January 4, 2012
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 Upcoming Events How To Keep LCC Serving
You Make all the Difference in the World to Us! I want to personally thank everyone who has graciously supported LCC in our 12/31 Appeal. It is your support that allows us to continue to move forward in Serving those suffering and in Need. For LCC to do their Dollar In/Dollar Out giving program where 100% of your gift goes to what you donated to, your 12/31 support once a year allows us to continue to offer that service along with everything else we do. I am personally touched and overwhelmed at the sacrificial gifts that have been made, especially during these tough economic times! On Behalf of the entire staff at LCC, THANK YOU for the Difference You Have Made! Serving Together, Serving Christ, so we can Serve Others IN HIS NAME,
Tim's Pick of the Week
Tim Hetzner President PS Gifts this week can still be made and credited as 12/31! In case you were out of town and unable to donate, click here
Pastor Doug Swanson Requests Rent Assistance for a Member
Pastor Doug Swanson of St. John Lutheran Church in Darien, Illinois is seeking rental assistance to help a member of the congregation stay in her apartment. We praise God that regular employment has recently been obtained but will not begin in time to cover January's rent, leaving her at risk of losing her apartment. The church has already contributed $150 of the $950 necessary to cover this month's rent. Any assistance that can be offered would a true blessing of the New Year. Click here to donate
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
Pastor Marky Kessa, President of Lutheran Church in Haiti Makes Special Request to Replace Vehicle and Repair Worship Space
Late last night LCC received an urgent request from our friends and ministry partners in Haiti. Reverend Paul Touloute, President of the Southern District of Haiti, has to replace or repair his vehicle that has broken down. The cost to replace transportation for Pastor Touloute is $4000. Reverend Gergens Edouard serves in the Northern District of Haiti. His church is worshiping in an aircraft hangar that is in need of repairs. It will take $2000 to repair the facility where they worship every Sunday and have prayers and Bible study throughout the week. It will also allow them to fix musical instruments. President Kessa writes, "...please if you could help that will be a blessing for the ELCH." Click here to donate for car replacement Click here to donate for church repairs
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
Pastor Hicham Chehab Requests Help for Woman Needing Dental Work
To Donate
Pastor Hicham Chehab of Salam Fellowship is asking for support to provide a member of his congregation with desperately needed dental work. He writes... A refugee who has been attending Salam Arabic Fellowship for four years needs dental work. We found a Lutheran dentist who gave us a big discount. But we still need around $300 to cover the cost of the basic medical material used. Please show the love of Christ by supporting the dental work for this lady. Click here to donate
Ministries We Support
"Send a Spoken Prayer" LCC's "Send a Spoken Prayer"eCard site is available. To learn more, Click Here
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Click here to join our Reverend Robert Rahn of Lutheran Heritage mailing list and receive free Foundation Seeks Support for Sudanese Seminary email daily devotions
Reverend Robert Rahn of Lutheran Heritage Foundation is seeking support for a Lutheran seminary in Sudan. He explains... The Lutheran Heritage Foundation, sponsor of the Concordia Lutheran Institute for the Holy Ministry(CLIHM), Yambio, South Sudan, is looking for help to cover travel expenses for volunteer pastors who serve on the seminary faculty from Finland, Kenya and Tanzania . They do not have a way to generate support for their travel as do pastors here in the U.S. Our first volunteer going over is Rev. Art Bolstad and he will be there for three weeks. He personally is covering most of his own expenses. The second need is for help to cover the monthly stipend of the 20 students who will be in the seminary program. This is to help sustain their families while they are attending the seminary. We provide them with a modest $75 per month and it amounts to $750 for ten months for each student and for the 20 students that means $15,000 for each year. We try to fund this outside of the regular budget of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Sudan/South Sudan for which we provided $100,000 in 2011. CLIHM is hosting its third group of students who will be in training for the next four years. Anyone interested in serving as a faculty member can e mail Rev. Rahn, LHF Founder, at rrahn@lhfmissions.org for more information. Click here to donate
Pastor Kevin Hahn of Good Shepherd, Frankfort Seeks Housing for Single Mom With Three Children
Pastor Hahn contacted LCC asking help for a single mom from his community. He writes... A young mom and 3 children (a 13-year-old and twin 8-year-olds) lost their apartment because the owner filed bankruptcy and didn't tell anyone. They were living in Matteson and the children are going to school in Matteson. They're currently paying a lot of money to stay in a hotel. The mom works nights and goes to school. They are also paying rent to store their belongings. She is asking for help in finding an affordable apartment in the south suburbs. She would also like to work days instead of nights, so she is interested in a job such as secretary. Any help or suggestions you may have for the family, is greatly appreciated. Please feel free to email me or call the church office at 815-469-2549. Click here to help this family with a donation
DCE Roy Wm Heflin from St. Paul Boca Raton, Florida Urgently Needs Brain Surgery
Roy Heflin is a disabled LCMS DCE with no medical insurance who very recently had his request for Social Security disability benefits denied. He urgently needs brain surgery or faces certain death. His wife and family are making a nationwide appeal through all channels to raise the necessary funds for the surgery. The estimated cost is $150,000. They have asked LCC to participate in the effort with this appeal. Roy's wife, Susan, writes... Friends of brother Roy Heflin - We are getting Desperate to gather funds for Roy's needed Brain surgery because time is running out, so we are asking our friends in addition to Praying, sending Donations and Sharing Roy's story with others, that YOU might consider a fundraiser at your church, in your community, at work, and with your friends Thank you! Susan C. Heflin, Roy's wife Click Here to Donate for Roy's Surgery
LCC Makes Arrangements to Keep Telling the Story of Miracle Baby Meagan Seals Donations for Family Still Being Accepted
Don Ruhter of LCC interviewed Pastor Phil Ressler of Lord of Life LaFox and delivered another check for the Seals family. Don is a journalist working for LCC to document the miraculous story of baby Meagan. He is conducting interviews with the family and people who have been involved in Megan's story since before she was born. We will continue to update Meagan's story here and on the LCC website. In addition to the above, all extra money collected was presented to Lord of Life to help the Seals family with their medical bills for Meagan. BY THE GRACE OF GOD - and only by HIS grace, what seemed to be the impossible task of raising the money and getting the chair built and here from North Carolina in time for Christmas happened! Yes Christmas IS STILL a Time of Miracles! To see how God worked you can click here and see the timeline leading up to the presentation of the chairs and iPad! Lutheran Church Charities, the Seals Family and little Meagan, together with Pastor Phil and the members of Lord of Life wish to thank everyone for their prayers and support and for keeping CHRIST in CHRISTmas and making Friday such a beautiful day! Lutheran Church Charities, working through Lord of Life Lutheran Church, will continue to raise money to help the Seals family, as long as the need exists Click here to donate for Meagan's ongoing care Click here for the CBS 2 news story Click here for the Daily Herald article Click here to 'Like' Meagan Seals Miracle Baby on Facebook
Donate Used Lutheran Worship Hymnals for South Africa
Steve Noland, a member at New Song in Aurora, has recently returned from South Africa where he met with a Lutheran Pastor and personal friend. His friend is looking for copies of Lutheran Worship (the blue hymnal) to be used by his church in South Africa. With many LCMS churches now updating to the new Lutheran Service Book (LSB), Steve is hoping to find those willing to donate their old copies of Lutheran Worship. Donations are being handled through the LCC office. Those interested in more information or who would like to donate their copies of LW, please contact Tim Kurth at LCC. Call him at 866-455-6466 or email TimKurth@LutheranChurchCharities.org.
Special Devotion Series Highlights Ministry of LCC Coinciding With 12 Days of Christmas
A very special 12 part devotion, 'The 12 Days of LCC', coincides with the 12 Days of Christmas (December 25, 2011 to January 5, 2012) and highlights the ministries of LCC. Written by LCC staffer for Mission and Ministry Advancement, Tim Kurth, the series ends tomorrow. We hope you've enjoyed the complementary tidbits about LCC's ministries that provide opportunities for us to live out God's call. If you don't currently get the daily devotions sign-up now by clicking here. Action Figure (The First Day of LCC) I Can Relate (The Second Day of LCC) You're On (The Third Day of LCC) Don't Be Ignorant (The Fourth Day of LCC) Creature Comforts (The Fifth Day of LCC) Well Known (The Sixth Day of LC)
No Limits (The Seventh Day of LCC) Facing the Future (The Eighth Day of LCC) Disorderly Conduct (The Ninth Day of LCC) Give 'Em A Hand (The Tenth Day of LCC) Well Equipped (The Eleventh Day of LCC) Complete Joy (The Twelfth Day of LCC)
Click here to sign up for our free online devotions Click here for our archive of Daily Devotions
Free Bulbs
No, not the kind from which flowers spring. But the kind of bulbs used in 48" fluorescent lights. The bulb specifics are 48" F40T12/CW fluorescent. Immanuel Lutheran Church in Palatine has over 1000 slightly-used T12 bulbs available free. They are available because Immanuel has changed bulbs and ballasts to support more energy efficient T8 bulbs. Contact Immanuel's church office (847) 359-1549 if interested in stopping by to pick-up bulbs. Bulbs are available on a first come, first served basis until gone or the end of January, whichever comes first.
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. 2903 Twin Bed Extra Long Mattress and Box Spring (No soil - like new), golden oak entertainment center 46"W x 20"D x 64"T - TV opening 35 1/2", 92" Sofa and 72" love seat (tan and black)- Houndstooth pattern 2902 (2) boxes and (1) can of assorted sockets and socket set pieces, paint roller, (2) hack saws, (1) grease gun, mason's hammer, claw hammer, hatchet, Army cot replacement canvas, (2) caulking guns, tube of acrylic caulk, (2) small measuring tapes, 10' measuring tape, 36" pry-bar, 16' motorized measuring tape, router, 16" laser level, scoup shovel, manual week wacker, extension pole for paint rollers, (2) tubes lithium grease, (1) socket set, universal joint socket set, one drill chuck, small level and (2) small sets of assorted sockets and drivers 2901 computer desk with hutch - storage above with area for keyboard and monitor, one drawer, adjustable shelves 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 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
Pastor and Family in Desperate Need of Vehicle Consider Donation Today
Pastor Stephane Kalonji of Zion on Winston Avenue in Chicago has asked LCC to make an appeal for a reliable car for him and his family. He is in desperate need of a vehicle that will serve his ministry and his family. If you have a car you are thinking of donating, please consider passing it through LCC for Pastor Kalonji. Call the LCC office at (866) 455-6466 and we'll walk you through the process of donating a car. You'll get full Kelley Blue Book value of your car for charitable donation credit.
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
First LERT Trainings Scheduled for the New Year
St. Philip Lutheran Church at 1609 Pfingsten Road in Glenview, Illinois is hosting LERT training on Wednesday, January 25 from 5:30 pm until 9 pm. Registration and a light dinner will begin at 5:30 pm followed by a three hour class from 6-9 pm. Immanuel Lutheran Church at 950 Hart Road in Batavia is hosting a LERT training. Be sure to mark your calendars for Saturday, February 11th from 8:30 am until Noon. Registration and a light breakfast will begin at 8:30 am followed by a three hour class from 9 am until Noon.
Click here to register for the LERT training
Registration is $20 and helps cover the cost of the training materials, meal, and the LERT Safety 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
Families in Need Help Make A Difference Urgent Request to Support Family Suffering Through Devastating Loss
On Tuesday, December 13, the following request came to LCC from Cynthia on behalf of her sister (names are withheld to respect the family's privacy): Dear Lutheran Church Charities, It is with a sad heart that I request assistance from your organization. My sister has lost her only child to a sudden and unexpected suicide. She was 30 years old with three children (ages 7, 5, and 1 year) and a husband. She loved the Lord with all her heart, but succumbed to post-partum depression and severe physical pain caused by a botched surgery. At her memorial, there were more than 500 people in attendance and five of them came up to witness that she was the one who helped them to find the Lord. My sister was in Maryland at the time of her daughter's death. She works as an over the road truck driver. The company she works with paid for her to travel for the funeral. Unfortunately, when she returned to work, the company took out all the money she owed in one lump sum leaving her with about $200 to live on for four weeks. The apartment she is living in is threatening eviction for lack of December's payment and several late charges. We are unable to help as my husband was out of a job for seven months. Since my niece's death, I have been taking care of her three children and we are in the process of moving. I am asking for any assistance you could give. Click here to support this family in a very difficult time.
Your Donations Make A Difference For the past three years after his Christmas visit to his mother Muriel Hillers in Delaware, Iowa Myron Hillers of Immanuel Crystal Lake transports several boxes of homemade quilts to LCC for the churches to hand out. This past week Myron and Muriel's grandson Kyle Smith dropped off 16 quilts that were made by the Church Women's Society of St. Paul Lutheran in Delaware. These quilts will be handed out in the name of Jesus through our churches to those in need. LaDone Riemer of St. Luke's Itasca dropped off two cell phones and accessories to be passed on to St. Matthew Hawthorn Woods to assist in their ministry to those in need. Pastor Jean Bingue of Bethesda Lutheran in Chicago stopped by the LCC offices to pick up a check of your donations to Bethesda's Christmas Outreach Appeal. He also picked up clothing that will be distributed to the people his ministry serves. Because of your donations Bethesda has been able to reach out and serve twice the number of people this Christmas season. Lutheran Agency for Mission to Burmese (LAMB) received funds donated through LCC. Reverend James Keller has transferred the funds to Myanmar (formerly Burma) and they should arrive this week. In the picture are two sets of brothers. The two on the right are Karen youth who were orphaned here in America. They are in process of being adopted by one of our member families. The two boys on the left are Burmese who grew up Buddhist. They are now Christians and are acting as big brothers to the two Karen boys. The two on the left are part of our worhsip praise team. They are training the two younger brothers to be part of the praise team as well. I thought it might be appropriate for our youth to receive this check as Charles said his youth were the ones doing the outreach.
Pastor Keller also sent this picture of one of their Christmas Carol parties. Member families host these events. They invite their friends, neighbors and relatives who do not know Jesus to come to these parties. They sing and re-enact the nativity story. This picture was taken at the last party on Christmas Eve. They bring the costumes and have the children dress up. The American children in the picture are part of Pastor Keller's family.
Thanks to Your Generous Support, We Were Able to Provide Assistance to the following: Lord of Life Lutheran Church - Meagan Seals Fund CLMMA - Bilingual Bibles Bethesda Lutheran Church - Christmas Outreach - Holiday Meals St. Peter Lutheran Church (Schaumburg) - Peterson Family Fund Christ the King Lutheran Church, ID - Rent Assistance Fund
Disaster Response LCC Receives Note of Grateful Thanks from Texas Family Affected by Wildfires
The following thank you note arrived in our offices from a family helped by your generous donations for those affected by the Labor Day wildfires in Bastrop, Texas. They write... Dear Lutheran Church Charities, Thank you so much for your incredible generosity after losing our home in the Labor Day Bastrop wildfire. We have been so blessed by the community that has surrounded us, both near and far. Our prayers and heartfelt thanks to you. Click here to donate for those recovering from the fires
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 for more information or to register your team
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.
Other Stories Still Seeking Support Iranian Refugee Family Faces Eviction Urgent Request from Pastor Hicham Chehab for Iraqi Convert Facing Eviction Concordia Selma President Tilahun Mendedo Seeks Support for "Feeding His Lambs" Program in Ethiopia Please Help The Haitian Lutheran Mission Project Feed Haitian Orphans Lord of Life LaFox Invites Others to Join Them in Supporting Haitian Orphanage Pastor Marky Kessa's Wife Attacked by Robbers Christmas for the Poor in Myanmar Death of Single Mom Leaves Family Needing Vehicle and Financial Support Iraqi Refugee Family Facing Eviction Pastor Bill Stroup Seeks Support for Single Mom Family Facing Eviction because Landlord is being Foreclosed Family of Five Lost Home - Need Financial Assistance
Ministry Needs Help Make A Difference Short-term Missionary Hannah Kiefer Seeks Assistance for One-year Service 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
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
LCC in need of Video Editors for Missions 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
Items Available to a Ministry 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 2873 Savin 3350 Duplicator 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 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 Picks of the Week
The Story of God, the Story of Us: Getting Lost & Found in the Bible by: Sean Gladding "The ever present ache of exile rises above the comforting sounds of the river, as the image of the house of the LORD in ruins breaks the peace. . . . Despite the warmth of the fire, he feels a chill. He wraps his cloak around him and looks into the eager faces of his people, then closes his eyes. 'Picture this scene . . .'" Before the Bible was a book, it was flesh and blood. In this book, you can travel with Sean Gladding between the lines of the Scriptures to listen in on the conversations of people wrestling with the Story of God for the first time. Whether sitting around a campfire in Babylon, reclining at table in Asia Minor or huddled together by candlelight in Rome, you'll encounter a tale that is at once familiar and surprising. The Story of God, the Story of Us can be read alone but is especially rich shared with a group. Sean Gladding presents an account of the Bible that pays attention to its audience as well as its message. He introduces you to people who may remind you of yourself or your family, friends and coworkers. As much as the Bible is a story about God, it's also a story about you--and all of us--as we encounter God in a new way.
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
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..
Immanuel Dundee Hosts Special Event on Identity Theft
Identity Theft and YOU Thursday, January 19, 2012 Immanuel Lutheran Church (Luther Hall) 310 E. Main Street East Dundee, IL 60118 Time: 7:00 p.m. Cost: FREE
Immanuel Dundee welcomes one of the area's leading experts on Identity Theft (IDT) to speak about the leading crime in the United States. The presenter has spoken to many businesses and groups in the surrounding area. Everyone thinks of IDT as being only financial, there are actually six major areas of IDT. Learn how you can protect and defend against this devastating crime.
Unity in Marriage Retreat Building a Marriage that Experiences and Expresses the Love of God
January 20 & 21, 2012 Trinity Lutheran Church 405 Rush Street Roselle, IL
With marriages ending in divorce at an alarming rate, both inside and outside of the church, learning and implementing God's wisdom for building a marriage that experiences and expresses the love of God is vital. Join Rev. Jason Pankau of the Life Spring Network at this seminar to examine what the Scriptures say about marriage and uses the U.N.I.T.Y. in Marriage paradigm to build a Godly foundation. It is designed to ground you in God's wisdom and to give you the practical tools and paradigms that you can refer back to during the different seasons of your life. This seminar has something to offer everyone - we welcome single individuals, engaged and married couples to attend and learn about marriage from God's perspective. Location Trinity Lutheran Church 405 Rush Street, Roselle, IL 60172 Cost $70 Couple $45 Individual Included: Saturday On-Site Lunch, 1 U.N.I.T.Y. in Marriage Workbook, 1 Beyond Self-Help Book For additional information including the seminar schedule, or to register please visit our website at www.lifespringnetwork.org, or click here.
4th Annual Voice of Care Benefit Concert
March 31, 2012 Hyatt Hotel 1400 Corporetum Drive Lisle, Illinois You are invited to an evening of music and dance. Live music provided by The New Invaders - www.NewInvaders.com - Playing the best of the 60's
Tickets: $30 Price Covers: Appetizers, desserts and refreshments Silent Auction: held to raise additional funds for the future of Voice of Care - In Christ with person developmentally challenged! For more information or to order tickets, click here.
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