April May Voice of Missouri 2011

VOICE Published by the Missouri District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod

Celebrating Family Life

We have the opportunity in this issue of The Voice of Missouri to celebrate Family Life Ministry. Family Life Ministry includes many different aspects of ministry to various types of families and households, including households of single individuals, and married couples with and without children. It is a ministry to young and older adults, and all ages in between.

You will have the opportunity to learn of some of these wonderful ministries as you read this issue.

A major emphasis in our district at this time is youth retention. When a district task force studied the subject, it discovered that while we are retaining 85 percent of the teenagers confirmed through their high school years, we seem to be losing our children right after baptism. Only 44 percent of the children we baptize ever make it to confirmation instruction.

There is a lot that can be done to help parents understand the importance of being the spiritual leaders in their homes.

According to the research of professor and author Dr. Christian Smith, parents are the most influential people in the lives of their children. Other significant adults, like grandparents and close friends, are major influencers too. An important aspect of ministry that needs to be considered is how congregations support parents in their modeling and teaching the faith in their homes, nurturing their children in the faith on a daily basis and faithfully bringing them to God’s house for corporate worship and instruction in God’s Word.

We praise and thank God for His faithfulness as He works through the ministry of congregations and

of Missouri

April/May 2011

The

On Family Life Ministry

individuals who intentionally foster family life ministry in all its varied aspects in the Missouri District.

Empowered by the Holy Spirit, working through God’s Word, these individuals and congregations are making a difference. Some of the ministries for which we are thankful: Eight congregations in the south St. Louis area partnering together with the Family Friendly Partner Network; Singles ministry taking place in the Columbia area; Peer ministry training for high school and college students; Faith Stepping Stones celebrating milestones in the lives of children and youth; Quarterlife fellowship for young adults gathering regionally; Junior and senior high ministry gatherings; Older adult, single and marriage gatherings; A congregation’s mentoring process that links children with older adult members; … and the list goes on!

For more information about any of these ministry opportunities or resources available, visit the “Family Life & Youth” tab on the Missouri District website at mo.lcms.org or contact Rev. Gene Wyssmann, assistant to the president in Family Life and Youth Ministry and Congregational Health, at gawyssmann@hotmail.com.

There is a board serving the Missouri District titled The “Family Life and Youth Ministry Board.”

The second part of that title is pretty self-explanatory. We in the Missouri District are blessed to have one of the most outstanding youth ministry programs available in the Missouri Synod. The junior and senior high youth gatherings and peer ministry trainings are invaluable assets to reaching this particular group for ministry. But these are only some of the family of our church. What about the rest of our “family”?

Family Ministry deals with all who make up our church. Whether it be youth; singles; married couples; those new to our congregations or long-time members; those with and without children; people who are new to our area; those suffering from a loss of a spouse or those surviving a divorce; brand new parents looking for guidance and new grandparents looking for guidance too. There are so many different types of families that we sometimes just question whether or not we can do justice ministering to them.

Family Ministry comes to life when your congregation addresses those areas of concern and needs.

If you look around your congregation, you are doing family ministry. See how you are caring for each other, providing meals or support during continued on page 16

New Birth at A ny Age

Last fall, a special service was held in the chapel at St. Joseph’s Bluffs in Jefferson City. Given new life as a recently renovated building offering skilled nursing care to seniors, St. Joseph’s Bluffs also became a place of new birth.

Mary White, a resident at St. Joseph’s Bluffs, and her daughter, Debra Goodman, had both been believers throughout their lives. However, neither had been baptized.

When Mary expressed her desire to be baptized, her daughter was eager to join her mother in attending classes in preparation.

Mary and Debra both gave a public declaration of faith and were welcomed into the family of Christ through the waters of baptism.

It was a day of joy and excitement as the residents joined Chaplain James P. Mueller and the candidates for worship. Chaplain

Jim is a chaplain with Lutheran Senior Services, called to serve at Heisinger Bluffs and St. Joseph’s Bluffs.

Trinity Lutheran Church, Jefferson City, sponsors Chaplain Jim in sacramental ministry and welcomed Mary and Debra as communicate members of the congregation.

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From t he president’s desk The Littlest Gesture can Change Someone’s Life A recent Dear Abby letter reads: “One day, after drop-

ping my son ‘Wyatt’ off at day care, I looked back and saw an older kid push him and take away my son’s toy. I was furious. What happened next restored my faith and softened my heart. A little girl walked over, handed Wyatt the toy she had been playing with and patted him on the head! I was very moved that someone so young understood compassion and was President Ray Mirly willing to give up something she enjoyed so my son wouldn’t be upset. Abby, please remind your readers that the littlest gesture can change someone’s life.”

The little girl could have laughed. She could have ignored the situation. She could have tried to take something else away from Wyatt. Instead, she saw the bad behavior. She had compassion on him. She sacrificed by giving him her personal toy to meet his need.

The littlest gesture can change someone’s life! As members of the Body of Christ it is important that we are always aware of the potential impact our words and actions can have on one another.

Do you know someone who was a faithful, involved, participating member of your congregation, but no longer is? Have you ever asked why he/she dropped out of choir but is still attending church? Perhaps you have said, at one time he/she could be counted on to serve in an office, on a committee or volunteer for special projects, but no longer. Did someone say something that offended? Did someone negatively criticize the way he did something?

Merriam-Webster defines compassion as “sympathetic consciousness of others’ distress together with a desire to alleviate it.” The little girl saw Wyatt’s distress and took action to alleviate it, didn’t she?

Mark writes in chapter 5:34, “and He (Jesus) had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd.”

Verses later we find Jesus feeding the 5,000. Jesus saw our distress and went to the cross. Jesus prayed from the cross, “Father, forgive them … ” How is your compassion quotient? Far too often we Christians speak words that inflict hurt, treat people harshly and wound tender souls. What words would you choose to say in a difficult situation that might contribute to a God-pleasing resolution? Rather than condemning, criticizing and tearing down, what role would God have you play in building up, strengthening and encouraging?

Isaiah prophesied in chapter 42:3, “a bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench.” God saw our terrible plight! Rather than punish us as we deserve, He chose to alleviate our sinful condition. In His love for us He sent His Son to save us. Jesus fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy through His sacrifice of Himself for our sake.

Ponder now on these words from the writer to the Hebrews, “For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one” (10:34 ESV).

What would you say in a difficult situation that might contribute to a God-pleasing resolution?

President’s Prayer List Please join me in prayer this month.

Pray that the Holy Spirit works mightily through the proclamation of the Easter Gospel. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!

Pray that the Holy Spirit will work through your witness and invitation, that at least one person will attend a worship service on both Good Friday and Easter.

Pray that God will bless the many young men and women who will be confirmed this spring.

Ask God to give insight, wisdom, discernment and a pastoral heart to LCMS President Matthew Harrison.

Pray that God will assign His angels to protect the men and women of the United States military.

Pray God to grant seasonable weather as farmers plant their crops.

Bless all workers in their vocations and grant employment for those who are currently without employment.

Pray that God will bless the many new missions currently starting in the Missouri District. Thanks and praise to the congregations and pastoral leaders supporting the planting of new worshipping communities.

Ask the Holy Spirit to be with the placement officers of our two seminaries and the Council of President’s placement committee as candidates are being considered for their first pastoral assignments the first week in May. Pray God to bless the Lutheran early childhood centers, elementary and high schools with many new enrollees for the next school year.

Pray God to bless Missouri District congregations currently involved in calling Ordained and/or Commissioned Ministers of Religion.

Pray God to guide and direct the work of the district Board of Directors, the four service boards and district committees.

Missouri District Convention Calendar and Updates

Congregations need to plan for the 2012 Missouri District Convention.

The convention is June 3-5, 2012, at the University Plaza Hotel and Convention Center in Springfield, Mo. Nominations for President and First Vice President are due Dec. 3, 2011.

Nominations for Secretary, Treasurer, Board of Directors, Committee on Nominations are due Jan. 3, 2012.

Lay delegate forms are due in the district office Jan. 2, 2012.

As your congregation schedules board or voter meetings, please keep these items and dates in mind. Congregation presidents and secretaries will be sent nomination forms and they will be posted on the district website when they become available.

The convention theme is “Life Together.”

Secretaries in Christ In January, a group of church secretaries, administrative assistants and business managers met at Camp Wartburg in Waterloo, Ill., for the first LCMS Women in Support Roles retreat.

The retreat explored the goal of balance, as women in support roles seem to have never-ending demands that can impact our spiritual and family lives. Presenters focused on the use of technology, conflict resolution, stress management, Bible study and fun. There was also a visit from “The Church Lady.”

Contact Lisa at immaneul@htc.net for information about Secretaries in Christ.

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Distr ict News Where’s the take away?

When you register for a conference or a retreat, do you hope to come away equipped with tools to do a better job at work, only to come home and wonder, “Where are the ideas I can use on Monday? Where’s the take away?” All of us on the Family Life and Youth Board have experienced this, so we strive to evaluate all we do with “take away” in mind.

As we plan various ministry opportunities, we ask questions: What are the struggles of congregations; of young people and their families; of singles? How do we equip the people we serve to reach those living in darkness?

In answer to those questions, we have made it a priority to plan meetings, retreats, conferences, etc., with the end in mind. Some examples: • Bringing in experienced people who can answer specific questions for participants.

• Bringing a variety of written resources for you to take home.

• Equipping young people to minister with the ears, words and heart of Jesus.

• Connecting junior high youth, their families and God’s Word with our “Take Home Sheets.”

As a board, we ask that you share your ideas with us and that you hold us accountable when we can be doing more. It is our prayer that we are able to come alongside individuals and congregations, equipping them to grow in their faith and reach out to those who do not yet know the grace of God that is Jesus.

Contact Rev. Gene Wyssmann with ideas, comments or questions at gawyssmann@hotmail.com or (417) 766-2183.

Peer Ministry Training

A girl comes to school one morning, having just heard that her father is having an affair and has moved out, leaving her mother and her alone.

A guy is devastated because his girlfriend has just dumped him for his best friend.

Another girl is trying to help her best friend, who is being abused by her boyfriend.

These aren’t soap opera stories. This is the world in which the youth of today live.

Are we equipping them to show the love of Jesus in this world?

Peer Ministry Training (PMT) is a hands-on training, equipping teens to care for their peers who have to walk through the very real and very painful struggles of their lives. The interactive and participatory training covers skills likewelcoming others, listening, asking questions, Biblical values and helping others see the choices their peers can make.

Peer Ministry Training is designed to work with a congregation’s ministry. With the supervision and cooperation of a director of Christian education or youth leader, the youth serve within their youth group, congregation, school and social networks to impact the lives of those around them.

They see that they can be leaders in their congregation. As one youth participant stated, “I now know that I am capable of being a leader and making a difference in my church and my community.”

Peer Ministry Training is sponsored by the Board for Family Life and Youth Ministry. We do district-wide training President’s Day weekend each year. We are also available to come to a congregation, school, or community to do local training.

If you would like to know more about Peer Ministry Training and how it can empower and equip the youth of your congregation, contact Gene Wyssman at the Missouri District by e-mail gawyssmann@hotmail.com or phone (417) 766-2183.

The Joybells of Southeast Missouri

It’s early spring, which means in southeastern Missouri the smell of freshly turned soil greets the winter-weary with thoughts of growth, green and the blessings of harvest.

Last summer at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Kennett, Mo., the pastor and parishioners kicked off a new Gospel outreach effort called Joybells, door-to-door prayer canvassing in the area surrounding the church. The justification for this is given to the disciples in Matthew 28. We don’t want our church to be just another building in the neighborhood that the neighbors pass each day and can say we have had nothing to do with them. So, with the joy of the Gospel, we ring the door bells as we seek prayer requests. And with the love the Lord has given us, we are messengers of the Gospel.

It’s not a church growth “program,” as the pastor reminds us, but serving the community with the love of Christ through His church. And from the love offered, the resident may be given the opportunity to answer the call of faith the Lord puts into every human heart.

And that’s what happened to Vanessa Johnson, who wanted to return to her Creator and Savior. Vanessa also knew the Lord calls upon the parent to bring the children unto Him. As she began adult confirmation class in January, she answered a particular call of her vocation as mother, and on the evening of Feb. 23, her seven children were baptized.

The smiles on those sweet little faces beamed as it was shared with them how the waters, combined with the Word of God, washed not soil, as Luther reminded us in his “Small Catechism,” but His “life-giving water, rich in grace, and a washing of the new birth in the Holy Spirit…”

Redeemer is a member of the three-church Lutheran Mission Partnership of Southeast Missouri, including Trinity, Doniphan, and Grace, Malden.

All three churches participate in Joybells. May the Holy Spirit lead us to plant more invitations to that blessed call of faith, through the Word and Sacraments.

And that call is blessed. Just ask Vanessa, her children and all the glowing faces in our blessed mission field. Gloria Deo—Glory to God.

Like us on facebook at “High School Peer Ministry Training.”

The Voice of Missouri

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Distr ict News

Life Sunday at Trinity, Springfield

Each December, Lutheran Family and Children Services (LFCS) in Springfield brings a Christmas tree to Trinity, Springfield, Mo., covered in ornaments from area foster children. About 30 ornaments give demographic information and Christmas wishes. What a joy it is to see what shows up under this tree for those children!

Sanctity of Human Life Sunday dovetails nicely with the LFCS Christmas tree, and Trinity actively and proudly observes Sanctity of Human Life Sunday. Trinity participates with and is integrated with Lutherans For Life (LFL) in a number of ways.

The church offers financial assistance garnered through an annual rummage sale. It supports and sponsors pro-life endeavors, which includes anything from awareness to sending people to march in Washington, D.C., for the March for Life held each January.

Each year when Trinity observes and commemorates the Sanctity of Human Life in January, the LFL chapter in Springfield, Mo., hosts an indoor carnival and asks different organizations to staff a booth with educational information and the pro-life services it provides.

This year, Sanctity of Human Life Sunday was different. Sunday school children, from 2 years old all the way up to 18, received a 9x9 inch piece of white cloth and were asked to decorate it. They included Bible passages, encouraging Christian messages and pictures of Bible stories. From those cloths, the congregation’s LWML members made three baby quilts which were donated to the local LFCS branch.

The congregation members were invited to bring child care essentials for collection, and they did just that. Clothing, thermometers, diapers, wipes (LFCS especially asked for those), bottles and more were collected for families who uphold the value of life in our community and need a little help too.

During the service children brought forward the donations that were received at the altar, dedicated for the Lord’s service in our community, and then received with thanks by Tammy Mast, the regional Children bringing donated items to the altar. development director for LFCS. Visit mo.lcms.org for articles on Life Week at Lutheran High School of Kansas City, Mo.

Cousins Join God’s Family

The Lord brought Samuel Gurung, 2 months, and his older cousins Manoj and Anish Gurung, into His kingdom through Holy Baptism at Ascension Lutheran Church, St. Louis, this January. Samuel is the son of Chattra and Shiva Gurung. Manoj and Anish are sons of Bal and Dil Gurung. Both Gurung families came to the United States from Nepal as refugees in September 2009.

The Gurung families are active in Bible studies led in their homes.

Rev. Adefris Mekasha of Christian Friends of New Americans (CFNA) leads weekly Bible studies with Chattra and Shiva and Chattra’s brother, Pahul, and his family. Brad and Kelly Aldrich of Ascension and Richard and Pat Leigh of Congregation Chai v’ Shalom, St. Louis, lead a Bible study in Bal and Dil’s home each Thursday night. These families and about 30 other people from Nepal, many of whom are teenagers, worship regularly at Ascension.

Connections have been made between these new Americans and Ascension members through Sunday morning worship, home visits, home Bible studies, Bhutanese cultural celebrations, a Nepali lunch at Ascension, volunteer opportunities at The Peace Center on South Grand Avenue, and sledding and Superbowl parties. The current Nepali population in St. Louis is roughly 600.

Another 4,500 Nepali refugees are expected in St. Louis over the next four years.

Many Ascension members are greatly blessed through their friendships with these and other new Americans. You are welcome to be a part of the outreach efforts to these people. Contact Brad Aldrich, the Ascension Connections Catalyst, at (314) 562-2610 to learn how you can be involved.

A Family Show

When you visit an LCMS church in Sedalia, Mo., this time of year, you’ll notice some extra hair growing on the men’s faces. During Holy Week, St. Paul’s, Our Savior and Amigos de Cristo churches join together to present an annual production of The Living Last Supper and Living Crucifixion. This unique ministry joins families of each of the three congregations, creating a united church family, to minister to the families in the community of Sedalia.

Several families participate in the event in the areas of music, on stage, backstage, publicity and planning, with ages ranging from adolescents to older adults. The younger children enjoy working with and learning from the adults in the cooperative environment of a fun, theatrical setting. Their duties give them a feeling of ownership in the production. They are proud to see the results and hear the response of the audience to a project in which they have participated.

Musical talents by instrumentalists and vocalists and the use of interpretive dances enhance the production and allow members to use the gifts God has given them to proclaim His Word.

The community looks forward to attending the production year after year. They bring friends and family. When they leave, it is often in tears, in awe of God’s great power and love.

This year, The Living Last Supper and Crucifixion will be presented at 7 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 19 and 20, in St. Paul’s Family Life Center, 701 S. Massachusetts, Sedalia, Mo. For more information call (660) 826-1164.

Shown: Images from Sedalia’s annual production of The Living Last Supper and Living Crucifixion. Photos used by permission from Schlomer Photography.

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Distr ict News Married Couples Ministry Celebrating the blessings of Christ-centered marriage has been the focus of the Strengthening the Strands Married Couples Weekend for the past 22 years. This Christ-centered focus is expressed in the theme verse for Strengthening the Strands: A cord of three strands is not quickly broken, from Eccl. 4:12, reminding couples that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is the strand who upholds them with His forgiveness and love.

Thirty-nine couples attended the final Strengthening the Strands Reunion Weekend at the Lodge of the Four Seasons in Lake Ozark, Mo. They shared highlights from this ministry to married couples, were led in song by Don Wharton, and participated in sessions led by Roger and Sharon Mailand based on the study Marriage

by God’s Design from CPH. Don Wharton also provided uplifting entertainment after the banquet Saturday night. Sunday morning worship with District President Rev. Dr. Ray Mirly joyfully closed out the weekend.

Throughout the weekend sessions Roger and Sharon emphasized growing as a couple in Christ and intentionally sharing our faith with others. Attendees Gerald and Ruth Schlomer commented, “As parents we are role models to our children. In the same way God must be our role model.”

Denise and Keith Ziegelbein added, “It is important to gather with other married couples who are in love and encourage each other in our marriages and our faith.”

As the Missouri District continues to minister to married couples through the Family Life and Youth Board, we have the blessing of a great foundation on which to build through the Strengthening the Strands ministry.

Historic Trinity Presents Maundy Thursday Drama in Walther Bicentennial Year As part of the Walther bicentennial year, the music and drama ministries of Historic Trinity, 1805 S. Eighth St., St. Louis, will perform its dramatic reenactment of Maundy Thursday with Holy Communion at 6 and 8 p.m. on April 21.

Lutherans attending either service will be offered communion by pastors in the drama, using the chalice brought to America by the Saxon Lutheran immigrants in 1838.

According to Diana Krueger, actress, Trinity member and director, “We are carrying on our church’s history of telling the Gospel to new generations. The disciples and several of the women who were part of Jesus’ life will tell of their personal relationship to Jesus, and we will see ourselves in their stories.”

Trinity’s second pastor was Dr. C.F.W. Walther, the young pastor who held the Saxons together during their first, troubled years in this country. Born 200 years ago this Oct. 25, he became the first president of the LCMS and its first seminary.

During this special year, Rev. David Marth, Trinity’s senior pastor, invites fellow Lutherans to visit the Walther sites and Trinity as their Lutheran mother parish in downtown St. Louis, “their ‘cathedral ministry’ in our city.”

Talented members of Trinity, St. Louis, annually produce a Maundy Thursday reenactment during worship to bring the Gospel of our Lord home to the crowds attending.

Here member David Giuntoli portrays Christ, surrounded by the disciples.

St. Paul’s, New Melle, R eaches Out to New Families Making its Campus Family Friendly

What do you do when you are the oldest worship facility in the Synod and cannot afford to build new in a downturned economy? Caring for family says to wisely and intentionally use the resources you have.

For years St. Paul’s has watched young families visit and never return. Could it be the dark lighting? The gloomy walls? The smell of mold growing in the corners? Peeling canvas on limestone walls? The congregation said, “Can’t we better reach those in the community around us?”

Beginning with a push from the elders to be good stewards of our family’s resources, the old attic was insulated after 153 years and the bell tower was refurbished with new gutters, sofits and facias. New doors were added and the stained glass windows were restored.

What makes St. Paul’s truly unique is that the remainder of the project was largely unscripted. St. Paul’s followed in its family way by listening to everyone’s opinions as the project progressed.

Every family needs to make a good first impression. The narthex, that place of first impression, was renovated. Inside the nave pick axes were taken to the decaying walls.

A German plasterer was hired. He and his team from St. Louis used their magic to simulate cut limestone. A 3-D arch was added behind the altar, replacing a painted one. No wallpaper or paint to ever peel again!

All woodwork, including the 1870 Pfeffer pipe organ, was color-coordinated, and the 1858 altar was varnished. Track lighting was installed around the altar with chandeliers in the nave. Family friendly carpeting was laid out, covering the whole floor.

A new sound system was specifically engineered for those hard to reach corners in church frequented by parents and little children.

With much sweat equity and cooperation, families united. Being good stewards and cost-conscious, all were delighted when the project came in under budget!

St. Paul’s has worked hard to minister to families with the Good News of Jesus. Numerous opportunities are provided to involve young children, with caring Sunday school teachers and innovative vacation Bible school programs.

St. Paul’s uses its limited resources to fund cutting edge youth programs and mission opportunities abroad, supporting Chinese missions in the city, Native Americans on reservations in South Dakota and Lutherans in Madagascar and Haiti.

Having been out of the building since September, our families are happy to be home in the “newest/oldest” church in the Synod.

St. Paul’s facility will be rededicated on May 22. All are invited.

The Voice of Missouri

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Com mun ications Missouri District Staff

President Rev. Dr. Ray Mirly (314) 317-4570 Ray.Mirly@mo.lcms.org

Assistant to the President – Family Life and Youth Ministry/Congregational Health Rev. Gene Wyssmann (417) 766-2183 gawyssmann@hotmail.com

Assistant to the President – Missions/ Congregational Services Rev. Dr. Stuart W. Brassie (314) 317-4558 Stuart.Brassie@mo.lcms.org

Financial Specialist Ruth Ann Grebe (314) 317-4569 RuthAnn.Grebe@mo.lcms.org

Assistant to the President – School Ministry Dennis Gehrke (314) 317-4567 Dennis.Gehrke@mo.lcms.org Vice President – Lutheran Church Extension Fund Dennis A. Klussman (314) 317-4560 Dennis.Klussman@lcef.org

Publications Specialist/Voice Editor Jennifer Krupp (314) 317-4553 Jennifer.Krupp@mo.lcms.org movoice@mo.lcms.org Education Specialist Martha Schellin (314) 317-4567 Martha.Schellin@mo.lcms.org

Assistant to the President – Financial Planning and Control Peter Krege (314) 317-4552 Peter.Krege@mo.lcms.org

Hospitality Specialist Donna Seipp (314) 317-4570 Donna.Seipp@mo.lcms.org Office and Human Resources Manager Karen Siegel (314) 317-4565 Karen.Siegel@mo.lcms.org

St. Louis Social Service Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator MJ Wurdeman (314) 317-4559 MJ.Wurdeman@mo.lcms.org

Events Specialist Sue Thompson (314) 317-4556 Sue.Thompson@mo.lcms.org

The Voice of Missouri A bimonthly publication produced under the guidelines of the Board of Directors of: The Missouri District—LCMS 660 Mason Ridge Center Drive Suite 100 St. Louis, MO 63141-8557 Phone: (314) 317-4550 Fax: (314) 317-4575 Editor: Jennifer K rupp President’s e-mail: ray.mirly@mo.lcms.org Editor’s e-mail: movoice@mo.lcms.org District Web site: http://mo.lcms.org

Submissions: When submitting an article to “The Voice,” e-mails sent to movoice@mo.lcms. org are strongly preferred. Articles mailed on disk should have a hard copy included. If neither of these are possible, please type and double-space your article. Faxed articles will not be accepted.

Please furnish sharply focused original photographs. JPEGs, GIFs or TIFFs may be e-mailed at 300 dpi at 5x3.5” size.

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Who Are We?

Submission deadline: First day of month preceding publication.

Upcoming deadlines and themes: Mission to the World Budget/Stewardship

Photos will not be returned. Make copies before submitting. Identify all photo subjects (left to right, front to back); what they are doing; name and date of event depicted; why subject is there; include suggested caption. Please do not write on the back of a photo—write on a label and then affix it to back of photo. Get permission from the people in your picture(s) before submitting. Submission of pictures implies approval.

The Missouri District consists of 300 congregations.

The Vision: Congregations of the Missouri District—LCMS partnering

ira rOllOver tO ministry in 2011

as one church, united in doctrine, ready, equipped and acting to fulfill the Great Commission in their unique setting with their unique people.

The Mission: The Missouri District—LCMS is to serve and encourage

congregations to fulfill the Great Commission and promote unity of the true faith.

New Subscription/Change of Address Form The Voice of Missouri is provided free of charge to all Missouri District–LCMS congregation member households. Check with your church office to have your address added or changed. If you are not a Missouri District congregation member and wish to receive a copy, forward the completed form below to:

The Missouri District–LCMS, Attn.: VOICE Subscriptions, 660 Mason Ridge Center Drive, Suite 100, St. Louis, MO 63141-8557 or send the same information by e-mail to movoice@mo.lcms.org Please use this form for a change of address as well as a new subscription.  Please send a new subscription.  Please remove my name from your subscription list. Subscribe to receive  Please change my address to the one listed below. The Voice electronically at mo.lcms.org (I have also provided my old address.)

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April/May 2011

Kirk Mueller

Federal legislation passed in 2010 allows an individual over the age of 70 ½ to make a gift of up to $100,000 in 2011 from an individual retirement account (IRA) to ministry without increasing taxable income. Th is provision is called the IRA Charitable Rollover.

For more information regarding this special gift ing opportunity, please contact…

Kirk Mueller—LCMS Foundation Gift Planning Counselor 11645 Benham Road, St. Louis, MO 63136 (314) 704-4389 Kirk.mueller@lcms.org

mo.lcms.org

Distr ict News Milestone Ministry

“As the head of the family should teach them in a simple way to his household.” Martin Luther The charge to teach the faith to children is given to parents in the Scriptures. From Deuteronomy 6 to the wisdom of the Psalms and Proverbs to the vocational understanding of parenting in Paul’s epistles, there is a clear call to parents to teach their children the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord and not to abdicate the responsibility to anyone else, not even the church.

But in our culture of traveling sports teams, competitive cheer squads, music lessons, acting classes, dance recitals, academic teams and choir concerts, families complain they have time for little else. Devotions and faith teaching are often left for Sunday school, Lutheran day schools and youth groups (if they can fit into the schedule).

St. Paul’s, Concordia, addressed the problem by building partnerships between home, church and Lutheran day school.

Most congregations observe milestones in some way. Confirmation is most common. St. Paul’s expanded the number of milestones and involved parents. Each milestone has three basic elements: a gift, a worship blessing and an equipping event. The parents are always involved in the equipping event as it focuses on helping them teach the faith to their children.

The current milestones are kindergarten Bibles (Bible story book), first grade stewardship (in partnership with Thrivent Financial for

Lutherans), second grade Bibles, third grade catechisms, sixth grade stewardship (with Thrivent), confirmation, new drivers at 16 and at graduation. Gifts are sponsored by different congregation groups (ladies’ groups, men’s groups, etc.).

Families are busy, but in many cases, parents are still looking for help. The importance of recognition, the reception of a gift, and the support offered to parents has resulted in strong attendance among children and families.

Family life ministry at St. Paul’s has four elements: First, equipping parents is taken into consideration all the time. Second, exposing parents to resources. Third, providing activities that “bridge” to the home. After Advent and Lenten services, children receive an activity related to the sermon to do with their parents. Lastly, modeling family devotions. Congregation leaders can show parents how this is done. At an Advent supper, have a family conduct their family devotion for others to see. Lighting candles, singing hymns, using prayer calendars, and following devotion orders from the hymnal can all be shown in practice.

Observing milestones has been a great way to talk to parents about teaching the faith at home.

Congregations of any size can begin with one milestone to help parents learn how to teach the faith. If you have questions, contact Rev. Lee Hagan or Gina Martens at (660) 463-2291.

Heit’s Point Lutheran Ministries “Strengthening the Connection with the Vine”

www.heitspoint.com

info@heitspoint.com

Upcoming Programs

(660) 668-2363

Falling in Love Again

The Marriage Enrichment retreat has been rescheduled for May 6-8. We hope the weather will be Hey, Honey, better! let’s go!

Leah Hutcheson has joined our staff as program director. We have watched her grow up here at camp and are overjoyed that she is joining us.

Outdoor Festival June 12

Rev. Sam Powell, the new pastor at Trinity, Jefferson City. will be the speaker for this year’s festival. He has been long associated with Heit’s Point and has a passion for outdoor ministry.

The Missouri District Lutheran Laymen’s League

Message from the Missouri District LLL President

Grants Available

For more than 80 years, “The Lutheran Hour” has powerfully proclaimed the Grants of at least $100 are available to LCMS students who attend one of the Gospel. Through the years, Lutheran Hour Ministries has developed many new Concordia universities or seminaries and also resident students at Saint Paul’s High tools for outreach with this message. This year LHM is presenting a new series of School, Concordia, Mo. For information see our website at www.lutheransonline.

Regional Outreach Conferences (ROC) throughout the United States and Can- com/missouridistrictlll. ada. The goal of these conferences is to train and encourage God’s people to be New Bible Study Available mission-minded witnesses for Jesus Christ.

The first ROC was held in February in Phoenix, Ariz., and it was a resound- Peace in His Time Peace. We want it. We fight for it. We even die for it. But can we ever achieve it? ing success. More than 300 people gathered to learn about outreach. The attendees included clergy and lay people–Christians from all age groups and from many There’s no doubt about it. Peace is on everyone’s wish list these days. Wars, rumors walks of life. This was truly a unique and wonderful opportunity to share and of wars and all the tensions of ordinary life make peace, a true and lasting peace, learn. Keynote speakers included Rev. Robert Newton (president of the California- something of a pipe dream: the stuff of fantasy and pie-in-the-sky thinking.

Nevada-Hawaii District) and Dr. Micah Parker. Inspirational music was provided But is lasting peace a mere daydream? In this world we would say, yes, it is. Man,

by Erin Bode and Kip Fox. And the new speaker of “The Lutheran Hour,” Rev. by his very nature, is prone toward war and destruction; whether that’s on an interGreg Seltz, was introduced to the audience. national level or in his personal relationships.

On May 13-14 in Branson, Mo., the third ROC will be held. Why not look into Asking the question “Is peace possible?” the Men’s NetWork took to the streets. joining us as we meet to talk about outreach issues and strategies? Encourage your What we found from the people we asked was a variety of responses–some hopeoutreach or evangelism boards and other congregation leaders to attend. You will ful, some doubtful–but all interested in the topic. Without God in the picture, the come home with a new outlook and many new ideas on how to carry out evangeprospects seemed slim. Though there were some who felt man just might do it, even lism in your communities. You can find out more about this program, see the schedthey didn’t sound too convincing. ule of speakers and activities, and learn how to register at www.lhm.org/roc. Come That’s where God comes in. Better yet, that’s where God came in. With Jesus’ ROC with us in Branson! arrival, peace in this world not only became possible, it became ours. God reconThank you for your continuing support of Lutheran Hour Ministries. Your ciled the world to Himself through the saving work of His Son. By faith in Christ prayers, volunteer efforts and financial gifts enable this ministry to reach millions as our Savior, we have peace with God and can know peace in this world. of people around the world with God’s promise of salvation through Jesus Christ.

This one-session Bible study is available for download or purchase at www.lhmAs we look forward to Easter, remember the joy the Gospel has provided in your men.com.

While you are there, check out the other 15 Bible studies. lives. Share this message with others so they too can experience the hope you have in the resurrection of Christ!

Questions or comments? Contact: jack1422@mchsi.com Brian Mitchell, President, Missouri District LLL Website for the Missouri District LLL:

w w w.lutheransonline .com /missouridistrictlll

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Fa m i ly Li fe a nd Yout h

Senior High Youth Gathering Hearts on Fire … iConnect

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last— and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.

This is my command: Love each other.”

(John 15:16-17)

June 24-26, Missouri State University – Springfield, Mo. Music: Parallax View Main presenter: Brad A lles It’s coming soon and better than ever!

On our website is all the information needed: registration materials, a tentative schedule, poster. It can all be downloaded at mo.lcms.org.

The 2011 Senior High Gathering needs your help publicizing the event. Please share the information with your high school youth and adult leaders.

In keeping with our Missouri District goal of mission outreach, every congregation a mission outpost and all of us being missionaries, we are encouraging all young people to invite and bring their unchurched friends, classmates, neighbors and relatives.

The gathering will serve as an outstanding opportunity for them to experience and celebrate what our faith is all about with 400+ Lutheran youth and their family group leaders. It will also encourage them to build relationships with your youth ministry and your congregation as you prepare to attend.

To welcome them and be full participants in the entire gathering, our closing worship service will be a service of celebration and sending everyone to have Hearts on Fire as they connect with Jesus Christ!

The registration fee is just $149 per person which includes housing, four meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday), servant events, program, Saturday night freetime opportunities and a t-shirt.

Registrations must be received by the district office by June 3. Space is limited, so register as soon as possible. A $50 deposit per person is required with registration. No refunds will be given for cancellations after June 3.

We are excited to have Brad Alles as our main speaker. Alles teaches religion at Milwaukee Lutheran High School in Milwaukee, Wis. Known for his ability to break down Scripture so it is easily understood and applied, he is a frequent Bible study teacher at Milwaukee area churches and travels to state and national youth events.

Parallax View will provide music for the weekend. Many youth in Missouri may have heard them at various district junior high retreats and in the Farmington, Mo., area.

They have a great heart for ministry and love to share Jesus through their music.

rad A lles Presenter B

New this year: Small group breakout sessions for youth and adults.

Topics like: iConnect with my Peers:

Introduction to Peer Ministry

iConnect to my Community:

How to do servant events at your church

iConnect on the Stage:

Learn how to do skits to take home

iConnect by Sharing my Faith:

LYF Team members talk about real life situations

iConnect on the Field:

Athletics and faith

iConnect through Social Networking:

How to use social networking in ministry

Offerings at the closing worship will go to area food pantries. All this, plus inspiring Bible study, lots of music, area servant events, community building, meeting new friends and exciting worship!

Mark your calendars now to share a weekend with hundreds of youth from every corner of Missouri.

Pray about it and then – go for it! We’ll see you there.

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Fa m i ly Li fe a nd Yout h Missouri District Older Adult Ministry R etreat Program includes: Community building activities Topics and a variety of workshops Music and fellowship Banquet and entertainment Opportunities to make new friends Date: May 3-4 Location: Cross Pointe Retreat Center, Rocky Mount, Mo. Questions: Call (314) 317-4556 or e-mail: Sue.Thompson@mo.lcms.org

The Presenters: Rich Bimler will be our keynote speaker.

Join Dr. Bimler for: “How to be Dancing with the Stars!” No need to be on TV to dance with the stars! In fact, we all are “dancing with the stars” as we joyfully Cost: One check takes care of it all! Registration includes everything you live out our lives in the constellation of God’s world! Also, “EncourAGING… need for a great retreat (lodging at Cross Pointe’s beautiful hotel, program and One Another!” as we live and dance through life, we shine like stars by affirming all meals): and supporting those other younger and older stars around us! $105 per person (double occupancy) Workshop Leaders: $135 per person (single occupancy) Ken Black, coordinator of the Senior Adult Ministry at Trinity Lutheran $210 per couple Church, Roselle, Ill., and AIMS (Adults Involved in Mentoring Students).

Don and Gayle Sommerfeld, founders and volunteer coordinators with Bus option: A 36-passenger bus will be available from the parking lot of MOST Ministries: short-term mission trips and volunteer service projects.

Lutheran Hour Ministries in St. Louis to the retreat site for just $20 per person, MJ Wurdeman, St. Louis Social Service outreach and volunteer coordinator, round trip, thanks to a gift from Thrivent. If interested, please indicate on the Missouri District – LCMS. registration form and send payment.

Rev. Walter Schoedel, director of church relations for Lutheran Senior Services of Missouri and Illinois and pastor emeritus of Concordia Lutheran Deadline: Registration form (with payment) must be postmarked no later Church in Kirkwood, Mo. than April 15. Due to contract obligations, there will be no refund of deposit Sponsored by: The Older Adult Ministry Planning Committee and the Misafter April 15. Visit mo.lcms.org for registration/brochure. souri District Family Life and Youth Board.

Quarterlife Fellowship Service R etreat

7:30 p.m., Friday, April 8 - 10:30 a.m., Sunday, April 10 Heit’s Point, 28345 Heits Point Ave., Lincoln, Mo. $15 per person for meals and lodging. If you only attend Saturday or just part of the retreat, the cost is still $15.

To register, contact Chelsea Madden at chels.madd@gmail.com by April 7.

Invite your friends!

Join other young adults across the state of Missouri for a weekend of service

work, Bible studies, making new friends and fellowship.

Quarterlife Fellowship was started by the Missouri District for the 20-somethings (post college) who want to connect to the church and to each other. Single or married–come join us. www.quarterlifefellowship.com or look up “Quarterlife Fellowship Service Retreat” on Facebook Quarterlife Fellowship creates a place for young adults to network, meet new friends and join in fellowship, Bible studies and much more.

DCE Colloquy Program Are you a lay staff member in your congregation who has considered officially studying to become a director of Christian education? If so, we are delighted to bring to your attention the formation of DCE Colloquy Cohort #10, which will begin its residency July 18-22, on the campus of Concordia University, St. Paul, Minn.

Lay staff of LCMS congregations and Recognized Service Organizations who wish to pursue a DCE colloquy program should contact Dr. Stephen C. Stohlmann, director of colloquy, at Stohlmann@csp.edu or (651) 641-8824 or Administrative Assistant Kat Hagen at hagen@csp.edu or (651) 641-8892 for information and costs.

Lutheran Youth Fellowship Team A pplications The Missouri District Lutheran Youth Fellowship (LYF) Committee gives 12 young people of our district the opportunity to grow in their service to the church and in their leadership in youth ministry. You are invited to nominate someone from your congregation to serve.

LYF team Nomination forms and three letters of reference and others are due to the district office no later than June 1 by pray before mail or e-mail to Sue.Thompson@mo.lcms.org. the 2009 Nomination forms are only available on the MisSr. High souri District website at mo.lcms.org on the Youth District and Family Life page.

Gathering.

The LYF Committee meets with the District Youth Ministry Committee and serves as a youth advisory panel. Positions on the committee are open for four current freshmen who will serve during their sophomore, junior and senior years, beginning this fall. (facebook: Missouri District LYF)

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Educationa l Ser v ices Student Assistance Grants

The Missouri District of the Lutheran Laymen’s League provides student assistance grants in the amount of at least $100 for students from LCMS congregations in Missouri who attend synodical colleges or seminaries and who plan to enter full-time church work. The deadline for application for the fall semester is July 1.

Information and application forms are available from the Organizational Downloads page of the district’s website at www.lutheransonline.com/missouridistrictlll.

R eaching Out to Families in Platte City

Our Savior Christian Academy, Platte City, Mo., opened its doors more than four years ago to provide faith-based excellence in education. Our goal and total reason for existence is to place Jesus at the center of our campus and share His saving message with others.

Messiah Supports Groundbreaking for United in To do that effectively, we had to find a way to reach St. Baldrick’s Day all who seek to know His name. This includes those Christ Lutheran School A ddition For the fifth with adequate financial means, less socially advanConcordia, Frohna, Mo., Salem, Farrar, Mo., and year in a row, stuTrinity, Altenburg, Mo., all voted to begin an associa- taged, students of color, new immigrants, the poor, dents at Messiah tion school to begin in August 2011. The new school, second-language learners, gifted learners as well as Lutheran School, children with special needs. The task was huge, but United in Christ Lutheran School (UCLS), will be Weldon Spring, located in one school building on the campus of Con- one that could be accomplished with God’s help.

Mo., shaved their We began thinking outside-the-box to create opporcordia Lutheran Church, Frohna. Groundbreaking for heads to show tunities for learning through the gifts God gives us all. the addition of two new classrooms, two bathrooms their support for and storage space to the existing structure took place • We toured local retirement centers and “employed” the St. Baldrick’s on Sunday, Feb. 13. The pastors from the three congreretired teachers as volunteers. This includes a readFoundation, a national organization that helps kids with gations along with the presidents of the congregations, ing specialist, storytellers and math tutors. cancer. This year, 28 boys proudly shaved their heads, a student from each congregation, the president of the and in the process raised more than $3,000. Each stu• We shared our message with local congregations school board and a representative of the construction dent must collect donations in order to participate in the and willingly used their congregant workers for company participated in the ceremony. shaving ceremony. One student, in a friendly competimanual labor when our enrollment doubled and we Students from all three congregations sang the first tion with his father, raised more than $2,000! needed to add an entire wing to our facility. verse of “Christ Be My Leader” with the whole assembly In addition, seven girls had their hair cut and the • We surveyed the parents of our students and disponytails were donated to Beautiful Lengths, an orga- singing the next two verses. Following the ceremony, a covered their gifts and talents. They included both nization that collects ponytails and makes wigs for can- potluck luncheon was held in the school’s gymnasium. an art and a music instructor, who are now on staff. cer patients who have lost their hair due to treatments. A UCLS PTL also was formed that day.

• We keep our vision in front of the congregation so “It’s a great way to get our students involved in a wonCheryl Honoree accepted a call to be principal of the members can participate in sharing this vital misderful cause,” said Corey Ensrude, the fourth grade new school. Any area Lutheran church is welcome to sion. One member started a scholarship fund that teacher who organizes the event each year. Ensrude join the association and a Lutheran education at UCLS now underwrites services for an occupational and participates in the citywide St. Louis event that this year raised more than $250,000 for childhood cancer is open to any student wishing to enroll. a speech therapist, both of whom are on our staff. research. “Giving back to the community is one of our • We attended business classes and seminars to learn core values at Messiah, and the boys are proud to answer how to effectively budget through a recession. This the questions raised by their newly shaved heads,” yielded programs like: Teacher Job Share, EnrichEnsrude continued. ment Program, Home School Cooperative and St. Baldrick’s Foundation is a volunteer-driven charLunch Bunch. ity committed to funding the most promising research to find cures for childhood cancers and give survivors • We work hard to meet parents where they are long and healthy lives. For more information visit www. financially so our academy does not boast high stbaldricks.org. tuition rates, educating only the elite, but offers creative ways for parents to pay their tuition. tudents ome ogether to upport gandan chool Christ Community Lutheran School (CCLS), St. Louis, hosted more than 600 students from Abiding Savior, Green • We established a rapport with our local school district so we were adequately represented for Title Park, St. Mark’s and Word of Life Lutheran schools for a concert featuring WOW 2011 artist The Museum to benefit Funding and state-provided services.

CCLS’ Uganda project.

Finally, we work to keep the bridge between school CCLS partners with the organization With God’s Little Ones and donates clothing, food, goats for milk and mosquito nets. CCLS has raised more than $100,000 in just three years to build Christ Community Lutheran School- and church open. The seamless transition between Kawete for 525 children in Kawete, Uganda. Kawete is a rural village with no access to traditional electricity and limited these two entities creates incredible outreach opportunities. The success we have seen by working together clean-water supply. There are many orphans because it is an area plagued by an AIDS epidemic. for the Great Commission has been a ministerial highThe CCLS students, faculty and community have participated in fundraisers, including donating chapel offerings, light for all of us. students asking for donations instead of birthday gifts, and lemonade stands.

We are proud to serve children preschool through Recently, CCLS decided the next step in this partnership would be to buy a plot of land for $7,000 so the villagers third grade this school year, fully anticipating adding of Kawete could become more self-sustaining. CCLS hosted the concert for this project. Each student attending was another grade this fall. We sit in awe of our Lord as we asked to donate at least $1 to the Uganda project. At the writing of this article, anxiously seek out His will.

CCLS has raised $5,000.

All thanks and glory be to God, for what has been, By serving the needs of others, the CCLS students learn and grow in Chriswhat is, and what has yet to be revealed. tian leadership. CCLS intends for its partnership with Christ Community Lutheran School-Kawete to last and grow. It is their hope that these projects When will help the children of Kawete become self-sustaining, independent individenrollment uals who can overcome the poverty they were born into. doubled, Christ Community Lutheran School provides excellence in Christian eduan entire cation at three campuses in the Kirkwood, Webster Groves and Crestwood wing was areas. CCLS is a 2009 nationally recognized Blue Ribbon School of the United added to States Department of Education.

The school welcomes children of all faiths. the facility.

Ben and Geoffrey of The Museum visit classrooms to talk with students and sign shirts after the concert. For more information, please visit www.ccls-stlouis.org.

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A nnual Rural/Small Town Stepping Stones Conference Coming May 4 The Missouri District Rural/Small Town Task Force will sponsor the annual R/ST Stepping Stones Conference May 4 at Alive in Christ Lutheran Church, Columbia, Mo. The theme for the conference this year is “Discipleship” and the keynote speaker is Dr. Joel Biermann, associate professor of systematic theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. One of Biermann’s studies, “Who am I? What am I Doing Here?” is part of the popular Lutheran Hour Men’s Network series. Biermann will talk about the challenges of “making disciples” in our complex culture today. A time for questions and answers will follow, allowing the participants to explore topics further with the presenter. Sectionals include “Discipleship and Multiple Congregations”

by Rev. Todd Kollbaum, “Discipleship in the Home” by Rev. Lee Hagan, “Discipleship and Youth” by Rev. Aaron Kotila, and “Discipleship and the Communion of Saints” by Rev. David Kettner. The conference will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The $20 cost includes a box lunch.

Register by contacting the Missouri District office (314) 317-4550, or watch the district website www.mo.lcms.org for more registration details.

mo.lcms.org

Leadersh ip Tra in ing Send Me Saturday

“In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and praise your Father in heaven” (Matt. 5:16).

On Saturday, May 21, hundreds of Lutherans will blanket the St. Louis region, engaged in a day of service to better the community and give their hands, feet and voices to God’s work. Imagine the young (and young-at-heart), children, families, lay people and clergymen serving together in ministries to those in need, doing home repair for seniors, assisting immigrants and refugees, and performing many other projects for the glory of God. Send Me St. Louis, in partnership with numerous churches and agencies, invites you to put yourself in this picture by participating in Send Me Saturday!

There are many ways for you to get involved: • Pray for those facilitating and participating in the event, as well as those whose lives will be touched by our service, • Pass this article along to others who might be interested, and/or • Participate (by yourself or with a group) in a Send Me Saturday project.

Registration begins the week of April 1 and can be completed on-line at www.

SendMeStLouis.org. Registration is free, but each project site has a limited number of volunteer spots available. We encourage you to act quickly to secure your spot!

Rural and Small Town Mission Training and Services In addition to providing service, participants will begin the day with a devotion, eat lunch at the work site, and close the day with a celebration service to reflect on God’s Rural and Small Town Mission (RSTM), Concordia, Mo., under LCMS World presence during the day and the Christian calling to serve.

Mission, provides extraordinary mission service for rural and small town congregations working as a donor-based ministry. Some recent examples of equipping events Join us as we carry our faith to our neighbors and communities, and let your light available through RSTM-SPIFE include congregational planning at Immanuel, shine! For more information on Send Me Saturday, please visit www.SendMeStLouis.

New Wells, Mo., and at Good Shepherd, Centralia, Mo. org, or contact Hannah Shanks at (314) 678-0015 ext. 103, or info@sendmestlouis.org.

Elder training was held at Trinity, Altenburg, for six congregations. Dr. Ralph Geisler also travelled to Zion, Moberly, to help a circuit plant a rural church.

Send Me St. Louis: Training Events Learn more through the website at www.spife.org, or contact Missionary-Catalyst Send Me St. Louis offers a variety of training events to help equip congregations for Dr. Ralph Geisler at Rural and Small Town Mission-Saint Paul Institute for Edu- effective service, both within the congregation and out into the local community. These cation (RSTM-SPIFE), Concordia, Mo., 888-463-5127 or ruralmission@spife.org. are open to all congregations and faith-based nonprofits including those outside the St. Louis area. For more information and to register, go to http://sendmestlouis.org/ content/events.php.

R egister Now for Lutheran Hour Ministries’ Speed Networking: Homelessness ...............................April 7, 6:30–8:30 p.m.

R egional Outreach Conference in Branson!

Legal Issues for Outreach Ministries and Faith-based Organizations Training ................................ April 14, 6–8 p.m.

Fresh on the heels of sellouts at its first two Regional Outreach Conferences Social Service Outreach 101 Training ................ May 14, 8:45 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

(ROC) in Phoenix, Ariz. and Alexandria, Minn., Lutheran Hour Ministries Christian Volunteer Managers Network .................... June 9, 6:30–8:30 p.m. invites Christians throughout the southern Midwest to ROC–Branson, to be Financial Management 101 Training .................................. June 23, 6–8 p.m. held at the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel, May 13-14.

ROC–Branson is the third in the Regional Outreach Conference series that LHM is presenting across the country in 2011 and early 2012. The vision for each event is to provide an optimal venue and time for outreach-minded Christians to enjoy networking, fellowship, and intensive training in Gospel witness.

“The response to our first two ROCs has been overwhelmingly positive,” says LHM Executive Director Bruce Wurdeman.

The lineup of speakers for ROC–Branson includes Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing, Rev. Dr. Mark Larson, Rev. Dr. Douglas Rutt, Rev. Tony Cook, Rev. Quentin Poulson, Kay Meyer, ROC Manager Faith Spelbring, and more, all providing insights on various trends and influences as they relate to sharing our Christian faith with others. Devotions will be led by These Guys, a trio of LCMS church workers who use improvisational comedy and drama to look at the Christian life from a slightly different perspective.

ROC–Branson will also offer a five14 witnessing-training track for teens, an outreach-themed children’s program and various recreational opportunities— including a Friday night concert by indie-jazz recording artist Erin Bode.

Registration fees for ROC–Branson are $69 for adults; $49 for teenagers (grades 8-12) participating in the five14 track; and $29 for children (K-7). A special family rate for two adults and all the children in the household is available for $175. There is no charge for children preschool age and younger.

To register for ROC–Branson, visit http://www.lhm.org/roc/mo_registration. asp or call 800-876-9880.

Questions and requests for more information can be directed to Faith Spelbring at 800-944-3450, ext. 4209, or ROC@lhm.org.

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Concord ia Sem ina r y, St. Lou is Seminary to Host Day of Homiletical Reflection

Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, will host its 9th Annual Day of Homiletical Reflection on Wednesday, May 11, from 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. in the Seminary’s Clara and Spencer Werner Auditorium. The event is designed for pastors, students involved in homiletical education, and others interested in the proclamation of the Gospel in today’s world. The registration fee for the Day of Homiletical Reflection is $25.

Dr. Thomas Troeger, The J. Edward and Ruth Cox Lantz Professor of Christian Communication at Yale Divinity School, will be the featured speaker. He will speak on “Remembering Constantly Forgotten Truth.”

Dr. Troeger has written more than a dozen books in the fields of preaching and worship and is a frequent contributor to journals dedicated to these topics. His most

Upcoming Bach at the Sem Concert: April 17, 3 p.m.

Upcoming Seminary Guild Meeting: May 13 Call Day: May 4

(Vicarage Service: 3 p.m.

Call Service: 7 p.m.)

Commencement: May 20

recent books include Preaching and Worship; Preaching While the Church is Under Reconstruction; and Above the Moon Earth Rises: Hymn Texts, Anthems and Poems for a New Creation. He is also a flutist and a poet whose work appears in the hymnals of most denominations. For three years Dr. Troeger hosted the Season of Worship broadcast for Cokesbury, and he has led conferences and lectureships in worship and preaching throughout North America, as well as in Holland, Australia, Japan and Africa. Prior to his appointment at Yale, Dr. Troeger served as the Ralph E. and Norma E. Peck Professor of Preaching and Communications and vice president and dean of academic affairs at Iliff School of Theology.

Sectional presentations include “All of Us for All of God” by Dr. Troeger; “Savior of the Nations Come” by Dr.

Reed Lessing, associate professor of exegetical theology and director of the Graduate School at Concordia Seminary; and “Image-Based Preaching: An Example” by Dr. David Schmitt, associate professor of practical theology and The Gregg H. Benidt Memorial Endowed Chair in Homiletics and Literature at Concordia Seminary.

The Day of Homiletical Reflection combines the annual Wenchel Lecture that promotes critical thought about preaching and practical enhancement in this art with the Ernie and Elsie Schneider Endowment for Excellence in Preaching that fosters support for innovative 21st century proclamation.

For more information, contact the office of continuing education and parish services at (314) 505-7486; ce@csl. edu; or visit the seminary’s website at www.csl.edu.

2011 Alumni Reunion Scheduled for June 7-9

Concordia Seminary invites graduates, spouses and widows of class years ending in “6” or “1” to the Alumni Reunion, to be held on the Seminary campus June 7-9, 2011. The theme for the reunion will be “The Way We Were … Are … and Will Be: Under God’s Grace.” This year we are also pleased to invite those from the Class of 1962, many of whom began their studies with the Class of 1961, to join in celebrating their 50th graduation anniversary.

An informational brochure with a registration form has been mailed to alumni and widows from these classes. It is also available on the seminary’s website at www.csl.edu.

There will be opportunities to tour the campus and see some recent changes, as well as time to reconnect with friends and members of the faculty and staff. Fellowship opportunities will include the opening cookout, as well as special class gatherings. Alumni are encouraged to connect with classmates beforehand and suggest to them that they attend to celebrate the many years of blessing God has given to Concordia Seminary graduates and His Church. The Alumni Relations office will be happy to assist with arrangements for individual class gatherings.

During the Jubilarian Service on Wednesday afternoon a special offering will be collected and dedicated to the John E. Meyer Memorial Alumni Book Endowment Fund, which provides books for first-year seminarians.

One of the highlights of the reunion will be the banquet Wednesday evening with classmates seated together at reserved tables. Prior to the banquet, the Concordia Historical Institute will host a reception for alumni.

An optional tour will be offered on Thursday to the LCMS International Center, including the new Concordia Historical Institute museum, and to Lutheran Hour Ministries.

We are grateful to Lutheran Church Extension Fund for underwriting some of the expenses of the Alumni Reunion.

Advance registration is required. Please sign up on the registration form in the brochure and return the form to the Alumni Relations office

by May 13.

For further information, please contact Cathy Whitcomb in the Alumni Relations office at (314) 505-7370 or alumni@csl.edu.

Winter Placement 2011 at Concordia Seminary

Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, is pleased to announce that seven students received calls to be pastors in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS). Ten students received vicarage assignments through the Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP) program.

The assignments were celebrated during the seminary’s morning chapel service Feb. 10.

Calls into the Pastoral Ministry Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree program Aaron Bell, associate pastor, Holy Cross, St. Cloud, Minn., Minnesota North District William Brath, associate pastor, Trinity Evangelical, Orlando, Fla., Florida-Georgia District

Karl Gibbs, pastor, Our Savior Evangelical, Milford, Ill., Central Illinois District Bradley Malone, executive pastor, Lamb of God Evangelical, Seattle, Wash., Northwest District Jonathan Rusnak, pastor, Shepherd of the Lake, Garrison, Minn., Minnesota North District Kyle Schwan, pastor, Trinity Evangelical, Hartford, S.D., South Dakota District

Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP) program Jeffrey Kunsman, assistant pastor, The Church of St. Luke, North York, Ontario, Canada, English District Vicarage Assignments Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP) program Mark Doede, Our Shepherd, Birmingham, Mich., Michigan District William Hood, Seattle Lutheran High School, Seattle, Wash., Northwest District Paul Koehler, St. John’s, Motley, Minn., Minnesota North District Daniel Schultz, Zion, Hopkins, Minn., Minnesota South District

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April/May 2011

Raleigh Sims, Ascension, Casselberry, Fla., Florida-Georgia District John Suguitan, Prince of Peace, Cincinnati, Ohio, Ohio District Scott Thomas, Trinity, Lisle, Ill., Northern Illinois District Lewis Upchurch, Hope, Wake Forest, N.C., Southeastern District Jason Weber, Fellowship of Faith, McHenry, Ill., Northern Illinois District Matthew Wipperman, Christ Memorial, Fitchburg, Wis., South Wisconsin District

mo.lcms.org

Lutheran Women’s Missionary League President’s Penning We’re never too young to witness to others the love and grace of our Father in heaven.

Often in families, we recognize the efforts of fathers and mothers in Karen Drury raising and nurturing their children. Sometimes parents may wonder if anything they teach and share with their children will be retained and carried into adulthood.

In Christian homes, parents openly teach and admonish their children, see to it they are baptized and taken to church regularly. Some may even send them to Lutheran schools where Jesus’ love can be felt and seeds of faith can be planted.

All of these things are done by parents with a prayerful heart and with the intent and desire that their children come to the full knowledge of truth in Jesus Christ and perhaps, to share this truth with others.

But God can use even the smallest witnesses. When my youngest son was born, I brought him to my LWML society meeting. I was the chairman and busy conducting the meeting. While there, he was passed around the room from one lady to another. By the meeting’s end, he landed in the arms of a visitor from Czechoslovakia; she had been invited there by an LWML member. A few weeks later, she watched as Jonathon was baptized, and by the work of the Holy Sprit was baptized also. I still enjoy telling Jonathon, now 10 years old, how he was a missionary when he was only three weeks old.

Parents and grandparents, let us remind ourselves that while we must continue to openly discuss our faith and be diligent in disciplining our children, as well as serving as living examples of God’s love, God Himself has a plan to use us and our children to share His Good News.

Caring for the Family of Christ

Jesus brought the son of the widow of Nain to life. He cared for her family; He cared for the children; He cared for Peter’s mother-in-law. We too care for each family, whatever its type, in our Redeemer family, Springfield.

Our Life Groups (in home – we study the Bible and other Christian material) are open to all. The one Ron and I participate in has young couples with newborn to high school age children, a 50-year-old widow, a mature couple in their 70s, empty nesters, etc. We share a love of the Word and joyful fellowship with food.

A few young married couples initiated a group that meets for Christian fun and social activities. It is great to see our church’s children grow and mature into spiritual leaders for their peers. Widows are welcomed to a monthly group meeting just for them led by another widow, who is mature in Christ. A monthly lunch includes Retired Old Men Eating Out (ROMEOs).

Our senior ministry meets weekly for Bible study, monthly for a lunch fellowship, and provides social opportunities for many older members whose families may be absent.

We have Sunday school classes for parents with young children, alternately offered for parents of teens. The LWML offers fellowship opportunities to women in the church with six circles.

Our lay people are not afraid to step out with a new idea for ministering to families. Our pastors appreciate opportunities that encourage members to be involved in the Word and fellowship. They emphasize greeting and caring for the children in our church, and they model that to us.

You and I are in this body of Christ, and we care for Recording the well-being of each family member. May God bless our Secretary, family.

Kathy Merritt

Kids Against Hunger

Lutheran Women in Mission at Concordia, Kirkwood, Mo., organized an intergenerational activity to provide nutritional meal packets for hungry and malnourished children. Working with “Kids Against Hunger” of St. Charles, the women and 10 middle school students of Christ Community Middle School formed an assembly line filling more than 400 packets. These packages contained ingredients fortified with 22 vitamins and minerals, rice, soy and dried vegetables providing 2,500 meals.

They will be sent to Mexico, but they have also been distributed in Cambodia, Uganda, Nicaragua and the Navajo Nation.

We are reaching out, especially to the children, showing them God’s Love.

Faith Talk

Faith Talk is a workshop designed to help women become more comfortable sharing the hope they have because of Jesus Christ. The goal of Faith Talk is that each woman will be compelled to share the Gospel, pray for and recognize opportunities to do so, and then confidently live and speak about her faith. This interactive workshop in a DVD format uses an on-screen facilitator and includes heart stories, role-playing and discussion opportunities. Faith Talk can be purchased at www.lwml.org and includes a leader’s guide.

You can also find Faith Talk Tips to share through the LWML website. Effective faith-sharing always begins with prayer; it begins with a relationship; and it begins with a conversation about the Good News of Jesus Christ. LWML hopes to help you discover novel ways to pray with and for others, engage people in conversations about spiritual matters, and share your faith in Jesus Christ in a loving and compelling way.

The Voice of Missouri

Counselor’s Corner “Unless the Lord Builds the House”

Remember how Rev. Alan the rest of that Wollenburg Bible passage goes? “…those who build it labor in vain.

Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep” (Psalm 127:1-2 ESV).

Thus the Lord teaches us a vital truth for serving Him in our families: He is in charge. He placed them into our lives, and He has put us into positions to care for them.

In many ways, we sin against God’s gift of our families. We treat spouse and children (or parents and siblings, or members of our extended family, or members of our own congregation) as burdens in our lives. Trying to care for them, raise them rightly, and make all manner of plans for their future and ours, we easily get caught up in the notion that we ought to “do this” and “do that” in order to have a “successful family.” Our pastors and teachers are tempted to imply that, if we would just be the perfect parents (or spouse, child, etc.), then life would always be good. Our understanding of “successful” burdens us, and becomes a burden for others.

The Lord has put certain people into your lives, including your family, and He wants you to learn to care for them in His stead. Dear ladies, may the Lord help you to relax and enjoy God’s gift, to be patient and loving with them, and to point them to Christ their Savior. And know that, where you have failed, Christ died for that sin, too, so that, forgiven and forgiving, you may enjoy God’s gift of family.

LWML is on facebook Become a fan of the LWML page.

You will receive daily mite reminders, Bible study discussion topics, current LWML news and much more!

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mo.lcms.org

A nnouncements Free Congregation Bible Study From Concordia Seminary

As pastors run between churches performing services and other pastoral duties they are called to do, Bible studies before or after services are often not a viable option. This feedback was brought to Dr. Jeff Kloha and Dr. Jeff Gibbs at Concordia Seminary to formulate a response to the question “How can we help?”

They answered with a refreshing new type of Bible study series taught by the seminary professors themselves. In the Word Bible Studies from Concordia Seminary is a unique, complete, electronic Bible study-in-a-box. All the materials needed to facilitate the Bible study topic are downloadable, including the student study sheets, leader guides and four video presentations.

This free downloadable study is offered by Concordia Seminary, specifically tailored to support pastors in the challenges they face as they daily juggle congregational lives. The seminary professors do the actual teaching, so pastors can be assured all the information is Scripturally and doctrinally correct. The use of the leader’s guide and accompanying student sheets allow lay-leaders to lead the study.

The downloadable Bible-study-in-a-box is flexible, convenient for the facilitator and packaged for on-time delivery. No need to store extra booklets or papers, and no need to pre-order or pay shipping and handling costs.

The “Who is the Greatest? (It’s Not Who You Think)” series is presented in four separate video vignettes discussed by Dr. Jeffrey Gibbs with Dr. Jeffrey Kloha in a casual, fun setting. The leader guides and handouts were written by Pastor Gary J. Ellul. The customizable format allows the facilitator to complete this study in as little as one meeting or up to four.

Concordia Seminary supports Christ’s ministry by assisting busy pastors. Concordia Seminary, as an integral part of the LCMS community, is using the faculty’s God-given talents to help grow the rest of the body of Christ, for the glory and honor of God. Concordia Seminary serves brothers and sisters within our church community. It is their hope and prayer that the In the Word Bible Studies series will fulfill part of this commitment.

For more information about the seminary’s iTunesU offerings, or how to install iTunes, please visit http://iTunes.csl.edu. That is also where you can download the videos and handouts.

For a quick preview of the materials, visit http://concordiatheology.org/2010/12/ who-is-the-greatest.

To receive a DVD copy send a $10 check, payable to Concordia Seminary (to cover material and shipping), to Concordia Seminary Press, 801 Seminary Place, St. Louis, MO 63105. For credit card payment, call (314) 505-7117.

Fried Chicken Dinner A ll You Can Eat Sunday, June 12 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

St. Paul Lutheran Church 150 W. Highway D, New Melle, Mo.

Adults - $9 Children (6-12) $4 Children (under 6) Free

Country Store:

Baked items and crafts Carry-outs available For more information call: (636)828-5616

Page 14

25th A nnual Benefit Auction and Hog Roast Where: Saint Paul Lutheran High School Campus, Concordia, Mo. When: Sunday, June 26 Time: 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

What: Whole Hog Dinner and

Benefit Auction How: Eat in or carry out

Silent and Live Bidding www.splhs.org (660) 463-2238

April/May 2011

Calling Congregations For Sole Pastors: Appleton City, Trinity Barnhart, Immanuel (retirement of Rev. Richard Manus) Brentwood, Mount Calvary Corning/Craig/Mound City, St. John/ St. Peter/Concordia – called Rev. Brian Lemcke of Onida, S.D. (accepted) Cuba/St. James, St. Paul/St. John Dexter, Faith Emma, Holy Cross Florissant, Salem Glendale, Glendale (retirement of Rev. Steven Albers) Lemay, Gethsemane Louisiana/Bowling Green, Trinity/Good Shepherd – calling a seminary candidate Marshall, Our Redeemer (retirement of Rev. Douglas Dubisar) St. Charles, Our Savior St. Peters, Child of God West Plains, Immanuel called Rev. Eric Swyres of Carrollton, Mo. (declined) Served by Intentional Interim Pastors: Affton, Salem (Rev. Dr. Darrell Zimmerman) Emma, Holy Cross (Rev. Richard Swanson) Florissant, Salem (Rev. Gordon Beck) Lemay, Gethsemane (Rev. Roger Henning) Scott City, Eisleben (Rev. Dr. Richard Foss) For Senior Pastor: Affton, Salem Arnold, St. John (retirement of Rev. Dr. Jack Miller) Other Calls: Airey, Mark (King of Kings, Chesterfield) to Lutheran Church of Prayer, Bakersfield, CA (accepted) Breite, Douglas (Trinity, Cape Girardeau) to King of Glory, Blaine, MN Mackey, Daniel (Trinity, Appleton City) to Grace, Muncie, IN (accepted)

For Associate or Assistant Pastor: Chesterfield, King of Kings – calling a seminary candidate Des Peres, St. Paul – called Rev. Jeremiah Johnson of Richmond, MO (declined) Farmington, St. Paul Jefferson City, Faith St. Louis County, Abiding Savior Wentzville, Immanuel – calling a seminary candidate Vacant on Hold – But Being Served: Ashland, Family of Christ Bethany, Hope Bismarck, St. John Center, Trinity Creighton, Trinity Diggins, Zion Elk Prairie (Rolla), Peace Isabella, Faith Knob Noster, Faith Memphis, St. Paul Milan, Peace Oak Grove, Shepherd of the Valley Pagedale, Grace Pilot Knob, Immanuel Princeton, Immanuel Potosi, Redeemer St. Louis, Holy Sacrament St. Louis, St. Matthew St. Louis, St. Paul St. Louis County, Immanuel Chapel Sarcoxie, Trinity Shelbyville, Mount Hope Stockton, St. Andrew Sweet Springs, Christ Wellsville, Trinity

Special Praise at Christ the King, Lake Ozark Four talented musicians presented a special gift to their congregation in January. Four of the Christ the King Lutheran Church, Lake Ozark, Mo., organists–Rayleen Platter, Suzanne Schaumburg, Sherra Do Kothe and Myra Weber–used four keyboards to play the eight hand piece “8 Hands In Praise” composed by Joel Raney.

During the service, congregation members enjoyed listening to the eight-minute piece and reflected on the words of the various hymns including All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name; Come, Thou Almighty King; Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee; and Alleluia Sing To Jesus.

Christ the King has the blessing of having seven accomplished organists as members of its congregation. To God be the glory!

As with the Lord, Christ the King was birthed in humble surroundings, beginning services on the Bagnell Dam Strip in the former Mountain Terrace Motel office building in 1996. In 2003, the King’s Kids Preschool began and three years later, an education wing was built to provide more Bible study rooms and space for the growing preschool.

Christ the King continues to strive to be a church that changes hearts and lives by building healthy relationships, with God, with each other and with community.

mo.lcms.org

A nnouncements

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Watch Time of Grace for Straight talk & real hope!

Sundays at 6:30 am 800.661.3311 • timeofgrace.org Personnel Changes — Ordained Transferred to other Districts: Airey, Mark (associate King of Kings, Chesterfield) to Calif/ Nev/Hawaii District 3/6/11 Kieschnick, Gerald (President LCMS) to Texas District 3/1/11 Rosenthal, Timothy (Chaplain USAF) to Texas District 2/22/11 Retired: Cook, Richard (candidate status) 1/24/11

Ordained/Installed: King, Brian (SL2010) installed as specific ministry pastor at the Lutheran Church of Webster Gardens, Webster Groves, MO 2/6/11 by R. Mirly Candidate Status: Diekelman, William (First Vice President LCMS) 2/17/11 Gallagher, F. Mike (Manager of PALS, LCMS) 12/1/10

Personnel Changes — Commissioned Ministers of R eligion Transferred from Other Districts Erkkinen, Linda (MNN) to candidate Meyer, Elizabeth (MNN) to candidate Thompson, Mark (TX) to Timothy, St. Louis 2/13/11 by R. Rall

Retired Maggert, Elizabeth (candidate) 1/24/11 Nebel, Mark (candidate) 1/11/11 Pavelski, Suzanne (candidate) 1/14/11 Reiner, Kenneth (LCMS, St. Louis) 12/1/10

Candidate Status Albrecht, Dorothy (St. John’s, Arnold) 6/5/10 Stec, Daniel (Immanuel, Wentzville) 8/15/10

Transferred to Other Districts Brinkman, Annette (emeritus) to WY 1/12/11 Dawkins, Abby (candidate) to MNN 2/24/11 McCrory, Christi (candidate) to MDS 2/14/11 Paul, Jen-Yi (non-candidate) to IN 1/14/11 Philp, Sharon (non-candidate) to SI 10/1/10 Stec, Daniel (candidate) to RM 2/24/11 Wachter, Jerome (candidate) to NEB 3/7/11

Non-Candidate Status Castens, Jennifer (non-candidate) 2/18/11 Thompson, Carolyn (noncandidate) 12/12/10 Resigned/Removed from Roster Eischer, Mark (Lutheran Hour Ministries, St. Louis) 1/18/11 Powell, Lisa (candidate) 1/30/11

Call (314) 843-6063

SEMO A lumni Search

Holiday Hideaway R esort

We are trying to find alumni of Southeast Missouri State University who may have attended Lutheran Chapel of Hope for Bible study, worship, baptism, confirmation, or were married there. An alumni weekend for the Chapel is being planned for sometime this year. The Chapel is located at the corner of Pacific Street and College Hill on SEMO University’s campus. We are in the process of getting a Facebook page. If you are an alumni, please send your information to: Dorothy Gholson, 1494 State Hwy. F, Jackson, MO 63755 or gholrado@ showme.net.

on beautiful

Table Rock Lake Branson, Mo., area Let us host your church retreat at our 14-cabin lakefront resort.

Special rate for church groups. www.holidayhideaway.com contact:

e-mail: holidayhideaway@centurytel.net Phone: (417) 739-4542 Members of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Kimberling City, Mo.

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14-Days 

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$1698*

Your Chaplain: Pastor Philip Bauman

              

*Price per person, double occupancy, includes taxes. Airfare is extra.

The Voice of Missouri

Page 15

mo.lcms.org

Missions

Reminder: The June/July issue of The Voice of Missouri will only be available online. Add your e-mail address to the mailing list on our website at mo.lcms.org today!

Editor’s note: I’m sorry, I cannot send a print copy. If you do not have access to a computer, please ask a friend or your church office to print you a copy. continued from page 1

crisis, praying for each other, getting together to celebrate the good times in life or offering support during the bad times, reaching out to others in our communities, coming together to worship and share in God’s Word, teaching your children and passing on the faith. These are all ways of building family relationships and doing what many call family ministry. What the board encourages is for you to review the things you are doing, organizing and improving as you go along.

Celebrating special times in our life journey is something most of us do. Some congregations have what we call the cradle roll, a program designed to note the special times in the lives of our children. Well, take this a step further and plan a program to celebrate all the special times in our lives or, in another term, the milestones in our lives. Milestone Ministry is a concept that has been around for a long time and quite simply put, places importance on each of the special times of our lives. This can be birth, baptism, birthday, first Bibles, first communion, confirmation, eighth grade graduation, high school graduation, college graduation, marriage, anniversaries, momentous birthdays (i.e. like a 50th), momentous anniversaries, death of a loved one, births of grandchildren and great grandchildren – I think you get the idea.

You can take the celebration of these events to whatever level you want. For some, birth brings a quilt, baptism brings a box to hold special things, birthdays can be noted in correspondence and a prayer offered for those who are celebrating. Age appropriate Bibles can be given out as children reach the age of attending Sunday school or beginning to read. This can be done again and again as the children reach different ages and different reading levels. Many of these Bibles, especially at a young age, can be a time of reading together with parents. What a wonderful opportunity to spend time with our children while we are all in the Word!

Some congregations have a special group of people who keep track of birthdays and special times of those in college and send care packages on those dates, a great way to keep in touch with those away from home. All of us appreciate getting something from those we know and love. Remembering these young people in our prayers is part of what we should do all the time, but making it a part of our Sunday morning worship keeps the names in front of the members of the congregation.

A letter or card is also welcome.

What do we do to welcome new members? What do we do to follow up on new marriages in our church? Celebrate them with cards, welcome dinners, public acknowledgement and then ongoing contact. A one-time celebration is not enough. Continue to nurture and build the Celebrating special times relationship between them and the congregain our life journey is tion. Take some time to get input from those you are serving. There may be some special something most of us do. needs you don’t know about.

What grandparent does not want to say something about that new grandbaby?

Try giving them a voice in your newsletter, allowing them to tell a short story about this little one of which they are so proud.

As you can see, milestone ministry is something that can be easily done and you probably have some of it already in place. Why not put together a small group of people to do some dreaming and planning? Begin small and grow! It can be a lot of fun and the results, well, when you share God’s word through your actions, and a caring response to people both young and old, great things will happen and your church will become a warm and loving place where people desire to be.

For more information about Family Ministry and training in the area of Family Life Ministry, contact Gene Wyssmann at the Missouri District office by e-mail gawyssmann@hotmail.com or phone (417) 766-2183.

Page 16

April/May 2011

Including Different Family Types

St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau is reaching out to home-bound seniors. Almost three years ago, the Board of Elders decided it was time to bring home-bound seniors to church, and they are still bringing them today.

The big question in the beginning was how to get the seniors, some in wheelchairs, to church.

Would a volunteer program be successful? Was buying a church van reasonable? Were there vehicles available for lease? Would a specially licensed driver need to drive leased vehicles? Might a local transportation service be available?

After research and discussion, it was determined that the best option was to use a local transit service that could provide the service at an hourly rate on Sunday mornings. The transit is equipped with wheelchair vans, so those with limited mobility would be easy to transport. St. Andrew did not need a driver, as the transit services licensed driver would operate the van. This totally freed the church from any maintenance, licensure, or liability concerns.

Another question was financing the new endeavor. Could it be in the church budget? Would riders support the program financially? Are there grants for such programs? Would a donor step forward?

Efforts were made to seek additional funding sources from faith based and various Lutheran organizations. Finding external funding sources was an ominous task and in the end, the church budget was adjusted.

There didn’t seem to be a question about whether there would be seniors interested in participating, though that definitely needs to be considered in developing such a program. Flyers were distributed at church, and announcements were made in the bulletin and monthly newsletter. The new program was launched in May 2008. Interested people called the church office. That first Sunday included four riders. The next Sunday there were six. Two weeks later there were 10 riders!

Though efforts/intentions were to attract home-bound individuals living alone, the greatest response came from residents of the local nursing home and assisted living units. This has continued to be the majority of the riders to date, though the van is always available to go to private residences to get other riders. The use of a taxicab, also through the transit, has been added on some days to accommodate those who choose to come to a different time of worship on Sunday morning.

To help gather the residents from the nursing home, load them on the bus, and usher them into church, a Bus Buddy is present from the time the van arrives at the first pick-up location until it returns the last rider to his/her residence. Initially one Bus Buddy volunteered to do this weekly, but over time there have been additional volunteers who enjoy this opportunity for service. The riders are always greeted and happy to have a fellow church member who welcomes them to their ride each Sunday morning.

In addition to the transportation service, St. Andrew, like many other churches, has a monthly gathering for seniors who are mobile and able to transport themselves. This group often chooses to meet at different sites, depending on the program planned for that day.

It is important that churches not dismiss homebound seniors.

Thought they may not be as physically able as they once were, they continue to be spiritually vital for the church. Their presence is a witness; it is a blessing for all to see.

The Voice of Missouri