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The Messenger
The Monthly Newsletter of Blessed Savior Lutheran Church
A Message from Pastor DeArmond
Everything we have and everything we are is a gift of God’s providential care. We understand that we’re not islands unto ourselves, that we could not exist without those who have gone before us and are alongside us. God has given us forefathers in family and faith. We are recipients of what God worked through them. We know that God provides for our well- being through these means.
He gives us farmers so that we can eat. But more than that God created and gave us all the things that those farmers cultivate. He gave each of those things, properties for our nourishment and sustenance. Without God creating and instilling in those things their taste and their nutritional value, we would not exist.
He gives us doctors, surgeons, nurses, and hospitals. He gives us medicine and medical instruments. Again, he gave us all things that go into making those medicines and medical
instruments. He instilled in those things the properties that can be utilized for that purpose.
Without God creating and instilling those healing properties into those things, and without God
creating the ability within man to find this out and press it into service of our medical needs, we
would not enjoy the kind of health we do now.
He has created us and given us hands. And attached to those hands are arms with strength. He created us with minds in order to make those arms and hands move to accomplish the work set before us. And He has given us reason and senses. That mind, because of the reason God has instilled in it, is able to work through difficult problems before we press those arms and hands into labor. It allows us to grapple with concepts and run through scenarios instead of having to experience every situation personally. So that everything we have AND everything we are is a gift from Him. This is what we confess in the First Article of the Creed when we say that we believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
But that is just the First Article of the Creed. We confess two more articles that deal with God’s provision for our spiritual well-being. That He sent His son to die and be raised on the third day for our justification. That He delivers that justification through the Means of Grace (Baptism, preaching, the Word of God, and Holy Communion). And to give you those Means of Grace, He gives pastors and teachers, etc. So that literally everything that we have and everything that we are, in this life and the next, is an inexpressible gift from God. For that we give thanks.
As we enter this sacred season of Lent let us give thanks for all that God provides for us each and every day, but rededicate ourselves to those things that he gives us that lead to our
eternal days.
In Christ,
Pastor DeArmond
Midweek Lent
Midweek Lent
Our midweek Lenten services will focus on “The Salutary Gift.” As we prepare to remember
how our Lord’s flesh was pierced and blood flowed from the cross on Golgotha, we are
reminded that every time we come to His Altar we are given that same body and blood to eat
and drink for the forgiveness of all of our sins and the strengthening of our faith. During these
Holy 40 Day let us remember all of our Lord’s benefits, that still come to us each and every day.
The Imposition of Ashes
At Blessed Savior, as part of our Ash Wednesday devotion, we offer the opportunity to receive
"The Imposition of Ashes" upon the forehead. The following is a brief explanation about this practice.
Q. Are the ashes "blessed?" Do they give a special blessing?
A. No. They are simply a physical symbol to aid in your meditation. The blessings we receive
are through God's means of grace, His Word and Sacraments.
Q. Do I have to receive them?
A. No! Any compulsion to receive the ashes would be contrary to the freedom we have in the
Gospel. They are simply offered as an opportunity for you. If they will help you, please receive
them. If not, please feel comfortable not receiving them. No one will think any less or more of
you if you do or don't.
Q. Do I have to leave them on?
A. No. You may wash them off at any time. Again, whatever is most helpful to you. In fact,
washing them off can be a joyous thing, as you remember that the water of baptism has
rescued you from sin and death.
Q. What about Jesus' words in the Sermon on the Mount (Mt 6:16-18)? Those words read: "And
when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their
fasting may be seen by others. . . . But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face,
that your fasting may not be seen by others . . ."
A. These words of Christ refer to our motivation: "that you may be seen by others" If this is
why you want to receive ashes, to be seen by others, you should not receive them. This would
be contrary to the Gospel.
Preschool News
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16
John 3:16 is one of the most well-known and quoted Bible passages. 99.9% of Christians can say this Bible passage. It is an easy one to remember and know, however do we really focus on the meaning for us? We have a unique opportunity this February. Wednesday, February 14th is both Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday. What better day to focus on love, the love that God the Father has for us. He loved us so much that He sent His one and only Son Jesus to die on a cross for us. Jesus suffered and died for us because He loves us! He couldn’t bear to spend eternity without us. What a love!
Valentine’s Day has indeed become a Hallmark holiday. We exchange cute little cards, flowers are sent, presents may be given, but overall it can be seen as a superficial expression of love. On the surface, it may be a fun holiday to celebrate and be a part of, but does it have lasting effects? Does the love shown on this holiday last forever? Does this love and its actions grant us anything? Don’t get me wrong. Valentine’s Day can be fun to celebrate, but maybe this Valentine’s Day you can focus on God’s love for you!
Ash Wednesday marks the start of a 40-day period in which we inwardly focus on spiritual discipline. It is a time of reflection, repentance, moderation, prayer, self-examination, and for some, a time of fasting. It is a time when we can focus on the love that God the Father has for us in sending His one and only Son Jesus Christ. This is a love that you can take to the bank. This love doesn’t just last one day, this is a love that lasts for eternity because God couldn’t spend eternity without us! It is a time when we can focus on how this love held Jesus to the cross as He suffered and died for us. He defeated sin, death, and the power of the devil and rose from the grave so that we can spend eternity in heaven basking in that love!
So, as you take the opportunity to celebrate two occasions on Wednesday, February 14th this year remember that beloved Bible verse, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 Not only this year and this day, but every day is a valentine’s day with our Heavenly Father!
In His Service,
Jennifer Leinss
Full Time Teachers
Blessed Savior is expanding the 4-year-old preschool program and will be offering a 5 day a week class this fall. We are looking for this teaching position to be a Synodically trained teacher, who will receive a non-tenured Call. Names of candidates who are rostered in the LCMS and hold a current Wisconsin teaching license can be given to Jennifer Leinss. Please include the candidate’s name, current position and location, as well as why you feel this person would be a good fit for our school.
Blessed Savior Lutheran Preschool is seeking a compassionate individual who is caring and loving to teach our children. This position is for the lead childcare teacher in our multi-age childcare room and is a full-time with benefits position. Early Childhood Courses 1 and 2 and experience in this field is required, along with CPR and first aid training.
Jump Rope for Heart
February is also a busy month for us. Our big focus this month is our Jump Rope for Heart Campaign. We will be giving back to those who suffer or have suffered from heart related issues. This is a community focus for us this month. We will be raising funds for the American Heart Association to raise awareness of heart disease, stroke indications, and so much more! If you would like to help out with this campaign please see Jennifer Leinss to see how you can give! We will also be studying ways that we can take care of our bodies like exercising and healthy eating since our bodies are a gift from God.
Now Enrolling
We are now enrolling for the 2024-2025 school year! We have 2K, 3K, and 4K openings and would love to add your child to our educational family. Spread the word about this wonderful preschool! If you are interested or would like more information concerning the preschool and childcare, please see Jennifer Leinss!
Children's Ministry
Sunday School Offerings
Second quarter Sunday school offerings will be going to Awesome Australia - Gospel Adventures through Lutheran World Relief. Offerings will support Happyland, a digital resource available to students that keeps children engaged with the Gospel message!
Lenten Journey
Wednesday, February 14th is Ash Wednesday. It marks the start of our 40 journey to the cross. Lent is a time when we as Christians take some time to reflect on the need we have for a Savior! Similar to the Advent family devotions we sent home will also come a Lenten journey. This Lent’s theme will be "Cross My Heart". Not only will your child receive a devotional book that you can go through as a family, but also a placement. If you have any questions please see DCE Jaime Greene or Jennifer Leinss.
Song of the Month
Sunday school will be learning "Lamb of God". It can be found on page 243 in One and All Rejoice or hymn 550 in Lutheran Service Book. The song can also be found here https://youtu.be/2QGNUDsQ6fI?si=anIDfjkM44g99-7k
To celebrate the big game on Sunday, February 11th, we’re collecting soup for the Food Pantry! Bring in your donations of soup and place them on the table of who you hope will win the big game-the AFC, the NFC, or you just hope both teams have fun. We will collect soup through February 11th. Soup will be donated to Bethany Lutheran Food Pantry!
Quarterly Missions
Our first quarter Special Missions offering will support Lutheran Bible Translators. Lutheran Bible Translators makes God’s Word accessible to those who do not yet have it in the language they understand best. LBT partners with local leaders around the world to launch Bible translation movements. We know God’s Word is for everyone, and LBT is committed to support these passionate leaders. When the leaders are equipped with the resources, time, and capacity, more language communities will be reached. More people will experience the hope, life, and transformation that Scripture brings.
Lutheran Bible Translators is trusted by more than 100 language communities around the world. Their partnerships are founded on quality and experience to empower church leaders, translators, and entrepreneurs. For more information please visit their website at https://lbt.org/about/.
Women's Ministry
Thank you to All!
LWML was richly blessed with Christmas by Candlelight and the craft and bake sale. It has allowed us to provide $500 grants to each of the following organizations - Blessed Savior Preschool, Lutheran Counseling and Family Services, The SOS Center, Seminarian Sergio Trifa, Deaf Ministries, and Lutheran World Relief-Ukraine. Thank you to all those who participated, God has richly blessed us!
You are invited to join us on Tuesday, February 6th, at 6:30 p.m. for our first meeting of 2024! We will have the opportunity to hear from Carol Flanary, CEO of Lutheran Counseling and Family Services, about services for children and mental health. To learn more about LCFS and the services they provide, check out their website https://lcfswi.org/.
Save the Date! Our annual Spring Salad Supper will be held on Tuesday, April 23rd! Watch for more information to come!
From the Board of Education
A note of thank-you to everyone who helped make the first annual Epiphany Picnic and Tree Burning event a success! Especially Chef Bruce Diener for his meal preparation skills, Jamie Greene & Jennifer Leinss for their picnic organization and Christmas tree collection efforts, and the New Berlin Fire Department House #1 for their time in keeping the burn safe and enjoyable. Can't wait till next year.
Young at Heart
On Thursday, February 1st at 11am we will join with our 4K Preschool friends and create Valentine's for our shut-in members. We hope you'll join us!
And save the date for some of our future events:
March 7- Mike Koll, Retired Federal Agent
April 4- Conrad Schmitt Stained Glass Tour
May 2- Creating Your Faith Story
Youth Group
All youth in grades 6-12 are invited to join us on Sunday, February 18th at 6pm for NAILED IT! We will compete to see who can recreate a delicious treat!
Raise Right
Thank you for your support of the Raise Right program in 2023! Because of your purchases, we were able to raise over $1,000 for education programs in church! We are grateful for your support!
Raise Right is an ongoing fundraising opportunity where you can purchase gift cards for various retailers-including gas, grocery, and clothing stores! We receive a percentage of these purchases, which the Board of Education then uses to purchase things for our Sunday School, Preschool, and Adult Education.
Military Ministry
As we start a new year it is a good time to review the four aspects of our Military Ministry here at Blessed Savior.
We reach out to members, friends, or relatives of members who are on active duty, both overseas and stateside. In a timely manner they receive birthday cards, holiday cards and various religious items, or a note to let them know they are in our thoughts and prayers. If you have someone you would like us to reach out to, please contact Jackie O’Neil or the church office (putting them on the prayer list does not place them on this list). If you have someone already receiving correspondence from us, please let Jackie or the church office know if there’s a change of address to help us save on postage costs.
Another aspect of this ministry is collecting manufacturers coupons from mailings, newspapers, inserts and magazines, and sending them to an Air Force base in England. These coupons can be used up to 6 months past their expiration date, but ONLY at overseas facilities. You no longer need to clip these coupons! Just place them in the military basket in the fellowship hall. Please ask family and friends to save these coupons for you too.
Our third project is sending items donated by our members to the USO in Korea. There are many items that can be sent - a list can be found in the large green tub in the fellowship hall. Extra candy from holidays is always a great treat. As a box is filled, it is mailed out.
The last project is collecting canceled first-class stamps. These stamps are sent to the Lions Club who then use them to benefit America’s veterans. Cut off the stamps, leaving at least ¼” around it. Then drop them off in the basket or tub in the fellowship hall.
Thank you to all who have contributed to these projects in the past, and to the rest of you who may consider contributing to these projects in the future. If you have any questions, please contact Beverly Krause.
Stewardship
GOD’S WORK – OUR HANDS
Can you believe Lent is almost here. The Lenten meals will start February 21st. The lunches will be sponsored by the Kutz’s. Groups and Boards will sponsor the dinners. We will need soups, salads, and desserts to be donated. There will be sign up sheets on the bulletin board. Prayerfully consider helping the church family with these meals. The fellowship of these meals is priceless.
Check your mailboxes for ways you can help others this Lenten season. There will also be a sheet with explanations of what boards and committees are responsible for. If you are interested in participating in any of these you can contact the chairman, or person responsible listed on that sheet.
Financial Update
2023 - through December
General offerings: $530,428.51
General Expenses: $565,989.74
Net: -$35,561.23
Designated income: $212,752.64
Designated expenditures: $92,546.85
Net: $120,205.79
Preschool income: $306,680.02
Preschool expenses: $272,659.07
Net: $34,020.95
Membership
Average Weekly November Attendance: 335
Average YouTube Worship Views: 53
Average Weekly Regency Attendance: 13
Official Acts
New Members:
Raab, Edward
Schulz, Jeffrey & Shari;
Sarah, Noah
Membership Loss Due to Transfer:
Membership Loss Due to Death:
Jerry Sutton
Vice Chairman -
Steve Hammill
Secretary - Pat Mundstock
Treasurer - Don Kazel
Board and Committees:
Altar Guild - Janet Steinhaus
Education - Terry Ratayczak
Elders - Jeff Driessen
Evangelism - BobbieJo Koski
Stewardship -
Joan Hammill/Anita Burow
Trustees - Matt Birr
Endowment Committee - Jason Herried
Greeter Coordinator - Karen Diener
Lay Reader Coordinator -
Carla Herried
Personnel Committee - Steve Hammill
Women's Ministries - Joy Ward
Worship Schedule
The Sunday services will be at 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. with our educational hour in between at 9:15 a.m.
The Thursday evening service at 6:30 p.m.
Holy Communion
2nd & 4th Sundays (Thursdays)
Pastor DeArmond
Jaime Greene, DCE
Jennifer Leinss,
Preschool Administrator
Kim Woller, Music Director
Julie Luetzow
Teaching Staff:
Kate Dodge
Jenny Otto
Sara Sandgren
Blessed Savior Lutheran Church
Email: blessedsavior.nb.lcms@gmail.com
Website: www.blessedsaviorwi.org
Location: 15250 West Cleveland Avenue, New Berlin, WI, USA
Phone: 262-786-6465
Facebook: facebook.com/BlessedSaviorNBWI
Twitter: @BlessedSaviorWI