From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Oct 7 16:06:46 2009 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 07 Oct 2009 21:06:46 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] October 7 Message-ID: [cid:image001.gif at 01CA4768.28116540] October 7, 2009 In this issue: Greetings in the name of our loving heavenly Father, who blesses us with more than we deserve. He gives us the change of seasons, our family and friends, our health and all we need to sustain our life, and eternal life through His Son, Jesus. We receive all of this because of His goodness and love for us, and not through any merit of our own. The Apostle Paul writes to Titus and tells him "He (God) saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, who he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone." (Titus 3:5b-8) What does our devotion look like? Are we devoting ourselves to doing "what is good" as a District? A congregation? Personally? Because we are sinful, we can honestly answer we aren't always very good about devoting ourselves to living a life of sanctification. However, praise be to God that His love is perfect, and He continues to call us heirs of eternal life through Jesus Christ. May we as a district, as congregations, and as individuals pray for God's strength to devote ourselves to living lives pleasing to Him in all we do. * Prayer Requests * Fall Conference Registrations * Your Congregation's Help is Needed * H1N1 Flu Resources for Congregations and Schools * The Lutheran Study Bible and Resources Available * LCMS to Sell KFUO-FM to JoyFM * Funds Needed in Response to Four Asian Disasters * Equipping to Share Workshop in Plainview * Shepherd's Canyon Retreat Presentation in South Sioux City * Celebrate LCMS World Mission Month * Basic Education for the Practice of Intentional Interim Ministry * Theses on Worship from LCMS Council of Presidents * Recruiting Medical Workers in Alaska * Concordia Youth Ministry Teams Available PRAYER REQUESTS Rev. Matt and Shana Berndt - We pray God's blessings on Pastor Matt and Shana (nee Gruber) Berndt who were united in Holy Matrimony on October 3, 2009, at Christ Our King Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Matt is pastor of St. John's, Burwell and Peace, Sargent. Back to top FALL CONFERENCE REGISTRATIONS It's time to register for the Nebraska District Fall Conferences. Find registration materials and more information on the District website, www.ndlcms.org. Please note the following important deadlines: * Registration deadline for Teachers' Conference - Friday, October 9 * http://www.ndlcms.org/news/conferences/teachers/index.html * Registration deadline for Fall Pastors' Conference - Monday, October 12 * http://www.ndlcms.org/news/conferences/pastors/index.html * Registration deadline for Church/School Secretary Workshop - Friday, October 16 * http://www.ndlcms.org/news/conferences/secretary.html Back to top YOUR CONGREGATION'S HELP IS NEEDED The following letter is shared from Rev. Russ Sommerfeld, Nebraska District President: As one of 247 congregations of the Nebraska District, your congregation is an important part of the ministry taking place in Nebraska and throughout the LCMS. The Nebraska District is a team of congregations joined in a common mission to resource congregations, leaders, and related organizations in their mission of discipling the saved and proclaiming Christ to a lost and changing world. District congregations provide funds to carry out work jointly that cannot be accomplished alone. Some of these services are required by the Synod and the State of Nebraska, such as providing a superintendent for our Lutheran schools, maintaining the roster and overseeing the call process for professional church workers, and providing ecclesiastical supervision. Others are special services to assist ministries and provide guidance for church worker health, missions, fiscal responsibilities, communications, and planned giving. Additionally, the Nebraska District Board of Directors annually submits to The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod a specified portion of the congregational gifts received, regardless of the total amount. In 2008, this portion was $1.35 million - a commitment that will be fulfilled in the same amount again in 2009. Gifts from congregations to the Nebraska District have declined in both 2008 and 2009, making it difficult to carry out both District services and support of the Synod. This shortfall threatens the structure for ministry at both levels. Congregations around the Nebraska District, as well as individual church members and professional church workers, are very generous with their designated gifts for individual missionaries, mission projects, universities and seminaries, and LCMS relief efforts. God be praised! However, undesignated congregational gifts for the District and Synod's services continue to decline. Your congregation's help is needed! Prayers of gratitude are offered for the gifts that are being provided toward required and elective services, as well as for assisting ministries and missions. The Synod and District call upon the congregations to prayerfully consider making gifts to the Lord to provide for the ministry work of the Synod and District. Back to top H1N1 FLU RESOURCES FOR CONGREGATIONS AND SCHOOLS The following information was taken from the LCMS World Relief and Human Care website, http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=15557. As the H1N1 situation in Nebraska continues to change, it is presented here as one resource for congregations and schools looking for information to help protect their members and students. By Rev. Glenn Merritt, director of Disaster Response for LCMS World Relief and Human Care We live in anxious times to be sure! With worldwide economic uncertainty, political unrest, and ongoing wars in the news, now we learn about a global pandemic, as declared by the World Health Organization on June 11. Yet, the Psalmist reminds us that the world need not panic with these forecasts of gloom and doom: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. (Ps. 46:1-3, ESV) Yes, these are anxious times, but God's people have always been faced with anxious times. We have enough to worry about without worrying about tomorrow. Jesus addressed this by saying, "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." (Matt. 6:34, ESV) In fact, this whole section of Scripture points us away from worry and to our heavenly Father who meets all our needs. Jesus gently reminds us, "And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?" (Matt. 6:27, ESV) With over 5,500 hospitalized and over 350 reported deaths in the United States as of Aug. 6, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) urges proper precautions, not panic, in the face of a pandemic. People are noticeably anxious as these reports make the news. For the latest updates on Swine (H1N1) Flu from the CDC see http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/. At LCMS World Relief and Human Care, we also stress the importance of precaution over panic. As a service to our districts and congregations, LCMS World Relief and Human Care will continue to offer useful downloadable resources and thoughtful current insights on addressing anxious moments and fears about pandemic flu. Please see our Web site at http://www.lcms.org/ca/worldrelief/dnews/ for helpful information. As the school year begins, the CDC offers guidelines for school officials to respond to seasonal and H1N1 flu at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/schools/schoolguidance.htm. Finally, during anxious times like these, we are reminded not to panic, but rather to humble ourselves before God because He cares about us: "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:6-7, ESV) God cares about our world, our lives, our welfare, and our health. Therefore, we have no reason to be anxious about anything - even a flu pandemic. For an intriguing article by Rev. Gary Simpson, professor of systematic theology at Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minnesota, on how Luther viewed the Christians' responsibility during pandemics (plagues), please see the inter-Lutheran Journal, Caring Connections at: http://www.lutheranservices.org/PDF/N4_CaringConnectionsSpring08.pdf. Ultimately, we have nothing to fear even in anxious times. Our help is in the Lord who is our refuge and strength. Christians calmly practice precautions rather than panic, knowing all that God has done for us through Christ. Back to top THE LUTHERAN STUDY BIBLE AND RESOURCES AVAILABLE The following is a letter from President Sommerfeld: Dear Nebraska District Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I recently returned from the September LCMS Council of Presidents meeting. As part of our time there, we were with the team from Concordia Publishing House. As part of his presentation, Dr. Bruce Kintz, CPH's President/CEO presented each of us with a copy of CPH's newest product, The Lutheran Study Bible. I encourage you to consider acquiring this Bible! This Bible is so named because it has study notes that clearly express our biblical Lutheran understanding of God's Word. I think that as you examine it you, too, will appreciate its features, most importantly its very keen focus on the "red thread" that runs through the whole Bible: Christ and Him crucified, shedding His blood for the sins of the world. Beyond the practical devotional content included in The Lutheran Study Bible, the many articles, essays and explanations it contains serve to encourage mission outreach, practical discipleship, and sound Lutheran teaching of the Word, all in the context of clear Law/Gospel distinctions that point people to Christ their Savior. The release of this Bible is a remarkable event in the history of our Synod. Never before have we had a study Bible, in English, using the best of Lutheran Bible scholarship from our seminary and college professors, with notes crafted by many parish pastors and Bible teachers. The entire project began with asking hundreds of lay people to read the Bible in assigned units, and then to jot down every question that came to mind as they read. This was the foundation for the notes in the text. You can read and learn a lot more about the Bible, and view many samples and promotional resources at: http://www.cph.org/lutheranbible. As I am reviewing The Lutheran Study Bible I cannot help but think of this passage from Scripture, "These things are written that you may believe, that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name." (John 20:31) I encourage you to discover for yourself all that this new offering has to give. In Christ, Rev. Russ Sommerfeld District President Matthew 6:33 In addition to the new Lutheran Study Bible, CPH is also offering an accompanying Bible study CD. Concordia Publishing House (CPH) announces the release of a new Bible study that complements the release of The Lutheran Study Bible. Life by His Word is a CD-ROM Bible study with more than 1,500 individual study lessons to guide readers through God's Word. Life by His Word CD-ROM Bible study provides discussion questions, application, and summary insights for The Lutheran Study Bible. The study explores every chapter and every book of the Bible. "Imagine the convenience of having an entire library of Bible studies on just one CD-ROM," says Jim Stropnik, manager of Bible studies and Bibles at CPH. "Life by His Word is a truly valuable tool for ministry." The Lutheran Study Bible is the first Bible in English to be developed from the ground up with notes that are distinctively Lutheran, prepared by Lutheran contributors from over twenty Lutheran church bodies. The CD-ROM includes teaching materials and student materials in two formats: PDF to print directly and RFT for customization. Stropnik says, "The format is especially helpful for those who create their own PowerPoint presentations." Life by His Word CD-ROM Bible study is also designed with life application. "With Life by His Word, the pastor has a Bible study for any hot topic that comes up in the news," says Rev. Edward Engelbrecht, general editor of The Lutheran Study Bible. "Just think about the chapter of Scripture that addresses the topic, find the chapter study in Life by His Word, and you're good to go." Life by His Word CD-ROM Bible study is available at cph.org or by calling 1-800-325-3040. Back to top LCMS TO SELL KFUO-FM TO JOYFM Proceeds will fund LCMS new mission and ministry opportunities The Board of Directors of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) has approved the acquisition of KFUO-FM "CLASSIC99" by JoyFM for $18 million, plus interest scheduled over the 10-year term, for a total of $26 million. Under the acquisition agreement, the LCMS will sell the KFUO-FM license and the associated equipment. The sale is not final until approved by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). KFUO-FM will continue to play classical music at the 99.1 FM frequency until the final closing of the sale. The LCMS continues to own and operate KFUO-AM, the world's longest continually running religious radio station, which offers an inspirational and uplifting Christian talk format. The LCMS is endeavoring to continue to provide classical music programming following the sale of KFUO-FM by seeking alternative broadcast possibilities. "We are exploring the possibility of broadcasting classical musical over a high-definition channel and via a radio translator system that would reach the St. Louis-area market," said Mr. Kermit Brashear, a member of the LCMS Board of Directors and special counsel to the board's KFUO committee. "Details regarding these possibilities are not yet fully known, but we are continuing to investigate these options." The decision to sell KFUO-FM is the result of the board's continuous evaluation of church assets and a stewardship decision regarding the best use of assets for furthering mission and ministry. For example, the LCMS is striving to broaden its use of technology including social media tools to connect with members and nonmembers alike to proclaim the Gospel worldwide. "The church has myriad national and international ministries and mission endeavors, not the least of which is a movement focused on reaching 100 million people with the Gospel by 2017, and the board is constantly evaluating resources for accomplishing this work," said LCMS Board Chairman Dr. Donald Muchow. "Board resolutions were issued first in 2008 and again early this year to explore alternatives regarding LCMS radio station assets. After a prayerful, thorough, and exhaustive review of the options, the offer from JoyFM has been accepted." The LCMS deeply values the heritage of KFUO-FM and the support its listeners have provided during the station's tenure. The church also is truly grateful for the friendship and support of the KFUO-FM Radio Arts Board and the station's other partners including the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and the Missouri Botanical Garden. "We extend our heartfelt thanks to KFUO-FM's listeners, patrons, and corporate partners for their generous support all these years" said Dr. Gerald B. Kieschnick, LCMS president. "We have been privileged to operate KFUO-FM for 61 years as a contribution to St. Louis and the surrounding community. Looking ahead, under God's guidance, we will avail ourselves of the opportunities this acquisition agreement will provide as we strive to reach the world with the precious and saving Good News of Jesus Christ." Back to top FUNDS NEEDED IN RESPONSE TO FOUR ASIAN DISASTERS (LCMS e-News Disaster News, October 6) People are suffering in the wake of four recent disasters in Asia, including the 7.6-magnitude earthquake that hit Indonesia September 30, originating off Sumatra and killing more than 700, with the death toll expected to rise. That tragedy is the latest in a string of disasters, including a tsunami in Samoa, flooding in the Philippines, and a typhoon in Taiwan. "LCMS World Relief and Human Care is actively engaged in assessing needs and providing assistance by working directly with our partner churches, LCMS World Mission, and the Pacific Southwest and California-Nevada-Hawaii Districts," said Rev. Glenn F. Merritt, director of Disaster Response. * Read more here: http://www.lcms.org/?15827 * Watch a video message from WR-HC Executive Director Rev. Matthew Harrison at http://www.lcms.org/?15826. * Make a gift to "SE Asia Storm and Earthquake Relief" online at the links above, or by calling toll-free 888-930-4438. Back to top EQUIPPING TO SHARE WORKSHOP IN PLAINVIEW Isn't it heart-breaking having a neighbor, friend, or family member who doesn't know Jesus or who doesn't go to church? How do we reach out to them without being threatening or pushy? Discover how God equips you to be a gentle and effective witness at the EQUIPPING TO SHARE WORKSHOP on Sunday, November 1, at Zion Lutheran in Plainview from 1 to 5 p.m. This interactive training from Lutheran Hour Ministries helps believers with the privilege of sharing the truth and love of Christ in everyday situations. To register, e-mail leejan at plvwtelco.net, or call 402-582-3728 by OCTOBER 20, giving names of those attending, along with church and town. Expenses of the workshop are being covered by Zion and there will be no registration fee. Refreshments will be provided. If you'd like to make a full day of it, education hour at Zion is at 9 a.m., worship at 10 a.m., a restaurant just across the street has a noon buffet, and if you want to attend the Zone 3 LLL fall rally that evening, the dinner fee will be $7.50 and registration also should be made by OCTOBER 20 to the same email address or phone number. Back to top SHEPHERD'S CANYON RETREAT PRESENTATION IN SOUTH SIOUX CITY Dave Anderson, Team Leader for Shepherd's Canyon Retreat, Phoenix, Arizona, will be in South Sioux City to make a brief presentation about this emerging ministry of restoration from the effects of burnout, stress, and conflicts of various kinds to pastors and their wives on Thursday, October 22, at 12:00 noon. Subway luncheon is being provided. Please call 402-494-1847 with your intention of attending. Hope Lutheran Church is located at 218 W. 18th Street, South Sioux City, NE 68776. Shepherd's Canyon Retreat welcomes four couples (singles are also welcome) for one week of counseling under the care of Christian co-therapists, male and female. Pastoral ministry is present through the Retreat Chaplain. Dave will answer questions about the need and effectiveness of this unique-within-Lutheranism ministry. Dave and Barb Anderson will lead a praise concert that evening at 7:00 p.m. at Hope Lutheran Church. The public is welcome to attend. A free-will offering will be collected. Back to top CELEBRATE LCMS WORLD MISSION MONTH (from LCMS eNews Mission News, Oct. 5) LCMS World Mission invites individuals, congregations, districts, and other organizations to join in celebrating LCMS World Mission Month throughout October. God is working in the United States and around the world through missionaries, congregations, and partners to bring the Good News to uncommitted or unbelieving people. Visit www.lcmsworldmission.org/light to learn more about LCMS missionaries and resources available for mission month. This page also provides links to LCMS World Mission photos, short videos, and blog postings of missionaries' stories from the field. Resources available include: * "The Holy Word of God," a new Reformation hymn from CPH. * The October 2009 "Pray For Us" Calendar from LCMS World Mission, featuring missionary birthdays, Germany, the Wittenberg Project, and Venezuela. * The latest good news stories from missionaries in the field. * New Ablaze! faith-sharing story bulletin inserts - one for each Sunday in October. * Download a free audio New Testament Bible, available in more than 300 languages. * Mission resources from LCMS World Mission. LCMS World Mission Month is also a great time to encourage others in personally sharing their faith. Tell your faith-sharing story by simply logging on to the newly improved, easy-to-use Ablaze! faith-sharing website. Go to www.lcms.org/ablaze to login. New users can create an account in three easy steps. Through this site, you can share your story of how God used you and/or your congregation to share the Gospel. Back to top BASIC EDUCATION FOR THE PRACTICE OF INTENTIONAL INTERIM MINISTRY The NALIP (National Association of Lutheran Interim Pastors) Basic Education curriculum is designed for clergy and lay professionals to introduce participants to the practice of intentional interim ministry. A Basic Education for the Practice of Interim Ministry course is being offered at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, on November 2-6. Although focusing on Lutheran theology and polity, the event is open to all lay leaders and clergy desiring and/or called to this special ministry in congregations during a pastoral transition. It is also helpful for those who would serve as interim principals in Christian Day schools. The overall course is designed in three phases (Planting, Cultivating, and Harvesting) covering a period of about six months. The first and third phases are in-residence, beginning at noon on Monday and concluding at noon on Friday with a total of at least 60 contact hours. * Phase I (Planting) is a residential week focusing on the theory, theology, leadership skills, and congregational systems related to intentional interim ministry. We examine the interim journey through scenarios (propositional learning) the dynamics of entry, pre-entry, stages and tasks of the congregation, emotional systems, conflict, grief, power structures, and leadership skills necessary to lead the congregation and exiting/closure issues. * Phase II (Cultivating) is a six month experience in a parish or institutional setting, ideally in a leadership transition, in which the participant in this program "puts into practice" the material learned in Phase I. During this time you will learn contracting (covenanting), work on personal learning goals and write two critical incident reports, all under the supervisor of your chosen fieldwork supervisor. * Phase III (Harvesting) is the second residential week in which through a group process you will share one of your critical incident reports, review material learned in Phase I, and learn more about the dynamics of congregations in pastoral transition and your leadership skills and needs. You will also discuss the biblical and theological connections in this special ministry as specifically related to the Lutheran church. For more information, visit the Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, website at http://www.csl.edu/Academics_ContinuingEducationEvents_InterimMinistry.aspx. Back to top THESES ON WORSHIP FROM LCMS COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTS LCMS President Rev. Dr. Gerald Kieschnick shared the following letter and Theses on Worship with pastors and other church leaders last week. To read the theses in their entirety, visit http://worship.lcms.org/thesesonworship. Dear Friends in Christ: Grace and peace be with you, from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! On behalf of the Council of Presidents of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and Council Chairman Dr. Larry Stoterau, with this brief memo I share with our beloved Synod the document titled "Theses on Worship." This document has been in the process of preparation by the COP since the 2007 Synod convention. The Council of Presidents is keenly aware of the diversity of worship practices in LCMS congregations. This diversity in many instances has resulted in disharmony and even polarization. In order to foster God-pleasing harmony in this matter, the COP encourages pastors, worship leaders, musicians, and other church leaders to engage in prayerful conversation with one another, in submission to God's Holy Word and the Lutheran Confessions. To that end and to assist with that process, the Council of Presidents presents these succinct but significant "Theses on Worship." This document was approved unanimously by the COP at its regular meeting September 22, 2009, in St. Louis. As you will see, these theses are based on and supported solely by scriptural and confessional references. They are designed for wide distribution and study throughout the LCMS. In order to view or download the document please visit http://worship.lcms.org/thesesonworship. Please be assured that the Council of Presidents ardently desires to assist our Synod in every way possible to achieve harmony and concord in the theology and practice of worship. We recognize that different affinities in music and worship expressions exist among us. Yet we believe that our future with one another as brothers and sisters in Christ must be firmly grounded in the light of Christ's forgiveness, grace, and mercy. While seeking to enhance our worship of the triune God with a variety of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod remains steadfastly committed to the Holy Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions. Through this varied repertoire we joyfully confess all that God has done for us, declaring the praises of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. May the songs of the Church prevail beyond human adversity and strife, confessing our eternal hope in Christ Jesus, our Lord and Redeemer. Jerry Kieschnick Dr. Gerald B. Kieschnick, President The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod Back to top RECRUITING MEDICAL WORKERS IN ALASKA An Alaskan community with a Christian nondenominational rural health clinic (www.crossroadmc.org) is looking for health providers, nurses, a physical therapist, and other health professionals, both for short term and long term help. If interested please contact Rev. Todd Roeske, an LCMS missionary to the Philippines and China. Todd Roeske toddroeske at juno.com Alaska Mission for Christ 907-822-5114 or 907-259-5115 If you have any additional questions, please contact Lutherans in Medical Missions at limm at limm.org Back to top CONCORDIA YOUTH MINISTRY TEAMS AVAILABLE Concordia Youth Ministry (CYM) from Concordia University, Nebraska is excited to partner in ministry with the congregations of the Nebraska District in their youth programming plans for the 2009-2010 school year. The mission of CYM is to serve God and others, to adore Him with praise and worship, to use our leadership to connect youth to their faith in Christ, and to take God's Word into the world. CYM would love to send a team of college students to lead an all night lock-in or an evening event for your congregation's youth. All information on getting a CYM team (weekends available, costs, event request form, etc.) can be found on the Concordia University website at www.cune.edu/73. Check out the information and contact CYM at ConcordiaYouthMinistry at cune.edu for additional questions. Back to top Blessings, Nichole Hetz Nebraska District LCMS Director of Communications 1-888-643-2961 nicholeh at ndlcms.org www.ndlcms.org * Please Note: The inclusion of items in the Update from outside sources is for informational purposes only. Inclusion of such items does not constitute District endorsement. -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: text/html Size: 79863 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20091007/5bba9de3/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/20091007/5bba9de3/image001-0001.gif From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Oct 14 16:21:07 2009 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 14 Oct 2009 21:21:07 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] October 14 Message-ID: [cid:image001.gif at 01CA4CEA.52659E10] October 14, 2009 In this issue: Greetings in the name of our Heavenly Father, the Lord of the harvest. It doesn't matter if you live in a city, town, or rural area, you know this is the time the Lord has given farmers to harvest the crops from the fields. As Nebraskans, even if we aren't farmers we know the harvest is important to the economic condition of our state, as well as the well-being of our fellow citizens. Likewise, the Lord has planted a mission field right outside each of our doors. He has brought African, Hispanic, and Asian immigrants to our communities, as well as young families, older adults, and those who have never heard of Jesus Christ and His wonderful gift of salvation. The fields around us are ready to be harvested and He calls each of us to go into these fields with His Word and the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ. Please pray about how the Lord can use you in His harvest and pray for those across the District who are joining you in this field. Did you know everything your Nebraska District Office does is with the intention of giving to the congregations and workers the resources they need to go into the mission fields of Nebraska? Every resource available from your District Office is funded by the mission and ministry dollars your congregation commits to the District. This commitment is usually made as part of your congregation's annual budget. It is the dollars from your congregation that allow the District Office to provide these resources back to your congregation when they are needed. To find out more about the resources your District Office has to offer your congregation to equip and support you as you tell the Good News of Jesus in your church, school, and community, visit the District website at www.ndlcms.org or contact the office directly at 888-643-2961 or info at ndlcms.org. * Prayer Requests * Winter Clothing Needed for Refugees * Lutheran World Relief Ingathering Locations * Lutheran Hour Advent Devotions Available * Connect Your Sunday School Students with Missionaries * Concordia University, Nebraska Professors Make Contributions to the Church * Sex, Faith, and Your Child: Let's Talk * Nebraska Lutherans for Confessional Study to Meet * Optometrists Needed for Honduras Mission Opportunity * Download The Lutheran Study Bible Hymn and an Order of Dedication for the New Bible * Take a Look at Concordia Publishing House's 2010 VBS Materials * New Speaker Schedule for Mission Central PRAYER REQUESTS Rev. Don Moll and family - Please remember in your prayers Rev. Don Moll and his family at the death of his wife, Jeanette Moll. We ask for God's peace for the family at this time, that He would comfort them with His promise of eternal life. Rev. Moll served as pastor at Our Redeemer, Elwood, from 1970-1977. Condolences may be sent to Don Moll, 272 S. Forest, Batavia, IL 60510. Back to top WINTER CLOTHING NEEDED FOR REFUGEES Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska (LFS) resettles over 400 refugees from several different countries each year. Most newly arrived refugee children and adults have never experienced the extreme cold like we endure in Nebraska. Please consider donating the following: * Winter coats * Gloves, hats, and scarves * Socks * Closed-toe shoes (smaller sizes only, please) You can also help by conducting a winter clothing drive in your church, school, or workplace. Winter items may be dropped off at the LFS Community Services office Monday-Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The office is located in the Center Mall at 1941 South 42nd Street, Suite 402, in Omaha. Cash donations are also welcome so special items may be purchased for the families. Contact LFS at 402-346-6100 with questions. Thank you! Back to top LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF INGATHERING LOCATIONS The 2009 Nebraska Lutheran World Relief Ingathering will be November 9 - 13. In packing your LWR goods for shipment, sort and pack like items together in the box. Pack them in strong cartons secured with packing tape and addressed to Lutheran World Relief. The weight of the box should not exceed 40 pounds. Write the name and return address of your church on each box and deliver your items to the closest ingathering site during BUSINESS HOURS ONLY - 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. WHAT TO DONATE: Quilts and new or gently used blankets, sewing fabric, school kits, health kits, sewing kits, layettes, and soap in the original wrapping. Place a packing slip in each box listing your parish name and mailing address, contact person, and contents of the box. Visit www.lwr.org/beinvolved or call 1-800-LWR-LWR2 for specific guidelines. Donations will be received at the following sites: Grand Island Nebraska Transport Terminal 5162 South Elk Drive 308-382-8425 800-347-6331 Omaha Brown Transfer Terminal 4511 South 79th Street 402-331-5414 Kearney Brown Transfer Terminal 911 East 11th Street 308-237-2244 800-876-1196 Norfolk St. John's Lutheran Church 13th & Benjamin Avenue 402-371-1985 Lincoln First Lutheran Church 1551 South 70th Street 402-488-0919 Scottsbluff Brown Transfer Terminal 609 5th Avenue 308-632-8888 North Platte Brown Transfer Terminal 1001 Prospect 308-532-1808 800-759-2598 Sidney Brown Transfer Terminal 1030 Forest 308-254-2722 For further information please call Mary Stoetzel in North Platte at 308-534-9327 or Betsy Buschkemper in Omaha at 402-292-6665, or email buschkemper at hotmail.com. Due to trucking changes, some drop-off sites have changed. We want to thank those churches who have so generously allowed their facilities to be drop-off sites in the past. Thank you for your patience while we made trucking adjustments. We are very grateful for Beatrice Freight's past involvement and stewardship. We are excited about this new set-up, and hope it is beneficial for everyone. THANK YOU! Back to top LUTHERAN HOUR ADVENT DEVOTIONS AVAILABLE (From LHM Ministry Update) The Christmas tradition wouldn't be complete without devotions specially designed as reflections on what Advent means. Lutheran Hour Ministries' two Advent devotions series for 2009 herald a new beginning for human beings-made possible only through the gift of God's Son, Jesus Christ, as Savior of the world. In LHM's traditional-theme selection for 2009, Pastor Vern Gundermann takes the reader alongside Joseph and Mary as they travel From Nazareth to Bethlehem, where Jesus' birth will be only the beginning of His steady fulfillment of Messianic prophecies given about Him in the Hebrew Scriptures. In Who Would Have Thought? LCMS educator Chuck Strohacker makes it easy for the reader to recall his or her own family Christmas memories even as he offers personal glimpses from his own life. With anecdotes, observations, humor, and insight, Strohacker warmly shares how the yearly celebration of Jesus' birth is reason for the whole world to rejoice. Christmas changes everything-for everyone-for all time. With the advent of Christmas, God gives us a Savior and takes away the sins of the world. Both versions are customizable as PDF files in English. Audio is available for From Nazareth to Bethlehem, as is a Spanish text version. Promotional features include bulletin shells, a PowerPoint slide template, a web banner ad, and JPEG images of cover art. The Web site, www.adventdevotions.net, provides up-to-date information regarding which features are available for which versions. Back to top CONNECT YOUR SUNDAY SCHOOL STUDENTS WITH MISSIONARIES (From LCMS eNews Involving Kids in God's Mission, October 9) Do you want to get the children of your church or school involved in mission today? Here's an idea that worked for one congregation. Consider adapting it for your Sunday school or day school. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Florence, Ky., tells us that each Sunday school class is adopting a missionary family this year. They'll use LCMS World Mission's free children's mission newsletters to learn about the country where their missionary family lives, the customs of that country, and how their family shares the Gospel message with the people they meet. The Sunday school students are writing letters to the missionary kids and praying for them throughout the year. They will also hold fundraisers and collect offerings to help pay for the missionary kids' education. Lisa Newberry, Sunday school superintendent at Good Shepherd, says she was looking for ways to help her students understand that the world is bigger than their town, bigger than their state, and that Jesus came for everyone. She also wants each student to understand each person can be involved in sharing the Gospel and supporting missionary families. Want to learn more? Visit the children's section of the LCMS World Mission Web site at www.lcmsworldmission.org/children to download these resources: * Mission Friends (children's mission newsletter) * Sparklers projects (children's mission projects) * Children's mission resource catalog LCMS World Missionaries serving from the Nebraska District include: * Ashley Effken, Czech Republic * David and Radka Fiala, Slovak Republic * Anna Horkey, China * Rev. Claude and Rhoda Houge, Kenya * Megan Kincaid, Hong Kong * Lynette Lierman, Hong Kong * Jessica Luebbe, Macau * Donna Meyer, Indonesia * Sharon Owens, Macau * Benjamin and Amy Riley, Taiwan * Andrew and Noel Schaff, Taiwan * Katrina Schaff, Japan * Allan and Sandy Schmidt, Asia * Benjamin Smith, Latvia * Rev. Brent and Jennie Smith, Germany Back to top CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY, NEBRASKA PROFESSORS MAKE CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE CHURCH Christ Lutheran Church in Lincoln, Neb., is celebrating its 60th year with an anthem commissioned from Dr. Kurt von Kampen, associate professor of music at Concordia University, Nebraska. The composition, "The Living Water," will be unveiled at services on Sunday, Oct. 18. Dr. von Kampen and his daughter, Andrea, plan to sing "The Living Water" as a duet with guitar accompaniment at the 8 a.m. service, and a combined choir and orchestra will perform the piece at the 10:30 service. Von Kampen hopes the composition is something that will bless those at Christ Lutheran and perhaps beyond. "I was honored to be asked by the church to compose this piece, and I will be very excited to hear it all come together at Christ Lutheran in October." Dr. Jeffrey Blersch, professor of music at Concordia University, Nebraska, was commissioned by Concordia Publishing House to write a hymn tune to a poem by Rev. Stephen Starke. The hymn was written in celebration of the release of the new Lutheran Study Bible and has been distributed to all Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod congregations to be used in services for this year's Reformation Sunday. Blersch named the hymn tune "Concordia Cincinnati" in honor of Concordia Lutheran Church in Cincinnati which recently disbanded after 160 years of ministry. Blersch played for the last service. "During the sermon, retired pastor Otto Brillinger made the comment that even though congregations may disband and buildings may fall, the Word of God endures forever," Blersch explained. "That's when it hit me - what a fitting tribute to this congregation and her ministry." Dr. Jerrald Pfabe, professor of history at Concordia University, Nebraska, will receive an award of commendation from the Concordia Historical Institute for his article, "Was It Foretold?: Theodore Graebner, Millennialists and the World Wars." The award will be presented on Friday, Nov. 13, at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Mo., during the institute's 35th annual awards banquet. Just as people today assert that contemporary events, such as the Iraq war, were predicted in the Bible and are clear signs of an imminent end of the world and of the return of Christ, so too did people believe that of World War I and World War II in the first half of the twentieth century. Pfabe's article shows how Theodore Graebner, a professor at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis from 1913 to 1949, refuted those claims. The committee considered the paper "an award-winning example of material produced to further the understanding of American Lutheranism." "I am honored but also humbled by the recognition which the Concordia Historical Institute gave to this article," said Pfabe. "I have much respect for the work that the Institute has done. It has an excellent reputation, and I'm very grateful that it believes that this article has value in understanding American Lutheranism." Back to top SEX, FAITH, AND YOUR CHILD: LET'S TALK Thad Warren from Concordia University, Nebraska will be at Divine Shepherd in Omaha on Monday, October 19, at 7:00 p.m. to talk to parents of junior high and high school students about faith and relationships. The evening will be focused on equipping parents with information, resources, and strategies to engage their children in meaningful conversation about these important topics. Thad has taught at Concordia University Nebraska since the fall of 2005. Thad's teaching in the DCE department at Concordia focuses him in the areas of Sexuality and the Family, and Family Ministry courses. For more information, contact the Divine Shepherd church office at 402-895-1500. Back to top NEBRASKA LUTHERANS FOR CONFESSIONAL STUDY TO MEET The October gathering of the Nebraska Lutherans for Confessional Study (NLCS) will be held on Thursday, October 22, 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. Philip Hale, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bancroft, Nebraska; his topic will be "Luther on Forgiveness." The morning session will start at about 10:30 a.m. Following lunch, the afternoon topic will start at about 1 p.m. The 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 OPTOMETRISTS NEEDED FOR HONDURAS MISSION OPPORTUNITY World Gospel Outreach seeks two optometrists for a team to go to Honduras February 6-13, 2010. The cost is $1,500 which covers all lodging, transportation, food, and flights. The clinics are held in the capital city of Tegucigalpa at two different churches for two days each. Accommodations are in a newly built mission guest house which is pictured on the website www.wgoreach.org. Please respond to Tim Bauer at tbb1492 at hotmail.com if you are interested in going. If you are not an optometrist but know of one in your congregation or community, please send this message to them. Back to top DOWNLOAD THE LUTHERAN STUDY BIBLE HYMN AND AN ORDER OF DEDICATION FOR THE NEW BIBLE The timing couldn't be better. The long-anticipated arrival of The Lutheran Study Bible is here, just in time to celebrate the upcoming Day of Reformation, when these words often come to mind: "Scripture Alone, Faith Alone, and Grace Alone." In honor of these gifts (the new study Bible and our remembrance of Luther's focus on God's Word), Concordia Publishing House is sharing a new hymn by Stephen Starke and Jeffrey Blersch that fits well with our celebration of Reformation Day. Two free downloads now available Download the hymn "The Holy Word of God" and let others know this beautiful hymn is available for use. You can also download an Order of Dedication for The Lutheran Study Bible to use before distributing them to members who have placed orders. Browse the promo tools on The Lutheran Study Bible Web page and look for the Order of Dedication and hymn. Back to top TAKE A LOOK AT CONCORDIA PUBLISHING HOUSE'S 2010 VBS MATERIALS The following is a letter from District President Rev. Russ Sommerfeld to the congregations and people of the Nebraska District: Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I'd like to take a few minutes to talk to you about your plans for Vacation Bible School next summer. Many of our congregations offer VBS programs every year. It is a well established ministry effort across The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and has been for over sixty years. Vacation Bible School offers congregations in our district engaging opportunities to reach out into our communities with the Gospel. VBS gives children a fun, meaningful opportunity to learn about Jesus and to spread this good news to others. That's the main purpose of Vacation Bible School: getting the Good News out! As you choose your 2010 program, I invite you to take a close look at Planet Zoom, the new VBS program from Concordia Publishing House. CPH Vacation Bible School curriculum is fun, engaging, practical, easy to use, and kid-friendly, plus it offers what other VBS curriculums simply do not: a keen focus on the Gospel. There is no other VBS program that so clearly and consistently gives our children Jesus every day. CPH has been listening to congregations across the church, and has made many key improvements to their program. Here's what CPH wants you to know, and they invite you to learn more at www.planetzoom.org: * Simpler Lesson Format -They've made an effort to ensure that lessons are easy to use, age-appropriate, and designed to support lay volunteers. * Decorating Video - Although several big posters are included in the starter kit, they also developed a video to help share their decorating ideas. * Better Web Tools, like Online Registration -This year you can quickly create an online registration portal to allow parents to register their kids online (saving your church time and paperwork). You can also share ideas, stories, and photos through their VBS Facebook page. Aside from all these good reasons to use CPH's VBS program, when you purchase resources from CPH, you strengthen its publishing ministry for the whole Synod and out into the Christian church. That's important! I encourage you to consider getting involved with CPH as it serves the church. Thank you for allowing me to share these thoughts. If you have any questions about CPH's new program, please contact them directly at vbsteam at cph.org. God's continued blessings, Russ Sommerfeld District President Matthew 6:33 Back to top NEW SPEAKER SCHEDULE FOR MISSION CENTRAL The following special events are planned at Mission Central near Mapleton, Iowa. Gary Thies invites everyone to come and hear these wonderful folks talk about their work around the world. All speaking events are in the barn at Mission Central, and the newest additions to the speaking list are in red. For more information on Mission Central or on these special events, visit the Mission Central website at www.missioncentral.us. November 12, 7:00 p.m. - Ed Strohstein from Hong Kong and Asia November 17, 7:00 p.m. - Ivan Rasch from Nigeria, Africa November 24, 7:00 p.m. - Rev. Jim and Mabelle Bloker from the Czech Republic December 15, 7:00 p.m. - Dr. Mike Rodewald, African area director, from South Africa July 7, 2010, 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. - Dr. Steve Oliver from Taiwan July 17, 2010, 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. - Sharon Owens from Macau Mission Central now has a Facebook page! Those interested in viewing this page may follow the link from the Mission Central homepage, www.missioncentral.us. Back to top Thanks to everyone who contributed items for this week's Update. This newsletter is meant to be a resource for ministry. Feel free to copy and paste items from the Update in your congregation's bulletins or newsletters, or forward the message to someone you think might find the information useful. Anyone may subscribe to the Email Update by emailing communications at ndlcms.org or visiting the District website at 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: 88984 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20091014/f5074496/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/20091014/f5074496/image001-0001.gif From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Oct 21 13:11:14 2009 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 21 Oct 2009 18:11:14 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] October 21 Message-ID: [cid:image001.gif at 01CA524F.E2E06050] October 21, 2009 In this issue: Greetings in the name of our loving Savior, Jesus Christ, who has gathered and joined His people together as His Church. What a blessing it is for each of us to be a part of the body of Christ, each with different gifts and talents, but each still a part of His Church. What does this mean for us? Why is this a blessing to us as individuals and as congregations? Paul writes in Romans 12:4-5, "Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others." This is also the way the Nebraska District works. Over 125 years ago, congregations from across Nebraska gathered together to create the man-made organization of the Nebraska District "in order to build, strengthen, and facilitate the work of the church" in Nebraska and beyond. (Thy Kingdom Come: A History of the Nebraska District of the LCMS, Dr. W. Theophil Janzow) Even today, the 247 congregations of the Nebraska District partner together in support of a District Office to provide needed ministry support and services back to them and the other congregations of the District. Services provided to your congregation include a system for calling and placing church workers, both pastors and teachers; consultations during times of difficulty for congregations, schools, or church workers; resources and support for outreach ministries, including community outreach and new mission planning; a communication network including printed and electronic media; consultations for congregations and church workers on financial issues, including salary, benefits, and budget issues; and many other services. The gifts your congregation provides from your budget to the mission and ministry of the District ensure that these needed services are available when they are required by your congregation or a sister congregation somewhere in Nebraska. A portion of the gifts to the Nebraska District are also passed along to The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod to support similar services and needed infrastructure for all of the LCMS congregations, as well as mission work here and abroad. Thanks be to God for the ministry support gifts given by Nebraska District congregations and generous individuals. As members of the same body of Christ, may God continue to bless the support of our common mission of "discipling the saved and proclaiming Christ to a lost and changing world" through God-pleasing stewardship practices. * No Email Update Next Week * Still Time to Register for the Church/School Secretary Workshop * Correction to CPH Vacation Bible School Materials Link * One Rural Ministry Conference Scholarship Left * The Big Mission Event in Norfolk * In the News: "Diagnosis Unknown" * Updated List of Ablaze! Ambassadors Available * Go on a 12-Day Tour of Germany * Time is Running Out on The Lutheran Study Bible Specials * Update on District Plans for the National Youth Gathering * Cross of Christ Church Plant Plans First Worship Service * Breakfast in Bethlehem Family Event in Seward * Christmas in Branson Tour NO EMAIL UPDATE NEXT WEEK There will be no Email Update next week because I will be attending the Pastors' Conference in North Platte. The Update will return to its normal schedule the following Wednesday, November 4. Information to be shared may be sent anytime to communications at ndlcms.org. Back to top STILL TIME TO REGISTER FOR THE CHURCH/SCHOOL SECRETARY WORKSHOP Church or school secretaries can still register for the workshop being held on November 3 at Concordia University, Seward. All of the secretaries from the District churches and schools are invited to come for a day of renewing acquaintances, meeting new friends, sharing ideas, gaining insights into how others do their tasks, and collecting resources to take back and use in their ministry. In addition to the time of networking, the day will feature Pastor Mark Rockenbach, District Executive for Church Worker Care, presenting Responding to Conflict Biblically. President Russ Sommerfeld will also join us to talk about unity, diversity, and harmony as members of God's Nebraska District mission team. More information is available on the District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/news/conferences/secretary.html. Those interested in attending should call, email, or mail their registration forms to the District Office by this Friday, October 23. Back to top CORRECTION TO CPH VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL MATERIALS LINK The link to the Concordia Publishing House 2010 Vacation Bible School materials in last week's Update was incorrect. To find out more about Planet Zoom, visit www.cph.org/planetzoom. I apologize for any confusion or inconvenience this error might have caused. Back to top ONE RURAL MINISTRY CONFERENCE SCHOLARSHIP LEFT St. Paul Institute for Education (SPIFE) is hosting the third annual Heartland Rural/Small Town conference on November 5-7 at Arbor Lodge Lied Conference Center in Nebraska City. The District offered 10 scholarships, and there is just one still available, in the amount of $500 for a congregation that sends one pastor and one or more lay leaders from their congregation. This final scholarship will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. If you would like to take advantage of the scholarship, please contact Connie at connieb at ndlcms.org. Information about the conference and registration can also be found at www.spife.org. Because the conference date is drawing near, interested congregations should contact SPIFE and the Nebraska District Office as soon as possible. Back to top THE BIG MISSION EVENT IN NORFOLK Servants of the Savior of Christ Lutheran Church in Norfolk are hosting "The Big Mission Event" on Saturday, November 21, at Divots Convention Center in Norfolk. This evening of elegance, excitement, and entertainment will provide an opportunity to share God-given and abundant blessings in support of mission activities locally and around the world. The featured speaker will be Rev. Dr. Thomas Zehnder, executive director of LCMS World Mission, and the master of ceremonies will be Nebraska District mission development counselor Gary Thies. Contact the Christ church office at 402-371-1210 or visit their website at www.clnorfolk.org for more information. Everyone is invited to attend. Back to top IN THE NEWS: "DIAGNOSIS UNKNOWN" >From the Fremont Tribune: http://www.fremonttribune.com/articles/2009/10/15/news/local/doc4ad73ff1e201f182904750.txt To look at Jeremy Gierke, you wouldn't think anything was wrong. A thin young man with neatly cut hair and a crisp shirt and tie, he appears healthy and fit. But true to the adage, appearances really are deceiving in Gierke's case. To read more about Jeremy Gierke and the disease that is baffling doctors around the country, visit the Fremont Tribune website at the link above. Jeremy is the son of Rev. Timothy and Barbara Gierke of Fremont and a member of Good Shepherd, Fremont. Back to top UPDATED LIST OF ABLAZE! AMBASSADORS AVAILABLE Nearly 50 Ablaze! Ambassadors are ready to share as guest speakers about the worldwide initiative to share the Gospel with 100 million non-Christians by 2017. All Ablaze! Ambassadors are passionate about outreach and many are former district and national Synod leaders (district presidents, LWML presidents, and LCMS and Lutheran Hour Ministries executives). As spokespersons for Ablaze!, each agrees to give presentations about the effort in congregations, schools, and other venues to encourage their fellow Lutherans to share their faith with family, friends, co-workers-even strangers. Consider inviting an Ablaze! Ambassador to come encourage your congregation, school, or group in their personal outreach and faith-sharing. (Hosting groups are asked to cover the transportation, housing, and/or other expenses related to the Ambassador's attendance at their event.) There are four ambassadors in the Nebraska District, so congregations can take advantage of this wonderful resource with limited expenses. Ablaze! Ambassadors in Nebraska are: Rev. Gene Gierke, Seward Rev. Alan Harre, Staplehurst Linda Reiser, Grand Island Virginia Von Seggern, Orchard If you have any questions, or would like to view contact information for the list of Ablaze! Ambassadors, please call 1-800-433-3954 or visit: http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=14569 Back to top GO ON A 12-DAY TOUR OF GERMANY Everyone is invited to join Rev Darold Reiner from Kalispell, Montana (formerly a teacher at Trinity, Fremont, and pastor at Christ, Juniata), for a 12-day tour of Germany (Luther Land) May 13-24, 2010. This exciting tour will include Austria, Switzerland, and culminate with the world renown (once every 10 years) Oberammergau Passion Play, as well as covering the sites of the Reformation starting with Berlin and on to Wittenberg, etc. Fifteen more spaces are available on the tour, which has a maximum of forty-five participants. For a 15-page brochure with the full itinerary and prices, call 406-752-1205 or email reiner at centurytel.net Back to top TIME IS RUNNING OUT ON THE LUTHERAN STUDY BIBLE SPECIALS The Lutheran Study Bible introductory pricing is only available until October 31, 2009, but congregations and individuals can still take advantage of introductory pricing for all editions of The Lutheran Study Bible. The Lutheran Study Bible is the first Bible in English to be developed from the ground up with notes that are distinctively Lutheran, prepared by Lutheran contributors from over twenty Lutheran church bodies. Current Lutheran scholarship, insights from the Church fathers, and rich devotional commentary provide meaningful perspective for both young and mature Christians. Visit cph.org/lutheranbible or click here to download free promotional materials for use in your church. Congregations can also order a free congregation promotional kit by calling 1-800-325-3040 and asking for item #75-0121. Back to top UPDATE ON DISTRICT PLANS FOR THE NATIONAL YOUTH GATHERING An update from your Nebraska District Coordinators for the 2010 National LCMS Youth Gathering has been posted on the Nebraska District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/education/youth/gathering.html. We are asking congregations who plan to attend the Gathering for an indication of their interest in several areas so we can move forward with plans for our Nebraska District. The District Plans Update gives an overview of details on charter buses, District events, etc. The District Plans Response is a response form - a chance for congregations to share their preferences for involvement with District plans regarding the Gathering. We especially need to know congregational preferences on using District chartered buses or participating in a District event (there are 3 options being considered for an event). We need to know your interest at this time so we can move forward to make more concrete plans and determine costs, timeframes, etc. so groups can eventually make commitments to participate in certain Gathering-related District opportunities. The District plans response form is "fill-in-able" so it can be completed, saved, and emailed back to Julie.Johnston at cune.edu. It can also be printed off and mailed to the address on the form. Thank you in advance for helping to coordinate these District plans! Back to top CROSS OF CHRIST CHURCH PLANT PLANS FIRST WORSHIP SERVICE Cross of Christ in Aurora is the newest church plant in the Nebraska District, under the supervision of Rev. Kevin McReynolds of St. Paul's, Central City. This group has been gathering in Aurora and will now begin regular Sunday worship on November 1 at 8:00 a.m., with Bible Study following at 9:15 a.m. They will meet in the Bremer Community Center at 1604 L Street in Aurora, and would like to extend an invitation for others in the District to join in celebrating the gifts God has granted His Church in Christ through the service of the Word. Back to top BREAKFAST IN BETHLEHEM FAMILY EVENT IN SEWARD Pastors and church office staff - please consider including this information in your church bulletins and newsletter. A print-ready flier is available by emailing nicholeh at ndlcms.org. 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! Back to top CHRISTMAS IN BRANSON TOUR Pastor Tim Heupel of Beautiful Savior, La Vista, is leading a Christmas in Branson Tour November 19-22. The cost of the tour is $600 per person and includes six shows, three plated meals, bus transportation, and lodging with hot continental breakfast. The highlight of the tour is the enactment of the birth of Christ at the amazing Sound and Light Theater. This would be a wonderful group experience for your senior group, LWML, or LLL, as well as individuals or families. Commitments must be made by November 5. Call Pastor Heupel at 402-331-7376 for more information. Back to top The weekly Email Update is a resource offered to all in the Nebraska District to share information and to enrich the ministry God has called you to. Please continue to share information you feel would be of interest to others and let us know if there is any other way we at the District Office can be a resource to your ministry. Items for inclusion in the Update may be sent to communications at ndlcms.org. 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: 46974 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20091021/d89c5b25/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/20091021/d89c5b25/image001-0001.gif From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Oct 7 16:06:46 2009 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 07 Oct 2009 21:06:46 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] October 7 Message-ID: [cid:image001.gif at 01CA4768.28116540] October 7, 2009 In this issue: Greetings in the name of our loving heavenly Father, who blesses us with more than we deserve. He gives us the change of seasons, our family and friends, our health and all we need to sustain our life, and eternal life through His Son, Jesus. We receive all of this because of His goodness and love for us, and not through any merit of our own. The Apostle Paul writes to Titus and tells him "He (God) saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, who he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone." (Titus 3:5b-8) What does our devotion look like? Are we devoting ourselves to doing "what is good" as a District? A congregation? Personally? Because we are sinful, we can honestly answer we aren't always very good about devoting ourselves to living a life of sanctification. However, praise be to God that His love is perfect, and He continues to call us heirs of eternal life through Jesus Christ. May we as a district, as congregations, and as individuals pray for God's strength to devote ourselves to living lives pleasing to Him in all we do. * Prayer Requests * Fall Conference Registrations * Your Congregation's Help is Needed * H1N1 Flu Resources for Congregations and Schools * The Lutheran Study Bible and Resources Available * LCMS to Sell KFUO-FM to JoyFM * Funds Needed in Response to Four Asian Disasters * Equipping to Share Workshop in Plainview * Shepherd's Canyon Retreat Presentation in South Sioux City * Celebrate LCMS World Mission Month * Basic Education for the Practice of Intentional Interim Ministry * Theses on Worship from LCMS Council of Presidents * Recruiting Medical Workers in Alaska * Concordia Youth Ministry Teams Available PRAYER REQUESTS Rev. Matt and Shana Berndt - We pray God's blessings on Pastor Matt and Shana (nee Gruber) Berndt who were united in Holy Matrimony on October 3, 2009, at Christ Our King Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Matt is pastor of St. John's, Burwell and Peace, Sargent. Back to top FALL CONFERENCE REGISTRATIONS It's time to register for the Nebraska District Fall Conferences. Find registration materials and more information on the District website, www.ndlcms.org. Please note the following important deadlines: * Registration deadline for Teachers' Conference - Friday, October 9 * http://www.ndlcms.org/news/conferences/teachers/index.html * Registration deadline for Fall Pastors' Conference - Monday, October 12 * http://www.ndlcms.org/news/conferences/pastors/index.html * Registration deadline for Church/School Secretary Workshop - Friday, October 16 * http://www.ndlcms.org/news/conferences/secretary.html Back to top YOUR CONGREGATION'S HELP IS NEEDED The following letter is shared from Rev. Russ Sommerfeld, Nebraska District President: As one of 247 congregations of the Nebraska District, your congregation is an important part of the ministry taking place in Nebraska and throughout the LCMS. The Nebraska District is a team of congregations joined in a common mission to resource congregations, leaders, and related organizations in their mission of discipling the saved and proclaiming Christ to a lost and changing world. District congregations provide funds to carry out work jointly that cannot be accomplished alone. Some of these services are required by the Synod and the State of Nebraska, such as providing a superintendent for our Lutheran schools, maintaining the roster and overseeing the call process for professional church workers, and providing ecclesiastical supervision. Others are special services to assist ministries and provide guidance for church worker health, missions, fiscal responsibilities, communications, and planned giving. Additionally, the Nebraska District Board of Directors annually submits to The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod a specified portion of the congregational gifts received, regardless of the total amount. In 2008, this portion was $1.35 million - a commitment that will be fulfilled in the same amount again in 2009. Gifts from congregations to the Nebraska District have declined in both 2008 and 2009, making it difficult to carry out both District services and support of the Synod. This shortfall threatens the structure for ministry at both levels. Congregations around the Nebraska District, as well as individual church members and professional church workers, are very generous with their designated gifts for individual missionaries, mission projects, universities and seminaries, and LCMS relief efforts. God be praised! However, undesignated congregational gifts for the District and Synod's services continue to decline. Your congregation's help is needed! Prayers of gratitude are offered for the gifts that are being provided toward required and elective services, as well as for assisting ministries and missions. The Synod and District call upon the congregations to prayerfully consider making gifts to the Lord to provide for the ministry work of the Synod and District. Back to top H1N1 FLU RESOURCES FOR CONGREGATIONS AND SCHOOLS The following information was taken from the LCMS World Relief and Human Care website, http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=15557. As the H1N1 situation in Nebraska continues to change, it is presented here as one resource for congregations and schools looking for information to help protect their members and students. By Rev. Glenn Merritt, director of Disaster Response for LCMS World Relief and Human Care We live in anxious times to be sure! With worldwide economic uncertainty, political unrest, and ongoing wars in the news, now we learn about a global pandemic, as declared by the World Health Organization on June 11. Yet, the Psalmist reminds us that the world need not panic with these forecasts of gloom and doom: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. (Ps. 46:1-3, ESV) Yes, these are anxious times, but God's people have always been faced with anxious times. We have enough to worry about without worrying about tomorrow. Jesus addressed this by saying, "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." (Matt. 6:34, ESV) In fact, this whole section of Scripture points us away from worry and to our heavenly Father who meets all our needs. Jesus gently reminds us, "And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?" (Matt. 6:27, ESV) With over 5,500 hospitalized and over 350 reported deaths in the United States as of Aug. 6, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) urges proper precautions, not panic, in the face of a pandemic. People are noticeably anxious as these reports make the news. For the latest updates on Swine (H1N1) Flu from the CDC see http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/. At LCMS World Relief and Human Care, we also stress the importance of precaution over panic. As a service to our districts and congregations, LCMS World Relief and Human Care will continue to offer useful downloadable resources and thoughtful current insights on addressing anxious moments and fears about pandemic flu. Please see our Web site at http://www.lcms.org/ca/worldrelief/dnews/ for helpful information. As the school year begins, the CDC offers guidelines for school officials to respond to seasonal and H1N1 flu at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/schools/schoolguidance.htm. Finally, during anxious times like these, we are reminded not to panic, but rather to humble ourselves before God because He cares about us: "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:6-7, ESV) God cares about our world, our lives, our welfare, and our health. Therefore, we have no reason to be anxious about anything - even a flu pandemic. For an intriguing article by Rev. Gary Simpson, professor of systematic theology at Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minnesota, on how Luther viewed the Christians' responsibility during pandemics (plagues), please see the inter-Lutheran Journal, Caring Connections at: http://www.lutheranservices.org/PDF/N4_CaringConnectionsSpring08.pdf. Ultimately, we have nothing to fear even in anxious times. Our help is in the Lord who is our refuge and strength. Christians calmly practice precautions rather than panic, knowing all that God has done for us through Christ. Back to top THE LUTHERAN STUDY BIBLE AND RESOURCES AVAILABLE The following is a letter from President Sommerfeld: Dear Nebraska District Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I recently returned from the September LCMS Council of Presidents meeting. As part of our time there, we were with the team from Concordia Publishing House. As part of his presentation, Dr. Bruce Kintz, CPH's President/CEO presented each of us with a copy of CPH's newest product, The Lutheran Study Bible. I encourage you to consider acquiring this Bible! This Bible is so named because it has study notes that clearly express our biblical Lutheran understanding of God's Word. I think that as you examine it you, too, will appreciate its features, most importantly its very keen focus on the "red thread" that runs through the whole Bible: Christ and Him crucified, shedding His blood for the sins of the world. Beyond the practical devotional content included in The Lutheran Study Bible, the many articles, essays and explanations it contains serve to encourage mission outreach, practical discipleship, and sound Lutheran teaching of the Word, all in the context of clear Law/Gospel distinctions that point people to Christ their Savior. The release of this Bible is a remarkable event in the history of our Synod. Never before have we had a study Bible, in English, using the best of Lutheran Bible scholarship from our seminary and college professors, with notes crafted by many parish pastors and Bible teachers. The entire project began with asking hundreds of lay people to read the Bible in assigned units, and then to jot down every question that came to mind as they read. This was the foundation for the notes in the text. You can read and learn a lot more about the Bible, and view many samples and promotional resources at: http://www.cph.org/lutheranbible. As I am reviewing The Lutheran Study Bible I cannot help but think of this passage from Scripture, "These things are written that you may believe, that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name." (John 20:31) I encourage you to discover for yourself all that this new offering has to give. In Christ, Rev. Russ Sommerfeld District President Matthew 6:33 In addition to the new Lutheran Study Bible, CPH is also offering an accompanying Bible study CD. Concordia Publishing House (CPH) announces the release of a new Bible study that complements the release of The Lutheran Study Bible. Life by His Word is a CD-ROM Bible study with more than 1,500 individual study lessons to guide readers through God's Word. Life by His Word CD-ROM Bible study provides discussion questions, application, and summary insights for The Lutheran Study Bible. The study explores every chapter and every book of the Bible. "Imagine the convenience of having an entire library of Bible studies on just one CD-ROM," says Jim Stropnik, manager of Bible studies and Bibles at CPH. "Life by His Word is a truly valuable tool for ministry." The Lutheran Study Bible is the first Bible in English to be developed from the ground up with notes that are distinctively Lutheran, prepared by Lutheran contributors from over twenty Lutheran church bodies. The CD-ROM includes teaching materials and student materials in two formats: PDF to print directly and RFT for customization. Stropnik says, "The format is especially helpful for those who create their own PowerPoint presentations." Life by His Word CD-ROM Bible study is also designed with life application. "With Life by His Word, the pastor has a Bible study for any hot topic that comes up in the news," says Rev. Edward Engelbrecht, general editor of The Lutheran Study Bible. "Just think about the chapter of Scripture that addresses the topic, find the chapter study in Life by His Word, and you're good to go." Life by His Word CD-ROM Bible study is available at cph.org or by calling 1-800-325-3040. Back to top LCMS TO SELL KFUO-FM TO JOYFM Proceeds will fund LCMS new mission and ministry opportunities The Board of Directors of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) has approved the acquisition of KFUO-FM "CLASSIC99" by JoyFM for $18 million, plus interest scheduled over the 10-year term, for a total of $26 million. Under the acquisition agreement, the LCMS will sell the KFUO-FM license and the associated equipment. The sale is not final until approved by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). KFUO-FM will continue to play classical music at the 99.1 FM frequency until the final closing of the sale. The LCMS continues to own and operate KFUO-AM, the world's longest continually running religious radio station, which offers an inspirational and uplifting Christian talk format. The LCMS is endeavoring to continue to provide classical music programming following the sale of KFUO-FM by seeking alternative broadcast possibilities. "We are exploring the possibility of broadcasting classical musical over a high-definition channel and via a radio translator system that would reach the St. Louis-area market," said Mr. Kermit Brashear, a member of the LCMS Board of Directors and special counsel to the board's KFUO committee. "Details regarding these possibilities are not yet fully known, but we are continuing to investigate these options." The decision to sell KFUO-FM is the result of the board's continuous evaluation of church assets and a stewardship decision regarding the best use of assets for furthering mission and ministry. For example, the LCMS is striving to broaden its use of technology including social media tools to connect with members and nonmembers alike to proclaim the Gospel worldwide. "The church has myriad national and international ministries and mission endeavors, not the least of which is a movement focused on reaching 100 million people with the Gospel by 2017, and the board is constantly evaluating resources for accomplishing this work," said LCMS Board Chairman Dr. Donald Muchow. "Board resolutions were issued first in 2008 and again early this year to explore alternatives regarding LCMS radio station assets. After a prayerful, thorough, and exhaustive review of the options, the offer from JoyFM has been accepted." The LCMS deeply values the heritage of KFUO-FM and the support its listeners have provided during the station's tenure. The church also is truly grateful for the friendship and support of the KFUO-FM Radio Arts Board and the station's other partners including the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and the Missouri Botanical Garden. "We extend our heartfelt thanks to KFUO-FM's listeners, patrons, and corporate partners for their generous support all these years" said Dr. Gerald B. Kieschnick, LCMS president. "We have been privileged to operate KFUO-FM for 61 years as a contribution to St. Louis and the surrounding community. Looking ahead, under God's guidance, we will avail ourselves of the opportunities this acquisition agreement will provide as we strive to reach the world with the precious and saving Good News of Jesus Christ." Back to top FUNDS NEEDED IN RESPONSE TO FOUR ASIAN DISASTERS (LCMS e-News Disaster News, October 6) People are suffering in the wake of four recent disasters in Asia, including the 7.6-magnitude earthquake that hit Indonesia September 30, originating off Sumatra and killing more than 700, with the death toll expected to rise. That tragedy is the latest in a string of disasters, including a tsunami in Samoa, flooding in the Philippines, and a typhoon in Taiwan. "LCMS World Relief and Human Care is actively engaged in assessing needs and providing assistance by working directly with our partner churches, LCMS World Mission, and the Pacific Southwest and California-Nevada-Hawaii Districts," said Rev. Glenn F. Merritt, director of Disaster Response. * Read more here: http://www.lcms.org/?15827 * Watch a video message from WR-HC Executive Director Rev. Matthew Harrison at http://www.lcms.org/?15826. * Make a gift to "SE Asia Storm and Earthquake Relief" online at the links above, or by calling toll-free 888-930-4438. Back to top EQUIPPING TO SHARE WORKSHOP IN PLAINVIEW Isn't it heart-breaking having a neighbor, friend, or family member who doesn't know Jesus or who doesn't go to church? How do we reach out to them without being threatening or pushy? Discover how God equips you to be a gentle and effective witness at the EQUIPPING TO SHARE WORKSHOP on Sunday, November 1, at Zion Lutheran in Plainview from 1 to 5 p.m. This interactive training from Lutheran Hour Ministries helps believers with the privilege of sharing the truth and love of Christ in everyday situations. To register, e-mail leejan at plvwtelco.net, or call 402-582-3728 by OCTOBER 20, giving names of those attending, along with church and town. Expenses of the workshop are being covered by Zion and there will be no registration fee. Refreshments will be provided. If you'd like to make a full day of it, education hour at Zion is at 9 a.m., worship at 10 a.m., a restaurant just across the street has a noon buffet, and if you want to attend the Zone 3 LLL fall rally that evening, the dinner fee will be $7.50 and registration also should be made by OCTOBER 20 to the same email address or phone number. Back to top SHEPHERD'S CANYON RETREAT PRESENTATION IN SOUTH SIOUX CITY Dave Anderson, Team Leader for Shepherd's Canyon Retreat, Phoenix, Arizona, will be in South Sioux City to make a brief presentation about this emerging ministry of restoration from the effects of burnout, stress, and conflicts of various kinds to pastors and their wives on Thursday, October 22, at 12:00 noon. Subway luncheon is being provided. Please call 402-494-1847 with your intention of attending. Hope Lutheran Church is located at 218 W. 18th Street, South Sioux City, NE 68776. Shepherd's Canyon Retreat welcomes four couples (singles are also welcome) for one week of counseling under the care of Christian co-therapists, male and female. Pastoral ministry is present through the Retreat Chaplain. Dave will answer questions about the need and effectiveness of this unique-within-Lutheranism ministry. Dave and Barb Anderson will lead a praise concert that evening at 7:00 p.m. at Hope Lutheran Church. The public is welcome to attend. A free-will offering will be collected. Back to top CELEBRATE LCMS WORLD MISSION MONTH (from LCMS eNews Mission News, Oct. 5) LCMS World Mission invites individuals, congregations, districts, and other organizations to join in celebrating LCMS World Mission Month throughout October. God is working in the United States and around the world through missionaries, congregations, and partners to bring the Good News to uncommitted or unbelieving people. Visit www.lcmsworldmission.org/light to learn more about LCMS missionaries and resources available for mission month. This page also provides links to LCMS World Mission photos, short videos, and blog postings of missionaries' stories from the field. Resources available include: * "The Holy Word of God," a new Reformation hymn from CPH. * The October 2009 "Pray For Us" Calendar from LCMS World Mission, featuring missionary birthdays, Germany, the Wittenberg Project, and Venezuela. * The latest good news stories from missionaries in the field. * New Ablaze! faith-sharing story bulletin inserts - one for each Sunday in October. * Download a free audio New Testament Bible, available in more than 300 languages. * Mission resources from LCMS World Mission. LCMS World Mission Month is also a great time to encourage others in personally sharing their faith. Tell your faith-sharing story by simply logging on to the newly improved, easy-to-use Ablaze! faith-sharing website. Go to www.lcms.org/ablaze to login. New users can create an account in three easy steps. Through this site, you can share your story of how God used you and/or your congregation to share the Gospel. Back to top BASIC EDUCATION FOR THE PRACTICE OF INTENTIONAL INTERIM MINISTRY The NALIP (National Association of Lutheran Interim Pastors) Basic Education curriculum is designed for clergy and lay professionals to introduce participants to the practice of intentional interim ministry. A Basic Education for the Practice of Interim Ministry course is being offered at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, on November 2-6. Although focusing on Lutheran theology and polity, the event is open to all lay leaders and clergy desiring and/or called to this special ministry in congregations during a pastoral transition. It is also helpful for those who would serve as interim principals in Christian Day schools. The overall course is designed in three phases (Planting, Cultivating, and Harvesting) covering a period of about six months. The first and third phases are in-residence, beginning at noon on Monday and concluding at noon on Friday with a total of at least 60 contact hours. * Phase I (Planting) is a residential week focusing on the theory, theology, leadership skills, and congregational systems related to intentional interim ministry. We examine the interim journey through scenarios (propositional learning) the dynamics of entry, pre-entry, stages and tasks of the congregation, emotional systems, conflict, grief, power structures, and leadership skills necessary to lead the congregation and exiting/closure issues. * Phase II (Cultivating) is a six month experience in a parish or institutional setting, ideally in a leadership transition, in which the participant in this program "puts into practice" the material learned in Phase I. During this time you will learn contracting (covenanting), work on personal learning goals and write two critical incident reports, all under the supervisor of your chosen fieldwork supervisor. * Phase III (Harvesting) is the second residential week in which through a group process you will share one of your critical incident reports, review material learned in Phase I, and learn more about the dynamics of congregations in pastoral transition and your leadership skills and needs. You will also discuss the biblical and theological connections in this special ministry as specifically related to the Lutheran church. For more information, visit the Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, website at http://www.csl.edu/Academics_ContinuingEducationEvents_InterimMinistry.aspx. Back to top THESES ON WORSHIP FROM LCMS COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTS LCMS President Rev. Dr. Gerald Kieschnick shared the following letter and Theses on Worship with pastors and other church leaders last week. To read the theses in their entirety, visit http://worship.lcms.org/thesesonworship. Dear Friends in Christ: Grace and peace be with you, from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! On behalf of the Council of Presidents of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and Council Chairman Dr. Larry Stoterau, with this brief memo I share with our beloved Synod the document titled "Theses on Worship." This document has been in the process of preparation by the COP since the 2007 Synod convention. The Council of Presidents is keenly aware of the diversity of worship practices in LCMS congregations. This diversity in many instances has resulted in disharmony and even polarization. In order to foster God-pleasing harmony in this matter, the COP encourages pastors, worship leaders, musicians, and other church leaders to engage in prayerful conversation with one another, in submission to God's Holy Word and the Lutheran Confessions. To that end and to assist with that process, the Council of Presidents presents these succinct but significant "Theses on Worship." This document was approved unanimously by the COP at its regular meeting September 22, 2009, in St. Louis. As you will see, these theses are based on and supported solely by scriptural and confessional references. They are designed for wide distribution and study throughout the LCMS. In order to view or download the document please visit http://worship.lcms.org/thesesonworship. Please be assured that the Council of Presidents ardently desires to assist our Synod in every way possible to achieve harmony and concord in the theology and practice of worship. We recognize that different affinities in music and worship expressions exist among us. Yet we believe that our future with one another as brothers and sisters in Christ must be firmly grounded in the light of Christ's forgiveness, grace, and mercy. While seeking to enhance our worship of the triune God with a variety of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod remains steadfastly committed to the Holy Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions. Through this varied repertoire we joyfully confess all that God has done for us, declaring the praises of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. May the songs of the Church prevail beyond human adversity and strife, confessing our eternal hope in Christ Jesus, our Lord and Redeemer. Jerry Kieschnick Dr. Gerald B. Kieschnick, President The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod Back to top RECRUITING MEDICAL WORKERS IN ALASKA An Alaskan community with a Christian nondenominational rural health clinic (www.crossroadmc.org) is looking for health providers, nurses, a physical therapist, and other health professionals, both for short term and long term help. If interested please contact Rev. Todd Roeske, an LCMS missionary to the Philippines and China. Todd Roeske toddroeske at juno.com Alaska Mission for Christ 907-822-5114 or 907-259-5115 If you have any additional questions, please contact Lutherans in Medical Missions at limm at limm.org Back to top CONCORDIA YOUTH MINISTRY TEAMS AVAILABLE Concordia Youth Ministry (CYM) from Concordia University, Nebraska is excited to partner in ministry with the congregations of the Nebraska District in their youth programming plans for the 2009-2010 school year. The mission of CYM is to serve God and others, to adore Him with praise and worship, to use our leadership to connect youth to their faith in Christ, and to take God's Word into the world. CYM would love to send a team of college students to lead an all night lock-in or an evening event for your congregation's youth. All information on getting a CYM team (weekends available, costs, event request form, etc.) can be found on the Concordia University website at www.cune.edu/73. Check out the information and contact CYM at ConcordiaYouthMinistry at cune.edu for additional questions. Back to top Blessings, Nichole Hetz Nebraska District LCMS Director of Communications 1-888-643-2961 nicholeh at ndlcms.org www.ndlcms.org * Please Note: The inclusion of items in the Update from outside sources is for informational purposes only. Inclusion of such items does not constitute District endorsement. -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: text/html Size: 79863 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.gif Type: image/gif Size: 8048 bytes Desc: image001.gif URL: From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Oct 14 16:21:07 2009 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 14 Oct 2009 21:21:07 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] October 14 Message-ID: [cid:image001.gif at 01CA4CEA.52659E10] October 14, 2009 In this issue: Greetings in the name of our Heavenly Father, the Lord of the harvest. It doesn't matter if you live in a city, town, or rural area, you know this is the time the Lord has given farmers to harvest the crops from the fields. As Nebraskans, even if we aren't farmers we know the harvest is important to the economic condition of our state, as well as the well-being of our fellow citizens. Likewise, the Lord has planted a mission field right outside each of our doors. He has brought African, Hispanic, and Asian immigrants to our communities, as well as young families, older adults, and those who have never heard of Jesus Christ and His wonderful gift of salvation. The fields around us are ready to be harvested and He calls each of us to go into these fields with His Word and the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ. Please pray about how the Lord can use you in His harvest and pray for those across the District who are joining you in this field. Did you know everything your Nebraska District Office does is with the intention of giving to the congregations and workers the resources they need to go into the mission fields of Nebraska? Every resource available from your District Office is funded by the mission and ministry dollars your congregation commits to the District. This commitment is usually made as part of your congregation's annual budget. It is the dollars from your congregation that allow the District Office to provide these resources back to your congregation when they are needed. To find out more about the resources your District Office has to offer your congregation to equip and support you as you tell the Good News of Jesus in your church, school, and community, visit the District website at www.ndlcms.org or contact the office directly at 888-643-2961 or info at ndlcms.org. * Prayer Requests * Winter Clothing Needed for Refugees * Lutheran World Relief Ingathering Locations * Lutheran Hour Advent Devotions Available * Connect Your Sunday School Students with Missionaries * Concordia University, Nebraska Professors Make Contributions to the Church * Sex, Faith, and Your Child: Let's Talk * Nebraska Lutherans for Confessional Study to Meet * Optometrists Needed for Honduras Mission Opportunity * Download The Lutheran Study Bible Hymn and an Order of Dedication for the New Bible * Take a Look at Concordia Publishing House's 2010 VBS Materials * New Speaker Schedule for Mission Central PRAYER REQUESTS Rev. Don Moll and family - Please remember in your prayers Rev. Don Moll and his family at the death of his wife, Jeanette Moll. We ask for God's peace for the family at this time, that He would comfort them with His promise of eternal life. Rev. Moll served as pastor at Our Redeemer, Elwood, from 1970-1977. Condolences may be sent to Don Moll, 272 S. Forest, Batavia, IL 60510. Back to top WINTER CLOTHING NEEDED FOR REFUGEES Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska (LFS) resettles over 400 refugees from several different countries each year. Most newly arrived refugee children and adults have never experienced the extreme cold like we endure in Nebraska. Please consider donating the following: * Winter coats * Gloves, hats, and scarves * Socks * Closed-toe shoes (smaller sizes only, please) You can also help by conducting a winter clothing drive in your church, school, or workplace. Winter items may be dropped off at the LFS Community Services office Monday-Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The office is located in the Center Mall at 1941 South 42nd Street, Suite 402, in Omaha. Cash donations are also welcome so special items may be purchased for the families. Contact LFS at 402-346-6100 with questions. Thank you! Back to top LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF INGATHERING LOCATIONS The 2009 Nebraska Lutheran World Relief Ingathering will be November 9 - 13. In packing your LWR goods for shipment, sort and pack like items together in the box. Pack them in strong cartons secured with packing tape and addressed to Lutheran World Relief. The weight of the box should not exceed 40 pounds. Write the name and return address of your church on each box and deliver your items to the closest ingathering site during BUSINESS HOURS ONLY - 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. WHAT TO DONATE: Quilts and new or gently used blankets, sewing fabric, school kits, health kits, sewing kits, layettes, and soap in the original wrapping. Place a packing slip in each box listing your parish name and mailing address, contact person, and contents of the box. Visit www.lwr.org/beinvolved or call 1-800-LWR-LWR2 for specific guidelines. Donations will be received at the following sites: Grand Island Nebraska Transport Terminal 5162 South Elk Drive 308-382-8425 800-347-6331 Omaha Brown Transfer Terminal 4511 South 79th Street 402-331-5414 Kearney Brown Transfer Terminal 911 East 11th Street 308-237-2244 800-876-1196 Norfolk St. John's Lutheran Church 13th & Benjamin Avenue 402-371-1985 Lincoln First Lutheran Church 1551 South 70th Street 402-488-0919 Scottsbluff Brown Transfer Terminal 609 5th Avenue 308-632-8888 North Platte Brown Transfer Terminal 1001 Prospect 308-532-1808 800-759-2598 Sidney Brown Transfer Terminal 1030 Forest 308-254-2722 For further information please call Mary Stoetzel in North Platte at 308-534-9327 or Betsy Buschkemper in Omaha at 402-292-6665, or email buschkemper at hotmail.com. Due to trucking changes, some drop-off sites have changed. We want to thank those churches who have so generously allowed their facilities to be drop-off sites in the past. Thank you for your patience while we made trucking adjustments. We are very grateful for Beatrice Freight's past involvement and stewardship. We are excited about this new set-up, and hope it is beneficial for everyone. THANK YOU! Back to top LUTHERAN HOUR ADVENT DEVOTIONS AVAILABLE (From LHM Ministry Update) The Christmas tradition wouldn't be complete without devotions specially designed as reflections on what Advent means. Lutheran Hour Ministries' two Advent devotions series for 2009 herald a new beginning for human beings-made possible only through the gift of God's Son, Jesus Christ, as Savior of the world. In LHM's traditional-theme selection for 2009, Pastor Vern Gundermann takes the reader alongside Joseph and Mary as they travel From Nazareth to Bethlehem, where Jesus' birth will be only the beginning of His steady fulfillment of Messianic prophecies given about Him in the Hebrew Scriptures. In Who Would Have Thought? LCMS educator Chuck Strohacker makes it easy for the reader to recall his or her own family Christmas memories even as he offers personal glimpses from his own life. With anecdotes, observations, humor, and insight, Strohacker warmly shares how the yearly celebration of Jesus' birth is reason for the whole world to rejoice. Christmas changes everything-for everyone-for all time. With the advent of Christmas, God gives us a Savior and takes away the sins of the world. Both versions are customizable as PDF files in English. Audio is available for From Nazareth to Bethlehem, as is a Spanish text version. Promotional features include bulletin shells, a PowerPoint slide template, a web banner ad, and JPEG images of cover art. The Web site, www.adventdevotions.net, provides up-to-date information regarding which features are available for which versions. Back to top CONNECT YOUR SUNDAY SCHOOL STUDENTS WITH MISSIONARIES (From LCMS eNews Involving Kids in God's Mission, October 9) Do you want to get the children of your church or school involved in mission today? Here's an idea that worked for one congregation. Consider adapting it for your Sunday school or day school. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Florence, Ky., tells us that each Sunday school class is adopting a missionary family this year. They'll use LCMS World Mission's free children's mission newsletters to learn about the country where their missionary family lives, the customs of that country, and how their family shares the Gospel message with the people they meet. The Sunday school students are writing letters to the missionary kids and praying for them throughout the year. They will also hold fundraisers and collect offerings to help pay for the missionary kids' education. Lisa Newberry, Sunday school superintendent at Good Shepherd, says she was looking for ways to help her students understand that the world is bigger than their town, bigger than their state, and that Jesus came for everyone. She also wants each student to understand each person can be involved in sharing the Gospel and supporting missionary families. Want to learn more? Visit the children's section of the LCMS World Mission Web site at www.lcmsworldmission.org/children to download these resources: * Mission Friends (children's mission newsletter) * Sparklers projects (children's mission projects) * Children's mission resource catalog LCMS World Missionaries serving from the Nebraska District include: * Ashley Effken, Czech Republic * David and Radka Fiala, Slovak Republic * Anna Horkey, China * Rev. Claude and Rhoda Houge, Kenya * Megan Kincaid, Hong Kong * Lynette Lierman, Hong Kong * Jessica Luebbe, Macau * Donna Meyer, Indonesia * Sharon Owens, Macau * Benjamin and Amy Riley, Taiwan * Andrew and Noel Schaff, Taiwan * Katrina Schaff, Japan * Allan and Sandy Schmidt, Asia * Benjamin Smith, Latvia * Rev. Brent and Jennie Smith, Germany Back to top CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY, NEBRASKA PROFESSORS MAKE CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE CHURCH Christ Lutheran Church in Lincoln, Neb., is celebrating its 60th year with an anthem commissioned from Dr. Kurt von Kampen, associate professor of music at Concordia University, Nebraska. The composition, "The Living Water," will be unveiled at services on Sunday, Oct. 18. Dr. von Kampen and his daughter, Andrea, plan to sing "The Living Water" as a duet with guitar accompaniment at the 8 a.m. service, and a combined choir and orchestra will perform the piece at the 10:30 service. Von Kampen hopes the composition is something that will bless those at Christ Lutheran and perhaps beyond. "I was honored to be asked by the church to compose this piece, and I will be very excited to hear it all come together at Christ Lutheran in October." Dr. Jeffrey Blersch, professor of music at Concordia University, Nebraska, was commissioned by Concordia Publishing House to write a hymn tune to a poem by Rev. Stephen Starke. The hymn was written in celebration of the release of the new Lutheran Study Bible and has been distributed to all Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod congregations to be used in services for this year's Reformation Sunday. Blersch named the hymn tune "Concordia Cincinnati" in honor of Concordia Lutheran Church in Cincinnati which recently disbanded after 160 years of ministry. Blersch played for the last service. "During the sermon, retired pastor Otto Brillinger made the comment that even though congregations may disband and buildings may fall, the Word of God endures forever," Blersch explained. "That's when it hit me - what a fitting tribute to this congregation and her ministry." Dr. Jerrald Pfabe, professor of history at Concordia University, Nebraska, will receive an award of commendation from the Concordia Historical Institute for his article, "Was It Foretold?: Theodore Graebner, Millennialists and the World Wars." The award will be presented on Friday, Nov. 13, at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Mo., during the institute's 35th annual awards banquet. Just as people today assert that contemporary events, such as the Iraq war, were predicted in the Bible and are clear signs of an imminent end of the world and of the return of Christ, so too did people believe that of World War I and World War II in the first half of the twentieth century. Pfabe's article shows how Theodore Graebner, a professor at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis from 1913 to 1949, refuted those claims. The committee considered the paper "an award-winning example of material produced to further the understanding of American Lutheranism." "I am honored but also humbled by the recognition which the Concordia Historical Institute gave to this article," said Pfabe. "I have much respect for the work that the Institute has done. It has an excellent reputation, and I'm very grateful that it believes that this article has value in understanding American Lutheranism." Back to top SEX, FAITH, AND YOUR CHILD: LET'S TALK Thad Warren from Concordia University, Nebraska will be at Divine Shepherd in Omaha on Monday, October 19, at 7:00 p.m. to talk to parents of junior high and high school students about faith and relationships. The evening will be focused on equipping parents with information, resources, and strategies to engage their children in meaningful conversation about these important topics. Thad has taught at Concordia University Nebraska since the fall of 2005. Thad's teaching in the DCE department at Concordia focuses him in the areas of Sexuality and the Family, and Family Ministry courses. For more information, contact the Divine Shepherd church office at 402-895-1500. Back to top NEBRASKA LUTHERANS FOR CONFESSIONAL STUDY TO MEET The October gathering of the Nebraska Lutherans for Confessional Study (NLCS) will be held on Thursday, October 22, 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. Philip Hale, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bancroft, Nebraska; his topic will be "Luther on Forgiveness." The morning session will start at about 10:30 a.m. Following lunch, the afternoon topic will start at about 1 p.m. The 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 OPTOMETRISTS NEEDED FOR HONDURAS MISSION OPPORTUNITY World Gospel Outreach seeks two optometrists for a team to go to Honduras February 6-13, 2010. The cost is $1,500 which covers all lodging, transportation, food, and flights. The clinics are held in the capital city of Tegucigalpa at two different churches for two days each. Accommodations are in a newly built mission guest house which is pictured on the website www.wgoreach.org. Please respond to Tim Bauer at tbb1492 at hotmail.com if you are interested in going. If you are not an optometrist but know of one in your congregation or community, please send this message to them. Back to top DOWNLOAD THE LUTHERAN STUDY BIBLE HYMN AND AN ORDER OF DEDICATION FOR THE NEW BIBLE The timing couldn't be better. The long-anticipated arrival of The Lutheran Study Bible is here, just in time to celebrate the upcoming Day of Reformation, when these words often come to mind: "Scripture Alone, Faith Alone, and Grace Alone." In honor of these gifts (the new study Bible and our remembrance of Luther's focus on God's Word), Concordia Publishing House is sharing a new hymn by Stephen Starke and Jeffrey Blersch that fits well with our celebration of Reformation Day. Two free downloads now available Download the hymn "The Holy Word of God" and let others know this beautiful hymn is available for use. You can also download an Order of Dedication for The Lutheran Study Bible to use before distributing them to members who have placed orders. Browse the promo tools on The Lutheran Study Bible Web page and look for the Order of Dedication and hymn. Back to top TAKE A LOOK AT CONCORDIA PUBLISHING HOUSE'S 2010 VBS MATERIALS The following is a letter from District President Rev. Russ Sommerfeld to the congregations and people of the Nebraska District: Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I'd like to take a few minutes to talk to you about your plans for Vacation Bible School next summer. Many of our congregations offer VBS programs every year. It is a well established ministry effort across The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and has been for over sixty years. Vacation Bible School offers congregations in our district engaging opportunities to reach out into our communities with the Gospel. VBS gives children a fun, meaningful opportunity to learn about Jesus and to spread this good news to others. That's the main purpose of Vacation Bible School: getting the Good News out! As you choose your 2010 program, I invite you to take a close look at Planet Zoom, the new VBS program from Concordia Publishing House. CPH Vacation Bible School curriculum is fun, engaging, practical, easy to use, and kid-friendly, plus it offers what other VBS curriculums simply do not: a keen focus on the Gospel. There is no other VBS program that so clearly and consistently gives our children Jesus every day. CPH has been listening to congregations across the church, and has made many key improvements to their program. Here's what CPH wants you to know, and they invite you to learn more at www.planetzoom.org: * Simpler Lesson Format -They've made an effort to ensure that lessons are easy to use, age-appropriate, and designed to support lay volunteers. * Decorating Video - Although several big posters are included in the starter kit, they also developed a video to help share their decorating ideas. * Better Web Tools, like Online Registration -This year you can quickly create an online registration portal to allow parents to register their kids online (saving your church time and paperwork). You can also share ideas, stories, and photos through their VBS Facebook page. Aside from all these good reasons to use CPH's VBS program, when you purchase resources from CPH, you strengthen its publishing ministry for the whole Synod and out into the Christian church. That's important! I encourage you to consider getting involved with CPH as it serves the church. Thank you for allowing me to share these thoughts. If you have any questions about CPH's new program, please contact them directly at vbsteam at cph.org. God's continued blessings, Russ Sommerfeld District President Matthew 6:33 Back to top NEW SPEAKER SCHEDULE FOR MISSION CENTRAL The following special events are planned at Mission Central near Mapleton, Iowa. Gary Thies invites everyone to come and hear these wonderful folks talk about their work around the world. All speaking events are in the barn at Mission Central, and the newest additions to the speaking list are in red. For more information on Mission Central or on these special events, visit the Mission Central website at www.missioncentral.us. November 12, 7:00 p.m. - Ed Strohstein from Hong Kong and Asia November 17, 7:00 p.m. - Ivan Rasch from Nigeria, Africa November 24, 7:00 p.m. - Rev. Jim and Mabelle Bloker from the Czech Republic December 15, 7:00 p.m. - Dr. Mike Rodewald, African area director, from South Africa July 7, 2010, 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. - Dr. Steve Oliver from Taiwan July 17, 2010, 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. - Sharon Owens from Macau Mission Central now has a Facebook page! Those interested in viewing this page may follow the link from the Mission Central homepage, www.missioncentral.us. Back to top Thanks to everyone who contributed items for this week's Update. This newsletter is meant to be a resource for ministry. Feel free to copy and paste items from the Update in your congregation's bulletins or newsletters, or forward the message to someone you think might find the information useful. Anyone may subscribe to the Email Update by emailing communications at ndlcms.org or visiting the District website at 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: 88984 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.gif Type: image/gif Size: 8048 bytes Desc: image001.gif URL: From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Oct 21 13:11:14 2009 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 21 Oct 2009 18:11:14 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] October 21 Message-ID: [cid:image001.gif at 01CA524F.E2E06050] October 21, 2009 In this issue: Greetings in the name of our loving Savior, Jesus Christ, who has gathered and joined His people together as His Church. What a blessing it is for each of us to be a part of the body of Christ, each with different gifts and talents, but each still a part of His Church. What does this mean for us? Why is this a blessing to us as individuals and as congregations? Paul writes in Romans 12:4-5, "Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others." This is also the way the Nebraska District works. Over 125 years ago, congregations from across Nebraska gathered together to create the man-made organization of the Nebraska District "in order to build, strengthen, and facilitate the work of the church" in Nebraska and beyond. (Thy Kingdom Come: A History of the Nebraska District of the LCMS, Dr. W. Theophil Janzow) Even today, the 247 congregations of the Nebraska District partner together in support of a District Office to provide needed ministry support and services back to them and the other congregations of the District. Services provided to your congregation include a system for calling and placing church workers, both pastors and teachers; consultations during times of difficulty for congregations, schools, or church workers; resources and support for outreach ministries, including community outreach and new mission planning; a communication network including printed and electronic media; consultations for congregations and church workers on financial issues, including salary, benefits, and budget issues; and many other services. The gifts your congregation provides from your budget to the mission and ministry of the District ensure that these needed services are available when they are required by your congregation or a sister congregation somewhere in Nebraska. A portion of the gifts to the Nebraska District are also passed along to The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod to support similar services and needed infrastructure for all of the LCMS congregations, as well as mission work here and abroad. Thanks be to God for the ministry support gifts given by Nebraska District congregations and generous individuals. As members of the same body of Christ, may God continue to bless the support of our common mission of "discipling the saved and proclaiming Christ to a lost and changing world" through God-pleasing stewardship practices. * No Email Update Next Week * Still Time to Register for the Church/School Secretary Workshop * Correction to CPH Vacation Bible School Materials Link * One Rural Ministry Conference Scholarship Left * The Big Mission Event in Norfolk * In the News: "Diagnosis Unknown" * Updated List of Ablaze! Ambassadors Available * Go on a 12-Day Tour of Germany * Time is Running Out on The Lutheran Study Bible Specials * Update on District Plans for the National Youth Gathering * Cross of Christ Church Plant Plans First Worship Service * Breakfast in Bethlehem Family Event in Seward * Christmas in Branson Tour NO EMAIL UPDATE NEXT WEEK There will be no Email Update next week because I will be attending the Pastors' Conference in North Platte. The Update will return to its normal schedule the following Wednesday, November 4. Information to be shared may be sent anytime to communications at ndlcms.org. Back to top STILL TIME TO REGISTER FOR THE CHURCH/SCHOOL SECRETARY WORKSHOP Church or school secretaries can still register for the workshop being held on November 3 at Concordia University, Seward. All of the secretaries from the District churches and schools are invited to come for a day of renewing acquaintances, meeting new friends, sharing ideas, gaining insights into how others do their tasks, and collecting resources to take back and use in their ministry. In addition to the time of networking, the day will feature Pastor Mark Rockenbach, District Executive for Church Worker Care, presenting Responding to Conflict Biblically. President Russ Sommerfeld will also join us to talk about unity, diversity, and harmony as members of God's Nebraska District mission team. More information is available on the District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/news/conferences/secretary.html. Those interested in attending should call, email, or mail their registration forms to the District Office by this Friday, October 23. Back to top CORRECTION TO CPH VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL MATERIALS LINK The link to the Concordia Publishing House 2010 Vacation Bible School materials in last week's Update was incorrect. To find out more about Planet Zoom, visit www.cph.org/planetzoom. I apologize for any confusion or inconvenience this error might have caused. Back to top ONE RURAL MINISTRY CONFERENCE SCHOLARSHIP LEFT St. Paul Institute for Education (SPIFE) is hosting the third annual Heartland Rural/Small Town conference on November 5-7 at Arbor Lodge Lied Conference Center in Nebraska City. The District offered 10 scholarships, and there is just one still available, in the amount of $500 for a congregation that sends one pastor and one or more lay leaders from their congregation. This final scholarship will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. If you would like to take advantage of the scholarship, please contact Connie at connieb at ndlcms.org. Information about the conference and registration can also be found at www.spife.org. Because the conference date is drawing near, interested congregations should contact SPIFE and the Nebraska District Office as soon as possible. Back to top THE BIG MISSION EVENT IN NORFOLK Servants of the Savior of Christ Lutheran Church in Norfolk are hosting "The Big Mission Event" on Saturday, November 21, at Divots Convention Center in Norfolk. This evening of elegance, excitement, and entertainment will provide an opportunity to share God-given and abundant blessings in support of mission activities locally and around the world. The featured speaker will be Rev. Dr. Thomas Zehnder, executive director of LCMS World Mission, and the master of ceremonies will be Nebraska District mission development counselor Gary Thies. Contact the Christ church office at 402-371-1210 or visit their website at www.clnorfolk.org for more information. Everyone is invited to attend. Back to top IN THE NEWS: "DIAGNOSIS UNKNOWN" >From the Fremont Tribune: http://www.fremonttribune.com/articles/2009/10/15/news/local/doc4ad73ff1e201f182904750.txt To look at Jeremy Gierke, you wouldn't think anything was wrong. A thin young man with neatly cut hair and a crisp shirt and tie, he appears healthy and fit. But true to the adage, appearances really are deceiving in Gierke's case. To read more about Jeremy Gierke and the disease that is baffling doctors around the country, visit the Fremont Tribune website at the link above. Jeremy is the son of Rev. Timothy and Barbara Gierke of Fremont and a member of Good Shepherd, Fremont. Back to top UPDATED LIST OF ABLAZE! AMBASSADORS AVAILABLE Nearly 50 Ablaze! Ambassadors are ready to share as guest speakers about the worldwide initiative to share the Gospel with 100 million non-Christians by 2017. All Ablaze! Ambassadors are passionate about outreach and many are former district and national Synod leaders (district presidents, LWML presidents, and LCMS and Lutheran Hour Ministries executives). As spokespersons for Ablaze!, each agrees to give presentations about the effort in congregations, schools, and other venues to encourage their fellow Lutherans to share their faith with family, friends, co-workers-even strangers. Consider inviting an Ablaze! Ambassador to come encourage your congregation, school, or group in their personal outreach and faith-sharing. (Hosting groups are asked to cover the transportation, housing, and/or other expenses related to the Ambassador's attendance at their event.) There are four ambassadors in the Nebraska District, so congregations can take advantage of this wonderful resource with limited expenses. Ablaze! Ambassadors in Nebraska are: Rev. Gene Gierke, Seward Rev. Alan Harre, Staplehurst Linda Reiser, Grand Island Virginia Von Seggern, Orchard If you have any questions, or would like to view contact information for the list of Ablaze! Ambassadors, please call 1-800-433-3954 or visit: http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=14569 Back to top GO ON A 12-DAY TOUR OF GERMANY Everyone is invited to join Rev Darold Reiner from Kalispell, Montana (formerly a teacher at Trinity, Fremont, and pastor at Christ, Juniata), for a 12-day tour of Germany (Luther Land) May 13-24, 2010. This exciting tour will include Austria, Switzerland, and culminate with the world renown (once every 10 years) Oberammergau Passion Play, as well as covering the sites of the Reformation starting with Berlin and on to Wittenberg, etc. Fifteen more spaces are available on the tour, which has a maximum of forty-five participants. For a 15-page brochure with the full itinerary and prices, call 406-752-1205 or email reiner at centurytel.net Back to top TIME IS RUNNING OUT ON THE LUTHERAN STUDY BIBLE SPECIALS The Lutheran Study Bible introductory pricing is only available until October 31, 2009, but congregations and individuals can still take advantage of introductory pricing for all editions of The Lutheran Study Bible. The Lutheran Study Bible is the first Bible in English to be developed from the ground up with notes that are distinctively Lutheran, prepared by Lutheran contributors from over twenty Lutheran church bodies. Current Lutheran scholarship, insights from the Church fathers, and rich devotional commentary provide meaningful perspective for both young and mature Christians. Visit cph.org/lutheranbible or click here to download free promotional materials for use in your church. Congregations can also order a free congregation promotional kit by calling 1-800-325-3040 and asking for item #75-0121. Back to top UPDATE ON DISTRICT PLANS FOR THE NATIONAL YOUTH GATHERING An update from your Nebraska District Coordinators for the 2010 National LCMS Youth Gathering has been posted on the Nebraska District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/education/youth/gathering.html. We are asking congregations who plan to attend the Gathering for an indication of their interest in several areas so we can move forward with plans for our Nebraska District. The District Plans Update gives an overview of details on charter buses, District events, etc. The District Plans Response is a response form - a chance for congregations to share their preferences for involvement with District plans regarding the Gathering. We especially need to know congregational preferences on using District chartered buses or participating in a District event (there are 3 options being considered for an event). We need to know your interest at this time so we can move forward to make more concrete plans and determine costs, timeframes, etc. so groups can eventually make commitments to participate in certain Gathering-related District opportunities. The District plans response form is "fill-in-able" so it can be completed, saved, and emailed back to Julie.Johnston at cune.edu. It can also be printed off and mailed to the address on the form. Thank you in advance for helping to coordinate these District plans! Back to top CROSS OF CHRIST CHURCH PLANT PLANS FIRST WORSHIP SERVICE Cross of Christ in Aurora is the newest church plant in the Nebraska District, under the supervision of Rev. Kevin McReynolds of St. Paul's, Central City. This group has been gathering in Aurora and will now begin regular Sunday worship on November 1 at 8:00 a.m., with Bible Study following at 9:15 a.m. They will meet in the Bremer Community Center at 1604 L Street in Aurora, and would like to extend an invitation for others in the District to join in celebrating the gifts God has granted His Church in Christ through the service of the Word. Back to top BREAKFAST IN BETHLEHEM FAMILY EVENT IN SEWARD Pastors and church office staff - please consider including this information in your church bulletins and newsletter. A print-ready flier is available by emailing nicholeh at ndlcms.org. 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! Back to top CHRISTMAS IN BRANSON TOUR Pastor Tim Heupel of Beautiful Savior, La Vista, is leading a Christmas in Branson Tour November 19-22. The cost of the tour is $600 per person and includes six shows, three plated meals, bus transportation, and lodging with hot continental breakfast. The highlight of the tour is the enactment of the birth of Christ at the amazing Sound and Light Theater. This would be a wonderful group experience for your senior group, LWML, or LLL, as well as individuals or families. Commitments must be made by November 5. Call Pastor Heupel at 402-331-7376 for more information. Back to top The weekly Email Update is a resource offered to all in the Nebraska District to share information and to enrich the ministry God has called you to. Please continue to share information you feel would be of interest to others and let us know if there is any other way we at the District Office can be a resource to your ministry. Items for inclusion in the Update may be sent to communications at ndlcms.org. 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: 46974 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.gif Type: image/gif Size: 8048 bytes Desc: image001.gif URL: From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Oct 7 16:06:46 2009 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 07 Oct 2009 21:06:46 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] October 7 Message-ID: [cid:image001.gif at 01CA4768.28116540] October 7, 2009 In this issue: Greetings in the name of our loving heavenly Father, who blesses us with more than we deserve. He gives us the change of seasons, our family and friends, our health and all we need to sustain our life, and eternal life through His Son, Jesus. We receive all of this because of His goodness and love for us, and not through any merit of our own. The Apostle Paul writes to Titus and tells him "He (God) saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, who he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone." (Titus 3:5b-8) What does our devotion look like? Are we devoting ourselves to doing "what is good" as a District? A congregation? Personally? Because we are sinful, we can honestly answer we aren't always very good about devoting ourselves to living a life of sanctification. However, praise be to God that His love is perfect, and He continues to call us heirs of eternal life through Jesus Christ. May we as a district, as congregations, and as individuals pray for God's strength to devote ourselves to living lives pleasing to Him in all we do. * Prayer Requests * Fall Conference Registrations * Your Congregation's Help is Needed * H1N1 Flu Resources for Congregations and Schools * The Lutheran Study Bible and Resources Available * LCMS to Sell KFUO-FM to JoyFM * Funds Needed in Response to Four Asian Disasters * Equipping to Share Workshop in Plainview * Shepherd's Canyon Retreat Presentation in South Sioux City * Celebrate LCMS World Mission Month * Basic Education for the Practice of Intentional Interim Ministry * Theses on Worship from LCMS Council of Presidents * Recruiting Medical Workers in Alaska * Concordia Youth Ministry Teams Available PRAYER REQUESTS Rev. Matt and Shana Berndt - We pray God's blessings on Pastor Matt and Shana (nee Gruber) Berndt who were united in Holy Matrimony on October 3, 2009, at Christ Our King Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Matt is pastor of St. John's, Burwell and Peace, Sargent. Back to top FALL CONFERENCE REGISTRATIONS It's time to register for the Nebraska District Fall Conferences. Find registration materials and more information on the District website, www.ndlcms.org. Please note the following important deadlines: * Registration deadline for Teachers' Conference - Friday, October 9 * http://www.ndlcms.org/news/conferences/teachers/index.html * Registration deadline for Fall Pastors' Conference - Monday, October 12 * http://www.ndlcms.org/news/conferences/pastors/index.html * Registration deadline for Church/School Secretary Workshop - Friday, October 16 * http://www.ndlcms.org/news/conferences/secretary.html Back to top YOUR CONGREGATION'S HELP IS NEEDED The following letter is shared from Rev. Russ Sommerfeld, Nebraska District President: As one of 247 congregations of the Nebraska District, your congregation is an important part of the ministry taking place in Nebraska and throughout the LCMS. The Nebraska District is a team of congregations joined in a common mission to resource congregations, leaders, and related organizations in their mission of discipling the saved and proclaiming Christ to a lost and changing world. District congregations provide funds to carry out work jointly that cannot be accomplished alone. Some of these services are required by the Synod and the State of Nebraska, such as providing a superintendent for our Lutheran schools, maintaining the roster and overseeing the call process for professional church workers, and providing ecclesiastical supervision. Others are special services to assist ministries and provide guidance for church worker health, missions, fiscal responsibilities, communications, and planned giving. Additionally, the Nebraska District Board of Directors annually submits to The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod a specified portion of the congregational gifts received, regardless of the total amount. In 2008, this portion was $1.35 million - a commitment that will be fulfilled in the same amount again in 2009. Gifts from congregations to the Nebraska District have declined in both 2008 and 2009, making it difficult to carry out both District services and support of the Synod. This shortfall threatens the structure for ministry at both levels. Congregations around the Nebraska District, as well as individual church members and professional church workers, are very generous with their designated gifts for individual missionaries, mission projects, universities and seminaries, and LCMS relief efforts. God be praised! However, undesignated congregational gifts for the District and Synod's services continue to decline. Your congregation's help is needed! Prayers of gratitude are offered for the gifts that are being provided toward required and elective services, as well as for assisting ministries and missions. The Synod and District call upon the congregations to prayerfully consider making gifts to the Lord to provide for the ministry work of the Synod and District. Back to top H1N1 FLU RESOURCES FOR CONGREGATIONS AND SCHOOLS The following information was taken from the LCMS World Relief and Human Care website, http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=15557. As the H1N1 situation in Nebraska continues to change, it is presented here as one resource for congregations and schools looking for information to help protect their members and students. By Rev. Glenn Merritt, director of Disaster Response for LCMS World Relief and Human Care We live in anxious times to be sure! With worldwide economic uncertainty, political unrest, and ongoing wars in the news, now we learn about a global pandemic, as declared by the World Health Organization on June 11. Yet, the Psalmist reminds us that the world need not panic with these forecasts of gloom and doom: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. (Ps. 46:1-3, ESV) Yes, these are anxious times, but God's people have always been faced with anxious times. We have enough to worry about without worrying about tomorrow. Jesus addressed this by saying, "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." (Matt. 6:34, ESV) In fact, this whole section of Scripture points us away from worry and to our heavenly Father who meets all our needs. Jesus gently reminds us, "And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?" (Matt. 6:27, ESV) With over 5,500 hospitalized and over 350 reported deaths in the United States as of Aug. 6, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) urges proper precautions, not panic, in the face of a pandemic. People are noticeably anxious as these reports make the news. For the latest updates on Swine (H1N1) Flu from the CDC see http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/. At LCMS World Relief and Human Care, we also stress the importance of precaution over panic. As a service to our districts and congregations, LCMS World Relief and Human Care will continue to offer useful downloadable resources and thoughtful current insights on addressing anxious moments and fears about pandemic flu. Please see our Web site at http://www.lcms.org/ca/worldrelief/dnews/ for helpful information. As the school year begins, the CDC offers guidelines for school officials to respond to seasonal and H1N1 flu at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/schools/schoolguidance.htm. Finally, during anxious times like these, we are reminded not to panic, but rather to humble ourselves before God because He cares about us: "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:6-7, ESV) God cares about our world, our lives, our welfare, and our health. Therefore, we have no reason to be anxious about anything - even a flu pandemic. For an intriguing article by Rev. Gary Simpson, professor of systematic theology at Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minnesota, on how Luther viewed the Christians' responsibility during pandemics (plagues), please see the inter-Lutheran Journal, Caring Connections at: http://www.lutheranservices.org/PDF/N4_CaringConnectionsSpring08.pdf. Ultimately, we have nothing to fear even in anxious times. Our help is in the Lord who is our refuge and strength. Christians calmly practice precautions rather than panic, knowing all that God has done for us through Christ. Back to top THE LUTHERAN STUDY BIBLE AND RESOURCES AVAILABLE The following is a letter from President Sommerfeld: Dear Nebraska District Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I recently returned from the September LCMS Council of Presidents meeting. As part of our time there, we were with the team from Concordia Publishing House. As part of his presentation, Dr. Bruce Kintz, CPH's President/CEO presented each of us with a copy of CPH's newest product, The Lutheran Study Bible. I encourage you to consider acquiring this Bible! This Bible is so named because it has study notes that clearly express our biblical Lutheran understanding of God's Word. I think that as you examine it you, too, will appreciate its features, most importantly its very keen focus on the "red thread" that runs through the whole Bible: Christ and Him crucified, shedding His blood for the sins of the world. Beyond the practical devotional content included in The Lutheran Study Bible, the many articles, essays and explanations it contains serve to encourage mission outreach, practical discipleship, and sound Lutheran teaching of the Word, all in the context of clear Law/Gospel distinctions that point people to Christ their Savior. The release of this Bible is a remarkable event in the history of our Synod. Never before have we had a study Bible, in English, using the best of Lutheran Bible scholarship from our seminary and college professors, with notes crafted by many parish pastors and Bible teachers. The entire project began with asking hundreds of lay people to read the Bible in assigned units, and then to jot down every question that came to mind as they read. This was the foundation for the notes in the text. You can read and learn a lot more about the Bible, and view many samples and promotional resources at: http://www.cph.org/lutheranbible. As I am reviewing The Lutheran Study Bible I cannot help but think of this passage from Scripture, "These things are written that you may believe, that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name." (John 20:31) I encourage you to discover for yourself all that this new offering has to give. In Christ, Rev. Russ Sommerfeld District President Matthew 6:33 In addition to the new Lutheran Study Bible, CPH is also offering an accompanying Bible study CD. Concordia Publishing House (CPH) announces the release of a new Bible study that complements the release of The Lutheran Study Bible. Life by His Word is a CD-ROM Bible study with more than 1,500 individual study lessons to guide readers through God's Word. Life by His Word CD-ROM Bible study provides discussion questions, application, and summary insights for The Lutheran Study Bible. The study explores every chapter and every book of the Bible. "Imagine the convenience of having an entire library of Bible studies on just one CD-ROM," says Jim Stropnik, manager of Bible studies and Bibles at CPH. "Life by His Word is a truly valuable tool for ministry." The Lutheran Study Bible is the first Bible in English to be developed from the ground up with notes that are distinctively Lutheran, prepared by Lutheran contributors from over twenty Lutheran church bodies. The CD-ROM includes teaching materials and student materials in two formats: PDF to print directly and RFT for customization. Stropnik says, "The format is especially helpful for those who create their own PowerPoint presentations." Life by His Word CD-ROM Bible study is also designed with life application. "With Life by His Word, the pastor has a Bible study for any hot topic that comes up in the news," says Rev. Edward Engelbrecht, general editor of The Lutheran Study Bible. "Just think about the chapter of Scripture that addresses the topic, find the chapter study in Life by His Word, and you're good to go." Life by His Word CD-ROM Bible study is available at cph.org or by calling 1-800-325-3040. Back to top LCMS TO SELL KFUO-FM TO JOYFM Proceeds will fund LCMS new mission and ministry opportunities The Board of Directors of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) has approved the acquisition of KFUO-FM "CLASSIC99" by JoyFM for $18 million, plus interest scheduled over the 10-year term, for a total of $26 million. Under the acquisition agreement, the LCMS will sell the KFUO-FM license and the associated equipment. The sale is not final until approved by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). KFUO-FM will continue to play classical music at the 99.1 FM frequency until the final closing of the sale. The LCMS continues to own and operate KFUO-AM, the world's longest continually running religious radio station, which offers an inspirational and uplifting Christian talk format. The LCMS is endeavoring to continue to provide classical music programming following the sale of KFUO-FM by seeking alternative broadcast possibilities. "We are exploring the possibility of broadcasting classical musical over a high-definition channel and via a radio translator system that would reach the St. Louis-area market," said Mr. Kermit Brashear, a member of the LCMS Board of Directors and special counsel to the board's KFUO committee. "Details regarding these possibilities are not yet fully known, but we are continuing to investigate these options." The decision to sell KFUO-FM is the result of the board's continuous evaluation of church assets and a stewardship decision regarding the best use of assets for furthering mission and ministry. For example, the LCMS is striving to broaden its use of technology including social media tools to connect with members and nonmembers alike to proclaim the Gospel worldwide. "The church has myriad national and international ministries and mission endeavors, not the least of which is a movement focused on reaching 100 million people with the Gospel by 2017, and the board is constantly evaluating resources for accomplishing this work," said LCMS Board Chairman Dr. Donald Muchow. "Board resolutions were issued first in 2008 and again early this year to explore alternatives regarding LCMS radio station assets. After a prayerful, thorough, and exhaustive review of the options, the offer from JoyFM has been accepted." The LCMS deeply values the heritage of KFUO-FM and the support its listeners have provided during the station's tenure. The church also is truly grateful for the friendship and support of the KFUO-FM Radio Arts Board and the station's other partners including the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and the Missouri Botanical Garden. "We extend our heartfelt thanks to KFUO-FM's listeners, patrons, and corporate partners for their generous support all these years" said Dr. Gerald B. Kieschnick, LCMS president. "We have been privileged to operate KFUO-FM for 61 years as a contribution to St. Louis and the surrounding community. Looking ahead, under God's guidance, we will avail ourselves of the opportunities this acquisition agreement will provide as we strive to reach the world with the precious and saving Good News of Jesus Christ." Back to top FUNDS NEEDED IN RESPONSE TO FOUR ASIAN DISASTERS (LCMS e-News Disaster News, October 6) People are suffering in the wake of four recent disasters in Asia, including the 7.6-magnitude earthquake that hit Indonesia September 30, originating off Sumatra and killing more than 700, with the death toll expected to rise. That tragedy is the latest in a string of disasters, including a tsunami in Samoa, flooding in the Philippines, and a typhoon in Taiwan. "LCMS World Relief and Human Care is actively engaged in assessing needs and providing assistance by working directly with our partner churches, LCMS World Mission, and the Pacific Southwest and California-Nevada-Hawaii Districts," said Rev. Glenn F. Merritt, director of Disaster Response. * Read more here: http://www.lcms.org/?15827 * Watch a video message from WR-HC Executive Director Rev. Matthew Harrison at http://www.lcms.org/?15826. * Make a gift to "SE Asia Storm and Earthquake Relief" online at the links above, or by calling toll-free 888-930-4438. Back to top EQUIPPING TO SHARE WORKSHOP IN PLAINVIEW Isn't it heart-breaking having a neighbor, friend, or family member who doesn't know Jesus or who doesn't go to church? How do we reach out to them without being threatening or pushy? Discover how God equips you to be a gentle and effective witness at the EQUIPPING TO SHARE WORKSHOP on Sunday, November 1, at Zion Lutheran in Plainview from 1 to 5 p.m. This interactive training from Lutheran Hour Ministries helps believers with the privilege of sharing the truth and love of Christ in everyday situations. To register, e-mail leejan at plvwtelco.net, or call 402-582-3728 by OCTOBER 20, giving names of those attending, along with church and town. Expenses of the workshop are being covered by Zion and there will be no registration fee. Refreshments will be provided. If you'd like to make a full day of it, education hour at Zion is at 9 a.m., worship at 10 a.m., a restaurant just across the street has a noon buffet, and if you want to attend the Zone 3 LLL fall rally that evening, the dinner fee will be $7.50 and registration also should be made by OCTOBER 20 to the same email address or phone number. Back to top SHEPHERD'S CANYON RETREAT PRESENTATION IN SOUTH SIOUX CITY Dave Anderson, Team Leader for Shepherd's Canyon Retreat, Phoenix, Arizona, will be in South Sioux City to make a brief presentation about this emerging ministry of restoration from the effects of burnout, stress, and conflicts of various kinds to pastors and their wives on Thursday, October 22, at 12:00 noon. Subway luncheon is being provided. Please call 402-494-1847 with your intention of attending. Hope Lutheran Church is located at 218 W. 18th Street, South Sioux City, NE 68776. Shepherd's Canyon Retreat welcomes four couples (singles are also welcome) for one week of counseling under the care of Christian co-therapists, male and female. Pastoral ministry is present through the Retreat Chaplain. Dave will answer questions about the need and effectiveness of this unique-within-Lutheranism ministry. Dave and Barb Anderson will lead a praise concert that evening at 7:00 p.m. at Hope Lutheran Church. The public is welcome to attend. A free-will offering will be collected. Back to top CELEBRATE LCMS WORLD MISSION MONTH (from LCMS eNews Mission News, Oct. 5) LCMS World Mission invites individuals, congregations, districts, and other organizations to join in celebrating LCMS World Mission Month throughout October. God is working in the United States and around the world through missionaries, congregations, and partners to bring the Good News to uncommitted or unbelieving people. Visit www.lcmsworldmission.org/light to learn more about LCMS missionaries and resources available for mission month. This page also provides links to LCMS World Mission photos, short videos, and blog postings of missionaries' stories from the field. Resources available include: * "The Holy Word of God," a new Reformation hymn from CPH. * The October 2009 "Pray For Us" Calendar from LCMS World Mission, featuring missionary birthdays, Germany, the Wittenberg Project, and Venezuela. * The latest good news stories from missionaries in the field. * New Ablaze! faith-sharing story bulletin inserts - one for each Sunday in October. * Download a free audio New Testament Bible, available in more than 300 languages. * Mission resources from LCMS World Mission. LCMS World Mission Month is also a great time to encourage others in personally sharing their faith. Tell your faith-sharing story by simply logging on to the newly improved, easy-to-use Ablaze! faith-sharing website. Go to www.lcms.org/ablaze to login. New users can create an account in three easy steps. Through this site, you can share your story of how God used you and/or your congregation to share the Gospel. Back to top BASIC EDUCATION FOR THE PRACTICE OF INTENTIONAL INTERIM MINISTRY The NALIP (National Association of Lutheran Interim Pastors) Basic Education curriculum is designed for clergy and lay professionals to introduce participants to the practice of intentional interim ministry. A Basic Education for the Practice of Interim Ministry course is being offered at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, on November 2-6. Although focusing on Lutheran theology and polity, the event is open to all lay leaders and clergy desiring and/or called to this special ministry in congregations during a pastoral transition. It is also helpful for those who would serve as interim principals in Christian Day schools. The overall course is designed in three phases (Planting, Cultivating, and Harvesting) covering a period of about six months. The first and third phases are in-residence, beginning at noon on Monday and concluding at noon on Friday with a total of at least 60 contact hours. * Phase I (Planting) is a residential week focusing on the theory, theology, leadership skills, and congregational systems related to intentional interim ministry. We examine the interim journey through scenarios (propositional learning) the dynamics of entry, pre-entry, stages and tasks of the congregation, emotional systems, conflict, grief, power structures, and leadership skills necessary to lead the congregation and exiting/closure issues. * Phase II (Cultivating) is a six month experience in a parish or institutional setting, ideally in a leadership transition, in which the participant in this program "puts into practice" the material learned in Phase I. During this time you will learn contracting (covenanting), work on personal learning goals and write two critical incident reports, all under the supervisor of your chosen fieldwork supervisor. * Phase III (Harvesting) is the second residential week in which through a group process you will share one of your critical incident reports, review material learned in Phase I, and learn more about the dynamics of congregations in pastoral transition and your leadership skills and needs. You will also discuss the biblical and theological connections in this special ministry as specifically related to the Lutheran church. For more information, visit the Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, website at http://www.csl.edu/Academics_ContinuingEducationEvents_InterimMinistry.aspx. Back to top THESES ON WORSHIP FROM LCMS COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTS LCMS President Rev. Dr. Gerald Kieschnick shared the following letter and Theses on Worship with pastors and other church leaders last week. To read the theses in their entirety, visit http://worship.lcms.org/thesesonworship. Dear Friends in Christ: Grace and peace be with you, from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! On behalf of the Council of Presidents of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and Council Chairman Dr. Larry Stoterau, with this brief memo I share with our beloved Synod the document titled "Theses on Worship." This document has been in the process of preparation by the COP since the 2007 Synod convention. The Council of Presidents is keenly aware of the diversity of worship practices in LCMS congregations. This diversity in many instances has resulted in disharmony and even polarization. In order to foster God-pleasing harmony in this matter, the COP encourages pastors, worship leaders, musicians, and other church leaders to engage in prayerful conversation with one another, in submission to God's Holy Word and the Lutheran Confessions. To that end and to assist with that process, the Council of Presidents presents these succinct but significant "Theses on Worship." This document was approved unanimously by the COP at its regular meeting September 22, 2009, in St. Louis. As you will see, these theses are based on and supported solely by scriptural and confessional references. They are designed for wide distribution and study throughout the LCMS. In order to view or download the document please visit http://worship.lcms.org/thesesonworship. Please be assured that the Council of Presidents ardently desires to assist our Synod in every way possible to achieve harmony and concord in the theology and practice of worship. We recognize that different affinities in music and worship expressions exist among us. Yet we believe that our future with one another as brothers and sisters in Christ must be firmly grounded in the light of Christ's forgiveness, grace, and mercy. While seeking to enhance our worship of the triune God with a variety of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod remains steadfastly committed to the Holy Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions. Through this varied repertoire we joyfully confess all that God has done for us, declaring the praises of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. May the songs of the Church prevail beyond human adversity and strife, confessing our eternal hope in Christ Jesus, our Lord and Redeemer. Jerry Kieschnick Dr. Gerald B. Kieschnick, President The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod Back to top RECRUITING MEDICAL WORKERS IN ALASKA An Alaskan community with a Christian nondenominational rural health clinic (www.crossroadmc.org) is looking for health providers, nurses, a physical therapist, and other health professionals, both for short term and long term help. If interested please contact Rev. Todd Roeske, an LCMS missionary to the Philippines and China. Todd Roeske toddroeske at juno.com Alaska Mission for Christ 907-822-5114 or 907-259-5115 If you have any additional questions, please contact Lutherans in Medical Missions at limm at limm.org Back to top CONCORDIA YOUTH MINISTRY TEAMS AVAILABLE Concordia Youth Ministry (CYM) from Concordia University, Nebraska is excited to partner in ministry with the congregations of the Nebraska District in their youth programming plans for the 2009-2010 school year. The mission of CYM is to serve God and others, to adore Him with praise and worship, to use our leadership to connect youth to their faith in Christ, and to take God's Word into the world. CYM would love to send a team of college students to lead an all night lock-in or an evening event for your congregation's youth. All information on getting a CYM team (weekends available, costs, event request form, etc.) can be found on the Concordia University website at www.cune.edu/73. Check out the information and contact CYM at ConcordiaYouthMinistry at cune.edu for additional questions. Back to top Blessings, Nichole Hetz Nebraska District LCMS Director of Communications 1-888-643-2961 nicholeh at ndlcms.org www.ndlcms.org * Please Note: The inclusion of items in the Update from outside sources is for informational purposes only. Inclusion of such items does not constitute District endorsement. -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: text/html Size: 79863 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.gif Type: image/gif Size: 8048 bytes Desc: image001.gif URL: From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Oct 14 16:21:07 2009 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 14 Oct 2009 21:21:07 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] October 14 Message-ID: [cid:image001.gif at 01CA4CEA.52659E10] October 14, 2009 In this issue: Greetings in the name of our Heavenly Father, the Lord of the harvest. It doesn't matter if you live in a city, town, or rural area, you know this is the time the Lord has given farmers to harvest the crops from the fields. As Nebraskans, even if we aren't farmers we know the harvest is important to the economic condition of our state, as well as the well-being of our fellow citizens. Likewise, the Lord has planted a mission field right outside each of our doors. He has brought African, Hispanic, and Asian immigrants to our communities, as well as young families, older adults, and those who have never heard of Jesus Christ and His wonderful gift of salvation. The fields around us are ready to be harvested and He calls each of us to go into these fields with His Word and the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ. Please pray about how the Lord can use you in His harvest and pray for those across the District who are joining you in this field. Did you know everything your Nebraska District Office does is with the intention of giving to the congregations and workers the resources they need to go into the mission fields of Nebraska? Every resource available from your District Office is funded by the mission and ministry dollars your congregation commits to the District. This commitment is usually made as part of your congregation's annual budget. It is the dollars from your congregation that allow the District Office to provide these resources back to your congregation when they are needed. To find out more about the resources your District Office has to offer your congregation to equip and support you as you tell the Good News of Jesus in your church, school, and community, visit the District website at www.ndlcms.org or contact the office directly at 888-643-2961 or info at ndlcms.org. * Prayer Requests * Winter Clothing Needed for Refugees * Lutheran World Relief Ingathering Locations * Lutheran Hour Advent Devotions Available * Connect Your Sunday School Students with Missionaries * Concordia University, Nebraska Professors Make Contributions to the Church * Sex, Faith, and Your Child: Let's Talk * Nebraska Lutherans for Confessional Study to Meet * Optometrists Needed for Honduras Mission Opportunity * Download The Lutheran Study Bible Hymn and an Order of Dedication for the New Bible * Take a Look at Concordia Publishing House's 2010 VBS Materials * New Speaker Schedule for Mission Central PRAYER REQUESTS Rev. Don Moll and family - Please remember in your prayers Rev. Don Moll and his family at the death of his wife, Jeanette Moll. We ask for God's peace for the family at this time, that He would comfort them with His promise of eternal life. Rev. Moll served as pastor at Our Redeemer, Elwood, from 1970-1977. Condolences may be sent to Don Moll, 272 S. Forest, Batavia, IL 60510. Back to top WINTER CLOTHING NEEDED FOR REFUGEES Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska (LFS) resettles over 400 refugees from several different countries each year. Most newly arrived refugee children and adults have never experienced the extreme cold like we endure in Nebraska. Please consider donating the following: * Winter coats * Gloves, hats, and scarves * Socks * Closed-toe shoes (smaller sizes only, please) You can also help by conducting a winter clothing drive in your church, school, or workplace. Winter items may be dropped off at the LFS Community Services office Monday-Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The office is located in the Center Mall at 1941 South 42nd Street, Suite 402, in Omaha. Cash donations are also welcome so special items may be purchased for the families. Contact LFS at 402-346-6100 with questions. Thank you! Back to top LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF INGATHERING LOCATIONS The 2009 Nebraska Lutheran World Relief Ingathering will be November 9 - 13. In packing your LWR goods for shipment, sort and pack like items together in the box. Pack them in strong cartons secured with packing tape and addressed to Lutheran World Relief. The weight of the box should not exceed 40 pounds. Write the name and return address of your church on each box and deliver your items to the closest ingathering site during BUSINESS HOURS ONLY - 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. WHAT TO DONATE: Quilts and new or gently used blankets, sewing fabric, school kits, health kits, sewing kits, layettes, and soap in the original wrapping. Place a packing slip in each box listing your parish name and mailing address, contact person, and contents of the box. Visit www.lwr.org/beinvolved or call 1-800-LWR-LWR2 for specific guidelines. Donations will be received at the following sites: Grand Island Nebraska Transport Terminal 5162 South Elk Drive 308-382-8425 800-347-6331 Omaha Brown Transfer Terminal 4511 South 79th Street 402-331-5414 Kearney Brown Transfer Terminal 911 East 11th Street 308-237-2244 800-876-1196 Norfolk St. John's Lutheran Church 13th & Benjamin Avenue 402-371-1985 Lincoln First Lutheran Church 1551 South 70th Street 402-488-0919 Scottsbluff Brown Transfer Terminal 609 5th Avenue 308-632-8888 North Platte Brown Transfer Terminal 1001 Prospect 308-532-1808 800-759-2598 Sidney Brown Transfer Terminal 1030 Forest 308-254-2722 For further information please call Mary Stoetzel in North Platte at 308-534-9327 or Betsy Buschkemper in Omaha at 402-292-6665, or email buschkemper at hotmail.com. Due to trucking changes, some drop-off sites have changed. We want to thank those churches who have so generously allowed their facilities to be drop-off sites in the past. Thank you for your patience while we made trucking adjustments. We are very grateful for Beatrice Freight's past involvement and stewardship. We are excited about this new set-up, and hope it is beneficial for everyone. THANK YOU! Back to top LUTHERAN HOUR ADVENT DEVOTIONS AVAILABLE (From LHM Ministry Update) The Christmas tradition wouldn't be complete without devotions specially designed as reflections on what Advent means. Lutheran Hour Ministries' two Advent devotions series for 2009 herald a new beginning for human beings-made possible only through the gift of God's Son, Jesus Christ, as Savior of the world. In LHM's traditional-theme selection for 2009, Pastor Vern Gundermann takes the reader alongside Joseph and Mary as they travel From Nazareth to Bethlehem, where Jesus' birth will be only the beginning of His steady fulfillment of Messianic prophecies given about Him in the Hebrew Scriptures. In Who Would Have Thought? LCMS educator Chuck Strohacker makes it easy for the reader to recall his or her own family Christmas memories even as he offers personal glimpses from his own life. With anecdotes, observations, humor, and insight, Strohacker warmly shares how the yearly celebration of Jesus' birth is reason for the whole world to rejoice. Christmas changes everything-for everyone-for all time. With the advent of Christmas, God gives us a Savior and takes away the sins of the world. Both versions are customizable as PDF files in English. Audio is available for From Nazareth to Bethlehem, as is a Spanish text version. Promotional features include bulletin shells, a PowerPoint slide template, a web banner ad, and JPEG images of cover art. The Web site, www.adventdevotions.net, provides up-to-date information regarding which features are available for which versions. Back to top CONNECT YOUR SUNDAY SCHOOL STUDENTS WITH MISSIONARIES (From LCMS eNews Involving Kids in God's Mission, October 9) Do you want to get the children of your church or school involved in mission today? Here's an idea that worked for one congregation. Consider adapting it for your Sunday school or day school. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Florence, Ky., tells us that each Sunday school class is adopting a missionary family this year. They'll use LCMS World Mission's free children's mission newsletters to learn about the country where their missionary family lives, the customs of that country, and how their family shares the Gospel message with the people they meet. The Sunday school students are writing letters to the missionary kids and praying for them throughout the year. They will also hold fundraisers and collect offerings to help pay for the missionary kids' education. Lisa Newberry, Sunday school superintendent at Good Shepherd, says she was looking for ways to help her students understand that the world is bigger than their town, bigger than their state, and that Jesus came for everyone. She also wants each student to understand each person can be involved in sharing the Gospel and supporting missionary families. Want to learn more? Visit the children's section of the LCMS World Mission Web site at www.lcmsworldmission.org/children to download these resources: * Mission Friends (children's mission newsletter) * Sparklers projects (children's mission projects) * Children's mission resource catalog LCMS World Missionaries serving from the Nebraska District include: * Ashley Effken, Czech Republic * David and Radka Fiala, Slovak Republic * Anna Horkey, China * Rev. Claude and Rhoda Houge, Kenya * Megan Kincaid, Hong Kong * Lynette Lierman, Hong Kong * Jessica Luebbe, Macau * Donna Meyer, Indonesia * Sharon Owens, Macau * Benjamin and Amy Riley, Taiwan * Andrew and Noel Schaff, Taiwan * Katrina Schaff, Japan * Allan and Sandy Schmidt, Asia * Benjamin Smith, Latvia * Rev. Brent and Jennie Smith, Germany Back to top CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY, NEBRASKA PROFESSORS MAKE CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE CHURCH Christ Lutheran Church in Lincoln, Neb., is celebrating its 60th year with an anthem commissioned from Dr. Kurt von Kampen, associate professor of music at Concordia University, Nebraska. The composition, "The Living Water," will be unveiled at services on Sunday, Oct. 18. Dr. von Kampen and his daughter, Andrea, plan to sing "The Living Water" as a duet with guitar accompaniment at the 8 a.m. service, and a combined choir and orchestra will perform the piece at the 10:30 service. Von Kampen hopes the composition is something that will bless those at Christ Lutheran and perhaps beyond. "I was honored to be asked by the church to compose this piece, and I will be very excited to hear it all come together at Christ Lutheran in October." Dr. Jeffrey Blersch, professor of music at Concordia University, Nebraska, was commissioned by Concordia Publishing House to write a hymn tune to a poem by Rev. Stephen Starke. The hymn was written in celebration of the release of the new Lutheran Study Bible and has been distributed to all Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod congregations to be used in services for this year's Reformation Sunday. Blersch named the hymn tune "Concordia Cincinnati" in honor of Concordia Lutheran Church in Cincinnati which recently disbanded after 160 years of ministry. Blersch played for the last service. "During the sermon, retired pastor Otto Brillinger made the comment that even though congregations may disband and buildings may fall, the Word of God endures forever," Blersch explained. "That's when it hit me - what a fitting tribute to this congregation and her ministry." Dr. Jerrald Pfabe, professor of history at Concordia University, Nebraska, will receive an award of commendation from the Concordia Historical Institute for his article, "Was It Foretold?: Theodore Graebner, Millennialists and the World Wars." The award will be presented on Friday, Nov. 13, at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Mo., during the institute's 35th annual awards banquet. Just as people today assert that contemporary events, such as the Iraq war, were predicted in the Bible and are clear signs of an imminent end of the world and of the return of Christ, so too did people believe that of World War I and World War II in the first half of the twentieth century. Pfabe's article shows how Theodore Graebner, a professor at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis from 1913 to 1949, refuted those claims. The committee considered the paper "an award-winning example of material produced to further the understanding of American Lutheranism." "I am honored but also humbled by the recognition which the Concordia Historical Institute gave to this article," said Pfabe. "I have much respect for the work that the Institute has done. It has an excellent reputation, and I'm very grateful that it believes that this article has value in understanding American Lutheranism." Back to top SEX, FAITH, AND YOUR CHILD: LET'S TALK Thad Warren from Concordia University, Nebraska will be at Divine Shepherd in Omaha on Monday, October 19, at 7:00 p.m. to talk to parents of junior high and high school students about faith and relationships. The evening will be focused on equipping parents with information, resources, and strategies to engage their children in meaningful conversation about these important topics. Thad has taught at Concordia University Nebraska since the fall of 2005. Thad's teaching in the DCE department at Concordia focuses him in the areas of Sexuality and the Family, and Family Ministry courses. For more information, contact the Divine Shepherd church office at 402-895-1500. Back to top NEBRASKA LUTHERANS FOR CONFESSIONAL STUDY TO MEET The October gathering of the Nebraska Lutherans for Confessional Study (NLCS) will be held on Thursday, October 22, 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. Philip Hale, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bancroft, Nebraska; his topic will be "Luther on Forgiveness." The morning session will start at about 10:30 a.m. Following lunch, the afternoon topic will start at about 1 p.m. The 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 OPTOMETRISTS NEEDED FOR HONDURAS MISSION OPPORTUNITY World Gospel Outreach seeks two optometrists for a team to go to Honduras February 6-13, 2010. The cost is $1,500 which covers all lodging, transportation, food, and flights. The clinics are held in the capital city of Tegucigalpa at two different churches for two days each. Accommodations are in a newly built mission guest house which is pictured on the website www.wgoreach.org. Please respond to Tim Bauer at tbb1492 at hotmail.com if you are interested in going. If you are not an optometrist but know of one in your congregation or community, please send this message to them. Back to top DOWNLOAD THE LUTHERAN STUDY BIBLE HYMN AND AN ORDER OF DEDICATION FOR THE NEW BIBLE The timing couldn't be better. The long-anticipated arrival of The Lutheran Study Bible is here, just in time to celebrate the upcoming Day of Reformation, when these words often come to mind: "Scripture Alone, Faith Alone, and Grace Alone." In honor of these gifts (the new study Bible and our remembrance of Luther's focus on God's Word), Concordia Publishing House is sharing a new hymn by Stephen Starke and Jeffrey Blersch that fits well with our celebration of Reformation Day. Two free downloads now available Download the hymn "The Holy Word of God" and let others know this beautiful hymn is available for use. You can also download an Order of Dedication for The Lutheran Study Bible to use before distributing them to members who have placed orders. Browse the promo tools on The Lutheran Study Bible Web page and look for the Order of Dedication and hymn. Back to top TAKE A LOOK AT CONCORDIA PUBLISHING HOUSE'S 2010 VBS MATERIALS The following is a letter from District President Rev. Russ Sommerfeld to the congregations and people of the Nebraska District: Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I'd like to take a few minutes to talk to you about your plans for Vacation Bible School next summer. Many of our congregations offer VBS programs every year. It is a well established ministry effort across The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and has been for over sixty years. Vacation Bible School offers congregations in our district engaging opportunities to reach out into our communities with the Gospel. VBS gives children a fun, meaningful opportunity to learn about Jesus and to spread this good news to others. That's the main purpose of Vacation Bible School: getting the Good News out! As you choose your 2010 program, I invite you to take a close look at Planet Zoom, the new VBS program from Concordia Publishing House. CPH Vacation Bible School curriculum is fun, engaging, practical, easy to use, and kid-friendly, plus it offers what other VBS curriculums simply do not: a keen focus on the Gospel. There is no other VBS program that so clearly and consistently gives our children Jesus every day. CPH has been listening to congregations across the church, and has made many key improvements to their program. Here's what CPH wants you to know, and they invite you to learn more at www.planetzoom.org: * Simpler Lesson Format -They've made an effort to ensure that lessons are easy to use, age-appropriate, and designed to support lay volunteers. * Decorating Video - Although several big posters are included in the starter kit, they also developed a video to help share their decorating ideas. * Better Web Tools, like Online Registration -This year you can quickly create an online registration portal to allow parents to register their kids online (saving your church time and paperwork). You can also share ideas, stories, and photos through their VBS Facebook page. Aside from all these good reasons to use CPH's VBS program, when you purchase resources from CPH, you strengthen its publishing ministry for the whole Synod and out into the Christian church. That's important! I encourage you to consider getting involved with CPH as it serves the church. Thank you for allowing me to share these thoughts. If you have any questions about CPH's new program, please contact them directly at vbsteam at cph.org. God's continued blessings, Russ Sommerfeld District President Matthew 6:33 Back to top NEW SPEAKER SCHEDULE FOR MISSION CENTRAL The following special events are planned at Mission Central near Mapleton, Iowa. Gary Thies invites everyone to come and hear these wonderful folks talk about their work around the world. All speaking events are in the barn at Mission Central, and the newest additions to the speaking list are in red. For more information on Mission Central or on these special events, visit the Mission Central website at www.missioncentral.us. November 12, 7:00 p.m. - Ed Strohstein from Hong Kong and Asia November 17, 7:00 p.m. - Ivan Rasch from Nigeria, Africa November 24, 7:00 p.m. - Rev. Jim and Mabelle Bloker from the Czech Republic December 15, 7:00 p.m. - Dr. Mike Rodewald, African area director, from South Africa July 7, 2010, 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. - Dr. Steve Oliver from Taiwan July 17, 2010, 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. - Sharon Owens from Macau Mission Central now has a Facebook page! Those interested in viewing this page may follow the link from the Mission Central homepage, www.missioncentral.us. Back to top Thanks to everyone who contributed items for this week's Update. This newsletter is meant to be a resource for ministry. Feel free to copy and paste items from the Update in your congregation's bulletins or newsletters, or forward the message to someone you think might find the information useful. Anyone may subscribe to the Email Update by emailing communications at ndlcms.org or visiting the District website at 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: 88984 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.gif Type: image/gif Size: 8048 bytes Desc: image001.gif URL: From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Oct 21 13:11:14 2009 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 21 Oct 2009 18:11:14 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] October 21 Message-ID: [cid:image001.gif at 01CA524F.E2E06050] October 21, 2009 In this issue: Greetings in the name of our loving Savior, Jesus Christ, who has gathered and joined His people together as His Church. What a blessing it is for each of us to be a part of the body of Christ, each with different gifts and talents, but each still a part of His Church. What does this mean for us? Why is this a blessing to us as individuals and as congregations? Paul writes in Romans 12:4-5, "Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others." This is also the way the Nebraska District works. Over 125 years ago, congregations from across Nebraska gathered together to create the man-made organization of the Nebraska District "in order to build, strengthen, and facilitate the work of the church" in Nebraska and beyond. (Thy Kingdom Come: A History of the Nebraska District of the LCMS, Dr. W. Theophil Janzow) Even today, the 247 congregations of the Nebraska District partner together in support of a District Office to provide needed ministry support and services back to them and the other congregations of the District. Services provided to your congregation include a system for calling and placing church workers, both pastors and teachers; consultations during times of difficulty for congregations, schools, or church workers; resources and support for outreach ministries, including community outreach and new mission planning; a communication network including printed and electronic media; consultations for congregations and church workers on financial issues, including salary, benefits, and budget issues; and many other services. The gifts your congregation provides from your budget to the mission and ministry of the District ensure that these needed services are available when they are required by your congregation or a sister congregation somewhere in Nebraska. A portion of the gifts to the Nebraska District are also passed along to The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod to support similar services and needed infrastructure for all of the LCMS congregations, as well as mission work here and abroad. Thanks be to God for the ministry support gifts given by Nebraska District congregations and generous individuals. As members of the same body of Christ, may God continue to bless the support of our common mission of "discipling the saved and proclaiming Christ to a lost and changing world" through God-pleasing stewardship practices. * No Email Update Next Week * Still Time to Register for the Church/School Secretary Workshop * Correction to CPH Vacation Bible School Materials Link * One Rural Ministry Conference Scholarship Left * The Big Mission Event in Norfolk * In the News: "Diagnosis Unknown" * Updated List of Ablaze! Ambassadors Available * Go on a 12-Day Tour of Germany * Time is Running Out on The Lutheran Study Bible Specials * Update on District Plans for the National Youth Gathering * Cross of Christ Church Plant Plans First Worship Service * Breakfast in Bethlehem Family Event in Seward * Christmas in Branson Tour NO EMAIL UPDATE NEXT WEEK There will be no Email Update next week because I will be attending the Pastors' Conference in North Platte. The Update will return to its normal schedule the following Wednesday, November 4. Information to be shared may be sent anytime to communications at ndlcms.org. Back to top STILL TIME TO REGISTER FOR THE CHURCH/SCHOOL SECRETARY WORKSHOP Church or school secretaries can still register for the workshop being held on November 3 at Concordia University, Seward. All of the secretaries from the District churches and schools are invited to come for a day of renewing acquaintances, meeting new friends, sharing ideas, gaining insights into how others do their tasks, and collecting resources to take back and use in their ministry. In addition to the time of networking, the day will feature Pastor Mark Rockenbach, District Executive for Church Worker Care, presenting Responding to Conflict Biblically. President Russ Sommerfeld will also join us to talk about unity, diversity, and harmony as members of God's Nebraska District mission team. More information is available on the District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/news/conferences/secretary.html. Those interested in attending should call, email, or mail their registration forms to the District Office by this Friday, October 23. Back to top CORRECTION TO CPH VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL MATERIALS LINK The link to the Concordia Publishing House 2010 Vacation Bible School materials in last week's Update was incorrect. To find out more about Planet Zoom, visit www.cph.org/planetzoom. I apologize for any confusion or inconvenience this error might have caused. Back to top ONE RURAL MINISTRY CONFERENCE SCHOLARSHIP LEFT St. Paul Institute for Education (SPIFE) is hosting the third annual Heartland Rural/Small Town conference on November 5-7 at Arbor Lodge Lied Conference Center in Nebraska City. The District offered 10 scholarships, and there is just one still available, in the amount of $500 for a congregation that sends one pastor and one or more lay leaders from their congregation. This final scholarship will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. If you would like to take advantage of the scholarship, please contact Connie at connieb at ndlcms.org. Information about the conference and registration can also be found at www.spife.org. Because the conference date is drawing near, interested congregations should contact SPIFE and the Nebraska District Office as soon as possible. Back to top THE BIG MISSION EVENT IN NORFOLK Servants of the Savior of Christ Lutheran Church in Norfolk are hosting "The Big Mission Event" on Saturday, November 21, at Divots Convention Center in Norfolk. This evening of elegance, excitement, and entertainment will provide an opportunity to share God-given and abundant blessings in support of mission activities locally and around the world. The featured speaker will be Rev. Dr. Thomas Zehnder, executive director of LCMS World Mission, and the master of ceremonies will be Nebraska District mission development counselor Gary Thies. Contact the Christ church office at 402-371-1210 or visit their website at www.clnorfolk.org for more information. Everyone is invited to attend. Back to top IN THE NEWS: "DIAGNOSIS UNKNOWN" >From the Fremont Tribune: http://www.fremonttribune.com/articles/2009/10/15/news/local/doc4ad73ff1e201f182904750.txt To look at Jeremy Gierke, you wouldn't think anything was wrong. A thin young man with neatly cut hair and a crisp shirt and tie, he appears healthy and fit. But true to the adage, appearances really are deceiving in Gierke's case. To read more about Jeremy Gierke and the disease that is baffling doctors around the country, visit the Fremont Tribune website at the link above. Jeremy is the son of Rev. Timothy and Barbara Gierke of Fremont and a member of Good Shepherd, Fremont. Back to top UPDATED LIST OF ABLAZE! AMBASSADORS AVAILABLE Nearly 50 Ablaze! Ambassadors are ready to share as guest speakers about the worldwide initiative to share the Gospel with 100 million non-Christians by 2017. All Ablaze! Ambassadors are passionate about outreach and many are former district and national Synod leaders (district presidents, LWML presidents, and LCMS and Lutheran Hour Ministries executives). As spokespersons for Ablaze!, each agrees to give presentations about the effort in congregations, schools, and other venues to encourage their fellow Lutherans to share their faith with family, friends, co-workers-even strangers. Consider inviting an Ablaze! Ambassador to come encourage your congregation, school, or group in their personal outreach and faith-sharing. (Hosting groups are asked to cover the transportation, housing, and/or other expenses related to the Ambassador's attendance at their event.) There are four ambassadors in the Nebraska District, so congregations can take advantage of this wonderful resource with limited expenses. Ablaze! Ambassadors in Nebraska are: Rev. Gene Gierke, Seward Rev. Alan Harre, Staplehurst Linda Reiser, Grand Island Virginia Von Seggern, Orchard If you have any questions, or would like to view contact information for the list of Ablaze! Ambassadors, please call 1-800-433-3954 or visit: http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=14569 Back to top GO ON A 12-DAY TOUR OF GERMANY Everyone is invited to join Rev Darold Reiner from Kalispell, Montana (formerly a teacher at Trinity, Fremont, and pastor at Christ, Juniata), for a 12-day tour of Germany (Luther Land) May 13-24, 2010. This exciting tour will include Austria, Switzerland, and culminate with the world renown (once every 10 years) Oberammergau Passion Play, as well as covering the sites of the Reformation starting with Berlin and on to Wittenberg, etc. Fifteen more spaces are available on the tour, which has a maximum of forty-five participants. For a 15-page brochure with the full itinerary and prices, call 406-752-1205 or email reiner at centurytel.net Back to top TIME IS RUNNING OUT ON THE LUTHERAN STUDY BIBLE SPECIALS The Lutheran Study Bible introductory pricing is only available until October 31, 2009, but congregations and individuals can still take advantage of introductory pricing for all editions of The Lutheran Study Bible. The Lutheran Study Bible is the first Bible in English to be developed from the ground up with notes that are distinctively Lutheran, prepared by Lutheran contributors from over twenty Lutheran church bodies. Current Lutheran scholarship, insights from the Church fathers, and rich devotional commentary provide meaningful perspective for both young and mature Christians. Visit cph.org/lutheranbible or click here to download free promotional materials for use in your church. Congregations can also order a free congregation promotional kit by calling 1-800-325-3040 and asking for item #75-0121. Back to top UPDATE ON DISTRICT PLANS FOR THE NATIONAL YOUTH GATHERING An update from your Nebraska District Coordinators for the 2010 National LCMS Youth Gathering has been posted on the Nebraska District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/education/youth/gathering.html. We are asking congregations who plan to attend the Gathering for an indication of their interest in several areas so we can move forward with plans for our Nebraska District. The District Plans Update gives an overview of details on charter buses, District events, etc. The District Plans Response is a response form - a chance for congregations to share their preferences for involvement with District plans regarding the Gathering. We especially need to know congregational preferences on using District chartered buses or participating in a District event (there are 3 options being considered for an event). We need to know your interest at this time so we can move forward to make more concrete plans and determine costs, timeframes, etc. so groups can eventually make commitments to participate in certain Gathering-related District opportunities. The District plans response form is "fill-in-able" so it can be completed, saved, and emailed back to Julie.Johnston at cune.edu. It can also be printed off and mailed to the address on the form. Thank you in advance for helping to coordinate these District plans! Back to top CROSS OF CHRIST CHURCH PLANT PLANS FIRST WORSHIP SERVICE Cross of Christ in Aurora is the newest church plant in the Nebraska District, under the supervision of Rev. Kevin McReynolds of St. Paul's, Central City. This group has been gathering in Aurora and will now begin regular Sunday worship on November 1 at 8:00 a.m., with Bible Study following at 9:15 a.m. They will meet in the Bremer Community Center at 1604 L Street in Aurora, and would like to extend an invitation for others in the District to join in celebrating the gifts God has granted His Church in Christ through the service of the Word. Back to top BREAKFAST IN BETHLEHEM FAMILY EVENT IN SEWARD Pastors and church office staff - please consider including this information in your church bulletins and newsletter. A print-ready flier is available by emailing nicholeh at ndlcms.org. 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! Back to top CHRISTMAS IN BRANSON TOUR Pastor Tim Heupel of Beautiful Savior, La Vista, is leading a Christmas in Branson Tour November 19-22. The cost of the tour is $600 per person and includes six shows, three plated meals, bus transportation, and lodging with hot continental breakfast. The highlight of the tour is the enactment of the birth of Christ at the amazing Sound and Light Theater. This would be a wonderful group experience for your senior group, LWML, or LLL, as well as individuals or families. Commitments must be made by November 5. Call Pastor Heupel at 402-331-7376 for more information. Back to top The weekly Email Update is a resource offered to all in the Nebraska District to share information and to enrich the ministry God has called you to. Please continue to share information you feel would be of interest to others and let us know if there is any other way we at the District Office can be a resource to your ministry. Items for inclusion in the Update may be sent to communications at ndlcms.org. 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... 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