December 8, 2010 In This Issue
12/31 - LCC's only appeal hristmas Gifting to Make A Difference Haiti Group Leaving This Morning Help us Feed People in Need Administrative Help Needed Church Secretary With Serious Eye Condition in Need of Assistance Tim Hetzner Speaks at St. Paul Chicago Heights Altar Guild Dinner Your Donations Make A Difference Comfort Dog Update Three LERT Training Sessions Scheduled for 2011 Congregational Preparedness Vehicle Donations Needed for Families in Need Thrivent Choice LCC Emergency Assistance Fund Large Tornado hits Northern Illinois Help a Pastor's Widow Malaria Initiative Bible Study Classes Tim's Pick of the Week Job Seekers and Employers Holiday Craft Shows Upcoming Events How To Support LCC
LCC's
only appeal once a year to keep our doors open! Click here to donate
Christmas Gifting to Make A Difference Don't know what to give someone for Christmas? Don't want to fight the shoppers at the mall? Don't want to wrap a present? Don't know what to give someone who has everything they need? Consider giving a JESUS GIFT this CHRISTmas by gifting someone something that helps someone in need! LCC will acknowledge your gift to the person you are gifting!
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. Matthew 25:35 To gift someone this Christmas by helping someone in need Shoes for Haiti Children living in Tent Cities - $5 a pair Water Purification System for a family in Haiti - lasts 5 years - $30 Motorcycles for Pastors in Haiti - $1,000 each Buy A Christmas Meal for a family in Need through one of our Mission Congregations - $40 Buy a Bible in Arabic for a person or family through our Lutheran mission to Muslims - Rev Hicham Chehab - $10 Sponsor an Orphan in Haiti for a month through Pastor Isaac's Orphanage - $30 Sponsor an Orphan in India for a month through LCC's Orphanage in India - $30 El Comedor Popular Soup Kitchen - $5 per meal Other
Click Here to Give a Special Gift this CHRISTmas
Prayer Wall Post a prayer, or pray for others!
LCC's Prayer Wall
CANCELED: Haiti Group Leaving This Morning
Due to continued rioting in Haiti's capital city of Port-auPrince, and safety concerns, this trip has been canceled. This morning LCC staff member Dona Martin will be traveling with LCC Volunteer Andy Radetski, Rev. Glenn Merritt from LCMS World Relief and Human Care, and others to further our outreach ministry in Haiti and deliver needed aid to our partner churches in Haiti. Check our website at www.LutheranChurchCharities.org for daily updates on their trip. Please keep them in your prayers.
Aid will be given for:
LCC connects needs with resources, working with more than 400 congregations to help Christians "Make a Difference in People's Lives and in God's Kingdom" To meet our staff, click here
Shoes for Children in Tent Cities (click here to support) Water Filters for Families (click here to support) Building Homes and Hope for Haiti (click here to support)
For more information about LCC and its human care ministry, please contact LCC staff at: Help us Feed People in Need LCC@LutheranChurch In Disaster Response and Outreach Events Charities.org More...
Ministry Quicklinks Newsletter Archive / Printable Format
Because Christians do food well - and food is always needed in a Disaster Response situation and other outreach events, LCC is looking for a FOOD WAGON that we can cook and serve food from. Needs to be portable - can be a pull trailer or mobile unit. If you know of anyone who has one they would like to donate, or if your group would like to help purchase one that would be shared with our NID congregations and beyond, please contact Tim Hetzner at LCC at 866-455-6466.
Bible Classes Daily Devotions Prayer Requests To Donate Ministries We Support Join Our Mailing List!
Administrative Help Needed for Rev. Hicham Chehab
Request by Rev. Hicham Chehab, Pastor, Salam Christian Fellowship & Missionary for Chicagoland Lutheran Muslim Mission Association (CLMMA) Because of the rapid growth of the Lutheran Outreach ministry to Muslims, Hicham is requesting volunteer help of 3-8 hours a week. If you are able to volunteer please call Hicham at 331645-0650 or email him at hicham.chehab@gmail.com Information about the Ministry: With the generous prayers, guidance, financial assistance and direct involvement of many of the area's Lutheran Churches and pastors, we have progressed and now come to a new level of
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development in our mission's outreach program. A new governing and supporting organization, the Chicagoland Lutheran Muslim Mission Association (CLMMA), has been formally established. CLMMA's ministry, outreach mission and governance involve many of these LCMS congregations. As a part of this restructuring, Salam Christian Fellowship is now an associate congregation with Peace Lutheran Church in Lombard, Illinois, meeting in fellowship every Saturday.
Church Secretary With Serious Eye Condition in Need of Assistance
Request from Pastor Joe Ardy, Ascension Lutheran Church, Cleburne, Texas
"Send a Spoken Prayer"
LCC's "Send a Spoken Prayer" e-Card site is available. To learn more, Click Here
Jennifer, who was a part-time secretary at a small church in Cleburne, Texas, recently became ill with a strange and undiagnosed medical condition that has affected her eyes. One day in September, she woke with red eyes, that progressed to inflammation, that progressed to cloudy and impaired vision. The consensus of two eye doctors is that the eyes are a secondary site of inflammation caused by an auto-immune disease which is as yet unknown. She had to leave her job because she cannot see well enough to work at a computer and perform her duties. Focusing on a computer screen or reading for more than a few moments causes pain. Every day she sees life through "crumbled cellophane and fog." She cannot read or drive. An optometrist in her congregation has been seeing her and has treated her symptoms, but the underlying cause has yet to be found. She is currently under the care of an ophthalmologist, who requested blood work that cost over $800, the results of which were negative for three auto-immune diseases. He is requesting other tests and wanting her to see a rhuematologist. The testing will continue until the auto-immune diseases are eliminated and one is left standing. She has also seen her primary physician who could not find any underlying cause for the eye condition. Once diagnosed and treated, Jennifer will require two different eye surgeries. All these require funds that her family cannot provide. Her husband, who was laid off from his job in January, is currently on unemployment and there is no insurance for the family. He has applied for over 100 different positions, and is currently attending classes under a grant to become a paramedic. They have four sons, three living at home. Any assistance with these mounting medical bills would be such a blessing to this family. Click here to donate
Tim Hetzner Speaks at St. Paul Chicago Heights Altar Guild Dinner On Tuesday, December 7th, Tim Hetzner attended the Altar Guild's Christmas Dinner at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Chicago Heights. After dinner Tim shared about the LCC Comfort Dog Ministry as well as the other ministries and projects of LCC. Rich Martin from LCC and Comfort Dogs Magic and Olympia were there with Tim and spent time visiting with everyone in attendance.
Your Donations Make A Difference Need Met - Young Couple in Need of Car after Accident Request from Pastor Dan Hawkins, New Song Community Lutheran Church, Aurora, Illinois Because of the generous donation of a car by Ernest Mersch this need has been met. Mike stopped by the LCC offices in Addison on Wednesday, December 1st to pick up the donated car (pictured).
Pastor Hicham Chehab from Salam Arabic Fellowship in Lombard, picked up a mattress donated by Julie Sawusch from Immanuel Lutheran in Bartlett. The mattress is for a family in need that Salam is working with.
This past Friday, Pastor Hicham Chehab from Salam Arabic Fellowship in Lombard, stopped by the LCC offices in Addison and picked up two boxes of new sweatshirts, boxes and bags of adult and children's clothes, toys and Christmas decorations, new and used shoes for adults and children, hand-knitted hats, mittens, neck warmers, two hand-knitted afghans, and a TV with a tabletop TV stand. These items will be distributed to the Christian & Muslim refugee families that he serves. Your donations become a tangible way of proclaiming the love, mercy and compassion of Jesus to people who are hurting.
Thanks to Your Generous Support, We Were Able to Provide Assistance to the following: Redeemer Lutheran Church, Flint, MI - Funeral Expense Fund Ascension Lutheran Church, Cleburne, TX - Medical Assistance Fund Zion Lutheran Church, Lyons, IL - Medical Needs Fund Prison Ministry Fund Haiti Disaster Relief Fund
Comfort Dog Update Amazing "Faith" On Thursday, December 2nd, LCC Comfort Dog, Faith, was introduced to her new caretakers, Pastor Kelly Todd and his wife Linda, of Christ Lutheran in Goodrich, Michigan. The exchange took place just east of Paw Paw, Michigan. Rich Martin from LCC was meeting the Todds with Faith at a McDonald's just off I-94. Our purpose with the K-9 Comfort Dogs is to use them as a bridge to show people the compassion and mercy of Jesus Christ. Thursday was no exception. While Rich and the Todds were in conversation about Faith and the outreach opportunities that exist in our communitie,s a woman and two of her family members sat in a booth across the restaurant. The woman was visibly weak and kept glancing across at Faith. Rich then approached the woman, with Faith, who asked if the dog would bite. After a brief explanation of our Comfort Dogs the woman asked if she could pet Faith. Soon after the woman began to share the story of her recent stroke and brain surgery. She then told of what brought them to McDonald's that day. Her daughter was just released from the prison in Jackson, Michigan and brought to a halfway house where she would be for the next three months. Rich asked her at that point if she would like to pray. Her eyes said it all and then her mouth echoed, "yes". She and her family were so thankful afterwards that someone would pray with them, in McDonald's of all places. We have an Amazing God whose perfect timing is undeniable. This is just one of many of the divine appointments God has arranged through the comfort dog ministry. We know God has an amazing plan for the Todds, Faith and the congregation at Christ Lutheran in Goodrich, Michigan.
K-9 Parish Comfort Dogs Olympia, JoJo, Tillie, and Magic Provide Comfort at Health Fair On Saturday, December 4th, Immanuel Lutheran Church in Crystal Lake hosted a Health Fair and invited LCC's K-9 Parish Comfort Dogs to attend. Bob Dorn from Immanuel was at Trinity Roselle last week and they saw the effect that our K-9 and Handlers had on those attending their Health Fair. Around 400 guests attended this event and had access to personal care services such as doctors, dentists, hearing and vision screenings, and family portraits. Magic had the opportunity to comfort two special people one had recently lost her daughter, and the other, lost a friend to pancreatic cancer the night before the Health Fair. Do you sense when others are hurting around you? Are you willing to bring the love and compassion of Jesus Christ to those who are hurting? Today we are surrounded by people who are hurting in many different ways. Today is an opportunity for you to come alongside others to share the love and compassion of Jesus Christ. Magic noticed and reacted. Will you? Click here to schedule a K-9 Comfort Dog visit
Donate to the K-9 Parish Comfort Dog Ministry
Three LERT Training Sessions Scheduled for 2011 Saturday, January 8th - St. Paul Lutheran Church, Thornton, IL Saturday, February 12th - Our Savior Lutheran Church, Louisville, KY Tuesday, February 22nd - Fellowship of Faith, McHenry, IL Registration is $20 and helps cover the cost of the training materials, meal, and the LERT T-shirt, which is required to be worn in a disaster response situation. Registration can be paid by credit card online at time of registration or by cash or check at the door. To register click here. In order to better manage volunteers and resources, FEMA is finalizing a guideline on credentialing volunteers for large-scale disasters. The federal guidelines indicate that volunteers responding to a disaster should be trained and certified. LCC is providing training for Lutheran Early Response Teams (LERT) throughout our district. Should a disaster strike these teams would be put on call and may be asked to deploy in 72 hours or less to the disaster site. This training will prepare team member for credentialing and will focus on the safety, work, and ministry of Lutherans as Early Responders. Click here to register. For more information, call Dianna Bonfield at 866-455-6466.
Disasters Can Hit Anytime Anywhere, Therefore LCC Will Continue To Offer Congregational Preparedness Training LCMS Human Care and World relief has put together the training and tools needed for a congregation to develop a plan for being prepared if a disaster hits. Not only that - LCC and the District Disaster Response Team are trained and willing to take your congregation through the plan. This takes about 3 hours with key leaders of your church. Members of LCC and the District Disaster Response team will continue to consult with your congregation, helping you through each of the various aspects to have a plan in place. Congregational Preparedness Training (CPT) addresses questions like "Do we have a contingency plan in the event that the pastor becomes a victim of a disaster?" or "In the event that a tornado is bearing down on our church on Sunday morning during worship service who should be the person to say we need to evacuate the sanctuary and where is the safest place for all these people to go?" Having recognized that God often uses disaster to open doors for his Church to do ministry, participants address questions like "What are some ways that our congregation can offer Christ's comfort to the community after a disaster?" or "What happens to the church budget - can designated funds be used in times of crises?" If you are interested in scheduling a CPT session, Click here to fill out the CPT interest form. If you are interested in scheduling a CPT session please contact Dianna Bonfield at 866455-6466 or email Dianna@LutheranChurchCharities.org
Vehicle Donations Needed for Families in Need LCC has received numerous requests from churches for vehicles for families in need of reliable transportation. The need for cars and vans to provide a means for getting to work, school and medical appointments has never been higher. If you have a working car or van please consider donating it to LCC for one of these families.
All vehicles that are donated to LCC go directly out to families or individuals through our congregations. NO vehicles are sold. If you have a vehicle to donate please contact LCC at 866-455-6466 or email LCC@LutheranChurchCharities.org
Thrivent Choice - Help Support Making A Difference Through Lutheran Church Charities Thrivent Choice is the new charitable grant program through which Thrivent Financial for Lutherans members are able to direct Thrivent charitable funds. Eligible members are designated Choice Dollars, based on insurance premiums, contract values, and Thrivent Financial volunteer leadership which are directed by the member to Lutheran organizations.
LCC Emergency Assistance Fund LCC gets requests daily concerning people who need assistance, and it is increasing because of the current economic times we are living in. LCC works through our churches to provide assistance by making the need known - and dollar per dollar we give the money to a church to help the family or individual. However, we receive some requests that are emergencies, and money is needed that day or the next day and we can't always get the need out in our weekly email newsletter first. Would you consider making a gift to our LCC Emergency Assistance fund so that when these emergency needs occur we can help (through our churches) quicker? This is an important way for the Body of Christ to share the Mercy and Compassion and Proclamation of Christ. To contribute please click here Thank you for continuing to Make A Difference! Tim Hetzner
Tornado Hits Northern Illinois - Volunteers From 18 Lutheran Churches Respond From LCC LERT - Helping Immanuel Belvidere On Monday, November 22nd severe storms swept across Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin. The small town of Caledonia, northeast of Rockford, Illinois, was severely hit by a quarter- to half-mile wide tornado, destroying homes and businesses in this community of 200+ people. Tim Hetzner from LCC and Rev. Keith Haney from the Northern Illinois District office were on location early Tuesday morning to meet with churches in the area, assess the damage and determine the needed response. Tuesday afternoon LCC sent an appeal out for volunteers, financial support and prayers. Immanuel Lutheran in Belvidere has a mission congregation in Poplar Grove, just to the east of Caledonia, which they volunteered as a center for response operations. Thank you to everyone who responded so quickly to the call for help. Your donations, your presence, the work of your hands and feet, demonstrated the Mercy, Love and Compassion of Christ to those whose lives were hurting. Thank you for being the Body of Christ! There were a total of 92 volunteers, 28 LERT trained, from 18 congregations, that responded on Friday and Saturday. Because of the great outpouring of volunteers all of the work projects were completed by Saturday afternoon. We also had teams of volunteers who participated in a prayer walk. At lunch time the town was invited to a free lunch at the fire station provided by the members of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Belvidere. LCC K-9 Parish Comfort Dogs and the Puppet Team were also present to comfort and cheer up the residences that had been through so much. Everyone we talked to from Caledonia and Popular Grove were amazed at the outpouring of support and they were all very appreciative. What a great example of Christians bearing one another's burdens and in so doing proclaiming Christ's presence to the community. Click here to view photos Click here to contribute to the LCC Disaster Relief Fund
Cars Needed for Immigrant FamiliesRequest by Pastor Hicham Chehab, Salam Arabic Fellowship, Lombard, Illinois Greetings in Christ, We have two refugee families that Salam is working with who need reliable transportation. One of them is a single mother who recently got a job and will not be able to continue to get to work without a car. The donation of a car would be a tremendous blessing and witness to these families. If you have a vehicle to donate please contact LCC at 866-4556466 or email LCC@LutheranChurchCharities.org
Help Bring Water Purification Filters to Haitian Families Suffering from Cholera Lutheran Church Charities is collecting donations to purchase water purification filters for families in Haiti. Each filter costs $30 and will provide a family of six with clean water for five years, as long as the filter is cleaned with a water/beach solution. Click here to donate to purchase Water Purification Systems for Haitian families Click here to read the article posted in the Daily Herald [pdf] The technology of the water filter is simple, effective, and, sustainable. A round-bottom ceramic pot is made from a mixture of clay, a combustible material (sawdust or rice husks), and colloidal silver. The colloidal silver is a naturally occurring anti-bacterial which improves the bacteria removal rate for the filter. First, the clay and combustible are both sieved through a fine mesh screens, then mixed together with a measured amount of silver and water until a homogeneous mixture is formed. The mixture is made into a filter using a filter press. It is kiln fired to about 1000 degrees Celsius, burning out the combustible material and leaving micro pores coated with the silver to clean the water. During the firing process, about ½ inch of charcoal is produced within the filter to improve taste and color. The filter, which is designed with a rim, is placed on a five gallon plastic storage bucket with a spigot at the bottom for dispensing. A lid is placed on the filter to prevent contamination. When used, water is poured through the ceramic pot and filtered into a plastic receptacle bucket (approx 5 gal) with a spigot at the bottom. Safe drinking water is easily poured from the spigot by all members of the household. The flow rate of the filter ranges from 20 to 30 liters per day depending upon how often the filter is refilled. Filters are cleaned by lightly scrubbing the surface when flow rate is reduced, and it is recommended that the filter is boiled every three months to insure optimum effectiveness. The effective useful life of the filter is at least 5 years. Click here to Help Bring Water Purification Filters to Haitian Families Suffering from Cholera Click here to download a PR poster for your church in Letter size Click here to download a PR poster for your church in Legal size
HAITI UPDATES Your Donations Making A Difference
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to view more stories on Haiti
God's Invitation to Volunteer in His Work in the Gulf States LCC staff member Dianna Bonfield had the opportunity to see the Lord at work through his Church in the inner cities of Houston and New Orleans when she visited LINC Houston and RAI-Camp Restore. During the last five years following Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav and Ike God has been working through his people. Through the ministries of LINC Houston, headquartered at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church-Houston and RAI-Camp Restore headquartered at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, New Orleans, God's people are bringing hope and healing as they live out the love and compassion of Christ to the communities around them. Click here to read about this volunteer opportunity
Request from Rev Abraham Mengesha, EECMYCES President of the Lutheran Church in Ethiopia Lutheran Church in Ethiopia Risks losing their property to meet. I received the following email: Yesterday the Elders of the Dukem Congregation ,which you visited, came to my office and forwarded their challenge from the town administration. Either to build the standard church building or leave the place. Of course they have been doing all their best to raise some fund as much as they can. But still they are not able to meet the expected amount. The total cost that is needed to build the church building is equivalent to 15,000 USD. If we get 10,000 USD support from you, we will raise the rest, 5,000 USD from the members. I have attached pictures. I have attached three pictures. Two of them are the pictures of the congregation and the last one is just to let you see how we travel to reach to some of our parishes and congregations. If you could please help. Without building a church building on the property, the town administration will take away the property and give to the Muslims. Thank you Brother. - Rev. Abraham I visited the Elders of this church on my last Visit to Ethiopia. The need is great and the church is growing. Without keeping the property, they willhave no place to meet. Ethiopia is the last predominately Christian country in Africa and Islam is trying to change that. This is a very strategic location for the Christian Church - Our Lutheran Brothers and Sisters in Ethiopia. Please keep them in your prayers and consider helping them. - Tim Hetzner Click here to donate
Nikki Berg and Her Twin Daughters, Ella and Lina Request from NID President Rev. Dan Gilbert
Update: Tim Hetzner was presented with a check by Pastor Paul Mumme from the attendants of the South Region Pastors Conference to help assist the Berg family.
With the sudden death of her husband, Rev Darrel Berg, a special fund has been set up with Lutheran Church Charities to help Nikki and her two-year-old twin daughters, Ella and Lina, with living expenses. Any financial assistance would be greatly appreciated to help them at this difficult time. Help show the Mercy and Compassion of Christ to the Berg family. To contribute please click here or send your gift to LCC at 333 W Lake St, Addison IL 60101 and mark you check Berg Fund, or call LCC at 866-455-6466 and talk with Tim Hetzner.
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:12
The Gospel is Still the Best Way to Counter Terrorism!
Help Support our Lutheran Outreach Efforts in Lebanon Lebanon is one of the few countries in the Middle East that still has a Christian population. It is a strategic country to reach Muslims in the Middle East. The Lutheran Church has been actively involved in Gospel outreach in Lebanon since the 1950's. Because of Mission cutbacks, support is desperately needed to continue bringing the Gospel to those of the Islamic faith. Tim Hetzner, President of Lutheran Church Charities, will be traveling to Lebanon to meet with our Lutheran Missionaries there to help share the story of the work that is going and can be done! They are desperately in need of our support and prayers during this time of unrest in the Middle East. If we want to effectively fight terrorism, we need to use the only weapon that will make a difference - the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Please help our fellow Christians in Lebanon continue to proclaim the Gospel and serve those in need with the Mercy and Compassion of Christ. To help, send your support to: Lutheran Church Charities, 333 W Lake St, Addison IL 60101 or call LCC at 866-455-6466 or click here for online donations. Dr. Rev. Bernie Lutz shares a brief history of Middle East Lutheran Ministry (pdf) LCMS Pastor Hicham Chehab shares why he asked LCC to Get Involved (video - 1:50) LCMS Pastor Hicham Chehab describes the need in Lebanon, with introduction by Pete Imlah, LCC's Director of Mission and Outreach (video - 4:22)
Click here to view more videos from Pastor Hicham Chehab's interview Click here to donate
Help Lutheran Hour Ministries Build Wells in Ghana - Each Well Costs $3,300
Request from Rev. John Donkoh, Director of Lutheran Media Ministry, Ghana, West Africa Lutheran Media Ministry, part of Lutheran Hour Ministries, is based in Ghana, West Africa. Rev. John Donkoh, Director of Lutheran Media Ministry, is raising support to build Bore Holes, or wells, in different towns in Ghana as a tool for ministry. They are not only reaching out to fellow countrymen, but also to the widows that the government has forced to live as outcasts in (L to R) Gary Kessler, Rev. John Donkoh, places called Witch Camps. The goal of Tim Hetzner these wells is to provide clean water, and to display the love and compassion of Christ to those who need it. Gary Kessler (Member of Lord of Life Lutheran Church, La Fox, Illinois) has been working with Rev. John Donkoh to spread the word about this ministry and help gain support. Click here to watch a video of Gary Kessler and Rev. John Donkoh discussing this project To support Lutheran Media Ministry's efforts please click here to donate.
Malaria Initiative Update: LCC received the following email from a Pastor in Ghana who received treatment for Malaria from Dr. Busse during her recently medical mission trip to Ghana. The results have been wonderful! Below is now another testimony on the value this treatment can bring to the Christian Church - at pennies a dose. This is all being done to provide the Christian Church another tool to touch lives with mercy and compassion and healing - in the name of Christ. I am very very happy to write to inform you that your malaria treatment I received in Kumasi when you came to Ghana works well and it is better than any other treatment I have ever received for malaria. Malaria kills many many children in Ghana as well as adults. I will be very happy if you can come to Bawku to help us. We are hoping and praying to see you. Ever since I received the treatment I never experience malaria again at all. COME AND HELP US TO BE FREE FROM MALARIA! Pastor Celtus Alale Bawku Lutheran Mission West Africa, Ghana For more on the Malaria Initiative, click here Visit their web site: www.malaria01.org or E-mail: malaria01@yahoo.com Click here to view a video about this project Click here to donate
How to Conduct a Successful Mission Fair LCC's Newest Resource FREE for Congregations! Has your church considered hosting a Mission Fair for your congregation? For your Community? Tim Hetzner and staff of LCC have put together an online resource that can help you do this. It is a step by step guide on how to plan a successful Mission Fair - along with sample letters and everything you will need. In fact, if you are planning a Mission Fair, LCC will help you promote it - all free of charge. Request your copy of HOW TO CONDUCT A SUCCESSFUL MISSION FAIR here or call Lutheran Church Charities at 866-455-6466
Looking for Ways to Share the Mercy and Compassion of Christ to Those in Your Church and Community? We are in hard economic times. "Times are terrible" many say. But just think what a blessing God has given us to share the Mercy and Compassion of Christ! The door is wide open for the Church to be the Church. Jesus showed us by his life that we are to be the church that "Does Feet" (John 13). People say that they would "do" evangelism, they would reach out to people in need, but their church simply does not have the money right now to do it, things are tight! Dear Christian brothers and sisters, it doesn't take money to touch those in need and pain - it takes you and your willingness to follow Jesus' example. If you would like a staff member of LCC to come out and share ways for you and your church to reach your members and community with the Mercy and Compassion of Christ - without money - contact us at 866-455-6466 or email LCC@LutheranChurchCharities.org. We would be more than happy to come and work with you! By the way, we can even bring our K-9 Parish Comfort Dogs with us. This also will NOT cost you!
Looking to be in a Bible Study? Does Your Church Want to Host a Study? Your Small Group? Indicate Your Interest Here
Register Online - Click Here Looking to Host a Bible Study? WORD AMONG US Bible Studies
Lutheran Church Charities In-Depth Bible Studies WORD AMONG US - May be your Solution!
Free for Congregations! If you would like to be a host site click here If you would like to join an existing class click here If you would like to take a course by Internet - click here
Short-Format Courses Long-Format Courses James: 5-week course Philippians: 5-week course Jude: 1-week course Jonah::3-week course Proverbs: 10-week course Know that God Exists: 1-week course Esther: 5-week course
Cover To Cover: A Journey Through The Bible 60-week course The Gospel of John 31-week course Apocalypsis Jesu Christus: The Book of Revelation 30-week course
For more information and registration, Click Here... To find out more information contact Tim Hetzner at 866-455-6466 or email at WAU@LutheranChurchCharities.org
LCC in Need of Snow Plow LCC has a need for a snow plow. The truck that it will go on is a 2000 Ford F250 Super Duty. For more information or if you have a plow to donate please call LCC at 866-455-6466 or email LCC@LutheranChurchCharities.org
Tim's Pick of the Week LCC's Christmas Shop There is still plenty of time to do your holiday shopping online. Find a wide variety of Christmas gift ideas, including cards, home decor, nativities and teacher gifts. Pictured: Hand Blown Glass Ornament "Rejoice" has the word "Rejoice" James 1:17 on one side and on the reverse "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly light...James 1:17. Click here for this item
Items Needed by Ministries We have received the following requests for items from Trinity Lutheran Church/El Buen Pastor in Chicago: Communion ware - visitation set 6 or 8 foot folding tables If you have items to donate please contact LCC at 866-455-6466 or email us at LCC@LutheranChurchCharities.org
LCC Staff and Comfort Dogs available for Church Functions and School Chapels! For more information on scheduling LCC and the K-9 Parish Comfort Dogs for an event or chapel at your church, contact LCC at 866-455-6466 or email LCC@LutheranChurchCharities.org To help support the growing Ministry of the Comfort Dogs click here... To find out information on how your congregation can get one of the LCC K-9 Parish Comfort Dogs Click here Click here for some Photo Albums showing some of the many places the dogs have brought comfort.... And click here for the Dog Blog, featuring "Tara's Twitter"
Other Stories Still Seeking Support New Boiler Needed at St. Paul Lutheran School - Dorchester Family in Need of $3,900 for Funeral Expenses Housing Needed for Winter for Woman and Her Mother Widow in Need of Help to Pay Rent Food Pantry Building Project Historic St. Matthew Makes an Urgent Appeal
Items Available to a Ministry 2817 300 Blue Lutheran Worship Liturgy Books (1982) 2815 Minolta LP 2010 - 10 yrs old. Makes good copies but needs an upper fuser roller kit and starter. Parts and labor approx $250 2813 Kimbell Spinet Walnut Colored Piano with Bench 2809 Small, electric organ 2808 Wurlitzer 950 electronic theatre organ 2806 (60) metal folding charis 2805 Good Friday, Holy Saturday/Easter Sunday banner - deep purple velvet with black and yellow gold star and a white star 2804 One felt Reformation Banner that says, "Sola Scriptura and Fides Gratia" in the shape of a cross 2803 One Christmas Banner (off white w/brown manger, gold embellished star that says "The Word Was Made Flesh" 2802 One Lenten Set - altar, pulpit, lecturn parament and banner For More items, click here to view the latest updates on our DONATE Web Page...
Items Free for the Asking LCC works THROUGH churches and is not a Direct Service Ministry. To request an item on our "Free for the Asking" list please contact your Church and ask that they call us (866-455-6466) requesting an item. Arrangements will then be made to connect the item with you. If you are not a member of a Christian Church then please call LCC to place you in contact with one of our LCMS churches who can assist you. 2816 Commode, box of gloves, Adult Depends and Ensure. All new and unopened 2815 Minolta LP 2010 - 10 yrs old. Makes good copies but needs an upper fuser roller kit and starter. Parts and labor approx $250 2813 Kimbell Spinet Walnut Colored Piano with Bench 2809 Small, electric organ - two manual organ (each manual has a range of 2 1/2 octaves); the swell has twelve stops on it and the grand has five stops 2808 Wurlitzer 950 is an electronic theatre organ with genuine internal Leslie rotating speakers. Solid wood console and bench, 53-1/2" wide x 46" tall (55" including music stand) x 29-1/2" deep (42" w/pedals), Three Manuals, all C - C: Orbit Synthesizer Keyboard: 2 octaves Upper and Lower Keyboards: 5 octaves each Pedals: 2 octaves For More Items Available, click here to view the list on our DONATE page... To OFFER an item for this section, or to get a Receipt for an item you have donated, CLICK HERE for the NON-MONETARY DONATION FORM
Vehicles Needed to Help Individuals and Ministries All vehicles that are donated to LCC go directly out to families or individuals through our congregations. NO vehicles are sold.
Photo: Jennifer's daughter had medical needs that required a vehicle with a lift. This donated van helped to meet that need. Here are some of the most recent requests, but we have others that are still waiting for some word... Car Needed for Nigerian Immigrant Van Needed for Faith, Stickney Truck Needed for Sexton at First Saint Paul's, Chicago Cars Needed for Immigrant Families Click here for the complete page listing the needs
If you have a vehicle to donate, please contact LCC@LutheranChurchCharities.org or call 866-455-6466
COME LORD JESUS, BE OUR GUEST ... You recognize this prayer written by Martin Luther ...
Come Lord Jesus, be our guest And let thy gifts to us be blessed. Amen If we really mean this prayer and want Jesus to be our Guest - wouldn't we feed him also? Consider becoming a part of LCC's individual challenge and FEED THE INVISIBLE GUEST - AND MAKE HIM VISIBLE program to help feed the hungry. Click here for more details | Click here to donate now Click here for a Bulletin Insert
Job Seekers and Employers - Connect Online! Christians contact us frequently who are looking for employment - either because the company they are with has downsized, closed or has had layoffs. If you are looking for people to hire and would like to consider a fellow Christian for a position, please check here www.servantatheart.org. Job seekers can post their resumes, and employers can post job openings. Access to Expanded Job Listings through National Labor Exchange...
Servant at Heart
Lutheran Church Charities' Online Christian Business Directory Looking for a Christian business? Lutheran Church Charities has an online Christian Business Directory called Servant@Heart. This online directory allows: Christians businesses to advertise their services without cost. Others to seek out Christian businesses. Each member of the directory has their church and pastor identified in their listing. Search at ServantAtHeart.org to find Christian businesses or to have your business listed. You can also go to www.LutheranChurchCharities.org or call (866) 455-6466. It is the people of God working together that fully allows God to build for His Kingdom!
Holiday Craft Shows It's that time of year! We know that many churches host Holiday Craft shows as fund raising events. If your church is planning a craft show we would love to advertise it on our webpage! Just submit the details to LCC@LutheranChurchCharities.org and we will include it on our webpage. Click here for a listing of Holiday Craft Shows.
Annual Christmas Concert of St. John's, LaGrange Sunday, December 12th at 6:30 pm St. John's Lutheran Church and School 505 S. Park Rd. LaGrange, IL 60525 "Dancing into His Promise" is the title of this year's annual Christmas Concert presented by St. John's Lutheran Church and School, 505 S. Park Rd. LaGrange, IL 60525, on Sunday, December 12th at 6:30 pm. Under the direction of Mr. David Christian, this evening of music will feature St. John's adult and children's choirs and ensembles, orchestra, two handbell choirs and liturgical dancers. The music performed at this year's concert will expand various time periods and styles, including time-honored compositions, traditional carols and new melodies, keeping in step with the timeless yet prevailing significance of the birth of Jesus, the promised Savior. Audiences of all ages are sure to be engaged and inspired. St. John's Christmas Concerts have a long-standing reputation as one of the area's finest and most enjoyable sacred Christmas Concerts. Those who have attended in the past can testify that it is an event you won't want to miss. The public is invited to attend and a nursery will be provided at no cost. A free-will offering will be received at the concert to help St. John's continue its annual concert series. For further information, please contact our church office at (708) 354-1690 or visit www.sjlagrange.com.
Choirs Christmas & Advent Concert Sunday, December 12th at 4:00 pm Immanuel Lutheran Church 5211 Carpenter St. Downers Grove, IL 60515 Come join our choirs in our annual Christmas Celebration! Please plan to attend this evening of worship and music, and invite your family and friends! Participating musicians: Chancel Choir Handbell Choir Women's Choir Joyful Noise (Children's Choir) Refreshments will follow the concert. Questions? Call the church office at 630-9683112
Live Manger
Sunday, December 12, 2010 at 4:00 and 5:30 PM Sunday, January 9, 2011 at 10:00 am Concordia Lutheran Church 3144 S Home Ave Berwyn, IL Concordia Lutheran Church at 3144 South Home Avenue in Berwyn, IL will present its annual Live Manger on Sunday, December 12th at 4:00 P.M. and 5:30 P.M. In costume, the children of the Sunday School and Little Lambs Preschool will again tell the story of the true meaning of Christmas on the church's front lawn.
A variety of animals from Friendly Farms in DeKalb, IL will be available for petting. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served, free to all who attend. Everyone is invited to join in singing carols as the story of the Savior's birth unfolds. On Sunday, January 9th at 10 A.M. the Live Manger will be performed indoors for the celebration of Epiphany and The Three Kings' gift-bearing visit to the Christ Child. Their journey guided by the Star of Bethlehem. In between, the church will observe the birth of Jesus with special services on Christmas Eve at 4:00 P.M. and 10:00 P.M. The former will be a Contemporary Family Service and the latter a traditional Candlelight Service. On Christmas Day, there is worship at 10:00 A.M. If you would like more information about Concordia Lutheran Church and its programs, visit its web site at www.concordiaberwyn.org, e-mail them concordia.berwyn@sbcglobal.net, or call 708-484-9784.
Nativity Set and Angel Display Friday, December 17 - 6-8 pm Saturday, December 18 from 2-5 pm and 7-9 pm Sunday, December 19 from 3-7 pm Immanuel Lutheran Church 5211 Carptenter (at Grove St.) Downers Grove, IL Come and see over 200 nativity sets and angels on display. Free admission and refreshments. Please join us! All are welcome. For additional information, call (630) 968-3112.
Christmas Cantata Sunday, December 19, 2010 at 8:00 and 9:30 AM St. Peter Lutheran Church 111 W Olive Arlington Heights, IL St. Peter Lutheran Church choir, handbell choir and instrumentalists will present a traditional service of beloved traditional scripture readings interwoven with 26 carols that include just a touch of Handel and Bach! The service will consist of a continuous flow of carols accompanying the scripture readings. Arrangements include choir, vocals and congregation participation. For more information visit www.stpeter-ah.org
Upcoming Events - Click Here for a complete listing of Upcoming Events
How To Support Lutheran Church Charities All contributions go dollar per dollar to the causes listed in this newsletter. If you would like more information on how to help or if you have items to share please contact TimHetzner@LutheranChurchCharities.org or send contributions to LCC, 333 West Lake Street, Addison, IL 60101 or contribute at our web site at http://LCC.LutheranChurchCharities.org or call us for credit card donations at LCC's office at (866) 455- 6466