January 30 - February 5

Monday

9:30-2:30 ESL Classes (Mon. - Fri.)

8:30 p.m. Friendly A.A. Group

Tuesday

5:45 p.m. TOPS

Wednesday

6:30 p.m. Thunder Bay Carvers

Thurs

8:00 p.m. Friendly Group A.A.

Friday

Saturday

Sunday - Fifth Sunday after Epiphany

10:30 a.m. Holy Communion and Sunday School

11:30 a.m. Fellowship Hour

Noon - Choir Practice

Following the latest recommendations of the Ontario Medical Officer of Health, Council recommends that we continue to wear masks in the building when in close contact with others, especially in the sanctuary when singing, and if not fully vaccinated. Thank you for making this what the Health Unit calls a 'mask-friendly space'!

Council has decided that we will continue to close off every other pew, unless needed. This is for the comfort and well-being of those attending.

Food Collection Gifts received in the basket in the front hall in in February will be given to the Gathering Table's food bank. Those donated in January have been given to the Current River Churches' food bank.

The church is open!

River Street will remain closed between Farrand and Elm until at least the spring, while we wait for replacements at McVicar Creek to take place. Farrand Street remains open, with access from cross streets off Algoma St. N., or from Margaret Ave. We will post pictures and updates.

In-person Sunday worship is at 10:30 a.m. We continue to record the service and upload it to our YouTube Channel later on Sunday ("Our Saviour's Lutheran Church of Thunder Bay"). Files for the order of service and sermon are emailed on Saturday and posted to our website.

Holy Communion at Our Saviour's

We have resumed sharing both elements.

If watching online, after the presiding minister says, ‘The body and blood of Christ given and shed for for you’, we welcome all to take and eat a piece of bread, remembering and giving thanks for the promises of grace, forgiveness, love, new life and community given us in Christ Jesus. Please also do so, taking a glass of wine or other beverage.

For those needing gluten-free wafers, please ask the usher.

Pastoral Visits

Pastor Matthew is able to have home visits, and some Long-Term Care Home visits, following COVID guidelines. This includes sharing Holy Communion. Only limited Hospital visits are now possible. Please please contact him to let him know who is requesting a visit or prayers. Contact Pastor at 344-1926, or osimm@tbaytel.net.

Learning:

Children:

We are happy to be resuming monthly in-person children’s ministry, for children in Jk through Grade 6.

Our next time is February 5. We begin downstairs in Immanuel Hall, and then come upstairs to share in Holy Communion. For info: Karen Bishop.

Activity sheets for each Sunday will be available in the front hall, and will be mailed out on Thursday. To sign up for these: osimm@tbaytel.net

There are Adventure activity bags under the mailboxes inside the entrance to the sanctuary, for children to enjoy during worship.

Confirmation:

Confirmation classes are being offered in hybrid form – online mostly, but with special times together when it is possible. This ministry of the church helps youth to continue in the promises made at Baptism. All youth Grade 7 and older are welcome. See Pastor Matthew.

Faith in Context – Diversity

February 25 @ 10:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., EST

This latest instalment of our synod's 'Faith in Context' webinar series focuses on "Diversity".

Join our Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada's National Church staff, Carmen Ramirez, Assistant to the Bishop for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, as she leads us through presentation and discussion around racial and gender inclusion in our church. We will hear about her new role with the ELCIC and learn about ways we can participate with her in that work.

Pre-registration is required to access the link for the Zoom meeting. Click here.

You are invited to the Annual Congregational Meeting of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church of Thunder Bay, being held on Sunday, February 26, 2023, at 11:30 a.m., following a shortened service (Worship with the Band) All are welcome to attend. Confirmed members have voice and vote (please note: the quorum is 25). Beverages and light food (potluck: please bring as you are able; no items needing refrigeration, please.)

This will be our first in-person Annual Meeting since 2022. However, we also hope to make it possible for persons to attend online, via Zoom. (This was the sole format we used the last two years.) If you are interested in this option, please let us know no later than Thurs. Feb. 23, and we will send you the Zoom invitation:

osimm@tbaytel.net,

after that date.

Beginning Sun. Feb. 19, the Annual Reports package will be available at the church. (If you are submitting a report, please send it to the church by Mon. Feb. 13.) From Feb. 20, you also can request a copy of the Annual Reports package to be sent by email, or to be left in the church’s mailbox for pick-up.

Peace be with you,

Your Congregational Council

PRAYER CYCLE

Ecumenical Prayer Cycle:

Algeria, Libya, Morocco, Western Sahara, Tunisia

29 January - 04 February 2023

Intercessions

We are thankful for:

• How the early Christian church developed here.

• The biodiversity of plants, animals and the natural terrain.

• How Berber, Arab and European cultures have blended.

• How these countries have remained and stood against the invasion of cultural and military forces from elsewhere.

We pray for:

• all the people of these countries: Muslims, the tiny remnant of Christians, those of other faiths who continuing bearing witness to their faiths and for all people of good will.

• an end to political violence.

• an end to how dominating powers have fought over these lands and their resources through the years.

• for those suffering exploitation and mistreatment as they travel through these countries.

Prayers

Prayer on the road of life

God of life, there are days when the burdens we carry are heavy on our shoulders and weigh us down, when the road seems dreary and endless, the skies grey and threatening, when our lives have no music in them, our hearts lonely, our souls losing their courage.

Flood the path with light.

Turn our eyes to where the skies are full of promise; tune our hearts to brave music; give us the sense of comradeship with heroes and saints of every age.

So quicken our spirits that we may be able to encourage the souls of all, who journey with us on the road of life, to your honour and glory.

(attributed to Augustine of Hippo)

OFFERINGS

Thank you for your offerings, sharing the gifts of God so that together we might serve the world!

During our worship, you are able to share your offerings at the entrance to the sanctuary. At other times, and for those unable to attend worship, here are options:

1. Mail envelopes to the church

Mailing address: 10 Farrand St. Thunder Bay P7A 3H5

2. Drop envelopes off at church

You can drop off envelopes in the mailbox beside the parking lot doors. Calling to let us know, 344-1926, is appreciated, so that the offering can be brought inside as soon as possible.

3. E-Transfer online banking

a. If you use online banking, log into your account

b. Add Our Saviour’s as a recipient using our office email address:

osimm.office@tbaytel.net

c. Enter the desired amount and click ‘send’.

4. Sign up for Pre-Authorized Withdrawal (PAR)

You are able to have your monthly offerings directly deposited from your financial institution to that of the church. You can designate it 1-3 ways: Weekly, Building, Forward in Mission. You also can receive undated envelopes for other offerings. To sign up, call the office. If you desire to make any changes at any time of the year, or if you have updates on your address or financial institution, please call the church office, 344-1926.

5. Canada Helps

Our regional synod office has set up Canada Helps button link, you can use to donate to congregations. The charitiable donation receipt will be issued by Canada Helps directly. (It is important to note that there is a cost to using Canada Helps as our donation service. Please considering adding 4% to your donation to cover these costs.)

http://mnosynod.org/donate/

Envelopes for your 2023 offerings are. available. If you wish to sign up for a supply, please contact the office, 344-1926, osimm@tbaytel.net .

Again, we are so thankful for your faithful generosity.