PSD eNews – December 18, 2014

As the Pacific Southwest District our mission is to
“Effectively resource congregations and schools to fulfill the Great Commission”
PSD eNews – December 18, 2014
Serving the congregations and schools in Arizona, California, and Nevada
New items highlighted in blue.
Weekly Word
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God
and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”
Luke 2:13-14
PRAYER REQUESTS & PRAISE REPORTS
Please send updated condition information to kelly.dejongh@psd-lcms.org
Pastor George Duerr, had a large hemorrhagic stroke on the left side of his brain. The bleeding has
stopped and he is stable. The hemorrhage didn’t move into any critical areas of the brain, but he will
need greater care than what he has been receiving at the current assisted living center.
Jonathan Schilling, son of Rev. David Schilling, is fighting Stage IV cancer.
CONTINUED PRAYERS FOR:
We pray for all congregations currently in the calling process.
Barbara Andrews, wife of Rev. Arthur Andrews – fighting cancer
Rev. Bill Bartlett – fighting cancer
Rev. Lenny Busch, brother of Rev. Lewis Busch – fighting cancer
Linda DeVore, wife of Rev. Greg DeVore – fighting cancer
Michael Doyle, District Archivist - prayers for renewed strength and healing
Rev. Gerald Gettis, under chemo treatment for multiple myeloma
Sharon Giese, wife of Rev. Burton Giese, undergoing cancer treatments
Rev. Loel Haak, sight and hearing difficulties, prostrate issues, Alzheimers
Rev. Ron Howard – fighting cancer
Jan Just – fighting cancer
Rev. Ray Kibler - cancer continues to multiply and treatments have become more intense
Rachel Klitzing, Director of School Ministries, was recently diagnosed with Dystonia.
Ruth Koenig, widow of Rev. Wayne Koenig – battling liver cancer and heart issues
Leeann Kotal, wife of Deacon Charles Kotal – fighting cancer
Cookie Krueger – battling breast cancer
Ruth Ann Krueger, wife of Rev. Dennis Krueger, Sr. – battling liver and lymph system cancer
Rev. Jerald Lindemann – recovering from back surgery and memory loss
Rev. Dr. Charles Manske – fighting cancer
Deacon Dennis Nash – fighting stage 4 chest, lung, neck, and pancreas cancer
Rev. Gregory Otte – recovering from a heart attack and stent surgery
Rev. R.J. (John) Perling - undergoing treatment for his heart and kidney
Rev. Dr. James Rahn – fighting cancer
Rev. Daryl Robarge – recovering from a stroke
Debbie Robarge, wife of Rev. Daryl Robarge – recovering from a heart attack
Deacon Larry Sanders – fighting cancer
Rev. Eric Trickey – fighting cancer
DISTRICT BUZZ
Important information from the President’s Office.
ADVENT DEVOTION – To read President Stoterau’s 2014 Advent Devotion, click here.
STAYING HEALTHY WORKSHOP – Kick off National Lutheran Schools Week by Staying Healthy
Workshop. This year’s workshop, titled Staying Healthy in a Frenzied World: The Importance of Prayer,
Humor and Exercise, is being held Saturday, January 24, 2015 at Christ the Cornerstone Lutheran
Church, San Diego. Please join Rev. Ron Rehrer, Executive Staff member of the Pacific Southwest District,
as he shares insights from his new book on how to stay healthy, through a variety of avenues. You will
learn: healthy benefits of prayer; prayer forms; music as prayer; how humor strengthens the autoimmune system; why to add humor to your diet; easy exercises for the lazy; and why teachers don't
exercise and why they should. The cost is $15.00 per person or $50.00 for groups of four or more.
Registration is available online, through January 18, 2015. Click here for a workshop flyer.
EXPANDING THE CIRCLE: Regional Workshops for 2015 – The topic for the 2015 Expanding the
Circle Regional Workshops will be Bereavement Education and Christian Care Giving. These workshops
are open to all that are interested. Registration fee is $25.00 and includes continental breakfast, lunch,
handouts and all the coffee you can drink. Please pre-register so we know how many attendees to plan
for. Workshop dates: February 7, 2015 at Mt. Calvary, Phoenix; February 28, 2015 at Mt. Olive,
Poway; and March 7, 2015 at Concordia, Cerritos. Click here for a registration packet.
2015 DISTRICT CONVENTION (UPDATE) - The 2015 Pacific Southwest District
Convention “Chosen for this Moment” will be held on Wednesday, June 24 Friday June 26, 2015. The location is The Irvine Hotel at Jamboree Center. This
hotel is formerly the Hyatt Regency, Irvine where past conventions have been
held. Online registration will begin January 5, 2015. Information for the
pastoral and lay voting delegates will go out in January. Questions or concerns,
please call the District Office at 949-854-3232 or toll-free at 855-856-5350.
Nominations: Nomination forms have been posted to the PSD website. On the home page click on
District; you will then find instructions and form in the left hand District Buzz column.
PSD JOB SITE – The PSD Job Site lists job opportunities at PSD churches and schools. The Job Site is
published every other Thursday. Each new job posting will be listed for four weeks. To submit available
job positions or to be added to the subscription list, please email psdenews@psd-lcms.org.
IT’S A NEW DAY DEVOTIONAL BROADCAST – “It’s a New Day” is a brief broadcasted devotional that
can be heard every day of the year. Our speaker is Reverend Richard Schumm, Emeritus. We invite you to
join us each day, click here to access the “It’s A New Day” broadcast.
DECEMBER HEALTH NOTES: COOKIN’ FOR A CROWD - Food Safety in the Church Kitchen
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that each year roughly one in six
Americans – nearly 50 million – get sick; 128,000 are hospitalized; and 3,000 die from foodborne
diseases. The risks for “food poisoning” increase when we “feed the multitudes” – when large quantities of
foods are prepared by many hands, and those foods are left at room temperature (e.g., on a buffet table)
for extended periods of time. To prevent bacteria and viruses from crashing your party, follow these
simple “Kitchen Commandments.” Your topic suggestions for future issues of HealthNotes are welcome
please email Marla M. Lichtsinn, RN, MPA, FCN.
AROUND THE DISTRICT
Sharing what the Lord is doing within our Pacific Southwest District family.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
PRESIDENT STOTERAU SPEAKS AT NVCA
“Pastor Stoterau, Thank you so much for your chapel message at North Valley Christian Academy
yesterday! What an honor and blessing it was to have you share the Word of Christ with our students,
staff, and families. Thank you for your ongoing support and encouragement for the ministry of not only
our Lutheran school, but for all the schools in the PSW. NVCA has a great future ahead, we have come so
far, and are excited about the vision God has for us.” Nate Kretzmann, Executive Director
LUTHERAN BIBLE TRANSLATORS - Lutheran Bible Translators
(LBT) was officially incorporated in North Hollywood, California,
on May 13, 1964. Read about how they began in the article
“From Tragedy to a New Beginning” on the PSD website by
clicking here.
WANTED: PETAL PUSHERS - Did you ever imagine working on
a float for the annual Tournament of Roses Parade? As you're
watching these floral creations drift across your TV screen on
New Year's Day, did you ever get the itch to see these elaborate
mechanical productions first-hand -- even before they sail the
asphalt thoroughfares of Southern California? You can. Each
year more than 4,000 people migrate to the city of Pasadena,
California, to become part of the Petal Pusher®. This group of
dedicated volunteers is integral to the formidable effort of
piecing together stem by stem and bud by bud The Lutheran Hour Float. All totaled, this year's Petal
Pushers® will contribute their craftsmanship toward the construction of eight floats (including the
Lutheran Hour Ministries entry) in a New Year's Day extravaganza that's been ongoing since 1890. This
year the theme for the LHM float is "The Bible ... God's Story." The LHM float is the longest-running,
religious-themed float in the parade. To get a glimpse of this year's work-in-progress and the biblical
stories represented on the float, you can click here. The Float Committee is currently seeking volunteer
help on the floats. Assistance is needed through December 30 – time slots have just been reopened.
Volunteers range in age from 13 to well into the 90s. Individuals, married couples, church groups,
families, senior citizens, and youth groups are just a few of those participating in past years. Many of
these folks "camp out" in area Lutheran churches during their stay in California. Come lend a hand in
decorating these amazing works of movable art. Here's a volunteer request form to get you started: just
click here. Do you have questions about becoming a Petal Pusher® volunteer in this remarkable
opportunity? If so, just contact Lou Marting at lmarting@cox.net.
DRAWING & ESSAY CONTEST – The Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) office in the Pacific
Southwest District will be conducting their first-ever Drawing & Essay Contest “Responding to His Love.”
This contest is open to Young Investor (Y.I.) Club members who reside in the PSD. Prizes will range from
$25 - $100 and will be given in five different age categories. The contest will run from January 5 through
January 31. Full contest rules can be found at www.psd-lcms.org on the LCEF page. Not a Y.I. Club
member? Open a Young Investors StewardAccount before the end of 2014 to be eligible for the contest.
Go to www.lcef.org to complete the Fast Form or download the application. Applications are also available
from the LCEF office by contacting Gail Kanneg at gail.kanneg@psd-lcms.org or at 949-854-3232 ext.
205. Questions about the contest should be directed to Gail Kanneg.
EVENTS
A CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION – You are invited to attend “A Christmas Celebration” on Sunday,
December 21 at 5:00 pm at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Orange featuring the music of the Worship Choir
and Joyful Praise handbells. For more information call 714-637-2640.
PETAL PUSHERS® BEHIND THE SCENES PARTY - The Petal Pushers® Behind the Scenes Party will be
held on Tuesday, December 30, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The location is the Rose Palace, 835 South
Raymond Ave. Pasadena CA. For the map, click here. This is a non-alcoholic event with a wide array of
foods. As guests of the Petal Pushers float committee, you’ll see this year's VIP float riders. The event
provides attendees the opportunity to tour and view finished Rose Parade floats on the last night of
decorating week. As you smell the beautiful aroma of thousands of freshly cut roses, you will see firsthand the work of the Petal Pushers®. Please purchase tickets early so that we can plan and serve you
efficiently. Tickets can be purchased here. The price is $25 per person and $50 for the immediate family.
To obtain additional information contact Dick Gast at dick@rgaltd.occoxmail.com or call 949-458-0606.
NAVIGATING THE SENIOR YEARS – On Saturday, January 10, Gethsemane Lutheran Church, Tempe
will be offering a Free Senior Seminar. This seminar is geared to seniors and family/care givers and will
cover a variety of issues. There will be a total of three sessions with five topics offered at each session.
Doors will open at 8:30 am for registration, a free continental breakfast and a time of fellowship. A
complimentary light lunch will be offered between the second and third sessions. (There is no cost for the
seminar, breakfast or lunch, however a free will offering will be appreciated to offset expenses.)
Some of the topics that will be discussed are: alternative living; safety in the home; transportation; end of
life issues; legal documents; veteran affairs; care for the care giver. Please RSVP to 480-839-0906 or
email churchoffice@glctempe.com.
CONCORDIA KEYBOARD DAY - Saturday, January 17 for ages 12-18, at Concordia University.
Scholarship Contests for both Organ and Piano in the afternoon, workshops in the morning. Three levels:
Novice, Intermediate and Advanced. Organizers: Dr. Rachel Schrag, Dr. Carol McDaniel and Dr. Herb
Geisler. For more information email carol.mcdaniel@cui.edu.
MERCY IN ACTION TRAINING - School Ministries of the Pacific Southwest District is pleased to be able
to offer a Mercy In Action Training at Christ Lutheran Church and School, Costa Mesa, January 22. We
will be welcoming our special guest presenter Rev. Ross Johnson, director of the LCMS Disaster Response.
Pastor Johnson will give a three-hour presentation about responding in times of disaster. Responding to
disasters with mercy is a vital part of who we are as members of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
Responding to disasters allows all involved in school and church ministry to confess Christ to their
students, parents, congregation, and community in ways they may have never considered before.
Together, we will address the nature of disasters and explore what our response should be to a disaster as
ministry leaders within the LCMS. We will explore how Christ has shown mercy to us, and how we can
show our children, their parents, our congregations, and our community the same Christ-like mercy as we
have seen. The goal is to become better prepared for when a disaster strikes and know how to respond
with both Word and deed within the greater community. Cost for this training will be $15 for partner
schools/congregations and $25 for non-partner schools/congregations per attendee. Included in the cost
of training will be the workbook "Mercy in Action: A Guide for Educators in the Midst of Disaster". Partner
schools are schools that have contributed to School Services for the 2014-15 school year. We look
forward to your participation in this important and informative workshop! To register your attendance
please click here to be directed to the registration website. Please direct any questions to Kim Violette
kim.violette@psd-lcms.org.
HAITI MISSION TRIP - Join us this January 22-31 in Les Cayes, Haiti on our new exciting mission trip.
We need hearts and hands to help build the Kingdom of God. Projects will be: construction and
renovation of orphanage cabins; Vacation Bible School/feeding program; medical clinics; gardening and
more! It will be a life changing experience! Contact Rev. Dr. S T Williams, Jr., St. Paul Lutheran, Los
Angeles, at pastorwilliamsjrla@yahoo.com or at 402-525-3395 for more information.
ADMISSION OFFICER VISIT IN PSD – Rev. Daniel Eggold, Concordia Seminary Admissions Officer will
be in the Pacific Southwest District on the following dates. Please call Rev. Eggold at 314-505-7224 or
email him at eggoldd@csl.edu to make an appointment.
Monday, January 26 – Concordia University, Irvine, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Tuesday, January 27 – Concordia University, Irvine, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Wednesday, January 28 – Faith Community Lutheran Church, Las Vegas, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Wednesday, January 28 – Faith Lutheran Middle & High School, Las Vegas, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Wednesday, January 28 – Grace Lutheran Church, Henderson, 4:00pm – 8:00 pm
Thursday, January 29 – Zion Lutheran Church, Victorville, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Thursday, January 29 – Our Savior Community Lutheran Church, Palm Springs, 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Friday, January 30 – Starbucks, 6101 W. Century Blvd., Los Angeles, 8:00 am – 10:00 am
PSD LWML WOMEN’S RETREAT: “God’s Feminine Power Suit!” – Please join us February 6-8 at the
Embassy Suites in Ontario for a retreat weekend of Bible study, prayer, fellowship, and rest. Sharon
Norris Elliott, a dynamic teacher at Orange Lutheran High School, will be the leader. She is author of nine
published books and a popular speaker. She “is determined to live a life that matters, which is the basis
for her writing, speaking, and teaching ministry model.” We’ll be led in music by Sheila Bosch and Bev
Rasmussen. Register today – deadline to register is January 5, 2015! Forms are on our website.
LLL (LHM) ANNUAL CELEBRATION/RALLY - The Grand Canyon District International Lutheran
Laymen’s League Annual Celebration/Rally will be on February 21 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm! The
featured speaker is to be Dr. Micah Parker. This event is to be held at Apostles Lutheran Church, Peoria,
AZ. A free will offering will be taken for lunch. Dr. Parker's mission is to: share how God can use an
ordinary man and women to get through extraordinary circumstances; motivate others with humor and
Biblical truth toward action in their relationship with Jesus Christ; and equip Christians of all ages to glorify
God despite the challenges of this world. A registration flyer will be available in January, 2015.
Questions? Contact Denise Seaman at GrandCanyonDistrictLLL@gmail.com or 480-883-8024.
BEST PRACTICES FOR MINISTRY – Do you want to gain ideas of what to do next? Do you want to talk
to others who have gone through the same things? Do you need encouragement at this crossroad in your
life and ministry? Do you want to bring your whole team so you can be on the same page? In the spirit
of the great commission convocation Christ Church Lutheran, Phoenix is offering this FREE conference,
February 26-28 for a 4th year. All costs for the event are being donated or are being covered by the
congregation. If you would like to donate to this cause you are welcome to do so. Participants are
responsible for travel and lodging (if wanted they can house folks with church members). We have
gathered a “coalition of the willing” to offer almost 200 breakout sessions to help one another be and do
the best we can for our Lord Jesus Christ. Click here for more information and to register.
CANCER COMPANIONS TRAINING - Let Christian therapist Karen Tripp MS, LMFT, train your volunteers
to be Cancer Companions who reach into the lives of cancer families and support them through their
struggles. This full day training being held at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Orange on Saturday, March 14
from 9:30 am – 4:30 pm includes important content concerning the cancer experience as well as skill
training which is vital for any Cancer Companion. The cost is $110.00 per person (lunch and training
materials provided). For more information and to register, click here.
JR. HIGH DYG - Jr. High DYG returns to Concordia University next March. Whether you bring your
confirmation class, the 6th, 7th, and 8th graders in your Lutheran school, your junior high or your middle
school youth group, the annual Jr. High DYG (dating back to the mid-80's) is not to be missed. Here are
the details early in the planning process: Dates - March 7-8; Theme – HIStory; Theme Verse - John
15:26-27; Speaker - Pastor Bob Hiller. Registration packets have been mailed and online registration is
now open. For more information and instructions on registering and getting your hotel room(s) click here.
Questions? Contact Timothy Potthoff – Jr. High DYG Coordinator tpotthoff@hephatha.net.
ADULT CHURCH CHORAL FESTIVAL - Adult Church Choral Festival to be held at Concordia University,
Irvine, on Sunday, March 15 at 4:00 pm. Choirs will sing 3-4 mass anthems under the direction of Dr.
Michael Busch, and will be given the opportunity to sing one anthem on their own, if they so desire. To
inquire about participation OR to register for this event, please contact Dr. Carol McDaniel, associate
professor of church music at Concordia: carol.mcdaniel@cui.edu.
THE SUMMIT – The Summit, Saturday, April 18, being held at Crean Lutheran High School, Irvine is
one of the unique youth events of our district. The Summit is an event designed for youth in 4th to 6th
grades. Building on John 16:33, our theme “Troublemaker” will explore how Christ overcomes trouble in
each of our lives. The Summit will be filled with active learning, fun, meaningful games and activities, as
well as service opportunities for each student. This year we have two amazing speakers, Casey & Jacob
Sitze. Additionally there will be a service project that all participants will be able to help with.
Registration packets have been mailed and online registration is now open. For more information and
instructions on registering click here.
CONCORDIA ELEMENTARY INSTRUMENTAL FESTIVAL - Saturday, April 18 at Bethany Lutheran
Church, Long Beach for Grades 4-8; Beginning to Advanced Levels. Opportunities for Solo Instrument
Adjudication and Large Group Ensemble playing. Morning to mid-afternoon. Co-sponsored by Concordia
Instrumental Department and Bethany Lutheran, Long Beach. Guest Conductor, Dr. Jeff Held from
Concordia, Irvine. Organizers/Coordinators: Mrs. Mara Widmann (Bethany) and Dr. Carol McDaniel. For
more information email carol.mcdaniel@cui.edu.
PARTNERS IN MINISTRY
News and events from our LCMS partners in ministry
CONCORDIA PUBLISHING HOUSE
CONCORDIA COMMENTARY SERIES: ISAIAH 56-66 - Serious biblical scholars know the Concordia
Commentary volumes offer trustworthy theological exposition of the original inspired texts of the sacred
Scriptures. Isaiah 56–66, just released by Concordia Publishing House, is the twenty-seventh volume in
the landmark commentary series. Author Dr. R. Reed Lessing combines a meticulous analysis of the
Hebrew text with an engaging, memorable, and homiletical proclamation of the prophet’s meaning.
Dr. Reed Lessing’s work is grounded in decades of scholarly research and service as a seminary professor
and pastor. In this new volume, he shows that Isaiah 56–66 is the culmination of Isaiah’s message
condemning humanity’s sin and promising the Suffering Servant, who atones for that sin, rises in majesty,
and prepares an eternal city, the new Zion, for all the redeemed. Order Isaiah 56–66 – Concordia
Commentary now through www.cph.org. For more information, or to arrange an interview with the author,
contact Lindsey Martie, CPH Public Relations, (314) 268-1303.
CONCORDIA SEMINARY, ST. LOUIS
ADMISSION OFFICER VISIT – Rev. Daniel Eggold, Concordia Seminary Admissions Officer will be in the
Pacific Southwest District on the following dates. Please call Rev. Eggold at 314-505-7224 or email him at
eggoldd@csl.edu to make an appointment.
Monday, January 26 – Concordia University, Irvine, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Tuesday, January 27 – Concordia University, Irvine, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Wednesday, January 28 – Faith Community Lutheran Church, Las Vegas, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Wednesday, January 28 – Faith Lutheran Middle & High School, Las Vegas, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Wednesday, January 28 – Grace Lutheran Church, Henderson, 4:00pm – 8:00 pm
Thursday, January 29 – Zion Lutheran Church, Victorville, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Thursday, January 29 – Our Savior Community Lutheran Church, Palm Springs, 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Friday, January 30 – Starbucks, 6101 W. Century Blvd., Los Angeles, 8:00 am – 10:00 am
CONCORDIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY, FORT WAYNE
2015 SYMPOSIA SERIES — The “Integrity of the Scriptures: Text and Canon” and “Culture: Friend or
Foe?” are the themes to be examined at the 2015 Symposia Series, January 20-23 at Concordia
Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana. Schedule, speaker information and online registration for the
Symposia Series and the Lenten Preaching workshop can be found here. The 30th Annual Symposium on
Exegetical Theology will take place January 20-21. The 38th Annual Symposium on The Lutheran
Confessions has a theme of "Culture: Friend or Foe" and will take place January 21-23. Those unable to
be on campus for the series can watch via the internet by signing up for the Livestream Video option, also
at www.ctsfw.edu/Symposia. Learn more about CTS at www.ctsfw.edu and the LCMS at www.lcms.org.
For additional information concerning educational opportunities and events at CTS, please contact: Jayne
Sheafer, CTS Director of Public Relations, at 260-452-2250 or SeminaryRelations@ctsfw.edu.
WEEKLY LECTIONARY PODCAST - Providing valuable resources for the clergy and laypeople of The
Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) is a task the faculty of Concordia Theological Seminary takes
seriously. The latest offering from the faculty is a weekly Lectionary Podcast based upon the Gospel
reading for the upcoming Sunday from the three-year lectionary. The podcasts will be posted every
Tuesday on the Seminary’s Facebook, beginning November 25 with the reading for Advent 1. No login is
required to view the podcast. The Seminary’s media site, is another excellent option for resource
material. Items available include theological articles, course videos, chapel sermons and other resources
for the good of Christ's Church.
LUTHERAN CHURCH EXTENSION FUND
DRAWING & ESSAY CONTEST – The Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) office in the Pacific
Southwest District will be conducting their first-ever Drawing & Essay Contest “Responding to His Love.”
This contest is open to Young Investor (Y.I.) Club members who reside in the PSD. Prizes will range from
$25 - $100 and will be given in five different age categories. The contest will run from January 5 through
January 31. Full contest rules can be found at www.psd-lcms.org on the LCEF page. Not a Y.I. Club
member? Open a Young Investors StewardAccount before the end of 2014 to be eligible for the contest.
Go to www.lcef.org to complete the Fast Form or download the application. Applications are also available
from the LCEF office by contacting Gail Kanneg at gail.kanneg@psd-lcms.org or at 949-854-3232 ext.
205. Questions about the contest should be directed to Gail Kanneg.
YOU + LCEF = EMPOWERED MINISTRIES - An investment for NEW Lutheran Church Extension Fund
(LCEF) investors, ConnectPLUS gives you the opportunity to join the powerful partnership between
individuals and The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod ministries that are ensuring more people hear the
life-saving Gospel message. As an LCEF investor, you help make funds available for loans and support
services that empower ministries and rostered church workers to carry out their call. ConnectPLUS*
features: 3% fixed rate on the first $5,000; Second-tier rate on balance over $5,000; $500 minimum to
open; Two-year term; Additional investments of at least $25 allowed; For new investors 18 and older.
Offer subject to change. Invest with ConnectPLUS today! Visit www.lcef.org or call 800-843-5233.
DECEMBER NEWSLETTER – Keep up-to-date on all the LCEF news from the Pacific Southwest District.
Click here to read the November issue. Click here to get the newsletter sent directly to you each month.
LUTHERAN CHURCH MISSOURI SYNOD
LCMS CHURCH INFORMATION CENTER - Have a question about The Lutheran Church—Missouri
Synod? Do you need help navigating the LCMS website or finding resources for your church? The LCMS
Church Information Center is here to help. The Church Information Center is open Monday through Friday
from 7:45 am to 4:15 pm CT with trained staff who can answer your questions or put you in touch with
the person who can. Next time you need an answer or resources, call the LCMS Church Information Center
at 888-843-5267 or send an email to infocenter@lcms.org.
LCMS LIFE CONFERENCE - We’re taking a stand, speaking out on behalf of the 2,900 children who are
aborted every day right here in America. And we’re counting on you to stand with us by attending the
2015 LCMS Life Conference. Where: Washington, D.C. When: Jan. 22-24, 2015. For more information
go to www.lcms.org/events/lifeconference.
LUTHERAN HOUR MINISTRIES
NEW SERIES: REGRETS, REALITY, RESTORATION - The simple truth is life is full of regrets. Imprinted
on our psyches, some resist all attempts at erasure. What do we do when the condemning memory of
past offense(s) won't be silenced? Is there a way out beyond our backstory? Regrets, Reality, Restoration
shows there is, by sharing the life stories of those who have found resolution and victory over the
heartache of their pasts. Click here to learn more.
WITNESS BOOTH VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - 50 Petal Pusher® Witness Booth volunteer opportunities are
available this year to provide a Christian witness at 3 locations: the Rose Palace, the Rosemont Pavilion
and the Parade Route. This is to be at the time Petal Pushers® decorate and prepare for the roll out of the
2015 Lutheran Hour Ministries float entitled: “The Bible....God's Story.” Each year, Petal Pusher® Witness
Booth volunteers have the opportunity to visit with many folks. They’ve been giving out 5,000 pieces of
Christian literature yearly. Praise God! We are blessed to be a blessing ... and here’s your opportunity to
be a blessing agent. You’ll be provided with Christian literature to share with the many visitors. As an
extra incentive, you will be provided with a free ticket to the Behind the Scenes Party! For a schedule,
map and to sign up, contact Lou Marting at lmarting@cox.net.
WANTED: PETAL PUSHERS - Did you ever imagine working on a float for the annual Tournament of
Roses Parade? As you're watching these floral creations drift across your TV screen on New Year's Day, did
you ever get the itch to see these elaborate mechanical productions first-hand -- even before they sail the
asphalt thoroughfares of Southern California? You can. Each year more than 4,000 people migrate to the
city of Pasadena, California, to become part of the Petal Pusher®. This group of dedicated volunteers is
integral to the formidable effort of piecing together stem by stem and bud by bud The Lutheran Hour
Float. All totaled, this year's Petal Pushers® will contribute their craftsmanship toward the construction of
eight floats (including the Lutheran Hour Ministries entry) in a New Year's Day extravaganza that's been
ongoing since 1890. This year the theme for the LHM float is "The Bible ... God's Story." The LHM float is
the longest-running, religious-themed float in the parade. To get a glimpse of this year's work-in-progress
and the biblical stories represented on the float, you can click here. The Float Committee is currently
seeking volunteer help on the floats. Assistance is needed through December 30 – time slots have just
been reopened. Volunteers range in age from 13 to well into the 90s. Individuals, married couples, church
groups, families, senior citizens, and youth groups are just a few of those participating in past years. Many
of these folks "camp out" in area Lutheran churches during their stay in California. Come lend a hand in
decorating these amazing works of movable art. Here's a volunteer request form to get you started: just
click here. Do you have questions about becoming a Petal Pusher® volunteer in this remarkable
opportunity? If so, just contact Lou Marting at lmarting@cox.net.
BEHIND THE SCENES PARTY - Pease join us for the Behind the Scenes Party! The Petal Pushers®
Behind the Scenes Party will be held on Tuesday, December 30, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The location
is the Rose Palace, 835 South Raymond Ave. Pasadena CA. For the map, click here. This is a nonalcoholic event with a wide array of foods. As guests of the Petal Pushers float committee, you’ll see this
year's VIP float riders. The event provides attendees the opportunity to tour and view finished Rose
Parade floats on the last night of decorating week. As you smell the beautiful aroma of thousands of
freshly cut roses, you will see first-hand the work of the Petal Pushers®. Please purchase tickets early so
that we can plan and serve you efficiently. Tickets can be purchased here. The price is $25 per person and
$50 for the immediate family. To obtain additional information contact Dick Gast at
dick@rgaltd.occoxmail.com or call 949-458-0606.
LLL (LHM) ANNUAL CELEBRATION/RALLY - Please join us for the Grand Canyon District International
Lutheran Laymen’s League (Lutheran Hour Ministries) Annual Celebration/Rally to be held on February
21, 2015 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm! The featured speaker is to be Dr. Micah Parker, a 1991 graduate
Concordia University – Nebraska. This event is to be held at Apostles Lutheran Church, Peoria, AZ. A free
will offering will be taken for lunch. Dr. Parker's mission is to: share how God can use an ordinary man
and women to get through extraordinary circumstances; motivate others with humor and Biblical truth
toward action in their relationship with Jesus Christ; and equip Christians of all ages to glorify God despite
the challenges of this world. For more information about Dr. Parker, see his website at
www.TrustGuyMinistries.com. A registration flyer will be available in January, 2015. Questions? Contact
Denise Seaman at GrandCanyonDistrictLLL@gmail.com or 480-883-8024.
LUTHERAN HOUR MINISTIRES RESOURCES
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DAILY DEVOTIONS –Get devotions sent to your inbox by clicking here.
MOBILE APP - To download the free Lutheran Hour app, click here.
JC PLAY ZONE – A safe online play space for children ages 2-6 and their parents, click here.
OUTREACH PLANNING REPORT - To receive your complimentary report, click here.
BIBLE STUDIES W/SUBTITLES – Get video Bible studies with subtitles, click here.
NEEDS – REQUESTS - TOURS
PSD eNews is not responsible for the contents, opinions or accuracy of the following items.
HOLY LAND TOUR – Travel with Rev. Harold & Joy Kallio (Emeritus, Lake Havasu City) who have 35
years-experience hosting foreign travel. The cost for February 2-11, 2015 tour is $2,997 and includes
round trip air fare from New York, first class hotels and motor coach, breakfast and dinner daily and more.
For complete information call the Kallios at 928-680-7784.
ISRAEL-JORDAN TOUR WITH SINAI EXTENSION – May 22 - June 3, 2015 (June 7, includes Sinai
Extension) - 12/16 Nights - $2499 + airfare. 4-5 star accommodations. Experience rich! Bible studies,
walking tours, marriage renewal service in Cana, half-day archaeological dig, baptism renewal at Bethany
Beyond the Jordan & a lot more. Tour hosted by Pastor Paul Frank, Hosanna Lutheran Church, Mesa, AZ,
Click here for more information. Contact Richard Ross at 714-334-1252 for details.
HOLY LAND TOUR - Pastor Toby Joeckel, First Good Shepherd, Las Vegas is leading his 4th trip to the
Holy Land May 26-June 4, 2015. The cost for the 10 day educational tour is $3,800, which is all
inclusive. If interested in learning more about this wonderful experience contact Pastor Toby at
pastortoby@outlook.com or call him at 702-523-6210.
CUSTOM FAITH-BASED TOURS - Christian tours at affordable prices for you and your congregation.
Pastor and spouse travel for free. Germany, Israel, Greece, Turkey & more. www.Lutherantours.com
Contact Richard Ross at 714-334-1252.
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SUBMIT SPECIFIC PRAYER REQUESTS to kelly.dejongh@psd-lcms.org.
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God’s blessings to you, in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ!
psdenews@psd-lcms.org
Pacific Southwest District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
1540 Concordia Drive East, Irvine, CA 92612, 888-773-5267