Come, share the gifts of God with us,
and serve the world together,
at
OUR SAVIOUR'S LUTHERAN CHURCH,
10 Farrand Street (at River),
THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO, CANADA
Our congregation is located on the traditional territory of the Ojibway of the Fort William First Nation, a signatory to the Robinson-Superior Treaty of 1850.
Welcome!
We invite you to be part of our community of grace and faith, active in Thunder Bay for the past 114 years. We seek to continue to be a place where people can grow in their understanding of God's forgiving love revealed through Jesus. Gathered in to worship, God's Spirit calls us out to share in word and action what it means to be people of God.
OUR VISION:
"Come share the gifts of God - serve the world"
October 26 - November 1
In Person worship has resumed, See the column 'In Person Worship'for more details.
Monday
Newsletter articles, please!
Tuesday
Wednesday
7:00 p.m. Bible Book of the Month club (Zoom)
Thursday
8:00 p.m. A.A. (closed meeting)
Friday
Saturday
Sunday, November 1, 2020 - All Saints Day
10:30 a.m. Holy Communion
Readings: Revelation 7:9-17; Psalm 34:1-10, 22; I John 3:1-3; Matthew 5:1-12
Sermon: 'We Gather' - Pastor Matthew
-Note: the Worship folder and sermon remain available on this website (click on 'Worship Outline and Sermon' at top of page), and also by email and on Facebook ('Our Saviour's Thunder Bay')
Recorded Services:
New: We are now uploading our worship services, later in the week, to our You Tube channel: 'Our Saviours Lutheran Church of Thunder Bay'. Thanks to Nate and John Stadtlander for making this possible. Services posted:
-New: Reformation Sunday, October 25.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ra7hTTJleps
-New: Sunday, October 18
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QFYAlE5gB0
-Thanksgiving Sunday, Oct. 11.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v96IKFWceZM
-Sunday, October 4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kswfIgizsh8
-Sun. Sept. 27.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7pJUhv-H88
-Sun. Sept. 20. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfnnmOlJo94
Newsletter:
To receive a copy of the monthly 'Ambassador' by email, please send a request to osimm@tbaytel.net.
The text version of our November 2020 Newsletter is on the page ' Our Newsletter'.
Deadline for December 'Ambassador' articles: Nov. 30.
Our Saviour’s Fall Supper
Sunday, November 15 at 5:00pm …but with a twist!
The celebration will take place in your own home. Place mats for your table, recipes for your meal and song sheets for your voices will be available October 25 to November 15. Pick up your copies at church or phone the church office at 344-1926 to make your request for yourself or your family or social bubble. Council members will make deliveries as required. Freewill Offering (designate 'Fall Supper' on offering envelope or use one of our other methods of donating) in support of Salem Lutheran Church in Pass Lake -- it is moving forward to rebuild in the spring. Its building burnt down earlier this year.
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Food Collection
Our donations received in the wicker basket in the front hall during October, and as part of our special drive on Thanksgiving Sunday, October 11, are being given to the Anglican Table's food cupboard. In November, our gifts will be used by the Current River Churches' food cupboard.
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Bible Book Club
Each month from September 2020 to August 2021, we will join with the whole national church in focussing on reading the same book of the Bible.
The Introduction and Reading for October, on the book of Deuteronomy:
https://elcic.ca/livingourfaith/documents/October-Deuteronomy.pdf
The Questions for October:
https://elcic.ca/livingourfaith/documents/LivingourFaith-BibleBookClub_Questions-Deuteronomy.pdf
We will have our Sept. monthly Zoom meeting to talk about the questions for the book of Deuteronomy on Weds. Oct. 28, at 7:00 p.m. Email Pastor Matthew at osimm@tbaytel.net to receive the sign-in invitation, or to arrange another time to meet.
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Our next Zoom meeting is Mon. Nov. 16, at 1:30 p.m. Come and join us! Our Bible Study series for the fall is entitled 'Holy Time'. We will also have time for connecting and planning. To receive the Zoom invitation, or for more information, call the office.
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In-Person Worship
We have resumed celebrating Holy Communion on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month. On the 2nd, 4th, and 5th Sundays we gather for Service of the the Word.
Holy Communion
We remain in our places, as we share the bread only. You receive an individually wrapped wafer as you enter. Gluten free wafers are available on request. If you feel more comfortable, you can bring bread for yourself or your social bubble.
The service looks and sounds different than it did 6 months ago, but the goals are the same: to give God thanks, to be refreshed in faith, to build up community, and to be renewed in service and witness.
-Please enter at the wooden doors off Farrand Street, answer the screening questions asked by the Greeter, wear a mask, and follow the posted guidelines on social distancing and seating.
-There is a limit of 30% of capacity inside the sanctuary, with a limit of 50 in attendance.
- The worship folders are found on the pews. Spoken responses are permitted, provided masks are being worn and social distancing protocols are being observed. There is no congregational singing, but you may hum along to the hymns, or sing softly, as you would do while sharing a lullaby with a child in your arms.
-There are containers for offerings at the entrance to the sanctuary.
-There is no Fellowship hour. On the way out, please maintain physical distancing, exiting by the doors to the parking lot.
Children’s Ministry
Due to Health Unit guidelines for places of worship, for the time being there will be no in-person Sunday School classes. Handouts are available at worship – they can be picked up at the Martin Luther statue in the front hall.
“Where we are headed is not to be back to where we were, but we give thanks that who we are as a church has not changed.”
Your Congregational Council and Pastor Matthew
For the Beauty of the Earth
To all members and friends of Our Saviour’s,
As we look forward to heading back to church this month, we also are preparing the building. Please assist us in developing new bulletin boards in Immanuel Hall. The theme is the hymn ‘For the Beauty of the Earth” and pictures, paintings, photos, drawings and anything illustrating the hymn’s words are needed. Please review the words and drop off your artistic submissions at the church. Remember to put your name on the backs or somewhere so that they can be returned.
This is a chance for everyone – young, old, or in-between, to participate in the life of our church.
Thank you in anticipation,
Pat Kaukola and Kim Koivukoski
For the Beauty of the Earth
John Rutter (modified)
For the beauty of the earth
For the beauty of the skies
Lord of all to thee we raise
This our joyful hymn of praise
For the beauty of the hour
Of the day and of the night
Hill and vale
And tree and flower
Sun and moon and stars of light
Lord of all to these we raise
This our joyful hymn of praise
For the joy of ear and eye
For the heart and mind’s delight
Linking sense to sound and sight
Lord of all to thee we raise
This our joyful hymn of praise
For the joy of human love
Brother, sister, parent, child
Friends on earth
And friends above
Lord of all to thee we raise
This our joyful hymn of praise.
National Bishop Susan's Daily Hymn and Prayer
Join our National Bishop:
"Many of us are feeling isolated as we practice social distancing because of COVID-19. Join me each day in focusing our prayers around one hymn."
Twice weekly Bishop Susan suggests a hymn from Evangelical Lutheran Worship. Join her to pray while you sing, and then in prayer through the petition. Please share these with others in your community.
http://elcic.ca/publichealth/BishopSusanHymnandPrayer.cfm
Virtual Fellowship Hours
Until August, we held Zoom meetings each Sunday, in place of our time after worship in Immanuel Hall. To help us connect we are restarting these on our non-Communion Sundays. The next one is November 8, from noon to 1. Zoom details will be in the weekly meetings. Bring your lunch!
Season of the Spirit
LWF Communion Prayer for the Pentecost 2020
The liturgical season of Pentecost is called “ordinary” because the weeks are ordered, or numbered. Some churches order these weeks according to the Sundays after Pentecost, some after Trinity Sunday, and others, until the start of Advent, and a new liturgical year.
Our Lutheran World Federation is offering 'Season of the Spirit' to the global Lutheran communion, as a way to be in the solidarity of prayer during this sesason.
The daily prayer follows a simple order: psalmody and prayer. "We commend these prayers to your use, whether alone in your home, as a family, or as your community is able to gather at a distance. As you pray in solidarity with the communion across the globe, and the communion of saints in all times and places, be encouraged by the counsel that Luther offers in his letter, A Simple Way to Pray:
“Never think that you are kneeling or standing alone, rather think that the whole of the Church...are standing there beside you and you are standing among them in a common, united petition which God cannot disdain. There we find God the Creator, God the Redeemer, God the Holy Spirit, that is, God who daily sanctifies us.”
Throughout this green time, may the Spirit of God bring forth new growth in you."
Oct. 25 - Nov. 1
Oct. 18-24
Oct. 11-17
Oct. 4-10
Sept. 27 - Oct. 3
Sept. 20-26
Sept. 13-19
September 6- 12
August 30 - September 5
August 16-22
August 9-15
August 2-8
July 26 - August 1
July 19-25
July 12-18
July 5 - 11
June 28 - July 4:
June 21-27:
https://www.lutheranworld.org/sites/default/files/20200621_pentecost_reflections_week_4_en.pdf
May 31-June 6:
World Council of Churches Prayer Cycle:
Canada, United States of America
25 - 31 October 2020
Intercessions
We are thankful for:
the vast expanse of North America with its resources and varied landscapes; may they be preserved, enjoyed and used wisely
those who were its original inhabitants – First Nations and Native Americans
church-related organizations that strongly advocate for justice, and those that provide for new immigrants and refugees today, as well as for others who are poor and vulnerable
ecumenical and interfaith engagements which are occurring in many communities that previously were mainly white and Christian.
We pray for:
churches facing new challenges, that they may continue to witness boldly to the gospel in evolving multicultural, multireligious and secular contexts
indigenous peoples in their long struggles for survival, land and rights; and for ongoing healing and reconciliation with those who have come after them
new immigrants, that they will continue to be welcomed in these countries, and that policies will serve the common good
effectively countering systemic greed that exploits communities and natural resources
government leaders that they would advance justice, human rights, and peace for all within these countries and in the rest of the world.
Prayers
Breath of the Four Winds
Come from the four winds, O Breath,
And breathe upon these slain, that they may live. (Ezekiel 37:9)
Come from the South, O Breath,
blow your life-giving promise of hope
to our sisters in ponchos, Mothers of the Disappeared, political prisoners and exiles.
Come from the South and breathe justice that they may live.
Come from the North, O Breath,
blow your Word, in Spirit and truth,
to our brothers and sisters who have lost their languages in residential schools.
Come from the North and speak freely, so there may be healing.
Come from the East, O Breath,
blow your message of peace
to children in countries shattered by war and division.
Come from the East with morning’s promise of a new day.
Come from the West, O Breath,
blow in the tongues of fire in the sky at the setting of the sun.
We are your church, kindled in your Spirit, fired in the mystery of your coming.
Come from the West and pray in us, Holy Spirit, our ending and our beginning.
(Wendy MacLean, United Church of Canada)
To wake from sleep into this day
is gift enough for thanks.
To hear a child’s delight in laughter
is gift enough for thanks.
To sip a glass of clean, cold water
is gift enough for thanks.
To watch the sunset paint the sky
is gift enough for thanks.
To share a moment with a friend
is gift enough for thanks.
To smell the fragrance of moist soil
is gift enough for thanks.
To feel the comfort of clean clothing
is gift enough for thanks.
To form the words that make a prayer
is gift enough for thanks.
(Keri K. Wehlander, also published in Wisdom Is Calling, comp. Geoffrey Duncan, Canterbury Press, UK, and United Church Publishing House, Etobicoke, Ont., Canada 1999,pp.126-27,142)
Prayer for life in freedom
God of all hope;
hear our prayer.
When money becomes a prison:
free us to choose life.
Where wealth turns into addiction:
free us to choose life.
When income determines worth:
free us to choose life.
Where poverty equals invisibility:
free us to choose life.
When economies deepen injustice:
free us to choose life.
Where greed invents new oppressions:
free us to choose life.
when finance rules every decision:
free us to choose life.
where consumption replaces compassion:
free us to choose life.
Mandatory Use of Mask or Face Covering within Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church
Under instructions issued by the Medical Officer of Health, all businesses and organizations, including places of worship, in the Thunder Bay District Health Unit area must adopt a policy that requires all members of the public and employees who enter or remain in an enclosed public space to wear a mask or face covering.:
1. Beginning 12:01 a.m., July 24, 2020, all members of the public, employees, and others who enter or remain in enclosed public areas of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church of Thunder Bay, Inc. are required to wear a mask or face covering. The mask or face covering must cover the nose, mouth and chin without gaping.
a. The following persons are exempted from the requirement to wear a mask or face covering and will not be required to provide proof of such exemption:
i. Children under two years of age, or children under the age of five years either chronologically or developmentally who are unable or refuse to wear a mask or face covering and cannot be persuaded to do so by their caregiver;
ii. Individuals with medical conditions rendering them unable to safely wear a mask or
face covering, including breathing difficulties, cognitive difficulties, hearing or
communication difficulties;
iii. Individuals who cannot wear or are unable to apply/remove a mask or face covering without assistance, including those who are accommodated under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) or who have protections under the Ontario Human Rights Code, R.S.O. 1990, c.H. 19 as amended;
iv. Employees who are within or behind a physical barrier (e.g. Plexiglas).
b. Temporary removal of the mask or face covering is permitted where necessary when:
i. actively engaging in an athletic or fitness activity, including water-based activities;
ii. consuming food or drink;
iii. receiving services in a personal service setting on an area of the face that would otherwise be covered by a mask or face covering; and
iv. for any emergency or medical purpose.
2. This policy will be implemented and enforced in “good faith” to primarily educate people on wearing masks or face coverings and promote their use in enclosed public spaces. Persons listed under 1a) are not required to show proof of exemption.
3. Signs about the requirement to wear masks or face coverings will be posted prominently at all public entrances. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer will also be made available at all entrances and exits for persons entering or exiting Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church of Thunder Bay, Inc.
4. Employees/staff will be trained on the policy, including:
a. How and when to provide verbal reminders of the policy’s masking requirement to persons entering or remaining without a mask or face covering, and those who remove their mask or face covering for an extended period of time.
b. where and how to properly wear a mask or face covering;
c. how to respond to customers who do not have a mask or face covering;
d. where people can get more information about the policy; and
e. how to handle a customer who becomes aggressive about the new requirement.
5. A copy of this policy will be made available on request to a public health inspector or other person authorized to enforce the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.
Dr. Janet DeMille, the MOH has included these words in her directive:
Emerging evidence supports that wearing a mask or face covering when in enclosed spaces is an important measure in reducing community transmission of COVID-19. Increasingly, recommendations and expectations around masking in enclosed spaces are being strengthened to reflect this...
Implementation of the policy should be enacted and enforced in ‘good faith’ and should be primarily used as a means to educate people on mask or face covering use in public spaces."