Mission Trips

ASLC participates in mission trips a part of our outreach program (aslcmissions.blogspot.com). In past years we have taught Vacation Bible School in the Bahamas and, in conjunction with the Central American Lutheran Mission Society (CALMS, www.calms.org), helped build a house for a mother of 2 small boys, taught Vacation Bible School for 100 children, and shared a manicure ministry with the local women in Zacapa, Guatemala.

This year we plan to go to Nashville, Tennessee to work with Lutheran Disaster Response to help clean up after last year's flooding and will teach Vacation Bible School. If you are interested in participating in a mission trip, please contact the church.

Vacation Bible School

Hometown Nazareth, Where Jesus was a Kid, our 2011 Vacation Bible School, will be held July 24^th - 28^th from 6 - 8pm. There will be programs for ages preschool through adult. Dinner is served at 5:30. There is no charge for this program and it is open to the community.

Women's Ministry

The Women's Ministry at Abiding Savior Lutheran Church has grown into a dynamic ministry that provides opportunities for fun, fellowship, service to others and mutual support. Get to know your "Sisters in Christ" through activities and study groups such as weekly Bible study, bi-weekly sewing and craft sessions, "Girls Night Out", and book group discussions. Special women's events include:

• "Girls Night Out"
• Spa Night
• Scrapbooking
• Annual Ladies Tea
• Christmas Cookie Exchange
• Annual Baby Shower for At-Risk Mothers-To-Be

Book Club

Open to all women at Abiding Savior, the Book Club meets monthly (except for Nov. and Dec.) and has discussed selections ranging from The Shack to 90 Minutes in Heaven and My Sister's Keeper. Members of the Book Club take turns as hostess for the monthly gathering. Light refreshments are served. This is an invaluable way for you to stay current with literature of interest to women of faith. Members vote on the selection list for each upcoming year.

Men’s Bible Study

On the last Saturday of each month at 8am, the men of Abiding Savior gather for Bible Study and a continental breakfast in the Scholz Family Life Center. Each Thursday morning, at 6:45am, a group of men gather for fellowship and discussion on current topics that apply to Christian faith and life at the Mill Bakery & Deli (1143 NW 76^th Boulevard).

Sunday School

Volunteers are always needed to teach our youngest Lutherans about the Bible and our faith. This is a good opportunity for women and men who want to make a commitment for a summer, the school year, or just on a substitute basis.

King's Kids

Meets in the FLC (concurrently with youth) on Sunday nights from 5 - 7 pm. Lessons, crafts, and games focusing on fellowship are used to teach the living presence of Jesus in our daily lives. Supper at 6:30. Preschool through 5th Grade.

Youth

Meets in the FLC Sunday nights from 5 - 7 pm. 6th Grade through 12th grade. Games, activities and lessons fostering the faith and fellowship of our youth. Meal at 6:30.

Music Ministries

Choir Season runs from Labor Day to Pentecost. All of the Choirs are on a volunteer basis.

• Tabernacle Choir: Wednesdays, 6:30pm - 8pm
  This group sings at the 8:00 a.m. service most Sundays from Labor Day to Pentecost. This choir accepts members Senior High School age and older.
• Praise Band: Thursdays, 6pm - 7:30pm
  Singers and Instrumentalists lead worship at the 10:45 service, and practice year-round. This choir accepts members Senior High School age and older.
• Choristers: Wednesdays, 5pm - 6pm
  Emphasis is on Learning to Read Music and Love Music. This group participates in the Gainesville Children’s Choral Festival. This choir accepts members between 2^nd and 6^th grades.
• Cherubs: Wednesdays, 4:30pm - 4:55pm
  This choir accepts members between Pre-K and 1^st grade.
• Brass Practice: Thursdays, 4:30pm - 5:30pm

Scholz Memorial Pipe Organ

The thirteen-rank, two-manual instrument was designed specifically for the sanctuary at Abiding Savior

, and was constructed new in 1996 by Hagerstown Pipe Organ Company, Inc. This instrument was commissioned, and the construction supervised, by Charles and Charlotte Scholz as a gift to the Glory of God and to encourage the praise of the people of Abiding Savior Lutheran Church. The pipes are fabricated from wood, zinc, and a tin/lead combination. Some notable features are that both the Swell and the Great chests are under expression, the action is Möller direct electric, and it has a Peterson solid state combination action.

Special Project: Operation Write Home

Volunteers from the Women's Ministry created 1,500 hand-made blank greeting card kits for assembly and decoration by all church members. The finished cards were shipped overseas to our military men and women for their use in writing home to spouses, children, loved ones and friends.

Altar Guild

Volunteers maintain the Altar area, preparing the pews and nave for weekly worship services. Teams are assigned to certain months of the year. Altar Guild is a perfect way to serve God and the Church while setting a good example of service to others. Please call Muriel Young at 352-332-1386 to offer your time.

Young at Heart

Come and join our group the 2^nd and 4^th Tuesdays of the month at 10:00am in the Family Life Center Octagon Room for Bible study and fellowship. Ladies, if you are looking for a daytime Bible Study that connects you to closer to Jesus, please join us.

Just Older Youngsters (JOY)

Please join us the 1^st Friday of each month for fun and fellowship. This group is for anyone who wishes to come. We have no age limit.

Helping Hands

We reach out to our local community in the name of Jesus by organizing church resources and talents to respond to community needs. Helping Hands projects include support for Ronald McDonald House, St. Francis House, and Mighty Food Bank. Other select monthly projects include the Star Christmas Tree, collecting school supplies, clothing bank, food and gas cards.

Family Life

Meets the first Wednesday of each month at 7:30pm. They assist in the planning and facilitation of special events including fun activities, socialization, family activities and small groups. Check the calendar!

Lay Ministry

Membership care and worship assistance. Church oversight along with elected officers.

Outreach

Working closely with other ministry teams to ensure worshippers are warmly greeted, follow up with visitors, promote community activities and meet identified community needs. Encourage, promote and recruit participation in the mission field.

Older Wiser Lutherans (OWLs)

Periodically throughout the year, a group of older, retirement age members of Abiding Savior gather for fellowship meals, special presentations, and outings to local events. The church office can be contacted regarding information on such activities.

Social Ministries

Abiding Savior's mission with regard to Social Ministries is to reach out to our local community in the name of Jesus by organizing church resources and talents to respond to community needs. The Helping Hands Ministry Team is responsible for coordinating specific, hands-on efforts to reach out into the Greater Gainesville Community. For a list of current projects, please contact the church office.

Small Groups

Periodically small group Bible Studies are conducted on specific topics and for a limited time in the homes of Abiding Savior Members. For a current listing of Small Group gatherings and topics, please contact the church office.