November 30, 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 How To Keep LCC Serving
Tim's Pick of the Week
LCC has many resources available to congregations, businesses, and individuals.
Pastor Marky Kessa's Wife Attacked by Robbers Reverend Marky Kessa, President of the Lutheran Church of Haiti, reports that his wife was attacked by robbers when returning from dropping off American missionaries in Port Au Prince. He writes... We give thanks to God in all circumstances, God is always with us. Yesterday morning my wife went to Port-auPrince, drove a group of American missionaries who were at Jacmel for one week, where they served a lot. My wife, on her way back to Jacmel around 4 PM, she was attacked by two robbers with gangs, they took her wallet with everything inside, driver license, blank checks, money, her chain, her bracelet, her wings, and other things. But we Sydney Kessa distributing personal give thanks to God for his protection. My wife hygiene items in a tent city in she is safe, please pray for us. Thomassique, Haiti We give thanks to God once again 26 people received Christ this morning at both services at the church. Rev. Marky Kessa Notice, even in the midst of this trauma, Pastor Kessa is quick to mention that 26 people received Christ as the Christian Church in Haiti continues its explosive growth. LCC is collecting donations to replace the money that was lost in the robbery. LCC is constantly assessing the security concerns in Haiti and making adjustments as necessary. The safety of our volunteer teams is of paramount importance to us. Click here to donate to replace money lost to robbers
Iranian Refugee Family Faces Eviction
Request by Rev. Hicham Chehab, Pastor, Salam Christian Fellowship & Missionary for Chicagoland Lutheran Muslim Mission Association (CLMMA) Bashir (pictured) and his family will face eviction at the end of this month if they cannot pay their rent ($890). Bashir is in his early twenties. He is a hemophiliac and will receive disability benefits in a month or two that will help his family pay the rent. The family has been attending Salam since they came to America a year ago. Bashir was baptized unto the Lord in early October and he is leading others to Christ. Please help this family in need Click here to donate
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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
Remember Us Last to Keep Us First to Serve Why 12/31? Because Lutheran Church Charities is committed to never putting our operational needs BEFORE our Mission to bring the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are in need. Once a Year, and Only Once a Year, we ask you who have acted out your faith in reaching out and serving those in need to "Remember us Last". LCC's 12/31 "Remember us Last" appeal allows us through your donations to ensure that every dollar given to a specific need throughout the year goes entirely to that need. Our "Dollar in Dollar out" approach insures that no administrative costs are taken from a donor's specific gift. All of our PassThrough Donations of food, clothing, cars, etc. go out free of charge to those in need through our churches. With your support this past year we were able to serve thousands who were in need! Click here to see what your generosity has done this year So after you have given to those in need this CHRISTmas Season, "Remember us Last" so that we can be first to serve in 2012. Thank you for your faithful support and prayers. You have Made a Difference! To God be All Glory! Click here to donate to the 12/31 Appeal
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 Bible Classes Daily Devotions Prayer Requests To Donate Ministries We Support
LCC in need of Video Editors for Missions
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Lutheran Church Charities receives frequent requests from ministries and missionaries asking for help producing short videos on their mission or ministry. Although LCC has all the equipment and a studio, we simply do not have the staff time to do all the editing jobs that are asked of us. If you have the skills and would like to volunteer to help a missionary or someone working to go on the mission field tell their story we would like to talk with you. Anyone interested in volunteering for projects is asked to please contact Dana Yocum, Tim Kurth, or Tim Hetzner at LCC@LutheranChurchCharities.org
Click here to join our mailing list and receive free email daily devotions
Short-term Missionary Hannah Kiefer Seeks Assistance for One-year Service
"Send a Spoken Prayer"
LCC's "Send a Spoken Prayer" e-Card site is available. To learn more, Click Here
In June 2011, Hannah Kiefer, of Bonfield, Illinois, was commissioned by The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod's International Ministries to serve as a short-term, GEO missionary. For one year, she will teach English at the Concordia English Center in Macau, and help with weekly Bible studies and outreach events there. Hannah writes... Will you partner with me in sharing Christ's love with the people of Macau? Please prayerfully consider helping support my year of missionary service. The total cost will be approximately $27,000 and will cover everything from training and visa costs to housing and food. Funds are currently at $4,664 and I hope to continue to find churches and individuals who will partner with me in the mission God has set before us. Hannah is the daughter of Pastor John and Sandy Kiefer of Zion Lutheran Church in Bonfield, Illinois, and graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University in May 2011 with a B.A. in English and a minor in Business Administration. Click here to support Hannah
Salem Blue Island Receiving Donations for Fire Victims Late last week a devastating apartment building fire in Blue Island, Illinois left 20 families homeless and without most of their belongings. The people of Salem Lutheran Church in Blue Island are accepting donations of winter coats, winter clothes, food, gift cards, furniture and bedding. These items can be delivered to the church during regular business hours Tuesday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Those wishing to drop off donations outside of these hours can call Carol at the church to schedule a time. Steve Kuehner, an Elder at Salem, is coordinating relief efforts for the families affected by the fire. Salem is located at 12951 Maple Avenue in Blue Island 60406. All donations are to be delivered directly to Salem as LCC is not collecting items or coordinating any deliveries. Call Carol at (708) 388-1830 with questions or to schedule a drop-off.
Refugees from Iran and Iraq Enjoy Thanksgiving Dinner at St. Matthew Hawthorn Woods The annual Thanksgiving Dinner hosted by St. Matthew Hawthorn Woods welcomed special guests from Iran and Iraq. Reverend Hicham Chehab brought fifteen refugees to the dinner. A volunteer mom and daughter who arrived late to the dinner didn't know about the group. But it turned out the mom works with refugees and was fluent in Arabic! Another God appointment that made Thanksgiving all the more special. The Daily Herald did a full story on the dinner and the refugees who attended. Click here to read the story
Devotion Series - Guidance
The three-part devotion series entitled "Guidance" begins tomorrow. Click here to sign up for our free online devotions Click here for our archive of Daily Devotions
Immanuel Joplin Announces Fixed Schedule for Volunteer Recovery Teams Trent Davis, Director of Disaster Response for Immanuel Joplin, has announced the establishment of a regular weekly work schedule of Tuesday through Saturday. Groups are welcome to work on Sundays and Mondays but are asked not to plan starting or finishing work on those days as they will not have support of Immanuel staff, no access to tools, direction or guidance. This schedule allows the staff at Immanuel to establish routines that promote the long term sustainability of the recovery effort. Trent is encouraging teams to work within the Tuesday to Saturday window when establishing start and end days for their trips to Joplin. In rare cases exceptions will be considered but with an expected five year timeframe for recovery work Immanuel is concerned about avoiding burnout for their staff and appreciate volunteers' understanding. 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
Four Homes of Mercy - Bethany Israel Serving the poorest of the poor in the Name of Christ Four Homes of Mercy is a Christian run home for the emotionally and physically disabled children (many of whom are orphans) and adults in the poor area of Bethany Israel - the very location where Jesus always stayed when he came to Jerusalem (home of Lazarus, Mary and Martha, and Simon the Leper). They rely on donations to keep their doors open so that they can serve their residents in the Name of Christ. LCC received a Christmas greeting from Four Homes showing the work that is being done. Click here to read their Christmas Greeting If you would like to help the efforts of the Palestinian Christian run Four Homes of Mercy in Bethany - you can contribute online by clicking here or by sending a check to Lutheran Church Charities and marking the donation Four Homes of Mercy.
Immanuel Joplin Seeks Specialized Volunteers
Trent Davis, Director of Disaster Response at Immanuel Joplin, is looking for volunteer teams with very specific skills to help with projects slated from December through February. Team registrations have tapered off but there are five projects underway where more volunteers are needed. Trent writes... The Lord has blessed us with the ability to get 5 decent sized projects under roof before the weather has gotten too nasty here, so we have lots of interior work; electrical, plumbing, HVAC, drywall, painting, cabinets and trim that need to be or will need to be done but we have very few teams committed from December-February any help that you can stir up would be greatly appreciated.
Click here to register your team
Comfort Dog Update
K-9 Comfort Dogs Visit Grace Lutheran Church in Western Springs Grace Lutheran Church in Western Springs invited the K-9 Comfort Dogs to their Women's Club meeting on Monday night November 28, 2011. The dogs were greeted with warm enthusiasm and pets from all. Dona Martin, on staff at LCC, brought Comfort Dog Olympia and spoke about the K-9 Comfort Dog ministry. Rich Martin from LCC spoke about other ministries within LCC. Lynn Buhrke and K-9 Chewie and Tranetta McComb and K-9 Star (pictured with women's club members) also visited and spoke about their involvement with the ministry. Click here to schedule a K-9 Comfort Dog visit Donate to the K-9 Parish Comfort Dog Ministry
Your Donations Make A Difference
Darlene Havard of Jesendys Hygiene Ministry Thanks Volunteers A group of volunteers came out before Thanksgiving to help pack hygiene kits for Jesendys Hygiene Ministry. Director Darlene Havard writes: I would like to say thanks to the many volunteers that came out to package personal hygiene kits on November 12, 2011 with Jesendys Hygiene Ministry. The volunteers worked with great enthusiasm and energy. I really appreciate the children who were there learning and supporting a good cause. The personal hygiene kits will be donated to organizations who will
distribute the kits to individuals who are less fortunate than others. The organizations receiving the kits are Walk in Ministry of Hope in Downers Grove, Repeat Boutique in Wheaton, Sharing Connections Furniture Bank in Downers Grove and other Church Ministries. These organizations will receive 300 hygiene kits each. Thanks to our Volunteers the packing was a success and all 1200 kits were produced. We could not have done this without GOD'S Grace that blessed your hearts and hands. Thank you. Sincerely, Darlene Havard, Founder of Jesendys Hygiene Ministry Turkeys Feed 75 Through Haitian Ministry in Chicago Rev. Jean Bingue stopped by the LCC office to pick up a check and six whole frozen 20 pound turkeys and enough other fixings to prepare a Thanksgiving Dinner for 75 people of the Haitian ministry on Thanksgiving Day. Your Donations Provided Thanksgiving Meals for Families in Need LCC received the following thank you from Faith Lutheran Church in Mobile, Alabama: First giving honor, praise, and thanks to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who makes all things possible, on behalf of the pastor, Rev. Michael A Johnson and the Evangelism Committee here at Faith Lutheran Church, Mobile, Alabama with your financial support we were able to provide the Salvation Army here in the city of Mobile, Alabama enough food to prepare approximately 100 to 150 Thanksgiving Meals for those in need. Again, thanks for all you and your organization do to help reach out to the needy all over the world. May God continue to bless your effort to bless others. LCC Assists Ministries to Obtain Needed Resources LERT Teams from Immanuel Freeport and Trinity Lisle are outfitting a Disaster Response unit for their teams. Recently LCC was able to assist them with acquiring some of the equipment and disaster supplies they need for just handling cost and shared fuel charges. LCC was also able to assist Dr. Susan Busse with supplies for Medical Missions.
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 Kalonji of Zion Chicago Seeks Assistance for Trip Home
Request from Pastor Stephane Kalonji, Zion Lutheran Church Winston, Chicago Pastor Stephane Kalonji of Zion on Winston Avenue in Chicago has received word that his younger brother in Pretoria, South Africa is gravely ill. The situation is dire and Pastor Kalonji is asking for assistance to purchase airfare home to be with his brother. Pastor writes... 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.
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.
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... Faith Lutheran Church in Bay City, Michigan Seeks Car for Disabled Man 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. 2900 Plastic Children's chairs with metal legs for kids (14" high). (30) Gold and (11) Dark Gold in color 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 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. 2900 Plastic Children's chairs with metal legs for kids (14" high). (30) Gold and (11) Dark Gold in color 2897 Risograph GR 3750 printer (black & white printing only) 2881 (22) Lutheran Worship Hymnals (Blue) located in Hampshire, Illinois 2879 72" x 72" Sauder Oak wall unit 2877 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
Here are Ways to Help Our Ongoing Haiti Relief Efforts
Physical Needs Latrines for the Lutheran schools - $500 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
Timeless Truths in Twelve Words or Less by: Les Stroh Timeless Truths in Twelve Words or Less is a book you will keep close at hand and turn to often. Every page contains a "timeless truth" and a story or illustration born out Les Stroh's more than 40 years as an educator, trainer, executive, manager, consultant and entrepreneur. These 39 Timeless Truths are set in beautiful photography and include questions that will help you reflect upon and integrate each Timeless Truth.
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
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.
Festival of Christmas Carols
Sunday, December 18, 2011 at 4:30 pm Concordia Lutheran Church 3144 South Home Avenue Berwyn, Illinois
In December of 1223, Francis of Assisi instituted the living manger in Greccio, Italy since pilgrimages to Bethlehem posed great risks while the Turks were in control of the Holy Land. Concordia Lutheran Church located at 3144 South Home Avenue in Berwyn, Illinois will continue this tradition by presenting a Live Manger on Sunday, December 18th at 4:30 P.M. In costume, children of the Sunday School and Little Lambs Preschool will tell the story of the true meaning of Christmas as they have for more than 20 years. Weather permitting, an infant from the congregation will portray baby Jesus. A variety of animals from Friendly Farms in DeKalb, Illinois will be available for petting. Mary has been known to ride to the outdoor stable on a real donkey. Hot chocolate and cookies are served, free to all who attend. Everyone is invited to join in singing carols as the story of the Savior's birth unfolds. On Sunday, January 8th at 10 A.M. the Live Manger will be performed indoors for the celebration of Epiphany and The Three Kings' gift-bearing visit to the Christ Child. Their journey guided by the Star of Bethlehem. In between, the church will observe the birth of Jesus with special services on Christmas Eve at 4:00 P.M. and 10:00 P.M. The former will be a Contemporary Family Service and the latter a traditional Candlelight Service. On Christmas Day, there is worship at 10:00 A.M. If you would like more information about Concordia Lutheran Church and its programs, visit its web site at www.concordiaberwyn.org, e-mail them at concordia.berwyn@sbcglobal.net, or call 708-484-9784.
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