[DistUpd] September 3
District Updates
distupd at lists.ndlcms.org
Wed Sep 3 10:05:18 CDT 2008
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<mailto: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.
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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.
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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<http://www.ndlcms.org/news/conferences/wives.html>. Contact Julie Roebke at the District Office at julier at ndlcms.org<mailto: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.
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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 <http://us.mc813.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=sally.henrickson@lcms.org> sally.henrickson at lcms.org<http://us.mc813.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=sally.henrickson@lcms.org> or call her at 800-248-1930, ext. 1278.
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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.
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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<mailto:Andrea.Essling at ndlcms.org> or 888-643-2961.
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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.
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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.
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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<mailto: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
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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<mailto:admissions at csl.edu>.
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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.
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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<mailto:communications at ndlcms.org>. Past Updates are available from www.ndlcms.org/news/communications/update.html<http://www.ndlcms.org/news/communications/update.html>.
Blessings,
Nichole Hetz
Nebraska District LCMS
Director of Communications
1-888-643-2961
nicholeh at ndlcms.org<mailto:nicholeh at ndlcms.org>
www.ndlcms.org<http://www.ndlcms.org/>
* Please Note: The inclusion of items in the Update from outside sources is for informational purposes only. Inclusion of such items does not constitute District endorsement.
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