[DistUpd] September 23

Wed Sep 23 13:56:21 CDT 2009

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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<mailto: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<mailto: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.

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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<http://www.ndlcms.org/>. The registration deadline is October 9.

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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<http://www.ndlcms.org/>.

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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.

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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.

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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."

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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.

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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<http://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<http://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<http://www.lcms.org?14941> (Megan), www.lcms.org?15269<http://www.lcms.org?15269> (Lynette), and www.lcms.org?15299<http://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.

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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/fiancées. 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<http://www.ctsfw.edu> and click on Admission, then Visit CTS.

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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.

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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<mailto:equipping at lhm.org> or 1-800-944-3450, ext. 4144. More information is also available by visiting www.lhm.org/equipping/ets.htm.

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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<mailto:limm at limm.org>.

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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<mailto: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<mailto:nicholeh at ndlcms.org>
www.ndlcms.org<http://www.ndlcms.org/>

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

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