Update for June 17 A publication of the Nebraska District, a District ABLAZE! Greetings in the name of our Heavenly Father. As many families prepare to observe Father's Day this weekend with special celebrations or time spent remembering fathers who are now with the Lord, it's an opportunity to praise our Heavenly Father. We can thank Him for giving us caring and loving fathers. We can also thank Him for being our perfect Father. Jesus tells us, "Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" (Matt. 7: 9-11) What a comfort to know that our heavenly Father's gifts are so much better than the best gifts earthly fathers can provide. While the Lord charges earthly parents to provide and care for their children, He promises that His care and love are so much greater than anything else we can experience. Not only does He provide for our bodily needs, He also gives us the best gift of all - the free gift of salvation through His Son, Jesus. As we celebrate Father's Day this weekend, let's give thanks to God for His gift of earthly fathers, and for His greater gift of salvation through His Son. Happy Father's Day! § [1]Prayer Requests § [2]District Office Closed Friday § [3]No July Nebraska Lutheran Reporter § [4]Lutheran Family Services Helps Host World Refugee Day § [5]College Scholarships Available for LCMS Members § [6]CPH Offers Special June Savings § [7]Camperships Available from Camp Luther § [8]New Missionary from Nebraska Available to Speak § [9]Overseas Service Opportunities § [10]Nebraska Lutherans for Confessional Study to Meet § [11]Outreach and Study Materials Available in Spanish § [12]2010 National LCMS Youth Gathering District Coordinators Available § [13]Advanced Training in Pastoral Skills Offered at Schuyler this Summer § [14]Opportunities to Visit Germany PRAYER REQUESTS The family of Louis Heider - Please remember in prayer the family of Louis Heider, teacher emeritus, who was called to glory on June 8. We ask our Heavenly Father to grant this family His peace and comfort as they mourn their loss, while rejoicing that their husband, father, and grandfather is now at the Lord's side. [15]Back to top DISTRICT OFFICE CLOSED FRIDAY The District Office will be closed this Friday, June 19, for a day-long staff retreat. The office will reopen at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, June 22, with staff devotions. Information and answers to many common questions can be found on the District website, [16]www.ndlcms.org. [17]Back to top NO JULY NEBRASKA LUTHERAN REPORTER Just a reminder that there will not be a July Nebraska Lutheran Reporter sent to congregations. Instead, the expanded July/August issue will feature District Convention coverage and will be in congregations in late July in the same quantity as usual. If your congregation prints the Reporter itself, please email [18]reporter@ndlcms.org to request the appropriate number of newspapers, as this issue will not be available electronically. Feel free to send questions to the email above, or call 888-643-2961. [19]Back to top LUTHERAN FAMILY SERVICES HELPS HOST WORLD REFUGEE DAY Join Lutheran Family Services and the Refugee Task Force of Omaha for an annual celebration to educate the community on refugee issues and celebrate cultural diversity. The event is free and open to the public. The event is at Benson High School, 5120 Maple Street, Omaha. Activities include a parade of flags, dance presentations, educational programs, vendor areas for information and hand-crafted items, fashion show, awards ceremony, children's carnival, and athletic events. Countries represented include Sudan, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Burma (Myanmar), Somalia, Togo, Burundi, Iraq, and Kenya. Contact Susan Mayberger at [20]susan.mayberger@ops.org or 402-557-2431 for more information. [21]Back to top COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR LCMS MEMBERS Know a student going to college? Lutheran Student Fellowship (LSF) in partnership with LCMS World Mission is offering three scholarships for undergraduates, including incoming freshmen. Students can apply on the LSF website at [22]www.lutheranstudentfellowship.org/Pages/Scholarships. The information that students share in the scholarship application will also be used to connect them to local LSF chapters and LCMS campus ministries. The deadline for the scholarship application is June 21, 2009. [23]Back to top CPH OFFERS SPECIAL JUNE SAVINGS Concordia Publishing House (CPH) marks the June 25 anniversary of the Augsburg Confession and original printing of the Book of Concord with a special 50% promotional discount on editions of Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions. Sale prices are available through the month of June. Orders can be placed online at [24]www.cph.org or by calling 800-325-3040. Available editions include: Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions on CD-ROM; Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions Genuine Leather Edition; Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions Bonded Leather Edition; Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions Regular Hardback Edition; and Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions: Pocket Edition. [25]Back to top CAMPERSHIPS AVAILABLE FROM CAMP LUTHER Pastors and church office staff, please consider sharing this reminder with your members through upcoming bulletins or newsletters. Thank you. Camp Luther is happy to announce that they have received several grants to help fund camperships for families wanting to send their child(ren) to summer camp this summer. Through their "Let the Children Come" program, grants will help those who need some assistance due to the current economic conditions. There are also programs for those with special needs. It is not too late to register for summer camp and to complete financial assistance forms. Registration forms and financial assistance forms are available on the Camp Luther website, [26]www.campluther.org. Online registration is also available. [27]Back to top NEW MISSIONARY FROM NEBRASKA AVAILABLE TO SPEAK The newest missionary from the Nebraska District is Lynette Lierman. She will go to Hong Kong in mid-August, under the supervision of LCMS missionary Sharon Owens, as an EFL (English as a Foreign Language) teacher, serving for one year. Lynette, who is from Tecumseh, NE, is a member of Beautiful Savior in La Vista. Before she departs, she wants to speak to as many churches and church groups as possible, to educate parishioners about the doors God is opening up for Gospel outreach in Hong Kong as well as mainland China, and to share opportunities for congregations and individuals to be a part of this outreach effort. Lynette is willing to speak and bring audio-visuals to give presentations of varying lengths. Examples include: - Brief "mission minute" announcements before or during worship services - LWML groups - Small group or large group Bible studies or classes - Sunday school classes - Young adult or singles' groups - Mission societies - Other settings If you have any further questions, please contact Beautiful Savior at 402-331-7376 or [28]jim@bslcomaha.org. [29]Back to top OVERSEAS SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES Following are some ways to consider serving the Lord by "going global." Vietnam Right now you have the opportunity to meet an urgent need as an English-as-a-Foreign-Language (EFL) teacher in Vietnam. A wonderful opportunity is available for individuals to serve in Vietnam. Vietnam is in need of individuals to build relationships with people through teaching EFL at area universities. Although teaching classes will be the primary responsibility of the individual, much time and emphasis is placed on spending time with students and co-workers outside of school to look for opportunities to build relationships. Japan Right now you have the opportunity to meet an urgent need as a volunteer youth ministry worker (VYM) in Japan. Once you and your teammates complete six months of Japanese language classes and cultural orientation, you will each be assigned to a congregation of the LCMS partner church in Japan, the Japan Lutheran Church (NRK). For the next two years, you will teach English and focus on outreach and on building relationships to witness among the 99 percent of the population that claims to be non-Christian. To learn how you can serve by going global, go here: [30]www.lcmsworldmission.org/searchopps. Contact an LCMS World Mission placement counselor at 1-800-433-3954 or [31]mission.recruitment@lcms.org. [32]Back to top NEBRASKA LUTHERANS FOR CONFESSIONAL STUDY TO MEET The June gathering of the Nebraska Lutherans for Confessional Study (NLCS) will be held on Thursday, June 25, at Good Shepherd, 3825 Wildbriar Lane, Lincoln. Refreshments will be in the fellowship hall at 9:30 a.m., followed by Matins at 10 a.m. Presenter for the day will be Rev. Clint Poppe, pastor of Good Shepherd; his topic will be "Samuel Simon Schmucker and the American Rescension of the Augsburg Confession." The morning session will start at about 10:30; following lunch the afternoon topic will start at about 1 p.m. The meeting will conclude by 2:30 p.m. Everyone is invited, both clergy and laity. A free-will offering will be taken to help defray expenses. [33]Back to top OUTREACH AND STUDY MATERIALS AVAILABLE IN SPANISH Reach Out to the Hispanic Population in Your Area No matter where you are in the United States, Lutheran Hour Ministries' Spanish-language resources can bolster your outreach to Hispanics. Currently, radio stations on both coasts, the Midwest, and the Southwest are broadcasting Para el Camino and reaching people in 12 states across the United States. As the Spanish-language version of The Lutheran Hour®, Para el Camino is also available anytime online at [34]www.paraelcamino.com. From there, users can access the most recent and archived sermons from The Lutheran Hour®, request Spanish-language topical booklets, stop by the LHM storefront, link to the kid-friendly JCPlayZone at [35]www.jcplayzone.com, read the Daily Devotion at [36]www.paraelcamino.com/alimentodiario.asp, or leave a comment. Concordia Publishing Houses Releases New Spanish Christian Children's Books Editorial Concordia, the Spanish division of Concordia Publishing House (CPH), announces the release of two new Spanish children's books: ¡Dios lo hizo para ti! (God Made It for You!) and Jesús lo hizo por mí (Jesus Did It for Me). ¡Dios lo hizo para ti! (God Made It for You!) connects the Genesis account of creation to God's plan for salvation in Jesus Christ. Using age-appropriate text and illustrations, children learn that from the beginning God had a plan to send His Son as a Savior to redeem all people. Jesús lo hizo por mí (Jesus Did It for Me) offers a personal application of the salvation story. Told from a child's perspective, the book uses engaging rhyme and winsome illustrations to teach young readers that Christ's death and resurrection means individual life and forgiveness for them. "These new Spanish children's books offer creative, useful ways to teach the truth of creation, salvation, and the life of Jesus to the littlest believers," comments Marcia Wilhelm, marketing manager of CPH multilingual resources. "These products are written in Spanish by Hispanics for Hispanics." Products can be ordered online at [37]www.cph.org or by calling 1-800-325-3040. Concordia Publishing Houses Releases New Spanish Children's Ministry Resources Editorial Concordia, the Spanish division of Concordia Publishing House (CPH), announces the release of two new Spanish children's ministry resources: Parábolas de Jesús, Mensajes para niños (Jesus' Parables, Messages for Children) and Cantando a Jesús (Singing to Jesus). Products can be ordered online at [38]www.cph.org or by calling 1-800-325-3040. Parábolas de Jesús, Mensajes para niños (Jesus' Parables, Messages for Children) introduces Jesus' teachings through 12 parables. Lessons include reproducible activities for younger and older children. A companion CD includes six original songs for use in teaching. The book contains melody lines and reproducible lyrics sheets. Cantando a Jesús (Singing to Jesus) is a collection of the "most popular" songs from CPH Spanish Vacation Bible School and children's ministry programs from the last four years. The CD includes 20 Gospel-focused tracks. A companion book includes melody lines and reproducible lyrics sheets. "These are excellent Spanish children's ministry resources that not only teach about the Bible, but also provide fun interactive activities. The children enjoy participating and are able to take home what they learn and share the Word with their families," says Marcia Wilhelm, marketing manager of CPH multilingual resources. Spanish Language Commentary on Galatians Now Available Editorial Concordia, the Spanish division of Concordia Publishing House (CPH), announces the release of Martín Lutero, Segundo comentario a Gálatas (Martin Luther, Second Commentary on Galatians). Martín Lutero, Segundo comentario a Gálatas (Martin Luther, Second Commentary on Galatians) presents Luther's extensive scholarship and demonstrates the theologian's ability to present exegesis, or critical interpretation, in an informal, reader-friendly way. "Through this commentary, readers see that Luther writes from both his vast knowledge of the Scriptures, and from the depths of his heart," says editor Rev. Héctor Hoppe. "This abridged version of Martín Lutero, Segundo comentario a Gálatas is one of Luther's best works and offers a very thorough commentary on Galatians," says Marcia Wilhelm, marketing manager of CPH multilingual resources. "Martin Luther was so passionate about the Epistle from St. Paul to the Galatians that he called it `My dear Katherine von Bora,' a reference to his beloved wife." This book can be ordered online at [39]www.cph.org or by calling 1-800-325-3040. [40]Back to top 2010 NATIONAL LCMS YOUTH GATHERING DISTRICT COORDINATORS AVAILABLE The Nebraska District has two District Coordinators available to help answer your questions and provide guidance as your church plans for the 2010 National LCMS Youth Gathering "We Believe." The Gathering will be held July 17-21 in New Orleans, LA. The Gathering website is [41]www.lcmsgathering.com. Dave Kumm ( [42]David.Kumm@cune.edu ) and Julie Johnston Hermann ( [43]Julie.Johnston@cune.edu ) will be holding informational meetings in early September around the District for youth leaders on getting ready for the Gathering. Watch for mailings coming soon to all District congregations! [44]Back to top ADVANCED TRAINING IN PASTORAL SKILLS OFFERED AT SCHUYLER THIS SUMMER DOXOLOGY: The Lutheran Center for Spiritual Care and Counsel, is an LCMS RSO now in its second year of operation. Currently enrolling more than 100 pastors from 21 states, it provides training in practical skills for ministry rooted in the classic model of the care of souls and informed by the insights of contemporary Christian psychology. The comfortable surroundings of the St. Benedict Center in Schuyler will again be the venue for a round of DOXOLOGY training. Fourteen days of instruction are provided in three sequential conference retreat events: The Gathering: Pastors Only August 9 - 12, 2009 The Encore: Pastors and Lay Leaders October 30 - November 1, 2009 The Reunion: Pastors and Wives January 8 - 9, 2010 Enrollment is limited on a first come, first served basis. Go to [45]www.doxology.us to review details about the training program and download registration forms at [46]http://www.doxology.us/registration.html. Contact DOXOLOGY's executive directors for further information: Dr. Harold Senkbeil [47]hsenkbeil@doxology.us Dr. Beverly Yahnke [48]byahnke@doxology.us [49]Back to top OPPORTUNITIES TO VISIT GERMANY Pastor Michael & Suzy Awe, in cooperation with Nawas International Travel, would like to invite you to join them May 22 - June 1, 2010, on an exciting 11 day Alpine Tour! Participants will enjoy the picturesque vistas of Switzerland, Austria, and Southern Germany. The absolute highlight of the trip will be the experience of the famous Oberammergau Passion Play. The group will be leaving from Omaha and flying in to Frankfurt, Germany. Price will include most meals, first-class accommodations, and roundtrip airfare from Omaha. If you are interested in joining them for this memorable experience, please contact Pastor Michael Awe at 402-368-9929 or 402-368-5690, or e-mail him at [50]The1Rev@cableone.net for more information. Space is limited. Join Rev. Randy Knuth on an unforgettable panoramic journey through the Land of Germany and experience the joys of traveling together in Christian fellowship. Join them as they travel on an 11 day fully escorted deluxe tour of Germany and attend the "once-in-a-lifetime" experience of the 41st Passion Play in Oberammergau. Included in the tour will be significant places in the life of Martin Luther and the reformation, and some of the romantic towns and castles of Bavaria and Munich. For more information in regards to this Luther Tour, June 15-25, 2010, please contact Pastor Randy Knuth, pastor of Hope Lutheran Church, South Sioux City, at [51]revrandyk@yahoo.com or 402-494-1847 or 712-540-8243. [52]Back to top Thanks to everyone who contributed information for this week's Update. Ministry news and event information is always welcome to be considered for inclusion in future newsletters, and may be sent to [53]communications@ndlcms.org. This newsletter may also be forwarded to those who might be interested in the news shared here, or portions may be reproduced in congregational bulletins or newsletters as you wish. Anyone is welcome to subscribe by visiting [54]http://www.ndlcms.org/news/communications/update.html. Blessings, Nichole Hetz Nebraska District LCMS Director of Communications 1-888-643-2961 [55]nicholeh@ndlcms.org [56]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/20090617/febc8188/attachment-tmp.htm#prayer 2. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090617/febc8188/attachment-tmp.htm#office 3. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090617/febc8188/attachment-tmp.htm#Reporter 4. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090617/febc8188/attachment-tmp.htm#refugee 5. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090617/febc8188/attachment-tmp.htm#scholarship 6. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090617/febc8188/attachment-tmp.htm#cph 7. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090617/febc8188/attachment-tmp.htm#camp 8. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090617/febc8188/attachment-tmp.htm#missionary 9. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090617/febc8188/attachment-tmp.htm#overseas 10. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090617/febc8188/attachment-tmp.htm#nlcs 11. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090617/febc8188/attachment-tmp.htm#spanish 12. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090617/febc8188/attachment-tmp.htm#gathering 13. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090617/febc8188/attachment-tmp.htm#doxology 14. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090617/febc8188/attachment-tmp.htm#germany 15. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090617/febc8188/attachment-tmp.htm#atop 16. http://www.ndlcms.org/ 17. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090617/febc8188/attachment-tmp.htm#atop 18. mailto:reporter@ndlcms.org 19. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090617/febc8188/attachment-tmp.htm#atop 20. mailto:susan.mayberger@ops.org 21. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090617/febc8188/attachment-tmp.htm#atop 22. http://www.lutheranstudentfellowship.org/Pages/Scholarships 23. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090617/febc8188/attachment-tmp.htm#atop 24. http://www.cph.org/ 25. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090617/febc8188/attachment-tmp.htm#atop 26. http://www.campluther.org/ 27. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090617/febc8188/attachment-tmp.htm#atop 28. mailto:jim@bslcomaha.org 29. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090617/febc8188/attachment-tmp.htm#atop 30. http://www.lcmsworldmission.org/searchopps 31. mailto:mission.recruitment@lcms.org 32. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090617/febc8188/attachment-tmp.htm#atop 33. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090617/febc8188/attachment-tmp.htm#atop 34. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090617/febc8188/www.paraelcamino.com 35. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090617/febc8188/www.jcplayzone.com 36. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090617/febc8188/www.paraelcamino.com/alimentodiario.asp 37. http://www.cph.org/ 38. http://www.cph.org/ 39. http://www.cph.org/ 40. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090617/febc8188/attachment-tmp.htm#atop 41. http://www.lcmsgathering.com/ 42. mailto:David.Kumm@cune.edu 43. mailto:Julie.Johnston@cune.edu 44. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090617/febc8188/attachment-tmp.htm#atop 45. http://www.doxology.us/ 46. http://www.doxology.us/registration.html 47. mailto:hsenkbeil@doxology.us 48. mailto:byahnke@doxology.us 49. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090617/febc8188/attachment-tmp.htm#atop 50. mailto:The1Rev@cableone.net 51. mailto:revrandyk@yahoo.com 52. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090617/febc8188/attachment-tmp.htm#atop 53. mailto:communications@ndlcms.org 54. http://www.ndlcms.org/news/communications/update.html 55. mailto:nicholeh@ndlcms.org 56. http://www.ndlcms.org/