April 2008 Newsletter

for the contrite to bask in the Lord's forgiveness (2 Chronicles 6:21, 25, 39)
for the humble to learn wisdom, "teach them the right way to live" (2 Chronicles 6:27)
for the "outsider" to discover and respect the Lord "so that all people of the earth may know your name and fear you." (2 Chronicles 6:33)

As we dedicate the Ministry Center this month, let's also ask our God to make it an Amazing Place where those seeking solace will find Jesus' grace; that He would be present so that those yearning for wisdom will find it through Bible study and Christian education; and that all will feel welcome in the secure arms of Our Savior, even those who don't "belong" to our community.

Solomon credited the culmination of this project to God: "with your hand you have fulfilled it." (2 Chronicles 6:15). We too attribute this development to the Triune God. His blessings show up in so many ways. He made it possible for some to envision this, for others to "campaign" for it, and for many to contribute time, skill, and money to bring it about.

Finally, the king gave thanks to the Lord saying, "He is good, and His mercy endures forever." (2 Chronicles 7:3). These are the same words found in Psalm 23, "surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Likewise, let's gratefully proclaim the same truth to our community and the world. The goodness and mercy of the Lord is with us and we want to share it with everyone!

Let's Serve with Joy,

PS+

To Keep You in the Loop

By Norm Back, Chair, Lay Governing Board

I would like to discuss a couple of items this month. One of them has to do with the dedication of the Ministry Center, which is coming up very soon (April 6). In the midst of all the rejoicing over our new building, it would be easy to imagine that the completion of the Ministry Center is a major goal in its own right. But if we look at our current Critical Targets and Goals, we find that the goal corresponding to the Physical Plant critical target is that "the physical facilities of OSLM, both on and off the main campus, are being used effectively to achieve the Desired Outcomes." In other words, the important thing is not that we have this beautiful new building but that we use it to carry out our mission of bringing the Gospel to a lost world. How we do that in the best possible way is something that we all need to think about, and something that will continue to change and improve as time goes on.

The other thing I wanted to discuss is communication. I have encouraged you to feel free to talk (or write) to any member of the Lay Governing Board about any matter that is on your mind. What you have to say will be brought up at the next LGB meeting, discussed and, when appropriate, referred to the pastor for action. This is true even if the communication we get from you is in the form of an anonymous note. However, we don't really like to receive anonymous notes, because they make it very difficult for us to gather additional information or to provide feedback to the writer. You may rest assured that if you communicate with us we will protect your confidentiality; you can even ask the individual LGB Director that you talk with not to use your name at the meeting. In any event, the important thing is that you let us know what you are thinking. You will be heard!

School News

By Dennis Dirks

We give God the glory for . . .

Our 7th - 8th Grade girls' basketball teams for their stellar performance at the Lodi Basketball Tournament in March. One of our teams came back with 3rd place! Great Job!
Our Cheerleaders for winning 3rd Place in the "Cheer Off" at the Redwood City Roundball Tournament in Redwood City in March. Congratulations cheerleaders and their coach, Ms. Amanda Newman.
Our 8th Grade boys' basketball team for winning Consolation Championship in the Redwood City Roundball Tournament.
Two students - Kenneth Sturgill and Nick Trebes -- presented their science fair projects at the Annual Tri- Valley Science and Engineering Fair (TVSEF) on March 5th. Nick received a 2nd Place and Kenneth received a 3rd Place. This annual event is held at the Robert Livermore Community Center in Livermore.
All the "little lambs" of OSLS!

RE-ENROLLMENT / REGISTRATION
Registrations are still available for next year. The 2008-09 school year will begin in just five short months! Registrations for continuing students were sent home with students, but registrations are now available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you would like a registration form, please contact the school office.

IN-SERVICE
OSLS will host an in-service for the CNH District Educators entitled "Duh, Brain." The speaker is Ann Anzalone, who is a consultant for adult students, parents and their children regarding learning styles, educational plans and academic performance. Teachers will review teaching techniques and practical applications based on current brain research.

PTO AUCTION
Join us on Saturday, April 19, for this year's PTO (Parent/Teacher Organization) ANNUAL SCHOOL AUCTION. This is a wonderful fellowship and fundraising opportunity. The theme for this year's event is "A Hawaiian Luau." The evening's festivities will include a silent auction, full dinner, and wine bar, with the highlight of a live auction. In the past this fundraiser (besides being a great night out!) has purchased playground apparatus, backstops, computers, digital cameras and projectors, etc. We have numerous projects for funding this year. But it all starts with YOU being at the Auction. Tickets for this event are on sale NOW! You can purchase tickets from either the Preschool or School office. Remember this day: Saturday, April 19, 2008 - AUCTION!

PARENT EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
Our PTO sponsored a parent education opportunity last month entitled "Unite4Life". This local Christian-based organization conducted a four-part program on Suicide Prevention and Depression Awareness. (This program is geared for middle school students and their parents.) Students participated in small group presentations during the school day, and parents were invited to attend a parent presentation in the evening. All ministry staff were invited to a presentation designed especially for staff who work with this age student, making them aware of the signs of depression and how to deal with students exhibiting these signs.

Another parent education opportunity will be made available on Tuesday, April 29 at 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. Clay Felicitas, Livermore Unified School District Community Liason, will present a "Gang and Drug Awareness" presentation for parents only. We encourage any parent to attend this informational meeting.

CHAPEL
We invite all members to join us for our weekly chapel worship on Thursdays beginning approximately at 8:40 a.m. Our overall chapel theme is, "Amazed . . ." April's emphasis is "Amazed by Our Guide and Protector." The chapel speakers and themes for the upcoming month are:

April 3: "The Resurrection" - Pastor
April 10: "Pentecost" - Linda Greenhagen
April 17: "The Walls of Jericho" - Seventh Grade
April 24: "Parting of the Red Sea" - Joe Ryno
April 30: "Gideon" - First Grade (Note: This chapel is on Wednesday, April 30 because of the Accreditation Visiting Team.)

ACCREDITATION PROGRESS
The Accreditation Team did not visit in February, as the chair of the Accreditation Visiting Team required hospitalization for a back problem. Therefore, we were required to postpone our visit with a new chair person. Our final report is still ready and now on April 27-30, we will have four members from WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) here to validate what was written in that report. As a reminder, our school ESLR's (Expected School-wide Learning Results) are:

Graduates of Our Savior Lutheran School will be prepared to be Kids of the King who

Walk like Jesus.
Are avid learners.
Develop important life skills.
Enhance their lives with enriching activities.

Each of these ESLR's have "explanation bullets" for both the preschool and K-8 school. If you would like more information regarding these, please check out the school website (www.oslm.net) for a detailed copy!

Come to an AMAZING Musical on May 18

By Christa Even

You won't want to miss Once Upon a Parable at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 18! The children's choirs of Our Savior are already hard at work (and having fun!) preparing this wonderful musical. Come to the sanctuary at the conclusion of the Sunday School/Sequel hour to enjoy this lively and moving production. Here's what the creators of the musical have to say about it:

Jesus was a storyteller. A quick glance at the gospels reveals Him constantly regaling the crowds with tales designed to teach, amuse, puzzle, and even irritate. And two thousand years later, His words are still fresh - the double meanings and surprise endings of the stories challenge and enlighten us. We hope you'll discover, as we did, the underlying surprise in the words and life of Jesus. The love of God is always more than we expect! (Tom Long and Allen Pote)

Join us in supporting the music of the young people of our church and school family - you will be glad you did!

Ministry Activities

Children's Ministry

The Sunday Kidz Club (Sunday School) is for children age 2 through 4th grade. The curriculum for this year is "Weaving Faith into Life." Two- and three-year-olds meet in the ECDC, Room 1; Four and five-year-olds meet in the ECDC, Room 3; Grades 1 & 2 meet in Room 6 (Building A); and Grades 3 & 4 meet in Room 7 (Building A); Grades 5 & 6 meet in Room 3 (Building A). Sunday School is held each Sunday from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
K.F.C. = Kids for Christ, Friday, April 4 from 7 - 9 p.m. in the gym. This ministry is for youth in Grades 5 and 6. It is an evening of fellowship, singing, Bible study, and games. The youth are encouraged to invite their friends. Wear comfortable shoes and bring your Bible.
The B-Team, for 3rd & 4th Grade Youth, will meet on Friday, April 18 from 7 - 9 p.m. in the ECDC. This youth group meets monthly during the school year for an evening of Bible study, singing, games, snack, and fellowship. Friends are welcome and the children should wear comfortable shoes. Be sure to bring your Bible.

High School and Junior High Youth Ministry

Please see "The Youth Corner" article for the current information about high school and junior high youth events.

Confirmation Classes will resume again on Wednesdays, April 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30. Questions? Contact Steve Christopher at 447-1246, ext. 228.

Women's Ministry

Monday morning Bible study meets weekly at the home of Ann Brand at 9:30 a.m.
"Living Beyond Yourself" - Exploring the fruits of the Spirit. This is a Bible Study opportunity just for women based on Galatians 5:22-23. "The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." This is a wonderful, in-depth, video study by Beth Moore. Facilitators will be Michele Scharnitzke and Karen Buntjer. We will meet in Room 9 from 7 - 9 p.m. on Wednesdays beginning April 16 and ending June 25 (11 weeks). The cost will be $20 for the study workbook. Refreshments and childcare (Room 3) will be provided. For more info or to sign up, email Michele at mmsemail@c omcast.net. You may also sign up by calling the church office, 447-1246. We look forward to growing together!
"Stitches from the Heart:" Join them on the first Tuesday of the month for gathering together for fellowship and working on the needed baby blankets/hats/booties for the little ones to be warmed and loved. The group will meet on Tuesday, April 1, 2008 from 7 - 9 p.m. at the Dorns'. Newcomers welcome!
Women's "Catch All Night" will meet on Sunday, April 27 at 6:30 p.m. in the ECDC. This gathering provides an opportunity for women to gather socially while accomplishing tasks along the way. Bring something to work on, like a craft, mending, paying bills, whatever you need to accomplish. Come and join in the fun and fellowship!
The Women's Bible Study Group meets at the home of Dee Christopher. Please call the church office for their next meeting, 447-1246.

Men's Ministry

The Men's Breakfast Bible Study continues to meet on Fridays, April 4, 11, 18, and 25 at 6:30 a.m. at Baker's Square, 1116 Stanley Blvd. in Livermore. All men of Our Savior are invited to attend! Remember to bring your Bible!
Men's Open Gym Basketball on Mondays from 7:30-9:00 p.m. Come out and enjoy some good competition and fellowship.

Young Adult Ministry

All Young Adults are welcome to attend a weekly walk with God in His Word and a chance to fellowship with one another on Sunday evenings. Please contact the church office, 447-1246, for more details.

Ongoing Events

Blood Pressure Monitoring will be offered in the Family Room after the 9 a.m. worship service on the first and third Sundays of each month.
Pinochle Club - This group meets on the second Tuesday evening of the month. Everyone is invited to come out for a game of cards on Tuesday, April 8, from 7 - 9 p.m. in Room 18. Come and join in the fun!
The Christian Reading Club of Our Savior will meet on Tuesday, April 15, at 7 p.m. in Room 8. The book to be discussed is, The Innocent Man, by John Grisham, ISBN # 0-385-51723-8. All readers welcome! Questions? Contact Steve Christopher, 447-1246, ext. 228.

Upcoming Events

Ladies: Mark your calendar for Saturday, May 17 - this is the date for the Mother/Daughter High Tea at Our Savior! This event will be held in the Fireside Room in the Ministry Center. Start planning - there will even be prizes for the best mother and daughter hats! Watch The Grapevine - more information to follow!
You won't want to miss the children's musical, Once Upon a Parable, Sunday, May 18 at 11:30 a.m. Come to the sanctuary at the conclusion of the Sunday School/ Sequel hour to enjoy this lively and moving production.

The Youth Corner

By Timothy Potthoff

F.I.S.H. (7th and 8th grade)
Come test your skills as a rock climber on Sunday, April 13 from 6 - 9 p.m. at Valley Rock Climbing Gym, located at 2455 Railroad Avenue, Livermore. The cost is $15 and you will need to have a participant agreement, waiver and release form signed by your parents to participate. Forms are available from Timothy Potthoff. Parents: We need you to belay for the climbers. If you are interested and are available to assist, please contact Timothy Potthoff to find out the details, 447-1246, ext. 261 or by email, tpotthoff@oslm.net.

JUNIOR HIGH DISTRICT YOUTH GATHERING
The Junior High District Youth Gathering is for all youth who will be entering 7th-9th grade in the next school year. The dates are June 22-25, 2008 at Mt. Cross Ministries in the Santa Cruz Mountains. For Early Bird Registration, sign up with Timothy Potthoff on or before Monday, April 28. The cost for early bird registration is $100. To hold your spot, $50 is required at the time of sign up.

C.L.I.M.B. (9th - 12th grade)
Do you enjoy hanging out with friends, eating food, listening to music, and playing games? Come to the Youth Room on Saturday, April 26 from 7 - 10 p.m., and do just that! Bring friends! Contact Timothy if you have any questions, 447-1246, ext. 261, or email him at tpotthoff@oslm.net.

ECDC News

By Sara Hall

Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet believed. John 20:29

Jesus left his friends and then returned to earth before joining his father in heaven. His friends were able to see and even touch Jesus to know that the prophesy had been fulfilled. Jesus left his Holy Spirit with His disciples and with us. We can feel His presence with us. Jesus left earth, blessing all those who do not get the opportunity to see and touch him.

Being allowed the privilege of working in the preschool, I receive the opportunity to see people in God's Kingdom believing simply because God's Word says it is so. They listen to the Bible in awe at what Jesus has done, from feeding the 5,000 to stopping a storm. They have learned that Jesus is not magical but miraculous. He is the only one who can perform miracles, and he performed the best miracle of all when he rose from the dead to save us from death. It is our prayer for you this month that you believe simply because the Bible tells us so.

The children enjoyed a month of celebration in March as we joined the K - 8th grade children in a pep rally to kick off National Lutheran Schools Week. We listened to the band and watched the cheerleaders, and heard that whatever we are when we grow up, we can be disciples for the Lord. We continued celebrating, as the big room transformed into a circus with clowns, lions, tightrope walkers, bare-back riders, and jugglers. We learned about the farm and all the animals God created. We experienced the feeding of the 5,000 as all the classes joined together to be fed with two fish and five loaves. We excitingly celebrated Easter with our annual egg hunt. Our 4-year-olds delivered Easter surprises to the K - 8th grade students shouting, "Jesus is alive today!" We ended our month with a special Easter chapel, where the children sang praises to Jesus. Mr. Christopher also shared the story of Easter with us.

Ministry Center Building Committee

By Glenn Strahl

As of mid-March, there are a lot of wet paint signs on the interior walls. Carpet laying has begun on the second floor. Some cabinets have been installed. Work is progressing (slowly) on final installation of the glass in the windows. Landscaping has begun. We anticipate completion of the renovation early in April. Our move into the facilities depends on passing the final inspection and receiving the occupancy permit from the City. Please pray for an uncomplicated procedure.

The formal dedication ceremony is scheduled for April 6. There will be a grand open house later, some time in June. Stay tuned for announcements.

OSLM Care Program

By Judi Greenwalt

Our Savoir Lutheran Church is a family. Families care about each other. The OSLM Care Program is being formed to insure no one has to face problems alone or uninformed. The Care Program is focusing on five areas of caring:

1. Information and education

2. Medical advocacy, training, and support

3. Support: funerals, meals, helping hands, visiting shut-ins, etc.

4. Social activities

5. Stephens Ministries classes are a future possibility

If your Spiritual Gifts Survey indicated that you have talents in these areas (or you are interested in helping in any way), please join us at our next meeting on Monday, April 7 at 7 p.m. in Room 19. For more information, contact Hanne Brummond or Judi Greenwalt.

Business Buzz

By Joe Ryno

Please click here for the Financial Report for February and also the Fiscal Year-to-Date Report.

The mission pledge is current and all expenses have been paid.

General Giving for February was down 9.2% from the budget projection; however it is up 12% year-to-date. This continues to be great news for this budget year; however, general giving will need to continue as usual or better to maintain our budget requirements.

The church has a positive net income of $3,194 year- to-date. The school shows a negative net income of $3,410 primarily due to the downsized enrollment. At this time, the Early Childhood Center also has a positive net income of $13,969.

Balances in our checking and savings accounts total $232,461, which includes $22,884 in the Building Up - Reaching Out fund. The Church's portion of the mortgage is being paid out of this fund. Monthly pledges needed to make the mortgage payment are $22,000. In February, we received $19,509; however, funds normally set aside for this account were contributed to the Thrivent GivingPlus campaign in the additional amount of $5,540, for a total of $25,049.

Hidden Keys to Successful Parenting

By Sara Hall

Join us for "Hidden Keys to Successful Parenting," a four-week study to learn how to discover your child's personality type, their strengths and weaknesses, and how to build on these strengths and minimize their weaknesses. The study will take place on Mondays, April 14, 21, and 28 and May 5 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in the ECDC. This video study features Dr. Gary Smalley, who teaches how to move out of the two parenting styles that can produce devastating long-range consequences and move into the parenting styles that produce the most stable and fulfilled children. Parents will learn how to motivate their children, how to remove walls between them and their children, and keep the lines of meaningful communication and love flowing both ways. These are just a few of the areas we will cover in our class. This study will be facilitated by Forrest Adams.

Child care will be available. Please sign up with Sara Hall at 447-2082, ext. 232 or email her at shall@oslm.net.

Joe's Tidbits

By Joe Ryno

The option to make your offering from your credit card is now available through our Simply Giving® program. If you are interested, please obtain an authorization form in the business office. Advantages to this option are that:

Your offering is made whether you are present or not.
You earn accrued mileage and/or rewards available through your Credit Card benefits, if applicable.
You don't need to worry about writing a check or remembering to bring it with you.

Women of Faith

By Michele Scharnitzke

It's time to begin planning for the 2008 Women of Faith "Infinite Grace" Conference! We had such a wonderful and inspiring time last year and look forward to an Amazing time again this year! We have even better seats for the conference and . . . a pre-conference event planned for Friday evening in Our Savior's new Fireside Room! Mark your calendars for Friday evening, October 3 and Saturday October 4 to "Relax and rest in God's amazing, unequaled, INFINITE GRACE!"

For more information, please contact Michele Scharnitzke at 925-292-9373 or at mmsemail@c omcast.net.

Amazing Sale

By Sylvette Phillips

It's Amazing how much we accumulate, isn't it? Wouldn't it be Amazing to be able to raise some major funds for the Youth Program? Gather up those Amazing treasures that take up space and that are cluttering up your life and home. You will be Amazed at how much better you will feel when you can separate yourself from those Amazing lifestyle-clogging items. Someone else would love to have them to enhance their life.

We will be planning to have our Amazing Sale on May 31. More details will be coming soon. Contact Sylvette Phillips or email her at Phillips_092 66@msn.com if you have any questions.