Hello all members of Our Saviour! A heartfelt thank you to all for the support given over these years. In case some of you are unaware and to those visiting this site here is a brief introduction of who I am and what I have come from with the crucial help of Our Saviour Lutheran Church through the grace of Jesus. I am a student and chaplain at Davis College (formerly Practical Bible College) in my third year of study, knowing right from the beginning my goal was to be a pastor. I am on the church council ministry team and a former member of the Good News Band. My first ministry for the church was moving chairs around in the sanctuary after the Samson Coffeehouse show and I took great pride in that service as I felt the love this church has to offer. I guess to be honest my first ministry was showing up by God's grace because this is the church I was attending when I accepted the good Lord Jesus into my heart, listening to Pastor Walck's solid Biblical message week after week. I have enjoyed preaching at this church and various other church's and locations over the years. My life before I accepted the good Lord Jesus for Himself and His sacrifice was filled with regret, loss of purpose and ultimately a hope that all the things I was doing would fulfill that need of love and acceptance. These things included drug use, serious anger issues and a depression that left me with a sense of being alone in this world, despite even the efforts of those that did care. Despite the track record I felt I could function well or at least to the average while intoxicated and the depression of failing at that time and time again left me with a sense that I did not feel bad enough for what I had done and therefore even if the hope came to change it I could not accept because I did not deserve it. God changed all of that. God bless to you all. Deacon Matt Mattucci

Greetings in Christ! My name is Kathy Holder and I am a deacon at Our Saviour Lutheran Church. As a deacon I have led liturgical services and preached at our church and other churches in the synod. I also do a nursing home service each month at a different nursing home in our area. I am a member of our church Council and Team Leader of our Ministry Team. I have sung in our church choir and led many committees in our congregation. As of January 1st. I have been honored by the Lutheran Deacon Conference Training Committee and the Bishop and made a Conference Deacon. I will be commissioned by the Bishop at the Spring Synod Conference on April 30th. , My husband, Jim, and I have been raised in the Christian Faith all our lives. About 30 yrs. ago we became Lutherans and have been active in the Lutheran Church ever since. God has shown me many ways to share Him with others through service. I have been privileged to use His words to lead others in His path. Recently I have started reinstating children's sermons in our services. Also I was able to interest and train 10 new acolytes. I feel it is very important to include children in many areas of service. I invite you and yours to join our family at Out Saviour Lutheran Church. Come visit and see what we are all about Yours in Christ.. Deacon Kathy Holder

Last winter I was visiting my sister in Syracuse for a winterguard show she was a part of. I happened to be about ten minutes early for the event which if you know me you realize this is a matter of divine intervention. As I get out of my vehicle to about three inches of snow on the road I noticed a gentlemen walking a bicycle and carrying some bags. He happened to be black (the reference to be explained later). Without really worrying about the fact I was in downtown Syracuse I asked the gentlemen how he was doing. He replied that he was tired. I asked him where he was heading and he pointed about a quarter of a mile down the road. I said I would help him carry his bags and as we walked down the street he said he could not thank me enough and that he did not know who else would have stopped to help. I said "No need to thank me. You can thank the Lord. The Lord gives me everything I need." As we proceeded he asked if I was a Christian. I said "Well I mess up, but try to be." The man continued to elaborate about his appreciation, but to me it was certainly not a hassle. He said he thought I was some angel sent to him. I replied of course that I did not think I was an angel. We were joking about how he thought I might be from "The Clan" (I am white and have a shaved head) and if I cop came by he'd probably think he was selling me drugs. We shared a bit about our lives and in the end as I left him he could not thank me enough and said he could not wait to tell his family about it. I wished him well and went on my way. My point in this story is that if this were to happen at my Bible college or perhaps at a church it could very well be overlooked as simply an obligation done for God, but to this man I was in a sense Jesus. To all you do-gooders out there be confident in the effects of a good deed and the proclamation of your faith. We so often worry about offending people with Jesus. Remember, he asked me if I was a Christian Deacon Matt Mattucci

Two women met for the first time since graduating from High School. One asked the other, “You were always so organized in school, did you manage to live a well planned life?” “Yes,” said her friend. “My first marriage was to a millionaire; my second marriage was to an actor; my third marriage was to a preacher; and now I am married to an undertaker.” Her friend asked, “ What do these marriages have to do with a well planned life?’ She answered, “ One for the money, two for the show, three to get ready, and four to go!” Many people plan for the future, but in different ways. Some plan their complete life as the above story states. Some save for college or retirement. Some ac- quire training to succeed in years ahead. Some map out goals for their career and objectives for their daily work. But life doesn’t always unfold the way we expect. Despite all our careful planning, events still take us by surprise. Children get sick; jobs end; spouses die. As a well-known aphorism puts it, “The best-laid plans of mice and men often go astray.” Disappointed or heart-broken, we wish we could see into the future. Christ’s ascension lets us do just that. Jesus took our created flesh into Him- self and was raised bodily from the dead. And in His ascension, Jesus was lifted up to the right hand of God the Father in heaven. Jesus ascended in our flesh so our created, redeemed and holy flesh now stands in heaven through our Lord and Sav- ior Jesus Christ. Because we have been made His own through our Baptism into Christ, our fu- ture in heaven with Jesus is revealed to us now, in the person of our ascended Lord Jesus Christ. Believing this doesn’t come naturally, but because God promised, we are certain that Christ pours His strength into us through His word. His word of life keeps us faithful in very time of trouble. "Thou hast raised our human nature on the clouds to God’s right hand; There we sit in heavenly places, there with Thee in glory stand. Jesus reigns, adored by angels; man with God is on the throne. Mighty Lord, in Thine ascension we by faith behold our own." (TLS 218.5) Lord, when trouble takes away our sense of hope, don’t abandon us, but give us Your word of promise and life in Jesus Christ. Amen. Submitted by Mike Elavsky, Music and Worship Chairperson

Friends Mark 2: 1-12: Friendship. This passage talks about the friends who wish to bring their paralyzed friend to the house where Jesus was preaching. Seeing the crowds, they couldn’t go through; so they went over the crowd. They were so determined and had so much faith they dug a hole in the roof and lowered their friend in front of Jesus. A friend is one who you know, like and trust. One who is supportive or sympathizes when you are going through an emotional or physical trial of life. A friend always reassures us that we are never alone. What would we do without friends? You will remember Jackie Robinson, the first African American to play Major League baseball. In his first season with the Brooklyn Dodgers, Robinson faced venom nearly everywhere he traveled. Teams would throw fastballs at his head. Runners spiked him on the bases. Brutal epitaphs were written on cards and spoken from the opposing dugouts. Even the hometown of Brooklyn saw him as an object of reproach. During one game in Boston, racial slurs seemed to reach a peak. To make matters worse Robinson committed an error and stood at second base humiliated while the fans threw insults at him. Another Dodger, a Southern white man by the name of Pee Wee Reese, called timeout. H e walked from his position at shortstop toward the second base and with the crowds looking on, he put his arm around Robinson’s shoulder. The fans grew quiet. Robinson later said that arm around his shoulder saved his career. What would we do without friends and family members who care and would gird us with strength when we need it. No, a friend can’t change our circumstances, or make us well, or bring someone back we have lost. A friend though gives us a ministry of presence to hold us and support us. They can be there when we need them and that means a lot. This cripple could not have experienced healing without the faith of his friends. Don’t lose your friends. Keep in touch. Make new friends. There are many waiting to be a friend. Look around you and make the first move. But if all fails and you feel alone remember one friend stands with you always. His name is Jesus. “Friendship is a priceless gift that cannot be brought or sold, But it’s value is far greater than a mountain made of gold.” Helen Steiner Rice Submitted by Deacon Kathy Holder

Christmas Season Well before Halloween and Thanksgiving, the Christmas decorations are put out; retailers advertise the latest toys and gadgets as the perfect gift. It’s almost overwhelming. Between Thanksgiving and December first, I prepare for Christmas by setting up and trimming the small artificial Christmas tree and placing candles, Crèche set and various other Christmas items on tables and the fire place ledge. I also bring out the book of Christmas carols and hymns. I like to play them on the keyboard. While I do read music, I am far from an expert player. However, with much practice I can play most of the tunes. One of my favorite carols is “Silent Night”. I like it because it is written in the “key of C”. Beyond one or two sharps or flats I have difficulty in playing the tune, but this tune is easy to play and the words are calming and soothing. It also brings out the true Christmas Spirit. Paul asks the Thessalonians, “How can we thank God enough for you” (2 Thessalonians 3:9-13). One way we can thank our Lord is by loving one another and all people regardless of who they are or where they live. While this is not easy, isn’t it the least we can do? On November 30th we begin the Advent Season. Advent marks the beginning of a new church year and our preparation for the coming of the Messiah. However, in our busy schedules before Christmas, it’s too easy to forget to ready our hearts and minds for the coming of Christ. Let the resounding joy of the Season be shown in our love for one another. Lord: This Advent season keep our hearts and minds focused on your coming among us. Fill our hearts with love, so we may boldly express the true joy of the Christmas season. Amen Remember: When you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere. Submitted by Mike Elavsky, Music and Worship Chairperson