THE LESSER WORD—May2017
The people of Church of Our Savior are committed to developing a deeper relationship with God and to reaching out to each other, the community, and the world through scripture, tradition, and reason.
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Alleluia! Christ is risen! The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia!
For a while now, as part of my daily prayers, I have been reading from the sermons of Oscar Romero, Archbishop of San Salvador during the Salvadoran Civil War in El Salvador in the latter 1970s. Romero was a choice for archbishop that pleased the government because he had a reputation as a careful and conservative theologian at a time when many priests were openly embracing Marxist thought in their theology and criticizing the government for injustice done to the poorest Salvadorans, many of whom, because of the injustices, were organizing and fighting back, only to be met with kidnappings, torture, and murder at the hands of the government. Romero, it was thought, would toe-the-line and defend the status quo, or at least not make waves. The opposite was the case, however. He courageously spoke out against poverty, social injustice, assassinations, and torture; he actively denounced violations of the human rights of the most vulnerable people and defended the principles of protecting lives, promoting human dignity and opposition to all forms of violence. He did all this from the pulpit and had this to say about preaching:
A church that doesn’t provoke any crises, a gospel that doesn’t unsettle, a word of God that doesn’t get under anyone’s skin, a word of God that doesn’t touch the real sin of the society in which it is proclaimed—what gospel is that? Very nice, pious considerations that don’t bother anyone, that’s the way many would like preaching to be. Those preachers who avoid every thorny matter so as not to be harassed, so as not to have conflicts and difficulties, do not light up the world they live in. They don’t have Peter’s courage, who told the crowd that had killed Christ: “You killed him!” Even though the charge could cost him his life as well, he made it. The gospel is courageous, it’s the good news of him who came to take away the world’s sins. (Oscar Romero, The Violence of Love. [Maryknoll, New York: Orbis Books, ©1988], p. 44.)
Many would rather that preaching remain rather innocuous, restricted to pious platitudes that comfort and sooth but do not challenge. When I first arrived at Church of Our Savior, Sunday attendance was up—the 10:30 service alone regularly worshipped eighty-plus folks. Within six months, that number dropped to between fifty and sixty, where it remains now. Why? I can remember exactly. I preached a series of sermons on poverty in which I challenged the political rhetoric of the time that stereotyped and demonized the poor as lazy loafers who would rather live off the government than pull themselves up by the bootstraps and get themselves out of poverty. The reality, however, was (and still is) very different. In fact, most poor areworking poor who work two and three low-wage jobs and still can’t make enough to raise them out of poverty. After that series of sermons, some folkswanderedaway. One
203 W 4th St, North Platte NE 69101 308/532-0515 May 2017
when asked why she left, accused me of preaching politics from the pulpit. She did not want political rhetoric, but comfort. She wanted to feel better about herself after she had been to church.
Oscar Romero would not understand such thinking; neither do I, and neither did Peter, who despite the very real threat to his person, mightily preached truth to power, calling out the religious leaders of his time for their active collusion in the death of Jesus: “Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with deeds of power, wonders, and signs that God did through him among you, as you yourselves know—this man, handed over to you according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of those outside the law.” (Acts 2:22–23) For his trouble, Peter often was flogged, imprisoned, and, like Jesus, was ultimately crucified. But the gospel compelled him in the knowledge that no matter what they did to him, it was not the final word, for “God raised [Jesus] up, having freed him from death, for it was impossible for him to be held in its power.” (Acts 2:24) And if Jesus couldn’t be so held, neither could those who believed in Jesus.
In light of the death and resurrection of Jesus, we are compelled as Jesus’ followers to speak the truth—the whole truth—in order that God’s vision for the world may become a reality here and now. Speaking the truth is not limited to pious platitudes that comfort the afflicted; sometimes speaking truth must also afflict the comfortable. The word of God, we were reminded again at Morning Prayer on Holy Saturday, “is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow…able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12) The word of God is both a word of comfort and challenge. Sometimes, therefore, one must speak in such a way as to provoke a crisis, to unsettle, to get under the skin. Sometimes, such words are directed at individuals. Sometimes such words are directed at the culture and at political leaders.This is not a matter of taking up sides—liberal or conservative, Democrat or Republican—it is a matter of speaking the truth of God’s word to whomever chooses to ignore it and so get in the way of realizing God’s vision for the world. If our preaching does not do this, then what good is it? What gospel is that?
Alleluia! Christ is risen! The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Peace!
Fr. Jeffrey+
203 W 4th St, North Platte NE 69101 308/532-0515 May2017
From the Senior Warden . . .
I have done some substitute teaching in several schools recently. It has been fun being with kids again! Some of them really do say the darndest things! I am also amazed at how resilient students are, especially the ones who come from really, really tough times and situations. Even dealing with difficult situations, they go on with the “job” of just being a kid. They laugh, do silly things and just keep moving forward.
There has been research done on resiliency and longevity. It seems a positive attitude and the ability to adapt positively to adversity can lead to a longer life. I witnessed this in my own life. My mother died at 91, but to me, she epitomized the definition of resilience. In a year and a half, she experienced the death of her only son, her husband and both of her siblings. In that time, she also found out that her youngest grandchild was diagnosed with cancer. She had cancer herself three times. She survived the death of a great grandchild to SIDS. She made the brave decision at the age of 90 to go on dialysis, because “she wasn't ready to give up”. I remember her doctor telling her that “dialysis is not for wimps”, but she was willing to try! A week before she died, she got her hair fixed, went to the Library for her five books to read, and got groceries at Wal-Mart! She wasn't planning on dying anytime soon! She finally succumbed to an infection which is always a possible side effect of dialysis. Even though in her heart and mind, she was not ready to give up, her poor body just couldn't go on. Throughout her life though, even dealing with many difficulties that could have broken her down, she just kept going…. She was amazing!
Back to the students I worked with at school. As resilient as I have seen these kids, (my mother and other people be), I am betting that they will overcome their adversities and have long, successful lives. At least that is my hope and prayer for them, and for all of us!
Chris Vieyra,
Senior Warden______
May Holy Days
There are three holy days in May.
TheFeast of Saint Philip and Saint James, Apostles is on
Monday, May 1. We with celebrate Communion from the Reserved Sacrament at 12:15 p.m. in the chapel.
The Ascension of Our Lord Jesus Christ is celebrated on
Thursday, May 25 with The Holy Eucharist at 7:00 p.m. in
the church. Incense will be used.
On Wednesday, May 31 is The Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We will gather at 11:45 in the chapel to pray the Rosary and then celebrate The Holy Eucharist beginning at 12:15 p.m. Please join us. All are welcome here!
203 W 4th St, North Platte NE 69101 308/532-0515 May 2017
The Downtown Community Meal
We need more volunteers from Church of Our Savior to step up and help with the meal, particularly for the serving/clean-up shift from 5:00-6:30 p.m. Church of Our Savior serves on the 1st, 4th, and 5th Wednesday of the month. Sign-up sheets will be available in the hallway by the Fireside Room. Also, if you are interested in supporting this ministry in another way, food donations are always welcome. We are particularly in need of proteins such as meat, eggs, sausage, etc., however, any food donation is welcome. Talk to Shari Shore for more details, and thanks!
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ALTAR FLOWERS FOR MAY
Flowers will be given by:
May 7: Fr. Jeffrey, Sam and Lynda Perry
May 14:Chuck and Kristi Salestrom, Bonnie Larsen
May 21:M.L. Martin – both vases
May 28: Nisley Family – both vases
If you would like to donate altar flowers during the year, there
is a sign-up sheet in the narthex or you may contact Susan Fry at 532-8160. Cost per vase is $25 plus tax. You may order one vase or both vases, or share cost of a vase. Westfield Floral is now furnishing our altar flowers and they will bill you.
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United Thank Offering
The mission of UTO is to expand the circle of thankful people. To achieve this mission, we encourage daily prayers, offerings and awareness of the abundance of God’s blessings. UTO addresses compelling human need through grants to projects that alleviate poverty, both domestically and internationally, within the Anglican provinces, dioceses and companion dioceses. Roughly 2-3 million dollars is awarded each year. UTO’s Values are Thanksgiving, Generosity, Mission and Ministry. We invite you to embrace one or more of these values as we prepare for our spring ingathering onMay 14 and 21.If you choose to be generous please make any checks to Church of Our Savior with UTO on the memo line.
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OUR CHURCH FAMILY
Our sympathy to family and friends of
Betty R. Levine, 91, who died February 28, 2017. Services were held at Church of Our Savior March 6, 2017.
Dean G. Candea, 96, who died April 5, 2017. Inurnment services were held April 21, 2017 at Church of Our Savior.
203 W 4th St, North Platte NE 69101 308/532-0515 May 2017
IN THE NEWS
Connie Edwardsattended the Eagle Scout Ceremony at David City on March 26, for her grandson, Jacob Witter. He is the son of Jim and Jo Witter. He joins his brothers Jim and Jeff and cousins Nathan and Matthew Witter, sons of Marc and Brenda Witter of Omaha, who are also Eagle Scouts.
We welcomed four new members into our fellowship of faith on Easter Sunday. Barbara Christensen, Bobbi DeNaeyer,Amanda Miller, and her son, Christopher Miller, are the newest members of Church of Our Savior. We are honored by and grateful for their presence among us and are excited about the gifts they bring to help us further reflect God’s love into the world.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR GRADUATE
Syble Heffernan, daughter of Heather Heffernan, is graduating from North Platte HighSchool. Here are a few details of her next adventure:I'm going to Londrina, Brazil where I will be living with anywhere from 1-3 host families. I already have daily contact with my first host family and am very excited to meet them! I will begin my year studying at Colégio Londrinense, a private secondary school in Londrina where one of my host sisters currently attends. There will be a break because their school year is opposite of ours, and then I will resume my education either at the same school or potentially a community college, this information is to be determined. I will be leaving towards the end of July/beginning of August and return to the United States the following June! I especially look forward to all of the trips I will be making around the country with my family, friends, and other students on exchange in my district. By the end of my time there I will have visited every region of Brazil!
Also, I would like to invite everyone to an open house/graduation brunch onSaturday, May 13from10 am - noonin the Fireside room.
Note: if you have a news item you would like to share, please bring it to the church office or to Marcia Mapes.
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Celebrating in May
ANNIVERSARIES
5/21 M.L. and Rick Martin
5/30 Phyllis and Milo Shavlik
BIRTHDAYS
5/2 John Huebner; 5/6 Connie Edwards; 5/12 John Striebel; 5/15 Randy Sullivan; 5/19 Austin Axford; 5/20 Aardel Walters; 5/21 Colton Nisley; 5/22 Ryan Farley, Wanda Smith; 5/24 Dan Wright; 5/25 Brandon Eller.
203 W 4th St, North Platte NE 69101 308/532-0515 May 2017
May 2017 Calendar
Sunday / Monday / Tuesday / Wednesday / Thursday / Friday / Saturday/ 1St. Philip and St. James
12:15Communion from the Reserved Sacrament / 2
10:00 WW
12:00 Worship/ Arts Meeting
5:30 WW
7:00 G-12 / 3
11:00 Staff Mtg
12:00 Rosary
4:00 Catechesis5:30 Downtown Community Meal
6:30 Adult Ed Class / 4
10:30 St. Margaret’s Guild
12:00 Thursday
Bible Study
5:30 The Holy Eucharist with Healing
6:15 Altar Guild / 5
5:00 G-12
7:00 SUN / 6
7
4thSunday of Easter
9:30 The Holy Eucharist
11 Confirmation
2:00 Pr. Shawl
3:00 Worship at Premier Estates / 8
5:30 Girl Scouts / 9
10:00 WW
11:15 Pr. Min
5:30 WW
6:00 M. Group/
W. N. Out
7:00 G-12 / 10
12:00 Rosary
4:00 Catechesis5:15 Finance Meeting
5:30 Downtown Community Meal
6:30 Adult Ed Class / 11
10:30 Thursday
Bible Study
5:30 The Holy Eucharist with Healing / 12
5:00 G-12 / 13
10:00-12:00
Syble Heffernan Graduation Brunch
14
5thSunday of Easter
9:30 The Holy Eucharist
11 Confirmation
2:00 Stamp Club
UTO Sunday / 15
7:00 Prayer Shawl / 16
10:00 WW
5:30 WW
6:00 Vestry
7:00 G-12 / 17
11:00 Staff Mtg
12:00 Rosary
5:30 Downtown Community Meal
6:30 Adult Ed Class
Fr. Jeffrey out of town through May 24 / 18
10:30 Thursday
Bible Study
5:30 Communion from the Reserved Sacrament / 19
5:00 G-12
7:00 SUN / 20
Newsletter
Deadline
21
6thSunday of Easter
9:30 The Holy Eucharist
UTO Sunday / 22
5:30 Girl Scouts / 23
10:00 WW
11:15 Pr. Min.
5:30 WW
7:00 G-12 / 24
12:00 Rosary
5:30 Downtown Community Meal / 25
10:30 Thursday
Bible Study
5:30 The Holy Eucharist with Healing / 26
5:00 G-12 / 27
28
7thSunday of Easter
9:30 The Holy Eucharist
11:00 Healing Minister Mtg / 29 Office
Closed
Memorial
Day / 30
10:00 WW
5:30 WW
7:00 G-12 / 31
11:45 Rosary
12:15 The Holy Eucharist
5:30 Downtown Community Meal /
203 W 4th St, North Platte NE 69101 308/532-0515
May 2017 Ministry Schedule
Sunday,May 7 / Sunday,
May 14 / Sunday,
May 21 / Sunday,
May 28
Acolytes / Syble Heffernan
Montana Heffernan
Pam Wright
Henry Cline / Elleigh Fisher
Ryan Farley
Renée Sullivan
Janine Stickelman / Joseph Eller
Stephanie Eller
Marcia Mapes
DaNelle Nisley / Skip Altig
Pam Wright
Renée Sullivan
Lector & Intercessor / Chris Vieyra / Milo Shavlik / Bonnie Larsen
Element Bearers & Coffee Hosts / Chuck and Kristi Salestrom / Sharon Meyer
Dan & Pam Wright
Chalice Bearers
Greeters / Chuck and Kristi
Salestrom
Ushers / Jon Farley
Dan Wright / Don Yoshida
Steve Kay / Chub Mapes
Chuck Salestrom / Brian Gardner
Dan Brown
Altar Guild / Lisa Huebner
Ruth Carson / Lisa Huebner
Ruth Carson / Nicki Evans
Dorothy Sauer / Nicki Evans
Dorothy Sauer
Healing Minister / Marcia Mapes
Tellers / Rob Evans
Amy Waples / Rob Evans
Amy Waples / Rob Evans
Amy Waples / Rob Evans
Amy Waples
If you can help, sign up on the sheets outside the Fireside Room.
203 W 4th St, North Platte NE 69101 308/532-0515
Grief support for those who have experienced the loss of a spouse or partner
When your spouse or partner dies, your world changes. There is no right
or wrong way to mourn. Many people share the same feelings; most deal
with the pain of loss, or some worry about the future. But, there also can
be differences. It may help to talk with other people who also are grieving.
Join our support group where you can feel comfortable sharing your feelings
and concerns. The group meets every Thursday for eight weeks starting
May 4 through June 22, 1:00 to 2:30 p.m., North Platte Senior Center dining
room area, 901 East 10th St., North Platte, NE. No registration is required and this class is offered free of charge.
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Wednesdays.com
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd concludes for the year on Wednesday, May 10 from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. on second floor of the education building.
Our Adult Education Class concludes on May 17with a planning session for the fall. If you have an idea for a study, come and give us input. Please join us!
Bible Study
TheTuesdayBible Study,led so ably byNaomi Getty for years, has decided to disband due to Naomi's health.