May 2015

  


 

"Jesus said to them..."the Holy Spirit will come upon you and give you power. Then you will tell everyone about me in Jerusalem, in all Judea, in Samaria, and everywhere in the world." -Acts 1:7a, 8


 

Greetings brothers and sisters in Christ,


 

This month we continue celebrating Easter, up until the time of Jesus' ascension (5/14) and the day of Pentecost (5/24). Or in other words, we continually celebrate that Jesus is alive and through him we have life...that is wonderful news for us each and every day.


 

Sometimes we might have trouble understanding how Jesus is alive, yet not physically present. Biblically this is explained in terms of Jesus' physical ascension. We read that he has ascended to the Father, so he is physically gone, yet in some mysterious way he is still here. We are thankfully reminded of this presence each week as we participate in the bread and wine of Holy Communion.


 

We also experience his presence through the Holy Spirit. In Acts we read of Jesus giving instructions to his disciples as well as the promise of the Spirit's coming. In Acts 1:8 we read that the Holy Spirit will give us power and with this power we will be witnesses throughout the world.


 

I love this text and in those times that I am timid in my own witness or when I'm not sure if I should speak up then I remember that it's not up to me completely, but rather, I have power through the Spirit. Of course I haven't always responded to the prompting of this Spirit that works within me and within you, but I'm learning and hopefully will be better prepared in the future.


 

This thought was brought home to me in a powerful way last week while Scott and I were vacationing in Washington DC. While there we toured the National Holocaust Museum. I can't say our visit was "fun" but it was indeed memorable. They had a special exhibit titled, "Some Were Neighbors: Collaboration and Complicity in the Holocaust." The title of the exhibit says it all in terms of neighbors turning on neighbors, or just doing nothing.  It certainly gave us much to think about. 

As we left the permanent exhibit we encountered a quotation from a Lutheran Pastor, Martin Neim�ller, This pastor was an early Nazi supporter who came to oppose the Hitler regime and was imprisoned for speaking out. I've seen this quote before and every time I see it I am reminded of our call to love and support one another. 

He said:

First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out -

because I was not a socialist.

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out -

because I was not a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out -

because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me - and there was no one left to speak for me.


 

These words are a valuable reminder that we all have the call to defend our brothers and sisters. Sometimes we fail to do so. For this reason I am thankful for the new life and the forgiveness that is ours through Jesus. May this forgiveness empower us to be witnesses today and tomorrow. I hope and pray that we as a community of faith will always use the Pentecostal power that God gives us to speak out for those who are being persecuted or oppressed.


 

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Nancy


 


 


 

  • As mentioned above, Pentecost Sunday is May 24. We will have a bilingual service followed by a community meal (details will be provided soon). I am planning to have a special dramatic reading of the Acts passage for that day and am looking for readers. Please let me know if you would like to participate.
  • LA Pride is June 12-14. I have volunteered the last two years. I plan to go on June 13th and am looking for others who would like to volunteer with me. Let me know by May 8 so that I can sign us up for a shift that allows us to car pool. You can find more information in an article below.
  • Mark your calendars for September 13. This will be the 3rd annual "God's Work Our Hands" volunteer Sunday. We will participate in the Ventura Marathon that day with a water booth. I (pastor Nancy) will also be running the marathon.
  • During Lent, Allison Johnson and I gathered on Thursday mornings for study and a walk to the Oxnard Farmer's Market. We enjoyed this time and would like to invite others to participate. So, if you have a bit of time available join us at 9am on a couple Thursdays for 30 minutes of devotion and prayer followed by a nice walk. May 7 and 21.
  • And last, for all who are interested, let's plan to go and see a movie (followed by dinner and discussion) on May 23rd.
Ministry of Children, Family and Youth


Summer is almost here and unfortunately the end to programs offered by Our Redeemer Ministry of Children, Family and Youth are too. Fortunately for families May and June mark some wonderful activities in the community that begin, this link http://www.camarillo.macaronikid.com/ is so far one of my favorites along with http://ventura-ca.parentclick.com/ that offer families to check out events, preschools, parks and many family friendly options to spending time together and offers resources for needs your family may have. Now that summer is approaching please remember to be present for your children, teach them to love their community and be active.

 

Though the programs are ending we will be offering a couple field trips for families of Our Redeemer Church and Preschool. Look out for future emails, snail mail, and texts for information on where and when.

 

Very importantly one of our most delighted summer program is VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL, (VBS) is set for August 3rd to 7th. The time has yet to be set but will be decided by the end of the month according to volunteer availability. This week long 3 hour a day program would not be possible without its volunteers. If you or someone you know or a teenager you have or know would be a great help to VBS please contact me, Jade Ortiz via text, or by calling Carmen in the church office. By May 10th volunteer questionnaires will be available in the preschool, church office, and church Narthex. VBS participant registration will begin May 25th.

 

On a personal note I'd like to thank you for your prayers, encouragement, and support in my education and ministry. This month is very important to my family and I, as I will be graduating May 16th from California Lutheran University with my Bachelors degree. I will be having a celebration of this accomplishment, if you would like information on the celebration please contact me, Jade Ortiz, or look for the details in the Church "Grace Notes."

 

Hope you all have a wonderful safe May!

 

Minister of Children, Family and Youth

Jade Ortiz

[email protected]

 

 

Save the Date

Vacation Bible School

August 3 - 7, 2015

Registration Begins May 25th

 

At G-Force Adventure Park, your children will discover an interactive, energizing, Bible-based program that will give them an opportunity to experience God's love in action. During Vacation Bible School at G-Force: God's Love in Action, your children will become Navigators and explore how to serve God and others with active love.

 

If you are interested in volunteering please contact Jade Ortiz or Carmen Ruiz at 805. 983. 0612. Volunteer questionnaires will be available by Sunday, May 10 in the church office bulletin (these must be completed and returned in order to volunteer). The time of VBS will be determined by volunteer availability.

 

VBS registration forms and flyers will be available as of May 25th in the Narthex and church office bulletin board.



MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Please join us on May 27th, 2015 at 6:00pm at Pastor Nancy's Home for our Volunteer Dinner...where we celebrate YOU, the VOLUNTEER!
 
Preschool and Kindergarten

 

 

 

 

 

 

May has come so fast. Perhaps time passes by quickly when having fun. We have been so busy working, playing and socializing in the preschool. 

 

With only six weeks of class left before the end of this regular school term, the students and teachers will be busy getting prepared for change. The graduations for those children leaving Our Redeemer to enter Kindergarten or first grade will be on June 11 and 12. 

 

We will be celebrating our fantastic teachers during Teachers Appreciation Week, May 4-8, 2015. I am truly thankful with our school staff for all their hard work and dedication to the children. They are the ones who make our school the best in our community!

  


LEAVE YOUR MARK
Only a few more days left until we say "until next time" to our tile fundraiser. May 4-8 will be the last week for the tile fundraiser. 
 

MARK YOUR CALENDAR 

 


 

Members are invited to attend two Budget Information Sessions on May 17th and 31st following our 10:30am worship service in the coffee shop.

 

 

 

 

Our Annual Budget Meeting and Specially Called Bylaw Change Meeting will take place on Sunday, June 7thimmediately following our 10:30am bilingual worship service. Members will receive a notification letter in the mail. We look forward to your participation in this important work of our congregation.

 African Team Ministries Sale

Coming Soon at Our Redeemer

 

 

May 31st and June 7th

*New and different items will be available*

 

 

_________________________________________________

 

 



 

Our Redeemer will be collecting old glasses, shampoos, soaps etc. JULY 24-26. Contact Donna Travers for any information.


 


 

LGBTQ Pride Season is Here Hooray!

Pride Festivals are some of the most visible opportunities our congregations have to witness to the God who embraces each one of us and to proclaim that there are churches who are excited to receive the gifts of LGBTQ people. (Acronym lesson: L=Lesbian, G=Gay, B=Bisexual, T=Transgender, Q=Queer/Questioning)

 

SoCal Lutherans will be attending 3 Pride festivals this year:

 

- Long Beach Pride (May 16-17)

- Los Angeles Pride (June 12-14)

- Orange County Pride (August 1)

 

There will be several opportunities to volunteer at each one:

 

Staff the SoCal Lutherans Booth:

Shift length: 4 hours on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday during the morning, afternoon, or evening

What you'll get to do: Run a temporary tattoo parlor, take people's pictures against a whimsical backdrop, chat with people about faith (theirs and yours)

Best Part: Listening to people's stories while applying colorful rainbow tattoos!

 

March in the Pride Parade:

Shift length: Sunday morning, 5 hours, includes a 1.5 mile walking route.

What you'll get to do: Share in Holy Communion before the parade, then walk alongside cheering clergy and laity telling people of God's wide and welcoming embrace.

Best Part: Getting applauded for strutting your stuff and publicizing your church!

 

Decorate the Parade Floats/Make signs:

Shift Length: Variable, dates TBD

What you'll get to do: Tap into your artistic side to make signs, banners, and other decorations

Best Part: Getting creative with other fun Lutherans!

 

Why Volunteer at Pride?

1. It's a great opportunity to get energized in your faith

2. Pride is a fun, family-friendly event

3. You get a free t-shirt and tickets to the events!

4. There's a lot of positive energy and excitement - these are some of the biggest festivals in California!

5. It's a great chance to meet new people - both Lutherans and other festival attendees

6. You don't have to be gay to proclaim God's unending love to gay people! All people can be bearers of that good news!

 

This sounds great! How can I sign up?

Easy - follow this link: http://www.socallutherans.com/#!pride-info/ca9y or email Rev. Caleb Crainer - [email protected]



FROM LUTHERAN DISASTER RESPONSE


 

"Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,

We have seen the devastating images and stories coming out of Nepal. Sections of Kathmandu, the nation's capital, and surrounding areas lie in rubble. More than 3,000 people have lost their lives, and the number continues to rise as officials make their way through rural communities. Historic buildings and houses have been leveled; roads are destroyed. The injured and their families line the streets in front of hospitals and caregivers. The need for food, water, medical care, blankets and shelter is great." To learn more 
CLICK HERE 

 

or to make a donation click DONATE . 

Faith, Family & Mental Health


 

The second program in our series on "Faith, Family & Mental Health" titled "Finding Mental Health Options for You or a Loved One" will be held at New Hope Lutheran Church, 29295 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills on Wednesday, May 13 at 7 pm. There will be a panel of resource providers including speakers from NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) affiliates in the San Fernando Valley and Ventura County, and a speaker from Recovery Innovations-RISE. All are welcome and admission is free.

 

For more information go to our website: www.newhopeagoura.com or call the church office at 818-889-8700

Monthly Events

 

Worship/ Misa

Every Sunday at 10:30am in English / Cada domingo En espa�ol a las 12:30pm

 

Worship Warm-up

Every Sunday at 9am

 

Singing Warm-up

Every Sunday at 10am

 

Prayer Team

Every Monday at 6:30pm

  

CARES Tutoring

Tuesday/Thursday

3:00pm - 5:00pm 

Ends June 2

 

 

JOLT and Confirmation Class

Every Wednesday, 4:30pm

Last JOLT: May 6

 

Operation LOVE

May 7, 19 at 9:00am, Our Redeemer's Coffee Shop


Senior Share

May 4, 18 at 11:45am, Sycamore Senior Village

 

Tuesday's Bible Study

May 12 at 9:00 a.m. Contact Julie Jensen for location.

 

Men's Breakfast

May 9 at 7:30am

Tomas Cafe in Oxnard

 

Council Meeting

May 4,  7:00pm

     

Women's Breakfast

May 16 at 9:00 a.m.

Tomas Cafe in Oxnard

 

Preschool Chapel

May 19 and 20

 

The Women's Book Club

May 26,  7 p.m. Barnes & Noble

 

Preschool Board Meeting

May 20 at 6 p.m. 

   

  
 
Our Redeemer Lutheran Church and Preschool | (805) 983-0612 | [email protected] | http://www.lcoor.org
721 Doris Avenue
Oxnard, CA 93030