From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Sep 3 10:05:18 2008 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:05:18 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] September 3 Message-ID: Update for September 3 A publication of the Nebraska District, a District ABLAZE! Greetings in the name of our loving heavenly Father. With the passing of Labor Day each year, many people, especially children, realize summer has drawn to an end and the routine of school has become their new reality. While many schools in Nebraska begin in August, September is still thought of as "education month" by most. Many churches hold their "Rally Sunday," or first day of Christian education classes, on the Sunday following Labor Day. While this rhythm seems to make sense and is familiar to many, the questions most often not answered are, "What are we teaching?" or, "What are the students learning?" Quick answers would surely include: Bible stories, Bible verses, Catechism instruction, and Christian songs, followed by the old stand-bys of reading, math skills, spelling, social studies, and more. None of these answers would be wrong, but are we missing something? The Nebraska District is committed to encouraging Lutheran congregations and schools in "missional Lutheran education." What does that mean? The simple answer is making Lutheran parish and school education available to all people to equip them as witnesses for Christ. The real question might be, "What does that look like?" In truth, it will look different in every congregation and every school, but the common thread will be the proclamation of the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ on the lips of every man, woman, and child of the LCMS. As children and adults spend time in God's Word, in prayer, and in singing praises, they will also learn about sharing the joy that the Holy Spirit has placed in them because of the free gift of salvation they received through their Baptism. So, as your congregation prepares to begin parish education classes, or as your school faculty continues to prepare lesson plans, consider how "missional" your Lutheran education is. Are we equipping people to be witnesses for Christ? Would you like to know more about what this can look like in your congregation? Contact Nebraska District education executive Don Weber at 888-643-2961 or donw at ndlcms.org for more information or resources on missional Lutheran education. * Prayer Requests * Rev. Dr. Orville Walz Receives Award * Wives of Pastors Retreat Registration Deadline Draws Near * Team Members Still Needed For Medical Mercy Trip to Indonesia * LLL Men's Retreat at Camp Luther * Fan into Flame Congregation Update * CPH Offers Free Guide for "Teen" Movie * Dedicatory Organ Recital at Concordia University * The ABC's of Bullying Prevention Materials Available from District Office * More Opportunities to Visit a Seminary * District Congregation to Celebrate 100 Years of Ministry PRAYER REQUESTS Pastor Randall and Christie Smith - We join with Pastor Randall and Christie Smith of St. Peter, Hampton, in prayers of thanksgiving at the birth of their son, Ian Matthias, on Friday, August 28. We thank God for the safe delivery of this baby, and we join with the family in anticipation of his re-birth through Holy Baptism on Sunday, September 7. The Southern District LCMS and Those in the Gulf Area - We received word from the Southern District Office yesterday that their office remained untouched and fully functional following Hurricane Gustav. We continue to lift up in prayer all the people from the Gulf Coast who were evacuated prior to the hurricane's arrival. We ask the Lord to grant them safety and His peace as they return to their homes to survey the damage and loss of property left in the storm's wake. For up-to-date information from the Southern District through Recovery Assistance, Inc. Ministries (RAI Ministries), visit their website at http://www.lcmsrelief.org/. This site includes information on volunteering and donating to help the recent victims. Back to top REV. DR. ORVILLE WALZ RECEIVES AWARD Rev. Dr. Orville Walz, former president of Concordia University, Nebraska in Seward and Concordia University College of Alberta in Canada, was honored by the latter institution today, September 3, at its Opening Convocation. Dr. Walz received the Christo et Ecclesia award for his long and meritorious service as pastor, teacher, and administrator, and for his significant contributions that have inspired and ennobled the people of God and that have given glory to our Lord Jesus Christ. Dr. Walz and his wife, Marilyn, live in Bennington, and he serves the Nebraska District as Second Vice-President. Back to top WIVES OF PASTORS RETREAT REGISTRATION DEADLINE DRAWS NEAR Wives of pastors and vicars in the Nebraska District are invited to attend the Nebraska District Wives of Pastors Retreat at The Leadership Center in Aurora on October 10-11. This retreat has been designed specially for them under the theme, "Titus 2 for Life." The retreat will provide networking opportunities with other wives of pastors and vicars -- old friends and new acquaintances alike. Linda Bartlett, former Lutherans For Life president, will be the presenter for Saturday. Throughout the day and a half there will be plenty of opportunities for relaxation, laughter, and renewal. Registration materials were mailed to each pastor's and vicar's wife or may be printed from the District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/news/conferences/wives.html. Contact Julie Roebke at the District Office at julier at ndlcms.org or 888-643-2961 with questions or for more information. Registrations are due to the District Office by next Wednesday, September 10. Back to top TEAM MEMBERS STILL NEEDED FOR MEDICAL MERCY TRIP TO INDONESIA Volunteer spots are still open on the LCMS World Relief and Human Care team to Indonesia November 7-17, 2008. Currently the team consists of two doctors, a pharmacist, two nurses, and one non-medical person. Nurses are especially needed. Clinics will serve the extremely under-served poor on the island of Sumatra. Volunteers cover the cost of their trip which includes their own airfare from their chosen departure airport, and a flat fee for ground transportation, lodging, and medical supplies for the needy (total estimated to be around $3000). Maggie Karner and Sally Henrickson will serve as team leaders on this inaugural trip to Indonesia. In order to confirm your spot on the World Relief and Human Care Medical Mercy Team to Indonesia, please reply as soon as possible to sally.henrickson at lcms.org or call her at 800-248-1930, ext. 1278. Back to top LLL MEN'S RETREAT AT CAMP LUTHER A Men's Retreat sponsored by LLL Zone 4 will be held at Camp Luther Friday and Saturday, November 21-22, 2008. The cost is only $25.00 per person and includes overnight lodging, breakfast, and lunch on Saturday, plus snack Friday night. Staff from Lutheran Hour Ministries will present Men's Ministry Network, as described here: The absence of active, involved, and committed Christian men in our churches is impeding our witness to the world and is a key factor in the decline in church membership. Recent research reveals: * When a child leads the way in commitment to a church, 3.5% of families follow. * When a woman leads the way in commitment to a church, 17% of families follow. * But, when a man leads the way in commitment to a church, 93% of families follow! * Also, 42% of American men attended church regularly in 1992. But by 1997, only 28% of American men were attending church regularly. Clearly, without male spiritual involvement families, churches, and our witness all suffer. LHM's men's ministry will engage men in Bible classes, discussion groups, fellowship, community service, and retreats, all specifically designed for their needs and interests, so that participants can become confident in their role in God's kingdom. It will improve their Bible knowledge and understanding of Lutheran teachings and provide them with opportunities, connections, and training to serve others in Christ's name. Participants will become part of a nationwide force of highly mobilized Christian men known for hands-on ministry who use their vocations and skills to express their faith and calling as Jesus' disciples. They will become equipped to mentor other men, sharing the Savior and encouraging them to serve in their churches and community. Back to top FAN INTO FLAME CONGREGATION UPDATE There are some incredible stories of what the Holy Spirit has already accomplished in Nebraska congregations where pastors and people have prayed and participated in Fan into Flame. God can do great things anywhere and in every congregation through this mission effort. Fan into Flame is an opportunity for your congregation to witness once again the power of the Spirit in the lives of God's people. Following is an example, written by the pastor and leadership, of how one congregation in the Nebraska District implemented Fan into Flame. Full congregational summaries are available on the District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/news/FIF/summaries.html. Lord of Life, Elkhorn - As a Fan into Flame pilot congregation, Lord of Life conducted their appeal in May and June of this year. The goal set by the committee was 10% of their 2008 budget, or $20,000. As part of their appeal, the committee believed it was very important to inform the congregation about Ablaze! and Fan into Flame. Newsletters included Ablaze! articles, information on Fan into Flame, and upcoming cottage meetings. Ablaze! inserts were included in the Sunday bulletins beginning on their campaign kick-off Sunday and continued another seven weeks until their commitment Sunday. Ablaze! and Fan into Flame were mentioned during sermons in relation to missions and outreach. A letter was sent to every household announcing the congregation's participation in Fan into Flame. A second letter was sent to all households inviting them to attend one of the four cottage meetings held at the church. Families were called by the Board of Elders to encourage attendance at one of the hour-long cottage meetings. Each family attending received an informational packet and was asked to prayerfully consider making a commitment to Fan into Flame. Pledge cards were mailed to congregation members prior to commitment Sunday, as well as distributed in the bulletin that day. On commitment Sunday, pledges for $49,750 were received! This was announced to the congregation on June 29, their celebration Sunday, when they gave thanks to God and celebrated with special refreshments after each service. On this Sunday, additional pledges were received, bringing their final total to $60,050, over three times their goal! At the same time that they began the Fan into Flame campaign, they also formed a vision committee to evaluate the congregation's ministry and building needs. The Board of Evangelism will consider new ways of outreach into the community and additional ministries that they might now start to reach the needs of the community. The congregation's 15% net of the gifts given will be used for these new ministries. Every congregation of the Nebraska District is encouraged to prayerfully consider how they can be involved in Fan into Flame. It doesn't take much to participate - just a dedicated core of lay people, a mission-minded pastor, and the materials provided by Fan into Flame. Once the opportunity to be personally involved in mission work is shared with the members of your congregation, the Spirit can move hearts to respond. For more information on how to get started, or to report how your congregation plans to be involved, contact Andrea Essling at the Nebraska District Office, Andrea.Essling at ndlcms.org or 888-643-2961. Back to top CPH OFFERS FREE GUIDE FOR "TEEN" MOVIE (from Reporter Online, http://www.lcms.org/reporter) Jake, Megan, Hannah, Colin, and Mitch are five high-school seniors from Warsaw, Ind., and their story is coming to a multiplex screen near you. "American Teen," a PG-13-rated documentary from director Nanette Burstein, follows the lives of the five students and their classmates from the first day of school through graduation. The result is what some have called "the 'Breakfast Club' of the new millennium." First released at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, "American Teen" has garnered critical acclaim from many sectors. On the surface, the film's five stars embody the stereotypical high-school roles of jock, princess, rebel, geek, and heart-throb, but, in reality, their lives are much more complicated. The students navigate a constantly changing landscape of friends, family, and personal issues. They are searching for something better in life, and the film is their unscripted story. Christian viewers can expect to be uncomfortable with the film's portrayal of teen language, sexual behavior, and alcohol use, but "will realize that, like it or not, and good or bad, the scenario of 'American Teen' is not too far removed from the average teen landscape of today's culture," according to Concordia Publishing House. Says CPH: "The question for those of us who care about kids and recognize that something is very wrong with today's student experience, is: what do we want to do with the themes of this film as we engage youth with the message of God's Word?" In response to that question, CPH is offering a free discussion guide that's designed to "enable youth and adults to process the themes of 'American Teen' ... evaluate their relation to the film, and apply what they learn in their daily lives as Christians." The guide is the first in "a new style of youth resource" from CPH, according to Gretchen M. Jameson, director of public relations and corporate communications at CPH. "Our desire is to meet real needs in real time, and those working with students often need current, timely talk sheets and materials to help them engage students and student culture with the Word of God," Jameson said. "The 'American Teen' resource is an example of CPH listening -- and immediately responding -- to the needs of today's youth workers." The new resource can be used with church youth groups following a viewing of "American Teen," or to help adults prepare to discuss the film with teens, according to CPH. The discussion guide is available as a free download at http://www.cph.org/cphstore/pages/corporate/news.asp. Back to top DEDICATORY ORGAN RECITAL AT CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY Concordia University, Seward, has a year-long organ recital series planned to celebrate the installation of the new Casavant Freres Opus 3868 organ on campus. All events will take place in the Heine Recital Hall in the Music Building. For more information on these events, contact the Concordia Music Department at 402-643-7282. Dedicatory Recital and Hymn Festival, September 13 at 7:00 p.m. and September 14 at 3:00 p.m. Advanced ticket sales are required due to limited seating. Call Sue at 800-535-5494, ext. 7408 for more information. Concordia Alumni Recital, October 5 at 2:00 p.m. "Organ Plus . . ." Music for Organ with Instruments and Voices, January 25 at 3:00 p.m. Felix Hell Visiting Artist Concert, March 22 at 3:00 p.m. Back to top THE ABC'S OF BULLYING PREVENTION MATERIALS AVAILABLE FROM DISTRICT OFFICE The ABC's of Bullying Prevention is a comprehensive approach for providing school communities a complete package on bullying prevention. This resource featuring Kenneth Shore, Psy.D. and produced by National Professional Resources, Inc. includes four DVDs and four books. This material is available to be borrowed from the Nebraska District Parish Health Committee by contacting Julie Roebke at the District Office at 888-643-2961 or julier at ndlcms.org. As quoted from the book: "The ABC's of Bullying Prevention takes an innovative approach by presenting the necessary information, training, and guidance needed to the various stakeholder groups - administrators and pupil services staff, teachers, paraprofessionals, and parents - of the school community. These individuals have the greatest impact on preventing bullying from appearing and addressing it when it does occur in our schools and communities. By partnering in a comprehensive school community-wide approach, each adult can be equipped with valuable strategies to accomplish the goals of bullying prevention and intervention." Schools can benefit from the strategies that are based on current research and that can be integrated into the fabric of the school. Dr. Kenneth Shore, family and educational psychologist and nationally renowned author of books such as Keeping Kids Safe, presents an innovative plan to address bullying prevention across all constituencies who play a role in a school community. The target and length of each DVD: * Parents (29 minutes) * Paraprofessionals (27 minutes) * Teachers (30 minutes) * Administrators & Pupil Services (32 minutes) Each targeted DVD comes with a copy of Shore's book, The ABC's of Bullying Prevention. Dr. Shore presents powerful and proven strategies that target specific groups, as well as providing valuable resources. Showing a video to students in their classrooms and other "one-shot" approaches do not produce a lasting impact. Through the use of the video and the accompanying book, each stakeholder group learns critical information on what he/she can do to specifically address, reduce and eliminate bullying in our schools. The viewer will be able to: * Understand the pervasiveness of bullying in schools * Define characteristics of bullying and its various forms * Identify the consequences of bullying for its victims as well as for the general student population * List the key elements of an effective bullying prevention program * Identify ways to promote a caring classroom culture in which students come to the aid of bullying victims and/or report incidents to adults * Recognize behavioral signs in a student that suggest that he or she may be a victim of bullying * Develop skills in counseling students who have been victims of bullying * Learn strategies for providing discipline as well as guidance to students who have been bullying others * (Parents) Understand how to work cooperatively with the school to deal with a situation in which your child is being bullied or your child is doing the bullying Back to top MORE OPPORTUNITIES TO VISIT A SEMINARY Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, is pleased to invite college students to attend "Green and Gold Days" to be held Oct. 17, 2008, Jan. 8, 2009, and April 3, 2009, on the Seminary campus. This event will give college students an opportunity to learn more about life in the Concordia Seminary community and the preparation that leads to service as a pastor, missionary, chaplain or deaconess in The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. Participants will interact with current students, attend classes, worship in chapel, and speak with members of the faculty. To end the day, a reception will be held. Pastors and pre-seminary advisors are encouraged to attend to show support for their students interested in pastoral formation or deaconess studies. "Green and Gold Days will be the perfect opportunity for guests considering ministerial formation and their pastors to get an opportunity to experience a day in the life of Concordia Seminary," commented Rev. Kyle Castens, director of admissions and ministerial recruitment. The Jan. 8, 2009, "Green and Gold Day" will focus on deaconess studies, and the Oct. 17, 2008, and April 3, 2009, days will focus on pastoral ministry. The day will begin at 7:00 a.m. and ends at 5:00 p.m. There is no registration fee, and meals will be provided. Housing is also available for those who need to come the night before or stay the night of the event. The registration deadlines are one week prior to each event. For more information on "Green and Gold Days" or to obtain a registration form, contact the Admissions Office, 801 Seminary Place, St. Louis, MO 63105; 314-505-7722; admissions at csl.edu. Back to top DISTRICT CONGREGATION TO CELEBRATE 100 YEARS OF MINISTRY Peace, McCook, will be celebrating its 100th Anniversary on September 21, 2008. One service will be held that Sunday at 9:30 a.m. with Pastor Heath Curtis and Vicar Tom Albertson. Following the service, a catered dinner will be served at the Red Willow County Community Building. Cake and entertainment will be provided during the afternoon. Tickets may be purchased for the dinner until September 7 by calling the church office at 308-345-2595. 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. 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: 54451 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20080903/c89fe7b4/attachment.txt From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Thu Sep 4 14:28:45 2008 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:28:45 -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. 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 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: 5904 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20080904/96fd0b59/attachment.txt -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: 9-4.pdf Type: application/pdf Size: 46741 bytes Desc: 9-4.pdf Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20080904/96fd0b59/9-4-0001.pdf From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Sep 10 09:29:47 2008 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 10 Sep 2008 14:29:47 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] September 10 Message-ID: Update for September 10 A publication of the Nebraska District, a District ABLAZE! Greetings in the name of our loving heavenly Father. A special welcome to the new workers in the Nebraska District who are receiving this electronic newsletter for the first time this week. It was a pleasure meeting you all and spending time together at the New Worker Orientation in Seward at the beginning of this week. It was a great time to get to know the new pastors, vicars, and DCEs who are beginning or continuing their ministry in Nebraska. If there is a new pastor, vicar, DCE, or teacher in your circuit, please take some time to introduce yourself and get to know him or her. The Lord has led a wonderful group of men and women to Nebraska to be about His work, and we thank Him for the opportunity to partner with them and with all of you. * Prayer Requests * Update on Southern Hurricanes * Fan into Flame Congregation Update * National Family Day Coming Up * Mission Central Featured in Lutheran Witness * Concordia's Center for Liturgical Art Finishes Two Projects * Nebraska Lutherans for Confessional Study to Meet * Concordia Plan Services Offers "Reward" to Complete Assessment * Expect Respect Resource Available from Parish Health Library * District Youth Participate in Seminary Visitation Event PRAYER REQUESTS The Family of Dr. O.H. Cloeter - Please remember in prayer the family of Dr. Cloeter, who served as president of the Synod's Minnesota South District for 13 years, and who died Aug. 30 in Minneapolis. He was 88. A funeral service was held Sept. 3 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Faribault, Minn. Dr. Cloeter served as Minnesota South District president from 1978 until his retirement in 1991. He was a vice president of the district from 1966 to 1974, and also served on the district's Evangelism Committee, Mission Administration Committee, and Campus Committee. Outside the district, Dr. Cloeter's service included chairman of the Board of Regents of Concordia University (then College) in St. Paul, Minn., and secretary of the LCMS Council of Presidents. A 1945 graduate of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Dr. Cloeter served as pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bristol, Conn. (1945-50); St. James Lutheran Church in Northrup, Minn. (1950-57); and Trinity, Faribault (1957-78). Dr. Lane Seitz, president of the Minnesota South District, said he thanked God for Dr. Cloeter -- "for his faith in Jesus as his only Savior from sin, for how he used the gifts God had given him to share that precious message of forgiveness and life with so many others down through the years, and for the leadership he provided to our district and the Synod." Survivors include Dr. Cloeter's wife, Elsie; seven children -- Renata (Gary) Brand, Richard (Christine), Paul (Nancy), Carl (Judy), Roberta (Scott) Wiesehan, Robert (Marilyn), and Anita; 18 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. (reprinted with permission from Reporter Online, http://www.lcms.org/pages/reporter.asp?NavID=2155.) Back to top UPDATE ON SOUTHERN HURRICANES (from LCMS World Mission Mission News, September 5) Volunteers are needed as soon as possible or even today to help serve in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Hurricane Gustav battered the city of Baton Rouge with heavy winds and rain. The wind brought down trees and left debris all over the city. Volunteers are needed to serve on chainsaw and debris removal gangs. Rev. David Buss, LCMS Southern District Disaster Relief Coordinator, stated that "it may take three months or longer to clean up the city." Volunteers will stay at a property owned by Trinity Lutheran Church, Baton Rouge. The property has showers, cots, and power provided by a generator. They will attempt to provide food for volunteers, but it may be helpful to bring food with you. Volunteers will also need to bring work clothes, towels, and bedding. Tools, chainsaws, and other equipment are available, although volunteers are welcome to bring their own. If you are able to respond to this call for volunteers, please contact Recovery Assistance Incorporated at one of its two locations. Both camps are helping organize volunteers for Baton Rouge. Camp Biloxi: 1996 Pass Rd. Biloxi, MS 39531 www.campbiloxi.org Phone: (228) 594-0008 Camp Restore: 9301 Chef Menteur Hwy New Orleans, LA 70127 www.camprestore.org Toll-Free: (888) 248-2636 Phone: (504) 242-2636 As members of the LCMS respond to the needs of current disasters, we would also like to remind our faithful servants that the need in New Orleans and Biloxi, Miss., from Hurricane Katrina are still great. The LCMS, its partners, and LCMS members are making a difference in the disaster area and now, more than ever, we need your help to serve those who lost so much. Learn more about hurricane disaster relief efforts through the LCMS, visit www.lcms.org?8800 or www.camprestore.org. To subscribe to receive Mission News or many other electronic newsletters from The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, please visit LCMS e-News at www.lcms.org/enews. Back to top FAN INTO FLAME CONGREGATION UPDATE There are some incredible stories of what the Holy Spirit has already accomplished in Nebraska congregations where pastors and people have prayed and participated in Fan into Flame. God can do great things anywhere and in every congregation through this mission effort. Fan into Flame is an opportunity for your congregation to witness once again the power of the Spirit in the lives of God's people. Following is an example, written by the pastor and leadership, of how one congregation in the Nebraska District implemented Fan into Flame. Full congregational summaries are available on the District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/news/FIF/summaries.html. Peace, Grand Island - Peace was asked to consider being a pilot congregation for the Nebraska District campaign. It seemed like good timing, as we were just going into the LCEF Strategic Ministry Planning program. We knew there would be outcomes from SMP that could impact the outreach focus for our church, and participating in the Fan into Flame campaign would help focus on outreach ministry, as well as provide some funds for future outreach efforts of the congregation. As we considered which Fan into Flame appeal plan to use, it became evident that we could modify the cottage meeting approach to take place on Sunday mornings. Over a period of four weeks, we focused on sharing the Gospel message in the areas of our own Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth during Sunday worship. Our Jerusalem focus was the VBS outreach in a Hispanic trailer court that would be held in June, as well as the local Heartland Lutheran High School. Our Judea focus was on the Nebraska District mission opportunities. Our Samaria focus was a group of members who worked at Camp Restore in New Orleans this year. Our Ends of the Earth focus was a member who went on a mission trip with LCMS World Mission to Kenya, Africa. Each of these groups presented a short presentation during our Sunday morning worship services and then shared their outreach ministry with the adult Bible class. Our pastors focused on Fan into Flame through each sermon, and a Fan into Flame focused letter was sent to the congregation prior to our Commitment Sundays. We held two Commitment Sundays, and followed up several weeks after the completion of these with people who had indicated on the pledge card a desire to pray about their pledge/gift. The Holy Spirit moved the hearts of God's people to recognize the outreach need and opportunity through Ablaze! and the Fan into Flame campaign to reach the Ablaze! goals. Peace Lutheran Church surpassed its $70,000 goal and to date has received pledges/gifts of $72,586! Fan into Flame gave Peace an opportunity to intentionally highlight the Mission of the entire Church over an extended period of time. This helped expand both our mission awareness and motivation to be about this mission. It also generated resources for us to use in our local mission field, as well as to the ends of the earth. Fan into Flame has become an extra-ordinary opportunity for the people of Peace to grow in their own mission commitment and to be part of an extra-ordinary mission effort within the LCMS. Now we are praying that this movement will bring extraordinary numbers of people into a saving relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. I would encourage your congregation to prayerfully consider how you could benefit from participating in this unique mission opportunity. Every congregation of the Nebraska District is encouraged to prayerfully consider how they can be involved in Fan into Flame. It doesn't take much to participate - just a dedicated core of lay people, a mission-minded pastor, and the materials provided by Fan into Flame. Once the opportunity to be personally involved in mission work is shared with the members of your congregation, the Spirit can move hearts to respond. For more information on how to get started, or to report how your congregation plans to be involved, contact Andrea Essling at the Nebraska District Office, Andrea.Essling at ndlcms.org or 888-643-2961. Back to top NATIONAL FAMILY DAY COMING UP The Nebraska District Family Life Ministry Action Team encourages families not only to worship together, but to spend meal time together. For more information on the work of the Family Life Ministry Action Team, contact the District Office at 888-643-2961. National Family Day is Monday, September 22, 2008! Family Day - A Day to Eat Dinner with Your ChildrenTM is a national movement to inform parents that the parental engagement fostered during frequent family dinners is an effective tool to help keep America's kids substance free. Family Day reminds parents that Dinner Makes A Difference! Visit http://casafamilyday.org/familyday/ for more information, mealtime activity ideas, and a menu planner. Back to top MISSION CENTRAL FEATURED IN LUTHERAN WITNESS "In the middle of a cornfield in western Iowa, God is using ordinary people and an old set of farm buildings to accomplish His work." So starts "Mission Central: Ablaze for Missions and Missionaries," an article in the September 2008 issue of The Lutheran Witness. The article highlights the work God is doing through Gary Thies, the staff, and the volunteers at Mission Central near Mapleton, Iowa. This issue of The Lutheran Witness is available online, as well as an archive of past issues. To read this article and others, visit http://www.lcms.org/pages/witness.asp and follow the "Mission Central" link in the center. Back to top CONCORDIA'S CENTER FOR LITURGICAL ART FINISHES TWO PROJECTS The Center for Liturgical Art at Concordia University, Nebraska recently delivered and installed a collection of 19 pieces of art to Alleluia! Lutheran Church in Naperville, Ill. The project took most of the summer to complete and involved five faculty members, several other professional artists and a half-dozen students. Michael Strand, chair of the art department and director of the center, served as the designer and project leader. The commission for the pieces came about as Alleluia! Lutheran Church was constructing a new sanctuary. Strand worked with Senior Pastor Michael Nelson to develop the overall aesthetic and individual design of each piece. The largest piece is a 16-foot by 12-foot ceramic mosaic of the Tree of Life. It fills the wall behind the altar and appears to be coming up from the ground. It echoes the trees in a nature preserve near the church as it reminds worshippers of the tree mentioned in Genesis and Revelation. Thousands of pieces of clay were shaped, fired, glazed and placed within the mosaic. The mosaic also incorporates pieces of burned or sandblasted wood for the particular form, texture and color they would add. Additional pieces included a three-dimensional banner, an abstract sculpture of an exclamation point, a processional cross and baptismal candle stand, a wooden tree sculpture, and baptismal font. Meanwhile, this spring and summer the Center for Liturgical Art took on a project of more than a dozen pieces for Christ Lutheran Church in Zionsville, Ind. Theme-wise, it all started with the cross. "My approach was to first design the central cross inasmuch as the message of the cross is the focal doctrine of the Christian church," said William Wolfram, professor emeritus of art. "The cross became the source of shapes, colors and textures for the other liturgical art forms, down to the details of the flower stands." Wolfram designed the altar, ambo, baptismal base, flower stands, and multiple crosses. He was joined on the project by fellow Concordia faculty members, area artists and students. Thomas Mackie, pastor at St. Paul, Shelton, and furniture fabricator, built the pieces that Wolfram designed out of maple. Jon Conklin, a metalwork artist from Kansas City, Kan., fabricated the bowl of the baptismal from bronze. Wolfram also designed and fabricated a series of inlayed mosaics for the center panel of the altar. Made of opaque, colored glass from Italy, the mosaics reflect the seasons of the church year through their shapes and colors. Two large stained glass windows, 10 feet across each, were the product of Mark Anschutz, artist in residence of the center. With their placement on either side of the main cross at the front the sanctuary, Anschutz focused the design of the right window on images representing God from the Old Testament and the left window represents the Holy Spirit in the New Testament. Amy Smith, a ceramic artist in Lincoln, worked with the center as the designer and sculptor of the communion ware for the church. To see some of these pieces, or for more information on the Center for Liturgical Art, visit http://bibelot.squarespace.com/church-projects/ or http://www.cune.edu/finearts/liturgicalart/. Back to top NEBRASKA LUTHERANS FOR CONFESSIONAL STUDY TO MEET The September gathering of the Nebraska Lutherans for Confessional Study (NLCS) is Thursday, September 11, 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. Presenter for the morning session will be Rev. Lance Berndt, pastor at Good Shepherd. His topic, starting at 10:30, will be "Image of God; How are Lutherans to Understand Theosis." Following lunch, Rev. Brent Kuhlman, pastor of Trinity, Murdock, will lead the afternoon topic on "Luther's Lectures on Galatians." 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 CONCORDIA PLAN SERVICES OFFERS "REWARD" TO COMPLETE ASSESSMENT Concordia Plan Services (CPS) is rewarding Concordia Health Plan (CHP) members who complete the online CareAllies Health Assessment between Sept. 1 and Dec. 31 with a $75 "Be Well ... Serve Well" Rewards Visa Debit Card. This new incentive is part of "a continuing effort to encourage healthier behavior among ... members and in support of LCMS ministries," said Steve Gruenwald, CPS's health and wellness educator. The offer is available to all members currently enrolled in the Concordia Health Plan (CHP), including Medicare members. Although covered dependents may take the assessment, they are not eligible for the card. CHP members who complete the online assessment can expect to receive the card within three to four weeks. It can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. "We want our church workers to enjoy the benefits of good health," Gruenwald said. "We're happy to reward people for taking the initiative to understand their health, because that's the first step in maintaining it. Research shows incentives lead people to action and action leads people to better health." To take the CareAllies Health Assessment, visit www.concordiaplans.org and look for the "Be Well ... Serve Well Health Assessment" link at the bottom left side of the screen. Information about the Reward Card and other CareAllies programs can be found in the "Health and Wellness" section of the website. To read the complete article, as well as many others, visit the Reporter Online at http://www.lcms.org/pages/reporter.asp?NavID=2155 and click on the "CPS Offers. . ." article. This portion of the article is reprinted with permission from the September 2008 Reporter, the official newspaper of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod." Back to top EXPECT RESPECT RESOURCE AVAILABLE FROM PARISH HEALTH LIBRARY Expect Respect: A School-Based Program for Preventing Teen Dating Violence and Promoting Safe and Healthy Relationships. According to its program brochure, this program is a comprehensive prevention program designed to raise awareness of dating violence, teach skills for healthy relationships, develop youth leadership, and increase safety and respect on school campuses. The program can be implemented by advocates, counselors, and educators in middle and high schools, and youth-serving organizations. Four manuals are included: Expect Respect - Program Overview The manual summarizes research on teen dating violence prevention and describes the Expect Respect program. To see more about this, go to www.SafePlace.org Part I: Expect Respect Support Group Curriculum and Facilitator Guide (24 sessions) Expect Respect groups serve vulnerable youth who have experienced violence in their homes or dating relationships. Support groups help teens heal from past abuse, learn skills for healthy relationships, and prevent future victimization and perpetration. Part II: SafeTeens Youth Leadership Curriculum and Facilitator Guide (8 sessions) The SafeTeens curriculum empowers youth to become role models and leaders in preventing dating violence, sexual harassment, and bullying. Part III: School-Wide Prevention Strategies Strategies include developing school policy concerning dating violence; assessing school climate; and engaging students, teachers, and parents in school-wide prevention activities. Materials from Choose Respect, a primary prevention initiative developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, are featured in this section. These materials were purchased for the Nebraska District Office by the Parish Health Committee through a grant from the Family Violence Council and Interchurch Ministries of Nebraska. To borrow this curriculum for use within your church or school, contact Julie Roebke at 888-643-2961 or julier at ndlcms.org. Back to top DISTRICT YOUTH PARTICIPATE IN SEMINARY VISITATION EVENT Four high school youth from the Nebraska District participated in the Exploring Church Careers Event (ECCE), held July 19-22, 2008, and at ECCE Amplified on July 22-25 at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. The participants were: Trevor Freudenburg, Christ, Norfolk Daniel Miller, St. Paul, West Point LeAnn Miller, St. John's, Battle Creek Preston Sunderman, St. John's, Battle Creek A total of 33 youth attended the ECCE, and a total of 23 youth attended ECCE Amplified. They participated in Bible studies, worship, prayer and discussion, and visited various ministry sites in the St. Louis area to hear presentations by people currently serving in church vocations. The 2009 Vocatio and Vocatio Amplified (formerly ECCE and ECCE Amplified) are scheduled for July 27 - July 2, 2009. Nomination forms will be mailed to all LCMS pastors, high school principals, teachers, and guidance counselors in February 2009. Prior to this, nominations forms may be printed from the Concordia Seminary website at www.csl.edu. Registration will begin on March 1, 2009, and no registrations will be accepted prior to this date. For more information, contact the admissions office at Concordia Seminary, 801 Seminary Place, St. Louis, MO 63105. Back to top Thanks to all who contributed information for this week's Update. If you have something you would like included in a future Update, please send it 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: 51863 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20080910/f6cbe46d/attachment.txt From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Sep 17 11:20:18 2008 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 17 Sep 2008 16:20:18 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] September 17 Message-ID: Update for September 17 A publication of the Nebraska District, a District ABLAZE! Greetings in the name of our Heavenly Father. The Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Rome, "For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." (Romans 15:4) What a blessing it is to know that God loved us enough to give us His Word to teach us, so that we might have the hope of eternal life with Him through His Son, Jesus Christ. This verse can serve to remind us to faithfully teach God's Word to the children, youth, and adults in our congregations, and encourage members, parents, and children to take advantage of the Christian education opportunities available through their congregations. By spending time reading and studying "everything that was written in the past," we are encouraged in the hope we have in Jesus Christ. As the Holy Spirit works through the lessons taught in Bible classes, Sunday school, Midweek, or day school, this hope is strengthened, and the joy that comes from knowing Jesus as the Savior increases. It is this joy that overflows into daily life, allowing us to be witnesses to those around us. The Ablaze! movement is exactly that, being prepared to give a personal witness of the hope and joy you have because Jesus Christ is your Lord and Savior. There is no complex evangelism program or strategy to follow. Simply take the opportunities God gives you each day to share the Gospel message of eternal life through Jesus Christ with those who don't have a relationship with Him. May your time spent in the study of God's Word and in prayer give you the "encouragement of the Scriptures" to share the hope you have in Jesus Christ with those you meet each day. * Update and Statement on Hurricane Ike * Wives of Pastors Retreat Still Accepting Registrations * Teachers' Conference Registration Materials Mailed * Kick-Off Event for The Rock Lutheran Church * Lutheran Blind Mission Anniversary Materials * Fan into Flame Congregation Update * Orphan Grain Train Sends Relief to Haiti * Pastor Appreciation Month is Coming * LCMS Medical Mission Trip to Indonesia Rescheduled * Concordia Lincoln Campus Ribbon Cutting * Plum Creek Literacy Festival UPDATE AND STATEMENT ON HURRICANE IKE LCMS World Relief/Human Care Update, September 15, 2008 (from http://www.lcms.org/pages/default.asp?NavID=891) Hurricane Ike affected 132 counties and 13 million people - including an estimated 80 LCMS congregations. To date, 20 LCMS churches were significantly damaged, as were six church worker's homes. The status of the LCMS church in Galveston Island is yet unknown. "There is going to be a lot of devastation, if not to LCMS congregations, certainly to member's homes," said Rev. Glenn F. Merritt, director of LCMS World Relief and Human Care disaster response. Nearly 2 million residents are without power in Southeast Texas and officials say it could be 2-4 weeks before it is repaired. In response, LCMS WR-HC is partnering with Orphan Grain Train to provide food, water, and other basic necessities, as needed in Texas and Louisiana along the Gulf Coast. LCMS WR-HC will work closely with the LCMS Texas District and Southern District to further provide for immediate needs. As LCMS church workers and members return home, LCMS WR-HC expects to learn of major damages. LCMS WR-HC is working closely with Recovery Assistance, Inc., the Southern District's disaster response arm, to deploy clean-up teams to Louisiana and Texas. LCMS WR-HC will also continue working with Lutheran Social Services of the South, a Lutheran Disaster Response affiliate, to provide long-term relief. "The big issue for us today is we haven't seen these dollars come in," said Rev. Merritt. Your financial gifts are critical for immediate and long-term disaster relief on the Gulf Coast. Each dollar you donate provides for emotional, spiritual, and physical needs of those affected by recent hurricanes. To donate, gifts can be mailed to LCMS World Relief and Human Care, P.O. Box 66861, St. Louis, MO 63166-9810, marked for Hurricane Relief. They can also be given via telephone through their credit card gift line, 1-888-930-4438. Statement from President Kieschnick, September 16, 2008 Hurricane Ike has caused massive destruction along the Gulf Coast of Texas and Louisiana, even stretching into the midsection of the country. The scenes of ruin caused by Hurricane Ike on Galveston Island and in other inland cities along the Gulf Coast have been displayed on television screens and other media venues. The reports of flooding and storm-related deaths in Ike's wake are continuing to unfold in cities throughout the Midwest. As of today, it has been reported by CNN that "Ike and its remnants left at least 27 people dead from the U.S. Gulf Coast to the Great Lakes." Those along rivers, such as the Missouri and Mississippi, are now facing the prospect of additional flooding as rains from the storm drain off the land into those rivers and their respective tributaries. It is obvious that the devastation caused by Hurricane Ike is of enormous proportion, not just in the Gulf Coast area, but wherever Ike cut his path. Such widespread destruction also means that there is massive human need requiring attention. As Rev. Mark Junkans of the Lutheran Inter-City Network Coalition in Houston noted: "There are so many different communities within such a wide area in the Houston area that it is incredibly difficult to distribute the things that are needed. Even as people are still being rescued from the areas most affected by flooding, I have been throughout a lot of the poorest apartment complexes and subdivisions where families are already without much food or provisions." As of yesterday, Dr. Lou Jander, Texas District Disaster Response Coordinator, reported that "20 LCMS churches were significantly damaged, as were six church workers' homes. The status of the LCMS church on Galveston Island is yet unknown." Rev. Glenn Merritt, director of LCMS World Relief and Human Care disaster response, added, "There is going to be a lot of devastation, if not to LCMS congregations, certainly to member's homes." This devastation, of course, extends into the neighborhoods and communities surrounding LCMS congregations and their members. The Texas and Southern Districts along with congregations in the Houston area and across the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast are responding to those in need in the coastal regions. LCMS World Relief and Human Care and other relief agencies, such as Lutheran Social Services of the South, are on the ground in the Gulf Coast and other disaster-struck areas coordinating efforts to help those who have been afflicted. But your help is also desperately needed. The effects of this horrendous storm, on top of other previous natural disasters-hurricanes, tornados, rainstorms, hailstorms, and flooding-have compounded the need for immediate and long-term assistance. Both physical and financial support are necessary for the recovery efforts that have now begun and, without doubt, will continue not only in the days and weeks ahead, but into the months and years ahead. It is my prayer and belief that the response of love and care by the people of congregations of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, which has already begun in many cases, will be generous and overflowing, as is the love of God in Christ. Monetary gifts may be sent to LCMS World Relief/Human Care, which is overseeing relief efforts on behalf of our Synod. LCMS World Relief/Human Care may also be contacted for more information regarding how one may provide on-the-ground assistance. Please keep in your prayers all whose lives, property, or possessions have been affected by this devastating hurricane. Dr. Gerald B. Kieschnick, President The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod Back to top WIVES OF PASTORS RETREAT STILL ACCEPTING REGISTRATIONS Every pastor's wife in the Nebraska District is invited to a retreat designed to provide rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation with other wives of pastors. The Nebraska District Wives of Pastors Retreat will be held October 10-11 at The Leadership Center in Aurora with special guest speaker Linda Bartlett, former president of Lutherans For Life. There are still rooms available, and women who have not yet registered may do so through this Friday, September 19. Registration materials were mailed to each pastor's wife, and are also available on the District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/news/conferences/wives.html. The low registration fee covers lodging, three meals, and speaker costs. Congregations are encouraged to cover the cost of this retreat for their pastor's wife if she wishes to attend. Contact Julie Roebke at the District Office, 888-643-2961 or julier at ndlcms.org, with questions or for more information. Back to top TEACHERS' CONFERENCE REGISTRATION MATERIALS MAILED Principals and preschool directors should have received the registration packet for the Nebraska District Teachers' Conference to be held October 23-24 at Trinity Lutheran Church and School in Fremont. The registration materials are also available on the District website, www.ndlcms.org. All educators in the Nebraska District are encouraged to join together under the theme, "Be Still and Know," with keynote presentations by Rev. Dr. David-Paul Zimmerman, pastor and administrator of Amazing Grace Lutheran Church and School in Seattle, Washington. There will also be many break-out sessions to choose from, as well as time to renew acquaintances and enjoy fellowship with other teachers. Registrations are due to the District Office by Friday, October 10. Contact Kathy Melton at 888-643-2961 or kathym at ndlcms.org with questions or for more information. Back to top KICK-OFF EVENT FOR THE ROCK LUTHERAN CHURCH Christ Lutheran's (Lincoln) Room 211 Band will be in concert at the Seward Bandshell (5th and Jackson Streets) at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 21, as part of a kick-off event for THE ROCK Lutheran Church, a new LCMS church plant in Seward. (The rain location is the Seward Civic Center Auditorium). Come for the concert and look forward to prizes, pizza, and pop! Back to top LUTHERAN BLIND MISSION ANNIVERSARY MATERIALS For 85 years, Lutheran Blind Mission has been serving people who are blind and visually-impaired and helping congregations minister to and reach out to them. October is their anniversary month, and congregations should have received a packet of materials to help highlight this ministry. A mission of LCMS World Mission, Lutheran Blind Mission works to share the news of salvation with those who are blind and visually-impaired. Each packets contains a Bible study, their anniversary hymn, a banner design, a litany for use in a worship service, a reproducible information brochure, a reproducible bulletin insert, and poster. Congregations that wish to draw attention to this ministry may use these resources at a Sunday service of their choosing. For more information on Lutheran Blind Mission, visit www.blindmission.org or call 888-215-2455. Back to top FAN INTO FLAME CONGREGATION UPDATE There are some incredible stories of what the Holy Spirit has already accomplished in Nebraska congregations where pastors and people have prayed and participated in Fan into Flame. God can do great things anywhere and in every congregation through this mission effort. Fan into Flame is an opportunity for your congregation to witness once again the power of the Spirit in the lives of God's people. Following is an example, written by the pastor and leadership, of how one congregation in the Nebraska District implemented Fan into Flame. Full congregational summaries are available on the District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/news/FIF/summaries.html. Immanuel, Tilden - Our congregation had begun discussing the LCMS mission movement Ablaze! in 2007 through Bible studies and at voters' meetings. When we found out the Nebraska District would be participating in Fan into Flame in 2008, we viewed a video provided by the Nebraska District Office that helped increase our awareness of the campaign. Our congregational appeal began in earnest with the Mission Board, Stewardship Board, and the Church Council meeting to make plans on how to implement our appeal. Our timeline and goal of $21,000 (10% of our budget) was set. This goal seemed a staggering amount to expect from our members, since meeting our local needs can be a challenge. We held small cottage visits over a 5-6 week period, along with mailing out letters educating the members and inviting them to be a part of a cottage visit. Bulletin announcements and monthly newsletter articles shared about Fan into Flame and what it meant for our congregation. Fan into Flame and Ablaze! were tied into pastor's sermons as often as possible, and the Fan into Flame Faith Sharing Moments video clips were shown at the beginning and end of services for several weeks. (A copy of this DVD is available from the District Office, 888-643-2961.) A Commitment Weekend was set following the end of the cottage meetings. During the services, congregation members were invited to bring forward the pledge they carefully considered. Through God's blessings, the pledges received doubled our goal with a total commitment of more than $47,000. The committee chose our Little Lambs Daycare and Preschool for our local use of the mission funds. The 15% net that comes back to Immanuel will be used for scholarships for the daycare and preschool, which is a mission project of Immanuel Lutheran Church that reaches far out into our community. If I can encourage and help anyone through this experience, I strongly implore all churches to be a part of the "Body of Christ" and come together by thinking outside of themselves, totally trusting that Jesus Christ is indeed Lord of His Church and trusting that He alone blesses and provides. Be a part of mission work at every level. Join with the "Body of Christ" in The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod through some level of Ablaze! and Fan into Flame. It is a truly unique way to connect with each other by reaching out to the world with the positive message that Jesus really did die on the cross for their sins and that He really does love them. And through it, you and your congregation will be blessed! Every congregation of the Nebraska District is encouraged to prayerfully consider how they can be involved in Fan into Flame. It doesn't take much to participate - just a dedicated core of lay people, a mission-minded pastor, and the materials provided by Fan into Flame. Once the opportunity to be personally involved in mission work is shared with the members of your congregation, the Spirit can move hearts to respond. For more information on how to get started, or to report how your congregation plans to be involved, contact Andrea Essling at the Nebraska District Office, Andrea.Essling at ndlcms.org or 888-643-2961. Back to top ORPHAN GRAIN TRAIN SENDS RELIEF TO HAITI Orphan Grain Train, a Christian humanitarian relief organization headquartered at Norfolk, Nebraska, announced this week that it is preparing to ship 256,000 "Kids Against Hunger" meals to the port city of Gonaives, Haiti. An earlier shipment of 256,000 meals to be shared between Haiti and the Dominican Republic arrived only two days before the hurricanes Anna and Ike, and these meals are now being distributed. The Lutheran Church of Haiti reports that more than 150,000 people have gathered on the highest ground in that city. Most of the city is covered in three to four feet of water since the back-to-back hurricanes. Land transport into the city is limited, as bridges on the north and west have been damaged. Gonaives' main food supply is only through St. Marc or L'Estere, which also have food shortages. Both St. Marc and L'Estere are cut off from the capital city, Port-au-Prince. United Nations helicopters have brought in Gonaives only food supply since the hurricanes. Other reports claim many people in the city have gone without food for four days because of the few helicopters available for this effort. Medical care is limited to special needs cases as supplies and staff are in short supply. Orphan Grain Train's partner, the Lutheran Church of Haiti, is requesting the food aid that it might relieve the starvation that has come to the island nation. The main church and its offices were housing 200 people after Hurricane Anna. They are now housing 1,000-most of whom are sick. One lady has given birth in their shelter. They hope to receive medical assistance for the baby and her mother. The people of Gonaives have only the clothes they are wearing. Floodwaters from Hurricanes Anna and Ike ruined everything they own. Toiletries and sanitary supplies are also non-existent. Human corpses and dead animals lie in the mud as floodwaters recede. Food distributions by the Lutheran Church of Haiti are intended for all people in need, regardless of church affiliation. Orphan Grain Train's 18 regional divisions share the name and character of Jesus Christ along with humanitarian relief here in America and around the world. Each regional division has volunteers who sort and load donated supplies, clothing, equipment, and other items needed by Orphan Grain Train's recipients. Orphan Grain Train has shipped more than 1,400 semi-loads of relief and development supplies worldwide since 1992. Back to top PASTOR APPRECIATION MONTH IS COMING October is national "Clergy Appreciation Month," and October 12 is suggested as "Clergy Appreciation Sunday." The Commission on Ministerial Growth and Support (CMGS) encourages each congregation to celebrate the significant work of their pastor(s) on this or another Sunday in October. Watch for the Clergy Appreciation poster coming to your congregation in October. For congregations with newly graduated pastors, the CMGS offers Post-Seminary Applied Learning and Support (PALS) groups for continuing education and collegial activities to help in the transition from seminary life to life in parish ministry. For further information about PALS and other CMGS programs, contact the CMGS at cmgs at lcms.org. Back to top LCMS MEDICAL MISSION TRIP TO INDONESIA RESCHEDULED The LCMS World Relief and Human Care Mercy Medical Team to Indonesia has been re-scheduled from November to February 15-25, 2009. Volunteers cover the cost of the trip which includes their own airfare from their chosen departure airport, and a flat fee for ground transportation, lodging, and medical supplies for the needy (total estimated to be around $3,000). Please write maggie.karner at lcms.org or call 800-248-1930, ext. 1371 or cell phone at 765-748-7743 with any questions or concerns. Back to top CONCORDIA LINCOLN CAMPUS RIBBON CUTTING The official ribbon cutting ceremony for Concordia University's new campus in Lincoln will take place on Saturday, October 11. The university's graduate college and adult education programs in Lincoln have been in session for several weeks there already, but this will be the first celebration of the historic move. Concordia will celebrate the opening with the other tenants of the Town Center facility and the NEBCO Inc. development company in a day full of events. The ribbon cutting will be at 9:30 a.m. "Concordia has been about the business of higher education for a long time, 115 years," said Rev. Dr. Brian L. Friedrich. "We are thrilled to be in Fallbrook and start a new venture of serving the Lincoln community in its midst and also continuing to reach out to others through long-distance delivery." Events on October 11 will get underway even before the ribbon cutting. NOAH's Assistance Dogs will be sponsoring both competitive and fun runs with pets during the morning. With the help of faculty and students from Concordia, the group will also have a pet parade and dog handling demonstrations. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Throughout the afternoon Concordia's offices and classrooms will be open with tours and program information available regarding graduate study programs and bachelor's degree completion for working adults. "Concordia prides itself in its academic relevance combined with solid theory," said Dr. Mark Blanke, associate provost of the university. "High quality instruction and a student-centeredness are at the core of everything that we do. This facility is testimony to that fact." In the plazas surrounding the building, attendees will be able to enjoy live music from one of Concordia's student praise bands and visit with Boogie, one of Concordia's bulldog mascots. NEBCO Inc. is pairing the grand opening with the second Fall Festival for the Fallbrook neighborhood with a tailgate party, a broadcast of the Nebraska Huskers football game, more live music, home tours and an art show. Back to top PLUM CREEK LITERACY FESTIVAL Concordia University, Nebraska will welcome nationally known authors and illustrators to campus October 9-11 for the 13th annual Plum Creek Children's Literacy Festival. The event gives children, teachers, administrators, and other interested adults from Nebraska and neighboring states the opportunity to interact with authors, illustrators, and literacy experts. More than 5,700 are expected to participate this year. "We are very excited to be bringing fantastic authors and illustrators yet again this year," said Vikki Gremel, festival coordinator. "The entire community comes together to help make this a meaningful and educational three days." Over the course of the three days, the authors and illustrators will visit Seward-area schools, offer sessions on Concordia's campus to students from all over the Midwest, and speak to adults in specialized presentations. They will also participate in multiple autographing sessions. The first two days are already fully booked, but pre-registration remains open for the adult learning sessions on Saturday, October 11. The general public is invited to sign up. The adult sessions will be of special interest to early childhood, elementary, middle level, and secondary teachers, reading specialists, home school teachers, and media specialists. Mo Willems, New York Times bestselling author and illustrator, will be Saturday's luncheon guest speaker. This year's festival authors and illustrators include: * Joan Bauer of Brooklyn, N.Y., author of numerous award-winning and "best of" books including top young adult titles Rules of the Road and Hope was Here. * Cynthia DeFelice of Geneva, N.Y., author of 26 novels and picture books who was inspired to write by her job as an elementary school librarian and her love of reading aloud to children. Her latest title for young readers is The Ghost of Poplar Point. * Gail Gibbons, author and illustrator of more than 100 non-fiction titles who got her start in artwork for children's television shows. Always curious about the world around her, the latest title in her collection is about dinosaurs. * Mike Graf, author of books covering a huge variety of topics including weather, national parks, caves and rock-climbing, storm-chasing, ghost towns and more, all of which come from his own personal experiences and travels. Tail of the Scorpion is the latest title in his series about our national parks and the Parker family's adventures in them. * Hans Wilhelm of Weston, Conn., author and illustrator with more than 35 million books in print including the best seller I'll Always Love You, and one of his most recent titles Come Rhyme with Me. His illustrations are housed in museums around the country. * Mo Willems of Brooklyn, N.Y., author and illustrator of the No.1 New York Times bestsellers and Caldecott Honor winning picture books Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!, Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale and Knuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity. Festival registration forms and payment options are available online at www.cune.edu/PlumCreek. Registrations are due by October 1. Back to top 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: 56552 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20080917/6dfdddd7/attachment.txt From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Fri Sep 19 16:43:48 2008 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Fri, 19 Sep 2008 21:43:48 -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. 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 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: 5905 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20080919/46bf4bde/attachment.txt -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: 9-18.pdf Type: application/pdf Size: 54114 bytes Desc: 9-18.pdf Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20080919/46bf4bde/9-18-0001.pdf From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Tue Sep 23 14:21:35 2008 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Tue, 23 Sep 2008 19:21:35 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] Rev. Donald Boettcher Called to Glory Message-ID: The Reverend Donald L. Boettcher, pastor emeritus, Neligh, Nebraska, departed this life on Monday, September 22, 2008, at the age of 64 after a short bout with pneumonia. He was born in Spencer, Nebraska, on November 18, 1943, to Arthur and Mary (Galbraith) Boettcher. He was baptized at Immanuel Lutheran Church north of Spencer on December 12, 1943, and was confirmed there on May 25, 1958. Don attended country schools north of Spencer through eighth grade and then attended Spencer High School graduating in 1962. In the fall of 1977, Don went into the Lay Ministry Program of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and subsequently served as lay minister at Grace (Burton), Springview; and Immanuel (Jamison), Newport from 1979-1995. He then went through the colloquy program of Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne, graduating in 1994. He continued to serve Grace and Immanuel, now as an ordained minister, following his ordination on January 15, 1995. He served at these locations until December, 2005, at which time he retired. Over the years he served many vacancies as well, in both South Dakota and Nebraska. Pastor Boettcher is survived by his wife, Norma (Johnson) Boettcher, Spencer; one daughter, Angela (Ted) Tauber; three sons, Brent (Tammy) Boettcher, Joshua Boettcher, and Jeremy (Kara) Boettcher; daughter-in-law, Jessica (Brandon) Boettcher; eight grandchildren; and siblings, Carolyn (Gary) Conroy, Kenneth (Trudy) Boettcher, Richard (Dessi) Boettcher, Candy (Glen) Lavington, and Lavina Riha. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, his parents, and children, Marci, Marni, and Brandon. The funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 25, 2008, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Spencer, Nebraska. Interment will be at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Spencer. Letters of condolence may be written to Mrs. Norma Boettcher, 202 W. Main, PO Box 345, Spencer, Nebraska 68777. 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: 5880 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20080923/82b34d7a/attachment.txt From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Sep 24 13:57:30 2008 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 24 Sep 2008 18:57:30 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] September 24 Message-ID: Update for September 24 A publication of the Nebraska District, a District ABLAZE! Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Lutheran schools are a tremendous blessing to the students, their families, and the community in which the school sits. Many of the students and teachers in the Lutheran schools of Nebraska are developing mission eyes to see the fertile mission fields surrounding them. Examples from around the District show how Lutheran schools are teaching the students to be missionaries, both in their communities and around the world. Each year the Nebraska District schools are invited to take part in the "Hearts for Jesus" project as designated by the principals. This project alternates between a District ministry and a mission project outside of the District. The 2008-2009 project goes overseas to help Nebraska missionaries who are currently serving internationally. The missionaries chosen were Al and Eileen Turner, Dr. Al and Sandy Schmidt, and Sharon Owens. Al and Eileen Turner serve in Cambodia, where they will be working with kids and health care projects. Eileen is originally from Pierce, Nebraska. Dr. Al and Sandy Schmidt will be serving in Hanoi, Vietnam, where they will start Vietnam's first ever Lutheran school. The Schmidts are from Seward, Nebraska. Sharon Owens serves as the director of the ESL Center in Macau, and supervises the three English Centers in Mainland China. Sharon formerly served at the University Lutheran Chapel in Lincoln, Nebraska. Children also learn to be missionaries in their own communities through community outreach projects. One school principal describes their activities in this way: "Every fall we hold a community service day where all grades go out in the community to help individuals with yard and house work -- raking, cleaning off gardens, washing windows, painting, picking up litter -- even the Kindergarteners participate by picking up buckets of pine cones for a congregation member. On May 1 we make and deliver 300 May baskets door-to-door in the community. At Christmas, the 5th- 8th grades pack food boxes for the 85+ members of the congregation and deliver some of those in person when they go Christmas caroling." These are just some examples of ways Lutheran schools in Nebraska are becoming more missional, equipping students and their families to be lifelong witnesses for Christ. For more information on Lutheran schools in Nebraska, or for ideas on how your school can include a mission focus, contact Don Weber, Lutheran School Superintendent, at the District Office, 888-643-2961 or donw at ndlcms.org. A listing of Lutheran schools in Nebraska is also available online at http://www.ndlcms.org/locator/schools/index.html. * Prayer Requests * Rural Ministry Conference Scholarships Available * Fall Pastors' Conference Registration Materials Available * Managing Pension Investments in Turbulent Times - A Message from Concordia Plan Services Management * Hurricane Ike Update/Response Options * Lisa Knoepfel Named "Teacher of the Year" * Pacific Hills Reformation Festival * Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska Recognizes Faith in Action * Empower Your Members to Share Christ through "Equipping to Share" Workshops * Concordia Publishing House Warehouse Sale Comes to Nebraska PRAYER REQUESTS Family of Rev. Donald Boettcher - We join with the family of Rev. Donald Boettcher, who was called to glory Monday, September 22. Pastor Boettcher served the congregations of Immanuel, Spencer and Christ, Lynch prior to his retirement. Please remember his family in your prayers, asking our heavenly Father to give them an extra measure of His peace and comfort at this time. Seminary student Kyle and Kristen Fittje - Please lift up in prayer Kyle and Kristen Fittje, as well as many others in St. Louis and other communities as they recover from flash flooding that took place earlier this month. Seminary student Kyle Fittje and his wife Kristen lived in a basement apartment that was seriously affected by the flooding. They lost nearly everything and do not have flood insurance. The seminary has put in place efforts to help this couple, as well as another seminary couple in the same situation. For more information on how you can be involved, contact Nichole at the District Office. Kyle is a member of Immanuel Lutheran in Columbus, and he and Kristen are Concordia, Seward, graduates. Pastor Brian and Renata Ketelsen - We join in prayers of thanksgiving with Rev. Brian and Renata Ketelsen at the birth of Noah Daniel Nicodemus Ketelsen, born Tuesday, September 23. Both mother and baby are doing well, and we praise God for this gift of new life He has granted these parents. We look forward to welcoming this little one into the family of God through his Holy Baptism this coming Sunday. Pastor Ketelsen serves the congregations of Faith, St. Edward, and St. John, Cedar Rapids. Back to top RURAL MINISTRY CONFERENCE SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE The first 10 congregations from the Nebraska District that register a pastor and a lay leader who attend the Rural Ministry Conference at Mahoney State Park near Ashland on November 6-8 will receive a $100 scholarship to help offset the registration fee. To receive the scholarship, registrants should contact Connie at the District Office, 888-643-2961 or connieb at ndlcms.org, before registering for the conference. The registration deadline for the conference is next Tuesday, September 30. For more information on the conference itself, visit http://www.spife.org/Index.asp?PageID=9486. Remember, to be eligible for the scholarship, contact the District Office before registering for the conference. Back to top FALL PASTORS' CONFERENCE REGISTRATION MATERIALS AVAILABLE Pastors in the District should have received registration materials for the upcoming Fall Pastors' Conference last week by email or by U.S. mail. Pastors are encouraged to visit the District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/news/conferences/pastors/index.html to view and print conference materials. If you are a pastor in the District and you did not receive an email notice or a paper copy in the mail, please contact Kim Hofer at the District Office to request a copy. She may be reached at 888-643-2961 or kimh at ndlcms.org. The fall conference will be held at Midtown Holiday Inn, Grand Island, on October 27-28. The registration deadline is Friday, October 10. Back to top MANAGING PENSION INVESTMENTS IN TURBULENT TIMES - A MESSAGE FROM CONCORDIA PLAN SERVICES MANAGEMENT (released September 18 - www.concordiaplans.org) Volatility in the investment markets can cause a great deal of concern to the participants in any pension plan. This may be true of those employers and workers enrolled in the Concordia Retirement Plan (CRP) and the Concordia Retirement Savings Plan (CRSP). In these turbulent times, it is important to keep in mind key attributes about the structure and management of the CRP and CRSP. * Single Focus: Delivering on Promises Made Unlike many corporate pension plans, the Board of Directors and staff are not concerned with corporate earnings or taxation when making decisions regarding pension plan funding or investments. Our single focus is on standing behind the promises made to plan members. * Strong Funded Position The CRP was in a strong funded position going into these turbulent times. This means the plan is well situated to "weather the storm". * Long Term Horizon The CRP's outlook is long-term, not short-term. History shows us that the markets will fluctuate, in fact, market fluctuations provide opportunities especially for those who are investing for the long haul. * Board Expertise The LCMS handbook calls for specific skills sets for the CPS Board of Directors/Concordia Plans Board of Trustees. Specifically, the board must have at least 4 members with experience in the management of benefit plan investments. The Synod board has appointed such experts to the CPS board. * Sound Investment Process The Investment Committee of the board follows a disciplined process in determining how CRP assets will be invested (asset allocation) and in selecting firms to manage segments of the portfolio. With respect to the CRSP, the individual funds are selected by MorningStar, and for those who choose to take advantage of the service, individual asset allocation is performed by ProManage. Both of these firms have proven track records in their respective areas. * External Consultants The board and staff are supported by the investment consulting firm of Ennis Knupp (EK). EK is a recognized leader in the area of institutional investing of plans such as the CRP. In addition, the board is supported by Towers Perrin, a recognized leader in actuarial and benefit consulting. * Diversification of Assets The strong investment discipline, the expertise of the board, and the advice of external consultants result in a CRP portfolio that is well diversified. Diversification of plan assets is critical to maintaining a well-funded, prudently managed pension fund over the long term. This diversification has served the CRP well in previous storms as well as the current storm. Current economic conditions do cause concern. To further compound the problem, we are in a national election season and so the political rhetoric only adds to the confusion. Plan members and other stakeholders, however, can be assured that the seven factors listed above result in professional, experienced, and prudent management of the assets entrusted to the Concordia Plans Board of Trustees. James F. Sanft President and CEO Thomas J. Neely Senior Vice President, Finance Chief Financial Officer Chief Investment Officer Back to top HURRICANE IKE UPDATE/RESPONSE OPTIONS Dr. Lou Jander of the Texas District shared the following Hurricane Ike update on September 17: Things are humming as we gear up to do longer term responses to the needs following Hurricane Ike. We continue to hear from congregations and members regarding damage. More and more we are hearing from the areas where people evacuated. Here's what we have heard most often: * Roof damage (shingles, leaks, sections of roofs gone) * Fences down * Water around windows and doors * No electricity * Difficulty getting gas because the electricity is not available to pump the fuel (some people have waited over two hours) * Without electricity, many grocery stores, banks, etc. have yet to open * Water in homes and churches (some with as much as 16 feet) The Texas District and LINC Houston have been partnering in managing the information for volunteers, sites needing work, housing equipment, and providing locations for food drops around the area. The Golden Triangle (Orange, Beaumont, and Port Arthur and locations in between) is still recovering and many are just now beginning to return. The area between Port Arthur and Orange received a great deal of "storm surge" along with the winds. We've heard of homes being destroyed and many filled with water. I will be traveling to that area on Thursday to get a firsthand look. Plans are underway to provide early assistance in the clean-up. Some of our congregations have been out in their communities assisting people in the work of tree removal, general pick-up of all types of stuff, and providing ice and food. Praise God for all those who have stepped out at this time to provide needed help and care. Lutheran Social Services of the South has been right by our side as we seek to assess and respond to the various needs in the entire area of Southeast Texas. We value their partnership. People who wish to share their interest and desire to volunteer in different capacities of clean-up can go to the following site to "register" your intent and availability: http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e2d46ya0fl8buty5/a001fl8f2l8a/questions Right now we are busy responding to needs and organizing for continued support for the entire area. I'm really thankful for the support of the Texas District, LINC Houston, Lutheran Services of the South, and LCMS World Relief and Human Care. Thanks for your continued prayers and support. Continue to watch the Disaster Blog. The following story was shared via LCMS News (no. 50 - September 19) As hurricane-weary Houstonians continue to clear debris, repair their homes, and stand in long lines for food, ice, and gasoline, LCMS members opened relief distribution centers to serve as "points of blessings" in the nation's fourth largest city. "We want to help our congregations help their members and also reach out to their communities' needs," said Rev. Mark Junkans, executive director of the Lutheran Inner-City Network Coalition (LINC) Houston, who, in partnership with the LCMS Texas District, is operating the primary relief headquarters at the LINC Mission Center (www.linchouston.org). "This is a chance to be points of blessings in our community." Immediately after Hurricane Ike battered the Gulf Coast of Texas and Louisiana on Sept. 14 and propelled a destructive trail through the Midwest, LCMS responders quickly moved to provide emergency help despite widespread power outages and limited communication. By Sept. 18, the Category 2 hurricane had claimed 51 lives and nearly 2 million people remained without power across Texas. Ike caused the greatest property damage in Southeast Texas, notably the "Golden Triangle" (Orange, Beaumont, and Port Arthur) and Galveston, areas where damage assessments are just now beginning. In the greater Houston area, 20 LCMS churches sustained damage, including: * a toppled steeple and water damage at Mount Olive Lutheran Church. * exterior damage and soaked carpeting at Holy Cross Lutheran Church. * roof damage and water in the sanctuary at Centro de Fe y Esperanza. "Everyone I've talked to has some damage, from something as minor as fence damage or shingles blown off to collapsed ceilings and flooded homes," said Dr. Lou Jander, Texas District mission and ministry facilitator who also serves as the district's disaster response coordinator. "Probably 65 to 70 percent of our [LCMS] members [in Southeast Texas] have been affected in some way." News from the hard-hit Galveston Island south of Houston has been limited. But Rev. Alan Taylor shared information he received about Ike dumping a foot of water in the St. John Lutheran Church sanctuary and flooding two other church buildings. After surveying St. John members to ensure they were preparing for the storm, Taylor and his family followed mandatory evacuation orders and fled Galveston. Nearly a week later, the pastor was awaiting permission to return home. Most St. John members, he said, likely sustained property damage. "I've spoken by e-mail with two of the families who lost their entire homes," Taylor said via e-mail from his evacuation post in San Antonio. In addition to damaged homes and churches, Ike also wreaked havoc on the budgets of pastors, teachers, and staff at Lutheran ministries and social services programs. About 25 LINC missionary pastors in Houston depend solely on weekly worship offerings for their salaries. "Since no offerings are coming in right now, they are hurting," Junkans said. Lutheran Social Services of the South (LSSS) staff who work in programs such as foster care in Houston, at the Krause Children's Center in Katy (which evacuated children and sustained roof damage), and disaster response in Port Arthur are dealing with unexpected evacuation expenses on top of personal property losses. But while hurricane survivors tackle storm-related challenges, LCMS ministries and individual volunteers are responding with shipments of relief supplies, manpower, and prayers. Even before Ike hit the Gulf Coast, LCMS Southern District President Kurtis Schultz contacted the Texas District "assuring us of prayers and support and offering any available resources," Jander said. "After [Hurricane] Katrina, they [the Southern District] have done this before and know all about needs." By Sept.16, volunteers from the Southern District's disaster response arm had arrived in Houston. Also en route were shipments of generators and non-perishable foods, sent by LCMS World Relief and Human Care (WR-HC) in partnership with Orphan Grain Train. WR-HC is coordinating Ike relief efforts on behalf of the Synod and striving to raise an initial $550,000 to meet the immediate needs of LCMS members and their communities. Those donations to the Synod's mercy arm will help cover the salaries and benefits of affected church workers, collaborative work through Lutheran Disaster Response and LSSS, and other emergency relief needs in the Texas and Southern districts. "This is a massive disaster with lots of urgent needs spread across a broad area," said Rev. Glenn Merritt, WR-HC's director of disaster response. On Sept. 16, both Merritt and Rev. Carlos Hernandez, WR-HC's director of districts and congregations, were making plans to travel to Texas to offer assistance in meeting physical and spiritual needs, working with congregations to reach out to their members and communities. Beyond Texas, Ike's remnants caused power outages and flooding in the Midwest where many communities are still reeling from earlier storms. Lutheran Church Charities issued an appeal for volunteers to assist in Northern Illinois. (Learn more at www.lutheranchurchcharities.org.) In an official statement issued by Rev. Gerald B. Kieschnick, the LCMS president urged fellow Lutherans to offer monetary and volunteer assistance for "recovery efforts that have now begun and, without doubt, will continue not only in the days and weeks ahead, but into the months and years ahead." "It is my prayer and belief that the response of love and care by the people of congregations of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod, which has already begun in many cases, will be generous and overflowing, as is the love of God in Christ," Kieschnick said in the statement. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans shared the following notice of their disaster response efforts for the victims of Hurricane Ike. Through the Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Disaster Response Program, we are extending a call for help to our chapters and members, providing them with two avenues to respond: * Through the National Chapter Response, Thrivent Financial members can form chapter service teams locally to raise/collect funds to help those in need as a result of Hurricane Ike. For every $2 raised, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans will contribute an additional $1, up to a total of $250,000. Chapters will forward the money they raise to Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, and we will direct all funds to Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) and the WELS Committee on Relief, who will distribute the funds using their established processes to best meet the needs of those affected by the hurricane. Thrivent Financial will accept contributions for this effort through Dec. 15, 2008. * Through the Regional Chapter Response, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is allocating an additional $250,000 of Care in Regions(r) funds among the regions in the affected areas (mainly Texas and Louisiana). Members in the affected regions can form chapter service teams to hold fund-raisers, appeals/collections, and service activities to help those impacted by the hurricane. As part of the Care in Regions program, each region's Lutheran Community Services (LCS) Team will inform their chapters of eligible recipients for these response activities. Back to top LISA KNOEPFEL NAMED "TEACHER OF THE YEAR" "As far as Lisa Knoepfel knew, her family was coming to Fremont for a golf tournament. But there was more to the trip than that. Her family had gathered to surprise her when she was honored as Walmart's Teacher of the Year in Fremont on Sunday." This is the beginning of an article in the Fremont Tribune sharing the wonderful news of this award. Lisa teaches at Trinity Lutheran School in Fremont, and was nominated at the local Walmart store by a former student who wrote about Mrs. Knoepfel as a "super hero." The full article is available online on the Fremont Tribune website for a limited time. To read the entire article, visit http://www.fremonttribune.com/articles/2008/09/22/news/local/doc48d7c2592811f588522500.txt or search from the home page, www.fremonttribune.com. Back to top PACIFIC HILLS REFORMATION FESTIVAL Pacific Hills Lutheran Church in Omaha (90th and Pacific Streets) will once again host an Omaha-area Reformation Festival on Sunday, October 26, beginning at 2:30 p.m. Rev. Dr. Bill Moorhead, senior pastor of Pacific Hills, will be the preacher. Barbara Fremder, M.M., will be the cantor. Special music will be provided by the Concordia University, Nebraska, A Cappella Choir. Contact the Pacific Hills church office for more information at 402-391-9625. Back to top LUTHERAN FAMILY SERVICES OF NEBRASKA RECOGNIZES FAITH IN ACTION Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska held its annual Faith in Action dinner Sunday, September 7, at the Georgetowne Club in Omaha to recognize those whose actions demonstrate their commitment to faith-based values and principles. A. William "Bill" and Leona Kernen of St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Omaha received the Douglas E. Parrott Faith in Action award for a lifetime of Christian service to children, families, education, and the community; Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Fremont received the Community Partner of the Year award for the time, talent, and treasures generously given by its members to the Fremont Building Families Boutique; and Dina Haqi, an Iraqi refugee, received the Volunteer of the Year award for her commitment and service to the Lutheran Family Services refugee program. Lutheran Family Services is a faith-based, statewide human care agency serving over 35,000 individuals through 30 programs in the areas of behavioral health, children's services, and community services. For information, please visit www.lfsneb.org. Back to top EMPOWER YOUR MEMBERS TO SHARE CHRIST THROUGH "EQUIPPING TO SHARE" WORKSHOPS A Lutheran Hour Ministries Equipping to Share workshop is a four-hour training session that teaches Christians how to relate their faith to those they interact with on a daily basis. Participants learn how to identify "mission moments" (situations where the Gospel can quickly and easily be shared). They then learn how to share their faith in an effective and non-threatening way. As LHM's Coordinator of Equipping to Share, Sarah Guldalian says, "The most important thing to remember in a mission moment is: it's not about you. The mission is God's, the message is God's, and the power is God's! So, we can get over ourselves and trust God to do the work." A man from Missouri attended an Equipping to Share workshop on a Saturday, and God immediately put him in a situation to use what he learned on Sunday afternoon. He was at the local shooting range practicing when an employee of the range asked if they could talk before he left. The employee said, "Al, I know you're a Christian, and there are some things I really need to talk to you about. You see, my wife of 30 years left me last night. I have no friends. I have no family. I need someone. I need some help." Al listened to him talk and told him how Jesus had helped him through rough times. He also suggested that he read the Gospel of John before bed. Through Al's pastor and others at his church, the man found a support group and a psychologist to confide in. He is also making steps toward adult confirmation and baptism. Al says, "God truly works in mysterious and marvelous ways, and I thank Him for this marvelous opportunity!" Your church or school can host a workshop this fall or next spring. For more information about Equipping to Share workshops, call 1-800-944-3450, ext. 4144, or send an e-mail to sarah.guldalian at lhm.org. Congregations that participate in the Fan into Flame campaign may consider using a portion of their local outreach gifts to cover the cost of this training. Back to top CONCORDIA PUBLISHING HOUSE WAREHOUSE SALE COMES TO NEBRASKA Concordia Publishing house brings its Warehouse Sale-the largest sale of the year-to the campus of Concordia University, Nebraska. The sale is open Friday, October 24, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, October 25, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. During this time, excess inventory from Concordia Publishing House is offered at deep discounts. Sale items include books for children and adults, teaching resources, and more. The Concordia Publishing House Warehouse Sale is located in the Janzow Campus Center on the Concordia University campus in Seward. For more information about the Warehouse Sale, call 1-402-643-7405. Back to top The weekly Email Update is a resource offered to all in the Nebraska District to share information and to enrich the ministry God has called you to. Please continue to share information you feel would be of interest to others and let us know if there is any other way we at the District Office can be a resource to your ministry. Items for inclusion in the Update may be sent 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: 59723 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20080924/d4a329a3/attachment.txt From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Sep 3 10:05:18 2008 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:05:18 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] September 3 Message-ID: Update for September 3 A publication of the Nebraska District, a District ABLAZE! Greetings in the name of our loving heavenly Father. With the passing of Labor Day each year, many people, especially children, realize summer has drawn to an end and the routine of school has become their new reality. While many schools in Nebraska begin in August, September is still thought of as "education month" by most. Many churches hold their "Rally Sunday," or first day of Christian education classes, on the Sunday following Labor Day. While this rhythm seems to make sense and is familiar to many, the questions most often not answered are, "What are we teaching?" or, "What are the students learning?" Quick answers would surely include: Bible stories, Bible verses, Catechism instruction, and Christian songs, followed by the old stand-bys of reading, math skills, spelling, social studies, and more. None of these answers would be wrong, but are we missing something? The Nebraska District is committed to encouraging Lutheran congregations and schools in "missional Lutheran education." What does that mean? The simple answer is making Lutheran parish and school education available to all people to equip them as witnesses for Christ. The real question might be, "What does that look like?" In truth, it will look different in every congregation and every school, but the common thread will be the proclamation of the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ on the lips of every man, woman, and child of the LCMS. As children and adults spend time in God's Word, in prayer, and in singing praises, they will also learn about sharing the joy that the Holy Spirit has placed in them because of the free gift of salvation they received through their Baptism. So, as your congregation prepares to begin parish education classes, or as your school faculty continues to prepare lesson plans, consider how "missional" your Lutheran education is. Are we equipping people to be witnesses for Christ? Would you like to know more about what this can look like in your congregation? Contact Nebraska District education executive Don Weber at 888-643-2961 or donw at ndlcms.org for more information or resources on missional Lutheran education. * Prayer Requests * Rev. Dr. Orville Walz Receives Award * Wives of Pastors Retreat Registration Deadline Draws Near * Team Members Still Needed For Medical Mercy Trip to Indonesia * LLL Men's Retreat at Camp Luther * Fan into Flame Congregation Update * CPH Offers Free Guide for "Teen" Movie * Dedicatory Organ Recital at Concordia University * The ABC's of Bullying Prevention Materials Available from District Office * More Opportunities to Visit a Seminary * District Congregation to Celebrate 100 Years of Ministry PRAYER REQUESTS Pastor Randall and Christie Smith - We join with Pastor Randall and Christie Smith of St. Peter, Hampton, in prayers of thanksgiving at the birth of their son, Ian Matthias, on Friday, August 28. We thank God for the safe delivery of this baby, and we join with the family in anticipation of his re-birth through Holy Baptism on Sunday, September 7. The Southern District LCMS and Those in the Gulf Area - We received word from the Southern District Office yesterday that their office remained untouched and fully functional following Hurricane Gustav. We continue to lift up in prayer all the people from the Gulf Coast who were evacuated prior to the hurricane's arrival. We ask the Lord to grant them safety and His peace as they return to their homes to survey the damage and loss of property left in the storm's wake. For up-to-date information from the Southern District through Recovery Assistance, Inc. Ministries (RAI Ministries), visit their website at http://www.lcmsrelief.org/. This site includes information on volunteering and donating to help the recent victims. Back to top REV. DR. ORVILLE WALZ RECEIVES AWARD Rev. Dr. Orville Walz, former president of Concordia University, Nebraska in Seward and Concordia University College of Alberta in Canada, was honored by the latter institution today, September 3, at its Opening Convocation. Dr. Walz received the Christo et Ecclesia award for his long and meritorious service as pastor, teacher, and administrator, and for his significant contributions that have inspired and ennobled the people of God and that have given glory to our Lord Jesus Christ. Dr. Walz and his wife, Marilyn, live in Bennington, and he serves the Nebraska District as Second Vice-President. Back to top WIVES OF PASTORS RETREAT REGISTRATION DEADLINE DRAWS NEAR Wives of pastors and vicars in the Nebraska District are invited to attend the Nebraska District Wives of Pastors Retreat at The Leadership Center in Aurora on October 10-11. This retreat has been designed specially for them under the theme, "Titus 2 for Life." The retreat will provide networking opportunities with other wives of pastors and vicars -- old friends and new acquaintances alike. Linda Bartlett, former Lutherans For Life president, will be the presenter for Saturday. Throughout the day and a half there will be plenty of opportunities for relaxation, laughter, and renewal. Registration materials were mailed to each pastor's and vicar's wife or may be printed from the District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/news/conferences/wives.html. Contact Julie Roebke at the District Office at julier at ndlcms.org or 888-643-2961 with questions or for more information. Registrations are due to the District Office by next Wednesday, September 10. Back to top TEAM MEMBERS STILL NEEDED FOR MEDICAL MERCY TRIP TO INDONESIA Volunteer spots are still open on the LCMS World Relief and Human Care team to Indonesia November 7-17, 2008. Currently the team consists of two doctors, a pharmacist, two nurses, and one non-medical person. Nurses are especially needed. Clinics will serve the extremely under-served poor on the island of Sumatra. Volunteers cover the cost of their trip which includes their own airfare from their chosen departure airport, and a flat fee for ground transportation, lodging, and medical supplies for the needy (total estimated to be around $3000). Maggie Karner and Sally Henrickson will serve as team leaders on this inaugural trip to Indonesia. In order to confirm your spot on the World Relief and Human Care Medical Mercy Team to Indonesia, please reply as soon as possible to sally.henrickson at lcms.org or call her at 800-248-1930, ext. 1278. Back to top LLL MEN'S RETREAT AT CAMP LUTHER A Men's Retreat sponsored by LLL Zone 4 will be held at Camp Luther Friday and Saturday, November 21-22, 2008. The cost is only $25.00 per person and includes overnight lodging, breakfast, and lunch on Saturday, plus snack Friday night. Staff from Lutheran Hour Ministries will present Men's Ministry Network, as described here: The absence of active, involved, and committed Christian men in our churches is impeding our witness to the world and is a key factor in the decline in church membership. Recent research reveals: * When a child leads the way in commitment to a church, 3.5% of families follow. * When a woman leads the way in commitment to a church, 17% of families follow. * But, when a man leads the way in commitment to a church, 93% of families follow! * Also, 42% of American men attended church regularly in 1992. But by 1997, only 28% of American men were attending church regularly. Clearly, without male spiritual involvement families, churches, and our witness all suffer. LHM's men's ministry will engage men in Bible classes, discussion groups, fellowship, community service, and retreats, all specifically designed for their needs and interests, so that participants can become confident in their role in God's kingdom. It will improve their Bible knowledge and understanding of Lutheran teachings and provide them with opportunities, connections, and training to serve others in Christ's name. Participants will become part of a nationwide force of highly mobilized Christian men known for hands-on ministry who use their vocations and skills to express their faith and calling as Jesus' disciples. They will become equipped to mentor other men, sharing the Savior and encouraging them to serve in their churches and community. Back to top FAN INTO FLAME CONGREGATION UPDATE There are some incredible stories of what the Holy Spirit has already accomplished in Nebraska congregations where pastors and people have prayed and participated in Fan into Flame. God can do great things anywhere and in every congregation through this mission effort. Fan into Flame is an opportunity for your congregation to witness once again the power of the Spirit in the lives of God's people. Following is an example, written by the pastor and leadership, of how one congregation in the Nebraska District implemented Fan into Flame. Full congregational summaries are available on the District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/news/FIF/summaries.html. Lord of Life, Elkhorn - As a Fan into Flame pilot congregation, Lord of Life conducted their appeal in May and June of this year. The goal set by the committee was 10% of their 2008 budget, or $20,000. As part of their appeal, the committee believed it was very important to inform the congregation about Ablaze! and Fan into Flame. Newsletters included Ablaze! articles, information on Fan into Flame, and upcoming cottage meetings. Ablaze! inserts were included in the Sunday bulletins beginning on their campaign kick-off Sunday and continued another seven weeks until their commitment Sunday. Ablaze! and Fan into Flame were mentioned during sermons in relation to missions and outreach. A letter was sent to every household announcing the congregation's participation in Fan into Flame. A second letter was sent to all households inviting them to attend one of the four cottage meetings held at the church. Families were called by the Board of Elders to encourage attendance at one of the hour-long cottage meetings. Each family attending received an informational packet and was asked to prayerfully consider making a commitment to Fan into Flame. Pledge cards were mailed to congregation members prior to commitment Sunday, as well as distributed in the bulletin that day. On commitment Sunday, pledges for $49,750 were received! This was announced to the congregation on June 29, their celebration Sunday, when they gave thanks to God and celebrated with special refreshments after each service. On this Sunday, additional pledges were received, bringing their final total to $60,050, over three times their goal! At the same time that they began the Fan into Flame campaign, they also formed a vision committee to evaluate the congregation's ministry and building needs. The Board of Evangelism will consider new ways of outreach into the community and additional ministries that they might now start to reach the needs of the community. The congregation's 15% net of the gifts given will be used for these new ministries. Every congregation of the Nebraska District is encouraged to prayerfully consider how they can be involved in Fan into Flame. It doesn't take much to participate - just a dedicated core of lay people, a mission-minded pastor, and the materials provided by Fan into Flame. Once the opportunity to be personally involved in mission work is shared with the members of your congregation, the Spirit can move hearts to respond. For more information on how to get started, or to report how your congregation plans to be involved, contact Andrea Essling at the Nebraska District Office, Andrea.Essling at ndlcms.org or 888-643-2961. Back to top CPH OFFERS FREE GUIDE FOR "TEEN" MOVIE (from Reporter Online, http://www.lcms.org/reporter) Jake, Megan, Hannah, Colin, and Mitch are five high-school seniors from Warsaw, Ind., and their story is coming to a multiplex screen near you. "American Teen," a PG-13-rated documentary from director Nanette Burstein, follows the lives of the five students and their classmates from the first day of school through graduation. The result is what some have called "the 'Breakfast Club' of the new millennium." First released at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, "American Teen" has garnered critical acclaim from many sectors. On the surface, the film's five stars embody the stereotypical high-school roles of jock, princess, rebel, geek, and heart-throb, but, in reality, their lives are much more complicated. The students navigate a constantly changing landscape of friends, family, and personal issues. They are searching for something better in life, and the film is their unscripted story. Christian viewers can expect to be uncomfortable with the film's portrayal of teen language, sexual behavior, and alcohol use, but "will realize that, like it or not, and good or bad, the scenario of 'American Teen' is not too far removed from the average teen landscape of today's culture," according to Concordia Publishing House. Says CPH: "The question for those of us who care about kids and recognize that something is very wrong with today's student experience, is: what do we want to do with the themes of this film as we engage youth with the message of God's Word?" In response to that question, CPH is offering a free discussion guide that's designed to "enable youth and adults to process the themes of 'American Teen' ... evaluate their relation to the film, and apply what they learn in their daily lives as Christians." The guide is the first in "a new style of youth resource" from CPH, according to Gretchen M. Jameson, director of public relations and corporate communications at CPH. "Our desire is to meet real needs in real time, and those working with students often need current, timely talk sheets and materials to help them engage students and student culture with the Word of God," Jameson said. "The 'American Teen' resource is an example of CPH listening -- and immediately responding -- to the needs of today's youth workers." The new resource can be used with church youth groups following a viewing of "American Teen," or to help adults prepare to discuss the film with teens, according to CPH. The discussion guide is available as a free download at http://www.cph.org/cphstore/pages/corporate/news.asp. Back to top DEDICATORY ORGAN RECITAL AT CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY Concordia University, Seward, has a year-long organ recital series planned to celebrate the installation of the new Casavant Freres Opus 3868 organ on campus. All events will take place in the Heine Recital Hall in the Music Building. For more information on these events, contact the Concordia Music Department at 402-643-7282. Dedicatory Recital and Hymn Festival, September 13 at 7:00 p.m. and September 14 at 3:00 p.m. Advanced ticket sales are required due to limited seating. Call Sue at 800-535-5494, ext. 7408 for more information. Concordia Alumni Recital, October 5 at 2:00 p.m. "Organ Plus . . ." Music for Organ with Instruments and Voices, January 25 at 3:00 p.m. Felix Hell Visiting Artist Concert, March 22 at 3:00 p.m. Back to top THE ABC'S OF BULLYING PREVENTION MATERIALS AVAILABLE FROM DISTRICT OFFICE The ABC's of Bullying Prevention is a comprehensive approach for providing school communities a complete package on bullying prevention. This resource featuring Kenneth Shore, Psy.D. and produced by National Professional Resources, Inc. includes four DVDs and four books. This material is available to be borrowed from the Nebraska District Parish Health Committee by contacting Julie Roebke at the District Office at 888-643-2961 or julier at ndlcms.org. As quoted from the book: "The ABC's of Bullying Prevention takes an innovative approach by presenting the necessary information, training, and guidance needed to the various stakeholder groups - administrators and pupil services staff, teachers, paraprofessionals, and parents - of the school community. These individuals have the greatest impact on preventing bullying from appearing and addressing it when it does occur in our schools and communities. By partnering in a comprehensive school community-wide approach, each adult can be equipped with valuable strategies to accomplish the goals of bullying prevention and intervention." Schools can benefit from the strategies that are based on current research and that can be integrated into the fabric of the school. Dr. Kenneth Shore, family and educational psychologist and nationally renowned author of books such as Keeping Kids Safe, presents an innovative plan to address bullying prevention across all constituencies who play a role in a school community. The target and length of each DVD: * Parents (29 minutes) * Paraprofessionals (27 minutes) * Teachers (30 minutes) * Administrators & Pupil Services (32 minutes) Each targeted DVD comes with a copy of Shore's book, The ABC's of Bullying Prevention. Dr. Shore presents powerful and proven strategies that target specific groups, as well as providing valuable resources. Showing a video to students in their classrooms and other "one-shot" approaches do not produce a lasting impact. Through the use of the video and the accompanying book, each stakeholder group learns critical information on what he/she can do to specifically address, reduce and eliminate bullying in our schools. The viewer will be able to: * Understand the pervasiveness of bullying in schools * Define characteristics of bullying and its various forms * Identify the consequences of bullying for its victims as well as for the general student population * List the key elements of an effective bullying prevention program * Identify ways to promote a caring classroom culture in which students come to the aid of bullying victims and/or report incidents to adults * Recognize behavioral signs in a student that suggest that he or she may be a victim of bullying * Develop skills in counseling students who have been victims of bullying * Learn strategies for providing discipline as well as guidance to students who have been bullying others * (Parents) Understand how to work cooperatively with the school to deal with a situation in which your child is being bullied or your child is doing the bullying Back to top MORE OPPORTUNITIES TO VISIT A SEMINARY Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, is pleased to invite college students to attend "Green and Gold Days" to be held Oct. 17, 2008, Jan. 8, 2009, and April 3, 2009, on the Seminary campus. This event will give college students an opportunity to learn more about life in the Concordia Seminary community and the preparation that leads to service as a pastor, missionary, chaplain or deaconess in The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. Participants will interact with current students, attend classes, worship in chapel, and speak with members of the faculty. To end the day, a reception will be held. Pastors and pre-seminary advisors are encouraged to attend to show support for their students interested in pastoral formation or deaconess studies. "Green and Gold Days will be the perfect opportunity for guests considering ministerial formation and their pastors to get an opportunity to experience a day in the life of Concordia Seminary," commented Rev. Kyle Castens, director of admissions and ministerial recruitment. The Jan. 8, 2009, "Green and Gold Day" will focus on deaconess studies, and the Oct. 17, 2008, and April 3, 2009, days will focus on pastoral ministry. The day will begin at 7:00 a.m. and ends at 5:00 p.m. There is no registration fee, and meals will be provided. Housing is also available for those who need to come the night before or stay the night of the event. The registration deadlines are one week prior to each event. For more information on "Green and Gold Days" or to obtain a registration form, contact the Admissions Office, 801 Seminary Place, St. Louis, MO 63105; 314-505-7722; admissions at csl.edu. Back to top DISTRICT CONGREGATION TO CELEBRATE 100 YEARS OF MINISTRY Peace, McCook, will be celebrating its 100th Anniversary on September 21, 2008. One service will be held that Sunday at 9:30 a.m. with Pastor Heath Curtis and Vicar Tom Albertson. Following the service, a catered dinner will be served at the Red Willow County Community Building. Cake and entertainment will be provided during the afternoon. Tickets may be purchased for the dinner until September 7 by calling the church office at 308-345-2595. 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. 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: 54451 bytes Desc: not available URL: From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Thu Sep 4 14:28:45 2008 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:28:45 -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. 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 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: 5904 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: 9-4.pdf Type: application/pdf Size: 46741 bytes Desc: 9-4.pdf URL: From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Sep 10 09:29:47 2008 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 10 Sep 2008 14:29:47 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] September 10 Message-ID: Update for September 10 A publication of the Nebraska District, a District ABLAZE! Greetings in the name of our loving heavenly Father. A special welcome to the new workers in the Nebraska District who are receiving this electronic newsletter for the first time this week. It was a pleasure meeting you all and spending time together at the New Worker Orientation in Seward at the beginning of this week. It was a great time to get to know the new pastors, vicars, and DCEs who are beginning or continuing their ministry in Nebraska. If there is a new pastor, vicar, DCE, or teacher in your circuit, please take some time to introduce yourself and get to know him or her. The Lord has led a wonderful group of men and women to Nebraska to be about His work, and we thank Him for the opportunity to partner with them and with all of you. * Prayer Requests * Update on Southern Hurricanes * Fan into Flame Congregation Update * National Family Day Coming Up * Mission Central Featured in Lutheran Witness * Concordia's Center for Liturgical Art Finishes Two Projects * Nebraska Lutherans for Confessional Study to Meet * Concordia Plan Services Offers "Reward" to Complete Assessment * Expect Respect Resource Available from Parish Health Library * District Youth Participate in Seminary Visitation Event PRAYER REQUESTS The Family of Dr. O.H. Cloeter - Please remember in prayer the family of Dr. Cloeter, who served as president of the Synod's Minnesota South District for 13 years, and who died Aug. 30 in Minneapolis. He was 88. A funeral service was held Sept. 3 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Faribault, Minn. Dr. Cloeter served as Minnesota South District president from 1978 until his retirement in 1991. He was a vice president of the district from 1966 to 1974, and also served on the district's Evangelism Committee, Mission Administration Committee, and Campus Committee. Outside the district, Dr. Cloeter's service included chairman of the Board of Regents of Concordia University (then College) in St. Paul, Minn., and secretary of the LCMS Council of Presidents. A 1945 graduate of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Dr. Cloeter served as pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bristol, Conn. (1945-50); St. James Lutheran Church in Northrup, Minn. (1950-57); and Trinity, Faribault (1957-78). Dr. Lane Seitz, president of the Minnesota South District, said he thanked God for Dr. Cloeter -- "for his faith in Jesus as his only Savior from sin, for how he used the gifts God had given him to share that precious message of forgiveness and life with so many others down through the years, and for the leadership he provided to our district and the Synod." Survivors include Dr. Cloeter's wife, Elsie; seven children -- Renata (Gary) Brand, Richard (Christine), Paul (Nancy), Carl (Judy), Roberta (Scott) Wiesehan, Robert (Marilyn), and Anita; 18 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. (reprinted with permission from Reporter Online, http://www.lcms.org/pages/reporter.asp?NavID=2155.) Back to top UPDATE ON SOUTHERN HURRICANES (from LCMS World Mission Mission News, September 5) Volunteers are needed as soon as possible or even today to help serve in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Hurricane Gustav battered the city of Baton Rouge with heavy winds and rain. The wind brought down trees and left debris all over the city. Volunteers are needed to serve on chainsaw and debris removal gangs. Rev. David Buss, LCMS Southern District Disaster Relief Coordinator, stated that "it may take three months or longer to clean up the city." Volunteers will stay at a property owned by Trinity Lutheran Church, Baton Rouge. The property has showers, cots, and power provided by a generator. They will attempt to provide food for volunteers, but it may be helpful to bring food with you. Volunteers will also need to bring work clothes, towels, and bedding. Tools, chainsaws, and other equipment are available, although volunteers are welcome to bring their own. If you are able to respond to this call for volunteers, please contact Recovery Assistance Incorporated at one of its two locations. Both camps are helping organize volunteers for Baton Rouge. Camp Biloxi: 1996 Pass Rd. Biloxi, MS 39531 www.campbiloxi.org Phone: (228) 594-0008 Camp Restore: 9301 Chef Menteur Hwy New Orleans, LA 70127 www.camprestore.org Toll-Free: (888) 248-2636 Phone: (504) 242-2636 As members of the LCMS respond to the needs of current disasters, we would also like to remind our faithful servants that the need in New Orleans and Biloxi, Miss., from Hurricane Katrina are still great. The LCMS, its partners, and LCMS members are making a difference in the disaster area and now, more than ever, we need your help to serve those who lost so much. Learn more about hurricane disaster relief efforts through the LCMS, visit www.lcms.org?8800 or www.camprestore.org. To subscribe to receive Mission News or many other electronic newsletters from The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, please visit LCMS e-News at www.lcms.org/enews. Back to top FAN INTO FLAME CONGREGATION UPDATE There are some incredible stories of what the Holy Spirit has already accomplished in Nebraska congregations where pastors and people have prayed and participated in Fan into Flame. God can do great things anywhere and in every congregation through this mission effort. Fan into Flame is an opportunity for your congregation to witness once again the power of the Spirit in the lives of God's people. Following is an example, written by the pastor and leadership, of how one congregation in the Nebraska District implemented Fan into Flame. Full congregational summaries are available on the District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/news/FIF/summaries.html. Peace, Grand Island - Peace was asked to consider being a pilot congregation for the Nebraska District campaign. It seemed like good timing, as we were just going into the LCEF Strategic Ministry Planning program. We knew there would be outcomes from SMP that could impact the outreach focus for our church, and participating in the Fan into Flame campaign would help focus on outreach ministry, as well as provide some funds for future outreach efforts of the congregation. As we considered which Fan into Flame appeal plan to use, it became evident that we could modify the cottage meeting approach to take place on Sunday mornings. Over a period of four weeks, we focused on sharing the Gospel message in the areas of our own Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth during Sunday worship. Our Jerusalem focus was the VBS outreach in a Hispanic trailer court that would be held in June, as well as the local Heartland Lutheran High School. Our Judea focus was on the Nebraska District mission opportunities. Our Samaria focus was a group of members who worked at Camp Restore in New Orleans this year. Our Ends of the Earth focus was a member who went on a mission trip with LCMS World Mission to Kenya, Africa. Each of these groups presented a short presentation during our Sunday morning worship services and then shared their outreach ministry with the adult Bible class. Our pastors focused on Fan into Flame through each sermon, and a Fan into Flame focused letter was sent to the congregation prior to our Commitment Sundays. We held two Commitment Sundays, and followed up several weeks after the completion of these with people who had indicated on the pledge card a desire to pray about their pledge/gift. The Holy Spirit moved the hearts of God's people to recognize the outreach need and opportunity through Ablaze! and the Fan into Flame campaign to reach the Ablaze! goals. Peace Lutheran Church surpassed its $70,000 goal and to date has received pledges/gifts of $72,586! Fan into Flame gave Peace an opportunity to intentionally highlight the Mission of the entire Church over an extended period of time. This helped expand both our mission awareness and motivation to be about this mission. It also generated resources for us to use in our local mission field, as well as to the ends of the earth. Fan into Flame has become an extra-ordinary opportunity for the people of Peace to grow in their own mission commitment and to be part of an extra-ordinary mission effort within the LCMS. Now we are praying that this movement will bring extraordinary numbers of people into a saving relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. I would encourage your congregation to prayerfully consider how you could benefit from participating in this unique mission opportunity. Every congregation of the Nebraska District is encouraged to prayerfully consider how they can be involved in Fan into Flame. It doesn't take much to participate - just a dedicated core of lay people, a mission-minded pastor, and the materials provided by Fan into Flame. Once the opportunity to be personally involved in mission work is shared with the members of your congregation, the Spirit can move hearts to respond. For more information on how to get started, or to report how your congregation plans to be involved, contact Andrea Essling at the Nebraska District Office, Andrea.Essling at ndlcms.org or 888-643-2961. Back to top NATIONAL FAMILY DAY COMING UP The Nebraska District Family Life Ministry Action Team encourages families not only to worship together, but to spend meal time together. For more information on the work of the Family Life Ministry Action Team, contact the District Office at 888-643-2961. National Family Day is Monday, September 22, 2008! Family Day - A Day to Eat Dinner with Your ChildrenTM is a national movement to inform parents that the parental engagement fostered during frequent family dinners is an effective tool to help keep America's kids substance free. Family Day reminds parents that Dinner Makes A Difference! Visit http://casafamilyday.org/familyday/ for more information, mealtime activity ideas, and a menu planner. Back to top MISSION CENTRAL FEATURED IN LUTHERAN WITNESS "In the middle of a cornfield in western Iowa, God is using ordinary people and an old set of farm buildings to accomplish His work." So starts "Mission Central: Ablaze for Missions and Missionaries," an article in the September 2008 issue of The Lutheran Witness. The article highlights the work God is doing through Gary Thies, the staff, and the volunteers at Mission Central near Mapleton, Iowa. This issue of The Lutheran Witness is available online, as well as an archive of past issues. To read this article and others, visit http://www.lcms.org/pages/witness.asp and follow the "Mission Central" link in the center. Back to top CONCORDIA'S CENTER FOR LITURGICAL ART FINISHES TWO PROJECTS The Center for Liturgical Art at Concordia University, Nebraska recently delivered and installed a collection of 19 pieces of art to Alleluia! Lutheran Church in Naperville, Ill. The project took most of the summer to complete and involved five faculty members, several other professional artists and a half-dozen students. Michael Strand, chair of the art department and director of the center, served as the designer and project leader. The commission for the pieces came about as Alleluia! Lutheran Church was constructing a new sanctuary. Strand worked with Senior Pastor Michael Nelson to develop the overall aesthetic and individual design of each piece. The largest piece is a 16-foot by 12-foot ceramic mosaic of the Tree of Life. It fills the wall behind the altar and appears to be coming up from the ground. It echoes the trees in a nature preserve near the church as it reminds worshippers of the tree mentioned in Genesis and Revelation. Thousands of pieces of clay were shaped, fired, glazed and placed within the mosaic. The mosaic also incorporates pieces of burned or sandblasted wood for the particular form, texture and color they would add. Additional pieces included a three-dimensional banner, an abstract sculpture of an exclamation point, a processional cross and baptismal candle stand, a wooden tree sculpture, and baptismal font. Meanwhile, this spring and summer the Center for Liturgical Art took on a project of more than a dozen pieces for Christ Lutheran Church in Zionsville, Ind. Theme-wise, it all started with the cross. "My approach was to first design the central cross inasmuch as the message of the cross is the focal doctrine of the Christian church," said William Wolfram, professor emeritus of art. "The cross became the source of shapes, colors and textures for the other liturgical art forms, down to the details of the flower stands." Wolfram designed the altar, ambo, baptismal base, flower stands, and multiple crosses. He was joined on the project by fellow Concordia faculty members, area artists and students. Thomas Mackie, pastor at St. Paul, Shelton, and furniture fabricator, built the pieces that Wolfram designed out of maple. Jon Conklin, a metalwork artist from Kansas City, Kan., fabricated the bowl of the baptismal from bronze. Wolfram also designed and fabricated a series of inlayed mosaics for the center panel of the altar. Made of opaque, colored glass from Italy, the mosaics reflect the seasons of the church year through their shapes and colors. Two large stained glass windows, 10 feet across each, were the product of Mark Anschutz, artist in residence of the center. With their placement on either side of the main cross at the front the sanctuary, Anschutz focused the design of the right window on images representing God from the Old Testament and the left window represents the Holy Spirit in the New Testament. Amy Smith, a ceramic artist in Lincoln, worked with the center as the designer and sculptor of the communion ware for the church. To see some of these pieces, or for more information on the Center for Liturgical Art, visit http://bibelot.squarespace.com/church-projects/ or http://www.cune.edu/finearts/liturgicalart/. Back to top NEBRASKA LUTHERANS FOR CONFESSIONAL STUDY TO MEET The September gathering of the Nebraska Lutherans for Confessional Study (NLCS) is Thursday, September 11, 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. Presenter for the morning session will be Rev. Lance Berndt, pastor at Good Shepherd. His topic, starting at 10:30, will be "Image of God; How are Lutherans to Understand Theosis." Following lunch, Rev. Brent Kuhlman, pastor of Trinity, Murdock, will lead the afternoon topic on "Luther's Lectures on Galatians." 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 CONCORDIA PLAN SERVICES OFFERS "REWARD" TO COMPLETE ASSESSMENT Concordia Plan Services (CPS) is rewarding Concordia Health Plan (CHP) members who complete the online CareAllies Health Assessment between Sept. 1 and Dec. 31 with a $75 "Be Well ... Serve Well" Rewards Visa Debit Card. This new incentive is part of "a continuing effort to encourage healthier behavior among ... members and in support of LCMS ministries," said Steve Gruenwald, CPS's health and wellness educator. The offer is available to all members currently enrolled in the Concordia Health Plan (CHP), including Medicare members. Although covered dependents may take the assessment, they are not eligible for the card. CHP members who complete the online assessment can expect to receive the card within three to four weeks. It can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. "We want our church workers to enjoy the benefits of good health," Gruenwald said. "We're happy to reward people for taking the initiative to understand their health, because that's the first step in maintaining it. Research shows incentives lead people to action and action leads people to better health." To take the CareAllies Health Assessment, visit www.concordiaplans.org and look for the "Be Well ... Serve Well Health Assessment" link at the bottom left side of the screen. Information about the Reward Card and other CareAllies programs can be found in the "Health and Wellness" section of the website. To read the complete article, as well as many others, visit the Reporter Online at http://www.lcms.org/pages/reporter.asp?NavID=2155 and click on the "CPS Offers. . ." article. This portion of the article is reprinted with permission from the September 2008 Reporter, the official newspaper of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod." Back to top EXPECT RESPECT RESOURCE AVAILABLE FROM PARISH HEALTH LIBRARY Expect Respect: A School-Based Program for Preventing Teen Dating Violence and Promoting Safe and Healthy Relationships. According to its program brochure, this program is a comprehensive prevention program designed to raise awareness of dating violence, teach skills for healthy relationships, develop youth leadership, and increase safety and respect on school campuses. The program can be implemented by advocates, counselors, and educators in middle and high schools, and youth-serving organizations. Four manuals are included: Expect Respect - Program Overview The manual summarizes research on teen dating violence prevention and describes the Expect Respect program. To see more about this, go to www.SafePlace.org Part I: Expect Respect Support Group Curriculum and Facilitator Guide (24 sessions) Expect Respect groups serve vulnerable youth who have experienced violence in their homes or dating relationships. Support groups help teens heal from past abuse, learn skills for healthy relationships, and prevent future victimization and perpetration. Part II: SafeTeens Youth Leadership Curriculum and Facilitator Guide (8 sessions) The SafeTeens curriculum empowers youth to become role models and leaders in preventing dating violence, sexual harassment, and bullying. Part III: School-Wide Prevention Strategies Strategies include developing school policy concerning dating violence; assessing school climate; and engaging students, teachers, and parents in school-wide prevention activities. Materials from Choose Respect, a primary prevention initiative developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, are featured in this section. These materials were purchased for the Nebraska District Office by the Parish Health Committee through a grant from the Family Violence Council and Interchurch Ministries of Nebraska. To borrow this curriculum for use within your church or school, contact Julie Roebke at 888-643-2961 or julier at ndlcms.org. Back to top DISTRICT YOUTH PARTICIPATE IN SEMINARY VISITATION EVENT Four high school youth from the Nebraska District participated in the Exploring Church Careers Event (ECCE), held July 19-22, 2008, and at ECCE Amplified on July 22-25 at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. The participants were: Trevor Freudenburg, Christ, Norfolk Daniel Miller, St. Paul, West Point LeAnn Miller, St. John's, Battle Creek Preston Sunderman, St. John's, Battle Creek A total of 33 youth attended the ECCE, and a total of 23 youth attended ECCE Amplified. They participated in Bible studies, worship, prayer and discussion, and visited various ministry sites in the St. Louis area to hear presentations by people currently serving in church vocations. The 2009 Vocatio and Vocatio Amplified (formerly ECCE and ECCE Amplified) are scheduled for July 27 - July 2, 2009. Nomination forms will be mailed to all LCMS pastors, high school principals, teachers, and guidance counselors in February 2009. Prior to this, nominations forms may be printed from the Concordia Seminary website at www.csl.edu. Registration will begin on March 1, 2009, and no registrations will be accepted prior to this date. For more information, contact the admissions office at Concordia Seminary, 801 Seminary Place, St. Louis, MO 63105. Back to top Thanks to all who contributed information for this week's Update. If you have something you would like included in a future Update, please send it 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: 51863 bytes Desc: not available URL: From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Sep 17 11:20:18 2008 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 17 Sep 2008 16:20:18 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] September 17 Message-ID: Update for September 17 A publication of the Nebraska District, a District ABLAZE! Greetings in the name of our Heavenly Father. The Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Rome, "For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." (Romans 15:4) What a blessing it is to know that God loved us enough to give us His Word to teach us, so that we might have the hope of eternal life with Him through His Son, Jesus Christ. This verse can serve to remind us to faithfully teach God's Word to the children, youth, and adults in our congregations, and encourage members, parents, and children to take advantage of the Christian education opportunities available through their congregations. By spending time reading and studying "everything that was written in the past," we are encouraged in the hope we have in Jesus Christ. As the Holy Spirit works through the lessons taught in Bible classes, Sunday school, Midweek, or day school, this hope is strengthened, and the joy that comes from knowing Jesus as the Savior increases. It is this joy that overflows into daily life, allowing us to be witnesses to those around us. The Ablaze! movement is exactly that, being prepared to give a personal witness of the hope and joy you have because Jesus Christ is your Lord and Savior. There is no complex evangelism program or strategy to follow. Simply take the opportunities God gives you each day to share the Gospel message of eternal life through Jesus Christ with those who don't have a relationship with Him. May your time spent in the study of God's Word and in prayer give you the "encouragement of the Scriptures" to share the hope you have in Jesus Christ with those you meet each day. * Update and Statement on Hurricane Ike * Wives of Pastors Retreat Still Accepting Registrations * Teachers' Conference Registration Materials Mailed * Kick-Off Event for The Rock Lutheran Church * Lutheran Blind Mission Anniversary Materials * Fan into Flame Congregation Update * Orphan Grain Train Sends Relief to Haiti * Pastor Appreciation Month is Coming * LCMS Medical Mission Trip to Indonesia Rescheduled * Concordia Lincoln Campus Ribbon Cutting * Plum Creek Literacy Festival UPDATE AND STATEMENT ON HURRICANE IKE LCMS World Relief/Human Care Update, September 15, 2008 (from http://www.lcms.org/pages/default.asp?NavID=891) Hurricane Ike affected 132 counties and 13 million people - including an estimated 80 LCMS congregations. To date, 20 LCMS churches were significantly damaged, as were six church worker's homes. The status of the LCMS church in Galveston Island is yet unknown. "There is going to be a lot of devastation, if not to LCMS congregations, certainly to member's homes," said Rev. Glenn F. Merritt, director of LCMS World Relief and Human Care disaster response. Nearly 2 million residents are without power in Southeast Texas and officials say it could be 2-4 weeks before it is repaired. In response, LCMS WR-HC is partnering with Orphan Grain Train to provide food, water, and other basic necessities, as needed in Texas and Louisiana along the Gulf Coast. LCMS WR-HC will work closely with the LCMS Texas District and Southern District to further provide for immediate needs. As LCMS church workers and members return home, LCMS WR-HC expects to learn of major damages. LCMS WR-HC is working closely with Recovery Assistance, Inc., the Southern District's disaster response arm, to deploy clean-up teams to Louisiana and Texas. LCMS WR-HC will also continue working with Lutheran Social Services of the South, a Lutheran Disaster Response affiliate, to provide long-term relief. "The big issue for us today is we haven't seen these dollars come in," said Rev. Merritt. Your financial gifts are critical for immediate and long-term disaster relief on the Gulf Coast. Each dollar you donate provides for emotional, spiritual, and physical needs of those affected by recent hurricanes. To donate, gifts can be mailed to LCMS World Relief and Human Care, P.O. Box 66861, St. Louis, MO 63166-9810, marked for Hurricane Relief. They can also be given via telephone through their credit card gift line, 1-888-930-4438. Statement from President Kieschnick, September 16, 2008 Hurricane Ike has caused massive destruction along the Gulf Coast of Texas and Louisiana, even stretching into the midsection of the country. The scenes of ruin caused by Hurricane Ike on Galveston Island and in other inland cities along the Gulf Coast have been displayed on television screens and other media venues. The reports of flooding and storm-related deaths in Ike's wake are continuing to unfold in cities throughout the Midwest. As of today, it has been reported by CNN that "Ike and its remnants left at least 27 people dead from the U.S. Gulf Coast to the Great Lakes." Those along rivers, such as the Missouri and Mississippi, are now facing the prospect of additional flooding as rains from the storm drain off the land into those rivers and their respective tributaries. It is obvious that the devastation caused by Hurricane Ike is of enormous proportion, not just in the Gulf Coast area, but wherever Ike cut his path. Such widespread destruction also means that there is massive human need requiring attention. As Rev. Mark Junkans of the Lutheran Inter-City Network Coalition in Houston noted: "There are so many different communities within such a wide area in the Houston area that it is incredibly difficult to distribute the things that are needed. Even as people are still being rescued from the areas most affected by flooding, I have been throughout a lot of the poorest apartment complexes and subdivisions where families are already without much food or provisions." As of yesterday, Dr. Lou Jander, Texas District Disaster Response Coordinator, reported that "20 LCMS churches were significantly damaged, as were six church workers' homes. The status of the LCMS church on Galveston Island is yet unknown." Rev. Glenn Merritt, director of LCMS World Relief and Human Care disaster response, added, "There is going to be a lot of devastation, if not to LCMS congregations, certainly to member's homes." This devastation, of course, extends into the neighborhoods and communities surrounding LCMS congregations and their members. The Texas and Southern Districts along with congregations in the Houston area and across the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast are responding to those in need in the coastal regions. LCMS World Relief and Human Care and other relief agencies, such as Lutheran Social Services of the South, are on the ground in the Gulf Coast and other disaster-struck areas coordinating efforts to help those who have been afflicted. But your help is also desperately needed. The effects of this horrendous storm, on top of other previous natural disasters-hurricanes, tornados, rainstorms, hailstorms, and flooding-have compounded the need for immediate and long-term assistance. Both physical and financial support are necessary for the recovery efforts that have now begun and, without doubt, will continue not only in the days and weeks ahead, but into the months and years ahead. It is my prayer and belief that the response of love and care by the people of congregations of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, which has already begun in many cases, will be generous and overflowing, as is the love of God in Christ. Monetary gifts may be sent to LCMS World Relief/Human Care, which is overseeing relief efforts on behalf of our Synod. LCMS World Relief/Human Care may also be contacted for more information regarding how one may provide on-the-ground assistance. Please keep in your prayers all whose lives, property, or possessions have been affected by this devastating hurricane. Dr. Gerald B. Kieschnick, President The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod Back to top WIVES OF PASTORS RETREAT STILL ACCEPTING REGISTRATIONS Every pastor's wife in the Nebraska District is invited to a retreat designed to provide rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation with other wives of pastors. The Nebraska District Wives of Pastors Retreat will be held October 10-11 at The Leadership Center in Aurora with special guest speaker Linda Bartlett, former president of Lutherans For Life. There are still rooms available, and women who have not yet registered may do so through this Friday, September 19. Registration materials were mailed to each pastor's wife, and are also available on the District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/news/conferences/wives.html. The low registration fee covers lodging, three meals, and speaker costs. Congregations are encouraged to cover the cost of this retreat for their pastor's wife if she wishes to attend. Contact Julie Roebke at the District Office, 888-643-2961 or julier at ndlcms.org, with questions or for more information. Back to top TEACHERS' CONFERENCE REGISTRATION MATERIALS MAILED Principals and preschool directors should have received the registration packet for the Nebraska District Teachers' Conference to be held October 23-24 at Trinity Lutheran Church and School in Fremont. The registration materials are also available on the District website, www.ndlcms.org. All educators in the Nebraska District are encouraged to join together under the theme, "Be Still and Know," with keynote presentations by Rev. Dr. David-Paul Zimmerman, pastor and administrator of Amazing Grace Lutheran Church and School in Seattle, Washington. There will also be many break-out sessions to choose from, as well as time to renew acquaintances and enjoy fellowship with other teachers. Registrations are due to the District Office by Friday, October 10. Contact Kathy Melton at 888-643-2961 or kathym at ndlcms.org with questions or for more information. Back to top KICK-OFF EVENT FOR THE ROCK LUTHERAN CHURCH Christ Lutheran's (Lincoln) Room 211 Band will be in concert at the Seward Bandshell (5th and Jackson Streets) at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 21, as part of a kick-off event for THE ROCK Lutheran Church, a new LCMS church plant in Seward. (The rain location is the Seward Civic Center Auditorium). Come for the concert and look forward to prizes, pizza, and pop! Back to top LUTHERAN BLIND MISSION ANNIVERSARY MATERIALS For 85 years, Lutheran Blind Mission has been serving people who are blind and visually-impaired and helping congregations minister to and reach out to them. October is their anniversary month, and congregations should have received a packet of materials to help highlight this ministry. A mission of LCMS World Mission, Lutheran Blind Mission works to share the news of salvation with those who are blind and visually-impaired. Each packets contains a Bible study, their anniversary hymn, a banner design, a litany for use in a worship service, a reproducible information brochure, a reproducible bulletin insert, and poster. Congregations that wish to draw attention to this ministry may use these resources at a Sunday service of their choosing. For more information on Lutheran Blind Mission, visit www.blindmission.org or call 888-215-2455. Back to top FAN INTO FLAME CONGREGATION UPDATE There are some incredible stories of what the Holy Spirit has already accomplished in Nebraska congregations where pastors and people have prayed and participated in Fan into Flame. God can do great things anywhere and in every congregation through this mission effort. Fan into Flame is an opportunity for your congregation to witness once again the power of the Spirit in the lives of God's people. Following is an example, written by the pastor and leadership, of how one congregation in the Nebraska District implemented Fan into Flame. Full congregational summaries are available on the District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/news/FIF/summaries.html. Immanuel, Tilden - Our congregation had begun discussing the LCMS mission movement Ablaze! in 2007 through Bible studies and at voters' meetings. When we found out the Nebraska District would be participating in Fan into Flame in 2008, we viewed a video provided by the Nebraska District Office that helped increase our awareness of the campaign. Our congregational appeal began in earnest with the Mission Board, Stewardship Board, and the Church Council meeting to make plans on how to implement our appeal. Our timeline and goal of $21,000 (10% of our budget) was set. This goal seemed a staggering amount to expect from our members, since meeting our local needs can be a challenge. We held small cottage visits over a 5-6 week period, along with mailing out letters educating the members and inviting them to be a part of a cottage visit. Bulletin announcements and monthly newsletter articles shared about Fan into Flame and what it meant for our congregation. Fan into Flame and Ablaze! were tied into pastor's sermons as often as possible, and the Fan into Flame Faith Sharing Moments video clips were shown at the beginning and end of services for several weeks. (A copy of this DVD is available from the District Office, 888-643-2961.) A Commitment Weekend was set following the end of the cottage meetings. During the services, congregation members were invited to bring forward the pledge they carefully considered. Through God's blessings, the pledges received doubled our goal with a total commitment of more than $47,000. The committee chose our Little Lambs Daycare and Preschool for our local use of the mission funds. The 15% net that comes back to Immanuel will be used for scholarships for the daycare and preschool, which is a mission project of Immanuel Lutheran Church that reaches far out into our community. If I can encourage and help anyone through this experience, I strongly implore all churches to be a part of the "Body of Christ" and come together by thinking outside of themselves, totally trusting that Jesus Christ is indeed Lord of His Church and trusting that He alone blesses and provides. Be a part of mission work at every level. Join with the "Body of Christ" in The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod through some level of Ablaze! and Fan into Flame. It is a truly unique way to connect with each other by reaching out to the world with the positive message that Jesus really did die on the cross for their sins and that He really does love them. And through it, you and your congregation will be blessed! Every congregation of the Nebraska District is encouraged to prayerfully consider how they can be involved in Fan into Flame. It doesn't take much to participate - just a dedicated core of lay people, a mission-minded pastor, and the materials provided by Fan into Flame. Once the opportunity to be personally involved in mission work is shared with the members of your congregation, the Spirit can move hearts to respond. For more information on how to get started, or to report how your congregation plans to be involved, contact Andrea Essling at the Nebraska District Office, Andrea.Essling at ndlcms.org or 888-643-2961. Back to top ORPHAN GRAIN TRAIN SENDS RELIEF TO HAITI Orphan Grain Train, a Christian humanitarian relief organization headquartered at Norfolk, Nebraska, announced this week that it is preparing to ship 256,000 "Kids Against Hunger" meals to the port city of Gonaives, Haiti. An earlier shipment of 256,000 meals to be shared between Haiti and the Dominican Republic arrived only two days before the hurricanes Anna and Ike, and these meals are now being distributed. The Lutheran Church of Haiti reports that more than 150,000 people have gathered on the highest ground in that city. Most of the city is covered in three to four feet of water since the back-to-back hurricanes. Land transport into the city is limited, as bridges on the north and west have been damaged. Gonaives' main food supply is only through St. Marc or L'Estere, which also have food shortages. Both St. Marc and L'Estere are cut off from the capital city, Port-au-Prince. United Nations helicopters have brought in Gonaives only food supply since the hurricanes. Other reports claim many people in the city have gone without food for four days because of the few helicopters available for this effort. Medical care is limited to special needs cases as supplies and staff are in short supply. Orphan Grain Train's partner, the Lutheran Church of Haiti, is requesting the food aid that it might relieve the starvation that has come to the island nation. The main church and its offices were housing 200 people after Hurricane Anna. They are now housing 1,000-most of whom are sick. One lady has given birth in their shelter. They hope to receive medical assistance for the baby and her mother. The people of Gonaives have only the clothes they are wearing. Floodwaters from Hurricanes Anna and Ike ruined everything they own. Toiletries and sanitary supplies are also non-existent. Human corpses and dead animals lie in the mud as floodwaters recede. Food distributions by the Lutheran Church of Haiti are intended for all people in need, regardless of church affiliation. Orphan Grain Train's 18 regional divisions share the name and character of Jesus Christ along with humanitarian relief here in America and around the world. Each regional division has volunteers who sort and load donated supplies, clothing, equipment, and other items needed by Orphan Grain Train's recipients. Orphan Grain Train has shipped more than 1,400 semi-loads of relief and development supplies worldwide since 1992. Back to top PASTOR APPRECIATION MONTH IS COMING October is national "Clergy Appreciation Month," and October 12 is suggested as "Clergy Appreciation Sunday." The Commission on Ministerial Growth and Support (CMGS) encourages each congregation to celebrate the significant work of their pastor(s) on this or another Sunday in October. Watch for the Clergy Appreciation poster coming to your congregation in October. For congregations with newly graduated pastors, the CMGS offers Post-Seminary Applied Learning and Support (PALS) groups for continuing education and collegial activities to help in the transition from seminary life to life in parish ministry. For further information about PALS and other CMGS programs, contact the CMGS at cmgs at lcms.org. Back to top LCMS MEDICAL MISSION TRIP TO INDONESIA RESCHEDULED The LCMS World Relief and Human Care Mercy Medical Team to Indonesia has been re-scheduled from November to February 15-25, 2009. Volunteers cover the cost of the trip which includes their own airfare from their chosen departure airport, and a flat fee for ground transportation, lodging, and medical supplies for the needy (total estimated to be around $3,000). Please write maggie.karner at lcms.org or call 800-248-1930, ext. 1371 or cell phone at 765-748-7743 with any questions or concerns. Back to top CONCORDIA LINCOLN CAMPUS RIBBON CUTTING The official ribbon cutting ceremony for Concordia University's new campus in Lincoln will take place on Saturday, October 11. The university's graduate college and adult education programs in Lincoln have been in session for several weeks there already, but this will be the first celebration of the historic move. Concordia will celebrate the opening with the other tenants of the Town Center facility and the NEBCO Inc. development company in a day full of events. The ribbon cutting will be at 9:30 a.m. "Concordia has been about the business of higher education for a long time, 115 years," said Rev. Dr. Brian L. Friedrich. "We are thrilled to be in Fallbrook and start a new venture of serving the Lincoln community in its midst and also continuing to reach out to others through long-distance delivery." Events on October 11 will get underway even before the ribbon cutting. NOAH's Assistance Dogs will be sponsoring both competitive and fun runs with pets during the morning. With the help of faculty and students from Concordia, the group will also have a pet parade and dog handling demonstrations. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Throughout the afternoon Concordia's offices and classrooms will be open with tours and program information available regarding graduate study programs and bachelor's degree completion for working adults. "Concordia prides itself in its academic relevance combined with solid theory," said Dr. Mark Blanke, associate provost of the university. "High quality instruction and a student-centeredness are at the core of everything that we do. This facility is testimony to that fact." In the plazas surrounding the building, attendees will be able to enjoy live music from one of Concordia's student praise bands and visit with Boogie, one of Concordia's bulldog mascots. NEBCO Inc. is pairing the grand opening with the second Fall Festival for the Fallbrook neighborhood with a tailgate party, a broadcast of the Nebraska Huskers football game, more live music, home tours and an art show. Back to top PLUM CREEK LITERACY FESTIVAL Concordia University, Nebraska will welcome nationally known authors and illustrators to campus October 9-11 for the 13th annual Plum Creek Children's Literacy Festival. The event gives children, teachers, administrators, and other interested adults from Nebraska and neighboring states the opportunity to interact with authors, illustrators, and literacy experts. More than 5,700 are expected to participate this year. "We are very excited to be bringing fantastic authors and illustrators yet again this year," said Vikki Gremel, festival coordinator. "The entire community comes together to help make this a meaningful and educational three days." Over the course of the three days, the authors and illustrators will visit Seward-area schools, offer sessions on Concordia's campus to students from all over the Midwest, and speak to adults in specialized presentations. They will also participate in multiple autographing sessions. The first two days are already fully booked, but pre-registration remains open for the adult learning sessions on Saturday, October 11. The general public is invited to sign up. The adult sessions will be of special interest to early childhood, elementary, middle level, and secondary teachers, reading specialists, home school teachers, and media specialists. Mo Willems, New York Times bestselling author and illustrator, will be Saturday's luncheon guest speaker. This year's festival authors and illustrators include: * Joan Bauer of Brooklyn, N.Y., author of numerous award-winning and "best of" books including top young adult titles Rules of the Road and Hope was Here. * Cynthia DeFelice of Geneva, N.Y., author of 26 novels and picture books who was inspired to write by her job as an elementary school librarian and her love of reading aloud to children. Her latest title for young readers is The Ghost of Poplar Point. * Gail Gibbons, author and illustrator of more than 100 non-fiction titles who got her start in artwork for children's television shows. Always curious about the world around her, the latest title in her collection is about dinosaurs. * Mike Graf, author of books covering a huge variety of topics including weather, national parks, caves and rock-climbing, storm-chasing, ghost towns and more, all of which come from his own personal experiences and travels. Tail of the Scorpion is the latest title in his series about our national parks and the Parker family's adventures in them. * Hans Wilhelm of Weston, Conn., author and illustrator with more than 35 million books in print including the best seller I'll Always Love You, and one of his most recent titles Come Rhyme with Me. His illustrations are housed in museums around the country. * Mo Willems of Brooklyn, N.Y., author and illustrator of the No.1 New York Times bestsellers and Caldecott Honor winning picture books Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!, Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale and Knuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity. Festival registration forms and payment options are available online at www.cune.edu/PlumCreek. Registrations are due by October 1. Back to top 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: 56552 bytes Desc: not available URL: From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Fri Sep 19 16:43:48 2008 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Fri, 19 Sep 2008 21:43:48 -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. 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 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: 5905 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: 9-18.pdf Type: application/pdf Size: 54114 bytes Desc: 9-18.pdf URL: From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Tue Sep 23 14:21:35 2008 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Tue, 23 Sep 2008 19:21:35 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] Rev. Donald Boettcher Called to Glory Message-ID: The Reverend Donald L. Boettcher, pastor emeritus, Neligh, Nebraska, departed this life on Monday, September 22, 2008, at the age of 64 after a short bout with pneumonia. He was born in Spencer, Nebraska, on November 18, 1943, to Arthur and Mary (Galbraith) Boettcher. He was baptized at Immanuel Lutheran Church north of Spencer on December 12, 1943, and was confirmed there on May 25, 1958. Don attended country schools north of Spencer through eighth grade and then attended Spencer High School graduating in 1962. In the fall of 1977, Don went into the Lay Ministry Program of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and subsequently served as lay minister at Grace (Burton), Springview; and Immanuel (Jamison), Newport from 1979-1995. He then went through the colloquy program of Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne, graduating in 1994. He continued to serve Grace and Immanuel, now as an ordained minister, following his ordination on January 15, 1995. He served at these locations until December, 2005, at which time he retired. Over the years he served many vacancies as well, in both South Dakota and Nebraska. Pastor Boettcher is survived by his wife, Norma (Johnson) Boettcher, Spencer; one daughter, Angela (Ted) Tauber; three sons, Brent (Tammy) Boettcher, Joshua Boettcher, and Jeremy (Kara) Boettcher; daughter-in-law, Jessica (Brandon) Boettcher; eight grandchildren; and siblings, Carolyn (Gary) Conroy, Kenneth (Trudy) Boettcher, Richard (Dessi) Boettcher, Candy (Glen) Lavington, and Lavina Riha. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, his parents, and children, Marci, Marni, and Brandon. The funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 25, 2008, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Spencer, Nebraska. Interment will be at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Spencer. Letters of condolence may be written to Mrs. Norma Boettcher, 202 W. Main, PO Box 345, Spencer, Nebraska 68777. 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: 5880 bytes Desc: not available URL: From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Sep 24 13:57:30 2008 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 24 Sep 2008 18:57:30 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] September 24 Message-ID: Update for September 24 A publication of the Nebraska District, a District ABLAZE! Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Lutheran schools are a tremendous blessing to the students, their families, and the community in which the school sits. Many of the students and teachers in the Lutheran schools of Nebraska are developing mission eyes to see the fertile mission fields surrounding them. Examples from around the District show how Lutheran schools are teaching the students to be missionaries, both in their communities and around the world. Each year the Nebraska District schools are invited to take part in the "Hearts for Jesus" project as designated by the principals. This project alternates between a District ministry and a mission project outside of the District. The 2008-2009 project goes overseas to help Nebraska missionaries who are currently serving internationally. The missionaries chosen were Al and Eileen Turner, Dr. Al and Sandy Schmidt, and Sharon Owens. Al and Eileen Turner serve in Cambodia, where they will be working with kids and health care projects. Eileen is originally from Pierce, Nebraska. Dr. Al and Sandy Schmidt will be serving in Hanoi, Vietnam, where they will start Vietnam's first ever Lutheran school. The Schmidts are from Seward, Nebraska. Sharon Owens serves as the director of the ESL Center in Macau, and supervises the three English Centers in Mainland China. Sharon formerly served at the University Lutheran Chapel in Lincoln, Nebraska. Children also learn to be missionaries in their own communities through community outreach projects. One school principal describes their activities in this way: "Every fall we hold a community service day where all grades go out in the community to help individuals with yard and house work -- raking, cleaning off gardens, washing windows, painting, picking up litter -- even the Kindergarteners participate by picking up buckets of pine cones for a congregation member. On May 1 we make and deliver 300 May baskets door-to-door in the community. At Christmas, the 5th- 8th grades pack food boxes for the 85+ members of the congregation and deliver some of those in person when they go Christmas caroling." These are just some examples of ways Lutheran schools in Nebraska are becoming more missional, equipping students and their families to be lifelong witnesses for Christ. For more information on Lutheran schools in Nebraska, or for ideas on how your school can include a mission focus, contact Don Weber, Lutheran School Superintendent, at the District Office, 888-643-2961 or donw at ndlcms.org. A listing of Lutheran schools in Nebraska is also available online at http://www.ndlcms.org/locator/schools/index.html. * Prayer Requests * Rural Ministry Conference Scholarships Available * Fall Pastors' Conference Registration Materials Available * Managing Pension Investments in Turbulent Times - A Message from Concordia Plan Services Management * Hurricane Ike Update/Response Options * Lisa Knoepfel Named "Teacher of the Year" * Pacific Hills Reformation Festival * Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska Recognizes Faith in Action * Empower Your Members to Share Christ through "Equipping to Share" Workshops * Concordia Publishing House Warehouse Sale Comes to Nebraska PRAYER REQUESTS Family of Rev. Donald Boettcher - We join with the family of Rev. Donald Boettcher, who was called to glory Monday, September 22. Pastor Boettcher served the congregations of Immanuel, Spencer and Christ, Lynch prior to his retirement. Please remember his family in your prayers, asking our heavenly Father to give them an extra measure of His peace and comfort at this time. Seminary student Kyle and Kristen Fittje - Please lift up in prayer Kyle and Kristen Fittje, as well as many others in St. Louis and other communities as they recover from flash flooding that took place earlier this month. Seminary student Kyle Fittje and his wife Kristen lived in a basement apartment that was seriously affected by the flooding. They lost nearly everything and do not have flood insurance. The seminary has put in place efforts to help this couple, as well as another seminary couple in the same situation. For more information on how you can be involved, contact Nichole at the District Office. Kyle is a member of Immanuel Lutheran in Columbus, and he and Kristen are Concordia, Seward, graduates. Pastor Brian and Renata Ketelsen - We join in prayers of thanksgiving with Rev. Brian and Renata Ketelsen at the birth of Noah Daniel Nicodemus Ketelsen, born Tuesday, September 23. Both mother and baby are doing well, and we praise God for this gift of new life He has granted these parents. We look forward to welcoming this little one into the family of God through his Holy Baptism this coming Sunday. Pastor Ketelsen serves the congregations of Faith, St. Edward, and St. John, Cedar Rapids. Back to top RURAL MINISTRY CONFERENCE SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE The first 10 congregations from the Nebraska District that register a pastor and a lay leader who attend the Rural Ministry Conference at Mahoney State Park near Ashland on November 6-8 will receive a $100 scholarship to help offset the registration fee. To receive the scholarship, registrants should contact Connie at the District Office, 888-643-2961 or connieb at ndlcms.org, before registering for the conference. The registration deadline for the conference is next Tuesday, September 30. For more information on the conference itself, visit http://www.spife.org/Index.asp?PageID=9486. Remember, to be eligible for the scholarship, contact the District Office before registering for the conference. Back to top FALL PASTORS' CONFERENCE REGISTRATION MATERIALS AVAILABLE Pastors in the District should have received registration materials for the upcoming Fall Pastors' Conference last week by email or by U.S. mail. Pastors are encouraged to visit the District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/news/conferences/pastors/index.html to view and print conference materials. If you are a pastor in the District and you did not receive an email notice or a paper copy in the mail, please contact Kim Hofer at the District Office to request a copy. She may be reached at 888-643-2961 or kimh at ndlcms.org. The fall conference will be held at Midtown Holiday Inn, Grand Island, on October 27-28. The registration deadline is Friday, October 10. Back to top MANAGING PENSION INVESTMENTS IN TURBULENT TIMES - A MESSAGE FROM CONCORDIA PLAN SERVICES MANAGEMENT (released September 18 - www.concordiaplans.org) Volatility in the investment markets can cause a great deal of concern to the participants in any pension plan. This may be true of those employers and workers enrolled in the Concordia Retirement Plan (CRP) and the Concordia Retirement Savings Plan (CRSP). In these turbulent times, it is important to keep in mind key attributes about the structure and management of the CRP and CRSP. * Single Focus: Delivering on Promises Made Unlike many corporate pension plans, the Board of Directors and staff are not concerned with corporate earnings or taxation when making decisions regarding pension plan funding or investments. Our single focus is on standing behind the promises made to plan members. * Strong Funded Position The CRP was in a strong funded position going into these turbulent times. This means the plan is well situated to "weather the storm". * Long Term Horizon The CRP's outlook is long-term, not short-term. History shows us that the markets will fluctuate, in fact, market fluctuations provide opportunities especially for those who are investing for the long haul. * Board Expertise The LCMS handbook calls for specific skills sets for the CPS Board of Directors/Concordia Plans Board of Trustees. Specifically, the board must have at least 4 members with experience in the management of benefit plan investments. The Synod board has appointed such experts to the CPS board. * Sound Investment Process The Investment Committee of the board follows a disciplined process in determining how CRP assets will be invested (asset allocation) and in selecting firms to manage segments of the portfolio. With respect to the CRSP, the individual funds are selected by MorningStar, and for those who choose to take advantage of the service, individual asset allocation is performed by ProManage. Both of these firms have proven track records in their respective areas. * External Consultants The board and staff are supported by the investment consulting firm of Ennis Knupp (EK). EK is a recognized leader in the area of institutional investing of plans such as the CRP. In addition, the board is supported by Towers Perrin, a recognized leader in actuarial and benefit consulting. * Diversification of Assets The strong investment discipline, the expertise of the board, and the advice of external consultants result in a CRP portfolio that is well diversified. Diversification of plan assets is critical to maintaining a well-funded, prudently managed pension fund over the long term. This diversification has served the CRP well in previous storms as well as the current storm. Current economic conditions do cause concern. To further compound the problem, we are in a national election season and so the political rhetoric only adds to the confusion. Plan members and other stakeholders, however, can be assured that the seven factors listed above result in professional, experienced, and prudent management of the assets entrusted to the Concordia Plans Board of Trustees. James F. Sanft President and CEO Thomas J. Neely Senior Vice President, Finance Chief Financial Officer Chief Investment Officer Back to top HURRICANE IKE UPDATE/RESPONSE OPTIONS Dr. Lou Jander of the Texas District shared the following Hurricane Ike update on September 17: Things are humming as we gear up to do longer term responses to the needs following Hurricane Ike. We continue to hear from congregations and members regarding damage. More and more we are hearing from the areas where people evacuated. Here's what we have heard most often: * Roof damage (shingles, leaks, sections of roofs gone) * Fences down * Water around windows and doors * No electricity * Difficulty getting gas because the electricity is not available to pump the fuel (some people have waited over two hours) * Without electricity, many grocery stores, banks, etc. have yet to open * Water in homes and churches (some with as much as 16 feet) The Texas District and LINC Houston have been partnering in managing the information for volunteers, sites needing work, housing equipment, and providing locations for food drops around the area. The Golden Triangle (Orange, Beaumont, and Port Arthur and locations in between) is still recovering and many are just now beginning to return. The area between Port Arthur and Orange received a great deal of "storm surge" along with the winds. We've heard of homes being destroyed and many filled with water. I will be traveling to that area on Thursday to get a firsthand look. Plans are underway to provide early assistance in the clean-up. Some of our congregations have been out in their communities assisting people in the work of tree removal, general pick-up of all types of stuff, and providing ice and food. Praise God for all those who have stepped out at this time to provide needed help and care. Lutheran Social Services of the South has been right by our side as we seek to assess and respond to the various needs in the entire area of Southeast Texas. We value their partnership. People who wish to share their interest and desire to volunteer in different capacities of clean-up can go to the following site to "register" your intent and availability: http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e2d46ya0fl8buty5/a001fl8f2l8a/questions Right now we are busy responding to needs and organizing for continued support for the entire area. I'm really thankful for the support of the Texas District, LINC Houston, Lutheran Services of the South, and LCMS World Relief and Human Care. Thanks for your continued prayers and support. Continue to watch the Disaster Blog. The following story was shared via LCMS News (no. 50 - September 19) As hurricane-weary Houstonians continue to clear debris, repair their homes, and stand in long lines for food, ice, and gasoline, LCMS members opened relief distribution centers to serve as "points of blessings" in the nation's fourth largest city. "We want to help our congregations help their members and also reach out to their communities' needs," said Rev. Mark Junkans, executive director of the Lutheran Inner-City Network Coalition (LINC) Houston, who, in partnership with the LCMS Texas District, is operating the primary relief headquarters at the LINC Mission Center (www.linchouston.org). "This is a chance to be points of blessings in our community." Immediately after Hurricane Ike battered the Gulf Coast of Texas and Louisiana on Sept. 14 and propelled a destructive trail through the Midwest, LCMS responders quickly moved to provide emergency help despite widespread power outages and limited communication. By Sept. 18, the Category 2 hurricane had claimed 51 lives and nearly 2 million people remained without power across Texas. Ike caused the greatest property damage in Southeast Texas, notably the "Golden Triangle" (Orange, Beaumont, and Port Arthur) and Galveston, areas where damage assessments are just now beginning. In the greater Houston area, 20 LCMS churches sustained damage, including: * a toppled steeple and water damage at Mount Olive Lutheran Church. * exterior damage and soaked carpeting at Holy Cross Lutheran Church. * roof damage and water in the sanctuary at Centro de Fe y Esperanza. "Everyone I've talked to has some damage, from something as minor as fence damage or shingles blown off to collapsed ceilings and flooded homes," said Dr. Lou Jander, Texas District mission and ministry facilitator who also serves as the district's disaster response coordinator. "Probably 65 to 70 percent of our [LCMS] members [in Southeast Texas] have been affected in some way." News from the hard-hit Galveston Island south of Houston has been limited. But Rev. Alan Taylor shared information he received about Ike dumping a foot of water in the St. John Lutheran Church sanctuary and flooding two other church buildings. After surveying St. John members to ensure they were preparing for the storm, Taylor and his family followed mandatory evacuation orders and fled Galveston. Nearly a week later, the pastor was awaiting permission to return home. Most St. John members, he said, likely sustained property damage. "I've spoken by e-mail with two of the families who lost their entire homes," Taylor said via e-mail from his evacuation post in San Antonio. In addition to damaged homes and churches, Ike also wreaked havoc on the budgets of pastors, teachers, and staff at Lutheran ministries and social services programs. About 25 LINC missionary pastors in Houston depend solely on weekly worship offerings for their salaries. "Since no offerings are coming in right now, they are hurting," Junkans said. Lutheran Social Services of the South (LSSS) staff who work in programs such as foster care in Houston, at the Krause Children's Center in Katy (which evacuated children and sustained roof damage), and disaster response in Port Arthur are dealing with unexpected evacuation expenses on top of personal property losses. But while hurricane survivors tackle storm-related challenges, LCMS ministries and individual volunteers are responding with shipments of relief supplies, manpower, and prayers. Even before Ike hit the Gulf Coast, LCMS Southern District President Kurtis Schultz contacted the Texas District "assuring us of prayers and support and offering any available resources," Jander said. "After [Hurricane] Katrina, they [the Southern District] have done this before and know all about needs." By Sept.16, volunteers from the Southern District's disaster response arm had arrived in Houston. Also en route were shipments of generators and non-perishable foods, sent by LCMS World Relief and Human Care (WR-HC) in partnership with Orphan Grain Train. WR-HC is coordinating Ike relief efforts on behalf of the Synod and striving to raise an initial $550,000 to meet the immediate needs of LCMS members and their communities. Those donations to the Synod's mercy arm will help cover the salaries and benefits of affected church workers, collaborative work through Lutheran Disaster Response and LSSS, and other emergency relief needs in the Texas and Southern districts. "This is a massive disaster with lots of urgent needs spread across a broad area," said Rev. Glenn Merritt, WR-HC's director of disaster response. On Sept. 16, both Merritt and Rev. Carlos Hernandez, WR-HC's director of districts and congregations, were making plans to travel to Texas to offer assistance in meeting physical and spiritual needs, working with congregations to reach out to their members and communities. Beyond Texas, Ike's remnants caused power outages and flooding in the Midwest where many communities are still reeling from earlier storms. Lutheran Church Charities issued an appeal for volunteers to assist in Northern Illinois. (Learn more at www.lutheranchurchcharities.org.) In an official statement issued by Rev. Gerald B. Kieschnick, the LCMS president urged fellow Lutherans to offer monetary and volunteer assistance for "recovery efforts that have now begun and, without doubt, will continue not only in the days and weeks ahead, but into the months and years ahead." "It is my prayer and belief that the response of love and care by the people of congregations of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod, which has already begun in many cases, will be generous and overflowing, as is the love of God in Christ," Kieschnick said in the statement. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans shared the following notice of their disaster response efforts for the victims of Hurricane Ike. Through the Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Disaster Response Program, we are extending a call for help to our chapters and members, providing them with two avenues to respond: * Through the National Chapter Response, Thrivent Financial members can form chapter service teams locally to raise/collect funds to help those in need as a result of Hurricane Ike. For every $2 raised, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans will contribute an additional $1, up to a total of $250,000. Chapters will forward the money they raise to Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, and we will direct all funds to Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) and the WELS Committee on Relief, who will distribute the funds using their established processes to best meet the needs of those affected by the hurricane. Thrivent Financial will accept contributions for this effort through Dec. 15, 2008. * Through the Regional Chapter Response, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is allocating an additional $250,000 of Care in Regions(r) funds among the regions in the affected areas (mainly Texas and Louisiana). Members in the affected regions can form chapter service teams to hold fund-raisers, appeals/collections, and service activities to help those impacted by the hurricane. As part of the Care in Regions program, each region's Lutheran Community Services (LCS) Team will inform their chapters of eligible recipients for these response activities. Back to top LISA KNOEPFEL NAMED "TEACHER OF THE YEAR" "As far as Lisa Knoepfel knew, her family was coming to Fremont for a golf tournament. But there was more to the trip than that. Her family had gathered to surprise her when she was honored as Walmart's Teacher of the Year in Fremont on Sunday." This is the beginning of an article in the Fremont Tribune sharing the wonderful news of this award. Lisa teaches at Trinity Lutheran School in Fremont, and was nominated at the local Walmart store by a former student who wrote about Mrs. Knoepfel as a "super hero." The full article is available online on the Fremont Tribune website for a limited time. To read the entire article, visit http://www.fremonttribune.com/articles/2008/09/22/news/local/doc48d7c2592811f588522500.txt or search from the home page, www.fremonttribune.com. Back to top PACIFIC HILLS REFORMATION FESTIVAL Pacific Hills Lutheran Church in Omaha (90th and Pacific Streets) will once again host an Omaha-area Reformation Festival on Sunday, October 26, beginning at 2:30 p.m. Rev. Dr. Bill Moorhead, senior pastor of Pacific Hills, will be the preacher. Barbara Fremder, M.M., will be the cantor. Special music will be provided by the Concordia University, Nebraska, A Cappella Choir. Contact the Pacific Hills church office for more information at 402-391-9625. Back to top LUTHERAN FAMILY SERVICES OF NEBRASKA RECOGNIZES FAITH IN ACTION Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska held its annual Faith in Action dinner Sunday, September 7, at the Georgetowne Club in Omaha to recognize those whose actions demonstrate their commitment to faith-based values and principles. A. William "Bill" and Leona Kernen of St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Omaha received the Douglas E. Parrott Faith in Action award for a lifetime of Christian service to children, families, education, and the community; Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Fremont received the Community Partner of the Year award for the time, talent, and treasures generously given by its members to the Fremont Building Families Boutique; and Dina Haqi, an Iraqi refugee, received the Volunteer of the Year award for her commitment and service to the Lutheran Family Services refugee program. Lutheran Family Services is a faith-based, statewide human care agency serving over 35,000 individuals through 30 programs in the areas of behavioral health, children's services, and community services. For information, please visit www.lfsneb.org. Back to top EMPOWER YOUR MEMBERS TO SHARE CHRIST THROUGH "EQUIPPING TO SHARE" WORKSHOPS A Lutheran Hour Ministries Equipping to Share workshop is a four-hour training session that teaches Christians how to relate their faith to those they interact with on a daily basis. Participants learn how to identify "mission moments" (situations where the Gospel can quickly and easily be shared). They then learn how to share their faith in an effective and non-threatening way. As LHM's Coordinator of Equipping to Share, Sarah Guldalian says, "The most important thing to remember in a mission moment is: it's not about you. The mission is God's, the message is God's, and the power is God's! So, we can get over ourselves and trust God to do the work." A man from Missouri attended an Equipping to Share workshop on a Saturday, and God immediately put him in a situation to use what he learned on Sunday afternoon. He was at the local shooting range practicing when an employee of the range asked if they could talk before he left. The employee said, "Al, I know you're a Christian, and there are some things I really need to talk to you about. You see, my wife of 30 years left me last night. I have no friends. I have no family. I need someone. I need some help." Al listened to him talk and told him how Jesus had helped him through rough times. He also suggested that he read the Gospel of John before bed. Through Al's pastor and others at his church, the man found a support group and a psychologist to confide in. He is also making steps toward adult confirmation and baptism. Al says, "God truly works in mysterious and marvelous ways, and I thank Him for this marvelous opportunity!" Your church or school can host a workshop this fall or next spring. For more information about Equipping to Share workshops, call 1-800-944-3450, ext. 4144, or send an e-mail to sarah.guldalian at lhm.org. Congregations that participate in the Fan into Flame campaign may consider using a portion of their local outreach gifts to cover the cost of this training. Back to top CONCORDIA PUBLISHING HOUSE WAREHOUSE SALE COMES TO NEBRASKA Concordia Publishing house brings its Warehouse Sale-the largest sale of the year-to the campus of Concordia University, Nebraska. The sale is open Friday, October 24, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, October 25, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. During this time, excess inventory from Concordia Publishing House is offered at deep discounts. Sale items include books for children and adults, teaching resources, and more. The Concordia Publishing House Warehouse Sale is located in the Janzow Campus Center on the Concordia University campus in Seward. For more information about the Warehouse Sale, call 1-402-643-7405. Back to top The weekly Email Update is a resource offered to all in the Nebraska District to share information and to enrich the ministry God has called you to. Please continue to share information you feel would be of interest to others and let us know if there is any other way we at the District Office can be a resource to your ministry. Items for inclusion in the Update may be sent 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: 59723 bytes Desc: not available URL: From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Sep 3 10:05:18 2008 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:05:18 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] September 3 Message-ID: Update for September 3 A publication of the Nebraska District, a District ABLAZE! Greetings in the name of our loving heavenly Father. With the passing of Labor Day each year, many people, especially children, realize summer has drawn to an end and the routine of school has become their new reality. While many schools in Nebraska begin in August, September is still thought of as "education month" by most. Many churches hold their "Rally Sunday," or first day of Christian education classes, on the Sunday following Labor Day. While this rhythm seems to make sense and is familiar to many, the questions most often not answered are, "What are we teaching?" or, "What are the students learning?" Quick answers would surely include: Bible stories, Bible verses, Catechism instruction, and Christian songs, followed by the old stand-bys of reading, math skills, spelling, social studies, and more. None of these answers would be wrong, but are we missing something? The Nebraska District is committed to encouraging Lutheran congregations and schools in "missional Lutheran education." What does that mean? The simple answer is making Lutheran parish and school education available to all people to equip them as witnesses for Christ. The real question might be, "What does that look like?" In truth, it will look different in every congregation and every school, but the common thread will be the proclamation of the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ on the lips of every man, woman, and child of the LCMS. As children and adults spend time in God's Word, in prayer, and in singing praises, they will also learn about sharing the joy that the Holy Spirit has placed in them because of the free gift of salvation they received through their Baptism. So, as your congregation prepares to begin parish education classes, or as your school faculty continues to prepare lesson plans, consider how "missional" your Lutheran education is. Are we equipping people to be witnesses for Christ? Would you like to know more about what this can look like in your congregation? Contact Nebraska District education executive Don Weber at 888-643-2961 or donw at ndlcms.org for more information or resources on missional Lutheran education. * Prayer Requests * Rev. Dr. Orville Walz Receives Award * Wives of Pastors Retreat Registration Deadline Draws Near * Team Members Still Needed For Medical Mercy Trip to Indonesia * LLL Men's Retreat at Camp Luther * Fan into Flame Congregation Update * CPH Offers Free Guide for "Teen" Movie * Dedicatory Organ Recital at Concordia University * The ABC's of Bullying Prevention Materials Available from District Office * More Opportunities to Visit a Seminary * District Congregation to Celebrate 100 Years of Ministry PRAYER REQUESTS Pastor Randall and Christie Smith - We join with Pastor Randall and Christie Smith of St. Peter, Hampton, in prayers of thanksgiving at the birth of their son, Ian Matthias, on Friday, August 28. We thank God for the safe delivery of this baby, and we join with the family in anticipation of his re-birth through Holy Baptism on Sunday, September 7. The Southern District LCMS and Those in the Gulf Area - We received word from the Southern District Office yesterday that their office remained untouched and fully functional following Hurricane Gustav. We continue to lift up in prayer all the people from the Gulf Coast who were evacuated prior to the hurricane's arrival. We ask the Lord to grant them safety and His peace as they return to their homes to survey the damage and loss of property left in the storm's wake. For up-to-date information from the Southern District through Recovery Assistance, Inc. Ministries (RAI Ministries), visit their website at http://www.lcmsrelief.org/. This site includes information on volunteering and donating to help the recent victims. Back to top REV. DR. ORVILLE WALZ RECEIVES AWARD Rev. Dr. Orville Walz, former president of Concordia University, Nebraska in Seward and Concordia University College of Alberta in Canada, was honored by the latter institution today, September 3, at its Opening Convocation. Dr. Walz received the Christo et Ecclesia award for his long and meritorious service as pastor, teacher, and administrator, and for his significant contributions that have inspired and ennobled the people of God and that have given glory to our Lord Jesus Christ. Dr. Walz and his wife, Marilyn, live in Bennington, and he serves the Nebraska District as Second Vice-President. Back to top WIVES OF PASTORS RETREAT REGISTRATION DEADLINE DRAWS NEAR Wives of pastors and vicars in the Nebraska District are invited to attend the Nebraska District Wives of Pastors Retreat at The Leadership Center in Aurora on October 10-11. This retreat has been designed specially for them under the theme, "Titus 2 for Life." The retreat will provide networking opportunities with other wives of pastors and vicars -- old friends and new acquaintances alike. Linda Bartlett, former Lutherans For Life president, will be the presenter for Saturday. Throughout the day and a half there will be plenty of opportunities for relaxation, laughter, and renewal. Registration materials were mailed to each pastor's and vicar's wife or may be printed from the District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/news/conferences/wives.html. Contact Julie Roebke at the District Office at julier at ndlcms.org or 888-643-2961 with questions or for more information. Registrations are due to the District Office by next Wednesday, September 10. Back to top TEAM MEMBERS STILL NEEDED FOR MEDICAL MERCY TRIP TO INDONESIA Volunteer spots are still open on the LCMS World Relief and Human Care team to Indonesia November 7-17, 2008. Currently the team consists of two doctors, a pharmacist, two nurses, and one non-medical person. Nurses are especially needed. Clinics will serve the extremely under-served poor on the island of Sumatra. Volunteers cover the cost of their trip which includes their own airfare from their chosen departure airport, and a flat fee for ground transportation, lodging, and medical supplies for the needy (total estimated to be around $3000). Maggie Karner and Sally Henrickson will serve as team leaders on this inaugural trip to Indonesia. In order to confirm your spot on the World Relief and Human Care Medical Mercy Team to Indonesia, please reply as soon as possible to sally.henrickson at lcms.org or call her at 800-248-1930, ext. 1278. Back to top LLL MEN'S RETREAT AT CAMP LUTHER A Men's Retreat sponsored by LLL Zone 4 will be held at Camp Luther Friday and Saturday, November 21-22, 2008. The cost is only $25.00 per person and includes overnight lodging, breakfast, and lunch on Saturday, plus snack Friday night. Staff from Lutheran Hour Ministries will present Men's Ministry Network, as described here: The absence of active, involved, and committed Christian men in our churches is impeding our witness to the world and is a key factor in the decline in church membership. Recent research reveals: * When a child leads the way in commitment to a church, 3.5% of families follow. * When a woman leads the way in commitment to a church, 17% of families follow. * But, when a man leads the way in commitment to a church, 93% of families follow! * Also, 42% of American men attended church regularly in 1992. But by 1997, only 28% of American men were attending church regularly. Clearly, without male spiritual involvement families, churches, and our witness all suffer. LHM's men's ministry will engage men in Bible classes, discussion groups, fellowship, community service, and retreats, all specifically designed for their needs and interests, so that participants can become confident in their role in God's kingdom. It will improve their Bible knowledge and understanding of Lutheran teachings and provide them with opportunities, connections, and training to serve others in Christ's name. Participants will become part of a nationwide force of highly mobilized Christian men known for hands-on ministry who use their vocations and skills to express their faith and calling as Jesus' disciples. They will become equipped to mentor other men, sharing the Savior and encouraging them to serve in their churches and community. Back to top FAN INTO FLAME CONGREGATION UPDATE There are some incredible stories of what the Holy Spirit has already accomplished in Nebraska congregations where pastors and people have prayed and participated in Fan into Flame. God can do great things anywhere and in every congregation through this mission effort. Fan into Flame is an opportunity for your congregation to witness once again the power of the Spirit in the lives of God's people. Following is an example, written by the pastor and leadership, of how one congregation in the Nebraska District implemented Fan into Flame. Full congregational summaries are available on the District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/news/FIF/summaries.html. Lord of Life, Elkhorn - As a Fan into Flame pilot congregation, Lord of Life conducted their appeal in May and June of this year. The goal set by the committee was 10% of their 2008 budget, or $20,000. As part of their appeal, the committee believed it was very important to inform the congregation about Ablaze! and Fan into Flame. Newsletters included Ablaze! articles, information on Fan into Flame, and upcoming cottage meetings. Ablaze! inserts were included in the Sunday bulletins beginning on their campaign kick-off Sunday and continued another seven weeks until their commitment Sunday. Ablaze! and Fan into Flame were mentioned during sermons in relation to missions and outreach. A letter was sent to every household announcing the congregation's participation in Fan into Flame. A second letter was sent to all households inviting them to attend one of the four cottage meetings held at the church. Families were called by the Board of Elders to encourage attendance at one of the hour-long cottage meetings. Each family attending received an informational packet and was asked to prayerfully consider making a commitment to Fan into Flame. Pledge cards were mailed to congregation members prior to commitment Sunday, as well as distributed in the bulletin that day. On commitment Sunday, pledges for $49,750 were received! This was announced to the congregation on June 29, their celebration Sunday, when they gave thanks to God and celebrated with special refreshments after each service. On this Sunday, additional pledges were received, bringing their final total to $60,050, over three times their goal! At the same time that they began the Fan into Flame campaign, they also formed a vision committee to evaluate the congregation's ministry and building needs. The Board of Evangelism will consider new ways of outreach into the community and additional ministries that they might now start to reach the needs of the community. The congregation's 15% net of the gifts given will be used for these new ministries. Every congregation of the Nebraska District is encouraged to prayerfully consider how they can be involved in Fan into Flame. It doesn't take much to participate - just a dedicated core of lay people, a mission-minded pastor, and the materials provided by Fan into Flame. Once the opportunity to be personally involved in mission work is shared with the members of your congregation, the Spirit can move hearts to respond. For more information on how to get started, or to report how your congregation plans to be involved, contact Andrea Essling at the Nebraska District Office, Andrea.Essling at ndlcms.org or 888-643-2961. Back to top CPH OFFERS FREE GUIDE FOR "TEEN" MOVIE (from Reporter Online, http://www.lcms.org/reporter) Jake, Megan, Hannah, Colin, and Mitch are five high-school seniors from Warsaw, Ind., and their story is coming to a multiplex screen near you. "American Teen," a PG-13-rated documentary from director Nanette Burstein, follows the lives of the five students and their classmates from the first day of school through graduation. The result is what some have called "the 'Breakfast Club' of the new millennium." First released at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, "American Teen" has garnered critical acclaim from many sectors. On the surface, the film's five stars embody the stereotypical high-school roles of jock, princess, rebel, geek, and heart-throb, but, in reality, their lives are much more complicated. The students navigate a constantly changing landscape of friends, family, and personal issues. They are searching for something better in life, and the film is their unscripted story. Christian viewers can expect to be uncomfortable with the film's portrayal of teen language, sexual behavior, and alcohol use, but "will realize that, like it or not, and good or bad, the scenario of 'American Teen' is not too far removed from the average teen landscape of today's culture," according to Concordia Publishing House. Says CPH: "The question for those of us who care about kids and recognize that something is very wrong with today's student experience, is: what do we want to do with the themes of this film as we engage youth with the message of God's Word?" In response to that question, CPH is offering a free discussion guide that's designed to "enable youth and adults to process the themes of 'American Teen' ... evaluate their relation to the film, and apply what they learn in their daily lives as Christians." The guide is the first in "a new style of youth resource" from CPH, according to Gretchen M. Jameson, director of public relations and corporate communications at CPH. "Our desire is to meet real needs in real time, and those working with students often need current, timely talk sheets and materials to help them engage students and student culture with the Word of God," Jameson said. "The 'American Teen' resource is an example of CPH listening -- and immediately responding -- to the needs of today's youth workers." The new resource can be used with church youth groups following a viewing of "American Teen," or to help adults prepare to discuss the film with teens, according to CPH. The discussion guide is available as a free download at http://www.cph.org/cphstore/pages/corporate/news.asp. Back to top DEDICATORY ORGAN RECITAL AT CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY Concordia University, Seward, has a year-long organ recital series planned to celebrate the installation of the new Casavant Freres Opus 3868 organ on campus. All events will take place in the Heine Recital Hall in the Music Building. For more information on these events, contact the Concordia Music Department at 402-643-7282. Dedicatory Recital and Hymn Festival, September 13 at 7:00 p.m. and September 14 at 3:00 p.m. Advanced ticket sales are required due to limited seating. Call Sue at 800-535-5494, ext. 7408 for more information. Concordia Alumni Recital, October 5 at 2:00 p.m. "Organ Plus . . ." Music for Organ with Instruments and Voices, January 25 at 3:00 p.m. Felix Hell Visiting Artist Concert, March 22 at 3:00 p.m. Back to top THE ABC'S OF BULLYING PREVENTION MATERIALS AVAILABLE FROM DISTRICT OFFICE The ABC's of Bullying Prevention is a comprehensive approach for providing school communities a complete package on bullying prevention. This resource featuring Kenneth Shore, Psy.D. and produced by National Professional Resources, Inc. includes four DVDs and four books. This material is available to be borrowed from the Nebraska District Parish Health Committee by contacting Julie Roebke at the District Office at 888-643-2961 or julier at ndlcms.org. As quoted from the book: "The ABC's of Bullying Prevention takes an innovative approach by presenting the necessary information, training, and guidance needed to the various stakeholder groups - administrators and pupil services staff, teachers, paraprofessionals, and parents - of the school community. These individuals have the greatest impact on preventing bullying from appearing and addressing it when it does occur in our schools and communities. By partnering in a comprehensive school community-wide approach, each adult can be equipped with valuable strategies to accomplish the goals of bullying prevention and intervention." Schools can benefit from the strategies that are based on current research and that can be integrated into the fabric of the school. Dr. Kenneth Shore, family and educational psychologist and nationally renowned author of books such as Keeping Kids Safe, presents an innovative plan to address bullying prevention across all constituencies who play a role in a school community. The target and length of each DVD: * Parents (29 minutes) * Paraprofessionals (27 minutes) * Teachers (30 minutes) * Administrators & Pupil Services (32 minutes) Each targeted DVD comes with a copy of Shore's book, The ABC's of Bullying Prevention. Dr. Shore presents powerful and proven strategies that target specific groups, as well as providing valuable resources. Showing a video to students in their classrooms and other "one-shot" approaches do not produce a lasting impact. Through the use of the video and the accompanying book, each stakeholder group learns critical information on what he/she can do to specifically address, reduce and eliminate bullying in our schools. The viewer will be able to: * Understand the pervasiveness of bullying in schools * Define characteristics of bullying and its various forms * Identify the consequences of bullying for its victims as well as for the general student population * List the key elements of an effective bullying prevention program * Identify ways to promote a caring classroom culture in which students come to the aid of bullying victims and/or report incidents to adults * Recognize behavioral signs in a student that suggest that he or she may be a victim of bullying * Develop skills in counseling students who have been victims of bullying * Learn strategies for providing discipline as well as guidance to students who have been bullying others * (Parents) Understand how to work cooperatively with the school to deal with a situation in which your child is being bullied or your child is doing the bullying Back to top MORE OPPORTUNITIES TO VISIT A SEMINARY Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, is pleased to invite college students to attend "Green and Gold Days" to be held Oct. 17, 2008, Jan. 8, 2009, and April 3, 2009, on the Seminary campus. This event will give college students an opportunity to learn more about life in the Concordia Seminary community and the preparation that leads to service as a pastor, missionary, chaplain or deaconess in The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. Participants will interact with current students, attend classes, worship in chapel, and speak with members of the faculty. To end the day, a reception will be held. Pastors and pre-seminary advisors are encouraged to attend to show support for their students interested in pastoral formation or deaconess studies. "Green and Gold Days will be the perfect opportunity for guests considering ministerial formation and their pastors to get an opportunity to experience a day in the life of Concordia Seminary," commented Rev. Kyle Castens, director of admissions and ministerial recruitment. The Jan. 8, 2009, "Green and Gold Day" will focus on deaconess studies, and the Oct. 17, 2008, and April 3, 2009, days will focus on pastoral ministry. The day will begin at 7:00 a.m. and ends at 5:00 p.m. There is no registration fee, and meals will be provided. Housing is also available for those who need to come the night before or stay the night of the event. The registration deadlines are one week prior to each event. For more information on "Green and Gold Days" or to obtain a registration form, contact the Admissions Office, 801 Seminary Place, St. Louis, MO 63105; 314-505-7722; admissions at csl.edu. Back to top DISTRICT CONGREGATION TO CELEBRATE 100 YEARS OF MINISTRY Peace, McCook, will be celebrating its 100th Anniversary on September 21, 2008. One service will be held that Sunday at 9:30 a.m. with Pastor Heath Curtis and Vicar Tom Albertson. Following the service, a catered dinner will be served at the Red Willow County Community Building. Cake and entertainment will be provided during the afternoon. Tickets may be purchased for the dinner until September 7 by calling the church office at 308-345-2595. 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. 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: 54451 bytes Desc: not available URL: From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Thu Sep 4 14:28:45 2008 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:28:45 -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. 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 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: 5904 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: 9-4.pdf Type: application/pdf Size: 46741 bytes Desc: 9-4.pdf URL: From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Sep 10 09:29:47 2008 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 10 Sep 2008 14:29:47 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] September 10 Message-ID: Update for September 10 A publication of the Nebraska District, a District ABLAZE! Greetings in the name of our loving heavenly Father. A special welcome to the new workers in the Nebraska District who are receiving this electronic newsletter for the first time this week. It was a pleasure meeting you all and spending time together at the New Worker Orientation in Seward at the beginning of this week. It was a great time to get to know the new pastors, vicars, and DCEs who are beginning or continuing their ministry in Nebraska. If there is a new pastor, vicar, DCE, or teacher in your circuit, please take some time to introduce yourself and get to know him or her. The Lord has led a wonderful group of men and women to Nebraska to be about His work, and we thank Him for the opportunity to partner with them and with all of you. * Prayer Requests * Update on Southern Hurricanes * Fan into Flame Congregation Update * National Family Day Coming Up * Mission Central Featured in Lutheran Witness * Concordia's Center for Liturgical Art Finishes Two Projects * Nebraska Lutherans for Confessional Study to Meet * Concordia Plan Services Offers "Reward" to Complete Assessment * Expect Respect Resource Available from Parish Health Library * District Youth Participate in Seminary Visitation Event PRAYER REQUESTS The Family of Dr. O.H. Cloeter - Please remember in prayer the family of Dr. Cloeter, who served as president of the Synod's Minnesota South District for 13 years, and who died Aug. 30 in Minneapolis. He was 88. A funeral service was held Sept. 3 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Faribault, Minn. Dr. Cloeter served as Minnesota South District president from 1978 until his retirement in 1991. He was a vice president of the district from 1966 to 1974, and also served on the district's Evangelism Committee, Mission Administration Committee, and Campus Committee. Outside the district, Dr. Cloeter's service included chairman of the Board of Regents of Concordia University (then College) in St. Paul, Minn., and secretary of the LCMS Council of Presidents. A 1945 graduate of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Dr. Cloeter served as pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bristol, Conn. (1945-50); St. James Lutheran Church in Northrup, Minn. (1950-57); and Trinity, Faribault (1957-78). Dr. Lane Seitz, president of the Minnesota South District, said he thanked God for Dr. Cloeter -- "for his faith in Jesus as his only Savior from sin, for how he used the gifts God had given him to share that precious message of forgiveness and life with so many others down through the years, and for the leadership he provided to our district and the Synod." Survivors include Dr. Cloeter's wife, Elsie; seven children -- Renata (Gary) Brand, Richard (Christine), Paul (Nancy), Carl (Judy), Roberta (Scott) Wiesehan, Robert (Marilyn), and Anita; 18 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. (reprinted with permission from Reporter Online, http://www.lcms.org/pages/reporter.asp?NavID=2155.) Back to top UPDATE ON SOUTHERN HURRICANES (from LCMS World Mission Mission News, September 5) Volunteers are needed as soon as possible or even today to help serve in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Hurricane Gustav battered the city of Baton Rouge with heavy winds and rain. The wind brought down trees and left debris all over the city. Volunteers are needed to serve on chainsaw and debris removal gangs. Rev. David Buss, LCMS Southern District Disaster Relief Coordinator, stated that "it may take three months or longer to clean up the city." Volunteers will stay at a property owned by Trinity Lutheran Church, Baton Rouge. The property has showers, cots, and power provided by a generator. They will attempt to provide food for volunteers, but it may be helpful to bring food with you. Volunteers will also need to bring work clothes, towels, and bedding. Tools, chainsaws, and other equipment are available, although volunteers are welcome to bring their own. If you are able to respond to this call for volunteers, please contact Recovery Assistance Incorporated at one of its two locations. Both camps are helping organize volunteers for Baton Rouge. Camp Biloxi: 1996 Pass Rd. Biloxi, MS 39531 www.campbiloxi.org Phone: (228) 594-0008 Camp Restore: 9301 Chef Menteur Hwy New Orleans, LA 70127 www.camprestore.org Toll-Free: (888) 248-2636 Phone: (504) 242-2636 As members of the LCMS respond to the needs of current disasters, we would also like to remind our faithful servants that the need in New Orleans and Biloxi, Miss., from Hurricane Katrina are still great. The LCMS, its partners, and LCMS members are making a difference in the disaster area and now, more than ever, we need your help to serve those who lost so much. Learn more about hurricane disaster relief efforts through the LCMS, visit www.lcms.org?8800 or www.camprestore.org. To subscribe to receive Mission News or many other electronic newsletters from The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, please visit LCMS e-News at www.lcms.org/enews. Back to top FAN INTO FLAME CONGREGATION UPDATE There are some incredible stories of what the Holy Spirit has already accomplished in Nebraska congregations where pastors and people have prayed and participated in Fan into Flame. God can do great things anywhere and in every congregation through this mission effort. Fan into Flame is an opportunity for your congregation to witness once again the power of the Spirit in the lives of God's people. Following is an example, written by the pastor and leadership, of how one congregation in the Nebraska District implemented Fan into Flame. Full congregational summaries are available on the District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/news/FIF/summaries.html. Peace, Grand Island - Peace was asked to consider being a pilot congregation for the Nebraska District campaign. It seemed like good timing, as we were just going into the LCEF Strategic Ministry Planning program. We knew there would be outcomes from SMP that could impact the outreach focus for our church, and participating in the Fan into Flame campaign would help focus on outreach ministry, as well as provide some funds for future outreach efforts of the congregation. As we considered which Fan into Flame appeal plan to use, it became evident that we could modify the cottage meeting approach to take place on Sunday mornings. Over a period of four weeks, we focused on sharing the Gospel message in the areas of our own Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth during Sunday worship. Our Jerusalem focus was the VBS outreach in a Hispanic trailer court that would be held in June, as well as the local Heartland Lutheran High School. Our Judea focus was on the Nebraska District mission opportunities. Our Samaria focus was a group of members who worked at Camp Restore in New Orleans this year. Our Ends of the Earth focus was a member who went on a mission trip with LCMS World Mission to Kenya, Africa. Each of these groups presented a short presentation during our Sunday morning worship services and then shared their outreach ministry with the adult Bible class. Our pastors focused on Fan into Flame through each sermon, and a Fan into Flame focused letter was sent to the congregation prior to our Commitment Sundays. We held two Commitment Sundays, and followed up several weeks after the completion of these with people who had indicated on the pledge card a desire to pray about their pledge/gift. The Holy Spirit moved the hearts of God's people to recognize the outreach need and opportunity through Ablaze! and the Fan into Flame campaign to reach the Ablaze! goals. Peace Lutheran Church surpassed its $70,000 goal and to date has received pledges/gifts of $72,586! Fan into Flame gave Peace an opportunity to intentionally highlight the Mission of the entire Church over an extended period of time. This helped expand both our mission awareness and motivation to be about this mission. It also generated resources for us to use in our local mission field, as well as to the ends of the earth. Fan into Flame has become an extra-ordinary opportunity for the people of Peace to grow in their own mission commitment and to be part of an extra-ordinary mission effort within the LCMS. Now we are praying that this movement will bring extraordinary numbers of people into a saving relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. I would encourage your congregation to prayerfully consider how you could benefit from participating in this unique mission opportunity. Every congregation of the Nebraska District is encouraged to prayerfully consider how they can be involved in Fan into Flame. It doesn't take much to participate - just a dedicated core of lay people, a mission-minded pastor, and the materials provided by Fan into Flame. Once the opportunity to be personally involved in mission work is shared with the members of your congregation, the Spirit can move hearts to respond. For more information on how to get started, or to report how your congregation plans to be involved, contact Andrea Essling at the Nebraska District Office, Andrea.Essling at ndlcms.org or 888-643-2961. Back to top NATIONAL FAMILY DAY COMING UP The Nebraska District Family Life Ministry Action Team encourages families not only to worship together, but to spend meal time together. For more information on the work of the Family Life Ministry Action Team, contact the District Office at 888-643-2961. National Family Day is Monday, September 22, 2008! Family Day - A Day to Eat Dinner with Your ChildrenTM is a national movement to inform parents that the parental engagement fostered during frequent family dinners is an effective tool to help keep America's kids substance free. Family Day reminds parents that Dinner Makes A Difference! Visit http://casafamilyday.org/familyday/ for more information, mealtime activity ideas, and a menu planner. Back to top MISSION CENTRAL FEATURED IN LUTHERAN WITNESS "In the middle of a cornfield in western Iowa, God is using ordinary people and an old set of farm buildings to accomplish His work." So starts "Mission Central: Ablaze for Missions and Missionaries," an article in the September 2008 issue of The Lutheran Witness. The article highlights the work God is doing through Gary Thies, the staff, and the volunteers at Mission Central near Mapleton, Iowa. This issue of The Lutheran Witness is available online, as well as an archive of past issues. To read this article and others, visit http://www.lcms.org/pages/witness.asp and follow the "Mission Central" link in the center. Back to top CONCORDIA'S CENTER FOR LITURGICAL ART FINISHES TWO PROJECTS The Center for Liturgical Art at Concordia University, Nebraska recently delivered and installed a collection of 19 pieces of art to Alleluia! Lutheran Church in Naperville, Ill. The project took most of the summer to complete and involved five faculty members, several other professional artists and a half-dozen students. Michael Strand, chair of the art department and director of the center, served as the designer and project leader. The commission for the pieces came about as Alleluia! Lutheran Church was constructing a new sanctuary. Strand worked with Senior Pastor Michael Nelson to develop the overall aesthetic and individual design of each piece. The largest piece is a 16-foot by 12-foot ceramic mosaic of the Tree of Life. It fills the wall behind the altar and appears to be coming up from the ground. It echoes the trees in a nature preserve near the church as it reminds worshippers of the tree mentioned in Genesis and Revelation. Thousands of pieces of clay were shaped, fired, glazed and placed within the mosaic. The mosaic also incorporates pieces of burned or sandblasted wood for the particular form, texture and color they would add. Additional pieces included a three-dimensional banner, an abstract sculpture of an exclamation point, a processional cross and baptismal candle stand, a wooden tree sculpture, and baptismal font. Meanwhile, this spring and summer the Center for Liturgical Art took on a project of more than a dozen pieces for Christ Lutheran Church in Zionsville, Ind. Theme-wise, it all started with the cross. "My approach was to first design the central cross inasmuch as the message of the cross is the focal doctrine of the Christian church," said William Wolfram, professor emeritus of art. "The cross became the source of shapes, colors and textures for the other liturgical art forms, down to the details of the flower stands." Wolfram designed the altar, ambo, baptismal base, flower stands, and multiple crosses. He was joined on the project by fellow Concordia faculty members, area artists and students. Thomas Mackie, pastor at St. Paul, Shelton, and furniture fabricator, built the pieces that Wolfram designed out of maple. Jon Conklin, a metalwork artist from Kansas City, Kan., fabricated the bowl of the baptismal from bronze. Wolfram also designed and fabricated a series of inlayed mosaics for the center panel of the altar. Made of opaque, colored glass from Italy, the mosaics reflect the seasons of the church year through their shapes and colors. Two large stained glass windows, 10 feet across each, were the product of Mark Anschutz, artist in residence of the center. With their placement on either side of the main cross at the front the sanctuary, Anschutz focused the design of the right window on images representing God from the Old Testament and the left window represents the Holy Spirit in the New Testament. Amy Smith, a ceramic artist in Lincoln, worked with the center as the designer and sculptor of the communion ware for the church. To see some of these pieces, or for more information on the Center for Liturgical Art, visit http://bibelot.squarespace.com/church-projects/ or http://www.cune.edu/finearts/liturgicalart/. Back to top NEBRASKA LUTHERANS FOR CONFESSIONAL STUDY TO MEET The September gathering of the Nebraska Lutherans for Confessional Study (NLCS) is Thursday, September 11, 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. Presenter for the morning session will be Rev. Lance Berndt, pastor at Good Shepherd. His topic, starting at 10:30, will be "Image of God; How are Lutherans to Understand Theosis." Following lunch, Rev. Brent Kuhlman, pastor of Trinity, Murdock, will lead the afternoon topic on "Luther's Lectures on Galatians." 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 CONCORDIA PLAN SERVICES OFFERS "REWARD" TO COMPLETE ASSESSMENT Concordia Plan Services (CPS) is rewarding Concordia Health Plan (CHP) members who complete the online CareAllies Health Assessment between Sept. 1 and Dec. 31 with a $75 "Be Well ... Serve Well" Rewards Visa Debit Card. This new incentive is part of "a continuing effort to encourage healthier behavior among ... members and in support of LCMS ministries," said Steve Gruenwald, CPS's health and wellness educator. The offer is available to all members currently enrolled in the Concordia Health Plan (CHP), including Medicare members. Although covered dependents may take the assessment, they are not eligible for the card. CHP members who complete the online assessment can expect to receive the card within three to four weeks. It can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. "We want our church workers to enjoy the benefits of good health," Gruenwald said. "We're happy to reward people for taking the initiative to understand their health, because that's the first step in maintaining it. Research shows incentives lead people to action and action leads people to better health." To take the CareAllies Health Assessment, visit www.concordiaplans.org and look for the "Be Well ... Serve Well Health Assessment" link at the bottom left side of the screen. Information about the Reward Card and other CareAllies programs can be found in the "Health and Wellness" section of the website. To read the complete article, as well as many others, visit the Reporter Online at http://www.lcms.org/pages/reporter.asp?NavID=2155 and click on the "CPS Offers. . ." article. This portion of the article is reprinted with permission from the September 2008 Reporter, the official newspaper of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod." Back to top EXPECT RESPECT RESOURCE AVAILABLE FROM PARISH HEALTH LIBRARY Expect Respect: A School-Based Program for Preventing Teen Dating Violence and Promoting Safe and Healthy Relationships. According to its program brochure, this program is a comprehensive prevention program designed to raise awareness of dating violence, teach skills for healthy relationships, develop youth leadership, and increase safety and respect on school campuses. The program can be implemented by advocates, counselors, and educators in middle and high schools, and youth-serving organizations. Four manuals are included: Expect Respect - Program Overview The manual summarizes research on teen dating violence prevention and describes the Expect Respect program. To see more about this, go to www.SafePlace.org Part I: Expect Respect Support Group Curriculum and Facilitator Guide (24 sessions) Expect Respect groups serve vulnerable youth who have experienced violence in their homes or dating relationships. Support groups help teens heal from past abuse, learn skills for healthy relationships, and prevent future victimization and perpetration. Part II: SafeTeens Youth Leadership Curriculum and Facilitator Guide (8 sessions) The SafeTeens curriculum empowers youth to become role models and leaders in preventing dating violence, sexual harassment, and bullying. Part III: School-Wide Prevention Strategies Strategies include developing school policy concerning dating violence; assessing school climate; and engaging students, teachers, and parents in school-wide prevention activities. Materials from Choose Respect, a primary prevention initiative developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, are featured in this section. These materials were purchased for the Nebraska District Office by the Parish Health Committee through a grant from the Family Violence Council and Interchurch Ministries of Nebraska. To borrow this curriculum for use within your church or school, contact Julie Roebke at 888-643-2961 or julier at ndlcms.org. Back to top DISTRICT YOUTH PARTICIPATE IN SEMINARY VISITATION EVENT Four high school youth from the Nebraska District participated in the Exploring Church Careers Event (ECCE), held July 19-22, 2008, and at ECCE Amplified on July 22-25 at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. The participants were: Trevor Freudenburg, Christ, Norfolk Daniel Miller, St. Paul, West Point LeAnn Miller, St. John's, Battle Creek Preston Sunderman, St. John's, Battle Creek A total of 33 youth attended the ECCE, and a total of 23 youth attended ECCE Amplified. They participated in Bible studies, worship, prayer and discussion, and visited various ministry sites in the St. Louis area to hear presentations by people currently serving in church vocations. The 2009 Vocatio and Vocatio Amplified (formerly ECCE and ECCE Amplified) are scheduled for July 27 - July 2, 2009. Nomination forms will be mailed to all LCMS pastors, high school principals, teachers, and guidance counselors in February 2009. Prior to this, nominations forms may be printed from the Concordia Seminary website at www.csl.edu. Registration will begin on March 1, 2009, and no registrations will be accepted prior to this date. For more information, contact the admissions office at Concordia Seminary, 801 Seminary Place, St. Louis, MO 63105. Back to top Thanks to all who contributed information for this week's Update. If you have something you would like included in a future Update, please send it 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: 51863 bytes Desc: not available URL: From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Sep 17 11:20:18 2008 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 17 Sep 2008 16:20:18 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] September 17 Message-ID: Update for September 17 A publication of the Nebraska District, a District ABLAZE! Greetings in the name of our Heavenly Father. The Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Rome, "For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." (Romans 15:4) What a blessing it is to know that God loved us enough to give us His Word to teach us, so that we might have the hope of eternal life with Him through His Son, Jesus Christ. This verse can serve to remind us to faithfully teach God's Word to the children, youth, and adults in our congregations, and encourage members, parents, and children to take advantage of the Christian education opportunities available through their congregations. By spending time reading and studying "everything that was written in the past," we are encouraged in the hope we have in Jesus Christ. As the Holy Spirit works through the lessons taught in Bible classes, Sunday school, Midweek, or day school, this hope is strengthened, and the joy that comes from knowing Jesus as the Savior increases. It is this joy that overflows into daily life, allowing us to be witnesses to those around us. The Ablaze! movement is exactly that, being prepared to give a personal witness of the hope and joy you have because Jesus Christ is your Lord and Savior. There is no complex evangelism program or strategy to follow. Simply take the opportunities God gives you each day to share the Gospel message of eternal life through Jesus Christ with those who don't have a relationship with Him. May your time spent in the study of God's Word and in prayer give you the "encouragement of the Scriptures" to share the hope you have in Jesus Christ with those you meet each day. * Update and Statement on Hurricane Ike * Wives of Pastors Retreat Still Accepting Registrations * Teachers' Conference Registration Materials Mailed * Kick-Off Event for The Rock Lutheran Church * Lutheran Blind Mission Anniversary Materials * Fan into Flame Congregation Update * Orphan Grain Train Sends Relief to Haiti * Pastor Appreciation Month is Coming * LCMS Medical Mission Trip to Indonesia Rescheduled * Concordia Lincoln Campus Ribbon Cutting * Plum Creek Literacy Festival UPDATE AND STATEMENT ON HURRICANE IKE LCMS World Relief/Human Care Update, September 15, 2008 (from http://www.lcms.org/pages/default.asp?NavID=891) Hurricane Ike affected 132 counties and 13 million people - including an estimated 80 LCMS congregations. To date, 20 LCMS churches were significantly damaged, as were six church worker's homes. The status of the LCMS church in Galveston Island is yet unknown. "There is going to be a lot of devastation, if not to LCMS congregations, certainly to member's homes," said Rev. Glenn F. Merritt, director of LCMS World Relief and Human Care disaster response. Nearly 2 million residents are without power in Southeast Texas and officials say it could be 2-4 weeks before it is repaired. In response, LCMS WR-HC is partnering with Orphan Grain Train to provide food, water, and other basic necessities, as needed in Texas and Louisiana along the Gulf Coast. LCMS WR-HC will work closely with the LCMS Texas District and Southern District to further provide for immediate needs. As LCMS church workers and members return home, LCMS WR-HC expects to learn of major damages. LCMS WR-HC is working closely with Recovery Assistance, Inc., the Southern District's disaster response arm, to deploy clean-up teams to Louisiana and Texas. LCMS WR-HC will also continue working with Lutheran Social Services of the South, a Lutheran Disaster Response affiliate, to provide long-term relief. "The big issue for us today is we haven't seen these dollars come in," said Rev. Merritt. Your financial gifts are critical for immediate and long-term disaster relief on the Gulf Coast. Each dollar you donate provides for emotional, spiritual, and physical needs of those affected by recent hurricanes. To donate, gifts can be mailed to LCMS World Relief and Human Care, P.O. Box 66861, St. Louis, MO 63166-9810, marked for Hurricane Relief. They can also be given via telephone through their credit card gift line, 1-888-930-4438. Statement from President Kieschnick, September 16, 2008 Hurricane Ike has caused massive destruction along the Gulf Coast of Texas and Louisiana, even stretching into the midsection of the country. The scenes of ruin caused by Hurricane Ike on Galveston Island and in other inland cities along the Gulf Coast have been displayed on television screens and other media venues. The reports of flooding and storm-related deaths in Ike's wake are continuing to unfold in cities throughout the Midwest. As of today, it has been reported by CNN that "Ike and its remnants left at least 27 people dead from the U.S. Gulf Coast to the Great Lakes." Those along rivers, such as the Missouri and Mississippi, are now facing the prospect of additional flooding as rains from the storm drain off the land into those rivers and their respective tributaries. It is obvious that the devastation caused by Hurricane Ike is of enormous proportion, not just in the Gulf Coast area, but wherever Ike cut his path. Such widespread destruction also means that there is massive human need requiring attention. As Rev. Mark Junkans of the Lutheran Inter-City Network Coalition in Houston noted: "There are so many different communities within such a wide area in the Houston area that it is incredibly difficult to distribute the things that are needed. Even as people are still being rescued from the areas most affected by flooding, I have been throughout a lot of the poorest apartment complexes and subdivisions where families are already without much food or provisions." As of yesterday, Dr. Lou Jander, Texas District Disaster Response Coordinator, reported that "20 LCMS churches were significantly damaged, as were six church workers' homes. The status of the LCMS church on Galveston Island is yet unknown." Rev. Glenn Merritt, director of LCMS World Relief and Human Care disaster response, added, "There is going to be a lot of devastation, if not to LCMS congregations, certainly to member's homes." This devastation, of course, extends into the neighborhoods and communities surrounding LCMS congregations and their members. The Texas and Southern Districts along with congregations in the Houston area and across the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast are responding to those in need in the coastal regions. LCMS World Relief and Human Care and other relief agencies, such as Lutheran Social Services of the South, are on the ground in the Gulf Coast and other disaster-struck areas coordinating efforts to help those who have been afflicted. But your help is also desperately needed. The effects of this horrendous storm, on top of other previous natural disasters-hurricanes, tornados, rainstorms, hailstorms, and flooding-have compounded the need for immediate and long-term assistance. Both physical and financial support are necessary for the recovery efforts that have now begun and, without doubt, will continue not only in the days and weeks ahead, but into the months and years ahead. It is my prayer and belief that the response of love and care by the people of congregations of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, which has already begun in many cases, will be generous and overflowing, as is the love of God in Christ. Monetary gifts may be sent to LCMS World Relief/Human Care, which is overseeing relief efforts on behalf of our Synod. LCMS World Relief/Human Care may also be contacted for more information regarding how one may provide on-the-ground assistance. Please keep in your prayers all whose lives, property, or possessions have been affected by this devastating hurricane. Dr. Gerald B. Kieschnick, President The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod Back to top WIVES OF PASTORS RETREAT STILL ACCEPTING REGISTRATIONS Every pastor's wife in the Nebraska District is invited to a retreat designed to provide rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation with other wives of pastors. The Nebraska District Wives of Pastors Retreat will be held October 10-11 at The Leadership Center in Aurora with special guest speaker Linda Bartlett, former president of Lutherans For Life. There are still rooms available, and women who have not yet registered may do so through this Friday, September 19. Registration materials were mailed to each pastor's wife, and are also available on the District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/news/conferences/wives.html. The low registration fee covers lodging, three meals, and speaker costs. Congregations are encouraged to cover the cost of this retreat for their pastor's wife if she wishes to attend. Contact Julie Roebke at the District Office, 888-643-2961 or julier at ndlcms.org, with questions or for more information. Back to top TEACHERS' CONFERENCE REGISTRATION MATERIALS MAILED Principals and preschool directors should have received the registration packet for the Nebraska District Teachers' Conference to be held October 23-24 at Trinity Lutheran Church and School in Fremont. The registration materials are also available on the District website, www.ndlcms.org. All educators in the Nebraska District are encouraged to join together under the theme, "Be Still and Know," with keynote presentations by Rev. Dr. David-Paul Zimmerman, pastor and administrator of Amazing Grace Lutheran Church and School in Seattle, Washington. There will also be many break-out sessions to choose from, as well as time to renew acquaintances and enjoy fellowship with other teachers. Registrations are due to the District Office by Friday, October 10. Contact Kathy Melton at 888-643-2961 or kathym at ndlcms.org with questions or for more information. Back to top KICK-OFF EVENT FOR THE ROCK LUTHERAN CHURCH Christ Lutheran's (Lincoln) Room 211 Band will be in concert at the Seward Bandshell (5th and Jackson Streets) at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 21, as part of a kick-off event for THE ROCK Lutheran Church, a new LCMS church plant in Seward. (The rain location is the Seward Civic Center Auditorium). Come for the concert and look forward to prizes, pizza, and pop! Back to top LUTHERAN BLIND MISSION ANNIVERSARY MATERIALS For 85 years, Lutheran Blind Mission has been serving people who are blind and visually-impaired and helping congregations minister to and reach out to them. October is their anniversary month, and congregations should have received a packet of materials to help highlight this ministry. A mission of LCMS World Mission, Lutheran Blind Mission works to share the news of salvation with those who are blind and visually-impaired. Each packets contains a Bible study, their anniversary hymn, a banner design, a litany for use in a worship service, a reproducible information brochure, a reproducible bulletin insert, and poster. Congregations that wish to draw attention to this ministry may use these resources at a Sunday service of their choosing. For more information on Lutheran Blind Mission, visit www.blindmission.org or call 888-215-2455. Back to top FAN INTO FLAME CONGREGATION UPDATE There are some incredible stories of what the Holy Spirit has already accomplished in Nebraska congregations where pastors and people have prayed and participated in Fan into Flame. God can do great things anywhere and in every congregation through this mission effort. Fan into Flame is an opportunity for your congregation to witness once again the power of the Spirit in the lives of God's people. Following is an example, written by the pastor and leadership, of how one congregation in the Nebraska District implemented Fan into Flame. Full congregational summaries are available on the District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/news/FIF/summaries.html. Immanuel, Tilden - Our congregation had begun discussing the LCMS mission movement Ablaze! in 2007 through Bible studies and at voters' meetings. When we found out the Nebraska District would be participating in Fan into Flame in 2008, we viewed a video provided by the Nebraska District Office that helped increase our awareness of the campaign. Our congregational appeal began in earnest with the Mission Board, Stewardship Board, and the Church Council meeting to make plans on how to implement our appeal. Our timeline and goal of $21,000 (10% of our budget) was set. This goal seemed a staggering amount to expect from our members, since meeting our local needs can be a challenge. We held small cottage visits over a 5-6 week period, along with mailing out letters educating the members and inviting them to be a part of a cottage visit. Bulletin announcements and monthly newsletter articles shared about Fan into Flame and what it meant for our congregation. Fan into Flame and Ablaze! were tied into pastor's sermons as often as possible, and the Fan into Flame Faith Sharing Moments video clips were shown at the beginning and end of services for several weeks. (A copy of this DVD is available from the District Office, 888-643-2961.) A Commitment Weekend was set following the end of the cottage meetings. During the services, congregation members were invited to bring forward the pledge they carefully considered. Through God's blessings, the pledges received doubled our goal with a total commitment of more than $47,000. The committee chose our Little Lambs Daycare and Preschool for our local use of the mission funds. The 15% net that comes back to Immanuel will be used for scholarships for the daycare and preschool, which is a mission project of Immanuel Lutheran Church that reaches far out into our community. If I can encourage and help anyone through this experience, I strongly implore all churches to be a part of the "Body of Christ" and come together by thinking outside of themselves, totally trusting that Jesus Christ is indeed Lord of His Church and trusting that He alone blesses and provides. Be a part of mission work at every level. Join with the "Body of Christ" in The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod through some level of Ablaze! and Fan into Flame. It is a truly unique way to connect with each other by reaching out to the world with the positive message that Jesus really did die on the cross for their sins and that He really does love them. And through it, you and your congregation will be blessed! Every congregation of the Nebraska District is encouraged to prayerfully consider how they can be involved in Fan into Flame. It doesn't take much to participate - just a dedicated core of lay people, a mission-minded pastor, and the materials provided by Fan into Flame. Once the opportunity to be personally involved in mission work is shared with the members of your congregation, the Spirit can move hearts to respond. For more information on how to get started, or to report how your congregation plans to be involved, contact Andrea Essling at the Nebraska District Office, Andrea.Essling at ndlcms.org or 888-643-2961. Back to top ORPHAN GRAIN TRAIN SENDS RELIEF TO HAITI Orphan Grain Train, a Christian humanitarian relief organization headquartered at Norfolk, Nebraska, announced this week that it is preparing to ship 256,000 "Kids Against Hunger" meals to the port city of Gonaives, Haiti. An earlier shipment of 256,000 meals to be shared between Haiti and the Dominican Republic arrived only two days before the hurricanes Anna and Ike, and these meals are now being distributed. The Lutheran Church of Haiti reports that more than 150,000 people have gathered on the highest ground in that city. Most of the city is covered in three to four feet of water since the back-to-back hurricanes. Land transport into the city is limited, as bridges on the north and west have been damaged. Gonaives' main food supply is only through St. Marc or L'Estere, which also have food shortages. Both St. Marc and L'Estere are cut off from the capital city, Port-au-Prince. United Nations helicopters have brought in Gonaives only food supply since the hurricanes. Other reports claim many people in the city have gone without food for four days because of the few helicopters available for this effort. Medical care is limited to special needs cases as supplies and staff are in short supply. Orphan Grain Train's partner, the Lutheran Church of Haiti, is requesting the food aid that it might relieve the starvation that has come to the island nation. The main church and its offices were housing 200 people after Hurricane Anna. They are now housing 1,000-most of whom are sick. One lady has given birth in their shelter. They hope to receive medical assistance for the baby and her mother. The people of Gonaives have only the clothes they are wearing. Floodwaters from Hurricanes Anna and Ike ruined everything they own. Toiletries and sanitary supplies are also non-existent. Human corpses and dead animals lie in the mud as floodwaters recede. Food distributions by the Lutheran Church of Haiti are intended for all people in need, regardless of church affiliation. Orphan Grain Train's 18 regional divisions share the name and character of Jesus Christ along with humanitarian relief here in America and around the world. Each regional division has volunteers who sort and load donated supplies, clothing, equipment, and other items needed by Orphan Grain Train's recipients. Orphan Grain Train has shipped more than 1,400 semi-loads of relief and development supplies worldwide since 1992. Back to top PASTOR APPRECIATION MONTH IS COMING October is national "Clergy Appreciation Month," and October 12 is suggested as "Clergy Appreciation Sunday." The Commission on Ministerial Growth and Support (CMGS) encourages each congregation to celebrate the significant work of their pastor(s) on this or another Sunday in October. Watch for the Clergy Appreciation poster coming to your congregation in October. For congregations with newly graduated pastors, the CMGS offers Post-Seminary Applied Learning and Support (PALS) groups for continuing education and collegial activities to help in the transition from seminary life to life in parish ministry. For further information about PALS and other CMGS programs, contact the CMGS at cmgs at lcms.org. Back to top LCMS MEDICAL MISSION TRIP TO INDONESIA RESCHEDULED The LCMS World Relief and Human Care Mercy Medical Team to Indonesia has been re-scheduled from November to February 15-25, 2009. Volunteers cover the cost of the trip which includes their own airfare from their chosen departure airport, and a flat fee for ground transportation, lodging, and medical supplies for the needy (total estimated to be around $3,000). Please write maggie.karner at lcms.org or call 800-248-1930, ext. 1371 or cell phone at 765-748-7743 with any questions or concerns. Back to top CONCORDIA LINCOLN CAMPUS RIBBON CUTTING The official ribbon cutting ceremony for Concordia University's new campus in Lincoln will take place on Saturday, October 11. The university's graduate college and adult education programs in Lincoln have been in session for several weeks there already, but this will be the first celebration of the historic move. Concordia will celebrate the opening with the other tenants of the Town Center facility and the NEBCO Inc. development company in a day full of events. The ribbon cutting will be at 9:30 a.m. "Concordia has been about the business of higher education for a long time, 115 years," said Rev. Dr. Brian L. Friedrich. "We are thrilled to be in Fallbrook and start a new venture of serving the Lincoln community in its midst and also continuing to reach out to others through long-distance delivery." Events on October 11 will get underway even before the ribbon cutting. NOAH's Assistance Dogs will be sponsoring both competitive and fun runs with pets during the morning. With the help of faculty and students from Concordia, the group will also have a pet parade and dog handling demonstrations. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Throughout the afternoon Concordia's offices and classrooms will be open with tours and program information available regarding graduate study programs and bachelor's degree completion for working adults. "Concordia prides itself in its academic relevance combined with solid theory," said Dr. Mark Blanke, associate provost of the university. "High quality instruction and a student-centeredness are at the core of everything that we do. This facility is testimony to that fact." In the plazas surrounding the building, attendees will be able to enjoy live music from one of Concordia's student praise bands and visit with Boogie, one of Concordia's bulldog mascots. NEBCO Inc. is pairing the grand opening with the second Fall Festival for the Fallbrook neighborhood with a tailgate party, a broadcast of the Nebraska Huskers football game, more live music, home tours and an art show. Back to top PLUM CREEK LITERACY FESTIVAL Concordia University, Nebraska will welcome nationally known authors and illustrators to campus October 9-11 for the 13th annual Plum Creek Children's Literacy Festival. The event gives children, teachers, administrators, and other interested adults from Nebraska and neighboring states the opportunity to interact with authors, illustrators, and literacy experts. More than 5,700 are expected to participate this year. "We are very excited to be bringing fantastic authors and illustrators yet again this year," said Vikki Gremel, festival coordinator. "The entire community comes together to help make this a meaningful and educational three days." Over the course of the three days, the authors and illustrators will visit Seward-area schools, offer sessions on Concordia's campus to students from all over the Midwest, and speak to adults in specialized presentations. They will also participate in multiple autographing sessions. The first two days are already fully booked, but pre-registration remains open for the adult learning sessions on Saturday, October 11. The general public is invited to sign up. The adult sessions will be of special interest to early childhood, elementary, middle level, and secondary teachers, reading specialists, home school teachers, and media specialists. Mo Willems, New York Times bestselling author and illustrator, will be Saturday's luncheon guest speaker. This year's festival authors and illustrators include: * Joan Bauer of Brooklyn, N.Y., author of numerous award-winning and "best of" books including top young adult titles Rules of the Road and Hope was Here. * Cynthia DeFelice of Geneva, N.Y., author of 26 novels and picture books who was inspired to write by her job as an elementary school librarian and her love of reading aloud to children. Her latest title for young readers is The Ghost of Poplar Point. * Gail Gibbons, author and illustrator of more than 100 non-fiction titles who got her start in artwork for children's television shows. Always curious about the world around her, the latest title in her collection is about dinosaurs. * Mike Graf, author of books covering a huge variety of topics including weather, national parks, caves and rock-climbing, storm-chasing, ghost towns and more, all of which come from his own personal experiences and travels. Tail of the Scorpion is the latest title in his series about our national parks and the Parker family's adventures in them. * Hans Wilhelm of Weston, Conn., author and illustrator with more than 35 million books in print including the best seller I'll Always Love You, and one of his most recent titles Come Rhyme with Me. His illustrations are housed in museums around the country. * Mo Willems of Brooklyn, N.Y., author and illustrator of the No.1 New York Times bestsellers and Caldecott Honor winning picture books Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!, Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale and Knuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity. Festival registration forms and payment options are available online at www.cune.edu/PlumCreek. Registrations are due by October 1. Back to top 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: 56552 bytes Desc: not available URL: From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Fri Sep 19 16:43:48 2008 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Fri, 19 Sep 2008 21:43:48 -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. 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 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: 5905 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: 9-18.pdf Type: application/pdf Size: 54114 bytes Desc: 9-18.pdf URL: From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Tue Sep 23 14:21:35 2008 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Tue, 23 Sep 2008 19:21:35 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] Rev. Donald Boettcher Called to Glory Message-ID: The Reverend Donald L. Boettcher, pastor emeritus, Neligh, Nebraska, departed this life on Monday, September 22, 2008, at the age of 64 after a short bout with pneumonia. He was born in Spencer, Nebraska, on November 18, 1943, to Arthur and Mary (Galbraith) Boettcher. He was baptized at Immanuel Lutheran Church north of Spencer on December 12, 1943, and was confirmed there on May 25, 1958. Don attended country schools north of Spencer through eighth grade and then attended Spencer High School graduating in 1962. In the fall of 1977, Don went into the Lay Ministry Program of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and subsequently served as lay minister at Grace (Burton), Springview; and Immanuel (Jamison), Newport from 1979-1995. He then went through the colloquy program of Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne, graduating in 1994. He continued to serve Grace and Immanuel, now as an ordained minister, following his ordination on January 15, 1995. He served at these locations until December, 2005, at which time he retired. Over the years he served many vacancies as well, in both South Dakota and Nebraska. Pastor Boettcher is survived by his wife, Norma (Johnson) Boettcher, Spencer; one daughter, Angela (Ted) Tauber; three sons, Brent (Tammy) Boettcher, Joshua Boettcher, and Jeremy (Kara) Boettcher; daughter-in-law, Jessica (Brandon) Boettcher; eight grandchildren; and siblings, Carolyn (Gary) Conroy, Kenneth (Trudy) Boettcher, Richard (Dessi) Boettcher, Candy (Glen) Lavington, and Lavina Riha. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, his parents, and children, Marci, Marni, and Brandon. The funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 25, 2008, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Spencer, Nebraska. Interment will be at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Spencer. Letters of condolence may be written to Mrs. Norma Boettcher, 202 W. Main, PO Box 345, Spencer, Nebraska 68777. 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: 5880 bytes Desc: not available URL: From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Sep 24 13:57:30 2008 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 24 Sep 2008 18:57:30 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] September 24 Message-ID: Update for September 24 A publication of the Nebraska District, a District ABLAZE! Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Lutheran schools are a tremendous blessing to the students, their families, and the community in which the school sits. Many of the students and teachers in the Lutheran schools of Nebraska are developing mission eyes to see the fertile mission fields surrounding them. Examples from around the District show how Lutheran schools are teaching the students to be missionaries, both in their communities and around the world. Each year the Nebraska District schools are invited to take part in the "Hearts for Jesus" project as designated by the principals. This project alternates between a District ministry and a mission project outside of the District. The 2008-2009 project goes overseas to help Nebraska missionaries who are currently serving internationally. The missionaries chosen were Al and Eileen Turner, Dr. Al and Sandy Schmidt, and Sharon Owens. Al and Eileen Turner serve in Cambodia, where they will be working with kids and health care projects. Eileen is originally from Pierce, Nebraska. Dr. Al and Sandy Schmidt will be serving in Hanoi, Vietnam, where they will start Vietnam's first ever Lutheran school. The Schmidts are from Seward, Nebraska. Sharon Owens serves as the director of the ESL Center in Macau, and supervises the three English Centers in Mainland China. Sharon formerly served at the University Lutheran Chapel in Lincoln, Nebraska. Children also learn to be missionaries in their own communities through community outreach projects. One school principal describes their activities in this way: "Every fall we hold a community service day where all grades go out in the community to help individuals with yard and house work -- raking, cleaning off gardens, washing windows, painting, picking up litter -- even the Kindergarteners participate by picking up buckets of pine cones for a congregation member. On May 1 we make and deliver 300 May baskets door-to-door in the community. At Christmas, the 5th- 8th grades pack food boxes for the 85+ members of the congregation and deliver some of those in person when they go Christmas caroling." These are just some examples of ways Lutheran schools in Nebraska are becoming more missional, equipping students and their families to be lifelong witnesses for Christ. For more information on Lutheran schools in Nebraska, or for ideas on how your school can include a mission focus, contact Don Weber, Lutheran School Superintendent, at the District Office, 888-643-2961 or donw at ndlcms.org. A listing of Lutheran schools in Nebraska is also available online at http://www.ndlcms.org/locator/schools/index.html. * Prayer Requests * Rural Ministry Conference Scholarships Available * Fall Pastors' Conference Registration Materials Available * Managing Pension Investments in Turbulent Times - A Message from Concordia Plan Services Management * Hurricane Ike Update/Response Options * Lisa Knoepfel Named "Teacher of the Year" * Pacific Hills Reformation Festival * Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska Recognizes Faith in Action * Empower Your Members to Share Christ through "Equipping to Share" Workshops * Concordia Publishing House Warehouse Sale Comes to Nebraska PRAYER REQUESTS Family of Rev. Donald Boettcher - We join with the family of Rev. Donald Boettcher, who was called to glory Monday, September 22. Pastor Boettcher served the congregations of Immanuel, Spencer and Christ, Lynch prior to his retirement. Please remember his family in your prayers, asking our heavenly Father to give them an extra measure of His peace and comfort at this time. Seminary student Kyle and Kristen Fittje - Please lift up in prayer Kyle and Kristen Fittje, as well as many others in St. Louis and other communities as they recover from flash flooding that took place earlier this month. Seminary student Kyle Fittje and his wife Kristen lived in a basement apartment that was seriously affected by the flooding. They lost nearly everything and do not have flood insurance. The seminary has put in place efforts to help this couple, as well as another seminary couple in the same situation. For more information on how you can be involved, contact Nichole at the District Office. Kyle is a member of Immanuel Lutheran in Columbus, and he and Kristen are Concordia, Seward, graduates. Pastor Brian and Renata Ketelsen - We join in prayers of thanksgiving with Rev. Brian and Renata Ketelsen at the birth of Noah Daniel Nicodemus Ketelsen, born Tuesday, September 23. Both mother and baby are doing well, and we praise God for this gift of new life He has granted these parents. We look forward to welcoming this little one into the family of God through his Holy Baptism this coming Sunday. Pastor Ketelsen serves the congregations of Faith, St. Edward, and St. John, Cedar Rapids. Back to top RURAL MINISTRY CONFERENCE SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE The first 10 congregations from the Nebraska District that register a pastor and a lay leader who attend the Rural Ministry Conference at Mahoney State Park near Ashland on November 6-8 will receive a $100 scholarship to help offset the registration fee. To receive the scholarship, registrants should contact Connie at the District Office, 888-643-2961 or connieb at ndlcms.org, before registering for the conference. The registration deadline for the conference is next Tuesday, September 30. For more information on the conference itself, visit http://www.spife.org/Index.asp?PageID=9486. Remember, to be eligible for the scholarship, contact the District Office before registering for the conference. Back to top FALL PASTORS' CONFERENCE REGISTRATION MATERIALS AVAILABLE Pastors in the District should have received registration materials for the upcoming Fall Pastors' Conference last week by email or by U.S. mail. Pastors are encouraged to visit the District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/news/conferences/pastors/index.html to view and print conference materials. If you are a pastor in the District and you did not receive an email notice or a paper copy in the mail, please contact Kim Hofer at the District Office to request a copy. She may be reached at 888-643-2961 or kimh at ndlcms.org. The fall conference will be held at Midtown Holiday Inn, Grand Island, on October 27-28. The registration deadline is Friday, October 10. Back to top MANAGING PENSION INVESTMENTS IN TURBULENT TIMES - A MESSAGE FROM CONCORDIA PLAN SERVICES MANAGEMENT (released September 18 - www.concordiaplans.org) Volatility in the investment markets can cause a great deal of concern to the participants in any pension plan. This may be true of those employers and workers enrolled in the Concordia Retirement Plan (CRP) and the Concordia Retirement Savings Plan (CRSP). In these turbulent times, it is important to keep in mind key attributes about the structure and management of the CRP and CRSP. * Single Focus: Delivering on Promises Made Unlike many corporate pension plans, the Board of Directors and staff are not concerned with corporate earnings or taxation when making decisions regarding pension plan funding or investments. Our single focus is on standing behind the promises made to plan members. * Strong Funded Position The CRP was in a strong funded position going into these turbulent times. This means the plan is well situated to "weather the storm". * Long Term Horizon The CRP's outlook is long-term, not short-term. History shows us that the markets will fluctuate, in fact, market fluctuations provide opportunities especially for those who are investing for the long haul. * Board Expertise The LCMS handbook calls for specific skills sets for the CPS Board of Directors/Concordia Plans Board of Trustees. Specifically, the board must have at least 4 members with experience in the management of benefit plan investments. The Synod board has appointed such experts to the CPS board. * Sound Investment Process The Investment Committee of the board follows a disciplined process in determining how CRP assets will be invested (asset allocation) and in selecting firms to manage segments of the portfolio. With respect to the CRSP, the individual funds are selected by MorningStar, and for those who choose to take advantage of the service, individual asset allocation is performed by ProManage. Both of these firms have proven track records in their respective areas. * External Consultants The board and staff are supported by the investment consulting firm of Ennis Knupp (EK). EK is a recognized leader in the area of institutional investing of plans such as the CRP. In addition, the board is supported by Towers Perrin, a recognized leader in actuarial and benefit consulting. * Diversification of Assets The strong investment discipline, the expertise of the board, and the advice of external consultants result in a CRP portfolio that is well diversified. Diversification of plan assets is critical to maintaining a well-funded, prudently managed pension fund over the long term. This diversification has served the CRP well in previous storms as well as the current storm. Current economic conditions do cause concern. To further compound the problem, we are in a national election season and so the political rhetoric only adds to the confusion. Plan members and other stakeholders, however, can be assured that the seven factors listed above result in professional, experienced, and prudent management of the assets entrusted to the Concordia Plans Board of Trustees. James F. Sanft President and CEO Thomas J. Neely Senior Vice President, Finance Chief Financial Officer Chief Investment Officer Back to top HURRICANE IKE UPDATE/RESPONSE OPTIONS Dr. Lou Jander of the Texas District shared the following Hurricane Ike update on September 17: Things are humming as we gear up to do longer term responses to the needs following Hurricane Ike. We continue to hear from congregations and members regarding damage. More and more we are hearing from the areas where people evacuated. Here's what we have heard most often: * Roof damage (shingles, leaks, sections of roofs gone) * Fences down * Water around windows and doors * No electricity * Difficulty getting gas because the electricity is not available to pump the fuel (some people have waited over two hours) * Without electricity, many grocery stores, banks, etc. have yet to open * Water in homes and churches (some with as much as 16 feet) The Texas District and LINC Houston have been partnering in managing the information for volunteers, sites needing work, housing equipment, and providing locations for food drops around the area. The Golden Triangle (Orange, Beaumont, and Port Arthur and locations in between) is still recovering and many are just now beginning to return. The area between Port Arthur and Orange received a great deal of "storm surge" along with the winds. We've heard of homes being destroyed and many filled with water. I will be traveling to that area on Thursday to get a firsthand look. Plans are underway to provide early assistance in the clean-up. Some of our congregations have been out in their communities assisting people in the work of tree removal, general pick-up of all types of stuff, and providing ice and food. Praise God for all those who have stepped out at this time to provide needed help and care. Lutheran Social Services of the South has been right by our side as we seek to assess and respond to the various needs in the entire area of Southeast Texas. We value their partnership. People who wish to share their interest and desire to volunteer in different capacities of clean-up can go to the following site to "register" your intent and availability: http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e2d46ya0fl8buty5/a001fl8f2l8a/questions Right now we are busy responding to needs and organizing for continued support for the entire area. I'm really thankful for the support of the Texas District, LINC Houston, Lutheran Services of the South, and LCMS World Relief and Human Care. Thanks for your continued prayers and support. Continue to watch the Disaster Blog. The following story was shared via LCMS News (no. 50 - September 19) As hurricane-weary Houstonians continue to clear debris, repair their homes, and stand in long lines for food, ice, and gasoline, LCMS members opened relief distribution centers to serve as "points of blessings" in the nation's fourth largest city. "We want to help our congregations help their members and also reach out to their communities' needs," said Rev. Mark Junkans, executive director of the Lutheran Inner-City Network Coalition (LINC) Houston, who, in partnership with the LCMS Texas District, is operating the primary relief headquarters at the LINC Mission Center (www.linchouston.org). "This is a chance to be points of blessings in our community." Immediately after Hurricane Ike battered the Gulf Coast of Texas and Louisiana on Sept. 14 and propelled a destructive trail through the Midwest, LCMS responders quickly moved to provide emergency help despite widespread power outages and limited communication. By Sept. 18, the Category 2 hurricane had claimed 51 lives and nearly 2 million people remained without power across Texas. Ike caused the greatest property damage in Southeast Texas, notably the "Golden Triangle" (Orange, Beaumont, and Port Arthur) and Galveston, areas where damage assessments are just now beginning. In the greater Houston area, 20 LCMS churches sustained damage, including: * a toppled steeple and water damage at Mount Olive Lutheran Church. * exterior damage and soaked carpeting at Holy Cross Lutheran Church. * roof damage and water in the sanctuary at Centro de Fe y Esperanza. "Everyone I've talked to has some damage, from something as minor as fence damage or shingles blown off to collapsed ceilings and flooded homes," said Dr. Lou Jander, Texas District mission and ministry facilitator who also serves as the district's disaster response coordinator. "Probably 65 to 70 percent of our [LCMS] members [in Southeast Texas] have been affected in some way." News from the hard-hit Galveston Island south of Houston has been limited. But Rev. Alan Taylor shared information he received about Ike dumping a foot of water in the St. John Lutheran Church sanctuary and flooding two other church buildings. After surveying St. John members to ensure they were preparing for the storm, Taylor and his family followed mandatory evacuation orders and fled Galveston. Nearly a week later, the pastor was awaiting permission to return home. Most St. John members, he said, likely sustained property damage. "I've spoken by e-mail with two of the families who lost their entire homes," Taylor said via e-mail from his evacuation post in San Antonio. In addition to damaged homes and churches, Ike also wreaked havoc on the budgets of pastors, teachers, and staff at Lutheran ministries and social services programs. About 25 LINC missionary pastors in Houston depend solely on weekly worship offerings for their salaries. "Since no offerings are coming in right now, they are hurting," Junkans said. Lutheran Social Services of the South (LSSS) staff who work in programs such as foster care in Houston, at the Krause Children's Center in Katy (which evacuated children and sustained roof damage), and disaster response in Port Arthur are dealing with unexpected evacuation expenses on top of personal property losses. But while hurricane survivors tackle storm-related challenges, LCMS ministries and individual volunteers are responding with shipments of relief supplies, manpower, and prayers. Even before Ike hit the Gulf Coast, LCMS Southern District President Kurtis Schultz contacted the Texas District "assuring us of prayers and support and offering any available resources," Jander said. "After [Hurricane] Katrina, they [the Southern District] have done this before and know all about needs." By Sept.16, volunteers from the Southern District's disaster response arm had arrived in Houston. Also en route were shipments of generators and non-perishable foods, sent by LCMS World Relief and Human Care (WR-HC) in partnership with Orphan Grain Train. WR-HC is coordinating Ike relief efforts on behalf of the Synod and striving to raise an initial $550,000 to meet the immediate needs of LCMS members and their communities. Those donations to the Synod's mercy arm will help cover the salaries and benefits of affected church workers, collaborative work through Lutheran Disaster Response and LSSS, and other emergency relief needs in the Texas and Southern districts. "This is a massive disaster with lots of urgent needs spread across a broad area," said Rev. Glenn Merritt, WR-HC's director of disaster response. On Sept. 16, both Merritt and Rev. Carlos Hernandez, WR-HC's director of districts and congregations, were making plans to travel to Texas to offer assistance in meeting physical and spiritual needs, working with congregations to reach out to their members and communities. Beyond Texas, Ike's remnants caused power outages and flooding in the Midwest where many communities are still reeling from earlier storms. Lutheran Church Charities issued an appeal for volunteers to assist in Northern Illinois. (Learn more at www.lutheranchurchcharities.org.) In an official statement issued by Rev. Gerald B. Kieschnick, the LCMS president urged fellow Lutherans to offer monetary and volunteer assistance for "recovery efforts that have now begun and, without doubt, will continue not only in the days and weeks ahead, but into the months and years ahead." "It is my prayer and belief that the response of love and care by the people of congregations of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod, which has already begun in many cases, will be generous and overflowing, as is the love of God in Christ," Kieschnick said in the statement. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans shared the following notice of their disaster response efforts for the victims of Hurricane Ike. Through the Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Disaster Response Program, we are extending a call for help to our chapters and members, providing them with two avenues to respond: * Through the National Chapter Response, Thrivent Financial members can form chapter service teams locally to raise/collect funds to help those in need as a result of Hurricane Ike. For every $2 raised, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans will contribute an additional $1, up to a total of $250,000. Chapters will forward the money they raise to Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, and we will direct all funds to Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) and the WELS Committee on Relief, who will distribute the funds using their established processes to best meet the needs of those affected by the hurricane. Thrivent Financial will accept contributions for this effort through Dec. 15, 2008. * Through the Regional Chapter Response, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is allocating an additional $250,000 of Care in Regions(r) funds among the regions in the affected areas (mainly Texas and Louisiana). Members in the affected regions can form chapter service teams to hold fund-raisers, appeals/collections, and service activities to help those impacted by the hurricane. As part of the Care in Regions program, each region's Lutheran Community Services (LCS) Team will inform their chapters of eligible recipients for these response activities. Back to top LISA KNOEPFEL NAMED "TEACHER OF THE YEAR" "As far as Lisa Knoepfel knew, her family was coming to Fremont for a golf tournament. But there was more to the trip than that. Her family had gathered to surprise her when she was honored as Walmart's Teacher of the Year in Fremont on Sunday." This is the beginning of an article in the Fremont Tribune sharing the wonderful news of this award. Lisa teaches at Trinity Lutheran School in Fremont, and was nominated at the local Walmart store by a former student who wrote about Mrs. Knoepfel as a "super hero." The full article is available online on the Fremont Tribune website for a limited time. To read the entire article, visit http://www.fremonttribune.com/articles/2008/09/22/news/local/doc48d7c2592811f588522500.txt or search from the home page, www.fremonttribune.com. Back to top PACIFIC HILLS REFORMATION FESTIVAL Pacific Hills Lutheran Church in Omaha (90th and Pacific Streets) will once again host an Omaha-area Reformation Festival on Sunday, October 26, beginning at 2:30 p.m. Rev. Dr. Bill Moorhead, senior pastor of Pacific Hills, will be the preacher. Barbara Fremder, M.M., will be the cantor. Special music will be provided by the Concordia University, Nebraska, A Cappella Choir. Contact the Pacific Hills church office for more information at 402-391-9625. Back to top LUTHERAN FAMILY SERVICES OF NEBRASKA RECOGNIZES FAITH IN ACTION Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska held its annual Faith in Action dinner Sunday, September 7, at the Georgetowne Club in Omaha to recognize those whose actions demonstrate their commitment to faith-based values and principles. A. William "Bill" and Leona Kernen of St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Omaha received the Douglas E. Parrott Faith in Action award for a lifetime of Christian service to children, families, education, and the community; Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Fremont received the Community Partner of the Year award for the time, talent, and treasures generously given by its members to the Fremont Building Families Boutique; and Dina Haqi, an Iraqi refugee, received the Volunteer of the Year award for her commitment and service to the Lutheran Family Services refugee program. Lutheran Family Services is a faith-based, statewide human care agency serving over 35,000 individuals through 30 programs in the areas of behavioral health, children's services, and community services. For information, please visit www.lfsneb.org. Back to top EMPOWER YOUR MEMBERS TO SHARE CHRIST THROUGH "EQUIPPING TO SHARE" WORKSHOPS A Lutheran Hour Ministries Equipping to Share workshop is a four-hour training session that teaches Christians how to relate their faith to those they interact with on a daily basis. Participants learn how to identify "mission moments" (situations where the Gospel can quickly and easily be shared). They then learn how to share their faith in an effective and non-threatening way. As LHM's Coordinator of Equipping to Share, Sarah Guldalian says, "The most important thing to remember in a mission moment is: it's not about you. The mission is God's, the message is God's, and the power is God's! So, we can get over ourselves and trust God to do the work." A man from Missouri attended an Equipping to Share workshop on a Saturday, and God immediately put him in a situation to use what he learned on Sunday afternoon. He was at the local shooting range practicing when an employee of the range asked if they could talk before he left. The employee said, "Al, I know you're a Christian, and there are some things I really need to talk to you about. You see, my wife of 30 years left me last night. I have no friends. I have no family. I need someone. I need some help." Al listened to him talk and told him how Jesus had helped him through rough times. He also suggested that he read the Gospel of John before bed. Through Al's pastor and others at his church, the man found a support group and a psychologist to confide in. He is also making steps toward adult confirmation and baptism. Al says, "God truly works in mysterious and marvelous ways, and I thank Him for this marvelous opportunity!" Your church or school can host a workshop this fall or next spring. For more information about Equipping to Share workshops, call 1-800-944-3450, ext. 4144, or send an e-mail to sarah.guldalian at lhm.org. Congregations that participate in the Fan into Flame campaign may consider using a portion of their local outreach gifts to cover the cost of this training. Back to top CONCORDIA PUBLISHING HOUSE WAREHOUSE SALE COMES TO NEBRASKA Concordia Publishing house brings its Warehouse Sale-the largest sale of the year-to the campus of Concordia University, Nebraska. The sale is open Friday, October 24, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, October 25, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. During this time, excess inventory from Concordia Publishing House is offered at deep discounts. Sale items include books for children and adults, teaching resources, and more. The Concordia Publishing House Warehouse Sale is located in the Janzow Campus Center on the Concordia University campus in Seward. For more information about the Warehouse Sale, call 1-402-643-7405. Back to top The weekly Email Update is a resource offered to all in the Nebraska District to share information and to enrich the ministry God has called you to. Please continue to share information you feel would be of interest to others and let us know if there is any other way we at the District Office can be a resource to your ministry. Items for inclusion in the Update may be sent 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: 59723 bytes Desc: not available URL: