 30 @ 7:00 PM. Join us to discuss the book
“How to be and Antiracist.”
(See announcement for details.)
Meeting ID: 447 821 327
3G (Games, Grub and God)
(July 19 & August 16)
All ages encouraged
.
We will also meet on Zoom as families for a time of games (yes over Zoom!), a devotion and fun. Bring snacks to the screen and we'll enjoy some time together.
Meeting ID: 821 5164 7892
Chancel Choir Zoom Gathering
The Chancel Choir gathers every other week at 7:00 PM. Check the OSLC calendar and contact Judy England at [email protected] if you'd like to participate.
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*Update*
Graduation Parade Thank You
The Bishop family (and especially Connor!) would like to express our heartfelt thanks for the Graduation Parade that many OSLC members gave to Connor on May 31
st
. It was way and above anything we expected. 2020 was a difficult time to be a Graduate. The Parade was a wonderful idea and is something that Connor will always remember. We are overwhelmed and grateful for all the love and support that was shown to Connor, and our family. Thank you from our hearts. We deeply miss our OSLC family and are looking forward to the time when God will unite us together in worship again.
Bob, Lori, Amanda, and Connor Bishop
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*Update*
Good Luck Debi!
Debi Giles has served as our financial administrator for nearly 10 years and is resigning to focus on her PHD and the writing of her dissertation. She has served as a faithful staff member giving OSLC a steady presence on our financial team and we are beyond grateful for her.
We offer our love and blessings as she focuses on her next chapter and lives into her many gifts! Debi remains a member of OSLC and so you will still see her around! (Often we hope!) To celebrate Debi, her talents and her decade of service at OSLC, we are hosting a card shower for her in the month of July. Please send a card with your gratitude to the church and we will get it to Debi. Thank you Debi for everything! We praise God for you!
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*Update*
WELCA Zoom Meeting
WELCA will meet via Zoom on July 1 at 12:30 p.m. We will use our July Gather Bible Study. Click
here
to Join the Zoom Meeting then or use the URL below.
You can also connect to this meeting by phone using either of the numbers below.
+1 (669) 900-6833 (San Jose)
+1 (253) 215-8782 (Tacoma)
Click
here
for more information about any Zoom related questions or issues.
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Our Saviour's Lutheran Church Scholarship
Any Lutheran student from Utah is eligible to apply for this scholarship to be applied to educational expenses at a college or university in the United States. The scholarship application form and instructions are located at
oslcslc.org
. Click the "OSLC Scholarship" option in the menu bar.
Donations to the scholarship endowment fund will be gratefully accepted at Our Saviour's at any time. (Checks should be written to "Our Saviour's Lutheran Church" and should be clearly earmarked for the OSLC Scholarship Fund.) For further information, you may contact the OSLC office by phone at (801) 278-1412 during normal daytime hours or via e-mail (
[email protected]
).
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ELW Morning Prayer
We will hold a Wednesday ELW Morning Prayer on the west lawn at 9:00 AM at least through July. This will be kept to a small group of 10 people, please RSVP to Pr. Brigette at [email protected] by 5:00 PM on Tuesday to assure your space. Please wear a
mask
and bring your own chair if possible. If not, we can assist with a chair.
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New Member Meeting
If you are a new worshiper with OSLC and interested in more information, or becoming a member, Pastor Brigette will hold an informational meeting on Sunday July 12 at 10:00 AM on Zoom. Please RSVP to [email protected] for the Zoom link. It s a good to be together!
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OSLC Book Club: "Conversations on Holy Ground"
Conversations on Holy Ground
will begin Tuesday, June 30 at 7:00 PM with the discussion of the book “How to be and Antiracist.” Please log-in at 6:50 as we will begin promptly at 7 p.m. If you need tech help, please let Pr. Brigette know. Please have most if not all of the book read before Tuesday. We are working with two other RMS congregations for this study: Our Saviour’s in Fort Collins, CO and Epiphany Lutheran in Denver. Other people outside of the congregations are joining us as well. We will have a large group format and then break into small groups by congregation in Zoom rooms. We will be done by 8:15 p.m. at the latest. Please note that there is a short pre-workshop 10-15 minute assignment called “White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Backpack” that can be found on our website. RSVP is preferred. Our outline will be:
Week 1:
Defining-looking at language and definitions
Week 2:
Viewpoint-What you see depends upon where you sit. Naming that perspective matters.
Week 3:
Layers of Learning-recognizing that at the core of both success and failure of antiracism work is unending learning.
Week 4:
Forward-what will we do as we learn and grow? Antiracism work is love in action
Join the meeting by clicking
here
or entering the details below. You will need the password to join.
Zoom Meeting Link:
You can access the meeting by phone using either of the numbers below. Enter the meeting ID and password when prompted.
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Summer Worship Series
Summer Worship Series is "I Love To Tell The Story!" beginning June 7 and running through Sept. 6. We will read beloved stories from the Bible that we don't always get to explore in worship, beginning with Genesis 1 and going through to the book of Acts.
We will celebrate Christmas in July, on July 26, with the story of Jesus' birth and singing Christmas carols! BUT WE NEED YOUR INPUT! We want to know your favorite hymns to add to these favorite stories! Submit hymn requests all summer long to Pastor Brigette at
[email protected]
.
New Worship Component: "Time of Generosity"
On May 17 a new worship component, "Time of Generosity" was introduced into our service. We need your input and want to hear from you! Please submit your experience of God's generosity, or your gratitude for what God is up to in your life to [email protected] for sharing with OSLC in worship. Submissions should be 100 words or less. Children and youth, we want you to share with us where you see God in your life too! This is for all ages!
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How do we Pray?
For many of us, our experience of prayer was listening to a minister pray, saying the Lord’s Prayer together or repeating a rote prayer that we were taught as children. Or you may have had NO experience with prayer. We worship a RELATIONAL God; one who wants to communicate with us and who wants us to hear us. When we talk to other human beings, we don’t just repeat a learned response, but we talk from our hearts. We say what we are thinking and feeling at that time. The same should be true when we pray to God our Father. It does seem more challenging to talk to a being that we can’t see. So
how
do we pray?
1. Simply. We can speak in everyday language. Martin Luther said: “The fewer the words, the better the prayer”.
2. Pray specifically for the needs that are on your heart. When praying for one another, use their name.
3. Read the Bible and let God’s Word enliven your prayers.
4. Make prayer active and multi-sensory. Light a candle. Listen to quiet music. Draw or journal while you pray.
5. Make prayer an integral part of your day – a regular practice. Start and end your day with prayer. When someone or something comes to mind, lift it up to God.
6. Pray expectantly. Open your eyes and look for God’s answers. They are all around us.
7. And don’t be discouraged if you get distracted. Just get back on track.
8. And last, spend time in silence, listening. God WILL speak to you, whether it is through words in the Bible, that still small voice in your heart, or other ways. We learn how God speaks to each of us by spending time listening. If at first you don’t seem to get answers, keep praying. God IS faithful and WILL answer.
Prayer can be exciting and an adventure. Jump in and explore!
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Giving & Service Opportunities
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OSLC COVID 19 Community Support Initiative
We are supporting our Salt Lake City community in this time of pandemic through our Community Support Initiative. Click
here for more information or search for the "Community Support Initiative" tab on oslcslc.org.
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Donations can be dropped off at our Day Center:
814 West 800 South
Monday-Friday
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
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We are limiting admission to the building and reducing volunteers so it may take longer than normal to receive food and other services but we are committed to not turn anyone away.
Our thrift store and our pantry located at 1358 West Indiana Street are both closed and will remain closed until further notice. Our food pantry located at 347 South 400 East is no open Monday-Friday between 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM.
We still need food donations, particularly nonperishable food items that do not require cooking since most of the people we are serving during this crisis are homeless. To learn how to safely make a donation call (801) 364-7765, Monday-Friday between 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM.
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There are a variety of ways to donate food or make monetary contributions to the Utah Food Bank:
1.
Drop off food at the Utah Food Bank:
3150 South 900 West
Salt Lake City, UT 84119
(east side of building)
Monday-Thursday
8:00 AM -6:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM -5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM -2:00 PM
2.
Drop off your donations at Harmons Grocery stores:
Harmons stores have a drop-off barrel at the entrance. Click
here
for a list of locations.
For every $1 donated, $7.66 of food or services are provided. To donate online, click the "Donate Now" button on the right side of the page or select "
Give Money
".
4.
Virtual Shopping:
Click the red "
Donate
" button on the right of the screen, then "Browse Store" on the next page. Add the items you would like to donate to your shopping cart and click "Check Out" to complete your donation.
You're also welcome to bring your food items to OSLC and it will be dropped off at the Utah Food Bank when sufficient quantity has been collected.
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The project is still in full swing. No, we don't meet for blanket making day. Yes, we do make blankets constantly and we are ready to distribute 175 blankets next week to those children who need a blanket hug (even though we can't physically be close to them).
Blanketeers have been busy working at home. I have been shopping on-line for materials that have been delivered. I have been dropping off fabric and yarn to my workers' front porches and have been picking up finished blankets from their porches. We are careful not to be too close physically - but are in touch regularly.
The work goes on!
~ Millie
What can you do to support and contribute to Project Linus? Our volunteers hand-make new blankets for children from birth to 18 years old. The blankets are given to children who are ill, or in other ways need of a security blanket hug. Blankets can be flannel, fleece crochet edges, quilts, knit, crochet, or fleece fringe (made by specific pattern). Child friendly patterns and colors are preferred. Also, cash donations can be made directly to OSLC. To find out what to contribute and see blanket patterns visit
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Please save the "pop-top" from cans and leave them in the jar on the table in the Round Room. Dorothy Purdie will bring them to Ronald McDonald House.
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