[cid:image001.jpg@01CA2BD8.DBFB72E0] September 2, 2009 In this issue: Greetings in the name of our loving Heavenly Father, who blesses us with loving family, wonderful friends, beautiful weather, and the undeserved riches of His grace through His Son, Jesus Christ. May you find an opportunity this week and throughout the long holiday weekend to share the blessings He has given you with those around you. Thanks to all who shared information to be passed along in this week's Update. Information from the congregations, schools, and ministries helps make this electronic newsletter a useful ministry tool for all. If you have something you would like shared in a future Update, email the information to [1]communications@ndlcms.org or call the District Office at 888-643-2961. Feel free to pass along this newsletter to others you think might benefit from the information, and encourage them to subscribe by emailing their request to [2]communications@ndlcms.org. * [3]Prayer Requests * [4]District Office Holiday Hours * [5]2010 Compensation and Benefit Guidelines Available Online * [6]Birthday Card Shower for Rev. Harold Stelzer * [7]Organ Workshop/Recital in Wayne * [8]"Men's Network" Iowa Pheasant Hunt * [9]Join the "Pedal Pushers" for the Rose Parade * [10]CPH Online Sale * [11]H1N1 Flu Resources for Churches and Schools * [12]Letters for Church Sign Available * [13]Concordia University, Nebraska, Professor Receives Award * [14]Lutheran College Fair in Omaha * [15]Concordia University Admissions Counselors Travel Across Nebraska * [16]New from Concordia Publishing House PRAYER REQUESTS The family of Rev. Edwin Cook - Please remember in prayer the family of Rev. Edwin Cook, pastor emeritus, of Lexington. Rev. Cook was called to his heavenly home on Monday, August 31. He retired in 1990 to Lexington, but over the years served at seven different churches in the area until 2004. The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 4, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lexington. We ask our Heavenly Father to be with Rev. Cook's family at this time, granting them comfort and peace. The family of Allard Warneke - We lift up in prayer the family of Allard Warneke of Juniata, teacher emeritus, who received his crown of life on Tuesday, September 1. During his teaching ministry he served at St. Paul, Ogallala, and Zion, Hastings. Funeral arrangements are pending at this time. Please remember the Warneke family in prayer, asking for God's strength and comfort at this time of mourning. [17]Back to top DISTRICT OFFICE HOLIDAY HOURS The District Office will be closed next Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day. The Office will reopen at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 8, with staff devotions. May you and your family have a happy and safe Labor Day weekend. [18]Back to top 2010 COMPENSATION AND BENEFIT GUIDELINES AVAILABLE ONLINE The 2010 Nebraska District Compensation and Benefit Guidelines are now available online at [19]www.ndlcms.org or [20]http://www.ndlcms.org/financial/office/compensation.html as a printable PDF file. Paper copies will not be sent to church offices, so church office staff and congregational officers are encouraged to print copies for their use. Questions on the guidelines may be directed to District Treasurer Paul Pettit at [21]paulp@ndlcms.org or 888-643-2961. [22]Back to top BIRTHDAY CARD SHOWER FOR REV. HAROLD STELZER Christ Lutheran Church in Lincoln is hosting a birthday card shower for retired pastor Rev. Harold Stelzer, who will be blessed to be 89 years of age on September 6. Pastor Stelzer has served for many years as a faithful visitation pastor for both the members of Christ, and also for members of Nebraska LCMS churches and many others from all over Nebraska. Pastor Stelzer was frequently called upon to care for members of other churches who were hospitalized in Lincoln or receiving care in a rehabilitation center or nursing home. May God bless Pastor Stelzer with great joy as he celebrates 89 years of God's grace through Jesus Christ. Birthday greetings may be sent to Pastor Stelzer, c/o Christ Lutheran Church, 4325 Sumner Street, Lincoln, NE 68506. [23]Back to top ORGAN WORKSHOP/RECITAL IN WAYNE Grace Lutheran Church (904 Logan St.), Wayne, will be hosting an organ workshop on Saturday, September 26, and an organ recital on Sunday, September 27. The workshop will begin at 8:30 a.m. on September 26 with Dr. J. Christensen of Council Bluffs presenting. The day will include four sessions, and will end at 4:00 p.m. The organ recital featuring Dr. Christensen will be Sunday, September 27, at 3:00 p.m. Contact Dr. Christensen at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Council Bluffs (712-322-4729) or the Grace church office (402-375-1905) for more information or to register. [24]Back to top "MEN'S NETWORK" IOWA PHEASANT HUNT Pheasant Hunting Retreat will be held at Camp Okoboji of Milford, Iowa, on November 6-8, for the first twenty hunters to register. Lodging and meals will be at Camp Okoboji from noon on Friday through noon on Sunday. It will also include a day and a half of hunting on the Okoboji Game Farm. The initial hunt will be on Friday afternoon, with an all-day hunt on Saturday. Fellowship and devotional time will take place at both Camp Okoboji and the Game Farm. Total cost for the hunt, room and board, and all programming will be $250 per person. Youth participants must have completed a hunter safety course, and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Travel and proper hunting license will be additional. Camp Okoboji will also provide shuttle service to and from the airports in Sioux Falls, SD or Sioux City, IA at an additional cost of $50 per person. You may register for the Camp Okoboji Men's Hunting Retreat by going online at [25]www.campokoboji.org and printing off the registration and health forms, completing them and sending them in with a $50 deposit per person to "Camp Okoboji Men's Hunting Retreat, 1531 Edgewood Drive, Milford, IA 51351-7306". Out-of-state hunters may purchase a "Preserve License" at a cost of $17.00 which is good until January 10, 2010, for hunting on any game farm in Iowa. All hunters must comply with Iowa laws governing the sport of hunting, and by complying they are welcome to join our hunt. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) regulations may be found at [26]www.iowadnr.gov/wildlife/files/upfaq.html. The Okoboji Game Farm (OGF) may be found at [27]www.okobojigamefarm.com . The GPS coordinates of the OGF are N 43 16' 10" and W 95 02' 51". This is helpful for looking at terrain as well as location. For answers to questions or for additional information please call 712 337-3325. [28]Back to top JOIN THE "PEDAL PUSHERS" FOR THE ROSE PARADE Petal Pushers ® is a group of more than 4,000 volunteers who decorate The Lutheran Hour float and other floats for the New Year's Day Tournament of Roses Parade. Each year, these volunteers travel to Pasadena, California, from across the nation. Individuals, church groups, teenagers, families, senior citizens, and Girl Scout troops are just a sample of the people who come together each year to volunteer and witness to others around them. Many volunteers "urban camp" on floors of local Lutheran churches. Volunteers not only decorate The Lutheran Hour float, but other floats as well to raise enough money to pay for our float entry fees and supplies. The mission of The Lutheran Hour float is to provide a Christian witness and the message of hope in Jesus Christ, to those who view the float in the media. The parade is seen by more than one million people along the parade route and by 450 million more through worldwide television coverage. The Lutheran Hour Float is a project of the Southern California District of the International Lutheran Laymen's League, the volunteer movement of Lutheran Hour Ministries. The Lutheran Hour float is the longest-running-and currently the only-Christian-themed float in the Tournament of Roses parade. 2010 marks our 60th year of participation. Visit [29]http://www.petalpushers.org/cgi/res to register online to decorate. [30]Back to top CPH ONLINE SALE (From Reporter Online, [31]www.lcms.org/pages/reporter.asp) Concordia Publishing House is offering Bibles, adult and youth Bible studies, books, church supplies, gifts, and Spanish-language materials at 50 to 80 percent off their regular prices during its "Online Warehouse Sale." Featured items include: · NIV Concordia Text Bible (item no. 011755GWHS), regularly $19.99, now $10. · A Christian Women's Bible Study Series: The Beauty of Holiness, by Jane L. Fryar (item no. 203041GWHS), regularly $7.99, now $4. · Blessings and Prayers for Men (item no. 124271GWHS), regularly $4.99, now $2. · Faithfully Parenting Teens, by John R. Bucka (item no. 124114GWHS), regularly $9.99, now $3. · Moments with God: Refreshing Daily Meditations, by Edward C. Grube (item no. 124228GWHS), regularly $14.99, now $4. To see the dozens of items, visit [32]www.cph.org. Sale prices are good while supplies last. For more information, call CPH at 800-325-3040. Prices quoted do not include shipping charges. [33]Back to top H1N1 FLU RESOURCES FOR CHURCHES AND SCHOOLS (From Reporter Online, [34]www.lcms.org/pages/reporter.asp) As students head back to classrooms, LCMS World Relief and Human Care Director of Disaster Response Rev. Glenn F. Merritt is fielding more questions and requests for information about the H1N1 flu virus, especially from school administrators. "As the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) releases more information to the public and schools re-open, there's some anxiety out there," Merritt said. "School administrators, especially, want to make sure they are taking proper precautions." Merritt urges school officials and congregation leaders to "take precautions over panic" and directs them to two central sources of information to prepare for the upcoming flu season. The first is the federal government's CDC website, [35]http://cdc.gov/h1n1flu, which includes regularly updated news and guidelines about the H1N1 flu virus. Specifically helpful for school administrators, Merritt says, is the CDC report of recommended guidelines for schools to respond to both seasonal and H1N1 flu, at [36]http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/schools/. "This site provides helpful tips for staff, parents, and students, along with downloadable brochures and posters for how schools can help decrease the spread of and deal with H1N1," he said. The list includes advice about students and staff staying home when sick and considerations for school dismissal. Congregation leaders also are contacting Merritt with concerns about how an H1N1 flu outbreak might impact church facilities. "Because there's a flow of people from the general community in and out of churches, leadership wants to know what they should do if [H1N1] hits their community," Merritt said. Questions arise about keeping church facilities open for worship, outreach activities such as food banks and disaster response, and meetings and programs sponsored by community groups. In addition to the CDC website, Merritt directs school officials and congregation leaders to the LCMS World Relief and Human Care website, [37]http://www.lcms.org/ca/worldrelief/dnews/, where H1N1 flu resources for congregations are posted under "Flu Outbreak Impact." In April, LCMS President Gerald B. Kieschnick issued a statement urging LCMS congregations, agencies, professional church workers, and lay leaders to remain alert regarding the status of the flu outbreak and to follow the guidelines provided by local, state, and federal public-health officials. (Read the statement at [38]http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=15127.) While summer months are normally flu free, the H1N1 flu virus (also known as swine flu) continues to spread. As of Aug. 14, the CDC reported more than 7,511 H1N1 flu hospitalizations and 477 H1N1 deaths. With uncertainty about what the upcoming flu season might hold, Merritt reminds fellow Lutherans "to calmly practice precautions rather than panic, knowing our help is in the Lord, who is our refuge and strength." Contact Merritt at 817-504-0078 or [39]glenn.merritt@lcms.org. [40]Back to top LETTERS FOR CHURCH SIGN AVAILABLE Faith, York, has a "little more than gently used" individual metal letters with the lips that fasten to the background available without charge to any congregation that can use them. The letters are black on white background. Contact the church office at Faith, [41]fl84757@windstream.net or 402-362-3000, with questions or for more information. [42]Back to top CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY, NEBRASKA, PROFESSOR RECEIVES AWARD Dr. Joel Helmer, associate professor of geography at Concordia University, Nebraska, has been awarded the Higher Education Distinguished Teaching Award from the National Council for Geographic Education (NCGE). The award recognizes excellence in geography teaching among two-year college, college, and university educators. Helmer will be accepting the award at the annual NCGE conference, September 23-27, in Puerto Rico. "I love teaching geography, so this award is just icing on the cake," said Helmer. [43]Back to top LUTHERAN COLLEGE FAIR IN OMAHA High school students and others considering attending a Lutheran college are invited to attend a Lutheran College Fair at King of Kings (11615 I Street), Omaha, on Sunday, September 20. Registration begins at 6:45 p.m., with a financial aid seminar at 7:00 p.m. and the college fair from 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. There is no fee to attend, and no pre-registration is necessary. Students who attend will receive four application fee waivers for use at represented Lutheran colleges and universities. This college fair is sponsored by The Lutheran Educational Conference of North America (LECNA), which represents 41 Lutheran colleges and universities in the United States and Canada. Each of these institutions focus on developing the whole self through active learning that engages the mind, body and spirit. For more information on LECNA, visit their website at [44]http://www.lutherancolleges.org/. [45]Back to top CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY ADMISSIONS COUNSELORS TRAVEL ACROSS NEBRASKA Admission counselors from Concordia University, Nebraska, will be travelling across Nebraska this fall meeting with students and answering questions. For more information on the visits listed, to find out about a visit to your area, or to visit with an admissions counselor, contact the Concordia Admissions Office at 800-535-5494, ext. 7233. Corrie Johnson will be in the Omaha area for the following fairs and various high school visits: Monday, October 19^ 9:30-11:30 a.m. Fremont College Fair 7-8:30 p.m. Gretna College Fair Tuesday, October 20^ 7-8:30 p.m. Ashland/Greenwood College Fair Friday, October 25^ 1-4 p.m. UNO College Fair Michelle Pfeifer will be in the following areas for high school visits: Monday, October 19 11:30 a.m. Aurora High School 1:00 p.m. Giltner High School Tuesday, October 20 8:45 a.m. Heartland Community School 10:00 a.m. McCool Junction High School 12:30 p.m. York High School Wednesday, October 21 8:45 a.m. Central City High School 10:00 a.m. High Plains Community School 11:15 a.m. Cross County High School 1:00 p.m. Osceola High School 3:00 p.m. Newman Grove High School Thursday, October 22 9:00 a.m. Leigh High School 10:00 a.m. Clarkson High School 11:30 a.m. West Point-Beemer High School 2:50 p.m. Creighton High School Monday, October 26 10:15 a.m. Boone Central High School 11:30 a.m. St. Edward High School 1:00 p.m. Twin River High School 2:40 p.m. Fullerton High School Anthony Elias will be in western Nebraska for the following college fairs and high school visits: Monday, October 12 8:45 a.m. North Platte High School 9:45 a.m. St. Patrick's High School, North Platte 1:00 pm. Paxton High School 2:15 p.m. Ogallala High School Tuesday, October 13 9:00 a.m. Kimball High School 1:00 p.m. Sidney College Fair 7:00 p.m. Ogallala College Fair Sunday, October 18 1:00 p.m. Lincoln Area College Fair [46]Back to top NEW FROM CONCORDIA PUBLISHING HOUSE Special Savings on Children's Christmas Books Concordia Publishing House (CPH) introduces four new Christmas children's books that are available now at a special savings. "There are many months before Christmas, but by shopping now, customers will save 35% on our newest titles," says Ken Liszewski, manager of books for Concordia Publishing House. The new titles include The First Christmas Present, Christmas Around the World, Silent Night, and Savior of the Nations: Born on Christmas Morn. Order at [47]www.cph.org or by calling 800-325-3040. Offer good through October 1, 2009. Mention code YRM to receive the savings. [48]The First Christmas Present shares the story of the perfect, first Christmas present, Jesus. [49]Christmas Around the World teaches young readers the Christmas customs of different cultures including songs, foods, dress, and greetings. "This beautifully designed and culture-rich book is perfect for use in the home or the classroom," Liszewski adds. [50]Silent Night is based on the history of the well-known carol, "Silent Night." [51]Savior of the Nations: Born on Christmas Morn explores the human and divine characteristics of the Savior who came for all people. "Traditions like presents, lights, trees, decorations, and food are a fun way to celebrate Christmas, but the Christian celebration is so much more meaningful. And Concordia Publishing House children's Christmas books share the true meaning of the season," says Liszewski. A New Look at Evangelism in Today's Mission Field [52]Mission from the Cross: The Lutheran Theology of Mission, new from Concordia Publishing House, examines the nature and study of mission and how it is accomplished today. Author Klaus Detlev Schulz reviews the current trends in evangelism through culture, communication styles, language, and strategy. Mission from the Cross is available at [53]www.cph.org (keyword: mission), or by calling 800-325-3040. "In Mission from the Cross, Schulz makes an impassioned appeal for the sort of self-sacrificing, personal commitment to Christ and world mission that led him, his father, and other Lutheran missionaries to carry the Gospel message to those who had never heard of the Savior or believed in Him," shares Rev. Edward Engelbrecht, general editor of The Lutheran Study Bible. The cross is paramount to effective evangelism. Engelbrecht asserts that, "the cross of Christ--the life-giving Gospel--draws us into service and sustains us in that service and love for fellow sinners whom God justifies by grace alone." Rev. Charles P. Schaum, editor of professional and academic books at CPH, says, "Mission from the Cross offers a clear picture for pastors to be both confessional and missional, to engage in serious conversation with those in the world while remaining not of the world." "This evangelism resource answers a crying need for materials that can be used in the classroom and in the parish to address the concept of mission comprehensively and in a structured manner," shares Ken Liszewski, manager of books for Concordia Publishing House. [54]Back to top A happy and safe Labor Day weekend to you and your family from the staff of the District Office! 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. mailto:communications@ndlcms.org 2. mailto:communications@ndlcms.org 3. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090902/9266cd9e/attachment-tmp.htm#prayer 4. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090902/9266cd9e/attachment-tmp.htm#hours 5. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090902/9266cd9e/attachment-tmp.htm#comp 6. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090902/9266cd9e/attachment-tmp.htm#birthday 7. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090902/9266cd9e/attachment-tmp.htm#organ 8. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090902/9266cd9e/attachment-tmp.htm#hunt 9. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090902/9266cd9e/attachment-tmp.htm#pedal 10. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090902/9266cd9e/attachment-tmp.htm#cph 11. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090902/9266cd9e/attachment-tmp.htm#flu 12. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090902/9266cd9e/attachment-tmp.htm#sign 13. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090902/9266cd9e/attachment-tmp.htm#cu 14. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090902/9266cd9e/attachment-tmp.htm#college 15. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090902/9266cd9e/attachment-tmp.htm#admissions 16. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090902/9266cd9e/attachment-tmp.htm#new 17. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090902/9266cd9e/attachment-tmp.htm#atop 18. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090902/9266cd9e/attachment-tmp.htm#atop 19. http://www.ndlcms.org/ 20. http://www.ndlcms.org/financial/office/compensation.html 21. mailto:paulp@ndlcms.org 22. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090902/9266cd9e/attachment-tmp.htm#atop 23. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090902/9266cd9e/attachment-tmp.htm#atop 24. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090902/9266cd9e/attachment-tmp.htm#atop 25. http://www.campokoboji.org/ 26. http://www.iowadnr.gov/wildlife/files/upfaq.html 27. http://www.okobojigamefarm.com/ 28. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090902/9266cd9e/attachment-tmp.htm#atop 29. http://www.petalpushers.org/cgi/res 30. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090902/9266cd9e/attachment-tmp.htm#atop 31. http://www.lcms.org/pages/reporter.asp 32. http://www.cph.org/ 33. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090902/9266cd9e/attachment-tmp.htm#atop 34. http://www.lcms.org/pages/reporter.asp 35. http://cdc.gov/h1n1flu 36. http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/schools/ 37. http://www.lcms.org/ca/worldrelief/dnews/ 38. http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=15127 39. mailto:glenn.merritt@lcms.org 40. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090902/9266cd9e/attachment-tmp.htm#atop 41. mailto:fl84757@windstream.net 42. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090902/9266cd9e/attachment-tmp.htm#atop 43. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090902/9266cd9e/attachment-tmp.htm#atop 44. http://www.lutherancolleges.org/ 45. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090902/9266cd9e/attachment-tmp.htm#atop 46. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090902/9266cd9e/attachment-tmp.htm#atop 47. http://www.cph.org/ 48. http://bit.ly/8UTdh 49. http://bit.ly/1CKxRk 50. http://bit.ly/GrJer 51. http://bit.ly/15TODr 52. http://bit.ly/joJnc 53. http://www.cph.org/ 54. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090902/9266cd9e/attachment-tmp.htm#atop 55. mailto:nicholeh@ndlcms.org 56. http://www.ndlcms.org/