|
|
|
Nipper Notes
Weekly eNewsletter of Our Saviour Lutheran Church
January 23,2016
|
|
|
This Sunday
| |
| |
Our Saviour Lutheran Church, 212 Sunset Drive, Johnson City, Tennessee, will offer three Holy Communion Services 8:15 traditional, 10:45 traditional and Heartsong 10:45.
A nursery is provided.
All are welcome.
For further information
about OSLC, please
visit our website at
|
|
Parish Calendar
|  |
FIRST SUNDAY IN CHRISTMAS
10:00 AM - Holy Communion
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30
11:00 AM - Malting Pot
FRIDAY, JANUARY 1 - NEW YEAR'S DAY
Church Office closed
SATURDAY, JANUARY 2
8:00 AM - Men's Prayer Breakfast
|
|
The Commands of God
"The statutes of the Lord are just and rejoice the heart; the commandment of the Lord is clear and gives light to the Lord." (Psalm 19:8)
Are the Ten Commandments still valid in today's society? Some people think that the Old Testament is archaic and useless, that, the New Testament has replaced the Old.
I beg to differ. The Old Testament is the very foundation by which we are able to fully understand the New Testament. The stories of Jesus are only as good as the law that set the stage for the coming of the Messiah.
Martin Luther had this uncanny knack for finding the person of the Son of God all throughout the Old Testament. It might come in an image of an angel, a voice from the heavens, or the imagery of one of the prophets. God in the form of Jesus was virtually present all throughout the Old Testament to Dr. Luther, pointing to the impending day when God would truly fulfill every promise He had ever made for His children. That fulfillment is Jesus.
"You word is a light unto my feet, a light unto my path." (Psalm 119:105) This echoes the words of this Sunday's psalm, number nineteen.
If you walk into a darkened room, you cannot see very well. If the host or hostess has not cleaned the room well, then, the cobwebs and the dust will remain without notice; but, if a light is struck and the room is filled with brightness, then everything done and not done by the host is exposed. This is the first step to cleanliness - forgiveness - compassion - and finally, peace. To reach God's peace, one first must confess and be absolved. One must offer confession of things done and things undone-of things known, and thing unknown to us that are against God. Only then can one begin to see clearly the way of God, of truth, of justice, of comfort, of-once again-peace. Only then can we begin to "clean the rooms of our lives" in order to wholly know the love of God through Christ Jesus.
The law, defined in God's giving of the Ten Commandments, is the beginning of our appreciation of God's love and grace. Realizing how sinful we are will only eventually help us fully realize the wideness of God's gracious and loving hand He offers to us.
Know that God loves you, and this is why He gave us the Old Testament: to help us completely accept the idea that this undeserving love He offers is a free gift given-just-for-you! And it all starts with the law that clears the way and gives light to the eyes - and directs our course to the Lord of all life, Jesus Christ!
Remember that God loves you, and so do we!
Pastor Jim
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Might you be interested in helping the state legislature pass "Insure Tennessee"? "Insure Tennessee" is a bill that would help provide insurance to thousands of Tennesseans who cannot otherwise afford healthcare. Pastor Ed Wolff is trying to get caravan of people to travel to Nashville for February 1 and 2 to encourage the legislature to bring "Insure Tennessee" back to life! If you might be able to take the bus to Nashville, call the church office and we will get you on board. There's a move to cut costs for this trip, but know that there are some personal expenses you will have to cover. Call 282-2313 for all the details.
|
|
Coming Up at OSLC
OFFERING ENVELOPES:
for 2016 are available in the hallway. Please call the church office if your name has been inadvertently omitted.
FLOWER CHARTS:
for the new year are posted on the bulletin board near the fellowship hall. Cost is $35.00 per vase.
TIME AND TALENT FORMS AND COMMITMENT FORMS:
It is not too late to return these forms! Thanks!
"VOL FOR USHER" MONTH:
is coming! As we get reorganized for 2016, we need help staffing our ushers for the two traditional services. There is a sign-up sheet in the hallway; would you please volunteer in the month of January?
FROM THE PARISH NURSE:
Please take a leaf from the basket in the narthex and simply write something down that you are thankful to God for. Sign your name after your thanks to Him. I am going to post these on my bulletin board as praise to God during the month of November. Just short and simple, Ex: "God, thank you for my family and all you do for us ~Melissa". Place the leaf back in the basket on your way out before you leave. Thank you!
NURSERY HELPERS NEEDED!:
Please sign the list on the bulletin board near the nursery!
PRODUCTS OF THE MONTH:
Manna House serves men who are chronically homeless and may have psychological issues and/or substance abuse problems. They house 19 men for up to 2 years. An assessment and training program helps clients find employment. Computers are needed-If you can donate one, please call Valerie Brown at 423-434-9310 (423-773-8221 cell). Tax deduction available. Also needed: Deodorant Shampoo Shaving Cream Conditioner First Aid Supplies Lotion Razors Toothbrush/Toothpaste Soap Paper cups//plates/napkins laundry detergent Paper Towels Toilet paper Kleenex Dish Detergent Window Cleaner Clorox Wipes Tilex Mildew Air Freshner
NEW PROJECT - CARE BAGS:
Kathy Leonard has started a project to give care bags to women diagnosed with breast cancer. The bags include a hand-made, heart-shaped pillow, journal and pen, a cocoa butter stick, and other small items. The bags will be given to doctor's offices and the Women's Health and Imaging Center. If you would like to give a monetary donation or help in any way please call Kathy at 218-5317 or email at [email protected].
CARE BEAR MINISTRY: ...Love "bears" all things, I Corinthians 13:7. Thanks to all those who have participated in providing people who are hurting physically, mentally and emotionally with a "care bear" from OSLC. We are receiving positive feedback from those who have been recipients and their families. As just a reminder, bears will be replenished every 3rd Sunday of each month. If you take a bear to give to someone, please write the recipient's name on the sheets provided. This just makes sure that the same person doesn't receive multiple bears. - Melissa Malenda, Parish Nurse
MUTUAL MINISTRY:
invites you to contact members of the Mutual Ministry Committee with comments, supportive or critical, related to our staff. These comments will be kept confidential within the committee.
|
|
The OSLC Prayer List
Members:
Gary Shealy; Jennifer Estep; Burleigh Witham; Peg Pickens; Barbara Diehl; Tom Loveday; Erin Rice; Janet Ecklund; John Stafford; Anne Godsey; Kay Scheurer; John Paul Neas; Barbara Willis; Betty Marshall; Josiah Flint; Pat Tomita; Irene Ackley; Pat Keffer; Carl and Brenda Snyder; Truman Billings; Bob and Lucy Terry; Phoebe Sand; Mary King; Willie Weems; Janice Knipp; Mary Ostermeyer; Jennifer Stafford; Wendi Garrison; Lori Markstrom; Debbie Garrison
Family Members and Friends:
Alice Sulkowski; Jason Rakel; Carey Outen; Jessica Jernigan; Sharon Neuhaus; Lou Fox Baskette; Haskel Sykes; Reese and Virginia Creasy; Rev. Willis Bowers; Scarlett Garman and parents; Josh Nunn; Ann Carter; Bruce and Betsy Shine; Glenn Nutter; Mark Mullinex; Laura Coppinger; Howard Parsons; Brian and Jen Milliken; Linda Linden; Bonita Martin; Kyle Lively; Taylor Miller; Jim Ackley; Barbara Noe; Rosalina White; Preston Burke; Kyle Cannon; Dee Carter; Robin Barnett
Military Service - Members:
Nick Harris (Air Force; Salt Lake City, UT).
Military Service -
Friends and family:
Nick Hodge (Air Force) friend of the Flints; Chase Estep (Marines) brother of Clint Estep, Kevin Philipps (Army) friend of the Wolfs; Matthew Sibenaller (Army, Afghanistan) godson of Ed Wolff;David Guck (Marines, King's Bay, GA) friend of the Wolfs; Adam Beier(Fort Benning, GA) nephew of Carolynn Bailey
|
Resolve to Eat These 10 Healthy Foods Often in 2016!
If you are in need of a New Year's resolution, here is an option that could potentially help you to become healthier if you are not alr  eady taking advantage of these wonderful sources of nutrition. These 10 foods are some of the healthiest because they meet at least three of the following criteria:
Excellent source of fiber, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients;
High in phytonutrients and antioxidant compounds such as vitamins A, E, and beta
carotene;
May help to reduce the risk of heart disease and other health conditions;
Low in calorie density, meaning you get a larger portion size with fewer calories;
Are readily available.
Almonds are packed with nutrients - fiber, riboflavin, magnesium, iron and calcium. Almonds have more calcium than any other nut. Also one serving of almonds provides half of your body's Recommended Dietary Allowance of vitamin E. Like all nuts, almonds are good for your heart. Apples are an excellent source of pectin, a soluble fiber that can lower blood cholesterol and glucose levels. Apples can push the production of the "memory chemical" acetylcholine. Apples are also a good source of vitamin C which serves to protect the body's connective tissue from damage. Blueberries, along with cranberries, are a rich source of phytonutrients - a group of compounds that may help prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and some cancers. These plant compounds may also improve short-term memory and promote healthy aging. Broccoli - the champion of green vegetables - is a great source of calcium, potassium, folate, fiber and phytonutrients. It also gets the award for being a great source of vitamins A and C. Red beans - including small red beans and dark red kidney beans - are good sources of iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper and thiamin. They are also an excellent low-fat, low-calorie source of protein and dietary fiber and contain phytonutrients. Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, a type of fat that makes your blood less likely to form clots that may cause heart attacks. Omega-3s may also protect against irregular heartbeats, lower triglyceride levels and blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke. Salmon is low in saturated fat and cholesterol and is a good source of protein. Spinach is an excellent source of riboflavin, vitamin B-6, calcium, iron, magnesium, vitamins A and C and folate. The plant compounds in spinach may help keep your hair and skin healthy and boost your immune system. Sweet potato, full of beta carotene which is converted to vitamin A in your body when eaten, may help slow the aging process and reduce the risk of some cancers. Sweet potatoes are also good sources of fiber, vitamins B-6, C and E, folate and potassium. Sweets are fat-free and relatively low in calories - one small sweet potato has just 54 calories. Of course, that is without the butter, brown sugar and nuts! Vegetable juice is an easy way to include vegetables in your diet because it has most of the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients found in the original vegetables. Juices that include tomatoes are good sources of lycopene, an antioxidant that may reduce the risk of heart attack, prostate cancer and possibly other types of cancer. Be sure to choose the low-sodium varieties. Wheat germ, the center of a grain of wheat, does for humans what it does for the new wheat sprout. This small part of the wheat seed is a highly concentrated source of nutrients including niacin, thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin E, folate, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, iron and zinc. It also contains protein, fiber and some fat. What better way to start the New Year than with a resolve to be healthier. Include these good foods in your daily diet and you will reap the benefits. Stay well as you look forward to a healthy 2016! Connie Pearson, RN, MN Chair, Health Ministries Task Force |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thought for the Month
Saint Francis of Assisi (1182-1226)
The Peace Prayer of Saint Francis
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is error, truth;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled as to console;
To be understood as to understand;
To be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
It is in self-forgetting that we find;
And it is in dying to ourselves that we are born to eternal life.
|
|
|
Flowers
|
in the chancel today are given to the glory of God by
Carmen and Mary Jane Paulson in honor of granddaughter Sophie's 13th birthday.
|
Mary Ostermeyer
Kevin and Linda Schutt
|
|
| Our Purpose |
Make disciples, and grow in grace.
|
|
| Our Vision |
We love God and neighbor, so that all people will be disciples.
| |
|
|
