Pastor's Message
While I was serving as pastor in a Philadelphia, I had visited a local mall. A crowd of people were staring at something in a display window of a small shop. I walked over to see what was happening. They were looking at a strange poster sitting on an easel. The poster was brightly colored and had what seemed to be meaningless symbols and patterns. My first thought was, “Must be some new age art. Never did understand that stuff.” Suddenly, one of the persons pointed at it and said, “I see him! I see him!” “See what? See who?” someone asked. “Well, I’m not sure and I don’t want to spoil it for you.” I thought to myself, “Yeah, right! You don't see anything.” Then another said, “Now I see him too!”
Some people walked away, shaking their heads. And only a few of us were left. “Uh, can you tell me what’s going on?” I asked one of the persons who said she had seen “him.” “This is a hologram or 3D picture,” she said. “If you look at it in just the right light and just the right angle, you will see an image there.” “Really?” I replied, still doubtful.
“It’s not that easy to see,” she said. “It took me almost thirty minutes. But there it is,” she pointed to “it.” “Don’t you see it?” she asked. I must have looked at that poster a dozen times that night with the same results. On my way out, I decided to give it one more try. As I looked at it, bending my head, the patterns suddenly started to fade and this face began to appear. I realized to my delight that it was the face of Jesus. “I see him! I see him!” I turned and said to complete strangers around me. And I spent the next hour trying to help them see him too. It was fun seeing their faces light up when at last they saw him for the first time.
Easter morning Mary did not recognize the risen Christ. But a single word, “Mary”, caused her to finally to see him! Two disciples walked with Jesus to Emmaus, and did not see him. But with the simple action of breaking the bread, and they saw him!
The resurrected Christ is amongst us, too. Perhaps we do not see him, either. Lost in hectic schedules and overwhelming responsibilities, it is easy to lose sight of Jesus in our lives. Yet, he comes to us through his Word and through his sacraments. As we gather for worship as his children, he comes to us — breaking through our schedules to remind us that Easter was for us! We share in his great victory.
Easter is surely a time for thanksgiving, for in Christ God has given us all a great victory over the enemy of death. It looked so bleak for Christ. He had been crucified and buried. He was but a worthless stone cast aside. But God brought Easter! Christ arose! The rejected stone had become the cornerstone, the most important stone of all. So, rejoice and be glad on this day! I hope you see Jesus this Easter!
God’s richest blessings,
Pastor Andrew C. Lissy
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President's Message
Hello! I want to share with you a couple church news items for March and April.
Vicar application for 2023-2024. Living Savior leadership has
prepared an application to Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS)
requesting a vicar for fiscal year 2023-2024. Pastor Andy personally
dropped off the vicar application and grant application to
Southeastern District Office in mid-February. We should receive an
answer of whether we will be receiving a new vicar for next fiscal
year on LCMS Call Day which is at the end of April.
Recognizing and Thanking Lois Finnern. At the recent February 19, 2023
Voters' Meeting, the Voters approved to make Lois Finnern Emerita
Music Director of Living Savior Lutheran Church. The April 23, 2023
8:30 am service will be a special service to recognize and thank Lois
for her many years of dedicated service to Living Savior Lutheran
Church.
Thank you to all our members who are currently serving in leadership
roles for their dedicated service. Also, thank you to all those
members who volunteer to help out in whatever ways they are able with
our many activities and programs at Living Savior.
May you all have a blessed Lenten season and all the best for a
blessed and Happy Easter season.
Leon Debolt
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Greetings once again in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! As we begin the season of Lent, we are reminded of the road that Christ took in his ministry to the cross upon Calvary. Throughout the season, not only do we recall the suffering that Jesus underwent in order to save us from sin, but we join with him in the journey, repenting of our own sin in the hope of the forgiveness that God brings. I pray that this Lenten season will grow your own faith in Christ who is our great redeemer and you will be reminded of the full assurance of life that you have in him.
It is hard to believe, but I am now well past halfway through my vicarage here at Living Savior. I have only five more months remaining before I head back to Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, and yet, because of Living Savior, I have had great experiences in developing myself as a pastor. As you know, one of these experiences is my campus ministry that I conduct at George Mason University. Every week I am able to eat lunch with students on Wednesday, sharing the hope of Christ with many international students. Now, I would like to offer to you an opportunity to host a meal with some international students! As some parishioners may know, every vicar is required by the seminary to conduct an evangelical outreach project of some kind. I am excited to announce that I will be looking for volunteers to help me organize a dinner in homes of parishioners where international students will be able to experience what dinner is like in an American home. Many international students do not receive the chance to participate in American culture, and opening our homes to them for dinner will be a fantastic way for them to engage with the American culture. This event will occur sometime in mid to late April with more details to follow.
Once again, I pray that the Lenten season strengthens your faith in him as we walk the road to Calvary and of course that blessed Easter morning. May God continue to work in your life as a shining beacon of hope to the world!
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 Music and Worship
“OUR LENTEN JOURNEY – A TIME TO PREPARE”
As Christians, we generally think of the season of Advent, the four weeks prior to Christmas, as a time of preparation and “getting ready.” The idea of preparing and “getting ready” can mean many different things to different people.
I would suspect that most of us have not given much thought to the idea of Lent as being a time of preparation and getting ready. We usually attach the idea of “giving up something” with the Lenten season. In a real sense, though, preparing and getting ready is exactly what Lent is about. The 40-day period of Lent is modeled after many windows of 40 found throughout Scripture. The 40 days of rain at the time of the Genesis flood was a time for Noah and his family to be prepared for what would come next. Moses’ 40 years of shepherding following his exile from Egypt was a time used by God to prepare Moses for what would follow in the next 40 years. The 40 years of wandering in the desert by the Israelites was a time of preparing the “next generation” for their entrance into the Promised Land. The 40 days that Jesus spent with His disciples following His Resurrection prior to his Ascension was a time of preparing the disciples for the next chapter in their lives. Of course, the ultimate 40-day period is demonstrated in Jesus’ time in the wilderness when He was prepared for His public ministry and what would ultimately be His earthly purpose. All of these examples point to a time of preparation for something that will occur in the future.
Our 40-day Lenten journey can be much the same if we meditate and focus on what God can show each of us during this time. It can be a spiritual refreshment and renewal for what is to come . . . the three great events of Holy Week: Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and ultimately the Resurrection of our Lord!
May I encourage you to take advantage of the 40 days of Lent to prepare for what is to come. Draw upon the resources that are provided by God through the mid-week Lenten service, Sunday worship, and your own personal devotion and meditation.
May God bless your Lenten journey as we all prepare for what is to come.
Christ has died! Christ is risen! Christ will come again!
Dr. Wallace Horton,
Minister of Worship and Music
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 Stewardship Update
The slogan for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is “Make it a day on, not a day off.” This means that people take the time to remember Martin Luther King, Jr. and his life’s legacy for equality and human rights by taking part in meaningful activities that day. Stewardship is the same, but year-round. During pledge Sunday in October, we set our stewardship goals for our spiritual growth and the giving of our time and talent. Just like New Year’s resolutions, we dedicate our lives to becoming better people. How are your stewardship goals working so far? There is still time to recommit to your goals and to even update your pledges. To help remind us of how stewardship is part of all of our lives, we invite you each Sunday to share a “Stewardship Moment” where you can share with the congregation something you experienced or witnessed - good old stewardship such as someone stepping up to help someone in need. Living Savior offers many opportunities to fulfill your stewardship goals through volunteering, worship/study, and financial giving. I encourage you to step back and think about how you can grow your relationship with Christ through focused stewardship planning and follow-through actions in support of those goals. There is still time.
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Bible Studies and Groups at Living Savior Lutheran Church
 Children’s Sunday School - We welcome all school age children to a fun-filled time learning about Jesus. The unit this fall focuses on Jesus’ birth, growing up, and many of his miracles. Primary class is for PreK-Grade 1. Upper elementary is for Grades 2-5. We will meet between services from 10:00 to 10:45 in the Preschool wing. Please email to register your children. Jean-Marie Galing
 Adult Sunday Adult Bible Study
Prayers that Work
Please join us for a new Adult Sunday School series "Prayer that Works", facilitated by Dr. Horton and assisted by Jason Tolbert and Jim Neuberger. We will take a journey through scripture with a focus on prayer. Our study will be guided by the book "Prayer that Works" by Jill Brisco. We hope that this biblical study will help with strengthen your relationship with God and will help bolster your prayer life. Please join us at 9:50am in Klein Hall (between services). If you have any questions, please contact Jason Tolbert at jasontolbert@gmail.com
 Confirmation Class Between Service Sundays. Contact Pastor Andy or Vicar Luke.
Women's Bible Study
Tuesday night - 7:30pm - In person at LSLC in the youth room. "Becoming a Woman of
Prayer" by Cynthia Heald
 Thursday night - 6:45pm - zoom - "The Good and Beautiful Life" by James Bryan Smith. If you are interested in joining us, please contact Cathi Willuweit (cathiwilluweit@hotmail.com) for zoom address.
Men's Bible Studies
 Living Savior Men's Fellowship Study Breakfast - We are starting on a new study on March 11th from a book titled “The Essential Reinhold Niebuhr: Selected Essays and Addresses”. The book has a number of essays, sermons, and prayers that we will discuss. Study also available virtually, contact at 7:30am and study 8am – 9:30am, 2nd and 4th Saturdays. for Zoom address contact Paul Gross .
 Men’s Christian Fellowship Dinner - 4th Thursday of the month at 6pm in Klein Hall
Youth Group
The Youth have had a busy few months. Activities included a lock-in, hosting a spaghetti supper fundraiser, and performing a chancel drama during the first Lenten Service. Later this month we will take 3 of our Junior High Youth to the Southeastern District Gathering in Williamsburg for the weekend. We thank the congregation for your continued support!
Upcoming Events:
Mar 19: Game Night
Mar 24-26: Southeastern District Junior High Retreat
Apr 9 (Easter): Egg Hunt (between services)
Apr 23: Game Night
May 7: Car Wash Fundraiser
May 21: Picnic and Canoeing at Pohick Bay
July 23-29: Servant Event Week at Camp Linn Haven (North Carolina)
For more information, please contact Ben or Ellena Pollock benellena@gmail.com
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Spring Work Day
Saturday, March 25th 9:00am - Noon
 Creative Haven
Saturday, April 15th,
9:00am - Noon
Please join us for Visual Faith event open to all (Men, Women, Youth, Children) to use your talent, or lack of talent, to experience God through art. Jean-Marie Galing will lead us through a project to create a flip book of daily prayers.”
RSVP to Jean-Marie via email jeanmariegaling@hotmail.com or text/phone call to 703-298-7472.
Bread Breakers
March 25 - Bread Breakers at 6:00 pm. Please contact Steve Galing or Betty Cook if you would like to attend.
May - Bread Breakers Date TBD
 Family Fellowship Night
April 29 - Family Fellowship Night Details to follow.
Lent and Easter Services
Maundy Thursday service will be at 7pm, April 6th
Good Friday service will be 7pm, April 7th
Easter Services will be Sunday, April 9th, 8:30am and 11:00am
Save the Date - May 6th
The Women's Ministry is planning an event which may include a luncheon. More information to follow.
VBS is Coming
July 24-28th
LSLC will be holding Vacation Bible School this summer July 24-28, from 9a-12p
Join us for our “Stellar” VBS, where we will launch kids on a cosmic quest where they’ll have a blast shining Jesus’ light to the world. “Stellar" rockets kids on an out-of-this-world adventure that’s light years of faith-building fun.
Each day at Stellar VBS, kids will launch into fun-filled rotation stations that reinforce relevant Bible Points and immerse kids in new adventures. VBS is open to children from pre-school (must have completed 1 year) through rising 5th grade.
If you are interested in helping, either through donations or assisting during the week of VBS, please reach out to Wendy McGraw ( callygander@gmail.com) or Ellena Pollock ( ellena.pollock@gmail.com) and let us know what you can do to support this cosmic adventure in God’s word!
Stay tuned for more “out-of-this world” information about Stellar VBS 2023!
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SOCIAL MINISTRY
March / April 2023
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Get Ready, Get Set, Completed Projects
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THANK YOU! The LSLC Social Ministry team thanks all in our congregation and Bridgeway for their recent food donations. Your generosity helped us provide hearty hot dinners, snacks and lunches for 65 folks in the FACETS hypothermia prevention shelter program. The delicious hot food, great side dishes, sandwiches, fruit and snacks were very much appreciated by the recipients. Thanks again, Miki Kolton and Bonnie & Steve Thomas.
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Outreach
- What’s happening sheet – If you want to see what is happening in November/December/January go to the LSLC website under Announcements to download the LSLC Outreach Information Sheet. Good to pass on to neighbors, family or friends who may be looking to get involved in the LSLC activities.
- ·Greeters – If you are interested in becoming a greeter at services, please contact Ric Weyrick or Bob Willuweit
Opportunities to Serve
- USHERS!!! We NEED USHERS – Since many of the congregation are safe-at-home, we need those who can help as Ushers. For Sunday 8:30 or 11am service Ushers, see Pastor Andy since he will be looking for volunteers for the upcoming months soon.
- Altar Guild - Please consider helping with altar guild duties. Teams are on a rotating schedule. Within each team, members decide how they will execute the month's responsibilities so that the schedule is convenient. Free training! Flexible schedule! Many hands make light work! If you would like additional information, please contact Pam Belch: pcbelch@comcast.net
- Lay Crucifiers - we have returned to using lay crucifiers at both in-person worship services. All lay people (men and women) middle-school age and older are welcome to service as crucifiers. All must complete a short training course prior to serving. To volunteer / schedule your training session. Please contact Dr. Horton
- Chancel Choir - The Chancel Choir resumed rehearsals on Wednesdays, 7:30pm in the sanctuary. Membership is open to singers high school age or older. The ability to read music is helpful but not required. If you are interested in being a member, please contact Dr. Horton.
- Modern Worship Ensemble - The Modern Worship Ensemble rehearses on Tuesdays at 7:30. If you are interested in participating, please contact Candie Jefferson
- Lay Readers - If you are a trained Lay Reader and would like to read in the upcoming months, please see Dr. Horton to select a date(s) to read. If you have not received training to be a Lay reader but would like to become a Lay Reader, please see Dr. Horton so that you can receive training.
- Live Streaming operators - Help get the digital message out to those watching live steam worship. We are especially encouraging teens who have digital skills. Contact Pastor Andy
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Living Savior Preschool News
This month at Living Savior Preschool we have been learning about Valentine’s Day. As part of that lesson we will talk about the special people in our lives and will make valentines for some of those people. We will discuss how the postal service helps deliver some of those cards. Ground Hog Day will aid in our lessons about the weather and spring. We will talk about the groundhog and whether or not he can really predict the end of winter. We will cover President’s Day, talking about some of the important contributions made by Presidents Washington and Lincoln. Towards the end of the month Dr. Adair, a pediatric dentist from Burke, will visit to demonstrate how to take care of your teeth and keep a healthy smile.
During the month of March, the children will learn about wind and weather changes, nutrition, exercise, and making healthy food choices. We will also focus on Lent as we prepare for Easter.
Last but not least, we will begin March celebrating the birthday of Dr. Seuss. The children will wear pajamas to school and bring their favorite book from home. This is a favorite day for all! We will be celebrating Special Person’s Tea near the end of the month. The children are involved in planning and preparing invitations for a special person in their lives. They will learn about serving others as they host this event for their honored guests.
In April, the preschool will be learning about Easter. They also discover many things about spring including insects, butterflies, rain, gardens, plants and life cycles. The parents will visit with teachers for individual progress reports and conferences regarding their students.
Registration for 2023-2024
Registration for the next school year began February 1st for members of Living Savior and currently enrolled families and February 2nd for the general public. LSP offers a warm, Christian learning environment for young children licensed by the state of Virginia. We believe that LSP provides young children one of the best opportunities to achieve the goals of a Christian education outside of the home as they grow and develop physically, socially, emotionally and intellectually. LSP enrolls children from 2 ½ through 5 years of age. We offer three, four and five day classes with after-school care every day. If you or your friends and neighbors have preschool-aged children, please call the office at (703) 352-4208 or stop by for a brochure or tour of the preschool. You can also visit our website, www.livingsaviorpreschoolfairfaxstation.org. Thank you!
Summer Camp
This summer our preschool will offer one week of summer camp for all who are interested in the theme “Oceans of Fun”. The cost is $160 for a four-day camp May 30 th -June 2 nd 9:15-1:15. Please contact the office if you are interested!
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Opportunities to Worship
- Sundays 8:30am, Traditional Worship, Holy Communion 1st and 3rd Sundays
- Sundays 11:00am, Traditional Worship when not Modern Worship, Holy Communion 2nd and 4th Sundays, Modern Worship services April 16th, May 14th, June 11th
- Lent Services - Wednesday nights at 7pm March 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th.
- Maundy Thursday service - 7pm, April 6th
- Good Friday service - 7pm, April 7th
- Easter Services will be Sunday, April 9th, 8:30am and 11:00am
- Online Worship Opportunities – Sunday 11:00am service live-streamed and available for later viewing, see LSLC website for details.
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