[DistUpd] December 17

[District Updates]

Update for December 17
A publication of the Nebraska District, a District ABLAZE!

Advent greetings in the name of our newborn Savior, Jesus. Traditionally, the third of the Advent candles is lit on Gaudate Sunday and helps to focus us on rejoicing. It may seem natural to rejoice when we think about the real meaning of Christmas and the wonderful gift of a Savior God sent, but how many people rush through December without taking the time to remember the real reason for the celebration they are frantically preparing for. The "rejoice" candle helps us to refocus on our celebration of Jesus' birth and the joy that will be ours for eternity at His second coming.

Many people may grumble in the next week and not find anything to rejoice about, ourselves included. What a blessing that we have the joy of Christmas and of Easter to share with these people. May our rejoicing as we go about last minute tasks be evident to those around us, and may we be able to give witness to the joy we have when someone asks us about it.

The Nebraska District Board of Directors and Staff wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year.


*         Prayer Requests
*         District Office Holiday Hours
*         No Email Update Next Two Weeks
*         Fan into Flame Continues Across Nebraska
*         Concordia Plan Services "Reward" to Complete Assessment Ends December 31
*         Special Christmas Activities Available on "JCPlayZone"
*         Lutheran Hour to Once Again Have Rose Parade Presence
*         Concordia Chamber Choir to Perform in North Platte
*         Pre-Lent Preaching Seminar
*         Concordia University Launches New Speaker Series, "Looking Beyond"
*         Concordia Publishing House Launches Website for The Lutheran Study Bible
*         LCMS Servant Events Offers Record Number of Events for 2009
*         Share God's Word with Spanish-Speaking Neighbors


PRAYER REQUESTS
Pastor B.J. and Jessica Fouts - We give thanks to God for the gift of new life He has granted to Pastor B.J. and Jessica Fouts of Trinity, Hebron, at the birth of their daughter, Abigail. We rejoice with them at this addition to their family, and we look forward to welcoming Abigail into the body of Christ through her baptism.

The Family of Rev. Mark Meschke - Please remember in prayer the family of Rev. Mark Meschke, 61, of Collinsville, Ill., who died on Friday, December 12. Rev. Meschke was preceded in death by his father, Bernhardt Meschke. Rev. Bernhardt Meschke served Mount Olive Lutheran Church of Norfolk, Immanuel Lutheran Church of Columbus, and Saint Peter Lutheran Church of Hampton.  Pastor Bernhardt Meschke also served as Nebraska District Secretary.

Rev. Gene and Linda Gierke and Family - We lift up in prayer Rev. Gene and Linda Gierke and their family at the passing of Linda's mother on Saturday, December 13. We ask the Lord to grant this family His comfort and peace at this time as they prepare for a Christmas without their loved one, while celebrating the gift of eternal life she received through Jesus Christ.

Nathan Hultquist - Pastor Don Becker of St. Paul, Minden, shared this follow-up prayer request after his grandson's visit to the hospital last week:
Prayers of praise and thanksgiving to God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Nathan's latest MRI showed all things stable. The team of specialists working with Nathan was pleased with his progress. Nathan has now been promoted to an annual MRI. The miracle of his radiation five years ago continues. We are all especially glad and grateful, and we continue to keep in our prayers all for whom cancer and other life-threatening diseases are a daily concern and sometimes a heavy burden.


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DISTRICT OFFICE HOLIDAY HOURS
The District Office will be closed next Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, December 24, 25, and 26, for Christmas. The office will also be closed the following Wednesday and Thursday, December 31 and January 1, for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Regular office hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. will be observed Monday and Tuesday, December 29-30, and normal office hours resume on Friday, January 2, at 8:00 a.m.

Many frequently asked questions and other information is available on the District website anytime at www.ndlcms.org<http://www.ndlcms.org/>.


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NO EMAIL UPDATE NEXT TWO WEEKS
Because the District Office will be closed the next two Wednesdays, this will be the last regular Email Update of the year. Urgent requests and important information will be shared throughout the holidays should the need arise. The next regular Update is scheduled to be sent on Wednesday, January 7. Anyone having information to be shared through the Update is encouraged to send it to communications at ndlcms.org<mailto:communications at ndlcms.org> by January 5 for inclusion in the January 7 Update.


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FAN INTO FLAME CONTINUES ACROSS NEBRASKA
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 historic 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.

Recently, the Nebraska District received Fan into Flame appeal reports from two more congregations: Christ, Nebraska City and St. Paul, Weeping Water. Both congregations implemented congregational appeals and submitted their reports. The Lord moved the hearts of the people at Christ, Nebraska City, and their pledges and gifts showed tremendous generosity and a lively mission spirit by surpassing the goal set by the congregation by nearly 140%. The people of St. Paul, Weeping Water, were also moved to support mission and ministry opportunities in a wonderful and generous way. Thanks be to God for how He is 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 40 congregations in the Nebraska District that have participated 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>.

Fan into Flame will continue in the congregations of the Nebraska District into 2009. Congregations that have not yet participated are invited and encouraged to begin talking and thinking about how they can be involved. Andrea Essling, campaign consultant, will be moving to Michigan, where she will begin to work with the Michigan and Indiana Districts on their campaigns. However, she will still be available to Nebraska congregations as a resource as they discuss Fan into Flame or plan and implement an appeal. Questions may be directed to Andrea Essling at Andrea.Essling at lcms.org<mailto:Andrea.Essling at lcms.org> or 616-389-7747. Resource questions may be directed to the District Office at 888-643-2961or visit the District website at www.ndlcms.org/news/FiF<http://www.ndlcms.org/news/FiF>.


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CONCORDIA PLAN SERVICES "REWARD" TO COMPLETE ASSESSMENT ENDS DECEMBER 31
Concordia Plan Services (CPS) is rewarding Concordia Health Plan (CHP) members who complete the online CareAllies Health Assessment before December 31 with a $75 "Be Well ... Serve Well" Rewards Visa Debit Card. If you've been meaning to do it, NOW is the time. Take a few minutes and let CareAllies help you assess your health habits and get "rewarded"!

This new incentive is part of "a continuing effort to encourage healthier behavior among ... members and in support of LCMS ministries," said Steve Gruenwald, CPS's health and wellness educator.

The offer is available to all members currently enrolled in the Concordia Health Plan (CHP), including Medicare members. Although covered dependents may take the assessment, they are not eligible for the card. CHP members who complete the online assessment can expect to receive the card within three to four weeks. It can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted.

"We want our church workers to enjoy the benefits of good health," Gruenwald said. "We're happy to reward people for taking the initiative to understand their health, because that's the first step in maintaining it. Research shows incentives lead people to action and action leads people to better health."

To take the CareAllies Health Assessment, visit www.concordiaplans.org<http://www.concordiaplans.org/> and look for the "Be Well ... Serve Well Health Assessment" link at the bottom left side of the screen. Information about the Reward Card and other CareAllies programs can be found in the "Health and Wellness" section of the website.

To read the complete article, as well as many others, visit the Reporter Online at http://www.lcms.org/pages/rpage.asp?NavID=3641&yr=2008&mt=9 and click on the "CPS Offers $75 . . ." article. This portion of the article is reprinted with permission from the September 2008 Reporter, the official newspaper of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod."


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SPECIAL CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE ON "JCPLAYZONE"
Pastors and church office staff, please consider including some or all of the following information in your bulletins during Christmas break.

When children are looking for something to entertain them during Christmas break, snow days, or sick days, point them to www.JCPlayZone.com, LHM's interactive children's website. Kids can keep busy reading Bible stories, playing Christmas-themed games, sending e-cards, working on printable coloring pages, reading daily devotions, listening to Christian music, and learning new crafts and recipes (this part requires adult supervision). Games include a word search, matching game, a game where kids can catch bouncing Christmas ornaments, and much more. Many of the activities change based on the season, so kids stay engaged, no matter what time of year it is. Most importantly, JCPlayZone provides a safe, Christian environment for children to play on the Internet.


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LUTHERAN HOUR TO ONCE AGAIN HAVE ROSE PARADE PRESENCE
The theme of the 120th Tournament of Roses Parade on January 1, 2009, in Pasadena, California, is "Hats Off to Entertainment." The Lutheran Hour float includes a pipe organ and a choir with its theme - Hallelujah!  Mick Onnen, International President, will be one of the float riders this year.  The Int'l LLL's Southern California District sponsors The Lutheran Hour float.  This is the 59th year of carrying on a mission to provide a Gospel witness to viewers everywhere.  The Tournament of Roses Parade is watched live on television by approximately 40 million Americans and by millions more people in 150 countries.

Watch for The Lutheran Hour float on ABC and NBC as they broadcast the Rose Parade, but the LHM float may or may not be shown on those networks' stations because of commercials. Cable TV's Home and Garden Television (HGTV) may provide the best viewing option. It carries the entire parade without interruption nationwide. The Lutheran Hour float is scheduled as the 37th entry in the 90-unit parade. It will appear right after the Salvation Army band and directly in front of the parade's grand marshal. It is the only float in the Rose Parade with a Gospel message. Check your local listings for channels and times.

Pastors and church office staff, please consider including the above paragraph or paragraphs in your bulletins the next two Sundays. Thank you.


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CONCORDIA CHAMBER CHOIR TO PERFORM IN NORTH PLATTE
The Concordia University, Nebraska Chamber Choir will perform in several cities in Colorado plus a stop in Nebraska and a stop in Wyoming during its tour from Feb. 4-8. They will be performing one of their concerts at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church (1400 East E Street), North Platte, at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 4.

The choir's repertoire covers a wide range of classical and contemporary chamber choral works. On this tour they will premier David von Kampen's Matins, an innovative, five-movement choral work based on the historic liturgy for the early morning prayer service written for the choir.

"The Chamber Choir is a select group of 16 singers including both music majors and non-majors," said Dr. Kurt von Kampen, associate professor of music and director of the choir. "These students have great vocal flexibility as they perform chamber choral works from all historical periods as well as vocal jazz selections. This diversity serves them in their future careers as educators and performers."

The choir's members are selected from the 70-member University A Cappella Choir, also conducted by von Kampen.


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PRE-LENT PREACHING SEMINAR
Good Shepherd, Lincoln, is pleased to announce that a Pre-Lent Preaching Seminar will be offered on Friday, January 30, 2009. The Rev. Brent Kuhlman will be the guest presenter with the title of his presentation, '"Dead, Buried, and Risen in Christ; preaching the 4th Chief Part." This seminar will offer sermons, preaching resources, and worship resources (LSB) for the Wednesdays in Lent, as well as Holy Week and Easter, based on the 4th Chief Part of Luther's Small Catechism. Cost is $12 and includes lunch and all preaching and worship materials. Please register by calling the church office at 402-423-7639 or by sending a note to: Rev. Clint Poppe at pastorpoppe at goodshepherdlincoln.org<mailto:pastorpoppe at goodshepherdlincoln.org>. Motel information is available by request.


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CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY LAUNCHES NEW SPEAKER SERIES, "LOOKING BEYOND"
The faculty of Concordia University, Nebraska is launching a speaker series titled "Looking Beyond." The first event brings veteran reporter Al Kuettner to campus on Monday, January 19, Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Kuettner was the United Press International's national correspondent for the civil rights movement and has published a memoir, March to a Promised Land: The Civil Rights Files of a White Reporter 1952-1968.

Kuettner will present "Martin Luther King and Civil Rights: An Eyewitness Report" at 10 a.m. in Weller Hall auditorium on Concordia's campus, and time will be provided for audience questions. The public is welcome to the free event.

During his coverage of the civil rights movement, Kuettner interviewed key civil rights players, at times braving personal danger in the process. Among his interviewees were such figures as Martin Luther King Jr., the NAACP's Roy Wilkins, Alabama Governor George Wallace, and hundreds of others.

"Al is an amazing man who has stayed sharp and active into his mid-90s," said Concordia Assistant Professor Tobin Beck. Beck is the former UPI executive editor and edited Kuettner's memoirs. "He devoted the main part of his extensive career to straightforward news coverage of all sides of the civil rights era, and he has an encyclopedic knowledge of the people and events of that time. A few years ago he went back through the South to talk to people, to gauge how race relations in the South have changed. That's what makes him unique - his insights into the history and impact of a movement that profoundly changed America."

Kuettner will also sign books at a dessert fundraiser on Monday evening. The event will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. in the John W. Cattle Sr. Conference Room in the Janzow Center on Concordia's campus. Funds raised will go to support scholarships at Concordia College Selma, a historically black school and fellow member of the Concordia University System of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. For more information, including ticket reservations, call 800-535-5494, ext. 7304.

"The motivation for a speaker series has come from both the students and the faculty," said Kathy Miller, associate professor of sociology and member of the organizing committee. "Our first priority is students and enhancing their educational experience. We plan on tying the speakers into course content and maximizing the students' exposure."

Two additional speakers have been scheduled for the spring semester. Eliot Brenner, director of public affairs for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, will cover "Nuclear Power: A View from Inside the Beltway" on Monday, February 23, at Concordia's Lincoln campus, and he will present "A Washington View of Nuclear Power" on Tuesday, February 24, on Concordia's Seward campus. Dr. Edward Martin, professor of philosophy and theology at Liberty University, Lynchburg, Va., will present the 2009 Martin and Regina Maehr Lecture: "The Problem of Evil" on Friday, March 27, at Concordia's Seward campus.


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CONCORDIA PUBLISHING HOUSE LAUNCHES WEBSITE FOR THE LUTHERAN STUDY BIBLE
Concordia Publishing House (CPH) announces the launch of its promotional website for The Lutheran Study Bible at www.cph.org/lutheranbible<http://www.cph.org/lutheranbible>. Pre-order sales begin online in March 2009.
The product is the first study Bible in English to be developed from the ground-up with notes that are "exclusively and distinctively Lutheran." It contains more than 26,500 study notes, prepared by Lutheran theologians, scholars, and pastors representing more than 20 Lutheran church bodies.

The Lutheran Study Bible uses the English Standard Version(r) translation, one of the fastest-growing translations worldwide and considered one of the most precise English translations available. At the website, CPH describes its offering into the market as "truly unique," and "not to be confused" with the recent ESV Study Bible from Crossways, or the Lutheran Study Bible from Augsburg Fortress (NRSV).

"We are excited to offer all English-speaking Christians a study Bible that offers such a comforting and powerful Christ-centered understanding of the Scriptures," shares Rev. Paul T. McCain, Publisher and Executive Director of Editorial for CPH. The Lutheran Study Bible invites Lutheran Christians to, "engage in a conversation that has been unfolding within and around God's Word throughout the centuries," according to the website.

Gretchen Jameson, CPH's corporate communications manager, shares "The Lutheran Study Bible combines a personal, devotional, and practical-application approach to Bible reading, alongside solid, scholarly study notes. There is, quite simply, nothing else like it available today."

Information including the features of The Lutheran Study Bible, the product Foreword, and FAQs is located online at www.cph.org/lutheranbible<http://www.cph.org/lutheranbible>.


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LCMS SERVANT EVENTS OFFERS RECORD NUMBER OF EVENTS FOR 2009
Over 100 LCMS servant events are planned for 2009! All kinds of events are available, from construction, human care, and outreach events to crisis, multicultural, and environmental events. There are also events especially for families, and for the first time in 2009, there will be an event just for young adults.

LCMS servant events give young people across the country the experience of learning that serving others can make a difference because of Jesus Christ. Since 1981, LCMS youth and adults have participated in more than 1,000 servant events and have made a difference in the lives of thousands of others by contributing to the development of resources and facilities of Synodical camps, congregations, and other service agencies.

Camp Luther in Schuyler, NE, will host "His Kids Camps A, B, and C" throughout the summer. Visit LCMS Servant Events online at www.lcms.org/youth<http://www.lcms.org/youth> for a complete listing of events and to search by type, date, and region of the country. For a free DVD about LCMS Servant Events, contact the LCMS Youth Ministry Office at youth.ministry at lcms.org<mailto:youth.ministry at lcms.org> or 800-248-1930, ext. 1155.


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SHARE GOD'S WORD WITH SPANISH-SPEAKING NEIGHBORS
Planning a mission trip to a Spanish-speaking area? Is it within blocks of your church? Whether near or far, many congregations are on a mission to share God's Word with the people in their communities and throughout the world. The inspirational devotions in the Spanish Portals of Prayer magazine open doors of communication with your neighborhood.

At your request, Concordia Publishing House is pleased to offer Portals to churches and ministries everywhere. Bring Portals of Prayer while witnessing; it shares God's Word long after you've left.
Written in Spanish, not translated, each devotion encourages readers through readings, Scripture references, and short prayers. For generations, this popular devotional has brought personal growth and inspiration to English-speaking Christians. Take time to encourage other believers with the message of faith found in Portals of Prayer.

To order, visit www.cph.org<http://www.cph.org/> or call 1-800-325-3040.


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Christmas blessings and a happy New Year!
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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