[cid:image001.gif@01CA376F.3AC1D700] September 16, 2009 In this issue: Greetings in the name of our Heavenly Father. The Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Rome, "For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." (Romans 15:4) What a blessing it is to know that God loved us enough to give us His Word to teach us, so that we might have the hope of eternal life with Him through His Son, Jesus Christ. This verse can serve to remind us to faithfully teach God's Word to the children, youth, and adults in our congregations, and encourage members, parents, and children to take advantage of the Christian education opportunities available through their congregations. By spending time reading and studying "everything that was written in the past," we are encouraged in the hope we have in Jesus Christ. As the Holy Spirit works through the lessons taught in Bible classes, Sunday school, Midweek, or day school, this hope is strengthened, and the joy that comes from knowing Jesus as the Savior increases. It is this joy that overflows into daily life, allowing us to be witnesses to those around us. The Ablaze! movement is exactly that, being prepared to give a personal witness of the hope and joy you have because Jesus Christ is your Lord and Savior. There is no complex evangelism program or strategy to follow. Simply take the opportunities God gives you each day to share the Gospel message of eternal life through Jesus Christ with those who don't have a relationship with Him. May your time spent in the study of God's Word and in prayer give you the "encouragement of the Scriptures" to share the hope you have in Jesus Christ with those you meet each day. * [1]Prayer Requests * [2]Teachers' Conference Registration Materials Available * [3]Youth Gathering Registration Now Open * [4]Omaha Area Reformation Festival * [5]Concordia University Homecoming Alumni Awards * [6]Finding Answers by Dealing with Darwinism * [7]"Contemplate..." Registration Deadline Upcoming * [8]Men's NetWork Bible Study Reviews History, Authenticity of Scripture * [9]New From Concordia Publishing House PRAYER REQUESTS Pastor Harold and Glenda King - We lift up prayers of healing for Pastor Harold and Glenda King, who remain hospitalized with injuries from a motorcycle accident last week. They sustained multiple injuries that are not life-threatening but are very painful. We ask that the Lord would surround them with His healing hands, grant them relief from the pain, and speed their healing. Pastor King serves the congregations of St. Paul, Holstein and Zion, Juniata, and we also pray for these congregations as they continue in ministry and care for the Kings during their time of recovery. Tabitha Eve Weaver - Please remember in prayer Tabitha Eve Weaver, infant daughter of Pastor David and Kassie Weaver of St. Matthew, Meadow Grove and St. Paul, Tilden, who underwent successful surgery this week. We place this tiny child in the Lord's loving hands with prayers for comfort and healing, as well as prayers of strength for her parents. Tabitha's grandparents are Rev. Gerry and Joyce Weaver of St. Peter, Snyder, and Trinity, Howells. [10]Back to top TEACHERS' CONFERENCE REGISTRATION MATERIALS AVAILABLE The Nebraska District Lutheran teachers are scheduled to meet in conference on Thursday and Friday, October 22 and 23, at Trinity Lutheran Church and School, with sessions for secondary teachers at Heartland Lutheran High School, both in Grand Island. Registration materials were emailed to all school administrators and preschool directors this week. All registrations with full payment are due to the District Office by October 9. More information and registration materials are available to be printed from the District website, [11]www.ndlcms.org. Teachers who are not on a school faculty are encouraged to contact Carol Oetting at the District Office, [12]carolo@ndlcms.org or 888-643-2961, for registration information. [13]Back to top YOUTH GATHERING REGISTRATION NOW OPEN Online registration for the LCMS National Youth Gathering in New Orleans July 17-21, 2010, opened September 14. Now youth leaders can begin entering data into the online system. Following completion of data entry, leaders will be prompted to print two forms, a Pastoral Affirmation Form and a Registration Account Form. They are to obtain appropriate signatures and mail these forms with the appropriate deposit to the National Gathering Office on or after October 21. Mailing in the forms and deposit will officially register groups for the Gathering. Do not mail these forms before October 21, as they will be returned and will delay Gathering registration. The priority window for Gathering registration is October 21 - November 4. Groups sending their information between these dates will receive priority consideration for Gathering registration and housing. For more information on how to enter data for your group and take advantage of the early registration data entry, visit the Gathering website at [14]http://www.lcmsgathering.com/Index.asp. [15]Back to top OMAHA AREA REFORMATION FESTIVAL A Reformation Festival service will be offered at Pacific Hills, 90^th and Pacific, Omaha, co-sponsored by the Omaha North Circuit, on Sunday, October 25, at 2:30 p.m. Rev. Russ Sommerfeld, Nebraska District president, will be the preacher. The service will include the special music of Mount Olive and Pacific Hills Sanctuary Choirs under the direction of Barbara Fremder, M.M., and Omaha Brass under the direction of Joel Edwards. Everyone is invited to attend. [16]Back to top CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY HOMECOMING ALUMNI AWARDS The Concordia University, Nebraska Alumni Association will honor individuals and couples at a ceremony in the Thom Leadership Education Center at 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 9. The ceremony and following dinner reception are part of Concordia's 2009 Homecoming, Alumni Reunion, and Family Weekend, taking place Oct. 9-11. The awards are given each year to those who have made significant accomplishments in their professional lives, personal pursuits, or service to the university, church, or world. A full listing of awards is available at [17]http://www.cune.edu/resources/docs/news-releases/NR-019%20Honored%2 0alumni.pdf. The following award recipients have connections with the Nebraska District. Church Worker Alumna of the Year: Virginia R. Kohtz Virginia R. Kohtz of Seward, Neb., has spent almost fifty years working with young people. Kohtz came to Concordia as a 13-year-old high school freshman, earned her bachelor's degree in education in 1961 and her master's degree in 1973. After beginning her teaching career at Atonement Lutheran in Dearborn, Mich., and then moving to Bethlehem Lutheran in Roseville, Mich., Kohtz returned to Seward in 1967 to serve at St. John Lutheran School. She remained at St. John's for 38 years, teaching mostly first grade. Kohtz retired from teaching in 2005 but remains active at the school, working in the library. She is involved in the congregation of St. John Lutheran Church in the Stephen Ministry, Christ Care, tape ministry, and as a greeter. She also is active in the community through her work with the Plum Creek Children's Literacy Festival, the Memorial Hospital auxiliary and the Concordia University book fair. Lifetime Service: Rev. Gerald W. and Judith A. (Werth) Roggow Rev. Gerald and Judith Roggow of Enid, Okla., have served in education and in pastoral work for more than 45 years. After meeting at Concordia and graduating in 1963, the Roggows moved to California where Judith taught at First Lutheran School in Alhambra, and Gerald was principal at Highland Park Lutheran. Gerald then accepted a call to Christ Lutheran School in Norfolk, Neb., to serve as principal. He completed his master's degree in elementary administration from Concordia and his Master of Divinity from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Mo., before serving as a pastor at Zion Lutheran Church, Bancroft, Neb., and at St. John Lutheran Church, Ord, Neb. Judith worked at Abbey Christian Book Store, Norfolk, Neb., Concordia Publishing House Book Store, St. Louis, Mo., and Bancroft Community Preschool, Bancroft, Neb., while raising their five children. Presently retired, Gerald serves part time as pastor at First Lutheran Church in Pond Creek, Okla., and Judith teaches Sunday school and works part time as the church secretary. The Roggows have served Concordia University through its Alumni Association, the Concordia Guild, and the Board of Regents. Congratulations to these honorees and all who are being recognized for excellence. [18]Back to top FINDING ANSWERS BY DEALING WITH DARWINISM Created in God's image or evolved from a lower species? Living in the promise of God's eternal care or survival of the fittest? So are some of the questions discussed every day among students, scientists, teachers, and most every segment of the general population. Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN, is providing an excellent resource to help answer those questions by offering Dealing with Darwinism, October 9-10. Presenting at the conference will be Dr. Dean O. Wenthe, President, CTS; Dr. Adam Francisco, Assistant Professor of Historical Theology, CTS; and Dr. David Menton, Associate Professor Emeritus of Anatomy at Washington University School of Medicine. Dr. Menton also serves as a speaker for Answers in Genesis which is the organization responsible for the Creation Museum located just outside Cincinnati, OH. The conference will focus on what one might call the ideology or worldview of Darwinism. The various presentations will focus especially on responding to Darwinism from a scientific, theological, and historical perspective. "Much of contemporary science and, in fact, culture is informed by a Darwinian worldview," says Dr. Francisco. "No matter how you look at it, one thing is clear: it is inimical to the Gospel in particular and a biblical worldview in general. Dealing with Darwinism will assist anyone concerned with contending for the biblical faith against its chief opponent." College and high school students, pastors, teachers, and parents will benefit greatly from this conference. Anyone interested in learning about Darwin and various ways to think about and respond to Darwinism will find the conference stimulating. For more information or to register, go to [19]www.ctsfw.edu or phone 260-452-2172. [20]Back to top "CONTEMPLATE..." REGISTRATION DEADLINE UPCOMING Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, is pleased to invite prospective students and their guests to attend "Contemplate..." to be held October 8-10 on the Seminary campus. The registration deadline is September 24. Designed for those who are college age or older, the structured visitation event provides an effective means of learning more about life in the Concordia Seminary community and the preparation that leads to service as a pastor, missionary, chaplain, or deaconess in The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod. Throughout the three-day event, visitors and their guests will attend classes with student ambassadors; take a campus tour; listen to various presentations on the admissions process, field education and vicarage, and life transitions; and attend chapel services. There is no charge to attend "Contemplate..." and all meals and lodging are provided free of charge. Round-trip transportation to Concordia Seminary from the airport is provided. For more information, contact the Admissions Office at 1-800-822-9545 or [21]admissions@csl.edu. [22]Back to top MEN'S NETWORK BIBLE STUDY REVIEWS HISTORY, AUTHENTICITY OF SCRIPTURE How We Got the Bible, the newest video Bible study from LHM Men's NetWork, takes an in-depth look at the dynamic processes behind the formation of Scripture. Dr. Paul L. Maier, professor of ancient history and best-selling author, serves as host and shares his expertise and intellectual passion on the inspiration, production, and canonization of God's Word. The 66 books of the Holy Bible represent a complex story of inspiration and providence in the ways they have been transmitted and preserved across the centuries. Maier discusses the Old and New Testaments, the reliability of Scripture, the tortuous saga of the Bible's translation into English, and how each of the more than 300 prophecies concerning the Messiah was fulfilled in the life, death, and resurrection of God's only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Joining Maier in this five-lesson Bible study is Joel Lampe, manager of The Bible Museum in Goodyear, Arizona. Together they examine ancient manuscripts and rare Bibles from the museum's collection. Offering additional commentary are Bruce Wurdeman, executive director of Lutheran Hour Ministries, and Dr. Jeff Kloha, associate professor of exegetical theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. For more information on this and other original video Bible studies of LHM Men's NetWork, go to [23]www.lhmmen.com. Bible studies and discussion guides are free and can be accessed from the web. To utilize these resources, take two minutes and go to "register now!" at the top right-hand corner of the Men's NetWork homepage. [24]Back to top NEW FROM CONCORDIA PUBLISHING HOUSE Children's Christmas Book Delivers the Real Gift of Christmas In a marketplace saturated with Christmas children's books, [25]The First Christmas Present, a new release from Concordia Publishing House, provides a standout performance and re-emphasizes that time-true phrase, "Jesus is the reason for the season." Through a simplified retelling of the Christmas story, The First Christmas Present invites children to become involved in faithful response to the gift of the Savior, asking, "Will you give Him a song? Will you give Him a prayer? Will you do something kind and good for someone?" The First Christmas Present is available at [26]www.cph.org or by calling 800-325-3040. "Adults know that even with all of the busyness of the season, the real message is Jesus Christ," says Ken Liszewski, manager of books for Concordia Publishing House. "The First Christmas Present is a clear, creative way to start teaching your children this essential message." "Start a family tradition," suggests Liszewski, "read this book before opening presents to honor Jesus' birth and celebrate the real meaning of the season." Teach Children About the Lutheran Faith Though it is easy for children to remember Christian holidays like Christmas and Easter, many are unfamiliar with other seasons and special days of the Christian church year. To help young Christians learn more about their faith, Concordia Publishing House (CPH) presents [27]Ordering Our Days in His Peace, a children's book about the life and work of Jesus and the Church through the times of the church year. Appropriate for young readers with colorful illustrations alongside biblical and liturgical text, Ordering Our Days walks the reader through the three main sections of the church year: the Time of Christmas, the Time of Easter, and the Time of the Church. Ordering Our Days in His Peace explains how worship practice also changes during different times of the church year. Stories connect God's Word with activities within the church and explains what each part of the church year offers. This 48-page, hardback book is $8.99 and can be found at [28]www.cph.org. A bulk quantity discount is available for this product. If purchasing 15 or more copies, the price is only $7 per book. Use order code 223103DAY to receive special pricing. Unusual, Bizarre, "Gross" Biblical Accounts Fascinate Students "No way, that's in the Bible?" is the reaction author Rev. Jay Reed hears when he talks about the unusual accounts in the Bible that are featured in his new youth Bible study from Concordia Publishing House (CPH). [29]That's in the Bible?! Bizarre Biblical Accounts explores 16 Bible stories that include the more unusual, bizarre, or gross accounts in Scripture. That's in the Bible?! is a downloadable Bible study available only at [30]www.cph.org. CPH decided to pursue the "more unusual" project because of the frequency of the feedback received from many middle school leaders who share how difficult it can be to engage students at this age. "By this time, particularly if students have been regular attendees at Sunday school, they often think they've heard `all' the Bible stories. They probably haven't heard these," says Mark Sengele, editor for youth materials. Sengele explains That's in the Bible?! was designed with middle school and junior high guys in mind. "It captures their already insatiable interest in the bizarre, unusual, just plain gross and uses it to direct them to the study of God's Word, but really the uniqueness of the content draws in the girls, too." "Some of the stories include a talking donkey, a guy killed while hanging by his hair in a tree, and the infamous account of a woman who drove a tent peg through a guy's head," Reed says enthusiastically. "The problem is that a lot of these stories get tossed on the `Bible oddities' shelf, right next to `Myths, Legends, and Stuff You'll Never Understand.' The point of this study is to help students understand the Bible, even the weird parts of it, as God's Word." Each of the 16 lessons has reproducible student pages. The study also includes materials to invite students to the study--postcard templates, PowerPoint slides, bulletin/newsletter inserts, and clip art. "These unusual stories from the Bible are especially helpful in capturing the attention of the sometimes hard-to-reach middle school and junior high students while the focus on Christ and the Gospel message remains clear," says Jim Stropnik, marketing manager of Bible studies for CPH. Reed says, "Through the different activities in each lesson, your students will learn to let the Bible explain the Bible; to find other passages that clarify the more difficult to understand." Christian Marriage Resource Strengthens Couples Marriage statistics paint a turbulent view of life-long commitment and faithfulness. To help Christian couples nurture and protect their vows, [31]Concordia Publishing House (CPH) announces the release of [32]The Power of We: God's Gift of Marriage, a DVD-based Bible study that helps couples work on their communication skills in premarital or early marriage counseling or as a marriage enrichment course. The Power of We is available at cph.org or by calling 800-325-3040. "The Power of We is a powerful series that can transform the way that couples relate and communicate with each other," says Rev. Robert C. Baker, senior editor of adult Bible studies at CPH. "Having used this series in the parish as part of pre-marital counseling sessions, I can tell you it works." "The Power of We was originally developed in the 1990s with VHS and print materials and was well received," says Jim Stropnik, manager of Bible studies and Bibles at CPH. "This new, convenient DVD and CD-ROM format makes this a more cost-effective option. If you need more participant guides, all you have to do is insert the CD-ROM, print, and it's available immediately." Couples using this course will discover a scriptural understanding of marriage through the weekly study and video vignettes. The videos show examples of the challenges in marriage relationships and how it is in God's grace that marital relationships grow and flourish. The CD-ROM contains a leader's guide and participant book. While the course can be completed in six, one-hour sessions, extra material in the participant book is included to extend the course to twelve, one-hour sessions. Between-session activities are also suggested in the book. Baker continues, "This re-release of The Power of We on DVD and CD-ROM is perfect for the busy pastor, marriage counselor, or dedicated church professional looking for a practical, Christ-centered resource to help minister to couples looking to marry, for marriage retreats, or even for those just looking to better their communication skills." "Every parish should have a copy of The Power of We on DVD and CD-ROM and should use it," shares Baker. [33]Back to top Thank you to all who shared information for this week's Update. If there is information here you know others would appreciate having, please feel free to forward part or all of this message. Invite them to register to receive the E-mail Update in their inbox every week by sending their email address to [34]communications@ndlcms.org. Questions and suggestions may be e-mailed to that address as well. Blessings, Nichole Hetz Nebraska District LCMS Director of Communications 1-888-643-2961 [35]nicholeh@ndlcms.org [36]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/20090917/3b848b49/attachment-tmp.htm#prayer 2. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090917/3b848b49/attachment-tmp.htm#teachers 3. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090917/3b848b49/attachment-tmp.htm#gathering 4. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090917/3b848b49/attachment-tmp.htm#reformation 5. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090917/3b848b49/attachment-tmp.htm#homecoming 6. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090917/3b848b49/attachment-tmp.htm#darwin 7. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090917/3b848b49/attachment-tmp.htm#contemplate 8. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090917/3b848b49/attachment-tmp.htm#network 9. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090917/3b848b49/attachment-tmp.htm#cph 10. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090917/3b848b49/attachment-tmp.htm#atop 11. http://www.ndlcms.org/ 12. mailto:carolo@ndlcms.org 13. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090917/3b848b49/attachment-tmp.htm#atop 14. http://www.lcmsgathering.com/Index.asp 15. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090917/3b848b49/attachment-tmp.htm#atop 16. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090917/3b848b49/attachment-tmp.htm#atop 17. http://www.cune.edu/resources/docs/news-releases/NR-019%20Honored%20alumni.pdf 18. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090917/3b848b49/attachment-tmp.htm#atop 19. http://www.ctsfw.edu/ 20. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090917/3b848b49/attachment-tmp.htm#atop 21. mailto:admissions@csl.edu 22. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090917/3b848b49/attachment-tmp.htm#atop 23. http://www.lhmmen.com/ 24. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090917/3b848b49/attachment-tmp.htm#atop 25. http://bit.ly/8UTdh 26. http://www.cph.org/ 27. http://www.cph.org/cphstore/product.asp?category=&part%5Fno=223103&find%5Fcategory=&find%5Fdescription=&find%5Fpart%5Fdesc=ordering+our+days 28. http://www.cph.org/ 29. http://bit.ly/u6AMR 30. http://www.cph.org/ 31. http://www.cph.org/ 32. http://bit.ly/23xx3f 33. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20090917/3b848b49/attachment-tmp.htm#atop 34. mailto:communications@ndlcms.org 35. mailto:nicholeh@ndlcms.org 36. http://www.ndlcms.org/