August 24, 2011 - Making A Difference Newsletter

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August 24, 2011

In This Issue

Featured Stories Comfort Dog Update Families in Need Disaster Response Ministry Needs Mission Opportunities International Ministry LCC Ministry Resources Tim's Pick of the Week Upcoming Events How To Keep LCC Serving

LCC Truck and Staff Member Hit by Lightning! This past Saturday, while out in the storms, LCC's white pick-up truck was hit by lightning while Tim Kurth of LCC was in the truck. The entire electrical system in the truck was fried. LCC has a $500 deductible so if you could help in repairing the truck, please click here. Tim Kurth, on the other hand, has a higher deductible but cannot afford to be treated in the states so we will have him taken care of in Kenya by a witchdoctor. Any assistance for Tim would also be appreciated. Whatever comes in above and beyond the truck deductible will be used for repairs on Tim. Thank you for your support. Click here to donate

Tim's Pick of the Week

Looking to be in an in-depth Bible Study? Does Your Church Want to Host a Study? Your Small Group?

Over 150 weeks of In-Depth Bible Studies available on DVD

Tim Hetzner, President of Lutheran Church Charities, has led over 40 Biblical Studies Trips to the Middle East over the past 30 years. Learn his insights into the Biblical Text, the Culture and Customs of the People, the History and Archeology of the land - but MOST OF ALL - discover the MIND-METHOD-MANNER and MINISTRY of our Lord Jesus Christ. All Courses are available on DVD and also on the Internet. Become a host site for Word Among Us Studies and find Answers in the Bible for Life's Many Difficulties and

LCC has many resources available to congregations, businesses, and individuals. Click here to visit our website and learn more

Questions! For more information and registration, Click Here... To find out more information contact Tim Hetzner at 866-455-6466 or email at WAU@LutheranChurchCharities.org


LCC Mission and Ministry Advancement Staffer, Tim Kurth, Leads Kenyan Mission Trip

Tim Kurth arrives in Nairobi, Kenya today preparing to lead a medical/construction mission team there next week. The team of 16 will provide medical check-ups for orphans and blind children in Nairobi and Kitui over the course of the week. They will also be working on repairing a boys dormitory for the orphans and converting classrooms into a medical clinic for St. Luke's Home for Blind Children. Team members are delivering thousands of dollars' worth of donated medicines that will stock clinics in Kenya. Last Friday team members Lon and Sally Messenger and Dale Hoppensteadt worked with Tim to pack suitcases with medications to be include in checked baggage. Please keep the team in your prayers. They return Sally Messenger and Dale to the U.S. on Tuesday, September 6. Hoppensteadt prepare medications for Kenya Click here to donate

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 More...

Ministry Quicklinks Newsletter Archive / Printable Format

Circuits 19 and 20 Host Gourmet Fund Raising Dinner for LCC Disaster Response Last spring brought upon us a lot of nature caused disasters: earthquake and Tsunami in Japan brought upon the people of the region nuclear meltdown; tornados in the Alabama, Mississippi and other states killed scores of people and left countless others without homes and livelihood. Pastors of Circuits 20 and 19 took close to their hearts the pain of the affected people, realizing that it is not enough to pray for the victims of disasters and they need to take one step further - to have a fundraiser dinner.

Bible Classes Daily Devotions Prayer Requests To Donate Ministries We Support

Reserve the date and the place

September 30, 2011 at 7 p.m. Saint Paul Lutheran Church

Join Our Mailing List!

Click here to join our mailing list and receive free email daily devotions

4660 West 94th Street, Oak Lawn, Illinois 60453 Our special speaker for the event will be Timothy Hetzner President of Lutheran Church Charities. Our guests will be treated with 4 star gourmet food prepared by master chefs: Rev. Steven Riordan of Grace Lutheran Church, Western Springs (E19) and Rev. Dr. Valdas Ausra of Zion Lithuanian Lutheran Church, Oak Lawn (E20) and Pastors of Circuits 19 and 20. Menu includes fine appetizers, salad, main course and dessert. Cost is $50.00 per person. Limited seating. Deadline for reservations is Saturday, September 23, 2011. Please make reservations through the office of Grace Lutheran Church, 4101 Wolf Road, Western Springs, IL 60558 For more information call (708) 246-0536 or e-mail: gracelutheran.ws@gmail.com Payment should be included with your reservation. All the proceeds will go to support Disaster Relief efforts of Lutheran Church Charities.


"Send a Spoken Prayer"

Help the Haitian Orphans NOW-Donations Needed for Bunk Beds Request from Sue Gross, Lutheran Mission Project

Friends of Haiti, I am often asked how a small congregation can be part of the Haiti Ministry without making a monthly commitment of support. Well here it is..................... Immanuel Lutheran Church in Richton Park, along with the Richton Park Community, bought a used school bus which we will use as a shipping container to send large items to Pastor Isaac in Haiti. This is a rare opportunity for us to have such a large space to ship needed items to Haiti so we decided to take advantage of it by shipping the much needed BUNKBEDS that the children will use when the addition on Pastor's house is finished next year. We found white pine bunk beds at IKEA for $159.00 each. The mattresses are extra and they have 20 available right now if we want them. We do not have to pay tax and we will pick them up ourselves. So if we can get 20 congregations to donate $300.00 we will have enough beds for the 30 orphans and the guest room where mission teams will stay in the future. We would like to thank Immanuel Lutheran Church and the Richton Park Community for the FEST they sponsored last Saturday. All proceeds went to pay for the cost of shipping the bus to Haiti. Please consider a donation for this cause. These children sleep on a concrete floor in Pastor's home right now. These children have never had a bed to sleep in! Can you imagine the excitement when they get to sleep in their very own bed for the first time? Please help make this happen NOW. If the bus leaves before we can raise the money for the beds it will be too costly for us to ship them. Click here to donate

LCC's "Send a Spoken Prayer" e-Card site is available. To learn more, Click Here

Tim Hetzner Speaks at King of Glory, Elgin

Tim Hetzner spoke at King of Glory Lutheran Church in Elgin this past Sunday on "THE COST" of what is involved personally to go from being a Believer in Jesus Christ to a Follower of Christ.


Haiti ESL - Mission Accomplished!

On Monday, August 15th a celebration of accomplishment took place at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Jacmel, Haiti. Over 100 students took advantage of the English as a Second Language program provided by Sofie Martin (Immanuel, Palatine) and Jacob Deal (Trinity, Toledo). Students were presented with Certificates of Achievement and were extremely grateful for the instruction they received. After several mission trips to Haiti, Jacob and Sofie were asked by ELCH President Marky Kessa to facilitate the ESL class and help develop communication resources to get the work of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Haiti out. Sofie and Jacob spent more than eight weeks in Haiti, returning to Chicago on August 17th. Thank you to all the donors who made this dream a reality. You touched so many lives with the Mercy and Compassion of Christ.

Comfort Dog Update

St. John Darien Supports LCC K-9 Parish Comfort Dog Ministry On Sunday, August 21st, LCC's K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry was recognized and presented a check for the K-9 Ministry at the 9am service by Pastor David Bottorff of St. John Darien, Illinois. LCC placed comfort dog "Shami" one year ago to work along with congregational handlers and the Pastors as a bridge for ministry with the community. She has been used with children, shut-ins, picnics, assisted living residents, just to name a few. Shami has not limited her outreach to just the surrounding area either . Shami and Pastor Doug Swanson were part of LCC's early response team in Joplin, Missouri working in the relief center giving comfort to young and old. Representing LCC on Sunday were K-9 Event Coordinator Dona Martin, Richard Martin Director of Ministry Advancement, LCC staff K9 Olympia, K-9 Shami and her caregiver Linda Ramey.

Click here to schedule a K-9 Comfort Dog visit Donate to the K-9 Parish Comfort Dog Ministry

Thanks to Your Generous Support, We Were Able to Provide Assistance to the following: Furnish Guest House in Haiti Motorcycles for Pastors in Haiti Haiti Disaster Relief


Your Donations Make A Difference Thank you LCC Volunteers!! Sunday afternoon LCC volunteers and staff came together for a servant event at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Hawthorn Woods where they assisted in taking down tables, chairs and tents after St. Matthew's Annual Pig Roast. St. Mathew and LCC would like to thank the following volunteers for all their hard work: Mike Flaherty, Chuck and Phyllis Schild, Paul Kreiss, Kadi, Robert McPherson, David Vollrath, Linda Colberg, Vicky Pientok, and Al Krodel . In the words of John Schuman, Music Director at St. Matthew: "Please pass along this word of thanks to your 'army' of volunteers, for your help in the clean-up at our Pig Roast last night, August 21. Having all those available hands really did make the work light. More importantly, it was a morale-booster at the end of an already long day of work." Medications Received for Kenya Mission Trip Rev. Karl Schmidt from St. Peter Lutheran Church in Arlington Heights dropped off, at the LCC offices, five boxes and one bag of various medications for the Kenya mission trip. Brother' Brother (a company) and members from St. Peter donated the medications for Kenya through Rev. Schmidt's daughter, Lexi Schmidt (a teacher at St. Peter) who spearheaded the donation drive. Medications Received for Kenya Mission Trip Lygmy Celeste, a native of Haiti who now resides in Chicago, is a volunteer Church Secretary for the French Ministry at Bethesda Lutheran Church on the North side of Chicago who is served by Haitian, Pastor Jean Bingue . Lygmy came for a visit to the LCC offices and to pick up some donations of school supplies, clothing, shoes, linens, and a set of cooking pots and pans to give out to families in need as they share the love and compassion of our Lord.

Your Donations Provide Scholarships for Students in Myanmar LCC received pictures from Rev. Charles Edwards of two students in Myanmar who were granted scholarships because of your generous donations. The students are Mr. Kyaw Thet grade 11 and Miss Myat Noe Pwint grade 11. The students are so happy to receive the scholarships and send their thanks and prayers to those who donated.


Families in Need Help Make A Difference St John Lansing Family Home Destroyed in Fire Request from Pastor Duane Fluechtling, St. John Lutheran Church, Lansing, Illinois

Single Mother Needs Car for Medical Treatment and to Find Employment Request from Pastor Harold Wahl, St. Paul Lutheran Church, Thornton, Illinois

Family Loses Everything in Fire Request from Larry Baade, Organist, St. Paul Lutheran Church, Addison, Illinois

Disaster Response Immanuel Joplin Requests Construction Trailer for Ongoing Recovery Work

Immanuel Lutheran Church and Martin Luther School have asked Trent Davis to serve as full time Disaster Relief Coordinator with support from President Mirley of the Missouri District. As Trent begins the transition to Joplin he has asked for an office trailer similar to those used on construction sites. A simple trailer with power, heating and a/c, an entrance door and a window or two (see picture) would be used to house the offices of the disaster recovery efforts. This will allow Martin Luther School and Immanuel to return their spaces to other ministry uses. Please consider making a donation toward securing a rent or lease on a trailer by clicking the link below. If you have a trailer that might be used, please contact Tim Kurth at LCC (866) 455-6466 or TimKurth@LutheranChurchCharities.org. Click here to donate

Help us Feed People in Need

In Disaster Response and Outreach Events LCC has been looking for a food cart to use in our Disaster Response and other outreach events. This would be made available to congregations when they do outreach events and be used to feed volunteers and displaced people in a Disaster Situation. Last week we found a cart and grill on a trailer that fits the bill. Help us raise the additional $800 needed. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans NW Cook County Chapter will match $1600! Click here if you would like to help with the purchase of the cart and grill.


New Disaster Response Trainings Scheduled For Fall 2011

Trinity Lutheran Church in Lisle will host LERT Training on Tuesday, September 20th. Registration and a light supper will begin at 5:30 pm with class from 6 pm to 9 pm. St. John Lutheran Church in Island Lake will host LERT Training on Thursday, September 22nd. Registration and a light supper will begin at 5:30 pm with class from 6 pm to 9 pm. Zion Lutheran Church in Hinsdale will host LERT Training on Wednesday, October 5th. Registration and a light supper will begin at 5:30 pm with class from 6 pm to 9 pm. Immanuel Lutheran Church in Batavia will host LERT Training on Tuesday, October 25th. Registration and a light supper will begin at 5:30 pm with class from 6 pm to 9 pm. Our Savior Lutheran Church in Carol Stream will host LERT training on Saturday, November 12th. Registration and a light breakfast will begin at 8:30 am with class from 9 am - 12 noon. Click here to register for LERT Training Registration is $20 and helps cover the cost of the training materials, meal, and the LERT vest, which is required to be worn in a disaster response situation. Registration can be paid by credit card online at time of registration or by cash or check at the door. This training will prepare team members for credentialing and will focus on the safety, work, and ministry of Lutherans as Early Responders. Click here to register for LERT training. For more information, call Dianna Bonfield at 866-455-6466 or email LCC@LutheranChurchCharities.org.

Immanuel Joplin Begins Transition to Long Term Recovery: LCC Continues to Support Their Efforts

With the school season quickly approaching, Immanuel Lutheran Church and Martin Luther School in Joplin are beginning the process of transitioning their disaster relief center into a long term recovery ministry. LCC will continue to register volunteers for the efforts in Joplin and update our website and newsletter with all the latest information. Click here to donate to Tornado Relief in Joplin, Missouri Click Here to Volunteer in Joplin, Missouri


Alabama Recovery Continues - Volunteers Still Needed

Reverend Ed Brashier, Southern District Disaster Response Coordinator, has sent us an update on the progress of recovery in Alabama. He writes... In the Gardendale, Hanceville, Cullman areas (Birmingham and north) we are still doing tree and debris removal. In the Tuscaloosa area we are still doing tree and debris removal PLUS some rebuild and remodel of homes. We are currently still housing volunteers in Gardendale and Tuscaloosa. Currently all rebuild work in Tuscaloosa is organized through another ministry. All tree and debris removal is organized through Shepherd's Heart Ministry. I estimate that we will be working tree and debris clean up for another 4 months. Rebuild efforts will probably last another year. Please continue to encourage volunteers to come to Alabama. Thank you for all your work in support of the disaster recovery efforts in every location! Ed As you can see there is still much to be done in the south and we encourage individuals and churches to consider organizing a team to help in Alabama. Click on the link below to volunteer. Contact Dona Martin at 866-455-6466 or DonaMartin@LutheranChurchCharities.org with any questions. Click Here to Donate to Disaster Relief in Alabama Click Here to Volunteer in Alabama

With LCC CARE CARDING You Can MAKE A DIFFERENCE in a Tangible Way So many people want to help the people of Joplin, Missouri in a meaningful way - but are not sure what to do. Here is an opportunity to provide Mercy and Compassion and Help to an individual or family right now! Click here for more information If you are unable to do a CARE CARD but would like to contribute to the purchase of gift cards, 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, Alabama 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. Read more...

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 - An Opportunity to Put Your Faith in Action

Lutheran Church Charities has created 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. Click here to read more.


Other Stories Still Seeking Support Lutheran Man in Need of Pro Bono Criminal Legal Counsel and Representation Request from Northern Illinois District President to Help District Pastor Kenyan Pastor Needs Replacement Vehicle for Ministry and Family Help bring See Through the Scriptures to Haiti and the Dominican Republic Help support former Iraqi Muslim attend seminary

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. Pictured: 1930 Cable Nelson baby grand piano - good shape, needs a little TLC and a tune-up (item #2877) 2893 two boxes of assorted socket set pieces 2892 one flaring tool kit 2891 one can of assorted sockets 2890 one drill chuck 2889 one tube of arcylic caulk 2888 one oil filter clamp 2887 one paint roller 2886 one grease gun 2885 one Army cot replacement canvas 2884 2 tubes lithium grease 2883 Pioneer stereo... included w/ an amplifier, surround sound, cabinet, 6 CD changer and 2 speakers 2882 Multi-Grey colored couch 2880 Rest-o-pedic (Limited Edition) queen size mattress with matching box spring and bed frame. Good condition 2879 72"x72" Sauder oak wall unit - Side cabinets have 4 shelves each (16" deep), Middle section is for TV with closed cabinet underneath (20"deep), top of TV opening is another cabinet with glass doors with an interior light - ALL ONE PIECE 2878 3-cushion sofa(79" long) and a 2 cushion love seat (54" long) - Excellent condition - print fabric with beige background with a design of light blue and pale wine 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 Elevator Repairs Needed at St. John's, Chicago

Request from Pastor Richard Heinz, St. John's Lutheran Church and School, Chicago

In spite of the tough times that have plagued Lutheran schools on the northwest side of Chicago, St. John's ("Mayfair," in the Portage Park neighborhood) has been greatly blessed over the years, and continues to be. Ten years ago, an extensive renovation brought great improvements to both church and school. The $1.5 million project is 1/3 paid for, and although the budget is stretched tightly, the mortgage with LCEF is being kept current. Second Grade class rides the elevator But when the Gospel is being preached and with their teacher who was recovering taught clearly, and the Holy Spirit is working from knee replacement surgery great things, the devil gets nervous and tries to send annoyances. Read more... Click here to donate

Team Needed to Paint Wheelchair Ramp in Hillside Request from UKANDU Chicago During this summer's UKANDU Mission Trip a wheelchair ramp was prepared to paint but due to the rain all week this project wasn't able to be finished. We are looking for LERT Teams, Youth Groups, Men's Groups or individuals who would be willing to volunteer their time to paint this deck. UKANDU will fund the materials for finishing the project, we simply need volunteers to donate their time. If this is something you or group would like to help with please contact Tim Kurth at 866-455-6466 or TimKurth@LutheranChurchCharities.org

Items Available to a Ministry

Reed Organ Available Ten stop antique reed organ available to a congregation. The instrument, of solid oak construction, and lovingly waxed and polished, has been in the same family since it was built in the late 1800's. Although modest in volume by today's standards, it might well serve a smaller congregation in providing support for its liturgy and hymnody. Currently in storage for the last several weeks, this organ, operated by mechanical bellows using pedals, has been played until recently. A bench is included.


2881 (200) Lutheran Worship Hymnals (blue) located in Hampshire, Illinois 2879 72" X 72" Sauder Oak wall unit - Side cabinets have 4 shelves each (16" deep), Middle section is for TV with closed cabinet underneath (20"deep), top of TV opening is another cabinet with glass doors with an interior light - ALL ONE PIECE 2878 3-cushion sofa(79" long) and a 2 cushion love seat (54" long) - Excellent condition - print fabric with beige background with a design of light blue and pale wine 2877 Cable Nelson baby grand piano 2873 Savin 3550 Duplicator 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 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 Short Term Mission Opportunities MOST Ministries

Carly Stevens, Executive Director MOST Ministries

Lutheran Church Charities endorses MOST Ministries as a valuable partner in Proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ in works of service to others in places throughout the world. We have worked with MOST in the past and endorse and support this ministry. If you are interested in Short Term Mission opportunities, please click here to find out what currently is available. Or you may go directly to their website at www.MostMinistries.org We thank God for the ministry and partnership of MOST Ministries and encourage those who are interested to be involved with them in serving others. Thank you, Tim Hetzner President Lutheran Church Charities

Malaria Initiative The LCC Malaria Initiative provides treatment for malaria and research in multiple countries to combat the spread of Malaria. 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 LCC to Furnish Guest House in Haiti Last October work began on the Guest House in Jacmel, Haiti. Part of the Building Homes and Hope in Haiti project, which partners LCMS World Relief and Human Care and Lutheran Church Charities, the Guest House will be used to house mission groups working in the area. The walls are up and the interior work has begun. Many items are still needed before the Guest House opens this fall so we are having a "Guest House Shower". If you or your group would like to be a part of the "shower" and help furnish the Guest House you can make a donation for any item(s) on the list. LCC will arrange for all donations, Dollar per Dollar, to be sent to Haiti to purchase the items. This is a great opportunity for individuals, congregations, mission teams or organizations to be part of a project that will have a lasting impact in Haiti. Thank you to Jackie Rychel and the Ohio District for all their work overseeing the construction and furnishing of the guest house. If you have any questions regarding items on the list, please email Jackie Rychel at jrychel@gmail.com. Click here to read the list of items Click here to donate to furnish the guest house in Haiti


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. Read more... 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


LCC Staff and Comfort Dogs Available for Church Functions and School Chapels! 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

Bible Tabs, Gold, Regular Size Make your Bible quick to reference and easy to use with these bestselling Bible-index tabs. Selfadhesive, cut-to-size tabs require no cutting or inserting and are easy to attach to Bible pages. The transparent gripping edge featured on all the tabs helps prevent tearing of the pages. The tabs are printed on both sides and are edged in gold or silver. tabbies Bible indexing tabs are laminated and available in various sizes. All packages include a handy, easy to use tab attaching guide.

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


Lutheran Catechetical Society - The Magdeburg Conference August 26 & 27 Christ Lutheran Church Normal, Illinois

The city of Magdeburg, Germany received a new pastor: Martin Luther. By Luther's preaching the Word of God, the city defected from Roman Catholicism and joined the cause of the Reformation. Emperor Charles V outlawed the town repeatedly. Even under siege, the city retained its independence. In the years to follow, Magdeburg gained a reputation as a stronghold of the Reformation and its furtherance, even being the first major city to publish Luther's writings. - The Magdeburg Conference has a simple goal: to find refuge in God's Word and the Lutheran Confessions from the siege of false theology. - During the Magdeburg Conference we will delve into and study the Augsburg Confession, one of the most basic Lutheran confessions of faith after the Small Catechism. (Each conference participant will receive a complimentary copy of the Augsburg Confession.) Click here for more information - The spirit of Magdeburg lives on - The Reformation lives on

ROC-Chicago, Illinois - September 9-10, 2011 Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM) and the Northern Illinois District (NID) of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod bring a truly unique conference experience to the Chicago suburb of St. Charles for the fourth of LHM's eight Regional Outreach Conferences (ROC) for 2011. ROC-Chicago will deliver valuable, ready-to-use ministry information from mission specialists, who are engaged in creative projects that combine innovation and enthusiasm to bring the Gospel to their communities and the people they meet everyday. Tim Hetzner, President of Lutheran Church Charities, will be presenting a breakout session on 101 Ways to Share the Mercy and Compassion of Christ. Prepare to be strengthened as a witness of Jesus Christ! This conference will include: the opportunity to meet and hear from the new Speaker of The Lutheran Hour Rev. Greg Seltz; a missional challenge from LCMS NID President Rev. Dan Gilbert; a passionate presentation from Mission Facilitator Rev. Mike Mast; practical breakout sessions on hard-hitting topics to reach today's culture; age-appropriate training events for children and teens; Spanish language workshops and translation of main stage programs, and so much more! Click here for conference details and registration information


Special 9/11 Memorial Service On "Worship For Shut-Ins"

Yes, we've killed Osama bin Laden - but that is not our source of comfort and peace! Our source, of course, is our Savior Jesus Christ! "Worship for Shut-Ins" television service on September 11 this month will be one of "Remembrance and Thanksgiving". This weekly TV program can be seen weekly throughout the Northern Illinois District and the nation on DIRECTV Channel 377 at 11:30 am Eastern time, 10:30 am Central, 9:30 am Mountain time, and 8:30 am Pacific time. It can also be seen on their Web site of www.worshipforshutins.org by clicking on "View videos". The 9/11 program should be up by 5:00 pm on September 9th. Throughout the District, "Worship for Shut-Ins" can be seen every week on the local Chicago station of the Total Living Network (TLN-Comcast Channel 138). This cable station stretches into central Illinois, northwest Indiana, and southwestern Michigan. Guest pastor for this special service will be Chaplain Colonel Retired James Cotter of Fort Wayne. Pastor Cotter is a graduate of Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne. He has served four Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod congregations in Peoria, Illinois; Denver, Colorado; and two in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Lutheran Ministries Media is the producers of "Worship for Shut-Ins" and relies on contributions from individuals, organizations, and groups to sustain this television ministry at a cost of $1600 daily. Donations may be sent to Lutheran Ministries Media; 5 Martin Luther Drive; Fort Wayne, Indiana 46825.

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


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