Pastor’s Corner
“Lent” is a word that literally means “springtime.”
Lent begins on March 1 as we observe the festival of Ash Wednesday – a time of
worship leading us to dust off the weight and dreariness of sin, doom and gloom, to
receive a new start in life…the springtime of God’s grace.
Each week, we will work together on a project to build a physical structure that
represents our experience with these key aspects of faith…and everyone who comes
will receive a block to add to the project. You’ll want to keep an eye out in the Atrium for
some jumbo building blocks. And you’ll want to be a part of the springtime of faith that
we experience together.
Pastor Jeff Fricke
Senior Pastor
[email protected]
Lent &
Holy Week
Worship
Schedule
March 1
Ash Wednesday
Worship @ 12:00 and 6:30 PM
March 8 - April 5
Wednesday Lenten Services
Worship @ 12:00 and 6:30 PM
April 9
Passion / Palm Sunday
Worship @ 8:30 and 10:45 AM
April 13
Maundy Thursday
Worship @ 12:00 and 6:30 PM
April 14
Good Friday
Worship @ 12:00 and 6:30 PM
April 15
Easter Vigil
Worship @ 7:30 PM
April 16
Easter Sunday
Worship @ 8:30 and 10:45 AM
First Communion Classes
March 5, 12 & 19
12:00 – 1:00 PM
First Communion received April 2
Our First Communion Class is part of our
“Stepping Stones of Faith Ministry.” The three
week class is led by our pastoral staff, and
prepares students for first communion. There is
a Preparing for First Communion and Discerning
Your Child’s Readiness handout in the Atrium
on the children’s ministry bookcase. First
communion classes are intended for both the
student and parents/family member to attend
and learn together.
Lunch will be provided as part of our time
together. Please fill out the First Communion
Form (under the Life Events tab) on the OSLC
website to register your child for the class. If you
have any questions, please contact Cyndi
Hlavin, Connections Ministry Director.
([email protected] or 815.399.0531)
News from Our Savior’s Lutheran Church
The Building Blocks that we will study are the Creed, the Lord’s Prayer,
the Ten Commandments and the Sacraments of Baptism and Holy
Communion. These elements all come out of our experience with God’s
Word found in the Bible. But when we look at them one at a time, they
ground us in the Word and our actions, and lead us into a strong faith.
Connecting to God,
faith and people.
CrossTalk
Every Wednesday from March 8 through April 5, we will gather for a time
of prayer, study and worship at noon and 6:30 to focus on the “Building
Blocks of Faith,” found in Martin Luther’s Small Catechism. We’ll also be
offering meals following the 12:00 service and at 5:30 before the
evening service to gather with others and enjoy how God is bringing us
into a time of refreshment and renewal.
2017
Calendar
March 20 17
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Worship & Music
Deacon Marti Bein / Director of Worship & Music / [email protected]
Worship News
On Wednesday, March 1, we enter Lent with Ash Wednesday services at noon and 6:30.
Lenten Gospel readings for Year A are some powerful texts:
Jesus is tempted
in the desert.
John 3:16
The woman
at the well.
The man
born blind.
The raising
of Lazarus.
Throughout Lent, mid-week worship will continue at noon and 6:30.
Jazz Worship News: the jazz service in April will be held Saturday, April 1 @ 5:00.
Taizé Worship
No Taizé worship is scheduled for March. Next service is Friday, April 21, 7:00 PM @ Tabor Lutheran Church.
Adult Education
Sunday Adult Ed Opportunities
Engaging in the 500th Anniversary
of the Reformation
Rick Steves’ “Germany’s Luther Towns” – March 5
We will look at portions of the PBS show “Rick Steves’
Europe” that cover the German Luther towns of Erfurt,
Wittenberg, and Eisenach. We will discuss Luther’s time
at an Augustinian monastery and Die Wartburg, where
he translated the New Testament into the German
language. We will also have conversation about the
German Peasants’ War in 1524 and its relationship with
the Reformation. All are welcome.
Bishop Eaton’s “What Would Luther Do Today?
In January, the ELCA Presiding Bishop, Elizabeth Eaton,
offered an online independent study course on the
topic of what would Martin Luther do if he were alive
today. Over 3000 people from around the world took
part in this course. Wonderfully, this month we will have
the opportunity to engage in this material together as a
group, discovering how our Lutheran theology and
Luther’s legacy inform our actions as Lutherans in 2017.
Our faith is absolutely relevant for the issues we currently
face. Sessions topics include:
March 19 – Poverty and Ecumenism
March 26 – Caring for Creation
April 2 – Luther’s Legacy
March 2017
With Awe and Love
Midweek Lenten Series based on Luther’s
Small Catechism
Begins March 8 • Worship @ Noon & 6:30
In honor of the Reformation anniversary, our midweek Lenten
series is built around Luther’s Small Catechism. The Small
Catechism was designed as a teaching tool of the faith, not
just within the church but in the home. Luther intended for the
home to be the place where faith was first shared and taught.
To that end, he created the Small Catechism: a simple
explanation of the Ten Commandments, the Creed, the Lord’s
Prayer, and the Sacraments. He included basic prayers for
morning and evening, and suggested ways to worship, praise,
and revere God during each part of our day.
Our Wednesday Lenten series will use passages referred to in
the Small Catechism itself. The first week of this series sets the
stage with the handing down of the Ten Commandments in
Exodus. The following weeks look at each major section of the
Small Catechism in turn: the Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, Baptism,
and Holy Communion. Studying the Small Catechism offers a
way of growing closer to God by thinking on God’s word and
the basics of our faith.
As we journey through the weeks of Lent and the sections of
the Small Catechism, we recognize how the Word of God and
these teachings form the foundation of our Lutheran theology.
Symbolically, we will express this through a Lego structure that
will grow throughout the season. Look for opportunities for you
and your family to contribute to this structure.
Page 3
Education
Tyler Parks / Director of Youth Ministries / [email protected]
D101 Lenten Dinners
March 1 (Ash Wednesday) marks the beginning of Lent, as well as D101 Lenten Dinners. These
dinners are simple soups that D101 students prepare before the evening services every
Wednesday. Due to Lent, D101’s schedule will change slightly. Lenten Dinners will be at 5:30 PM
each Wednesday during Lent (March 1 – April 5) with a Lenten Service to follow at 6:30. Students
are expected to attend dinners and services regularly.
Mission Trip Twenty high school students have answered the call to serve in Los Angeles, California this summer as
we are in ministry with Union Rescue Mission, Hope Gardens, and Enrich LA, and are working towards raising the funds
necessary to cover the cost of transportation. While in Los Angeles, our students will be preparing meals for residents of
Skid Row, ministering to families who are transitioning off of the streets, working in the Union Rescue Mission Thrift Store,
and building community gardens in the Los Angeles public schools system.
Souper Bowl of Caring On February 5, students collected donations for the Souper Bowl of Caring on behalf of
the Rock River Valley Food Pantry. We set a goal of raising $1,000 and 1,000 pounds of nonperishable food items
throughout the month of February. We are so excited to announce that we surpassed our monetary goal; through your
help, our students raised over $1,300 for the Rock River Valley Food Pantry. We will continue to collect nonperishable
food items until Ash Wednesday (March 1.) We are confident that we will meet our goals in this area as well.
Thank you for your continued support of the ministry here at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church!
Playtown Preschool
Great things are happening at Playtown Preschool! We’re
excited to announce that we are offering an all-day
program starting in the fall. Our goal is to make sure
every family has a rewarding experience with our
child-centered program. We provide the highest quality
of care and learning for each child. Open registration
has begun, so please help us spread the good news
and be part of the experience. For more information,
please contact [email protected] or call
815-399-0531 ext. 110.
The Playtown children
have been having so
much fun going on field
trips, wearing PJ’S and
silly socks to school,
celebrating Valentine’s
Day, Dr. Seuss’ Birthday,
100th day at school and
more! Please join us for
our spring program on
Friday, March 24th at
10:30 AM in the Worship
Center!
Blessings,
Mrs. Heffner
Playtown Preschool Director
Page 4
Labyrinth and Lent
What is the labyrinth?
The labyrinth is an instrument of
prayer and meditation, shifting
our focus from self to God. As we
walk through the labyrinth, we
pause, ponder and pray at each
turn until reaching the center,
where we again pause, ponder
and pray. As we begin Lent, a
time of personal reflection, we can use the labyrinth to
center our thoughts and our ways on His. Lent is a 40 day
journey reminding us of Jesus’ great love for us and God’s
plan of redemption for us all. Jesus’ time in the desert
prepared him to endure great suffering, death, and even
on the cross, showed us forgiveness and His great Love.
The labyrinth will be available Ash Wednesday through
Easter in The Bridge. During Holy Week, extras will be
added as you pray and ponder Jesus’ last days to the
cross. Bring a journal and begin your Lenten journey by
writing your thoughts or prayers as you listen for God.
“Be still and know I am your God.” Psalm 46:10
Missions
March Mission of the Month: Gideons International
On Sunday, March 5th, hear the story of a simple yet life-giving effort and outreach.
Tom Hartley, a member of OSLC and Gideons International, will tell
the story of getting the Word out locally, nationally and internationally.
Gideons go boldly to everywhere they can in God’s creation to
deliver the Holy Scriptures to anyone and everyone they can. On the
5th, you’ll hear and see the story of their work and how you can
become involved with this Good News effort.
Operations
Parking Lot Improvements
With three lights
completely out,
the Our Savior’s lot
was very dark in
some areas. The
OSLC main
parking lot light
replacement
project has been
completed. The new lights were made
possible through a ComEd incentive
and Special Gift funds. The installation
of ten LED lamp assemblies containing
photo cells for the north parking lot was
completed February 8, 2017.
Safety / Security Task Force Workshop
On March 12 and 26, following the 8:30 AM service,
there will be a special one hour workshop entitled
"Situational Awareness/Active Shooter." Ted Getty, a
retired police lieutenant and special tactics instructor for
the Rockford Police Department, will present information
designed to promote personal safety through awareness
of your surroundings as well as tips on what you can do
should you find yourself in an active shooter situation.
Ted has 43 years of law enforcement experience, 31 of
those years on the SWAT team. He is certified by the state
of Illinois in Active Shooter instruction as well as being an
instructor in firearms and defensive tactics. Ted serves on
the OSLC Safety / Security Task Force and has offered his
time to share this valuable information.
This course is designed for adults and youth age 16 and
older. For those interested in attending this workshop, sign
ups are required; visit the Welcome Center to register.
New Members Class
April 23 & 30 • 9:45 - 10:30 AM
New Members received May 7
Would you or someone you know like to connect with God, faith and people?
Would you like to join a group of believers committed to serving Christ and others?
Everyone who is interested in membership at Our Savior’s is invited to
attend our New Members Class. The three-week session will be held
April 23, April 30 and May 7 from 9:45-10:30 AM. New members will
be received May 7. This class is open to those who are new or
returning to Our Savior’s, including those who are Lutheran and those
who are new to the Lutheran faith. All are welcome.
Please register online @ OSLCrockford.com. For more information,
please contact Cyndi Hlavin, Connections Ministry Director,
at [email protected], or call the church office at
815-399-0531 ext 106.
New Member Reception: May 7 from 9:45 - 10:30 AM
March 2017
Page 5
Events
Book Club
Monday, March 13 • 6:30 PM
Active
Seniors
Lunch
Tuesday, March 14 • 12:00 PM
AGO
Organ/
Musical
Program
Sunday, April 23 • 3:00 PM
Art Fair &
Brunch
Saturday, April 29 • 9:00 AM art fair; 11:00 AM brunch
Christian
Concert
Tuesday, May 2
All are welcome to join us in the Conference Room for discussion on our next read:
“Upstairs at the White House: My Life with the First Ladies” by J. B. West.
J. B. West, former chief usher of the White House, provides an absorbing, one-of-a-kind history of life among
the first ladies. He directed state functions, planned weddings, funerals, gardens, extensive renovations,
and supervised every activity in the presidential home at the request of the president and his family.
Theme: “What’s the Weather Like?”
Join us at Noon for lunch catered by Gatherings by Sue. Special guest this month is Chief Meterologist
Candice King from Channel 17/WTVO. Devotion and door prizes included. Tickets $10; on sale March
4-5 and March 11-12. Contact Karen Johnson for more information and reservations (815.543.7962).
The 500th year of the Reformation will be the subject of a musical presentation at Our Savior’s on
Sunday, April 23, at 3 PM. Organist Dr. Naomi Rowley has created an eclectic program based on
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. She has played in numerous churches in the Midwest, has taught organ privately
and at several universities. Nationally, she has served on committees of the American Guild of
Organists, Lutheran Church Musicians, and the Organ Historical Society. Currently she is Principle
Organist at First United Methodist Church, La Grange, Illinois.
Dr. Rowley is a brilliant organist. 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 co-sponsored by Our Savior’s and the Rockford Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.
Ron Burmeister, coordinator
SAVE THE DATE for our Spring Art Fair and Brunch. Special feature – a play in The Bridge presented by
“Stars of Light” at 9 AM. Many artists will be displaying their work and a demonstration will be featured on
the use of alcohol ink on canvas by a well-known area artist. Brunch will be served at 11 AM. Any artists
interested in displaying work, please contact JoAnn Hudson @ [email protected] or 815-988-0806.
SAVE THE DATE as we travel by bus 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.
Thank You
(Re: Gordon Anderson)
Pastor Fricke: When my father passed in 1983, my brother, Gordy was living in the family home. As executor of my father’s estate,
one of the duties I had was to find a new living place for Gordy. I suggested that I could move him down to my town in Central
Illinois so that he would be near me. He immediately dismissed the idea stating “but my church is here!” And so, I learned that his
affiliation with Our Savior’s was extremely important to him!
It was very heartwarming to see so many members of the congregation at my brother’s funeral. For that I am so very grateful.
For the last several years, when I would visit Gordy, he would remind me that should he die, he wanted all his possessions sold and
that the proceeds should go to what I believe he called the church’s “mortgage reduction fund” (or something similar.) It always
reminded me of the story in the bible (Mark 12:41-44) where the poor widow put two copper coins in the offering. Gordy had so
little but wanted to give what he had to the church.
He was upset when his possessions from the storage space were donated and no money went to the church. However, one thing
he forgot was that he had signed over his life insurance policy to me some years ago. Recently, I paid the last of the funeral
expenses using money I received from the insurance settlement. I am enclosing a check for the remaining amount as Gordy’s gift
to the church he loved. William H. Anderson
Page 6
Among Us
Prayers and Blessings
(as received through February 15)
We lifted up in P rayer:
Bonnie Balok, Alice Bein, Roz Birch, Betty Boyd, Marsha Dahlgren, Carl Engaldo,
Robert Fredberg, Charles Jackson, Sharon Jackson, Deb Johnsen, Richard
Johnson, Steve & Barb Klint, Harold Krueger, Gus Larsen, Jim Linhart, Pr. Jane
McChesney, Mary McDuff, Ron Moore, Richard Nazzarini, Dick Petersen, Sharon
Peterson, Marlon Pool, Karen Schanstra, Becky Shaffer, Dolores Shaver, Arlene
Skaar, Ron Thorson, Bob Toews & Cindy Jensen-Toews, Jim & Wilma Tracy, Ray
Treadway, Verlyn Westra
Thank You
We are extremely grateful for your
kindness – we love having our
meetings here. You have been
more than accommodating, and I
thank you.
Barb Manning, Facilitator
Alzheimer’s Support Group
Mortgage Update
We offered Sympathy:
As of January 31, our mortgage
balance is $175,027. This balance
reflects $708 in additional
principal reduction payments
from contributions in 2017.
We prayed for peace in our world and protection for those
in service to our country:
Book of the Month
To the family of Carolyn Bennehoff
To the family of Mary Ewings
To the family of Richard Myrland
To the family of B.J. Petersen
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
March Birthdays
1: Brandon Campbell, Will Lavery, Lorraine Solie 2: Olivia Cain, Zachary
Montgomery, William Palm, Peg Provenza, Austin Scharwath, Margery Waldhauser
3: Victor Hernandez, Cindy Johnson, Mike Johnson, Jackie Krahenbuhl, Sharon
Lonsway, Bruce Person, Renee Raleigh, Lori Schneider, Ian Yehling 4: Sharon
Jackson, David Stim 5: Kent Buzzell, Lois Muehlfelder 6: Adam Carlson, Ellison
Morton, Steve Schneider 7: Isaac Muraski, Kristen Sager, Savannah Strandin
9: Kathleen Derry, Lydia Derry, Darby Kloweit 10: Shannon Knowles 11: Sylvia Debus,
Emily Flanders, Nora Olson 12: Paige Schneider 13: Jim Cain, Thomas Geissler,
Madison Harmsen 14: Easton Hecker, Skyler Ripplinger, Ray Treadway 15: Kaidyn
Ainley-Wisely, Daniel Hallstrom, Brandon Harmsen 17: Mitchell Anderson, Jessica
Full, Melanie Guse, Kevin Johnson, Liam Kryder, Jennifer Muraski, Emerie Streed,
Dick Todd 18: Jo Asprooth, Karen Schanstra, Dale Streed 19: Julie Johnson 20: Kim
Berke, Elizabeth Burke, Barbara Huffman, Craig Schanstra 21: Hayden Allen
22: Ryan Anderson, Jan Cowles, Brian Holmes, Harold Krueger, Shane Miller, Lantz
Stein, Kristin Turek 23: Ronald Burmeister, Kelsey Hendrickson 24: Kris Alter, Loring
Aronson, Bill Juffernbruch, Gary Raymer 25: Susan Erickson, Patricia Harker, Carson
Holmes, Noelle Lavery 26: Susan Busse, Jeffrey Cowles,
Olivia Patterson 27: Kimberly Campbell, Michael Kelly,
Henry Morton, Jennifer Spencer 28: Jenny Bradford,
Daniel Cain 29: John Mannelly 30: Andrea Anderson,
Alexeus Bender, Mary Ann Holmes, Elizabeth Strey
31: Rick Heffner, Linda Miller
March Anniversaries
2: Matthue & Dawn Finnan 7: Kerry Harlacher & Shirley Bernardi-Harlacher, Terry &
Mary Whitesel 8: Eric & Becky Baeverstad 10: Robert & Lisa Williams 12: Art &
Marcia Shaw 17: Peter & Jennifer Ratkovic 18: Bill & Trish Lucas 19: Mark & Barbara
Huffman, Keith & Pamela Shaver 22: Tom & Vicki Anderson, George & Andrea
Bathje 24: Scott & Andrea Oliver 25: Terry & Katherine Firch 27: John & Barb Linder
28: Gary & Janet Flanders 30: Jerry & Cindy Kinsley
March 2017
“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.
Hospital Connections
When an emergency or scheduled
visit to the hospital occurs, we do
not always think to call or connect
with the church. HIPAA laws have
severely affected communication
between hospitals and churches.
If you should become hospitalized,
please call or have someone call
us so we can lift you up in prayer,
either confidentially or through
OSLC prayer. We want to check in,
support, pray and follow up with
you along your health and wellness
journey.
We have recently added an online
form to the OSLC website for you to
notify us of a hospitalization. Look
for the “Prayer” tab on our home
page. Visit us at OSLCrockford.com.
Page 7
Non-Profit
Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Address Service Requested
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
In This Issue
Pastor’s Corner
Lent & Holy Week Worship
First Communion Classes
Calendar
Worship & Music
Adult Ed
Youth Ministry
Playtown Preschool
Missions
Safety Workshop
New Members Class
Events
Among Us
Thank You
Hospital Connections
Submissions for the April
issue of CrossTalk must be
submitted by Friday,
March 10 for consideration.
Please send your articles to
[email protected].
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Easter Garden 2017
You are invited to purchase a plant for the Easter
Garden. Our Worship Center will be adorned with a
variety of blooming plants.
PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY
Donated by: _____________________________ Phone #:
In memory of:
- or In honor of:
Please check one of the following:
____ Plant(s) will be picked up. OR ____ Please donate my plant(s).
ORDERS TAKEN THROUGH MONDAY, APRIL 3
A plant of your choice may be picked up following the 10:45 service Easter
Sunday, April 16; Tuesday, April 18; or Wednesday, April 19. If donating your plant
to someone special, please make personal arrangements for delivery.
Please turn in the order form to the church office or mail it to the church. Orders
may also be placed online at OSLCrockford.com. Payment must accompany order
form. Cost is $12 per plant with checks payable to Our Savior’s Easter Garden.
For office use only
Date received ___________
Check # _________/Cash
Amount $_______