We live to make Christ known.

Hey Green (or any other color) Thumbs!

Do you enjoy working in the soil? The courtyard and front planters are looking gorgeous but need some basic care including weeding, light hoeing, and dead heading. Even if your thumbs tend towards hues other than green, your help would be appreciated. This can be done any time and the office staff is very willing…

Organ Project Celebration!

Join us Sunday, June 30th at the 8 or 10:30 services for a special worship service of hymns and readings in celebration of completing our organ project. Sister of the congregation Linda Krueger will be the organist for this special service. A reception with refreshments will be served in the Fireplace Room following each morning…

Summer Education Hour

Just because it is summer does not mean we stop taking time in God’s Word! We invite those of all ages to join us for education hour from 9:15-10:15 Sunday mornings. The kids will be meeting in the youth room beginning this Sunday to discuss how we can serve with joy. Though sometimes we think…

Church Picnic

Mark your calendar, our Annual Church Picnic, June 9, is coming quickly. The church is providing the food, but we need you to provide the people. Plan to join us across the street in the Franklin schoolyard after the 10:30am service. If you have a couple lawn chairs or a favorite outdoor game, bring them…

Organ Update

The organ renovation project is going very well, and is on schedule and within budget. If you look up to the balcony you will see the pipes are nearly all installed, and the tuning process is underway. We hope to begin using the organ in June, and have scheduled the dedication for June 30th. Watch…

JAM!

Thanks to JAM!, Our Savior’s youth choir, for singing at Pathstone Living earlier this week. Thanks especially to Emily for directing the group and Suzie for playing the keyboard!

God’s Love in Action

Stephen Ministers get to be instruments of God’s love as they visit people in times of hurt. Do you have a heart for others? Are you willing to be trained for service? Talk to Deaconess Lisa Brand to see if it is a good fit for you (385-2185 or lisa@oslcmankato.org). We’re starting our next set…

Men’s Study

Attention men! Don’t forget that our Men’s Bible Study meets at 7:30pm in the Fireplace room on the second Thursday of each month (next Thursday the 9th). This month we will discuss chapter 7 in Man Up. Please join us even if you have not read the book — it is always a lively discussion!

Red Cross Blood Drive

Our Savior’s is hosting a blood drive on Monday, May 6th from noon – 5pm.  To schedule your appointment, go to: www.redcrossblood.org, or the Blood Donor app on your mobile device, sponsor code: oslcmankato. The need is constant.  Save a Life – Donate Blood.

Spring Backpacking Trip

Looking to get out and enjoy spring? We have been assured that by the end of May spring will be here for good, so we have scheduled our annual spring backpacking trip for May 30-June 2 (leaving early on Thursday and returning Sunday). We will be hiking a portion of the beautiful Superior Hiking Trail…

Easter Breakfast

The Youth Group invites you to breakfast on Easter Sunday, served from 6:45 until 10am. Come enjoy great food and fellowship before or after celebrating Jesus’ resurrection. A free will offering will be taken to support future youth events. Hope to see you there!

Holy Week Worship

We invite you to join us for worship during the upcoming Holy Week. Worship times are as follows: Palm Sunday, April 14th: 8am & 10:30am Maundy Thursday, April 18th: 1:30pm & 6:30pm Good Friday, April 19th: 1:30pm & 6:30pm Easter Vigil, Saturday, April 20th: 8pm Easter Sunday, April 21st: Sunrise Service at 6am; Easter celebration at 8am & 10:30am…

Grief Discussion Group

Find a safe place to talk with others who can relate. Yes, even Christians grieve. Join us as we lean on each other and look to God’s Word for comfort. We’ll meet weekly for 8 sessions beginning Thursday, April 4 at 3:00pm in the library. It doesn’t matter if it’s been less than a year…

Lutheran Hour Ministries Rally Pictures

A huge thank you to Rev. Dr. Michael Zeigler and Lutheran Hour Ministries for a wonderful Rally Sunday this past weekend. Hearing God’s Word through Rev. Zeigler’s message, uplifting worship, and meaningful study resulted in an encouraging day. Enjoy a number of pictures from the day taken by Kristian Bjornstad.

Lutheran Hour Ministry Rally

Join the MN South International Lutheran Laymen’s League this Sunday, March 17th at 4pm for an “old fashioned” Lutheran Hour Rally at Hosanna Lutheran Church, Mankato. Enjoy a reception sponsored by Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) following the Service. Rev. Dr. Michael Zeigler, the new Speaker of The Lutheran Hour, will serve as guest preacher…

Lenten Worship

We welcome you to join us for Lenten worship services as we reflect on the life and suffering of Jesus in preparation for Easter. Services are held at 1:30pm and 6:30pm. Join us after the 1:30 service for fellowship in the Fireplace Room. Supper is also served from 5:15 to 6:15 before the evening service…

Let’s read the Bible together!

Beginning March 6th (Ash Wednesday), Our Savior’s Board of Education invites you to read the Bible with us every day. We’ll read through the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew over the next two weeks utilizing a popular Bible app. You can find the app here for iPhone/iPad, Android, and the web. If you would rather…

Women’s Retreat

Sooth your wounds with the balm of God’s love. Join us for this year’s Women’s Retreat, 9:00am-2:00pm on Saturday, March 16. We’ll have food, fellowship, and Bible Study as we consider Jesus healing of women from various adversities. Cost is $10. To register contact Deaconess Lisa Brand at 385-2185 or lisa@oslcmankato.org by March 6 so…

Organ and A/V Project Update

In the February VOICE we reported that our fund raising for the Organ and Audio/Visual upgrade projects was about $21,000 from our goal of $200,200. Wow! That alone was tremendous news. But in response to last month’s update in the VOICE we have received a generous donation of $21,000 which means that we have COMPLETED our fundraising and now have, on hand,…

Psalm 23 Bible Study

One of the best known and most loved psalms is Psalm 23. But how well do you really know it? Come learn with us at Early Bird Bible Study Monday mornings from 6:30-7:30 am. We meet in the library, and the coffee will be hot! Hope to see you there.

Man Up!

Men’s Bible Study begins a new study of the book Man Up! The Quest for Masculinity by Jeffrey Hemmer. We meet the second Thursday each month, this month it’s February 14th at 7:30pm in the Fireplace Room. Contact Pastor Matheny (507-385-2183 or matheny@oslcmankato.org) if you are interested so he can get you a book. Come…

Youth Bake Sale

The Youth are preparing for 12 students, 2 adults, and 1 pastor to attend the 2019 LCMS National Youth Gathering in Minneapolis in July. To raise funds for the trip, the youth and families will hold a bake sale on Sunday, February 10th after each of the morning services, just in time for Valentines’ Day.…

Wednesday Evening Events Cancelled

Due to the predicted cold temperatures and windchill, all Wednesday evening events for January 30th have been cancelled. Cozy up around the fireplace (or dress warm and go crunch through the snow, if that is your thing) and stay warm!

Chili Cookoff

The annual Chili Cook Off is coming soon! This popular event will be held on Sunday, January 27th following the Voters’ Meeting. Sample a variety of chili’s and cast your ballot for your favorite mild, hot, and non-traditional chili. Everyone is invited to bring their favorite chili to enter. Chefs can bring their entries to the kitchen…

New Bible Studies

There are a couple of new Bible study opportunities for you to take advantage of. First, there is an additional adult class Sunday mornings between services on the book of Acts led by Deaconess Lisa Brand. Come hear the boldness of those speaking the gospel in a difficult time. We’re meeting in Room 124 which…

New Cancer Companions Series

A new Cancer Companions series is starting on Wednesday, January 9th. We will meet from 3:30 – 5pm in the church Library. Please enter from the east parking lot door. Please share this with others that you care about. This group is for anyone touched by cancer in any way. Come join us, you are not…

New Year’s Resolution?

Did you make a New Year’s resolution to spend more time in God’s Word? You’re in luck! New Bible studies are regularly being added — keep an eye on the bulletin board in the hallway for all the details. If you have any questions check with Pastor Lauer, Pastor Matheny, Deaconess Brand, or the study leader for more details.

Christmas Caroling

People of all ages and all singing abilities are invited to join us for Caroling this Sunday afternoon.  We’ll meet at church at 3pm, divide into groups, spread some Christmas cheer at a few of our members’ homes, and meet back at church to warm up with hot chocolate and treats.

Children’s Christmas Program Video

Miss the Children’s Christmas program Saturday night? It was so good you want to watch it again? You’re in luck! Check out the video below or watch it on KTV (Charter channel 18, Consolidated channel 7) Fridays, December 21st, 28th, and January 4th at 7:30 pm. You can also access it online to stream at…

Children’s Christmas Program

Join us for the Children’s Christmas Service, “Silent Night, Holy Night”, at 4:30pm this Saturday, December 15th. The children will be singing, acting, and telling about the love of God shared that precious night. Come early to enjoy special music, presented by our young musicians, and stay after to enjoy some fellowship and refreshments.

Advent Worship

During Advent we remember that God promised to rescue his people from death and we also anticipate that Jesus is coming again. Please join us for Advent Worship on Wednesdays at 1:30 pm and 6:30 pm. An informal coffee/fellowship hour follows the afternoon service and supper is served from 5:15 to 6:15 pm before the evening service.

Annual Youth Dinner

This Sunday the youth will be serving their much anticipated annual dinner prior to the voters’ meeting! Immediately following the 10:30 service join us for a wonderful Turkey Commercial dinner. A free-will offering will be collected and all proceeds will go toward the 2019 National Youth Gathering expenses. Everyone is encouraged to attend the annual…

Church Decorating

This Sunday, November 25th, immediately following the 10:30 service, we will be decorating the church for the season of Advent and Christmas. All ages are invited to help “Deck the Halls”. Lunch will be served when the decorating is complete.

Church Directory Photos and Christmas Family Portraits

Are you a new member who does not currently have your photo in the church directory? Are you interested in getting some high quality family pictures for Christmas? Kristian Bjornstad is offering portrait sittings the weekends of November 24-25 and December 1-2. Please watch for sigh-up sheets in the narthex or contact the church office to set up a sitting. See below for…

Fall Festival Pics!

We had a great fall festival last week, including crafts, games, food, great costumes, and trunk-or-treating. We even had a surprise visit by a gorilla! Thanks to everyone who participated and for all the volunteers that made it possible.

Operation Christmas Child

Operation Christmas Child has begun! Please take a starter box from the display table (each box has a few things inside to “get you started”), fill it with fun and return it by November 11th. Each child who receives a shoebox can participate in the follow-up discipleship program, which teaches them how to faithfully follow…

Youth Servant Event This Sunday

Our Savior’s Youth+ group will meet this Sunday, September 23, 3 p.m. in the Youth Room for a servant event. Mankato REACH serves literally 100’s of area youth who are at-risk of or are experiencing homelessness for many different reasons. They “couch surf” to homes of family and friends, but are lacking a true home of…

Adult Confirmation Class

New to the Christian faith, or just want to brush up on the basics? Adult Confirmation Instruction, taught by Pastor Lauer, will take place on Wednesdays from 7 – 8 pm, and will finish up before Christmas. This class is for anyone who look like to learn, or review, the basic teaching of the Christian…

Education Sunday

Sometimes it just feels good to start fresh. Through forgiveness God gives us a clean slate. We can breathe a sigh of relief and step forward into a new day and a new year. Join us this Sunday as children’s Sunday School classes get back in full swing. Families are invited to start in the Sanctuary…

Caring Criticism Study

Beginning Wednesday, September 12, from 5:15-6:15pm Lisa Brand will be leading a study on the book “Caring Criticism: Building Bridges Instead of Walls”. This book discusses the following topics:  1) Why Criticism Doesn’t Work; 2) Why Do We Criticize;  3) If Criticism Doesn’t Work, What Does?;  4) How to Correct Others Without Hurting Them;  5) When…

Fall Backpacking Trip

Looking to get away? Our annual fall backpacking trip is scheduled for September 14-16 (leaving early on Friday and returning Sunday). We will be hiking a portion of the beautiful Superior Hiking Trail that runs from Duluth to Canada along Lake Superior. Some camping experience is helpful, but no specific backpacking experience necessary. Don’t worry…

Music Group Opportunities

Can you believe it is less than four weeks until school starts up again? That means it is time to start thinking about getting the music groups back together! This fall there are a variety of opportunities for you to get involved in praising our God through music. Kids Ring – Handbells for 3rd grade…

We had a Splashing Good Time at VBS!

We had a great time at VBS this past week! Thank you to all of the kids who attended, the volunteers who dedicated many hours to helping, and church staff for planning and coordinating the week. The kids will be singing several songs they learned over the course of the week at the beginning of…

Plunge into VBS!

Vacation Bible School is in a little less than a month! At Splash Canyon, your children learn God keeps His promises on life’s wild ride! They’ll learn five Bible accounts where our faithful God keeps His promises to be with us and gives us life and hope through Jesus, our Savior. Join us for a…

Large Catechism Study

Pastor Matheny will be leading a new Bible study during education hour beginning July 15th on Luther’s Large Catechism. Remember the Small Catechism you used during confirmation? The Large Catechism is its big brother, and is even better! Join Pastor at 9:15 am in the sanctuary to learn more. For those who attended the study…

New Early Bird Bible Study Starting Soon

Looking for an opportunity to get into God’s Word? Early Bird Bible Study is beginning a new study on July 30th, and everyone is invited. This study is called “God in the Real World”, and it connects our lives to the reality of what God did on earth. Each lesson includes video segments shot in…