FEBRUARY 19, 2026

NEWS FROM OUR SAVIOR'S CHURCH

When we arrived at the Airbnb last Friday, my daughter said, “I want to take lots of photos and make good memories this weekend.” On Monday morning as we were packing up, I asked her to look at the photos I had taken. She loved them all and we reminisced of the memories we had made. There was the opportunity to milk a goat and make goat milk soap from scratch. Delicious homecooked meals. Long conversations. Thrift shopping. Playing Games. Each experience provided opportunities to make memories and share in each other’s life. I am grateful for my time away.

I am also grateful for the conversation our church council had with leaders from the Marshallese JRD UCC church on Tuesday night. We learned their congregation is about three years old and their youth group (aged 20-40) will begin meeting on Friday nights. There regular worship services will be on Sunday afternoon. We have entered a three-month trial period that will be re-evaluated at the end of April. We have invited their congregation to come to our fellowship time on Sunday, April 12 so we can meet one another. There may be other opportunities for interaction with one another in the weeks ahead. If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know or speak to another church council member. Having another faith community worshipping in our space on a regular basis and there may be some growing pains. Communication is key.

Speaking of communication, it has come to my attention that some of you are not receiving this e-news. Evidently, Comcast and/or Xfinity is phasing out email? I am unclear and it saddens me that decisions by a corporation are impacting our ability to be connected. Katie looked up some resources that are posted on the bulletin board. Please know that we want to be connected with you. We will never remove someone from our mailing list unless they specifically ask us to.

Another way for us to stay connected is through the Wednesday soup supper and evening prayer. As I mentioned last week, I will bring one soup each week. Last night, someone brought bread that is in the freezer and ready for next Wednesday.

Last night, four of us stood outside before worship holding a candle vigil for the hard things happening in this world. After worship someone asked if we could go outside and I said, “sure.” We had six people standing outside near Quarry Road shining light. One person gently sang, “Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.” This morning, someone asked if any showed up for the solidarity candle lighting and I recalled the experience. My intent during Lent is to stand outside the church after Wednesday evening prayer. You are welcome to bring a candle or we have extra here.

As we journey toward Jerusalem, may we find moments of connection, build upon our experiences, make memories, and know that we do not journey alone.

Blessings of Hope

Pastor Janell

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Scripture Readings for Sunday

First Reading: Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7

Psalm: Psalm 32

Second Reading: Romans 5:12-19

Gospel: Matthew 4:1-11

Midweek Lenten Evening Prayer and Soup Supper

Join us February 25 - March 25 for Midweek Lenten Evening Prayer and Soup Supper beginning at 5:15 pm for those who would like to share in a meal, followed by Lenton Evening Prayer at 6:00 pm. Sign up sheets are in the Fireside Room, near the quilt display.

Lenton Devotionals are now available in the Narthex. Grab your copy the next time you are at the church! $3.50 donation appreciated.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

Help host the occasional event at our church. Our Savior’s is looking for volunteers that could help an approved outside group use our facility.

They would provide information about the kitchen, thermostats, additional tables and chairs, etc. They would also check to make sure the church was securely locked after the event. If you’re interested, please contact Marianne in the office.

LETTY OWENS REMINDER Please remember to bring the Letty Owings Welcome Cards back with you. There is a basket in the Narthex for them. Thank you to those who have already returned theirs.

Habitat for Humanity Update

Many of us have been watching the progress at the West Lake Grove Habitat build site on Lower Boones Ferry Road and wondering when this will get finished? Well, the beginning of the end is just around the corner and coming quickly.

In late March the first two families will move into their new homes. The current plan is for families to move in as soon as a building is finished. This rolling occupancy will likely stretch into early 2027, but we need to be ready for the new homeowners as they receive their keys.

Our Savior’s has promised to organize welcome baskets for the new homeowners. So, Jan Kelly and I met with staff from Habitat to develop a list of what new homeowners might like to have when they step into their new homes.

The top of the list is a quilt that has been made by the wonderful quilters team at Our Savior’s. The quilts are done and ready to go. There will be fleece throws for each of the children, the throws have been ordered. As first-time homeowners, rather than a “basket”, a storage tote might be welcomed. The storage totes will be coming from Lake Oswego United Methodist Church.

Here are some things to fill up the totes: welcome mats, organizer for important papers, toilet paper, paper towels, facial tissues, plungers, laundry detergent sheets, kitchen fire extinguishers, gift cards, and whatever else you think might be helpful to have on move-in day.

We will need 23 of each item. Feel free to join up with friends and do a little bit together to cover the items you might choose.

We will be using one of the upstairs rooms to collect all the items and then will likely have an “assembly party” inviting all participants and churches to the party. This hopefully will be very ecumenical.

City of Lake Oswego, Lake Oswego Parks & Rec, Lake Oswego Fire, and Lake Oswego Library will all be contacted to provide orientation and welcoming information.

Marleigh is working with the staff at River Grove Elementary to provide welcome cards from the students welcoming the new students.

Welcome cards and notes from those of us who are a little bit older will be most welcomed. Any welcome gifts that you might solicit from local businesses would also be most welcome. There is already a commitment from Starbucks.

We plan on a general welcome letter in each tote that will identify all the organizations that are participating in the “Welcome Totes”.

Blessings as we start welcoming our new neighbors!

-Ron Grewenow

New Mailbox!

We have a new physical mailbox at Our Savior's and can now receive mail at our physical address instead of the post office box. A big thank you to Joe DeBlois for installing it last week! Be sure to update your address books!

Do you have pictures from this last year? We are currently working on our Annual Congregational Report and would love to showcase everything we do at Our Savior's! Please send them to Katie, our Communications Specialist at communications@oursaviors.net.

24/7 Food Cupboard

A big THANK YOU to all for keeping the food cupboard shelves full and for those of you who fill it throughout the week. Keep up the great work!

Hunger Fighters is requesting personal hygiene items this month. Deodorant, Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Wash, etc. is very much appreciated.

Were you unable to attend Service this week? Click above to watch a replay of the Sunday Worship Service at Our Savior's Lutheran Church.

NEWS FROM THE COMMUNITY

Click to purchase tickets to this event being held by Rose City Park Presbyterian Church!

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