“Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him” –Psalm 37:7a.

How good are you at waiting? Are you patient, or justthe opposite? Can you feel steam rolling out your earswhen what you anticipated, what you expected, doesnot come or move fast enough? I imagine you wouldagree that some things are certainly worth waiting for,right? And when they are, we are determined to waitfor their arrival.

Here is a moving true story about patience in waiting…

Each year on April 8th at a solemn service in Tokyo’sShibuya railroad station, hundreds of dog lovers payrespect to the loyalty and devotion of a dog namedHachiko (Hak-hee-ko), the faithful pet of a formerprofessor at Tokyo University. Back in 1923, at theage of two months, this special dog was sent to thehome of the professor who happened to commute towork by train, daily.

Heartbreak struck on May 21, 1925, when theprofessor did not return home on the train because hehad suffered a stroke and died at the university.Hachiko was eighteen months old. The next day andfor the next nine years, Hachiko returned to the stationand waited for his beloved master before walkinghome, alone. Nothing and no one could discourageHachiko from maintaining his nightly vigil. Hachikowas sent to homes of relatives or friends, but he alwayscontinued to await his master, who was never to returnat the train station. It was not until he followed hismaster in death, in March l934, that Hachiko failed toappear in his place at the railroad station. A statue ofthe patient dog sits at that railroad station to this day.*

That true story is an example of more than patience,but also anticipation, faith, determination, loyalty,love, hope and so much more. The folks in the OldTestament waited patiently for the Saviour to come.When He arrived at Christmas, some did not believe itwas Him, they are still waiting for His first arrival. Weare now waiting for His second arrival when He

comes on the day ofthe resurrection.

But right now weare waiting tocelebrate theanniversary of thatfirst arrival of theSaviour. Are webeing patient? Aswe seem to bereminded everyyear (and we needthat reminding), it’snot about thepackages, the list,the parties,navigating thecrowded calendar.It’s about theanticipation and joyof knowing ourGod has come

down here for us. The dog in our story may be muchlike those who waited their whole lives for the Masterto come. The pre-Christmas saints knew much where“His train” would come into the station… Bethlehem,and they knew He would be born of a virgin. Thedetails of that night were left to their imagination.

We know those details and thinking of them, as wellas retelling them to our children, builds patientanticipation, faith, determination, loyalty, love, hope

Our Saviour Lutheran Church • Green Bay, Wisconsin

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Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod (Vol. 12, Issue 12) December 2009

Waiting PatientlyPastor Dave Hatch

Continued on page 2

and so much more.

How about this suggestion for a pre-Christmas gift opening event at yourhouse: Designate someone in thefamily to pray and another to readthe Christmas account from Luke[Luke 2: 1-20]. That will buildpatience around the Christmas tree!Consider having them go around theroom and share of their mostprecious Christmas memories?Some things are certainly worthwaiting for, right? It keeps our focuson the Master’s arrival, and that isfront and center on the platform.

What else are you waiting for…avacation, a healing from your illness,victory over some hardship?Something else? Consider not onlypraying for an answer to thatrequest, but praying for patience asyou wait.

God bless your Christmas, it will behere so very soon!

*http://animals.howstuffworks.com/pets/dog-best-friend1.htm

Vol. 12, No. 12, December 2009 TheVoice (permit No. 59) is publishedmonthly by Our Saviour LutheranChurch. All rights reserved. Noportion of this publication may bereproduced without permission.

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Our Saviour Lutheran Church

Lutheran Church

Missouri Synod

120 S. Henry Street

Green Bay, WI 54302

(920) 468-4065

Senior Pastor David H. Hatch(920) 465-8118dave@oslc-gb.org

Associate Pastor Greg Hovland(920) 544-3614greg@oslc-gb.org

Church Office Michelle Burhite(920) 468-4065info@oslc-gb.org

Preschool Director Christina Scholz(920) 468-4065christina@oslc-gb.org

Our Saviour Web www.oslc-gb.org

November:Wed 25th Thanksgiv. Eve 7:00pmThur 26th Thanksgiv Day 9:00am

December:Thur 3rd Advent #1 12:15pm

7:00pmThur 10th Advent #2 12:15pm

7:00pmSun 13th Sunday School 10:45am

PagentThur 17th Advent #3 12:15pmThur 17th Live Nativity 5:30pm

6:00pm6:30pm7:00pm

Thur 17th Soup Supper 5:00pm -7:00pm

Mon 21st Trinity School 6:30pmProgram

Thur 24th Christmas Eve 3:30 pmPraise

Thur 24th Christmas Eve 5:30pmTraditional 7:30pm

Fri 25th Christmas Day 10:00amService

Thur 31st New Year’s 6:00pmEve Service

Sunday services times are:7:45am Traditional9:15am Praise10:45am Traditional (except

December 13)

Sunday Schoolmeets and theNursery is openduring the 9:15amservice (exceptNovember 29 andDecember 27).

Holiday EventCalendar

Pastor DaveContinued frompage 1

BaptismsElijah Gerald DampBorn: September 1, 2009Baptized: October 18, 2009Son of Kenneth and Jennifer Damp

James Robert ChoitzBorn: June 22, 1998Baptized: November 1, 2009

Mary Ruth Von HoutenBorn: January 2, 1962Baptized: November 1, 2009

WeddingsNone

Received their CrownNone

Membership ChangesIN: Nathan and Christina

Scholz and children, Graceand Bailey, transfer fromPilgrim Lutheran, Green Bay,WI (LCMS)

Colsen Wilbur, minor son ofKristen Wilbur, Transfer fromSt. John’s Lutheran, LittleSuamico, WI (ELCA)

OfficialActs

My daughter, Cathy, worked for a bank in Staples,Minnesota for over 20 years. She had risen to juniorvice-president. One morning in May 2008, the FDICwalked into the bank and closed it down – because ofillegal transactions that the owners had done. Thebank was for sale. Another bank in North Dakotapurchased it in June 2008 and fired a number ofemployees – Cathy included. Unbelievably, theyassembled a number of bank employees, told themshe was being fired due to “circumstances” and wasto “pack up and get out”. She did as she was told. (Iwon’t get into the range of emotions we experiencedbut I’m sure you understand.)

Next, they refused unemployment. Remember, thiswas at the beginning of our current Depression. Wehad taught both girls, Jeanne and Cathy, to be goodChristians and I knew she was honest and truthful andinnocent. We prayed something good would happen.She hired a lawyer but the State of Minnesota sidedwith the new employer. No unemployment. Sheapplied everywhere – no luck. Nothing.

Finally, she was forced to take a job at Wal-Mart in atown seventeen miles from home. The pay? Eightdollars an hour, no benefits. Work hours never thesame – one day 8am to 3pm; next day 4-10; next daynoon until 6pm. Hard work standing on her 57-year-old feet all day cashiering and packing bags. Wecontinued to pray. We asked God for an answer.

Why had this happened when we knew she had donenothing wrong? We prayed and prayed for God to dosomething. From August to Christmas 2008 shestruggled to keep working. Depression set it but wetalked on the phone and we prayed and prayed toGod. Christmas Eve was horrible. Wal-Mart was amadhouse of last minute shoppers and, when Icalled her, she cried. She was so tired and gettingmore and more depressed. I begged the Good Lordto help her. Now – for the Miracle! We still call ither Miracle Job.

The City of Staples was hiring an office assistant andweeks before Cathy sent her resume. One day thefirst week of January she received a call asking herto come into City Hall for an interview. She went –and came home stunned! They said she was perfectfor the job. Could she start right away – like nextweek? Only 4 miles from home, pay almost double,terrific benefits and something like ten paidholidays! She called and we cried again this timewith joy! Our prayers had come true! God listened.God tested. God knew she was true and honest andshe got her Miracle Job![Often we don’t get the answers to prayer when wewant them or how we want them. In those times wesimply walk by faith knowing that somehow, someway, God will get us through His way. Some havesaid that God always answers one of threemiraculous ways, “Yes”, “No” or “Wait”.]

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Adeline Grieser

GOT NEWS? – Adeline, your RovingReporter is on the hunt for the latest scoop!Call: 468-2061, E-mail: akg12525@att.net

“There is a time for everything, and a season forevery activity under heaven.”

Where does the time go? We have so many plans, somany good intentions that we never follow-up on.The piano lessons we never got around to; theknitted sweater with no sleeves; a copy of History ofThe World gathering dust; are all things we meant todo but never seem to get time to accomplish. Moreimportantly, the children in our family who wait forattention and we’re too busy to stop and give themthe attention they deserve.

The time God gives us is ours to spend – wedetermine how to use it. As long as you are alive,your time – 24-hours, 1,440 minutes, 86,400seconds a day will be spent. It is your decision howto spend it.

Take the time to listen to your children. Play a boardgame with the kids – more productive than playingthe piano. Read a fun book before bedtime – let thehistory book gather dust. Rekindle your life! Useyour time wisely – but leave time to laugh.

A True Storyof Faith

Spending Time is an Art –Ecclesiastes 3:1

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Pastor GregSource: www.theparentlink.com

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NewSignageHave you seen the new signage at church? A memorial gifthas made those directional signs possible. Part of thesignage project includes a new plaque remembering thosewho donated the chairs that line the back wall in theNarthex, but we are missing a few names. Those we knowinclude: Jim and Nancy Jossie, Dave Johnson and MarciaHeise, Tim and Julie Richter and family, Walter and JoanJuhnke, Jim and Yvonne Zimonick, Steve and RoxanneSiekmann (in memory of John and Beverly Barnum),Sandra and Wayne Gehrke, and Judi and Gene Kuehl. Ifyou also donated for those chairs, or know someone whodid, please contact the office as soon as possible.

Annual Voters’MeetingPlease plan to attend the 2009 Annual Voters’ Meeting tobe held on Sunday, December 6 at 10:00 am. All confirmedmembers of Our Saviour are encouraged to attend. If youare not yet a voting member, you may become one at thismeeting. The two issues to be discussed at this meeting arethe Election of Officers/Board Chairs and the AnnualBudget. A copy of the proposed 2010 budget can be foundat the Welcome Center. Positions on the ballot includePresident-Elect and Secretary to the President as well asChairs for Elders, Education, Youth, Fellowship andStewardship boards. The President-Elect position is a 3-yearcommitment and Stewardship is a 1-year commitment; allothers are a 2-year commitment. Anyone interested in beingon the ballot for any of these positions (Elders must be male),please call Robin Williams immediately at (920) 713-8550.

Annual Cookie SaleBake or buy…or BOTH! The Annual Cookie Bake isscheduled for Sunday, December 13. This event will beheld in the gym from 7:00am until noon…or until we runout of cookies! Please plan to bake 2-4 dozen (or more) ofyour favorite Christmas cookies, bars, etc. and bring themto Our Saviour on Saturday, December 12 between 7:00am- 11:00am. Please help us to make this year’s sale evenbetter than last year’s. Questions can be directed to ConnieHaase at 469-0264. Our success is based on your help.

WeGive ThanksA small blurb requesting an 8 HP snowblower was placedin the Announcement Sheet for two Sundays and it gaineda huge response. The task of clearing sidewalks of snowwill now be safer and easier because of the generousdonation of a new Poulan® Pro Snow Thrower. We sendout a huge Thank You from the Trustees of Our Saviour.

Peanuts Anyone?A minister was visiting an elderly lady from thecongregation. As they talked, he nibbled on a bowl ofpeanuts standing on the coffee table. They visited, henibbled. They visited and he continued to chew until hefinally realized that the bowl was empty. Embarrassed, hesaid, “I truly apologize, Martha, I just meant to nibble andhere I’ve eaten your entire bowl of peanuts.” “Oh, that’sokay,” Martha said with a toothless grin, “Ever since I lostall my teeth all I do is suck the chocolate off them anyway.”

Pearly GatesDonald appeared before the Pearly Gates. St. Peter greetedhim and said, “Before you step in, tell me one thingyou’ve done of particular merit.” “Well,” Donald sighed,“One day I came across a bunch of tough guys who werethreatening a young woman. I told them to leave heralone, but they wouldn’t listen. So I stepped up andsmacked the biggest one on the head, kicked him in theshins and punched his nose. I threw him on the groundand said, ‘Leave her alone, or you’ll answer to me.’ St.Peter was mightily impressed. “When did this happen?”Don sighed again, “About twenty seconds ago.” It sure isnice we don’t get to Heaven by our good works, no onewould arrive! Thanks, Lord, for paying the way!

Keep Your CoolIn the supermarket a man was pushing a cart containing abellowing, screaming baby. The gentleman kept repeating,“Don’t scream, Albert. Albert, don’t get excited, Albert,don’t yell. Albert, keep calm. Albert, keep cool.” A womancoming down the aisle said sympathetically, “You are to becommended for trying to sooth your grandson, Albert.”The man looked at her over his glasses and said, “Madam,I’m Albert.” Let’s pray for patience!

Which Service?One Sunday morning the pastor noticed a small boy staringat the large plaque hanging in the church foyer. Coveredwith names and small American flags it was veryimpressive. The boy had been staring at the plaque for along time, so the pastor walked up and said quietly, “GoodMorning, Alex.” “Good Morning, Pastor Dave.” repliedAlex. He pointed to the plaque “What is this?” “Well, son,it’s a memorial to all the men and women who have died inthe service.” The boy gulped, looked up at Pastor Dave andwhispered, “Which one – early service or Praise Service?”

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DECEMBER 2009

9:00am ChristmasProgramPractice,Sanctuary

6:00pm YouthMovieNight

5:00pm Fish Fry 7:00am CookieDrop Off(until 11am)

9:00am ChristmasProgramPractice,Sanctuary

12:00pmGym Rental

10:00amTrad.Worship

Christmas DayOffice Closed

11:00am Bad Girls BibleStudy

12:15pm Advent/BrownBagWorship

12:45pm Staff Meeting3:30pm Trinity B-Ball7:00pm Advent Worship7:55 pm Evangelism

12:15pm Advent/BrownBagWorship

12:45pm Staff Meeting5:00pm Soup Supper,

Fellowship Hall5:30pm Live Nativity(every ½ hour until 7pm)6:30 pm Preschool Fam.

Night

3:30pm Praise Worship5:30pm Trad.Worship7:30pm Trad.Worship

Christmas EveOffice Closed at Noon

6:00pm New Year’sEve Worship

3:30pm Youth Night5:30pm Praise Band6:00pm Confirmation6:00pm QPR-Suicide

Prevention6:00pm Bad Girls

Bible Study

3:30pm Youth Night6:00pm Praise Band6:00pm Confirmation

(Live NativityRehearsal)

Last Day of MWFPreschool

6:00pm Praise Band

8:00am Gym Rental6:00pm Praise Band

7:00am Bible Study9:00am Bible Study6:30pm Financial

Peace Unv.7:00pm Choir

Last Day of T-THPreschool

7:00am Bible Study9:00am Bible Study11:30am Trinity Early

Dismissal7:00pm Choir

7:00am Bible Study8:00am Gym Rental

7:00am Bible Study9:00am Bible Study6:30pm Financial

Peace Unv.7:00pm Choir7:00pm Church

Council

5:30pm Youth Board

6:30pm TrinityChristmasProgram,Sanctuary

6:30pm Board ofEducation

7:30pm TrinitySchoolBoard

7:45am Trad.Worship9:15am Praise Worship10:00am Annual Voter’s9:30am Adult Confirm.10:45am Trad.Worship

w/NathanWattCommissioning

2:00pm Gym Rental

7:00am Cookie Sale -Gym (until noon)

7:45am Trad.Worship9:15am Praise Worship

w/Adult Confirm.10:45am Children’s

Christmas Prog.2:00pm Gym Rental

7:45am Trad.Worship9:15am Praise Worship10:45am Trad.Worship2:00pm Gym Rental

7:45am Trad.Worship9:15am Praise Worship10:45am Trad.Worship

No Sunday SchoolNursery Closed

Communion

Communion Communion

Communion

Communion Communion

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4 611:00am Bad Girls Bible

Study12:15pm Advent/Brown

BagWorship12:45pm Staff Meeting3:30pm Trinity B-Ball7:00pm Advent Worship7:55 pm Evangelism

2 37:00am Bible Study9:00am Bible Study6:30pm Cub Scouts6:30pm Financial

Peace Univ.7:00pm Choir

3:30pm Youth Night6:00pm Praise Band6:00pm Confirmation6:00pm Bad Girls

Bible Study7:00pm P&F

Meeting

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13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 31

ChurchCalendar

Joy to the World

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Our Saviour Business DirectoryAdvertisements in the business directoryhelp Our Saviour defray the cost of printingand mailing The Voice each month.

For more information on advertising inthe business directory, please contactMichelle Burhite at (920) 468-4065 or bye-mail: info@oslc-gb.org

© 2009 Our Saviour Lutheran Church. All Rights Reserved. Layout and design compliments of Adagirl Design LLC.

January 2010 Usher ScheduleDay: Date: Service: Lead Usher Team:Sun. Jan 3rd 9:15 am D. Bitters Robin Williams; Frank Helebrant; Don Schultz;

Shelly Williams; Trey BoerschingerSun. Jan 3rd 10:45 am R. Bruhn Rich Ryman; Sue Bruhn; Richard ChristiansonThu. Jan 7th 7:00 pm HC C. Arthur Carl Zimonick; Gary Kirchman; Dick ZimonickSun. Jan 10th 7:45 am HC A. Knaus Clarence Ney; Josh VanKauwenberg;

Jerry VanKauwenbergSun. Jan 10th 9:15 am HC W. Chamberlain Randy Dyle; Roxanne Dyle; Alex Chamberlain;

Elyssa Ammerman; Kathy AmmermanSun. Jan 10th 10:45 am G. Buechner Carmen Leuthner; Lloyd Leuthner; DeVonte King;

Rich SpangenbergThu. Jan 14th 7:00 pm P. Kuehl Bill Baneck; †UN; †UNSun. Jan 17th 7:45 am J. Kielpikowski Chad Kielpikowski; †UN; †UNSun. Jan 17th 9:15 am D. Wians Lonnie Peerenboom; Todd Korth; Barb Korth;

Davis LaMarche; Dan RicherSun. Jan 17th 10:45 am M. Charles Don Larson; Karen Kiekhaefer; †UNThu. Jan 21st 7:00 pm HC J. Boettcher Don Schultz; †UN; †UNSun. Jan 24th 7:45 am HC M. Dalebroux Andrew Prescher; Al Brietlow; Barry DalebrouxSun. Jan 24th 9:15 am HC R. Vande Hei Walt Juhnke; Tiffany Duff; Brian Duff;

Chelsea Vande Hei; Rachel Vande HeiSun. Jan 24th 10:45 am R. Bruhn Rich Ryman; Sue Bruhn; Richard ChristiansonThu. Jan 28th 7:00 pm C. Arthur Carl Zimonick; Gary Kirchman; Dick ZimonickSun. Jan 31st 7:45 am M. Morgan Vernon Siech; Gloria Morgan; Ralph HoerchlerSun. Jan 31st 9:15 am D. Bitters Robin Williams; Frank Helebrant; Don Schultz;

Shelly Williams; Trey BoerschingerSun. Jan 31st 10:45 am G. Buechner Carmen Leuthner; Lloyd Leuthner; DeVonte King;

Rich Spangenberg†UN = Usher Needed If you’d like to volunteer as an usher, please contact the lead usher of the group you’d like to join,or contact Rich Spangenberg at (920) 983-9821 or email spangenr@uwgb.edu

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e·van·gel·ism (ĭ-vān'jə-lĭz'əm) n. Zealous preachingand dissemination of the gospel, as through missionarywork (dictionary.com).

As Christmas draws near, evangelism efforts increasebecause we have such a great message to bring to theworld…the Christ-child was born for everyone! TheOSLC Evangelism committee asks for your help tobring this Christmas message to local nursing homeresidents and underprivileged area teens.

Want to help bring a smile to a Bornemann NursingHome resident? The list of names and suggested giftscan be found on the Narthex counter. Write yourname next to the gift item(s) you will purchase for theresident(s). These gifts should be WRAPPED. Pleasealso affix a gift tag (the ‘from’can be noted or leftblank/anonymous).

Want to encourage a teen?A list of possible giftitems can be found in the Narthex. Please write yourname next to the type of gift you intend to purchase.Items should be brought to the church UNWRAPPED.

Items purchased for both of the Evangelism effortsshould be returned to the designated area of the coatroom no later than Sunday, December 13.

LiveNativity ReturnsA holiday tradition, the Live Nativity, is back foranother year. Several years ago, Christmas Nativityfigurines were stolen from the outdoor display at OurSaviour Lutheran Church. Following the theft,members of Our Saviour turned their disappointmentinto a creative outreach. They replaced the missingfigurines with live characters acting as shepherds,wisemen, baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Live animalswill join us as church members present the LiveNativity again this year. There will be fourpresentations, with narration and song, taking placeon Thursday, December 17th at 5:30, 6:00, 6:30 and7:00pm. The public is welcome. A soup supper willbe served in the Fellowship Hall from 5:00-7:00pm.

HolidayEvangelism Efforts

Annual Voters’Meeting isDecember 6thThe annual voters’ meeting starts at 10:00amon Sunday December 6th. A preliminarymeeting agenda and the proposed 2010 budgetis available from the ushers after services andwill be posted on the bulletin board acrossfrom the church office. You will also be ableto review on line at www.oslc-gb.org.

Below is a snapshot of the proposed 2010budget compared to the budget for 2009:Chairs for the following boards:

Voters will also be asked to elect candidates tofill the following positions: President-Elect,Secretary to the President and chairs for thefollowing boards: Education, Elders, Fellowship,Stewardship and Youth.

Receipts

Unified BudgetReceipts

Rental IncomeFundraisersPreschoolTotal Receipts

Operating ExpensesWages & Benefits

- ChurchSalaries - PreschoolEducationTrusteesAdministrationWorship / MusicFellowshipStewardshipAltar GuildYouth ProgramsEvangelismMissionsMortgage PaymentsTo Reserves

Total BudgetedExpenses

2010ProposedBudget

$555,388$44,737$46,200$36,841

$683,166

$221,835$31,570$15,125

$108,540$17,900

$4,391$19,500

$1,165$650

$5,650$2,589

$66,993$155,321

$31,937

$683,166

2009AnnualBudget

$548,380$36,947$39,400$48,275

$673,002

$215,107$43,750$17,340

$115,840$16,110$4,335

$13,700$1,150

$450$2,550$2,550

$60,839$155,321

$23,960

$673,002

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Non-Profit OrganizationU.S. Postage Paid

Permit #59Green Bay, WI

Our Saviour Lutheran Church120 S. Henry St.Green Bay, WI 54302(920) 468-4065

Back Row: Pastor David Hatch, Blake Rutherford,Andrew Lee, Brandon Guns, Kody Van Sistine, TylerChamberlain, Pastor Greg Hovland

Middle Row: Emily Lee, Mariah McDaniel, MalloryBiebel, Ryan Vlies, Michael Hoffman

Front Row: Lauren Sipple, Amber Peters, SylviaKirchman, Nickolas Treadway, Jacob Guenther

Orders for Red or White poinsettiaplants are being taken untilSunday, December 13. The costper plant is $10.

If you wish to order a plant, please sign upin the Narthex; write in your name and the ‘in

memory of’ section, too.

Envelopes for your donation can beplaced in an envelope located by

the sign up sheets. Please makesure to indicate your name andenvelope number on the

envelope. Any questions, pleasecall the office at 468-4065.

Confirmation Brighten Up Churchfor theHolidays