[DistUpd] April 29
District Updates
distupd at lists.ndlcms.org
Wed Apr 29 12:00:02 CDT 2009
Update for April 29
A publication of the Nebraska District, a District ABLAZE!
Greetings in the name of our Risen Lord and Savior!
Everyone is talking about it; the newspaper headlines shout it; the news reports are filled with it. You know what I'm talking about: Swine Flu. Now, I'm not going to rehash what we have all heard, and there are factual websites and resources for congregations listed later in this email. What I do want to share are the words of Psalm 46 that God has used to calm my anxious heart. The psalmist writes, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea." (Ps. 46:1-2)
We have no way of knowing what will happen with the Swine Flu, but we can cling to the promises God give us, promises to be our strength and refuge through any trouble we might encounter in this world. More than that, He promises eternal life with Him when this life is over. Jesus said, "I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand." (John 10:28)
So, whatever course the Swine Flu takes, remember Jesus suffered and died so that you might have the sure promise of eternal life. Perhaps God will use this to give us opportunities to share our hope and faith in Jesus and His promises with others who do not know Him. As people around us share their fears and apprehensions over the Swine Flu or any other earthly trials, we have occasion to share with them the hope and trust we have in Jesus and His promises.
* Prayer Requests
* Swine Flu Outbreak Resources for Congregations
* Nebraska District LYF Leadership Retreat
* Concordia University Nebraska Commencement Ceremony
* May is Pastoral Education Month
* LCMS Young Adult Servant Event Planned for New Orleans
* Performance Opportunity for Youth at the Omaha Community Playhouse
* Wolfram Art Gallery at LCMS International Center to Open
* New Youth Bible Study on Text Messaging
* Dr. Thomas Zehnder Accepts Call as Executive Director of LCMS World Mission
* Young Adult REACH Conference
* Ablaze! Ambassadors in Nebraska
* Concordia University Irvine Handbells Concert in Omaha
PRAYER REQUESTS
The Family of Rev. Dr. Emil G. Jaech - We join in prayers for the family of Rev. Dr. Emil Jaech, who was called to his eternal rest on Saturday, April 25. Dr. Jaech was President Emeritus of the Northwest District LCMS (1970- 1982), retired, and living in Dallas, Oregon. We ask for comfort and peace for his family, as they cling to the promise of an eternal reunion at Jesus side.
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SWINE FLU OUTBREAK RESOURCES FOR CONGREGATIONS
LCMS World Relief and Human Care is offering a number of resources to congregations to help educate them on Swine Flu, as well and some practical tips on preparing for and handling a possible epidemic.
Special thanks to Rev. Kevin Massey, Director of Lutheran Disaster Response, for use and adaptation of these materials.
The introduction to the Congregational Preparedness Document reads, "This resource is a guide for congregations in preparing for a potential pandemic. We believe that every congregation should make at least basic preparation for this potential emergency as soon as possible. All of the elements of preparation described in this resource should be implemented as soon as possible. There may be factors unique to your community that this resource can't foresee, but it will help you in making preparations around communication, worship, pastoral care, leadership and community outreach."
This resource, as well as links to the LCMS World Relief and Human Care and Center for Disease Control websites, are available on the District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/news/temp/Swine_flu.html or from the homepage at www.ndlcms.org<http://www.ndlcms.org/>.
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NEBRASKA DISTRICT LYF LEADERSHIP RETREAT
Please pass this information along to your congregation's youth leaders and print it in your bulletin and newsletter. Thank you.
I'm a teenager...what can I do for the church?
What does a Christian leader look like?
How do I share my faith story with my friends who don't believe?
How do I stay focused on God when there are so many distractions?
What about life after high school? How do I stay strong in my faith?
The Nebraska District LYF Leadership Retreat can help youth answer these questions!
Teen Focus Training, is the biblically based training materials to be used at the leadership retreat equipping youth to be leaders in their home congregations, families, high schools, and communities by challenging them to see that they are not the church of tomorrow...they are an important part of the church right now.
Written by youth for youth, and led by youth for youth, Teen Focus Training is the latest LYF resource from the LCMS Youth Ministry office. The overnight leadership retreat will be led by a group of youth from the Nebraska District who were trained in the curriculum and will be assisted by Nebraska District DCEs Andrea Roettger and Carl Eliason.
Who should attend? High school youth (completed 8th grade) with potential and desire to be leaders in their church today and in the future.
When is it? Starting 7 p.m. on July 31, concluding at 2:30 p.m. on August 1. (Yep, it's overnight, so bring a sleeping bag and a change of clothes.)
Where is it? The retreat will be held at Peace Lutheran Church, Grand Island, Nebraska.
What will happen? Youth will be trained in the latest leadership materials as described above, all meals are included in the cost, extra activities will also be planned to help you get to know other youth from throughout the district.
Cost: $35
Get it on your summer calendar and watch for registration materials in mid-May!
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CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY NEBRASKA COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
Concordia University, Nebraska will hold commencement Saturday, May 9, at 10 a.m. in the new Health, Human Performance and Athletic Center. This will be the first official function in the new facility.
The speaker for the ceremony will be Fredrick Voightman, Esq., of Concordia Consulting Ltd., a firm based in Taipei, Taiwan. Voightman will also receive an honorary doctorate for his demonstration of superior service and dedication. Voightman uses his legal knowledge and experience in service to numerous of educational institutions in Asia.
Other guests receiving honors are Kathleen Rutledge of Garland, Neb., Doctor of Letters; Kevin Dunning of Las Vegas, Nev., Master Educator; Earl Bleke of Oconomowoc, Wis., Crest of Christ Award; and Gale Jungemann-Schulz of Seward, Neb., Distinguished Service Award. Concordia alumni celebrating the 50th anniversary of their graduation year will also be recognized.
The ceremonies will be webcast live. For more information, visit www.cune.edu<http://www.cune.edu/>.
On Friday, May 8, a baccalaureate service will be held at 7:30 p.m. at St. John Lutheran Church. Rev. Ryan Matthias, university chaplain, will serve as preacher. The liturgist will be Rev. Dr. Brian Friedrich, Concordia president. Music for the ceremony will be provided by Dr. Jeffrey Blersch, organist, Concordia organ students, University A Cappella Choir, and Concordia Brass Ensemble.
Following the service, a reception will be hosted at the church by Concordia's Tower Guild, and there will be a short concert by the A Cappella Choir and several organ students.
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MAY IS PASTORAL EDUCATION MONTH
Free resources are available to congregations through the Synod's Board for Pastoral Education website, www.lcms.org/pastoraleducation<http://www.ne16.com/t/9077648/78092903/51662048/0/>, to assist them in the observance of Pastoral Education Month. For the third consecutive year, May is designated Pastoral Education Month in order to emphasize many subjects related to the pastoral ministry - recruitment, retention, wellness, continuing education opportunities, and theological resources available to pastors. While some of the resources, such as the continuing education opportunities, are time-sensitive, most resources are not date-specific and may be utilized throughout the year. Congregations are invited to visit the webpage noted above and to explore the many options available in observing Pastoral Education Month.
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LCMS YOUNG ADULT SERVANT EVENT PLANNED FOR NEW ORLEANS (From Reporter Online, http://www.lcms.org/pages/reporter.asp?NavID=2155)
Registration is open to young adults (post-high-school age through their 30s) for a May 31-June 5 Servant Event to help Gulf Coast residents recover from storms that have devastated their property, beginning with Hurricane Katrina in late August of 2005.
Hosted by the LCMS Young Adult Ministry Committee and based at Camp Restore in New Orleans, the "LEAD Young Adult Servant Event" will include two and half days of hands-on assistance for hurricane survivors served by that camp, and one and a half days of leadership training through LINC New Orleans.
Camp Restore -- a ministry of the LCMS Southern District -- equips and houses volunteers for rebuilding hurricane-ravaged homes, churches, and schools. LINC New Orleans is described on its Web site as "a network of missional leaders that are catalysts for justice and empowerment that build stronger New Orleans communities -- block by block, one neighborhood at a time."
The Servant Event also will feature Bible study led by Rev. Ryan Peterson of St. Louis, a member of the Young Adult Ministry Committee; and opportunities to tour New Orleans, including areas affected by the hurricanes, as well as the French Quarter.
Jessica Bordeleau, coordinator for the committee and a member of the Synod's Youth Ministry staff, told Reporter that the leadership-training component of the Servant Event aims to "empower young adults to lead in their home congregations and make a difference in their communities." She said the Servant Event "promises to provide a rich opportunity for growth and service."
A $275 registration fee covers housing, meals, program costs, and local transportation (including airport shuttle service).
To register for the LEAD Young Adult Servant Event, go to www.lcms.org/youth<http://www.lcms.org/youth>, click on "Young Adult Servant Event," and then on the link for the online registration form.
For more information, e-mail Bordeleau at jessica.bordeleau at lcms.org<mailto:jessica.bordeleau at lcms.org>.
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PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUTH AT THE OMAHA COMMUNITY PLAYHOUSE
Please consider sharing this information with your school children and families of your congregations through your bulletins or newsletters.
Performance Opportunity for Youth at the Omaha Community Playhouse!
Become a part of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat by participating in one of our summer camps for youth ages 9-18
Option #1: First Stage Theatre Academy
June 29th - July 10th OR July 6th - July 17th
For over ten years, the Omaha Community Playhouse has offered an intensive two-week theatre program for teenagers called First Stage Summer Theatre Academy. The program is open to students ages 12-18. Traditionally, students work intensively with professional directors, musicians and choreographers to produce an hour-long musical production to be performed for an invited audience at the end of the camp on the Playhouse's Main Stage.
This year, First Stage participants will have the exciting and extremely rare opportunity to perform selections from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the conclusion of First Stage AND become part of our Fall 2009 production - automatically! Participants will have the option of joining a rotating cast of young performers who will become the "Youth Chorus" for two of our performances per week throughout the scheduled production dates of September 25th - October 25th. Can't commit to the fall? Students unable to participate in the Fall production are still welcome to participate in the First Stage Summer sessions.
Option #2: Joseph Bootcamp!
July 20th - July 24th
Just like our First Stage participants, these students will join a rotating cast of young performers who will become the "Youth Chorus" of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat for two of our performances per week throughout the scheduled production dates of September 25th - October 25th. Students will learn all of the music and dance numbers for the fall production and have a "show and tell" at the end of the camp for friends and family. Specialty workshops in various topics will also be included. Students should bring their own sack lunch each day.
Contact Melanie Walters at 553-4890 ext. 131 or visit www.omahaplayhouse.org<http://www.omahaplayhouse.org/> for more information about this exciting opportunity!
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WOLFRAM ART GALLERY AT LCMS INTERNATIONAL CENTER TO OPEN
The new Wolfram Art Gallery at The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod International Center in St. Louis will open on Thursday, May 14. The name of the gallery honors William Wolfram, emeritus professor and former art department chair at Concordia University, Nebraska. The grand opening exhibit, "Regarding the Cross," features Wolfram's artwork and demonstrates how visual arts can be used to celebrate God's creation and the redemption of humanity.
The new gallery reflects a partnership between the LCMS and the Center for Liturgical Art at Concordia. Michael Strand, Concordia's art department chair and director of the CLA, was instrumental in the gallery's creation. "When deciding on a name for the gallery, it was obvious that it needed to honor and reflect Professor Wolfram's commitment to both Concordia University and liturgical art," said Strand.
The first exhibition highlights Wolfram's suite of works titled "Regarding the Cross" and will be on display at the International Center through November. To create the cross pieces on exhibit, Wolfram used a computer to manipulate and rebuild images he took with a digital camera. He transformed everyday objects like battered industrial machines, worn surfaces, degraded materials, and old jackets into elaborate and beautiful cross images. With a selection from this exhibition, Wolfram won the top Honor Award in the 2007 International Religious Architecture and Art competition by The Interfaith Journal on Religion, Art and Architecture.
During his more than 45 years of service within Concordia's department of art, Wolfram helped the university's art program grow from a handful of students to almost 100 students currently pursuing art degrees. He now is actively involved with ecclesiastical art projects commissioned through Concordia's CLA.
The LCMS International Center is located at 1333 South Kirkwood Road in St. Louis, Mo. A reception is scheduled from 3 - 5:30 p.m. on the opening day of the gallery.
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NEW YOUTH BIBLE STUDY ON TEXT MESSAGING
Check out the newest Pulse Bible study, Texting or Sexting?
Most text messages are harmless fun. But what about the text messages students send that are damaging, either to themselves or to others? Start a conversation with your students this Sunday about the texting and sexting craze using the downloadable Pulse Bible study, Texting or Sexting?
Pulse is a media-based Bible study series that focuses on what's current. You can download a study today and discuss it with the youth group this Sunday. Twelve studies are available for only $4.99 each.
Each Pulse links a complete downloadable Bible study lesson with a song, video, movie, or other media. The Concordia Publishing House website offers tips & ideas to get started.
Visit www.cph.org/pulse<http://www.cph.org/pulse> to see the selection of downloadable studies.
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DR. THOMAS ZEHNDER ACCEPTS CALL AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF LCMS WORLD MISSION
(from LCMS e-News, Mission News, April 24, 2009)
LCMS World Mission is pleased to announce that Dr. Thomas R. Zehnder, who has been serving as interim executive director of LCMS World Mission since November, has accepted a call from the Board for Mission Services to continue his service as executive director. The Board extended the call at their April 15 meeting in St. Louis. Their action removes the "interim" title from Dr. Zehnder's position and serves as an endorsement of his continuing leadership of LCMS World Mission.
"It is with great joy that the staff of LCMS World Mission received the news that Tom Zehnder has accepted the call to continue his service as executive director," shares Kurt Buchholz, LCMS World Mission's associate executive director for planning and administration. "We covet the passion, vision, and integrity Tom brings to this position, especially in this time of unprecedented mission opportunities mixed with challenging economic times."
LCMS President Dr. Gerald Kieschnick adds, "Dr. Zehnder's wealth of experience as an overseas missionary, parish pastor, and district president qualify him uniquely for this important position of service among us. In addition to these qualifications, he brings to the task a wonderful combination of personal and professional characteristics-warmth, humor, humility, energy, transparency, and passion 'vigorously to make known the love of Christ by word and deed, within our churches, communities, and the world.' My wife, Terry, and I have known Tom and his wife, Jackie, for almost 20 years and warmly welcome them to the family at the LCMS International Center."
"The action of extending this call to Dr. Tom Zehnder is good news for the Lutheran Women's Missionary League!" shares LWML President, Janice Wendorf. "Tom has taken a proactive leadership role in further strengthening the relationship between LCMS World Mission and the LWML. Thanks be to our gracious God that He led Tom to accept this solemn call. We look forward to continued partnerships with LCMS World Mission under the servant leadership of Tom."
The Board decided to call Zehnder to the post on a more permanent basis, and put on hold its search for a new executive director. Zehnder's proven leadership abilities are key for LCMS World Mission at this time, especially considering possible structure changes that may be authorized by the 2010 LCMS convention. Those changes, under consideration by the Blue Ribbon Task Force on Synod Structure and Governance, could possibly eliminate LCMS program boards, including the Board for Mission Services, and realign their functions under new organizational structures.
Zehnder, 72, of Baileys Harbor, Wis., succeeds Dr. Robert Roegner, who resigned November 16, citing his desire to return to "a more hands-on ministry." Roegner, 55, had served as executive director since November 2001. He recently accepted a call to serve as a mission developer for the English District in the Riverview area of North St. Louis County, Mo.
A 1961 graduate of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Zehnder and his wife, Jacquelyn, served as missionaries in Japan for nearly a decade. From 1987 to 1997, Zehnder was president of the Synod's Florida-Georgia District. He also has served as pastor to congregations in Columbus, Ga.; Stuart, Fla.; and Williamsburg, Va.
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YOUNG ADULT REACH CONFERENCE (from LHM Church and School Resources Newsletter)
If you're looking for a way to energize the young adults in your church, Lutheran Hour Ministries is offering an excellent opportunity. The 2009 REACH Conference blends the environmental focus of "going green" with the outreach mission of evangelism. It shows how a concern for the physical world around us can translate into a keener awareness of God's creatures within it - and with their eternal welfare.
Hosted by the International Convention of the International Lutheran Laymen's League, the REACH Conference will be held July 17-18 in Greensboro, North Carolina. Special workshops will equip these young people in their 20s and 30s to move from caring for creation to sharing the Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer of it with others, while preparing them to answer objections to the faith that deal with creation and evolution.
Although these subjects apply to all of us, studies indicate this generation has shown a greater concern for the future of our environment. Research done by EnviroMedia Social Marketing suggests "young Americans ... will power the new green economy and are the key to future economic growth." They are more likely to buy green products despite the economic downturn and the added expense of choosing green as an alternative. The REACH Conference will equip this generation to share the Savior while going green.
Dr. Charles Arand, chairman of the systematic theology department at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, will lead a series of Bible studies called, "Together with All Creatures." LHM's coordinator of Equipping to Share, Sarah Guldalian, will lead a workshop entitled "Sharing Christ While Going Green," which will help people share their faith in a way that's natural and informed. The Rev. Steve Misch, mission and ministry facilitator for the LCMS Texas District, will address issues arising from the creation versus evolution debate that often come up during conversations about environmental awareness.
REACH attendees will also participate in a hands-on service project and have opportunities to interact and build relationships with other Christian young adults. A nursery is provided for children under five at no cost. Children five and up can participate in all kinds of fun activities. See the REACH webpage for more information at http://www.lhm.org/reach/.
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ABLAZE! AMBASSADORS IN NEBRASKA
Nearly 50 Ablaze! Ambassadors are ready to share as guest speakers about the worldwide initiative to share the Gospel with 100 million non-Christians by 2017. All Ablaze! Ambassadors are passionate about outreach and many are former district and national Synod leaders (district presidents, LWML presidents, and LCMS and Lutheran Hour Ministries executives).
As spokespersons for Ablaze!, each agrees to give presentations about the effort in congregations, schools, and other venues to encourage their fellow Lutherans to share their faith with family, friends, co-workers-even strangers.
Consider inviting an Ablaze! Ambassador to come encourage your congregation, school, or group in their personal outreach and faith-sharing. (Hosting groups are asked to cover the transportation, housing, and/or other expenses related to the Ambassador's attendance at their event.)
There are currently five Ablaze! Ambassadors in the Nebraska District. They are:
Rev. Gene Gierke, Seward
Rev. Alan Harre, Staplehurst
Linda Reiser, Grand Island
Wil Tewes, Bennet
Virginia Von Seggern, Orchard
For questions, more information, or to get in contact with an Ablaze! Ambassador, call LCMS World Mission at 1-800-433-3954 or visit http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=14569.
<http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=11218>
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CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY IRVINE HANDBELLS CONCERT IN OMAHA
The Concert Handbells and Spirit Bells of Concordia University Irvine, with Resound! and soloists will be in concert on Thursday, May 21, at 7:00 PM at St Mark Lutheran, 1821 N. 90th Street, Omaha.
Directed by Dr. Herbert Geisler and coached by Nancy Jessup, these ringers have performed to high acclaim in 27 states across the U.S., as well as 11 Asian and European nations. They perform for thousands regionally and on tour throughout the year, this May traveling to Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois.
They perform a wide range of sacred and secular works appealing to all ages and tastes, from sophisticated settings of hymn tunes to classical arrangements, from swing to original works, concluding with their unique hands-on audience participation sing-along. Children are especially intrigued by the visual and aural energy of the performance.
A free-will donation will be gathered at the concert. Call 402-571-8272 or see the St. Mark website at www.stmarkomaha.org<http://www.stmarkomaha.org>. You may also email mkesar at stmarkomaha.org<mailto:mkesar at stmarkomaha.org> for information.
See more about the Concordia handbell program at: http://web.mac.com/hgeisler/Concordia_Handbells/.
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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<mailto:communications at ndlcms.org>.
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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