There’s always a lot going on at Our Saviour. Updates, messages and project reports are posted below.
The Rev. Jakob A. Ottesen was another of the three “fathers” of the Synod. He served the Koshkonong Lutheran churches (near Cottage Grove, Wisconsin). He is remembered as a “model pastor” for the Synod. Following his daughter’s death in 1931, his household estate and library were given to the reorganized synod. This collection became the…
During this anniversary year, we remember the three “fathers” of the Synod: Herman Preus, Jakob Ottesen, and Vilhelm Koren. The Rev. H.A. Preus served Spring Prairie Lutheran Church (near Keyser, Wisconsin). He is regarded as the “administrator” of the Synod and served as its president for thirty-two years. At his funeral in 1894, he was…
What and amazing day! Women from all over California, Utah and Arizona gathered at Our Saviour Lutheran Church to hear about our joint foreign mission efforts and home mission efforts. Over 60 people were in attendance. Rev. Matt Behmer of Cristo Rey Lutheran Church in Bell Gardens, California, spoke about his work with Spanish speakers.…
Today, as the ELS observes its centennial, the synod consists of 17,000 members in 131 congregations. But prior to 1917, the synod consisted of 150,522 souls in 986 congregations. At that time, the Synod also operated one college, one teacher-training school, one seminary, twelve academies (high schools), four orphans’ homes, three old-people’s homes, two hospitals, and a…
February is often referred to as the “Month of Love” – a month filled with roses, boxed-chocolates, special Valentines dinners and don’t forget Cupid, and his quiver of arrows. And while all of these are associated with love, do they really express true love? They might… but again, they might not. There is a story…
On Friday, January 26, the ELS pastors from California, Arizona and Utah met for a pastoral conference. Because of the long distances involved, these pastors are only able to meet once a year face-to-face in conjunction with the Women’s Mission Rally, so this was a special occasion. These conferences are opportunities for ongoing ministerial education…
As the successors of the Norwegian Synod, members of the ELS remember the oak trees at Koshkonong, Wisconsin, where in 1844 a Lutheran pastor from Norway gathered a small group of immigrants. The words of Psalm 78 directed the pastor as he answered the question, “Can God Furnish a Table in the Wilderness?” God fed His…