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Pastor Tim's Blog

connecting faith with everyday life

Temporary Main Entrance Re-Routing

7/28/2022

 
Beginning THIS Monday, August 1, the 112th St E entrance to our campus will be closed while we install a French drain around the original footprint (current chapel). Construction is expected to last about two weeks.

During this time, please plan to use the Bingham or 44th Ave E entrances.


Worship services and programming will continue and we do not expect any interruptions to regularly scheduled ministry during this time.


Thank you for your patience and understanding as we perform this critical project for long-term preventative facility care.


Pastor Tim


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Servant Adventure

7/22/2022

 
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From 2005-2007, I had the opportunity to lead the Institute for Servant Leadership. High school and college students from all over the Pacific Northwest gathered for a week of early summer service projects, team building, and leadership formation and a week of late summer regional service projects and celebration. They gathered again for an immersive international cultural and serving experience the week between Christmas and New Years. Each week also included outdoor adventures, life-on-life community and relationship building, and real-time faith formation.

​We experienced Simple, Significant Service + Awesome Adventure + Life-Long Relationship + Life-Changing Faith bearing fruit… lasting fruit.

Today, these students continue to serve and lead in businesses, schools, clinics, churches, and communities all over the world. Thanks to social media, they have stayed in touch with each other over the years and point back to these experiences as being some of the most life-changing, career-orienting, direction-affirming, Jesus-centering moments of their lives.​

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We certainly learned a lot. Changes were made to the program to make it more accessible to churches and youth groups to experience the same kind of faith and life transformation.

In 2007, Idaho Servant Adventures began to gather youth and their friends, churches, and significant adults from around the nation to serve together, experience the adventure that resides in the North Idaho Panhandle National Forest, find friends, deepen relationships, and experience real-time connections between faith and real life.​
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Going into its 15th summer, Idaho Servant Adventures has gathered 6,750 youth and adults who have served over 108,000 hours.

But, don’t take my word for it. Check out this video to learn more. 

And then, continue scrolling for an easy way to plan your own Servant Adventure - right where you are.
Can’t make it to Idaho? You can plan a servant adventure in your neighborhood, school, or community.

And… if a Servant Adventure sounds a lot like Faith in Action - you’re right! It is Faith in Action with designated team roles and a few fun twists.

Download this one-page PDF resource that will help you plan your Servant Adventure for you and a team of your friends.

I can’t wait to hear all about it!​
Plan Your Own Servant Adventure (PDF)

Preschool at OSLC

7/15/2022

 
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Did you know that Our Savior currently hosts a morning-only early childhood program for toddlers (3’s and 4’s) and Pre-K (4’s & 5’s)?

As a parent and a pastor, I can confidently say that one of the most important developmental stages in a child’s life is between the ages of 3 and 5. Not only are they soaking up everything they hear and see (and mirroring it back to everybody they see), they are also building secure, trusting bonds with significant people and environments which shapes the framework for how they will experience life and faith.

Early Childhood Education (preschool) is not only a good framework for “moral education”. It is also pivotal in how young children see Jesus, interact with other trusted adults and authority figures, build friendships with peers, and learn how to discover and learn about the world around them.

As a proud parent of three kids who were significantly formed through Christian Early Childhood Education and a pastor of a ministry which includes a preschool, here are three reasons to either consider for yourself (if you are a trusted adult of a preschool-aged child - or soon to be one), cheer on and support our preschool, and why preschools like the one here at Our Savior, matters for our kids, their families, and our wider community.

Jesus-Centered Space
Preschoolers hear, see, and experience Jesus not only in age-appropriate and dedicated Jesus and chapel times, but in every area of discovery, play, and learning. From science and math to sharing toys and reading skills - Jesus is a part of it all. Not only does every child learn their ABC’s and 1-2-3’s, they also discover that Jesus is their forever friend who loves them unconditionally. The coolest part is when kids tell their parents about Jesus, ask them to read Jesus bedtime stories, teach them how to pray, and help others like Jesus helps others. Truly, Jesus becomes a part of the day and life of every preschooler - and prayerfully, their families and friends, too.

Kindergarten Readiness
Starting early with basic skills prepares littles to learn basic concepts that serve as building blocks for literacy, the arts and sciences, and the life-long joy of learning. Through age-appropriate curriculum, every preschool student will discover, grow, and learn:

  • Social and emotional skills for everyday life and friendship
  • Pre-Reading skills
  • Introductory writing skills
  • Foundational relationship skills between numbers and objects
  • Observation and exploration skills related to the created, natural world around us
  • Artistic skills necessary for creative expression through a variety of mediums
  • Large and fine motor skills required for success in all areas of life

100% of our preschool students are at or beyond Kindergarten readiness standards.

Relational Nurture and Play
While minds can be formed through the learning of new information; hearts are nurtured through the non-verbal and verbal interactions with trusted adults. Preschool students at Our Savior spend time in small groups, large groups, and one-on-one groups with peers and adults outside of their families (sometimes for the first time). As they discover new people as well as connect and bond through play and interaction, the preschooler’s heart “catches” Jesus-like compassion, generosity, and care for all people. Through nurturing the heart and the mind, preschoolers learn to feel and express the fruit of the Spirit - joy, love, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. Only through the trusted, nurturing, fun-filled relationships found in a preschool classroom will children experience “teachable moments” that will help them grow in body, mind, and spirit.

​​Meet our Preschool Team
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Lissa Ruggels Preschool Director/Lead Teacher
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Pamela Anderson Assistant Teacher

¿Sabía que Our Savior actualmente ofrece un programa de primera infancia solo por la mañana para niños pequeños (3 y 4 años) y Pre-K (4 y 5 años)?

Como padre y pastor, puedo decir con confianza que una de las etapas de desarrollo más importantes en la vida de un niño es entre las edades de 3 y 5 años. No solo absorben todo lo que escuchan y ven (y se lo reflejan a todos). ven), también están construyendo vínculos seguros y de confianza con personas y entornos significativos que dan forma al marco de cómo experimentarán la vida y la fe.

La Educación Infantil (preescolar) no es sólo un buen marco para la “educación moral”. También es fundamental en la forma en que los niños pequeños ven a Jesús, interactúan con otros adultos de confianza y figuras de autoridad, construyen amistades con sus compañeros y aprenden a descubrir y aprender sobre el mundo que los rodea.

Como padre orgulloso de tres niños que se formaron significativamente a través de la Educación Cristiana de la Primera Infancia y pastor de un ministerio que incluye un preescolar, aquí hay tres razones para considerar por sí mismo (si es un adulto de confianza de un niño en edad preescolar: o pronto lo será), anime y apoye a nuestro preescolar, y por qué los preescolares como el de Our Savior son importantes para nuestros niños, sus familias y nuestra comunidad en general.

Espacio centrado en Jesús
Los niños en edad preescolar escuchan, ven y experimentan a Jesús no solo en tiempos de Jesús y capilla apropiados para su edad y dedicados, sino en todas las áreas de descubrimiento, juego y aprendizaje. Desde ciencias y matemáticas hasta compartir juguetes y habilidades de lectura, Jesús es parte de todo. Todos los niños no solo aprenden el abecedario y el 1-2-3, sino que también descubren que Jesús es su amigo para siempre y que los ama incondicionalmente. La mejor parte es cuando los niños les cuentan a sus padres acerca de Jesús, les piden que lean cuentos de Jesús antes de dormir, les enseñan a orar y ayudan a otros como Jesús ayuda a otros. Verdaderamente, Jesús se convierte en parte del día y de la vida de cada niño en edad preescolar, y en oración, también de sus familias y amigos.

Preparación para el jardín de infantes
Comenzar temprano con las habilidades básicas prepara a los pequeños para aprender conceptos básicos que sirven como elementos básicos para la alfabetización, las artes y las ciencias, y el placer de aprender para toda la vida. A través de un plan de estudios apropiado para la edad, cada estudiante de preescolar descubrirá, crecerá y aprenderá:
  • Habilidades sociales y emocionales para la vida cotidiana y la amistad.
  • Habilidades previas a la lectura
  • Habilidades de escritura introductoria.
  • Habilidades fundamentales de relación entre números y objetos.
  • Habilidades de observación y exploración relacionadas con el mundo natural creado que nos rodea.
  • Habilidades artísticas necesarias para la expresión creativa a través de una variedad de medios.
  • Habilidades motoras gruesas y finas requeridas para el éxito en todas las áreas de la vida.

El 100% de nuestros estudiantes de preescolar están en o más allá de los estándares de preparación para el jardín de infantes.

Juego y crianza relacional
Si bien las mentes se pueden formar a través del aprendizaje de nueva información; los corazones se nutren a través de interacciones verbales y no verbales con adultos de confianza. Los estudiantes de preescolar en Our Savior pasan tiempo en grupos pequeños, grupos grandes y grupos uno a uno con compañeros y adultos fuera de sus familias (a veces por primera vez). A medida que descubren nuevas personas y se conectan y vinculan a través del juego y la interacción, el corazón del niño en edad preescolar "atrapa" la compasión, la generosidad y el cuidado de Jesús por todas las personas. Al nutrir el corazón y la mente, los preescolares aprenden a sentir y expresar el fruto del Espíritu: gozo, amor, paz, paciencia, bondad, mansedumbre, fidelidad y dominio propio. Solo a través de las relaciones confiables, enriquecedoras y llenas de diversión que se encuentran en un salón de clases preescolar, los niños experimentarán "momentos de enseñanza" que los ayudarán a crecer en cuerpo, mente y espíritu.

Helping Our Community

7/8/2022

 
​As Christians, we firmly believe that:

  1. God provides all things, even without us asking for them in prayer, and 
  2. God chooses to provide all things through people.

That means that apart from a miracle (which I believe is possible!), basic necessities for life such as food, clothing, safe housing and shelter, reliable transportation, and learning supplies are provided by God to all people through people.

I don’t know a whole lot, but I do know this - based on my conversations with our neighbors, friends, and community leaders, many families in Central Pierce County continue to worry about what the fall will bring in regards to unpredictable access to basic supplies like

  • appropriate clothing and safe housing…
  • adequate access to food…
  • reasonable fuel costs…
  • affordable healthcare expenses…
  • reliable transportation schedules… 
  • and stable employment.

A fear of lacking these basic human needs all contribute to a pervasive sense of worry, anxiety, and uncertainty.

Yes, Jesus does say, “do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34).

You can read more about what Jesus says about worry here.

When Jesus enters reality, worry turns to trust; anxiety transforms to confidence; and uncertainty becomes security. And who is Jesus’ body - His hands, feet, and voice? 

The church… you and me… we are the body of Jesus for our neighbors… for each other.
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That’s why the Back 2 School Fair on Saturday, August 20 matters. You can go to go.oslc.com/backtoschool to learn more about volunteering to be a part of being the body of Jesus by providing basic necessities for students and their families as they prepare to go back to school in September.

But, don’t take my word for it… here is what our school counselors are saying about how God is providing for people’s needs through you…

  • I talk to a lot of kids that tell me they don’t have any crayons/markers/paper at home to use. Thank you for all you do for our community.
 
  • We still [always] need some backpacks... The water bottles would be great, socks are always in high demand,  something families ask for- not expensive kinds, but anything like from Walmart.. We so appreciate everything!
 
  • We are always in need of: Pencils, Pens - Red, Blue and Black, Highlighters, Paper, Re-useable water bottles would be AWESOME! Thank you so much, can’t tell you how much it helps our families.
 
  • In our leader meeting, we were talking about supplies – what the district is providing vs what they need. Some of the needs that we don’t believe the district is providing are colored pencils and the binder dividers. If you magically come across a supply of these, can you please keep us in mind? Thank you so much!!!

Jesus provided our greatest need - forgiveness of all of our sins (meaning, we are made right with God!), a life of service and loving people like we are loved by God, and eternal life loving God forever. And we are given this, even without us asking for it. God chooses to provide all of it through His Son, Jesus.

Likewise, God provides all created things necessary for this life, even without us asking for them in prayer. We have such an abundance of resources in our world.

And, God chooses to provide all things through Him… His body, the church… you and me… we are the body of Jesus for our neighbors… for each other.

I once read that God doesn’t need your love and service - your neighbors do.

How true that is. . . it’s how God chooses to provide for every need in every place for every person.

Head over to go.oslc.com/backtoschool to be part of this year’s Back to School Fair.

Como cristianos, creemos firmemente que:

  1. Dios provee todas las cosas, aun sin que nosotros las pidamos en oración, y
  2. Dios escoge proveer todas las cosas a través de las personas.

Eso significa que, aparte de un milagro (¡que creo que es posible!), las necesidades básicas para la vida, como alimentos, ropa, vivienda y refugio seguros, transporte confiable y materiales de aprendizaje, son provistas por Dios a todas las personas a través de las personas.

No sé mucho, pero sí sé esto: en base a mis conversaciones con nuestros vecinos, amigos y líderes comunitarios, muchas familias en el condado de Central Pierce continúan preocupadas por lo que traerá la caída con respecto al acceso impredecible a suministros básicos como

  • ropa adecuada y vivienda segura…
  • acceso adecuado a los alimentos…
  • costos razonables de combustible...
  • gastos de salud asequibles…
  • horarios de transporte confiables…
  • y empleo estable.

El miedo a carecer de estas necesidades humanas básicas contribuye a una sensación generalizada de preocupación, ansiedad e incertidumbre.

Sí, Jesús dice, “no os preocupéis por el mañana, porque el mañana se preocupará por sí mismo. Cada día tiene suficiente problema propio” (Mateo 6:34).

Puedes leer más sobre lo que Jesús dice acerca de la preocupación aquí.

Al mismo tiempo, la preocupación se convierte en confianza; la ansiedad se transforma en confianza; y la incertidumbre se convierte en seguridad cuando Jesús entra en la realidad. ¿Y quién es el cuerpo de Jesús: sus manos, pies y voz?

La iglesia… tú y yo… somos el cuerpo de Jesús para nuestro prójimo.

Es por eso que la Feria Escolar Back 2 del sábado 20 de agosto es importante. Puede visitar go.oslc.com/backtoschool para obtener más información sobre cómo ofrecerse como voluntario para ser parte del cuerpo de Jesús al proporcionar las necesidades básicas para los estudiantes y sus familias mientras se preparan para regresar a la escuela en septiembre.

Pero, no confíe en mi palabra... esto es lo que dicen nuestros consejeros escolares acerca de cómo Dios está proveyendo las necesidades de las personas a través de usted...

Hablo con muchos niños que me dicen que no tienen crayones/marcadores/papel en casa para usar. Gracias por todo lo que haces por nuestra comunidad.

Todavía [siempre] necesitamos algunas mochilas... Las botellas de agua serían geniales, los calcetines siempre tienen una gran demanda, algo que las familias piden, no del tipo caro, sino de Walmart... ¡Apreciamos mucho todo!

Siempre necesitamos: lápices, bolígrafos: rojo, azul y negro, resaltadores, papel, botellas de agua reutilizables ¡sería IMPRESIONANTE! Muchas gracias, no puedo decirles cuánto ayuda a nuestras familias.
En nuestra reunión de líderes, estuvimos hablando de suministros: lo que el distrito proporciona frente a lo que necesitan. Algunas de las necesidades que no creemos que el distrito esté proporcionando son lápices de colores y separadores de carpetas. Si te encuentras mágicamente con un suministro de estos, ¿puedes tenernos en cuenta? ¡¡¡Muchas gracias!!!

Jesús proveyó nuestra mayor necesidad: el perdón de todos nuestros pecados (es decir, ¡estamos bien con Dios!), una vida de servicio y amando a las personas como Dios nos ama, y ​​vida eterna amando a Dios para siempre. Y se nos da esto, incluso sin que lo pidamos. Dios escoge proveerlo todo a través de Su Hijo, Jesús.

Asimismo, Dios provee todas las cosas creadas necesarias para esta vida, incluso sin que nosotros las pidamos en oración. Tenemos tal abundancia de recursos en nuestro mundo.

Y, Dios elige proveer todas las cosas a través de Él... Su cuerpo, la iglesia... tú y yo... somos el cuerpo de Jesús para nuestro prójimo.

Una vez leí que Dios no necesita tu amor y servicio, tus vecinos sí.

Qué cierto es eso. . . es cómo Dios elige proveer para cada necesidad en cada lugar para cada persona.

Diríjase a go.oslc.com/backtoschool para ser parte de la Feria de Regreso a la Escuela de este año.

    Connect with
    ​Pastor Tim

    Meet Pastor Tim

    Tim Bayer has served as Our Savior's Lead Pastor since September 2019. He also serves as an Adjunct Instructor at Concordia University - Irvine, a National Leadership Facilitator and Resource, and with the Northwest District of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod.

    Tim studied sociology, psychology, and theology prior to earning his M.Div at Concordia Seminary - St. Louis. He also is a candidate for an Ed.D (ABD) in Transformational Leadership.

    He is married to Beth and they have three children. Together, they enjoy exploring the outdoors, experiencing culture, and pizza and movie nights.

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