May 25, 2011
In This Issue
Featured Stories K-9 Parish Comfort Dogs Families in Need Ministry Needs Mission Opportunities International Ministry Upcoming Events How To Support LCC
Lutheran Church Charities and the Northern Illinois District and Beyond Respond to Tornado Devastation in Joplin, Missouri You are my refuge in the day of disaster. Jeremiah 17:17 UPDATE: This morning Tim Hetzner, President of Lutheran Church Charities, left for Joplin, Missouri to bring support to Rev. Dennis Aubey's son, Jordan, who was injured and lost everything in the recent tornado that devastated Joplin. Tim will then team up with Rev. Glenn Merritt and Rev. Carlos Hernandez of LCMS World Relief and Human Care, and staff at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Joplin, to look at ways to bring Mercy and Compassion to those suffering from the tornado. Please keep all in your prayers Early reports are coming in from Joplin, Missouri where as much as 75% of the city has sustained some damage with more than a quarter of the city completely decimated by the huge tornado that cut a six-mile path through this town of 50,000 people. The death toll, currently reported at 117, is expected to climb as rescue efforts continue throughout the days to come. Photo: Mike Gullett, AP LCC has received word concerning Immanuel Lutheran Church, the only LCMS congregation in Joplin. Immanuel School's Principal, Jeremy Schamber, has reported that the school sustained significant damage and is unsafe to enter. However, the church building was spared major damage but the parsonage lost its roof. Pastor Gregory Mech and all of Immanuel's staff are safe and accounted for. Three teachers' homes were destroyed and a brother of one of the teachers is counted among the dead. The best ways to assist with devastation on this scale always takes time to sort out. At this time only approved emergency responders are permitted to enter Joplin. No specifics have yet been shared on what needs to be done and the process through which help will be received. However, the most immediate need is cash assistance. Lutheran Church Charities - working through the District President of the Northern Illinois District, and in cooperation with LCMS World Relief and Human Care - will be collecting money to help Immanuel Joplin minister to the families on their staff, church and community who have suffered loss. All donations for this disaster...dollar for dollar...will be directed to the most pressing needs as determined by Immanuel Joplin. We will continue to monitor the situation for additional help that they may need, stay in contact with Immanuel leadership, and share updates as they become available. Click here to donate to Tornado Relief in Joplin, Missouri
Tim's Pick of the Week
LCC has many resources available to congregations, businesses, and individuals. Click here to visit our website and learn more
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NID Pastor Dennis Aubey's Son Injured and Lost Everything in Joplin, Missouri Tornado
Update: This morning, Tim Hetzner will visit Jordan Aubey and his parents, Rev. Dennis and Bea Aubey, in Miami, Oklahoma. Jordan, who underwent surgery on Monday for injuries to his right leg, will be released from the hospital on Thursday. We have learned that Jordan was inside his apartment when the tornado hit, surviving by taking refuge in his bathtub. His apartment was completely destroyed, all of his possessions and car are gone. Jordan Aubey - Tornado Victim Unfortunately, Jordan did not have renters insurance. The nurses at Freeman Hospital, where Jordan is receiving care, are collecting clothes for him since he literally survived the tornado with only the clothes he was wearing! Tim will have an opportunity to interview Jordan so continue to check our website for the interview and updates. Watch: Michigan Woman, Her Boyfriend Survive Missouri Tornado - Jordan Aubey's girlfriend, Eryn Fenske, interviewed by news station in Ann Arbor, Michigan Images: Photos from Eryn Fenske, Jordan Aubey's girlfriend Fast on the heels of our most recent appeal, LCC has learned that Rev. Dennis Aubey's son, Jordan, was injured in the recent tornado in Joplin, Missouri. Rev. Aubey is pastor of Christ our Savior Lutheran Church in Winfield, Illinois, located in the Western suburbs of Chicago. Jordan, a reporter for a local TV station in Joplin, sustained non-life threatening injuries and underwent surgery on Monday, May 23rd. His apartment was completely destroyed by the tornado and he has lost everything, including his car. Pastor Aubey and his wife, Bea, have left Illinois to be Rev. Dennis Aubey of Christ Our at his side in Joplin. In addition to our general relief fund Savior Lutheran Church, Winfield for victims of the Joplin Tornado, LCC has set up a fund IL to help Jordan in this time of great loss. Click here to donate to the Jordan Aubey recovery fund
For more information about LCC and its human care ministry, please contact LCC staff at: LCC@LutheranChurch Charities.org More...
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NOW is the Time - UKANDU Chicago 2011
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UKANDU Chicago
On June 19-25, Lutheran Church Charities will be hosting the UKANDU Chicago Mission Trip. This is the ninth summer that this mission trip will bring in youth and adults to serve our inner-city Chicago churches, schools, and individuals. The theme this year is "NOW Is The Time" which is based on 2 Corinthians 2:6 "I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation." Now is the time to let your voice be heard in all of the earth. Now is the time for this generation to rise and be God's glorious church, the true hope for the nation. Now is the time will focus on the urgency to get right with God today and to be the people and
church that God desires of us. Two hundred thirty-five individuals (140 youth and 95 adults) will be participating in the UKANDU Chicago Mission Trip. They are coming from 11 churches from six different states. These participants will be hosting nine different VBS's in Lutheran churches around the city of Chicago and at St Paul Lutheran Church in Skokie, doing construction, painting and landscaping at 20 different Chicago Lutheran churches and school, and six different individuals homes. UKANDU Chicago will be staying at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Melrose Park where each day the participants will have a worship service in the morning and evening, be fed breakfast and dinner, make sack lunches for their work sites, have a quiet time for reading the Bible and meditation, and sleep on classroom floors. On Wednesday night, the mission trip participants will enjoy a night on Lake Michigan watching fireworks, and on Thursday night, Concordia University Chicago will host the team for a special dinner, campus tour, and worship service. Your prayers for the mission trip are desired. For safe travel, great attitudes, servant hearts, protection, and for the Holy Spirit to stretch, empower and touch each participant and recipient in a mighty way.
How Can You Help Prayer Warriors
Financial Support to help pay for supplies click here to donate Power Wash Decks - We have been asked to repair and stain five different decks that need to be power washed before the mission trip week, by June 12th so they have a week to dry before the mission team will stain them. If you or Wheelchair ramp that needs to be your church group could help us out please power-washed contact Pete Imlah at Pete@LutheranChurchCharities.org or 866-455-6466
Participating Churches
Abiding Savior Lutheran Church, St. Louis, MO Bethel Lutheran Church, Morton, IL Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Sun Prairie, WI Emmaus Lutheran Church, Dorsey, IL Faith Lutheran Church, Oak Ridge, TN Immanuel Lutheran Church, East Dundee, IL Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Springfield, IL Our Savior Lutheran Church, Washington, IL Redeemer Lutheran Church, Rochester, MN St. John Lutheran Church, Newhall, IA Trinity Lutheran Church, Bloomington, IL
Devotion Series - Dealing With Your Ishmael
The two-part devotion series entitled "Dealing With Your Ishmael" begins tomorrow. Click here to sign up for our free email devotions Click here for our archive of Daily Devotions
Tim Hetzner Speaks at Faith Arlington Heights and Bethlehem Dundee
LCC President Tim Hetzner presented 101 Ways to Share the Mercy and Compassion of Christ to a group from Faith Lutheran Church in Arlington Heights on Wednesday, May 18. Those attending were challenged to consider simple, no cost ways to share the Gospel through acts of service. Bill Kopp (pictured) was the recipient of one of the ways Tim demonstrated personally. Tim also accepted an invitation to speak at Bethlehem Lutheran in West Dundee at all three worship services on Saturday and Sunday, May 21-22. He also had the chance to once again present the 101 Ways to Share the Mercy and Compassion of Christ to a Sunday morning Bible study. Their people were energized by the challenge to think creatively about how to share Christ in their community. Tim is available to speak at your church, Bible study, men's group, or other gatherings. Contact LCC at LCC@LutheranChurchCharities.org to learn more about having Tim or other LCC staff speak at your church.
Southern Disaster Response Update
As of today, LCC has sent or scheduled thirteen volunteer teams to help with the ongoing tornado cleanup in Alabama. In addition to the Northern Illinois District, churches are traveling from North Carolina, Florida, Missouri, and elsewhere. All teams work under the direction of Reverend Ed Brashier, Southern District Disaster Volunteer Coordinator. LCC continues to take registrations for groups that want to help with recovery efforts in the south. There is a size limit of 20 people for each team based on The team from St. Paul in Grafton, lodging availability. Wisconsin is one of the multiple teams from across the US sent to Alabama We thank all the volunteers who continue to through LCC consider the needs in Alabama even as new disasters take over the news headlines. If you'd like to schedule a group to help with disaster recovery in Alabama, please contact Dona Martin at 866-455-6466 or DonaMartin@LutheranChurchCharities.org. All donations toward this effort go dollar-for-dollar to our Lutheran Churches in support of their work to share the mercy and compassion of Christ through the recovery work. Click Here to Donate - Click Here to Volunteer Click here to view photos from the Southern District
New Disaster Response Training Scheduled For June 14th and July 7th
On Tuesday evening, June 14th, LCC partners with Immanuel Lutheran Church in East Dundee to present LERT Training. Registration with a light supper will be at 5:30 pm. Class will be from 6 to 9 PM. On Thursday evening, July 7th, LCC partners with Trinity Lutheran Church in Genoa to present LERT Training. Registration with a light supper will be at 5:30 pm. Class will be from 6 to 9 PM. Click here to register for the LERT training at Immanuel East Dundee or Trinity Genoa 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 on June 14th or July 7th. For more information, call Dianna Bonfield at 866-455-6466 or email LCC@LutheranChurchCharities.org
LCC Needs Chainsaws for Southern District Disaster Recovery Southern District Disaster Coordinator Ed Brashier is asking for donations of chainsaws to be used in the current clean-up efforts and for the future. One of the greatest challenges faced by communities hit with tornadoes and hurricanes is the removal of fallen trees. As Pastor Brashier has said, you can never have too many chainsaws! If you have a chainsaw that is in excellent condition and would like to donate it, please contact (name of contact here) at LCC. New saws would be preferable. You can make a contribution for a saw and case, which runs between $700 and $750 or purchase Recommended Chainsaw: Husqvarna one to donate. The chainsaw we recommend is 359 20" with the Powerbox carrying case the Husqvarna 359 20" with the Powerbox carrying case. All saws will become part of the permanent collection of the Southern District in support of their disaster response efforts. Click Here to Donate
Travel Trailers Needed for Disaster Response Work Request from Rev Ed Brashier - Associate Pastor at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Gardendale, AL and Southern District Disaster Response Coordinator
LCC is in need of a donation of 1-4 travel trailers, the kind you can pull with a car or truck and live in, to be used down south for the longer term recovery efforts because of the tornadoes and flooding. If you or someone you know has a travel trailer in livable and moving condition and would like to donate it to LCC so it can be used to house longer term volunteers, please contact Tim Hetzner at 866-455-6466 or email Tim at TimHetzner@LutheranChurchCharities.org Thank you. Rev Ed Brashier
New Congregational Preparedness Training Scheduled For June 30th
The NE Kane County Chapter of Thrivent is hosting a Congregational Preparedness Training on Thursday evening, June 30th, from 5:30 PM to 9 PM at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 195 Nesler Rd, Elgin, IL 60124. Registration and a light supper begins at 5:30 with the workshop beginning at 6PM until 9 PM Click here to register for Congregational Preparedness Training LCMS World Relief and Human Care 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 three 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. To schedule a training Register Now, or for more information contact Tim Hetzner or Dianna Bonfield at LCC at 866-455-6466 or email LCC@LutheranChurchCharities.org
Vacation Bible School It's That Time Again!!
LCC is posting a Vacation Bible School schedule on our website again this year. Many people use LCC as a source for information on church activities. Send us the time, date, location and description of your VBS program and we will include it on our website. VBS is such a wonderful outreach to bring the Compassion of Christ into the community that we want to take every opportunity to tell folks what you're doing. Just e-mail the information and contact person's name to LCC@LutheranChurchCharities.org Click here to see VBS listings for 2011
"Fill the Bus" is Rolling Along!
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. They have decided to do this by purchasing a pre-owned school bus that will be used as a shipping container. The "Fill the Bus" kicked off with a concert and recently a ham dinner held at the church. The next event is June 25 at the Richton Park Homeowners picnic at Pierce Park. LCC's Puppet Ministry, led by Christine Followed by Immanuel Fest at Immanuel, Rechsteiner, performed at the Immanuel Richton Park on Saturday August 13. Richton Park ham dinner in April The cost of this project is substantial and will be funded through donations and fundraising events. Call the church office at 708-748-0558 for more information on the upcoming events. 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
LCC K-9 Parish Comfort Dogs Comfort Dog Update
Pete Imlah Gives Presentation at Benedictine University On Saturday, May 21st, Lutheran Church Charities was invited by Laura Holland, faculty member at Benedictine University in the Department of Nursing and Health, to give a presentation on the effects that K-9 Parish Comfort Dogs have on individuals. Pete Imlah shared with the nursing students how the K-9 Parish Comfort Dog Ministry began and how churches/school are using them as outreach tools to share the mercy and compassion of Jesus Christ. He also shared research on the emotional effect that dogs have on individuals and his personal experiences while out working with the dogs. Laura Holland and the nurses appreciated hearing about this unique ministry and the impact its having on the spiritual and emotional care of individuals. She shared with Pete, " I am certain you have made a huge impact on my students and how they will continue to care for their patients". The class, Transforming Care, Complimentary and Alternative Medicine, is made up of students who are practicing nurses and have their Associate Degree in Nursing. They are at Benedictine University to complete their Bachelors in Nursing. Tillie was also present so the nursing students could experience firsthand the impact petting a K-9 Parish Comfort Dog can have on an individual.
Hope and Tillie Visit Good Shepherd Elgin On Sunday, May 22nd, LCC K-9 Parish Comfort Dogs Hope and Tillie visited the Sunday school students at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Elgin, Illinois. Pete Imlah shared about the K-9 Parish Comfort Dogs and how they are used by churches and schools to reach out to their communities (inside the four walls and outside the four walls) with the Mercy and Compassion of Jesus Christ. While there, Pete Imlah and Lynn Buhrke were presented with a check from Good Shepherd. During this past year the students have been collecting their offering monies to go toward support of the K-9 Parish Comfort Dogs. On behalf of LCC and all the K-9 Parish Comfort Dogs we thank the Sunday school students at Good Shepherd for your support and blessing.
Tillie Visits St. Martini Lutheran School in Milwaukee
On Wednesday, May 18th, Tillie the LCC K-9 Parish Comfort Dog visited the students at St Martini Lutheran School in Milwaukee, WI. Pete Imlah was invited by Krista "Mayyou" Parker (recent graduate of CUW and former member and student at Immanuel Lutheran Church/School Palatine) to be the guest speaker during their weekly school chapel, and of course to bring Tillie along. St. Martini is a growing school within downtown Milwaukee and is serving over 220 students. The students enjoyed getting to pet a Comfort Dog and hear about the mission and ministry of Lutheran Church Charities.
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!
Families in Need Help Make A Difference Single Mother of Two in Need of Car for Work
Request from Pastor Erik Gauss, Interim Senior Pastor, Cross Lutheran Church, Yorkville, Illinois
We received a request for assistance through our Community Bridges ministry for a single mom with 2 children who currently is in need of a vehicle. The mom is unemployed but is actively seeking employment and needs a vehicle to get to job interviews and needs transportation to get children to and from school and other activities. The donation of car would be such a blessing to this family. If you have a car to donate please contact LCC at 866-455-6466 or email LCC@LutheranChurchCharities.org
Pastor Seeking Support for Colleague to Attend Conference
Pastor Brian Banke of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Tacoma, Washington is seeking support for a colleague to attend a conference that will benefit church planting and domestic missionary activity. The Fivetwo Wikiconference in Katy, Texas takes place June 21-24 and deals directly with effectively planting and mobilizing churches in a Postmodern and Pluralistic society. Pastor Banke is seeking donors to cover the costs of a Midwest based fellow pastor to attend this conference. The conference fee is $199. With travel costs and lodging the total expense for the event is estimated at between
$800 and $900. Click here to donate
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 great need of 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
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
Your Donations Make A Difference Steve Thirtle, from St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Hawthorn Woods, donated a new chainsaw for the Southern District Disaster Recovery efforts. Thank you Steve for Making a Difference!
Thanks to Your Generous Support, We Were Able to Provide Assistance to the following: St Matthew Soup Kitchen Prison Ministry Fund Financial Assistance for single Mom - Cross Lutheran Church, Yorkville Waleed Living Expenses Fund - Jefferson Park Lutheran Church - Chicago (CLMMA) Send Waleed to Seminary Fund - Jefferson Park Lutheran Church - Chicago (CLMMA) Man in Need of Assistance Fund - St Mark Lutheran Church, St Charles
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 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
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 webpage 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. Click here to view postings on the Faith Led Feet page.
Other Stories Still Seeking Support 35-year-old Ethiopian Man in Need of Medical Treatment Help Crossways International Bring the Word of God to Christians in the Phillipines and Make A Difference to Thousands of Lives Scholarship a Child in Myanmar 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 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.
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 Haiti Update - Mission Teams at Work Christ Memorial St. Louis, Missouri has sent a mission team to work on the Building Homes and Hope in Haiti project in Jacmel, Haiti.
Team from Christ Memorial, St. Louis, Missouri
Along with doing construction on the Guest House in Jacmel, the team will participate in a VBS and shoe distribution in a tent city. Pictured putting materials together for the VBS are (from left to right) Philip Stohlmann, Alayne Smith, Sandra Ericson, Robert Avena, Christine Avena, Rebecca Avena, and Nancy Avena. You can follow the team through their mission experience on their blog at
http://christmemorialhaiti.blogspot.com/ Pastor ST Williams from St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church Los Angeles, California is leading a group of 16 students from Lincoln, Nebraska and Concordia University Irvine, California. The team will be working on the Building Homes and Hope in Haiti project in Leogane and will also participate in a VBS, Community Outreach, and Worship. They will spend 14 days in Haiti showing the Mercy and Compassion of Jesus Christ through Team from St. Paul Los Angeles unloads their mission work. a wall for a home. A team of nine arrived in Haiti from Living Christ Lutheran Church in Arlington Heights, Illinois. Pastor Paul Klopke is leading the team to Jeremie where they will be conducting an eyeglass and medical clinic for Lutheran churches and schools in surrounding villages until May 28th. You can follow the team through their mission experience on their blog at http://lclchaitimission.tumblr.com/
Pastor Paul Klopke preaching in Jeremie, Haiti
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 Some of the students that will be served of the Holy Spirit, through education and this summer by the ESL class outreach in Jacmel, Haiti. In recent
conversations with Pastor Marky Kessa, he has identified 100 youth who would 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
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 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 New Oxford Annotated Bible with the Apocrypha This classic resource is the only RSV study Bible available today. It features extensive annotations to the biblical text, book introductions, eight supplementary charts and essays, and authoritative, full color Oxford Bible Maps.
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
Special Ascension Service
Thursday, June 2 at 7 pm St. Matthew Lutheran Church 24500 Old McHenry Road Hawthorn Woods, IL The Congregations of St. Matthew, Barrington and St. Matthew, Hawthorn Woods invite you to Worship and Celebrate with them on the 40th Day after Easter, the Ascension of our Lord, Thursday, June 2, 2011 at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 25400 Old McHenry Road, Hawthorn Woods (between Midlothian & Quentin Roads). The guest preacher will be the Rev. Dr. Timothy Maschke, Professor of Theology at Concordia University, Wisconsin. Also featured will be the Clergy and Choirs of St. Matthew, Barrington and St. Matthew, Hawthorn Woods.
A reception is planned following the service.
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