DEBUT OF NEW INTERIOR PAINT JOB

This fall, the interior of our church was repainted with new colors. The sanctuary, which now features red front walls and beige side walls, was painted by Kautman Painting of McGregor. Click pictures for a larger view.

The red walls really highlight our baby grand piano.

The fellowship hall was freshened up with two shades of blue and light green trim. This job was performed entirely by volunteers, which included Randy Bunn, Donna Reed, Pastor Laura Gentry, LaVern Timmerman Senior, Kerry Rathbun, and Wendy Morris. Thanks to all those who worked on this project.

The kitchen was also done by Kautman Painting. It has the same color scheme as the fellowship hall. New curtains were made and installed by Donna Reed.

We'd also like to thank the paint committee who selected the colors and oversaw the entire project: Donna Reed, Jean Meyer, Sharon Kiesau and Pastor Laura Gentry. All photographs on this blog were taken by William Gentry (www.thegentryjoint.com).

THE FUMBLY BUMBLY CHRISTMAS ANGELS

The Sunday school children and confirmation students of Our Savior's Lutheran Church put on their annual Christmas program on Sunday, December 19th during worship. The performance was called "The Fumbly Bumbly Christmas Angels." Pictured above is the entire cast. Double click for a larger view. Back Row: Kyle Hitchins, Alanna Pleasants, Nicole Vinson, Louis Nguyen, Hallie Vinson, Jazmine Rathbun, Melony Orr, Emily Rethwisch. Middle Row: Zoey Timmerman, Soraya Reyes with Mason Darling, Jay Nissen, Laurel Scott, Emilio Rathbun. Seated on floor: Ethan Schweitzer, Nicholas Rethwisch, Kai Timmerman, Eden James, Jr. (not pictured Jack Schweitzer)

The holy family: Soraya Reyes as Mary, Jay Nissen as Joseph and Mason Darling as Baby Jesus

The boa wearing angels: Alanna Pleasants and Jazmine Rathbun

Pastor with the angels

Emilio with the apple from his Christmas treat bag, a tradition at Our Savior's Christmas programs (this year's bags made by Chris Bolson)

Junior and Melony

The sanctuary with the heavenly set

The coffee hour following the program

Thanks to everyone who helped make this program such a delight!

REFORMATION SUNDAY CELEBRATION

To help make our Reformation Sunday worship even more celebratory, assistant professor of music at Luther College, Richard Tirk, joined our church musician, Tom Bourcier, in playing hymns and providing special music. The two are pictured above.

During the course of the service, Mason James Darling, grandson of Daryl and Chris Bolson, received the sacrament of Holy Baptism. Pictured above left to right are Pastor Laura Gentry, Brett Bolson (sponsor), Anna Bolson (mother), Dustin Darling (father) with Mason, Kaylee Darling (sponsor) and Nathan Darling (sponsor).

We also received two new members during the Reformation service. They are Janice Clark and Gene Mueller (pictured with Pastor Laura above). We are delighted to have them join us in this part of the body of Christ.

Following the service, a reception was held with a beautifully decorated cake made by Carol Schaefer. It was a great celebration to conclude a very exciting worship.

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS SUNDAY

Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and this is the 25th year of it being so, Our Savior's Lutheran Church held a Breast Cancer Awareness Sunday on October 24th.

We celebrated the 5 members of our church who are breast cancer survivors and prayed for continued health for them. There were also prayers for the cure to this disease that affects about 2.5 million Americans. Information about breast cancer was disseminated and each worshipers was given a pink breast cancer awareness with "faith, hope, love" printed on it.

LEE BJERKE'S GREAT GRANDCHILDREN BAPTIZED

Two of Lee Bjerke’s great grandchildren were baptized on Sunday, August 15th: Charlotte Ann Coats and Tavis Arlen Jared. Charlotte Ann is the daughter of James and Kristen Coats. Her sponsors are Ventura Lynch and Nancy Coats. Tavis Arlen is the son of Graham Jared and Megan Bjerke. His sponsors are Janice Jared and Jill Bjerke. Pictured above left to right are Graham and Megan with Tavis, Lee, Pastor Laura, Kristen and James with Charlotte and their other child, Ian, who was baptized at Our Savior's a few years ago. Click picture to see an enlargement. We welcome them into the family of God!

3RD ANNUAL RIVERBOAT WORSHIP