November 16, 2011
In This Issue
Featured Stories Pastor Kalonji of Zion Chicago Seeks Assistance Comfort Dog Update for Trip Home Families in Need Request from Pastor Stephane Kalonji, Zion Lutheran Church Disaster Response Winston, Chicago Ministry Needs Mission Opportunities Pastor Stephane Kalonji of Zion on Winston Avenue in International Ministry Chicago has received word that his younger brother in LCC Ministry Resources Pretoria, South Africa is gravely ill. The situation is dire and Tim's Pick of the Week Pastor Kalonji is asking for assistance to purchase airfare Upcoming Events home to be with his brother. Pastor writes... How To Keep LCC Serving
Tim's Pick of the Week
I come, asking that LCC consider publicizing my plea for help. My 33 year-old brother, Pitshou Kalonji, was recently diagnosed with lymphoma cancer. While treatments at first seemed to work, things have changed in the past few days. He has completely lost the use of his legs, his condition is fast deteriorating and doctors have said he only has a few weeks to live. I ask for help so I can travel to Pretoria, South Africa, where my brother lives and spend a few days with him. Thanks so much, in advance, for your help in publicizing this! A round trip ticket to South Africa will cost approximately $1400. Please consider a gift through LCC to assist Pastor Kalonji at this difficult time for his family. As with all our appeals, one hundred percent of every dollar will go to this need. Click here to donate.
Announcing Last Call for Items to Fill The Bus for Haiti - Musical Instruments Needed
LCC has many resources available to congregations, businesses, and individuals. Click here to visit our website and learn more
Ken and Sue Gross with the Haitian Lutheran Mission Project and members at Christ Orland Park updated LCC on the Fill the Bus initiative that will send a bus loaded with supplies down to Haiti very soon. Collections have been going on since spring and the bus is nearly ready to go. The bus was packed on November 12 leaving just enough room for musical instruments requested by Pastor Isaac. Sue writes, "...please pack up those instruments that you no longer use and make some children very happy. Can you just hear 30 children practicing in Pastor's home? We are also in need of: Sewing supplies for the classes. Scissors, thread, bobbins, zippers, etc. Bolts of material (please no scraps unless they are cut expressly for quilts) Teachers supplies, chalk, rulers, globes, maps Kitchen utensils, silverware, metal bowls (these are used in for the feeding program each child needs to bring a metal bowl and a spoon so that he/she can receive a meal of rice and beans at noon). THANK YOU to so many of you who participated in helping to fill the bus. We are almost there. We have sewing machines, clothing, shoes, a generator, bicycles, chalk boards, bunkbeds, pillows,quilts and school supplies and much much more."
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,
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Urgent Request from Pastor Shehab for Iraqi Convert Facing Eviction
Request by Rev. Hicham Chehab, Pastor, Salam Christian Fellowship & Missionary for Chicagoland Lutheran Muslim Mission Association (CLMMA) An Iraqi convert from Islam, and who suffers from a disability, is facing eviction the end of November. Pastor Hicham Chehab is making an urgent request for assistance for the $921 needed to prevent the eviction. He writes... "The payment will resolve the current concern as this refugee has now qualified for section 8 (subsidized housing) and his part-time job will pay enough to cover future expenses going forward. His radical Muslim ex-wife has instigated the Muslim community against him and he is ostracized by Muslims in Chicagoland. Please help a new brother find love and compassion after he left his community for Christ." Click here to donate
Car Urgently Needed for Single Mom in Palatine Request from Pastor Tom Acton, Immanuel Palatine
Pastor Tom Acton from Immanuel Palatine has contacted LCC on behalf of a single mom who lost her car in an accident that was not her fault. She explains to Pastor Acton... I have no vehicle at all to drive to my clients or for my kids to school, activities etc. I've run out of rental car time. I've borrowed cars here and there and rode my bike mostly, now with the weather, I'm really in a bind. I'm just getting back to work, after being out of work for almost 2 years. My funds are not where they had been.
If you know someone who has a car they might donate LCC will give full Kelley Blue Book value credit for the donation and we will process the car through for this single mom. Contact the LCC office for details on how to donate your car at (866) 455-6466.
LCC Presents Funds for Peterson Family to Pastor Hudak
"Send a Spoken Prayer"
LCC's "Send a Spoken Prayer" e-Card site is available. To learn more, Click Here
On the day of the funeral for Pastor Matthew Peterson of St. Peter Schaumburg, LCC presented the funds that have been donated to date for the Peterson family. Senior Pastor Dave Hudak accepted the money on behalf of the Peterson family. LCC will continue to receive donations in support of Pastor Peterson's wife Janet and daughter's Elissa and Sara. All money raised will go through St. Peter to the family. Click here to donate 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.
UPDATE: St. Matthew Soup Kitchen Gets New Boiler Request from Pastor Julio Loza, St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Chicago
boiler
Responding to the LCC appeal Bob Wartan, owner of Alliance Mechanical, worked with Pastor Julio Loza to replace the boiler in the St. Matthew soup kitchen. Alliance provided the materials and labor at a drastically reduced price that made it possible for St. Matthew to get the boiler replaced for much less than anticipated. LCC is continuing to accept donations in order to replenish the funds needed for the job. Alliance Mechanical, experts at boiler repair and replacement, were happy to bless the ministry of St. Matthew in this way and glad that LCC made the need known so they could help. Click here to donate to recover the cost of the
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.
Tim Hetzner at St. John Lutheran Church Nashville and Trinity Lutheran Church - Medicine Lodge, Kansas this Past Sunday Tim Hetzner was the guest speaker for a Mission Festival at St. John Lutheran in Nashville, Kansas and Trinity Lutheran in Medicine Lodge, Kansas this past Sunday. Pastor Dennis Fangmeyer serves this dual parish. What a wonderful group of people committed to furthering the Kingdom of God. LCC's relationship with St. John began a few years ago when NID congregation Trinity in Glencoe closed but they had a pipe organ. They contacted LCC to see if we could arrange for another congregation to receive it (which meant dismantling and moving the organ). To make a long story short - St. John Nashville, Kansas got the organ! LCC has enjoyed an ongoing relationship with St. John and Trinity ever since. Tim commented, "Wonderful, committed Christians - what a joy to be part of their Mission Festival. If you're ever in their 'neck of the woods' be sure to stop and worship with them!"
LCC Conducts Last LERT Training for the Year Last Saturday LCC completed the last scheduled LERT training for 2011. The training was hosted by Our Savior Lutheran Church in Carol Stream. Twenty-seven new LERT volunteers from six Lutheran Congregations were trained. We now have 556 trained LERT volunteers, 300 trained this year alone. If your congregation is interested in hosting a LERT training program in your area please contact Dianna Bonfield at 866-455-6466 or email Dianna@LutheranChurchCharities.org. We are especially looking for congregations in the eastern and northern part of Cook county and bilingual Spanish speaking volunteers in the Northern Illinois District. After the first of the year be sure to watch our website and newsletter for new LERT training classes as well as ongoing training opportunities for those LERT volunteers who have completed the basic training.
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
Comfort Dog Update
K-9 Comfort Dogs Participate in The Clinic at Trinity Roselle Over 320 families representing more than 1000 people in need were served last Saturday, November 12 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Roselle. This annual event provides medical care, legal advice, food and other support services. There to greet everyone as they came in the door were the K-9 Comfort Dogs of LCC. Dogs Howe, Zina, Olympia, JoJo, Tillie and Chewie attended along with their handlers.
LCC Staff and Comfort Dogs Attend Mission Fair at St. Peter Arlington Heights Rich and Dona Martin and Marie Payes brought Comfort Dogs Olympia and Tara to St. Peter Arlington Heights for their annual Mission Fair. The mission fair was for members of St Peter to learn more about ministry in their congregation and also what outside ministries are doing in outreach. LCC was among the groups that have been invited to this mission fair for several years.
K-9 Ministry Brings Comfort to Funeral of Pastor Matthew Peterson at St. Peter Schaumburg The K-9 Comfort Dogs, at the request of Pastor Dave Hudak, attended the visitation and funeral for Pastor Matthew Peterson who died of cancer on Thursday, November 3. Pastor Peterson served as the Youth Pastor at St. Peter in Schaumburg and was a son of the congregation. Hundreds and hundreds of people stood in line for hours at the visitation on Sunday, November 13 and an overflow crowd attended the funeral on Monday, November 14. Comfort Dogs Butter, Tara, Strudel, Olympia, Howe, Zina, Tara, JoJo and Star all participated over the two days.
LCC President, Staff and Volunteers Visit Elderly Residents with K-9 Comfort Dogs LCC President Tim Hetzner, staff member Marie Payes, and volunteers Tranetta McComb and Gail Grebasch visited Tamarack Senior Living Center in Palatine on Wednesday, November 9. The K-9 Comfort Dogs have visited Tamarack in the past and are always warmly welcomed by the residents there. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry is available to assist your church with visits like this that can make a memorable impact in your community. Click the link below to request a K-9 Comfort Dog visit for your church, school or ministry function.
K-9 Comfort Dogs Visit St. Paul Austin in Chicago The K-9 Comfort Dogs were a big hit with the students at St Paul-Austin when they visited for Chapel on Wednesday, November 9. This is the third year we have returned to do the chapel message and visit with the students. Tim Hetzner delivered the message of the Good Samaritan getting the kids actively involved in the message. Then Rich Martin, Tim Hetzner, and Dona Martin with K-9's Zina, Howe, and Olympia visited with all the students in the gym. Click here to schedule a K-9 Comfort Dog visit
Donate to the K-9 Parish Comfort Dog Ministry
Your Donations Make A Difference Generous contributions made through LCC for the repair of the boiler at St. Matthew's Soup Kitchen in Chicago and other needs were delivered to Pastor Julio Loza on Tuesday, November 15. We continue to accept donations for the boiler repair, which was completed by Alliance Mechanical last week, to replenish the funds spent by St. Matthew for the work that was done.
Rich Martin of LCC delivers check to Pastor Julio Loza at St. Matthew Chicago
Donation of Turkey Drumsticks Benefits Multiple Ministries Barb Psimoulus and her son Gus delivered a corporate donation of 528 pounds of frozen turkey drumsticks. Some of the drumsticks went to St John Lutheran Church, Island Lake, who on Sunday, November 20, is sponsoring an outreach Thanksgiving Dinner for a home for unwed mothers, residential center for the developmentally disabled and their care giver staff, a nursing home, and a local homeless shelter. LCC Volunteer Dick Bernard (right) delivered three cases of the frozen turkey drumsticks to Christ the King Lutheran Church in Chicago for a walk-in Thanksgiving dinner for their community and a second Thankgiving event where they are cooking a Thanksgiving meal and delivering it to home bound members and homebound elderly in the community. Pastor Jean Bingue (below) of the Haitian/French Ministry at Bethesda in Chicago picked up eight cases of the frozen turkey drumsticks. They will be cooking Thanksgiving dinner for nearly 100 people on Thanksgiving Day. St Matthew Lutheran Church in Hawthorn Woods picked up four cases of the frozen turkey drumsticks to add to the turkeys donated by their congregation . They are planning to cook Thanksgiving dinner for over 100 people. 15 to 25 people from Salaam Arabic Fellowship will be going to St Matthew this year for Thanksgiving. LCC was also able to connect St Matthew to the head of the Veterans Association in Illinois who will give the invitation to military families from the Great Lake Navel Station whose love one is deployed. St Matthew will also be preparing some turkey to take to St Matthew's soup kitchen in Chicago for their Thanksgiving dinner.
Thanks to Your Generous Support, We Were Able to Provide Assistance to the following: Martin Luther School (Joplin Gift Cards) Trinity Lutheran Church - Family Financial Support St. Matthew Lutheran Church - Industrial Refrigerator and Boiler Funds CLMMA - Iraqi Refugee Assistance Fund Northern Illinois DIstrict - Pastoral Assistance Fund St Peter Schaumburg - Peterson Family Fund
Families in Need Help Make A Difference Death of Single Mom Leaves Family Needing Vehicle and Financial Support Pastor Patrick Boomhower of Trinity Lombard has asked LCC to help a family in crisis Iraqi Refugee Family Facing Eviction Request by Rev. Hicham Chehab, Pastor, Salam Christian Fellowship & Missionary for Chicagoland Lutheran Muslim Mission Association (CLMMA) Pastor Bill Stroup Seeks Support for Single Mom Request by Rev. Bill Stroup, St. John's Lutheran Church, Algonquin
Pastor Chris Bottorff and Family Facing Financial Challenges 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
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) 9461383.
Disaster Response 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 Family Facing Eviction because Landlord is being Foreclosed Family of Five Lost Home - Need Financial Assistance 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
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) 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 2894 (1) older sewing machine in cabinet 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 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. 2897 2881 2879 2877
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 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
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
The Great Giveaway
by: David E. Fitch "North American evangelicals learned to do church in relation to modernity," asserts David Fitch. Furthermore, evangelicals have begun to model their ministries after the secular sciences or even to farm out functions of the church whenever it seems more efficient. As a result, the church, too often, has stopped being the church. In The Great Giveaway, Fitch examines various church practices and shows how and why each function has been compromised by modernity. Discussing such ministries as evangelism, physical healing, and spiritual formation, Fitch challenges Christians to reclaim these lost practices so that the church can regain its influence. Pastors, leaders, and students who minister to the postmodern world will find in this book fresh insight that will stir the hearts of many and spark much-needed discussion about the evangelical church.
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 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.
Enjoy a Seasonal Shopping Spree
Saturday, November 19, 2011 - 10 am-2:00 pm Concordia Lutheran Church 3144 South Home Avenue Berwyn, Illinois
Concordia Lutheran Church will be the site of a Holiday Bazaar on Saturday, November 19, 2011 from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. in the church's Fellowship Hall at 3144 South Home Avenue in Berwyn. All are invited to shop an extensive showcase of vendors and crafters. It is the perfect opportunity to get started on your holiday gift list and meal planning. Admission is free and includes a ticket for a raffle prize. A light lunch will be available for purchase. The sale will benefit Little Lambs Preschool and the Lutheran Education Assistance Fund. If you have questions about the event or need directions, please call 708-484-9784 or send an e-mail to concordia.berwyn@sbcglobal.net.
Chicago Urban Children's Choir Singing at Tree Lighting Ceremony
Wednesday, November 23, 2011 4:30 pm Daley Plaza Chicago, Illinois Pastor Kenety Gee's newly created CHICAGO URBAN CHILDREN'S CHOIR from Chatham Fields Lutheran Church in Chicago will be singing at the Tree Lighting Ceremony in Downtown Chicago. on Wednesday, November 23rd. Ken and Sue Gross will be there if anyone else is interested in attending. This choir is open for new members and available to be part of your Sunday Service. Please invite them to
attend YOUR church soon. Click here for more information
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 Concordia-Wisconsin 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 630-894-3263 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