Over the last several months, we've been considering the "Size Matters" research of the Center for U.S. Missions (LCMS). The articles make many observations regarding the effectiveness of varying structures relative to the size of the congregation. Since Our Savior is among the largest churches in The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, we can affirm, and even illustrate many of the challenges and organizational changes that come with a growing faith community. As this transformation continues, let's not forget that it (transformation) is not the goal- connecting people to Jesus is the goal.

To accomplish our Lord's mission, we have prayerfully, and deliberately, identified several things to focus on. These six Critical Targets will serve the Great Commission (Matthew 28), not supplant it. (The following are in no particular order.)

The first is "People Power"
The Apostle Paul revealed to Pastor Timothy that Scripture equips people for "every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16). In order for the ministry staff to "Enlist, Equip, Empower, and Encourage" the "Priesthood of all Believers" (1 Peter 2:4-5), we need to be sure that our workers are in the best possible circumstances to carry out their purpose. This also means establishing ministry goals to determine what additional staffing will help bring them out. Furthermore, the appraisal of leadership and member talents will lead to the implementation of more ministries.

The second is "Refreshing the Vision'
For the ministry staff to support the members of the congregation, we will employ a variety of opportunities to communicate (surveys, forums, etc.). Ideally, this will produce lay-led task forces, lay-led missional teams, and a personal "investment" in the objectives of this congregation.

The third is "Growth"
Numerical growth of the church is the result of spiritual growth according to Acts 2:41 & 47. By helping one another increase participation in the spiritual disciplines of worship, Bible study, devotion, and prayer, we invite the Spirit to call and gather more believers into our congregation. In turn, the increase in numbers increases our ability to fulfill our Gospel mission.

The fourth is "Outreach"
Jesus said, "and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8). Said another way, we are commissioned to make an impact locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally. Many of our members and workers are actively involved in all these areas. We will increase the visibility and opportunity for every member of our faith community to participate.

The fifth is "Facilities"
This congregation is making a significant investment in buildings to carry out our mission. Like Solomon, Nehemiah, and many others, we are blessed with a place to assemble and "spur one another on toward love and good works" (Hebrews 10). We will make every effort to use it all day, every day for this purpose. We will also find ways to invite others in our community to make use of it.

The sixth is "18-40 Ministries"
So called Baby Busters (or Gen X) and Millennials (or Gen Y) are the largest un-reached generations in the history of America (per Barna and other social researchers). While the age range is broad, these post "social revolution" adults have grown up in a rapidly expanding multi-cultural, high tech, mobile, conflicted society. We will aggressively continue to find ways to present God's love to them in formats that are effective.

This is a very exciting time to be a part of Our Savior Lutheran Ministries. May the Holy Spirit guide our steps!

PS+

We have just about reached the end of another year for the Lay Governing Board. At the end of June, the three-year terms of office for John Honig and Marilyn Janzen will expire, and they will be replaced by our newly-elected members, Marcus Schildbach and Jacki Shotts. Many thanks to both John and Marilyn for their faithful service. And thanks also to all those who agreed to run for election to the LGB.

At the June 12 LGB meeting, we will be electing the new officers for the upcoming year. Just as a reminder, the officers for this year were Norman Back, chair, John Honig, vice-chair, and Beth Young, secretary. Since John is leaving the Board, we are guaranteed to have at least one new officer. According to our Constitution, the officers of the LGB are also the officers of the Congregation, so these are the people who will be running Stewards' meetings, signing official documents, and otherwise representing OSLM. We ask for your continuing prayers for them, and for all of the LGB members.

It's been quite a year. Among other things, we installed a new Senior Pastor, we helped him to buy a home for his family, we started construction on the new Ministry Center, and we began a new worship schedule with the advent of the Sequel Workshop. The LGB also did a number of things that were more behind-the-scenes: we established a solid working relationship with Pastor Scharnitzke; we reviewed the entire Policy Manual and made a large number of changes in it to more accurately reflect how the LGB and the Senior Pastor do their jobs; we made the Executive Committee (consisting of the three officers) into an effective working group; and, in my opinion, we got noticeably better at Strategic Planning (i.e., figuring out where we want to be 5+ years from now). This last item is especially significant, since strategic planning is both the most important and the most difficult job that the LGB does.

The next newsletter article will be written by the new Chair. Whoever that turns out to be, I trust that you will give him/her as much support as you have given me. Thank you.

We give God the glory for:

• The $34,000 raise by the PTO in their Auction for the school. Thanks for everyone's support.
• The PTO and the many parents for their generosity during Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week. The potluck dinner was superb, and the gifts were appreciated!
• Claire Managan (2007 Valedictorian) and Katelyn McMenamin (2007 Salutatorian). They will have the opportunity to speak to their classmates at Graduation on Thursday, June 7 at 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. (Everyone is invited.)
• For Joe Ryno, who concludes his "Life Skills" class with eighth graders. Over the course of the past year, Joe taught 8th graders about stocks and bonds, resumes, how to conduct interviews (complete with how to properly shake hands) budgeting (including church giving and stewardship of "gifts"). Thanks for the extra time you spend with the 8th grade.
• Our track students - who did so well at the May track meet - and their parents! Special thanks to Mr. Brauer and Mrs. Angerman for their coaching (and the many parents who helped with the coaching, snacks, etc.) Special thanks to the teachers and parents who spent a good portion of their Saturday working the softball throw event.
• All of our many athletes in volleyball, basketball, and cheerleading who were honored at the annual Sports Banquet. You made the seasons successful!
• Forrest Bradley, Claire Managan, and Daniel Wright for their "technology prowess". This team ran the power point and microphones each week in chapel. All took turns preparing the power point presentations each week. Thanks!
• All the lambs God has placed in our care.

Graduation
The class of 2007 will graduate on Thursday, June 7th at the annual Graduation Worship Service at 7:00 p.m. A reception will follow. This concludes the 32nd year of operation for OSLS (having been organized in 1975). We request that you include these students in your prayers, seeking God's guidance as they continue their educational careers.

Class of 2007 - Daniel Beguhl, Forrest Bradley, Justin Brauer, Kailey Briggs, Evan Carlo, Tanner Clark, Derek Dell'Acqua, Katherine Dubowy, Clair Emerson, Ben Fouts, Richard Gonzales, Jordan Hansen, Mitchell Hartman, BreAnn Hipple, Marshall Hoaglan, Jaymee Huggins, Lindsay Kelcourse, Natalia King, Andrew Klein, Veronica Knowlton, Rachel Lackey, Matthew Lonsinger, Elly Lotscher, Claire Managan, Chelsea Marriott, Amy Masker, Jared McCallister, Katelyn McMenamin, Richard McWilliams, Kyle Mendoza, Amanda Pereira, Kyle Phillips, Travis Schoonmaker, Clayton Schultz, Sarah Slabaugh, Nicole Sorenson, Garrett Steward, Eric Vieira, Kayla Wallace, Brandon Willhite, Daniel Wright

Class of 2007

• Bible Verse - "The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it." John 1:5
• Valedictorian - Claire Managan
• Salutatorian - Katelyn McMenamin
• Student Speakers - Chelsea Marriott and Tanner Clark
• Class Colors - Baby Blue & Brown

School Ends
School will end "officially" at 12:00 noon on June 8. But the school picnic that follows will go until approximately 3:00 p.m. There will be food, jumpers, water slides, and great fellowship.

2007-08 School Year
While there are still 9 days of school remaining in the 2006-07 school year (at least as I write this), we are looking ahead to next fall and are making plans for in- services and the first day of school next year, which is August 29, 2007. (School calendars for next year are available in the school office.)

In next month's newsletter, we will be print a list of the faculty and staff for next year. The summer will be filled with ordering curriculum, ordering supplies, getting carpet in three classrooms, writing and re- writing parent and faculty handbooks, scheduling, securing staff, and more. Contrary to popular belief, just because school is out doesn't mean things aren't happening. No matter what time of year it is, school is a happening place!

Summertime Concert June 3

Only a few more days 'til summer,
But before you break away -
If you're a plumber, hummer or newcomer
You need to save this day!

Sunday, June 3 is the date,
Three o'clock's the time
For an hour of music, that's REALLY GREAT!
And some food especially FINE!

Nimble fingers, tooting horns,
Yes, we'll have it ALL!
>From jazz to spirituals, serious to fun,
Even Simon and Garfunkel!

Who are the stars? Come to find out.
Our Savior has talent galore.
The concert is free - a bargain, no doubt!
But wait! There's even more!

After the concert it's time for FOOD!
You'll nibble and nosh and sip.
We promise you something that's really quite GOOD.
Not just some veggies and dip.

Don't be a latecomer, worse yet a nose-thumber,
The day will be short and sweet.
If you can't be there it will be such a bummer;
This concert is truly a TREAT!

• Blood Pressure Monitoring will be offered in the Family Room after the 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, June 12, from 7 - 9 p.m. in Room 18. Come and join in the fun!
• The Christian Reading Club of Our Savior meets on a monthly basis (during the school year) to share insights and reactions to a monthly reading assignment. The book to read over the summer is Think Like Jesus, by George Barna, ISBN #1-59145-019-5. This book is available at www.amazon.com. We'll meet for our discussion time on Tuesday, September 18, from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. in Room 8. Call Steve Christopher at 447-1246 ext. 228 for more information.

Upcoming Events

• Sunday, June 3 is the date for the "Summertime!" Concert, presented by the musical groups of Our Savior Lutheran Ministries. Join us at 3 p.m. for the concert and fabulous food afterward!
• Join us for a retirement reception in honor of Lawren Miller on June 10 at 3 p.m. in the gym. Lawren has been teaching for 33 years, 12 of those at OSLS. We want to give him a special send- off into the world of retirement!
• Our Savior Lutheran Ministries Independence Day celebration, 5 p.m., "Bring-Your-Own" Picnic Dinner, followed by fireworks. Refreshments will be available for purchase. Parking passes are $5 and are available in the church office.

F.I.S.H. (Junior High Youth)
Join us on Wednesdays, June 6 and June 20 from 7-8:30 p.m. in the gym at Our Savior. These youth nights will include games, food, and a devotion. Come out and enjoy time with friends and God. New incoming 7th graders are welcome to attend!

C.L.I.M.B. (High School Youth)
Free for lunch on Mondays? Then bring your lunch to Our Savior on June 18 at noon. We'll continue every Monday throughout the summer. Plan to meet in the Youth Room.

Calendars for June, July, and August are available. Contact Timothy for a copy, dcetimothy@h otmail.com.

The Lord says, "I have called you by name."
Isaiah 43:1

We ended our year of preschool with Isaiah 43:1. Our preschoolers are confident in knowing that God has called them by name. God has called each of us by name-we are His special children. He has also called us to be His disciples. God has given us an important job as teachers. We need to teach his little children how to be disciples. We need to share His love in a way that they will want to share it with others. A funny thing happens in preschool-the children end up teaching us how to be disciples and how to love unconditionally! Our prayer for you this summer is that you walk like a child of God. Love unconditionally and tell others of God's love.

We will be ending our year with Preschool Graduation and a special End-of-the-Year Chapel. Summer is a quiet time in preschool without all the children's happy voices. It is also a busy place where a lot of planning for the next year begins.

We will be running six summer camps from 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. this summer as well as our week of Vacation Bible Camp. We hope to have all of our reports written for Accreditation and look at ways that we can make our center even better.

Have a blessed summer! Remember to act like a child, and let your light shine for Jesus!

Renovation of our Ministry Center is on schedule! By the time you read this, the window and door openings on the east and west sides should be cut. Seismic retrofit should be half done (not visible outside). There is a progress chart mounted on the west wall of the narthex which will display the dates of major milestones for those who want to keep track of progress without going inside (off limits!).

Please continue your prayers for a smooth, safe, and timely completion of our project.

Our school and preschool are in the midst of the accreditation process. Using guidelines and requirements from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), we will complete a self-study and submit our report in December. We have requested WASC to schedule a visit by their observation team in February of 2008. The visitation team will make a recommendation to WASC regarding our accreditation based on our self-study report and their observations. WASC will then determine the level of accreditation to grant us, from none to six years with restrictions.

To prepare our report, each faculty member is taking an active role in one of five focus groups or on the leadership team. Along with volunteers from our community - parents, students, and church members - they are taking an in-depth look at our school. As they address and answer questions as required by WASC, they are also gathering proof for each and every response.

It is our goal to have the rough draft of the self-study completed by the end of this school year. We are well on our way to accomplishing this. The first section of the study, which is the student/community profile, is just about complete. This section contains the statistical information related to the school and the data to support it.

The second section or chapter of the study contains the expected schoolwide learning results (ESLRs). The Leadership Team, under the direction of Mr. Dirks, worked hard on developing the ESLRs and has completed this chapter. The ESLRs are used to determine whether or not all of the criteria in the self- study have been met.

The third chapter of the study is a progress report on what has been accomplished since the initial visit by WASC. The Leadership Team is in the process of completing this phase of the study.

The largest portion of the self-study is the findings being prepared by the five focus groups. The section regarding the organization for student learning has been completed and submitted to the Leadership Team for approval. The sections on support for student personal and academic growth, curriculum and instruction, and resource management and development have completed their fact finding and are in the writing stage of their reports. The Preschool is writing reports relating to their program as addendums to each chapter of the school report. All reports are due to the Leadership Team by the end of the year.

In addition to their reports, each of the focus groups will make recommendations to the Leadership Team for action items resulting from their findings. Action items are areas that need to be addressed for the improvement of the school. The Leadership Team will select some of these as our official schoolwide action plan. This plan is the final chapter of our self- study. The visitation team will also make recommendations for action items based on our report and what they observe during their visit.

During the visit, the accreditation team of three or four educators will observe classes, tour the facility, talk with staff, parents, and students and compare what they find with our report. Based on both, they will recommend Our Savior for an accreditation term of 1-6 years with or without conditions. We are working toward an accreditation term of six years without conditions.

We have requested our visitation to occur during the week of March 24-28, 2008. In preparation for the visit, we must complete our report by Christmas of 2007. The report will then be copied and sent to the visitation team members to study at least six weeks before the actual visit.

The faculty and staff are committed to completing the accreditation process. To ensure completion, the following timeline has been established to keep us on track.

• June, 2007 - completion of the rough draft of the entire report
• Summer, 2007 - Leadership Team will review and revise the report as needed
• September, 2007 - Focus groups will review changes made to the report and provide input as needed
• October - December, 2007 - Evidence will be gathered and organized to support the final report
• October/November, 2007 - Editing of the final report
• December, 2007 - Final report goes to print and is bound
• December, 2007 - Final report is sent to the visitation team members and is submitted to WASC
• February/March, 2007 - Prepare for visitation team
• March, 2007 - Visitation occurs and recommendation for accreditation is made
• April/May, 2007 - Official accreditation is granted by WASC

• They respect themselves and treat others with dignity.
• They share their faith through worship, fellowship, and community service.
• They are familiar with Scripture and know basic Christian theology.
• They seek God's goodness in His created world and in the diversity of peoples.
• They live according to a code of Christian conduct.

Are avid learners.

• They demonstrate proficiency in core academic subjects (mathematics, language, reading / literature, social studies / history, science, and religion).
• They know how to locate and assess information.
• They communicate effectively in both oral and written forms.
• They demonstrate basic competency in a foreign language.
• They use computers to assist their learning.
• They pursue areas of individual interest and continue to learn outside the classroom setting.

Develop important life skills.

• They know how to organize their work and manage their time.
• They practice specific study strategies.
• They function effectively within groups, both as leaders and as members.
• They learn healthy lifestyles and engage in regular physical activity.
• They express their emotions appropriately.
• They acquire proven conflict resolution skills

Enhance their lives with enriching activities.

• They familiarize themselves with the cultural contributions of great artists, musicians, writers and thinkers.
• They express themselves through art, music, and drama.
• They engage in extra-curricular activities such as yearbook, choir, cheerleading and leadership.
• They demonstrate school spirit by attending sporting and social events, playing on sports teams, and participating in outreach projects.

Accreditation Leadership Team (As of May 31, 2007)
Anna Buyer, Tamara Chrisman, Lucy Edwards, Andy Powers, Kelly Spruill, Bill Wills, Debbie Wilson, and Julianne Wright. Faculty/Staff representatives are: Janet Connolly, Lawren Miller, Joe Ryno, and Nora Zinnel. (Sara Hall and Dennis Dirks, ex officio).

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

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

General Giving for April is UP 124.3% due to a generous Easter offering. Given this fact, we are also DOWN 4.4% YTD; however this difference should easily be made up by fiscal year-end.

Balances in our checking and savings accounts total $377,781, which includes $19,920 in the Building Up - Reaching Out fund. The Church's portion of the mortgage as well as architectural fees are being paid out of this fund. Monthly pledges needed to make the mortgage payment are $22,000. In April, we received $27,550; however, funds normally set aside for this account were probably used for the Thrivent matching funds program.

The Thrivent GivingPlus program has generated $102,076 for the benefit of the Ministry Center. This includes $27,990 matching funds received from Thrivent.

Thanks to everyone who helped make the Concordia Handbells concert such a memorable evening! Thanks to all who hosted the group in homes and to those who helped with the dinner. Your efforts helped to bless all who heard this fun evening of music.

On May 27, fifteen young people of our congregation stood before the Lord, their friends, and family, and publicly confessed their faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, which was given to them at their Baptism.

The Confirmation Class of 2007
Kaitlynn Amaral
Julia Bertolini
Justin Brauer
Alivia Buntjer
Evan Carlo
Logan Evans
Ellen Goldenberg
Stephanie Herbert
Allison Honig
Andrew Klein
Matt Lonsinger
Kayla Marchini
Laura Schildbach
Melanie Smith
Dan Walsh

For a more personal look at these young people, click here.

Vacation Bible Camp at Our Savior will take place July 9 - 13. The theme for this year is the "Quest for Truth." Sessions take place from 9:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., and we will begin in the sanctuary. Children ages 3 years through 5th grade are invited to attend, and they will have fun with games, crafts, music and snacks. A donation of $10 per camper is requested. Registration forms are available at the church office or online at www.oslm.net. See you there!

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 Workshop: 11:30 a.m.

Critical Targets and Goals

To accomplish our mission and ministry here at Our Savior:

• Pastor: A new Senior Pastor has been installed by October 1, 2006.
• Worship Attendance: The average weekly worship attendance for 2006-07 is 15% greater than for 2005-06.
• Community Awareness: OSLM is making use of all relevant means of communication to make the people of the greater Livermore area aware of our ministries and activities.
• Ministry Center: The Ministry Center is completed by September 1, 2007. Plans have been developed for the full use of all campus facilities to advance the Mission of OSLM.
• New Member Assimilation: At least 75% of new Communicant Members received during 2006- 07 become involved in some group or activity at OSLM.
• Ministries to the 18 - 35 (Young Adult) Age Group: Ministries and activities specifically intended for the 18-35 age group are in place and functioning well. The number of Communicant Members in this age group has increased by 30% during 2006-07.
• Ministries to Unchurched School Families: Ministries and activities specifically intended for unchurched school families are in place and functioning well. These include at least three new approaches for targeted witness to this group.

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.