From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed May 7 11:01:29 2008 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 07 May 2008 16:01:29 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] May 7 Message-ID: Update for May 7 A publication of the Nebraska District, a District ABLAZE! Greetings in the name of our loving Heavenly Father, who has given us under-shepherds to lead His church and tend to His flock here on earth. He has also given some to be teachers and evangelists for the work of the ministry (Eph. 4:11). The question is, who tends to these church workers? That is, who cares for the person of these church workers? While God has called these men and women to serve Him in their designated roles, He also charges each congregation member, parent, and every one of us to support His servants through our prayers and other means of support. In his first letter to the Thessalonians, Paul writes, "Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other." (1 Thess. 5:12-13) How are we doing at this? During this busy month of May with confirmations, graduations, Mother's Day, Memorial Day, the end of day school and parish education classes, and much more, please take some time to ask your congregation's church workers and their families how they are doing. It is easy to get caught up in the busyness around us, but what a powerful reminder of Christ's love for us to take the time to show that love and concern to those He has given to care for our spiritual well-being. * District Congregation Going "Casual for a Cause" * Eight Sudanese Baptized in Grand Island * Word of Life Church Start in Lincoln to Partner with Concordia University * May is Pastoral Education Month * "Glow Games" at Camp Luther * Short-Term Summer Mission Opportunities * Lutheran Witness Wins Four Awards * Retirement Open House for Pastor Frank Brink * Good Shepherd, Fremont, to Dedicate Newly Constructed Ministry Space DISTRICT CONGREGATION GOING "CASUAL FOR A CAUSE" "We're just a small congregation without a mission field. What can we do?" If you find yourself asking that question, two Nebraska District congregations are giving an example of how we can all be workers in the Lord's mission fields. Rev. Matthew Berndt, pastor at St. John's, Burwell, and Peace, Sargent, read about the Nebraska District staff dressing casually on Fridays to raise money for a church roof in Sudan. Because he is the only one in the church office, he decided to involve the entire congregation. After printing off information on the mission work taking place in Sudan, and specifically the roof project, from the District website, he presented the idea to the voters' assemblies. His idea? For the congregation members to attend worship services over Memorial Day weekend dressed casually in jeans, shorts, T-shirts, tennis shoes, and sandals. The service will also be led that way, and Pastor Berndt will not wear his robes or vestments that day. An offering will be taken at both congregations and the money will be put towards the purchase of a church roof in Sudan. Memorial Day weekend was chosen to give Pastor Berndt four Sundays to include information in the bulletins and in his announcements. He also included information in the May newsletters and posted information on the church bulletin boards to let people know what was going to happen. Coming to worship in casual clothes can help people better relate to our brothers and sisters in Sudan. According to Pastor Berndt, "Dressing casually can help us identify with those in Sudan who meet for worship under trees or in mud huts." Maybe your congregation wants to do this for Memorial Day weekend this year, or perhaps you might consider another Sunday this year to encourage your congregation to join together in dressing casually for worship in support of a mission project of your choosing. More information on roofs for Sudan, as well as many other mission opportunities, is available on the Nebraska District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/ministries/district/agreements.html. We thank God for moving the hearts of the people at St. John's and Peace to join together with the District Office staff in raising mission awareness and using the gifts God has given us to do His work in Sudan. Back to top EIGHT SUDANESE BAPTIZED IN GRAND ISLAND The mission field in Nebraska continues to grow, and the community of Grand Island is a fertile field ripe for harvest. The newest mission in Grand Island is a weekly Sudanese worship service offered through a partnership between Trinity, Grand Island, the Sudanese in Omaha and Lincoln, and the Nebraska District. Sudanese immigrants have moved and continue to move to Grand Island for the jobs that are available, specifically in the meat packing plants. There were some Sudanese worshiping at Trinity's regular English services and the need to have a worship service in their native language of Nuer continued to grow. Rev. John Deang, Nebraska District missionary-at-large and associate pastor at Christ, Lincoln, leads the weekly worship service at 1:00 p.m. every Sunday afternoon in the chapel of Trinity Lutheran Church. Their first service was Sunday, September 30, 2007, with 60 in attendance. Rev. Deang had the privilege of baptizing eight children in one of these services on Sunday, April 27, 2008. Please remember this new ministry in your prayers. You and your congregation are helping make this ministry happen through your offerings and gifts to the Nebraska District through your annual budget. The money your congregation gives to the District is used to fund ministries such as this one and helps spread the name of Jesus across Nebraska and throughout the world. Contact District Treasurer Paul Pettit at the District Office at paulp at ndlcms.org or 888-643-2961 for more information on how you and your congregation are involved and other ways to support mission work in Nebraska. Back to top WORD OF LIFE CHURCH START IN LINCOLN TO PARTNER WITH CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY Concordia University, Nebraska in Seward made a big move on April 3, 2008 - literally! That was the day Concordia University, Nebraska signed a 10-year lease with NEBCO, Inc. for property in the expanding Fallbrook community in northwest Lincoln. The 8,550 square feet of space will be used to expand Concordia's course offerings into Lincoln, especially graduate-level classes. The space will also be available for meetings, conference and other fundraising and charity events. "This is a terrific opportunity," said Rev. Dr. Brian Friedrich, president of Concordia. "This location will enable Concordia University, Nebraska to enhance and develop our growing graduate level offerings in education, family life ministry and gerontology on top of additional degree completion program classes for those looking to finish their bachelor's." Growing from Concordia's Christ-centered foundation and mission orientation, the university will also share the newly leased space with a church being planned for northwest Lincoln, Word of Life Lutheran. A group for the new church is currently meeting at church planter Vicar Larry Oetting's home in Fallbrook for Bible study, and the church plans to hold services starting in the fall. "We are terrifically blessed to have this space available to us as we work to launch Word of Life in September," said Dr. Larry Oetting, leader for the church plant. The new mission church intends to hold worship services in the multi-use space being leased by Concordia until it makes a leap to a more permanent spot in or around the Fallbrook area. "Concordia very thoughtfully went out of its way to make this partnership possible, and we couldn't be more pleased by the outcome of their efforts." This Friday, May 9, Vicar Oetting and a group from Word of Life will meet with representatives from Concordia to discuss details prior to a sub-lease signing in the near future. Please pray that this meeting will be a blessing to both sides and that the Lord will use the Word of Life mission church to proclaim His Word to the unchurched and disconnected in northwest Lincoln. The generosity of the Nebraska District congregations made it possible for the District to grant funds to help this new church plant get established in its mission field, and the generosity of Concordia University provided the initial space for Word of Life to reach out into the Fallbrook community. Thanks be to God for His provisions to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. Back to top MAY IS PASTORAL EDUCATION MONTH Missouri Synod congregations are encouraged to highlight the pastoral ministry during the month of May, and the Synod's Board for Pastoral Education -- together with the church body's two seminaries in St. Louis and Fort Wayne -- have produced a number of resources to help. With about 100 fewer seminarians than three years ago, and a growing number of retirement-age pastors, "now is the time" for the Synod to get serious about recruitment of pastors, according to Rev. Glen Thomas, executive director of the Synod's Board for Pastoral Education. Thomas urges all Missouri Synod Lutherans -- especially current pastors -- to "plant the seed" of pastoral service with young men who are expressing interest or who have the gifts to serve in pastoral ministry. "If someone would just affirm that and say, 'You know, you would make a great pastor,' or 'I could really see you in the pastoral ministry,' that would get them thinking about it in a more positive way," he said. All LCMS congregations should have received in mid-April a poster promoting "Pastoral Education Month" and its resources: * sermon notes. * a Bible study with guides for participants and leaders. * hymn suggestions. * a prayer. * a bulletin insert. With the theme "One Message: Many Messengers," the resources are available at www.lcms.org/pastoraleducation for free downloading. A "reminder" postcard will be mailed to congregations in early May. Both seminaries also have produced promotional materials for special Sunday observances to call attention to pastoral education and seminary support: * Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, is mailed a packet of sample materials to each LCMS congregation to call attention to "Concordia Seminary Sunday" on July 13 or an alternate date. The materials, which are not dated and can be used anytime during the year, include a special bulletin insert, a poster, an adult Bible study, a sermon, a seminary DVD, and other worship resources. For more information or to order, contact the seminary's communications department at (314) 505-7374 or communications at csl.edu. * Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, is mailing in June a packet with a sample bulletin insert, bookmarks, and a poster to every LCMS congregation offering them the opportunity to request materials to promote seminary education, including admission packets, retreat information, student "adoption" information, and a seminary DVD. The materials may be used anytime during the year. For more information or to order, call (800) 481-2155 or send an e-mail to publicrelations at ctsfw.edu. Both seminaries offer free visitation events to prospective students and their spouses or fianc?es. For more information, visit the schools' websites at www.csl.edu (St. Louis) and www.ctsfw.edu (Fort Wayne). This summer, the seminaries are offering a number of continuing-education workshops in various locations around the country. For more information, visit http://www.lcms.org/pages/rpage.asp?NavID=13192. Back to top "GLOW GAMES" AT CAMP LUTHER Camp Luther near Schuyler invites all junior high youth to Glow Games, a great time with bands and speakers all night long, as well as fun activities and a chance to learn what it means to be a light for God in our world. The games start at 9:00 p.m. on Friday, May 30, and go until 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 31. The early registration fee is $25 for registrations received by May 15. Registration after that date and at the door is $40.00. Visit Camp Luther's website at www.campluther.org for more information, a schedule, and a registration form. Back to top SHORT-TERM SUMMER MISSION OPPORTUNITIES Korea Pastor Patrick O'Neal, Strategic Mission Developer - North Asia for LCMS World Mission, shares the following summer volunteer opportunities on the Korean mission field: SUMMER MISSION TRIP ANYONE? Do you have the skills needed to teach English to Korean children? Are you feeling led to short-term mission service this summer? We are recruiting teachers for the Summer English Camp at Luther University/Seminary July 25 - Aug. 14. You can get more information on this opportunity at www.lcms.org/uploads/mission/service-opps/Short-term South Korea.pdf. For more information or a list of other service opportunities call 800.433.3954 or go to www.lcmsworldmission.org and click on "service opportunities" in the left-hand menu. EFL PROFESSOR NEEDED Luther University/Seminary (LTU) is seeking an experienced teacher with at least a Master's degree to teach EFL classes to university students and community youth & adults. The specifics of the contract are being finalized by LTU at this time, but it is a paid position for 1 year with a start date of Sept. 1, 2008. If you are interested in this position, please email directly to patrick.oneal at lcms.org for more info. URGENT NEED - MISSIONARY KIDS TEACHER Our fellow LCMS missionaries serving in Central Asia are in need of a teacher for their 5th & 2nd graders for the 08/09 school year. For info go to http://www.lcms.org/ca/mission/service-opps/detailpage.asp?ID=239 or call 800-433-3954. Thailand Pastor Robert Hedtke, LCMS missionary in Thailand, shares the urgent need for English as a Second Language teachers at the Chaengwattana English Center in Bangkok. For more information, visit www.lcmsworldmission.org/service and click on "service opportunities." Back to top LUTHERAN WITNESS WINS FOUR AWARDS The Lutheran Witness, the official magazine of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS), won four awards in this year's Associated Church Press (ACP) religious journalism competition for work done in 2007. The awards were announced at the ACP's annual convention, April 20-23, in Dallas. The Lutheran Witness received the following awards in the ACP's "Best of the Christian Press" competition: * First-place Award of Excellence in the "Feature Article: News Service/Newsletter/Web site" category for "New Life in Greensburg," by Paula Schlueter Ross, which appeared on the magazine's Web site. A shortened version of the story - an update on the tornado-destroyed town of Greensburg, Kan., and Peace Lutheran Church there - also appeared in the November print edition. Ross is a writer with the Synod's Board for Communication Services. * Second-place Award of Merit in the "Publication Website" category for the magazine's online counterpart, www.lcms.org/witness, which was redesigned last year under the supervision of Becky Cummings, manager of Internet affairs. Cummings also is responsible for updating the site with new stories and photos each month. * Third-place Honorable Mention award in the "Convention or Meeting Coverage: Magazine" category for "One Message: Christ," pre- and post-LCMS national convention stories by Roland Lovstad and James H. Heine that appeared in the June/July and August issues. Lovstad is a freelance writer from Perryville, Mo., and Heine is managing editor of the magazine. * Third-place Honorable Mention award in the category of "Personally Useful Article" for "Full House, Full Hearts," also by Ross, which appeared in the May issue. The story focused on the adoption of five siblings from Ukraine by Jonathan and Mary Stahlke of Chicago. To learn more about The Lutheran Witness or to find out how to subscribe, visit www.lcms.org/witness. The ACP is the oldest religious interdenominational press association in North America, with a membership of nearly 200 publications, websites, news services, and individuals. Back to top RETIREMENT OPEN HOUSE FOR PASTOR FRANK BRINK Pastor Frank Brink, pastor at Mount Olive, Norfolk, will give his final sermon before retiring on Sunday, June 1, in the 10:30 a.m. worship service. The congregation will be having an Open House for him on that date from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the church (1212 South 2nd Street, Norfolk). Everyone is invited to come and wish Pastor Brink well as he moves on to new mission endeavors. Back to top GOOD SHEPHERD, FREMONT, TO DEDICATE NEWLY CONSTRUCTED MINISTRY SPACE Good Shepherd, Fremont, invites everyone to the dedication of their new Community Life Center and chapel on Sunday, June 22, during a 10:00 a.m. worship service. These new ministry spaces have been under construction during the past few months, and photos of the progress may be viewed on the Good Shepherd website at www.goodshepherdlutheranchurch.org. Questions about the dedication may be directed to the church office at 402-721-8412. Lutheran Church Extension Fund is pleased to have been a partner with Good Shepherd on this project. 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. 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: 42865 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20080507/a54b176d/attachment.txt From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Thu May 8 13:39:22 2008 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Thu, 08 May 2008 18:39:22 -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 campaign 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. 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. 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: 6058 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20080508/702f7a0c/attachment.txt -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: 5-8.pdf Type: application/pdf Size: 52185 bytes Desc: 5-8.pdf Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20080508/702f7a0c/5-8-0001.pdf From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed May 14 14:11:27 2008 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 14 May 2008 19:11:27 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] May 14 Message-ID: Update for May 14 A publication of the Nebraska District, a District ABLAZE! Greetings in the name of our loving and caring Heavenly Father. May is always a busy month, especially for teachers who are working feverishly to finish up lessons, plan or practice for special end-of-the-year programs or events, and keep the students focused until that last day of school is over! Does your church have a day school or preschool? Is there a Lutheran high school in your community, or in a nearby town? Is a Lutheran teacher a member of your congregation? Would you consider shining the love of Christ to the teachers and staff of a nearby Lutheran school? The teachers in our Lutheran schools do so much to teach and exemplify the love and care of Jesus to the children in their classrooms, and a small sign of appreciation at this hectic time of year can be such an encouragement. Here are some simple ideas to consider: cut some flowers from your yard or garden, take them some home-baked muffins or cookies, prepare a simple fruit basket, send a nice card with a small gift certificate to any nearby discount store, give them a personal devotional book, or any other way you can think of to let them know you care about them and the job they are doing. Please also remember these church workers in your prayers this week and the rest of the month as they finish up another year of sharing the love of Christ with students and their families. * No Email Update Next Week * Mrs. Erna Bernthal Called to Glory * Ministry Updates from Cyclone/Earthquake-Struck Regions * National Worship Conference to be Held in Seward * Camp Biloxi Recognized as Volunteer Non-Profit Organization of the Year * District Lutheran High Schools Plan Graduations * Retirement/Farewell Celebration for Robert Saeger * Holy Land Tour for LCMS Members * Lutheran Hour Ministries' Daily Devotions Now Available in Spanish * Upcoming Early Childhood Conferences * Lutheran Hour Ministries Spring Bulletin Insert Available * Healthy Leaders for Healthy Churches with Healthy Members Workshop * Ainsworth Educational Experience for Pastors * Free Organ Available NO EMAIL UPDATE NEXT WEEK There will be no Email Update next week because I will be out of the office. Watch for the next Update in your inbox on Wednesday, May 28. Information for the next newsletter may be sent anytime to communication at ndlcms.org. Current news and happenings are also available on the District website at www.ndlcms.org. Back to top MRS. ERNA BERNTHAL CALLED TO GLORY Mrs. Erna Emma (Kregar) Bernthal, widow of the Reverend Erwin J. Bernthal, Lincoln, Nebraska, departed this life on Thursday, May 8, 2008, at the age of 94. She was born at Offerle, Kansas, on April 17, 1914, to Gottlieb M. and Hulda (Kurth) Kregar. She was a homemaker involved in numerous church related activities, including serving as church organist for many years. Erna was a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Lincoln. Pastor Bernthal served congregations in Schuyler and Wayne, Nebraska; Sheridan, Wyoming; and Twin Falls, Idaho. Mrs. Bernthal is survived by two daughters, Rebecca Bernthal, Lincoln, and Christine Bernthal, Omaha; three sons and daughters-in-law, John (Marilyn) Bernthal, Lincoln; Fredrick (Heather Lancaster) Bernthal, Washington, D.C.; and Stuart (Katherine) Bernthal, Libertyville, Illinois; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Erwin; one brother; two sisters; and step-father, Edwin Carper. The funeral service was held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 14, 2008, at Christ Lutheran Church, Lincoln, Nebraska. Interment will be at Greenwood Cemetery, Wayne, Nebraska, on Wednesday, May 14, 2008, at 2:30 p.m. Letters of condolence may be written to John and Marilyn Bernthal, 5251 Troon Drive, Lincoln, Nebraska 68526. Back to top MINISTRY UPDATES FROM CYCLONE/EARTHQUAKE-STRUCK REGIONS Myanmar (From Lutheran Hour Ministries Press Release - May 9) Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM) has received e-mails from local staff in Myanmar saying that they survived the cyclone unharmed, and that there was no serious damage to the ministry center office. However, the scenes that they have described - bodies floating around and severe destruction of the infrastructure - are horrific. "People are feeling so frustrated and hopeless," one staff member wrote. Compounding the problems is the fact that there is a shortage of food and water. What little is left has become very expensive as prices skyrocketed in the last few days. Food and groceries, for example, have increased by as much as 500 percent, while hiring a taxi to get around now costs about $120 (U.S.) In contrast, the average monthly salary in Myanmar is approximately $35 (U.S.) There is now fear that diseases like dysentery and dengue fever could spread very quickly. At this point - as with many other agencies - it is impossible for LHM to arrange for items to be shipped into Myanmar. As a Gospel outreach organization in Myanmar we also have to be very discreet about how we approach ministry there so as to ensure the safety of our staff. LHM currently has local staff and volunteers in Yangon who are doing some needs assessment of items such as food, water, shelter, and medical supplies. The LHM area counselor for Asia, Gunya Na Thalang, who has experience in responding to the 2004 tsunami in India, Thailand, and Sri Lanka, will hopefully be able to travel to Myanmar early next week to further assess what our local Lutheran Hour Ministries outreach ministry can do. Latest reports from Myanmar indicate close to 100,000 people are feared dead, with 1.5 million "severely affected." Cyclone Nargis is the worst cyclone to hit Asia since the 1991 cyclone that killed 143,000 people in neighboring Bangladesh. Please pray for the people of Myanmar and for our staff and volunteers working there. If you would like to donate to the Lutheran Hour Ministries' efforts there, visit https://www.lhmgift.org/index.htm. China Rev. Carl Hanson, LCMS World Mission Area Facilitator for East Asia, shared the following ministry update through Gary Thies. Thank you for all your prayers for the immediate needs of the people in China. The pictures on the news and in the newspapers continue to be devastating as we learn more about the lives that have been changed in the recent earthquake in Western China. So far all the reports from our English teachers and human care workers in western China is that they are safe and were unaffected by the earthquake. We do have contacts with the Provincial CCC churches in the area and we are in the process of learning how we can help them. I will meet this Sunday with one of their leaders here in Hong Kong who is studying here at the moment. Our response team is also working on various ways we might be able to be a part of the long recovery ahead. As our experience in Taiwan's 1999 quake showed us, much of the work really starts in the weeks and months and years after all the "initial" response is over. Please do pray for the people of China. Pray for the families and the communities that have been devastated. Pray for us too that God would give us the right words and actions to show His grace and love in the face of extreme tragedy. With the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, God's promise was made complete. We are not alone. He did not leave us as orphans. He is and will abide with us until the end of the age. Back to top NATIONAL WORSHIP CONFERENCE TO BE HELD IN SEWARD Registration for this summer's Institute on Liturgy, Preaching, and Church Music, to be held July 22-25 at Concordia University Nebraska (Seward), is available online at: http://worship.lcms.org/2008Institute. The early registration deadline is June 2 and the online registration deadline is July 1. This summer's Institute is designed for pastors, musicians, others who regularly plan and lead worship, as well as interested lay people. A team of over 60 lecturers, clinicians, preachers, organists, and choir directors will join forces to: * bring pastors and musicians together toward the common goal of proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Word and song. * build and strengthen a network of pastors and musicians who can learn from each other about God's great gifts of Word and music. * stretch the skills and "comfort levels" of both pastors and musicians in their callings of preaching and leading God's people in song. For more information, contact the LCMS Commission on Worship at 800-248-1930, ext. 1265, or worship at lcms.org. Back to top CAMP BILOXI RECOGNIZED AS VOLUNTEER NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR Camp Biloxi, a Lutheran-operated hurricane relief camp, was recently presented with the Volunteer Non-Profit Organization of the Year award for outstanding volunteer commitment by the City of Biloxi. Camp Biloxi Program Director, John Coyle, accepted the award on behalf of the camp on Wednesday, April 30. "I was extremely surprised and pleased to receive the award on behalf of our organization and the Lutheran efforts here on the Gulf Coast," said Coyle. As part of National Volunteer month, the City of Biloxi hosted its 25th annual volunteer recognition ceremony on April 30. The ceremony recognized individuals and businesses who made significant contributions to the City of Biloxi and the local community. The Volunteer Non-Profit Organization of the Year award recognized the work of Camp Biloxi and their parent organization, the Southern District LCMS Recovery Assistance Inc., as well as their partner organizations, Lutheran Social Services Disaster Response, Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, and Lutheran Disaster Response. "You volunteers are giving us the most precious thing that you have - your time," said Mayor A.J. Halloway. John Coyle agreed, "We would not be where we are today without the thousands of volunteers who have come to serve the needs of the many families devastated by Hurricane Katrina. It has been a most rewarding experience for all of us to help people in need and to spread the love of Jesus Christ in all that we do and say. We are truly an organization that is committed to restoring faith, home and community and I am proud to be a part of this." About Camp Biloxi Camp Biloxi was created in the fall of 2005 by the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd and the Southern District, Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod. The Camp soon coordinated efforts under the national Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) to show the love of Jesus through the rebuilding of hurricane damaged homes by volunteer construction labor. In 2007, Camp Biloxi began its partnership with Southern District LCMS Recovery Assistance, Inc. (RAI), committing to their mission of bringing hope in the name of Jesus by restoring faith, home, and community to the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Since the camp's inception, more than 17,000 volunteers from churches and communities across the country have made it possible for more than 1,700 families to move back into their homes. The camp has over 1,500 homes still on its waiting list. For more information and to learn how you can volunteer with or support the ministry of Camp Biloxi and Southern District LCMS Recovery Assistance, please visit www.campbiloxi.org or call Camp Biloxi at 228-594-0008. Back to top DISTRICT LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOLS PLAN GRADUATIONS The four Lutheran high schools in the Nebraska District are planning graduation ceremonies this month. Thanks be to God for the dedicated teachers and faithful students who make these schools mission outposts into their communities. Heartland Lutheran High, Grand Island - 21 seniors graduated on Sunday, May 11. Lincoln Lutheran Middle/Senior High, Lincoln - 44 seniors will graduate on Sunday, May 25, at 2:00 p.m. in the Lincoln Lutheran School Gymnasium (1100 N. 56th St., Lincoln). Lutheran High Northeast, Norfolk - 31 seniors graduated on Sunday, May 11. Concordia Jr/Sr High, Omaha - 28 seniors will graduate on Sunday, May 18, at 2:00 p.m. at King of Kings Lutheran Church (11615 I St., Omaha). We join with the teachers and parents of these 124 students in praying that they might be faithful witnesses to the Gospel as they move on to the next phase of their lives. Back to top RETIREMENT/FAREWELL CELEBRATION FOR ROBERT SAEGER Everyone is invited to the Retirement/Farewell Celebration for Robert Saeger and his family on June 1. Bob is retiring from Immanuel Lutheran School and Church in Polk, where he has served for the past 19 years as teacher and principal. The worship service begins at 10:45 a.m., with a lunch to follow the service. If you are not able to attend, cards may be sent to Robert Saeger, 2404 East 26th Road, Polk, NE 68654. Back to top HOLY LAND TOUR FOR LCMS MEMBERS Walk where Jesus walked on a 10 day "TOUR OF THE HOLY LAND" with LCMS hosts Rev. Dr. Clifford and Lois Winter of Wichita, Kansas, from October 29 to November 7, 2008. The tour includes round trip airfare from New York City, first class hotels, and most meals for $2,169, plus taxes and tips. Visit the Sea of Galilee, Capernaum, Cana, Bethesda, Nazareth, Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Qumran, Masada, and much more. Contact the Winters at 316-942-5811 or email: loiswinter at yahoo.com. Back to top LUTHERAN HOUR MINISTRIES' DAILY DEVOTIONS NOW AVAILABLE IN SPANISH Beginning this month, the Daily Devotions written by Pastor Ken Klaus, Speaker of The Lutheran Hour(r), will be available in Spanish. Beatriz Hoppe, Outreach Consultant for Hispanic Ministries in Lutheran Hour Ministries' U.S. Ministries Division, has done the translation for Devociones Diarias. These timely and thought-provoking messages will be available online and to individuals who receive the devotions as an e-mail subscription. To find the Devociones Diarias online, please go to www.lhm.org/dailydevotions.asp. There you can also sign up to receive these powerful Gospel messages by e-mail, listen to them online, learn more about Pastor Klaus, and support Lutheran Hour Ministries. Congregations may wish to contact Lutheran Hour Ministries to ask about printing these devotions and distributing them as an outreach tool in the Hispanic communities around them. Congregations who are participating in Fan into Flame this year may wish to make this one of their outreach projects to share the saving message of salvation through Jesus with those in their community. Back to top UPCOMING EARLY CHILDHOOD CONFERENCES Concordia University, Nebraska's annual Early Childhood Conference will focus on the brain development of young children and how they learn. Held on campus on Wednesday, June 18, the conference will feature keynote speaker Dr. Jane Healy. The luncheon speaker is Rev. Scott Bruick. Healy is a teacher and educational psychologist working to find practical applications of current brain research for teachers and parents. She has authored numerous award-winning books including "Your Child's Growing Mind: A Guide to Learning and Brain Development from Birth to Adolescence" and "Endangered Minds: Why Children Don't Think and What We Can Do About It." Healy is also an internationally recognized lecturer and consultant. She was named "Educator of the Year" twice by Delta Kappa Gamma, the professional honor society of women educators. Her keynote address will examine the story of Einstein's early development to shed light on the neural roots of creative intelligence. The luncheon presentation by Bruick is entitled, "I Thought I Was Heading to Preschool." Bruick is the senior pastor at St. John Lutheran Church in Seward, but started out as a preschool teacher and principal. He will share how God led him to where he was needed and encourage the participants to examine where they are going. Multiple sectional offerings will also be available during the conference. The topics covered will appeal to teachers, aides, pastors, directors of Christian education, child ministry directors, and child care providers and include: * Facilitating language development * The effect of trauma and stress on children * Outdoor classrooms * Object lessons to build faith * Effective techniques to communicate with and calm young children * Classroom management * Creating and using musical instruments * Online learning for teachers Cost for the conference is $40 ($50 after June 4) with the luncheon an additional $10. On-campus housing is available for a small fee. Pre-registration is required. For complete information, including a schedule and registration form, go online to www.cune.edu/ECC, contact Professor Judy Ripke, 800-535-5494, ext. 7474, or e-mail ECE at cune.edu. The Nebraska District will be hosting the 2008 LEA-ECEnet Leadership Institute the evening of June 18 and the following day, June 19. Registration information was sent to all early childhood centers and preschools in the Nebraska District. More information and a registration brochure are also available on the District website at www.ndlcms.org. Back to top LUTHERAN HOUR MINISTRIES SPRING BULLETIN INSERT AVAILABLE LHM's free quarterly bulletin inserts provide ways for your congregation to share Christ's message of hope with people in your community and around the world through Lutheran Hour Ministries' programs and resources. To print color or black and white copies of the bulletin insert now, visit their website at http://www.lhm.org/bulletininsertregister.asp. To order printed copies of the bulletin inserts each quarter, visit http://www.lhm.org/bulletininsertregister.asp or call 1-800-876-9880. Back to top HEALTHY LEADERS FOR HEALTHY CHURCHES WITH HEALTHY MEMBERS WORKSHOP Dr. Waldo Werning, LCMS member and consultant, will be presenting a "Healthy Leaders for Healthy Churches with Healthy Members" workshop at Concordia University in Seward on Saturday, June 14, from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. This workshop for pastors, ministry leaders, and interested laity is designed to teach participants: * How God transforms a church from maintenance to vibrant health; * To have a purpose-driven church; * How building the 12 quality characteristics of a healthy church will help members to be lifelong Bible students and missionaries to people around them; * About books such as Natural Church Development, 12 Pillars of a Healthy Church, and Change the Church Door to complete the fundamental shift in ministry from meetings to ministry, and make the transition to be a strong, healthy church; * How to develop a simple but holistic church, taking members from membership to maturity, to ministry/service, to mission/evangelism, to leadership. The cost for this workshop is $15 per person, or $100 per congregation for unlimited attendees. Registration materials and more information are available from Dr. Werning by contacting him at Wjwern1 at aol.com or 414-453-4005, or by visiting www.healthychurch.com. Participants may also email their registration information to Dr. Werning and pay the fee at the door. Back to top AINSWORTH EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE FOR PASTORS Zion, Ainsworth, is sponsoring an educational experience for pastors entitled "The New Confessional Revival: Mid-Nineteenth - Twenty-first Century" on September 21-23. The Reverend Professor Dr. Naomichi Masaki will be the speaker, and he will challenge participants about the history of the Confessional Revival of the mid-19th Century, the Confessional Revival of the New Millennium, and its impact on the theology of our Synod. Now is a time when the Historic Confessions of various church bodies are taking on a very important role. The treasures of the mid-19th Century Confessional revival have so much to speak to the Confessional reawakening in today's world. Registration materials and more information are available from Rev. Dr. Georg Williams by emailing georg1580 at threeriver.net. The registration fee is $49 plus lodging, and registrations are due September 12. Back to top FREE ORGAN AVAILABLE The following offer was passed along through Gary Thies: If your church, Bible study group, Sunday school, or church group can use a Hammond organ, you can have one for free. It is a two-keyboard unit about 20 years old, works fine, with pedals, and is free to you if you will come and get it. The people who are donating this are Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Berns, members at Pilgrim Lutheran at Lake City, Iowa, and they live on a farm there. You can give them a call for more details at 712-464-3007. Back to top Blessings, Nichole Hetz Nebraska District LCMS Director of Communications and Events 1-888-643-2961 nicholeh at ndlcms.org www.ndlcms.org * 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: 57484 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20080514/65680203/attachment.txt From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Fri May 16 14:14:43 2008 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Fri, 16 May 2008 19:14:43 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] Mission Fields Nebraska Message-ID: Greetings in the name of the Lord of the Harvest! Attached is the latest issue of the Mission Fields Nebraska newsletter. This electronic newsletter is sent quarterly by the Nebraska District Mission Department to those who are subscribed to the Email Update. In each issue you will read stories from missionaries who are serving in the Nebraska mission field, as well as churches and individuals that are doing outreach in their community. If you or your congregation has a story to share, please contact Rev. Rich Boring at the District Office. He may be reached at 888-643-2961 or missions at ndlcms.org. You are encouraged to distribute this newsletter to members of your congregation via email or in print. Church offices and individuals are given permission to reprint articles or the entire newsletter. Please share these stories of what God is doing in the mission fields of Nebraska with friends, family, and fellow congregation members. If you have trouble opening this attachment, the newsletter may be downloaded from the Nebraska District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/ministries/district/index.html. If you wish to unsubscribe from our mailing list, you will be removed from all mailing lists, including the weekly Email Update. You may unsubscribe by replying to this message and requesting to be unsubscribed, or visit the District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/news/communications/update.html and click on the "To subscribe" link on the right. We are excited to be in mission work with you, and we look forward to a continued partnership in the mission fields of Nebraska. 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: 6865 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20080516/14849168/attachment.txt -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: May08.pdf Type: application/pdf Size: 673772 bytes Desc: May08.pdf Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20080516/14849168/May08-0001.pdf From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Fri May 16 15:07:40 2008 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Fri, 16 May 2008 20:07:40 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] Storms Affect LCMS School/Families Message-ID: LCMS World Relief and Human Care awarded initial emergency grants to Synod congregations with members and facilities affected by tornadoes that tore through Oklahoma, Missouri, and Arkansas the night of May 10. The Mother's Day weekend twisters there left at least 23 people dead (16 in southwest Missouri alone) and a 74-mile swath of leveled buildings and splintered trees. Other weekend tornadoes inflicted severe damage in Georgia, although no LCMS congregations or members have reported injuries or damage from that line of storms. The Synod's mercy arm, LCMS World Relief and Human Care, awarded an initial $1,000 emergency grant for members' needs to St. John Lutheran Church and School in Stuttgart, Ark., after a tornado blew the roof off the school and caused relatively minor damage at the church several blocks away. The pastor of this congregation, Rev. Jack Gillam, previously served the Nebraska District congregations of Trinity, Amherst, and Grace, Sumner. The St. John school -- with 102 students in pre-kindergarten through 7th grade -- will finish its year at the church's parish hall. Damages to the Stuttgart church and school properties are expected to be covered by insurance. Although no St. John members or school families lost their homes, many reported extensive property damage. Representatives from the Synod's Laborers For Christ program were due in town by May 14 to help with damage assessment. Funds for the Stuttgart congregation are earmarked to help church and school families. For instance, one family with a child who has diabetes needs a generator to keep insulin refrigerated until power can be restored. Congregations of the Mid-South District LCMS are being asked to help St. John move the salvageable items from the school into temporary storage units this weekend. Pastor Gillam is currently setting up contact people to head up several different phases of the clean-up. Congregations or individuals who wish to inquire about assisting the congregation may contact congregation member Mr. Jeremy Stephens at 870-672-3250. Congregations that wish to contribute door offerings or other monetary donations should send them to the Mid-South District Office, 1675 Wynne Road, Cordova, TN 38016, earmarked for tornado relief. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is going to match these funds $1.00 for every $3.00 contributed if they receive the funds by June 30, 2008. They are hopeful that pictures will be available on the Mid-South District website by tomorrow morning. Go to www.mid-southlcms.com to see these pictures or the link to get to them. Most of all, please keep these people and all those affected by last weekend's storms in your prayers. 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: 7524 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20080516/0a8ebaf5/attachment.txt From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Thu May 22 10:18:09 2008 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Thu, 22 May 2008 15:18:09 -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 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. 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. 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: 6056 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20080522/16391284/attachment.txt -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: 5-22.pdf Type: application/pdf Size: 45978 bytes Desc: 5-22.pdf Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20080522/16391284/5-22-0001.pdf From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed May 28 16:21:26 2008 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 28 May 2008 21:21:26 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] May 28 Message-ID: Update for May 28 A publication of the Nebraska District, a District ABLAZE! Greetings in the name of our loving Heavenly Father. * Prayer Requests * LCMS China Earthquake Response * Nebraska Lutheran Reporters Should Have Arrived * Circuit Counselors/Vice Presidents Retreat Date Set * Nebraska Wives of Pastors Retreat Planned for Fall * Concordia University, Seward, Receives Reaccreditation * New Event at Mission Central * Lutheran Heritage Foundation Unveils New Website * Organ for Sale PRAYER REQUESTS Rev. Greg Volzke - Please lift up in prayer Rev. Greg Volzke, pastor at Christ, Juniata, who has recently been diagnosed with leukemia. Because it was detected through a routine exam, it was caught early and the doctors are optimistic about successful treatments. We join with Pastor Volzke, his family, and the congregation of Christ, Juniata, in asking the Great Physician to place His healing hand on Rev. Volzke and give him continued opportunities to serve the Lord. Nathan Hultquist - The following prayer request and update was shared by Pastor Don and Sandy Becker of Minden for their grandson, Nathan. Seven-year-old Nathan Hultquist returns with his parents, Rob and Jenny Hultquist (members of St. Paul, Minden) to the new Children's Hospital in Denver today, May 27, for a scheduled MRI, and for meetings with Neuro-Psych and Growth Hormone Therapy specialists tomorrow. Nathan recently completed the first grade in good health. We welcome others who know of Nathan's successful radiation of this brain tumors four years ago and his on-going MRI check-ups to continue to lift him and his family up in their prayers for his life, health, growth, and well-being, even as we lift up others young and old who live in the shadow of cancer. May God's abundant grace and mercy in Christ help us all to commend our loved ones and friends, and those who suffer from great disasters, to our heavenly Father's gracious care and keeping. Thanks. The Family of Marjorie McConnell - We remember in prayer the family of Marjorie (Skoog) McConnell, who was called to the Lord's side on March 17, 2008. She was a 1983 graduate of Concordia College (University), Seward, and taught for a few years at Our Redeemer, North Platte. We ask that the Lord will continue to give her family and friends His comfort and peace at this difficult time. Back to top LCMS CHINA EARTHQUAKE RESPONSE Rev. Carl Hanson, LCMS World Mission Area Facilitator for East Asia, has shared a number of updates on the situation in China following the devastating earthquake, as well as the response efforts being organized. Following is the latest update from last Friday. For more information, visit the LCMS World Mission blog at http://blog.lcmsworldmission.org/. Today marks the 10th day following the May 12 earthquake in Sichuan. We turn our hearts to our Father in Heaven who in mercy sent His Son to redeem us, and together sent the Spirit to renew us in Him who is the Rock that cannot be moved - Jesus Christ. Thank you so much for your prayers for China and the people that are affected by this major disaster. LCMS World Mission, together with the Lutheran Church Hong Kong Synod and LCMS World Relief and Human Care, is committed to assisting the Chinese Church in its earthquake response effort. This will include the rebuilding of churches and church-related training schools, providing training in the area of counseling to quake survivors, and other needs as may be requested. We have already been meeting with a number of people from the earthquake stricken areas of Sichuan and will be visiting with leaders in the China Christian Council (CCC) at both the provincial and national level to identify and work with their relief effort. We will also be seeking to connect teams from the U.S. and Asia that could be a part of any counseling or counseling training that is needed or requested. You can support this work financially by donating to LCMS World Relief and Human Care and designating your gift as China Church Earthquake Response. (Donations may be mailed to LCMS World Relief and Human Care, P.O. Box 66861, St. Louis, MO 63166-6861). As for an update of the current action being taken at this time and for you to pray about... 1) We have people currently talking to our various provincial partners to determine the response of the local churches in other provinces. We want to be able to help them to respond, and we need to know more about what kinds of help they need. 2) On May 26 we will visit with the National CCC to share in person our prayers for them as they work to respond to this disaster, and our desire to support them in any way we can. 3) By early June (4-6 or 11-13) we will visit Sichuan Province to see what we can do at the provincial and local level. Again thank you for your prayers and willingness to support this critical work at the time when everyone in China is asking those eternal questions. If you have any further questions related to any of the above information, please contact Rev. Carl Hanson, Area Facilitator for East Asia for LCMS World Mission at carl.hanson at lcms.org or 852-6021-5619. Back to top NEBRASKA LUTHERAN REPORTERS SHOULD HAVE ARRIVED Church offices should have received their June Nebraska Lutheran Reporters late last week or in yesterday's mail. There was a delay of the entire Reporter shipment this month, but all of the newsletters should have been mailed by now. If you still have not received your congregation's Reporters, please contact Nichole at the District Office at Reporter at ndlcms.org or 888-643-2961. We deeply regret any inconvenience this caused and have worked to address the situation to avoid this in the future. A print-ready copy of the newest Reporter is always available on the District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/news/communications/reporter.html the third Monday of the month for church offices to print if they wish. Back to top CIRCUIT COUNSELORS/VICE PRESIDENTS RETREAT DATE SET The date has been set for the 2008 Circuit Counselors and Vice Presidents Retreat. The group will meet on October 6-7 at the St. Benedict Center near Schuyler. Circuit Counselors and Vice Presidents are encouraged to mark their calendars now and plan to attend this informative and relational retreat. Back to top NEBRASKA WIVES OF PASTORS RETREAT PLANNED FOR FALL The Nebraska Wives of Pastors Retreat committee has been hard at work and has made plans for a fall retreat in October of 2008. All wives of pastors serving in the Nebraska District are encouraged to mark the dates of October 10-11 on their calendars and make plans to attend the Wives of Pastors Retreat. The ladies will gather at The Leadership Center in Aurora for 1 ? days of fun, laughter, and relaxation. The special keynote speaker for the retreat will be Linda Bartlett, past president of Lutherans For Life and founder of Titus 2 Ministry. More information and a registration form will be mailed to all wives of pastors this summer. Back to top CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY, SEWARD, RECEIVES REACCREDITATION Concordia University, Nebraska was granted continued accreditation status May 8 from the Higher Learning Commission, a commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. "We are very pleased and honored that the commission recognizes the excellent academics offered by Concordia University, Nebraska," said Rev. Dr. Brian Friedrich, president of the university. The accreditation process involved a self-study report covering all departments and offices on campus and a three-day evaluation visit by a five-member team. Concordia prepared for the visit by setting up a self-study committee, reviewing related data and plans, and producing the necessary documentation for the HLC. "While we strive to think of the self-study process as a continual one, the intensity picks up about two years before the HLC visit," said Kent Einspahr, professor of computer science and self-study coordinator. The self-study committee also included Concordia's provost and 10 members of the faculty. The HLC accredits, and thereby grants membership in the North Central Association, to degree-granting educational institutions in 19 states. The next planned HLC visit to Concordia University, Nebraska will be in 2017-18. Back to top NEW EVENT AT MISSION CENTRAL A new missionary speaker has been added to the Mission Central speaker list for this summer. Please note that Dr. Fungchatou Lo and his entire family will be at Mission Central to present their story and pictures of what is happening in reaching out to the people of Banda Aceh, Indonesia. Dr. Lo is working with human care and educational projects in this country which was hit so hard by the tsunami. Now God is using this family to reflect the love of the Lord Jesus. Take a carload to Mission Central, two miles east of Mapleton, Iowa, to hear Dr. Lo at 7:00 p.m. on June 20. Visit www.missioncentral.us for a full schedule of speakers. Back to top LUTHERAN HERITAGE FOUNDATION UNVEILS NEW WEBSITE Lutheran Heritage Foundation's (LHF) new website is up and running. Visit www.lhfmission.org to register on the site. Portions of the website are available to the public, including stories about LHF's work in the mission field, recent publications, and so on. A database of all the books LHF has ever published (searchable by title, author, or language) is also available, and LHF mission projects available for adoption are listed. Site visitors can also read reports from LHF staff and associates who travel overseas. Those who register at the site can take advantage of extra services, including subscribing to LHF news updates, prayer requests, and devotions authored by LHF staff and associates. Another feature of the new site is the ability to give online donations to the LHF mission using a credit card. The Lutheran Heritage Foundation is a Recognized Service Organization of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. LHF translates, publishes, distributes, and introduces confessional Lutheran materials throughout the world so that people can be brought to Christ. Back to top ORGAN FOR SALE An individual has an organ suitable for a small church for sale. The Allen digital computer organ is a model number 201 with AGO pedals. For more information, contact Arlys Hartmann at 402-643-4566 or rahart at alltel.net. Back to top Blessings, Nichole Hetz Nebraska District LCMS Director of Communications and Events 1-888-643-2961 nicholeh at ndlcms.org www.ndlcms.org * 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: 30468 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20080528/5ad10ea0/attachment.txt