February 8, 2012
Attention Thrivent Members: There's Still Time to Direct 2011 Dollars to LCC - Help Us Meet Our Expanding Ministry Needs
Thrivent has reported that a significant amount of the Thrivent Choice dollars allocated for members in Chicagoland have NOT been directed. The deadline for directing 2011 dollars to Lutheran Church Charities is March 31, 2012. We are asking Thrivent members to take advantage of this opportunity and help LCC respond to the ever-increasing needs. Thrivent Choice is the charitable giving program through which Thrivent Financial for Click here to view in Lutherans members are able to direct Thrivent charitable funds. Eligible members can magazine format designate Choice Dollars, based on insurance premiums, contract values, and Thrivent Financial volunteer leadership, which are then directed by the member to Lutheran In This Issue organizations. To direct Thrivent Choice dollars please call 1-800-847-4836 and Featured Stories announce the topic "Thrivent Choice" when asked or go to the website: Thrivent Choice Families in Need Dollars (www.thrivent.com/thriventchoice/). Direct dollars to LCC and let's not Disaster Response leave any money from 2011 on the table! We are deeply grateful for your support. Ministry Needs Mission Opportunities The process for designating Thrivent Choice dollars is simple. Click this link to go direct to the Thrivent Choice page. Once there you can log-in or, if you haven't before, International Ministry LCC Ministry Resources register. Then you can click the red 'Get Started' button to walk through the process of Tim's Pick of the Week designating your Choice Dollars to LCC. If you would prefer to do this by phone you can call Thrivent at (800) 847-4836 and say 'Thrivent Choice' when prompted. Upcoming Events How To Keep LCC Serving If you would like additional help with this process, please call Rich Martin at LCC (866) 455-6466 and he'll walk you through the online process (plan to be in front of your computer when you call). Click here to designate Thrivent Choice dollars to LCC
Tim's Pick of the Week
Geri Brazeal of Christ the King Chicago Appeals for Assistance for Funeral Costs
Geri Brazeal, wife of Pastor John Brazeal (pictured) at Christ the King in Chicago, who are both dear friends of LCC, are seeking assistance to cover the funeral costs for one of their most dedicated volunteers. The request came as part of a thank you note for a general gift to their ministry that recently came through LCC to Christ the King. Please consider making a gift and help Christ the King help a grieving family in their time of loss. Geri writes... Dear Friends,
We are indeed grateful that the Lord moved someone to donate to our ministry. The church council has chosen to use this gift to help defray the cost of the funeral
of one of the volunteers who cooked lunches for our school. We are in the process of collecting donations to cover the cost of her funeral ($4200). She died last week after complications following the amputation of her leg. There were circulation problems due to her advanced age and diabetes. She had financial problems so there was no insurance. Your gift is indeed a timely blessing to assist this family in their time of need. I can do all things through Him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13 Geri
LCC has many resources available to congregations, businesses, and individuals. Click here to visit our website and learn more
Click here to donate
Tim Hetzner Appears as Guest on Family Shield Ministries Radio
LCC connects needs with resources, working with more than 400 congregations to help Christians "Make a Difference in People's Lives and in God's Kingdom" To meet our staff, click here For more information about LCC and its human care ministry, please contact LCC staff at: LCC@LutheranChurch Charities.org
On Friday, February 10, LCC president Tim Hetzner will be the guest on Family Shield Ministries, hosted by Kay L. Meyer, founder and president. Family Shield Ministries is a weekly radio program that has been aired since 1996. Until November of 2010 it was an hour-long program. It is now a half-hour program aired on 50 radio stations in 25 states, as well as on Satellite/Internet sites that can be heard throughout the United States and the world. The program addresses family life, spiritual growth, prayer, and learning to witness. It is a production of Family Shield Ministries. Program guests are members of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) and Christian leaders with knowledge and expertise in a wide variety of areas related to Christianity and family ministry. Click here for a listing of stations and times this broadcast will be aired
More...
Volunteers Needed to Help Organize Big Day of Ministry Quicklinks Serving (formerly 1 By Youth) Cosponsored by LCC Newsletter Archive / LCC is once again cosponsoring Big Day of Serving Printable Format (formerly 1 By Youth) in partnership with Group Cares Bible Classes Daily Devotions Prayer Requests To Donate Ministries We Support
based in Loveland, Colorado. Last year's event brought over 600 youth and adult volunteers into Chicago's Austin neighborhood for a single day of transformational service. This year we hope to top 1000 volunteers. With the enthusiastic cooperation of Chicago Aldermen Emma Mitts and Jason Ervin, the event will have a lasting impact on residents in need. Marcia Turner is leading the team organizing this year's event with support from Tim Kurth and other LCC staff. Marcia is looking for volunteer leaders to help her put this life changing day of service together. Meetings will be limited to only what is absolutely necessary and she hopes to have the team together by the end of February. Help is needed in tracking and coordinating projects, sourcing donations from area businesses, managing the logistics of the day and other tasks related to seeing the event is a big success like it was last year. LCC is also accepting financial contributions to help defray the costs of the event. If you're interested in joining Marcia's team contact Tim Kurth at (866) 455-6466 or email him TimKurth@LutheranChurchCharities.org. Click here to donate to the Big Day of Serving
"Send a Spoken Prayer"
Tragic Car Accident takes Life of Pastor's Wife and Two Children
Rev. Jeff Geske and his family were in a tragic car accident Saturday afternoon just west of Topeka, Kansas. Rev. Geske's wife, Laura, and two of their three children, Joshua (age 8) and Joy (age 3), were killed. Their son Jacob was not in the car. Kansas District President Keith Kohlmeier shares these words: "The answer to the question of WHY is not found in words that we can say, but at the foot of the cross of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Laura and Joshua and Joy know the answer to WHY. God help us all learn what that means. We believe in the resurrection of the dead, and the Life everlasting." Rev. Geske is the pastor of Christ the King in Salina, Kansas LCC is collecting funds to assist Rev. Geske and Jacob. All contributions are tax deductible. Click here to donate Click here for further information on Laura, Joshua and Joy and service times
LCC's "Send a Spoken Prayer" e-Card site is available. To learn more, Click Here
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LCC President Tim Hetzner Speaks at ALMA Conference in St. Louis - Elected as Organization's VP
Last week LCC President Tim Hetzner traveled to St. Louis where he was a featured speaker at the Association of Lutheran Mission Agencies (ALMA) Conference www.alma-online.org. Tim presented a workshop and was the guest speaker for the Friday night dinner. During the regular business proceedings of the organization Tim was elected to serve as Vice President of ALMA. The Association of Lutheran Mission Agencies (ALMA) is a professional service organization connecting and equipping Lutheran mission agencies, congregations, and individuals to share and demonstrate the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Pictured, the new ALMA BOD - left to right: David Saving, Executive Director of Children's Christian Concern Society Kay Meyer, Family Shield Ministries Tim Hetzner, President of Lutheran Church Charities John Loum, Director of the Ethnic Immigrant Institute of Theology of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis Ken Reiner, ALMA Director of Operations
Trinity Urbana Mission Team Returns from Haiti with Thanksgiving and Enthusiasm to Return The team from Trinity Lutheran in Urbana recently returned from their latest trip to Haiti where they continued to assist the people there. They are considering all the ways they can continue to help provide for the people of Jacmel and surrounding communities. If you would like to arrange a mission trip to Haiti for a team from your church LCC can help. Contact Dona Martin at (866) 455-6466 or by email DonaMartin@LutheranChurchCharities.org. Click here to read the full thank you letter Click here to donate for Haiti relief Click here to watch their video
Call for Alabama Tornado Clean-up Volunteers Temporarily Suspended
Reverend Ed Brashier, Southern District Disaster Coordinator, has alerted LCC that the city of Clay, Alabama, is asking volunteers to take a two week break and allow the city to clear debris from the streets. Piles of limbs and debris, some more than 10 feet high, placed along the streets by teams have severely restricted movement through the affected area. City crews need room to move through and clear what has already been done before allowing volunteers to continue. LCC will stay in touch with Pastor Ed and let volunteers know when they are welcome to return. Watch here for all the latest updates. Click here to donate to Tornado Relief in Alabama Click here for photos from Alabama
Laptop Needed for Catechism Teacher at St. Matthew, Chicago Request from Pastor Julio Loza, St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Chicago
St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Chicago has 25 Catechism students, some of them have learning disabilities. Nelly Bordonoba is the teacher who has shown concern and Christian love to teach the students who have learning problems, one of them, Manuel, 12 years old has attended worship services with his parents for almost 10 years. Nelly is in great need of a working lap top computer, to prepare Catechism lessons for her special students. Please help us locate a mission partner willing to donate a laptop computer for Nelly, it will be a big blessings for St. Matthew's mission of love and compassion in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood. If you have a laptop to donate please contact LCC at 866-455-6466 or email LCC@LutheranChurchCharities.org
Haiti Updates: Your Donations are Making A Difference in Haiti On February 2nd Floyd and Lois Linder of Lord of Life in LaFox delivered a check to LCC. The funds were collected in support of Pastor Ernst Mesidor and his orphanage in Haiti. For the past eight years the sponsors have sent support to Pastor Mesidor for the orphanage that he runs, Foyer de la Grace. A total of $4,360 was donated by Lord of Life and 100% of that will be passed through to help the Haitian orphans. LCC passes through 100% of every dollar donated for specific needs and absorbs any costs related to transferring those funds. Click here to support the orphanage
Here are Ways to Help Our Ongoing Haiti Relief Efforts Physical Needs Spiritual 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
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
LERT Training Available - Two Dates/Locations Added
Immanuel Lutheran Church at 950 Hart Road in Batavia is hosting a LERT training. Be sure to mark your calendars for THIS 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. NEW - Immanuel Lutheran Church in Freeport, Illinois is hosting LERT training on Tuesday, March 13th 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. St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Hawthorn Woods, Illinois is hosting LERT training on Thursday, March 15th 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. NEW - Living Waters Lutheran Church in Peoria, Illinois is hosting LERT training on Sunday, May 20th from 2:30 pm until 5:30 pm. Registration will begin at :00 pm followed by a three hour class from 2:30-5:30 pm.
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
Comfort Dog Update K-9 Comfort Dog Tara and Marie Payes of LCC Visit Meagan Seals LCC continues to support the Seals family, members at Lord of Life in LaFox. One of the ways we provide support is through regular visits from our Comfort Dogs. Over the weekend LCC staffer Marie Payes visited the Seals with K-9 Comfort Dog Tara. Meagan always responds well to the dogs and this visit was no different as she enjoyed petting Tara.
St. Paul Oak Lawn Welcomes K-9 Comfort Dogs for Chapel Service On Wednesday, February 1, K-9 Comfort Dogs Tara, Olympia and Chewie along with handlers Marie Payes, Dona Martin and Lynn Buhrke greeted 112 students at St. Paul Lutheran School in Oak Lawn. Lynn Buhrke (pictured) presented an interactive chapel message on the story of the Good Samaritan for the students. After chapel each class had the chance to visit with the dogs. If you'd like the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs to visit your church or school, click below and complete a request form.
Newest K-9 Comfort Dog-In-Training, Ruthie, Visits Home Office The LCC staff was excited to meet our newest addition to the K-9 Comfort Dog ministry when nine-week-old Golden Retriever "Ruthie" visited our offices on February 2nd with trainer Patti Fleming Milazzo. Ruthie has begun her intensive service dog training and will be ready for an assignment later this year. She has already shown her gentle nature and responds to simple commands. Four new fully-trained LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs will join the program later this month and be placed over the next couple of months. In addition to Ruthie, four other dogs will be entering intensive service dog training in the next few weeks. If your church or school would like to learn about acquiring an LCC K-9 Comfort Dog to enhance your ministry contact Dona at (866) 455-6466 or DonaMartin@LutheranChurchCharities.org More photos of Ruthie Click here to schedule a K-9 Comfort Dog visit Donate to the K-9 Parish Comfort Dog Ministry
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 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
Do More Than "Make A Wish" - Make A Difference in the Name of Christ
Receive full Kelley Blue Book value for your IRS charitable deduction as your car is given to a family in need and never sold by LCC
LCC regularly receives requests for vehicles to help families in need. We cannot keep up and are hoping that you will consider donating your vehicle through LCC to meet these needs. Any car, van, or SUV in good working order will be gladly accepted and passed through to people in need. You'll get the full value of your car for charitable donation credit. We cannot overstate the need for vehicles. 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... Pastor and Family in Desperate Need of Vehicle Faith Lutheran Church in Prescott, Michigan Seeks Van 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 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
Families in Need Help Make A Difference District President Dan Gilbert Appeals for Support for Pastor and His Family
LCC has received an appeal from District President Dan Gilbert. A pastor and his family are in need of financial assistance as they make the transition into ministry in the LCMS. They have been Spirit led to pursue the course even though it has meant sacrificing regular income during this time. They ask for your prayerful support and, if the Spirit so leads you, temporary help with living expenses. LCC has already provided some assistance for immediate bills and will continue to support the family in this transition as the Lord provides through your contributions. Click here to support this pastor
National Guard Member from St. John Lansing Recovering from Injuries Suffered in Afghanistan Pastor Fluechtling Requests Prayers Pastor Duane Fluechtling of St. John Lansing is asking for continued prayers for Doug Rachowicz, a member of his church who serves as a member of the Indiana National Guard. Currently recovering in Virginia, Doug was injured by an IED attack while serving in Afghanistan. The full story can be found on the NID website. Pastor has given the following update on his condition as related by Doug's parents who are with him in Virginia:
Doug is in serious condition but expected to make a complete recovery Broken pelvis Two broken vertebrae in his back Two crushed disks in his back Both lungs damaged but think it's minor Broken jaw Skull bone above nose around sinuses broken and pushed in In an induced coma Great concern about his psychological health as he continues to recover Doug has a sixth grade son and six year old daughter both of whom attend St. John school. The school children are preparing cards for Doug's birthday on January 17. Click here to read Doug's story on NID website
Pastor Lintvedt of Blessed Savior O'Fallon, Illinois Appeals for Vehicle for Single Mom with Puppet Ministry Karen Anders and her son, Timothy, provide many blessings to congregations around the Midwest through their puppet ministry. Recently the van they use for their ministry, as well as everyday use, failed and can't be repaired. Pastor Vernon Lintvedt of Blessed Savior where the Anders attend has asked LCC to help find a replacement van. This van will help Karen and Tim continue their ministry without interruption. If you have a vehicle that could bless this family and ministry or know someone who does, please call the LCC office at (866) 455-6466 for details on making the donation. LCC allows full Kelley Blue Book value for your charitable donation.
Disaster Response 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 Urgent Request to Support Family Suffering Through Devastating Loss Short-Term Missionary Hannah Kiefer Seeks Assistance for One-Year Service Meagan Seals Miracle Baby Pastor Doug Swanson Requests Rent Assistance for a Member Reverend Robert Rahn of Lutheran Heritage Foundation Seeks Support for Sudanese Seminary Pastor Marky Kessa, President of the Lutheran Church in Haiti Makes Special Request to Replace Vehicle and Repair Worship Space Pastor Hicham Chehab Requests Help for Woman Needing Dental Work
Ministry Needs Help Make A Difference Voice of Care Requests Help With Special Needs Camp Scholarship
Voice of Care is a ministry to developmentally challenged people and those who care for them within our Northern Illinois District. Caring for those with special needs is a 24/7 responsibility that comes with financial challenges, many doctor and therapy appointments and more. Families rarely get breaks as few people are equipped to care for their special needs children and so provide time off. Voice of Care addresses many of these concerns by providing scholarships for the Special Needs Camp program held at Walcamp in Kingston, Illinois each summer. In order to make this camp accessible to everyone, Voice of Care scholarships cover some or all of the cost for
families in need. LCC is cooperating with Voice of Care to help provide this year's scholarship fund. Your gift will make it possible for families to send their developmentally challenged child or adult child to camp. This is a memorable event for the child and provides a much needed respite for the family. Click here to donate for Voice of Care Camp Scholarships Click here to read a mother's story of Ellen's trip to camp Click here to learn more about Voice of Care
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 Item 2907 - pictured: Fischer Empire brand 8' onepiece marble top pool table with new felt on it for any church that would like it. Comes with cues and all accessories and would be perfect for a youth room. Response needed by 2/13/12. Must be picked up at donor's location. If interested please contact LCC at 866-455-6466 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
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
FROM DEATH TO LIFE DEVOTIONS FOR OUR LENTEN JOURNEY FROM CROSS TO EMPTY TOMB by: Dr. Rich Bimler These devotions for Lent highlight the fact that our lives are filled with both Good Friday murmurs of sadness and grief and Easter moments of joy and celebration. Reflections and prayers for each day of Lent carry the reader from an element of sadness or difficulty to a revelation of joy and renewal that is ours through the death and resurrection of Christ.
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-METHODMANNER 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
"With God All Things are Possible: From Muslim Extremist to a Follower of Christ"
February 13, 2012 at 7 pm Concordia University Chicago River Forest Room River Forest, Illinois Rev. Hicham Chehab will share his powerful story and answer any questions you have. Come join us! For more information about Rev. Chehab:
http://youtu.be/O225ekmvvLs http://clmma.org/ http://www.peopleablaze.org/Index.asp?PageID=4702 or his blog: http://salamarabicfellowship.blogspot.com http://www.lutheranchurchcharities.org/images/stories/2010/10/20/a_way_of_forgiveness.pdf
Theological Conference on Apologetics
February 18, 2012 Valley Lutheran High School Saginaw, Michigan February 25, 2012 Holy Cross Jenison, Michigan
The Michigan District, LCMS is excited to offer three identical Theological Conferences in 2012 for youth, congregation members, and church workers. The conference will help participants understand how to defend their faith through what history has given from an archeological perspective, the cultural aspect, and the challenge of Islam. Click here for more information and to register
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