[DistUpd] March 11

Wed Mar 11 12:52:49 CDT 2009

Update for March 11
A publication of the Nebraska District, a District ABLAZE!

Lenten greetings in the name of Jesus, our Savior. As we continue our journey toward the cross and the empty tomb, may the love that first led our Savior to walk this path surround you and shine through you.

We continue to give thanks to God for the dedicated teachers in the Lutheran schools of Nebraska that reflect the love of Christ to their students every day. National Lutheran Schools Week is over, and with the extra activities last week, the teachers in your school might be a bit more tired than usual this week. Please remember these teachers in your prayers. Consider a quick note or a small treat left in the teacher's lounge as a pick-me-up and a thank you for the hard work these teachers do each day. The Lord uses these faithful servants to touch the hearts of His precious children every day. Thank God for them and thank them personally for all they do.

*         Prayer Requests
*         Free Stem Cell Resources
*         Concordia Publishing House Releases Concordia Commentary on CD-Rom
*         Younger Adults Invited to Attend Lutheran Hour Ministries REACH
*         Ongoing Ambassadors for Christ Looking for Alumni
*         Suicide Prevention and Awareness Grants Available
*         2010 National LCMS Youth Gathering
*         The Lutheran Study Bible Now Available for Pre-Order
*         Oberammergau Passion Play and Reformation Sites Tour
*         Vacation Bible School Starter Kits Available from CPH
*         Spanish/Bilingual Vacation Bible School Materials
*         Association of Lutheran Church Musician's National Conference

PRAYER REQUESTS
Cassie McMahan and family - Please remember in prayer Cassie McMahan and her family at the death of her husband, David, on Monday, March 9, after an extended illness. A memorial service will be held March 16 at Faith Lutheran Church in Lincoln, with a reception immediately following the service at Lincoln Lutheran Jr./Sr. High School. Cassie is a teacher at Faith, Lincoln, and we pray that the Lord will grant her and her family a special measure of His comfort and peace at this time.

Rev. Charles Gierke - We join with retired pastor Rev. Charles Gierke and his family in prayer as he anticipates back surgery scheduled for next Monday, March 16. We ask that the Lord would guide the hands of the surgeons and medical staff so that the surgery might be safe and successful. We also pray for healing and renewed strength for Pastor Gierke as he recovers following the operation.

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FREE STEM CELL RESOURCES (From CPH eNews, March 9)
Clarifying the realities of stem cell research and understanding the Church's position on this controversial practice are important topics. Media messages broadcast conflicting views from a wide-range of authorities. In the midst of these voices, God's Word offers uncompromising truth and direction. Access a variety of resources available from Concordia Publishing House that explore why research on the tiniest human being-the embryo-is incompatible with God's Word.

At this significant time, CPH is offering Embryonic Stem Cell Research, one of their Changing Currents Bible studies, as a free download. Click here<http://www.cph.org/pdf/promo/203634.pdf> or visit http://www.cph.org/pdf/promo/203634.pdf to access the PDF file, print as many copies as you need.

To view other related products that focus on the topic of stem cell research, visit www.cph.org/topics<http://www.cph.org/topics>.

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CONCORDIA PUBLISHING HOUSE RELEASES CONCORDIA COMMENTARY ON CD-ROM
Concordia Publishing House announces the availability of the Concordia Commentary on CD-ROM. The Concordia Commentary series "provides a help to pastors and teachers of the Word to proclaim the Gospel with insight and clarity." The commentaries affirm the inspiration and authority of Scripture, 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<http://www.cph.org/>, keyword Concordia Commentary digital, or follow this link<http://www.cph.org/cphstore/product.asp?category=&part%5Fno=156499&find%5Fcategory=&find%5Fdescription=&find%5Fpart%5Fdesc=concordia+commentary+digital>.

"Providing the Concordia Commentary on CD-ROM allows users the ability to quickly and easily study and research biblical texts, drawing on the rich resources in these consistently Lutheran commentaries on Holy Scripture," says Rev. Paul T. McCain, publisher and executive director of editorial at Concordia Publishing House.

The release of a native Macintosh version of the Libronix search engine provides both PC and Mac users accessibility to this collection and other CPH products in the Libronix software system, including Luther's Works, the Concordia Electronic Theological Library, and the Book of Concord.

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YOUNGER ADULTS INVITED TO ATTEND LUTHERAN HOUR MINISTRIES REACH
Younger adults, single and married, are invited to attend Lutheran Hour Ministries REACH Conference, a July 17 and 18, 2009, conference in Greensboro, N.C., developed to address this generation's unique outreach challenges, give them the ability to effectively engage their community for Christ, and teach them how to share the life-saving message of Jesus' love in a way that is natural and informed. For more information on this conference, visit www.lhm.org/reach/default.htm<http://www.lhm.org/reach/default.htm>.

Special workshops will equip people to move from caring for creation to sharing the Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer of it and prepare them to answer objections to the faith that deal with creation and evolution. REACH speakers can be found at www.lhm.org/reach/bios.htm<http://www.lhm.org/reach/bios.htm>. To register, go to www.peopleware.net/index.cfm?siteId=163&eventDisp=BC2009<http://www.peopleware.net/index.cfm?siteId=163&eventDisp=BC2009>. Go to Registration for Greensboro NC and select Adult 2 Day Reach Conference Registration.

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ONGOING AMBASSADORS FOR CHRIST LOOKING FOR ALUMNI
Ongoing Ambassadors for Christ will celebrate its 40th anniversary in June of 2010 with its annual Summer Training and an alumni reunion. A recognized service organization of the LCMS, OAFC has touched the lives of over 36,000 youth and adults who have learned to share Jesus in a simple way during its 40 year history. Many have become pastors, teachers, DCEs and committed lay members of our local congregations because of their experiences in OAFC. Now we need to find them!

OAFC alumni are encouraged to register on the alumni page at www.oafc.org/alumni.html<http://www.oafc.org/alumni.html>.  Alumni interested in helping to plan the 2010 reunion may contact OAFC staff member Dan Barz at 269-429-7521 or alumnae Tammy Granner Mackie at alumni at oafc.org<mailto:alumni at oafc.org>.

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SUICIDE PREVENTION AND AWARENESS GRANTS AVAILABLE
The Nebraska State Suicide Prevention Coalition is pleased to announce an opportunity for faith-based and community-based groups to apply for grants of $1,000 - $3,000 to implement suicide awareness and prevention practices. This opportunity was made possible through a generous award to the Coalition by the KIM Foundation (http://www.thekimfoundation.org/) and is administered by Interchurch Ministries of Nebraska.

For more information and to access and submit the application, go to: www.suicideprevention.nebraska.edu<http://www.suicideprevention.nebraska.edu/>.

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2010 NATIONAL LCMS YOUTH GATHERING
With about eighteen months to go, planning for the 2010 National LCMS Youth Gathering, We Believe, is in full swing! As of March 1, 2009, the Gathering website has a new look and new information. The site, found at www.lcmsgathering.com<http://www.lcmsgathering.com/>, highlights the Gathering theme, program, and details for participants and adult leaders preparing to attend the event July 17-21, 2010, in New Orleans, La. The site also includes a list of Frequently Asked Questions (with answers about the youth-to-adult ratio and age requirements) and adult leader resources and downloads. Over the next eighteen months, more features and content for users will be added regularly.

In addition to this website, a group called "The 2010 National LCMS Youth Gathering" has been formed on Facebook, giving youth and adults a place to ask questions, network, and build excitement about the Gathering. Over 1,300 people have already joined the group and expressed their anticipation for the event.

The registration fee for the Gathering has been set at $275. The fee covers program costs, secondary insurance, a Bible, and a Gathering backpack. Registration will open this fall. Congregations can expect to receive registration materials in late summer.

Adults who will be over the age of 25 at the time of the Gathering can apply to be a Community Life Builder (CLB). The application for these key Gathering volunteers is available online. Community Life Builders play a vital role in serving and encouraging the leaders and youth who attend the Gathering. The online application for CLBs will remain open until March 18. Applications for the Young Adult Volunteer Corps (ages 19-25) will be available later in the summer of 2009.

Youth workers will have the opportunity to "preview" the Gathering city of New Orleans at the National Lutheran Youth Workers Conference this summer. National will be held July 16-19, 2009, at the Sheraton Hotel in New Orleans. It's a great opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with other youth workers, and this year, it's a great chance to experience New Orleans and prepare for the Gathering. For more information about National, visit the website at www.nlywc.com<http://www.nlywc.com/>.

Be sure to visit the Gathering website regularly for more information about the Gathering and ways to serve.

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THE LUTHERAN STUDY BIBLE NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER
The Lutheran Study Bible is now available for pre-order at www.cph.org/lutheranbible<http://www.cph.org/lutheranbible>.

Customers will receive promotional discounts for pre-orders of all available versions of the study Bible, and free shipping is being offered on pre-orders of case quantities.

The Lutheran Study Bible uses the English Standard Version® translation and contains more than 26,500 study notes prepared by Lutheran theologians, scholars, and pastors, representing more than 20 Lutheran church bodies. The company describes this Bible as "Christ-centered, devotional, and practical," and appropriate for use by Christians from "confirmation through the senior years." Complete product details are online.

The website includes excerpts, product comparison charts, and other related media including a podcast interview with one of the project's associate editors, Rev. Dr. Jerry Joersz. The podcast is available for streaming and download.

This latest offering into the study Bible market is "truly unique," according to product developers, and "not to be confused with the recent ESV Study Bible from Crossway, or the Lutheran Study Bible from Augsburg Fortress (NRSV)."

 "We are excited to offer all English-speaking Christians a study Bible that offers such a comforting and powerful Christ-centered understanding of the Scriptures," shares Rev. Paul T. McCain, Publisher and Executive Director of Editorial for CPH. "The Lutheran Study Bible invites Lutheran Christians to engage in a conversation that has been unfolding within and around God's Word throughout the centuries."

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OBERAMMERGAU PASSION PLAY AND REFORMATION SITES TOUR
Pastor Tom and Miriam Krause of Overland Park, KS invite you to join them on their "OBERAMMERGAU PASSION PLAY AND REFORMATION SITES TOUR" September 4-31, 2010.  Traveling with Imagine Tours and Travel, we will visit the Luther sites of Wittenburg, Augsburg, and Worms - plus stops in Munich, Nurnberg, and a Rhine River cruise. Our trip ends with the Oberammergau Passion Play. Basic cost is $3995 from Kansas City and includes great accommodations, transportation, and two meals daily! Additional costs for taxes and tips. For a detailed brochure or more information, contact the Krauses at 913-906-9976, or thomas.krause at att.net<mailto:thomas.krause at att.net>.

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VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL STARTER KITS AVAILABLE FROM CPH
Starter Kits for Gadget's Garage, the 2009 Vacation Bible School from Concordia Publishing House, are now available. New for 2009, two kits "meet needs unique to groups of every size."

The traditional Starter Kit includes all leader resources-CDs, guides, and a Skit DVD. CPH's new Small VBS Starter Kit is designed for Vacation Bible School programs with fewer than 50 students, fewer volunteers, or limited space. Starter Kits are available at www.cph.org/vbs<http://www.cph.org/vbs>.

"CPH recognized the need to tailor our kits, and we acted on that. Some congregations have the unique challenge of hundreds of participants, and others the unique challenge of smaller numbers, or limited volunteers," shares Vacation Bible School Marketing Manager Keith Settle. "The new kits were developed to guide groups to experience success in a variety of settings."

About the program, Vacation Bible School Editor Cindy Wheeler shares, "At Gadget's Garage VBS, kids learn about Jesus, their Savior, and respond by putting their faith in motion, using their hands, minds, ears, eyes, and hearts to serve Jesus and live as His people."

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SPANISH/BILINGUAL VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL MATERIALS
Editorial Concordia, the Spanish division of Concordia Publishing House, announces its 2009 Spanish/bilingual Vacation Bible School, Un viaje en miniatura: Descubriendo la grandeza de Dios (A Tiny Adventure: Discovering the Greatness of God).

Through the 5-day program, children learn that though mankind is too small to save itself, Jesus is big enough to meet all needs. The 2009 Spanish Vacation Bible School program uses an outdoor theme to lead children to examine the big and small things found in God's world.

"The program from Editorial Concordia is the only comprehensive Spanish/bilingual Vacation Bible School available," comments Florencia Fau-Pieske, marketing manager of CPH multilingual resources. "Un viaje en miniatura is not a translation; it is written by Hispanics for Hispanics."
Editor Rev. Héctor Hoppe shares, "Every day, children who attend A Tiny Adventure VBS are embraced by the love of Jesus, our Savior."

Several of the collaborators who developed the curriculum are third and fourth generations of the first LCMS missionaries who went to Argentina in the early 1900s. This Spanish/Bilingual VBS offers student materials, craft projects, posters, Spanish songs, adult Bible studies, invitations, multimedia CD-ROM, and a closing ceremony.

Fau-Pieske says, "This VBS is a great outreach program. We hear stories of parents who take their children to a VBS developed by Editorial Concordia. The kids like the program so much, they take their parents to church."

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ASSOCIATION OF LUTHERAN CHURCH MUSICIAN'S NATIONAL CONFERENCE
"Brimmed for Pouring: Pastors, Musicians and the Whole People of God" is a summer continuing education opportunity for all Lutheran pastors, musicians, and worship leaders. How do pastors and musicians work together to serve the church? What are the blessings of each role? The challenges? Come to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, from August 2-5, 2009, and experience days filled with engaging speakers, inspiring worship, and valuable connections with colleagues. For more information and to register, visit www.alcm2009.com<http://www.alcm2009.com>. Young Lutherans Sing, a summer choral experience for 4th - 8th graders, will be held on the campus of Carthage College in Kenosha, WI July 28 - August 1. The final day will connect with the ALCM pre-conference event. Visit www.alcm.org<http://www.alcm.org> for more information.

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Blessings,
Nichole Hetz
Nebraska District LCMS
Director of Communications
1-888-643-2961
nicholeh at ndlcms.org<mailto:nicholeh at ndlcms.org>
www.ndlcms.org<http://www.ndlcms.org/>

* Please Note: The inclusion of items in the Update from outside sources is for informational purposes only. Inclusion of such items does not constitute District endorsement.

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