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Posts by Matt (Page 3)

Weekly Wednesday Prayer Time

In this psalm the author is bursting with joy. May you catch a little of his enthusiasm as you read Psalm 40. I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon…

Weekly Wednesday Prayer Time

I’m guessing there are many people who are looking for joy. Psalm 30 reminds us to look back at what God has already done and rejoice. Then also look forward to the joy that is to come. This is indeed what we do during this season of Advent. I will extol you, O Lord, for…

Weekly Wednesday Prayer Time

It seems the only thing that is constant is change. In Psalm 92 we’ll consider the unchangeable works of God. It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night, to the music of…

Weekly Wednesday Prayer Time

It can be hard to know what to think of the wickedness of the world. Will things ever be better? Psalm 94 takes us through the struggle. O Lord, God of vengeance, O God of vengeance, shine forth! Rise up, O judge of the earth; repay to the proud what they deserve! O Lord, how…

Weekly Wednesday Prayer Time

Check the level of intensity in this short, quick turning psalm, Psalm 57. Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by. I cry out to God Most High, to…

Bonfire Tonight!

Join us in the church parking lot at 6pm tonight for a bonfire and time together outdoors. Bring your favorite warm beverage and a lawn chair. Hope to see you there!

Weekly Wednesday Prayer Time (on Thursday…)

Today’s psalm invites us to rejoice. Join in with Psalm 96. Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth! Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! (verses…

Weekly Wednesday Prayer Time

We have a shorter psalm today, Psalm 52, where we can ponder the evil around us while secure in God’s care. Why do you boast of evil, O mighty man? The steadfast love of God endures all the day. Your tongue plots destruction, like a sharp razor, you workers of deceit. You love evil more…

Weekly Wednesday Prayer Time

Our psalm today, Psalm 147, talks about God’s strength and tenderness. Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting. The Lord builds up Jerusalem; he gathers the outcasts of Israel. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.…

Weekly Wednesday Prayer Time

Our psalm today talks about God as our deliverer. We’ll look at sections of Psalm 107. Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble and gathered in from the lands, from the east…

Weekly Wednesday Prayer Time

In today’s passage, Psalm 36, we’ll look at two very different situations. Transgression speaks to the wicked deep in his heart; there is no fear of God before his eyes. For he flatters himself in his own eyes that his iniquity cannot be found out and hated. The words of his mouth are trouble and…

Fall Backpacking Trip Recap

We had a great backpacking trip last weekend to the Superior Hiking Trail. Everyone enjoyed a time of fellowship, conversation, and hiking. Highlights of the trip included beautiful colors, fascinating fungi, a magical sunset, and morning(!) and evening campfires. Watch for other recreational opportunities to come!

Weekly Wednesday Prayer Time

Where do you wish to be? We’ll hear the writer’s desires in Psalm 84. How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts! My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God. (verses 1-2, ESV) Sometimes it is when we are…

Fall Boundary Waters Trip

The annual Men’s Group Boundary Waters Trip was last week, and everyone returned with some good stories to tell. We enjoyed great fall weather, with a couple below freezing nights but crisp, clear air and only a few sprinkles (contrasted with last year’s soggy weather!). The crescent moon resulted in an amazing display of stars…

Weekly Wednesday Prayer Time

We have a short Psalm this week. There’s only 3 verses. It’s Psalm 133. Behold how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! (verse 1, ESV) Unity seems to be something that is hard to find these days. Division and discord can be so draining. Peace brings rest. Where do you find…

Courtyard Flowers

The courtyard is in full late-season bloom! The variety of plants and flowers is astounding, and a testament to God’s great creation. Stop by to take a look next time you are in the church building. Thank you to those who have volunteered to maintain this beautiful space!

Wednesday Prayer Time

Typically we would be beginning our Wednesday evening activities this week full of fun, fellowship, food, music, classes, and devotions. While we still miss the physical community, we can gather around the shared Word of God. This week’s Psalm is Psalm 33. Shout for joy in the Lord, O you righteous! Praise befits the upright.…

Fall Backpacking Trip

Feel that hint of autumn in the air and itching to get outside? Our annual fall backpacking trip is scheduled for October 1-4 (leaving early on Thursday and returning Sunday), and we would love to have you join us! We will be hiking a portion of the beautiful Superior Hiking Trail that runs from Duluth…

School Supply Donations

We are collecting supplies to donate to a local school. Below is a list of ideas. We will be collecting them in the narthex through Sunday, August 30. THANK YOU!! – Winter mittens/hats*– Rulers– Construction paper– Scissors– Glue bottles– Glue sticks– Headphones– Pencils– Small pencil sharpeners– Plastic folders– Notebooks– Whiteboard markers– Pencil boxes– Tissues– Disinfectant…

Swimming Event Cancelled

Well, a big bummer, but the planned swimming night at Spring Lake Park Sunday night has been cancelled due to COVID exposure at the pool. We pray anyone exposed recovers quickly. The afternoon hiking event is on as planned.

Swim Party!

Our Savior’s has rented the Spring Lake pool facility in North Mankato for your enjoyment Sunday, August 16 from 6:30-8:00pm. Even at 50% capacity there is room for 600 people, so plenty of room to social distance! Masks are needed in line and at the concession stand but not in the water. Though we didn’t…

Sunday Hike

Everyone is invited to an afternoon hike on Sunday, August 16th. We will meet at Seven Mile Creek park at 1pm and hike some of the trails in the park. If you have any questions, please contact Matt Brand. Look forward to seeing you there!

Family Camping

Hey families! Looking for a chance for some outdoor fellowship? Join us for a quick overnight camping trip to Fort Ridgley State Park on Friday, July 24th. We have the group site reserved, so come sometime in the afternoon or after work for supper, devotions, and fellowship. Stay as long as you wish on Saturday…

Upcoming Outdoor Activities

We have a number of upcoming opportunities for outdoor fun and fellowship. These are great opportunities to meet new people and reconnect with those who we have not gotten a chance to see over the past few months. If you have any questions, please contact Matt Brand. Sunday, July 12 at 1pm – meet at…

Weekly Wednesday Prayer Time

As we gather together this Wednesday, we’ll be reminded of God’s blessings. Let’s look at Psalm 67. May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations. Let peoples praise you, O God; let…

Weekly Wednesday Prayer Time

As we gather together this Wednesday, we’ll be reminded of God’s work in the midst of evil. Let’s look at Psalm 5 Give ear to my words, O Lord; consider my groaning. Give attention to the sound of my cry, my King and my God, for to you do I pray. O Lord, in the…

Weekly Wednesday Prayer Time

As we gather together this Wednesday, we’ll be reminded of God’s work throughout our life, past, present, and future. Psalm 71 is a little longer, so we’ll just look at parts of it here. In you, O Lord, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame! In your righteousness deliver me and…

Weekly Wednesday Prayer Time

As we gather together this Wednesday, we’ll be reminded of our reliable, unchanging God during our ever changing lives. Let’s take a look at Psalm 111. Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation. Great are the works of the…

Weekly Wednesday Prayer Time

As we gather together this Wednesday, we’ll be reminded of the one who rescues us. Let’s take a look at Psalm 34. I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify…

Weekly Wednesday Prayer Time

As we gather together this Wednesday, we’ll be reminded of God’s great love and mercy toward His children. Let’s take a look at Psalm 103. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives…

Weekly Wednesday Prayer Time

As we gather together this Wednesday, we’ll be reminded where our security lies. Let’s take a look at Psalm 62. For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken. (verse 1-2, ESV) Do you have…

Weekly Wednesday Prayer Time

As we gather together this Wednesday, we’ll take a look at Psalm 25 To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, in you I trust; let me not be put to shame; let not my enemies exult over me. Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame; they…

Weekly Wednesday Prayer Time

As we gather together this Wednesday, we’ll take a look at Psalm 63. O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. (verse 1, ESV) There are times in life that we…

Weekly Wednesday Prayer Time

As we gather together this Wednesday, we’ll take a look at a familiar psalm, Psalm 23. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. (verses…

Weekly Wednesday Prayer Time

We again encourage you to gather together Wednesday evening. It can be after supper, before bed, or just take a break at 7pm. Feel free to offer your own prayers and read your own choice of scripture. Below you can take a look at Psalm 20. It was written as a group of people praying…

Hope in Darkness-Postponed

Hope in Darkness – Women’s Retreat that was scheduled for March has been postponed. But keep an eye out for it’s rescheduling to join us for Bible study, music, craft, and fellowship. Lunch and morning refreshments are included in the $10 cost. Don’t forget to register by contacting Deaconess Lisa Brand even though we haven’t…

Cancer Companions 30 Days of Prayer

The 2nd Annual 30 Days of Prayer continues this week.  There are three ways to register, e-mail, phone, Facebook. Go to: https://www.cancer-companions.org/30-days-cancer-prayer-registration/ to register.  I will be receiving the 30 Days of Prayer on my phone and via Facebook, which I will share from all my Facebook friends, a simple way to spread the word. …

Outdoor Fun

Did you make a new year’s resolution to get outside more? Looking for a chance to spend time with other members of Our Saviors? We have a number of activities planned for this year, with more details to follow. If you are interested in participating or have any questions, please contact Matt Brand or Lisa…

Potluck Dinner & Bible Study

Please join us for food and Bible Study on Thursday, January 23rd. We’ll gather at 5:30pm in the Fireplace room for a potluck dinner. Then at 6:30pm we’ll study God’s Word together. This month we will continue our study of A Simple Way to Pray by Dr. Martin Luther. See you there!

Sunday Morning Bible Study

Sunday, January 19th, Pastor Matheny will begin a 12-week class on the Small Catechism. You may have studied this book in Confirmation, but if you haven’t touched it since then, this class is for you. For anyone seeking membership at Our Savior’s, this will give you everything you need in order to join. Meet at…

TSNT Special Event!

Join us on Sunday, January 12th from 6 – 8 pm for a very special TSNT – parents and congregation members are invited and encouraged to attend. Rev. Fred Hinz of the Minnesota South District Staff will present “God’s Ordering of All Things, Visible and Invisible.” During the evening you will hear about compelling new discoveries…

Christmas Worship

We invite you to join us for Christmas services as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, our Savior. Christmas Eve Service of Readings and Carols: 5pm & 7pm Pre-service music beginning at 4:30pm & 6:30pm Candlelight Service with Holy Communion: 10p Christmas Day Traditional Christmas Worship with Holy Communion: 9am

Children’s Christmas Service

“From Everywhere to Bethlehem” is coming next Saturday, December 21 at 4:30pm. There will be a variety of music performed by the children beforehand and refreshments afterward. Feel free to bring some goodies to share and drop them off in the kitchen. Please join us!

Be a Part of the New Photo Directory!

Be included in our new photo directory! Book your session now at: https://booknow-lifetouch.appointment-plus.com/b0m7h7rg/   Photography dates are: Tuesday – Friday, January 21 – 24, 2 – 9pm Saturday, January 25, 10am – 5pm Tuesday – Friday, January 28 – 31, 2 – 9pm Saturday, February 1, 10am – 5pm. A free 8 x 10 and…

Youth Meal

The Youth will be preparing a hot meal for after services on Sunday, November 24th, before the Voters’ Meeting. Join us at 11:30 am for a great meal and conversation with your brothers and sisters. There is no charge for the meal, but donations for the meal will go toward youth activities.

Sunday Education Hour

Christian education opportunities abound throughout the week, but there is something for all ages Sunday mornings between services. There is Sunday school for the kids ages 3 and up (see Deaconess Lisa if you have any questions about where classes meet), as well as several Bible studies for everyone else. Pastor Lauer is leading an…