April 27, 2011
In This Issue
Faith Led Feet - A New Opportunity to Put Your Faith in Action
Featured Stories Ministry Needs Mission Opportunities International Ministry K-9 Parish Comfort Dogs LCC Ministry Resources Tim's Pick of the Week Upcoming Events How To Support LCC
Tim's Pick of the Week
Lutheran Church Charities is creating a new page,"Faith Led Feet", on our web site that will help Christians who are involved in activities for a charitable cause as an expression of their faith to spread the word. Our hope is to give individuals from Christian congregations a place to announce their participation in all the great causes out there as a way of sharing and spreading Christ's love to the sick and less fortunate among us. The Faith Led Feet web page will provide those actively involved and those who are moved to prayerfully and financially support them, a central, secure place to invite others to join them. Here's how it works: an individual participating in a fundraising walk-a-thon or other charity event or activity submits a simple online form at the LCC website. Once completed their activity is listed for everyone to see. We do the work of spreading the word to potential supporters complete with links to event websites where donations can be made. One stop at the LCC website connects you to our network of Christians passionate about reaching out with the compassion and mercy of Jesus Christ. You can send your friends and relatives to the LCC website to read your brief testimony and commit to supporting you financially and in prayer. If you're participating in an upcoming event for a charitable cause that will make a difference in the lives of others, consider letting LCC help you spread the word. Click here to fill out the application form to get started. There is no cost and LCC does not collect any money as part of this service. Watch our website for postings on the Faith Led Feet page
1 By Youth Down to the Wire
LCC has many resources available to congregations, businesses, and individuals. Click here to visit our website and learn more
The single day of service event, 1 By Youth, coming to Chicago and coordinated by Lutheran Church Charities, takes place Saturday, May 7. Final preparations are underway and there are still some urgent needs. Most importantly we need volunteer help on the day of the event to greet the participants, serve as Project Advisors (meeting teams at worksites and giving them direction on what work needs to be done), and assist in other ways throughout the day.
If you are available on May 7 please contact Tim Kurth at (866) 455-6466 or by email, TimKurth@LutheranChurchCharities.org. We're working in the West Garfield and Austin neighborhoods on the west side of Chicago. Registration begins at 7 a.m. and the day concludes with a block party beginning at 4:30 p.m. If you're not available that day please consider a financial contribution. In addition to volunteers we are still looking for donations to cover the following items:
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
Portable toilets (7 to 10 needed at $100 per unit) Lunches ($3 per person with over 600 participants expected) Building materials (paint, supplies, building materials - any amount you can contribute) Souvenir t-shirts ($3 per person) Block party hot dogs, buns, chips, drinks and condiments (any amount you can contribute)
For more information about LCC and its human care ministry, please contact LCC staff at: LCC@LutheranChurch Charities.org More...
Ministry Quicklinks Newsletter Archive / Printable Format
Concordia University Chicago has made a contribution to the event and is providing giveaway items for welcome bags each participant will receive. Generous donations have also been received from Our Saviour's United Methodist Church in Schaumburg. Churches and individuals are encouraged to consider making a donation. Click here to donate Click here for more details about 1 By Youth
Bible Classes
Fill the Bus for Haiti - Ham Dinner This Saturday
Daily Devotions
Prayer Requests
Immanuel Lutheran Church - Richton Park, along with their community members, made a commitment to help the children of Jeremie, Haiti, in particular the 30 orphaned children living with Pastor Isaac Jacquet.
To Donate They have decided to do this by purchasing a pre-owned school bus that will be used as a shipping container. Filling this bus with the many needed items will involve anyone wishing to participate.
Ministries We Support Join Our Mailing List!
The cost of this project is substantial and will be funded through donations and fundraising events. Tickets are now on sale for a delicious ham dinner to be held at Immanuel Richton Park on April 30th, with two seatings available at 3 pm and 5 pm. Proceeds will be used to "Fill the Bus for Haiti" with much needed medical supplies and other human care needs. Call the church office at 708-748-0558 to order tickets for the ham dinner. You can also contribute to the "Fill the Bus for Haiti" project at the link below. Every dollar of your donation goes directly to "Fill the Bus".
Click here to join our mailing list and receive free email daily devotions
"Send a Spoken Prayer"
Click here to donate
LCC's "Send a Spoken Prayer" e-Card site is available.
To learn more, Click Here
Spring 2011 Church and School Secretarial Conferences
Still Time to Register
As part of our mission, LCC sponsors regional Church and School Secretary/Office Administrator conferences twice a year. The Spring Conferences are coming up the first week of May. Social Networking and Ministry It doesn't replace Face to Face - but it can bring Face to Face
Two years ago when we did the first session on social networking most of us knew it existed and maybe even had a Facebook page but couldn't foresee the true revolution it would become in the way people communicate. It has crossed generational lines and become the dominate way that people keep in touch, find information and then make decisions based on the information they find. As long as you have a cell phone and/or computer, distance restrictions are gone and your access is instantaneous and global. The ramifications and opportunities for the church are huge. While a Web ministry cannot take the place of face-to-face connections, it can enhance and foster growth in relationships that already exist, as well as develop new relationships and provide unique ways to reach out to other nonbelievers. In this session Tim Hetzner, President of Lutheran Church Charities and Dana Yocum, Director of Technology will guide us through the exciting and growing world of Social Networking. Tim will discuss the ministry implications and applications and Dana will walk us through the "how too" and what to expect next. Click here to register on the LCC web site. Conference Times and Locations May 4, 2011 (Wed.) St. Paul Luth. Church, 6200 Vollmer Rd, Matteson, Illinois May 5, 2011 (Thur.) The Pointe, 5650 Northwest Hwy, Crystal Lake, Illinois May 6, 2011 (Fri.) Seegers Center, 333 W. Lake Street, Addison, Illinois Join us for lunch and an afternoon of training, resource sharing, encouragement and support! Check in begins at 11:45 AM Conference times: 12:00 to 4:00 PM. The cost is $10.00 per person, which includes lunch. Church Secretaries, school secretaries and all administrative support staff are welcome to attend. For more information e-mail: VidaJohnston@LutheranChurchCharities.org
Disaster Response UPDATE
Wisconsin - As the Cleanup finishes the Rebuilding Begins Lutheran Church Charities staff delivered one of our disaster relief trailers to the North Wisconsin District LERT Team to aid in their continued clean up in the town of Merrill. Lee Belmas, District Disaster Coordinator, reports that the clean up has gone very well and as it finishes up the rebuilding has begun. He sends a heartfelt Thank You to all the volunteers from Illinois who worked with the Wisconsin LERT teams cleaning up the debris in Merrill. The donation of your time as well as the financial donations have been a tremendous witness to the town of the Mercy and Compassion of our Lord. At this time no more volunteers are needed, however there still is an ongoing need for financial support for our brothers and sisters in Wisconsin. Click here to donate to Wisconsin Tornado Relief
Oklahoma, South Eastern, Mid South, and Southern Districts LCC has been in contact with the Oklahoma, South Eastern, Mid South and Southern Districts where communities were hard hit this past weekend. While they are not requesting any volunteer support at this time, financial assistance is very much appreciated. The homes of three LCMS families in Mississippi were affected, one that lost their home entirely. We continue to monitor the situation. If you would like to contribute to the recovery efforts in the south, click here to donate. Check in at www.LutheranChurchCharities.org regularly for updates on disaster response.
Devotion Series - Just Tell Your Story
The four-part devotion series entitled "Just Tell Your Story" begins tomorrow. Click here to sign up for our free online devotions Click here for our archive of Daily Devotions
Tim Hetzner Leads Lenten Seminar at Immanuel Palatine On Tuesday, April 19th, Tim Hetzner conducted a Lenten seminar on Three Days and Three Nights: How Can That Be? at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Palatine. He led 100+ attendees through the puzzling question "If Jesus was crucified on Friday and the tomb was empty on Sunday morning, where do we get three days and three nights?" He also looked at the "apparent" contradictions in the Gospels surrounding the Passion Narrative of Jesus and showed how when you understand the historical background the "apparent" contradictions disappear! LCC has a variety of seminars and other ministry resources available to congregations. Click here to learn more or call LCC at 866-455-6466 or email LCC@LutheranChurchCharities.org
Your Donations at Work in Making A Difference Here and in Haiti
On Easter Sunday, the congregation of Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Grayslake presented a van, donated by Michael and Vera Wisniewski from Prince of Peace, Palatine, to a single mother of 5 that the congregation has been ministering to. Dianna Bonfield from LCC was there as the van was presented. Pictured: LCC staff member Dianna Bonfield, Pastor Brian Davies and his daughter Katie, recipient and family, and Cindy Benzinger, Office Manager.
Ned Quinn, with the American Legion Post 216, brought in 50 dresses for Haiti made by women at the Sheila Ray Adult Center in Elk Grove Village, IL
Families in Need Help Make A Difference Van Needed for Family of Nine
Request from Pastor Alex Duff, St. Luke Lutheran Church, Itasca A family of nine is in desperate need of a van or money for repair. The mother has recently lost her job and the family van has broken down. It is in need of over $2000 of repair. The dad is working but cannot afford to pay for the repair on their vehicle. A van would be best, but any means of transportation would be greatly appreciated. If you have a vehicle to donate please contact LCC at 866-4556466 or email LCC@LutheranChurchCharities.org Click here to donate toward the repair of the van.
Urgent Need for Medical Assistance
Request by Rev. Hicham Chehab, Pastor, Salam Christian Fellowship & Missionary for Chicagoland Lutheran Muslim Mission Association (CLMMA) We are working with a Christian family in Iraq. The father (pictured in middle) has bone cancer and they need help with the cost of his treatment. He needs an injection every three weeks. Each injection costs $700.00. They have applied for public assistance but it will take 4 to 6 weeks to process. They are in need of $1,400 to cover two injections while they wait for public aid. Click here to donate
College Students Launch Appeal for One of LCC's Own in Haiti Students from Carthage College and University of Illinois at Chicago just returned from Haiti with a new mission. Sophie Paulin, LCC's Assistant Volunteer Coordinator in Haiti for LCMS World Relief and Human Care's Building Homes and Hope for Haiti, recently underwent surgery incurring crushing medical debt. With no health care coverage in the country, these expenses have placed an incredible burden on her entire family. Deeply moved by Sophie's story Katie, Kristi, and Erica have launched an appeal to help repay Sophie's medical expenses that came in at over $4,200. Each student has made a personal contribution to the fund and hope that other faithful Christians will join them in the effort. Every dollar donated to LCC for this fund goes 100% to repair the financial condition of Sophie and her family. We praise God for the successful surgery and Sophie's full recovery. See their video interview with Sophie here Click here to donate
Other Stories Still Seeking Support Newborn Needs Bassinette or Crib Help Support our Lutheran Outreach Efforts in Lebanon Ebenezer, Chicago in Need of Boiler Repair Request from Rev Abraham Mengesha, EECMY-CES President of the Lutheran Church in Ethiopia Help Lutheran Hour Ministries Build Wells in Ghana - Each Well Costs $3,300 Christians Attacked by Muslims in Ethiopia - 59 Churches Burned and Thousands Displaced
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. 2858 Green Sofa 2855 King size mattress and box spring (no frame) 2854 Two 1950s or 60s end tables (dark brown wood) 2853 Twin mattress & box spring with metal frame and Mattress pad 2852 Mitsubishi 35" TV and stand 2851 Toshiba 35" Color Television (CF35D50) 2850 Tunturi Stationary Exercise Bike with digital pulse monitor / ear clip and excellent fly wheel, from about 25 years ago, still works very well 2847 Approximately 119 Canvas Laptop bags with business logo on the side. (SBP Strategic Business Partners) 2846 Mauve colored Wardrobe with 2 doors on left side to close off closet for hanging clothes and one door on right to close off 4 shelves for storing clothing 2845 Light pine corner wardrobe with 4 open shelves on each side 2844 White 2 drawer night stand Click here for the full list of Items Free for the Asking 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
Ministry Needs Help Make A Difference Help Support Former Iraqi Muslim Attend Seminary
Request by Rev. Hicham Chehab, Pastor, Salam Christian Fellowship & Missionary for Chicagoland Lutheran Muslim Mission Association (CLMMA)
Update: Dear Friends, we are looking for housing for Waleed Khaled close to Devon Ave or Sheridan. Waleed is helping to establish a sister congregation of Salam Fellowship on the north side of Chicago. A parsonage or basement would be great. If you know of any available housing call Hicham Chehab at 630-627-1101 or email hicham.chehab@gmail.com
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Waleed, a former Iraqi Muslim, is planning to pursue ordination from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri through the Ethic Immigrant Institute of Theology (EIIT )program. We need your prayers and donations in order to meet the challenges we have in providing for his living expenses here in Chicago as well as his tuition and education fees. This month marks the third anniversary of Salam Arabic Fellowship in Chicagoland. We are planning to expand our ministry by using Waleed to plant a sister church for Salam in the North side of Chicago. Also, we will incorporate more Farsi in our ministry in order to accommodate more Iranians who do not speak Arabic. Click below to read the amazing story of how God called Waleed to faith through Lutheran Hour Ministries. Click here to read Waleed's story Click here to donate to education fees Click here to donate to living expenses
Food and Household Items Needed to Support Bethesda's Outreach Ministries
Request from Pastor Jean Bingue, Bethesda Lutheran Church, Chicago LCC is looking for congregations who would be willing to do a food drive and perhaps take a door offering to enable Bethesda to buy meat, fresh greens, and dairy products. Pastor Bingue also requested help with the following: clothing, household items and appliances.
Click here for a full list of items needed If your congregation or small group would like to help with any of the above needs and support the ministry of Bethesda, please contact Dianna Bonfield at 866-455-6466 or email Dianna@LutheranChurchCharities.org. Click here to donate for the purchase of food
Items Available to a Ministry 2856 Hammond Commodore Series 300 Organ Wood is in excellent condition, teak color, includes bench. Was serviced about a year ago. Two manuals/keyboards, full foot pedals, many stops. 2849 (100) HS98 Hymnals 2848 (175) Lutheran Worship Hymnals 2837 (50) like-new Lutheran Worship Hymnals. Books are imprinted with church name. 2835 Large 50" Mitsubishi Big Screen Television in light wood cabinet with door closure. Incudes a VHS. (Photos available) Click here for the full list of Items Available to a Ministry 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. 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. Here are some of the most recent requests, but we have others that are still waiting for some word... Single Mother of Five Fleeing Abusive Situation Single Man in Need of Transportation for Work Single Man in Need of Reliable Transportation for Work Single Man in Need of Reliable Transportation 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
Mission Opportunities Help Make A Difference Medical/Construction Mission to Kenya Still Open
Our medical/construction mission trip set for August 27 September 5 still has a few openings. The early registration deadline has passed but there's still time to join the team. LCC Director of Mission and Ministry Advancement, Tim Kurth, leads this trip that will serve orphans in Nairobi and blind children in Kitui with medical check-ups. Those who are not medical professionals will assist with construction projects in both locations to help improve the living conditions for the children. Take a step of faith and join us for a trip that will change lives and Make A Difference...for the children and you. The cost for the trip is $2395 per person and includes all in-country transportation, most meals, supplies and materials, and a two day safari in the Masai Mara National Park. Airfare from the U.S. to Kenya is not included in this price. For more information on the trip contact Tim at (866) 455-6466 or TimKurth@LutheranChurchCharities.org. You can register by calling (800) 747-2157. There is a $200 deposit required at the time of registration. Not able to go? Consider a donation to support the team through the purchase of medicines and construction materials.
Click here for more details... Click here to donate
New SUMMER Trips to Haiti for College Students Scheduled! New trip dates are set for college students looking to make a difference in Haiti this summer. For those who weren't able to make our Spring Break trips here's another chance to join us in Haiti to build a guest house that will welcome other workers for years to come The cost for these trips have been underwritten by the LCMS so you pay only the $150 trip registration fee, one hotel night in Florida on the way to Haiti, and secure your own airfare to Port Au Prince, Haiti. All expenses once you arrive in Haiti are covered by the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. You must be enrolled in college in order to qualify for this trip. That includes graduating high school seniors who will be freshmen in the fall. Don't miss this chance to change lives through our ongoing work in Haiti. Invite friends and put your own group together. Contact Dona Martin at DonaMartin@LutheranChurchCharities.org or 866-455-6466. Choose from these dates and remember to add a travel day to the beginning of the trip as an overnight layover in Florida is required. Click on a date to register: June 18th to 25th July 16th to 23rd July 23rd to 30th Click here to view photos from a 2011 Spring Break trip Click here for a video and hear one of the college students describe how God worked through the Haitian people to change her outlook on life. Click here to watch a short video of college students passing out shoes in a tent city in Jacmel during a recent Spring Break Mission Trip.
Jesendys Hygiene Ministry - Compassionately Providing Essentials Sponsored by Immanuel Lutheran, Downers Grove, IL
Hello Everyone! The time has come for a New Assignment. Jesendys Hygiene Ministry, by GOD'S Grace, will be producing as many as 1500 personal hygiene kits for several organizations; The Walk in Ministry of Hope and Sharing Connection Furniture Bank of Downers Grove IL, LARRI (Lakeshore Area Regional Recovery Of Indiana) for Families who have experienced devastation from Flood Catastrophe, and we will also be sending more kits to Haiti through Lutheran Church Charities. Thank you for your support! Personal Hygiene Kites are duplicated. There is a need that every individual get the same products in each kit for proper personal care. We are in need of: Toothbrushes & Toothpaste Full Bars of Soap T-Shirts Adult sizes Deodorant Bathroom Tissue.
Donations can be dropped off at: Immanuel Lutheran Church 5211 Carpenter, Downers Grove IL 60515 NOTE: Please call Ms. Darlene Havard-Founder, if you need a pick up at (630) 803-2541, or email: marjesendys@gmail.com
More information can be found on their website http://sites.google.com/site/marjesendyshygieneministry
Eye Glasses Needed for Mission Trip to Haiti
Request from Pastor Paul Klopke, Living Christ Lutheran Church, Arlington Heights, Illinois
A team of college students and members from Living Christ Lutheran Church will be going on a mission trip to Haiti - May 20-28. They will be conducting an eye glass and medical clinic for some Lutheran Churches and Schools in surrounding villages in Jeremie Haiti. 1800 prescription eyeglasses and 1000 eye wash/eye drops bottles are needed- the medical supplies that are needed are: Band-aids, disinfectant ointments, vitamins, etc... Any donations will be gratefully received at: Living Christ Lutheran Church 625 East Dundee Road Arlington Heights, IL 847-577-7133 LivingChristLutheran.org OR Lutheran Church Charities 333 West Lake Street Addison, IL 60101 866-455-6466 Please call before dropping off a donation
Pastor Paul Klopke
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
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
International Ministry Ongoing Recovery Efforts Open Doors for the Gospel in Japan LCC continues to stay connected to our ministry partners in Japan with the recovery efforts stretching into another month. As the people there grapple with the long term effects of the earthquake and tsunami, opportunities abound for the mercy and compassion of Jesus Christ to be shared. Your donations through LCC support the Lutheran Church in Japan as they reach out with a Gospel message during this unprecedented time of need. Click here to contribute to our ongoing efforts supporting the compassionate expression of Christ's care to the people of Japan. Click here to read the original appeal
Scholarship a Child in Myanmar Strict regulations in Myanmar (formerly Burma) make it difficult for children to advance to a University education. Without specialized schooling outside of the inadequate public school system most poor children never get the chance for higher education which can lift their family out of poverty. The National Lutheran Church of Myanmar is trying to change this and needs your help to sponsor children in the 11th grade (the final step prior to University). Click here to read the appeal from Reverend Charles Edwards from the National Lutheran Church of Myanmar. Click here to donate
Haiti - The Good, the Bad, and the Beautiful!
Update from LCC President Tim Hetzner, on returning from Haiti I have returned from a week in Haiti. I was there with a group of college students from various colleges. What a joy to see the willingness of college students give up their spring break to spend a week serving the people of Haiti. It gives a renewed sense of hope for the Christian Church. It also confirmed to me what younger people are looking for in their walk and relationship with God - they meet God in serving and showing Mercy and Compassion to those in need. Click here to read the rest of the update
Here are Ways to Help Our Ongoing Haiti Relief Efforts Physical Needs Water Filters · School Version - $185 · Home Version - $35 Building Homes and Hope in Haiti Shoes - $5 Motorcycles for Pastors - $1,000 Support College Students Volunteering in Haiti - $150 Goats - $50 each General Disaster Response Donations Spiritual Needs Staff Workers in the Tent Cities - $200 a month Bibles in French - $6 each Luther's Small Catechism in Creole - $5 each See Through the Scriptures manuals in French - $2 each Developing Projects Radio Ministry - click here to learn more Hosting Haitian Christian Music Group for U.S. Tour - click here to learn more
Christian Education Projects in the Philippines Help the Lutheran Church of the Philippines (LCP) move toward establishing 100 new church and school ministries by the year 2017 to reach more people with the saving gospel of Jesus Christ! Rev. James Cerdenola is the LCP President and Tom Grunow of Portland, Oregon serves as an Educational Consultant. The Lutheran Church in the Philippines (LCP) is one of the oldest partner churches of the LCMS and ELCA. It has 92 churches, many mission stations, 28 ordained pastors and a large number of lay leaders. LCMS World Mission works with the LCP to share the Gospel message through educational seminars for local pastors and expanded church planting efforts. Your support is needed for the LCP to continue to grow and build to its capacity so that it will be able to respond to and engage the mission opportunities before them, and therefore be able to reach its goal of planting 100 new congregations and training hundreds of lay evangelists by the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in 2017. Click here to read about some of the current projects of the LCP Click here to donate
Help Crossways International Bring the Word of God to Christians in the Philippines and Make A Difference to Thousands of Lives Tim Hetzner - President of Lutheran Church Charities comments: This training can literally impact thousands of lives with the saving message of salvation in Jesus Christ. This is a very important country to support the Christian Church by helping them Get the Story Straight and Get the Story Out. Click here to read the request Click here to donate
Help Bring See Through the Scriptures to Haiti and the Dominican Republic Crossways International's See Through the Scriptures (STS) has been translated into French and Spanish, and has been used in Haiti and the Dominican Republic for a number of years - taught mainly by a Lutheran pastor who has conducted numerous training events for clergy and teachers. As you can well imagine, the people who live in these two countries have little or no money - more so than ever before as a result of the 2010 earthquake. Crossways International does not have access to the funding needed to provide the required materials. However, copies of the STS materials can be produced in the Dominican Republic for $2 each. We would love to be able to provide Christians in these two nations with one (better, two) thousand copies of STS. Please, can you help us do this? A personal note from Dr. Harry Wendt, President, Crossways International Chloris and I would love to be able to write out a check to fund the above projects. However, we live on a limited income, and give about 25% of it each year to CI's mission and other charitable causes. Sad to say, CI has been badly hurt by the present economic downturn. Can you come to our aid, or make suggestions regarding possible sources of funding? To date, CI's ministry has helped about 3,000,000 people around the world - and requests for access to our written/graphic materials continue to come in. Rest assured that our goal remains: "To reach the most people with the Best Message for the least cost." Click here to donate
LCC K-9 Parish Comfort Dogs LCC Staff and Comfort Dogs Available for Church Functions and School Chapels! Click here to learn more!
LCC Ministry Resources Ministry Resources Available to Congregations Looking for Ways to Share the Mercy and Compassion of Christ to Those in Your Church and Community? How to Conduct a Successful Mission Fair
Click here to learn more about these and other Ministry Resources available from LCC
Looking to be in a Bible Study? Does Your Church Want to Host a Study? Your Small Group? LCC offers many Bible Study opportunities. Click here to learn more
Servant at Heart - Online Christian Business Directory Looking for a Christian business? Lutheran Church Charities has an online Christian Business Directory, Servant@Heart. This online directory allows: - Christians businesses to advertise their services without cost. - Christians looking for employment a place to post their resume - Christians with job openings a place to post those opening · Others to seek out Christian businesses and employees
Click here to learn more
New Disaster Response Training Scheduled For April
Trinity Lutheran Church in Tinley Park will host LERT Training on Thursday, April 28th. Registration and a light supper will begin at 5:30 pm with class from 6 pm to 9 pm.
Click here to register for LERT Training
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. This training will prepare team members for credentialing and will focus on the safety, work, and ministry of Lutherans as Early Responders. Click here to register for LERT training. For more information, call Dianna Bonfield at 866455-6466 or email LCC@LutheranChurchCharities.org.
Now Available: Join Tim Hetzner this fall as he leads a CHRISTKINDL MARKETS trip to the Czech Republic, Germany and Austria, November 27 to December 5, 2011 December is the time for the Christkindl Markets (Advent Markets) in the Czech Republic, Germany and Austria, a tradition that dates back hundreds of years. Literally translated, the street fairs are Christchild markets. They happen in nearly every city and village, large and small. They are always cause for celebration and for shopping, for some roasted sausage, music on the streets and the insides of centuries-old churches, and, of course, some hot, spiced wine. Let this be an invitation to focus on Advent and the Coming of Christ in bringing in the Christmas Season. Tim Hetzner President, Lutheran Church Charities Click here for more information on this trip
Tim's Pick of the Week Lies That Go Unchallenged by Charles Colson Armed with Scripture, Chuck Colson battles seven seemingly innocuous Lies That Go Unchallenged in Popular Culture falsehoods like "Nobody has a monopoly on truth" or "Marriage isn't forever". Using concise examples of individual situations, Colson helps you understand the underlying motives of these untruths and shows how to respond to worldviews that appear credible but in reality are counterfeit. Insightful and practical, this book is ideal for group or individual study.
Help us Feed People in Need
In Disaster Response and Outreach Events 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.
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
Ham Dinner Fundraiser for "Fill the Bus for Haiti
Saturday, April 30, 2011 Immanuel Lutheran Church 4800 Sauk Trail Richton Park, IL
Tickets are now on sale for a delicious ham dinner to be held at Immanuel Richton Park on April 30th, with two seatings available at 3 pm and 5 pm. Proceeds will be used to "Fill the Bus for Haiti" with much needed medical supplies and other human care needs. Call the church office at 708-748-0558 to order tickets for the ham dinner. You can also contribute to the "Fill the Bus for Haiti" project at the link below. Every dollar of your donation goes directly to "Fill the Bus". Click here to donate
Spirit of Life Chorus Series - Final Performance
Sunday, May 1, 2011 at 4:30 pm Holy Ghost Catholic Church 254 Wood Dale Rd. Wood Dale, IL SPIRIT OF LIFE CHORUS is a 100+ member ecumenical Christian concert chorus performing in church sanctuaries and auditoriums throughout the northern Illinois area. Formed in the fall of 1989 with 17 charter members, today, SPIRIT has grown to over 100 singers and musicians. Our solid, musical reputation of dynamic concerts with strong emotional appeal is performed from the heart of each member. "SPIRIT" style music is presented with a joyous dedication to bringing the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ to all who listen. The members of THE SPIRIT OF LIFE CHORUS cordially invite you to "Open Arms Are Inviting You" as we present a wide variety of spiritually uplifting music as we conclude our twenty-first year of proclaiming His glory. Come join us this spring and enjoy the diversity of our program as we stand in His presence and sing His praises. See you at the concert!
Annual Dinner and Auction for Pacific Lutheran High School
Saturday, May 7, 2011 The "NEW" Toyota Museum 19600 Van Ness Ave. Torrance, CA You are invited to attend Pacific Lutheran High School's annual dinner auction this May 7th, 2011 at the "NEW" Toyota Museum in Torrance, California. They have approximately $19,000 in donated items, a beautiful venue, and a chance to fellowship with others supporting the Christian ministry of PLHS. Information about this event can be found on the school's website at www.pacificlutheranhigh.com.
Ladies Tea Party at St. John's Algonquin
Saturday, May 7, 2011 from 1-3 pm St. John's Lutheran Church and School 300 Jefferson St. Algonquin, IL The community is invited to attend this FREE special Ladies Tea Party on Saturday, May 7th from 1:00 - 3:00 pm at St. John's Lutheran Church & School at 300 Jefferson Street, Downtown Algonquin.
Algonquin's very own "Ladies of St. John's" are inviting the community to come and spend a pleasant afternoon together with all of the special ladies in your life! Mothers, daughters, grandmothers, aunts and other friends are all invited to tip their tea cups, enjoy sweets and relax with friends old and new. Guests will enjoy a guest speaker and will pose for a FREE photo or two. Everyone is encouraged to wear their Sunday best or Vintage Wear (but not necessary). Fancy Hats are always welcome. There is no fee for this open event, registration is encouraged. RSVP to Toniann @ 847-458-6112 or go online for more information at www.stjohnsalgonquin.org. St. John's is located at 300 Jefferson Street, just 1 block west of Route 31 and 1 block south of Route 62. .
First Bethlehem Chicago's 140th Anniversary Celebration
Sunday, May 22, 2011 First Bethlehem Lutheran Church 1649 W. LeMoyne St. Chicago, IL 60622 and White Eagle 6839 N. Milwaukee Ave. Niles, IL
First Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Chicago will celebrate its 140th anniversary on Sunday, May 22, at its 10:45 a.m. Sunday morning worship service. Pastor Elton Heimsoth, an alumnus of the congregation and school (and the son of a former pastor of First Bethlehem), will preach. Pastor James Kellerman will lead the liturgy. The motto for the anniversary will be "The Gospel Advances" and is based upon Philippians 1:12, where Paul speaks of how the gospel had advanced from Jerusalem to the very halls of power in Rome. The verse reminds us that Paul chose urban areas (such as our neighborhood in Chicago's East Wicker Park) to get the gospel message out into a whole region. After the worship service a banquet will be held at the White Eagle, 6839 N. Milwaukee Avenue in Niles. Doors will open at 1:30 p.m. and the meal will be served at 2 p.m. A program will follow, which will include a presentation of pictures of First Bethlehem Lutheran Church from way back in the day. Banquet tickets cost $30 each and can be ordered from the church: 1649 W. Le Moyne St., Chicago IL 60622. All ticket orders must be received by May 10. If there are any questions, you may call the church office at 773.276.2338.
Parish Nurse from Bethlehem to Visit St. Paul, Rochelle
Raida Mansour (pictured), parish nurse at Christmas Lutheran Church and Dar-al-Kalima in Bethlehem (Palestine) will be the guest of the NID Parish Nurse Network May 28 - June 6. The majority of time she will be participating in parish nurse meetings and the Concordia Conference for Parish Nurses at Concordia University Wisconsin. On Sunday, June 5th, St. Paul Lutheran Church (Rochelle) will give thanks to God for the five years of blessings for the parish nurse ministry in Bethlehem. The coffee hour (immediately after the 9am worship service), and a presentation during the Bible class time that follows, will provide an opportunity to visit with Raida and learn more about parish nursing in Bethlehem.
Marcia Schnorr (CLM-Parish Nurse at St. Paul and Coordinator, Parish Nursing, LCMS) was part of the initial task force (2005) through Bright Stars of Bethlehem and agreed to provide the leadership in providing parish nurse education if a nurse was identified. God provided the nurse (Raida Mansour) and a distance learning course was developed with an internship spent at St. Paul (Rochelle) and within the NID. Parish nursing in Bethlehem began with Raida serving fourteen older adults at Christmas Lutheran Church then quickly expanded to well over 100 Palestinian Christians in the Bethlehem area. Soon they added regular visits to elderly (including Muslims) in the nearby villages. They have now served over 250 elderly as they have added outreach to Nablus and Taybeh. The NID Parish Nurse Network provides the support for Raida to return to the USA bi-annually. Click here if you would like to donate to this ministry outreach.
Afternoons in the Arts - A Fine Arts Camp
June 27 - July 1st from 9 am - 12:30 pm St. John's Lutheran Church and School 505 S. Park Rd. LaGrange, IL A creative program that encourages and challenges kids' artistic expression through music, movement, drama and visual arts while nurturing their relationship with Jesus. Experienced, professional teachers provide a positive and caring environment. Early registration by June 1st: $125 ($100 each additional child per family) After June 1st: $150 ($125 each additional child per family) Register online at www.SJLaGrange.com/arts
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://www.LutheranChurchCharities.org or call us for credit card donations at LCC's office at (866) 455- 6466