[DistUpd] July 22
District Updates
distupd at lists.ndlcms.org
Wed Jul 22 14:07:29 CDT 2009
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<mailto: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<http://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<mailto:connieb at ndlcms.org>. Information about the conference and registration can also be found at www.spife.org<http://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<mailto: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<http://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<http://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<mailto:nicholeh at ndlcms.org>
www.ndlcms.org<http://www.ndlcms.org/>
* Please Note: The inclusion of items in the Update from outside sources is for informational purposes only. Inclusion of such items does not constitute District endorsement.
-------------- 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
More information about the DistUpd
mailing list