10. People will undergo economic hardships and even total disasters.

9. Empathetic individuals and organizations will help the unfortunate in Jesus' name.

8. Diseases will infiltrate bodies wreaking havoc.

7. People with the gift of healing will challenge illnesses and often times over come them because of the skill and resources God gave.

6. "Natural" disasters will catch people unaware, claiming lives and property.

5. Charitable souls, inspired by the sacrificial love of Christ, will offer emergency services as well as goods, money, and labor to victims.

4. Threats and intimations of war will cause social and economic unrest.

3. Diplomats will strive to resolve conflict as desired by the "Prince of Peace."

2. People will suffer from the consequences of war.

1. Many will offer any victim help by the inspiration of the One who suffered the consequences of all sin.

One doesn't need much experience, or a great deal of scripture knowledge to know that these predictions will prove true. Every problem and agony that suggests the absence of God is an opportunity for our Loving Creator to reveal Himself - through us.

When we help those who suffer economically with food, shelter, clothing, education, or employment, we fulfill our Father's promise to provide "daily bread." By serving those who are ill - providing diagnosis, treatment, even companionship or emotional support - we live out Jeremiah's revelation that the Messiah heals our diseases (30:17). Being quick responders to crisis underscores the Lord's assurance through David, "call on me in the day of trouble, and I will rescue you" (Psalm 50:15). Promoting resolution where conflict arises between a few people, or entire nations, validates Jesus' influence, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the sons of God" (Matthew 5:9). Finally, sacrificing one's time, money, possessions, or life to help or protect another is "the greatest love" (John 15:13).

Now that we have conducted a spiritual gifts inventory as a whole community, let's engage in this work in deliberate, meaningful ways. Over time, expect contact by elders or staff when an opportunity arises that appears to fit you. Meanwhile, please don't wait to take action. Employ your gifts where you see the opportunity:

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: "He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. (2 Corinthians 9:8-11)

May others be Amazed by His Love through us.

PS+

I hope that you all had a blessed Christmas and that you are looking forward with anticipation to the things that you (and we, as a church body) will accomplish in this new year of 2008.

One of the milestones along the way is our semi- annual Voters' Assembly meeting, which will be held on Sunday, January 27 (time and location to be determined). This meeting has two main purposes. The first is to start the process of selecting the 2008- 2009 Lay Governing Board (LGB) by electing two at- large members to the Nominating Committee. This committee is very important, because its members have the responsibility for putting together a slate of qualified candidates for the election in May. The committee consists of the Vice-Chair of the LGB (Beth Young this year), another LGB member, the two at- large members, and the Senior Pastor (ex officio; that means he gets to speak and advise but he doesn't get to vote).

During the next few months, the Nominating Committee will be looking for members of OSLM who meet the qualifications listed in the Bylaws, and asking them to prayerfully consider running for election to the LGB. If past history is any guide, the Committee should wind up with at least twice as many candidates as there are vacant seats on the Board (two this year), possibly leading to several ballots at the May election. So at this time I would like to ask you to do two things. One is to volunteer to serve on the Nominating Committee; any voting member is eligible. You can let Beth or me know if you are interested, or you can just have someone nominate you at the January 27 meeting. The other is to seriously consider running for the LGB if you are asked. Either way, you get to play a role in deciding the future direction of this congregation.

I would especially like to encourage those of you who may be thinking that the leaders of the congregation are not listening to your concerns or paying attention to your ideas. Being on the Nominating Committee is an excellent way to start moving the church in a different direction, because you may be aware of some very well qualified people that nobody else would have thought of. Those are exactly the people we need on the LGB, people who can put new ideas on the table and work energetically to make them a reality.

I said that there were two main purposes for the January 27 meeting. The other one is to hear a "mid- term" progress report by the Pastor on our Critical Targets and Goals. The Critical Targets are specific areas of our ministry in which we need to make an impact in order to fulfill our Mission; the Goals (one for each Critical Target) are short descriptions of the future state of affairs that we want to see five (or more) years from now. What the Pastor will be describing are the specific changes and accomplishments that demonstrate that we are in fact making progress toward those Goals. This will be your opportunity to get a "big picture" view of where we are going as a congregation.

Happy New Year to all of you. Be sure to join us at the meeting on January 27, and please consider being a part of the process of selecting our new Lay Governing Board.

We give God the glory for . . .

• All the teachers as the collectively worked on the Advent of Christmas programs of "Amazing Proclamation," "Amazing Miracles," and "Amazing Grace." Special thanks to Rebecca Miller, Linda Greenhagen, and Sarah Handrock for "leading/directing" each of the grade department Advent of Christmas programs. It is simply, Amazing!
• All the parents and aides that helped so much with the Advent of Christmas programs. To everyone who made these programs special - Thank you!
• Special thanks to Christa Even who played the piano/organ for our Pre-Christmas worship programs on top of all her other Christmas activities. (Christa plays for all of our weekly chapel services!) Thanks also to Amanda Newman for her direction of the band, classroom and choral pieces. Christa and Amanda are special!
• Dan Grassi for his wonderful musical addition to the Grades 3 - 5 Advent of Christmas service and his work on compiling the videos shown in the service.
• The students who participated and shared the wonderful message of Jesus' birth. Children have a unique way that they can tell about Jesus and his birth.
• You and for bringing your treasured nativity sets. Looking at the variety demonstrates all the different ways we can view the birth of Jesus. The lesson might be that God approaches each of us in special and unique ways.
• Lynn Dirks and Teresa Scharlemann and all our students for their "Kids Can" effort. They organized a canned food drive. Students were to bring cans of food to school to help stock the local food shelves. Our students brought in 3010 cans!
• Our 7th and 8th grade basketball coaches. They are: 7th Girls: Fred Brauer assisted by Debbie Murray; 7th Boys: Allen Branch and Mike Droege assisted by Brett Christopher and J.R. Graham; 8th Girls: David Cauthen; 8th Boys: Phil Acton and Mark Beguhl assisted by Brett Christopher and J.R. Graham
• All the "little lambs" of OSLS!

Accreditation Progress
Our Accreditation Team - led by Mickey Angerman and our committee chairs - are moving along strongly. The Self-Study has been completed and will be mailed to the Visiting Team members for review prior to their visit on February 25-27, 2008.

OPEN HOUSES COMING!
While you may not be thinking about it quite yet, our first open house is in mid-January. We have been developing plans for next fall's (2008) enrollment. We will be conducting several Open Houses for new students, continuing students, area preschools, etc.

• The first OPEN HOUSE will be on January 15 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. This is the open house where we are looking to inform students new to our school for next year. This would be a great time and place to invite neighbors and friends to "take a look" at OSLS! They will have the opportunity to visit classrooms, talk to teachers in smaller groups, and talk to other parents about our school in a very informal setting.
• A second OPEN HOUSE is being planned for March. We will give you more details later.
• We encourage all members of OSLM to encourage their friends and neighbors to attend our OPEN HOUSE.

Talent Fair
On January 25-27, students in grades 6-8 will be participating in our 3rd Annual Talent Fair. This is an "opportunity" for our students to "show off" their talents in the areas of fine arts, literature, science, and social studies. Students were given the guidelines to complete their projects before Thanksgiving. It will all come to realization on January 25 when students will set up their projects. Judging will occur on Saturday, January 26. Projects will be available for viewing on Sunday morning (after church) and again at 1:00 p.m. You will be amazed at the talents displayed by our students.

• Winners of the science projects will go on to the annual Tri-Valley Science and Engineering Fair conducted in February.
• Winners in the other areas of fine arts, literature, and social students are encouraged to enter their project in the Alameda County Fair.

F.A.M.E. (Fine Arts Mini-Experience)
On January 24-25, students will again have a "F.A.M.E." experience. They will learn more about the composer Frederic Chopin ("Nocturne in E-Flat, Opus 9, No. 2") and artist Raoul Dufy ("Mediterranean Scene"). Each class has a 30-minute time slot where the artist and composer are presented to the students in a fun and creative way. This program is led by parents of our school with funding from our PTO.

UPCOMING DATES

• School Resumes on January 7 from the Christmas Break
• End of 1st Semester on January 18. (Can you believe the year is half over?)
• January 21 - NO SCHOOL - Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday

With a new year fast approaching, you may be thinking about a New Year's resolution or two. Along with your plans to diet and exercise, why not include trying something that gives a spiritual boost? Making music together can be an uplifting experience, and when that music is directed to God, it's AMAZING how the words and tunes keep going through one's mind! I don't know about you, but I certainly prefer some of the wonderful words of our choir anthems to a commercial jingle that might be running through my head instead! Look at The Grapevine any Sunday to get a rehearsal schedule - or call Christa Even at 447-1246, ext. 231 for more information. There is a music group for just about anyone who wants to share his or her time. Join us!

F.I.S.H. (Junior High Youth) Ice Skating Night
Join us on Saturday, January 12, from 8 - 10 p.m. at Dublin Iceland Ice Skating, located at 7212 San Ramon Road, Dublin. The cost will be $7, which includes the skate rental. Come with friends and have a great time on the ice!

C.L.I.M.B. (High School Youth) Ice Skating Night
C.L.I.M.B. will also have a night to go ice skating on Saturday, January 19, from 8 - 10 p.m. at Dublin Iceland Ice Skating, located at 7212 San Ramon Road, Dublin. The cost will be $7, which includes the skate rental. Invite a friend!

Behold, I make all things new. Revelation 21:5a

As the children performed their wonderful songs at our Christmas chapels, their parents were able to slow down and sit for a moment during the craziness of Christmas. They were able to sit in wonder and hear the story of Jesus' birth and hear the voice of the angels as their children sang of His birth. This was a special moment! Jesus touches my heart each year when I hear the voices of children singing loud and clear.

Our Christmas fun is over and now a new year is upon us. What a comfort to know that Jesus is going to make all things new. We need to remember that with each and every day when we awake, Jesus has given us a new day. He promises to make it wonderful if we trust Him with everything in our lives.

During the month of December, we were able to feel Jesus each and every day. We shared his joy as we sang of His love. We made special gifts with our hands to share Jesus at home with mom and dad. We created wonderful pictures to share God's love. As we enter into the New Year, we will learn of snow and how God created snowflakes special, just like us. We will learn of animals that live in the snow and how God takes care of them.

Our prayer for you this New Year is that the wonder of Christmas will stay with you all year long!

You've probably noticed the roof is now completed. Work is progressing inside on the walls. Over the holidays, the water and gas connections were made. (The electrical connections were previously made.) There are lots of finishing touches to be done - both inside and outside - but we still hope for completion near the end of February.

Thank you for your prayers and support.

Thanks to all who helped plan and add to the worship at Our Savior during December - our celebration of Christ's birth was truly more blessed because of your efforts! The list of individuals is too long to print, but includes those who contributed and set up the nativity scenes in the back of our worship space; all the students, staff and parents of OSLS for their part in the Wednesday night services; choirs, soloists, and instrumentalists who added the gift of music to our concert and services; the Sunday School children who helped us worship on Christmas Eve; all those who helped decorate the sanctuary; ushers, acolytes, Altar Guild members, communion assistants and bread bakers, readers and greeters, coffee hour servers; those who helped prepare service folders and PowerPoint presentations; AV technicians; and Sequel Teams. We give God glory for your willingness to invest your time and efforts for the benefit of all.

Please click here for the Financial Report for November.

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

General giving for November was up 48.6% from the budget projection and it is up 11.4% year to date. This continues to be a great beginning for this budget year; however, the increase in November was primarily due to some large one-time gifting. General giving will need to continue as usual or better to maintain our budget requirements.

The early childhood center has a net income year-to- date. The church shows a negative net income of $8,617 primarily due to the unplanned Elston property payment. The school is also negative due to a three pay-day month.

Balances in our checking and savings accounts total $206,763 which includes $18,399 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 November, we received $18,566; however, funds normally set aside for this account were contributed to the Thrivent GivingPlus campaign in the additional amount of $6,605 for a total of $25,171.

The Thrivent GivingPlus program has generated $140,278 for the benefit of the Ministry Center. This includes $37,249 matching funds received from Thrivent through November 07.

We will again gather at the home of Mark McDonald on Sunday, January 20, 2008, for the last round of the NFL Play-offs. We'll meet in the early afternoon (specific time will be announced, based on the game schedule for that day) for the two conference championship football games, where the winners go to the Super Bowl.

We'll have plenty of meat! There will be other fixin's, some salad-no watercress! Mark is also planning for some "team specific" dishes. Come and see if there is Clam Chowder (in honor of the New England Patriots) or Ribs (in honor of the Indianapolis Colts) or ???

Come and enjoy this time of fellowship even if you are an uninterested football fan!

Cost will be your free-will donation to help cover expenses. Please RSVP to Steve Christopher in the church office at 447-1246 ext. 228 no later than Tuesday, January 15, or e-mail him at schristopher@o slm.net.

The church office recently received a letter from Janet Volkman, daughter of Ken and Shirley Volkman, who is a missionary in Guatemala. Click here to read the letter. Please continue to keep Janet and the work she is doing in your prayers.

Married Couples - Have you made the resolution to start the New Year right?

New romance, deeper communication, feeling even closer to your spouse? We can help you keep this resolution. Register now for the next Marriage Encounter Weekend in Sacramento, CA, on January 25 -27, 2008. Mark your calendar today so you don't forget. Please call Tom & Debbie Deeble (925-778- 8977) for further information, or register online at www.godlove smarriage.org.

Mark your calendars now for a wonderful choral concert on Sunday, March 2, at 4:00 p.m. The Valparaiso University Chorale will present a concert in our sanctuary. Any choral group that has had the opportunity to sing in our worship space has truly enjoyed the experience, and we are blessed to be able to hear choirs sounding their best because of the acoustics in the room. Come and enjoy music presented by a superb choir of a Midwestern Lutheran university. Help will be needed with housing - call Christa Even at 447-1246, ext. 231 if you can help out!

In September, Pastor Phil described how the elders were changing in harmony with the transformation of Our Savior Lutheran Ministries. This transformation continues as the elders take on tasks in their ministries that are significantly different than the roles they have played in the past. The differences are unlike any we have ever attempted in the past and are taking time to develop. The changes are like trying on a new set of clothes, seeing how they fit and making alterations as the process continues. This has caused confusion among many of our cherished members who are faced with a void when the traditional support they were seeking from their elder is missing. Our efforts so far have been to define our new roles, make assignments and establish some guidelines, within which each of the ministries will operate. The new guidelines for each of the ministries and the Elder Facilitator responsible are listed below to help you visualize the new organizational direction as it continues to evolve.

• Equip and guide team facilitators.
• Monitor, advise and support the pastor in the administration of church doctrine.
• Provide a confidential liaison, a source of advice and counsel to the Senior Pastor, including assessments of the spiritual well-being of the congregation.
• Oversee and encourage the stewardship effort at OLSM, such that members generously support the ministry with their time, spiritual gifts and financial support.

• Seek out and meet the needs of worship staff leaders and support groups.
• Proactively anticipate unique needs of the service.
• Assign participation and rotation of worship assistants.
• Set and monitor standards for conduct and performance.
• Assess effectiveness. Develop and perfect a set of best practices. Communicate these to the worship teams.

• Identifying and mentoring future leaders.
• Intentionally integrating confirmands into the ministry at large.
• Foster an active prayer life throughout our ministry.
• Promote fellowship, including group activities, to facilitate personal relationships and involvement in OSLM.

• Develop Christian Life Ambassador program at OSLM.
• Participation in national mission activities.
• Participation in international mission activities.
• Participation in servant events such as helping the hungry and other secular community programs.
• Outreach that attracts OSLS students and their families.
• Public relations that positions OSLM as a social magnet.

• Immersion in the Word (Bible study and Bible study leadership).
• Small group ministry.
• Overseeing the well being of Pastor and other leadership servants.
• Facilitating individual efforts of relationship building.

• Reach out and re-engage inactive and passive members.
• Connect with unchurched school families to foster involvement with OSLC or other church homes.
• Generate and implement a vibrant process for engaging visitors.
• Stimulate ministries for targeted age groups; confirmands, young adult (20-30), 30-50, and seniors.

• Create mechanisms to identify specific needs through continuous contact within the congregation.
• Develop mechanisms to effectively minister to the elderly, those with acute illnesses and to shut-ins.
• Develop mechanisms to effectively minister to individuals in a crisis; e.g. death, chronic illness, divorce, areas requiring counseling.
• Encourage development and participation in a "Lending Hands" ministry.
• Develop and encourage participation in a health education and general care ministry.

Defining individual spiritual gifts among each member of the congregation is the next crucial step in this process. It is too much for the Elder Facilitator to accomplish all of the tasks within an area of responsibility. In the words of one of our members, "we need many more willing servants to effectively accomplish our charters." But we need to know where to look for these servants. Not all are blessed with the same spiritual gifts, and we pray the Lord will lead each member into a productive ministry of his or her choice.

May our Lord Jesus Christ bless each of us as we participate in the next step of our organizational effort.

Attention, women of Our Savior: It's time again for the Women's Retreat! It will be held on the weekend of February 22 - 24, 2008 at Villa Maria del Mar in Santa Cruz, CA. This year's retreat title is "Gracious Me?" and the speaker is Kathie Lindquist. Kathie was the former District LWML president, and she is currently serving on the CNH Board of Directors as a Southern Regional Director.

Brochures are available in the church office or in the back of the church. Cost is $250 for single occupancy, $225 for double occupany, which pays for two nights' lodging and six meals. Contact Kathy Newman at knewman@oslm.n et if you have questions. The deadline to sign up is January 13.

Celebrate the Bounty of the Bay at the 10th Annual Crab Feed on Saturday, February 2, 2008 from 5 - 9 p.m. at Our Savior Gymnasium! Enjoy All-You- Can-Eat Crab, Caesar Salad, Pasta, Garlic Bread, and Dessert. There will be music, dancing, and lots of family fun! Join us - it'll be all it's cracked up to be!

Tickets will be available in the church office beginning January 2 and on Sundays in January during fellowship time. Costs for tickets are $25 for adults, $10 for kids ages 5 - 10, and kids ages 4 and under are free. Buy your tickets early - seating is limited!

Habitat for Humanity East Bay is proud that they have been helping low-income families buy homes since 1988. Next year will mark their 20th Anniversary and the completion of the 200th home! They have much to celebrate for these accomplishments, but they still have more to build to help less fortunate, low-income families.

Habitat for Humanity East Bay plans to build 20 homes this year and create new neighborhoods. With all this work ahead, they need your support. Over 90% of your donation goes directly towards helping families to achieve the dream of homeownership. For Thrivent members, matching funds can be obtained. Please see Joe Ryno in the business office for matching forms.

Our Savior Lutheran Ministries is a Christian Community -

• Rooted in Grace
• Growing in Faith
• Serving with Joy

Worship Schedule

• Sunday Worship and Communion: 9:00 a.m.
• Sunday School for all ages: 10:30 a.m.
• Sequel: 10:30 a.m.

Critical Targets and Goals

To accomplish our mission and ministry here at Our Savior:

• STAFFING LEVEL: The staff of OSLM (both professional and volunteer) has the size, the combination of skills, and the organizational structure that are needed to achieve the Desired Outcomes.
• REFRESHING THE VISION: The Stewards understand the Vision and Mission of OSLM, and they are actively engaged in defining and carrying out the Mission.
• NUMERICAL AND SPIRITUAL GROWTH: OSLM is experiencing continual year-by-year growth in (1) communicant membership, (2) worship attendance, and (3) number of people engaged in ministry activities.
• HOME AND FOREIGN OUTREACH: The staff and the Stewards of OSLM are carrying out a variety of mission activities here in the Livermore area, in the northern California region, and in foreign countries.
• PHYSICAL PLANT: The physical facilities of OSLM, both on and off the main campus, are being used effectively to achieve the Desired Outcomes.
• MINISTRY TO YOUNG ADULTS: The number of active communicant members in the 18-40 age group is growing year-by-year. OSLM is carrying out a variety of ministries aimed at the different sub-groups within this age group, including un-churched families of OSLS students.

Mission Statement

Our Savior Lutheran Ministries' Mission is to carry out the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8) by:

• Proclaiming salvation through God's grace in word and song;
• Building Christian relationships;
• Caring for the people of the community; and
• Equipping God's people for Life in Christ.