May 11, 2011
Southern States Tornado Disaster Update - LCC is on the Ground!
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In This Issue
Featured Stories Families in Need Ministry Needs Mission Opportunities International Ministry K-9 Parish Comfort Dogs Tim's Pick of the Week Upcoming Events How To Support LCC
Tim's Pick of the Week
This week LCC President, Tim Hetzner, traveled to Alabama to meet with key LCMS leaders, survey the damage, and coordinate our disaster relief efforts there. After sending a crew to Arkansas to do chainsaw work in Conway, Arkansas, the crew (pictured below) drove through the night to be at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Today our efforts are focused on the devastation in Alabama while we monitor the flooding in other states. We are currently housing our volunteers with the wonderful Tim Hetzner meets with Rocky Mease, people at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in President Schultz of the Southern Tuscaloosa which is located at the epicenter of District, and Pastor Noon at Holy Cross the destruction. ALL around the church homes have been destroyed. Less than a block away is where three young lives were lost. LCC is coordinating volunteers from 12 different states and coordinating their trips down south for the ongoing cleanup. Tim reports that there is overwhelming support from local volunteers and that supplies, thus far, are not an issue as areas not directly hit by the tornadoes are functioning at near normal levels. LCC is working with the LCMS Southern District and LCMS World Relief and Human Care to bring relief to those suffering and to share the Mercy and Compassion of Christ. LCC works on providing the registration and coordination for individuals and teams of people wanting to plan a successful mission/Christian Care Trip to help the Taking a break from their work, thousands who have suffered loss because of volunteers pray with 87-year-old member the tornadoes and flooding. If you would like to of Holy Cross Lutheran Church and arrange or send a team, you can contact LCC at owner of the home they were working on. 866-455-6466 or email us at LCC@LutheranChurchCharities.org or click here to go our website to fill out a form.
We continue to accept volunteer applications, coordinate schedules, and assign teams to dates that work within the context of the overall effort. Holy Cross began providing meals to the community the day after the tornado devastated Tuscaloosa. They plan to continue the meals and have now added housing volunteers. Your gifts to Disaster Response help to offset the cost for Holy Cross and the other Lutheran Churches LCC is working through as they continue to reach out to those affected by the tornado with the Mercy and Compassion of Christ. Volunteer crew arrives Tuesday to begin work on houses of Holy Cross members Click Here to Donate damaged by tornado Front row- Michael Bultemeier, Tim Click Here to Volunteer Hetzner (LCC), Jennifer Youngsteadt, Angelo and Norina Valdes, Gary Kessler Click Here for Photo Gallery Back row- Ron Jacobs (Holy Cross), Jason Weber, Alex Zermeno, Tim Hershey (The Thureus Group)
LCC has many resources available to congregations, businesses, and individuals. Click here to visit our website and learn more
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 For more information about LCC and its human care ministry, please contact LCC staff at: LCC@LutheranChurch Charities.org
Click here to hear a miraculous story of survival from a couple living in Boligee, AL
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Tim Hetzner Interviewed on KFUO This Morning Tim Hetzner will be interviewed this morning, May 11, on KFUO at 8:22 AM. He will be discussing the Disaster Response work currently going on in the South. Tim is in Alabama today coordinating LCC Relief Efforts. Click here to hear the interview....
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Douglas Gordon is enjoying his new deck this week. Folks visiting the day care center at Bethel New Life are greeted by a bright, colorful newly painted entry way. Blocks and blocks of streets on the west side of Chicago are free of trash and debris. These things and so much more happened in a single day when more than 600 volunteers descended on the Austin and West Garfield neighborhoods of Chicago for the first annual 1 By Youth day of service. Church lots were cleaned and landscaped, porches were painted, streets were cleaned, and the stories of people receiving the love of Jesus through the service of young people go on and on. The team that put this event together, coordinated by LCC staffer, Tim Kurth, worked tirelessly for the last three months to see that all the work was coordinated, lunch was provided for everyone, and the day ended with a celebratory block party. However, the team could not have succeeded without the help of many hands. Most important to the success of the day was the support and assistance of Alderman Emma Mitts of the 37th Ward and Alderman Jason Ervin of the 28th Ward. Alderman Mitts rallied the support of area businesses, provided local staff to supervise work projects and lent her staff to the effort in the final weeks of preparation to help in any way the LCC team needed. Fifty five churches from five different states came out for the event, some from as far away as Ohio and nearly one third of them Lutheran. Nearly 100 projects were completed. LCC would like to thank all those who made this awesome event possible. Especially: City of Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation Our Saviour's United Methodist Church - Schaumburg St. Peter Lutheran Church - Arlington Heights St. Matthew Lutheran School - Hawthorn Woods Grant & Power Landscaping - Naperville Madison Construction - Orland Park Concordia University Chicago Paulson's Paint - Forest Park Portable John - Lockport Andy's Deli - Chicago Dick & Mary Hocking - Lake Forest Starbucks - 47th & Cicero in Chicago Menard's - 4501 North Avenue in Chicago Coca Cola OUR HOSTS Bethel Lutheran Church - 130 N. Keeler in Chicago (ELCA) Bethel New Life - 4950 W. Thomas in Chicago Click here to watch a video of 1 By Youth in Chicago Click here to view photos form this day of service
Living Christ Arlington Heights-Two New Needs before May 20 Mission Trip to Haiti
As the mission team from Living Christ Lutheran Church in Arlington Heights gets ready for their mission trip to Haiti May 20-28 they have two additional needs: 1. A set of Communion Ware for Pastor Isaac's church in Jeremie, Haiti 2. An optometrist to mark the strength of the donated eyeglasses that they are taking for the eyeglass clinic Pastor Paul Klopke Please call Pastor Paul Klopke at (847) 577-7133 if you able to help with either of these needs. UPDATE: Thank you to Rev. John Vaughn and St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Prior Lake, MN for helping with a donation of communion cup holders!
Rev John Vaughn
Families in Need Help Make A Difference Grandmother, Daughter and three Grandchildren in Need of Furniture Margarita is in her fifties and is a volunteer at St. Matthew Lutheran Church El Comedor Popular Soup kitchen that feeds the homeless in Chicago. Margarita lives in the Pilsen area with her daughter who is a single mother, she works during the day at a commercial center and at night is studying to become a nurse. Margarita takes care of her three grandchildren, who attend Chicago Public schools; they are Anthony 12, Christopher 9, and Angel 6. Three months ago they moved to a third floor apartment that has hardly any furniture, They are in a great need for a used living room set, a double bed, small beds for the children, they need chairs, the six windows have no drapes or curtains, furniture to store plates, glasses, silverware. The family would appreciate having a television set because they cannot afford to buy one. The family is supported by the children's mother. If you have any of these items to donate or are interested in helping this family please contact Pastor Loza at the church office phone: 1-773-847-6458 or his cellular: 1-773-220-0111. Our Lord Jesus said: "Blessed are the merciful".
Single Man Needs Rent Assistance
Request from Rev. Reuben Baerwald, Emeritus, St. Mark Lutheran Church, St. Charles, Illinois I am working with a middle aged man who is separated from his family and living alone. He needs temporary assistance to pay his room rent and for food while he continues to look for a job. Any assistance would be a blessing for this man as he works to start a new life. Click here to donate
Rev. Reuben Baerwald
35 Year Old Ethiopian Man in Need of Medical Treatment
Request through the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus Yonas, who lives in Ethiopia, was born with congenital ventricular septal defect. When he was ten years old, his condition was corrected with surgery in Switzerland. However, two months ago, his heart problem reoccurred. His diagnosis is CHF SECONDARY TO VSD WITH EISENMENGER COMPLEX and he is currently on Oxygen at 10 L/min. Since he lives in a country where there is no advanced medicine, he is not able to get any kind of medical treatment. He is 35 years old and if he doesn't get help soon enough, he will lose his life at this very young age. He can receive the surgery he needs in Bannock but it's expensive. (estimated cost $25,000) Many avenues are being explored for funding. $3,000 is needed for his travel expenses and additional money will be needed for his medical treatment. If you are able to help with his expenses it will be a life saving blessing for this man and his family. Click here to donate
Car and Financial Help Needed for Homeless Single Mother
Request from Pastor Paul Cutler, Grace Lutheran Church, Streamwood, IL A single mother of a 5 year old is in desperate need of a car to drive to her newly acquired job. She is currently relying on friends and family to get to work but there are times when they cannot assist her. She is also trying to find a place for her and her daughter to live. She is struggling to keep her new job so that she can afford a home for her and her daughter who are having to move around to different locations. Any means of transportation would be greatly appreciated as well as a lead on a place for her and her daughter to live or financial assistance for a down payment for rent. If you have a vehicle to donate please contact LCC at 866-4556466 or email LCC@LutheranChurchCharities.org Click here to donate toward financial assistance If you have a place for this family to live or need more information please contact Pastor Paul Cutler at Grace (630) 289-3996 or email pastorswifesue@yahoo.com
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
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.
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
Support Needed For Summer Project - "Building Haiti from the Inside Out" God is ever present and visible in the people of Haiti. The 1st Lutheran Church of Jacmel has more than tripled in believers since the earthquake the previous year. College students from Building Homes and Hope trips were asked by Pastor Marky Kessa to teach an ESL (English as a Second Language) course this summer. The project goal, "Building Haiti from the Inside Out", is to continue to encourage, support and enable our brothers and sisters in Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit, through education and outreach in Some of the students that will be Jacmel, Haiti. In recent conversations with Pastor served this summer by the ESL Marky Kessa he has identified 100 youth who would class benefit from the ESL program. As a way to help build communications, the project also includes teaching people designated by Pastor Marky how to use computers, projectors, website design, and other graphic media to document and keep people globally informed of God's work in Haiti by providing updates on the current conditions of Churches, orphanages and schools. Your help is needed now in touching the lives of 100 youth with the Mercy and Compassion of Jesus Christ by supporting these students in their mission. Help cover the costs of travel expenses for seven weeks - $6,865 which includes: food, lodging, ground travel, school supplies, airfare and technology - cost $6,523 which includes projector, DSLR camera, and computer. To donate equipment you can click here to see a list the specific equipment being requested. Click here to donate to send the students to Haiti - Click here to donate to the cost of the equipment needed
Faith Led Feet - A New Opportunity to Put Your Faith in Action 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
Thanks to Your Generous Support, We Were Able to Provide Assistance to the following: St Mark Lutheran Church, St Charles - Xagas Fund
Other Stories Still Seeking Support Urgent Need for Medical Assistance Help Support our Lutheran Outreach Efforts in Lebanon Christians Attacked by Muslims in Ethiopia - 59 Churches Burned and Thousands Displaced College Students Launch Appeal for One of LCC's Own in Haiti Food and Household Items Needed to Support Bethesda's Outreach Ministries Jesendys Hygiene Ministry - Compassionately Providing Essentials Ongoing Recovery Efforts Open Doors for the Gospel in Japan
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. 2862 Electric Scooter 2861 refrigerator (larger size)-cream/off white color 2860 Girl's white bedroom furniture, 2 twin bed headboards and frames, 1 mattress set, dresser, desk with mirror, 1 double size beige sleeper sofa, 2 dark wood veneer tall book shelves, 1 end table with white top, wood legs, and 1 dark wood kitchen table with leaves and 5 chairs 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) 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 Lockers Needed
Submitted by Aaron Landgrave, Principal, Trinity Burr Ridge Trinity Burr Ridge is in need of six lockers for their school- 60" high, 12" wide and 12" inches or so deep. If you have any lockers you are no longer using, please contact the principal Aaron Landgrave at trinityprincipal@comcast.net or call (708) 839-1444.
Still Point Theatre Collective Needs $1,000 to Continue the Persephone Project
Submitted by: Lisa Wagner-Carollo, Executive Director, Still Point Theatre Collective Still Point Theatre Collective, associated with Christ Lutheran Church Chicago, was founded by Lisa Wagner-Carollo, recipient of the Wheat Ridge Foundation's Seeds of Hope Award of 2009. Still Point is a Chicago-based community of artists dedicated to creating performances, workshops, retreats, and community events that celebrate our common spirituality, and raise consciousness on issues of peace and justice. One of Still Point's most unique and inspiring programs is the Persephone Project, through which the artistic staff facilitate theater workshops with women in Chicago-area detention centers including the Metropolitan Correctional Center (MCC), Lake County Jail, and the Dwight Correctional Center. These workshops are safe spaces for incarcerated women to tell their stories, build community, and explore together. At the end of a three- to four-month process, participants present an original performance for invited guests, prison volunteers, and their fellow inmates. Each performance is a powerful expression of inner strength and spirit. Keeping these programs thriving is an ongoing struggle. Still Point is seeking $1,000 by June 1 to cover travel expenses for facilitators, so that the workshops at Lake County Jail and Dwight Correctional Center can continue. The women at these institutions truly depend on the safe, creative space provided by Still Point Theatre Collective. Click here to donate
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
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
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
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 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 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 Comfort Dog Update
K-9 Parish Comfort Dog Assembly at St Luke Itasca On Tuesday, May 3rd, Hope, LCC Comfort Dogs Star and Tillie joined the students and teachers at St. Luke Lutheran School in Itasca for a special K-9 Parish Comfort Dog Assembly. Pete Imlah, Tranetta McComb and Lynn Buhrke shared about the work they do with the dogs and how churches and school use the dogs as an inreach and outreach tool to share the mercy and compassion of Jesus Christ. After the assembly the dogs visited all the classrooms and spent time with the students. The students at St Luke are blessing the K-9 Parish Comfort Dogs with their chapel offerings.
K-9 Chapel Talk at Trinity Lutheran School Lansing On Wednesday, May 4 the LCC Comfort Dogs were at Trinity Lutheran School in Lansing, Illinois, for a K-9 Chapel Talk. Pete Imlah shared during chapel about the importance of not allowing the things of this world to get you distracted from keeping focused on the things of God. After Chapel the K-9 Parish Comfort Dogs Hope, Star and Tillie visited with the students. Each of the students got to pet the dogs and received their business cards.
Click here to schedule a K-9 Comfort Dog visit
Donate to the K-9 Parish Comfort Dog Ministry
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
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 Divine Design By Sharla Fritz Imagine that you have participated in a fashion makeover. You look beautiful, polished, and radiant. Cries of "You look amazing!" and "I can't believe it's you!" reach your ears-and you feel fantastic. Oh, yes, it's exciting, but that kind of transformation doesn't last long. By next week, the manicure will be chipped. By next month, the shoes will look scuffed. The elegant dress will last a little longer, but by next year, it will be out of date. Divine Design: 40 Days of Spiritual Makeover will lead you through a different kind of transformation: an alteration of attitude. Your journey through these pages will, by God's grace, enable you to experience a spiritual makeover that will transform your heart. This renovation of character will not become chipped, scuffed, or passé. Through God's free gift of faith in Jesus, you possess the garment of salvation: the robe of righteousness and eternal life with God. He has begun a spiritual makeover in you! For individuals and small groups, this eight-week Bible study contains true stories and encouragement that will change you, transform you, and make you new! To learn more about Sharla Fritz, please visit her websites: www.sharlafritz.com and http://sharlafritz.blogspot.com/
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
Itasca Lions Club All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast
Saturday, May 14, 2011, 6:30 am-11 am Saint Luke Lutheran School Gymnasium 410 S. Rush St. Itasca, IL Pancakes - Pastries - Sausage - Coffee - Bacon - Fruit - Juice - Milk - Ham Donation: $5.00 Senior citizens and children under 12: $3.50 Click here to print flyer to admit one child free when accompanied by an adult
101 Ways to Show the Mercy and Compassion of Christ in Ways That Don't Cost Money Presented by Tim Hetzner, President of Lutheran Church Charities Wednesday, May 18, 2011, 7-8:30 pm Luther Village Creative Arts Room A 2nd floor of the Wittenberg Commons area 1220 Village Drive Arlington Heights, IL 60004
Limited parking is available along Village Drive. Village Drive runs north from Oakton. 1220 is after you cross Concordia Lane. The main entrance is just beyond the fountain. Questions? Email Gilda Karu at abistaja@yahoo.com or call the church office at 847-253-4839
St. Luke Lutheran School Itasca Curriculum Presentation/Open House
Sunday, March 20 from 12:00 pm -1:30 pm Monday, March 21st from 9:00 am - 10:30 am Saint Luke Lutheran School 410 S. Rush Street Itasca, Illinois
Saint Luke Lutheran School, 460 S. Rush Street, Itasca, Illinois is hosting a Curriculum Presentation and Open House on Sunday, May 22, 2:00 - 4:00pm, and Monday, May 23, 9:00am - 2:00pm the school will be open to visit. Saint Luke is a fully accredited Lutheran school that offers full day child care and quality education, Preschool - 8th Grade. If you are looking for a school that is Christ centered, academically strong and respectfully operated, you need to find out more about Saint Luke. You won't be disappointed! For more information call 630-773-0396 or visit www.SaintLukeItasca.org
Trinity Green Trails Hosts Music Event
Saturday, May 21, 2011 Trinity Green Trails 2701 Maple Ave Lisle, IL 60532
Saturday, May 21 at 7:30pm, Trinity-Green Trails, home of the Grounds for Hope Cafe, located in Lisle, hosts two bands as they launch their debut Cd's. Mia Koehne, who currently serves at Christ Church-Lutheran in Phoenix is excited to return to her hometown of Chicago. "As a singer/songwriter, her soulful music reflects the painful beauty of human struggles and a passion to worship the God who saves." Mia is joined by fellow Phoenix, AZ based singer, Nathaniel Hoiles. www.aboutmidnight.com. "Indeed", which includes Sanctuary Manhattan's worship leader, Nathan Fisher, is an original, piano-driven, modern folk rock trio with a penchant for three part vocal harmony. Their songs share their personal challenges and experiences on their journey through life, faith and relationships." Find them on MySpace at www.myspace.com/music.indeed. Tickets are $5. For more information, please contact Dan Grissom, 630-390-1290 or email at dan.grissom@tlc4u.org
Arlington Heights Christian Youth Chorus Spring Concert
Sunday May 22, 2011, 4:30 PM Faith Lutheran Church 431 S. Arlington Heights Road Arlington Heights, Illinois
Under the direction of Matt Stiehr, the Chorus will present a wide spectrum of choral music. Included is the syncopated hip-hop style "Joyful, Joyful" from the movie Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit; "How Can I Keep From Singing," a Quaker song with a powerful text reflecting internal strength and hope; two very popular songs from the Rodgers and Hammerstein Broadway musical and hit motion picture, The Sound of Music - "Do-Re-Mi" and "My Favorite Things;" "Antiphonal Kyrie," a prayer of petition sung a cappella by the Chorus; plus additional selections to round out the concert. Several of the numbers feature choreography designed and taught by Amanda Lehmann. The concert is free of charge with only a free will offering taken to help defray costs.
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-alKalima 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.
Lutheran Hispanic Mission Benefit Dinner and Wine Tasting
Sunday, June 5 at 5 pm Don Quijote Restaurant 119 Lincolnway Valparaiso, IN The Lutheran Hispanic Mission will host a benefit dinner and wine tasting on Sunday, June 5, starting at 5:00 PM. The event will be held at Don Quijote Restaurant, 119, Lincolnway in Valparaiso, Indiana, and will feature authentic Mexican food and entertainment. The Mission is organized to help Hispanic residents with American citizenship applications and English as a Second Language Classes. It also provides a myriad of social services to the Hispanic Community of Northwest Indiana.
Reservations for the dinner are $60.00 and are available from Dennis Hodges: 219- 793-3370 or the Lutheran Hispanic Mission at (219) 508-7109.
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