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Visitor Information
At Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, all activities flow from the knowledge that God’s
love, through Jesus Christ, makes a critical difference in the lives of individuals,
families, and society.
Pastoral Welcome
To our many visitors and/or those who would like more information about OSLC, we encourage you to take the time to browse the rest of our web site. We describe in detail the many ministries, programs and opportunities available here at OSLC. We invite you to visit and join us in weekend worship!
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The Mission Of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church
By the power of God's love we:
- Welcome all people into a life-giving relationship with Jesus Christ and one another.
- Grow together in faith and understanding of God's grace.
- Equip each other to Make Christ Known in the world.
Our vision is to be a loving community where all people discover and grow an active faith in Jesus Christ that changes lives in the world.
At Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, all activities flow from the knowledge that God's love, through Jesus Christ, makes a critical difference in the lives of individuals, families, and society. This site details the many ways in which adults, children, life-long Christians and new believers come together at Our Saviour's to nurture one another in faith, and to bear the fruits of our faith to the world. |
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Statement of Welcome and Affirmation
It is the power of God's love that transforms us, makes us children of God and inspires us to live as God's people in our world.
Jesus broke through barriers and brokenness in the world to reach out to all. Our Saviour's Lutheran Church believes that all people are created by God and share the same need for forgiveness, hope and healing. Even on issues where it is difficult to reach a consensus, Our Saviour's desires to reflect the love of Jesus with a welcoming spirit. Moving beyond the common distinctions of race, national origin, age, gender, physical, mental and emotional condition or capacity, political perspective, personal history, marital status, sexual orientation, economic or social situation, we seek to…"Welcome all people into a life-giving relationship with Jesus Christ and one another."
Our Saviour's is a member of Lutherans Concerned North America-Reconciling in Christ Program.
Our Saviour's strives to "Grow together in faith and understanding of God's grace." All people in a life-giving relationship with Jesus Christ are encouraged to let God's Spirit deepen their relationship. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to grow spiritually through worship, prayer, Bible study, fellowship and service as we participate fully in the life of this congregation.
Our Saviour's also works to "Equip each other to Make Christ Known in the world." Our mission is to be ambassadors of Christ's love in the world. The life-giving work of Christ is accomplished as we discover and use the gifts that God has given us in our daily life and work.
Click here for our Congregation Constitution and Bylaws  .
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What to Expect During Worship
Is everyone invited to take Communion?
All who believe in the saving grace of Jesus Christ and are baptized Christians are welcome to share in Holy Communion, celebrated at every weekend service.
Are my children welcome in church?
Yes! Children are invited to join in the children’s sermon, sing the songs, say prayers, or enjoy their very own children’s bulletin. We have a Quiet Room, adjacent to our Traditional Worship Space for our youngest worshipers, who may need some personalized attention. A nursery is provided during the 9:00 and 10:30 am services.
Does Our Saviour’s have a dress code?
No, please come as you are! Most people dress for the weather, while showing respect for the occasion of worshiping the Lord.
Does Our Saviour’s have women pastors?
Yes! Women are welcome to become ordained ministers in the ELCA, and Our Saviour’s currently has two women in pastoral positions.
What is the difference between the Traditional and Contemporary Services?
Our Traditional and Contemporary services run at the same time on Sundays at 9:00 and 10:30 am. See the “Worship” category for service descriptions.
Where should I park?
Our Saviour's Lutheran Church has a large parking lot
adjacent to our building. You may enter the parking lot
from Olive Street (enter heading south) or Dunton
Avenue (enter heading east). The AT&T building directly
south of our church offers their parking lot for our
use during worship service hours. Enter the AT&T
parking lot by turning to the west off of Arlington
Heights Road, and follow the path to the back of their
building.
Can I sit when everyone else is standing?
Yes, absolutely. Here at Our Saviour's, you stand "if
you are able." Some members prefer to sit during these
times.
Do I need to give money into the collection plate?
As a visitor, you are not asked nor expected to give
anything to Our Saviour's when the baskets are passed.
However, if you choose to become a regular worshipper
here at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, you need to know
up front that we take our response to God's blessings
seriously. If you choose to become a part of our
church, you will be expected to give freely, regularly,
generously, and proportionately to help carry out this
church's Mission and Vision as a congregation.
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Location Of Our Saviour's
Our Saviour's Lutheran Church is located at
1234 N. Arlington Heights Road in Arlington Heights, Illinois (a northwest suburb, located about 25 miles from downtown Chicago), at the intersection of Arlington Hts Rd. and Olive St. Click on our address for a location map and a layout map of our building. We have a large parking lot to the west of our building which has entrances off of Olive St. and Dunton Ave. Overflow parking is available at the Ameritech/SBC building lot just south of our building. Our phone number is 847-255-8700. Our fax is 847-255-8721.
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Special Needs
Our Saviour's addresses the special needs of its members and visitors. The building is handicapped accessible. We have handicap parking right outside the entrance to the main worship space. Entrances to both of the worship spaces are at the same level as the parking lot, with no ramps or steps. We have handicapped accessible washrooms located near the main worship space. Hearing enhancement units and large print bulletins are available for our worship services. Our main worship space seats 500 and our north worship space seats 200.
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Photo Tour
Click here for a photo tour of Our Saviours' facilities. It will open in a new browser window.
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New Member Classes
Are you interested in joining Our Saviour’s? We offer quarterly New Member Classes.
If it is your desire to unite in membership at Our Saviour’s and to share our ministry here, or if you would like to come and learn more about Our Saviour’s and make your choice sometime later, please call Cheryl Boncher in the church office at 847-255-8700 ext. 223,
or email
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Calendar of Events
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What's New
Following is a summary of upcoming events of note. See the Parish Memo for full details.
- OSLC voted to call Pastor Robert Henderson as our next Senior Pastor on July 20. Click here for details and photos from the July 17 Reception.
- This Week's Prayer List
- Letters from Pastor Rippert. Pastor Rippert spent the spring of 2008 in Mozambique. Click here to read her letters from Africa.
- Vacation Bible School Photos. Click here to view photos from the 2008 edition.
- Photos of OSLC Green Team in 2008 Independence Day Parade
- Habitat Construction expected to begin soon
“Excited and overjoyed!” Those were the reactions of our new homeowner-partner, when he learned in late April that the Spring of Life Partnership would help build a new home for his family, and the same sentiments were expressed by volunteers anxious to get started on our sixth Habitat for Humanity house. We expect to start building a modest Prairie-style four-bedroom house in south Elgin this month. The new work schedule calls for 3–4 churches in the partnership to provide the work crew on each of the first three Saturdays each month. On the fourth Saturday volunteers from all churches in the partnership who couldn’t help on their scheduled Saturday are invited to help build. As on previous builds, responsibility for providing lunch for the work crews will rotate among the 11 churches. If you would like to help contact Roger Mattson. A desire to help and willingness to learn are all that’s needed; we can find a job for everyone.
- Wednesday Night at the Movies
This summer join the Global Mission Committee for Wednesday Night at the Movies here at Our Saviour’s. The selected movies, which portray experiences of people in our time, have received high ratings. Mark your calendars now for 7:00 pm on the following three Wednesday evenings. The popcorn will be ready!
- July 30: Power of Forgiveness
Rating unknown. From Ground Zero to Northern Ireland to the Amish countryside, the Power of Forgiveness explores this important concept, and reveals how forgiveness can transform your life.
- Celebrate Pastor Morkert!
In January, 2003, Pastor Larry Morkert was hired as a part time interim pastor to fill the void left by Pastor Irgen’s departure. In July 2003, he began serving as a called part time pastor at Our Saviour’s, serving as our Pastoral Care Pastor. For the past five and a half years, Pastor Morkert has worked with Shirley Garrison, and now Carrie Hill, to develop our Pastoral Care Ministry Program, Support Teams, and Caring Ministry as well as preaching the Gospel, administering the Sacraments, and telling lots and lots of stories and jokes! For the past two years during the senior pastoral vacancy he has worked full time to help maintain the high level of care and worship leadership Our Saviour’s has come to expect. He has been a great blessing to us. But at the end of July, Pastor Morkert will retire and be leaving us. To wish him well and thank him for his ministry among us, we have set aside Sunday, July 27 as a day to celebrate Pastor Morkert! A reception in his honor will take place after services in the main narthex. The congregation is accepting donations toward a thank you/retirement gift for Pastor. If you would like to contribute, please donate to the labeled box in the main narthex or send your check to OSLC. Put “Pastor Larry’s gift” in the memo line. Mark your calendar and plan to be in worship July 27th to thank Pastor Morkert for his years of ministry at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church.
- SportsLife Camp is coming to Our Saviours
Come join the fun as we spend an amazing week of sports, arts, and learning about Jesus. Please join us Monday through Thursday, August 4–7. The program begins at 5:30 p.m and goes until 8:30 pm. The curriculum is based on Biblical stories of ordinary people who made some outrageous jumps of faith for Jesus. Each camper has a choice of what main sports event they would like to choose for the week.
The Main Events:
Basketball & Street Hockey,
Ultimate Frisbee & Soccer,
Cheerleading & Dance,
Arts Extravaganza.
The Side Shows:
Obstacle Course,
High Speed Kickball,
Volley Madness,
Capture the Noodle.
Registration forms are located on the Children’s Ministry bulletin board (main hallway) or you can download them from our website at www.oursaviours.org. The fee is $70 per camper. Questions? Contact Cari Ann Petersen 847-255-8700. Just Jump in!
- Announcing Our Saviour’s 2nd Annual Heritage Society Event
Ice Cream Social
Sunday, August 24, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Guest Speaker is Pastor Richard Jessen.
Our Saviour’s Heritage Society is made up of 32 generous members who have made a commitment to remember the ongoing ministry of Our Saviour’s far into the future. Through generous gifts made through their wills and estate plans, Heritage Society members have helped to lay the financial foundation for ensuring that Our Saviour’s continues to be a vibrant, active, and giving congregation long after they are gone.
In order to celebrate and honor these visionary members for making Our Saviour’s a part of their legacy, the Mission Endowment Committee is hosting the Second Annual Heritage Society Event on Sunday, August 24 from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. The event will feature a good old-fashioned Ice Cream Social; a few words from former Our Saviour’s Senior Pastor, Richard Jessen; and comments from current Heritage Society members. However, this event is also for everyone who cares about carrying the mission of Our Saviour’s into the future. Please join the Heritage Society and Endowment Committee members for some summer fellowship and to learn more about becoming a part of the legacy.
- Church Picnic Sunday September 7 to be held at Greens Park adjacent to Olive School, two blocks east of Our Saviours.
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Administration & Staff
Pastoral Staff
See Church Staff section below. Click here for photos of our staff.
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Pastor on Call
If you, or someone in your family, need a hospital visit from a pastor, please contact Our Saviour’s at 847-255-8700 during office hours and the Pastor On Call will be notified right away. After hours, the Pastor On Call is carrying a pager to aid us in responding to needs. When you call 847-255-8700 and leave a message on the “Pastor On Call” voicemail, ext. 300, the pager is automatically called.
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Church Office Hours
Summer Office Hours
Monday – Thursday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
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Church Staff
Click staff name below to send an e-mail.
If you do not have an email program, click here for an email form to send a message to a member of the staff at OSLC.
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Staff Member |
Position |
847-255-8700 |
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Associate Pastor |
x225 |
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Calling Pastor |
x233 |
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Interim Pastor |
x229 |
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Interim Pastor (part time) |
x227 |
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Congregational Operations Officer |
x231 |
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Music Director |
x234 |
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Contemporary Worship Leader |
x237 |
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Children's Ministry Coordinator |
x243 |
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Youth Ministry Coordinator |
x240 |
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Older Adult Ministry Coordinator |
x315 |
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Parish Nurse |
x230 |
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Office Assistant |
x222 |
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Office Manager |
x223 |
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Communications Coordinator |
x242 |
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Personnel Manager |
x224 |
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Bookkeeper |
x226 |
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Barbara Vasquez |
Nursery Staff |
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OSLC Church Officers and Council
These are Our Saviours Lutheran Church 2007-2008 Church Officers and the elected Church Council Members and the Committees that they represent. For more information, contact the Church Office at 847-255-8700 or e-mail the secretaries. Click on names to send an e-mail, if it is available. For a summary of council meetings, click here.
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| Church Office | Office Holder |
| President |
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| Vice President |
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| Secretary |
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| Financial Secretary-Receipts | Rich Morton |
| Financial Secretary-Records |
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| Treasurer |
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| Other Council Members |
| Marilyn Dutcher |
| Scott Gierke |
| Ed Hartman |
| Julia Piontek |
| Dave Timm |
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Organizational Chart
We currently have a vacancy for Senior Pastor. A Call Committee is chaired by . The Call Committee has a church mailbox, #21, and is accepting names of candidates.
Senior Pastor-Job Description (currently vacant) |
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Purpose:
To provide leadership and oversight in developing and implementing the vision and mission of the congregation. Direct and guide church staff and volunteer leaders in completion of goals and activities that are consistent with the vision, mission and goals of the church.
Leadership
Work with the Lead Team and Church Council to provide visioning and guidance for long range and strategic planning. Work with staff, committees and others to see that the stated mission of the congregation is accomplished. Specific duties include:
- Supervision, guidance and evaluation of Lead Team (pastors, COO) and other designated staff.
- Guidance for Mission Resource Committee, the annual response of time, talents and money, spiritual gifts, and the ongoing stewardship effort.
- Providing vision and guidance for church growth and future development of ministries, facilities and resources.
Worship
Oversee and guide the worship life of the congregation to realize the congregation's purpose, mission, and the pastoral "Letter of Call".
- Preach and teach the Word of God in accordance with the Holy Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions. Preach a majority of the messages. Set preaching schedule.
- Set themes, music (both traditional and contemporary) with assistance of music staff.
- Administer Holy Baptism and Holy Communion. Oversee provision of the sacraments.
- Conduct weddings and funerals as needed and provide supportive pastoral care and guidance.
- Proclaim the forgiveness of sins and encourage the spreading of God's love through word and deed.
Evangelism
Oversee and guide the congregation's efforts to reach the unreached in our area with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
- Help create an inviting and welcoming environment.
- Oversee the direction and implementation of the Welcome to Our Saviour's class for prospective members.
- Assist prospective members in discovering opportunities for growth in discipleship, connection with faith resources, and building relationships with the people of Our Saviour's.
- Oversee work of the Communications Ministry Team.
Pastoral Care
See that congregation members receive needed spiritual care, guidance and support from staff and from one another. Provide personal pastoral care by phone and by visits in office, homes and hospitals as needed.
Discipleship
Be diligent in the study of Holy Scripture; in the use of the means of grace; in prayer; in faithful service; and in holy living. Make use of opportunities to teach, challenge and equip people of all ages to grow in living the marks of discipleship.
- Guidance of the Adult Enrichment Ministry Team and the planning of adult educational opportunities for all.
- Guidance of Small Group leaders and the building up of the Small Group Ministries.
- Take an active teaching role where possible.
- Encourage all to pray, worship, read the Scriptures, serve, relate to one another, and give. (the marks of discipleship)
Relationships
- Accountable and responsible to the church congregation and the Church Council.
- Serves as a member of the Church Council and committees, task forces and ministries as appropriate.
- Guides, supports and manages the Lead Team (Pastors, COO).
- Supported by the Mutual Ministry Committee.
- Supervise exempt and non-exempt employees as designated.
- Work in accordance with the guidelines and policies of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church.
- Accept and support the doctrine, theology, vision, and mission of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
- Serves as a called and ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
- Demonstrates commitment to ongoing spiritual growth and development of gifts.
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Finance and Stewardship
Donate to OSLC
Press the above button and a new window will be opened to take you to a secure web site where you can donate.
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Simply Giving |
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Simply Giving® is an automated giving program designed to help you conveniently and consistently contribute to Our Saviour's. Through Simply Giving®, your gifts are made through a pre-authorized withdrawal from your bank account. You determine the frequency and amount of your automatic gift—weekly, semi-monthly or monthly—the option is yours. There is no cost to you or Our Saviour's. Click the logo to go to the Simply Giving® page at Thrivent Lutheran Financial Services. Print and complete the form and return it to Our Saviour's.
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Stewardship Campaign
Click here for the 2008 Stewardship Info and Commitment Form
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Annual Report
Click here for the 2007 Annual Report (710kb)
Click for February 17, 2008 Annual Meeting Summary.
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Memorial & Special Gifts
Click here for the Memorial and Special Gift List
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Mission Endowment Fund
Click here for the Mission Endowment Fund
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Heritage Society
The Heritage Society will have as members those who have decided to make a gift to Our Saviours in their will or other estate planning document. Click here for the Heritage Society
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Church History
Our Saviour's has been ministering to the people of Arlington Heights and the northwest suburbs of Chicago since 1955. Click here for a brief history with photos of our church and its leaders. Our baptized membership as of November 1, 2006 is 2495 and confirmed membership is 1878; average weekly worship attendance for 2006 is 737.
In 2004-2005, Our Saviours celebrated its 50th Anniversary. The congregation looks forward to its next 50 years.
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Opportunities for Sharing your Time and Talents at OSLC
Click here for the Opportunities for Ministry
Click here for the Opportunities for Ministry Form
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Quick Link to Ministries at Our Saviours
| The drop down box below has ministries in alphabetical order. Click on one for a quick link to it. |
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Google Search
Click here to use our search engine on the OSLC web pages to quickly find what you are looking for.
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Contact Us
Click here for an email form to send a message to a staff member at Our Saviour's.
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