Monday, September 27, 2010

Concordia, Texas Open House in Houston

OPEN HOUSE
Find out about Concordia University Texas’s Masters of Education program for teachers!

Saturday October 2, 2010
9:00-10:30 a.m.
Trinity Lutheran Church and School-Downtown
800 Houston Avenue 77007

Saturday October 2, 1010
1:00-2:30 p.m.
Lutheran High North
1130 W. 34th Street 77018

Saturday October 9, 2010
11:30-1:00 p.m.
Lutheran South Academy-Library
12555 Ryewater Drive 77089

*Convenient Locations
*No GRE
*Classes meet one night a week
*Lutheran Educator Grant available
Contact an admissions counselor for more information:
Sarah Dooley 832-314-7302 or Sharon Thiede 713-962-4025

Blessings,

Sarah Guillerman Dooley
Houston Graduate Admissions Counselor
Concordia University Texas
832-314-7302
sarah.dooley@concordia.edu

You may also contact:
Sharon Thiede
Houston Graduate Admissions Counselor
713-962-4025
sharon.thiede@concordia.edu

Monday, August 23, 2010

Lutheran Hispanic Ministry Institute 2010-2011 Classes

Join these live and online classes for level one training as a Spanish speaking worker in the LCMS. Time listed are in the Mountain time zone.

Lutheran Hispanic Missionary Institute Classes
SCHEDULE FOR 2010/2011

Fall Semester - Session 1 (August 23 - October 15)
• PRA 120 Worship and Song - Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, 10:30 am - 12:00 n (MT)
• PRA 104 Church Planting - Mondays 6:00 - 9:00 pm (MT)
• PRA 160 Administration of a New Church - Wednesdays 6:00 - 9:00 pm (MT)

Fall Semester - Session 2 (October 25 - December 17)
• PRA 110 Christian Education - Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays 10:30 am - 12:00 pm (MT)
• HIS 101 History of the Church and its Mission - Mondays 6:00 - 9:00 pm (MT)
• PRA 140 Deaconate Ministry - Wednesdays 6:00 - 9:00 pm (MT)

Spring Semester - Session 1 (January 3 - February 25)
• DOC 101 Fundamentals of the Christian Faith - Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays 10:30 am - 12:00 pm (MT)
• BIB 101 Mission of God in the Old Testament - Mondays 6:00 - 9:00 pm (MT)
• PRA 103 (Church Planting Seminar) - Wednesdays 6:00 - 9:00 pm (MT)

Spring Intesive 1-week Session (February 28 - March 4)
• PRA 104 Church Planting - Monday through Friday, 6:00 - 9:00 pm (MT)

Spring Semester - Session 2 (March 21 - May 20)
• PRA 101 Evangelism - Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays 10:30 am - 12:00 pm (MT)
• BIB 102 Mission of God in the New Testament - Mondays 6:00 - 9:00 pm (MT)
• HIS 102 History of the Reformation - Wednesdays 6:00 - 9:00 pm

Questions?
Contact: R Paige Mathews, Director of Development
915.790.2300
pmathews@missionaryinstitute.org
www.missionaryinstitute.org

Texas District Conferences and Retreats

UPCOMING TEXAS DISTRICT RETREAT & CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
(Program and Registration Information is available at www.txdistlcms.org.)

September 19-21 Texas District BOD Retreat

September 24-26 Pastors Wives Retreat ("Response" facilitated by Rev. Randy & Connie Bard.)

September 27-29 Circuit Counselors Conference

October 4-6 Retreat on Prayer and Spirituality (Early bird rate extended through August 31!)

November 21-23 Professional Workers Conference (Shepherd of the Hills, San Antonio)

Silver Ring Thing Event at Concordia, San Antonio

The Silver Ring Thing event is coming to Concordia Lutheran Church, San Antonio, Texas on Sunday, Sept. 12th from 6-8 pm. This event is geared for youth ages 13-19 and uses music, skits, comedy and drama to illustrate the importance of remaining sexually abstinent until marriage.

A separate parents' session happens that same evening. It lasts about 45 minutes and gives parents some ideas about how to talk to their children about relationships and sex.

For information, registration, and videos of past events, go to www.silverringthing.com. Tickets are $5 in advance or $8 at the door.

If you have questions or need free posters, DVD’s, and flyers that help promote the event, call (412) 424-2419 or email JC at jc@silverringthing.com.

Pre-Retirement Workshop

A Pre-Retirement Workshop for Church Workers is going to be held September 27 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the Texas District Office. This 1-day workshop is being presented by Concordia Plan Services and the Texas District for professional church workers and their spouses to help them understand the process of planning for retirement. The registration will be limited to 20 people so don't delay in registering. The deadline for registering is Monday, Sept. 13. If you have any questions in this regard, please contact Lois Wolf at nswolf@txdistlcms.org or by phone at (512) 926-4272 X 231 or (800) 951-3478.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Mission Outreach Opportunities

BikeWalkRun-a-Thon for Campus Ministry

Help raise awareness and funds for Campus Ministry! Check out the LCMS Campus Ministry Bike-Walk-Run-a-thon page: at www.LCMSCampusMinistry.org


DEAF MINISTRY SUPPORT

Did you know that the deaf population is one of the most unchurched populations in the United States with less than 1% of deaf people attending church? Missionary Mark Seeger is working to share the Gospel with hundreds of deaf young people and their families. Partner with Pastor Seeger and join in the excitement of ministry at Jesus Lutheran Church of the Deaf in Austin. Check out their website at: http://www.deafaustin.com/jlcd/

Contact Pastor Seeger to give your commitment of support and prayer at: JesusDeaf@AOL.com

Send your donation to: Jesus Lutheran Church of the Deaf, 1307 Newton Street, Austin, Texas 78704


NEED PLANET ZOOM VBS ITEMS?

Contact Pastor Mark Barz at Crown of Life Lutheran Church in San Antonio: pastor@crownoflifesa.org.

Monday, June 28, 2010

Mission, Outreach, and More!

KAZAKHSTAN MISSION PRESENTATION
You are invited to a special mission presentation led by Pastor Gennadij Khonin of Almaty Kazakhstan, at 3:30pm on Sunday July 18th, in the fellowship hall of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Giddings.

Pastor Khonin is pastor of the German Lutheran Church in Almaty and head of Lutheran theological education there. He will speak about his life, his work in Kazakhstan, and the state of the Christian Church in Central Asia. He will also take your questions.

Pastor Khonin has appeared on television in Kazakhstan several times and is often called upon by government officials to speak regarding the state of religion in the country and to give his opinion on religious legislation. Pastor Khonin has a doctorate in physics, and received his Master of Divinity from Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne. He has been active in HAM radio for years and received several awards during Soviet times for his radio work.

Please join us for refreshments beginning at 3:30 with the presentation to follow. The opportunity to meet a Lutheran pastor from Central Asia doesn't happen very often! Any questions can be directed to Rev. Philip Schielke, phisch2@mac.com, 979-773-4807.


LW HYMNALS AVAILABLE
Lutheran Worship Hymnals Available, great condition, 238 available from Lamb of God Lutheran Church in Flower Mound. Contact Altar Guild Chair, Charlotte Hughes at 940-241-2521.


CONFERENCE OPPORTUNITIES
It's time to register for the 2010 Professional Church Workers' Conference! The theme is "As You Love Yourself." You can register today at the the conference website.

Area A of the Texas District is opening up its Mission Summit (August 13-14) to all! Take a look at the excellent speakers and registration information by clicking on the 2010 Mission Summit Brochure link on the Area A website.

The Texas District Prayer and Spirituality Retreat is October 4-6, 2010. For information and registration, click on the retreat link under "News and Events" at the Texas District Website.




RIO GRANDE VALLEY DAYSTAR YOUTH LEADERSHIP TRAINING

Presented by Camp Lone Star

Day Star Youth Leadership Retreat
When: Saturday, July 31, 4pm – Monday, August 2, 10 a.m.
Leadership skills will be practiced during Daystar Camp Aug. 2 - 6
Where: La Quinta Inn and Suites, South Padre Island
Who: High School Youth (recent freshman to 2010 graduates)
interested in Christian Leadership, Ages 14 – 18
What: Leadership training will include
1. How to lead a Bible Study
2. How to minister to various age groups
3. How to lead large/small group games/challenges
4. How to share your faith
5. How to maintain accountability
6. Child Protection Certification

Day Star Camp – Leadership Training Continued Aug. 2-6
Youth attending the Leadership retreat are encouraged to participate in the
Day Star Camp Event to be held in Brownsville August 2 – 6. Youth leadership
participants will meet with LOMT Counselors daily at 3:30p.m. in preparation
for the Camp Event from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Interested? Please contact: Sandra Morfitt (El Calvario- Brownsville)
email: sandmorf@aol.com
phone: 956-455-2037



MISSION TRIP TO NEW ORLEANS

It all happens from November 10-14, 2010.
(Wed. and Sun.—Travel; Thurs., Fri., Sat.—Work)

Help rebuild Trinity Lutheran Church in the Lower 9th Ward on Claiborne Ave.
under the supervision of The Rev. David Buss, LC-MS, Exec. Director of RAI Ministries.

The Rev. Dr. Robert C. Preece, Area B-VP, and The Rev. Ralph Hobratschk, Area D-VP, have led or participated in 10 work trips to the Gulf Coast and plan to return with yet another Texanic Work Crew. Yes, Katrina recovery continues 5 years later.
What’s involved? Construction work. Skilled, semi-skilled, and helpers needed,
using one’s own marked tools if preferred, but on-site tools will be available.
Cost: Your transportation to and from New Orleans, plus $35/day for 2 hot meals, a sack lunch, a shower, and a bunk bed at LCMS Camp Restore, 9301 Chef Menteur Hwy.
A detailed mailing to all Big State parishes will come at the end of July.

All four Texas District VPs, including VP-A Snyder and VP-C Schroder, are encouraging
participation with the blessing of our President, The Rev. Kenneth Hennings
of Austin, to recruit from the entire Texas District.

Interest/Questions? Call Pastor Preece at 214-477-9057.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

An App, a Pew, a Getaway, and a Gathering

NEW PRAYER MINISTRY APP
A new prayer ministry app has been developed by LCMS member, John Kreiner, of Safe-t-Technologies. It's called PrayerSteward (or Promise2Pray), and will help believers remember and track prayer commitments. Check it out at http://www.prayersteward.com/.


AN HISTORIC PEW AVAILABLE
One refinished, church pew from the original Birkman Chapel formerly located on the old Concordia University Texas campus is for sale for your best offer! This pew is 53" long and has the Luther coat-of-arms carved into each end. It was one of the pews removed during the mid-to-late 1990's when the chapel was remodeled. If interested, please contact Ruth Gastler at (512) 929-3391.


GRACE PLACE RETREATS
A retreat for single church workers is happening September 1-5, 2010. To find out more info, go to: www.graceplaceretreats.org or call Grace Place at (314)842-3077.


WORSHIP CONFERENCE
"Rejoice, Give Thanks, And Sing: God’s Gift of Sacred Music to the Church" is happening at Lord of Life, Plano, October 11-12, 2010. Find out more at http://www.lol-plano.org/worshipconference.htm.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Summer Theological Workshop

You're invited! From August 3-5 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Austin, Texas, there will be an outstanding opportunity for personal and theological enrichment for you, your church musician(s), and members of your congregations. Professor Richard Resch of Concordia Theological Seminary will be here to present a workshop on Theology and Church Music.

As a special added feature, the Evening Prayer service on Wednesday, August 4 will feature a hymn festival led by the collaborative efforts of Kantor Resch and other outstanding Lutheran church musicians—including Dr. Jon Eifert of Mt. Calvary, San Antonio and Kathy Achterberg of St. Paul, Austin—to be held in the visually and acoustically beautiful St Paul nave.

Registration will be handled directly by the seminary. You can register online at the Continuing Education Website link.

Contact Rev. Sherman Stenson for more details and information:
512-472-8301, ext. 108; sherman.stenson@stpaulaustin.org

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Lots o' Good Stuff

CAMPUS MINISTRY MONTH

It's time to remember our mission fields on college campuses! Texas A&M is offering a downloadable bulletin insert to help you recognize their outreach ministry. Check it out HERE.

PARISH NURSE GATHERING

Parish Nurse/Faith Community Nurse/Health Ministry
TX District (LCMS) Retreat

Health Ministry, His Presence & Our Lutheran Healing Traditions

July 25 & 26, 2010

Springhill Retreat Center
3991 Renner Road Richardson, TX 75082

Registration & Fees
(includes room (1 night), meals (3) & supplies)

Early Registration: by July 3, 2010 - $ 105.00
Late Registration: after July 4 - $ 125.00

Please make check to: “Ministries of Health”
For: 2010 Health Ministry Retreat

Mail to P.O. Box 50142 Amarillo TX 79159

Please register early to secure a room in the Conference Center.
Two people will be assigned to each (conference center) room, unless you choose or come with a roommate. (Please see details on the Registration Form).


NEW COURSES BEGIN MAY 10 AT THE LUTHERAN HISPANIC MINISTRY INSTITUTE

See the LHMI home page for the latest schedule and available classes.


LCMS CONVENTION PRAYER VIGIL AND WORKBOOK

24/7 Synod Convention Prayer Vigil
A national 24-hour, seven-day prayer vigil will be held on behalf of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod during the week of the Synod convention. The vigil will begin on Sunday, July 11, at 8 a.m and will last until Saturday, July 17, at 11 a.m., when the convention is scheduled to adjourn.

To sign up as a prayer-vigil participant, go to the vigil Web site at http://www.lcms.org/prayervigil and follow the sign-up instructions.
Convention Workbook

The 2010 LCMS Convention Workbook will be mailed in May, but you can go to www.lcms.org and download it and other documents in preparation for the July convention.


REFORMATION TOUR

Join Pastor Chris Kennedy, Mr. Bruce Dicey, and Ms. Vanessa Seifert from Shepherd of the Hills in San Antonio on a Reformation Tour to Germany in May 2011.

Start your planning today! For more information click Here

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Big News Items

REGISTER FOR THE THEOLOGICAL CONVOCATION, April 12-14!

Join the exciting and stimulating gathering at Concordia University, Texas. Click here for information and registration.


MINISTERIAL YOUTH RETREAT NOMINATIONS

You see them--young people who seem just right for ministry. Where can they find out more about church work vocations? How can they connect with friends and leaders who can support them as they discern the Lord's leading? The answer is a Ministerial Youth Retreat! You can nominate young people now for these June 2010 gatherings. Click here for online nomination information.


CAMP LONE STAR REGISTRATION

Registration is now underway for Summer Camp sponsored by Lutheran Outdoors Ministry of Texas (LOMT). Both weekly and weekend sessions are offered for youngsters age 5-18 from June 6 through August 13 at Camp Lone Star in La Grange. All campers will benefit from the sharing of Christian values by a Christ-centered staff. A discount is available for those who register by March 15. For more information, go to www.LOMT.com. You may also contact LOMT at 1-800-362-2078 or lomt@lomt.com.


LOGOS MINISTRY TRAINING

Corpus Christi area pastors! Rev. Mark Porterfield of First United Methodist Church in Portland invites you to experience a Logos Ministries training event on May 14-16 at FUMC Portland. The 2 & 1/2 day training will help you begin a LOGOS ministry in your church. Contact the church for more information at 503/228-3195. Find out more about the LOGOS ministry at www.thelogosministry.org.


LUTHERAN SUMMER MUSIC ACADEMY

It's always a wonderful experience for young people who love the arts! Find out more by going to www.lutheransummermusic.org.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

A History of the Wends

SHORES OF HOPE

Concordia's own press announces the publication of Trudla Malinkowa's Shores of Hope, a 300 page study of the Wends' immigration to Australia, the U.S., Canada, South America and South Africa. Containing moving stories about many Wends whose descendents now live in Texas, the book is replete with pictures and passenger lists from the Ben Nevis. Appropriate for church libraries as well as Texans interested in their Lutheran history, this book promises to be a best seller.

Concordia was founded in 1926 by a group of 13 congregations, largely of Wendish ancestry. Books cost $20 with $5 shipping charge and may be ordered by emailing the Press at CUP@concordia.edu.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Lenten Devotions Are Available!

If you'd like some excellent Lenten Devotion resources, check out these possibilities:

Lutheran Hour Ministries
Go to www.lentendevotions.org to find a variety of Lenten Devotional books from Lutheran Hour Ministries.


Shepherd of the Hills, San Antonio
Shepherd of the Hills offers Lenten Devotional booklets in both English and Spanish. You can order hard copies or electronic copies for your own printing. Contact the church to receive information: church@shlutheran.org; 210-614-3742.

Monday, January 25, 2010

Haiti Relief

LCMS World Relief and Human Care updates and donation link: http://www.lcms.org/ca/worldrelief/

Lutheran World Relief Updates and donation link: www.lwr.org

LCMS Donation Page: www.lcms.org

Thrivent Matching Fund Giving: www.thrivent.com