[DistUpd] February 10

Wed Feb 10 16:30:06 CST 2010

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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<http://www.ndlcms.org/>, or the Nebraska Lutheran Reporter for more information.

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LCMS INVITES EXHIBITORS TO CONVENTION
This summer's Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod<http://www.lcms.org/> (LCMS) 64th Regular Convention, which will be held July 10-17 at the George R. Brown Convention Center<http://www.houstonconventionctr.com/> in Houston, Texas<http://www.visithoustontexas.com/>, 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<http://www.lcms.org/convention> or contact Peggy Croghan, LCMS Travel & Meeting Planning, by email at peggy.croghan at lcms.org<mailto:peggy.croghan at lcms.org>  or by phone at 314-996-1148.

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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<mailto:patrick.oneal at lcms.org>) and I can share more details with you.  We can work together to get you to North Korea.

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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<http://www.lcms.org/songwriter> 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<mailto: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.

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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<http://www.lcms.org/ca/worldrelief/resources/mercynotes/MercyNotes%20VII-1.pdf> 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.

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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.

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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<http://www.cph.org/cphstore/product.asp?part_no=321043> 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<http://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<http://www.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<http://bit.ly/7mhxSw> 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<http://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<http://bit.ly/dmr70N>. "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<http://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.

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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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