From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Jun 6 09:33:44 2007 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 06 Jun 2007 14:33:44 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] Vicar David Zillmer Called to Glory Message-ID: VICAR DAVID J. ZILLMER, 42, was called from this earthly life to heavenly life on Sunday, June 3, 2007 in Spencer, Nebraska. He was born on December 28, 1964, in Algoma, Wisconsin, the son of the late Douglas Zillmer, Sr., and Linda (Cornette) Zillmer Kinnard. He graduated from Algoma High School, NWTC, St. Norbert College, and UW-Oshkosh with a BBA in Accounting, MBA, CPA, and CMA. In 2003, he was called to serve his Lord better by becoming a Lutheran pastor/missionary. He was attending Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and was assigned in Spencer & Lynch, Nebraska, for his vicarage year. In 2002, he founded the African Christian Mission Society and made 3 trips to Africa sharing the Good News of salvation in Jesus Christ. He was planning another African mission trip for later in 2007. He is survived by his mother, Linda Kinnard, and stepfather, Donald Kinnard; sister Kathryn (Jerry) Sternitzky and brother Douglas (Kathy) Zillmer, Jr.; and beloved friend Rebecca D. Seurer. Stepbrothers and stepsisters Mike (Sharon) Kinnard, Sue (Jim) Falish, Richard (Colleen) Kinnard, Terri (Dave) VanLaanaen, Connie (Doug) Bitzan, Cathy (Lloyd) Linzmeier, and Neil (Lori) Kinnard. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father. Funeral is Friday, June 8, at 11:00 a.m., St. Peter Lutheran Church, 316 W. Main Street, Forestville, WI 54213, (920) 856-6420. A Christian memorial service will also be conducted at Immanuel Lutheran Church of Spencer, Nebraska at 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 10. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund for the African Christian Mission Society (ACMS) has been established. Donated funds will go toward ACMS current projects: feeding children at an orphanage in Ghana, purchasing land for a church in Sierra Leone, and rebuilding a Christian elementary school in Liberia. Checks can be made out to the African Christian Mission Society, P.O. Box 83, Algoma, WI 54201. Communiqu?s' of Christian care can be sent to Donald and Linda Kinnard at North 9349 County Trunk U, Algoma, WI 54201. 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: 5949 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20070606/4d5babcd/attachment.txt From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Jun 13 14:29:10 2007 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 13 Jun 2007 19:29:10 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] June 13 Message-ID: Update for June 13 A publication of the Nebraska District, a District ABLAZE! Greetings in the name of our Heavenly Father, who has blessed us with many freedoms in this country. Tomorrow is Flag Day, a holiday which seems to go largely unnoticed in society today. Did you know Flag Day began on June 14, 1885, when Bernard J. Cigrand, a 19 year-old teacher in Wisconsin, placed a 10 inch, 38-star flag in a bottle on his desk then assigned essays on the flag and its significance? This annual observance serves to commemorate Congress's adoption of the "Stars and Stripes" as the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777. Still, why celebrate such a thing? One reason may be what the flag stands for yet today. The American flag represents freedom to many Americans, those born here and those who have come from other countries searching for that freedom. What a blessing that we are a country that is able to offer freedom to these strangers. May we also be a church that shares the freedom of the Gospel with those from every tribe and nation who gather under the "Stars and Stripes." Just as the Holy Spirit enabled the disciples to share the Gospel with those "from every nation under heaven" who had gathered in Jerusalem on Pentecost (Acts 2:5), we continue to pray the Holy Spirit will use us today to share the same Good News with those who are gathered with us under the flag. May we remember these freedoms and the opportunities they provide us every time we see a flag this summer. * Prayer Requests * Lincoln Pastor Named Nebraska Father of the Year * Deadline Extended for "Faith Community Responses to Domestic Violence" Workshop * Mental Health Referral List * York Community Connected Through Gospel of John * Lutheran Family Services BRIDGE Bike Ride * Camp Luther Celebrates 40 Years of Outdoor Ministry * Clarification of Ablaze! Theology * News and Upcoming Events at Mission Central * Lutheran Hour Ministries Global Care Package Campaign * College Scholarships Available to LCMS Members PRAYER REQUESTS Volunteer Team from Holy Savior, Lincoln - Members and friends of Holy Savior, Lincoln, will be part of the tornado recovery effort in Greensburg, Kansas, with a four-day servant event from June 17 through June 20. Please pray for safety for this team as they travel to the site and work with other volunteers on debris removal and field walking. Gary Thies - We join with Gary Thies in prayers of thanksgiving for the protection God granted him Monday evening, June 11, when he hit a deer as he traveled home from a congregational visit. Following is an excerpt from Gary's account: Last night when coming home late from Bellevue, Nebraska, having spoken down there -- in a second a deer flew into my path destroying my car. With God's help, I was just fine. . . . Isn't God something? Sometimes we forget that! . . . I'm so thankful for all of you this morning, my dear friends, and I'm thankful that I'm O.K. . . . Yes, there is always so much to be thankful for -- good friends like you . . . and a God who cares for us and love us all the time and PROTECTS US! Back to top LINCOLN PASTOR NAMED NEBRASKA FATHER OF THE YEAR "The Rev. John Schmidt of (Redeemer) Lincoln has been named 2007 Nebraska Father of the Year. It's the first year for the award, sponsored by the Christian Heritage Children's Homes, based near Walton. Pastor Schmidt was selected from 95 nominations from 49 Nebraska communities." Pastor Schmidt and his wife, Lisa, have three children, Erich, Ann, and Krista. Lisa teaches at Christ, Lincoln. The Lincoln Journal Star reported the full story in the June 9 edition. The article may be accessed on their website at http://journalstar.com/articles/2007/06/11/living/religion/doc4669cda7de 227183594747.txt. Back to top DEADLINE EXTENDED FOR "FAITH COMMUNITY RESPONSES TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE" WORKSHOP Pastors, teachers, DCE's, church/school secretaries, lay leaders, and laity will all benefit from this one-day workshop, Faith Community Responses to Domestic Violence, being offered Saturday, June 16, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Concordia, Seward. The low $8.00 registration fee will cover the cost of lunch and breaks. All conference materials and speakers are provided through grant funding. A CD of resources will be sent home with each participant to assist with educating others in their church and school. More information and registration materials were sent to each church office. The information is also available on the District website at www.ndlcms.org . The registration deadline has been extended until Friday, June 15, at noon. Contact Julie Roebke at the District Office, julier at ndlcms.org or 888-643-2961with questions or for more information. Back to top MENTAL HEALTH REFERRAL LIST Pastor Mark Rockenbach, Assistant to the President for Church Worker Health for the Nebraska District, is creating a referral list of counselors in the Nebraska District. He is looking for credentialed and licensed counselors to be included on a list that can be provided to those seeking professional counseling services. If you are a counselor that would like to be included on this list or if you know of a good counselor that could be included, please send name, phone number, and address to Rev. Rockenbach at markr at ndlcms.org. Back to top YORK COMMUNITY CONNECTED THROUGH GOSPEL OF JOHN The community of York is making the concept of "One Book, One Lincoln" more personal by creating the "One Book, One York" project. The idea is that a community chooses one book to read, and those who participate are connected with others who are reading the same book at the same time. The York Ministerial Alliance is sponsoring a similar program in York by encouraging the reading of the Gospel of John. A local bookstore provides free booklets of the Gospel to the public, and community members are encouraged to read one chapter each working day of the month. In this way, the community is united in a common daily activity based on the Bible. Community congregations can and to various extents are complementing the reading with other projects. At Emmanuel, York, they are studying the Gospel of John in one of their adult Bible classes, and their Sunday sermons are based on Jesus' "I am" statements from the Gospel of John. Faith, York, is also involved with this project. For more information on how this project was implemented in York, contact Pastor Mike Neidow at Emmanuel, York, at MNeidow at emmanuel-faith.org. Back to top LUTHERAN FAMILY SERVICES BRIDGE BIKE RIDE Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska is holding the annual BRIDGE Bike Ride on Saturday, June 16, at 8 a.m. at the MoPac Trail. The starting point is Grace Lutheran Church in Walton, just east of Lincoln. NEW THIS YEAR - If you don't ride a bike, you can walk the MoPac Trail and still collect pledges. The Lutheran Family Services BRIDGE program helps men leaving the prison system to be successful and productive in life outside of prison. The BRIDGE provides temporary housing, job seeking assistance, clothing, emotional support, and chemical dependency counseling. Funds raised will go to the BRIDGE program. Information and online registration is available at www.lfsneb.org or contact Mary Langdon at 402-978-5603 or mlangdon at lfsneb.org. Back to top CAMP LUTHER CELEBRATES 40 YEARS OF OUTDOOR MINISTRY The weekend of June 1-3 saw over 300 people taking part in the various celebration events marking the 40th anniversary of Camp Luther's ministry. Almost 50 youth enjoyed the first ever GLOW FOR GOD GAMES held Friday, June 1, from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. Games, power talks, and a Christian Band made the night great! Over 80 golfers enjoyed a cool day of 18 holes of golf in Columbus followed by a great meal. Fun and prizes were had by all. Saturday, June 2, saw nearly two dozen people come together at Camp to relive their times as part of the Lincoln and Omaha singles ministries, where some of them even met their current spouses. On Sunday, June 3, over 140 people attended the outdoor worship and heard Kevin Bueltmann sing, Rev. Tom Brinkley preach, and President Russ Sommerfeld speak and lead liturgy. About 225 people enjoyed the roast pork dinner, and more than 50 quilts were auctioned off. Many old friends reunited to relive the impact of the Camp's ministry on the lives of many. Back to top CLARIFICATION OF ABLAZE! THEOLOGY Four theological leaders in the Missouri Synod, including the presidents of the Synod's two seminaries, say they find nothing in the theology of the Ablaze! initiative to be inconsistent with Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions. LCMS President Gerald Kieschnick cites a statement issued by the four theologians in the June issue of President's Leadership News, an insert carried by Reporter, the Synod's official newspaper. The four who issued the statement are Dr. Dale Meyer, president of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis; Dr. Dean O. Wenthe, president of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind.; Dr. L. Dean Hempelmann, executive director of the Board for Pastoral Education; and Dr. Samuel H. Nafzger, executive director of the CTCR. "We are committed to and engaged in mission and outreach and are eager to be a resource for the entire church in sharing the Gospel. Following a review of the Ablaze! initiative we do not find anything in it to be inconsistent with the Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions," the four theologians say in their joint statement. "To be sure, while some might raise legitimate questions about certain points not included in this initiative, as well as about certain exegetical details, we feel that the materials prepared by the Board for Missions sufficiently answer these concerns." The materials from LCMS World Mission cited in the statement include a document titled, "The Ablaze! Initiative in the LCMS Theologically Considered," which deals with Ablaze! from the perspective of LCMS doctrine and practice. It can be found online at www.lcms.org?8953 . Available from the same page is the fall 2005 "Issues in Christian Education" from Concordia University, Seward, Neb., with the theme "Ablaze!: Origins, Theology, Structure, Impact." Ablaze! is a movement among the Synod and its partner churches to reach at least 100 million people worldwide with the Good News of Jesus by 2017. For information on the Ablaze! initiative and how to be involved, visit the Ablaze! website at http://www.lcms.org/pages/default.asp?NavID=5247. Back to top NEWS AND UPCOMING EVENTS AT MISSION CENTRAL - By Gary Thies STUDENTS FROM CHRIST LUTHERAN SCHOOL NORFOLK, NEBRASKA, MAKE MISSION TRIP TO MISSION CENTRAL On Friday the 8th of June, more than 50 students from Christ Lutheran School at Norfolk, Nebraska, came to Mission Central for a special "Mission Trip." These young missionaries were not aware of the fact that as soon as they departed from their bus that they were to compete in the first ever Mission Central races to determine the "Fastest Young Missionary Runner." Several races were held on the grass area of the facilities, and after a number of elimination races one young man was determined "Champion for the Day" and he was awarded a very unusual currency note from the country of Kyrgyzstan in southeastern Russia. The students all seemed to enjoy the races after their time riding on the bus. Then a special program in the museum was presented to the students, and they found out what the people of Papua New Guinea wore every day, and some of the students were dressed up to experience the clothing, bows and arrows, jungle knife, and jungle gear. Then a special program featuring Dr. Steve Lutz, our missionary in New Guinea, was presented. The students all seemed to enjoy the tour of the offices, the facilities, and especially the Mission Museum. It was a special time for them, and they all became aware of the fact that we are really ALL missionaries. Upcoming Events The speaking schedule of Missionaries at Mission Central for spring and summer: Jerry and Carol Loewe from Jos, Nigeria, will speak on June 19 at 7:00 p.m. Rev. Claude and Rhoda Houge from Kenya, East Africa, will talk about their work of telling thousands about Jesus on June 26 at 7:00 p.m. Vicar Arthur and Eva Rickman from Panama will present at a special Sunday morning worship service at 10:30 a.m. on July 15. Pastor Brent and Jennie Smith and family, the regional director for mission work in Russia and Eurasia, will present amazing stories and pictures from their mission field at 7:00 p.m. on July 27. David and Radka Fiala and family will tell of their calling to teach high school in Slovakia on at 7:00 p.m. on August 2. Pastor Robert and Diana Hedtke from Bangkok, Thailand, will speak at 7:00 p.m. on August 20. An up-to-date speaking schedule is available on the Mission Central website at www.missioncentral.us . Back to top LUTHERAN HOUR MINISTRIES GLOBAL CARE PACKAGE CAMPAIGN Lutheran Hour Ministries' Global Care Packages (GCP) campaign for 2007 is in full swing, and India is the destination. This year's campaign specifically targets the southern province of Tamil Nadu, where people are still trying to rebuild and recover from the devastation of the 2004 tsunami. LHM's ministry center in India has already been heavily involved in distributing food, clothing, Bibles, spiritual help, radio sets, and kerosene stoves. Through the GCP program, LHM calls upon congregations and schools around North America to assemble care packages filled with school supplies, a hygiene kit, and a toy. These items will then be sent to the LHM ministry center in Chennai, India, for distribution as a way to share the Good News of Jesus to thousands of children and their families. Packing a care package is a great summer activity for kids involved in Sunday school or Vacation Bible School classes. For more information about the GCP program or to download materials to help you promote the project, visit www.lhm.org/globalcare, call 1-800-944-3450, ext. 4168, or send an e-mail to globalcare at lhmint.org. Back to top COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE TO LCMS MEMBERS The campus ministries in the Nebraska District would like to help college students, including incoming freshmen, get connected to Christian fellowship and fun. Students attending any college or university in Nebraska are encouraged to send their summer contact information, including name, address, phone number, email address, and college they are attending, to missions at ndlcms.org. Visit www.ndlcms.org for more information. Students who are members of LCMS congregations are eligible to apply for scholarship assistance from the National Council of the Lutheran Student Fellowship. Applicants must be affiliated with an LCMS congregation and enrolled as a full time student in a post high school program of two or more years. Visit www.lutheranstudentfellowship.org/Pages/Scholarships/ to apply. 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: 36395 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20070613/ad53c18c/attachment.txt From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Fri Jun 15 14:36:23 2007 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Fri, 15 Jun 2007 19:36:23 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] Bob Onnen Called to Glory Message-ID: Thursday morning, June 14, shortly after midnight, Bob Onnen was given his crown of glory and joined Jesus in His heavenly kingdom. Bob was a member of the Nebraska District Board of Directors and a congregational member of Faith Lutheran Church in Hebron. A full obituary will be shared via this mailing list as soon as it is available. The funeral for Bob will be Monday, June 18, at 10:30 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, 420 Charles Rd, Hebron. Condolences may be sent to: Barb Onnen 239 N. 6th Hebron, NE 68370 Please keep Barb and all of Bob's family in your prayers during this time of earthly loss. 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: 4888 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20070615/1a846537/attachment.txt From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Mon Jun 18 13:23:34 2007 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Mon, 18 Jun 2007 18:23:34 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] Robert Onnen Called to Glory Message-ID: + OBITUARY + Robert James Onnen, the son of Gerhard and Deloris (Kruse) Onnen, was born July 2, 1949, in Fairbury, NE. He departed this life Wednesday, June 13, 2007, at Thayer County Health Services in Hebron, NE. Bob was baptized into Christ's family in 1949 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Gladstone, NE. He was confirmed on April 7, 1963, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Gladstone, NE, by Rev. A. Wittrock. He grew up on the family farm southeast of Gilead and attended grade school in Gilead. Bob graduated from Hebron High School in 1967. Bob went on to further his education at Peru State College with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1971. He received a graduate assistantship at Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS, where he taught chemistry lab and recitation while working towards a Masters Degree in chemistry and education. Bob married Barbara Binns on August 30, 1969, at the First Christian Church in Hebron. To this union three children were born: Erin, Alan and Ben. Moving to Hebron in 1980, Bob went into partnership with Joe Carbonneau and opened RJ Woods Cabinet Shop, which he continued to own through 2006. Bob served in many capacities at Faith Lutheran, including several terms as an elder, Sunday school teacher, and at the time of his death, president of the congregation. He also served many posts with his involvement in Lutheran Laymen's League including the following: Bob served on the Nebraska District LLL Level and was Special Project Chairman (1991-1992), Media Chairman (1993-1994), Zone Facilitator for Zones 8 & 9 (1995-1996), Zone 9 LLL President (2003-present), many positions in the "Men of Faith" Lutheran Laymen's League Group, and Lay Member for Region B of the Nebraska District LCMS Board of Directors (2003-2007). Bob served his community as a member and current president of the Secrest Library Board. He was also a member and president of the Foundation Board. While serving on this board, the library expansion was achieved and handicap accessibility was made possible with the addition of a ramp and elevator. Bob was also active for many years during his sons' participation in Scouting, serving as a cub master and den leader. Bob especially enjoyed working on projects for the church, whether it was building, helping with Vacation Bible School projects, or Meals-on-Wheels. Bob especially enjoyed spending time with family, attending his children's activities, and participating in family reunions with his siblings. Bob was preceded in death by his grandparents, Gerhard and Mary (Bauer) Onnen and Arthur and Malinda (Pfingsten) Kruse. Bob is survived by his parents, Gerhard and Deloris Onnen of Gilead, NE; his wife, Barb, of Hebron, NE; two sons, Alan Onnen of Chicago, IL, and Ben Onnen of Hebron; one daughter, Erin Onnen of Hebron; five brothers, Mick Onnen and wife Nila of Davenport, NE; Tom Onnen and wife Marna of Valenchia, CA; Tim Onnen and wife Kim of Branson, MO; Joel Onnen and wife Mary of Omaha, NE; and Rick Onnen and wife Christina of Lincoln, NE; one sister, Sandy Jones and husband Marty of Edwards, CO. Funeral services will be held Monday, June 18, 2007, at 10:30 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church in Hebron, NE. Visitation will be Sunday, June 17, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Hebron Memorial Funeral Home in Hebron. Burial will be at Hebron City Cemetery in Hebron. Memorials in care of Faith Lutheran Church, Hebron, or Secrest Public Library in Hebron. Letters of condolence may be written to Mrs. Barb Onnen, 239 N. 6th, Hebron, NE 68370. 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: 9049 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20070618/aaae04c9/attachment.txt From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Jun 20 10:13:36 2007 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 20 Jun 2007 15:13:36 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] June 20 Message-ID: Update for June 20 A publication of the Nebraska District, a District ABLAZE! Greetings in the name of the Lord! * Prayer Requests * Prairie Fire is Coming! * In the News: The Sudanese Children's Choir * World Refugee Day Event in Omaha * Missionary Brent Smith to Lead Services in Grand Island * Project Hope Begins Search for New Executive Director * LCMS Convention Set for July 14-19 in Houston * Lutheran Hour Ministries 2008 Rose Parade Float Now Online * Hurricane Relief Efforts Continue in the Gulf States * Congregation Accepting Applications for Minister of Human Care * Nebraska Lutherans for Confessional Study to Meet * Area Lutheran Marriage Encounter Weekends Planned PRAYER REQUESTS The Family of Bob Onnen - Please continue to remember in prayer the family of Bob Onnen, who was called to his heavenly home last Wednesday, June 13. Bob served as a member of the Nebraska District Board of Directors and was a member at Faith, Hebron. Rev. Claude and Rhoda Houge - We rejoice with missionaries Claude and Rhoda Houge, who are serving LCMS World Mission in Kenya and the region of East Africa, over the birth of a granddaughter. Elsa was born on April 24 to the Houges' son, Nate, and his wife, Jodi. We give thanks to God for this gift of new life. Back to top PRAIRIE FIRE IS COMING! What is ABLAZE!? It 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. How can you be a part of this world-wide evangelism effort? Joining other brothers and sisters in Christ at the 2007 Nebraska District Prairie Fire event is one way to start! This gathering of fellow Nebraska Christians on August 4 at Concordia University in Seward is a wonderful time to be encouraged, inspired, and equipped to share God's love with those in our congregations and communities. The National Director of Outreach for LCMS World Mission, Rev. Scott Snow, will be our guest speaker for the day, sharing encouragement from God's Word at the opening and closing and presenting break-out sessions throughout the day. What do you have to do to attend? Registration packets were mailed to each church office in early June. Contact your pastor or church office staff and ask for these materials, which include a list of break-out sessions being offered and a registration form. Choose three break-out sessions on a variety of topics and send in your registration and $25 payment to the District Office by Friday, July 13. All registration and session information is also available on the District website, along with online registration. Visit www.ndlcms.org for more information. Back to top IN THE NEWS: THE SUDANESE CHILDREN'S CHOIR The children of the Sudanese Children's Choir who were in the van accident on April 29 returned to BryanLGH Medical Center in Lincoln this past Saturday, June 16. This time it was to thank the doctors, nurses, and other health care professionals who did so much to help them that Sunday afternoon in April. The children sang a number of songs for the hospital staff as a way to show their gratitude. The full story can be read in both the Omaha and Lincoln papers by following these links: Omaha World Herald - http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2798&u_sid=10052873 (only available until June 24) Lincoln Journal Star - http://journalstar.com/articles/2007/06/16/news/local/doc467460f1a85ec36 8644622.txt Back to top WORLD REFUGEE DAY EVENT IN OMAHA The Refugee Task Force of Omaha presents A New Home: A New Life, a World Refugee Day event, on Saturday, June 23, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Milo Bail Student Center on the University of Nebraska - Omaha campus. There is no charge for admission, but a "good will offering" is encouraged. Participants will have the opportunity to taste African and Karen foods, buy refugee-made crafts, learn about Omaha organizations involved with refugees, and honor "Friend of Refugee" award winners. For more information on this day-long event, contact Jeff Vandenberg, Refugee Task Force Chair, at 402-346-6100. The schedule for the day follows: Indoor Events 10 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.: Doors open; access to the display booths and vendors 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.: Food and drink available Noon - 1:00 p.m.: Refugee panel discussion Outdoor Events 10 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.: Children's activities area - face painting, henna, bouncy castle, volleyball net, etc. 11 - 11:30 a.m.: International Daycare children perform Noon - 4:00 p.m.: Music and drinks available 1:30 - 2:00 p.m.: Refugee fashion show 2:00 - 2:30 p.m.: Awards ceremony 2:30 - 3:00 p.m.: Traditional Karen Bamboo Dance Back to top MISSIONARY BRENT SMITH TO LEAD SERVICES IN GRAND ISLAND Pastor Brent Smith and his family are home on furlough from the mission field of Eurasia, where Pastor Smith is the Regional Director for LCMS World Mission. Pastor Smith will be preaching and leading the Bible study at Peace, Grand Island, this coming Sunday, June 24. Worship services will be at 8:00 and 10:45 a.m. and Bible study is at 9:25 a.m. Contact the church office at Peace for more information at 308-384-5673. The church is located at 1710 N. North Road. Back to top PROJECT HOPE BEGINS SEARCH FOR NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR The Board of Project Hope has received the resignation of Mary Ann Johnson as Executive Director as of August 1. Nine years ago, Mary Ann accepted the call to serve as Director to Project Hope. We thank her for her devoted work for the mission of Project Hope. Please share with members of your congregation that the position of Executive Director for Project Hope is open and they are currently accepting resumes. The position entails a twenty hour work week administering the services and total program of the mission of Project Hope. Supervision of all volunteers, salaried employees, and fund-raising efforts are also some of the responsibilities. The Board will consider having an interim director who could also be a candidate for the Director's position. Deadline for receiving resumes is July 16, 2007. Interested applicants should mail them to Project Hope, PO Box 11-1312, Omaha NE 68111. The mission of Project Hope is to provide a living witness for God's love in North Omaha through the development and ministries of direct service to people experiencing emergency hunger or clothing needs. More information on this ministry may be found on their website at http://www.lutheransonline.com/servlet/lo_ProcServ/dbpage=page&GID=00032 000001083861995837164&PG=00032000001083861995928378. Back to top LCMS CONVENTION SET FOR JULY 14-19 IN HOUSTON Meeting under the theme "One Message-Christ! His Love Is Here for You!," the 63rd Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) will take place July 14-19 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston. The triennial convention serves as the principal legislative assembly for the church body and includes opportunities for worship, inspiration, and fellowship. Attendance is expected to reach 7,500. Business will include the election of officers, boards, and commissions and the consideration of resolutions, 97 of which already have been drafted. Significant issues coming before the convention include: * Election of the president, five vice presidents, secretary, and treasurer. * Declaration of altar and pulpit fellowship with another U.S.-based denomination-The American Association of Lutheran Churches. * Training and ordaining "specific ministry pastors." * Service of women in the church. * Increased funding for the work of the Synod and district offices. * Participation in civic events. A number of uplifting and inspirational special events also are planned, including an evangelistic outreach to the Houston community July 14 and street-witnessing opportunities during convention lunch breaks. More than 120 exhibitors will showcase products and services to assist professional church workers in their ministries and lay members in their faith. The exhibit hall will feature more than 120 vendors, including "Mission Festival Park," a new interactive attraction showcasing the work of LCMS World Mission, LCMS World Relief and Human Care, Lutheran Hour Ministries, and Lutheran Women in Mission (LWML). Activities in "Mission Festival Park" will include a concert July 15 by the nationally recognized Erin Bode Group, which is working with LCMS World Relief and Human Care to raise money to provide scholarships for students in South Africa; daily presentations about mission work around the world; and opportunities to meet and visit with LCMS missionaries and military chaplains. Another feature will be a "Health Park" staffed by parish nurses offering health and wellness counseling and tips for maintaining healthy lifestyles. Convention attendees include 1,250 voting delegates, 400 advisory delegates, pastors, teachers, other professional church workers, lay members representing the 2.5 million members of Synod congregations, missionaries, and representatives of overseas partner churches. All are instrumental in leading their congregations, schools, districts, and ministries in thousands of locations around the world. Convention proceedings, including special events and the exhibit hall, are open to the public. Also, convention business sessions will be streamed live via the Internet at www.lcms.org/convention. Back to top LUTHERAN HOUR MINISTRIES 2008 ROSE PARADE FLOAT NOW ONLINE The 2008 Lutheran Hour Ministries Rose Parade Theme is: "Joy to the World The Lord has Come." An artist's rendering of the 2008 float is now available to be viewed at http://www.petalpushers.org/2008/float/. Lutheran Hour Ministries has been proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the Pasadena Rose Parade for the past 58 years. A group of volunteers known as the Petal Pushers help assemble the LHM float, as well as other parade floats. More information on the Petal Pushers and how to volunteer to help is also available on the website listed above. Back to top HURRICANE RELIEF EFFORTS CONTINUE IN THE GULF STATES Lutheran Disaster Response and LCMS World Relief and Human Care continue their relief efforts in the Gulf States in response to the hurricanes of 2005. Following is how these ministries are working to assist those affected by these storms, and how you can be involved in this mission effort. Lutheran Disaster Response Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) is committed to the long-term recovery of the U.S. Gulf Coast in the years to come, and a key transition in LDR's operation toward volunteer hospitality will help ensure that commitment, according to Heather L. Feltman, executive director of LDR -- a collaborative ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. To respond to the damage caused by the 15 hurricanes of 2005, LDR, in partnership with its local affiliates and congregations, established several temporary volunteer camps along the Gulf Coast. As communities along the coast continue to rebuild, many areas have recovered enough to assume the role of providing hospitality to incoming volunteer teams, said Feltman. "As an avenue of further empowering and equipping these local communities, LDR will pass on the role of providing hospitality for volunteers to congregations, organizations, and businesses," she said. "Several of the existing camps may remain open through partnerships among congregations and local recovery organizations, housing and feeding volunteer crews for a nominal fee," Feltman reported. "Information about these sites will be provided to prospective volunteers, so that they can be connected to and support local congregations during their time on the coast. Volunteers are also welcome to stay in motels or campgrounds," she said. "Most importantly, please understand that this transition does not mark the end of our response to the 2005 hurricanes. In accordance with our mission to provide long-term holistic support for disaster survivors, we will continue to coordinate volunteer assistance in the rebuilding of the devastated region. This transition will allow volunteers to support rebuilding communities and will help further the impact of donated monies and extend the crucial work of Lutheran Disaster Response along the Gulf Coast for years to come," said Feltman. LCMS World Relief and Human Care As the recovery continues along the Gulf Coast and as we move into the rebuilding phase, the need for donations and volunteers continues to be strong. However, some adjustment in the types of donations and types of volunteers has been needed. LCMS World Relief & Human Care continues to provide support to Camp Restore in east New Orleans and Camp Biloxi in Biloxi, Mississippi. These camps serve somewhat different but equally needy clientele. Camp Restore, under the direction of the Southern District, serves LCMS professional church workers, churches, schools, and members, as well as people from the community. They have been focused on clean up and rebuilding for the past several months. Camp Biloxi will house volunteers and coordinate efforts with Habitat For Humanity to rebuild over 500 homes in one specific area near Biloxi. Therefore, both camps will be open and operating and need volunteers and donations for the foreseeable future. In addition, Lutheran Social Services of the South will continue to operate the camp at the former Bethlehem Children's Home in east New Orleans on a limited basis as well. LCMS World Mission will serve to provide donations and volunteer streams to these camps. They also continue to provide support to the professional church workers of the district and offer counsel and advice on a regular basis. LCMS World Relief & Human Care is also sponsoring a retreat for pastors in early August, as well as offering to provide spiritual care seminars, in process reviews, counsel and assistance to professional church workers, and congregational recovery and outreach programs as needed and requested. Those who wish to aid in the ministry to the affected region are encouraged to contact one of the following: 1) Camp Restore at http://www.camprestore.org/ or 888-248-2636. 2) Camp Biloxi at campbiloxi at cableone.net or 228-297-2534. 3) The Southern District Disaster Recovery Office at http://relief.inspirlink.com/ or 225-752-5590. Please remember to keep these relief efforts in your prayers, as the need for willing volunteers and ministry dollars will continue for years to come. Visit www.ldr.org or http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=8651 for information on how to be involved or donate to help. Back to top CONGREGATION ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR MINISTER OF HUMAN CARE Applications for the position of Minister of Human Care at St. John Lutheran Church, Seward, are being accepted until July 15, 2007. The Minister of Human Care, which is a contract position, initiates, organizes, supervises, and carries out ministry which serves the well-being of St. John members and members of the community. Applicants should hold a bachelor's degree in a human services field. The complete job description and qualifications are available in the church office. Please submit your resume to St. John church office, 919 North Columbia, Seward, NE, 68434. Please call Sharon in the church office with any questions, 402-643-2983. Back to top NEBRASKA LUTHERANS FOR CONFESSIONAL STUDY TO MEET The June gathering of the Nebraska Lutherans for Confessional Study (NLCS) is Thursday, June 28, at Concordia University in Seward. Refreshments will be served at 10 a.m. in TLEC 113. At 10:30, Rev. Dan Feusse from Concordia Lutheran Church in Clearwater will present a paper entitled, "Who Shepherds the Shepherds?" Following lunch, Rev. Robert Wentzel from Trinity Lutheran Church in Walton will lead the afternoon topic on "A Lutheran Response to Pietism," which will cover chapter 2 in "The Complete Timotheus Verinus" by Valentin Ernst Loescher, which is available for purchase from Northwestern Publishing House at http://online.nph.net/cgi-bin/site.pl?10418&productID=150594. The meeting will conclude by 2:30 p.m. Everyone is invited, both clergy and laity. Back to top AREA LUTHERAN MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKENDS PLANNED Couples are urged to consider one of the following opportunities to nurture their marriage and appreciate its blessings. Learn simple, effective communication techniques and practice privately; no group sharing! Presenting couples will share and show you how they learned to bring more joy and understanding to their marriages. Plan ahead and mark your calendar now! Place Date Reservation Couple Omaha, NE October 26-28, 2007 Dayle & Terri Mautz (402-540-8508) 3440 Wildbriar Lane Lincoln, NE 68516 dtmautz at neb.rr.com Sioux Falls, SD Nov 2-4, 2007 and Mar 7-9, 2008 Vern & Karen Harrington (712-533-6221) 26705 170th St. LeMars, IA 51031 giblem at frontiernet.net Grand Island, NE Feb.29-Mar 2, 2008 Arnold & Yvonne Nilsen (308-452-3002) RR 1 Box 20 Hazard, NE 68844 aynilsen at nctc.net For more information, contact one of the couples listed above or one of the following: * 1-800-235-1010 * Bruce and Ila Zellmer at 712-255-9262 * Milton & Donna Kaufman at 605-938-4236 or 605-651-3231 Back to top Summer 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: 53896 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20070620/a97f89a9/attachment.txt From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Jun 27 08:23:53 2007 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 27 Jun 2007 13:23:53 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] June 27 Message-ID: Update for June 27 A publication of the Nebraska District, a District ABLAZE! Greetings in the name of our Heavenly Father, who gave each of us the greatest freedom of all, freedom from sin and death through Jesus Christ. May we find opportunities this next week and always to share our joy in this freedom with those around us. The Nebraska District staff wishes you a happy and safe Fourth of July holiday. * Prayer Requests * The Nebraska District Celebrates 125 Years of Ministry * District Office Holiday Hours * Prairie Fire Sessions Offer Something for Everyone * National Youth Gathering Update * LLL State Fair Worship Service Information * Lutheran Family Services Brings Building Families Boutique Program to Fremont * Eden By the Sea Retreat Ministry in Hawaii * Concordia, Seward, Leads Conference in Scholar Athletes * JCPlayZone Offers Children Safe, Christian Online Entertainment * Lutheran Theological Resources Available Through iTunes Store * Grace Place Retreat Opportunity for Parish Nurses PRAYER REQUESTS Dr. Norman Nagel - Dr. Norman Nagel, professor emeritus of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, suffered a stroke early Saturday morning, June 23. The last report, from late Saturday afternoon, indicated his left side had minimal function, but he hears and understands everything and can speak with some difficulty. Please lift Dr. Nagel and his family up in prayer, asking the Lord to place His healing hand on him and give them all a measure of strength and peace. Rev. Allen Vomhof - Pastor Allen Vomhof, formerly of St. John, Omaha, and currently serving as pastor of St. Stephen, Dickson City, Pennsylvania, has been diagnosed with cancer and is receiving radiology and chemotherapy treatments in Omaha. We join with Pastor Vomhof and his family in prayers for strength and peace during this time, and we ask the Lord to restore him to health and return him to ministry if it be His will. Back to top THE NEBRASKA DISTRICT CELEBRATES 125 YEARS OF MINISTRY "On June 28, 1882, 32 pastors, 17 voting and 15 advisory, one teacher, and 17 lay delegates gathered at St. John Lutheran Church, Logan, near Hooper in Dodge County, and brought this new district into formal existence." Taken from Thy Kingdom Come, W. Theophil Janzow, editor And such was the beginning of the Nebraska District. The Lord has given opportunities throughout the past 125 years for the people of the Nebraska District to partner together in ministry. Since the District's beginning in 1882, the people of the Nebraska District have worked together to make sure the Gospel of Jesus Christ is being proclaimed. Now we have come to a time to look back and celebrate the 125 years of God's rich blessings on the Nebraska District, while at the same time entering the future with confidence in His guiding hand. Congregations are encouraged to offer prayers of thanksgiving this weekend for those who worked for and gathered together to form the Nebraska District 125 years ago, as well as the blessings the Lord has provided since that time. We also join together as 245 congregations in asking the Lord to bless our current partnership in the mission fields and the ministry opportunities He will continue to provide. A special thank offering is being gathered from across the District in response to God's great love and blessings to His people and congregations of the Nebraska District. Those who attend Prairie Fire will have the opportunity to participate in the offering. Information was sent to church offices with the Prairie Fire registration materials. More information will be sent to congregations with materials for a special Anniversary Celebration Service in mid-August. Pastors and church councils are encouraged to begin thinking about ways their congregation can be involved in this opportunity. Contact the District Office at 888-643-2961 or info at ndlcms.org with questions or for more information. Back to top DISTRICT OFFICE HOLIDAY HOURS The District Office will be closed Wednesday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day. The office will reopen Thursday, July 5, at 8:00 a.m. A safe and blessed Fourth of July to all! Please note, there will not be a regular Email Update next week because of the Independence Day holiday. Back to top PRAIRIE FIRE SESSIONS OFFER SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE Where is one place you can go to attend any of the following workshops? * Ministering to Inactives * Responding to Conflict Biblically * Youth Confirmation: An Outreach Ministry?! * Outreach to 30-Somethings and Younger * Witnessing to Family and Friends * Outreach Through Midweek Answer: Prairie Fire! With 48 different sessions being offered on one day, everyone is sure to find topics to inspire, equip, and resource them in their personal or congregational outreach efforts. Whether you are a church worker, a lay leader, or a member in a congregation, there are workshops that will help encourage you in the sharing of your faith, along with keynote speaker Rev. Scott Snow. Rev. Snow is the National Director of Outreach for LCMS World Mission, and he will take time to help participants see the open doors the Lord gives them for witness and help dispel some common misconceptions about sharing faith in Jesus. The more people who come from a congregation, the more ministry tools can be taken back to do ministry in that place. So, gather a group from your congregation, browse the catalog of session topics, send in your registration forms, and plan now to join fellow believers from across Nebraska on August 4 for an unforgettable day of fellowship and resourcing. Registration materials were mailed to each church office and are available on the District website at www.ndlcms.org . Online registration is also available from this site. Make your plans now - the registration deadline is Friday, July 13. Back to top NATIONAL YOUTH GATHERING UPDATE Now is the time to check out all the new information added to the Gathering website, www.lcmsgathering.com . You'll find: * the 4th Edition of The Peel pre-Gathering Bible studies, * copies of on-site Bible studies, * music downloads, * talent stage sign-ups, * and much more available on the website. The Gathering schedule is now available on the website. Download the schedule to your assigned personality, "Caitlyn," "Blake," or "Julie," to guide your activities at the Gathering. The Gathering Guidebook will be given to all participants at the Gathering, but it is also available on the website. Download this resource now so you'll know where to locate information when you arrive at the Gathering. Participant substitutions must be made to the Gathering office by July 1! (Remember, July 1 is a Sunday, but if they have the substitution in their office on Monday, July 2, they will accept it.) Stop by the Nebraska District booth in the CHOZONE Commons area on Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday of the Gathering to say "Hi." Maybe you'll be CHOSEN to play "Let's Make A Deal" and win a fabulous prize! Or better yet, make sure your group is signed up to help at the booth. Contact Julie Johnston at Julie.Johnston at cune.edu if you want to help. Groups who've already signed up to help will receive their assigned day/time soon! Monday, July 30, is District T-shirt Day. If you got a District T-shirt, be sure and wear it that day at the Gathering! Monday, July 30, is the day for our District Event at the Rosen Centre. Come anytime between 8 a.m. and 9:45 a.m. (event ends at 10 a.m.) for breakfast, music, and fun. "Rough Draft" will perform from 8:30 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. Everyone gets fun Nebraska District giveaways! There's still room to join us! Contact Dave Kumm at David.Kumm at cune.edu ASAP if you'd still like to register your group. Groups riding the District charter buses will be receiving final details and reminders soon. This information will be sent to PALs to be shared with the rest of the congregational group. Be sure to contact your Nebraska District Coordinators Julie Johnston (402-643-7354) or Dave Kumm (402-643-7380) if you have any last minute Gathering questions. Back to top LLL STATE FAIR WORSHIP SERVICE INFORMATION Pastors and church office staff - please consider including this information in your August newsletter, as well as one or more bulletins prior to the State Fair. Are you planning to take in the Nebraska State Fair? Will you be there on a Sunday? If so, join the Nebraska District Lutheran Laymen as they provide a worship service at the Open Air Auditorium each Sunday at 9:00 a.m. Rev. Bo Baumeister, chaplain at Concordia University, Seward, Nebraska, will be preaching on Sunday, August 26. Serving as liturgist and sharing a children's message will be Rev. Bob Paulson, who serves as visitation pastor at St. Paul, Utica, and St. John, Seward. Special music will be provided by the Christ Lutheran Choir of rural Columbus. Rev. Steve Siegel will be preaching the message on Sunday, September 2. Pastor Siegel is the director of United States Ministries for Lutheran Hour Ministries. Leading the worship service and sharing the children's message will be Rev. Duane Fahr of Bloomfield, Nebraska. Pastor Fahr serves as the Nebraska District's LLL Pastoral Advisor. Special music will be provided by the Verdigre Men's chorus of Verdigre, Nebraska. If you are at the Fair, don't miss this special time to worship our Lord. Back to top LUTHERAN FAMILY SERVICES BRINGS BUILDING FAMILIES BOUTIQUE PROGRAM TO FREMONT Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska, Inc. (LFS) is bringing its Building Families Boutique program to Fremont in September 2007. Lutheran Family Services currently provides pregnancy counseling, adoption, and mental health and substance abuse services through its Fremont location at 4th & D Streets. The Fremont Boutique will use the same program model as the LFS Building Families Boutique in Council Bluffs, Iowa, which serves 340 families with children prenatal to age 5. Meghan Malik, Young Families Initiative Program Supervisor, said "This incentive-based program encourages parents to engage in healthy activities, rewarding positive behaviors with points redeemable for much needed items including diapers, strollers, infant clothing and car seats." Malik commented, "This program, remarkably successful in Council Bluffs, also provides parent education classes with free on-site childcare. We are excited to offer such needed services to not only Fremont families, but to families in the surrounding communities as well." Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Fremont has offered program and office space as well as assistance with securing Boutique store items and volunteers. "I am absolutely delighted about Good Shepherd's thundering and unanimous vote of approval to this partnership between our congregation and Lutheran Family Services," said Rev. Tim Gierke, Senior Pastor. In 1892, LFS began as an orphanage for children in Fremont. In the 1950s, two cottages replaced the orphanage as group homes to care for homeless children, and today Good Shepherd Lutheran Church is located on the site of the former orphanage. Gierke said, "It's icing on the cake that we are privileged to welcome LFS back to the very place where they had their beginning - here on our growing campus at the corner of East Military and Lincoln. This congregation and its staff stand solidly in support of what LFS is doing to help improve the lives and health of families and children in the Fremont area." Back to top EDEN BY THE SEA RETREAT MINISTRY IN HAWAII Eden by the Sea is a non-profit (501c3) retreat ministry designed solely for the rest and renewal of LCMS church workers and their spouses. In its fourth year of ministry, hosting over 70 couples thus far, Eden by the Sea is a very unique and much-needed ministry providing a customized experience of renewal, rest, and recreation in one of the most beautiful places in God's creation - Hawaii. Not only is Eden by the Sea focused specifically on offering a customized, private, comfortable, and totally relaxing experience for our tired LCMS church workers (and their spouses), but the requested donation is under $70 a night - a third of the cost of other vacation accommodations of this quality and location on the island. Visit their website or contact them by phone or email via the website if you are interested in receiving more information. They would love to answer all your questions and bless you with the peace & renewal of the Lord through the ministry of Eden by the Sea. Website: www.edenbythesea.org Phone Number: 808-261-9504 Back to top CONCORDIA, SEWARD, LEADS CONFERENCE IN SCHOLAR ATHLETES For the fourth consecutive year, Concordia University, Nebraska led the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) in number of NAIA Scholar-Athletes. The GPAC, which features over 4,500 student-athletes in 19 sanctioned sports, had 401 student-athletes earn the NAIA honor. During the 2006-2007 season the Bulldogs paced the conference with 54 scholar-athlete award winners. In the last four years Concordia has had 188 student-athletes garner the NAIA Scholar-Athlete award. In order to receive the honor, players must carry a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale and be junior or above in academic standing. Back to top JCPLAYZONE OFFERS CHILDREN SAFE, CHRISTIAN ONLINE ENTERTAINMENT Lutheran Hour Ministries offers a fun way to entertain children while they're away from school for this summer. LHM's website, www.jcplayzone.com, engages children through interactive games, crafts, recipes, and other activities in a safe, Christian environment. JCPlayZone's activities encourage children to visit frequently because the site's content changes often to reflect seasonal activities or an upcoming holiday. New coloring pages, crafts, and e-cards are now included on the site, and music from "That's the Joy," a CD produced by Bobby and Julie Schroeder of BLS Ministries in Leawood, Kansas, has been added as well. A companion website for parents, www.jcparentzone.com, provides parents access to relevant parenting information from a Christian perspective. The articles and spiritual question and answer section are updated regularly. Fathers can also discuss timely parenting issues through the site's blog for single dads. Back to top LUTHERAN THEOLOGICAL RESOURCES AVAILABLE THROUGH iTUNES STORE On May 30, Concordia Seminary became one of 16 higher education institutions featured in the iTunes Store, the world's largest catalog of songs, television shows, movies, and now educational content. Concordia Seminary's iTunes site is accessed through iTunes U, the new educational section of the iTunes Store. Additionally, the Seminary's Elementary Greek course is one of 12 highlighted resources on iTunes U and can be accessed through an icon link in the center section of the site. The addition of iTunes U to the iTunes Store enables Concordia Seminary to deliver theological and educational resources to an unprecedented number of people around the world. Previously, the Seminary's iTunes U site, which could only be accessed directly at itunes.csl.edu, received approximately three to four thousand visits per week. Its inclusion in the iTunes Store gives the Seminary the potential to reach millions. "We are thrilled to be one of the educational institutions included in the iTunes Store," commented Rev. Anthony Cook, the Seminary's director of educational technology. "It is our hope that Concordia Seminary can leverage this new technology to deliver free Gospel-based educational content directly to students, congregation members and those who seek a better understanding of Jesus and His Church." Online resources available from "Concordia Seminary on iTunes U" include symposia, convocations, lectures, interviews, chapel sermons, course material, and more. To access "Concordia Seminary on iTunes U" directly, go to itunes.csl.edu. To access iTunes U from within the iTunes Store, click on the iTunes U link in the top, left-hand box or in the center section of the iTunes Store. Both Macintosh and Microsoft Windows-based computers are able to utilize this technology. Back to top GRACE PLACE RETREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR PARISH NURSES Spaces are still open for parish nurses in the Grace Place Retreat to be held September 24-28 at Camp Arcadia (Arcadia, Michigan). Registration closes August 22, so sign up now! Grace Place Lutheran Retreats provides a haven for Lutheran church workers through education, restoration, and recreation. During the week-long retreat, individuals will learn new ways to be totally healthy - spiritually, physically, emotionally, intellectually, relationally, and fiscally. It is the hope that the attendees will walk away from the retreat week renewed in body, mind, and spirit. Grace Place charges only $95 per person for the parish nurse retreat ...a terrific fiscal investment for this unique health training (this retreat is for individuals, not couples). Many congregations have assisted their workers with these costs, thus enabling them to participate in a retreat. The actual cost of the retreat is more than $1,000 per person - however, through grants and generous donations the price is kept to $95 for the parish nurse retreat. This amount covers meals, room, and the program costs for the week. For more information and to register, contact Grace Place executive assistant Annette Woehlke at annette.woehlke at graceplaceretreats.com or (314) 842-3077. Or visit their website (www.graceplaceretreats.org ) for on-line registration and payment. Back to top Thanks to all who contributed information for this week's Email Update. If you have items to share in future Updates, please send them to communications at ndlcms.org. Past Updates are available from www.ndlcms.org/news/communications/update.html. Have a happy and safe Fourth of July, 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: 46869 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20070627/f28cb822/attachment.txt