From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Tue Sep 1 11:51:37 2009 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Tue, 01 Sep 2009 16:51:37 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] Rev. Edwin Cook Called to Glory Message-ID: + OBITUARY + The Reverend Edwin H. Cook, pastor emeritus, Lexington, Nebraska, departed this life on Monday, August 31, 2009, at the age of 81. He was born at Sheridan, Wyoming, on November 20, 1927, to Henry and Katherine (Pitsch) Cook. He attended school in Sheridan, but dropped out of school in his senior year to serve his country in the United States Navy during WWII. Upon completion of his military service, he went back and finished high school, graduating in 1948. He was united in marriage to Maxine Bolinger on December 5, 1948, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Sheridan, Wyoming. Ed attended Concordia Teachers' College in Seward from 1958-1961 and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in education. He taught school in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Piedmont, California; and Buffalo, Wyoming. He also did carpenter work, sold insurance, and then furthered his education at the University of Utah, where he graduated with a Master's in education. Pastor Cook went through the colloquy program at Concordia Theological Seminary, Springfield, Illinois, graduating in 1977. He served as pastor at the congregations of Trinity, Sidney, Nebraska (1977-1979) and Mt. Calvary and Bethlehem, Sundance and Moorcroft, Wyoming (1979-1990). He retired in 1990 to Lexington, but over the years served at seven different churches in the area until 2004. Pastor Cook is survived by his wife, Maxine (Bolinger), Lexington; one daughter, Teresa (Jack) Maxcy, Lexington; one son, Perry (Estela) Cook, Lemoore, California; one brother, Bill Cook, Watsonville, California; one sister, Lee Bobosky, Sacramento, California; four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and one great-grandson. The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 4, 2009, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lexington. Interment with Military Honors will be in the Greenwood Cemetery at Lexington. Condolences may be sent to Mrs. Maxine Cook, 1811 Ridgeway Street, Suite 8, Lexington, Nebraska 68850. Nichole Hetz Nebraska District LCMS Director of Communications 1-888-643-2961 nicholeh at ndlcms.org www.ndlcms.org -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: text/html Size: 10224 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20090901/8e383843/attachment.txt From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Sep 2 14:23:40 2009 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 02 Sep 2009 19:23:40 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] September 2 Message-ID: [cid:image001.jpg at 01CA2BD8.DBFB72E0] September 2, 2009 In this issue: Greetings in the name of our loving Heavenly Father, who blesses us with loving family, wonderful friends, beautiful weather, and the undeserved riches of His grace through His Son, Jesus Christ. May you find an opportunity this week and throughout the long holiday weekend to share the blessings He has given you with those around you. Thanks to all who shared information to be passed along in this week's Update. Information from the congregations, schools, and ministries helps make this electronic newsletter a useful ministry tool for all. If you have something you would like shared in a future Update, email the information to communications at ndlcms.org or call the District Office at 888-643-2961. Feel free to pass along this newsletter to others you think might benefit from the information, and encourage them to subscribe by emailing their request to communications at ndlcms.org. * Prayer Requests * District Office Holiday Hours * 2010 Compensation and Benefit Guidelines Available Online * Birthday Card Shower for Rev. Harold Stelzer * Organ Workshop/Recital in Wayne * "Men's Network" Iowa Pheasant Hunt * Join the "Pedal Pushers" for the Rose Parade * CPH Online Sale * H1N1 Flu Resources for Churches and Schools * Letters for Church Sign Available * Concordia University, Nebraska, Professor Receives Award * Lutheran College Fair in Omaha * Concordia University Admissions Counselors Travel Across Nebraska * New from Concordia Publishing House PRAYER REQUESTS The family of Rev. Edwin Cook - Please remember in prayer the family of Rev. Edwin Cook, pastor emeritus, of Lexington. Rev. Cook was called to his heavenly home on Monday, August 31. He retired in 1990 to Lexington, but over the years served at seven different churches in the area until 2004. The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 4, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lexington. We ask our Heavenly Father to be with Rev. Cook's family at this time, granting them comfort and peace. The family of Allard Warneke - We lift up in prayer the family of Allard Warneke of Juniata, teacher emeritus, who received his crown of life on Tuesday, September 1. During his teaching ministry he served at St. Paul, Ogallala, and Zion, Hastings. Funeral arrangements are pending at this time. Please remember the Warneke family in prayer, asking for God's strength and comfort at this time of mourning. Back to top DISTRICT OFFICE HOLIDAY HOURS The District Office will be closed next Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day. The Office will reopen at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 8, with staff devotions. May you and your family have a happy and safe Labor Day weekend. Back to top 2010 COMPENSATION AND BENEFIT GUIDELINES AVAILABLE ONLINE The 2010 Nebraska District Compensation and Benefit Guidelines are now available online at www.ndlcms.org or http://www.ndlcms.org/financial/office/compensation.html as a printable PDF file. Paper copies will not be sent to church offices, so church office staff and congregational officers are encouraged to print copies for their use. Questions on the guidelines may be directed to District Treasurer Paul Pettit at paulp at ndlcms.org or 888-643-2961. Back to top BIRTHDAY CARD SHOWER FOR REV. HAROLD STELZER Christ Lutheran Church in Lincoln is hosting a birthday card shower for retired pastor Rev. Harold Stelzer, who will be blessed to be 89 years of age on September 6. Pastor Stelzer has served for many years as a faithful visitation pastor for both the members of Christ, and also for members of Nebraska LCMS churches and many others from all over Nebraska. Pastor Stelzer was frequently called upon to care for members of other churches who were hospitalized in Lincoln or receiving care in a rehabilitation center or nursing home. May God bless Pastor Stelzer with great joy as he celebrates 89 years of God's grace through Jesus Christ. Birthday greetings may be sent to Pastor Stelzer, c/o Christ Lutheran Church, 4325 Sumner Street, Lincoln, NE 68506. Back to top ORGAN WORKSHOP/RECITAL IN WAYNE Grace Lutheran Church (904 Logan St.), Wayne, will be hosting an organ workshop on Saturday, September 26, and an organ recital on Sunday, September 27. The workshop will begin at 8:30 a.m. on September 26 with Dr. J. Christensen of Council Bluffs presenting. The day will include four sessions, and will end at 4:00 p.m. The organ recital featuring Dr. Christensen will be Sunday, September 27, at 3:00 p.m. Contact Dr. Christensen at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Council Bluffs (712-322-4729) or the Grace church office (402-375-1905) for more information or to register. Back to top "MEN'S NETWORK" IOWA PHEASANT HUNT Pheasant Hunting Retreat will be held at Camp Okoboji of Milford, Iowa, on November 6-8, for the first twenty hunters to register. Lodging and meals will be at Camp Okoboji from noon on Friday through noon on Sunday. It will also include a day and a half of hunting on the Okoboji Game Farm. The initial hunt will be on Friday afternoon, with an all-day hunt on Saturday. Fellowship and devotional time will take place at both Camp Okoboji and the Game Farm. Total cost for the hunt, room and board, and all programming will be $250 per person. Youth participants must have completed a hunter safety course, and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Travel and proper hunting license will be additional. Camp Okoboji will also provide shuttle service to and from the airports in Sioux Falls, SD or Sioux City, IA at an additional cost of $50 per person. You may register for the Camp Okoboji Men's Hunting Retreat by going online at www.campokoboji.org and printing off the registration and health forms, completing them and sending them in with a $50 deposit per person to "Camp Okoboji Men's Hunting Retreat, 1531 Edgewood Drive, Milford, IA 51351-7306". Out-of-state hunters may purchase a "Preserve License" at a cost of $17.00 which is good until January 10, 2010, for hunting on any game farm in Iowa. All hunters must comply with Iowa laws governing the sport of hunting, and by complying they are welcome to join our hunt. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) regulations may be found at www.iowadnr.gov/wildlife/files/upfaq.html. The Okoboji Game Farm (OGF) may be found at www.okobojigamefarm.com . The GPS coordinates of the OGF are N 43 16' 10" and W 95 02' 51". This is helpful for looking at terrain as well as location. For answers to questions or for additional information please call 712 337-3325. Back to top JOIN THE "PEDAL PUSHERS" FOR THE ROSE PARADE Petal Pushers (r) is a group of more than 4,000 volunteers who decorate The Lutheran Hour float and other floats for the New Year's Day Tournament of Roses Parade. Each year, these volunteers travel to Pasadena, California, from across the nation. Individuals, church groups, teenagers, families, senior citizens, and Girl Scout troops are just a sample of the people who come together each year to volunteer and witness to others around them. Many volunteers "urban camp" on floors of local Lutheran churches. Volunteers not only decorate The Lutheran Hour float, but other floats as well to raise enough money to pay for our float entry fees and supplies. The mission of The Lutheran Hour float is to provide a Christian witness and the message of hope in Jesus Christ, to those who view the float in the media. The parade is seen by more than one million people along the parade route and by 450 million more through worldwide television coverage. The Lutheran Hour Float is a project of the Southern California District of the International Lutheran Laymen's League, the volunteer movement of Lutheran Hour Ministries. The Lutheran Hour float is the longest-running-and currently the only-Christian-themed float in the Tournament of Roses parade. 2010 marks our 60th year of participation. Visit http://www.petalpushers.org/cgi/res to register online to decorate. Back to top CPH ONLINE SALE (From Reporter Online, www.lcms.org/pages/reporter.asp) Concordia Publishing House is offering Bibles, adult and youth Bible studies, books, church supplies, gifts, and Spanish-language materials at 50 to 80 percent off their regular prices during its "Online Warehouse Sale." Featured items include: * NIV Concordia Text Bible (item no. 011755GWHS), regularly $19.99, now $10. * A Christian Women's Bible Study Series: The Beauty of Holiness, by Jane L. Fryar (item no. 203041GWHS), regularly $7.99, now $4. * Blessings and Prayers for Men (item no. 124271GWHS), regularly $4.99, now $2. * Faithfully Parenting Teens, by John R. Bucka (item no. 124114GWHS), regularly $9.99, now $3. * Moments with God: Refreshing Daily Meditations, by Edward C. Grube (item no. 124228GWHS), regularly $14.99, now $4. To see the dozens of items, visit www.cph.org. Sale prices are good while supplies last. For more information, call CPH at 800-325-3040. Prices quoted do not include shipping charges. Back to top H1N1 FLU RESOURCES FOR CHURCHES AND SCHOOLS (From Reporter Online, www.lcms.org/pages/reporter.asp) As students head back to classrooms, LCMS World Relief and Human Care Director of Disaster Response Rev. Glenn F. Merritt is fielding more questions and requests for information about the H1N1 flu virus, especially from school administrators. "As the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) releases more information to the public and schools re-open, there's some anxiety out there," Merritt said. "School administrators, especially, want to make sure they are taking proper precautions." Merritt urges school officials and congregation leaders to "take precautions over panic" and directs them to two central sources of information to prepare for the upcoming flu season. The first is the federal government's CDC website, http://cdc.gov/h1n1flu, which includes regularly updated news and guidelines about the H1N1 flu virus. Specifically helpful for school administrators, Merritt says, is the CDC report of recommended guidelines for schools to respond to both seasonal and H1N1 flu, at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/schools/. "This site provides helpful tips for staff, parents, and students, along with downloadable brochures and posters for how schools can help decrease the spread of and deal with H1N1," he said. The list includes advice about students and staff staying home when sick and considerations for school dismissal. Congregation leaders also are contacting Merritt with concerns about how an H1N1 flu outbreak might impact church facilities. "Because there's a flow of people from the general community in and out of churches, leadership wants to know what they should do if [H1N1] hits their community," Merritt said. Questions arise about keeping church facilities open for worship, outreach activities such as food banks and disaster response, and meetings and programs sponsored by community groups. In addition to the CDC website, Merritt directs school officials and congregation leaders to the LCMS World Relief and Human Care website, http://www.lcms.org/ca/worldrelief/dnews/, where H1N1 flu resources for congregations are posted under "Flu Outbreak Impact." In April, LCMS President Gerald B. Kieschnick issued a statement urging LCMS congregations, agencies, professional church workers, and lay leaders to remain alert regarding the status of the flu outbreak and to follow the guidelines provided by local, state, and federal public-health officials. (Read the statement at http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=15127.) While summer months are normally flu free, the H1N1 flu virus (also known as swine flu) continues to spread. As of Aug. 14, the CDC reported more than 7,511 H1N1 flu hospitalizations and 477 H1N1 deaths. With uncertainty about what the upcoming flu season might hold, Merritt reminds fellow Lutherans "to calmly practice precautions rather than panic, knowing our help is in the Lord, who is our refuge and strength." Contact Merritt at 817-504-0078 or glenn.merritt at lcms.org. Back to top LETTERS FOR CHURCH SIGN AVAILABLE Faith, York, has a "little more than gently used" individual metal letters with the lips that fasten to the background available without charge to any congregation that can use them. The letters are black on white background. Contact the church office at Faith, fl84757 at windstream.net or 402-362-3000, with questions or for more information. Back to top CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY, NEBRASKA, PROFESSOR RECEIVES AWARD Dr. Joel Helmer, associate professor of geography at Concordia University, Nebraska, has been awarded the Higher Education Distinguished Teaching Award from the National Council for Geographic Education (NCGE). The award recognizes excellence in geography teaching among two-year college, college, and university educators. Helmer will be accepting the award at the annual NCGE conference, September 23-27, in Puerto Rico. "I love teaching geography, so this award is just icing on the cake," said Helmer. Back to top LUTHERAN COLLEGE FAIR IN OMAHA High school students and others considering attending a Lutheran college are invited to attend a Lutheran College Fair at King of Kings (11615 I Street), Omaha, on Sunday, September 20. Registration begins at 6:45 p.m., with a financial aid seminar at 7:00 p.m. and the college fair from 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. There is no fee to attend, and no pre-registration is necessary. Students who attend will receive four application fee waivers for use at represented Lutheran colleges and universities. This college fair is sponsored by The Lutheran Educational Conference of North America (LECNA), which represents 41 Lutheran colleges and universities in the United States and Canada. Each of these institutions focus on developing the whole self through active learning that engages the mind, body and spirit. For more information on LECNA, visit their website at http://www.lutherancolleges.org/. Back to top CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY ADMISSIONS COUNSELORS TRAVEL ACROSS NEBRASKA Admission counselors from Concordia University, Nebraska, will be travelling across Nebraska this fall meeting with students and answering questions. For more information on the visits listed, to find out about a visit to your area, or to visit with an admissions counselor, contact the Concordia Admissions Office at 800-535-5494, ext. 7233. Corrie Johnson will be in the Omaha area for the following fairs and various high school visits: Monday, October 19 9:30-11:30 a.m. Fremont College Fair 7-8:30 p.m. Gretna College Fair Tuesday, October 20 7-8:30 p.m. Ashland/Greenwood College Fair Friday, October 25 1-4 p.m. UNO College Fair Michelle Pfeifer will be in the following areas for high school visits: Monday, October 19 11:30 a.m. Aurora High School 1:00 p.m. Giltner High School Tuesday, October 20 8:45 a.m. Heartland Community School 10:00 a.m. McCool Junction High School 12:30 p.m. York High School Wednesday, October 21 8:45 a.m. Central City High School 10:00 a.m. High Plains Community School 11:15 a.m. Cross County High School 1:00 p.m. Osceola High School 3:00 p.m. Newman Grove High School Thursday, October 22 9:00 a.m. Leigh High School 10:00 a.m. Clarkson High School 11:30 a.m. West Point-Beemer High School 2:50 p.m. Creighton High School Monday, October 26 10:15 a.m. Boone Central High School 11:30 a.m. St. Edward High School 1:00 p.m. Twin River High School 2:40 p.m. Fullerton High School Anthony Elias will be in western Nebraska for the following college fairs and high school visits: Monday, October 12 8:45 a.m. North Platte High School 9:45 a.m. St. Patrick's High School, North Platte 1:00 pm. Paxton High School 2:15 p.m. Ogallala High School Tuesday, October 13 9:00 a.m. Kimball High School 1:00 p.m. Sidney College Fair 7:00 p.m. Ogallala College Fair Sunday, October 18 1:00 p.m. Lincoln Area College Fair Back to top NEW FROM CONCORDIA PUBLISHING HOUSE Special Savings on Children's Christmas Books Concordia Publishing House (CPH) introduces four new Christmas children's books that are available now at a special savings. "There are many months before Christmas, but by shopping now, customers will save 35% on our newest titles," says Ken Liszewski, manager of books for Concordia Publishing House. The new titles include The First Christmas Present, Christmas Around the World, Silent Night, and Savior of the Nations: Born on Christmas Morn. Order at www.cph.org or by calling 800-325-3040. Offer good through October 1, 2009. Mention code YRM to receive the savings. The First Christmas Present shares the story of the perfect, first Christmas present, Jesus. Christmas Around the World teaches young readers the Christmas customs of different cultures including songs, foods, dress, and greetings. "This beautifully designed and culture-rich book is perfect for use in the home or the classroom," Liszewski adds. Silent Night is based on the history of the well-known carol, "Silent Night." Savior of the Nations: Born on Christmas Morn explores the human and divine characteristics of the Savior who came for all people. "Traditions like presents, lights, trees, decorations, and food are a fun way to celebrate Christmas, but the Christian celebration is so much more meaningful. And Concordia Publishing House children's Christmas books share the true meaning of the season," says Liszewski. A New Look at Evangelism in Today's Mission Field Mission from the Cross: The Lutheran Theology of Mission, new from Concordia Publishing House, examines the nature and study of mission and how it is accomplished today. Author Klaus Detlev Schulz reviews the current trends in evangelism through culture, communication styles, language, and strategy. Mission from the Cross is available at www.cph.org (keyword: mission), or by calling 800-325-3040. "In Mission from the Cross, Schulz makes an impassioned appeal for the sort of self-sacrificing, personal commitment to Christ and world mission that led him, his father, and other Lutheran missionaries to carry the Gospel message to those who had never heard of the Savior or believed in Him," shares Rev. Edward Engelbrecht, general editor of The Lutheran Study Bible. The cross is paramount to effective evangelism. Engelbrecht asserts that, "the cross of Christ-the life-giving Gospel-draws us into service and sustains us in that service and love for fellow sinners whom God justifies by grace alone." Rev. Charles P. Schaum, editor of professional and academic books at CPH, says, "Mission from the Cross offers a clear picture for pastors to be both confessional and missional, to engage in serious conversation with those in the world while remaining not of the world." "This evangelism resource answers a crying need for materials that can be used in the classroom and in the parish to address the concept of mission comprehensively and in a structured manner," shares Ken Liszewski, manager of books for Concordia Publishing House. Back to top A happy and safe Labor Day weekend to you and your family from the staff of the District Office! 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: 80022 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20090902/9266cd9e/attachment.txt -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 12979 bytes Desc: image001.jpg Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20090902/9266cd9e/image001-0001.jpg From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Thu Sep 3 11:41:25 2009 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Thu, 03 Sep 2009 16:41:25 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] Allard Warneke Called to Glory Message-ID: + OBITUARY + Allard D. Warneke, Commissioned Minister-Emeritus, departed this life on September 1, 2009, at the Golden Living Center, Columbus, NE. He was born on August 25, 1940, in Pierce, Nebraska, to Martin and Pearl (Brummels) Warneke. He married Janice Huseman on July 15, 1962, in Alta, Iowa. He graduated from Concordia Teachers College (now University), Seward, in 1961, and received a Masters Degree from Concordia University, Nebraska in 1985. Congregations and schools served include: teacher in Ogallala, Nebraska; and teacher and principal in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and Zion, Hastings, where he retired July 31, 2003. Allard served on the Board of Directors for the Nebraska District and Mid-South District of the LCMS. He served on the Heartland Lutheran High School Board in Grand Island, Nebraska. He served as a teacher and superintendent for Sunday school. Mr. Warneke was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Hastings, Nebraska. He loved teaching children and loved his own grandchildren and playing cards. He played and coached sports, and sang in the church choir. Mr. Warneke is survived by his wife, Janice of Juniata, NE; his mother, Pearl of Battle Creek, NE; one son, Kevin Warneke ( Kimberly) of Plano, Texas; two daughters, Julie Warneke of Josephine, Texas; Jeana Buhman (Phil) of Columbus, NE; and six grandchildren, Lindsey, Kaleb, Jessica, Amber, Natalie, and Mark. Three brothers, Arlan Warneke of Pierce, NE; and Arvid Warneke and Alan Warneke, both of Battle Creek, NE. Three sisters, Arlis Meyer and Anita Hupp both of Norfolk, NE, and Angie Wiese of Haven, Kansas. He was preceded in death by his father Martin. The funeral service will be Friday, September 4, 2009, at 10:30 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, Hastings. A graveside service will be Friday, September 4, at 4 p.m. at the Hillcrest Cemetery in Norfolk, NE. Visitation is Thursday, September 3, 2009, from noon to 9 p.m. with the family present from 4 p.m.-8 p.m. at the Brand-Wilson Funeral Home, Hastings. Memorials may be given to the three Lutheran schools where Mr. Warneke served, Zion Lutheran Church, Hastings, NE; First Lutheran Church in Fort Smith, Arkansas; or St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ogallala, NE. Condolences may be sent to www.brandwilson.com. Nichole Hetz Nebraska District LCMS Director of Communications 1-888-643-2961 nicholeh at ndlcms.org www.ndlcms.org -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: text/html Size: 9565 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20090903/d109d40f/attachment.txt From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Sep 9 15:14:36 2009 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 09 Sep 2009 20:14:36 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] September 9 Message-ID: [cid:image001.gif at 01CA315F.B6BACCB0] September 9, 2009 In this issue: Greetings in the name of our loving Heavenly Father. With the passing of Labor Day each year, many people-especially children-realize summer has drawn to an end and the routine of school has become their new reality. While many schools in Nebraska begin in August, September is still thought of as "education month" by most. Many churches hold their "Rally Sunday," or first day of Christian education classes, on the Sunday following Labor Day. While this rhythm seems to make sense and is familiar to many, the questions most often not answered are, "What are we teaching?" or, "What are the students learning?" Quick answers would surely include: Bible stories, Bible verses, Catechism instruction, and Christian songs, followed by the old stand-bys of reading, math skills, spelling, social studies, and more. None of these answers would be wrong, but are we missing something? The Nebraska District is committed to encouraging Lutheran congregations and schools in "missional Lutheran education." What does that mean? The simple answer is making Lutheran parish and school education available to all people to equip them as witnesses for Christ. The real question might be, "What does that look like?" In truth, it will look different in every congregation and every school, but the common thread will be the proclamation of the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ on the lips of every man, woman, and child of the LCMS. As children and adults spend time in God's Word, in prayer, and in singing praises, they will also learn about sharing the joy that the Holy Spirit has placed in them because of the free gift of salvation they received through their Baptism. So, as your congregation prepares to begin parish education classes, or as your school faculty continues to prepare lesson plans, consider how "missional" your Lutheran education is. Are we equipping people to be witnesses for Christ? Would you like to know more about what this can look like in your congregation? Contact Nebraska District education executive Don Weber at 888-643-2961 or donw at ndlcms.org for more information or resources on missional Lutheran education. * Prayer Requests * One Rural Ministry Conference Scholarship Still Available * New District Financial Aid Application Deadlines * Concordia Visit Days for Prospective Students * Celebrate CPH's Anniversary with 140-Hour Sale * Omaha Tri-Circuit Worship Service * Needed: 14 Short-Term Mission Teams for Poland * Plum Creek Literacy Festival * Christmas Program Emphasizes God's Gift of Salvation for All * "StudentConnect" Can Help Students Find Christ-Centered Community on Campus * The Lutheran Study Bible is Available Early * Upcoming Lutheran Marriage Encounter Weekends PRAYER REQUESTS Nathan Hultquist - We join in prayer with Nathan Hultquist and his family as he continues to be monitored by doctors following treatments for his brain tumors five summers ago. His grandparents, Rev. Don and Sandy Becker of Minden, share the following update and prayer request: Nathan (almost nine) will be heading to Denver on Thursday, September 10, for a check-up with specialists who are monitoring the side-effects of his radiation treatments for his brain tumors five summers ago. So far, his cancer has been in remission (praise God), but there are side-effects his doctors want to watch closely, and in turn to grant peace of mind to his parents Rob and Jen (Becker) Hultquist, members at St. Paul Lutheran, Minden. So we commend to Jesus them and all others who live in the shadows of the unpredictability of cancer and the side-effects of effective treatments. We pray that all will continue to look good for Nathan and that God's good and gracious will for all His children will be done. Nathan is now in third grade and in good health and good spirits. We thank God for the health He has granted Nathan, and we join in prayer for all those who are battling cancer. Back to top ONE RURAL MINISTRY CONFERENCE SCHOLARSHIP STILL AVAILABLE 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. Deadline for registration and scholarship application is October 2. Back to top NEW DISTRICT FINANCIAL AID APPLICATION DEADLINES Students who plan to apply to the Nebraska District for financial aid should take note of the new application deadlines. Application deadline for first semester is May 1, and the deadline for second semester is December 1. Nebraska District financial support is available to anyone preparing for full-time service in the church at a Concordia University System school or Concordia Seminary at Fort Wayne or St. Louis. Applicants must demonstrate financial need. The Concordia University System consists of the 10 LCMS-operated universities located in Ann Arbor, Austin, Bronxville, Irvine, Mequon, Portland, River Forest, St. Paul, Selma, and Seward. Application forms may be obtained from the District Office, from the universities and seminaries, or downloaded from the District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/education/education/aid.html. Back to top CONCORDIA VISIT DAYS FOR PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS Students interested in attending Concordia University, Nebraska in Seward or finding out what the University has to offer are invited to head to campus for one of the upcoming "Visit Days." Prospective students can find out all they can and experience the excitement at Concordia on the following dates: Friday October 9 Friday, November 6 Friday, December 4 Monday, January 18 Monday, February 15 Friday, March 26 Friday, April 23 A sample schedule would include: 8:30 a.m. Check-In 9:00 a.m. Welcome 9:30 a.m. Chapel 10:10 a.m. Visit a Class 11:00 a.m. Visit with Professors 11:30 a.m. Campus Tour 12:30 p.m. Let's Eat 1:15 p.m. Ask a CU Student/ Academics at Concordia seminar 2:00 p.m. "Getting In and Making It Affordable" seminar 2:30 p.m. Wrap-Up Call the Concordia admissions office at 800-535-5494 ext 7233 to sign up for a visit day or to create your own personal visit experience! Back to top CELEBRATE CPH'S ANNIVERSARY WITH 140-HOUR SALE On September 11, Concordia Publishing House (CPH) celebrates 140 years of ministry as the publisher for The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. Combined with the fall launch of the company's groundbreaking premier product, The Lutheran Study Bible, CPH will mark the milestone anniversary with an emphasis on its vision to be the premier provider of choice for products and services that set the bar for Christ-centered, Lutheran resources across the Church. CPH will celebrate its 140th with a special 140-hour sale, which commences at midnight on September 8, 2009. The sale will be available at http://www.cph.org/140. Concordia Publishing House began its ministry on September 11, 1869. The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod's first president, Dr. C. F. W. Walther considered quality Christian literature to be an essential part of the Church's role. This led local St. Louis congregations to become involved in the publishing business. The original print house made use of a $3,800 printing press, operated by a seven-horsepower steam generator. "The operation was considered high tech for its time," shares Dr. Bruce G. Kintz, President and Chief Executive Officer for CPH. "Today, we operate a 380,000 square-foot facility near the same historic site, using industry leading distribution technology and product development software to serve our customers with the latest digital products and services." CPH's first major project was a Lutheran annual, which contained a listing of pastors and congregations. The annual included a 3-page catalog of items available from the Synod's one-man marketing department, Mr. M.C. Barthel. Today, CPH publishes more than 8,000 resources that have been translated into 56 languages with sales that span many Christian denominations worldwide. "It's incredible to look back over the history of CPH and really consider the incredible changes in technology that we have experienced," Kintz says. "Today, we have our new Emerging Products department, which is completely focused on dreaming and developing digital and technology-driven products and services. This intentional focus will rapidly propel CPH forward into its next 140 years and allow us to serve better today's people in the online age." "Things change, and CPH has grown and changed with them," Kintz concludes. "But what has stayed constant has been this company's dedication to our mission to help the Church seek and save the lost for Jesus Christ. It doesn't get more innovative than that clear legacy, and it's that commitment to God's Word that will propel CPH into its next chapter." Back to top OMAHA TRI-CIRCUIT WORSHIP SERVICE LCMS Lutherans in Omaha will gather again for a joint worship service at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 27, at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in La Vista, located at 7706 S. 96th Street, between Harrison and Giles. Similar to the service held on September 16, 2007, at Divine Shepherd, Omaha, this service will be a joyous event with a variety of music and an inspiring message, along with the Lord's Supper. The speaker will be Rev. John Deang, Nebraska missionary-at-large for African immigrant ministry. The guest conductor will be Dr. Kurt Von Kampen of Concordia University. This worship service is designed to unite, encourage, and strengthen LCMS Lutherans of Omaha and greater Nebraska in their common mission. There will be a mass choir for adults, one for youth, and still another for children. There will also be a variety of instrumentalists and a contemporary worship band. A handbell choir will also be featured. The service will be followed with a reception. Back to top NEEDED: 14 SHORT-TERM MISSION TEAMS FOR POLAND (Reprinted with permission from the September 2009 Reporter, the official newspaper of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod) As a placement counselor for LCMS World Mission, Jennifer Mustard knows the value of sending teams of U.S. Lutherans to teach weeklong English "camps" in other countries. So she wasn't too surprised that sending five short-term teams to Poland for the first time this past July would be just as successful. The only problem was that there weren't enough teams to serve the 21 Polish congregations that had requested them. "I'm going to need a lot of teams for next year," Mustard said -- a minimum of 14, to be exact, with six to 10 members each. News about the weeklong English camps has spread "across the whole region," Mustard says, thanks to advertising by congregations of the Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in Poland -- which co-host the camps as outreach events; the church body's Center for Mission and Evangelism; media coverage by Polish TV stations and newspapers; and word of mouth. Even the mayor of Zabrze, in southern Poland, who visited a camp hosted by the local Lutheran church there, "was so impressed," Mustard said. In a thank-you letter dated July 18, Mayor Malgorzata Manka-Szulik told Mustard, in part: "I am glad that representatives of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod have organized the project from 13 to 18 of July 2009 in our city. It was a very precious and fruitful time for children living in Zabrze, very appreciated by all participants and their guardians. I hope that the project will be continued in the next years." Continuing the project is just what LCMS World Mission plans to do. Teams for July 2010 will lead camps at the seven congregations served this year, plus seven others in various parts of the country. Poland has Christians, according to Mustard, but many are "uncommitted" to their faith. The weeklong camps give local pastors opportunities to reach both congregation members and non-members, she said, and all of the hosting churches and communities are "very welcoming" to their U.S. guests. Through the camps, LCMS volunteers are expected to share their faith while helping Polish youth practice their English-language skills. The camps include Bible study, skits, crafts, games, music, dance, and sports competitions. Kathy Witto, a teacher at Martin Luther High School in Queens, N.Y., helped lead a camp in Lidzbark, in northern Poland. Her team consisted of two adults, three college students, and a high-school student. Their camp was similar to a vacation Bible school and involved 33 young people ages 9 to 18, "so our young team members fit right in," Witto said. Since the neighborhood around Martin Luther High School is largely populated by recent Polish immigrants, her short-term mission experience provided "a wonderful opportunity to build bridges between our school and community by learning more about the Polish culture and language," she said. Witto said she also enjoyed meeting the Polish pastors and congregation members, as well as the students, because "it was obvious their passion for -- and faithfulness to -- the Word was the reason they were there. It was another reminder of how far and wide the Body of Christ extends." Mustard said teams can come from a single congregation, or several, and no special training is necessary to serve as a short-term missionary. Team members can be any age, and families are welcome. All you need, she said, "is just a desire to speak to youth in English and share the Gospel." This year's cost totaled about $2,000 per person for 10 days, which included airfare, food, lodging, ground transportation, and international health insurance. Volunteers flew into Krakow, Poland, from their home cities, so airfare costs varied. For more information or to volunteer, send an e-mail to mission.teams at lcms.org or call 800-433-3954 and ask to speak with a placement counselor. Back to top PLUM CREEK LITERACY FESTIVAL The 14th annual Plum Creek Children's Literacy Festival hosted by Concordia University, Nebraska will take place Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 1-3. The event gives children and adults the opportunity to connect with nationally acclaimed authors and illustrators in order to enhance literacy enjoyment and education. Almost 9,000 children and adults are expected to take part in this year's festival. "It is so encouraging to see all of the smiling faces on campus," said Vikki Gremel, festival coordinator. "The festival is a lot of work, but seeing those faces makes it all worthwhile!" Four authors-John Archambault, David Biedrzycki, John Erickson, and Gordon Korman-will visit students in Seward-area schools on Thursday. On Friday, students from all over the Midwest will attend sessions with the authors and illustrators and participate in a variety of literacy activities. New this year is a session for sixth- through eighth-graders called "Music Alive!" by Concordia's music department. Registration remains open for the adult learning sessions on Saturday, Oct. 3. The adult conference includes a wide variety of workshops presented by authors, illustrators, and literacy experts. The adult sessions will be of special interest to early childhood, elementary, middle level, and secondary teachers, reading specialists, home school teachers, and media specialists. Carmen Deedy will be the luncheon guest speaker. Deedy is the award-winning author of numerous best-selling children's books including her newest picture book, Martina, the Beautiful Cockroach: A Cuban Folktale. Book sales will be available throughout the conference. More information and registration materials are available on the Concordia website at www.cune.edu/PlumCreek. Back to top CHRISTMAS PROGRAM EMPHASIZES GOD'S GIFT OF SALVATION FOR ALL Concordia Publishing House (CPH) introduces Savior of the Nations, the 2009 Advent-Christmas program designed to draw people to worship God's Gift of Jesus Christ, who was born to save the world. Many congregations use a complete Christmas program to focus the activities, worship life, and celebration they enjoy through this season of the year. With this program, congregations easily launch a complete program that appeals to all ages and can be used in a wide variety of settings. Savior of the Nations resources are available at www.cph.org or by calling 1-800-325-3040. The 2009 program is based on the hymn, "Savior of the Nations, Come." Rev. Scot Kinnaman, editor at CPH says, "This well-known hymn provides a rich resource for proclamation and teaching as we celebrate the birth of our Savior as a congregation." "The theme forms the basis for the Advent and Christmas program with preaching resources, Bible study, a devotional, and a children's Christmas worship service," Kinnaman continues. "Used together, CPH provides a complete resource to bring the congregation together in preparation, worship, and celebration, at church and at home." The theme is unique from other Christmas programs because of its emphasis on mission. CPH pairs the product with its new Christmas children's book, Christmas Around the World, which teaches young readers the Christmas customs of different cultures including songs, foods, dress, and greetings. "Savior of the Nations is about how Jesus came for all. He came for our brothers and sisters in Jamaica, Australia, and everywhere else in His creation," says Deaconess Pamela Nielsen, senior editor at CPH who helped produce the children's service. "With this Advent-Christmas program, children, and even adults, develop a sense of the Church and the world at large." The children's service CD-ROM includes a complete early childhood Christmas service. The program is adaptable to create a Christmas pageant. Back to top "STUDENTCONNECT" CAN HELP STUDENTS FIND CHRIST-CENTERED COMMUNITY ON CAMPUS (Reprinted with permission, from Reporter Online, http://www.lcms.org/pages/reporter.asp?NavID=2155) "StudentConnect" is a new service developed by LCMS Campus Ministry to help college students connect with a campus ministry. With StudentConnect, students use an online form to provide information that a campus pastor or ministry worker uses to personally contact the student. "StudentConnect has the potential to help a student establish a relationship with a campus ministry even before he or she arrives on campus," says Jon Jensen, executive director of LCMS Campus Ministry. "We're excited about that -- what a great way to get a head start on building community." Any student, family member, pastor, or youth ministry leader can go to the LCMS Campus Ministry website and complete the StudentConnect form. The information is provided confidentially to a campus ministry worker, who then contacts the student. "We want to help congregations continue to be active in ministry to their member students who go away to college," Jensen said. "We know that many already stay in touch through greeting cards, prayer circles, care packages, personal contacts from home pastors, even webcasts of their worship services. This is still another resource -- a way for congregations to partner with ministry professionals who are on the ground in campus communities and who care deeply about the spiritual growth of their member students." Students whose schools are not served by a campus ministry can use StudentConnect to find or start a Lutheran Student Fellowship group or start a campus ministry. "Students can actually play a vital role in making StudentConnect a valuable tool," says Jensen. "If you're a student, you can tell the pastor or youth worker at your home congregation about it and explain how it can serve as an important ministry link to all of your church's student members away at college. The better we're all connected, the stronger we are together." For more information or to fill out an online form, visit www.lcmscampusministry.org and click on "LCMA StudentConnect." Back to top THE LUTHERAN STUDY BIBLE IS AVAILABLE EARLY The much-anticipated release of The Lutheran Study Bible from Concordia Publishing House (CPH) has arrived. Six and a half years of research, writing, editing, and design have culminated in a Bible that is the first 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. Scheduled to arrive for Reformation Day, October 31, 2009, The Lutheran Study Bible hardback edition is available now at cph.org/lutheranbible or by calling 1-800-325-3040. The leather editions are due to arrive at the end of September, a month before the intended release date. The Lutheran Study Bible uses the English Standard Version(r) translation, one of the fastest-growing translations worldwide and considered one of the most precise English translations available. It includes a wealth of features, including 26,500 study notes; maps, charts, and diagrams; 220 articles; and 90,000 cross-references. "These features guide biblical students to a richer understanding of His Word and how we can apply it to our daily lives," shares Dr. Kurt Senske, president and CEO of Lutheran Social Services of the South. "The Lutheran Study Bible is certain to be a comfortable, constant companion on my personal spiritual journey." Like most study Bibles, The Lutheran Study Bible offers interpretation of the Word and life application, but this Bible also offers a mission approach. General Editor of TLSB, Rev. Edward A. Engelbrecht says, "I believe that a great resource like The Lutheran Study Bible must lead people to pray for and practice sound catechesis and mission work: the spread of the Gospel at home and abroad. We developed The Lutheran Study Bible not only to provide sound interpretation and personal application but also to motivate and encourage Gospel outreach." "The editors have placed a 'Mission Icon' next to sections and verses of Scripture which speak of the privilege and necessity of sharing the Good News of the Gospel," says Rev. Dr. Thomas Zehnder executive director of LCMS World Mission. "Thus the student of the Bible is given a visual reminder that we are not only to read the Word but to share the Word." For more information on The Lutheran Study Bible, or to order your own copy, visit the Concordia Publishing House website, www.cph.org. Back to top UPCOMING LUTHERAN MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKENDS Lutheran Marriage Encounter weekends are planned in the area this fall and early next spring. Couples are encouraged to consider this opportunity to nurture their marriage and appreciate the blessings God gives through marriage. To learn more about these weekends, contact Dayle and Terri Mautz at 402-540-8508 or dtmautz at yahoo.com, or Vern and Karen Harrington at 712-533-6221 or giblem at frontiernet.net. Choose from the following dates and locations: October 2-4 in Omaha; November 20-22 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota; February 12-14 in Lincoln; or March 5-7 in LeMars, Iowa. Find out more about Lutheran Marriage Encounter at www.godlovesmarriage.com. Back to top Thanks to all who shared information to be passed along in this week's Update. Information from the congregations and ministries helps make this electronic newsletter a useful ministry tool for all. If you have something you would like shared in a future Update, email the information to communications at ndlcms.org or call the District Office at 888-643-2961. 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: 67675 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20090909/2587fbb7/attachment.txt -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.gif Type: image/gif Size: 7996 bytes Desc: image001.gif Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20090909/2587fbb7/image001-0001.gif From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Thu Sep 17 08:40:15 2009 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Thu, 17 Sep 2009 13:40:15 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] September 16 Message-ID: [cid:image001.gif at 01CA376F.3AC1D700] September 16, 2009 In this issue: Greetings in the name of our Heavenly Father. The Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Rome, "For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." (Romans 15:4) What a blessing it is to know that God loved us enough to give us His Word to teach us, so that we might have the hope of eternal life with Him through His Son, Jesus Christ. This verse can serve to remind us to faithfully teach God's Word to the children, youth, and adults in our congregations, and encourage members, parents, and children to take advantage of the Christian education opportunities available through their congregations. By spending time reading and studying "everything that was written in the past," we are encouraged in the hope we have in Jesus Christ. As the Holy Spirit works through the lessons taught in Bible classes, Sunday school, Midweek, or day school, this hope is strengthened, and the joy that comes from knowing Jesus as the Savior increases. It is this joy that overflows into daily life, allowing us to be witnesses to those around us. The Ablaze! movement is exactly that, being prepared to give a personal witness of the hope and joy you have because Jesus Christ is your Lord and Savior. There is no complex evangelism program or strategy to follow. Simply take the opportunities God gives you each day to share the Gospel message of eternal life through Jesus Christ with those who don't have a relationship with Him. May your time spent in the study of God's Word and in prayer give you the "encouragement of the Scriptures" to share the hope you have in Jesus Christ with those you meet each day. * Prayer Requests * Teachers' Conference Registration Materials Available * Youth Gathering Registration Now Open * Omaha Area Reformation Festival * Concordia University Homecoming Alumni Awards * Finding Answers by Dealing with Darwinism * "Contemplate..." Registration Deadline Upcoming * Men's NetWork Bible Study Reviews History, Authenticity of Scripture * New From Concordia Publishing House PRAYER REQUESTS Pastor Harold and Glenda King - We lift up prayers of healing for Pastor Harold and Glenda King, who remain hospitalized with injuries from a motorcycle accident last week. They sustained multiple injuries that are not life-threatening but are very painful. We ask that the Lord would surround them with His healing hands, grant them relief from the pain, and speed their healing. Pastor King serves the congregations of St. Paul, Holstein and Zion, Juniata, and we also pray for these congregations as they continue in ministry and care for the Kings during their time of recovery. Tabitha Eve Weaver - Please remember in prayer Tabitha Eve Weaver, infant daughter of Pastor David and Kassie Weaver of St. Matthew, Meadow Grove and St. Paul, Tilden, who underwent successful surgery this week. We place this tiny child in the Lord's loving hands with prayers for comfort and healing, as well as prayers of strength for her parents. Tabitha's grandparents are Rev. Gerry and Joyce Weaver of St. Peter, Snyder, and Trinity, Howells. Back to top TEACHERS' CONFERENCE REGISTRATION MATERIALS AVAILABLE The Nebraska District Lutheran teachers are scheduled to meet in conference on Thursday and Friday, October 22 and 23, at Trinity Lutheran Church and School, with sessions for secondary teachers at Heartland Lutheran High School, both in Grand Island. Registration materials were emailed to all school administrators and preschool directors this week. All registrations with full payment are due to the District Office by October 9. More information and registration materials are available to be printed from the District website, www.ndlcms.org. Teachers who are not on a school faculty are encouraged to contact Carol Oetting at the District Office, carolo at ndlcms.org or 888-643-2961, for registration information. Back to top YOUTH GATHERING REGISTRATION NOW OPEN Online registration for the LCMS National Youth Gathering in New Orleans July 17-21, 2010, opened September 14. Now youth leaders can begin entering data into the online system. Following completion of data entry, leaders will be prompted to print two forms, a Pastoral Affirmation Form and a Registration Account Form. They are to obtain appropriate signatures and mail these forms with the appropriate deposit to the National Gathering Office on or after October 21. Mailing in the forms and deposit will officially register groups for the Gathering. Do not mail these forms before October 21, as they will be returned and will delay Gathering registration. The priority window for Gathering registration is October 21 - November 4. Groups sending their information between these dates will receive priority consideration for Gathering registration and housing. For more information on how to enter data for your group and take advantage of the early registration data entry, visit the Gathering website at http://www.lcmsgathering.com/Index.asp. Back to top OMAHA AREA REFORMATION FESTIVAL A Reformation Festival service will be offered at Pacific Hills, 90th and Pacific, Omaha, co-sponsored by the Omaha North Circuit, on Sunday, October 25, at 2:30 p.m. Rev. Russ Sommerfeld, Nebraska District president, will be the preacher. The service will include the special music of Mount Olive and Pacific Hills Sanctuary Choirs under the direction of Barbara Fremder, M.M., and Omaha Brass under the direction of Joel Edwards. Everyone is invited to attend. Back to top CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY HOMECOMING ALUMNI AWARDS The Concordia University, Nebraska Alumni Association will honor individuals and couples at a ceremony in the Thom Leadership Education Center at 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 9. The ceremony and following dinner reception are part of Concordia's 2009 Homecoming, Alumni Reunion, and Family Weekend, taking place Oct. 9-11. The awards are given each year to those who have made significant accomplishments in their professional lives, personal pursuits, or service to the university, church, or world. A full listing of awards is available at http://www.cune.edu/resources/docs/news-releases/NR-019%20Honored%20alumni.pdf. The following award recipients have connections with the Nebraska District. Church Worker Alumna of the Year: Virginia R. Kohtz Virginia R. Kohtz of Seward, Neb., has spent almost fifty years working with young people. Kohtz came to Concordia as a 13-year-old high school freshman, earned her bachelor's degree in education in 1961 and her master's degree in 1973. After beginning her teaching career at Atonement Lutheran in Dearborn, Mich., and then moving to Bethlehem Lutheran in Roseville, Mich., Kohtz returned to Seward in 1967 to serve at St. John Lutheran School. She remained at St. John's for 38 years, teaching mostly first grade. Kohtz retired from teaching in 2005 but remains active at the school, working in the library. She is involved in the congregation of St. John Lutheran Church in the Stephen Ministry, Christ Care, tape ministry, and as a greeter. She also is active in the community through her work with the Plum Creek Children's Literacy Festival, the Memorial Hospital auxiliary and the Concordia University book fair. Lifetime Service: Rev. Gerald W. and Judith A. (Werth) Roggow Rev. Gerald and Judith Roggow of Enid, Okla., have served in education and in pastoral work for more than 45 years. After meeting at Concordia and graduating in 1963, the Roggows moved to California where Judith taught at First Lutheran School in Alhambra, and Gerald was principal at Highland Park Lutheran. Gerald then accepted a call to Christ Lutheran School in Norfolk, Neb., to serve as principal. He completed his master's degree in elementary administration from Concordia and his Master of Divinity from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Mo., before serving as a pastor at Zion Lutheran Church, Bancroft, Neb., and at St. John Lutheran Church, Ord, Neb. Judith worked at Abbey Christian Book Store, Norfolk, Neb., Concordia Publishing House Book Store, St. Louis, Mo., and Bancroft Community Preschool, Bancroft, Neb., while raising their five children. Presently retired, Gerald serves part time as pastor at First Lutheran Church in Pond Creek, Okla., and Judith teaches Sunday school and works part time as the church secretary. The Roggows have served Concordia University through its Alumni Association, the Concordia Guild, and the Board of Regents. Congratulations to these honorees and all who are being recognized for excellence. Back to top FINDING ANSWERS BY DEALING WITH DARWINISM Created in God's image or evolved from a lower species? Living in the promise of God's eternal care or survival of the fittest? So are some of the questions discussed every day among students, scientists, teachers, and most every segment of the general population. Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN, is providing an excellent resource to help answer those questions by offering Dealing with Darwinism, October 9-10. Presenting at the conference will be Dr. Dean O. Wenthe, President, CTS; Dr. Adam Francisco, Assistant Professor of Historical Theology, CTS; and Dr. David Menton, Associate Professor Emeritus of Anatomy at Washington University School of Medicine. Dr. Menton also serves as a speaker for Answers in Genesis which is the organization responsible for the Creation Museum located just outside Cincinnati, OH. The conference will focus on what one might call the ideology or worldview of Darwinism. The various presentations will focus especially on responding to Darwinism from a scientific, theological, and historical perspective. "Much of contemporary science and, in fact, culture is informed by a Darwinian worldview," says Dr. Francisco. "No matter how you look at it, one thing is clear: it is inimical to the Gospel in particular and a biblical worldview in general. Dealing with Darwinism will assist anyone concerned with contending for the biblical faith against its chief opponent." College and high school students, pastors, teachers, and parents will benefit greatly from this conference. Anyone interested in learning about Darwin and various ways to think about and respond to Darwinism will find the conference stimulating. For more information or to register, go to www.ctsfw.edu or phone 260-452-2172. Back to top "CONTEMPLATE..." REGISTRATION DEADLINE UPCOMING Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, is pleased to invite prospective students and their guests to attend "Contemplate..." to be held October 8-10 on the Seminary campus. The registration deadline is September 24. Designed for those who are college age or older, the structured visitation event provides an effective means of learning more about life in the Concordia Seminary community and the preparation that leads to service as a pastor, missionary, chaplain, or deaconess in The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. Throughout the three-day event, visitors and their guests will attend classes with student ambassadors; take a campus tour; listen to various presentations on the admissions process, field education and vicarage, and life transitions; and attend chapel services. There is no charge to attend "Contemplate..." and all meals and lodging are provided free of charge. Round-trip transportation to Concordia Seminary from the airport is provided. For more information, contact the Admissions Office at 1-800-822-9545 or admissions at csl.edu. Back to top MEN'S NETWORK BIBLE STUDY REVIEWS HISTORY, AUTHENTICITY OF SCRIPTURE How We Got the Bible, the newest video Bible study from LHM Men's NetWork, takes an in-depth look at the dynamic processes behind the formation of Scripture. Dr. Paul L. Maier, professor of ancient history and best-selling author, serves as host and shares his expertise and intellectual passion on the inspiration, production, and canonization of God's Word. The 66 books of the Holy Bible represent a complex story of inspiration and providence in the ways they have been transmitted and preserved across the centuries. Maier discusses the Old and New Testaments, the reliability of Scripture, the tortuous saga of the Bible's translation into English, and how each of the more than 300 prophecies concerning the Messiah was fulfilled in the life, death, and resurrection of God's only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Joining Maier in this five-lesson Bible study is Joel Lampe, manager of The Bible Museum in Goodyear, Arizona. Together they examine ancient manuscripts and rare Bibles from the museum's collection. Offering additional commentary are Bruce Wurdeman, executive director of Lutheran Hour Ministries, and Dr. Jeff Kloha, associate professor of exegetical theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. For more information on this and other original video Bible studies of LHM Men's NetWork, go to www.lhmmen.com. Bible studies and discussion guides are free and can be accessed from the web. To utilize these resources, take two minutes and go to "register now!" at the top right-hand corner of the Men's NetWork homepage. Back to top NEW FROM CONCORDIA PUBLISHING HOUSE Children's Christmas Book Delivers the Real Gift of Christmas In a marketplace saturated with Christmas children's books, The First Christmas Present, a new release from Concordia Publishing House, provides a standout performance and re-emphasizes that time-true phrase, "Jesus is the reason for the season." Through a simplified retelling of the Christmas story, The First Christmas Present invites children to become involved in faithful response to the gift of the Savior, asking, "Will you give Him a song? Will you give Him a prayer? Will you do something kind and good for someone?" The First Christmas Present is available at www.cph.org or by calling 800-325-3040. "Adults know that even with all of the busyness of the season, the real message is Jesus Christ," says Ken Liszewski, manager of books for Concordia Publishing House. "The First Christmas Present is a clear, creative way to start teaching your children this essential message." "Start a family tradition," suggests Liszewski, "read this book before opening presents to honor Jesus' birth and celebrate the real meaning of the season." Teach Children About the Lutheran Faith Though it is easy for children to remember Christian holidays like Christmas and Easter, many are unfamiliar with other seasons and special days of the Christian church year. To help young Christians learn more about their faith, Concordia Publishing House (CPH) presents Ordering Our Days in His Peace, a children's book about the life and work of Jesus and the Church through the times of the church year. Appropriate for young readers with colorful illustrations alongside biblical and liturgical text, Ordering Our Days walks the reader through the three main sections of the church year: the Time of Christmas, the Time of Easter, and the Time of the Church. Ordering Our Days in His Peace explains how worship practice also changes during different times of the church year. Stories connect God's Word with activities within the church and explains what each part of the church year offers. This 48-page, hardback book is $8.99 and can be found at www.cph.org. A bulk quantity discount is available for this product. If purchasing 15 or more copies, the price is only $7 per book. Use order code 223103DAY to receive special pricing. Unusual, Bizarre, "Gross" Biblical Accounts Fascinate Students "No way, that's in the Bible?" is the reaction author Rev. Jay Reed hears when he talks about the unusual accounts in the Bible that are featured in his new youth Bible study from Concordia Publishing House (CPH). That's in the Bible?! Bizarre Biblical Accounts explores 16 Bible stories that include the more unusual, bizarre, or gross accounts in Scripture. That's in the Bible?! is a downloadable Bible study available only at www.cph.org. CPH decided to pursue the "more unusual" project because of the frequency of the feedback received from many middle school leaders who share how difficult it can be to engage students at this age. "By this time, particularly if students have been regular attendees at Sunday school, they often think they've heard 'all' the Bible stories. They probably haven't heard these," says Mark Sengele, editor for youth materials. Sengele explains That's in the Bible?! was designed with middle school and junior high guys in mind. "It captures their already insatiable interest in the bizarre, unusual, just plain gross and uses it to direct them to the study of God's Word, but really the uniqueness of the content draws in the girls, too." "Some of the stories include a talking donkey, a guy killed while hanging by his hair in a tree, and the infamous account of a woman who drove a tent peg through a guy's head," Reed says enthusiastically. "The problem is that a lot of these stories get tossed on the 'Bible oddities' shelf, right next to 'Myths, Legends, and Stuff You'll Never Understand.' The point of this study is to help students understand the Bible, even the weird parts of it, as God's Word." Each of the 16 lessons has reproducible student pages. The study also includes materials to invite students to the study-postcard templates, PowerPoint slides, bulletin/newsletter inserts, and clip art. "These unusual stories from the Bible are especially helpful in capturing the attention of the sometimes hard-to-reach middle school and junior high students while the focus on Christ and the Gospel message remains clear," says Jim Stropnik, marketing manager of Bible studies for CPH. Reed says, "Through the different activities in each lesson, your students will learn to let the Bible explain the Bible; to find other passages that clarify the more difficult to understand." Christian Marriage Resource Strengthens Couples Marriage statistics paint a turbulent view of life-long commitment and faithfulness. To help Christian couples nurture and protect their vows, Concordia Publishing House (CPH) announces the release of The Power of We: God's Gift of Marriage, a DVD-based Bible study that helps couples work on their communication skills in premarital or early marriage counseling or as a marriage enrichment course. The Power of We is available at cph.org or by calling 800-325-3040. "The Power of We is a powerful series that can transform the way that couples relate and communicate with each other," says Rev. Robert C. Baker, senior editor of adult Bible studies at CPH. "Having used this series in the parish as part of pre-marital counseling sessions, I can tell you it works." "The Power of We was originally developed in the 1990s with VHS and print materials and was well received," says Jim Stropnik, manager of Bible studies and Bibles at CPH. "This new, convenient DVD and CD-ROM format makes this a more cost-effective option. If you need more participant guides, all you have to do is insert the CD-ROM, print, and it's available immediately." Couples using this course will discover a scriptural understanding of marriage through the weekly study and video vignettes. The videos show examples of the challenges in marriage relationships and how it is in God's grace that marital relationships grow and flourish. The CD-ROM contains a leader's guide and participant book. While the course can be completed in six, one-hour sessions, extra material in the participant book is included to extend the course to twelve, one-hour sessions. Between-session activities are also suggested in the book. Baker continues, "This re-release of The Power of We on DVD and CD-ROM is perfect for the busy pastor, marriage counselor, or dedicated church professional looking for a practical, Christ-centered resource to help minister to couples looking to marry, for marriage retreats, or even for those just looking to better their communication skills." "Every parish should have a copy of The Power of We on DVD and CD-ROM and should use it," shares Baker. Back to top Thank you to all who shared information for this week's Update. If there is information here you know others would appreciate having, please feel free to forward part or all of this message. Invite them to register to receive the E-mail Update in their inbox every week by sending their email address to communications at ndlcms.org. Questions and suggestions may be e-mailed to that address as well. 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: 58928 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20090917/3b848b49/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/20090917/3b848b49/image001-0001.gif From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Sep 23 13:56:21 2009 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 23 Sep 2009 18:56:21 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] September 23 Message-ID: [cid:image001.gif at 01CA3C53.EE20A770] September 23, 2009 In this issue: Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Lutheran schools are a tremendous blessing to the students, their families, and the communities the schools serve. Many of the students and teachers in the Lutheran schools of Nebraska are developing mission eyes to see the fertile mission fields surrounding them. Examples from around the District show how Lutheran schools are teaching the students to be missionaries, both in their communities and around the world. Each year the Nebraska District schools are invited to take part in the "Hearts for Jesus" project as designated by the principals. This project alternates between a District ministry and a mission project outside of the District. The 2009-2010 project stays in the Nebraska District to help support Jesus Our Savior Lutheran School Association of Winnebago, which opened the newest grade school in the Nebraska District this fall. Children also learn to be missionaries in their own communities through community outreach projects. Students around the District take part in various mission activities, including singing in nursing homes, community service days, gathering food and other need items for food banks, and supporting missionaries through their prayers and offerings. These are just some examples of ways Lutheran schools in Nebraska are becoming more missional, equipping students and their families to be lifelong witnesses for Christ. For more information on Lutheran schools in Nebraska, or for ideas on how your school can include a mission focus, contact Don Weber, Lutheran School Superintendent, at the District Office, 888-643-2961 or donw at ndlcms.org. A listing of Lutheran schools in Nebraska is also available online at http://www.ndlcms.org/locator/schools/index.html. * Pastors' Conference Registration Materials Available * Teachers' Conference Registration Reminder * Secretaries' Workshop Information Available * Circuit Delegates for Synodical Convention * Concordia Publishing House Warehouse Sale in Seward * Concordia University, Nebraska Offers New Majors * Selah and Avalon in Concert * New Nebraska Missionaries on the Field * Invitational Campus Visit Planned for Prospective Students * Pastor Appreciation Challenge * Take Your Witnessing Training to the Next Level * Sutures Needed for Medical Missions PASTORS' CONFERENCE REGISTRATION MATERIALS AVAILABLE Pastors in the District should have received registration materials for the upcoming Fall Pastors' Conference earlier this week by email or by U.S. mail. Pastors are encouraged to visit the District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/news/conferences/pastors/index.html to view and print conference materials. If you are a pastor in the District and you did not receive an email notice or a paper copy in the mail, please contact Kim Hofer at the District Office to request a copy. She may be reached at 888-643-2961 or kimh at ndlcms.org. The fall conference will be held at Sandhills Convention Center, North Platte, on October 26-27. The registration deadline is Monday, October 12. Back to top TEACHERS' CONFERENCE REGISTRATION REMINDER A reminder that principals and preschool directors should have received the registration packet for the Nebraska District Teachers' Conference to be held October 22-23 at Trinity Lutheran Church and School in Grand Island. Last week's email incorrectly stated there would be conference sessions held at Heartland High School. Only the banquet Thursday evening will be held at Heartland. All conference sessions will be at Trinity. The registration materials and conference information are also available on the District website, www.ndlcms.org. The registration deadline is October 9. Back to top SECRETARIES' WORKSHOP INFORMATION AVAILABLE The Nebraska District will once again sponsor a Church/School Secretary Workshop November 3 at Concordia University, Seward. Under the theme "Encouraged in Heart and United in Love," based on Romans 15:5, the day will feature Pastor Mark Rockenbach, District Executive for Church Worker Health, 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. There will also be a time of networking and gaining tips and ideas from each other. Registration materials were mailed to church and school offices today. More information and online registration is available on the District website at www.ndlcms.org. Back to top CIRCUIT DELEGATES FOR SYNODICAL CONVENTION The deadline for circuit forums to meet and select delegates to the 2010 Synodical Convention July 10-17 in Houston is Saturday, October 10. Delegates chosen for the July convention will also be invited to attend the Synod Structure and Governance Regional Gathering in Denver on December 4-5. Registration materials for this gathering are due to St. Louis by the end of October, so circuit counselors are asked to turn in names of circuit delegates as soon as they are selected to allow us to start making adequate travel and lodging arrangements. Thank you for your assistance. Back to top CONCORDIA PUBLISHING HOUSE WAREHOUSE SALE IN SEWARD Concordia Publishing house brings its Warehouse Sale--the largest sale of the year--to the campus of Concordia University, Nebraska. The sale is open Friday, October 23, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, October 24, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. During this time, excess inventory from Concordia Publishing House is offered at deep discounts. Sale items include books for children and adults, teaching resources, and more. The Concordia Publishing House Warehouse Sale is located in the Janzow Campus Center on the Concordia University campus in Seward. For more information about the Warehouse Sale, call 402-643-7405. Back to top CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY, NEBRASKA OFFERS NEW MAJORS Undergraduate students at Concordia University, Nebraska were able to choose from new programs across the curriculum this fall. The university's new contemporary music program features areas of concentration in performance, composition, audio production, and multimedia elements. The program prepares students for the variety of worship styles and situations within the church today. "We are creating music messengers to carry the truth of God's love and grace in many different styles," said Assistant Professor Peter Prochnow, who joined the faculty in the spring to develop the program. Those interested in the business end of agriculture are now able to earn a business administration degree with an emphasis in agribusiness. This emphasis was made possible through a consortium agreement with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Students can now select environmental science as a field of study at Concordia. The university added the program in part because of the job market for graduates. Employment of environmental scientists is expected to increase by 25 percent between 2006 and 2016. Forensic science, an emphasis that involves the application of science to law, has also been added as a program by Concordia. Students will study pathology, anthropology, chemical analysis of drugs and other evidence, DNA, ballistics, and crime scene investigation. The new world and intercultural studies major is a cross-disciplinary major with a broad-based approach designed to appeal to students with interests in international service, communication, world missions, language, and cultural studies. An arts administration major is designed to give students the administrative skills needed to lead and manage arts organizations. Graduates will have a leg up on jobs that can vary from marketing a music studio to curating an art gallery. "Arts administration is vital to ensuring that the visual and performance arts are successful," said Renea Gernant, professor of communication and English, Communication, and Theatre department chair. "Concordia brings together strong programs in art, music, and theatre with equally strong programs in business and communication to offer students the basis to help the arts and artists flourish." Back to top SELAH AND AVALON IN CONCERT Popular Christian music artists Selah and Avalon will be performing at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in La Vista on Sunday, October 11. The concert starts at 6:30 p.m.; doors open at 5:45. All tickets are general admission and are $15 each ($12 each for groups of 10 or more). Tickets are available at Beautiful Savior or online at iTickets.com (a service charge applies for online purchases). The church is located at 7706 South 96th Street between Harrison and Giles. Seating is limited, so get your tickets soon! Please call 402-331-7376 for more information. Back to top NEW NEBRASKA MISSIONARIES ON THE FIELD LCMS World Mission is pleased to share that Megan Kincaid (Holy Cross, Kearney), Lynette Lierman (Beautiful Savior, La Vista), and Ben Smith (Trinity, Lincoln) are entering into missionary service. Megan and Lynette will serve in Hong Kong, while Ben will serve in Latvia. LCMS World Mission is thankful for the gifts of missionaries, for their enthusiasm to share the Gospel, and for their willingness to serve the Lord in a new and different place. Congregations and individuals are encouraged to support the work that Megan, Lynette, and Ben will be doing in Hong Kong and Latvia, especially through prayer. Their prayer cards may be downloaded from the LCMS website at www.lcmsworldmission.org/prayercards and can serve as a reminder for any prayer ministry. A daily prayer calendar is also available from the LCMS World Mission website at www.lcmsworldmission.org/resources, which provides specific prayer topics for ministries in the United States and around the world. Congregations or individuals who are moved to support Megan, Lynette, or Ben financially can find their LCMS online project pages at: www.lcms.org?14941 (Megan), www.lcms.org?15269 (Lynette), and www.lcms.org?15299 (Ben). If you have any questions about the missionary service of Megan, Lynette, and Ben, the mission fields in Hong Kong and Latvia, or other missionary service opportunities available to individuals through LCMS World Mission, contact LCMS World Mission at 1-800-433-3954. Back to top INVITATIONAL CAMPUS VISIT PLANNED FOR PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS Perhaps you have been thinking about the possibility of serving in Christ's church. You may have discussed it with your family and your pastor. If you are ready to take the next step in finding out how you might become a pastor or deaconess in The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, consider joining Concordia Theological Seminary for their Invitational Campus Visit being held October 22-24 on their campus in Fort Wayne, Indiana. You will have the opportunity to worship each day, meet with faculty, observe in the classroom, and get to know the student body. You will learn about the programs of study and find out about the financial aid that is available. "Seminary education is an adventure in itself. You will never be the same. So perhaps now is the time to learn how to enter an exhilarating life of prayer, study, and service at the seminary," says the Rev. Scott Stiegemeyer, CTS Director of Admission. If you'd like a little extra time to explore, October 21 is reserved as an optional day to visit and explore the Fort Wayne area. The ICV is for all prospective seminary students and their spouses/fianc?es. On-campus housing and meals are provided free of charge. For more information, phone the seminary at 260-452-2155. To register online, go to the seminary website: www.ctsfw.edu and click on Admission, then Visit CTS. Back to top PASTOR APPRECIATION CHALLENGE Immanuel, Laurel's, Teen LWML "WORD!" is again challenging their church family to send a greeting and words of gratitude to their pastor for Clergy Appreciation Month in October. "WORD!" will make a 50-cent donation to Nebraska District North LWML mites (in honor of Pastor Engebretsen) for each card and gift received between October 1 and 31. Immanuel's LWML will be matching these donations, too. "WORD!" is also challenging all Nebraska District LCMS churches to respond to this challenge to honor their own clergy. It is their prayer that the mite giving would be blessed to honor the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ while uplifting and supporting the pastors in the congregations of Nebraska. Back to top TAKE YOUR WITNESSING TRAINING TO THE NEXT LEVEL Follow-up training for Lutheran Hour Ministries' popular Equipping to Share witnessing workshop is now available online! You can find bonus training resources, such as Scripture references, resources for additional study, training articles, tips for sharing your faith online, role-playing exercises, and much more. Use the materials in groups or individually. Register online at www.lhm.org/equipping/login.asp. An Equipping to Share workshop trains people to recognize opportunities for faith-sharing conversations and prepares them to share their faith with those around them without hesitation, whether they are close friends or family members, co-workers, or brand-new acquaintances. An Equipping to Share host in Denton, Texas, said, "Everyone who talked to me after the workshop was pumped. One person who has put into practice what we learned was Brenda, who has been praying about the upcoming festival we have here. Recently Brenda shared her faith with a sales associate at a local craft store and ended up recruiting her to do face painting at our festival booth! Brenda's new friend has not yet visited our church but we continue to pray for progress according to God's plan." If your church has participated in Equipping to Share, you are encouraged to reprint the first paragraph of this announcement in your bulletin to let your attendees know about the new resources. If you are interested in scheduling a workshop at your church or school, contact Sarah Guldalian at equipping at lhm.org or 1-800-944-3450, ext. 4144. More information is also available by visiting www.lhm.org/equipping/ets.htm. Back to top SUTURES NEEDED FOR MEDICAL MISSIONS Size 0 and 1 absorbable sutures are needed for donation for the LCMS World Relief and Human Care Mercy Medical Team for Madagascar. Pease send donated sutures before October 19, 2009, to: Jacob Fiene LCMS World Relief and Human Care 1333 S. Kirkwood Rd. St. Louis, MO 63122 If you have any additional questions, please contact Lutherans in Medical Missions at limm at limm.org. Back to top Thanks to all who shared information for this week's Update. If you have information to share, please send it to communications at ndlcms.org. We hope these weekly E-mail Updates are a valuable resource in your ministry. The Updates are for all workers and leaders in your congregation. If you know of someone you think would benefit from the information in the Update, please forward it to them. Anyone is invited to subscribe by visiting http://www.ndlcms.org/news/communications/update.html. Blessings, Nichole Hetz Nebraska District LCMS Director of Communications 1-888-643-2961 nicholeh at ndlcms.org www.ndlcms.org * Please Note: The inclusion of items in the Update from outside sources is for informational purposes only. Inclusion of such items does not constitute District endorsement. -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: text/html Size: 47308 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20090923/1a588bcd/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/20090923/1a588bcd/image001-0001.gif From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Sep 30 13:35:19 2009 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 30 Sep 2009 18:35:19 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] September 30 Message-ID: [cid:image001.gif at 01CA41D2.D6DD85E0] September 30, 2009 In this issue: Greetings in the name of our loving heavenly Father. A special welcome to the new workers in the Nebraska District who are receiving this electronic newsletter for the first time this week. It was a pleasure meeting you all and spending time together at the New Worker Orientation in Seward at the beginning of this week. It was a great time to get to know the new pastors, vicars, DCEs, and deaconess who are beginning or continuing their ministry in Nebraska. If there is a new pastor, vicar, DCE, or teacher in your circuit, please take some time to introduce yourself and get to know him or her. The Lord has led a wonderful group of men and women to Nebraska to be about His work, and we thank Him for the opportunity to partner with them and with all of you. * Prayer Requests * National Youth Gathering Resources * LCMS Women's Ministry Survey * Good Shepherd Institute Conference Offers Bachfest and Preaching Workshop * Benefit Dinner for Jeremy Gierke * Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska Offers "At Ease" Program * Choir Robes Available * New From Concordia Publishing House PRAYER REQUESTS Rev. Douglas Irmer - Please remember in prayer Rev. Douglas Irmer, senior pastor at St. Paul, Beatrice, who is currently serving as Wing Chaplain with the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing in Manas, Kyrgyzstan. We pray for safety for Pastor Irmer during his deployment and we ask the Lord to use him to share the love of Christ with those to whom he is ministering. Back to top NATIONAL YOUTH GATHERING RESOURCES Three new resource items to help in planning for the 2010 National LCMS Youth Gathering have been added to the Nebraska District website, www.ndlcms.org. * PowerPoint summary of Gathering information - could be adapted and shared with congregational leadership groups * Excel budget template - use to add your specific group data to figure individual and congregational costs for the Gathering * LCEF StewardAccount options - deposit your money before the Gathering and have access during the Gathering Remember to check the 2010 National LCMS Youth Gathering website at www.lcmsgathering.com often for lots of adult leader and family life resources. Right now, information is available regarding the online registration process. Check it out! Back to top LCMS WOMEN'S MINISTRY SURVEY Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM) and the Lutheran Women's Missionary League (LWML) are working together to answer two questions: Does our church body need something more in the area of women's ministry? And, if so, can our two organizations work together to help meet that need? To answer these questions, they have developed a survey for the women in every congregation to take part in. With the Spirit's guidance, and working together, LHM and LWML have the potential to be of great service to congregations in the area of women's ministry, provided the need for such service exists. Please consider including the following announcement in your Sunday bulletin for one or more weeks to encourage the ladies of your congregation to help as this ministry moves forward: Lutheran Hour Ministries and Lutheran Women's Missionary League invite all women to complete the "LCMS Women's Survey" at www.lhm.org/research/women today! Your help is greatly appreciated! All women who are subscribed to the Email Update are also encouraged to take part in this survey. Back to top GOOD SHEPHERD INSTITUTE CONFERENCE OFFERS BACHFEST AND PREACHING WORKSHOP Attendees to the Tenth Annual Good Shepherd Institute Conference will get to know Johann Sebastian Bach anew through this year's theme of Bach in Today's Parish: Still the Evangelist, November 1-3 on the campus of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana. It is the hope of the conference organizers that this Bachfest will be much more than just a listening event, but instead an experience that attendees can take home with them. "We wish this conference to be a practical application of this treasure of music as it relates to a host of topics-from bell choir repertoire to home devotions, from lectionary to children's choir with flute, etc.," offers Kantor Richard C. Resch, co-director of the Good Shepherd Institute. Notable presenters at the conference will include: * Rev. Robert Bergt, Artist-In-Residence and Bach Scholar, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis; * Dr. Robin Leaver, Visiting Professor, Juilliard School of Music, New York; * Dr. David Mulbury, Professor Emeritus, University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music; * Dr. Uwe Siemon-Netto, Director of the Center for Lutheran Theology and Public Life, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis; and * Dr. Daniel Zager, Associate Dean and Head of the Sibley Music Library and Associate Professor of Music, Eastman School of Music, Rochester, NY. Presenters from CTS include Dr. Paul Grime, Kantor Kevin Hildebrand, Dr. Arthur Just Jr., and Kantor Resch. There will also be an Advent Preaching Workshop entitled Proclaiming the Coming! The Rev. Jeffrey H. Pulse, Associate Professor, Exegetical Theology, CTS, will be the presenter for the workshop that will run November 3-4. For additional information concerning the conference and preaching workshop or to register online, go to www.goodshepherdinstitute.org or call 260-452-2224 Back to top BENEFIT DINNER FOR JEREMY GIERKE Jeremy Gierke, son of Rev. Tim and Barb Gierke of Good Shepherd, Fremont, is a young man who has dealt with a serious medical condition for the past several years. The Good Shepherd congregation in Fremont is organizing and hosting a benefit dinner to raise funds to help offset some of his medical costs. All are welcome to join them for dinner, fellowship, and fun! The benefit will be October 18 from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Community Life Center (Corner of Lincoln & Military Avenues) in Fremont. The suggested donation is $7.00 for adults and $3.50 for children. The menu will be pork loin dinner with mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, and a dinner roll. Funds will be supplemented by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, with entertainment provided by Lonny Lynn & Orchestra. There will also be a silent auction and raffles! Donations can be made with checks payable to: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church ATTN: Jeremy's Benefit 1440 E. Military Ave. Fremont, NE 68025 For more information, please call the church office at 402-721-8412. Back to top LUTHERAN FAMILY SERVICES OF NEBRASKA OFFERS "AT EASE" PROGRAM Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska (LFS) has developed a new program to offer quality behavioral health services to focus on the needs of individuals who serve our country in the armed forces. At Ease is a trauma treatment and therapeutic support program that serves active military, veterans, and their loved ones affected by untreated trauma reactions and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The program places special emphasis on helping military personnel and their loved ones cope with the effects of deployment and the uncertainty of war. Estimates show up to 35% of armed forces deployed in Iraq will suffer from PTSD.* In addition, their families are suffering in equal amounts, with a 20% increase in the number of children of active duty troops seeking mental health treatment each year.** The At Ease program provides confidential, individualized counseling and treatment using a combination of individual and group approaches, including educational opportunities, families/couples, and peer-to-peer mutual support groups. The program supports and encourages additional partnerships with community providers. When appropriate, staff will coordinate services with other community agencies and refer clients to area resources. Services are coordinated out of the Lutheran Family Services' Bellevue office, but veterans and their loved ones may also be served at LFS locations in Blair, Fremont, Plattsmouth, Papillion, and four Omaha-area locations. Additionally, Telehealth sessions can be used to accommodate veterans and/or their loved ones living in greater Nebraska. All active military, veterans, and their loved ones will be accepted into the At Ease program regardless of ability to pay. LFS behavioral health services are made available through insurance payments, sliding scale fees and contributions. Please click on the following link (http://tinyurl.com/o5wvf4) to download a brochure that describes the At Ease program in more detail. For more information, to receive multiple brochure copies, or to make referrals, call the At Ease program at the LFS Bellevue location 402-292-9105 or email AtEase at lfsneb.org. LFS is a recognized service organization of the LCMS and its services are supported in part by the Nebraska District LCMS. * Source: Wein, Lawrence, "Counting the Walking Wounded," New York Times, Jan. 25, 2009 ** Source: Hefling, Kimberly. "Military Sees Big Increase in Troops' Children Seeking Mental Health Care," Associated Press, July 7, 2009 Back to top CHOIR ROBES AVAILABLE Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lincoln (English District) has 33 adult choir robes available to an interested congregation for the cost of shipping. The robes are dark blue with black trim and a white cross on each. They are in good shape, with some needing minor repairs. Congregations interested in the robes or wanting more information should contact Margaret Krieser at 402-489-6479. Back to top NEW FROM CONCORDIA PUBLISHING HOUSE Explore Christian Christmas Traditions Around the World Christmas Around the World, a new children's Christmas book from Concordia Publishing House (CPH), teaches young readers the Christmas customs of different cultures through song, food, dress, and greetings. "This beautifully designed and culture-rich children's Christmas book is perfect for discovering and making Christmas traditions as a family," says Ken Liszewski, manager of books for CPH. "Christmas Around the World shows children that no matter how people celebrate Christmas, the most important thing is what we celebrate . . . the birth of our Savior," says author Brenda Trunkhill. Christmas Around the World travels the globe to visit Latin America, The British Isles, the Middle East, and more. Each country's story includes a craft idea and an invitation to pray. Trunkhill continues, "My own children were fascinated by the customs of other countries, but more important to me is that they are blown away by the amazing love God has for us by sending His own Son to earth in order to save us from our sins." Christmas Around the World is available at www.cph.org or by calling 1-800-325-3040. Christmas Picture Book Tells the Story Behind the Popular Christmas Carol, Silent Night "Legend says that mice chewed through the bellows of the church organ; thus begins the story of Silent Night," says Ken Liszewski, manager of books for Concordia Publishing House. CPH introduces the story of the hymn in the new Christmas children's book, Silent Night. "Silent Night takes a whimsical approach to a Christmas legend without pushing the story toward fantasy," says Peggy Kuethe, senior editor of children's and family books and women's resources at CPH. "Many children's books tell this story through the mice-the mice become characters," Kuethe continues. "We include the mice here because they're part of the legend, but the focus of this book is on the two men who worked together to share the story of the Savior's birth through a hymn." The book shares that one Christmas Eve in the early 1800s, the mice in the Church of St. Nicholas in the village of Oberndorf disabled the organ by chewing a hole in the leather bellows. There would be no organ music that night. Father Joseph Mohr had earlier written a Christmas poem and he asked organist and choirmaster Franz Gruber to set the words to music. "Joseph Mohr writes and sings the simple song Silent Night, accompanied only by guitar, and shows the parallel of a humble Christmas carol to Jesus' humble birth," says Liszewski. Kuethe shares, "This hymn has become a favorite of generations of people, and rightly so. In the children's book Silent Night, we encourage readers to see that the lyricist and composer were inspired by their faith to write a simple, elegant, and eloquent hymn of praise to our Lord." Encounter the Love and Person of Jesus with New DVD Bible Study for Women Women want connection and community with each other. The newest women's Bible study from CPH introduces today's women to their community of sisters in the Gospels. They will be uplifted through 12 stories about the women who spoke with Jesus, who were challenged by Jesus, and who grieved along the road to the tomb and rejoiced on Easter morning. The Heart of Jesus: Women in the Gospel of Luke gives small groups an invitation to savor friendship, find encouragement, and grow in God's Word. The Small Group DVD Starter Kit contains the DVD and The Heart of Jesus book, participant workbook, and leader's guide. Each piece is also available separately. Invite women to the study with the free downloadable bulletin insert and table tent, available on the product page of the CPH website. Visit the CPH website, www.cph.org, or call 1-800-325-3040 to order this Bible study. Encourage Faith with "Church Music" That Kids Enjoy Concordia Publishing House (CPH) announces the release of two new CDs featuring hymn music for children, Hymns of Faith and Hymns of the Church Year. Christian music is emphasizing hymns with new collections coming out from a variety of song writers and artists. CPH offers this resource for the very youngest believers in the rich tradition of the Lutheran Church, often called "the singing church." Conceptualized as songs for CPH's Growing in Christ(tm) Sunday school series, the two CDs were created to help kids grow in a relationship with Jesus Christ and the faith of their Baptism. That growth is encouraged when the children learn the timeless songs of the church found in the hymns. "Children should know that hymns aren't just big people music, it's their music too," said Deaconess Pamela Nielsen, senior editor at CPH. "It is nice to make the church's song their song, too. Not someday, but right now." Both CDs feature hymns from Lutheran Service Book, sung by children and accompanied by a piano. Hymns of the Church Year help children follow the life of the church and learn a selection of hymns for Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, and Easter. "Hymns of the Church Year really helps kids appreciate the rich musical heritage of the Lutheran Church," said Mary Rakoski, Senior Marketing Manager of Curriculum at CPH. Christian eBooks Available from Concordia Publishing House Concordia Publishing House (CPH) announces the release of eBook titles for desktop computers and mobile devices. A variety of CPH eBooks are available through Amazon's Kindle and Mobipocket and will soon be available on the CPH website. Electronic delivery demonstrates CPH's strategic commitment to use the most up-to-date technology solutions to offer greater value for customers. Tab Bates, Manager of Emerging Products at CPH says, "We want to make it easier than ever for customers to purchase, read, and enjoy CPH titles how and when they want by providing them in convenient digital formats." CPH's newly formed Emerging Products Department is focused on developing technology and web-based products and services for use in Christian churches, schools, and homes. CPH President and CEO, Dr. Bruce Kintz underscores the company's focus on expanding in this manner, "Throughout its 140-year history, CPH has made a commitment to integrate technology whenever possible to add value to the customer experience. Ongoing customer feedback and engagement helps us meet this goal as we listen to the needs of our customers and provide top-tier resources to support them." Bates adds, "In order to strengthen our competitive positioning, success will depend heavily on our ability to incorporate customer feedback as our technology solutions evolve." Other technologies available from CPH include Concordia On Demand, which allows CPH to print the titles customers want when they want them. Ken Liszewski, manager of books for Concordia Publishing House says, "With Concordia On Demand, we can actually maintain a larger book list and bring back out-of-print titles. Customers can visit cph.org/ondemand to learn more, and we are constantly adding new titles." CPH also has made music products available in digital formats in English and Spanish on iTunes, Amazon, and other select digital stores. Back to top Thanks to all who shared information to be passed along in this week's Update. Information from the congregations and ministries helps make this electronic newsletter a useful ministry tool for all. If you have something you would like shared in a future Update, email the information to communications at ndlcms.org or call the District Office at 888-643-2961. 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: 61701 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20090930/b1936dce/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/20090930/b1936dce/image001-0001.gif