The Principal Thing

Wow, what a week! From the 1st ever New York State Lutheran Basketball Tourney to the Learning Celebration, it was impossible to miss the fact that our community had set aside a week to enjoy the spirit of joy that surrounds our school. Our VIP day was a big success and the Pre-School carnival, complete with balloon animals, clowns and games made our little ones feel special.

As the pre-schoolers toured the building, they stopped in the church office. Sammie, the friendly little dog, was visiting his best pal Ms. Schwartz. Linda invited the kids to spend a minute with Sammie and asked a 4 year old "do you have a pet?" His response is worth repeating. "Yes, I have a balloon."

He was so happy to declare his affection for his pet but we just had to explain that the balloon animal, while a fun thing, was not a real pet. Have you ever made the mistake that the little boy made? Have you ever mistaken a substitute for the real thing? I have, too often, been content with an imitation when I could have insisted on something more authentic.

On a Monday morning in the fall a co-worker might ask about our weekend and we talk about the excitement of the Giants game. What would be a more meaningful event of your weekend? Do we talk about the goose bumps we get from experiencing the presence of Christ in our worship? I like Velveeta processed cheese food, but come on--its not Wisconsin cheddar.

Not to be offensive but how can someone equate the very best public school with the ministry of education practiced at Our Savior’s? Education without an eye on the Source of all wisdom can’t compare to what we share every week in our Lutheran Schools.

A life without God can never be a suitable substitute for a lifetime in His fellowship. In this place we have the real thing. Of course, there are many communities where the presence of God is real and when our Christian schools are doing their job, we find children recognize where God is the focus of lives activities.

Balloon pets are great, but I am grateful for the unconditional love of a God who made me and all creatures.

On The Horizon

Dining Galore

Next week you will have two chances to dine with friends and family at OSL.

Tuesday, March, 23 from 5:00-7:00 pm, the annual pasta dinner is back at OSL! There is no cost to the event; however, an offering will be received to help benefit the OSL middle school. Reservations are suggested. A form for reservations with more information will come home next week for this event. Please watch for it.

This year the pasta dinner will be prepared by an Executive Chef, who has graciously volunteered his services for the evening. There’s sure to be a delicious menu with delectable desserts! Outstanding service and music will be provided by the OSL middle school.

Wednesday, March 24th is the date for Our Pizzeria Uno Doughraiser, from 5-9pm. Anyone who presents one of our OSL tickets with their dine-in or take-out purchase at the Latham Farms Pizzeria Uno will have 10% of their bill donated directly to our 5th grade NYC Class Trip.

Spread the word to your friends, family, and coworkers! Tickets to present with your order can be printed from our website at "dough raiser tickets".

These are two great opportunities to put your food and entertainment budget to good use. It is a bit of a problem that these events are on back-to-back days. We realize you may not attend both, but enjoy the meals that fit into your family’s calendar.

PTO

Our PTO will be meeting this Thursday, March 18, at 6:30. One of the challenges for the group is to establish a calendar for "friend raising & fund raising" in the coming school year. It would be great to have you with us.

Also on the agenda will be a discussion of field trips compiled by our accreditation goal writing team. This is a first draft of a list committee members put together as places an OSL graduate should have experienced during their time here.

List of Field Trips in Capital Region:

1. A boat trip on the Hudson (Albany aqua ducks)
2. Visit the USS Slater (docked in downtown Albany — warmer months)
3. Saratoga Battlefield
4. NYS Museum (downtown Albany)
5. Learn about the Erie Canal — Burden Iron works Museum (Troy)
6. Ride a bike on the Bike Path (Mohawk or Hudson River)
7. Hike a mountain in the Adirondack Park
8. New York State Capitol — and Legislature
9. NYSTI — Russell Sage Troy
10. Egg — Empire State Plaza
11. Proctors Theater - Schenectady
12. Five Rivers Environment Park — Delmar
13. Fort Crailo — Rensselaer
14. Albany Visitor Center — Downtown
15. Albany Museum of History and Art (downtown)
16. Schenectady Planetarium
17. Visit Halfmoon Sloop— docked downtown Albany
18. Brookside Museum — Ballston Lake
19. Fort Ticonderoga
20. Shaker Museum
21. Local Sports (Tri-City Valley Cats, Albany River Rats)
22. Saratoga Dance Museum
23. Bottle Museum