[DistUpd] December 10

Wed Dec 10 16:45:19 CST 2008

Update for December 10
A publication of the Nebraska District, a District ABLAZE!

Advent greetings in the name of Jesus, our Lord of Love. The lighting of this week's Advent candle reminds us of love - the incomparable and indescribable gift of God's love in His Son, Jesus. As we hustle and bustle through this busy time of preparation, may we take the time to thank God for His love that sent Jesus to save the world, and may we be ABLAZE! to share this Good News with those whose paths we cross.

*         Prayer Requests
*         Visit the Holy Land Next Summer
*         2009 Nebraska District LLL Convention Information
*         "Stem Cell Research and the 21st Century Family Living in a Biotech World" Workshop
*         Good News from Fan into Flame
*         Visiting Theologian Weekend at Pacific Hills
*         Confirmation Retreat for Small Churches
*         Take the Bus to the LWML Convention in Portland
*         Grace Place Date Changes
*         Teen LWML Thanks Pastor
*         Family Life Ministry Workshops Offered by Concordia University
*         LCMS Families Lose Homes to Wildfires

PRAYER REQUESTS
Rev. William Engebretsen and family - We lift up in prayer Rev. William Engebretsen of Immanuel, Laurel, and his family at the passing of his mother, Alda. Mrs. Engebretsen was called to the Lord's side on Monday, December 8, and the funeral will be held on Friday, December 12, at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Harrison, Nebraska. Pastor Engebretsen also serves as pastoral counselor for the Nebraska North District LWML and as Wayne Circuit Counselor. Please ask the Lord to grant him and his family an extra measure of His comfort and peace at this time.

Family of Rev. Juraine Hornig - Please remember in prayer the family of Rev. Juraine Hornig, who passed away in Rapid City, South Dakota, on Monday, December 8. Pastor Hornig served the congregation of St. Paul's, Ogallala from 1969 to 1985, during which time he also served on the mission field of the Philippines on two occasions. Funeral services will be Friday, December 12, at 10:00 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church in Rapid City, South Dakota, with a second funeral service on Saturday, December 13, at 10:00 a.m. Central Time at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Huron, South Dakota. We pray for the Lord to send His comfort and peace to the family during this difficult time.

Nathan Hultquist - The following prayer request was shared by Pastor Don and Sandy Becker of St. Paul, Minden, on behalf of their grandson:
Prayers are requested for Nathan Hultquist, who returns to Children's Hospital in Denver for another scheduled MRI Thursday, December 11, to check the status of Nathan's brain tumors first diagnosed in the spring of 2003, radiated in the summer of 2004, and neither growing nor spreading since then. Nathan's parents, Rob and Jen (Becker) Hultquist of Hearthwell, Nebraska, are also members of St. Paul, Minden. They share the following news: Nathan has an MRI next Thursday in Denver and then he'll do the multi-disciplinary clinic. This time we'll be seeing the neurosurgeon, neuropsychologist, neuro-oncologist, ophthalmologist, endocrinologist, dietician, and the social worker. Could be a long afternoon so we'll pack a big bag of stuff to keep Nathan busy. Please keep him in your prayers.

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VISIT THE HOLY LAND NEXT SUMMER
Come to the Holy Land! Professor Mark Meehl of Concordia University, Nebraska, will be leading a tour of Israel from Jun 3-16, 2009. The tour will not only visit important biblical and archeological sites, but will introduce you to the current occupants of the land - Israelis, Palestinian Christians, and Palestinian Moslems. A pilgrimage of spiritual, biblical, and historical dimensions, this tour will feature worship in a thirteenth century chapel in Jerusalem, a boat trip across the Sea of Galilee, floating in the waters of the Dead Sea, leisurely walks through the Old City of Jerusalem, discussions with Palestinian Christians living in Bethlehem, and much more. Please consider joining this wonderful tour. The cost for the tour is $4,080, which includes all meals, fees, and tips . . . everything except lunches. For more information, contact Mark Meehl at mark.meehl at cune.edu<mailto:mark.meehl at cune.edu> or 402-643-6652.

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2009 NEBRASKA DISTRICT LLL CONVENTION INFORMATION
Lutheran Hour Speaker Rev. Ken Klaus will be featured at the 2009 Nebraska District Lutheran Laymen's League District Convention to take place at the Holiday Inn Convention Center in Sidney on March 27-29.

Plans for the convention weekend, which begins Friday evening, include an in-service gathering for backpacks for children in Lebanon through LHM's Global Care Packages Program, entertainment by Zone 1, evening devotions, and a reception for Mick Onnen, new International LLL President from Davenport, and Rev. Ken Klaus.

Convention business will be conducted Saturday, followed by a Lutheran Hour Rally at 4:00 p.m. Rev. Ken Klaus will be the speaker and organist will be J. Gordon Christensen of Imperial. A brat feed will follow the rally. Another highlight Saturday evening will be a question-and-answer session featuring Rev. Klaus and Mick Onnen. Participants will have the opportunity to hear information about Lutheran Hour Ministries and the new Men's Network.

Sunday morning will close the convention with a worship service and a Bible study led by Rev. Klaus.

This convention offers a special opportunity to spend time together with fellow believers, to be encouraged in your faith, and to visit with the Lutheran Hour Speaker. Pastors and laity, both men and women, throughout Nebraska are invited to join together for a great time of Christian fellowship. Mark your calendars for March 27-29, and make plans now to head out to Sidney!

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"STEM CELL RESEARCH AND THE 21ST CENTURY FAMILY LIVING IN A BIOTECH WORLD" WORKSHOP
Dr. Robert W. Weise, Professor of Practical Theology at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis will conduct a workshop entitled "Stem Cell Research and the 21st Century Family Living in a Biotech World" at Messiah Lutheran Church at 1800 S. 84th Street on Saturday, December 13, from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon and again from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. There is no admission charge to attend the event.

Dr. Weise's presentation will center on the current national and international debate over adult and embryonic stem cell research. He will begin with an overview of current biotechnologies such as test-tube babies, embryo adoption, genetic technology, and their connection to stem cell research. His discussion will also include the current influence of Natural Darwinism and the current political and media environment. A scientific explanation of stem cell research will be reviewed in light of Paul's teachings. The use of 500,000 "spare, abandoned" frozen embryonic human beings in embryonic stem cell research will also be discussed. Dr. Weise enjoys group discussions and time for questions and answers. His goal is to assist those who attend to structure their thinking in these issues using the Word of God as his foundation.

Dr. Weise will also be delivering the sermon at Messiah's Sunday worship services on December 15 at 8:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 6:00 p.m.

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GOOD NEWS FROM FAN INTO FLAME
The Lord continues to work in the hearts of His people, and as more Nebraska District congregations share with their members the urgent need to tell people about the saving work of Jesus Christ, hearts are moved to support this work with gifts and prayers.

That's what Fan into Flame is: the invitation for each member in every congregation to be involved in supporting Ablaze! mission projects through gifts and prayers. Every gift to this unique mission endeavor goes to support telling people about Jesus in four mission fields as outlined in Acts 1:8 - locally, district-wide, nationally, and internationally.

Just this week, the Nebraska District received Fan into Flame pledge agreements and reports from two more congregations: Immanuel, Daykin and St. John, (Kramer) Crete. Both congregations implemented congregational appeals and held their commitment Sundays in November. The Lord moved the hearts of the people at Immanuel, Daykin, and their gifts exceeded the congregational goal by more than 225%! The people of St. John, rural Crete, were also moved to support mission and ministry opportunities and exceeded their goal by more than 120%! Thanks be to God for using the people in these congregations to support outreach ministry projects in their communities, in Nebraska, and around the world.

These congregations, together with several generous donors and more than 35 other congregations in the Nebraska District that have or are currently participating in Fan into Flame, contributed to the over $3 million given or committed so far from Nebraska to support sharing the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ. Just imagine the outreach projects that could be supported to spread the Gospel message if your congregation joined in this effort!

Other congregations are still considering how they will participate. Many congregations will discuss this opportunity at their January voters' meetings and make decisions. If your congregation has not discussed Fan into Flame or decided how to participate, make plans now to talk about this at your next meeting. More information, as well as a Congregational Pledge Agreement Form, is available on the District's Fan into Flame website, www.ndlcms.org/news/FiF<http://www.ndlcms.org/news/FiF>. Questions may be directed to Andrea Essling at the District Office, Andrea.Essling at lcms.org<mailto:Andrea.Essling at lcms.org> or 888-643-2961.

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VISITING THEOLOGIAN WEEKEND AT PACIFIC HILLS
Pacific Hills, Omaha (1110 S 90th Street), offers the fifth annual Visiting Theologian Weekend February 20-22. This year's featured speaker will be Dr. Charles Arand, professor of systematic theology at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. Dr. Arand's topic will be "Luther's Two Kinds of Righteousness - For the Pulpit and the Pew."

The weekend begins on Saturday with registration at 8:45 a.m. The cost for the presentation is $15 per person or $10 for students, payable at the door. Continental breakfast will be served from 9:00 - 9:30 a.m., with Dr. Arand's presentation beginning at 9:30 a.m. Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. On Sunday, Dr. Arand will preach at the 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. services, as well as leading the Adult Forum at 9:15 a.m. A noon luncheon will be offered, along with question-and-answer time.

Those interested in attending should reserve space by February 18 by emailing revhawk at cox.net<mailto:revhawk at cox.net>.

Dr. Arand's most recent book (2008), co-authored with his seminary colleague Dr. Robert Kolb, is "The Genius of Luther's Theology: A Wittenberg Way of Thinking for the Contemporary Church."  The book is a refreshing visit to the heart of Luther's theology; namely, the two kinds of righteousness and God's powerful Word. Published by Baker Academic, the book is available at discount at Amazon.com. Reading the book, especially Part One, prior to the weekend would provide excellent preparation for Dr. Arand's presentation. Dr. Arand would be pleased to sign your copy of his book.

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CONFIRMATION RETREAT FOR SMALL CHURCHES
Camp Luther will be hosting a Confirmation Retreat on February 27-28 for small churches, especially those with 10 or fewer students in their confirmation classes. Rev. Keith Christianson will be the guest speaker, and he will speak on three of the six chief parts.  Each pastor and their own students will be able to meet and discuss each topic further after each of his presentations. In addition, camp staff (including some CU students) will provide group games, activities, and campfires.  More details and registration materials are available on the camp website at www.campluther.org<http://www.campluther.org/> under the "What's New" link.

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TAKE THE BUS TO THE LWML CONVENTION IN PORTLAND
Arrangements are currently being made to provide a charter bus to the LWML Convention being held in Portland June 25-28, 2009. Anyone is invited to ride along and enjoy the smooth ride on a Heartland Coach to and from the convention. The bus will leave Monday morning, June 22, picking up passengers at Beatrice, then various locations along I-80 from Lincoln to Ogallala. Passengers will stay overnight at Cheyenne, Wyo.; Ogden, Utah; and LaGrande, Ore.; with the bus arriving in Portland about noon on Thursday, June 25.

The convention begins Thursday evening and ends around noon on Sunday, June 28. The bus will leave Portland right after the convention ends and passengers will stay at the same motels they did on the way out. The bus should return to Beatrice Wednesday evening, July 1.

More details will be shared with those who register for the trip. To register, see the form printed in the Winter 2008 LWML Quarterly Echo, the LWML South newsletter, or contact Edna Moll for more information at 402-365-4181. The registration deadline for reservations on the bus is January 31.

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GRACE PLACE DATE CHANGES
Grace Place Retreats has made the following changes to their 2009 schedule. This is a change from the dates previously shared through Nebraska District publications. Congregations and church workers are encouraged to include a Grace Place Retreat in plans for 2009, so please make note of the following changes.

July 6-10, 2009
Pastors and spouses in Aspen, Colorado     Cost $345

July 13-17, 2009    Educators/Ministers of Music and spouses in Aspen, Colorado     Cost $345

For information regarding these or additional retreats, you may check the District website www.ndlcms.org/congregational/workercare/graceplace.html<http://www.ndlcms.org/congregational/workercare/graceplace.html> or go to www.graceplaceretreats.org<http://www.graceplaceretreats.org/> to register.

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TEEN LWML THANKS PASTOR
The results of the Pastor Appreciation Month Card Challenge by Immanuel Laurel's Teen LWML: WORD! were 24 cards, one cross-shaped cake (shared with the confirmation class), and a package of Twizzlers.

WORD! will be mailing at least $13.00, and Immanuel LWML will be matching this amount, to District North LWML Mites.

Pastor Engebretsen has been more than pleased with the response and personally thanked the congregation before worship services on November 2nd.

What a blessing to see these young women recognizing the important work of their pastor with mission gifts to help share the love of Jesus with others!

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FAMILY LIFE MINISTRY WORKSHOPS OFFERED BY CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY
Concordia University, Nebraska, is offering a number of Family Life Ministry workshops in January as part of its College of Graduate Studies at its Lincoln Campus. Those who are interested in attending one or more of the following workshops may do so on a day-by-day basis. The cost is $50 per workshop/day, and participants will not earn credit, but will earn continuing education credits.

Theo 585 - Family Life Ministry
Instructor: Dr. Paul Vasconcellos

Monday, Jan. 12
Theological Framework: Families and the Church (Workshop #190)

Tuesday, Jan. 13
Defining the Family (Workshop #191)

Wednesday, Jan. 14
Changing the Paradigm (Workshop #192)

Thursday, Jan. 15
Family Ministry in the Congregation (Workshop #193)

Friday, Jan. 16
Congregational Family Ministry (Workshop #194)

Psy 555 - Lifespan Development
Instructor: Rev. Kevin Kohnke

Monday, Jan. 19
Lifespan Development Perspectives (Workshop #130)

Tuesday, Jan. 20
Adolescence (Workshop #131)

Wednesday, Jan. 21
Middle-Late Childhood (Workshop #132)

Thursday, Jan. 22
Early, Middle, and Late Adulthood (Workshop #133)

Friday, Jan. 23
End of Life and Faith Maturity (Workshop #134)

Theo 483 - Sexuality and the Family
Instructor: Rev. Roger Sonnenberg
Monday, Jan. 26
The Theology of Sexuality and Reproduction (Workshop #170)

Tuesday, Jan. 27
Love and Intimacy (Workshop #171)

Wednesday, Jan. 28
Sexual Health (Workshop #172)

Thursday, Jan. 29
Sexual Violence (Workshop #173)

Friday, Jan. 30
Teaching Human Sexuality (Workshop #174)

To register your attendance for a workshop please print out the form located at the following web address, complete, and mail to the address on the form:
http://www.cune.edu/resources/docs/academics/family-life-registration.pdf.

If you would like more information, please contact Rev. Kevin Kohnke at kevin.kohnke at cune.edu<mailto:kevin.kohnke at cune.edu>.

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LCMS FAMILIES LOSE HOMES TO WILDFIRES (From LCMSNews - No. 72, December 5)
Rev. Craig Boehlke and his wife, Jennifer, were watching television at 11:30 p.m. Nov. 15, when a neighbor knocked on their sliding glass door and warned them that wildfires were approaching their mobile home community in Sylmar, Calif.  The couple switched to the local news channel and watched the fire's progression.  At 2:30 a.m., they received a mandatory evacuation order.
"We had about 15 minutes to get photo albums, pictures off the wall, and some changes of clothing into our car," said Boehlke, pastor of Our Savior's First Lutheran Church, Granada Hills, Calif.  "That was all."

Their home was one of 425 mobile homes that were reduced to ashes by the wildfires that swept through the San Fernando Valley, just north of Los Angeles.  They and five other LCMS families lost their houses in the community including Rev. Charles Collier, pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in Tujunga, Calif., who lost two homes: his and a rental property that was for sale.

Collier, who had knee replacement surgery two weeks earlier, was asleep when the evacuation order was received.  "We had 10 minutes to get out: me, three dogs, and my caretaker."  Even with his knee still painful, he managed to drive his van away from the fire.

"We talk about helping people out in these kinds of circumstances," he said, "but now I approach it differently having been on the other side.  The Pacific Southwest District people just have been so generous and loving on top of all this.  And I will be returning money to the disaster fund as I'm able."

The fund he mentions was started last year during the southern California fires, said Jerry Reichman, executive team leader and disaster response coordinator for the Pacific Southwest District.  Donations to it have been made by LCMS Lutherans all over the country.  "We gave about $100,000 to those affected in the San Diego fires," Reichman said, "and we have given $24,000 to the four churches whose pastors and members were affected by these latest fires."
The Boehlkes, accompanied by Rev. Glenn F. Merritt, director of Disaster Response, and Rev. Carlos Hernandez, director of Districts and Congregations with LCMS World Relief and Human Care, returned to their home several days later, but all they found were pieces of their nativity scene which had been in a storage area.

Boehlke says he can see God in action even in the midst of the destruction. "People have been wonderful in responding to this crisis," Boehlke said.  "Our Pacific Southwest District office has helped, as has LCMS World Relief.  Some non-LCMS churches have even taken up door offerings for us.  To see the body of Christ responding like this is wonderful."

During their two-day trip to California, Merritt and Hernandez met with Rev. James Page and Principal Peggy Courtney of First Lutheran Church and School in San Fernando.  First Lutheran opened its doors to people who had evacuated their homes in the middle of the night and served as a shelter for two days.  LCMS WR-HC gave a $5,000 emergency disaster relief grant to the school to help two of its non-member families whose homes were destroyed.

"These are folks who really need help," Page told the LCMS WR-HC staff.  "Even before the economic downturn, people here were living paycheck to paycheck."  First Lutheran School, with grades K-12, serves a large Latino population and a growing Korean population.

LCMS WR-HC gave another $5,000 grant to Hephatha Lutheran Church and School, Anaheim, Calif., to help two non-member families who lost everything in the fire.  As of Dec. 3, the Synod's disaster response arm has given $36,000 in emergency relief grants to the Pacific Southwest District and its congregations.

"These grants will not cover all the many needs of these households," said Hernandez, "which include the up-front costs of transitional housing, clothing, furnishings, food, etc., but it will help them begin the long road back to recovery, which includes knowing, experiencing, and receiving Christian care and compassion as they move through the trauma and crisis of suddenly being homeless."

Donations may be sent to LCMS World Relief and Human Care, P.O. Box 66861, St. Louis, MO 63166-9810.  Or, call the credit-card gift line at 888-930-4438. To give online, visit http://www.lcms.org/ca/worldrelief/menus/news (click "Give Now").

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Advent blessings,
Nichole Hetz
Nebraska District LCMS
Director of Communications
1-888-643-2961
nicholeh at ndlcms.org<mailto:nicholeh at ndlcms.org>
www.ndlcms.org<http://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.

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