November 9, 2011
In This Issue
Featured Stories Families in Need Disaster Response Ministry Needs Mission Opportunities International Ministry LCC Ministry Resources Tim's Pick of the Week How To Keep LCC Serving
Pastor Matthew Peterson Called Home - LCC Establishes Fund for Family Pastor Matthew Peterson was translated to glory on Thursday, November 3 following a protracted battle with cancer. Pastor Peterson served as Youth Pastor at St. Peter Schaumburg, the congregation of his childhood. His parents are still active members at St. Peter. He leaves his wife Janet and their two daughters aged 13 and 9. Visitation is set for this Sunday, November 13 at St. Peter from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. with the funeral on Monday, November 14 at 11 a.m. preceded by visitation at 10 a.m. LCC has set up a fund for the Peterson family to assist with medical bills and other expenses. Click here to donate Click here to read the Daily Herald article
Tim's Pick of the Week
St. Peter Schaumburg invites you to join them for a fundraiser for the Matt Peterson family at Outback Steakhouse in Schaumburg (216 E Golf Rd, Schaumburg) on Saturday, November 19th from 11:45 am to 2:00 pm. Tickets are on sale now through the church office, but only 200 are available so please hurry to buy yours. Click here for more information.
Calling All Cars - Consider Donating Your Vehicle to LCC and Receive Full Blue Book Value Help Families in Need
Over the past couple of months several requests for vehicles have come to LCC that we have not been able to fulfill. We are making a special appeal for vehicle donations. If you have a vehicle you're no longer using and would like to make a charitable donation, please contact our office. LCC credits you full Kelley Blue Book value for your donation. We are looking for cars that have been well cared for and are still serviceable with very little or no work needed. These vehicles are passed through directly to people and families in need. Thank you for considering helping someone in need with your used vehicle as the Christmas season approaches. Call LCC at (866) 455-6466 and we'll walk you through the donation process. Click here to see current needs.
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
Shelving Needed for LCC's Disaster Response Warehouse Recently LCC moved our Disaster Response warehouse to a new location. We store supplies and equipment to facilitate the quickest possible response when disaster strikes. One of our challenges is to have items and equipment stored in such way that they are organized for quick and easy identification and accessibility when there is a disaster. With the move we have relocated all the supplies and equipment to the new warehouse but have not yet sorted and organized everything. Part of the delay in finishing this project is the need for additional shelving units. While there are some shelves at the warehouse, several more are needed to properly store our inventory. If you have or know of someone who would be willing to donate shelving units to LCC please contact Dianna Bonfield at 866-455-6466 or email LCC@LutheranChurchCharities.org.
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
Pastor Chris Bottorff and Family Facing Financial Challenges
Bible Classes
Daily Devotions
LCC has been contacted on behalf of Pastor Chris Bottorff seeking support for his family during a difficult time of transition. The recent retirement of the long time caregiver for his disabled daughter has left Pastor Bottorff working through the maze of government red tape to establish new arrangements for her. In the meantime he is primarily responsible for her care and unable to work full time. In the interim the family is struggling financially relying on the generosity of fellow Christians through food pantries and gifts to make it day to day. LCC has established a fund to help the Bottorff family in their time of need and always stands ready to assist Pastors facing struggles. Please consider a gift to help Pastor Bottorff at this time. In cooperation with the Northern Illinois District Office, 100% of all money raised goes directly to the family. Click here to donate
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Pastor Walk of Nazareth Chicago Seeks Position for Church Custodian
Pastor Kermit Walk of Nazareth in Chicago has contacted LCC on behalf of their custodian, Al Debinski, who is concluding his service to Nazareth and seeking a part time position with another church. If your church is in need of custodial help, Pastor Walk has asked that you contact Al at (708) 655-9703. He has served Nazareth for 15 years. Pastor Walk refers to him as his 'right hand man' and is willing to provide a reference, if needed. Pastor Walk can be reached at (708) 946-1383.
"Send a Spoken Prayer" LCC - MERCY - COMPASSION - PROCLAMATION
Staff and Comfort Dogs Visit St. John's Lutheran Church Woodstock Last Sunday, LCC President Tim Hetzner, LCC volunteer Vicky Pientok, and Anna Martell (St. John's Algonquin) visited St. John's Woodstock along with LCC Comfort Dogs Howe and Zina, as well as Butter from St John's Algonquin. Pastor Tom Larson and the good folks at St. John's once again invited LCC out to their church in to talk at their church services and to share the K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry with church members. LCC and St. John's have built a strong relationship that started several years ago when LCC was invited to sit down with some St. John's members about ways to reach out to their community. That was followed with Tim Hetzner leading his 101 Ways to Share the Mercy and Compassion of Christ (in ways that don't cost money) presentation. St. John's then launched community outreach events to various places in their community. The church continues to look for new ways to reach out to the community and truly appreciates the partnership with LCC. If your church would like to explore possibilities for outreach in partnership with Lutheran Church Charities contact us at (866) 455-6466 or LCC@LutheranChurchCharities.org.
LCC's "Send a Spoken Prayer" e-Card site is available. To learn more, Click Here
LCC Annual Appeal Coming Soon Once a year and only once a year we ask you to support the ongoing work of LCC with financial gift for our administrative expenses. However, giving to Lutheran Church Charities 12/31 "Remember us Last" is really an investment in people. Thousands of people who make a difference in the lives of individuals and families in need. People who rely on LCC to coordinate and organize service opportunities for them to share the resources of time and treasure with which God has blessed them. You can make a difference in the lives of thousands of people through your financial contribution in support of LCC operating expenses. You might also consider a gift through wills and bequests; charitable gift annuities, lead trusts or remainder trusts; gifts of retirement assets, appreciated stock, real estate or life insurance; living trusts; or deferred charitable gift annuities. Call (866)455-6466 or email LCC@LutheranChurchCharities.org for details. Remember Us Last on 12/31 or make a gift now by clicking here. You can also designate dollars from your Thrivent account. In 2010 Thrivent Financial for Lutherans implemented their new charitable giving program called Thrivent Choice. Through this new program, eligible Thrivent members may direct donations from Thrivent to registered Lutheran organizations which includes Lutheran Church Charities. It's easy and can be done by phone or online. Just follow the link below: https://www.thrivent.com/thriventchoice/
Immanuel Joplin Announces Blackout Dates Trent Davis, Disaster Recovery Coordinator for Immanuel Joplin, has announced blackout dates for Christmas break. Immanuel is extremely grateful to all the many volunteers from around the country who have come to help Joplin recover from the devastating tornado of May 22 this year. The team at Immanuel will take a break from December 19-25 and will not be hosting any volunteer teams on these dates. If you would like to bring a team to Joplin in 2012 please click below and register. The rebuilding of Joplin is expected to take as much as five years and volunteers are vital to the ongoing efforts there. Click here to volunteer in Joplin, Missouri
Help President Marky Kessa of Lutheran Church Haiti and Family Acquire a Refrigerator Imagine 15 people living under one roof and feeding everyone without having a refrigerator to store food. That is the reality that Pastor Marky Kessa and his family face each day in Haiti. We would like to lessen his burden and get him a refrigerator. The cost of a refrigerator is $950.00. Please prayerfully consider helping with this need. Click here to donate
Calling all Turkeys! NO I am not talking about you! LCC is collecting frozen turkeys for various ministries that are preparing Thanksgiving meals for their communities. If you - or someone you know has a frozen turkey they would like to donate, please contact us at 866-455-6466. To donate towards the purchase of turkeys, click here. Thank you,
Comfort Dog Update
K-9 Comfort Dogs at St. Peter Schaumburg
Last Thursday LCC was invited to bring the K-9 Comfort Dogs to St. Peter School in Schaumburg following the news that Pastor Matthew Peterson lost his battle with cancer and was called home. Pastor Peterson was the Youth Pastor. The Comfort Dogs and their handlers were present after a short service, ministering to the needs of the upper grade students dealing with the news of the death of their pastor. Often it is easier for children and adults to express their grief while petting the dogs. Present were K-9s Howe, Olympia, Zina, Gunnar, and Chewie. Staff and handlers included Tim Hetzner, Dona Martin, Rich Martin, Lynn Buhrke, and Gail Grebasch.
Comfort Dog Jackson Reports from Joplin I have been very busy in Missouri. Martin Luther School has me comforting people from all over the state. In the past thirty days, I have traveled with the Schambers to churches and schools in Cole Camp, Sedalia, Concordia, Honey Creek, Hannibal, and Monroe City. In the next couple of weeks, we will be traveling to St. Louis, home of the World Champion Cardinals, and Kansas City to visit more churches and schools. We have been giving chapels or talks about how Joplin is surviving after the tornado. We talk about how we are raising money for scholarship funds, Transform Joplin (building and remodeling homes), and funds to build a safe room for our students. We also talk about how the tornado has given us opportunities to serve, plant seeds in hearts, and glorify God. I'm having fun visiting with kids and adults from all over Missouri! More and more people are logging onto my Facebook page to keep up with me. In Joplin, I continue to bring love to those who have been affected by the tornado. If a student is having a bad day, they come to the office and talk to me or visit with Mr. Schamber (Principal) while I comfort them. More and more adults keep coming by too! While the adults are petting me, they usually stay a little while talking to Mr. Schamber about all the challenges they have been facing. Many times Mr. Schamber will lead us in a prayer before they leave the office. My favorite part about coming to Martin Luther School every day is that I can hang out with the kids in the classrooms or on the playground where we play a lot. My brother Louie has been busy too! He helps me out in the school and visits with people in the church and community. He attends meetings and youth events with Pastor Mech or our Director of Youth and Family Ministries, Jason Glaskey. Sometimes we play together during the day! This brings a lot of smiles to staff members who continue to dedicate themselves to the Lord during this time of opportunity. If you are traveling to Joplin, make sure you stop by Martin Luther School and pet me. In HIS Glory, Jackson - Comfort Dog
Comfort Dogs Visit Students at Elim Christian School Palos Heights K-9 Comfort Dogs Chewie, JoJo and Olympia
made quite an impression on the students at Elim Christian School. This is a school for youth with disabilities preschool through high school. Teachers and staff were excited to see the response of so many of the students to the dogs. The action of petting the dogs was a huge accomplishment for many of the students. It was a great day for all to see the K-9 Comfort dogs working by bringing comfort to so many. Click here to schedule a K-9 Comfort Dog visit
Donate to the K-9 Parish Comfort Dog Ministry
Volunteers Needed to Pack 1200 Hygiene Kits This Weekend Jesendy's Hygiene Ministry, a ministry sponsored by Immanuel Lutheran Church of Downers Grove, is in need of volunteers to package 1200 hygiene kits on Saturday, November 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Immanuel, 5211 Carpenter St., Downers Grove, IL 60515. The hygiene kits, which also contain devotional materials, will go to three different organizations which include: the Walk In Ministry and Sharing Connections, both in Downers Grove, and Repeat Boutique in Wheaton. If you are able to help the whole time or any portion please contact ministry founder, Darlene Havard (pictured) at (630) 803-2541 or email her at marjesendys@gmail.com. Coffee, refreshments & lunch will be provided. If you have any special dietary needs you will need to provide your own lunch. To learn more about Jesendy's Hygiene Ministry visit http://sites.google.com/site/marjesendyshygieneministry/
Your Donations Make A Difference
Youth members from Trinity, St. Paul and New Hope Community Church in Villa Park and Redeemer Elmhurst participated in a car wash fundraiser this past summer to raise funds for Joplin relief Gift Cards. This past week Judy Bruschuk, Youth Director at Trinity Lutheran Church in Villa Park, delivered handmade greeting cards for the people of Joplin and a $1,000.00 donation for Gift Cards. LCC will see that this generous gift is delivered to Immanuel Joplin to be distributed to those still recovering from the devastating tornado.
Thank you to LCC Volunteer Dawn Odoi who, this past week, picked up donations of linens, knitted scarves and mittens, and children's clothing, and delivered them to the Haitian Ministry of Bethesda Chicago where Jean Ernie and Marie Malary, members of the Haitian Mininstry at Bethesda,
also received donations of children's toys, furniture, clothing and household items and linens to share with refugee families they serve in the name of Jesus.
Thank you to Nancy Burmeister, a member of St John Wheaton, who crocheted bag mats, and the St. John Quilters group that donated fabric for the Sewing Class Project in Haiti. Thank you to the family of Kris Blackwell who donated twin sheets for the orphanage in Haiti.
Families in Need Help Make A Difference Family of Five Lost Home - Need Financial Assistance Request by Vicar Steven Warren, Zion Lutheran Church, Chicago
Family Facing Eviction because Landlord is being Foreclosed Request from Pastor Rich Heinz, St. John's Lutheran Church & School, Chicago
Death of Single Mom Leaves Family Needing Vehicle and Financial Support
Request by Pastor Patrick Boomhower, Trinity Lombard Pastor Patrick Boomhower of Trinity Lombard has asked LCC to help a family in crisis. He writes... Recently, one of our 4th grade students was faced with the sudden and senseless death of her 36 year-old single mother. She and her younger brother are safe and now in the care of their maternal grandparents. The four year old boy has very special medical needs which will cause an extreme financial and physical burden on the grandparents. It is not known when or if authorities will be able to release the family vehicle, which was the only source of transportation for the children. To make a long story short, this family is in urgent need of our assistance. We are currently in the process of providing some financial aid to the
family and helping them find the professional help they will need. They do need replacement transportation and we are asking Lutheran Church Charities for help in finding a four-door SUV which would fit the family and all the special equipment of the younger brother. On behalf of this family that so very much needs our assistance in their greatest hour of need we say, God Bless and thank you. Click here to donate If you have a car to donate, please contact LCC at (866) 455-6466 or email LCC@LutheranChurchCharities.org
Iraqi Refugee Family Facing Eviction
Request by Rev. Hicham Chehab, Pastor, Salam Christian Fellowship & Missionary for Chicagoland Lutheran Muslim Mission Association (CLMMA) This Iraqi refugee Muslim family has been in Chicago for a year and is facing eviction. The father has a heart condition that limits how much he can work and his wife has not learned enough English to find a steady job. They have been coming to church since they arrived in the US a year ago. Their urgent need is for $1000 to keep them from being evicted. Click here to donate
Pastor Bill Stroup Seeks Support for Single Mom Request by Rev. Bill Stroup, St. John's Lutheran Church, Algonquin Pastor Stroup of St. John's Algonquin is requesting support for a single mom who has been unemployed since 2009, is caring for her father stricken with cancer, has been diagnosed recently with cancer herself, and is no longer receiving unemployment benefits. He is seeking assistance to cover monthly bills but makes it clear that she is 'not looking for a handout, she is looking for fellow Christians to help when they can as she does with her time and talents.' Even in the midst of these struggles she is very active in her congregation and beyond sharing the love of Christ with people in need. Click here to donate for this single mom through St. John's.
Disaster Response Disaster Response Trainings Scheduled For Fall 2011 - This Weekend 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.
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.
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. Click here to read Click Here to Donate to Disaster Relief in Alabama Click Here to Volunteer in Alabama
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... Van Needed for Jesendys Hygiene Ministry Member of New Song, Aurora in Need of Car Pastor in Need of Van for Outreach Ministry in Chicago Cargo Van or Pick-up Truck Needed for Food Pantry at Zion Lutheran Church Cars Needed for Immigrant Families Cars Needed for Liberian Refugee 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
Other Stories Still Seeking Support Support the Chicago Urban Children's Choir Help Fund Eagle Scout Project to Benefit St. Matthew Chicago Elevator Repairs Needed at St. John's, Chicago Request from Northern Illinois District President to Help District Pastor Young Iranian Man Needs Help to Pay for Medication
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) 2899 Minolta Di3510f stand alone copier with a toner refill. 2898 Black & Decker Car Vac 12 Volt Model # 9510. Powerful, Convenient, and Durable. On/Off Switch. Tested and works great. The Car Vac has a plug which fits most 12 Volt Cigarette Lighter Sockets, a 16 foot cord with convenient storage area, Permanent reusable and washable filter bag, Durable one piece bowl, Also comes with all original parts: 1 Crevice Tool and 1 Upholstery Nozzle 2893 (2) dining room light fixtures; (3) hall light fixtures, (4) bathroom light fixtures 2886 (6) new still in the boxes LUMARK, MOTION ACTIVATED, Motion Sensors, Installs to one or more existing lights, adjustable settings, 3 in 1 * Motion Activated * Night time on * Standard Floodlight Applications: Wide Area Coverage Cooper lighting LMS240W White 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 St Matthew Soup Kitchen in Desperate Need of Boiler Repair
Request from Pastor Julio Loza, St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Chicago
The boiler in St. Matthew Community Center, out of which the Soup Kitchen operates, failed to start and needs to be replaced. The cost of a new boiler is $16,000. We have contacted people in the heating business to find someone willing to help for a lower price, so far there is no one. Recently we had the St. Matthew Lutheran Church building's boiler rebuilt at a cost of $8,000. Maria continues with the efforts to keep the hungry with hot meals but will not be able to do that for long without a new boiler. Click here to donate
Faith Lutheran Church, Mobile, Alabama
One of the Churches the NID was assigned to help when Katrina hit five years ago. Help them reach those in need in their community this Thanksgiving. Again this year the Evangelism Committee at Faith Lutheran Church, Mobile is attempting to serve the needs within our own congregation and the local community, especially at this time of the year and at this critical time in our economy. We are so thankful for your past support for this project and give all the Glory and Praise to God. We are in the process of soliciting funding for our annual Thanksgiving Baskets for the needy and are seeking your help. We are planning to construct six baskets and anticipate the cost of each basket to be about $50.00. To God be the Glory that this project will be a success again this year and will bless each recipient of these baskets with a meal for Thanksgiving that they otherwise may not have had. We do all of this in the name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We thank God for any considerations that you may give to this request and may God continue to bless you and your effort to provide assistance to all of the needed. Click here to donate to the Mobile Alabama Baskets Fund
English New Testaments Needed for Salam Outreach to Students Request from Pastor Hicham Chehab, Salam Arabic Fellowship, Missionary, POBLO- Chicago
Salam Arabic Fellowship needs paperback English copies of the New Testament for the student ministry at College of Dupage and Morraine Valley Community College. NIV, or other modern translations are preferable. Our student ministry has given out more than 300 copies of the Bible to college students over the past four years, not to mention tracts and Christian books. God's Word sows seeds of faith in the hearts of people and would never return empty! At this time we are looking to give away copies of the New Testament only. We have found that to be the most effective outreach to the students. If you have copies of the New Testament to donate contact LCC at 866-455-6466 or email LCC@LutheranChurchCharities.org Click here to donate for the purchase of New Testaments
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. 2899 2897 2881 2879 2877
Minolta Di3510f stand alone copier with a toner refill Risograph GR 3750 printer (black & white printing only) (22) Lutheran Worship Hymnals (Blue) located in Hampshire, Illinois 72" x 72" Sauder Oak wall unit 1930 Cable Nelson baby grand piano
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 Believers, New Starts in Cambodia!
George & Shary Frahm (pictured) are LCMS Missionaries recently commissioned at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Palatine. Through this commissioning, Immanuel is partnering with the Frahm's in providing support for their Cambodian mission. Together, we are seeking other congregations throughout the LCMS to join in this effort to support the "Angels Dormitory project in Phnom Penh, Cambodia." Click here to read more
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
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
Because of your Donations Two of 10 Students have Received Scholarships
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). Because of your generous donations two children have already received scholarships. LCC received the following email from Rev. Charles Edwards: Greetings from Myanmar. In our church there are many students but in grade 11 (entrance control by the government directly) there are 10 students. They are very clever but they are from the very poorest families. Their parents can not support them due to their poverty. Our church is trying to give scholarships but we are also facing and struggling for finical difficulties. Two months ago Lutheran Church Charities(LCC) gave scholarship to 2 students and they are now studying hard. Our church decided to send a prayer request to all our connections. Please pray for them. Our church believes that through your faithful prayers God will certainly help them in wonderful ways. Again, please pray for them. Blessings. Rev. Charles Edwards, Pastor Click here if you would like to make a donation to help one of these young students
Excitement for a Latrine in Haiti - Puts things here in the US in perspective
Update: Because of your generous donations another latrine is under construction in Thomonde Haiti.
LCMS World Relief and Human Care, along with Lutheran Church Charities, are trying to put a latrine and water filter system in each of our 82 Lutheran Schools in Haiti. Our first latrine has been completed and dedicated! It is touching to see such excitement in having a latrine! To dedicate it! It puts our situation in the US with our economic worries in perspective. Imagine not having any washroom facilities, which is the case for each of our Lutheran Schools in Haiti! To see their excitement to have a latrine! We will continue to build these for each of the schools as money comes in! Consider Making a Difference to a Lutheran School by providing a latrine! Only $500 to build. A water filter is only $185. Thank you to those who have donated so far to make this exciting event happen
LCC received the following email from Laurent Lophane in Haiti along with pictures of the new latrine: "Peace and Grace to you from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I went this morning at Colminy where I inaugurated the latrine. The committee of the church and the school were happy for this big gift, you know this latrine is the first one in this area. I want to thank each of you in their name, those people were really in need, may God bless you and your ministry and your activities also." View more photos Click here to donate to the Haiti Latrine Fund Click here to donate to the Haiti Lutheran School Water Filtration Fund Click here to donate to the Haiti Family Water Filter Fund
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 Tim's Pick of the Week
God Without Religion by: Andrew Farley Andrew Farley's experience as a Christian was first characterized by self-effort as he tried to please God at any cost. His ruthless religion resulted in spiritual burnout and disillusionment with church. Only then did he discover what relaxing in Jesus means and how enjoying God's intimate presence can transform everyday life. Using a unique story-driven format, God without Religion dismantles common religious misconceptions, revealing the true meaning of being filled with the Spirit the facts about judgment, rewards, and God's discipline the simple truth behind predestination and the divisions it causes the problem with the popular challenge to "live radical" Pulling no punches, Farley shows how the truth about these controversial issues can liberate and unify believers as we discover how to rest in the unconditional love of God.
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 MINDMETHOD-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 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
Hot Dog Cart and Grill Available for Ministry Events Thanks to Thrivent and Generous Donors
Thanks to the generous contributions of LCC donors and a grant from The Northwest Cook County Thrivent Branch, LCC has acquired a commercial grade food service cart and a large gas grill. Both of these are mounted on trailers and can be picked up to be used by your church for picnics, festivals, and other events where food is served. LCC plans to use this food prep equipment as part of our disaster response in order to feed volunteers and victims of disaster. When there is no disaster related activity the cart and grill are available for churches and schools in the Northern Illinois District. If you would like to use one or both of these for an upcoming event, please contact LCC or click below to complete a request form. LCC always looks for ways to resource your ministry in unique and creative ways. Click here to fill out a reservation form
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
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.
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
Presentation by Author Dr. Paul Maier
Saturday, November 19, 2011 - 9 am-2:30 pm St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church 8601 Harrison Munster, Indiana
St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 8601 Harrison, Munster, Indiana, will host "Christianity and the Competition - Who Is Right?" on Saturday, November 19, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The presentation offers a comparison between Christianity and what it offers to Eastern and Western nonChristian religions as well as ways for Christians to offer witness to the truth in Jesus Christ. Cost: $15/person, $25/couple includes lunch. Call for more information at 219-836-6270.
Thanksgiving Day Dinner
Thursday, November 24, 2011 St. Matthew Lutheran Church 24500 N. Old McHenry Road Hawthorn Woods, Illinois
Members of the community are cordially invited to attend St. Matthew's 5th Annual Thanksgiving Day Dinner on Thursday, November 24th (Thanksgiving Day). Appetizers will be served at 11 am, followed by a traditional Thanksgiving Day Dinner around 12 pm. Guests are also invited to attend our Thanksgiving Day worship service beginning at 10 am. Please RSVP by Sunday, November 20th. Seating is limited to 200 guests. Call Susan Stewart at: 847-209-2696 or email: stmattsrsvp@gmail.com. There is no charge for this dinner. Come spend the day with us and have fun!
Dr. John Behnke Featured Organist at Thanksgiving Hymn Festival
Sunday, November 27, 2011 at 4:00 pm Trinity Lutheran Church 405 Rush Street Roselle, Illinois A Thanksgiving Hymn Festival will feature Dr. John Behnke, renowned organist from ConcordiaWisconsin performing on the four-manual Rieger-Kloss pipe organ at Trinity Lutheran Church, 405 Rush Street, Roselle, together with their Gloria Dei Chorale, Trinity Brass Ensemble and Gospbells hand bell choir. The concert is on Sunday, November 27, at 4:00 p.m. A free-will offering will be taken, no cost for admission. For further information contact Karen Mueller at 630894-3263 or the church website at www.trinityroselle.com.
Festival of Christmas Carols
Saturday, December 3, 2011 at 7:30 pm Zion Lutheran Church 1107 S. Book Road Naperville, Illinois
The Choirs of Zion (Naperville), Divine Shepherd (Bolingbrook), and St. Matthew (Lemont) Lutheran Churches will celebrate the season Saturday, December 3, 7:30 p.m., with their 3rd Annual Festival of Christmas Carols, held this year at Zion Lutheran Church, 1107 S. Book Road, Naperville. A 25 minute pre-program concert will be given of organ and piano at 7:00 p.m. Light refreshments will be served following.
Annual Ski Retreat for High School Youth Groups in January
January 13-15, 2012 Kalahari Resort Wisconsin Dells Ski, snowboard or tubing at Cascade Mountain. Music, great speakers and lots of fun. NEW for 2012: a Family Retreat component. For more information please contact Debra via email at registrar@walcamp.org or call her at 815-784-5141..
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