2014-2015 OSLC Annual Report Lafayette, California All Souls Day Festival Sunday, November 2, 2014, 9:30 AM Dia de los Muertos Who We Are We are a community grounded in the life and teachings of Jesus. We embrace an open approach to every spiritual journey. We ask ques ons together and value every voice. We strive for jus ce through service to the world. We seek to be transformed by the path we walk together. We Are a Reconciling in Christ Congregation We look for the Christ shining in every race, every child and family shape, every sexual orienta on and gender iden ty, every physical and mental ability, every economic status and every faith perspec ve. We Are a Stephen Ministry Congregation We are a community that offers compassionate, one‐to‐one, Chris an care to people facing difficult life challenges. Table of Contents Congrega on Leaders and Staff 2 Proposed Annual Mee ng Agenda 3 Annual Mee ng Minutes for June 1, 2014 4 Council President’s Report 12 Pastors’ Reports Pastor Dan Senter Pastor Holly McHale‐Larsen 13 13 2014 Membership, Pastoral Acts and A endance 14 Team Highlights Caring Ministry Children’s Ministries Mission Outreach Rancho Santa Marta MayaCREW New Life Band Asante Network Worship & Music Adult Faith Forma on Holy Planet Task Force Community Outreach Welcome Ministry 15 15 16 16 17 17 17 18 19 19 19 19 Addi onal Highlights Confirma on High School Youth Teaching Parish Student for PLTS OSLC LWR Quilters 20 20 21 21 OSLC Founda on Highlights 22 Please Note: Because the Annual Mee ng is held before the end of the fiscal year, the year‐end financial statement for the year 2013‐2014 is not included in this document. OSLC Annual Report > May 2015 1 Congregation Leaders & Staff Council Officers (Execu ve) President ........................................................................... Peter Baumhefner Vice President ............................................................................. Steve Tanner Secretary .................................................................................. Julie Veenstra Treasurer ......................................................................... Laurel Waters, M.D. Council Members Douglas Bea, Dan Bosshart, Mike Kirkland, Craig Lingel, Ken Madderra, Elaine Parkhurst, Karl Pfeiffer, Ron Rogness. Barbara Sanchez & Mary Lou Till OSLC Founda on Board President ................................................................................ Mark Johanson Members ........................... Dieter Bluhm, Lisa Edgar, Bud Egdahl, Sue Enger, .................................................. Susan MacCharles, Mary Miller & Bob Salter Staff Senior Pastor ...............................................................................Daniel Senter Associate Pastor .............................................................. Holly McHale‐Larsen Deacon ............................................................................................. Lou Smith Director of Worship & Music .................................................... Mar n Morley Children’s Ministries Coordinator ........................................ Ricci Jamgotchian Finance Manager ..........................................................................Bill Klaproth Office Manager ............................................................................ Skip Ordway Facility Use Coordinator ........................................................... Kellee Bachour Music Associate for Contemporary Worship ............................ Vince Mellone 2 OSLC Annual Report > May 2015 Annual Meeting Agenda Proposed Annual Mee ng Agenda Sunday, May 31, 2015 I Opening Prayer Pastor Dan Senter II Call to Order Peter Baumhefner III Quorum Verification IV Acceptance of June 2014 Annual Meeting Minutes V Springstone School Lease A. Summary of Lease B Vote on Acceptance of the Lease VI Budget A. Treasurer’s Report B. Budget Presentation C. Vote on 2015‐2016 Budget VII Reports A. President’s Report B. OSLC Foundation C. Pastors VII Peter Baumhefner Lisa Edgar Pastors Dan & Holly Elections A. Nominating Committee Report B. Nominations from the Floor C. Introduction of Nominees D. Vote IX Closing Prayer X Fellowship Susan Parr Pastor Holly McHale‐Larsen Everyone OSLC Annual Report > May 2015 3 Annual Meeting Minutes for June 2, 2013 I Opening Prayer 10:35 a.m. Pastor Holly McHale‐Larsen II. Call to order, Quorum verified III. Acceptance of June 2013 Annual Mee ng minutes Janet Katari Opportuni es available to review: Link on www.oslc.net, hard copies near the narthex for 1 week Greg Wikler moved to accept, Mark Fenske seconded, passed by verbal vote. Ques on from the floor: “Do we have a new Bishop”? Peter Baumhefner report‐ ed that Bishop Mark Holmerud was reelected as Bishop of the Sierra Pacific for a six year term on the fourth ballot at the Sierra Pacific Synod Assembly on May 31. IV Parsonage A. Summary of Recommendation Peter Baumhefner, Council Treasurer Timeline of events that led to council recommenda on: We have two schools (Springstone and Building Bridges pre‐school) that use our facility; both of them are growing and need more space. At June 2013 Congrega on Annual Mee ng approved parsonage for expand‐ ed preschool. Early 2013 Congrega on Council began exploring using retrofi ng parsonage and property to expand space for preschool. Worked with City of Lafaye e Planning Commission; several public mee ngs. Found that about $135k creek remedia on was required for safety. Informal, then formal offer to buy property for a pre‐school in 2014 by mem‐ bers of OSLC congrega on (Shelley and Michael Self). Council reviews in April and May mee ngs offer, realtors J Rockliff and Pacific Union and pest evalua on, several city mee ngs in 2013 & 2014; neighbors’ concerns, pro/con analysis and discussion. Property valued a er repairs and upgrades to saleable condi on $800k ‐ $900k. Repairs es mates: Creek bank stabiliza on $130K; Structural modifica on $100K; Landscaping $10K for a grand total of $240k Targe ng sale price (without realtor cost) $660k Council unanimously recommends selling parsonage: Completes vision of a pre‐school; we have a trusted buyer; this would eliminate creek bank liability. OSLC will hold paper for 3 yrs., 4% interest with op on of church to renego ‐ ate in 3 yrs. 4 OSLC Annual Report > May 2015 Janet Katari, Council President Parsonage History: Dick Anderson Built in 1947 a er WWII; cheaply built. Sold to Senior Pastor for $35k in early 70's with a 1st right of refusal if they were to sell. In 1978 bought back parsonage for $120k for youth pastor or staff member use because of expense of housing in the Bay Area. Long history of creek bank stabiliza on $250k fix sanctuary bank; over the years there were es mates of $250k‐$500k to fix creek bank by parsonage. Mo on to approve the council recommenda on for the sale of the parsonage made by Chris Wickler; seconded by Susan Parr. Discussion and Comments: Congrega on members & Council Where does the quarter a million $ of fixes come from? It will come from the buyer. What happens to liens on the property made by buyer, if the sale falls through? We would make sure that the tle is clean at me tle is recorded which would ensure that our loan would be primary obliga on and would be paid first. Comment made by (Mary Lou Till) a former broker: Lafaye e is such a valuable area in proximity to San Francisco, especially with Tech Industry booming there. Shouldn’t it be made available on the open market? The Council discussed the pros and cons of selling the Parsonage. If we did not sell then the schools could not fulfill their vision of expansion, and one of them would have to leave which would greatly impact our income. (Chuck Whitehead) As a commercial real estate expert the most important thing is reduc on of liability, so reduc on of creek bank liability is very important, securing incoming income, and having a known buyer. What is size of parcel? Just over a half of an acre. (Dan Bosshart) The property has always been residen al for use as a parsonage. Won’t we need in the future a place for an incoming pastor? So would $260k have to be made? What is the es mate of creek fix? It depends on nature of weather and its erosion; unknown. (see also Dick Ander‐ son’s history comments earlier) (TJ) How much income do we get a year from the two schools? Preschool $2k per month, Springstone $7.4k per month. What happens to income if we sell? We would get interest from carrying the paper for Preschool. Springstone would expand giving us more rent income. What if Springstone can’t expand? They have said they would leave for more space. (Pr. Holly) OSLC Annual Report > May 2015 5 What happens to the church nursery (Rachael Riddle)? She is concerned about keeping nursery a rac ve and welcoming to young families. Plans are to move nursery to room 217 and 218 and ou i ed on Sundays in a welcoming and invi ng manner. The schools are not Chris an focused. But they do provide a great service to the community. Will the playground be maintained? Yes, we will maintain the playground. Kids’ church with its con nued growth really helps bridge the gap of a permanent nursery by crea ng community (Chris Wikler). (Irmie Millard) Concern during possible renego a on a er 3 years; will we have OSLC interests at heart? Make amendments 1) that we have legal counsel in OSLC interests; 2) if the balloon payment is made at the end of the 3 years, that is not be put in the general fund but into the endowment, that only interest can be used; 3) there should be no renego a on to loan . Amendment 1: Sale of the parsonage is done with guidance of legal counsel. Made by Irmie Millard; seconded by Pat Lickiss. Carries with a verbal vote. Amendment 2: If the balloon payment is made, that is not be put in the general fund but into the endowment, that only interest can be used. Made by Irmie Millard; seconded by Pat Lickiss. Discussion (Lou Smith): Accoun ng standpoint – funds should be unrestricted as we don’t know what congrega on will want to do in 3 years. Pete Baumhefner called the ques on. Does not pass per hand count vote. Amendment 3. No renego a on at the end of three years. Amendment withdrawn by Irmie Millard. Concern on amount 4% loan, and reason the three year length? Council would like to keep renego a on possibility open for con nued monthly income. Discussion: (Kathy Lickiss). What is difference between making the property saleable and making it ready for the preschool? Why are you using the number $100k to credit the buyer for making it ready for a preschool? Council’s original assump on was to make property ready for a preschool, but making ready for sale open market $70k. Is the parsonage parcel currently considered residen al or commercial property? Residen al. Is the small building near the parsonage included in the sale (Marsha Flakoll)? No; it is currently being used by the non‐profit Senior Helpline Services at no rent. 6 OSLC Annual Report > May 2015 What about lease out parsonage as a residence thus keeping property as potenal a larger sale in future. We would s ll need to spend $50‐$70k and the church does not have that kind of money. Karl Pfeiffer called the ques on to close discussion. Seconded by Greg Wikler B. Vote on Sale of Parsonage: wri en vote Yes 52, No 31 Janet Katari Passes with added amendment for “legal counsel to protect OSLC interests.” V Budget (Available as wri en handouts/projec on) A. OSLC 2014‐2015 Budget Presenta on Held May 4, 2014 Janet Katari, & Pete OSLC Iden ty Statement Baumhefner What We Do… Our Priori es as a Congrega on Mission Outreach; Worship; Music; Caring; Youth and Family; Adult Faith Forma on Financial Reali es Number of giving units are declining. Total dona ons have declined. Worship a endance is declining. Number of children in God’s World is increasing Where are current financial resources being used (in line with congrega on’s focus) Proposed program budget cuts to keep a balanced budget Point of Preference and Accommoda on for oldest ac ve member of Congregaon: George Fries. He reminds everyone that council mee ngs are open throughout the year. That the church’s deficit is high and that is why they o en sponsor coffee. Calls for people to give, help with membership, be welcoming to each other to new people, and be involved church leadership. Proposed Expense Budget 2014‐2015 Pete Baumhefner (Following handouts for members to go over themselves.) Staff (most expense to least) Ordained Leadership Other Staff Facility, Tools and Resources (regarding physical plant) Facility and Shared Resources Programs and Events Program Expenses Mortgage ($84k) This budget achieves a realis c balanced budget. <0%> OSLC Annual Report > May 2015 7 Projected Income 2014‐2015 Bill Klaproth, Financial Manager (see handouts) 2014 Expected income: $190.84 2014 es mated income: ($39,232) 2015 proposed: $30.08 Asked people to turn in their Giving Pledges Discussion: (Dan Bosshart) Will interest from sale of parsonage offset preschool rent income? Yes, in 2014‐2015 budget year. (Mar n Healy) When will Springstone expand? Early in the fall. And who will pay for the costs? The Boy Scouts. (Pat Lickiss) Facility use amount seems more than Springstone and preschool income, why is that? It is more because of the many other outside groups that use OSLC (i.e. Woman’s Chorus, County Board of Elec ons, radio group, Children’s Chorus.) (John) Does es mate for project income include considera on for the delay in Springstone expansion? No, it does not contain a delay factor. But Bill is given an op mis c figure. (Rachel Riddle) With sale of parsonage will the property taxes go down going forward? Yes, it might go down $3k‐$4K. Es mate for ending 2014 fiscal year. ($39,232) Pete Baumhefner The funds (actual dollars) will be “borrowed” from restricted/designated funds to support shor all. Expects council to approve applying Parsonage down payment to deficit next fiscal year. Why would council approve? Because of over 67 years of money used from the General Fund for maintenance of parsonage/property. This will be a one‐ me alloca on. Discussion: (Dieter Bluhm) Has there been considera on of cu ng the Synod benevolence in half to 2.5%? Yes; council has holding that we must uphold our obliga on to give back as the Body of Christ to our synod and mission partners. (Dick Nash) Maybe we should not lock in to the 5% to synod, but pay salaries first. (Barbara Sanchez) Vince Malone, Music Associate for Contemporary Worship, is a vital person to the music department as the guitarist he is an anchor to the contemporary music component that the congrega on has iden fied as important. 8 OSLC Annual Report > May 2015 (Mar n Morley): On behalf the Worship and Music Ministry Team, appreciates work of the council on the budget. But they are concerned with cut of the posi on of music associate. Vince has been with the music department since October 2009. Even though OSLC now has one blended service, Vince s ll provides a vital role providing an authen c contemporary music as well as playing in other liturgical components. During the service he also plays at Kids’ Church. During weekly music rehearsal he also plays occasionally, leads, and directs. There will be new ways planned in the coming year. Worship and Music Ministry Team have asked church members for private dona ons above and beyond regular giving to help fund Vince’s salary in the coming fiscal year; he is now 100% funded. This shows the support for that posi on. Amendment to budget made by Mar n Morley: The Worship and Ministry Team moves to amend the mo on to accept the 2014‐2015 budget, by keeping the line item “Music Associate for Contemporary Worship,” in the budget with funding for this posi on being provided by monies collected in a targeted sec‐ ond‐mile giving campaign spearheaded by the Worship and Music Ministry Team. As part of this mo on, we ask that next year’s Council, as it prepares the 2015‐2016 budget proposal, consider funding this essen al staff posi on from the church’s general fund. Mo on to amend Budget made by Mar n Morley, then seconded by Roberta Klaproth. Discussion and Comments: Congrega on & Council (Linda Baumhefner) Disappointed and unclear how going to one service did not provide more savings, considering the amount of work was decreased. Can’t music restricted funds pay for music associate? (Susan Parr) 1. 90% of pledges for Vince’s posi on were made a er deadline of pledges for general fund. 2. Special Music Fund maintained and controlled by Mar n is for the Music Series expenses (i.e. Honoraria for special musicians, ad‐ ver sing, and facility use.) (Dan Bosshart) Doesn’t think a salary should come out of a special fund. (Mar n Morley) Special music fund is used for concerts and purchase of instru‐ ments for the capital improvement of the department. Ethically to use funds as donators intended. (Peter Baumhefner) OSLC cons tu on calls council to be fiscally responsible. Believes irresponsible to pass a budget that the general fund does not support. Calls for members to give to the general fund. If we did not sell the parsonage, we would be in deep financial trouble. (Pat Lickiss) Speaks for his family that they are giving to both the general fund and extra to their programs that they are passionate about. OSLC Annual Report > May 2015 9 (Lou Smith) Recommends that we should accept the gi s for Vince’s posi on as they were intended. B. Mo on made by Karl Pfeiffer to approve budget as originally presented and amended. Seconded by Bill Klaproth Carries with a wri en vote: 52 Yes, 31 No. C. Treasurer’s Report ‐refer to wri en report Pete Baumhefner Pete’s Reflec ons: What do I/we do to support OSLC’s budget and programs? VI Reports A. President’s Report ‐refer to wri en report Janet Katari This year focus on surveying OSLC worship preferences B. OSLC Founda on Dan Bosshart, Founda on Chair Looking for ways to leverage giving of endowment annual $50k interest: 1. Dis‐ tribute to usual interna onal giving, 2. Looking locally for good causes and raise image/profile of church, 3. Have marke ng funds for outreach and fellowship, 4. $10k Expand & upgrade website. Pastor Egdahl’s son who is experienced willing to help give info and feedback gra s C. Pastors –refer to wri en reports** Pastor Holly McHale‐Larsen We are a blessed community who cares for one another. Pr. Holly connects with people from high school teenagers, through care ministry, children’s ministry, and visi ng hospital rooms. We as a congrega on need to figure how to con nue and show care outward. **Pr. Dan Senter currently on sabba cal VII. Elec ons A. Nomina on Commi ee Report Milo Yoshino, Nomina ng Commi ee Chair Milo thoroughly enjoyed me on the Nomina on Commi ee and recommends people to try it; it’s a chance to get to know people. B. Nomina ons from the floor. Susan Parr was nominated from the floor for Nomina ng Commi ee. C. Introduc ons of Nominees Presented slate of nominees and asked those nominated to come up and intro‐ duce themselves or by proxy. D. Vote Church Council 2014‐2017 Moved to accept slate in its en rety by Mar n Morley, seconded by Russ Rackow. Passed verbally. Newly elected Members: Doug Bea, Dan Bosshart, Dayme Fitzpatrick, Michael 10 OSLC Annual Report > May 2015 Kirkland, Richard Lawrence, Craig Lingel, Ken Madderra, Elaine Parkhurst, Ron Rogness, Barbara Sanchez, Steve Tanner, Mary Lou Till, and Sco Walker. OSLC Founda on 2014‐2017 Moved to accept slate in its en rety by Pat Lickiss, seconded by Chris Wickler. Passed verbally. Newly elected Members: Bud Egdahl, Mark Johanson, and Bob Salter. Nomina ng commi ee 2014‐2017 Susan Parr floor addi on to the slate; Pat Lickiss moved to accept slate in its en‐ rety seconded by Russ Rackow. Newly elected Members: Doug Reifsteck and Susan Parr. VIII. Closing Prayer 1:25 p.m. IX. Pastor Holly McHale‐Larsen Fellowship at Pa o (before and a er) Everyone Respec ully Submi ed, Julie Veenstra, Council Member (Laurel Waters M.D., Council Secretary, was excused to enjoy her honeymoon.) OSLC Annual Report > May 2015 11 Council President’s Report Dear Friends, Thank‐you for the opportunity to serve as Congrega on Council President in the 2014‐ 2015 meframe. From my perspec ve, we had a great year and there is much posi ve momentum that will carry us forward in a cohesive manner for years to come. While some of the highlights of this church year are summarized below, I believe the single most important on‐going event that touches my heart the most is this congrega on’s willingness to be open, listen, speak, share and make ac ve the voice and life of Jesus. This, to me, is what life and the mission of our congrega on is all about. We are the voice, arms, legs and ac on of Jesus today and each of you, in your own way, is a part of that! Thank‐you for who you are and for what you do! Congrega on Council Highlights of the 2014‐2015 Church Year Successful sale of former parsonage complete October 31, 2014 Established Marke ng/Communica on team Ini ated work on establishing new website Supported and assisted in first “Oktoberfest” Supported and assisted in Fes val Sundays Explored possible new logo for Congrega on In conjunc on with Staff, iden fied growth momentum areas Ini ated process to con nue explora on around who we are and what we do and how best to communicate that to those around us Priori zed property improvement areas Developed growth plan and associated budget for 2015‐2016 church year Respec ully Submi ed, Peter Baumhefner Congrega on Council President 12 OSLC Annual Report > May 2015 Pastors’ Reports Pastor Dan Senter Crea on of liturgical se ngs throughout the year Introduc on of Fes val Sundays – and the big bell All Souls Carnival Earth Day A Heart for Giving Program Coordina on of Marke ng and Communica ons Team Web Site Logo Development Data base analysis Work with Staff Support on 360 Review Process and revised job descrip ons Transi oned through Sale of Parsonage and transi on of Pre‐School Worked to integrate Urban Farmers Truck Fund Drive Con nued work with partners on Economic Jus ce through the Circle of Caring In‐ vestors micro credit pla orm. Pastor Holly McHale‐Larsen Oversaw the following areas: Mission Outreach Team, Youth & Family Ministry and Caring Ministry. (Please read those reports for more informa on. Thank you, Lou and Ricci!) Worked with the Women’s Ministry Team (Trish Neesen, Joan Stevenson & Deb Tellier) to create two events: a summer “Tea” and an evening of exploring personali‐ ty and spirituality. Worked alongside the Women’s Retreat Team (Sue Enger, Kathy Lickiss and Carolyn McGovern) to plan and help lead the fi h OSLC Women’s Retreat at the Bishop’s Ranch. This year’s theme was “Wonderfully Made.” Took a month long sabba cal in January 2015, taking me to reconnect with God, my family and self. I also learned the spiritual prac ce of surfing. Facilitated several feisty book discussions. Some of the books discussed were: The Righteous Mind, Fields of Blood, Pastrix, Learning to Walk in the Dark, The Good Book and Des ny Disrupted. OSLC Annual Report > May 2015 13 2014 Membership, Pastoral Acts and Attendance MEMBERSHIP Membership as of January 1, 2014 Members received during 2014 Baptism of Children (15 yrs. & younger) Baptism of Adults (16 yrs. & older) Affirmation of Faith Baptized Members Confirmed By transfer Total Additions Baptized Confirmed Family Units 685 460 282 5 8 9 5 14 2 2 3 Members removed during 2014 Death By Transfer Other Reasons (inactive/lost/etc.) Total Losses Adjustment to match database Adjusted Losses Net Gain/(loss) in 2014 (3) (4) (3) (4) (3) (7) (28) (35) (27) (7) 7 (13) 14 (3) (13) (16) (14) Membership as of 12/31/2014 658 474 268 PASTORAL ACTS Baptisms Confirmations Marriages Funerals ATTENDANCE Average Attendance per Sunday Largest Single Sunday (Easter) Smallest Single Sunday Ash Wednesday Maundy Thursday Good Friday Christmas Eve (2 services) Concerts (5) 14 7 9 2 5 163 507 93 76 85 81 335 944 OSLC Annual Report > May 2015 Team Highlights Caring Ministry Deacon Lou Smith Encouraged an a tude of compassionate caring in our community. Commissioned eight Stephen Ministers who completed 50 hours of training led by Pastor Holly and Deacon Lou. New Stephen Ministers are: Laura Burbidge, Sue Enger, Marsha Flakoll, Gina Koenig, Mary Miller, Mar n Morley, Ruth Ann Schwan, and Chris Voll‐Chernin. These Stephen Ministers provide one‐to‐one Christ‐centered care to individuals en‐ countering difficult situa ons. Thank you to the OSLC Founda on for funding all training costs, including 1 week of leadership training for Laura and Chris. Children’s Ministries Ricci Jamgotchian, Coordinator Comprehensive spiritual forma on on Sunday mornings th 45 minute classes a er worship for Preschool through 5 grade Curriculum based on exploring the Bible and ways to experience God Milestones ‐ Annual grade level classes dedicated to faith building Kids Church offered during the sermon me for children to move around and re‐ charge before returning to the Sanctuary OSLC Annual Report > May 2015 15 Mission Outreach Team “Our mission is rooted in the mission of Jesus, that all may be united with God and with one another. We welcome all people to a living faith. In giving their lives, resources and skills, so that God’s people may live abundantly, the members of OSLC will also experi‐ ence a truer abundance.” Over the past nine months, July 2014‐April 2015, we have distributed $19,010.00 to 25 mission partners. Two‐thirds of these gifts went to local organizations and a third to international programs. Here are just a few of the mission activities our congregation has been involved in during the past year: Serving dinners at Mountain House homeless shelter Making quilts (over 100 during the past year) for Lutheran World Relief Serving meals and providing activities for the homeless for Winter Nights Preparing meals at Loaves and Fishes Construction projects at Rancho Santa Marta in Mexico Shopping for Christmas gifts for children of disadvantaged families Filling food donation barrels for the Food Bank Projects at PLTS, including the chapel and Sawyer Hall. Selling products made by women in Kenya, Tanzania and Guatemala Participated in Hike for Shelter Inc. Facilitated three Adult Education sessions on poverty Rancho Santa Marta Located in San Vicente Mexico, Rancho Santa Marta offers a home for abandoned chil‐ dren, a school for mentally challenged children, a boarding facility for children that a end their school and come from near‐by communi es and a summer trade school that offers voca onal training. OSLC hosted two work project trips to Rancho Santa Marta, one in the fall for adults and one in April for high school students. Donated funds to aid in the costs of building a new school building. 16 OSLC Annual Report > May 2015 MayaCREW In January 2015, MayaCREW celebrated ten years of collaboration with ACEBAR, Ma‐ yaCREW’s partner organization in Guatemala. During the ten years of collaboration, over 2800 annual scholarships have been granted and approximately 180 of our recipi‐ ents have graduated from high school. MayaCREW board members visited ACEBAR in Guatemala in November 2014 to cel‐ ebrate the high school graduation of sixty of our scholarship recipients. 250+ scholarships were granted for the 2015 school year which commenced in Janu‐ ary 2015. New Life Band New Life Band Mission to Youth and Students is a ministry deeply commi ed to reach‐ ing out to help today's youth of Tanzania caught up in an atmosphere of poverty, unem‐ ployment, substance abuse, and lack of direc on for their lives. This year we have been preparing for the New Life Band’s visit to the USA in the fall of 2015. They will be at OSLC on Sunday, August 30, 2015. Asante Network: Highlights for 2014–2015 This year, three Asante volunteers were in Uganda and Tanzania to work and communi‐ cate with our cra swomen and their families and to check on projects that are part of our mission work. Jack Hanson was in Africa for 6 weeks and had many wonderful experiences. He was a special guest at the installa on of the new bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, Northern Tanzania Diocese, in a 14‐hour day‐long church service. Jack was hon‐ ored with special sea ng and also with this statement from the bishop: “You and Asan‐ te have been so faithful to us. Not only have you given us financial support and encour‐ agement, but you keep coming back again and again to work with us and to be part of our community. Jack, it may be hard for you to understand what that means to us, but we are so thankful for the way we have been blessed by your work and presence with us.” A few tears were shed! Asante has partnered with a nongovernmental organiza on working in Tanzania called Plant with Purpose/Floresta, which is based in San Diego. Their emphases include OSLC Annual Report > May 2015 17 land reforesta on, water conserva on, and diversity of sustainable crops They have done significant work in helping us establish and maintain successful school and home gardens. Last January Jack and Plant with Purpose put together a Gardening Training and Implementa on Program for 18 new Tanzanians represen ng 5 schools. The focus was on compos ng, “double dugs” (a way of plan ng), water conserva on, and other effec ve methods developed by Plant with Purpose. Plant with Purpose people will monitor and aid these individuals as long as needed. Seeing the enthusiasm, dedica‐ on, and commitment of the learners was awe‐inspiring for Jack. Recognizing the long‐ term effec veness of programs like these keeps us at Asante striving forward. Thank you to all the caring and suppor ve people at Our Savior’s who help make our work possible. Stay blessed in God’s care and love! Pat Daily Asante Volunteer Asantenetwork.org Worship and Music Team Mar n Morley, Director of Worship & Music The members of the WM Team are: Carolyn Boggs, Jon Franke, Karen Hadler, Colleen Kirkland, Susan Parr, and scribe Joan Stevenson, along with staff members Mar n Mor‐ ley and Dan Senter. WM ac vity highlights for 2014‐15: Evalua ng worship experiences, including new Fes val Sundays Keeping worship support teams working and trained: Altar Guild, Liturgists/Lectors, Ushers and the newly‐established Greeters Team Studying the book Speaking Chris an by Marcus Borg Crea ng new margin notes for printed bulle ns Thanks to funding granted by the OSLC Founda on, working with San Francisco ce‐ ramic ar st Lisa Neimeth to create a new bap smal bowl and communion ware 18 OSLC Annual Report > May 2015 Adult Faith Forma on Pastor Dan Senter Sunday Educa on Hour highlights: Pushing Luther – Understanding the basics of Luther for our me Looking at the Birth Stories in each Gospel Understanding the world changing view within Mark’s first chapter Working with the Labyrinth Mission Partners Presenta ons Holy Planet Task Force Established on site CSA u lizing two great partners Frog Hollow Farm Riverdog Farm Helped coordinate Earth Day Fes val Sunday, April 19, 2015 Provided opportuni es for Farm Visits and Tas ng Events Community Outreach Celebrated Oktoberfest Saturday, October 25, 2014 Welcome Ministry Updated Name Tag Sta ons Celebra on of New Friends on Sunday, May 24, 2015 OSLC Annual Report > May 2015 19 Additional Highlights Confirma on Pastor Holly McHale-Larsen Sixteen middle school students in confirma on this year, with two, Alex Franke & Ethan Johnson, being 8th graders. We focused solely on exploring the ques on “Who was Jesus?” We studied Jesus’ birth stories, his last week, the theology of the cross, resurrec on and the Kingdom of God. We had two fantas c retreats. The October retreat was at the Self’s cabin in Pioneer. Here we studied the life and teachings of Mar n Luther and early Protestant Refor‐ ma on. The second retreat was at St. Dorothy’s Rest in Occidental. High School Youth Pastor Holly McHale-Larsen Summer trip to Los Angeles where we explored the theme “Image.” Throughout our week we visited a needle exchange/art center on skid row, toured a restaurant run by former gang members, spent the a ernoon in Beverly Hills, star gazed on the Hol‐ lywood Blvd., handed out sandwiches in the hipster area of town, strolled through Venice Beach and visited Universal Studios. Tahoe Trip. Right before school started we had a weekend away in Tahoe. We stayed in a beau ful home in Kirkwood Meadows. We spent the me hiking, playing games and introducing the teens to some classic 90’s movies. Rancho Santa Marta Trip‐ Over Spring Break ten youth from OSLC and Holy Shep‐ herd Ten youth from spent a week of helping to build a new middle school, fill in a sep c tank, playing with the Ranch children and learning about Mexican culture. Monthly Hang Outs On the last Sunday of each month we gathered at different youth’s house to play games, eat, hang out and explore a different topic. We typical‐ ly average between 8‐12 youth at each event 20 OSLC Annual Report > May 2015 Teaching Parish Student for Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary Pastor Holly McHale-Larsen Since the fall of 2014, Brian Eck, a Master's of Divinity student at Pacific Lutheran Theo‐ logical Seminary, has been part of OSLC. We are his classroom, aiding him in receiving a hands‐on educa on about parish life. Lutheran World Relief Quilters Kathy Lickiss We par cipated in an Ingathering of quilts at St. John’s Lutheran Church in An och in October, dropping off 171 quilts. This year we invited the congrega on to par cipate in our Adopt‐a‐Quilt drive. The drive was an overwhelming success, bringing in $489.75, which covered the $2.25 per quilt dona on to LWR, leaving enough funds to purchase one roll of ba ng that will fill 28 quilts for the next year! Our group consists of thirteen ladies (men are welcome, too) – some work at home and some come to church to work together. We meet at church on Thursday a er‐ noons from September through May and on occasional Saturdays. In addi on to the LWR quilts, we provide each gradua ng senior with a quilt from their OSLC family to follow them to college or career and to remind them to reach out to their community in some kind of ministry. Ten quilts were given to our gradu‐ ates in the class of 2014. We are pleased to be on track to provide at least 145 quilts for the Ingathering in October 2015. OSLC Annual Report > May 2015 21 OSLC Foundation Highlights The Founda on began our fiscal year with $1,227,371 in endowed assets and made grants totaling $62,472, slightly over our 5% giving plan and up from $50,000 last year. We increased our giving to local community chari es to 59% of our grant dollars, a spe‐ cific goal for this year. Several interna onal chari es con nued to receive support with 41% of our grant dollars. Grant Highlights: $5,000 to New Day for Children‐Alamo (first me), boarding school for sexually trafficked 10‐14 year old girls $5,000 to SHELTER, Inc.‐Concord (first me), housing for the homeless $2,292 to Welcome Commi ee for Oktoberfest event @ OSLC $5,000 to Springstone School @ OSLC $5,000 to Holy Planet Task Force‐Urban Farmer’s van purchase (matching) The table on the following page shows all grants made in the past fiscal year. Founda on Board members are Bob Salter, Dieter Bluhm, Lisa Edgar, Bud Egdahl, Sue Enger, Mary Miller, and Susan MacCharles. We are available to answer any ques ons that you may have regarding the OSLC Founda on – making a charitable contribu on, our investment policy, or our supported chari es. Sincerely, Mark Johanson OSLC Founda on President (925) 878‐3525 mjohanson@comcast.net 22 OSLC Annual Report > May 2015 Quarter Ending: Sep 2014 (Q1) Approved Dec 2014 (Q2) Approved Mar 2015 (Q3) Approved Jun 2015 (Q4) Approved TOTAL Mission Ministries Asante Maya CREW- Guatemala 5,000 3,000 3,000 3,000 8,000 Monument Crisis Center New Day for Children 5,000 5,000 4,500 New Life Band 4,500 Quilting Supplies/Mailings LWR 500 Raising Hope in Africa 500 4,700 4,700 Rancho Santa Marta 5,500 5,500 SHELTER, Inc. 5,000 5,000 $17,000 $36,200 800 800 $800 $800 Total Youth Ministries $9,500 $9,700 Senior High Youth Total Spiritual Development Abundant Living Program Agape Caring Ministry/ Stephen Ministry 5,109 2,172 Congregational Retreat Total Facilities Improvement $2,172 $5,109 5,109 1,500 3,672 500 500 $2,000 $9,281 Holy Planet Task Force 5,000 Landscaping 500 Landscaping maintenance 500 1,000 Sanctuary Total Community Outreach $1,500 Springstone School Welcome Committee 5,000 1,000 2,000 400 1,000 1,400 $400 $7,000 $8,900 5,000 5,000 2,292 2,292 Total $2,292 $5,000 $7,292 Total Requests by Quarter $4,463 $21,109 $12,100 $ 24,800 Cumulative Total $4,463 $25,572 $37,672 $62,472 $62,472 OSLC Annual Report > May 2015 23 Car nival Sund ay February 15, 2015, 9:30 AM A Street Full of Life! EARTH DAY FESTIVAL SUNDAY APRIL 19, 2015 LAFAYETTE RESERVOIR