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The Ambassador
Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church
October 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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Fall Supper
Join us for our annual gathering of food, fellowship, and music, Saturday, October 4, at 5:00 p.m. Thank you to all who have signed up to help!
This year Council has designated the freewill offerings at the door to go to: 75% to the ‘Friends of Creation challenge of Canadian Lutheran World Relief. This helps to restore the land and people around Lake Chad in Africa; and 25% to support the local ministry ‘I Was Thirsty’. (See below for info on both.)
‘Eternity for Today’
Copies of our national church’s daily devotions’ booklet for the Oct. – Dec. issue are available in the front hall. They can also be dropped off: call the office.
Pride March and Festival Support
The‘Thunder Pride March and Festival’ was postponed in July due to bad weather. The Festival now will be on Sat. Oct. 4, at 1:00 p.m., at the CLE.
Our congregation had been invited to send support by donating funds needed for the original event. Thanks to those who donated $ 250, naming us a Community Support Partner.
Our annual Blessing of the Animals will take place on Sun. Oct. 5, at 4:00 p.m. Bring your pets, and memories of animal companions now gone, for this short service of thanksgiving, memories, prayers, and blessing. Invite friends and neighbours, and those you see out for a walk with a pet! The service will last about 20 minutes – outside if the weather cooperates, inside the front hall if not.
"Friends of Creation"
Over the next year, Our Saviour’s will join congregations across Canada in Canadian Lutheran World Relief’s Friends of Creation campaign. On four special Sundays, we’ll reflect on God’s call to steward the earth by looking at how climate intersects with food, water, peace, and local economies. Each time, we will receive an invitation to engage in a special congregational project. Our first ‘Friends of Creation’ Sunday was on Sept. 28, when we reflected on Climate + Water. Our next will be on Nov.30: Climate + Food.
‘Lake Chad Project’
The Lake Chad catchment area is the largest inland water basin in Africa, much like Lake Superior. However, unlike our ‘inland sea’, the Lake Chad ecosystem is fragile and degrading quickly. Lake Chad has shrunk by 90% since 1963 and continues shrinking, due to both local human activity—like deforestation and unsustainable water use—and global climate effects, like shorter rainy seasons. Meanwhile, overgrazing and pollution have contributed to the disappearance of valuable species. Reduced income for farmers means pulling children from school, which disproportionately affects
girls. At a household level, families are experiencing hunger, a loss of income, and real safety concerns.
To help give hope to this area of creation CLWR designed this project through consultation with hundreds of families in Cameroon and Chad. It’ll be carried out alongside thousands of local farmers as we restore land, reforest, push adoption of sustainable farming and water management practices, and include voices that have been left out. Global Affairs Canada is helping to provide funding.
CLWR hopes that after 2 ½ years over 128,000 people will benefit directly from an improved ecosystem—with better nutrition, water access, crop yields, and sustainable futures—and that 640,000 people will be able to live and work in the restored area.
For each $50 we raise, we will help to restore one acre. Council has set a goal of $750 (15 acres), including the portion designated from the Fall Supper Offering. You can contribute by designating an amount on your offering envelope ‘Friends of Creation’.
" I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink." Mt 25:35 This is an outreach mission through St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. Volunteers deliver safe, fresh water to the homeless and vulnerable—free of charge. There are no administrative fees. www.iwasthirsty.ca
Sunday Worship
We gather Sundays at 10:30 a.m. This month we will celebrate Holy Communion on Oct. 5 and 19. All of God’s children are welcome to share this meal of grace. On Oct. 12, we will gather for Thanksgiving Sunday Service of the Word. Worship with the Band will be on Reformation Sunday, Oct. 26.
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 steps to receive the bread (gluten-free wafers available) and then the wine/juice. After taking a glass, please go to the side and drink. 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.
Advent Christmas Cantata
Our Choir Cantata Worship will be held on Sun. Dec. 7, at 10:30 a.m. (no Holy Communion that Sunday) Rehearsals will be after Fellowship Hour on Sun. Oct. 26, Nov. 9 and 23. The Dress Rehearsal will be on Fri. Dec. 5, at 6:00 p.m. For info, see Kaija Ranta.
Worship Assistants
Thanks to those who helped out during September. For October, 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. We are also bringing back Offering Recorders.
We have Fellowship Hour each Sunday following worship, in Immanuel Hall. Birthday Sunday is celebrated on the 3rd Sunday of the month. Gifts of food are welcome – please them bring 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.
Sunday Readings
October 5 – Time after Pentecost
Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4; Psalm 37:1-9; 2 Timothy 1:1-14; Luke 17:5-10.
October 12 –Thanksgiving Sunday
Deuteronomy 26:1-11; Psalm 100; Philippians 4:4-9; John 6:25-35.
October 19 – Time after Pentecost
Genesis 32:22-31; Psalm 121; 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5; Luke 18:1-8.
October 26 – Reformation Sunday
Jeremiah 31:31-34; Psalm 46; Romans 3:19-28; John 8:31-36.
November 2 – All Saints Sunday
Daniel 7:1-3; Psalm 149; Ephesians 1:11-23; Luke 6:20-31.
Confirmation classes for those youth in Grade 7 and up will start after Thanksgiving. We will meet twice monthly for about 45 minutes, to learn about the Lutheran faith. For more information, see Pastor Matthew.
More Children’s Ministry
Activity sheets for each Sunday are in the front hall and also are emailed Thursday: osimm@tbaytel.net .
Adventure activity bags are under the mailboxes inside the sanctuary, for children to enjoy during worship.
When there is no Sunday School class, there will be a children’s message during worship for children present (federal law prevents it from being included on our recording.)
Copies of the next seasonal Activity packet, for Thanksgiving/Fall, will be available in early October.
Free from our Lutheran publisher, Augsburg Fortress:
Unbridled Prayers App
Busy parents and other primary caregivers may feel overwhelmed by the idea of developing a daily prayer practice. Unbridled Prayers can help! This easy-to-install app posts a prayer a day that parents can view. Prayers offer support, understanding, and a touch of humor. Parents can choose from prayers for early childhood, elementary, and preteen to match their kids’ ages. Go to unbridledprayers.app
to download.
Sacred Storytime with Pastor Priscilla
Explore the transformative power of story and imagination with American Lutheran Pastor Priscilla Paris-Austin in this NEW podcast for progressive Christian families.
For instructions on downloading the apps, and other resources, visit
https://go.augsburgfortress.org/unbridled-presence .
Next ‘Ambassador’:
Please have articles sent to the office by Oct. 27, for the Nov. issue. Thank you!
News from your Council
Representatives of the Sacred Heart Syro-Malabar Eastern Catholic congregation having signed a rental agreement for use of the building for worship and catechism classes from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., on the 2nd and 4th Sundays monthly, beginning Oct. 12, until January or February. The arrangement will then be reviewed, as they consider needing a weekly space.
Linda Sander feels the need to step down from her congregational bookkeeping volunteer position. She has held this since 2019. The role of Bookkeeper, which takes about 4-6 hours weekly, needs to occur at the church, with knowledge of Simply Accounting. Council thanks Linda for all her work, and is committed to finding a replacement as quickly as possible. Please consider taking on this vital volunteer role in the congregation, or to suggest it to someone with the skills needed for it. See Linda or Pastor Matthew.
The Northwest Exit rebuld project is complete. The final cost was within estimates: about $20,000, not including HST rebate. This is being paid through the Capital Improvement Fund and the Building Fund. Council thanks Jim Symington for taking the lead, and for all his work and that of the volunteers.
This project has largely depleted the Capital Improvement Fund, formerly known as the ‘Elevator Fund’. It was created with proceeds from the sale of the Immanuel building. Anticipating future capital projects, council invites you to consider a special donation(s) to replenish this fund. On your Offering envelopes you can designate them, ‘Capital Improvement Fund’. You can also contact Linda for other contribution arrangements. Thank you!
Call process: The call committee is being formed. See Linda for details.
Council’s next monthly meeting is Tues. Oct. 14, 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
Our Life Together:
Wedding:
-Sept. 15 – Mandy Denec-Bakk and Mac Orlando.
Memorial Gifts:
-in memory of Helen and Haakon Dagsvik.
New Members
The next welcoming of New Members is tentatively set for November 30, the First Sunday of Advent, the beginning of the church year. If you are considering becoming a member of Our Saviour’s, either through transfer, Affirmation of Baptism, or Baptism, please see Pastor Matthew.
FINANCES
Local and Missions
Thank you for your September donations. Unfortunately the amount received was significantly lower than our budgeted needs. While we remain modestly ahead of last year, this reality calls us to work together to enable the fulfilment of our vision for ministry in Our Saviour’s name. Please respond in prayer and in giving as you are able. Sharing our gifts, we serve the world.
September Offerings:
$ 6,590.00
Budgeted Offerings
$ 9,666.67
Monthly Offerings YTD:
$ 74,634.59
Budgeted Offerings YTD:
$ 87,000.03
Forward in Mission
Received in 2025: $ 2,010.00
2025 goal $ 2,500.00
Thank you again for your donations. We remain ahead of target to meet our partnership goals for 2025. One of these is $200 for the Gathering Table’s 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 in the front hall are given to Gathering Table’s food bank 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.
Cleaning Fund
Received in 2025: $ 2,180.00
Budgeted to date: $ 2,700.00
Thank you for your designated offerings. These enable us to employ a part-time custodian. We continue to fall behind the cost of this position. As you’re able, donations to help erase this shortfall 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: $ 1,705.00
Expenditures: In Feb. we paid $2,440 for our annual maintenance agreement for our platform lift. Your gifts help ‘pay back’ this amount, for other uses.
Offerings
Envelopes are in the pews. For a bundle of envelopes for the rest of the year, see Linda Sander or call the office. Our offerings are collected in the pews during worship.
Other ways to send your gift:
1.(When striked over)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.
Special National Church Appeal
This supports the ministries of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL). Our church's relationship with the ELCJHL is an expression of our shared faith and commitment to justice and peace. Our goal is to raise $50,000 to support work that embodies faith, resilience and hope in a just peace. The people in Gaza, the West Bank and Jerusalem have been suffering under devastating violence, a deepening humanitarian crisis and uncertainty. The ELCJHL remains steadfast in its mission. Congregations gather in prayer and fellowship. ELCJHL schools have begun their academic year. Diaconal ministry is providing food, rent assistance, medical care and tuition support across the West Bank. Gender Justice and environmental ministries work towards a just and sustainable future.
To date we have raised half our goal. To donate: mark the amount for ‘ELCJHL Appeal’ on your envelope or donate online: www.elcic.ca.
Thank you!
From one of our Forward in Mission partners: “Thank you for your most generous donation to St. Andrew's Dew Drop Inn. We are very grateful for your gift, as it will allow us to continue delivering nutritious meals without questions to anyone who needs it.”
Lutheran Community Care
Here is a list of donation possibilities needed by LCC clients who are in need. (A new one is coming out shortly.) There is a white plastic basket in the front hall for those able to contribute. Karen Bishop will make sure the items get to the LCC.
- Bankers box or file organizers. (to organize their important files).
- Hygiene items: shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant.
Pastoral Visits
Pastor Matthew looks forward to making home visits, and going to Long Term Care homes. This includes sharing 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.
Midweek Chapel Services
On behalf of Lutheran Community Care’s Pastoral Services, Pastor Matthew leads two monthly 30-min. services at Long Term Care homes. Each starts at 10:30 a.m. All are welcome to attend, and to invite any residents they know: --Roseview, first Tuesday; --Hogarth-Riverview, last Thursday.
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