Our Penny War Cause Announced . . .      March 7 - 11, 2011

** Thrivent Financial for Lutherans will provide a partial match for all funds collected for Phil's Friends through our Penny War.  We thank Thrivent for their participation again this year!

The Phil's Friends team reaches out to those in need with a uniquely faith-based mission.

Patients from all over the country are identified by their network of friends and are contacted by Phil's Friends in three ways.  Partnering with Phil's Friends means that we will aid this Christian organization to provide Care Packages for cancer patients, One-on-One Friendships,

Spiritual Support and Guidance.  As a faith-based charity, Phil's Friends prays for each patient and offers Christian counsel for cancer patients and their families.

What do they believe?  From their brochure... "It is our belief that the promise of God  provides hope, comfort, and security to cancer patients.  Patients are introduced to a

volunteer who provides much needed, one-on-one communication and encouragement through letters, e-mails, telephone calls, holiday cards, visits, support groups, etc.  Patients are delivered a care package filled with comfort, entertainment, and spiritual items.  They serve as a message that support is available from someone who understands the physical and

emotional pain caused by cancer."  Learn more at their web site:  www. philsfriends.org

The 12th Annual "Penny War" will be conducted  next week, March 7-11!  Proceeds will benefit "Phil's Friends"  based in Roselle, Illinois.                            

How does the "Penny War" work at ORLS?

• Pennies, paper money (1's, 5's, 10's, 20's, 50's, 100's, etc.), and checks (made out to Our Redeemer Lutheran School) count as positive points for your class 
• Silver coins ("bombs") such as nickels, dimes, quarters, half dollars and silver dollars count as negative points against your class!  
• The class left with the most positive points after each day will receive a candy reward - but the class with the most points for the whole week will receive a pizza party!   
• All battles will take place in the morning from 8:15 AM - 8:25 AM and will be conducted in a civil manner (walking and not being disruptive in the hallways will be expected).
• Positive points will go into the red buckets located inside the classroom, and negative points ("bombs") will go into blue buckets located outside the classroom.   There is no need for any child to go into a classroom other than their own!

Special Teacher Recognition - 9:30 AM  ~ Sunday, March 6th

In the 9:30 service on Sunday, March 6th, our School Ministry Council will specially recognize our teachers who are celebrating anniversaries of service to the church:

25 years:  Mrs. Alicia Bietz               20 years:  Mrs. Kirsten Willer & Mr. Jim Van Dellen

10 years:  Mrs. Deanna Sapiro           5 years:  Mrs. Elise Herzberg

In addition, Mr. Gene Ladendorf, LCMS-SWD Regional Superintendent, will present Mrs. Denise Kegley with the 2011 LCMS-SWD Early Childhood Educator of the Year Award.  We thank and praise God for these faithful servants whose selfless service to our children and families make them amazingly special to all of us!

March Mission of the Month 

   Our chapel offerings for the month of March will be going to the LCMS World Relief and Human Care.  The mission of the Church through LCMS World Relief and Human Care is to reach out in mercy and compassion to those in need, in the name of Christ and His Gospel, according to the beautiful Lutheran confession of the faith.

   From its earliest days, LCMS World Relief has sought to "make a world of difference" in the lives of people who have been touched by need, whether because of war or natural disaster or because of poverty.  Under different names, the organization played major roles in relief and recovery efforts following both World Wars.  After 1953, as the Board of World Relief, the agency focused its efforts in the areas of disaster response and long-term self-help programs.  Today LCMS World Relief is a vibrant ministry of hope, "making a world of difference" in name of the Gospel.

Technology Workshop -or- What are my kids doing on the computer??

This two-part workshop will allow you to learn more about keeping your children safe online in the world of social networking. Bring your laptop or use a computer at the lab to get hands-on help in keeping up with your kids and their techy toys. 

Session 1 - Get the Basics.    Session 2 - Know Even More!

Don't be left behind! Register for one or both sessions today.

Dates: Wednesday, March 23, 2011  &  Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Time:  6:30 pm - 8:00 pm    

Location: Fisher Building Computer Lab (Enter West Doors of 122 St.) 12121 W. North Avenue, Wauwatosa, WI 53226

Time: 6:30pm - 8:00pm  (both evening classes)

Beginners Session - Get to know the basics about Internet Safety, Social Network Sites, Web of Trust, Smart Phones, and Parental Controls. Use these skills to keep up with the applications your son or daughter already know and use. 

Advanced Session - Gain more in-depth knowledge about Password Security, Social Network "mimics", Time Usage Restrictions, Router Security, and checking Online History. Keep tabs and stay on top of what's going on with the computers and cell phones in your house.