[DistUpd] April 15

Wed Apr 15 16:24:26 CDT 2009

Update for April 15
A publication of the Nebraska District, a District ABLAZE!

He is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Today is tax day, the day the United States government has set as a deadline for the filing and payment of taxes. While certainly not a national holiday or day of celebration in any way, is it a day for us to pause and give thanks to God? We are blessed to live in a country that has established a peaceful and orderly way of conducting business. While paying taxes doesn't rival the Fourth of July for patriotic fun and frivolity, we can still be thankful that God has given us the government He has.

While far from perfect, we do have many things to be thankful for in this country. Today would be a good time to stop and pray for all those around the world who do not have honest, responsible governments. Instead, there are many around the world who live in fear of government officials and their supporters. Many of these instances don't ever make the evening news, but God knows each and every occurrence, and prayers for the innocent victims of these oppressive governments will reach His ear.

Please remember our brother and sister Lutherans in Sudan, as well as all of their countrymen, as tensions continue to exist there. We pray for lasting peace in that country, as well as protection for all of God's children in that area. We give thanks that the saving message of salvation through Jesus Christ has been and continues to be taught in Sudan, and we pray for protection for those who teach and learn about their Lord and Savior. So, whether you are dropping your taxes in the mail today or not, please take a few seconds to thank God and pray for those who need His protection and mercy today.

*         Prayer Requests
*         District Congregation Affected by Computer Spammer
*         New District Office Staff
*         Convention Notes
*         Convention Thank Offering Materials
*         LCMS Responds to Iowa Supreme Court Ruling on Same Sex Marriages
*         Camp Luther Updates
*         Seminary Call/Placement Days
*         Kansas District Offering a Deaf Ministry Workshop
*         Contending for the Faith Seminar
*         Service Opportunity in China
*         "First Gear" Event for Junior/Senior High Youth
*         Nebraska District Financial Aid Information
*         Celebrate KFUO Radio's 85th Anniversary

PRAYER REQUESTS
Rev. John Deang - We join with Rev. John Deang, Nebraska District missionary-at-large for Sudanese ministry, in prayers of thanksgiving for his upcoming wedding. Rev. Deang will marry his fiancée, Martha, in Ethiopia this coming Saturday, April 18. We thank God for bringing these two together, and we ask that He will bless their marriage and their new lives together. We also pray for safe return travels for the Sudanese men from Nebraska who travelled to Africa for the wedding, as well as the safe return of Rev. Deang and Martha later this summer.

Family of Elinor Harms - We remember in prayer the family of Elinor Harms, wife of Rev. Robert W.F. Harms of Grand Island, who was called to her heavenly home on Saturday, April 11. The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 16, at Trinity, Grand Island. Pastor Harms served the Nebraska congregations of St. Paul, Bridgeport; Mt. Calvary, Bayard; Zion, Pierce; Zion, Hastings; and Trinity, Grand Island prior to his retirement.

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DISTRICT CONGREGATION AFFECTED BY COMPUTER SPAMMER
Today, Wednesday, April 15, the Hotmail account of St. John, Cordova, was compromised by a spammer and the account appears to be sending out bogus emails to all of the email addresses in the old messages. These messages come from the St. John, Cordova, email account, stjohnscordova at hotmail.com. Please note that the content of the message being sent by the spammer is a request for money, and should not be honored or responded to. Please be aware that as of today the church is not using this email address anymore and future messages from this account should not be trusted. If you have received one of these messages, please delete it without responding. It does not appear there is a virus connected with the spam messages being sent, but please delete any future emails you receive from this email address.

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NEW DISTRICT OFFICE STAFF
The District Office is pleased to welcome Jan Bruick as the part-time assistant for Lutheran Church Extension Fund - Nebraska Program. Jan will work with Paul Pettit, LCEF vice president, and Gene Gierke, LCEF promotions, to help answer LCEF questions and to tell the story of how LCEF can partner with congregations of the Nebraska District. For more information on LCEF, contact Jan at janb at ndlcms.org<mailto:janb at ndlcms.org> or 888-643-2961.

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CONVENTION NOTES
REGISTRATION MATERIALS - All rostered church workers and lay voting delegates should have received their convention registration materials in the mail last week. If you think you should have received materials and didn't, contact the District Office at info at ndlcms.org<mailto:info at ndlcms.org> or 888-643-2961. All registration forms are due back to the District Office by Monday, May 11. If you are a guest, please include your payment with your registration form.

As you complete your registration form, please be sure to mark your housing needs. If you are not requesting housing, please mark the line that says "I will provide my own housing." This will let us know you intentionally did not mark any lodging needs and will save you the trouble of responding to our follow-up phone call or email to verify this for us.

CONVENTION WORKBOOK - Everyone who received registration materials will also receive a Convention Workbook in the mail late next week. This year's Workbook will be provided on CD. Watch for the workbook to come to your home or office in a padded CD mailer this time. If you haven't received your Workbook by May 1, contact the District Office at info at ndlcms.org<mailto:info at ndlcms.org> or 888-643-2961.

SPECIAL PRE-CONVENTION REPORTER - A special pre-convention issue of the Nebraska Lutheran Reporter will be mailed to all church offices in early May. Churches will receive the same number of Reporters they usually receive and are asked to distribute them to every household in the congregation in the way that works best. If your congregation would like a different number of the special Reporters, or to change the number of Reporters you usually receive, email reporter at ndlcms.org<mailto:reporter at ndlcms.org>.

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CONVENTION THANK OFFERING MATERIALS
Congregations of the Nebraska District have the opportunity to join together in a special thank offering which will be collected at the Opening Worship Service of Convention. The gifts collected will be used throughout the next triennium to purchase Bibles and Catechisms in various languages, including Nuer, Spanish, Chinese, and Japanese, to be used in the mission fields of Nebraska and out into the world.

Each congregation received a thank offer information packet in January with more information on this opportunity, resources to help congregations publicize this opportunity, and bulletin inserts to be used as each congregation wanted. Any congregation needing more bulletin inserts may request them by emailing nicholeh at ndlcms.org<mailto:nicholeh at ndlcms.org> or calling 888-643-2961. More information and printable resources are available on the District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/news/convention/thank_offering.html.

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LCMS RESPONDS TO IOWA SUPREME COURT RULING ON SAME SEX MARRIAGES
In response to the recent Iowa Supreme Court ruling legalizing same-sex marriages, Dr. Gerald B. Kieschnick, president of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, issued this statement on April 7:

"Last Friday, marriage was redefined by seven judges for the entire state of Iowa and for the majority of Iowans because six couples had sued the state and demanded marriage licenses in 2005. The majority of Iowans wholeheartedly supported the 1998 Iowa Defense of Marriage Act, which sought to protect marriage between one man and one woman, yet the court's decision on Friday overturned the ban on same-sex marriage.

This case in Iowa could affect other states and how they handle challenges to same-sex marriage, which has been the subject of court cases nationwide. Laws banning same-sex marriage in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and California already have been struck down by their respective state courts.

Marriage, as it was instituted by God between male and female, has existed since the beginning of time. Marriage between any beings other than one man and one woman changes the meaning of marriage designed by the Creator for the order of this world.

While members of the LCMS respect all people, we believe it is against the will of God and contrary to the moral fiber of our country to redefine marriage. Furthermore, society needs heterosexual marriages between men and women to thrive and succeed, as such unions remain the cornerstone in God's design for the procreation and raising of children.

It is not acceptable to experiment with this generation of children by trying to muster up weak alternatives to biological mothers and fathers. We call upon the citizens of this nation to bolster and strengthen the institution of traditional marriage, lest our society spiral uncontrollably into disorder and moral decay.

Though this occasion prompts the LCMS, once again, to declare that homosexual behavior is both intrinsically unnatural and sinful (Leviticus 18:22, 20:13; Romans 1:24-27), we also recognize the need to respond to this behavior with the same love and concern we show for all other sins, calling for repentance and offering forgiveness in the Good News of Jesus Christ where there is repentance."

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CAMP LUTHER UPDATES
Get the latest news about Camp Luther in their new, electronic newsletter, Camp Updates. This newsletter covers everything from their summer camp NEW online registration process to workdays and Camp Luther Sunday activities.  Go to the Camp Luther homepage at www.campluther.org<http://www.campluther.org/> and download the "Camp Luther Updates Spring 2009."

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SEMINARY CALL/PLACEMENT DAYS
Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne
Among the biggest highlights of the month of April at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind., are the Vicarage/Deaconess Internship Placement and Candidate Call services. This year's Vicarage/Deaconess Internship Assignment Service will take place on April 20 at 7:00 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time). The preacher for this service is Rev. William R. Diekelman, the First Vice President of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.  You can also listen to the Candidate Call Service on April 21 at 7:00 p.m. (EST). The Reverend Kenneth M. Hennings, President of the Texas District, will preach for this service.  Additionally, the list of vicarage placements and candidate calls will be posted on the seminary's website immediately after the service each night.

The event will be webcast from the seminary home page, www.ctsfw.edu<http://www.ctsfw.edu/>. Viewers will need to have a broadband internet connection (cable, fiber optic, or DSL), Internet Explorer or Safari, the latest version of Adobe Flash player (www.adobe.com<http://www.adobe.com/>) and the ability to play Windows media content. While Windows PCs come with this software already installed, Mac OS X users may need to install Windows Media Player from http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/video/windowsmediaplayerformacosx.html.

Concordia Seminary, St. Louis
Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, cordially invites the public to share in the joy of Call Day on Wednesday, April 22. Students who will serve as vicars (a one-year internship) next year will receive their assignments during a 3:00 p.m. worship service. In addition, deaconess interns, Alternate Route vicars, and Center for Hispanic Studies (CHS) vicars and deaconess interns will receive their assignments. Rev. Dr. Gerhard C. Michael, Jr., Florida-Georgia District President, will serve as preacher.

During a 7:00 p.m. worship service, candidates for the pastoral ministry will receive their first calls to serve as pastors, missionaries and chaplains in The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. Rev. Dr. Ray Mirly, a member of the Seminary's Board of Regents and president of the Missouri District, will serve as preacher. Both services will be held in the Seminary's Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus.

Also on that day, deaconess candidates, CHS candidates and DELTO (Distance Education Leading To Ordination) candidates are expected to receive their calls.

Those unable to attend may listen to the services online via the Seminary's website (www.csl.edu<http://www.csl.edu/>). Both audio and video will be available. For more information, visit the Resources section of the Seminary's Web site one week prior to the services.

The vicarages and calls will be posted on Concordia Seminary's website on April 22 at 9:00 p.m. (CST). Lists also will be e-mailed at the same time via the Seminary's e-mail list services, CSLNEWS and CSLPRESEM. Those who desire to subscribe to CSLNEWS prior to the April 22 services in order to receive the lists may do so at www.csl.edu/AboutCSL_Subscribe.aspx<http://www.csl.edu/AboutCSL_Subscribe.aspx>. A complete listing also will be featured in the summer 2009 issue of FOCUS. Audio recordings of the sermons for both services will be available for listening on the Seminary's website within 24 hours.

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KANSAS DISTRICT OFFERING A DEAF MINISTRY WORKSHOP
There are more than 3 million deaf and 28 million hard of hearing people in the United States.  About 95 percent of deaf people are not churched, which makes deaf ministry a vast mission field.

Deaf L.I.T.E.S workshop is an intensive, emersion program for:
*        Anyone who has a heart for Deaf ministry - no prior experience necessary
*        Anyone who would like to start Deaf ministry in their church
*        Professional church workers with Deaf members
*        Professional church workers who want to reach out to Deaf people in their community
*        Sign Language interpreters
*        Lay people from churches who have Deaf members or know Deaf people who are unchurched
*        Parents of Deaf children who want to give their children Christian education

Workshop and meals are at Faith Lutheran Church, Topeka, and housing is at Washburn University. All participants should plan to have meals at the workshop. Interaction and networking during meals are important parts of the program. Sign language interpreter CEU credits have been applied for. If approved, these credits will be available for an additional charge. Partial scholarships are available to members of LCMS churches. This workshop is open to people of all Christian Faiths.

Tuition ..................................... $150.00
Food......................................... $100.00
Lodging ..................................... $80.00
Optional bedding and towels ...... $6.00
Optional material and books .... $100.00

$100 deposit is required with registration. Make checks payable to: "Kansas District LCMS"

Mail registration and deposit to:
Kansas District LCMS
Attn: Lori Hennessey
1000 SW 10th Ave.
Topeka, KS 66604-1104
Deadline to register is June 1, 2009.

For more information, please contact us at faithluthdeaf at yahoo.com<mailto:faithluthdeaf at yahoo.com>.

If you need Scholarship assistance, please contact them at the address above no later than May 20, 2009.

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CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH SEMINAR
In an increasingly pluralistic society, Concordia Theological Seminary recognizes the need for Christians to be able to defend the truthfulness of the Gospel in the public square. To that end, the seminary is pleased to offer a new retreat entitled "Contending for the Faith in the Twenty-First Century."

Held on May 1-2, 2009, the seminar will offer several presentations on differing topics, such as atheism, Islam, and the historical and practical implications of a Christian witness. Featured speakers are Dr. Adam Francisco (Concordia Theological Seminary), Dr. Jeff Mallinson (Trinity Lutheran College), Dr. Angus Menuge (Concordia University Wisconsin), Rev. Dr. Steven Mueller (Concordia University Irvine), Rev. Dr. Robert Newton (President, California-Nevada-Hawaii District), Mr. Craig Parton (United States Director of the International Academy of Apologetics, Evangelism and Human Rights), and Mr. Sam Shamoun (www.answeringislam.org). Their combined expertise on apologetics will give attendees a greater confidence and insight into Christian witness in the public arena and will give them the tools for "always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks for the reason for the hope among us" (1 Peter 3:15).

The cost of the retreat is $50.00 and includes lunch and refreshments. To register, call 260-452-2100, e-mail retreats at ctsfw.edu, or go to www.ctsfw.edu/retreats<http://www.ctsfw.edu/retreats>.

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SERVICE OPPORTUNITY IN CHINA
Right now you have the opportunity to meet an urgent need as an EFL Teacher in China.

LCMS World Mission is looking for teachers to teach English as a Foreign Language (EFL) in areas where the LCMS and its partners are currently serving local communities in Mainland China. You will teach future English teachers who otherwise would not have the opportunity to learn from a native English speaker.

To learn how you can serve by going global, go here: www.lcmsworldmission.org/searchopps<http://www.lcmsworldmission.org/searchopps>. Contact an LCMS World Mission placement counselor at 1-800-433-3954 or mission.recruitment at lcms.org<mailto:mission.recruitment at lcms.org>.

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"FIRST GEAR" EVENT FOR JUNIOR/SENIOR HIGH YOUTH
Junior and senior high youth in Nebraska are invited to "First Gear," the all-day student event being held Saturday, May 16, at Campus Life North (6400 Cornhusker), Lincoln. For a registration fee of $35, students and their leaders will spend the day getting a taste of [un]Paved Ministries. The event will feature encouraging speakers, a fantastic band, fellowship, devotions, and time for a servant event and servant event planning. Students will be encouraged to become "Imitators of Christ in a life of service." Lunch and supper is also included in the registration fee.

More information on the event is available on the unPaved ministries website at http://www.unpavedministries.org/Index.asp?PageID=10701.

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NEBRASKA DISTRICT FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION
Nebraska District financial support is available to anyone preparing for full-time service in the church. Applicants must be enrolled at a Concordia University System school or Concordia Seminary at Fort Wayne or St. Louis, demonstrate financial need, and have completed their FAFSA (federal student aid documentation).

The Concordia University System consists of the 10 LCMS-operated universities located in Ann Arbor, Mich.; Austin, Texas; Bronxville, N.Y.; Irvine, Calif.; Mequon, Wis.; Portland, Ore.; River Forest, Ill.; St. Paul, Minn.; Selma, Ala.; and Seward, Neb.

Application forms may be obtained from the District Office, by printing the application form from the District website, www.ndlcms.org/education/education/aid.html<http://www.ndlcms.org/education/education/aid.html>, or from the universities and seminaries. The deadline for completing the application process is June 1.

Other Scholarships
The LWML North provides scholarships for students preparing for church ministry careers. The Nebraska District Student Aid Committee administers the grants on the basis of residence in the LWML North region, financial need, and full-time enrollment. Applications may be obtained by contacting Joyce Lase, 1963 R Rd, Bancroft, NE 68004-4046, sparkle at gpcom.net<mailto:sparkle at gpcom.net>, or (402) 648-7482. Completed applications are due June 1.

The LWML South offers assistance to students from the LWML South region who are going into full-time church work. Applications may be obtained from the student's local LWML society or from Elaine Royuk, 334 N 1st St, Seward, NE 68434 or (402) 646-9024. Information and scholarship forms are also available at www.lwmlnesouth.org<http://www.lwmlnesouth.org/>. Completed applications are due June 3.

LLL is offering scholarships to members of the Nebraska District LCMS who are going into full-time church work (i.e. teacher, pastor) and will be attending one of the LCMS schools. Send requests for applications/inquiries to Dr. Marvin Swan, PO Box 863, Grant, NE 69140-0863, mmswan at gpcom.net<mailto:mmswan at gpcom.net>, or (308) 352-4666. The deadline is May 22.

The Gil and Blondie Vogt Scholarship Fund is designed to assist Nebraska students preparing for LCMS church vocations at any LCMS university or seminary. Requests for information or applications should be sent to Pat Hofer hofpat at gmail.com<mailto:hofpat at gmail.com> or (402) 334-0320. Application deadline is April 15.

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CELEBRATE KFUO RADIO'S 85TH ANNIVERSARY (from KFUO press release)
Eighty-five years have passed since our founders decided that radio would be a great way to advance the Good News of salvation in Jesus Christ. Each decade in that remarkable history has been characterized by its own unique challenges, but through it all AM 850 KFUO has remained a beacon of truth for generations.

2009 is a very special year for KFUO. In December, we will observe our 85th anniversary. The number 85 is special to us, not just because of our 850 kilowatt AM frequency, but because of the amazing longevity that 85 years represent. God has preserved our ministry through these many years. You may be among the many readers of this letter who have spent most of those 85 years listening to KFUO.

Recently during our morning show, we received a telephone call. But this was no ordinary call. The listener had found our Internet live stream and was listening to us in Liberia. Our friend in Africa told us that he discovered us on the Internet after searching for Christian teaching. I have to wonder how KFUO founder Dr. Walter Maier would have responded if he could have seen the day when his humble radio station would be heard all around the world.

KFUO will be celebrating both its worldwide reach and blessed longevity during their Sharathon April 16-18. Learn more about KFUO and its anniversary celebration on its website, www.kfuo.org<http://www.kfuo.org/>.

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Thanks to all who shared information to be passed along in this week's Update.  Information from the congregations and ministries helps make this electronic newsletter a useful ministry tool for all.  If you have something you would like shared in a future Update, email the information to communications at ndlcms.org<mailto:communications at ndlcms.org> or call the District Office at 888-643-2961.

Easter 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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