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The past year has certainly been one of change at OSLC. We’ve passed many milestones, including Pastor Meggan joining us, the building renovation, working through the turmoil created by the fire, and the establishment of new initiatives. Pastor Meggan has gotten off to a great start and is encouraging us to grow as disciples. The renovation is nearing completion, we are providing key support for our first Habitat for Humanity project, attendance is up, preparations are being made for the 50^th Anniversary, committees are examining new approaches, and new committees are in place dealing with technology, personnel, and strategic planning. The energy level is high.

The annual report, which I’d encourage you to read, gives you a summary of many of the things that have taken place at Our Savior’s during the past twelve months. Each summary represents a mere snapshot of the diligent work of committees, staff, Pastor, and members of the congregation. Rather than reiterate what you can read in the report, I’d like to take the opportunity to put the year in perspective.

In a sense, the year has been one of settling in from two years of transition, solidifying our facility and administrative operations, calling a dynamic pastor, and reflecting on where we are and where we are going. In the bigger scheme of things, however, we are just now in position for continued transition and transformation. With the last 2+ years of change under our belt, we have the opportunity to discern our roles as disciples and continue to move out and about as God’s "hands and feet."

I would like to thank all those who have supported me in my position, including my predecessor Bruce Krueger, the members of the council, the committee chairs and committee members, the staff, Pastor Meggan, and all of you. I’d also like to wish the best for Tom Padilla and the members of the 2008-2009 council. It will be an exciting time, and God will guide you as leaders.

When I was called by the nominating committee to serve on council, I was flattered yet fearful, thinking to myself "they’ve got to be kidding—I really don’t have much free time, and I don’t know the first thing about the facilities, budget and most of the programs—I’ve never even been to a council or committee

meeting." Before accepting, I consulted with a few past council presidents. They all said basically the same two things: "This is a calling - God and the people around you will guide you," and "you will make some great friends." They were absolutely right. It has been a blessing and I have benefitted a great deal. So, my message to those of you who might be a little shy about becoming involved or assuming a level of responsibility is: be bold, trust yourself, trust those around you, and trust God to guide you.

Our Savior’s has tremendous potential. We have accomplished a great deal over the years and have not been afraid to evolve. We are in forward motion. Still, our work has just begun. If we are to be ultimately successful in making our mission one and the same with God’s mission, every one of us must accept the challenge. Many members of the congregation are highly involved, yet there is potential for many more to play active roles. If we are to be God’s hands and feet, we must continue to make a personal commitment that fits our personality, talents and interests. All of us have something to give, and are called to do so.

Let us be proud of who we are and celebrate our accomplishments. Let us recognize that there is a great deal more we can do. May we approach the future with the clear focus on living and spreading the good news. It has been a pleasure to serve, and I truly look forward to being a part of the future of Our Savior’s.

Invitations have been mailed to every member of the congregation and to many of our former members.

Please note that you, a member of this congregation, must

return your registration card (and the fee for the Saturday night buffet supper) by

September 14. You need to mark all of the portions of the celebration in which you are going to participate in order to have adequate food, seating, etc. There will also be opportunities for you to help, which you will hear about later.

The Saturday night portion also includes a program. Details will follow later.

Plan Now to Be Part of the 50^th Anniversary Celebration

– In recognition of Our Savior’s "50 Years of Sharing" with the community and world, Social Ministries is sponsoring "50 Days of Sharing." Beginning August 9, (50 days prior to the anniversary celebration), members will have the opportunity to intentionally give of their time and resources to organizations Our Savior’s has historically supported or others they wish to choose. Each week, seven opportunities will be featured. Listed below are a few ways you may want to participate:

Prepare items for bake sale for world missions
Collect Box Tops for Education
Volunteer in the community
Visit a Homebound member
Attend a fall bazaar work session
Use Free Trade Coffee
Donate items to Doorstep, Topeka Rescue Mission, or Quinton Heights
Bring a friend to church
Collect Pop Tabs for Ronald McDonald House
Volunteer at church
Donate Blood
Sew or Quilt for Charity
Collect clothing for Doorstep or Topeka Rescue Mission
Walk or support a Crop Walker

Watch the Social Ministries bulletin board as pieces are added to the "Sharing" puzzle each week. At the end of the 50 days, we will all have a great deal to celebrate!

Celebrate 50 Years of Sharing

In commemoration of the 50^th Anniversary of Our Savior’s Lutheran, Social Ministries will be sponsoring "50 Days of Sharing." For 50 years, a major focus for our church has been sharing our gifts and talents with the community.

So for 50 days, beginning August 9, and culminating with the anniversary celebration on September 27-28, each of us will have the opportunity to share in our own way. Each day will offer a different opportunity to be involved. Our hope is that each member will be able to participate in some way.

Sharing may include making monthly donations of items for Doorstep, Topeka Rescue Mission, or Quinton Heights School; care packages for the military; volunteering at a local school; making items for the fall Bazaar; bringing a friend to Sunday School; or visiting a homebound member. This list is endless, but the point is that every member is encouraged to participate in some way.

Likewise, each group is encouraged to choose a day to participate. For example, Sunday School may choose Rally Day to share in a special way. Social Ministries hopes that each group will consider how to participate in this meaningful project. Please contact Sandi Kassebaum (862-7499) or Roberta Oestreich (273-0659) with your ideas, so we may include them in our plans. Watch the Social Ministries bulletin board as we anticipate "50 Days of Sharing."

As members of the family of Our Savior’s we are all Caring Ministers. The Caring Ministries program is an opportunity for you to reach out to others at OSLC who may need extra care and attention for one week at a time. The Caring Ministers are asked to pray for individuals, contact them, and then respond as appropriate before "passing it on" to the next Caring Minister. Concerns should be called to the Church Office or Linda Willis.

Monday through Wednesday, August 11-13. There is still time to register! For more information, contact Roxie Sjogren at 785-227-3380, ext. 8158, or sjogrenr@bethanylb.edu.

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Kansas, Inc. will hold its 6^th Annual Dinner and Auction on Saturday, August 23, at the Capitol Plaza Hotel. This year’s theme is "A Cinderella Storybook Ball." Attendees will enjoy an evening of cocktails and dinner followed by live and silent auctions and dancing with the Bop Daddies. For more information, email Martha@rmhctopeka.org or call Martha Hagedorn-Krass at 785-235-6852.

A free Mexican Fiesta will be held at Thornton place, 2901 Armstrong, Topeka on Friday, August 22, beginning at 11:30 a.m. Email shepherdstopeka@yahoo.com or call 785-267-0248 for more information.

Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging, Inc. is looking for volunteers to assist during the Medicare Annual Open Enrollment Period (November 15 through December 31) to assist customers with comparisons of Medicare Part D plans, explanation of benefits, and assistance with enrollment in a Part D plan. All volunteers will receive a free three day extensive training on Medicare, Medicare Supplemental Insurance, Long Term Care, and other health insurance subjects. Training dates are August 26-28. Contact Janell Collins, SCHICK Coordinator at jcollins@jhawkaaa.org or call 785-235-1367 or 800-798-1366.

Pastor Dave Fulton of St. Paul’s Lutheran in Wichita and the current chair of the Kansas Citizen’s Committee on Drug and Alcohol Abuse, invites interested individuals to attend the Fourth Annual Recovery Conference. The conference will be held in Salina at the Bicentennial Center on September 25, 26, and 27 and is sponsored by the Kansas Citizens Committee on Alcohol and Drug Abuse in collaboration with Addiction and Prevention Services. The conference will help participants understand the issues more fully and the resources available to enhance community well being. For more information, contact Susan Liening at sliening@kansasfamily.com or call 1-800-206-7231.