As 2020 comes to a close and we prepare to usher in 2021, we have much to celebrate, and likely, much we may wish to leave behind. Look for a very special devotion on New Year's Eve, where Pastor Kevin shares his thoughts on 2020, and his hopes for 2021.

Board of Directors News The recent resignation of Angela Westphal created a vacancy on the Board of Directors. With Board approval Dan Faustina has been appointed to fulfill the 2-1/2 years remaining in the vacated position. We are blessed to be joined by Dan; you can learn more about him here. The officers of the Board for the remaining 2020-2021 year are: Chris Korsak - Chair, Linda Futral - Vice Chair, Kim Brandt - Secretary, and Mark Klins - Treasurer. Other Directors include John Honig and Katrina Owens. SAVE THE DATE: There will be a Congregational Meeting on January 31, 2021; the meeting format has yet to be determined. One of the topics will be the nomination of two lay members to the Board Nominating Committee. We ask that you prayerfully consider serving on this committee.  Attachments: November Board of Director Meeting Minutes Pastor's Report Balance Sheet

From the Endowment Committee A Note from Joe Ryno: I have had the pleasure of serving on the Endowment Committee for the last six years; holding the seat of Chair for the last three. I have worked with a great group of people, including Beth Young, Beth Erbert, Ann Brand, and Jeff Walsh. As I leave the committee, I want to thank them for their time and hard work. Due to COVID-19, we only had one grant request this year that we were able to fund. We awarded Theresa Scharlemann a grant of $1000 to continue her work with the homeless in the Tri-Valley.  At our recent election, Beth Young was elected as Chair, Ann Brand as Secretary and a new member, Lynn Perry, as Promotions Director for 2021. Please wish them well in these positions and I know they look forward to being able to fund more requests in the next grant period. FYI: The 2020 CARES Act allows a deduction of a charitable contribution from this year’s taxes up to $300, even if you don’t itemize your deductions. It’s a great time to take advantage of this one-time tax benefit, so research it and consider a special gift to the Endowment Fund before the end of 2020! A Thank you! The Endowment Committee offers our heartfelt appreciation to Joe Ryno for the gift of his time serving on the committee these past six years. Serving as Chair for the last three years, Joe kept us well organized and informed, allowing the Fund to be a blessing to many grant recipients. Thank you, Joe, and God’s blessings as you serve His kingdom in new ways!

End of Year Giving We are blessed to be a blessing! Thanks for your continued generosity and support of Our Savior Lutheran Ministries. As we approach year-end, please be aware that: to be counted as a 2020 donation for tax purposes, any checks must be dated in 2020 and we must receive them in the office no later than Dec. 31. given the office will be closed 12/25/2020 - 1/3/2021, you can either bring your offerings into the office, prior to Christmas, bring them to Christmas Eve worship service, or mail them to the church office (we will be picking-up mail throughout the week between Christmas and New Years). as always, online giving is available through our website, or members can set up direct deposits with their bank. Statements reflecting your 2020 offerings will be sent out in January. Blessings to you in the New Year ahead!

Holiday Office Hours The Church office will be closed from December 25, 2020 - January 3, 2021. Should you need emergency spiritual care, please call 925-447-1246, ext. 220, and you will be provided with the cell phone number for Pastor Kevin.

An Update from our Missionaries It's an honor and a privilege to support our Missionaries and the work they do serving the Lord and His people. Recently we were provided updates from both Janet Volkman (Guatemala), and Rachel Meyer (Uganda). Links to their recent newsletters are attached to their respective names above.

We are here to help! if we can be of service to you, please let us know. You can call, us at 925-447-1246, or email us at oslm@oslm.net. Your continued support of OSLM through your prayers, ministry, and offerings is greatly appreciated. Tithes and offerings can be made by mail, on our website, or your bank's online bill pay. We thank you for your continued prayers and support. May the Lord richly bless you and your family. Keep being the church and sharing the love of Christ through your words and love. Let's love Livermore and the Tri-Valley together.