Pastor’s Corner
Why Are You Weeping?
Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; and
she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head
and the other at the feet. They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” – John 20:11-13a
Jesus reveals the truth to Mary, and once she knows the truth, that Christ is risen, she is
moved to share this good news. Jesus reveals the truth to you as well, through the Word
and the Holy Spirit. Beginning on April 13, engage in the Great Three Days, which are
called the Triduum. Journey through these worship services and saturate your mind,
emotions, intellect, and soul with the truth.
Why are you weeping? Examine your life. Notice God’s fidelity and practice the exercises
of faith. Allow Easter joy to penetrate your existence and define you, inside and out.
Rejoice always! Alleluia!
Pastor Tony Dusso
Pastor for Discipleship
[email protected]
Family Easter Egg Hunt
Easter Sunday, April 16
9:45 – 10:30 AM
Join us for OSLC’s first family Easter egg hunt. Begin in the Atrium as you receive your first
clue, and continue your search throughout OSLC. There will be five clues to find, and a
surprise for the whole family at the last stop! For families with children under 3 years, a
special hunt just for you begins @ 10 AM. Check-in at the table in the Atrium.
Youth sponsored breakfast in the Social Hall from 8-11 AM
Worship at 8:30 & 10:45 AM
Happy Easter! He is Risen! Alleluia!
Lent & Holy Week Worship Schedule
April 5 / Midweek Lenten Services / 12:00 and 6:30 PM
April 9 / Palm Sunday / 8:30 and 10:45 AM
April 13 / Maundy Thursday / 12:00 and 6:30 PM
April 14 / Good Friday / 12:00 and 6:30 PM
April 15 / Easter Vigil / 7:30 PM
April 16 / Easter Sunday / 8:30 and 10:45 AM
News from Our Savior’s Lutheran Church
What makes Christian despair so tragic is that it is so unnecessary. It’s fear of the wrong
thing. It’s weeping when celebration is in order. Of course, this has been the case since
the resurrection was first witnessed. In John’s Gospel, the angels at the tomb and the
resurrected Jesus himself are puzzled when they see Mary Magdalene crying and ask:
“Woman, why are you weeping?” They understand that her emotions have tricked her.
She is not aware of the truth and is being controlled by that which is false. Jesus has
been raised to new life, but she thinks she’s the victim of grave robbers.
Connecting to God,
faith and people.
CrossTalk
Around Ash Wednesday, I heard that Pope Francis suggested this for a Lenten discipline:
“Why not give up fear and despair for Lent?” Why not? It is a tragedy of today’s Christian
church, regardless of the denomination, how prevalent fear, anxiety and despair have
become. Remember, followers of Jesus are directed to the cross and the empty tomb.
God meets us in death and defeats it forever. Joy and hope are the defining signs of
Christian life…at least they should be.
2017
Calendar
April 2017
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Worship & Music
Deacon Marti Bein / Director of Worship & Music / [email protected]
Exciting Worship News!
Saturday night Jazz Worship April 1 and April 22 – Two opportunities to sing and worship together
with stellar musicians, AND IT GETS BETTER….
Beginning in May, Saturday night jazz worship will be every week. Let the music lift you in prayer,
praise and thanksgiving!
Holy Week
Sunday, April 9, Passion Sunday – Worship begins in the Atrium to recall Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem.
Children and Youth will lead in joyous “Hosannas” as worshippers process with palms into the Worship Center to hear
the Passion Story.
Thursday, April 13, Maundy Thursday, noon and 6:30 – Worship focuses on Jesus’ new commandment, “Love one
another as I have loved you.” The service includes the Gift of Absolution, Footwashing and Holy Communion
recalling Jesus’ last supper with his disciples.
Friday, April 14, Good Friday, noon and 6:30 – Tenebrae worship in a darkened worship space with readings of
passion versions; a devotional service with emphasis on the triumph of the cross through word and music.
Saturday, April 15, The Great Easter Vigil, 7:30 – the first service of Easter consisting of four parts: Service of Light,
Service of Lessons, Renewal of Baptism and Holy Communion.
Sunday, April 16, Easter Sunday, 8:30 and 10:45 – Both services include choirs, brass
quintet and timpani.
Alleluia! Christ is Risen. He is risen indeed. Alleluia!
Adult Education
Bible Miners
Dr. Persaud to Lead Adult Education
Topic: The Holy Trinity
All are welcome to join the discussion.
Dr. Winston Persaud, popular Adult Education presenter, will lead the April 23
class at 9:45 in the Patio Room. He will focus on our theme of the year:
celebrating the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.
We look forward to his visit and his knack for relevant, inspirational messages
laced with his very special sense of humor. Originally from Guyana, South
America where he served as pastor of a church in Georgetown, Dr. Persaud
currently serves as a professor of Systematic Theology at Wartburg Seminary.
April 6 @ 9 AM / Fireside Room
Sunday, April 23 @ 9:45 AM
OSLC Website
Online Prayer Requests, Devotionals and More
Did you know? OSLC’s website has added a Prayer request form, Hospital
Connection form, Devotionals, and information on the Labyrinth. Check it out!
If you have a prayer request, or enter the hospital late at night or through the
ER, simply fill out the online form and we will begin praying and handle your
information with confidence and care. You will also find three different daily
devotionals on our site, including one specifically for men along their Lenten
journey. We encourage you to take advantage of these resources.
April 2017
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Youth Ministry
Tyler Parks / Director of Youth Ministries / [email protected]
Thank you, all, for the wonderful support that our students have
received as we prepare for our mission trip to Los Angeles this summer! In February,
our students hosted an Oscar’s-themed Dinner Party and Silent Auction at which over
100 guests attended and bid on 70 donated items from families, congregation
members, and local businesses. We originally hoped to raise a portion of our train
transportation costs to Los Angeles. The enthusiasm for this event quickly grew into an
opportunity that covered ALL of our train transportation costs. Because of your
generosity – through your monetary donations, ticket sales, and donated items –
we were able to cover our costs and raise just over $8,000! None of this would have
been possible without the help of the congregation! I want to especially thank Karen
Johnson for helping secure so many auction items from local businesses. Without
Karen’s help, this event would not have been nearly as successful as it was. Our 20
students are honored to represent such an amazing congregation, and look forward
to sharing our experiences from the mission trip on August 13 between services.
Congratulations,
Confirmands
On April 30, twelve D101 students
will be confirmed in their faith at
the 10:45 AM service. We are
very proud of these young
people stepping out and
stepping into their faith! Please
join us as we celebrate those
being confirmed.
Easter Breakfast On April 16, our students will host the
annual Easter Breakfast from 8 – 11 AM in the Social Hall.
All are invited to join us at this free-will offering event.
Flamingo Insurance In May, our students will begin
selling Flamingo Insurance Policies, because “Flamingo Flocking Season” is right
around the corner! Flamingos will flap around Our Savior’s Lutheran Church
throughout the month of June, so be sure to get your insurance policy to protect your
property from these Pink Pretties!
Spencer Anderson
Emma Elliot
Paige Elliot
Joshua Hielsberg
Olivia Holen
Andrea Indoval
Cara Jensen
Allison Lackner
Hunter Montgomery
Brenna Ripplinger
Gabriel Stewart
Mead Tomash
Children’s Ministry
First Communion
Walk Through Holy Week
We celebrate with our First Communion students and their
families as they are strengthened in faith and receive
forgiveness of sin, life and salvation in the meal of Holy
Communion on April 2, 2017. The following students
attended preparation classes, learning with their parents
about what Holy Communion means,
how it works, and why believers
participate. They shared meals together
and created a special chalice to use
and remember their First Communion.
Hayden Allen • Ryland Allen • Benjamin Leake •
Joshua Leake • Maxwell Lombardo • Nolan Smith
Grab your passports, because we are about to embark
on a journey through Holy Week! Walk in the footsteps
of Jesus during His final days leading to His glorious
resurrection. Several of our Sunday School students,
along with youth volunteers, have prepared this special
journey for you to experience a part of our Savior’s
journey. Our hope is that you feel His presence as you
experience each day of Holy Week and collect
memorable tokens. Your journey will begin promptly
after the first service in the Social Hall, and continue
throughout the Sunday School hour.
Stepping Stone of Faith Ministries
Sunday School News:
4th-5th Grade Class
Our 4th-5th grade class is led by Ryan Smith. The class
averages six to ten students per week. We begin our class
by talking about the good and bad things of the week, and
then read the Bible verse out loud and discuss it. Next we
do the activity pamphlet. If there is time at the end of class,
and all students have participated, we play a few games
of “silent speedball” or “cone flip.” Anyone who participates
in class receives candy. We welcome new students!
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Sunday, April 9 @ 9:45 AM
This experience is open to everyone – students,
families and adults are all welcome!
Vacation Bible School
June 12-16 • 9 AM - 12 PM
SAVE THE DATE!
“Maker Fun Factory” has a
science/inventor theme
with the tag “created by
God, built for a purpose!”
Missions
April Mission of the Month: Lutheran Partners in Global Ministry
Many at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church feel a personal connection to Lutheran Partners in Global Ministry (LPGM). Founders
Gordon and Betty Olson and their children, Tim and Karna, were devoted OSLC members before moving to Minnesota.
When Tim died tragically in the Central African Republic in 1991 while serving the ELCA, the entire congregation
mourned his loss. Founded in 1995, LPGM was created to engage individuals and communities in transformational
partnerships across the globe.
Over 21 years, thousands of children and families in ten countries have been
educated and empowered through LPGM programs. Hundreds of people have
“taken their faith global” to see LPGM’s work up close, furthering LPGM’s mission.
Did you know?
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OSLC has donated $50,000+ to LPGM since 1998
OSLC Mission/Endowment Funds have granted $20,000+ to LPGM
47 OSLC members donate to LPGM’s general fund and projects in India and Central African Republic
Of the 1,440 students in LPGM’s Project Education India program, 250 students still need sponsors – OSLC’s Mission of
the Month for April 2017
Please watch for more information this month and visit www.lutheranpartners.org – perhaps you will be called to become
involved, too!
Meal Prep: Help Needed
Every month, a dedicated group of members prepares and
serves meals to 80 people at Carpenter’s Place. The group that
prepares the meals would like some help in purchasing and
preparing the meal. Help is needed on the second Wednesday
of each month. Meals are prepared in the Shepherd's Gate
kitchen, about 3 hours, generally 9 AM until noon. Prior to that
Wednesday, the group also purchases food (approximately two
hours time). Once the meal is prepared, the servers will pick it
up from the church and take it to Carpenter's Place.
For additional information and/or to offer your help, please
contact Lynn Kinney (815-335-2673).
Funeral Volunteers
One of the wonderful and caring ministries we
provide at OSLC, for families who have lost a loved
one, is the funeral luncheon/coffee hour.
Volunteers help by setting up, serving and cleaning
up. The more hands we have, the quicker the tasks
get accomplished. Would you have 3-4 hours to
give to this wonderful ministry? We would welcome
you to join the wonderful group of ladies who do
this ministry. In our busy world and schedules,
commitment can be a challenge; however, we try
to be considerate and rotate our volunteers. Look
for the signup sheet at the Welcome Center.
Playtown Preschool
Playtown Preschool News
Registration for the 2017-2018 school year is underway. We are now offering an all-day program from 8:30 AM to 3 PM
starting in the fall. So, help spread the word or stop in at our upcoming Open House on Saturday, April 22 from 10 AM to
12 PM. For more information, please contact [email protected] or call 815-399-0531 ext.110. Thanks!
The past few weeks we have learned about the Wild West, Transportation, Space, and even took a pretend train trip.
Our spring program was a big hit and celebrated by all! A big thank you goes out to Marti Bien,
our very own music teacher for Playtown who taught us many songs, Mr. Joseph Schenk for his
piano accompaniment and Tyler Parks for putting together a cute power point of our fun
preschool memories. Also, thank you for all the support given by the Our Savior’s Lutheran staff.
We couldn’t have done it without you.
Well, the new school year will be here before we know it, and Playtown is looking for any gentlyused riding toys (such as a trike), a little Tikes playhouse or a little basketball hoop that you may
no longer need or your child has outgrown. If you or anyone you know would be willing to donate
any of these items to us, we would be so grateful. Happy Easter!
God Bless, Joanna Heffner
April 2017
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Events
Book Club
Monday, April 10 • 6:30 PM
All are welcome to join us in the Conference Room for discussion on our next read:
“A Fighting Chance” by Elizabeth Warren.
In this passionate, funny, and rabble-rousing book, Warren shows why she has chosen to fight tooth
and nail for the middle class.
Active
Seniors
Lunch
Tuesday, April 11 • 12:00 PM
Theme: “Praise the Lord”
Join us at Noon for lunch. Special entertainment this month is “The Praise Team” from Allen Chapel,
our neighbor church. Devotion and door prizes included. Tickets $10; on sale April 1-2 and April 8-9.
Contact Karen Johnson for more information and reservations (815.543.7962).
Reformation Sunday, April 23 • 3:00 PM
The 500th year of the Reformation will be the subject of a musical presentation at Our Savior’s on
500
Sunday, April 23, at 3 PM. Organist Dr. Naomi Rowley has created an eclectic program based on
Celebration the chorales (hymns) of the Reformation. She will lead congregational singing and play music
composed on the hymns. A massed choir, coordinated by Wayne Hatwich, will participate in the
program, and we will also hear hand bells and our portative organ.
Dr. Rowley, a graduate of Valparaiso University, obtained her Master’s and Doctorate degrees at
Stanford University. Currently she is Principle Organist at First United Methodist Church, La Grange,
Illinois. You will be inspired with her program and performance; this is a “can’t-miss” opportunity to
celebrate the Reformation anniversary at our church.
The program is free and open to all faiths. Sponsored by the American Guild of Organists (Rockford
chapter) and Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. (Ron Burmeister, coordinator)
Senior Fair
Thursday, April 27 • 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Spring
Art Fair &
Family
Brunch
Saturday, April 29 • 9:00 AM art fair; 11:00 AM - Noon brunch
Christian
Concert
Tuesday, May 2
Senior Helpers is holding its annual Senior Fair at Our Savior’s April 27 in Shepherd’s Gate. Dozens of
Rockford-area senior care services and facilities will be on-hand to provide information, including
Independent and Assisted Living Facilities, Rehab Facilities, Dementia Facilities, Hospice Companies,
In-Home Medical Companies, Electronic Monitoring Company, Funeral Company, Chiropractors/
Massage, State Organ Donor Program, EZ Home Dinners, Hearing Aid Center, Rockford Police and
Rock Valley College Center for Retirement. There will be free blood pressure checks and massages,
free refreshments, door prizes and a live radio broadcast. Call 815-395-8790 for more information.
Our Savior’s Women of the ELCA present a Spring Art Fair and Family Brunch on Saturday, April 29.
Special feature – a free play in The Bridge at 9 AM presented by “Stars of Light” Theatre Troupe,
sponsored by NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness). Many artists will be displaying their work
around OSLC, and an alcohol ink demonstration by Jill Rae Martin-Golden will be featured at 10 AM
in the Patio Room. Brunch will be served from 11 AM - Noon in the Social Hall. Cost: $12 adults,
$8 children. Online reservations at OSLCrockford.com. Paper reservations can be made at OSLC;
look for registration forms in the Atrium. Reservation deadline is Friday, April 21.
A bus trip is planned to The Fireside for a Christian concert. We have a limited amount of tickets for
the matinee concert of Jim Brady Trio. Cost: $75 per person includes concert, buffet luncheon,
bus and all gratuities. Call Lynn Kinney (815.335.2673) to make your reservations.
NAMI Family Support Group
A Family Support Group meeting of National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) meets monthly at Our Savior’s. This group is
offered to those with a family member living with a mental illness. The OSLC gathering meets every third Tuesday from
7-8:30 PM in Room 246. For more information, contact 815-963-2470 or visit www.naminorthernillinois.org.
Page 6
Among Us
Prayers and Blessings
(as received through March 15)
We lifted up in Prayer:
Bonnie Balok, Alice Bein, Betty Boyd, Marsha Dahlgren, Pat DeWitt, Carl
Engaldo, Robert Fredberg, Charles Jackson, Deb Johnsen, Barb Klint, Tim
Korf, Harold Krueger, Gus Larsen, Jim Linhart, Pr. Jane McChesney, Doug &
Mary McDuff, Joan Molenaar, Richard Nazzarini, Dick Petersen, Karen
Schanstra, Becky Shaffer, Dolores Shaver, Marc Soriano, Ron Thorson, Bob
Toews & Cindy Jensen-Toews, Wilma Tracy, Ray Treadway, Verlyn Westra
We celebrated Baptisms:
Lydia Rose Schulter, daughter of Everett Schulter & Katie Shukis
We offered Sympathy:
To the family of Cecelia Aumann
To the family of Jackie Krahenbuhl
To the family of Daryl Streed
We prayed for peace in our world and protection for those
in service to our country:
Steven Anderson / Kyle Brees / Ryan Brees / Jeremy Buttram / Ben Everette /
Michael Galiano / Scott Hlavin / Dylan Kaltenbrun / Charity Moorhous /
Brandon Morgan / Tyler Pillmore / Kayla Rasior / Alex Rickard / Nicholas Rinaldi /
Jake Thorn
April Birthdays
1: Dan Harvey, Trista Larson, Cheryl Marshall-Knutson 2: Amelia Blachford,
Elliott Patterson 3: Patricia Floody, Tanner LoTempio, Anne Mannelly, Hannah
Prabhakar, Larry Prabhakar, Missy Ramsey, Lois Winters 4: Taylor Berke, Jill
Jackson, Kathleen Miller 5: Floyd Kuhn, Robert Nelson 6: Janet Flanders
7: Mary MacDonald 8: Tyler Anderson, Lawrence Carlson, Nicholas Winters
9: Norma Aronson, Andrea Indoval 10: Bonnie Erdman, Franklin Johnson,
Brenna Ripplinger 11: Madason McLelland, Annistyn Vaughn 12: Rebecca
Holmes, John Linder, Johanna Lund Backer, Dorothy Mahler, Ryuto Thew,
Mallori Wallin 13: Landon Garnhart 14: Gale Miller, Lorra Prabhakar 15: Kandis
Boomer, Jeffrey Cowles, Eric Ericson 16: McKenna Albrecht, Marjorie Falls,
Larry Holen, John Koepsell 17: Aleah Knudson, Glen Molck 18: Erika Kersting,
Joy Wiedenhoeft, Robert Wright 20: Erik Johnson, Lucas Scheppman, Kayla
Wells 21: Makenna Bradford, Philip Hendricks, Molly Kryder, Anne Marie Leake,
Makenzie Nichols, Genevieve Schach, Lydia Schulter 22: Gene Boyd, Ann
Ports, Jim Stenberg 23: Annaliez Fonseca, April Kundo, Christine Petersen,
Suzanne Smith 24: Emily Bernardi, Rosemary Bieck, Garret Gibson, Duane
Miller 25: Adam Bernardi, Odessa Dahlgren, Thomas Wells 26: Audrey Homuth
27: David Cleven, David Onken, Owen Papoccia 28: Sandra Peterson, Lynne
Townsend 29: Frank Gulcynski, Cameron Larsen, Marlene Mizen, Kristina
Rediger, Hans Willuhn 30: Thomas Busse, Sharon Dempster
Thank You
To all of our Christian Brothers and
Sisters at Our Savior’s:
Your unending outpouring of love
and prayers for Carolyn during this
heartbreaking time is greatly
appreciated. Thank you from the
bottom of our hearts. We have found
peace knowing that Carolyn is no
longer suffering and now dwelling with
the Lord in heaven.
God’s Peace to all,
Ralph Bennehoff & Family
Mortgage Update
As of February 28, our mortgage
balance is $148,843. This balance
reflects $22,111 in additional principal
reduction payments from contributions
in 2017.
Book of the Month
“Chasing Sunsets”
by Karen Kingsbury
This novel is about divine intervention
and the trials and triumphs of life: the
dramatic story of a woman, desperate
to find deeper meaning in her life.
Inspirational and moving, “Chasing
Sunsets” is one woman’s deep
longings of the soul and the sacrifices
she’s willing to make in search of
healing.
Labyrinth
The labyrinth is an instrument of prayer
and meditation, shifting our focus from
self to God. During Lent, a time of
personal reflection, we can use the
labyrinth to center our thoughts and
our ways on His. The labyrinth is
available now through Easter in The
Bridge. During Holy Week, extras will be
added as you pray and ponder Jesus’
last days to the cross.
April Anniversaries
6: Richard & Sandra Peterson 11: Walter & Erika Kersting 17: Erwin & Mary
Buhmann 19: Randy Peterson & Julie Reinhold 23: Randy & Julie Trank
26: Steve & Julie Schneider 27: Philip & Maureen Hendricks, Michael & Diane
Hielsberg 28: David & Patricia Onken 29: Richard & Janice Donner, Rick &
Linda Nicholson 30: Lou & Sandy Everett
April 2017
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Non-Profit
Organization
U.S. Postage
Address Service Requested
PAID
Rockford, IL
Permit No. 2645
3300 Rural Street
Rockford, IL 61107-3540
815.399.0531 Office
815.399.8934 Fax
www.OSLCrockford.com
Weekly Worship Schedule:
Saturdays at 5 PM
Sundays at 8:30 AM
Sundays at 10:45 AM (Praise Ensemble Led)
Senior Pastor - Rev. Jeff Fricke
Pastor for Discipleship - Rev. Tony Dusso
Baptism Class
In This Issue
Pastor’s Corner
Family Easter Egg Hunt
Holy Week Worship
Calendar
Worship & Music
Adult Ed
Youth Ministry
Sunday School
Walk Through Holy Week
Missions
Playtown Preschool
Events
Spring Art Fair & Brunch
Among Us
Thank You
Submissions for the May
issue of CrossTalk must be
submitted by Monday,
April 10 for consideration.
Please send your articles to
[email protected].
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April 2 @ 9:45 AM
Join us in the back conference room as we learn
about God’s gift of baptism and the responsibilities
promised at baptism. Children are welcome to
attend or visit the nursery. This class is a requirement
for Baptism scheduling. Register online or connect
with Cyndi Hlavin at [email protected].
Easter Garden
To purchase a plant, pick up a form in the Atrium or
order online at OSLCrockford.com. Cost is $12 per
plant. Order deadline is April 3.
Spring Art Fair & Family Brunch
April 29 @ 9:00 AM
A wonderful event for the whole family is planned
for Saturday, April 29. Please see page 6 of this
newsletter for all the details.
New Members Class
April 23 & 30 @ 9:45 AM
Everyone who is interested
in membership at Our Savior’s
is invited to attend our New
Members Class, including those
who are Lutheran or new to the
Lutheran faith. The three-week
session runs April 23, April 30
and May 7 from 9:45-10:30 AM.
All are welcome. Register
online at OSLCrockford.com
or contact Cyndi Hlavin @
815-399-0531 ext. 106 for
more information.
New Member Reception:
May 7 • 9:45 - 10:30 AM