[cid:image001.gif@01CA5D55.F44FE340] November 4, 2009 In this issue: Greetings in the name of our gracious Heavenly Father. A special greeting to the church and school secretaries who gathered together yesterday for a special time of fun, fellowship, and learning at the Church/School Secretary Workshop. We had a great time being together, and I look forward to continuing to partner with these fellow workers in the Nebraska mission field. If you are a parish secretary receiving this newsletter for the first time, WELCOME! As always, feel free to share this newsletter with anyone. Those interested in subscribing can visit [1]http://www.ndlcms.org/ news/communications/update.html for more information or to be added to the mailing list. * [2]Prayer Requests * [3]Help Find the Items Missing from Pastors' Conference * [4]LCMS President Issues Hate Crimes Bill Statement * [5]In the News: Two LCMS Members Qualify for National Bible Bowl * [6]Congregation Seeks Playground Equipment * [7]Upcoming Retreats at Camp Luther * [8]Government Offers Church Workers Two Programs to Reduce Student Debt * [9]CPH Offers Advent Devotional and Related Materials * [10]Hymn Accompaniment Now Available from CPH * [11]Lincoln Lutheran Choir Concerts * [12]Travel to Germany in 2010 * [13]Walmart Store and Sam's Club Giving Programs PRAYER REQUESTS Rev. Glen and Blenda Keylon and Family - Please lift up in prayer Rev. Glen and Blenda Keylon at the death of their 15-year old grandson, Cody, who was taken to his heavenly home through a car accident this week. Please pray for Rev. Keylon and Blenda, their son and family, and the entire Keylon family as they grieve for Cody and rely on the resurrection of Jesus Christ at this difficult time. Rev. Keylon serves as pastor at Christ, Cairo, and as Grand Island Circuit Counselor. The Family of Mrs. Howard Barth - We remember in prayer the family of Mrs. Howard (Guiomar) Barth, widow of the Rev. Howard Barth, who died October 31 following poor health after suffering a stroke. Rev. Barth served Mt. Calvary, Omaha, as pastor from 1941-1953, Condolences may be sent to her daughter, Roxanne Reith, 1113 Revere Ridge, Rockford, IL 61108. Rev. James and Linda Hoke and Family - We give the Lord thanks and praise for His gift of life at the birth of James L. Hoke III, grandson of Chaplain (COL-Ret) James and Linda Hoke on November 1. The "3rd" is the son of Dr. CPT Jason and Christi Hoke of Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. We join in prayers of rejoicing with this family, and we look forward to welcoming this new little one into the Body of Christ through Holy Baptism. Steve Hincker - Please join us in prayer for Steve Hincker, son-in-law of Burnell and Virginia Von Seggern and husband of the late Kay Von Seggern Hincker. Steve has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and he and his family, Seth (13) and Tessa (11), are in need of many prayers. Burnell is the president of the Nebraska Lutheran Laymen's League and former member of the Nebraska District Board of Directors. Virginia is a former National LWML President and a current member of the Nebraska District Board of Directors. [14]Back to top HELP FIND THE ITEMS MISSING FROM PASTORS' CONFERENCE Materials from Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University were displayed at a table at the recent Fall Pastor's Conference in North Platte, and several items are missing from the display. If you have seen them or know where they might be, please contact Pastor John Kunze at Messiah, Lincoln ([15]jkunze@messiahlincoln.org or 402-489-3024). The items are two DVDs that belong in a set (#10 "Tuition to Fruition" and #11 "Working in Your Strengths"), participant's workbook, and a set of money management envelopes. [16]Back to top LCMS PRESIDENT ISSUES HATE CRIMES BILL STATEMENT Dr. Gerald B. Kieschnick, president of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod, issued a statement October 28 in response to the signing of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act: Today President Obama signed into law the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act. The bill extends federal hate-crime laws to include crimes motivated by a victim's gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability. The bill is named after Matthew Shepard, a homosexual 21-year-old college student who was killed in 1998 in Laramie, Wyo., reportedly because of his sexual orientation. Byrd was an African-American lynched in Texas in 1998. Members of Shepard's family were in attendance at the White House signing today. Critics of the bill contend that its language creates the potential for federal prosecution of anyone whose speech (or sermon) "incites" an act of violence against someone who is, or is perceived to be, homosexual, and that religious ministers and teachers may face possible prosecution if someone who commits a crime claims to have heard a religious leader speaking against homosexuality. Erik Stanley, senior legal counsel with the Alliance Defense Fund, said although he doesn't believe there will be "immediate" prosecutions of pastors and churches for teaching the biblical injunction that homosexual behavior is sinful, "I think the effect on speech and religious speech is nonetheless real." Senator Carl Levin (D-Mich.), a supporter of the bill, told the media after the Senate's passage of the bill, 68-29, that religious leaders can continue to express their beliefs on homosexuality as they wish. The bill, he added, applies only to bias-motivated crimes of violence and includes strong protections of speech and association. Although we don't know the full ramifications of this bill as of yet, my staff and I will be watching closely for any possible infringement on the rights of our members and pastors to speak out against the sin of homosexuality based on the Word of God (Lev. 18:22, Rom. 1:26-27, and 1 Cor. 6:9). We live in difficult times, when the traditional moral and religious foundations of our country are being slowly but steadily eroded. In the days ahead we may face persecution because of our pronouncement of the truths of Holy Scripture, God's revealed, inspired, inerrant, infallible Word. Meanwhile, the LCMS, in deep humility and repentance, strives to remain faithful and steadfast in our calling to, "Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction." (2 Timothy 4:2)." [17]Back to top IN THE NEWS: TWO LCMS MEMBERS QUALIFY FOR NATIONAL BIBLE BOWL "With spotlights glaring and more than 300 other contestants and families watching during national competition, how many could accurately recite a specific Bible verse when asked? That's what has Nebraska's two contestants to the first National Bible Bee practicing up to two hours a day on Bible verses and six books of the Bible." These two contestants happen to be best friends and members of LCMS congregations in western Nebraska. Mary Leising, member at Trinity, Arapahoe, and Laura Hedstrom, member of St. John's, Oxford and daughter of Rev. Dale and Mary Hedstrom, will be heading to Washington D.C. this week to compete in the national Bible Bee. Read the rest of the article published in the Kearney Hub on the paper's website at [18]http://www.kearneyhub.com/news/local/article_ae77189e-c320-11de-bb5 4-001cc4c03286.html. [19]Back to top CONGREGATION SEEKS PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT The congregation of Grace, Pleasanton, is seeking good-quality, used playground equipment to be used at their ministry site. If your congregation or school has equipment available, please contact the church office at [20]gracelutheran@frontiernet.net or 308-627-6200. [21]Back to top UPCOMING RETREATS AT CAMP LUTHER Women's Scrapbooking Retreat November 13-15 $75 per person. Spend the weekend with other women working on your scrapbook projects. Reservation forms available at [22]www.campluther.org Men's Retreat November 20-21 $25 per person Financial support provided by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and Nebraska LLL Spend time in fellowship and Bible study. Includes special t-shirt and Friday night brat dinner. Registration form available at [23]www.campluther.org [24]Back to top GOVERNMENT OFFERS CHURCH WORKERS TWO PROGRAMS TO REDUCE STUDENT DEBT (Reprinted with permission from Reporter Online, [25]http://www.lcms.org/pages/rpage.asp?NavID=15946) If you're a pastor, teacher, or other professional church worker who is paying off federal student loans, you might benefit from two debt-reduction programs now offered by the U.S. Department of Education. For those who qualify, the programs can drastically lower monthly payments on student loans, and forgive the unpaid remainder after 10 years of service to a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, which may include churches, church-sponsored schools, or other entities. * "Income-Based Repayment," or IBR, which became available July 1, is designed to help borrowers keep their loan payments affordable with payment caps based on their income and family size. Generally, the lower your income -- and the higher your debt -- the more you stand to benefit. IBR uses a kind of sliding scale to determine how much borrowers can afford to pay on their loans. Those who earn below 150 percent of the poverty level for their family size would pay nothing. For those who earn more, their loan payments are capped at 15 percent of whatever they earn above that amount. Typically, the IBR formula for loan repayment works out to less than 10 percent of the borrower's income. For example, say a married pastor with two children earns an adjusted gross income of $50,000 annually. His education debt is $60,000, and he is paying $690 a month to repay the loan over 10 years. With IBR, the pastor's monthly loan payment would drop to $210, a savings of $480 per month. Here's another scenario: A single teacher earning $35,000 annually, with school debt of $80,000, is paying $522 per month over 30 years. The IBR program would lower his or her monthly loan payment to $230, a savings of $292. After 25 years in the program, any remaining loan balance is forgiven. * "Public Service Loan Forgiveness" (PSLF), which became available Oct. 1, 2007, is available only to those working full time in "public service," i.e., a 501(c)(3) organization, which includes all LCMS churches and church-sponsored schools, according to Randy Behm, president of the Cleveland Lutheran High School Association and a full-time banker who has been involved in financing student loans since 1989. After 10 years of such public service, the PSLF program forgives any remaining loan balance -- wiping out the borrower's remaining school debt. Eligible LCMS church workers can take part in both debt-reduction programs simultaneously, Behm says, which can prove to be "a huge benefit for them." Dr. Glen Thomas, executive director of the Synod's Board for Pastoral Education, says the programs "have the potential to attack what usually is the largest frustration for our church workers, and that is the carrying of a large debt and, at the same time, being paid a modest salary and trying to make ends meet." For today's church workers who are burdened by excessive education debt load, "these programs could offer significant reduction in their monthly payments and eventually allow, after 10 years, those payments to be completely wiped out," Thomas said. Dr. Kurt Krueger, executive director of the LCMS Board for University Education, says the PSLF program is the government's way of encouraging "talented people to continue to work for the good of society, rather than going to a more lucrative for-profit position somewhere." And, he adds, if the two debt-reduction programs persuade just 10 students a year to pursue church-work careers, "then these programs, I think, would have served their purpose." But both Krueger and Thomas caution current students not to take on more debt than they should, thinking "these programs will simply take care of it once I'm out." "That's a very precarious situation to put yourself in financially," says Thomas, especially if the programs are discontinued in the future. "We do not want to share these programs with our students with the intent that they are going to incur more and more debt, beyond what they can handle," echoes Krueger. Both programs are available to those with Stafford (subsidized or unsubsidized) loans, Graduate PLUS loans, and consolidation loans issued by the U.S. Department of Education. For information, visit [26]http://www.ibrinfo.org, which features an online calculator that can be used to determine eligibility. An informational "webinar," or Web-based seminar, is being planned to share details of the Income-Based Repayment and Public Service Loan Forgiveness programs with LCMS district representatives and financial aid advisers at all 10 Concordia University System schools and the Synod's two seminaries. Thomas offered one final caveat: "It is essential that everyone contemplating these programs examine their own financial circumstances and seek financial counsel, if needed, to determine whether participation in these programs is a wise choice for them," he said. "It would be a mistake to assume that an article in Reporter constitutes blanket endorsement of these programs for all ordained and commissioned ministers in our Synod." [27]Back to top CPH OFFERS ADVENT DEVOTIONAL AND RELATED MATERIALS The new comprehensive Advent-Christmas program available from Concordia Publishing House is centered on a common theme uniting the congregation in the celebration of our Savior's birth. The Theme The rich biblical imagery of the ancient hymn "Savior of the Nations, Come" beautifully focuses Advent and Christmas worship and reflection on the two natures of Christ and the full revelation of God in the person of Jesus. The Resources This program includes everything you need to serve the entire congregation. * For the pastor: Preaching and worship CD-ROM contains sermon studies, Bible studies, children's messages, and worship resources. * For the congregation: Daily devotional guides readers through the Advent and Christmas season with a Scripture focus and meditative reading. * For the children. Children engage in the story of our Savior of the Nations through worship and activities as they share the joy of Jesus' birth with the congregation. A CD-ROM also includes the early childhood service. [28]Order Now or visit the CPH website at [29]www.cph.org for more information. [30]Back to top HYMN ACCOMPANIMENT NOW AVAILABLE FROM CPH Concordia Publishing House (CPH) announces the release of the Concordia Organist, a 31-CD set that includes accompaniment for every hymn in the Lutheran Service Book hymnal. CPH developed the resource in response to the need expressed by many congregations for music to accompany worship, in a variety of settings. "As a small congregation, we have struggled to find accompanists for our worship services," said Rev. Wayne King of St. Mark Lutheran Church in Belgium, Wis. "There are many times that we just sing without one." Congregations of all sizes are set to benefit from the substantial new product that engaged some of the best musicians in the church to provide masterful tracks for the hymns included. "This superb organ music is a useful tool for congregations of all sizes that need accompaniment for worship, in a chapel or small group setting, or for visitation with shut-ins," said Peter Reske, Managing Editor of Music/Worship. "Whatever the setting, people will appreciate the versatility of the Concordia Organist." The CDs feature organists Paul Grime, Kevin Hildebrand, and Richard Resch, playing the Schlicker organ in Kramer Chapel at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana. Regularly priced at $699, the Concordia Organist is [31]now available at the introductory price of $499. The product will also be available as an add-on subscription to [32]Lutheran Service Builder customers in the fall. [33]Back to top LINCOLN LUTHERAN CHOIR CONCERTS Lincoln Lutheran Choir presents "Stitching Together American Traditions," Saturday, November 14, at St. John Lutheran Church (701 N. 6th St.), Beatrice, and Sunday, November 15, at Grace Lutheran Church (2225 Washington St.), Lincoln, with both concerts at 7:00 p.m. American quilts will be on display at the Lincoln concert courtesy the Lincoln Quilters Guild and music performed will be exclusively 20^th Century American composers, including Persichetti, Copland, and Wilberg. Come and join the choir in singing traditional American music. There will be a free will offering with a reception to follow. [34]Back to top TRAVEL TO GERMANY IN 2010 Pastor Bill and Martha Moorhead invite anyone to join them for a trip to Germany that incorporates Luther/Reformation sites, the Passion Play, and Oktoberfest, as well as some other off-the-beaten-path sites. The trip will be Sept 14-24, 2010. Contact Rev. Moorhead at [35]revhawk@cox.net with questions or for details. [36]Back to top WALMART STORE AND SAM'S CLUB GIVING PROGRAMS As congregations and schools begin or continue looking for ways to reach out into their communities in order to build relationships and address very real physical needs and concerns, many look for financial support from various places. One source of grants many people may not consider is Walmart. According to the Walmart Corporate website, [37]http://walmartstores.com/, "the Walmart Foundation supports more than 100,000 diverse charities large and small." While grants for religious organizations are not specifically listed, "The Walmart Foundation supports programs and initiatives in four main areas of focus: Education, Workforce Development/Economic Opportunity, Health and Wellness, and Environmental Sustainability. The Foundation also has a particular interest in supporting the following populations: veterans and military families, traditionally underserved groups, individuals with disabilities and people impacted by natural disasters." While this type of grant might not be appropriate in every instance, this information is shared in case you find it suitable for your situation. To learn more about the giving program, visit [38]http://walmartstores.com/CommunityGiving/238.aspx?p=8979. For guidelines and application requirements, visit [39]http://walmartstores.com/CommunityGiving/8916.aspx. [40]Back to top Thanks to all who shared information for this week's Update. If you have information to share, please send it to [41]communications@ndlcms.org. We hope these weekly E-mail Updates are a valuable resource in your ministry. The Updates are for all workers and leaders in your congregation. If you know of someone you think would benefit from the information in the Update, please forward it to them. Anyone is invited to subscribe by visiting [42]http://www.ndlcms.org/news/communications/update.html. Blessings, Nichole Hetz Nebraska District LCMS Director of Communications 1-888-643-2961 [43]nicholeh@ndlcms.org [44]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. http://www.ndlcms.org/%20news/communications/update.html 2. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20091104/ee8ec8a9/attachment-tmp.htm#prayer 3. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20091104/ee8ec8a9/attachment-tmp.htm#missing 4. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20091104/ee8ec8a9/attachment-tmp.htm#statement 5. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20091104/ee8ec8a9/attachment-tmp.htm#bowl 6. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20091104/ee8ec8a9/attachment-tmp.htm#playground 7. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20091104/ee8ec8a9/attachment-tmp.htm#camp 8. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20091104/ee8ec8a9/attachment-tmp.htm#debt 9. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20091104/ee8ec8a9/attachment-tmp.htm#advent 10. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20091104/ee8ec8a9/attachment-tmp.htm#hymn 11. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20091104/ee8ec8a9/attachment-tmp.htm#choir 12. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20091104/ee8ec8a9/attachment-tmp.htm#germany 13. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20091104/ee8ec8a9/attachment-tmp.htm#walmart 14. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20091104/ee8ec8a9/attachment-tmp.htm#atop 15. mailto:jkunze@messiahlincoln.org 16. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20091104/ee8ec8a9/attachment-tmp.htm#atop 17. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20091104/ee8ec8a9/attachment-tmp.htm#atop 18. http://www.kearneyhub.com/news/local/article_ae77189e-c320-11de-bb54-001cc4c03286.html 19. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20091104/ee8ec8a9/attachment-tmp.htm#atop 20. mailto:gracelutheran@frontiernet.net 21. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20091104/ee8ec8a9/attachment-tmp.htm#atop 22. http://www.campluther.org/ 23. http://www.campluther.org/ 24. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20091104/ee8ec8a9/attachment-tmp.htm#atop 25. http://www.lcms.org/pages/rpage.asp?NavID=15946 26. http://www.ibrinfo.org/ 27. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20091104/ee8ec8a9/attachment-tmp.htm#atop 28. http://www.cph.org/cphstore/pages/newsletter/order.asp?catno=97656&Title=2009%20Savior%20of%20Nations&Promo=WEB&MI=1211&UI=TJBATGK89A808KCED1JEV8CM6BMT8QTD&UT=cph 29. http://www.cph.org/ 30. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20091104/ee8ec8a9/attachment-tmp.htm#atop 31. http://www.cph.org/cphstore/product.asp?category=&part%5Fno=992264&find%5Fcategory=&find%5Fdescription=&find%5Fpart%5Fdesc=concordia+organist 32. http://cphconnect.org/builder/ 33. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20091104/ee8ec8a9/attachment-tmp.htm#atop 34. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20091104/ee8ec8a9/attachment-tmp.htm#atop 35. mailto:revhawk@cox.net 36. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20091104/ee8ec8a9/attachment-tmp.htm#atop 37. http://walmartstores.com/ 38. http://walmartstores.com/CommunityGiving/238.aspx?p=8979 39. http://walmartstores.com/CommunityGiving/8916.aspx 40. file://localhost/var/lib/mailman/archives/private/distupd/attachments/20091104/ee8ec8a9/attachment-tmp.htm#atop 41. mailto:communications@ndlcms.org 42. http://www.ndlcms.org/news/communications/update.html 43. mailto:nicholeh@ndlcms.org 44. http://www.ndlcms.org/