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Our Saviour Lutheran Church, 120 S. Henry Street, Green Bay, Wisconsin, 54302

(920) 468-4065

JUNE 2015

Where Did Everyone Go? Answering Hard Questions

A Common Lutheran Confirmation Picture

On one of our church hallway walls, we have a display of Confirmation pictures from nearly every year of classes since Our Saviour Lutheran began. Every year we have the current Level II students stare into these pictures.

We share the story that many of these former students whereabouts is unknown; that many never returned; that some moved; some passed away; and few others are worshipping with us to this day.

The story goes about a Lutheran pastor and a Jewish rabbi going out for breakfast. The rabbi complained that they had a flurry of bats in the synagogue and they could not get rid of them. He asked his Lutheran friend if he had any suggestions. “Oh yes,” replied the Lutheran clergyman, “Just Baptize and Confirm them, they will leave and never come back.” - That has some sad truth to it. But many confirmands do stay, and many keep their faith alive in the places God takes them in their story.

This spring’s confirmation class was asked to do a 1000 word essay, answering three fairly difficult questions, two of the questions relating to their life after confirmation. We are including a few of the answers to the two most difficult questions from the class. For the sake of anonymity, and that the class may speak with a single voice, no names of specific authors are given. You will be moved at the answers.

1. Your faith will be challenged as you get older. You will be tempted to slowly fall away from your relationship with Christ and His church. There will be many distractions. What are you going to do to prevent that from happening?

“People will try to pull me away from God. One thing I will do to prevent that is to attend Church every Sunday or as many as possible. This will keep the light in my soul from going out. Another way is to avoid people whose values in life are different than yours. Also, college will be a struggle.”

“I am going to stay away from the people and things that try to turn me away from God. I am going to pray and I am going to keep my light lit and my faith strong. I am going to stay away from the people in life who are going to put my light out.”

“There are going to be many things that I am going to do to prevent my relationship with God to not fade away by taking God with me wherever life leads me.

Whether it is just at work or whether it’s just going on

a road trip with my future family to come I will take God with me in my heart. I will attend church regularly.”

“As I get older my faith will be challenged and there are many ways I can prevent this from happening. One is to attend church regularly. Talk to my family and friends about my faith and theirs. But I also feel that it would not be called faith if I never had any doubts. Faith is very personal and everyone has different opinions, it is important that I know mine

Our Saviour’s Voice

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and continue to hold onto my beliefs. I am the most important factor in keeping my faith.”

“I'm going to keep going to church to learn more about why we were saved. I am going to keep going and learning so I don't veer off track.”

“Some movies are a huge distraction as well. If a friend invites me to see a movie, I ask what the movie is before I go so I’m not tempted to stay and watch it. There are also TV shows that are a bad influence. Some show things that go against God’s word. I don’t want to get sucked into that. So, I’ll watch shows that don’t influence me in a bad way.”

“My parents have also taught us to pray before each meal, even when we are out to eat in public. By doing this, I will be able to thank Him through prayer for the food He has given to us.”

“When we were baptized we received the Holy Spirit and many people compare it to an oil lit lamp. We have to keep that lamp lit by putting more oil in the lamp. This analogy is used by saying we have to worship and praise him otherwise our lamp will go out. Another way to keep our lamps lit is by having a daily devotion with my family or by myself. I also plan on taking the Lord's Supper or Holy Communion at every time possible.”

“In the future, I am hopefully going to find a boyfriend and get married. Your husband can be a big influence on your life. If you don’t find one that is Christian, he can distract you and lead you away from God. It can also be hard on your children because if you’re fighting about taking them to church, they might get confused and not want to go to church. So, finding a Christian spouse is very important to me for staying in contact with God.”

“By going to church, I would also like to participate in the service whether I am an usher or part of the Altar Guild. I enjoy ushering during Lent and I want to try to do that. I have heard that many people after they get confirmed think that they are fine and don’t have to come back to church. This is the opposite of what I want. I want to be more active after I get confirmed to keep my faith strong.”

“I am always going to talk to God and tell him what is going on if I made a bad choice or in a situation since he know’s my thoughts I can just talk to him about things and He will always be there. I will continue to know and remember the difference between what is right and what is wrong and do the right things. I am going to try to avoid bad situations

and if I get into one I will try to get out of it quickly and safely and not make it any worse.”

“I have been raised from young on knowing how important our faith in God is. I practice that by trying to be a good Christian person every day. I know there will be roadblocks and challenges. I will keep my faith strong by continuing to go to church and worshiping God. I will pray to Him for guidance and strength through all the challenges that my life will bring.”

“My candle will continue to burn strong because I have been given the foundation I need to keep it going. My parents have started me with a foundation. My Sunday school teachers and pastors have helped me to build the structure. My confirmation has helped me to close in my walls. The rest is up to me to take care of now. Keeping my foundation free from cracks and walls sturdy from caving in. By doing all of this my candle will stay strong inside and continue to burn bright. There may be an occasional breeze, but I must locate the crack that caused it and seal it up.”

“Taking the Lord’s Supper is saying that you believe in the body and the blood of God. Lastly, praying to God every day is probably the best way to stay in touch with him. He already knows everything that we are thinking so we might as well talk to him and let him here everything that is going on in our lives. I know that I will face many challenges in life, including challenges that will try to ruin my faith with God and his church, but I am determined to not let that happen.”

“In the near future, I want to start working dinners and Fish Fries to earn money in my account for the National Youth Gathering. If I am blessed with children, I want to bring them to church and teach them God’s Word. I love helping people. So, when our church helps people in Haiti, I want to participate in that by helping with the whole process.”

“As a Christian I hope to be an example to others so they may look to me and give me the opportunity to share my faith and lead them to Christ. Keeping my church connection. Praying when I am weak. Not to fall away from the church. I know that God hears my prayers.”

“Even when I’m done with confirmation class and if my parents don’t make me go to church on Sundays, I am still going to go so I can get healed and keep strengthening my faith so I don’t fall away from God.”

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2. When you arrive in Heaven, and God looks back over your life, what will He say you did to serve Him?

“When God looks back on my life. I don't know what He'll say I did try to serve Him. It's such a deep question, I haven't found the answer within me. Someday I will, but for now, I know I'll be accepted into heaven. I'll spread the word and help people join the Christian religion, I'll go to church and know we have all been saved.”

“When I arrive in Heaven and God looks back on my life the biggest way I served him is by being a nice person. I helped my grandma stuff comfort dolls for the children in Haiti. I also try to follow the commandments every day.”

“I will say that I have believed in You and your son Christ Jesus my whole entire life. I have tried to clean heart, but it is almost physically and spiritually impossible to do so. I know that through God’s son Christ Jesus that my sins are forgiven and my heart is made new. I know that my going to heaven does not come from my good works but, by my faith in Christ Jesus.”

“When I look back on my life I will tell God that I served him by keeping him in my heart throughout my entire life and believing in him wholeheartedly. By helping to inform others of God, his teachings and the things that he has taught me in my lifetime. I will say that I followed the path that he wanted me to take in life and not let the devil lead me down a path I don't want to go in.”

“Someday, when I enter Heaven I hope that God will see that I lived a life that I put Him first in everything I did.”

“I didn’t let all of the atheists turn me away from God. I lived a good, happy, and successful life and I did everything that God brought me here to do.”

“When I arrive in Heaven and God looks over my life, one thing that I think He will say that I did to serve Him is by going to church. Another thing that God will say I did was to complete my homework and do my best to obey my teachers and other authorities.”

“I let His light shine through me as I went about my days and others were able to see my good works and deeds and also God’s. He will say I went out to spread the word about Him and to get people’s attention that would care to listen. I had a good life and I did many good things and I kept my light lit. I went to church on Sundays when I could to keep my faith alive and strong. I didn’t let life’s deceptions and distractions turn me away from God.”

“I am always happy with what I have and I never wish I had what someone else wanted. I was happy for them and what they got. I do realize that no human is perfect, so with that in mind I know that God will see that I tried to live the best life I could and tried to obey him and follow His words as best that I could.”

Finally, keep these students in your prayers. They are living in a world of confusion, tension, traps and deceptions. Yet, as they navigate through life, there are blessings everywhere, God’s presence is all around them. The church, like a hospital for sinners, is here for their daily strengthening, and ours as well.

How would you answer these questions for yourself?

Sincerely, Pastor Dave

THE FAMILY PROJECT – JUNE 22-26

Why do families work? Because God Himself designed them! Thriving families will lead to thriving communities,

and thriving communities will transform the world. People will find purpose, joy and redemption; and generation

after generation will create a positive legacy.

This course will take place at OSLC during the week of June 22-26 from 5:30-

8:30pm, which coincides with Vacation Bible School this year. A meal will be

available in the gym each night to make it easier for your entire family to participate

in Vacation Bible School and/or The Family Project. Please contact the church

office (468-4065 or info@oslc-gb.org) or sign up at the Welcome Center!

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July 2015 OSLC Usher Schedule Date Service Lead Team

July 2 Th 6:30 Charles Arthur Carl Zimonick; Gary Kirchman; Dick Zimonick

July 5 Su 7:45 Allen Knaus Clarence Ney; Jerry & Josh VanKauwenberg; Nathan Knaus

Su 9:15 Wendy Frick Roxanne & Randy Dyle; Jack Grant; Mitch Waniger; † UN

Su 10:45 Mike Charles Karen Kiekhaefer; Hunter Alft; Don Larson

July 9 Th 6:30 Paul Kuehl Bill Baneck; † UN; † UN

July 12 Su 7:45 John Kielpikowski Chad Kielpikowski; Ron Klumb; † UN

Su 9:15 Dave Wians Lonnie Peerenboom; Davis LaMarche; Dan Richer; ; † UN; † UN

Su 10:45 Royal Bruhn Sue Bruhn; Richard Christiansen; Rich Ryman

July 16 Th 6:30 David Haase Bobby Haase; Rich Spangenberg; † UN

July 19 Su 7:45 Matthew Dalebroux Andrew Prescher; Al Brietlow; † UN

Su 9:15 Randy Vande Hei Walt Juhnke; Tiffany & Brian Duff; Jennifer Linssen; † UN

Su 10:45 Gerald Buechner Carmen & Lloyd Leuthner; Rich Spangenberg

July 23 Th 6:30 Charles Arthur Carl Zimonick; Gary Kirchman; Dick Zimonick

July 26 Su 7:45 Mike Morgan Vernon Siech; Gloria Morgan; Ralph Hoerchler

Su 9:15 Shelley Williams Robin Williams; Frank Helebrant; Don Schultz; Rosemary & Steve Clark

Su 10:45 Mike Charles Karen Kiekhaefer; Hunter Alft; Don Larson

July 30 Th 6:30 Paul Kuehl Bill Baneck; † UN; † UN

†UN-Usher Needed - If you'd like to volunteer as an usher, please contact the Lead usher of the group you'd like to join,

Or contact Rich Spangenberg (920) 857-3014 or email "spangenr.ret@uwgb.edu"

FROM HERE TO HAITI

When Friends of Haiti made their last trip this spring, many items made with love by our Chicks with Stix group and others went along…63 dresses (22 from ladies at St. Peter and Paul), 29 hats, 1 tote bag, and 25 dolls (did you see last month’s story about their trip?). A few of our projects also made it to others in need: 13 teddy bear pillows were given to St Vincent’s Hospital patients. We are still accepting donations to assist us with making more dresses, dolls and other items for the Friends of Haiti trip this fall as well as items for other local charities, too.

Christian Writing Group at Our Saviour Our Saviour recently started a group to support and encourage Christians who write (or want to write.) The group meets on the first Monday of the month

at 7pm in the parlor of OSLC. The June meeting is on the 1st. Contact Deb Young (debyoung90@gmail.com) or Stephenie Hovland (stephhov@hotmail.com) for more information.

LWML SCARF COLLECTION On June 23, the LWML National Convention will be held in Des Moines, IA. Sandy Groth and Debbi Young will collect NEW FASHION scarves (store-bought or handmade; NO silky scarves, please) to take as our ingathering gifts for the convention. The purpose of the scarves is to help people, whose clothing has become ill fitting due to weight loss, to look and feel better. There will be a basket in the coat area for this collection, which ends on June 13. Thank you in advance for your donations!

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Confirmation Class Of 2015

Ashley Brosig PHILIPPIANS 4:13

I can do everything through him who give me strength.

Nicholas Couillard JEREMIAH 29:11

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans

to give you hope and a future.”

Brett Falck PHILIPPIANS 4:13

I can do everything through him who give me strength.

Cory Flynn MATTHEW 28:20

“Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Levi Joseph Groth REVELATION 2:10

“Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.”

Alex Lohrentz MATTHEW 28:20

“Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Samuel Meerstein PSALM 144:1

Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.

Alexander Martin Nuthals JOHN 3:16

“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.”

Grace Scholz REVELATION 2:10

“Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.”

Claire Sipple PHILIPPIANS 4:13

I can do everything through him who give me strength.

Makenna Treadway JOHN 8:12

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Jasmine Young JEREMIAH 29:11

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans

to give you hope and a future.”

LAMBEAU FIELD VOLUNTEERS NEEDED BEFORE FALL – Our Saviour operates a concession stand at Lambeau Field. Volunteers are needed Saturday, June 20 for the Kenny Chesney/Jason Aldean concert. Experienced and new workers are also needed for the sold out Brett Favre

retirement event on July 18 and all home Packer games beginning with Family Night in August. No experience or necessary; we’ll train grill workers, front runners and cashiers. Members, friends, and more are welcome. It will be fun and for a great cause! For more information or to volunteer, contact Neil Burmeister at 264-4973 or neilburm@yahoo.com.

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SUPER SALE NEWS – IT’S COMING SOON! I hope you are continuing to do your spring cleaning and saving any of your unwanted but still in good condition items for the August 15th Super Sale. Our storage area in the basement is getting filled, so it looks like we will have another year of a great variety of items for sale. If it is possible, please hold your items until we begin to take items in the gym on July 27. We have to have volunteers move boxes back up to the gym from the basement before the sale, so the more you can deliver to the gym on or after July 27 the better. If you must remove items from your storage area, come during office hours or bring on Sunday and place items in the basement in covered boxes (if possible) and stack as best you can so we have room to walk through and for larger items. Boxes are available and can be taken from the basement if needed. Please call the church office for information on picking up large items.

Please remember we want only clean (no rips, holes or spots) and items that are in good working order. If you would not use it in your home, please do not donate it to us as we end up having to get rid of it, which can be expensive and contrary to our goal. If dishes and glassware have

been packed away for a while, please go through it first and get rid of chipped and cracked items as well as washing it would be appreciated by the volunteers. Please NO clothes, shoes, boots, cribs, car seats, TVs (except flat panel), no computer monitors or old printers, no magazines, text books or reference books. We will be happy to take cook books and fiction books.

Beginning Saturday, July 25 we will need volunteers to set up tables in the gym and possibly begin bringing up merchandise from the basement. We will begin unpacking and beginning to set out merchandise on Monday, July 27th. We will work every day from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Come for a day or an hour and bring lunch and join us as we eat together and have some fellowship time. Signup sheets for volunteers for the day of the sale will be available at the Welcome Center beginning August 2. Please call Jill Proulx at 465-1437 with questions or comments. We will also hold an organizational meeting on Tuesday, June 23 at 10:30 AM the parlor. Please plan on attending this meeting as we make plans for this year’s sale. I would appreciate your input. ~ Jill Proulx

HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS HONORED

On Sunday, June 7, we welcome all of our 2015 high school seniors to ‘Senior Recognition Day’. Below is a

little bit about the future of seven of our high school seniors.

TONY CANTWELL – Tony is the

son of Paul and Cyndi Cantwell.

He is graduating from Green Bay

Southwest and plans to attend

UW-Madison to major in

biochemistry. He hopes his future

includes attending medical school.

When asked his favorite Bible

verse, his reply was Joshua 1:9 –

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and

courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged,

for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you

go.

Early years here at Our Saviour bring back

great memories of being in the OSLC preschool and

the Sunday school Christmas pageant singing ‘I Just

Wanna Be a Sheep’.

STACY FALK – Stacy is the

daughter of David and LuAnn

Falk. She will graduate from

Preble High School in June.

Her future plans include

attending UW-Milwaukee to

major in criminal justice,

hopefully leading to becoming

a crime scene investigator.

“For we walk by faith not by

sight’, - 2 Corinthians 5:7 is her favorite Bible verse.

Favorite memories include going to San

Antonio for the LCMS National Youth Gathering and

also meeting a lot of new people.

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SIERRA KNURR – Sierra,

daughter of Chris and Jeanne

Knurr, will graduate from

Ashwaubenon High School this

year. She will attend NWTC’s

dental hygiene program. The verse

she wants to share with us is

Psalm 23:4 – Yea, though I walk

through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear

no evil, for thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff

they comfort me.

Memories of playing and singing in the

Sunday school plays are high on her list of favorites.

She also remembers being in the live nativity and

eating booyah.

SIERRA POLZIN – Sierra is

the daughter of Dr. Paul and

Cathy Polzin. She will soon be

a graduate of Denmark High

School. Her future plans

include following a pre-med

track at Lawrence University

along with pursuing a major in

Spanish. Her ideal career?

Pediatric Surgeon. She hopes

the future brings a lot of

traveling, including a trip to Spain. What verse would

she like to share with you? John 16:33 – “I have told

you these things, so that in me you may have peace.

In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I

have overcome the world.”

Is there anything more beautiful than how Our

Saviour looks at Christmas? Not to Sierra! She

remembers the huge Christmas tree at the front,

decorated in white and silver. She also fondly

remembers the nativity scene at the front of church

and all of the candles lighting up

the pews.

CONNOR RUTHERFORD –

Connor is the son of Erik and

Lori Rutherford. He will be

attending Lewis University in

Romeoville, IL. He has received

both baseball and academic

scholarships to attend there.

RACHEL SIPPLE – Rachel is the daughter of Mike

and Jennifer Sipple. She will also graduate from

Denmark High School this year. In fall, she will

attend UW-Madison to major in Kinesiology,

working toward becoming a Physician’s Assistant.

The Bible verse that gives her comfort is

Deuteronomy 31:6 – Be strong and courageous. Do

not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the

Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you

or forsake you.

Favorite memories for Rachel are from

Confirmation classes and the LCMS National Youth

Gathering trip to San Antonio, where she was able to

meet other people who share the same faith.

ALEXIS TILOT –

Alexis is the daughter of

Dan and Connie Tilot.

She will graduate from

Preble High School in

June. In fall, Alexis will

attend the University of

Virginia at the School of

Engineering for a double

major in Chemical

Engineering and Spanish

with a minor in Chinese.

She hopes to study

abroad in Europe and maybe South America.

Her favorite Bible verse is Hebrews 11:1,

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and

certain of what we do not see.” This Bible verse

encourages me to have faith in the unseen – Jesus

Christ – and to hope for the second coming and for

Heaven. I am sure of what I hope for – Salvation –

and certain of what I do not see – Jesus Christ, my

Lord and Savior.

Favorite memories of growing up as a

member of OSLC include all of the time spent with

Whitney and Avra – volunteering at Paul’s Pantry,

visiting the DeYoung Zoo or walking around

downtown Indianapolis. Alexis says, “Those two

women have been such an amazing blessing in my

life and I am glad to have been blessed with their

friendship.”

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EVENTS IN JUNE and BEYOND… THE FEAST – The Feast is a Bible study designed for young adults that meets on the 1st Tuesday of every month, starting at 6PM – this month join us on June 2 at Jimmy Seas when we will share a meal, study, and discuss topics about our faith. The Feast is led by Kyla Rodriguez, DCE from Faith Lutheran, Green Bay.

HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR RECOGNITION – On Sunday, June 7, we will recognize our high school seniors at the 9:15am service. Any questions, just call the office at 468-4065 or email info@oslc-gb.org. See their pictures and stories elsewhere in this newsletter.

KIDS’ ONLY RUMMAGE SALE – The Kids’ Only Sale will be held on Friday, June 12 (12-6pm) and Saturday, June 13 (8am-2pm). Find everything kids including games, toys, clothes (maternity, too), shoes, furniture, etc. Donations are now being accepted and volunteers will be needed. Proceeds will benefit Green Bay Trinity and Our Saviour children’s programs. Set up begins in the gym on June 8. Contact Maggie at hinzm@greenbaytrinity.org or 265-6432 with questions or to volunteer for set up or day of the event jobs.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL – June 22-26, 2015 – Join us for ‘Camp Discovery’. To volunteer, contact Jenni Harris at 265-5435 or harrisjenni@hotmail.com. Help is needed before, during and after the event dates. Changes this year include an increase from four to five days (Monday thru Friday) and it will be held in the evening (5:30-8:30pm). For parents and older children, there will also be an adult Bible study (see Family Project in this newsletter) during the VBS time. A meal for each night can be found in the gym from 4:30-5:30pm to give your family even more time together. REGISTER ONLINE (www.oslc-gb.org) OR PICK UP A FORM AT THE WELCOME CENTER. To assist in planning, please register no later than June 8.

SUPER SALE IS ON THE WAY – This year’s date is August 15. We are now accepting donations but please remember…no clothes, large TVs, or computers (but just about everything else). Come during office hours or bring on Sunday and place items in the basement. Boxes are available and can be taken from the basement if needed; please bring your donations in boxes that are closed and stackable. We are also now taking reservations for large item pickups. Do you have large appliances, furniture, etc. but need a truck and a few strong hands to move it to church? Call Michelle in the office at (920) 468-4065 as soon as possible to be put on the list. Pickups will be scheduled between August 1 and 10 (if you need a date outside of this window, ask and we will see what can be done for you).

PRESCHOOL REGISTRATION – Register NOW. Our Saviour Preschool offers a great start to the school life of many children. Consider enrolling your 3-5 year old (Green Bay schools do not accept 5 year olds into their 4K program but, if they are not yet ready for Kindergarten, we do!). We also offer before school (7:30-8:30am) and after school care from 11/11:30am to 3:00pm. Call (920) 468-3596 to schedule a tour.

SUPER SALE IS ON THE WAY – This year’s date is August 15. See article in this month’s issue for more information. Do you have large appliances, furniture, etc. but need a truck and a few strong hands to move it to church? Call Michelle in the office (468-4065) as soon as possible to be put on the list. Pickups will be scheduled between August 1 and 10 (if you need a date outside of this window, please ask and we will try).

FALL’S FIRST FISH FRY – We’ll start of the year with a fish from on Friday, September 11. Nothing for you to do now except put it on your calendar so you don’t miss it in the frenzy of activities known as fall.

ANNUAL FALL RALLY – The Fall Rally is scheduled for Sunday, September 13. An outdoor service is planned with a potluck lunch, volunteer opportunity tables, entertainment, and more. Also note that this means the first day of Sunday school will be September 20.

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ONE TIME REQUEST

Is your junk drawer overflowing with pens? Do you end up with so many pens from the bank, the grocery store, your insurance agent or doctor’s office that you just don’t

know what to do with them all? If you have a few extra black ink pens to spare (click pens preferred), please drop them off at the church office. Thanks.

‘DON’T FORGET THE SCRIP! SCRIP cards can be used to purchase so many things! Cards can make great teacher or thank you gifts for friends. Buy SCRIP before you shop for groceries, clothing or birthday gifts. Use SCRIP to buy gas or to wash your vehicle. Hungry? Buy groceries at most of our local grocery stores or eat at your favorite fast food or chain restaurant (and some local ones like Julie’s Café, too). Get office supplies or electronics for your home or office at Office Depot/ OfficeMax or Best Buy. And don’t forget to include SCRIP in your summer vacation plans. We can order hotel certificates (see the 3-ring binder at the Welcome Center) and many other businesses nationwide.

Chaplain Karen: A Heart for Inmates GREEN BAY, Wis. By Fay Boerschinger and Deborah Young

It's 7:00 on Sunday morning and Karen Konrad is heading to work at the Brown County Jail. She is not a guard or even a police officer. She is

the Chaplain.

She is aware of how many people will attend the church service this morning. Security issues allow only 16 inmates to attend at one time. Many wishing to attend are turned away.

Chaplain Karen worked in the business world for more than twenty-five years, many of those years ministering in her off work hours. “After seeking the Lord I felt He was calling me to full-time ministry, specifically chaplaincy. The Lord started opening doors for me. I just really see and have always seen, even throughout my chaplaincy training, that I had a heart to come into corrections. I see the jail as an emotional and spiritual hospital,” Chaplain Karen explains.

This “hospital,” also known as the Brown County Jail, admits 10,000 “patients” a year. In the average month, approximately 800 inmates occupy two facilities -- the main jail and the Work Release Center. The Brown County Jail has the largest population of juveniles, ages 10-17, in Northeast Wisconsin. Each month there will be between 400 and 500 requests from inmates needing and requesting ministry help.

The requests vary. Inmates may have lost a loved one, suffer addictions, experience depression as they await sentencing or be young parents who are separated from their children for the first time.

The chaplaincy position is part-time, 20-25 hours per week, so Chaplain Karen must prioritize, addressing urgent needs first. These visits can be intense as she counsels “cutters,” drug addicts, veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome or those who have attempted suicide.

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Other requests range from faith-based resources, one-on-one visits, contacting clergy and making rehabilitation connections. Meeting the spiritual needs of the correctional staff at the Brown County Jail is also part of the mission.

One visit is not enough. Inmates need follow-up visits, encouragement and support for their spiritual growth. Due to the part-time hours of the chaplain and an assistant who works 15 hours per week, all the needs cannot be met. The jail needs warrant a full-time chaplain or two part-time chaplains.

The funding of the chaplain’s office is a huge issue. The Brown County Jail Ministry is NOT funded by the county though the jail does provide an office space, a telephone and computer for the use of the ministry.

Salaries for the current chaplain and assistant position are funded through gifts and donations, including an occasional gift from the inmate canteen funds which is never a guaranteed donation. The ministry is a 501(c)3 tax deductible entity separate from the Brown County Jail itself. Information regarding making a donation to Brown County Jail Ministries, Inc., can be found at bc-jail-chaplain.wix.com/b-c-jail. Click on JAIL MINISTRY FUND on the top middle section of the website.

Donations assist in providing much needed resources to change the lives of the incarcerated. Monies are not only needed for chaplaincy support, but also for purchasing Bibles, religious study materials, ministry supplies, office supplies and faith-based resources for those battling all types of addictions. Chaplain Karen said, “Resources are needed on topics that these people are struggling with on a daily basis. Right now pornography is huge. I purchase resources that will address their issues, help inmates look at themselves and change. Additionally, some inmates are unable to read or write and a number are struggling with reading. So I try to find materials that they are able to comprehend.” Chaplin Karen talks about how important Bibles

are to the inmates, especially Study Bibles. Because Study Bibles are a rarity, she watches for those that are seeking a deeper study of the Scriptures and dispenses them accordingly. When inmates go from jail to prison, one of the few items they are allowed to take with them is one religious book.

Currently, “The Good Thief Lenten or Good Friday Collection” is being discussed at the Prison Aftercare Network of Northeastern Wisconsin. All churches and faith-based organizations in Brown County would be asked to initiate a collection on Good Friday or another designated day during Lent. The funds gathered would benefit the Brown County Jail Ministry, providing substantial and sustainable funding needed to change lives.

Financial gifts are not the only way to help. Chaplin Karen is trying to develop a core group of volunteers with experience in spiritual counseling. Volunteers can also be involved by providing spiritual education, encouragement and in leading worship services. Volunteers are also needed to disciple, facilitate studies, and for office support.

Studies show that 40 to 60% of inmates that re-enter society will commit another crime. Many are never visited and have no support when they come out. Those coming out need faith communities that are willing to embrace and support them. That is an area that Chaplain Konrad is eagerly attempting to develop.

Mathew 25: 44-45 reads as follows: “Lord, when did we see You hunger or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison and did not minister to You? Then He (Jesus) will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’”

Chaplin Karen says, “What people don’t understand is that this is a mission field and you don’t have to go overseas. It is right in their backyard.”

Reprinted with permission from the Wisconsin Christian News

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Skilled Care Facility and CBRFs 226 Bornemann St 468-8675

Advertisements in the business directory help Our Saviour defray the cost of ‘The Voice” each month.

If you would like to advertise, please contact Michelle in the church office at (920) 468-4065 or

info@oslc-gb.org. Please support the sponsors who support us.

“Our Saviour’s Voice” is published monthly by Our Saviour Lutheran Church, Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Vacancy Editor, Michelle Burhite. Please feel free to contact the church office with constructive

suggestions and/or comments at info@oslc-gb.org. Thanks to those who have already commented! We

are always seeking more congregational input and submissions.

OUR SAVIOUR STAFF

Senior Pastor – David H. Hatch (920) 609-0248 dave@oslc-gb.org

Associate Pastor – Greg Hovland (920) 544-3614 greg@oslc-gb.org

Church Office – Michelle Burhite (920) 468-4065 info@oslc-gb.org

Preschool Director – Joanne Prindle (920) 468-3596 joanne@oslc-gb.org

June 2015 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 6:30pm GBLSA

7pm Writers’ Group

2 7am Bible Study

9am Bible Study

7pm Stewardship Study

3 6pm Praise Band

4 12:15pm Worship

6:30pm Worship

5 6

7 7:45am Trad Worship

7:45am Bible Study

9:15am Praise Worship

w/HS Senior Recognition

9:30am Bible Study

10:30am Bible Study

10:45am Trad Worship

w/Holy Baptism

5:30pm D1 Softball

6:45pm D2 Softball

8 6:45pm Church Council

Kids Sale Set Up

9 7am Bible Study

9am Bible Study

10:30am Staff Meeting

7pm Stewardship Study

Kids Sale Set Up

10 6pm Praise Band

Kids Sale Set Up

11 12:15pm Worship

6:30pm Worship

Kids’ Sale Set Up

12 12pm Kids’ Sale until 6pm

Pastor Greg leaves for

Guatemala

13 8am Kids’ Sale until 2pm

14 MITE BOX SUNDAY

7:45am Trad Worship

9:15am Praise Worship

10:45am Trad Worship

5:30pm D2 Softball

6:45pm D1 Softball

15 7pm Board of Education

16 7am Bible Study

17 6pm Praise Band

18 12:15pm Worship

6:30pm Worship

19

20 Pastor Greg returns from

Guatemala

21 FATHERS’ DAY 7:45am Trad Worship

7:45am Bible Study

9:15am Praise Worship

9:15am Bible Study

10:30am Bible Study

10:45am Trad Worship

4:15pm D2 Softball

6:45pm D1 Softball

22 4:30pm Family Meal

5:30pm The Family Project

5:30pm VBS

6:30 GBLSA

23 7am Bible Study

9am Bible Study

10:30am Super Sale Meeting

4:30pm Family Meal

5:30pm The Family Project

5:30pm VBS

24 4:30pm Family Meal

5:30pm The Family Project

5:30pm VBS

6pm Praise Band

25 12:15pm Worship

4:30pm Family Meal

5:30pm The Family Project

5:30pm VBS

6:30pm Worship

26 4:30pm Family Meal

5:30pm The Family Project

5:30pm VBS

27

28 7:45am Trad Worship

9:15am Trad Worship

w/Holy Baptisms

10:45am Trad Worship

4:15pm D1 Softball

5:30pm D2 Softball

29

30 7am Bible Study

9am Bible Study

10:30am Staff Meeting

7pm Stewardship Study

DON’T MISS IT! - Vacation Bible School, The Family Project and a Family Meal –

Every night, June 22-26, beginning at 4:30pm. Please register by June 8 for

planning purposes.

WORHIP SERVICES – We have NO CHANGES to our worship services for the summer.

Join us on Thursdays at 12:15 or 6:30pm and on Sundays at 7:45, 9:15 or 10:45am.