Advanced Care Planning Review
If you or family members are walking through this process, Michelle Anderson, RN, Faith Community Nurse, can assist you.
Caring Ministries has forms available from “Five Wishes” (an approach to advanced care planning that provides ways to discuss and document your care and comfort choices) and as Sanford and Avera health systems that make this process easy and fun. The Caring Ministries/Sanford Lending Library also has “The Go Wish Game,” which can help you and your family decide together what’s important.
If it’s been more than ten years, or you have had a major life change, now is the time to review your wishes, update your forms, and discuss these with your family. The words of Ash Wednesday are fresh in our minds: “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return”. Contact Michelle to learn more about Advanced Care Planning or updating directives: 336-2942, ext 28, or mianderson@oslchurch.com.
A Gift Becomes a Gift
OSL Quilters recently received donations of fabric and quilts from Donna Jean Rentschler, and immediately set to work turning that gift into another gift—this beautiful quilt, the perfect gift for the Red Hawk family as they are gathered to support their two-year-old takoja (grandson) at the Sanford Castle.
Caring Friend Joani Nelsen (right) visits Donna Beuckens.
A Ministry of Presence
OSL Caring Friends are volunteers who reach out monthly to members residing in care facilities in the Sioux Falls area. This ministry program was created as an opportunity to minister to those who can no longer participate in worship and fellowship opportunities, to make them feel connected, and remind them they are a vital part of their church family.
Through phone calls, mail, personal visits, and prayer, Caring Friends extend the Love of Christ to those who may themselves alone or disconnected. This outreach is an essential part of OSL’s mission: Connecting Faith to Everyday Life.
You are invited to be part of the Caring Friends Ministry Team, and serve as a living reminder of God’s presence and love! Contact Pr. Tim Lemme, 336-2942, ext. 19, or tlemme@oslchurch.com, or Deb Harlan, 336-2942, ext. 48, or dharlan@oslchurch.com.
Service of Healing
For anyone who has experienced any type of loss, OSL’s Healing Service offers comfort and support. This year’s Healing Service will be on Tuesday, April 16, at 6:30 p.m., in the Sanctuary. A blessing will be given to those who come forward for individual prayer and anointing.
Men’s Bible Breakfast
OSL’s Men’s Bible Breakfast and Lutheran Men in Mission group meets on the first and third Saturday of each month at 8:30 a.m. in the Conference Room. A continental breakfast is provided by members at each gathering. Men of all ages are invited to attend this one-hour Bible study when it meets on April 6 and 20. For more details, contact Pr. Tim Lemme, tlemme@oslchurch.com or 336-2942, ext. 19.
Lenten Recent Loss Series
OSL’s Recent Loss group will meet on Wednesdays in Lent, through April 10, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., in the Chapel. You may join the group for soup and pie Lenten supper at 5:00 in The Gathering Place (look for the designated table), and are invited to worship at 6:40 in the Sanctuary. Contact Michelle Anderson, 336-2942, ext. 28, or mianderson@oslchurch.com with questions.
Friendship Club
Dr. Melissa Johnson will be speaking about her work with veterans and their families at the VA Hospital at this month’s Friendship Club gathering, on April 16 at 10:30 a.m., in the Friendship Room. Lunch will follow the presentation, at 11:30, in The Gathering Place. Come and enjoy this wonderful time together, and bring a friend—or two!—to Friendship Club!
The Big Squeeze
April is “Live Well Sioux Falls Big Squeeze” month, and OSL Caring Ministries is encouraging everyone to get their blood pressure checked by a professional this month. The Caring Ministries Blood Pressure Station is available to anyone whenever OSL is open. Knowing your numbers can be life-saving, and you will also help provide important data our region’s public health research.
Blood Mobile Returns!
Roll up your sleeve and save a life when the Blood Mobile returns to OSL on Sunday, April 7, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sign up at the Information Center. Questions? Michelle Anderson, 336-2942, ext. 48, or mianderson@oslchurch.com.
Health Ministries
Our Savior’s has a number of ongoing health ministries that meet on a weekly or monthly basis. Feel free to join any of the following sessions. For more information, contact Michelle Anderson, Faith Community Nurse, 336-2942, ext. 48, or mianderson@oslchurch.com.
Footcare Clinic
Cost is $25 per person. Wednesday, April 3, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Call the Church Office, 336-2942, to schedule your appointment.
Hope for Living with
Illness or Cancer
Every Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. in Caring Ministries. People and their families who have or are experiencing the challenge of cancer are welcome. If you cannot attend, but would like to be on our prayer and devotional mailing list, contact Michelle Anderson, Faith Community Nurse, 336-2942, ext. 48, or mianderson@oslchurch.com.
Knitting/Crocheting Ministry
Learn how to knit or crochet prayer shawls (to be given to people to remind them of God’s presence and love in their lives) and mittens and scarves (for missions).
Wednesdays, April 10 and 24, 9:30 a.m.
Recent Loss Group
Wednesdays, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., in the Chapel. Contact Michelle Anderson, 336-2942, ext. 28, or or mianderson@oslchurch.com, to preregister. OSL Community Supper is available before the meeting, at 5:00 in The Gathering Place.
Good Grief
Every Thursday at 10:00 a.m. in Room 103. Offers support to anyone dealing with loss and crisis in their lives.
Memory Care Support Group
Saturdays, 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., Conference Room. For caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s and dementia, the group is a place for caregivers to share and to receive understanding and empathy. Contact Michelle Anderson, Faith Community Nurse, 336-2942, ext. 48, or mianderson@oslchurch.com.
Poverty Simulation on April 16
The University of Sioux Falls and Center of Hope are sponsoring a Poverty Simulation on April 16, from 12:15 to 3:30 p.m., at the USF Stewart Center. Poverty Simulations are designed to give those who have never experienced the realities of living in poverty a greater sense of what the poor in our community must live with. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Maddie Borah, RN, Center of Hope Faith Community Nursing Coordinator, maddie@centerofhopesf.org or 334-9789.