Our Saviour's Evangelical Lutheran Church 815 S. Washington Street Naperville, IL 60540 Phone: (630) 355-2522 Fax: (630) 355-2553 E-mail: info@oursaviours.com Web site: www.OurSaviours.com

Worship Services Main Campus 815 S. Washington St., Naperville Saturdays at 5:00 pm, Sundays at 8:00, 9:00, 10:30 am

Celebration! Campus 919 S. Washington St., Naperville Sundays at 10:00 am

Leadership Staff Tom Grevlos, Lynda DeVore, Mark Borgetti, Al Creighton

Mission Partners Bohdan Hroboň - Slovakia Misheck Ruwa - Vida Humana, Chimoio, Mozembique

For Children Church School is available from September - May for 3 year olds - 5th Grade Sundays 9:00 and 10:30 am - Main Campus 10:00 am - Celebration! Campus

Our Saviour’s Mission "Knowing Jesus and Making Jesus Known"

Our Saviour’s Vision EXPERIENCE Christ, CONNECT others to Christ, REFLECT Christ

Our Saviour’s Core Values Model Jesus, Teamwork, Speak the Truth in Love, Pursue Excellence, Live Abundantly and Generously, Practice Hospitality

VISION 2012...Our Saviour’s Five-Year Plan for Ministry and Mission

Grow Participation in worship, faith formation for all ages, generosity, serving

Strengthen our Missions through focus and resourcing

Foster Learning for all ages, making disciples and growing in faith

Enhance Facilities for supporting growth Strengthen the Organization by evaluating and strengthening the infrastructure

The Open Door Has Great Daily Special During December...

The Open Door Celebration! Campus

Hours Monday - Friday 8:00 am - noon

Sundays - 9:30 -11:00 am

A PUBLICATION OF

OUR SAVIOUR’S LUTHERAN CHURCH

December 2011

Christmas Came Early by Jeanne Grevlos

A young couple walked the streets of the city in search of hope. Their backs and feet too tired to carry on, but a bitter, blustery day forbade them from resting. Their pockets were as empty as their stomachs. Like a few remaining flowers begging for sun on an overcast day, the woman’s body ached as it pleaded for extra nutrients to support her unborn child. It was late in the afternoon. I was ready to go home, don a warm sweatshirt and thick socks, even a blanket that had been stored since last winter. While ending a phone conversation--the shadow of two figures peeked in my door and quickly exited. They didn’t want to interrupt. Finding their way back they asked, “Can you help us? We’ve been to a few different churches but no one will help us. It’s against their policy. So now we’re trying here.” When I asked what they were looking for they answered money for a train ticket. They needed to get to Arlington Heights. “We came out here for shelter but we didn’t have the proper identification, so we slept on the street last night. We can’t do that again, it’s too cold. I have a friend from high school that will put us up in her apartment if we can get there; she doesn’t have a car.” I stood looking into their young faces. They were underdressed and gaunt, he periodically shook with some sort of palsy, and she was pregnant. Four and a half months pregnant. This little family could find no inn, no room; no hospitality in a strange city. They didn’t have suitable legal papers. They were true outsiders, forced to sleep with only the stars as cover. I have heard it said compassion can weigh heavy on a person. I entered the depth of those words. I couldn’t imagine them thinking a church wouldn’t help them, that I wouldn’t help them. Being the only person in the building, some might say I didn’t play it safe. I knew I had to get them to the train station with money for tickets and a hot meal.

Observations From the Deck

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by Pastor Tom Grevlos CONSPIRACY… “the plan agreed on in a plot…the group taking part in such a plan…a combining or working together “ (Webster’s Dictionary) HOPE.… “a feeling that what is wanted will happen and desire accompanied by expectation…” (Webster’s Dictionary) ADVENT CONSPIRACY…a conspiracy of hope! This is our focus for the Advent and Christmas season. Perhaps a ‘conspiracy of hope’ sounds strange and oft-putting when describing the intent of this holy season. But, when one reflects on the meaning of ‘conspiracy’ as a plan or plot by God to usher in the greatest gift of Hope, the gift of Emmanuel “God with us,” we are enlivened by this Good News! Every year during this most holy of seasons, we face all the conspiring of our

consuming Christmas culture that threaten to diminish the real hope that God’s plan and plot brings to our world. The question for our time and for all time is: “Can Christmas Still Change the World?” I believe it can and I believe it does! I believe the way it changes lives is through God’s plan and plot of entering the story and discovering hope…the birth of Jesus, Savior of the world. Advent Change and Advent Hope will be our thematic thread in our worship services, our messages our studies, our prayers, and in all that we are a part of at Our Saviour’s. To consistently use such language and threatens to reduce ‘conspiracy of hope’ to a slogan or platitude. Regardless, the power of the Holy Spirit transcends all are attempts at reductionism, and the story of Hope born in Bethlehem is as fresh and new and life-changing as ever! Hope, the gift of Christmas God, is eager to give. It is also a state of being we are anxious to experience. But our hope is not a magic wand where we sit on our hands and do nothing to find it. The practices or disciplines of our faith are there to open up the door to receive the Christmas package in one’s hands. Therefore, in our worship and learning, capturing the anticipation and expectation detailed in Scripture, will challenge us to be active in God’s conspiracy of Hope. We will reflect on the Advent Conspiracy themes; to worship fully, spend differently, give more, and love all. As a way to demonstrate hope we are inviting this faith community to conspire to simplify and focus on the story of Jesus’ birth and what it means for your life and the world. In worship and church school we will be collecting “loose change” for giving hope to the lives of hungry and starving children in our world. Our change brings about change, demonstrating a living hope! I am excited to experience the Advent/Christmas Season of Hope in a new way. I am committed to being more intentional about my devotional and prayer life, looking for the presence of God in unexpected places, more thoughtful about what kind of gifts I give, and focused on living and responding to others in a hope-full manner. I look forward to our journey to Bethlehem and I pray that you will join me as we conspire with God and Jesus to be people of HOPE. In closing I share this wonderful and simple prayer of Thomas Merton, one of the most insightful and wise spiritual leaders of our time. May it be your guiding prayer every day in this holy season of Advent and Christmas: “God of hope, without you there is only despair, the void. You are the God of promise, of miracles, of possibility. You are the reason we can hope for life eternal, life with you. Your gift is hope, and we ask that you grace us with the desire to hope only in you, for now and forever. We ask this through your son, Christ our Lord. Amen. See you in worship! With Joy and Thanksgiving, Pastor Tom

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Care and Support

Things You Can Do submitted by Dawn DeBoer A few strategies to reduce or help manage stress in tough economic times during the holidays. Channel anxiety and stress in healthy ways. Take time out for yourself. Read a light hearted

book. Practice deep breathing for 5 minutes each day. Try progressive relaxation techniques or learn to meditate. Take a walk and notice the beauty of nature. If you have a pet, play with your pet. All of these activities can help to lower our stress levels.

Take care of yourself physically. Get a good amount of sleep. Eat healthy foods. Being physically active, even if it’s just a walk around the block can reduce our stress levels.

Express gratitude. Think of things that make you happy and write them down every day. There are always things we can be grateful for. Positive thinking helps maintain a good attitude and allows us to recognize opportunities.

Keep friends, family and loved ones close. Relationships are important and help keep us connected and grounded. Spending time with friends reminds us that we are a good person to be around and that we’re not alone. You can talk with them about stressors and brainstorm solutions.

Find inexpensive ways to spend time with people that are important to you. Take a family walk or bike ride together. Get a movie or exercise video from the library. Cook a healthy meal together. Play a board game or a card game together. Play in the snow or build a snowman in the winter. Take advantage of outings or activities your church may offer for families and friends.

Specifically For the Holidays: Start a new family tradition. Volunteer as a family or as a group of friends at a soup kitchen or at a

homeless shelter. Write letters to veterans. Go caroling in your neighborhood as a group. See if your local animal shelter needs volunteers over the holidays.

Come up with inexpensive gift ideas. Instead of buying gifts for people write them a personal note to tell them how important they are to you and what you appreciate about them. Make them a personalized card to wish them happy holidays. Pick a date and spend a few hours or a day with them, doing inexpensive things together. Exchange IOU’s for doing laundry or chores, cooking a meal, or cleaning up after meals, back or neck rubs, running errands. These are inexpensive but valued services.

Reach out for support. Give yourself permission to get support for yourself and/or family members if situations begin to feel out of control.

Bereavement We express our sympathy and lift up in love and care prayers for: Wilma Roose and family on the death of her brother, John T. Brown. Lou Kueltzo and family at the death of his mom, Irene; The Wallenburg family at the death of John. Nancy Hanson and family at the death of her sister, Alice Pursell. Alice and Bob Sliwa and family at the death of Alice’s mother, Betty Bartz. Tom and Merna Williams on the death of Tom's brother-in-law, Gene Hummels. Nicole and Greg Waite and family on the death of Nicole's mother, Gingie Noe. Pat McDonnell and children on the death of wife and mother, Laura.

Births We celebrate new life and pray for God’s blessings and love for: Jen and Tom DuFore and grandparents are Sue and Scott Moninger, at the birth of son and grandson,

Matthew Thomas. . Wilma Roose and family on the birth of great - granddaughter, Lucy Catherine Dyson. Karen Rutherford and husband, Vicente Gonzalez-Costa and grandmother, Barbara Rutherford, on the birth

of daughter and granddaughter, Noelia Valentina.

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Updates and Financial Notes

Update from the Call Team for

Pastor of Foster Learning… By Pastor Tom Grevlos The Pastoral Call Team: Jeff Cordes (chair), Jennifer Schuler, Cheri Turnquist, Tom Schneider (Council rep), Brett Lindberg, Janelle Camp, Brad Evans, Sara Gmitro, Lynda DeVore, and Pastor Tom Progress is being made in identifying a potential

candidate Profiles have been submitted and Interviews have

been going on Hoped-for start date of a new associate pastor…

First Quarter of 2012.

Winter Walking

Ice, cold, or darkness interfering with your exercise plans? Starting November 1, Celebration! gym will be open for walking from 8:00 -8:45 am Monday through Friday. There's no sign up, no planning ahead . . . Just come!

Tax Tips and Tools - 2011

The IRS has given us two tax tools that can greatly benefit us this year. They are also a great opportunity for our members to benefit Our Saviour’s. The first is the opportunity for giving gifts of appreciated stock. Gifts of stock held for at least one year and which have increased in value since they were purchased will generate extra tax benefits. When used as a donation, these stock gifts provide a full value charitable deduction and eliminate capital gains tax. Also, the Qualified Charitable Deduction (QCD) provisions have been renewed for 2011. Taxpayers age 70 ½ or over are able to exclude distributions of up to $100,000 from income if the funds are paid directly from their IRA to a qualified charity. The excluded amount may be used to satisfy any required minimum distribution (RMD) that the taxpayer must otherwise receive from their IRA for 2011. For more information or to begin one of these gifting processes, please contact Barb Rutherford at barbararutherford@oursaviours.com or 630-281-4228.

2011 Contribution Deadline Set The end of our calendar year is fast approaching. For

gifts to be included in 2011, contributions need to be

dated and either postmarked or received at the church

no later than December 31. This deadline applies to

all sources of giving including cash, stock transfers

and Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCD) from

IRAs. If you have questions regarding your giving

activity, please contact Jennifer Sevatson at

630-281-4234 or jennifersevaston@oursaviours.com.

Monthly Connections Articles Articles and pictures always welcome! Please send all articles to Jean Jepson at jeanjepson@oursaviours.com. The deadline dates for the next three months are as follows: Articles for January are due on December 8. Articles for February are due on January 12. Articles for March are due on February 9.

A Special Thank You! The Tomaskovics thank the teens and mens ministries for the much appreciated help they gave us. Bless you all.

Conspiring To Recapture the Meaning of Christmas

Advent begins Thanksgiving weekend. We invite you to join us as we conspire to recapture the meaning of Christmas. The story of Christ's birth is a story of promise, hope, and a revolutionary love. So, what happened? What was once a time to celebrate the birth of a savior has somehow turned into a season of stress, traffic jams, and shopping lists. And when it's all over, many of us are left with presents to return, looming debt that will take months to pay off, and this empty feeling of missed purpose. Is this what we really want out of Christmas? What if Christmas became a world-changing event again? Worship Fully It starts with Jesus. It ends with Jesus. This is the holistic approach God had in mind for Christmas. It’s a season where we are called to put down our burdens and lift a song up to our God. It’s a season where love wins, peace reigns, and a king is celebrated with each breath. It’s the party of the year. Entering the story of advent means entering this season with an overwhelming passion to worship Jesus to the fullest. Spend Differently Before you think we’re getting all Scrooge on you, let us explain what we mean. We like gifts. Our kids really like gifts. But consider this: America spends an average of $450 billion a year every Christmas. How often have you spent money on Christmas presents for no other reason than obligation? How many times have you received a gift out of that same obligation? Thanks, but no thanks, right? We’re asking people to consider buying ONE LESS GIFT this Christmas. Just one. Sounds insignificant, yet many who have taken this small sacrifice have experienced something nothing less than a miracle: They have been more available to celebrate Christ during the advent season. Give More God’s gift to us was a relationship built on love. So it’s no wonder why we’re drawn to the idea that Christmas should be a time to love our friends and family in the most memorable ways possible. Time is the real gift Christmas offers us, and no matter how hard we look, it can’t be found at the mall. Time to make a gift that turns into the next family heirloom. Time to write mom a letter. Time to take the kids sledding. Time to bake really good cookies and sing really bad Christmas carols. Time to make love visible through relational giving. Sounds a lot better than getting a sweater two sizes too big, right? Need a few ideas? Love All When Jesus loved, He loved in ways never imagined. Though rich, he became poor to love the poor, the forgotten, the overlooked and the sick. He played to the margins. By spending less at Christmas, we have the opportunity to join Him in giving resources to those who need help the most. When Advent Conspiracy first began, four churches challenged this simple concept to its congregations. The result raised more than a half million dollars to aid those in need. One less gift. One unbelievable present in the name of Christ.

Peder Eide Christmas Concert December 17, 2011 at Celebration! Campus Doors Open: 6:30 pm Concert Starts: 7:00pm

Ticket Price Adult Ticket(18+) $12.00 Child Ticket (4 - 17) $8.00 Children under 4 are FREE. Tickets can purchased on atwww.oursaviours.com or if you have any questions contact us at 630-355-2522.

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December

Worship Fully... “It’s A Wonderful Christmas” Christmas Cantata Sunday, December 4, 4:00 and 6:00 pm Main Campus Blue Christmas Sunday, December 18, 4:00 pm, Main Campus

Peder Eide Christmas Concert Saturday, December 17, 7:00 pm Celebration! Campus Worship Featuring Peder Eide Sunday, December 18, 10:00am Celebration! Campus Christmas Eve Worship Saturday, December 24 Main Campus 2:00, 3:30, 5:30, 8:00, 9:30 and 11:00 pm Celebration! Campus 4:30 pm Christmas Day Sunday, December 25, 11:00 am - Main Campus New Year’s Eve Service Saturday, December 31, 5:00 pm - Main Campus New Year’s Day Services Sunday, January 1 Main Campus - 9:00 and 10:30 am Celebration! Campus - 10:00 am

Spend Differently, Give More… Bethel New Life Gift Collection Through December 8. “Change for Change” Collection For Feed My Starving Children Mobilepack Event Through December 25 Behind the Christmas Scenes Christmas Store Set up for Bethel New Life Wednesday, December 14 Work at the Bethel New Life Christmas Store Saturday, December 17

Love All... No church school on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day. Church School resumes January 8, 2012. Surge Lock In December 2 Pre-registration required. No Surge or Ignition on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day. Surge and Ignition resumes January 8, 2012.

Women’s Retreat January 28 - 29 Indian Lakes Resort

Women’s Night Out: Thursday Night Wellspring Thursdays, December 1, 8, 15 - 7:30 pm Adult Learning Center, Celebration! Campus Men’s Breakfast Saturday, December 10 7:30 am - Nelson Fellowship Center, Main Campus

Young Adults Christmas Toy Sort for Bethel Saturday, December 10 - 2:00 - 4:00 pm Main Campus The First Christmas Visiting the Nativity Sundays, December 4, 11, 18, 9:00 and 10:30 am Main Campus Tuesday Morning Bible Study Tuesdays, December 6, 13 - 9:30 am Main Campus Advent Lunch for Seniors Monday, December 5 Noon - Nelson Fellowship Center, Main Campus

Save The Date… Daddy – Daughter Dance “Masquerade Ball” Saturday, January 21 Celebration! Campus Feed My Starving Children Mobilepack Event February, 17–19 Celebration! Campus

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Children

Stepping Stones Course by Janine Norgaard Stepping Stones Courses are designed to help parents and children Talk, Connect, and Grow in their faith life. Stepping Stone classes:

help parents live out their baptismal promises

encourages faith conversations within the family

reinforces the connection between faith and life

encourages families to grow their faith together 3rd graders recently completed the Bible Stepping Stone class. The kids learned how to navigate the Bible and find some of their favorite Bible stories. Everyone is encouraged to bring their Bible to church each week and dig into God’s Word together. A special thanks goes to Gayle Nelson who taught with enthusiasm and passion!

Reformation Sunday Reformation Sunday gave the kids in The Village Church School a chance to find out about Martin Luther. By learning about the symbolism in Luther’s Seal the children learned that God loves us completely because of what Jesus has done for us. One little one asked, “Won’t God love me more if I am good?” Her wise teacher said, “No, God loves you 100% right now. We don’t have to measure up to be loved by God.” It’s the same lesson Martin Luther learned and shared with people 500 years ago!

Our youngest children in The Village made “I Am Thankful” placemats – identifying those things for which they are thankful. These placemats were used for the Senior Luncheon in early November.

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The Children’s Center

Updates From The Children’s Center by Kelly Gilligan It’s been a great start to the school year at The Children’s Center. We have been in school now for two months and friendships are forming as much learning and fun is taking place. We started September with a unit on TREES and the changing seasons. October brought a ZOO theme as the halls were transformed with animals and pumpkins. Our Halloween costume parade was fun on the last week in October. Many animals, princesses and super heroes arrived ready to enjoy classroom parties and parades. November brought the theme of Thanksgiving and FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT. What a peaceful month of learning to enjoy all that God wants us to be to others. At Thanksgiving we reflected on how thankful we are for the families and children that we serve here at The Children’s Center. December promises to be a busy month as we begin the month with “Cup of Christmas Juice” on December 1 and 2. This is a time for families to join us in the classroom for Christmas music and crafting and the sharing of Christmas cookies and juice. Also, we will have our “Soup Can Christmas Pageant” on Monday, December 12 in the Celebration gymnasium. What a beautiful time of year, as we journey back to Bethlehem and witness the joy surrounding the coming of our newborn King! Also in December we will begin our Preschool Registration for the 2012-2013 school year. Can you believe it’s that time already?? Current families of The Children’s Center and Our Saviour’s members can register at “Preferred Registration” held on Monday, December 5, at The Open Door at Celebration! beginning at 12:00 noon. “Community Registration” will take place on Saturday, January 5, at 10:00 am, also at The Open Door. Tours can be scheduled by calling Kelly Gilligan at 630 -281-4300. Come visit and see what we are all about!!

Why Friendship Matters…

and It Starts at The Children's Center over at Celebration! by Sharon Koplinski In the October 2011 issue of Work and Family Life, Eileen Kennedy-Moore points out the crucial role of friends in a child's growth and development. Friendships are not only a source of fun, they help children grow in meaningful ways. They create a sense of belonging through shared interests: 'my friends and I like this kind of music'... or' we play soccer'. Friendships can provide acceptance and help children feel good about themselves: ' Michelle is my friend and she wants to play with me.' Having friends also makes it easier for children to tolerate stress, rebuffs, or aggravation. Friendship encourages children to go beyond their own self-interest. Caring about a friend, or just wanting to play with that friend, can temper selfish urges and open the way for negotiation, compromise, and even generosity; all things our world needs right now.

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Adults and Local Missions

Hugs, Healing and Hope by Dawn Duffy When I hear the words rest, remember and renew, I immediately feel my spirit responding. Rest… is someone actually inviting me to take a moment out of the busyness of my life to pause and be still? Remember… I barely remember what it is like to feel fully connected to me and my friends let alone to God. Renew… wouldn’t it be fabulous to treat myself to a weekend of fellowship with my church sisters, to take time to reconnect with my deeper self and with the Holy Spirit who dwells within me? If this reflection speaks to you come to The Women’s Retreat, January 28-29 at the beautiful Indian Lakes Resort. Our theme this year is “Hugs, Healing and Hope”. We will follow a similar format to last year’s retreat, allowing time for group centered scripture and learning, small group discussions, exciting and unique breakout sessions, generous mission work and personal time for renewal. Our evening will end on Saturday with the return of Deb DeSandro, back by popular demand with new material tailored specifically to our theme!

Take time from your busy life to laugh with your gal pals, to learn about healing on a deep and spiritual level and to have a respite from your everyday responsibilities.

Refugees: Finding Jobs for Refugees by Anne Wentz Ben and Tina arrived in the United States in September 2009 after spending 19 years in a refugee camp in Nepal. In their twenties, this young couple was excited to be here and looked forward to establishing their family in their apartment in Wheaton. Ben and Tina came to the United States through a resettlement organization, World Relief, that has an office in Wheaton. World Relief proves many kinds of resettlement services, including education services, counseling and employment services. World Relief’s goal is to have refugees in a job within three months of arrival in the United States. But the fall of 2009 was a very tough time for getting jobs, and Ben was not able to find a job despite his own efforts and those of World Relief. Finally, after four months, Ben secured a job at a meat packing plant. The conditions were cold and the job physically demanding, but Ben was glad to have a job. Six months later, Ben found another job as a machine operator at a packaging company. He has been there over a year now. Several hundred refugees arrive in the DuPage/Aurora area every year. Most of them need jobs. Refugees are highly motivated to work hard; they are immediately available; and they are legally able to work here. World Relief provides pre-screening, FREE candidate referrals, administrative support with new-hire paperwork and work orientation for new hires. Here is quote from Phoenix Closures who hired several refugees: “Our overall evaluation of the services and these employees is OUTSTANDING! Our retention rate is probably three times better than the average U.S. citizen worker, and one hire has even advanced to become the Plant Manager at our Tennessee site.” If you or your company would like to find out more about hiring refugees, contact Anne Wentz, annecwentz@wideopenwest.com, 930-961-3961.

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Local Missions

Reflections From the Celebration! Clinic by Cheryl Hayes, One of the Celebration! Clinic Coordinators It’s a simple enough request: “keep my commands”. Yet, how often do we find ourselves thinking that we don’t measure up to what God asks of us? In John 14, Jesus promises us the Holy Spirit, the Advocate to help you and be with you forever – the Spirit of Truth. On Saturday, November 5, 400 people of all ages came together to work side by side to answer the call of service. To respond to the call of Advocate (whether your Advocate role was to serve lunch, cut hair, take photographs, empty the garbage, assemble the winter coats or wash the chicken soup pot etc.) making a connection was the key. My spirit was moved by 20 young people from a local high school who attended with their Spanish teacher to serve as Advocates at a church they did not call home. By Dr. Tom Piazza DDS and staff

offer more than a screening. He provided cleanings and x-rays to those who came to them.

By Karen Randolph, an teacher who rallied 3 schools to drive. By neighbors and friends who volunteered just because they were invited

and had no idea what to expect but, were moved by the spirit of service. I am reminded of the Sanskrit word (Namaste) that is loosely translated like this: I honor the place in you which is...Love, Truth, Light, and... Peace. When you are in that place in you...And I am in that place in me, We are...ONE!

527 guests were able to connect with the Advocate; the Spirit. Breaking down the barriers that separate us, be it language, race, denomination or, social status. “When I am with my Father and you are in me and I am in you.” Once we understand that we are all connected; the choice to sit silent is removed. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you. I honor that place in you; the Spirit of Truth.

Daddy-Daughter Dance

Saturday, January 21, 2012

6:00 – 8:00 pm Celebration! Campus

Tickets:

$25/couple And $5 for each additional

daughter

Tickets will be on sale during worship hours on

December 18, January 8 and 15.

The Open Door sales will

beginning January 9.

Proceed will benefit Vida Human, and Feed My

Starving Children.

Contact Cindy Dumbell with any questions at cindy@lifemoxie.com

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Global Missions

God Hits a Homerun in Europe! by Pastor Mark Borgetti Last summer high-school students and college students from around the world gathered in Europe for the “The Slovakia Mission Leadership Camp.” We were swinging for the fence on this trip. A “mission homerun” would be if the mission hearts and leadership gifts of young Americans and Slovak students increase their capacity to lead and love others. The world needs the next generation of young Christ followers to live out their faith in the mission field of the under-resourced around the world. Students from Nitra, Martin, and Naperville participated. God hit a homerun in Europe! In downtown Martin Slovakia is an orphanage, where dozens of mentally under-resourced children live. As a result of our leadership camp’s visit to the orphanage, the Slovak students have claimed this as their mission field choosing to visit the orphanage once a week. The following is the letter I received from my fellow Slovak camp leader Tomas. Dear friends and Mission Leadership Partners.

I want to share with you the great news that the seeds you have helped us to plant this summer are growing. You surely remember that while spending two wonderful days at the orphanage in Martin, I repeatedly emphasized that it would be wonderful if our visit was not just a one-time occasion, but that it would eventually grow into a steady and continuous service to the children. My hope has now become reality.

After a time of feedback with the Martin team we reached the conclusion that it is a “must” to do a follow-

up after our two wonderful summer days at the orphanage. We stated a condition that if this service is to be beneficial for the kids, it needs to be done on a regular basis, i.e. weekly. This way we can start building deeper relationships with the needy children.

I made a few initial visits with the leadership of the orphanage, we as a team discussed our possibilities, and the result is, in pastor Mark´s words, a HOMERUN! While we were hoping to find at least four of our youth who would be ready to visit the orphanage, we now have eight who are already doing it. Our nine (eight youth plus me) member team always visits once a week for an hour and a half, playing and socializing with the children.”

Sincerely, Tomáš Gulán

Thank you church! Our missions impact is possible ONLY because of what God does through you and the support you give globally and locally!

From Slovakia... Dear friends and partners in Christ I hope this finds you well, enjoying the beautiful autumn weather just as we do here in Martin! As we move closer to Thanksgiving, we in the Center for Christian Education, take a moment to think of the many great things God has graciously provided over the last few years for us. We are thankful not only for what we have been already given but also for the new opportunities that lay ahead of us. As there is so much we have been blessed with, we are filled with hope and enthusiasm to reach further goals and make more of our dreams come true. With eager yet humble hearts, please let us share with you the significant milestones of our recent work. On the occasion of Thanksgiving we have created a letter which reflects these important moments that left us speechless over how unpredictable yet perfect God´s ways are. We would like to ask you to share this letter with your friends in or outside your congregations, as there are many of those who took an important part in what has been done here in the CCE. Thank you for your faithful friendship and support! In Christ, Sisa and the grateful CCE staff

Pictured are Garret Panno, Pastor Mark, and an orphanage resident