From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Nov 4 13:54:09 2009 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:54:09 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] November 4 Message-ID: [cid:image001.gif at 01CA5D55.F44FE340] November 4, 2009 In this issue: Greetings in the name of our gracious Heavenly Father. A special greeting to the church and school secretaries who gathered together yesterday for a special time of fun, fellowship, and learning at the Church/School Secretary Workshop. We had a great time being together, and I look forward to continuing to partner with these fellow workers in the Nebraska mission field. If you are a parish secretary receiving this newsletter for the first time, WELCOME! As always, feel free to share this newsletter with anyone. Those interested in subscribing can visit http://www.ndlcms.org/ news/communications/update.html for more information or to be added to the mailing list. * Prayer Requests * Help Find the Items Missing from Pastors' Conference * LCMS President Issues Hate Crimes Bill Statement * In the News: Two LCMS Members Qualify for National Bible Bowl * Congregation Seeks Playground Equipment * Upcoming Retreats at Camp Luther * Government Offers Church Workers Two Programs to Reduce Student Debt * CPH Offers Advent Devotional and Related Materials * Hymn Accompaniment Now Available from CPH * Lincoln Lutheran Choir Concerts * Travel to Germany in 2010 * Walmart Store and Sam's Club Giving Programs PRAYER REQUESTS Rev. Glen and Blenda Keylon and Family - Please lift up in prayer Rev. Glen and Blenda Keylon at the death of their 15-year old grandson, Cody, who was taken to his heavenly home through a car accident this week. Please pray for Rev. Keylon and Blenda, their son and family, and the entire Keylon family as they grieve for Cody and rely on the resurrection of Jesus Christ at this difficult time. Rev. Keylon serves as pastor at Christ, Cairo, and as Grand Island Circuit Counselor. The Family of Mrs. Howard Barth - We remember in prayer the family of Mrs. Howard (Guiomar) Barth, widow of the Rev. Howard Barth, who died October 31 following poor health after suffering a stroke. Rev. Barth served Mt. Calvary, Omaha, as pastor from 1941-1953, Condolences may be sent to her daughter, Roxanne Reith, 1113 Revere Ridge, Rockford, IL 61108. Rev. James and Linda Hoke and Family - We give the Lord thanks and praise for His gift of life at the birth of James L. Hoke III, grandson of Chaplain (COL-Ret) James and Linda Hoke on November 1. The "3rd" is the son of Dr. CPT Jason and Christi Hoke of Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. We join in prayers of rejoicing with this family, and we look forward to welcoming this new little one into the Body of Christ through Holy Baptism. Steve Hincker - Please join us in prayer for Steve Hincker, son-in-law of Burnell and Virginia Von Seggern and husband of the late Kay Von Seggern Hincker. Steve has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and he and his family, Seth (13) and Tessa (11), are in need of many prayers. Burnell is the president of the Nebraska Lutheran Laymen's League and former member of the Nebraska District Board of Directors. Virginia is a former National LWML President and a current member of the Nebraska District Board of Directors. Back to top HELP FIND THE ITEMS MISSING FROM PASTORS' CONFERENCE Materials from Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University were displayed at a table at the recent Fall Pastor's Conference in North Platte, and several items are missing from the display. If you have seen them or know where they might be, please contact Pastor John Kunze at Messiah, Lincoln (jkunze at messiahlincoln.org or 402-489-3024). The items are two DVDs that belong in a set (#10 "Tuition to Fruition" and #11 "Working in Your Strengths"), participant's workbook, and a set of money management envelopes. Back to top LCMS PRESIDENT ISSUES HATE CRIMES BILL STATEMENT Dr. Gerald B. Kieschnick, president of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, issued a statement October 28 in response to the signing of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act: Today President Obama signed into law the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act. The bill extends federal hate-crime laws to include crimes motivated by a victim's gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability. The bill is named after Matthew Shepard, a homosexual 21-year-old college student who was killed in 1998 in Laramie, Wyo., reportedly because of his sexual orientation. Byrd was an African-American lynched in Texas in 1998. Members of Shepard's family were in attendance at the White House signing today. Critics of the bill contend that its language creates the potential for federal prosecution of anyone whose speech (or sermon) "incites" an act of violence against someone who is, or is perceived to be, homosexual, and that religious ministers and teachers may face possible prosecution if someone who commits a crime claims to have heard a religious leader speaking against homosexuality. Erik Stanley, senior legal counsel with the Alliance Defense Fund, said although he doesn't believe there will be "immediate" prosecutions of pastors and churches for teaching the biblical injunction that homosexual behavior is sinful, "I think the effect on speech and religious speech is nonetheless real." Senator Carl Levin (D-Mich.), a supporter of the bill, told the media after the Senate's passage of the bill, 68-29, that religious leaders can continue to express their beliefs on homosexuality as they wish. The bill, he added, applies only to bias-motivated crimes of violence and includes strong protections of speech and association. Although we don't know the full ramifications of this bill as of yet, my staff and I will be watching closely for any possible infringement on the rights of our members and pastors to speak out against the sin of homosexuality based on the Word of God (Lev. 18:22, Rom. 1:26-27, and 1 Cor. 6:9). We live in difficult times, when the traditional moral and religious foundations of our country are being slowly but steadily eroded. In the days ahead we may face persecution because of our pronouncement of the truths of Holy Scripture, God's revealed, inspired, inerrant, infallible Word. Meanwhile, the LCMS, in deep humility and repentance, strives to remain faithful and steadfast in our calling to, "Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction." (2 Timothy 4:2)." Back to top IN THE NEWS: TWO LCMS MEMBERS QUALIFY FOR NATIONAL BIBLE BOWL "With spotlights glaring and more than 300 other contestants and families watching during national competition, how many could accurately recite a specific Bible verse when asked? That's what has Nebraska's two contestants to the first National Bible Bee practicing up to two hours a day on Bible verses and six books of the Bible." These two contestants happen to be best friends and members of LCMS congregations in western Nebraska. Mary Leising, member at Trinity, Arapahoe, and Laura Hedstrom, member of St. John's, Oxford and daughter of Rev. Dale and Mary Hedstrom, will be heading to Washington D.C. this week to compete in the national Bible Bee. Read the rest of the article published in the Kearney Hub on the paper's website at http://www.kearneyhub.com/news/local/article_ae77189e-c320-11de-bb54-001cc4c03286.html. Back to top CONGREGATION SEEKS PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT The congregation of Grace, Pleasanton, is seeking good-quality, used playground equipment to be used at their ministry site. If your congregation or school has equipment available, please contact the church office at gracelutheran at frontiernet.net or 308-627-6200. Back to top UPCOMING RETREATS AT CAMP LUTHER Women's Scrapbooking Retreat November 13-15 $75 per person. Spend the weekend with other women working on your scrapbook projects. Reservation forms available at www.campluther.org Men's Retreat November 20-21 $25 per person Financial support provided by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and Nebraska LLL Spend time in fellowship and Bible study. Includes special t-shirt and Friday night brat dinner. Registration form available at www.campluther.org Back to top GOVERNMENT OFFERS CHURCH WORKERS TWO PROGRAMS TO REDUCE STUDENT DEBT (Reprinted with permission from Reporter Online, http://www.lcms.org/pages/rpage.asp?NavID=15946) If you're a pastor, teacher, or other professional church worker who is paying off federal student loans, you might benefit from two debt-reduction programs now offered by the U.S. Department of Education. For those who qualify, the programs can drastically lower monthly payments on student loans, and forgive the unpaid remainder after 10 years of service to a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, which may include churches, church-sponsored schools, or other entities. * "Income-Based Repayment," or IBR, which became available July 1, is designed to help borrowers keep their loan payments affordable with payment caps based on their income and family size. Generally, the lower your income -- and the higher your debt -- the more you stand to benefit. IBR uses a kind of sliding scale to determine how much borrowers can afford to pay on their loans. Those who earn below 150 percent of the poverty level for their family size would pay nothing. For those who earn more, their loan payments are capped at 15 percent of whatever they earn above that amount. Typically, the IBR formula for loan repayment works out to less than 10 percent of the borrower's income. For example, say a married pastor with two children earns an adjusted gross income of $50,000 annually. His education debt is $60,000, and he is paying $690 a month to repay the loan over 10 years. With IBR, the pastor's monthly loan payment would drop to $210, a savings of $480 per month. Here's another scenario: A single teacher earning $35,000 annually, with school debt of $80,000, is paying $522 per month over 30 years. The IBR program would lower his or her monthly loan payment to $230, a savings of $292. After 25 years in the program, any remaining loan balance is forgiven. * "Public Service Loan Forgiveness" (PSLF), which became available Oct. 1, 2007, is available only to those working full time in "public service," i.e., a 501(c)(3) organization, which includes all LCMS churches and church-sponsored schools, according to Randy Behm, president of the Cleveland Lutheran High School Association and a full-time banker who has been involved in financing student loans since 1989. After 10 years of such public service, the PSLF program forgives any remaining loan balance -- wiping out the borrower's remaining school debt. Eligible LCMS church workers can take part in both debt-reduction programs simultaneously, Behm says, which can prove to be "a huge benefit for them." Dr. Glen Thomas, executive director of the Synod's Board for Pastoral Education, says the programs "have the potential to attack what usually is the largest frustration for our church workers, and that is the carrying of a large debt and, at the same time, being paid a modest salary and trying to make ends meet." For today's church workers who are burdened by excessive education debt load, "these programs could offer significant reduction in their monthly payments and eventually allow, after 10 years, those payments to be completely wiped out," Thomas said. Dr. Kurt Krueger, executive director of the LCMS Board for University Education, says the PSLF program is the government's way of encouraging "talented people to continue to work for the good of society, rather than going to a more lucrative for-profit position somewhere." And, he adds, if the two debt-reduction programs persuade just 10 students a year to pursue church-work careers, "then these programs, I think, would have served their purpose." But both Krueger and Thomas caution current students not to take on more debt than they should, thinking "these programs will simply take care of it once I'm out." "That's a very precarious situation to put yourself in financially," says Thomas, especially if the programs are discontinued in the future. "We do not want to share these programs with our students with the intent that they are going to incur more and more debt, beyond what they can handle," echoes Krueger. Both programs are available to those with Stafford (subsidized or unsubsidized) loans, Graduate PLUS loans, and consolidation loans issued by the U.S. Department of Education. For information, visit http://www.ibrinfo.org, which features an online calculator that can be used to determine eligibility. An informational "webinar," or Web-based seminar, is being planned to share details of the Income-Based Repayment and Public Service Loan Forgiveness programs with LCMS district representatives and financial aid advisers at all 10 Concordia University System schools and the Synod's two seminaries. Thomas offered one final caveat: "It is essential that everyone contemplating these programs examine their own financial circumstances and seek financial counsel, if needed, to determine whether participation in these programs is a wise choice for them," he said. "It would be a mistake to assume that an article in Reporter constitutes blanket endorsement of these programs for all ordained and commissioned ministers in our Synod." Back to top CPH OFFERS ADVENT DEVOTIONAL AND RELATED MATERIALS The new comprehensive Advent-Christmas program available from Concordia Publishing House is centered on a common theme uniting the congregation in the celebration of our Savior's birth. The Theme The rich biblical imagery of the ancient hymn "Savior of the Nations, Come" beautifully focuses Advent and Christmas worship and reflection on the two natures of Christ and the full revelation of God in the person of Jesus. The Resources This program includes everything you need to serve the entire congregation. * For the pastor: Preaching and worship CD-ROM contains sermon studies, Bible studies, children's messages, and worship resources. * For the congregation: Daily devotional guides readers through the Advent and Christmas season with a Scripture focus and meditative reading. * For the children. Children engage in the story of our Savior of the Nations through worship and activities as they share the joy of Jesus' birth with the congregation. A CD-ROM also includes the early childhood service. Order Now or visit the CPH website at www.cph.org for more information. Back to top HYMN ACCOMPANIMENT NOW AVAILABLE FROM CPH Concordia Publishing House (CPH) announces the release of the Concordia Organist, a 31-CD set that includes accompaniment for every hymn in the Lutheran Service Book hymnal. CPH developed the resource in response to the need expressed by many congregations for music to accompany worship, in a variety of settings. "As a small congregation, we have struggled to find accompanists for our worship services," said Rev. Wayne King of St. Mark Lutheran Church in Belgium, Wis. "There are many times that we just sing without one." Congregations of all sizes are set to benefit from the substantial new product that engaged some of the best musicians in the church to provide masterful tracks for the hymns included. "This superb organ music is 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," said Peter Reske, Managing Editor of Music/Worship. "Whatever the setting, people will appreciate the versatility of the Concordia Organist." The CDs feature organists Paul Grime, Kevin Hildebrand, and Richard Resch, playing the Schlicker organ in Kramer Chapel at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana. Regularly priced at $699, the Concordia Organist is now available at the introductory price of $499. The product will also be available as an add-on subscription to Lutheran Service Builder customers in the fall. Back to top LINCOLN LUTHERAN CHOIR CONCERTS Lincoln Lutheran Choir presents "Stitching Together American Traditions," Saturday, November 14, at St. John Lutheran Church (701 N. 6th St.), Beatrice, and Sunday, November 15, at Grace Lutheran Church (2225 Washington St.), Lincoln, with both concerts at 7:00 p.m. American quilts will be on display at the Lincoln concert courtesy the Lincoln Quilters Guild and music performed will be exclusively 20th Century American composers, including Persichetti, Copland, and Wilberg. Come and join the choir in singing traditional American music. There will be a free will offering with a reception to follow. Back to top TRAVEL TO GERMANY IN 2010 Pastor Bill and Martha Moorhead invite anyone to join them for a trip to Germany that incorporates Luther/Reformation sites, the Passion Play, and Oktoberfest, as well as some other off-the-beaten-path sites. The trip will be Sept 14-24, 2010. Contact Rev. Moorhead at revhawk at cox.net with questions or for details. Back to top WALMART STORE AND SAM'S CLUB GIVING PROGRAMS As congregations and schools begin or continue looking for ways to reach out into their communities in order to build relationships and address very real physical needs and concerns, many look for financial support from various places. One source of grants many people may not consider is Walmart. According to the Walmart Corporate website, http://walmartstores.com/, "the Walmart Foundation supports more than 100,000 diverse charities large and small." While grants for religious organizations are not specifically listed, "The Walmart Foundation supports programs and initiatives in four main areas of focus: Education, Workforce Development/Economic Opportunity, Health and Wellness, and Environmental Sustainability. The Foundation also has a particular interest in supporting the following populations: veterans and military families, traditionally underserved groups, individuals with disabilities and people impacted by natural disasters." While this type of grant might not be appropriate in every instance, this information is shared in case you find it suitable for your situation. To learn more about the giving program, visit http://walmartstores.com/CommunityGiving/238.aspx?p=8979. For guidelines and application requirements, visit http://walmartstores.com/CommunityGiving/8916.aspx. Back to top Thanks to all who shared information for this week's Update. If you have information to share, please send it to communications at ndlcms.org. We hope these weekly E-mail Updates are a valuable resource in your ministry. The Updates are for all workers and leaders in your congregation. If you know of someone you think would benefit from the information in the Update, please forward it to them. Anyone is invited to subscribe by visiting http://www.ndlcms.org/news/communications/update.html. 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: 68650 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20091104/ee8ec8a9/attachment.txt -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.gif Type: image/gif Size: 8048 bytes Desc: image001.gif Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20091104/ee8ec8a9/image001-0001.gif From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Nov 4 15:04:01 2009 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:04:01 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] Mission Fields Nebraska Newsletter Message-ID: Greetings in the name of the Lord of the Harvest! Attached is the latest issue of the Mission Fields Nebraska newsletter. This electronic newsletter is sent periodically by the Nebraska District Mission Department to those who are subscribed to the Email Update. In each issue you will read stories from missionaries who are serving in the Nebraska mission field, as well as churches and individuals that are doing outreach in their community. If you or your congregation has a story to share, please contact Connie Borchers at the District Office. She may be reached at 888-643-2961 or missions at ndlcms.org. You are encouraged to distribute this newsletter to members of your congregation via email or in print. Church offices and individuals are given permission to reprint articles or the entire newsletter. Please share these stories of what God is doing in the mission fields of Nebraska with friends, family, and fellow congregation members. If you have trouble opening this attachment, the newsletter may be downloaded from the Nebraska District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/ministries/district/index.html. If you wish to unsubscribe from our mailing list, you will be removed from all mailing lists, including the weekly Email Update. You may unsubscribe by replying to this message and requesting to be unsubscribed, or visit the District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/news/communications/update.html and click on the "To subscribe" link on the right. We are excited to be in mission work with you, and we look forward to a continued partnership in the mission fields of Nebraska. Nichole Hetz Nebraska District LCMS Director of Communications 1-888-643-2961 nicholeh at ndlcms.org www.ndlcms.org -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: text/html Size: 10102 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20091104/2758d804/attachment.txt -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: October09.pdf Type: application/pdf Size: 650376 bytes Desc: October09.pdf Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20091104/2758d804/October09-0001.pdf From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Nov 11 10:52:52 2009 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:52:52 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] November 11 Message-ID: [cid:image001.gif at 01CA62BD.1A761E10] November 11, 2009 In this issue: A blessed Veterans Day to you! What a wonderful opportunity we have today to be reminded to thank and pay tribute to the millions of veterans, both living and dead, who sacrificed so much for the freedoms we enjoy everyday. While the history of Veterans Day begins at the end of World War I, the holiday as we observe it today was finally set in 1978. According to www.history.com: "On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, was declared between the Allied nations and Germany in the First World War, then known as 'the Great War.' Commemorated as Armistice Day beginning the following year, November 11th became a legal federal holiday in the United States in 1938. In the aftermath of World War II and the Korean War, Armistice Day became Veterans Day, a holiday dedicated to American veterans of all wars." While it is very important that we honor our veterans, and we are fortunate to have a holiday to remind us of their great service, today is also a good time for each of us to identify the hostilities in which we are engaged in our own lives. Because we are sinful, we have relationships that are strained or broken. These relationships might be with our spouse, children, co-workers, church workers or members, neighbors, or others. Because Jesus died and rose again to reconcile us to Himself, He has restored our relationship with Him. Through His goodness and mercy, we can extend the olive branch of peace to those with whom we are in conflict. Imagine the witness our own personal "Armistice Day" could give to those around us. By working toward the end of our hostilities, our relationships can begin to heal, creating a God-given peace that is evident to those around us. As we commemorate Veterans Day today, may we prayerfully consider those God is calling us to "make peace" with. * Prayer Requests * LCMS World Mission Provides Resources for Veterans * Portals of Prayer Needs Authors * Lutheran High Northeast Returns to State Volleyball * Christmas at Concordia Concerts * Live Nativity in Bloomfield * Registration Opens for 2010 LCMS Servant Events * Current LCMS Family Ministry Newsletters Available * Missionary to Southwest Alaska Sought * Christmas Timpani for Sale or Rent * Darwin Conference Audio Available Online * Nebraska Lutherans for Confessional Study to Meet * Teen LWML "Appreciates" Pastor * November a Time to Recognize the Benefits of Hospice PRAYER REQUESTS Rev. Richard Gudgel and family - Please remember Rev. Richard Gudgel and his wife Bonnie in your prayers as Pastor Gudgel's 91-year-old father, Andrew, was called home to heaven Friday, November 6. His funeral will be today, November 11, at Grace Lutheran Church in Grand Island. Pastor Gudgel serves Mt. Calvary, Omaha, as well as Omaha North Circuit Counselor. Nathan Hultquist - From the friends and members of St. Paul Lutheran, Minden, and Pastor Don and Sandy Becker: Please remember in your prayers Nathan Hultquist, the Becker's nine-year-old grandson. Nathan is heading back to Denver Children's Hospital with his parents Rob and Jenny (Becker) Hultquist for a scheduled, annual MRI to once again check the status of Nathan's malignant brain tumors that underwent radiation five years ago. Nathan will also be meeting with a team of specialists who continue to monitor his case and the side-effects that he experiences as he grows older. So far, he is doing well in the third grade, and greatly enjoys the friendship and fellowship of his classmates in Sunday school. Back to top LCMS WORLD MISSION PROVIDES RESOURCES FOR VETERANS Veteran's Day is today and it provides a perfect opportunity to reach out to those who have served in our nation's military. This day of remembrance and thanks is a great opportunity to encourage a veteran who is brother or sister in Christ. It could also provide a bridge for sharing faith in Jesus with an unbelieving friend or family member who is a veteran. Operation Barnabas, a program of LCMS World Mission's Ministry to the Armed Forces, specializes in equipping congregations to reach out to veterans in their communities and to support LCMS reserve chaplains who are returning to parish pastor roles. If your congregation would like to learn more about reaching out to veterans and their families with Christ's healing love, consider attending a district Operation Barnabas training workshop. Upcoming workshops include: Living Water Lutheran Church, Sanford, Fla., Nov. 14; Trinity Lutheran Church, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Nov. 21; and Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Plano, Texas, Jan. 16. Has your congregation organized a special outreach or thank you to men and women who have served in the United States military? Have you promoted Veteran's Day in another special way through your congregation? Please share your experiences and ideas with LCMS World Mission at mission.info at lcms.org. Learn more: * Follow the latest news from Operation Barnabas at http://barnabas.lcmsworldmission.org. * Read an article from the November 2009 issue of the Lutheran Witness about a reserve chaplain's family that has been touched by the ministry of Operation Barnabas. * Contact Rev. Mike Moreno, director of Operation Barnabas, at michael.moreno at lcms.org to learn more about how your congregation can be involved. Back to top PORTALS OF PRAYER NEEDS AUTHORS Concordia Publishing House (CPH) has sent out a call for devotional writers for its popular daily magazine, Portals of Prayer(r). The developers of Portals of Prayer ask that interested writers send an e-mail to portals at cph.org by November 15, 2009, to request a copy of the 2012 Writer's Guidelines. More information about Portals of Prayer is available at cph.org/magazines. Robert Sexton, Marketing Manager of Portals of Prayer, says "Portals of Prayer is the longest running daily devotional magazine, delivering life enriching content to over 750,000 Christians every day of the year." After applicants receive their copy of the 2012 Writing Guidelines, the company will ask for four sample devotions. Writing samples are due January 4, 2010, and CPH will select its team of authors sometime that month. In addition, Sexton shares the following requirements to write for Portals of Prayer, "We ask that the authors show their excellent writing skills, accuracy in theology, and the ability to write within specified guidelines, which includes accurate word count." Back to top LUTHERAN HIGH NORTHEAST RETURNS TO STATE VOLLEYBALL For the second consecutive year, the Lady Eagles of Lutheran High Northeast in Norfolk are headed to the State tournament in Lincoln. Last year's team qualified as a member of C2. This year's team qualified as a member of C1, which is remarkable, given that they are one of the smallest schools in C1. After finishing their regular season with a record of 30-0, the girls won their sub-district championship, but it wasn't easy. They played Pierce in the first round and defeated them, 3-1. That was the first time this year that any team had taken them to a fourth set in a five-set match. The girls defeated Norfolk Catholic in the championship on Nov. 3 in a thrilling 3-2 match-the first time this year that the girls had been extended to a fifth set. On November 6, the Lady Eagles traveled to O'Neill to play Ord in the District final. After falling behind 18-13 in the first set, the Lady Eagles rallied by scoring 12 of the next 15 to win the set. They used this momentum to win the second and third sets as well, sweeping Ord 3-0, to qualify for State. The team enters State with a 33-0 record and is seeded third. The first match for Lutheran High Northeast is against Syracuse on Thursday, Nov. 12 at 1:30 p.m. at Lincoln Northeast High School. The winner of that match advances to the semi-finals on Friday, Nov. 13, playing at 2:30 p.m. at Pershing. If they win that match, they'll play in the C1 championship at the Coliseum on Saturday, Nov. 14 at 9:30 a.m. If they don't, they will play for third place at Lincoln Southeast High School at noon on Saturday, Nov. 14. Find out more and keep up-to-date on LHNE tournament play on the school's website, www.lhne.org or www.nsaahome.org. Way to go, Lady Eagles! Back to top CHRISTMAS AT CONCORDIA CONCERTS Christmas at Concordia, presented by the Concordia University Department of Music, will put audiences in the holiday mood with three concerts on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 5 and 6 at St. John Lutheran Church in Seward. The Saturday performance will take place at 3 p.m. Sunday's performances are scheduled for 3 and 7 p.m. The concerts are free, but tickets are required. "There is something very special about the annual Christmas at Concordia concert," shared Dr. Kurt von Kampen, director of the University A Cappella Choir and Concordia Chorale, the men's chorus. "In my years at Concordia it has developed into a most powerful telling of the most important story ever told. The student musicians feel it. The professors feel it. Many have said that it has become an essential part of their preparation for the celebration of the birth of Christ." More than 200 student musicians will be involved in the event. Along with the ensembles directed by von Kampen, the University Symphonic Band, Concordia Handbell Choir, Concordia Singers and the Brass Ensemble will participate. Dr. Jeffrey Blersch, university organist, and featured student soloists also will perform. "This is more than a concert," said von Kampen. "The performances will be spectacular but more importantly the Christ Child will be praised." During the concerts, Scripture readings will be woven together with Christmas music from around the world. The program includes traditional holiday hymns, audience participation and pieces composed or arranged by members of the department. A holiday buffet will be offered in the Janzow Campus Center from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Saturday and between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. on Sunday. Christmas at Concordia concert and holiday buffet tickets need to be reserved online at www.cune.edu/CaCpayment; printed receipts from the online reservations will serve as tickets for the events. Back to top LIVE NATIVITY IN BLOOMFIELD First Trinity Lutheran Church will hold their annual Live Nativity presentation at the Harm and Tullys Event Center on the Knox County Fairgrounds, Bloomfield, NE, Sunday, December 13, at 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. The title of the presentation is "Glorious Impossible," and will include First Trinity's choir, soloists, duet, and a cast of members telling the story of God's salvation from creation to the resurrection. Some video will be included this year. A Christmas CD will be given to each family who attends. The Live Nativity presentation is a gift to the community from the members of First Trinity, therefore there will be no charge at the door. For more information, please contact First Trinity Lutheran Church, PO Box 540, Bloomfield, NE 68718, 402-373-4797, or ftlc at gpcom.net. Back to top REGISTRATION OPENS FOR 2010 LCMS SERVANT EVENTS (LCMS News, No. 88) Groups interested in participating in a 2010 LCMS servant event may begin registering now. For that process, check the list of available servant events at http://www.lcms.org/youth/servantevents, choose an event, and follow the "How To Register" steps on the Web site. Servant events sponsored by LCMS District and Congregational Services -- Youth Ministry provide opportunities for youth to learn that serving others can make a difference because of Jesus Christ. In 2010, a variety of servant events will take place across the country and one is scheduled in Costa Rica. Event opportunities include construction, human care, environmental, outreach, multicultural, crisis, and family events. "All of our events include Bible study, group building, and connection with other Christian youth," said Jim Lohman, associate director of servant events with LCMS Youth Ministry. "They are an excellent opportunity for youth to grow in their faith as they live what they believe." LCMS servant events have been held for more than 25 years. And participants say that lives have been changed as a result of them. Eric Gerken, a director of Christian education at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fremont, Neb., says he has seen first-hand how servant events have an impact on the lives of youth. Young people from his congregation participated in the Joyful Hearts Camp this past summer at Camp LuWiSoMo in south Wisconsin, where they served mentally and physically disabled campers. "Our youth jumped into the project with enthusiasm and embraced the idea of serving God by serving others," Gerken said. "It was difficult, as many of the campers had needs beyond what our youth anticipated, but they were mature and made a decision to put others before themselves. It has had a lasting effect, in that I see more service-oriented attitudes in how they live life daily," Gerken said. At the Cedar Rapids Flood Relief event through Camp Io-Dis-E-Ca -- also this summer -- Jessica Bordeleau, part-time youth worker at Timothy Lutheran Church in St. Louis, saw significant spiritual growth in one of her youth. "Shannon had been coming regularly to Bible Study and youth activities for a while," Bordeleau said. "He came with his buddy on the weeklong servant event. At the end of the servant event, he asked if he could be baptized. His parents, who are religiously indifferent, wanted him to think about it for two more weeks before doing it, but they were open to the idea. Shannon was committed to it and was baptized in August. Praise God!" Back to top CURRENT LCMS FAMILY MINISTRY NEWSLETTERS AVAILABLE (Family Ministry eNews, October 31) The LCMS Family Ministry Department has made the current issues of the following newsletters available. For many families, the transcendent meaning of traditions and rituals associated with observing holidays testifies to the powerful influence they have for contributing to family identity and a sense of belonging. These may take the shape of rituals handed down for generations or declare the establishment of a new family identity. This month's issue of Home Base invites you to celebrate and create traditions known and new, click here to check it out. Thanksgiving is a time to remember God's special blessings in our lives, the ones we enjoy everyday, and other ones that really surprise us. Read this month's issue of 24/7 for a story of a "double blessing" for an unsuspecting young lady. Click here to read the November 2009 issue of 24/7. Dr. Vic Constien offers insights about the stability and skills that older people can share with their faith community as well as a few practical suggestions for honoring and recognizing them. Check out this month's issue of Great Expectations-A Newsletter on Expanding Ministry With Older People by clicking here. To read the most recent entry in the LCMS Family Blog and offer your thoughts about Dr. Christopher's article, "Or Else!" click here Back to top MISSIONARY TO SOUTHWEST ALASKA SOUGHT Alaska Mission for Christ is prayerfully seeking someone with a heart for serving others and for reaching people with the Gospel to fill the position of Missionary to Southwest Alaska. The successful applicant will creatively coordinate and facilitate mission outreach in an area of Alaska the size of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. He will work with volunteers and local residents to share the Gospel through relationships in mostly small isolated rural villages. While interest in native languages is encouraged, English is the mode of communication for the missionary. The Alaska Mission for Christ is a non-profit corporation organized and directed by the churches of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod in Alaska. For more information see http://www.alaskamissionforchrist.org or contact Todd Roeske at 907-259-5115 or toddroeske at alaskamissionforchrist.org . Back to top CHRISTMAS TIMPANI FOR SALE OR RENT Attention Music Directors: Do you have timpani lined up for Christmas yet? There are several sets of timpani available for sale or rent in the Nebraska District. Contact Jim Krutz at JimKrutz at gmail.com for more information. Back to top DARWIN CONFERENCE AUDIO AVAILABLE ONLINE Dealing with Darwinism proved to be one of the most popular conferences hosted by Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana. Presenters Dr. Dean O. Wenthe, President, CTS; Dr. Adam Francisco, Assistant Professor of Historical Theology, CTS; and Dr. David Menton, Associate Professor Emeritus of Anatomy at Washington University School of Medicine and speaker for Answers in Genesis, shared insightful information on this most thought-provoking subject during the October 9-10 conference. Those who were unable to attend the conference may now purchase the audio files online. You will be able to listen to the audio, as well as save copies of the MP3 files to your computer for use in an MP3 player or iPod. Simply click here, create an account, and select Dealing with Darwinism (All Audio). For additional information on this and all events at CTS, please visit www.ctsfw.edu or phone 260-452-2100. Back to top NEBRASKA LUTHERANS FOR CONFESSIONAL STUDY TO MEET The November gathering of the Nebraska Lutherans for Confessional Study (NLCS) will be held on Thursday, November 12 at Good Shepherd, 3825 Wildbriar Lane in Lincoln. Refreshments will be in the fellowship hall at 9:30 a.m., followed by Matins at 10 a.m. Presenter for the morning session will be Rev. Dan Feusse, pastor of Concordia, Clearwater. His topic will be "The Eternal Priestly Sacrifice of the Son of God in the Book of Hebrews." The morning session will start at about 10:30 a.m.; following lunch the afternoon topic will start at about 1 p.m. Afternoon presenter will be Rev. Bert Mueller of Trinity, Amherst. His topic will be "The New Perspective on Paul." 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 TEEN LWML "APPRECIATES" PASTOR Teen LWML "WORD!" of Immanuel, Laurel, if you remember, challenged its congregation to giving cards, etc. to Pastor William Engebretsen in October in honor of Clergy Appreciation Month. This year's tally more than tripled last year's count. Fifty-five remembrances of cards, homemade and home canned foods, snacks, a rubber ducky, text messages, and other miscellaneous gifts were given, with 50 cents per item being donated to District North LWML Mites in Pastor's name. WORD! also challenged the Nebraska District LCMS and are anxious to hear of their response! To share how your congregation participated in Clergy Appreciation Month, send stories to communications at ndlcms.org. Back to top NOVEMBER A TIME TO RECOGNIZE THE BENEFITS OF HOSPICE Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman will proclaim November as National Hospice Month on Monday, Nov. 16, 2009, at 10 a.m. in the Warner's Chambers of the State Capitol Building. The public is invited to attend. Hospice offers patients and their families a team that is comprised of a physician, nurse, social worker, chaplain, therapists and volunteers. The hospice team provides pain management, symptom control, psychosocial support, and spiritual care when a cure is not possible. "Last year, more than 6,500 Nebraskans received care from a hospice provider," said Pat Snyder, executive director of the Nebraska Hospice and Palliative Care Partnership (NHPCP), the state's hospice association. "Although this number continues to grow each year, it still means that only 43 percent of those who died received the benefits of hospice." Go to nehospice.org to locate a local hospice provider or to request a speaker for a civic, church or veteran organization. NHPCP is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose members include Nebraska hospices, community end-of-life coalitions, and other health and elder-care organizations. NHPCP is a member of Community Health Charities of Nebraska. Back to top Thanks to all who shared information for this week's Update. If you have information to share, please send it to communications at ndlcms.org. We hope these weekly E-mail Updates are a valuable resource in your ministry. The Updates are for all workers and leaders in your congregation. If you know of someone you think would benefit from the information in the Update, please forward it to them. Anyone is invited to subscribe by visiting http://www.ndlcms.org/news/communications/update.html. 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: 62254 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20091111/b1fc9e73/attachment.txt -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.gif Type: image/gif Size: 8048 bytes Desc: image001.gif Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20091111/b1fc9e73/image001-0001.gif From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Tue Nov 17 13:14:25 2009 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:14:25 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] Sudan Mission Newsletter Message-ID: Greetings in the name of the Lord of the Harvest! Attached is the Nebraskans Reaching Out to Sudan newsletter developed by the mission and outreach office of the Nebraska District - LCMS. This electronic newsletter is sent periodically by the District Office to those who are subscribed to the Email Update. In each issue you will find stories that will share what is going on in Sudanese ministry in the Nebraska District and in the mission field of Sudan. If you have questions regarding this newsletter, please contact Rev. Rich Boring at the District Office. He may be reached at 888-643-2961 or richb at ndlcms.org. You are encouraged to distribute this newsletter to members of your congregation via email or in print. Church offices and individuals are given permission to reprint articles or the entire newsletter. Please share these stories of what God is doing in Sudanese ministry. If you have trouble opening this attachment, the newsletter may be downloaded off the Nebraska District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/ministries/district/index.html. If you wish to unsubscribe from our mailing list, you will be removed from all mailing lists, including the weekly Email Update. You may unsubscribe by replying to this message and requesting to be unsubscribed, or visit the District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/news/communications/update.html and click on the "To subscribe" link on the right. We are excited to be in mission work with you, and we look forward to a continued partnership in the mission fields of Nebraska, and beyond in Sudan. Nichole Hetz Nebraska District LCMS Director of Communications 1-888-643-2961 nicholeh at ndlcms.org www.ndlcms.org -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: text/html Size: 10291 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20091117/f473d2cd/attachment.txt -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: November09.pdf Type: application/pdf Size: 1162912 bytes Desc: November09.pdf Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20091117/f473d2cd/November09-0001.pdf From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Nov 18 11:44:32 2009 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:44:32 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] November 18 Message-ID: [cid:image001.gif at 01CA6843.6D43FC30] November 18, 2009 In this issue: Greetings in the name of our generous and gracious Lord. November is the month of leaves, football, turkey, family, friends, and a time of thanksgiving. May the Lord bless the remainder of your November and give you time with family and friends in thanksgiving for the gifts He has given us. What a blessing it is to have time set aside next week to focus our hearts on praising the Lord and thanking Him for all of the good gifts He showers on us, especially for the gift of salvation He gives us through Jesus. May you have a blessed and enjoyable Thanksgiving celebration with your family and friends, and may you have opportunity to share with others the Gift for which we are most thankful. * Prayer Requests * No Email Update Next Week * District Office Holiday Hours * New LCEF President Named * Pastor Ken Klaus Announces His Retirement * Organist Needed in Tecumseh * Good News from the Mission Field * Journey to the Manger Opportunities * Boar's Head Festival in Omaha * Prepare/Enrich Training to be Offered in Lincoln * Family Life Ministry Workshops * Lutheran World Relief Working to Provide Relief to El Salvador * LWML Offers Christmas Cards * Help CPH Provide Story Bible for Children in Appalachia * Updated Fan into Flame Website with Nebraska Profiles PRAYER REQUESTS Elsabet Michaelynn Stock - We rejoice with Pastor Michael and Holly Stock at the birth of their daughter Elsabet Michaelynn on October 24. Elsabet was welcomed home by a brother and two sisters, and welcomed into the family of God through Holy Baptism on November 8. We thank God for blessing this family with this new little one, and for the new life in Jesus He gives her through Baptism. Rev. Stock serves the congregations of Trinity/Calvary, Campbell/Rosemont. Rev. John Deang and Traveling Companions - Please lift up in prayer Pastor John Deang, Nebraska District missionary-at-large for African immigrant ministry, and the group of men from Nebraska and Minnesota that will leave for Sudan next Thursday, November 26. This group is traveling to Malakal to work with the equipment that was shipped in the containers by Orphan Grain Train. Their work includes re-assembling farm machinery and installing water lines for a water purification system. When the containers are emptied, one will be used for a medical clinic, another for guest housing, and one for storage. Please pray for safety as this group travels to Sudan, as they work in Malakal, and as they return in mid-December. Family of Rev. Herb Brokering - The Rev. Herbert F. Brokering, pastor, author, lyricist, speaker, and hymn writer, died November 7 at his home in Minnesota. "'Thine the glory, thine the story, then the welcome to the least. Then the wonder all increasing at thy feast, at thy feast,'" is from one of Brokering's best-known hymns, "Thine the Amen" (Lutheran Service Book #680). He wrote other popular Lutheran hymns such as "Earth and All Stars!" (Lutheran Service Book #817), "Alleluia! Jesus is Risen!" (Lutheran Service Book #474), and "Stay with Us" (Lutheran Service Book #879). Born May 21, 1926, in Beatrice, Nebraska, Brokering pursued graduate studies at the University of Kiel and the University of Erlangen in Germany. He also co-directed the film, "Where Luther Walked" in 1981. In his retirement Brokering served 11 years as a staff associate for Wheat Ridge Ministries, an independent Lutheran charitable organization based in Itasca, Illinois, that awards "seed" grants to health ministries. He was an ambassador for Wheat Ridge, promoting and encouraging the seeding of new ministries of health and hope around the world. Back to top NO EMAIL UPDATE NEXT WEEK There will be no Email Update next week, but the regular schedule will resume with the next e-newsletter arriving on Wednesday, December 2. Information to be included may be sent any time to communications at ndlcms.org. Back to top DISTRICT OFFICE HOLIDAY HOURS The District Office will be closed Thursday, November 26, and Friday, November 27, in observance of Thanksgiving. The office will reopen Monday morning, November 30, at 8:00 a.m. with staff devotions. Information is available anytime on the District website at www.ndlcms.org. Back to top NEW LCEF PRESIDENT NAMED Dr. David Belasic, chairman of the Board of Directors of the Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) and the Board for Church Extension, announced the selection of Mr. Richard C. Robertson of Peachtree City, Georgia, to serve as President of LCEF, effective January 14, 2010. Mr. Robertson succeeds Merle Freitag, who announced his retirement in July after more than 11 years as LCEF President. Robertson brings extensive professional experience in leading large organizations with a high degree of complexity as well as church-related experience to LCEF. Currently the managing partner of H&R Land Development Corp. in Peachtree City, Robertson previously served in numerous senior executive positions in the consumer packaged goods industry, including President and CEO of Wise Foods, Executive Vice President of The Kellogg Company, and Vice President and General Manager of Keebler Foods. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts. His solid business acumen is expected to serve LCEF well. In addition to his professional background, Robertson has been actively involved in his own congregation, the Florida-Georgia District of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS), and LCEF on a national basis. He has served St. Paul Lutheran Church and School of Peachtree City in the roles of president, elder, strategy and planning committee chairman, and mission trip team leader. He has provided counsel to the Florida-Georgia District in a number of business-related opportunities. Robertson was elected to the national LCEF Board of Directors in 2006. "Rich is a churchman with a great heart for the work of both the LCEF and the LCMS. His personal commitment to the work of the Church and his experience and professional background are an excellent blend that will serve both ministries very well in the near term and for years to come," Belasic said. "We are very grateful to Merle Freitag for his vision, outreach focus, leadership, and organizational development over the past decade, and are thankful that a servant-leader such as Rich has been provided as we look to the future." The mission of the LCEF is to support the Church in fulfilling its mission of sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ by being a servant partner of the LCMS, ensuring that funds and services are available now and in the future. The not-for-profit organization provides loans and facility-planning services to LCMS churches, schools, and rostered church workers through the investment support of church members. For more information about LCEF, call 1-800-843-5233 or visit www.lcef.org. Back to top PASTOR KEN KLAUS ANNOUNCES HIS RETIREMENT Pastor Ken Klaus, Speaker of The Lutheran Hour(r), has announced his intention to retire from the position in January 2011. Pastor Klaus has been Speaker of the flagship program for Lutheran Hour Ministries since 2002 and serves as the media spokesperson, spiritual leader, and evangelist for the organization, as well as ministry emissary with The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and Lutheran Church-Canada. "In answer to many questions you may have: I am feeling fine, I love the International Lutheran Laymen's League and Lutheran Hour Ministries, I love the direction of the LHM Men's NetWork as a way to ignite and challenge the faith lives of men, and I have a great respect for our new executive director Bruce Wurdeman," says Pastor Klaus. "Still, I believe that January 2011 is the right time for someone else to fill the Speakership and I want to provide enough time for selecting a replacement to ensure a smooth transition." Lutheran Hour Ministries is pleased to announce that Pastor Klaus will continue working on several projects with the ministry following his retirement date. At a minimum, these projects in 2011 will include: * Writing and recording 12 sermons for The Lutheran Hour and producing the accompanying question and answer portion of the program. * Writing and editing the Lutheran Hour Ministries Daily Devotions that are sent out via e-mail to more than 34,000 subscribers. * Producing two Bible studies for the LHM Men's NetWork. * Representing Lutheran Hour Ministries at 12 speaking engagements. * Writing and recording 12 installments of The Baloney Shop segment for the LHM Men's NetWork. This online segment points out, in a simple way, the foolishness and fallacies of the criticisms the Savior's soldiers have to face on a daily basis. "Pastor Klaus has been and continues to be a blessing to our ministry," says Wurdeman. "We are pleased it is the Lord's will to allow us to continue using his talents beyond January 2011." The Lutheran Hour, which first aired in 1930 and is the world's longest-running Christian outreach radio program, boldly proclaims the Gospel to more than 600,000 listeners over 961 stations throughout North America. The Board of Governors for the International Lutheran Laymen's League has begun a nationwide search for a new Speaker. Please keep Pastor Klaus and the search for a new Speaker in your prayers. Lutheran Hour Ministries is a Christian outreach ministry supporting churches worldwide in its mission of Bringing Christ to the Nations-and the Nations to the Church. LHM produces Christian radio and TV programming for broadcast, as well as Internet and print communications, dramas, music, and outreach materials, to reach the unchurched in more than 30 countries. Back to top ORGANIST NEEDED IN TECUMSEH St. John's Lutheran Church in Tecumseh, Nebraska, is searching immediately for the position of a Sunday morning organist. Worship services are held at 10 a.m. The congregation would prefer someone with experience with Lutheran liturgy. If you are interested in this position, please contact Pastor Diener at 402-335-3816. Thank you in advance for your consideration. Back to top GOOD NEWS FROM THE MISSION FIELD LCMS World Missionary Ashley Effken from Friend, Nebraska, shares the following good news from her work in the Czech Republic: "The 24 or so hours of travel in August between leaving my flat in Trinec, Czech Republic, and arriving at home in Friend, Neb., comprised one of the most interesting days of my life. I know from past experience that there are many great opportunities to talk to people about Christ during long flights. So, before my Tuesday flight, I was praying for some of these chances and that people would be open to talking with me about Jesus. It turned out that I had more chances than I could have imagined to speak with people about Christ." "On my second flight, from Vienna, Austria, to Washington, D.C., the plane was half-full of Jehovah's Witnesses who were returning home after their annual international convention in Vienna. I was looking for a chance to talk with a few of them during the beginning of the flight, and finally after a couple of hours, the perfect opportunity came when I took the chance to ask the woman seated behind me about her nametag (all of the people were still wearing their conference nametags). She and her husband spoke with me for about two hours, during which time I was able to explain to them clearly, with open Bible, that Jesus is our perfect atonement for sin, and that He died to reconcile them to God the Father." "On the same flight, my seatmate and I had quite the conversation about religion. The most exciting part of talking to him was being able to show him that being a Christian isn't about being a good person, but about confessing that we are not good, but utterly sinful. I also told him that instead of trusting in our good deeds, we trust only in Christ's goodness to make us good." This account is from the LCMS World Mission blog, http://blog.lcmsworldmission.org. Visit this site to read more from Ashley and other LCMS world missionaries. Back to top JOURNEY TO THE MANGER OPPORTUNITIES Feel free to pass along the following information in your church bulletins or December newsletters. The annual Journey to the Manger at Concordia University, Nebraska, will be held Tuesday, Dec. 8, at 7 p.m. Refreshments in Weller Hall will follow the event. The lone starting time is a change from past years. Attendees will first gather at Weller Hall and then travel as one group through campus. At different stations along the route, Concordia students will share prophesies about the birth of the Messiah and portray characters from both the Old and New Testaments. The route will end at the outdoor chapel where the manger will be located. Rev. Ryan Matthias, Concordia's campus pastor, hopes the journey will be a time of reflection and of remembrance. He encourages others to join as "prayerfully we will be reminded of the shepherds as they traveled their spartan path to the foot of the Christ child." ************* Celebrate the Joy of the Christ-Child this Christmas with your family and friends at BREAKFAST IN BETHLEHEM: "Passport to Jesus" on Saturday, December 5, in the fellowship hall of St. John Lutheran Church in Seward. The family breakfast begins at 8:30 a.m. and activities are from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Activities include: * Take-home craft projects * Complimentary family photo * Story time * No-Bake cookie shoppe * Children's gift shop.....and lots more! The cost is $1.00 per person of any age. No pre-registration is necessary! For more information, call 402-643-9803. This is a great opportunity to share the Word! Bring someone from your neighborhood to Breakfast in Bethlehem! Contact the District Office at communications at ndlcms.org to request a printable newsletter page. ************* A beaming search light will illuminate the night sky December 10 and 11 guiding visitors to "Drawn to the Light, A Living Nativity" held at Holy Savior Lutheran Church at North 10th and Superior streets from 6-9 p.m. All are invited to enjoy this special Christmas message. A living nativity will be seen from Superior Street featuring a full cast of characters from the Christmas story including an angel from heaven, the three wise men and shepherds with their sheep. Inside, the church will be transformed into biblical times where you can barter for wares at the Bethlehem marketplace, navigate the city for a room at the inn, and take part in the Roman census. In the warm indoors, visitors can listen to live Christmas music or enjoy listening to the Christmas story being read in front of a warm fireplace while sipping hot cocoa and tasting homemade cookies. Overflow parking with shuttle services is available at Northridge Shopping Center at 14th and Superior Streets. Admission is free. Proceeds from the free will offering will benefit Voices of Hope. Matching funds by Thrivent. Back to top BOAR'S HEAD FESTIVAL IN OMAHA Church office staffs are encouraged and invited to share any or all of this information in their December newsletter or bulletins. Thank you. A new and different way to look at the birth of our Savior will be presented in the sanctuary of Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church in Omaha (15005 Q Street). Performances will be: Friday, December 11 at 7:00 p.m. Saturday, December 12 at 7:00 p.m. Sunday, December 13, at 7:00 p.m. A cast of 45 people will present the Nativity as entertainment to the King and Queen. The response of the King will help us see the real King. Plan to bring a friend or neighbor to witness the Gospel in word and song. What is the "Boar's Head Festival"? It is really a time-honored story of a love so great, that God sent His only Son into our restless and changing world to be one of us. "Emmanuel" - God with us! The wild boar has long been a symbol of the devil and all that is evil in this world. The "Master of the Hunt," the one who kills the wild boar, is a symbol of Jesus, who came to that little town of Bethlehem as a helpless infant, cradled in a food trough for cattle. He came because He loved us! By His agonizing death, which we deserved, and by His resurrection He proclaims His triumph over evil - that same evil represented by the severed boar's head. That entire message of love comes wrapped in the Boar's Head Festival - the birth of a baby, the conquering of sin and death, and the coming of all the faithful of all time to worship the Son of God born for us. Back to top PREPARE/ENRICH TRAINING TO BE OFFERED IN LINCOLN Prepare/Enrich training will once again be offered to pastors this January at the Lincoln campus of CUNE. PREPARE/ENRICH is a customized couple assessment completed online that identifies a couple's strength and growth areas. Based on a couple's assessment results, a trained facilitator provides 4-8 feedback sessions in which the facilitator helps the couple discuss and understand their results as they are taught proven relationship skills. Date of Workshop: January 16, 2010 Time of Workshop: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Location of Workshop: Concordia University, Nebraska (Lincoln Campus) 570 Fallbrook Blvd Ste 203 Lincoln, NE 68521-9026 Workshop Leader: Reverend Dr. Kevin Kohnke, Director of Family Life Ministry at Concordia Mail registration to: Kevin Kohnke, 1060 Ridge Run, Seward, NE 68434-3037 Send your registration by: January 10, 2010 Make payment to: Kevin Kohnke in the amount of: $175.00 Link to the registration information: https://www.prepare-enrich.com/webapp/pe_main/mainsite/training/template/PEMainSiteWorkshopRegForm.vm;pc=1258128954355?emb_org_id=0&emb_prp_id=0&emb_unq_id=0&emb_lng_code=ENGLISH&workshop_id=7088&state=NE Back to top FAMILY LIFE MINISTRY WORKSHOPS The following family life ministry workshops will be offered at the Concordia University, Nebraska Lincoln campus in January 2010. Individuals can receive ceu/non credit for the workshops and the cost is $50/day. To register or obtain more information, please contact Rev. Dr. Kevin Kohnke at kevin.kohnke at cune.edu Site: Lincoln, Neb., campus SOC 533 - Aging and the Family Instructor: Rev. Kevin Kohnke Monday, Jan. 11- Aging and the Family (Workshop #155) Tuesday, Jan. 12 - Social Aspects of Aging (Workshop #156) Wednesday, Jan. 13 - Later Life Health (Workshop #157) Thursday, Jan. 14 - Later Life Changes (Workshop #158) Friday, Jan. 15 - Aging and Society (Workshop #159) Site: Lincoln, Neb., campus PSY 545 - Foundations of Christian Marriage and Family Instructors: Dr. Paul Vasconcellos and Rev. Dr. Roger Kruger Monday, Jan. 18 - C-PREP Training*: Relationship Strategies for Lowering Risk and Raising Protective Factors (Workshop #101) Tuesday, Jan. 19 - C-PREP Training* (Workshop #102) Wednesday, Jan. 20 - C-PREP Training* (Workshop #103) Thursday, Jan. 21 - The Dynamics and Health of Single Parent Families, Remarriage and Step-Families (Workshop #104) Friday, Jan. 22 - The Dynamics and Health of Families (Workshop #105) Back to top LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF WORKING TO PROVIDE RELIEF TO EL SALVADOR Lutheran World Relief is working to respond to the needs of the people of El Salvador following the recent heavy rains that caused floods, landslides, and widespread devastation. The extensive flooding caused 108 landslides, destroyed 208 houses, damaged 1,835 houses, affected 18 bridges, and has claimed 140 lives. El Salvador's president has declared a state of national emergency as the country appeals for help from the international aid community. "The floods have displaced thousands of people who are now in desperate need of food and water. LWR's goal is to reach people with these supplies as quickly as possible," says Michael Watt, LWR's Regional Director for Latin America. LWR is supporting the relief efforts of two local partners who are distributing food, potable water, and hygiene supplies to 300 families affected by the floods. In addition, LWR will continue to work with fellow members of the Action by Churches Together (ACT) international global aid alliance to assess needs on the ground. LWR is planning a comprehensive response to this disaster. To donate, please visit www.lwr.org; call 1-800-LWR-LWR-2 (597-5972) or mail a check or money order to Lutheran World Relief, PO Box 17061, Baltimore, MD 21298-9832 USA, designated for "Central America Disaster." Back to top [cid:image002.gif at 01CA6843.6D43FC30]LWML OFFERS CHRISTMAS CARDS The Lutheran Women's Missionary League is offering a new Christmas card for 2009. Designed by St. Louis artist Judy Newell, the four-color card features the word "Savior," with Baby Jesus nestled in the capital "S." In the lower right of the watercolor card, the Wise Men are shown riding their camels. The Scripture verse from Titus inside the card reads: "The wise men were looking for a king, but found the Savior of the World. Rejoice in our Savior!" The card is available only through the LWML. A package of 10 cards with envelopes is $6.50, plus shipping (item no. 16520-09). The LWML is offering through Dec. 5 a "web special" - purchase two packages and get one free. To order, visit http://shop.lwml.org (type 16520 in the "Search" box). If you want the special, type "web special" in the "Enter Comments" box on the checkout page. Orders may also be placed by calling the auxiliary's St. Louis office at 800-252-LWML (5965). You can still get the "web special" by mentioning it during your call. Back to top HELP CPH PROVIDE STORY BIBLE FOR CHILDREN IN APPALACHIA Christmas giving offers Christian people unique opportunities to share the Gospel. Concordia Publishing House (CPH), the publishing ministry for The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) announced that its 2009 Christmas emphasis will again focus on outreach to children; this year working to support faith and language development for children in Appalachia. As part of its 2009 "simply CHRISTmas" campaign, CPH will team with its customers and the Appalachian Mission Partnership (AMP), a ministry of the Ohio District (LCMS), to provide and distribute CPH's all-new "Hear Me Read" Bible stories across West Virginia. The product is a collection of the acclaimed "Hear Me Read" series written by Dr. Mary Manz Simon and becomes available in the summer of 2010. "Hear Me Read" is a recognized children's line that specifically supports language development and literacy. CPH has set a goal for customers to help provide 500 copies for the cause. Customers can visit www.cph.org/read to learn more and make a donation. The campaign runs through Christmas. "Every customer, whether they shop online, over the phone, or in one of our stores will be invited to give $5, which will add one book to the goal," shares Gretchen Jameson, who manages public relations for the company. "In the summer of 2010, we will work with local AMP teams across West Virginia to get the books into the hands of children. It is exciting work, and this particular resource meets specific needs to support language development, while more importantly connecting children with the love of Jesus." According to data available from the Ohio District, of the 1.7 million people living in Appalachia (West Virginia area), close to 1 million have no religious affiliation. "In Appalachia, traditional issues for this region such as widespread poverty and dispersed populations have impacted mission work," shares Pastor Kevin Wilson, who serves as Mission & Ministry Facilitator for the district. "Our goal is to start 20 new congregations in West Virginia, and to work shoulder-to-shoulder with local residents to engage in real cross-cultural mission work among the people living here." "Human care ministry is very important to mission work here," Wilson adds. "God's grace is a largely foreign concept. When mission teams serve local communities, they model God's grace in Christ. The "Hear Me Read" Bible stories will allow the teams to do this by providing gifts with no strings attached, demonstrate God's love through caring for children, and share God's grace through the content of the books." In 2008, the company's Christmas-focused "Give a Gift, Share a Gift" campaign donated more than 2,700 children's Christmas books for the Marine Toys for Tots annual drive in the City of St. Louis. CPH worked with the Children's Christian Concern Society, a ministry of the Kansas District (LCMS), to send and distribute over 400 Spanish-language children's books to a mission in Guatemala. Back to top UPDATED FAN INTO FLAME WEBSITE WITH NEBRASKA PROFILES LCMS World Mission would like to share an updated feature on the Fan into Flame website. They have recently expanded the list of congregational profiles to include profiles from California, Louisiana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Kansas, and more! These profiles contain exciting stories about how congregations run their appeals and how they are using their "Jerusalem" funds for local mission and outreach initiatives. Praise God for these wonderful gifts that enable His people to share the Gospel! Nebraska congregations featured include: First Trinity, Bloomfield; Faith, York; Grace, Norfolk; Grace, Wayne; Lord of Life, Elkhorn; Peace, Grand Island; St. John (Kramer), Crete; and St. John, Tecumseh. To view the profiles, please visit: www.lcms.org?12731. If you would like to share your congregation's story, contact Kathleen at 800-433-3954, ext. 1653, or by email at kathleen.rall at lcms.org. To learn more about the Fan into Flame campaign, please visit http://www.ndlcms.org/news/FIF/index.html, www.fanintoflamelcms.org, or call the campaign office at 800-977-2017. Back to top Thank you to all the congregations and individuals who submitted information for this week's Update. Items to share are always welcome and may be emailed to communications at ndlcms.org. We pray this e-newsletter may be a useful resource tool to you in your personal and congregational ministry. Please feel free to pass this resource along to others you know who may also benefit from this information. Anyone is welcome to subscribe and may do so by sending their email address to communications at ndlcms.org and requesting to be added to the mailing list, or by visiting www.ndlcms.org/news/communications/update.html. A blessed Thanksgiving to you and your family, 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: 77690 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20091118/3084c9a8/attachment.txt -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... 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