From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Jul 1 10:42:29 2009 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:42:29 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] July 1 Message-ID: Update for July 1 A publication of the Nebraska District, a District ABLAZE! This Saturday gives us another reminder of the precious freedom Americans have to live free from tyranny and oppression. It can also remind us of the even greater freedom Christians have through Jesus Christ. Paul writes in his letter to the Galatians, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free." (Gal. 5:1) What a blessing that we receive this freedom from sin and eternal death as a gift from God so that we may be free to share this Good News with people in our families and communities. May we find opportunities this weekend and always to share our joy in this freedom with those around us. The Nebraska District staff wishes you a happy and safe Fourth of July weekend. * Prayer Request * District Office Holiday Hours * Deaconesses Available to Serve * Correction to Last Week's VBS Article * Revised Donna Meyer Speaking Schedule * Witnessing in Song - Concordia A Cappella Choir Tour Report * Overseas Service Opportunities * Concordia Tops Nation in NAIA Scholar Athletes * New Project Connect Booklets from Lutheran Hour Ministries * Technology Provides Access to Resources from LCMS, CPH, and Seminary * District Pastor Earns Doctorate PRAYER REQUEST Rev. John and Martha Deang - Please lift up in prayer Rev. John and Martha Deang as they travel back from Sudan. Rev. Deang, Nebraska District missionary-at-large for African immigrant ministry, has been in East Africa and Sudan for over six months working on behalf of the Nebraska District with our mission partners there. He and Martha were married in April, and they are returning to Nebraska this weekend. Please pray for safety as they travel, and ask our heavenly Father to bless them as they make their new home together here in Nebraska. This will be Martha's first time in the United States, and we pray that God will be with her and help her as she adjusts to her new life. Back to top DISTRICT OFFICE HOLIDAY HOURS The District Office will be closed Friday, July 3, in observance of Independence Day. The office will reopen Monday, July 6, at 8:00 a.m. with staff devotions. A safe and blessed Fourth of July to all! Back to top DEACONESSES AVAILABLE TO SERVE Currently at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, nine deaconess candidates are on the waiting list for placement into a diaconal ministry of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. Some have been waiting for over four years for placement. (At the conclusion of the upcoming 2009-2010 school year there will be an additional six traditional deaconess studies graduates, and three Center for Hispanic Studies graduates.) Each candidate has responded to the concern expressed by her Church for faithful servants, and they have dedicated several years of their lives (and tuition dollars) in preparing to serve the Lord as a deaconess in the Lord's Church. Deaconesses serve in congregations and schools by teaching, visitation, counseling, youth ministries, family ministries and other caring ministries. They are also equipped to serve with compassion in health care institutions and older adult care ministries. Deaconess candidates have received an M.A. in Deaconess Studies after completing two years of post-graduate academic coursework, six quarters of field education, and one year of internship. If the Lord is moving your congregation to consider a deaconess for service, or if you just desire additional information, please contact District President Russ Sommerfeld at russs at ndlcms.org or 888-643-2961. Back to top CORRECTION TO LAST WEEK'S VBS ARTICLE The amount of the offering collected by Holy Cross, Kearney, from their VBS students was inaccurately reported in last week's Email Update. The correct amount was nearly $1,800 in response to a $1,200 challenge, not $18,000 as was reported. Sorry for any confusion! Back to top REVISED DONNA MEYER SPEAKING SCHEDULE We have just received this newly revised speaking schedule for Donna Meyer, a Nebraska teacher serving LCMS World Mission in Banda Aceh, Indonesia. Following is her updated schedule: Date Time Congregation City July 1 7:30pm St Peter Deshler, NE July 2 1:30pm Zion Tobias, NE July 5 9:30 am Peace (Bible class) Grand Island, NE July 11 5:00 social 6:00 dinner 7:00 presentation Faith Hazard, NE July 12 10:15am Zion (Bible class) Hastings, NE July 12 6:30 pm St. Paul Minden, NE July 22 7-8pm Hope South Sioux City, NE July 23 TBA St John Pierce, NE July 25 6pm Trinity Fremont, NE July 26 8, 9:15, 10:30 am Trinity Fremont, NE Back to top WITNESSING IN SONG - CONCORDIA A CAPPELLA CHOIR TOUR REPORT Concordia University, Nebraska's A Cappella Choir will spend nearly three weeks touring Spain, Austria and Italy, giving concerts and competing in the 46th International Competition of Choral Singing in Spittal on der Drau, Austria. The tour launched June 24. The choir's schedule includes stops in Madrid, Seville, and Barcelona. Spain was chosen, in part, due to the Lutheran church's active support of mission congregations in the region, and their efforts to spread the Gospel. While in Barcelona, the choir will have the opportunity to join voices with a local choir, Coral St. Sadurn?. Reports have come back about how God was at work during the first two concerts the choir gave last Thursday and Friday evenings, June 25 and 26, in Mostoles, Madrid. Following are excerpts from the reports sent by Nancy Middendorf, music tour coordinator: June 25 - "We had an attendance of 100, which is more than the IELE (Spanish Lutheran mission) has had sum total in all of Spain at any event they have ever held...but more than that, the people were very moved and almost all were saying they were returning tomorrow night and bringing guests. A lady who runs a major radio station in the area talked long afterward about how fantastic it was and that she was going to air news about tomorrow's concert all day tomorrow on the radio station and to expect a packed room! Pastor Gustavo was extremely overwhelmed (I really don't have a strong enough word to use here), and the missionaries are nearly out of their minds with anticipation for the coming concerts. . . . The crowd tonight clapped for every song as though it were a standing ovation! About 3/4 way through the concert, it was difficult for Kurt (Von Kampen) to begin a new piece because they wouldn't stop clapping. . . . It was a tremendous experience for our choir members, to be sure, and they were also very moved by the audience response." June 26 - "(Tonight's concert) was in the same church as last night's. Indeed, it was a packed audience, more than doubling attendance. The 'standing ovation' style of clapping began even before the first song was finished. The crowd anticipated an ending and began cheering and clapping while Kurt patiently waited with raised hands to finish the piece. It is difficult to describe the mood of the audience because I've never witnessed this at our concerts before. It's like they've come to a concert they have been anticipating for a long time and are totally absorbed in the music and the students. We felt like God was shining through us and penetrating the audience with His Spirit!! Some said they didn't understand the English words but were very moved by the spiritual presence of the Lord. . . . Pastor Gustavo, our Lutheran missionary contact here, had tears of joy and disbelief at the end of the concert as he was watching the finale from the rear of the church." Thanks be to God for how He is using this choir from Seward, Nebraska, to be a witness to His love and His glory to people who are searching halfway around the world. Please keep the choir in your prayers as they continue to travel throughout Europe singing praises to God. Back to top OVERSEAS SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES Indonesia - Individuals are needed to teach EFL in a local government junior high or senior high school in Banda Aceh, Indonesia. These individuals will be responsible for preparing lesson plans that fit with and enhance the textbook and other materials currently used by local English teachers in the school, preparing additional teaching aids that promote interactive, communicative English learning, teaching in a formal classroom setting, and planning and conducting additional formal and informal activities with students and other teachers after school and on weekends. Applicants with a teaching degree and formal or informal teaching experience are strongly preferred. Individuals with some type of formal or informal teaching experience, but no bachelor's degree will be seriously considered. To learn how you can serve by going global, go here: www.lcmsworldmission.org/searchopps. Contact an LCMS World Mission placement counselor at 1-800-433-3954 or mission.recruitment at lcms.org. Haiti LCMS World Relief and Human Care is seeking 3 additional volunteers for the Mercy Medical Team trip to Haiti, August 3-13. The team will travel to the town of Thomassique in the central plateau of Haiti, near the border with the Dominican Republic. The clinics will be held in a local Lutheran school and will be general practice with no surgery. The cost of the trip is estimated to be $2,100 per individual. This includes international air, ground transport in Haiti, food and lodging, medical and evacuation insurance, and clinical costs. If you are interested or have additional questions, please immediately contact Maggie Karner at 765-748-7743 or maggie.karner at lcms.org or Jacob Fiene at 800-248-1930, ext. 1278 or mercymedical at lcms.org. Please copy LIMM at the email address below if you contact LCMS World Relief and Human Care. If you have any additional questions, please contact Lutherans in Medical Missions at limm at limm.org. Guatemala TLC LAMMS (Trinity Lutheran Church's Latin-American Medical Mission Society) seeks 10-12 volunteers for a health clinic to be held at Clinica Santa Cruz, Guatemala, October 16-25, 2009. One more physician and a surgeon, nurses (especially ER nurses), PAs, nurse practitioners, paramedics, etc. are needed. Projected cost per person (airfare, room and board, tips) is $2,500 or less. Anyone interested can call Rev. Charles Webb at 231-499-2139 or email cwwebb at charter.net. Immunizations needed before going are minimal and can be found at www.cdc.gov. Each participant is expected to take an extra suitcase containing OTC meds (aspirin, Tylenol, antibiotic/antifungal creams antihistamines, bandages, BP cuffs, urine dipsticks, glucometers, etc.). Rev. Charles W. Webb, MD Assistant Pastor/Medical Missionary Trinity Lutheran Church & School 1003 S. Maple Street Traverse City, Mi 49684 231-499-2139 cell 231-946-2720 church If you have any additional questions, please contact Lutherans in Medical Missions at limm at limm.org. Please copy LIMM if you contact Rev. Webb. Back to top CONCORDIA TOPS NATION IN NAIA SCHOLAR ATHLETES Concordia University, Nebraska had the highest number of National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics scholar-athletes in the nation for the 2008-09 academic year. Seventy-four Bulldogs earned the NAIA scholar-athlete status, 16 more than second place University of St. Francis, Fort Wayne, Ind. "It is flat-out stunning what our student-athletes have achieved," said Grant Schmidt, director of athletics for Concordia. "On and off the field, they work very hard. They are here for the right reasons, and they have coaches--and an entire institution for that matter--who truly care about them and support them. We are so proud." Concordia also topped the nation in four individual sports: men's and women's cross country and men's and women's track. Within its conference, the Great Plains Athletic Conference, Concordia came out on top for the sixth year in a row. The GPAC as a whole, which includes more than 4,500 student-athletes in 19 sanctioned sports, had 480 student-athletes earn the NAIA honor. Student-athletes must be at least juniors in academic status and maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale to receive this honor. Back to top NEW PROJECT CONNECT BOOKLETS FROM LUTHERAN HOUR MINISTRIES Brand new from Lutheran Hour Ministries are two Project Connect booklets. The first deals with the difficult relationship fracture that occurs when a child becomes a prodigal. The second offers an insightful approach toward understanding one's identity. In Parents of Prodigals-The Journey Through The Valley, Christian author and counselor Dan Kohn shares his perceptions and first-hand experience dealing with conflicts that can separate family members for long periods of time. More than 30 years of counseling have given Kohn vital words for any parent grieving over the absence of a child: "The heavenly Father is fully able to accomplish what a parent is unable to do. It is time to let go of what cannot be done through human effort and let God do His miraculous work." This booklet will encourage the reader and remind him or her that it is God who puts things back together - it is God who can restore what seems impossibly broken. In The Mystery of You: Clues to Your True Identity, Dr. Melanie Wilson guides the reader in an engaging - and informative - look at what makes him or her tick. Using the popular board game CLUE? as a template, the quest is on to understand where we've been (rooms); what we've done (weapons); and who other people (witnesses) say we are. In the midst of our grand illusion as to how significant or worthless we are is the One who knows us best, understands us fully, and loves us anyway - Jesus Christ. It is in Him and the price He paid to redeem us from sin - and ourselves - that our true identity - our new identity - is achieved through faith. The booklets were produced for Project Connect, LHM's booklet display ministry that is perfect for your church narthex, school nurse's office, guidance counselor's office, or church library. Booklets address real needs that many people face - from finance issues to divorce, depression to illness, and addiction to grief. For more information about Project Connect or to order a display, please visit www.lhm.org/projectconnect. Back to top TECHNOLOGY PROVIDES ACCESS TO RESOURCES FROM LCMS, CPH, AND SEMINARY Follow the LCMS on Twitter The LCMS is pleased to announce that they have launched the official LCMS Twitter account. You can find them online at www.twitter.com/theLCMS. As you may know, Twitter is a micro-blogging site that allows users to post very short updates about themselves (or their organizations) and follow other users' posts. Updates can be published and viewed via the Internet or via text messaging on mobile phones. Posts, called "tweets," are no more than 140 characters in length and generally include a link to additional information. Content is usually related to announcements. By using this popular social networking tool, the LCMS hopes to benefit all of their ministries by gaining more exposure and improving access to their information. Now you can "twitter" to see what's new in the LCMS. Christian Books Available for Print on Demand Concordia Publishing House (CPH) announces the release of Concordia on Demand, a new print-on-demand service available at the company website, www.cph.org/ondemand. "With the advancements in digital printing, CPH can economically print the titles our customers request, in as little as two weeks' time," says Ken Liszewski, manager of books for Concordia Publishing House. At the time of this release, 50 titles were available for print-on-demand. Topics cover a range of subjects and include commentaries, daily devotional resources, and sermon collections. The company says that is has plans to expand the possible titles into the hundreds. Liszewski adds, "Concordia on Demand allows CPH to maintain a larger book list and bring back out-of-print titles. Customers can visit often to see our newest Concordia on Demand books." Concordia Seminary Resources Now Available for Download on iPhone And iPod Touch Concordia Seminary's department of educational technology is pleased to announce that its complete catalog of educational audio and video podcasts is now available for direct download onto the iPhone and iPod touch. With Apple's release of their 3.0 software update for iPhone and iPod touch, iTunes U is directly accessible over both cellular and Wi-Fi networks through the iTunes Store. "Mobile learning is an exciting area for Concordia Seminary," commented Tony Cook, director of educational technology. "With Apple's latest advance, we are now able to bring educationally and theologically sound content to our residential and distance students as well as the pastors and laity of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod via this exciting technology. Imagine being able to download a podcast directly onto your iPhone or iPod touch and present it to your confirmation class, elders meeting, or Sunday morning Bible study with a simple cable and a standard television. This advance in technology helps to fulfill our goal of offering relevant confessional resources directly to Lutherans throughout the world." For those who are interested in downloading Concordia Seminary content directly onto an iPhone or iPod touch, the instructions can be found at the following Apple support link: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3570. For questions or help, contact educational technology at 314-505-7018. Back to top DISTRICT PASTOR EARNS DOCTORATE Rev. John Hellwege, former pastor of St. Peter, Humphrey and Grace, Platte Center, received his PhD in Historical Theology from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis on May 22. Hellwege's dissertation was: "Evaluating the Whirlwind: The American Lutheran Theological Interpretations of Pre-War Nazi Germany." Congratulations Rev. Dr. Hellwege! Back to top Have a happy and safe Fourth of July Weekend! 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: 58535 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20090701/1fe9f428/attachment.txt From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Jul 8 15:32:48 2009 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 08 Jul 2009 20:32:48 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] July 8 Message-ID: Update for July 8 A publication of the Nebraska District, a District ABLAZE! Greetings in the name of our Heavenly Father. * Prayer Requests * No Email Update Next Week * Fiscal Conference Registration Information Sent * Personal Peacemaking Seminar in Lincoln * College Freshmen Contact Information * Rural/Small Town Conference Scholarships Available * Christian Teacher Resources on Sale * LLL State Fair Services * Concordia Publishing House to Give Away Lutheran Service Book Hymn Accompaniment on CD * Remembering Hurricane Katrina * Jesus Our Savior Lutheran School Dedication Celebration * Overseas Service Opportunities * Congregation Mailboxes Available * Lutheran Family Services' Global Voices Evening PRAYER REQUESTS Family of Barbara Rohwer - Please remember in your prayers the family of Barbara Rohwer, mother of DCE Andrew Rohwer, who was called to the Lord's side July 1. Barbara was an active member of Good Shepherd, Fremont. Andrew serves as DCE at Holy Cross in Kearney. We ask the Lord to wrap this family in His love, peace, and comfort at this difficult time. Family of Marilyn Bruick - We lift up in prayer the family of Marilyn Bruick, mother of Rev. Scott Bruick, who entered her eternal rest on Sunday, July 5. Pastor Bruick serves as senior pastor of St. John, Seward, and his wife, Jan, serves as administrative assistant to the Lutheran Church Extension Fund - Nebraska Program out of the District Office. We pray that our Heavenly Father will provide comfort for the family at this time through the promise of eternal life. Back to top NO EMAIL UPDATE NEXT WEEK There will not be an Email Update next week, July 15, because I will be out of the office. Watch for the next Update on Wednesday, July 22. Back to top FISCAL CONFERENCE REGISTRATION INFORMATION SENT All pastors, principals, congregational chairmen, congregational treasurers, and stewardship board chairs are invited to be the guests of the District for a day-long Fiscal Conference. Registration materials were mailed to all pastors, these officers, and church offices. Up to five people from each congregation may attend one of three conferences to be held around the District in August. * August 8 at Lutheran High Northeast, Norfolk * August 15 at Peace, Grand Island * August 22 at Lincoln Lutheran Middle & High School, Lincoln Attendees will have the opportunity for dialog with members of the Nebraska District Board of Directors, members of the district stewardship committee, and staff, as well as learning more about: * How past and current economic conditions intersect with the Church. * The fiscal realities of the Nebraska District and its congregations as members of the LCMS. * Congregational stewardship opportunities. * Personal stewardship education. Those interested in attending may complete and return the registration form mailed to their church office, print and complete a form from the District website, http://www.ndlcms.org/news/conferences/Fiscal.html, or email the information requested on the form to conference at ndlcms.org. The registration deadline is Friday, July 24. More information about the conference is available on the District website, http://www.ndlcms.org/news/conferences/Fiscal.html. Please help the District practice God-pleasing stewardship by pre-registering for the conference you plan to attend, and attending the conference you register for. Thank you. Back to top PERSONAL PEACEMAKING SEMINAR IN LINCOLN Due to our sinful nature we find ourselves in conflict with family, friends, co workers and even people at church. The Nebraska District and Messiah, Lincoln, are hosting a power-packed seminar on how God's ministry of reconciliation is meant to be lived out in your daily life. This one-day seminar on Saturday, August 29, at Messiah (1800 South 84th St.) will teach practical ways to apply your Christian faith in family, business, and church. The following topics will be covered: * Understanding conflict from a Scriptural viewpoint * Identifying worldly and godly responses to conflict * Three opportunities for the Christian in conflict * How to confess your faults without justification * How to forgive others as God forgave you * How to achieve genuine reconciliation * How to negotiate in a God-pleasing manner The registration fee is $20 per person and includes: * Seminar presentation * Breakfast * Lunch * Seminar study guide * Announcing God's Grace through Confession and Forgiveness * Peacemaking Principles Registration materials are being mailed to all church offices this week, and completed forms with payment are due to the District Office no later than August 14. More information and a printable registration form is available on the District website, http://www.ndlcms.org/news/conferences/peacemaking.html. Back to top COLLEGE FRESHMEN CONTACT INFORMATION The Nebraska District is in the process of gathering information to reach out and connect LCMS members who will be attending a college or university during this next academic year with the campus ministry in their area. With your help, we can connect students to a campus ministry before they get on campus. We have learned that a student's first year on campus can be their most impacted. To share the names of students in your congregation, please email Connie Borchers at connieb at ndlcms.org the name, current address, phone number, email address, and the college they will be attending by July 31. You can also go to http://www.ndlcms.org/ministries/district/campus.html and you will find a poster, bulletin announcement, and information on emailing the names of the students. Back to top RURAL/SMALL TOWN CONFERENCE SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE St. Paul Institute for Education (SPIFE) is hosting the third annual Heartland Rural/Small Town conference on November 5-7 at Arbor Lodge Lied Conference Center in Nebraska City. The District is offering 10 scholarships in the amount of $500 for each congregation that sends one pastor and one or more laypersons from their congregation. These scholarships are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. If you would like to take advantage of a scholarship, please contact Connie at connieb at ndlcms.org. Information about the conference and registration can also be found at www.spife.org. Deadline for registration and scholarship application is October 2. Back to top CHRISTIAN TEACHER RESOURCES ON SALE Concordia Publishing House (CPH) invites teachers to shop its July 50%-off sale on teacher resources by visiting http://www.cph.org/cphstore/Category.asp?find%5Fcategory=97643&find%5Fdescription=Teacher+Resource+50%25+Sale&find%5Fpart%5Fdesc. Sale prices are available through the month. Orders can be placed online at www.cph.org or by calling 800-325-3040. "The special prices are a great way for our schools and teachers to get ready for the new school year," shares Joseph Snyder, who is the Director of Marketing for CPH. "August will be here before we know it, and this opportunity will be the best savings for the season." Back to top LLL STATE FAIR SERVICES Pastors and church secretaries, please consider putting the following information in your August newsletter, bulletins, or both. Are you planning to take in the Nebraska State Fair? Will you be there on a Sunday? If so join the Nebraska District Lutheran Laymen as they provide a worship service at the Open Air Auditorium each Sunday at 9:00 a.m. Rev. Paul Holtorf, Associate Professor of Theology, Concordia University, Seward, will be preaching and leading the service on Sunday, August 30. Special music will be provided by the A Cappella Choir of Concordia University under the direction of Kurt Von Kampen. Rev. Keith Grimm will be preaching the message on Sunday, September 6. Pastor Grimm serves as the International Pastoral Advisor of the Lutheran Laymen's League and serves as senior pastor at Beautiful Savior in LaVista. Leading the worship service and sharing the children's message will be Rev. Duane Fahr of First Trinity, Bloomfield. Pastor Fahr serves as the Nebraska District's LLL Pastoral Advisor. Special music will be provided by the Concordia Lutheran Schools, Omaha, NE. High School Choir, under the direction of Peter Klemp. If you are at the fair, don't miss this special time to worship our Lord. Back to top CONCORDIA PUBLISHING HOUSE TO GIVE AWAY LUTHERAN SERVICE BOOK HYMN ACCOMPANIMENT ON CD Music adds much to our worship, but musicians can be hard to find. Well, look no further. Coming in September, the Concordia Organist is a 31-CD set that features every hymn from Lutheran Service Book beautifully played with pipe organ accompaniment. It's a useful tool for congregations of all sizes that need accompaniment for worship, in a chapel or small group setting, or for visitation with shut-ins. Sound like something you could use? Tell us more! >From now until August 14, CPH will accept entries for the "Share the Music" Giveaway. By sharing your story, your congregation will have the chance to receive the Concordia Organist-completely free. When it becomes available on September 1, it will be selling for an introductory price of $499 (regularly $699). In addition to the introductory price of $499, churches are being offered the option of paying in 12 monthly installment payments. Feel free to pre-order your Concordia Organist CD set today by visiting www.cph.org. The Concordia Organist will also be made available to Lutheran Service Builder customers in the fall. For more details, contest information, and to participate, visit www.cph.org/sharethemusic. Share your story for a chance to let us share our music-with you! Back to top REMEMBERING HURRICANE KATRINA Many congregations and individuals in the Nebraska District - LCMS have volunteered at Camp Restore in New Orleans and Camp Biloxi in Mississippi in the past 4 years. As we approach the 4th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, please consider partnering with these two camps in this good work, as well as lifting up the people of the Gulf Coast in prayer. For more information about ways to partner with these ministries and for specific prayers, please visit their website at www.RAIMinistries.org. Back to top JESUS OUR SAVIOR LUTHERAN SCHOOL DEDICATION CELEBRATION The celebration and dedication service for the newest Lutheran school in the Nebraska District, Jesus Our Savior Lutheran School in Winnebago, will be Sunday, August 23, at 4:00 p.m. Everyone is invited to join Pastor Ricky Jacob and teachers Jana Inglehart and Connie Wobken for this special day of celebration and thanksgiving. Back to top OVERSEAS SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES Honduras Heart for Honduras is looking for doctors, nurses, dentists, and all cadre of health workers for a medical team to go to Honduras September 14 to October 1. The cost is $1,000. Heart for Honduras is a ministry of Salem Lutheran Church, Tomball Texas. Please email Tom Gloyer at tgloyer at homehealthstore.com or call 281-351-6216 ext. 202 for more information. If you have any additional questions, please contact Lutherans in Medical Missions at limm at limm.org. Thailand Right now you have the opportunity to meet an urgent need as a relationship builder through English as a Foreign Language (EFL) in Thailand. LCMS World Mission needs mature individuals to serve as GEO missionaries in Thailand. These missionaries will teach English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classes five days a week-four weekdays and Saturdays. During the weekdays, they will teach English classes, interact with students before and after class, and help lead weekly outreach groups between classes. These outreach groups are geared toward sharing the Gospel and building relationships. To learn how you can serve God by going global, go here: www.lcmsworldmission.org/searchopps. Contact an LCMS World Mission placement counselor at 1-800-433-3954 or mission.recruitment at lcms.org. Back to top CONGREGATION MAILBOXES AVAILABLE Messiah, Lincoln, has "pigeon hole" type mailboxes available for any congregation that wants to pick them up. They are made of wood and are two sided. There are three sets: * Two cases have 5 rows with 24 boxes on each side. Total boxes available 240 per case. * One case has 8 rows with 24 boxes on each side. Total boxes available 384 this case. These all sit on an oak base cupboard that has shelves with doors on each side. Anyone needing further information can call Susan Bray at 402-489-3024 or email her at sbray at messiahlincoln.org. Back to top LUTHERAN FAMILY SERVICES' GLOBAL VOICES EVENING Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska's Global Voices Evening is a new event this year to benefit the LFS Community Services Department and to celebrate Nebraska's rich cultural diversity. The event is Saturday, August 1, from 6-9 p.m. at the Hilton Omaha, 1001 Cass Street (across from the Qwest Center). The cost is $75 and includes a silent auction featuring unique, culturally-diverse items, a reception and dinner. Join LFS for an evening filled with music, education and cultural dance as we welcome our newest neighbors from many countries abroad and experience together the vibrant cultural diversity throughout our state. Mary Pipher of Lincoln, author of Reviving Ophelia and The Middle of Everywhere, will be the featured speaker. For reservations or more information, contact Kim Thomas at 402-536-3505 or kthomas at lfsneb.org. Back to top Blessings, Nichole Hetz Nebraska District LCMS Director of Communications 1-888-643-2961 nicholeh at ndlcms.org www.ndlcms.org * Please Note: The inclusion of items in the Update from outside sources is for informational purposes only. Inclusion of such items does not constitute District endorsement. -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: text/html Size: 52171 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20090708/e78aa166/attachment.txt From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Jul 22 14:07:29 2009 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 22 Jul 2009 19:07:29 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] July 22 Message-ID: Update for July 22 A publication of the Nebraska District, a District ABLAZE! Greetings in the name of our Heavenly Father, who blesses His earth with sunshine and rain. As summer continues with beautiful weather and needed rain, we give thanks to God for His goodness. * Prayer Requests * Convention Issue of Nebraska Lutheran Reporter on Its Way * Fiscal Conference Registrations Due Friday * President Kieschnick's Convention Report Available Online * Four Scholarships Still Available for Rural Ministry Conference * Nebraskan Re-Elected to Int'l LLL Board of Governors * Post-Abortion Aftermath and Healing Workshop * Overseas Mission Opportunities * CPH Announces Online Sale of 50 to 80 Percent Off * Nebraska Lutherans for Confessional Study to Meet * Lutheran Catechetical Conference * Eden By the Sea Ministry * LWR is Responding to Millions of East Africans Threatened by Drought PRAYER REQUESTS Pastor Mike and Stacey Meyer - Pastor Mike and Stacey Meyer were blessed with a son, Clayton Jon, on July 9 at 7:35 a.m., 8 lbs. 2 oz, 20 inches long. Clayton joins older siblings Courtney, Caleb, and Colton. Praise God for all of His blessings. Mike is the associate pastor at Trinity in Fremont, and his wife, Stacey, teaches 6th grade in their Christian day school. The Family of Rev. George Bruening - Rev. George Bruening, former Kansas District President, was called to glory on Monday, July 20. Services will be held Friday morning, July 24, at 11 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, 1716 Gage Blvd., Topeka, Kansas. George served Kansas as District President from 1978 - 1985. George is survived by his daughter, Dee McKinney and her husband of Boulder City, NV, and a sister in Elgin, IL. His wife, Lourine, died in August of 2002. Please remember his family in your prayers, asking that the Lord will grant them comfort and peace at this time. Back to top CONVENTION ISSUE OF NEBRASKA LUTHERAN REPORTER ON ITS WAY The July/August Nebraska Lutheran Reporter is due to be in the mail today and tomorrow and on the way to church offices yet this week. The newsletter was delayed due to its larger size and oversized mailing bundles. This 12-page newspaper issue will tell the story of the Nebraska District Convention and introduce the people of the district to the 2009-2012 Board of Directors. An electronic version of the newsletter is available on the District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/news/communications/reporter.html. However, this file is not full size and is not suitable for printing for distribution. If your church office needs additional copies, please contact me at nicholeh at ndlcms.org. Thank you for your efforts in getting this informative newsletter in the hands of all of your members. Back to top FISCAL CONFERENCE REGISTRATIONS DUE FRIDAY Registrations for the upcoming day-long fiscal conferences across the Nebraska District are due this Friday, July 24. There is no cost to attend a conference, but pre-registration is required to allow us to prepare adequate printed materials and meals. All pastors, principals, congregational chairmen, congregational treasurers, and stewardship board chairs are invited to be the guests of the District for these Fiscal Conferences to be held around the District in August. August 8 at Lutheran High Northeast, Norfolk August 15 at Peace, Grand Island August 22 at Lincoln Lutheran Middle & High School, Lincoln Attendees will have the opportunity for dialog with members of the Nebraska District Board of Directors, members of the district stewardship committee, and staff, as well as learning more about: * How past and current economic conditions intersect with the Church. * The fiscal realities of the Nebraska District and its congregations as members of the LCMS. * Congregational stewardship opportunities. * Personal stewardship education. More information about the conference is available on the District website, http://www.ndlcms.org/news/conferences/Fiscal.html. Please help the District practice God-pleasing stewardship by pre-registering for the conference you plan to attend, and attending the conference you register for. Thank you. Back to top PRESIDENT KIESCHNICK'S CONVENTION REPORT AVAILABLE ONLINE The video report that President Kieschnick presented to the delegates at the District Convention is now available on the LCMS website for viewing and use by congregations and their members. The introductory statement to the 2009 District Convention video report that President Kieschnick shared at the district conventions is also posted on the President's website. The video and the introductory statement are easily accessible from the President's home page: www.lcms.org/president. You will see the reference to the report on the President's home page, along with links to the video and to the statement. Web links for downloading the video are on the same webpage as the video for viewing. This page may also be accessed from the Nebraska District convention page at http://www.ndlcms.org/news/convention/index.html. Back to top FOUR SCHOLARSHIPS STILL AVAILABLE FOR RURAL MINISTRY CONFERENCE St. Paul Institute for Education (SPIFE) is hosting the third annual Heartland Rural/Small Town conference on November 5-7 at Arbor Lodge Lied Conference Center in Nebraska City. The District offered 10 scholarships, and there are still 4 available, in the amount of $500 for each congregation that sends one pastor and one or more lay leaders from their congregation. These scholarships are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. If you would like to take advantage of a scholarship, please contact Connie at connieb at ndlcms.org. Information about the conference and registration can also be found at www.spife.org. Deadline for registration and scholarship application is October 2. Back to top NEBRASKAN RE-ELECTED TO INT'L LLL BOARD OF GOVERNORS At its 92nd International Convention in Greensboro, North Carolina, the International Lutheran Laymen's League (Int'l LLL) elected Lou Marting to the post of vice president, Ed Tiefenbach to the position of treasurer, and Paul Walther to the position of secretary. Eight other people were elected to fill regional governing positions. Lorris Haarberg of Arapahoe, Nebraska, was re-elected as governor of Region 9. He is a graduate of the University of Nebraska in Lincoln and majored in Agriculture Economics. He owns and manages a supermarket in Arapahoe. He has been very active in civic positions (including the Lions Club, on committees, and president of the Chamber of Commerce). As a member of Trinity Lutheran in Arapahoe, Haarberg has served on various committees dealing with worship, education, evangelism, and elders, and was congregational chairman. In the LLL he has been a district president, vice president, and secretary. More information on the LLL Convention is available on the Lutheran Hour Ministries website, http://www.lhm.org/convention/default.htm. Back to top POST-ABORTION AFTERMATH AND HEALING WORKSHOP A post-abortion aftermath and healing workshop will be offered on Friday, July 31, in Dawson Hall at the Blessed John XXIII Center (3700 Sheridan Blvd.) in Lincoln. The presenter is Mrs. Vicki Thorn, the founder of Project Rachel, a post-abortion outreach that helps to heal the psychological and spiritual wounds of abortion. Mrs. Thorn is a very dynamic and knowledgeable speaker. The topics covered include: biology of pregnancy; dealing with newly aborted women; manifestations of abortion's aftermath in women; impact of abortion on men, grandparents, siblings, and friends; and the process of post-abortion healing. Pastors and all others interested in this topic are invited to attend, especially mental health professionals (CEUs are available). More information and a registration form is available online at: http://www.nebcathcon.org/Project%20Rachel%20Registration%20Form.pdf. Back to top OVERSEAS MISSION OPPORTUNITIES LCMS World Relief and Human Care Mercy Medical Teams seeks medical, health, and interested laity as volunteers for trips to Madagascar on October 21-November 1, and to Kenya on November 14-25, 2009. The teams will be personally accompanied and led by two experienced staff members of LCMS World Relief and Human Care. There will be an introductory clinical orientation and team-building session before teams start clinical work to serve the extremely underserved poor in these two countries. The trip includes a day of rest for shopping and other activities and there will be an opportunity to participate in end-of-trip recreational activities. Volunteers cover the cost of the trip which includes air travel from a designated central airport and a flat fee for ground transportation, lodging, and medical supplies for the needy estimated at the "good faith" cost of $2,000. If costs are less than anticipated you will receive a refund. This fee does not account for international airfare. In order to confirm your spot on the Madagascar or Kenya team, call or write Jacob Fiene at Jacob.Fiene at lcms.org or at 800-248-1930, ext. 1278, or cell at 314-960-3645 with any questions or concerns. Back to top CPH ANNOUNCES ONLINE SALE OF 50 TO 80 PERCENT OFF Concordia Publishing House is offering nearly 300 products at 50 to 80 percent off, while supplies last, during its Online Warehouse Sale. Included in the sale are: * adult and youth Bible studies. * Bibles. * books for children, teens, adults, and professional church workers. * bulletins and posters. * gifts, such as jewelry, mugs, baby items, and artwork. * Spanish-language children's books and vacation Bible school products. To shop the online sale, visit http://www.cph.org/cphstore/Category.asp?find_category=97618&find_description=Online+Warehouse+Sale&find_part_desc. For more information, contact CPH at 800-325-3040. Back to top NEBRASKA LUTHERANS FOR CONFESSIONAL STUDY TO MEET The July gathering of the Nebraska Lutherans for Confessional Study (NLCS) will be held on Thursday, July 23, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 3825 Wildbriar Lane in Lincoln. Refreshments will be in the fellowship hall at 9:30 a.m., followed by Matins at 10 a.m. Presenter for the day will be Rev. Luke Russert, member of Good Shepherd and visitation pastor for Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Crete. His topic will be "The Lord's Supper in Luther's Lectures on Genesis." The morning session will start at about 10:30 a.m.; following lunch the afternoon topic will start at about 1 p.m. 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 LUTHERAN CATECHETICAL CONFERENCE Immanuel, Lincoln, is hosting a free Lutheran Catechetical Conference on Friday, August 14 at the church (2001 South 11th Street, [11th and South], Lincoln). All clergy, professional church workers, and laity are invited to attend this day-long conference. The schedule is as follows: 9:00 Matins 9:30 Teaching the 10 Commandments Speaker: Rev. Robert Wentzel, Trinity Lutheran Church, Walton, NE 10:15 Q&A 10:30 Teaching the Apostles' Creed Speaker: Rev. Brent Kuhlman, Trinity Lutheran Church, Murdock, NE 11:15 Q&A 11:30 Lunch break (on your own) 1:00 Teaching the Lord's Prayer Speaker: Rev. Dr. Georg Williams, Zion Lutheran Church, Ainsworth, NE 1:45 Q&A 2:00 Panel Discussion 2:45 Closing Prayer CPH and Concordia Catechetical Academy material/information will be available at the conference. Back to top EDEN BY THE SEA MINISTRY Eden by the Sea is a non-profit (501c3) retreat ministry designed solely for the rest and renewal of Lutheran church workers and their spouses. In its sixth year of ministry, hosting over 100 couples thus far, Eden by the Sea is a very unique and much-needed ministry providing a customized experience of renewal, rest and recreation in one of the most beautiful places in God's creation - Hawaii. Not only is Eden by the Sea focused specifically on offering a customized, private, comfortable and totally relaxing experience for our tired Lutheran church workers (and their spouses), but the requested donation is under $70 a night - a fourth of the cost of other vacation accommodations of this quality and location on the island. Please visit their website, www.edenbythesea.org, and if you are interested in receiving more information, please contact them by phone, or email via their website. They would love to answer all your questions and bless you with the peace & renewal of our Lord through the ministry of Eden by the Sea. Back to top LWR IS RESPONDING TO MILLIONS OF EAST AFRICANS THREATENED BY DROUGHT Lutheran World Relief is mounting an intense relief effort in East Africa where prolonged drought conditions have caused successive crop failure and depleted livestock herds, leaving many East African households vulnerable to hunger. "The worsening global food and economic crises have left millions of East Africans extremely vulnerable to hunger," says Alissa Karg, LWR's Deputy Regional Director for Africa. "Lutheran World Relief must raise funds now to respond to this crisis and save lives." Kenya is the worst hit nation, with three consecutive years without sufficient rainfall, leaving 2.5 million people without reliable sources of food-a number that is likely to rise to 2.9 million by November 2009, according to Famine Early Warning Systems network. In turn, food shortages have caused food prices to further increase- 33% over the past year, according to the National Bureau of Statistics of Kenya. Uganda also faces severe food shortages due to drought, especially in its northern and northeastern regions among populations already struggling to recover from decades of armed conflict between the Ugandan government and the rebel Lord's Resistance Army (LRA). The long nationwide dry spell, and the practice of exporting food crops, has further drained the country's overextended food supply. Likewise, in drought-afflicted and resource-depleted areas in Sudan, lack of adequate grazing land and water could re-ignite conflict as resources become severely limited. Erratic rainfall in May and June has impaired the cropping season and delayed planting, leaving many Sudanese states at risk of widespread hunger at harvest time in November 2009. In Tanzania, depleted vegetation and dried water reservoirs have put a particular strain on the Tanzanian "breadbasket"-places such as the Ngorongoro District in Arusha Region- where the majority of the country's food crops are grown. The resulting food shortages have forced the country to intensify border post security to monitor and prevent food exports. An estimated 240,000 people are in need of immediate relief food in Tanzania. In response to this crisis, LWR is working with partners on the ground in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Sudan to help families cope with drought conditions and protect their land and income for the future. Work focuses on planting drought-resistant crops, applying improved growing methods to increase crop yields during drought conditions, training communities to conserve water, helping to dig boreholes and install irrigation systems, and helping farmers purchase tools, seeds and fertilizers by helping them access credit. LWR has been working in East Africa since the early 1980s, helping impoverished rural communities grow food, access water, and better support themselves. "By helping communities better adapt to drought conditions, we are ensuring that people have what they need to survive, and recover from drought," continues Karg. Lutheran World Relief is accepting donations for the East Africa Drought Fund online at www.lwr.org, by phone at 800-LWR-LWR-2, or by mail at PO Box 17061, Baltimore, MD 21298-9832. Back to top Blessings, Nichole Hetz Nebraska District LCMS Director of Communications 1-888-643-2961 nicholeh at ndlcms.org www.ndlcms.org * Please Note: The inclusion of items in the Update from outside sources is for informational purposes only. Inclusion of such items does not constitute District endorsement. -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: text/html Size: 47468 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20090722/0e6a2f70/attachment.txt From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Jul 29 10:00:13 2009 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 29 Jul 2009 15:00:13 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] July 29 Message-ID: [cid:image002.jpg at 01CA1033.590D97C0] July 29, 2009 In this Issue: Greetings in the name of our Heavenly Father, who blesses His earth with sunshine and rain. As summer continues with beautiful weather and needed rain, we give thanks to God for His goodness. I'm sure you noticed the new look of this week's Update. In an attempt to "update" and freshen the look, we are trying out this new layout. Please feel free to share your thoughts and comments on the readability or usability of this new format by emailing communications at ndlcms.org. If you aren't able to view this email properly, email me at nicholeh at ndlcms.org. The Email Update is sent to anyone who is interested in the mission and ministry of the Nebraska District. This weekly newsletter shares information and happenings from around the District and throughout the LCMS. * Prayer Requests * Help College Freshmen Get Connected * Geared Up! Event for Youth * K4 Restoration Sunday * National Youth Gathering E-Newsletter * Lost and Found in Concert in Nebraska * JCPlay Zone Helps Beat Summer Boredom * Wooden Pews for Sale * Lutheran Museum Opens at LCMS International Center * Concordia University, Seward, to Offer Free Tuition to Veterans * LWML Awards Lutheran World Relief Mission Grant * Office Furniture Sale at Concordia University, Seward * Requests for Health Kits Outpace Availability * New from Concordia Publishing House PRAYER REQUESTS Pastor Brian Francik - We give thanks to God for the upcoming wedding of Pastor Brian Francik and Tamara Brose this Sunday, August 2. Pastor Francik and Tamara will be married in California this weekend. We praise God for joining these two lives and pray that He will be with them as they begin their lives together. Pastor Francik serves at St. Peter in Deshler. Pastor Dan and Deb Heuer - We join in prayers of thanks with Pastor Dan and Deb Heuer of Trinity, Fremont, at the birth of a grandson, Eli Jacob Sankey, born to their daughter Sara and her husband Thad. Back to top HELP COLLEGE FRESHMEN GET CONNECTED The Nebraska District is in the process of gathering information to reach out and connect LCMS members who will be attending a college or university during this next academic year with the campus ministry in their area. With your help, we can connect students to a campus ministry before they get on campus. We have learned that a student's first year on campus can be their most impacted. To share the names of students in your congregation, please email Connie Borchers at connieb at ndlcms.org the name, current address, phone number, email address, and the college they will be attending by July 31. You can also go to http://www.ndlcms.org/ministries/district/campus.html and you will find a poster, bulletin announcement, and information on emailing the names of the students. Back to top GEARED UP! EVENT FOR YOUTH It's time to get "Geared Up!" for the Geared Up! Youth Gathering at Pershing Center, Lincoln, Nebraska on October 9-10, 2009. Featuring Dr. Micah Parker, Travis Hartjen, Jeffrey Meinz, Leon Jameson, Gretchen Jameson, Room211 Band, and "These Guys," this day and a half event is designed to encourage students to become "imitators of Christ" through a life of service. Early bird pricing ends August 18. Interested youth and leaders can check out the information and schedule at www.unpavedministries.org. Back to top K4 RESTORATION SUNDAY As we approach the 4th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina (Aug. 29), RAI Ministries boldly asks you to partner with them in their restoration work in the areas still affected by this storm. They are asking each congregation to observe "Restoration Sunday" on any Sunday in August of their choosing this year. They ask you to do four things: * Lift up the people of the Gulf Coast in prayer. * Keep the story alive, tell others about God's work in the Gulf Coast. * Go volunteer. * Help raise the funds to continue this good work. For more information and materials, including additional K4 event opportunities, please visit their K4 Resource Page at http://raiministries.org/index.php/getinvolved/restoration or call them at 888-248-2636. Back to top NATIONAL YOUTH GATHERING E-NEWSLETTER The LCMS Youth Ministry staff has developed a Gathering Update e-newsletter full of important information for leaders and youth interested in attending the 2010 National Youth Gathering in New Orleans. Find all the latest information and sign up to receive your own gathering updates by visiting the "latest news" page on the Gathering website at http://www.lcmsgathering.com/?PageID=11063. You can receive more newsletters with information like this: A new Fundraising page was created to help foster creative ways to raise funds for the Gathering. Here is one of the ideas we've received: St. Peter Lutheran Church in North Bend, Nebraska, is planning a Christian rock concert this summer! The youth group discussed their plans to attend the National LCMS Youth Gathering with the band, and the band agreed to a 50/50 split on the ticket revenue. They were able to get a local college to donate space to have the concert. They also plan on having a concession stand to help bring in a little more. The youth group is hoping to sell 1,000 tickets at $10 each to give their half of the tickets $5,000 plus the concession stand sales. For more ideas check out the fundraising page on the Gathering website. If your group is doing something unique for your fundraising efforts we would like to hear what you are doing: youth.ministry at lcms.org. Check out the fundraising discussion on the Facebook group site as well. Now that you are starting to raise funds for the Gathering, what are you going to do with those funds? Individual churches disperse their fundraising dollars in several different ways. Two DCE's who have set up effective dispersion methods are Jeremy Becker at Concordia Lutheran Church in Kirkwood, MO and Brent Howard of Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Aurora, CO. If you are interested in learning how Brent or Jeremy divvy up funds to their youth, look them up on the LCMS Church Workers Directory and send them an email. >From the Youth Worker Prayer Book: (Resource available from the Youth Ministry Office - www.lcms.org/dcsstore) Heavenly Father, All good gifts come from You. Thank You for entrusting us with talents, abilities and assets. You challenge us to use them wisely. Please help all of us, children, teens and adults, to recognize the gifts You have given each of us and enable us to be good stewards of those gifts. Show us how to bring out the best in each other and rejoice in who You made us to be. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Back to top LOST AND FOUND IN CONCERT IN NEBRASKA Camp Luther is sponsoring Lost and Found in three concerts at three Lutheran high schools in Nebraska August 14-16. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. each night, with the event beginning at 6:30 p.m. Lincoln Lutheran Jr./Sr. High School, Lincoln August 14 Lutheran High School Northeast, Norfolk August 15 Heartland Lutheran High School, Grand Island August 16 Advance tickets are available and recommended for groups wishing to attend. Anyone may purchase tickets by contacting Camp Luther at 402-352-5655 or visiting www.campluther.org. Camp Luther is offering a July Special! Purchase (request and pay for) your tickets by July 31and get tickets at the following prices: 20 tickets or more and pay $5 per ticket. 10-19 tickets and pay $7.50 per ticket. 1-9 tickets and pay $10.00 per ticket. Tickets are $15 each after July 31 or at the door. More information on Lost and Found is available at www.speedwood.com. Back to top JCPLAY ZONE HELPS BEAT SUMMER BOREDOM As the summer heats up, the kids are looking for something new and exciting ... and maybe something indoors! LHM's interactive Web site for kids, JCPlayZone, is just the thing. JCPlayZone has it all: games, coloring pages, crafts, e-cards, and much more. New content is added often to keep the site fresh and fun. JCPlayZone also features Bible stories, Christian music, and Daily Devotions to teach the kids about Jesus while they play. The "Bee Attitudes" downloadable coloring book is a popular feature for churches and schools alike. Your church or school can customize the coloring book with service times, contact information, or a special event schedule. One church customized and printed 1,000 coloring books and used them to invite Vacation Bible School participants to church services. The coloring book teaches children to "Bee Happy," "Bee Joyful," "Bee Patient," and others, covering the Beatitudes from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:3-12). The coloring book even allows children to think of their own "Bee Attitude." Just click "Coloring" from the JCPlayZone home page. LHM is also working on a new game that will teach children common words and numbers in Spanish, along with a sprinkling of "heavenly" words! This game is sure to be a favorite! Other games include "Wacky Word Search," "Bramble Ramble," "Bubble Bugs," "Creation Matching," and much more. To start playing now, visit www.jcplayzone.com. Back to top WOODEN PEWS FOR SALE Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church in Omaha has over 30 solid oak pews with padded seats to sell for less than $10.00 per foot. 29 pews at 15' 11 7/8" 4 pews at 13' 5 1/2" 2 pews at 11' 5 5/8" 2 pews at 14' 5 1/2" 1 pews at 18' 5 1/2" These oak pews are in very good condition. They will sell the entire lot of 38 pews for $4499 or best offer. You will need to arrange pickup from Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church (15005 Q St), Omaha. For further information or to see photos of the pews, please contact Bill Seim at Divine Shepherd at 402-895-1500 or bill at dsomaha.org. Back to top LUTHERAN MUSEUM OPENS AT LCMS INTERNATIONAL CENTER Concordia Historical Institute Museum, a state-of-the-art learning facility dedicated to preserving the history and celebrating the heritage of Lutheranism in America, opened Monday, July 27, to the public. Located at The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod's (LCMS) International Center at 1333 S. Kirkwood Rd., Kirkwood, Mo., the museum will be open weekdays, except holidays, from 8:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Admission is free and the museum is fully accessible. The museum's exhibits showcase five major periods in the history of the LCMS: * Luther and the Reformation - describing the origins of the Lutheran church in mid-16th-century Europe and providing insight into the life of Martin Luther. * Colonists and Missionaries to America - tracing the travels of the Saxon immigrants to the United States and missionaries who helped form the LCMS in 1847. * Growth of a Synod - illustrating the growth of the LCMS in the 19th century as the young church organized under its first president, Dr. C.F.W. Walther, to reach the people of America with the Word of God. * From St. Louis to the World - demonstrating how from its founding near St. Louis the church's mission work has expanded domestically and internationally. * An Unchanging Message for a Changing World - indicating how the LCMS has worked to meet the challenges of proclaiming the Gospel in the 20th century and into the future through the use of new media, an expanding system of higher education, and outreach to all parts of society. Concordia Historical Institute (CHI), the Department of Archives and History of the LCMS, will operate the museum. Tours are self-guided; however, groups are encouraged to give advance notice. For more information, call 314-505-7900 or write chi at lutheranhistory.org. "We give all thanks and glory to God for bringing us to this special day, the grand opening of the CHI Museum," said Rev. Marvin Huggins, CHI's interim executive director. "We welcome all to this museum, and it is our prayer that visitors will come away with an enhanced understanding of the significant history of Lutheranism in America and a clearer perspective on the church's work to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ while serving its members, communities, and the world." Back to top CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY, SEWARD, TO OFFER FREE TUITION TO VETERANS Qualified veterans will be able to attend Concordia University, Nebraska this fall tuition-free. As a participating institution in the recently-enacted Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program, Concordia has teamed up with the Veterans Administration to cover all tuition expenses for veterans. "Concordia is excited to offer our excellent Christian education at no cost to those who have served our country in recent years," said Brian Friedrich, president of Concordia. "It is a small way we can honor them for their service and ensure their futures are as bright as the futures they have helped to secure for others." The Yellow Ribbon Program is a provision of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008. Institutions that voluntarily enter into a Yellow Ribbon Agreement with Veterans Affairs choose the percentage of tuition and fees that will be waived. Veterans Affairs then matches that percentage and issue payment directly to the institution. Students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs at Concordia are eligible, and Concordia has placed no limit on the number of eligible veterans who may enroll and take part in the program. Most students taking part in the program will have the cost of room, board and books paid for as well. Under another provision of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, a housing allowance and the books and supplies stipend is also provided. Once a service member has applied for benefits with the Department of Veterans Affairs, they will receive their Certificate of Eligibility and notice of their qualification to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program. Students must be accepted to Concordia through the standard admission procedures. More information is available on Concordia's site at www.cune.edu/yellowribbon. Back to top LWML AWARDS LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF MISSION GRANT Delegates to the 33rd Biennial Convention of the Lutheran Women's Missionary League (LWML), voted to provide an $80,000 mission grant to Lutheran World Relief to defray the costs of shipping more than 100,000 Lutheran-made quilts to people in need worldwide. The Lutheran Women's Missionary League is an official auxiliary of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. LWR's mission grant proposal, one of 19 selected at the convention to receive funding, received overwhelming support, receiving 340 votes out of 601 voting delegates at the convention. The Biennial Convention was held June 24-28 in Portland, Oregon. "Lutheran World Relief is so appreciative to have our quilt ministry affirmed this way," says Brenda Meier, LWR's Director for Congregation & Community Engagement. "LWML has been a longtime partner in ministry and this generous mission grant will continue to strengthen the work we achieve together." The grant will be funded over the next two years as part of the LWML's 2009-2011 biennium mission goal of $1.825 million. It is the largest in the organization's 67-year history-$125,000 more than the previous mission goal. The funds are raised by the LWML's 250,000 members nationwide. "This mission grant will help sustain the ministry that so many LWML members have been a part of for generations. The women work long hours to sew the quilts they donate to Lutheran World Relief," said Melanie Gibbons, Parish Projects Coordinator for LWR. Gibbons works with Lutheran quilting and kit-making groups through the U.S. "The quilts they make are offerings of peace, comfort and compassion, carefully pieced together as expressions of Christian love. Through this project, both LWML and LWR serve as the hands of Christ to bring healing to those in need," Gibbons said. Last year, LWR distributed more than 455,000 quilts to people in need in 27 countries. Back to top OFFICE FURNITURE SALE AT CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY, SEWARD Concordia University in Seward is doing some cleaning/recycling by offering older/unused furniture items for sale. Come check out office desks, chairs, bookcases, file cabinets, tables, odds & ends, etc. Money raised will go toward campus improvement projects. Take part in the "Leftover Office Furniture Sale" on Friday, August 7, from 12 noon until 6 p.m. The sale will be at the Health and Human Performance house at the end of Faculty Lane (north of the library) on campus. Back to top REQUESTS FOR HEALTH KITS OUTPACE AVAILABILITY Lutheran World Relief's supply of health kits remains critically low as requests for assistance across the world increase. The kits-containing basic hygiene supplies to help reduce the spread of germs and disease-are sent around the world to people dealing with the affects of war, disaster, and poverty. As humanitarian crises escalate, requests for LWR health kits are outpacing the inflow of health kit donations from groups and congregations throughout the United States. "The shortage of health kits is getting more drastic each week," notes Trevor Knoblich, who manages LWR's quilt and kit inventories. "We simply do not have the stock to fulfill needs." LWR needs more than 56,000 health kits to fill planned shipments to Azerbaijan, Mauritania, Tanzania, Belarus, Burkina Faso, Palestine (Gaza), Philippines, Peru and Guatemala by year's end. "We hope to see a big increase in health kits as a result of fall ingathering contributions," says Melanie Gibbons, LWR's Parish Projects Coordinator. Ingatherings are events at which churches, service groups and individuals meet regionally to consolidate and ship their quilts and kits in bulk to LWR's warehouses. Many such ingatherings occur in October and November throughout the U.S. "Kits not only send a tangible message of God's love amidst suffering, they also save lives. Health kits, in particular, help families stay healthy in difficult living conditions," says Brenda Meier, LWR's Director for Congregation and Community Engagement. "If you already have a kit making ministry, we are asking that you send as many health kits as you can. If your church or service group does not yet have a ministry, it is a great way to engage people of all ages in service to their brothers and sisters in need," says Gibbons. In addition to the critical need for health kits, LWR continues to work to meet the requests for quilts, school kits, sewing kits, layettes, and soap. Instructions for making health kits, as well as how to assemble other kits and material aid items, are available on the LWR website at www.lwr.org/beinvolved. Or call 1-800-LWR-LWR-2 to request a copy of "Be Involved," a free resource that includes instructions on kit making. Back to top NEW FROM CONCORDIA PUBLISHING HOUSE New Bible Study for Men Offers 'Adventure and Challenge' Concordia Publishing House announces Blessed Is the Man, a new Bible study for use in both individual and group settings. Based on the Psalms, the resource includes daily reading and life-application questions, and study options for small group formats. The first two studies in the series are available online at www.cph.org/men or by calling 800-325-3040. "This Bible study for men creates a fun and challenging place for men to be men," says Jim Stropnik, manager of Bible studies and Bibles at Concordia Publishing House. "The study uses chapters written by everyday guys and encourages guys to rediscover the adventure in life through reading real stories about a real Savior." Authors include pastors and men who come from a "wide-range of life experiences," including work as executives, entertainers, in the IT field, as private pilots, and professional church workers. "This study offers men a way to see how Scripture applies in their day-to-day experiences," says Rev. Robert Baker, editor for the project. "Men's ministries are on the rise, including in the LCMS with programs like the Men's Ministry Network from Lutheran Hour Ministries, and this study is a great fit for use as part of those programs. The Psalms are an incredible first-person way to see how God works in men's lives; after all they were written by a real guy's-guy, King David!" Two more books that will complete the series are scheduled for an early 2010 release. "Blessed Is the Man is the perfect resource to combine men's activities like watching football with studying God's Word. Give men a time to reflect and connect," Stropnik says. Evangelism Resources Offer Tools to Witness Faith Concordia Publishing House introduces two evangelism resources to help Christians share their faith, How to Share Christ Confidently and What Jesus Means to Me, available for $2.99 each. How to Share Christ Confidently explores practical techniques for witnessing in any situation. Each chapter includes exercises designed to confront and overcome the fear of witnessing. What Jesus Means to Me is a collection of personal stories of faith, written in a conversational style. "Often, people feel uncomfortable witnessing," says, Ken Liszewski, manager of books for Concordia Publishing House. "These new evangelism resources offer suggestions and information, as well as encouragement from other believers to share the Good News, always relying on God's action through His Word and Spirit to form faith." Bible Studies Compare World Religions and Christian Denominations Concordia Publishing House announces its release of two youth Bible studies; One God, many gods, an exploration of world religions, and One Christ, Many Creeds, a comparison study of Christian denominations. One God, many gods has been updated and presents the primary differences of world religions alongside the common creed of the Christian faith. "The original edition was among Concordia's best-selling youth studies, and the new edition includes updated data and also focuses on emergent religions," says Youth Editor, Mark Sengele. The new edition, written by Dr. Adam Francisco, includes six religions not featured in the first. Dr. Francisco is a professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, IN. One Christ, Many Creeds compares Lutheranism with 15 other Christian doctrines, leading youth to a greater understanding of the teachings of the Lutheran church. Sengele shares, "Lutheran young people long to understand the differences between what they believe and what their Christian friends believe. One Christ leads students to appropriately understand differences as well as important teachings that we have in common with other Christian people." Concordia Commentary-Amos Concordia Publishing House (CPH) announces the availability of the newest Concordia Commentary-Amos. The Concordia Commentary series is developed to "help to pastors and teachers of the Word to proclaim the Gospel with insight and clarity." Concordia Commentaries affirm the inspiration and authority of Scripture and offer a literal translation, textual notes, and theological exposition to present the distinctive themes of Holy Scripture. Detailed product information is available online at www.cph.org, keyword: Amos. "Dr. Lessing 'restores the roar' of the Lion from the tribe of Judah through His prophet Amos," says Dr. Christopher Mitchell, Concordia Publishing House commentary editor. "This commentary elucidates the rhetorical details and theological message of this important prophecy, which proclaims well-deserved judgment for the impenitent, yet also consoles the believer with its promises of the new covenant in Christ, His Church, and the new creation." Children's Prayer Book Teaches Life-Long Practice Of Prayer Concordia Publishing House introduces a prayer book for children, A Child's Book of Prayers. A Child's Book of Prayers includes an illustrated collection of prayers for praise and thanksgiving, confession and intercession, as well as prayers for special occasions and daily routines. A Child's Book of Prayers features more than 85 new and traditional prayers sorted by theme. The resource encourages parents and children to move beyond reciting prayers to truly speaking them. The book is available online at www.cph.org (keyword: prayers), or by calling 800-325-3040. "Our job as parents, grandparents, and teachers is to make sure that our children know the importance, comfort, and power of prayer," says Ken Liszewski, manager of books for Concordia Publishing House. "A Child's Book of Prayers is the perfect book to share with your children to help them learn to pray and share their lives with God." Back to top Summer 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: 70231 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20090729/742ace52/attachment.txt -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image002.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 12656 bytes Desc: image002.jpg Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20090729/742ace52/image002-0001.jpg From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Jul 1 10:42:29 2009 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:42:29 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] July 1 Message-ID: Update for July 1 A publication of the Nebraska District, a District ABLAZE! This Saturday gives us another reminder of the precious freedom Americans have to live free from tyranny and oppression. It can also remind us of the even greater freedom Christians have through Jesus Christ. Paul writes in his letter to the Galatians, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free." (Gal. 5:1) What a blessing that we receive this freedom from sin and eternal death as a gift from God so that we may be free to share this Good News with people in our families and communities. May we find opportunities this weekend and always to share our joy in this freedom with those around us. The Nebraska District staff wishes you a happy and safe Fourth of July weekend. * Prayer Request * District Office Holiday Hours * Deaconesses Available to Serve * Correction to Last Week's VBS Article * Revised Donna Meyer Speaking Schedule * Witnessing in Song - Concordia A Cappella Choir Tour Report * Overseas Service Opportunities * Concordia Tops Nation in NAIA Scholar Athletes * New Project Connect Booklets from Lutheran Hour Ministries * Technology Provides Access to Resources from LCMS, CPH, and Seminary * District Pastor Earns Doctorate PRAYER REQUEST Rev. John and Martha Deang - Please lift up in prayer Rev. John and Martha Deang as they travel back from Sudan. Rev. Deang, Nebraska District missionary-at-large for African immigrant ministry, has been in East Africa and Sudan for over six months working on behalf of the Nebraska District with our mission partners there. He and Martha were married in April, and they are returning to Nebraska this weekend. Please pray for safety as they travel, and ask our heavenly Father to bless them as they make their new home together here in Nebraska. This will be Martha's first time in the United States, and we pray that God will be with her and help her as she adjusts to her new life. Back to top DISTRICT OFFICE HOLIDAY HOURS The District Office will be closed Friday, July 3, in observance of Independence Day. The office will reopen Monday, July 6, at 8:00 a.m. with staff devotions. A safe and blessed Fourth of July to all! Back to top DEACONESSES AVAILABLE TO SERVE Currently at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, nine deaconess candidates are on the waiting list for placement into a diaconal ministry of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. Some have been waiting for over four years for placement. (At the conclusion of the upcoming 2009-2010 school year there will be an additional six traditional deaconess studies graduates, and three Center for Hispanic Studies graduates.) Each candidate has responded to the concern expressed by her Church for faithful servants, and they have dedicated several years of their lives (and tuition dollars) in preparing to serve the Lord as a deaconess in the Lord's Church. Deaconesses serve in congregations and schools by teaching, visitation, counseling, youth ministries, family ministries and other caring ministries. They are also equipped to serve with compassion in health care institutions and older adult care ministries. Deaconess candidates have received an M.A. in Deaconess Studies after completing two years of post-graduate academic coursework, six quarters of field education, and one year of internship. If the Lord is moving your congregation to consider a deaconess for service, or if you just desire additional information, please contact District President Russ Sommerfeld at russs at ndlcms.org or 888-643-2961. Back to top CORRECTION TO LAST WEEK'S VBS ARTICLE The amount of the offering collected by Holy Cross, Kearney, from their VBS students was inaccurately reported in last week's Email Update. The correct amount was nearly $1,800 in response to a $1,200 challenge, not $18,000 as was reported. Sorry for any confusion! Back to top REVISED DONNA MEYER SPEAKING SCHEDULE We have just received this newly revised speaking schedule for Donna Meyer, a Nebraska teacher serving LCMS World Mission in Banda Aceh, Indonesia. Following is her updated schedule: Date Time Congregation City July 1 7:30pm St Peter Deshler, NE July 2 1:30pm Zion Tobias, NE July 5 9:30 am Peace (Bible class) Grand Island, NE July 11 5:00 social 6:00 dinner 7:00 presentation Faith Hazard, NE July 12 10:15am Zion (Bible class) Hastings, NE July 12 6:30 pm St. Paul Minden, NE July 22 7-8pm Hope South Sioux City, NE July 23 TBA St John Pierce, NE July 25 6pm Trinity Fremont, NE July 26 8, 9:15, 10:30 am Trinity Fremont, NE Back to top WITNESSING IN SONG - CONCORDIA A CAPPELLA CHOIR TOUR REPORT Concordia University, Nebraska's A Cappella Choir will spend nearly three weeks touring Spain, Austria and Italy, giving concerts and competing in the 46th International Competition of Choral Singing in Spittal on der Drau, Austria. The tour launched June 24. The choir's schedule includes stops in Madrid, Seville, and Barcelona. Spain was chosen, in part, due to the Lutheran church's active support of mission congregations in the region, and their efforts to spread the Gospel. While in Barcelona, the choir will have the opportunity to join voices with a local choir, Coral St. Sadurn?. Reports have come back about how God was at work during the first two concerts the choir gave last Thursday and Friday evenings, June 25 and 26, in Mostoles, Madrid. Following are excerpts from the reports sent by Nancy Middendorf, music tour coordinator: June 25 - "We had an attendance of 100, which is more than the IELE (Spanish Lutheran mission) has had sum total in all of Spain at any event they have ever held...but more than that, the people were very moved and almost all were saying they were returning tomorrow night and bringing guests. A lady who runs a major radio station in the area talked long afterward about how fantastic it was and that she was going to air news about tomorrow's concert all day tomorrow on the radio station and to expect a packed room! Pastor Gustavo was extremely overwhelmed (I really don't have a strong enough word to use here), and the missionaries are nearly out of their minds with anticipation for the coming concerts. . . . The crowd tonight clapped for every song as though it were a standing ovation! About 3/4 way through the concert, it was difficult for Kurt (Von Kampen) to begin a new piece because they wouldn't stop clapping. . . . It was a tremendous experience for our choir members, to be sure, and they were also very moved by the audience response." June 26 - "(Tonight's concert) was in the same church as last night's. Indeed, it was a packed audience, more than doubling attendance. The 'standing ovation' style of clapping began even before the first song was finished. The crowd anticipated an ending and began cheering and clapping while Kurt patiently waited with raised hands to finish the piece. It is difficult to describe the mood of the audience because I've never witnessed this at our concerts before. It's like they've come to a concert they have been anticipating for a long time and are totally absorbed in the music and the students. We felt like God was shining through us and penetrating the audience with His Spirit!! Some said they didn't understand the English words but were very moved by the spiritual presence of the Lord. . . . Pastor Gustavo, our Lutheran missionary contact here, had tears of joy and disbelief at the end of the concert as he was watching the finale from the rear of the church." Thanks be to God for how He is using this choir from Seward, Nebraska, to be a witness to His love and His glory to people who are searching halfway around the world. Please keep the choir in your prayers as they continue to travel throughout Europe singing praises to God. Back to top OVERSEAS SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES Indonesia - Individuals are needed to teach EFL in a local government junior high or senior high school in Banda Aceh, Indonesia. These individuals will be responsible for preparing lesson plans that fit with and enhance the textbook and other materials currently used by local English teachers in the school, preparing additional teaching aids that promote interactive, communicative English learning, teaching in a formal classroom setting, and planning and conducting additional formal and informal activities with students and other teachers after school and on weekends. Applicants with a teaching degree and formal or informal teaching experience are strongly preferred. Individuals with some type of formal or informal teaching experience, but no bachelor's degree will be seriously considered. To learn how you can serve by going global, go here: www.lcmsworldmission.org/searchopps. Contact an LCMS World Mission placement counselor at 1-800-433-3954 or mission.recruitment at lcms.org. Haiti LCMS World Relief and Human Care is seeking 3 additional volunteers for the Mercy Medical Team trip to Haiti, August 3-13. The team will travel to the town of Thomassique in the central plateau of Haiti, near the border with the Dominican Republic. The clinics will be held in a local Lutheran school and will be general practice with no surgery. The cost of the trip is estimated to be $2,100 per individual. This includes international air, ground transport in Haiti, food and lodging, medical and evacuation insurance, and clinical costs. If you are interested or have additional questions, please immediately contact Maggie Karner at 765-748-7743 or maggie.karner at lcms.org or Jacob Fiene at 800-248-1930, ext. 1278 or mercymedical at lcms.org. Please copy LIMM at the email address below if you contact LCMS World Relief and Human Care. If you have any additional questions, please contact Lutherans in Medical Missions at limm at limm.org. Guatemala TLC LAMMS (Trinity Lutheran Church's Latin-American Medical Mission Society) seeks 10-12 volunteers for a health clinic to be held at Clinica Santa Cruz, Guatemala, October 16-25, 2009. One more physician and a surgeon, nurses (especially ER nurses), PAs, nurse practitioners, paramedics, etc. are needed. Projected cost per person (airfare, room and board, tips) is $2,500 or less. Anyone interested can call Rev. Charles Webb at 231-499-2139 or email cwwebb at charter.net. Immunizations needed before going are minimal and can be found at www.cdc.gov. Each participant is expected to take an extra suitcase containing OTC meds (aspirin, Tylenol, antibiotic/antifungal creams antihistamines, bandages, BP cuffs, urine dipsticks, glucometers, etc.). Rev. Charles W. Webb, MD Assistant Pastor/Medical Missionary Trinity Lutheran Church & School 1003 S. Maple Street Traverse City, Mi 49684 231-499-2139 cell 231-946-2720 church If you have any additional questions, please contact Lutherans in Medical Missions at limm at limm.org. Please copy LIMM if you contact Rev. Webb. Back to top CONCORDIA TOPS NATION IN NAIA SCHOLAR ATHLETES Concordia University, Nebraska had the highest number of National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics scholar-athletes in the nation for the 2008-09 academic year. Seventy-four Bulldogs earned the NAIA scholar-athlete status, 16 more than second place University of St. Francis, Fort Wayne, Ind. "It is flat-out stunning what our student-athletes have achieved," said Grant Schmidt, director of athletics for Concordia. "On and off the field, they work very hard. They are here for the right reasons, and they have coaches--and an entire institution for that matter--who truly care about them and support them. We are so proud." Concordia also topped the nation in four individual sports: men's and women's cross country and men's and women's track. Within its conference, the Great Plains Athletic Conference, Concordia came out on top for the sixth year in a row. The GPAC as a whole, which includes more than 4,500 student-athletes in 19 sanctioned sports, had 480 student-athletes earn the NAIA honor. Student-athletes must be at least juniors in academic status and maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale to receive this honor. Back to top NEW PROJECT CONNECT BOOKLETS FROM LUTHERAN HOUR MINISTRIES Brand new from Lutheran Hour Ministries are two Project Connect booklets. The first deals with the difficult relationship fracture that occurs when a child becomes a prodigal. The second offers an insightful approach toward understanding one's identity. In Parents of Prodigals-The Journey Through The Valley, Christian author and counselor Dan Kohn shares his perceptions and first-hand experience dealing with conflicts that can separate family members for long periods of time. More than 30 years of counseling have given Kohn vital words for any parent grieving over the absence of a child: "The heavenly Father is fully able to accomplish what a parent is unable to do. It is time to let go of what cannot be done through human effort and let God do His miraculous work." This booklet will encourage the reader and remind him or her that it is God who puts things back together - it is God who can restore what seems impossibly broken. In The Mystery of You: Clues to Your True Identity, Dr. Melanie Wilson guides the reader in an engaging - and informative - look at what makes him or her tick. Using the popular board game CLUE? as a template, the quest is on to understand where we've been (rooms); what we've done (weapons); and who other people (witnesses) say we are. In the midst of our grand illusion as to how significant or worthless we are is the One who knows us best, understands us fully, and loves us anyway - Jesus Christ. It is in Him and the price He paid to redeem us from sin - and ourselves - that our true identity - our new identity - is achieved through faith. The booklets were produced for Project Connect, LHM's booklet display ministry that is perfect for your church narthex, school nurse's office, guidance counselor's office, or church library. Booklets address real needs that many people face - from finance issues to divorce, depression to illness, and addiction to grief. For more information about Project Connect or to order a display, please visit www.lhm.org/projectconnect. Back to top TECHNOLOGY PROVIDES ACCESS TO RESOURCES FROM LCMS, CPH, AND SEMINARY Follow the LCMS on Twitter The LCMS is pleased to announce that they have launched the official LCMS Twitter account. You can find them online at www.twitter.com/theLCMS. As you may know, Twitter is a micro-blogging site that allows users to post very short updates about themselves (or their organizations) and follow other users' posts. Updates can be published and viewed via the Internet or via text messaging on mobile phones. Posts, called "tweets," are no more than 140 characters in length and generally include a link to additional information. Content is usually related to announcements. By using this popular social networking tool, the LCMS hopes to benefit all of their ministries by gaining more exposure and improving access to their information. Now you can "twitter" to see what's new in the LCMS. Christian Books Available for Print on Demand Concordia Publishing House (CPH) announces the release of Concordia on Demand, a new print-on-demand service available at the company website, www.cph.org/ondemand. "With the advancements in digital printing, CPH can economically print the titles our customers request, in as little as two weeks' time," says Ken Liszewski, manager of books for Concordia Publishing House. At the time of this release, 50 titles were available for print-on-demand. Topics cover a range of subjects and include commentaries, daily devotional resources, and sermon collections. The company says that is has plans to expand the possible titles into the hundreds. Liszewski adds, "Concordia on Demand allows CPH to maintain a larger book list and bring back out-of-print titles. Customers can visit often to see our newest Concordia on Demand books." Concordia Seminary Resources Now Available for Download on iPhone And iPod Touch Concordia Seminary's department of educational technology is pleased to announce that its complete catalog of educational audio and video podcasts is now available for direct download onto the iPhone and iPod touch. With Apple's release of their 3.0 software update for iPhone and iPod touch, iTunes U is directly accessible over both cellular and Wi-Fi networks through the iTunes Store. "Mobile learning is an exciting area for Concordia Seminary," commented Tony Cook, director of educational technology. "With Apple's latest advance, we are now able to bring educationally and theologically sound content to our residential and distance students as well as the pastors and laity of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod via this exciting technology. Imagine being able to download a podcast directly onto your iPhone or iPod touch and present it to your confirmation class, elders meeting, or Sunday morning Bible study with a simple cable and a standard television. This advance in technology helps to fulfill our goal of offering relevant confessional resources directly to Lutherans throughout the world." For those who are interested in downloading Concordia Seminary content directly onto an iPhone or iPod touch, the instructions can be found at the following Apple support link: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3570. For questions or help, contact educational technology at 314-505-7018. Back to top DISTRICT PASTOR EARNS DOCTORATE Rev. John Hellwege, former pastor of St. Peter, Humphrey and Grace, Platte Center, received his PhD in Historical Theology from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis on May 22. Hellwege's dissertation was: "Evaluating the Whirlwind: The American Lutheran Theological Interpretations of Pre-War Nazi Germany." Congratulations Rev. Dr. Hellwege! Back to top Have a happy and safe Fourth of July Weekend! 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: 58535 bytes Desc: not available URL: From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Jul 8 15:32:48 2009 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 08 Jul 2009 20:32:48 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] July 8 Message-ID: Update for July 8 A publication of the Nebraska District, a District ABLAZE! Greetings in the name of our Heavenly Father. * Prayer Requests * No Email Update Next Week * Fiscal Conference Registration Information Sent * Personal Peacemaking Seminar in Lincoln * College Freshmen Contact Information * Rural/Small Town Conference Scholarships Available * Christian Teacher Resources on Sale * LLL State Fair Services * Concordia Publishing House to Give Away Lutheran Service Book Hymn Accompaniment on CD * Remembering Hurricane Katrina * Jesus Our Savior Lutheran School Dedication Celebration * Overseas Service Opportunities * Congregation Mailboxes Available * Lutheran Family Services' Global Voices Evening PRAYER REQUESTS Family of Barbara Rohwer - Please remember in your prayers the family of Barbara Rohwer, mother of DCE Andrew Rohwer, who was called to the Lord's side July 1. Barbara was an active member of Good Shepherd, Fremont. Andrew serves as DCE at Holy Cross in Kearney. We ask the Lord to wrap this family in His love, peace, and comfort at this difficult time. Family of Marilyn Bruick - We lift up in prayer the family of Marilyn Bruick, mother of Rev. Scott Bruick, who entered her eternal rest on Sunday, July 5. Pastor Bruick serves as senior pastor of St. John, Seward, and his wife, Jan, serves as administrative assistant to the Lutheran Church Extension Fund - Nebraska Program out of the District Office. We pray that our Heavenly Father will provide comfort for the family at this time through the promise of eternal life. Back to top NO EMAIL UPDATE NEXT WEEK There will not be an Email Update next week, July 15, because I will be out of the office. Watch for the next Update on Wednesday, July 22. Back to top FISCAL CONFERENCE REGISTRATION INFORMATION SENT All pastors, principals, congregational chairmen, congregational treasurers, and stewardship board chairs are invited to be the guests of the District for a day-long Fiscal Conference. Registration materials were mailed to all pastors, these officers, and church offices. Up to five people from each congregation may attend one of three conferences to be held around the District in August. * August 8 at Lutheran High Northeast, Norfolk * August 15 at Peace, Grand Island * August 22 at Lincoln Lutheran Middle & High School, Lincoln Attendees will have the opportunity for dialog with members of the Nebraska District Board of Directors, members of the district stewardship committee, and staff, as well as learning more about: * How past and current economic conditions intersect with the Church. * The fiscal realities of the Nebraska District and its congregations as members of the LCMS. * Congregational stewardship opportunities. * Personal stewardship education. Those interested in attending may complete and return the registration form mailed to their church office, print and complete a form from the District website, http://www.ndlcms.org/news/conferences/Fiscal.html, or email the information requested on the form to conference at ndlcms.org. The registration deadline is Friday, July 24. More information about the conference is available on the District website, http://www.ndlcms.org/news/conferences/Fiscal.html. Please help the District practice God-pleasing stewardship by pre-registering for the conference you plan to attend, and attending the conference you register for. Thank you. Back to top PERSONAL PEACEMAKING SEMINAR IN LINCOLN Due to our sinful nature we find ourselves in conflict with family, friends, co workers and even people at church. The Nebraska District and Messiah, Lincoln, are hosting a power-packed seminar on how God's ministry of reconciliation is meant to be lived out in your daily life. This one-day seminar on Saturday, August 29, at Messiah (1800 South 84th St.) will teach practical ways to apply your Christian faith in family, business, and church. The following topics will be covered: * Understanding conflict from a Scriptural viewpoint * Identifying worldly and godly responses to conflict * Three opportunities for the Christian in conflict * How to confess your faults without justification * How to forgive others as God forgave you * How to achieve genuine reconciliation * How to negotiate in a God-pleasing manner The registration fee is $20 per person and includes: * Seminar presentation * Breakfast * Lunch * Seminar study guide * Announcing God's Grace through Confession and Forgiveness * Peacemaking Principles Registration materials are being mailed to all church offices this week, and completed forms with payment are due to the District Office no later than August 14. More information and a printable registration form is available on the District website, http://www.ndlcms.org/news/conferences/peacemaking.html. Back to top COLLEGE FRESHMEN CONTACT INFORMATION The Nebraska District is in the process of gathering information to reach out and connect LCMS members who will be attending a college or university during this next academic year with the campus ministry in their area. With your help, we can connect students to a campus ministry before they get on campus. We have learned that a student's first year on campus can be their most impacted. To share the names of students in your congregation, please email Connie Borchers at connieb at ndlcms.org the name, current address, phone number, email address, and the college they will be attending by July 31. You can also go to http://www.ndlcms.org/ministries/district/campus.html and you will find a poster, bulletin announcement, and information on emailing the names of the students. Back to top RURAL/SMALL TOWN CONFERENCE SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE St. Paul Institute for Education (SPIFE) is hosting the third annual Heartland Rural/Small Town conference on November 5-7 at Arbor Lodge Lied Conference Center in Nebraska City. The District is offering 10 scholarships in the amount of $500 for each congregation that sends one pastor and one or more laypersons from their congregation. These scholarships are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. If you would like to take advantage of a scholarship, please contact Connie at connieb at ndlcms.org. Information about the conference and registration can also be found at www.spife.org. Deadline for registration and scholarship application is October 2. Back to top CHRISTIAN TEACHER RESOURCES ON SALE Concordia Publishing House (CPH) invites teachers to shop its July 50%-off sale on teacher resources by visiting http://www.cph.org/cphstore/Category.asp?find%5Fcategory=97643&find%5Fdescription=Teacher+Resource+50%25+Sale&find%5Fpart%5Fdesc. Sale prices are available through the month. Orders can be placed online at www.cph.org or by calling 800-325-3040. "The special prices are a great way for our schools and teachers to get ready for the new school year," shares Joseph Snyder, who is the Director of Marketing for CPH. "August will be here before we know it, and this opportunity will be the best savings for the season." Back to top LLL STATE FAIR SERVICES Pastors and church secretaries, please consider putting the following information in your August newsletter, bulletins, or both. Are you planning to take in the Nebraska State Fair? Will you be there on a Sunday? If so join the Nebraska District Lutheran Laymen as they provide a worship service at the Open Air Auditorium each Sunday at 9:00 a.m. Rev. Paul Holtorf, Associate Professor of Theology, Concordia University, Seward, will be preaching and leading the service on Sunday, August 30. Special music will be provided by the A Cappella Choir of Concordia University under the direction of Kurt Von Kampen. Rev. Keith Grimm will be preaching the message on Sunday, September 6. Pastor Grimm serves as the International Pastoral Advisor of the Lutheran Laymen's League and serves as senior pastor at Beautiful Savior in LaVista. Leading the worship service and sharing the children's message will be Rev. Duane Fahr of First Trinity, Bloomfield. Pastor Fahr serves as the Nebraska District's LLL Pastoral Advisor. Special music will be provided by the Concordia Lutheran Schools, Omaha, NE. High School Choir, under the direction of Peter Klemp. If you are at the fair, don't miss this special time to worship our Lord. Back to top CONCORDIA PUBLISHING HOUSE TO GIVE AWAY LUTHERAN SERVICE BOOK HYMN ACCOMPANIMENT ON CD Music adds much to our worship, but musicians can be hard to find. Well, look no further. Coming in September, the Concordia Organist is a 31-CD set that features every hymn from Lutheran Service Book beautifully played with pipe organ accompaniment. It's a useful tool for congregations of all sizes that need accompaniment for worship, in a chapel or small group setting, or for visitation with shut-ins. Sound like something you could use? Tell us more! >From now until August 14, CPH will accept entries for the "Share the Music" Giveaway. By sharing your story, your congregation will have the chance to receive the Concordia Organist-completely free. When it becomes available on September 1, it will be selling for an introductory price of $499 (regularly $699). In addition to the introductory price of $499, churches are being offered the option of paying in 12 monthly installment payments. Feel free to pre-order your Concordia Organist CD set today by visiting www.cph.org. The Concordia Organist will also be made available to Lutheran Service Builder customers in the fall. For more details, contest information, and to participate, visit www.cph.org/sharethemusic. Share your story for a chance to let us share our music-with you! Back to top REMEMBERING HURRICANE KATRINA Many congregations and individuals in the Nebraska District - LCMS have volunteered at Camp Restore in New Orleans and Camp Biloxi in Mississippi in the past 4 years. As we approach the 4th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, please consider partnering with these two camps in this good work, as well as lifting up the people of the Gulf Coast in prayer. For more information about ways to partner with these ministries and for specific prayers, please visit their website at www.RAIMinistries.org. Back to top JESUS OUR SAVIOR LUTHERAN SCHOOL DEDICATION CELEBRATION The celebration and dedication service for the newest Lutheran school in the Nebraska District, Jesus Our Savior Lutheran School in Winnebago, will be Sunday, August 23, at 4:00 p.m. Everyone is invited to join Pastor Ricky Jacob and teachers Jana Inglehart and Connie Wobken for this special day of celebration and thanksgiving. Back to top OVERSEAS SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES Honduras Heart for Honduras is looking for doctors, nurses, dentists, and all cadre of health workers for a medical team to go to Honduras September 14 to October 1. The cost is $1,000. Heart for Honduras is a ministry of Salem Lutheran Church, Tomball Texas. Please email Tom Gloyer at tgloyer at homehealthstore.com or call 281-351-6216 ext. 202 for more information. If you have any additional questions, please contact Lutherans in Medical Missions at limm at limm.org. Thailand Right now you have the opportunity to meet an urgent need as a relationship builder through English as a Foreign Language (EFL) in Thailand. LCMS World Mission needs mature individuals to serve as GEO missionaries in Thailand. These missionaries will teach English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classes five days a week-four weekdays and Saturdays. During the weekdays, they will teach English classes, interact with students before and after class, and help lead weekly outreach groups between classes. These outreach groups are geared toward sharing the Gospel and building relationships. To learn how you can serve God by going global, go here: www.lcmsworldmission.org/searchopps. Contact an LCMS World Mission placement counselor at 1-800-433-3954 or mission.recruitment at lcms.org. Back to top CONGREGATION MAILBOXES AVAILABLE Messiah, Lincoln, has "pigeon hole" type mailboxes available for any congregation that wants to pick them up. They are made of wood and are two sided. There are three sets: * Two cases have 5 rows with 24 boxes on each side. Total boxes available 240 per case. * One case has 8 rows with 24 boxes on each side. Total boxes available 384 this case. These all sit on an oak base cupboard that has shelves with doors on each side. Anyone needing further information can call Susan Bray at 402-489-3024 or email her at sbray at messiahlincoln.org. Back to top LUTHERAN FAMILY SERVICES' GLOBAL VOICES EVENING Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska's Global Voices Evening is a new event this year to benefit the LFS Community Services Department and to celebrate Nebraska's rich cultural diversity. The event is Saturday, August 1, from 6-9 p.m. at the Hilton Omaha, 1001 Cass Street (across from the Qwest Center). The cost is $75 and includes a silent auction featuring unique, culturally-diverse items, a reception and dinner. Join LFS for an evening filled with music, education and cultural dance as we welcome our newest neighbors from many countries abroad and experience together the vibrant cultural diversity throughout our state. Mary Pipher of Lincoln, author of Reviving Ophelia and The Middle of Everywhere, will be the featured speaker. For reservations or more information, contact Kim Thomas at 402-536-3505 or kthomas at lfsneb.org. Back to top Blessings, Nichole Hetz Nebraska District LCMS Director of Communications 1-888-643-2961 nicholeh at ndlcms.org www.ndlcms.org * Please Note: The inclusion of items in the Update from outside sources is for informational purposes only. Inclusion of such items does not constitute District endorsement. -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: text/html Size: 52171 bytes Desc: not available URL: From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Jul 22 14:07:29 2009 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 22 Jul 2009 19:07:29 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] July 22 Message-ID: Update for July 22 A publication of the Nebraska District, a District ABLAZE! Greetings in the name of our Heavenly Father, who blesses His earth with sunshine and rain. As summer continues with beautiful weather and needed rain, we give thanks to God for His goodness. * Prayer Requests * Convention Issue of Nebraska Lutheran Reporter on Its Way * Fiscal Conference Registrations Due Friday * President Kieschnick's Convention Report Available Online * Four Scholarships Still Available for Rural Ministry Conference * Nebraskan Re-Elected to Int'l LLL Board of Governors * Post-Abortion Aftermath and Healing Workshop * Overseas Mission Opportunities * CPH Announces Online Sale of 50 to 80 Percent Off * Nebraska Lutherans for Confessional Study to Meet * Lutheran Catechetical Conference * Eden By the Sea Ministry * LWR is Responding to Millions of East Africans Threatened by Drought PRAYER REQUESTS Pastor Mike and Stacey Meyer - Pastor Mike and Stacey Meyer were blessed with a son, Clayton Jon, on July 9 at 7:35 a.m., 8 lbs. 2 oz, 20 inches long. Clayton joins older siblings Courtney, Caleb, and Colton. Praise God for all of His blessings. Mike is the associate pastor at Trinity in Fremont, and his wife, Stacey, teaches 6th grade in their Christian day school. The Family of Rev. George Bruening - Rev. George Bruening, former Kansas District President, was called to glory on Monday, July 20. Services will be held Friday morning, July 24, at 11 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, 1716 Gage Blvd., Topeka, Kansas. George served Kansas as District President from 1978 - 1985. George is survived by his daughter, Dee McKinney and her husband of Boulder City, NV, and a sister in Elgin, IL. His wife, Lourine, died in August of 2002. Please remember his family in your prayers, asking that the Lord will grant them comfort and peace at this time. Back to top CONVENTION ISSUE OF NEBRASKA LUTHERAN REPORTER ON ITS WAY The July/August Nebraska Lutheran Reporter is due to be in the mail today and tomorrow and on the way to church offices yet this week. The newsletter was delayed due to its larger size and oversized mailing bundles. This 12-page newspaper issue will tell the story of the Nebraska District Convention and introduce the people of the district to the 2009-2012 Board of Directors. An electronic version of the newsletter is available on the District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/news/communications/reporter.html. However, this file is not full size and is not suitable for printing for distribution. If your church office needs additional copies, please contact me at nicholeh at ndlcms.org. Thank you for your efforts in getting this informative newsletter in the hands of all of your members. Back to top FISCAL CONFERENCE REGISTRATIONS DUE FRIDAY Registrations for the upcoming day-long fiscal conferences across the Nebraska District are due this Friday, July 24. There is no cost to attend a conference, but pre-registration is required to allow us to prepare adequate printed materials and meals. All pastors, principals, congregational chairmen, congregational treasurers, and stewardship board chairs are invited to be the guests of the District for these Fiscal Conferences to be held around the District in August. August 8 at Lutheran High Northeast, Norfolk August 15 at Peace, Grand Island August 22 at Lincoln Lutheran Middle & High School, Lincoln Attendees will have the opportunity for dialog with members of the Nebraska District Board of Directors, members of the district stewardship committee, and staff, as well as learning more about: * How past and current economic conditions intersect with the Church. * The fiscal realities of the Nebraska District and its congregations as members of the LCMS. * Congregational stewardship opportunities. * Personal stewardship education. More information about the conference is available on the District website, http://www.ndlcms.org/news/conferences/Fiscal.html. Please help the District practice God-pleasing stewardship by pre-registering for the conference you plan to attend, and attending the conference you register for. Thank you. Back to top PRESIDENT KIESCHNICK'S CONVENTION REPORT AVAILABLE ONLINE The video report that President Kieschnick presented to the delegates at the District Convention is now available on the LCMS website for viewing and use by congregations and their members. The introductory statement to the 2009 District Convention video report that President Kieschnick shared at the district conventions is also posted on the President's website. The video and the introductory statement are easily accessible from the President's home page: www.lcms.org/president. You will see the reference to the report on the President's home page, along with links to the video and to the statement. Web links for downloading the video are on the same webpage as the video for viewing. This page may also be accessed from the Nebraska District convention page at http://www.ndlcms.org/news/convention/index.html. Back to top FOUR SCHOLARSHIPS STILL AVAILABLE FOR RURAL MINISTRY CONFERENCE St. Paul Institute for Education (SPIFE) is hosting the third annual Heartland Rural/Small Town conference on November 5-7 at Arbor Lodge Lied Conference Center in Nebraska City. The District offered 10 scholarships, and there are still 4 available, in the amount of $500 for each congregation that sends one pastor and one or more lay leaders from their congregation. These scholarships are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. If you would like to take advantage of a scholarship, please contact Connie at connieb at ndlcms.org. Information about the conference and registration can also be found at www.spife.org. Deadline for registration and scholarship application is October 2. Back to top NEBRASKAN RE-ELECTED TO INT'L LLL BOARD OF GOVERNORS At its 92nd International Convention in Greensboro, North Carolina, the International Lutheran Laymen's League (Int'l LLL) elected Lou Marting to the post of vice president, Ed Tiefenbach to the position of treasurer, and Paul Walther to the position of secretary. Eight other people were elected to fill regional governing positions. Lorris Haarberg of Arapahoe, Nebraska, was re-elected as governor of Region 9. He is a graduate of the University of Nebraska in Lincoln and majored in Agriculture Economics. He owns and manages a supermarket in Arapahoe. He has been very active in civic positions (including the Lions Club, on committees, and president of the Chamber of Commerce). As a member of Trinity Lutheran in Arapahoe, Haarberg has served on various committees dealing with worship, education, evangelism, and elders, and was congregational chairman. In the LLL he has been a district president, vice president, and secretary. More information on the LLL Convention is available on the Lutheran Hour Ministries website, http://www.lhm.org/convention/default.htm. Back to top POST-ABORTION AFTERMATH AND HEALING WORKSHOP A post-abortion aftermath and healing workshop will be offered on Friday, July 31, in Dawson Hall at the Blessed John XXIII Center (3700 Sheridan Blvd.) in Lincoln. The presenter is Mrs. Vicki Thorn, the founder of Project Rachel, a post-abortion outreach that helps to heal the psychological and spiritual wounds of abortion. Mrs. Thorn is a very dynamic and knowledgeable speaker. The topics covered include: biology of pregnancy; dealing with newly aborted women; manifestations of abortion's aftermath in women; impact of abortion on men, grandparents, siblings, and friends; and the process of post-abortion healing. Pastors and all others interested in this topic are invited to attend, especially mental health professionals (CEUs are available). More information and a registration form is available online at: http://www.nebcathcon.org/Project%20Rachel%20Registration%20Form.pdf. Back to top OVERSEAS MISSION OPPORTUNITIES LCMS World Relief and Human Care Mercy Medical Teams seeks medical, health, and interested laity as volunteers for trips to Madagascar on October 21-November 1, and to Kenya on November 14-25, 2009. The teams will be personally accompanied and led by two experienced staff members of LCMS World Relief and Human Care. There will be an introductory clinical orientation and team-building session before teams start clinical work to serve the extremely underserved poor in these two countries. The trip includes a day of rest for shopping and other activities and there will be an opportunity to participate in end-of-trip recreational activities. Volunteers cover the cost of the trip which includes air travel from a designated central airport and a flat fee for ground transportation, lodging, and medical supplies for the needy estimated at the "good faith" cost of $2,000. If costs are less than anticipated you will receive a refund. This fee does not account for international airfare. In order to confirm your spot on the Madagascar or Kenya team, call or write Jacob Fiene at Jacob.Fiene at lcms.org or at 800-248-1930, ext. 1278, or cell at 314-960-3645 with any questions or concerns. Back to top CPH ANNOUNCES ONLINE SALE OF 50 TO 80 PERCENT OFF Concordia Publishing House is offering nearly 300 products at 50 to 80 percent off, while supplies last, during its Online Warehouse Sale. Included in the sale are: * adult and youth Bible studies. * Bibles. * books for children, teens, adults, and professional church workers. * bulletins and posters. * gifts, such as jewelry, mugs, baby items, and artwork. * Spanish-language children's books and vacation Bible school products. To shop the online sale, visit http://www.cph.org/cphstore/Category.asp?find_category=97618&find_description=Online+Warehouse+Sale&find_part_desc. For more information, contact CPH at 800-325-3040. Back to top NEBRASKA LUTHERANS FOR CONFESSIONAL STUDY TO MEET The July gathering of the Nebraska Lutherans for Confessional Study (NLCS) will be held on Thursday, July 23, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 3825 Wildbriar Lane in Lincoln. Refreshments will be in the fellowship hall at 9:30 a.m., followed by Matins at 10 a.m. Presenter for the day will be Rev. Luke Russert, member of Good Shepherd and visitation pastor for Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Crete. His topic will be "The Lord's Supper in Luther's Lectures on Genesis." The morning session will start at about 10:30 a.m.; following lunch the afternoon topic will start at about 1 p.m. 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 LUTHERAN CATECHETICAL CONFERENCE Immanuel, Lincoln, is hosting a free Lutheran Catechetical Conference on Friday, August 14 at the church (2001 South 11th Street, [11th and South], Lincoln). All clergy, professional church workers, and laity are invited to attend this day-long conference. The schedule is as follows: 9:00 Matins 9:30 Teaching the 10 Commandments Speaker: Rev. Robert Wentzel, Trinity Lutheran Church, Walton, NE 10:15 Q&A 10:30 Teaching the Apostles' Creed Speaker: Rev. Brent Kuhlman, Trinity Lutheran Church, Murdock, NE 11:15 Q&A 11:30 Lunch break (on your own) 1:00 Teaching the Lord's Prayer Speaker: Rev. Dr. Georg Williams, Zion Lutheran Church, Ainsworth, NE 1:45 Q&A 2:00 Panel Discussion 2:45 Closing Prayer CPH and Concordia Catechetical Academy material/information will be available at the conference. Back to top EDEN BY THE SEA MINISTRY Eden by the Sea is a non-profit (501c3) retreat ministry designed solely for the rest and renewal of Lutheran church workers and their spouses. In its sixth year of ministry, hosting over 100 couples thus far, Eden by the Sea is a very unique and much-needed ministry providing a customized experience of renewal, rest and recreation in one of the most beautiful places in God's creation - Hawaii. Not only is Eden by the Sea focused specifically on offering a customized, private, comfortable and totally relaxing experience for our tired Lutheran church workers (and their spouses), but the requested donation is under $70 a night - a fourth of the cost of other vacation accommodations of this quality and location on the island. Please visit their website, www.edenbythesea.org, and if you are interested in receiving more information, please contact them by phone, or email via their website. They would love to answer all your questions and bless you with the peace & renewal of our Lord through the ministry of Eden by the Sea. Back to top LWR IS RESPONDING TO MILLIONS OF EAST AFRICANS THREATENED BY DROUGHT Lutheran World Relief is mounting an intense relief effort in East Africa where prolonged drought conditions have caused successive crop failure and depleted livestock herds, leaving many East African households vulnerable to hunger. "The worsening global food and economic crises have left millions of East Africans extremely vulnerable to hunger," says Alissa Karg, LWR's Deputy Regional Director for Africa. "Lutheran World Relief must raise funds now to respond to this crisis and save lives." Kenya is the worst hit nation, with three consecutive years without sufficient rainfall, leaving 2.5 million people without reliable sources of food-a number that is likely to rise to 2.9 million by November 2009, according to Famine Early Warning Systems network. In turn, food shortages have caused food prices to further increase- 33% over the past year, according to the National Bureau of Statistics of Kenya. Uganda also faces severe food shortages due to drought, especially in its northern and northeastern regions among populations already struggling to recover from decades of armed conflict between the Ugandan government and the rebel Lord's Resistance Army (LRA). The long nationwide dry spell, and the practice of exporting food crops, has further drained the country's overextended food supply. Likewise, in drought-afflicted and resource-depleted areas in Sudan, lack of adequate grazing land and water could re-ignite conflict as resources become severely limited. Erratic rainfall in May and June has impaired the cropping season and delayed planting, leaving many Sudanese states at risk of widespread hunger at harvest time in November 2009. In Tanzania, depleted vegetation and dried water reservoirs have put a particular strain on the Tanzanian "breadbasket"-places such as the Ngorongoro District in Arusha Region- where the majority of the country's food crops are grown. The resulting food shortages have forced the country to intensify border post security to monitor and prevent food exports. An estimated 240,000 people are in need of immediate relief food in Tanzania. In response to this crisis, LWR is working with partners on the ground in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Sudan to help families cope with drought conditions and protect their land and income for the future. Work focuses on planting drought-resistant crops, applying improved growing methods to increase crop yields during drought conditions, training communities to conserve water, helping to dig boreholes and install irrigation systems, and helping farmers purchase tools, seeds and fertilizers by helping them access credit. LWR has been working in East Africa since the early 1980s, helping impoverished rural communities grow food, access water, and better support themselves. "By helping communities better adapt to drought conditions, we are ensuring that people have what they need to survive, and recover from drought," continues Karg. Lutheran World Relief is accepting donations for the East Africa Drought Fund online at www.lwr.org, by phone at 800-LWR-LWR-2, or by mail at PO Box 17061, Baltimore, MD 21298-9832. Back to top Blessings, Nichole Hetz Nebraska District LCMS Director of Communications 1-888-643-2961 nicholeh at ndlcms.org www.ndlcms.org * Please Note: The inclusion of items in the Update from outside sources is for informational purposes only. Inclusion of such items does not constitute District endorsement. -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: text/html Size: 47468 bytes Desc: not available URL: From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Jul 29 10:00:13 2009 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 29 Jul 2009 15:00:13 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] July 29 Message-ID: [cid:image002.jpg at 01CA1033.590D97C0] July 29, 2009 In this Issue: Greetings in the name of our Heavenly Father, who blesses His earth with sunshine and rain. As summer continues with beautiful weather and needed rain, we give thanks to God for His goodness. I'm sure you noticed the new look of this week's Update. In an attempt to "update" and freshen the look, we are trying out this new layout. Please feel free to share your thoughts and comments on the readability or usability of this new format by emailing communications at ndlcms.org. If you aren't able to view this email properly, email me at nicholeh at ndlcms.org. The Email Update is sent to anyone who is interested in the mission and ministry of the Nebraska District. This weekly newsletter shares information and happenings from around the District and throughout the LCMS. * Prayer Requests * Help College Freshmen Get Connected * Geared Up! Event for Youth * K4 Restoration Sunday * National Youth Gathering E-Newsletter * Lost and Found in Concert in Nebraska * JCPlay Zone Helps Beat Summer Boredom * Wooden Pews for Sale * Lutheran Museum Opens at LCMS International Center * Concordia University, Seward, to Offer Free Tuition to Veterans * LWML Awards Lutheran World Relief Mission Grant * Office Furniture Sale at Concordia University, Seward * Requests for Health Kits Outpace Availability * New from Concordia Publishing House PRAYER REQUESTS Pastor Brian Francik - We give thanks to God for the upcoming wedding of Pastor Brian Francik and Tamara Brose this Sunday, August 2. Pastor Francik and Tamara will be married in California this weekend. We praise God for joining these two lives and pray that He will be with them as they begin their lives together. Pastor Francik serves at St. Peter in Deshler. Pastor Dan and Deb Heuer - We join in prayers of thanks with Pastor Dan and Deb Heuer of Trinity, Fremont, at the birth of a grandson, Eli Jacob Sankey, born to their daughter Sara and her husband Thad. Back to top HELP COLLEGE FRESHMEN GET CONNECTED The Nebraska District is in the process of gathering information to reach out and connect LCMS members who will be attending a college or university during this next academic year with the campus ministry in their area. With your help, we can connect students to a campus ministry before they get on campus. We have learned that a student's first year on campus can be their most impacted. To share the names of students in your congregation, please email Connie Borchers at connieb at ndlcms.org the name, current address, phone number, email address, and the college they will be attending by July 31. You can also go to http://www.ndlcms.org/ministries/district/campus.html and you will find a poster, bulletin announcement, and information on emailing the names of the students. Back to top GEARED UP! EVENT FOR YOUTH It's time to get "Geared Up!" for the Geared Up! Youth Gathering at Pershing Center, Lincoln, Nebraska on October 9-10, 2009. Featuring Dr. Micah Parker, Travis Hartjen, Jeffrey Meinz, Leon Jameson, Gretchen Jameson, Room211 Band, and "These Guys," this day and a half event is designed to encourage students to become "imitators of Christ" through a life of service. Early bird pricing ends August 18. Interested youth and leaders can check out the information and schedule at www.unpavedministries.org. Back to top K4 RESTORATION SUNDAY As we approach the 4th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina (Aug. 29), RAI Ministries boldly asks you to partner with them in their restoration work in the areas still affected by this storm. They are asking each congregation to observe "Restoration Sunday" on any Sunday in August of their choosing this year. They ask you to do four things: * Lift up the people of the Gulf Coast in prayer. * Keep the story alive, tell others about God's work in the Gulf Coast. * Go volunteer. * Help raise the funds to continue this good work. For more information and materials, including additional K4 event opportunities, please visit their K4 Resource Page at http://raiministries.org/index.php/getinvolved/restoration or call them at 888-248-2636. Back to top NATIONAL YOUTH GATHERING E-NEWSLETTER The LCMS Youth Ministry staff has developed a Gathering Update e-newsletter full of important information for leaders and youth interested in attending the 2010 National Youth Gathering in New Orleans. Find all the latest information and sign up to receive your own gathering updates by visiting the "latest news" page on the Gathering website at http://www.lcmsgathering.com/?PageID=11063. You can receive more newsletters with information like this: A new Fundraising page was created to help foster creative ways to raise funds for the Gathering. Here is one of the ideas we've received: St. Peter Lutheran Church in North Bend, Nebraska, is planning a Christian rock concert this summer! The youth group discussed their plans to attend the National LCMS Youth Gathering with the band, and the band agreed to a 50/50 split on the ticket revenue. They were able to get a local college to donate space to have the concert. They also plan on having a concession stand to help bring in a little more. The youth group is hoping to sell 1,000 tickets at $10 each to give their half of the tickets $5,000 plus the concession stand sales. For more ideas check out the fundraising page on the Gathering website. If your group is doing something unique for your fundraising efforts we would like to hear what you are doing: youth.ministry at lcms.org. Check out the fundraising discussion on the Facebook group site as well. Now that you are starting to raise funds for the Gathering, what are you going to do with those funds? Individual churches disperse their fundraising dollars in several different ways. Two DCE's who have set up effective dispersion methods are Jeremy Becker at Concordia Lutheran Church in Kirkwood, MO and Brent Howard of Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Aurora, CO. If you are interested in learning how Brent or Jeremy divvy up funds to their youth, look them up on the LCMS Church Workers Directory and send them an email. >From the Youth Worker Prayer Book: (Resource available from the Youth Ministry Office - www.lcms.org/dcsstore) Heavenly Father, All good gifts come from You. Thank You for entrusting us with talents, abilities and assets. You challenge us to use them wisely. Please help all of us, children, teens and adults, to recognize the gifts You have given each of us and enable us to be good stewards of those gifts. Show us how to bring out the best in each other and rejoice in who You made us to be. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Back to top LOST AND FOUND IN CONCERT IN NEBRASKA Camp Luther is sponsoring Lost and Found in three concerts at three Lutheran high schools in Nebraska August 14-16. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. each night, with the event beginning at 6:30 p.m. Lincoln Lutheran Jr./Sr. High School, Lincoln August 14 Lutheran High School Northeast, Norfolk August 15 Heartland Lutheran High School, Grand Island August 16 Advance tickets are available and recommended for groups wishing to attend. Anyone may purchase tickets by contacting Camp Luther at 402-352-5655 or visiting www.campluther.org. Camp Luther is offering a July Special! Purchase (request and pay for) your tickets by July 31and get tickets at the following prices: 20 tickets or more and pay $5 per ticket. 10-19 tickets and pay $7.50 per ticket. 1-9 tickets and pay $10.00 per ticket. Tickets are $15 each after July 31 or at the door. More information on Lost and Found is available at www.speedwood.com. Back to top JCPLAY ZONE HELPS BEAT SUMMER BOREDOM As the summer heats up, the kids are looking for something new and exciting ... and maybe something indoors! LHM's interactive Web site for kids, JCPlayZone, is just the thing. JCPlayZone has it all: games, coloring pages, crafts, e-cards, and much more. New content is added often to keep the site fresh and fun. JCPlayZone also features Bible stories, Christian music, and Daily Devotions to teach the kids about Jesus while they play. The "Bee Attitudes" downloadable coloring book is a popular feature for churches and schools alike. Your church or school can customize the coloring book with service times, contact information, or a special event schedule. One church customized and printed 1,000 coloring books and used them to invite Vacation Bible School participants to church services. The coloring book teaches children to "Bee Happy," "Bee Joyful," "Bee Patient," and others, covering the Beatitudes from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:3-12). The coloring book even allows children to think of their own "Bee Attitude." Just click "Coloring" from the JCPlayZone home page. LHM is also working on a new game that will teach children common words and numbers in Spanish, along with a sprinkling of "heavenly" words! This game is sure to be a favorite! Other games include "Wacky Word Search," "Bramble Ramble," "Bubble Bugs," "Creation Matching," and much more. To start playing now, visit www.jcplayzone.com. Back to top WOODEN PEWS FOR SALE Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church in Omaha has over 30 solid oak pews with padded seats to sell for less than $10.00 per foot. 29 pews at 15' 11 7/8" 4 pews at 13' 5 1/2" 2 pews at 11' 5 5/8" 2 pews at 14' 5 1/2" 1 pews at 18' 5 1/2" These oak pews are in very good condition. They will sell the entire lot of 38 pews for $4499 or best offer. You will need to arrange pickup from Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church (15005 Q St), Omaha. For further information or to see photos of the pews, please contact Bill Seim at Divine Shepherd at 402-895-1500 or bill at dsomaha.org. Back to top LUTHERAN MUSEUM OPENS AT LCMS INTERNATIONAL CENTER Concordia Historical Institute Museum, a state-of-the-art learning facility dedicated to preserving the history and celebrating the heritage of Lutheranism in America, opened Monday, July 27, to the public. Located at The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod's (LCMS) International Center at 1333 S. Kirkwood Rd., Kirkwood, Mo., the museum will be open weekdays, except holidays, from 8:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Admission is free and the museum is fully accessible. The museum's exhibits showcase five major periods in the history of the LCMS: * Luther and the Reformation - describing the origins of the Lutheran church in mid-16th-century Europe and providing insight into the life of Martin Luther. * Colonists and Missionaries to America - tracing the travels of the Saxon immigrants to the United States and missionaries who helped form the LCMS in 1847. * Growth of a Synod - illustrating the growth of the LCMS in the 19th century as the young church organized under its first president, Dr. C.F.W. Walther, to reach the people of America with the Word of God. * From St. Louis to the World - demonstrating how from its founding near St. Louis the church's mission work has expanded domestically and internationally. * An Unchanging Message for a Changing World - indicating how the LCMS has worked to meet the challenges of proclaiming the Gospel in the 20th century and into the future through the use of new media, an expanding system of higher education, and outreach to all parts of society. Concordia Historical Institute (CHI), the Department of Archives and History of the LCMS, will operate the museum. Tours are self-guided; however, groups are encouraged to give advance notice. For more information, call 314-505-7900 or write chi at lutheranhistory.org. "We give all thanks and glory to God for bringing us to this special day, the grand opening of the CHI Museum," said Rev. Marvin Huggins, CHI's interim executive director. "We welcome all to this museum, and it is our prayer that visitors will come away with an enhanced understanding of the significant history of Lutheranism in America and a clearer perspective on the church's work to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ while serving its members, communities, and the world." Back to top CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY, SEWARD, TO OFFER FREE TUITION TO VETERANS Qualified veterans will be able to attend Concordia University, Nebraska this fall tuition-free. As a participating institution in the recently-enacted Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program, Concordia has teamed up with the Veterans Administration to cover all tuition expenses for veterans. "Concordia is excited to offer our excellent Christian education at no cost to those who have served our country in recent years," said Brian Friedrich, president of Concordia. "It is a small way we can honor them for their service and ensure their futures are as bright as the futures they have helped to secure for others." The Yellow Ribbon Program is a provision of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008. Institutions that voluntarily enter into a Yellow Ribbon Agreement with Veterans Affairs choose the percentage of tuition and fees that will be waived. Veterans Affairs then matches that percentage and issue payment directly to the institution. Students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs at Concordia are eligible, and Concordia has placed no limit on the number of eligible veterans who may enroll and take part in the program. Most students taking part in the program will have the cost of room, board and books paid for as well. Under another provision of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, a housing allowance and the books and supplies stipend is also provided. Once a service member has applied for benefits with the Department of Veterans Affairs, they will receive their Certificate of Eligibility and notice of their qualification to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program. Students must be accepted to Concordia through the standard admission procedures. More information is available on Concordia's site at www.cune.edu/yellowribbon. Back to top LWML AWARDS LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF MISSION GRANT Delegates to the 33rd Biennial Convention of the Lutheran Women's Missionary League (LWML), voted to provide an $80,000 mission grant to Lutheran World Relief to defray the costs of shipping more than 100,000 Lutheran-made quilts to people in need worldwide. The Lutheran Women's Missionary League is an official auxiliary of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. LWR's mission grant proposal, one of 19 selected at the convention to receive funding, received overwhelming support, receiving 340 votes out of 601 voting delegates at the convention. The Biennial Convention was held June 24-28 in Portland, Oregon. "Lutheran World Relief is so appreciative to have our quilt ministry affirmed this way," says Brenda Meier, LWR's Director for Congregation & Community Engagement. "LWML has been a longtime partner in ministry and this generous mission grant will continue to strengthen the work we achieve together." The grant will be funded over the next two years as part of the LWML's 2009-2011 biennium mission goal of $1.825 million. It is the largest in the organization's 67-year history-$125,000 more than the previous mission goal. The funds are raised by the LWML's 250,000 members nationwide. "This mission grant will help sustain the ministry that so many LWML members have been a part of for generations. The women work long hours to sew the quilts they donate to Lutheran World Relief," said Melanie Gibbons, Parish Projects Coordinator for LWR. Gibbons works with Lutheran quilting and kit-making groups through the U.S. "The quilts they make are offerings of peace, comfort and compassion, carefully pieced together as expressions of Christian love. Through this project, both LWML and LWR serve as the hands of Christ to bring healing to those in need," Gibbons said. Last year, LWR distributed more than 455,000 quilts to people in need in 27 countries. Back to top OFFICE FURNITURE SALE AT CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY, SEWARD Concordia University in Seward is doing some cleaning/recycling by offering older/unused furniture items for sale. Come check out office desks, chairs, bookcases, file cabinets, tables, odds & ends, etc. Money raised will go toward campus improvement projects. Take part in the "Leftover Office Furniture Sale" on Friday, August 7, from 12 noon until 6 p.m. The sale will be at the Health and Human Performance house at the end of Faculty Lane (north of the library) on campus. Back to top REQUESTS FOR HEALTH KITS OUTPACE AVAILABILITY Lutheran World Relief's supply of health kits remains critically low as requests for assistance across the world increase. The kits-containing basic hygiene supplies to help reduce the spread of germs and disease-are sent around the world to people dealing with the affects of war, disaster, and poverty. As humanitarian crises escalate, requests for LWR health kits are outpacing the inflow of health kit donations from groups and congregations throughout the United States. "The shortage of health kits is getting more drastic each week," notes Trevor Knoblich, who manages LWR's quilt and kit inventories. "We simply do not have the stock to fulfill needs." LWR needs more than 56,000 health kits to fill planned shipments to Azerbaijan, Mauritania, Tanzania, Belarus, Burkina Faso, Palestine (Gaza), Philippines, Peru and Guatemala by year's end. "We hope to see a big increase in health kits as a result of fall ingathering contributions," says Melanie Gibbons, LWR's Parish Projects Coordinator. Ingatherings are events at which churches, service groups and individuals meet regionally to consolidate and ship their quilts and kits in bulk to LWR's warehouses. Many such ingatherings occur in October and November throughout the U.S. "Kits not only send a tangible message of God's love amidst suffering, they also save lives. Health kits, in particular, help families stay healthy in difficult living conditions," says Brenda Meier, LWR's Director for Congregation and Community Engagement. "If you already have a kit making ministry, we are asking that you send as many health kits as you can. If your church or service group does not yet have a ministry, it is a great way to engage people of all ages in service to their brothers and sisters in need," says Gibbons. In addition to the critical need for health kits, LWR continues to work to meet the requests for quilts, school kits, sewing kits, layettes, and soap. Instructions for making health kits, as well as how to assemble other kits and material aid items, are available on the LWR website at www.lwr.org/beinvolved. Or call 1-800-LWR-LWR-2 to request a copy of "Be Involved," a free resource that includes instructions on kit making. Back to top NEW FROM CONCORDIA PUBLISHING HOUSE New Bible Study for Men Offers 'Adventure and Challenge' Concordia Publishing House announces Blessed Is the Man, a new Bible study for use in both individual and group settings. Based on the Psalms, the resource includes daily reading and life-application questions, and study options for small group formats. The first two studies in the series are available online at www.cph.org/men or by calling 800-325-3040. "This Bible study for men creates a fun and challenging place for men to be men," says Jim Stropnik, manager of Bible studies and Bibles at Concordia Publishing House. "The study uses chapters written by everyday guys and encourages guys to rediscover the adventure in life through reading real stories about a real Savior." Authors include pastors and men who come from a "wide-range of life experiences," including work as executives, entertainers, in the IT field, as private pilots, and professional church workers. "This study offers men a way to see how Scripture applies in their day-to-day experiences," says Rev. Robert Baker, editor for the project. "Men's ministries are on the rise, including in the LCMS with programs like the Men's Ministry Network from Lutheran Hour Ministries, and this study is a great fit for use as part of those programs. The Psalms are an incredible first-person way to see how God works in men's lives; after all they were written by a real guy's-guy, King David!" Two more books that will complete the series are scheduled for an early 2010 release. "Blessed Is the Man is the perfect resource to combine men's activities like watching football with studying God's Word. Give men a time to reflect and connect," Stropnik says. Evangelism Resources Offer Tools to Witness Faith Concordia Publishing House introduces two evangelism resources to help Christians share their faith, How to Share Christ Confidently and What Jesus Means to Me, available for $2.99 each. How to Share Christ Confidently explores practical techniques for witnessing in any situation. Each chapter includes exercises designed to confront and overcome the fear of witnessing. What Jesus Means to Me is a collection of personal stories of faith, written in a conversational style. "Often, people feel uncomfortable witnessing," says, Ken Liszewski, manager of books for Concordia Publishing House. "These new evangelism resources offer suggestions and information, as well as encouragement from other believers to share the Good News, always relying on God's action through His Word and Spirit to form faith." Bible Studies Compare World Religions and Christian Denominations Concordia Publishing House announces its release of two youth Bible studies; One God, many gods, an exploration of world religions, and One Christ, Many Creeds, a comparison study of Christian denominations. One God, many gods has been updated and presents the primary differences of world religions alongside the common creed of the Christian faith. "The original edition was among Concordia's best-selling youth studies, and the new edition includes updated data and also focuses on emergent religions," says Youth Editor, Mark Sengele. The new edition, written by Dr. Adam Francisco, includes six religions not featured in the first. Dr. Francisco is a professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, IN. One Christ, Many Creeds compares Lutheranism with 15 other Christian doctrines, leading youth to a greater understanding of the teachings of the Lutheran church. Sengele shares, "Lutheran young people long to understand the differences between what they believe and what their Christian friends believe. One Christ leads students to appropriately understand differences as well as important teachings that we have in common with other Christian people." Concordia Commentary-Amos Concordia Publishing House (CPH) announces the availability of the newest Concordia Commentary-Amos. The Concordia Commentary series is developed to "help to pastors and teachers of the Word to proclaim the Gospel with insight and clarity." Concordia Commentaries affirm the inspiration and authority of Scripture and offer a literal translation, textual notes, and theological exposition to present the distinctive themes of Holy Scripture. Detailed product information is available online at www.cph.org, keyword: Amos. "Dr. Lessing 'restores the roar' of the Lion from the tribe of Judah through His prophet Amos," says Dr. Christopher Mitchell, Concordia Publishing House commentary editor. "This commentary elucidates the rhetorical details and theological message of this important prophecy, which proclaims well-deserved judgment for the impenitent, yet also consoles the believer with its promises of the new covenant in Christ, His Church, and the new creation." Children's Prayer Book Teaches Life-Long Practice Of Prayer Concordia Publishing House introduces a prayer book for children, A Child's Book of Prayers. A Child's Book of Prayers includes an illustrated collection of prayers for praise and thanksgiving, confession and intercession, as well as prayers for special occasions and daily routines. A Child's Book of Prayers features more than 85 new and traditional prayers sorted by theme. The resource encourages parents and children to move beyond reciting prayers to truly speaking them. The book is available online at www.cph.org (keyword: prayers), or by calling 800-325-3040. "Our job as parents, grandparents, and teachers is to make sure that our children know the importance, comfort, and power of prayer," says Ken Liszewski, manager of books for Concordia Publishing House. "A Child's Book of Prayers is the perfect book to share with your children to help them learn to pray and share their lives with God." Back to top Summer 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: 70231 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image002.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 12656 bytes Desc: image002.jpg URL: From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Jul 1 10:42:29 2009 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:42:29 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] July 1 Message-ID: Update for July 1 A publication of the Nebraska District, a District ABLAZE! This Saturday gives us another reminder of the precious freedom Americans have to live free from tyranny and oppression. It can also remind us of the even greater freedom Christians have through Jesus Christ. Paul writes in his letter to the Galatians, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free." (Gal. 5:1) What a blessing that we receive this freedom from sin and eternal death as a gift from God so that we may be free to share this Good News with people in our families and communities. May we find opportunities this weekend and always to share our joy in this freedom with those around us. The Nebraska District staff wishes you a happy and safe Fourth of July weekend. * Prayer Request * District Office Holiday Hours * Deaconesses Available to Serve * Correction to Last Week's VBS Article * Revised Donna Meyer Speaking Schedule * Witnessing in Song - Concordia A Cappella Choir Tour Report * Overseas Service Opportunities * Concordia Tops Nation in NAIA Scholar Athletes * New Project Connect Booklets from Lutheran Hour Ministries * Technology Provides Access to Resources from LCMS, CPH, and Seminary * District Pastor Earns Doctorate PRAYER REQUEST Rev. John and Martha Deang - Please lift up in prayer Rev. John and Martha Deang as they travel back from Sudan. Rev. Deang, Nebraska District missionary-at-large for African immigrant ministry, has been in East Africa and Sudan for over six months working on behalf of the Nebraska District with our mission partners there. He and Martha were married in April, and they are returning to Nebraska this weekend. Please pray for safety as they travel, and ask our heavenly Father to bless them as they make their new home together here in Nebraska. This will be Martha's first time in the United States, and we pray that God will be with her and help her as she adjusts to her new life. Back to top DISTRICT OFFICE HOLIDAY HOURS The District Office will be closed Friday, July 3, in observance of Independence Day. The office will reopen Monday, July 6, at 8:00 a.m. with staff devotions. A safe and blessed Fourth of July to all! Back to top DEACONESSES AVAILABLE TO SERVE Currently at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, nine deaconess candidates are on the waiting list for placement into a diaconal ministry of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. Some have been waiting for over four years for placement. (At the conclusion of the upcoming 2009-2010 school year there will be an additional six traditional deaconess studies graduates, and three Center for Hispanic Studies graduates.) Each candidate has responded to the concern expressed by her Church for faithful servants, and they have dedicated several years of their lives (and tuition dollars) in preparing to serve the Lord as a deaconess in the Lord's Church. Deaconesses serve in congregations and schools by teaching, visitation, counseling, youth ministries, family ministries and other caring ministries. They are also equipped to serve with compassion in health care institutions and older adult care ministries. Deaconess candidates have received an M.A. in Deaconess Studies after completing two years of post-graduate academic coursework, six quarters of field education, and one year of internship. If the Lord is moving your congregation to consider a deaconess for service, or if you just desire additional information, please contact District President Russ Sommerfeld at russs at ndlcms.org or 888-643-2961. Back to top CORRECTION TO LAST WEEK'S VBS ARTICLE The amount of the offering collected by Holy Cross, Kearney, from their VBS students was inaccurately reported in last week's Email Update. The correct amount was nearly $1,800 in response to a $1,200 challenge, not $18,000 as was reported. Sorry for any confusion! Back to top REVISED DONNA MEYER SPEAKING SCHEDULE We have just received this newly revised speaking schedule for Donna Meyer, a Nebraska teacher serving LCMS World Mission in Banda Aceh, Indonesia. Following is her updated schedule: Date Time Congregation City July 1 7:30pm St Peter Deshler, NE July 2 1:30pm Zion Tobias, NE July 5 9:30 am Peace (Bible class) Grand Island, NE July 11 5:00 social 6:00 dinner 7:00 presentation Faith Hazard, NE July 12 10:15am Zion (Bible class) Hastings, NE July 12 6:30 pm St. Paul Minden, NE July 22 7-8pm Hope South Sioux City, NE July 23 TBA St John Pierce, NE July 25 6pm Trinity Fremont, NE July 26 8, 9:15, 10:30 am Trinity Fremont, NE Back to top WITNESSING IN SONG - CONCORDIA A CAPPELLA CHOIR TOUR REPORT Concordia University, Nebraska's A Cappella Choir will spend nearly three weeks touring Spain, Austria and Italy, giving concerts and competing in the 46th International Competition of Choral Singing in Spittal on der Drau, Austria. The tour launched June 24. The choir's schedule includes stops in Madrid, Seville, and Barcelona. Spain was chosen, in part, due to the Lutheran church's active support of mission congregations in the region, and their efforts to spread the Gospel. While in Barcelona, the choir will have the opportunity to join voices with a local choir, Coral St. Sadurn?. Reports have come back about how God was at work during the first two concerts the choir gave last Thursday and Friday evenings, June 25 and 26, in Mostoles, Madrid. Following are excerpts from the reports sent by Nancy Middendorf, music tour coordinator: June 25 - "We had an attendance of 100, which is more than the IELE (Spanish Lutheran mission) has had sum total in all of Spain at any event they have ever held...but more than that, the people were very moved and almost all were saying they were returning tomorrow night and bringing guests. A lady who runs a major radio station in the area talked long afterward about how fantastic it was and that she was going to air news about tomorrow's concert all day tomorrow on the radio station and to expect a packed room! Pastor Gustavo was extremely overwhelmed (I really don't have a strong enough word to use here), and the missionaries are nearly out of their minds with anticipation for the coming concerts. . . . The crowd tonight clapped for every song as though it were a standing ovation! About 3/4 way through the concert, it was difficult for Kurt (Von Kampen) to begin a new piece because they wouldn't stop clapping. . . . It was a tremendous experience for our choir members, to be sure, and they were also very moved by the audience response." June 26 - "(Tonight's concert) was in the same church as last night's. Indeed, it was a packed audience, more than doubling attendance. The 'standing ovation' style of clapping began even before the first song was finished. The crowd anticipated an ending and began cheering and clapping while Kurt patiently waited with raised hands to finish the piece. It is difficult to describe the mood of the audience because I've never witnessed this at our concerts before. It's like they've come to a concert they have been anticipating for a long time and are totally absorbed in the music and the students. We felt like God was shining through us and penetrating the audience with His Spirit!! Some said they didn't understand the English words but were very moved by the spiritual presence of the Lord. . . . Pastor Gustavo, our Lutheran missionary contact here, had tears of joy and disbelief at the end of the concert as he was watching the finale from the rear of the church." Thanks be to God for how He is using this choir from Seward, Nebraska, to be a witness to His love and His glory to people who are searching halfway around the world. Please keep the choir in your prayers as they continue to travel throughout Europe singing praises to God. Back to top OVERSEAS SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES Indonesia - Individuals are needed to teach EFL in a local government junior high or senior high school in Banda Aceh, Indonesia. These individuals will be responsible for preparing lesson plans that fit with and enhance the textbook and other materials currently used by local English teachers in the school, preparing additional teaching aids that promote interactive, communicative English learning, teaching in a formal classroom setting, and planning and conducting additional formal and informal activities with students and other teachers after school and on weekends. Applicants with a teaching degree and formal or informal teaching experience are strongly preferred. Individuals with some type of formal or informal teaching experience, but no bachelor's degree will be seriously considered. To learn how you can serve by going global, go here: www.lcmsworldmission.org/searchopps. Contact an LCMS World Mission placement counselor at 1-800-433-3954 or mission.recruitment at lcms.org. Haiti LCMS World Relief and Human Care is seeking 3 additional volunteers for the Mercy Medical Team trip to Haiti, August 3-13. The team will travel to the town of Thomassique in the central plateau of Haiti, near the border with the Dominican Republic. The clinics will be held in a local Lutheran school and will be general practice with no surgery. The cost of the trip is estimated to be $2,100 per individual. This includes international air, ground transport in Haiti, food and lodging, medical and evacuation insurance, and clinical costs. If you are interested or have additional questions, please immediately contact Maggie Karner at 765-748-7743 or maggie.karner at lcms.org or Jacob Fiene at 800-248-1930, ext. 1278 or mercymedical at lcms.org. Please copy LIMM at the email address below if you contact LCMS World Relief and Human Care. If you have any additional questions, please contact Lutherans in Medical Missions at limm at limm.org. Guatemala TLC LAMMS (Trinity Lutheran Church's Latin-American Medical Mission Society) seeks 10-12 volunteers for a health clinic to be held at Clinica Santa Cruz, Guatemala, October 16-25, 2009. One more physician and a surgeon, nurses (especially ER nurses), PAs, nurse practitioners, paramedics, etc. are needed. Projected cost per person (airfare, room and board, tips) is $2,500 or less. Anyone interested can call Rev. Charles Webb at 231-499-2139 or email cwwebb at charter.net. Immunizations needed before going are minimal and can be found at www.cdc.gov. Each participant is expected to take an extra suitcase containing OTC meds (aspirin, Tylenol, antibiotic/antifungal creams antihistamines, bandages, BP cuffs, urine dipsticks, glucometers, etc.). Rev. Charles W. Webb, MD Assistant Pastor/Medical Missionary Trinity Lutheran Church & School 1003 S. Maple Street Traverse City, Mi 49684 231-499-2139 cell 231-946-2720 church If you have any additional questions, please contact Lutherans in Medical Missions at limm at limm.org. Please copy LIMM if you contact Rev. Webb. Back to top CONCORDIA TOPS NATION IN NAIA SCHOLAR ATHLETES Concordia University, Nebraska had the highest number of National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics scholar-athletes in the nation for the 2008-09 academic year. Seventy-four Bulldogs earned the NAIA scholar-athlete status, 16 more than second place University of St. Francis, Fort Wayne, Ind. "It is flat-out stunning what our student-athletes have achieved," said Grant Schmidt, director of athletics for Concordia. "On and off the field, they work very hard. They are here for the right reasons, and they have coaches--and an entire institution for that matter--who truly care about them and support them. We are so proud." Concordia also topped the nation in four individual sports: men's and women's cross country and men's and women's track. Within its conference, the Great Plains Athletic Conference, Concordia came out on top for the sixth year in a row. The GPAC as a whole, which includes more than 4,500 student-athletes in 19 sanctioned sports, had 480 student-athletes earn the NAIA honor. Student-athletes must be at least juniors in academic status and maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale to receive this honor. Back to top NEW PROJECT CONNECT BOOKLETS FROM LUTHERAN HOUR MINISTRIES Brand new from Lutheran Hour Ministries are two Project Connect booklets. The first deals with the difficult relationship fracture that occurs when a child becomes a prodigal. The second offers an insightful approach toward understanding one's identity. In Parents of Prodigals-The Journey Through The Valley, Christian author and counselor Dan Kohn shares his perceptions and first-hand experience dealing with conflicts that can separate family members for long periods of time. More than 30 years of counseling have given Kohn vital words for any parent grieving over the absence of a child: "The heavenly Father is fully able to accomplish what a parent is unable to do. It is time to let go of what cannot be done through human effort and let God do His miraculous work." This booklet will encourage the reader and remind him or her that it is God who puts things back together - it is God who can restore what seems impossibly broken. In The Mystery of You: Clues to Your True Identity, Dr. Melanie Wilson guides the reader in an engaging - and informative - look at what makes him or her tick. Using the popular board game CLUE? as a template, the quest is on to understand where we've been (rooms); what we've done (weapons); and who other people (witnesses) say we are. In the midst of our grand illusion as to how significant or worthless we are is the One who knows us best, understands us fully, and loves us anyway - Jesus Christ. It is in Him and the price He paid to redeem us from sin - and ourselves - that our true identity - our new identity - is achieved through faith. The booklets were produced for Project Connect, LHM's booklet display ministry that is perfect for your church narthex, school nurse's office, guidance counselor's office, or church library. Booklets address real needs that many people face - from finance issues to divorce, depression to illness, and addiction to grief. For more information about Project Connect or to order a display, please visit www.lhm.org/projectconnect. Back to top TECHNOLOGY PROVIDES ACCESS TO RESOURCES FROM LCMS, CPH, AND SEMINARY Follow the LCMS on Twitter The LCMS is pleased to announce that they have launched the official LCMS Twitter account. You can find them online at www.twitter.com/theLCMS. As you may know, Twitter is a micro-blogging site that allows users to post very short updates about themselves (or their organizations) and follow other users' posts. Updates can be published and viewed via the Internet or via text messaging on mobile phones. Posts, called "tweets," are no more than 140 characters in length and generally include a link to additional information. Content is usually related to announcements. By using this popular social networking tool, the LCMS hopes to benefit all of their ministries by gaining more exposure and improving access to their information. Now you can "twitter" to see what's new in the LCMS. Christian Books Available for Print on Demand Concordia Publishing House (CPH) announces the release of Concordia on Demand, a new print-on-demand service available at the company website, www.cph.org/ondemand. "With the advancements in digital printing, CPH can economically print the titles our customers request, in as little as two weeks' time," says Ken Liszewski, manager of books for Concordia Publishing House. At the time of this release, 50 titles were available for print-on-demand. Topics cover a range of subjects and include commentaries, daily devotional resources, and sermon collections. The company says that is has plans to expand the possible titles into the hundreds. Liszewski adds, "Concordia on Demand allows CPH to maintain a larger book list and bring back out-of-print titles. Customers can visit often to see our newest Concordia on Demand books." Concordia Seminary Resources Now Available for Download on iPhone And iPod Touch Concordia Seminary's department of educational technology is pleased to announce that its complete catalog of educational audio and video podcasts is now available for direct download onto the iPhone and iPod touch. With Apple's release of their 3.0 software update for iPhone and iPod touch, iTunes U is directly accessible over both cellular and Wi-Fi networks through the iTunes Store. "Mobile learning is an exciting area for Concordia Seminary," commented Tony Cook, director of educational technology. "With Apple's latest advance, we are now able to bring educationally and theologically sound content to our residential and distance students as well as the pastors and laity of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod via this exciting technology. Imagine being able to download a podcast directly onto your iPhone or iPod touch and present it to your confirmation class, elders meeting, or Sunday morning Bible study with a simple cable and a standard television. This advance in technology helps to fulfill our goal of offering relevant confessional resources directly to Lutherans throughout the world." For those who are interested in downloading Concordia Seminary content directly onto an iPhone or iPod touch, the instructions can be found at the following Apple support link: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3570. For questions or help, contact educational technology at 314-505-7018. Back to top DISTRICT PASTOR EARNS DOCTORATE Rev. John Hellwege, former pastor of St. Peter, Humphrey and Grace, Platte Center, received his PhD in Historical Theology from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis on May 22. Hellwege's dissertation was: "Evaluating the Whirlwind: The American Lutheran Theological Interpretations of Pre-War Nazi Germany." Congratulations Rev. Dr. Hellwege! Back to top Have a happy and safe Fourth of July Weekend! 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: 58535 bytes Desc: not available URL: From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Jul 8 15:32:48 2009 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 08 Jul 2009 20:32:48 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] July 8 Message-ID: Update for July 8 A publication of the Nebraska District, a District ABLAZE! Greetings in the name of our Heavenly Father. * Prayer Requests * No Email Update Next Week * Fiscal Conference Registration Information Sent * Personal Peacemaking Seminar in Lincoln * College Freshmen Contact Information * Rural/Small Town Conference Scholarships Available * Christian Teacher Resources on Sale * LLL State Fair Services * Concordia Publishing House to Give Away Lutheran Service Book Hymn Accompaniment on CD * Remembering Hurricane Katrina * Jesus Our Savior Lutheran School Dedication Celebration * Overseas Service Opportunities * Congregation Mailboxes Available * Lutheran Family Services' Global Voices Evening PRAYER REQUESTS Family of Barbara Rohwer - Please remember in your prayers the family of Barbara Rohwer, mother of DCE Andrew Rohwer, who was called to the Lord's side July 1. Barbara was an active member of Good Shepherd, Fremont. Andrew serves as DCE at Holy Cross in Kearney. We ask the Lord to wrap this family in His love, peace, and comfort at this difficult time. Family of Marilyn Bruick - We lift up in prayer the family of Marilyn Bruick, mother of Rev. Scott Bruick, who entered her eternal rest on Sunday, July 5. Pastor Bruick serves as senior pastor of St. John, Seward, and his wife, Jan, serves as administrative assistant to the Lutheran Church Extension Fund - Nebraska Program out of the District Office. We pray that our Heavenly Father will provide comfort for the family at this time through the promise of eternal life. Back to top NO EMAIL UPDATE NEXT WEEK There will not be an Email Update next week, July 15, because I will be out of the office. Watch for the next Update on Wednesday, July 22. Back to top FISCAL CONFERENCE REGISTRATION INFORMATION SENT All pastors, principals, congregational chairmen, congregational treasurers, and stewardship board chairs are invited to be the guests of the District for a day-long Fiscal Conference. Registration materials were mailed to all pastors, these officers, and church offices. Up to five people from each congregation may attend one of three conferences to be held around the District in August. * August 8 at Lutheran High Northeast, Norfolk * August 15 at Peace, Grand Island * August 22 at Lincoln Lutheran Middle & High School, Lincoln Attendees will have the opportunity for dialog with members of the Nebraska District Board of Directors, members of the district stewardship committee, and staff, as well as learning more about: * How past and current economic conditions intersect with the Church. * The fiscal realities of the Nebraska District and its congregations as members of the LCMS. * Congregational stewardship opportunities. * Personal stewardship education. Those interested in attending may complete and return the registration form mailed to their church office, print and complete a form from the District website, http://www.ndlcms.org/news/conferences/Fiscal.html, or email the information requested on the form to conference at ndlcms.org. The registration deadline is Friday, July 24. More information about the conference is available on the District website, http://www.ndlcms.org/news/conferences/Fiscal.html. Please help the District practice God-pleasing stewardship by pre-registering for the conference you plan to attend, and attending the conference you register for. Thank you. Back to top PERSONAL PEACEMAKING SEMINAR IN LINCOLN Due to our sinful nature we find ourselves in conflict with family, friends, co workers and even people at church. The Nebraska District and Messiah, Lincoln, are hosting a power-packed seminar on how God's ministry of reconciliation is meant to be lived out in your daily life. This one-day seminar on Saturday, August 29, at Messiah (1800 South 84th St.) will teach practical ways to apply your Christian faith in family, business, and church. The following topics will be covered: * Understanding conflict from a Scriptural viewpoint * Identifying worldly and godly responses to conflict * Three opportunities for the Christian in conflict * How to confess your faults without justification * How to forgive others as God forgave you * How to achieve genuine reconciliation * How to negotiate in a God-pleasing manner The registration fee is $20 per person and includes: * Seminar presentation * Breakfast * Lunch * Seminar study guide * Announcing God's Grace through Confession and Forgiveness * Peacemaking Principles Registration materials are being mailed to all church offices this week, and completed forms with payment are due to the District Office no later than August 14. More information and a printable registration form is available on the District website, http://www.ndlcms.org/news/conferences/peacemaking.html. Back to top COLLEGE FRESHMEN CONTACT INFORMATION The Nebraska District is in the process of gathering information to reach out and connect LCMS members who will be attending a college or university during this next academic year with the campus ministry in their area. With your help, we can connect students to a campus ministry before they get on campus. We have learned that a student's first year on campus can be their most impacted. To share the names of students in your congregation, please email Connie Borchers at connieb at ndlcms.org the name, current address, phone number, email address, and the college they will be attending by July 31. You can also go to http://www.ndlcms.org/ministries/district/campus.html and you will find a poster, bulletin announcement, and information on emailing the names of the students. Back to top RURAL/SMALL TOWN CONFERENCE SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE St. Paul Institute for Education (SPIFE) is hosting the third annual Heartland Rural/Small Town conference on November 5-7 at Arbor Lodge Lied Conference Center in Nebraska City. The District is offering 10 scholarships in the amount of $500 for each congregation that sends one pastor and one or more laypersons from their congregation. These scholarships are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. If you would like to take advantage of a scholarship, please contact Connie at connieb at ndlcms.org. Information about the conference and registration can also be found at www.spife.org. Deadline for registration and scholarship application is October 2. Back to top CHRISTIAN TEACHER RESOURCES ON SALE Concordia Publishing House (CPH) invites teachers to shop its July 50%-off sale on teacher resources by visiting http://www.cph.org/cphstore/Category.asp?find%5Fcategory=97643&find%5Fdescription=Teacher+Resource+50%25+Sale&find%5Fpart%5Fdesc. Sale prices are available through the month. Orders can be placed online at www.cph.org or by calling 800-325-3040. "The special prices are a great way for our schools and teachers to get ready for the new school year," shares Joseph Snyder, who is the Director of Marketing for CPH. "August will be here before we know it, and this opportunity will be the best savings for the season." Back to top LLL STATE FAIR SERVICES Pastors and church secretaries, please consider putting the following information in your August newsletter, bulletins, or both. Are you planning to take in the Nebraska State Fair? Will you be there on a Sunday? If so join the Nebraska District Lutheran Laymen as they provide a worship service at the Open Air Auditorium each Sunday at 9:00 a.m. Rev. Paul Holtorf, Associate Professor of Theology, Concordia University, Seward, will be preaching and leading the service on Sunday, August 30. Special music will be provided by the A Cappella Choir of Concordia University under the direction of Kurt Von Kampen. Rev. Keith Grimm will be preaching the message on Sunday, September 6. Pastor Grimm serves as the International Pastoral Advisor of the Lutheran Laymen's League and serves as senior pastor at Beautiful Savior in LaVista. Leading the worship service and sharing the children's message will be Rev. Duane Fahr of First Trinity, Bloomfield. Pastor Fahr serves as the Nebraska District's LLL Pastoral Advisor. Special music will be provided by the Concordia Lutheran Schools, Omaha, NE. High School Choir, under the direction of Peter Klemp. If you are at the fair, don't miss this special time to worship our Lord. Back to top CONCORDIA PUBLISHING HOUSE TO GIVE AWAY LUTHERAN SERVICE BOOK HYMN ACCOMPANIMENT ON CD Music adds much to our worship, but musicians can be hard to find. Well, look no further. Coming in September, the Concordia Organist is a 31-CD set that features every hymn from Lutheran Service Book beautifully played with pipe organ accompaniment. It's a useful tool for congregations of all sizes that need accompaniment for worship, in a chapel or small group setting, or for visitation with shut-ins. Sound like something you could use? Tell us more! >From now until August 14, CPH will accept entries for the "Share the Music" Giveaway. By sharing your story, your congregation will have the chance to receive the Concordia Organist-completely free. When it becomes available on September 1, it will be selling for an introductory price of $499 (regularly $699). In addition to the introductory price of $499, churches are being offered the option of paying in 12 monthly installment payments. Feel free to pre-order your Concordia Organist CD set today by visiting www.cph.org. The Concordia Organist will also be made available to Lutheran Service Builder customers in the fall. For more details, contest information, and to participate, visit www.cph.org/sharethemusic. Share your story for a chance to let us share our music-with you! Back to top REMEMBERING HURRICANE KATRINA Many congregations and individuals in the Nebraska District - LCMS have volunteered at Camp Restore in New Orleans and Camp Biloxi in Mississippi in the past 4 years. As we approach the 4th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, please consider partnering with these two camps in this good work, as well as lifting up the people of the Gulf Coast in prayer. For more information about ways to partner with these ministries and for specific prayers, please visit their website at www.RAIMinistries.org. Back to top JESUS OUR SAVIOR LUTHERAN SCHOOL DEDICATION CELEBRATION The celebration and dedication service for the newest Lutheran school in the Nebraska District, Jesus Our Savior Lutheran School in Winnebago, will be Sunday, August 23, at 4:00 p.m. Everyone is invited to join Pastor Ricky Jacob and teachers Jana Inglehart and Connie Wobken for this special day of celebration and thanksgiving. Back to top OVERSEAS SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES Honduras Heart for Honduras is looking for doctors, nurses, dentists, and all cadre of health workers for a medical team to go to Honduras September 14 to October 1. The cost is $1,000. Heart for Honduras is a ministry of Salem Lutheran Church, Tomball Texas. Please email Tom Gloyer at tgloyer at homehealthstore.com or call 281-351-6216 ext. 202 for more information. If you have any additional questions, please contact Lutherans in Medical Missions at limm at limm.org. Thailand Right now you have the opportunity to meet an urgent need as a relationship builder through English as a Foreign Language (EFL) in Thailand. LCMS World Mission needs mature individuals to serve as GEO missionaries in Thailand. These missionaries will teach English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classes five days a week-four weekdays and Saturdays. During the weekdays, they will teach English classes, interact with students before and after class, and help lead weekly outreach groups between classes. These outreach groups are geared toward sharing the Gospel and building relationships. To learn how you can serve God by going global, go here: www.lcmsworldmission.org/searchopps. Contact an LCMS World Mission placement counselor at 1-800-433-3954 or mission.recruitment at lcms.org. Back to top CONGREGATION MAILBOXES AVAILABLE Messiah, Lincoln, has "pigeon hole" type mailboxes available for any congregation that wants to pick them up. They are made of wood and are two sided. There are three sets: * Two cases have 5 rows with 24 boxes on each side. Total boxes available 240 per case. * One case has 8 rows with 24 boxes on each side. Total boxes available 384 this case. These all sit on an oak base cupboard that has shelves with doors on each side. Anyone needing further information can call Susan Bray at 402-489-3024 or email her at sbray at messiahlincoln.org. Back to top LUTHERAN FAMILY SERVICES' GLOBAL VOICES EVENING Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska's Global Voices Evening is a new event this year to benefit the LFS Community Services Department and to celebrate Nebraska's rich cultural diversity. The event is Saturday, August 1, from 6-9 p.m. at the Hilton Omaha, 1001 Cass Street (across from the Qwest Center). The cost is $75 and includes a silent auction featuring unique, culturally-diverse items, a reception and dinner. Join LFS for an evening filled with music, education and cultural dance as we welcome our newest neighbors from many countries abroad and experience together the vibrant cultural diversity throughout our state. Mary Pipher of Lincoln, author of Reviving Ophelia and The Middle of Everywhere, will be the featured speaker. For reservations or more information, contact Kim Thomas at 402-536-3505 or kthomas at lfsneb.org. Back to top Blessings, Nichole Hetz Nebraska District LCMS Director of Communications 1-888-643-2961 nicholeh at ndlcms.org www.ndlcms.org * Please Note: The inclusion of items in the Update from outside sources is for informational purposes only. Inclusion of such items does not constitute District endorsement. -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: text/html Size: 52171 bytes Desc: not available URL: From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Jul 22 14:07:29 2009 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 22 Jul 2009 19:07:29 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] July 22 Message-ID: Update for July 22 A publication of the Nebraska District, a District ABLAZE! Greetings in the name of our Heavenly Father, who blesses His earth with sunshine and rain. As summer continues with beautiful weather and needed rain, we give thanks to God for His goodness. * Prayer Requests * Convention Issue of Nebraska Lutheran Reporter on Its Way * Fiscal Conference Registrations Due Friday * President Kieschnick's Convention Report Available Online * Four Scholarships Still Available for Rural Ministry Conference * Nebraskan Re-Elected to Int'l LLL Board of Governors * Post-Abortion Aftermath and Healing Workshop * Overseas Mission Opportunities * CPH Announces Online Sale of 50 to 80 Percent Off * Nebraska Lutherans for Confessional Study to Meet * Lutheran Catechetical Conference * Eden By the Sea Ministry * LWR is Responding to Millions of East Africans Threatened by Drought PRAYER REQUESTS Pastor Mike and Stacey Meyer - Pastor Mike and Stacey Meyer were blessed with a son, Clayton Jon, on July 9 at 7:35 a.m., 8 lbs. 2 oz, 20 inches long. Clayton joins older siblings Courtney, Caleb, and Colton. Praise God for all of His blessings. Mike is the associate pastor at Trinity in Fremont, and his wife, Stacey, teaches 6th grade in their Christian day school. The Family of Rev. George Bruening - Rev. George Bruening, former Kansas District President, was called to glory on Monday, July 20. Services will be held Friday morning, July 24, at 11 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, 1716 Gage Blvd., Topeka, Kansas. George served Kansas as District President from 1978 - 1985. George is survived by his daughter, Dee McKinney and her husband of Boulder City, NV, and a sister in Elgin, IL. His wife, Lourine, died in August of 2002. Please remember his family in your prayers, asking that the Lord will grant them comfort and peace at this time. Back to top CONVENTION ISSUE OF NEBRASKA LUTHERAN REPORTER ON ITS WAY The July/August Nebraska Lutheran Reporter is due to be in the mail today and tomorrow and on the way to church offices yet this week. The newsletter was delayed due to its larger size and oversized mailing bundles. This 12-page newspaper issue will tell the story of the Nebraska District Convention and introduce the people of the district to the 2009-2012 Board of Directors. An electronic version of the newsletter is available on the District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/news/communications/reporter.html. However, this file is not full size and is not suitable for printing for distribution. If your church office needs additional copies, please contact me at nicholeh at ndlcms.org. Thank you for your efforts in getting this informative newsletter in the hands of all of your members. Back to top FISCAL CONFERENCE REGISTRATIONS DUE FRIDAY Registrations for the upcoming day-long fiscal conferences across the Nebraska District are due this Friday, July 24. There is no cost to attend a conference, but pre-registration is required to allow us to prepare adequate printed materials and meals. All pastors, principals, congregational chairmen, congregational treasurers, and stewardship board chairs are invited to be the guests of the District for these Fiscal Conferences to be held around the District in August. August 8 at Lutheran High Northeast, Norfolk August 15 at Peace, Grand Island August 22 at Lincoln Lutheran Middle & High School, Lincoln Attendees will have the opportunity for dialog with members of the Nebraska District Board of Directors, members of the district stewardship committee, and staff, as well as learning more about: * How past and current economic conditions intersect with the Church. * The fiscal realities of the Nebraska District and its congregations as members of the LCMS. * Congregational stewardship opportunities. * Personal stewardship education. More information about the conference is available on the District website, http://www.ndlcms.org/news/conferences/Fiscal.html. Please help the District practice God-pleasing stewardship by pre-registering for the conference you plan to attend, and attending the conference you register for. Thank you. Back to top PRESIDENT KIESCHNICK'S CONVENTION REPORT AVAILABLE ONLINE The video report that President Kieschnick presented to the delegates at the District Convention is now available on the LCMS website for viewing and use by congregations and their members. The introductory statement to the 2009 District Convention video report that President Kieschnick shared at the district conventions is also posted on the President's website. The video and the introductory statement are easily accessible from the President's home page: www.lcms.org/president. You will see the reference to the report on the President's home page, along with links to the video and to the statement. Web links for downloading the video are on the same webpage as the video for viewing. This page may also be accessed from the Nebraska District convention page at http://www.ndlcms.org/news/convention/index.html. Back to top FOUR SCHOLARSHIPS STILL AVAILABLE FOR RURAL MINISTRY CONFERENCE St. Paul Institute for Education (SPIFE) is hosting the third annual Heartland Rural/Small Town conference on November 5-7 at Arbor Lodge Lied Conference Center in Nebraska City. The District offered 10 scholarships, and there are still 4 available, in the amount of $500 for each congregation that sends one pastor and one or more lay leaders from their congregation. These scholarships are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. If you would like to take advantage of a scholarship, please contact Connie at connieb at ndlcms.org. Information about the conference and registration can also be found at www.spife.org. Deadline for registration and scholarship application is October 2. Back to top NEBRASKAN RE-ELECTED TO INT'L LLL BOARD OF GOVERNORS At its 92nd International Convention in Greensboro, North Carolina, the International Lutheran Laymen's League (Int'l LLL) elected Lou Marting to the post of vice president, Ed Tiefenbach to the position of treasurer, and Paul Walther to the position of secretary. Eight other people were elected to fill regional governing positions. Lorris Haarberg of Arapahoe, Nebraska, was re-elected as governor of Region 9. He is a graduate of the University of Nebraska in Lincoln and majored in Agriculture Economics. He owns and manages a supermarket in Arapahoe. He has been very active in civic positions (including the Lions Club, on committees, and president of the Chamber of Commerce). As a member of Trinity Lutheran in Arapahoe, Haarberg has served on various committees dealing with worship, education, evangelism, and elders, and was congregational chairman. In the LLL he has been a district president, vice president, and secretary. More information on the LLL Convention is available on the Lutheran Hour Ministries website, http://www.lhm.org/convention/default.htm. Back to top POST-ABORTION AFTERMATH AND HEALING WORKSHOP A post-abortion aftermath and healing workshop will be offered on Friday, July 31, in Dawson Hall at the Blessed John XXIII Center (3700 Sheridan Blvd.) in Lincoln. The presenter is Mrs. Vicki Thorn, the founder of Project Rachel, a post-abortion outreach that helps to heal the psychological and spiritual wounds of abortion. Mrs. Thorn is a very dynamic and knowledgeable speaker. The topics covered include: biology of pregnancy; dealing with newly aborted women; manifestations of abortion's aftermath in women; impact of abortion on men, grandparents, siblings, and friends; and the process of post-abortion healing. Pastors and all others interested in this topic are invited to attend, especially mental health professionals (CEUs are available). More information and a registration form is available online at: http://www.nebcathcon.org/Project%20Rachel%20Registration%20Form.pdf. Back to top OVERSEAS MISSION OPPORTUNITIES LCMS World Relief and Human Care Mercy Medical Teams seeks medical, health, and interested laity as volunteers for trips to Madagascar on October 21-November 1, and to Kenya on November 14-25, 2009. The teams will be personally accompanied and led by two experienced staff members of LCMS World Relief and Human Care. There will be an introductory clinical orientation and team-building session before teams start clinical work to serve the extremely underserved poor in these two countries. The trip includes a day of rest for shopping and other activities and there will be an opportunity to participate in end-of-trip recreational activities. Volunteers cover the cost of the trip which includes air travel from a designated central airport and a flat fee for ground transportation, lodging, and medical supplies for the needy estimated at the "good faith" cost of $2,000. If costs are less than anticipated you will receive a refund. This fee does not account for international airfare. In order to confirm your spot on the Madagascar or Kenya team, call or write Jacob Fiene at Jacob.Fiene at lcms.org or at 800-248-1930, ext. 1278, or cell at 314-960-3645 with any questions or concerns. Back to top CPH ANNOUNCES ONLINE SALE OF 50 TO 80 PERCENT OFF Concordia Publishing House is offering nearly 300 products at 50 to 80 percent off, while supplies last, during its Online Warehouse Sale. Included in the sale are: * adult and youth Bible studies. * Bibles. * books for children, teens, adults, and professional church workers. * bulletins and posters. * gifts, such as jewelry, mugs, baby items, and artwork. * Spanish-language children's books and vacation Bible school products. To shop the online sale, visit http://www.cph.org/cphstore/Category.asp?find_category=97618&find_description=Online+Warehouse+Sale&find_part_desc. For more information, contact CPH at 800-325-3040. Back to top NEBRASKA LUTHERANS FOR CONFESSIONAL STUDY TO MEET The July gathering of the Nebraska Lutherans for Confessional Study (NLCS) will be held on Thursday, July 23, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 3825 Wildbriar Lane in Lincoln. Refreshments will be in the fellowship hall at 9:30 a.m., followed by Matins at 10 a.m. Presenter for the day will be Rev. Luke Russert, member of Good Shepherd and visitation pastor for Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Crete. His topic will be "The Lord's Supper in Luther's Lectures on Genesis." The morning session will start at about 10:30 a.m.; following lunch the afternoon topic will start at about 1 p.m. 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 LUTHERAN CATECHETICAL CONFERENCE Immanuel, Lincoln, is hosting a free Lutheran Catechetical Conference on Friday, August 14 at the church (2001 South 11th Street, [11th and South], Lincoln). All clergy, professional church workers, and laity are invited to attend this day-long conference. The schedule is as follows: 9:00 Matins 9:30 Teaching the 10 Commandments Speaker: Rev. Robert Wentzel, Trinity Lutheran Church, Walton, NE 10:15 Q&A 10:30 Teaching the Apostles' Creed Speaker: Rev. Brent Kuhlman, Trinity Lutheran Church, Murdock, NE 11:15 Q&A 11:30 Lunch break (on your own) 1:00 Teaching the Lord's Prayer Speaker: Rev. Dr. Georg Williams, Zion Lutheran Church, Ainsworth, NE 1:45 Q&A 2:00 Panel Discussion 2:45 Closing Prayer CPH and Concordia Catechetical Academy material/information will be available at the conference. Back to top EDEN BY THE SEA MINISTRY Eden by the Sea is a non-profit (501c3) retreat ministry designed solely for the rest and renewal of Lutheran church workers and their spouses. In its sixth year of ministry, hosting over 100 couples thus far, Eden by the Sea is a very unique and much-needed ministry providing a customized experience of renewal, rest and recreation in one of the most beautiful places in God's creation - Hawaii. Not only is Eden by the Sea focused specifically on offering a customized, private, comfortable and totally relaxing experience for our tired Lutheran church workers (and their spouses), but the requested donation is under $70 a night - a fourth of the cost of other vacation accommodations of this quality and location on the island. Please visit their website, www.edenbythesea.org, and if you are interested in receiving more information, please contact them by phone, or email via their website. They would love to answer all your questions and bless you with the peace & renewal of our Lord through the ministry of Eden by the Sea. Back to top LWR IS RESPONDING TO MILLIONS OF EAST AFRICANS THREATENED BY DROUGHT Lutheran World Relief is mounting an intense relief effort in East Africa where prolonged drought conditions have caused successive crop failure and depleted livestock herds, leaving many East African households vulnerable to hunger. "The worsening global food and economic crises have left millions of East Africans extremely vulnerable to hunger," says Alissa Karg, LWR's Deputy Regional Director for Africa. "Lutheran World Relief must raise funds now to respond to this crisis and save lives." Kenya is the worst hit nation, with three consecutive years without sufficient rainfall, leaving 2.5 million people without reliable sources of food-a number that is likely to rise to 2.9 million by November 2009, according to Famine Early Warning Systems network. In turn, food shortages have caused food prices to further increase- 33% over the past year, according to the National Bureau of Statistics of Kenya. Uganda also faces severe food shortages due to drought, especially in its northern and northeastern regions among populations already struggling to recover from decades of armed conflict between the Ugandan government and the rebel Lord's Resistance Army (LRA). The long nationwide dry spell, and the practice of exporting food crops, has further drained the country's overextended food supply. Likewise, in drought-afflicted and resource-depleted areas in Sudan, lack of adequate grazing land and water could re-ignite conflict as resources become severely limited. Erratic rainfall in May and June has impaired the cropping season and delayed planting, leaving many Sudanese states at risk of widespread hunger at harvest time in November 2009. In Tanzania, depleted vegetation and dried water reservoirs have put a particular strain on the Tanzanian "breadbasket"-places such as the Ngorongoro District in Arusha Region- where the majority of the country's food crops are grown. The resulting food shortages have forced the country to intensify border post security to monitor and prevent food exports. An estimated 240,000 people are in need of immediate relief food in Tanzania. In response to this crisis, LWR is working with partners on the ground in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Sudan to help families cope with drought conditions and protect their land and income for the future. Work focuses on planting drought-resistant crops, applying improved growing methods to increase crop yields during drought conditions, training communities to conserve water, helping to dig boreholes and install irrigation systems, and helping farmers purchase tools, seeds and fertilizers by helping them access credit. LWR has been working in East Africa since the early 1980s, helping impoverished rural communities grow food, access water, and better support themselves. "By helping communities better adapt to drought conditions, we are ensuring that people have what they need to survive, and recover from drought," continues Karg. Lutheran World Relief is accepting donations for the East Africa Drought Fund online at www.lwr.org, by phone at 800-LWR-LWR-2, or by mail at PO Box 17061, Baltimore, MD 21298-9832. Back to top Blessings, Nichole Hetz Nebraska District LCMS Director of Communications 1-888-643-2961 nicholeh at ndlcms.org www.ndlcms.org * Please Note: The inclusion of items in the Update from outside sources is for informational purposes only. Inclusion of such items does not constitute District endorsement. -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: text/html Size: 47468 bytes Desc: not available URL: From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Jul 29 10:00:13 2009 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 29 Jul 2009 15:00:13 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] July 29 Message-ID: [cid:image002.jpg at 01CA1033.590D97C0] July 29, 2009 In this Issue: Greetings in the name of our Heavenly Father, who blesses His earth with sunshine and rain. As summer continues with beautiful weather and needed rain, we give thanks to God for His goodness. I'm sure you noticed the new look of this week's Update. In an attempt to "update" and freshen the look, we are trying out this new layout. Please feel free to share your thoughts and comments on the readability or usability of this new format by emailing communications at ndlcms.org. If you aren't able to view this email properly, email me at nicholeh at ndlcms.org. The Email Update is sent to anyone who is interested in the mission and ministry of the Nebraska District. This weekly newsletter shares information and happenings from around the District and throughout the LCMS. * Prayer Requests * Help College Freshmen Get Connected * Geared Up! Event for Youth * K4 Restoration Sunday * National Youth Gathering E-Newsletter * Lost and Found in Concert in Nebraska * JCPlay Zone Helps Beat Summer Boredom * Wooden Pews for Sale * Lutheran Museum Opens at LCMS International Center * Concordia University, Seward, to Offer Free Tuition to Veterans * LWML Awards Lutheran World Relief Mission Grant * Office Furniture Sale at Concordia University, Seward * Requests for Health Kits Outpace Availability * New from Concordia Publishing House PRAYER REQUESTS Pastor Brian Francik - We give thanks to God for the upcoming wedding of Pastor Brian Francik and Tamara Brose this Sunday, August 2. Pastor Francik and Tamara will be married in California this weekend. We praise God for joining these two lives and pray that He will be with them as they begin their lives together. Pastor Francik serves at St. Peter in Deshler. Pastor Dan and Deb Heuer - We join in prayers of thanks with Pastor Dan and Deb Heuer of Trinity, Fremont, at the birth of a grandson, Eli Jacob Sankey, born to their daughter Sara and her husband Thad. Back to top HELP COLLEGE FRESHMEN GET CONNECTED The Nebraska District is in the process of gathering information to reach out and connect LCMS members who will be attending a college or university during this next academic year with the campus ministry in their area. With your help, we can connect students to a campus ministry before they get on campus. We have learned that a student's first year on campus can be their most impacted. To share the names of students in your congregation, please email Connie Borchers at connieb at ndlcms.org the name, current address, phone number, email address, and the college they will be attending by July 31. You can also go to http://www.ndlcms.org/ministries/district/campus.html and you will find a poster, bulletin announcement, and information on emailing the names of the students. Back to top GEARED UP! EVENT FOR YOUTH It's time to get "Geared Up!" for the Geared Up! Youth Gathering at Pershing Center, Lincoln, Nebraska on October 9-10, 2009. Featuring Dr. Micah Parker, Travis Hartjen, Jeffrey Meinz, Leon Jameson, Gretchen Jameson, Room211 Band, and "These Guys," this day and a half event is designed to encourage students to become "imitators of Christ" through a life of service. Early bird pricing ends August 18. Interested youth and leaders can check out the information and schedule at www.unpavedministries.org. Back to top K4 RESTORATION SUNDAY As we approach the 4th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina (Aug. 29), RAI Ministries boldly asks you to partner with them in their restoration work in the areas still affected by this storm. They are asking each congregation to observe "Restoration Sunday" on any Sunday in August of their choosing this year. They ask you to do four things: * Lift up the people of the Gulf Coast in prayer. * Keep the story alive, tell others about God's work in the Gulf Coast. * Go volunteer. * Help raise the funds to continue this good work. For more information and materials, including additional K4 event opportunities, please visit their K4 Resource Page at http://raiministries.org/index.php/getinvolved/restoration or call them at 888-248-2636. Back to top NATIONAL YOUTH GATHERING E-NEWSLETTER The LCMS Youth Ministry staff has developed a Gathering Update e-newsletter full of important information for leaders and youth interested in attending the 2010 National Youth Gathering in New Orleans. Find all the latest information and sign up to receive your own gathering updates by visiting the "latest news" page on the Gathering website at http://www.lcmsgathering.com/?PageID=11063. You can receive more newsletters with information like this: A new Fundraising page was created to help foster creative ways to raise funds for the Gathering. Here is one of the ideas we've received: St. Peter Lutheran Church in North Bend, Nebraska, is planning a Christian rock concert this summer! The youth group discussed their plans to attend the National LCMS Youth Gathering with the band, and the band agreed to a 50/50 split on the ticket revenue. They were able to get a local college to donate space to have the concert. They also plan on having a concession stand to help bring in a little more. The youth group is hoping to sell 1,000 tickets at $10 each to give their half of the tickets $5,000 plus the concession stand sales. For more ideas check out the fundraising page on the Gathering website. If your group is doing something unique for your fundraising efforts we would like to hear what you are doing: youth.ministry at lcms.org. Check out the fundraising discussion on the Facebook group site as well. Now that you are starting to raise funds for the Gathering, what are you going to do with those funds? Individual churches disperse their fundraising dollars in several different ways. Two DCE's who have set up effective dispersion methods are Jeremy Becker at Concordia Lutheran Church in Kirkwood, MO and Brent Howard of Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Aurora, CO. If you are interested in learning how Brent or Jeremy divvy up funds to their youth, look them up on the LCMS Church Workers Directory and send them an email. >From the Youth Worker Prayer Book: (Resource available from the Youth Ministry Office - www.lcms.org/dcsstore) Heavenly Father, All good gifts come from You. Thank You for entrusting us with talents, abilities and assets. You challenge us to use them wisely. Please help all of us, children, teens and adults, to recognize the gifts You have given each of us and enable us to be good stewards of those gifts. Show us how to bring out the best in each other and rejoice in who You made us to be. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Back to top LOST AND FOUND IN CONCERT IN NEBRASKA Camp Luther is sponsoring Lost and Found in three concerts at three Lutheran high schools in Nebraska August 14-16. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. each night, with the event beginning at 6:30 p.m. Lincoln Lutheran Jr./Sr. High School, Lincoln August 14 Lutheran High School Northeast, Norfolk August 15 Heartland Lutheran High School, Grand Island August 16 Advance tickets are available and recommended for groups wishing to attend. Anyone may purchase tickets by contacting Camp Luther at 402-352-5655 or visiting www.campluther.org. Camp Luther is offering a July Special! Purchase (request and pay for) your tickets by July 31and get tickets at the following prices: 20 tickets or more and pay $5 per ticket. 10-19 tickets and pay $7.50 per ticket. 1-9 tickets and pay $10.00 per ticket. Tickets are $15 each after July 31 or at the door. More information on Lost and Found is available at www.speedwood.com. Back to top JCPLAY ZONE HELPS BEAT SUMMER BOREDOM As the summer heats up, the kids are looking for something new and exciting ... and maybe something indoors! LHM's interactive Web site for kids, JCPlayZone, is just the thing. JCPlayZone has it all: games, coloring pages, crafts, e-cards, and much more. New content is added often to keep the site fresh and fun. JCPlayZone also features Bible stories, Christian music, and Daily Devotions to teach the kids about Jesus while they play. The "Bee Attitudes" downloadable coloring book is a popular feature for churches and schools alike. Your church or school can customize the coloring book with service times, contact information, or a special event schedule. One church customized and printed 1,000 coloring books and used them to invite Vacation Bible School participants to church services. The coloring book teaches children to "Bee Happy," "Bee Joyful," "Bee Patient," and others, covering the Beatitudes from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:3-12). The coloring book even allows children to think of their own "Bee Attitude." Just click "Coloring" from the JCPlayZone home page. LHM is also working on a new game that will teach children common words and numbers in Spanish, along with a sprinkling of "heavenly" words! This game is sure to be a favorite! Other games include "Wacky Word Search," "Bramble Ramble," "Bubble Bugs," "Creation Matching," and much more. To start playing now, visit www.jcplayzone.com. Back to top WOODEN PEWS FOR SALE Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church in Omaha has over 30 solid oak pews with padded seats to sell for less than $10.00 per foot. 29 pews at 15' 11 7/8" 4 pews at 13' 5 1/2" 2 pews at 11' 5 5/8" 2 pews at 14' 5 1/2" 1 pews at 18' 5 1/2" These oak pews are in very good condition. They will sell the entire lot of 38 pews for $4499 or best offer. You will need to arrange pickup from Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church (15005 Q St), Omaha. For further information or to see photos of the pews, please contact Bill Seim at Divine Shepherd at 402-895-1500 or bill at dsomaha.org. Back to top LUTHERAN MUSEUM OPENS AT LCMS INTERNATIONAL CENTER Concordia Historical Institute Museum, a state-of-the-art learning facility dedicated to preserving the history and celebrating the heritage of Lutheranism in America, opened Monday, July 27, to the public. Located at The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod's (LCMS) International Center at 1333 S. Kirkwood Rd., Kirkwood, Mo., the museum will be open weekdays, except holidays, from 8:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Admission is free and the museum is fully accessible. The museum's exhibits showcase five major periods in the history of the LCMS: * Luther and the Reformation - describing the origins of the Lutheran church in mid-16th-century Europe and providing insight into the life of Martin Luther. * Colonists and Missionaries to America - tracing the travels of the Saxon immigrants to the United States and missionaries who helped form the LCMS in 1847. * Growth of a Synod - illustrating the growth of the LCMS in the 19th century as the young church organized under its first president, Dr. C.F.W. Walther, to reach the people of America with the Word of God. * From St. Louis to the World - demonstrating how from its founding near St. Louis the church's mission work has expanded domestically and internationally. * An Unchanging Message for a Changing World - indicating how the LCMS has worked to meet the challenges of proclaiming the Gospel in the 20th century and into the future through the use of new media, an expanding system of higher education, and outreach to all parts of society. Concordia Historical Institute (CHI), the Department of Archives and History of the LCMS, will operate the museum. Tours are self-guided; however, groups are encouraged to give advance notice. For more information, call 314-505-7900 or write chi at lutheranhistory.org. "We give all thanks and glory to God for bringing us to this special day, the grand opening of the CHI Museum," said Rev. Marvin Huggins, CHI's interim executive director. "We welcome all to this museum, and it is our prayer that visitors will come away with an enhanced understanding of the significant history of Lutheranism in America and a clearer perspective on the church's work to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ while serving its members, communities, and the world." Back to top CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY, SEWARD, TO OFFER FREE TUITION TO VETERANS Qualified veterans will be able to attend Concordia University, Nebraska this fall tuition-free. As a participating institution in the recently-enacted Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program, Concordia has teamed up with the Veterans Administration to cover all tuition expenses for veterans. "Concordia is excited to offer our excellent Christian education at no cost to those who have served our country in recent years," said Brian Friedrich, president of Concordia. "It is a small way we can honor them for their service and ensure their futures are as bright as the futures they have helped to secure for others." The Yellow Ribbon Program is a provision of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008. Institutions that voluntarily enter into a Yellow Ribbon Agreement with Veterans Affairs choose the percentage of tuition and fees that will be waived. Veterans Affairs then matches that percentage and issue payment directly to the institution. Students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs at Concordia are eligible, and Concordia has placed no limit on the number of eligible veterans who may enroll and take part in the program. Most students taking part in the program will have the cost of room, board and books paid for as well. Under another provision of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, a housing allowance and the books and supplies stipend is also provided. Once a service member has applied for benefits with the Department of Veterans Affairs, they will receive their Certificate of Eligibility and notice of their qualification to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program. Students must be accepted to Concordia through the standard admission procedures. More information is available on Concordia's site at www.cune.edu/yellowribbon. Back to top LWML AWARDS LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF MISSION GRANT Delegates to the 33rd Biennial Convention of the Lutheran Women's Missionary League (LWML), voted to provide an $80,000 mission grant to Lutheran World Relief to defray the costs of shipping more than 100,000 Lutheran-made quilts to people in need worldwide. The Lutheran Women's Missionary League is an official auxiliary of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. LWR's mission grant proposal, one of 19 selected at the convention to receive funding, received overwhelming support, receiving 340 votes out of 601 voting delegates at the convention. The Biennial Convention was held June 24-28 in Portland, Oregon. "Lutheran World Relief is so appreciative to have our quilt ministry affirmed this way," says Brenda Meier, LWR's Director for Congregation & Community Engagement. "LWML has been a longtime partner in ministry and this generous mission grant will continue to strengthen the work we achieve together." The grant will be funded over the next two years as part of the LWML's 2009-2011 biennium mission goal of $1.825 million. It is the largest in the organization's 67-year history-$125,000 more than the previous mission goal. The funds are raised by the LWML's 250,000 members nationwide. "This mission grant will help sustain the ministry that so many LWML members have been a part of for generations. The women work long hours to sew the quilts they donate to Lutheran World Relief," said Melanie Gibbons, Parish Projects Coordinator for LWR. Gibbons works with Lutheran quilting and kit-making groups through the U.S. "The quilts they make are offerings of peace, comfort and compassion, carefully pieced together as expressions of Christian love. Through this project, both LWML and LWR serve as the hands of Christ to bring healing to those in need," Gibbons said. Last year, LWR distributed more than 455,000 quilts to people in need in 27 countries. Back to top OFFICE FURNITURE SALE AT CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY, SEWARD Concordia University in Seward is doing some cleaning/recycling by offering older/unused furniture items for sale. Come check out office desks, chairs, bookcases, file cabinets, tables, odds & ends, etc. Money raised will go toward campus improvement projects. Take part in the "Leftover Office Furniture Sale" on Friday, August 7, from 12 noon until 6 p.m. The sale will be at the Health and Human Performance house at the end of Faculty Lane (north of the library) on campus. Back to top REQUESTS FOR HEALTH KITS OUTPACE AVAILABILITY Lutheran World Relief's supply of health kits remains critically low as requests for assistance across the world increase. The kits-containing basic hygiene supplies to help reduce the spread of germs and disease-are sent around the world to people dealing with the affects of war, disaster, and poverty. As humanitarian crises escalate, requests for LWR health kits are outpacing the inflow of health kit donations from groups and congregations throughout the United States. "The shortage of health kits is getting more drastic each week," notes Trevor Knoblich, who manages LWR's quilt and kit inventories. "We simply do not have the stock to fulfill needs." LWR needs more than 56,000 health kits to fill planned shipments to Azerbaijan, Mauritania, Tanzania, Belarus, Burkina Faso, Palestine (Gaza), Philippines, Peru and Guatemala by year's end. "We hope to see a big increase in health kits as a result of fall ingathering contributions," says Melanie Gibbons, LWR's Parish Projects Coordinator. Ingatherings are events at which churches, service groups and individuals meet regionally to consolidate and ship their quilts and kits in bulk to LWR's warehouses. Many such ingatherings occur in October and November throughout the U.S. "Kits not only send a tangible message of God's love amidst suffering, they also save lives. Health kits, in particular, help families stay healthy in difficult living conditions," says Brenda Meier, LWR's Director for Congregation and Community Engagement. "If you already have a kit making ministry, we are asking that you send as many health kits as you can. If your church or service group does not yet have a ministry, it is a great way to engage people of all ages in service to their brothers and sisters in need," says Gibbons. In addition to the critical need for health kits, LWR continues to work to meet the requests for quilts, school kits, sewing kits, layettes, and soap. Instructions for making health kits, as well as how to assemble other kits and material aid items, are available on the LWR website at www.lwr.org/beinvolved. Or call 1-800-LWR-LWR-2 to request a copy of "Be Involved," a free resource that includes instructions on kit making. Back to top NEW FROM CONCORDIA PUBLISHING HOUSE New Bible Study for Men Offers 'Adventure and Challenge' Concordia Publishing House announces Blessed Is the Man, a new Bible study for use in both individual and group settings. Based on the Psalms, the resource includes daily reading and life-application questions, and study options for small group formats. The first two studies in the series are available online at www.cph.org/men or by calling 800-325-3040. "This Bible study for men creates a fun and challenging place for men to be men," says Jim Stropnik, manager of Bible studies and Bibles at Concordia Publishing House. "The study uses chapters written by everyday guys and encourages guys to rediscover the adventure in life through reading real stories about a real Savior." Authors include pastors and men who come from a "wide-range of life experiences," including work as executives, entertainers, in the IT field, as private pilots, and professional church workers. "This study offers men a way to see how Scripture applies in their day-to-day experiences," says Rev. Robert Baker, editor for the project. "Men's ministries are on the rise, including in the LCMS with programs like the Men's Ministry Network from Lutheran Hour Ministries, and this study is a great fit for use as part of those programs. The Psalms are an incredible first-person way to see how God works in men's lives; after all they were written by a real guy's-guy, King David!" Two more books that will complete the series are scheduled for an early 2010 release. "Blessed Is the Man is the perfect resource to combine men's activities like watching football with studying God's Word. Give men a time to reflect and connect," Stropnik says. Evangelism Resources Offer Tools to Witness Faith Concordia Publishing House introduces two evangelism resources to help Christians share their faith, How to Share Christ Confidently and What Jesus Means to Me, available for $2.99 each. How to Share Christ Confidently explores practical techniques for witnessing in any situation. Each chapter includes exercises designed to confront and overcome the fear of witnessing. What Jesus Means to Me is a collection of personal stories of faith, written in a conversational style. "Often, people feel uncomfortable witnessing," says, Ken Liszewski, manager of books for Concordia Publishing House. "These new evangelism resources offer suggestions and information, as well as encouragement from other believers to share the Good News, always relying on God's action through His Word and Spirit to form faith." Bible Studies Compare World Religions and Christian Denominations Concordia Publishing House announces its release of two youth Bible studies; One God, many gods, an exploration of world religions, and One Christ, Many Creeds, a comparison study of Christian denominations. One God, many gods has been updated and presents the primary differences of world religions alongside the common creed of the Christian faith. "The original edition was among Concordia's best-selling youth studies, and the new edition includes updated data and also focuses on emergent religions," says Youth Editor, Mark Sengele. The new edition, written by Dr. Adam Francisco, includes six religions not featured in the first. Dr. Francisco is a professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, IN. One Christ, Many Creeds compares Lutheranism with 15 other Christian doctrines, leading youth to a greater understanding of the teachings of the Lutheran church. Sengele shares, "Lutheran young people long to understand the differences between what they believe and what their Christian friends believe. One Christ leads students to appropriately understand differences as well as important teachings that we have in common with other Christian people." Concordia Commentary-Amos Concordia Publishing House (CPH) announces the availability of the newest Concordia Commentary-Amos. The Concordia Commentary series is developed to "help to pastors and teachers of the Word to proclaim the Gospel with insight and clarity." Concordia Commentaries affirm the inspiration and authority of Scripture and offer a literal translation, textual notes, and theological exposition to present the distinctive themes of Holy Scripture. Detailed product information is available online at www.cph.org, keyword: Amos. "Dr. Lessing 'restores the roar' of the Lion from the tribe of Judah through His prophet Amos," says Dr. Christopher Mitchell, Concordia Publishing House commentary editor. "This commentary elucidates the rhetorical details and theological message of this important prophecy, which proclaims well-deserved judgment for the impenitent, yet also consoles the believer with its promises of the new covenant in Christ, His Church, and the new creation." Children's Prayer Book Teaches Life-Long Practice Of Prayer Concordia Publishing House introduces a prayer book for children, A Child's Book of Prayers. A Child's Book of Prayers includes an illustrated collection of prayers for praise and thanksgiving, confession and intercession, as well as prayers for special occasions and daily routines. A Child's Book of Prayers features more than 85 new and traditional prayers sorted by theme. The resource encourages parents and children to move beyond reciting prayers to truly speaking them. The book is available online at www.cph.org (keyword: prayers), or by calling 800-325-3040. "Our job as parents, grandparents, and teachers is to make sure that our children know the importance, comfort, and power of prayer," says Ken Liszewski, manager of books for Concordia Publishing House. "A Child's Book of Prayers is the perfect book to share with your children to help them learn to pray and share their lives with God." Back to top Summer 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: 70231 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image002.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 12656 bytes Desc: image002.jpg URL: