From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Jul 11 08:30:11 2007 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 11 Jul 2007 13:30:11 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] July 11 Message-ID: Update for July 11 A publication of the Nebraska District, a District ABLAZE! Greetings in the name of our Heavenly Father. * Prayer Requests * Prairie Fire Registrations Due This Week * Volunteers Needed to Help with Kansas Tornado Clean-Up * Get Up-To-Date Synodical Convention Information * Father/Son Ordinations and Installations in District * National LWML Convention Sets Mission Goals * In the News: "Doing the Lord's Work" * District Member Selected for Short-Term Mission Trip * District Church Workers Featured in National Publications * New Nebraska LLL Pastoral Advisor * National Youth Gathering Will Offer Connections to Congregation * New Youth Devotional From CPH * Lutheran Tape Ministry Announces Latest Release PRAYER REQUESTS President Don Fondow - We join in prayers of thanksgiving and healing for Minnesota North District President Rev. Don Fondow. Last week President Fondow suffered a burst appendix and required emergency surgery to remove it. He is now recovering. We thank God for the protection He gave Rev. Fondow and the medical staff He provided. We also ask for continued healing and renewed strength as President Fondow anticipates a return to his duties. Back to top PRAIRIE FIRE REGISTRATIONS DUE THIS WEEK Registrations for Prairie Fire '07 are due this Friday, July 13. Those planning to attend this one-day conference of encouragement and inspiration are to register online or by mail by Friday to aid in planning of meals, materials, and room assignments. Registration materials were mailed to every church office or may be downloaded and printed from the Nebraska District website at www.ndlcms.org . Online registration with a credit card is also available from that site. Teachers in the District are invited to attend this conference in place of the August Retreat. Check with your principal for more information. Rev. Scott Snow, National Director of Outreach for LCMS World Mission, will be the guest speaker for the day. Everyone is invited to come to be refreshed, renewed, and re-ignited for ministry. Contact the District Office at 888-643-2961 or conference at ndlcms.org with questions. Back to top VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO HELP WITH KANSAS TORNADO CLEAN-UP There is a need for a limited number of work crew volunteers to assist with cleanup efforts in Greensburg Kansas at this time. Work crews should come with their own equipment--wheelbarrows, shovels, rakes, work gloves, etc. Volunteers should make contact with Julie Hillschafer, LDR site coordinator, in advance at (620) 388-3760. A limited amount of overnight housing is available. Back to top GET UP-TO-DATE SYNODICAL CONVENTION INFORMATION News from the 63rd Regular LCMS Convention, July 14-19 in Houston, will be available through Reporter Online and the Synod's Web site and distributed via LCMSNews. The August printed issues of Reporter and The Lutheran Witness -- the Synod's two official periodicals -- also will have coverage from the convention. For the first time, gavel-to-gavel coverage of the proceedings will be available via Internet streaming on the Synod's website, www.lcms.org/convention, beginning with the opening service at 4 p.m. (CDT), Saturday, July 14. Select session highlights of streamed video also will be available on demand. Also, printable copies of the convention worship folder and Bible-study material will be available for download at the website, for those who would like to follow along or for later use. For the most timely and complete convention news as the convention is in progress, go to Reporter Online at http://reporter.lcms.org and click on "Convention News," then on the listing by floor committee, "Elections," or "Other." For the status of elections and resolutions, as well as for a daily photo gallery, go to the convention Web site at www.lcms.org/convention. Subscribers to LCMSNews will receive major stories (such as the election of president) as they break. After each convention session, a summary will be sent to those subscribers with links to the full news stories from that session. To subscribe to LCMSNews, go to the Synod's LCMS e-News Web site at www.lcms.org/enews. At that site, register for an e-News account by entering required contact information, then click on "View or Modify my Newsletters," and finally on "LCMSNews" in the "News" folder. Those who already have an e-News account should enter their e-mail address and password at www.lcms.org/enews, click on "View or Modify my Newsletters," and then choose "LCMSNews" in the "News" folder. The Synod's Radio Station KFUO-AM plans several broadcasts from Houston during the convention. They include the Saturday, July 14, opening worship service; Chuck Rathert's "The Bible Study Show" at 10:05 a.m. (CDT) on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from the KFUO booth in the convention exhibit hall; and the Sunday-night edition of "Issues, Etc." at 9 p.m. For web-streaming of those KFUO-AM broadcasts, go to www.kfuo.org. Back to top FATHER/SON ORDINATIONS AND INSTALLATIONS IN DISTRICT Rev. David Weaver of St. Paul and St. Matthew Lutheran Churches of Meadow Grove, Nebraska, preached for his father, Gerry Weaver's, ordination into the Office of the Holy Ministry and installation as pastor for St. Peter and Trinity Lutheran Churches of Snyder and Howells on July 1. Rev. Douglas Gaunt of Trinity Lutheran Church, Orchard Farm, Missouri, ordained his son, Micah, into the Office of the Holy Ministry and preached at the service of Ordination/Installation at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Ravenna on July 8. Micah will serve Bethlehem and Zion Lutheran Churches of Ravenna and North Shelton. Back to top NATIONAL LWML CONVENTION SETS MISSION GOALS Delegates to the 32nd Biennial Convention of the Lutheran Women's Missionary League (LWML) in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, adopted a record $1.7 million mission goal for the 2007-09 biennium. This is the largest goal in the organization's 65-year history. More than 5,000 people attended the convention, held June 21-24 under the theme "Rest On Christ the King," or "ROCK," from Psalm 31:1-3. The record mite goal is $75,000 more than the LWML's previous goal for 2005-07. The funds raised by the organization's 250,000 members nationwide over the next two years will be used to support 18 mission grants to: * train deaf-ministry leaders ($50,000). * provide portable medical clinics in Sudan, East Africa ($70,000). * build 10 Lutheran churches in India ($100,000). * support a female missionary to Muslim people in Guinea, Africa ($100,000). * help Lutheran Bible Translators, Aurora, Ill., provide transportation for missionaries ($60,000). * open eight new Lutheran Blind Mission Outreach Centers nationwide ($40,000). * provide education to Muslims in Bangladesh ($75,000). * support a "circuit rider" pastor in rural northwest South Dakota ($65,000). * support an inner-city children's ministry in Minneapolis-St. Paul ($50,000). * send a female human-care missionary to Africa ($100,000). * support a Christian family counseling center in St. Petersburg, Russia ($36,000). * expand mission work in Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Sudan, and Ethiopia, Africa ($104,500). * begin a Lutheran campus ministry at Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, Kan. * ($95,000). * expand internet streaming capabilities at KFUO-AM radio in St. Louis ($50,000). * support Concordia University, Austin, Texas, students preparing for child-welfare careers * ($80,000). * assist Lutheran City Ministries in its outreach to homeless and addicted people in Detroit * ($49,000). * support a soup kitchen at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Chicago ($33,000). * support a cross-cultural urban ministry in Ohio ($32,500). The 600-plus delegates also elected a new president to lead the organization over the next four Years. Janice Wendorf of Grafton, Wisconsin, the 16th president of the LWML, asked for "prayers for the support of our organization and the support of all the individual officers that you have elected." In her "President's Report," outgoing LWML President Linda Reiser of Grand Island, Nebraska, applauded the "Christ-focused service" of LWML members, who have successfully met mission goals and showed an "unending willingness to help others" not because they seek glory for themselves but "simply and faithfully because there is a need." The LWML has been successful, she said, only "because of God's great faithfulness to us." She encouraged attendees to return home and make a difference by faithfully sharing "what Jesus has put in our hearts." For more information about the convention or the LWML, visit the Web site www.lwml.org . Back to top IN THE NEWS: "DOING THE LORD'S WORK" "During his 37 years as a pastor, the Rev. William Voelker has received many accolades for his work and his congregations' accomplishments, but, he says, a higher power deserves the praise. 'I always hope that Jesus Christ gets the credit and not me,' he said. Voelker [retired] July 1 after nearly 24 years at Peace Lutheran Church [Grand Island]." The Grand Island Independent featured an article that began this way in its June 25 edition. To read the full article about Pastor Voelker and his retirement, visit the Independent website at http://www.theindependent.com/stories/06252007/new_voelker25.shtml. Back to top DISTRICT MEMBER SELECTED FOR SHORT-TERM MISSION TRIP Lutheran Women in Mission (LWML) celebrated their 65th anniversary at their 32nd biennial convention in Sioux Falls, S.D. LCMS World Mission Executive Director Rev. Dr. Robert Roegner addressed the general assembly of 5,023 registered participants to celebrate LCMS World Mission's continuing partnership with LWML. Many convention participants also stopped by the LCMS World Mission booth to gather additional information, meet missionaries, enter a drawing for a free mission trip to Panama, and pray. A seating area was provided inside the booth for ladies to have a leisurely visit with missionaries. Many attendees took advantage of the prayer wall opportunity-they wrote prayer requests on the provided blocks and gradually added their petitions onto the wall. Donna Barton, the 2005 mission trip winner, drew the slip for this year's winner-Susie Loofe of Neligh, Neb. Susie will experience a short-term mission trip to Panama, sponsored by LCMS World Mission. Congratulations to Susie! Back to top DISTRICT CHURCH WORKERS FEATURED IN NATIONAL PUBLICATIONS EIIT Vicars - In the Summer 2007 issue of Focus on Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, three Nebraska EIIT vicars are pictured on the bottom of the page with the President's article (page 3). Vicar Peter Bur of the Sudanese Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mission, Omaha; Riek Marwang, who is serving his vicarage at King of Kings, Omaha; and James Riang, vicar at Christ, Lincoln, are shown during the assignment service. This article and the entire magazine may be downloaded from the Seminary website at http://www.csl.edu/Resources_Publications_PublicationArchives.aspx. DELTO Vicar - In the Pastoral Education supplement to the July 2007 LCMS Reporter, Vicar Bill Mattfeld from Trinity and Immanuel, Schuyler, is pictured and quoted in the article entitled, "From Radio Mics to Computers, the Church Taps Technology." This insert had not been posted yet on the LCMS website. Past issues are available at http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=11707. Back to top NEW NEBRASKA LLL PASTORAL ADVISOR The Nebraska District LLL has a new assistant pastoral advisor. The Rev. Richard Snow of St. John's, Battle Creek, has accepted the post vacated by Pastor Duane Fahr of Bloomfield, who began his service as Pastoral Advisor. May the Lord continue to bless this ministry and the work of Pastor Fahr, Pastor Snow, and all of the members. Back to top NATIONAL YOUTH GATHERING WILL OFFER CONNECTIONS TO CONGREGATION A number of 'back-home' connections for the July 29-Aug. 1 LCMS National Youth Gathering and first-ever companion Adult Gathering in Orlando will help link congregation members with their members at the Gathering. Those connections include a Sunday-morning Bible study written by the Gathering Bible-study team and based on the theme text of 1 Peter 2:19 -- the same Bible study members in Orlando will be using -- and a first-time web video stream of Gathering mass events and the Tuesday-evening worship service. Also online, youth groups will be able to create a personalized Web page known as "Our Space" via the Gathering website at http://www.lcmsgathering.com where they will be able to share their experiences and photos with family and friends back home. Another new feature of this year's Gathering is that each congregation with a group registered will receive a complimentary copy of the post-Gathering DVD. "Our intent is to include those parents and [other] individuals who have been a part of the participants' three-year preparation in the event," according to Gretchen Jameson, associate director for LCMS Youth Ministry -- Communications, in a news release about the Gathering. Jameson added that as congregations "make use of the Gathering Commissioning Service [available at the Gathering website], before the event, share in Bible study, view events, and hear the stories of the participants, the Gathering becomes more than a one-time 'big' event. It becomes part of the larger youth ministry happening back home." Plans called for the Bible study to be posted at the Gathering site in July. Jameson said that more than 1,780 congregations representing all 35 LCMS districts are registered for the 2007 event -- the 10th LCMS National Youth Gathering since 1980. Visit the Gathering website listed above for full Gathering details. Back to top NEW YOUTH DEVOTIONAL FROM CPH Chosen! Won! from Concordia Publishing House is a collection of 60 devotions, written by teens for teens. In these devotions, teen writers share stories of how God chose them and won them from sin, death, and the devil through the suffering, death, and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ. Teen readers learn how God guides them in their day-to-day living. Each Christ-centered and biblically balanced devotion includes Scripture, meditation, and prayer. This book is wonderful for summer and fall reading or as a confirmation gift, lifting up God's Word and Sacraments for the strengthening of faith as young people face the challenges of today. Chosen! Won! Paperback - 136 pages $8.99 - Item Number 0-7586-1111-0 Back to top LUTHERAN TAPE MINISTRY ANNOUNCES LATEST RELEASE Lutheran Tape Ministry, Inc. and TalkingScriptures.com, based in Blue Springs, Nebraska, announces the release of their newest Bile study devotional series on compact disk entitled: "How to. . ." written by Fred Naumann, Executive Producer of Lutheran Tape Ministry and TalkingScriptures.com. The Bible study devotional series discusses topics such as "How to . . ." * Build faith * Handle stress * Overcome despair * Maintain hope * Face spiritual trials * Face illness * Handle suffering * Control the tongue * Avoid worldliness * Defeat Satan * Praise God * Find understanding * Witness * Find contentment "How to . . ." is available from Lutheran Tape Ministry for a suggested donation of $10 per CD. Call toll-free 800-937-2591 or visit Lutheran Tape Ministry at TalkingScriptures.com. Back to top Blessings, 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: 50504 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20070711/0dd63928/attachment.txt From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Mon Jul 16 11:50:59 2007 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Mon, 16 Jul 2007 16:50:59 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] Convention Election Results Message-ID: Greetings in the name of Jesus! Following are the election results for Synodical president and vice presidents, who were elected yesterday, July 15, by the delegates currently gathered for the Synodical Convention in Houston, Texas. Full Convention coverage is available from the District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/news/temp/Convention_07.html. Delegates to the 63rd Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod elected Dr. Gerald B. Kieschnick to his third three-year term as president of the 2.5 million-member church body. The convention also re-elected Dr. William Diekelman to his second term as Synod first vice president, and choose the other four vice presidents. Kieschnick, 64, was elected on the first ballot on the opening day of the convention, receiving 644 votes (52.3 percent). Other nominees for the presidency were Rev. John W. Wohlrabe Jr., of Virginia Beach, Va., who received 514 votes (41.8 percent); Rev. Wallace R. Schulz of Augusta, Mo., 27 votes (2.2 percent); Rev. Daniel Preus, St. Louis, Mo., 23 votes (1.9 percent); and Dr. William R. Diekelman of Ballwin, Mo. 23 votes (1.9 percent). Diekelman, 60, was elected to his second term as first vice president on the third ballot. Other candidates for first vice president were Wohlrabe, Schulz, Preus, and Charles Mueller Jr. of Bloomingdale, Ill. On the first ballot, Dr. Paul L. Maier was re-elected as second vice president with 675 votes. On the second ballot, delegates elected Dr. John C. Wohlrabe Jr., 53, of Virginia Beach, Va., as third vice president (with 685 votes); Dr. Dean W. Nadasdy, 59, of Woodbury, Minn., fourth vice president (666 votes); and Dr. David D. Buegler, 60, of Avon, Ohio, fifth vice president (593 votes). Diekelman, 60, of St. Louis, previously served as pastor of Faith, Owasso, and as LCMS Oklahoma District president. He and his wife, Carol, have six children. Maier, 77, of Kalamazoo, Mich., is professor of ancient history at Western Michigan University. He previously served as second vice president (2004 to present) and as fourth vice president (2001-04). Maier has served on the LCMS Commission on Church Literature and on the Board for Higher Education/Concordia University System. Wohlrabe, the newly-elected third vice president, is a graduate of Concordia College, Ann Arbor, Mich., and received S.T.M. and Th.D. degrees from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. He has served as a chaplain in the U.S. Navy since 1987 and was assistant director of Concordia Historical Institute from 1986-87. Nadasdy currently serves as the Synod's third vice president (2004). Since 2000, he has been pastor of Woodbury Lutheran Church. He was on the faculty of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, from 1997 to 2000. He served on the Task Force for the Reorganization of Synod (1993-95) and on the Board for Communication Services (2001-03). He also served the Minnesota South District in various capacities. Buegler was elected to his second term as LCMS fifth vice president. Since 2003, he has been executive director of the Cleveland Lutheran High School Association. He has served on the Board of Regents of Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Ind. (1989-96 and 2004-present) and on the Board of Directors of Lutheran Church Extension Fund (1998-2004). He was the LCMS Ohio District president from 1988 to 1996. 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: 9523 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20070716/b5f1128b/attachment.txt From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Tue Jul 17 09:36:14 2007 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Tue, 17 Jul 2007 14:36:14 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] Sudan Mission Newsletter Message-ID: Greetings in the name of the Lord of the Harvest! Attached is a new newsletter developed by the mission and outreach office of the Nebraska District - LCMS. This electronic newsletter will be sent quarterly by the District Office to those who are subscribed to the Email Update. In each issue you will find stories that will share what is going on in Sudanese ministry in the Nebraska District and in the mission field of Sudan. If you have questions regarding this newsletter, please contact Carol Oetting, assistant to Rev. Rich Boring, at the District Office. She may be reached at 888-643-2961 or carolo at ndlcms.org. You are encouraged to distribute this newsletter to members of your congregation via email or in print. Church offices and individuals are given permission to reprint articles or the entire newsletter. Please share these stories of what God is doing in Sudanese ministry. If you have trouble opening this attachment, the newsletter may be downloaded off the Nebraska District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/ministries/district/index.html. If you wish to unsubscribe from our mailing list, you will be removed from all mailing lists, including the weekly Email Update. You may unsubscribe by replying to this message and requesting to be unsubscribed, or visit the District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/news/communications/update.html and click on the "To subscribe" link on the right. We are excited to be in mission work with you, and we look forward to a continued partnership in the mission fields of Nebraska, and beyond in Sudan. 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: 7004 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20070717/241545f1/attachment.txt -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: July Sudan News.pdf Type: application/octet-stream Size: 1027939 bytes Desc: July Sudan News.pdf Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20070717/241545f1/JulySudanNews-0001.obj From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Jul 18 10:14:12 2007 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 18 Jul 2007 15:14:12 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] July 18 Message-ID: Update for July 18 A publication of the Nebraska District, a District ABLAZE! Summer greetings in the name of our Heavenly Father. I hope you are staying cool (or enjoying the heat) as the days of summer continue. * District Website and Email Scheduled to be Down * Still Time to Register for Prairie Fire * LCMS Convention News * Missionary Donna Meyer Available to Speak * Medical Mission Team Trips * Human Care Partners Assess Needs Following Lake Tahoe Fire * Farewell Reception for Project Hope Director * Wheat Ridge Ministries Now Accepting Grant Applications * Opportunity for Youth Groups to Help Out and Earn Money DISTRICT WEBSITE AND EMAIL SCHEDULED TO BE DOWN The District website, www.ndlcms.org , and email service to District staff will be inoperable beginning at 5:00 p.m. this Friday, July 20, until 8:00 a.m. on Monday, July 23. The computer system at the District Office will be undergoing maintenance during this time. We regret any inconvenience this may cause. Back to top STILL TIME TO REGISTER FOR PRAIRIE FIRE Did you mean to register for Prairie Fire, but you forgot? Now the registration deadline is past and you aren't sure if you should send in your registration? Good news! There is still time to register for Prairie Fire at Concordia, Seward, on August 4. Online registration is not available, but those who still wish to register may send their completed registration form and registration fee to the District Office postmarked by this Friday, July 20. Registration forms and more information on the resources being offered that day are available on the District website at www.ndlcms.org . EVERYONE is invited to come hear Rev. Scott Snow, National Director of Outreach for LCMS World Mission, and visit with other church workers and lay leaders from across the Nebraska District to be inspired and encouraged for outreach. Sessions being offered include: * Outreach Through Midweek * Youth Confirmation: An Outreach Ministry?! * Preschools are Mission Tools * Practicing Hospitality * Responding to Conflict * Ministering to Inactives * Understanding Your Community to Enable Outreach * Outreach to 30-Somethings and Younger * Faith Ablaze! at Home * Witnessing to Family and Friends * Consecrated Stewards * Stewardship 365/24/7 Contact Connie Borchers at the District Office at 888-643-2961 or connieb at ndlcms.org with questions or for more information. Back to top LCMS CONVENTION NEWS Election Results Delegates to the 63rd Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod elected members of the LCMS Board of Directors on July 16. Two ordained ministers, one commissioned minister, and four laypersons were elected. In the ordained category, on the second ballot, incumbent Dr. Robert T. Kuhn from Oveido, Fla., was returned to the Board, receiving 640 votes. The delegates also elected Dr. Donald K. Muchow of Buda, Texas, who previously served on the Board. He received 629 votes. Kurt M. Senske of Austin, Texas, was elected as the commissioned minister with 646 votes. Laypersons included Kermit A. Brashear of Omaha, Neb., with 905 votes; Curtis W. Pohl, St. Michael, Minn., 804 votes; Gloria S. Edwards, Portula Valley, Calif., 710 votes; and Walter Brantz, Cody, Wyo., 683 votes. A bylaw states that only one person can be elected to the Board from a particular district. Previous elections for the pastoral and commissioned candidates rendered ineligible a number of laypeople whose names appeared on the original ballot: Jeffrey C. Coyne, Edward A. Dollase, and Brad L. Hewitt. In other elections on Monday, delegates returned Dr. Raymond L. Hartwig to his office as Secretary of the Synod. Also returned to his position as Vice President-Finance/Treasurer was Thomas W. Kuchta, who ran unopposed. Hartwig received 708 (59.1 percent) of the votes cast. Rev. Philip J. Esala of Kettering, Ohio, received 425 votes (35.5 percent) and Rev. David L. Mahsman of St. Louis, Mo., received 64 votes (5.3 percent). Election results for synodical president and vice presidents were shared in a special Email Update on Monday. This information may also be found on the official Convention website, http://reporter.lcms.org/. A summary of election results and other key actions will appear in the September issue of the Nebraska Lutheran Reporter. Back to top MISSIONARY DONNA MEYER AVAILABLE TO SPEAK Donna Meyer, member of Zion, Hastings, has served LCMS World Mission as a long-term missionary/teacher for missionary children in Guinea for the past three years. She is in Nebraska on furlough before leaving again to serve in Indonesia as a long-term volunteer/teacher. Donna is available to speak to your congregation, mission society, or other group before she leaves in August. The only Sunday available is Sunday, August 19. She is available for weekday or evening speaking engagements beginning August 5. To contact Donna about speaking at your congregation or mission meeting, call her at 402-364-2432 or 402-200-0192 (cell), or email her at dhnztt at yahoo.com. Back to top MEDICAL MISSION TEAM TRIPS LCMS World Relief and Human Care (WR/HC) has the following mercy medical team trips to offer: September 6-16, 2007: Jakarta, Indonesia October 5-15, 2007: Nairobi, Kenya (Kibera slum and rural clinics) October 19-30, 2007: Nairobi, Kenya (Kibera slum and rural clinics) October 19-27, 2007: Antiqua, Guatemala (rural clinics) 2008 date TBA: Madagascar Date TBA: Kenya The Indonesia, Kenya, and Madagascar trips will cost approximately $3,000 per person. The Guatemala trip will cost approximately $2,000 per person. All trips include airfare, lodging, meals, and travel in-country, as well as a day of rest and/or sight-seeing. LCMS WR/HC will arrange travel, assist with visas, provide evacuation insurance, and provide a team leader. Because space is limited, trips will be filled on a first response basis with priority given to specific medical professions needed most. Typically, two or three doctors, several nurses, and several other medical professionals are needed for each team. Team numbers are limited to 10-12 per trip. If you are interested in any of these trips, please contact: Sally Henrickson, RN/LCSW Sally.henrickson at lcms.org LCMS World Relief/Human Care 1333 S Kirkwood Road, St. Louis, MO 63122 1-800-248-1930, ext. 1278 If you have any additional questions, please contact Lutherans in Medical Missions at limm at limm.org. Please copy LIMM if you contact LCMS WR/HC. Back to top HUMAN CARE PARTNERS ASSESS NEEDS FOLLOWING LAKE TAHOE FIRE (from LCMS "Disaster News" e-News, July 12) 250 homes were destroyed by what residents call the Angora Fire, mid-June at South Lake Tahoe, Calif. The large-scale fire cost $13.5 million to extinguish. There is no longer an LCMS congregation in Lake Tahoe, but Lutheran Disaster Response, a partner in disaster relief efforts, asked LCMS World Relief and Human Care to help assess the situation. Rev. Carlos Hernandez, director of districts and congregations with LCMS World Relief and Human Care, and LDR affiliate Dr. Linda Boston, disaster coordinator for Lutheran Social Services of Northern California, assessed the community needs together. They visited Hope Lutheran Church, an ELCA congregation in South Lake Tahoe. Six member families, many of whom are blue-collar, working families, lost their homes, and others were damaged. Rev. Joel Martyn, pastor at Hope, shared that many people are in shock and don't yet understand the magnitude of the disaster. Donations were piled in the parking lot: clothing, furniture, and other items. The church secretary acted as a sort of disaster coordinator. Rev. Martyn showed Rev. Hernandez and Dr. Boston a home that received minor damages in the fire. The homes around it were no more than foundations, chimneys and ash. "The most frightening part of the tour was the realization that fires were still smoldering," said Rev. Hernandez. Based upon the community needs and Rev. Martyn's requests, LDR, in partnership with LCMS World Relief and Human Care, will respond with: * Short and long-term response strategy consultation. LCMS World Relief and Human Care will share its short-term response experience. * A spiritual and emotional workshop in mid-August. * Dr. Boston will contact Rev. Martyn every 4-5 days to monitor the situation. ELCA Bishop David Mullens planned to assess the situation on July 8. Back to top FAREWELL RECEPTION FOR PROJECT HOPE DIRECTOR The Project Hope Board of Directors invites everyone to a farewell reception for outgoing director, Mary Ann Johnson. Mary Ann is stepping down from her directorship after nine years of dedicated service to those in need of food, clothing, a hug, or a prayer. As a representative of Project Hope, her smiling presence is well known in the Omaha community and will be greatly missed. The reception will be held at St. Mark Lutheran Church (1821 N 90th St.), Omaha, on Sunday, August 19, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. In lieu of gifts, a non-perishable food item for the pantry would be suitable. Back to top WHEAT RIDGE MINISTRIES NOW ACCEPTING GRANT APPLICATIONS Wheat Ridge Ministries is now accepting applications from Lutheran congregations for its Congregation Health and Hope Grant program. The purpose of the Congregation Health and Hope Grants is to facilitate the initial development of congregation-based health and wellness ministries. Applications are due by September 30, 2007. All Lutheran congregations - individually or in partnership with other congregations - are eligible for these grants. The maximum amount per grant is $2,000 for a single congregation and $6,000 for collaborative efforts involving two or more congregations. The amount granted by Wheat Ridge must be matched dollar for dollar by the congregation. Approximately 20 grants will be awarded to congregational projects in November. The focus of the Health and Hope Grant is on new congregation-based health ministries developed under the auspices of a congregation health committee or cabinet. Projects must support and promote the health and well-being of people in the congregation and local community. Grant funds may be invested in health-related events and leadership development; staff training; planning; materials, resources or equipment directly related to program development; or contract services or new staff essential for program development. The grant is not to be used for existing staff salaries; congregation or school building programs; or general church or school expenses. Congregations interested in applying for a Wheat Ridge Congregation Health and Hope Grant can visit the Wheat Ridge website (www.wheatridge.org ) to download a complete list of guidelines, as well as the proposal format. Any questions may be referred to the Wheat Ridge office at 800-762-6748. Deadline for submitting applications is September 30, 2007. Wheat Ridge Ministries is recognized throughout the world as an independent Lutheran charitable organization that seeds new ministries of health and hope in the name of the healing Christ. Currently, more than 100 ministries are receiving assistance through Wheat Ridge funding. In addition to funding grants, Wheat Ridge also connects and equips people, congregations and organizations with health and hope ministries. Back to top OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUTH GROUPS TO HELP OUT AND EARN MONEY Do you know of any youth who would like to make a few dollars while helping out a good cause? Each year, Lutheran Family Services invites individual youth or their youth group to help advertise the Healthy Families Walk held on August 26 by passing out flyers to local businesses in western and central Omaha. Every volunteer that helps pass out flyers will receive a $5.00 gift certificate for lunch at Burger King. In addition, each volunteer will be paid $1.00 for every place they put up a flyer. This is a great activity for youth groups to earn money for a movie night, or for an individual to get a small reward for helping a critical fundraising event be a success. Lutheran Family Services in Omaha is seeking people to help distribute flyers between now and July 27, so youth who are interested are urged to sign up fast. To volunteer, contact Mary Langdon at 402-978-5603 or mlangdon at lfsneb.org. 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. 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: 40331 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20070718/0cc8409c/attachment.txt From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Jul 25 12:47:01 2007 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 25 Jul 2007 17:47:01 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] July 25 Message-ID: Update for July 25 A publication of the Nebraska District, a District ABLAZE! Summer greetings in the name of our Heavenly Father. * Prayer Requests * District Server Scheduled to be Down * Campus Ministry Position Open * Christ Lutheran Church at Ribfest in Lincoln * District Pastor "Walks for Life" * Nebraska Lutherans for Confessional Study to Meet * New From Concordia Publishing House PRAYER REQUESTS Family of Jiema Guin - Please remember in prayer the family of Jiema Guin, who was called to glory on July 12. Jiema was the fourteen month old daughter of Diw G. Toang and Nyakir Gatluak, members of the Sudanese Lutheran Church in Mission, Omaha. We ask the Lord to give this family peace and hope in the promise of eternal life in Jesus at this difficult time. Family of Timothy Voehl - Please lift up in prayer the family of Timothy Voehl, who was called to Jesus' side on July 15. Timothy, who was 11 years old, was a student at Our Redeemer, Staplehurst, and member at St. John, Seward. We ask the Lord to comfort those who mourn: his parents Jeffrey and Cindy, his siblings Andrew and Miriam, and his young classmates and friends. Back to top DISTRICT SERVER SCHEDULED TO BE DOWN The District website, www.ndlcms.org , and email service to District staff will be inoperable again this weekend beginning at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, July 27, until 8:00 a.m. on Monday, July 30. The computer system at the District Office will be undergoing maintenance during this time. We regret any inconvenience this may cause. Back to top CAMPUS MINISTRY POSITION OPEN There is an immediate opening for a Campus Ministry Worker! The position is part-time (around 15 hours a week), contracted until June 1, 2008, and open to LCMS church members, bachelors degree preferred. The focus of the position is working with college students in the Omaha Metro to build the faith of Christian students and to reach out with the Gospel to those who are not Christian. Responsibilities include helping with planning, organizing, and leading Bible studies, service/mission events, social gatherings, and associated office duties for these activities. Applicants must possess strong communication skills, and be willing and able to cultivate relationships with a variety of people and institutions. R?sum?s must be received by August 1, 2007. For more information and full job description, contact: Pacific Hills Lutheran Church (c/o Stacey Swan) 1110 S. 90th St. Omaha, NE 68154 402-578-4177 or stacey_swan at yahoo.com Back to top CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH AT RIBFEST IN LINCOLN Sunday morning, August 12, the Room211 Worship Band from Christ, Lincoln, will be playing on the Main Stage of Ribfest in front of Pershing Auditorium at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Jeff Scheich will be sharing a brief message as well. Everyone is invited to enjoy the music with family and friends. This is a great opportunity to invite a friend, who might never come into a church building, to join you to feast on the Word of God and then to feast on the best ribs in the state. For more information contact Pastor Scheich at 402-483-7774, ext. 108. Back to top DISTRICT PASTOR "WALKS FOR LIFE" Pastor Loren Cooper, pastor of Zion, Hampton, plans to walk/run 50 miles on August 25 to raise money for Lutherans For Life and the American Cancer Society. In cooperation with and supported by the Zion youth group, Pastor Cooper is taking pledges per mile or one time gifts. He will start at the church and make a large circle through Sutton and back to the church to help raise awareness of two organizations committed to life. We pray that the Lord would grant protection to Pastor Cooper and bless his efforts. Contact Pastor Cooper at Zion, Hampton, (2306 E 16th Rd, 402-725-3320) for more information or with words of encouragement for his undertaking. Back to top NEBRASKA LUTHERANS FOR CONFESSIONAL STUDY TO MEET The July gathering of the Nebraska Lutherans for Confessional Study (NLCS) is Thursday, July 26, at Concordia University in Seward. Refreshments will be served at 10 a.m. in TLEC 113. Dr. Matthew Phillips form Concordia University will lead the morning topic at 10:30 a.m., presenting a paper, "Crux a cruciatu dicitur: Preaching Self-Torture as Pastoral Care in Twelfth-Century Religious Houses." Following lunch, Rev. Rev. Robert Wentzel from Trinity Lutheran Church in rural Walton will lead the afternoon topic on "A Lutheran Response to Pietism," pages 64-89 in The Complete Timotheus Verinus by Loescher, 'Contempt for the Means of Grace.' The meeting will conclude by 2:30 p.m. Everyone is invited, both clergy and laity. Back to top NEW FROM CONCORDIA PUBLISHING HOUSE Call 1-800-325-3040 or visit Concordia Publishing House through its website, www.cph.org , to order any of these newly released books. The Light of Christmas Shines Bright in This New Picture Book Since the beginning of the world, God has brought light to darkness. And Jesus' birth was no different. The Light of Christmas shows children ages 4 and up the many ways God has brought light to them, especially in Jesus. The charming rhyme and classic illustrations show readers how God's light impacted creation, the sin of man, and the preparation for Jesus, His birth, teachings, death, and resurrection. Children learn that Jesus is the light in a world dark with sin. They discover that He brought salvation to sinners and the light of forgiveness. Parents and teachers will especially enjoy this unique approach to the Christmas story, telling the old, old story in a new, new way. The Light of Christmas Hardback with jacket, 32 pages $14.99 Item # 56-2410YBG What Happened to Merry Christmas? In a country where the phrase "Merry Christmas" is rapidly being replaced by "Happy Holidays," children are wondering why. In What Happened to Merry Christmas?, Sam is concerned that his school is losing Christmas. His mother helps him realize that reminders of God are everywhere in creation and in the decorations and gifts of Christmas. Sam learns that Christmas is not lost and that holidays can be holy days in the eyes of God and His people. What Happened to Merry Christmas? helps parents teach the real meaning of Jesus' birth and the celebration that surrounds it. Children ages 5 and up learn that Christmas is everywhere they are, found in the symbols and traditions of even a modern Christmas. What Happened to Merry Christmas? Hardback with jacket, 32 pages $14.99 Item # 56-2426 Christmas Night, Fair and Bright Christmas Night, Fair and Bright tells the story of Jesus' arrival as both majestic and humbling. The picture book contrasts these themes with simple words and colorful illustrations. As children ages 4 and up learn about the sights and sounds of that first Christmas, they are also introduced to the story of Mary and Joseph's flight to Egypt with Jesus, an event not typically found in most Christmas books. With this inclusion, children see Jesus' life story begin. Hardback with jacket, 32 pages $14.99 Item # 56-2411YBG Sing Glory, Glory! Jesus Is Born! offers gentle rhyme and colorful illustrations to help parents introduce the Christmas story to children ages 18 months and up. Parents can read the words or sign them to the tune of "Jesus Loves Me" for an interactive and memorable time. Children see different scenes and learn the facts of Christmas in this complete story. They learn that Jesus was born in humility to take on the world's sin, preparing their faith with a strong foundation. Board Book, 10 pages $6.99 Item # 56-2420YBG The Visit of the Wise Men The Visit of the Wise Men gives children ages five and up an accurate portrayal of the Magi, dispelling misunderstandings that put three Wise Men at Jesus' birthplace. Through gentle verse and rich illustrations, this book explains that the Magi were educated men who recognized the divine signs of the Messiah's birth. The Visit of the Wise Men helps children discover the importance of the places, people, timing, and circumstances of Jesus' birth. Children learn that Jesus came as God in the flesh to die for the forgiveness of sins. It's the perfect gift idea or resource for church, school, or library. Hardback with jacket, 32 pages $14.99 Item #56-2427YBG Where Do Angels Sleep? When bedtime arrives, parents can send their little ones to sleep with this faithful explanation of angels and their presence. Children ages 4 and up are particularly inquisitive about these unseen messengers. Where Do Angels Sleep? uses childlike questions to help children learn as well as find comfort and peace knowing that God's angels never sleep; they serve God at all times, watching and guarding. The book is also a heartfelt bedtime prayer that can be read or said every night. Parents will enjoy using this book to close the day with their children. Educators will use the book to teach children biblical truth about these invisible heavenly beings. Hardback with jacket, 32 pages $14.99 Item # 56-2417YBG The Real Story of the Creation Children ages 8 and up are overwhelmed with teachings that are not scriptural. Media, friends, and even schools teach evolution and its theories as fact. The biblical creation story is overlooked. The Real Story of the Creation looks to the Bible to help children learn the facts of creation. Through eloquent and authoritative language by renowned Bible scholar Dr. Paul L. Maier, children learn that they are created in God's image and have stewardship over the earth. Breathtaking illustrations by Robert T. Barrett emphasize the truth of this Bible account. Hardback with jacket, 32 pages $16.99 Item # 56-2407YBG Concordia Commentary: Jonah This commentary by R. Reed Lessing interprets the narrative of Jonah as true history that reveals the God of Israel as gracious toward all who repent and believe in him. The introduction discusses the historical setting, archaeological evidence, and themes in the book. An original translation is based on the textual notes, which explain all the grammatical features of the Hebrew, revealing the literary artistry of Jonah's author. The commentary clearly expounds the book's message in harmony with the rest of the Scriptures. Ironically, Jonah the Israelite begrudges God's abundant grace, while Gentiles are converted to saving faith through the power of the preached Word. Excursuses cover evangelism in the Old Testament, "The Sign of Jonah" in the Gospels, death and resurrection motifs from Jonah 2 in Christian Baptism, and God changing his verdict from judgment to salvation. The commentary's focus is on the "one greater than Jonah": Jesus Christ, the Savior of all peoples. The Concordia Commentary series enables pastors and teachers of the Word to proclaim the Gospel with greater insight and clarity. Interpreting the canonical books of the Old and New Testaments through the person and work of Jesus Christ, each commentary affirms the inspiration and authority of Scripture, offering an original literal translation, textual notes on the Hebrew and Greek texts, and theological exposition to help readers understand and appreciate the distinctive themes of Holy Scripture. R. Reed Lessing is associate professor of exegetical theology at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO, where he has taught since 1999. >From 2004 to 2006, Dr. Lessing was the seminary's interim vice president for student life. Dr. Lessing wrote Interpreting Discontinuity: Isaiah's Tyre Oracle and he is author of the forthcoming Concordia Commentary volume on Amos. Hardback with jacket, $42.99 Item #15-6046LPR Back to top Blessings, 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: 29502 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20070725/4806e3f5/attachment.txt