We live to make Christ known.

Posts by Matt (Page 2)

Come Play in the Leaves!

Tomorrow, Saturday November 6th, at 3:30pm, we will meet at Our Savior’s for fall cleanup! We have a variety of projects, from raking and painting at church, to gutter cleaning and fall cleanup at Pastor Matheny and Pastor Kitzmann’s homes. Bring your work gloves and your rakes. Chili and cornbread will be served after, with…

Hurricane Ida Relief Trip Recap

Our disaster relief team has returned from helping cleanup after Hurricane Ida in the greater New Orleans area. Thank you to all who generously donated money to make the trip possible. In addition to funding the trip, these dollars were also used to purchase food, tools, and materials for those in need. One of our…

Congregational Planning Session

Monday, September 20th is our first congregational planning session. We will share a meal together (Pastor Matheny will be your chef for the evening!) starting at 5:30. Childcare and transportation will be provided to allow as much participation as possible. At 6:30 we will think together about how God has specifically blessed us here at…

New Member Welcome

A new member welcome will be included in the Wednesday night meal on September 15th. Recent events have made it harder to get to know the new faces in our church family. New members from 2019-present will be specially invited to that meal. We hope you can come and get to know them!

Education Sunday

Education Sunday is coming up on September 12th! This is the day we take a moment to reflect on the importance of Christian Education for all ages. Sunday School classes will begin for the new year, and Pastor Matheny will be leading a special study on the importance of God’s Word. If you haven’t been…

Handbell Choirs

Calling anyone interested in ringing handbells! We are excited to announce two handbell groups this coming year. The first group is an Introductory Bell group geared for anyone 3rd grade through age 99+ (families welcome!) who would like to learn the basics of music and ringing. This group will meet at 5:15 p.m. Wednesdays beginning…

TSNT and National Youth Gathering Meeting

Youth of Our Savior’s! We’ll meet for TSNT Sunday from 6:30 – 8pm in the Fireplace room. We’ll also include time for LCMS National Youth Gathering information. We will be gathering feedback and answering questions. The Youth Gathering “In All Things” is July 9–13, 2022, in Houston, Texas. All youth, who will be age 14,…

Vacation Bible School is Next Week!

Vacation Bible School is coming up next week, August 2-6 from 6-8 pm! We’re looking forward to having a building full of kids learning about Jesus, and there is room for you to join us! We see some pretty amazing things these days, but nothing tops what God has done, and He did it all…

Swim Party!

Our Saviors has reserved the Spring Lake Park Swimming facility in North Mankato on Sunday, August 1st from 6:15 – 7:45pm. Come swim, socialize, or just relax around the pool. Bring the family, and your friends are welcome too! Pool entry is free of charge. Concessions will be available for purchase. 

Get Ready for Vacation Bible School!

Vacation Bible School is scheduled for August 2-6 from 6-8 pm. We’re looking forward to having a building full of kids learning about Jesus! We see some pretty amazing things these days, but nothing tops what God has done, and He did it all for us. Find out more information and register online here. Adults…

Sock Drive

Sock Drive this month! Socks are the number one item requested at homeless shelters and care facilities. Please bring in new men’s, women’s, or unisex socks and put them in the tub in the Narthex. They will be included in healthcare kits and distributed locally. Thank you so much!

Church Picnic

Join us this Sunday, June 13th, right after the 10:30 service for our Annual Picnic across the street at Franklin School yard. Food is provided, just bring your lawn chair or blanket (some tables and chairs will be set up.) After we enjoy a meal of fried chicken, hot dogs, and sides, we’ll be playing…

Summer Sunday School

Summer Sunday School begins Sunday! Kids will be Discovering Our Triune God through stories related to the Apostles’ Creed. We will need to continue our 2 adult rule throughout summer. Would you be willing to hang out with a class for an hour once or twice this summer. We want to make it easier for parents…

Sunday Morning Brunch

Everyone is invited to a full spread of breakfast favorites this Sunday in support of our Confirmation and Sunday School students. Many have been missing our food and fellowship activities, so now is your chance to come! Food will be served in the Fireplace Room for the hour between the worship services.

Missionary Visit

This Sunday we welcome Johanna Heidorn, who serves as a missionary throughout the Latin America and Caribbean region as a photographer, designer, and communication outreach specialist. Hear about her work with the LCMS during the Bible Study hour between services. We will receive a door offering at both morning services to financially support her mission…

Ascension Day Service

Ascension Day is the coronation celebration of our Lord as He is proclaimed to be King of the universe. While His ascension shows his existence beyond the confines of time and space, we are reminded that He is also present with us today. We invite you to join our brothers and sisters at Good Shepherd…

Mankato Spring Cleanup

Need help getting your trash to the city cleanup depot? If this coming weekend is your assigned days to bring trash to the Mankato city cleanup, but you have no way to get the big carpet or chair out of the basement, please give Our Savior’s Helping Hands an opportunity to help you! Call Judy…

Spring Cleanup

With restrictions in place last fall, we did not get to do our annual church property cleanup. But never fear – we can just do it this spring! If you are able, please join us this Sunday, April 25th, at 11:30am to rake, pick up sticks, trim shrubs, and other general cleanup around the church…

Disaster Relief Volunteer Training

​As we look forward to helping more directly in our community both near and far, Disaster Relief Volunteer Training will be held this Sunday from 6:30-8 pm at Our Savior’s in the Fireplace Room. We will talk about some important things such as the “rules” of working together, the theological framework of mercy work, and…

Red Cross Blood Drive

Our Savior’s is hosting a blood drive on Monday, May 3rd from noon – 5pm.  To schedule your appointment, go to: www.redcrossblood.org, or the Blood Donor app on your mobile device, sponsor code: oslcmankato to schedule an appointment. The need is constant.  Save a Life – Donate Blood!

Weekly Wednesday Prayer Time

Psalm 47 is a fitting celebration following Easter. Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy! For the Lord, the Most High, is to be feared, a great king over all the earth. He subdued peoples under us, and nations under our feet. He chose our heritage for us, the…

Weekly Wednesday Prayer Time

In Psalm 21, we’ll consider the interaction of Jesus and His Father at the completion of Holy Week. O Lord, in your strength the king rejoices, and in your salvation how greatly he exults! You have given him his heart’s desire and have not withheld the request of his lips. For you meet him with…

Holy Week Worship

We invite you to join us for worship during the upcoming Holy Week. Worship times are as follows: Palm Sunday, March 28th: 8am & 10:30am Maundy Thursday, April 1st: 1:30pm & 6:30pm Good Friday, April 2nd: 1:30pm & 6:30pm Easter Vigil, Saturday, April 3rd: 8pm Easter Sunday, April 4th: Sunrise Service at 6am; Easter celebration at 8am & 10:30am…

Weekly Wednesday Prayer Time

Psalm 143 is one of dependence. You may have heard the old phrase “don’t put all your eggs in one basket” or the more modern one to “diversify your portfolio”. This psalmist, however, relies 100% on God. Hear my prayer, O Lord; give ear to my pleas for mercy! In your faithfulness answer me, in…

Bible Drive!

During the months of March and April we are collecting unused Bibles and devotional books. Any condition and English translation is fine. All Bibles will be sent to our Christian brothers and sisters overseas. We have a goal of collecting 100 Bibles (and as many devotionals), but let’s see if we can find even more!…

Weekly Wednesday Prayer Time

Yes, God cares about our sufferings. Psalm 56 is a short psalm where David expresses his hope in God. Be gracious to me, O God, for man tramples on me; all day long an attacker oppresses me; my enemies trample on me all day long, for many attack me proudly. (verses 1-2 ESV) The enemy…

Survey Link

As discussed in church this morning and in the letter you will be receiving, following is the link to the congregational survey. Again, we encourage everyone to take the survey to make sure all voices are heard! CADDS Survey

Worship Audio/Video

Do you have an interest in audio or video production? We are looking for volunteers to help with the audio and video systems during worship, including the live streamed video. Prerequisites are an interest in A/V production, a willingness to learn, and dependability. The time commitment is one worship service per month (more if interested!)…

Weekly Wednesday Prayer Time

In a fearful place, this psalm brings comfort. Psalm 91 talks of God’s protection of those who’s trust is in Him. He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I…

Hymnals in Church

As you are aware if you have been worshiping with us in person, our hymnals have not been available for use due to concerns over the spread of the COVID virus. The Lutheran Service Book (our hymnal) is a fantastic resource, and many have been anxious for its return. We have good news! The Board…

Weekly Wednesday Prayer Time

Who’s in control? Is it your own fear? In Psalm 27, David takes us through to his own place of hope. The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When evildoers assail me to eat up my…

Weekly Prayer Time

When you see evil what do you think? Psalm 14 includes a very short prayer asking for God to act. The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds, there is none who does good. The Lord looks down from heaven on the children of man, to…

Ski/snowshoe/sledding Outing

Join us this Saturday, February 27th from 10am-1pm at the Ney Center in Henderson for a ski/snowshoe/sledding outing. XC ski or snowshoe rentals are $5 per person or $15 per family and are available on a first come, first serve basis. Equipment sizing will fit most users ages 7 and up.  There is also a sledding…

Disaster Relief Volunteers Needed!

If you have the heart of Christ to help people in distress, please prayerfully consider joining in an effort to form a pool of trained volunteers based here at Our Saviors that would be ready to respond to disaster sites (near and far.) An equipment trailer has been purchased and will be outfitted this spring.…

Weekly Wednesday Prayer Time

Do you know the joy of forgiveness? Take a look at this week’s psalm, Psalm 32. Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. (verses 1-2, ESV) Do you feel blessed? What…

Lent Worship Schedule

Feasting without fasting is simply gluttony. Or more simply, there can be no true feasting without real fasting. Lent is a season set apart for denying ourselves and taking up our crosses to follow Jesus (Matthew 16:24). It is a time for laying aside our celebrations, joy, and feasting not to wallow in frivolous suffering…

Men’s Bible Study

Guys! Don’t forget that Men’s Bible Study meets tonight Thursday, February 11th at 7:30pm in the Fireplace Room. We continue studying Ephesians, and there is always good discussion. Don’t worry if you have missed the previous studies – you can jump in whenever!

Painting Party!

As you may know, we had significant damage last year to our basement due to flooding. The Board of Trustees has been working tirelessly to make repairs so we can again utilize this space. They are requesting volunteers help paint this Saturday starting at 8am. No need to bring anything, unless you have a favorite brush! The rear (east) entrance will be…

Weekly Wednesday Prayer Time

This week’s psalm is a love song about a king. Let’s look at Psalm 45. My heart overflows with a pleasing theme; I address my verses to the king; my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe. You are the most handsome of the sons of men; grace is poured upon your lips;…

Praying is Hard

Pastor Matheny reflects on prayer and why it can be so difficult, based on a comment in Martin Luther’s Genesis commentary. Enjoy!

Weekly Wednesday Prayer Time

This psalm brings in a little lightheartedness in the face evil. May you find peace to replace your worry. Let’s look at a portion of Psalm 37. Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your…

Pastor Lauer’s Retirement Sunday

We invite you to attend worship this Sunday to help commemorate Pastor Lauer’s service at Our Savior’s and to wish farewell to Pastor, Ann, and their family. We give thanks for the eternal and boundless love that Pastor Lauer received from God through his family, teachers, mentors, and friends, and which he so graciously bestowed…

Weekly Wednesday Prayer Time

When we can’t see forward, we can instead look backward to be reminded of what God has done. Below is a portion of Psalm 77. Has his steadfast love forever ceased? Are his promises at an end for all time? Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he in anger shut up his compassion? (verses…

Weekly Wednesday Prayer Time

Maybe you are feeling short on attention or short on time. Our short psalm this week is Psalm 70. Make haste, O God, to deliver me! O Lord, make haste to help me! (verse 1, ESV) Sometimes it may feel like it is taking FOREVER for God to act. In our timeline, we want things…

Weekly Wednesday Prayer Time

Our psalm today reviews the ups and downs of Israel’s history. What have you learned through your own life? We’re just going to look at a portion of Psalm 78. Give ear, O my people, to my teaching; incline your ears to the words of my mouth! I will open my mouth in a parable;…

Weekly Prayer Time

Here’s a psalm to kick off the new year, Psalm 98. Oh sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things! His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him. The Lord has made know his salvation; he has revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations.…

Weekly Wednesday Prayer Time

It is in Jesus’ leadership that we have hope. Let’s celebrate our King in Psalm 72. Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to the royal son! May he judge your people with righteousness, and your poor with justice! Let the mountains bear prosperity for the people, and the hills, in righteousness!…

Christmas Week Worship

We invite you to join us for worship services this week as we wait for and celebrate the birth of Jesus, our Savior. Regular Worship: Sunday, December 20, at 8am & 10:30am and Wednesday, December 23, at 1:30pm Christmas Eve: Service of Readings and Carols at 5pm & 7pm Christmas Day: Traditional Christmas Worship with…

Weekly Wednesday Prayer Time

We’re going to take a look at this psalm through the eyes of a child. God is our all knowing, ever protecting Father with whom we are safe. Let’s read Psalm 141. O Lord, I call upon you; hasten to me! Give ear to my voice when I call to you! Let my prayer be…