[DistUpd] April 1

Wed Apr 1 10:40:41 CDT 2009

Update for April 1
A publication of the Nebraska District, a District ABLAZE!

Happy April Fool's Day! Don't worry, I'm not going to tell any jokes or play any tricks in today's Update. Instead, I would like to suggest a grown-up connection to the day loved mostly by school children. As we approach Palm Sunday this weekend, followed quickly by Easter, the words of the Apostle Paul to the Corinthian Christians come to mind. Paul wrote, "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." (1 Cor. 1:18)

So, when you hear the words "April Fool's" today, think of the "foolishness" of the message of the cross - that message of salvation we hear each week during worship and the message we will focus on this Sunday and throughout Holy Week. Praise God for His "April foolishness," and give Him thanks that "the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength." (1 Cor. 1:25)

*         Prayer Requests
*         REMINDER: Nebraska Biennial Report Forms Due April 1
*         LCMS World Relief/Human Care Update on North Dakota Flooding
*         Omaha Church has Office Space for Rent
*         Nebraska Ministries Find a National Audience
*         Offers From Concordia Publishing House
*         Family Life Ministry Workshops Offered by Concordia University
*         Seminary Offers Summer Continuing Education in Nebraska
*         Special Partnership Offers Health Care to Seminary Students
*         Lutheran Choir of Lincoln to Present Spring Concerts

PRAYER REQUESTS
Beatrice Gaunt - We lift up prayers of thanksgiving for the gift of a daughter granted to Rev. Micah and Dawn Gaunt. Beatrice Robbin Marie Gaunt was born on Monday, March 23, and we look forward to welcoming her as a sister in Christ through her baptism. Pastor Gaunt serves at Bethlehem, Ravenna.

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REMINDER: NEBRASKA BIENNIAL REPORT FORMS DUE APRIL 1
2009 Nebraska Nonprofit Corporation Biennial Report Forms were to be filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on April 1, 2009, and are delinquent on June 1, 2009. Failure to file the Biennial Report Form and pay the $20 fee by June 1, 2009, will result in the administrative dissolution of a nonprofit corporation.

Your congregation, school, or ministry, as a Nebraska nonprofit corporation, should have received this form from the Secretary of State's office earlier this year. If you did not receive this form, you should confirm that your nonprofit corporation's contact information is correct in the Secretary of State's database by using the search feature found at https://www.nebraska.gov/sos/corp/corpsearch.cgi?nav=search. If your congregation is not listed in the Secretary of State's database, please contact Paul Pettit, District Treasurer, at paulp at ndlcms.org<mailto:paulp at ndlcms.org> or 888-643-2961.

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LCMS WORLD RELIEF/HUMAN CARE UPDATE ON NORTH DAKOTA FLOODING
Rev. Carlos Hernandez of LCMS World Relief/Human Care shares reflections after a day of touring flood-affected areas in Grand Forks and Grafton, N.D. on March 30. Read the entire article, and find out more about supporting the relief efforts, on the LCMS WR/HC webpage, https://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=14949.

GRAND FORKS, N.D. - This is truly the North Country - not too far from Winnipeg in Manitoba, Canada! Today it's wet, cold, and freezing. The Red River, and its diversionary bodies of water (cut to relieve the river's flow) are overflowing. Fields normally ready for planting are transformed into lakes. Not surprisingly, many rural roads are closed.

After 30 years as pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Grafton, N.D., Rev. Bernie Seter knows how to maneuver the back roads surrounding Grafton in his heavy-duty, three-quarter-ton pickup. Without a map, he gets us to the homes of some of Zion's members, thinking some of these folks might need a word of encouragement and perhaps some assistance.

That's my purpose here. I'm here to spend time with pastors, providing an encouraging, supportive, and pastoral presence. I'm also here to visit members and assure them that they are not alone, that their fellow LCMS Christians around the country want to help.

Going it alone is a fear of these rural residents who Rev. Seter visits. Help and volunteers converge on the larger cities like Fargo and Grand Forks, but out in the country the flooding is less visible.

After viewing some of the more troubling flooded areas on both sides of the Red River, I scheduled time to visit some of the affected members in East Grant Forks and to determine how we at LCMS World Relief and Human Care might respond.

The need to receive relief is growing. Despite lowering water levels, heavy winds and blizzards could place the levees in greater danger and increase the chance of more flooding in the weeks to come.

In these times of need among our LCMS congregations and their communities - in the wake of record-high Red River waters as fields turn into lakes and flooded areas and closed roads - LCMS World Relief and Human Care is here to help on behalf of LCMS members across the country.

Rev. Carlos Hernandez serves as director of districts and congregations for LCMS World Relief and Human Care, and assists Rev. Glenn Merritt in disaster response. He may be contacted at carlos.hernandez at lcms.org<mailto:carlos.hernandez at lcms.org> or 314-956-2005.

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OMAHA CHURCH HAS OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT
St. John's Lutheran Church in Ponca Hills (Omaha) has space available at its office building located at 9910 N 48th Street. They have two suites available now and one to open in August '09.

These two suites are available now:
Suite 100 is 576 sq. ft. (has two separate office rooms).
Suite 104 is 392 sq. ft. (has two office areas and a copy room area),

Suite 200 is 2840 sq. ft., has two separate entrances, 13 offices, several work rooms, and it can be divided up to meet your space needs.

Cleaning and utilities are included in the monthly rent. It has close and easy access to I-680, plenty of parking and a nice and quiet secluded location. For further information or any questions, please call the office number at 451-2425, and leave a message. A member of the management will get back to you as soon as possible.

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NEBRASKA MINISTRIES FIND A NATIONAL AUDIENCE
God is busy using people in Nebraska to be about His work and to enlarge His kingdom. Three national publications have featured articles on Nebraska District church workers, ministries, or students. Each of the articles may be read in its entirety on-line.

The Littlest Missionary - Mark Meyer, International Student Ministry Director at the University Lutheran Chapel in Lincoln, shared an article on "The Littlest Missionary" in the International Student Ministry, Inc. newsletter, The Doorstep.

"It is interesting how God will open up doors of opportunity when we open up the doors of our hearts and our homes. Guba is a Muslim student from Uzbekistan who came to the Lutheran Chapel once with a friend. About a week and a half after she visited the chapel, Guba's living situation changed, and her friend called to tell us that Guba was in need of a place to stay. My wife, Leanna, and I invited her to stay with us. We were both praying for an opportunity to share the gospel with her, and God answered this prayer in a very "only God could do this" kind of way."

Read the entire article at http://www.isminc.org/TheDoorstep/tabid/658/Default.aspx.

For more information or to stay up-to-date on LCMS campus ministry, consider receiving the Campus Mission Catalyst Newsletter by sending an email request to campusmission at yahoo.com<mailto:campusmission at yahoo.com> or by visiting http://visitor.constantcontact.com/email.jsp?m=1101573040194.

New Pastor in Nebraska - Rev. Joshua Lowe, pastor at Trinity, Blue Hill, wrote an article about his experiences as a first-year pastor for The Tower, a newsletter for alumni of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.

" 'There's not a lot out here,' I said as we drove through the grasslands and corn fields of northern Kansas. After entering Nebraska, things didn't get much better: a smattering of tiny towns marked the way to Blue Hill, Neb., population 868. Turning up the church's street, I was awestruck at the large crowd gathered in front of the church awaiting my arrival. Upon seeing the truck, they sprang to life, even running alongside the truck to be the first to welcome me to Trinity."

The entire story of Pastor Lowe's observations of what God is doing in Blue Hill is available online at http://www.csl.edu/Resources_Publications_PublicationArchives.aspx by following the Winter 2008 link under Tower.

Focus on a Seminarian - Each month, Focus on Concordia Seminary, St. Louis focuses on a seminarian, allowing him to share his thoughts and experiences on seminary life and his preparation to enter the ministry. Adam Snoberger, member at Christ, Lincoln, is featured in the Spring 2009 issue.

Read Adam's responses to many questions about his seminary experiences and his feelings about the future of his ministry by visiting the seminary website at http://www.csl.edu/Resources_Publications_PublicationArchives.aspx and following the Spring 2009 link under Focus.

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OFFERS FROM CONCORDIA PUBLISHING HOUSE
Download your FREE Easter teaching resources
Then review our entire downloadable collection, now available for only 99¢ each. Sometimes, you just need one or two activities to fill time or reinforce a Bible story lesson. Now you can do that with our downloadable teaching resources. Check them out with these four free Easter activities, our gift to you.

Download four free activities at http://www.cph.org/cphstore/Category.asp?find%5Fcategory=97576&find%5Fdescription=99%26%23162%3B+Downloadable+Resources&find%5Fpart%5Fdesc=&MI=968&UI=TJBATGK89A808KCED1JEV8CM6BMT8QTD&UT=cph

Downloadable teaching resources are reproducible, allowing you to print as many copies as you need for your class. Simply purchase, download, and print today-no need to wait for shipping.

Concordia Technology Solutions Introduces Membercaller Messaging Service
Concordia Technology Solutions, the computer products division of Concordia Publishing House, has released MemberCaller, a web-based service that allows a caller to send a voice message to any number of telephones.

"MemberCaller is the most convenient way to immediately reach everyone in your congregation by phone," says Brad Wheeling, Marketing Manager for Concordia Technology Solutions. "Church leaders can inform members about important church events such as schedule changes, or immediately get the word out concerning an urgent prayer request."

MemberCaller messaging service works for groups of any size. It can be used by itself or integrated with Shepherd's Staff and MemberConnect to reach all members and groups. More information is available at http://cts.cph.org/tellblast/.

Wheeling shares, "Many churches are also using MemberCaller to keep their members informed about mission trips and other special programs."

For more information about these and other Concordia Publishing House products, visit www.cph.org<http://www.cph.org/> or call 1-800-325-3040.

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FAMILY LIFE MINISTRY WORKSHOPS OFFERED BY CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY
Concordia University, Nebraska, is offering a number of Family Life Ministry workshops this summer as part of its College of Graduate Studies at its Lincoln Campus. Those who are interested in attending one or more of the following workshops may do so on a day-by-day basis. The cost is $25 per workshop/day, and participants will not earn credit, but will earn continuing education credits. To register for a course or a workshop go to http://www.cune.edu/academics/13754/

If you would like more information, please contact Rev. Kevin Kohnke at kevin.kohnke at cune.edu<mailto:kevin.kohnke at cune.edu>.

Site: Lincoln, Neb., campus
June 8-12, 2009
SOC 533 - Aging and the Family
Instructor: Drs. Shirley and Marvin Bergman

Monday, June 8
Aging and the Family (Workshop #155)

Tuesday, June 9
Social Aspects of Aging (Workshop #156)

Wednesday, June 10
Later Life Health (Workshop #157)

Thursday, June 11
Later Life Changes (Workshop #158)

Friday, June 12
Aging and Society (Workshop #159)

Site: Lincoln, Neb., campus
June 15-19, 2009
PSY 545 - Foundations of Christian Marriage and Family
Instructors: Dr. Paul Vasconcellos and Rev. Dr. Roger Kruger

Monday, June 15
C-PREP Training*: Relationship Strategies for Lowering Risk and Raising Protective Factors (Workshop #101)

Tuesday, June 16
C-PREP Training* (Workshop #102)

Wednesday, June 17
C-PREP Training* (Workshop #103)

Thursday, June 18
The Dynamics and Health of Single Parent Families, Remarriage and Stepfamilies (Workshop #104)

Friday, June 19
The Dynamics and Health of Families (Workshop #105)

*C-PREP Instructor Training: All students in the Marriage and Family class will have three days of C-PREP (Christian Prevention & Relationship Enhancement Program). These classes will focus on divorce prevention and maintaining strong love relationships. The material is based on 20 years of research and is the best that we have seen for leading marriage enrichment groups. The class also covers special C-PREP training for leading workshops in your congregation and community. The C-PREP training kits cost an additional $120 and are required for students who wish to become certified nationally to teach in the congregation and community. All class members will need several resources covered by the additional resource fee of $40. Registration must be received by May 1, 2009, for ordering the kits. We must have an exact count by May 1. The kits cannot be returned.

Site: Lincoln, Neb., campus
June 22-26, 2009
PSY 555 - Lifespan Development
Instructor: Rev. Kevin Kohnke

Monday, June 22
Lifespan Development Perspectives (Workshop #130)

Tuesday, June 23
Adolescence (Workshop #131)

Wednesday, June 24
Middle-Late Childhood (Workshop #132)

Thursday, June 25
Older Adults (Workshop #133)

Friday, June 26
Death and Dying Education (Workshop #134)

Site: Online
August, October
SOC-546 - Family Law & Public Policy
Begins Aug. 24

PSY-546 - Dysfunctions in Families/Crisis Intervention
Begins Aug. 24

SOC-545 - Theory & Dynamics of Family Relations
Begins Oct. 16

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SEMINARY OFFERS SUMMER CONTINUING EDUCATION IN NEBRASKA
Continuing Education, offered by Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana, for summer 2009 will be available at seventeen sites from Seattle, Washington, to Port Charlotte, Florida. Each opportunity will allow you to grow in your knowledge and understanding of biblical and theological matters. Refresh your mind, and find new enthusiasm as you retreat to the study of God's Word in a relaxed, informal atmosphere, and return to your congregation equipped for the work the Lord has prepared for you. Connect with others who, like you, are searching for biblical insights into the challenges you face at home, in the world, and in the church.

Continuing Education Units (CEU), a measure of professional growth established by the Commission on Ministerial Growth and Support of The Lutheran Church- Missouri Synod, may be earned for these courses. Those interested may view a complete listing of speakers, topics, and course descriptions by going to www.ctsfw.edu<http://www.ctsfw.edu/>, and selecting Continuing Education in the left-hand column. Please call 1-260-452-2100 for additional information and registration.

Following are the courses offered in Nebraska and surrounding Districts:

Camp Okoboji, IA - May 18-20
The Book of Acts:  The Church Comes into Being
Peter J. Scaer, Ph.D.

Jackson, WY - June 1-3
Law and Gospel According to Luther's Great Galatian Lectures
Naomichi Masaki, Ph.D.

Kearney, NE - July 20-24
Studies in the Doctrine of Vocation
John T. Pless, M.Div.

Wichita, KS - August 3-5
Paul and His Opponents in Galatia
Arthur A. Just, Ph.D.

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SPECIAL PARTNERSHIP OFFERS HEALTH CARE TO SEMINARY STUDENTS
Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, and Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, have agreed to offer healthcare coverage to their students and families under the Concordia Health Plan administered by Concordia Plan Services (CPS). The effective date for the 12-month plan is August 1, 2009, and will cover the 2009-2010 school year.

The agreement among the three organizations has been under development for more than a year and represents a breakthrough for seminary enrollees. The new healthcare plan will provide improved, affordable, and comprehensive coverage that will meet the needs of students and their families. It will also ease the transition from the student plan into the Concordia Health Plan for active workers upon graduation.

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LUTHERAN CHOIR OF LINCOLN TO PRESENT SPRING CONCERTS
Lincoln Lutheran Choir's Spring presentation will be a Setting of Evening Prayer, Saturday, April 18, at St. John Lutheran Church in Seward, and Sunday, April 19, at Grace Lutheran Church in Lincoln, both at 7:00 p.m. The service will include original liturgy based on traditional Evening Prayer text and music. The concert will feature music by Handel, Purcell, and others, with accompaniment by the choir's resident organist, David Schack. Congregational singing will also be part of the evening. Everyone is invited to join them for a wonderful evening of music.

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Thank you to all the congregations and individuals who submitted information for this week's Update. Items to share are always welcome and may be emailed to communications at ndlcms.org<mailto:communications at ndlcms.org>. We pray this e-newsletter may be a useful resource tool to you in your personal and congregational ministry. Please feel free to pass this resource along to others you know who may also benefit from this information. Anyone is welcome to subscribe and may do so by sending their email address to communications at ndlcms.org<mailto:communications at ndlcms.org> and requesting to be added to the mailing list, or by visiting 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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