Our Savior Lutheran Church

Grace, mercy and peace be to you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus, the Christ! Amen.

Under the very able elected leadership of Our Savior, the Year 2006 saw our congregation focus on outreach.

Our Missional Planning Department studied various ways to bolster our Youth Program. By year’s end, their recommendation to call a full-time Youth Director was approved by the congregation and a call committee was formed.

As 2006 saw the close of Pilgrim congregation here in Louisville, a small committee was formed to investigate several ways we might grow God’s kingdom by helping establish a new Mission Congregation in our community. This committee’s work will continue into 2007.

Meanwhile, our ministry to those whom the Lord brought to our doors was enhanced by a new Welcome Center with a 40-inch wide video screen to help make Our Savior more accessible to newcomers.

Our Christian Relations Department undertook the project to update our Pictorial Directory with an eye toward helping our new members and visitors get better acquainted with others in the congregation.

An unusual flood this year brought many hands into service to restore and improve our facilities. Also, some long-overdue maintenance items such as updates to the lighting in our front sign and refitting the spotlights on our outdoor Cross were completed.

In 2006 we continued the Stewardship emphasis begun last year as we “Shared Our Joy.” Giving in terms of time and financial support continues to increase.

The training of Christ Care Group Leaders began in 2006 and a new class for Stephen Ministers was also begun to add to those Ministers who continued throughout the year doing their caring work quietly behind the scenes.

Besides his supervisory work with our Stephen Ministers, Pastor Lee Berndt continued to visit and take the Sacrament to our home-bound on a regular basis, a group that now numbers 18. His special ministry continues to be a true blessing to our congregation.

As we begin the year 2007, we also mark seven years of worship services at the Oxmoor Lodge very Saturday evening, along with a weekly Bible Study for the residents.

These are just a few of the highlights I’ve chosen for 2006. The Departmental Reports tell more of the story. My prayer is that the Lord will continue to strengthen us as a congregation as we go about the work He has given us to grow His Kingdom.

We are:

Our Savior … caring people growing in the love of Jesus Christ!

In Him,
Pastor Fausel

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President's Report

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

What an exciting year we had at Our Savior!

To those of you who are active in the Church and her ministries, I extend my personal thanks. We could not have done it without you.

To those of you looking for a place to serve and a way to make a difference for Christ, hold on tight; there are exciting opportunities just around the corner!

Why so bullish?

Church attendance is on the rise and there is excitement in the air.

Fellowship and stewardship events have been enthusiastically attended.

Those involved with ChristCare and other vital ministries are experiencing a renewed sense of purpose and vigor.

Our excellent staff is strong and getting stronger.

Not surprisingly, our financial picture continues to improve!

You may have heard, “every rose has its thorn”. It certainly does. We will miss those dearly departed and our friends who have moved on to other communities and to new church homes.

What is next for Our Savior? What does God have in store for us individually and as members? I am not sure, but I cannot wait to find out.

Please join me in giving thanks to the God from whom all blessings flow.

I pray that He will continue to grant favor on you and your family as well as our church.

Tim Mueller
President

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Principal's Report

Dear Friends in Christ,

The LORD continues to bless your school ministry.

We were fortunate to add two outstanding educators to our school faculty. Mr. Chris Francik has quickly oriented himself to the culture of our school ministry and is one of three teachers, who effectively implemented the Smart Board technology into the classroom learning environment. Mrs. Becky Kamman has brought her warmth and loving care to the preschool program, helping those classes grow in the knowledge and wisdom of our Lord. We thank God for sending Chris and Becky, outstanding Christians to our ministry.

The annual Stanford Achievement Tests taken each spring by all students in grades K-8 once again demonstrated that our students were among the elite in the United States. Every class average was at the 70^th percentile or higher with six of the nine classrooms scoring above the 80^th percentile. This is especially significant because we include every student in the averages, including those who might have special learning needs.

We also upgraded and updated our Social Studies curriculum this year. Many of the textbooks were quite outdated and needed to be replaced. The new series is being effectively implemented from Kindergarten through the Eighth grade classrooms.

God continues to bless us with many volunteers who help make the school program prosper. Volunteers help out in the library, the kitchen, the Parent Teacher League (PTL), assist with school wide activities like the Fall Festival and Taste of Our Savior, and generally help us provide the extra little things that make this ministry special.

We look forward to continuing to implement our National Lutheran School on-going improvement goals, continuing to increase enrollment, continuing to improve our curriculum and technology, and especially continuing to help our students grow in their faith and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

We anticipate that God will be by our side as we continue to grow in His Word and in His ministry to children.

Yours, His,
Martin A. Brieschke
Principal

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Building and Grounds Report

This has been a year of major change and challenges. The following are the high and low areas.

The Low

SCHOOL KITCHEN FREEZER/COOLER: The compressor for the freezer broke down during the Christmas break. This could not be repaired and had to be replaced at a substantial cost.

HVAC SYSTEM: The company providing our mechanical services went out of business suddenly in July, leaving us with nobody to service and maintains our aging heating, air and boiler systems. A company recommended by a school member has been retained for the needed services and has been providing us with excellent service and at a reduced rate. Many thanks to this member and the company he recommended.

FELLOWSHIP HALL FLOOD DAMAGE: In September heavy rains caused our Fellowship Hall, school classrooms, and library to flood. The cleanup response from our church and school members can only be described as memorable. Many of our members were working in the church and school getting the water up and rooms dried out. Thankfully, we emerged from this with only the Fellowship Hall parquet floor and carpet damaged enough to need replacing. Our insurance would not cover the replacement cost, and at the writing of this report, we still need contributions to cover the parquet floor refinishing and carpet replacement.

SCHOOL CLEANING: In November our school custodian left and the afternoon cleaning had to be performed by volunteers from the school staff. They should be commended for doing this work while we search for either a contract service or person on a permanent basis. This is being examined to see if we need to replace the custodian or stay with a contracted service for 2007.

The High

SCHOOL KITCHEN ADDITION: Thanks to the generosity of one of our members, our school kitchen now has a pot steamer that will cook lunches and dinners easier and faster.

SCHOOL PAINTING: This summer five (5) classrooms, the library, teacher’s lounge and both girl’s restrooms were all painted and had walls repaired by volunteers. Thank you to all the various people that contributed to this improvement.

GYMNASIUM RENTAL: Beginning in September, a Square- Dancing Club has been renting our gym on the 1^st, 3^rd, and 5^th Friday evenings for their dances. This is a great group of people and I hope everyone will take the opportunity to stop in and visit with them. They may even get you to dance!

In November, and through the basketball season, St. Martha’s will be renting our gym for practice one night per week.

Using the projected income from these rentals, we are moving forward with the Fellowship Hall floor and carpet replacement during the Christmas break.

2007

The New Year will begin with new carpeting and a refinished floor in the Fellowship Hall. It will be followed with improvements to our outdoor lighting. We will continue to use volunteer help as often as possible to offset our costs. This summer will present a challenge when it comes time to strip and wax the school floors. Since we no longer have an available person under our employ, the work may have to be contracted out or performed by volunteers. With church and school members pulling together, I believe we will be able to perform our building and grounds upkeep and make improvements at minimum costs.

Mike Shorter
Chairman

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Christian Relations Report

Our Savior helped make a “load of difference” in 2006.

Christian Relations Committee members: Steve Lindgren, chairman, Sue Kendt, Caroline Wesley, Gordon Unger, Ginny Adams, Terri Lindgren and Larry Lose.

RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES: We sponsored two Blood Drives during the year. Bill and Annaliese Griffin and the Dorothy and Leon Van Sant were workers.

EACM/NVP: Food collections for NVP Pantry were ongoing. Our big Sept. collection netted 15 shopping carts full of food. Twenty THANKSGIVING BASKETS and gift certificates for turkeys were collected. We participated in EACM ‘BACK TO SCHOOL’ collection and the CHRISTMAS STORE. EACM activities were advertised during the year which included the Annual Fund Raiser dinner, Ecumenical Services, and Golf Event.

REDEEMER LUTHERAN FOOD PANTRY: A van full of food was delivered to Redeemer in November, part of which came from Todd Larkin’s Swim Team and our Boy Scout Troop.

THRIVENT/HABITAT LUTHERAN HOUSE: About 30 members volunteered to work and $3000 was raised for the project. Steve Lindgren and Ken Schulz were co-chairmen from our church. The Perry family moved in and the house was dedicated August 5.

MEALS ON WHEELS: We supply volunteers for a delivery team each Monday. Our drivers are Caroline Wesley, Marjorie Ayers, Liz and Walt VonDrathen, Sue and Norm Kendt, Lois and Kyle Lohmeyer, Marian and Bob Brockhoff, Joyce and Lee Berndt and Jane Stopher.

BRAILLE WORKCENTER #76: Our work center produces Braille books every Tuesday. We did 414 mailings of the book of Isaiah during 2006 to blind persons all over the world. Volunteers are Rene Atzinger, Sue Kendt, Emily Hayes, Elma Frick, Sharon Coleman, Walter Lunte, Evelyn Rye, Eleanor Clarke, Debbie Wolter, Harold and Elizabeth Smith, Doris Moore, Shirley Atkins, Lily Snook, Nora Horecny, Marjorie Ayers, Marion Radway, Alice Bacon, Kay Becker, Marian Brockhoff and Marian Faulkner.

CHURCH DIRECTORY: A new Olin Mills directory is presently in the works. Sue and Debbie Wolter are co-chairpersons and the committee members are Nora Horecny, Leanne Hardin, Steve Lindgren and Sue Kendt.

FELLOWSHIP: This committee worked on many events during the year – Lenten Fish Fry, New Member Lunches, Church Picnic, Advent Dinners, Men’s Ministry Breakfasts and Congregational Pot Luck Dinners. Larry Lose and Steve Lindgren were the wonderful cooks and helped make these events happen.

I would like to thank all the members of the Christian Relations department and all of you who served through these and other fellowship, service and outreach activities in 2006!

Steve Lindgren
Chairman

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Department of Day School Education

Dear Friends and Families of Our Savior Lutheran Church and School:

2006 brought us a number of challenges, opportunities and successes in the areas of enrollment, staffing, and accreditation.

Currently, enrollment is 177 students which is the same as last year at this time. We continue to explore different avenues of marketing in hopes of increasing our student body. Thomsen and Null, a marketing company based in California, worked with us pro-bono to develop a direct marketing campaign for our open house in November. Their services assisted us in our recruiting efforts of prospective families from our community.

In regards to staffing, the congregation called two new teachers in 2006. Chris Francik, who came to us from California, replaced Renee Kahre in the Fourth grade after she and her family moved to Texas. Becky Kamman, who is no stranger to Our Savior, moved from bookkeeping to the Preschool classroom. She replaced Jeanette Francis who moved to the Cincinnati area, with her husband Gary. We also filled other vacancies, finding replacements for the kitchen staff, teaching aides, and the after school program. All have proven to be a blessing to our school.

We continue to review and achieve the goals that were set by the accreditation process. Our marketing plan included a mailing of 7,000 postcards to families in the Louisville area, inviting them to attend the fall open house. Facility improvements were made to the school by replacing the carpet in the library and the teacher’s lounge. Upgrades in technology have been made by adding Smart Boards to the First, Fourth and Seventh grade classrooms. And last, but certainly not least, the congregation approved the proposal made by the Department of Day School Education (DDSE) to move forward with a full day Preschool childcare.

On another positive note, the DDSE made some changes to the Thrivent Annual Fund Campaign in hopes of increasing participation. This fund, is now referred to as the Lutheran Education Annual Fund (L.E.A.F.), has included over 65 participants and has generated over $33,000 of income for the school. We thank everyone who has contributed to this campaign.

As we move forward in 2007, we will continue to focus on the goals that were established by our accreditation program. We will concentrate on developing our full day preschool childcare program for the 2007/2008 school year and work towards increasing enrollment.

Thank you for your support of the day school. It is a blessing to be a part of a church that seeks to bring the Word of Christ to so many through a day school ministry. We are fortunate to be surrounded with wonderful students, an outstanding staff and a group of generous volunteers. Glory be to God for the day school ministry of Our Savior Lutheran Church.

In Christ,
Martha Wesley
Chairman

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Elders Report

The 2006 Board of Elders was chaired by Michael Hayes and consisted of Board members: Norm Kendt, Michael Hayes, Harold Smith, Rick Prenatt, Dave Mehl, Harvey Detroy, Scott Krantz and Bruce Krueger. We started the year with eleven (11) members, but through subtraction and addition, ended the year with eight (8) members.

The Elders met on the fourth (4^th) Monday of each month with the exception of November and December, when one meeting took place for both months. In all the Elders met eleven (11) times in 2006.

Early in the year, the focus was on the call committee to replace the school’s Fourth (4^th) grade teacher. Also on getting ChristCare and Vacation Bible School up and running.

Throughout the year, the Elders, as well as the Congregation as a whole, have turned our focus and attention toward the plight of our youth program and the challenges we are facing. The Elders unanimously approved a resolution supporting the formation of a call committee to call a Youth Minister. The congregation subsequently approved the formation of a call committee. The Elders will have substantial involvement in this process as it goes forward into 2007. The year 2007 will find many new challenges for the Board of Elders, but none more important than our youth ministry.

We will also work hard to increase the overall number of Elders and the level of communication between the Elders and the Church Council, Staff, School Board, and Congregation.

Sincerely,
Michael Hayes
Chairman

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Evangelism Report

The Evangelism Committee met in February 2006. The focus for the year was to equip and encourage congregational members to reach outside the church. There were five (5) Bread Ministry Sundays.

In the summer we hosted two (2) summer fun Groups: B.I.A.C. (Bowling in Air-Conditioning) with a focus of Youth Fellowship; and D.O.T. (Dining our Together), adult (couples and singles) fellowship was the focus group.

In September, Sundays were evangelism-focused with guest pastors on two different Sundays and an evangelism workshop. September 17, Pastor Limm, the District’s Missionary to Asians, preached and hosted a Sunday School Hour presentation. September 24, Pastor Merino, from Harvest International, preached and hosted an Evangelism Workshop in the afternoon.

The school has been identified as a “mission field” due to the large number of Asian families with students enrolled at Our Savior School and also the number of non-church families with children enrolled at the school. Having identified this group for outreach, the committee is praying for direction and inspiration for evangelism in this area.

Karen Osborne

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Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2006

For the second consecutive year, we ended the fiscal year with an operating surplus. While the surplus last year was totally due to accelerating tuition payments, the surplus for the current year truly represents spending less than we took in. The Lord blessed us with increased giving – more than enough to cover our needs, including a 28% increase in our utility bills. We still continue to operate with very tight resources and no general fund cash reserves. The operating budget for 2006-07 calls for just less than a 1% increase in general fund giving. Giving above this level will allow us to rebuild our general fund reserves and reduce our dependence on borrowing from designated funds to cover temporary general fund cash needs.

Comparison to Prior Year

Key financial indicators -	FY 05-06	FY 04-05	Better/(Worse)
Giving	662,107	620,082	42,025	6.8%
Tuition / Fees	627,175	619,911	7,264	1.2%
School lunch revenues	44,436	39,817	4,619	11.6%
Thrivent funds	30,185	30,972	(787)	(2.5%)
Program spending	1,326,360	1,260,941	(65,419)	(5.2%)
YTD operating surplus (deficit)	37,543	49,841	(12,298)

Comparison to Budget

	Actual	Budget	Better/(Worse)
	FY 05-06	FY 05-06
Giving	662,107	638,472	23,635	3.7%
Tuition / Fees	627,175	619,275	7,900	1.3%
School lunch revenues	44,436	41,000	3,436	8.4%
Thrivent funds	30,185	28,500	1,685	5.9%
Total revenues	1,363,903	1,327,247	36,656	2.8%
Program spending -
Salaries / benefits - school	712,405	719,407	7,002	1.0%
Salaries / benefits - church	215,572	217,258	1,686	0.8%
School programs	58,598	63,950	5,352	8.4%
School programs - food cost - lunch	30,892	20,000	(10,892)	(54.5%)
Mortgage	62,669	58,944	(3,725)	(6.3%)
Maintenance / Insurance	55,564	58,200	2,636	4.5%
Utilities	72,334	61,400	(10,934)	(17.8%)
Tithe	64,011	63,250	(761)	(1.2%)
Church programs	54,315	64,838	10,523	16.2%
Total program spending	1,326,360	1,327,247	887	0.1%
Net surplus (deficit)	37,543	0

Mike Chinberg
Treasurer

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Missional Planning Report

1) Youth Ministry – Formed a sub-committee comprised of Ginny Cunningham, Scott Frederickson, Norm Kendt, Peggy Tappendorf, and Bruce Yungman. The group researched worship service attendance and found that attendance was significantly greater while a youth minister was on staff. Next the group explored numerous youth minister possibilities, including the sharing of a youth minister from other congregations, using a seminary student, as well as several other options. After much research, the group recommended to church Council that Our Savior should call a full-time Youth Minister.

2) Departmental Action Plans – In an effort to better coordinate the various activities of the departments comprising OSLC, the creation of a monthly activity form was created and given to each departmental chair. Each chair was to describe how their ministry would assist the church in its purpose statement, “Growing in Christ through Outreach, Assimilation, Christian Education, Communication and Youth Ministry”, using both short-term and long-term goals.

Scott Frederickson
Chairman

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Music and Worship Report

Music and Worship holds fast to our continuing trust in God as the Head of the Church, who has, and will supply all of our needs. He has enabled us to provide a full ministry of music and worship for His people at Our Savior Lutheran Church this year in spite of budget challenges. Following are some of the highlights for 2006.

• Worship was offered on Sunday mornings at 8:30AM and 11:00AM, with Sunday School at 9:45AM.
• The Oxmoor Lodge Worship service continued to be offered on Saturday evenings at 7:30PM.
• The Children’s Choir, the Adult Choir, the Acappella Choir, the Handbell Choir, and numerous soloists have provided music leadership and special music for our worship services.

• New readers were added to the Scripture Reader schedule.
• New musicians joined the praise bands, the adult choir and the handbell choir.
• Worship services and church activities were advertised in weekly newspapers and other media.
• Sunday morning “Music and A Message” radio broadcasts continued on to two Clear Channel radio stations. One broadcast is at 7:30AM on WKJK (1080 AM) and the other is at 9:30AM on WKRD (790 AM). Generous gifts by several members of the congregation enabled continuation of this ministry.

• Attendance for the Sunday morning nursery, offered from 8:30AM to noon, continued to grow.
• The “Messiah Sing-A- Long” was successfully held on December 5th.
• Soup and Sandwich dinners were hosted during Advent and Lent.
• Music and Worship was and is profoundly thankful for all the people who have provided assistance to worship by serving as ushers, acolytes, greeters, readers, musicians and worship leaders.

Looking ahead to 2007, we will:

• Pray that our congregation continues to “Grow in the love of Jesus Christ” as we reach out to each other.
• Pray for a unity of Spirit and desire to reach the unchurched…especially among our school families and the surrounding community.
• Pray that worship will be a lifting up of our praises to our Lord as we listen to His Word and He opens our hearts to receive His guidance and direction for the challenges ahead.
• Pray and listen….as we seek God’s vision as He moves His Church forward.
• Continue to seek financial support for our Radio ministry
• Purchase the new Lutheran Service Book (hymnal) and accompanying software and materials with designated memorial funds
• Rebuild the organ with designated memorial funds received in late 2006
• Seek continued leadership for operating the nursery during Worship services.

Cindy Oberhaus
Chairperson

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Parish Education Report

Parish Education continues to shepherd the non-day school educational ministries of our congregation. These specially involve Adult Education, ChristCare Small Group Ministry, Youth Ministry, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Women’s and Men’s Ministry. We are deeply thankful and appreciative of the many, many volunteers who are involved in each of these ministries here at Our Savior.

Adult Education

The Sunday morning 9:45 Bible Study Hour continues to be the cornerstone of the Adult Bible study at Our Savior Lutheran Church. The calendar year began with four classes in progress:

· The Lutheran Difference: Doctrinal Studies led by Pastor Fausel and Paul Nickel

· Lasting Legacy: Making A Difference With My Life led by Luther Oberhaus

· Romans: Righteous By Faith led by Kyle Lohmeyer

· Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth led by Karen Osborne

Beginning in September five new classes began during the 9:45 Sunday morning hour:

· The Lutheran Difference: Doctrinal Studies led by Pastor Fausel

· Blessed Are The Peacemakers led by Caron Fausel

· Focus on the Family Marriage Series led by Paul Nickel

· Exodus led by Kyle Lohmeyer

· Making Children Mind Without Losing Yours led by Martin Brieschke

The Tuesday Morning Bible Study is the longest continuous Bible study group in our congregation. This group led by Paul Nickel studied the book of Matthew throughout the year.

In January our Monday night Women’s Bible Study group was studying a Beth Moore study entitled Jesus, the One and Only. The Tuesday night and Friday morning groups continued their Beth Moore study of The Patriarchs: Encountering the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Thursday morning group finished the program year with their study of Authentic Relationships: Being Real In An Artificial World. The new program year in September all our women’s groups were studying the new Beth Moore study – Daniel: Lives of Integrity, Words of Prophecy.

We have continued our Bible study group at Oxmoor Lodge for the third year, on Wednesday afternoons led by Paul Nickel. The participants there find this time to be a great blessing in their lives, as they have studied Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob written by Paul Nickel, and continue with Matthew.

Our major goal for the coming year is to increase the number of opportunities our adult members have available to study and interact with God’s word with fellow Christians. To help facilitate that goal we need to identify new class leaders who would be willing to lead a Bible Study Group in addition to those who are already meeting. We need to offer differing types of Bible Study opportunities; we need offering that deal with family and parenting topics as well as topical and Biblical studies and those that appeal to singles and young adults, especially those who post high school, college, recently graduated from college. We know that the more and varied opportunities that are offered the greater number of people will be involved with God’s Word. It is God’s Word that empowers us, grows us and changes us, and as that happens God’s Kingdom grows!

Men's Ministry

A small group of men from this congregation continued to meet weekly at the Lone Star Steak House on Thursday evenings from 5:45 to 7:15 PM for dinner, Bible study and fellowship, studying Overcoming Adversity: Insights Into The Life Of Joseph. After a summer break for the fall it was decided to return to meeting on Saturday mornings on the second Saturday of each month for a breakfast and a study of Hope Under Construction: Insights Into The Life Of Nehemiah. We want to thank Larry Lose and Steve Lindgren for providing breakfasts for this group.

In 2007 we will identify and recruit a volunteer leader for Men’s ministry. We will reorganize Men’s ministry in such a way as to meet more of the needs of the men in this congregation.

Sunday School

Sunday School continues for it is third year under the co-direction of Heidi Schulz and Leanne Hardin. All of the traditional activities occurred, such as Rally Day, Third Grade Bible presentation, singing in church, Teacher’s Appreciation Brunch, etc. It has been exciting to get several new teachers on staff, as well as retaining the great returning teachers. The children continue to support with their offerings Jose Calle in Ecuador which fit in nicely with the culturally diverse and enthusiastically received Christmas program “Las Posadas”. It was nice to continue the brown paper bag of “treats” for all the children at that service as many people commented about what a wonderful memory it was for them at their Lutheran church childhood.

Attendance is still a concern and some new ideas are being considered in terms of class structure as well as the summer Sunday school. What we need to help everyone understand is that the Sunday School and Day School religion curriculum are complimentary and not competitive. Sunday School is not a repeat of what children learn in the Day School. We also want to foster an attitude that the 9:45 AM Sunday morning educational hours is a family experience. It is a time for families to be in the Word at the same time. We want the travel time home or the dinner hour that Sunday to be a time where each member of the family can share what they were learning in Sunday School or Bible Class that morning.

Heidi and Leanne would also like to find some other groups within the church that would assist the Sunday School in doing, or assisting in providing the children’s Christmas treat bags and also help provide the Sunday School Teacher’s appreciation brunch held in December.

Vacation Bible School

Thanks to all for serving OSLC by helping with VBS “Treasure Cove” this year (Week of July 31 – August 4). The children all had fun going from station to station to hear the stories that taught them about the riches of Christ. At each station a story provided information to help them find the treasure jewel for that day. At the end of the day, they all met at the ‘beach’ to locate the gem for the Treasure Chest, a puppet named Chester. The snacks provided were related to the story of the day. One example: Jesus walking on water. As always, snacks were a very popular part of the day. But in addition to the snack, they received another hint for the treasure. There were 95 children enrolled with an average attendance of 85 daily. We were blessed to have over fifty adults and youth to share their love with our children. We had a fantastic group of youth that played a major role in moving groups to and from each station.

As always, we look forward to next year with a goal of reaching out to the community and sharing all that our congregation has to offer. We received some notes from parents of children in the neighborhood saying how much their children enjoyed the week at our church.

In Christ,
Paul Nickel

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ChristCare 2006

The revitalization of ChristCare at OSLC began in earnest in 2006 under the leadership of Equippers Marsha and Charles Puckett and Paul Nickel. Paul and Charles attended the Equipper training in St. Louis during last week of April. Both got a renewed sense of what a transforming ministry this can be for a congregation.

During the month of September the first class of ChristCare leaders began their 52 hours of training under the tutelage of the three Equippers. This initial class consists of Pat and Mark Otten, Leah and David Robison, Emily Hayes and Scott Kamman. All these individuals are looking forward to forming their own ChristCare groups when they complete the training in April, 2007.

Marsha and Charles Puckett

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Stewardship Report

2006 was a great year for Our Savior! STEWARDSHIP in our congregation is really catching on with many of you participating by using your special talents and blessings to support the activities of both the church and school. THANK YOU!!

2007 will be even greater! Support the different ministries within Our Savior as well as the personal outside areas that really need your attention (local charities, Youth programs including your local neighborhood promotions).

Watch the monthly newsletter for STEWARDSHIP "Specials" .i.e. areas of need at Our Savior where you can assist (Building & Grounds - Evangelism - Choir - Youth outings - Senior Citizens – etc).

Are you really aware of the many CHARITABLE GIVING AVENUES within your reach? In 2007, you are going to receive this information.

FINALLY --- In November of 2006, many of you completed your 2007 Stewardship Commitment Pledge Cards for your regular tithe as well as a SEPARATE COMMITMENT for the calling/support of a new YOUTH MINISTER: You will soon be receiving instructions for the procedure in giving this separate gift to Our Savior for the YOUTH COMMITMENT. To date, 59 families have pledged almost $35,000 to this program!! We do know that more gifts will come in that have not been pledged, so the YOUTH MINISTER appears to be a solid go! Again --- THANK YOU!

2007 ---- The year of the YOUTH!!! The beginning of a much needed program that will benefit our youngsters for many years to come!

Be Active, Be supportive and most of all BE THANKFUL!

God's Peace and Best wishes for a Blessed New Year.

Larry Ashley
Stewardship

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Youth Ministry Subcommittee Report

• Began with first meeting on February 8^th, where we discussed our mission. It was decided by the group that our mission was the following:
  “To establish both short-term and long-term recommendations to be submitted to church council and ultimately the congregation as to the future of the youth ministry program at Our Savior Lutheran”
• Collected historical data, comparing church attendance of youth (see attached)
• Created a job description for interviewing possible candidates.
• We considered the uncovered and explored the following short-term solutions:
• Using the staff of the school – part-time teacher/part-time youth minister.
• Use of Churchill Downs minister
• Use of Southern Baptist seminary student
• Use of Presbyterian seminary student
• Use of University of Louisville’s campus minister
• Sharing of DCE/Youth Minister with all area LCMS congregations
• Sharing of DCE with St. Johns Lutheran church (ELCA)
• Use of Our Savior Lutheran Church members – college students (3) explored
• Discussed our situation with an expert – a seasoned youth minister who began with a youth group of 20, and grew it to now a 200 member youth group (out-of-state LCMS congregation).
• After prayerfully meeting with/interviewing the numerous candidates mentioned above, the group’s work culminated in the fall with a recommendation to the church Council that a Call Committee be formed to hire a full-time youth Minister for Our Savior. Elders and Council agreed.
• The congregation affirmed this direction with a vote in November, 2006

 

Scott Frederickson