April 13— Stations of Salvation (various)

April 20— 7:30am - 10:30am: Easter Brunch

April 27— OSLC Writing Group / Volunteer Appreciation Reception (CR)

May 4—OSLC Writing Group (CH) / News & Questions from the synod (CR)

May 11—Vision Rally (S)

May 18—Congregational Meeting (S)

Beginning TODAY (education hour), make your way through the stations that tell the story from Ash Wednesday through Easter Sunday. Experience the images and consider the sounds, smells, and feelings that rise from the events that culminate at the cross and an empty tomb. Station 1 is in the Chapel, and information about the rest of the stations are available there. If you don’t have time today, come back between now and Thursday morning to take the time to walk the stations.

Special stickers will be given to students who present their passport after each service during Holy Week.  A special gift is available to students who attend all Holy Week services.  (If you attend elsewhere, bring back the bulletin to receive a sticker for that day).  See Karrie after Palm Sunday Service to receive your Passport and Palm Sunday sticker. 

We are studying the book of Acts on Tuesdays at 1pm in the Founder’s Room with a zoom option. Contact Karrie for more information or to get the zoom link.

Beginning Easter Sunday, April 20, we will be using a new-to-us liturgy: “Behold! I Make All Things New,” written by Ben Splichal-Larson, former intern at OSLC. The liturgy has been used at the Lutheran Center, and we are bringing it to OSLC. For those who want a chance to learn the music before we worship with, join us Wednesday, April 16, at 6:30 in the Sanctuary.

Anyone interested in or curious about a writing group can join Nancy Haberstich on April 27 and May 4 during Education Hour in the Chapel. You don't have to be a writer or aspire to author a book. Just bring your willingness and your personal experience.

Thursday, May 1st, 12:00pm for a Potluck Luncheon in the Community Room. Yesterday Youth is offering a mini-demonstration session for a new fun and engaging program called Bingocize (led by Karen Rehm), following the meal. Bingocize is a fall prevention program that combines interactive trivia questions, exercise and BINGO! And the classes are designed with you in mind. Bingocize helps boost leg strength, improve balance and build endurance—key fundamentals to maintaining or improving mobility and staying upright.

This book club meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month at 7pm at OSLC. The group begins a new title in January: “Boundless Compassion” by Joyce Rupp.

· Martha Circle meets 2nd Tuesdays, 9:30am at OSLC, sharing treats and breakfast items and discussing study published in the monthly Women of the ELCA magazine.

· Esther Circle meets 2nd Wednesdays, 9:30am at various locations (homes/restaurants). The hostess decides the topic and readings.

This book study group meets 4th Thursdays, 7pm at OSLC. They are currently reading “31 Proverbs to Light Your Path,” by Liz Curtis Higgs.

This group meets weekly on Thursday mornings at 7am at OSLC. Each week, a participant provides breakfast as the group discusses a book. They are currently reading “The Upswing: How America Came Together a Century Ago and How WE Can Do It Again,” by Robert D. Putnam.

You don’t have to sew or quilt to be a part of this group. Some women create quilt tops, but the group gathers the 3rd & 4th Wednesdays from 9am-noon to tie the quilts, share conversation, and have a breakfast treat with coffee.

In a final plea for County Attorney Pat Condon to attend our Nehemiah Assembly on May 1 and put into action more expansive use of Pre-Trial Diversion systems for adults, we are creating a prayer chain. Prior to April 14, we will accumulate names of members of all participating faith communities on strips of paper that will be made into a chain. This massive chain will be present at the City/County Building on Monday, April 14—the day dedicated to Jesus’ fight for justice as he flipped over the tables at the Temple.

We rely on People Power to encourage our officials to work for justice! Our Assembly is on May 1, 6:30p.m. at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 84th & Pioneers. Those wanting to carpool can meet at OSLC at 5:30 or call the church office to request a ride. The more people who attend, the more power we have. For info on our current topics, go to www.justice-in-action.org.

Saturday, May 10, 2-4pm @ Christ UMC, 46th & A St. for Middle & High School Students. You can expect games, fun, snacks, community, and sports! More opportunities to come soon. Wear comfy clothes and bring a water bottle. Adult volunteers and allies will be present. Hosted by: FaithAllyance (www.faithallyance.com)

As part of Loving Neighbors LNK, we are recruiting short-term volunteers to support Lincoln families in the event their loved ones are detained or deported. For many families, this will mean the loss of family stability, income, and parenting. These volunteers will be ready to help with short-term basic needs, such as housing, transportation, and food, until families can access established service providers. As these families go through the legal process that will determine so much of their future, we seek to be the supportive community they need. All actions we undertake are safe, legal, and compassionate.

National Alliance on Mental Illness, Lincoln chapter, will begin hosting a family support group on 2nd Mondays, 5:30-7:00pm at OSLC in the Basement Activities Center (enter using south doors). For more information, contact  Teresa Harms Coder.

The Altar Guild is in desperate need of folks (individuals or families) to help prepare communion in December and June. The teams work together so that no one has to cover all weekend responsibilities. This is a great way to help out behind the scenes and to get to know others in the community. If you can help, please contact Pastor Tobi or Janet Leick.

Hygiene products: deodorant and single use razors for men and women, shampoo, conditioner, bar soap, body wash, toothbrushes, floss and paste, mouth wash (alcohol free), combs, brushes, laundry soap, men’s underwear (boxer briefs only, larger sizes), small kitchen appliances: toasters, coffee pots and kitchen utensils. Items can be left in the bin in the hallway or taken directly to Bridges to Hope.

The following items are in short supply at this time; however, any other non-perishable food items and personal care items are always needed and appreciated.

Canned fruits and vegetables

Canned meals (SpaghettiOs, Ravioli, Chili w/meat, etc.)

Dry dinners (Hamburger and Tuna Helper)

Macaroni & cheese

Pasta sauce

Peanut butter

Rice

Soups-all types

Become a FEAST prison ministry sponsor or volunteer! This could include driving Feast partners to church and back once a month, simply sharing in a meal, leading a class, or even sitting together during worship. Full sponsor training available online. For more info, click below.

If your passion is kids and faith, this is the place for you! You don’t need to know theology or Scripture. You just need to be willing to learn and show patience with your students. To find out more, contact Karrie below.