We’re excited to announce a new development in our faith formation program! With our younger children thriving in Kid’s Club Sunday morning classes, we’re creating special classes designed to meet the needs of our older children. These new classes will offer a deeper exploration of our faith, tailored to their growing age and understanding. They can discuss important topics, ask questions in a safe space, and strengthen their connection to our faith community.
ELCA Conference of Bishops calls for a permanent bilateral cease-fire in Gaza
ELCA Conference of Bishops calls for a permanent bilateral cease-fire in Gaza
ITASCA, Ill. (March 2, 2024) – The Conference of Bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is adding its voice to the growing group of faith leaders urgently calling for a permanent bilateral cease-fire in Gaza. We urge President Joe Biden, our legislators, and all who lead and make decisions on behalf of the United States to do everything in their power to bring an end to the current suffering and lay the foundation for lasting peace with justice.
As members of the ELCA Conference of Bishops, we are elected to lead one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with nearly 3 million members in more than 8,700 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. We are compelled to advocate, pray and act by the social teachings of our denomination and by our belief—rooted in Scripture—that all people are made in the image of God.
We mourn the loss of 1,200 precious lives in Israel on Oct. 7 by the actions of Hamas and the trauma for those 250 others who were taken hostage. We mourn the loss of over 30,000 precious lives in Gaza—including tens of thousands of women and children—who have died in Israel ’s military action since then and the trauma that ripples outward from this loss. We grieve the deaths of more than 400 Palestinians in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and in Israel since Oct. 7 as the circle of violence expands and makes casualties of yet more civilians.
Too many have suffered. Too many lives have been lost. Strong U.S. leadership is needed to help bring a comprehensive permanent cease-fire and lasting peace. Our country ’s leadership is needed to support human rights and the Geneva Conventions, to resume funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), and to provide greater access for humanitarian relief in Gaza, as well as to advocate for the immediate and safe return of the hostages and release of political prisoners, for affirmation of both Israel and Palestine’s right to exist, and for a path forward that disrupts cycles of violence. Mindful of the rise in hate targeted at people across complex intersections of race, ethnicity and religion—worldwide and nationally—we exhort our legislators, leaders and neighbors to oppose hate in all its forms, and we recommit ourselves to partnership in that same work.
Jesus taught: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9). We affirm that all our neighbors, near and far, are children of God and made in God’s image, and we are praying for President Biden, our legislators and all decision-makers. May God give us and our leaders everything necessary to meet the needs of this critical moment, particularly peacemaking.
Bread For the World 2024 Offering of Letters
As people of faith, we are called to give of our time, talent, and treasure for a greater purpose. Bread for the World invites you to use your voice to help end hunger.
Every year, Bread for the World (BFW) organizes churches, community organizations, and people of faith from across the country to write letters and emails to their members of Congress who have the power to impact the policies and programs that can end hunger.
By taking part in Bread for the World’s 2024 Offering of Letters, you will help support domestic and international nutrition programs that offer a hand up to families and a brighter future for children.
Your letter matters. Your letter, joined with the voices of thousands of advocates across the country, is an expression of faith and hope, urging U.S. decision makers to pursue a world without hunger. God uses these letters to change hearts and minds, and again and again, Bread for the World wins help and opportunity for our neighbors who face hunger.
How to participate in BFW’s 2024 Offering of Letters
Visit www.bread.org/offering-letters/ and scroll down to and click the WRITE NOW link. Then it’s as easy as 1, 2, 3!
Step 1: Look up your elected officials – Just fill in your information and the elected officials will populate.
Step 2: Check the box that says, “Yes, this is an Offering of Letters” and enter “Our Savior Lutheran Church, Hanover, NH.”
Step 3: Write Your Message: The information is already prewritten and you can personalize it.
For more information there are additional down-loadable resources, videos, and more at www.bread.org/offering-letters.
Once you’ve written your letter, please email Wendy or Paul Manganiello that you’ve participated in this year’s offering of letters. Thank you!
Our New Ambo and Children’s Crosses
Over the past year, Brian Promersberger shared his gifts with OSLC and has made us 8 processional crosses for children and a new ambo – and they are beautiful! Did you know that the wood used to craft these items for worship also has deep meaning?
Opportunities to Put Your Faith in Action
Sign up to Volunteer at Cover – Outdoor Projects Every Week! The COVER Home Repair program relies on the participation of community volunteers like you. By lending a hand with home improvement projects, you can help greatly improve the quality of life for local families, the elderly, and the mobility challenged. It’s a great opportunity to learn new skills. View volunteer opportunities and sign up here!
Advocate for Others: As members of the ELCA, we believe that we are freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor. God uses our hands, through our direct service work and our voices, through our advocacy efforts, to restore and reconcile our world. Through faithful advocacy, the ELCA lives out our Lutheran belief that governments can help advance the common good. Get involved by visiting the ELCA Advocacy Action Center.
Knit or Crochet Hats for Seafarers International House: Are you looking for a knit or crochet project that will touch the lives of a seafarer or immigrant? Here is a tangible way to show Christ’s love to someone. Seafarers International House (SIH) is the Lutheran response to the urgent needs of vulnerable seafarers and immigrants. This is the year of SIH’s 150th anniversary, celebrating fifteen decades of uninterrupted services to over 2 million seafarers and immigrants in New York City and beyond! SIH is not a place, but rather a service to people on the way. Learn more here. Chaplain Ruth Setaro at SIH when emailed about the need for knitted hats, wrote: “YES, YES, YES we love to get knitted hats. I actually give them out all year as even in the summer it can get cold out on the sea.” Use a pattern from their SIH website or a favorite pattern such as the 1898 Hat. Use any yarn or color (but preferrably not pink). Wendy Manganiello will collect the finished hats periodically and mail them to SIH. Contact Wendy or the church office if you have any questions.
Donate Items for the Food Shelf at the Upper Valley Haven: You can learn more about the Haven here. You may bring donations directly to the Haven or bring them to worship on Sunday and we’ll make sure they get there. Pick up a printed list of food shelf needs at church, or view it below.
2023 Bread for the World Offering of Letters
Below is the text of a talk delivered by Paul Manganiello during worship on May 14, 2023. Visit bread.org/farmbill to start the BFW electronic letter which you can personalize. It is simple and quick. When you do contact your legislators, please let Paul Manganiello, Wendy Manganiello, or the church office know so that we can contact BFW’s Washington office.
Good morning! For our visitors and new members, my name is Paul Manganiello, I am a member of OSLC and am on the Social Ministry Committee. Welcome to our annual Bread for the World (BFW) Offering of letters! OSLC is a Covenant Church with BFW, an ecumenical advocacy movement founded by the New York City Lutheran pastor Art Simon in the 70’s.
In working for social justice, religious communities need to not only encourage personal acts of charity such as volunteering or financially supporting our non-profit charitable organizations but also work for justice to address the root causes which perpetuate generational poverty, such as the wealth gap; inadequate educational opportunities and job skills; unsafe “ghettoized” communities; etc.
BFW helps us to speak up and speak out to support those who suffer from systemic poverty.
Continue reading 2023 Bread for the World Offering of Letters
Our Savior Lutheran Church and Campus Ministry 
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