From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Feb 3 11:46:35 2010 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:46:35 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] February 3 Message-ID: [cid:image001.gif at 01CAA4C4.5140B1A0] February 3, 2010 In this issue: Greetings in the name of Jesus, our Savior. In what do you place your trust? Do you trust Punxsutawney Phil's weather prediction? Do you trust your car to get you where you need to be? Do you trust your alarm clock to wake you up at the right time? For many, trust is placed in money, friends, self, or some mystical "higher power." As Christians, we can be confident that our trust is placed in the One who will never fail us - Jesus Christ. What a joy to know that God is always faithful, and what a wonderful blessing to work with others in the Church who are redeemed by the same Savior. May the Lord continue to bless His people according to His promises as we work together to share the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ with others. * Prayer Requests * IMMEDIATE Need for Medical Teams to Haiti * Other Opportunities to Help in Haiti * PBS Airs Story on LCMS Disaster Response * Lutherans Plan Forum in Norfolk on Church Structure * "The Baloney Shop" Available on DVD * Lutherans in Medical Missions Forum * Education Conference at Concordia * Concordia Sunday Materials Now Available * 2010 Servant Event List Now Posted * Order Materials for Armed Forces Sunday * New Speaker Scheduled at Mission Central * Prayerfully Consider Vocation of Pastor or Deaconess * Paul Manz Celebration PRAYER REQUESTS Sudanese Ministry Leaders in Nebraska - Please remember in prayer Vicar Riek Marwang at King of Kings, Omaha, and Vicar James Riang at Christ, Lincoln, as they complete their studies in the Ethnic Immigrant Institute of Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, and prepare to take their theological interviews. We ask that the Lord will bless these two men at this last step in their pastoral education, and that they will receive calls to continue their ministry among the Sudanese in Nebraska. Back to top IMMEDIATE NEED FOR MEDICAL TEAMS TO HAITI Another team is needed immediately to go into Haiti on Saturday, February 6, 2010. Trauma doctors and nurses are needed. Please send Bobbie Lautenschlager, Lutherans in Medical Missions executive director, an email at joliba at sbcglobal.net or call her Wednesday, February 3, at 314-503-4317 if you are interested. Back to top OTHER OPPORTUNITIES TO HELP IN HAITI Lutherans in Medical Missions Dr. John Lautenschlager has returned to Haiti to work on the Mercy Medical Team of LCMS World Relief and Human Care for an additional week. He was in Haiti with the WR&HC assessment team the previous week. He will work in a clinic located at Jacmel, Haiti with the assistance of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Haiti. A WR&HC team is being assembled for deployment to Haiti February 13 for another week of clinical work. Surgeons, OR nurses, wound specialists, anesthesiologists, and PTs are especially needed. Volunteers must have a valid passport; typhoid and Hepatitis A and B vaccines should be up-to-date; and previous experience in disaster and cross-cultural settings would be very helpful. Malaria prevention will need to be taken by those going. More information and registration form is available at www.lcms.org/mercyteams. Please fill out the form and send to mercymedical at lcms.org with a copy to LIMM at limm.org regarding your availability for that time frame or for future teams. THERE WILL BE MUCH WORK TO DO IN MONTHS TO COME. Please be sure all correspondences go to LCMS World Relief and Human Care with a copy to LIMM. A report of the work in Haiti will be included in the LIMM Forum March 19 and 20 held at the Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO. Please check www.limm.org for a current registration form and an updated schedule. Everyone is invited to attend. LCMS World Relief and Human Care (From http://www.lcms.org/ca/worldrelief/dnews/) LCMS World Relief and Human Care's Rev. Glenn F. Merritt is asking people eager to lend a helping hand in Haiti to provide their contact information so they can be contacted when volunteers are needed in the weeks and months to come in the earthquake-devastated country. "We are so very thankful for your willingness to volunteer at this time, but the logistics and the situation in Haiti aren't yet right for sending volunteers," said Merritt, LCMS WR-HC director of Disaster Response, who described the situation in Haiti as changing by the hour. "How volunteers can be most helpful right now is to send us your information so we can contact you when the time is right." Volunteer registration The Synod's mercy is working with partner ministries to facilitate a future volunteer effort by collecting the names of people who want to help with what will be a massive recovery and rebuilding effort after the January 12 earthquake that has killed thousands. If you are interested in volunteering in Haiti, please complete the volunteer form. LCMS WR-HC will not be sending volunteers to the Caribbean nation, but Merritt is collecting names for partner Lutheran mission societies that have a history of working in Haiti that will organize volunteer efforts. Merritt said he is touched by the many people contacting him and wanting to help suffering Haitians. Medical volunteer registration There is, however, a need for medical professionals in Haiti. An LCMS World Relief and Human Care Emergency Mercy Medical Team (MMT) is currently serving in Jacmel, Haiti. An emergency MMT served Haitian refugees on the Haiti-Dominican Republic border within a week following the earthquake. Two more MMTs are scheduled to serve in Haiti in the coming months. To learn more about Mercy Medical Teams, visit www.lcms.org/mercyteams. Click here to fill out a volunteer application and be notified of upcoming service opportunities. Volunteers are asked to send an e-mail to mercymedical at lcms.org including their name, dates of availability, and specialty. Back to top PBS AIRS STORY ON LCMS DISASTER RESPONSE The PBS program, Religion & Ethics News Weekly, will feature a story on their next show about the LCMS Haiti relief effort. A PBS film crew interviewed some members of the LCMS returning Haiti assessment, medical, and pastoral teams at Miami International Airport this past week. You can view the program online at: http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/. And for the latest news of the LCMS disaster response, please continue visiting: http://www.lcms.org. The LCMS is committed to helping Haiti and our partners there for the long term, so any and all prayers and donations are needed and appreciated. To donate to the LCMS Haiti relief effort, you can give online at http://www.lcms.org, by phone at 888-930-4438 (toll-free), or by mail at P.O. Box 66861, St. Louis, MO 63166-6861 (mark checks "Haiti Earthquake Relief"). Back to top LUTHERANS PLAN FORUM IN NORFOLK ON CHURCH STRUCTURE It could turn out to be one of the most significant series of changes in how The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod (LCMS) operates in decades. After years of study, about 20 recommendations for structural and governance change will be taken up this summer when the LCMS meets at its synodical convention in Houston. Occupying the first two days of the convention will be debate and action on the recommendations that stem from a task force report issued late last year. In hopes of gathering as much input as possible from pastors, teachers and lay members prior to the convention, the delegates to the convention from the Norfolk area will be hosting a forum this week to share information and hear feedback. The Rev. Michael Awe of Tilden and Kent Warneke of Norfolk will be serving as the Norfolk circuit's pastoral and lay delegates, respectively, to the convention. They recently attended a regional conference in Denver that provided extensive information about the proposed changes. They will be hosting a circuit forum on Thursday, Feb. 4, at 7 p.m. at the Christ Lutheran Church fellowship hall in Norfolk. Members of Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod congregations in the Norfolk area are invited to attend. The changes deal with such topics as how the synodical president is elected and how the national church body is structured. Other circuits of the Nebraska District are encouraged to hold similar forums prior to the Synodical Convention July 10-17 in Houston. Back to top "THE BALONEY SHOP" AVAILABLE ON DVD Christ, His people, and the Christian faith are under attack. Most of the time those attacks are just baloney. On the Baloney Shop video clips, Pastor Ken Klaus, speaker of The Lutheran Hour, goes on the attack pointing out, in a simple way, the foolishness and fallacies of the criticisms the Savior's soldiers have to face. Now you can take the "Baloney Shop" to your congregation! The first year of The Baloney Shop is now available from the Lutheran Hour Ministries' Men's NetWork. There Pastor Klaus is in rare form, donned in butcher's smock and brandishing a meat cleaver, regularly hacking away at contemporary and age-old tripe that has somehow made its way to the marketplace. A year's worth of baloney for just $15? Just go to www.shoplhm.org to get a DVD with all of last year's "Baloney Shop" segments. Members of the Men's NetWork (free with a simple online registration) can view individual segments at The Baloney Shop before purchasing the DVD. Back to top LUTHERANS IN MEDICAL MISSIONS FORUM Bobbie Lautenschlager, Executive Director of Lutherans in Medical Missions, announces that Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, LCMS World Mission, and Lutheran Foundation of St. Louis are presenting partners of the Sixth Annual LIMM Needs and Resources Forum March 19 and 20, 2010. Care of the Aged and the Chronically Ill: A Medical Mission Approach is the central theme for the 2 day event. The program will be hosted at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri by Rev. Dr. Robert W. Weise, Professor of Practical Theology, the Lutheran Foundation of St. Louis Chair in Pastoral Ministry and the Life Sciences, and LIMM Board Member, Rev. Dr. Leopoldo Sanchez, Assistant Professor of Systematic Theology, Director of the Center of Hispanic Studies, the Werner R. H. Krause and Elizabeth Ringger Krause Endowed Chair for Hispanic Ministries, both of Concordia Seminary. Rev. Larry Rockemann, chaplain, Lutheran Life Communities of Arlington, Illinois, will deliver the banquet address on Saturday evening, March 20. Rev. Tim and Rita Nickel, retired missionaries, and Dr. Al and Carol Buckman, founders of Christian Friends of New Americans will be recognized for their contributions to medical missions. For more information and to register please go to www.limm.org. A complete schedule and registration form are available online. Lutherans in Medical Missions was founded in the mid 1990s when a small group of people saw a need to emphasize medical care as part of Lutheran Mission Outreach. Back to top EDUCATION CONFERENCE AT CONCORDIA All church workers in the Nebraska District are invited to attend the first LEA/SNL/CUNE education conference (Lutheran Education Association/Student Network Live/Concordia University, Nebraska). On March 27, Concordia University, Nebraska will host a conference for church workers and students going into church work. Registration will be from 8:45-9:15 a.m. and the conference will end at 3 p.m. The keynote speaker is Dr. Rebecca Fisher, who served as a full-time professor at Concordia until the fall of 2008, when she accepted a call to Christ Lutheran in Lincoln. She will come back and offer her insight on church work. There will be sectionals on topics about art, English, science, technology, and more. For registration materials or for more information, contact Wendy Brown at wendy.brown at cune.org. Back to top CONCORDIA SUNDAY MATERIALS NOW AVAILABLE (From President Kieschnick's "Letter to Pastors," January 2010: http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=16476) April 18 has been designated "Concordia Sunday," a special opportunity to celebrate our LCMS colleges and universities. Our schools prepare individuals for many vocations and careers in life - pastors, teachers, directors of Christian education, directors of Christian outreach, deaconesses, lay ministers, directors of family life ministry, directors of parish music, pre-professional careers, and Christian education for lay leaders. The Concordia campuses help their students develop and mature in a Christian environment where Jesus Christ is the central focus of their education. A mailing about Concordia Sunday already has been sent by the Board for University Education to all LCMS congregations, many of which have celebrated Concordia Sunday in past years. The celebration highlights the importance of a Christian education in a Lutheran context as an encouragement for youth to consider serving in positions that benefit both the LCMS and society. This is also an opportunity for our congregations to pray for the continued blessing of God on this ministry that proclaims Jesus Christ as the Lord of Life. Free materials for celebrating Concordia Sunday are available from the Board for University Education. You can contact the BUE by mail at the LCMS International Center in St. Louis; by phone at (314) 996-1252 or toll-free at (800) 248-1930, Ext. 252; by fax at (314) 996-1120; or by e-mail at bue.info at lcms.org. Information about our colleges and universities also is available online at www.lcms.org/universities. Back to top 2010 SERVANT EVENT LIST NOW POSTED For more than 25 years, tens of thousands of Lutheran youth have participated in LCMS servant events, learning that serving others can make a difference because of Jesus Christ. LCMS servant events also: * Provide opportunities for Christian service to the Church and world. * Include personal Bible study, group building, and connection with other Christian youth. * Give youth a chance to live what they believe by relating acts of service to daily life. * Take youth out of their comfort zone and into the reality of others. * Give youth the desire to share their love of Christ with the people of the world. To find a list of the 2010 servant events and many more resource to help plan an event, visit the LCMS website at http://www.lcms.org/ca/dcs/SERVevents/SEhome.asp. Back to top ORDER MATERIALS FOR ARMED FORCES SUNDAY LCMS World Mission is pleased to offer FREE resources for your congregation to celebrate Armed Forces Ministry Sunday. Resources for 2010 include: a suggested sermon, a responsive prayer, and a themed bulletin insert. New this year: Due to our new ordering system, all congregations must place a new order to receive 2010 bulletin inserts. Click here to complete the order form. Order by Friday, February 19, to ensure delivery in time for Armed Forces Sunday May 16, 2010. Also available: An online form to register congregation members who are in the active military for "Ministry-by-Mail" by clicking here. LCMS World Mission Ministry to the Armed Forces thanks your congregation members for your participation in past Ministry to the Armed Forces Sundays. If your congregation chooses to celebrate Armed Forces Sunday on a day other than May 16, appropriate days could include a Sunday close to Memorial Day, Independence Day, or Veterans Day. Download the Ministry to Armed Forces logo by right-clicking here and choosing "Save As." Upload it to the congregation's website and link it to http://lcmsworldmission.org/armedforces. For further information please contact LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces at 1-800-433-3954, ext. 1337, or by e-mail at lcmschaps at lcms.org. Back to top NEW SPEAKER SCHEDULED AT MISSION CENTRAL The following special events are planned at Mission Central near Mapleton, Iowa. Gary Thies invites everyone to come and hear these wonderful folks talk about their work around the world. All speaking events are in the barn at Mission Central, and the newest addition to the speaking list is in red. For more information on Mission Central or on these special events, visit the Mission Central website at www.missioncentral.us. April 6, 2010, 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. -- Kalia Lo from Cambodia April 20, 2010, 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. - Rev. Greg Sawyer from Hong Kong June 8, 2010, 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. - Matt and Dee Dee Wasmund from Taiwan July 7, 2010, 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. - Dr. Steve Oliver from Taiwan July 17, 2010, 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. - Sharon Owens from Macau Mission Central now has a Facebook page! Those interested in viewing this page may follow the link from the Mission Central homepage, www.missioncentral.us. Back to top PRAYERFULLY CONSIDER VOCATION OF PASTOR OR DEACONESS We are living in a rapidly changing world, presenting us with new challenges and new opportunities on a daily basis. You may be pondering some changes in your own life. Perhaps you are considering how to serve Christ and His Church. If so, the Prayerfully Consider Visit, March 24-27, 2010, on the campus of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana, may be just the opportunity for you. Men and women of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) who are considering a life of service as a pastor or deaconess will have the opportunity to visit with faculty, staff, and student body; worship with the seminary community in Kramer Chapel; learn about financial aid possibilities; and see what the Fort Wayne area has to offer you and your family. There is no fee for the visit. On-campus meals and housing are also provided free of charge. For additional information or to register online, please go to www.ctsfw.edu/pcv. You may also call 260-452-2155 to speak with Admission staff. Back to top PAUL MANZ CELEBRATION Everyone is invited to attend a tribute to Paul Manz presented by the musicians of Pacific Hills and Zion Lutheran Churches of Omaha at Pacific Hills (1110 South 90th Street), Omaha, on Sunday, February 14, at 3:00 p.m. This special event will celebrate the life and music of Paul Manz, a teacher, composer, recitalist, and international organist. He was a former teacher at Concordia University, St. Paul, where he established a solid music program. Dr. Manz did the dedicatory recital for the Pacific Hills organ in 1970, and now the congregation will honor him at this special event. Back to top 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: 58791 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20100203/f6a1817f/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/20100203/f6a1817f/image001-0001.gif From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Feb 10 16:30:06 2010 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 10 Feb 2010 22:30:06 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] February 10 Message-ID: [cid:image001.gif at 01CAAA6D.CFC4D160] February 10, 2010 In this issue: Greetings in the name of our loving Lord and Savior, Jesus. Valentine's Day is this weekend, and most of us have given at least some thought to that special thing we can give or do for our "sweetie" to let them know how much they mean to us. For most of us, coming up with something isn't terribly difficult. What if Valentine's Day was focused on sharing something special with a stranger? What about putting thought into something extra-ordinary for that co-worker or neighbor who gets on your nerves? Why don't we have a holiday for that? Probably because very few people would spend money or effort for cards, chocolates, or jewelry for strangers or for people they don't care to be around. However, God tells us we are not to treat each other as strangers, but as brothers and sisters in Christ. The writer of the letter to the Hebrews was inspired to write, "Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers." (Heb. 2:11) As we approach the season of Lent we will focus on Jesus, who was willing to leave Heaven and come to earth as a man to suffer and die in place of sinful humanity, and be raised again on Easter to give all people salvation and make all people His "brothers." If we remember that every person is a brother or sister of Christ bought with His blood, just as we are, might that make a difference in how we act toward them? Just because someone is a stranger or because we don't care for them, through the power of the Spirit we can make the effort to share something special with them this Valentine's Day and everyday - the love of Christ. * Prayer Requests * In the News: Nebraska Congregations in The Lutheran Witness * Staff Changes at the District Office * Prairie Fire Combines with LLL Convention * LCMS Invites Exhibitors to Convention * Opportunities to Live and Serve in South and North Korea * First Songwriters Conference Planned * New "Mercy Notes" Examines Challenges to Rural Congregations * District Pastor Presents Paper * New from Concordia Publishing House PRAYER REQUESTS Julie Meraz and all Medical Missionaries to Haiti - Please remember in prayer Julie Meraz, wife of Rev. Jonathan Meraz of Zion, Plainview, as she serves the people of Haiti as a medical missionary this week. Julie, a nurse, left for Haiti last week for ten days of service to the people affected by the Haitian earthquake. Please pray for safety for her and the team she is with as they work among the people of Haiti, and pray for their safe return home at the end of this week. We thank God for her servant heart, as well as for all those who continue to serve amidst the devastation. Sudanese Ministry in Grand Island - We join in thanking God for the doors He has opened to allow mission work among the Sudanese and African immigrants in Grand Island. Missionary George Jock travels once a week from Lincoln to Grand Island to lead a Sudanese worship service hosted at Trinity Lutheran Church. We ask God to guide and direct George and Trinity as they work together to develop this ministry. Please join in praying for safety for George as he travels to Grand Island and back each week, and pray that the Lord will open doors to allow George to find a job and housing in Grand Island so that he would be able to move out there and continue to serve this mission. Back to top IN THE NEWS: NEBRASKA CONGREGATIONS IN THE LUTHERAN WITNESS The Holy Spirit is doing great things in Nebraska! Pick up the February 2010 issue of The Lutheran Witness to see some of the opportunities God is giving the rural congregations of Nebraska. If you don't subscribe to The Lutheran Witness, the articles may be read on the LCMS website at http://www.lcms.org/pages/witness.asp. The issue begins with a moving article entitled "Words of Life" written by Carol Albrecht, member of Centennial Lutheran Church in Superior and wife of the late Rev. Paul Albrecht. Read the article here: http://www.lcms.org/pages/wPagex.asp?ContentID=716&IssueID=41. Following that is the special feature entitled "Rural Ministries: Vibrant Opportunities." Highlighted in this series of articles are the Nebraska congregations of Faith, Hazard; Grace, Pleasanton; and St. John, Columbus; as well as the school at Zion, Tobias. The article on the Reaching Rural America for Christ conference last fall in Nebraska City that features Faith, Hazard, and Grace, Pleasanton, can be read at http://www.lcms.org/pages/wPage.asp?ContentID=707&IssueID=41. The article featuring St. John, Columbus, and Zion, Tobias, can be found at http://www.lcms.org/pages/wPage.asp?ContentID=708&IssueID=41. Back to top STAFF CHANGES AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE In an effort to reduce expenses in response to decreased congregational support, three full-time staff members of the District Office have been changed to part-time employees beginning February 1. Julie Roebke serves as part-time receptionist and support for Rev. Mark Rockenbach, Sandy Ruether serves as part-time bookkeeper, and Rev. Dr. Marvin Bergman continues to coordinate the lay leadership training program on a part-time basis. Phones at the District Office will be answered weekdays starting at 8:30 a.m. rather than 8:00 a.m. because of this change. Voicemail messages may be left before 8:30 a.m. The staff will meet for weekly devotions on Wednesday mornings at 8:30 a.m., and voicemail messages may be left during that time as well. Back to top PRAIRIE FIRE COMBINES WITH LLL CONVENTION Prairie Fire, the one-day outreach equipping event sponsored by the Nebraska District in previous summers, is getting a fresh look! The Nebraska District, in partnership with the International Laymen's League and Lutheran Hour Ministries, is sponsoring Prairie Fire in conjunction with the International LLL Convention at the Qwest Center in Omaha. The Convention will run July 21-25, with Saturday, July 24, the combined Prairie Fire event. Under the theme "Spirit Driven," participants will hear how the Spirit of God fills the believer with faith at baptism and drives him or her to live a life of witnessing to the hope that lives inside them. The day will begin with words of opening by Rev. Dr. William Diekelman, LCMS first vice president, followed by lunch and three one-hour breakout sessions led by local and national church workers and lay leaders. The day will conclude with the Lutheran Hour Celebration Event featuring Lutheran Hour Speaker Rev. Ken Klaus. It promises to be a day full of inspiration and information. Session leaders scheduled to present include: Rev. Dr. William Diekelman, Dr. Paul L. Maier, Rich Cohrs, Rev. Keith Grimm, Rev. Glenn Merritt, Rev. Rich Boring, Rev. Mark Rockenbach, Rev. Russ Sommerfeld, Rev. Dr. Mark Hannemann, Dick Jostes, Rev. Dr. David Ludwig, Rev. Scott Snow, and Phyllis Wallace. Those interested in attending may register for the day as part of their complete LLL Convention registration, or individuals may register for only the Saturday event through a special registration form. Materials for registering for the Saturday, July 24, workshops only will be mailed to church offices and made available on the District website in late spring. Watch this newsletter, the District website at www.ndlcms.org, or the Nebraska Lutheran Reporter for more information. Back to top LCMS INVITES EXHIBITORS TO CONVENTION This summer's Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) 64th Regular Convention, which will be held July 10-17 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas, offers an exciting opportunity for exhibitors to showcase their products and services to approximately 3,000 attendees representing the 2.4 million members of the Synod who are expected to attend. Exhibitors may include LCMS agencies, auxiliaries, recognized service organizations, LCMS National Contract Program vendors, and others whose products and services align with the interests of LCMS church and lay leaders, pastors, staff, and members. The triennial convention serves as the principal legislative assembly for the church body. It offers the opportunity for worship, nurture, inspiration, fellowship, and the communication of vital information for delegates and visitors. Attendees include a mix of pastors, teachers, other professional church workers, and lay members, all of whom are instrumental in leading their congregations, schools, districts, and ministries in thousands of locations around the world. Approximately 100 exhibitors participated in the last convention, held in 2007, also in Houston. Convention organizers welcome both returning and new exhibitors to the convention this year. "The activity in the exhibit hall is an important part of the convention. In addition to giving our LCMS ministries the opportunity to share information about their work with delegates and visitors, it's a chance for convention attendees to discover new products and services to help them in their ministry," said David Fiedler, executive director, LCMS General Services, who serves as convention manager. "All interested parties are welcome to apply to participate." One People-Forgiven! is the theme of this year's convention. All exhibitors must offer products and services that are consistent with the doctrine and practice of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and are encouraged to incorporate the theme of the convention into their booths and giveaway items. Exhibit fees range from $500 to $750 per 10' by 10' booth and include one 8' table, chair, identification sign, carpeting, skirting, and draping. The fees also include registration for two booth workers. There is a $5 fee per person for additional booth workers. Products may be both given away and sold at exhibit booths. Exhibitor registration is open through March 31. To submit an application form or to get more information, visit www.lcms.org/convention or contact Peggy Croghan, LCMS Travel & Meeting Planning, by email at peggy.croghan at lcms.org or by phone at 314-996-1148. Back to top OPPORTUNITIES TO LIVE AND SERVE IN SOUTH AND NORTH KOREA Rev. Patrick O'Neal shares the following opportunities to serve in his latest newsletter: SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES IN SOUTH KOREA 1 - Two congregations that are north of Seoul are seeking to recruit two long-term volunteer missionaries from the LCMS to serve as relationship builders through English as a Foreign Language (EFL) for one year. The LCK will cover the housing and utility costs. Click on http://www.lcms.org/uploads/mission/service-opps/South_Korea-GEO-RBEFL.pdf for more info. 2 - Luther University/Seminary (LTU) is seeking an ESL/EFL professor to teach English to University students, adults, and kids starting March 1, 2010, on a one-year contract. This is a paid position (with 8 weeks of vacation) for someone with at least a Master's degree and preferably experience in EFL teaching at a university. Housing is provided. Interested? Navigate to: http://www.lcms.org/uploads/mission/service-opps/South_Korea-GEO-EFL-Prof.pdf LIVE AND TEACH IN NORTH KOREA! This is not a misprint, but it is an exciting opportunity the Lord has opened. You can live and teach in North Korea as part of the staff at the new Pyongyang University of Science and Technology (PUST). This university has been built through private donations from people and churches around the world. When Carl Hanson and I were in North Korea we saw the campus under construction and met the Founding President of PUST. You can get more info at: http://www.pust.kr/. Dr. Kim Joo, our partner in working in North Korea, is the Dean of the School of Agriculture, Food, and Life Sciences. She and I flew from Korea to Hong Kong to meet with other LCMS World Mission personnel to talk about our work in North Korea. She shared with us that PUST faculty will begin training in March and then classes begin April 1. They are opening with 150 undergraduate and 60 graduate students. There is a need for academically qualified professors in life sciences, agriculture, management, and information technology. There is also an urgent need for English professors. These can be folks with a Bachelor's degree with experience teaching EFL. The first term will run April 1 - June 30, and then the second term will start immediately July 1 - September 30. Teachers can come for a year, a term (3 months), or even a week or more to lead a special seminar. The university will provide room and board. The teachers need to raise their own stipend and traveling funds. This opportunity is so new that it is not listed on the LCMS World Mission website. But if you are interested, contact me (patrick.oneal at lcms.org) and I can share more details with you. We can work together to get you to North Korea. Back to top FIRST SONGWRITERS CONFERENCE PLANNED (From LCMSNews No. 12 - Feb. 4) A first-time conference for LCMS songwriters is scheduled for April 22-23 at St. John Lutheran Church, Ellisville, Mo., a suburb west of St. Louis. The LCMS Commission on Worship is host for the conference which has "Singing the Sacraments of God" as its theme. The aim of the Lutheran Songwriters Conference is "to learn from LCMS songwriters and encourage them to develop sacramental and Scripture-based songs for use within our church body," said Rev. David Johnson, the commission's executive director. He added that the conference will "include opportunities for songwriters to connect with each other, Lutheran educators, and Lutheran agencies, so that participants can collaborate, share, and grow as Christian artists and songwriters for The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod." Johnson said that the conference program will include "witness, testimony, and conversations from established LCMS recording artists, songwriters, and worship leaders who continue to shape the musical life of our congregations." Visit http://www.lcms.org/songwriter for a list of LCMS artists who will serve as conference panelists, discussion leaders, and presenters. According to a news release from the commission, "ideal candidates for this conference are songwriters, lyricists, poets, and composers who are members in good standing of an LCMS congregation and are actively writing songs; have a fervent desire to develop and publish songs for use within the LCMS; have a desire to connect and communicate with like-minded writers; [and] are willing to share their God-given gifts with the church at-large." A grant from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans will provide full scholarships for 35 participants who register online by March 10. The scholarships cover all conference costs, including travel, lodging, and meals. Along with an online registration form, other documentation must be submitted through that site by March 10, including: * letters of recommendation from an LCMS pastor and an LCMS layperson. * an MP3 audio file of an original song, not to exceed three minutes. The file's name should include the writer's first and last name. * lyrics of that song. * a lead sheet for the song. For forms and more information, visit http://www.lcms.org/songwriter. Submitted songs will be reviewed by an editorial committee. Scholarship recipients will be notified by phone or e-mail by March 15. "Every effort will be made to protect the creative property of each songwriter," Johnson said. He explained that submitted files will be safeguarded for the purposes of the conference and will be "appropriately deleted" if they are not selected. He added that the Commission on Worship will not assert copyright or distribution privileges for submitted songs, and that all copyrights throughout that process will remain with the songwriters. For answers to questions about the conference, send an e-mail to songwriter at lcms.org. "It is our prayer that this conference will be a blessing to all who attend and will be another step in the ongoing process to provide additional resources for congregational worship in the LCMS," Johnson said. Back to top NEW "MERCY NOTES" EXAMINES CHALLENGES TO RURAL CONGREGATIONS The current issue of "Mercy Notes," the public policy newsletter of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, examines the challenge of rural LCMS churches to reach out to a growing number of depressed Americans in areas where sources of diagnoses and treatment are sparse. This issue also reviews bills under debate in D.C. Click here to see the current issue of Mercy Notes as a pdf, or visit the Mercy Notes webpage at http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=14473 . The purpose of this newsletter is to keep Lutherans and the public abreast of legislative action, cultural trends, and other issues of significance on the national and world stage. Links to the current issue of Mercy Notes and to archived issues may be found on the webpage listed above. Back to top DISTRICT PASTOR PRESENTS PAPER Pastor Robert Mayes of Mt. Calvary, Fullerton, was accepted to present a brief exegetical paper at the Symposia Lectures at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne on Wed., Jan. 20. The title of his paper was, "Saul and David: The Old and New Testament Systems Personified," exploring how King Saul symbolically embodies the Old Testament system and history, and how King David embodies Christ and the New Testament people of God. Back to top NEW FROM CONCORDIA PUBLISHING HOUSE Start Planning Your VBS Today with CPH's Planet Zoom Starter Kit This year for Vacation Bible School your bold bee-lievers can zip, zap, and zoom for Jesus! Concordia Publishing House announces the release of the 2010 Vacation Bible School Planet Zoom Starter Kit and Super Duper Starter Kit. "Planet Zoom is, hands down, our best VBS yet," said Andrew Swenson, CPH's VBS Marketing Manager. "Kids are going to love the new activities and volunteers are going to love that it's truly easier than ever to use." Planet Zoom is a bee themed VBS where the hive is always alive for Jesus. The program promises to be a whole new world of VBS, where little is big and children learn about the difference they can make by sharing God's love. "Children need to know that being 'little' doesn't mean they can't make a difference," said Swenson. "At Planet Zoom little is BIG, and that is a message that every child needs to hear." Kits are available at cph.org/planetzoom or by calling 1-800-325-3040. Kits contain everything a church would need to get a Vacation Bible School program started such as an overview and training DVD, leader guides, Bible packs, skit books, Bee-Bopper Headbands, and tons of other samples. "Kids, parents, teachers, volunteers... Everyone is going to love Planet Zoom," said Swenson. "It's a great program with a great message-to believe, be bold, and, most importantly, be His." (In a Nebraska connection, Paul Marxhausen, member of the Faith, Lincoln, worship team, contributed to this year's VBS by writing the song "Jesus is Alive.") Media and Conversation Engage People to Study God's Word in "Real Life" Concordia Publishing House (CPH) announces the launch of Engage, an all-new Bible study series that uses short-format video and conversation to connect God's Word to "real life" themes including grief, loneliness, purpose, and hope. The series includes eight theme-specific short films presented on individual DVDs with companion discussion guides. The Engage series was written and narrated by Rev. Kurt Klaus. Engage is a new style of Bible study from CPH. About the uniqueness of the format, developing editor Rev. Robert Baker says, "It is no coincidence that Jesus engaged His listeners with parables, everyday stories packed with spiritual meaning. Using real-life stories told with rich imagery, this groundbreaking study series draws us into the timeless conversation of Scripture focused on the saving gifts of our master teacher, Jesus Christ." Engage can be used as a series or stand alone. It is appropriate for large- and small-group formats and with a variety of ages. "Engage is on point for today's Christian. Its blend of media with plain spoken teaching and encouragement absolutely will start conversations and strengthen your Bible study community," says Jim Stropnik, manager of Bible studies for CPH. "However you decide to use Engage, you'll discover a Bible study that's low on prep time and high on impact." The Engage series is available at cph.org/engage or by calling 800-325-3040. Regularly $12.99 each, CPH is offering an introductory price of $10.00 each until March 31, 2010. Interested purchasers should request code "ENO" to receive the savings. Free downloadable promotional tools are also available on the website. "God is a God who has gotten down into the dirt and grime of His people's lives through His Son and continues to engage them and the world every day," Klaus remarks. "I hope that through these DVDs people see that their God is active in their day-to-day lives and with them through all their troubles. He doesn't just leave us in our loneliness, our grief, or our pain, He engages us through His Word, His Sacraments, and His Holy Spirit working through our brothers and sisters in the faith." Check out short clips of our Engage series Bible studies at youtube.com/engagebiblestudies. Concordia Publishing House Gives Attention to the Caregiving Population Concordia Publishing House (CPH) announces the release of a new devotional in its Blessings & Prayers devotional line. Blessings & Prayers for Caregivers encourages and equips caregivers in their service with the ever-present source of hope and strength, Jesus Christ. Blessings & Prayers for Caregivers is available at www.cph.org or by calling 800-325-3040. Editor Peggy Kuethe said, "Our research showed that at any given time, 26.6 percent of the U.S. population is in a caregiving situation, that is, giving or receiving care. So, to encourage and affirm Christians who are providing care to a loved one, we developed this pocket-sized devotional companion." The devotional, designed to slip into a pocket or purse, includes brief prayers, short devotions, hymns, and Scripture passages. Kuethe shares, "This book is for that person who has a need to be reminded of Christ's abiding love but who has only a few minutes of personal devotional time." Ken Liszewski, manager of books for CPH says, "This much-needed resource will offer the exhausted caregiver renewal and strength through short Gospel-filled devotions." The complete line of Blessings & Prayers devotionals includes Blessings & Prayers for Women, Blessings & Prayers for Men, Blessings & Prayers for College Students, and Blessings & Prayers for Confirmation. Children Discover the Assurance of God's Love Concordia Publishing House releases a new book for children to let them know, God Loves You. "It's a perfect book for little ones to let them know of God's great love for them," says Ken Liszewski, manager of books for CPH. God Loves You is available from Concordia Publishing House at www.cph.org or by calling 1-800-325-3040. This book about God's love is available in hardback or the smaller paperback version. Not only does it fully explore God's love for His children, God Loves You introduces children to the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. "Young children are concrete thinkers. That is, they understand what they can see, feel and touch-tangible things versus abstract concepts," says Peggy Kuethe, senior editor of children's and family books and women's resources at CPH. "But they often have abstract questions, like 'who is God?' When parents explain the big concept of who God is, it's helpful to have a book like this to guide their conversation. God Loves You offers simple, understandable answers by posing situations all children resonate to." The smaller edition is suitable to distribute to Sunday school students, send on mission trips for kids around the world, and give away at various church events. A free downloadable coloring page is available on the website. Liszewski says, "It's a fun activity that ties to the message of the book. Remember God made you, God takes care of you, and God forgives your sin because He loves you." Pick a Size That's Just Right for You-Medium Sized Portals of Prayer Available Everyone knows the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. One bear's porridge was too hot, the second bear's too cold, and the third bear's was just right. Here at Concordia Publishing House we try to provide resources for everyone, whether they prefer hot, cold, or in between-or in this case small, medium, or large. Portals of Prayer is a daily devotional that offers a Bible reading, meditation, and prayer in an easy-to-read format that is now being offered not only in small and large, but also in a new medium size. Though the regular edition of Portals of Prayer (4 1/8" x 5 1/2") is perfect to take with you wherever you go, the 9-point print may be a bit too small for some people. And the 8 1/2" x 11" large print edition with 17-point type may be too big. So what size is just right? The new Portals of Prayer digest size edition. The digest size Portals of Prayer will be available in March and will be a perfect "in between" size of Portals. Similar to Reader's Digest, the Portals of Prayer digest size edition will be approximately 5 1/2" x 8 " with 12-point font. We have high hopes that this new edition will fit the needs of all our "in between" customers who found our other editions either too small or too large. Plus, we're offering a free copy of the digest size Portals of Prayer to anyone that switches to this edition or starts a new subscription before June 30, 2010. That sounds just right. For more information call 1-800-325-3040. Back to top Blessings, Nichole Hetz Nebraska District LCMS Director of Communications 1-888-643-2961 nicholeh at ndlcms.org www.ndlcms.org * Please Note: The inclusion of items in the Update from outside sources is for informational purposes only. Inclusion of such items does not constitute District endorsement. -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: text/html Size: 73820 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20100210/12ee21de/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/20100210/12ee21de/image001-0001.gif From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Feb 17 13:48:02 2010 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 17 Feb 2010 19:48:02 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] February 17 Message-ID: [cid:image001.gif at 01CAAFD7.85158550] February 17, 2010 In this issue: Greetings this Ash Wednesday in the name of our merciful God who chose to save us sinners through His Son. As we enter this season of Lent and begin 40 days of reflection and repentance, may we remember the choice our loving God made to rescue us "while we were still sinners." What great news to share with those we invite to journey with us to His cross. Thank you to all the congregations and individuals who submitted information for this week's Update. Items to share are always welcome and may be emailed to communications at ndlcms.org. * Prayer Requests * Lectionary Summaries Updated * Thrivent Financial's Pledge for Haiti Relief Met * LCMS World Mission Seeks Missionaries * Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb to Speak at Concordia University * Last Week to Order Free Resources in Time for Armed Forces Sunday * Timpani for Sale or Rent * Pews Available * Looking for the "Other Songbook" * Updated Mission Central Speaker Schedule * KFUO-AM Announces Program Changes * Open Arms Conference Set for April * Thrivent Financial Launches 'Fan it Forward' Campaign PRAYER REQUESTS Cristo Cordero de Dios, Grand Island - We thank God for the ministry taking place in the Hispanic community of Grand Island through the congregation and people of Cristo Cordero. We join with the congregation in prayers of thanksgiving for the service of Juan Aguilar, who is studying at the Center for Hispanic Studies at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. This past Sunday the congregation voted to apply to the seminary for Juan to serve them as their vicar as he continues his classes. We ask the Lord to bless the ministry taking place at this congregation and out into the community. Prayer Walk on UNL Campus - Please remember in prayer the pastors of the Omaha/Lincoln Learning Community as they gather for their monthly meeting tomorrow, February 18. Following their discussion time they will walk across the UNL campus on a prayer walk, praying for those they pass and those in the buildings along their walk. We thank the Lord for the opportunity we each have to lift our prayers to Him, and we ask that He will bless these men and those they pray for tomorrow. Back to top LECTIONARY SUMMARIES UPDATED The LCMS Commission on Worship has announced that the Lectionary Summaries for both the Three-Year and One-Year Lectionaries in LSB, Lent 1 through Good Friday, are now available online. Series C: http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=16589 One Year: http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=16590 Back to top THRIVENT FINANCIAL'S PLEDGE FOR HAITI RELIEF MET Thrivent Financial for Lutherans recently announced that more than $2 million has been donated by its members to support the Haiti relief efforts of four Lutheran organizations, including The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS). In just three weeks, Thrivent Financial's pledge of $1 million has now been reached and the combined total of $3 million will be used for helping Haiti earthquake survivors. Thrivent's pledge will be divided among the relief organizations. "We thank Thrivent for their generosity in making these matching funds available, and we thank our donors for responding so quickly," said Hans Springer, associate executive director of fund development for LCMS World Relief and Human Care (LCMS WR-HC), the Synod's mercy ministry that is leading its Haiti relief efforts. "Both Thrivent and our caring supporters are blessings to the suffering people in Haiti." Just days after the devastating Jan. 12 earthquake, Minneapolis-based Thrivent Financial announced that the organization would match $1 for every $2 donated by Thrivent members to the Haiti relief efforts of LCMS WR-HC and three other Lutheran groups, up to $1 million for the potential of generating $3 million for "Helping Haiti." On Feb. 8, generous donors helped meet that $3 million goal. While the matching gift opportunity has ended, Thrivent Financial announced that members who still wish to donate to Haiti relief efforts can continue to make online donations at www.Thrivent.com through Feb. 28. Thrivent Financial members who want to donate by check are asked to send their gifts directly to the organization of their choice. In addition to LCMS WR-HC, Thrivent Financial matched gifts to three other organizations: Lutheran World Relief, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Disaster Response, and Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod Committee on Relief. To date, LCMS WR-HC donors have given $2.875 million for earthquake response in Haiti. "We are so thankful that our donors continue to open their hearts to the people in Haiti," Springer said. "The needs there are so great that we expect our long-term response to continue well into the future." On behalf of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, LCMS World Relief and Human Care is working cooperatively with LCMS World Mission (the mission sending arm of the LCMS), LCMS congregations and districts, and U.S. and international partners to provide immediate and long-term relief for the people of Haiti and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Haiti. To make a gift that shares Christ's mercy and helps suffering Haitians, go to www.lcms.org, call toll free 888-930-4438, or mail donations marked "Haiti Earthquake Relief" to LCMS World Relief and Human Care, P.O. Box 66861, St. Louis, MO 63166-6861. Back to top LCMS WORLD MISSION SEEKS MISSIONARIES (From LCMSNews, No. 14 - Feb. 11) If you have a "heart for service" and you can speak English, LCMS World Mission would love to talk to you about missionary service. More than 200 opportunities to serve in some 30 countries are available. Among those needed are music and early childhood teachers, doctors and nurses, computer and finance specialists, and agricultural and construction workers. But the largest number of openings is for those who can simply converse with people who want to practice their English skills: U.S. Lutherans who are willing to share their faith as they build relationships with people across the globe. "Anyone can serve," says Jennifer Mustard, placement counselor for short-term service with LCMS World Mission. Having "a heart for service" and "a heart for people" is "the main thing," she says. That sentiment is shared by Erin Alter, the mission board's placement counselor for long-term service, who says "ordinary people can have an impact" because "God works through them to accomplish His mission." Lynette Lierman, a banker from Omaha, Neb., believes God called her to service. Lierman, 27, had never experienced overseas mission work before she signed up for a 10-day mission trip last April with her congregation, Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Omaha. On the trip, she taught English in Hong Kong, mostly to high-school students, and ended up serving an extra week. A few weeks after she returned home, Lierman says she "committed to spend one year as a missionary in Hong Kong" and began working toward that goal -- raising prayer and financial support and eventually giving notice at her banking job. She has been serving since mid-August as an English teacher in schools operated by The Lutheran Church--Hong Kong Synod, an LCMS partner church body, and says her short-term service, where she "had the chance to experience and understand what a mission would look like," was "a big part of my decision to come." "The short-term missions give individuals the chance to do their part to spread the news of Jesus to the children of Hong Kong in a quick, yet intimate, setting," Lierman said via e-mail. "We had each formed a close bond to many individual students before we left. It's a rewarding experience for the individual, as well as an incredible benefit to the schools here." Lierman, who serves four schools, teaching English to students in 1st through 12th grades as well as leading weekend Bible studies and other activities, says first-grade enrollment at one school has increased by 70 percent, and, at another, 30 percent. "The Lord provided us [LCMS English teachers] to these schools, and He provided us with an amazing reassurance in numbers," she said. "Now 70 percent more first-graders will spend the next six years of their lives learning about Jesus." Lierman believes "more people should pray about becoming missionaries. It was eye-opening to me to see the way that missionaries can be used around the world. "Just being able to speak English is enough for us to help expand His kingdom." Lierman also received training from LCMS World Mission -- including cultural information and lesson planning -- before she arrived on the mission field, as do all Synod missionaries. Alter says LCMS missionaries like Lierman, who offer their English-language skills along with their faith in God, are "having a significant impact on the efforts of the Hong Kong Synod to use these schools to reach out to the community with the Gospel." Mustard adds, "If this is what God is calling you to do, now is the time to start the application process." Needed are: * short-term mission teams that can serve 10 to 14 days. * short-term missionaries, who can serve from one to six months. * long-term missionaries, who can serve one to two years. "We want to send LCMS Christians out into the world to be serving and sharing the Good News," says Alter. "And there really are so many types of positions that there's a good chance we can match most people up with something that's going to be a good fit for their unique gifts and abilities." Summer -- when school is out and workers have vacation time -- is a popular time for service, "but we do have needs throughout the year," notes Mustard, particularly in April, October, and November. Those times "are often beautiful times to travel around the world," she said, "so I encourage people to think outside the box in that way." "We need people," Mustard adds. "God has chosen to work through people to share his message of hope and salvation, and so we need those people to go out into the world. It's His chosen way to work, and so we need to respond to that." For more information about mission service, click here, visit http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=960 or call LCMS World Mission at 800-433-3954 and ask to speak to a placement counselor. Back to top REV. DR. MITRI RAHEB TO SPEAK AT CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb, a Palestinian Arab and Christian pastor based in Bethlehem, will give the Martin and Regina Maehr Lecture on Monday, March 8, at 10 a.m. in Weller auditorium at Concordia University, Nebraska. His lecture, titled "Faith Surviving and Thriving in Palestine through the Preaching and Teaching of Christ," will address the challenges of communicating the Christian faith in light of the tension between the Islamic Palestinian and the Israeli/Jewish state. The talk is free and open to the public. Born and raised in Bethlehem, Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb has been the pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church in Bethlehem since 1988. An internationally-acclaimed author and speaker, he is also president and founder of DIYAR, a consortium of several Lutheran institutions serving Palestinians throughout the West Bank through civic, cultural, health and wellness, and educational outreach programs. Dr. Raheb holds a Ph.D. in theology from the Philipps University in Marburg, Germany, and is the recipient of multiple international awards for his work. "I am thrilled and delighted Rev. Dr. Raheb will deliver this year's Maehr Lecture," said Rev. Dr. Brian Friedrich, Concordia president. "Mitri is fascinating; he is an educator, scholar, pastor, politician, agent of mercy, and a visionary. He is one of the significant Lutheran leaders of our world today. All who come in contact with him will be touched in a powerful and profound way!" The Maehr Lecture series began in 1976 and is made possible by an endowment established by Dr. Martin Maehr, a former faculty member. Raheb is the second presenter this year in Concordia's "Looking Beyond" speaker series. This year's final talk in the series will be given by 1989 Concordia alumnus Philip Droege, director of White House records, on April 13. Back to top LAST WEEK TO ORDER FREE RESOURCES IN TIME FOR ARMED FORCES SUNDAY LCMS World Mission is pleased to offer FREE resources for your congregation to celebrate Armed Forces Ministry Sunday. Resources for 2010 include: a suggested sermon, a responsive prayer, and a theme bulletin insert. Click here or visit http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=16277 to complete the order form. Order by this Friday, February 19th to ensure delivery in time for the suggested Armed Forces Sunday on May 16, 2010. LCMS World Mission Ministry to the Armed Forces thanks your congregation members for your participation in past Ministry to the Armed Forces Sundays. If your congregation chooses to celebrate Armed Forces Sunday on a day other than May 16, appropriate days could include a Sunday close to Memorial Day, Independence Day, or Veterans Day. For further information please contact LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces at 1-800-433-3954, ext. 1337, or by e-mail at lcmschaps at lcms.org. Back to top TIMPANI FOR SALE OR RENT Attention Music Directors: Would you like to add Timpani to your service music? Do you have timpani lined up for Easter yet? There are several sets of timpani available for sale or rent in the Nebraska District. Contact Jim Krutz at JimKrutz at gmail.com for more information. Back to top PEWS AVAILABLE Bethany Lutheran Church in Omaha has up to five oak pews available at no cost. The recipient would be responsible for transportation. To see, or for further information, contact Bethany Lutheran Church at 402-558-1262 (Monday-Thursday mornings only), or email bethanyoffice at aol.com. Back to top LOOKING FOR THE "OTHER SONGBOOK" Rev. Dr. David Block, former pastor of Divine Shepherd, Omaha, is currently serving LCMS World Mission as missionary at the English-speaking congregation in Prague, Czech Republic. He has made a request for 40 copies of the "Other Songbook." Mission Developer Gary Thies will provide the shipping for getting these songbooks to Prague if there is a congregation willing to donate the books. The request is for 40 songbooks, but congregations with any number of books to donate should contact Gary at 712-882-1029 or Gary.Thies at lcms.org. Back to top UPDATED MISSION CENTRAL SPEAKER SCHEDULE The following special events are planned at Mission Central near Mapleton, Iowa. Gary Thies invites everyone to come and hear these wonderful folks talk about their work around the world. All speaking events are in the barn at Mission Central, and the newest addition to the speaking list is in red. For more information on Mission Central or on these special events, visit the Mission Central website at www.missioncentral.us. April 6, 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. - Kalia Lo from Cambodia April 20, 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. - Rev. Greg Sawyer from Hong Kong April 21, 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. - Rev. Ted Engelbrecht & Dr. Ngu from Vietnam April 30, 1:00 p.m. only - Rev. Jim and Mabelle Bloker, Czech Republic June 8, 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. - Matt and Dee Dee Wasmund from Taiwan June 16, 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. - Rev. Claude & Rhoda Houge, Kenya June 24, 7:00 p.m. only - Michelle Hoeppner Cagnin, Hong Kong June 26, 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. - Rev. Carl Hanson & Family, Hong Kong July 7, 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. - Dr. Steve Oliver from Taiwan July 10, 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. - Rev. Joel and Iantha Scheiwe, Hong Kong July 17, 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. - Sharon Owens from Macau Mission Central now has a Facebook page! Those interested in viewing this page may follow the link from the Mission Central homepage, www.missioncentral.us. Back to top KFUO-AM ANNOUNCES PROGRAM CHANGES The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod-owned KFUO-AM recently announced several changes to its broadcast schedule including the return of weekday music. One new show is beginning; two shows are getting new names; and another, a new time slot. KFUO spent much of 2009 evaluating its target religious radio listeners in order to "revitalize the identity, purpose, and presentation" of the station, said Chuck Rathert, the station's program director. "We subsequently tightened up our presentation and refocused the goals of some of our shows," he said. "Our primary goal is to be an exceptional broadcast voice for the theology of the Reformation in an otherwise chaotic and confusing marketplace. We pursue that goal with the resources God has given us." The biggest change will be the return of music programming, which was part of KFUO-AM until 2007. "At that time we attempted an all-talk format,'' Rathert said. "We know we lost some listeners who were fans of the music. We hope to regain them with the return of weekday music." Host Paul Clayton's morning show, which airs from 7 to 9:30 a.m. weekdays, has been renamed "Morning Essentials," and host Diane Summers' 1 to 4 p.m. weekday show now is called "The Essence." Since November, both shows have included short, hourly devotional conversations with guests, along with inspirational Christian music. A new show, titled "Studio A," airs with host Roland Lettner from 4 to 6 p.m. weekdays. Rathert said the show has a two-fold focus: "to provide theologically substantive content and to tap the extensive resources of the LCMS seminaries, universities, and parish expertise." "Law and Gospel," hosted by Rev. Tom Baker, has moved to a new time slot, 6 p.m. weekdays. The show will stream online on the KFUO website, www.kfuo.org, during the months the station goes off the air at that time. The first half of the hour-long show will be on the air during February, and the entire show will air beginning in March. KFUO-AM's license allows it to broadcast only during daylight hours. "In keeping with the station's theme of 'We are where you are,' " Rathert added, "listeners can access KFUO programming that is streamed online at www.kfuo.org or by downloading archives on demand." Back to top OPEN ARMS CONFERENCE SET FOR APRIL (from Reporter Online - http://www.lcms.org/pages/rpage.asp?NavID=16575) "Connecting with your Community Through Childcare" is the focus of a conference to be held April 29-May 1 in St. Paul, Minn. Lodging and most sessions will be held at the Hilton Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport. The conference is sponsored by the Open Arms Institute and is co-hosted by Eastern Heights Lutheran Church, St. Paul. The congregation operates an Open Arms ministry that serves more than 85 children, providing infants to 5-year-olds with a full-time child development program, and 6- to 12-year-olds with before-and-after-school care. At the conference, Eastern Heights pastor Rev. Steve Benson and Open Arms director Michelle Emmons will share the story of their three-year-old ministry, and discuss how the child care program has been helpful in reaching families in their community and revitalizing the 62-year-old congregation. "We believe that our Open Arms Christian Child Development Center will be a cornerstone in our congregational revitalization," Benson said. "Not only are we becoming a blessing to our community, but we are finding opportunities to reach out to families with baptism, Sunday school, and one-on-one ministry. The Open Arms Institute is providing a tool to reach families with the saving name of our Savior Jesus Christ," he added. Conference sessions will address church planting with child care, and offer information about the process of starting a child care ministry as an outreach strategy for an existing congregation. It is designed for pastors, lay leaders, child care and school leaders, and district staff. Those interested in attending are encouraged to bring a team of representatives because of the range and depth of the information offered, according to Martin Barlau, director of the Loveland, Colo.-based Open Arms Institute. "The pastor, congregational leaders, and someone with interest or experience in Christian early childhood education make an excellent team," Barlau said. He noted that registration is free for the fourth member of a team. Registrations mailed by April 19 are $215 for Open Arms members, and $290 for non-members, and include most meals. Registration after that date is $300 for members, and $375 for non-members. Some scholarship funding is available. About 60 LCMS congregations have started child care programs related to Open Arms, according to Barlau. And half of those were started in conjunction with mission congregations, he says. More information about the conference, including registration and scholarship forms, is available at http://openarmsinstitute.com (click on "Conferences"). Or, contact the institute at 970-667-3249 or openarmsinstitute at msn.com. Back to top THRIVENT FINANCIAL LAUNCHES 'FAN IT FORWARD' CAMPAIGN Want to make a difference without lifting a finger (well, maybe just one)? Thrivent Financial for Lutherans has launched a new charitable outreach campaign on Facebook allowing new fans an easy way to help others worldwide. Now through March 31, 2010, for every new fan of the Thrivent Financial Facebook page, Thrivent Financial will contribute $1 to Lutheran World Relief (LWR), up to $10,000. The goal of "Fan it Forward" is to generate $10,000 for LWR and raise awareness for the humanitarian outreach the organization is making in countries around the world. "We hope our members and others participate in 'Fan it Forward' and help us spread the word," said Marie Uhrich, senior vice president of Communications for Thrivent Financial. "This is a new way for us to build community online to help make a difference." Individuals can participate in the campaign by going to Thrivent.com/facebook and clicking on the "Become a Fan" button. A new tab on the Thrivent Financial Facebook page highlights the campaign details and gives fans quick tools to spread the word through Facebook, Twitter, and email. So how will those participating in Thrivent Financial's "Fan it Forward" campaign be able to make a difference? Consider that: * 25 fans ($25) will help start a crab-raising business for a woman in Southeast Asia. * 100 fans ($100) will provide a family a hearty goat that gives milk that nourishes and sells. * 375 fans ($375) will give a family a dairy cow that can produce more than six gallons of milk a day. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans introduced its Facebook page in spring of 2009 with the goal of creating a vibrant online community. Fans of the site have already played a key role in other charitable activities, such as helping raise over $3 million for Haiti relief efforts. Back to top Lenten 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: 66039 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20100217/6817481e/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/20100217/6817481e/image001-0001.gif From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Feb 24 11:52:02 2010 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 24 Feb 2010 17:52:02 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] February 24 Message-ID: [cid:image001.gif at 01CAB547.C3754B30] February 24, 2010 In this issue: Greetings in the name of our loving and merciful Lenten Lord, who humbled himself to live and die for all people. As we continue in our Lenten journey, may we be reminded that the tremendous sacrifice Jesus made was for each of us personally, as well as for each and every person we meet or work with each day. May we see and take the opportunities we are given to work side-by-side with fellow believers in sharing this Good News with those who do not know Jesus as their Savior. * Prayer Requests * LCMS World Mission Staff to Visit Concordia University * Free Hearing Screening for Concordia Health Plan Members * District Congregation Looking to Share Bus to National Youth Gathering * CUNE Early Childhood Conference * "Winning Grants to Strengthen Your Ministry" Webinar * "Flirting or Hurting" Resource Available from the District Office * NFL Player to Speak at Concordia, Seward * Bible and Catechism Offered in Spanish * Nebraska Lutherans for Confessional Study * Getaway for Wives of Pastors Planned * Video-Based Bible Study on Revelations Available * New from Concordia Publishing House PRAYER REQUESTS The Rock, Seward - We join with the members of The Rock Lutheran Church in Seward in prayers of thanksgiving for the new pastor the Lord has sent to them. Rev. Michael Meyer accepted the Call to serve as the pastor of this new congregation, and his installation was Sunday, February 14. We thank God for sending this pastor to tend His flock, and we pray that the congregation will be a wonderful witness for Christ in Seward and the surrounding communities. Back to top LCMS WORLD MISSION STAFF TO VISIT CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY Erin Alter, program director of the GEO Missionary Service program for LCMS World Mission, will be visiting the campus of Concordia University, Seward, on Tuesday, March 2, and Wednesday, March 3. GEO missionaries are Globally Engaged in Outreach for one to two years. She will be available to meet with anyone interested in learning more about serving with LCMS World Mission. She is based in St. Louis and works specifically on recruiting for GEO missionary service, but would love to speak with anyone about short-term or long-term teams and mission work in general. For more information on Erin's schedule or where to find her on campus, contact Julie Johnston at CU at Julie.Johnston at cune.edu . Back to top FREE HEARING SCREENING FOR CONCORDIA HEALTH PLAN MEMBERS Concordia Health Plan members with diabetes are eligible for a free hearing screening provided by HearUSA in the month of March, 2010. According to a new study, people with diabetes are twice as likely to have hearing loss as those without diabetes. Take some time in March to have your hearing tested for FREE. Call 800-442-8231 for more information or to schedule your appointment for a free screening. Those who are screened will also receive a free DVD developed by the American Diabetes Association. Back to top DISTRICT CONGREGATION LOOKING TO SHARE BUS TO NATIONAL YOUTH GATHERING Zion, Scotia, is looking into the possibility of linking up with other Nebraska District congregations to charter a bus for this summer's National Youth Gathering. Please contact Zion at 308-219-0094 if you'd be interested in sharing a bus. Back to top CUNE EARLY CHILDHOOD CONFERENCE Concordia University, Nebraska in Seward is offering the 2010 Early Childhood Conference on June 16 under the theme "Do You See What I See?" Keynote speakers are Drs. Ellen Hall and George E. Forman, with luncheon speaker Paul Soulek. This conference is great for teachers and aides involved with education of students (from birth to age 8), child care providers, pastors, DCEs, and child ministry directors. Drs. Ellen Hall and George E. Forman, keynote speakers, will talk about using video documentation of young children's play to reveal learning theory within teaching practice. Video documentation is a resource that can be used by teachers, administrators, consultants, and teacher educators to improve their knowledge, support, and communication of children's learning and development. Following the conference Videatives, Inc. will provide participants with digital resources that may be downloaded from their website including eArticles, streaming video, and short video clips. Paul Soulek, luncheon speaker, has a passion for equipping God's people to confess the Christian faith using the gift of music. The cost of the conference is $43 per person for the conference and an additional $12 for those who attend the luncheon. If you have questions about the conference, please contact Professor Annette Oliver at 800-535-5494, ext. 7474, or ECE at cune.edu. Back to top "WINNING GRANTS TO STRENGTHEN YOUR MINISTRY" WEBINAR Is there grant funding out there for your church or ministry? If so, how can you access it? More and more churches and ministry groups are exploring grant funding as a possible source of support, particularly for community outreach programs. To secure foundation and corporate grants, ministry leaders need to understand the grant funding process and know how to "package" their ministries into compelling proposals. Wheat Ridge Ministries is offering a "Winning Grants to Strengthen Your Ministry" webinar on Wednesday, March 17, from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. The cost is $39.00. This is the second date for this webinar, as the first date quickly sold out. Those who are interested are encouraged to register soon at www.wheatridge.org/winninggrantswebinar. Registration is limited to the first 50 registrants. This session is presented by Joy Skjegstad, veteran grantwriter and author. Through this session, you will learn: * How to assess whether grant funding is a fit for your church or ministry * What corporate and foundation funders look for in evaluating grant proposals * Steps to developing a grant proposal that is both compelling and effective, using a template provided through the webinar * Key strategies to use in communicating with "secular" funders Register now or find more information at www.wheatridge.org/winninggrantswebinar. Back to top "FLIRTING OR HURTING" RESOURCE AVAILABLE FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE The following resource is available for check-out from the parish health resource library. Contact Julie Roebke at the District Office to reserve a copy for your church, school, or youth group. Flirting or Hurting - For grades 6 to 9. (Comes with DVD and Teacher's Guide) Sexual harassment is an important and sometimes uncomfortable topic for teachers and administrators. This program helps students to recognize and respond to sexual harassment. It also gives administrators and teachers tools to help students create a safer environment. This DVD contains three segments: two of the segments target students and one targets teachers. Throughout the student programs, the host - an older sister character - provides definitions, explanations, and insights based on her own experiences. The two 15-minute segments to use with youth include breaks for discussions or activities. Segment 1: Students learn the definition of sexual harassment, see examples of offensive behavior, and learn about the devastating effects often associated with sexual harassment. Segment 2: Students learn what Title IX means to them and what to do if they find themselves the targets of sexual harassment. Segment 3: Educators receive suggestions on how to use this program effectively with youth, including: - Why it's necessary to educate kids on sexual harassment - How and where to use the program - How to respond to students' questions. Back to top NFL PLAYER TO SPEAK AT CONCORDIA, SEWARD NFL wide-receiver and 2010 Walter Payton Man of the Year finalist Mike Furrey will speak at Concordia University, Nebraska on March 1, 2010, at 8 p.m. Furrey, a life-long Lutheran and committed Christian husband and father, will share his personal story of faith and service. This event is open to the community and will take place in the arena of Concordia's new Health, Human Performance and Athletic Center on its Seward campus. A $5 door donation will be collected to support the Mike Furrey Foundation, a non-profit organization advocating and providing for the basic needs of disadvantaged individuals, particularly children. In the 2009 season, Mike played wide-receiver and safety for the Cleveland Browns. He played college football at Northern Iowa and Ohio State University. Furrey has also played for the Las Vegas Outlaws, St. Louis Rams, and Detroit Lions. The March 1 event is being sponsored by Concordia Publishing House (CPH). Furrey is featured as an author in CPH's new men's Bible study resource, Blessed is the Man, available now at www.cph.org. CPH provides the publishing ministry of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and is dedicated to supporting the faith of college-age Christians beyond the classroom. For more information about this event, please contact Sue Kohlwey at Concordia University, sue.kohlwey at cune.edu or 800-535-5494, ext. 7210. Back to top BIBLE AND CATECHISM OFFERED IN SPANISH Do you serve, or would you like to serve, Spanish-speaking people in your community with the Gospel? Or are you planning a mission trip to Central or South America? If so, the Lutheran Heritage Foundation (LHF) has a free resource that will soon be available to you: the Spanish edition of the Holy Bible, bound with Luther's Small Catechism. To pre-order copies, visit the LHF website at www.LHFmissions.org/Spanish_Bible_Poll, where you can also take a poll to help LHF decide how many copies of the Bible/catechism to print, in what version, in hardcover or soft cover. LHF's materials are provided at no charge to those who need them. Back to top NEBRASKA LUTHERANS FOR CONFESSIONAL STUDY The February gathering of the Nebraska Lutherans for Confessional Study (NLCS) will be held on Thursday, February 25, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 3825 Wildbriar Lane in Lincoln. Refreshments will be in the fellowship hall at 9:30 a.m., followed by Matins at 10 a.m. Presenter for the day will be Dr. Ken Jones, associate professor of philosophy and religion at Grand View University, Des Moines, Iowa. His topic will be "Justification and Justice, Faith, and Love." The morning session will start at about 10:30 a.m. Following lunch, the afternoon topic will start at about 1 p.m. The meeting will conclude by 2:30 p.m. Everyone is invited, both clergy and laity. A free-will offering will be taken to help defray expenses. Back to top GETAWAY FOR WIVES OF PASTORS PLANNED A pastors wives' getaway will be held in Norfolk on April 11 and 12 at Divot's Conference Center in Norfolk. Rev. James DeLoach of Kearney will be the featured presenter/teacher. Under the topic "Built on the Rock," participants will examine who they rest on, and which rocks they are building upon - those that crumble, or the One Rock that never fails. Participants will examine how the Lord would have them respond to personal, family, and congregational crises. So often we begin to feel that we are "in over our head" or that we lack the strength or energy to respond at all. God's Word and the Lutheran Confessions extol Christ as the true Rock of our salvation and encourage the saintly wise-wives and all-to be built upon Christ for time and for eternity. Prepare to be refreshed in your Christian calling and resourced with a firm foundation and focus in the midst of dangers and enemies you frequently face. Registrations are due by March 5 and may be obtained by contacting Kristi Leckband at kleckmusic at ptcnet.net or 402-329-4262. Questions may also be directed to Kristi. Back to top VIDEO-BASED BIBLE STUDY ON REVELATIONS AVAILABLE (from www.LHM.org) As a pastor, church worker, lay leader, or Lutheran school teacher, you've probably heard your parishioners, students, or parents of students ask questions about the book of Revelation. They may have even asked you to lead a Bible study on Revelation. We have a study just for you! Explaining All The Scary Stuff In Revelation is a video-based Bible study written by Pastor Ken Klaus, Speaker of The Lutheran Hour(r). Surveying the history and root causes behind ancient Rome's homicidal persecution of the early Church, Pastor Klaus details the points of collision between these two entities and how early Christians naturally despaired of their situation. Klaus then gives the viewer rules for understanding and interpreting this book's distinctive writing form. He explains how Revelation's use of numbers and fantastic symbols, monstrous creatures, and spiritual images are all part of John's secret code-and God's divine plan-to portray the religious and world leaders Satan was using in his battle against Christ and His Church. The use of coded or apocalyptic language kept Revelation's message safe for believers-and hid it from those who would undermine and attack the Church. The coded messages also pointed to Christ's victorious resurrection-comforting the victimized Christians and assuring them of present hope and future triumph in the face of what must have seemed insurmountable odds. Explaining All The Scary Stuff In Revelation is one of nine video Bible studies available from the LHM Men's NetWork. Each study can be downloaded online for free or purchased on DVD for $15. Discussion guides can also be downloaded and copied, and each purchased DVD comes with one copy of the discussion guide. While the Bible studies are developed with a male audience in mind, many of them are suitable for a class with both men and women. The Men's NetWork also offers a forum for men to discuss whatever is on their minds, short video segments like "The Baloney Shop" and "Stuff They Didn't Teach Me In Sunday School," and other useful resources for building a men's ministry. Back to top NEW FROM CONCORDIA PUBLISHING HOUSE New Proverbs Commentary Connects Christ to the Text Concordia Publishing House (CPH) announces the availability of the newest Concordia Commentary-Proverbs by Dr. Andrew E. Steinmann. The latest title to the popular series is available at www.cph.org or by calling 800-325-3040. "Proverbs is often seen as a set of guidelines for ways to succeed in life," says Dr. Christopher Mitchell, CPH commentary editor. "However, this commentary shows that it is, first of all, a book about Jesus Christ, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He has accomplished the victory for us by His death and resurrection. Through faith in Him, God endows us with wisdom and guidance on the path of everlasting salvation." Mitchell continues, "Proverbs teach prudence and discretion for the life of faith, which is contrasted to the ways of the world." Some sections of Proverbs are connected thematically while others feature short, pithy aphorisms that challenge the interpreter. This commentary explains both the larger features of the book and the individual proverbs that comprise this treasury of divine wisdom. "This is a favorite book of Scripture for preaching the legalistic gospel of self-help, synergism, and a theology of glory. From it you can easily glean ten easy steps for achievement. In contrast, this commentary demonstrates that Proverbs is about the hypostasized Wisdom of God who became incarnate in Jesus Christ. He speaks through Proverbs to grant prudence and discretion for the life of faith under the cross." The Concordia Commentary series supports pastors and teachers of the Word to proclaim the Gospel with insight and clarity. Concordia Commentaries affirm the inspiration and authority of Scripture and offer a literal translation, textual notes, and theological exposition to present the distinctive themes of Holy Scripture. Launch Imaginations with New Arch Books Adventures Concordia Publishing House (CPH) introduces four new Arch(r) Books for children ages 5-9. "The 16-page length makes them perfect for young children who may have trouble sitting still for longer story books," says Peggy Kuethe, book editor at CPH. "The sing-song rhyme of the re-told Bible stories makes them easy and fun to listen to. And the grown-ups page at the end of each book provides parents with in-depth information about the Bible stories so they can answer 'why' questions about God and His people." Arch(r) Books are available at www.cph.org or by calling 800-325-3040. The new Arch(r) Books titles include Daniel and the Lions, The Resurrection, The Fruit of the Spirit, and Jesus Heals the Centurion's Servant. These books are segmented by different parts of the Bible for a thorough journey through God's Word: beginnings, Old Testament, Christmas, Jesus' miracles, parables and lessons of Jesus, Easter, and New Testament. Kuethe shares, "Illustrations are colorful and helpful for giving context and explanation to the stories. But perhaps the feature that has made Arch(r) Books favorites for generations of Christians is that they're true to God's Holy Word." Savor Coffee with the Savior Women's routines are hectic. Calendars are filled with career work, cooking, caring for children, cleaning, ministry, and possibly exercise if there's time. Ladies often put themselves on the back burner for their families and subsequently wish they could put the world on pause. Concordia Publishing House (CPH) invites women to steal away and make personal time with their Lord through Coffee with the Savior. This new Bible study encourages women to share a relaxing and intimate moment with Jesus as they would with a girlfriend over coffee. While author Kristen Myers is not a coffee drinker, she chose the title because "so much of women's socialization time revolves around having a cup of coffee. If you walk into any coffee shop, you will see women engaged in intimate conversations, growing friendships, all because they made the choice to take time to meet over this simple drink." Myers continues, "God desires this same type of intimacy with us-daily time communing, conversing, and growing with Him. So why not do what comes naturally to women-sit with a cup of coffee and talk with our best Friend?" Coffee with the Savior is inspired by Jeremiah 29:12-13: "Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart." (ESV(r)) Since graduating from college, this Scripture was special to Myers, but the words became more meaningful as a stay-at-home mom. "I was aching for friendship, adult conversation, and guidance. On the day that I read Jeremiah 29:12-13, it was as if the words jumped off the page and the Holy Spirit overwhelmed me with the reality of Jesus' presence in my life. I realized that through these words to His people, God had also promised me, and all people, that He would be available 24/7 when we simply called on Him and sought Him with our whole heart." Coffee with the Savior takes a biblical look at the close relationship between Moses and God and how women can follow that example in their own relationship with Christ. Topics include God's desire that we come to Him, that we pray to Him, and that we receive His gifts. The concluding chapter encourages women to continue their commitment through dedicated personal study of God's Word and recognize their individual value in the Body of Christ. Peggy Kuethe, senior editor of women's resources at CPH, says, "This Bible study uses a friendly, conversational style to explore the perfect friendship we have in Christ. And it helps women see that what God desires most is relationship with us." Myers says, "I think what is so important to me is that women realize God desires to have a daily relationship with us. He wants each and every one of us to dive into His Word every day so that He may teach us through His Holy Spirit. We have such an awesome opportunity to know our Savior personally. We must make the choice, however, to meet Him for coffee." Back to top Lenten 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: 60229 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20100224/abcde71f/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/20100224/abcde71f/image001-0001.gif