Strengthen Faith, Build Hope, Share Love in Christ Our Savior
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Christ Our Savior
Lutheran Church
ANDY KELTNER, PASTOR
5 South 8th Street Louisburg, KS 66053
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Pastor Andy Writes...
 | Pastor Andy Keltner |
Expectations vs. Behavior
We have a resource at the church that I believe every couple should watch. The resource is a four session study titled "Staying in Love" by Andy Stanley. Andy Stanley says that falling in love is easy but staying in love is hard. Those of us who have been married for more than a few years understand that staying in love takes effort. When we fall in love we see our partner through rose covered glasses. Everything they do we put "the best construction on things and explain things in the kindest possible way". I am aware that love can be deaf, dumb, blind and stupid. I see couples that are together and I try to point out their partner's shortcomings. This is unwise. The happiest couples see their spouse in a higher light than the spouse sees themselves.
In lesson four of staying in love, Andy Stanley talks about how we react when expectations do not meet behavior. He makes some common sense observations about the choices we make effecting our satisfaction in our marriage. When we expect someone to be on time and they are chronically late their behavior does not meet our expectations. When we are courting we overlook this behavior. When our partner is late we explain their lateness. We even make excuses for their behavior.
After we are married, we still expect our partner to be on time. We know they are going to be late so we are proved right when they are late. Instead of explaining things in the kindest possible way, we laud our wisdom and lift up our ability to be right. Our spouse or partner never gets the benefit of the doubt. We do not lift them up and this deteriorates our relationship. Instead of celebrating their gifts we attack their weaknesses. Their reaction is resentment and anger which becomes self-perpetuating.
Peter, the married disciple, writes this advice for living in relationship with other humans. "Above all love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins." (1 Peter 4:8) Luther in his explanation of the Eighth Commandment states that when dealing with our neighbor we should "... defend him, speak well of him, and explain everything in the kindest possible way." (S.C. page 13) We teach that when someone's behavior does not meet our expectations we should love them and defend them. This makes for a happier healthier marriage. It is a key to "staying in love".
I believe this is also a key to a healthier congregation. When someone's behavior does not meet our expectations we can choose how we respond to their actions. We can "...betray them, slander them and hurt their reputation. (S.C. page 13) We can usually find support for this position. We are all sinners. This also makes us look right. "See I knew this would fail." The problem with this is it is self- perpetuating. Instead of building up the body it weakens the body. Relationships are destroyed and love and forgiveness are not expressed.
The second choice we have is to defend our neighbor. We can build them up. Instead of focusing on, and attacking their behaviors we might want to look at our expectations. God calls us to build up the body. We have been given a ministry of reconciliation. I would invite you to get a group of friends and I will let you use this resource to strengthen your relationships. I believe the only way we can grow as Christians is to be immersed in the Word of God. We can do this by personal study and family devotions. It is also important that we meet together in worship and study of God's Word. I know we live in a busy hectic world and time is a precious resource. I believe God will free us when we seek him first. When behavior does not meet our expectations it is important to recognize that we can choose our reaction. Let God guide you steps. Lift one another up in love.
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Gloria Rolofson says Thank You!
 Dear Christ Our Savior,
I will never forget Memorial Day 2015! I had been with Bob all day and was getting ready to leave and go home for the night when my phone rang. It was Rich Walania and he rocked my world! A week earlier, I was bombarded by Bob's occupational therapist, his case manager and his social worker regarding changes that needed to be made to our house. My brother was thankfully here and he helped talk me through everything and figure out exactly what we felt we needed to have done. I felt so overwhelmed, consumed and stressed. I began to cry, pray and ask God for guidance and direction. A little while later, I was reminded of Rich Walania coming to visit us at St Luke's telling me to call him if there was anything he could do to help us. So, I called Rich, explained what was going on and the changes we needed at our house in preparation for bringing Bob home. I asked him to take a look at our house and give me an estimate. I figured this would take a while and cost a lot. A week later, Memorial Day, I got his phone call. He told me everything they were going to do and an estimated cost. I began sobbing because he explained that he had asked for volunteers during church services that Sunday, he explained what was going on, etc. He didn't tell me names but he told me people stepped up and volunteered to help. He said people offered to help with the construction, people offered to paint, people offered to clean every night to try and keep the house as clean as they could possibly keep it while construction was going on, he said there were others who wanted to help with the demolition, and others who wanted to help financially. He explained that he had also contacted his distributors and asked for their help with the cost and I'm sure there are other things that I am not aware of at all. In between crying, I kept saying I was speechless, my mind was completely overwhelmed and blown away with gratitude and thankfulness for our amazing congregation of believers! I told him that I didn't know how I would ever see him and the members of our church without breaking down and crying! You are an amazing body of Christ! You have done more for Bob, Grace, Garrett and me than I could have even imagined! Your overwhelming generosity, help, and support will truly never be forgotten! I kept asking God how I could ever convey my complete sense of gratitude and thankfulness. He told me to say Thank you!So to Rich Walania, Travis Becker, everyone who is helping with the changes at our house, Pastor, Debbie, to Jeff Axmann, Teresa Schlegel, Beth Ramsey, and Debbie and anyone else helping perform my job while I'm gone, all those praying for us, to all those sending cards to us, to all those writing updates on caring bridge, to our amazing Church Council for your overwhelming support of Bob and I, to all those sending texts and emails of encouragement, and to any other volunteers or people doing things I am unaware of...... THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!! You are truly touching our lives, our minds and our souls!!! We cannot wait for the day our family gets to worship with all of you again! We love you all! Bob, Gloria, Grace and Garrett Rolofson
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Sharon Smith says Thank You!
Gal 6:2 Bear one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.
If I could say "thank you" in all the languages of the world, that is what I would say to the members of Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church. There really aren't any words to convey the thanksgiving and appreciation I feel for all you have done and continue to do for Bob, Gloria, Grace, Garret and myself. I have seen the Body of Christ in action here like never before and I humbly thank you. May God's richest blessings abide with all of you. Sharon Smith (Gloria's Mom)
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Vacation Bible School 2015

Camp Discovery VBS 2015
Discover His plan! Discover His purpose! In Camp Discovery VBS, your children learn that Jesus works in and through us! They'll look into the Bible, God's Holy Word, and explore four tree-mendous Bible accounts where God works in His people to save them and through His people to serve! Jesus saves us, gives us faith, courage, and wisdom to serve Him and share His good news with our neighbor! God does have a plan and a purpose for each of His beloved children!
Registration is open for ages 3-12 who will attend VBS from July 20 to July 23, 6 pm to 8 pm. Come along with us as we sing fun songs, do crazy crafts, eat a yummy meal, play awesome games, and more. Plus, you'll learn all about Jesus our Savior and how He is at work through us! Can't wait to see you there! To register fill out a form and bring it to church, or call 913-837-4502, or e-mail pastor@christoursaviorlouisburg.com.
VOLUNTEERS:
Be part of Camp Discovery VBS! God's children of all ages will discover that Jesus is at work through us at Camp Discovery VBS. AND, every child will hear the Good News that Jesus, their Savior, gives us courage, gives us His wisdom, saves us, gives us faith, and gives us His love to share through His work in us. At Camp Discovery VBS, as VBS staff, you can live out the theme "Jesus is at work through us" as you share the message and the fun with kids! If you can help full or part-time, we have many ways to be involved to suit your schedule and interests. There are four opportunities; like providing the evening meal for the children at VBS. Call Pastor Keltner at 913-837-4502 or e-mail pastor@christoursaviorlouisburg.com for more information. Join us to see how Jesus is at work through us!
CONGREGATION SUPPORT:
We appreciate your prayers for Camp Discovery, our Vacation Bible School being held on July 20 through the 23. Ask God to bring children to our program so they can know and grow in Jesus, our Savior! Ask God to provide leaders and helpers for this important mission.
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Meals on Wheels Dinner and Pie Auction

The 3rd Annual Meals on Wheels Dinner & Pie Auction was held on Saturday June 20th, at the American Legion Hall John P. Hand Post 250 in Louisburg. This is a fundraiser for the Mid-America Nutrition Program (MANP) which provides Meals on Wheels for people in their homes, as well as meals served at the Louisburg Senior Center.
This year's auctioneer was Ron Flaigle, who did a great job and also entertained the crowd. Fifty-nine pies baked by local ladies and gentlemen were donated to the auction. There were many varieties including strawberry-rhubarb, shoo fly, chess, coconut cream, apple, berry and many more. The dinner and auction raised a total of $3207 for MANP. Meals on Wheels is very dependent on donations each year as other sources of funding continue to dwindle. These meals are provided to local seniors regardless of their ability to make the suggested donation. Christ Our Savior Lutheran church sponsored the event and they sincerely thank everyone in our community who continues to support this valuable program for our senior citizens. Back to top |
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"YOU"th Group - Flockings
What:
| COS Youth Group Flamingo Flocking
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When:
| Begin flocking June 22 and end around July 24
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Time:
| Sunday, June 28 is the last Sunday to place your flocking order!
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Where:
| COS Narthex
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Help Needed:
| flocking flamingos, selling flockings and anti-flocking insurance
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Who:
| Youth in Grades 6-12, your entire family!
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For:
| To help us raise our last $3500 for the National Lutheran Youth Gathering in New Orleans in 2016! If you are planning on going in 2016, you need to be helping!
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"YOU"th Group - Carwash Fundraiser
What:
| Carwash Fundraiser
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When:
| Saturday, July 11
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Time:
| 8 am - 12 pm
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Where:
| COS parking lot between church & community building
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Help Needed:
| washing & drying cars
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Who:
| COS Youth Group & parents, volunteer church members - ANYONE and EVERYONE PLEASE!
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For:
| To help us raise our last $3500 for the National Lutheran Youth Gathering in New Orleans in 2016! If you are planning on going in 2016, you need to be helping!
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"YOU"th Group - VBS Videos
HELP NEEDED MAKING VBS VIDEOS!
Calling all Youth Group Members!
Due to our wonderful artistic abilities, the Youth Group has been asked to create 4 promotional VBS videos. We are therefore calling all youth group members to participate each Sunday during Sunday school time so we can create them before VBS takes place. These videos will be shown to promote VBS! Each video takes about 30-40 minutes to create. We may need to meet during the week to finish them up - possibly some morning to do so. Please show up and let's have a fun time filming!
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"YOU"th Group Putt Putt Golf
What:
| Putt Putt Golf- Cool Crest; Independence, Missouri
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When:
| Monday,July 13
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Time:
| 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
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Where:
| Meet in the COS Parking Lot
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Help Needed:
| We will be eating lunch there - please sign up for what you can bring to the picnic.
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Cost:
| $10.99 = Unlimited Mini Golf; 2 Go-Kart Rides; 10 Arcade Tokens
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What to Bring:
| $ for Putt Putt, waiver (if you are riding with someone other than your parent), yourself plus picnic food!
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Who:
| COS Youth in Grades 6-12, friends and your entire family!!
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RSVP:
| On the Youth Group poster board in the narthex by Sunday, July 5 or call the Eickhoffs @ 913-837-5276 (please leave us a message if we are not home) cell: 913-302-2795 (Gerry); 913-302-5282 (Michelle); you can text us also or email us at: gmicough@hotmail.com.
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"YOU"th Group - Wanted Used Gaming Systems!
 Do you have an unused Playstation 1, 2, 3; Xbox; Gamecube or Wii (with controllers) sitting around the house not being used and in good working condition? Then please think about donating it to our youth group! We are looking for some of these to use for our lock-ins and get togethers with the youth! If you have one and are willing to donate it, please contact Gerry or Michelle Eickhoff at: gmicough@hotmail.com or 913-837-5276. Back to top |
"You"th Group Meetings
Who:
| COS "YOU"th in grades 6-12 We need your participation to make this youth group a go!
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Date:
| Friday, July 10
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Time:
| 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
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Where:
| Eickhoff House
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What to Bring:
| markers, poster boards
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What:
| We're prepping for our next big fundraiser - CAR WASH on the next day - July 11 & AppWorld Lock-In.
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"YOU"th Group - Lock-In
What:
| Back - to - School Youth Group Lock-In
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For:
| Music * Food * Fun * Games* Movie* Fellowship
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Who:
| Middle School-High School Students ONLY! Invite your friends!
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When:
| Friday, July 31 - Saturday, August 1
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Time:
| 9:00 pm - 7:00 am
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Where:
| Community Building/COS Church Basement
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What we must bring:
| Your favorite snack or two to share with everyone - i.e. 2 bags of chips; your favorite soft drink (Gatorade, Pepsi, etc.), or cookies.
| Optional to bring: | sleeping bag, blanket, & pillow - if you feel the need to crash at any point during the night.
| To Register: | Sign the poster on the bulletin board in the narthex by Sunday, July 26 letting us know if you are coming so we can plan.
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For more information, please contact youth group leaders - Gerry & Michelle Eickhoff, 913-837-5276 or via email: gmicough@hotmail.com
LOCK-IN HELP NEEDED!!!
To help with this event, we need parent volunteers throughout the night in 3 shifts to help supervise some of our activities.
9 pm - 1 am (Need parent helpers; particularly a DJ, someone to be Siri and also looking for those who are not afraid to do a simple flashmob routine!)
1 am - 4:30 am (Need parent helpers to help at stations where the kids will be rotating through)
6:00 am - 7:00 am (Need parent helpers to serve breakfast (muffins, fruit, milk, bagels, etc.).
If you are willing to help, please sign up in the narthex or contact Gerry & Michelle at 913-837-5276 or via e-mail: gmicough@hotmail.com
We are also in need of some supplies for our lock-in. If you would consider letting us borrow or donate any of these supplies, please contact Gerry &/or Michelle ASAP.
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smiley stickers
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drinking straws
- Paper plates - 1 - 50 count
- large map of the world
- Aluminum foil - 2 boxes
- lots of foam balls (about 20)
- Yarn
- JELLO cups
- Small stuffed angry birds - several!
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Stay Connected!
In addition to the Church Newsletter, there are a couple of other targeted emails lists that you should consider joining.
Pastor Andy writes a wonderful devotion that is usually published on a weekly basis. Receive an email and a link to the devotion when it is available.
If you would like to stay updated on Youth Group information, please consider signing up for the Youth Group list.
To join either of these lists, you can use the "Update Profile/Email Address" link below, or if you are not currently a subscriber, please use the " Join Our Email List" button above on the right. |
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