Our Savior Lutheran Church
745 Front Street South
Issaquah, WA 98027-4206

Tel: (425) 392-4169
Fax: (425) 392-2946
E-mail: office@oslcissaquah.org

Our Savior Lutheran PreSchool: 425.392.1201,
e-mail: preschool1201@hotmail.com
Click here to visit the Preschool Web Page

Lutheran Counseling Network: (425) 455-2960






OSLC Day Camp and OSLC Junior Day Camp:
During the week of August 3-7, youth going into first through sixth grade can take part in camp each day. From 9:00 am - 3:30 pm, there will be crafts, games, music, field trips, Bible study and more. The cost is only $50/camper for the week if you sign up by July 1 and $55 thereafter.

In addition to holding a day camp for our older youth, we are offering a junior session for children ages 3, 4 and 5. Based on the same theme as the older kids will experience, Junior Day Camp is specially tailored to our little ones. Camp will take place from 9:00 - 11:30 am, August 3-7. The cost is only $25 if you sign-up by July 1 and $30 thereafter.

To find out more information and to register for Day Camp and Junior Day Camp, please go to the OSLC Day Camp website at www.oslcdaycamp.com.

Here is the week's news and information from OSLC for June 28, 2009:

Sunday Morning Worship / Sunday School / Campfire Worship Series:
Join us for worship on Sunday, June 28th, the Fourth Sunday after Pentecost, for worship with Holy Communion at 8:30 and 11:00 am.

Childcare is available on Sunday mornings for infant through pre-school age from 8:15 am until 12:15 pm in the nursery (across the hall from the library.)

Our summer worship schedule begins on Sunday, July 5th. Worship times will be at 8:30 am and 10:00 am through Sunday, September 6th, Labor Day weekend. There will be one service at 10:00 am on Sunday, August 16, 2009, the weekend of the all-church retreat.

The readings and hymns for Sunday, June 28th are:

  • First Reading: Lamentations 3:22-33
  • Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 8:7-15
  • Gospel Reading: Mark 5:21-43
  • ELW Hymns: #733, #619, #623, #757, #773, #886


There is nothing quite like gathering around a warm campfire on a cool summer evening. From July 15 through August 19, OSLC will hold a special series of campfire worship times at Lake Sammamish State Park. Fixings for hot dogs and SMORES will be provided. Just bring yourself, something to sit on and a friend. We will gather each week on Wednesday evenings at 6:00 pm. (July 15, 22, 29; August 5, 12, 19)


Congregational Meeting and Task Force Update:
At the congregational meeting held on Sunday, June 14th, OSLC voting members approved the following motion from the church council:

Present a 2009/2010 proposed annual budget of total operating income of $490,000 (a 13% reduction in giving from the 2008/2009 projection of giving); and a total operating expense of $507,582.

This proposed budget comes with the promise that the council will appoint a task force to review and evaluate mission and ministry priorities in order to evaluate our staffing levels and resources. Findings and recommendations will be presented to the council to prepare and present to the congregation a sustainable budget no later than the November Congregational Meeting.

Over the course of the last couple of years, our congregation has attempted to answer this missional question: Who does God call us to be and what does God call us to do, in this place, at this time. This question will now be at the heart of the work that a church council appointed task force will explore over the course of the next few months. The purpose of this new task force is to study OSLC mission and ministry priorities and staffing levels and present proposals to the church council for congregational action no later than the November 2009 congregational meeting. This task force, working in partnership with the church council, will design a process that is open, prayerful, imaginative, thoughtful, transparent and fair minded. We will solicit synod support, consultation, and direction. Opportunities for staff and member input and feedback will be welcomed as together we strive to discern who God is calling us to be and how God is calling us to be in mission and ministry in this place at this time.


OSLC Family Hike, Saturday, July 11th:
Join us for a family friendly hike at Twin Falls State Park (just east of North Bend). For those just getting to know our local trails or for those looking to reconnect, this is a beautiful trail winding through an old growth forest. Kids will be charmed by the fascinating trees and nurse logs and mesmerized by the falls at the end of our hike. We meet on July 11th at 10:00 am in the church parking lot. Don't forget to pack a lunch and bring water!


Michael Kelly Blanchard in Concert, Sunday, July 19, 2009:
OSLC will host singer/songwriter Michael Kelly Blanchard on Sunday evening, July 19th. For over twenty five years Michael Kelly Blanchard has written songs (Be Ye Glad, Danny's Downs, I Love You, I Do, You Bet), prose (Unsung Heroes), and plays ("Gamaliel", Heart Guard") which connect us to the merciful heart of God. As a solo performer on guitar and piano, Michael tells stories with a tender touch to help us laugh and cry at both the human condition and the renewing power of God's unconditional love. Keep this date open and plan to attend! Our concert venue is yet to be determined as is the time of the concert. A freewill offering will be received. Watch for more information on the church website, this weekly e-mail and the Sunday bulletin. Michael's website is: www.michaelkellyblanchard.com.


OSLC Day Camp and OSLC Junior Day Camp:
During the week of August 3-7, youth going into first through sixth grade can take part in camp each day. From 9:00 am - 3:30 pm, there will be crafts, games, music, field trips, Bible study and more. Four highly trained counselors from Lutherwood Bible Camp (Bellingham, WA) will be leading the fun here at OSLC. The cost is only $50/camper for the week if you sign up by July 1 and $55 thereafter.

In addition to holding a day camp for our older youth, we are offering a junior session for children ages 3, 4 and 5. Based on the same theme as the older kids will experience, Junior Day Camp is specially tailored to our little ones. Camp will take place from 9:00 - 11:30 am, August 3-7. The cost is only $25 if you sign-up by July 1 and $30 thereafter.

To find out more information and to register for Day Camp and Junior Day Camp, please go to the OSLC Day Camp website at www.oslcdaycamp.com. If you don't want to register online, you can also pick-up registration forms at the OSLC church office or on the table just inside the main church doors.


All-Church Retreat, August 14-16, 2009 @ Camp Lutherwood in Bellingham:
The theme for our 2009 Retreat is Growing Together. The Apostle Paul spoke of Christian Community as the very body of Christ, and as a body has individual parts with special gifts and functions, we, too, have many unique members who contribute to benefit the whole community. We are like an interdependent body that finds health and wholeness when we grow together. Come join other members of the OSLC family for a time of rest and renewal in this beautiful location. Camp Lutherwood is nestled in the evergreen trees along the north shore of Lake Samish, about 10 miles south of Bellingham. You can choose to spend the weekend or come for the day on Saturday. Look on the table in the narthex for the retreat brochure which includes registration details and cost. Don't miss out on the chance to celebrate the many ways we are Growing Together at OSLC!


Ongoing Education Opportunities:
XYZ Study-Fellowship Group, is our congregation's senior group. The group will conclude their study of the book, Practicing Our Faith by Dorthy Bass on Sunday, June 28th at 12:15 pm in the church library and then will break for the summer. Nancy Anderson leads this study and discussion.

A Deeper Well: Join us for this gathering that takes place on the last Tuesday evening of each month. Just down the road and around the corner from OSLC, we'll meet at the Issaquah Brew House (35 W. Sunset Way) at 8:00 pm on Tuesday, June 30th. This is a time for adults 21 and older to talk about faith and life and experience some refreshment for both body and soul. If you have questions, contact Pastor Ryan (425-392-4169, ext. 105 or rdfletcher@oslcissaquah.org.)

The Thursday morning Bible Study is now in recess until September

The Thursday Evening Bible Study is now in recess until September.
This study will move to Monday evenings in the fall beginning at 6:15 pm. Contact Wendy Winslow, 506-550-0472 or Paula Seeger, 206-719-6514.

Monthly Women's Bible Studies:
Hope Circle
will travel to the Vashon Island home of Nancy Cumming on Tuesday, June 30th (note change of date) for their final meet and then will be on summer break until September 18th at the home of Kathy Guthmiller.

Faith Circle is now on their summer recess. They will meet again on September 21st at the home of Darlene Tatley.

Over the summer months, the OSLC book club will read the book Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford. They will meet on September 22nd at 7:00 pm at the Issaquah Barnes and Noble to discuss this book as well as choose new books they will read. All are welcome!


Middle School and Senior High Youth:
On Sunday, June 28th at 7:00 pm, Janet Cederberg will be leading a meeting for senior high youth to discuss servant opportunities in July.

Our middle school youth will travel to Lopez Island for a summer camping and biking trip from June 29 - July 2. Please keep them in your prayers and they travel and enjoy God's beauty that will surround them in the San Juan Islands.


Electronic Giving:
Our Savior Lutheran Church offers electronic giving for those of you who wish to have your contributions transferred electronically to the church's account. If you travel, this is particularly helpful in keeping up with your intended offerings. One simple easy-to-use- authorization form, can begin our change your electronic contribution amount. OSLC financial secretary Debra Wagner, can help you sign up for electronic giving (electronic check, bank debit or credit card.) You can also go directly to the church website at www.oslcissaquah.org and click on the "Contribute to OSLC Now" button to sign up for electronic giving.


Friendship Dinners:
To help you get to know others in our church better, OSLC desires to re-start a tradition that is known for strengthening the bonds of community and fellowship in our congregation. There is a sign-up posted on the Anderson Hall bulletin board. A variety of groups are encouraged so all can participate whether you are a family of one, a couple, or a family with children. Sign up and join a group that allows you to get to know others better! What a wonderful way to share our gift of hospitality than with our fellow believers, no matter the family size! Contact Paula Seeger at policygrr@centurytel.net w/ questions.


Social Concerns Committee / Sharing Within Our Community:
In response to growing needs among members of our congregation and community, the Social Concerns Committee is now collecting non-perishable food and toiletries. During June you are encouraged to donate paper products or any other non-perishable item you choose. A collection bin is located in Anderson Hall.
Contributions for the Compass Center and Operation Nightwatch can be placed in the bin in Anderson Hall. These donations are delivered weekly to the center. Questions? Contact Paula Seeger, 425-222-6230.

The Social Concerns Committee will be having their annual Back-to-School backpack drive in July and August. If this is something you like to participate in, keep an eye out for summer time school supplies bargains!


OSLC Volunteer Opportunities for any age!
Assist in worship - YOU can play a part too! Volunteers are requested to help on Sunday mornings. Please consider volunteering to help out. Complete training is provided. Here's the contact information if you are interested in obtaining more information about becoming a:


2010 OSLC Women's Retreat, February 5-7, 2010:
The 2010 Women's Retreat will take place at the beautiful Rainbow Lodge in North Bend in February. The speaker will be Linda Brumley. Linda is the Women's Ministry Leader at Seattle Church of Christ located in Everett, Washington. If you are interested in being part of the planning team for the retreat, contact Rita Hansen at ritahansen@brigadoon.net or Gwynn Wilkinson at GwynnWilk@gmail.com.


Rwanda Partners' Great Adventure:
Rwanda Partners will be holding their first auction to support their work towards hope and healing in Rwanda on August 22, 2009 at the Bell Harbor International Conference Center on the Seattle waterfront. If you would like to attend this fun summer event as well as donate items such as adventure outdoors, tickets to events or sports, dining certificates and other creative ideas, please visit the website www.rpadventure.com. For more information call 206-838-8698 or by email at events@rwandapartners.org.


Travel Buy the Book, A new book drive to benefit Seattle Children's Hospital:
Connie Van Houten, Our Savior Lutheran Preschool Director, is sponsoring a new book drive called Travel Buy the Book, to celebrate Rylee Agnew's victory over leukemia and to support other critically ill children and Seattle Children's Hospital. Monetary donations are also accepted. Books of all reading levels (babies through teens) can be donated. Who know whose lives these books will touch and which child we can give a bit of hope to. Book donations will be accepted in the box in the narthex through July 19th. Questions? Email Connie Van Houten at tutorbug2006@yahoo.com. Thanks for your participation and support!


Tour deRevs in Seattle, July 2nd:
Three guys, one bike, 100 days, 13,000 miles, 65 cities. Three pastors have embarked on a truly ambitious goal of raising wellness awareness while also raising $5 million dollars for World Hunger projects by riding a custom made BAMBOO BIKE built for three around the country. Their odyssey began May 13th and ends August 20th. (See www.tourderevs.org) The "Revs" will make their Seattle stop on July 2nd at Peace Lutheran Church in West Seattle (8316 - 39th Avenue S.W., Seattle, WA 98136) The evening will begin with a potluck/barbecue at 6:00 pm followed by a presentation by the Revs, and concludes with a sunset ride for interested cyclists at 8:00 pm. All are welcome! Please bring one food item for local food bank. Those who are able are encouraged to ride to the event.


OSLC Calendar of Events beginning Sunday, June 28th:
Sunday, June 28th - Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

  • 8:30 am - Worship
  • 11:00 am - Worship
  • 12:30 pm - XYZ Study Group (Library)
  • 7:00 pm - Senior High Summer Servant Planning Meeting @ OSLC


Monday, June 29th:

  • 10:00 am - OA (Room 7)
  • 1:00-9:00 pm - Lutheran Counseling Network (LCN Office)
  • 7:00 pm - Boy Scout Troop 676 Troop Meeting (Anderson Hall, Room 7)
  • 7:00 pm - Social Concerns Committee Meeting (Library)


Tuesday, June 30th:

  • Hope Circle @ the Vashon Island home of Nancy Cummings
  • 1:00-9:00 pm - Lutheran Counseling Network (LCN Office)
  • 7:00 pm - AA (Anderson Hall, Room 7)
  • 8:00 pm - A Deeper Well @ Issaquah Brew House


Wednesday, July 1st:

  • 9:30 am - Mission Quilters (Anderson Hall)
  • 10:00 am - Staff Meeting (Library)


Thursday, July 2nd:

  • 7:45 am - TOPS (Rooms 14, 17)
  • 10:00 am - Al Anon (Room 7)


Friday, July 3rd: - OSLC Office Closed


Sunday, July 5th - Fifth Sunday After Pentecost

  • 8:30 am - Worship
  • 11:00 am - Worship



Habitat for Humanity
Sign up to play at the Annual Golf Fundraising event at https://secure.acceptiva.com/?cst=3bac8f

To be as sponsor, the link is: https://secure.acceptiva.com/?cst=b3f179

Dear OSLC Habitat Supporters,

We are nearing the half way point in this summer's Thrivent Accelerated Build for Habitat for Humanity at Koinonia Ridge. We planned the job for 26 volunteer days on site, and we are rapidly approaching workday #11 this Friday. The job is progressing on schedule for both houses. Visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XOk2O-w9Uo for a time-lapse of the two story house through 6/18.

We have four dates remaining in the schedule for which REALLY we need additional volunteers - thanks to your hard work. Please Check your schedules and see if you might be able to volunteer and build with us: July 2 - Thursday, July 17 and July 24 and Aug 14 - all Fridays. These dates need just a few volunteers from each of the many churches that participate in the Habitat Projects. It is best if you volunteer on line at www.habitatekc.org and on the left side is a tab to sign up....but if that isn't convenient: please forward me your name and any date you can work, your phone numbers and I'll do the rest. Help us bring this project in on schedule.
Next, the Americorps workers leave effective July 15. Beyond that point, we need volunteer leaders to take their place. Please help us find people who will be willing to step up. Habitat has taken care of all the details:

If you are interested in signing up:

  • Step One: Follow the link above and register for the days you want to facilitate and lead volunteers. These positions on our Volunteer Calendar are listed as Team Leaders - Thrivent Builds.
  • Step Two: Call or email Jayme Aumann at Habitat & let her know the days you are registered and she will coordinate your trainings with the site staff. 425.869.6007 ext 232, jauman@habitatekc.org


Absolutely no construction experience necessary! Really! All you need is patience, willingness to lead and a good sense of humor won’t hurt either.

Site staff will provide training on the construction task at hand you are asked to lead volunteers in. This training is preferably provided to you a day prior the date you signed up to lead other volunteers. For instance, if you sign up to lead volunteers on Saturday, perhaps you can come out for a half day on Friday to train.

Please feel free to contact Elise Cope (elise@habitatekc.org) or myself if you have questions.

Blessings,
Gary Kneepkens



Regular Worship Schedule
Sunday Worship: 8:30 and 11:00am

Sunday School for all ages at 9:45am.


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Directions

We are located in the city of Issaquah, east of Seattle, Washington.




Take Exit 17, the Front Street exit, off of I-90, 17 miles east of Seattle.

Go South on Front Street through three traffic lights (at Gilman, Sunset, and Newport Way)

Our Savior Lutheran Church is a long block past the Newport Way intersection, on the right hand side.

Or, get driving directions by clicking here

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Staff

Larry E. Thomas, Pastor - lethomas@oslcissaquah.org

Ryan Fletcher, Associate Pastor - rdfletcher@oslcissaquah.org

Janet Cederberg, Associate in Ministry, Director of Youth Ministries - janetc@oslcissaquah.org

Shane Lynch, Director of Music - music@oslcissaquah.org

Connie Van Houten, Director - Our Savior Lutheran Preschool - preschool1201@hotmail.com

Vern Lindquist, Parish Organist

Janet Heck, Parish Administrator - janeth@oslcissaquah.org

Ej Giberson, Bookkeeper

Debbie Sladek, Focus Editor - debsladek@impressionmediagroup.com

Sabrina Wick, Nursery Attendant

Becky Mogensen, Bulletin Publication Assistant - beckym@oslcissaquah.org


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Who We Are

If you're looking for a Christian community rooted in the gracious good news of Jesus Christ, we invite you to drop by and see what's happening at OSLC!

Our Savior Lutheran Church is a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Not Lutheran? Never really been a church-goer, or maybe it's been a while? Just visiting in the area? We welcome you to our community!


Mission Statement
The mission of Our Savior Lutheran Church is to live God's love in Jesus Christ through word and sacraments, worship and prayer, Christian nurture and fellowship, service and outreach.

Vision Statement
Celebrating God's grace and forgiveness in Jesus Christ, Our Savior Lutheran Church is a loving Christian community serving God, one another, and the people of the world, through worship, fellowship, learning, discipleship and outreach.

We are thankful to God for our life together and we honor each other as unique and gifted children of God. We believe that God is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine.

We believe that the Holy Spirit is at work among us, helping us to give freely of ourselves, so that others will come to know and experience the fullness of God's love in Jesus Christ.

Guiding Principles

  • Worship and pray in community
  • Listen to, learn and live in God's word
  • Honor our gifts and value our differences
  • Communicate openly and honestly
  • Forgive and encourage one another
  • Acknowledge our brokenness and pursue healing and reconciliation
  • Serve and support those in need
  • Create a safe place to share our joy and pain
  • Bear witness to Jesus Christ in word and service




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Groups and Activities

Some of the groups and activities at OSLC:

Education: Logos, our all-ages discipleship learning lab and education hour begins at 9:45 a.m.; inquirers' classes; confirmation classes; vacation church school; Bible study; library; Our Savior Lutheran Preschool. ALPHA will be offered in the Spring of 2008.

Music: adult choir, children's choir and adult bell choir, youth band, confirmation band, and brass ensemble


Youth: middle school and high school youth groups. Activities include weekly meetings, retreats, hiking, skiing, Bible study, mission trips and community service.

Fellowship: coffee and fellowship hour following each service; , bowling, quilting, women's circles, golf tournaments, mid-life spiurituality group, men's study group, adult retreats, special events.

Community outreach: service projects throughout the year



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Related Links

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Northwest Washington Synod, ELCA

Issaquah Front Street Web

Issaquah School District

Trinity Lutheran College

Pacific Lutheran University

Holden Village



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Suggestion Box

Please send suggestions for improvements to the OSLC web site here.

We hope to eventually include regularly changing information such as calendars, sermons, and service opportunities. If you'd like to volunteer to prepare and post such information, please let us know!

Thank you for visiting the Our Savior Lutheran Church web site!



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