discovering what matters most - our father lutheran what matters most ... you are cordially invited...

6335 South Holly Street Centennial, Colorado 80121 303-779-1332 www.oflc.net

January 2016

Discovering What Matters Most

From time to time I am asked for suggestions on what to read in the Bible. Depending on what is going on in the person’s life, I often suggest reading selected Psalms or one of the four Gospels. But there is one book of the New Testament that I almost always recommend (especially to those seeking to grow in their faith and spiritual maturity) and that is Paul’s letter to the Philippians.

This book is simple, straightforward, and wonderfully relevant to our lives today. It has been described as the quintessential treatise on how to find Christian joy, and yet, consider Paul’s situation in life when he was inspired to write. Paul had been severely beaten and imprisoned during his first visit to Philippi and now found himself imprisoned for the sake of the Gospel once again. Take a moment and think about that… A book of the Bible that contains one of the greatest discourses on joy was written by a man who was under house arrest and facing the real possibility of death! Paul was a man who was prepared to die, but ready to live his life to the fullest.

Consider just a few of the significant verses this letter contains: “To live is Christ, to die is gain.” (Phil. 1:21) “I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing

Christ Jesus my Lord.” (Phil. 3:8) “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ

Jesus.” (Phil. 3:14) “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.” (Phil. 4:4) “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Phil. 4:13)

Throughout this amazing letter, we see the urgency and passion of Paul exhorting God’s people to live for what really matters in life. As we continue to seek clarity on how to develop an empowered discipling culture at Our Father, Philippians answers all sorts of practical questions for believers today. It paints a beautiful portrait of what the mature Christian life can be.

As this holiday season ends, find a quiet place, safe from outside distractions, and take twenty minutes to read the letter of Philippians aloud verse by verse, word for word. Then beginning January 9-10, join us at Our Father as we take a ten-week journey through this life changing book of the Bible. Let’s discover together how to find deep joy and contentment in living for what really matters most.

To God alone be the glory! Pastor Abel

Let’s discover together how to find deep

joy and contentment in living for what really

matters most.

Our Father Lutheran Church

Student Ministries Education Sunday Mornings

9:30-10:30 am

Children’s Education

Bible Discovery! These classes are for children 3 years and older - Sundays, 9:30-10:30 am.

Sprouts During the 10:45 am service, children 3 years old through fifth grade, leave worship for an educational experience prior to the sermon and return after the sermon.

Education Opportunity

Tuesday Woman’s Bible Study - The women meet at 9:30 am in Room 300 and are studying Proverbs.

Middle School Breakout: January 10 from 12:00-2:00 pm at OFLC. Huge game of Capture the Flag! Slice of pizza/Drink $1 each

NYG New Orleans 2016 MANDATORY Participant and Parent Meeting January 10, 5:30-7:30 pm We'll cover the WeRaise crowdfunding fundraiser, sign

the Group Covenant, and finish up with a Small Group parent/participant/adult leader d i n n e r o u t . ( " S m a l l G r o u p s " definition: Students will be placed into groups of 6-7 kids and assigned an adult leader for the duration of the gathering. This is to ensure each student receives the best, most-informed attention and care during his/her time there.)

Ladies of Our Father The 2016 Women's Banquet will be Friday,

January 22. Save the date and plan on a beautiful night of "Painting His Promises." Our speaker this year is Michelle Rahn and her message will touch, entertain, and challenge you. Tickets will be sold on Sunday, January 3, 10 and 17 and on Saturday, January 16 or at the church office during the week.

MOPS - Mothers of Preschoolers MOPS gatherings continue on the first and third Fridays of every month from 9:15 – 11:30 am in the

Community Room. Our next session is Friday,

January 15 with a theme of “Noticing Goodness in Ourselves” which will include a color personality questionnaire. A program for the children also is a part of this! Contact Christene Woodward at [email protected] with any questions. This year’s theme is “Flourishing Fiercely.” Try out one session for free. Join us for great support and comradery.

Special Ministries

Forum – “New Year’s Resolution: Sharing Your Faith the Jesus Way” with Micah Steiner in the Fellowship Hall

Sunday, January 10 New Classes Begin “How (Not) to Read the Bible” with Pastor Nate

Peregoy in the Fellowship Hall “You’ll Get Through This” with Pastor Werner

Boos in Room 300

Soul Keeping – Find ways to care for your soul this year. Take care of your relationship with God, others and the world by interacting in ways that fit your personality style. Beginning Wednesday, January 13

and continuing Wednesdays, 6:30 - 8:00 pm with Linda Olsen in the Community Room.

Women’s Ministry

Women’s Retreat – Mark your calendars for May 6-7 for “A Mask Worth Wearing” with Sarah Salzberg at the Franciscan Center in Colorado Springs. Watch for the registration forms to come out later this month.


Fellowship

You Are Cordially Invited to Attend

OFLC Annual Epiphany Party

Saturday, January 9, 2016

Time: 6:30 pm Car pooling is suggested

DRESS IS FESTIVE WEAR

Suggested donation of $5.00/person

Sign up to bring either an appetizer or dessert

at the Reception Desk

A Brand New Year!

We are excited to get back to learning! The

children will discover interesting things about snowflakes! They will make snowflakes with their painted hands and learning to fold and cut paper to make beautiful patterned flakes. “Horses” will be trotting through the halls and our little cowboys and cowgirls will decorate their own bandanas to celebrate Rodeo Week. They will “roast” marshmallows over the “campfire” under the “twinkling stars”. Registration for fall 2016-2017 will begin January 13 for returning families. Church members new to the preschool will register on January 19 - call Alison for more information at 303-779-4910.

Kids are So Cute Corner The children were up on the stage for the Christmas program. A little dark-headed girl looked down at the Baby Jesus and exclaimed, “Oh, that’s that famous baby!”

OFLC Information

Book Club – The Book Club meets Monday, January 18, 7:00 pm, discussing Soldier Girls by Helen Thorpe in the Room 302. Any and all readers are invited to join!

Elderberries Join us on Wednesday, January 20, 1:00 pm for our monthly get-together of fellowship and games. Mark your calendar for our Wednesday, February 17 meeting with Micah Steiner as our guest speaker.

2015 Tax Planning Tip To ensure your church donations are tax deductible, do not file your 2015 tax return until you have received a written acknowledgement of your contributions from the church. Some contributions may not be tax-deductible if you file your tax return before receiving written acknowledgment. Please call Tammy Youngren at the church office if you have not received your 2015 contribution statement by January 31, 2016.

Worship


Joy and Fun! A huge thank you to all the many, many people who volunteered to help at the FACES/Mosaic Christmas party. This Christmas party was a little different than previous years as it took place in the early evening on Monday, December 14. The party started with appetizers and

desserts in the Fellowship Hall. After eating and having fun socializing, the party continued in the church with a worship service. Several of the FACES/Mosaic people donned costumes and acted out the Nativity story as Pastor Boos led us in worship. Linda Olsen played the organ and our group was filled with joy singing many familiar Christmas hymns.

The worship service was the hit of the evening and widely received by the Mosaic people and their families,

some of whom have already asked that we include it again next year. Thank you to Pastor Boos and Linda Olsen for volunteering their time and talents to make worship a wonderful experience. The evening concluded with Santa Claus handing out gifts and entertaining everyone. Thank you to everyone from Our Father who generously provided gifts. There were 138 FACES/Mosaic clients and families in attendance at the Christmas party, as well as many volunteers.

OFLC Children's Christmas Program This year's children's Christmas service gave our kids ages 3 through 6th grade yet another opportunity to glorify God and celebrate the birth of the Christ child by telling the Christmas story through the eyes of the animals. Natalie Conklin wrote the play entitled "The Animals First Christmas", and she, Teri Evans and a number of other parish volunteers (thank you!) helped 80 kids refine the program for the 10:45 am service on Sunday, December 13.

The service began with "Once In Royal David's City", followed by one of the animals - a tiny mouse - who crawls onstage to announce "I may be just a tiny mouse, but I know something's stirring outside my house. Cows and sheep, get ready, get set. The Savior of the world, soon we will get!"

HUGE kudos and thanks to all (especially the "animals" and other children!) who took part in glorifying our Lord through this special service.


Parish Council

Summary of Annual Voters’ Assembly

On December 13, the 2015 Annual Voters’ Assembly was held to elect the 2016 OFLC Parish Council/congregation officers and to approve the 2016 Ministry Plan & Budget.

The Voters’ Assembly recognized congregation officers and members of the council who are leaving and thanked them for their service. Our many thanks to Mike Parsons, Philip Winkler, and Art Rosenboom! The voting members received the Nominating Committee’s slate of candidates and all candidates nominated were elected. We welcome new council members John Maus, Martha Parsons and Alan Crome. New officers/postitions include Larry Bettermann as Vice President of the council, Linda Ward as Treasurer, Ralph Giesler as Assistant Treasurer and Alan Crome as Financial Secretary. We look forward to working with all these newly elected congregation officers and Parish Council members in 2016.

Pastor Abel presented the 2016 Ministry Plan – “A New Day is Dawning – Part 3” as we continue to implement a new strategic discipling process with our focus on “Our Father Lutheran Church as a Dynamic Kingdom Movement” and “Our Father Lutheran Church as a Sound Institution.” Ralph Giesler followed Pastor Abel with a presentation on the proposed 2016 Budget. This balanced budget anticipates $2,010,500 in total income and $2,010,500 in total expense with no transfer from the Contingency Fund. The 2016 budget reflects a 2.7% increase over 2015 budgeted general giving and a 1.3% increase over 2015 budgeted total income/total expense. After discussion and questions, the 2016 Ministry Plan & Budget was approved by the Voters’ Assembly.

Pete Strom gave us an update on the Call Committee’s search for our new Director of Worship. The Call Committee is actively interviewing candidates by telephone and has identified some excellent candidates who will soon be visiting OFLC for in-person interviews.

The Parish Council looks forward to a busy and productive 2016 for OFLC. Please contact me or any member of Parish Council with your ideas, suggestions and concerns.

Happy New Year to all! Andy Ottinger, President

[email protected]; 303-471-4524

Learning Community #2 Our next Learning Community event will be held on the weekend of April 23. To better accommodate more members of OFLC, we are contemplating making this a two-day event. In the meantime, if you missed the first LC, there will be some shorter "make up classes" prior to LC #2. Prior attendees could also come for a refresher! More information will be coming.

Men’s Ministry

Save the Date The next Men’s Ministry Breakfast will take place on Saturday, February 27. Breakfast will be at 7:30 am, with our presentation beginning at 8:00 am. The topic is “Discovering How to be a Godly Husband,” featuring international speaker Dr. Micah Parker. Dr. Parker will challenge all men (married or single) to live the life God has called them to live as godly husbands.

mailto:[email protected]

Sun,

Jan 10

8:00A Service of the Word 10:45Atenfortyfive/Sprouts 12:00P Small Group 12:00P Breakout/Peer Min. 5:30P NYG Meeting

Mon,

Jan 11

9:30A Preschool 1:00P Bookworms 2:00P Loud for Life 6:00P FACES 6:30P Celebration Ringers 7:00P Cherry Park HOA 7:00P AA/Comp. Eaters

Tues,

Jan 12

9:30A Preschool 9:30A Women’s Bible Study 1:00P Ministry Team 6:30P Heritage Village HOA 7:00P Worship Committee 7:00P Alanon

Wed,

Jan 13

8:00A JobSeekers 9:30A Preschool 9:30A Personnel Comm. 6:30P Classes/Conf/CHAOS 7:30P tenfortyfive Practice

Thur,

Jan 14

9:30A Preschool 6:00P Jubilate Ringers 6:30P Reasonable Faith 7:00P Finance Committee 7:30P Adult Choir

Fri,

Jan 15

9:30A MOPS 9:30A Preschool 9:30A Compulsive Eaters

Sat,

Jan 16

7:00A Men’s Bible Study 10:00A Cathy Taylor Mem. 12:00P AA 5:00P Holy Communion

Sun,

Jan 17

8:00A Holy Communion 9:30A SS/Adult Ed 10:45A tenfortyfive/Comm/

Sprouts

Mon,

Jan 18

2:00P Loud for Life 7:00P Book Club 7:00P AA/Comp. Eaters

Tues,

Jan 19

9:30A Preschool 9:30A Women’s Bible Study 1:00P Ministry Team 4:00P SJO Meeting 7:00P Parish Council 7:00P Care Givers Support 7:00P Alanon

Wed,

Jan 20

8:00A JobSeekers 9:30A Preschool 12:30P Jr K&K Rehearsal 1:00P Elderberries 6:30P Classes/Conf/CHAOS 7:30P tenfortyfive Practice

Thur,

Jan 21

9:30A Preschool 12:30P Jr K & K Program 6:00P Jubilate Ringers 7:30P Adult Choir

Fri,

Jan 22

9:30A Preschool 9:30A Compulsive Eaters 6:30P Women’s Banquet

Sat,

Jan 23

7:00A Men’s Bible Study 12:00A AA 5:00P Holy Communion

Sun,

Jan 3


Sprouts

Mon,

Jan 4

9:30A Preschool 11:30ADAR 2:00P Loud for Life 7:00P AA/Comp. Eaters

Tues,

Jan 5

9:30A Preschool 9:30A Women’s Bible Study 1:00P Ministry Team 5:30P Need-Based Care 7:00P Ministry Coordinators 7:00P Alanon

Wed,

Jan 6

8:00A JobSeekers 9:30A Preschool 6:30P Classes/Conf/

CHAOS 7:30P tenfortyfive Practice

Thur,

Jan 7

9:30A Preschool 6:00P Jubilate Ringers 7:30P Adult Choir

Fri,

Jan 8

9:30A Preschool 9:30A Compulsive Eaters

Sat,

Jan 9

7:00A Men’s Bible Study 12:00P AA 5:00P Holy Communion 6:30P Epiphany Party

OFLC Events

Sun,

Jan 24

8:00A Service of the Word 10:45A tenfortyfive/Sprouts

Mon,

Jan 25

9:30A Preschool 2:00P Loud for Life 6:30P Celebration Ringers 7:00P AA/Comp. Eaters

Tues,

Jan 26

9:30A Preschool 9:30A Women’s Bible Study 1:00P Ministry Team 5;30p Need Based Care 7:00P Alanon

Wed,

Jan 27

8:00A JobSeekers 9:30A Preschool 6:30P Classes/Conf/

CHAOS 7:30P tenfortyfive Practice

Thur,

Jan 28

9:30A Preschool 6:00P Jubilate Ringers 7:00P Property Committee 7:30P Adult Choir

Fri,

Jan 29

9:30A Preschool 9:30A Compulsive Eaters

Sat,

Jan 30

7:00A Men’s Bible Study 12:00P AA 5:00P Holy Communion

Sun,

Jan 31


Sprouts

Mon,

Feb 1

9:30A Preschool 2:00P Loud for Life 7:00P AA/Comp. Eaters

Tues,

Feb 2

9:30A Preschool 9:30A Women’s Bible Study 1:00P Ministry Team 7:00P Care Ministry Meeting 7:00P Alanon

Wed,

Feb 3

8:00A JobSeekers 9:30A Preschool 6:30P Classes/Conf/CHAOS 7:30P tenfortyfive Practice

Thur,

Feb 4

6:00P Jubilate Ringers 7:30P Adult Choir

Fri,

Feb 5

9:15A MOPS 9:30A Preschool 9:30A Compulsive Eaters

Sat,

Feb 6

7:00A Men’s Bible Study 8:30A DAR 12:00P AA 5:00P Holy Communion

Members Remembered In Our Prayers

Holmes, Ellie Hooker Jr., Ken Houdek, Roger Huebschmann, Anna Ivey, Barb Johnson, Rick Kapp, Krista Kelly, Anabel Kercher, Matthew Korn, Mary Kufeldt, Cody Lee, Matthew Lien, Kristina Logan, Jordan Lyman, Vicki MacDougall, Jeanine Macklem, Gabe Madsen, Emily Mandell, Mark Marley, Max Martin, Nick Maus, Ashleigh McGuigan, Dave Meyer, Chuck Milligan, Laurie Neises, Ashley Newlander, Cindy

Dailey, Shawn David, Cooper David, Tim Dickman, Julianna Dietz, Michael Doerr, ArVie Doerr, Greg Doerr, Liz Driessner, Nikki Duesenberg, John Fisher, Audrey Fowler, Jonny Franklin, Sarah Furry, Grant Furry, Jennifer Geist, Susan Grammes, Rachel Habeck, Jenny Hacker, Jeremy Halpern, Adam Halpern, Craig Hart, Teresa Heid, Kade Hemenway, Cameron Heuchert, Angelina Hewell, Elisabeth

Worship Attendance Worship Service Sunday School 11/28 5:00P 57 Adults N/A 11/29 8:00A 249 Children 9:30A 10:45A 257 Children 11:00A

12/5 5:00P 70 Adults 110 12/6 8:00A 239 Children 9:30A 66 10:45A 303 Children 11:00A 35

12/12 5:00P 50 Adults 153 12/13 8:00A 218 Children 9:30A 70 10:45A 423 Children 11:00A N/A

12/19 5:00P 50 Adults 73 12/20 8:00A 248 Children 9:30A 39 10:45A 275 Children 11:00A 31

12/24 3:00P 283 6:00P 602 11:00P 136 4:30P 417 8:00P 267

12/25 10:00A 95 Adults 40 12/27 8:00A 156 Children 9:30A N/A 10:45A 202 Children 11:00A N/A

Birthdays

Abel, Amelia Anderson, Sarah Baer, Marybeth Baer, Michael Barnes, Dawn Beach, Cynthia Becker, Terry Berger, Joe Berghoefer, Jim Boehnke, Betty Boehnke, Walt Bond, Angela Borchelt, Nancy Bovasso, Sara Brandt, Lynn Branscomb, Rachael Brauer, Mike Brauer, Susie Brinckman, Dylan Broekemeier, Taylor Brondos, Mike Brown, Travis Chambless, Marnie Cohen, Steve Cohrs, Adam

Nyberg, James Oakley, Kelley Oestmann, Marv Oestmann, Vernon Orr, Sarah Orton, Randy Parsons, Mike Pearce, Mackenzie Peavler, Jack Peecher, Halley Pittenridge, Christine Rairdon, Ellen Reed, Sam Reiners, Carolyn Riggert, Kathy Robbins, Katelyn Rodefer‑Blaine, Maya Schippers, Linda Schmidt, Taylor Schroder, Peter Schulteis, Tim Shirk, Greg Simenson, Megan Smith, Raquel Sotwick, Steve Squires, Nathan Steiner, Amanda

Eileen Spencer Wilma Hawkins Jan Meyer Dorothy Schmid

Evie Leichtfuss Jim Fitzjarrell June Taschner Joyce Mosher

Junerose Kayser Mary Wing Elisa Benson

Other prayer requests not listed here are included in our email Prayer Chain. Sam Patella hospitalized Carol Carnahan hospitalized Joyce Mosher receiving hospice care Bert Van Engen receiving hospice care

Sara Stuebe Ann Mericle Jim Klein Jed Ortmeier Lori Vogel Lester Smith Marleen Wise Elaine Selander Jackie Klein Tom Wise Tim Ortmeier Carol Kramer Anita Krumenacker Karen Kuhlmann Rosemary Williams

Clarence Council Ann Council Sam Patella Candace Daberko Ally Binder Joanne Wille Jaci Dite Trinady Kufeldt Cookie Knoll Teresa Hart Jody Hinrichs Linn Riggert Barb Pond Ozzie Guillen Joe Berger

Carol Torscher-Hardeman Duke Hardeman Everett Rohrig Dorothy Schmid

With Cancer Mary Wing Marve Papka Kelley Oakley Prem Stephanos Pam Wylie Bert Van Engen Carol Carnahan David Riggs

Stephenson, Benjamin Stewart, Valerie Tiffenbach, Steve Traff, Cheryl Warren, Jean Weaver, Jack Weissenfels, Herb White, Zane Wickam, Todd Wilhelm, Lori Wilhelmi, Hayden Wise, Marleen Woodward, Lydia Anniversaries

Lee & Sara Brandt Jim & Starla Fitzjarrell Bob & Rima Hea Chris & Becky Holmes Sylvia & Ed Olson Casey & Chris Osler Nicholas & Cheryl Snow Pat & Maegan Stein Royal & Paulette Wisch

Birthdays and Anniversaries

Remember Our Homebound


POSTMASTER: Send address changes to:

OUR FATHER LUTHERAN CHURCH

6335 S. Holly St., Centennial, CO 80121

Our Father Lutheran Church Church Office: 303-779-1332 Fax: 303-779-1668

Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Web Page: http://www.oflc.net

Rev. Scott F. Abel, Lead Pastor, ext. 215

Rev. Nathan F. Peregoy, Associate Pastor, ext. 218

Rev. Dr. Werner K. Boos, Pastoral Counselor,

303-741-5588, ext. 112

Prayer Chain: [email protected]

Our Father Children’s Learning Center Alison Cejka, Director, 303-779-4910

Worship Saturday Service: 5:00 pm

Sunday Services: 8:00 & 10:45 am

Education Hour & Sunday School: 9:30 am

Our Father Lutheran Church (USPS 000336)

Published the first Sunday of each month

by Our Father Lutheran Church

Periodical Postage Paid at Littleton, Colorado.

PERIODICAL POSTAGE


discovering what matters most - our father lutheran what matters most ... you are cordially invited...

Documents