Advent is all about Jesus’ arrival - at both Christmastime and at the end of all human time. And, this week, we want to orient our hearts to look for and see “Jesus-things”.

Here’s the point: Look for what God is looking for and maybe we’ll begin to see Jesus’ “advent” in a whole new way.

Let’s start with the obvious: you don’t need to go very far to see the shadows of Christmas.

• Colorful lights remind us that Jesus is the light in the darkness.
• Radical hospitality mimics the welcome of God.
• Decorated trees point toward both Jesus being the tree of life and the “tree” on which Jesus will be nailed to on Good Friday.
• Candy canes are a fun way to tell the gospel story that we are forgiven of our sins through Jesus who is wrapped around each of us.
• Brightly wrapped gifts reflect the greatest gift of all: Jesus, Himself given to us.

The many things we cherish are, no doubt, shadows of the arrival of Jesus at Christmastime. 

Now, you can call me a “Scrooge” when I say this: while all of these shadows are good and helpful, I have not yet found a place in the Bible where Christmas lights, rich food, holiday trees and ornaments, candy canes, or presents are pointing the way to Jesus. They’re all very much a cultural expression of an ancient truth. Again - they’re helpful… they’re just not in the Bible.

So, as we turn the corner in our Advent journey to focus on the hope that Jesus brings, let’s take a moment and look at five Jesus-things God looks for… and if it’s good enough for God - it’s probably good enough for us, too.

Think about it with me…
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• Jesus’ voice can only calm my anxiety when I slow down and stop while the winds of current life events continue to swirl around me.

 

• Jesus’ encouragement can only affirm my identity when I sit and be still while the aftershocks of life’s earthquakes continue to rumble around me.

 

• Jesus’ direction can only guide my thoughts, choices, and words with others when I hear and understand His Word, not just how to tolerate people through the fires where we live, work, and play.

God sends us silent moments everyday as we prepare to celebrate Jesus’ first advent (Christmas) to declutter our thoughts, stills our heart’s rat race of a rhythm, and gives us confidence in whose and who we are.

The question is, do we take, open, and use God’s gift of silence?

Slow Down and Stop.
Sit and be still.
Listen and Seek to Understand.

My desire to embrace silence in the midst of the winds, earthquakes, and fires around me is really a “heart-thing” than a “schedule-thing”.

For me, in my current season of life, finding an entire hour or even 30 minutes of uninterrupted silence is almost impossible.

And, while I also have my own devotional rhythm, that’s more of a “work pattern” than a personal habit. (That’s part of the reality of the pastor-life… personal devotional life can quickly run dry because you’re always reading the Bible, devotional books, and in prayer for others as “your job”… I’m happy to unpack it more sometime, if you’d like.)

So, here’s what I do… you can join me, if you wish!

I remember this because our area code is 2-5-3.

• Instead of grabbing my phone immediately when I wake up, I take 2 minutes. I lay in bed and say, “Lord, speak, I’m listening” (1 Samuel 3:7-11). Whatever comes to mind, I either commit to memory or write down. Sometimes it’s a word. Other times, it’s a picture. Often, it’s a bible verse. I just go with it. Only 2 minutes.

 

• Then, I take 5 minutes at lunch before reading or launching into the water cooler conversations. I return to that word, picture, or bible verse and again ask God, “Speak, I’m listening”. Just 5 minutes.

 

• Then, before I go to bed, I take 3 minutes. No phones. No music. No podcasts. No reading. Just me in silence asking God, “Speak, I’m listening”. I then write down anything that I feel or am thinking about that word, picture, or bible verse. Just 3 minutes. After the new year, I’ll be sharing some of what God has been placing on my heart and mind the past couple years.

In his book What’s Wrong with the World, G.K. Chesterton said, “Anything worth doing is worth doing badly [at first]”. This was clunky at first. But, over a short period of time, it has become something I can’t live without.

The goal is to consciously and consistently experience God’s gift of silence in order to listen for the voice of Jesus at some point everyday - not to all become silent monks. 

And, how better to prepare for Jesus’ first and second advent (Christmas and His Return) than by getting to know His voice and following Him wherever He leads us?

After all, Jesus Himself is the best Christmas gift we could ever receive.

God gives us both joy and sadness to feel and to own. So, cry away. Your tears are given by God to express your sadness just as much as your giggles are given by God to express your joy.

You have permission to care for yourself.

I was recently reminded that in moments of crisis and trauma, before tending to others, you must first care for yourself.

Here is what caring for yourself might look like:

• Get enough sleep
• Say “yes” to really important things, first.
• Schedule “do nothing” days before committing to events and activities
• Drink enough water and eat well - as in healthy
• Ask somebody to help you with something, everyday… even if it’s with something you can really do by yourself. God has made us to “do life” together - not apart.
• Help somebody in an ordinary way, everyday. It truly does change the way you see people and the opportunities “as you go”.

Bethany Dearborn Hiser says “taking care of ourselves is essential for our well-being as beloved children of God, allowing us to be effective and resilient, loving people instead of using those we serve to support or enhance our own sense of worth”.

You can check out Bethany’s entire article from Christianity Today, here.

You have permission to find your way back to Jesus.

Between the hot messes and ugly tears combined with all the feels, it’s easy to lose sight of Jesus.

Hi Friends!

I want to share an update regarding the Environmental Safety issues at Main Campus and how we are moving forward.

First, great news about this week’s Sunday Worship!

We plan to gather for Sunday Worship on-site at 8:00, 9:30, and 11:00am and online at 8:00, and 9:30am!

Here’s what to expect Sunday:
West Bathrooms by the chapel are closed.
Public bathrooms can be found in the following locations:

• East corner of the Lobby
• Far west end of the Northwest Hallway (Offices and Preschool)
• The center of the 2nd-floor hallway

Otherwise, this Sunday will feel pretty “normal.”

• We’ll be ready to welcome you as you enter from the Parking Lot
• Our Kids Connect Team will be prepared for your kids
• Our Nursery will be waiting to love your infants and toddlers
• Pastor Matt, Gerod and the Worship Team, and I will be ready to lead you in worship
• Hospitality will be hosted after each service outside the West Entrance with donuts only, until we have access to the Fellowship Hall and Kitchen.

What's happened so far this week…

On Monday, a Professional Abatement Team (PAT)  isolated the facility areas compromised by the Environmental Safety Issues and began “cleaning the air.”

On Wednesday, the PAT began remediating the environmental hazards, removing carpet, sheetrock, and other contaminated items that cannot be cleaned over the next three days. They will also attempt to clean as many of the free-standing items located in the affected areas as possible.

After everything is cleaned, the basement will most likely be exclusively used for utility access. Furthermore, we are looking at installing groundwater control solutions to prevent future issues.

A separate and related water issue was discovered inside the wall of the West Bathrooms (by the Chapel). This specific situation also contributed significantly to the overall environmental safety of the facility. We will know more about the extent of remediation and reconstruction necessary for the West Bathrooms later this week.

Our Professional Abatement Team continues to remediate the environmental hazards in the affected areas of our Main Campus Facility.

Thanks in advance for helping make Our Savior a place where all people can belong, gather, connect, serve, and be sent to love God, love people, and live like Jesus!

Between now and Sunday, here’s how you can pray with us:

• Thanksgiving that God is in control of all things!
• God be glorified, and our community loved well through the gifts received at NovemberFest this evening at 6:30pm at oslc.com/novemberfest.
• The people you will invite to join you in worship this Sunday.
• Continued safety for the Professional Abatement Team as they remediate the affected areas.
• Thanksgiving for David Kernan of Sound Environmental Solutions Inc., assisting Nora with the remediation process (thanks, David!)
• God’s Spirit would be inviting and leading people to worship onsite and online this Sunday.
• Cary, High School Life Group Leaders, and Students who are on retreat this weekend.
• Pastor Matt as he prepares to bring God’s Word to us.
• Gerod and the Worship Team as they prepare to lead us in song and prayer.
• Shelly and the Frontlines Team as they prepare to welcome, connect with and serve people.
• Dereem and the Kids Connect Teams as they prepare to help Jesus’ youngest disciples grow in their faith.
• Theresa and the Nursery Team as they prepare to love Jesus’ youngest family members.

See you Sunday… on-site or online!

Love you!
Pastor Tim

I want to share with you some really important news about what ministry may look like for you, this week.

Yesterday, we discovered environmental hazards related to mold, mildew, and water which severely limit the use of our Main Campus facility. As always, if you feel ill or are experiencing respiratory challenges, please consult a medical professional.

As a result, it has been recommended that for the good and safety of the general public that we not gather at the Main Campus facility until the environmental safety issues have been isolated. 

We expect that these issues will be isolated by the middle of next week. After the issues have been isolated, we may be able to use parts of Main Campus (lobby, worship center) while still isolating the areas of the facility that need to be remediated.

Here is what you need to know this week:

• Main Campus will be closed until late next week. Smaller activities and events may be moved to other campus facilities. Your ministry leader will be in touch about specific details.
• Saturday, October 30th's Fall Carnival from 3-5pm will now be an outdoor "drive through style" event in the Our Savior Main Parking Lot. Continue to invite your friends, family, and neighbors. I’ll see you there!
• Sunday’s worship services (Oct 31) will be 8:00, 9:30, and 11:00am at our Online Campus only. (watch.oslc.com). There will be no onsite worship this Sunday. First Communion Milestone Celebration and baptisms will be rescheduled. We plan to resume our onsite worship services on Sunday, November 7.
  
• Backpacks 4 Kids Packing and other ministries that happen in “outbuildings” will continue as scheduled. Your ministry leader will be in touch with more details.
• Our entire ministry team will be working remotely until further notice. You can still connect with them via email, phone, or through our main office phone number which will forward to one of our team during office hours as well as receive voicemails during non-office hours.
• You can expect another update from me by Thursday, November 4.

Thanks for your ongoing prayers over this matter as it is resolved with God's good gifts of skilled people, prayers, resources, and finances. 

Even during this unique upcoming week of ministry together, you and I will continue to love God, love people, and live like Jesus. I have no doubt that Jesus is with us right here… right now.

I’ll see you Sunday, online!

Love you!
Pastor Tim

Do stories of life change inspire you?

Well, here is some good news to brighten your day!

Thanks to the generosity of ordinary people like you...

• Students who have not had breakfast are able to quickly come and pick something out of the [school] pantry. It is extremely difficult to be present and learn when you’re hungry and I’m so thankful to OSLC for providing this resource to our families!

 

• I love having the pantry here [at school] because it is a need that I can immediately fulfill when I know our families are struggling to get by.

 

• Our families are especially thankful for the grocery cards - one mom was so excited to have the grocery card to buy meat!

 

• One high school student shares, “I hide the food bag under my bed so my cousins don't get it because they're hungry, too”. (Thanks to your generosity, we could provide an additional food bag for this family!)

Remember when the world gets darker, Jesus shines brighter in and through you.

Learn more and let's continue loving God, loving people, and living like Jesus when it comes to helping hungry people in our own communities at oslc.com/b4k.

The COVID-19 pandemic is creating an unprecedented rise in mental health and substance use issues, leaving many of us asking how we can better support our friends and loved ones.

In June, I completed my training and certification to become a Mental Health First Aid Instructor and I'm excited to lead an online training on November 13, 2021 from 9am - 3pm, Online

The course offers relevant and powerful training and  resources you need to answer questions and have conversations about mental health. You will leave with a broader understanding of the mental health crisis we face and how together we can be helpful as a community and as individuals.

You can register at oslc.com/mhfa or you can give our office a call at 253.531.2112.

Mental Health First Aid, an international, evidence-based program that teaches people to identify, understand and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges.

I think you’ll find it’s an extremely helpful program that’s well worth your time and investment.

​Love you!

All fall and into the spring, we want to make disciples who love God, love people, and live like Jesus by:

1. relaunching onsite ministry experiences at our Tacoma campus, and
2. leveraging our online campus by creating digital and relational experiences.

So, I want to take a moment and share three points of unity that are fostering a culture of care and belonging as we embrace being a church (a people!) both onsite and online.

Honor
What do you do when everybody has a preference? When it comes to wearing face coverings, each of us has feelings, reasonings, and understandings of what they do and what they mean. ...and that's normal and very much OK.

Right now, perhaps for reasons only God really knows, the State of Washington requires all people regardless of vaccination status to wear a face covering while in public spaces.

As Jesus followers, we choose to come together in unity not over our preference of wearing face coverings, but in the unity of faith which honors the authorities God has placed in our lives (Romans 13, 1 Timothy 2:2). We also choose to honor each other's preferences over our own (Philippians 2) by wearing a face covering while on-campus. If you need a mask, we have plenty onsite as you enter any of our campus facilities.

Where else do you see honor promoting unity in your life?

"Be" the Church
The unified church is seen wherever people are gathered together around God’s Word and promises - wherever they are.

Jesus followers are never satisfied with only “going” to church onsite or online - we want to “be” the church everywhere we go. That’s why most everything we do onsite can be translated into an online or at-home experience.
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For example, we worship as "be" one united church in how we worship.
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• While some people choose to experience God’s presence in their home or other location, others choose to physically gather in our Worship Center. While the environment is certainly different, the content that we share - our Jesus-rooted and Biblically-rich messages and the songs are the same wherever we find ourselves.
  

• And, if you’re at home and you crave talking with people before or after the service, jump into the chat box to the right of the video box at watch.oslc.com. Our Online Hosts are ready to connect with you and even pray for anything that might be on your heart during the service. If you want to learn more about how all that works, give Gerod a shout out at [email protected]. 

Another example of "being" the united church is Faith in Action. While the context or location of faith in action may change, you are choosing to be united as once church by living generously and living your life on mission - wherever you are... which happens onsite when people gather for a variety of service projects and can also happen right where you are - with the people in your life (even those who may not know Jesus or go to church).

• You may walk across the street to have a conversation with your widowed neighbor. That’s faith in action. 

• You may choose to head to the grocery store and pick up some extra food for a friend who is struggling or cook a meal or cookies for someone you know who is sick or recovering. That’s faith in action.

• You may write or decorate greeting cards for people you know who need encouragement - people like first responders, hospital workers, teachers, or other community leaders. That’s faith in action.

You may know something your local neighborhood needs - you can give Kristi a call or send her an email at [email protected] to figure out how best you and some friends can make things happen. That’s faith in action.

While the context or location of faith in action may change, you are choosing to be united as once church by living generously and living your life on mission - wherever you are.

One last example: We grow in unity through Youth and Adult Life Groups and Bible Studies which help you become the intergenerational body of Christ. While some groups meet onsite, others find growth opportunities in their homes, neighborhoods, workplaces, and wherever else they find themselves.

• Did you know that Bible Study content, Kids ministry resources, and a bunch of other learning tools are available to help equip you to become the intergenerational body of Christ on Right Now Media?
  

• Right Now Media is our online hub for growing deeper and wider in your understanding of Jesus that you can use when you’re face-to-face, on a ZOOM call with friends, on a phone call with your grandkids, or by yourself on a device. Go ahead and reach out to Pastor Matt at [email protected] to learn more and get started, today!

• And - if you're looking for Kids Ministry Resources, check out oslc.com/kids.

Again, Jesus’ church is wherever people are gathered around God’s Word and promises. That’s why most everything we do onsite can be translated into an online or at-home experience - right where you are.

Care
We are united in our care for each other and our community. This unity flows from the love of Jesus who cares for each of us - right where we are.

• I believe that the absolute greatest ways to give and receive care and prayer is while you are with and among each other. This is another part of “being” the unified church everywhere we go.
  
• We have many ways where you can become equipped to use your gifts, life experiences, and compassion to make a difference in the lives of people. Whether you are healing from a divorce, having surgery, getting married, or in need of someone to pray with, we value the privilege of caring and loving others through life with you. I want to encourage you to check out oslc.com/care to learn more.

So, let's continue to be unified in honoring others, "being the church", and caring for each other as we move into October and November - onsite... online... right where we are.

I’m praying that you stay healthy and that together we continue to make disciples who love God, love people, and live like Jesus - everywhere.

Love you!

Would you agree that human relationships were complicated - even before COVID?

Expectations. Preferences. Feelings. Insecurities. Fear. Personal Histories. Past Experiences. Hopes. Dreams. Passions. Convictions. And then there are beliefs about mandates, economics, politics, and religion - whew!

If you put all of this together, even the most simple person can become complicated. 

Add another human with the same complexities into the mix and we discover that some of the most significant earthly relationships we may ever have - our spouses and significant others, can be incredibly complicated.

Here are three ways you can build a deeper and stronger bond with anybody - especially your spouse or significant other in this complicated time and life.

1. Embrace your fear.
Connecting with ourselves on an emotional level is an important place to begin building deeper and stronger bonds with other human beings.

Relationships are scary. We become exposed, known, and vulnerable. We so want to be seen, heard, and belong. At the same time, we’re afraid of rejection and being alone with our thoughts and selves. That’s why isolation is such torture.

You can begin building a deeper and stronger bond with someone by saying it’s OK for you to feel the need for love and feel the fear of being hurt, rejected, and alone if it doesn’t work out.

Jesus reminds us that He is always with us (Matthew 28:19-20) and that we are never alone (Romans 8:31-39) - which means we can be wrong without the fear of rejection from God or the grace of others.

2. Learn to dance.
Right after we were married, Beth and I gave ballroom dancing a go.

She excelled at it. 

I have two left feet.

The point is, we learned the awkward moves together. She was better than me and I had to swallow my pride of looking foolish and messing up and trust her lead.

In our relationships, at times we need to trust each other’s lead because the other person has insight that we need to hear and consider or we have two left feet and need to simply learn something from the other person. 

I remember that in order to learn the moves, I had to just be quiet and move with her. . . which required trusting that she knew the moves (which she did).

This principle helped us both on the dance floor and in our marriage.

As Jesus followers, we are given both the example and power to not live in our own pride, but trust in both the Lord and the grace God gives to each person. 

There are certainly situations where sin has broken trust and amplifies pride to the point where we need much more than a dance instructor. Realizing that there are people all around us who want to help us dance together is a huge confidence booster to say, “let’s get help” and continue dancing.

3. Practice Jesus-Centered Empathy
Right now, our culture is all about empathy. And rightfully so - we need more of it!

Brene Brown defines empathy as “connecting with people so we know we're not alone when we're in struggle. Empathy is a way to connect to the emotion another person is experiencing; it doesn't require that we have experienced the same situation they are going through” (BreneBrown.com).

Here’s something to consider - human empathy alone may connect you with someone else’s emotion in a particular moment or situation. It’s needed. And it’s a way that God has created us to be in common unity (community) with each other.

However, human empathy only provides a greater human experience. In other words, we can only empathize to the point of where our human emotions allow us to go. That’s Human-Centered Empathy. It’s good and necessary. And it’s incomplete by itself.

Jesus-Centered Empathy places Jesus (the human of all humans) as our shared empathizer - not only ourselves.

• Jesus experienced fear so that we can be brave - even when we don’t have or know the specific ways to do so.
• Jesus experienced loneliness so that we can never be apart from him.
• Jesus experienced rejection so that we are always accepted by someone.

When Jesus centers our empathy for each other, we can grow deeper and stronger beyond ourselves - more like Jesus.

I think that deeper and stronger bonds or relationships with other people are challenged when overwhelming emotions take over our thoughts, words, and actions. 

This is why we admit that “we have sinned in our thoughts, words, deeds and cannot free ourselves”. Asking God to “forgive us, renew us, and lead us so that we may delight in Your will and walk in Your ways” to the glory of God and the blessing of others is a wonderful place to begin building deeper and stronger bonds with anybody.

Why? Because the strongest and deepest bond that we share with each other is the bond of peace through the unity of the Spirit which we have in one Lord, one faith, and one baptism - one forgiveness, one hope, and one source of truth and love (Ephesians 4).