Will They Always Be There? - Central Illinois District

The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod
www.cidlcms.org
January/February 2006
Spreading Hope to Katrina Victims
By Rev. Terry Strom
In This
Issue...
Spreading Hope to Katrina
Victims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
The Great Commission
Convocation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Official Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Hurricane Katrina Relief
Response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Camp CILCA Pastors’
Retreat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2006 Camp CILCA Events . . . . . 5
Will They Always be There? . . . 6
Volunteer Teacher of the Year
Nominations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Sunday School Teachers’
Workshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Good Humor Box . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
St. Paul Lutheran Installation . . 7
Investment Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Jacksonville Zone Celebrates
40 Years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
What would you think? How would you
feel if you came home and saw strangers
beating holes in your walls and throwing
your child’s rocking chair and all his toys
out into the street? The servant team
from Trinity, Cissna Park, experienced
this when a group of volunteers from
Trinity and others from Indiana were the
strangers throwing this family’s lives
out into the street. To hug that mother
as she sobs uncontrollably and her
husband says “it feels like my heart
has been ripped out.”
Our group was sent to the community
of Chalmette, St. Bernard Parish, an area
that was hard hit by the floodwaters of
Katrina. For two days we “gutted” out
a 2-story house (stripped everything out
of the house; kitchen cabinets, drywall,
everything to the studs). The waters had
risen three feet up the second story.
The first day a couple of us helped repair
a lady’s fence and repair her roof, which
doesn’t seem like a very high priority
considering all the major damage that
was around (the house next door was
missing its whole roof). We were sent
because the lady that we helped was
recently widowed. Her husband was a
New Orleans fireman and he was
electrocuted two weeks before while
working. In the midst of a disaster and
losing her husband even the smallest
gesture of repairing her fence helped.
As important as the physical work was,
more important was the need to listen.
Listening to their stories and as many
thousands of homes were affected there
are that many stories, each unique and
each very personal. Our mission was to
bring hope. Our mission was to share
Christ love. Our mission was to be the
hands and feet of Jesus Christ, to support
and to serve. To see an ex-marine with
tears streaming down his face in gratitude
as he tells us “you have given my
family hope.”
Continued on Page 2.
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The GatePost • January/February 2006
Spreading Hope to Katrina Victims
(Continued from Page 1)
Out Servant team consisted of eight people from our church. One couple
prepared three meals a day for the volunteers that stayed at the tent city
sponsored by Lutheran Disaster Response. They would serve anywhere
from 20 – 85 people at each meal. Their day would begin at 4:30 a.m.
preparing breakfast. The team slept on cots and, after eating a
hearty breakfast, the teams would leave by 7:00 to 7:15 a.m. to
the various job sites. This tent city in the past four or so weeks
have helped approximately 30 families and as of last week they
have over 250 more families pending and the list is growing
each day.
In my opinion I would estimate that only 10 to 15% of
the homes in the areas that we worked have been gutted.
Repairing New Orleans is just beginning. The tragedy is
overwhelming as thousands of homes were destroyed. We
were haunted by the thought, how can I make a difference?
But, to that marine and his family, to that widow in Jefferson
Parish, to that pastor and his family living on Corrine Drive
that had 8 inches of “muck” and snakes in their house, to
the retired pastor who is suffering from Alzheimer and his
family in Metairie through Christ we made a difference.
The mess in the Gulf Coast is so very big and it will take so many years for
things to finally be back to normal. But volunteers are making a difference,
one family at a time. One family at a time, one story at a time we can
make a difference through Christ.
Another joy of serving is meeting wonderful Christians from around the
United States. We were connected with Lutheran Disaster Response Tent
City in Metairie near the airport in New Orleans. This Tent City has been
funded and helped by Orphan Grain Train, local churches and churches
around the US, Lutheran Church Charities, LWML, LWR and other
organizations. Jessica, a member of a local Lutheran Church,
and Seth, a DCE from Nebraska who will begin studying at the
St. Louis Seminary this summer, manage the Tent City. I
cannot say enough about Jessica and Seth, they are so caring
and loving for the victims of Katrina, all the while they are
trying to coordinate volunteers coming from all corners of the
United States. Phil, from Arkansas, is the chef who does a
great job and, if you are real lucky, will teach you how to talk
proper English.
If you want to volunteer,
please visit the
Web site at www.ldr.org.
Telling The Good News About Jesus
Participants brought food and other items
to share with the needy.
Youth from High school and Junior High helped
make blankets for local charities.
3
Some of the more than 600 participants register
for the Great Commission Convocation.
T H E G R E AT C O M M I S S I O N C O N VO C AT I O N
Back to Reality: Jesus Christ It Is
O C TO B E R 2 9 , 2 0 0 5 • S P R I N G F I E L D, I L L I N O I S
Dr. Dean O. Wenthe., President of Concordia
Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne, preached at
the concluding Reformation service.
Young children had an opportunity to learn about
Jesus with lessons, songs and crafts.
The Convocation volunteer choir adds beauty to the service.
Dr. Dale Meyer, President of Concordia
Seminary, St. Louis, gives the keynote address
to the Convocation
Pastors and lay volunteers are commissioned for the CID’s Latvia mission.
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The GatePost • January/February 2006
Official Notices:
Calls Accepted:
Rev. James Hennig
from St. Peter-Prairietown, IL
to Concordia-Springfield
Calling Congregations:
St. John, Beardstown
Grace, Canton
Our Redeemer, Forsyth
St. Paul, Manito
Holy Cross, Moline
Zion, Mt. Pulaski
$
Hurricane Katrina damage to Faith
Lutheran School in Harahan, LA.
Photographed by Michael S. Taylor.
Hurricane Katrina Relief Response
As of November 1, 2005, our Central Illinois District churches have given/committed
$21,794.48 to help St. Matthew and Holy Trinity Lutheran Churches, Gulfport, MS.
That’s great! Many thanks!
Every penny counts! Our minimum goal is $30,000, because LCMS World Relief will
match our District’s gifts up to $30,000!
Also, thanks to those who have volunteered. Volunteers from our District are now being
directed to LCMS World Missions who are coordinating the volunteers. You may,
however, request to work in the Gulfport area.
Trinity, Urbana
Holy Cross, Vandalia
Camp CILCA Pastors’ Retreat
May 1-2, 2006
Why Do We Confess the Church? Patristic Reflections
Guest Speaker: Dr. William Weinrich
Cost is $40. Retreat begins at 9 a.m. on Monday and concludes on Tuesday
at 12:30 p.m.
Registration includes lodging, two noon meals and breakfast. There will be a
cookout and campfire on Monday evening. This activity is sponsored by the
Jacksonville and Lincoln Circuits. For more information contact the Rev. Brian
Lesemann at banblesemann@juno.com or call (309) 546-2434.
Telling The Good News About Jesus
5
2006 Camp CILCA Events
Talking to your kids about the
“Birds & the Bees” Parenting Retreat
January 20-21 • 7 p.m. Friday - 4 p.m. Saturday
This retreat is aimed at opening or enhancing communication
between parent and child in the areas of sexuality. Do you
want your kids to learn about God’s gift of sexuality only from
movies or their friends at school? Join with other parents for
this challenging, but helpful retreat about teaching your kids
about the birds and the bees. Led by Kevin Bueltmann, who
has a Family Life Ministry Master’s Degree from Concordia
University in Seward, Nebraska. The $45 per person cost
includes one night’s lodging at the Retreat center, breakfast, and
lunch. You will each need to bring your own bedding (sleeping
bag/pillow) and towels.
Camp CILCA’s Christian
Scrapbooking Retreat
February 10-12 • 7 p.m Friday - 2 p.m. Sunday
The pictures are piling up and you’re ready to get away from
the distractions at home and spend some dedicated time
getting them into a scrapbook! Enjoy a faith-filled time of
fellowship and fun with other Christian women. Your $85 fee
includes 5 meals and a motel-like room. Bring a friend and
save $10! Tawn Bueltmann will be your Spiritual Life Leader
and Retreat Hostess. Go to www.cilca.org for more details and
to register.
“In the Woods . . . In the Word”
Men’s Retreat
March 3-5 • 8 p.m. Friday - 2 p.m. Sunday
Camp CILCA is sponsoring its annual men’s retreat called, “In
the Woods . . . In the Word.” The service activity of cutting and
splitting firewood will be a significant part of the retreat.
Robert Mrosko, who is pastor at Peace Lutheran Church in
Thomasboro and also chairman of the Camp CILCA board,
will lead the Bible Studies. The $48 charge covers lodging in
the Retreat Center and five meals. The cost is half price ($24)
for those who bring their own chain saws or log splitters. You
will need to bring your own bedding (sleeping bag/pillow)
and towels.
“What to Do, Before ‘I Do’”
Engaged Couples Retreat
March 31-April 1 • 7 p.m. Friday - 4 p.m. Saturday
Spend time getting prepared before you say “I Do.” Learn some
important things about communication, gender differences,
personality differences, and love languages. Meet other engaged
couples just like you. Your Retreat Leaders will be Kevin and
Tawn Bueltmann. Kevin has his Family Life Ministry Master’s
Degree from Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska.
Limited to 16 couples, so register ASAP!! The $45 per person
cost includes one night’s lodging at the Retreat center, breakfast,
and lunch. You will each need to bring your own bedding
(sleeping bag/pillow) and towels.
Families with Hope
June 23-25 • 7 p.m. Friday - 2 p.m. Sunday
Families who have gone through a divorce (recent or otherwise)
deal with a unique set of challenges. Kids, for example, often
deal with issues of guilt, wondering what they could’ve done
differently to keep mom and dad together. Why not learn some
strategies and skills that will make things easier in the long run
for all family members. Thanks to a grant from CID-LWML,
Camp CILCA is offering a camp retreat filled with learning,
growing, playing, and hope. Parents and kids will have some
sessions together and some sessions apart. LCMS Lay Minister
and Parish Nurse, Kim Meyer, will be leading the various
sessions. Check our Web site for details about prices and
financial assistance available, coming soon about this special
opportunity. In the meantime, you may send an email to
kevin@cilca.org to let us know of your interest and any special
family needs as we prepare.
6
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The GatePost • January/February 2006
Will They Always Be There?
It’s Sunday morning. You get up . . . you eat . . . you go to church. You have done that all
your life. When you get to church, the pastor is there to baptize your children. The
pastor is there to feed you the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The pastor is there to feed you the
body and blood of Christ. The pastor is always there . . . he has always been there.
It’s Monday morning and you rise to take your children to school. The teacher is there
to teach them reading, writing, and arithmetic. The teacher is there to teach them the
Gospel of Jesus Christ. Your children go to Lutheran school, and the teachers have
always been there.
Will our pastors and teachers always be there?
With the cost of education rising rapidly, will they always be there? With our pastors
and teachers coming out of school with more and more college debt, will they always be
there? Probably not — without our help.
This past summer, the Central Illinois District (CID) disbursed over $120,000 in grants
to seminary students and undergraduates studying for careers in full time church work.
Some of this money came from a grant from the District LWML, some from private
individuals, and the bulk of it came from a grant from the Clara and Spencer Werner
Foundation. We are so thankful for these blessings.
Will our pastors and teachers always be there?
CID is in the midst of losing the grant from the Werner Foundation as they redirect their
efforts and funds. In order to replace this loss, we must raise between $1.5 and $2.0
million to be placed in an endowment fund for scholarships to our future pastors and
teachers. By using only the income from this endowment, the principal will always be
there to provide future income. We will be able to continue to provide scholarship
grants to everyone in the CID who wants to serve the Lord as a pastor, teacher, DCE, or
Deaconess.
Will our pastors and teachers always be there?
With your help and by the grace of God they can be. With your help and by the grace of
God, no one will be left out. If you want to help with this important task, please contact
me, Dave Rohe, CID Gift Planning Counselor, and let’s discuss your options for a gift
now, a gift in the future, or a gift at your death. All are possible with proper planning.
Please call me at (217) 793-1802 and arrange an appointment to look at your options.
Will our pastors and teachers always be there?
Let’s do our part to see that they are.
Good Humor Box
A Sunday School teacher began her lesson with a question, “Boys and girls,
what do we know about God?”
A hand shot up in the air. “He is an artist!” said the kindergarten boy.
“Really? How do you know?” the teacher asked.
“You know — Our Father, who does art in Heaven . . .”
Volunteer Teacher
of the Year!
Teacher Nominations:
Who: Sunday School teachers, Bible
School teachers, and other
teachers!
Where: Forms will be sent out to
Pastors and Sunday School
Superintendents, January, 2006.
When: Nominations are due by
March 1, 2006
Why: To give thanks to the many
dedicated volunteers who give
countless hours doing the
Lord’s work.
Please consider nominating those
special people in your congregation
who help out in so many ways!
Sunday School
Teachers’
Workshop*
Saturday, March 18, 2006, 10 a.m. 2 p.m., is the 5th Annual Central
Illinois District Sunday School
Teacher Workshop at Our Savior’s
Lutheran Church, Springfield, IL.
Dr. Dave Ebeling will be leading the
workshop entitled “Four Ingredients
of a Healthy Sunday School.”
CPH items (including the new
Sunday School material) will be on
display and available for purchase.
Cost is $20 per person (lunch and $5
certificate for CPH items included in
fee). Registration forms will be sent
out at a later date.
* This qualifies as continuing education hours
for Lutheran teachers.
Telling The Good News About Jesus
7
St. Paul Lutheran Installation
The Rev. David Bergelin (left), pictured with his father, Rev. Darrel Bergelin (right),
was installed at St Paul Lutheran in Lexington on October 16, 2005.
John W. Sias has begun his first year of studies
in the M.Div. program at Concordia Theological
Seminary. His home congregation is University
Lutheran Church, Champaign, IL.
✁
CENTRAL ILLINOIS DISTRICT CHURCH EXTENSION FUND, INC. INVESTMENT FORM 03-01-04
1850 North Grand Ave. West., Springfield, IL 62702-1626 • (217) 793-1802 Fax: (217) 793-9454 • E-mail cef@cidlcms.org
The mission of The Church Extension Fund, Inc., is to make funds and services available to
congregations for building efforts in support of The Great Commission (Matthew 28).
The enclosed $_________________ investment in CID-CEF should be issued as follows:
TERM
% RATE*
MINIMUM
___Flexible
___1 Year
___3 Year
___5 Year
___6 Months
1.00
3.25
4.00
4.25
Variable
$25 (Passbook Savings Account)
$100
___Interest Check Semi-Annually (if over $25)
$100
$1,000
___Accumulate Interest and Add to Note Balance
$5,000
*RATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE. PLEASE CALL TO CONFIRM CURRENT INTEREST RATES.
__ Individual Ownership - Name (print)
Social Security or
I.D. Number__________________________________________
__ Joint Ownership - Name _______________________________________________
and/or Name _____________________________________________________
Signature______________________________________________
(As joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in common)
__ Minor Owner- Adult ______________as custodian for Child __________________
(Under the Illinois Uniform Gifts to Minors Act)
____________________________________________________________________
State
Zip
City
Address
____________________________________________________________________
Phone
Congregation
Apply Investment for Benefit of______________________
Lutheran Church towards meeting its supporting investment
requirement: 25% of loan.
CERTIFICATION: Under penalties of perjury, I certify (1) that the number shown
on this form is my correct taxpayer identification number and (2) that I am NOT
subject to backup withholding under the provisions of section 3406(a)(1)(C) of the
Internal Revenue Code. (Allow two weeks for delivery of note.)
USA PATRIOT ACT of October 26, 2001, says we must verify the identity of any person seeking to open an investment account with us. We will follow this law by obtaining
picture identification of all new investors. Therefore, if you are a new investor, please include a photocopy of your drivers license or other state issued photo identification. The
protection of our customer’s identity and confidentiality is CEF’s pledge to you. We proudly support all efforts to protect and maintain the security of our investors and our country.
Jacksonville Zone of the Lutheran
Laymen’s League Celebrates 40 Years
Pastor Joseph Eckman
Members of the Jacksonville Zone and
guests sing with the residents at the 40th
anniversary service.
▲
▲
The Jacksonville Zone of the Lutheran
Laymen’s League celebrated 40 years
of conducting services for the
developmentally disabled at the
Jacksonville Developmental Center
in Jacksonville. Pastor Joseph Eckman
led the service. After the service, the
Director of the Developmental Center
presented the Zone with a certificate
of appreciation.
The Communications Committee
for The Central Illinois District of
the Lutheran Church - Missouri
Synod is published 6 times per year.
It is a supplement
to congregational newsletters.
Submit all articles to the Editor:
Rev. Robert L. Bruer
3303 E. Maryland
Decatur, IL 62521
Email: gatepost@insightbb.com
Layout and Design by:
Deverman Advertising
Pekin, Illinois
Printing and Distribution by:
Martin Graphics
Champaign, Illinois
Deadline for
March/April Issue:
January 20, 2006
Communications Committee
Rev. Rodger Abatie, Chairman
Rev. Robert Bruer, Editor
Jim Deverman
Lisa Dippel
Joel Fletcher
Rev. Dr. Wayne Hoffman
Rev. Wesley Reimnitz, Advisor
Mike Smith