Embedded Files
The Ambassador
Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church
December 2025
10 Farrand Street, Thunder Bay, ON P7A 3H5
Offices: 807-344-1926; Immanuel Hall/FAX: 807-343-4857
E-mail: osimm@tbaytel.net
Facebook: ‘Our Saviour’s Thunder Bay’
YouTube: ‘Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church of Thunder Bay’
Instagram: ‘OSLCTBay’
Pastor: Matthew H. Diegel (Parsonage: 807-344-6822)
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Advent and Christmas Worship:
-Sun. Dec. 7: Advent 2, 10:30 a.m. Advent Cantata worship (no Holy Communion or Sunday School)
-Sun. Dec. 14: Advent 3, 10:30 a.m.
Service of the Word with Quartet+ and other voices
-Sun. Dec. 21: Advent 4, 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion, with a touch of Christmas; Sunday School
-Christmas Eve
--7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Holy Communion with Carols (7:00 p.m. Children’s Procession to Manger)
-Christmas Day
--10:30 a.m. Holy Communion
-Sun. Dec 28: Christmas 1, 10:30 a.m. Service of the Word
-Sun. Jan. 4: Epiphany of Our Lord (Jan. 6) 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion
Advent Cantata Worship
As we gather for worship on Sun. Dec. 7, at 10:30 a.m., our Choir will share the message of Advent and Christmas in song. Returning special guests are Kai Leinonen - violin and Nancy Bergland – vocals.
Flowers for Christmas
You are invited to donate poinsettia plants in memory/honour of someone, to adorn the sanctuary on Christmas. Each will cost $15.00, and forms are available at the church. The deadline is Mon. Dec. 8, so that we receive the correct order of white and red flowers.
New Members
Welcome of New Members is part of worship on Dec. 14. To become a member through transfer, Affirmation of Baptism, or Baptism, see Pastor Matthew.
‘Blue’ Christmas Worship
This gathering invites people experiencing the pain of any type of loss during this time to come and reflect, grieve, and to receive comfort and hope in the message of the Christ child. Our short service is on Tues. Dec. 16, at 7:00 p.m. All are welcome.
Mitten Tree
Our Mitten Tree will be in the sanctuary until Dec. 8. Your gifts support clients of Lutheran Community Care and other organizations. Handmade or purchased socks, mitts, gloves, hats, or scarves are much appreciated!
We want your Recipes!
Our second ‘Friends of Creation’ Sunday was on Nov. 30, when we explored the theme ‘Climate + Food’. Our congregational activity in response to this is to create a book of recipes to share at church during the Christmas season. Please send a recipe, or two, along with a favourite Bible verse or story, and your photo if you wish, to osimm@tbaytel.net by Dec. 8.
Basketeers
Basketeers supports female victims of abuse to re-establish their lives, as they transition from the Faye Peterson and Beendigen shelters into their new home. The baskets contain household items, including for the kitchen, bathroom, and the bedroom. Please leave your donations in the laundry basket in the front hall by Tues. Dec. 9. Suggestion lists are in the basket.
Gifts from the Heart
Canadian Lutheran World Relief’s catalogue has something to inspire and delight anyone on your list this year. It’s full of meaningful, tangible gifts that share God’s love with the world! Copies are at the church or you can shop online at www.clwr.org/GFTH.
CLWR Colouring Page Contest
Colour in a scene from near Lake Chad, and you could win up to $500 to spend donating items from the Gifts from the Heart catalogue! One grand prize winner will win a $500 donation to CLWR and a prize pack! An additional winner in each age group will win a $100 donation, as well as a prize pack. (0-4 years, 5-8 years, 9-12 years, 13-17 years and 18+) To enter, email a photo of your picture to churches@clwr.org by Dec. 15, with your name, age, city and home church. Winners will be contacted the week of Dec. 16th. Details and the colouring page: clwr.org/colourcontest. Paper copies are at the church.
CLWR Advent Calendar of Kindness
Each day from Nov. 30 to Dec. 24 you’ll find small, meaningful ways to spread kindness and to help support families fighting against climate change around Lake Chad, through the Friends of Creation challenge. It’s a wonderful way to count down to Christmas while making a difference. Copies of the calendar are at the church and at: https://www.clwr.org/wp-content/uploads/2025-focse-advent-calendar.pdf .
”Hark! A Thrilling Voice Is Sounding!”
Luther Seminary, St. Paul, invites you to use its Advent daily devotional, “Hark! A Thrilling Voice Is Sounding!”. Large print copies are available at the church. You can also download one, or a regular-print version, at https://www.luthersem.edu/godpause/advent-devotional/ .
Children’s Ministry
During the fall, our Sunday School classes have been meeting twice monthly, on the first and third Sundays. The sessions, for children in JK – Gr. 6, begin in Immanuel Hall at 10:30 a.m. for Bible stories, crafts, and other activities. Then we come up to share Holy Communion. See Karen Bishop, co-ordinator, for information.
Due to the Cantata worship, we will not meet on Dec. 7. However, there will be a session on Dec. 21.
The seasonal activity pack for Advent/Christmas is available for pick-up or drop off. Please call the office.
Activity sheets for each Sunday are available in the front hall and are also emailed on Thursday. To sign up for these: osimm@tbaytel.net .
Adventure activity bags are under the mailboxes inside the sanctuary, for children to enjoy during worship.
Confirmation classes for those youth in Grade 7 and up are meeting twice monthly on Mondays at 6:30 p.m., for about 45 minutes, to learn about the Lutheran faith and the promises given at Baptism. The next class is on Dec. 8 (no class on Dec. 22). For more information, see Pastor Matthew.
Canada Lutheran
It is time to renew your subscription, or to buy a new one, to our national church’s magazine. They cost $21. Forms will be in the front hall, or you can call the office. Starting in January you will receive 8 issues in your church mail box under the balcony, plus access to a full digital copy. See samples:
Thank You!
“Thanks for stopping by on Sunday to sing carols. I loved seeing everyone ❤️ and listening to the old familiar hymns.”
Marion
From Salem Lutheran, Pass Lake:
Hi Pastor Matthew and The Congregation of Our Saviours,
“We have purchased a new Hymn Board and Christmas Banners with the gift of money from your Shrove Tuesday fundraiser. Thank you so much from the congregation of Salem it is so appreciated.” Wendy Sorensen
Sunday Readings
December 7 – Second Sun. of Advent
Isaiah 11:1-10; Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19; Romans 15:4-13; Matthew 3:1-12.
December 14 – Third Sun. of Advent
Isaiah 35:1-10; Psalm 146:5-10; James 5:7-10; Matthew 11:2-11.
December 21 – Fourth Sun. of Advent
Isaiah 7:10-16; Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19; Romans 1:1-7; Matthew 1:18-25.
December 24 – Christmas Eve
Isaiah 9:2-7; Psalm 96; Titus 2:11-14;
Luke 2:1-14 [15-20].
December 25 – Christmas Day
Isaiah 52:7-10; Psalm 98;
Hebrews 1:1-4 [5-12]; John 1:1-14.
December 28 – 1st Sunday of Christmas
Isaiah 63:7-9; Psalm 148;
Hebrews 2:10-18; Matthew 2:13-23.
January 4 – Epiphany of Our Lord
Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14;
Ephesians 3:1-12; Matthew 2:1-12.
Worship
We gather Sundays at 10:30 a.m.
Dec. 7 (Advent Cantata worship), Dec. 14 (Third Sunday of Advent) and Dec. 28 (First Sunday of Christmas) will be Services of the Word. Worship with the Band will return in January.
Normally we celebrate Holy Communion on the 1st and 3rd Sundays monthly. Changes for Dec:
-Dec. 7 – no Communion
-Dec. 21 – Fourth Sunday of Advent
-Dec. 24 – Christmas Eve, 7:00 p.m.
-Dec. 24 – Christmas Eve, 10:00 p.m.
-Dec. 25 – Christmas Day, 10:30 a.m.
As we meet we record the services. They are uploaded later to our YouTube channel, ‘Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church of Thunder Bay’. Thank you, John Stadtlander and Brian Phillips.
The bulletin, with links to videos of the songs, and the text of the sermon, are e-mailed Saturday. Sign up: osimm@tbaytel.net. They also are posted on our website each Saturday:
For Holy Communion, all are invited to come up the centre aisle to the foot of the chancel to receive the bread (gluten-free wafers available) and the wine/juice. There is a receptacle for used glasses as we go back to our seats via the side aisles. If you are unable to come to the front, please tell the usher and the elements will be brought to you. Those who do not receive Communion are welcome to come for a blessing. If watching online, when the presiding minister says, ‘The body and blood of Christ given and shed for you’, we welcome all to take and eat a piece of bread, and then to take a glass of wine or other beverage, remembering and giving thanks for the promises of grace, forgiveness, love, new life, and community given us in Christ Jesus.
We have Fellowship Hour each Sunday following worship, in Immanuel Hall. Birthday Sunday is celebrated on the 3rd Sunday of the month (Dec. 21). Gifts of food are welcome – please bring them down before the service. For those wishing to make a gift toward the purchase of supplies there is a white coffee pot on the table at the entrance to the hall. The platform lift is available for those who have trouble with the stairs to the basement.
Worship Assistants
Thank you to those who helped out during November.
For December, including the special Christmas services, please sign up in the front hall to be a Greeter and Usher, Reader, and/or Communion assistant. You can check what needs filling for the coming Sunday in the bulletin. Pastor Matthew is happy to offer an orientation.
Pastoral Visits
Pastor Matthew looks forward to making home visits, and going to Long Term Care homes. This includes sharing Christmas Holy Communion. Contact him at 807-344-1926, osimm@tbaytel.net . Pastor Matthew visits at the Regional Health Sciences Centre and St. Joseph’s Hospital. As clergy no longer have access to the patient lists, it is vital that you contact him with info about who is a patient who would benefit from such care.
Our Life Together:
Funeral:
-Nov. 13 Harvey DeDura (died Aug. 25)
Memorial Gifts:
-in memory of Freda Karioja.
-in memory of the Prien family.
-in memory of Evelyn Heroux.
‘Gathering Table’ Food Cupboard
This ministry of Gathering Table Anglican parish on Pearl Street offers food twice monthly to those in need.
Food donations received in the basket and box in the front hall are given to Gathering Table and to others in need.
The most needed items at are:
-Kraft Dinner;
-cold and hot cereal;
-tuna; Flakes of Ham/Chicken/Turkey; -fruit cups;
-Canned soup: especially Cream of Mushroom, Chicken Noodle, Tomato, Vegetable;
-Pork and Beans;
-pasta sauce.
Christmas at the Dew Drop Inn
From Michael and the Dew Drop Inn Team:
“Hard to believe the holiday season is upon us. The year has gone by so quickly.
Our Snowman cards are back and for $5 you can sponsor a meal -- turkey dinner and all of the fixings -- on Christmas Day. Sign your 1st name on the front of the card and write an optional message on the back. Cards may be purchased daily at the Dew Drop Inn, Red River Road, between 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Special National Church Appeal
The ELCIC National Office and Eastern Synod continue their appeal to support the ministries of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL). Our goal is to raise $50,000 to assist in supporting this vital work that embodies faith, resilience and hope in a just peace. To date we have raised almost $30,000.
In an Oct. 10 statement from the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem, the leaders “rejoiced at the recent enactment of the ceasefire in Gaza, and the release of those held captive.”
At the same time, they also acknowledged their shared concern regarding, “increasing violence against local communities in the West Bank in connection with settlement expansions.” The leaders urged the international community as a whole, “to widen the scope of the current negotiations to include an end of the occupation of both the West Bank and Gaza, leading to the establishment of a Palestinian state living side-by-side in peace with the present State of Israel.”
The war between Israel and Hamas has greatly affected our partners in the ELCJHL. Most of them have relatives in Gaza. Restricted movement in the region has continued to impact people’s ability to work and move freely resulting in huge financial implications for the church.
Our church's long-standing relationship with the ELCJHL is a vital expression of our shared faith and commitment to justice and peace. You are invited to: pray for peace, learn more about the work of the ELCJHL and give generously to the ELCJHL Appeal.
To donate: mark the amount for ‘ELCJHL Appeal’ on your envelope or donate online: www.elcic.ca.
LWF 2025 Advent calendar: Messages of Faith
Faith is the focus of The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Advent calendar in 2025, with people from around the communion sharing what faith means today in this season of expectation.
From 30 November to 24 December, “Messages of Faith” will appear in a daily video, shared on LWF’s social media channels. The series invites viewers to reflect on how faith is lived in different contexts and communities, through stories, insights, and personal testimonies. The messages will feature reflections from women and men, young and old, lay and ordained, representing LWF member churches and country programs. Their contributions range from personal stories to theological reflections on how faith matters in their diverse traditions and communities.
Follow the calendar from 30 November to 24 December on Facebook, Instagram,and Tik-Tok for a new message each day —offering faith encouragement and inspiration throughout the Advent season.
“We hope these video messages will be a source of encouragement for every one of us on our shared journey faith.”
Rev. Árni Svanur Daníelsson, LWF Chief of Staff to the General Secretary
News from your Council
Pastor Matthew opened the meeting on Nov. 11 with a prayer for Remembrance Day. Council observed a moment of silence.
Caroling by Bus plans continued for Nov 30. The cost of renting the bus is $329.40, including tax. This is the same as in 2024, and will be paid out of the Fellowship budget line. Thank you to Sharon for volunteering her driving time, and for preparing a gift bag for those visited, and to Kim and Sharon for preparing goodies for after carolling.
The next Friends of Creation Sunday plans were shaping up for Nov. 30. With the emphasis on food, the congregational response project will be a recipe book. This will be handed out as a gift at the Christmas services. Pastor is collating the book.
The agreement with Sacred Heart Malabar Eastern Catholic Church for twice monthly use of the building for its worship is working well. The rental income for 2025 is being applied to the ‘Reimbusment Appeal’, replenishing the ’Capital Improvement Fund’.
There was consensus that Sacred Heart be able to rent the santuary during the evening on Tues. Dec. 23, for its Christmas worship.
Call process: Council has begun to fill the Call Process Committee, appointing Peter Hinz, Brian Phillips, and Judy Sander. Linda welcomes suggestions of names of congregational members to fill the remaining position(s).
2026 Nominating Committee: Those elected at the 2025 Annual Meeting to be on the Committee were Diane Bruce and Rene Kaukinen, with Karen Bishop appointed as Council rep. There are four positions on council needing to be filled at the Annual Meeting, plus spots on various commitees. This work will begin after the December meeting.
Whatley Memorial Scholarship Fund: Lutheran Theological Seminary, Saskatoon, has indicated that it would be willing to manage this congregational fund (designated for a member studying for ordained ministry at LTS) on the congregation’s behalf. It would preserve the captial (currently at $7,999) for its stated use, but would distribute interest generated to one of its development funds for ministry and leadership. Linda and Pastor Matthew continue to explore this.
The 2026 Budget Proposal process will begin after the Dec. meeting.
As Synod Council still has not yet ratified our 2025 Bylaws, we are uncertain as to whether we need to have a internal or external Financial Review for the 2025 fiscal year. The latter would be an expense in the 2026 budget, and in line with new provincial regulations. Council will explore this further.
Council’s next monthly meeting is Tues. Dec. 9, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Chair – Linda Sander 622-0604
Vice-Chair – Karen Bishop 344-0052
Secretary – Aritith Francis 345-3617
Treasurer – Vi Peternelj 344-8552
FINANCES
Local and Missions
Thank you for your November offerings, which enabled us to meet our budgeted goals. Together, we have work to do this last month of 2025 to eliminate the remaining shortfall. Help us achieve our vision for ministry in Our Saviour’s name. Respond in prayer and in giving as you are able. Sharing our gifts, we serve the world.
November Offerings:
$ 9,775.00
Budgeted Offerings
$ 9,666.67
Monthly Offerings YTD:
$ 91,874.59
Budgeted Offerings YTD:
$ 106,333.37
Forward in Mission
Received in 2025: $ 2,410.00
2025 goal $ 2,500.00
Help us during the final month of the year to meet our partnership goal for 2025. One of our partners, which we support with $500, is the Pastoral Care program of the Lutheran Community Care. Through this, worship services are brought to care centres through the Pastoral Care Worker, Lutheran Clergy, and dedicated volunteers.
Cleaning Fund
Received in 2025: $ 2,600.00
Budgeted to date: $ 3,300.00
Thank you for your designated offerings. These enable us to employ a part-time custodian. We remain short of the cost of this position. Donations to help fully fund this without drawing from our reserves would be welcomed.
Building Fund
Our gifts help us have a dedicated reserve to maintain our property when the ‘unexpected’ happens. When planning indicates a major project is needed, a Congregational Meeting can set a goal for giving to the fund.
Balance, Jan. 1, 2025: $ 6,791.85
Received in 2025: $ 2,270.00
Expenditures: In Feb. we paid $2,440 for our annual maintenance agreement for our platform lift. Your gifts also helped pay the non-contractor costs of the Northwest Exit project.
Offerings
Envelopes are in the pews. For a bundle of envelopes for 2026, see Linda Sander or call the office. Our offerings are collected in the pews during worship.
Other ways to send your gift:
1.Mail to church:
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 is appreciated, so that the offering can be brought inside.
3.E-Transfer to:
osimm.office@tbaytel.net
4.Pre-Authorized Withdrawal (PAR)
You are able to have offerings deposited from your financial institution to the church. You can designate it Weekly, Building, and/or Forward in Mission. You can desigate part of ‘Weekly’ for ‘Cleaning’. To sign up, or make updates, call the office.
January 'Ambassador'
Please have articles for the January newsletter at the church by Mon. Jan. 5. You can also email them: osimm@tbaytel.net .
Conversations Across the Church
As we entered the season of Advent on Nov. 30, National Bishop Larry Kochendorfer invited us to join him online for an hour of devotion, reflection, and conversation. If you missed this, you can watch its recording by emailing the office for the link.
The next ‘Conversations’ will be held on Feb. 22, the First Sunday in Lent.
Christmas is coming!
‘Christmas is coming!’ What’s the first thing that comes to your mind? Some will think of decorations, office parties, family dinners, presents and travel. For others, the season is stressful and acutely fearful, with food shortage and poverty driving every decision. Hopefully, Christmas can be a word that still warms your spirit and brings back at least a few happy memories.
In a recent email, Pastor Matthew wrote that we have begun a new church year with the first Sunday of Advent. “Advent is a 4 - week time of preparation, not only for welcoming the Christ child in our hearts at Christmas but also for being ready for Christ in our midst right now and the future”. “Christmas is coming” can mean celebrating the birth of Jesus.
When I write a newsletter, my audience is everyone who reads it. Grasping the concept of faith is tough for all of us. For now, I will try to help and to treat everyone as I would expect to be treated myself. I admit that didn’t always happen all the time in the past.
Like many seniors, my wife and I no longer have family nearby, hence, we miss those parties and family gatherings. Everything is not totally lost. I have a couple cousins who did their best to welcome us back to Thunder Bay after being away for work for so many years. Even with Christmas not like it used to be, we do relate to Pastor Matthew’s words and so our Christmas celebration begins.
I have to share with you a magical week that we recently had. Our daughter Cathy, our grand daughter Kaitlyn and our great grandson Santino flew in from Toronto and brought us a fantastic Christmas experience. We set up the Christmas tree. We had a baked ham dinner with all the fixings. We watched Christmas movies for hours. The girls took my wife shopping. And we had an enchanting week with a rambunctious little one. How’s that for a present? With our hearts filled with joy and new memories moving into the first Sunday of Advent was our next step to “Christmas is coming!”.
Imagine bringing that kind of gift to an isolated family member or friend? It doesn’t take much to bring joy or hope into their lives. Look around and help to bring Christmas to a forgotten heart.
Merry Christmas – Eldon
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