From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Dec 5 14:26:18 2007 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 05 Dec 2007 20:26:18 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] December 5 Message-ID: Update for December 5 A publication of the Nebraska District, a District ABLAZE! Advent greetings in the name of our loving Heavenly Father. The beginning of December evokes different reactions in different people. For many adults, it begins the stressful countdown to Christmas with all of the shopping, baking, programs, and parties to fit into 24 short days. For church workers, it is a busy time of preparing for and leading many worship services, as well as preparing and practicing for children's services. For children, it is usually time to start counting the days until Christmas by opening doors on the advent calendar, eagerly watching the progression toward the Baby in the manger. May the Lord grant each of us time this December to stop and look toward that stable in Bethlehem and to remember where this time of Advent leads us. May He grant us the excitement of little children as we cross another day off our calendar and move one day closer to the celebration of the arrival of the newborn Christ-child. * Prayer Requests * Commentary on The Golden Compass Available * Congregation Looking for Information on Your Medical Ministry * Nebraska Walk for Life * Lutheran Hour Ministries Names New Executive Director * Concordia Seminary Announces 'Expressions of Hope' Symposium * Concordia Theological Seminary 2008 Symposia Series * Lutherans Respond to Cyclone Sidr * The Friendship of Jesus and Muslims Conference to be Offered PRAYER REQUESTS Vicar Mark and Rebekah Winkelman - We join in prayer of thanksgiving with Vicar Mark and Rebekah Winkelman for the birth of a healthy baby boy, David Isaiah, born Monday, December 3. We also thank God for the medical care He provided for Vicar Winkelman, who was being treated in the emergency room for appendicitis when Rebekah went into labor. We join with this family in thanksgiving for the successful surgery for Mark, for the birth of a healthy baby, and for the safety for their families as they traveled to Omaha. We ask the Lord to continue to grant healing and strength to Mark and Rebekah as they continue to recuperate. Mark is serving as vicar at St. Paul and Bethany in Omaha, as well as working at Bethlehem Deaf in Omaha. Tate McReynolds - Tate McReynolds is the young son of Vicar Kevin and Amy McReynolds, serving at St. Paul, Central City. Tate was included in our prayers the past two weeks for a condition that required hospitalization and surgery. Tate returned home last week, but has returned to Children's Hospital in Omaha again this week. We join together in asking the Lord to place His healing hand on Tate, as well as providing strength and peace to his parents. Back to top COMMENTARY ON THE GOLDEN COMPASS AVAILABLE As many of you are aware, there is a new children's movie opening nation-wide this Friday entitled The Golden Compass. This movie is based on the books written by atheist Phillip Pullman. Many Christians have voiced concern over the release of this movie. The LCMS website has posted a commentary written by Dr. Joel Heck, professor of religion at Concordia University Texas in Austin. The commentary is available from the website at http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=12833 or from the homepage, www.lcms.org. There is also a free question and answer resource provided by CPH at www.cph.org/compass. Back to top CONGREGATION LOOKING FOR INFORMATION ON YOUR MEDICAL MINISTRY Christ, Lincoln, is wondering if other churches in the District have a parish nurse program, or have medical professionals organized for taking mission trips or doing other kinds of medical things in their congregations. Christ Lutheran's "Christ in Medicine" has taken one mission trip to Haiti to work in a clinic there. Any information that you can share about your church's medical ministry would be greatly appreciated. Please send information in an email to DCE Bob Ewell at rewell at christlutheranchurch.org. Back to top NEBRASKA WALK FOR LIFE Plan now to join thousands of fellow pro-life Nebraskans for Nebraska's annual walk for life. The walk will start at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 26, on the west side of the capitol building. From there, the walk will progress to the UNL student union. The keynote speaker this year is David Ring, author of I've Got Cerebal Palsy, What's Your Problem? He focuses on the need to conquer the personal challenges in one's life. His triumph over unbelievable odds will amaze you and you are moved to consider how you can triumph over your adversities. Information will also be shared on where the candidates stand on the life issues. Everyone is invited to join in this opportunity to stand up and walk for those unable to stand for themselves. Back to top LUTHERAN HOUR MINISTRIES NAMES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Laurence E. "Larry" Lumpe, of Saint Louis, is the new Executive Director for Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM), effective December 4. He replaces Greg Lewis who resigned December 1. Mr. Lumpe has extensive experience working with Lutheran Hour Ministries and the International Lutheran Laymen's League (Int'l LLL), most notably as LHM's Executive Director from 1989 until his retirement in 1996 and as a volunteer member of the Int'l LLL Board of Governors from 1974 to 1988. He also served LHM/Int'l LLL in a part-time capacity as Senior Major Gift Officer from 1996 to 2005 and most recently as a volunteer Trustee of The Lutheran Hour Ministries Foundation and Member at Large of the Int'l LLL Board of Governors. Mr. Lumpe will step down from these volunteer roles as he takes on his new position. Lumpe will shape and implement the organizational policies of Lutheran Hour Ministries; oversee the organization's headquarters and staff; report to the Int'l LLL Board of Governors; serve as the staff liaison to the LCMS; and serve on the Synod's Church Relations Council representing the Int'l LLL. "Due to his years of leadership experience with Lutheran Hour Ministries and his love for our organization's worldwide ministry efforts, Larry is particularly well suited to lead Lutheran Hour Ministries as we continue in our mission of Bringing Christ to the Nations-and the Nations to the Church," says President Kidwell. Back to top CONCORDIA SEMINARY ANNOUNCES 'EXPRESSIONS OF HOPE' SYMPOSIUM Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, will host a new symposium, "Expressions of Hope," on Jan. 28-29, 2008. The event, planned in partnership with The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) National Mission Affiliates, is designed to present various expressions of the theological, sociological, and economic hope that are evident within the various ethnic communities of the LCMS. Speakers will include Rev. Dr. E.J. Rethinasamy, Rev. Dr. Dien A. Taylor, Rev. Dr. Jonathan N. Lengar and Rev. Dr. Leopoldo Sanchez. They will present examples of hope from their respective ethnic communities in the LCMS. Participants will be encouraged to reflect on these instances of hope and to consider the theological implications they offer. "Concordia Seminary is honored to be the site for this new event," commented Dr. David Wollenburg, associate professor of practical theology at Concordia Seminary and a member of the symposium's planning committee. "We often overlook the blessings that God is providing in our midst and the hope that accompanies these blessings. Since we maintain that all of life has theological implications, it is appropriate that we consider the theological implications of these various expressions of hope." The symposium will be preceded on Sunday, Jan. 27, 2008 by the fourth annual "Celebrating the Black Lutheran Experience," a worship service to be held at 3:00 p.m. in the Seminary's Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus. The service will include participants from St. Louis area LCMS congregations. A registration form and additional information is posted on the Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, website, www.csl.edu. Additional information also may be obtained by contacting Rev. Lloyd Gaines, 301-717-3882, 301-717-3036 or lgainessed at aol.com. Back to top CONCORDIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY 2008 SYMPOSIA SERIES Registration is now open for Concordia Theological Seminary's annual Symposia series that will take place January 15-18, 2008. With some of the nation's finest theologians as speakers, the event serves as an invaluable opportunity for both clergy and laypeople to grow in the faith. The 23rd annual Symposium on Exegetical Theology deals with the theme "Atonement for Sin in the Scriptures: Challenging the Modern Dismissal of this Biblical Theme." The subject of the 31st annual Symposium on The Lutheran Confessions is "Atonement: Biblical, Confessional, Ecumenical Perspectives." A detailed schedule can be found at www.ctsfw.edu by clicking on Symposia 2008 in the left-hand column. Online registration is also available at the same site, or phone 260-452-2241 for additional information. Those scheduled to speak during the exegetical portion of the series are: * Dr. Walter A. Maier III, Associate Professor of Exegetical Theology * Dr. Peter J. Scaer, Assistant Professor of Exegetical Theology * Dr. Simon J. Gathercole, Lecturer in New Testament Studies, University of Cambridge, England * Dr. Jeffrey A. Gibbs, Professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis * Dr. Charles A. Gieschen, Professor of Exegetical Theology * Dr. Dean O. Wenthe, Professor of Exegetical Theology * Dr. John G. Nordling, Associate Professor of Exegetical Theology Those scheduled to speak during the Lutheran Confessions segment of the series are: * Dr. Naomichi Masaki, Assistant Professor of Systematic Theology * Dr. Lawrence R. Rast Jr., Professor of Historical Theology * Rev. James Massa, Executive Director, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, D.C. * Dr. David P. Scaer, Chair in Systematic and Biblical Theology * Dr. Michael J. Root, Dean, Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, Columbia, South Carolina * Dr. John A. Maxfield, Co-Editor, Confessional Lutheran Dogmatics * Dr. Charles P. Arand, Associate Academic Dean, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis * Dr. William C. Weinrich, Rector of Luther Academy, Riga, Latvia All pastors attending the 2008 symposia are cordially invited to arrive one day early to participate in a preaching workshop entitled "The arma Christi-The Instruments of Christ's Passion." This seminar is intended to help pastors in preparing sermons as well guiding liturgical planning for Divine Services, weekly services, and Holy Week and Easter worship. Led by Professor Roland Ziegler, this event will take place on January 14, 2008, starting at 8:30 a.m. and ending at 4:00 p.m. Please contact 260-452-2224 with questions. Back to top LUTHERANS RESPOND TO CYCLONE SIDR Even as the Atlantic hurricane season was winding down for 2007, Cyclone Sidr roared through the Indian Ocean and blasted the coast of Bangladesh on November 15, killing about 3,500 people and affecting the lives and homes of millions. The LCMS does not have a large partner church there, and the Lutheran Education and Human Care Trust of Bangladesh, a POBLO-sponsored ministry of four congregations and one pastor, did not have the capacity to bring aid by themselves. But standing together, Lutherans are once again responding to needs through the mercy of Christ. LCMS World Relief and Human Care has issued a grant of $10,000 (USD) to the Lutheran Education and Human Care Trust of Bangladesh for Cyclone Sidr relief work. This is a good example of partnering with a small Lutheran church to help them build the capacity to undertake the work of mercy. Through Darin Storkson, Asia regional director for LCMS World Relief and Human Care, the LCMS was able to assist with more than just money. Significant time was spent with them establishing the partnership model and the importance of accountability. They were surprised by our unexpected appearance on the scene and expressed significant encouragement from our fellowship in this time of need. The Sidr relief work will be undertaken in the community of Banier Char, the location of their southernmost congregation, which was the most affected by the cyclone. The Lutherans in Banier Char will provide construction materials, dry foodstuffs, clothing, blankets, medicines, and agricultural supplies in accordance with the needs of the community. If you or your congregation would like to support this mercy work, donations to the disaster relief fund at LCMS World Relief and Human Care may be sent to P.O. Box 66861, St. Louis, MO, 63166-9810. Make your check payable to LCMS World Relief and Human Care and Mark "Disaster Relief" in the memo line. Or call the toll-free gift line, 1-888-930-4438. Back to top THE FRIENDSHIP OF JESUS AND MUSLIMS CONFERENCE TO BE OFFERED LCMS World Mission and People of the Book Lutheran Outreach (POBLO) have partnered in a first-of-its-kind event, The Friendship of Jesus and Muslims Conference, to raise the level of conversation, direction, motivation, and preparation for witnessing about the love of Jesus for Muslim friends and neighbors in our communities. The conference is scheduled to take place in Detroit, Michigan, April 3-6, 2008. More information on the conference, along with a conference agenda and registration information, may be found on the LCMS World Mission website at http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=12708. Back to top As always, thanks to all who contributed information to be shared in this week's Update. If you have ministry happenings you would like shared, please send the information to communications at ndlcms.org. If you know someone in your congregation or school who might be interested in the news contained in this newsletter, feel free to forward this message to them and encourage them to subscribe by visiting http://lists.ndlcms.org/mailman/listinfo/distupd or by emailing their request to communications at ndlcms.org. Advent blessings, Nichole Hetz Nebraska District LCMS Director of Communications and Events 1-888-643-2961 nicholeh at ndlcms.org www.ndlcms.org * Please Note: The inclusion of items in the Update from outside sources is for informational purposes only. Inclusion of such items does not constitute District endorsement. -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: text/html Size: 34949 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20071205/96c005e0/attachment.txt From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Dec 12 11:26:18 2007 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 12 Dec 2007 17:26:18 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] December 12 Message-ID: Update for December 12 A publication of the Nebraska District, a District ABLAZE! It's getting closer! Can you feel the excitement in the air? As the December days zip by, the celebration of our Savior's birth comes even closer. As Christians, our Christmas preparations are done knowing that we prepare to celebrate the coming of the Christ-child to earth once again. What a wonderful time of the year to share the true meaning of Christmas with those around us. Decorating our houses or yards, buying gifts in stores, and anytime anyone wishes us a "Merry Christmas" are all times to share the real meaning of Christmas. Take just a couple of minutes in prayer to ask God how He can use you to tell the miracle story of Christmas this year as you go about your preparations. * Prayer Requests * Wives of Pastors Retreat Committee Needed * Overseas Mission Opportunities * Lutheran Church Extension Fund Honors District Congregation and Member * Concordia University Gerontology and Aging Studies * Nebraska Lutherans for Confessional Study to Meet * Eco-Friendly Palms Available for Palm Sunday * 2008 Worship Conference to be Held in Seward * Pre-Lent Preaching Seminar PRAYER REQUESTS Family of Shooting Victims - We join together in asking our Heavenly Father to grant His comfort to the families of the victims killed in the deadly shooting last week and over the weekend. We pray for the families of those affected by the Omaha shooting and those who are ministering to them. We also pray for the faith communities that were affected by the shootings in Colorado on Sunday. Specifically, we pray for the family, friends, and loved ones of Stephanie (18), Rachel (16), and David Works. Stephanie and Rachel were killed in the shooting at New Life Church in Colorado Springs, and their dad, David, was shot and injured. Marie (Schaepe) Works, the girls' mother, is a Concordia alumna, class of 1983. The girls' grandparents, Russell and Thelma Schaepe, live in Seward and their uncle, Mark Schaepe, lives in Lincoln. The Family of Jan Cohen - We remember in our prayers the family of Jan Cohen, wife of Steve Cohen, founder and director of The Apple of His Eye Mission Society. Jan was called to glory last Thursday, December 6, following an extended battle with Huntington's Disease. We pray for comfort and peace for her husband, their children, and their grandchildren. We also rejoice with the family in the knowledge of Jan's new life without pain at our Savior's side. Rev. David Feddern - Please continue to life up in prayer Rev. David Feddern, pastor of St. Paul, Cambridge. He had complications from surgery on October 18, was in Critical Care for three weeks, and still remains in the Methodist Hospital in Omaha. Please pray for healing, courage, patience, and strength for David, his wife Deanna, and children, Miranda and Kelby. Sudan Mission Trip Participants - Please join in prayers of thanksgiving for the safe return late last week of President Sommerfeld, Rev. Rich Boring, and Rev. Ray Wilke from the mission trip to Sudan. Please continue to life up in prayer Rev. John Deang, Nebraska District missionary-at-large, who stayed in Sudan to continue traveling until January. We ask the Lord to bless his time in Sudan and grant him a safe return to Nebraska. Back to top WIVES OF PASTORS RETREAT COMMITTEE NEEDED The Nebraska District is in the early stages of preparing a retreat for wives of pastors to take place in 2008. We are currently looking for wives of pastors in the Nebraska District to volunteer to serve on the committee for this event. Those who are interested in helping organize the 2008 Wives of Pastors Retreat should contact the District Office at 888-643-2961 or e-mail Julie Roebke at julier at ndlcms.org. Please prayerfully consider this opportunity to serve and let Julie know as soon as possible. Back to top OVERSEAS MISSION OPPORTUNITIES Nicaragua MOST (Mission Opportunities Short Term) Ministries is putting together a medical team to serve in Nicaragua from February 29 to March 8, 2008. A medical doctor, RN, and dental assistant are currently needed. The approximate cost of the trip is $1,800 to $2,000. Please contact Debby Suchyta at debby.most at juno.com or call 734-994-7909, ext. 11. If you have any additional questions, please contact Lutherans in Medical Missions at limm at limm.org. Please copy LIMM if you contact MOST Ministries. Macau LCMS World Mission needs two short-term missionaries to serve in Macau and the surrounding area from March 1-June 30, 2008. They also need short-term missionaries to serve six-week terms in their English language centers. The mission field in Macau is focused on sharing through relationships. Short-term missionaries who serve through LCMS World Mission witness as they build relationships through English-as-a Foreign-Language (EFL) classes and English Bible studies. For more information, contact an LCMS World Mission placement counselor at 1-800-433-3954 or mission.recruitment at lcms.org. Russia (tour) >From April 22 through May 5, LCMS World Mission is sponsoring an Ablaze! tour to Russia and the Baltics, where the collapse of European communism brought the Synod in touch -- and in partnership -- with fellow Lutherans who remained steadfast in their faith through decades of persecution. Hosting the tour will be LCMS World Mission Executive Director Robert Roegner and his wife, Kristi; LCMS First Vice President William Diekelman and his wife, Carol; and LCMS World Mission Regional Director for Eurasia Brent Smith and his wife, Jennie. The tour includes visits with partner-church representatives and LCMS missionaries, a first-hand look at their Gospel ministries, and stops at historic and other sites in Moscow and St. Petersburg, Russia; Riga, Latvia; and Vilnius, Lithuania. Cost of the trip, including round-trip airfare, is $3,779. The price also covers lodging, breakfast and dinner daily, tour guides, intra-European travel, all gratuities, taxes, and the Russia visa fee. For more information and to download an application form, visit the LCMS World Mission website at http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=12542, or contact Sherri Morris at 314-996-1302 or sherri.morris at lcms.org. Back to top LUTHERAN CHURCH EXTENSION FUND HONORS DISTRICT CONGREGATION AND MEMBER The Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) honored a congregation from the Nebraska District with its prestigious "Million Dollar" Congregation Award on Nov. 16 in Dallas, Texas, at LCEF's annual conference. Zion Lutheran Church, Imperial, was recognized for achieving $1 million in investments with LCEF, combined with at least 10 percent investor participation from the congregation. Also honored at the annual conference was Deon Bahr of Lincoln, who was awarded LCEF's prestigious Fred. E. Lietz Individual Ministry Award. "The Fred E. Lietz Individual Ministry Award honors a volunteer of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod who puts forth exceptional, untiring efforts in the work of Church Extension," says Merle Freitag, LCEF President. "Deon has been recognized among his peers for 'making a difference' in his community, congregation, and especially within the Lutheran Church Extension Fund." Mr. Bahr has been a member of LCEF's Architectural Advisory Committee for over 25 years, volunteering his architectural experience and expertise to Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod congregations and organizations. It is estimated that he has assisted over 250 congregations and organizations with their building, design, and remodeling needs. The mission of the Lutheran Church Extension Fund is to support The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) in fulfilling its mission of sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ by being a Christ-centered servant partner of the LCMS, ensuring that funds and services are available now and in the future. The not-for-profit organization provides low-cost loans and facility-planning services to churches, schools, and rostered church workers of the LCMS through the investment support of church members. For more information about LCEF, call 1-800-843-5233 or visit the LCEF website at www.lcef.org. Back to top CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY GERONTOLOGY AND AGING STUDIES Concordia University, Nebraska is introducing an exciting new program in Gerontology and Aging Studies. The Concordia Gerontology and Aging Studies program is focused on preparing church and lay leaders for service to older adults. The service-oriented and ministry-based curriculum begins with a one week session in June (with appropriate pre- and post-work), followed by a core of on-line courses designed to introduce students to the challenges and the promises of older adult ministry. Students who complete the full certification program will then complete a practicum in which they work with Concordia mentors to implement an elder component into their professional services or ministry. Most students can complete the certificate in 18 months. For more information, please contact Renea Gernant at Renea.Gernant at cune.edu or call 800-535-5494, ext. 7305, 402-643-7305, or 402-643-1113. Back to top NEBRASKA LUTHERANS FOR CONFESSIONAL STUDY TO MEET The December gathering of the Nebraska Lutherans for Confessional Study (NLCS) is Thursday, December 13, at Concordia University in Seward. Chapel will be held in Weller Auditorium at 9:30 am. Refreshments will be served at 10 a.m. in TLEC 113. Rev. Brent Kuhlman will lead the morning topic at 10:30 a.m., presenting a paper on Luther's 1535 Commentary on Galatians, chapter 4. Following lunch, Rev. Rev. Robert Wentzel from Trinity, Walton, will lead the afternoon topic on "A Lutheran Response to Pietism," from The Complete Timotheus Verinus by Loescher, chapter 9. The meeting will conclude by 2:30 p.m. Everyone is invited, both clergy and laity. Back to top ECO-FRIENDLY PALMS AVAILABLE FOR PALM SUNDAY More than 300 million palm fronds are harvested each year for U.S. consumption alone-most of them for Palm Sunday, but also for floral displays for church-related events. Your parish's commitment to purchase eco-palms plays an important role in protecting forests, local jobs, and sustainable livelihoods in the harvesting communities. Lutheran World Relief is partnering with the Chamaedorea Palm Certification Project to help build support in the U.S. for eco-palms by introducing Lutheran parishes to this social and environmental justice project. The Palm Certification Project is an effort of the North American Commission for Environmental Cooperation and the University of Minnesota Center for Integrated Natural Resources and Agricultural Management to develop a certification program for palms that will ensure the palm harvesters are earning a fair income for their labor, and the palms are being harvested in an environmentally sustainable way. Palms are available across the United States. Exact prices are still being determined. Find more information and download a pre-order form from the Lutheran World Relief website, http://www.lwr.org/palms/. The pre-order form allows them to coordinate the palm production needed for Palm Sunday with the palm producing communities and ensure congregations will get their palms. A final price list and order form will be available by the end of the year. Back to top 2008 WORSHIP CONFERENCE TO BE HELD IN SEWARD Next summer, over 600 LCMS pastors, musicians, and others interested in the church's worship will "Sing to the Lord a New Song!" as they gather in the heartland of America. Following the successful conferences of 2002 and 2005, this third LCMS national worship conference will be held on the campus of Concordia University Nebraska in Seward. The four-day conference scheduled for July 22-25, 2008, will provide an opportunity for participants from all corners of Synod to be edified in worship together, to enjoy the fellowship of others interested in liturgy, preaching, and church music, and to grow in their understanding by choosing from dozens of seminars and workshops led by worship leaders from throughout the LCMS. Each day, speakers and instructors will offer a variety of topics in three different formats-plenaries, seminars, and workshops. Plenary speakers will address the entire gathering on a topic related to the central theme of the conference. Seminars will allow individual participants to enroll in a series of three one-hour segments on a single topic with an instructor. And workshops will provide an opportunity for participants to spend one hour on a single topic with an instructor. Conference participants will have the privilege of hearing from the presidents of both LCMS seminaries during the conference, as well as veteran musicians from the field who will share their expertise. * Rev. Dr. Dean Wenthe, President of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana * Cantor Phillip Magness, Bethany Lutheran Church, Naperville, Illinois * Dr. Carol McDaniel, Minister of Music at Bethany Lutheran Church, Long Beach, California and adjunct professor at Concordia University Irvine * Rev. Dr. Dale Meyer, President of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri Every effort is being made to offer the conference at a reasonable price. The registration fee has been set at $225. Reduced rates will be available for additional registrants from the same congregation, for students, and for children attending the conference children's activities. Affordable, air-conditioned dormitories will be available for those who prefer inexpensive housing. A great deal of Concordia's housing has been remodeled, and new dorms have also been built in recent years. A few local hotels are available in Seward, and a wide variety in nearby Lincoln. A meal plan through the university's food service will be available at an attractive rate. A registration form for the Institute will be mailed to all congregations in late February. Complete information about the conference, as well as online registration, will be made available on the commission's website in February as well. Visit the Commission on Worship's webpage now at http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=12764 for more preliminary information. Back to top PRE-LENT PREACHING SEMINAR Good Shepherd, Lincoln, will host a Pre Lent Preaching Seminar on Friday, January 11. The topic will be "The Medicine of Immortality," Preaching the 6th Chief Part. Rev. Brent Kuhlman will be preparing sermons for the Wednesdays in Lent and Holy Week. Rev. Clint Poppe will provide worship helps for TLH, LW, and LSB, as well as some exegetical material. Contact the Good Shepherd church office at 402-423-7639 with questions or for more information. Back to top Thank you to all the congregations and individuals who submitted information for this week's Update. Items to share are always welcome and may be emailed to communications at ndlcms.org. We pray this e-newsletter may be a useful resource tool to you in your personal and congregational ministry. Please feel free to pass this resource along to others you know who may also benefit from this information. Anyone is welcome to subscribe and may do so by sending their email address to communications at ndlcms.org and requesting to be added to the mailing list, or by visiting www.ndlcms.org/news/communications/update.html. Advent blessings, Nichole Hetz Nebraska District LCMS Director of Communications and Events 1-888-643-2961 nicholeh at ndlcms.org www.ndlcms.org * Please Note: The inclusion of items in the Update from outside sources is for informational purposes only. Inclusion of such items does not constitute District endorsement. -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: text/html Size: 36061 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20071212/91e1b884/attachment.txt From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Dec 19 15:26:02 2007 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 19 Dec 2007 21:26:02 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] December 19 Message-ID: Update for December 19 A publication of the Nebraska District, a District ABLAZE! "Good News! Good News! An angel brings Good News!" As I work around the office these days, the air is filled with the sounds of Christmas carols and hymns. People are humming familiar tunes and radio stations proudly play Christmas songs. As we go about our seasonal tasks hearing the familiar Christmas tunes, may we remember the Good News the angels brought in their song that first Christmas. They proclaimed the Good News of the Savior's birth to the shepherds, who didn't even know to be looking for it. May our prayer be that the Lord will use us to share that same Good News with those we encounter who may not know the reason for this Christmas season. * Prayer Request * District Office Holiday Hours * Volunteer Mission Opportunities Overseas * Columbus Mission Start Looking for Chairs * 2008 Lutherans For Life Bike For Life * How Is Your Congregation or School ABLAZE!? PRAYER REQUEST Rev. Claude Houge - Please remember in your prayers Pastor Claude Houge, who serves LCMS World Mission as area facilitator for East Africa. Rev. Houge contracted malaria a couple of weeks ago and has recently suffered a relapse and is in bed with a high fever. Please pray that the Lord will place His healing hand on Rev. Houge and grant him restored health and strength so he can continue to serve the Lord and His Church throughout East Africa. Back to top DISTRICT OFFICE HOLIDAY HOURS The District Office will be closed next Monday and Tuesday, December 24 and 25, for Christmas. The Office will reopen at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday morning, December 26. The Office will also be closed Monday and Tuesday, December 31 and January 1, in observance of the New Year holiday. The office will reopen at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday morning, January 2. There will not be an Email Update next Wednesday, December 26, or the following Wednesday, January 2, due to the holidays. Updates will resume their regular schedule on Wednesday, January 9. Information on many topics and answers to many frequently asked questions are available on our website at www.ndlcms.org. Back to top VOLUNTEER MISSION OPPORTUNITIES OVERSEAS Macau - LCMS World Mission needs long-term missionaries to serve in Macau and various other sites in the area. The mission field in Macau is focused on outreach. Long-term missionaries who serve through LCMS World Mission witness as they build relationships through English-as-a-Foreign-Language classes and English Bible studies at the Concordia Outreach English Center. Poland - Are you looking for an exciting way to witness? Do you like working with students? Consider teaching English-as-a-Foreign-Language (EFL) classes in Cieszyn, Poland. These missionary teaching opportunities allow for many opportunities to build relationships with students and teachers, while also giving you the chance to be involved with ministry activities outside of the classroom. For more information on these and other mission opportunities, go to www.lcmsworldmission.org/searchopps or contact an LCMS World Mission placement counselor at 1-800-433-3954 or mission.recruitment at lcms.org. Back to top COLUMBUS MISSION START LOOKING FOR CHAIRS 1C, a new mission start in Columbus, is looking for 150 chairs to be used in their new fellowship location. They plan to have their first public fellowship on January 13. Any congregation, school, or individual who can help this church plant by offering them chairs is encouraged to contact Jerry Steger at jsteger at frontiernet.net or call 402-564-8103. Back to top 2008 LUTHERANS FOR LIFE BIKE FOR LIFE The 2008 Lutherans For Life Bike For Life ride will be held July 14-17. The route and host congregations are still being determined; however those who are interesting in riding, driving a support vehicle, or providing pledges and needed supplies are encouraged to contact Rev. Jeff Bloom at 402- 474-6275. Back to top HOW IS YOUR CONGREGATION OR SCHOOL ABLAZE!? Ablaze! began as a vision of LCMS World Mission to involve every member of the LCMS, its partner church bodies, and partner mission agencies in one focused and concentrated effort to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with those who do not yet know him. This is, in fact, what each of the congregations and schools in the Nebraska District strives to do on a daily basis - share the Good News of Jesus Christ with the unchurched and equip members and students to be missionaries to their families, friends, and communities. What is your congregation or school doing to tell more people about the Lord Jesus Christ? The Nebraska District would like to gather some stories of how congregations and schools are carrying out their mission of sharing the Gospel message. If you have a newsletter article or short story you can send us, GREAT! If you can take the time to send us a few sentences telling us what you are doing, we will take it from there. You don't have to write a long article, just drop us a quick note to let us know what you are doing. You can send your stories or short summary to communications at ndlcms.org. Please be sure to include your name and congregation or school. Stories that are shared may be used in future newsletters or in other publicity materials. Thank you so much for your partnership in the Gospel. Back to top The staff of the Nebraska District Office wishes you and your family every blessing this Christmas season and into the New Year. May your celebration of the Christ-child's birth give you the peace, joy, and hope only He can bring. Blessings, Nichole Hetz Nebraska District LCMS Director of Communications and Events 1-888-643-2961 nicholeh at ndlcms.org www.ndlcms.org * Please Note: The inclusion of items in the Update from outside sources is for informational purposes only. Inclusion of such items does not constitute District endorsement. -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: text/html Size: 20026 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20071219/a806a471/attachment.txt From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Thu Dec 20 11:48:54 2007 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Thu, 20 Dec 2007 17:48:54 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] Christmas Greetings! Message-ID: Greetings in the name of our newborn Savior! Attached is a Christmas greeting from President Sommerfeld to you and the members of your congregation or school. Please feel free to forward this message to others or duplicate this greeting to share in newsletters, bulletins, or by other means. This letter is also available to be downloaded from the District website, www.ndlcms.org. The staff of the District Office joins President Sommerfeld is wishing each of you a peace-filled Christmas season and a blessed New Year. Nichole Hetz Nebraska District LCMS Director of Communications and Events 1-888-643-2961 nicholeh at ndlcms.org www.ndlcms.org -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: text/html Size: 4071 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20071220/f7595be6/attachment.txt -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Christmas 07.pdf Type: application/pdf Size: 140016 bytes Desc: Christmas 07.pdf Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20071220/f7595be6/Christmas07-0001.pdf