Update for August 31 A publication of the Nebraska District, a District ABLAZE! Greetings in the name of our good and gracious Heavenly Father. It's that time of year again when schools are starting and summers are ending. May the Lord be with you, your family, and your congregation during this very exciting time. As families return to your day school, your Sunday school, or your worship community, may the Lord grant you opportunities to share the joy you have in your heart because of Jesus' love for you. ¨ [1]Prayer Requests ¨ [2]Lutheran Relief Efforts for Hurricane Victims ¨ [3]Church Secretary Workshop Rescheduled ¨ [4]Outreach Seminar "The Engaging Church" Coming to Omaha ¨ [5]Lincoln Organ Showcase to Feature Concordia University Organist ¨ [6]Travel in "Footsteps of Paul" on Trip to Greece ¨ [7]15-Passenger Van for Sale ¨ [8]New "Friendship ABLAZE!" Materials Available ¨ [9]Equipping to Share Schedule for Nebraska ¨ [10]Looking for Congregations That Have Sermons Online ¨ [11]50 Days ABLAZE! Small Group Study Materials Available ¨ [12]Upcoming Events at Camp Luther ¨ [13]Music Help for Congregations Without Organists ¨ [14]New "Just in from The Hill" Newsletter Offered by LCMS ¨ [15]Plum Creek Children's Literacy Festival at Concordia ¨ [16]In the News PRAYER REQUESTS Dr. Oswald Hoffmann - Please remember in prayer Dr. Oswald Hoffmann, who announced last week his retirement from duties as honorary speaker of the Lutheran Hour. He is currently hospitalized and on a ventilator. Please pray for comfort and strength for Dr. Hoffmann. Eden Ann Strawn - We join in prayers of thanksgiving with Pastor Allen and Sarah Strawn of St. John, Wilcox, who have been blessed with the birth of a baby girl, Eden Ann, on Monday, August 22. We thank God that both mother and baby are healthy. We look forward to welcoming her into God's kingdom at her baptism on September 4. [17]Back to top LUTHERAN RELIEF EFFORTS FOR HURRICANE VICTIMS As damage assessments are just beginning to take place in hurricane-hit areas of the Southeast, Lutheran Disaster Response, LCMS World Relief and Human Care, and Orphan Grain Train are standing ready to respond. At this time, it is not safe to return or visit the worst hit areas, but as damage reports come in, response efforts will be organized and the information will be shared. These entities are in the process of initiating immediate emergency relief efforts and developing immediate and long-term response plans. Please continue to keep the victims and rescue workers in your prayers. Following is information shared by LCMS Southern District President Kurtis Schultz yesterday, as well as a portion of a statement by President Kieschnick: Alabama - Loss of power and much flooding in Mobile and Birmingham. Mississippi - Fifty or more deaths in Harrison County (Gulfport) and great damage in Biloxi, reminiscent of Hurricane Camille in 1969. Louisiana - Unknown death totals at this time. Many communities are under water. Hundreds of people were rescued from rooftops. Seventy people stayed in the basement of St. Paul Lutheran Church in New Orleans during the storm. St. Paul's steeple fell on its school building, causing major damage to these historic structures. Many downtown windows were blown out. Atonement Lutheran Church in Metairie had 5 feet of water in its buildings. The LCMS Southern District office building is thought to have sustained heavy damage. More reports of damage are coming in. No reports of loss of life of LCMS members have been received to date. "It is obvious that the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina is of unprecedented proportions. I trust that the response of love and care by the people of congregations of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod, which has already begun, will also be unprecedented in its magnitude. The people of the LCMS are encouraged to give generously in financial support and also, as appropriate, of their time and talent to assist those in need, showing the compassion of Christ. We trust that even in the midst of this tragedy, the words of St. Paul in Romans chapter eight are true, that `in all things God works for the good of those who love him...' Please keep all affected by this devastating storm in your prayers." For congregations wishing to provide monetary donations, gifts may be directed to: LCMS World Relief/Human Care P.O. Box 66861, St. Louis, MO 63166-9810 Checks should be designated "2005 Hurricanes." Gifts may also be made over the credit card gift line, 1-888-930-4438. Orphan Grain Train PO Box 1466 Norfolk, NE 68702-1466 (402) 371-7393 Online contributions are accepted from their website at [18]http://www.ogt.org/contributions.cfm. [19]Back to top CHURCH SECRETARY WORKSHOP RESCHEDULED The Church Secretary Workshop, sponsored by Lutheran Church Extension Fund, which was originally scheduled for Tuesday, September 13, has been postponed. The workshop has been rescheduled for Tuesday, November 8. It will still be held at Concordia University in Seward. Details on the workshop and registration materials will be mailed to each church office next month. We apologize for any inconvenience this change in date may cause. We hope the church secretaries from across the District will be able to join us for a fun day of learning and fellowship. [20]Back to top OUTREACH SEMINAR "THE ENGAGING CHURCH" COMING TO OMAHA The Engaging Church, a practical day of learning for clergy and lay leaders on how to attract outsiders, connect with visitors, and assimilate new members into their church, will be held in Omaha on Thursday, October 20. In The Engaging Church seminar, participants will consider the "DNA" of effective outreach. They will learn how to develop an intentional and appropriate strategy in their church for 1) visitor attraction, 2) visitor retention, and 3) newcomer integration. LCMS congregations who register for this one-day workshop will receive a special discount rate of $50, a $48 savings from the regular price. To receive this savings, request the special denominational discount rate of $50 per person when registering. More information and registration for The Engaging Church seminar is available at: [21]http://churchgrowth.net/seminars/engagingchurch/index.htm or by calling 800-844-9286. [22]Back to top LINCOLN ORGAN SHOWCASE TO FEATURE CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY ORGANIST The Lincoln Organ Showcase will feature Concordia University, Nebraska organist Dr. Jeffrey Blersch at its first concert of the season on September 11 at 4 p.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Seward. The concert will include selections from Blersch's new CD, "Resounding Alleluias." Following the concert, Dr. Blersch will hold a CD release party, during which the CD will be for sale. The CD is a compilation of compositions Dr. Blersch has written over the past several years. The disc features the University A Cappella Choir, Concordia Singers, The Brass Company, Concordia students and alumni. In addition, a reception sponsored by Concordia will follow the concert. The September 11 concert is made possible by a generous gift from John F. and Susan Ann Blomenberg of Seward. Please call St. John Lutheran Church at 402-643-2983 for reservation/ticket information. [23]Back to top TRAVEL IN "FOOTSTEPS OF PAUL" ON TRIP TO GREECE Rev. Ernest Smith, pastor emeritus at Peace, Columbus, will be leading a 12-day trip to Greece and the "places of Paul," including Ephesus, Athens, Corinth, and more. The trip will also include a three-day cruise in the Aegean Sea and a stop on the island of Patmos. Travelers will depart on March 14, 2006. For a full itinerary and details, contact Pastor Smith at Peace, Columbus, at 402-564-8311, at home at 564-5314, or email him at [24]egkes@yahoo.com. The trip will be filled on a "first-come, first-served" basis, so contact Pastor Smith soon if you are interested. [25]Back to top 15-PASSENGER VAN FOR SALE A couple has a 2001 Ford E-350 Super-Duty XLT 15 passenger van for sale. The van is dark green and has 82,000 miles on it. They are asking $10,999.00 for the van. If your congregation or school is interested or would like more information, contact Tim and Marilou Lonergan at 402-571-4272 or [26]marilou@ervinphoto.com. [27]Back to top NEW "FRIENDSHIP ABLAZE!" MATERIALS AVAILABLE A new, comprehensive set of resources for friendship evangelism outreach is available at [28]http://www.friendshipablaze.com/. Materials include detailed planning guides, sermon outlines, PowerPoint presentations, and Bible studies, along with helps for school outreach, prayer, and assimilation. User discussion forums are also on the site. The resources can be viewed on the website pages, downloaded free from the site, or purchased in print format. These materials were prepared * thanks to a generous grant from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans; * at the request of Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod (LCMS) District and Congregational Services--Outreach Ministry, in support of the ABLAZE! initiative; and * under the direction of The Center for U.S. Missions, Rev. Michael R. Ruhl, Executive Director. They were written to encourage and enable congregations to equip their members to reach out with the love of Jesus Christ and embrace their unchurched friends. Material for a Friendship Sunday outreach is included as part of an overall, ongoing Friendship outreach focus. The title Friendship Ablaze! was chosen because these materials support the Ablaze! initiative, a worldwide mission movement of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod to share the Good News of Jesus with 100 million unreached or uncommitted people, 50 million of them in the United States, by the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in 2017. The materials are available for free download from the downloads library on the website listed above. Printed copies, in a 3-ring binder, are available at a cost of $40 plus shipping from the Center for U.S. Missions. Order from the Center's secure website, or contact the Center at 949-854-8002 x1780; 1530 Concordia West, Irvine, California 92612; or [29]office@centerforusmissions.org. [30]Back to top EQUIPPING TO SHARE SCHEDULE FOR NEBRASKA Feeling tongue-tied or unprepared when it comes to sharing your faith? We all have missed opportunities. Imagine having tools to help you for the next time God sends the unbeliever in your direction! Come to the Equipping to Share Workshops being held across the District this fall. These interactive training sessions from Lutheran Hour Ministries help believers with the privilege of sharing the truth and love of Christ in everyday situations. Contact the host congregation listed for more information and to register at least one week before the workshop. Saturday, September 17, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Centennial, Superior, 402-879-3137. Lunch will be served. Sunday, September 18, 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. at Zion, Grant, 308-352-4107. An evening meal will be served following the workshop. Sunday, September 18, 2 p.m. - 7 p.m. at Christ, Falls City, 402-245-3324. Supper will be served. Sunday, October 2, 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. at Timothy, Council Bluffs, 712-323-0693. Saturday, October 8, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Holy Savior, Lincoln, 402-434-3325. Lunch will be served. Sunday, October 9, 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. at Trinity, Arapahoe, 308-962-7666. Saturday, October 15, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Pilgrim, Bellevue, 402-291-2848. Tuesday, October 25 and Thursday, October 27, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. at Redeemer, Lincoln, 402-477-1710. Saturday, October 29, time TBA, at Grace, Norfolk, 402-371-1044. Saturday, October 29, time TBA, co-hosted by Good Shepherd, Fremont and St. Paul, Arlington, 402-721-8412 or 402-478-4788. Location TBA. [31]Back to top LOOKING FOR CONGREGATIONS THAT HAVE SERMONS ONLINE Lou Ann Miller, a webmaster for a sister LCMS congregation in Illinois, is looking to gather a database of churches that have their sermons online. She would like to make available a listing on a webpage that folks can visit to hear, read, or watch sermons from various LCMS churches across the country. Her hope is to create a listing that would increase the number of people who are reached by God's Word through congregational websites, reaching those who think it is a great idea to have access to a new sermon or two a day, or those who stumble onto it and hear it for the first time. Even those homebound with computer access would benefit. Once her list is compiled, she will share that webpage and that link will be passed along through an Update. Then congregations could also link from their websites to her list and have access to these sermons from around Synod. If your congregation has sermons on its website and you would like to be included on her list, please send Lou Ann the direct URL to the sermon page, whether it is written archive, MP3, streaming sound, or even video. These links can be sent to [32]turtlelam@insightbb.com. [33]Back to top 50 DAYS ABLAZE! SMALL GROUP STUDY MATERIALS AVAILABLE The 50 Days Ablaze! Small Group Study Guide put together by the Norfolk Circuit has been posted on the web at [34]www.stlukecabot.org under the "small group resources" section of Ablaze! Congregations who are interested in learning more about using this resource are invited to visit the website or contact Pastor Christopher Hazzard at Grace, Norfolk. [35]Back to top UPCOMING EVENTS AT CAMP LUTHER Outdoor Education Program Camp Luther will be running its second annual Outdoor Education Program September 28-30. The program is designed so students in grades 5-8 from more than one school can attend. All the units and activities are planned by the camp for the schools that attend. For more information, visit the camp's website at [36]www.campluther.org or call the camp office at 402-352-5655. Cost is $54 per student. "Light the Light" Dinners Camp Luther is sponsoring a series of dinners around the banner of "Light the Light: Fulfilling the Vision of Camp Luther." These dinners are being held in Columbus, Norfolk, Grand Island, York, Lincoln, and Omaha. All dinners are presented with the purpose of sharing the camp's history, as well as its long-term goals. Dinners are free-will offering and will last two hours each. Check the camp's website, [37]www.campluther.org, for dates and locations in your area, or call the camp office at 402-352-5655. Annual Meeting The Camp Luther Association annual meeting will be held Sunday, October 2, at Camp Luther. The meeting and dinner run from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. The purpose is to hear reports on the camp's ministry from the year 2004 and to elect new Board members. All Association congregations are invited to send representation. Others are also welcome to attend. Jr. High Retreat Retreats for junior high youth are a fun way for youth to spend time in fellowship with God and with each other. This year, Camp Luther near Schuyler is hosting and sponsoring the fall Junior High Retreat on October 14-15. More information on the retreat is available at their website, [38]www.campluther.org or on the District website at [39]www.ndlcms.org/education/youth/jrhigh.html. Congregations and youth leaders are encouraged to print a registration form from this site. Registrations may be sent at any time and are due to Camp Luther by October 5. All questions and registrations should go to Camp Luther at: Camp Luther of Nebraska, 1052 Road 4, Schuyler, NE 68661; 402-352-5655; or [40]campluther@campluther.org. Cost for the event is $35.00 per person. Youth Leadership Training Event On October 28-30, through a grant provided by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, Camp Luther is hosting one of three Youth Leadership Training Events. These events are for 2-3 high school or college-aged youth to attend and learn how to lead events in their local congregation's youth group program. All but $10 of the weekend costs are covered by the grant. Youth groups are encouraged to plan now to send a couple youth to gain from this valuable training. Scrapbooking Retreat The weekend of November 4-6 will find a large crowd of scrapbookers, both young and old, gathered at Camp Luther for a time of fellowship and fun. The weekend includes five meals and two overnights. Professional consultants will attend to help share tips and ideas. Space is limited so register early. Go to the camp's website to see more details and a schedule. Cost for the weekend is $65. For more information on any of these events, contact the Camp Luther office at 402-352-5655 or [41]campluther@campluther.org. Camp Luther's website, [42]www.campluther.org, also contains information on these upcoming events. [43]Back to top MUSIC HELP FOR CONGREGATIONS WITHOUT ORGANISTS For the last year, St. John Lutheran Church in Maryville, Illinois, has been working on a project to provide music for smaller churches that are without either an organ or organist. Their product is called the "Virtual Organist" and is meant not as a replacement for traditional musicians, but rather as an alternative to help those parishes that go week after week with no music. The "Virtual Organist" from Church Music Solutions is a versatile digital device that can be used to assist congregations that lack an in-house musician. The "Virtual Organist" can either function as a stand-alone 25-rank digital organ or can play back your church's existing instrument. The "Virtual Organist" features a simple, intuitive user interface designed for the non-musician. The music for each Sunday arrives via CD-ROM, and is played back either through your existing instrument or on the included digital organ. To find out more information and to hear samples of a congregation singing with their product, please go to: [44]www.churchmusicsolutions.com. [45]Back to top NEW "JUST IN FROM THE HILL" NEWSLETTER OFFERED BY LCMS LCMS World Relief and Human Care is pleased to introduce the new newsletter "Just In From The Hill." With so much legislative activity going on in our nation's capitol, it's a real challenge to deal with it comprehensively in a section of other newsletters. Instead, "Just In From The Hill" will be available monthly to offer insights on the hottest issues being debated in our government. If you're a MercyNotes subscriber, you'll receive an alert that directs you to the link for the current newsletter. If you are not currently registered as an LCMS e-News recipient of MercyNotes updates, become a subscriber from the LCMS website at [46]http://www.lcms.org/ca/www/enews/login.asp. After registering, look for MercyNotes in the "Caring for Others" folder. Past issues of MercyNotes and "Just In From the Hill" may be viewed at [47]http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=2796. [48]Back to top PLUM CREEK CHILDREN'S LITERACY FESTIVAL AT CONCORDIA The Plum Creek Children's Literacy Festival, featuring Janet Stevens, Susan Crummel, Pam Munoz Ryan, Elisa Carbone, W. Nikola Lisa, and Stephen Swinburne is scheduled for September 22-24 at Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska. The three-day event is designed to foster interaction between nationally-acclaimed authors/illustrators and the children and adults of Nebraska. Thursday, September 22, is designated as Children's Day for the Seward schools. Friday, September 23, is Children's Day for commuting children. Children attend free of charge but pre-registration is required. Saturday, September 24, has been set aside as Adults' Day and will feature an author luncheon by Janet Stevens and her sister Susan Crummel, access to the other major presenters, and more than 13 literacy-related sectionals led by professors and dedicated practitioners, including Lois Stover, NCTE speaker. The sectionals will be of interest for teachers of grades K-12, administrators, care-givers, and the general public. A complete listing of sectional topics and leaders is included in the official registration brochure, now available on the Concordia website. For complete information and the official registration brochure, go to [49]www.cune.edu and click on Plum Creek. Registrations should be printed off and mailed via regular mail. Informational brochures were mailed to all schools in August. For information regarding one hour of graduate credit, CEUs, or a staff registration, contact Mrs. Vikki Gremel, assistant festival director, at [50]Plumcreek@cune.edu [51]Back to top IN THE NEWS Students from the University Lutheran Chapel in Lincoln were featured in a story about cleaning up after last summer's hurricanes in Florida in the July-August issue of the LCMS World Relief and Human Care newsletter, Sharing. A group of 12 student volunteers, along with Pastor Bill Steinbauer, traveled to Lake Wales, Florida, for a "rigorous week of roof repair." They were able to replace two roofs and do other fix-up work during their week in Florida. The newsletter is not yet available online on the LCMS World Relief and Human Care website. Photos of the mission trip are available on the University Lutheran Chapel website at [52]http://www.lutheranchapel.org/photo_album.php?dir=photo_album%2FMis sion_Trips%2F2005_04_01_-_Spring_Break_Trip. We are thankful to our Heavenly Father for moving these students to serve Him and those in need in this way. [53]Back to top May the Lord grant you a safe and happy Labor Day weekend, Nichole Hetz Nebraska District LCMS Director of Communications and Events 1-888-643-2961 [54]nicholeh@ndlcms.org [55]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. References 1. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20050831/182eb99e/attachment-tmp.htm#prayer 2. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20050831/182eb99e/attachment-tmp.htm#hurricane 3. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20050831/182eb99e/attachment-tmp.htm#reschedule 4. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20050831/182eb99e/attachment-tmp.htm#outreach 5. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20050831/182eb99e/attachment-tmp.htm#concert 6. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20050831/182eb99e/attachment-tmp.htm#greece 7. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20050831/182eb99e/attachment-tmp.htm#van 8. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20050831/182eb99e/attachment-tmp.htm#friendship 9. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20050831/182eb99e/attachment-tmp.htm#ets 10. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20050831/182eb99e/attachment-tmp.htm#sermons 11. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20050831/182eb99e/attachment-tmp.htm#ablaze 12. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20050831/182eb99e/attachment-tmp.htm#camp 13. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20050831/182eb99e/attachment-tmp.htm#organ 14. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20050831/182eb99e/attachment-tmp.htm#hill 15. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20050831/182eb99e/attachment-tmp.htm#festival 16. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20050831/182eb99e/attachment-tmp.htm#news 17. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20050831/182eb99e/attachment-tmp.htm#atop 18. http://www.ogt.org/contributions.cfm 19. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20050831/182eb99e/attachment-tmp.htm#atop 20. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20050831/182eb99e/attachment-tmp.htm#atop 21. http://churchgrowth.net/seminars/engagingchurch/index.htm 22. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20050831/182eb99e/attachment-tmp.htm#atop 23. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20050831/182eb99e/attachment-tmp.htm#atop 24. mailto:egkes@yahoo.com 25. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20050831/182eb99e/attachment-tmp.htm#atop 26. mailto:marilou@ervinphoto.com 27. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20050831/182eb99e/attachment-tmp.htm#atop 28. http://www.friendshipablaze.com/ 29. mailto:office@centerforusmissions.org 30. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20050831/182eb99e/attachment-tmp.htm#atop 31. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20050831/182eb99e/attachment-tmp.htm#atop 32. mailto:turtlelam@insightbb.com 33. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20050831/182eb99e/attachment-tmp.htm#atop 34. http://www.stlukecabot.org/ 35. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20050831/182eb99e/attachment-tmp.htm#atop 36. http://www.campluther.org/ 37. http://www.campluther.org/ 38. http://www.campluther.org/ 39. http://www.ndlcms.org/education/youth/jrhigh.html 40. mailto:campluther@campluther.org 41. mailto:campluther@campluther.org 42. http://www.campluther.org/ 43. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20050831/182eb99e/attachment-tmp.htm#atop 44. http://www.churchmusicsolutions.com/ 45. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20050831/182eb99e/attachment-tmp.htm#atop 46. http://www.lcms.org/ca/www/enews/login.asp 47. http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=2796 48. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20050831/182eb99e/attachment-tmp.htm#atop 49. http://www.cune.edu/ 50. mailto:Plumcreek@cune.edu 51. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20050831/182eb99e/attachment-tmp.htm#atop 52. http://www.lutheranchapel.org/photo_album.php?dir=photo_album%2FMission_Trips%2F2005_04_01_-_Spring_Break_Trip 53. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20050831/182eb99e/attachment-tmp.htm#atop 54. mailto:nicholeh@ndlcms.org 55. http://www.ndlcms.org/