Ascension Day is the coronation celebration of our Lord as He is proclaimed to be King of the universe. While His ascension shows his existence beyond the confines of time and space, we are reminded that He is also present with us today. We invite you to join our brothers and sisters at Good Shepherd…
Need help getting your trash to the city cleanup depot? If this coming weekend is your assigned days to bring trash to the Mankato city cleanup, but you have no way to get the big carpet or chair out of the basement, please give Our Savior’s Helping Hands an opportunity to help you! Call Judy…
With restrictions in place last fall, we did not get to do our annual church property cleanup. But never fear – we can just do it this spring! If you are able, please join us this Sunday, April 25th, at 11:30am to rake, pick up sticks, trim shrubs, and other general cleanup around the church…
As we look forward to helping more directly in our community both near and far, Disaster Relief Volunteer Training will be held this Sunday from 6:30-8 pm at Our Savior’s in the Fireplace Room. We will talk about some important things such as the “rules” of working together, the theological framework of mercy work, and…
Our Savior’s is hosting a blood drive on Monday, May 3rd from noon – 5pm. To schedule your appointment, go to: www.redcrossblood.org, or the Blood Donor app on your mobile device, sponsor code: oslcmankato to schedule an appointment. The need is constant. Save a Life – Donate Blood!
Psalm 47 is a fitting celebration following Easter. Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy! For the Lord, the Most High, is to be feared, a great king over all the earth. He subdued peoples under us, and nations under our feet. He chose our heritage for us, the…
In Psalm 21, we’ll consider the interaction of Jesus and His Father at the completion of Holy Week. O Lord, in your strength the king rejoices, and in your salvation how greatly he exults! You have given him his heart’s desire and have not withheld the request of his lips. For you meet him with…
We invite you to join us for worship during the upcoming Holy Week. Worship times are as follows: Palm Sunday, March 28th: 8am & 10:30am Maundy Thursday, April 1st: 1:30pm & 6:30pm Good Friday, April 2nd: 1:30pm & 6:30pm Easter Vigil, Saturday, April 3rd: 8pm Easter Sunday, April 4th: Sunrise Service at 6am; Easter celebration at 8am & 10:30am…
Psalm 143 is one of dependence. You may have heard the old phrase “don’t put all your eggs in one basket” or the more modern one to “diversify your portfolio”. This psalmist, however, relies 100% on God. Hear my prayer, O Lord; give ear to my pleas for mercy! In your faithfulness answer me, in…
During the months of March and April we are collecting unused Bibles and devotional books. Any condition and English translation is fine. All Bibles will be sent to our Christian brothers and sisters overseas. We have a goal of collecting 100 Bibles (and as many devotionals), but let’s see if we can find even more!…
Yes, God cares about our sufferings. Psalm 56 is a short psalm where David expresses his hope in God. Be gracious to me, O God, for man tramples on me; all day long an attacker oppresses me; my enemies trample on me all day long, for many attack me proudly. (verses 1-2 ESV) The enemy…
As discussed in church this morning and in the letter you will be receiving, following is the link to the congregational survey. Again, we encourage everyone to take the survey to make sure all voices are heard! CADDS Survey
Do you have an interest in audio or video production? We are looking for volunteers to help with the audio and video systems during worship, including the live streamed video. Prerequisites are an interest in A/V production, a willingness to learn, and dependability. The time commitment is one worship service per month (more if interested!)…
In a fearful place, this psalm brings comfort. Psalm 91 talks of God’s protection of those who’s trust is in Him. He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I…
As you are aware if you have been worshiping with us in person, our hymnals have not been available for use due to concerns over the spread of the COVID virus. The Lutheran Service Book (our hymnal) is a fantastic resource, and many have been anxious for its return. We have good news! The Board…
Who’s in control? Is it your own fear? In Psalm 27, David takes us through to his own place of hope. The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When evildoers assail me to eat up my…
When you see evil what do you think? Psalm 14 includes a very short prayer asking for God to act. The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds, there is none who does good. The Lord looks down from heaven on the children of man, to…
Join us this Saturday, February 27th from 10am-1pm at the Ney Center in Henderson for a ski/snowshoe/sledding outing. XC ski or snowshoe rentals are $5 per person or $15 per family and are available on a first come, first serve basis. Equipment sizing will fit most users ages 7 and up. There is also a sledding…
If you have the heart of Christ to help people in distress, please prayerfully consider joining in an effort to form a pool of trained volunteers based here at Our Saviors that would be ready to respond to disaster sites (near and far.) An equipment trailer has been purchased and will be outfitted this spring.…
Do you know the joy of forgiveness? Take a look at this week’s psalm, Psalm 32. Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. (verses 1-2, ESV) Do you feel blessed? What…
Feasting without fasting is simply gluttony. Or more simply, there can be no true feasting without real fasting. Lent is a season set apart for denying ourselves and taking up our crosses to follow Jesus (Matthew 16:24). It is a time for laying aside our celebrations, joy, and feasting not to wallow in frivolous suffering…
Guys! Don’t forget that Men’s Bible Study meets tonight Thursday, February 11th at 7:30pm in the Fireplace Room. We continue studying Ephesians, and there is always good discussion. Don’t worry if you have missed the previous studies – you can jump in whenever!
As you may know, we had significant damage last year to our basement due to flooding. The Board of Trustees has been working tirelessly to make repairs so we can again utilize this space. They are requesting volunteers help paint this Saturday starting at 8am. No need to bring anything, unless you have a favorite brush! The rear (east) entrance will be…
This week’s psalm is a love song about a king. Let’s look at Psalm 45. My heart overflows with a pleasing theme; I address my verses to the king; my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe. You are the most handsome of the sons of men; grace is poured upon your lips;…
Pastor Matheny reflects on prayer and why it can be so difficult, based on a comment in Martin Luther’s Genesis commentary. Enjoy!
This psalm brings in a little lightheartedness in the face evil. May you find peace to replace your worry. Let’s look at a portion of Psalm 37. Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your…
We invite you to attend worship this Sunday to help commemorate Pastor Lauer’s service at Our Savior’s and to wish farewell to Pastor, Ann, and their family. We give thanks for the eternal and boundless love that Pastor Lauer received from God through his family, teachers, mentors, and friends, and which he so graciously bestowed…
It is easy to get focused on our own works or the works (good or bad) of others. Why not take the time to focus on God’s work? It puts the rest in perspective. Let’s look at Psalm 104. Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord my God, you are very great! You are…
When we can’t see forward, we can instead look backward to be reminded of what God has done. Below is a portion of Psalm 77. Has his steadfast love forever ceased? Are his promises at an end for all time? Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he in anger shut up his compassion? (verses…
Maybe you are feeling short on attention or short on time. Our short psalm this week is Psalm 70. Make haste, O God, to deliver me! O Lord, make haste to help me! (verse 1, ESV) Sometimes it may feel like it is taking FOREVER for God to act. In our timeline, we want things…
Our psalm today reviews the ups and downs of Israel’s history. What have you learned through your own life? We’re just going to look at a portion of Psalm 78. Give ear, O my people, to my teaching; incline your ears to the words of my mouth! I will open my mouth in a parable;…
Here’s a psalm to kick off the new year, Psalm 98. Oh sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things! His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him. The Lord has made know his salvation; he has revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations.…
It is in Jesus’ leadership that we have hope. Let’s celebrate our King in Psalm 72. Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to the royal son! May he judge your people with righteousness, and your poor with justice! Let the mountains bear prosperity for the people, and the hills, in righteousness!…
We invite you to join us for worship services this week as we wait for and celebrate the birth of Jesus, our Savior. Regular Worship: Sunday, December 20, at 8am & 10:30am and Wednesday, December 23, at 1:30pm Christmas Eve: Service of Readings and Carols at 5pm & 7pm Christmas Day: Traditional Christmas Worship with…
We’re going to take a look at this psalm through the eyes of a child. God is our all knowing, ever protecting Father with whom we are safe. Let’s read Psalm 141. O Lord, I call upon you; hasten to me! Give ear to my voice when I call to you! Let my prayer be…
In this psalm the author is bursting with joy. May you catch a little of his enthusiasm as you read Psalm 40. I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon…
I’m guessing there are many people who are looking for joy. Psalm 30 reminds us to look back at what God has already done and rejoice. Then also look forward to the joy that is to come. This is indeed what we do during this season of Advent. I will extol you, O Lord, for…
Join us this Sunday, November 29th, to decorate the church for Advent and Christmas. Yes, it’s time! And we certainly could use uplifting of our spirits. We’ll start about 11:30 (after the service). Masks will be required, of course, and families can work independently in different areas of the building.
Staying close to home for Thanksgiving this year? Watch our live stream Thanksgiving worship. Click HERE to see the order of service. Click HERE to view the live stream Wednesday 6:30 pm, Thursday, 9 a.m., or recorded after those times.
It seems the only thing that is constant is change. In Psalm 92 we’ll consider the unchangeable works of God. It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night, to the music of…
It can be hard to know what to think of the wickedness of the world. Will things ever be better? Psalm 94 takes us through the struggle. O Lord, God of vengeance, O God of vengeance, shine forth! Rise up, O judge of the earth; repay to the proud what they deserve! O Lord, how…
This week our Minnesota Governor “turned back the dial” by adding certain new restrictions. What does this mean for our congregation? The Governor and other speakers were clear that churches have NOT been a significant place of spreading for the disease. As a result, the new restrictions do NOT impact anything we have presently been doing. Therefore, we will continue with the…
We are pleased to now offer a live stream of our worship services. If possible, we will stream both the 8 and 10:30 service, but if we run into any troubles you may have to watch one already recorded. It’s new to us all, so please be patient and send us your feedback on how we’re doing. Clinking the link on the…
Check the level of intensity in this short, quick turning psalm, Psalm 57. Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by. I cry out to God Most High, to…
Join us in the church parking lot at 6pm tonight for a bonfire and time together outdoors. Bring your favorite warm beverage and a lawn chair. Hope to see you there!
Today’s psalm invites us to rejoice. Join in with Psalm 96. Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth! Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! (verses…
Since the pandemic began, we have been editing worship videos from past years with the same theme and readings and posting them to our website. Starting November 1st, you will be able to view our worship services LIVE from the sanctuary or come back after the service to watch the recording. Just click the link “Live Stream and Videos” at the top…
We have a shorter psalm today, Psalm 52, where we can ponder the evil around us while secure in God’s care. Why do you boast of evil, O mighty man? The steadfast love of God endures all the day. Your tongue plots destruction, like a sharp razor, you workers of deceit. You love evil more…
The video worship for Sunday, October 25, 2020, Reformation Day, has been posted under “Sermons and Devotions.” You can also click the following link to be taken there directly: https://www.oslcmankato.org/sermons/worship-video-october-25-2020-reformation-day/
Our psalm today, Psalm 147, talks about God’s strength and tenderness. Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting. The Lord builds up Jerusalem; he gathers the outcasts of Israel. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.…