The Events Page (publicized by Area C, TX Dist.)

Concordia, Texas Open House in Houston

2010-09-27T14:23:00.000-07:00

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

Lutheran Hispanic Ministry Institute 2010-2011 Classes

2010-08-23T12:12:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-23T12:09:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-23T12:07:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-23T12:00:00.000-07:00

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.

Mission Outreach Opportunities

2010-08-10T13:35:00.000-07:00

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.

Mission, Outreach, and More!

2010-06-28T13:21:00.000-07:00

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.

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

2010-06-17T10:26:00.000-07:00

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.

Summer Theological Workshop

2010-06-02T06:24:00.000-07:00

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

Lots o' Good Stuff

2010-05-04T16:59:00.000-07:00

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

Big News Items

2010-03-07T06:54:00.000-08:00

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.

A History of the Wends

2010-02-24T11:50:00.000-08:00

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.

Lenten Devotions Are Available!

2010-02-11T06:08:00.000-08:00

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.

Haiti Relief

2010-01-25T14:42:00.000-08:00

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

Opportunities for Ministry Growth

2009-12-15T14:33:00.000-08:00

FILLED WITH HOPE - Inspiring Authentic Ministry in a Homosexual Culture
Point of Grace Lutheran Church in Pflugerville, TX is sponsoring this relevant and powerful conference for servants in ministry on January 30, 2010. Register at www.pointofgracechurch.org.

PRE-LENTEN WORKSHOP
Be part of the Pre-Lenten workshop sponsored by Circuit 18 on January 18-19, 2010. Click here for info.

SENIOR FEST 2010
You are invited to the Senior Fest, January 30th, 2010 to be hosted by Triumphant Love Lutheran Church, 9508 Great Hills Trail, Austin, TX 78759. Registration begins at 8:45-9:15 a.m. Cost will be $25 until Jan. 18th, thereafter the cost will be $30.

The main speaker will be the Rev. Dr. Peter Marty, pastor of a 3200 member congregation in Davenport, IA. He is a nationally known speaker, published author, also recognized from the national radio broadcast, Grace Matters. Pastor Marty's presentation will be "Finding Purpose in Our Later Years without Manipulating the Will of God."

The eight workshops will be: 1. Financial Update by George Tivera 2. Simple Living/Downsizing by Merle Franke 3. Finishing Strong by Darrel Gilbertson 4. Late in Life Challenges by Nancy Wessum 5. Senior Resources by Kathy Johanns 6. Prayer by Barbara Schutz 7. Senior Nutrition by Hilary Ross 8. Bible Study by Hugh Beck

To register and see further information, click here.

STEWARDSHIP WORKSHOP
Messiah, Plano will be hosting a Stewardship Workshop on January 23, 2010. Check out the details here.

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR ST. JOHN, WINFIELD ALUMNI
If you're an alumni of St. John's, Winfield, there are scholarships available for your family! Take a look at www.stjohnsalumni.org.

The Latest Events and Opportunities

2009-11-18T07:12:00.000-08:00

ORGAN RECITAL
The Rev. Christopher S. Ahlman, Assistant Pastor at King of Kings Lutheran Church of Round Rock, TX, will present an organ recital at St. Martin’s Lutheran Church of Austin, TX (at the intersection of 15th and Rio Grande) on Fri., Dec. 4 at 7:00 pm. Works by Araújo, Sweelinck, Froberger, Tunder, Bach, Franck, and Reger will be performed. The recital is in partial fulfillment of the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from The University of Texas at Austin, where Rev. Ahlman is pursuing doctoral studies in organ performance. Admission is free.

PRE-LENTEN WORKSHOP
Be part of the Pre-Lenten workshop sponsored by Circuit 18 on January 18-19, 2010. Click here for info.

SENIOR FEST 2010
You are invited to the Senior Fest, January 30th, 2010 to be hosted by Triumphant Love Lutheran Church, 9508 Great Hills Trail, Austin, TX 78759. Registration begins at 8:45-9:15 a.m. Cost will be $25 until Jan. 18th, thereafter the cost will be $30.

The main speaker will be the Rev. Dr. Peter Marty, pastor of a 3200 member congregation in Davenport, IA. He is a nationally known speaker, published author, also recognized from the national radio broadcast, Grace Matters. Pastor Marty's presentation will be "Finding Purpose in Our Later Years without Manipulating the Will of God."

The eight workshops will be: 1. Financial Update by George Tivera 2. Simple Living/Downsizing by Merle Franke 3. Finishing Strong by Darrel Gilbertson 4. Late in Life Challenges by Nancy Wessum 5. Senior Resources by Kathy Johanns 6. Prayer by Barbara Schutz 7. Senior Nutrition by Hilary Ross 8. Bible Study by Hugh Beck

To register and see further information, click here.

MULTI-ETHNIC SYMPOSIUM
The Multi-Ethnic Symposium is being held February 1-2, 2010, at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri. Registration forms may be duplicated or downloaded from www.csl.edu.

LUTHERAN SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL 2010
LSM 2010 DATES ARE JUNE 20 to JULY 18, 2010. Visit http://www.lutheransummermusic.org/ for more information.

PASTORAL RECRUITMENT RESOURCES
Check out resources for pastoral recruitment at the www.WhataWay.org Website.

SKI TRIP RETREAT
Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church of Ruidoso, N.M. located 15 miles from Ski Apache, invites your retreat group to stay at the Church for your ski retreat to the Ruidoso area.

Sleeping accommodations are available, together with kitchen and shower facilities. Cost per person per night, depending on the size of the group. Discount rental rates for ski's/snowboards, boots, and poles are available upon request, as well as discount lift tickets. Inner-tubing and snowmobile tours also make a great retreat at nearby Cloudcroft, N.M.

If staying till Sunday, join us for worship at 10:30a.m. Additional information will be posted on our website www.shlcruidoso,org. For more information contact Pastor Kevin Krohn @ 575-258-4191 or shlc@windstream.net.

LUTHERANS FOR LIFE SUNDAY SCHOOL CURRICULUM
An excellent teaching tool-–Teaching for Life-—looks like great material. Take a look at www.lutheransforlife.org.

MISSIONAL DEVOTIONS
Grow through Witness empowering devotions – Ablaze Fuel daily devotions at
http://ablazefuel.com/

November is National Adoption Month

2009-11-03T06:00:00.000-08:00

Why Wait? November is National Adoption Month. Have you been waiting for someone to give you a child? Does your heart ache to hear the words, “Mom” or “Dad”? This November, stop waiting! It’s time to take action during National Adoption Month. Nationally, more than one third of Americans have considered adoption. Sadly, fewer than 2 percent have actually opened their hearts and homes to a precious child.

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services has contracted with LSS to find loving homes for more than 6,375 waiting children in TDFPS conservatorship. These children are waiting for you to love them, to raise them, to be their forever family. If God is stirring your heart to welcome these children and youth into your home, please visit http://www.lsss.org, and click on Children, to view the children in Texas who are available for adoption.

Texas Partners Sunday

2009-09-28T13:31:00.000-07:00

TEXAS PARTNERS IN MISSION SUNDAY...
Choose your date to celebrate mission work in Texas! LCMS congregations in Texas are combining efforts through generous mission offerings to reach out with the Good News of Jesus Christ. To check out resources, a five-week video-based Bible study, and new mission information go to http://www.txdistlcms.org/tpim/resources.html

To read stories of our missionaries and watch our new mission DVD: http://tpimstories.blogspot.com/

To request information from Michael Fuchs, TPIM director call or e-mail:
1-800-951-3478 District Office
1-817-368-4438 Personal cell phone
MichaelFuchs@txdistlcms.org

Explore Ministry

2009-09-09T09:27:00.001-07:00

COLLEGE STUDENT OPPORTUNITY
Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO is hosting Green and Gold Days, and event for college students thinking about becoming pastors or deaconesses. The one-day free event will take place on October 16, 2009, January 8, 2010, and March 19, 2010. For details and registration e-mail admissions@csl.edu or call 800-822-9545.

AN EXTENDED VISIT EXPERIENCE
If you would like to learn more about life in the Concordia Seminary community and the preparation that leads to service as a pastor, missionary, chaplain, or deaconess in the LCMS, check out "Contemplate," an extended visit experience at the seminary. Conferences will be held October 8-10, 2009 and March 11-13, 2010. For more information and registration deadlines, e-mail admissions@csl.edu or call 800-822-9545.

New Men's Network Bible Study

2009-08-25T15:13:00.000-07:00

Men's Network News
The latest Bible study offering from the Men's Network, "How We Got the Bible," featuring Dr. Paul L. Maier, will be available the week of August 24. The first sessions can be previewed at the Men's NetWork Web site. Click here.

Ministry Dates and Opportunities

2009-07-30T08:08:00.000-07:00

LC-MS CONVENTION DATES AND DEADLINES
• Oct. 10, 2009 - Deadline for election of delegates to the 2010 Synod convention.
• Oct. 15, 2009 - Blue Ribbon Task Force on Synod Structure and Governance (BRTFSSG) will submit its final report. The report will be available to the Synod shortly after its submission to the president.
• Dec. 4, 2009 to Feb. 20, 2010 - Nine regional caucuses will be held for Synod convention delegates and district leaders to review the task force report. The Texas Dates are: Feb. 12-13 in Dallas.
• March 6, 2010 - Deadline for submission of reports and overtures to the Synod secretary for inclusion in the Convention Workbook.
• May 1, 2010 - Convention Workbook will be distributed.
• May 21-24, 2010 - Convention floor committees will meet to prepare resolutions for convention consideration.
• June 7, 2010 (on or about) - First issue of Today's Business, containing the work of the floor committees, will be distributed and posted on the LCMS Web site.
• July 9-10, 2010 - Open hearings conducted by the convention floor committee on Synod structure and governance
• July 10-17, 2010 - Synod convention will meet in Houston.

OPERATION BARNABAS TRAINING

Military Ministry Training Available:

Did you know that our nation has deployed over 600,000 reserve military deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan? That number reflects the number of deployments, and many of our solDIers have deployed more than once! Texas has deployed over 12,000 soldiers overseas,and at this moment, over 4200 are currently deployed.
That is over 4200 families who wake up each day praying that their son, daughter, father or mother returns home safely. What an opportunity to show compassion and care to these families! Our own Ministry To The Armed Forces is offering the opportunity for your congregation to host a military ministry training event!
Operation Barnabas is a program that trains congregations to reach out to our military community. Chaplain Mike Moreno, project manager of Operation Barnabas is traveling across the country teaching and equipping congregations to reach out to our military service members and their families. Your congregation can host a workshop in your area, and help to provide training to the local Lutheran community.

In this workshop, members of your congregation will learn to:
Identify resources in your congregation
Identify local military contacts
Construct a plan of action to reach out to current military members and veterans Gather resources for children of military members Learn about the pre-deployment, deployment and post-deployment cycles Become a military friendly congregation Plan a Veteran's Day Service of Thanksgiving and much more!

If your congregation would like to host a day long workshop, please contact your Mission and Ministry Facilitator. For more information,
visit: http://barnabas.lcmsworldmission.org/

In Christ,
Mike Moreno
Project Manager Operation Barnabas
Ministry to the Armed Forces
LCMS World Mission

HAWAIIAN RETREAT!
www.edenbythesea.org
808-261-9504

Eden by the Sea is a non-profit (501c3) retreat ministry designed solely for the rest and renewal of Lutheran church workers and their spouses. In its sixth year of ministry, hosting over 100 couples thus far, Eden by the Sea is a very unique and much-needed ministry providing a customized experience of renewal, rest and recreation in one of the most beautiful places in God’s creation – Hawaii. Not only is Eden by the Sea focused specifically on offering a customized, private, comfortable and totally relaxing experience for our tired Lutheran church workers (and their spouses), but the requested donation is under $70 a night - a fourth of the cost of other vacation accommodations of this quality and location on the island.

Please visit our web site and if you are interested in receiving more information, please contact us by phone, or email via the website. We would love to answer all your questions and bless you with the peace & renewal of our Lord through the ministry of Eden by the Sea.

Rev. Jeff & Lynda Mueller

Items Available

2009-07-15T12:56:00.000-07:00

ORGAN AVAILABLE
A two manual Allen organ is available to any congregation in need! It is in good working condition. Contact Pastor John R. Austin, Our Savior Lutheran Church, Granbury, TX. 817-573-5011, pastor@oursavior.us

PEWS AVAILABLE
Concordia Lutheran Church in San Antonio, TX would like to donate pews to a congregation in need. Pews available are:
34 @ 28'3"
12 @ 30'6"
2 @ 23'9"
2 @ 22'5"
2 @ 22'6"
2 @ 10'
2 @ 9'6"
Photos are available upon request. Congregation receiving pews will have to arrange transport.
For more information or to claim pews contact Jesse Martinez at 210-477-1477, jessem@concordia-satx.com

Lake House Getaway

2009-05-19T14:29:00.000-07:00

Marsha Clarkson and her husband own a home on the Grand Lake O' the Cherokees in Northeast Oklahoma. Recently, they opened their home up as a Bed & Breakfast in hopes to provide a place for LCMS Employees and Retired Pastors to vacation at a minimal cost. They would like to share the blessing with their brothers and sisters in Christ. Lodging is FREE for all LCMS Employees and Retired Pastors. The minimal cost is travel expense plus food and desired activities around Grand Lake. Free will donations are accepted if anyone feels so inclined.

Contact the Clarksons and take a look at the beautiful property at their website: www.panoramicsymphony.com.

Pandemic Flu Community Response Protocol

2009-04-29T11:53:00.000-07:00

[Compiled based on information adapted from and used by permission from the Center for Disease Control, Church World Service, and Lutheran Disaster Response]

FAITH-BASED & COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS PANDEMIC INFLUENZA PREPAREDNESS CHECKLIST

The collaboration of Faith-Based and Community Organizations with public health agencies will be essential in protecting the public’s health and safety if and when an influenza pandemic occurs.

This checklist provides guidance for religious organizations (churches, synagogues, mosques, temples, etc.), social service agencies that are faith-based, and community organizations in developing and improving influenza pandemic response and preparedness plans. Many of the points suggested here can improve your congregation or organization’s ability to protect your community during emergencies in general.

1. Plan for the impact of a pandemic on your congregation or organization and its mission:

Completed--In Progress--Not Started
(Circle to indicate your status)

• Assign key staff with the authority to develop, maintain and act upon an influenza pandemic preparedness and response plan.
• Determine the potential impact of a pandemic on your congregation or organization’s usual activities and services.
• Plan for situations likely to require increasing, decreasing or altering the services your congregation or organization delivers.
• Determine the potential impact of a pandemic on outside resources that your congregation or organization depends on to deliver its services (e.g., radio, television, food bank, transportation, etc.)
• Outline what the organizational structure will be during an emergency and revise periodically. The outline should identify key contacts with multiple back-ups, role and responsibilities, and who is supposed to report to whom.
• Identify and train essential staff (including full-time, part-time and unpaid or volunteer staff) needed to carry on your congregation or organization’s work during a pandemic.
• Include back up plans, cross-train staff in other jobs so that if staff are sick, others are ready to come in to carry on the work.
• Test your response and preparedness plan using an exercise or drill, and review and revise your plan as needed.

2. Communicate with and educate your staff, members, and persons in the communities that you serve:

Completed--In Progress--Not Started
(Circle to indicate your status)

• Find up-to-date, reliable pandemic information and other public health advisories from state and local health departments, emergency management agencies, and CDC. Make this information available to your congregation or organization and others.
• Distribute materials with basic information about pandemic influenza: signs and symptoms, how it is spread, ways to protect yourself and your family (e.g., respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette), family preparedness plans, and how to care for ill persons at home.
• When appropriate, include basic information about pandemic influenza in public meetings (e.g. sermons, classes, trainings, small group meetings and announcements).
• Share information about your pandemic preparedness and response plan with staff, members, and persons in the communities that you serve.
• Develop tools to communicate information about pandemic status and your congregation or organization’s actions. This might include websites, flyers, local newspaper announcements, pre-recorded widely distributed phone messages, etc.
• Consider your congregation or organization’s unique contribution to addressing rumors, misinformation, fear and anxiety.
• Advise staff, members, and persons in the communities you serve to follow information provided by public health authorities--state and local health departments, emergency management agencies, and CDC.
• Ensure that what you communicate is appropriate for the cultures, languages and reading levels of your staff, members, and persons in the communities that you serve.

3. Plan for the impact of a pandemic on your staff, members, and the communities that you serve:

Completed--In Progress--Not Started
(Circle to indicate your status)

• Prepare and plan for staff absences during a pandemic due to personal and/or family illnesses, quarantines, and school, business, and public transportation closures. Staff may include full-time, part-time and volunteer personnel.
• Work with local health authorities to encourage yearly influenza vaccination for staff, members, and persons in the communities that you serve.
• Evaluate access to mental health and social services during a pandemic for your staff, members, and persons in the communities that you serve; improve access to these services as needed.
• Identify persons with special needs (e.g. elderly, disabled, limited English speakers) and be sure to include their needs in your response and preparedness plan. Establish relationships with them in advance so they will expect and trust your presence during a crisis.

4. Set up policies to follow during a pandemic:

Completed--In Progress--Not Started
(Circle to indicate your status)

• Set up policies for non-penalized staff leave for personal illness or care for sick family members during a pandemic.
• Set up mandatory sick-leave policies for staff suspected to be ill, or who become ill at the worksite.
• Employees should remain at home until their symptoms resolve and they are physically ready to return to duty (Know how to check up-to-date CDC recommendations).
• Set up policies for flexible work hours and working from home.
• Evaluate your congregation or organization’s usual activities and services (including rites and religious practices if applicable) to identify those that may facilitate virus spread from person to person.
• Set up policies to modify these activities to prevent the spread of pandemic influenza (e.g. guidance for respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette, and instructions for persons with influenza symptoms to stay home rather than visit in person.)
• Follow CDC travel recommendations during an influenza pandemic. Recommendations may include restricting travel to affected domestic and international sites, recalling non-essential staff working in or near an affected site when an outbreak begins, and distributing health information to persons who are returning from affected areas.
• Set procedures for activating your congregation or organization’s response plan when an influenza pandemic is declared by public health authorities and altering your congregation or organization’s operations accordingly.

5. Allocate resources to protect your staff, members, and persons in the communities that you serve during a pandemic:

Completed--In Progress--Not Started
(Circle to indicate your status)

• Determine the amount of supplies needed to promote respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette and how they will be obtained.
• Consider focusing your congregation or organization’s efforts during a pandemic to providing services that are most needed during the emergency (e.g. mental/spiritual health or social services).

6. Coordinate with external organizations and help your community:

Completed--In Progress--Not Started
(Circle to indicate your status)

• Understand the roles of federal, state, and local public health agencies and emergency responders and what to expect and what not to expect from each in the event of a pandemic.
• Work with local and/or state public health agencies, emergency responders, local healthcare facilities and insurers to understand their plans and what they can provide, share about your preparedness and response plan and what your congregation or organization is able to contribute, and take part in their planning.
• Assign a point of contact to maximize communication between your congregation or organization and your state and local public health systems.
• Coordinate with emergency responders and local healthcare facilities to improve availability of medical advice and timely/urgent healthcare services and treatment for your staff, members, and persons in the communities that you serve.
• Share what you’ve learned from developing your preparedness and response plan with other Faith-Based and Community Organizations to improve community response efforts.
• Work together with other Faith-Based and Community Organizations in your local area and through networks (e.g. denominations, associations, etc) to help your communities prepare for pandemic influenza.

You can find more information at www.pandemicflu.gov.

Bibles for Bokenkamp!

2009-04-22T18:21:00.000-07:00

A GIFT IDEA FOR INDIVIDUALS, ORGANIZATIONS, OR CONGREGATIONS!

Bokenkamp Children’s Shelter is in need of a constant supply of Spanish Bibles. Each new resident is given a personal Bible when he or she comes on campus. The need for Bibles has recently increased from about 8 to 25 a month. On April 18, a new law came into effect which allows children from Mexico to be considered for political asylum because of the dangerous conditions they may face at home due to drug wars. Since the full census can be up to 72, as many as 25 new residents may be received a month.

The Bible selected by the Spiritual Care Committee can be ordered from the American Bible Society for $3.59 each or in cases of 20 Bibles for $63.80. It is the “Dios Habla Hoy” Spanish Bible (# 106339). http://www.bibles.com/products/ABS_NEW/106339.aspx (Unfortunately it is TEMPORARILY out of stock, but should be stocked again sometime in May!)

Because Bokenkamp funding is handled through the LSSS office in Austin, it works best if churches, organizations, or individuals who wish to donated Bibles, order them directly, rather than providing the money to Bokenkamp. Individuals might rather contribute to their congregation for a Bokenkamp Bible fund. Several Bibles can be pooled for one larger purchase, and there are tax advantages, both to the individual and the saving of sales tax for the purchase.

If you are planning to order and donate Bibles for Bokenkamp, please contact Sarah Hill, Director of Volunteer Services at Bokenkamp, 361 994 1214 ext 338. They may be shipped directly to Bokenkamp Children’s Shelter, Attention Sarah Hill, 5517 S. Alameda Street, Corpus Christi TX 78412.

Hospital Chaplaincy Ministry in Houston

2009-04-19T19:34:00.001-07:00

We praise God for the blessing He has given us through the Lutheran Chaplaincy ministry at MD Anderson. It is of great comfort to know that we can still depend on Lutheran pastors to bring the Good News of the Risen Christ to patients and their friends and families because in this day of “political correctness,” the chaplaincy program represents all religious groups.

Rev. Walt Dube has served out of town Lutherans who are away from their home church family since 2006. In this capacity, he not only is able to bring hope and comfort to patients, but to their family members as well. And he has the opportunity to share God’s Good News faithfully with other folks who observe his ministry and who ask for his prayers for their loved ones and for themselves.

As you may know, over the past couple of years Pastor Dube has experienced MD Anderson from a different perspective while his wife Ann battled a rare form of liver cancer. During those days, Pastor Dube continued to minister to others who were there for treatment. In early March Ann went home to the Lord.

We pray that God continues to bless Pastor Dube’s ministry. If you would like to support the Lutheran Chaplaincy Ministry, please make checks payable to LINC Century Club. Mail to 161 West Road, Houston, TX 77037.

Help Sponsor New Mission Work in West Africa!

2008-12-13T11:35:00.000-08:00

Jack and Cathy Carlos and their family will be moving to Guinea, West Africa in early 2009. They will be starting mission work among people who do not know Christ. I've known Jack and his family for many years. He is a dedicated servant of the Lord who will bring the blessing of Jesus to many.

If you are interested in supporting the Carlos family financially, or if your church would like information on how to become a Together in Mission (TIM) congregation, please contact LCMS World Mission. The address for LCMS World Mission is 1333 South Kirkwood Rd, St. Louis, Missouri 63122-7295, phone number 1-800-433-3954. If you would like to send a check in support of the Carlos' please write it out to LCMS World Mission and note "Carlos family Guinea West Africa" in the memo on the check.

This mission connection may be exactly where God is calling you to bring His Good News to ones in need!

Support Pastor Gary Martin's Ministry

2008-11-13T16:12:00.000-08:00

Are you looking for a way to reach out with Christ's love?
My wife and I visited with Pastor Gary Martin recently. We saw the wonderful work the Lord is doing through him and the ministry of Christo El Salvador in Del Rio. If you're interested in helping, here are a few ideas:

* Pray for him, his family, and his congregation. As they reach into Acuna, Mexico, more prayer support is needed.
* Volunteer to help teach English as a second language. If you know someone who can commit to several weeks of service, this will help open doors to sharing the Gospel.
* Pastor Martin could use a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Cindy and I took a harrowing ride with Pastor Martin to a neighborhood in Mexico where new ministry is beginning. We scaled a rocky hill and plunged down the other side to reach the area. Our ascent back to civilization up the rocky slope at full speed rivaled a Six-Flags adventure! AND ALL OF THIS TOOK PLACE IN A CHURCH VAN! If you know of a new or used vehicle that can be donated to help with Pastor Martin's ministry, please be in touch with him.

You can contact Pastor Gary Martin at: gmartin.2@netzero.net.

Missionaries Need Mission Sponsorship!

2008-11-13T15:38:00.000-08:00

Sponsor Jack and Cathy Carlos as your TIM Missionaries to Guinea, West Africa!

If you are interested in supporting the Carlos family financially or if your church would like information on how to become a Together in Mission (TIM) congregation, please contact LCMS World Mission. The address for LCMS World Mission is 1333 South Kirkwood Rd, St. Louis, Missouri 63122-7295, phone number 1-800-433-3954. If you would like to send a check in support of the Carlos' please write it out to LCMS World Mission and note "Carlos family Guinea West Africa" in the memo on the check.