From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Jul 2 08:22:49 2008 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:22:49 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] July 2 Message-ID: Update for July 2 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. * District Office Holiday Hours * Prairie Fire Offers Something for Everyone! * IRS Increases Mileage Rates * Disaster Assistance for Recent Storms * Help Connect Your Congregation's College Students * A Fan into Flame Frequently Asked Question * Rev. Roger Kruger Steps Down from Disaster Response * Free 4th of July Concert and Cookout in Omaha * Peder Eide Concert in Grand Island * Lutheran Tape Ministry Releases "The Gospel Of Luke" * Lutheran Gospel Mailers Requests "No Hymnals" DISTRICT OFFICE HOLIDAY HOUR The District Office will be closed Friday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day. The office will reopen Monday, July 7, at 8:00 a.m. with staff devotions. A safe and blessed Fourth of July to all! Back to top PRAIRIE FIRE OFFERS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE! Where is one place you can go to attend any of the following workshops? * Ministering to Inactives * Responding to Conflict * Developing Your Congregation into a Caring Community * New Testament Leadership for the 21st Century Church * Witnessing to Family and Friends * Nine Components for Youth Ministry * Help! I'm a Church Leader! Answer: Prairie Fire! With 45 different sessions being offered on one day, including special sessions for high school youth and a day camp for grade school children, 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. Dr. Gerald Kieschnick, president of the LCMS. President Kieschnick will spend time sharing about Ablaze! and the mission vision of the LCMS. 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 2 at Concordia University, Seward, 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 next Friday, July 11. Back to top IRS INCREASES MILEAGE RATES Starting July 1, the Internal Revenue Service increased the standard mileage rate to 58.5 cents a mile for all business miles driven from July 1, 2008, through December 31, 2008. This is an increase of eight cents from the 50.5 cent rate in effect for the first six months of 2008. In recognition of recent gasoline price increases, the IRS made this special adjustment for the final months of 2008. This is now the maximum allowable rate for congregations and schools to reimburse for mileage. For more information on mileage reimbursement for church workers, view the Nebraska District 2008 Suggested Compensation and Benefit Guidelines at http://www.ndlcms.org/financial/office/compensation.html. Back to top DISASTER ASSISTANCE FOR RECENT STORMS We were asked to share the following information on how pastors and church offices can help members of their church and community begin the process of applying for assistance following the recent storms. Pastors can be an important resource of information for parishioners and community members who sustained losses during the recent spate of storms. If your congregation is located in one of the following thirteen counties----Buffalo, Butler, Colfax, Dawson, Douglas, Gage, Hamilton, Jefferson, Kearney, Platte, Richardson, Sarpy, and Saunders Counties---please note: Encourage anyone you know of with storm related damage to register with FEMA by calling 800-621-3362 or by applying online: www.fema.gov. Disaster assistance may be available for loss of wages, temporary housing, unemployment benefits, and essential home repairs. Even if FEMA assistance isn't available, this is still a first step in a process to identify unmet needs, which may be addressed later in other fashions. Even if the homeowner has insurance, they should still apply, as the insurance may be inadequate. They may also be asked to apply for a SBA (small business association) loan. Despite its name, this assistance is available also for homeowners. Again, even if they don't qualify or want a loan, this also is a step in the process of qualifying for other kinds of assistance. Congregations may also be able to receive FEMA assistance if the damage affected or is related to a service provided to the community. Back to top HELP CONNECT YOUR CONGREGATION'S COLLEGE STUDENTS Did you know that 75% of students on college and university campuses are disconnected from a church? With your help, we can lower this percentage and connect students to a campus ministry before they get on campus. We have learned that a student's first year on campus can be their most impacted. The Nebraska District staff is in the process of gathering information to help connect Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod members who will be attending a college or university during this next academic year with a nearby campus ministry. Please send the name, current address, phone number, email address, and the college they will be attending this fall for each student who will be a freshman or attending a new college this next academic year. Please send to the Nebraska District Office as soon as possible, via email at missions at ndlcms.org, or you may follow the directions provided on the District webpage to get us the information: http://www.ndlcms.org/ministries/district/campus.html. Thank you for your help in keeping the youth of your congregation connected to Christ as they begin this new phase of their lives! College students are also encouraged to read about the scholarship opportunity available through the National Council of the Lutheran Student Fellowship that is mentioned at the bottom of our website page, or is available at www.lutheranstudentfellowship.org. Church offices may wish to communicate this information to the college students of their congregation through a mailing or newsletter. Do not hesitate to contact Julie at julier at ndlcms.org or by phone at 888-643-2961 if you have any questions. Back to top A FAN INTO FLAME FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION Our congregation is situated in a small, rural area. We don't have a mission field around us. Why should we participate? The United States as a whole is the third-largest mission field in the world. The number of Lutherans in Africa is greater than the number of Lutherans in the U.S. Closer to home, in a recent Gallup Poll, 53% of Nebraskans reported attending any church, Christian or non-Christian, regularly. Roughly half of the population in Nebraska does not worship in a Christian church each week. Every other person in Nebraska is unchurched and disconnected from Jesus Christ! That's a mission field in each county of our state! No matter where you live or where your church sits, the mission field is all around you. If your congregation doesn't wish to use the returned 15% net for local mission projects, those gifts can be used to support other ministries right here in our Nebraska mission fields. Visit the Nebraska District Fan into Flame webpage at http://www.ndlcms.org/news/FIF/index.html or contact the District Office at info at ndlcms.org or 888-643-2961 for more information. Back to top REV. ROGER KRUGER STEPS DOWN FROM DISASTER RESPONSE In a statement made earlier this week, Rev. Roger Kruger of Partners in Caring of Lutheran Family Services and Nebraska District Disaster Response Coordinator announced he was stepping down from his disaster coordinator duties. Following are excerpts from that statement: "As of July 1, I will no longer be serving as the disaster coordinator for Lutheran Disaster Response and the Nebraska District Disaster Coordinator at Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska. I have made this decision in order to refocus my efforts on my work with congregations and pastors, which is my primary passion. A replacement for me is in the process of being hired. In the meantime, Gale Jungemann-Schulz (402-978-5674 or gjungemann-schulz at lfsneb.org) will be serving as the contact person at Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska. I have served as a disaster coordinator for the last six years. During that time I have been involved in one way or another in providing a response to the Ogallala flash flood; the Deshler, Coleridge, and Hallam tornados; Hurricane Katrina; the January 2007 ice storms; the tornado in Greensburg, KS; the Von Maur mall shootings; and most recently, the still unfolding recovery efforts to the series of storms that have battered Nebraska during May and June. Because I now know the many ways that lives are touched by the help and hope that disaster response can bring, I suspect there will always be a tug on my heart when I hear of a new disaster." It is with deep gratitude to Rev. Kruger that the Board of Directors and staff of the Nebraska District wish him God's richest blessings as he returns to his passion of partnering with and caring for the pastors and congregations of Nebraska. We are grateful for the innumerable hours he has spent coordinating appropriate relief and response actions to those affected by natural and man-made disasters, as well as providing a Lutheran presence in these seemingly hopeless situations. We thank God for the ways He touched so many lives through Rev. Kruger, and we pray that He will continue to use him as he refocuses his ministry. Back to top FREE 4TH OF JULY CONCERT AND COOKOUT IN OMAHA Lamb of God Lutheran Church (at the southeast corner of 72nd and L Streets, Omaha) is a local favorite prime viewing location for the Ralston Independence Day fireworks. As a public service and outreach to the community, thanks to an LCEF outreach mission grant, from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. on Friday, July 4, the church will have an open house celebration with free grilled hot dogs and snacks, use of the bathrooms, and air-conditioning for those who need them. There will also be a free concert by the band Stan Galli and Stuff in the parking lot from 7-9 p.m. The music will be classic rock (50s-70s featured), classic country, some Dixieland and swing, and some patriotic. Volunteers will pass out Bibles, Lutheran literature including the Small Catechism, information about the church, and invitations to come to worship. Attendees can then view the Ralston fireworks spectacular at 10 p.m. The church is located on 72nd Street in the northwest building of a former furniture complex. This event is open to the public and entirely free! Back to top PEDER EIDE CONCERT IN GRAND ISLAND Peace Senior Teens, the senior high youth ministry at Peace, Grand Island, is hosting a public concert by Christian recording artist Peder Eide on August 17 at 7 p.m. The concert will be held in the gymnasium at Heartland Lutheran High School, 3900 W. Husker Hwy, in Grand Island. Cost for the event is $7 per person and tickets can be obtained through the Peace church office at 1710 N. North Road in Grand Island. The event is also being sponsored through an outreach grant from the Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF). If anyone can profess to have his finger on the pulse of today's youth, Peder Eide (pronounced "I'd") has certainly earned the right to make that claim. For nearly 1/3 of his life, he has led praise and worship at youth conferences, festivals, camps, churches and any other venues families, teenagers, and pre-teens have gathered. So when Peder says he believes he knows what the youth and families of today need, he speaks with unchallenged authority on the subject. Peder has played main stage at festivals such as Sonshine (MN), Kingdom Bound (NY), SpiritFest Midwest (MN), Power of One (WI), and Spirit West Coast (CA). He has shared the stage with speakers such as Mike Yaconelli, Tony Campolo, Miles McPherson, Paul Hill, Dick Hardel, Dave Johnson, the late Dave Busby, Bob Lenz, Rollie Martinson, Tom Tufts, Curt Clonginger, Rich Melheim, Jay Laffoon, Bart Campolo, and Bill Yonker. Peder has been involved with groups such as ELCA Youth Ministry Network, Youth Unlimited, Navigators, Youth for Christ, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Extreme Faith Ministries, Youth Encounter, and a variety of denominational events including national youth events for the ELCA and LCMS. To learn more about his ministry and current touring schedule, visit his website at www.pedereide.com. Prior to his music and speaking ministry, Peder served as a full-time Youth Director and Varsity High School Football coach. For more information about this event, please call the Peace church office at 308-384-5673. Back to top LUTHERAN TAPE MINISTRY RELEASES "THE GOSPEL OF LUKE" Lutheran Tape Ministry, Inc., and TalkingScriptures.com announces the release of their newest Bible study series on compact disc entitled "The Gospel of Luke," written by Pastor Fred Naumann, producer emeritus of Lutheran Tape Ministry. "The Gospel of Luke" Bible study on one compact disc outlines the central premise of this beloved Gospel: Jesus is the Good News. Pastor Naumann discusses the significance of the births and ministries of John and Jesus. Providing background on authorship and the importance of Galilee and Jerusalem, Pastor Naumann explains discipleship and prayer while setting the stage for the trial and crucifixion of Jesus. Pastor Naumann closes his study with the wonderful surprises of the first Easter. "The Gospel of Luke" is available from Lutheran Tape Ministry and TalkingScriptures.com for a suggested donation of $10.00 per CD. Order a Resource Listing by calling toll-free 800-937-2591 or visit Lutheran Tape Ministry at www.talkingscriptures.com. Back to top LUTHERAN GOSPEL MAILERS REQUESTS "NO HYMNALS" Lutheran Gospel Mailers, a ministry of Good Shepherd and Redeemer Lutheran Churches in Lincoln, is now working with Orphan Grain Train to ship donated Lutheran literature and Bibles to mission fields overseas. They have been told there is not a need for hymnals on these mission fields at this time, and they are requesting that congregations and individuals who wish to donate materials refrain from including hymnals. They are not able to ship them and they don't have any place to store them. Thank you for your cooperation. For more information on Lutheran Gospel Mailers, contact Linda Groothuis at groothuis at worldnet.att.net. 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: 42846 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20080702/156531c4/attachment.txt From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Thu Jul 3 11:24:22 2008 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Thu, 03 Jul 2008 16:24:22 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] FIREworks Newsletter Message-ID: Greetings in Christ! Attached is the current issue of FIREworks, a newsletter designed to educate and update the leaders of the Nebraska District on the Fan into Flame effort in Nebraska. This newsletter will be sent every other week to share current information and stories about the things God is doing through Ablaze! and Fan into Flame. Pastors and church office staff are encouraged to print and post this newsletter, reproduce this page for their congregational newsletter, or forward it to their electronic mailing list. Issues of this newsletter are also available by following the Fan into Flame link on the District website, www.ndlcms.org. Also attached to this email is an electronic copy of the July/August 2008 Fan into Flame Update News. This bimonthly newsletter is filled with information on how Fan into Flame funds support the Ablaze! movement locally, nationally, and internationally. You will also notice that Nebraska District President Russ Sommerfeld wrote the "Letter of Welcome" as the president of a District currently in the middle of its campaign. You are invited to pass along this newsletter, either by print or electronically, to congregational leadership, along with encouragement to prayerfully consider how God can use your congregation to help build His kingdom and share His saving message of salvation. You are receiving this email because you receive the weekly Email Update e-newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe from this list, you may email your request to nicholeh at ndlcms.org. Removing yourself from this list will also take you off the list to receive the weekly Email Update, the Mission Fields Nebraska newsletter, and the Sudan Mission newsletter. I appreciate the opportunity to share with you news of how God is using the congregations and individuals of the Nebraska District through this exciting mission effort. Feel free to contact me with any questions you might have on Ablaze! or Fan into Flame. 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: 7122 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20080703/bf4570eb/attachment.txt -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: FIF_July-Aug08.pdf Type: application/pdf Size: 463190 bytes Desc: FIF_July-Aug08.pdf Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20080703/bf4570eb/FIF_July-Aug08-0001.pdf -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: 7-3.pdf Type: application/pdf Size: 46564 bytes Desc: 7-3.pdf Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20080703/bf4570eb/7-3-0001.pdf From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Jul 9 10:21:28 2008 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 09 Jul 2008 15:21:28 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] July 9 Message-ID: Update for July 9 A publication of the Nebraska District, a District ABLAZE! Greetings in the name of our Heavenly Father. What a wonderful miracle to be called children of God and to be given such a loving relationship with God through His Son. We are also blessed with relationships in our daily lives - family members, friends, co-workers, neighbors, and acquaintances. In these relationships God gives us opportunities to share His love and message of salvation with those outside of a relationship with Him. Called "relational outreach," as we develop relationships with those in our families or in our communities, God opens doors that allow us to share our personal faith story and the hope we have in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. To learn more about relational outreach and how to be a gentle and effective witness to those in your life, consider attending Prairie Fire '08 on August 2 at Concordia University, Seward. There are a number of break-out sessions designed to equip participants with the training and tools for personal outreach. Registration information is available at www.ndlcms.org. Hurry! The registration deadline is this Friday, July 11! * Prayer Requests * Prairie Fire Registration Deadline THIS WEEK! * Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Responds to Midwest Flooding * Rural/Small Town Ministry Conference * Concordia University Graduate Buys Nebraska Newspaper * ESPN Online Article Features Concordia Seminary Basketball Team * A Fan into Flame Frequently Asked Question * Christian Life Conference * Dates of Upcoming Fall Events * New From Concordia Publishing House PRAYER REQUESTS Rev. David Feddern - Please continue to lift up in prayer Rev. David Feddern and his family as he continues to receive medical care and undergo surgeries in Omaha. Rev. Feddern, who is pastor at St. Paul, Cambridge, underwent surgery on June 30 and we thank God for the success of this surgery. He remained hospitalized to recuperate and underwent a follow-up surgery yesterday, July 8. You may read more on Pastor Feddern and his condition on his Caring Bridge website, http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/davidfeddern. Back to top PRAIRIE FIRE REGISTRATION DEADLINE THIS WEEK! Did you know . . . Prairie Fire is for everyone? It will offer a time of worship and inspiration from God's Word? Participants can choose three break-out sessions from among 45 ministry-focused sessions? President Kieschnick will be joining us this year? Carpooling with others from your congregation will save gas and allow you to take even more ministry resources back to your congregation? There is a day camp staffed by Camp Luther counselors for grade-school children? Your $25 registration fee covers all of this, and lunch? Registrations for Prairie Fire '08 are due this Friday, July 11. Those planning to attend this one-day conference of encouragement and inspiration are to register online or by mail by Friday to aid in planning of meals, materials, and room assignments. Registration materials were mailed to every church office or may be downloaded and printed from the Nebraska District website at www.ndlcms.org. Online registration with a credit card is also available from that site through Friday. Teachers in the District are encouraged to attend this conference in place of the August Retreat. Check with your principal for more information. Rev. Dr. Gerald Kieschnick, president of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, will be the guest speaker for the day. Everyone is invited to come to be refreshed, renewed, and re-ignited for ministry. Contact the District Office at 888-643-2961 or conference at ndlcms.org with questions. Back to top THRIVENT FINANCIAL FOR LUTHERANS RESPONDS TO MIDWEST FLOODING (from http://www.thrivent.com/2008midwestflooding/?wsdate=06302008&wssrc=whatsnew&wssubject=flooding) Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is committing $500,000 through two efforts to respond to the needs of those affected by these devastating floods. With the help of our Thrivent chapters and members, the total response is anticipated to result in more than $1.5 million to support the recovery efforts. * National Chapter Response Thrivent Financial members and others from around the nation can form local service teams to collect or raise funds for Midwest Flooding disaster relief efforts. For every $2 raised by Thrivent chapter service teams, Thrivent Financial will provide an additional $1, up to a total of $250,000. All funds will be distributed between Lutheran Disaster Response and the WELS Committee on Relief, and will be used exclusively for Midwest Floods disaster response. Contributions through this National Chapter Response will be accepted through Oct. 1, 2008. * Regional Chapter Response Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is committing an additional $250,000 for regions directly affected by the flooding. This funding will be used to support disaster-response service activities and fund-raisers conducted by Thrivent chapter service teams in these regions. If you live in a region affected by the flooding and would like to find out more about this effort or how you can help, please contact the Thrivent Financial Lutheran Community Services Team in your region. Visit http://www.thrivent.com/fraternal/mlcs/index.html for more information. For questions about these response efforts, you also may contact our Fraternal Service Center at 800-236-3736 or fraternal at thrivent.com. Back to top RURAL/SMALL TOWN MINISTRY CONFERENCE The second conference for pastors and lay leaders involved in rural or small town ministry will be held November 6-8 at Mahoney State Park, Ashland, Nebraska. Saint Paul Institute for Education (SPIFE) is the sponsor. The conference, which is limited to the first 150 registrants, will assist congregations in taking intentional steps to help create a positive missional attitude and to initiate outreach actions. The cost is $300 per person, which includes two nights lodging, six meals, a banquet, and all materials. More conference information is available at www.spife.org and you can register by calling 888-463-5127. Back to top CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY GRADUATE BUYS NEBRASKA NEWSPAPER (from the Nebraska Press Association) Gerri Osborn, a 22-year-old December 2007 graduate of Concordia University, Seward, is now the new owner/publisher of the Hooker County Tribune in Mullen, Nebraska. Osborn has been writing for the Tribune since she was in eighth grade, beginning with covering Mullen High School's basketball games and broadening to feature stories. Since high school, Osborn's dream job has been to own a small town newspaper - specifically her hometown's. Osborn earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations and Journalism at Concordia University. In October of 2007 current owners of the Tribune, Russell and Lanita Evans, told her they were planning on selling the newspaper. Osborn had no idea she was going to get the chance to fulfill her dream so soon! Osborn has been working for Lanita at the Tribune since January. The Evans both have been great mentors in everything and anything Osborn has needed. They have been helpful in making the business transition go as smoothly as possible. It will be a busy next couple of months for Osborn, as she is also getting married in August. Lanita will still be around the office while Osborn gets her feet under her and takes time off for her wedding and honeymoon. Back to top ESPN ONLINE ARTICLE FEATURES CONCORDIA SEMINARY BASKETBALL TEAM "Beyond that, way off in the corner, where a spotlight couldn't find them with the help of Dora the Explorer, are schools that no one would even expect to have a basketball team, much less one with any sort of legitimacy." So states an entertaining ESPN online article entitled "Eutectics, Preachers Face Off in Unknown St. Louis Hoops." The article talks about the Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, basketball team, as well as other "lesser known" basketball programs. To read the entire article, visit ESPN online at http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/columns/story?columnist=oneil_dana&id=3462805. Back to top A FAN INTO FLAME FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION There are too many other activities going on; can we wait to plan our appeal? These appeals are straight-forward in their approach and require very little effort if a small team of volunteers pitches in for a few short weeks. There is no need to clear your entire calendar of activities to conduct the appeal. Each local appeal is meant to be crisp, mission-focused, and successful. It is also suggested that planning begin early, in the sense that your congregation get appropriate approval to run the appeal. These are simple steps that, if done timely, provide a smoother and simpler appeal. Congregations are encouraged to make every effort to complete their appeal by Advent of 2008. This is the period of time designated for the Nebraska District to participate in Fan into Flame. Every congregation is invited to choose or modify the appeal plan that works best for them. Appeal plans include: * Personal visits * Cottage meetings * Commitment Sundays with publicity * Tithe from a starting or ongoing local campaign (capital, debt reduction, etc.) * Budget-line item Congregations that have not yet decided when to participate in Fan into Flame still have time to conduct a well-organized appeal. Congregations are strongly encouraged to begin forming a planning committee and to take the matter to their voters' meeting in July. Circuit coordinators are available to answer questions and to provide helpful resources. Find contact information for your circuit coordinator online at http://www.ndlcms.org/news/FIF/Cir_coordinators.html. Every congregation of the Nebraska District is encouraged to decide by September 15 when it will be participating and contact the District Office to let Andrea Essling know. Andrea may be contacted at Andrea.Essling at lcms.org or 888-643-2961. Back to top CHRISTIAN LIFE CONFERENCE Mark your calendars for the annual Christian Life Conference to be held at Immanuel, Eagle, on Saturday, October 18. The Reverend Dr. Ronald Feuerhahn will present on the Christian's vocation of suffering. As one who is afflicted by Parkinson's Disease, Dr. Feuerhahn is uniquely qualified to speak on this topic. Additional information is available by contacting Pastor Scott Porath at immanuelpastor at windstream.net. Back to top DATES OF UPCOMING FALL EVENTS Please take just a minute to check the dates of the following District conferences and events scheduled for the remainder of 2008 and mark those that apply to you on your calendar. More information will be mailed to participants and available on the District website, www.ndlcms.org. * Prairie Fire, Concordia University, Seward, August 2 * Nebraska District Fiscal Conference, Heartland Lutheran High, Grand Island, August 23 * New Worker Orientation, Concordia University, Seward, September 8-9 * New Teacher Workshop, District Office, Seward, September 26 * Circuit Counselors'/Vice Presidents' Retreat, St. Benedict Center, Schuyler, October 6-7 * Wives of Pastors Retreat, The Leadership Center, Aurora, October 10-11 * Teachers' Conference, Trinity, Fremont, October 23-24 * Pastors' Conference, Midtown Holiday Inn, Grand Island, October 27-28 * District Youth Gathering, Holiday Inn Convention Center, Omaha, November 21-23 Back to top NEW FROM CONCORDIA PUBLISHING HOUSE To place an order for these or other materials, call 1-800-325-3040 or visit www.cph.org. Revised Series Explores New Ways to Discuss Sex with Today's Kids The new Learning About Sex series, fifth edition, from Concordia Publishing House offers parents and teachers helpful approaches to sex education. This series is written by a field of expert consultants and has been praised for 25 years by parents, pastors, doctors, and teachers. The series includes five age-appropriate and gender-specific volumes written in easy-to-understand language. Each book contains the latest medically correct information including the psychological and socio-psychological aspect of sex. Children develop a godly, biblical understanding of human sexuality, and parents are prepared to answer children's questions. Children today hear so many messages that trivialize and distort sexuality. They need to know that sexuality is a gift from God. And they need their parents' leadership and guidance. The right resources make all the difference-resources like the revised Learning about Sex series. Available now! Code YBG $142.89 (set of 11) 14-2148 or $12.99 each Why Boys and Girls Are Different Hardback 32 pages Boys' Edition 14-2134 Girls' Edition 14-2140 Where Do Babies Come From? Hardback 32 pages Boys' Edition 14-2135 Girls' Edition 14-2141 How You Are Changing Paperback 64 pages Boys' Edition 14-2136 Girls' Edition 14-2142 Sex and the New You Paperback 64 pages Boys' Edition 14-2137 Girls' Edition 14-2143 Love, Sex, and God Paperback 128 pages Boys' Edition 14-2138 Girls' Edition 14-2144 How to Talk Confidently with Your Child About Sex (parents' guide) Paperback 160 pages 14-2139 New Devotional Helps Children Develop the Daily Habit of Time with God Concordia Publishing House celebrates 50 years of daily devotional reading with a special book edition of My Devotions. This new resource encourages children ages 8 to 12 to spend time in God's Word every day. The volume includes 365 devotions from the past 50 years of the popular children's devotional magazine. Each entry includes a Scripture reading, true-to-life story, and a short prayer. The age-appropriate language and realistic situations make this book ideal for personal or family devotions. And devotions are in a liturgical order beginning with Advent. Tweenagers appreciate personal devotions all their own. Parents and grandparents who read My Devotions when they were young will love sharing this book with their children and grandchildren. The book also makes a great congregational gift for children. Help them start or continue a lifetime of daily communing with God-with My Devotions 50th Anniversary Edition. My Devotions Hardback with ribbon bookmark 368 pages $12.99 Item number 41-1049YPT Inspirational DVD and Bible Study Nurture Women's Faith and Spirit A New Song from Concordia Publishing House is a fresh approach to individual and group Bible study. Each book in the series provides six weeks of stories-faith narratives-based on biblical psalms. Following each day's reading are questions that facilitate your own reflection on the Bible. The authentic faith narratives tell real stories of women facing real-life issues. Each author found help, encouragement, and direction for her life from God's Word. Their stories, new songs, help you weave God's Word into the unique melody of your life. A small-group DVD kit is also available. The kit includes a DVD with weekly 5- to 10-minute video presentations that enhance your small-group experience and lead to a fruitful, meaningful conversation in the comfort and security of your small group. The DVD also includes 30-second spots that serve as an invitation and reminder to the women in the church of the weekly study. The kit contains five Bible study books. Available Now Planted by Streams of Water Paperback 224 pages $12.99 Item number 20-3404EBS Planted by Streams of Water Small-Group DVD Kit DVD & 5 Bible study books $69.98 Item number 20-3434EBS I Have Set My King on Zion Paperback 224 pages $12.99 Item number 20-3405EBS I Have Set My King on Zion Small-Group DVD Kit DVD & 5 Bible study books $69.98 Item number 20-3435EBS Enhance Liturgical Arts with the Art of Lutheran Service Book Banners for Visual Worship from Concordia Publishing House is inspired by the artwork from Lutheran Service Book and Agenda. Celebrate the Church Year and special events with bright banners that draw churchgoers into worship. Reproducible designs help banner makers incorporate Christ-centered artwork that looks beautiful in your church. Special instructions and advice make these projects quick and easy. The designs offer adaptation suggestions to suit the sanctuary and the banner maker's skill level. The CD-ROM includes PDF files for easy enlarging and pattern-making. This resource also includes banner construction information and diagrams. Available Now Banners for Visual Worship Paperback 96 pages $19.99 Item number 12-4314YBG Concordia Publishing House Announces New Lutheran Study Bible Concordia Publishing House (CPH) will release The Lutheran Study Bible in October 2009. The Lutheran Study Bible is the first study Bible in English to be developed from the ground up with notes that are "exclusively and distinctively Lutheran." The Lutheran Study Bible includes more than 26,500 study notes, including over 2,000 application notes and prayers for every part of the Bible; over 80,000 center column cross-references and 900 cross-references to 120 full or half-page maps, charts, and diagrams; and more than 220 articles and introductions to biblical books and topics. The Lutheran Study Bible notes were prepared by Lutheran theologians, scholars, and pastors from 12 Lutheran church bodies. "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. "As the Lutheran Reformers put it, Christ and His Gospel is the unspeakable treasure that alone opens the door to the entire Bible." 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. "TLSB is a truly unique offering in the study Bible market," says Gretchen Jameson, CPH's corporate communications manager, "it 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." Detailed information about the unique features of The Lutheran Study Bible will be online at www.cph.org/lutheranbible in October 2008. The Lutheran Study Bible is available for Internet pre-sale in March 2009. Back to top Thank you to all the congregations and individuals who submitted information for this week's Update. Items to share are always welcome and may be emailed to communications at ndlcms.org. We pray this e-newsletter may be a useful resource tool to you in your personal and congregational ministry. Please feel free to reproduce anything in this newsletter and pass this resource along to others you know who may also benefit from this information. Anyone is welcome to subscribe and may do so by emailing their email address to communications at ndlcms.org and requesting to be added to the mailing list, or by visiting http://www.ndlcms.org/news/communications 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: 51841 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20080709/4a582487/attachment.txt From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Jul 16 11:48:07 2008 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 16 Jul 2008 16:48:07 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] July 16 Message-ID: Update for July 16 A publication of the Nebraska District, a District ABLAZE! You may have heard the word "ABLAZE!" in your church and throughout the LCMS for four years now, but maybe you don't know exactly what it means or why we are talking about it. Permit me to explain: ABLAZE! began as a vision of LCMS World Mission to involve every member of the LCMS, its partner church bodies, and partner mission agencies in one focused and concentrated effort to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with those who do not yet know Him. Quite simply, every time you hear the word ABLAZE!, think about telling someone about Jesus. Tell them how much He loves you, how much He loves them, and how He died and rose again to give all of us eternal life because He wants us to be with Him forever. ABLAZE! is not another evangelism program that involves committees and "knocking on doors." Instead, it is the simple invitation for God's people to share the personal hope they have in Jesus Christ with those they already share a relationship. God might give you opportunities to talk about Him with one of the mothers at your child's school as you serve on a committee together, with your neighbor as you visit across the fence about the beautiful weather, or in some other way as you go about your day. That is the essence of the ABLAZE! movement. If you want more information on ABLAZE!, including personal witnessing tools or resources to help educate and publicize the ABLAZE! movement in your congregation, make plans NOW to attend Prairie Fire '08 at Concordia University, Seward, on August 2. There are several sessions to prepare you to be a witness as you go about your daily tasks. You may also visit the LCMS website at http://www.lcms.org/pages/default.asp?NavID=5247 or follow the link from the Nebraska District homepage, www.ndlcms.org. * Prayer Requests * There's Still Time to Register for Prairie Fire * Nebraska District Fiscal Conference * Congregational Leadership Data * A Fan Into Flame Frequently Asked Question * Pastor Al Norden to Turn 90 * Heartland Lutheran High School Sets Record * Medical Trip to Madagascar Announced * Camp Biloxi - Camp Restore Update * New Campus Pastor at Concordia University, Seward * Sibling Harmony to Present Concert in Omaha * Nebraska Lutherans for Confessional Study to Meet PRAYER REQUESTS Jeanne Chandler - We join with Bill and Jeanne Chandler and their family in prayers of healing for Jeanne, who suffered a stroke last Saturday morning, July 12. Jeanne is the wife of Bill Chandler, retired principal of Trinity, Grand Island. She is experiencing some paralysis at this time, but her mind is clear and her speech is fairly good, so we thank God that the effects were not more serious. Jeanne is recovering in the hospital at this time, and we pray that the Great Physician will grant her strength and healing at this time. Congregation of Zion, Tobias - As spring storms turn to summer storms and the weather in Nebraska continues to be unpredictable, please lift up the congregation of Zion, Tobias, in prayer. Last Friday evening, July 11, a storm with strong wind moved through the area and blew the steeple off of the church. At this time, the holes in the church have been covered to prevent further rain from damaging the building, and the steeple, which landed in the parking area of the church, has been moved to the side. It doesn't appear there was any structural damage to the church building itself apart from the steeple. However, as the steeple fell it took out one of the church's stained glass windows. Because this happened on Friday night, the congregation is still in the early process of contacting their insurance company and determining their next steps. Please remember them in prayer as they move forward with the repairing of the building, remembering it is the Living God we worship who has sustained and will continue to sustain this congregation. Rev. David Feddern - Please continue to remember Rev. David Feddern and his family in your prayers as Pastor Feddern remains hospitalized in Omaha and the doctors continue to treat him following his intestinal surgeries. You can keep updated on Pastor Feddern's condition and continued prayer needs by visiting his website at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/davidfeddern. Rev. Feddern serves at St. Paul, Cambridge. Bike for Life Riders - We join in prayers of safety for the group of pastors and laity from the Nebraska District who are riding in a tri-state Bike for Life ride from July 14-17. This year's ride includes a route that takes them from Nebraska into South Dakota and Iowa and back into Nebraska. On July 14 they rode from Wayne, Nebraska, to Yankton, South Dakota, (about 70 miles); on July 15 they rode from Yankton to LeMars, Iowa (about 85-90 miles); today they will ride from LeMars to Mission Central, (Mapleton, Iowa - about 70 miles); on July 17 they will complete their ride from Mission Central back to Wayne (about 85 miles). The riders have collected pledges and sponsors for their ride of nearly 320 miles, with proceeds going to Lutherans For Life. We ask our Heavenly Father to grant these riders protection during their ride, and we pray that their efforts will help draw attention to the important ministry of Lutherans For Life. Family of Rev. Maynard Brandt - Pastor Maynard Henry Brandt was called to glory on Monday, July 14, in Missouri. The funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 18, at St. Paul in Concordia, Missouri. The committal service will be at the cemetery of First Lutheran, Wiota, Iowa, on Saturday, July 19, at 2:30 p.m. During his long pastoral career, Maynard served many congregations, including Zion, Plainview, from 1974-1976, as well as the larger Church on numerous committees and boards of the LCMS districts in which he served, and as chairman of the LCMS Board for Parish Education/Services. Anyone wishing to send cards or condolences to the family can send them to Mary Brandt at 36399 HWY E, Green Ridge, MO 65332. Back to top THERE'S STILL TIME TO REGISTER FOR PRAIRIE FIRE Did you mean to register for Prairie Fire, but you forgot? Now the registration deadline is past and you aren't sure if you should send in your registration? Good news! There is still time to register for Prairie Fire at Concordia, Seward, on August 2. Online registration is not available, but those who still wish to register may send their completed registration form and registration fee to the District Office postmarked by this Friday, July 18. Registration forms and more information on the resources being offered that day are available on the District website at www.ndlcms.org. EVERYONE is invited to come hear Rev. Dr. Gerald Kieschnick, President of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, and visit with other church workers and lay leaders from across the Nebraska District to be inspired and encouraged for outreach. Sessions being offered include: * Building Relationship in Midweek * Youth Confirmation: An Outreach Ministry! * Early Childhood Centers as Mission Outreach Tools * Developing Your Congregation into a Caring Community * Responding to Conflict * Ministering to Inactives * Connecting Your Community with Jesus Through Side-Door Ministries * Millennials Are Not from Mars * New Testament Leadership for the 21st Century Church * Witnessing to Family and Friends * Consecrated Stewards * Congregational Stewardship Programs * The Nine Components for Youth Ministry * Day Camp, "Pray, Play, and Praise!" for grade school children Contact Nichole Hetz at the District Office at 888-643-2961 or nicholeh at ndlcms.org with questions or for more information. Back to top NEBRASKA DISTRICT FISCAL CONFERENCE Did you know mission work is being funded by the mission and ministry dollars your congregation gives to the Nebraska District? If a congregation member asks you, can you explain why your congregation budgets these dollars to the Nebraska District each year? Would you like to know more about how God is using your gifts to do ministry? Do you have input on ways the 245 congregations of the Nebraska District can partner in mission work in Nebraska and beyond? Pastors, congregational chairmen or their representative, congregational treasurers, and principals are invited to be guests at the Nebraska District Fiscal Conference on August 23 at Heartland Lutheran High School in Grand Island. The Nebraska District Board of Directors and staff will be there to share: * The Nebraska District Mission, Vision, and Values. * The opportunities for sharing Christ in Mission Field Nebraska. * God's ministries in action. * The fiscal status of the Nebraska District. There will also be substantial time set aside during the day for group discussion and feedback from participants. Registration information was mailed to church offices and congregational leadership last week. There is no fee to register, and lunch is included. If you plan to attend, please complete the registration information and return to the Nebraska District Office by August 8 to aid in planning for the meal and materials. More information is available on the District website, http://www.ndlcms.org/news/conferences/Fiscal.html, or by emailing Carrie Parr at CarrieP at ndlcms.org. Back to top CONGREGATIONAL LEADERSHIP DATA Thank you to all congregations who submitted contact information for their church officers and other leadership. This information will be used to send useful ministry information directly to them as they serve their congregation and the Lord. If your congregation did not submit contact information through the online survey, it's not too late to share it with the District Office. Church secretaries, pastors, or other office staff are encouraged to share these addresses via email to info at ndlcms.org. Please send your congregation name and city, along with the name, home mailing address, city, zip, email address, and phone number of the following leadership positions in your congregation: President/Chairman Congregational Secretary Congregational Treasurer Head Elder Stewardship Committee Chair Mission Committee Chair Sunday School Superintendent Vacation Bible School Superintendent Parish Education Chair Endowment/Foundation Chair Church Secretary Lutheran Church Extension Fund Congregational Representative Additional Leadership Positions Thank you to all who previously shared this information, and thank you to the others that will consider sharing the leadership contact information to help the Nebraska District better serve your congregation. Back to top A FAN INTO FLAME FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION Is Fan into Flame just another fund-raising program of Synod? Fan into Flame is not a program - it's an invitation for individuals to learn about and support the Ablaze! movement. Ablaze! is a vision of LCMS World Mission - a vision of 100 million people in the world hearing the saving message of salvation through Jesus Christ. There is no end date to Ablaze!, just the goal of igniting believers' hearts to openly confess the hope they have in Jesus so that others may encounter Christ. Fan into Flame is the effort to provide gifts to fund new and exciting mission projects. It doesn't take money to personally witness, but it does take funds to place a missionary or start a mission effort nationally or internationally. Fan into Flame provides funds for Ablaze!-inspired projects in your community, in the Nebraska District, nationally, and internationally. To learn more about Fan into Flame or how your congregation can take the first steps to getting involved, visit the Nebraska District website at www.ndlcms.org and follow the Fan into Flame link, or contact Andrea Essling or Nichole Hetz at the District Office, Andrea.Essling at lcms.org or NicholeH at ndlcms.org, for more information. Now is the time to start planning for a fall appeal in your congregation. Back to top PASTOR AL NORDEN TO TURN 90 The University Lutheran Chapel in Lincoln invites alumni and current students to celebrate Pastor Norden's 90th Birthday on September 14. Worship begins that day at 10:45 a.m., and a noon meal follows. It will be a time to tell stories, share photos, and appreciate Pastor Norden. To make sure there is enough food, contact Nancy Middendorf at nmiddendorf at cune.edu with your reservation. A free will offering will be gathered to help with expenses. Anyone wishing to send Pastor Norden birthday greetings or a note may send them to 245 Piazza Terr., Lincoln, NE 68510. Back to top HEARTLAND LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL SETS RECORD Heartland Lutheran High School in Grand Island had a special event over the Fourth of July weekend. Twenty-four past and present students, along with Coach Wagnitz, set a world record by playing the longest basketball game ever according to Guinness Book of World Records. The game lasted 77 hours 7 minutes and 7 seconds and was completed at 7:07 p.m. on July 7! They received pledges, and gifts went to support the high school. Their initial goal was $27,000. According to the website today, they had raised over $46,000 for the sake of the high school. The event is a great picture of community, sacrifice, and dedication for the sake of the Gospel proclaimed at that school. These students truly showed what it means to be servant-leaders in the name of Christ. More information on this special event may be found at http://charity.cccusa.net/hlhs/node/5. Back to top MEDICAL TRIP TO MADAGASCAR ANNOUNCED A LCMS World Relief and Human Care Mercy Medical Team has been announced for Lutheran Hospital, Antisirabe, Madagascar, from September 19-29, 2008. The team will be working with poor, rural patients - many of whom have been refused treatment in other hospitals due to lack of finances. The team will also provide care in the hospital's new pediatric ward which was built through a grant from LCMS World Relief and Human Care. Please contact Maggie Karner, Director of Health Ministries of LCMS World Relief and Human Care, on her cell phone, 765-748-7743, or write maggie.karner at lcms.org with your intention to participate in this trip and for more information concerning cost and travel plans. Back to top CAMP BILOXI - CAMP RESTORE UPDATE The following update was shared by Rev. Dave Buss, Executive Director of Recovery Assistance Inc. Ministries in New Orleans. Greetings from RAI Ministries - that is: Camp Biloxi, Camp Restore, LINC New Orleans, Ministry Recovery and ReInstitute! As I was preparing this email to update you about the continued need for help here along the Gulf Coast, the Mississippi and other Midwest rivers were topping their levees - in places from which we have received so much help; from Wisconsin, Minnesota, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri. These states are dear to us because of the thousands of volunteers that have given us hope. So, we are postponing our encouragement to "Remember us!" and replacing it with a plea to "Help us help the folks affected in the Midwest!" - not because the work here is done, but because it is the right thing to do. The "mucking" equipment used to clean homes in Louisiana and Mississippi for the past three years is being gathered so it can be used in the Midwest. Some has already shipped and is in use! Volunteer teams are being organized with the plan to send Southern teams to the North. Ministries like "God's Gumbo Gang" from Trinity, Baton Rouge, are even planning to join in the effort! The people here have an intense desire to help those who have helped them - even if it means prolonging their own recovery. With that in mind, RAI is working to organize a Northern relief effort without abandoning the relief effort in the Gulf Coast. We encourage you to join us in keeping the people affected by the recent floods in your prayers; to activate your teams to help as opportunities become available; and to give the Hope of Christ to those in need. And finally, know that your efforts along the Gulf Coast continue to bear fruit. To learn more about ongoing hurricane relief needs and news, including the story about Camp Biloxi being named the City of Biloxi's "Volunteer Agency of the Year," check out our latest newsletter online: http://www.lcmsrelief.org/Index.asp?PageID=4253. Back to top NEW CAMPUS PASTOR AT CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY, SEWARD Concordia University, Nebraska welcomed a new campus pastor, Rev. Ryan Matthias, on July 7. He will minister to the entire campus community of students, faculty, and staff. "I am excited to be here," said Matthias. "I love people, and I love the vigor of people when they hear and understand faith. It is great to be a part of that." Matthias comes to Seward from Davenport, Iowa, where he was associate pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church. He has additional experience as a youth worker and a counselor in a youth group home. He earned his Master of Divinity at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Mo., and his undergraduate degree at Wartburg College, Waverly, Iowa. "He loves students, creatively presents the Gospel and engages students as they experience challenges, joys, failures, and frustrations," said Rev. Brian Friedrich, president of Concordia. "We are thrilled that he has joined us in our educational ministry." Matthias knows that much of his time will be spent experiencing life with the students and discussing everything from their spiritual walk to a new relationship. He will also teach select theology courses. "I see this as a place where I get to be involved in the lives of hundreds of missionaries since each of these students will take what they learn here out into the world. I want this to be a place where they learn about Christ and how to live out Christ." Matthias is married to Sarah, and they have two children, Samuel and Sophia. Back to top SIBLING HARMONY TO PRESENT CONCERT IN OMAHA Sibling Harmony, a trio of two brothers and a sister, will present a concert at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, 5529 Leavenworth, Omaha, beginning at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, August 27. A free-will offering will be taken, and refreshments will be served. Everyone is invited to attend. This trio uses their naturally blended voices, playful humor, and instruments to entertain and inspire their listeners in their walk with God. They use fully amplified music with drums, guitars, a keyboard, a saxophone and more. Their contemporary sound and thoughtful lyrics appeal to a wide audience. The group consists of Kevin Bueltmann, former camp director at Camp Luther near Schuyler, current associate camp director of Camp Cilca, near Springfield, Illinois, and soon to be a student at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis; Kurtis Bueltmann, formerly a camp director at Wild Rose, Wisconsin, a recent graduate of Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne, Indiana, and recently installed at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Belvidere, Illinois, as an associate pastor; and Kim Bueltmann, who serves as a deaconess at St. John Lutheran Church, Champaign, Illinois. If you wish to hear a sampling of Sibling Harmony's music, go to www.siblingharmony.com. Back to top NEBRASKA LUTHERANS FOR CONFESSIONAL STUDY TO MEET The July gathering of the Nebraska Lutherans for Confessional Study (NLCS) is Thursday, July 24, at Good Shepherd, 3825 Wildbriar Lane in Lincoln. Refreshments will be served in the Fellowship Hall at 9:30 a.m., followed by Matins at 10:00 a.m. Presenter for the morning session will be Rev. Clint Poppe, pastor at Good Shepherd. His topic, starting at 10:30, will be "A Distinctively Lutheran Theology of Mission." Following lunch, Rev. Robert Wentzel, pastor of Trinity in rural Walton, will lead the afternoon topic on "A Lutheran Response to Pietism," from The Complete Timotheus Verinus by Loescher, Chapters 15 ff. The meeting will conclude by 2:30 p.m. Everyone is invited, both clergy and laity. A free will offering will be taken to help defray expenses. Back to top Please feel free to copy and paste portions of this, or any other, Update to be used in your congregation's bulletins or newsletters. If you have something to share, please send your news or information to communications at ndlcms.org. Blessings, Nichole Hetz Nebraska District LCMS Director of Communications 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: 55771 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20080716/e33dddc8/attachment.txt From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Thu Jul 17 13:54:30 2008 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Thu, 17 Jul 2008 18:54:30 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] FIREworks Newsletter Message-ID: Greetings in Christ! Attached is the current issue of FIREworks, a newsletter designed to educate and update the leaders of the Nebraska District on the Fan into Flame campaign in Nebraska. This newsletter is sent every other week to share current information and stories about the things God is doing through Ablaze! and Fan into Flame. Information is also available on the District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/news/FIF/index.html. Pastors and church office staff are encouraged to print and post this newsletter, reproduce this page for their congregational newsletter, or forward it to their electronic mailing list. Issues of this newsletter are also available on the webpage listed above. You are receiving this newsletter because you receive the weekly Email Update e-newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe from this list, you may email your request to nicholeh at ndlcms.org. Removing yourself from this list will also take you off the list to receive the weekly Email Update, the Mission Fields Nebraska newsletter, and the Sudan Mission newsletter. Also attached to this email is President Sommerfeld's July Fan into Flame letter, a hard copy of which will be mailed to all church offices tomorrow. This letter may also be reproduced or forwarded to congregation members to help educate and information them about Fan into Flame. Also attached is an electronic copy of the "Outreach Ideas for Congregations" brochure. Congregations are encouraged to reproduce this brochure for their members as they discuss the invitation to be a part of this exciting mission effort. I appreciate the opportunity to share with you news of how God is using the congregations and individuals of the Nebraska District. Feel free to contact me with any questions you might have on Ablaze! or Fan into Flame. 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Name: 7-17.pdf Type: application/pdf Size: 44275 bytes Desc: 7-17.pdf Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20080717/1e23d0fe/7-17-0001.pdf From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Fri Jul 18 11:57:16 2008 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Fri, 18 Jul 2008 16:57:16 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] Prairie Fire '08 Message-ID: Does this sound like you? Did you registered for Prairie Fire and do you have room in your car? Would you like company on the ride to Seward? Have you asked other members of your congregation or committee to join you on August 2 for an uplifting and enjoyable day at Prairie Fire? Did you mean to register for Prairie Fire, but you put the materials aside and forgot about them until after the registration deadline? Have you lost the materials and your church office doesn't have any left? You can download all of the information you need to register from the Nebraska District website, www.ndlcms.org. Even though the registration deadline for Prairie Fire '08 has passed, we can still accept registrations until next Monday, July 21. Talk to your friends and fellow congregation members this weekend and invite them to ride with you to Seward to hear LCMS President Rev. Gerald Kieschnick and choose from over 40 break-out sessions. Lunch, breaks, and all materials are included for the $25 registration fee. Pastors and church secretaries, please put one last reminder in this Sunday's bulletin or make a special announcement during this weekend's services to remind people that Prairie Fire is coming up and that registrations need to be on Monday, July 21. Feel free to contact me with any questions about Prairie Fire or the registration process. Thank you for your help, and blessings on your weekend, Nichole Hetz Nebraska District LCMS Director of Communications 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: 6197 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20080718/3816e2f1/attachment.txt From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Jul 23 16:25:18 2008 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 23 Jul 2008 21:25:18 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] July 23 Message-ID: Update for July 23 A publication of the Nebraska District, a District ABLAZE! Greetings in the name of our Heavenly Father, who "wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." (1 Timothy 2:4) However, the sad fact is that during the minute it takes you to read this introduction, 83 people worldwide will die without knowing Christ, while 148 children who need to hear the Good News of Jesus will be born. Now be honest, how many of us pictured people in China, India, or Russia when we read that statistic? It's true, there are people dying without knowing Christ in these countries, but there are also people dying in Nebraska who are going to hell. There are babies born to unbelieving parents in Nebraska who need to be taught about Jesus and His love for them. There are people in our families, our neighborhoods, our communities, and across Nebraska who are outside of a loving relationship with Jesus. These are people we have relationships with - some intimate, some casual - but each relationship can create opportunities for us to be witnesses of the joy we have because of the free gift of salvation we have through Jesus Christ. Remember - right this minute people are dying without saving faith in Jesus, and we can never know when it is time for a loved one, a friend, a co-worker, or an acquaintance. There is an urgency to share the Good News of Jesus, and God has placed you in the lives of these people to be that witness. Pray for the opportunity, the power of the Spirit, and the willing heart to be His instrument this minute! * Opportunities to Assist Those Affected by Summer Floods * David and Radka Fiala Become Career Missionaries * A Fan into Flame Frequently Asked Question * Concordia University to Begin Classes in Lincoln * Mission Central Hosts Bike for Life Riders * LCMS Children Support Mission Projects * Share Hope: A Back-to-School Service Project for Students of All Ages OPPORTUNITIES TO ASSIST THOSE AFFECTED BY SUMMER FLOODS >From LCMS World Relief/Human Care website, http://www.lcms.org/pages/default.asp?NavID=891 Assemble "Welcome Home Packs" You can help Lutheran Church Charities (LCC) provide "Welcome Home Packs" to the hundreds of LCMS families in Iowa District East whose homes were affected by flooding. Organize your congregation or church group to assemble boxes of kitchen goods - from pots and pans to flatware - along with a personal note to welcome the family home. To learn more about recommended "Welcome Home Pack" items or to sign-up for this project, visit Lutheran Church Charities' website at http://lcc.ccbchurch.com/app/w_page.php?id=170&type=section#WelcomeHomeIA. Individuals and groups who would like to go to the flood-affected areas and offer physical assistance are able to complete a form through Lutheran Church Charities at the same website above. Churches Supporting Families Stay tuned for information about a new "Church to Family" opportunity, where LCMS churches nationwide "adopt" LCMS families in the Midwest affected by flooding. This is your opportunity to not only help them replace large items such as refrigerators, ovens, couches, etc., but also share Christ's mercy in tangible ways. The idea was first developed by LCMS Southern District disaster response staff following Hurricane Katrina. Because of its great success, LCMS World Relief and Human Care would like to revive the program. As families throughout the Midwest learn if their homes can be repaired and their needs are assessed, more information about this project will be shared. Back to top DAVID AND RADKA FIALA BECOME CAREER MISSIONARIES David and Radka Fiala serve as LCMS missionaries throughout Eastern Europe, but they are based in Zilina, Slovakia. They teach English and Christian education classes, lead and mentor youth in Bible studies and service projects, oversee and support long-term missionaries, and coordinate short-term mission trips. David and Radka served as long-term missionaries for three years in Tisovec, Slovakia, before transitioning to their current position as career missionaries and moving to Zilina. Born in DuPage County, Ill., David received a Bachelor of Arts degree in theology from Concordia University, Seward, Neb. Prior to graduating, he served as a long-term missionary in Slovakia for a year. In his free time, David enjoys listening to music and being outdoors. Radka was born in Brezno, Slovakia. She also attended Concordia University, Seward, Neb., where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education. Her hobbies include listening to music, reading, and spending time with friends. David and Radka have a son, Vasek, and a daughter, Emma. Their home congregation is Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Milford, Neb. Please pray that God would bless David and Radka and the other members of their team and grant them perseverance as they serve. Pray that God would bless the relationships that they develop, and that the people in Slovakia would come to know their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. And finally, David and Radka share, "We give thanks for all the people that God used to help us in our ministry and that encourage us day by day." Back to top A FAN INTO FLAME FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION Pastor is already too busy to get involved in this process. I am not comfortable leading this campaign. How can I do more? There are volunteers and staff who stand ready to help your congregation members plan and implement a mission-centered appeal. While the congregation's pastor would be asked to be a part of the process, he would not be asked to do it all himself. Conducting Fan into Flame is a marvelous opportunity to receive help from those who see your parish as a mission outpost for sowing the seeds of the Word and beginning to reap the harvest. We have so many resources to share with you and such an exciting opportunity to include you in the worldwide harvest. Please give your members the opportunity to hear about the mission work being done in Nebraska and around the world and let them decide their level of participation. If you are hesitant to share this opportunity with your members because of theological or financial reasons, please let us know so we can visit with you about those concerns. Please realize that providing your congregation with the possibility to sow seeds in God's mission fields can also increase your home gifts and relieve your time pressures. The best reason to sow is that Jesus promises there is no sowing without a harvest. The Nebraska District Office can provide printed materials and personal assistance in introducing Fan into Flame to your congregation. For more information, contact Andrea Essling at andrea.essling at lcms.org or 888-643-2961, or visit the District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/news/FIF/index.html. Back to top CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY TO BEGIN CLASSES IN LINCOLN Concordia University, Nebraska will move the offices for its College of Graduate Studies and begin offering its first classes in Lincoln in just a few weeks. The university's new site is located in the Fallbrook development in northwest Lincoln, about 20 miles down Highway 34 from the campus it has called home since 1894. Concordia will be located in the Town Center complex of Fallbrook. "We are excited about our first venture into the Lincoln community in our 114-year history," said Dr. Mark Blanke, associate provost of the university. "We are proud of the Christian higher education experience we can offer to a new group of students." Classes for both the university's accelerated degree completion program and multiple masters programs will be offered at the site. Among the ones starting in August and September are Issues in Early Childhood Education, Family Life Ministry and Organizational Communication. Single-session workshops on a variety of topics dealing with families and relationships will also be offered to the public starting in September. "Our programs are student-centered," said Blanke. "The program directors and professors will work with each student to ensure success, and courses are offered in a variety of formats to accommodate busy schedules and other commitments." On August 12, the day after Concordia moves in to Fallbrook, the university will hold an informational open house for those interested in the adult education programs offered there. More information can be found at www.cune.edu/masters. Back to top MISSION CENTRAL HOSTS BIKE FOR LIFE RIDERS - from Gary Thies Special missionaries came to visit Mission Central on July 16 and 17. A group of bicycle riders from Nebraska arrived at Mission Central to spend the night and get information on missions. Their goal was to ride from Wayne, Nebraska, to South Dakota, then to Iowa, and back to Nebraska. God called congregations, individuals, and families to pledge for each mile that was ridden by this group, and the funding proceeds would go to help the Lutherans For Life effort. What a joy it was to welcome them to Mission Central. They cleared out the fellowship hall and "made their overnight" in our air-conditioned hall. They appreciated getting a shower in our bathroom facilities here, and had fellowship time together, with a meal being served for their dinner and breakfast by our volunteers. They also enjoyed their tour of the Mission Central Museum and office area. Anyone is welcome to come and visit Mission Central. More information is available on the Mission Central website, www.missioncentral.us. Back to top LCMS CHILDREN SUPPORT MISSION PROJECTS from LCMS World Mission E-News, July 10 The children of the church are mission supporters! This past school year, LCMS World Mission offered three mission projects to the children of the church through the Sparklers program. The projects were Wings and Wheels (supporting missionary transportation), Bibles and Sunday School Materials (for children in other countries), and Mission Building Projects (to build churches, schools, etc.). Day schools, Sunday schools, vacation Bible schools, and other groups chose one or more of the projects and raised funds to support the projects they chose. And they found many creative ways to raise the funds! Many used Mission Friends, a children's mission newsletter, to learn about different countries, try new food, and play international games. Some invited people from other countries to speak at their special assemblies. And some had contests to see which class could raise the most to support the mission project they selected! All together, the children from 52 different congregations raised $74,644.07 to support missionaries in their work around the world! Thank you for your support! To see a list of the 2007-2008 participating Sparklers schools and churches, learn more about the Sparklers mission program, or download resources for involving kids in God's mission, visit www.lcmsworldmission.org/children. To find local Nebraska mission fields for your Sunday school or day school to learn about and support, visit the Nebraska District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/ministries/district/index.html. Back to top SHARE HOPE: A BACK-TO-SCHOOL SERVICE PROJECT FOR STUDENTS OF ALL AGES I know what you're thinking: school supplies? But we just celebrated Independence Day! The fact is, many parents will start shopping for school supplies during the next few weeks, and Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM) has the perfect back-to-school service project for your class, youth group, or Sunday school class. As students are shopping for this year's school items, it is a great time to remind them that many children around the world cannot even afford basic school supplies. And that's not all. Many of these students have not heard about God's perfect gift of grace through His Son, Jesus Christ. Some have survived natural disasters and live in terrible conditions. These children desperately need to hear Christ's message of hope. During this year's back-to-school rush, get your church or school's youth together to fill Global Care Packages and send them to an approved collection site. LHM will send the packages to our ministry centers around the world where staff and volunteers add Christian literature in the native language, distribute the packages, and initiate a mission opportunity with those who need Christ. For more details, including a shopping list and step-by-step instructions, please visit www.lhm.org/globalcare or contact Jeanne Lawrence at Jeanne.Lawrence at lhm.org or 1-800-944-3450, ext. 4168. Back to top Thank you to all the congregations and individuals who submitted information for this week's Update. Items to share are always welcome and may be emailed to communications at ndlcms.org. We pray this e-newsletter may be a useful resource tool to you in your personal and congregational ministry. Please feel free to pass this resource along to others you know who may also benefit from this information. Anyone is welcome to subscribe and may do so by sending their email address to communications at ndlcms.org and requesting to be added to the mailing list, or by visiting www.ndlcms.org/news/communications/update.html. Blessings, Nichole Hetz Nebraska District LCMS Director of Communications 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: 33710 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20080723/8c6a404b/attachment.txt From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Jul 30 11:31:08 2008 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 30 Jul 2008 16:31:08 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] July 30 Message-ID: Update for July 30 A publication of the Nebraska District, a District ABLAZE! Summer greetings in the name of our Heavenly Father. * Prayer Request * August Reporters ARE COMING! * Fiscal Conference Registration Information * Nebraskan Elected President of International LLL * A Fan into Flame Frequently Asked Question * Group to Form to Address Immigration Issues * Camp Luther Can Help with Next Year's VBS * Supplies Needed for Madagascar Medical Mission Trip * Interpersonal Relationship Program for Secondary Students to be Offered * "When the War Comes Home" Wellness Conference * Forty-Six New Missionaries Commissioned * Concordia University Works on Climate Initiative PRAYER REQUEST Anna Grace Hedstrom - We join in prayers of thanksgiving with Pastor Dale and Mary Hedstrom of St. John, Oxford, at the birth of Anna Grace, born July 17. Anna was welcomed home by six brothers and sisters, and welcomed into the family of God through Holy Baptism on July 27. We thank God for this precious gift of life given to this family. Back to top AUGUST REPORTERS ARE COMING! Pastors and church office staff - the August Reporters are coming! Due to problems at the printer, delivery of the August Reporter was delayed. The latest information I received indicated the printer hoped to have them mailed on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week, so they should be in church offices by Friday. A print-ready copy of the Reporter is available on the District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/news/communications/reporter.html. I realize we missed the newsletter mailing timeframe for congregations, and I would ask your help in getting the Reporter to your members in other ways - through Sunday bulletins, as a handout to each family as they enter church, in their church mailboxes, or any other way that will work in your specific situation. The August Reporter contains the first "Call for Nominations" for the 2009 Nebraska District Convention, so your help in getting these newsletters out of the church office and into your members' hands is much appreciated. Back to top FISCAL CONFERENCE REGISTRATION INFORMATION Pastors, congregational chairmen or their representative, congregational treasurers, and principals are invited to be guests at the Nebraska District Fiscal Conference on August 23 at Heartland Lutheran High School in Grand Island. The Nebraska District Board of Directors and staff will be there to share: * the Nebraska District Mission, Vision, and Values. * the opportunities for sharing Christ in Mission Field Nebraska. * God's ministries in action. * the fiscal status of the Nebraska District. There will also be substantial time set aside during the day for group discussion and feedback from participants. Registration information was mailed to church offices and congregational leadership last week. There is no fee to register, and lunch is included. If you plan to attend, please complete the registration information and return to the Nebraska District Office by August 8 to aid in planning for the meal and materials. More information is available on the District website, http://www.ndlcms.org/news/conferences/Fiscal.html, or by emailing Carrie Parr at carriep at ndlcms.org. Back to top NEBRASKAN ELECTED PRESIDENT OF INTERNATIONAL LLL At its 91st International Convention in Lexington, Kentucky, the International Lutheran Laymen's League (Int'l LLL) elected Michael "Mick" Onnen of Davenport, Nebraska, to the post of president for a two-year term. Married and the father of three, he has served as international secretary, regional governor, and chairman, vice chairman, and member-at-large of the Ministries Committee. He has also served on the Policy Study and Resolutions Committees. Onnen has been Nebraska LLL district president, vice president, special projects chairman, and development chairman. He is a former zone president, vice president, and development chairman. Onnen has been local club president and ambassador. At St. Peter Lutheran Church in Davenport, he has held the positions of congregational chairman and elder. Onnen has served on LCMS district committees. He is general manager for a natural resources district and handles administration, budgeting, personnel, planning, and legislative matters. "I am truly honored and humbled to stand before you today," Mick Onnen told the audience following his election as the new president of the Int'l LLL. "I thank you for your kind vote of confidence and for the loving words of support and blessing that I have received from many of you. By God's grace and through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, I pledge to do my very best to lead this organization in the coming years." Back to top A FAN INTO FLAME FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION We are a small congregation. What can we do? Jesus loves you as His children, and He can use your gifts to do wonderful things. He used the young boy's fish and loaves to feed the multitudes. He praised the widow for the gift of her mites. Your congregation is situated exactly where God would use you as an extension of His mission arm. Fan into Flame is about Ablaze! and sharing the Good News of Jesus. The LCMS wants you to have the joy of partnering in this opportunity. The blessings of Fan into Flame will come back to you not only in dollars, but in a wealth of materials, leadership, affirmation of your mission, professional assistance, and whatever your unique situation requires. God uses all of His children as He chooses. Participate and see how He can use you! There are circuit coordinators, District staff, and a campaign consultant available to provide resources, answer questions, and walk alongside congregations as they participate. Nebraska District congregations are strongly encouraged to discuss how and when they can participate in Fan into Flame and let Andrea at the District Office know by September 15. She may be contacted at andrea.essling at lcms.org or 888-643-2961. More information is available on the District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/news/FIF/index.html. Back to top GROUP TO FORM TO ADDRESS IMMIGRATION ISSUES Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska is hosting an initial brainstorming meeting on Friday, August 8, from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m., at the Lutheran Family Services/Department of Community Services office at the Center Mall (42nd and Center) Suite 402, Omaha, to begin initial discussions on providing a coordinated effort and strong pro-immigration voice in support of immigrants in Nebraska. The issue of immigration continues to grow and impact our communities. Unfortunately, a theme that continues to present itself is the level to which we are disconnected and do not communicate on immigration matters. The need for an Immigration Task Force, or whatever it ends up being called, has been identified, and this initial meeting will begin to lay the groundwork for such a group. Anyone who is interested in invited to attend. Please contact Kimberly Green, Assistant Director of Community Services, at 402-346-6100 or 402-536-3505 if you have questions. Back to top CAMP LUTHER CAN HELP WITH NEXT YEAR'S VBS Next summer Camp Luther can partner with your church to bring a new and exciting twist to your VBS program or to help you start one. Camp Luther will send staff to your church or you can bring your kids to camp. Camp Luther can provide leadership, staffing, programming, Bible studies, and songs to make your VBS a truly awesome outreach event. Following is a testimony from a congregation that used Camp Luther for their VBS this year. Trinity Lutheran held their Vacation Bible School at Camp Luther during the third week of July, and a great time was had by all! Songs, Bible stories, canoes, paddle boats, kayaks on the lake, and an evening campfire had all participants wishing it would go another day. Congregations who are interested in this wonderful opportunity are encouraged to contact the Camp Luther office at 402-352-5655 for more information and costs. Back to top SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR MADAGASCAR MEDICAL MISSION TRIP The LCMS World Relief and Human Care Mercy Medical Team going to the Lutheran Hospital in Madagascar in September needs the following donated supplies. The items need to be received by early September. 1. Absorbable sutures in sizes 1 or 0 or 00 such as: VICRYL, MONOCRYL, BIOSYN, CAPROSYN, PDS, CHROMIC 2. Non absorbable sutures sizes 000 or 0000 such as: Nylon, Monofilament If you can provide any of the above in any amount please contact Maggie Karner via email at maggie.karner at lcms.org or by phone at 800-248-1930, ext. 1371 or cell: 765-748-7743, or call Sally Henrickson at 800-248-1930, ext. 1278. Items can also be shipped to: LCMS World Relief and Human Care 1333 S Kirkwood Road St. Louis , MO 63122 Back to top INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIP PROGRAM FOR SECONDARY STUDENTS TO BE OFFERED Students in grades 8-12! Would you like to learn skills that will make dating easier and more fun? Then join Rev. Kevin J. Kohnke, Director of Family Life Ministry at Concordia University, Nebraska on Monday, September 1, from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. at 570 Fallbrook Blvd, Lincoln. You will participate in nine fun packed hours of CONNECTIONS: Dating and Emotions- Interpersonal Relationship Program for Secondary Students Grades 8-12 This innovative, research-based curriculum helps teens understand the challenges that arise in early relationships, develop healthy dating practices, self-regulate intense emotions and cultivate life skills. Engaging, interactive lessons show teens how positive relationships develop, effective ways to communicate, how to spot destructive patterns, how to deal with emotions, and other essential healthy interpersonal skills. Content also integrates material from the highly-respected PREP (r) program. This course helps teens understand early relationships - and helps establish a strong foundation for later life. * Getting Ready: What's Dating About-Things to Know-How to Ask, Accept, Decline * Going Out: Why Am I Dating?-How Relationships Grow-Problem Personalities-Abuse -Anger and Jealousy * Defining the Relationship: It's Not Working- Ending It * Starting Over Research shows improved outcomes for students who participate in this course: * Increases ability to resist sexual pressure * Decreases violent and aggressive behaviors * Decreases negative behaviors at home and at school * Improves parent teen communication The cost is $25 per participant. This fee includes lunch and a snack at the morning and afternoon breaks. A student workbook is also included. To register email Kevin.Kohnke at cune.edu or call 402-643-7436. The registration deadline is August 27. Back to top "WHEN THE WAR COMES HOME" WELLNESS CONFERENCE In Nebraska nearly 3,000 veterans have returned from overseas deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Research has shown that the frequency and intensity of exposure to combat experiences is strongly associated with the risk of behavioral health problems such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Depression, Suicide, Substance Abuse, and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). In addition, these experiences can lead to a number of primary care issues such as hearing loss, chronic pain, weight gain, and sexual dysfunction. A free two-day workshop is being offered for returning veterans, veterans' families, and military health and community mental health and substance abuse counselors on August 16-17 at the Doubletree Hotel in Omaha. Participants may choose to attend one or both days. The conference is designed to: 1. Identify behavioral health challenges of returning veterans and their family members; specifically PTSD, suicide, sexual assault, and domestic violence. 2. Recognize health trends that can influence the demand and structure of communities' healthcare services. 3. Connect local health care providers and military personnel in an effort to increase early detection and response addressing health problems. 4. Develop an understanding of potential health and medical service needs within your local communities. The registration deadline is Monday, August 4. To register contact: Jean Barton at Region V Systems, 1645 N Street, Suite A, Lincoln, NE 68508 Phone: (402) 441-4336 or Fax: (402) 441-4335 E-mail: jbarton at region5systems.net Back to top FORTY-SIX NEW MISSIONARIES COMMISSIONED (from LCMS World Mission e-News, July 10) Forty-six new missionaries-including 16 career missionaries and vicars-received certificates of completion to commemorate their recent completion of LCMS World Mission orientation at the Oswald Hoffman School of Christian Outreach on Thursday, June 26. The commissioning service was held in Graebner Memorial Chapel at Concordia University, St. Paul, Minnesota, and served as the formal conclusion to this year's two-week missionary orientation. These new missionaries accepted the call to serve in 17 different countries around the world, such as Panama, Thailand, India, Uganda, and the Czech Republic. Rev. Dr. Robert Roegner, executive director of LCMS World Mission, opened orientation by casting a vision of sharing the Gospel of Christ through national and international partnerships around the world. He reminded the missionaries of their role within the Ablaze! undertaking: "We seek to cultivate people like you and we seek to cultivate the church, the partner churches overseas, raising up the people of God," said Roegner. Missionaries arrived at Concordia University, St. Paul, on Sunday, June 15, to commence with a welcome worship and dinner. Throughout the first week, career and long-term missionaries participated in daily workshops intended to facilitate the transition into different cultural settings. Workshops covered topics such as spiritual warfare, finances, working with international partners, emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being, cross-cultural discipling, and prayer life. At the start of the second week, career missionaries and future English-as-a-Foreign-Language (EFL) teachers divided into separate classrooms, each group involved in task-specific training vital to their ministry abroad. Some of the new missionaries will be pioneers in their ministries in new countries. Rev. Jacob and Michelle Gillard and Vicar Shauen and Krista Trump will be the first resident missionaries in Uganda, East Africa. The Gillards and Trumps will work with the Lutheran Church Mission Uganda (LCMU). This youthful and energetic church body is only 13 years old, and in that short time, it has grown to 56 congregations. The Gillards and Trumps will help train, disciple, and walk alongside the leaders in this church body. Another pioneer in his field, Anthony DiLiberto will be the first long-term missionary in Peru. He will coordinate the work of short-term mission teams and organize relief work in small towns that were adversely affected by the August 2007 earthquake. These teams will have the opportunity to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the people of Peru as they rebuild essential infrastructure and through intentional outreach in the evenings. Additionally, two national missionaries-one for Hispanic Ministry and one for mission development in New York City-and five international educators to South Korea and Indonesia began their service in 2008. LCMS World Mission also gives thanks to God for the 32 long-term missionaries currently serving abroad who agreed to extend their service for another year and build on their relationships and skills in order to continue sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. Including new, extending, and ongoing long-term missionaries, 72 people are serving together to support the global mission team-further strengthening regional partnerships and ministry. Please keep these new and continuing missionaries in your prayers, especially that they always consider their role in terms of God's vision, that they proceed with wisdom, assurance, and joy, and that God may keep them safe. View photos from LCMS World Mission's 2008 orientation in an image gallery on the LCMS World Mission Web site at www.lcms.org?12022. Back to top CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY WORKS ON CLIMATE INITIATIVE Concordia University, Nebraska's commitment to stewardship of the planet has been affirmed by its president, Rev. Dr. Brian Friedrich. Friedrich has joined more than 550 other college and university presidents from institutions across the country as a signatory to the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment. By doing so Concordia is committed to reducing greenhouse-gas emissions and establish sustainable policies for energy usage. "We are cognizant of our need to be the best possible stewards of God's creation," said Friedrich. "We are thrilled to be part of a larger body of institutions that seeks to care for our environment and helps students understand and demonstrate stewardship both here on campus and as they go out into the world to serve." Concordia is the first and only school in Nebraska to have made this commitment. Since signing in April, the climate committee has been established, a review of current activities has occurred and initial plans have been set in place to follow the ACUPCC initiative. "Joining the commitment at this time enables us to integrate our stewardship plans into the core of our strategic plan. The initial focus of the committee will be threefold: care for our campus, care for our community and care for God's creation," said Friedrich. Initial plans include an energy-saving competition between residence halls and a campus-wide recycling program for paper, glass, plastic and aluminum with receptacles in working and living spaces. The committee is charged with outlining additional short-term and long-term plans that will render the university carbon neutral as soon as is feasible and to report progress periodically to the national committee. Within their plans, the committee stressed the need for broad ownership of the initiative across campus and not leaving it all up to one office or department. An overarching feature of the commitment is the encouragement to integrate the ideas and actions of stewardship and energy sustainability into courses across the curriculum. Friedrich commented on the excitement of the professors on the committee to "infuse the concept of Christian stewardship" into courses and interactions with students. This is certainly not a new thing to the students, faculty, and staff at Concordia. Before the climate commitment was signed, recycling efforts, volunteering at recycling centers, "Energy Star" equipment, repurposing building materials and environmentally-friendly cleaning products were all a part of the campus culture. The members of the committee include Friedrich; Dr. Joe Gubanyi, associate professor of biology; Bud Henderson, director of buildings and grounds; Phil Hendrickson, director of library services; Dave Kumm, chief financial officer; Dr. Kathy Miller, associate professor of sociology; and students Jake Hischke, Mathilda Kond, and Amy Wolf. For the time being, Friedrich has been designated as the campus liaison to report back to the national committee. Back to top Thank you to all the congregations and individuals who submitted information for this week's Update. Items to share are always welcome and may be emailed to communications at ndlcms.org. We pray this e-newsletter may be a useful resource tool to you in your personal and congregational ministry. Please feel free to pass this resource along to others you know who may also benefit from this information. Anyone is welcome to subscribe and may do so by sending their email address to communications at ndlcms.org and requesting to be added to the mailing list, or by visiting http://www.ndlcms.org/news/communications/update.html. Blessings, Nichole Hetz Nebraska District LCMS Director of Communications 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: 51301 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20080730/ae8577a9/attachment.txt