Our Savior Lutheran Church and School

Advent by Candlelight Devotion by Jean Walter, 1990 & 2025

Jean Walter wrote and delivered this devotion for the very first Advent by Candlelight in December, 1990. Her daughter Wendy Boyce read this devotion 35 years later for Advent by Candlelight, December 6, 2025. It is relevant and timeless because it points us to the true Reason for the Season.

We are very happy you are here spending this time with us today. At this season of the year, time becomes very precious to us. It seems we have so many things we want to do to get ready for Christmas. We as women often feel that it’s up to us to plan Christmases that will be perfect for our families and friends.

But really, providing a perfect Christmas isn’t our responsibility. Christmas was God‘s idea and He planned it perfectly. It took 4,000 years after He promised a savior for the time to be exactly right for the first Christmas. Then, at exactly the right time and in just the right place, Jesus was born and it was Christmas.

The substance of Christmas, what Christmas really is, that’s all God‘s doing. It’s His priceless gift to us. It’s like a priceless diamond. We can wrap it exquisitely, but we can’t really increase its value. It’s already priceless. That same diamond is just as priceless if we wrap it in an old newspaper and twine. We can’t really make Christmas any more wonderful than it is, and we can’t really mess it up no matter what we do. Our Christmas preparations are merely wrappings. What Christmas really is, God has already made perfect.

Mary probably didn’t think the first Christmas was so perfect. That Christmas probably didn’t go exactly the way Mary planned. She was looking forward to the birth of her first child and she was probably planning on being close to her family 

After Mary made sure Jesus was tucked safely in his manger bed, she probably planned on sleeping. I’m sure the last thing she planned on was Christmas company. But there they were, strange men at the stable door. Shepherd’s came to see her newborn son. It was not Mary’s plan, but it was what God had planned. In fact, God made a big production out of making sure those shepherds came to see Jesus through an angelic messenger, then a multitude of the heavenly host.

Sometimes we don’t feel as if Christmas time is so perfect. After all, if we were planning a perfect Christmas this year, families would all be together. Miles wouldn’t separate us from our children and grandchildren. There wouldn’t be kids in hospitals or grandpas in nursing homes or sons in Saudi Arabia or empty chairs where Mom sat last year. We wouldn’t have unemployment or broken homes or hard feelings.

It’s true, often the stuff that is around Christmas isn’t ideal. Sometimes it is newspaper and twine. But underneath those wrappings, no matter what they are, there is still God‘s perfect Christmas.

Some of you may have experienced a Christmas time that was nothing at all like you planned.  You planned on baking and shopping and sending out cards. Then something happened that you didn’t plan on: a life-threatening accident or a critical illness. You got into the car but you didn’t drive to the malls to shop. You drove to the hospital. Other people were shopping, baking, and decorating. You were sitting in the hospital at someone’s bedside. Not much got done to get ready for Christmas. You managed a gift for the kids and the tree got put up. Then it was Christmas Eve and you went to church and you heard again the message of Christmas: “To you this day is born a Savior.” Then it struck you, how absolutely wonderful Christmas is. What an incredibly beautiful Christmas God planned. You didn’t bake one cookie. You didn’t send out one card. Most of the decorations were still in the attic. Gifts under the tree were very sparse. Yet this Christmas was just as wonderful as any other Christmas. It is what God has done in Jesus that really makes Christmas, not the things that we do.

So if you lost 20 pounds and you bought this gorgeous new dress and you’re going to look absolutely stunning, and you found perfect outfits for the kids and they’re all going to look like they stepped out of the catalog, that’s great. And if you’re wearing last year’s dress and the hand-me-downs for the kids aren’t fitting as well as you planned, or the outfits you planned on sewing are never going to get done by Christmas time, that’s still great. For all of us, the first Christmas, God’s Son wore swaddling clothes so we could be dressed in the robes of His righteousness. We can’t wear anything more beautiful.

if you got the new wallpaper up, the walls painted, the furniture reupholstered, and everything turned out to look even better than you hoped, that’s great. And if you’re not sure you’re even going to get around to scrubbing the worst of the fingerprints off the wall, and the Davenport that looked a little shabby last Christmas looks really shabby this Christmas, that’s still great. For all of us, the first Christmas Day, God’s Son lived in a stable so that someday we could live in a heavenly mansion. We have a home that’s indescribably beautiful.

If you have all your shopping done and all your gifts wrapped, that’s great. And if Christmas shopping isn’t going so smoothly, that’s still great. All you’re really going to wrap is some of the wrapping. For all of us, God has taken care of the perfect gift for everyone on our list. God gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him will have eternal life.

Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ gave the great Commission to “go and make disciples of all nations…” A number of Lutheran churches in the 1970’s had a unique opportunity to do exactly that by sharing the Good News of Jesus with Hmong immigrants. Our Savior, Lansing, is reflecting on 47 years of Hmong Ministry that saw 389 souls baptized into Christ. It is a remarkable chapter in this congregation’s history and the history of the Lutheran Church in the United States which demonstrates the power of the Gospel to transcend language and culture as it reaches people with the Gospel.

During the Vietnam War (1965-1973), the U.S. military was aided by a local ethnic group called the Hmong, who lived in the mountains of Laos, Vietnam, and Thailand. The Hmong were a freedom loving people who were fighting against the communist takeover of these countries. They fled persecution from the Chinese in the 18^th and 19^th centuries and maintained their unique language, culture, and identity. They are a people without a homeland. In the 1960’s, tens of thousands of Hmong men were recruited by the CIA for their secret operations in Laos. Others assisted the American military in Vietnam, guiding soldiers through the thick jungles, interpreting, and infiltrating the Viet Cong. They were known to be courageous and loyal. When the U.S. withdrew from Vietnam, the communists retaliated against the Hmong by trying to kill them. Many families fled across the border into Thailand by swimming across the Mekong River, often under gunfire. Several of them lost family members there in the river. Those who survived were gathered into refugee camps before being sent to the United States. The U.S. gave veteran status to the Hmong who assisted in the Vietnam War and the Secret War in Laos, and allowed their families to settle in America. Refugee agencies and immigrant ministries prepared themselves for the arrival of 30,000 Hmong in 1978. This is when the Lutherans stepped up in a big way.

Churches like Our Savior in Lansing prayerfully considered helping the Hmong resettle in the United States. At Our Savior, a ministry team was formed to welcome the Hmong at the Detroit airport as they arrived on American soil. The team was led by a teacher in the school, Mr. Richard Hackbarth. They helped the refugees find initial housing, get jobs, and fill out the paperwork. Their children were welcomed as students in Our Savior Lutheran School. The language barrier was significant, and most Hmong families had never left their village before that point. With patience, love, and commitment, the Lutherans in Lansing welcomed and assisted these families. The first family in 1978 was the Nao Lu Lee family. They were followed by several others. Those who came to faith in Christ were baptized, renouncing their animist religion, sometimes over a dozen at a time.

A Christian Hmong interpreter named Zhong Houa Yang came from Pennsylvania to Lansing to assist with Hmong ministry at Our Savior. He helped Pastor Bickel share the Christian faith with the Hmong, young and old, and by 1984, around 100 Hmong had been baptized at Our Savior by Pastor Bickel. Zhong Houa Yang received theological training first through the Lay Training Institute in Wisconsin and then through Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, and was ordained in 1993. He served as the Hmong pastor at Our Savior until 2004 when Lang Yang, a vicar serving at St. Michael’s, Richville, MI, took charge of the Hmong Ministry at Our Savior.

Lang Yang came to the United States in 1979 when he was 11 years old. He moved from North Carolina to Richville, MI, in 1996 and was involved with the Hmong ministry at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church. He graduated from the Ethnic Immigrant Institute of Theology at Concordia, St. Louis, in 2008 and was ordained as a Lutheran pastor, serving the Hmong members of both St. Michael’s Richville and Our Savior Lansing. In 2012 he organized the Hmong Mission Society that connected Hmong Lutheran ministries in North America and southeast Asia. He led mission trips to Alaska and Thailand and worked on several translation projects for the LCMS, including the Hmong Hymnal Project. Pastor Yang also served in many chaplaincy roles, for the Tuscola County Sherriff Department, the Civil Air Patrol, and U.S. Army Reserve. He holds degrees and certifications in numerous fields, including law, criminal justice, education, an M.Div. and D.Min. As a tireless missionary, Pastor Yang drew Hmong members to Our Savior from across the state of Michigan, worshipping first in the Bickel Chapel and then, when they outgrew that space, in the Music Room. At one point, 30-50 people were worshipping each week, with a Bible Study, youth group, choir, and children’s ministries. They held monthly Hmong potlucks and Egg Roll Sundays twice a year. Hundreds of Egg Rolls were fried up early on a Sunday morning and sold in all the services as a fundraiser for Hmong ministry. The number of Hmong immigrants arriving in the U.S. slowed down to a trickle, and the Hmong ministry began serving the 2^nd and 3^rd generation of Hmong-Americans.

As the Hmong population began spreading across the U.S. and moving away, the attendance at the Hmong services dwindled. St. Michael’s concluded their Hmong services in 2022. In 2025, Pastor Lang Yang accepted a full time position as a chaplain in Winterhaven, Florida. The remaining Hmong members at Our Savior decided that this was the time for them to join the regular English services. With praise and thanksgiving to God for the work of the Holy Spirit, for the 389 baptisms, and for the ongoing mission of the church, Our Savior officially welcomed the Hmong members into their regular services and concluded a significant era of Gospel outreach through Hmong worship services. The mission continues, however, through the ongoing efforts of the church and school to fulfill the Great Commission and make disciples of all nations through baptizing and teaching. We look forward to the Revelation 7 church of all tribes, peoples, and languages, gathered around the throne worshipping the Lamb, our Lord Jesus Christ who draws all people to Himself. To Him be the glory in the church and throughout all generations. Amen!

Our Savior sent a mission team of 18 people to serve our ministry partners in Middelburg, South Africa, June 26 – July 8, 2025. It was an amazing opportunity to work alongside and encourage our ministry partners in Middelburg. It was a trip filled with God-sightings! Joining Jesus on His mission, this team visited our partner church, the school, preschool, and orphanage in Middelburg, and the seminary in Pretoria. They sang, danced, played, and put on several ministry events including a VBS, a Feeding Program, and a Day of Serving.

Among the members of our team were 4 OSL staff members: Senior Pastor Bill Wangelin, 2^nd Grade Teacher Tammy Mazur, 3^rd Grade Teacher Faith Korte, and Middle School Teacher (and Youth Director) Kaitlynn Mews. This was a special opportunity for our staff to interact with teachers and students from St. Peter Christian College, which our church and school has supported for over a decade. Our Savior Lutheran School collected chapel offerings to purchase the mission supplies for our team. We are also thankful to the Church Extension Fund for a special grant that helped our staff members go on this trip.

It was winter in South Africa, and so St. Peter Christian College (which serves grades Kindergarten through 12^th grade) was on their winter break. However, they had a professional development day for teachers, and our team was able to participate in the opening devotions and ice breaker, and our staff members presented during their training. Pastor Wangelin, Tammy Mazur, and Faith Korte presented on Faith Integration in the Classroom. Kaitlynn Mews and Tammy Mazur led breakout sessions on using smartboards. While we are worlds apart, the mission of our two schools aligns in keeping Christ at the center of all we do.

The remaining team members included a number of retired and former educators, and two recent graduates of Our Savior. These were Pastor Ed and Nancy Filter (retired OSL and LSEM teacher), Kristin Wangelin (former teacher) and daughter Hannah. Don Feikema and niece Mariya Feikema. Sharon Voss (retired school administrator) and her sister Kathy Davenport. Michelle Knauff (retired public school teacher), and the McKendry Family – Royce & Melisa (former teacher), Kelsey, Ryan, and Kaylee.

Here are some reflections from our OSL teachers on our time in Middelburg.

Teacher Reflections – Tammy Mazur, OSL 2^nd Grade Teacher

I am forever changed by this trip and still think about our South Africa people every day. When I reflect back on our mission to South Africa this past July, I struggle with narrowing it down to one thing that stood out because there were so many ways in which I could see God at work.  However, I am so thankful that I was given the honor and privilege to travel on this mission trip. Then I think about how wonderful it was to work alongside all of the others that went – what a blessing to be able to work with such an amazing team.  Most importantly, I was able to see firsthand how God is working in and through the people of Middleburg, South Africa.  

One particular Godsighting that stands out to me was the day that we spent in Doornkop. We worked with Caring Friends and Mama Grace to feed students who were on their winter break from school. Mama Grace provides breakfast and lunch for students and families who may not be able to afford those meals otherwise.  There were three areas where we worked – the garden, the kitchen, and the play yard.  I was excited to participate and help in any way that I could and was fortunate to be in the play yard where I met a little girl. I ended up playing with her for most of the time I was there.  She was the happiest little girl there and wore a smile the entire time.  We played a lot of different games and for a bit we were separated playing with different people.  When she saw me again she loudly exclaimed, “My friend, there you are!” and wrapped her arms around me for a hug. I was so touched by her calling me her friend.  We had just spent a morning together and we weren’t even speaking the same language, but I was her friend. It was a wonderful witness to me and reminded me how Jesus sees me, too.  I am His friend. The people of Middelburg and especially Doornkop are my friends.

Teacher Reflections – Faith Korte, OSL 3^rd Grade Teacher

Shine. Jesus shines through everything. It was such a blessing to witness Him working and shining through our friends in South Africa and to be able to learn and work alongside them to spread His love. St. Peter Christian College (school), Caring Friends, and Amajuba Children’s Home reflect His light in so many amazing ways. I saw His magnificent creation on the safari radiate His glory. Yes, Jesus even shined through 66 hours of travel due to a missed connection flight and unexpected layovers. 

One moment (though there were so many) I remember really seeing Jesus shine was in Doornkop while working with Mama Grace and her food program. Mama Grace works to feed the children in her neighborhood when they otherwise may not receive a meal. We arrived and helped serve breakfast. At first, I was a little nervous about the language barrier. I saw a little girl with a Superman shirt on that had finished her breakfast. I cautiously went over to her and did a goofy (not great) impression of Superman. The eruption of giggles and smiles was contagious. I played with her and a constant rotation of children, all smiling and laughing even though we spoke different languages. Wrapping up after lunch was served, holding hands to pray with those children, Mama Grace, and Caring Friends, I was reminded of the goodness and immense love of God for each one of us.

The true joy came when I was able to embrace my dear friend, Elizabeth. She is part of Caring Friends, which is an outreach program that helps their community with various needs. In 2023, when I met Elizabeth, I was drawn to her powerful and confident voice. I had asked her to teach me the Zulu songs Caring Friends would sing with us before we would embark on that day’s task.

Now in 2025, Elizabeth and I were able to sing side-by-side again. She even shared some new Zulu songs with our group. Igama linkosi malibongwe! (Blessed is the name of the Lord!) Zulu and English have very little in common, but when  scripture and music combine, there is unity.

During our VBS days at Saint Peter, Elizabeth and our music team sang songs with kids of all ages. After we ended our program on the second day, a fifteen-year-old boy in the neighborhood introduced himself to me. He had remembered me from two years ago! He too is drawn to music and longs to sing and play guitar, and maybe one day attend Saint Peter and make his way to the United States. I was able to connect him to Muzi Khumalo and Maureen Nyaka. Weeks later, Saint Peter posted a video of this young man singing the song our group taught him, “Lord Prepare Me to be a Sanctuary.”

Music unites the Kingdom of God. Oh, how I cannot wait to hear the glorious sound in heaven of all the voices across the world singing praises to our God together.

Ngiyabonga,  Kaitlynn Mews

The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt

Hello, I’m Pastor Chris. I was born in 1995, started high school in 2009, graduated from high school in 2013, graduated from college in 2017, had my year of vicarage cut short by COVID-19, learned what ‘Zoom’ was, graduated from Seminary in 2021, and was called to serve here at Our Savior in July of 2021. My birth year does a few things: It tells you how old I am, and it pigeonholes me into a category talked about by many different social scientists.

Being born in 1995 puts me right on the edge of being a millennial and being a part of Gen Z. In one sense, I didn’t have internet in my family home growing up, but we did have a computer on which we could play Pajama Sam or Freddy the Fish, as long as we were in the family room where the computer was. I didn’t have a cellphone until high school, and only got a flip phone when I was a freshman. I got a ‘smartphone’ when I was a junior. Ever since then, I’ve had a smarter and smarter phone. I never really thought too much about it, until I looked back, and now have read The Anxious Generation, and look around schools and see what Jonathan Haidt calls, “The Great Rewiring of Childhood.” In this article, I want to take a look at this great rewiring, and look at the ways that Haidt thinks we can buck the trends that are alarming for the Gen Z generation and generations to come.

*Disclaimer. Haidt is not a Christian. He is a social psychologist. He has looked at the trends and the numbers and the mental health of many, did his research and has shared some incredible insights to help change mental health issues, and heal many of the mental health issues.

In the first part of his book, Haidt shares about a tidal wave of mental illness that has struck not just the US, but the world in the 2000s, especially from 2010-2015 . From 2010 to 2020, the amount of major depression of teens for girls has raised to 30% of teens; an increase of 145% since 2010. For boys; almost 12%, a rise of 161% since 2010. This comes from a rise of anxiety from many different sources, but Haidt’s main reason for this rise of anxiety, is the rise of the prevalence of cell phones, social media, and the staggering amount of screen usage. In a 2015 report, by Pew research, 1 of 4 teens said they were “almost constantly” on their screens. In 2022, that number jumped to 46%. These numbers are startling. In this regard, play-based childhood has bowed out to screen-based childhood.

One of the ways Haidt explains it, caught me off-guard. “It’s as if we gave our infants iPads loaded with movies about walking, but the movies were so engrossing that kids never put in the time or effort to practice walking.” Screens of any kind have become a main focus of mental illness, anxiety, and unnecessary additional frustrations and stress. Studies have even shown that even a phone being in the same room as a student raises their anxiety level. In a world where parents are more cautious and protective of their children, this quote from Haidt raises some important questions: “…we are overprotecting our children in the real world while under protecting them online.” Haidt calls for waiting to give phones, social media, and internet access. Did you know that Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok actually have contracts that say their users must be at least 13? Many youths have them earlier than that, and phones have no age restriction or limit, but simply having a phone and access to the entire internet can cause struggles and harm for people of all ages. Before smartphones, in 2006, if you wanted to use the internet you had to have a computer that had to have a desk to sit on. Now, you just have to have a phone and a charger, and you have access to as much information, and searching as you want.

Play changed in the early 2000s. Play changed when smartphones came out. Play has changed. And now, kids don’t have to go to a friends’ house to see them, or talk, or play. They can simply log on; Childhood play has changed. Childhood has changed. The age of ‘childhood’ ending has gone lower and lower. Kids need to be kids. Kids don’t need to be scrolling through their phones to play or talk to friends like they’re a businessman in his 40s or 50s. Kids need play. That great rewiring changed play in the 2000s. Play-based childhood has been replaced by phone-based childhood, and the research shows this is not for the better.

Haidt sees 4 foundational harms. Social deprivation. Sleep Deprivation. Attention Fragmentation. Addiction. Kids aren’t socially where they used to be or where they need to be. Kids aren’t sleeping like they should, and they are falling asleep or getting sick and not going to school. Attention spans are shorter than ever. Have you tried taking an iPad away from a kid who is locked into it? They’re addicted. They fight, they scream, you are taking away their whole world. Haidt also shares information that girls are far more susceptible to social upset by this, whereas boys are simply retreating to their screens and not focusing on the world around them.

Ultimately Haidt lays out startling and alarming facts. One, was the fact that many kids (under the age of 13) spend almost 20-30 hours on screens a week: that’s a part time job! The fact that in a world where we have so many concerns and struggles, those are expedited and increased by screens. There’s a lot to look at this that feels very “end of the world.” And if that is the case, we should just give kids phones at 5 and let them fend for themselves. I don’t think any of us feel that way. Haidt gives several ideas, plans, and thoughts on what could be done to change this struggle moving forward.

“More (and better) experiences in the real world.” This means optimizing time that we have. This means as adults checking our own phone habits. Giving kids time out of your sight without a way to reach you. Afterschool is for free play, play without a screen!

“Less (and better) experience on screens.” Limit screen usage. Avoid using screens as pacifiers and babysitters. Turn off screens 30-60 minutes before bed. Use parental controls and content filters. Focus on more in-person activity and sleep than screens.

Let’s look at it this way. Screens and smartphones can be great tools. But they are that: a tool. They aren’t meant to rule our lives. In fact, when screens and social media start to creep into the majority of lives for kids, it becomes nothing but harmful. Since the iPhone came out, this is just the norm. But if the norm is constantly hurting, causing anxiety, and struggles to children, maybe the norm isn’t the best.  How can we encourage a new norm and a hope for the next generations to get out of this mental health crisis? Make a change. Haidt gives 4 ways that could be a major help in mental health.

Let’s talk about screens.

Why I Give – by Nate Wagner

I was asked if I would share a quick testimony on why I give.

We understand that all we have comes from God, giving a portion of it back reflects gratitude for His blessings.

Also, we know that all of the things we currently possess are temporary. Possessions, money, our health, our time here on earth, it will all pass away.

To borrow from Martin Luther’s eulogy at the funeral of a friend, “I have held many things in my hands and I have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God’s hands, that I still possess.” I believe he was talking about putting things in God’s hands the things he knew he could not hold onto forever.

Recalling Luther reminds me that the things in life are subject to loss. But what is entrusted to God remains eternal and unshakeable. Amazing concept.

By giving I know I can help… Like supporting our own families, or our friends in need; when we give to the church and it’s missions, we’re doing our part to help spread the Gospel and the Lord’s message of love and fellowship.

We try to give humbly, quietly, always cheerfully, and return a portion of the blessings we’ve received. Knowing that a portion of what we give is a portion of ourselves, to help the mission, to reach those who need us and need the Word. What a blessing.

I consider Our Savior Church a blessing, it certainly has been in my life. I’ve been blessed to know and worship with people here. The friendships and fellowships we’ve have developed… I can’t tell you how much they mean to me. My own children received an excellent education and Christian foundation through OSL. And it’s so important to see this continue for the next generation and beyond. 

For those who have just discovered Christ, and for those who have had lifelong commitment in faith, what a blessing it is to give and support the mission of the church and school, and contribute together as we work to serve and support each other in Christian fellowship.

Ironically, we give to receive… We give because giving itself is its own reward. A true blessing.

I have certainly felt blessed.

Thank you.

Nate Wagner and his wife Sarah joined OSL in 2002. Their two children attended OSL and Sarah now works as a Teacher’s Aide to Kindergarten. Nate is currently on the Spiritual Life Team.

“Use whatever gifts you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10

In 2006, my family and I went through one of the most challenging seasons of our lives. Due to unforeseen circumstances, I was not earning any income, and we faced the daunting reality of how to make ends meet. It was during this time that we experienced the true meaning of God’s provision through His hands and the hearts of His people.

Our church family became a tangible expression of God’s love and care. They did not just offer prayers—though their prayers uplifted us in ways words cannot fully capture—but they also gave sacrificially. Words of encouragement reminded us that we were not walking this journey alone. Each act of kindness was a testimony to God’s faithfulness and a reminder that He sees and meets every need.

This experience reinforced how we view giving. It showed us that giving is not just about money; it is about trust, obedience, and love. Our church family did not give because they had excess; they gave because they believed in the biblical principle that everything we have belongs to God, and He calls us to steward His blessings by blessing others.

When we reflect on why we give, we are reminded of 2 Corinthians 9:7: “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”   Giving is not just a financial transaction; it is a declaration of our faith. It is saying, “Lord, we trust You to multiply what we give for Your kingdom’s work, and I trust You to meet our needs as well.”  A former OSL pastor, in reference to tithing always said. “Would you rather be blessed on the gross or net of your paycheck?”

To anyone wondering if their giving makes a difference: It does. We give because we want to honor the legacy of love and generosity that was poured into us. And we give because we know that our gifts, no matter the size, can be used by God to bring hope, healing, and encouragement to others. The blessings we receive everyday continue to ripple outward, shaping how we live, how we love, and how we give. For that, we are forever grateful.

Jim and his wife Sue have been members of OSL since 1998. Their three adult children all attended OSL.  Jim currently serves as the chairman of the Spiritual Life Team and sits on the Board of Directors.

Reflecting on why I give brings me back to my childhood, clutching small envelopes with a quarter inside each Sunday. As I dropped my envelope into the offering plate, the sound of the quarter clinking against the wood filled me with joy. This simple act, observed from my parents who also gave generously, planted seeds of stewardship in my heart. Just as they served, so do I, and now my children follow by our example. This cycle of giving and serving is what God calls us to do. It’s a privilege to give back a portion of all that belongs to Him—a practice deeply rooted in scripture and essential for our spiritual growth, enriching both our community and congregation.

Tithing our treasures is perhaps the most familiar form of giving. Malachi 3:10 challenges us to “bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.” This passage highlights the profound blessings that come from trusting God with our financial resources, an act of faith that acknowledges God’s provision over our own.

We are also called to dedicate our time to God’s service. Ephesians 5:16 urges us to “make the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” Our time, a precious gift from God, should reflect our priorities and the values of our hearts. Through volunteering in the classroom or serving at the food bank, or simply being present for those in need, we honor God by using His gift of time to serve others.

Similarly, our talents are a call to stewardship. 1 Peter 4:10 instructs us, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” Whether it’s leadership, making auction paddles, singing in the choir, teaching, or any other skill, these talents are entrusted to us not merely for our benefit but for the common good. By dedicating our talents, we acknowledge that each skill is a blessing from God, intended to be used in service to His kingdom.

When we had the privilege of sending our children to OSL, our lives were immeasurably enriched. During this time, my desire to give—my instinct to contribute—was at its strongest. I felt a profound need to acknowledge and reciprocate the incredible blessings we received. With our time, talents, and treasures, we endeavored to give back as much as possible to match the generosity that had been extended to us. Yet, I’ve realized that God doesn’t demand such repayment; His grace alone is sufficient.

Driven by gratitude, I wanted to give back to the place that brought us so much joy, comfort, and blessings. This churchschool is a unique community—a sanctuary of learning unlike any other. My family has experienced vast opportunities here, and for this, I am deeply thankful.

How can I possibly repay or earn such remarkable gifts? The hallways of this school, its sanctuary, and the classrooms that embrace my children each day are sacred spaces. Here, their minds are enriched, their hearts are cherished, and their spirits are uplifted. What have I done to deserve such blessings?

God has chosen to place us here and bless our family abundantly. Time and again, I have seen the fruits of this blessing in the quality education and countless opportunities my children have received at OSL.

Let me share with you why my husband and I are committed to giving. In tithing our time, talents, and treasures, we embrace a unifying theme: everything we possess is a gift from God. We are simply stewards of His extraordinary generosity. This act of giving deepens our dependence on God, fortifies our community, and aligns our lives with His divine purpose.

We choose to tithe with our time, talents, and treasures because we believe it allows us to embody the greatest commandments: to love God and to love our neighbors as ourselves. As my confirmation verse from 1 John 4:7 beautifully puts it, “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.”

I urge you to reflect on your blessings and to remember who bestowed them upon you. Tithing, in all its forms, is a transformative act of worship. It’s a declaration that God reigns over our lives, and it’s our daily mission to reflect His love to the world. By giving of our time, talents, and treasures, we further a message of hope—that ultimately, heaven is full and hell is empty.

Jennifer is a life-long member of OSL. She and her husband Jordan have served in a variety of roles. Jordan is on the Spiritual Life Team and Jennifer is currently on the Board of Directors. They are school parents, with one child currently enrolled and three children who graduated from OSL.  

Coming upon an unconscious man in a store would be a shock to anyone. But would you know how to help? CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It can help save a life during cardiac arrest, when the heart stops beating or beats ineffectively. All Lutheran school and early childhood teachers and staff undergo CPR training on a regular basis.

Courtney Mateer is an early childhood teacher at Our Savior Lutheran School, Lansing. She has attended regular CPR training sessions with fellow staff members, led by Pastor Lang Yang, a certified CPR instructor and Hmong Pastor at Our Savior. Recently when Courtney and early childhood co-worker Carly Coomes were at Target, they came upon a man who was unconscious. They remembered their training and sprang into action. While Carly notified emergency and Target employees, Courtney began performing CPR until paramedics arrived. The man, who was in his late-20’s or early 30’s, received medical attention and survived.

Courtney was recently recognized with a Lifesaving Award and medal from the American National Red Cross for her selfless and humane action using lifesaving skills. In addition, Pastor Lang Yang was also recognized with an Instructor Lifesaving Award and pin.

Every person, especially those who work in churches and schools, should learn the basic lifesaving skills of First Aid/CPR/AED. You never know when you will encounter another person who needs lifesaving. This could be your children, parents, family members, students, friends, or strangers. Pastor Yang stated, “You don’t have to work in the medical field to save another person’s life. Knowing the basic lifesaving skills will prepare you when the time comes.”

We thank God for Courtney’s effective use of CPR, and for the training that Pastor Yang and so many instructors provide. While we pray that it is seldom used, we are thankful to God for those who can respond with lifesaving skills.

By Pastor Wangelin

“Who are you voting for?” Years ago, this question may not have put people in defense mode as much as it does today. In today’s charged political climate, that question almost sounds like you’re picking for a fight. Our nation is once again preparing for an election for a variety of public offices, most notably for a new president. Once again, it is proving to be a very divisive and tense process for our country. We are bombarded with news articles and negative attack adds with headlines touting “fear” “scared” “worried” “unhinged” “melt down” and other such hype words. People have anxiety and worry over the process and the result. How do we endure this and even participate in this election as Christians?

First and foremost, we are followers of Jesus. We believe that God is sovereign over the nations and in control of human history. Jesus is on the throne, and His plan of salvation will unfold. His kingdom is unshakable. We do not put our trust, faith, or hope in any country, political party, or politician. We keep our eyes on Jesus.

Secondly, we take our concerns to the Lord in prayer. The Bible invites us to bring any and all cares and concerns to the Lord, because He cares for us. God wants us to tell Him all about it. The Bible also says to pray “for all those in authority.” We are to keep our government, our leaders, and this election process in our prayers.

Finally, we are to love our neighbor in all things. This means participating in our government, and thinking through policies and laws that would best serve our fellow citizens. Christians are to honor the government and be respectful of those in positions of authority (Fourth Commandment). We are to participate in government, vote, even run for office if we feel so called, because God has designed governments for our good. We want to pursue what is good and beneficial to our country and our communities. We may genuinely disagree about how best to care for our citizens, for the middle class, the poor, the immigrants, employees and employers, and the unborn, but as Christians we want to do our best to pursue those things that bring help, protection, life, and liberty.

It is not easy in a broken, fallen world. Every leader and politician is a sinful human being, and no government is perfect or free from corruption. That is why our government can never save us. Only in Jesus, only in the fellowship of the Christian Church, only in the hope of eternal life in Christ do we find our true identity, purpose, and hope. This election is important, but it is not as important as the Gospel, or salvation, or the Kingdom of God. We are about bigger things – eternal things.

For all those concerned or anxious about this election, we have an Election Prayer Guide that people can use in their personal prayer time. We also invite our community to an Election Prayer Vigil on Sunday, November 3, at 4 p.m. This time of prayer, Scripture, and song, will be based on the Election Prayer Guide, and allow us to spend time in the Lord’s house, together, in prayer.

With eyes on Jesus, we have Good News for our world, no matter the outcome of this election. The Good News is that we have a Savior in Jesus Christ, that the Kingdom of God is at hand, and that we can experience the eternal peace, love, and joy that was have in Christ. We get to share this Good News and the love of God with our neighbor and everyone God places in our path. This is our mission.

If you come across someone anxious or nervous about the election, please share with them the Election Prayer Guide or invite them to the Election Prayer Vigil. We know where to go with our concerns. We take them to the One who rules over the nations, and who holds the whole world in His hands. He is the one who loved the world so much, that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.

Flags being thrown up in the air. Instruments being played throughout the whole service. Snacks! The Gospel! Worship! A “no-cleanup corner.” And of course, families with even the youngest worshippers being able to worship together.

If you’ve not experienced our Connect Service, my initial hope is that you would check it out. It takes place on the 2^nd and 4^th Sundays of the month at 10:00ish AM in the Commons. So what is the Connect service? What takes place at Connect? How does Connect strive to engage even our youngest worshippers? Let’s take a look!

Coming out of COVID, many families with young children were the demographic that took awhile to make their way back to worship, for a litany of reasons: online worship was easier, it takes a lot to get several children and adults ready to go to church, kids can’t sit still for an hour, they’ll be loud, etc. All valid reasons, but as we know, there is nothing like the real thing.

At Connect, we are trying to remove as many barriers as possible for families who want to be in worship.

So what does a normal Connect service look like?

Right around 10, we start with an opening song. We understand for young families getting anywhere on time can be a struggle. During the song, our youngest worshippers are invited to come forward, grab a flag or an instrument, and make a joyful noise to the Lord!

After the opening song, we have a moment of confession and absolution and a time of visual faith. The unique way that we do that is through stations. We give time where families can head to the stations together to do a station based on the scripture readings for the day.

A few examples: When we were focusing on a scripture reading from the prophet Isaiah last year, all worshippers got to make a scroll, write on it, and take it home. When we talked about the paralyzed man being healed and lowered down through a roof by his friends, we made popsicle stick mats to remind us of God’s love. We’ve made cards that worshippers can take home or leave and we distribute to shut-ins, the food bank, etc. We’ve written sins on a whiteboard and are reminded that Jesus forgives us as we wipe them away.

After the stations comes the reading for the day, where kids can come up front and sit on the rug and hear the scripture reading for the day. Then comes the message, similar to what would take place in the 8:30 and 10:30 services in the sanctuary, but adjusted and changed a little for the Connect service and space.

After the message we have time to celebrate the Lord’s Supper on the 2^nd Sunday of the month along with a prayer station where all worshippers can fill out a prayer request that will be prayed for at the service. We’ve prayed for all kinds of things! We’ve prayed for families, those having surgery, those traveling, kittens, dogs, friends, ducks, and the list goes on and on! It is a joy to show that nothing is too ‘silly’ to pray about. God wants us to pray, and we pray!

We then end the service with a blessing, a song to lead us into the week, and we reset the Commons for school on Monday morning.

Phew. That’s a lot there! And for the most part that service is around 50-60 minutes. Throughout the whole service children are invited to get up, move around, grab a snack, play on the nugget couch, play with magnatiles, dance, express their worship, and have fun!

Our Connect service is meant to be a place where families can worship together, not have to worry about noise, and can worship as freely as they need to! This service is an opportunity for those who might not feel comfortable in the Sanctuary, those who haven’t been to worship in a while, or those who are looking to get back into worship in a new stage of life. It is truly a worship service, a time to receive the gifts God gives to us, and an opportunity for the whole family to be engaged.

Here’s a few comments that families have made about Connect:

“The activity stations were kid friendly and felt right in number, service still felt fulfilling as worship for an adult and fun for the kids.”

“I like all of the interactive stations and my boys love the snacks”

“We attended just because we were curious to check it out, but realized it was a good fit for our family.”

“We enjoy and really appreciate having this option for us and the kids to hear the word and worship together.”

You can hear what other people say, but the best way to experience Connect, is to join us. It is an informal, laid-back, worship service where families can connect with each other, and families can connect with God. Check it out, invite a friend. Invite a family. Invite someone you know who would love this service.

Try it out! Give it a shot! We would love to have you!

Pastor Chris <><