May/June 2018 Pre-Convention Edition

ReporterNebraska District

ReporterPre-Convention

Edition

Nebraska District May/ June 2018

“All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himselfand gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” 2 Corinthians 5:18

Through our Baptism we are made God’s children, reconciled with Him through faithin the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. That is our identity — it is who we are aboveall else. Our identity as a child of God comes before any other vocation we have andaffects each relationship of which we are a part.

But what does it mean to be a child of God? In part, it means that we did nothing toearn the right to be part of God’s family. It means that while we were still sinners,Christ died for each of us. It means we are washed clean by the blood of Jesus andmade part of the Body of Christ. It also means we are not alone. The Body of Christis made up of many members, all of whom stand blameless at the throne of theLamb and who claim identity as a child of God.

We are special — fearfully and wonderfully made for God’s purpose — but we are also one of many, neither better norworse in God’s eyes than our brothers and sisters in Christ. How often does the devil and our own sinful pride whisper tous in one ear that we are special? That we have a stronger connection to God? That God is more pleased with us, unlikethose with whom we disagree or have nothing in common? In our other ear he whispers doubts that we are unimportantand that others have gifts far more precious and effective in God's work. We lash out in jealousy or anger. How manytimes have Satan’s lies caused us to hurt others in the Body of Christ with our words or actions?

But we are forgiven — washed free and reconciled through Jesus. This ever-constant truth will serve as the foundation ofour time together at Convention in June. We will gather as forgiven children of God to be reminded once again of thetremendous love of God who sent His Son to suffer, die, and rise again to reconcile the world to Himself. We will also hearhow this reconciliation with God leads us to be reconciled with brothers and sisters in Christ. Finally, we will beencouraged and equipped to be reconcilers in relationships broken by sin, ambassadors to the world in the name of JesusChrist, who reconciles all.

Our time together in Convention will be a time of training. Delegates and participants will take part in engaging andinspiring presentations that show how God’s ministry of reconciliation is meant to be lived out in each Christian’s daily life.They will learn practical ways to apply their Christian faith in family, business, and the Church. Everyone will leave withtools to work through differences and disagreements in a God-pleasing way, instead of sinful or emotional reactions thatcan only ignore our divisions and divide us further.

Our Convention logo is a visual representation of our Convention theme. The cross represents the Body of Christ, themembers of His Church on earth who are reconciled to God through Christ Jesus. The puzzle pieces show their connectionto God and to each other. The outside edges of the pieces are open, indicating that there is room for more connections tobe made. The Body of Christ is always growing as its members share the love of Jesus with those around them.

Nebraska District President, Rev. Richard Snow

Nebraska District LCMS PO Box 407

152 S Columbia Ave Seward, NE 68434 1-888-643-2961

News items, congregational anniversaries, and ministrystories for the Reporter are always welcome. The deadline for

submissions for the July/August Reporter is June 15. Pleasesubmit items to Kim Myers at reporter@ndlcms.org or by mail.

Visit our website at ndlcms.org for more information or tosubscribe to the Reporter by email.

Congregations, leaders andrelated organizations connectedand growing in their mission of

discipling the saved andproclaiming Christ to the lost.

2018 NominationsAnnouncement is being made of the candidates for various elections at the District Convention to be held June 15-16, 2018, inKearney.  (* indicates an incumbent)

For president, vice president, and board of directors, those names underlined are currently scheduled to appear on the ballot.Ties in number of nominations have resulted in more than the required number on some of the ballots.

                                                                      FOR DISTRICT PRESIDENT (Three-year term) “Candidates for the office of District President shall be at least the five (5) ordained ministers who receive the greatest number ofnominations and agree to serve, if elected.”  (2009 District Bylaws, III.C.3.C.1.[b]) Rev. Richard Snow*, Nebraska District LCMS, Seward (59); Rev. Dan Bremer, Grace, Grand Island (6); Rev. Scott Porath,Immanuel, Eagle (2), declined; Rev. Clint Poppe, Good Shepherd, Lincoln (1), declined; Rev. John Stubenrouch, St. Paul, Ogallala(1), declined.

                                                               FOR REGIONAL VICE-PRESIDENTS (Three-year term) “Candidates for regional Vice-President shall be at least the four (4) ordained ministers in each region who receive the greatestnumber of nominations and agree to serve, if elected.”  (2009 District Bylaws, III.C.3.C.2.[b]) Region A:  Rev. Craig Niemeier*, Zion (Worms), St. Libory (10); Rev. Kenton Birtell, Mt. Calvary, Holdrege (3), declined; Rev.Dean Hanson, Grace, Pleasanton, and Faith, Hazard (1), declined; Rev. Mark Middendorf, Zion, Scotia (1), declined; Rev. JohnStubenrouch, St. Paul, Ogallala (1), declined; Rev. Greg Volzke, Christ, Juniata (1).   Region B:  Rev. Scott Porath*, Immanuel, Eagle (10), declined; Rev. Scott Bruick, St. John, Seward (3), declined; Rev. RichardSnow, Nebraska District LCMS, Seward (2), declined; Rev. David Ohlman, Immanuel, Polk (1); Rev. Luke Schnake, Christ, Lincoln(1), declined.   Region C:  Rev. David Kuhfal*, Grace, Neligh, and Trinity, Elgin (9); Rev. Frank (Chip) Winter III, Christ, Norfolk (2).   Region D:  Rev. Karl Ziegler*, First, Papillion (11); Rev. Lance Berndt, Zion, Omaha (1); Rev. Cory Burma, Peace, Columbus (1),declined; Rev. Brent Kuhlman, Trinity, Murdock (1), declined.

                                          FOR COMMISSIONED MINISTERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS (Six-year term) “Candidates for commissioned minister on the Board of Directors shall be at least the three (3) commissioned ministers in the electingarea who receive the greatest number of nominations and agree to serve, if elected.”  (2009 District Bylaws, III.C.3.C.3.[b]) Area II (Regions C and D):  Annette Sonntag*, St. John, Columbus (3), declined; Neal Kurtz, Christ, O’Neill (1); Kathy Petersen,Christ, Columbus (1), declined; Colleen Simpson, Grace, Wayne (1); Bruce Wall, Christ, Columbus (1); Arlan Warneke, Zion,Pierce (1), declined; Loren Wilshusen, Trinity, Fremont (1), declined.

                                                    FOR LAY MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS (Six-year term) “Candidates for the lay members on the Board of Directors shall be at least the two (2) lay members in the electing area who receivethe greatest number of nominations and agree to serve, if elected.”  (2009 District Bylaws, III.C.3.C.4.[b]) Region A:  Paul Burger, Zion, Kearney (3); Lanny Helms, Trinity, Arapahoe (2), declined; Bill Heider, Trinity, Grand Island (1),declined; Elaine Nelson, Peace, Grand Island (1); Leland Poppe, Beautiful Savior, North Platte (1), declined; Linda Reiser, Peace,Grand Island (1); Don Roehrs, Beautiful Savior, North Platte (1), declined; Robert Stefka, Beautiful Savior, North Platte (1). Marvin Swan*, Zion, Grant, has served two six-year terms and is not eligible for re-election.   Jim Conner, St. Paul, Holstein, has three years remaining on his first term. Region B:  James Kovac*, St. Paul, Utica (9); Tim Moll, The Rock, Seward (2), declined; Mick Onnen, St. Peter, Davenport (1);Douglas Zimmerman, St. John, Seward (1).   James Kovac, St. Paul, Utica, has completed his first term and is eligible to serve a second six-year term. David Knorr, Faith, Humboldt, has three years remaining on his current term. Region C:  Keith Moje, Christ, Norfolk (3); Debra Sunderman, St. John, Battle Creek (2); Paul Meyer, St. Paul, West Point (1). Kent Warneke*, Christ, Norfolk, has served two six-year terms and is not eligible for re-election.   Virginia Von Seggern, St. Paul, Venus, has three years remaining on her second term. Region D:  Gail Hawkins*, Beautiful Savior, LaVista (4); Kevin Warneke, Pacific Hills, Omaha (3); Ron Hilgenkamp, St. Paul’s,Arlington (1). Gail Hawkins, Beautiful Savior, LaVista, is completing her first term and is eligible to serve another six-year term.   Steve Trusty, King of Kings, Omaha, has three years remaining on his first term.

2018 Nominations                                                             FOR DISTRICT OFFICER AND COMMITTEE NOMINATIONS Selected by the Nominations Committee after reviewing nominations submitted by individuals and congregations throughout the Districtwere: District Secretary – Rev. James Rasmussen*, Divine Shepherd, Omaha.   Rev. James Rasmussen has completed his first term and is eligible for re-election to a second term. All others declined nomination. Nominations Committee – Ordained Minister (three to be elected):  Rev. Michael Awe*, Hope, South Sioux City; Rev. JeffBloom*, Immanuel, Lincoln; Rev. Robert Kuefner, Jr.*, Trinity, Lexington; Rev. Scott Bruick, St. John, Seward; Rev. Cory Burma,Peace, Columbus; Rev. Harrison Goodman, St. Paul, Winside, and St. Paul, Carroll. Nominations Committee – Commissioned Minister (one to be elected):  Sandy Armstrong*, Trinity, Grand Island; Stuart Tietz,Faith, Lincoln. Nominations Committee – Lay Member (three to be elected):  Kim Cornett*, St. Paul, Wisner; Mick Onnen*, St. Peter,Davenport; Glenn Van Velson*, Beautiful Savior, North Platte; Ron Rathe, St. John, Tecumseh; Kent Warneke, Christ, Norfolk; RonButterfield, Faith, Stanton. Constitution Committee – Ordained Minister (two to be elected):  Rev. Bart Fouts*, St. John, Battle Creek; Rev. James Moshier,Trinity, Arapahoe; Rev. Robert Mayes, Immanuel, Beemer, and Zion St. John, Wisner.   Constitution Committee – Commissioned Minister (one to be elected):  Stan Fehlhafer, Messiah, Lincoln; Stuart Tietz*, Faith,Lincoln; Scott Ernstmeyer, Messiah, Lincoln. Constitution Committee – Lay Member (one to be elected):  Glenn Van Velson, Beautiful Savior, North Platte; Kurth Brashear,St. John, Seward.   Richard Kreutzer*, Zion, Kearney, declined the nomination. Board of Regents, Seward – Ordained Minister (one to be elected):  Rev. Eugene Gierke*, St. John, Seward; Rev. JustinHannemann, Christ, Lincoln; Rev. John Nelson, Jr., Christ, O’Neill. Board of Regents, Seward – Commissioned Minister (one to be elected):  Krista Barnhouse*, Faith, Lincoln; Scott Ernstmeyer,Messiah, Lincoln; Remkea Ockander, Divine Shepherd, Omaha; Kari Penrose, St. Paul, West Point; Tetsuya Sugita, Christ, Norfolk.Board of Regents, Seward – Lay Member (two to be elected):  Dan Buman, Trinity, Auburn; Ryan Burger*, Christ, Lincoln; CraigCurran, Our Redeemer, Wahoo; Byron Hansen, Holy Cross, Kearney; Dick Helms, Trinity, Arapahoe; Steve Henry, Christ, Lincoln;Joe Micanek, St. John, Burwell; Andrew Stadler*, Peace, Columbus; Glenn Van Velson, Beautiful Savior, North Platte. 

                                                                                      FOR CIRCUIT VISITORS Circuit forum elections for circuit visitor positions have been completed and the results to be ratified at Convention are asfollows:

Ainsworth Beatrice    Columbus  Deshler  Falls City Fremont  Grand Island Hastings  Holdrege Kearney  Lincoln North  Lincoln South  McCook  Norfolk  Omaha North  Omaha South  Omaha West  Plainview  Seward Wayne West Point  Western Sandhills  York 

John Ryding (St. Paul, Chambers, and Our Savior, Bartlett) Greg Stuckwisch (Our Savior, Odell) Aaron Witt  (Christ, Columbus) Brian Francik (St. Peter, Deshler) Robert Schermbeck (St. Peter, Elk Creek) Bruce Schut (St. Peter, Scribner) Shawn Kitzing (Immanuel, Loup City) Paul Warneke (Zion, Hastings) James Moshier (Trinity, Arapahoe) Micah Gaunt (Bethlehem, Ravenna, and Zion, Shelton) Matthew Tassey (St. Paul, Malcolm) Lonnie Jacobsen (Calvary, Lincoln) David Kahle (Zion, Imperial) Christopher Asbury (Grace, Norfolk) William Moorhead (St. Paul, Omaha) Fred Simon (Pilgrim, Bellevue) David Linkugel (Lord of Life, Elkhorn) Terell Huber (Christ, Creighton, and Bethlehem, Verdigre) Seth Meyer (Holy Cross, Goehner) Jeff Warner (Immanuel, Laurel) Robert Schilling (St. John, Pender) Robert Deardoff (Beautiful Savior, North Platte) Michael Neidow (Emmanuel, York)

2018 District President Candidates

Question #1: If the Lord calls you to serve as district president, what would bethe priorities of your service in the Nebraska District LCMS during the nexttriennium?   It would truly be an honor to service our Lord as district president.  First, andforemost, I would thank our Lord for this opportunity to be allowed to honor Him inthis way.  I have been a part of the Nebraska District for 30+ years and am stillcommitted to serving the people of God at Grace Lutheran and in serving them, ourLord.  Having said that, if I were blessed to be elected district president it would beto help, under the grace of our loving God, our district maintain its commitment toGod's Word and the Lutheran Confessions.  To this end, every effort would be madeto see to it that our congregations are "walking together" in the way that is pleasingto God and our heritage as Lutherans.  The Gospel, in both Word and Sacrament, istruly our most important treasure.  The truth of God's Word shows us this and weare, and should be, committed to honor it.  In this way our churches will grow in theWord of the Lord.

Question #2: What, in your opinion, are the most pressing mission issuesfacing the Nebraska District today? How would you, as district president,address them? Our most pressing issue is our commitment to who we are as Lutherans and Gospelbearers.  We have a very diverse district, as we do Synod, that needs to beaddressed.  In my three years I would commit myself to visiting every congregationand pastor.  This, I feel, has been missing for a very long time. 

Question #3: As a District, we struggle at times to be reconciled and to walktogether in unity. What specific things would you seek to do to create unity inChrist and to foster reconciliation with our communities, lay people, pastors,and district leaders?   As mentioned in my previous statement, it would be my goal to visit everycongregation and pastor in our district.  This would be in order to listen to anyconcerns any might have, as well as their commitment to our Lord's Word,Confessions and our District/Synod.  Another area would be to take up the KoinoniaProject, that was initiated by our Synod and seemingly has been dropped, so thatour entire District may be given the opportunity to voice its concerns as well ascome up with solutions, based on God's Word and the Confessions, that would helpus walk together. 

Rev. Daniel Bremer

Currently serves as: Pastor, Grace, Grand Island, Nebraska(since 1988)

Previously served as: Pastor, St. Paul LutheranChurch, Fairland, Oklahoma1984-1988

Education Concordia Seminary, SaintLouis, Master of Divinity,1984

Concordia TeachersCollege, Seward, Nebraska,1979 Major: Sociology Minor: Psychology

Family Wife: Cynthia, married in1977 Children: Brooke, Luke,David, Gretyl

Results of the elections at the District Convention will bemade available at http://convention.ndlcms.org as soon asresults are determined. Videos shown at the Convention

will also be made available on the same website. 

2018 District President Candidates

Question #1: If the Lord calls you to serve as district president, what would bethe priorities of your service in the Nebraska District LCMS during the nexttriennium?   As baptized members of Christ and collectively as the body of Christ we have onepriority — to make disciples. Strictly speaking, of course, only the Holy Spirit can dothat miraculous work, but as the vessels through which His word of Law and Gospelis carried, we have the privilege and responsibility to join Him in this work. Asmembers of Christ, we come to receive His gifts to strengthen our own faith andthen strengthen our connection with one another in the Body of Christ as we serveeach other with His truth, mercy, love, and encouragement. We connect Christ withthose outside our congregation as God’s people take the presence of Jesus out intoour community in word and action, serving others with His compassion, love, andmercy. This is our Synod focus of “Witness / Mercy / Life Together.” Should the Lordcall me to continue in this work, I would seek to strengthen and encourage pastors,congregations, and individuals in these connections, and then get out of the way sothe Body of Christ can do the work “which God prepared in advance that we shouldwalk in them.” Ephesians 2:10

Question #2: What, in your opinion, are the most pressing mission issuesfacing the Nebraska District today? How would you, as district president,address them? Our mission is to be who we are — the Body of Christ recreated to be reconcilers,reaching out to His sin-broken creation. We need to be intentional in speaking thetruth in love to each other and to our communities amidst growing opposition tothe Word and the Gospel. In each of your many vocations, God places people inyour life to proclaim His healing word to broken situations. Second, like Jesus, weneed eyes and ears open to see opportunities to engage our community needs andlive out the love of Christ. Third, it is crucial that in Christ we strengthen marriageand families to be faithful and focused in the task of faith shaping. Fourth, we needto be intentional in developing the next group of leaders. All this can only happen ifwe are immersed in the Word and actively using our gifts to serve others;therefore, the focus has to be on the local congregation. I use current conferences,conventions, and any gathering to equip and encourage pastors and congregationleaders. I would maximize electronic communication and resources. As with mostministry, it is all about developing relationships, nurturing others, growing leaders,caring for the hurting, reaching out to the lost, encouraging the broken, andstanding on the truth.

Question #3: As a District, we struggle at times to be reconciled and to walktogether in unity. What specific things would you seek to do to create unity inChrist and to foster reconciliation with our communities, lay people, pastors,and district leaders?   Build connections for personal conversations. We can’t walk together if we don’ttalk together, and we can’t talk together if we don’t meet together. Visitation is ahigh priority as I go to circuit pastor conferences and congregations. Encouragepastors to be faithful in meeting together. Encourage people to talk to theirpastors, workers, or one another as we seek transparency, vulnerability, andreconciliation.

Rev. Richard Snow

Currently serves as: Nebraska District President (since 2015)

Previously served as: Pastor, St. John, Battle Creek, Nebraska (2000 -2015)

Pastor, Trinity, Auburn,Nebraska (1987 - 2000)

Education Concordia Seminary, SaintLouis, Master of Divinity, 1987

Moorhead State University,Moorhead, Minnesota Bachelor of Arts, 1983 Major: Speech Minor: Political Science

Family Wife: Valorie, marriedin 1984 Children: Benjamin, Kate,Andrea

2018 Pre-Convention Edition

All rostered church workers and lay voting delegates shouldhave received their Convention registration materials in themail by mid-April. A registration form is required fromeveryone planning to attend. Voting delegates who werecertified by their congregation to vote are NOT automaticallyregistered for the Convention, and they are required toreturn a completed registration form as well. Questionsabout registration should be directed to Candi Menze at theDistrict Office at 888-643-2961, ext. 1010, orcandim@ndlcms.org. All Convention meals and hotel lodgingare provided for delegates, and reservations will be madethrough the District Office based on this registration process.Delegates are encouraged to complete and return theirregistration forms as soon as possible and no later thanFriday, May 11. 

Registration Information

Convention Workbook In an effort to be good stewards of our resources, theConvention Workbook will be made available electronically viathe District website this year. All church workers rostered inNebraska and all voting lay delegates will receive a mailing inearly May explaining where to find the Convention Workbookand how to view and download it. It will be the responsibilityof each delegate to bring a copy of the Workbook with themto Convention. Binders to hold the printed pages will beprovided at registration. Anyone who doesn’t receive theirWorkbook mailing by Monday, May 7, is encouraged tocontact Candi Menze at candim@ndlcms.org or 888-643-2961, ext. 1010 to get the information. Registered guests willreceive a printed copy of the Workbook at Convention, butmay view the information in early May on the conventionwebsite: http://convention.ndlcms.org/workbook/.

The Convention will begin with worship as before, but thisyear’s service will begin before lunch at 11:00 a.m. onFriday, June 15. All delegates are asked to register in theYounes Conference Center before the start of the worshipservice. This change will allow delegates to begin conventionbusiness immediately after lunch, which is included withregistration and available at the convention center. Worshipwill be held in the Holiday Inn Ballroom across the parkinglot from the convention center because there are no LCMSchurches in Kearney with a sanctuary large enough to holdall of the delegates and guests. Rev. Nabil Nour, third vice-president of the LCMS, will preach at the opening service.

The broad agenda for the Convention has been set. AllConvention attendees are encouraged to arrive at theYounes Center before 11:00 a.m. on June 15 for registration.A detailed agenda will be available upon arrival.

Friday, June 15

Saturday, June 16

Change in Convention Agenda

8:00 – 11:00 a.m.  9:00 a.m.  11:00 a.m.  12:30 p.m.  1:30 p.m.  5:45 p.m.  6:30 p.m.  8:30 p.m.  8:30 p.m.

General Registration Floor Committee Open Hearings Opening Worship Service Lunch (provided on-site) Convention Convenes Banquet Convention Reconvenes Convention Adjourns President’s Reception

8:30 a.m.  12:00 p.m.  12:30 p.m.  1:00 p.m.  3:45 p.m.

Convention Reconvenes Lunch (provided on-site) Advisory Delegate Caucuses Convention Reconvenes Convention Adjournes

Convention delegates will return to the Younes ConferenceCenter in Kearney for Convention again this year. In additionto the large convention floor, ample room for registration,plenty of free parking near the venue, and the ability to havethe exhibitors nearby, all convention meals will be under thesame roof as well, meaning less walking for everyone.Delegates will be housed in hotels adjacent to or near theconference center, allowing them to park once and walk toand from all Convention business. A map of the YounesCenter and surrounding hotels is available on the DistrictConvention webpage, http://convention.ndlcms.org.

Convention Returns to Kearney

The floor committee formed to work with the overturessubmitted to this year’s Convention will hold open hearingsfor all delegates and guests on Friday, June 15, from 9:00-10:00 a.m. at the Convention site. The floor committee metearly this spring to review the overtures and prepare them asproposed resolutions, which will be in the ConventionWorkbook on the website. Anyone wishing to listen to thediscussion or make comments on these proposed resolutionsshould plan to attend the open hearings Friday morning.

Floor Committee Open Hearings

Standing Rules for ElectronicsThe standing rules that will be presented to the delegates willallow laptops, tablets, and smart phones on the Conventionfloor to allow access to the electronic Workbook, but noelectricity will be available. All sound-producing features ofthese devices must be turned to silent or vibrate mode, andthey are not to be used to take or make calls on theConvention floor during any part of Convention business.

Timely Sharing of Election Results Those who do not attend Convention will still be able to followthe results of the elections and other Convention news.Visit http://convention.ndlcms.org/ during Convention to see theresults as they are confirmed, or follow the District onFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/NebraskaDistrictLCMS/.

2018 Pre-Convention Edition

"Reconciled in Christ" Convention OfferingThe offering taken at the Opening Worship Service of Convention will be designatedto provide care for the spiritual, emotional, and relational health of the churchworkers in the Nebraska District. Gifts collected will support reconciliation effortsamong church workers and between church workers and their congregations;provide one-on-one counseling and support for church workers and their familieswho are in need of specialized, loving care; help congregations and schools learn tobe a more healthy environment that nurtures and cares for her workers; and/orassist with unexpected expenses that arise for church workers or congregations as aresult of conflict or emergencies. Congregations are encouraged to take a dooroffering or participate in a way that is appropriate for them and send their gifts withtheir delegates to Convention.

The Nebraska District Business and Finance office is excited to announce two upcoming workshops.

All Concordia Plan Services members (especially those age 50 or older) who are planning now for their retirement are invited toattend the Pre-Retirement Planning Workshop at The Rock Lutheran Church in Seward on July 28. This workshop led by PaulSnyder of CPS will cover subjects including retirement income and expenses, healthcare in retirement, saving for the future,and planning your retirement lifestyle. Registration for this workshop will open in mid-May.  Visithttp://www.ndlcms.org/retirement-workshop/ for more details.

Those who  have financial responsibilities within a church, school or other LCMS ministry should mark their calendars for the2018 Treasurers' and Business Managers' Workshop which will be held on September 27 at The Rock Lutheran Church inSeward. This workshop will cover informative topics for both new and experienced leaders. Agenda, topics, and speakerinformation for the 2018 fall workshop will be released soon at http://www.ndlcms.org/business-workshop/. 

Business and Finance Workshops

Rev. Nabil Nour, third vice-presidentof the LCMS, will preach for ouropening worship service and willattend all of Convention. Rev.Herbert Mueller, LCMS first vicepresident, will join the ConventionFriday afternoon. He will give the“State of the Synod” Report Saturdaymorning after the opening devotionand will field questions during a Qand A time Saturday afternoon.

Synodical Representatives

July 11-15, 2018 Minneapolis, MN

If your congregation has questions about the National Youth Gathering, contact one of the Nebraska District Coordinators:      Candi Menze: 402-643-2961, x1010 or candim@ndlcms.org      Scott Guenther: 402-730-4544 or scott.guenther@messiah.us      Steven Whitney: 507-330-1559 or swhitney@stjohnbc.net

Your District Coordinators will be sharing information by email, on Facebook, and on the District website.  Watch forinformation about Gathering registration, the Nebraska District event, district t-shirts, district booths, and assistance with travelcoordination.  

Stay up to date on what’s going on:      LCMS Gathering website: http://www.lcmsgathering.com/      Join the Facebook Group: nyg 2019 - nebraska adult leaders      Nebraska District website:  http://www.ndlcms.org/youth-gathering/      Join the Facebook Group: NYG 2019 - Nebraska Adult Leaders

Watch the Gathering website for webinars the first Thursday of each month to help you prepare for the gathering!

Call Activity in the Nebraska DistrictOrdained Commissioned

Calls Declined Greg Johnson (AA’CQ’06) principal, St. Michael, Portage, MI, toprincipal, Emmanuel-Faith, York Elizabeth Messing (S’86) candidate to teacher, Christ,Columbus Remkea Ockander (S’00) DCE, Divine Shepherd, Omaha, toprincipal, Great Lakes, Spencer, IA Michael Palomaki (S’12) teacher, Concordia Lutheran HighSchool of N. Harris County, Tomball, TX, to teacher, ConcordiaLutheran Schools of Omaha Cori Wiltmann (S’09) DCE, Good Shepherd, Owatonna, MN toDirector of Children’s Ministry, Divine Shepherd, Omaha

Other Transactions Larry Biel (S’75) candidate, Nebraska District, to Emeritus,Nebraska District Jennifer Bockerman (S’06) candidate, Nebraska District,removed from the roster Heidi Brink (IV’98) DCE candidate, Nebraska District, removedfrom the roster Crystal Brummels (S’04) candidate, Nebraska District,removed from the roster Deborah Heuer (S’79) candidate, Nebraska District, resignedfrom the roster Vance Hinrichs (S’53) emeritus, Called to Glory, March 5, 2018   Kathryn Langrehr (S’12) candidate, Nebraska District,removed from the roster Sarah Masters (S CQ’11) candidate, Nebraska District, removedfrom the roster Jaylene Miller (IV’90) DCE candidate, Nebraska District,removed from the roster BethAnn Salinas (AA’06) candidate, Nebraska District tocandidate, Montana District Jean Schardt (S’82) candidate, Nebraska District, resigned fromthe roster Tyler Schardt (S’10) teacher, St. Paul’s, Arlington, resigned fromthe roster Robin Schermbeck (S’91) candidate, Nebraska District,removed from the roster Makenzie Scollard (S’13) candidate, Nebraska District,removed from the roster Holly Strudthoff (S CQ’88) candidate, Nebraska District,removed from the roster Stacey Swan (S’05) DCE candidate, Nebraska District, removedfrom the roster

Calls Accepted Rev. Jared Hartman (FtW'13) associate, Grace, St. Petersburg,FL, to St. Paul, Wisner

Calls Declined Rev. Timothy Booth (FtW'91) Faith, Stanton, to Shepherd ofthe Valley, Thompson Falls, MT Rev. Michael Gudgel (StL'01) St. Matthew, Lemont, IL, toTrinity, Madison Rev. Daniel Potts (StL'14) assistant, Trinity, Monroe, MI, toGood Shepherd, Fremont Rev. Allan Reed (StL'95) Immanuel, Brownton, MN, to senior,Grace, Wayne

Status Changes Rev. Rodney Armon (StL'84) St. Paul, Doniphan, to candidatestatus and transferred to South Wisconsin District Rev. Joel Hormachea (StLTEE'05) emeritus status, NebraskaDistrict, to removed from ordained minister roster

Installations & Ordinations Rev. Mark Anderson (StL'11) as associate pastor, BeautifulSavior, LaVista, April 8

Vance Hinrichs, Commissioned Minister—TeacherEmeritus, departed this life on March 5, 2018. He was bornon December 8, 1930.  He served as teacher at Concordia,Seward; chairman of Lutheran Church Extension Fund; vicechairman of LCMS Worker Benefit Plans; Concordia Board ofRegents, and Concordia Foundation.

Called to Glory

Immanuel, Beemer, 150th, July 8 10:30 a.m. service with guest preacher Rev. Michael Frese,great-grand-nephew of Immanuel's first pastor and associatepastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne, IN.  Therewill be a catered lunch and activities to follow in theafternoon. For more information, please contact Rev. RobertMayes at revmayes@hotmail.com, or call 1-402-528-7253.

Anniversaries

June 15-16, Nebraska District Convention, YounesConference Center, Kearney

July 28, Retirement Workshop for Concordia Plan ServicesMembers, The Rock, Seward

September 27, Nebraska District Treasurers'/BusinessManagers' Workshop, The Rock, Seward

September 28, Fall Administrators' Conference, The Rock,Seward

October 4-5, Circuit Visitors'/Vice-Presidents' Conference, St. Benedict Center, Schuyler

October 18-19, Educator's Conference, Concordia Jr./Sr.High, Omaha

October 22-23, Fall Pastors' Conference, River's EdgeRamada Hotel/Conference Center, Columbus

November 17-18, Middle School Youth Gathering, EmbassySuites, LaVista

Upcoming Events

Ministry Snapshot

A newsletter highlighting the ministry taking place through the prayers and financial support of the congregations of the Nebraska District through their offerings and budgeted mission and ministry dollars.

Stories that celebrate what God is doing through your mission dollars at work in the Nebraska District Spring 2018

Nebraska District LCMS PO Box 407 Seward, NE 68434 888-643-2961 ndlcms.org/we-engage missions@ndlcms.org

Learn more about the ministries in Nebraska and ways your gifts support them at ndlcms.org/we-engage

University Lutheran Chapel and Messiah, Lincoln

Late in January, the Chapel staff was contacted by a student they know. She said there was a Vietnamese student who is pregnant and was having a hard time finding a place to stay. She needed a place to stay for at least the month of February. So, arrangements were made to allow her to stay at the girl’s mission house for a month. The Vietnamese student was very thankful!

At the end of the month, the staff helped her find another apartment through the University. They helped her move, but she had no furniture. Leanna contacted the “Home in a Box” ministry of Messiah, Lincoln, and they brought her a sofa, chair, dresser, and an assortment of kitchen and bath items, while the Chapel staff found her a table. Chairs, and mattress. A member from Messiah also brought her a basketful of new baby items like diapers, clothes, blankets, etc. These ministries also provided her with a Bible and children’s books about Jesus.

Now they are looking for someone to come alongside her and continue to build a friendship with her, deepening the relationships started through the acts of love and service many have already shown her. If you can help, please contact Pastor Bill Steinbauer at the Lutheran Chapel at 402-889-2965 or pb@lutheranchapel.org.

The Peace Center and Beautiful Savior, LaVista

Your partnership in the District’s support of the Peace Center in Omaha allows many different ministries and organizations to care for the physical and spiritual needs of those in the community.

A member of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church (BSLC), LaVista, has been using the Peace Center weekly for YFC’s “Parent Life” ministry. A number of the teen moms who attend these classes have now been worshiping very regularly (for some, weekly) at Beautiful Savior, and one has been attending Bible study and one of their parenting classes.

These teen moms are low income, relationally needy, facing ostracism or outright violence, are unchurched, and are responsive to the mercy ministry being made available through the Center. The leader has deep relationships in BSLC, is trusted, and is easily able to connect the teen moms with BSLC members who nurture their faith. And these connections are being made because your gifts make the space at the PIFC building available, which is in close proximity to where most of these teen moms live.

To learn more about the ministry at the Peace Center or to volunteer, contact Rev. Jim Haack at jim@bslcomaha.org.

Holy Cross Campus Ministry, Kearney

One blessing of campus ministry is keeping college students connected to the body of Christ through regular worship attendance, Bible study, and service projects.

The students of Holy Cross Campus Ministry in Kearney have connected to the Holy Cross congregation and occasionally serve as Praise Team members for Sunday morning worship services. They also partner monthly with the Orphan Grain Train Warehouse in Grand Island as volunteers.

These partnership opportunities allow the students to connect with each other and with the Church at large. Thank you for supporting this ministry.

Cristo Cordero de Dios and Trinity, Grand Island

The ministry partnership between the Hispanic congregation of Cristo Cordero de Dios and Trinity, Grand Island, continues to grow. In addition to making plans for joint community events for the celebration of “The Day of the Child” on April 30, Pastor Salvador Ferrero has been preaching at a service at Trinity once a month.

These two congregations are a wonderful example of the people of God joining together to share His Word and His love among themselves and with those in their community. To volunteer to help with the joint ministry of these congregations, contact the Trinity office at 308-382-0753 or Cristo Cordero at 308-389-4611.

This quarter’s newsletter shares some of the ways congregations and ministries are partnering together to share the love of Jesus with those in the mission fields around them.

Bringing the International Mission Field to Our Backyard

Imagine being in a new country, thousands of miles away from your home and family. Picture the frustration of trying to navigate a new language and unfamiliar culture with no support structure yet in place.

For 3,200 international students who travel to Lincoln from 139 countries for their studies, this is often reality.

When most Americans move, even within the same city, their first concern often isn’t finding the nearest church. Rather, it’s finding a roof, furnishings, and food. Similarly, evangelism

isn’t about immediately welcoming a non-believer or lapsed worshiper to the sacraments. Rather, it’s making sure the individual is in a state to open their hearts and minds to Jesus’ saving message. This is how the University Lutheran Chapel, a ministry of the Nebraska District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, operates on the campus of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Saima Hasnin, a Ph.D. student studying early childhood development, is one of the 3,200 international students Lincoln welcomes. Upon reaching Lincoln from Bangladesh, she said “I didn’t have anything. I didn’t have money. How can I get a desk [to do my work]?” She then saw an advertisement on Facebook for

the University Lutheran Chapel that surprised her. “Someone will give me a desk and carry it for me?” she wondered. “I’m surprised you have services like this for students because my country does not have those.”

The Chapel’s moving and furniture ministries provides an important service to international students. Not only do students receive free furniture, but friendly faces help them move it into their new house or apartment. Interactions with Chapel volunteers are among the first these students may have with Americans. First impressions make a difference.

Word of the Chapel’s generosity through this ministry has spread through the network of international students, so much so that Chapel volunteers are inundated with requests for assistance.

Once a student is settled in Lincoln, next comes learning the language and culture. The University Lutheran Chapel ministers to international students here, too.

Navigating a new language and new cultures can be a lonely struggle. Through English classes and invitations to join other Chapel students for activities common to the American university experience, students learn of American culture while developing a support structure of their own.

Guangyang Yue, a visiting scholar specializing in ecology, took advantage of these opportunities. After arriving from China in November of 2017, a friend introduced Guangyang to Mark Meyer, International Student Leader at the University Lutheran Chapel.

In addition to utilizing the Chapel’s furniture and moving ministries, Guangyang met other Chapel students through group outings for the Nebraska-Illinois basketball game, along with a winter ski trip.

As his connections with the Chapel grew, so, too, did the evangelism opportunities. Guangyang joined a group of Chapel volunteers and international students who meet weekly on Tuesday nights. For the first half of their meeting time, the group goes through a lesson in the English language, learning the ins and outs of a complex language. The second half of the meeting focuses on Scripture. For some, this could be the first introduction to the Word of God.

Evangelism is rarely an overnight process. Seeing Christ’s love in action inspires and opens one’s heart to His grace.

As students become better acquainted with Christ’s saving love through the Chapel’s social ministries, the opportunity for evangelization grows stronger.

Qiang Li, who came, with his wife, Lili Hou, from China to pursue a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, experienced this opportunity first-hand.

Qiang and Lili enjoyed an introduction to the United States like what Guangyang and Saima experienced. As they continued learning English with the Chapel’s help, along with joining Chapel students for social activities, their connection to the Chapel and to Jesus Christ deepened. In addition to

participating in the same Tuesday night group as Guangyang, the two were paired with a conversation partner, a Chapel volunteer with whom Qiang and Lili met once a week to talk about life and practice their English. The two also joined a Thursday night Bible study with other international students to further their relationship with Christ and practice their English.

The two, whose families had practiced some faith in their homeland, made their faith their own through their baptism at the University Lutheran Chapel on Easter Sunday in 2016.

Evangelism comes full circle as the new believer begins to share Christ with others.

Bin Ma, who came from east China in 2017 to work toward a Ph.D. in Chemistry, and Jeehoon Kim, who earned his Ph.D. in Geography in 2014, live this. Jeehoon, who grew up Christian in South Korea, first met Mark Meyer and his wife, Leanna, nearly a decade ago. What began through utilizing the Chapel’s bike ministry, through which the Chapel provides and services bicycles for students, has grown. Like Qiang and Lili, Jeehoon practiced his English with not one, but five, conversation partners. He further deepened his faith through participation in mission trips and serving as Nebraska’s representative for the In-Depth Bible Seminar. He then started his own Bible study. What started with two international students and Mark soon grew to ten as Jeehoon invited more and more of his friends.

When Bin Ma arrived from eastern China in 2017, all he was looking for was a bike. After meeting Mark Meyer and Pastor Bill, Bin began practicing his English with a weekly conversation partner. Pastor Bill Steinbauer even assisted Bin with the car buying process. As his comfort grew, Bin began coming to the Chapel for emotional support. “When I first came, I felt very lonely,” he said. “The Chapel consoled me.

When I had something in my heart and needed to talk, the Chapel was there.”

Before long, Bin had a question for Mark and Pastor Steinbauer: “Can I come every week?”

For someone who had no exposure to Christianity during his upbringing, Christ has now filled Bin’s heart. Within the next few months, Bin’s wife and daughter plan to join their husband and father in the United States. “I want my four-year-old to be raised in faith.”

Evangelism takes time. Trust must be developed and Christ’s love shown. The mission for the Nebraska District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod is congregations, leaders and related organizations connected and growing in their mission of discipling the saved and proclaiming Christ to the lost. Through its ministry at the University Lutheran Chapel in Lincoln, it succeeds in introducing and sharing Christ with international students studying in Lincoln. The international mission field is thriving within our own backyard. Though it thrives, there is always room for improvement.

The Nebraska District, through the University Lutheran Chapel, hopes to reach even more international students studying in Lincoln.

One of the Chapel’s only limitations against reaching that goal: itself.

“On several occasions, I’ve had appointments to meet with students at the Chapel.” said Mark Meyer, International Student Leader. “I’ll receive a call from the student, who is waiting outside, intimidated to approach the Chapel because it’s so dark and closed off, making it look like nobody’s there.”

Dark corners, few external windows, and a lack of ADA accessibility create an uninviting atmosphere. Such an atmosphere, for someone already out of their comfort zone and thousands of miles away from home, could drive students away.

The Nebraska District hopes to address this, along with other ministry expansions and improvements throughout the District, through its Building Together. In Christ. For Mission. Capital Campaign. Renovating the Chapel’s exterior and interior to create an inviting space, complete with ADA accessibility both in and outside of the building, added windows for greater visibility and natural lighting, and expanded fellowship space, allows the Chapel to expand its international student ministry and continue living out the District’s mission. The District hopes you’ll join us in supporting this crucial ministry.

For more information on the District’s ministries, including the University Lutheran Chapel, and our plan to better allow the Holy Spirit to work through us through the Building Together. In Christ. For Mission. Capital Campaign, please visit www.ndlcms.org/buiding-together/.