From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Aug 5 14:01:45 2009 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 05 Aug 2009 19:01:45 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] August 5 Message-ID: [cid:image001.gif at 01CA15D4.41853760] August 5, 2009 In this issue: Greetings in the name of our loving heavenly Father. I don't know about you, but my August is shaping up to be a very busy month. Instead of one last month of summer relaxation, it has become a non-stop run to get all those last minute summer chores done, as well as getting everything and everyone prepared for the start of another school year and a new routine. Does this sound familiar? If so, consider these words from the Apostle Paul, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." (1 Cor. 10:31) What does that have to do with a busy schedule? It helps me remember that my time is a gift from God, and I should live my life remembering His goodness. I can remember that whatever I am doing during my busy days ahead, I am to do it to God's glory. How does that happen? One way is to strive to stay cheerful and remember whose child I am. In response to God's love for me, I can try to show that love to those I am with each day. May the Lord bless your August and all you are doing to His glory! * Synod Convention Delegate Selection * Fan into Flame Campaign Breaks $50 Million Mark * Free Sunday School Materials Available * National LCMS Youth Gathering Adult Leader Information Meetings * National Youth Gathering Online Registration to Open Next Month * Lutheran Choir in Lincoln to Start Fall Season * Peace, Waverly to Celebrate Anniversary * Beth Moore "Living Proof" Simulcast * LCEF President Announces Retirement * Opportunity to Travel to Germany * PRAY2009 Prayer Gathering * LutherHostel 2009 * Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service Welcomes First Refugees from Darfur SYNOD CONVENTION DELEGATE SELECTION Circuit counselors should have received a mailing with all of the information necessary to choose voting delegates to the 2010 Synodical Convention next July 10-17 in Houston. The final deadline for electing the delegates to the Convention from a meeting of the circuit forum is October 10, 2009 with a reporting deadline of October 22. In addition to attending the extended Convention next July, all voting delegates are also being asked to attend a Synod Structure and Governance Regional Gathering in Denver December 4-5. Because travel and lodging arrangements need to be made to allow the delegates to attend this December gathering, the Nebraska District Office is requesting that the names of the circuit delegates be reported to our office as soon as they are chosen, rather than waiting until the deadline. Circuit counselors, please submit the "Report Form for Electoral Circuits" as soon after your circuit forum as possible, or bring the completed form to the Circuit Counselor Conference on October 12. This will enable us to get started making the arrangements for the regional gathering. Thank you for your cooperation. Back to top FAN INTO FLAME CAMPAIGN BREAKS $50 MILLION MARK Fan into Flame, a capital campaign to support The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod's (LCMS) Ablaze! mission movement, passed the $50 million mark in gifts and pledges raised toward its $100 million goal. Since the campaign's authorization by Synod convention in 2004, more than 7,000 individuals and 850 congregations have contributed nearly 20,000 gifts-including more than $23 million in cash. Congregations and individuals in the Nebraska District have contributed more than $3.3 million to this effort so far. "We thank God for the resources He provides, and we thank each and every donor for these generous gifts," said Dr. William R. Diekelman, LCMS first vice president and Fan into Flame spokesperson. "The LCMS is committed to Gospel proclamation around the world and to doing all we can to extend the kingdom of God. Fan into Flame funds already are being used to reach the lost with the Good News of Jesus Christ. As we continue with this campaign, we pray that others will be moved to participate, and we look forward in confidence that the Lord will see us through to the successful achievement of the campaign's goals." The LCMS is organized into 35 districts across the country, and the campaign has unfolded district by district since 2005. As the campaign moves into its final phase, the most populous LCMS districts are now engaged. Decisions also are expected from a number of individuals on significant major gifts. Despite the economy, gifts and pledges in the fourth quarter of 2008 and all of 2009 are the highest of the campaign. Many donors are from the most economically challenged areas of the country, including Michigan, Ohio, Florida, Arizona, and Southern California. Fan into Flame funds support the specific objectives of Ablaze!-planting 2,000 new congregations, renewing the mission vision of 2,000 existing congregations, increasing by 50% the number of career missionaries on the foreign mission field, and increasing support for the Synod's 30 partner churches around the world. Campaign gifts are distributed quarterly to accomplish new outreach ministry in four arenas, following the Acts 1:8 model: * Local, community outreach by the campaign's participating congregations * Regional outreach by LCMS districts * National outreach, church planting, and revitalization ministry * International outreach through missionaries and partner churches Congregations retain net 15% of gifts they raise, and districts also receive net 15% of gifts raised in total from within their borders. Thus far, $1.2 million has been disbursed to participating congregations and $4.17 million to participating districts, with the Nebraska District receiving more than $136,000 for new mission projects. "The campaign is making great impact at the local level, where congregations apply their Fan into Flame funds to immediate community outreach. While some national and international projects are relatively expensive, high-visibility projects-such as construction of a new seminary building in Ghana, West Africa-it is in local neighborhoods and communities that many people are being connected to the love of Christ," said Dr. Thomas R. Zehnder, executive director, LCMS World Mission. For information about participating in the Fan into Flame campaign, contact the Nebraska District Office at 888-643-2961 or info at ndlcms.org or call the Fan into Flame office at 800-977-2017. Back to top FREE SUNDAY SCHOOL MATERIALS AVAILABLE Messiah, Lincoln, has Gospel Light Sunday school materials for preschoolers available for any congregation that can make use of them. They have the fall, winter, and spring curriculum which includes take-home pages, activity pages, and stickers, as well as some teacher guides. Interested congregations should contact Kathy Atterbury, director of children's ministry, at katterbury at messiahlincoln.org or 402-489-3024. Back to top NATIONAL LCMS YOUTH GATHERING ADULT LEADER INFORMATION MEETINGS Nebraska District Coordinators Dave Kumm and Julie Johnston Hermann will be leading a series of National LCMS Youth Gathering information meetings in the District in September. These will be a great chance to have your Gathering questions answered, connect with area youth leaders, find out about the registration process, and gain practical ideas on leading youth on a Gathering experience. The National LCMS Youth Gathering WE BELIEVE will be held July 17-21, 2010, in New Orleans. Registration materials are coming soon to all congregations. Contact Dave at 402-643-7380 or david.kumm at cune.edu, or Julie at 402-643-7354 or julie.johnston at cune.edu if you have any questions. North Event ~ Sunday, September 13 - 3pm Lutheran High Northeast 2010 N 37th Street Norfolk, NE 68701 West Event ~ Sunday, September 20 - 3pm Trinity Lutheran Church 205 E 7th Street Lexington, NE 68850 East Event ~ Sunday, September 27 - 3pm Concordia University - Lincoln Campus 570 Fallbrook Blvd, Suite 203 Lincoln, NE 68521 Topics to be covered: + What difference does a National LCMS Youth Gathering make in the life of a youth? + How can we afford sending a group to the National LCMS Youth Gathering? + What are our travel options to New Orleans? + How can I connect with churches in my area to share leadership and travel responsibilities? + What do I need to know if our church hasn't gone to a Gathering before? + What do I need to know if I haven't led a group to a Gathering before? + Registration details and considerations + District T-shirt, event, and travel options for Nebraska District Back to top NATIONAL YOUTH GATHERING ONLINE REGISTRATION TO OPEN NEXT MONTH (From LCMS News, No. 62, July 30) In mid-August, Synod congregations will receive by mail registration material for the 2010 National LCMS Youth Gathering, including step-by-step directions for the online-only registration process that starts September 14, along with other Gathering-related information. With the theme of WE BELIEVE, the Gathering will take place July 17-21 in New Orleans. The mailing includes a pre-Gathering DVD. On the DVD, congregations will find videos that promote the Gathering and a downloadable booklet that details the registration process and contains other information. The booklet also is available on the Gathering website, http://www.lcmsgathering.com. Gathering registration will be online only -- at the Gathering website, http://www.lcmsgathering.com. Groups also will prioritize online their choices of hotels in New Orleans for housing at the Gathering. LCMS District and Congregational Services -- Youth Ministry, the sponsor of National LCMS Youth Gatherings, is making the switch to paperless registration "in an effort to be responsible environmental and financial stewards," said Rev. Mark Kiessling, the Gathering program director. "We hope congregations find the information [in this mailing] helpful in preparing for the ... Gathering," Kiessling said. "Beyond the registration materials, the Gathering website will provide youth and adults opportunities to grow in their faith through Bible study and study of the Gathering's theme and sub-themes. Those materials will continue to roll out between registration and July 2010." Although there is no paper registration for the 2010 Gathering, each group that has registered online will be required to complete its registration by mailing in a paper "Pastoral Affirmation Form" and a "Registration Account Form" -- along with either full registration payment of $275 per person or a deposit payment of $100 per person registered. No personal checks or cash will be accepted. Envelopes with those forms and payments must be postmarked no earlier than Oct. 21, or they will be returned to senders. The registration fee covers the cost of such items as the Gathering Bible, backpack, and post-Gathering DVD that each registered participant receives, as well as all Gathering program and DCS Youth Ministry administrative expenses. A "priority window" for Gathering registration will be open Oct. 21-Nov. 4, 2009. As explained in the downloadable booklet with this month's mailing, groups completing the registration process after registration is filled to capacity will be accepted for the Gathering on a space-available basis. After March 1, participants will continue to be admitted on that basis for a late-registration fee of $325 per person. Congregations that do not receive their mailed Gathering registration information by September 4 should call LCMS Youth Ministry at 800-248-1930, ext. 1155, or send an e-mail to nygregistration at lcms.org. Back to top LUTHERAN CHOIR IN LINCOLN TO START FALL SEASON The Lutheran Choir in Lincoln invites interested musicians to join them as they begin their fall concert season. Rehearsals begin August 30 with a retreat at Trinity Lutheran Church, 12th and H Sts., Lincoln, NE, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. Interested singers should contact Sandie Anderson at 402-489-3948. Two concerts will be performed this fall on November 14 and 15. Back to top PEACE, WAVERLY TO CELEBRATE ANNIVERSARY Peace, Waverly, will celebrate their 40th Anniversary on August 31with former pastor Gene Gierke as guest preacher for the 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. services. Everyone is invited to join them for a time of celebrating what God has done through them and the ministry opportunities He continues to present to them. Back to top BETH MOORE "LIVING PROOF" SIMULCAST Holy Savior, Lincoln, is offering a special opportunity to women of the Nebraska District. Simulcast satellite technology will bring "Living Proof" Live with Beth Moore to Lincoln, Nebraska. Beth will speak on COMING HOME TO THE HEART OF OUR DESIRES, from Psalm 37. Enjoy the same insightful and inspirational teaching, the same soul-stirring worship that Beth and her team bring to their live events, in REAL time! You are invited to attend and invite friends who are not Christians or not connected to a church. WHEN: Friday, August 28, 7:00-9:00 p.m. and Saturday, August 29, 8:00 a.m.-noon WHERE: Holy Savior Lutheran Church, 10th & Superior Streets Lincoln, Nebraska 402-434-3325 Tickets are free with a suggested love offering of $10.00 to cover the cost of the event. Seating is limited and available on a first come, first served basis. Please make your reservations as soon as possible by sending an e-mail to Holy Savior at: parish.admin at holysaviorlcms.org and put "Beth Moore Tickets" in the heading. In your e-mail state: 1) Full name, e-mail and physical address, city, state and zip code 2) Number of tickets requested 3) The name, e-mail and complete address of all those who will attend with you 4) If you would like your tickets held at the door or sent to you Back to top LCEF PRESIDENT ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) President Merle Freitag announced his retirement in July, saying he will serve through January 15, 2010. "In 1998, when I interviewed with the Board of Directors, I indicated that I would serve for 10 years," Freitag stated in a letter to the board announcing his intentions. "I have served over 11 years, and have been happy to do so, but am ready for the next chapter of my life," he said in a meeting with staff in St. Louis. "I intend to remain active in the LCMS organization helping with the Ablaze! initiative, which I fully support and believe in, and likely will continue to serve on the board of Ministry to the Armed Forces-something that's near and dear to my heart," Freitag, 69, said. He was in the U.S. Army for 32 years, including serving as Comptroller of the Army (1991-1994) and as Director of the Army Budget (1989-1991). Prior to joining LCEF, he was also vice president of finance for the American Red Cross Biomedical Services. During Freitag's 11-plus-year tenure, LCEF experienced significant growth and support: total assets rose 84% to $1.80 billion and investments increased 123% to $1.57 billion. And most importantly, LCEF has more dollars at work for LCMS ministries than ever before, with a current portfolio of over $1.5 billion in loans to congregations, schools, and rostered church workers. In addition, Freitag helped expand LCEF's ministry services offerings (such as Laborers For Christ, Capital Funding Services, and Consecrated Stewards) and introduced new products (such as the Rostered Church Worker Loan program, the interest-bearing StewardAccount(r), and the related Family Emergency and FlexPlus Health Savings Account) in order to help meet the needs of the Synod and its members. Back to top OPPORTUNITY TO TRAVEL TO GERMANY Join Rev. Randy Knuth on an unforgettable panoramic journey through the Land of Germany and experience the joys of traveling together in Christian fellowship. Join the group as they travel on an 11-day fully escorted deluxe tour of Germany and attend the "once-in-a-lifetime" experience of the 41st Passion Play in Oberammergau. Included in the tour will be significant places in the life of Martin Luther and the reformation, and some of the romantic towns and castles of Bavaria and Munich. For more information in regard to this Luther Tour, June 15-25, 2010, please contact Pastor Randy Knuth, pastor of Hope Lutheran Church, South Sioux City, at revrandyk at yahoo.com or 402-494-1847 or 712-540-8243. Back to top PRAY2009 PRAYER GATHERING A dedicated group of Missouri Synod Lutherans will gather together September 10-11 at the St. Louis Airport Crowne Plaza hotel for a time of prayer and intercession. Following is a portion of the invitation letter: The world and the church are at war in this day from both inside and outside. On every side there are challenges that threaten to destroy the very fiber of our Christian culture and our faith. We believe with Saint Paul that we are the church militant that wrestles "not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." (Ephesians 6:12 KJV) It is time for the church to pray! Our synod in convention has set some lofty goals to reach in the near future as well. The vision is to reach 100 million people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ by the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in 2017. Our nation is in the midst of some of the most difficult economic times since the great depression. Social institutions such as marriage and the family are under attack. How does the militant church of Jesus Christ wage war in such a time as this? Clearly, it is time for the church to pray! This is no time for the church to be silent, but rather the church must go full into the fray on her knees! We are inviting the intercessors of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod to come together for a time of prayer and intercession. We will not talk about prayer. There will be no presentations on prayer. There will be no diagnosis of the types of prayer. We are coming together to pray. We are putting all our personal and political preferences aside so that we can enter into the throne room of the One True and Living God in unity and make our requests known. We certainly can and will continue to pray in our private closets, but we are looking on this occasion to see how the Lord will bless us as we gather together for a solemn time of prayer, supplication, and intercession from all corners of this church and our great nation. We will gather at the St. Louis Airport Crowne Plaza, 11228 Lone Eagle Drive, Bridgeton, MO 63044 on Thursday, September 10 - Friday, September 11, 2009. We chose this important day because of the opportunity we have to be in prayer at the time of the anniversary of the terrorist attacks on New York City. Space is limited in this first gathering, so register early. If you have questions or desire more information, please feel free to contact either Rev. Cliff Bira at cbira at comcast.net or Rev. Victor Belton at pastorbe at pastorbelton.com for further information. Online registration is available at http://pcbman.wufoo.com/forms/pray-2009-registration-form/, or mail your registration to Holy Cross Lutheran Church,1209 Coutant St., Flushing, MI, 48433, Attention - Pray2009. Please remit $50 registration fee made payable to "Holy Cross Lutheran Church." Back to top LUTHERHOSTEL 2009 LutherHostel 2009 will be held Oct. 3-6 on the campus of Concordia Seminary. LutherHostel is an event designed to provide growth in biblical knowledge and understanding, fun and fellowship, and a chance to gain helpful insights for daily living. It is offered for adults age 55 and above. The deadline to register for this event is September 18, 2009. The theme for the event will be "Finite and Infinite Games." The main presenter will be Rev. John Nunes, president of Lutheran World Relief in Baltimore, Md. Scheduled activities for LutherHostel 2009 will feature a reception and dinner with President and Mrs. Dale A. Meyer. Other activities include presentations, class visitation, student-led evening devotions, opportunities for informal interaction with faculty, a private demonstration of the organ in The Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus, and a tour of selected St. Louis area sites. An optional tour of Lutheran historical sites in Perry County, Mo., also is available on Oct. 7, immediately following LutherHostel. The LutherHostel fee is $325 per person, which includes all meals and refreshments for the event. Housing is available on campus (on a limited basis for an additional cost) or in nearby hotels. For more information about LutherHostel, contact the Seminary's Office of Continuing Education and Parish Services at 314-505-7486 or ce at csl.edu. Back to top LUTHERAN IMMIGRATION AND REFUGEE SERVICE WELCOMES FIRST REFUGEES FROM DARFUR Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) is the first U.S. refugee resettlement agency to welcome refugees from Sudan's western region of Darfur. "The crisis in Darfur has left countless victims in its wake-children orphaned, families torn apart, entire villages destroyed," states LIRS Vice President for Protection and Programs Susan Krehbiel. "We are honored to be among the first to open our arms to our brothers and sisters from Darfur as they begin their lives anew. We stand with Lutherans and other concerned Americans to welcome this family to their new community and we look forward to lighting the way for others fleeing war and persecution." After a harrowing journey across the desert to find shelter at a refugee camp in Chad, the family was granted refugee status and became the first Darfuri refugees to be resettled in the United States. A widowed mother, her six children, and one grandchild arrived safely to the Atlanta area this past week and received a heartfelt welcome from their new neighbors and friends from Lutheran Services of Georgia, an affiliate of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service. Refugees around the world flee their homelands due to systemic persecution and prolonged conflict. There are currently an estimated 13.6 million refugees and asylum seekers worldwide including as many as 2.7 million displaced from the Darfur region. Since 1939, LIRS has created welcoming communities for America's newcomers. One of the nation's leading agencies serving refugees and immigrants, LIRS is a cooperative agency of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod, and the Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The organization resettles refugees, protects migrant children, advocates for just treatment of asylum seekers, seeks alternatives to immigration detention, and stands for unity for families fractured by unfair laws. To learn more about LIRS's work of welcome, please visit www.lirs.org. 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: 59259 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20090805/34c590ae/attachment.txt -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.gif Type: image/gif Size: 8295 bytes Desc: image001.gif Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20090805/34c590ae/image001-0001.gif From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Mon Aug 10 13:48:21 2009 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Mon, 10 Aug 2009 18:48:21 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] Dr. Herman Glaess Called to Glory Message-ID: + OBITUARY + Herman L. Glaess, Commissioned Minister-Teacher Emeritus, departed this life in Lincoln, Nebraska, on August 8, 2009. He was born on July 18, 1926, in Harbor Beach, Michigan, to Arnold and Vincenta (Sandmann) Glaess. He graduated from Concordia Teachers College (River Forest, Illinois) in 1946, received a Masters Degree from Wayne State University in 1955, and added his Doctor of Education from the University of Nebraska in 1966. Herman married Ruth Bruckner on August 5, 1950, in Detroit, Michigan. He served as principal at St. Peter's Lutheran School, East Detroit, Michigan; professor and chairman of the education and psychology division at Concordia Teachers College in Seward; and guest instructor at the University of Nebraska. Concordia and the University of Nebraska presented Herman with their highest teaching awards. Herman retired in January of 2008. He was also an author of the best selling, Potentiality Enhancement Programs. As a clinical psychologist, Glaess served as an organizational consultant, trainer, and motivational speaker to businesses, trade association, utilities, and educational institutions across the United States. He also served as president of the Lutheran Education Association. Mr. Glaess is survived by his wife Ruth and their children and spouses: Anita and Jack Batts of Encampment, Wyoming; Mark and Debbie Glaess of Maple Grove, Minnesota; Marian Brosig of Palisades, Colorado; and Lori and Cameron Scarlett of Madison, Wisconsin; 7 grandchildren; and 3 great-grandchildren; sisters Eleanor Dorow of Benton Harbor, Michigan; and Marietta Ziebart of Orlando, Florida. Herman was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Kurt Brosig; brothers-in-law Bob Dorow and Al Ziebart. Memorial services will be held Tuesday, August 11, at 1:30 p.m. at St. John Lutheran Church, Seward. Inurnment at Greenwood Cemetery, Seward. Family will meet friends on Monday, August 10, from 6:30-8 p.m. at Volzke Funeral Home, Seward. Memorials to Herman Glaess Leadership Endowment Fund c/o Concordia University, Seward, or Concordia University Athletic Fund. Condolences may be sent to www.volzkefuneralhome.com. 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: 6072 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20090810/4246b115/attachment.txt From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Aug 12 15:41:31 2009 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 12 Aug 2009 20:41:31 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] August 12 Message-ID: [cid:image001.jpg at 01CA1B61.6E81F9F0] August 12, 2009 In this issue: Greetings in the name of our Heavenly Father. As many families are preparing for the start of another school year by purchasing school supplies, buying new school clothes, and beginning new school-year routines, children in Sudan will be learning in a very different way. Imagine walking to school every day, sitting down on a tin coffee can under a large shade tree where a small chalkboard is propped up, and being one of 500 students being taught by one of eight teachers at the school. While this may sound very different from any school we might imagine, it is the reality for more than 1,300 students who learn in the Lutheran schools in the Upper Nile Region of Sudan. These schools, part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sudan, provide children with a good education, as well as teach them about their Lord Jesus Christ who loves them and cares for them. The Nebraska District is pleased to be ministry partners on this mission field through LCMS World Mission. More information on the Lutheran church in Sudan is available on the District website (www.ndlcms.org), as well as the LCMS World Mission website (http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=6745). Nebraska District congregations and schools are invited to be mission partners by adopting one of these schools and providing a roof for shelter or government-mandated uniforms for the students. More information and adoption agreements are available on the District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/ministries/district/agreements.html and through Gary Thies. * Prayer Requests * Rev. Don Becker Honored as Outstanding Mentor * Teachers' Conference Location Change * Faith, Humboldt, Featured in Fan into Flame Newsletter * Upcoming Orphan Grain Train Convention Registration * Seminary Receives Accreditation for Online MA in Deaconess Studies * Updated Mission Central Speaking Schedule * Jesus Our Savior Lutheran School Dedication Service * Theological Symposium: "Science and Theology: New Questions, New Conversations" * Nebraska Lutheran Women's Missionary Leagues Accepting Grant Applications * CPH Offers Women's Devotional Materials on Sale in August * New Spanish Materials Offered by CPH PRAYER REQUESTS The family of Dr. Herman Glaess - Please lift up in prayer the family of Dr. Herman Glaess, who was called to heaven Saturday, August 8. He served the Church for many years as an educator, both as a teacher in the classroom and instructor at the college level. As a clinical psychologist, Dr. Glaess served as an organizational consultant, trainer, and motivational speaker to businesses, trade associations, utilities, and educational institutions across the United States. He also served as president of the Lutheran Education Association. A memorial service was held for Dr. Glaess Tuesday, August 11, at St. John, Seward. We ask the Lord to grant his family peace and comfort at this time of loss. Back to top REV. DON BECKER HONORED AS OUTSTANDING MENTOR Rev. Don Becker of Minden was honored by the TeamMates Mentoring Program, founded by Tom and Nancy Osborne, at the TeamMates Annual Partnership Meeting in July. As part of the meeting, outstanding TeamMates matches were honored. Rev. Don Becker (mentor) and Richard Parton (mentee) of Minden were recognized for excellence in mentoring. Pastor Becker serves at St. Paul, Minden. The mission of the TeamMates Mentoring Program is to positively impact the world by inspiring youth to reach their full potential. The TeamMates Mentoring Program was founded in 1991 by the Osbornes to provide support and encouragement to school-aged youth. Back to top TEACHERS' CONFERENCE LOCATION CHANGE Teachers and administrators, please note the change in location for the fall Teachers' Conference. This year's conference will be held at Trinity Lutheran School in Grand Island, with the high school track to be hosted by Heartland Lutheran High. The committee is at work on registration materials, and packets will be sent to schools later this month. Please note, the conference will be in Grand Island on October 22-23, and not in Norfolk as originally planned. Contact Carol Oetting in the education department at carolo at ndlcms.org or 888-643-2961 with questions. Back to top FAITH, HUMBOLDT, FEATURED IN FAN INTO FLAME NEWSLETTER Last spring, the members of Faith, Humboldt, heard about the opportunities for supporting mission work both locally and internationally through the Fan into Flame effort. The congregation committed $5,000 to the campaign during a vacancy period. After their new pastor arrived, they shared their vision of participating in Fan into Flame and the pastor "got on board." Today, the congregation's commitments exceed $13,000, and they continue to explore the possibilities for outreach work in their community, through their congregation, and in their own lives. The story of Faith, Humboldt, and the work the Lord is doing through these people is shared in the July/August 2009 issue of Update News, the Fan into Flame newsletter. You can read an electronic copy at http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=11976. If you would like paper copies to distribute in your congregation, contact Nichole Hetz at the District Office, nicholeh at ndlcms.org or 888-643-2961, to request the appropriate number. Back to top UPCOMING ORPHAN GRAIN TRAIN CONVENTION REGISTRATION The Orphan Grain Train Convention will be held September 18-19 at Lutheran High Northeast in Norfolk. Full registration information, as well as details on the convention, are available at http://www.ogt.org/index.php/events/convention. The registration fee is $45 per person before September 1, and $50 per person after that date. While you are at the Orphan Grain Train website, take time to read the series of six articles written and published in the Norfolk Daily News about the ministry of Orphan Grain Train. Follow http://www.ogt.org/index.php/ourstory/news_full/orphan_grain_train_featured_in_norfolk_daily_news_series/ to read the articles. Back to top SEMINARY RECEIVES ACCREDITATION FOR ONLINE MA IN DEACONESS STUDIES The Association of Theological Schools (ATS) has granted preliminary approval to Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana, for a Master of Arts (MA) in the Deaconess Studies program, which will be delivered through a combination of electronic distance learning and on-campus intensives. "Many women serve in roles involving diakonal work and aspects of spiritual care without having had formal theological training at the graduate level. Concordia Theological Seminary (CTS) is delighted to be able to honor their diakonal work by providing an opportunity for these women to study theology at an advanced level and gain an MA so that they can be certified as deaconesses," said Dr. Arthur Just, Director of Deaconess Studies at the seminary. The full-time degree can be completed in two and a half years, but students may opt to take courses on a part-time basis. The curriculum will be structured to take into account the experience and workload of the students. The degree will include a rigorous program of theological study, together with training in practical, diakonal skills. Full-time students will take two online courses in each of the Fall and Spring quarters and two two-week intensives in each of the Winter and Summer quarters. All students will also participate in fieldwork. Women admitted to this program must have the following: * Completed a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution or the equivalent. * Been a member of a congregation in The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, ordinarily for a minimum of two years prior to admission. * Served at least five years in a congregation or institution where their work has included an element of spiritual care (e.g., parish nurse, care ministry in a congregation, etc.) and will continue to serve in this way throughout the course of their study. While CTS has been carrying out distance learning pastoral training programs since the mid-1990s, this is the first time that an online program for women, leading to an MA and certification as a deaconess, will be offered. It is anticipated that the first students will be enrolled for the Fall 2009 quarter. "The approved online MA in Deaconess Studies demonstrates the commitment of the seminary to providing creative ways to teach deaconess students the knowledge, skills, and attitudes they need for diakonal work in their specific context." said Dr. Lawrence Rast, Academic Dean at CTS. You are invited to find out more about the MA in Deaconess Studies by e-mailing CTS at deaconess at ctsfw.edu, or calling Dr. Arthur Just, Director of Deaconess Studies (260-452-2138) or Dr. Cyndy Lumley, Associate Director of Deaconess Studies (260-452-2225). Back to top UPDATED MISSION CENTRAL SPEAKING SCHEDULE The following special events are planned at Mission Central near Mapleton, Iowa. Gary Thies invites everyone to come and hear these wonderful folks talk about their work around the world. All speaking events are in the barn at Mission Central, and the newest additions to the speaking list are in red. For more information on Mission Central or on these special events, visit the Mission Central website at www.missioncentral.us. August 15 - Amy Kashenov - Kazakhstan at 2:00 p.m. only August 22 - Vicar Heath and Aunnee Trampe - Riga, Latvia at 1:00 p.m. only August 29 - Ashley Effken - Czech Republic at 1:00 p.m. September 2 - Anna Horkey - China at 7:00 p.m. September 16 - Rev. Matt Heise - Georgia, Russia, and Mongolia at 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. Mission Central now has a Facebook page! Those interested in viewing this page may follow the link from the Mission Central homepage, www.missioncentral.us. Back to top JESUS OUR SAVIOR LUTHERAN SCHOOL DEDICATION SERVICE Everyone is invited to join Jesus Our Savior Lutheran Outreach in Winnebago for the dedication service of their new education building and celebration of the start of a new school year on Sunday, August 23, at 4:00 p.m. Jesus Our Savior Lutheran Elementary School will begin its first school year this fall, while Jesus Our Savior Lutheran Preschool will begin its 12th year of early childhood ministry. We thank the Lord for the blessings He has showered on this ministry in the past, and we ask that He will continue to bless the teachers and students as they begin a new school year. Back to top THEOLOGICAL SYMPOSIUM: "SCIENCE AND THEOLOGY: NEW QUESTIONS, NEW CONVERSATIONS" Pastors and theologians tend not to have much formal training in science. Scientists tend not to receive much formal education in theology. Yet the two disciplines are often asked cross-disciplinary questions like: How do our understandings of the creation of the universe jive between science and Christian theology? How do scientific theories such as quantum mechanics point toward or away from God's creative hand? How should Christians take care of the world's environment? Are our brains programmed to seek and worship God? How should Christians view new technologies like in vitro fertilization or stem cell research? In an effort to help pastors and laypeople think through such questions, Concordia Seminary is pleased to announce its 20th Annual Theological Symposium to be held Sept. 22-23 under the title "Science and Theology: New Questions, New Conversations." While the Symposium will keep its relevance as a time for theological discussion among pastors, this year's Symposium will also feature opportunities for high school and college science instructors, as well as other laypeople, to talk about the interplay between science and theology. The primary plenary speakers will all be scientists from diverse backgrounds. Dr. Daniel Botkin, professor emeritus at the University of California, Santa Barbara, has been called "one of the preeminent ecologists of the 20th century," noted for the advancement of computer simulations and satellite remote sensing in the study of forests. He has written numerous articles, software programs, and books, including No Man's Garden: Thoreau and a New Vision for Civilization and Nature. Dr. Mario Beauregard is a professor of neurobiology at the University of Montreal, most noted for his research and book The Spiritual Brain: A Neuroscientist's Case for the Existence of the Soul. Dr. Benjamin Schumacher is a physics professor at Kenyon College in Ohio and author of a textbook on relativity titled Physics in Spacetime. Schumacher is credited with inventing the term "qubit," the unit of measurement in quantum information theory. Each scientist's plenary will be followed by a response from one of Concordia Seminary's faculty exploring the theological implications of the presentation. Other sectional speakers include Dr. Del Ratzsch, professor of philosophy and science at Calvin College and author of the book The Battle of Beginnings: Why Neither Side Is Winning the Creation-Evolution Debate; Dr. Angus Menuge, professor of philosophy and science at Concordia University Wisconsin; and Dr. Robert Weise, Concordia Seminary professor and The Lutheran Foundation of St. Louis Chair in Pastoral Ministry and the Life Sciences. Other sectionals on a wide variety of science-theology topics are also being planned. Those interested in these issues are also encouraged to take part in the Seminary's Alumni Read, which this year is renowned scientist and theologian John Polkinghorne's book, Science and Theology: An Introduction. Following the Symposium, Dr. Victor Raj, mission professor of exegetical theology and assistant director of the Institute for Mission Studies, will present the 2009 Witness Workshop. The Sept. 24-25 workshop will explore "Hybrid Spirituality." This workshop in four sessions will address the challenge Christians face in their everyday lives and witness as they live and work among people who are looking for the best from everywhere to quench their spiritual thirst. Major issues will be identified and Christian responses will be presented within the Scriptural framework. Parish pastors, district and synodical officials, Seminary and Concordia University students and faculty and interested laypersons are encouraged to attend. One CEU is available for attending the Symposium. Registration fees are as follows: $130 by September 8 (includes Tuesday evening buffet); $140 after September 8. Day registration: $70 by September 8; $80 after September 8. Session Registration: $35 by September 8; $40 after September 8. Witness Workshop: $35. For more information and/or registration information, contact the Office of Continuing Education and Parish Services at 314-505-7486 or ce at csl.edu, or visit the Seminary's website at www.csl.edu. Back to top LUTHERAN WOMEN'S MISSIONARY LEAGUES ACCEPTING GRANT APPLICATIONS Applications for mission grants for the 2010 conventions of the Nebraska District LWML South and North are now available from local LWML society presidents. The vice president of Gospel Outreach for each district may also be contacted. For LWML South, contact Deanna Dowding at 154 East Moffit, Seward, NE, 68434; 402-643-3148; or deanna.dowding at yahoo.com. Applications may also be found on the LWML South website at www.lwmlnesouth.org. The deadline is December 15, 2009. For LWML North, contact Monica Ebmeier at 87161 574 Ave., Laurel, NE, 68745; 402-256-3553, or monica_ebmeier at yahoo.com. The deadline is January 1, 2010. An individual member, society, zone, district board, or synodical board may submit grant proposals, and grants should: * Emphasize extending the ministry of the Word. * Fit into the plans and projections of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. * Be current and ready for implementation. Back to top CPH OFFERS WOMEN'S DEVOTIONAL MATERIALS ON SALE IN AUGUST Concordia Publishing House (CPH) announces special pricing throughout August for ten of its top-tier women's resources, found at http://www.cph.org/women. The offer is a response to the challenge extended by the Lutheran Women's Missionary League (LWML), the women's auxiliary organization of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, at the 33rd Biennial LWML Convention held last month in Portland, Oregon. At the event, LWML President Janice Wendorf challenged all attendees to make a commitment to be "in the Word, honoring a daily appointment with the Father and His Word; of the Word, made over by the Holy Spirit, forgiven and restored; walking with the Lord, totally confident of Christ's presence in serving and living." CPH participated with a full presence at the event that included a store featuring women's resources centered around its "A Good Place" campaign. Dr. Bruce G. Kintz, CPH's President and Chief Executive Officer greeted the convention and pledged support, "We stand ready to partner with LWML in new ways as you reach out in your congregations and communities and around the world to boldly proclaim the Good News. There is so much more we can do for the sake of our Savior, and we can accomplish much when we walk together." Customers can shop ten "best" CPH women's ministry products at http://www.cph.org/women through August 31, and save 20%, with no minimum purchase. Everyone is encouraged to take advantage of a great offer to purchase outstanding resources for their women's Bible study group or for individual use. Concordia Publishing House has been steadily growing its line of Bible study and devotional resources for men and women. Products are available for large and small group format, and for individual use. Many products offer a DVD component and discussion guides. Back to top NEW SPANISH MATERIALS OFFERED BY CPH Spanish Music Downloads Concordia Publishing House (http://www.cph.org) (CPH) now has Spanish music available for purchase at iTunes, Amazon, and other select digital music stores. Concordia Publishing House offers a wide variety of children's songs, instrumental and choral arrangements, and hymns. "Editorial Concordia is honored to be able to present all of our Spanish albums on iTunes," said Marcia Wilhelm, Marketing Manager of Multilingual Resources. "The music that is on iTunes has been available in the past only with other resources and never sold separately." "Editorial Concordia, http://editorial.concordia.org, is the Hispanic division of Concordia Publishing House and it focuses on three areas of service: Christian education, theological education, and mission. They offer over 300 resources, from Vacation Bible School programs to exegetic commentaries, in Spanish. "Spanish iTunes came about as an opportunity for the multilingual department to provide our customers with the ability to download Spanish music from anywhere in the world," said Wilhelm. "These songs are great for all ages and cultures and we are excited that our Hispanic customers can now access them online." Visit your favorite online music store and search for Concordia Publishing House to see the list of available downloads. First-Ever Biography of Spanish Reformer Editorial Concordia, the Spanish division of Concordia Publishing House (CPH), announces the release of the biography Casiodoro de Reina, Patriarca del Protestantismo Hispano. Casiodoro de Reina, Patriarca del Protestantismo Hispano (Casiodoro de Reina, Patriarch of Hispanic Protestantism), by Raymond S. Rosales, is the first known effort to gather the writings of monk and Spanish reformer, Casiodoro de Reina. The book follows the events of his life and focuses on his passion to share God's Word with Spanish-speaking people. "Casiodoro de Reina, Patriarch of Hispanic Protestantism is an excellent biography of a central figure who played a vital role in translating the Reina-Valera Bible," says Marcia Wilhelm, marketing manager of CPH multilingual resources. "The Reina-Valera is a Spanish translation of the Bible, first published in 1569." Find more information about this book at Casiodoro de Reina, Patriarca del Protestantismo Hispano, or order it online at www.cph.org or by calling 1-800-325-3040. Back to top Summer (and back-to-school) 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: 52452 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20090812/7169e01e/attachment.txt -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 12979 bytes Desc: image001.jpg Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20090812/7169e01e/image001-0001.jpg From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Thu Aug 13 15:14:25 2009 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Thu, 13 Aug 2009 20:14:25 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] Luella Kovac Called to Glory Message-ID: + OBITUARY + Mrs. Luella (Meyer) Kovac, widow of the Reverend John D. Kovac, Sr., Seward, Nebraska, departed this life on Wednesday, August 12, 2009, at the age of 86. She was born at Elk Creek, Nebraska, on January 2, 1923, to Martin and Elise (Klipp) Meyer. She was baptized at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Elk Creek, on January 8, 1923. After moving from Elk Creek to Malcolm, Nebraska, at the age of 6, she attended St. Paul Lutheran School in Malcolm for 8 years, her father being the teacher there. She was confirmed in her Christian faith on May 16, 1937. She graduated from Malcolm High School in 1941, attended Lincoln School of Commerce for 8 months, and then accepted a secretarial position at Concordia Teachers College. In 1945, she moved to St. Louis, Missouri, to work in the mission department of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. She was united in marriage to John D. Kovac on August 3, 1947, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Hanover, Kansas. Pastor Kovac served congregations in Pennsylvania, Kansas, and Nebraska. Mrs. Kovac is survived by two daughters, Ruth (James) Wogahn of Seward, and Mary (Gary) Faszholz of Macomb, Michigan; two sons, Dr. John Jr. (Helen) Kovac of Hermosa Beach, California, and James (Rhonda) Kovac of Beaver Crossing, Nebraska; one brother, Delbert (Ann) Meyer of York, Nebraska; one sister, Dorian (Don) Bisping of Linn, Kansas; two sisters-in-law, Loma Meyer of St. Paul, Minnesota, and Doris Meyer of Clay Center, Kansas; seven grandchildren, one great-grandchild, nieces and nephews. Mrs. Kovac was preceded in death by her husband; one son, Paul; grandson, David Wogahn; and two brothers, Erwin Meyer and Gerhardt Meyer. The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 18, 2009, at St. John Lutheran Church in Seward. Interment will be at Greenwood Cemetery, Seward, Nebraska. Condolences may be sent to James Kovac, 685 462nd Road, Beaver Crossing, Nebraska 68313, jrkovac at stewireless.com. 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: 6254 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20090813/7ea861c7/attachment.txt From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Aug 19 11:48:24 2009 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 19 Aug 2009 16:48:24 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] August 19 Message-ID: [cid:image001.jpg at 01CA20C2.9CE07360] August 19, 2009 In this issue: Greetings in the name of our loving Heavenly Father. Schools across Nebraska have started or are starting in the days ahead. Likewise, congregations are preparing for the start of a new year of Sunday school and Bible classes. Part of the preparations for a new school year is choosing mission projects for the students to support. Did you know the Nebraska District has a number of mission projects here in Nebraska that need funding? Congregations of the Nebraska District support ministries on Nebraska college campuses, Hispanic ministry, Sudanese ministry, Native American ministry, and Sandhills ministry through their mission and ministry gifts to the Nebraska District and through gifts specified for these ministries. These directed gifts are made by using one of the adoption agreements available on the District website. Congregations and schools are encouraged to visit http://www.ndlcms.org/ministries/district/agreements.html to view adoption agreements for Nebraska District missions and to consider supporting one or more local missions throughout the coming school year. More information on the ministries is available at http://www.ndlcms.org/ministries/district/index.html. Contact Rev. Rich Boring at the District Office, richb at ndlcms.org or 888-643-2961, for more information on District missions. * Church/School Secretary Workshop Date Set * Tell Us About Your Vacation Bible School * LCMS Issues Statement on Health Care Reform * Prospective Seminary Students Invited to "Contemplate" * K4 Restoration Sunday Video * TLCare at Mayo Hospital * Nebraska Lutherans for Confessional Study to Meet * Concordia Publishing House to Dedicate New Bookstore at Concordia University, Nebraska CHURCH/SCHOOL SECRETARY WORKSHOP DATE SET The 2009 Church Secretary Workshop hosted by the Nebraska District is scheduled to be held from 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3, at Concordia University, Seward. More information will be mailed to church and school offices in mid-September. Office staff should mark the date on their calendars and make plans now to join together with others to celebrate their common ministry and gain new insights from shared ideas. Questions may be directed to Nichole at the District Office, nicholeh at ndlcms.org or 888-643-2961. Back to top TELL US ABOUT YOUR VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL Congregations across the District are finished with another Vacation Bible School season. Throughout the summer, many of you have told us exciting stories about VBS at your congregation or in your community. We have heard about the wonderful things God has done through your VBS (reaching out into the community to bring the Gospel to unchurched children). Others have shared stories of the ways the seed was planted in the hearts of children and their families (taking VBS into community trailer courts). Some of you approached VBS in unique and different ways (kissing an alligator)! Whether you are a pastor, a teacher, a volunteer, a parent, or a student, you have a story to tell. We love hearing stories about the unique and special things that happened at VBS, as well as seeing the miracles God is working through these summertime gatherings. Maybe it was a new schedule, a fresh approach to advertising, a wonderful witness given by teacher or student, or something else. Whatever it was, let us know. Just send your VBS stories to info at ndlcms.org, along with your name and your congregation's name, and let us rejoice with you! Thanks for taking the time to share your story. Here's one to get you started: Eighteen high school youth and two adults traveled from Mexico to Omaha on a mission trip and helped hold a Vacation Bible School at the Tree of Life Center for Hispanic children in the area. Back to top LCMS Issues Statement on Health Care Reform In a statement released Aug. 14, Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod President Gerald B. Kieschnick acknowledges that the health-care reform issue is "complicated and still evolving," but stresses that the Synod "would not endorse any component of a plan that includes funding for abortion." "As pro-life advocates," Kieschnick says, "we would want to prohibit any government money from being used, even indirectly, for insurance that covers abortion." Regardless of the outcome of the health-care debate -- now "on the table" until lawmakers return to the capital next month - "God's Word will continue to guide us as we offer Christian care and compassion to our neighbors in time of need," he says. Kieschnick encourages LCMS congregation members "to be attuned to the debate and the process" and to "pray for our elected leaders and for all those in authority." Says Kieschnick: "We have been called to be disciples of Christ and witnesses for Christ. Searching for an effective means of ministering to the sick and vulnerable is one way to respond to that calling. May the Lord grant us, our leaders, and our nation wisdom in this process." To read the statement in its entirety, click here or visit the LCMS website at www.lcms.org. Back to top PROSPECTIVE SEMINARY STUDENTS INVITED TO "CONTEMPLATE . . ." Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, is pleased to invite prospective students and their guests to attend "Contemplate..." to be held October 8-10, 2009, and March 11-13, 2010, on the Seminary campus. At this time, the registration form for both events is on the Concordia Seminary website at www.csl.edu. A full brochure is forthcoming. Designed for those who are college age or older, the structured visitation event provides an effective means of learning 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. There is no charge to attend "Contemplate..." and all meals and lodging are provided free of charge. Round-trip transportation to Concordia Seminary from the airport is provided. For more information, contact the Admissions Office at 1-800-822-9545 or admissions at csl.edu. Back to top K4 RESTORATION SUNDAY VIDEO Hundreds of congregations and individuals from all over the country (even the Virgin Islands) have said they'll be holding a "K4 Restoration Sunday" to support the people still recovering from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. As the hurricane season begins in earnest, it's important to remember the long-term devastation each one of these storms can leave in its wake. To help promote "Restoration Sunday" Recovery Assistance, Inc. Ministries (RAI Ministries) has just released the "Restoration Sunday 2009" video for you to show your congregation. Please visit their website at http://www.raiministries.org/ to watch the video and to find other K4 resources. Additionally, would you please send an email to RAI to let them know that you will be holding a "Restoration Sunday" so that they can include your congregation in their prayers during the "K4 Worship Service" in New Orleans on August 29th? You may email them at director at raiministries.org. Back to top TLCARE AT MAYO HOSPITAL Trinity Lutheran Church in Rochester, Minnesota has a ministry called TLCare that offers hospitality to those receiving medical care at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. TLCare now has lodging to offer to LCMS brothers and sisters at no cost. The small apartment is located on the edge of the Mayo campus and is available first come, first served. For more information, please contact Jennifer Jurgensen, tlcjennifer at charterinternet.com or Trinity Lutheran Church at 507-289-1531. Back to top NEBRASKA LUTHERANS FOR CONFESSIONAL STUDY TO MEET The August gathering of the Nebraska Lutherans for Confessional Study (NLCS) will be held on Thursday, August 20, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 3825 Wildbriar Lane in Lincoln. Refreshments will be in the fellowship hall at 9:30 a.m., followed by Matins at 10 a.m. Presenter for the day will be Rev. Philip Hale, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bancroft, Nebraska; his topic will be "Narrative Criticism." The morning session will start at about 10:30 a.m. Following lunch, the afternoon topic will start at about 1 p.m. 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 PUBLISHING HOUSE TO DEDICATE NEW BOOKSTORE AT CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY, NEBRASKA Concordia Publishing House dedicates its newest bookstore on the campus of Concordia University, Nebraska, home of the Bulldogs, on August 27, 2009. The Nebraska store joins the ranks of other CPH operated campus stores at Concordia University Chicago; Concordia University Ann Arbor; Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana; and Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. The dedication will be held at 11 a.m. on August 27 in the new bookstore. Concordia University President, Rev. Dr. Brian Friedrich will share remarks, and CPH President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Bruce Kintz and CPH Vice President Jonathan Schultz will also attend. "CPH wants to get to know the students at the ten schools in the Concordia University System, and our bookstores provide a great front-line way to do that," says Dr. Kintz. "We are experts at bookstore operations, and look forward not only to providing top-tier service for faculty, students, and local communities near the stores, but also to forming new connections with customers who are really important to us." "We are pleased to be part of the community in Seward with this latest branch of CPH," remarks Peter Frank, Manager of Bookstore Operations. "Like our vision statement says, 'We strive to be the premier publisher and provider of choice...' and that applies for the CUNE community as well." Concordia Campus Bookstores offer advantages both to students and faculty on the campus where they operate, and also to local congregations and individuals, who can place orders for church resources and CPH products and services without incurring shipping costs. "Our campus stores offer the same advantages as shopping in our anchor store at our St. Louis headquarters," Frank stresses. The Concordia campus will also be part of transforming the store's appearance, with the Department of Art getting involved in updating the look of the space. "We are a ministry, not just a business," said Frank. "We are there to serve." Back to top 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: 36513 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20090819/0bdf4f9f/attachment.txt -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 12979 bytes Desc: image001.jpg Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20090819/0bdf4f9f/image001-0001.jpg From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Aug 26 10:54:33 2009 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 26 Aug 2009 15:54:33 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] August 26 Message-ID: [cid:image001.jpg at 01CA263B.2C89BA30] August 26, 2009 In this issue: Greetings in the name of our loving Heavenly Father. This past weekend the District hosted the last of three Fiscal Conferences around the state. With 90 in attendance last Saturday, the total number of people who took time to come and learn more about stewardship and fiscal responsibility neared 200. Thanks be to God for the dedicated pastors and lay leaders who joined us and participated in these workshops. If you or your stewardship committee was not able to join us and you would like to learn more, contact District Treasurer Paul Pettit at paulp at ndlcms.org or 888-643-2961. He is available for presentations to help your congregation understand its role and responsibility as a member congregation of the LCMS, as well as to offer stewardship materials and resources. The Lord has given the Nebraska District wonderful mission opportunities, and congregations and individuals can be a part of these ministries through their gifts of time, prayer, and treasurers. Visit www.ndlcms.org or contact the District Office to learn more. * Prayer Request * Statement from President Kieschnick * No Website Updates * Congregational Youth Ministry Inquiry Forms Still Being Collected * Worship at State Fair * LWML Nebraska District North Fall Retreat * Concordia University, Nebraska on "Best" List * Nebraska Lutherans for Confessional Study to Meet * Sibling Harmony Concerts in Nebraska * Financial Peace University Class Offered in Omaha PRAYER REQUEST Samuel Felix - We rejoice with Vicar Obdulio and Yoliza Felix at the birth of their son, Samuel, on Wednesday, August 19. We thank God for the gift of life He granted to this family, and we look forward to welcoming Samuel into the Body of Christ through Holy Baptism. Vicar Felix serves at Iglesia Luterana Jesus es el Senor Hispanic mission in Omaha through Beautiful Savior, La Vista. Back to top STATEMENT FROM PRESIDENT KIESCHNICK (Reprinted with permission of the LCMS Office of the President) Nebraska District President Russ Sommerfeld shares the following: LCMS President Gerald B. Kieschnick has offered two responses to the August 17-23, 2009, decisions on human sexuality by the Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. Both responses can be accessed at www.lcms.org. On Friday, Aug. 21, the ELCA Assembly voted to open the ministry of the ELCA to gay and lesbian pastors and other professional workers living in "committed relationships." In an earlier action, the assembly also approved a resolution that commits the ELCA "to finding ways to allow congregations that choose to do so to recognize, support, and hold publicly accountable life-long, monogamous, same-gender relationships." The LCMS regards these decisions by the ELCA assembly to be contrary to the Scriptures. The LCMS believes that the Word of God teaches that homosexual behavior is contrary to God's will, and it seeks to minister to those who are struggling with homosexual inclinations. The LCMS is committed to caringly show these individuals their sinfulness and assuring them of forgiveness in Christ upon sincere repentance and faith in Christ. As members of the body of Christ, the LCMS strives to assist the individuals to rely on Christ's love and strength to abstain from homophile behavior and to help them to bear their burden without fear of recrimination and rejection by sisters and brothers in Christ. Pastors, professional church workers and members of LCMS congregations are also encouraged to pray for the ELCA, as well as LCMS relations with the ELCA. For as President Kieschnick stated in his address to the ELCA Assembly on August 22, "The decisions by this assembly to grant non-celibate homosexual ministers the privilege of serving as rostered leaders in the ELCA and the affirmation of same-gender unions as pleasing to God will undoubtedly cause additional stress and disharmony within the ELCA. It will also negatively affect the relationships between our two church bodies." Further responses to the ELCA Assembly's actions will be provided as they become available. Following is a letter to congregations from President Kieschnick in response to these actions of the Churchwide Assembly of the ELCA. Congregations may reprint this letter for their use by including the following line: "Reprinted with permission of the LCMS Office of the President." The two largest Lutheran church bodies in the United States are the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) with 4.8 million members and The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod (LCMS) with 2.4 million members. On Friday, Aug. 21, the Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America voted to open the ministry of the ELCA to gay and lesbian pastors and other professional workers living in "committed relationships." In an earlier action, the assembly approved a resolution that commits the ELCA "to finding ways to allow congregations that choose to do so to recognize, support, and hold publicly accountable life-long, monogamous, same-gender relationships." The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod has repeatedly affirmed as its own position the historical understanding of the Christian church that the Bible condemns homosexual behavior as "intrinsically sinful." It is therefore contrary to the will of the Creator and constitutes sin against the commandments of God (Lev. 18:22, 24,20:13: 1 Cor. 6:9-20; 1 Tim 1:9-10; and Rom. 1:26, 27). Addressing the ELCA assembly on Saturday, Aug. 22, I responded to their aforementioned actions, stating: "The decisions by this assembly to grant non-celibate homosexual ministers the privilege of serving as rostered leaders in the ELCA and the affirmation of same-gender unions as pleasing to God will undoubtedly cause additional stress and disharmony within the ELCA. It will also negatively affect the relationships between our two church bodies. The current division between our churches threatens to become a chasm. This grieves my heart and the hearts of all in the ELCA, the LCMS, and other Christian church bodies throughout the world who do not see these decisions as compatible with the Word of God, or in agreement with the consensus of 2,000 years of Christian theological affirmation regarding what Scripture teaches about human sexuality. Simply stated, this matter is fundamentally related to significant differences in how we [our two church bodies] understand the authority of Holy Scripture and the interpretation of God's revealed and infallible Word." Doctrinal decisions adopted already in 2001 led the LCMS, in sincere humility and love, to declare that we could no longer consider the ELCA "to be an orthodox Lutheran church body" (2001 Res 3-21A). Sadly, the decisions of this past week to ignore biblical teaching on human sexuality have reinforced that conclusion. We respect the desire to follow conscience in moral decision making, but conscience may not overrule the Word of God. We recognize that many brothers and sisters within the ELCA, both clergy and lay, are committed to remaining faithful to the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, are committed to the authority of Holy Scripture, and strongly oppose these actions. To them we offer our assurance of loving encouragement together with our willingness to provide appropriate support in their efforts to remain faithful to the Word of God and the historic teachings of the Lutheran church and all other Christian churches for the past 2,000 years. Dr. Gerald B. Kieschnick, President The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod Back to top NO WEBSITE UPDATES Due to computer complications at the District Office, we are not able to update the District website at this time. As soon as the situation is resolved, updates will be made. Until that time, feel free to email us at info at ndlcms.org, call us at 888-643-2961, or become a fan of the Nebraska District Facebook page to learn the latest news on ministry in Nebraska. We apologize for any inconvenience, and we appreciate your patience. Back to top CONGREGATIONAL YOUTH MINISTRY INQUIRY FORMS STILL BEING COLLECTED Church offices should have received a mailing in mid-July regarding the 2010 National LCMS Youth Gathering, WE BELIEVE. As part of that mailing, congregations were asked to return a Congregational Youth Ministry Inquiry form. If your congregation has not yet completed this form, we would still like to have this information. This mailing and the form are on the District website at www.ndlcms.org/education/youth/gathering.html. There is also information on the WE BELIEVE Adult Leader Informational meetings taking place in the District in September, along with contact information for the Nebraska District Coordinators. Back to top WORSHIP AT STATE FAIR Are you planning to take in the Nebraska State Fair this weekend or next weekend? Will you be there on a Sunday? If so, join the Nebraska District Lutheran Laymen as they provide a worship service at the Open Air Auditorium each Sunday at 9:00 a.m. Rev. Paul Holtorf, Associate Professor of Theology, Concordia University, Seward, will be preaching and leading the service on Sunday, August 30. Special music will be provided by the A Cappella Choir of Concordia University under the direction of Kurt Von Kampen. Rev. Keith Grimm will be preaching the message on Sunday, September 6. Pastor Grimm serves as the International Pastoral Advisor of the Lutheran Laymen's League and serves as senior pastor at Beautiful Savior in LaVista. Leading the worship service and sharing the children's message will be Rev. Duane Fahr of First Trinity, Bloomfield. Pastor Fahr serves as the Nebraska District's LLL Pastoral Advisor. Special music will be provided by the Concordia Lutheran Schools, Omaha, High School Choir, under the direction of Peter Klemp. If you are at the fair, don't miss this special time to worship our Lord. Back to top LWML NEBRASKA DISTRICT NORTH FALL RETREAT The LWML Nebraska District North Fall Retreat will be held at Zion Lutheran in Plainview on September 19. The retreat theme is "Singing His Praises In His Word." The day will include three Bible studies based on three favorite hymns, as well as a hymn sing and organ recital by Stephen Hakes of Christ, Norfolk. Registration forms and the $20 fee are appreciated by September 1. Teens (Friends Into Serving Him) are also invited to come to join in praising the Lord and learning through the Word. Registration forms and information on the day have been sent to all churches and society presidents in the district. Pastors and secretaries are encouraged to include this information in their upcoming bulletin and Sunday morning announcements. For more information, contact Katy Gifford at 402-586-2411 or blessings at gpcom.net. Back to top CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY, NEBRASKA ON "BEST" LIST Concordia University, Nebraska moved to No. 16, up two spots, in the Midwest baccalaureate category of U.S. News & World Report's 2010 America's Best Colleges rankings released last week. Concordia continues its upward move in the rankings in recent years and maintains its spot as the highest ranked Nebraska school in its category. "We are very pleased to once again be listed among the top baccalaureate universities in the Midwest," said Rev. Dr. Brian L. Friedrich, president of Concordia. "The rankings highlight the excellence and value of Lutheran, Christian higher education available at Concordia University, Nebraska." Based on its first-tier ranking and an overall score of 69, Concordia also compares well to schools in other categories and regions. Concordia Nebraska continues to be the top-ranked school in the Concordia University System. "Our staff and faculty have worked tirelessly to make Concordia an outstanding experience for our students and to be recognized in this way is an honor," said Aaron Roberts, director of admissions at Concordia. "The exceptional support of our alumni and friends is also reflected in this ranking. Our high academic standards, alongside the Christian environment that our entire campus strives for, make Concordia a unique and highly respected university." Criteria evaluated in the rankings included academic reputation, retention and graduation rates, faculty resources, student selectivity, and alumni support. While placed in the baccalaureate category based on the overall percentage and number of graduates in programs offered, Concordia also offers master's degrees in multiple areas, including a new MBA program. Complete rankings are available online at www.usnews.com/colleges and in the magazine's issue on newsstands August 20. Back to top NEBRASKA LUTHERANS FOR CONFESSIONAL STUDY TO MEET The September gathering of the Nebraska Lutherans for Confessional Study (NLCS) is Thursday, September 3, at Good Shepherd, 3825 Wildbriar Lane in Lincoln. Refreshments will be in the fellowship hall at 9:30 a.m., followed by Matins at 10 a.m. Special guest presenter will be Dr. Mark Mattes, Religion and Philosophy Department Chair at Grand View College in Des Moines, Iowa, and world-renowned Lutheran scholar and expert on the doctrine of justification. His topic, starting at 10:30 a.m., will be "A Critique of Robert Jenson's teaching on Justification." Publications by Dr. Mattes include "The Preached God: Proclamation in Word and Sacrament," "The Role of Justification in Contemporary Theology," and "The Grand View College Reader." 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 SIBLING HARMONY CONCERTS IN NEBRASKA Sibling Harmony is a Christian band (LCMS) that will be playing at the following locations in Nebraska on their way to Colorado. Wednesday, September 2 - 7 p.m. concert - St Peter Lutheran Church, Deshler Thursday, September 3 - 9:15 a.m. chapel - Deshler Lutheran School, Deshler Thursday, September 3 - 6:30 p.m. concert - Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, Holdrege Kevin Bueltman, former director of Camp Luther, is part of this group with his sister, Kim, and a brother, Kurtis, both church workers in Illinois. Kevin is attending Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. You can hear their music at www.SiblingHarmony.com or search for their songs at www.iTunes.com. Back to top FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY CLASS OFFERED IN OMAHA St. John, Omaha, is offering Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University class this fall. The free preview will be Saturday, August 29, beginning at 9 a.m. at 11120 Calhoun Road, Omaha. Classes begin at the church on Saturday, September 12, and run from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. For more information contact the church office at 402- 451-2441. Back to top Thank you to all who shared information for this Update. Please continue to send information of interest to the District Office by replying to this e-mail or sending it to communications at ndlcms.org. Blessings on your day, 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: 45175 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20090826/e7209792/attachment.txt -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 12979 bytes Desc: image001.jpg Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20090826/e7209792/image001-0001.jpg From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Aug 5 14:01:45 2009 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 05 Aug 2009 19:01:45 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] August 5 Message-ID: [cid:image001.gif at 01CA15D4.41853760] August 5, 2009 In this issue: Greetings in the name of our loving heavenly Father. I don't know about you, but my August is shaping up to be a very busy month. Instead of one last month of summer relaxation, it has become a non-stop run to get all those last minute summer chores done, as well as getting everything and everyone prepared for the start of another school year and a new routine. Does this sound familiar? If so, consider these words from the Apostle Paul, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." (1 Cor. 10:31) What does that have to do with a busy schedule? It helps me remember that my time is a gift from God, and I should live my life remembering His goodness. I can remember that whatever I am doing during my busy days ahead, I am to do it to God's glory. How does that happen? One way is to strive to stay cheerful and remember whose child I am. In response to God's love for me, I can try to show that love to those I am with each day. May the Lord bless your August and all you are doing to His glory! * Synod Convention Delegate Selection * Fan into Flame Campaign Breaks $50 Million Mark * Free Sunday School Materials Available * National LCMS Youth Gathering Adult Leader Information Meetings * National Youth Gathering Online Registration to Open Next Month * Lutheran Choir in Lincoln to Start Fall Season * Peace, Waverly to Celebrate Anniversary * Beth Moore "Living Proof" Simulcast * LCEF President Announces Retirement * Opportunity to Travel to Germany * PRAY2009 Prayer Gathering * LutherHostel 2009 * Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service Welcomes First Refugees from Darfur SYNOD CONVENTION DELEGATE SELECTION Circuit counselors should have received a mailing with all of the information necessary to choose voting delegates to the 2010 Synodical Convention next July 10-17 in Houston. The final deadline for electing the delegates to the Convention from a meeting of the circuit forum is October 10, 2009 with a reporting deadline of October 22. In addition to attending the extended Convention next July, all voting delegates are also being asked to attend a Synod Structure and Governance Regional Gathering in Denver December 4-5. Because travel and lodging arrangements need to be made to allow the delegates to attend this December gathering, the Nebraska District Office is requesting that the names of the circuit delegates be reported to our office as soon as they are chosen, rather than waiting until the deadline. Circuit counselors, please submit the "Report Form for Electoral Circuits" as soon after your circuit forum as possible, or bring the completed form to the Circuit Counselor Conference on October 12. This will enable us to get started making the arrangements for the regional gathering. Thank you for your cooperation. Back to top FAN INTO FLAME CAMPAIGN BREAKS $50 MILLION MARK Fan into Flame, a capital campaign to support The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod's (LCMS) Ablaze! mission movement, passed the $50 million mark in gifts and pledges raised toward its $100 million goal. Since the campaign's authorization by Synod convention in 2004, more than 7,000 individuals and 850 congregations have contributed nearly 20,000 gifts-including more than $23 million in cash. Congregations and individuals in the Nebraska District have contributed more than $3.3 million to this effort so far. "We thank God for the resources He provides, and we thank each and every donor for these generous gifts," said Dr. William R. Diekelman, LCMS first vice president and Fan into Flame spokesperson. "The LCMS is committed to Gospel proclamation around the world and to doing all we can to extend the kingdom of God. Fan into Flame funds already are being used to reach the lost with the Good News of Jesus Christ. As we continue with this campaign, we pray that others will be moved to participate, and we look forward in confidence that the Lord will see us through to the successful achievement of the campaign's goals." The LCMS is organized into 35 districts across the country, and the campaign has unfolded district by district since 2005. As the campaign moves into its final phase, the most populous LCMS districts are now engaged. Decisions also are expected from a number of individuals on significant major gifts. Despite the economy, gifts and pledges in the fourth quarter of 2008 and all of 2009 are the highest of the campaign. Many donors are from the most economically challenged areas of the country, including Michigan, Ohio, Florida, Arizona, and Southern California. Fan into Flame funds support the specific objectives of Ablaze!-planting 2,000 new congregations, renewing the mission vision of 2,000 existing congregations, increasing by 50% the number of career missionaries on the foreign mission field, and increasing support for the Synod's 30 partner churches around the world. Campaign gifts are distributed quarterly to accomplish new outreach ministry in four arenas, following the Acts 1:8 model: * Local, community outreach by the campaign's participating congregations * Regional outreach by LCMS districts * National outreach, church planting, and revitalization ministry * International outreach through missionaries and partner churches Congregations retain net 15% of gifts they raise, and districts also receive net 15% of gifts raised in total from within their borders. Thus far, $1.2 million has been disbursed to participating congregations and $4.17 million to participating districts, with the Nebraska District receiving more than $136,000 for new mission projects. "The campaign is making great impact at the local level, where congregations apply their Fan into Flame funds to immediate community outreach. While some national and international projects are relatively expensive, high-visibility projects-such as construction of a new seminary building in Ghana, West Africa-it is in local neighborhoods and communities that many people are being connected to the love of Christ," said Dr. Thomas R. Zehnder, executive director, LCMS World Mission. For information about participating in the Fan into Flame campaign, contact the Nebraska District Office at 888-643-2961 or info at ndlcms.org or call the Fan into Flame office at 800-977-2017. Back to top FREE SUNDAY SCHOOL MATERIALS AVAILABLE Messiah, Lincoln, has Gospel Light Sunday school materials for preschoolers available for any congregation that can make use of them. They have the fall, winter, and spring curriculum which includes take-home pages, activity pages, and stickers, as well as some teacher guides. Interested congregations should contact Kathy Atterbury, director of children's ministry, at katterbury at messiahlincoln.org or 402-489-3024. Back to top NATIONAL LCMS YOUTH GATHERING ADULT LEADER INFORMATION MEETINGS Nebraska District Coordinators Dave Kumm and Julie Johnston Hermann will be leading a series of National LCMS Youth Gathering information meetings in the District in September. These will be a great chance to have your Gathering questions answered, connect with area youth leaders, find out about the registration process, and gain practical ideas on leading youth on a Gathering experience. The National LCMS Youth Gathering WE BELIEVE will be held July 17-21, 2010, in New Orleans. Registration materials are coming soon to all congregations. Contact Dave at 402-643-7380 or david.kumm at cune.edu, or Julie at 402-643-7354 or julie.johnston at cune.edu if you have any questions. North Event ~ Sunday, September 13 - 3pm Lutheran High Northeast 2010 N 37th Street Norfolk, NE 68701 West Event ~ Sunday, September 20 - 3pm Trinity Lutheran Church 205 E 7th Street Lexington, NE 68850 East Event ~ Sunday, September 27 - 3pm Concordia University - Lincoln Campus 570 Fallbrook Blvd, Suite 203 Lincoln, NE 68521 Topics to be covered: + What difference does a National LCMS Youth Gathering make in the life of a youth? + How can we afford sending a group to the National LCMS Youth Gathering? + What are our travel options to New Orleans? + How can I connect with churches in my area to share leadership and travel responsibilities? + What do I need to know if our church hasn't gone to a Gathering before? + What do I need to know if I haven't led a group to a Gathering before? + Registration details and considerations + District T-shirt, event, and travel options for Nebraska District Back to top NATIONAL YOUTH GATHERING ONLINE REGISTRATION TO OPEN NEXT MONTH (From LCMS News, No. 62, July 30) In mid-August, Synod congregations will receive by mail registration material for the 2010 National LCMS Youth Gathering, including step-by-step directions for the online-only registration process that starts September 14, along with other Gathering-related information. With the theme of WE BELIEVE, the Gathering will take place July 17-21 in New Orleans. The mailing includes a pre-Gathering DVD. On the DVD, congregations will find videos that promote the Gathering and a downloadable booklet that details the registration process and contains other information. The booklet also is available on the Gathering website, http://www.lcmsgathering.com. Gathering registration will be online only -- at the Gathering website, http://www.lcmsgathering.com. Groups also will prioritize online their choices of hotels in New Orleans for housing at the Gathering. LCMS District and Congregational Services -- Youth Ministry, the sponsor of National LCMS Youth Gatherings, is making the switch to paperless registration "in an effort to be responsible environmental and financial stewards," said Rev. Mark Kiessling, the Gathering program director. "We hope congregations find the information [in this mailing] helpful in preparing for the ... Gathering," Kiessling said. "Beyond the registration materials, the Gathering website will provide youth and adults opportunities to grow in their faith through Bible study and study of the Gathering's theme and sub-themes. Those materials will continue to roll out between registration and July 2010." Although there is no paper registration for the 2010 Gathering, each group that has registered online will be required to complete its registration by mailing in a paper "Pastoral Affirmation Form" and a "Registration Account Form" -- along with either full registration payment of $275 per person or a deposit payment of $100 per person registered. No personal checks or cash will be accepted. Envelopes with those forms and payments must be postmarked no earlier than Oct. 21, or they will be returned to senders. The registration fee covers the cost of such items as the Gathering Bible, backpack, and post-Gathering DVD that each registered participant receives, as well as all Gathering program and DCS Youth Ministry administrative expenses. A "priority window" for Gathering registration will be open Oct. 21-Nov. 4, 2009. As explained in the downloadable booklet with this month's mailing, groups completing the registration process after registration is filled to capacity will be accepted for the Gathering on a space-available basis. After March 1, participants will continue to be admitted on that basis for a late-registration fee of $325 per person. Congregations that do not receive their mailed Gathering registration information by September 4 should call LCMS Youth Ministry at 800-248-1930, ext. 1155, or send an e-mail to nygregistration at lcms.org. Back to top LUTHERAN CHOIR IN LINCOLN TO START FALL SEASON The Lutheran Choir in Lincoln invites interested musicians to join them as they begin their fall concert season. Rehearsals begin August 30 with a retreat at Trinity Lutheran Church, 12th and H Sts., Lincoln, NE, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. Interested singers should contact Sandie Anderson at 402-489-3948. Two concerts will be performed this fall on November 14 and 15. Back to top PEACE, WAVERLY TO CELEBRATE ANNIVERSARY Peace, Waverly, will celebrate their 40th Anniversary on August 31with former pastor Gene Gierke as guest preacher for the 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. services. Everyone is invited to join them for a time of celebrating what God has done through them and the ministry opportunities He continues to present to them. Back to top BETH MOORE "LIVING PROOF" SIMULCAST Holy Savior, Lincoln, is offering a special opportunity to women of the Nebraska District. Simulcast satellite technology will bring "Living Proof" Live with Beth Moore to Lincoln, Nebraska. Beth will speak on COMING HOME TO THE HEART OF OUR DESIRES, from Psalm 37. Enjoy the same insightful and inspirational teaching, the same soul-stirring worship that Beth and her team bring to their live events, in REAL time! You are invited to attend and invite friends who are not Christians or not connected to a church. WHEN: Friday, August 28, 7:00-9:00 p.m. and Saturday, August 29, 8:00 a.m.-noon WHERE: Holy Savior Lutheran Church, 10th & Superior Streets Lincoln, Nebraska 402-434-3325 Tickets are free with a suggested love offering of $10.00 to cover the cost of the event. Seating is limited and available on a first come, first served basis. Please make your reservations as soon as possible by sending an e-mail to Holy Savior at: parish.admin at holysaviorlcms.org and put "Beth Moore Tickets" in the heading. In your e-mail state: 1) Full name, e-mail and physical address, city, state and zip code 2) Number of tickets requested 3) The name, e-mail and complete address of all those who will attend with you 4) If you would like your tickets held at the door or sent to you Back to top LCEF PRESIDENT ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) President Merle Freitag announced his retirement in July, saying he will serve through January 15, 2010. "In 1998, when I interviewed with the Board of Directors, I indicated that I would serve for 10 years," Freitag stated in a letter to the board announcing his intentions. "I have served over 11 years, and have been happy to do so, but am ready for the next chapter of my life," he said in a meeting with staff in St. Louis. "I intend to remain active in the LCMS organization helping with the Ablaze! initiative, which I fully support and believe in, and likely will continue to serve on the board of Ministry to the Armed Forces-something that's near and dear to my heart," Freitag, 69, said. He was in the U.S. Army for 32 years, including serving as Comptroller of the Army (1991-1994) and as Director of the Army Budget (1989-1991). Prior to joining LCEF, he was also vice president of finance for the American Red Cross Biomedical Services. During Freitag's 11-plus-year tenure, LCEF experienced significant growth and support: total assets rose 84% to $1.80 billion and investments increased 123% to $1.57 billion. And most importantly, LCEF has more dollars at work for LCMS ministries than ever before, with a current portfolio of over $1.5 billion in loans to congregations, schools, and rostered church workers. In addition, Freitag helped expand LCEF's ministry services offerings (such as Laborers For Christ, Capital Funding Services, and Consecrated Stewards) and introduced new products (such as the Rostered Church Worker Loan program, the interest-bearing StewardAccount(r), and the related Family Emergency and FlexPlus Health Savings Account) in order to help meet the needs of the Synod and its members. Back to top OPPORTUNITY TO TRAVEL TO GERMANY Join Rev. Randy Knuth on an unforgettable panoramic journey through the Land of Germany and experience the joys of traveling together in Christian fellowship. Join the group as they travel on an 11-day fully escorted deluxe tour of Germany and attend the "once-in-a-lifetime" experience of the 41st Passion Play in Oberammergau. Included in the tour will be significant places in the life of Martin Luther and the reformation, and some of the romantic towns and castles of Bavaria and Munich. For more information in regard to this Luther Tour, June 15-25, 2010, please contact Pastor Randy Knuth, pastor of Hope Lutheran Church, South Sioux City, at revrandyk at yahoo.com or 402-494-1847 or 712-540-8243. Back to top PRAY2009 PRAYER GATHERING A dedicated group of Missouri Synod Lutherans will gather together September 10-11 at the St. Louis Airport Crowne Plaza hotel for a time of prayer and intercession. Following is a portion of the invitation letter: The world and the church are at war in this day from both inside and outside. On every side there are challenges that threaten to destroy the very fiber of our Christian culture and our faith. We believe with Saint Paul that we are the church militant that wrestles "not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." (Ephesians 6:12 KJV) It is time for the church to pray! Our synod in convention has set some lofty goals to reach in the near future as well. The vision is to reach 100 million people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ by the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in 2017. Our nation is in the midst of some of the most difficult economic times since the great depression. Social institutions such as marriage and the family are under attack. How does the militant church of Jesus Christ wage war in such a time as this? Clearly, it is time for the church to pray! This is no time for the church to be silent, but rather the church must go full into the fray on her knees! We are inviting the intercessors of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod to come together for a time of prayer and intercession. We will not talk about prayer. There will be no presentations on prayer. There will be no diagnosis of the types of prayer. We are coming together to pray. We are putting all our personal and political preferences aside so that we can enter into the throne room of the One True and Living God in unity and make our requests known. We certainly can and will continue to pray in our private closets, but we are looking on this occasion to see how the Lord will bless us as we gather together for a solemn time of prayer, supplication, and intercession from all corners of this church and our great nation. We will gather at the St. Louis Airport Crowne Plaza, 11228 Lone Eagle Drive, Bridgeton, MO 63044 on Thursday, September 10 - Friday, September 11, 2009. We chose this important day because of the opportunity we have to be in prayer at the time of the anniversary of the terrorist attacks on New York City. Space is limited in this first gathering, so register early. If you have questions or desire more information, please feel free to contact either Rev. Cliff Bira at cbira at comcast.net or Rev. Victor Belton at pastorbe at pastorbelton.com for further information. Online registration is available at http://pcbman.wufoo.com/forms/pray-2009-registration-form/, or mail your registration to Holy Cross Lutheran Church,1209 Coutant St., Flushing, MI, 48433, Attention - Pray2009. Please remit $50 registration fee made payable to "Holy Cross Lutheran Church." Back to top LUTHERHOSTEL 2009 LutherHostel 2009 will be held Oct. 3-6 on the campus of Concordia Seminary. LutherHostel is an event designed to provide growth in biblical knowledge and understanding, fun and fellowship, and a chance to gain helpful insights for daily living. It is offered for adults age 55 and above. The deadline to register for this event is September 18, 2009. The theme for the event will be "Finite and Infinite Games." The main presenter will be Rev. John Nunes, president of Lutheran World Relief in Baltimore, Md. Scheduled activities for LutherHostel 2009 will feature a reception and dinner with President and Mrs. Dale A. Meyer. Other activities include presentations, class visitation, student-led evening devotions, opportunities for informal interaction with faculty, a private demonstration of the organ in The Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus, and a tour of selected St. Louis area sites. An optional tour of Lutheran historical sites in Perry County, Mo., also is available on Oct. 7, immediately following LutherHostel. The LutherHostel fee is $325 per person, which includes all meals and refreshments for the event. Housing is available on campus (on a limited basis for an additional cost) or in nearby hotels. For more information about LutherHostel, contact the Seminary's Office of Continuing Education and Parish Services at 314-505-7486 or ce at csl.edu. Back to top LUTHERAN IMMIGRATION AND REFUGEE SERVICE WELCOMES FIRST REFUGEES FROM DARFUR Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) is the first U.S. refugee resettlement agency to welcome refugees from Sudan's western region of Darfur. "The crisis in Darfur has left countless victims in its wake-children orphaned, families torn apart, entire villages destroyed," states LIRS Vice President for Protection and Programs Susan Krehbiel. "We are honored to be among the first to open our arms to our brothers and sisters from Darfur as they begin their lives anew. We stand with Lutherans and other concerned Americans to welcome this family to their new community and we look forward to lighting the way for others fleeing war and persecution." After a harrowing journey across the desert to find shelter at a refugee camp in Chad, the family was granted refugee status and became the first Darfuri refugees to be resettled in the United States. A widowed mother, her six children, and one grandchild arrived safely to the Atlanta area this past week and received a heartfelt welcome from their new neighbors and friends from Lutheran Services of Georgia, an affiliate of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service. Refugees around the world flee their homelands due to systemic persecution and prolonged conflict. There are currently an estimated 13.6 million refugees and asylum seekers worldwide including as many as 2.7 million displaced from the Darfur region. Since 1939, LIRS has created welcoming communities for America's newcomers. One of the nation's leading agencies serving refugees and immigrants, LIRS is a cooperative agency of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod, and the Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The organization resettles refugees, protects migrant children, advocates for just treatment of asylum seekers, seeks alternatives to immigration detention, and stands for unity for families fractured by unfair laws. To learn more about LIRS's work of welcome, please visit www.lirs.org. 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: 59259 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.gif Type: image/gif Size: 8295 bytes Desc: image001.gif URL: From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Mon Aug 10 13:48:21 2009 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Mon, 10 Aug 2009 18:48:21 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] Dr. Herman Glaess Called to Glory Message-ID: + OBITUARY + Herman L. Glaess, Commissioned Minister-Teacher Emeritus, departed this life in Lincoln, Nebraska, on August 8, 2009. He was born on July 18, 1926, in Harbor Beach, Michigan, to Arnold and Vincenta (Sandmann) Glaess. He graduated from Concordia Teachers College (River Forest, Illinois) in 1946, received a Masters Degree from Wayne State University in 1955, and added his Doctor of Education from the University of Nebraska in 1966. Herman married Ruth Bruckner on August 5, 1950, in Detroit, Michigan. He served as principal at St. Peter's Lutheran School, East Detroit, Michigan; professor and chairman of the education and psychology division at Concordia Teachers College in Seward; and guest instructor at the University of Nebraska. Concordia and the University of Nebraska presented Herman with their highest teaching awards. Herman retired in January of 2008. He was also an author of the best selling, Potentiality Enhancement Programs. As a clinical psychologist, Glaess served as an organizational consultant, trainer, and motivational speaker to businesses, trade association, utilities, and educational institutions across the United States. He also served as president of the Lutheran Education Association. Mr. Glaess is survived by his wife Ruth and their children and spouses: Anita and Jack Batts of Encampment, Wyoming; Mark and Debbie Glaess of Maple Grove, Minnesota; Marian Brosig of Palisades, Colorado; and Lori and Cameron Scarlett of Madison, Wisconsin; 7 grandchildren; and 3 great-grandchildren; sisters Eleanor Dorow of Benton Harbor, Michigan; and Marietta Ziebart of Orlando, Florida. Herman was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Kurt Brosig; brothers-in-law Bob Dorow and Al Ziebart. Memorial services will be held Tuesday, August 11, at 1:30 p.m. at St. John Lutheran Church, Seward. Inurnment at Greenwood Cemetery, Seward. Family will meet friends on Monday, August 10, from 6:30-8 p.m. at Volzke Funeral Home, Seward. Memorials to Herman Glaess Leadership Endowment Fund c/o Concordia University, Seward, or Concordia University Athletic Fund. Condolences may be sent to www.volzkefuneralhome.com. 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: 6072 bytes Desc: not available URL: From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Aug 12 15:41:31 2009 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 12 Aug 2009 20:41:31 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] August 12 Message-ID: [cid:image001.jpg at 01CA1B61.6E81F9F0] August 12, 2009 In this issue: Greetings in the name of our Heavenly Father. As many families are preparing for the start of another school year by purchasing school supplies, buying new school clothes, and beginning new school-year routines, children in Sudan will be learning in a very different way. Imagine walking to school every day, sitting down on a tin coffee can under a large shade tree where a small chalkboard is propped up, and being one of 500 students being taught by one of eight teachers at the school. While this may sound very different from any school we might imagine, it is the reality for more than 1,300 students who learn in the Lutheran schools in the Upper Nile Region of Sudan. These schools, part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sudan, provide children with a good education, as well as teach them about their Lord Jesus Christ who loves them and cares for them. The Nebraska District is pleased to be ministry partners on this mission field through LCMS World Mission. More information on the Lutheran church in Sudan is available on the District website (www.ndlcms.org), as well as the LCMS World Mission website (http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=6745). Nebraska District congregations and schools are invited to be mission partners by adopting one of these schools and providing a roof for shelter or government-mandated uniforms for the students. More information and adoption agreements are available on the District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/ministries/district/agreements.html and through Gary Thies. * Prayer Requests * Rev. Don Becker Honored as Outstanding Mentor * Teachers' Conference Location Change * Faith, Humboldt, Featured in Fan into Flame Newsletter * Upcoming Orphan Grain Train Convention Registration * Seminary Receives Accreditation for Online MA in Deaconess Studies * Updated Mission Central Speaking Schedule * Jesus Our Savior Lutheran School Dedication Service * Theological Symposium: "Science and Theology: New Questions, New Conversations" * Nebraska Lutheran Women's Missionary Leagues Accepting Grant Applications * CPH Offers Women's Devotional Materials on Sale in August * New Spanish Materials Offered by CPH PRAYER REQUESTS The family of Dr. Herman Glaess - Please lift up in prayer the family of Dr. Herman Glaess, who was called to heaven Saturday, August 8. He served the Church for many years as an educator, both as a teacher in the classroom and instructor at the college level. As a clinical psychologist, Dr. Glaess served as an organizational consultant, trainer, and motivational speaker to businesses, trade associations, utilities, and educational institutions across the United States. He also served as president of the Lutheran Education Association. A memorial service was held for Dr. Glaess Tuesday, August 11, at St. John, Seward. We ask the Lord to grant his family peace and comfort at this time of loss. Back to top REV. DON BECKER HONORED AS OUTSTANDING MENTOR Rev. Don Becker of Minden was honored by the TeamMates Mentoring Program, founded by Tom and Nancy Osborne, at the TeamMates Annual Partnership Meeting in July. As part of the meeting, outstanding TeamMates matches were honored. Rev. Don Becker (mentor) and Richard Parton (mentee) of Minden were recognized for excellence in mentoring. Pastor Becker serves at St. Paul, Minden. The mission of the TeamMates Mentoring Program is to positively impact the world by inspiring youth to reach their full potential. The TeamMates Mentoring Program was founded in 1991 by the Osbornes to provide support and encouragement to school-aged youth. Back to top TEACHERS' CONFERENCE LOCATION CHANGE Teachers and administrators, please note the change in location for the fall Teachers' Conference. This year's conference will be held at Trinity Lutheran School in Grand Island, with the high school track to be hosted by Heartland Lutheran High. The committee is at work on registration materials, and packets will be sent to schools later this month. Please note, the conference will be in Grand Island on October 22-23, and not in Norfolk as originally planned. Contact Carol Oetting in the education department at carolo at ndlcms.org or 888-643-2961 with questions. Back to top FAITH, HUMBOLDT, FEATURED IN FAN INTO FLAME NEWSLETTER Last spring, the members of Faith, Humboldt, heard about the opportunities for supporting mission work both locally and internationally through the Fan into Flame effort. The congregation committed $5,000 to the campaign during a vacancy period. After their new pastor arrived, they shared their vision of participating in Fan into Flame and the pastor "got on board." Today, the congregation's commitments exceed $13,000, and they continue to explore the possibilities for outreach work in their community, through their congregation, and in their own lives. The story of Faith, Humboldt, and the work the Lord is doing through these people is shared in the July/August 2009 issue of Update News, the Fan into Flame newsletter. You can read an electronic copy at http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=11976. If you would like paper copies to distribute in your congregation, contact Nichole Hetz at the District Office, nicholeh at ndlcms.org or 888-643-2961, to request the appropriate number. Back to top UPCOMING ORPHAN GRAIN TRAIN CONVENTION REGISTRATION The Orphan Grain Train Convention will be held September 18-19 at Lutheran High Northeast in Norfolk. Full registration information, as well as details on the convention, are available at http://www.ogt.org/index.php/events/convention. The registration fee is $45 per person before September 1, and $50 per person after that date. While you are at the Orphan Grain Train website, take time to read the series of six articles written and published in the Norfolk Daily News about the ministry of Orphan Grain Train. Follow http://www.ogt.org/index.php/ourstory/news_full/orphan_grain_train_featured_in_norfolk_daily_news_series/ to read the articles. Back to top SEMINARY RECEIVES ACCREDITATION FOR ONLINE MA IN DEACONESS STUDIES The Association of Theological Schools (ATS) has granted preliminary approval to Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana, for a Master of Arts (MA) in the Deaconess Studies program, which will be delivered through a combination of electronic distance learning and on-campus intensives. "Many women serve in roles involving diakonal work and aspects of spiritual care without having had formal theological training at the graduate level. Concordia Theological Seminary (CTS) is delighted to be able to honor their diakonal work by providing an opportunity for these women to study theology at an advanced level and gain an MA so that they can be certified as deaconesses," said Dr. Arthur Just, Director of Deaconess Studies at the seminary. The full-time degree can be completed in two and a half years, but students may opt to take courses on a part-time basis. The curriculum will be structured to take into account the experience and workload of the students. The degree will include a rigorous program of theological study, together with training in practical, diakonal skills. Full-time students will take two online courses in each of the Fall and Spring quarters and two two-week intensives in each of the Winter and Summer quarters. All students will also participate in fieldwork. Women admitted to this program must have the following: * Completed a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution or the equivalent. * Been a member of a congregation in The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, ordinarily for a minimum of two years prior to admission. * Served at least five years in a congregation or institution where their work has included an element of spiritual care (e.g., parish nurse, care ministry in a congregation, etc.) and will continue to serve in this way throughout the course of their study. While CTS has been carrying out distance learning pastoral training programs since the mid-1990s, this is the first time that an online program for women, leading to an MA and certification as a deaconess, will be offered. It is anticipated that the first students will be enrolled for the Fall 2009 quarter. "The approved online MA in Deaconess Studies demonstrates the commitment of the seminary to providing creative ways to teach deaconess students the knowledge, skills, and attitudes they need for diakonal work in their specific context." said Dr. Lawrence Rast, Academic Dean at CTS. You are invited to find out more about the MA in Deaconess Studies by e-mailing CTS at deaconess at ctsfw.edu, or calling Dr. Arthur Just, Director of Deaconess Studies (260-452-2138) or Dr. Cyndy Lumley, Associate Director of Deaconess Studies (260-452-2225). Back to top UPDATED MISSION CENTRAL SPEAKING SCHEDULE The following special events are planned at Mission Central near Mapleton, Iowa. Gary Thies invites everyone to come and hear these wonderful folks talk about their work around the world. All speaking events are in the barn at Mission Central, and the newest additions to the speaking list are in red. For more information on Mission Central or on these special events, visit the Mission Central website at www.missioncentral.us. August 15 - Amy Kashenov - Kazakhstan at 2:00 p.m. only August 22 - Vicar Heath and Aunnee Trampe - Riga, Latvia at 1:00 p.m. only August 29 - Ashley Effken - Czech Republic at 1:00 p.m. September 2 - Anna Horkey - China at 7:00 p.m. September 16 - Rev. Matt Heise - Georgia, Russia, and Mongolia at 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. Mission Central now has a Facebook page! Those interested in viewing this page may follow the link from the Mission Central homepage, www.missioncentral.us. Back to top JESUS OUR SAVIOR LUTHERAN SCHOOL DEDICATION SERVICE Everyone is invited to join Jesus Our Savior Lutheran Outreach in Winnebago for the dedication service of their new education building and celebration of the start of a new school year on Sunday, August 23, at 4:00 p.m. Jesus Our Savior Lutheran Elementary School will begin its first school year this fall, while Jesus Our Savior Lutheran Preschool will begin its 12th year of early childhood ministry. We thank the Lord for the blessings He has showered on this ministry in the past, and we ask that He will continue to bless the teachers and students as they begin a new school year. Back to top THEOLOGICAL SYMPOSIUM: "SCIENCE AND THEOLOGY: NEW QUESTIONS, NEW CONVERSATIONS" Pastors and theologians tend not to have much formal training in science. Scientists tend not to receive much formal education in theology. Yet the two disciplines are often asked cross-disciplinary questions like: How do our understandings of the creation of the universe jive between science and Christian theology? How do scientific theories such as quantum mechanics point toward or away from God's creative hand? How should Christians take care of the world's environment? Are our brains programmed to seek and worship God? How should Christians view new technologies like in vitro fertilization or stem cell research? In an effort to help pastors and laypeople think through such questions, Concordia Seminary is pleased to announce its 20th Annual Theological Symposium to be held Sept. 22-23 under the title "Science and Theology: New Questions, New Conversations." While the Symposium will keep its relevance as a time for theological discussion among pastors, this year's Symposium will also feature opportunities for high school and college science instructors, as well as other laypeople, to talk about the interplay between science and theology. The primary plenary speakers will all be scientists from diverse backgrounds. Dr. Daniel Botkin, professor emeritus at the University of California, Santa Barbara, has been called "one of the preeminent ecologists of the 20th century," noted for the advancement of computer simulations and satellite remote sensing in the study of forests. He has written numerous articles, software programs, and books, including No Man's Garden: Thoreau and a New Vision for Civilization and Nature. Dr. Mario Beauregard is a professor of neurobiology at the University of Montreal, most noted for his research and book The Spiritual Brain: A Neuroscientist's Case for the Existence of the Soul. Dr. Benjamin Schumacher is a physics professor at Kenyon College in Ohio and author of a textbook on relativity titled Physics in Spacetime. Schumacher is credited with inventing the term "qubit," the unit of measurement in quantum information theory. Each scientist's plenary will be followed by a response from one of Concordia Seminary's faculty exploring the theological implications of the presentation. Other sectional speakers include Dr. Del Ratzsch, professor of philosophy and science at Calvin College and author of the book The Battle of Beginnings: Why Neither Side Is Winning the Creation-Evolution Debate; Dr. Angus Menuge, professor of philosophy and science at Concordia University Wisconsin; and Dr. Robert Weise, Concordia Seminary professor and The Lutheran Foundation of St. Louis Chair in Pastoral Ministry and the Life Sciences. Other sectionals on a wide variety of science-theology topics are also being planned. Those interested in these issues are also encouraged to take part in the Seminary's Alumni Read, which this year is renowned scientist and theologian John Polkinghorne's book, Science and Theology: An Introduction. Following the Symposium, Dr. Victor Raj, mission professor of exegetical theology and assistant director of the Institute for Mission Studies, will present the 2009 Witness Workshop. The Sept. 24-25 workshop will explore "Hybrid Spirituality." This workshop in four sessions will address the challenge Christians face in their everyday lives and witness as they live and work among people who are looking for the best from everywhere to quench their spiritual thirst. Major issues will be identified and Christian responses will be presented within the Scriptural framework. Parish pastors, district and synodical officials, Seminary and Concordia University students and faculty and interested laypersons are encouraged to attend. One CEU is available for attending the Symposium. Registration fees are as follows: $130 by September 8 (includes Tuesday evening buffet); $140 after September 8. Day registration: $70 by September 8; $80 after September 8. Session Registration: $35 by September 8; $40 after September 8. Witness Workshop: $35. For more information and/or registration information, contact the Office of Continuing Education and Parish Services at 314-505-7486 or ce at csl.edu, or visit the Seminary's website at www.csl.edu. Back to top LUTHERAN WOMEN'S MISSIONARY LEAGUES ACCEPTING GRANT APPLICATIONS Applications for mission grants for the 2010 conventions of the Nebraska District LWML South and North are now available from local LWML society presidents. The vice president of Gospel Outreach for each district may also be contacted. For LWML South, contact Deanna Dowding at 154 East Moffit, Seward, NE, 68434; 402-643-3148; or deanna.dowding at yahoo.com. Applications may also be found on the LWML South website at www.lwmlnesouth.org. The deadline is December 15, 2009. For LWML North, contact Monica Ebmeier at 87161 574 Ave., Laurel, NE, 68745; 402-256-3553, or monica_ebmeier at yahoo.com. The deadline is January 1, 2010. An individual member, society, zone, district board, or synodical board may submit grant proposals, and grants should: * Emphasize extending the ministry of the Word. * Fit into the plans and projections of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. * Be current and ready for implementation. Back to top CPH OFFERS WOMEN'S DEVOTIONAL MATERIALS ON SALE IN AUGUST Concordia Publishing House (CPH) announces special pricing throughout August for ten of its top-tier women's resources, found at http://www.cph.org/women. The offer is a response to the challenge extended by the Lutheran Women's Missionary League (LWML), the women's auxiliary organization of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, at the 33rd Biennial LWML Convention held last month in Portland, Oregon. At the event, LWML President Janice Wendorf challenged all attendees to make a commitment to be "in the Word, honoring a daily appointment with the Father and His Word; of the Word, made over by the Holy Spirit, forgiven and restored; walking with the Lord, totally confident of Christ's presence in serving and living." CPH participated with a full presence at the event that included a store featuring women's resources centered around its "A Good Place" campaign. Dr. Bruce G. Kintz, CPH's President and Chief Executive Officer greeted the convention and pledged support, "We stand ready to partner with LWML in new ways as you reach out in your congregations and communities and around the world to boldly proclaim the Good News. There is so much more we can do for the sake of our Savior, and we can accomplish much when we walk together." Customers can shop ten "best" CPH women's ministry products at http://www.cph.org/women through August 31, and save 20%, with no minimum purchase. Everyone is encouraged to take advantage of a great offer to purchase outstanding resources for their women's Bible study group or for individual use. Concordia Publishing House has been steadily growing its line of Bible study and devotional resources for men and women. Products are available for large and small group format, and for individual use. Many products offer a DVD component and discussion guides. Back to top NEW SPANISH MATERIALS OFFERED BY CPH Spanish Music Downloads Concordia Publishing House (http://www.cph.org) (CPH) now has Spanish music available for purchase at iTunes, Amazon, and other select digital music stores. Concordia Publishing House offers a wide variety of children's songs, instrumental and choral arrangements, and hymns. "Editorial Concordia is honored to be able to present all of our Spanish albums on iTunes," said Marcia Wilhelm, Marketing Manager of Multilingual Resources. "The music that is on iTunes has been available in the past only with other resources and never sold separately." "Editorial Concordia, http://editorial.concordia.org, is the Hispanic division of Concordia Publishing House and it focuses on three areas of service: Christian education, theological education, and mission. They offer over 300 resources, from Vacation Bible School programs to exegetic commentaries, in Spanish. "Spanish iTunes came about as an opportunity for the multilingual department to provide our customers with the ability to download Spanish music from anywhere in the world," said Wilhelm. "These songs are great for all ages and cultures and we are excited that our Hispanic customers can now access them online." Visit your favorite online music store and search for Concordia Publishing House to see the list of available downloads. First-Ever Biography of Spanish Reformer Editorial Concordia, the Spanish division of Concordia Publishing House (CPH), announces the release of the biography Casiodoro de Reina, Patriarca del Protestantismo Hispano. Casiodoro de Reina, Patriarca del Protestantismo Hispano (Casiodoro de Reina, Patriarch of Hispanic Protestantism), by Raymond S. Rosales, is the first known effort to gather the writings of monk and Spanish reformer, Casiodoro de Reina. The book follows the events of his life and focuses on his passion to share God's Word with Spanish-speaking people. "Casiodoro de Reina, Patriarch of Hispanic Protestantism is an excellent biography of a central figure who played a vital role in translating the Reina-Valera Bible," says Marcia Wilhelm, marketing manager of CPH multilingual resources. "The Reina-Valera is a Spanish translation of the Bible, first published in 1569." Find more information about this book at Casiodoro de Reina, Patriarca del Protestantismo Hispano, or order it online at www.cph.org or by calling 1-800-325-3040. Back to top Summer (and back-to-school) 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: 52452 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 12979 bytes Desc: image001.jpg URL: From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Thu Aug 13 15:14:25 2009 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Thu, 13 Aug 2009 20:14:25 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] Luella Kovac Called to Glory Message-ID: + OBITUARY + Mrs. Luella (Meyer) Kovac, widow of the Reverend John D. Kovac, Sr., Seward, Nebraska, departed this life on Wednesday, August 12, 2009, at the age of 86. She was born at Elk Creek, Nebraska, on January 2, 1923, to Martin and Elise (Klipp) Meyer. She was baptized at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Elk Creek, on January 8, 1923. After moving from Elk Creek to Malcolm, Nebraska, at the age of 6, she attended St. Paul Lutheran School in Malcolm for 8 years, her father being the teacher there. She was confirmed in her Christian faith on May 16, 1937. She graduated from Malcolm High School in 1941, attended Lincoln School of Commerce for 8 months, and then accepted a secretarial position at Concordia Teachers College. In 1945, she moved to St. Louis, Missouri, to work in the mission department of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. She was united in marriage to John D. Kovac on August 3, 1947, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Hanover, Kansas. Pastor Kovac served congregations in Pennsylvania, Kansas, and Nebraska. Mrs. Kovac is survived by two daughters, Ruth (James) Wogahn of Seward, and Mary (Gary) Faszholz of Macomb, Michigan; two sons, Dr. John Jr. (Helen) Kovac of Hermosa Beach, California, and James (Rhonda) Kovac of Beaver Crossing, Nebraska; one brother, Delbert (Ann) Meyer of York, Nebraska; one sister, Dorian (Don) Bisping of Linn, Kansas; two sisters-in-law, Loma Meyer of St. Paul, Minnesota, and Doris Meyer of Clay Center, Kansas; seven grandchildren, one great-grandchild, nieces and nephews. Mrs. Kovac was preceded in death by her husband; one son, Paul; grandson, David Wogahn; and two brothers, Erwin Meyer and Gerhardt Meyer. The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 18, 2009, at St. John Lutheran Church in Seward. Interment will be at Greenwood Cemetery, Seward, Nebraska. Condolences may be sent to James Kovac, 685 462nd Road, Beaver Crossing, Nebraska 68313, jrkovac at stewireless.com. 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: 6254 bytes Desc: not available URL: From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Aug 19 11:48:24 2009 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 19 Aug 2009 16:48:24 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] August 19 Message-ID: [cid:image001.jpg at 01CA20C2.9CE07360] August 19, 2009 In this issue: Greetings in the name of our loving Heavenly Father. Schools across Nebraska have started or are starting in the days ahead. Likewise, congregations are preparing for the start of a new year of Sunday school and Bible classes. Part of the preparations for a new school year is choosing mission projects for the students to support. Did you know the Nebraska District has a number of mission projects here in Nebraska that need funding? Congregations of the Nebraska District support ministries on Nebraska college campuses, Hispanic ministry, Sudanese ministry, Native American ministry, and Sandhills ministry through their mission and ministry gifts to the Nebraska District and through gifts specified for these ministries. These directed gifts are made by using one of the adoption agreements available on the District website. Congregations and schools are encouraged to visit http://www.ndlcms.org/ministries/district/agreements.html to view adoption agreements for Nebraska District missions and to consider supporting one or more local missions throughout the coming school year. More information on the ministries is available at http://www.ndlcms.org/ministries/district/index.html. Contact Rev. Rich Boring at the District Office, richb at ndlcms.org or 888-643-2961, for more information on District missions. * Church/School Secretary Workshop Date Set * Tell Us About Your Vacation Bible School * LCMS Issues Statement on Health Care Reform * Prospective Seminary Students Invited to "Contemplate" * K4 Restoration Sunday Video * TLCare at Mayo Hospital * Nebraska Lutherans for Confessional Study to Meet * Concordia Publishing House to Dedicate New Bookstore at Concordia University, Nebraska CHURCH/SCHOOL SECRETARY WORKSHOP DATE SET The 2009 Church Secretary Workshop hosted by the Nebraska District is scheduled to be held from 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3, at Concordia University, Seward. More information will be mailed to church and school offices in mid-September. Office staff should mark the date on their calendars and make plans now to join together with others to celebrate their common ministry and gain new insights from shared ideas. Questions may be directed to Nichole at the District Office, nicholeh at ndlcms.org or 888-643-2961. Back to top TELL US ABOUT YOUR VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL Congregations across the District are finished with another Vacation Bible School season. Throughout the summer, many of you have told us exciting stories about VBS at your congregation or in your community. We have heard about the wonderful things God has done through your VBS (reaching out into the community to bring the Gospel to unchurched children). Others have shared stories of the ways the seed was planted in the hearts of children and their families (taking VBS into community trailer courts). Some of you approached VBS in unique and different ways (kissing an alligator)! Whether you are a pastor, a teacher, a volunteer, a parent, or a student, you have a story to tell. We love hearing stories about the unique and special things that happened at VBS, as well as seeing the miracles God is working through these summertime gatherings. Maybe it was a new schedule, a fresh approach to advertising, a wonderful witness given by teacher or student, or something else. Whatever it was, let us know. Just send your VBS stories to info at ndlcms.org, along with your name and your congregation's name, and let us rejoice with you! Thanks for taking the time to share your story. Here's one to get you started: Eighteen high school youth and two adults traveled from Mexico to Omaha on a mission trip and helped hold a Vacation Bible School at the Tree of Life Center for Hispanic children in the area. Back to top LCMS Issues Statement on Health Care Reform In a statement released Aug. 14, Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod President Gerald B. Kieschnick acknowledges that the health-care reform issue is "complicated and still evolving," but stresses that the Synod "would not endorse any component of a plan that includes funding for abortion." "As pro-life advocates," Kieschnick says, "we would want to prohibit any government money from being used, even indirectly, for insurance that covers abortion." Regardless of the outcome of the health-care debate -- now "on the table" until lawmakers return to the capital next month - "God's Word will continue to guide us as we offer Christian care and compassion to our neighbors in time of need," he says. Kieschnick encourages LCMS congregation members "to be attuned to the debate and the process" and to "pray for our elected leaders and for all those in authority." Says Kieschnick: "We have been called to be disciples of Christ and witnesses for Christ. Searching for an effective means of ministering to the sick and vulnerable is one way to respond to that calling. May the Lord grant us, our leaders, and our nation wisdom in this process." To read the statement in its entirety, click here or visit the LCMS website at www.lcms.org. Back to top PROSPECTIVE SEMINARY STUDENTS INVITED TO "CONTEMPLATE . . ." Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, is pleased to invite prospective students and their guests to attend "Contemplate..." to be held October 8-10, 2009, and March 11-13, 2010, on the Seminary campus. At this time, the registration form for both events is on the Concordia Seminary website at www.csl.edu. A full brochure is forthcoming. Designed for those who are college age or older, the structured visitation event provides an effective means of learning 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. There is no charge to attend "Contemplate..." and all meals and lodging are provided free of charge. Round-trip transportation to Concordia Seminary from the airport is provided. For more information, contact the Admissions Office at 1-800-822-9545 or admissions at csl.edu. Back to top K4 RESTORATION SUNDAY VIDEO Hundreds of congregations and individuals from all over the country (even the Virgin Islands) have said they'll be holding a "K4 Restoration Sunday" to support the people still recovering from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. As the hurricane season begins in earnest, it's important to remember the long-term devastation each one of these storms can leave in its wake. To help promote "Restoration Sunday" Recovery Assistance, Inc. Ministries (RAI Ministries) has just released the "Restoration Sunday 2009" video for you to show your congregation. Please visit their website at http://www.raiministries.org/ to watch the video and to find other K4 resources. Additionally, would you please send an email to RAI to let them know that you will be holding a "Restoration Sunday" so that they can include your congregation in their prayers during the "K4 Worship Service" in New Orleans on August 29th? You may email them at director at raiministries.org. Back to top TLCARE AT MAYO HOSPITAL Trinity Lutheran Church in Rochester, Minnesota has a ministry called TLCare that offers hospitality to those receiving medical care at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. TLCare now has lodging to offer to LCMS brothers and sisters at no cost. The small apartment is located on the edge of the Mayo campus and is available first come, first served. For more information, please contact Jennifer Jurgensen, tlcjennifer at charterinternet.com or Trinity Lutheran Church at 507-289-1531. Back to top NEBRASKA LUTHERANS FOR CONFESSIONAL STUDY TO MEET The August gathering of the Nebraska Lutherans for Confessional Study (NLCS) will be held on Thursday, August 20, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 3825 Wildbriar Lane in Lincoln. Refreshments will be in the fellowship hall at 9:30 a.m., followed by Matins at 10 a.m. Presenter for the day will be Rev. Philip Hale, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bancroft, Nebraska; his topic will be "Narrative Criticism." The morning session will start at about 10:30 a.m. Following lunch, the afternoon topic will start at about 1 p.m. 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 PUBLISHING HOUSE TO DEDICATE NEW BOOKSTORE AT CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY, NEBRASKA Concordia Publishing House dedicates its newest bookstore on the campus of Concordia University, Nebraska, home of the Bulldogs, on August 27, 2009. The Nebraska store joins the ranks of other CPH operated campus stores at Concordia University Chicago; Concordia University Ann Arbor; Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana; and Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. The dedication will be held at 11 a.m. on August 27 in the new bookstore. Concordia University President, Rev. Dr. Brian Friedrich will share remarks, and CPH President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Bruce Kintz and CPH Vice President Jonathan Schultz will also attend. "CPH wants to get to know the students at the ten schools in the Concordia University System, and our bookstores provide a great front-line way to do that," says Dr. Kintz. "We are experts at bookstore operations, and look forward not only to providing top-tier service for faculty, students, and local communities near the stores, but also to forming new connections with customers who are really important to us." "We are pleased to be part of the community in Seward with this latest branch of CPH," remarks Peter Frank, Manager of Bookstore Operations. "Like our vision statement says, 'We strive to be the premier publisher and provider of choice...' and that applies for the CUNE community as well." Concordia Campus Bookstores offer advantages both to students and faculty on the campus where they operate, and also to local congregations and individuals, who can place orders for church resources and CPH products and services without incurring shipping costs. "Our campus stores offer the same advantages as shopping in our anchor store at our St. Louis headquarters," Frank stresses. The Concordia campus will also be part of transforming the store's appearance, with the Department of Art getting involved in updating the look of the space. "We are a ministry, not just a business," said Frank. "We are there to serve." Back to top 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: 36513 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 12979 bytes Desc: image001.jpg URL: From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Aug 26 10:54:33 2009 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 26 Aug 2009 15:54:33 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] August 26 Message-ID: [cid:image001.jpg at 01CA263B.2C89BA30] August 26, 2009 In this issue: Greetings in the name of our loving Heavenly Father. This past weekend the District hosted the last of three Fiscal Conferences around the state. With 90 in attendance last Saturday, the total number of people who took time to come and learn more about stewardship and fiscal responsibility neared 200. Thanks be to God for the dedicated pastors and lay leaders who joined us and participated in these workshops. If you or your stewardship committee was not able to join us and you would like to learn more, contact District Treasurer Paul Pettit at paulp at ndlcms.org or 888-643-2961. He is available for presentations to help your congregation understand its role and responsibility as a member congregation of the LCMS, as well as to offer stewardship materials and resources. The Lord has given the Nebraska District wonderful mission opportunities, and congregations and individuals can be a part of these ministries through their gifts of time, prayer, and treasurers. Visit www.ndlcms.org or contact the District Office to learn more. * Prayer Request * Statement from President Kieschnick * No Website Updates * Congregational Youth Ministry Inquiry Forms Still Being Collected * Worship at State Fair * LWML Nebraska District North Fall Retreat * Concordia University, Nebraska on "Best" List * Nebraska Lutherans for Confessional Study to Meet * Sibling Harmony Concerts in Nebraska * Financial Peace University Class Offered in Omaha PRAYER REQUEST Samuel Felix - We rejoice with Vicar Obdulio and Yoliza Felix at the birth of their son, Samuel, on Wednesday, August 19. We thank God for the gift of life He granted to this family, and we look forward to welcoming Samuel into the Body of Christ through Holy Baptism. Vicar Felix serves at Iglesia Luterana Jesus es el Senor Hispanic mission in Omaha through Beautiful Savior, La Vista. Back to top STATEMENT FROM PRESIDENT KIESCHNICK (Reprinted with permission of the LCMS Office of the President) Nebraska District President Russ Sommerfeld shares the following: LCMS President Gerald B. Kieschnick has offered two responses to the August 17-23, 2009, decisions on human sexuality by the Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. Both responses can be accessed at www.lcms.org. On Friday, Aug. 21, the ELCA Assembly voted to open the ministry of the ELCA to gay and lesbian pastors and other professional workers living in "committed relationships." In an earlier action, the assembly also approved a resolution that commits the ELCA "to finding ways to allow congregations that choose to do so to recognize, support, and hold publicly accountable life-long, monogamous, same-gender relationships." The LCMS regards these decisions by the ELCA assembly to be contrary to the Scriptures. The LCMS believes that the Word of God teaches that homosexual behavior is contrary to God's will, and it seeks to minister to those who are struggling with homosexual inclinations. The LCMS is committed to caringly show these individuals their sinfulness and assuring them of forgiveness in Christ upon sincere repentance and faith in Christ. As members of the body of Christ, the LCMS strives to assist the individuals to rely on Christ's love and strength to abstain from homophile behavior and to help them to bear their burden without fear of recrimination and rejection by sisters and brothers in Christ. Pastors, professional church workers and members of LCMS congregations are also encouraged to pray for the ELCA, as well as LCMS relations with the ELCA. For as President Kieschnick stated in his address to the ELCA Assembly on August 22, "The decisions by this assembly to grant non-celibate homosexual ministers the privilege of serving as rostered leaders in the ELCA and the affirmation of same-gender unions as pleasing to God will undoubtedly cause additional stress and disharmony within the ELCA. It will also negatively affect the relationships between our two church bodies." Further responses to the ELCA Assembly's actions will be provided as they become available. Following is a letter to congregations from President Kieschnick in response to these actions of the Churchwide Assembly of the ELCA. Congregations may reprint this letter for their use by including the following line: "Reprinted with permission of the LCMS Office of the President." The two largest Lutheran church bodies in the United States are the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) with 4.8 million members and The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod (LCMS) with 2.4 million members. On Friday, Aug. 21, the Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America voted to open the ministry of the ELCA to gay and lesbian pastors and other professional workers living in "committed relationships." In an earlier action, the assembly approved a resolution that commits the ELCA "to finding ways to allow congregations that choose to do so to recognize, support, and hold publicly accountable life-long, monogamous, same-gender relationships." The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod has repeatedly affirmed as its own position the historical understanding of the Christian church that the Bible condemns homosexual behavior as "intrinsically sinful." It is therefore contrary to the will of the Creator and constitutes sin against the commandments of God (Lev. 18:22, 24,20:13: 1 Cor. 6:9-20; 1 Tim 1:9-10; and Rom. 1:26, 27). Addressing the ELCA assembly on Saturday, Aug. 22, I responded to their aforementioned actions, stating: "The decisions by this assembly to grant non-celibate homosexual ministers the privilege of serving as rostered leaders in the ELCA and the affirmation of same-gender unions as pleasing to God will undoubtedly cause additional stress and disharmony within the ELCA. It will also negatively affect the relationships between our two church bodies. The current division between our churches threatens to become a chasm. This grieves my heart and the hearts of all in the ELCA, the LCMS, and other Christian church bodies throughout the world who do not see these decisions as compatible with the Word of God, or in agreement with the consensus of 2,000 years of Christian theological affirmation regarding what Scripture teaches about human sexuality. Simply stated, this matter is fundamentally related to significant differences in how we [our two church bodies] understand the authority of Holy Scripture and the interpretation of God's revealed and infallible Word." Doctrinal decisions adopted already in 2001 led the LCMS, in sincere humility and love, to declare that we could no longer consider the ELCA "to be an orthodox Lutheran church body" (2001 Res 3-21A). Sadly, the decisions of this past week to ignore biblical teaching on human sexuality have reinforced that conclusion. We respect the desire to follow conscience in moral decision making, but conscience may not overrule the Word of God. We recognize that many brothers and sisters within the ELCA, both clergy and lay, are committed to remaining faithful to the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, are committed to the authority of Holy Scripture, and strongly oppose these actions. To them we offer our assurance of loving encouragement together with our willingness to provide appropriate support in their efforts to remain faithful to the Word of God and the historic teachings of the Lutheran church and all other Christian churches for the past 2,000 years. Dr. Gerald B. Kieschnick, President The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod Back to top NO WEBSITE UPDATES Due to computer complications at the District Office, we are not able to update the District website at this time. As soon as the situation is resolved, updates will be made. Until that time, feel free to email us at info at ndlcms.org, call us at 888-643-2961, or become a fan of the Nebraska District Facebook page to learn the latest news on ministry in Nebraska. We apologize for any inconvenience, and we appreciate your patience. Back to top CONGREGATIONAL YOUTH MINISTRY INQUIRY FORMS STILL BEING COLLECTED Church offices should have received a mailing in mid-July regarding the 2010 National LCMS Youth Gathering, WE BELIEVE. As part of that mailing, congregations were asked to return a Congregational Youth Ministry Inquiry form. If your congregation has not yet completed this form, we would still like to have this information. This mailing and the form are on the District website at www.ndlcms.org/education/youth/gathering.html. There is also information on the WE BELIEVE Adult Leader Informational meetings taking place in the District in September, along with contact information for the Nebraska District Coordinators. Back to top WORSHIP AT STATE FAIR Are you planning to take in the Nebraska State Fair this weekend or next weekend? Will you be there on a Sunday? If so, join the Nebraska District Lutheran Laymen as they provide a worship service at the Open Air Auditorium each Sunday at 9:00 a.m. Rev. Paul Holtorf, Associate Professor of Theology, Concordia University, Seward, will be preaching and leading the service on Sunday, August 30. Special music will be provided by the A Cappella Choir of Concordia University under the direction of Kurt Von Kampen. Rev. Keith Grimm will be preaching the message on Sunday, September 6. Pastor Grimm serves as the International Pastoral Advisor of the Lutheran Laymen's League and serves as senior pastor at Beautiful Savior in LaVista. Leading the worship service and sharing the children's message will be Rev. Duane Fahr of First Trinity, Bloomfield. Pastor Fahr serves as the Nebraska District's LLL Pastoral Advisor. Special music will be provided by the Concordia Lutheran Schools, Omaha, High School Choir, under the direction of Peter Klemp. If you are at the fair, don't miss this special time to worship our Lord. Back to top LWML NEBRASKA DISTRICT NORTH FALL RETREAT The LWML Nebraska District North Fall Retreat will be held at Zion Lutheran in Plainview on September 19. The retreat theme is "Singing His Praises In His Word." The day will include three Bible studies based on three favorite hymns, as well as a hymn sing and organ recital by Stephen Hakes of Christ, Norfolk. Registration forms and the $20 fee are appreciated by September 1. Teens (Friends Into Serving Him) are also invited to come to join in praising the Lord and learning through the Word. Registration forms and information on the day have been sent to all churches and society presidents in the district. Pastors and secretaries are encouraged to include this information in their upcoming bulletin and Sunday morning announcements. For more information, contact Katy Gifford at 402-586-2411 or blessings at gpcom.net. Back to top CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY, NEBRASKA ON "BEST" LIST Concordia University, Nebraska moved to No. 16, up two spots, in the Midwest baccalaureate category of U.S. News & World Report's 2010 America's Best Colleges rankings released last week. Concordia continues its upward move in the rankings in recent years and maintains its spot as the highest ranked Nebraska school in its category. "We are very pleased to once again be listed among the top baccalaureate universities in the Midwest," said Rev. Dr. Brian L. Friedrich, president of Concordia. "The rankings highlight the excellence and value of Lutheran, Christian higher education available at Concordia University, Nebraska." Based on its first-tier ranking and an overall score of 69, Concordia also compares well to schools in other categories and regions. Concordia Nebraska continues to be the top-ranked school in the Concordia University System. "Our staff and faculty have worked tirelessly to make Concordia an outstanding experience for our students and to be recognized in this way is an honor," said Aaron Roberts, director of admissions at Concordia. "The exceptional support of our alumni and friends is also reflected in this ranking. Our high academic standards, alongside the Christian environment that our entire campus strives for, make Concordia a unique and highly respected university." Criteria evaluated in the rankings included academic reputation, retention and graduation rates, faculty resources, student selectivity, and alumni support. While placed in the baccalaureate category based on the overall percentage and number of graduates in programs offered, Concordia also offers master's degrees in multiple areas, including a new MBA program. Complete rankings are available online at www.usnews.com/colleges and in the magazine's issue on newsstands August 20. Back to top NEBRASKA LUTHERANS FOR CONFESSIONAL STUDY TO MEET The September gathering of the Nebraska Lutherans for Confessional Study (NLCS) is Thursday, September 3, at Good Shepherd, 3825 Wildbriar Lane in Lincoln. Refreshments will be in the fellowship hall at 9:30 a.m., followed by Matins at 10 a.m. Special guest presenter will be Dr. Mark Mattes, Religion and Philosophy Department Chair at Grand View College in Des Moines, Iowa, and world-renowned Lutheran scholar and expert on the doctrine of justification. His topic, starting at 10:30 a.m., will be "A Critique of Robert Jenson's teaching on Justification." Publications by Dr. Mattes include "The Preached God: Proclamation in Word and Sacrament," "The Role of Justification in Contemporary Theology," and "The Grand View College Reader." 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 SIBLING HARMONY CONCERTS IN NEBRASKA Sibling Harmony is a Christian band (LCMS) that will be playing at the following locations in Nebraska on their way to Colorado. Wednesday, September 2 - 7 p.m. concert - St Peter Lutheran Church, Deshler Thursday, September 3 - 9:15 a.m. chapel - Deshler Lutheran School, Deshler Thursday, September 3 - 6:30 p.m. concert - Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, Holdrege Kevin Bueltman, former director of Camp Luther, is part of this group with his sister, Kim, and a brother, Kurtis, both church workers in Illinois. Kevin is attending Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. You can hear their music at www.SiblingHarmony.com or search for their songs at www.iTunes.com. Back to top FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY CLASS OFFERED IN OMAHA St. John, Omaha, is offering Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University class this fall. The free preview will be Saturday, August 29, beginning at 9 a.m. at 11120 Calhoun Road, Omaha. Classes begin at the church on Saturday, September 12, and run from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. For more information contact the church office at 402- 451-2441. Back to top Thank you to all who shared information for this Update. Please continue to send information of interest to the District Office by replying to this e-mail or sending it to communications at ndlcms.org. Blessings on your day, 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: 45175 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 12979 bytes Desc: image001.jpg URL: From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Aug 5 14:01:45 2009 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 05 Aug 2009 19:01:45 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] August 5 Message-ID: [cid:image001.gif at 01CA15D4.41853760] August 5, 2009 In this issue: Greetings in the name of our loving heavenly Father. I don't know about you, but my August is shaping up to be a very busy month. Instead of one last month of summer relaxation, it has become a non-stop run to get all those last minute summer chores done, as well as getting everything and everyone prepared for the start of another school year and a new routine. Does this sound familiar? If so, consider these words from the Apostle Paul, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." (1 Cor. 10:31) What does that have to do with a busy schedule? It helps me remember that my time is a gift from God, and I should live my life remembering His goodness. I can remember that whatever I am doing during my busy days ahead, I am to do it to God's glory. How does that happen? One way is to strive to stay cheerful and remember whose child I am. In response to God's love for me, I can try to show that love to those I am with each day. May the Lord bless your August and all you are doing to His glory! * Synod Convention Delegate Selection * Fan into Flame Campaign Breaks $50 Million Mark * Free Sunday School Materials Available * National LCMS Youth Gathering Adult Leader Information Meetings * National Youth Gathering Online Registration to Open Next Month * Lutheran Choir in Lincoln to Start Fall Season * Peace, Waverly to Celebrate Anniversary * Beth Moore "Living Proof" Simulcast * LCEF President Announces Retirement * Opportunity to Travel to Germany * PRAY2009 Prayer Gathering * LutherHostel 2009 * Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service Welcomes First Refugees from Darfur SYNOD CONVENTION DELEGATE SELECTION Circuit counselors should have received a mailing with all of the information necessary to choose voting delegates to the 2010 Synodical Convention next July 10-17 in Houston. The final deadline for electing the delegates to the Convention from a meeting of the circuit forum is October 10, 2009 with a reporting deadline of October 22. In addition to attending the extended Convention next July, all voting delegates are also being asked to attend a Synod Structure and Governance Regional Gathering in Denver December 4-5. Because travel and lodging arrangements need to be made to allow the delegates to attend this December gathering, the Nebraska District Office is requesting that the names of the circuit delegates be reported to our office as soon as they are chosen, rather than waiting until the deadline. Circuit counselors, please submit the "Report Form for Electoral Circuits" as soon after your circuit forum as possible, or bring the completed form to the Circuit Counselor Conference on October 12. This will enable us to get started making the arrangements for the regional gathering. Thank you for your cooperation. Back to top FAN INTO FLAME CAMPAIGN BREAKS $50 MILLION MARK Fan into Flame, a capital campaign to support The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod's (LCMS) Ablaze! mission movement, passed the $50 million mark in gifts and pledges raised toward its $100 million goal. Since the campaign's authorization by Synod convention in 2004, more than 7,000 individuals and 850 congregations have contributed nearly 20,000 gifts-including more than $23 million in cash. Congregations and individuals in the Nebraska District have contributed more than $3.3 million to this effort so far. "We thank God for the resources He provides, and we thank each and every donor for these generous gifts," said Dr. William R. Diekelman, LCMS first vice president and Fan into Flame spokesperson. "The LCMS is committed to Gospel proclamation around the world and to doing all we can to extend the kingdom of God. Fan into Flame funds already are being used to reach the lost with the Good News of Jesus Christ. As we continue with this campaign, we pray that others will be moved to participate, and we look forward in confidence that the Lord will see us through to the successful achievement of the campaign's goals." The LCMS is organized into 35 districts across the country, and the campaign has unfolded district by district since 2005. As the campaign moves into its final phase, the most populous LCMS districts are now engaged. Decisions also are expected from a number of individuals on significant major gifts. Despite the economy, gifts and pledges in the fourth quarter of 2008 and all of 2009 are the highest of the campaign. Many donors are from the most economically challenged areas of the country, including Michigan, Ohio, Florida, Arizona, and Southern California. Fan into Flame funds support the specific objectives of Ablaze!-planting 2,000 new congregations, renewing the mission vision of 2,000 existing congregations, increasing by 50% the number of career missionaries on the foreign mission field, and increasing support for the Synod's 30 partner churches around the world. Campaign gifts are distributed quarterly to accomplish new outreach ministry in four arenas, following the Acts 1:8 model: * Local, community outreach by the campaign's participating congregations * Regional outreach by LCMS districts * National outreach, church planting, and revitalization ministry * International outreach through missionaries and partner churches Congregations retain net 15% of gifts they raise, and districts also receive net 15% of gifts raised in total from within their borders. Thus far, $1.2 million has been disbursed to participating congregations and $4.17 million to participating districts, with the Nebraska District receiving more than $136,000 for new mission projects. "The campaign is making great impact at the local level, where congregations apply their Fan into Flame funds to immediate community outreach. While some national and international projects are relatively expensive, high-visibility projects-such as construction of a new seminary building in Ghana, West Africa-it is in local neighborhoods and communities that many people are being connected to the love of Christ," said Dr. Thomas R. Zehnder, executive director, LCMS World Mission. For information about participating in the Fan into Flame campaign, contact the Nebraska District Office at 888-643-2961 or info at ndlcms.org or call the Fan into Flame office at 800-977-2017. Back to top FREE SUNDAY SCHOOL MATERIALS AVAILABLE Messiah, Lincoln, has Gospel Light Sunday school materials for preschoolers available for any congregation that can make use of them. They have the fall, winter, and spring curriculum which includes take-home pages, activity pages, and stickers, as well as some teacher guides. Interested congregations should contact Kathy Atterbury, director of children's ministry, at katterbury at messiahlincoln.org or 402-489-3024. Back to top NATIONAL LCMS YOUTH GATHERING ADULT LEADER INFORMATION MEETINGS Nebraska District Coordinators Dave Kumm and Julie Johnston Hermann will be leading a series of National LCMS Youth Gathering information meetings in the District in September. These will be a great chance to have your Gathering questions answered, connect with area youth leaders, find out about the registration process, and gain practical ideas on leading youth on a Gathering experience. The National LCMS Youth Gathering WE BELIEVE will be held July 17-21, 2010, in New Orleans. Registration materials are coming soon to all congregations. Contact Dave at 402-643-7380 or david.kumm at cune.edu, or Julie at 402-643-7354 or julie.johnston at cune.edu if you have any questions. North Event ~ Sunday, September 13 - 3pm Lutheran High Northeast 2010 N 37th Street Norfolk, NE 68701 West Event ~ Sunday, September 20 - 3pm Trinity Lutheran Church 205 E 7th Street Lexington, NE 68850 East Event ~ Sunday, September 27 - 3pm Concordia University - Lincoln Campus 570 Fallbrook Blvd, Suite 203 Lincoln, NE 68521 Topics to be covered: + What difference does a National LCMS Youth Gathering make in the life of a youth? + How can we afford sending a group to the National LCMS Youth Gathering? + What are our travel options to New Orleans? + How can I connect with churches in my area to share leadership and travel responsibilities? + What do I need to know if our church hasn't gone to a Gathering before? + What do I need to know if I haven't led a group to a Gathering before? + Registration details and considerations + District T-shirt, event, and travel options for Nebraska District Back to top NATIONAL YOUTH GATHERING ONLINE REGISTRATION TO OPEN NEXT MONTH (From LCMS News, No. 62, July 30) In mid-August, Synod congregations will receive by mail registration material for the 2010 National LCMS Youth Gathering, including step-by-step directions for the online-only registration process that starts September 14, along with other Gathering-related information. With the theme of WE BELIEVE, the Gathering will take place July 17-21 in New Orleans. The mailing includes a pre-Gathering DVD. On the DVD, congregations will find videos that promote the Gathering and a downloadable booklet that details the registration process and contains other information. The booklet also is available on the Gathering website, http://www.lcmsgathering.com. Gathering registration will be online only -- at the Gathering website, http://www.lcmsgathering.com. Groups also will prioritize online their choices of hotels in New Orleans for housing at the Gathering. LCMS District and Congregational Services -- Youth Ministry, the sponsor of National LCMS Youth Gatherings, is making the switch to paperless registration "in an effort to be responsible environmental and financial stewards," said Rev. Mark Kiessling, the Gathering program director. "We hope congregations find the information [in this mailing] helpful in preparing for the ... Gathering," Kiessling said. "Beyond the registration materials, the Gathering website will provide youth and adults opportunities to grow in their faith through Bible study and study of the Gathering's theme and sub-themes. Those materials will continue to roll out between registration and July 2010." Although there is no paper registration for the 2010 Gathering, each group that has registered online will be required to complete its registration by mailing in a paper "Pastoral Affirmation Form" and a "Registration Account Form" -- along with either full registration payment of $275 per person or a deposit payment of $100 per person registered. No personal checks or cash will be accepted. Envelopes with those forms and payments must be postmarked no earlier than Oct. 21, or they will be returned to senders. The registration fee covers the cost of such items as the Gathering Bible, backpack, and post-Gathering DVD that each registered participant receives, as well as all Gathering program and DCS Youth Ministry administrative expenses. A "priority window" for Gathering registration will be open Oct. 21-Nov. 4, 2009. As explained in the downloadable booklet with this month's mailing, groups completing the registration process after registration is filled to capacity will be accepted for the Gathering on a space-available basis. After March 1, participants will continue to be admitted on that basis for a late-registration fee of $325 per person. Congregations that do not receive their mailed Gathering registration information by September 4 should call LCMS Youth Ministry at 800-248-1930, ext. 1155, or send an e-mail to nygregistration at lcms.org. Back to top LUTHERAN CHOIR IN LINCOLN TO START FALL SEASON The Lutheran Choir in Lincoln invites interested musicians to join them as they begin their fall concert season. Rehearsals begin August 30 with a retreat at Trinity Lutheran Church, 12th and H Sts., Lincoln, NE, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. Interested singers should contact Sandie Anderson at 402-489-3948. Two concerts will be performed this fall on November 14 and 15. Back to top PEACE, WAVERLY TO CELEBRATE ANNIVERSARY Peace, Waverly, will celebrate their 40th Anniversary on August 31with former pastor Gene Gierke as guest preacher for the 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. services. Everyone is invited to join them for a time of celebrating what God has done through them and the ministry opportunities He continues to present to them. Back to top BETH MOORE "LIVING PROOF" SIMULCAST Holy Savior, Lincoln, is offering a special opportunity to women of the Nebraska District. Simulcast satellite technology will bring "Living Proof" Live with Beth Moore to Lincoln, Nebraska. Beth will speak on COMING HOME TO THE HEART OF OUR DESIRES, from Psalm 37. Enjoy the same insightful and inspirational teaching, the same soul-stirring worship that Beth and her team bring to their live events, in REAL time! You are invited to attend and invite friends who are not Christians or not connected to a church. WHEN: Friday, August 28, 7:00-9:00 p.m. and Saturday, August 29, 8:00 a.m.-noon WHERE: Holy Savior Lutheran Church, 10th & Superior Streets Lincoln, Nebraska 402-434-3325 Tickets are free with a suggested love offering of $10.00 to cover the cost of the event. Seating is limited and available on a first come, first served basis. Please make your reservations as soon as possible by sending an e-mail to Holy Savior at: parish.admin at holysaviorlcms.org and put "Beth Moore Tickets" in the heading. In your e-mail state: 1) Full name, e-mail and physical address, city, state and zip code 2) Number of tickets requested 3) The name, e-mail and complete address of all those who will attend with you 4) If you would like your tickets held at the door or sent to you Back to top LCEF PRESIDENT ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) President Merle Freitag announced his retirement in July, saying he will serve through January 15, 2010. "In 1998, when I interviewed with the Board of Directors, I indicated that I would serve for 10 years," Freitag stated in a letter to the board announcing his intentions. "I have served over 11 years, and have been happy to do so, but am ready for the next chapter of my life," he said in a meeting with staff in St. Louis. "I intend to remain active in the LCMS organization helping with the Ablaze! initiative, which I fully support and believe in, and likely will continue to serve on the board of Ministry to the Armed Forces-something that's near and dear to my heart," Freitag, 69, said. He was in the U.S. Army for 32 years, including serving as Comptroller of the Army (1991-1994) and as Director of the Army Budget (1989-1991). Prior to joining LCEF, he was also vice president of finance for the American Red Cross Biomedical Services. During Freitag's 11-plus-year tenure, LCEF experienced significant growth and support: total assets rose 84% to $1.80 billion and investments increased 123% to $1.57 billion. And most importantly, LCEF has more dollars at work for LCMS ministries than ever before, with a current portfolio of over $1.5 billion in loans to congregations, schools, and rostered church workers. In addition, Freitag helped expand LCEF's ministry services offerings (such as Laborers For Christ, Capital Funding Services, and Consecrated Stewards) and introduced new products (such as the Rostered Church Worker Loan program, the interest-bearing StewardAccount(r), and the related Family Emergency and FlexPlus Health Savings Account) in order to help meet the needs of the Synod and its members. Back to top OPPORTUNITY TO TRAVEL TO GERMANY Join Rev. Randy Knuth on an unforgettable panoramic journey through the Land of Germany and experience the joys of traveling together in Christian fellowship. Join the group as they travel on an 11-day fully escorted deluxe tour of Germany and attend the "once-in-a-lifetime" experience of the 41st Passion Play in Oberammergau. Included in the tour will be significant places in the life of Martin Luther and the reformation, and some of the romantic towns and castles of Bavaria and Munich. For more information in regard to this Luther Tour, June 15-25, 2010, please contact Pastor Randy Knuth, pastor of Hope Lutheran Church, South Sioux City, at revrandyk at yahoo.com or 402-494-1847 or 712-540-8243. Back to top PRAY2009 PRAYER GATHERING A dedicated group of Missouri Synod Lutherans will gather together September 10-11 at the St. Louis Airport Crowne Plaza hotel for a time of prayer and intercession. Following is a portion of the invitation letter: The world and the church are at war in this day from both inside and outside. On every side there are challenges that threaten to destroy the very fiber of our Christian culture and our faith. We believe with Saint Paul that we are the church militant that wrestles "not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." (Ephesians 6:12 KJV) It is time for the church to pray! Our synod in convention has set some lofty goals to reach in the near future as well. The vision is to reach 100 million people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ by the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in 2017. Our nation is in the midst of some of the most difficult economic times since the great depression. Social institutions such as marriage and the family are under attack. How does the militant church of Jesus Christ wage war in such a time as this? Clearly, it is time for the church to pray! This is no time for the church to be silent, but rather the church must go full into the fray on her knees! We are inviting the intercessors of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod to come together for a time of prayer and intercession. We will not talk about prayer. There will be no presentations on prayer. There will be no diagnosis of the types of prayer. We are coming together to pray. We are putting all our personal and political preferences aside so that we can enter into the throne room of the One True and Living God in unity and make our requests known. We certainly can and will continue to pray in our private closets, but we are looking on this occasion to see how the Lord will bless us as we gather together for a solemn time of prayer, supplication, and intercession from all corners of this church and our great nation. We will gather at the St. Louis Airport Crowne Plaza, 11228 Lone Eagle Drive, Bridgeton, MO 63044 on Thursday, September 10 - Friday, September 11, 2009. We chose this important day because of the opportunity we have to be in prayer at the time of the anniversary of the terrorist attacks on New York City. Space is limited in this first gathering, so register early. If you have questions or desire more information, please feel free to contact either Rev. Cliff Bira at cbira at comcast.net or Rev. Victor Belton at pastorbe at pastorbelton.com for further information. Online registration is available at http://pcbman.wufoo.com/forms/pray-2009-registration-form/, or mail your registration to Holy Cross Lutheran Church,1209 Coutant St., Flushing, MI, 48433, Attention - Pray2009. Please remit $50 registration fee made payable to "Holy Cross Lutheran Church." Back to top LUTHERHOSTEL 2009 LutherHostel 2009 will be held Oct. 3-6 on the campus of Concordia Seminary. LutherHostel is an event designed to provide growth in biblical knowledge and understanding, fun and fellowship, and a chance to gain helpful insights for daily living. It is offered for adults age 55 and above. The deadline to register for this event is September 18, 2009. The theme for the event will be "Finite and Infinite Games." The main presenter will be Rev. John Nunes, president of Lutheran World Relief in Baltimore, Md. Scheduled activities for LutherHostel 2009 will feature a reception and dinner with President and Mrs. Dale A. Meyer. Other activities include presentations, class visitation, student-led evening devotions, opportunities for informal interaction with faculty, a private demonstration of the organ in The Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus, and a tour of selected St. Louis area sites. An optional tour of Lutheran historical sites in Perry County, Mo., also is available on Oct. 7, immediately following LutherHostel. The LutherHostel fee is $325 per person, which includes all meals and refreshments for the event. Housing is available on campus (on a limited basis for an additional cost) or in nearby hotels. For more information about LutherHostel, contact the Seminary's Office of Continuing Education and Parish Services at 314-505-7486 or ce at csl.edu. Back to top LUTHERAN IMMIGRATION AND REFUGEE SERVICE WELCOMES FIRST REFUGEES FROM DARFUR Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) is the first U.S. refugee resettlement agency to welcome refugees from Sudan's western region of Darfur. "The crisis in Darfur has left countless victims in its wake-children orphaned, families torn apart, entire villages destroyed," states LIRS Vice President for Protection and Programs Susan Krehbiel. "We are honored to be among the first to open our arms to our brothers and sisters from Darfur as they begin their lives anew. We stand with Lutherans and other concerned Americans to welcome this family to their new community and we look forward to lighting the way for others fleeing war and persecution." After a harrowing journey across the desert to find shelter at a refugee camp in Chad, the family was granted refugee status and became the first Darfuri refugees to be resettled in the United States. A widowed mother, her six children, and one grandchild arrived safely to the Atlanta area this past week and received a heartfelt welcome from their new neighbors and friends from Lutheran Services of Georgia, an affiliate of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service. Refugees around the world flee their homelands due to systemic persecution and prolonged conflict. There are currently an estimated 13.6 million refugees and asylum seekers worldwide including as many as 2.7 million displaced from the Darfur region. Since 1939, LIRS has created welcoming communities for America's newcomers. One of the nation's leading agencies serving refugees and immigrants, LIRS is a cooperative agency of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod, and the Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The organization resettles refugees, protects migrant children, advocates for just treatment of asylum seekers, seeks alternatives to immigration detention, and stands for unity for families fractured by unfair laws. To learn more about LIRS's work of welcome, please visit www.lirs.org. 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: 59259 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.gif Type: image/gif Size: 8295 bytes Desc: image001.gif URL: From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Mon Aug 10 13:48:21 2009 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Mon, 10 Aug 2009 18:48:21 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] Dr. Herman Glaess Called to Glory Message-ID: + OBITUARY + Herman L. Glaess, Commissioned Minister-Teacher Emeritus, departed this life in Lincoln, Nebraska, on August 8, 2009. He was born on July 18, 1926, in Harbor Beach, Michigan, to Arnold and Vincenta (Sandmann) Glaess. He graduated from Concordia Teachers College (River Forest, Illinois) in 1946, received a Masters Degree from Wayne State University in 1955, and added his Doctor of Education from the University of Nebraska in 1966. Herman married Ruth Bruckner on August 5, 1950, in Detroit, Michigan. He served as principal at St. Peter's Lutheran School, East Detroit, Michigan; professor and chairman of the education and psychology division at Concordia Teachers College in Seward; and guest instructor at the University of Nebraska. Concordia and the University of Nebraska presented Herman with their highest teaching awards. Herman retired in January of 2008. He was also an author of the best selling, Potentiality Enhancement Programs. As a clinical psychologist, Glaess served as an organizational consultant, trainer, and motivational speaker to businesses, trade association, utilities, and educational institutions across the United States. He also served as president of the Lutheran Education Association. Mr. Glaess is survived by his wife Ruth and their children and spouses: Anita and Jack Batts of Encampment, Wyoming; Mark and Debbie Glaess of Maple Grove, Minnesota; Marian Brosig of Palisades, Colorado; and Lori and Cameron Scarlett of Madison, Wisconsin; 7 grandchildren; and 3 great-grandchildren; sisters Eleanor Dorow of Benton Harbor, Michigan; and Marietta Ziebart of Orlando, Florida. Herman was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Kurt Brosig; brothers-in-law Bob Dorow and Al Ziebart. Memorial services will be held Tuesday, August 11, at 1:30 p.m. at St. John Lutheran Church, Seward. Inurnment at Greenwood Cemetery, Seward. Family will meet friends on Monday, August 10, from 6:30-8 p.m. at Volzke Funeral Home, Seward. Memorials to Herman Glaess Leadership Endowment Fund c/o Concordia University, Seward, or Concordia University Athletic Fund. Condolences may be sent to www.volzkefuneralhome.com. 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: 6072 bytes Desc: not available URL: From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Aug 12 15:41:31 2009 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 12 Aug 2009 20:41:31 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] August 12 Message-ID: [cid:image001.jpg at 01CA1B61.6E81F9F0] August 12, 2009 In this issue: Greetings in the name of our Heavenly Father. As many families are preparing for the start of another school year by purchasing school supplies, buying new school clothes, and beginning new school-year routines, children in Sudan will be learning in a very different way. Imagine walking to school every day, sitting down on a tin coffee can under a large shade tree where a small chalkboard is propped up, and being one of 500 students being taught by one of eight teachers at the school. While this may sound very different from any school we might imagine, it is the reality for more than 1,300 students who learn in the Lutheran schools in the Upper Nile Region of Sudan. These schools, part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sudan, provide children with a good education, as well as teach them about their Lord Jesus Christ who loves them and cares for them. The Nebraska District is pleased to be ministry partners on this mission field through LCMS World Mission. More information on the Lutheran church in Sudan is available on the District website (www.ndlcms.org), as well as the LCMS World Mission website (http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=6745). Nebraska District congregations and schools are invited to be mission partners by adopting one of these schools and providing a roof for shelter or government-mandated uniforms for the students. More information and adoption agreements are available on the District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/ministries/district/agreements.html and through Gary Thies. * Prayer Requests * Rev. Don Becker Honored as Outstanding Mentor * Teachers' Conference Location Change * Faith, Humboldt, Featured in Fan into Flame Newsletter * Upcoming Orphan Grain Train Convention Registration * Seminary Receives Accreditation for Online MA in Deaconess Studies * Updated Mission Central Speaking Schedule * Jesus Our Savior Lutheran School Dedication Service * Theological Symposium: "Science and Theology: New Questions, New Conversations" * Nebraska Lutheran Women's Missionary Leagues Accepting Grant Applications * CPH Offers Women's Devotional Materials on Sale in August * New Spanish Materials Offered by CPH PRAYER REQUESTS The family of Dr. Herman Glaess - Please lift up in prayer the family of Dr. Herman Glaess, who was called to heaven Saturday, August 8. He served the Church for many years as an educator, both as a teacher in the classroom and instructor at the college level. As a clinical psychologist, Dr. Glaess served as an organizational consultant, trainer, and motivational speaker to businesses, trade associations, utilities, and educational institutions across the United States. He also served as president of the Lutheran Education Association. A memorial service was held for Dr. Glaess Tuesday, August 11, at St. John, Seward. We ask the Lord to grant his family peace and comfort at this time of loss. Back to top REV. DON BECKER HONORED AS OUTSTANDING MENTOR Rev. Don Becker of Minden was honored by the TeamMates Mentoring Program, founded by Tom and Nancy Osborne, at the TeamMates Annual Partnership Meeting in July. As part of the meeting, outstanding TeamMates matches were honored. Rev. Don Becker (mentor) and Richard Parton (mentee) of Minden were recognized for excellence in mentoring. Pastor Becker serves at St. Paul, Minden. The mission of the TeamMates Mentoring Program is to positively impact the world by inspiring youth to reach their full potential. The TeamMates Mentoring Program was founded in 1991 by the Osbornes to provide support and encouragement to school-aged youth. Back to top TEACHERS' CONFERENCE LOCATION CHANGE Teachers and administrators, please note the change in location for the fall Teachers' Conference. This year's conference will be held at Trinity Lutheran School in Grand Island, with the high school track to be hosted by Heartland Lutheran High. The committee is at work on registration materials, and packets will be sent to schools later this month. Please note, the conference will be in Grand Island on October 22-23, and not in Norfolk as originally planned. Contact Carol Oetting in the education department at carolo at ndlcms.org or 888-643-2961 with questions. Back to top FAITH, HUMBOLDT, FEATURED IN FAN INTO FLAME NEWSLETTER Last spring, the members of Faith, Humboldt, heard about the opportunities for supporting mission work both locally and internationally through the Fan into Flame effort. The congregation committed $5,000 to the campaign during a vacancy period. After their new pastor arrived, they shared their vision of participating in Fan into Flame and the pastor "got on board." Today, the congregation's commitments exceed $13,000, and they continue to explore the possibilities for outreach work in their community, through their congregation, and in their own lives. The story of Faith, Humboldt, and the work the Lord is doing through these people is shared in the July/August 2009 issue of Update News, the Fan into Flame newsletter. You can read an electronic copy at http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=11976. If you would like paper copies to distribute in your congregation, contact Nichole Hetz at the District Office, nicholeh at ndlcms.org or 888-643-2961, to request the appropriate number. Back to top UPCOMING ORPHAN GRAIN TRAIN CONVENTION REGISTRATION The Orphan Grain Train Convention will be held September 18-19 at Lutheran High Northeast in Norfolk. Full registration information, as well as details on the convention, are available at http://www.ogt.org/index.php/events/convention. The registration fee is $45 per person before September 1, and $50 per person after that date. While you are at the Orphan Grain Train website, take time to read the series of six articles written and published in the Norfolk Daily News about the ministry of Orphan Grain Train. Follow http://www.ogt.org/index.php/ourstory/news_full/orphan_grain_train_featured_in_norfolk_daily_news_series/ to read the articles. Back to top SEMINARY RECEIVES ACCREDITATION FOR ONLINE MA IN DEACONESS STUDIES The Association of Theological Schools (ATS) has granted preliminary approval to Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana, for a Master of Arts (MA) in the Deaconess Studies program, which will be delivered through a combination of electronic distance learning and on-campus intensives. "Many women serve in roles involving diakonal work and aspects of spiritual care without having had formal theological training at the graduate level. Concordia Theological Seminary (CTS) is delighted to be able to honor their diakonal work by providing an opportunity for these women to study theology at an advanced level and gain an MA so that they can be certified as deaconesses," said Dr. Arthur Just, Director of Deaconess Studies at the seminary. The full-time degree can be completed in two and a half years, but students may opt to take courses on a part-time basis. The curriculum will be structured to take into account the experience and workload of the students. The degree will include a rigorous program of theological study, together with training in practical, diakonal skills. Full-time students will take two online courses in each of the Fall and Spring quarters and two two-week intensives in each of the Winter and Summer quarters. All students will also participate in fieldwork. Women admitted to this program must have the following: * Completed a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution or the equivalent. * Been a member of a congregation in The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, ordinarily for a minimum of two years prior to admission. * Served at least five years in a congregation or institution where their work has included an element of spiritual care (e.g., parish nurse, care ministry in a congregation, etc.) and will continue to serve in this way throughout the course of their study. While CTS has been carrying out distance learning pastoral training programs since the mid-1990s, this is the first time that an online program for women, leading to an MA and certification as a deaconess, will be offered. It is anticipated that the first students will be enrolled for the Fall 2009 quarter. "The approved online MA in Deaconess Studies demonstrates the commitment of the seminary to providing creative ways to teach deaconess students the knowledge, skills, and attitudes they need for diakonal work in their specific context." said Dr. Lawrence Rast, Academic Dean at CTS. You are invited to find out more about the MA in Deaconess Studies by e-mailing CTS at deaconess at ctsfw.edu, or calling Dr. Arthur Just, Director of Deaconess Studies (260-452-2138) or Dr. Cyndy Lumley, Associate Director of Deaconess Studies (260-452-2225). Back to top UPDATED MISSION CENTRAL SPEAKING SCHEDULE The following special events are planned at Mission Central near Mapleton, Iowa. Gary Thies invites everyone to come and hear these wonderful folks talk about their work around the world. All speaking events are in the barn at Mission Central, and the newest additions to the speaking list are in red. For more information on Mission Central or on these special events, visit the Mission Central website at www.missioncentral.us. August 15 - Amy Kashenov - Kazakhstan at 2:00 p.m. only August 22 - Vicar Heath and Aunnee Trampe - Riga, Latvia at 1:00 p.m. only August 29 - Ashley Effken - Czech Republic at 1:00 p.m. September 2 - Anna Horkey - China at 7:00 p.m. September 16 - Rev. Matt Heise - Georgia, Russia, and Mongolia at 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. Mission Central now has a Facebook page! Those interested in viewing this page may follow the link from the Mission Central homepage, www.missioncentral.us. Back to top JESUS OUR SAVIOR LUTHERAN SCHOOL DEDICATION SERVICE Everyone is invited to join Jesus Our Savior Lutheran Outreach in Winnebago for the dedication service of their new education building and celebration of the start of a new school year on Sunday, August 23, at 4:00 p.m. Jesus Our Savior Lutheran Elementary School will begin its first school year this fall, while Jesus Our Savior Lutheran Preschool will begin its 12th year of early childhood ministry. We thank the Lord for the blessings He has showered on this ministry in the past, and we ask that He will continue to bless the teachers and students as they begin a new school year. Back to top THEOLOGICAL SYMPOSIUM: "SCIENCE AND THEOLOGY: NEW QUESTIONS, NEW CONVERSATIONS" Pastors and theologians tend not to have much formal training in science. Scientists tend not to receive much formal education in theology. Yet the two disciplines are often asked cross-disciplinary questions like: How do our understandings of the creation of the universe jive between science and Christian theology? How do scientific theories such as quantum mechanics point toward or away from God's creative hand? How should Christians take care of the world's environment? Are our brains programmed to seek and worship God? How should Christians view new technologies like in vitro fertilization or stem cell research? In an effort to help pastors and laypeople think through such questions, Concordia Seminary is pleased to announce its 20th Annual Theological Symposium to be held Sept. 22-23 under the title "Science and Theology: New Questions, New Conversations." While the Symposium will keep its relevance as a time for theological discussion among pastors, this year's Symposium will also feature opportunities for high school and college science instructors, as well as other laypeople, to talk about the interplay between science and theology. The primary plenary speakers will all be scientists from diverse backgrounds. Dr. Daniel Botkin, professor emeritus at the University of California, Santa Barbara, has been called "one of the preeminent ecologists of the 20th century," noted for the advancement of computer simulations and satellite remote sensing in the study of forests. He has written numerous articles, software programs, and books, including No Man's Garden: Thoreau and a New Vision for Civilization and Nature. Dr. Mario Beauregard is a professor of neurobiology at the University of Montreal, most noted for his research and book The Spiritual Brain: A Neuroscientist's Case for the Existence of the Soul. Dr. Benjamin Schumacher is a physics professor at Kenyon College in Ohio and author of a textbook on relativity titled Physics in Spacetime. Schumacher is credited with inventing the term "qubit," the unit of measurement in quantum information theory. Each scientist's plenary will be followed by a response from one of Concordia Seminary's faculty exploring the theological implications of the presentation. Other sectional speakers include Dr. Del Ratzsch, professor of philosophy and science at Calvin College and author of the book The Battle of Beginnings: Why Neither Side Is Winning the Creation-Evolution Debate; Dr. Angus Menuge, professor of philosophy and science at Concordia University Wisconsin; and Dr. Robert Weise, Concordia Seminary professor and The Lutheran Foundation of St. Louis Chair in Pastoral Ministry and the Life Sciences. Other sectionals on a wide variety of science-theology topics are also being planned. Those interested in these issues are also encouraged to take part in the Seminary's Alumni Read, which this year is renowned scientist and theologian John Polkinghorne's book, Science and Theology: An Introduction. Following the Symposium, Dr. Victor Raj, mission professor of exegetical theology and assistant director of the Institute for Mission Studies, will present the 2009 Witness Workshop. The Sept. 24-25 workshop will explore "Hybrid Spirituality." This workshop in four sessions will address the challenge Christians face in their everyday lives and witness as they live and work among people who are looking for the best from everywhere to quench their spiritual thirst. Major issues will be identified and Christian responses will be presented within the Scriptural framework. Parish pastors, district and synodical officials, Seminary and Concordia University students and faculty and interested laypersons are encouraged to attend. One CEU is available for attending the Symposium. Registration fees are as follows: $130 by September 8 (includes Tuesday evening buffet); $140 after September 8. Day registration: $70 by September 8; $80 after September 8. Session Registration: $35 by September 8; $40 after September 8. Witness Workshop: $35. For more information and/or registration information, contact the Office of Continuing Education and Parish Services at 314-505-7486 or ce at csl.edu, or visit the Seminary's website at www.csl.edu. Back to top LUTHERAN WOMEN'S MISSIONARY LEAGUES ACCEPTING GRANT APPLICATIONS Applications for mission grants for the 2010 conventions of the Nebraska District LWML South and North are now available from local LWML society presidents. The vice president of Gospel Outreach for each district may also be contacted. For LWML South, contact Deanna Dowding at 154 East Moffit, Seward, NE, 68434; 402-643-3148; or deanna.dowding at yahoo.com. Applications may also be found on the LWML South website at www.lwmlnesouth.org. The deadline is December 15, 2009. For LWML North, contact Monica Ebmeier at 87161 574 Ave., Laurel, NE, 68745; 402-256-3553, or monica_ebmeier at yahoo.com. The deadline is January 1, 2010. An individual member, society, zone, district board, or synodical board may submit grant proposals, and grants should: * Emphasize extending the ministry of the Word. * Fit into the plans and projections of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. * Be current and ready for implementation. Back to top CPH OFFERS WOMEN'S DEVOTIONAL MATERIALS ON SALE IN AUGUST Concordia Publishing House (CPH) announces special pricing throughout August for ten of its top-tier women's resources, found at http://www.cph.org/women. The offer is a response to the challenge extended by the Lutheran Women's Missionary League (LWML), the women's auxiliary organization of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, at the 33rd Biennial LWML Convention held last month in Portland, Oregon. At the event, LWML President Janice Wendorf challenged all attendees to make a commitment to be "in the Word, honoring a daily appointment with the Father and His Word; of the Word, made over by the Holy Spirit, forgiven and restored; walking with the Lord, totally confident of Christ's presence in serving and living." CPH participated with a full presence at the event that included a store featuring women's resources centered around its "A Good Place" campaign. Dr. Bruce G. Kintz, CPH's President and Chief Executive Officer greeted the convention and pledged support, "We stand ready to partner with LWML in new ways as you reach out in your congregations and communities and around the world to boldly proclaim the Good News. There is so much more we can do for the sake of our Savior, and we can accomplish much when we walk together." Customers can shop ten "best" CPH women's ministry products at http://www.cph.org/women through August 31, and save 20%, with no minimum purchase. Everyone is encouraged to take advantage of a great offer to purchase outstanding resources for their women's Bible study group or for individual use. Concordia Publishing House has been steadily growing its line of Bible study and devotional resources for men and women. Products are available for large and small group format, and for individual use. Many products offer a DVD component and discussion guides. Back to top NEW SPANISH MATERIALS OFFERED BY CPH Spanish Music Downloads Concordia Publishing House (http://www.cph.org) (CPH) now has Spanish music available for purchase at iTunes, Amazon, and other select digital music stores. Concordia Publishing House offers a wide variety of children's songs, instrumental and choral arrangements, and hymns. "Editorial Concordia is honored to be able to present all of our Spanish albums on iTunes," said Marcia Wilhelm, Marketing Manager of Multilingual Resources. "The music that is on iTunes has been available in the past only with other resources and never sold separately." "Editorial Concordia, http://editorial.concordia.org, is the Hispanic division of Concordia Publishing House and it focuses on three areas of service: Christian education, theological education, and mission. They offer over 300 resources, from Vacation Bible School programs to exegetic commentaries, in Spanish. "Spanish iTunes came about as an opportunity for the multilingual department to provide our customers with the ability to download Spanish music from anywhere in the world," said Wilhelm. "These songs are great for all ages and cultures and we are excited that our Hispanic customers can now access them online." Visit your favorite online music store and search for Concordia Publishing House to see the list of available downloads. First-Ever Biography of Spanish Reformer Editorial Concordia, the Spanish division of Concordia Publishing House (CPH), announces the release of the biography Casiodoro de Reina, Patriarca del Protestantismo Hispano. Casiodoro de Reina, Patriarca del Protestantismo Hispano (Casiodoro de Reina, Patriarch of Hispanic Protestantism), by Raymond S. Rosales, is the first known effort to gather the writings of monk and Spanish reformer, Casiodoro de Reina. The book follows the events of his life and focuses on his passion to share God's Word with Spanish-speaking people. "Casiodoro de Reina, Patriarch of Hispanic Protestantism is an excellent biography of a central figure who played a vital role in translating the Reina-Valera Bible," says Marcia Wilhelm, marketing manager of CPH multilingual resources. "The Reina-Valera is a Spanish translation of the Bible, first published in 1569." Find more information about this book at Casiodoro de Reina, Patriarca del Protestantismo Hispano, or order it online at www.cph.org or by calling 1-800-325-3040. Back to top Summer (and back-to-school) 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: 52452 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 12979 bytes Desc: image001.jpg URL: From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Thu Aug 13 15:14:25 2009 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Thu, 13 Aug 2009 20:14:25 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] Luella Kovac Called to Glory Message-ID: + OBITUARY + Mrs. Luella (Meyer) Kovac, widow of the Reverend John D. Kovac, Sr., Seward, Nebraska, departed this life on Wednesday, August 12, 2009, at the age of 86. She was born at Elk Creek, Nebraska, on January 2, 1923, to Martin and Elise (Klipp) Meyer. She was baptized at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Elk Creek, on January 8, 1923. After moving from Elk Creek to Malcolm, Nebraska, at the age of 6, she attended St. Paul Lutheran School in Malcolm for 8 years, her father being the teacher there. She was confirmed in her Christian faith on May 16, 1937. She graduated from Malcolm High School in 1941, attended Lincoln School of Commerce for 8 months, and then accepted a secretarial position at Concordia Teachers College. In 1945, she moved to St. Louis, Missouri, to work in the mission department of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. She was united in marriage to John D. Kovac on August 3, 1947, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Hanover, Kansas. Pastor Kovac served congregations in Pennsylvania, Kansas, and Nebraska. Mrs. Kovac is survived by two daughters, Ruth (James) Wogahn of Seward, and Mary (Gary) Faszholz of Macomb, Michigan; two sons, Dr. John Jr. (Helen) Kovac of Hermosa Beach, California, and James (Rhonda) Kovac of Beaver Crossing, Nebraska; one brother, Delbert (Ann) Meyer of York, Nebraska; one sister, Dorian (Don) Bisping of Linn, Kansas; two sisters-in-law, Loma Meyer of St. Paul, Minnesota, and Doris Meyer of Clay Center, Kansas; seven grandchildren, one great-grandchild, nieces and nephews. Mrs. Kovac was preceded in death by her husband; one son, Paul; grandson, David Wogahn; and two brothers, Erwin Meyer and Gerhardt Meyer. The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 18, 2009, at St. John Lutheran Church in Seward. Interment will be at Greenwood Cemetery, Seward, Nebraska. Condolences may be sent to James Kovac, 685 462nd Road, Beaver Crossing, Nebraska 68313, jrkovac at stewireless.com. 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: 6254 bytes Desc: not available URL: From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Aug 19 11:48:24 2009 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 19 Aug 2009 16:48:24 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] August 19 Message-ID: [cid:image001.jpg at 01CA20C2.9CE07360] August 19, 2009 In this issue: Greetings in the name of our loving Heavenly Father. Schools across Nebraska have started or are starting in the days ahead. Likewise, congregations are preparing for the start of a new year of Sunday school and Bible classes. Part of the preparations for a new school year is choosing mission projects for the students to support. Did you know the Nebraska District has a number of mission projects here in Nebraska that need funding? Congregations of the Nebraska District support ministries on Nebraska college campuses, Hispanic ministry, Sudanese ministry, Native American ministry, and Sandhills ministry through their mission and ministry gifts to the Nebraska District and through gifts specified for these ministries. These directed gifts are made by using one of the adoption agreements available on the District website. Congregations and schools are encouraged to visit http://www.ndlcms.org/ministries/district/agreements.html to view adoption agreements for Nebraska District missions and to consider supporting one or more local missions throughout the coming school year. More information on the ministries is available at http://www.ndlcms.org/ministries/district/index.html. Contact Rev. Rich Boring at the District Office, richb at ndlcms.org or 888-643-2961, for more information on District missions. * Church/School Secretary Workshop Date Set * Tell Us About Your Vacation Bible School * LCMS Issues Statement on Health Care Reform * Prospective Seminary Students Invited to "Contemplate" * K4 Restoration Sunday Video * TLCare at Mayo Hospital * Nebraska Lutherans for Confessional Study to Meet * Concordia Publishing House to Dedicate New Bookstore at Concordia University, Nebraska CHURCH/SCHOOL SECRETARY WORKSHOP DATE SET The 2009 Church Secretary Workshop hosted by the Nebraska District is scheduled to be held from 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3, at Concordia University, Seward. More information will be mailed to church and school offices in mid-September. Office staff should mark the date on their calendars and make plans now to join together with others to celebrate their common ministry and gain new insights from shared ideas. Questions may be directed to Nichole at the District Office, nicholeh at ndlcms.org or 888-643-2961. Back to top TELL US ABOUT YOUR VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL Congregations across the District are finished with another Vacation Bible School season. Throughout the summer, many of you have told us exciting stories about VBS at your congregation or in your community. We have heard about the wonderful things God has done through your VBS (reaching out into the community to bring the Gospel to unchurched children). Others have shared stories of the ways the seed was planted in the hearts of children and their families (taking VBS into community trailer courts). Some of you approached VBS in unique and different ways (kissing an alligator)! Whether you are a pastor, a teacher, a volunteer, a parent, or a student, you have a story to tell. We love hearing stories about the unique and special things that happened at VBS, as well as seeing the miracles God is working through these summertime gatherings. Maybe it was a new schedule, a fresh approach to advertising, a wonderful witness given by teacher or student, or something else. Whatever it was, let us know. Just send your VBS stories to info at ndlcms.org, along with your name and your congregation's name, and let us rejoice with you! Thanks for taking the time to share your story. Here's one to get you started: Eighteen high school youth and two adults traveled from Mexico to Omaha on a mission trip and helped hold a Vacation Bible School at the Tree of Life Center for Hispanic children in the area. Back to top LCMS Issues Statement on Health Care Reform In a statement released Aug. 14, Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod President Gerald B. Kieschnick acknowledges that the health-care reform issue is "complicated and still evolving," but stresses that the Synod "would not endorse any component of a plan that includes funding for abortion." "As pro-life advocates," Kieschnick says, "we would want to prohibit any government money from being used, even indirectly, for insurance that covers abortion." Regardless of the outcome of the health-care debate -- now "on the table" until lawmakers return to the capital next month - "God's Word will continue to guide us as we offer Christian care and compassion to our neighbors in time of need," he says. Kieschnick encourages LCMS congregation members "to be attuned to the debate and the process" and to "pray for our elected leaders and for all those in authority." Says Kieschnick: "We have been called to be disciples of Christ and witnesses for Christ. Searching for an effective means of ministering to the sick and vulnerable is one way to respond to that calling. May the Lord grant us, our leaders, and our nation wisdom in this process." To read the statement in its entirety, click here or visit the LCMS website at www.lcms.org. Back to top PROSPECTIVE SEMINARY STUDENTS INVITED TO "CONTEMPLATE . . ." Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, is pleased to invite prospective students and their guests to attend "Contemplate..." to be held October 8-10, 2009, and March 11-13, 2010, on the Seminary campus. At this time, the registration form for both events is on the Concordia Seminary website at www.csl.edu. A full brochure is forthcoming. Designed for those who are college age or older, the structured visitation event provides an effective means of learning 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. There is no charge to attend "Contemplate..." and all meals and lodging are provided free of charge. Round-trip transportation to Concordia Seminary from the airport is provided. For more information, contact the Admissions Office at 1-800-822-9545 or admissions at csl.edu. Back to top K4 RESTORATION SUNDAY VIDEO Hundreds of congregations and individuals from all over the country (even the Virgin Islands) have said they'll be holding a "K4 Restoration Sunday" to support the people still recovering from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. As the hurricane season begins in earnest, it's important to remember the long-term devastation each one of these storms can leave in its wake. To help promote "Restoration Sunday" Recovery Assistance, Inc. Ministries (RAI Ministries) has just released the "Restoration Sunday 2009" video for you to show your congregation. Please visit their website at http://www.raiministries.org/ to watch the video and to find other K4 resources. Additionally, would you please send an email to RAI to let them know that you will be holding a "Restoration Sunday" so that they can include your congregation in their prayers during the "K4 Worship Service" in New Orleans on August 29th? You may email them at director at raiministries.org. Back to top TLCARE AT MAYO HOSPITAL Trinity Lutheran Church in Rochester, Minnesota has a ministry called TLCare that offers hospitality to those receiving medical care at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. TLCare now has lodging to offer to LCMS brothers and sisters at no cost. The small apartment is located on the edge of the Mayo campus and is available first come, first served. For more information, please contact Jennifer Jurgensen, tlcjennifer at charterinternet.com or Trinity Lutheran Church at 507-289-1531. Back to top NEBRASKA LUTHERANS FOR CONFESSIONAL STUDY TO MEET The August gathering of the Nebraska Lutherans for Confessional Study (NLCS) will be held on Thursday, August 20, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 3825 Wildbriar Lane in Lincoln. Refreshments will be in the fellowship hall at 9:30 a.m., followed by Matins at 10 a.m. Presenter for the day will be Rev. Philip Hale, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bancroft, Nebraska; his topic will be "Narrative Criticism." The morning session will start at about 10:30 a.m. Following lunch, the afternoon topic will start at about 1 p.m. 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 PUBLISHING HOUSE TO DEDICATE NEW BOOKSTORE AT CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY, NEBRASKA Concordia Publishing House dedicates its newest bookstore on the campus of Concordia University, Nebraska, home of the Bulldogs, on August 27, 2009. The Nebraska store joins the ranks of other CPH operated campus stores at Concordia University Chicago; Concordia University Ann Arbor; Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana; and Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. The dedication will be held at 11 a.m. on August 27 in the new bookstore. Concordia University President, Rev. Dr. Brian Friedrich will share remarks, and CPH President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Bruce Kintz and CPH Vice President Jonathan Schultz will also attend. "CPH wants to get to know the students at the ten schools in the Concordia University System, and our bookstores provide a great front-line way to do that," says Dr. Kintz. "We are experts at bookstore operations, and look forward not only to providing top-tier service for faculty, students, and local communities near the stores, but also to forming new connections with customers who are really important to us." "We are pleased to be part of the community in Seward with this latest branch of CPH," remarks Peter Frank, Manager of Bookstore Operations. "Like our vision statement says, 'We strive to be the premier publisher and provider of choice...' and that applies for the CUNE community as well." Concordia Campus Bookstores offer advantages both to students and faculty on the campus where they operate, and also to local congregations and individuals, who can place orders for church resources and CPH products and services without incurring shipping costs. "Our campus stores offer the same advantages as shopping in our anchor store at our St. Louis headquarters," Frank stresses. The Concordia campus will also be part of transforming the store's appearance, with the Department of Art getting involved in updating the look of the space. "We are a ministry, not just a business," said Frank. "We are there to serve." Back to top 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: 36513 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 12979 bytes Desc: image001.jpg URL: From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Aug 26 10:54:33 2009 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 26 Aug 2009 15:54:33 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] August 26 Message-ID: [cid:image001.jpg at 01CA263B.2C89BA30] August 26, 2009 In this issue: Greetings in the name of our loving Heavenly Father. This past weekend the District hosted the last of three Fiscal Conferences around the state. With 90 in attendance last Saturday, the total number of people who took time to come and learn more about stewardship and fiscal responsibility neared 200. Thanks be to God for the dedicated pastors and lay leaders who joined us and participated in these workshops. If you or your stewardship committee was not able to join us and you would like to learn more, contact District Treasurer Paul Pettit at paulp at ndlcms.org or 888-643-2961. He is available for presentations to help your congregation understand its role and responsibility as a member congregation of the LCMS, as well as to offer stewardship materials and resources. The Lord has given the Nebraska District wonderful mission opportunities, and congregations and individuals can be a part of these ministries through their gifts of time, prayer, and treasurers. Visit www.ndlcms.org or contact the District Office to learn more. * Prayer Request * Statement from President Kieschnick * No Website Updates * Congregational Youth Ministry Inquiry Forms Still Being Collected * Worship at State Fair * LWML Nebraska District North Fall Retreat * Concordia University, Nebraska on "Best" List * Nebraska Lutherans for Confessional Study to Meet * Sibling Harmony Concerts in Nebraska * Financial Peace University Class Offered in Omaha PRAYER REQUEST Samuel Felix - We rejoice with Vicar Obdulio and Yoliza Felix at the birth of their son, Samuel, on Wednesday, August 19. We thank God for the gift of life He granted to this family, and we look forward to welcoming Samuel into the Body of Christ through Holy Baptism. Vicar Felix serves at Iglesia Luterana Jesus es el Senor Hispanic mission in Omaha through Beautiful Savior, La Vista. Back to top STATEMENT FROM PRESIDENT KIESCHNICK (Reprinted with permission of the LCMS Office of the President) Nebraska District President Russ Sommerfeld shares the following: LCMS President Gerald B. Kieschnick has offered two responses to the August 17-23, 2009, decisions on human sexuality by the Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. Both responses can be accessed at www.lcms.org. On Friday, Aug. 21, the ELCA Assembly voted to open the ministry of the ELCA to gay and lesbian pastors and other professional workers living in "committed relationships." In an earlier action, the assembly also approved a resolution that commits the ELCA "to finding ways to allow congregations that choose to do so to recognize, support, and hold publicly accountable life-long, monogamous, same-gender relationships." The LCMS regards these decisions by the ELCA assembly to be contrary to the Scriptures. The LCMS believes that the Word of God teaches that homosexual behavior is contrary to God's will, and it seeks to minister to those who are struggling with homosexual inclinations. The LCMS is committed to caringly show these individuals their sinfulness and assuring them of forgiveness in Christ upon sincere repentance and faith in Christ. As members of the body of Christ, the LCMS strives to assist the individuals to rely on Christ's love and strength to abstain from homophile behavior and to help them to bear their burden without fear of recrimination and rejection by sisters and brothers in Christ. Pastors, professional church workers and members of LCMS congregations are also encouraged to pray for the ELCA, as well as LCMS relations with the ELCA. For as President Kieschnick stated in his address to the ELCA Assembly on August 22, "The decisions by this assembly to grant non-celibate homosexual ministers the privilege of serving as rostered leaders in the ELCA and the affirmation of same-gender unions as pleasing to God will undoubtedly cause additional stress and disharmony within the ELCA. It will also negatively affect the relationships between our two church bodies." Further responses to the ELCA Assembly's actions will be provided as they become available. Following is a letter to congregations from President Kieschnick in response to these actions of the Churchwide Assembly of the ELCA. Congregations may reprint this letter for their use by including the following line: "Reprinted with permission of the LCMS Office of the President." The two largest Lutheran church bodies in the United States are the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) with 4.8 million members and The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod (LCMS) with 2.4 million members. On Friday, Aug. 21, the Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America voted to open the ministry of the ELCA to gay and lesbian pastors and other professional workers living in "committed relationships." In an earlier action, the assembly approved a resolution that commits the ELCA "to finding ways to allow congregations that choose to do so to recognize, support, and hold publicly accountable life-long, monogamous, same-gender relationships." The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod has repeatedly affirmed as its own position the historical understanding of the Christian church that the Bible condemns homosexual behavior as "intrinsically sinful." It is therefore contrary to the will of the Creator and constitutes sin against the commandments of God (Lev. 18:22, 24,20:13: 1 Cor. 6:9-20; 1 Tim 1:9-10; and Rom. 1:26, 27). Addressing the ELCA assembly on Saturday, Aug. 22, I responded to their aforementioned actions, stating: "The decisions by this assembly to grant non-celibate homosexual ministers the privilege of serving as rostered leaders in the ELCA and the affirmation of same-gender unions as pleasing to God will undoubtedly cause additional stress and disharmony within the ELCA. It will also negatively affect the relationships between our two church bodies. The current division between our churches threatens to become a chasm. This grieves my heart and the hearts of all in the ELCA, the LCMS, and other Christian church bodies throughout the world who do not see these decisions as compatible with the Word of God, or in agreement with the consensus of 2,000 years of Christian theological affirmation regarding what Scripture teaches about human sexuality. Simply stated, this matter is fundamentally related to significant differences in how we [our two church bodies] understand the authority of Holy Scripture and the interpretation of God's revealed and infallible Word." Doctrinal decisions adopted already in 2001 led the LCMS, in sincere humility and love, to declare that we could no longer consider the ELCA "to be an orthodox Lutheran church body" (2001 Res 3-21A). Sadly, the decisions of this past week to ignore biblical teaching on human sexuality have reinforced that conclusion. We respect the desire to follow conscience in moral decision making, but conscience may not overrule the Word of God. We recognize that many brothers and sisters within the ELCA, both clergy and lay, are committed to remaining faithful to the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, are committed to the authority of Holy Scripture, and strongly oppose these actions. To them we offer our assurance of loving encouragement together with our willingness to provide appropriate support in their efforts to remain faithful to the Word of God and the historic teachings of the Lutheran church and all other Christian churches for the past 2,000 years. Dr. Gerald B. Kieschnick, President The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod Back to top NO WEBSITE UPDATES Due to computer complications at the District Office, we are not able to update the District website at this time. As soon as the situation is resolved, updates will be made. Until that time, feel free to email us at info at ndlcms.org, call us at 888-643-2961, or become a fan of the Nebraska District Facebook page to learn the latest news on ministry in Nebraska. We apologize for any inconvenience, and we appreciate your patience. Back to top CONGREGATIONAL YOUTH MINISTRY INQUIRY FORMS STILL BEING COLLECTED Church offices should have received a mailing in mid-July regarding the 2010 National LCMS Youth Gathering, WE BELIEVE. As part of that mailing, congregations were asked to return a Congregational Youth Ministry Inquiry form. If your congregation has not yet completed this form, we would still like to have this information. This mailing and the form are on the District website at www.ndlcms.org/education/youth/gathering.html. There is also information on the WE BELIEVE Adult Leader Informational meetings taking place in the District in September, along with contact information for the Nebraska District Coordinators. Back to top WORSHIP AT STATE FAIR Are you planning to take in the Nebraska State Fair this weekend or next weekend? Will you be there on a Sunday? If so, join the Nebraska District Lutheran Laymen as they provide a worship service at the Open Air Auditorium each Sunday at 9:00 a.m. Rev. Paul Holtorf, Associate Professor of Theology, Concordia University, Seward, will be preaching and leading the service on Sunday, August 30. Special music will be provided by the A Cappella Choir of Concordia University under the direction of Kurt Von Kampen. Rev. Keith Grimm will be preaching the message on Sunday, September 6. Pastor Grimm serves as the International Pastoral Advisor of the Lutheran Laymen's League and serves as senior pastor at Beautiful Savior in LaVista. Leading the worship service and sharing the children's message will be Rev. Duane Fahr of First Trinity, Bloomfield. Pastor Fahr serves as the Nebraska District's LLL Pastoral Advisor. Special music will be provided by the Concordia Lutheran Schools, Omaha, High School Choir, under the direction of Peter Klemp. If you are at the fair, don't miss this special time to worship our Lord. Back to top LWML NEBRASKA DISTRICT NORTH FALL RETREAT The LWML Nebraska District North Fall Retreat will be held at Zion Lutheran in Plainview on September 19. The retreat theme is "Singing His Praises In His Word." The day will include three Bible studies based on three favorite hymns, as well as a hymn sing and organ recital by Stephen Hakes of Christ, Norfolk. Registration forms and the $20 fee are appreciated by September 1. Teens (Friends Into Serving Him) are also invited to come to join in praising the Lord and learning through the Word. Registration forms and information on the day have been sent to all churches and society presidents in the district. Pastors and secretaries are encouraged to include this information in their upcoming bulletin and Sunday morning announcements. For more information, contact Katy Gifford at 402-586-2411 or blessings at gpcom.net. Back to top CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY, NEBRASKA ON "BEST" LIST Concordia University, Nebraska moved to No. 16, up two spots, in the Midwest baccalaureate category of U.S. News & World Report's 2010 America's Best Colleges rankings released last week. Concordia continues its upward move in the rankings in recent years and maintains its spot as the highest ranked Nebraska school in its category. "We are very pleased to once again be listed among the top baccalaureate universities in the Midwest," said Rev. Dr. Brian L. Friedrich, president of Concordia. "The rankings highlight the excellence and value of Lutheran, Christian higher education available at Concordia University, Nebraska." Based on its first-tier ranking and an overall score of 69, Concordia also compares well to schools in other categories and regions. Concordia Nebraska continues to be the top-ranked school in the Concordia University System. "Our staff and faculty have worked tirelessly to make Concordia an outstanding experience for our students and to be recognized in this way is an honor," said Aaron Roberts, director of admissions at Concordia. "The exceptional support of our alumni and friends is also reflected in this ranking. Our high academic standards, alongside the Christian environment that our entire campus strives for, make Concordia a unique and highly respected university." Criteria evaluated in the rankings included academic reputation, retention and graduation rates, faculty resources, student selectivity, and alumni support. While placed in the baccalaureate category based on the overall percentage and number of graduates in programs offered, Concordia also offers master's degrees in multiple areas, including a new MBA program. Complete rankings are available online at www.usnews.com/colleges and in the magazine's issue on newsstands August 20. Back to top NEBRASKA LUTHERANS FOR CONFESSIONAL STUDY TO MEET The September gathering of the Nebraska Lutherans for Confessional Study (NLCS) is Thursday, September 3, at Good Shepherd, 3825 Wildbriar Lane in Lincoln. Refreshments will be in the fellowship hall at 9:30 a.m., followed by Matins at 10 a.m. Special guest presenter will be Dr. Mark Mattes, Religion and Philosophy Department Chair at Grand View College in Des Moines, Iowa, and world-renowned Lutheran scholar and expert on the doctrine of justification. His topic, starting at 10:30 a.m., will be "A Critique of Robert Jenson's teaching on Justification." Publications by Dr. Mattes include "The Preached God: Proclamation in Word and Sacrament," "The Role of Justification in Contemporary Theology," and "The Grand View College Reader." 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 SIBLING HARMONY CONCERTS IN NEBRASKA Sibling Harmony is a Christian band (LCMS) that will be playing at the following locations in Nebraska on their way to Colorado. Wednesday, September 2 - 7 p.m. concert - St Peter Lutheran Church, Deshler Thursday, September 3 - 9:15 a.m. chapel - Deshler Lutheran School, Deshler Thursday, September 3 - 6:30 p.m. concert - Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, Holdrege Kevin Bueltman, former director of Camp Luther, is part of this group with his sister, Kim, and a brother, Kurtis, both church workers in Illinois. Kevin is attending Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. You can hear their music at www.SiblingHarmony.com or search for their songs at www.iTunes.com. Back to top FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY CLASS OFFERED IN OMAHA St. John, Omaha, is offering Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University class this fall. The free preview will be Saturday, August 29, beginning at 9 a.m. at 11120 Calhoun Road, Omaha. Classes begin at the church on Saturday, September 12, and run from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. For more information contact the church office at 402- 451-2441. Back to top Thank you to all who shared information for this Update. Please continue to send information of interest to the District Office by replying to this e-mail or sending it to communications at ndlcms.org. Blessings on your day, 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: 45175 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 12979 bytes Desc: image001.jpg URL: