From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Dec 2 11:22:15 2009 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 02 Dec 2009 17:22:15 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] December 2 Message-ID: [cid:image001.gif at 01CA7341.B0A85210] December 2, 2009 In this issue: Advent greetings in the name of our loving Heavenly Father. The beginning of December evokes different reactions in different people. For many adults, it begins the stressful countdown to Christmas with all of the shopping, baking, programs, and parties to fit into 24 short days. For church workers, it is a busy time of preparing for and leading many worship services, as well as preparing and practicing for children's services. For children, it is usually time to start counting the days until Christmas by opening doors on the advent calendar, eagerly watching the progression toward the Baby in the manger. May the Lord grant each of us time this December to stop and look toward that stable in Bethlehem and to remember where this time of Advent leads us. May He grant us the excitement of little children as we cross another day off our calendar and move one day closer to the celebration of the arrival of the newborn Christ-child. * Prayer Requests * Blue Ribbon Task Force on Synod Structure and Governance Report Available Online * Correction to Boar's Head Festival Announcement * Christmas Concert at Lutheran High Northeast * Live Nativity in Fremont * Bethlehem Skyline Concert Twice in Nebraska * Lutheran Family Services Christmas Appeal for Congregations * In the News: "Here's the Church. And Here's the New Steeple." * Nebraska Lutherans for Confession Study to Meet * Volunteer Opportunities in Korea * Chalkboards Available to Congregations * Seminaries Host Workshops/Conferences * Bus Ride and Lodging Offered to Life Marchers * Life By His Word Bible Study Covers Entire Bible * New Speakers Scheduled at Mission Central * New Look for Children's Prayer Book PRAYER REQUESTS Living H2O Lutheran Campus Ministry, Omaha - Please remember in prayer Don Bader, ministry coordinator, and those involved with campus ministry in the Omaha area. There are 60,000 college students in the Omaha area, and campus ministry in Omaha works to connect with them through Christian fellowship and worship opportunities at Omaha congregations. As students study for finals and prepare to return home for the holidays, we ask the Lord to bless the fellowship opportunities offered, such as the "Prep Week" chili and sandwich supper next Wednesday. This ministry is a partnership between Pacific Hills, Omaha, and the Nebraska District. Back to top BLUE RIBBON TASK FORCE ON SYNOD STRUCTURE AND GOVERNANCE REPORT AVAILABLE ONLINE (From Reporter Online, November 2009) The final report of the Blue Ribbon Task Force on Synod Structure and Governance is available on The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod website at http://www.lcms.org/lcmsfuture. The report, titled "Congregations Walking in Mission," was delivered to the Office of the President before the Oct. 15 deadline and then underwent editing prior to publication and posting to the site. The 50-page report contains two recommendations for clarifying confessional and congregational mission, and an additional 19 recommendations on the relationships between congregations and districts, including consideration of the number of districts; relationships between congregations and the national Synod, including the number of boards and commissions and national staff; congregational representation at district and national conventions; and frequency and function of district and national conventions. The report's recommendations are the result of more than four years of study, feedback, and evaluation, and will be presented for consideration at the 2010 Synod convention July 10-17 in Houston. With the completion of the report, the task force was disbanded. Delegates to the convention will have the opportunity to discuss the task force proposals, ask questions, and make recommendations to the convention floor committee chairman, Pacific Southwest District President Larry Stoterau, at regional gatherings scheduled for December, January, and February. Dates and locations of the gatherings are listed at http://www.lcms.org/lcmsfuture. (Nebraska delegates are attending the regional gathering in Denver this Friday and Saturday, December 4-5.) Also invited to the gatherings is a cross-section of convention advisory delegates, including district presidents and a number of commissioned ministers, plus district vice presidents and five members of each district board of directors. Questions or comments about the report may be submitted via e-mail to infocenter at lcms.org. Back to top CORRECTION TO BOAR'S HEAD FESTIVAL ANNOUNCEMENT The time shared in Boar's Head Festival announcement in the last Email Update was incorrect. The presentation will be at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 13. Following is the announcement with the correct time. I apologize for any confusion or inconvenience. A new and different way to look at the birth of our Savior will be presented in the sanctuary of Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church in Omaha (15005 Q Street). Performances will be: Friday, December 11 at 7:00 p.m. Saturday, December 12 at 7:00 p.m. Sunday, December 13, at 2:00 p.m. A cast of 45 people will present the Nativity as entertainment to the King and Queen. The response of the King will help us see the real King. Plan to bring a friend or neighbor to witness the Gospel in word and song. What is the "Boar's Head Festival"? It is really a time-honored story of a love so great, that God sent His only Son into our restless and changing world to be one of us. "Emmanuel" - God with us! The wild boar has long been a symbol of the devil and all that is evil in this world. The "Master of the Hunt," the one who kills the wild boar, is a symbol of Jesus, who came to that little town of Bethlehem as a helpless infant, cradled in a food trough for cattle. He came because He loved us! By His agonizing death, which we deserved, and by His resurrection He proclaims His triumph over evil - that same evil represented by the severed boar's head. That entire message of love comes wrapped in the Boar's Head Festival - the birth of a baby, the conquering of sin and death, and the coming of all the faithful of all time to worship the Son of God born for us. Back to top CHRISTMAS CONCERT AT LUTHERAN HIGH NORTHEAST The Lutheran High Northeast Concert Band & Choir will present their annual Christmas Concert at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 13, at Lutheran High in Norfolk. A variety of sacred instrumental and vocal music will be performed. There is no admission charge to this event. The LHNE music program is under the direction of James Jurchen. Back to top LIVE NATIVITY IN FREMONT Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Fremont will be holding their annual live nativity, "Back to Bethlehem," on Sunday, December 13. "Back to Bethlehem" is a family-friendly, drive-through event that includes a live nativity scene, a wide variety of live animals, and the brightest spotlights in the state! You are welcome to drive through between 5:00-8:00 p.m. Good Shepherd is located on the corner of Lincoln & Military Avenues - please enter from Military Avenue. Back to top BETHLEHEM SKYLINE CONCERT TWICE IN NEBRASKA Everyone is invited to take time to experience a fresh blend of Christmas carols and original compositions at an intimate evening celebrating the birth of Jesus. The "Bethlehem Skyline" concert will be presented twice in Nebraska, and both concerts will feature the band Downhere, as well as Lanae' Hale and Jason Gray. December 10 - 6:30 p.m. Messiah Lutheran Church, Lincoln (1800 S 84th St.) - www.messiahlincoln.org December 11 - 7:00 p.m. Beautiful Savior, La Vista (7706 South 96th St.) - www.bslcomaha.org More information about the concert can be found at www.bethlehemskyline.com. Information about purchasing tickets is available on the congregation websites or at www.downhere.com. Back to top LUTHERAN FAMILY SERVICES CHRISTMAS APPEAL FOR CONGREGATIONS Church offices of the Nebraska District should have received a mailing from Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska asking them to take part in their annual "Christmas Appeal for Congregations." Along with a letter of explanation are bulletin inserts that congregations are asked to use throughout December to educate members on the ministry of LFS and prayerfully consider support for this Lutheran human care ministry. If more inserts or envelopes are needed, please contact Kali Johnson at 402-591-5063 or kjohnson at LFSneb.org. The inserts may also be downloaded from the website link: http://www.LFSneb.org/Christmas.pdf. LFS is a Recognized Service Organization of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod of which the Nebraska District and its congregations are ministry partners. Back to top IN THE NEWS: "HERE'S THE CHURCH. AND HERE'S THE NEW STEEPLE." "After a long absence, Zion Lutheran Church near Tobias gets its rebuilt steeple back - and the bell will finally ring again." So starts the front page article from the December 1 Lincoln Journal Star article that shows Zion's new steeple being placed on the church. Read about the new steeple and the congregation's reactions in the online article at http://journalstar.com/news/state-and-regional/nebraska/article_e4e07166-de1c-11de-8efd-001cc4c03286.html. The new steeple and bell tower will be dedicated just prior to the 8:30 a.m. service this coming Sunday, December 6. Back to top NEBRASKA LUTHERANS FOR CONFESSION STUDY TO MEET The December gathering of the Nebraska Lutherans for Confessional Study (NLCS) will be held on Thursday, December 10, 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 morning session will be Rev. Dan Feusse, pastor of Concordia Lutheran Church in Clearwater, Nebraska. His topic will be "Thy Kingdom Come: The Binding of Satan on Earth through the Cruciform Life of the Church." The morning session will start at about 10:30 a.m. Following lunch, the afternoon topic will start at about 1 p.m. The afternoon presenter will be Rev. Micah Gaunt, Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ravenna, Nebraska. His topic will be "A Defense of Narrative Criticism." 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 VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES IN KOREA (from LCMS missionary Rev. Patrick O'Neal's Newsletter) LCK Seeking Long-Term Volunteers - There is need to recruit two long-term volunteer missionaries from the LCMS to serve as relationship builders through English as a Foreign Language (EFL) for one year. In LCMS World Mission terms, this kind of long-term (1-2 years) volunteer missionary is called a GEO missionary, which stands for: Globally Engaged in Outreach. The LCK executive committee has approved this plan as a 1 year pilot project. They are providing the funds to cover the housing and utility costs of the missionaries. This is the first time that the LCK will have such GEO missionaries working long-term in congregations. In the past 3 years, a number of short-term EFL projects have been hosted by these congregations. They have recognized the value such mission partnerships bring to their ministries. The English teachers are the draw for people to come into the church who might not otherwise have been reached. Then the pastors and church members can share the Good News of Jesus Christ with them. If you are interested in exploring how you might serve as one of these GEO missionaries in Korea, or somewhere else in the world, contact Erin Alter, Program Director for GEO Missionary Service at LCMS World Mission, by email at Erin.Alter at LCMS.org or call 1-800-433-3954. LTU Needs Short-Term Volunteers - Luther University/Seminary (LTU) needs two short-term volunteer missionaries to teach at its annual Winter English Camp, which will be held January 4-24, 2010. The camp is for elementary-age students from the surrounding community. It is an opportunity for them to hear and practice English with a native English speaker (that's you!). It is also an opportunity for them to hear about Jesus since about half of these students are not Christian. A stipend is provided so that in-country costs should be covered. Volunteers will need to provide for their own airfare to Korea and bring a willing servant heart to help kids learn English, and more importantly, learn about their Savior who loves them dearly. If you are interested, email Jennifer.Mustard at LCMS.org or call her at 1-800-433-3954 immediately as time is short to get everything arranged. Back to top CHALKBOARDS AVAILABLE TO CONGREGATIONS Christ, Lincoln, has two 4 ft. by 6 ft. chalkboards available free to interested congregations or schools. Anyone interested or having questions should contact Nancy Boeche at Christ Lutheran Church, Lincoln, by calling 402-483-7774, ext. 124. Back to top SEMINARIES HOST WORKSHOPS/CONFERENCES Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne 2010 Symposia Series - Scholars and clergy from around the world will gather on the campus of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana, to take part in the 2010 Symposia Series. The series will take place January 19-22, 2010, with a Lenten Preaching Workshop offered on January 18. The 25th Annual Symposium on Exegetical Theology will run from January 19-20 with a theme of "The Sacraments in Scripture." The 33rd Annual Symposium on The Lutheran Confessions takes place January 20-22 under the theme of "God: Past, Present, and Future." In addition to members of the accomplished CTS faculty, there will be speakers from many different backgrounds who have been invited to share their views on these timeless topics. For a complete schedule, list of speakers, or to register online for the symposia and preaching workshop, go to www.ctsfw.edu/symposia. Those interested may also call 260-452-2172 for additional information. Concordia Seminary, St. Louis Adult Choir Member Workshop - Concordia Seminary will offer its 18th Annual Schola Cantorum: An Adult Choir Member Workshop, on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2010. The workshop will be held in The Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus and the Clara and Spencer Werner Auditorium on the Seminary campus. The Schola Cantorum is open to all choir members, choir directors and ministers of music. The schedule for the day begins with registration at 8:15 a.m., Morning Prayer at 8:45 a.m., and rehearsal sessions at 9:15 a.m. The day concludes at 3:30 p.m. after the Closing Prayer service, which will include some of the music learned that day. Dr. Christopher Aspaas will serve as this year's clinician. A Choral Reading Session will be held Friday, Jan. 22, 2010, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. In the session, Aspaas will guide participants through an evening of choral and instrumental song in which he will preview new and current titles of music. The session is open to all, but is especially designed for choir directors. There is no charge to attend but registration is required. The cost for the Schola Cantorum is $60 per individual or $110 per congregation ($70 or $125 after Jan. 8, 2010). For the congregation fee, a choir can send as many members as it desires. Lunch and the choral music are not included in the fee. For more information or registration forms, call 314-505-7486 or e-mail ce at csl.edu. Green and Gold Visitation Days - There are two remaining "Green and Gold Days" this academic year at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. A visitation day for college students thinking about the pastoral or deaconess ministry, a "Green and Gold Day" is a one-day event with opportunities to explore what Concordia Seminary has to offer. The next two "Green and Gold Days" will take place on Friday, January 18, 2010, and Friday, March 19, 2010. Visitors will attend chapel and classes with current students, participate in a discussion with faculty members, and take a "Loop de Lou" tour of St. Louis. An optional dinner reception will close the day. There is no registration fee to attend "Green and Gold Days." Housing will be available on campus for all dates. All meals are also provided free of charge. Transportation to and from Lambert-St. Louis International Airport will be provided if needed. The registration deadline is two weeks prior to each event. For questions or to register by phone, please call 1-800-822-9545. Back to top BUS RIDE AND LODGING OFFERED TO LIFE MARCHERS (from Reporter Online, November 2009) To encourage more Lutheran participation in the Jan. 22 "March for Life" in Washington, D.C., a group bus ride is being offered by LCMS Life Ministries, a program area of LCMS World Relief and Human Care (WR-HC), and the Lutherans For Life (LFL) delegation is arranging free lodging for travelers. Titled "Roadtrip for Life," the bus ride will be hosted by LCMS Life and Health Ministries Director Maggie Karner, whose department is co-sponsoring the ride with Advent Lutheran Church in Zionsville, Ind., which is providing the bus. The bus ride will originate in Indianapolis, and enable those interested in joining other Lutherans for the 37th annual march to ride along with Karner as a group. Reservations will be on a first-come, first-served basis, with a donation requested to assist with the costs of gas and driver fees. To reserve a spot on the "Roadtrip for Life" bus, call Karner or Sandy Burris at 800-248-1930, ext. 1371, or e-mail maggie.karner at lcms.org. After arriving in Washington, participants may stay for up to two nights free in the homes of area Lutherans, arranged by members of the LFL delegation. Dennis Di Mauro, organizer of the delegation for the 12th year and leader of the LFL chapter in northern Virginia, said the march to protest the 1973 Supreme Court decision to legalize abortion is more important this year than ever as the country debates the health care system. "In 1976, the Hyde Amendment, which prohibited the use of federal dollars to pay for abortion coverage, was passed. And since that time, it has been our national policy not to use federal tax dollars for abortion. Participating in the march is one way of letting our representatives know that we want to keep the Hyde Amendment and do not want federal tax dollars to be used to pay for abortion," he said. Di Mauro said that women should have true alternatives to abortion, including adoption, and should be offered financial and spiritual assistance so they can make the right choice for their children and themselves. "Let's not let our goal of providing quality health care for every American be used as a tacit endorsement of abortion," he said. On the day of the march, the Lutheran group will worship at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Alexandria, Va. LCMS WR-HC Executive Director Rev. Matthew Harrison will serve as guest speaker. Last year, more than 160 attended the service. Following a brunch, the group will travel to downtown Washington for the rally and noon march from 7th Street, down Constitution Avenue, to the Supreme Court building. For more information on the 2010 March for Life or to arrange for free lodging in the Washington, D.C., area, contact Di Mauro at 703-568-3346 or e-mail dimauro.dennis at gmail.com. Back to top LIFE BY HIS WORD BIBLE STUDY COVERS ENTIRE BIBLE It's a journey of Scripture from creation through the redemption of Jesus Christ. If you crave more intentional study of all of the Bible, you will appreciate Life by His Word. Life by His Word is the study companion for The Lutheran Study Bible. This Bible engages you in devotional, Christ-centered Bible reading and study with distinctive, comprehensive notes and practical application. With more than 1,500 individual study lessons (that's less than 20 cents for each lesson), Life by His Word provides discussion questions, application, and summary insights for The Lutheran Study Bible. Every chapter and book are explored, offering a rich and full approach to study and devotion. Smaller sets of lessons are available in a downloadable format. Select the "Order Now" link below to view the sets. Connect to the timeless conversation that has been unfolding within and around God's Word throughout the centuries. Perhaps the start of a new year is a good time to start taking a fresh look at God's Word! Life by His Word - Complete Set CD-ROM Price: $299.99 Item Number: 20-3488WEB Order Now Back to top NEW SPEAKERS SCHEDULED AT MISSION CENTRAL 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. December 15, 7:00 p.m. - Dr. Mike Rodewald, African area director, from South Africa April 20, 2010, 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. - Rev. Greg Sawyer from Hong Kong June 8, 2010, 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. - Matt and Dee Dee Wasmund from Taiwan July 7, 2010, 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. - Dr. Steve Oliver from Taiwan July 17, 2010, 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. - Sharon Owens from Macau 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 NEW LOOK FOR CHILDREN'S PRAYER BOOK Available from JCPlayZone, the Children's Book of Prayers helps teach little ones The Lord's Prayer, bedtime and mealtime prayers, prayers of thanksgiving, and prayers of forgiveness. The book encourages children to take everything to God as their faith and relationship with Him grows stronger. St. Louis artist Kelly Schumacher makes each prayer come to life for the children with memorable illustrations throughout the book. Your church or school can customize and use the book to reach out to neighbors and children who do not attend church on a regular basis. The book also includes a place for children to write their own prayer, so it is a perfect project for an art class or Sunday school class. The back cover also encourages the children to visit JCPlayZone for daily devotions, Christian music, games, crafts, e-cards, and other fun activities. Purchase your copies of the book from Lutheran Hour Ministries by clicking here. Call 1-800-876-9880 to order by phone. Back to top Advent 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: 71846 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20091202/199a24f5/attachment.txt -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.gif Type: image/gif Size: 8048 bytes Desc: image001.gif Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20091202/199a24f5/image001-0001.gif From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Thu Dec 10 14:04:51 2009 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Thu, 10 Dec 2009 20:04:51 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] December 10 Message-ID: This week's Update is a day late because the District Office was closed a portion of the last two days due to the winter weather. Due to a computer "quirk" there are no links in this week's Update. The links will return when the issue has been resolved. I apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience in these matters. Now to the news! [cid:image002.gif at 01CA3160.F3EE42A0] December 10, 2009 In this issue: It's getting closer! Can you feel the excitement in the air? As the December days zip by, the celebration of our Savior's birth comes even closer. As Christians, our Christmas preparations are done knowing that we prepare to celebrate the coming of the Christ-child to earth once again. What a wonderful time of the year to share the true meaning of Christmas with those around us. Decorating our houses or yards, buying gifts in stores, and anytime anyone wishes us a "Merry Christmas" are all times to share the real meaning of Christmas. Take just a couple of minutes in prayer to ask God how He can use you to tell the miracle story of Christmas this year as you go about your preparations. * Prayer Requests * Concordia Jr/Sr High School Christmas Concert * Nebraska Congregation Celebrates 25 Years of Ministry Partnership * 'The Lutheran Hour' Float Stands as "A Cut Above the Rest" * Concordia Professor to Have Compositions Published * Student Visit to Seminary Offered * Concordia High One-Act Wins First Place * Organ Accompaniment for Hymns Now Available for Lutheran Service Builder * Pre-Lenten Preaching Workshops * New From Concordia Publishing House PRAYER REQUESTS University Lutheran Chapel, Lincoln ?- Please remember in prayer the staff and students who worship at the University Lutheran Chapel on the University of Nebraska - Lincoln campus. Pastor Bill Steinbauer and Mark Meyer minister to the university students through Word and Sacrament ministry, as well as Bible studies and other Christian fellowship events. We thank God for the students who are hearing about Jesus and whose faith is being nurtured through this ministry. Please pray for the staff this week as they minister to the students preparing for final exams. CONCORDIA JR/SR HIGH SCHOOL CHRISTMAS CONCERT CHRIST IS BORN! COME AND SEE! is the theme of "Christmas at Concordia" featuring the music of the bands, choirs, and string ensemble from Concordia Jr/Sr High School in Omaha. The concert will take place Friday, December 18, beginning at 7 p.m. in the Concordia gym (156th and Fort Streets). Pre-concert music will be provided by CHS's guitar class. Everyone is invited and there is no admission charge. A free-will offering will be taken. Refreshments will be served during the intermission. NEBRASKA CONGREGATION CELEBRATES 25 YEARS OF MINISTRY PARTNERSHIP LCMS World Mission is very pleased and humbled to report that 15 LCMS congregations will be celebrating 25 years of partnership with LCMS missionaries through the Together in Mission program. The Wayne Circuit in northeast Nebraska joins 14 LCMS congregations who celebrate such anniversaries in 2009. "Without our Together in Mission partnerships, we could not be on the field. We do not go to Vietnam in isolation or for our own purposes, but on behalf of the church, representing those who have sent us. Financial donations help us physically get there, but it is on the wings of thousands of prayers, offered by our Together in Mission partners, that we are truly able to fly in the confidence of God's endless provision. Moreover, it is the personal relationships with our Together in Mission partners that provide the most support. E-mails, letters, packages, visits-our Together in Mission congregations aren't some name on a report, but rather they are our partners, our friends, our global extended family, united in Christ. Praise the Lord for their gracious support!"-J.P. and Aimee Cima, human care workers in Southeast Asia. The most common way a congregation can partner with an LCMS missionary is through the Together in Mission program. Together in Mission congregations pledge ongoing financial support, prayer support, and encouragement. They themselves are also encouraged through direct contact with the missionary. (www.lcms.org?991) Individuals and families can also support LCMS missionaries by becoming Mission Senders. A Mission Sender is an individual or family who pledges annual support for any amount. Senders also enjoy direct contact with the missionaries they support. (www.lcms.org?989) To learn more about becoming a Together in Mission congregation or a Mission Sender, contact LCMS World Mission by calling 1-800-433-3954 or sending an e-mail to mission.giving at lcms.org. 'THE LUTHERAN HOUR' FLOAT STANDS AS "A CUT ABOVE THE REST" The theme of the 121st Tournament of Roses Parade on January 1, 2010, in Pasadena, California, is "A Cut Above the Rest," and The Lutheran Hour float entry will participate in the parade under a theme of "The Ten Commandments-Jesus Fulfilled." The float depicts the Ten Commandments, which God gave to His people to live by. Etched in stone are the "thou shalts" and the "thou shalt nots" for the world to see. Also on the float is the "Ark of the Covenant," a vehicle designed by God himself to remind people that He is always present with them even as they walk through trouble and the high waters of their lives. "Today, God continues to lead us now, not through an Ark, but through the Holy Spirit who leads us all the way to heaven," says Dick Gast, organizer of The Lutheran Hour float. "It is our prayer that the Holy Spirit would touch the hearts of those who view The Lutheran Hour float. May the Lord bless us all in this new year of grace." This year's float riders will recognize several current and past International Lutheran Laymen's League leaders from the national and local levels. LHM Executive Director Bruce Wurdeman, Int'l LLL Regional Governor Steve Rice, and past Int'l LLL Vice Presidents Raymond Stuckemeyer and Bob Beer will be among the riders. Thanks to the Int'l LLL's Southern California District, The Lutheran Hour float is a 60-year tradition in the longstanding New Year's Day event, carrying on a mission to provide a Gospel witness to viewers everywhere, from the parade route along Pasadena's Colorado Boulevard to televisions all over the world. The float serves as the only Christian float in the parade. The Tournament of Roses Parade is watched live on television by approximately 40 million Americans and by millions more people in 150 countries. The LHM float, as well as six other parade floats, will be decorated again in 2010 by the Petal Pushers, a 4,000-member group of volunteers. The Petal Pushers travel to Pasadena from all over the United States and Canada and include families, church groups, Girl Scout troops, and many other types of groups, as well as individuals of all ages. Please invite friends, relatives, and neighbors to watch for The Lutheran Hour float during television coverage. Although ABC and NBC will broadcast the parade, the LHM float may or may not be shown on those networks because of commercials or other television commitments. Cable's Home and Garden Television (HGTV) may provide the best viewing option since it carries the entire parade without interruption nationwide. The Lutheran Hour float is scheduled as the 38th entry in the 91-unit parade. Check your local listings for channels and times. For more information about The Lutheran Hour float and the Petal Pushers, visit www.petalpushers.org. CONCORDIA PROFESSOR TO HAVE COMPOSITIONS PUBLISHED Two compositions by Joseph Herl, associate professor of music at Concordia University, Nebraska, have been accepted for publication by Concordia Publishing House. "While with Ceaseless Course the Sun" is written for soprano, alto, tenor and bass choir and also for organ. Herl created the piece for the Lincoln Lutheran Choir. Based on text by John Newton, who also wrote "Amazing Grace," the piece speaks of the brevity of life and the need to live with eternity in view. "I am especially pleased CPH is publishing 'While with Ceaseless Course the Sun,'" said Herl. "It is a favorite of mine among my own compositions." The second selection, "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence," is written for a soprano, alto and bass choir and for organ. This hymn was written in 2007 when Herl was directing the Concordia Chorale. "I needed a piece for the Christmas concert. The group had many talented sopranos and altos, but just a small men's section with limited vocal experience. I wrote the piece with this in mind." Herl has had several musical compositions and a book, Worship Wars in Early Lutheranism: Choir, Congregation, and Three Centuries of Conflict published. In 2005 it won an award from the Sixteenth Century Society and Conference for best book in the fields of art history or music. STUDENT VISIT TO SEMINARY OFFERED College students interested in learning more about the pastoral ministry or service as a deaconess are invited to make plans to attend Christ Academy College/Phoebe Academy College, January 21-24, 2010 at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne. There is no charge for this event designed to give interested students the opportunity to visit with faculty and current students, attend classes, and worship with the CTS community. For more information go online to www.ctsfw.edu/cacollege or call 1-800-481-2155. CONCORDIA HIGH ONE-ACT WINS FIRST PLACE In its first season with a one-act play production team, Concordia High School in Omaha has taken first place in its district. The team's performance of "Any Body for Tea?" won first place with a superior ranking for District C1-2 at Midland Lutheran College in Fremont on December 2. Additionally, Joe Hawk, Nick Yaksich and Hanah Zehnder were recognized as outstanding performers. The team is directed by CHS teacher Lori Plummer. The District championship followed Concordia's win November 23 at the Frontier Conference competition in Cedar Bluffs, Nebraska. In that event, Concordia's first-ever competition in play production, Hanah Zehnder won Best Actress, Nick Yaksich won Best Supporting Actor, and Joe Hawk, Emma Rasmussen, and Ben Hayworth were all awarded honorable mention. On December 11, the Concordia team will compete in Kearney for the C-1 state title. ORGAN ACCOMPANIMENT FOR HYMNS NOW AVAILABLE FOR LUTHERAN SERVICE BUILDER In October Concordia Publishing House announced the release of the Concordia Organist, a 31-CD set that includes accompaniment for every hymn in the Lutheran Service Book hymnal. Now, the Organist is available as an add-on for CPH's Lutheran Service Builder. The Concordia Organist-Lutheran Service Builder Subscription (TCO-LSBS) allows subscribers to use the service to facilitate use of the Concordia Organist. The Lutheran Service Builder is a tool for drag-and-drop planning of worship services. This means that customers who opt to subscribe to TCO-LSBS will be able to click a single button "Burn CD" and watch Builder quickly download the right Concordia Organist tracks and burn them to a single CD. This will help make maneuvering through the 31-CD set trouble-free. "It's really slick," says Robert Lail, CPH"s programmer for the Lutheran Service Builder. "You can preview the accompaniment. In some cases you can choose different registrations. But the end is the best part: you click 'burn' and in 5 minutes you've got a CD of some of the best organists in the LCMS playing your service." The CDs feature organists Paul Grime, Kevin Hildebrand, and Richard Resch, playing the Schlicker organ in Kramer Chapel at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana. The CD version of the Organist is available at the introductory price of $499, usually $699. As for the Lutheran Service Builder, pricing is determined by using weekly congregational worship attendance at all services combined. Pricing for The Concordia Organist, an add-on to the Builder, is the same regardless of congregation size and is $199 per year. To see a demonstration version of this service visit www.cphconnect.org/builder/pricing. Demo installations can preview low-quality samples but cannot create finished CDs. Call 1-800-325-2399 to order or get more information. PRE-LENTEN PREACHING WORKSHOPS One-day Workshop in Lincoln Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Lincoln is pleased to announce that a Pre-Lent Preaching Seminar will be offered on Friday, January 8, 2010. The Rev. Brent Kuhlman will be the guest presenter with the title of his presentation, "When You Pray, Say...; preaching the Our Father." This seminar will offer sermons, preaching resources, and worship resources (LSB) for the Wednesdays in Lent, as well as Holy Week and Easter, based on the 3rd Chief Part of Luther's Small Catechism. Cost is $12 and includes lunch and all preaching and worship materials. Please register by calling the church office at 402-423-7639 or by sending a note to Rev. Clint Poppe at pastorpoppe at goodshepherdlincoln.org. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church is located at 3825 Wildbriar Lane (just north of 40th and Old Cheney) in Lincoln. Motel information is available upon request. Tentative Schedule: Refreshments 9:00 a.m. Matins 9:30 a.m. 1st Presentation 10:00 a.m. Lunch 12:00 p.m. 2nd Presentation 12:45 p.m. Closing 3:30 p.m. South Dakota District Pre-Lenten Preaching Workshop A Pre-Lenten Preaching Workshop, sponsored by the S.D. District Continuing Education Committee, will be held Monday and Tuesday, January 18-19, 2010, (1 PM to noon) at Zion Lutheran Church, Mitchell, SD. The presenter will be The Rev. Nabil Nour, pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church, Armour, South Dakota, and second vice-president of the SD District LCMS. Theme: "HIStory" - From Genesis to Revelation, God has a message and a mission to save humankind from the destructive power of death, the slavery of the devil, and the damaging power of sin by sending His Son. So the workshop will focus on the activities and the items that were evident in the final week of our Savior's life. Workshop Site: Zion Lutheran Church, 620 E. Third Avenue, Mitchell, SD 57501. Phone: 605-996-7530. Directions to Zion from I-90: take exit 332. Go north on Hwy 37. Keep going north through three stoplights, until you come to a 4-way stop sign at 1st Avenue. Proceed north 2 ? blocks. The church will be on your right. Accommodations: Kelly Inn, 1010 Cabela Drive, Mitchell, SD - Rates are $61 for one person or $75 for two persons. The phone # is 605-995-0500. Your reservation to get this rate should be under "Lutheran Pastors' Retreat." Workshop Fee: $35, payable to "SD District-LCMS." Registration form and fee is due by January 10, 2010. The workshop is sponsored by the S.D. District Continuing Education Committee: Rev. Howard Shane, Chairman (605-271-5532; HShane1 at yahoo.com), and Rev. Keith Bicknase (605-432-9555; elcpastor at itcmilbank.com). Contact either of these men to request a registration form. Workshop Schedule (tent.): Monday, January 18 Noon - 1 p.m. Registration at Zion Lutheran Church 1-1:15 p.m. Opening Devotion 1:15-2:45 Session 1 2:45-3:00 Break 3:00-4:30 Session 2 4:30-4:45 Break 4:45-6:15 Session 3 6:15-9:00 Break for Supper (on your own) Tuesday, January 19 8:00-8:15 a.m. Opening Devotion 8:15-9:45 Session 4 9:45-10:00 Break 10:00-11:45 Session 5 11:45 Closing Devotion NEW FROM CONCORDIA PUBLISHING HOUSE New Downloadable Bulletin Inserts Are Now Available Weekly bulletin inserts provide a written copy of the important elements of the service and help you save space in your bulletin for other announcements. Other inserts offer inspirational thoughts as members enter into worship. Concordia Publishing House's selection of downloadable bulletin inserts includes: Lutheran Service Book Feasts, Festivals, & Holy Days Inserts This set includes 56 downloadable bulletin inserts and provides the propers appointed in Lutheran Service Book for the feasts, festivals, and occasions of the Church Year, as well as the non-Sunday and alternate holy days in the lectionary. Once you download the file, you can use these inserts year after year. (If you only use each insert once, it's for the low cost of $3.13 per insert. Use them again and your cost-per-insert decreases.) $175.00 Lutheran Service Book Weekly Inserts (ESV?) Available from Lutheran Service Book in both one-year and three-year Lutheran Lectionary. Inserts include Gospel, Epistle, and the First Readings; the Introit; the Gradual; and Collect of the Day (ESV(tm) Scripture). $40.00 per quarter Contemporary Faith Weekly Inserts Provides interesting faith discussion starters for the following week. Each issue gives a Christian perspective on current issues. $40.00 per quarter Good News for Families Monthly Inserts Offers practical advice on concerns and issues for today's families. $10.00 per quarter Browse All Titles and find ordering information by visiting http://www.cph.org/cphstore/pages/newsletter/order.asp?catno=97215&Title=Bulletin+Inserts&NU=0&MI=1190&UI=TJBATGK89A808KCED1JEV8CM6BMT8QTD&UT=cph. Connect God's Word to Everyday Moments CPH introduces The Lutheran Study Bible Journal, a companion resource to The Lutheran Study Bible. Men's and women's editions of the journal have a spiral binding and are available at www.cph.org or by calling 1-800-325-3040. Laura Lane, Production Editor at CPH, says, "This is more than a journal. This is not simply lines on a page. The application notes and prayers provide daily reflection on your salvation through faith alone." Based on a proven reading plan, the journal provides the tools needed to read through The Lutheran Study Bible in two years. Each day offers a Scripture reading, journaling space, life-application notes, and prayer. Lane shares, "The journal is meant to engage you in active, prayerful Bible reading." Journaling is a widely-used approach for daily devotion. A podcast that focuses on its benefits, featuring Janice Wendorf, President of the Lutheran Women's Missionary League, can be downloaded at CPH's The House Channel. "Each time I read an application note, I saw in a new way how all of Scripture applies to my life today," Lane continues. "I was amazed at how so many of these brief statements touched on aspects of my life at that very point in time-how I was feeling, challenges I was having, and opportunities I had to praise God." The personal index in the journal allows readers to keep track of their thoughts. "With most journals, you write down your good thoughts and then can't find them later," says Rev. Dr. Benjamin Mayes, managing editor at CPH. "The Lutheran Study Bible Journal includes a subject index that you compile as you go. If you write about Baptism on page 42 of the journal, you can write the number 42 beside Baptism in the index. You'll always find what you wrote on any topic." The Lutheran Study Bible Journal can be followed at www.twitter.com/TLSBJournal for daily Scripture readings and inspirational thoughts. The Lutheran Study Bible is the first Bible in English to be developed from the ground up with notes that are distinctly Lutheran, prepared by Lutheran contributors from over twenty Lutheran church bodies. Reproducible Choral Music Available from Concordia Publishing House Concordia Publishing House (CPH) offers a new, completely reproducible book of music by composer Carl Schalk called Alleluia to Jesus. The book features a collection of forty familiar and new anthems from Schalk's long career as a composer. The book can be purchased at www.cph.org and includes updated text to match Lutheran Service Book. Plus, because the product is completely reproducible, choir directors and musicians can make as many copies from their copy of the book as needed. This sets the book apart from many other choir books by making it more affordable and easy to share. "Each piece in this collection had its origin in the desire to provide not simply religious choral music, but music for the liturgical service," said Schalk. Alleluia's liturgical music features anthems and hymns in canon and has a mixture of works suitable for all types of choirs. "Carl is fantastic at knowing how to write well for the average church choir," said Henry Gerike, Editor in Music for Concordia Publishing House. "His pieces are well suited for any size congregation and provide a good, challenging piece, without over stressing the choir." Alleluia releases in correspondence with Schalk's 80th birthday this fall. He was commemorated at Concordia University, Chicago, on October 15 for his retirement and 30 years of service as a professor of music. "Through his composing and editing, as well as writing and teaching, his vision of church music always had its roots in the heritage of the church while addressing current musical and liturgical expressions," said Steven Wente, Chair of the Music Department at Concordia University, Chicago. "Carl not only provided music for our choirs and many congregations, but he also always had ideas for projects and research, and was always supportive of what other people were doing academically." In his retirement, Schalk does not plan to quit composing. "Because one is retired from a particular occupation does not mean one retires from life," said Schalk. "I imagine that I shall be composing music for the church as long as I have the ability to do so." Until then, this set of composures is available for $50 from cph.org. "I can only hope that this collection will help choir directors and singers to see the central importance of the role of music in the liturgical service," said Schalk. "Apart from the composing itself, the most satisfying thing is to hear one's composition come alive in performance the way you envisioned it and for the purpose for which it was written." Advent blessings, 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: 54370 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20091210/9c7ad478/attachment.txt -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image002.gif Type: image/gif Size: 8048 bytes Desc: image002.gif Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20091210/9c7ad478/image002-0001.gif From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Dec 16 09:52:59 2009 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:52:59 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] December 16 Message-ID: [cid:image001.gif at 01CA7E35.8A04D760] December 16, 2009 In this issue: One of my favorite things during this Advent season is listening to familiar Christmas carols with my 4-year-old daughter. She is learning these songs in preschool, and as she learns the words, she is constantly asking me "Who is saying that?" or "What does that mean?" It is a joy and a blessing to be able to once again look closely at the words of these familiar songs with her, and see her excitement in being able to sing songs about Jesus' birthday. As we go about our seasonal tasks hearing the familiar Christmas tunes, may we remember the Good News the angels brought in their song that first Christmas. They proclaimed the Good News of the Savior's birth to the shepherds who didn't even know to be looking for it. May our prayer be that the Lord will use us to share that same Good News with those we encounter who may not know the reason for this Christmas season. * Prayer Requests * District Office Holiday Hours * IMPORTANT Tax Exempt Status Reminder * Prairie Fire 2010 * New Christmas-Themes Bible Study Available from LHM * Rev. John Nunes to Speak at Concordia * Higher Things Granted RSO Status * Hymn by Concordia University Professor Heard on Lutheran Hour Broadcast * Concordia Theological Seminary Unveils New Online Theological Resources * National Youth Gathering Update * A Tribute to Paul Manz in Omaha * New Spanish Resources from CPH * CPH Offers Puppets at a Reduced Rate PRAYER REQUESTS Jesus Our Savior Lutheran Outreach and School - We join in prayers of thanksgiving with the staff of Jesus Our Savior Lutheran Outreach in Winnebago for God's blessings on their Christmas Service. More than 90 people attended the service last Sunday evening, which included songs and the telling of the Christmas story by the school children and the message by Pastor Ricky Jacob. We ask the Lord to continue blessing this ministry as it works to connect with the people of the community through worship and education opportunities. The Family of Jim Weber - We ask the Lord to wrap the family of Jim Weber in His loving care as Jim was suddenly called home to heaven this past Sunday morning. Jim is the brother of Gary and Nancy Weber, teachers at Christ, Norfolk, and of Don Weber, assistant to the president in education and youth for the Nebraska District. The funeral will be 10:00 a.m. Friday morning, December 18, at Zion, Pierce. Team of Workers in Sudan - We offer prayers of thanksgiving for the safe return of three members of the work team from Minnesota and Nebraska that had been working in Sudan. These men returned to the United States safely last week, while the remaining team will return next week. Please continue to pray for safety for the remaining team as they prepare to travel home. Please also pray that the Lord will use their efforts in Sudan to meet the physical needs, as well as the spiritual needs, of the people of Malakal and give glory to God. Back to top DISTRICT OFFICE HOLIDAY HOURS The Nebraska District Office will be closed next Thursday and Friday, December 24-25, for Christmas. It will also be closed Thursday, December 31 and Friday, January 1, in observance of New Year's. The office will resume regular hours at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, January 4. There will be an abbreviated Email Update next Wednesday, December 23, and no Update the week of December 28. The regular Email Update schedule will resume on Wednesday, January 6. Back to top IMPORTANT TAX EXEMPT STATUS REMINDER A reminder to congregations and schools of the District that Form 451-A Reaffirmation for Continued Tax Exemption filings must be filed with your County Assessor on or before December 31. Failure to file can result in the loss of exemption from property tax. Back to top PRAIRIE FIRE 2010 The Nebraska District is pleased to announce a very special outreach event in 2010. The International Lutheran Laymen's League has chosen Omaha as the site of its 2010 Convention. In partnership with LLL, the Nebraska District is planning a day-long Prairie Fire 2010 outreach event in conjunction with the convention. It will feature many outstanding breakout sessions with quality presenters focused on how each of us can be encouraged and equipped to share the hope we have in Jesus as we are engaged in conversations of grace. The day will culminate with a special Lutheran Hour Celebration Event featuring Lutheran Hour Speaker Rev. Ken Klaus. Please mark your calendar for Saturday, July 24, at the Qwest Center in Omaha for this exceptional outreach experience. There will be special registration information for those who only want to attend the Saturday workshops, as well as information for those attending the entire convention. More information will be made available next spring on the Nebraska District website, www.ndlcms.org, through church offices, and mailed directly to past Prairie Fire participants. We are very excited to be able to partner with the LLL and Lutheran Hour Ministries to offer the people of Nebraska a day focused on sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with those around us. Please mark July 24, 2010, on your calendar and watch for more information in the months ahead. Back to top NEW CHRISTMAS-THEMES BIBLE STUDY AVAILABLE FROM LHM (From LHM Church and School Resources Newsletter) Pastor Ken Klaus, Speaker of The Lutheran Hour(r), has written a Christmas-themed, single-session Bible study about St. Nicholas, called The Real St. Nick: Leader, Legend or Lie? Your church or school can download the Bible study for free and use it for Bible class, chapel, or even a special Bible study. The Real St. Nick surveys St. Nick and the age-old traditions surrounding him. An extensive list of web links in the discussion guide gives you numerous sources of information providing fascinating details behind the man. Exploring these you'll learn about the persecution he faced under the Roman Emperor Diocletian. You'll also see how -- using ancient relics and modern science -- a team of forensic specialists has reconstructed an image of St. Nick's face. For more information on this Bible study, visit http://www.lhmmen.com/studydetail.asp?id=13640. This Bible study is provided through Lutheran Hour Ministries' Men's NetWork. Additional video Bible studies include works on Islam, creation, the origination of the Bible, materialism, and more. Each Bible study has an accompanying discussion guide. You can also purchase the Bible studies on DVD for $15 each. Visit www.lhmmen.com and click on "Bible Studies" for more information. Back to top REV. JOHN NUNES TO SPEAK AT CONCORDIA Concordia University, Nebraska will welcome Rev. John Nunes as the first presenter in its spring speaker series. Nunes was selected as Concordia's Martin Luther King Day speaker. His presentation will take place in Weller Hall auditorium at 10 a.m. on Monday, Jan 18, and is free and open to the public. A prominent Lutheran leader, thinker, and speaker, Nunes is known for his compelling voice applying theological insight to matters ranging from global issues to urban affairs. Nunes is the president of Lutheran World Relief. The organization is spearheading the Lutheran Malaria Initiative, a Lutheran church-wide campaign to raise $75 million for the United Nation- Foundation's Nothing but Nets campaign. Nunes also is authoring two books on the topic of malaria for Concordia Publishing House, a sponsor of his speech at Concordia. "John is an outstanding choice for a Martin Luther King Day speaker because as president and CEO of Lutheran World Relief, he can give a unique perspective on Dr. King's work -- how through faith, prayer and commitment we can be God's instruments to help transform the world's most impoverished communities," said Tobin Beck, assistant professor of global studies and an organizer for Concordia's annual speaker series. "Working to end poverty and to uphold human dignity were important components of Dr. King's work on civil rights. In a community like ours we look for ways to help others, and I think Concordia students, faculty, staff, and people in general will respond to that call in John's message." Rev. Nunes' presentation is the first in the second annual Looking Beyond speaker series held at Concordia. Future presentations will feature Dimitri Rahab giving the Maehr talk on March 8, and 1989 Concordia alumnus Philip Droege, director of White House records, on April 13. Back to top Higher Things Granted RSO Status Higher Things is pleased to announce that it has been granted Recognized Service Organization (RSO) status by The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod. As an RSO, Higher Things is officially recognized as an organization whose mission, ministry, and programs are consistent with the confessional standards of the LCMS and in harmony with the programs of the Synod while retaining its independence and self-governance. They believe that RSO status will enhance Higher Things' ability to serve the youth of our Synod with the fullness of our liturgical and confessional heritage. Higher Things would like to thank the Synod's Board for District and Congregational Services and its chairman David Bruns for their hard work and support. They are also greatly appreciative to Rev. Herbert C. Mueller for his sponsorship and support. Higher Things looks forward to yet greater opportunities to assist parents, congregations, and pastors in cultivating and promoting a Lutheran identity among youth through conferences, retreats, publications, and the Internet. For more information, visit www.higherthings.org. Back to top HYMN BY CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY PROFESSOR HEARD ON LUTHERAN HOUR BROADCAST "On Jordan's Bank the Baptist's Cry," an Advent hymn adaptation by Concordia University, Nebraska's assistant professor of music, Pete Prochnow, was heard on the Dec. 6 broadcasts of "The Lutheran Hour." The radio shows reach over a million listeners each Sunday. "'On Jordan's Bank' is one of my favorite Advent hymns," said Prochnow. "I arranged the hymn adaptation 15 years ago. It was recorded and co-produced by Walt Disney World audio technician Paul Heintzen, a long-time LCMS member." The inclusion of the hymn on the program resulted from a meeting Prochnow had with the radio show's producer, Mark Eischer, to discuss the possibility of doing a show with different musical styles. Prochnow has been instrumental in establishing Concordia's contemporary church music program. Eischer was impressed with the quality of the Prochnow's music. "Since that meeting, Mark has asked for additional music to be used for the show for Epiphany, Transfiguration, and Lent," shared Prochnow. Listen each Sunday to the world's longest-running Christian outreach radio program to hear more of Professor Prochnow's music in the weeks ahead. To view a schedule and list of radio stations that air The Lutheran Hour, visit the Lutheran Hour Ministries website at http://www.lhm.org/broadcastinformation.asp. Back to top CONCORDIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY UNVEILS NEW ONLINE THEOLOGICAL RESOURCES Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana, continually strives to make theological resources available to church workers, laity and the church-at-large. Today another giant step has been taken in that effort. Anyone with an Internet connection now has access to one of the most extensive collections of theological media offered to date by going to http://media.ctsfw.edu/. "With media.cstfw.edu we have a single location where someone can come and search through the full text of the entire publication history for Concordia Theological Quarterly, the CUEnet DELTO video collection and even the daily chapel sermons from Kramer Chapel," said Rev. Bill Johnson, Theological Education Technology Specialist at CTS. "As we continue to add material, we look to include past and future Symposia Series lectures, full courses from some of the biggest names in the history of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, and more. Basically, if we can get rights to it and it's helpful to the Church, we want to make that available and searchable through this tool." One feature of the new site is the joint effort by Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, and Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, to release a compilation of educational videos available via their websites. This collection of more than 1,100 videos covers Old and New Testament, Pastoral Theology and individual books of the Bible which were originally part of the Distance Education Leading To Ordination (DELTO) courses made available through the Concordia University Education Network (CUEnet). Simply visit http://media.ctsfw.edu/ and type in a topic in the Search box. "It's such a joy to see these CUEnet resources released for the good of the entire Church," offered Rev. Bill Johnson, Theological Education Technology Specialist at CTS. "Although they were originally created to train men for ministry as pastors, they're wonderful material for all of God's people. By making these available to the Church, we enable anyone, anywhere around the world, to learn from some of the most knowledgeable experts in Lutheran theology from the comfort of their own home." The mission of the seminaries is to serve God's people and equip them to reach out to all with the life-saving Gospel. "The two seminaries releasing the material jointly for the good of Christ's Church really gives a powerful example of how we as a Synod can reach out to one other and be unified in confessional mission for the Gospel," said Prof. Tony Cook, Director of Distance Curricula at Concordia, St. Louis. For additional information on the new media site, please contact Rev. Johnson at William.Johnson at ctsfw.edu or 260-452-3202. Back to top NATIONAL YOUTH GATHERING UPDATE The following information is from the Gathering website, www.lcmsgathering.com. Are you using PowerPoint, Easy Worship, Media Shout or other presentation software for your Gathering planning meetings? New Gathering slides are available on the Downloads page, http://www.lcmsgathering.com/?PageID=11126. Looking for information to help you in your Gathering planning? Check out the additional resources at http://www.lcmsgathering.com/Index.asp?PageID=11096. Don't forget, Young Adult Volunteer applications are being accepted until January 1, 2010. For more information and to apply visit http://www.lcmsgathering.com/?PageID=11068. Back to top A TRIBUTE TO PAUL MANZ IN OMAHA Everyone is encouraged to mark the date and make plans to attend a tribute to Paul Manz at Pacific Hills (1110 South 90th Street), Omaha, on Sunday, February 14, at 3:00 p.m. This special event will celebrate the life and music of Paul Manz, a teacher, composer, recitalist, and international organist. He was a former teacher at Concordia University, St. Paul, where he established a solid music program. Dr. Manz did the dedicatory recital for the Pacific Hills organ in 1970, and now the congregation will honor him at this special event. Back to top NEW SPANISH RESOURCES FROM CPH Downloadable Spanish Music Now Available from CPH Everyone wants to have the resources needed to raise their voices and praise the Lord. Now, Concordia Publishing House has Spanish music available for purchase at iTunes, Amazon, and other select digital music stores. CPH offers a wide variety of children's songs, instrumental arrangements, choral selections, and hymns. The albums featured online can be instantaneously downloaded and include songs from the Christmas programs, Vacation Bible Schools, and other recent publications from Editorial Concordia. All of the songs were originally written in Spanish and they cover several different Latin American tunes. Visit your favorite online music store and search for Concordia Publishing House to find available music. Regular online pricing, with single song purchases or full albums, available. Concordia Publishing Announces 2010 Spanish Vacation Bible School Vacation Bible School is a time for children of all ages and backgrounds to get together and praise the Lord. Editorial Concordia, the Spanish division of Concordia Publishing House, makes it possible for children to experience a VBS that is originally written in Spanish! In 2010 the Vacation Bible School will be El tren de las Buenas Noticias (The Good News Train), a program about a group of friends that embark on a journey to five continents. The Good News Train stops every day on a different continent, where our friends meet people of diverse cultures, with different needs and traditions. As they get to know their new friends, they share what they have in The Good News Train as well as the best treasure of all: the Lord Jesus, Savior of the world. This one-of-a-kind program is the only comprehensive Spanish and bilingual VBS available. In fact, El tren de las Buenas Noticias is not a translation; it is written by Hispanics for Hispanics. It is a great resource for churches, churches wanting to reach out to their community, and for those doing mission trips. For more information, call 1-800-325-3040 in English or 1-877-450-8694 in Spanish. Visit our website at www.editorial.cph.org. Back to top CPH OFFERS PUPPETS AT A REDUCED RATE These puppets need good homes! If you are looking for a way to do a good deed or need a way to engage kids in Sunday school stories, liven up your classroom activities, or entertain children on a rainy day, this is a great opportunity. By adopting these adorable puppets, you not only give them a good home, but also add a little flair to your day. For a limited time only, Concordia Publishing House is offering a great deal on a package of past Vacation Bible School puppets. The first two hundred orders will receive a pack of four puppets for only $34.99. Normally just one of these puppets costs around $20. Puppets included in the package are Gizmo the robot, Buddy the porcupine, Digger the dog, and King the lion. You could create one crazy, fun puppet show with this combo! So open your home or classroom to these cuddly creatures before they are sold out! Visit www.cph.org to give these friendly puppets a good home. Back to top The weekly Email Update is a resource offered to all in the Nebraska District to share information and to enrich the ministry God has called you to. Please continue to share information you feel would be of interest to others and let us know if there is any other way we at the District Office can be a resource to your ministry. Items for inclusion in the Update may be sent to communications at ndlcms.org. Advent 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: 55688 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20091216/ae6be364/attachment.txt -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.gif Type: image/gif Size: 8048 bytes Desc: image001.gif Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20091216/ae6be364/image001-0001.gif From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Tue Dec 22 12:53:11 2009 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Tue, 22 Dec 2009 18:53:11 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] December 22 Message-ID: Due to the unpredictability of winter weather in Nebraska, this Update is being sent out a day early while I can still get to my computer! Remember, the District Office will be closed Thursday and Friday, December 24 and 25, and Thursday and Friday, December 31 and January 1. Have a safe and blessed Christmas! [cid:image001.gif at 01CA8305.5A2093C0] December 22, 2009 In this issue: Christmas greetings in the name of our newborn Savior, Jesus Christ! Many of you are busy with last minute preparations, or already beginning your celebrations, so this week's Update will be short and simple. Remember, there is no Update next week, but the regular schedule will resume on Wednesday, January 6. * Prayer Requests * Important Tax Exempt Information for Congregations * LCMS Offers Christmas Greetings * In the News: Faith, York * Overseas Service Opportunities * Lutheran Hour Ministries Names New Director of United States Ministries * Lutheran Marriage Encounter Weekend * New From Concordia Publishing House * Concordia Theological Seminary Choirs Featured on Christmas Eve PRAYER REQUESTS Missions and Ministries of the Nebraska District - We join in prayers of thanksgiving and blessing for the congregations, schools, missions, and ministries of the Nebraska District during this Christmas season. As these ministries and dedicated church workers prepare to share the story of the Savior's birth this week and into the new year, we ask God to bless them and the Gospel message they share. There are 247 congregations in the Nebraska District, along with 43 Lutheran schools and nearly 30 early childhood or preschool centers. There are also new church starts and ethnic ministries across the District, including Native American, Hispanic, and African immigrant ministries. We thank God for these missions, and pray that He would bless their efforts now and in the year to come. Orphan Grain Train - The following prayer request was received from Orphan Grain Train: The three Sudanese containers shipped in 2008 have been set up in southern Sudan, thanks to a volunteer team (from Nebraska and Minnesota) that worked three weeks to get the job done. We thank God for their success with this initial step and their safe return this past week. We request continued prayers for the ongoing success of this venture that God's name might be glorified and that the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ and the provision of food and medical care may be shared widely in that place. We also pray for Rev. John Deang, Nebraska District missionary-at-large for African immigrant ministry, who is still in Africa and will be returning shortly. We ask God to grant him safety as he returns home. Back to top IMPORTANT TAX EXEMPT INFORMATION FOR CONGREGATIONS A reminder to congregations and schools of the District that Form 451-A Reaffirmation for Continued Tax Exemption filings must be filed with your County Assessor on or before December 31. Failure to file can result in the loss of exemption from property tax. Congregations may find a fill-in form at http://lancaster.ne.gov/cnty/assess/Form451Afillin.pdf. Back to top LCMS OFFERS CHRISTMAS GREETINGS President Kieschnick's Christmas Message LCMS President Gerald Kieschnick has shared a video Christmas message for congregations, church workers, and members. To view the message, visit the LCMS website at http://www.lcms.org/?16296. Christmas Greeting from LCMS World Mission Executive LCMS World Mission Executive Director Rev. Thomas R. Zehnder has prepared a brief video greeting. Please take a few moments to watch the video by using this link: http://blog.lcmsworldmission.org/2009/12/11/year-end-christmas-greeting/. Back to top IN THE NEWS: FAITH, YORK "Faith Lutheran Church had a little extra money, and decided to buy a Christmas gift for York. Pastor Allen Bergstrazer and the Faith Lutheran community is issuing an invitation to the York community to join them at the church fellowship hall on Christmas Day for turkey and all the trimmings." So begins a York News-Times article on Faith, York, and their plan to use a portion of their Fan into Flame money. The entire article may be read at: http://www.yorknewstimes.com/articles/2009/12/18/news/doc4b2af64bdd2a7459224844.txt. Back to top OVERSEAS SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES LCMS World Relief and Human Care is seeking mercy medical volunteers for a medical clinic outreach to Haiti on March 11-21, 2010. A variety of medical specialties and hard-working laity are desired. World Relief and Human Care is also considering adding another trip to Madagascar in April of 2010. If you are interested in this opportunity, please respond IMMEDIATELY so that the feasibility of this possibility can be determined as soon as possible. For more information log on to www.lcms.org/mercyteams. Write mercymedical at lcms.org with your intention to participate and you will receive all the details. Also feel free to call Jacob Fiene 800-248-1930, ext. 1278 with any questions or concerns. If you have any additional questions, please contact Lutherans in Medical Missions at limm at limm.org. *********************************** MACAU Join the mission field! There is an important need for a short-term missionary in Macau, China, from February 15 - April 4, 2010. If you have a love for people and are willing to teach conversational English to adult professionals, please consider this mission opportunity! Teaching at Concordia English Center - Concordia English Center (CEC) is an English language school based in Macau, China. The school focuses on teaching English with GEO missionaries who serve there for a year or longer. Short-term missionaries also serve as teachers to provide support for the GEO teachers and enable more class offerings. The CEC offers classes in five-to seven-week terms. The February-April term is in need of one more teacher so that classes will not be canceled. Through these classes and other activities hosted by the CEC, many people hear about Jesus for the first time. Please consider serving in this very important way so more people have the opportunity to learn about their Savior! For more information, contact an LCMS World Mission placement counselor at 1-800-433-3954 or mission.recruitment at lcms.org. Back to top LUTHERAN HOUR MINISTRIES NAMES NEW DIRECTOR OF UNITED STATES MINISTRIES The Rev. Dr. Mark Larson of Aurora, Colorado, has been named Director of the United States Ministries division at Lutheran Hour Ministries. He will begin his new position on January 4, 2010, and will oversee the production of The Lutheran Hour, Para el Camino, and Woman to Woman radio programs, the ministry's print outreach materials, ministry fulfillment, and referral services, and the LHM Men's NetWork, an online program launched in January 2009 to help congregations reconnect with men and build local men's ministries. "We are most pleased to add someone with Mark's extensive skills into this important leadership position here at Lutheran Hour Ministries," says LHM Executive Director Bruce Wurdeman. "Our staff looks forward to working with this gifted man of God." Until accepting the position with Lutheran Hour Ministries, Larson served as District Executive-Missions for the Rocky Mountain District of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, a position he has held since 2000. He oversees the mission and evangelism programs for the district, which includes Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and El Paso, Texas. Under his leadership, the Rocky Mountain District received the 2008 Executive Director's Ablaze! Award from LCMS World Mission for a series of evangelism conferences called Conversations of Grace. These conferences equipped the body of Christ for outreach through many partners, including Lutheran Hour Ministries. Larson's other ministry service includes appointment by LCMS President Dr. Gerald Kieschnick to serve on the President's Blue Ribbon Task Force for Hispanic Ministry, as well as service on the National Advisory Group for Missions, the Executive Committee of North American Mission Enablers, and Frontera Ministries. He has played a key role in the founding of the Lutheran Hispanic Missionary Institute in El Paso and serves on the Board of Directors of this institute that has a vision to raise Hispanic church planters for the LCMS. Larson served as associate pastor (1988-1994) and then senior pastor (1994-2000) of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church and School in Beecher, Illinois. While there he served on the Mission Board of the Northern Illinois District from 1991 to 2000. He served as the board chair from 1997-2000. Raised near Grand Island, Nebraska, he received a bachelor's degree in Speech Communications from the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. He graduated with a Master of Divinity degree from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis and earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from Trinity International University in Deerfield, Illinois, in 2004. He and his wife, Lisa, have two elementary school-aged children. Lutheran Hour Ministries is a Christian outreach ministry supporting churches worldwide in its mission of Bringing Christ to the Nations-and the Nations to the Church. LHM produces Christian radio and TV programming for broadcast, as well as Internet and print communications, dramas, music, and outreach materials, to reach the unchurched in more than 30 countries. LHM's flagship program, The Lutheran Hour, is the world's longest-running Christian outreach radio program. It airs weekly on more than 900 stations. For more information about LHM, visit www.lhm.org. Back to top LUTHERAN MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND Marriage Encounter weekends are for a husband and wife who love each other and desire to better their communication and increase their appreciation for each other and their marriage. Newlywed couples to couples married fifty or more years are encouraged to consider this opportunity. The next opportunity for a Lutheran Marriage Encounter weekend is March 5-7, 2010, at the Good Samaritan Retreat Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The cost is $45 to register. This reserves your room and meals. A freewill donation is taken at the end of the weekend. Questions? Registration? Check the website: www.Godlovesmarriage.org or contact: Vernon and Karen Harrington 712-533-6221 or giblem at frontier.net Pastor Bob and Aimee Moeller 605-526-3572 or seelsorge8 at aol.com Back to top NEW FROM CONCORDIA PUBLISHING HOUSE New Volume of Johann Gerhard's Writings Focuses on Christ The newest volume of the Theological Commonplaces series is now available. Johann Gerhard was known by his contemporaries as "the arch-theologian of the Lutheran Church." His depth of insight, comprehensive attention to details, and biblical faithfulness shine forth in the Theological Commonplaces with particular brilliance. Concordia Publishing House annually translates the works of this seventeenth century theologian and the third volume is now available. In On Christ, Gerhard sets forth the person of Christ in great detail, pondering Jesus Christ's name, His deity and humanity, and the personal union of the two natures in Christ. He delves into the mystery of what the union of humanity and divinity in Christ means and what it implies for our salvation. You can purchase On Christ individually or become a subscriber to the Theological Commonplaces series. If you subscribe, each volume is shipped to you automatically. The Theological Commonplaces series from Concordia Publishing House is a first-ever English translation of Johann Gerhard's Loci Theologici. Gerhard was the premier Lutheran theologian of the early seventeenth century. Combining his understanding of evangelical Lutheran theology with a broad interest in ethics and culture, he produced significant works on biblical, doctrinal, pastoral, and devotional theology. The newest translated volume, On Christ, is now available at www.cph.org or by calling 1-800-325-3040. The series also includes these two volumes: On the Nature of Theology and on Scripture and On the Nature of God and on the Trinity. Heirs of the Reformation CD Set Heirs of the Reformation: Treasures of the Singing Church is a four-CD set from Concordia Publishing House that showcases Lutheran hymns of the generations immediately following the time of Martin Luther. Karl Osterland wrote about the CD set in Cross Accent: Journal of the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians. You can find the entire review on the Heirs of the Reformation product page at www.cph.org. The CD set is available there as well or by calling 1-800-325-3040. Osterland writes, "Heirs of the Reformation: Treasures of the Singing Church is a powerful reminder of all that is good (and even great) in the Lutheran musical heritage. The variety of musical styles, instrumentation, and accompaniments is a sonic smorgasbord." Osterland continues, "The set is successful in presenting enjoyable performances of Lutheran heritage music, both old and new. It would make a fine addition to the CD library of professional musician or lay-listener alike." The collection of this CD set includes a blend of both choral and solo voice, as well as a blend of modern and historical instrumentation to present classic compositions from Gerhardt, Hammerschmidt, Praetorius, Bach, Schuetz, Hildebrand, Gerike, Sedio, Busarow, and Schalk. "Heirs of the Reformation: Treasures of the Singing Church includes forty-five beloved Lutheran hymns, presented in a variety of styles that will appeal to every listener," says Peter Reske, Managing Editor of Music/Worship Resources. "At times contemplative, exhilarating, and devotional, this set and companion booklet will surely include your favorite, as well as a treasury of others you will come to love." More of Martin Luther's Works Now Available in English Concordia Publishing House (CPH) announces the expansion of Luther's Works: American Edition. Twenty new volumes are being translated from Luther's original Latin and German into clear, accessible, modern English, and the introductions and footnotes make significant academic contributions to our understanding of Luther's confession of Christ. The newest book, volume 69 (John 17-20) is now available at www.cph.org/luthersworks or by calling 1-800-325-3040. The book is available by itself or as a subscription. Each volume is currently priced at $49.99; subscribers pay only $34.99 each, a 30% savings. Volumes will come out once a year and will ship automatically. To learn more about the series, the website also includes a prospectus for the expansion of Luther's Works: American Edition. The newest volume of Luther's Works: America Edition focuses on four chapters from the Gospel of John, including Luther's exposition of Jesus' high priestly prayer in John 17, as well as his preached meditations on the entire Passion and resurrection of our Lord according to John. Back to top CONCORDIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY CHOIRS FEATURED ON CHRISTMAS EVE Christmas at Kramer Chapel with the Concordia Theological Seminary Kantorei and Schola Cantorum will be broadcast on Christmas Eve from 9:00-10:00 p.m. on WBNI 94.1 FM. The service was compiled from recordings already produced as well as live recordings of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany services over the years in Kramer Chapel. It includes congregational singing and lessons read by Dean of the Chapel, Dr. Paul J. Grime. Kantor Richard C. Resch is the director of both choirs and Kantor Kevin J. Hildebrand is the organist. "We are delighted that WBNI approached the seminary wanting to feature the music of our choirs for this broadcast. The airing of this Christmas Eve Service will give [listeners] a taste of what it is like to worship in Kramer Chapel at Concordia Theological Seminary," said Kantor Resch. If you are not in the WBNI listening area you can listen to live-streaming audio by going to www.nipr.fm. For more information on music events at CTS simply go online to www.ctsfw.edu or phone 260-452-2224. Back to top Christmas blessings and a happy New Year! 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: 49497 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20091222/a09d89ef/attachment.txt -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.gif Type: image/gif Size: 8048 bytes Desc: image001.gif Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20091222/a09d89ef/image001-0001.gif From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Dec 2 11:22:15 2009 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 02 Dec 2009 17:22:15 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] December 2 Message-ID: [cid:image001.gif at 01CA7341.B0A85210] December 2, 2009 In this issue: Advent greetings in the name of our loving Heavenly Father. The beginning of December evokes different reactions in different people. For many adults, it begins the stressful countdown to Christmas with all of the shopping, baking, programs, and parties to fit into 24 short days. For church workers, it is a busy time of preparing for and leading many worship services, as well as preparing and practicing for children's services. For children, it is usually time to start counting the days until Christmas by opening doors on the advent calendar, eagerly watching the progression toward the Baby in the manger. May the Lord grant each of us time this December to stop and look toward that stable in Bethlehem and to remember where this time of Advent leads us. May He grant us the excitement of little children as we cross another day off our calendar and move one day closer to the celebration of the arrival of the newborn Christ-child. * Prayer Requests * Blue Ribbon Task Force on Synod Structure and Governance Report Available Online * Correction to Boar's Head Festival Announcement * Christmas Concert at Lutheran High Northeast * Live Nativity in Fremont * Bethlehem Skyline Concert Twice in Nebraska * Lutheran Family Services Christmas Appeal for Congregations * In the News: "Here's the Church. And Here's the New Steeple." * Nebraska Lutherans for Confession Study to Meet * Volunteer Opportunities in Korea * Chalkboards Available to Congregations * Seminaries Host Workshops/Conferences * Bus Ride and Lodging Offered to Life Marchers * Life By His Word Bible Study Covers Entire Bible * New Speakers Scheduled at Mission Central * New Look for Children's Prayer Book PRAYER REQUESTS Living H2O Lutheran Campus Ministry, Omaha - Please remember in prayer Don Bader, ministry coordinator, and those involved with campus ministry in the Omaha area. There are 60,000 college students in the Omaha area, and campus ministry in Omaha works to connect with them through Christian fellowship and worship opportunities at Omaha congregations. As students study for finals and prepare to return home for the holidays, we ask the Lord to bless the fellowship opportunities offered, such as the "Prep Week" chili and sandwich supper next Wednesday. This ministry is a partnership between Pacific Hills, Omaha, and the Nebraska District. Back to top BLUE RIBBON TASK FORCE ON SYNOD STRUCTURE AND GOVERNANCE REPORT AVAILABLE ONLINE (From Reporter Online, November 2009) The final report of the Blue Ribbon Task Force on Synod Structure and Governance is available on The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod website at http://www.lcms.org/lcmsfuture. The report, titled "Congregations Walking in Mission," was delivered to the Office of the President before the Oct. 15 deadline and then underwent editing prior to publication and posting to the site. The 50-page report contains two recommendations for clarifying confessional and congregational mission, and an additional 19 recommendations on the relationships between congregations and districts, including consideration of the number of districts; relationships between congregations and the national Synod, including the number of boards and commissions and national staff; congregational representation at district and national conventions; and frequency and function of district and national conventions. The report's recommendations are the result of more than four years of study, feedback, and evaluation, and will be presented for consideration at the 2010 Synod convention July 10-17 in Houston. With the completion of the report, the task force was disbanded. Delegates to the convention will have the opportunity to discuss the task force proposals, ask questions, and make recommendations to the convention floor committee chairman, Pacific Southwest District President Larry Stoterau, at regional gatherings scheduled for December, January, and February. Dates and locations of the gatherings are listed at http://www.lcms.org/lcmsfuture. (Nebraska delegates are attending the regional gathering in Denver this Friday and Saturday, December 4-5.) Also invited to the gatherings is a cross-section of convention advisory delegates, including district presidents and a number of commissioned ministers, plus district vice presidents and five members of each district board of directors. Questions or comments about the report may be submitted via e-mail to infocenter at lcms.org. Back to top CORRECTION TO BOAR'S HEAD FESTIVAL ANNOUNCEMENT The time shared in Boar's Head Festival announcement in the last Email Update was incorrect. The presentation will be at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 13. Following is the announcement with the correct time. I apologize for any confusion or inconvenience. A new and different way to look at the birth of our Savior will be presented in the sanctuary of Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church in Omaha (15005 Q Street). Performances will be: Friday, December 11 at 7:00 p.m. Saturday, December 12 at 7:00 p.m. Sunday, December 13, at 2:00 p.m. A cast of 45 people will present the Nativity as entertainment to the King and Queen. The response of the King will help us see the real King. Plan to bring a friend or neighbor to witness the Gospel in word and song. What is the "Boar's Head Festival"? It is really a time-honored story of a love so great, that God sent His only Son into our restless and changing world to be one of us. "Emmanuel" - God with us! The wild boar has long been a symbol of the devil and all that is evil in this world. The "Master of the Hunt," the one who kills the wild boar, is a symbol of Jesus, who came to that little town of Bethlehem as a helpless infant, cradled in a food trough for cattle. He came because He loved us! By His agonizing death, which we deserved, and by His resurrection He proclaims His triumph over evil - that same evil represented by the severed boar's head. That entire message of love comes wrapped in the Boar's Head Festival - the birth of a baby, the conquering of sin and death, and the coming of all the faithful of all time to worship the Son of God born for us. Back to top CHRISTMAS CONCERT AT LUTHERAN HIGH NORTHEAST The Lutheran High Northeast Concert Band & Choir will present their annual Christmas Concert at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 13, at Lutheran High in Norfolk. A variety of sacred instrumental and vocal music will be performed. There is no admission charge to this event. The LHNE music program is under the direction of James Jurchen. Back to top LIVE NATIVITY IN FREMONT Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Fremont will be holding their annual live nativity, "Back to Bethlehem," on Sunday, December 13. "Back to Bethlehem" is a family-friendly, drive-through event that includes a live nativity scene, a wide variety of live animals, and the brightest spotlights in the state! You are welcome to drive through between 5:00-8:00 p.m. Good Shepherd is located on the corner of Lincoln & Military Avenues - please enter from Military Avenue. Back to top BETHLEHEM SKYLINE CONCERT TWICE IN NEBRASKA Everyone is invited to take time to experience a fresh blend of Christmas carols and original compositions at an intimate evening celebrating the birth of Jesus. The "Bethlehem Skyline" concert will be presented twice in Nebraska, and both concerts will feature the band Downhere, as well as Lanae' Hale and Jason Gray. December 10 - 6:30 p.m. Messiah Lutheran Church, Lincoln (1800 S 84th St.) - www.messiahlincoln.org December 11 - 7:00 p.m. Beautiful Savior, La Vista (7706 South 96th St.) - www.bslcomaha.org More information about the concert can be found at www.bethlehemskyline.com. Information about purchasing tickets is available on the congregation websites or at www.downhere.com. Back to top LUTHERAN FAMILY SERVICES CHRISTMAS APPEAL FOR CONGREGATIONS Church offices of the Nebraska District should have received a mailing from Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska asking them to take part in their annual "Christmas Appeal for Congregations." Along with a letter of explanation are bulletin inserts that congregations are asked to use throughout December to educate members on the ministry of LFS and prayerfully consider support for this Lutheran human care ministry. If more inserts or envelopes are needed, please contact Kali Johnson at 402-591-5063 or kjohnson at LFSneb.org. The inserts may also be downloaded from the website link: http://www.LFSneb.org/Christmas.pdf. LFS is a Recognized Service Organization of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod of which the Nebraska District and its congregations are ministry partners. Back to top IN THE NEWS: "HERE'S THE CHURCH. AND HERE'S THE NEW STEEPLE." "After a long absence, Zion Lutheran Church near Tobias gets its rebuilt steeple back - and the bell will finally ring again." So starts the front page article from the December 1 Lincoln Journal Star article that shows Zion's new steeple being placed on the church. Read about the new steeple and the congregation's reactions in the online article at http://journalstar.com/news/state-and-regional/nebraska/article_e4e07166-de1c-11de-8efd-001cc4c03286.html. The new steeple and bell tower will be dedicated just prior to the 8:30 a.m. service this coming Sunday, December 6. Back to top NEBRASKA LUTHERANS FOR CONFESSION STUDY TO MEET The December gathering of the Nebraska Lutherans for Confessional Study (NLCS) will be held on Thursday, December 10, 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 morning session will be Rev. Dan Feusse, pastor of Concordia Lutheran Church in Clearwater, Nebraska. His topic will be "Thy Kingdom Come: The Binding of Satan on Earth through the Cruciform Life of the Church." The morning session will start at about 10:30 a.m. Following lunch, the afternoon topic will start at about 1 p.m. The afternoon presenter will be Rev. Micah Gaunt, Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ravenna, Nebraska. His topic will be "A Defense of Narrative Criticism." 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 VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES IN KOREA (from LCMS missionary Rev. Patrick O'Neal's Newsletter) LCK Seeking Long-Term Volunteers - There is need to recruit two long-term volunteer missionaries from the LCMS to serve as relationship builders through English as a Foreign Language (EFL) for one year. In LCMS World Mission terms, this kind of long-term (1-2 years) volunteer missionary is called a GEO missionary, which stands for: Globally Engaged in Outreach. The LCK executive committee has approved this plan as a 1 year pilot project. They are providing the funds to cover the housing and utility costs of the missionaries. This is the first time that the LCK will have such GEO missionaries working long-term in congregations. In the past 3 years, a number of short-term EFL projects have been hosted by these congregations. They have recognized the value such mission partnerships bring to their ministries. The English teachers are the draw for people to come into the church who might not otherwise have been reached. Then the pastors and church members can share the Good News of Jesus Christ with them. If you are interested in exploring how you might serve as one of these GEO missionaries in Korea, or somewhere else in the world, contact Erin Alter, Program Director for GEO Missionary Service at LCMS World Mission, by email at Erin.Alter at LCMS.org or call 1-800-433-3954. LTU Needs Short-Term Volunteers - Luther University/Seminary (LTU) needs two short-term volunteer missionaries to teach at its annual Winter English Camp, which will be held January 4-24, 2010. The camp is for elementary-age students from the surrounding community. It is an opportunity for them to hear and practice English with a native English speaker (that's you!). It is also an opportunity for them to hear about Jesus since about half of these students are not Christian. A stipend is provided so that in-country costs should be covered. Volunteers will need to provide for their own airfare to Korea and bring a willing servant heart to help kids learn English, and more importantly, learn about their Savior who loves them dearly. If you are interested, email Jennifer.Mustard at LCMS.org or call her at 1-800-433-3954 immediately as time is short to get everything arranged. Back to top CHALKBOARDS AVAILABLE TO CONGREGATIONS Christ, Lincoln, has two 4 ft. by 6 ft. chalkboards available free to interested congregations or schools. Anyone interested or having questions should contact Nancy Boeche at Christ Lutheran Church, Lincoln, by calling 402-483-7774, ext. 124. Back to top SEMINARIES HOST WORKSHOPS/CONFERENCES Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne 2010 Symposia Series - Scholars and clergy from around the world will gather on the campus of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana, to take part in the 2010 Symposia Series. The series will take place January 19-22, 2010, with a Lenten Preaching Workshop offered on January 18. The 25th Annual Symposium on Exegetical Theology will run from January 19-20 with a theme of "The Sacraments in Scripture." The 33rd Annual Symposium on The Lutheran Confessions takes place January 20-22 under the theme of "God: Past, Present, and Future." In addition to members of the accomplished CTS faculty, there will be speakers from many different backgrounds who have been invited to share their views on these timeless topics. For a complete schedule, list of speakers, or to register online for the symposia and preaching workshop, go to www.ctsfw.edu/symposia. Those interested may also call 260-452-2172 for additional information. Concordia Seminary, St. Louis Adult Choir Member Workshop - Concordia Seminary will offer its 18th Annual Schola Cantorum: An Adult Choir Member Workshop, on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2010. The workshop will be held in The Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus and the Clara and Spencer Werner Auditorium on the Seminary campus. The Schola Cantorum is open to all choir members, choir directors and ministers of music. The schedule for the day begins with registration at 8:15 a.m., Morning Prayer at 8:45 a.m., and rehearsal sessions at 9:15 a.m. The day concludes at 3:30 p.m. after the Closing Prayer service, which will include some of the music learned that day. Dr. Christopher Aspaas will serve as this year's clinician. A Choral Reading Session will be held Friday, Jan. 22, 2010, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. In the session, Aspaas will guide participants through an evening of choral and instrumental song in which he will preview new and current titles of music. The session is open to all, but is especially designed for choir directors. There is no charge to attend but registration is required. The cost for the Schola Cantorum is $60 per individual or $110 per congregation ($70 or $125 after Jan. 8, 2010). For the congregation fee, a choir can send as many members as it desires. Lunch and the choral music are not included in the fee. For more information or registration forms, call 314-505-7486 or e-mail ce at csl.edu. Green and Gold Visitation Days - There are two remaining "Green and Gold Days" this academic year at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. A visitation day for college students thinking about the pastoral or deaconess ministry, a "Green and Gold Day" is a one-day event with opportunities to explore what Concordia Seminary has to offer. The next two "Green and Gold Days" will take place on Friday, January 18, 2010, and Friday, March 19, 2010. Visitors will attend chapel and classes with current students, participate in a discussion with faculty members, and take a "Loop de Lou" tour of St. Louis. An optional dinner reception will close the day. There is no registration fee to attend "Green and Gold Days." Housing will be available on campus for all dates. All meals are also provided free of charge. Transportation to and from Lambert-St. Louis International Airport will be provided if needed. The registration deadline is two weeks prior to each event. For questions or to register by phone, please call 1-800-822-9545. Back to top BUS RIDE AND LODGING OFFERED TO LIFE MARCHERS (from Reporter Online, November 2009) To encourage more Lutheran participation in the Jan. 22 "March for Life" in Washington, D.C., a group bus ride is being offered by LCMS Life Ministries, a program area of LCMS World Relief and Human Care (WR-HC), and the Lutherans For Life (LFL) delegation is arranging free lodging for travelers. Titled "Roadtrip for Life," the bus ride will be hosted by LCMS Life and Health Ministries Director Maggie Karner, whose department is co-sponsoring the ride with Advent Lutheran Church in Zionsville, Ind., which is providing the bus. The bus ride will originate in Indianapolis, and enable those interested in joining other Lutherans for the 37th annual march to ride along with Karner as a group. Reservations will be on a first-come, first-served basis, with a donation requested to assist with the costs of gas and driver fees. To reserve a spot on the "Roadtrip for Life" bus, call Karner or Sandy Burris at 800-248-1930, ext. 1371, or e-mail maggie.karner at lcms.org. After arriving in Washington, participants may stay for up to two nights free in the homes of area Lutherans, arranged by members of the LFL delegation. Dennis Di Mauro, organizer of the delegation for the 12th year and leader of the LFL chapter in northern Virginia, said the march to protest the 1973 Supreme Court decision to legalize abortion is more important this year than ever as the country debates the health care system. "In 1976, the Hyde Amendment, which prohibited the use of federal dollars to pay for abortion coverage, was passed. And since that time, it has been our national policy not to use federal tax dollars for abortion. Participating in the march is one way of letting our representatives know that we want to keep the Hyde Amendment and do not want federal tax dollars to be used to pay for abortion," he said. Di Mauro said that women should have true alternatives to abortion, including adoption, and should be offered financial and spiritual assistance so they can make the right choice for their children and themselves. "Let's not let our goal of providing quality health care for every American be used as a tacit endorsement of abortion," he said. On the day of the march, the Lutheran group will worship at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Alexandria, Va. LCMS WR-HC Executive Director Rev. Matthew Harrison will serve as guest speaker. Last year, more than 160 attended the service. Following a brunch, the group will travel to downtown Washington for the rally and noon march from 7th Street, down Constitution Avenue, to the Supreme Court building. For more information on the 2010 March for Life or to arrange for free lodging in the Washington, D.C., area, contact Di Mauro at 703-568-3346 or e-mail dimauro.dennis at gmail.com. Back to top LIFE BY HIS WORD BIBLE STUDY COVERS ENTIRE BIBLE It's a journey of Scripture from creation through the redemption of Jesus Christ. If you crave more intentional study of all of the Bible, you will appreciate Life by His Word. Life by His Word is the study companion for The Lutheran Study Bible. This Bible engages you in devotional, Christ-centered Bible reading and study with distinctive, comprehensive notes and practical application. With more than 1,500 individual study lessons (that's less than 20 cents for each lesson), Life by His Word provides discussion questions, application, and summary insights for The Lutheran Study Bible. Every chapter and book are explored, offering a rich and full approach to study and devotion. Smaller sets of lessons are available in a downloadable format. Select the "Order Now" link below to view the sets. Connect to the timeless conversation that has been unfolding within and around God's Word throughout the centuries. Perhaps the start of a new year is a good time to start taking a fresh look at God's Word! Life by His Word - Complete Set CD-ROM Price: $299.99 Item Number: 20-3488WEB Order Now Back to top NEW SPEAKERS SCHEDULED AT MISSION CENTRAL 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. December 15, 7:00 p.m. - Dr. Mike Rodewald, African area director, from South Africa April 20, 2010, 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. - Rev. Greg Sawyer from Hong Kong June 8, 2010, 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. - Matt and Dee Dee Wasmund from Taiwan July 7, 2010, 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. - Dr. Steve Oliver from Taiwan July 17, 2010, 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. - Sharon Owens from Macau 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 NEW LOOK FOR CHILDREN'S PRAYER BOOK Available from JCPlayZone, the Children's Book of Prayers helps teach little ones The Lord's Prayer, bedtime and mealtime prayers, prayers of thanksgiving, and prayers of forgiveness. The book encourages children to take everything to God as their faith and relationship with Him grows stronger. St. Louis artist Kelly Schumacher makes each prayer come to life for the children with memorable illustrations throughout the book. Your church or school can customize and use the book to reach out to neighbors and children who do not attend church on a regular basis. The book also includes a place for children to write their own prayer, so it is a perfect project for an art class or Sunday school class. The back cover also encourages the children to visit JCPlayZone for daily devotions, Christian music, games, crafts, e-cards, and other fun activities. Purchase your copies of the book from Lutheran Hour Ministries by clicking here. Call 1-800-876-9880 to order by phone. Back to top Advent 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: 71846 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.gif Type: image/gif Size: 8048 bytes Desc: image001.gif URL: From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Thu Dec 10 14:04:51 2009 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Thu, 10 Dec 2009 20:04:51 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] December 10 Message-ID: This week's Update is a day late because the District Office was closed a portion of the last two days due to the winter weather. Due to a computer "quirk" there are no links in this week's Update. The links will return when the issue has been resolved. I apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience in these matters. Now to the news! [cid:image002.gif at 01CA3160.F3EE42A0] December 10, 2009 In this issue: It's getting closer! Can you feel the excitement in the air? As the December days zip by, the celebration of our Savior's birth comes even closer. As Christians, our Christmas preparations are done knowing that we prepare to celebrate the coming of the Christ-child to earth once again. What a wonderful time of the year to share the true meaning of Christmas with those around us. Decorating our houses or yards, buying gifts in stores, and anytime anyone wishes us a "Merry Christmas" are all times to share the real meaning of Christmas. Take just a couple of minutes in prayer to ask God how He can use you to tell the miracle story of Christmas this year as you go about your preparations. * Prayer Requests * Concordia Jr/Sr High School Christmas Concert * Nebraska Congregation Celebrates 25 Years of Ministry Partnership * 'The Lutheran Hour' Float Stands as "A Cut Above the Rest" * Concordia Professor to Have Compositions Published * Student Visit to Seminary Offered * Concordia High One-Act Wins First Place * Organ Accompaniment for Hymns Now Available for Lutheran Service Builder * Pre-Lenten Preaching Workshops * New From Concordia Publishing House PRAYER REQUESTS University Lutheran Chapel, Lincoln ?- Please remember in prayer the staff and students who worship at the University Lutheran Chapel on the University of Nebraska - Lincoln campus. Pastor Bill Steinbauer and Mark Meyer minister to the university students through Word and Sacrament ministry, as well as Bible studies and other Christian fellowship events. We thank God for the students who are hearing about Jesus and whose faith is being nurtured through this ministry. Please pray for the staff this week as they minister to the students preparing for final exams. CONCORDIA JR/SR HIGH SCHOOL CHRISTMAS CONCERT CHRIST IS BORN! COME AND SEE! is the theme of "Christmas at Concordia" featuring the music of the bands, choirs, and string ensemble from Concordia Jr/Sr High School in Omaha. The concert will take place Friday, December 18, beginning at 7 p.m. in the Concordia gym (156th and Fort Streets). Pre-concert music will be provided by CHS's guitar class. Everyone is invited and there is no admission charge. A free-will offering will be taken. Refreshments will be served during the intermission. NEBRASKA CONGREGATION CELEBRATES 25 YEARS OF MINISTRY PARTNERSHIP LCMS World Mission is very pleased and humbled to report that 15 LCMS congregations will be celebrating 25 years of partnership with LCMS missionaries through the Together in Mission program. The Wayne Circuit in northeast Nebraska joins 14 LCMS congregations who celebrate such anniversaries in 2009. "Without our Together in Mission partnerships, we could not be on the field. We do not go to Vietnam in isolation or for our own purposes, but on behalf of the church, representing those who have sent us. Financial donations help us physically get there, but it is on the wings of thousands of prayers, offered by our Together in Mission partners, that we are truly able to fly in the confidence of God's endless provision. Moreover, it is the personal relationships with our Together in Mission partners that provide the most support. E-mails, letters, packages, visits-our Together in Mission congregations aren't some name on a report, but rather they are our partners, our friends, our global extended family, united in Christ. Praise the Lord for their gracious support!"-J.P. and Aimee Cima, human care workers in Southeast Asia. The most common way a congregation can partner with an LCMS missionary is through the Together in Mission program. Together in Mission congregations pledge ongoing financial support, prayer support, and encouragement. They themselves are also encouraged through direct contact with the missionary. (www.lcms.org?991) Individuals and families can also support LCMS missionaries by becoming Mission Senders. A Mission Sender is an individual or family who pledges annual support for any amount. Senders also enjoy direct contact with the missionaries they support. (www.lcms.org?989) To learn more about becoming a Together in Mission congregation or a Mission Sender, contact LCMS World Mission by calling 1-800-433-3954 or sending an e-mail to mission.giving at lcms.org. 'THE LUTHERAN HOUR' FLOAT STANDS AS "A CUT ABOVE THE REST" The theme of the 121st Tournament of Roses Parade on January 1, 2010, in Pasadena, California, is "A Cut Above the Rest," and The Lutheran Hour float entry will participate in the parade under a theme of "The Ten Commandments-Jesus Fulfilled." The float depicts the Ten Commandments, which God gave to His people to live by. Etched in stone are the "thou shalts" and the "thou shalt nots" for the world to see. Also on the float is the "Ark of the Covenant," a vehicle designed by God himself to remind people that He is always present with them even as they walk through trouble and the high waters of their lives. "Today, God continues to lead us now, not through an Ark, but through the Holy Spirit who leads us all the way to heaven," says Dick Gast, organizer of The Lutheran Hour float. "It is our prayer that the Holy Spirit would touch the hearts of those who view The Lutheran Hour float. May the Lord bless us all in this new year of grace." This year's float riders will recognize several current and past International Lutheran Laymen's League leaders from the national and local levels. LHM Executive Director Bruce Wurdeman, Int'l LLL Regional Governor Steve Rice, and past Int'l LLL Vice Presidents Raymond Stuckemeyer and Bob Beer will be among the riders. Thanks to the Int'l LLL's Southern California District, The Lutheran Hour float is a 60-year tradition in the longstanding New Year's Day event, carrying on a mission to provide a Gospel witness to viewers everywhere, from the parade route along Pasadena's Colorado Boulevard to televisions all over the world. The float serves as the only Christian float in the parade. The Tournament of Roses Parade is watched live on television by approximately 40 million Americans and by millions more people in 150 countries. The LHM float, as well as six other parade floats, will be decorated again in 2010 by the Petal Pushers, a 4,000-member group of volunteers. The Petal Pushers travel to Pasadena from all over the United States and Canada and include families, church groups, Girl Scout troops, and many other types of groups, as well as individuals of all ages. Please invite friends, relatives, and neighbors to watch for The Lutheran Hour float during television coverage. Although ABC and NBC will broadcast the parade, the LHM float may or may not be shown on those networks because of commercials or other television commitments. Cable's Home and Garden Television (HGTV) may provide the best viewing option since it carries the entire parade without interruption nationwide. The Lutheran Hour float is scheduled as the 38th entry in the 91-unit parade. Check your local listings for channels and times. For more information about The Lutheran Hour float and the Petal Pushers, visit www.petalpushers.org. CONCORDIA PROFESSOR TO HAVE COMPOSITIONS PUBLISHED Two compositions by Joseph Herl, associate professor of music at Concordia University, Nebraska, have been accepted for publication by Concordia Publishing House. "While with Ceaseless Course the Sun" is written for soprano, alto, tenor and bass choir and also for organ. Herl created the piece for the Lincoln Lutheran Choir. Based on text by John Newton, who also wrote "Amazing Grace," the piece speaks of the brevity of life and the need to live with eternity in view. "I am especially pleased CPH is publishing 'While with Ceaseless Course the Sun,'" said Herl. "It is a favorite of mine among my own compositions." The second selection, "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence," is written for a soprano, alto and bass choir and for organ. This hymn was written in 2007 when Herl was directing the Concordia Chorale. "I needed a piece for the Christmas concert. The group had many talented sopranos and altos, but just a small men's section with limited vocal experience. I wrote the piece with this in mind." Herl has had several musical compositions and a book, Worship Wars in Early Lutheranism: Choir, Congregation, and Three Centuries of Conflict published. In 2005 it won an award from the Sixteenth Century Society and Conference for best book in the fields of art history or music. STUDENT VISIT TO SEMINARY OFFERED College students interested in learning more about the pastoral ministry or service as a deaconess are invited to make plans to attend Christ Academy College/Phoebe Academy College, January 21-24, 2010 at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne. There is no charge for this event designed to give interested students the opportunity to visit with faculty and current students, attend classes, and worship with the CTS community. For more information go online to www.ctsfw.edu/cacollege or call 1-800-481-2155. CONCORDIA HIGH ONE-ACT WINS FIRST PLACE In its first season with a one-act play production team, Concordia High School in Omaha has taken first place in its district. The team's performance of "Any Body for Tea?" won first place with a superior ranking for District C1-2 at Midland Lutheran College in Fremont on December 2. Additionally, Joe Hawk, Nick Yaksich and Hanah Zehnder were recognized as outstanding performers. The team is directed by CHS teacher Lori Plummer. The District championship followed Concordia's win November 23 at the Frontier Conference competition in Cedar Bluffs, Nebraska. In that event, Concordia's first-ever competition in play production, Hanah Zehnder won Best Actress, Nick Yaksich won Best Supporting Actor, and Joe Hawk, Emma Rasmussen, and Ben Hayworth were all awarded honorable mention. On December 11, the Concordia team will compete in Kearney for the C-1 state title. ORGAN ACCOMPANIMENT FOR HYMNS NOW AVAILABLE FOR LUTHERAN SERVICE BUILDER In October Concordia Publishing House announced the release of the Concordia Organist, a 31-CD set that includes accompaniment for every hymn in the Lutheran Service Book hymnal. Now, the Organist is available as an add-on for CPH's Lutheran Service Builder. The Concordia Organist-Lutheran Service Builder Subscription (TCO-LSBS) allows subscribers to use the service to facilitate use of the Concordia Organist. The Lutheran Service Builder is a tool for drag-and-drop planning of worship services. This means that customers who opt to subscribe to TCO-LSBS will be able to click a single button "Burn CD" and watch Builder quickly download the right Concordia Organist tracks and burn them to a single CD. This will help make maneuvering through the 31-CD set trouble-free. "It's really slick," says Robert Lail, CPH"s programmer for the Lutheran Service Builder. "You can preview the accompaniment. In some cases you can choose different registrations. But the end is the best part: you click 'burn' and in 5 minutes you've got a CD of some of the best organists in the LCMS playing your service." The CDs feature organists Paul Grime, Kevin Hildebrand, and Richard Resch, playing the Schlicker organ in Kramer Chapel at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana. The CD version of the Organist is available at the introductory price of $499, usually $699. As for the Lutheran Service Builder, pricing is determined by using weekly congregational worship attendance at all services combined. Pricing for The Concordia Organist, an add-on to the Builder, is the same regardless of congregation size and is $199 per year. To see a demonstration version of this service visit www.cphconnect.org/builder/pricing. Demo installations can preview low-quality samples but cannot create finished CDs. Call 1-800-325-2399 to order or get more information. PRE-LENTEN PREACHING WORKSHOPS One-day Workshop in Lincoln Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Lincoln is pleased to announce that a Pre-Lent Preaching Seminar will be offered on Friday, January 8, 2010. The Rev. Brent Kuhlman will be the guest presenter with the title of his presentation, "When You Pray, Say...; preaching the Our Father." This seminar will offer sermons, preaching resources, and worship resources (LSB) for the Wednesdays in Lent, as well as Holy Week and Easter, based on the 3rd Chief Part of Luther's Small Catechism. Cost is $12 and includes lunch and all preaching and worship materials. Please register by calling the church office at 402-423-7639 or by sending a note to Rev. Clint Poppe at pastorpoppe at goodshepherdlincoln.org. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church is located at 3825 Wildbriar Lane (just north of 40th and Old Cheney) in Lincoln. Motel information is available upon request. Tentative Schedule: Refreshments 9:00 a.m. Matins 9:30 a.m. 1st Presentation 10:00 a.m. Lunch 12:00 p.m. 2nd Presentation 12:45 p.m. Closing 3:30 p.m. South Dakota District Pre-Lenten Preaching Workshop A Pre-Lenten Preaching Workshop, sponsored by the S.D. District Continuing Education Committee, will be held Monday and Tuesday, January 18-19, 2010, (1 PM to noon) at Zion Lutheran Church, Mitchell, SD. The presenter will be The Rev. Nabil Nour, pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church, Armour, South Dakota, and second vice-president of the SD District LCMS. Theme: "HIStory" - From Genesis to Revelation, God has a message and a mission to save humankind from the destructive power of death, the slavery of the devil, and the damaging power of sin by sending His Son. So the workshop will focus on the activities and the items that were evident in the final week of our Savior's life. Workshop Site: Zion Lutheran Church, 620 E. Third Avenue, Mitchell, SD 57501. Phone: 605-996-7530. Directions to Zion from I-90: take exit 332. Go north on Hwy 37. Keep going north through three stoplights, until you come to a 4-way stop sign at 1st Avenue. Proceed north 2 ? blocks. The church will be on your right. Accommodations: Kelly Inn, 1010 Cabela Drive, Mitchell, SD - Rates are $61 for one person or $75 for two persons. The phone # is 605-995-0500. Your reservation to get this rate should be under "Lutheran Pastors' Retreat." Workshop Fee: $35, payable to "SD District-LCMS." Registration form and fee is due by January 10, 2010. The workshop is sponsored by the S.D. District Continuing Education Committee: Rev. Howard Shane, Chairman (605-271-5532; HShane1 at yahoo.com), and Rev. Keith Bicknase (605-432-9555; elcpastor at itcmilbank.com). Contact either of these men to request a registration form. Workshop Schedule (tent.): Monday, January 18 Noon - 1 p.m. Registration at Zion Lutheran Church 1-1:15 p.m. Opening Devotion 1:15-2:45 Session 1 2:45-3:00 Break 3:00-4:30 Session 2 4:30-4:45 Break 4:45-6:15 Session 3 6:15-9:00 Break for Supper (on your own) Tuesday, January 19 8:00-8:15 a.m. Opening Devotion 8:15-9:45 Session 4 9:45-10:00 Break 10:00-11:45 Session 5 11:45 Closing Devotion NEW FROM CONCORDIA PUBLISHING HOUSE New Downloadable Bulletin Inserts Are Now Available Weekly bulletin inserts provide a written copy of the important elements of the service and help you save space in your bulletin for other announcements. Other inserts offer inspirational thoughts as members enter into worship. Concordia Publishing House's selection of downloadable bulletin inserts includes: Lutheran Service Book Feasts, Festivals, & Holy Days Inserts This set includes 56 downloadable bulletin inserts and provides the propers appointed in Lutheran Service Book for the feasts, festivals, and occasions of the Church Year, as well as the non-Sunday and alternate holy days in the lectionary. Once you download the file, you can use these inserts year after year. (If you only use each insert once, it's for the low cost of $3.13 per insert. Use them again and your cost-per-insert decreases.) $175.00 Lutheran Service Book Weekly Inserts (ESV?) Available from Lutheran Service Book in both one-year and three-year Lutheran Lectionary. Inserts include Gospel, Epistle, and the First Readings; the Introit; the Gradual; and Collect of the Day (ESV(tm) Scripture). $40.00 per quarter Contemporary Faith Weekly Inserts Provides interesting faith discussion starters for the following week. Each issue gives a Christian perspective on current issues. $40.00 per quarter Good News for Families Monthly Inserts Offers practical advice on concerns and issues for today's families. $10.00 per quarter Browse All Titles and find ordering information by visiting http://www.cph.org/cphstore/pages/newsletter/order.asp?catno=97215&Title=Bulletin+Inserts&NU=0&MI=1190&UI=TJBATGK89A808KCED1JEV8CM6BMT8QTD&UT=cph. Connect God's Word to Everyday Moments CPH introduces The Lutheran Study Bible Journal, a companion resource to The Lutheran Study Bible. Men's and women's editions of the journal have a spiral binding and are available at www.cph.org or by calling 1-800-325-3040. Laura Lane, Production Editor at CPH, says, "This is more than a journal. This is not simply lines on a page. The application notes and prayers provide daily reflection on your salvation through faith alone." Based on a proven reading plan, the journal provides the tools needed to read through The Lutheran Study Bible in two years. Each day offers a Scripture reading, journaling space, life-application notes, and prayer. Lane shares, "The journal is meant to engage you in active, prayerful Bible reading." Journaling is a widely-used approach for daily devotion. A podcast that focuses on its benefits, featuring Janice Wendorf, President of the Lutheran Women's Missionary League, can be downloaded at CPH's The House Channel. "Each time I read an application note, I saw in a new way how all of Scripture applies to my life today," Lane continues. "I was amazed at how so many of these brief statements touched on aspects of my life at that very point in time-how I was feeling, challenges I was having, and opportunities I had to praise God." The personal index in the journal allows readers to keep track of their thoughts. "With most journals, you write down your good thoughts and then can't find them later," says Rev. Dr. Benjamin Mayes, managing editor at CPH. "The Lutheran Study Bible Journal includes a subject index that you compile as you go. If you write about Baptism on page 42 of the journal, you can write the number 42 beside Baptism in the index. You'll always find what you wrote on any topic." The Lutheran Study Bible Journal can be followed at www.twitter.com/TLSBJournal for daily Scripture readings and inspirational thoughts. The Lutheran Study Bible is the first Bible in English to be developed from the ground up with notes that are distinctly Lutheran, prepared by Lutheran contributors from over twenty Lutheran church bodies. Reproducible Choral Music Available from Concordia Publishing House Concordia Publishing House (CPH) offers a new, completely reproducible book of music by composer Carl Schalk called Alleluia to Jesus. The book features a collection of forty familiar and new anthems from Schalk's long career as a composer. The book can be purchased at www.cph.org and includes updated text to match Lutheran Service Book. Plus, because the product is completely reproducible, choir directors and musicians can make as many copies from their copy of the book as needed. This sets the book apart from many other choir books by making it more affordable and easy to share. "Each piece in this collection had its origin in the desire to provide not simply religious choral music, but music for the liturgical service," said Schalk. Alleluia's liturgical music features anthems and hymns in canon and has a mixture of works suitable for all types of choirs. "Carl is fantastic at knowing how to write well for the average church choir," said Henry Gerike, Editor in Music for Concordia Publishing House. "His pieces are well suited for any size congregation and provide a good, challenging piece, without over stressing the choir." Alleluia releases in correspondence with Schalk's 80th birthday this fall. He was commemorated at Concordia University, Chicago, on October 15 for his retirement and 30 years of service as a professor of music. "Through his composing and editing, as well as writing and teaching, his vision of church music always had its roots in the heritage of the church while addressing current musical and liturgical expressions," said Steven Wente, Chair of the Music Department at Concordia University, Chicago. "Carl not only provided music for our choirs and many congregations, but he also always had ideas for projects and research, and was always supportive of what other people were doing academically." In his retirement, Schalk does not plan to quit composing. "Because one is retired from a particular occupation does not mean one retires from life," said Schalk. "I imagine that I shall be composing music for the church as long as I have the ability to do so." Until then, this set of composures is available for $50 from cph.org. "I can only hope that this collection will help choir directors and singers to see the central importance of the role of music in the liturgical service," said Schalk. "Apart from the composing itself, the most satisfying thing is to hear one's composition come alive in performance the way you envisioned it and for the purpose for which it was written." Advent blessings, 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: 54370 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image002.gif Type: image/gif Size: 8048 bytes Desc: image002.gif URL: From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Dec 16 09:52:59 2009 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:52:59 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] December 16 Message-ID: [cid:image001.gif at 01CA7E35.8A04D760] December 16, 2009 In this issue: One of my favorite things during this Advent season is listening to familiar Christmas carols with my 4-year-old daughter. She is learning these songs in preschool, and as she learns the words, she is constantly asking me "Who is saying that?" or "What does that mean?" It is a joy and a blessing to be able to once again look closely at the words of these familiar songs with her, and see her excitement in being able to sing songs about Jesus' birthday. As we go about our seasonal tasks hearing the familiar Christmas tunes, may we remember the Good News the angels brought in their song that first Christmas. They proclaimed the Good News of the Savior's birth to the shepherds who didn't even know to be looking for it. May our prayer be that the Lord will use us to share that same Good News with those we encounter who may not know the reason for this Christmas season. * Prayer Requests * District Office Holiday Hours * IMPORTANT Tax Exempt Status Reminder * Prairie Fire 2010 * New Christmas-Themes Bible Study Available from LHM * Rev. John Nunes to Speak at Concordia * Higher Things Granted RSO Status * Hymn by Concordia University Professor Heard on Lutheran Hour Broadcast * Concordia Theological Seminary Unveils New Online Theological Resources * National Youth Gathering Update * A Tribute to Paul Manz in Omaha * New Spanish Resources from CPH * CPH Offers Puppets at a Reduced Rate PRAYER REQUESTS Jesus Our Savior Lutheran Outreach and School - We join in prayers of thanksgiving with the staff of Jesus Our Savior Lutheran Outreach in Winnebago for God's blessings on their Christmas Service. More than 90 people attended the service last Sunday evening, which included songs and the telling of the Christmas story by the school children and the message by Pastor Ricky Jacob. We ask the Lord to continue blessing this ministry as it works to connect with the people of the community through worship and education opportunities. The Family of Jim Weber - We ask the Lord to wrap the family of Jim Weber in His loving care as Jim was suddenly called home to heaven this past Sunday morning. Jim is the brother of Gary and Nancy Weber, teachers at Christ, Norfolk, and of Don Weber, assistant to the president in education and youth for the Nebraska District. The funeral will be 10:00 a.m. Friday morning, December 18, at Zion, Pierce. Team of Workers in Sudan - We offer prayers of thanksgiving for the safe return of three members of the work team from Minnesota and Nebraska that had been working in Sudan. These men returned to the United States safely last week, while the remaining team will return next week. Please continue to pray for safety for the remaining team as they prepare to travel home. Please also pray that the Lord will use their efforts in Sudan to meet the physical needs, as well as the spiritual needs, of the people of Malakal and give glory to God. Back to top DISTRICT OFFICE HOLIDAY HOURS The Nebraska District Office will be closed next Thursday and Friday, December 24-25, for Christmas. It will also be closed Thursday, December 31 and Friday, January 1, in observance of New Year's. The office will resume regular hours at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, January 4. There will be an abbreviated Email Update next Wednesday, December 23, and no Update the week of December 28. The regular Email Update schedule will resume on Wednesday, January 6. Back to top IMPORTANT TAX EXEMPT STATUS REMINDER A reminder to congregations and schools of the District that Form 451-A Reaffirmation for Continued Tax Exemption filings must be filed with your County Assessor on or before December 31. Failure to file can result in the loss of exemption from property tax. Back to top PRAIRIE FIRE 2010 The Nebraska District is pleased to announce a very special outreach event in 2010. The International Lutheran Laymen's League has chosen Omaha as the site of its 2010 Convention. In partnership with LLL, the Nebraska District is planning a day-long Prairie Fire 2010 outreach event in conjunction with the convention. It will feature many outstanding breakout sessions with quality presenters focused on how each of us can be encouraged and equipped to share the hope we have in Jesus as we are engaged in conversations of grace. The day will culminate with a special Lutheran Hour Celebration Event featuring Lutheran Hour Speaker Rev. Ken Klaus. Please mark your calendar for Saturday, July 24, at the Qwest Center in Omaha for this exceptional outreach experience. There will be special registration information for those who only want to attend the Saturday workshops, as well as information for those attending the entire convention. More information will be made available next spring on the Nebraska District website, www.ndlcms.org, through church offices, and mailed directly to past Prairie Fire participants. We are very excited to be able to partner with the LLL and Lutheran Hour Ministries to offer the people of Nebraska a day focused on sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with those around us. Please mark July 24, 2010, on your calendar and watch for more information in the months ahead. Back to top NEW CHRISTMAS-THEMES BIBLE STUDY AVAILABLE FROM LHM (From LHM Church and School Resources Newsletter) Pastor Ken Klaus, Speaker of The Lutheran Hour(r), has written a Christmas-themed, single-session Bible study about St. Nicholas, called The Real St. Nick: Leader, Legend or Lie? Your church or school can download the Bible study for free and use it for Bible class, chapel, or even a special Bible study. The Real St. Nick surveys St. Nick and the age-old traditions surrounding him. An extensive list of web links in the discussion guide gives you numerous sources of information providing fascinating details behind the man. Exploring these you'll learn about the persecution he faced under the Roman Emperor Diocletian. You'll also see how -- using ancient relics and modern science -- a team of forensic specialists has reconstructed an image of St. Nick's face. For more information on this Bible study, visit http://www.lhmmen.com/studydetail.asp?id=13640. This Bible study is provided through Lutheran Hour Ministries' Men's NetWork. Additional video Bible studies include works on Islam, creation, the origination of the Bible, materialism, and more. Each Bible study has an accompanying discussion guide. You can also purchase the Bible studies on DVD for $15 each. Visit www.lhmmen.com and click on "Bible Studies" for more information. Back to top REV. JOHN NUNES TO SPEAK AT CONCORDIA Concordia University, Nebraska will welcome Rev. John Nunes as the first presenter in its spring speaker series. Nunes was selected as Concordia's Martin Luther King Day speaker. His presentation will take place in Weller Hall auditorium at 10 a.m. on Monday, Jan 18, and is free and open to the public. A prominent Lutheran leader, thinker, and speaker, Nunes is known for his compelling voice applying theological insight to matters ranging from global issues to urban affairs. Nunes is the president of Lutheran World Relief. The organization is spearheading the Lutheran Malaria Initiative, a Lutheran church-wide campaign to raise $75 million for the United Nation- Foundation's Nothing but Nets campaign. Nunes also is authoring two books on the topic of malaria for Concordia Publishing House, a sponsor of his speech at Concordia. "John is an outstanding choice for a Martin Luther King Day speaker because as president and CEO of Lutheran World Relief, he can give a unique perspective on Dr. King's work -- how through faith, prayer and commitment we can be God's instruments to help transform the world's most impoverished communities," said Tobin Beck, assistant professor of global studies and an organizer for Concordia's annual speaker series. "Working to end poverty and to uphold human dignity were important components of Dr. King's work on civil rights. In a community like ours we look for ways to help others, and I think Concordia students, faculty, staff, and people in general will respond to that call in John's message." Rev. Nunes' presentation is the first in the second annual Looking Beyond speaker series held at Concordia. Future presentations will feature Dimitri Rahab giving the Maehr talk on March 8, and 1989 Concordia alumnus Philip Droege, director of White House records, on April 13. Back to top Higher Things Granted RSO Status Higher Things is pleased to announce that it has been granted Recognized Service Organization (RSO) status by The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod. As an RSO, Higher Things is officially recognized as an organization whose mission, ministry, and programs are consistent with the confessional standards of the LCMS and in harmony with the programs of the Synod while retaining its independence and self-governance. They believe that RSO status will enhance Higher Things' ability to serve the youth of our Synod with the fullness of our liturgical and confessional heritage. Higher Things would like to thank the Synod's Board for District and Congregational Services and its chairman David Bruns for their hard work and support. They are also greatly appreciative to Rev. Herbert C. Mueller for his sponsorship and support. Higher Things looks forward to yet greater opportunities to assist parents, congregations, and pastors in cultivating and promoting a Lutheran identity among youth through conferences, retreats, publications, and the Internet. For more information, visit www.higherthings.org. Back to top HYMN BY CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY PROFESSOR HEARD ON LUTHERAN HOUR BROADCAST "On Jordan's Bank the Baptist's Cry," an Advent hymn adaptation by Concordia University, Nebraska's assistant professor of music, Pete Prochnow, was heard on the Dec. 6 broadcasts of "The Lutheran Hour." The radio shows reach over a million listeners each Sunday. "'On Jordan's Bank' is one of my favorite Advent hymns," said Prochnow. "I arranged the hymn adaptation 15 years ago. It was recorded and co-produced by Walt Disney World audio technician Paul Heintzen, a long-time LCMS member." The inclusion of the hymn on the program resulted from a meeting Prochnow had with the radio show's producer, Mark Eischer, to discuss the possibility of doing a show with different musical styles. Prochnow has been instrumental in establishing Concordia's contemporary church music program. Eischer was impressed with the quality of the Prochnow's music. "Since that meeting, Mark has asked for additional music to be used for the show for Epiphany, Transfiguration, and Lent," shared Prochnow. Listen each Sunday to the world's longest-running Christian outreach radio program to hear more of Professor Prochnow's music in the weeks ahead. To view a schedule and list of radio stations that air The Lutheran Hour, visit the Lutheran Hour Ministries website at http://www.lhm.org/broadcastinformation.asp. Back to top CONCORDIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY UNVEILS NEW ONLINE THEOLOGICAL RESOURCES Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana, continually strives to make theological resources available to church workers, laity and the church-at-large. Today another giant step has been taken in that effort. Anyone with an Internet connection now has access to one of the most extensive collections of theological media offered to date by going to http://media.ctsfw.edu/. "With media.cstfw.edu we have a single location where someone can come and search through the full text of the entire publication history for Concordia Theological Quarterly, the CUEnet DELTO video collection and even the daily chapel sermons from Kramer Chapel," said Rev. Bill Johnson, Theological Education Technology Specialist at CTS. "As we continue to add material, we look to include past and future Symposia Series lectures, full courses from some of the biggest names in the history of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, and more. Basically, if we can get rights to it and it's helpful to the Church, we want to make that available and searchable through this tool." One feature of the new site is the joint effort by Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, and Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, to release a compilation of educational videos available via their websites. This collection of more than 1,100 videos covers Old and New Testament, Pastoral Theology and individual books of the Bible which were originally part of the Distance Education Leading To Ordination (DELTO) courses made available through the Concordia University Education Network (CUEnet). Simply visit http://media.ctsfw.edu/ and type in a topic in the Search box. "It's such a joy to see these CUEnet resources released for the good of the entire Church," offered Rev. Bill Johnson, Theological Education Technology Specialist at CTS. "Although they were originally created to train men for ministry as pastors, they're wonderful material for all of God's people. By making these available to the Church, we enable anyone, anywhere around the world, to learn from some of the most knowledgeable experts in Lutheran theology from the comfort of their own home." The mission of the seminaries is to serve God's people and equip them to reach out to all with the life-saving Gospel. "The two seminaries releasing the material jointly for the good of Christ's Church really gives a powerful example of how we as a Synod can reach out to one other and be unified in confessional mission for the Gospel," said Prof. Tony Cook, Director of Distance Curricula at Concordia, St. Louis. For additional information on the new media site, please contact Rev. Johnson at William.Johnson at ctsfw.edu or 260-452-3202. Back to top NATIONAL YOUTH GATHERING UPDATE The following information is from the Gathering website, www.lcmsgathering.com. Are you using PowerPoint, Easy Worship, Media Shout or other presentation software for your Gathering planning meetings? New Gathering slides are available on the Downloads page, http://www.lcmsgathering.com/?PageID=11126. Looking for information to help you in your Gathering planning? Check out the additional resources at http://www.lcmsgathering.com/Index.asp?PageID=11096. Don't forget, Young Adult Volunteer applications are being accepted until January 1, 2010. For more information and to apply visit http://www.lcmsgathering.com/?PageID=11068. Back to top A TRIBUTE TO PAUL MANZ IN OMAHA Everyone is encouraged to mark the date and make plans to attend a tribute to Paul Manz at Pacific Hills (1110 South 90th Street), Omaha, on Sunday, February 14, at 3:00 p.m. This special event will celebrate the life and music of Paul Manz, a teacher, composer, recitalist, and international organist. He was a former teacher at Concordia University, St. Paul, where he established a solid music program. Dr. Manz did the dedicatory recital for the Pacific Hills organ in 1970, and now the congregation will honor him at this special event. Back to top NEW SPANISH RESOURCES FROM CPH Downloadable Spanish Music Now Available from CPH Everyone wants to have the resources needed to raise their voices and praise the Lord. Now, Concordia Publishing House has Spanish music available for purchase at iTunes, Amazon, and other select digital music stores. CPH offers a wide variety of children's songs, instrumental arrangements, choral selections, and hymns. The albums featured online can be instantaneously downloaded and include songs from the Christmas programs, Vacation Bible Schools, and other recent publications from Editorial Concordia. All of the songs were originally written in Spanish and they cover several different Latin American tunes. Visit your favorite online music store and search for Concordia Publishing House to find available music. Regular online pricing, with single song purchases or full albums, available. Concordia Publishing Announces 2010 Spanish Vacation Bible School Vacation Bible School is a time for children of all ages and backgrounds to get together and praise the Lord. Editorial Concordia, the Spanish division of Concordia Publishing House, makes it possible for children to experience a VBS that is originally written in Spanish! In 2010 the Vacation Bible School will be El tren de las Buenas Noticias (The Good News Train), a program about a group of friends that embark on a journey to five continents. The Good News Train stops every day on a different continent, where our friends meet people of diverse cultures, with different needs and traditions. As they get to know their new friends, they share what they have in The Good News Train as well as the best treasure of all: the Lord Jesus, Savior of the world. This one-of-a-kind program is the only comprehensive Spanish and bilingual VBS available. In fact, El tren de las Buenas Noticias is not a translation; it is written by Hispanics for Hispanics. It is a great resource for churches, churches wanting to reach out to their community, and for those doing mission trips. For more information, call 1-800-325-3040 in English or 1-877-450-8694 in Spanish. Visit our website at www.editorial.cph.org. Back to top CPH OFFERS PUPPETS AT A REDUCED RATE These puppets need good homes! If you are looking for a way to do a good deed or need a way to engage kids in Sunday school stories, liven up your classroom activities, or entertain children on a rainy day, this is a great opportunity. By adopting these adorable puppets, you not only give them a good home, but also add a little flair to your day. For a limited time only, Concordia Publishing House is offering a great deal on a package of past Vacation Bible School puppets. The first two hundred orders will receive a pack of four puppets for only $34.99. Normally just one of these puppets costs around $20. Puppets included in the package are Gizmo the robot, Buddy the porcupine, Digger the dog, and King the lion. You could create one crazy, fun puppet show with this combo! So open your home or classroom to these cuddly creatures before they are sold out! Visit www.cph.org to give these friendly puppets a good home. Back to top The weekly Email Update is a resource offered to all in the Nebraska District to share information and to enrich the ministry God has called you to. Please continue to share information you feel would be of interest to others and let us know if there is any other way we at the District Office can be a resource to your ministry. Items for inclusion in the Update may be sent to communications at ndlcms.org. Advent 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: 55688 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.gif Type: image/gif Size: 8048 bytes Desc: image001.gif URL: From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Tue Dec 22 12:53:11 2009 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Tue, 22 Dec 2009 18:53:11 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] December 22 Message-ID: Due to the unpredictability of winter weather in Nebraska, this Update is being sent out a day early while I can still get to my computer! Remember, the District Office will be closed Thursday and Friday, December 24 and 25, and Thursday and Friday, December 31 and January 1. Have a safe and blessed Christmas! [cid:image001.gif at 01CA8305.5A2093C0] December 22, 2009 In this issue: Christmas greetings in the name of our newborn Savior, Jesus Christ! Many of you are busy with last minute preparations, or already beginning your celebrations, so this week's Update will be short and simple. Remember, there is no Update next week, but the regular schedule will resume on Wednesday, January 6. * Prayer Requests * Important Tax Exempt Information for Congregations * LCMS Offers Christmas Greetings * In the News: Faith, York * Overseas Service Opportunities * Lutheran Hour Ministries Names New Director of United States Ministries * Lutheran Marriage Encounter Weekend * New From Concordia Publishing House * Concordia Theological Seminary Choirs Featured on Christmas Eve PRAYER REQUESTS Missions and Ministries of the Nebraska District - We join in prayers of thanksgiving and blessing for the congregations, schools, missions, and ministries of the Nebraska District during this Christmas season. As these ministries and dedicated church workers prepare to share the story of the Savior's birth this week and into the new year, we ask God to bless them and the Gospel message they share. There are 247 congregations in the Nebraska District, along with 43 Lutheran schools and nearly 30 early childhood or preschool centers. There are also new church starts and ethnic ministries across the District, including Native American, Hispanic, and African immigrant ministries. We thank God for these missions, and pray that He would bless their efforts now and in the year to come. Orphan Grain Train - The following prayer request was received from Orphan Grain Train: The three Sudanese containers shipped in 2008 have been set up in southern Sudan, thanks to a volunteer team (from Nebraska and Minnesota) that worked three weeks to get the job done. We thank God for their success with this initial step and their safe return this past week. We request continued prayers for the ongoing success of this venture that God's name might be glorified and that the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ and the provision of food and medical care may be shared widely in that place. We also pray for Rev. John Deang, Nebraska District missionary-at-large for African immigrant ministry, who is still in Africa and will be returning shortly. We ask God to grant him safety as he returns home. Back to top IMPORTANT TAX EXEMPT INFORMATION FOR CONGREGATIONS A reminder to congregations and schools of the District that Form 451-A Reaffirmation for Continued Tax Exemption filings must be filed with your County Assessor on or before December 31. Failure to file can result in the loss of exemption from property tax. Congregations may find a fill-in form at http://lancaster.ne.gov/cnty/assess/Form451Afillin.pdf. Back to top LCMS OFFERS CHRISTMAS GREETINGS President Kieschnick's Christmas Message LCMS President Gerald Kieschnick has shared a video Christmas message for congregations, church workers, and members. To view the message, visit the LCMS website at http://www.lcms.org/?16296. Christmas Greeting from LCMS World Mission Executive LCMS World Mission Executive Director Rev. Thomas R. Zehnder has prepared a brief video greeting. Please take a few moments to watch the video by using this link: http://blog.lcmsworldmission.org/2009/12/11/year-end-christmas-greeting/. Back to top IN THE NEWS: FAITH, YORK "Faith Lutheran Church had a little extra money, and decided to buy a Christmas gift for York. Pastor Allen Bergstrazer and the Faith Lutheran community is issuing an invitation to the York community to join them at the church fellowship hall on Christmas Day for turkey and all the trimmings." So begins a York News-Times article on Faith, York, and their plan to use a portion of their Fan into Flame money. The entire article may be read at: http://www.yorknewstimes.com/articles/2009/12/18/news/doc4b2af64bdd2a7459224844.txt. Back to top OVERSEAS SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES LCMS World Relief and Human Care is seeking mercy medical volunteers for a medical clinic outreach to Haiti on March 11-21, 2010. A variety of medical specialties and hard-working laity are desired. World Relief and Human Care is also considering adding another trip to Madagascar in April of 2010. If you are interested in this opportunity, please respond IMMEDIATELY so that the feasibility of this possibility can be determined as soon as possible. For more information log on to www.lcms.org/mercyteams. Write mercymedical at lcms.org with your intention to participate and you will receive all the details. Also feel free to call Jacob Fiene 800-248-1930, ext. 1278 with any questions or concerns. If you have any additional questions, please contact Lutherans in Medical Missions at limm at limm.org. *********************************** MACAU Join the mission field! There is an important need for a short-term missionary in Macau, China, from February 15 - April 4, 2010. If you have a love for people and are willing to teach conversational English to adult professionals, please consider this mission opportunity! Teaching at Concordia English Center - Concordia English Center (CEC) is an English language school based in Macau, China. The school focuses on teaching English with GEO missionaries who serve there for a year or longer. Short-term missionaries also serve as teachers to provide support for the GEO teachers and enable more class offerings. The CEC offers classes in five-to seven-week terms. The February-April term is in need of one more teacher so that classes will not be canceled. Through these classes and other activities hosted by the CEC, many people hear about Jesus for the first time. Please consider serving in this very important way so more people have the opportunity to learn about their Savior! For more information, contact an LCMS World Mission placement counselor at 1-800-433-3954 or mission.recruitment at lcms.org. Back to top LUTHERAN HOUR MINISTRIES NAMES NEW DIRECTOR OF UNITED STATES MINISTRIES The Rev. Dr. Mark Larson of Aurora, Colorado, has been named Director of the United States Ministries division at Lutheran Hour Ministries. He will begin his new position on January 4, 2010, and will oversee the production of The Lutheran Hour, Para el Camino, and Woman to Woman radio programs, the ministry's print outreach materials, ministry fulfillment, and referral services, and the LHM Men's NetWork, an online program launched in January 2009 to help congregations reconnect with men and build local men's ministries. "We are most pleased to add someone with Mark's extensive skills into this important leadership position here at Lutheran Hour Ministries," says LHM Executive Director Bruce Wurdeman. "Our staff looks forward to working with this gifted man of God." Until accepting the position with Lutheran Hour Ministries, Larson served as District Executive-Missions for the Rocky Mountain District of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, a position he has held since 2000. He oversees the mission and evangelism programs for the district, which includes Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and El Paso, Texas. Under his leadership, the Rocky Mountain District received the 2008 Executive Director's Ablaze! Award from LCMS World Mission for a series of evangelism conferences called Conversations of Grace. These conferences equipped the body of Christ for outreach through many partners, including Lutheran Hour Ministries. Larson's other ministry service includes appointment by LCMS President Dr. Gerald Kieschnick to serve on the President's Blue Ribbon Task Force for Hispanic Ministry, as well as service on the National Advisory Group for Missions, the Executive Committee of North American Mission Enablers, and Frontera Ministries. He has played a key role in the founding of the Lutheran Hispanic Missionary Institute in El Paso and serves on the Board of Directors of this institute that has a vision to raise Hispanic church planters for the LCMS. Larson served as associate pastor (1988-1994) and then senior pastor (1994-2000) of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church and School in Beecher, Illinois. While there he served on the Mission Board of the Northern Illinois District from 1991 to 2000. He served as the board chair from 1997-2000. Raised near Grand Island, Nebraska, he received a bachelor's degree in Speech Communications from the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. He graduated with a Master of Divinity degree from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis and earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from Trinity International University in Deerfield, Illinois, in 2004. He and his wife, Lisa, have two elementary school-aged children. Lutheran Hour Ministries is a Christian outreach ministry supporting churches worldwide in its mission of Bringing Christ to the Nations-and the Nations to the Church. LHM produces Christian radio and TV programming for broadcast, as well as Internet and print communications, dramas, music, and outreach materials, to reach the unchurched in more than 30 countries. LHM's flagship program, The Lutheran Hour, is the world's longest-running Christian outreach radio program. It airs weekly on more than 900 stations. For more information about LHM, visit www.lhm.org. Back to top LUTHERAN MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND Marriage Encounter weekends are for a husband and wife who love each other and desire to better their communication and increase their appreciation for each other and their marriage. Newlywed couples to couples married fifty or more years are encouraged to consider this opportunity. The next opportunity for a Lutheran Marriage Encounter weekend is March 5-7, 2010, at the Good Samaritan Retreat Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The cost is $45 to register. This reserves your room and meals. A freewill donation is taken at the end of the weekend. Questions? Registration? Check the website: www.Godlovesmarriage.org or contact: Vernon and Karen Harrington 712-533-6221 or giblem at frontier.net Pastor Bob and Aimee Moeller 605-526-3572 or seelsorge8 at aol.com Back to top NEW FROM CONCORDIA PUBLISHING HOUSE New Volume of Johann Gerhard's Writings Focuses on Christ The newest volume of the Theological Commonplaces series is now available. Johann Gerhard was known by his contemporaries as "the arch-theologian of the Lutheran Church." His depth of insight, comprehensive attention to details, and biblical faithfulness shine forth in the Theological Commonplaces with particular brilliance. Concordia Publishing House annually translates the works of this seventeenth century theologian and the third volume is now available. In On Christ, Gerhard sets forth the person of Christ in great detail, pondering Jesus Christ's name, His deity and humanity, and the personal union of the two natures in Christ. He delves into the mystery of what the union of humanity and divinity in Christ means and what it implies for our salvation. You can purchase On Christ individually or become a subscriber to the Theological Commonplaces series. If you subscribe, each volume is shipped to you automatically. The Theological Commonplaces series from Concordia Publishing House is a first-ever English translation of Johann Gerhard's Loci Theologici. Gerhard was the premier Lutheran theologian of the early seventeenth century. Combining his understanding of evangelical Lutheran theology with a broad interest in ethics and culture, he produced significant works on biblical, doctrinal, pastoral, and devotional theology. The newest translated volume, On Christ, is now available at www.cph.org or by calling 1-800-325-3040. The series also includes these two volumes: On the Nature of Theology and on Scripture and On the Nature of God and on the Trinity. Heirs of the Reformation CD Set Heirs of the Reformation: Treasures of the Singing Church is a four-CD set from Concordia Publishing House that showcases Lutheran hymns of the generations immediately following the time of Martin Luther. Karl Osterland wrote about the CD set in Cross Accent: Journal of the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians. You can find the entire review on the Heirs of the Reformation product page at www.cph.org. The CD set is available there as well or by calling 1-800-325-3040. Osterland writes, "Heirs of the Reformation: Treasures of the Singing Church is a powerful reminder of all that is good (and even great) in the Lutheran musical heritage. The variety of musical styles, instrumentation, and accompaniments is a sonic smorgasbord." Osterland continues, "The set is successful in presenting enjoyable performances of Lutheran heritage music, both old and new. It would make a fine addition to the CD library of professional musician or lay-listener alike." The collection of this CD set includes a blend of both choral and solo voice, as well as a blend of modern and historical instrumentation to present classic compositions from Gerhardt, Hammerschmidt, Praetorius, Bach, Schuetz, Hildebrand, Gerike, Sedio, Busarow, and Schalk. "Heirs of the Reformation: Treasures of the Singing Church includes forty-five beloved Lutheran hymns, presented in a variety of styles that will appeal to every listener," says Peter Reske, Managing Editor of Music/Worship Resources. "At times contemplative, exhilarating, and devotional, this set and companion booklet will surely include your favorite, as well as a treasury of others you will come to love." More of Martin Luther's Works Now Available in English Concordia Publishing House (CPH) announces the expansion of Luther's Works: American Edition. Twenty new volumes are being translated from Luther's original Latin and German into clear, accessible, modern English, and the introductions and footnotes make significant academic contributions to our understanding of Luther's confession of Christ. The newest book, volume 69 (John 17-20) is now available at www.cph.org/luthersworks or by calling 1-800-325-3040. The book is available by itself or as a subscription. Each volume is currently priced at $49.99; subscribers pay only $34.99 each, a 30% savings. Volumes will come out once a year and will ship automatically. To learn more about the series, the website also includes a prospectus for the expansion of Luther's Works: American Edition. The newest volume of Luther's Works: America Edition focuses on four chapters from the Gospel of John, including Luther's exposition of Jesus' high priestly prayer in John 17, as well as his preached meditations on the entire Passion and resurrection of our Lord according to John. Back to top CONCORDIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY CHOIRS FEATURED ON CHRISTMAS EVE Christmas at Kramer Chapel with the Concordia Theological Seminary Kantorei and Schola Cantorum will be broadcast on Christmas Eve from 9:00-10:00 p.m. on WBNI 94.1 FM. The service was compiled from recordings already produced as well as live recordings of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany services over the years in Kramer Chapel. It includes congregational singing and lessons read by Dean of the Chapel, Dr. Paul J. Grime. Kantor Richard C. Resch is the director of both choirs and Kantor Kevin J. Hildebrand is the organist. "We are delighted that WBNI approached the seminary wanting to feature the music of our choirs for this broadcast. The airing of this Christmas Eve Service will give [listeners] a taste of what it is like to worship in Kramer Chapel at Concordia Theological Seminary," said Kantor Resch. If you are not in the WBNI listening area you can listen to live-streaming audio by going to www.nipr.fm. For more information on music events at CTS simply go online to www.ctsfw.edu or phone 260-452-2224. Back to top Christmas blessings and a happy New Year! 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: 49497 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.gif Type: image/gif Size: 8048 bytes Desc: image001.gif URL: From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Dec 2 11:22:15 2009 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 02 Dec 2009 17:22:15 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] December 2 Message-ID: [cid:image001.gif at 01CA7341.B0A85210] December 2, 2009 In this issue: Advent greetings in the name of our loving Heavenly Father. The beginning of December evokes different reactions in different people. For many adults, it begins the stressful countdown to Christmas with all of the shopping, baking, programs, and parties to fit into 24 short days. For church workers, it is a busy time of preparing for and leading many worship services, as well as preparing and practicing for children's services. For children, it is usually time to start counting the days until Christmas by opening doors on the advent calendar, eagerly watching the progression toward the Baby in the manger. May the Lord grant each of us time this December to stop and look toward that stable in Bethlehem and to remember where this time of Advent leads us. May He grant us the excitement of little children as we cross another day off our calendar and move one day closer to the celebration of the arrival of the newborn Christ-child. * Prayer Requests * Blue Ribbon Task Force on Synod Structure and Governance Report Available Online * Correction to Boar's Head Festival Announcement * Christmas Concert at Lutheran High Northeast * Live Nativity in Fremont * Bethlehem Skyline Concert Twice in Nebraska * Lutheran Family Services Christmas Appeal for Congregations * In the News: "Here's the Church. And Here's the New Steeple." * Nebraska Lutherans for Confession Study to Meet * Volunteer Opportunities in Korea * Chalkboards Available to Congregations * Seminaries Host Workshops/Conferences * Bus Ride and Lodging Offered to Life Marchers * Life By His Word Bible Study Covers Entire Bible * New Speakers Scheduled at Mission Central * New Look for Children's Prayer Book PRAYER REQUESTS Living H2O Lutheran Campus Ministry, Omaha - Please remember in prayer Don Bader, ministry coordinator, and those involved with campus ministry in the Omaha area. There are 60,000 college students in the Omaha area, and campus ministry in Omaha works to connect with them through Christian fellowship and worship opportunities at Omaha congregations. As students study for finals and prepare to return home for the holidays, we ask the Lord to bless the fellowship opportunities offered, such as the "Prep Week" chili and sandwich supper next Wednesday. This ministry is a partnership between Pacific Hills, Omaha, and the Nebraska District. Back to top BLUE RIBBON TASK FORCE ON SYNOD STRUCTURE AND GOVERNANCE REPORT AVAILABLE ONLINE (From Reporter Online, November 2009) The final report of the Blue Ribbon Task Force on Synod Structure and Governance is available on The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod website at http://www.lcms.org/lcmsfuture. The report, titled "Congregations Walking in Mission," was delivered to the Office of the President before the Oct. 15 deadline and then underwent editing prior to publication and posting to the site. The 50-page report contains two recommendations for clarifying confessional and congregational mission, and an additional 19 recommendations on the relationships between congregations and districts, including consideration of the number of districts; relationships between congregations and the national Synod, including the number of boards and commissions and national staff; congregational representation at district and national conventions; and frequency and function of district and national conventions. The report's recommendations are the result of more than four years of study, feedback, and evaluation, and will be presented for consideration at the 2010 Synod convention July 10-17 in Houston. With the completion of the report, the task force was disbanded. Delegates to the convention will have the opportunity to discuss the task force proposals, ask questions, and make recommendations to the convention floor committee chairman, Pacific Southwest District President Larry Stoterau, at regional gatherings scheduled for December, January, and February. Dates and locations of the gatherings are listed at http://www.lcms.org/lcmsfuture. (Nebraska delegates are attending the regional gathering in Denver this Friday and Saturday, December 4-5.) Also invited to the gatherings is a cross-section of convention advisory delegates, including district presidents and a number of commissioned ministers, plus district vice presidents and five members of each district board of directors. Questions or comments about the report may be submitted via e-mail to infocenter at lcms.org. Back to top CORRECTION TO BOAR'S HEAD FESTIVAL ANNOUNCEMENT The time shared in Boar's Head Festival announcement in the last Email Update was incorrect. The presentation will be at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 13. Following is the announcement with the correct time. I apologize for any confusion or inconvenience. A new and different way to look at the birth of our Savior will be presented in the sanctuary of Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church in Omaha (15005 Q Street). Performances will be: Friday, December 11 at 7:00 p.m. Saturday, December 12 at 7:00 p.m. Sunday, December 13, at 2:00 p.m. A cast of 45 people will present the Nativity as entertainment to the King and Queen. The response of the King will help us see the real King. Plan to bring a friend or neighbor to witness the Gospel in word and song. What is the "Boar's Head Festival"? It is really a time-honored story of a love so great, that God sent His only Son into our restless and changing world to be one of us. "Emmanuel" - God with us! The wild boar has long been a symbol of the devil and all that is evil in this world. The "Master of the Hunt," the one who kills the wild boar, is a symbol of Jesus, who came to that little town of Bethlehem as a helpless infant, cradled in a food trough for cattle. He came because He loved us! By His agonizing death, which we deserved, and by His resurrection He proclaims His triumph over evil - that same evil represented by the severed boar's head. That entire message of love comes wrapped in the Boar's Head Festival - the birth of a baby, the conquering of sin and death, and the coming of all the faithful of all time to worship the Son of God born for us. Back to top CHRISTMAS CONCERT AT LUTHERAN HIGH NORTHEAST The Lutheran High Northeast Concert Band & Choir will present their annual Christmas Concert at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 13, at Lutheran High in Norfolk. A variety of sacred instrumental and vocal music will be performed. There is no admission charge to this event. The LHNE music program is under the direction of James Jurchen. Back to top LIVE NATIVITY IN FREMONT Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Fremont will be holding their annual live nativity, "Back to Bethlehem," on Sunday, December 13. "Back to Bethlehem" is a family-friendly, drive-through event that includes a live nativity scene, a wide variety of live animals, and the brightest spotlights in the state! You are welcome to drive through between 5:00-8:00 p.m. Good Shepherd is located on the corner of Lincoln & Military Avenues - please enter from Military Avenue. Back to top BETHLEHEM SKYLINE CONCERT TWICE IN NEBRASKA Everyone is invited to take time to experience a fresh blend of Christmas carols and original compositions at an intimate evening celebrating the birth of Jesus. The "Bethlehem Skyline" concert will be presented twice in Nebraska, and both concerts will feature the band Downhere, as well as Lanae' Hale and Jason Gray. December 10 - 6:30 p.m. Messiah Lutheran Church, Lincoln (1800 S 84th St.) - www.messiahlincoln.org December 11 - 7:00 p.m. Beautiful Savior, La Vista (7706 South 96th St.) - www.bslcomaha.org More information about the concert can be found at www.bethlehemskyline.com. Information about purchasing tickets is available on the congregation websites or at www.downhere.com. Back to top LUTHERAN FAMILY SERVICES CHRISTMAS APPEAL FOR CONGREGATIONS Church offices of the Nebraska District should have received a mailing from Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska asking them to take part in their annual "Christmas Appeal for Congregations." Along with a letter of explanation are bulletin inserts that congregations are asked to use throughout December to educate members on the ministry of LFS and prayerfully consider support for this Lutheran human care ministry. If more inserts or envelopes are needed, please contact Kali Johnson at 402-591-5063 or kjohnson at LFSneb.org. The inserts may also be downloaded from the website link: http://www.LFSneb.org/Christmas.pdf. LFS is a Recognized Service Organization of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod of which the Nebraska District and its congregations are ministry partners. Back to top IN THE NEWS: "HERE'S THE CHURCH. AND HERE'S THE NEW STEEPLE." "After a long absence, Zion Lutheran Church near Tobias gets its rebuilt steeple back - and the bell will finally ring again." So starts the front page article from the December 1 Lincoln Journal Star article that shows Zion's new steeple being placed on the church. Read about the new steeple and the congregation's reactions in the online article at http://journalstar.com/news/state-and-regional/nebraska/article_e4e07166-de1c-11de-8efd-001cc4c03286.html. The new steeple and bell tower will be dedicated just prior to the 8:30 a.m. service this coming Sunday, December 6. Back to top NEBRASKA LUTHERANS FOR CONFESSION STUDY TO MEET The December gathering of the Nebraska Lutherans for Confessional Study (NLCS) will be held on Thursday, December 10, 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 morning session will be Rev. Dan Feusse, pastor of Concordia Lutheran Church in Clearwater, Nebraska. His topic will be "Thy Kingdom Come: The Binding of Satan on Earth through the Cruciform Life of the Church." The morning session will start at about 10:30 a.m. Following lunch, the afternoon topic will start at about 1 p.m. The afternoon presenter will be Rev. Micah Gaunt, Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ravenna, Nebraska. His topic will be "A Defense of Narrative Criticism." 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 VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES IN KOREA (from LCMS missionary Rev. Patrick O'Neal's Newsletter) LCK Seeking Long-Term Volunteers - There is need to recruit two long-term volunteer missionaries from the LCMS to serve as relationship builders through English as a Foreign Language (EFL) for one year. In LCMS World Mission terms, this kind of long-term (1-2 years) volunteer missionary is called a GEO missionary, which stands for: Globally Engaged in Outreach. The LCK executive committee has approved this plan as a 1 year pilot project. They are providing the funds to cover the housing and utility costs of the missionaries. This is the first time that the LCK will have such GEO missionaries working long-term in congregations. In the past 3 years, a number of short-term EFL projects have been hosted by these congregations. They have recognized the value such mission partnerships bring to their ministries. The English teachers are the draw for people to come into the church who might not otherwise have been reached. Then the pastors and church members can share the Good News of Jesus Christ with them. If you are interested in exploring how you might serve as one of these GEO missionaries in Korea, or somewhere else in the world, contact Erin Alter, Program Director for GEO Missionary Service at LCMS World Mission, by email at Erin.Alter at LCMS.org or call 1-800-433-3954. LTU Needs Short-Term Volunteers - Luther University/Seminary (LTU) needs two short-term volunteer missionaries to teach at its annual Winter English Camp, which will be held January 4-24, 2010. The camp is for elementary-age students from the surrounding community. It is an opportunity for them to hear and practice English with a native English speaker (that's you!). It is also an opportunity for them to hear about Jesus since about half of these students are not Christian. A stipend is provided so that in-country costs should be covered. Volunteers will need to provide for their own airfare to Korea and bring a willing servant heart to help kids learn English, and more importantly, learn about their Savior who loves them dearly. If you are interested, email Jennifer.Mustard at LCMS.org or call her at 1-800-433-3954 immediately as time is short to get everything arranged. Back to top CHALKBOARDS AVAILABLE TO CONGREGATIONS Christ, Lincoln, has two 4 ft. by 6 ft. chalkboards available free to interested congregations or schools. Anyone interested or having questions should contact Nancy Boeche at Christ Lutheran Church, Lincoln, by calling 402-483-7774, ext. 124. Back to top SEMINARIES HOST WORKSHOPS/CONFERENCES Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne 2010 Symposia Series - Scholars and clergy from around the world will gather on the campus of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana, to take part in the 2010 Symposia Series. The series will take place January 19-22, 2010, with a Lenten Preaching Workshop offered on January 18. The 25th Annual Symposium on Exegetical Theology will run from January 19-20 with a theme of "The Sacraments in Scripture." The 33rd Annual Symposium on The Lutheran Confessions takes place January 20-22 under the theme of "God: Past, Present, and Future." In addition to members of the accomplished CTS faculty, there will be speakers from many different backgrounds who have been invited to share their views on these timeless topics. For a complete schedule, list of speakers, or to register online for the symposia and preaching workshop, go to www.ctsfw.edu/symposia. Those interested may also call 260-452-2172 for additional information. Concordia Seminary, St. Louis Adult Choir Member Workshop - Concordia Seminary will offer its 18th Annual Schola Cantorum: An Adult Choir Member Workshop, on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2010. The workshop will be held in The Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus and the Clara and Spencer Werner Auditorium on the Seminary campus. The Schola Cantorum is open to all choir members, choir directors and ministers of music. The schedule for the day begins with registration at 8:15 a.m., Morning Prayer at 8:45 a.m., and rehearsal sessions at 9:15 a.m. The day concludes at 3:30 p.m. after the Closing Prayer service, which will include some of the music learned that day. Dr. Christopher Aspaas will serve as this year's clinician. A Choral Reading Session will be held Friday, Jan. 22, 2010, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. In the session, Aspaas will guide participants through an evening of choral and instrumental song in which he will preview new and current titles of music. The session is open to all, but is especially designed for choir directors. There is no charge to attend but registration is required. The cost for the Schola Cantorum is $60 per individual or $110 per congregation ($70 or $125 after Jan. 8, 2010). For the congregation fee, a choir can send as many members as it desires. Lunch and the choral music are not included in the fee. For more information or registration forms, call 314-505-7486 or e-mail ce at csl.edu. Green and Gold Visitation Days - There are two remaining "Green and Gold Days" this academic year at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. A visitation day for college students thinking about the pastoral or deaconess ministry, a "Green and Gold Day" is a one-day event with opportunities to explore what Concordia Seminary has to offer. The next two "Green and Gold Days" will take place on Friday, January 18, 2010, and Friday, March 19, 2010. Visitors will attend chapel and classes with current students, participate in a discussion with faculty members, and take a "Loop de Lou" tour of St. Louis. An optional dinner reception will close the day. There is no registration fee to attend "Green and Gold Days." Housing will be available on campus for all dates. All meals are also provided free of charge. Transportation to and from Lambert-St. Louis International Airport will be provided if needed. The registration deadline is two weeks prior to each event. For questions or to register by phone, please call 1-800-822-9545. Back to top BUS RIDE AND LODGING OFFERED TO LIFE MARCHERS (from Reporter Online, November 2009) To encourage more Lutheran participation in the Jan. 22 "March for Life" in Washington, D.C., a group bus ride is being offered by LCMS Life Ministries, a program area of LCMS World Relief and Human Care (WR-HC), and the Lutherans For Life (LFL) delegation is arranging free lodging for travelers. Titled "Roadtrip for Life," the bus ride will be hosted by LCMS Life and Health Ministries Director Maggie Karner, whose department is co-sponsoring the ride with Advent Lutheran Church in Zionsville, Ind., which is providing the bus. The bus ride will originate in Indianapolis, and enable those interested in joining other Lutherans for the 37th annual march to ride along with Karner as a group. Reservations will be on a first-come, first-served basis, with a donation requested to assist with the costs of gas and driver fees. To reserve a spot on the "Roadtrip for Life" bus, call Karner or Sandy Burris at 800-248-1930, ext. 1371, or e-mail maggie.karner at lcms.org. After arriving in Washington, participants may stay for up to two nights free in the homes of area Lutherans, arranged by members of the LFL delegation. Dennis Di Mauro, organizer of the delegation for the 12th year and leader of the LFL chapter in northern Virginia, said the march to protest the 1973 Supreme Court decision to legalize abortion is more important this year than ever as the country debates the health care system. "In 1976, the Hyde Amendment, which prohibited the use of federal dollars to pay for abortion coverage, was passed. And since that time, it has been our national policy not to use federal tax dollars for abortion. Participating in the march is one way of letting our representatives know that we want to keep the Hyde Amendment and do not want federal tax dollars to be used to pay for abortion," he said. Di Mauro said that women should have true alternatives to abortion, including adoption, and should be offered financial and spiritual assistance so they can make the right choice for their children and themselves. "Let's not let our goal of providing quality health care for every American be used as a tacit endorsement of abortion," he said. On the day of the march, the Lutheran group will worship at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Alexandria, Va. LCMS WR-HC Executive Director Rev. Matthew Harrison will serve as guest speaker. Last year, more than 160 attended the service. Following a brunch, the group will travel to downtown Washington for the rally and noon march from 7th Street, down Constitution Avenue, to the Supreme Court building. For more information on the 2010 March for Life or to arrange for free lodging in the Washington, D.C., area, contact Di Mauro at 703-568-3346 or e-mail dimauro.dennis at gmail.com. Back to top LIFE BY HIS WORD BIBLE STUDY COVERS ENTIRE BIBLE It's a journey of Scripture from creation through the redemption of Jesus Christ. If you crave more intentional study of all of the Bible, you will appreciate Life by His Word. Life by His Word is the study companion for The Lutheran Study Bible. This Bible engages you in devotional, Christ-centered Bible reading and study with distinctive, comprehensive notes and practical application. With more than 1,500 individual study lessons (that's less than 20 cents for each lesson), Life by His Word provides discussion questions, application, and summary insights for The Lutheran Study Bible. Every chapter and book are explored, offering a rich and full approach to study and devotion. Smaller sets of lessons are available in a downloadable format. Select the "Order Now" link below to view the sets. Connect to the timeless conversation that has been unfolding within and around God's Word throughout the centuries. Perhaps the start of a new year is a good time to start taking a fresh look at God's Word! Life by His Word - Complete Set CD-ROM Price: $299.99 Item Number: 20-3488WEB Order Now Back to top NEW SPEAKERS SCHEDULED AT MISSION CENTRAL 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. December 15, 7:00 p.m. - Dr. Mike Rodewald, African area director, from South Africa April 20, 2010, 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. - Rev. Greg Sawyer from Hong Kong June 8, 2010, 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. - Matt and Dee Dee Wasmund from Taiwan July 7, 2010, 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. - Dr. Steve Oliver from Taiwan July 17, 2010, 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. - Sharon Owens from Macau 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 NEW LOOK FOR CHILDREN'S PRAYER BOOK Available from JCPlayZone, the Children's Book of Prayers helps teach little ones The Lord's Prayer, bedtime and mealtime prayers, prayers of thanksgiving, and prayers of forgiveness. The book encourages children to take everything to God as their faith and relationship with Him grows stronger. St. Louis artist Kelly Schumacher makes each prayer come to life for the children with memorable illustrations throughout the book. Your church or school can customize and use the book to reach out to neighbors and children who do not attend church on a regular basis. The book also includes a place for children to write their own prayer, so it is a perfect project for an art class or Sunday school class. The back cover also encourages the children to visit JCPlayZone for daily devotions, Christian music, games, crafts, e-cards, and other fun activities. Purchase your copies of the book from Lutheran Hour Ministries by clicking here. Call 1-800-876-9880 to order by phone. Back to top Advent 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: 71846 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.gif Type: image/gif Size: 8048 bytes Desc: image001.gif URL: From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Thu Dec 10 14:04:51 2009 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Thu, 10 Dec 2009 20:04:51 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] December 10 Message-ID: This week's Update is a day late because the District Office was closed a portion of the last two days due to the winter weather. Due to a computer "quirk" there are no links in this week's Update. The links will return when the issue has been resolved. I apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience in these matters. Now to the news! [cid:image002.gif at 01CA3160.F3EE42A0] December 10, 2009 In this issue: It's getting closer! Can you feel the excitement in the air? As the December days zip by, the celebration of our Savior's birth comes even closer. As Christians, our Christmas preparations are done knowing that we prepare to celebrate the coming of the Christ-child to earth once again. What a wonderful time of the year to share the true meaning of Christmas with those around us. Decorating our houses or yards, buying gifts in stores, and anytime anyone wishes us a "Merry Christmas" are all times to share the real meaning of Christmas. Take just a couple of minutes in prayer to ask God how He can use you to tell the miracle story of Christmas this year as you go about your preparations. * Prayer Requests * Concordia Jr/Sr High School Christmas Concert * Nebraska Congregation Celebrates 25 Years of Ministry Partnership * 'The Lutheran Hour' Float Stands as "A Cut Above the Rest" * Concordia Professor to Have Compositions Published * Student Visit to Seminary Offered * Concordia High One-Act Wins First Place * Organ Accompaniment for Hymns Now Available for Lutheran Service Builder * Pre-Lenten Preaching Workshops * New From Concordia Publishing House PRAYER REQUESTS University Lutheran Chapel, Lincoln ?- Please remember in prayer the staff and students who worship at the University Lutheran Chapel on the University of Nebraska - Lincoln campus. Pastor Bill Steinbauer and Mark Meyer minister to the university students through Word and Sacrament ministry, as well as Bible studies and other Christian fellowship events. We thank God for the students who are hearing about Jesus and whose faith is being nurtured through this ministry. Please pray for the staff this week as they minister to the students preparing for final exams. CONCORDIA JR/SR HIGH SCHOOL CHRISTMAS CONCERT CHRIST IS BORN! COME AND SEE! is the theme of "Christmas at Concordia" featuring the music of the bands, choirs, and string ensemble from Concordia Jr/Sr High School in Omaha. The concert will take place Friday, December 18, beginning at 7 p.m. in the Concordia gym (156th and Fort Streets). Pre-concert music will be provided by CHS's guitar class. Everyone is invited and there is no admission charge. A free-will offering will be taken. Refreshments will be served during the intermission. NEBRASKA CONGREGATION CELEBRATES 25 YEARS OF MINISTRY PARTNERSHIP LCMS World Mission is very pleased and humbled to report that 15 LCMS congregations will be celebrating 25 years of partnership with LCMS missionaries through the Together in Mission program. The Wayne Circuit in northeast Nebraska joins 14 LCMS congregations who celebrate such anniversaries in 2009. "Without our Together in Mission partnerships, we could not be on the field. We do not go to Vietnam in isolation or for our own purposes, but on behalf of the church, representing those who have sent us. Financial donations help us physically get there, but it is on the wings of thousands of prayers, offered by our Together in Mission partners, that we are truly able to fly in the confidence of God's endless provision. Moreover, it is the personal relationships with our Together in Mission partners that provide the most support. E-mails, letters, packages, visits-our Together in Mission congregations aren't some name on a report, but rather they are our partners, our friends, our global extended family, united in Christ. Praise the Lord for their gracious support!"-J.P. and Aimee Cima, human care workers in Southeast Asia. The most common way a congregation can partner with an LCMS missionary is through the Together in Mission program. Together in Mission congregations pledge ongoing financial support, prayer support, and encouragement. They themselves are also encouraged through direct contact with the missionary. (www.lcms.org?991) Individuals and families can also support LCMS missionaries by becoming Mission Senders. A Mission Sender is an individual or family who pledges annual support for any amount. Senders also enjoy direct contact with the missionaries they support. (www.lcms.org?989) To learn more about becoming a Together in Mission congregation or a Mission Sender, contact LCMS World Mission by calling 1-800-433-3954 or sending an e-mail to mission.giving at lcms.org. 'THE LUTHERAN HOUR' FLOAT STANDS AS "A CUT ABOVE THE REST" The theme of the 121st Tournament of Roses Parade on January 1, 2010, in Pasadena, California, is "A Cut Above the Rest," and The Lutheran Hour float entry will participate in the parade under a theme of "The Ten Commandments-Jesus Fulfilled." The float depicts the Ten Commandments, which God gave to His people to live by. Etched in stone are the "thou shalts" and the "thou shalt nots" for the world to see. Also on the float is the "Ark of the Covenant," a vehicle designed by God himself to remind people that He is always present with them even as they walk through trouble and the high waters of their lives. "Today, God continues to lead us now, not through an Ark, but through the Holy Spirit who leads us all the way to heaven," says Dick Gast, organizer of The Lutheran Hour float. "It is our prayer that the Holy Spirit would touch the hearts of those who view The Lutheran Hour float. May the Lord bless us all in this new year of grace." This year's float riders will recognize several current and past International Lutheran Laymen's League leaders from the national and local levels. LHM Executive Director Bruce Wurdeman, Int'l LLL Regional Governor Steve Rice, and past Int'l LLL Vice Presidents Raymond Stuckemeyer and Bob Beer will be among the riders. Thanks to the Int'l LLL's Southern California District, The Lutheran Hour float is a 60-year tradition in the longstanding New Year's Day event, carrying on a mission to provide a Gospel witness to viewers everywhere, from the parade route along Pasadena's Colorado Boulevard to televisions all over the world. The float serves as the only Christian float in the parade. The Tournament of Roses Parade is watched live on television by approximately 40 million Americans and by millions more people in 150 countries. The LHM float, as well as six other parade floats, will be decorated again in 2010 by the Petal Pushers, a 4,000-member group of volunteers. The Petal Pushers travel to Pasadena from all over the United States and Canada and include families, church groups, Girl Scout troops, and many other types of groups, as well as individuals of all ages. Please invite friends, relatives, and neighbors to watch for The Lutheran Hour float during television coverage. Although ABC and NBC will broadcast the parade, the LHM float may or may not be shown on those networks because of commercials or other television commitments. Cable's Home and Garden Television (HGTV) may provide the best viewing option since it carries the entire parade without interruption nationwide. The Lutheran Hour float is scheduled as the 38th entry in the 91-unit parade. Check your local listings for channels and times. For more information about The Lutheran Hour float and the Petal Pushers, visit www.petalpushers.org. CONCORDIA PROFESSOR TO HAVE COMPOSITIONS PUBLISHED Two compositions by Joseph Herl, associate professor of music at Concordia University, Nebraska, have been accepted for publication by Concordia Publishing House. "While with Ceaseless Course the Sun" is written for soprano, alto, tenor and bass choir and also for organ. Herl created the piece for the Lincoln Lutheran Choir. Based on text by John Newton, who also wrote "Amazing Grace," the piece speaks of the brevity of life and the need to live with eternity in view. "I am especially pleased CPH is publishing 'While with Ceaseless Course the Sun,'" said Herl. "It is a favorite of mine among my own compositions." The second selection, "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence," is written for a soprano, alto and bass choir and for organ. This hymn was written in 2007 when Herl was directing the Concordia Chorale. "I needed a piece for the Christmas concert. The group had many talented sopranos and altos, but just a small men's section with limited vocal experience. I wrote the piece with this in mind." Herl has had several musical compositions and a book, Worship Wars in Early Lutheranism: Choir, Congregation, and Three Centuries of Conflict published. In 2005 it won an award from the Sixteenth Century Society and Conference for best book in the fields of art history or music. STUDENT VISIT TO SEMINARY OFFERED College students interested in learning more about the pastoral ministry or service as a deaconess are invited to make plans to attend Christ Academy College/Phoebe Academy College, January 21-24, 2010 at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne. There is no charge for this event designed to give interested students the opportunity to visit with faculty and current students, attend classes, and worship with the CTS community. For more information go online to www.ctsfw.edu/cacollege or call 1-800-481-2155. CONCORDIA HIGH ONE-ACT WINS FIRST PLACE In its first season with a one-act play production team, Concordia High School in Omaha has taken first place in its district. The team's performance of "Any Body for Tea?" won first place with a superior ranking for District C1-2 at Midland Lutheran College in Fremont on December 2. Additionally, Joe Hawk, Nick Yaksich and Hanah Zehnder were recognized as outstanding performers. The team is directed by CHS teacher Lori Plummer. The District championship followed Concordia's win November 23 at the Frontier Conference competition in Cedar Bluffs, Nebraska. In that event, Concordia's first-ever competition in play production, Hanah Zehnder won Best Actress, Nick Yaksich won Best Supporting Actor, and Joe Hawk, Emma Rasmussen, and Ben Hayworth were all awarded honorable mention. On December 11, the Concordia team will compete in Kearney for the C-1 state title. ORGAN ACCOMPANIMENT FOR HYMNS NOW AVAILABLE FOR LUTHERAN SERVICE BUILDER In October Concordia Publishing House announced the release of the Concordia Organist, a 31-CD set that includes accompaniment for every hymn in the Lutheran Service Book hymnal. Now, the Organist is available as an add-on for CPH's Lutheran Service Builder. The Concordia Organist-Lutheran Service Builder Subscription (TCO-LSBS) allows subscribers to use the service to facilitate use of the Concordia Organist. The Lutheran Service Builder is a tool for drag-and-drop planning of worship services. This means that customers who opt to subscribe to TCO-LSBS will be able to click a single button "Burn CD" and watch Builder quickly download the right Concordia Organist tracks and burn them to a single CD. This will help make maneuvering through the 31-CD set trouble-free. "It's really slick," says Robert Lail, CPH"s programmer for the Lutheran Service Builder. "You can preview the accompaniment. In some cases you can choose different registrations. But the end is the best part: you click 'burn' and in 5 minutes you've got a CD of some of the best organists in the LCMS playing your service." The CDs feature organists Paul Grime, Kevin Hildebrand, and Richard Resch, playing the Schlicker organ in Kramer Chapel at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana. The CD version of the Organist is available at the introductory price of $499, usually $699. As for the Lutheran Service Builder, pricing is determined by using weekly congregational worship attendance at all services combined. Pricing for The Concordia Organist, an add-on to the Builder, is the same regardless of congregation size and is $199 per year. To see a demonstration version of this service visit www.cphconnect.org/builder/pricing. Demo installations can preview low-quality samples but cannot create finished CDs. Call 1-800-325-2399 to order or get more information. PRE-LENTEN PREACHING WORKSHOPS One-day Workshop in Lincoln Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Lincoln is pleased to announce that a Pre-Lent Preaching Seminar will be offered on Friday, January 8, 2010. The Rev. Brent Kuhlman will be the guest presenter with the title of his presentation, "When You Pray, Say...; preaching the Our Father." This seminar will offer sermons, preaching resources, and worship resources (LSB) for the Wednesdays in Lent, as well as Holy Week and Easter, based on the 3rd Chief Part of Luther's Small Catechism. Cost is $12 and includes lunch and all preaching and worship materials. Please register by calling the church office at 402-423-7639 or by sending a note to Rev. Clint Poppe at pastorpoppe at goodshepherdlincoln.org. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church is located at 3825 Wildbriar Lane (just north of 40th and Old Cheney) in Lincoln. Motel information is available upon request. Tentative Schedule: Refreshments 9:00 a.m. Matins 9:30 a.m. 1st Presentation 10:00 a.m. Lunch 12:00 p.m. 2nd Presentation 12:45 p.m. Closing 3:30 p.m. South Dakota District Pre-Lenten Preaching Workshop A Pre-Lenten Preaching Workshop, sponsored by the S.D. District Continuing Education Committee, will be held Monday and Tuesday, January 18-19, 2010, (1 PM to noon) at Zion Lutheran Church, Mitchell, SD. The presenter will be The Rev. Nabil Nour, pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church, Armour, South Dakota, and second vice-president of the SD District LCMS. Theme: "HIStory" - From Genesis to Revelation, God has a message and a mission to save humankind from the destructive power of death, the slavery of the devil, and the damaging power of sin by sending His Son. So the workshop will focus on the activities and the items that were evident in the final week of our Savior's life. Workshop Site: Zion Lutheran Church, 620 E. Third Avenue, Mitchell, SD 57501. Phone: 605-996-7530. Directions to Zion from I-90: take exit 332. Go north on Hwy 37. Keep going north through three stoplights, until you come to a 4-way stop sign at 1st Avenue. Proceed north 2 ? blocks. The church will be on your right. Accommodations: Kelly Inn, 1010 Cabela Drive, Mitchell, SD - Rates are $61 for one person or $75 for two persons. The phone # is 605-995-0500. Your reservation to get this rate should be under "Lutheran Pastors' Retreat." Workshop Fee: $35, payable to "SD District-LCMS." Registration form and fee is due by January 10, 2010. The workshop is sponsored by the S.D. District Continuing Education Committee: Rev. Howard Shane, Chairman (605-271-5532; HShane1 at yahoo.com), and Rev. Keith Bicknase (605-432-9555; elcpastor at itcmilbank.com). Contact either of these men to request a registration form. Workshop Schedule (tent.): Monday, January 18 Noon - 1 p.m. Registration at Zion Lutheran Church 1-1:15 p.m. Opening Devotion 1:15-2:45 Session 1 2:45-3:00 Break 3:00-4:30 Session 2 4:30-4:45 Break 4:45-6:15 Session 3 6:15-9:00 Break for Supper (on your own) Tuesday, January 19 8:00-8:15 a.m. Opening Devotion 8:15-9:45 Session 4 9:45-10:00 Break 10:00-11:45 Session 5 11:45 Closing Devotion NEW FROM CONCORDIA PUBLISHING HOUSE New Downloadable Bulletin Inserts Are Now Available Weekly bulletin inserts provide a written copy of the important elements of the service and help you save space in your bulletin for other announcements. Other inserts offer inspirational thoughts as members enter into worship. Concordia Publishing House's selection of downloadable bulletin inserts includes: Lutheran Service Book Feasts, Festivals, & Holy Days Inserts This set includes 56 downloadable bulletin inserts and provides the propers appointed in Lutheran Service Book for the feasts, festivals, and occasions of the Church Year, as well as the non-Sunday and alternate holy days in the lectionary. Once you download the file, you can use these inserts year after year. (If you only use each insert once, it's for the low cost of $3.13 per insert. Use them again and your cost-per-insert decreases.) $175.00 Lutheran Service Book Weekly Inserts (ESV?) Available from Lutheran Service Book in both one-year and three-year Lutheran Lectionary. Inserts include Gospel, Epistle, and the First Readings; the Introit; the Gradual; and Collect of the Day (ESV(tm) Scripture). $40.00 per quarter Contemporary Faith Weekly Inserts Provides interesting faith discussion starters for the following week. Each issue gives a Christian perspective on current issues. $40.00 per quarter Good News for Families Monthly Inserts Offers practical advice on concerns and issues for today's families. $10.00 per quarter Browse All Titles and find ordering information by visiting http://www.cph.org/cphstore/pages/newsletter/order.asp?catno=97215&Title=Bulletin+Inserts&NU=0&MI=1190&UI=TJBATGK89A808KCED1JEV8CM6BMT8QTD&UT=cph. Connect God's Word to Everyday Moments CPH introduces The Lutheran Study Bible Journal, a companion resource to The Lutheran Study Bible. Men's and women's editions of the journal have a spiral binding and are available at www.cph.org or by calling 1-800-325-3040. Laura Lane, Production Editor at CPH, says, "This is more than a journal. This is not simply lines on a page. The application notes and prayers provide daily reflection on your salvation through faith alone." Based on a proven reading plan, the journal provides the tools needed to read through The Lutheran Study Bible in two years. Each day offers a Scripture reading, journaling space, life-application notes, and prayer. Lane shares, "The journal is meant to engage you in active, prayerful Bible reading." Journaling is a widely-used approach for daily devotion. A podcast that focuses on its benefits, featuring Janice Wendorf, President of the Lutheran Women's Missionary League, can be downloaded at CPH's The House Channel. "Each time I read an application note, I saw in a new way how all of Scripture applies to my life today," Lane continues. "I was amazed at how so many of these brief statements touched on aspects of my life at that very point in time-how I was feeling, challenges I was having, and opportunities I had to praise God." The personal index in the journal allows readers to keep track of their thoughts. "With most journals, you write down your good thoughts and then can't find them later," says Rev. Dr. Benjamin Mayes, managing editor at CPH. "The Lutheran Study Bible Journal includes a subject index that you compile as you go. If you write about Baptism on page 42 of the journal, you can write the number 42 beside Baptism in the index. You'll always find what you wrote on any topic." The Lutheran Study Bible Journal can be followed at www.twitter.com/TLSBJournal for daily Scripture readings and inspirational thoughts. The Lutheran Study Bible is the first Bible in English to be developed from the ground up with notes that are distinctly Lutheran, prepared by Lutheran contributors from over twenty Lutheran church bodies. Reproducible Choral Music Available from Concordia Publishing House Concordia Publishing House (CPH) offers a new, completely reproducible book of music by composer Carl Schalk called Alleluia to Jesus. The book features a collection of forty familiar and new anthems from Schalk's long career as a composer. The book can be purchased at www.cph.org and includes updated text to match Lutheran Service Book. Plus, because the product is completely reproducible, choir directors and musicians can make as many copies from their copy of the book as needed. This sets the book apart from many other choir books by making it more affordable and easy to share. "Each piece in this collection had its origin in the desire to provide not simply religious choral music, but music for the liturgical service," said Schalk. Alleluia's liturgical music features anthems and hymns in canon and has a mixture of works suitable for all types of choirs. "Carl is fantastic at knowing how to write well for the average church choir," said Henry Gerike, Editor in Music for Concordia Publishing House. "His pieces are well suited for any size congregation and provide a good, challenging piece, without over stressing the choir." Alleluia releases in correspondence with Schalk's 80th birthday this fall. He was commemorated at Concordia University, Chicago, on October 15 for his retirement and 30 years of service as a professor of music. "Through his composing and editing, as well as writing and teaching, his vision of church music always had its roots in the heritage of the church while addressing current musical and liturgical expressions," said Steven Wente, Chair of the Music Department at Concordia University, Chicago. "Carl not only provided music for our choirs and many congregations, but he also always had ideas for projects and research, and was always supportive of what other people were doing academically." In his retirement, Schalk does not plan to quit composing. "Because one is retired from a particular occupation does not mean one retires from life," said Schalk. "I imagine that I shall be composing music for the church as long as I have the ability to do so." Until then, this set of composures is available for $50 from cph.org. "I can only hope that this collection will help choir directors and singers to see the central importance of the role of music in the liturgical service," said Schalk. "Apart from the composing itself, the most satisfying thing is to hear one's composition come alive in performance the way you envisioned it and for the purpose for which it was written." Advent blessings, 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: 54370 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image002.gif Type: image/gif Size: 8048 bytes Desc: image002.gif URL: From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Dec 16 09:52:59 2009 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:52:59 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] December 16 Message-ID: [cid:image001.gif at 01CA7E35.8A04D760] December 16, 2009 In this issue: One of my favorite things during this Advent season is listening to familiar Christmas carols with my 4-year-old daughter. She is learning these songs in preschool, and as she learns the words, she is constantly asking me "Who is saying that?" or "What does that mean?" It is a joy and a blessing to be able to once again look closely at the words of these familiar songs with her, and see her excitement in being able to sing songs about Jesus' birthday. As we go about our seasonal tasks hearing the familiar Christmas tunes, may we remember the Good News the angels brought in their song that first Christmas. They proclaimed the Good News of the Savior's birth to the shepherds who didn't even know to be looking for it. May our prayer be that the Lord will use us to share that same Good News with those we encounter who may not know the reason for this Christmas season. * Prayer Requests * District Office Holiday Hours * IMPORTANT Tax Exempt Status Reminder * Prairie Fire 2010 * New Christmas-Themes Bible Study Available from LHM * Rev. John Nunes to Speak at Concordia * Higher Things Granted RSO Status * Hymn by Concordia University Professor Heard on Lutheran Hour Broadcast * Concordia Theological Seminary Unveils New Online Theological Resources * National Youth Gathering Update * A Tribute to Paul Manz in Omaha * New Spanish Resources from CPH * CPH Offers Puppets at a Reduced Rate PRAYER REQUESTS Jesus Our Savior Lutheran Outreach and School - We join in prayers of thanksgiving with the staff of Jesus Our Savior Lutheran Outreach in Winnebago for God's blessings on their Christmas Service. More than 90 people attended the service last Sunday evening, which included songs and the telling of the Christmas story by the school children and the message by Pastor Ricky Jacob. We ask the Lord to continue blessing this ministry as it works to connect with the people of the community through worship and education opportunities. The Family of Jim Weber - We ask the Lord to wrap the family of Jim Weber in His loving care as Jim was suddenly called home to heaven this past Sunday morning. Jim is the brother of Gary and Nancy Weber, teachers at Christ, Norfolk, and of Don Weber, assistant to the president in education and youth for the Nebraska District. The funeral will be 10:00 a.m. Friday morning, December 18, at Zion, Pierce. Team of Workers in Sudan - We offer prayers of thanksgiving for the safe return of three members of the work team from Minnesota and Nebraska that had been working in Sudan. These men returned to the United States safely last week, while the remaining team will return next week. Please continue to pray for safety for the remaining team as they prepare to travel home. Please also pray that the Lord will use their efforts in Sudan to meet the physical needs, as well as the spiritual needs, of the people of Malakal and give glory to God. Back to top DISTRICT OFFICE HOLIDAY HOURS The Nebraska District Office will be closed next Thursday and Friday, December 24-25, for Christmas. It will also be closed Thursday, December 31 and Friday, January 1, in observance of New Year's. The office will resume regular hours at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, January 4. There will be an abbreviated Email Update next Wednesday, December 23, and no Update the week of December 28. The regular Email Update schedule will resume on Wednesday, January 6. Back to top IMPORTANT TAX EXEMPT STATUS REMINDER A reminder to congregations and schools of the District that Form 451-A Reaffirmation for Continued Tax Exemption filings must be filed with your County Assessor on or before December 31. Failure to file can result in the loss of exemption from property tax. Back to top PRAIRIE FIRE 2010 The Nebraska District is pleased to announce a very special outreach event in 2010. The International Lutheran Laymen's League has chosen Omaha as the site of its 2010 Convention. In partnership with LLL, the Nebraska District is planning a day-long Prairie Fire 2010 outreach event in conjunction with the convention. It will feature many outstanding breakout sessions with quality presenters focused on how each of us can be encouraged and equipped to share the hope we have in Jesus as we are engaged in conversations of grace. The day will culminate with a special Lutheran Hour Celebration Event featuring Lutheran Hour Speaker Rev. Ken Klaus. Please mark your calendar for Saturday, July 24, at the Qwest Center in Omaha for this exceptional outreach experience. There will be special registration information for those who only want to attend the Saturday workshops, as well as information for those attending the entire convention. More information will be made available next spring on the Nebraska District website, www.ndlcms.org, through church offices, and mailed directly to past Prairie Fire participants. We are very excited to be able to partner with the LLL and Lutheran Hour Ministries to offer the people of Nebraska a day focused on sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with those around us. Please mark July 24, 2010, on your calendar and watch for more information in the months ahead. Back to top NEW CHRISTMAS-THEMES BIBLE STUDY AVAILABLE FROM LHM (From LHM Church and School Resources Newsletter) Pastor Ken Klaus, Speaker of The Lutheran Hour(r), has written a Christmas-themed, single-session Bible study about St. Nicholas, called The Real St. Nick: Leader, Legend or Lie? Your church or school can download the Bible study for free and use it for Bible class, chapel, or even a special Bible study. The Real St. Nick surveys St. Nick and the age-old traditions surrounding him. An extensive list of web links in the discussion guide gives you numerous sources of information providing fascinating details behind the man. Exploring these you'll learn about the persecution he faced under the Roman Emperor Diocletian. You'll also see how -- using ancient relics and modern science -- a team of forensic specialists has reconstructed an image of St. Nick's face. For more information on this Bible study, visit http://www.lhmmen.com/studydetail.asp?id=13640. This Bible study is provided through Lutheran Hour Ministries' Men's NetWork. Additional video Bible studies include works on Islam, creation, the origination of the Bible, materialism, and more. Each Bible study has an accompanying discussion guide. You can also purchase the Bible studies on DVD for $15 each. Visit www.lhmmen.com and click on "Bible Studies" for more information. Back to top REV. JOHN NUNES TO SPEAK AT CONCORDIA Concordia University, Nebraska will welcome Rev. John Nunes as the first presenter in its spring speaker series. Nunes was selected as Concordia's Martin Luther King Day speaker. His presentation will take place in Weller Hall auditorium at 10 a.m. on Monday, Jan 18, and is free and open to the public. A prominent Lutheran leader, thinker, and speaker, Nunes is known for his compelling voice applying theological insight to matters ranging from global issues to urban affairs. Nunes is the president of Lutheran World Relief. The organization is spearheading the Lutheran Malaria Initiative, a Lutheran church-wide campaign to raise $75 million for the United Nation- Foundation's Nothing but Nets campaign. Nunes also is authoring two books on the topic of malaria for Concordia Publishing House, a sponsor of his speech at Concordia. "John is an outstanding choice for a Martin Luther King Day speaker because as president and CEO of Lutheran World Relief, he can give a unique perspective on Dr. King's work -- how through faith, prayer and commitment we can be God's instruments to help transform the world's most impoverished communities," said Tobin Beck, assistant professor of global studies and an organizer for Concordia's annual speaker series. "Working to end poverty and to uphold human dignity were important components of Dr. King's work on civil rights. In a community like ours we look for ways to help others, and I think Concordia students, faculty, staff, and people in general will respond to that call in John's message." Rev. Nunes' presentation is the first in the second annual Looking Beyond speaker series held at Concordia. Future presentations will feature Dimitri Rahab giving the Maehr talk on March 8, and 1989 Concordia alumnus Philip Droege, director of White House records, on April 13. Back to top Higher Things Granted RSO Status Higher Things is pleased to announce that it has been granted Recognized Service Organization (RSO) status by The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod. As an RSO, Higher Things is officially recognized as an organization whose mission, ministry, and programs are consistent with the confessional standards of the LCMS and in harmony with the programs of the Synod while retaining its independence and self-governance. They believe that RSO status will enhance Higher Things' ability to serve the youth of our Synod with the fullness of our liturgical and confessional heritage. Higher Things would like to thank the Synod's Board for District and Congregational Services and its chairman David Bruns for their hard work and support. They are also greatly appreciative to Rev. Herbert C. Mueller for his sponsorship and support. Higher Things looks forward to yet greater opportunities to assist parents, congregations, and pastors in cultivating and promoting a Lutheran identity among youth through conferences, retreats, publications, and the Internet. For more information, visit www.higherthings.org. Back to top HYMN BY CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY PROFESSOR HEARD ON LUTHERAN HOUR BROADCAST "On Jordan's Bank the Baptist's Cry," an Advent hymn adaptation by Concordia University, Nebraska's assistant professor of music, Pete Prochnow, was heard on the Dec. 6 broadcasts of "The Lutheran Hour." The radio shows reach over a million listeners each Sunday. "'On Jordan's Bank' is one of my favorite Advent hymns," said Prochnow. "I arranged the hymn adaptation 15 years ago. It was recorded and co-produced by Walt Disney World audio technician Paul Heintzen, a long-time LCMS member." The inclusion of the hymn on the program resulted from a meeting Prochnow had with the radio show's producer, Mark Eischer, to discuss the possibility of doing a show with different musical styles. Prochnow has been instrumental in establishing Concordia's contemporary church music program. Eischer was impressed with the quality of the Prochnow's music. "Since that meeting, Mark has asked for additional music to be used for the show for Epiphany, Transfiguration, and Lent," shared Prochnow. Listen each Sunday to the world's longest-running Christian outreach radio program to hear more of Professor Prochnow's music in the weeks ahead. To view a schedule and list of radio stations that air The Lutheran Hour, visit the Lutheran Hour Ministries website at http://www.lhm.org/broadcastinformation.asp. Back to top CONCORDIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY UNVEILS NEW ONLINE THEOLOGICAL RESOURCES Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana, continually strives to make theological resources available to church workers, laity and the church-at-large. Today another giant step has been taken in that effort. Anyone with an Internet connection now has access to one of the most extensive collections of theological media offered to date by going to http://media.ctsfw.edu/. "With media.cstfw.edu we have a single location where someone can come and search through the full text of the entire publication history for Concordia Theological Quarterly, the CUEnet DELTO video collection and even the daily chapel sermons from Kramer Chapel," said Rev. Bill Johnson, Theological Education Technology Specialist at CTS. "As we continue to add material, we look to include past and future Symposia Series lectures, full courses from some of the biggest names in the history of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, and more. Basically, if we can get rights to it and it's helpful to the Church, we want to make that available and searchable through this tool." One feature of the new site is the joint effort by Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, and Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, to release a compilation of educational videos available via their websites. This collection of more than 1,100 videos covers Old and New Testament, Pastoral Theology and individual books of the Bible which were originally part of the Distance Education Leading To Ordination (DELTO) courses made available through the Concordia University Education Network (CUEnet). Simply visit http://media.ctsfw.edu/ and type in a topic in the Search box. "It's such a joy to see these CUEnet resources released for the good of the entire Church," offered Rev. Bill Johnson, Theological Education Technology Specialist at CTS. "Although they were originally created to train men for ministry as pastors, they're wonderful material for all of God's people. By making these available to the Church, we enable anyone, anywhere around the world, to learn from some of the most knowledgeable experts in Lutheran theology from the comfort of their own home." The mission of the seminaries is to serve God's people and equip them to reach out to all with the life-saving Gospel. "The two seminaries releasing the material jointly for the good of Christ's Church really gives a powerful example of how we as a Synod can reach out to one other and be unified in confessional mission for the Gospel," said Prof. Tony Cook, Director of Distance Curricula at Concordia, St. Louis. For additional information on the new media site, please contact Rev. Johnson at William.Johnson at ctsfw.edu or 260-452-3202. Back to top NATIONAL YOUTH GATHERING UPDATE The following information is from the Gathering website, www.lcmsgathering.com. Are you using PowerPoint, Easy Worship, Media Shout or other presentation software for your Gathering planning meetings? New Gathering slides are available on the Downloads page, http://www.lcmsgathering.com/?PageID=11126. Looking for information to help you in your Gathering planning? Check out the additional resources at http://www.lcmsgathering.com/Index.asp?PageID=11096. Don't forget, Young Adult Volunteer applications are being accepted until January 1, 2010. For more information and to apply visit http://www.lcmsgathering.com/?PageID=11068. Back to top A TRIBUTE TO PAUL MANZ IN OMAHA Everyone is encouraged to mark the date and make plans to attend a tribute to Paul Manz at Pacific Hills (1110 South 90th Street), Omaha, on Sunday, February 14, at 3:00 p.m. This special event will celebrate the life and music of Paul Manz, a teacher, composer, recitalist, and international organist. He was a former teacher at Concordia University, St. Paul, where he established a solid music program. Dr. Manz did the dedicatory recital for the Pacific Hills organ in 1970, and now the congregation will honor him at this special event. Back to top NEW SPANISH RESOURCES FROM CPH Downloadable Spanish Music Now Available from CPH Everyone wants to have the resources needed to raise their voices and praise the Lord. Now, Concordia Publishing House has Spanish music available for purchase at iTunes, Amazon, and other select digital music stores. CPH offers a wide variety of children's songs, instrumental arrangements, choral selections, and hymns. The albums featured online can be instantaneously downloaded and include songs from the Christmas programs, Vacation Bible Schools, and other recent publications from Editorial Concordia. All of the songs were originally written in Spanish and they cover several different Latin American tunes. Visit your favorite online music store and search for Concordia Publishing House to find available music. Regular online pricing, with single song purchases or full albums, available. Concordia Publishing Announces 2010 Spanish Vacation Bible School Vacation Bible School is a time for children of all ages and backgrounds to get together and praise the Lord. Editorial Concordia, the Spanish division of Concordia Publishing House, makes it possible for children to experience a VBS that is originally written in Spanish! In 2010 the Vacation Bible School will be El tren de las Buenas Noticias (The Good News Train), a program about a group of friends that embark on a journey to five continents. The Good News Train stops every day on a different continent, where our friends meet people of diverse cultures, with different needs and traditions. As they get to know their new friends, they share what they have in The Good News Train as well as the best treasure of all: the Lord Jesus, Savior of the world. This one-of-a-kind program is the only comprehensive Spanish and bilingual VBS available. In fact, El tren de las Buenas Noticias is not a translation; it is written by Hispanics for Hispanics. It is a great resource for churches, churches wanting to reach out to their community, and for those doing mission trips. For more information, call 1-800-325-3040 in English or 1-877-450-8694 in Spanish. Visit our website at www.editorial.cph.org. Back to top CPH OFFERS PUPPETS AT A REDUCED RATE These puppets need good homes! If you are looking for a way to do a good deed or need a way to engage kids in Sunday school stories, liven up your classroom activities, or entertain children on a rainy day, this is a great opportunity. By adopting these adorable puppets, you not only give them a good home, but also add a little flair to your day. For a limited time only, Concordia Publishing House is offering a great deal on a package of past Vacation Bible School puppets. The first two hundred orders will receive a pack of four puppets for only $34.99. Normally just one of these puppets costs around $20. Puppets included in the package are Gizmo the robot, Buddy the porcupine, Digger the dog, and King the lion. You could create one crazy, fun puppet show with this combo! So open your home or classroom to these cuddly creatures before they are sold out! Visit www.cph.org to give these friendly puppets a good home. Back to top The weekly Email Update is a resource offered to all in the Nebraska District to share information and to enrich the ministry God has called you to. Please continue to share information you feel would be of interest to others and let us know if there is any other way we at the District Office can be a resource to your ministry. Items for inclusion in the Update may be sent to communications at ndlcms.org. Advent 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: 55688 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.gif Type: image/gif Size: 8048 bytes Desc: image001.gif URL: From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Tue Dec 22 12:53:11 2009 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Tue, 22 Dec 2009 18:53:11 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] December 22 Message-ID: Due to the unpredictability of winter weather in Nebraska, this Update is being sent out a day early while I can still get to my computer! Remember, the District Office will be closed Thursday and Friday, December 24 and 25, and Thursday and Friday, December 31 and January 1. Have a safe and blessed Christmas! [cid:image001.gif at 01CA8305.5A2093C0] December 22, 2009 In this issue: Christmas greetings in the name of our newborn Savior, Jesus Christ! Many of you are busy with last minute preparations, or already beginning your celebrations, so this week's Update will be short and simple. Remember, there is no Update next week, but the regular schedule will resume on Wednesday, January 6. * Prayer Requests * Important Tax Exempt Information for Congregations * LCMS Offers Christmas Greetings * In the News: Faith, York * Overseas Service Opportunities * Lutheran Hour Ministries Names New Director of United States Ministries * Lutheran Marriage Encounter Weekend * New From Concordia Publishing House * Concordia Theological Seminary Choirs Featured on Christmas Eve PRAYER REQUESTS Missions and Ministries of the Nebraska District - We join in prayers of thanksgiving and blessing for the congregations, schools, missions, and ministries of the Nebraska District during this Christmas season. As these ministries and dedicated church workers prepare to share the story of the Savior's birth this week and into the new year, we ask God to bless them and the Gospel message they share. There are 247 congregations in the Nebraska District, along with 43 Lutheran schools and nearly 30 early childhood or preschool centers. There are also new church starts and ethnic ministries across the District, including Native American, Hispanic, and African immigrant ministries. We thank God for these missions, and pray that He would bless their efforts now and in the year to come. Orphan Grain Train - The following prayer request was received from Orphan Grain Train: The three Sudanese containers shipped in 2008 have been set up in southern Sudan, thanks to a volunteer team (from Nebraska and Minnesota) that worked three weeks to get the job done. We thank God for their success with this initial step and their safe return this past week. We request continued prayers for the ongoing success of this venture that God's name might be glorified and that the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ and the provision of food and medical care may be shared widely in that place. We also pray for Rev. John Deang, Nebraska District missionary-at-large for African immigrant ministry, who is still in Africa and will be returning shortly. We ask God to grant him safety as he returns home. Back to top IMPORTANT TAX EXEMPT INFORMATION FOR CONGREGATIONS A reminder to congregations and schools of the District that Form 451-A Reaffirmation for Continued Tax Exemption filings must be filed with your County Assessor on or before December 31. Failure to file can result in the loss of exemption from property tax. Congregations may find a fill-in form at http://lancaster.ne.gov/cnty/assess/Form451Afillin.pdf. Back to top LCMS OFFERS CHRISTMAS GREETINGS President Kieschnick's Christmas Message LCMS President Gerald Kieschnick has shared a video Christmas message for congregations, church workers, and members. To view the message, visit the LCMS website at http://www.lcms.org/?16296. Christmas Greeting from LCMS World Mission Executive LCMS World Mission Executive Director Rev. Thomas R. Zehnder has prepared a brief video greeting. Please take a few moments to watch the video by using this link: http://blog.lcmsworldmission.org/2009/12/11/year-end-christmas-greeting/. Back to top IN THE NEWS: FAITH, YORK "Faith Lutheran Church had a little extra money, and decided to buy a Christmas gift for York. Pastor Allen Bergstrazer and the Faith Lutheran community is issuing an invitation to the York community to join them at the church fellowship hall on Christmas Day for turkey and all the trimmings." So begins a York News-Times article on Faith, York, and their plan to use a portion of their Fan into Flame money. The entire article may be read at: http://www.yorknewstimes.com/articles/2009/12/18/news/doc4b2af64bdd2a7459224844.txt. Back to top OVERSEAS SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES LCMS World Relief and Human Care is seeking mercy medical volunteers for a medical clinic outreach to Haiti on March 11-21, 2010. A variety of medical specialties and hard-working laity are desired. World Relief and Human Care is also considering adding another trip to Madagascar in April of 2010. If you are interested in this opportunity, please respond IMMEDIATELY so that the feasibility of this possibility can be determined as soon as possible. For more information log on to www.lcms.org/mercyteams. Write mercymedical at lcms.org with your intention to participate and you will receive all the details. Also feel free to call Jacob Fiene 800-248-1930, ext. 1278 with any questions or concerns. If you have any additional questions, please contact Lutherans in Medical Missions at limm at limm.org. *********************************** MACAU Join the mission field! There is an important need for a short-term missionary in Macau, China, from February 15 - April 4, 2010. If you have a love for people and are willing to teach conversational English to adult professionals, please consider this mission opportunity! Teaching at Concordia English Center - Concordia English Center (CEC) is an English language school based in Macau, China. The school focuses on teaching English with GEO missionaries who serve there for a year or longer. Short-term missionaries also serve as teachers to provide support for the GEO teachers and enable more class offerings. The CEC offers classes in five-to seven-week terms. The February-April term is in need of one more teacher so that classes will not be canceled. Through these classes and other activities hosted by the CEC, many people hear about Jesus for the first time. Please consider serving in this very important way so more people have the opportunity to learn about their Savior! For more information, contact an LCMS World Mission placement counselor at 1-800-433-3954 or mission.recruitment at lcms.org. Back to top LUTHERAN HOUR MINISTRIES NAMES NEW DIRECTOR OF UNITED STATES MINISTRIES The Rev. Dr. Mark Larson of Aurora, Colorado, has been named Director of the United States Ministries division at Lutheran Hour Ministries. He will begin his new position on January 4, 2010, and will oversee the production of The Lutheran Hour, Para el Camino, and Woman to Woman radio programs, the ministry's print outreach materials, ministry fulfillment, and referral services, and the LHM Men's NetWork, an online program launched in January 2009 to help congregations reconnect with men and build local men's ministries. "We are most pleased to add someone with Mark's extensive skills into this important leadership position here at Lutheran Hour Ministries," says LHM Executive Director Bruce Wurdeman. "Our staff looks forward to working with this gifted man of God." Until accepting the position with Lutheran Hour Ministries, Larson served as District Executive-Missions for the Rocky Mountain District of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, a position he has held since 2000. He oversees the mission and evangelism programs for the district, which includes Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and El Paso, Texas. Under his leadership, the Rocky Mountain District received the 2008 Executive Director's Ablaze! Award from LCMS World Mission for a series of evangelism conferences called Conversations of Grace. These conferences equipped the body of Christ for outreach through many partners, including Lutheran Hour Ministries. Larson's other ministry service includes appointment by LCMS President Dr. Gerald Kieschnick to serve on the President's Blue Ribbon Task Force for Hispanic Ministry, as well as service on the National Advisory Group for Missions, the Executive Committee of North American Mission Enablers, and Frontera Ministries. He has played a key role in the founding of the Lutheran Hispanic Missionary Institute in El Paso and serves on the Board of Directors of this institute that has a vision to raise Hispanic church planters for the LCMS. Larson served as associate pastor (1988-1994) and then senior pastor (1994-2000) of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church and School in Beecher, Illinois. While there he served on the Mission Board of the Northern Illinois District from 1991 to 2000. He served as the board chair from 1997-2000. Raised near Grand Island, Nebraska, he received a bachelor's degree in Speech Communications from the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. He graduated with a Master of Divinity degree from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis and earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from Trinity International University in Deerfield, Illinois, in 2004. He and his wife, Lisa, have two elementary school-aged children. Lutheran Hour Ministries is a Christian outreach ministry supporting churches worldwide in its mission of Bringing Christ to the Nations-and the Nations to the Church. LHM produces Christian radio and TV programming for broadcast, as well as Internet and print communications, dramas, music, and outreach materials, to reach the unchurched in more than 30 countries. LHM's flagship program, The Lutheran Hour, is the world's longest-running Christian outreach radio program. It airs weekly on more than 900 stations. For more information about LHM, visit www.lhm.org. Back to top LUTHERAN MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND Marriage Encounter weekends are for a husband and wife who love each other and desire to better their communication and increase their appreciation for each other and their marriage. Newlywed couples to couples married fifty or more years are encouraged to consider this opportunity. The next opportunity for a Lutheran Marriage Encounter weekend is March 5-7, 2010, at the Good Samaritan Retreat Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The cost is $45 to register. This reserves your room and meals. A freewill donation is taken at the end of the weekend. Questions? Registration? Check the website: www.Godlovesmarriage.org or contact: Vernon and Karen Harrington 712-533-6221 or giblem at frontier.net Pastor Bob and Aimee Moeller 605-526-3572 or seelsorge8 at aol.com Back to top NEW FROM CONCORDIA PUBLISHING HOUSE New Volume of Johann Gerhard's Writings Focuses on Christ The newest volume of the Theological Commonplaces series is now available. Johann Gerhard was known by his contemporaries as "the arch-theologian of the Lutheran Church." His depth of insight, comprehensive attention to details, and biblical faithfulness shine forth in the Theological Commonplaces with particular brilliance. Concordia Publishing House annually translates the works of this seventeenth century theologian and the third volume is now available. In On Christ, Gerhard sets forth the person of Christ in great detail, pondering Jesus Christ's name, His deity and humanity, and the personal union of the two natures in Christ. He delves into the mystery of what the union of humanity and divinity in Christ means and what it implies for our salvation. You can purchase On Christ individually or become a subscriber to the Theological Commonplaces series. If you subscribe, each volume is shipped to you automatically. The Theological Commonplaces series from Concordia Publishing House is a first-ever English translation of Johann Gerhard's Loci Theologici. Gerhard was the premier Lutheran theologian of the early seventeenth century. Combining his understanding of evangelical Lutheran theology with a broad interest in ethics and culture, he produced significant works on biblical, doctrinal, pastoral, and devotional theology. The newest translated volume, On Christ, is now available at www.cph.org or by calling 1-800-325-3040. The series also includes these two volumes: On the Nature of Theology and on Scripture and On the Nature of God and on the Trinity. Heirs of the Reformation CD Set Heirs of the Reformation: Treasures of the Singing Church is a four-CD set from Concordia Publishing House that showcases Lutheran hymns of the generations immediately following the time of Martin Luther. Karl Osterland wrote about the CD set in Cross Accent: Journal of the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians. You can find the entire review on the Heirs of the Reformation product page at www.cph.org. The CD set is available there as well or by calling 1-800-325-3040. Osterland writes, "Heirs of the Reformation: Treasures of the Singing Church is a powerful reminder of all that is good (and even great) in the Lutheran musical heritage. The variety of musical styles, instrumentation, and accompaniments is a sonic smorgasbord." Osterland continues, "The set is successful in presenting enjoyable performances of Lutheran heritage music, both old and new. It would make a fine addition to the CD library of professional musician or lay-listener alike." The collection of this CD set includes a blend of both choral and solo voice, as well as a blend of modern and historical instrumentation to present classic compositions from Gerhardt, Hammerschmidt, Praetorius, Bach, Schuetz, Hildebrand, Gerike, Sedio, Busarow, and Schalk. "Heirs of the Reformation: Treasures of the Singing Church includes forty-five beloved Lutheran hymns, presented in a variety of styles that will appeal to every listener," says Peter Reske, Managing Editor of Music/Worship Resources. "At times contemplative, exhilarating, and devotional, this set and companion booklet will surely include your favorite, as well as a treasury of others you will come to love." More of Martin Luther's Works Now Available in English Concordia Publishing House (CPH) announces the expansion of Luther's Works: American Edition. Twenty new volumes are being translated from Luther's original Latin and German into clear, accessible, modern English, and the introductions and footnotes make significant academic contributions to our understanding of Luther's confession of Christ. The newest book, volume 69 (John 17-20) is now available at www.cph.org/luthersworks or by calling 1-800-325-3040. The book is available by itself or as a subscription. Each volume is currently priced at $49.99; subscribers pay only $34.99 each, a 30% savings. Volumes will come out once a year and will ship automatically. To learn more about the series, the website also includes a prospectus for the expansion of Luther's Works: American Edition. The newest volume of Luther's Works: America Edition focuses on four chapters from the Gospel of John, including Luther's exposition of Jesus' high priestly prayer in John 17, as well as his preached meditations on the entire Passion and resurrection of our Lord according to John. Back to top CONCORDIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY CHOIRS FEATURED ON CHRISTMAS EVE Christmas at Kramer Chapel with the Concordia Theological Seminary Kantorei and Schola Cantorum will be broadcast on Christmas Eve from 9:00-10:00 p.m. on WBNI 94.1 FM. The service was compiled from recordings already produced as well as live recordings of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany services over the years in Kramer Chapel. It includes congregational singing and lessons read by Dean of the Chapel, Dr. Paul J. Grime. Kantor Richard C. Resch is the director of both choirs and Kantor Kevin J. Hildebrand is the organist. "We are delighted that WBNI approached the seminary wanting to feature the music of our choirs for this broadcast. The airing of this Christmas Eve Service will give [listeners] a taste of what it is like to worship in Kramer Chapel at Concordia Theological Seminary," said Kantor Resch. If you are not in the WBNI listening area you can listen to live-streaming audio by going to www.nipr.fm. For more information on music events at CTS simply go online to www.ctsfw.edu or phone 260-452-2224. Back to top Christmas blessings and a happy New Year! 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... 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