RESOURCES
in service to
the community
wellness
Forever in Motion: A program offered by the Saskatchewan Health Authority to keep older adults healthy and active. Sessions are held every Monday at 1:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall located downstairs.
Music in the Morning: This acclaimed wellness program designed for seniors, created by OSL’s Tim Mrazek & Helen Chang, combines gentle exercises, breathing skills as well as an incredibly fun musical singalong segment. FREE; all are welcome. Fridays 8:30am, Fireside Room. More info here: www.kungfuregina.com/current-programs.
Tai Chi: Tai Chi is an internal Chinese martial art practiced for defense training, health benefits, and meditation. This group meets for an hour of exercise and fun Mondays and Thursdays at 9:30am in the Fellowship Hall. To learn more, contact Victor Chang through the office. Everyone is welcome.
recovery
Our Savior’s is grateful to host in our facilities at no charge a number of addiction recovery groups:
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): Novalco Serenity Now AA Group gathers at Our Savior’s (downstairs Fellowship Hall) Monday and Wednesday evenings at 8:00-9:00 PM, parking lot entrance.
Preamble (from the AA Regina website www.aaregina.com): "Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for A.A. membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions. A.A. is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety. Regina and the surrounding area is fortunate to have a strong AA community. This recovery community is able to provide effective support and Alcoholics Anonymous 12-step recovery to those who wish to recover from the disease of alcoholism."
For other AA support groups, or for more immediate help around Regina, please see AA Regina website. 24-hour Help Line 306.545.9300
Gamblers Anonymous (GA): GA Heart to Heart meets at Our Savior’s downstairs Fellowship Hall Thursday evenings at 7:30-8:30 PM, parking lot entrance.
Preamble from the GA Sask site: "We are a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other, so that we may solve our common problem and help others to recover from a gambling problem." https://www.gamblersanonymoussaskatchewan.org/. 24-hour GA help line:
1.855.781.9522.
Narcotics Anonymous (NA): The Living in the Solution NA Group meets in the downstairs Fellowship Hall on Fridays and Sundays at 7:00-8:00 PM; parking lot entrance.
Preamble (from Southern Saskatchewan NA website southsaskna.org: "Narcotics Anonymous is a global, community-based organization with a multi-lingual and multicultural membership. NA was founded in 1953, and our membership growth was minimal during our initial twenty years as an organization. Since the publication of our Basic Text in 1983, the number of members and meetings has increased dramatically. Today, NA members hold more than 61,000 meetings weekly in 129 countries. We offer recovery from the effects of addiction through working a twelve-step program, including regular attendance at group meetings. The group atmosphere provides help from peers and offers an ongoing support network for addicts who wish to pursue and maintain a drug-free lifestyle. Our name, Narcotics Anonymous, is not meant to imply a focus on any particular drug; NA?s approach makes no distinction between drugs including alcohol. Membership is free, and we have no affiliation with any organizations outside of NA including governments, religions, law enforcement groups, or medical and psychiatric associations. Through all of our service efforts and our cooperation with others seeking to help addicts, we strive to reach a day when every addict in the world has an opportunity to experience our message of recovery in his or her own language and culture."
growing in faith
baptismal ministry
Baptismal Ministry: Our church offers baptism to children as well as adults. We believe that in baptism, God gathers a human being, old or young, into God's arms, and that in baptism a person’s walk with Jesus begins! Baptism normally takes place in front of the community gathered for Sunday worship (although private baptisms may be arranged in the case of special circumstances). Call or email the church office if interested!
children's ministry
Sunday School: temporarily suspended during Covid19. Aimed at children ages 4 to 10, children first gather with their parents in the sanctuary for Sunday Worship. After the Prayer of the Day, a pastor or a story leader invite the children to join in a procession to our Fellowship Hall for about a 20-minute period of discovering the Word through bible story, music, and fun activities for kids. The children rejoin their families around the time the sermon winds up, so they can be with the whole Sunday gathering for prayers, Holy Communion and the sending. This gathering runs September through the end of May.
Please also know that children – with any of the chaos that may accompany them – are always welcome in worship!! But we do have a worship sound and video feed to our Fireside Room – the room right beside our main worship area – where parents and children may take a break if they feel it’s needed!
youth ministry
Confirmation: For children becoming young adults (approximately for those in Grade 6 – 8), we offer a focused program of education in the Christian life. Confirmation is a time for students to carefully survey the Bible and the teachings of our church, and to ask questions about them. Please contact the pastor or church office as soon as possible if you have a child who you would like to participate in our program or if you have any questions. (Like all of our offerings, you do not have to be a member of Our Savior’s to take part in this program!).
National Youth Events: Our Savior’s youth have the opportunity to take part in the Canadian Lutheran Anglican Youth Gathering (CLAY), a joint biennial national youth gathering of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada and the Anglican Church of Canada. About 1000 youth gather from across the country for worship, education, service and fellowship. Let us know if you'd like more information!
faith formation
Sunday Sermons: The Lutheran tradition has always emphasized the importance of the preached word. Our pastor is dedicated to interpret the Scriptures so that the people may hear a Word of God for their lives.
Taking Faith Home: Taking Faith Home is a weekly devotional resource, focusing on 4 key faith practices: caring conversations, devotions, service, and rituals and traditions. We email out this resource and have paper copies available each Sunday on the usher’s table near the entrance to our sanctuary.
Bible Study: This community is committed to study and meditation on the Christian Scriptures. Each year various Bible Study opportunities are offered, some are led by our pastor, some by others in the community, some are “drop-in” sessions, some are year-long sessions. Please call or email the church office for more information on times, dates, and study focuses.
Theological Presentations: During the year speakers are invited to present on emerging religious, theological and societal issues. Stay tuned for our next special presentation.
Women's Retreat: Usually held in September, we'll share information as it becomes available!
opportunities to serve
Our members and friends share their gifts in countless ways in the community. What follows are just a few of the ways we invite your participation in sharing the love of God with others! Wherever you live, work rest or play, be the church of Christ!
Care Home Worship: Our Savior's currently provides worship services at Parkside Extendicare, Regina Lutheran Home, Santa Maria Care Home, Sunset Extendicare and William Albert House. Musicians and worship assistants are appreciated!
Choir: Rehearsals every Wednesday evening at 7PM for Sunday 10:30 worship. Bring your trained or not-so-trained voice! The choir helps to lead the congregation's worship of God in song. We’re very happy and grateful to have the talented Jonathan Achtzehner as our Choir Director. (Look for the guy in the shorts when it’s -30°C and you’ve found Jonathan!)
Financial Giving: Each Sunday offering is graciously received. People are also able to support the work of the church through e-Transfers or PAR (monthly pre-authorized remittance gifts that you can arrange for at our church office). From these gifts our church pays staff salaries, maintains our church building and gives significant gifts to ministries at home and abroad. We thank you for these gifts and we work very hard that they be used carefully and well to the glory of God!
Funeral Serving Group: Volunteers are organized to serve those who mourn the loss of a loved one. The group provides for a time of food and fellowship after the funeral service.
ICF Breakfast: We serve and enjoy breakfast every third Saturday of the month with the community of Indigenous Christian Fellowship of Regina, 3131 Dewdney Avenue.
Ministry Teams/Committees of the Church: Ministry team/Committee work offers an opportunity to serve in a wide variety of ways: planning and facilitating worship, educational programming, fellowship events, enhancing the appearance and the function of the church building, working for social justice in our community and beyond!
Mitten Tree: Every fall and winter season, we collect store-bought and hand-made toques, scarves and warm hand wear to help folks get through the cold days! These items are donated to inner-city schools and agencies.
Prayer Shawls: We receive donations of yarn in all colours! Our knitting volunteers create fabulous prayer shawls that are packaged and ready to gift to anyone needing comfort and prayer for any situation. The shawls are free to gift. Donations are not expected but are welcome, and go to continue support the prayer shawl project.
Quilting Group: temporarily suspended during Covid19. A group of interested members and friends meet each week on Tuesday mornings to put together quilts and baby bundles that are forwarded to transition houses in our city and wherever the need seems to be.
Regina Lutheran Refugee Committee: Along with other ELCIC congregations in Regina and area, Our Savior's works to share in the financial costs and in the practical work of refugee sponsorship through Canadian Lutheran World Relief, to help as many refugees as possible to resettle in Canada.
Special Event Volunteers: We are grateful for all the volunteers who make our special events extra special! Many of these functions are fundraisers for local charities. Examples include Chili & Carols, Pie Social, Gospel Night, Music Concerts and more!
Sunday Worship Volunteers: We thank those who enhance our worship through their time and talents! Every Sunday worship gathering is enhanced by members who pitch in to help with the beautification and décor of our sanctuary though altar guild and flowers, as friendly and welcoming greeters & ushers, as communion servers, sharing special musical performances, as part of the order of worship as liturgists and scripture readers, running basic audio-visual tech from our choir loft, and preparing coffee & refreshments for after worship! To get involved or to learn more please contact the church office.
a greening congregation
Click on the images for expanded view.
Photos by Barbara Jones.
Our congregation is committed to caring for the gift of God's creation!
As referenced in January's Green Note (click here), here is a more in-depth look at the Regina Floral Conservatory. I had the pleasure of interviewing our very own Sharon Solheim, a congregational member of OSL and also a dedicated volunteer at the Regina Floral Conservatory. She kindly provided the following information and background on the facility. --Barbara Jones
Regina Floral Conservatory Interview:
Barbara Jones: Who started the Regina Floral Conservatory? When?
Sharon Solheim: In January 1991 a group of 12 people met to form the Regina Garden Associates (RGA) as a concept of Ken Beattie, the City of Regina Manager of Horticultural Services. The RGA incorporation became official on May 17, 1993, and membership grew. In 2002 the city approved renaming of the `Regina Greenhouse’ to Regina Floral Conservatory. The RGA manages the Regina Floral Conservatory in partnership with the City of Regina.
BJ: How many volunteers does it take to operate and maintain this beautiful facility?
SS: As of December 2022, the RGA has 180 members with most members volunteering in their area of interest. Opportunities include floral display maintenance, education, social events, reception, rentals, marketing, communication, fundraising and working towards a new floral conservatory.
BJ: What green practices are implemented by the Floral Conservatory, that not only enhance the beauty of the space, but contribute to reducing its carbon footprint?
SS: The city has recycling centres throughout the Conservatory and organic solutions are used for plant deficiencies. Every morning a daily maintenance team of 10 – 12 volunteers maintain the beauty of the Conservatory. They water, deadhead, plant, remove, and compost dying plants, feed the fish and treat insects and pests.
BJ: In addition to exhibiting a beautiful floral green space, what else does the Floral Conservatory provide to the public?
SS: The Floral Conservatory is open to the public every day from 1–4:30 pm. On Fridays the Conservatory opens at 12 for `Bring your Lunch Fridays’. We are closed for the summer months from the second weekend in June till after Labour Day in September. Afternoon socials can be booked by care homes and are offered to elders during open hours.
Education programming includes Lil Gardeners for toddlers and their parent, school tours and plant kits for teachers to use in their classrooms.
The Floral Conservatory is a beautiful place to book an event outside of opening hours. These include weddings, photography sessions, memorials, birthday parties, proposals, baby and bridal showers and anniversaries.
The first Sunday of the month a restorative yoga class is offered from 11:30 – 12:30 supporting our theme of `Growing Wellness”.
BJ: How long have you been working as a volunteer at the Floral Conservatory? What’s one thing about this place that keeps you coming back?
SS: I started volunteering at the Floral Conservatory in 2019. As a retired teacher I was interested in volunteering with the education programming. Then I had an opportunity to volunteer on reception, welcoming visitors to the Conservatory and offering hospitality and this was a good fit for me. I volunteer every Tuesday afternoon, coordinate reception volunteers, enjoy volunteering for rentals and serve on the board of directors.
The Floral Conservatory is one of Regina’s hidden secrets and I volunteer because it’s a happy place that provides a unique, tranquil, indoor garden for the enjoyment of visitors and volunteers. The positive and often surprise reaction of visitors to the beauty and tranquility of the Floral Conservatory brings joy to those of us who volunteer.
Thoughts About the Environment for Easter Sunday
In our Christian tradition, today is the day to rejoice in the Resurrection, in the new hope that follows death. As we all do our best to preserve the environment, hope will find a way through the darkness. When we plant tree seedlings in the spring, use cloth bags at the grocery store instead of plastic, reduce our fossil fuel consumption, put solar panels on the roof of our church, and try to use less water, we are planting the seeds of hope in our own hearts. When we demand that politicians and corporations take the environment into account in their actions, and act in the best interests of life on earth, we create hope.
A blessed and hopeful Easter to you all!
Click on the images for expanded view.
Photos by Barbara Jones.
membership
Membership Questions
Do I need to be a member to receive holy communion?
Anyone, church member or not, is welcome at Christ's table!
Do I need to be a member to attend a worship service or bible study? What at about getting married or grieving a loved one?
You're welcome as you are--member or not--to attend worship and bible studies. You don't need to be a church member to arrange a wedding or funeral.
Can a non-member donate to the church?
Yes. And it helps us to do what we do! You can even make use of offertory envelopes in order to receive tax receipts for your donations.
What does becoming a member of the church mean?
It means that you take a step to make this church, “your church.”
It means that you commit yourself to be part of this people and this place.
It means that you set out to encourage the community in thanking people when you are blessed by them in some way.
It means that you set out to strengthen the community by expressing your concerns humbly and directly.
It means that you set out to help out when you have the ability and the time to carry it out.
What do I need to do to become a member?
You need to ask. Making the church “your church” is something you need to initiate. Call the office. Talk to a pastor.
In your conversation with the pastor you will find out if you want to sit down with the pastor and talk about the basics of Christianity, or talk about the specifics of being Lutheran. Or you may find that you simply wish to join the church without instruction in one of three ways:
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If you have never been baptized elsewhere: ask to arrange for baptism. Baptisms normally take place at a Sunday morning service, but in some circumstances people request private baptisms.
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If you have been baptized: ask to join through “affirmation of faith” (which simply means to be present at a Sunday worship and speak the words of the Apostles’ Creed from your place in the gathering together with the whole gathering). You may choose to let a previous congregation know that you wish to be released from membership or you may choose to retain membership in both congregations.
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If you are a member of an Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada congregation: ask to have your membership transferred from that congregation (or inform Our Savior’s that you wish to have membership in both congregations.)
That’s it! It begins simply by asking!
Please consider membership as an act of deepening your walk of faith with Jesus, by committing yourself to walk, serve, learn and grow with other followers of Jesus in this place.
links
DEVOTIONAL RESOURCES
Canada Lutheran: All members of Our Saviors Lutheran Church receive a printed copy of this national publication from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC).
Eternity for Today: In a very secular world in which spirituality seems to be rarely part of our conversation, consider daily devotions. The ELCIC publishes this pocket-sized booklet which is available in our church narthex. If you'd like to order an online version, you can find it here.
God Pause devotions are short, meaningful reflections on the following Sunday’s lessons sent out from Luther Seminary in St Paul, Minnesota. You can find them on the website or receive the daily devotion by email. www.luthersem.edu/godpause/
Taking Faith Home: Taking Faith Home is a weekly devotional resource, focusing on four key faith practices: caring conversations, devotions, service, and rituals and traditions. We email out this resource weekly. Please contact us if you wish to be on our mailing list.
OUR SAVIORS ORGANIZATIONAL LINKS
Our Regional Church Body:
Saskatchewan Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada: www.sasksynod.ca (Rev. Dr. Sid Haugen, Presiding Bishop)
Our National Church Body:
Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC): www.elcic.ca (Rev. Susan Johnson, Presiding Bishop)
Our Lutheran Global Organization
Lutheran World Federation: www.lutheranworld.org
Our Relief and Development Agency
Canadian Lutheran World Relief: www.clwr.org
Our Church High Schools/Colleges
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Luther College, Regina, SK: www.luthercollege.edu
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Lutheran Collegiate Bible Institute, Outlook, SK: www.lcbi.sk.ca
Our Western Canadian Lutheran Seminary for training Pastors and for Theological Study
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Lutheran Theological Seminary, Saskatoon: www.lutherantheological.ca
Our Saskatchewan Bible Camp
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Camp Kinasao (just north of Prince Albert): www.kinasao.ca