[DistUpd] March 25
District Updates
distupd at lists.ndlcms.org
Wed Mar 25 10:01:04 CDT 2009
Update for March 25
A publication of the Nebraska District, a District ABLAZE!
Lenten greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. What a blessing it is for us Christians to have the Good News of Jesus Christ to share with those around us. Teachers and students in the Lutheran schools of Nebraska take advantage of the opportunities God gives them each day to share the story of salvation through Jesus Christ with the students and parents in their schools. Following are just a few examples of how God is using Lutheran schools in Nebraska to change lives.
* A 5th grade student at a Lutheran school was baptized during a school chapel service this month.
* Five members of a family were baptized at a District church - a 7th grader, two 6th graders, a preschool student, and their older brother all became part of God's family.
These lives were changed by the power of the Holy Spirit through the Word of God shared in Lutheran schools. As we come to the end of March, the month we recognize Lutheran schools with National Lutheran Schools Week, we continue to praise God for the ministry taking place in the Lutheran schools of the Nebraska District and throughout the LCMS. For more information on Lutheran schools or to locate a Lutheran school near you, visit the Nebraska District website, http://www.ndlcms.org/education/education/index.html.
* Prayer Requests
* Mission Opportunity to Kenya
* Concordia University Presents "Way of the Cross"
* New Downloadable Bible Study for Teens
* [un]Paved Ministries Presents 211Band in Concert
* Colleges Offer Free Tuition to Veterans
* Camp Luther Work Day
* Online VBS Registration/Websites from CPH
* Nebraska Lutherans for Confessional Study to Meet
* Free Risograph Supplies Available
* National Teach Your Kids to Share Day
* New 'Men's NetWork' Ignites Men's Groups to Greater Action
PRAYER REQUESTS
Pastor Bob and Diana Hedtke - We thank God for the safety he granted to Pastor Bob and Diana Hedtke as they traveled back to the United States from the mission fields of Thailand. Pastor Hedtke formerly served at St. Paul, West Point, and is now retired and living in Iowa. We thank God for the ministry work He has done through the Hedtkes and for bringing them home safely.
Mission Team from Trinity, Lincoln - Please remember in your prayers 15 members of Trinity, Lincoln, who are leaving tomorrow, March 26, for a mission trip to Ysleta Lutheran Mission in Texas. We ask the Lord to grant them safety as they travel and during their time away from home. We also pray that their time and service will be used by God to touch lives as they share the Good News of Jesus.
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MISSION OPPORTUNITY TO KENYA
Lutheran World Relief and Human Care is requesting volunteers for the upcoming Kenyan Mercy Medical Team to serve July 3-13, 2009. The team will led by two experienced staff members. The trip includes an introductory clinical orientation and team-building session before clinics are established to serve the extremely underserved poor in areas surrounding Kisumu, Matongo and Nairobi, Kenya. There will be a day of rest and the opportunity to participate in a safari tour of the Masai Mara area. 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 (total estimated to be around $3000). If costs are less than anticipated a portion may be returned and if costs exceed the good-faith estimate (due to unforeseen travel and fuel costs) that additional cost will be requested following the trip. Please write to Jacob.Fiene at lcms.org<mailto:Jacob.Fiene at lcms.org> for all the trip details. Or call at 800-248-1930, ext. 1278, with any questions or concerns. Visit www.lcms.org/mercyteams<http://www.lcms.org/mercyteams> for more information.
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CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY PRESENTS "WAY OF THE CROSS"
Concordia University, Nebraska's "Way of the Cross" will take place Tuesday, March 31. The "Way of the Cross" is a devotional experience that allows participants to walk through the events surrounding Christ's crucifixion. The public is welcome.
Weller Hall lobby is the starting point for all of the devotional tours. Participants may arrive in Weller anytime between 6:30 and 8 p.m. to be guided through the various stations. Students have taken on the roles of the historical figures in the Passion of Jesus, and there will be short monologues, hymns, and responsive readings at each station.
The Way of the Cross takes place outside, weather permitting, so attendees should dress accordingly. If necessary, the journey will take place entirely within Weller.
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NEW DOWNLOADABLE BIBLE STUDY FOR TEENS
Concordia Publishing House announces the launch of www.cph.org/pulse<http://www.cph.org/pulse>, a website that offers one-session downloadable youth Bible studies. "Pulse Bible studies explore current topics through the heartbeat of God's Word," shares Mark Sengele, editor of CPH youth materials.
Each Pulse links to a complete downloadable youth Bible study lesson that is based on current songs, videos, movies, or other media topics. Sengele adds, "Pulse youth Bible study isn't about changing the message of Scripture; rather, through the use of media, Pulse provides new ways for students and young adults to reflect on the unchanging truths found in God's Word."
New studies are added every month to www.cph.org/pulse<http://www.cph.org/pulse>. Studies are available at an individual cost of $4.99 each.
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[UN]PAVED MINISTRIES PRESENTS 211BAND IN CONCERT
On Friday, April 3, the 211Band will be playing a concert at Campus Life North (Formerly Edge64, 6400 Cornhusker Hwy., Lincoln) at 7:00 p.m. Along with the concert, special featured speaker Travis Hartjen from Austin, Texas, will be there. A $5.00 donation per person will be gathered at the door, and all ages are welcome. This will be a great event for the entire family.
The evening is sponsored by [un]Paved Ministries, a new LCMS youth ministry based in Nebraska focused specifically on middle school ministry. The [un]Paved directors are working to craft events that are decidedly Lutheran in teaching and practice, and seeking to share this message across many denominations, so that more may hear the pure Gospel of Christ.
Proceeds from the concert will be donated to [un]Paved Ministries for the 2009-2010 "Geared Up!" tour, a new touring middle school ministry conference focused on outreach and service. The planners hope to visit six U.S. cities in the fall of 2009 through the spring of 2010 with programs that invite youth to become imitators of Jesus by using their gifts to serve others. To learn more, visit www.unpavedministries.org<http://www.unpavedministries.org/>.
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COLLEGES OFFER FREE TUITION TO VETERANS (From LCMS News, No. 23, March 19)
Beginning this fall, eligible veterans of the U.S. armed forces receiving full Chapter 33 benefits can earn a graduate or undergraduate degree tuition-free from at least five of the Synod's 10 Concordia University System (CUS) schools nationwide. Housing and other fees still apply, however.
Under the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008, veterans and other qualified military personnel are eligible to receive a subsidy for tuition that is equivalent to the highest tuition of any public institution in the state. Under the national program, half of the difference between a CUS school's tuition and the veteran's subsidy is covered by the university, and the other half will come from the federal government through the Yellow Ribbon Program.
The benefit applies only to those qualified veterans who are accepted to and enroll as full-time graduate or undergraduate students.
"Concordia University is proud to partner with the federal government to provide the maximum benefit to our veterans so that they may fulfill their dream of obtaining a bachelor's or a master's degree," said Dr. Mark Wahlers, provost of Concordia University, Portland, Ore. "Through our numerous faculty members who have served our forces, we have a history of supporting the ambitions of the individuals who serve our country.
"Helping veterans achieve a degree, particularly in these challenging economic times, is the least that Concordia can do to thank our veterans for their service."
The CUS schools that are participating in the program are:
* Concordia College, Bronxville, N.Y., 800-937-2655 or admission at concordia-ny.edu<mailto:admission at concordia-ny.edu>.
* Concordia University, Portland, Ore., 800-321-9371 or admissions at cu-portland.edu<mailto:admissions at cu-portland.edu>.
* Concordia University Chicago, River Forest, Ill., 800-285-2668 or crfadmis at cuchicago.edu<mailto:crfadmis at cuchicago.edu>.
* Concordia University Nebraska, Seward, Neb., 800-535-5494 or admiss at cune.edu<mailto:admiss at cune.edu>.
* Concordia University Wisconsin, Mequon, Wis., 888-628-9472 or admissions at cuw.edu<mailto:admissions at cuw.edu>.
Three other CUS schools are considering taking part in the program:
* Concordia College, Selma, Ala., 334-874-5700 or webmaster at concordiaselma.edu<mailto:webmaster at concordiaselma.edu>;
* Concordia University, St. Paul, Minn., 800-333-4705 or admissions at csp.edu<mailto:admissions at csp.edu>; and
* Concordia University Texas, Austin, 800-865-4282 or admissions at concordia.edu<mailto:admissions at concordia.edu>.
"I'm very pleased that many of our CUS schools are participating in the 'Yellow Ribbon' program and I commend our institutions for their generous support of our country's veterans," said Dr. Kurt Krueger, executive director of the LCMS Board for University Education and president of the Concordia University System.
For more information about the Synod's 10 Concordia colleges and universities nationwide, visit www.lcms.org/universities<http://www.lcms.org/universities> or call 800-248-1930, Ext. 1252.
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CAMP LUTHER WORK DAY
On Saturday, May 23, friends and staff will gather at Camp Luther to work on a wide range of projects getting the camp ready for a great fun-filled summer camp season. There will be jobs for all ages! Everyone is invited to paint, clean, cut wood, repair items and more. Families, youth groups or other church groups can come out to camp for the day and have a great time working together as well as meeting new people. Lunch will be provided! Get a group together and go for the day. Anyone wanting to go the night before and stay at the camp should contact the camp to let him know. Call the camp office at 402-352-5655 for more information or to let them know you're coming.
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ONLINE VBS REGISTRATION/WEBSITES FROM CPH
Concordia Publishing House (CPH) announces the release of a free customizable mini-site and online VBS registration for use by congregations using the 2009 Vacation Bible School Gadget's Garage.
Our Garage<http://cphvbs2009.inspirlink.com/Index.asp?PageID=11029> allows congregations to create a unique VBS mini-site to publicize their program and update parents and participants. Features include a customizable home page, photo gallery, and journal. Also new this year is an online registration tool.
Our Garage is now available for use at www.cph.org/vbs<http://www.cph.org/vbs>; select Our Garage.
Vacation Bible School Marketing Manager Keith Settle comments, "(CPH) is always looking for ways to meet the needs of our VBS customers. Online registration and the customizable mini-site is our newest way to do this. We've added value, we've made it simple, and it's totally free."
More information about Gadget's Garage is available at www.cph.org/vbs<http://www.cph.org/vbs>. The site includes a wealth of other new features designed to assist those planning to host Gadget's Garage this summer.
Beefing up the content and improving the features of the VBS website is "a great way to get volunteers, parents, and students involved and excited long before VBS begins," says Settle.
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NEBRASKA LUTHERANS FOR CONFESSIONAL STUDY TO MEET
The March gathering of the Nebraska Lutherans for Confessional Study (NLCS) will be held on Thursday, March 26, 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. Georg Williams, pastor of Zion, Ainsworth, on the topic "Coram Deo Forgiveness." 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.
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FREE RISOGRAPH SUPPLIES AVAILABLE
Having purchased a new copier, St. John, Battle Creek, has unused supplies from their old Risograph looking for a home that will put them to use. Available are a full box of both AB Dick Digital Duplicator Masters 60-6165 and also Digital Ink 60-1520. They are available for the asking by calling the St. John church office at 402-675-3155.
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NATIONAL TEACH YOUR KIDS TO SHARE DAY
In today's turbulent economic environment, there's a renewed interest among parents to not only teach their children the basics of saving and spending money, but also about the responsibility of sharing and giving back. Thousands of families nationwide have the opportunity to take a first step in this lifelong lesson during the first-ever Teach Your Kids to Share Day (https://www.thrivent.com/shareday/index.html).
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, a faith-based, not-for-profit financial services organization, is introducing Teach Your Kids to Share Day, which will take place at more than 50 sites across the country on the evening of April 24, 2009. The events are open to children ages 6-10 and accompanying adults (parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc.).
In conjunction with Financial Literacy Month, Thrivent Financial established Teach Your Kids to Share Day to bring families together for interactive and fun workshops to learn about sharing, saving, and spending using a values-based approach to money management. This national event is unique as it highlights stewardship and teaching kids about how they can also share their time, skills, and money with others.
Held simultaneously at children's museums and other kid-friendly locations across the country, Teach Your Kids to Share Day events will:
* Explore ways kids can share, save, and spend.
* Discuss the importance of being responsible with money.
* Give parents practical tips they can use to teach their kids about money.
* Foster stewardship awareness and behaviors among parents and their kids.
Through Thrivent Financial's Parents, Kids and Money Matters workshop, adults will gain a better understanding of why it's important to teach kids about financial principles, reflect on the values they want their children to learn, and use the concept of stewardship to teach children how to take care of the resources entrusted to them.
To register: Nearly 60 child-friendly sites across the United States will be hosting a Teach Your Kids to Share Day event on the evening of April 24, 2009. To find an event happening in their area, individuals can visit www.thrivent.com/shareday<http://www.thrivent.com/shareday> or call 800-236-3736. A $10 per family registration fee includes dinner, activities, and educational materials.
The scheduled host site in Nebraska is the Omaha Children's Museum (500 South 20th St.), from 5 - 9 p.m. on April 24.
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NEW 'MEN'S NETWORK' IGNITES MEN'S GROUPS TO GREATER ACTION (from LHM.org)
Two months down, and the Men's NetWork is fast becoming a well-known entity among individuals and congregations nationwide. On Feb. 12, the 1,000th LCMS church (Immanuel Lutheran Church and School in Marshfield, Wisconsin) registered on the Men's NetWork (MNW) at www.lhmmen.com<http://www.lhmmen.com>-besting the pre-launch goal by better than three months. At present, the MNW has cleared the 1,800 registered-user mark with a total of 1,351 churches on board- 1,178 of which are LCMS congregations. Of those registered, 69 are members of Lutheran Church-Canada and 104 have other denominational affiliations. There are also 82 men's groups registered on MNW.
Indicative of the surprised comments the MNW has received is this one: "There is a lot of stuff here! Is this really LHM?" It most certainly is.
Another guy told them, "This site is great! We have wanted to launch a men's group for some time and now I can tell you that we definitely will, using your info and advice."
A Kentucky pastor wrote, "We love the materials and have had great discussion. We have begun with He Who Dies With The Most Toys Still Dies. We plan to follow that up with the creation study followed by the study on Islam."
>From New York, they heard the following: "We discussed various men's ministry activities we've been involved with in the past and watched some of the promotional videos from the Men's NetWork. We looked at the Bible study materials and accessed the webpage demonstrating how easy it is to navigate and sign up. We also enjoyed watching "The Baloney Shop" clip about Bill Maher."
And from a lady fan in California, they heard how the Men's NetWork Bible study, He Who Dies With The Most Toys Still Dies, is piquing the interest of church outsiders: "After looking at the preview we felt that the use of Harleys and title might help us more with the mission approach. The intriguing title appealed to us as a "hook" that might help us with inviting a friend to our study."
And from the same woman, some early results: "We used the Bible study for the first time last month and the reception was good. We had 22 people at our last group. We also used the title to promote it to our congregation for our next meeting."
Wonder what the Men's NetWork has on its mind these days? Join the 2,500 folks already signed up and leave a comment on their blog: http://mnmanstuff.blogspot.com.
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Lenten 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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