October 8, 2026
What’s on your mind? Frankly, our minds are often loaded with a lot of things, including: long “to do” lists and accompanying worries, frustrations, and fears . Our minds tend to hold on to bitterness, anger, resentment and guilt. All of these thoughts impede our Christian walk and witness. Sunday’s epistle tells us to renew our mind in Christ by thinking about: Whatever is noble, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. Put this into practice and the peace of God will be with you.. (Philippians 4:8-9) This is not the power of positive thinking, but rather being filled with an attitude of gratitude, realizing that we are beloved children of God. Focus on Jesus, the Peacemaker, Seek Him as the Way, the Truth and the Life. Submit to His will, and trust in the promise of His abiding and guiding presence .
Next Week
Sunday, October 11 Worship Service at 10 a.m. sermon by John Richardson Sunday School and Bible Class -9 a.m. also a Voters Assembly immediately following the worship service
Tuesday, October 13: Funeral for Patrick O’Brien: Visitation, 10:30-11:30 at Cannon Funeral Home (2020 Central Ave, Colonie) followed by the funeral at 11:30 at the funeral home.
Wednesday, October 14: Women’s Bible Class - 10-11 a.m. in the Fellowship Room . also Choir 6:30-8 p.m. in the balcony
Thursday, October 15th: Men’s Bible Fellowship 7 p.m. in the Fellowship Room
Friday, October 16th: Bible Study (the Torah) 6:30 p.m. in the Prayer Chapel
Saturday, October 17th: Men’s Breakfast 8:30-10 a.m.. in the Fellowship Room
+ + + + +
Women’s Dessert Night - this Friday, October 9th 7 p.m. in the Fellowship Room
Coming Events
Wednesday, October 21: Friends Helping Friends event at Boscov’s
Saturday, October 24th: Spaghetti Supper, (in support of Night To Shine) 4-6 p.m. in the school cafeteria
More Information
Voters Assembly this Sunday, October 11t - following the Worship Service. In addition to hearing and discussing reports from the Pastor, Elders, School, Financial Officer and Church Council; voters will be asked to approve a recommendation from the Council to hire a Church Operations Coordinator to provide support for the Pastor and coordinate ministry and outreach efforts. Sign up sheets and hand-outs for the meeting will be in the narthex on Sunday,
Funeral Service for Mr. Patrick M. O'Brien: Visitation will take place on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, from 10:30 am - 11:30 am, with a Funeral Service to begin at 11:30 am, at Cannon Funeral Home, 2020 Central Ave., Colonie, NY. In Lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the church in his honor. Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 52 Mountain View Ave, Colonie, NY
Thanks from the Golden Eagles, a group of fellow Christians from Ohio who worshipped with us this past Sunday: “We give thanks to God for you (Pastor Mark) and Our Savior’s warm welcome to us during our visit on Sunday, October 4th. The wonderful service, your message, the music and the fellowship was a beautiful way to wrap up our visit. The pizza was awesome and the gift bags were such a kind remembrance of our visit with you. We will cherish the cross and its message as well. May God richly bless you, your family and the Church/School Community. We will pray for you all as you share His grace with others. The peace of the Lord be with you always.”
Friday evening Bible Study: Marlow Olson and Peter Kemmer are leading a Bible study on Friday evenings. exploring the Torah the first five books of the Bible and its connection to God’s unfolding plan of salvation in Jesus Christ. The study will begin with some foundational questions: Who is God? Who are we? What is God’s covenant and how does Abraham fit into His plan? From there, the group will explore Moses, the Exodus, Genesis, the sacrificial system, biblical festivals and how these Old Testament foundations point forward to their fulfillment in the New Covenant. All are invited to come to this eight week series held in the Prayer Chapel beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Fridays.
Clothing for Conifer: Our Savior’s has been providing financial support to S.A.M. (Spiritual Awakening Ministry) as Vern Milkins and others minister to residents at Conifer Park. Vern uses that support money to purchase Bibles for the residents who come to the weekly chapel services. Another way of supporting these residents is by donating men’s and women’s clothing (used, but clean and in good condition). You may bring in the articles of clothing on the second Sunday of each month (that’s this coming Sunday) and put them in the coat room.
Transportation Needs: We currently have individuals needing rides from the following areas: Schenectady -on Kings Rd, about 1 mile from the Blue Ribbon Diner on State St about 17 minutes from OSL
Albany just off Central about 4 minutes from Our Savior’s - West Albany/Schenectady near Central Ave, west of Route 155 20 minutes from OSL Colonie near Shaker High School about 17 minutes from OSL
Call Dave McMullan (518/252-1071) if you need a ride to church or can provide transportation
A Men’s Breakfast is scheduled for Saturday, October 17th, 8:30-10 a.m. in the Fellowship Room. Our guest speaker will be Vern Milkins, head of Spiritual Awakening Ministry that leads weekly worship services at Conifer Park, a drug rehabilitation facility, and also provides Bibles and clothes for residents at Conifer. All men are invited to come to the breakfast, to enjoy the food and fellowship, participate in worship and hear a challenging testimony. There is no charge, but an offering will be taken. Sign up sheets for the Men’s Breakfast are in the narthex. Come and invite other men to join you.
Baptism Celebration: We look forward to celebrating the baptism of Hayden Henry Noble on Sunday, October 18th, during our worship service. Following the service, Hayden’s parents, Jen and Jeremy, invite everyone to join together for a reception to celebrate this special day. Bagels and refreshments will be served in the school cafeteria, and we hope you’ll join us as we rejoice in the blessings of Hayden’s baptism.
Support for Night To Shine. Our Savior’s will again host Night To Shine, a prom experience for people with disabilities, that will be held on February 12. Volunteers and guests for NTS may register on our church website (oslalbany.org) Check out a video of last year’s Night To Shine recently posted on the website. This month there will be two opportunities to provide volunteer and financial support for Night To Shine: We are participating in Boscov’s Friends Helping Friends Day by selling $5 coupons, which will give the purchaser a 25% discount on purchases made at Boscov’s on October 21st. Coupons are available through the church office, and we will also have a table at Boscov’s on Oct 21st to sell coupons on that day. Contact Tom Roemke if you are able to sit at the table for a two hour shift to sell coupons, The second fundraiser is a Spaghetti Supper that will be held on our school cafeteria on Saturday, October 24, 4-6. Eat in or take out. Pay by donation in support of Night To Shine. RSVP to Nicole Carlson (admiralnicole@gmail.com) if you plan on coming. Also contact Nicole if you are able to help prepare and serve the meal.
Hike Planned: Justin Alvis and Gary Shadick are planning a hike at Vroman’s Nose in Schoharie on Saturday, November 7th. The hike will start at 10 a.m. and will take about 2-3 hours. Hikers will get lunch at the Carrot Barn after the hike This hike is moderately challenging: about 1-2 miles each way with a little rough terrain. All are invited. Contact Justin (518/221-9715) for more information.
Pastor Mark Chaffee’s office hours are 9 a.m.-noon, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. You may also reach him by cell phone: 518/763-1085 or email: mark.chaffee@oursaviors.com
Church Office Email: OSLSecretary@oursaviors.com
PRAYER NEEDS
Healing: Barbara Bruso, Fred Dignon, Kathy Hawley, Emily Henk, Barbara MacGowan, Patty Marshall, Jennifer Noble, Eric Unright, Dave Wolcott, Tim Zuelsdorf, Homebound: Inge Glidden, Joan & Walter Weis in Assisted Living: Marga Hildenbrandt, Helen Walck .
Prayer for Jonathan Belschwinder - Middle & High School Social Studies and Bible Teacher School. Thanks to God for giving Jonathan the ability to connect with these students as he teaches them God’s Word and helps them apply that Word to every area of their lives.
Prayer for Pastors throughout our District during this Clergy Appreciation Month. May God continue to equip and encourage these men as they faithfully serve the flock entrusted to their pastoral care. May they not become weary in their well doing, but experience the joy of seeing their labors bear fruit all to the glory of God..
Contact Tom Roemke (518-669-0790 or troemke115@gmail.com) to place announcements in the weekly letter