Growing in Faith Together "GIFT"

Vision Plan

A survery of our congregation and community leaders identified a number of opportunities to expand out ministry.

In many cases we are already committed to these goals while others are new to us.

Our Congregational Goals

  • Outreach to New Members
  • Support Groups
  • Senior Activities & Events
  • Youth Mentoring

Our Community Goals

  • Nursing Home & Homebound Visits
  • Community Work Days
  • Crisis Support

Our World Goals

  • Supporting ELCA Global Mission Programs
  • Mission Trips for Both Adults and Youth
  • Support of One Small Drop

Program Highlights

Over the next 7 weeks we will take a faith journey together. On that journey we will learn about each other, our faith and our community. Some of the areas we will explore include:

  • Our Attitudes - Focus on being positive and how we support each other
  • Prayer - prayer supports and sustains our daily lives
  • Giving - our giving represents what is most important to us and where our hearts are
  • Fellowship - we not only support each other, but laugh, cry and of course eat together
  • Worship - worship is central to our faith in ritual, song, prayer, giving, fellowship and support

All Are Welcome!

What to expect when you visit "Our Savior's"

Since visiting any church for the first time can be a little intimidating, we’ve put together the following information that we hope will answer your questions and reduce any anxiety that you may have about what to expect when you visit Our Savior’s. This is just a sampling of some of the information that is available in greater detail on other parts of our web site. To learn more, just browse around the rest of the site, and feel free to contact us if you have any questions or comments.

 

sanctuary

Getting Situated

You can check out our map for directions before you head out Sunday morning, and once you get here you'll find plenty of parking, including handicapped spaces in front of and beside the church. The building is wheelchair-accessible with an elevator. There is a coat rack right inside the doors and restrooms down the hallway. Greeters and ushers in the sanctuary will give you a bulletin, gladly answer any questions you have, find you a seat, and help you if you need assistance getting in.


We will not make you stand up or embarrass you!

Relax, no nametags are required. We will greet you with smiles and handshakes, and welcome you to worship with us while respecting that your relationship with the Lord is a personal matter, and that your attendance is not for our benefit but for the uplifting of our God.


 

What should I wear?

God accepts us as we are - no matter who we are, what we do, or how we dress. We do not have a dress code. Worshipers at Our Savior’s wear anything from jeans and tee shirts, to slacks and golf shirts, to suits and ties. Please wear whatever you feel is most comfortable for you in this setting.

 

 

What about the offering?

At some point after the sermon, offering plates will be passed around. This is an opportunity for our regular members to actively respond to all God has given them by freely giving to support his church through the ministries at Our Savior’s. We certainly do not expect or require visitors to put anything in the offering plate, though you are welcome to if you like. You will also have an opportunity to sign the guest register if it comes your way.

 


Will I be able to follow along with the service?

Basically, everything you need in order to follow the service is in the bulletin, hymnal or on the screen. LARGE-PRINT versions of the bulletin are available. The pastor or worship assistants will give directions for any special presentations or intercessions, and the lector helps lead the congregation with any responsive reading. You can drop-off your copy of the bulletin in our recycling basket located by the door on your way out.

 

Can I take Communion, and how does it work?

All who are baptized are welcome to receive Holy Communion. This gift is itself the real presence of God's forgiveness and mercy. After the sermon and the offering, ushers will indicate when it's your row's turn to approach the altar, and they will offer you a small plastic cup. If you choose to participate, join the line in the center isle, and when you reach the kneeling rail, the pastor or assistant will hand you bread and say "The body of Christ, given for you." You may say Amen. Next you are offered wine, poured into the individual cups. You can also choose grape juice provided in the small cups. With the wine or grape juice, the assistant will say "The blood of Christ, shed for you." Place the used cup in the container held by the communion assistant, and return to your seat via the side isle. If you wish to take communion but are unable to walk to the front of the church, just notify the usher, and the pastor will bring the bread and wine to you at your chair.