A Note from Pastor Shelly

February

“Worship the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing.”

—Psalm 100:2

One of the things that is clear as you read through this or any month’s newsletter is that there are many activities to be a
part of at Our Savior. There are Bible studies and education opportunities, men’s groups and women’s groups, Christcare
small groups, quilting, crafts, preschool playtime, youth group, choirs, and more. These are all great ways to grow in faith and enjoy Christian fellowship with others. At the center of all of this, and what is the foundation of all our other activities here, is worship.

In worship we are fed by hearing God’s word, by gathering
around God’s table, and by the brothers and sisters in Christ
around us. Worship is the time we are nourished and strengthened,
calmed and filled with peace for all of the rest of what we do in the week. I am reminded each week of the gift of worshipping together with you. There is something wonderful about looking out and seeing the faces of everyone who chooses to come to this place on a Saturday night or a Sunday morning, because this is where their faith is strengthened.

One of the things I love about the way we worship in the Lutheran
tradition is that it is very apparent that we are all worshipping. Worship isn’t something that the people in front do and the people in the pews watch. Worship is something= we are all doing, we all sing to the Lord our God, we stand to hear the Gospel, we listen, we sing more, we kneel at times, we pray together, and we come forward with our hands out to be fed at God’s table. Together we are worshipping.

It is a gift that we can worship together, and it is a gift to be a part of making this “together worship” happen. In January we held a Worship Workshop Training with about 70 people present. This is how many people are involved in leading worship in various ways both in very visible and more behind-the-scenes ways. It is wonderful! If you missed the workshop, but feel called to offer your gifts in worship as a reader, communion assistant, usher, altar guild
member, or acolyte, call the office and we will connect you with the worship team leaders. It is a gift to worship the Lord with gladness together!

See you in worship!

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Shelly