This Committee was organized in late 2009 to reduce the environmental impact of the church building and grounds, and to educate and encourage members to be environmentally aware and to minimize their environmental impact. The Committee also wants to encourage participation in environmental events, and to help with environmental improvements in the community.

In 2010, Our Saviour’s Lutheran joined Climate Wise (CW), a City of Fort Collins program for businesses and organizations that will provide on-site assessments and ongoing technical assistance to promote waste reduction, energy savings, alternative transportation, water conservation and pollution prevention. For more information: http://www.fcgov.com/climatewise/

Environmental and Property Committee members and church staff are working on implementation of many recommendations generated by a May 2010 CW Assessment of the church. Some of the projects implemented are:

• Blue Grama grass, a native drought-tolerant species, was planted in two areas of the church yard in June 2010. This grass will reduce our water and energy use.
• Compost collection of paper, food and cardboard was started in November 2010; materials are picked up and composted by a commercial service.
• To encourage more recycling, 16 additional recycling bins were purchased and placed around the church.
• A major light retrofit was completed in early December 2010 thanks to the Property Committee; most of the lights in the church, except the sanctuary, were replaced by more efficient ones in early December. The $10,000-plus cost was paid by incentives from Platte River Power Authority.

The Church has also joined Colorado Interfaith Power and Light, a Colorado organization that will provide education, inspiration, and support to fatih communinites as a response to the climate crisis. For more information: http://www.coloradoipl.org/

How to get involved: Contact John Bisbee or the church office

What: Provide the congregation of OSLC with information and the avenue to donate supplies and economic support for non-profit organization.

When: First Tuesday of the month at 7:00 pm

Where: Church Library

How to get involved: Watch for details in the Signal or the weekly bulletin.

Description: Outside Our Walls’ mission is to provide the congregation of OSLC with information and the avenue to donate supplies and economic support for non-profit organizations of the ELCA, the city of Fort Collins, and other organizations here and worldwide which attempt to educate, feed, clothe and encourage others in need and improve the lives of underprivileged people “outside our walls.”

Middle School youth (6th-8th) come together for fellowship-learning-worship-service on a regular basis. The educational focus in middle school is confirmation centered where students learn to engage their faith on a deeper level and discern whether to affirm their baptisms at the end of their 8th grade year.

Youth Group-Middle School youth group focuses on fellowship and service experiences throughout the year.

Confirmation-a learning opportunity that involves teaching from the pastors integrated with parent and mentor experiences, education, and support. Sunday morning classes focus in on scripture content and relationships. Wednesday classes focus on integrating learning, service, small group experiences, and parental involvement components.

Summer Camp-Confirmation camp is a part of the confirmation program for middle school. Students who have completed 6th & 7th grade will go to Rainbow Trail for a week long experience in July. 8th graders are also encouraged to attend camp at Rainbow Trail or Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp.