From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Mar 3 14:51:07 2010 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 03 Mar 2010 20:51:07 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] March 3 Message-ID: [cid:image001.gif at 01CABABA.72128460] March 3, 2010 In this issue: Lenten greetings in the name of our Heavenly Father. Thanks to everyone who contributed items for this week's Update. This newsletter is meant to be a resource for ministry. Feel free to copy and paste items from the Update in your congregation's bulletins or newsletters, or forward the message to someone you think might find the information useful. Anyone may subscribe to the Email Update by emailing communications at ndlcms.org. * Prayer Requests * District Staff Change * Congregation Statistical Reports are DUE! * LCMS Response to Chilean Earthquake * It's Time to Start Thinking VBS! * LCEF Outreach Grant Applications Now Available * Lutherans For Life Cross Display Available for Your Area * K.I.D.S. Count Stewardship Curriculum Still on Sale * Women's Institute Announces Conference * Bullying Resource Available * Seminary to Hold Law Enforcement Chaplaincy Workshop * Concordia University Wisconsin Choir to Perform in Lincoln * Seminary Continuing Education Course in Nebraska * Organ Available for Congregation/School * Fall Tour to Michigan and Indiana PRAYER REQUESTS Rev. Gene and Linda Gierke - We lift up in prayer Rev. Gene and Linda Gierke and their family at the death of Linda's father on Sunday, February 28. The funeral will take place Saturday, March 6, in Hamler, Ohio. We remember this family in prayer as they go through this time of grief, asking that the Lord will grant them peace as they anticipate an eternal reunion in heaven. Rev. Gierke is the past president of the Nebraska District and currently serves the Lutheran Church Extension Fund - Nebraska Program in promotions. Rev. David Feddern - Please remember in prayer Pastor David Feddern from St. Paul, Cambridge, who is hospitalized in Omaha following procedures to correct health issues linked to serious surgery complications from an operation in the fall of 2007. He is scheduled to undergo yet another procedure today, March 3. We ask the Lord to be with the medical staff as they attend to Pastor Feddern. We also ask that He would grant Pastor Feddern healing, and we pray for understanding and peace for his wife Deanna, and children Miranda and Kelby. Burnell and Virginia Von Seggern - We lift up in prayer Burnell and Virginia Von Seggern and their family at the death of their son-in-law Steve Hincker following his battle with pancreatic cancer. Steve was taken to heaven Tuesday, March 2, and his memorial service will be Saturday, March 6, at 10:30 a.m. at Christ, Lincoln. We place all those who mourn in the arms of Jesus, especially the children who are dealing with the loss of their father just a few years after losing their mother. We pray for our heavenly Father's loving arms to encircle those who mourn, that they might be comforted with His peace. Burnell is the Nebraska LLL president and Virginia serves on the Nebraska District Board of Directors. Back to top DISTRICT STAFF CHANGE Julie Roebke, who served the District for more than 10 years as receptionist and administrative assistant in a number of ministry areas, most recently in gift planning and church worker care, will be leaving her position for new ministry opportunities. Her last day in the office will be this Friday, March 5. We pray the Lord's blessing to her in her new endeavors. Connie Borchers is now the assistant to Neal Koch in gift planning, and she may be contacted for appointments or information at connieb at ndlcms.org or 888-643-2961. Assistance for Rev. Mark Rockenbach in church worker care will be provided by Carol Oetting beginning March 8 until the position is filled again. Carol may be reached at carolo at ndlcms.org or 888-643-2961 to schedule an appointment with Rev. Rockenbach. Back to top CONGREGATION STATISTICAL REPORTS ARE DUE! Congregation statistical reports have been mailed to church offices and were due back to the District Office by February 28. Congregations that have not returned their form are strongly encouraged to immediately complete the form, mail the original to the St. Louis address on the form, keep one copy, and mail a copy to the District Office. Contact Kim Hofer at the District Office at kimh at ndlcms.org or 888-643-2961 with any questions. It is especially important these forms are returned promptly to allow eligibility information on voting delegates to be determined for the Synodical Convention this summer. Circuits that do not meet the minimum membership requirement may not be allowed to send voting delegates to the convention. Your information will assure the reporting of accurate numbers. Back to top LCMS RESPONSE TO CHILEAN EARTHQUAKE The president of the Chilean partner church body of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) said his members and pastors are safe following the Feb. 27 8.8 magnitude earthquake even as the church body's assessment of damage continues. "By God's grace [none] of our church members and pastors' families have suffered," wrote Rev. Carlos Schumann, president of the Confessional Lutheran Church of Chile (IELCHI), in an e-mail to the LCMS. The LCMS is monitoring the needs of the partner church and has pledged assistance in the aftermath of the earthquake that claimed more than 700 lives, toppled thousands of buildings and homes, and left an estimated 2 million people homeless. Dr. Gerald B. Kieschnick, president of the LCMS, expressed sorrow and concern for the Chilean people and the IELCHI in a Saturday e-mail to Schumann. "We thank God that He remains faithful to His promises, and we pray that He will give you strength and wisdom for the challenges of today, tomorrow, and for many days and years to come,'' Kieschnick wrote. "May the peace of God that passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds through faith in Christ Jesus our Lord!'' The IELCHI, while still assessing the earthquake's effects on its members, buildings, and schools, has reported no serious damage from the quake to its congregations and schools. The earthquake is one of the most powerful on record. Kieschnick asked staff from the LCMS entities involved in international mission outreach and relief efforts, LCMS World Mission and LCMS World Relief and Human Care, to remain in contact with the IELCHI. "While already committing human and fiscal resources to relief and rebuilding in Haiti, we stand ready to be of assistance in any way possible in the aftermath of this very powerful earthquake in your country,'' Kieschnick wrote in his e-mail. Schumann thanked the LCMS' "brothers and sisters that are praying for us and our country." "So, just [one] thing remains firm: God's merciful and powerful hands where your life by faith quietly rests,'' he wrote in a reply to Kieschnick. "I'm really [appreciative of] your kind, warm, and friendly concern about us and the whole Chilean church.'' The LCMS commitment to helping its Chilean partner church comes in addition to its efforts to provide relief to Haiti, following the 7.0 earthquake that struck the Caribbean nation Jan. 12. LCMS Lutherans have given nearly $4 million for Haiti relief. The LCMS, working cooperatively through LCMS World Mission and LCMS World Relief and Human Care in St. Louis, and other U.S. and international partners, is striving to serve the ongoing needs of the people of Latin America affected by these recent devastating natural disasters. For up-to-the minute news of the LCMS response to the earthquakes in Haiti and Chile and to contribute, visit www.lcms.org. Back to top IT'S TIME TO START THINKING VBS! Is your congregation starting to consider Vacation Bible School plans for this summer? Camp Luther can help you with your VBS planning and staffing. The camp is available to send three young college students to help run your VBS in your community. Visit Camp Luther's website at www.campluther.org to learn more, or call the camp office at 402-352-5655 to pick a date. Whether your VBS is one day or five, let Camp Luther help you add to your program. Back to top LCEF OUTREACH GRANT APPLICATIONS NOW AVAILABLE As a result of the partnership between the Lutheran Church Extension Fund's faithful investors and borrowers, LCEF has been blessed by our Lord to be able to offer Outreach Ministry Grants to congregations and other LCMS organizations within the Nebraska District. Twenty-five $1,000 Outreach Ministry Grants are available to Nebraska District LCMS congregations, schools, and related organizations. To be considered for a grant, the applicant must: * Conduct a specific outreach/evangelism program, activity, or event designed to reach lost people for Christ within one calendar year of receipt of this grant. * Reflect the goals of the LCEF Mission Statement, which reads as follows: To support the Church in fulfilling its mission of sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ by being a Christ-centered servant partner of the LCMS, ensuring that funds and services are available now and in the future. * Provide photos and a written summary of the LCEF grant-funded outreach ministry to this office within one calendar year of receipt of this grant. This will be used for LCEF promotional purposes. Guidelines and an application were sent to all pastors, principals, DCEs, congregational chairmen, and LCEF congregational representatives. Contact one of these individuals for more information, or visit the Nebraska District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/financial/lcef/grant.html for more information or to print an application form. The deadline for receiving completed applications is April 1. Grant recipients will be selected by May 15. Back to top LUTHERANS FOR LIFE CROSS DISPLAY AVAILABLE FOR YOUR AREA The Fremont Area Chapter of Lutherans for Life, the administrators of the 3,200 cross sanctity of human life display, is in the process of setting its 2010 sponsor schedule. The group is encouraging Nebraska LCMS congregations and Lutheran for Life chapters to make plans to sponsor a display in their community. In 2009 the crosses were set up in ten locations throughout the state. What a wonderful way to stand up for God's gift of human life and to stand against abortion in our world. This is also a great event to help to unite congregations, LFL chapters, and communities while supporting a very important cause. For more information or to schedule a cross display, call Lowell Bloemker 402-721-8952 or Dave McCarty 402-478-4725. Back to top K.I.D.S. COUNT STEWARDSHIP CURRICULUM STILL ON SALE K.I.D.S. COUNT as members of God's Kingdom! K.I.D.S. Count is a stewardship resource for students in programs of Christian education from kindergarten through grade 8. This new program has been developed by the Lutheran Church Extension Fund to be used in conjunction with its Kids Into Discipleship and Stewardship (K.I.D.S.) program. K.I.D.S. Count helps children explore what it means to live for Jesus as a disciple and a steward. It includes lessons in discipleship to involve children in the ministry of the church and teach them about stewardship. For a limited time LCEF is offering the entire curriculum set for the special introductory price of $59.99. To learn more about using K.I.D.S. Count in your congregation or for ordering information, contact Rev. Gene Gierke, LCEF Nebraska District Program Director, at 402-641-1485 or geneg at ndlcms.org. Back to top WOMEN'S INSTITUTE ANNOUNCES CONFERENCE (from Reporter Online, www.lcms.org) Registration is now open for the Third Biennial Conference of the Women's Leadership Institute (WLI), located on the campus of Concordia University Wisconsin, Mequon. The conference, scheduled for April 16-18 at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center in Milwaukee, will explore various aspects of communication under the theme "Listening, Linking, Leading: From Words to Action." The theme is based on Exodus 4:12, "Now go. I will help you speak and I will teach you what to say." Keynote speaker will be Dr. Jean Garton, founder of Lutherans For Life and now an author and lecturer on education, the family, life concerns, and Christian life. Garton, who currently serves on the LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations and the Synod's Board for Human Care Ministries, will address "Words, Thoughts, and Deeds: Live the Faith, Share the Story." Other plenary speakers will be Dr. Bernard Bull, assistant professor of education, director of the M.S. in Education -- Educational Technology Program, and director of the Instructional Design Center at Concordia University Wisconsin, and Dr. Carol McDaniel, a senior staff member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Long Beach, Calif., and director of the parish music program at Concordia University, Irvine, Calif. Karen Lippert, director of Women's Ministry at Divine Redeemer Lutheran Church in Hartland, Wis., will lead Bible studies, and Dr. Patrick Ferry, president of Concordia, Mequon, will lead the Sunday worship. In addition, 15 workshops will explore a variety of topics on leadership and communication. As a new feature for 2010, pre-conference "schools" for in-depth, personalized training in speaking and writing, also will be available. The Speakers and Writers Schools, under the leadership of Dr. Ruth Koch and Dr. Jane Fryar, respectively, will take place April 13-16 at the conference site. Koch is a mental health educator and author, speaker, and consultant. Fryar is a writer, editor, speaker, and consultant. Full conference registration is $140, or $100 for students, by March 15. After that date, it will be $180 and $130, respectively. Single-day registrations also are available. Registration for each of the pre-conference Speakers and Writers Schools is $135 by March 15, or $175 after that date. For more information, visit the WLI Web site at www.wlicuw.org and click on "2010 Leadership Conference." Or, contact Registrar Bonnie Treloar at 262-243-4422 or bonnie.treloar at cuw.edu. Back to top BULLYING RESOURCE AVAILABLE Defending Yourself: Bullying, Teasing, and Put-Downs - This 35-minute DVD causes children to think by posing important questions about bullies and their victims, while also offering children positive suggestions on how to resolve bullying behavior in safe yet effective ways. Through testimonial interviews, children share their experiences with bullying, teasing, and put-downs and comment on what worked to stop it, and what did not. In addition to the children's testimonials, counselors and youth workers offer their expertise on why bullies act out and what makes someone a victim of this behavior. Back to top SEMINARY TO HOLD LAW ENFORCEMENT CHAPLAINCY WORKSHOP Concordia Seminary, together with Peace Officer Ministries, Inc. (POM), will host "Christian Law Enforcement Chaplaincy-Theology and Practice," on May 24-28 on the Seminary campus. The workshop offers unique accredited training for chaplains, peace officers, and pastors, focusing on effective Christian ministry to and through law enforcement. Key principles that participants can expect to take away with them after attending the workshop include: understanding law enforcement as vocation (God's calling); distinguishing and properly applying Law and Gospel and God's Two Kingdoms within a law enforcement context; addressing practical, legal, historical, cultural, and missiological considerations; employing Christian stress management and officer spiritual survival strategies; and identifying characteristics of a competent Christian chaplain. The Department of Homeland Security Course Component fulfills DHS Guidelines. Rev. Steve Lee, founding chaplain of POM, will serve as the introductory speaker on Monday morning. Other presenters include: William J. Becker Jr., Esq. - Becker Law Firm, Los Angeles, Calif.; Michael D. Dahmer - former officer and current licensed professional engineer with expertise in national security, counterterrorism, and homeland security, Jerome, Idaho; Maj. Daniel Dusseau - Commander of District 1 for the Prince George's County Police Department, Dunkirk, Md., and Chairman of POM Board of Directors; William G. Jones - Assistant Chief, Perryville Police Department, Mo.; Rev. Glenn F. Merritt - former officer and current Director of Disaster Response at LCMS World Relief and Human Care, St. Louis, Mo.; Dr. Tomas C. Mijares - former Detroit Police SWAT sergeant and current professor of criminal justice, Texas State University, Austin, Texas; Rev. Frank Ruffatto - retired detective and current executive director and chaplain, Peace Officer Ministries, Inc., Cornelius, N.C.; Steven Ruffatto - retired detective and current adjunct professor in criminal justice at Elizabethtown College, University of Phoenix, and Harrisburg Area Community College, York, Penn.; Dr. John J. South - Vietnam and police veteran, L.E. and Army Chaplain, Critical Point Solutions LLC, Phoenix, Ariz.; and Bob Vernon - former Assistant Chief, Los Angeles Police Department (ret'd). Registration cost is $340. This includes four breakfasts, five lunches, and three dinners, plus CEUs for full participation. Limited on-campus housing is available on a first-come first-served basis. Housing is dormitory style with shared bathrooms and showers. Rooms are on the second floor and are not handicapped accessible. Rates are $30 per night for single or couple and $17.50 per night for a shared room. For more information, contact the Office of Continuing Education and Parish Services at 314-505-7486 or ce at csl.edu; or visit the Seminary's website at www.csl.edu for a downloadable brochure. Back to top CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY WISCONSIN CHOIR TO PERFORM IN LINCOLN The Kammerchor of Concordia University Wisconsin will share a concert on Sunday evening, March 14, 2010, at 7 p.m., at Christ Lutheran Church, 4325 Sumner Street, Lincoln, Nebraska. The choir is directed by Dr. Alexa Doebele. A free-will offering will be taken. Concordia University Wisconsin is part of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod system of colleges and universities, and is located in Mequon, Wisconsin. Back to top SEMINARY CONTINUING EDUCATION COURSE IN NEBRASKA Many of the professors from Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne will be leading courses in locations from California to New York during the summer of 2010. These courses are offered to professional church workers in an effort to assist them as they strive to grow in their knowledge and, in turn, share that knowledge with others. Professional church workers may also earn Continuing Education Units (CEU) when participating in these courses. One course will be offered in Nebraska this summer: Kearney, NE June 21-25, 2010 Lutheran Missiology Presenter - Dr. Detlev Schulz, Th.D. Others in surrounding states include: Camp Okoboji, IA May 24-26, 2010 The Powerful Portraits of Christ in the Book of Revelation Dr. Charles Gieschen, Ph.D. Concordia, MO June 28-30, 2010 All the World: The Missiological Foundations of the Old Testament Prof. Jeffrey Pulse, S.T.M. Wichita, KS May 24-25, 2010 The Gospel of Mark: The Mystery of Jesus Dr. Peter Scaer, Ph.D. The complete list of locations and topics is available on the seminary website, www.ctsfw.edu/continuinged. For a more detailed description of courses, to download a brochure, or to register online, visit the same website. If you have additional questions, please e-mail ContinuingEd at ctsfw.edu or phone 260-452-2279. Back to top ORGAN AVAILABLE FOR CONGREGATION/SCHOOL A congregation member has a home organ available for a congregation, school, or mission that can use it. The Baldwin Orga-Sonic is 42 x 23 inches with a double offset keyboard and full range of sounds across the top. Anyone who can use this organ in ministry or who has questions should contact Paul Ulferts at 308-536-2865. Back to top FALL TOUR TO MICHIGAN AND INDIANA The fellowship committee of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Council Bluffs invites anyone to join them on a fall tour of Michigan and Indiana September 16-22, 2010. Travelers will ride to Frankenmuth, Michigan, where they will stay at the Bavarian Inn and tour Bronner's Christmas Store, as well as explore the sights and sounds of Frankenmuth. There will be a visit to the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Michigan, and then a tour of Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana. From there it's on to Shipshewana, Indiana, to tour the Amish shops and dine at the famous Blue Gate Restaurant. The cost of the tour is $485 per person, not including meals. For more information, contact Ed Termuende at 712-325-6984. 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: 63136 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20100303/8dfe57af/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/20100303/8dfe57af/image001-0001.gif From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Mar 10 15:47:42 2010 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 21:47:42 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] March 10 Message-ID: [cid:image001.gif at 01CAC069.01DCD830] March 10, 2010 In this issue: Happy National Lutheran Schools Week! This is the week Lutheran schools celebrate who they are in the Lord and the opportunities He has given them in their congregations and communities. If there is a Lutheran school in your congregation or community, especially this week consider praying for all involved and letting them know of your support for the ministry taking place in their midst. A specific prayer for Lutheran Schools Week is included in the "Prayer Request" section of this Update. For more information on Lutheran schools in the Nebraska District, use the Lutheran school locator on the Nebraska District website at www.ndlcms.org/locator/schools/index.html. * Prayer Requests * LCMS Responds to the Chilean Earthquake * Looking for Two High School Youth * Is Your Congregation Looking for Help with Its Website? * Junior High Retreat * CTCR Adopts Environment-Care Report * Way of the Cross in Seward * World Mission Offers Service Opportunities Worldwide * Resource on Bullying Available from District Office * Organist Workshop Offered This Summer * Good Shepherd Mission Festival PRAYER REQUESTS National Lutheran Schools Week - Following is a prayer that may be offered during your congregational or personal prayer time for the Lutheran schools of the District and throughout the world: Lord Jesus, as we observe National Lutheran Schools week, we express to You our thanks for principals, teachers, teachers' assistants, and staff members of our Lutheran high schools, junior high schools, grade schools, preschools, day care centers and other early childhood ministries across our Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod. The work is challenging, the results are often difficult to see, and the effort seems at times to be in vain. Encourage these important men and women in their daily tasks when they become discouraged. Renew their strength at the end of each day. Bring along side of them people who express appreciation for what they are doing and help in the ways needed. Work within the parents and students an attitude of cooperation. Cause your Holy Word that the staff is teaching and living to come alive in the students and their family members. What we ask for our Lutheran schools, Lord Jesus, we also ask for our Sunday Schools, youth and adult Confirmation classes, teachers, pastors and students. We ask this for Your honor and glory and the blessing of people, in Your name. Amen. Family of Gail Otten - Please remember in prayer the family of Gail Otten of York who was called to Jesus' side on March 4 after a battle with cancer. Gail was a long-time member of the LWML, serving in many local and zone offices and committees, as well as serving the Nebraska District South LWML as vice-president for four years. A service of celebration for Gail's life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 11, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in York. Burial will be at St. Matthew's Lutheran Cemetery south of Pilger on Friday, March 12. Back to top LCMS RESPONDS TO THE CHILEAN EARTHQUAKE Lutheran Hour Ministries On February 27, a magnitude 8.8 earthquake, one of the strongest earthquakes ever recorded, struck Chile. According to reports, more than 1.5 million homes have been destroyed, displacing more than 2 million people. The number of dead or missing continues to climb, with the latest reports putting it at more than 800 people. Early last week the Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM) director in Chile, Marianela Bravo, met with local leaders and pastors of the Lutheran churches in Valparaiso to decide on a plan of action to deliver much needed material support to those affected. Specific necessities were identified such as food, beds, blankets, water pumps, and construction materials. LHM will also begin to immediately assist in the rebuilding efforts for low-income families in La Granja, La Florida, ?u?oa, Paine, and Puente Alto, which are towns near the LHM Chile ministry center in Santiago. Lutheran Hour Ministries is already printing 10,000 brochures entitled "Strength During Difficult Times," which will be distributed by volunteers at health centers and other places around the city. "More than anything, we want to deliver hope to these people, and give them consolation through the message of our Savior, Jesus Christ," said Bravo, whose home also suffered damage. Though the worst of the magnitude 8.8 earthquake is past, areas continue to tremble with powerful aftershocks. A tsunami triggered by the earthquake has also caused damage along the coastal region. The Chilean government estimates the cost of repairing the damage to be approximately $30 billion, and that it will take 3-4 years to rebuild affected places. In the days, weeks, and months ahead, LHM will continue to work through our ministry center in Santiago, along with its church partners, to provide assistance to those affected. Please visit the LHM Chile Blog at http://lhmchile.wordpress.com for news updates. Please pray for the people of Chile and for the staff and volunteers working there. LHM is accepting monetary donations for their ministry efforts in Chile. If you would like to help support this ministry in Chile, please send your contributions via the LHM International Ministries website at www.lhmint.org or mail them to: Lutheran Hour Ministries Chile Relief 660 Mason Ridge Center Drive St. Louis, MO 63141 Telephone: 1 800-944-3450 LCMS World Relief and Human Care As he travels to areas hit hardest by the earthquake and tsunami, Rev. Carlos Schumann, president of the Confessional Lutheran Church of Chile (IELCHI) sees tremendous destruction but also opportunities to pray and share the Gospel with hurting survivors. "We have a lot of work here in evaluating the situation and determining what steps we should follow," Schumann said in a March 3 e-mail to LCMS World Relief and Human Care's Rev. Carlos Hernandez. One Chilean Lutheran pastor lost his home in the February 27 disaster that killed more than 800 people and left some 2 million people homeless. LCMS World Relief and Human Care continues to monitor needs in Chile and stay in close touch with the LCMS partner church. "God's timing is not ours," said LCMS World Relief and Human Care Executive Director Rev. Matthew Harrison. "God's ways and thoughts are never ours. But all trials and struggles happen that He may 'conform us to the image of His Son' (F.C., S.D. XI.48). The need in Chile is enormous. And we will come alongside our brothers and sisters in Christ as they reach out to their neighbors in Word and deed." Schumann is traveling with an IELCHI assessment team to communities served by Chilean Lutheran pastors, including in Santiago, Vina del Mar, Valparaiso, and Quilpue. The IELCHI president said the church plans to focus on "small localities that have, comparably, suffered much more than the large cities and which have been forgotten and overlooked by the TV cameras." The LCMS partner church plans to provide for immediate urgent and basic needs, both material and spiritual, and also assist with long-term rebuilding efforts. Plans are in the works for Rev. Dr. Jorge Groh, regional director for LCMS World Mission in Latin America and the Caribbean, to visit Chile March 12 as LCMS President Gerald Kieschnick's representative to the Chilean Lutheran church to help evaluate the opportunities for post-disaster ministry and to encourage the leaders and members of the IELCHI. LCMS World Relief and Human Care tentatively is planning to send a two or three-person team to Chile under the direction of Rev. Glenn F. Merritt, director of Disaster Response. The LCMS partner church is small, including five pastors, 200 members, three missions, and two schools with 900 students. On behalf of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, LCMS World Relief and Human Care (the mercy arm of the LCMS) 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 Chile and Confessional Lutheran Church of Chile (IELCHI). Learn more about the LCMS' partner/sister church, the IELCHI, on their website at www.ielchi.cl. Back to top LOOKING FOR TWO HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH The Nebraska District is looking for two high school youth who are interested in developing their own leadership skills, and in turn, helping their own congregations develop youth leadership within their own programs. These two youth will join three other Lutheran Youth Fellowship (LYF) representatives in doing three important things: * Two of the five LYF representatives will attend a Council of Lutheran Youth Fellowship Representatives (CLYFR) training event in St. Louis. Those two youth will train the other three LYF representatives at an August 6 youth event at Peace, Grand Island. * The five LYF representatives together will train Nebraska youth August 6-7 at Peace, Grand Island. * The five LYF representatives will represent Nebraska's high school youth and will have an advisory role on the District Board of Youth. Information about these open positions and an application has been sent to pastors, DCEs, youth leaders, and school administrators, and is available on the District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/education/youth/CLYFR.html. All applications must be postmarked by April 15. Back to top IS YOUR CONGREGATION LOOKING FOR HELP WITH ITS WEBSITE? Has your congregation decided it's time for a website, but you don't know where to start? Is it time to update the look and content of your existing website, but you don't think you can afford to? Here is one option your congregation might be interested in looking into. Faith in Site is a small web ministry development company out of Medina, Ohio, that has recently launched a new program called "Pay with Faith," which allows congregations to pay whatever they can afford for a new advanced church website. The finished websites are highly upgradable and use the best technology on the market (Microsoft Frameworks). The basic website that comes with this program not only allows congregations unlimited pages, but also allows them full control to update their own content by using a custom content manager called Spruance. The basic site also includes full multimedia so congregations may share video or audio of their sermons, as well as photo galleries of their events. Because of hosting and maintenance, the church pays a monthly hosting fee, but as for the development, they pay what they can. To learn more about Faith in Site and the "Pay with Faith" program, visit their website at www.FaithinSite.com/PaywithFaith or call them at 330-635-6861. Back to top JUNIOR HIGH RETREAT The spring Junior High Retreat at Camp Luther will be April 16-17 under the theme "Grapple," based on Genesis 32:24. The weekend is built around Bible studies led by a CYM group from Concordia University, Seward. The cost is $55.00 per person, and registration information is available on the Camp Luther website, www.campluther.org, or the Nebraska District website, http://www.ndlcms.org/education/youth/jrhigh.html. Registrations are due by April 1. The retreat will begin with registration at 6:30 p.m. on April 16 and be over by 4:00 p.m. on April 17. Back to top CTCR ADOPTS ENVIRONMENT-CARE REPORT (From LCMSNews No. 22, March 4) At its Feb. 11-13 meeting, the LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR) adopted "in principle" a document responding to 2007 convention Res. 3-06 requesting it "to develop a biblical and confessional report on responsible Christian stewardship of the environment for use by Synod entities including our schools and churches as they develop resources for the church at-large." This same resolution noted that "there is a lack of resources in the LCMS addressing environmental issues in a scriptural and confessional way" and that "there is a need for study, for service, for responsible Christian citizenship, and for concerted action on environmental issues based on an examination of biblical and confessional resources." "This is a major report on an issue that is of great interest and concern to many people -- especially young people -- in today's society. It addresses a topic that has profound theological and societal implications, yet has not received much focused attention or theological treatment in the LCMS over the years," said Dr. Joel Lehenbauer, CTCR executive director. Drafted by Dr. Charles Arand, a CTCR member and chairman of the systematics department at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, the document -- more than 150 pages in manuscript form -- will be published in a small book format. Titled "Together With All Creatures: Caring for God's Living Earth," the document is designed "to help people embrace their identity and calling as God's creatures to care for God's living earth," according to a brief summary provided by Arand. "Toward that end, it first places our lives within the context of God's own delight in and commitment to His entire creation, both human and non-human," the summary states. "This commitment is carried out within the context of a story that extends from the beginning of creation, continues with the renewal of creation in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and culminates when the Holy Spirit sets it free from its bondage to corruption with the return of Christ. Second, the document encourages Christians to 'get out' into God's world and discover our many connections to His living earth, so that we may delight in His handiwork even as we hear the groaning of creation (Rom. 8:19-23). As we behold and receive God's living earth with joy and delight, we can better care for it -- so that all of God's creatures may be allowed to flourish and together give witness to the glory of God, in anticipation of being set free when Christ returns." The report also will be released in several smaller or summary versions which are intended for use by small groups, congregational Bible study classes, or as teaching tools in various educational settings. A final, revised version will be approved by the commission at its April 22-24 meeting. "The commission is hopeful that the report will be ready for publication in some form by mid-July, in time for the Synod's National Youth Gathering," said Lehenbauer. "The CTCR plans to sponsor an exhibitor's booth at the gathering highlighting the preparation and release of this new report." The CTCR hosted two consultations in 2009, which brought together a variety of individuals with interest and expertise on this topic for their input on the document itself and the best ways to disseminate it throughout the Missouri Synod, the wider church, and beyond. The consultations were funded by a grant from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. "We are extremely grateful for all the people who took the time out of their schedules to meet with us, share their ideas and encouragement, and help bring this project to completion," Lehenbauer said. In other action, the CTCR encouraged LCMS President Gerald B. Kieschnick to respond positively to a recent request from Archbishop Robert Duncan to "explore dialogue" between the Missouri Synod and the recently-formed Anglican Church in North America (ACNA), which Duncan heads. This was in response to Kieschnick's request for "input and counsel" from the Commission. The ACNA, with 100,000 Anglicans in 700 parishes, was formally recognized as a "province-in-formation" in April 2009 by leaders of Anglican churches representing 70 percent of active Anglicans globally. It is based in Pennsylvania. According to its website (http://anglicanchurch.net/) the church body "represents the reuniting of orthodox Anglicans who have been squeezed out of the Episcopal Church and Anglican Church of Canada by successive changes to historic Christian teaching and Anglican practice." In his letter of response to Duncan, Kieschnick wrote, "I believe that discussions such as you have outlined would prove to be a blessing for each of our churches." Dr. Samuel Nafzger, LCMS director of church relations, will meet with the appropriate ACNA officials to work out the details of how to facilitate these discussions. Nafzger attended ACNA's Inaugural Assembly last June in Bedford, Texas. Back to top WAY OF THE CROSS IN SEWARD Concordia University, Nebraska students will lead participants on a walk through the events surrounding Christ's crucifixion. Way of the Cross, an annual devotional event on campus, will take place Tuesday, March 30, at 7 p.m. beginning in the Weller Hall lobby. The public is invited. Plans are for a single group to travel together during the event, much as the followers of Jesus did as he journeyed to the cross. Participants will be guided through various stations. Students will take on the roles of the historical figures in the Passion of Jesus and in Jesus' life. The journey will end at Concordia's outdoor chapel with a time of reflection and silent prayer. The hope of organizers is that by actually seeing the Passion acted out, the story will have greater personal impact. "God through Jesus invites us to be a part of the story," explains campus Pastor Ryan Matthias. "I think it is important to see 'community' walking along together on the journey of God's scandalous love for his people. The Word has always called out to God's people as they walk along their own ways." "It sets the tone for Holy Week because it is a visual reminder of the journey that we are all on," said Matthias. "But instead of our own Mt. Calvary, we get Mount Zion, the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God where thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly are." Way of the Cross takes place outside, so attendees should dress accordingly. Back to top WORLD MISSION OFFERS SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES WORLDWIDE LCMS World Mission has many opportunities for service of different lengths and for people with different skills, all with the opportunity to build relationships and share the hope of Jesus with those around the world. Following is a partial list of service opportunities. If you or a team from your congregation is looking for a place and way to serve, perhaps this list can give you some ideas. For a complete list, visit www.lcmsworldmission.org/service. Country Position Term Kyrgyzstan home-school teacher 10 months Kyrgyzstan medical workers 2-3 weeks Dominican Republic music teacher 1 year Paraguay deaconess intern 1 year Uganda VBS teachers 6 weeks India English teachers 2-plus weeks Papua New Guinea financial trainer 3-6 months Philippines executive assistant 6-12 months Sri Lanka English teachers 10 days Taiwan computer specialist 1-6 months Thailand daycare worker 2 years Vietnam English teachers 1 year Teams of all sizes are needed for the following opportunities: Kenya orphanage workers 10-12 days Kenya preschool workers 10-12 days Tanzania build dormitories 10 days Hong Kong English teachers 10 days Indonesia English teachers varies Thailand various duties 7-10 days Hungary lead sports camps 11 days Kyrgyzstan human-care projects 7-10 days Russia lead English camp 7-10 days Back to top RESOURCE ON BULLYING AVAILABLE FROM DISTRICT OFFICE The Parish Health Ministry of the Nebraska District Office has a variety of resources available for check-out. Items may be picked up/returned during office hours, Monday - Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. For a full list of resources, you may check the District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/congregational/services/parish-health/library.html. Contact Rev. Mark Rockenbach at markr at ndlcms.org or 888-643-2961 to check on the availability of these resources. One of the many resources available is Bully Dance. For grades 2 - 12, college, or adult. It comes in DVD with discussion guide in PDF format. A delightful, provocative, non-verbal animated film about dealing with bullies, peer pressure, and imbalance of power. Like the dance beat pulsating throughout the film, the bully's intimidation of a smaller victim is unrelenting: no one stops the dance until serious harm is inflicted. While Bully Dance offers no simple solutions, it does compel viewers to take stock of their actions and find ways to end peer abuse. Eventually the victim and the group must deal with the bully, who is himself a victim in his own house. This resource has been purchased through a grant from Interchurch Ministries of Nebraska and the Family Violence Council. NOTE: The DVD mentioned in last week's Update, Defending Yourself: Bullying, Teasing, and Put-Downs, is part of the Parish Health Ministries' collection and may be borrowed from the District Office. Following is the summary of this resource once again: This 35-minute DVD causes children to think by posing important questions about bullies and their victims, while also offering children positive suggestions on how to resolve bullying behavior in safe yet effective ways. Through testimonial interviews, children share their experiences with bullying, teasing, and put-downs and comment on what worked to stop it, and what did not. In addition to the children's testimonials, counselors and youth workers offer their expertise on why bullies act out and what makes someone a victim of this behavior. Back to top ORGANIST WORKSHOP OFFERED THIS SUMMER Church organists of all abilities will have the opportunity to improve their skills during workshops offered this summer at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana. The workshops are for organists who are already playing, whether they are experienced veterans or new organists recently drafted into helping in their parish. Workshops being offered this year are: Beginning Improvisation-June 14-18, 2010 Organ instructors: Dr. Donald Rotermund and Kantor Kevin Hildebrand Theology instructor: Dr. Paul Grime This workshop is for organists who would like to begin or review basic ideas in the art of improvisation. Demonstrations by the instructor, as well as hands-on experience by the students, will be of prime importance. Organist Primer-June 21-25, 2010 Organ instructor: Kantor Kevin Hildebrand Theology instructor: Kantor Richard Resch This beginning workshop is designed for organists who do not use pedals, who use only one foot, or who wish to lean more of the basics of service playing. It will include instruction about fundamental music understanding and organ vocabulary. Level I-July 12-16, 2010 Organ instructor: Kantor Richard Resch Theology instructor: Dr. Paul Grime This workshop focuses on service playing, hymnody, church year, music for weddings, funerals, and discussion about the pastor/musician relationship. This level is designed for organists who have taken the Primer Level or are using both feet in their playing. For complete workshop descriptions, instructor information, and to register online, please go to www.ctsfw.edu/organist. For additional information, please e-mail OrganWorkshops at ctsfw.edu or phone 260-452-2224. Back to top GOOD SHEPHERD MISSION FESTIVAL Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Lincoln is pleased to announce that the Rev. Daniel Preus, Executive Director of Luther Academy, will be the mission festival speaker for its regular worship services on Sunday, March 21. Rev. Preus will preach at the 8 and 10:30 a.m. services, as well as lead Bible study at 9:30 a.m. Good Shepherd is located at 3825 Wildbriar Lane in Lincoln, just north of 40th and Old Cheney. Everyone is welcome! 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: 70952 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20100310/79c64f2c/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/20100310/79c64f2c/image001-0001.gif From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Thu Mar 11 14:59:11 2010 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:59:11 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] Housing for Haiti Message-ID: The Haitian rainy season has arrived, making daily living even more miserable for homeless children, teens, adults, and families who are sleeping on the muddy ground or in ramshackle little shelters. LCMS World Relief and Human Care reports that an estimated 1.2 million Haitians are homeless and living on the streets. Our Synod is providing ongoing shelter, medical, and food supplies to help ease the suffering of these people. However, the needs are staggering according to relief agencies. Shelter continues to be an urgent issue for the homeless masses in and around the Haitian capital of Port au Prince. The picture below shows the average shelter, which is not water-tight, causing problems during the rainy season. The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Haiti, a partner church of the LCMS, is asking for our help in providing tents to the people. Orphan Grain Train of Norfolk, Nebraska, has made arrangements to purchase sturdy 10 x 20 foot, steel-framed, poly-covered tents with double-zippered entrance that sleep ten people for $250 a piece. Orphan Grain Train would assume the responsibility of getting these tents to Haiti and placing them with families needing shelter if the congregations and schools of the Nebraska District provide the funds for the tents. Would it be possible for your congregation or school to provide one or more tents? Ten families from your congregation providing $25 each can purchase a tent to provide shelter for 10 homeless Haitians. How many tents can the families of your congregation provide? Please share this opportunity with the members of your congregation and encourage them to prayerfully consider being involved. This would also be a great mission project for your Sunday school, youth group, confirmation class, or day school classes. Congregations, schools, and individuals wishing to contribute to this important project are encouraged to send their tax-deductible donations to Orphan Grain Train at: Orphan Grain Train, PO Box 1466, Norfolk, NE 68702-1466. Click here to download a convenient form to print and mail with your gift. Gifts may be sent securely online via their online giving page. More information on online donations is available on the Orphan Grain Train website, http://www.ogt.org/index.php/help/cash_donations. Donations are to be made by May 1. [cid:image001.jpg at 01CAC12B.63CDD9F0] Photo taken by Dr. Douglas Rutt, Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN Nichole Hetz Nebraska District LCMS Director of Communications 1-888-643-2961 nicholeh at ndlcms.org www.ndlcms.org -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: text/html Size: 9083 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20100311/f6c48333/attachment.txt -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 83494 bytes Desc: image001.jpg Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20100311/f6c48333/image001-0001.jpg From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Mar 17 12:02:47 2010 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 17:02:47 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] March 17 Message-ID: [cid:image001.gif at 01CAC5C9.5A510D00] March 17, 2010 In this issue: Lenten greetings in the name of our Heavenly Father. Due to a number of factors, this week's Update will be shorter than usual. Information for future Updates may be sent any time to communications at ndlcms.org. * Prayer Requests * Spring Pastors' Conference Registration Materials * Master of Arts in Christian Outreach Program * Concordia Alumnus Comes from White House to Speak * Nebraska Lutherans for Confessional Study to Meet PRAYER REQUESTS Family of Rev. Doris Jean Louis and the Lutheran Church in Haiti - Please remember in prayer the family of Rev. Doris Jean Louis, who was killed in the course of a robbery at his home in Haiti late last week. Following is a statement and prayer request President Gerald Kieschnick released on March 13: Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Just now I received the shocking news of the violent death of Pastor Doris Jean Louis in Haiti. According to preliminary but currently unconfirmed reports, apparently as Pastor Louis was entering his residence last night he was attacked by a group of men and brutally murdered. Along with many in The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and beyond, I am deeply saddened and grieved by this news, especially having met, visited, and prayed with Pastor Louis on March 2 during my recent trip to Haiti. From reports I have received, many who knew Pastor Louis, who spent time in studies at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne in the late 1970s, respected him as the father of Lutheranism in Haiti. Please join me in praying that God's mercy, comfort, and peace would uphold his wife, family, and congregation at this time of shock and grief. Please also continue to pray for the Lutheran community and the entire nation of Haiti, still recovering from the effects of the devastating earthquake. May the peace of God that passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds through faith in Christ Jesus our Lord! Rev. Jack Heck - We join with Pastor Jack Heck, pastor emeritus in Kearney, for prayers of healing following knee surgery. We ask the Lord to grant Pastor Heck a quick and complete recovery. Back to top SPRING PASTORS' CONFERENCE REGISTRATION MATERIALS Registration materials for the April 19-21 Spring Pastors' Conference in Lincoln will be sent to pastors of the Nebraska District this week. The materials are available on the District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/news/conferences/pastors/index.html. The registration deadline is April 5, which is also the deadline for making reservations in the conference block at the Holiday Inn, the conference hotel. Pastors are encouraged to check the website and watch their inbox for more information. Back to top MASTER OF ARTS IN CHRISTIAN OUTREACH PROGRAM The Master of Arts in Christian Outreach (MACO) program through the Hoffmann Institute at Concordia University, St. Paul, equips students with a deepened understanding of the theology of God's mission and provides the practical tools necessary to engage in the outreach ministries of the church. The MACO program is designed to enhance your outreach ministry and build on your understanding of Christian mission. The MACO program is specifically created for those in a work setting and is geared for both domestic and international students and is designed to be applicable and practical in urban, rural, suburban as well as international cross-cultural settings. They currently have students working in urban ministries here in the U.S. with Hispanic, Tibetan, and Somali cultures, and there are international students in Kazakhstan, Africa, and the Dominican Republic, just to name a few. The cohort make-up has pastors, outreach leaders, missionaries, and those who have a passion for outreach and His Mission. The MACO program can be designed to help you serve where you feel called and where you see your gifts and strengths in any urban, suburban, or rural cross-cultural setting. 1. The program has only 2 residencies: a. One two (2) week residency in June 2010; i. This residency will study: 1. Spiritual Leadership Formation; 2. Missio Dei (Mission of God); 3. An eFolio Seminar (a course that allows you to begin your Capstone). b. A FINAL one (1) week residency, which is in the spring of 2012; i. This FINAL residency will: 1. Complete your Capstone; 2. Have an Outcome Interview; 3. Be completed with your classes and Capstone work; 4. Be prepared to graduate. 2. Course work: a. All courses (except for Spiritual Leadership Formation; Missio Dei and the Research Design classes) will be administered on-line through various mediums such as email; on-line chat; WebCT and video conferencing as may be required by the professor. b. Each class will be approximately 7-10 weeks in duration, except for the Practicums. The two (2) practicums will apply and develop what you are learning in a real-life situation/ministry. They can involve developing a ministry or application or be involved in one to which you are already involved. This is the application of knowledge to the hand-on and is highly impactful in ministry and outreach work. c. The net effect is that you will be able to complete the program and Capstone and be ready to graduate in 22 months. 3. Delivery Model: a. You will be able to do most of your coursework from your home location; b. Each on-line class will be approximately 7-10 weeks long, with exception for the Practicum's; c. The learning outcomes are strong and have been enhanced as the course work will become an integral part of your practicum work and reflection papers; d. At the end of your 22 months you will have completed your course work and Capstone and ready to graduate; e. There will only be two residencies: one 2-week residency in January 2010 and one 1-week residency in Fall 2012 For more information on this opportunity contact the Hoffmann Institute at HoffmannInstitute at csp.edu or visit their website at http://www.hoffmann-institute.org/. Back to top CONCORDIA ALUMNUS COMES FROM WHITE HOUSE TO SPEAK When it comes to presidential records in the White House, there is no discard pile. When a new president moves in to the White House, every letter and e-mail is rounded up for a trip to the archives. Philip Droege, director of the White House records management office and alumnus of Concordia University, Nebraska, is the man in charge of getting those records their new home. On Tuesday, April 13, Droege will give a talk at Concordia on the subject of managing White House records during the Bush/ Obama presidential transition. The speech will be given at 2 p.m. in the Thom Leadership Education Center auditorium. The event is free and the public is welcome. Droege has served in the White House Office of Records Management for almost 20 years, becoming the director in 2004. He is responsible for consulting on all White House records issues and manages the transition of records from the White House to the National Archives at the end of an administration. Droege grew up in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, D.C., and graduated from Concordia in 1989. Droege's talk is this year's last presentation in Concordia's annual "Looking Beyond" lecture series. Back to top NEBRASKA LUTHERANS FOR CONFESSIONAL STUDY TO MEET The March gathering of the Nebraska Lutherans for Confessional Study (NLCS) will be held on Thursday, March 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 morning will be Rev. Jack Kirk, pastor of Bethlehem and Immanuel Lutheran Churches, Bremen, Kansas, speaking on the topic "Social Justice and Justification." Following lunch, the afternoon topic will begin at 1p.m. Afternoon speaker will be Rev. Ryan Loeslie, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Merna, speaking on C. F. W. Walther's "Church and Ministry" with a focus on the theses on the ministry. In preparation for the afternoon topic, you may read the preface and first three theses. 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 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: 42157 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20100317/6205d5d2/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/20100317/6205d5d2/image001-0001.gif From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Mar 24 11:40:05 2010 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 24 Mar 2010 16:40:05 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] March 24 Message-ID: [cid:image001.gif at 01CACB46.8913B5C0] March 24, 2010 In this issue: Lenten greetings in the name of Jesus, our Savior. As we continue our journey toward the cross and the empty tomb, may the love that first led our Savior to walk this path surround you and shine through you. We continue to give thanks to God for the dedicated teachers in the Lutheran schools of Nebraska that reflect the love of Christ to their students every day. With all of the activities to get done before (or after) spring break, the teachers in your school might be a bit more tired than usual. Please remember these teachers in your prayers. Consider a quick note or a small treat left in the teacher's lounge as a pick-me-up and a thank you for the hard work these teachers do each day. The Lord uses these faithful servants to touch the hearts of His precious children every day. Thank God for them and thank them personally for all they do. * Prayer Requests * LCMS Statement in Response to the Passage of Health-Care Reform Legislation * Concordia Sunday Materials Available * Special Easter Offer from Concordia Publishing House * Update on Housing for Haiti Project * Special Presentation for Seventh Graders and Their Parents * Updated Mission Central Speaker Schedule * School Books for Papua New Guinea * Journey to the Cross in Plainview * CPH Offers Starter Kits for 2010 VBS * Continuing Education Offered by Seminary in Surrounding Districts * International LLL Convention to be in Omaha * District Pastor Appointed as Boy Scout Chaplain PRAYER REQUESTS New Nebraska District Congregations - We lift up prayers of thanksgiving for the two new congregations of the Nebraska District. Cross of Christ Lutheran Church in Aurora and Iglesia Luterana Jesus Es el Senor (Jesus is the Lord Lutheran Church) in Omaha both became congregations of the LCMS in the Nebraska District in March. Cross of Christ is served by vacancy pastor Rev. Kevin McReynolds from Central City, and this congregation is the only LCMS congregation in the community of Aurora. Jesus Es el Senor is a Hispanic mission church meeting at the Tree of Life Center in Omaha and led by Vicar Obdulio Felix, student in the Center for Hispanic Studies at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. We thank God for these two new congregations that are proclaiming the Word of God to their members and to the communities around them. Judy Rathje - We join with Faith Lutheran Church in York in prayers of thanksgiving for the 33 years of faithful and dedicated service provided to the congregation by Judy Rathje, the church's administrative secretary. Judy is retiring from her position on March 31 and the congregation asks for prayers of thanksgiving and blessing for Judy as she moves into a new chapter of her life. We also praise God for all of the church secretaries in the congregations who work faithfully and serve their congregations in ways that often go unnoticed. Thanks be to God for these dedicated men and women and for the work that they do. Back to top LCMS STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO THE PASSAGE OF HEALTH-CARE REFORM LEGISLATION As most are aware, Sunday night the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Senate version of a 10-year, $940 billion restructuring of the U.S. health-care system. A subsequent vote adopted a companion bill that would make modifications to the Senate bill, thus making the final bill more palatable to the House. This "reconciliation" bill of "fix it" changes then would need approval again by the Senate. President Obama signed the new health-care legislation into law on Tuesday. When he did, this historic piece of legislation guaranteed near-universal insurance coverage of American citizens. Beyond that, it will require people to buy coverage, call for the creation of state-based insurance "exchanges" or marketplaces, prohibit insurance companies from denying coverage for preexisting conditions, and impose higher taxes to bolster Medicare and other programs. Clearly these sweeping new laws will have far-reaching ramifications, the extent of which, at this early date, cannot be known. It seems apparent there will be challenges to the new legislation-perhaps even attempts to repeal it-at both the federal and state levels. One area of particular concern for The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod regarding this legislation centers on the sanctity of life. To allay the concerns of pro-life advocates, President Obama has promised to issue an executive order ensuring that no federal monies will go toward the provision of abortions. Some groups, however, including the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the National Right to Life Committee, have expressed strong doubts that an executive order truly will accomplish this. For its part, The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, a staunchly pro-life church body supporting the protection of human life from conception through death, cannot support or endorse any portion of the new law that allows government funding, even indirectly, for abortions. Another area of key importance to The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod is the possible effect of the new legislation on the Synod's Church Plan, particularly those parts of our Concordia Plan Services that deal with the health benefits of our church workers and their families. The Board of Directors and the executive staff of Concordia Plan Services (CPS) have been studying vigilantly the implications of the new health-care legislation on the Synod's ability to take care of its workers and their families. At this point, CPS leaders cannot possibly have all the answers or anticipate all the ramifications of the new law. They will be scrutinizing developments as they unfold and reporting in timely fashion to their constituents. In many respects, this statement is preliminary in nature. There are too many factors yet to materialize, too many unknowns, for the church to issue any sort of comprehensive commentary at this point. That being said, most people acknowledge that the nation's health-care system needs improvement. The main points of contention have been how best to reform the system and how to fund such reforms. Christians of good heart and conscience can disagree about many aspects of these issues. We encourage Christians to be engaged actively in these discussions and debates as concerned citizens who care deeply about the health and life of our nation and all of its citizens. We also pray that the legitimate political debates regarding such issues will not intrude into congregational life and teaching in ways that detract from the church's unique mission of proclaiming the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod has been about the business of helping the less fortunate, in countless ways through a myriad of channels, since our founding some 163 years ago. We will continue in this. Compassionate care and prayer will remain foundational in our life as the church as we respond to the health care and spiritual needs of those around us. Long before health insurance and government-related health-care programs began, the Christian Church understood her responsibility to care for those in need. "Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the leaders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord" (James 5:14). We care for others because God first loved us in Christ Jesus (1 John 4:19). May our Lord grant our nation and its leaders wisdom as the process of health-care reform unfolds. Back to top CONCORDIA SUNDAY MATERIALS AVAILABLE Concordia Sunday is an opportunity to share - and to celebrate - the ministries of LCMS colleges and universities. The Concordia University System colleges and universities are a special gift to the LCMS. They help prepare individuals to serve the church as pastors, teachers, directors of Christian education and outreach, deaconesses, lay ministers, and directors of family life ministry and parish music. They also prepare individuals to serve the community as Christian leaders in business, education, nursing, pharmacy, and numerous other professions. The suggested date to celebrate Concordia Sunday this year is April 18. Free Concordia Sunday materials (brochures, bulletin inserts, envelopes for financial support, etc.) are available from the Board for University Education (BUE) at http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=14910. For more information, you can also contact the BUE at 800-248-1930, ext. 1252, bue.info at lcms.org, or www.lcms.org/universities. Thank you for your time and attention to this wonderful day of celebration! Back to top SPECIAL EASTER OFFER FROM CONCORDIA PUBLISHING HOUSE Free Children's Message for Easter Lead your littlest worshippers to rejoice with a special Easter children's message from Concordia Publishing House. Download your free talk here, and encourage parents and children to continue their celebration by providing a take-home Easter Arch Book. CPH is offering a very special opportunity to purchase a selection of Easter Arch Books at a big savings. This special pricing will allow thousands of children to receive the good news of Jesus Christ this Easter. Purchase 1-9 copies and each book is only $.99 cents, 10 copies or more pay only $.75 cents. Use promotion code YHT when ordering. Order your books today at www.cph.org/easter. Arch Books for Haiti As you provide Easter Arch Books for the children in your congregation, please consider getting involved to help send Arch Books to children in Haiti. This Easter, CPH is inviting congregations to partner in their Help for Haiti - Arch Books campaign to meet the goal of sending 20,000 French-language books to children there. Every $10 given purchases 6 books for distribution and $4 to support LCMS World Relief and Human Care. You can contribute and learn more about the project (which runs through April 11, 2010) at www.concordiaoutreach.org. You can mail to: Concordia Gospel Outreach/Help for Haiti, 3558 S. Jefferson Ave., Saint Louis, MO 63118 Back to top UPDATE ON HOUSING FOR HAITI PROJECT [cid:image003.gif at 01CACB46.8913B5C0]Congregations and schools received information on a special Housing for Haiti project in cooperation with Orphan Grain Train and LCMS World Relief and Human Care. The project allows large, sturdy tents to be purchased and shipped to the homeless families of Haiti for $250 a tent. As of this week, $4,285 has been received by Orphan Grain Train to purchase the tents, pictured on the left. Each congregation is encouraged to share the information sent on March 11 and available at http://www.ndlcms.org/news/temp/Haiti-relief.html with its members and encourage families to get involved. Ten families providing $25 each can purchase one tent that sleeps ten people for a homeless family in Haiti. How many tents can your congregation or school provide? The donations from congregations, schools, or individuals should be sent to Orphan Grain Train at: Orphan Grain Train, PO Box 1466, Norfolk, NE 68702-1466. Back to top SPECIAL PRESENTATION FOR SEVENTH GRADERS AND THEIR PARENTS All seventh graders and their parents are invited to a parent/youth seminar entitled "How to Have a Home Life Where Everyone Makes the Honor Roll" by Ty Schenzel, recognized teen speaker and Director of Omaha's Hope Center for Kids. This evening is just for seventh graders and their parents - both parents, if possible. The topic will be communication skills that express honor between parents and kids. This seminar will improve communication in your family because God-ordained honor will be motivating it. This event is sponsored by and will be held at King of Kings, Omaha, and Kids Kount Publishing. It will be filmed and a DVD will be made to be part of the Faith Legacy Series. Film clips of our participants will make brief appearances in the final DVD, which will be sold to other churches by Kids Kount Publishing. People may opt to sit in a section that will never be filmed. A pizza dinner will be held from 5:30-6:30 p.m., with the seminar to follow from 6:45 - 8:30 p.m. The cost is $15 per family. Space is limited. Register early! Request a registration form from Angela at King of Kings at 402-333-6464. A completed registration form and the $15 payment is due no later than Wednesday, April 14, to King of Kings' receptionist desk or mail checks payable to "King of Kings" to: King of Kings Attn: Angela Bell 11615 I Street Omaha, NE 68137 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, Cambodia April 20, 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. - Rev. Greg Sawyer, Hong Kong April 21, 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. - Rev. Ted Engelbrecht & Dr. Ngu, Vietnam April 30, 1:00 p.m. only - Rev. Jim and Mabelle Bloker, Czech Republic May 7, 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. - John Mehl, Asian Area Director June 8, 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. - Matt and Dee Dee Wasmund, 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, 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, Macau July 20, 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. - Dr. Fungchatou Lo, Cambodia August 14, 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. - Rev. David and Rachel Baker, Kazakstan 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 SCHOOL BOOKS FOR PAPUA NEW GUINEA Gary Thies shared the following story with a request for textbooks for the children of Papua New Guinea: Mission Central has been blessed with 51 volunteers! What a blessing to work with people who really, really "get it" and want so much to "get the Gospel out everywhere"! Some of our long, long time volunteers who helped with the plantings, repair, and cleaning of the buildings at Mission Central were Gail and Arnie Otten of York, Nebraska. Gail was an amazing lady that helped with the mailing and preparation of the newsletter for one of our Missionary couples in Africa, also. Gail also sold books from her home for many, many years, and God used her in so many, many ways! It was the Lord's will to call Gail to our real home in heaven, after a battle with cancer. However, the Lord had something very, very, very special in mind for Gail's dear family. For the last 6 months or more we have been working on a special project to send a full container of books from the Orphan Grain Train at Norfolk, Nebraska, to the Gutnius Lutheran Church (GLC) in Papua New Guinea. This partner church serves more than 7,000 students in 24 Lutheran elementary schools, 3 Lutheran junior high schools, and 1Lutheran high school, in addition to Highland Lutheran International School. Dr. Steve Lutz and his family from Iowa District West has served in New Guinea for 23 years and has worked with so many of the schools. The biggest challenge for these students and the schools is lack of books for their schools. Most schools don't even have textbooks in so many of the remote areas. The language of education in this country is English. Just this past week we received the final "approval" and final information that we needed to move forward with this project, but the project could only be completed if someone would provide the funding needed to send the container halfway around the world to Papua New Guinea. Just in the last few days we have received word from Arnie Otten and his family that they will PROVIDE THE FULL FUNDING NEEDED TO SEND THIS GIFT OF LOVE TO THE 7,000 STUDENTS IN NEW GUINEA, as a special memorial gift in honor of Missionary Gail Otten. What an amazing MIRACLE! Now, we need everyone's help in Iowa and Nebraska.....send, ship, carry, bring your books to the Orphan Grain Train in Norfolk, Nebraska, so that they can be loaded on the Gail Otten Memorial Book Container! Encyclopedias, school books, Christian study books, and all kinds of books are needed. Please load up your car or pickup and head to the Orphan Grain Train at Norfolk! The call is now out, and we need to do our part! What a wonderful way God can use His people! Back to top JOURNEY TO THE CROSS IN PLAINVIEW Over 70 members of Zion congregation at Plainview are currently in the midst of planning the presentation of a "JOURNEY TO THE CROSS," on Saturday, April 3. Visitors will be transported in time to 33AD to experience events of Christ's passion in 13 different stations where they can smell, taste, touch, hear, see and experience Holy Week in a new way. The Journey takes about an hour and can be started any time between 3 and 7 p.m. on April 3. While it will be an Easter learning experience for Christians, it will also serve Zion congregation as an outreach program into the community. Zion extends a welcome to its Journey to the Cross. Back to top CPH OFFERS STARTER KITS FOR 2010 VBS (from Reporter Online, http://www.lcms.org/pages/rpage.asp?NavID=16734) Concordia Publishing House is offering a Starter Kit and a "Super Duper" Starter Kit for Planet Zoom, its 2010 vacation Bible school program. In the weeklong program, children are introduced to "Scout," a bee in the Planet Zoom hive, and four other bee friends who guide them through Bible stories that are designed to teach them to be "bee-lievers" of Jesus. "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." New this year are "Grab and Go" lessons that require minimal preparation time and feature separate leader packs for each of Planet Zoom's activity sites (Bible storytelling, crafts, games, Bible challenge, and snack). Each pack features a leader guide and daily lessons. The Starter Kit ($79.99, item no. 321043WEB) includes an overview and training DVD, leader guides, Bible packs, skit books, and samples of VBS items. The "Super Duper" Starter Kit ($169.99, 321041WEB) also has the directors guide on CD-ROM, a song-action DVD, and more samples, including a puppet, balloons, and posters. Also available, free of charge, is a downloadable recruitment kit that offers strategies for recruiting adult volunteers and includes job descriptions. New this year is an adult volunteer recruitment video included in the overview DVD. A publicity kit that includes sign-up sheets and fliers that can be customized by congregations also is available for free downloading. "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," states a CPH press release. "Children need to know that being 'little' doesn't mean they can't make a difference," added Swenson. "At Planet Zoom, little is big, and that is a message that every child needs to hear." To order the Starter Kits and other VBS items, visit www.cph.org/planetzoom or call 800-325-3040. Back to top CONTINUING EDUCATION OFFERED BY SEMINARY IN SURROUNDING DISTRICTS Concordia Seminary is pleased to announce its summer 2010 series of workshops for pastors, professional church workers, and interested laypersons. Sixteen workshops, covering a wide variety of subjects, are offered nationwide. The cost for each summer workshop is $125 (with the exception of the three Hispanic workshops, which cost $75 each), which includes 1.5 CEU credits. Payment is due 21 days prior to the beginning of each workshop, and workshops have a minimum required enrollment. Housing and meal information may be obtained from the host pastor. To register or to receive further information, including the full list of workshops, contact the Office of Continuing Education and Parish Services, Concordia Seminary, 801 Seminary Pl., St. Louis, MO 63105; 314-505-7486; ce at csl.edu. Below are the workshops offered in the surrounding states. August 2-4: The Johannine Epistles and the Apostle of Love - Dr. Louis Brighton. Concordia Seminary, 801 Seminary Pl., St. Louis, MO 63105. Host: Continuing Education, 314-505-7486; ce at csl.edu. August 9-11: Help for the Mid-Size Congregations - Dr. David Peter. Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 3900 Ashworth Rd., West Des Moines, IA 50265. Host: Rev. David. J. Dahlke, 515-225-1623; david at sotv-wdm.org. August 9-11: Together with All Creatures: Caring for God's Living Earth - Dr. Charles Arand. Redeemer Lutheran Church, 808 S. 1st St., Atwood, KS 67730. Host: Rev. Don White, 785-626-3178; revdon at atwoodtv.net. August 9-11: Faith and Creative Writing - Rev. Travis Scholl and Peter Mead. Concordia Seminary, 801 Seminary Pl., St. Louis, MO 63105. Host: Continuing Education, 314-505-7486; ce at csl.edu. Back to top INTERNATIONAL LLL CONVENTION TO BE IN OMAHA "Spirit Driven" will be the theme of the 93rd International Convention of the International Lutheran Laymen's League (Int'l LLL), to be held in Omaha, Nebraska July 22-25, 2010. The 2010 International Convention will be sponsored by the Nebraska District of the Int'l LLL and held in conjunction with the "Prairie Fire" outreach conference of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod's Nebraska District. Special events at the 2010 Convention will include a Celebration of Pastor Ken Klaus' ministry as Speaker of The Lutheran Hour(r), a Family Night fellowship activity at Omaha's Strategic Air Museum, The Lutheran Hour Celebration Event, 36 workshops on a variety of outreach topics, and more. Convention registration information will be available in the May-June issue of The Lutheran Layman newspaper or at www.lhm.org/convention. Registration information for those wishing to only attend the Saturday Prairie Fire event will be made available from the Nebraska District Office and will be mailed to all church offices and past Prairie Fire participants in April. Materials and online registration will also be available by April 15 at www.ndlcms.org. Back to top DISTRICT PASTOR APPOINTED AS BOY SCOUT CHAPLAIN The National Lutheran Association on Scouting (NLAS) Executive Committee is pleased to announce the appointment of Rev. Wendell Stavig as a Lutheran chaplain for the 2010 Boy Scouts of America Centennial Jamboree. Pastor Stavig will serve the 45,000 scouts, scout leaders, and staff during the two-week period of the BSA National Jamboree in July and August. The NLAS thanks St. John's, Omaha, for "loaning" Pastor Stavig to serve as a chaplain for this major youth event. 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: 69986 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20100324/1ef8ca27/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/20100324/1ef8ca27/image001-0001.gif -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image002.emz Type: application/octet-stream Size: 108914 bytes Desc: image002.emz Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20100324/1ef8ca27/image002-0001.obj -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image003.gif Type: image/gif Size: 4041 bytes Desc: image003.gif Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20100324/1ef8ca27/image003-0001.gif From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Mar 31 11:48:33 2010 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 31 Mar 2010 16:48:33 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] March 31 Message-ID: [cid:image001.gif at 01CAD0C6.1F2CC450] March 31, 2010 In this issue: What a blessing to draw together this week with fellow believers at the foot of the cross and the entrance of the empty tomb to remember the tremendous sacrifice God made to save us. May the Lord bless your Holy Week and grant you a blessed Easter celebration! * Prayer Requests * Correction to Seventh Grade Presentation Announcement * Spring Pastors' Conference Registration Deadline NEXT WEEK * Man Feast 2010 * LCEF Outreach Grants Due TOMORROW * Delegates Provide Feedback on Task Force Proposals * Service Opportunity in Macau * Take a Short "LHM Sunday" Survey * Seminary Continuing Education in Nebraska * Spanish Resources to Help Parents Talk About the Birds and the Bees PRAYER REQUESTS Family of Mrs. Maxine Cook - Please lift up in prayer the family of Maxine Cook of Lexington who passed away due to a stroke she suffered last week. Her funeral will be held at Trinity, Lexington, on Saturday, April 3, at 10:30 a.m. We ask the Lord to wrap His loving arms around her family at this time of loss, assuring them of His presence and granting them peace and comfort at this time. Mrs. Cook was the widow of Rev. Ed Cook. Yolisa Felix and family - Please remember in prayer Vicar Obdulio and Yolisa Felix of Omaha at the passing of Yolisa's grandmother in Mexico. We ask God to grant this family His strength and comfort at this time of mourning, especially as they are not able to return to Mexico for the funeral. Vicar Felix is a vicar at Beautiful Savior, LaVista, serving the new congregation of Jesus Es el Senor, Omaha. Back to top CORRECTION TO SEVENTH GRADE PRESENTATION ANNOUNCEMENT The announcement made last week of the special presentation at King of Kings to seventh graders and their parents did not include the date of the presentation. The presentation will be Sunday evening, April 18. The announcement, including the date, is below. Sorry for any confusion this oversight may have caused. All seventh graders and their parents are invited to a parent/youth seminar on Sunday, April 18, entitled "How to Have a Home Life Where Everyone Makes the Honor Roll" by Ty Schenzel, recognized teen speaker and Director of Omaha's Hope Center for Kids. This evening is just for seventh graders and their parents - both parents, if possible. The topic will be communication skills that express honor between parents and kids. This seminar will improve communication in your family because God-ordained honor will be motivating it. This event is sponsored by and will be held at King of Kings, Omaha, and Kids Kount Publishing. It will be filmed and a DVD will be made to be part of the Faith Legacy Series. Film clips of the participants will make brief appearances in the final DVD, which will be sold to other churches by Kids Kount Publishing. People may opt to sit in a section that will never be filmed. A pizza dinner will be held from 5:30-6:30 p.m., with the seminar to follow from 6:45 - 8:30 p.m. The cost is $15 per family. Space is limited. Register early! Request a registration form from Angela at King of Kings at 402-333-6464. A completed registration form and the $15 payment is due no later than Wednesday, April 14, to King of Kings' receptionist desk or mail checks payable to "King of Kings" to: King of Kings Attn: Angela Bell 11615 I Street Omaha, NE 68137 Back to top SPRING PASTORS' CONFERENCE REGISTRATION DEADLINE NEXT WEEK The registration deadline for Spring Pastors' Conference in Lincoln on April 19-21 is next Monday, April 5. Pastors who have not yet registered can find more information, registration forms, and online registration on the District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/news/conferences/pastors/index.html. Back to top MAN FEAST 2010 The Iron Men of Peace Lutheran Church in Grand Island are inviting men to Man Feast 2010 on Sunday, April 18, at Heartland High School in Grand Island. The event promises to be a night of great food and fellowship while honoring our Lord Jesus Christ. The speaker for this year's event is former Nebraska safety and NFL great Mike Minter. Although the odds were stacked against him, Minter excelled in athletics and academics, earning a degree in engineering from UNL and playing for 10 years for the Carolina Panthers. Known for his speed and skills on the football field, Minter has found new success as a motivational speaker, community pastor and entrepreneur. He credits discipline, determination, and dedication, along with a strong faith in God, for his success on and off the field. Minter's testimony is filled with challenges and stories that inspire young and old to follow their dreams. Doors for the event open at 5:00 p.m., followed by an autograph session at 5:30 p.m. and meal served at 6:00 p.m. Mike Minter will take the stage around 7:00 p.m. Heartland LHS is located at 3900 W. Husker Highway. Tickets for the event are $15 and can be purchased by contacting Rick Huls at 308-380-3697. For event updates, check www.peacelutherangi.org. Back to top LCEF OUTREACH GRANTS DUE TOMORROW As a result of the partnership between the Lutheran Church Extension Fund's faithful investors and borrowers, LCEF has been blessed by our Lord to be able to offer Outreach Ministry Grants to congregations and other LCMS organizations within the Nebraska District. Twenty-five $1,000 Outreach Ministry Grants are available to Nebraska District LCMS congregations, schools, and related organizations. To be considered for a grant, the applicant must: * Conduct a specific outreach/evangelism program, activity, or event designed to reach lost people for Christ within one calendar year of receipt of this grant. * Reflect the goals of the LCEF Mission Statement, which reads as follows: To support the Church in fulfilling its mission of sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ by being a Christ-centered servant partner of the LCMS, ensuring that funds and services are available now and in the future. * Provide photos and a written summary of the LCEF grant-funded outreach ministry to this office within one calendar year of receipt of this grant. This will be used for LCEF promotional purposes. Guidelines and an application were sent to all pastors, principals, DCEs, congregational chairmen, and LCEF congregational representatives. Contact one of these individuals for more information, or visit the Nebraska District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/financial/lcef/grant.html for more information or to print an application form. The deadline for receiving completed applications is tomorrow, April 1. Grant recipients will be selected by May 15. Back to top DELEGATES PROVIDE FEEDBACK ON TASK FORCE PROPOSALS (From LCMSNews, March 25) Convention delegates who attended the regional gatherings hosted last winter by the Office of the President generally gave a "thumbs up" to all but one of the 70 recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Task Force on Synod Structure and Governance. The results of the survey taken by the 875 voting delegates who participated in the gatherings were released by the President's Office on March 12, and are available on the home page of the task force website at http://www.lcms.org/lcmsfuture. The gatherings -- held in Denver; Detroit; Madison, Wis.; Minneapolis; Boston; Newport Beach, Calif.; Atlanta; Dallas; and St. Louis -- were designed to allow delegates to the Synod's 2010 convention in Houston to learn how the Synod is currently structured and to better understand the task force's recommendations. "The process followed by the task force was focused on the goal of building consensus in regard to potential structure and governance amplifications and revisions," said Rev. Larry Krueger, assistant to the president. "The survey results indicate that this consensus building process is on target." Some 1,250 delegates are expected to take part in the convention, July 10-17 in Houston, spending the first two business days (July 11-12) determining which of the task force's proposals -- fine-tuned and presented as resolutions -- will best prepare The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod to carry out its mission in the years ahead. Those attending the regional meetings were asked to respond to the recommendations by checking "Strongly Agree," "Agree," "Not Sure," "Disagree," or "Strongly Disagree." In the survey's summary, "Strongly Agree" and "Agree" were grouped together as were "Strongly Disagree" and "Disagree." The only recommendation that received a larger percentage of "Disagree" votes than "Agree" votes (52 percent to 38 percent) states, "Congregations with more than 1,000 confirmed members are entitled to two additional voting delegates, at least one of those additional delegates being a layperson." In his January response to the task force report, Synod President Dr. Gerald B. Kieschnick indicated he also did not favor this recommendation, stating, "It is not clear to me whether this proposal is a high priority for the congregations that would be afforded this privilege, and it does not appear to be contributing to a greater spirit of harmony in our Synod." The recommendation to establish a fixed number of national convention delegates received a favorable response with 59 percent agreeing and 29 percent not agreeing, and 13 percent "Not Sure." A subsequent related recommendation to set that number at 650 received an equal number of agree/disagree votes, 40 percent for both, with 20 percent voting "Not Sure." The survey shows that delegates favor a major recommendation coming out of the report that would eliminate the Synod's seven program boards and two of its six commissions and consolidate them into two advisory commissions, one for National Mission and one for International Mission. "The enhanced understanding about the task force proposals on the part of the convention delegates will bring meaningful discussion to the convention floor," Krueger said. "At the same time, the floor committee will be knowledgeable about the feelings of the delegates in regard to specific proposals and, based on the feedback it has received to date -- in addition to the convention overtures and the feedback it will receive based on the overtures -- will present resolutions for consideration that best reflect the overall consensus already achieved." Kieschnick said he has been encouraged by the churchmanship shown during the gatherings. "The collegiality so broadly exhibited at the nine regional gatherings was a reflection of how the people of the Synod can work together and walk together for the greater goal of the mission of our Lord." Back to top SERVICE OPPORTUNITY IN MACAU Join the mission field! There is an urgent need for short-term missionaries in Macau, starting immediately. Teachers are asked to teach for one month or longer. If you have a passport and are willing to teach conversational English to adult professionals, please consider this mission opportunity to teach at the Concordia English Center. Concordia English Center is an English language school based in Macau. The school focuses on teaching English with GEO missionaries who serve there for a year or more. Short-term missionaries also serve as teachers to provide more classes or teach when GEO missionaries are on home service. Because of several staffing changes, many classes will be canceled if short-term missionaries cannot be found. This means that less people will be exposed to the Gospel message and Christian witness shared through the English Center. Please consider serving in this very important way! For more information, contact an LCMS World Mission placement counselor at 1-800-433-3954 or mission.recruitment at lcms.org. Back to top TAKE A SHORT "LHM SUNDAY" SURVEY Thank you to the hundreds of congregations that have held (or will soon hold) a Lutheran Hour Ministries Sunday celebration. By joining LHM in its mission of Bringing Christ to the Nations-and the Nations to the Church, your witness and ours are multiplied! We are asking all pastors, church workers, and LHM Ambassadors to take just a minute to complete a short survey about your LHM Sunday celebration. Click here or visit http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/QD378LP to tell us if your church participated (and how) or why your church did not. Your feedback is critical as we begin planning for future special Sundays. And remember, although Feb. 7 was the official date, there is still time to hold LHM Sunday at your church if you have not already done so. Visit www.lhm.org/lhmsunday for more information or to download materials. Back to top SEMINARY CONTINUING EDUCATION OFFERED IN NEBRASKA Many of the professors from Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne will be leading courses in locations from California to New York during the summer of 2010. These courses are offered to professional church workers in an effort to assist them as they strive to grow in their knowledge and, in turn, share that knowledge with others. Professional church workers may also earn Continuing Education Units (CEU) when participating in these courses. One course will be offered in Nebraska this summer: Kearney, NE June 21-25, 2010 Lutheran Missiology Presenter - Dr. Detlev Schulz, Th.D. This course looks at contemporary mission theories and practices both in the United States and globally. Students may prepare ahead of time by reading Mission from the Cross. (3 CEU) Host: Zion Lutheran Church, 2421 Avenue C, Kearney, NE 68847 Contact: Rev. James DeLoach, 308-627-5260, jhd.treo at gmail.com Visit http://www.ctsfw.edu/Page.aspx?pid=709 for registration and more information. Back to top SPANISH RESOURCES TO HELP PARENTS TALK ABOUT THE BIRDS AND THE BEES Every parent, at some point or another has to have difficult conversations with their children. Whether it is talking about where babies come from or about puberty, Concordia Publishing House (CPH) has the resources needed to help make these conversations a little easier. CPH's Multilingual Department, Editorial Concordia, adds two Spanish books to help facilitate this daunting task for parents. The books Como est?s cambiando (How You Are Changing) and ?De d?nde viene los beb?s? (Where Do Babies Come From?) use age appropriate language and help children see the wonder behind God's plan for creation. Como est?s cambiando explains the physical and emotional changes that occur in preteens and ?De d?nde viene los beb?s? helps children understand how a new baby develops. Both books use simple and accurate language and are adapted specifically for Spanish speaking people from the prevalent English series. Plus, they are 20% off when you use the promotional code HSE. Call 1-800-325-3040 or visit cph.org to order yours today. Back to top The Nebraska District staff wishes you and your family a very blessed Easter! 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: 47668 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.ndlcms.org/pipermail/distupd/attachments/20100331/b39c7055/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/20100331/b39c7055/image001-0001.gif From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Mar 3 14:51:07 2010 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 03 Mar 2010 20:51:07 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] March 3 Message-ID: [cid:image001.gif at 01CABABA.72128460] March 3, 2010 In this issue: Lenten greetings in the name of our Heavenly Father. Thanks to everyone who contributed items for this week's Update. This newsletter is meant to be a resource for ministry. Feel free to copy and paste items from the Update in your congregation's bulletins or newsletters, or forward the message to someone you think might find the information useful. Anyone may subscribe to the Email Update by emailing communications at ndlcms.org. * Prayer Requests * District Staff Change * Congregation Statistical Reports are DUE! * LCMS Response to Chilean Earthquake * It's Time to Start Thinking VBS! * LCEF Outreach Grant Applications Now Available * Lutherans For Life Cross Display Available for Your Area * K.I.D.S. Count Stewardship Curriculum Still on Sale * Women's Institute Announces Conference * Bullying Resource Available * Seminary to Hold Law Enforcement Chaplaincy Workshop * Concordia University Wisconsin Choir to Perform in Lincoln * Seminary Continuing Education Course in Nebraska * Organ Available for Congregation/School * Fall Tour to Michigan and Indiana PRAYER REQUESTS Rev. Gene and Linda Gierke - We lift up in prayer Rev. Gene and Linda Gierke and their family at the death of Linda's father on Sunday, February 28. The funeral will take place Saturday, March 6, in Hamler, Ohio. We remember this family in prayer as they go through this time of grief, asking that the Lord will grant them peace as they anticipate an eternal reunion in heaven. Rev. Gierke is the past president of the Nebraska District and currently serves the Lutheran Church Extension Fund - Nebraska Program in promotions. Rev. David Feddern - Please remember in prayer Pastor David Feddern from St. Paul, Cambridge, who is hospitalized in Omaha following procedures to correct health issues linked to serious surgery complications from an operation in the fall of 2007. He is scheduled to undergo yet another procedure today, March 3. We ask the Lord to be with the medical staff as they attend to Pastor Feddern. We also ask that He would grant Pastor Feddern healing, and we pray for understanding and peace for his wife Deanna, and children Miranda and Kelby. Burnell and Virginia Von Seggern - We lift up in prayer Burnell and Virginia Von Seggern and their family at the death of their son-in-law Steve Hincker following his battle with pancreatic cancer. Steve was taken to heaven Tuesday, March 2, and his memorial service will be Saturday, March 6, at 10:30 a.m. at Christ, Lincoln. We place all those who mourn in the arms of Jesus, especially the children who are dealing with the loss of their father just a few years after losing their mother. We pray for our heavenly Father's loving arms to encircle those who mourn, that they might be comforted with His peace. Burnell is the Nebraska LLL president and Virginia serves on the Nebraska District Board of Directors. Back to top DISTRICT STAFF CHANGE Julie Roebke, who served the District for more than 10 years as receptionist and administrative assistant in a number of ministry areas, most recently in gift planning and church worker care, will be leaving her position for new ministry opportunities. Her last day in the office will be this Friday, March 5. We pray the Lord's blessing to her in her new endeavors. Connie Borchers is now the assistant to Neal Koch in gift planning, and she may be contacted for appointments or information at connieb at ndlcms.org or 888-643-2961. Assistance for Rev. Mark Rockenbach in church worker care will be provided by Carol Oetting beginning March 8 until the position is filled again. Carol may be reached at carolo at ndlcms.org or 888-643-2961 to schedule an appointment with Rev. Rockenbach. Back to top CONGREGATION STATISTICAL REPORTS ARE DUE! Congregation statistical reports have been mailed to church offices and were due back to the District Office by February 28. Congregations that have not returned their form are strongly encouraged to immediately complete the form, mail the original to the St. Louis address on the form, keep one copy, and mail a copy to the District Office. Contact Kim Hofer at the District Office at kimh at ndlcms.org or 888-643-2961 with any questions. It is especially important these forms are returned promptly to allow eligibility information on voting delegates to be determined for the Synodical Convention this summer. Circuits that do not meet the minimum membership requirement may not be allowed to send voting delegates to the convention. Your information will assure the reporting of accurate numbers. Back to top LCMS RESPONSE TO CHILEAN EARTHQUAKE The president of the Chilean partner church body of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) said his members and pastors are safe following the Feb. 27 8.8 magnitude earthquake even as the church body's assessment of damage continues. "By God's grace [none] of our church members and pastors' families have suffered," wrote Rev. Carlos Schumann, president of the Confessional Lutheran Church of Chile (IELCHI), in an e-mail to the LCMS. The LCMS is monitoring the needs of the partner church and has pledged assistance in the aftermath of the earthquake that claimed more than 700 lives, toppled thousands of buildings and homes, and left an estimated 2 million people homeless. Dr. Gerald B. Kieschnick, president of the LCMS, expressed sorrow and concern for the Chilean people and the IELCHI in a Saturday e-mail to Schumann. "We thank God that He remains faithful to His promises, and we pray that He will give you strength and wisdom for the challenges of today, tomorrow, and for many days and years to come,'' Kieschnick wrote. "May the peace of God that passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds through faith in Christ Jesus our Lord!'' The IELCHI, while still assessing the earthquake's effects on its members, buildings, and schools, has reported no serious damage from the quake to its congregations and schools. The earthquake is one of the most powerful on record. Kieschnick asked staff from the LCMS entities involved in international mission outreach and relief efforts, LCMS World Mission and LCMS World Relief and Human Care, to remain in contact with the IELCHI. "While already committing human and fiscal resources to relief and rebuilding in Haiti, we stand ready to be of assistance in any way possible in the aftermath of this very powerful earthquake in your country,'' Kieschnick wrote in his e-mail. Schumann thanked the LCMS' "brothers and sisters that are praying for us and our country." "So, just [one] thing remains firm: God's merciful and powerful hands where your life by faith quietly rests,'' he wrote in a reply to Kieschnick. "I'm really [appreciative of] your kind, warm, and friendly concern about us and the whole Chilean church.'' The LCMS commitment to helping its Chilean partner church comes in addition to its efforts to provide relief to Haiti, following the 7.0 earthquake that struck the Caribbean nation Jan. 12. LCMS Lutherans have given nearly $4 million for Haiti relief. The LCMS, working cooperatively through LCMS World Mission and LCMS World Relief and Human Care in St. Louis, and other U.S. and international partners, is striving to serve the ongoing needs of the people of Latin America affected by these recent devastating natural disasters. For up-to-the minute news of the LCMS response to the earthquakes in Haiti and Chile and to contribute, visit www.lcms.org. Back to top IT'S TIME TO START THINKING VBS! Is your congregation starting to consider Vacation Bible School plans for this summer? Camp Luther can help you with your VBS planning and staffing. The camp is available to send three young college students to help run your VBS in your community. Visit Camp Luther's website at www.campluther.org to learn more, or call the camp office at 402-352-5655 to pick a date. Whether your VBS is one day or five, let Camp Luther help you add to your program. Back to top LCEF OUTREACH GRANT APPLICATIONS NOW AVAILABLE As a result of the partnership between the Lutheran Church Extension Fund's faithful investors and borrowers, LCEF has been blessed by our Lord to be able to offer Outreach Ministry Grants to congregations and other LCMS organizations within the Nebraska District. Twenty-five $1,000 Outreach Ministry Grants are available to Nebraska District LCMS congregations, schools, and related organizations. To be considered for a grant, the applicant must: * Conduct a specific outreach/evangelism program, activity, or event designed to reach lost people for Christ within one calendar year of receipt of this grant. * Reflect the goals of the LCEF Mission Statement, which reads as follows: To support the Church in fulfilling its mission of sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ by being a Christ-centered servant partner of the LCMS, ensuring that funds and services are available now and in the future. * Provide photos and a written summary of the LCEF grant-funded outreach ministry to this office within one calendar year of receipt of this grant. This will be used for LCEF promotional purposes. Guidelines and an application were sent to all pastors, principals, DCEs, congregational chairmen, and LCEF congregational representatives. Contact one of these individuals for more information, or visit the Nebraska District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/financial/lcef/grant.html for more information or to print an application form. The deadline for receiving completed applications is April 1. Grant recipients will be selected by May 15. Back to top LUTHERANS FOR LIFE CROSS DISPLAY AVAILABLE FOR YOUR AREA The Fremont Area Chapter of Lutherans for Life, the administrators of the 3,200 cross sanctity of human life display, is in the process of setting its 2010 sponsor schedule. The group is encouraging Nebraska LCMS congregations and Lutheran for Life chapters to make plans to sponsor a display in their community. In 2009 the crosses were set up in ten locations throughout the state. What a wonderful way to stand up for God's gift of human life and to stand against abortion in our world. This is also a great event to help to unite congregations, LFL chapters, and communities while supporting a very important cause. For more information or to schedule a cross display, call Lowell Bloemker 402-721-8952 or Dave McCarty 402-478-4725. Back to top K.I.D.S. COUNT STEWARDSHIP CURRICULUM STILL ON SALE K.I.D.S. COUNT as members of God's Kingdom! K.I.D.S. Count is a stewardship resource for students in programs of Christian education from kindergarten through grade 8. This new program has been developed by the Lutheran Church Extension Fund to be used in conjunction with its Kids Into Discipleship and Stewardship (K.I.D.S.) program. K.I.D.S. Count helps children explore what it means to live for Jesus as a disciple and a steward. It includes lessons in discipleship to involve children in the ministry of the church and teach them about stewardship. For a limited time LCEF is offering the entire curriculum set for the special introductory price of $59.99. To learn more about using K.I.D.S. Count in your congregation or for ordering information, contact Rev. Gene Gierke, LCEF Nebraska District Program Director, at 402-641-1485 or geneg at ndlcms.org. Back to top WOMEN'S INSTITUTE ANNOUNCES CONFERENCE (from Reporter Online, www.lcms.org) Registration is now open for the Third Biennial Conference of the Women's Leadership Institute (WLI), located on the campus of Concordia University Wisconsin, Mequon. The conference, scheduled for April 16-18 at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center in Milwaukee, will explore various aspects of communication under the theme "Listening, Linking, Leading: From Words to Action." The theme is based on Exodus 4:12, "Now go. I will help you speak and I will teach you what to say." Keynote speaker will be Dr. Jean Garton, founder of Lutherans For Life and now an author and lecturer on education, the family, life concerns, and Christian life. Garton, who currently serves on the LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations and the Synod's Board for Human Care Ministries, will address "Words, Thoughts, and Deeds: Live the Faith, Share the Story." Other plenary speakers will be Dr. Bernard Bull, assistant professor of education, director of the M.S. in Education -- Educational Technology Program, and director of the Instructional Design Center at Concordia University Wisconsin, and Dr. Carol McDaniel, a senior staff member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Long Beach, Calif., and director of the parish music program at Concordia University, Irvine, Calif. Karen Lippert, director of Women's Ministry at Divine Redeemer Lutheran Church in Hartland, Wis., will lead Bible studies, and Dr. Patrick Ferry, president of Concordia, Mequon, will lead the Sunday worship. In addition, 15 workshops will explore a variety of topics on leadership and communication. As a new feature for 2010, pre-conference "schools" for in-depth, personalized training in speaking and writing, also will be available. The Speakers and Writers Schools, under the leadership of Dr. Ruth Koch and Dr. Jane Fryar, respectively, will take place April 13-16 at the conference site. Koch is a mental health educator and author, speaker, and consultant. Fryar is a writer, editor, speaker, and consultant. Full conference registration is $140, or $100 for students, by March 15. After that date, it will be $180 and $130, respectively. Single-day registrations also are available. Registration for each of the pre-conference Speakers and Writers Schools is $135 by March 15, or $175 after that date. For more information, visit the WLI Web site at www.wlicuw.org and click on "2010 Leadership Conference." Or, contact Registrar Bonnie Treloar at 262-243-4422 or bonnie.treloar at cuw.edu. Back to top BULLYING RESOURCE AVAILABLE Defending Yourself: Bullying, Teasing, and Put-Downs - This 35-minute DVD causes children to think by posing important questions about bullies and their victims, while also offering children positive suggestions on how to resolve bullying behavior in safe yet effective ways. Through testimonial interviews, children share their experiences with bullying, teasing, and put-downs and comment on what worked to stop it, and what did not. In addition to the children's testimonials, counselors and youth workers offer their expertise on why bullies act out and what makes someone a victim of this behavior. Back to top SEMINARY TO HOLD LAW ENFORCEMENT CHAPLAINCY WORKSHOP Concordia Seminary, together with Peace Officer Ministries, Inc. (POM), will host "Christian Law Enforcement Chaplaincy-Theology and Practice," on May 24-28 on the Seminary campus. The workshop offers unique accredited training for chaplains, peace officers, and pastors, focusing on effective Christian ministry to and through law enforcement. Key principles that participants can expect to take away with them after attending the workshop include: understanding law enforcement as vocation (God's calling); distinguishing and properly applying Law and Gospel and God's Two Kingdoms within a law enforcement context; addressing practical, legal, historical, cultural, and missiological considerations; employing Christian stress management and officer spiritual survival strategies; and identifying characteristics of a competent Christian chaplain. The Department of Homeland Security Course Component fulfills DHS Guidelines. Rev. Steve Lee, founding chaplain of POM, will serve as the introductory speaker on Monday morning. Other presenters include: William J. Becker Jr., Esq. - Becker Law Firm, Los Angeles, Calif.; Michael D. Dahmer - former officer and current licensed professional engineer with expertise in national security, counterterrorism, and homeland security, Jerome, Idaho; Maj. Daniel Dusseau - Commander of District 1 for the Prince George's County Police Department, Dunkirk, Md., and Chairman of POM Board of Directors; William G. Jones - Assistant Chief, Perryville Police Department, Mo.; Rev. Glenn F. Merritt - former officer and current Director of Disaster Response at LCMS World Relief and Human Care, St. Louis, Mo.; Dr. Tomas C. Mijares - former Detroit Police SWAT sergeant and current professor of criminal justice, Texas State University, Austin, Texas; Rev. Frank Ruffatto - retired detective and current executive director and chaplain, Peace Officer Ministries, Inc., Cornelius, N.C.; Steven Ruffatto - retired detective and current adjunct professor in criminal justice at Elizabethtown College, University of Phoenix, and Harrisburg Area Community College, York, Penn.; Dr. John J. South - Vietnam and police veteran, L.E. and Army Chaplain, Critical Point Solutions LLC, Phoenix, Ariz.; and Bob Vernon - former Assistant Chief, Los Angeles Police Department (ret'd). Registration cost is $340. This includes four breakfasts, five lunches, and three dinners, plus CEUs for full participation. Limited on-campus housing is available on a first-come first-served basis. Housing is dormitory style with shared bathrooms and showers. Rooms are on the second floor and are not handicapped accessible. Rates are $30 per night for single or couple and $17.50 per night for a shared room. For more information, contact the Office of Continuing Education and Parish Services at 314-505-7486 or ce at csl.edu; or visit the Seminary's website at www.csl.edu for a downloadable brochure. Back to top CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY WISCONSIN CHOIR TO PERFORM IN LINCOLN The Kammerchor of Concordia University Wisconsin will share a concert on Sunday evening, March 14, 2010, at 7 p.m., at Christ Lutheran Church, 4325 Sumner Street, Lincoln, Nebraska. The choir is directed by Dr. Alexa Doebele. A free-will offering will be taken. Concordia University Wisconsin is part of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod system of colleges and universities, and is located in Mequon, Wisconsin. Back to top SEMINARY CONTINUING EDUCATION COURSE IN NEBRASKA Many of the professors from Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne will be leading courses in locations from California to New York during the summer of 2010. These courses are offered to professional church workers in an effort to assist them as they strive to grow in their knowledge and, in turn, share that knowledge with others. Professional church workers may also earn Continuing Education Units (CEU) when participating in these courses. One course will be offered in Nebraska this summer: Kearney, NE June 21-25, 2010 Lutheran Missiology Presenter - Dr. Detlev Schulz, Th.D. Others in surrounding states include: Camp Okoboji, IA May 24-26, 2010 The Powerful Portraits of Christ in the Book of Revelation Dr. Charles Gieschen, Ph.D. Concordia, MO June 28-30, 2010 All the World: The Missiological Foundations of the Old Testament Prof. Jeffrey Pulse, S.T.M. Wichita, KS May 24-25, 2010 The Gospel of Mark: The Mystery of Jesus Dr. Peter Scaer, Ph.D. The complete list of locations and topics is available on the seminary website, www.ctsfw.edu/continuinged. For a more detailed description of courses, to download a brochure, or to register online, visit the same website. If you have additional questions, please e-mail ContinuingEd at ctsfw.edu or phone 260-452-2279. Back to top ORGAN AVAILABLE FOR CONGREGATION/SCHOOL A congregation member has a home organ available for a congregation, school, or mission that can use it. The Baldwin Orga-Sonic is 42 x 23 inches with a double offset keyboard and full range of sounds across the top. Anyone who can use this organ in ministry or who has questions should contact Paul Ulferts at 308-536-2865. Back to top FALL TOUR TO MICHIGAN AND INDIANA The fellowship committee of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Council Bluffs invites anyone to join them on a fall tour of Michigan and Indiana September 16-22, 2010. Travelers will ride to Frankenmuth, Michigan, where they will stay at the Bavarian Inn and tour Bronner's Christmas Store, as well as explore the sights and sounds of Frankenmuth. There will be a visit to the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Michigan, and then a tour of Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana. From there it's on to Shipshewana, Indiana, to tour the Amish shops and dine at the famous Blue Gate Restaurant. The cost of the tour is $485 per person, not including meals. For more information, contact Ed Termuende at 712-325-6984. 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: 63136 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.gif Type: image/gif Size: 8048 bytes Desc: image001.gif URL: From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Mar 10 15:47:42 2010 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 21:47:42 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] March 10 Message-ID: [cid:image001.gif at 01CAC069.01DCD830] March 10, 2010 In this issue: Happy National Lutheran Schools Week! This is the week Lutheran schools celebrate who they are in the Lord and the opportunities He has given them in their congregations and communities. If there is a Lutheran school in your congregation or community, especially this week consider praying for all involved and letting them know of your support for the ministry taking place in their midst. A specific prayer for Lutheran Schools Week is included in the "Prayer Request" section of this Update. For more information on Lutheran schools in the Nebraska District, use the Lutheran school locator on the Nebraska District website at www.ndlcms.org/locator/schools/index.html. * Prayer Requests * LCMS Responds to the Chilean Earthquake * Looking for Two High School Youth * Is Your Congregation Looking for Help with Its Website? * Junior High Retreat * CTCR Adopts Environment-Care Report * Way of the Cross in Seward * World Mission Offers Service Opportunities Worldwide * Resource on Bullying Available from District Office * Organist Workshop Offered This Summer * Good Shepherd Mission Festival PRAYER REQUESTS National Lutheran Schools Week - Following is a prayer that may be offered during your congregational or personal prayer time for the Lutheran schools of the District and throughout the world: Lord Jesus, as we observe National Lutheran Schools week, we express to You our thanks for principals, teachers, teachers' assistants, and staff members of our Lutheran high schools, junior high schools, grade schools, preschools, day care centers and other early childhood ministries across our Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod. The work is challenging, the results are often difficult to see, and the effort seems at times to be in vain. Encourage these important men and women in their daily tasks when they become discouraged. Renew their strength at the end of each day. Bring along side of them people who express appreciation for what they are doing and help in the ways needed. Work within the parents and students an attitude of cooperation. Cause your Holy Word that the staff is teaching and living to come alive in the students and their family members. What we ask for our Lutheran schools, Lord Jesus, we also ask for our Sunday Schools, youth and adult Confirmation classes, teachers, pastors and students. We ask this for Your honor and glory and the blessing of people, in Your name. Amen. Family of Gail Otten - Please remember in prayer the family of Gail Otten of York who was called to Jesus' side on March 4 after a battle with cancer. Gail was a long-time member of the LWML, serving in many local and zone offices and committees, as well as serving the Nebraska District South LWML as vice-president for four years. A service of celebration for Gail's life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 11, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in York. Burial will be at St. Matthew's Lutheran Cemetery south of Pilger on Friday, March 12. Back to top LCMS RESPONDS TO THE CHILEAN EARTHQUAKE Lutheran Hour Ministries On February 27, a magnitude 8.8 earthquake, one of the strongest earthquakes ever recorded, struck Chile. According to reports, more than 1.5 million homes have been destroyed, displacing more than 2 million people. The number of dead or missing continues to climb, with the latest reports putting it at more than 800 people. Early last week the Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM) director in Chile, Marianela Bravo, met with local leaders and pastors of the Lutheran churches in Valparaiso to decide on a plan of action to deliver much needed material support to those affected. Specific necessities were identified such as food, beds, blankets, water pumps, and construction materials. LHM will also begin to immediately assist in the rebuilding efforts for low-income families in La Granja, La Florida, ?u?oa, Paine, and Puente Alto, which are towns near the LHM Chile ministry center in Santiago. Lutheran Hour Ministries is already printing 10,000 brochures entitled "Strength During Difficult Times," which will be distributed by volunteers at health centers and other places around the city. "More than anything, we want to deliver hope to these people, and give them consolation through the message of our Savior, Jesus Christ," said Bravo, whose home also suffered damage. Though the worst of the magnitude 8.8 earthquake is past, areas continue to tremble with powerful aftershocks. A tsunami triggered by the earthquake has also caused damage along the coastal region. The Chilean government estimates the cost of repairing the damage to be approximately $30 billion, and that it will take 3-4 years to rebuild affected places. In the days, weeks, and months ahead, LHM will continue to work through our ministry center in Santiago, along with its church partners, to provide assistance to those affected. Please visit the LHM Chile Blog at http://lhmchile.wordpress.com for news updates. Please pray for the people of Chile and for the staff and volunteers working there. LHM is accepting monetary donations for their ministry efforts in Chile. If you would like to help support this ministry in Chile, please send your contributions via the LHM International Ministries website at www.lhmint.org or mail them to: Lutheran Hour Ministries Chile Relief 660 Mason Ridge Center Drive St. Louis, MO 63141 Telephone: 1 800-944-3450 LCMS World Relief and Human Care As he travels to areas hit hardest by the earthquake and tsunami, Rev. Carlos Schumann, president of the Confessional Lutheran Church of Chile (IELCHI) sees tremendous destruction but also opportunities to pray and share the Gospel with hurting survivors. "We have a lot of work here in evaluating the situation and determining what steps we should follow," Schumann said in a March 3 e-mail to LCMS World Relief and Human Care's Rev. Carlos Hernandez. One Chilean Lutheran pastor lost his home in the February 27 disaster that killed more than 800 people and left some 2 million people homeless. LCMS World Relief and Human Care continues to monitor needs in Chile and stay in close touch with the LCMS partner church. "God's timing is not ours," said LCMS World Relief and Human Care Executive Director Rev. Matthew Harrison. "God's ways and thoughts are never ours. But all trials and struggles happen that He may 'conform us to the image of His Son' (F.C., S.D. XI.48). The need in Chile is enormous. And we will come alongside our brothers and sisters in Christ as they reach out to their neighbors in Word and deed." Schumann is traveling with an IELCHI assessment team to communities served by Chilean Lutheran pastors, including in Santiago, Vina del Mar, Valparaiso, and Quilpue. The IELCHI president said the church plans to focus on "small localities that have, comparably, suffered much more than the large cities and which have been forgotten and overlooked by the TV cameras." The LCMS partner church plans to provide for immediate urgent and basic needs, both material and spiritual, and also assist with long-term rebuilding efforts. Plans are in the works for Rev. Dr. Jorge Groh, regional director for LCMS World Mission in Latin America and the Caribbean, to visit Chile March 12 as LCMS President Gerald Kieschnick's representative to the Chilean Lutheran church to help evaluate the opportunities for post-disaster ministry and to encourage the leaders and members of the IELCHI. LCMS World Relief and Human Care tentatively is planning to send a two or three-person team to Chile under the direction of Rev. Glenn F. Merritt, director of Disaster Response. The LCMS partner church is small, including five pastors, 200 members, three missions, and two schools with 900 students. On behalf of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, LCMS World Relief and Human Care (the mercy arm of the LCMS) 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 Chile and Confessional Lutheran Church of Chile (IELCHI). Learn more about the LCMS' partner/sister church, the IELCHI, on their website at www.ielchi.cl. Back to top LOOKING FOR TWO HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH The Nebraska District is looking for two high school youth who are interested in developing their own leadership skills, and in turn, helping their own congregations develop youth leadership within their own programs. These two youth will join three other Lutheran Youth Fellowship (LYF) representatives in doing three important things: * Two of the five LYF representatives will attend a Council of Lutheran Youth Fellowship Representatives (CLYFR) training event in St. Louis. Those two youth will train the other three LYF representatives at an August 6 youth event at Peace, Grand Island. * The five LYF representatives together will train Nebraska youth August 6-7 at Peace, Grand Island. * The five LYF representatives will represent Nebraska's high school youth and will have an advisory role on the District Board of Youth. Information about these open positions and an application has been sent to pastors, DCEs, youth leaders, and school administrators, and is available on the District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/education/youth/CLYFR.html. All applications must be postmarked by April 15. Back to top IS YOUR CONGREGATION LOOKING FOR HELP WITH ITS WEBSITE? Has your congregation decided it's time for a website, but you don't know where to start? Is it time to update the look and content of your existing website, but you don't think you can afford to? Here is one option your congregation might be interested in looking into. Faith in Site is a small web ministry development company out of Medina, Ohio, that has recently launched a new program called "Pay with Faith," which allows congregations to pay whatever they can afford for a new advanced church website. The finished websites are highly upgradable and use the best technology on the market (Microsoft Frameworks). The basic website that comes with this program not only allows congregations unlimited pages, but also allows them full control to update their own content by using a custom content manager called Spruance. The basic site also includes full multimedia so congregations may share video or audio of their sermons, as well as photo galleries of their events. Because of hosting and maintenance, the church pays a monthly hosting fee, but as for the development, they pay what they can. To learn more about Faith in Site and the "Pay with Faith" program, visit their website at www.FaithinSite.com/PaywithFaith or call them at 330-635-6861. Back to top JUNIOR HIGH RETREAT The spring Junior High Retreat at Camp Luther will be April 16-17 under the theme "Grapple," based on Genesis 32:24. The weekend is built around Bible studies led by a CYM group from Concordia University, Seward. The cost is $55.00 per person, and registration information is available on the Camp Luther website, www.campluther.org, or the Nebraska District website, http://www.ndlcms.org/education/youth/jrhigh.html. Registrations are due by April 1. The retreat will begin with registration at 6:30 p.m. on April 16 and be over by 4:00 p.m. on April 17. Back to top CTCR ADOPTS ENVIRONMENT-CARE REPORT (From LCMSNews No. 22, March 4) At its Feb. 11-13 meeting, the LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR) adopted "in principle" a document responding to 2007 convention Res. 3-06 requesting it "to develop a biblical and confessional report on responsible Christian stewardship of the environment for use by Synod entities including our schools and churches as they develop resources for the church at-large." This same resolution noted that "there is a lack of resources in the LCMS addressing environmental issues in a scriptural and confessional way" and that "there is a need for study, for service, for responsible Christian citizenship, and for concerted action on environmental issues based on an examination of biblical and confessional resources." "This is a major report on an issue that is of great interest and concern to many people -- especially young people -- in today's society. It addresses a topic that has profound theological and societal implications, yet has not received much focused attention or theological treatment in the LCMS over the years," said Dr. Joel Lehenbauer, CTCR executive director. Drafted by Dr. Charles Arand, a CTCR member and chairman of the systematics department at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, the document -- more than 150 pages in manuscript form -- will be published in a small book format. Titled "Together With All Creatures: Caring for God's Living Earth," the document is designed "to help people embrace their identity and calling as God's creatures to care for God's living earth," according to a brief summary provided by Arand. "Toward that end, it first places our lives within the context of God's own delight in and commitment to His entire creation, both human and non-human," the summary states. "This commitment is carried out within the context of a story that extends from the beginning of creation, continues with the renewal of creation in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and culminates when the Holy Spirit sets it free from its bondage to corruption with the return of Christ. Second, the document encourages Christians to 'get out' into God's world and discover our many connections to His living earth, so that we may delight in His handiwork even as we hear the groaning of creation (Rom. 8:19-23). As we behold and receive God's living earth with joy and delight, we can better care for it -- so that all of God's creatures may be allowed to flourish and together give witness to the glory of God, in anticipation of being set free when Christ returns." The report also will be released in several smaller or summary versions which are intended for use by small groups, congregational Bible study classes, or as teaching tools in various educational settings. A final, revised version will be approved by the commission at its April 22-24 meeting. "The commission is hopeful that the report will be ready for publication in some form by mid-July, in time for the Synod's National Youth Gathering," said Lehenbauer. "The CTCR plans to sponsor an exhibitor's booth at the gathering highlighting the preparation and release of this new report." The CTCR hosted two consultations in 2009, which brought together a variety of individuals with interest and expertise on this topic for their input on the document itself and the best ways to disseminate it throughout the Missouri Synod, the wider church, and beyond. The consultations were funded by a grant from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. "We are extremely grateful for all the people who took the time out of their schedules to meet with us, share their ideas and encouragement, and help bring this project to completion," Lehenbauer said. In other action, the CTCR encouraged LCMS President Gerald B. Kieschnick to respond positively to a recent request from Archbishop Robert Duncan to "explore dialogue" between the Missouri Synod and the recently-formed Anglican Church in North America (ACNA), which Duncan heads. This was in response to Kieschnick's request for "input and counsel" from the Commission. The ACNA, with 100,000 Anglicans in 700 parishes, was formally recognized as a "province-in-formation" in April 2009 by leaders of Anglican churches representing 70 percent of active Anglicans globally. It is based in Pennsylvania. According to its website (http://anglicanchurch.net/) the church body "represents the reuniting of orthodox Anglicans who have been squeezed out of the Episcopal Church and Anglican Church of Canada by successive changes to historic Christian teaching and Anglican practice." In his letter of response to Duncan, Kieschnick wrote, "I believe that discussions such as you have outlined would prove to be a blessing for each of our churches." Dr. Samuel Nafzger, LCMS director of church relations, will meet with the appropriate ACNA officials to work out the details of how to facilitate these discussions. Nafzger attended ACNA's Inaugural Assembly last June in Bedford, Texas. Back to top WAY OF THE CROSS IN SEWARD Concordia University, Nebraska students will lead participants on a walk through the events surrounding Christ's crucifixion. Way of the Cross, an annual devotional event on campus, will take place Tuesday, March 30, at 7 p.m. beginning in the Weller Hall lobby. The public is invited. Plans are for a single group to travel together during the event, much as the followers of Jesus did as he journeyed to the cross. Participants will be guided through various stations. Students will take on the roles of the historical figures in the Passion of Jesus and in Jesus' life. The journey will end at Concordia's outdoor chapel with a time of reflection and silent prayer. The hope of organizers is that by actually seeing the Passion acted out, the story will have greater personal impact. "God through Jesus invites us to be a part of the story," explains campus Pastor Ryan Matthias. "I think it is important to see 'community' walking along together on the journey of God's scandalous love for his people. The Word has always called out to God's people as they walk along their own ways." "It sets the tone for Holy Week because it is a visual reminder of the journey that we are all on," said Matthias. "But instead of our own Mt. Calvary, we get Mount Zion, the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God where thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly are." Way of the Cross takes place outside, so attendees should dress accordingly. Back to top WORLD MISSION OFFERS SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES WORLDWIDE LCMS World Mission has many opportunities for service of different lengths and for people with different skills, all with the opportunity to build relationships and share the hope of Jesus with those around the world. Following is a partial list of service opportunities. If you or a team from your congregation is looking for a place and way to serve, perhaps this list can give you some ideas. For a complete list, visit www.lcmsworldmission.org/service. Country Position Term Kyrgyzstan home-school teacher 10 months Kyrgyzstan medical workers 2-3 weeks Dominican Republic music teacher 1 year Paraguay deaconess intern 1 year Uganda VBS teachers 6 weeks India English teachers 2-plus weeks Papua New Guinea financial trainer 3-6 months Philippines executive assistant 6-12 months Sri Lanka English teachers 10 days Taiwan computer specialist 1-6 months Thailand daycare worker 2 years Vietnam English teachers 1 year Teams of all sizes are needed for the following opportunities: Kenya orphanage workers 10-12 days Kenya preschool workers 10-12 days Tanzania build dormitories 10 days Hong Kong English teachers 10 days Indonesia English teachers varies Thailand various duties 7-10 days Hungary lead sports camps 11 days Kyrgyzstan human-care projects 7-10 days Russia lead English camp 7-10 days Back to top RESOURCE ON BULLYING AVAILABLE FROM DISTRICT OFFICE The Parish Health Ministry of the Nebraska District Office has a variety of resources available for check-out. Items may be picked up/returned during office hours, Monday - Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. For a full list of resources, you may check the District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/congregational/services/parish-health/library.html. Contact Rev. Mark Rockenbach at markr at ndlcms.org or 888-643-2961 to check on the availability of these resources. One of the many resources available is Bully Dance. For grades 2 - 12, college, or adult. It comes in DVD with discussion guide in PDF format. A delightful, provocative, non-verbal animated film about dealing with bullies, peer pressure, and imbalance of power. Like the dance beat pulsating throughout the film, the bully's intimidation of a smaller victim is unrelenting: no one stops the dance until serious harm is inflicted. While Bully Dance offers no simple solutions, it does compel viewers to take stock of their actions and find ways to end peer abuse. Eventually the victim and the group must deal with the bully, who is himself a victim in his own house. This resource has been purchased through a grant from Interchurch Ministries of Nebraska and the Family Violence Council. NOTE: The DVD mentioned in last week's Update, Defending Yourself: Bullying, Teasing, and Put-Downs, is part of the Parish Health Ministries' collection and may be borrowed from the District Office. Following is the summary of this resource once again: This 35-minute DVD causes children to think by posing important questions about bullies and their victims, while also offering children positive suggestions on how to resolve bullying behavior in safe yet effective ways. Through testimonial interviews, children share their experiences with bullying, teasing, and put-downs and comment on what worked to stop it, and what did not. In addition to the children's testimonials, counselors and youth workers offer their expertise on why bullies act out and what makes someone a victim of this behavior. Back to top ORGANIST WORKSHOP OFFERED THIS SUMMER Church organists of all abilities will have the opportunity to improve their skills during workshops offered this summer at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana. The workshops are for organists who are already playing, whether they are experienced veterans or new organists recently drafted into helping in their parish. Workshops being offered this year are: Beginning Improvisation-June 14-18, 2010 Organ instructors: Dr. Donald Rotermund and Kantor Kevin Hildebrand Theology instructor: Dr. Paul Grime This workshop is for organists who would like to begin or review basic ideas in the art of improvisation. Demonstrations by the instructor, as well as hands-on experience by the students, will be of prime importance. Organist Primer-June 21-25, 2010 Organ instructor: Kantor Kevin Hildebrand Theology instructor: Kantor Richard Resch This beginning workshop is designed for organists who do not use pedals, who use only one foot, or who wish to lean more of the basics of service playing. It will include instruction about fundamental music understanding and organ vocabulary. Level I-July 12-16, 2010 Organ instructor: Kantor Richard Resch Theology instructor: Dr. Paul Grime This workshop focuses on service playing, hymnody, church year, music for weddings, funerals, and discussion about the pastor/musician relationship. This level is designed for organists who have taken the Primer Level or are using both feet in their playing. For complete workshop descriptions, instructor information, and to register online, please go to www.ctsfw.edu/organist. For additional information, please e-mail OrganWorkshops at ctsfw.edu or phone 260-452-2224. Back to top GOOD SHEPHERD MISSION FESTIVAL Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Lincoln is pleased to announce that the Rev. Daniel Preus, Executive Director of Luther Academy, will be the mission festival speaker for its regular worship services on Sunday, March 21. Rev. Preus will preach at the 8 and 10:30 a.m. services, as well as lead Bible study at 9:30 a.m. Good Shepherd is located at 3825 Wildbriar Lane in Lincoln, just north of 40th and Old Cheney. Everyone is welcome! 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: 70952 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.gif Type: image/gif Size: 8048 bytes Desc: image001.gif URL: From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Thu Mar 11 14:59:11 2010 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:59:11 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] Housing for Haiti Message-ID: The Haitian rainy season has arrived, making daily living even more miserable for homeless children, teens, adults, and families who are sleeping on the muddy ground or in ramshackle little shelters. LCMS World Relief and Human Care reports that an estimated 1.2 million Haitians are homeless and living on the streets. Our Synod is providing ongoing shelter, medical, and food supplies to help ease the suffering of these people. However, the needs are staggering according to relief agencies. Shelter continues to be an urgent issue for the homeless masses in and around the Haitian capital of Port au Prince. The picture below shows the average shelter, which is not water-tight, causing problems during the rainy season. The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Haiti, a partner church of the LCMS, is asking for our help in providing tents to the people. Orphan Grain Train of Norfolk, Nebraska, has made arrangements to purchase sturdy 10 x 20 foot, steel-framed, poly-covered tents with double-zippered entrance that sleep ten people for $250 a piece. Orphan Grain Train would assume the responsibility of getting these tents to Haiti and placing them with families needing shelter if the congregations and schools of the Nebraska District provide the funds for the tents. Would it be possible for your congregation or school to provide one or more tents? Ten families from your congregation providing $25 each can purchase a tent to provide shelter for 10 homeless Haitians. How many tents can the families of your congregation provide? Please share this opportunity with the members of your congregation and encourage them to prayerfully consider being involved. This would also be a great mission project for your Sunday school, youth group, confirmation class, or day school classes. Congregations, schools, and individuals wishing to contribute to this important project are encouraged to send their tax-deductible donations to Orphan Grain Train at: Orphan Grain Train, PO Box 1466, Norfolk, NE 68702-1466. Click here to download a convenient form to print and mail with your gift. Gifts may be sent securely online via their online giving page. More information on online donations is available on the Orphan Grain Train website, http://www.ogt.org/index.php/help/cash_donations. Donations are to be made by May 1. [cid:image001.jpg at 01CAC12B.63CDD9F0] Photo taken by Dr. Douglas Rutt, Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN Nichole Hetz Nebraska District LCMS Director of Communications 1-888-643-2961 nicholeh at ndlcms.org www.ndlcms.org -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: text/html Size: 9083 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 83494 bytes Desc: image001.jpg URL: From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Mar 17 12:02:47 2010 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 17:02:47 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] March 17 Message-ID: [cid:image001.gif at 01CAC5C9.5A510D00] March 17, 2010 In this issue: Lenten greetings in the name of our Heavenly Father. Due to a number of factors, this week's Update will be shorter than usual. Information for future Updates may be sent any time to communications at ndlcms.org. * Prayer Requests * Spring Pastors' Conference Registration Materials * Master of Arts in Christian Outreach Program * Concordia Alumnus Comes from White House to Speak * Nebraska Lutherans for Confessional Study to Meet PRAYER REQUESTS Family of Rev. Doris Jean Louis and the Lutheran Church in Haiti - Please remember in prayer the family of Rev. Doris Jean Louis, who was killed in the course of a robbery at his home in Haiti late last week. Following is a statement and prayer request President Gerald Kieschnick released on March 13: Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Just now I received the shocking news of the violent death of Pastor Doris Jean Louis in Haiti. According to preliminary but currently unconfirmed reports, apparently as Pastor Louis was entering his residence last night he was attacked by a group of men and brutally murdered. Along with many in The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and beyond, I am deeply saddened and grieved by this news, especially having met, visited, and prayed with Pastor Louis on March 2 during my recent trip to Haiti. From reports I have received, many who knew Pastor Louis, who spent time in studies at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne in the late 1970s, respected him as the father of Lutheranism in Haiti. Please join me in praying that God's mercy, comfort, and peace would uphold his wife, family, and congregation at this time of shock and grief. Please also continue to pray for the Lutheran community and the entire nation of Haiti, still recovering from the effects of the devastating earthquake. May the peace of God that passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds through faith in Christ Jesus our Lord! Rev. Jack Heck - We join with Pastor Jack Heck, pastor emeritus in Kearney, for prayers of healing following knee surgery. We ask the Lord to grant Pastor Heck a quick and complete recovery. Back to top SPRING PASTORS' CONFERENCE REGISTRATION MATERIALS Registration materials for the April 19-21 Spring Pastors' Conference in Lincoln will be sent to pastors of the Nebraska District this week. The materials are available on the District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/news/conferences/pastors/index.html. The registration deadline is April 5, which is also the deadline for making reservations in the conference block at the Holiday Inn, the conference hotel. Pastors are encouraged to check the website and watch their inbox for more information. Back to top MASTER OF ARTS IN CHRISTIAN OUTREACH PROGRAM The Master of Arts in Christian Outreach (MACO) program through the Hoffmann Institute at Concordia University, St. Paul, equips students with a deepened understanding of the theology of God's mission and provides the practical tools necessary to engage in the outreach ministries of the church. The MACO program is designed to enhance your outreach ministry and build on your understanding of Christian mission. The MACO program is specifically created for those in a work setting and is geared for both domestic and international students and is designed to be applicable and practical in urban, rural, suburban as well as international cross-cultural settings. They currently have students working in urban ministries here in the U.S. with Hispanic, Tibetan, and Somali cultures, and there are international students in Kazakhstan, Africa, and the Dominican Republic, just to name a few. The cohort make-up has pastors, outreach leaders, missionaries, and those who have a passion for outreach and His Mission. The MACO program can be designed to help you serve where you feel called and where you see your gifts and strengths in any urban, suburban, or rural cross-cultural setting. 1. The program has only 2 residencies: a. One two (2) week residency in June 2010; i. This residency will study: 1. Spiritual Leadership Formation; 2. Missio Dei (Mission of God); 3. An eFolio Seminar (a course that allows you to begin your Capstone). b. A FINAL one (1) week residency, which is in the spring of 2012; i. This FINAL residency will: 1. Complete your Capstone; 2. Have an Outcome Interview; 3. Be completed with your classes and Capstone work; 4. Be prepared to graduate. 2. Course work: a. All courses (except for Spiritual Leadership Formation; Missio Dei and the Research Design classes) will be administered on-line through various mediums such as email; on-line chat; WebCT and video conferencing as may be required by the professor. b. Each class will be approximately 7-10 weeks in duration, except for the Practicums. The two (2) practicums will apply and develop what you are learning in a real-life situation/ministry. They can involve developing a ministry or application or be involved in one to which you are already involved. This is the application of knowledge to the hand-on and is highly impactful in ministry and outreach work. c. The net effect is that you will be able to complete the program and Capstone and be ready to graduate in 22 months. 3. Delivery Model: a. You will be able to do most of your coursework from your home location; b. Each on-line class will be approximately 7-10 weeks long, with exception for the Practicum's; c. The learning outcomes are strong and have been enhanced as the course work will become an integral part of your practicum work and reflection papers; d. At the end of your 22 months you will have completed your course work and Capstone and ready to graduate; e. There will only be two residencies: one 2-week residency in January 2010 and one 1-week residency in Fall 2012 For more information on this opportunity contact the Hoffmann Institute at HoffmannInstitute at csp.edu or visit their website at http://www.hoffmann-institute.org/. Back to top CONCORDIA ALUMNUS COMES FROM WHITE HOUSE TO SPEAK When it comes to presidential records in the White House, there is no discard pile. When a new president moves in to the White House, every letter and e-mail is rounded up for a trip to the archives. Philip Droege, director of the White House records management office and alumnus of Concordia University, Nebraska, is the man in charge of getting those records their new home. On Tuesday, April 13, Droege will give a talk at Concordia on the subject of managing White House records during the Bush/ Obama presidential transition. The speech will be given at 2 p.m. in the Thom Leadership Education Center auditorium. The event is free and the public is welcome. Droege has served in the White House Office of Records Management for almost 20 years, becoming the director in 2004. He is responsible for consulting on all White House records issues and manages the transition of records from the White House to the National Archives at the end of an administration. Droege grew up in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, D.C., and graduated from Concordia in 1989. Droege's talk is this year's last presentation in Concordia's annual "Looking Beyond" lecture series. Back to top NEBRASKA LUTHERANS FOR CONFESSIONAL STUDY TO MEET The March gathering of the Nebraska Lutherans for Confessional Study (NLCS) will be held on Thursday, March 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 morning will be Rev. Jack Kirk, pastor of Bethlehem and Immanuel Lutheran Churches, Bremen, Kansas, speaking on the topic "Social Justice and Justification." Following lunch, the afternoon topic will begin at 1p.m. Afternoon speaker will be Rev. Ryan Loeslie, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Merna, speaking on C. F. W. Walther's "Church and Ministry" with a focus on the theses on the ministry. In preparation for the afternoon topic, you may read the preface and first three theses. 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 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: 42157 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.gif Type: image/gif Size: 8048 bytes Desc: image001.gif URL: From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Mar 24 11:40:05 2010 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 24 Mar 2010 16:40:05 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] March 24 Message-ID: [cid:image001.gif at 01CACB46.8913B5C0] March 24, 2010 In this issue: Lenten greetings in the name of Jesus, our Savior. As we continue our journey toward the cross and the empty tomb, may the love that first led our Savior to walk this path surround you and shine through you. We continue to give thanks to God for the dedicated teachers in the Lutheran schools of Nebraska that reflect the love of Christ to their students every day. With all of the activities to get done before (or after) spring break, the teachers in your school might be a bit more tired than usual. Please remember these teachers in your prayers. Consider a quick note or a small treat left in the teacher's lounge as a pick-me-up and a thank you for the hard work these teachers do each day. The Lord uses these faithful servants to touch the hearts of His precious children every day. Thank God for them and thank them personally for all they do. * Prayer Requests * LCMS Statement in Response to the Passage of Health-Care Reform Legislation * Concordia Sunday Materials Available * Special Easter Offer from Concordia Publishing House * Update on Housing for Haiti Project * Special Presentation for Seventh Graders and Their Parents * Updated Mission Central Speaker Schedule * School Books for Papua New Guinea * Journey to the Cross in Plainview * CPH Offers Starter Kits for 2010 VBS * Continuing Education Offered by Seminary in Surrounding Districts * International LLL Convention to be in Omaha * District Pastor Appointed as Boy Scout Chaplain PRAYER REQUESTS New Nebraska District Congregations - We lift up prayers of thanksgiving for the two new congregations of the Nebraska District. Cross of Christ Lutheran Church in Aurora and Iglesia Luterana Jesus Es el Senor (Jesus is the Lord Lutheran Church) in Omaha both became congregations of the LCMS in the Nebraska District in March. Cross of Christ is served by vacancy pastor Rev. Kevin McReynolds from Central City, and this congregation is the only LCMS congregation in the community of Aurora. Jesus Es el Senor is a Hispanic mission church meeting at the Tree of Life Center in Omaha and led by Vicar Obdulio Felix, student in the Center for Hispanic Studies at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. We thank God for these two new congregations that are proclaiming the Word of God to their members and to the communities around them. Judy Rathje - We join with Faith Lutheran Church in York in prayers of thanksgiving for the 33 years of faithful and dedicated service provided to the congregation by Judy Rathje, the church's administrative secretary. Judy is retiring from her position on March 31 and the congregation asks for prayers of thanksgiving and blessing for Judy as she moves into a new chapter of her life. We also praise God for all of the church secretaries in the congregations who work faithfully and serve their congregations in ways that often go unnoticed. Thanks be to God for these dedicated men and women and for the work that they do. Back to top LCMS STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO THE PASSAGE OF HEALTH-CARE REFORM LEGISLATION As most are aware, Sunday night the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Senate version of a 10-year, $940 billion restructuring of the U.S. health-care system. A subsequent vote adopted a companion bill that would make modifications to the Senate bill, thus making the final bill more palatable to the House. This "reconciliation" bill of "fix it" changes then would need approval again by the Senate. President Obama signed the new health-care legislation into law on Tuesday. When he did, this historic piece of legislation guaranteed near-universal insurance coverage of American citizens. Beyond that, it will require people to buy coverage, call for the creation of state-based insurance "exchanges" or marketplaces, prohibit insurance companies from denying coverage for preexisting conditions, and impose higher taxes to bolster Medicare and other programs. Clearly these sweeping new laws will have far-reaching ramifications, the extent of which, at this early date, cannot be known. It seems apparent there will be challenges to the new legislation-perhaps even attempts to repeal it-at both the federal and state levels. One area of particular concern for The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod regarding this legislation centers on the sanctity of life. To allay the concerns of pro-life advocates, President Obama has promised to issue an executive order ensuring that no federal monies will go toward the provision of abortions. Some groups, however, including the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the National Right to Life Committee, have expressed strong doubts that an executive order truly will accomplish this. For its part, The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, a staunchly pro-life church body supporting the protection of human life from conception through death, cannot support or endorse any portion of the new law that allows government funding, even indirectly, for abortions. Another area of key importance to The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod is the possible effect of the new legislation on the Synod's Church Plan, particularly those parts of our Concordia Plan Services that deal with the health benefits of our church workers and their families. The Board of Directors and the executive staff of Concordia Plan Services (CPS) have been studying vigilantly the implications of the new health-care legislation on the Synod's ability to take care of its workers and their families. At this point, CPS leaders cannot possibly have all the answers or anticipate all the ramifications of the new law. They will be scrutinizing developments as they unfold and reporting in timely fashion to their constituents. In many respects, this statement is preliminary in nature. There are too many factors yet to materialize, too many unknowns, for the church to issue any sort of comprehensive commentary at this point. That being said, most people acknowledge that the nation's health-care system needs improvement. The main points of contention have been how best to reform the system and how to fund such reforms. Christians of good heart and conscience can disagree about many aspects of these issues. We encourage Christians to be engaged actively in these discussions and debates as concerned citizens who care deeply about the health and life of our nation and all of its citizens. We also pray that the legitimate political debates regarding such issues will not intrude into congregational life and teaching in ways that detract from the church's unique mission of proclaiming the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod has been about the business of helping the less fortunate, in countless ways through a myriad of channels, since our founding some 163 years ago. We will continue in this. Compassionate care and prayer will remain foundational in our life as the church as we respond to the health care and spiritual needs of those around us. Long before health insurance and government-related health-care programs began, the Christian Church understood her responsibility to care for those in need. "Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the leaders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord" (James 5:14). We care for others because God first loved us in Christ Jesus (1 John 4:19). May our Lord grant our nation and its leaders wisdom as the process of health-care reform unfolds. Back to top CONCORDIA SUNDAY MATERIALS AVAILABLE Concordia Sunday is an opportunity to share - and to celebrate - the ministries of LCMS colleges and universities. The Concordia University System colleges and universities are a special gift to the LCMS. They help prepare individuals to serve the church as pastors, teachers, directors of Christian education and outreach, deaconesses, lay ministers, and directors of family life ministry and parish music. They also prepare individuals to serve the community as Christian leaders in business, education, nursing, pharmacy, and numerous other professions. The suggested date to celebrate Concordia Sunday this year is April 18. Free Concordia Sunday materials (brochures, bulletin inserts, envelopes for financial support, etc.) are available from the Board for University Education (BUE) at http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=14910. For more information, you can also contact the BUE at 800-248-1930, ext. 1252, bue.info at lcms.org, or www.lcms.org/universities. Thank you for your time and attention to this wonderful day of celebration! Back to top SPECIAL EASTER OFFER FROM CONCORDIA PUBLISHING HOUSE Free Children's Message for Easter Lead your littlest worshippers to rejoice with a special Easter children's message from Concordia Publishing House. Download your free talk here, and encourage parents and children to continue their celebration by providing a take-home Easter Arch Book. CPH is offering a very special opportunity to purchase a selection of Easter Arch Books at a big savings. This special pricing will allow thousands of children to receive the good news of Jesus Christ this Easter. Purchase 1-9 copies and each book is only $.99 cents, 10 copies or more pay only $.75 cents. Use promotion code YHT when ordering. Order your books today at www.cph.org/easter. Arch Books for Haiti As you provide Easter Arch Books for the children in your congregation, please consider getting involved to help send Arch Books to children in Haiti. This Easter, CPH is inviting congregations to partner in their Help for Haiti - Arch Books campaign to meet the goal of sending 20,000 French-language books to children there. Every $10 given purchases 6 books for distribution and $4 to support LCMS World Relief and Human Care. You can contribute and learn more about the project (which runs through April 11, 2010) at www.concordiaoutreach.org. You can mail to: Concordia Gospel Outreach/Help for Haiti, 3558 S. Jefferson Ave., Saint Louis, MO 63118 Back to top UPDATE ON HOUSING FOR HAITI PROJECT [cid:image003.gif at 01CACB46.8913B5C0]Congregations and schools received information on a special Housing for Haiti project in cooperation with Orphan Grain Train and LCMS World Relief and Human Care. The project allows large, sturdy tents to be purchased and shipped to the homeless families of Haiti for $250 a tent. As of this week, $4,285 has been received by Orphan Grain Train to purchase the tents, pictured on the left. Each congregation is encouraged to share the information sent on March 11 and available at http://www.ndlcms.org/news/temp/Haiti-relief.html with its members and encourage families to get involved. Ten families providing $25 each can purchase one tent that sleeps ten people for a homeless family in Haiti. How many tents can your congregation or school provide? The donations from congregations, schools, or individuals should be sent to Orphan Grain Train at: Orphan Grain Train, PO Box 1466, Norfolk, NE 68702-1466. Back to top SPECIAL PRESENTATION FOR SEVENTH GRADERS AND THEIR PARENTS All seventh graders and their parents are invited to a parent/youth seminar entitled "How to Have a Home Life Where Everyone Makes the Honor Roll" by Ty Schenzel, recognized teen speaker and Director of Omaha's Hope Center for Kids. This evening is just for seventh graders and their parents - both parents, if possible. The topic will be communication skills that express honor between parents and kids. This seminar will improve communication in your family because God-ordained honor will be motivating it. This event is sponsored by and will be held at King of Kings, Omaha, and Kids Kount Publishing. It will be filmed and a DVD will be made to be part of the Faith Legacy Series. Film clips of our participants will make brief appearances in the final DVD, which will be sold to other churches by Kids Kount Publishing. People may opt to sit in a section that will never be filmed. A pizza dinner will be held from 5:30-6:30 p.m., with the seminar to follow from 6:45 - 8:30 p.m. The cost is $15 per family. Space is limited. Register early! Request a registration form from Angela at King of Kings at 402-333-6464. A completed registration form and the $15 payment is due no later than Wednesday, April 14, to King of Kings' receptionist desk or mail checks payable to "King of Kings" to: King of Kings Attn: Angela Bell 11615 I Street Omaha, NE 68137 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, Cambodia April 20, 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. - Rev. Greg Sawyer, Hong Kong April 21, 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. - Rev. Ted Engelbrecht & Dr. Ngu, Vietnam April 30, 1:00 p.m. only - Rev. Jim and Mabelle Bloker, Czech Republic May 7, 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. - John Mehl, Asian Area Director June 8, 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. - Matt and Dee Dee Wasmund, 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, 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, Macau July 20, 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. - Dr. Fungchatou Lo, Cambodia August 14, 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. - Rev. David and Rachel Baker, Kazakstan 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 SCHOOL BOOKS FOR PAPUA NEW GUINEA Gary Thies shared the following story with a request for textbooks for the children of Papua New Guinea: Mission Central has been blessed with 51 volunteers! What a blessing to work with people who really, really "get it" and want so much to "get the Gospel out everywhere"! Some of our long, long time volunteers who helped with the plantings, repair, and cleaning of the buildings at Mission Central were Gail and Arnie Otten of York, Nebraska. Gail was an amazing lady that helped with the mailing and preparation of the newsletter for one of our Missionary couples in Africa, also. Gail also sold books from her home for many, many years, and God used her in so many, many ways! It was the Lord's will to call Gail to our real home in heaven, after a battle with cancer. However, the Lord had something very, very, very special in mind for Gail's dear family. For the last 6 months or more we have been working on a special project to send a full container of books from the Orphan Grain Train at Norfolk, Nebraska, to the Gutnius Lutheran Church (GLC) in Papua New Guinea. This partner church serves more than 7,000 students in 24 Lutheran elementary schools, 3 Lutheran junior high schools, and 1Lutheran high school, in addition to Highland Lutheran International School. Dr. Steve Lutz and his family from Iowa District West has served in New Guinea for 23 years and has worked with so many of the schools. The biggest challenge for these students and the schools is lack of books for their schools. Most schools don't even have textbooks in so many of the remote areas. The language of education in this country is English. Just this past week we received the final "approval" and final information that we needed to move forward with this project, but the project could only be completed if someone would provide the funding needed to send the container halfway around the world to Papua New Guinea. Just in the last few days we have received word from Arnie Otten and his family that they will PROVIDE THE FULL FUNDING NEEDED TO SEND THIS GIFT OF LOVE TO THE 7,000 STUDENTS IN NEW GUINEA, as a special memorial gift in honor of Missionary Gail Otten. What an amazing MIRACLE! Now, we need everyone's help in Iowa and Nebraska.....send, ship, carry, bring your books to the Orphan Grain Train in Norfolk, Nebraska, so that they can be loaded on the Gail Otten Memorial Book Container! Encyclopedias, school books, Christian study books, and all kinds of books are needed. Please load up your car or pickup and head to the Orphan Grain Train at Norfolk! The call is now out, and we need to do our part! What a wonderful way God can use His people! Back to top JOURNEY TO THE CROSS IN PLAINVIEW Over 70 members of Zion congregation at Plainview are currently in the midst of planning the presentation of a "JOURNEY TO THE CROSS," on Saturday, April 3. Visitors will be transported in time to 33AD to experience events of Christ's passion in 13 different stations where they can smell, taste, touch, hear, see and experience Holy Week in a new way. The Journey takes about an hour and can be started any time between 3 and 7 p.m. on April 3. While it will be an Easter learning experience for Christians, it will also serve Zion congregation as an outreach program into the community. Zion extends a welcome to its Journey to the Cross. Back to top CPH OFFERS STARTER KITS FOR 2010 VBS (from Reporter Online, http://www.lcms.org/pages/rpage.asp?NavID=16734) Concordia Publishing House is offering a Starter Kit and a "Super Duper" Starter Kit for Planet Zoom, its 2010 vacation Bible school program. In the weeklong program, children are introduced to "Scout," a bee in the Planet Zoom hive, and four other bee friends who guide them through Bible stories that are designed to teach them to be "bee-lievers" of Jesus. "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." New this year are "Grab and Go" lessons that require minimal preparation time and feature separate leader packs for each of Planet Zoom's activity sites (Bible storytelling, crafts, games, Bible challenge, and snack). Each pack features a leader guide and daily lessons. The Starter Kit ($79.99, item no. 321043WEB) includes an overview and training DVD, leader guides, Bible packs, skit books, and samples of VBS items. The "Super Duper" Starter Kit ($169.99, 321041WEB) also has the directors guide on CD-ROM, a song-action DVD, and more samples, including a puppet, balloons, and posters. Also available, free of charge, is a downloadable recruitment kit that offers strategies for recruiting adult volunteers and includes job descriptions. New this year is an adult volunteer recruitment video included in the overview DVD. A publicity kit that includes sign-up sheets and fliers that can be customized by congregations also is available for free downloading. "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," states a CPH press release. "Children need to know that being 'little' doesn't mean they can't make a difference," added Swenson. "At Planet Zoom, little is big, and that is a message that every child needs to hear." To order the Starter Kits and other VBS items, visit www.cph.org/planetzoom or call 800-325-3040. Back to top CONTINUING EDUCATION OFFERED BY SEMINARY IN SURROUNDING DISTRICTS Concordia Seminary is pleased to announce its summer 2010 series of workshops for pastors, professional church workers, and interested laypersons. Sixteen workshops, covering a wide variety of subjects, are offered nationwide. The cost for each summer workshop is $125 (with the exception of the three Hispanic workshops, which cost $75 each), which includes 1.5 CEU credits. Payment is due 21 days prior to the beginning of each workshop, and workshops have a minimum required enrollment. Housing and meal information may be obtained from the host pastor. To register or to receive further information, including the full list of workshops, contact the Office of Continuing Education and Parish Services, Concordia Seminary, 801 Seminary Pl., St. Louis, MO 63105; 314-505-7486; ce at csl.edu. Below are the workshops offered in the surrounding states. August 2-4: The Johannine Epistles and the Apostle of Love - Dr. Louis Brighton. Concordia Seminary, 801 Seminary Pl., St. Louis, MO 63105. Host: Continuing Education, 314-505-7486; ce at csl.edu. August 9-11: Help for the Mid-Size Congregations - Dr. David Peter. Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 3900 Ashworth Rd., West Des Moines, IA 50265. Host: Rev. David. J. Dahlke, 515-225-1623; david at sotv-wdm.org. August 9-11: Together with All Creatures: Caring for God's Living Earth - Dr. Charles Arand. Redeemer Lutheran Church, 808 S. 1st St., Atwood, KS 67730. Host: Rev. Don White, 785-626-3178; revdon at atwoodtv.net. August 9-11: Faith and Creative Writing - Rev. Travis Scholl and Peter Mead. Concordia Seminary, 801 Seminary Pl., St. Louis, MO 63105. Host: Continuing Education, 314-505-7486; ce at csl.edu. Back to top INTERNATIONAL LLL CONVENTION TO BE IN OMAHA "Spirit Driven" will be the theme of the 93rd International Convention of the International Lutheran Laymen's League (Int'l LLL), to be held in Omaha, Nebraska July 22-25, 2010. The 2010 International Convention will be sponsored by the Nebraska District of the Int'l LLL and held in conjunction with the "Prairie Fire" outreach conference of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod's Nebraska District. Special events at the 2010 Convention will include a Celebration of Pastor Ken Klaus' ministry as Speaker of The Lutheran Hour(r), a Family Night fellowship activity at Omaha's Strategic Air Museum, The Lutheran Hour Celebration Event, 36 workshops on a variety of outreach topics, and more. Convention registration information will be available in the May-June issue of The Lutheran Layman newspaper or at www.lhm.org/convention. Registration information for those wishing to only attend the Saturday Prairie Fire event will be made available from the Nebraska District Office and will be mailed to all church offices and past Prairie Fire participants in April. Materials and online registration will also be available by April 15 at www.ndlcms.org. Back to top DISTRICT PASTOR APPOINTED AS BOY SCOUT CHAPLAIN The National Lutheran Association on Scouting (NLAS) Executive Committee is pleased to announce the appointment of Rev. Wendell Stavig as a Lutheran chaplain for the 2010 Boy Scouts of America Centennial Jamboree. Pastor Stavig will serve the 45,000 scouts, scout leaders, and staff during the two-week period of the BSA National Jamboree in July and August. The NLAS thanks St. John's, Omaha, for "loaning" Pastor Stavig to serve as a chaplain for this major youth event. 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: 69986 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.gif Type: image/gif Size: 8048 bytes Desc: image001.gif URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image002.emz Type: application/octet-stream Size: 108914 bytes Desc: image002.emz URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image003.gif Type: image/gif Size: 4041 bytes Desc: image003.gif URL: From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Mar 31 11:48:33 2010 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 31 Mar 2010 16:48:33 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] March 31 Message-ID: [cid:image001.gif at 01CAD0C6.1F2CC450] March 31, 2010 In this issue: What a blessing to draw together this week with fellow believers at the foot of the cross and the entrance of the empty tomb to remember the tremendous sacrifice God made to save us. May the Lord bless your Holy Week and grant you a blessed Easter celebration! * Prayer Requests * Correction to Seventh Grade Presentation Announcement * Spring Pastors' Conference Registration Deadline NEXT WEEK * Man Feast 2010 * LCEF Outreach Grants Due TOMORROW * Delegates Provide Feedback on Task Force Proposals * Service Opportunity in Macau * Take a Short "LHM Sunday" Survey * Seminary Continuing Education in Nebraska * Spanish Resources to Help Parents Talk About the Birds and the Bees PRAYER REQUESTS Family of Mrs. Maxine Cook - Please lift up in prayer the family of Maxine Cook of Lexington who passed away due to a stroke she suffered last week. Her funeral will be held at Trinity, Lexington, on Saturday, April 3, at 10:30 a.m. We ask the Lord to wrap His loving arms around her family at this time of loss, assuring them of His presence and granting them peace and comfort at this time. Mrs. Cook was the widow of Rev. Ed Cook. Yolisa Felix and family - Please remember in prayer Vicar Obdulio and Yolisa Felix of Omaha at the passing of Yolisa's grandmother in Mexico. We ask God to grant this family His strength and comfort at this time of mourning, especially as they are not able to return to Mexico for the funeral. Vicar Felix is a vicar at Beautiful Savior, LaVista, serving the new congregation of Jesus Es el Senor, Omaha. Back to top CORRECTION TO SEVENTH GRADE PRESENTATION ANNOUNCEMENT The announcement made last week of the special presentation at King of Kings to seventh graders and their parents did not include the date of the presentation. The presentation will be Sunday evening, April 18. The announcement, including the date, is below. Sorry for any confusion this oversight may have caused. All seventh graders and their parents are invited to a parent/youth seminar on Sunday, April 18, entitled "How to Have a Home Life Where Everyone Makes the Honor Roll" by Ty Schenzel, recognized teen speaker and Director of Omaha's Hope Center for Kids. This evening is just for seventh graders and their parents - both parents, if possible. The topic will be communication skills that express honor between parents and kids. This seminar will improve communication in your family because God-ordained honor will be motivating it. This event is sponsored by and will be held at King of Kings, Omaha, and Kids Kount Publishing. It will be filmed and a DVD will be made to be part of the Faith Legacy Series. Film clips of the participants will make brief appearances in the final DVD, which will be sold to other churches by Kids Kount Publishing. People may opt to sit in a section that will never be filmed. A pizza dinner will be held from 5:30-6:30 p.m., with the seminar to follow from 6:45 - 8:30 p.m. The cost is $15 per family. Space is limited. Register early! Request a registration form from Angela at King of Kings at 402-333-6464. A completed registration form and the $15 payment is due no later than Wednesday, April 14, to King of Kings' receptionist desk or mail checks payable to "King of Kings" to: King of Kings Attn: Angela Bell 11615 I Street Omaha, NE 68137 Back to top SPRING PASTORS' CONFERENCE REGISTRATION DEADLINE NEXT WEEK The registration deadline for Spring Pastors' Conference in Lincoln on April 19-21 is next Monday, April 5. Pastors who have not yet registered can find more information, registration forms, and online registration on the District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/news/conferences/pastors/index.html. Back to top MAN FEAST 2010 The Iron Men of Peace Lutheran Church in Grand Island are inviting men to Man Feast 2010 on Sunday, April 18, at Heartland High School in Grand Island. The event promises to be a night of great food and fellowship while honoring our Lord Jesus Christ. The speaker for this year's event is former Nebraska safety and NFL great Mike Minter. Although the odds were stacked against him, Minter excelled in athletics and academics, earning a degree in engineering from UNL and playing for 10 years for the Carolina Panthers. Known for his speed and skills on the football field, Minter has found new success as a motivational speaker, community pastor and entrepreneur. He credits discipline, determination, and dedication, along with a strong faith in God, for his success on and off the field. Minter's testimony is filled with challenges and stories that inspire young and old to follow their dreams. Doors for the event open at 5:00 p.m., followed by an autograph session at 5:30 p.m. and meal served at 6:00 p.m. Mike Minter will take the stage around 7:00 p.m. Heartland LHS is located at 3900 W. Husker Highway. Tickets for the event are $15 and can be purchased by contacting Rick Huls at 308-380-3697. For event updates, check www.peacelutherangi.org. Back to top LCEF OUTREACH GRANTS DUE TOMORROW As a result of the partnership between the Lutheran Church Extension Fund's faithful investors and borrowers, LCEF has been blessed by our Lord to be able to offer Outreach Ministry Grants to congregations and other LCMS organizations within the Nebraska District. Twenty-five $1,000 Outreach Ministry Grants are available to Nebraska District LCMS congregations, schools, and related organizations. To be considered for a grant, the applicant must: * Conduct a specific outreach/evangelism program, activity, or event designed to reach lost people for Christ within one calendar year of receipt of this grant. * Reflect the goals of the LCEF Mission Statement, which reads as follows: To support the Church in fulfilling its mission of sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ by being a Christ-centered servant partner of the LCMS, ensuring that funds and services are available now and in the future. * Provide photos and a written summary of the LCEF grant-funded outreach ministry to this office within one calendar year of receipt of this grant. This will be used for LCEF promotional purposes. Guidelines and an application were sent to all pastors, principals, DCEs, congregational chairmen, and LCEF congregational representatives. Contact one of these individuals for more information, or visit the Nebraska District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/financial/lcef/grant.html for more information or to print an application form. The deadline for receiving completed applications is tomorrow, April 1. Grant recipients will be selected by May 15. Back to top DELEGATES PROVIDE FEEDBACK ON TASK FORCE PROPOSALS (From LCMSNews, March 25) Convention delegates who attended the regional gatherings hosted last winter by the Office of the President generally gave a "thumbs up" to all but one of the 70 recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Task Force on Synod Structure and Governance. The results of the survey taken by the 875 voting delegates who participated in the gatherings were released by the President's Office on March 12, and are available on the home page of the task force website at http://www.lcms.org/lcmsfuture. The gatherings -- held in Denver; Detroit; Madison, Wis.; Minneapolis; Boston; Newport Beach, Calif.; Atlanta; Dallas; and St. Louis -- were designed to allow delegates to the Synod's 2010 convention in Houston to learn how the Synod is currently structured and to better understand the task force's recommendations. "The process followed by the task force was focused on the goal of building consensus in regard to potential structure and governance amplifications and revisions," said Rev. Larry Krueger, assistant to the president. "The survey results indicate that this consensus building process is on target." Some 1,250 delegates are expected to take part in the convention, July 10-17 in Houston, spending the first two business days (July 11-12) determining which of the task force's proposals -- fine-tuned and presented as resolutions -- will best prepare The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod to carry out its mission in the years ahead. Those attending the regional meetings were asked to respond to the recommendations by checking "Strongly Agree," "Agree," "Not Sure," "Disagree," or "Strongly Disagree." In the survey's summary, "Strongly Agree" and "Agree" were grouped together as were "Strongly Disagree" and "Disagree." The only recommendation that received a larger percentage of "Disagree" votes than "Agree" votes (52 percent to 38 percent) states, "Congregations with more than 1,000 confirmed members are entitled to two additional voting delegates, at least one of those additional delegates being a layperson." In his January response to the task force report, Synod President Dr. Gerald B. Kieschnick indicated he also did not favor this recommendation, stating, "It is not clear to me whether this proposal is a high priority for the congregations that would be afforded this privilege, and it does not appear to be contributing to a greater spirit of harmony in our Synod." The recommendation to establish a fixed number of national convention delegates received a favorable response with 59 percent agreeing and 29 percent not agreeing, and 13 percent "Not Sure." A subsequent related recommendation to set that number at 650 received an equal number of agree/disagree votes, 40 percent for both, with 20 percent voting "Not Sure." The survey shows that delegates favor a major recommendation coming out of the report that would eliminate the Synod's seven program boards and two of its six commissions and consolidate them into two advisory commissions, one for National Mission and one for International Mission. "The enhanced understanding about the task force proposals on the part of the convention delegates will bring meaningful discussion to the convention floor," Krueger said. "At the same time, the floor committee will be knowledgeable about the feelings of the delegates in regard to specific proposals and, based on the feedback it has received to date -- in addition to the convention overtures and the feedback it will receive based on the overtures -- will present resolutions for consideration that best reflect the overall consensus already achieved." Kieschnick said he has been encouraged by the churchmanship shown during the gatherings. "The collegiality so broadly exhibited at the nine regional gatherings was a reflection of how the people of the Synod can work together and walk together for the greater goal of the mission of our Lord." Back to top SERVICE OPPORTUNITY IN MACAU Join the mission field! There is an urgent need for short-term missionaries in Macau, starting immediately. Teachers are asked to teach for one month or longer. If you have a passport and are willing to teach conversational English to adult professionals, please consider this mission opportunity to teach at the Concordia English Center. Concordia English Center is an English language school based in Macau. The school focuses on teaching English with GEO missionaries who serve there for a year or more. Short-term missionaries also serve as teachers to provide more classes or teach when GEO missionaries are on home service. Because of several staffing changes, many classes will be canceled if short-term missionaries cannot be found. This means that less people will be exposed to the Gospel message and Christian witness shared through the English Center. Please consider serving in this very important way! For more information, contact an LCMS World Mission placement counselor at 1-800-433-3954 or mission.recruitment at lcms.org. Back to top TAKE A SHORT "LHM SUNDAY" SURVEY Thank you to the hundreds of congregations that have held (or will soon hold) a Lutheran Hour Ministries Sunday celebration. By joining LHM in its mission of Bringing Christ to the Nations-and the Nations to the Church, your witness and ours are multiplied! We are asking all pastors, church workers, and LHM Ambassadors to take just a minute to complete a short survey about your LHM Sunday celebration. Click here or visit http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/QD378LP to tell us if your church participated (and how) or why your church did not. Your feedback is critical as we begin planning for future special Sundays. And remember, although Feb. 7 was the official date, there is still time to hold LHM Sunday at your church if you have not already done so. Visit www.lhm.org/lhmsunday for more information or to download materials. Back to top SEMINARY CONTINUING EDUCATION OFFERED IN NEBRASKA Many of the professors from Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne will be leading courses in locations from California to New York during the summer of 2010. These courses are offered to professional church workers in an effort to assist them as they strive to grow in their knowledge and, in turn, share that knowledge with others. Professional church workers may also earn Continuing Education Units (CEU) when participating in these courses. One course will be offered in Nebraska this summer: Kearney, NE June 21-25, 2010 Lutheran Missiology Presenter - Dr. Detlev Schulz, Th.D. This course looks at contemporary mission theories and practices both in the United States and globally. Students may prepare ahead of time by reading Mission from the Cross. (3 CEU) Host: Zion Lutheran Church, 2421 Avenue C, Kearney, NE 68847 Contact: Rev. James DeLoach, 308-627-5260, jhd.treo at gmail.com Visit http://www.ctsfw.edu/Page.aspx?pid=709 for registration and more information. Back to top SPANISH RESOURCES TO HELP PARENTS TALK ABOUT THE BIRDS AND THE BEES Every parent, at some point or another has to have difficult conversations with their children. Whether it is talking about where babies come from or about puberty, Concordia Publishing House (CPH) has the resources needed to help make these conversations a little easier. CPH's Multilingual Department, Editorial Concordia, adds two Spanish books to help facilitate this daunting task for parents. The books Como est?s cambiando (How You Are Changing) and ?De d?nde viene los beb?s? (Where Do Babies Come From?) use age appropriate language and help children see the wonder behind God's plan for creation. Como est?s cambiando explains the physical and emotional changes that occur in preteens and ?De d?nde viene los beb?s? helps children understand how a new baby develops. Both books use simple and accurate language and are adapted specifically for Spanish speaking people from the prevalent English series. Plus, they are 20% off when you use the promotional code HSE. Call 1-800-325-3040 or visit cph.org to order yours today. Back to top The Nebraska District staff wishes you and your family a very blessed Easter! 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: 47668 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.gif Type: image/gif Size: 8048 bytes Desc: image001.gif URL: From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Mar 3 14:51:07 2010 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 03 Mar 2010 20:51:07 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] March 3 Message-ID: [cid:image001.gif at 01CABABA.72128460] March 3, 2010 In this issue: Lenten greetings in the name of our Heavenly Father. Thanks to everyone who contributed items for this week's Update. This newsletter is meant to be a resource for ministry. Feel free to copy and paste items from the Update in your congregation's bulletins or newsletters, or forward the message to someone you think might find the information useful. Anyone may subscribe to the Email Update by emailing communications at ndlcms.org. * Prayer Requests * District Staff Change * Congregation Statistical Reports are DUE! * LCMS Response to Chilean Earthquake * It's Time to Start Thinking VBS! * LCEF Outreach Grant Applications Now Available * Lutherans For Life Cross Display Available for Your Area * K.I.D.S. Count Stewardship Curriculum Still on Sale * Women's Institute Announces Conference * Bullying Resource Available * Seminary to Hold Law Enforcement Chaplaincy Workshop * Concordia University Wisconsin Choir to Perform in Lincoln * Seminary Continuing Education Course in Nebraska * Organ Available for Congregation/School * Fall Tour to Michigan and Indiana PRAYER REQUESTS Rev. Gene and Linda Gierke - We lift up in prayer Rev. Gene and Linda Gierke and their family at the death of Linda's father on Sunday, February 28. The funeral will take place Saturday, March 6, in Hamler, Ohio. We remember this family in prayer as they go through this time of grief, asking that the Lord will grant them peace as they anticipate an eternal reunion in heaven. Rev. Gierke is the past president of the Nebraska District and currently serves the Lutheran Church Extension Fund - Nebraska Program in promotions. Rev. David Feddern - Please remember in prayer Pastor David Feddern from St. Paul, Cambridge, who is hospitalized in Omaha following procedures to correct health issues linked to serious surgery complications from an operation in the fall of 2007. He is scheduled to undergo yet another procedure today, March 3. We ask the Lord to be with the medical staff as they attend to Pastor Feddern. We also ask that He would grant Pastor Feddern healing, and we pray for understanding and peace for his wife Deanna, and children Miranda and Kelby. Burnell and Virginia Von Seggern - We lift up in prayer Burnell and Virginia Von Seggern and their family at the death of their son-in-law Steve Hincker following his battle with pancreatic cancer. Steve was taken to heaven Tuesday, March 2, and his memorial service will be Saturday, March 6, at 10:30 a.m. at Christ, Lincoln. We place all those who mourn in the arms of Jesus, especially the children who are dealing with the loss of their father just a few years after losing their mother. We pray for our heavenly Father's loving arms to encircle those who mourn, that they might be comforted with His peace. Burnell is the Nebraska LLL president and Virginia serves on the Nebraska District Board of Directors. Back to top DISTRICT STAFF CHANGE Julie Roebke, who served the District for more than 10 years as receptionist and administrative assistant in a number of ministry areas, most recently in gift planning and church worker care, will be leaving her position for new ministry opportunities. Her last day in the office will be this Friday, March 5. We pray the Lord's blessing to her in her new endeavors. Connie Borchers is now the assistant to Neal Koch in gift planning, and she may be contacted for appointments or information at connieb at ndlcms.org or 888-643-2961. Assistance for Rev. Mark Rockenbach in church worker care will be provided by Carol Oetting beginning March 8 until the position is filled again. Carol may be reached at carolo at ndlcms.org or 888-643-2961 to schedule an appointment with Rev. Rockenbach. Back to top CONGREGATION STATISTICAL REPORTS ARE DUE! Congregation statistical reports have been mailed to church offices and were due back to the District Office by February 28. Congregations that have not returned their form are strongly encouraged to immediately complete the form, mail the original to the St. Louis address on the form, keep one copy, and mail a copy to the District Office. Contact Kim Hofer at the District Office at kimh at ndlcms.org or 888-643-2961 with any questions. It is especially important these forms are returned promptly to allow eligibility information on voting delegates to be determined for the Synodical Convention this summer. Circuits that do not meet the minimum membership requirement may not be allowed to send voting delegates to the convention. Your information will assure the reporting of accurate numbers. Back to top LCMS RESPONSE TO CHILEAN EARTHQUAKE The president of the Chilean partner church body of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) said his members and pastors are safe following the Feb. 27 8.8 magnitude earthquake even as the church body's assessment of damage continues. "By God's grace [none] of our church members and pastors' families have suffered," wrote Rev. Carlos Schumann, president of the Confessional Lutheran Church of Chile (IELCHI), in an e-mail to the LCMS. The LCMS is monitoring the needs of the partner church and has pledged assistance in the aftermath of the earthquake that claimed more than 700 lives, toppled thousands of buildings and homes, and left an estimated 2 million people homeless. Dr. Gerald B. Kieschnick, president of the LCMS, expressed sorrow and concern for the Chilean people and the IELCHI in a Saturday e-mail to Schumann. "We thank God that He remains faithful to His promises, and we pray that He will give you strength and wisdom for the challenges of today, tomorrow, and for many days and years to come,'' Kieschnick wrote. "May the peace of God that passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds through faith in Christ Jesus our Lord!'' The IELCHI, while still assessing the earthquake's effects on its members, buildings, and schools, has reported no serious damage from the quake to its congregations and schools. The earthquake is one of the most powerful on record. Kieschnick asked staff from the LCMS entities involved in international mission outreach and relief efforts, LCMS World Mission and LCMS World Relief and Human Care, to remain in contact with the IELCHI. "While already committing human and fiscal resources to relief and rebuilding in Haiti, we stand ready to be of assistance in any way possible in the aftermath of this very powerful earthquake in your country,'' Kieschnick wrote in his e-mail. Schumann thanked the LCMS' "brothers and sisters that are praying for us and our country." "So, just [one] thing remains firm: God's merciful and powerful hands where your life by faith quietly rests,'' he wrote in a reply to Kieschnick. "I'm really [appreciative of] your kind, warm, and friendly concern about us and the whole Chilean church.'' The LCMS commitment to helping its Chilean partner church comes in addition to its efforts to provide relief to Haiti, following the 7.0 earthquake that struck the Caribbean nation Jan. 12. LCMS Lutherans have given nearly $4 million for Haiti relief. The LCMS, working cooperatively through LCMS World Mission and LCMS World Relief and Human Care in St. Louis, and other U.S. and international partners, is striving to serve the ongoing needs of the people of Latin America affected by these recent devastating natural disasters. For up-to-the minute news of the LCMS response to the earthquakes in Haiti and Chile and to contribute, visit www.lcms.org. Back to top IT'S TIME TO START THINKING VBS! Is your congregation starting to consider Vacation Bible School plans for this summer? Camp Luther can help you with your VBS planning and staffing. The camp is available to send three young college students to help run your VBS in your community. Visit Camp Luther's website at www.campluther.org to learn more, or call the camp office at 402-352-5655 to pick a date. Whether your VBS is one day or five, let Camp Luther help you add to your program. Back to top LCEF OUTREACH GRANT APPLICATIONS NOW AVAILABLE As a result of the partnership between the Lutheran Church Extension Fund's faithful investors and borrowers, LCEF has been blessed by our Lord to be able to offer Outreach Ministry Grants to congregations and other LCMS organizations within the Nebraska District. Twenty-five $1,000 Outreach Ministry Grants are available to Nebraska District LCMS congregations, schools, and related organizations. To be considered for a grant, the applicant must: * Conduct a specific outreach/evangelism program, activity, or event designed to reach lost people for Christ within one calendar year of receipt of this grant. * Reflect the goals of the LCEF Mission Statement, which reads as follows: To support the Church in fulfilling its mission of sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ by being a Christ-centered servant partner of the LCMS, ensuring that funds and services are available now and in the future. * Provide photos and a written summary of the LCEF grant-funded outreach ministry to this office within one calendar year of receipt of this grant. This will be used for LCEF promotional purposes. Guidelines and an application were sent to all pastors, principals, DCEs, congregational chairmen, and LCEF congregational representatives. Contact one of these individuals for more information, or visit the Nebraska District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/financial/lcef/grant.html for more information or to print an application form. The deadline for receiving completed applications is April 1. Grant recipients will be selected by May 15. Back to top LUTHERANS FOR LIFE CROSS DISPLAY AVAILABLE FOR YOUR AREA The Fremont Area Chapter of Lutherans for Life, the administrators of the 3,200 cross sanctity of human life display, is in the process of setting its 2010 sponsor schedule. The group is encouraging Nebraska LCMS congregations and Lutheran for Life chapters to make plans to sponsor a display in their community. In 2009 the crosses were set up in ten locations throughout the state. What a wonderful way to stand up for God's gift of human life and to stand against abortion in our world. This is also a great event to help to unite congregations, LFL chapters, and communities while supporting a very important cause. For more information or to schedule a cross display, call Lowell Bloemker 402-721-8952 or Dave McCarty 402-478-4725. Back to top K.I.D.S. COUNT STEWARDSHIP CURRICULUM STILL ON SALE K.I.D.S. COUNT as members of God's Kingdom! K.I.D.S. Count is a stewardship resource for students in programs of Christian education from kindergarten through grade 8. This new program has been developed by the Lutheran Church Extension Fund to be used in conjunction with its Kids Into Discipleship and Stewardship (K.I.D.S.) program. K.I.D.S. Count helps children explore what it means to live for Jesus as a disciple and a steward. It includes lessons in discipleship to involve children in the ministry of the church and teach them about stewardship. For a limited time LCEF is offering the entire curriculum set for the special introductory price of $59.99. To learn more about using K.I.D.S. Count in your congregation or for ordering information, contact Rev. Gene Gierke, LCEF Nebraska District Program Director, at 402-641-1485 or geneg at ndlcms.org. Back to top WOMEN'S INSTITUTE ANNOUNCES CONFERENCE (from Reporter Online, www.lcms.org) Registration is now open for the Third Biennial Conference of the Women's Leadership Institute (WLI), located on the campus of Concordia University Wisconsin, Mequon. The conference, scheduled for April 16-18 at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center in Milwaukee, will explore various aspects of communication under the theme "Listening, Linking, Leading: From Words to Action." The theme is based on Exodus 4:12, "Now go. I will help you speak and I will teach you what to say." Keynote speaker will be Dr. Jean Garton, founder of Lutherans For Life and now an author and lecturer on education, the family, life concerns, and Christian life. Garton, who currently serves on the LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations and the Synod's Board for Human Care Ministries, will address "Words, Thoughts, and Deeds: Live the Faith, Share the Story." Other plenary speakers will be Dr. Bernard Bull, assistant professor of education, director of the M.S. in Education -- Educational Technology Program, and director of the Instructional Design Center at Concordia University Wisconsin, and Dr. Carol McDaniel, a senior staff member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Long Beach, Calif., and director of the parish music program at Concordia University, Irvine, Calif. Karen Lippert, director of Women's Ministry at Divine Redeemer Lutheran Church in Hartland, Wis., will lead Bible studies, and Dr. Patrick Ferry, president of Concordia, Mequon, will lead the Sunday worship. In addition, 15 workshops will explore a variety of topics on leadership and communication. As a new feature for 2010, pre-conference "schools" for in-depth, personalized training in speaking and writing, also will be available. The Speakers and Writers Schools, under the leadership of Dr. Ruth Koch and Dr. Jane Fryar, respectively, will take place April 13-16 at the conference site. Koch is a mental health educator and author, speaker, and consultant. Fryar is a writer, editor, speaker, and consultant. Full conference registration is $140, or $100 for students, by March 15. After that date, it will be $180 and $130, respectively. Single-day registrations also are available. Registration for each of the pre-conference Speakers and Writers Schools is $135 by March 15, or $175 after that date. For more information, visit the WLI Web site at www.wlicuw.org and click on "2010 Leadership Conference." Or, contact Registrar Bonnie Treloar at 262-243-4422 or bonnie.treloar at cuw.edu. Back to top BULLYING RESOURCE AVAILABLE Defending Yourself: Bullying, Teasing, and Put-Downs - This 35-minute DVD causes children to think by posing important questions about bullies and their victims, while also offering children positive suggestions on how to resolve bullying behavior in safe yet effective ways. Through testimonial interviews, children share their experiences with bullying, teasing, and put-downs and comment on what worked to stop it, and what did not. In addition to the children's testimonials, counselors and youth workers offer their expertise on why bullies act out and what makes someone a victim of this behavior. Back to top SEMINARY TO HOLD LAW ENFORCEMENT CHAPLAINCY WORKSHOP Concordia Seminary, together with Peace Officer Ministries, Inc. (POM), will host "Christian Law Enforcement Chaplaincy-Theology and Practice," on May 24-28 on the Seminary campus. The workshop offers unique accredited training for chaplains, peace officers, and pastors, focusing on effective Christian ministry to and through law enforcement. Key principles that participants can expect to take away with them after attending the workshop include: understanding law enforcement as vocation (God's calling); distinguishing and properly applying Law and Gospel and God's Two Kingdoms within a law enforcement context; addressing practical, legal, historical, cultural, and missiological considerations; employing Christian stress management and officer spiritual survival strategies; and identifying characteristics of a competent Christian chaplain. The Department of Homeland Security Course Component fulfills DHS Guidelines. Rev. Steve Lee, founding chaplain of POM, will serve as the introductory speaker on Monday morning. Other presenters include: William J. Becker Jr., Esq. - Becker Law Firm, Los Angeles, Calif.; Michael D. Dahmer - former officer and current licensed professional engineer with expertise in national security, counterterrorism, and homeland security, Jerome, Idaho; Maj. Daniel Dusseau - Commander of District 1 for the Prince George's County Police Department, Dunkirk, Md., and Chairman of POM Board of Directors; William G. Jones - Assistant Chief, Perryville Police Department, Mo.; Rev. Glenn F. Merritt - former officer and current Director of Disaster Response at LCMS World Relief and Human Care, St. Louis, Mo.; Dr. Tomas C. Mijares - former Detroit Police SWAT sergeant and current professor of criminal justice, Texas State University, Austin, Texas; Rev. Frank Ruffatto - retired detective and current executive director and chaplain, Peace Officer Ministries, Inc., Cornelius, N.C.; Steven Ruffatto - retired detective and current adjunct professor in criminal justice at Elizabethtown College, University of Phoenix, and Harrisburg Area Community College, York, Penn.; Dr. John J. South - Vietnam and police veteran, L.E. and Army Chaplain, Critical Point Solutions LLC, Phoenix, Ariz.; and Bob Vernon - former Assistant Chief, Los Angeles Police Department (ret'd). Registration cost is $340. This includes four breakfasts, five lunches, and three dinners, plus CEUs for full participation. Limited on-campus housing is available on a first-come first-served basis. Housing is dormitory style with shared bathrooms and showers. Rooms are on the second floor and are not handicapped accessible. Rates are $30 per night for single or couple and $17.50 per night for a shared room. For more information, contact the Office of Continuing Education and Parish Services at 314-505-7486 or ce at csl.edu; or visit the Seminary's website at www.csl.edu for a downloadable brochure. Back to top CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY WISCONSIN CHOIR TO PERFORM IN LINCOLN The Kammerchor of Concordia University Wisconsin will share a concert on Sunday evening, March 14, 2010, at 7 p.m., at Christ Lutheran Church, 4325 Sumner Street, Lincoln, Nebraska. The choir is directed by Dr. Alexa Doebele. A free-will offering will be taken. Concordia University Wisconsin is part of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod system of colleges and universities, and is located in Mequon, Wisconsin. Back to top SEMINARY CONTINUING EDUCATION COURSE IN NEBRASKA Many of the professors from Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne will be leading courses in locations from California to New York during the summer of 2010. These courses are offered to professional church workers in an effort to assist them as they strive to grow in their knowledge and, in turn, share that knowledge with others. Professional church workers may also earn Continuing Education Units (CEU) when participating in these courses. One course will be offered in Nebraska this summer: Kearney, NE June 21-25, 2010 Lutheran Missiology Presenter - Dr. Detlev Schulz, Th.D. Others in surrounding states include: Camp Okoboji, IA May 24-26, 2010 The Powerful Portraits of Christ in the Book of Revelation Dr. Charles Gieschen, Ph.D. Concordia, MO June 28-30, 2010 All the World: The Missiological Foundations of the Old Testament Prof. Jeffrey Pulse, S.T.M. Wichita, KS May 24-25, 2010 The Gospel of Mark: The Mystery of Jesus Dr. Peter Scaer, Ph.D. The complete list of locations and topics is available on the seminary website, www.ctsfw.edu/continuinged. For a more detailed description of courses, to download a brochure, or to register online, visit the same website. If you have additional questions, please e-mail ContinuingEd at ctsfw.edu or phone 260-452-2279. Back to top ORGAN AVAILABLE FOR CONGREGATION/SCHOOL A congregation member has a home organ available for a congregation, school, or mission that can use it. The Baldwin Orga-Sonic is 42 x 23 inches with a double offset keyboard and full range of sounds across the top. Anyone who can use this organ in ministry or who has questions should contact Paul Ulferts at 308-536-2865. Back to top FALL TOUR TO MICHIGAN AND INDIANA The fellowship committee of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Council Bluffs invites anyone to join them on a fall tour of Michigan and Indiana September 16-22, 2010. Travelers will ride to Frankenmuth, Michigan, where they will stay at the Bavarian Inn and tour Bronner's Christmas Store, as well as explore the sights and sounds of Frankenmuth. There will be a visit to the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Michigan, and then a tour of Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana. From there it's on to Shipshewana, Indiana, to tour the Amish shops and dine at the famous Blue Gate Restaurant. The cost of the tour is $485 per person, not including meals. For more information, contact Ed Termuende at 712-325-6984. 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: 63136 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.gif Type: image/gif Size: 8048 bytes Desc: image001.gif URL: From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Mar 10 15:47:42 2010 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 21:47:42 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] March 10 Message-ID: [cid:image001.gif at 01CAC069.01DCD830] March 10, 2010 In this issue: Happy National Lutheran Schools Week! This is the week Lutheran schools celebrate who they are in the Lord and the opportunities He has given them in their congregations and communities. If there is a Lutheran school in your congregation or community, especially this week consider praying for all involved and letting them know of your support for the ministry taking place in their midst. A specific prayer for Lutheran Schools Week is included in the "Prayer Request" section of this Update. For more information on Lutheran schools in the Nebraska District, use the Lutheran school locator on the Nebraska District website at www.ndlcms.org/locator/schools/index.html. * Prayer Requests * LCMS Responds to the Chilean Earthquake * Looking for Two High School Youth * Is Your Congregation Looking for Help with Its Website? * Junior High Retreat * CTCR Adopts Environment-Care Report * Way of the Cross in Seward * World Mission Offers Service Opportunities Worldwide * Resource on Bullying Available from District Office * Organist Workshop Offered This Summer * Good Shepherd Mission Festival PRAYER REQUESTS National Lutheran Schools Week - Following is a prayer that may be offered during your congregational or personal prayer time for the Lutheran schools of the District and throughout the world: Lord Jesus, as we observe National Lutheran Schools week, we express to You our thanks for principals, teachers, teachers' assistants, and staff members of our Lutheran high schools, junior high schools, grade schools, preschools, day care centers and other early childhood ministries across our Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod. The work is challenging, the results are often difficult to see, and the effort seems at times to be in vain. Encourage these important men and women in their daily tasks when they become discouraged. Renew their strength at the end of each day. Bring along side of them people who express appreciation for what they are doing and help in the ways needed. Work within the parents and students an attitude of cooperation. Cause your Holy Word that the staff is teaching and living to come alive in the students and their family members. What we ask for our Lutheran schools, Lord Jesus, we also ask for our Sunday Schools, youth and adult Confirmation classes, teachers, pastors and students. We ask this for Your honor and glory and the blessing of people, in Your name. Amen. Family of Gail Otten - Please remember in prayer the family of Gail Otten of York who was called to Jesus' side on March 4 after a battle with cancer. Gail was a long-time member of the LWML, serving in many local and zone offices and committees, as well as serving the Nebraska District South LWML as vice-president for four years. A service of celebration for Gail's life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 11, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in York. Burial will be at St. Matthew's Lutheran Cemetery south of Pilger on Friday, March 12. Back to top LCMS RESPONDS TO THE CHILEAN EARTHQUAKE Lutheran Hour Ministries On February 27, a magnitude 8.8 earthquake, one of the strongest earthquakes ever recorded, struck Chile. According to reports, more than 1.5 million homes have been destroyed, displacing more than 2 million people. The number of dead or missing continues to climb, with the latest reports putting it at more than 800 people. Early last week the Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM) director in Chile, Marianela Bravo, met with local leaders and pastors of the Lutheran churches in Valparaiso to decide on a plan of action to deliver much needed material support to those affected. Specific necessities were identified such as food, beds, blankets, water pumps, and construction materials. LHM will also begin to immediately assist in the rebuilding efforts for low-income families in La Granja, La Florida, ?u?oa, Paine, and Puente Alto, which are towns near the LHM Chile ministry center in Santiago. Lutheran Hour Ministries is already printing 10,000 brochures entitled "Strength During Difficult Times," which will be distributed by volunteers at health centers and other places around the city. "More than anything, we want to deliver hope to these people, and give them consolation through the message of our Savior, Jesus Christ," said Bravo, whose home also suffered damage. Though the worst of the magnitude 8.8 earthquake is past, areas continue to tremble with powerful aftershocks. A tsunami triggered by the earthquake has also caused damage along the coastal region. The Chilean government estimates the cost of repairing the damage to be approximately $30 billion, and that it will take 3-4 years to rebuild affected places. In the days, weeks, and months ahead, LHM will continue to work through our ministry center in Santiago, along with its church partners, to provide assistance to those affected. Please visit the LHM Chile Blog at http://lhmchile.wordpress.com for news updates. Please pray for the people of Chile and for the staff and volunteers working there. LHM is accepting monetary donations for their ministry efforts in Chile. If you would like to help support this ministry in Chile, please send your contributions via the LHM International Ministries website at www.lhmint.org or mail them to: Lutheran Hour Ministries Chile Relief 660 Mason Ridge Center Drive St. Louis, MO 63141 Telephone: 1 800-944-3450 LCMS World Relief and Human Care As he travels to areas hit hardest by the earthquake and tsunami, Rev. Carlos Schumann, president of the Confessional Lutheran Church of Chile (IELCHI) sees tremendous destruction but also opportunities to pray and share the Gospel with hurting survivors. "We have a lot of work here in evaluating the situation and determining what steps we should follow," Schumann said in a March 3 e-mail to LCMS World Relief and Human Care's Rev. Carlos Hernandez. One Chilean Lutheran pastor lost his home in the February 27 disaster that killed more than 800 people and left some 2 million people homeless. LCMS World Relief and Human Care continues to monitor needs in Chile and stay in close touch with the LCMS partner church. "God's timing is not ours," said LCMS World Relief and Human Care Executive Director Rev. Matthew Harrison. "God's ways and thoughts are never ours. But all trials and struggles happen that He may 'conform us to the image of His Son' (F.C., S.D. XI.48). The need in Chile is enormous. And we will come alongside our brothers and sisters in Christ as they reach out to their neighbors in Word and deed." Schumann is traveling with an IELCHI assessment team to communities served by Chilean Lutheran pastors, including in Santiago, Vina del Mar, Valparaiso, and Quilpue. The IELCHI president said the church plans to focus on "small localities that have, comparably, suffered much more than the large cities and which have been forgotten and overlooked by the TV cameras." The LCMS partner church plans to provide for immediate urgent and basic needs, both material and spiritual, and also assist with long-term rebuilding efforts. Plans are in the works for Rev. Dr. Jorge Groh, regional director for LCMS World Mission in Latin America and the Caribbean, to visit Chile March 12 as LCMS President Gerald Kieschnick's representative to the Chilean Lutheran church to help evaluate the opportunities for post-disaster ministry and to encourage the leaders and members of the IELCHI. LCMS World Relief and Human Care tentatively is planning to send a two or three-person team to Chile under the direction of Rev. Glenn F. Merritt, director of Disaster Response. The LCMS partner church is small, including five pastors, 200 members, three missions, and two schools with 900 students. On behalf of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, LCMS World Relief and Human Care (the mercy arm of the LCMS) 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 Chile and Confessional Lutheran Church of Chile (IELCHI). Learn more about the LCMS' partner/sister church, the IELCHI, on their website at www.ielchi.cl. Back to top LOOKING FOR TWO HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH The Nebraska District is looking for two high school youth who are interested in developing their own leadership skills, and in turn, helping their own congregations develop youth leadership within their own programs. These two youth will join three other Lutheran Youth Fellowship (LYF) representatives in doing three important things: * Two of the five LYF representatives will attend a Council of Lutheran Youth Fellowship Representatives (CLYFR) training event in St. Louis. Those two youth will train the other three LYF representatives at an August 6 youth event at Peace, Grand Island. * The five LYF representatives together will train Nebraska youth August 6-7 at Peace, Grand Island. * The five LYF representatives will represent Nebraska's high school youth and will have an advisory role on the District Board of Youth. Information about these open positions and an application has been sent to pastors, DCEs, youth leaders, and school administrators, and is available on the District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/education/youth/CLYFR.html. All applications must be postmarked by April 15. Back to top IS YOUR CONGREGATION LOOKING FOR HELP WITH ITS WEBSITE? Has your congregation decided it's time for a website, but you don't know where to start? Is it time to update the look and content of your existing website, but you don't think you can afford to? Here is one option your congregation might be interested in looking into. Faith in Site is a small web ministry development company out of Medina, Ohio, that has recently launched a new program called "Pay with Faith," which allows congregations to pay whatever they can afford for a new advanced church website. The finished websites are highly upgradable and use the best technology on the market (Microsoft Frameworks). The basic website that comes with this program not only allows congregations unlimited pages, but also allows them full control to update their own content by using a custom content manager called Spruance. The basic site also includes full multimedia so congregations may share video or audio of their sermons, as well as photo galleries of their events. Because of hosting and maintenance, the church pays a monthly hosting fee, but as for the development, they pay what they can. To learn more about Faith in Site and the "Pay with Faith" program, visit their website at www.FaithinSite.com/PaywithFaith or call them at 330-635-6861. Back to top JUNIOR HIGH RETREAT The spring Junior High Retreat at Camp Luther will be April 16-17 under the theme "Grapple," based on Genesis 32:24. The weekend is built around Bible studies led by a CYM group from Concordia University, Seward. The cost is $55.00 per person, and registration information is available on the Camp Luther website, www.campluther.org, or the Nebraska District website, http://www.ndlcms.org/education/youth/jrhigh.html. Registrations are due by April 1. The retreat will begin with registration at 6:30 p.m. on April 16 and be over by 4:00 p.m. on April 17. Back to top CTCR ADOPTS ENVIRONMENT-CARE REPORT (From LCMSNews No. 22, March 4) At its Feb. 11-13 meeting, the LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR) adopted "in principle" a document responding to 2007 convention Res. 3-06 requesting it "to develop a biblical and confessional report on responsible Christian stewardship of the environment for use by Synod entities including our schools and churches as they develop resources for the church at-large." This same resolution noted that "there is a lack of resources in the LCMS addressing environmental issues in a scriptural and confessional way" and that "there is a need for study, for service, for responsible Christian citizenship, and for concerted action on environmental issues based on an examination of biblical and confessional resources." "This is a major report on an issue that is of great interest and concern to many people -- especially young people -- in today's society. It addresses a topic that has profound theological and societal implications, yet has not received much focused attention or theological treatment in the LCMS over the years," said Dr. Joel Lehenbauer, CTCR executive director. Drafted by Dr. Charles Arand, a CTCR member and chairman of the systematics department at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, the document -- more than 150 pages in manuscript form -- will be published in a small book format. Titled "Together With All Creatures: Caring for God's Living Earth," the document is designed "to help people embrace their identity and calling as God's creatures to care for God's living earth," according to a brief summary provided by Arand. "Toward that end, it first places our lives within the context of God's own delight in and commitment to His entire creation, both human and non-human," the summary states. "This commitment is carried out within the context of a story that extends from the beginning of creation, continues with the renewal of creation in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and culminates when the Holy Spirit sets it free from its bondage to corruption with the return of Christ. Second, the document encourages Christians to 'get out' into God's world and discover our many connections to His living earth, so that we may delight in His handiwork even as we hear the groaning of creation (Rom. 8:19-23). As we behold and receive God's living earth with joy and delight, we can better care for it -- so that all of God's creatures may be allowed to flourish and together give witness to the glory of God, in anticipation of being set free when Christ returns." The report also will be released in several smaller or summary versions which are intended for use by small groups, congregational Bible study classes, or as teaching tools in various educational settings. A final, revised version will be approved by the commission at its April 22-24 meeting. "The commission is hopeful that the report will be ready for publication in some form by mid-July, in time for the Synod's National Youth Gathering," said Lehenbauer. "The CTCR plans to sponsor an exhibitor's booth at the gathering highlighting the preparation and release of this new report." The CTCR hosted two consultations in 2009, which brought together a variety of individuals with interest and expertise on this topic for their input on the document itself and the best ways to disseminate it throughout the Missouri Synod, the wider church, and beyond. The consultations were funded by a grant from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. "We are extremely grateful for all the people who took the time out of their schedules to meet with us, share their ideas and encouragement, and help bring this project to completion," Lehenbauer said. In other action, the CTCR encouraged LCMS President Gerald B. Kieschnick to respond positively to a recent request from Archbishop Robert Duncan to "explore dialogue" between the Missouri Synod and the recently-formed Anglican Church in North America (ACNA), which Duncan heads. This was in response to Kieschnick's request for "input and counsel" from the Commission. The ACNA, with 100,000 Anglicans in 700 parishes, was formally recognized as a "province-in-formation" in April 2009 by leaders of Anglican churches representing 70 percent of active Anglicans globally. It is based in Pennsylvania. According to its website (http://anglicanchurch.net/) the church body "represents the reuniting of orthodox Anglicans who have been squeezed out of the Episcopal Church and Anglican Church of Canada by successive changes to historic Christian teaching and Anglican practice." In his letter of response to Duncan, Kieschnick wrote, "I believe that discussions such as you have outlined would prove to be a blessing for each of our churches." Dr. Samuel Nafzger, LCMS director of church relations, will meet with the appropriate ACNA officials to work out the details of how to facilitate these discussions. Nafzger attended ACNA's Inaugural Assembly last June in Bedford, Texas. Back to top WAY OF THE CROSS IN SEWARD Concordia University, Nebraska students will lead participants on a walk through the events surrounding Christ's crucifixion. Way of the Cross, an annual devotional event on campus, will take place Tuesday, March 30, at 7 p.m. beginning in the Weller Hall lobby. The public is invited. Plans are for a single group to travel together during the event, much as the followers of Jesus did as he journeyed to the cross. Participants will be guided through various stations. Students will take on the roles of the historical figures in the Passion of Jesus and in Jesus' life. The journey will end at Concordia's outdoor chapel with a time of reflection and silent prayer. The hope of organizers is that by actually seeing the Passion acted out, the story will have greater personal impact. "God through Jesus invites us to be a part of the story," explains campus Pastor Ryan Matthias. "I think it is important to see 'community' walking along together on the journey of God's scandalous love for his people. The Word has always called out to God's people as they walk along their own ways." "It sets the tone for Holy Week because it is a visual reminder of the journey that we are all on," said Matthias. "But instead of our own Mt. Calvary, we get Mount Zion, the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God where thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly are." Way of the Cross takes place outside, so attendees should dress accordingly. Back to top WORLD MISSION OFFERS SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES WORLDWIDE LCMS World Mission has many opportunities for service of different lengths and for people with different skills, all with the opportunity to build relationships and share the hope of Jesus with those around the world. Following is a partial list of service opportunities. If you or a team from your congregation is looking for a place and way to serve, perhaps this list can give you some ideas. For a complete list, visit www.lcmsworldmission.org/service. Country Position Term Kyrgyzstan home-school teacher 10 months Kyrgyzstan medical workers 2-3 weeks Dominican Republic music teacher 1 year Paraguay deaconess intern 1 year Uganda VBS teachers 6 weeks India English teachers 2-plus weeks Papua New Guinea financial trainer 3-6 months Philippines executive assistant 6-12 months Sri Lanka English teachers 10 days Taiwan computer specialist 1-6 months Thailand daycare worker 2 years Vietnam English teachers 1 year Teams of all sizes are needed for the following opportunities: Kenya orphanage workers 10-12 days Kenya preschool workers 10-12 days Tanzania build dormitories 10 days Hong Kong English teachers 10 days Indonesia English teachers varies Thailand various duties 7-10 days Hungary lead sports camps 11 days Kyrgyzstan human-care projects 7-10 days Russia lead English camp 7-10 days Back to top RESOURCE ON BULLYING AVAILABLE FROM DISTRICT OFFICE The Parish Health Ministry of the Nebraska District Office has a variety of resources available for check-out. Items may be picked up/returned during office hours, Monday - Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. For a full list of resources, you may check the District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/congregational/services/parish-health/library.html. Contact Rev. Mark Rockenbach at markr at ndlcms.org or 888-643-2961 to check on the availability of these resources. One of the many resources available is Bully Dance. For grades 2 - 12, college, or adult. It comes in DVD with discussion guide in PDF format. A delightful, provocative, non-verbal animated film about dealing with bullies, peer pressure, and imbalance of power. Like the dance beat pulsating throughout the film, the bully's intimidation of a smaller victim is unrelenting: no one stops the dance until serious harm is inflicted. While Bully Dance offers no simple solutions, it does compel viewers to take stock of their actions and find ways to end peer abuse. Eventually the victim and the group must deal with the bully, who is himself a victim in his own house. This resource has been purchased through a grant from Interchurch Ministries of Nebraska and the Family Violence Council. NOTE: The DVD mentioned in last week's Update, Defending Yourself: Bullying, Teasing, and Put-Downs, is part of the Parish Health Ministries' collection and may be borrowed from the District Office. Following is the summary of this resource once again: This 35-minute DVD causes children to think by posing important questions about bullies and their victims, while also offering children positive suggestions on how to resolve bullying behavior in safe yet effective ways. Through testimonial interviews, children share their experiences with bullying, teasing, and put-downs and comment on what worked to stop it, and what did not. In addition to the children's testimonials, counselors and youth workers offer their expertise on why bullies act out and what makes someone a victim of this behavior. Back to top ORGANIST WORKSHOP OFFERED THIS SUMMER Church organists of all abilities will have the opportunity to improve their skills during workshops offered this summer at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana. The workshops are for organists who are already playing, whether they are experienced veterans or new organists recently drafted into helping in their parish. Workshops being offered this year are: Beginning Improvisation-June 14-18, 2010 Organ instructors: Dr. Donald Rotermund and Kantor Kevin Hildebrand Theology instructor: Dr. Paul Grime This workshop is for organists who would like to begin or review basic ideas in the art of improvisation. Demonstrations by the instructor, as well as hands-on experience by the students, will be of prime importance. Organist Primer-June 21-25, 2010 Organ instructor: Kantor Kevin Hildebrand Theology instructor: Kantor Richard Resch This beginning workshop is designed for organists who do not use pedals, who use only one foot, or who wish to lean more of the basics of service playing. It will include instruction about fundamental music understanding and organ vocabulary. Level I-July 12-16, 2010 Organ instructor: Kantor Richard Resch Theology instructor: Dr. Paul Grime This workshop focuses on service playing, hymnody, church year, music for weddings, funerals, and discussion about the pastor/musician relationship. This level is designed for organists who have taken the Primer Level or are using both feet in their playing. For complete workshop descriptions, instructor information, and to register online, please go to www.ctsfw.edu/organist. For additional information, please e-mail OrganWorkshops at ctsfw.edu or phone 260-452-2224. Back to top GOOD SHEPHERD MISSION FESTIVAL Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Lincoln is pleased to announce that the Rev. Daniel Preus, Executive Director of Luther Academy, will be the mission festival speaker for its regular worship services on Sunday, March 21. Rev. Preus will preach at the 8 and 10:30 a.m. services, as well as lead Bible study at 9:30 a.m. Good Shepherd is located at 3825 Wildbriar Lane in Lincoln, just north of 40th and Old Cheney. Everyone is welcome! 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: 70952 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.gif Type: image/gif Size: 8048 bytes Desc: image001.gif URL: From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Thu Mar 11 14:59:11 2010 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:59:11 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] Housing for Haiti Message-ID: The Haitian rainy season has arrived, making daily living even more miserable for homeless children, teens, adults, and families who are sleeping on the muddy ground or in ramshackle little shelters. LCMS World Relief and Human Care reports that an estimated 1.2 million Haitians are homeless and living on the streets. Our Synod is providing ongoing shelter, medical, and food supplies to help ease the suffering of these people. However, the needs are staggering according to relief agencies. Shelter continues to be an urgent issue for the homeless masses in and around the Haitian capital of Port au Prince. The picture below shows the average shelter, which is not water-tight, causing problems during the rainy season. The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Haiti, a partner church of the LCMS, is asking for our help in providing tents to the people. Orphan Grain Train of Norfolk, Nebraska, has made arrangements to purchase sturdy 10 x 20 foot, steel-framed, poly-covered tents with double-zippered entrance that sleep ten people for $250 a piece. Orphan Grain Train would assume the responsibility of getting these tents to Haiti and placing them with families needing shelter if the congregations and schools of the Nebraska District provide the funds for the tents. Would it be possible for your congregation or school to provide one or more tents? Ten families from your congregation providing $25 each can purchase a tent to provide shelter for 10 homeless Haitians. How many tents can the families of your congregation provide? Please share this opportunity with the members of your congregation and encourage them to prayerfully consider being involved. This would also be a great mission project for your Sunday school, youth group, confirmation class, or day school classes. Congregations, schools, and individuals wishing to contribute to this important project are encouraged to send their tax-deductible donations to Orphan Grain Train at: Orphan Grain Train, PO Box 1466, Norfolk, NE 68702-1466. Click here to download a convenient form to print and mail with your gift. Gifts may be sent securely online via their online giving page. More information on online donations is available on the Orphan Grain Train website, http://www.ogt.org/index.php/help/cash_donations. Donations are to be made by May 1. [cid:image001.jpg at 01CAC12B.63CDD9F0] Photo taken by Dr. Douglas Rutt, Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN Nichole Hetz Nebraska District LCMS Director of Communications 1-888-643-2961 nicholeh at ndlcms.org www.ndlcms.org -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: text/html Size: 9083 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 83494 bytes Desc: image001.jpg URL: From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Mar 17 12:02:47 2010 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 17:02:47 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] March 17 Message-ID: [cid:image001.gif at 01CAC5C9.5A510D00] March 17, 2010 In this issue: Lenten greetings in the name of our Heavenly Father. Due to a number of factors, this week's Update will be shorter than usual. Information for future Updates may be sent any time to communications at ndlcms.org. * Prayer Requests * Spring Pastors' Conference Registration Materials * Master of Arts in Christian Outreach Program * Concordia Alumnus Comes from White House to Speak * Nebraska Lutherans for Confessional Study to Meet PRAYER REQUESTS Family of Rev. Doris Jean Louis and the Lutheran Church in Haiti - Please remember in prayer the family of Rev. Doris Jean Louis, who was killed in the course of a robbery at his home in Haiti late last week. Following is a statement and prayer request President Gerald Kieschnick released on March 13: Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Just now I received the shocking news of the violent death of Pastor Doris Jean Louis in Haiti. According to preliminary but currently unconfirmed reports, apparently as Pastor Louis was entering his residence last night he was attacked by a group of men and brutally murdered. Along with many in The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and beyond, I am deeply saddened and grieved by this news, especially having met, visited, and prayed with Pastor Louis on March 2 during my recent trip to Haiti. From reports I have received, many who knew Pastor Louis, who spent time in studies at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne in the late 1970s, respected him as the father of Lutheranism in Haiti. Please join me in praying that God's mercy, comfort, and peace would uphold his wife, family, and congregation at this time of shock and grief. Please also continue to pray for the Lutheran community and the entire nation of Haiti, still recovering from the effects of the devastating earthquake. May the peace of God that passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds through faith in Christ Jesus our Lord! Rev. Jack Heck - We join with Pastor Jack Heck, pastor emeritus in Kearney, for prayers of healing following knee surgery. We ask the Lord to grant Pastor Heck a quick and complete recovery. Back to top SPRING PASTORS' CONFERENCE REGISTRATION MATERIALS Registration materials for the April 19-21 Spring Pastors' Conference in Lincoln will be sent to pastors of the Nebraska District this week. The materials are available on the District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/news/conferences/pastors/index.html. The registration deadline is April 5, which is also the deadline for making reservations in the conference block at the Holiday Inn, the conference hotel. Pastors are encouraged to check the website and watch their inbox for more information. Back to top MASTER OF ARTS IN CHRISTIAN OUTREACH PROGRAM The Master of Arts in Christian Outreach (MACO) program through the Hoffmann Institute at Concordia University, St. Paul, equips students with a deepened understanding of the theology of God's mission and provides the practical tools necessary to engage in the outreach ministries of the church. The MACO program is designed to enhance your outreach ministry and build on your understanding of Christian mission. The MACO program is specifically created for those in a work setting and is geared for both domestic and international students and is designed to be applicable and practical in urban, rural, suburban as well as international cross-cultural settings. They currently have students working in urban ministries here in the U.S. with Hispanic, Tibetan, and Somali cultures, and there are international students in Kazakhstan, Africa, and the Dominican Republic, just to name a few. The cohort make-up has pastors, outreach leaders, missionaries, and those who have a passion for outreach and His Mission. The MACO program can be designed to help you serve where you feel called and where you see your gifts and strengths in any urban, suburban, or rural cross-cultural setting. 1. The program has only 2 residencies: a. One two (2) week residency in June 2010; i. This residency will study: 1. Spiritual Leadership Formation; 2. Missio Dei (Mission of God); 3. An eFolio Seminar (a course that allows you to begin your Capstone). b. A FINAL one (1) week residency, which is in the spring of 2012; i. This FINAL residency will: 1. Complete your Capstone; 2. Have an Outcome Interview; 3. Be completed with your classes and Capstone work; 4. Be prepared to graduate. 2. Course work: a. All courses (except for Spiritual Leadership Formation; Missio Dei and the Research Design classes) will be administered on-line through various mediums such as email; on-line chat; WebCT and video conferencing as may be required by the professor. b. Each class will be approximately 7-10 weeks in duration, except for the Practicums. The two (2) practicums will apply and develop what you are learning in a real-life situation/ministry. They can involve developing a ministry or application or be involved in one to which you are already involved. This is the application of knowledge to the hand-on and is highly impactful in ministry and outreach work. c. The net effect is that you will be able to complete the program and Capstone and be ready to graduate in 22 months. 3. Delivery Model: a. You will be able to do most of your coursework from your home location; b. Each on-line class will be approximately 7-10 weeks long, with exception for the Practicum's; c. The learning outcomes are strong and have been enhanced as the course work will become an integral part of your practicum work and reflection papers; d. At the end of your 22 months you will have completed your course work and Capstone and ready to graduate; e. There will only be two residencies: one 2-week residency in January 2010 and one 1-week residency in Fall 2012 For more information on this opportunity contact the Hoffmann Institute at HoffmannInstitute at csp.edu or visit their website at http://www.hoffmann-institute.org/. Back to top CONCORDIA ALUMNUS COMES FROM WHITE HOUSE TO SPEAK When it comes to presidential records in the White House, there is no discard pile. When a new president moves in to the White House, every letter and e-mail is rounded up for a trip to the archives. Philip Droege, director of the White House records management office and alumnus of Concordia University, Nebraska, is the man in charge of getting those records their new home. On Tuesday, April 13, Droege will give a talk at Concordia on the subject of managing White House records during the Bush/ Obama presidential transition. The speech will be given at 2 p.m. in the Thom Leadership Education Center auditorium. The event is free and the public is welcome. Droege has served in the White House Office of Records Management for almost 20 years, becoming the director in 2004. He is responsible for consulting on all White House records issues and manages the transition of records from the White House to the National Archives at the end of an administration. Droege grew up in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, D.C., and graduated from Concordia in 1989. Droege's talk is this year's last presentation in Concordia's annual "Looking Beyond" lecture series. Back to top NEBRASKA LUTHERANS FOR CONFESSIONAL STUDY TO MEET The March gathering of the Nebraska Lutherans for Confessional Study (NLCS) will be held on Thursday, March 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 morning will be Rev. Jack Kirk, pastor of Bethlehem and Immanuel Lutheran Churches, Bremen, Kansas, speaking on the topic "Social Justice and Justification." Following lunch, the afternoon topic will begin at 1p.m. Afternoon speaker will be Rev. Ryan Loeslie, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Merna, speaking on C. F. W. Walther's "Church and Ministry" with a focus on the theses on the ministry. In preparation for the afternoon topic, you may read the preface and first three theses. 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 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: 42157 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.gif Type: image/gif Size: 8048 bytes Desc: image001.gif URL: From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Mar 24 11:40:05 2010 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 24 Mar 2010 16:40:05 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] March 24 Message-ID: [cid:image001.gif at 01CACB46.8913B5C0] March 24, 2010 In this issue: Lenten greetings in the name of Jesus, our Savior. As we continue our journey toward the cross and the empty tomb, may the love that first led our Savior to walk this path surround you and shine through you. We continue to give thanks to God for the dedicated teachers in the Lutheran schools of Nebraska that reflect the love of Christ to their students every day. With all of the activities to get done before (or after) spring break, the teachers in your school might be a bit more tired than usual. Please remember these teachers in your prayers. Consider a quick note or a small treat left in the teacher's lounge as a pick-me-up and a thank you for the hard work these teachers do each day. The Lord uses these faithful servants to touch the hearts of His precious children every day. Thank God for them and thank them personally for all they do. * Prayer Requests * LCMS Statement in Response to the Passage of Health-Care Reform Legislation * Concordia Sunday Materials Available * Special Easter Offer from Concordia Publishing House * Update on Housing for Haiti Project * Special Presentation for Seventh Graders and Their Parents * Updated Mission Central Speaker Schedule * School Books for Papua New Guinea * Journey to the Cross in Plainview * CPH Offers Starter Kits for 2010 VBS * Continuing Education Offered by Seminary in Surrounding Districts * International LLL Convention to be in Omaha * District Pastor Appointed as Boy Scout Chaplain PRAYER REQUESTS New Nebraska District Congregations - We lift up prayers of thanksgiving for the two new congregations of the Nebraska District. Cross of Christ Lutheran Church in Aurora and Iglesia Luterana Jesus Es el Senor (Jesus is the Lord Lutheran Church) in Omaha both became congregations of the LCMS in the Nebraska District in March. Cross of Christ is served by vacancy pastor Rev. Kevin McReynolds from Central City, and this congregation is the only LCMS congregation in the community of Aurora. Jesus Es el Senor is a Hispanic mission church meeting at the Tree of Life Center in Omaha and led by Vicar Obdulio Felix, student in the Center for Hispanic Studies at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. We thank God for these two new congregations that are proclaiming the Word of God to their members and to the communities around them. Judy Rathje - We join with Faith Lutheran Church in York in prayers of thanksgiving for the 33 years of faithful and dedicated service provided to the congregation by Judy Rathje, the church's administrative secretary. Judy is retiring from her position on March 31 and the congregation asks for prayers of thanksgiving and blessing for Judy as she moves into a new chapter of her life. We also praise God for all of the church secretaries in the congregations who work faithfully and serve their congregations in ways that often go unnoticed. Thanks be to God for these dedicated men and women and for the work that they do. Back to top LCMS STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO THE PASSAGE OF HEALTH-CARE REFORM LEGISLATION As most are aware, Sunday night the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Senate version of a 10-year, $940 billion restructuring of the U.S. health-care system. A subsequent vote adopted a companion bill that would make modifications to the Senate bill, thus making the final bill more palatable to the House. This "reconciliation" bill of "fix it" changes then would need approval again by the Senate. President Obama signed the new health-care legislation into law on Tuesday. When he did, this historic piece of legislation guaranteed near-universal insurance coverage of American citizens. Beyond that, it will require people to buy coverage, call for the creation of state-based insurance "exchanges" or marketplaces, prohibit insurance companies from denying coverage for preexisting conditions, and impose higher taxes to bolster Medicare and other programs. Clearly these sweeping new laws will have far-reaching ramifications, the extent of which, at this early date, cannot be known. It seems apparent there will be challenges to the new legislation-perhaps even attempts to repeal it-at both the federal and state levels. One area of particular concern for The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod regarding this legislation centers on the sanctity of life. To allay the concerns of pro-life advocates, President Obama has promised to issue an executive order ensuring that no federal monies will go toward the provision of abortions. Some groups, however, including the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the National Right to Life Committee, have expressed strong doubts that an executive order truly will accomplish this. For its part, The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, a staunchly pro-life church body supporting the protection of human life from conception through death, cannot support or endorse any portion of the new law that allows government funding, even indirectly, for abortions. Another area of key importance to The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod is the possible effect of the new legislation on the Synod's Church Plan, particularly those parts of our Concordia Plan Services that deal with the health benefits of our church workers and their families. The Board of Directors and the executive staff of Concordia Plan Services (CPS) have been studying vigilantly the implications of the new health-care legislation on the Synod's ability to take care of its workers and their families. At this point, CPS leaders cannot possibly have all the answers or anticipate all the ramifications of the new law. They will be scrutinizing developments as they unfold and reporting in timely fashion to their constituents. In many respects, this statement is preliminary in nature. There are too many factors yet to materialize, too many unknowns, for the church to issue any sort of comprehensive commentary at this point. That being said, most people acknowledge that the nation's health-care system needs improvement. The main points of contention have been how best to reform the system and how to fund such reforms. Christians of good heart and conscience can disagree about many aspects of these issues. We encourage Christians to be engaged actively in these discussions and debates as concerned citizens who care deeply about the health and life of our nation and all of its citizens. We also pray that the legitimate political debates regarding such issues will not intrude into congregational life and teaching in ways that detract from the church's unique mission of proclaiming the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod has been about the business of helping the less fortunate, in countless ways through a myriad of channels, since our founding some 163 years ago. We will continue in this. Compassionate care and prayer will remain foundational in our life as the church as we respond to the health care and spiritual needs of those around us. Long before health insurance and government-related health-care programs began, the Christian Church understood her responsibility to care for those in need. "Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the leaders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord" (James 5:14). We care for others because God first loved us in Christ Jesus (1 John 4:19). May our Lord grant our nation and its leaders wisdom as the process of health-care reform unfolds. Back to top CONCORDIA SUNDAY MATERIALS AVAILABLE Concordia Sunday is an opportunity to share - and to celebrate - the ministries of LCMS colleges and universities. The Concordia University System colleges and universities are a special gift to the LCMS. They help prepare individuals to serve the church as pastors, teachers, directors of Christian education and outreach, deaconesses, lay ministers, and directors of family life ministry and parish music. They also prepare individuals to serve the community as Christian leaders in business, education, nursing, pharmacy, and numerous other professions. The suggested date to celebrate Concordia Sunday this year is April 18. Free Concordia Sunday materials (brochures, bulletin inserts, envelopes for financial support, etc.) are available from the Board for University Education (BUE) at http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=14910. For more information, you can also contact the BUE at 800-248-1930, ext. 1252, bue.info at lcms.org, or www.lcms.org/universities. Thank you for your time and attention to this wonderful day of celebration! Back to top SPECIAL EASTER OFFER FROM CONCORDIA PUBLISHING HOUSE Free Children's Message for Easter Lead your littlest worshippers to rejoice with a special Easter children's message from Concordia Publishing House. Download your free talk here, and encourage parents and children to continue their celebration by providing a take-home Easter Arch Book. CPH is offering a very special opportunity to purchase a selection of Easter Arch Books at a big savings. This special pricing will allow thousands of children to receive the good news of Jesus Christ this Easter. Purchase 1-9 copies and each book is only $.99 cents, 10 copies or more pay only $.75 cents. Use promotion code YHT when ordering. Order your books today at www.cph.org/easter. Arch Books for Haiti As you provide Easter Arch Books for the children in your congregation, please consider getting involved to help send Arch Books to children in Haiti. This Easter, CPH is inviting congregations to partner in their Help for Haiti - Arch Books campaign to meet the goal of sending 20,000 French-language books to children there. Every $10 given purchases 6 books for distribution and $4 to support LCMS World Relief and Human Care. You can contribute and learn more about the project (which runs through April 11, 2010) at www.concordiaoutreach.org. You can mail to: Concordia Gospel Outreach/Help for Haiti, 3558 S. Jefferson Ave., Saint Louis, MO 63118 Back to top UPDATE ON HOUSING FOR HAITI PROJECT [cid:image003.gif at 01CACB46.8913B5C0]Congregations and schools received information on a special Housing for Haiti project in cooperation with Orphan Grain Train and LCMS World Relief and Human Care. The project allows large, sturdy tents to be purchased and shipped to the homeless families of Haiti for $250 a tent. As of this week, $4,285 has been received by Orphan Grain Train to purchase the tents, pictured on the left. Each congregation is encouraged to share the information sent on March 11 and available at http://www.ndlcms.org/news/temp/Haiti-relief.html with its members and encourage families to get involved. Ten families providing $25 each can purchase one tent that sleeps ten people for a homeless family in Haiti. How many tents can your congregation or school provide? The donations from congregations, schools, or individuals should be sent to Orphan Grain Train at: Orphan Grain Train, PO Box 1466, Norfolk, NE 68702-1466. Back to top SPECIAL PRESENTATION FOR SEVENTH GRADERS AND THEIR PARENTS All seventh graders and their parents are invited to a parent/youth seminar entitled "How to Have a Home Life Where Everyone Makes the Honor Roll" by Ty Schenzel, recognized teen speaker and Director of Omaha's Hope Center for Kids. This evening is just for seventh graders and their parents - both parents, if possible. The topic will be communication skills that express honor between parents and kids. This seminar will improve communication in your family because God-ordained honor will be motivating it. This event is sponsored by and will be held at King of Kings, Omaha, and Kids Kount Publishing. It will be filmed and a DVD will be made to be part of the Faith Legacy Series. Film clips of our participants will make brief appearances in the final DVD, which will be sold to other churches by Kids Kount Publishing. People may opt to sit in a section that will never be filmed. A pizza dinner will be held from 5:30-6:30 p.m., with the seminar to follow from 6:45 - 8:30 p.m. The cost is $15 per family. Space is limited. Register early! Request a registration form from Angela at King of Kings at 402-333-6464. A completed registration form and the $15 payment is due no later than Wednesday, April 14, to King of Kings' receptionist desk or mail checks payable to "King of Kings" to: King of Kings Attn: Angela Bell 11615 I Street Omaha, NE 68137 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, Cambodia April 20, 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. - Rev. Greg Sawyer, Hong Kong April 21, 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. - Rev. Ted Engelbrecht & Dr. Ngu, Vietnam April 30, 1:00 p.m. only - Rev. Jim and Mabelle Bloker, Czech Republic May 7, 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. - John Mehl, Asian Area Director June 8, 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. - Matt and Dee Dee Wasmund, 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, 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, Macau July 20, 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. - Dr. Fungchatou Lo, Cambodia August 14, 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. - Rev. David and Rachel Baker, Kazakstan 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 SCHOOL BOOKS FOR PAPUA NEW GUINEA Gary Thies shared the following story with a request for textbooks for the children of Papua New Guinea: Mission Central has been blessed with 51 volunteers! What a blessing to work with people who really, really "get it" and want so much to "get the Gospel out everywhere"! Some of our long, long time volunteers who helped with the plantings, repair, and cleaning of the buildings at Mission Central were Gail and Arnie Otten of York, Nebraska. Gail was an amazing lady that helped with the mailing and preparation of the newsletter for one of our Missionary couples in Africa, also. Gail also sold books from her home for many, many years, and God used her in so many, many ways! It was the Lord's will to call Gail to our real home in heaven, after a battle with cancer. However, the Lord had something very, very, very special in mind for Gail's dear family. For the last 6 months or more we have been working on a special project to send a full container of books from the Orphan Grain Train at Norfolk, Nebraska, to the Gutnius Lutheran Church (GLC) in Papua New Guinea. This partner church serves more than 7,000 students in 24 Lutheran elementary schools, 3 Lutheran junior high schools, and 1Lutheran high school, in addition to Highland Lutheran International School. Dr. Steve Lutz and his family from Iowa District West has served in New Guinea for 23 years and has worked with so many of the schools. The biggest challenge for these students and the schools is lack of books for their schools. Most schools don't even have textbooks in so many of the remote areas. The language of education in this country is English. Just this past week we received the final "approval" and final information that we needed to move forward with this project, but the project could only be completed if someone would provide the funding needed to send the container halfway around the world to Papua New Guinea. Just in the last few days we have received word from Arnie Otten and his family that they will PROVIDE THE FULL FUNDING NEEDED TO SEND THIS GIFT OF LOVE TO THE 7,000 STUDENTS IN NEW GUINEA, as a special memorial gift in honor of Missionary Gail Otten. What an amazing MIRACLE! Now, we need everyone's help in Iowa and Nebraska.....send, ship, carry, bring your books to the Orphan Grain Train in Norfolk, Nebraska, so that they can be loaded on the Gail Otten Memorial Book Container! Encyclopedias, school books, Christian study books, and all kinds of books are needed. Please load up your car or pickup and head to the Orphan Grain Train at Norfolk! The call is now out, and we need to do our part! What a wonderful way God can use His people! Back to top JOURNEY TO THE CROSS IN PLAINVIEW Over 70 members of Zion congregation at Plainview are currently in the midst of planning the presentation of a "JOURNEY TO THE CROSS," on Saturday, April 3. Visitors will be transported in time to 33AD to experience events of Christ's passion in 13 different stations where they can smell, taste, touch, hear, see and experience Holy Week in a new way. The Journey takes about an hour and can be started any time between 3 and 7 p.m. on April 3. While it will be an Easter learning experience for Christians, it will also serve Zion congregation as an outreach program into the community. Zion extends a welcome to its Journey to the Cross. Back to top CPH OFFERS STARTER KITS FOR 2010 VBS (from Reporter Online, http://www.lcms.org/pages/rpage.asp?NavID=16734) Concordia Publishing House is offering a Starter Kit and a "Super Duper" Starter Kit for Planet Zoom, its 2010 vacation Bible school program. In the weeklong program, children are introduced to "Scout," a bee in the Planet Zoom hive, and four other bee friends who guide them through Bible stories that are designed to teach them to be "bee-lievers" of Jesus. "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." New this year are "Grab and Go" lessons that require minimal preparation time and feature separate leader packs for each of Planet Zoom's activity sites (Bible storytelling, crafts, games, Bible challenge, and snack). Each pack features a leader guide and daily lessons. The Starter Kit ($79.99, item no. 321043WEB) includes an overview and training DVD, leader guides, Bible packs, skit books, and samples of VBS items. The "Super Duper" Starter Kit ($169.99, 321041WEB) also has the directors guide on CD-ROM, a song-action DVD, and more samples, including a puppet, balloons, and posters. Also available, free of charge, is a downloadable recruitment kit that offers strategies for recruiting adult volunteers and includes job descriptions. New this year is an adult volunteer recruitment video included in the overview DVD. A publicity kit that includes sign-up sheets and fliers that can be customized by congregations also is available for free downloading. "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," states a CPH press release. "Children need to know that being 'little' doesn't mean they can't make a difference," added Swenson. "At Planet Zoom, little is big, and that is a message that every child needs to hear." To order the Starter Kits and other VBS items, visit www.cph.org/planetzoom or call 800-325-3040. Back to top CONTINUING EDUCATION OFFERED BY SEMINARY IN SURROUNDING DISTRICTS Concordia Seminary is pleased to announce its summer 2010 series of workshops for pastors, professional church workers, and interested laypersons. Sixteen workshops, covering a wide variety of subjects, are offered nationwide. The cost for each summer workshop is $125 (with the exception of the three Hispanic workshops, which cost $75 each), which includes 1.5 CEU credits. Payment is due 21 days prior to the beginning of each workshop, and workshops have a minimum required enrollment. Housing and meal information may be obtained from the host pastor. To register or to receive further information, including the full list of workshops, contact the Office of Continuing Education and Parish Services, Concordia Seminary, 801 Seminary Pl., St. Louis, MO 63105; 314-505-7486; ce at csl.edu. Below are the workshops offered in the surrounding states. August 2-4: The Johannine Epistles and the Apostle of Love - Dr. Louis Brighton. Concordia Seminary, 801 Seminary Pl., St. Louis, MO 63105. Host: Continuing Education, 314-505-7486; ce at csl.edu. August 9-11: Help for the Mid-Size Congregations - Dr. David Peter. Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 3900 Ashworth Rd., West Des Moines, IA 50265. Host: Rev. David. J. Dahlke, 515-225-1623; david at sotv-wdm.org. August 9-11: Together with All Creatures: Caring for God's Living Earth - Dr. Charles Arand. Redeemer Lutheran Church, 808 S. 1st St., Atwood, KS 67730. Host: Rev. Don White, 785-626-3178; revdon at atwoodtv.net. August 9-11: Faith and Creative Writing - Rev. Travis Scholl and Peter Mead. Concordia Seminary, 801 Seminary Pl., St. Louis, MO 63105. Host: Continuing Education, 314-505-7486; ce at csl.edu. Back to top INTERNATIONAL LLL CONVENTION TO BE IN OMAHA "Spirit Driven" will be the theme of the 93rd International Convention of the International Lutheran Laymen's League (Int'l LLL), to be held in Omaha, Nebraska July 22-25, 2010. The 2010 International Convention will be sponsored by the Nebraska District of the Int'l LLL and held in conjunction with the "Prairie Fire" outreach conference of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod's Nebraska District. Special events at the 2010 Convention will include a Celebration of Pastor Ken Klaus' ministry as Speaker of The Lutheran Hour(r), a Family Night fellowship activity at Omaha's Strategic Air Museum, The Lutheran Hour Celebration Event, 36 workshops on a variety of outreach topics, and more. Convention registration information will be available in the May-June issue of The Lutheran Layman newspaper or at www.lhm.org/convention. Registration information for those wishing to only attend the Saturday Prairie Fire event will be made available from the Nebraska District Office and will be mailed to all church offices and past Prairie Fire participants in April. Materials and online registration will also be available by April 15 at www.ndlcms.org. Back to top DISTRICT PASTOR APPOINTED AS BOY SCOUT CHAPLAIN The National Lutheran Association on Scouting (NLAS) Executive Committee is pleased to announce the appointment of Rev. Wendell Stavig as a Lutheran chaplain for the 2010 Boy Scouts of America Centennial Jamboree. Pastor Stavig will serve the 45,000 scouts, scout leaders, and staff during the two-week period of the BSA National Jamboree in July and August. The NLAS thanks St. John's, Omaha, for "loaning" Pastor Stavig to serve as a chaplain for this major youth event. 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: 69986 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.gif Type: image/gif Size: 8048 bytes Desc: image001.gif URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image002.emz Type: application/octet-stream Size: 108914 bytes Desc: image002.emz URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image003.gif Type: image/gif Size: 4041 bytes Desc: image003.gif URL: From distupd at lists.ndlcms.org Wed Mar 31 11:48:33 2010 From: distupd at lists.ndlcms.org (District Updates) Date: Wed, 31 Mar 2010 16:48:33 -0000 Subject: [DistUpd] March 31 Message-ID: [cid:image001.gif at 01CAD0C6.1F2CC450] March 31, 2010 In this issue: What a blessing to draw together this week with fellow believers at the foot of the cross and the entrance of the empty tomb to remember the tremendous sacrifice God made to save us. May the Lord bless your Holy Week and grant you a blessed Easter celebration! * Prayer Requests * Correction to Seventh Grade Presentation Announcement * Spring Pastors' Conference Registration Deadline NEXT WEEK * Man Feast 2010 * LCEF Outreach Grants Due TOMORROW * Delegates Provide Feedback on Task Force Proposals * Service Opportunity in Macau * Take a Short "LHM Sunday" Survey * Seminary Continuing Education in Nebraska * Spanish Resources to Help Parents Talk About the Birds and the Bees PRAYER REQUESTS Family of Mrs. Maxine Cook - Please lift up in prayer the family of Maxine Cook of Lexington who passed away due to a stroke she suffered last week. Her funeral will be held at Trinity, Lexington, on Saturday, April 3, at 10:30 a.m. We ask the Lord to wrap His loving arms around her family at this time of loss, assuring them of His presence and granting them peace and comfort at this time. Mrs. Cook was the widow of Rev. Ed Cook. Yolisa Felix and family - Please remember in prayer Vicar Obdulio and Yolisa Felix of Omaha at the passing of Yolisa's grandmother in Mexico. We ask God to grant this family His strength and comfort at this time of mourning, especially as they are not able to return to Mexico for the funeral. Vicar Felix is a vicar at Beautiful Savior, LaVista, serving the new congregation of Jesus Es el Senor, Omaha. Back to top CORRECTION TO SEVENTH GRADE PRESENTATION ANNOUNCEMENT The announcement made last week of the special presentation at King of Kings to seventh graders and their parents did not include the date of the presentation. The presentation will be Sunday evening, April 18. The announcement, including the date, is below. Sorry for any confusion this oversight may have caused. All seventh graders and their parents are invited to a parent/youth seminar on Sunday, April 18, entitled "How to Have a Home Life Where Everyone Makes the Honor Roll" by Ty Schenzel, recognized teen speaker and Director of Omaha's Hope Center for Kids. This evening is just for seventh graders and their parents - both parents, if possible. The topic will be communication skills that express honor between parents and kids. This seminar will improve communication in your family because God-ordained honor will be motivating it. This event is sponsored by and will be held at King of Kings, Omaha, and Kids Kount Publishing. It will be filmed and a DVD will be made to be part of the Faith Legacy Series. Film clips of the participants will make brief appearances in the final DVD, which will be sold to other churches by Kids Kount Publishing. People may opt to sit in a section that will never be filmed. A pizza dinner will be held from 5:30-6:30 p.m., with the seminar to follow from 6:45 - 8:30 p.m. The cost is $15 per family. Space is limited. Register early! Request a registration form from Angela at King of Kings at 402-333-6464. A completed registration form and the $15 payment is due no later than Wednesday, April 14, to King of Kings' receptionist desk or mail checks payable to "King of Kings" to: King of Kings Attn: Angela Bell 11615 I Street Omaha, NE 68137 Back to top SPRING PASTORS' CONFERENCE REGISTRATION DEADLINE NEXT WEEK The registration deadline for Spring Pastors' Conference in Lincoln on April 19-21 is next Monday, April 5. Pastors who have not yet registered can find more information, registration forms, and online registration on the District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/news/conferences/pastors/index.html. Back to top MAN FEAST 2010 The Iron Men of Peace Lutheran Church in Grand Island are inviting men to Man Feast 2010 on Sunday, April 18, at Heartland High School in Grand Island. The event promises to be a night of great food and fellowship while honoring our Lord Jesus Christ. The speaker for this year's event is former Nebraska safety and NFL great Mike Minter. Although the odds were stacked against him, Minter excelled in athletics and academics, earning a degree in engineering from UNL and playing for 10 years for the Carolina Panthers. Known for his speed and skills on the football field, Minter has found new success as a motivational speaker, community pastor and entrepreneur. He credits discipline, determination, and dedication, along with a strong faith in God, for his success on and off the field. Minter's testimony is filled with challenges and stories that inspire young and old to follow their dreams. Doors for the event open at 5:00 p.m., followed by an autograph session at 5:30 p.m. and meal served at 6:00 p.m. Mike Minter will take the stage around 7:00 p.m. Heartland LHS is located at 3900 W. Husker Highway. Tickets for the event are $15 and can be purchased by contacting Rick Huls at 308-380-3697. For event updates, check www.peacelutherangi.org. Back to top LCEF OUTREACH GRANTS DUE TOMORROW As a result of the partnership between the Lutheran Church Extension Fund's faithful investors and borrowers, LCEF has been blessed by our Lord to be able to offer Outreach Ministry Grants to congregations and other LCMS organizations within the Nebraska District. Twenty-five $1,000 Outreach Ministry Grants are available to Nebraska District LCMS congregations, schools, and related organizations. To be considered for a grant, the applicant must: * Conduct a specific outreach/evangelism program, activity, or event designed to reach lost people for Christ within one calendar year of receipt of this grant. * Reflect the goals of the LCEF Mission Statement, which reads as follows: To support the Church in fulfilling its mission of sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ by being a Christ-centered servant partner of the LCMS, ensuring that funds and services are available now and in the future. * Provide photos and a written summary of the LCEF grant-funded outreach ministry to this office within one calendar year of receipt of this grant. This will be used for LCEF promotional purposes. Guidelines and an application were sent to all pastors, principals, DCEs, congregational chairmen, and LCEF congregational representatives. Contact one of these individuals for more information, or visit the Nebraska District website at http://www.ndlcms.org/financial/lcef/grant.html for more information or to print an application form. The deadline for receiving completed applications is tomorrow, April 1. Grant recipients will be selected by May 15. Back to top DELEGATES PROVIDE FEEDBACK ON TASK FORCE PROPOSALS (From LCMSNews, March 25) Convention delegates who attended the regional gatherings hosted last winter by the Office of the President generally gave a "thumbs up" to all but one of the 70 recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Task Force on Synod Structure and Governance. The results of the survey taken by the 875 voting delegates who participated in the gatherings were released by the President's Office on March 12, and are available on the home page of the task force website at http://www.lcms.org/lcmsfuture. The gatherings -- held in Denver; Detroit; Madison, Wis.; Minneapolis; Boston; Newport Beach, Calif.; Atlanta; Dallas; and St. Louis -- were designed to allow delegates to the Synod's 2010 convention in Houston to learn how the Synod is currently structured and to better understand the task force's recommendations. "The process followed by the task force was focused on the goal of building consensus in regard to potential structure and governance amplifications and revisions," said Rev. Larry Krueger, assistant to the president. "The survey results indicate that this consensus building process is on target." Some 1,250 delegates are expected to take part in the convention, July 10-17 in Houston, spending the first two business days (July 11-12) determining which of the task force's proposals -- fine-tuned and presented as resolutions -- will best prepare The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod to carry out its mission in the years ahead. Those attending the regional meetings were asked to respond to the recommendations by checking "Strongly Agree," "Agree," "Not Sure," "Disagree," or "Strongly Disagree." In the survey's summary, "Strongly Agree" and "Agree" were grouped together as were "Strongly Disagree" and "Disagree." The only recommendation that received a larger percentage of "Disagree" votes than "Agree" votes (52 percent to 38 percent) states, "Congregations with more than 1,000 confirmed members are entitled to two additional voting delegates, at least one of those additional delegates being a layperson." In his January response to the task force report, Synod President Dr. Gerald B. Kieschnick indicated he also did not favor this recommendation, stating, "It is not clear to me whether this proposal is a high priority for the congregations that would be afforded this privilege, and it does not appear to be contributing to a greater spirit of harmony in our Synod." The recommendation to establish a fixed number of national convention delegates received a favorable response with 59 percent agreeing and 29 percent not agreeing, and 13 percent "Not Sure." A subsequent related recommendation to set that number at 650 received an equal number of agree/disagree votes, 40 percent for both, with 20 percent voting "Not Sure." The survey shows that delegates favor a major recommendation coming out of the report that would eliminate the Synod's seven program boards and two of its six commissions and consolidate them into two advisory commissions, one for National Mission and one for International Mission. "The enhanced understanding about the task force proposals on the part of the convention delegates will bring meaningful discussion to the convention floor," Krueger said. "At the same time, the floor committee will be knowledgeable about the feelings of the delegates in regard to specific proposals and, based on the feedback it has received to date -- in addition to the convention overtures and the feedback it will receive based on the overtures -- will present resolutions for consideration that best reflect the overall consensus already achieved." Kieschnick said he has been encouraged by the churchmanship shown during the gatherings. "The collegiality so broadly exhibited at the nine regional gatherings was a reflection of how the people of the Synod can work together and walk together for the greater goal of the mission of our Lord." Back to top SERVICE OPPORTUNITY IN MACAU Join the mission field! There is an urgent need for short-term missionaries in Macau, starting immediately. Teachers are asked to teach for one month or longer. If you have a passport and are willing to teach conversational English to adult professionals, please consider this mission opportunity to teach at the Concordia English Center. Concordia English Center is an English language school based in Macau. The school focuses on teaching English with GEO missionaries who serve there for a year or more. Short-term missionaries also serve as teachers to provide more classes or teach when GEO missionaries are on home service. Because of several staffing changes, many classes will be canceled if short-term missionaries cannot be found. This means that less people will be exposed to the Gospel message and Christian witness shared through the English Center. Please consider serving in this very important way! For more information, contact an LCMS World Mission placement counselor at 1-800-433-3954 or mission.recruitment at lcms.org. Back to top TAKE A SHORT "LHM SUNDAY" SURVEY Thank you to the hundreds of congregations that have held (or will soon hold) a Lutheran Hour Ministries Sunday celebration. By joining LHM in its mission of Bringing Christ to the Nations-and the Nations to the Church, your witness and ours are multiplied! We are asking all pastors, church workers, and LHM Ambassadors to take just a minute to complete a short survey about your LHM Sunday celebration. Click here or visit http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/QD378LP to tell us if your church participated (and how) or why your church did not. Your feedback is critical as we begin planning for future special Sundays. And remember, although Feb. 7 was the official date, there is still time to hold LHM Sunday at your church if you have not already done so. Visit www.lhm.org/lhmsunday for more information or to download materials. Back to top SEMINARY CONTINUING EDUCATION OFFERED IN NEBRASKA Many of the professors from Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne will be leading courses in locations from California to New York during the summer of 2010. These courses are offered to professional church workers in an effort to assist them as they strive to grow in their knowledge and, in turn, share that knowledge with others. Professional church workers may also earn Continuing Education Units (CEU) when participating in these courses. One course will be offered in Nebraska this summer: Kearney, NE June 21-25, 2010 Lutheran Missiology Presenter - Dr. Detlev Schulz, Th.D. This course looks at contemporary mission theories and practices both in the United States and globally. Students may prepare ahead of time by reading Mission from the Cross. (3 CEU) Host: Zion Lutheran Church, 2421 Avenue C, Kearney, NE 68847 Contact: Rev. James DeLoach, 308-627-5260, jhd.treo at gmail.com Visit http://www.ctsfw.edu/Page.aspx?pid=709 for registration and more information. Back to top SPANISH RESOURCES TO HELP PARENTS TALK ABOUT THE BIRDS AND THE BEES Every parent, at some point or another has to have difficult conversations with their children. Whether it is talking about where babies come from or about puberty, Concordia Publishing House (CPH) has the resources needed to help make these conversations a little easier. CPH's Multilingual Department, Editorial Concordia, adds two Spanish books to help facilitate this daunting task for parents. The books Como est?s cambiando (How You Are Changing) and ?De d?nde viene los beb?s? (Where Do Babies Come From?) use age appropriate language and help children see the wonder behind God's plan for creation. Como est?s cambiando explains the physical and emotional changes that occur in preteens and ?De d?nde viene los beb?s? helps children understand how a new baby develops. Both books use simple and accurate language and are adapted specifically for Spanish speaking people from the prevalent English series. Plus, they are 20% off when you use the promotional code HSE. Call 1-800-325-3040 or visit cph.org to order yours today. Back to top The Nebraska District staff wishes you and your family a very blessed Easter! 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: 47668 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.gif Type: image/gif Size: 8048 bytes Desc: image001.gif URL: