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The Newsmagazine of the Florida-Georgia Districtof The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod
LIFEW Georgiad i s t r i c t
FloridaLUTHERAN
Third Quarter 2011
LIFELINESLessons Learned . . . Page 4
Connecting People to Jesus!
Every congregation is a church in mission, and every member is a missionary; with all of us working together under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, empowered by His Gospel to share His love. Lutheran LIFE is the official communications instrument of the Florida-Georgia District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. Lutheran LIFE is designed to inform LCMS church and school members of the activities, the personalities and resources offered by the Synod and the District. Lutheran LIFE may also provide a forum for Lutherans to express their views and ideas on a wide range of topics. We welcome and encourage editorials, emphasizing that the views and opinions expressed are not necessarily shared by Synod or District personnel or by the editors, churchworkers or personnel of the Synod’s or District’s congregations or schools. Lutheran LIFE is published bimonthly. Editorials, news items and photos are encouraged and shoule be received at our publication offices no later than the 10th of the month prior to the publication date. We make every attempt to use all submitted information in the next issue of LIFE, space considerations prevent us from guaranteeing that stories will be used immediately. Advertising is welcome; rates and information is available from Lutheran Life’s office. Changes of address including e-mail changes, additions or deletions should be directed to our production office as well.
Lutheran Life Publishing:2840 NW Boca Raton Blvd. Suite 205
Boca Raton, Florida 33431www.LutheranLifeOnline.com
E-Mail photos and news to: [email protected]
Communications Director, John ListEditor-in-Chief, Eileen Bishop
Florida Georgia-District LCMSLutheran Ministries Center
7207 Monetary DriveOrlando, Florida 32809-5724
www.flga-lcms.org
District President, Greg WaltonSchool Ministry, Mark Brink
Mission & Outreach, Doug KallesenFinance & Administration, Dan ReichardCongregational Services, Dave Weidner
LIFEWLUTHERAN
www.LutheranLifeOnline.com
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OR to St. Mark-Tucker GA (IIM) Rev. Jeffrey Scheich, Christ, Lincoln NE to
St. John-Ocala FLMrs. Joy Schubert toLiving Hope-Kennesaw
GA
CALLS RECEIVEDRev. Paul Koch, Holy Trinity-Kingsland GA
to Grace-Ventura CAMrs. Joy Schubert to Living Hope-
Kennesaw GA
CALLS ACCEPTEDRev. Adolfo Borges, FL-GA Mission
Developer, Orlando FL to ....Prince of Peace-Orlando FL
Rev. Paul Koch, Holy Trinity-Kingsland GA to Grace-Ventura CA
Mrs. Joy Schubert to Living Hope-Kennesaw GA
Mr. Timothy Guelzow, Trinity-Delray Beach to Shepherd of the Coast-Fort Lauderdale, FL
CALLS DECLINEDRev. Craig Patterson, Trinity-Oregon City
OR from St. Mark-Tucker GA (IIM)
TRANSFERRED TO OTHER DISTRICTSRev. James E. Golec, Jr. (Non-Candidate)
to Michigan DistrictRev. James N. Roseman (Emeritus) to
Southeastern DistrictMr. Andy Stumpf, Bethel, Clearwater FL to
Indiana District
CAPSULES by Greg Walton District President
TRANSFERRED FROM OTHER DISTRICTSRev. Thomas P. Armour (EM) from New Jersey DistrictRev. John C. Zeile (EM) from Pacific Southwest DistrictRev. Gary D. Dehnke (EM) from Missouri DistrictRev. Donald A. Cario (EM) from Eastern DistrictDcs. Angela Carriker from Iowa East DistrictMrs. Christine Dehnke from Missouri District
ORDAINED MINISTER ASSIGNMENTCandidate Joshua D. Brown, St. Louis MO to
Messiah-Valdosta GA (Pastor)
CHANGE OF STATUSRev. Joseph H. Cockey, Good Shepherd-
Sarasota FL, Associate Pastor to Sole Pastor, January 31, 2011.
Rev. Phillip Vance, Prince of Peace-Orlando FL, Sole Pastor to Senior Pastor, July 3, 2011.
EMERITUS Rev. Dr. Martin M. Platzer, Duluth GA, March 31, 2011Rev. Steven J. Hess, Ft. Myers FL, March 6, 2011Rev. Lee H. Stisser, Tampa FL, April 30, 2011Mr. William Patrick, Marietta, GA, June 30, 2011Mrs. Gladys Wendt-Foust, June 15, 2011
CALLED TO GLORYRev. Dr. Ted D. Westermann, July 7, 2011
CAPSULESCALLING CONGREGATIONS
Pastor Albany GA.................................... TrinityClearwater FL............ Bethel (Asst/Assoc)Delray Beach FL .............. Trinity (Senior)Estero FL ..........................Estero MissionFort Myers FL ..................... Zion (Senior)Fort Pierce FL............................... TrinityJacksonville FL ...............................HopeLakeland FL ...................St. Paul (Senior)Lilburn GA .............................. Oak Road New Port Richey FL ........................ Faith Ocala FL ............... St. John (Senior/Sole)Orlando FL .............................Our SaviorTampa FL .............................Holy TrinityTampa FL ....................................... ZionTucker GA ................................ St. MarkVero Beach FL .......... LC of the Redeemer
Principal/AdministratorBradenton FL .................................HopeSarasota, FL....................Good Shepherd
DCE/DCO/MusicBoca Raton, FL ........................... St. Paul
CALLS EXTENDEDRev. David Horn, Esko MN, to Bethlehem-
Jacksonville Beach FL Rev. Adolfo Borges, FL-GA Mission
Developer, Orlando FL, to Prince of Peace-Orlando FL
Rev. Gary Faith, Mandeville LA, to Hope-Jacksonville FL
Rev. Craig Patterson, Trinity, Oregon City
DuringJuly20morningchapelserviceatConcordiaSeminary-St.Louis,ninestudentsreceivedvicarageassignmentsandninetheirdeaconessinternshipassignmentsthroughtheCenterforHispanicStudies(CHS).SevenofthosestudentswillbeservingintheFlorida-GeorgiaDistrict. ArtidoroMesonesreceivedavicarageassignmenttoFaith-Hialeah,FL.Thefollowingreceiveddeaconessassignments—alltoMessiah-Tampa,FL:DianaBermúdez,RaquelEusebio,LisaFernández,IrisGuevara,FlorSanabria,YolimaSanabria.
Shown after the announcement of CHS vicarage and deaconess internship assignments are (front, l-r) Antonio Mercado, Nelson Hernández, Flor Sanabria, Iris Guevara, Érica Jofré, Rosaura Martínez; (middle, l-r) Edilberto Alzate Morales, Omar de León, Jorge Mazariegos, Yolima Sanabria, Raquel Eusebio, Diana Bermúdez, Prof. Mark Kempff; (back, l-r) Walter Ramírez, Dr. Glenn Nielsen, Artidoro Mesones, Dr. Bruce Hartung, Ángel Morales, Juan Vallejo, Panchita Portillo, Lisa Fernández, Florida-Georgia District President Gregory Walton and Rev. David Lewis. n
Calls, Assignments Announced During Summer PlacementsDistrict Youth Explore Vocations Twohighschoolyouthfrom the Florida-GeorgiaDistrictparticipatedinVocatio,heldJune18-23,at Concordia Seminary-St.Louis. Laura Schuemann (farright),Faith-NorthPalmBeach,FL,andAaronSeigler(middle),HolyCrossChurch-LakeMary,FL,wereamongthe38youthwhoattendedVocatio. ActivitiesfocusedonRomans12:1-2:“Therefore,Iurgeyou,brothers,inviewofGod’smercy,toofferyourbodiesaslivingsacrifices,holyandpleasingtoGod,thisisyourspiritualactofworship.Donotconformanylongertothepatternofthisworld,butbetransformedbytherenewingofyourmind.ThenyouwillbeabletotestandapprovewhatGod’swill
is,Hisgood,pleasing,andperfectwill.” Vocatioparticipantsdelvedintothisthemethroughthe four disciplinesof the formation
ofministry:exegetical,systematic,historical,andpractical. ParticipantsalsowenttoaSt.LouisCardinalsgame,visitedtheSaxonLutheranMemorialandhelpedoutaroundConcordiaSeminary’scampus. The2012VocatioisscheduledforJune23-28.Formoreinformation,contacttheadmissionsoffice:[email protected]. ErinMcPherson,ajuniorcounselor,isalsoshownaboveatfarleft.n
s I’ve traveleda r o u n d t h e Florida-GeorgiaDistr ict, I havebeenprivileged to
meet some wonderful folks in ourcongregations. Often I am asked, byprofessional workers and laity alike,“Whathaveyoulearned?” Thishasbeenatremendouslearningexperience. By and large, it has beenan awesome experience. I have beenin some interesting situations, bothgoodandbad.Thetruthis, Ihave,andcontinue,tolearnaloteachday. I have gained a great knowledgeof thehighwaysystems inGeorgiaandFlorida, andhaveafirmergraspofmyFlorida geography now. I feelmuchmore comfortablewith theCouncil ofPresidents,theCircuitCounselors(whodo tremendouswork in our Circuits),theDistrictBoardofDirectorsand thestaffattheDistrictOffice.WhenIsharethesekindsofthings,somepeoplewillgenerallyleaninandsay,“Butwhathaveyoureallylearned?” While Ihave learnedagreatmanythingssinceassumingthis office, let meshare twelve thingsI’ve learned inthepasttwoyears. 1. The Office of the District President,whilehavinggreat responsibility, reallyhasverylittleauthority—inotherwords,I’mnotnearly as important as I think.Serving in this officeonewould thinkthatyouhavegreatpower.ThegreatestpowerIhaveistheLordwithme.Afterthat, I have the power of influence—aweak second!Thegreatestpowerfora congregation,beyond thatofourLord Jesus, is the congregation itself,oratleastthevoterswhomakeupthecongregation. Our polity states veryclearly that the real authority lies inthevoters inthecongregationwhoareempoweredwiththeresponsibilityandprivilegeformakingdecisionsforGod’speopleinthatplace. 2. District President’s don’t have all the answers...sometimeswedon’thaveany!Godgave the special giftofWisdom to Solomon—unfortunately,not toevery leader, leastof all tome.
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GregWith you
on the journey
,
A4
LIFELINES
A Dozen Lessons I Have Learned
Greg WaltonDistrict President
in the Past Two Years
I have learned that the collective ‘we’are often smarter than ‘me.’ I rely onthe staffandother leaders tohelpmeunderstandandnavigategood,honorablesolutions.Therearesituationsthatjustdon’thavequickanswers,butyoucanbetI’mseekingothersinputtohelpmehelpyou. 3. While I pledge to do the best I can, I’velearnedthatdespitemybestattempts,sometimesnoteveryonewillbepleased.Thishasbeena tough one to learn.MyroleasEcclesiasticalSupervisoristocareforthe needs ofworkersand congregations;when they a re i nconflict, someone isn’tgoingtobehappy—infact,sometimes,nooneendsupbeinghappy!Thepastoralsideofmewants everyone to behappy aswe come tothe knowledge of thetruth.Onetime,whenIwasservinginaparish,ateacherbroughtsomekindergartners tomewhowere not getting along.We hada nice chat, and discussed how Jesuswantsustotreatoneanother,thenwe
all hugged, and I gave thema pencil.Sometimes I wish lifewere just thatsimple.Weall know it’snot. Iwant toassureyouthatmygoalisalwaystoliftup Jesusand seekHispeaceandunitylikeinEphesians4.Irejoicewhenwegettoawin-winsituation.Igrieveandpraywhenwedon’tandsomeonewalksawayunhappy.Idon’tlikeit,butithappens. 4. The economy isn’t our enemy, butmore like a purifier of our faith.While individuals and congregations(and Districts) complain about theeconomyandfinancialstrains,livingintheentertainmentcapitalofFlorida,Idon’tseethatwetrulyhavemoneyproblems.What we do have are stewardshipissues.Ifwe,asbelieversinJesus,trulyunderstoodHisownershipandcallonourlivestobemanagersandnotpossessors,IbelievewewouldseearevitalizationofChristianityinAmerica.Ihavemetmanygenerous individuals, and I havebeenblownawaybythegenerosityofsomeof
ourcongregations.However,weallknowthat there is a gap inour StewardshipEducation thatwe continuallyneed torecognize and address.Whenwe canreleaseourfinancestoGod’scontrol,wewilltrulyseemiraculousthingshappen. 5. I have learned that I can’t own your problem,ortakeresponsibilityforwhathasbeencreated insomeplaces.IhadtobetaughtthatbymyfriendDr.RickArmstrong.Often I amdrawn intosituationswhereIdon’tknowthepeople
or the culture of the parish setting,not tomention the history(and we Lutheransare historical if weareanything… )andexpected to“fix” theproblem.WhatIoftenfindisthattheanswerlieswithin themidstofthepeople,butit’shard work to work towardreconciliation.However,whenGod’speoplearecommittedtoworking toward asolutioninGod’sway,through confession
andabsolution,throughforgivenessandreconciliation, it revolutionizesGod’sChurch.Whenpeopleowntheirproblem
anddealwithit inamatureway,itnotonly growsGod’sChurch, but it growsGod’skingdom. 6. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is thateveryday Ilearnthatthereisstillmoretolearn.JustwhenIthinkI’mgettingahandleonthework loadortasksoftheoffice, I learnthateitherIdidn’tquiteunderstandthescopeor that there’smoreto it!That’sreally the life inministry, not just forprofessionalworkers,butforallbelievers.Ministry today is different than everbefore, andweneed to stay inGod’sWord,beempoweredbyHisSacrament,andkeeplearningandgrowing,aspeople,asservants,assharersofthegoodnewsofJesus. 7. I’ve also learned that when I think I’ve seen it all or heard it all, I’m always proved wrong. Sinful human naturenever ceases to amazeme. Sinleadsusintoallkindsofcrazysituations.On the other hand, I have also seen
whathappenswhengraceisoperationalin our lives.Goddoes amazing thingsthroughHispeople,andIamconstantlyinawe.God isGodand I amnot. I amthankful thatat theendof thedayHeis still in charge!Hisways are higherthanmyways,Histhoughtshigherthanmythoughts.SometimesHechoosestorevealthingsonadifferentschedulethanmine.Aswe trust inHim, I’ve learnedthatcalls forworkerscomeattherighttime—whetheryouaretheonecalling,or the one hoping to be called! ThePsalmistwrote,“UnlesstheLordbuildsthehouse theywhobuild labor invain…”SometimesHisanswerisaresounding“YesandAmen!”Sometimesit’saclear“NO!”ButoftenHisansweris,“Notyet,butputyourtrustinMe!” 8. I’ve learned that everyone is redeemableandhasredeemingqualities.Sure,sometimesyouhavetosearch,butthey are therebecauseGod, in Jesus,says that they are. Part of the growthweexperienceisdiscoveringwhattheseredeemablequalitiesareineachpersonwe encounter. I am convinced theyare there. Sometimes I need toworkhardertodiscoverthem.Partofthat isremembering that thesame JesuswhodiedontheCrosstoredeemmehasalsodonethatforeveryoneelse.IfHevaluesthem,thenIneedtolearntovalueothers,
too,evenwhenIdon’tfeellikeitorthinktheydeserveit. 9. I’ve learned that what I think should be isnotnearlyas importantashowGodknows it shouldbe. Jeremiah29:11 remindsme thatGodhasaplanbeyondtheabilityofmymindtoconceive.HealreadyknowstheanswerHedesires.Oftenwechoosepoorlyaswechoosetogoourownway.Whatablessingwhenthat plan isworked out inmarvelousways,farbetterthanIcouldimagine,inGod’stime,and inHisway.TheLord isconstantly teachingme thisone, and IsuspectthatIamnotalone. 10. God still does miraculous things —andHeevenusesussometimes!AsIlookaroundatthisDistrict,IseeGoddoingmiracleseveryday:incongregations,inworkers,incommunities.ManylivesarebeingimpactedandheartstransformedaspeopleshowtheloveofJesusintheirministry and in their lives. People arebeing fed and clothed, in some cases
given shelter. Hope is dispersed andprayersareoffered.SorrowisturnedtojoyasGodentersthesituationthroughpeoplelikeyouandme!Iamblessedbysomanyofyouwhoofferprayersonmybehalf, and for theDistrict andSynod.Thatismiraculous. 11. Having the right people around you makes all the difference! I amconvincedthathavingtherightleaders,havingtherightvolunteers,havingtherightstaff isakeytosuccess. JimCollins, inhisbook “Good toGreat,”talksabouthavingtherightpeopleintheright seat on therightbus!Itmakesadifference,and Iamblessed toworkwith an excel lent,committedanddedicatedstaff.Wehavewonderfulworkers and lay leaders throughoutthis District,who truly love the Lordanddesire to see thegrowthofGod’sKingdominthispartoftheworld! 12. Finally, I’ve learned that at the end of the day, what’s most important is connecting people to Jesus! Thisiswhatourfaithisallabout.It’sthemeaningofChristmasandEasterandPentecostandeverySunday—infact,everyday.WearetoconnectpeopletoJesusbecauseHeis
theonlywayofSalvation,Healonecanforgivesin,andHeisthepoweroflovepersonified. Tome of the all the lessons I’velearned,themostimportantisthelast.Many years ago God, in His infinitewisdomandmercy, ledmy family toachurchthatwouldimpactmylifeforever.CertainlyitwaspartofHisplanallalong(seenumber9)butIdidn’trealizehowmuchmyfaithinJesuswouldaffectmyfuture.BecauseofmyfaithinJesus,anda desire to serveHim, I became veryinvolvedwiththeyouthgroup.Becauseoftherelationshipsformedinyouthgroup,I desired towork in youthministry sothatotherscouldexperiencewhatIhad.Becauseofmydesire towork inyouthministryIendedupatConcordiaCollege-Bronxville,NY, inapre-seminary track.Because I attendedConcordia Collegein Bronxville, the Lord introducedmetothegirlwhowouldbecomethe loveofmylifeandeventuallymywife,Edith.
AlsobecauseofmytimeatBronxville,IendedupattendingConcordiaSeminaryinSt.Louis.DuringthattimetheLordwasmoldingandformingme,asHecontinuestodotothisday.FromthereIendedupintheFlorida-GeorgiaDistrictinToccoa,a littlemission in themountains ofNortheastGeorgia,whereIwasprivileged
toserve12years. All the time, the goalwasthesame—connectingpeople to Jesus. Thedesirewas for peopleto experience the joyof salvation that I had
discoveredthroughJesus.There have been plenty of
times that I’ve veered from thecourse,butGod is faithful, andHe’s
gentlydirectedmeback,alwaysinstillinginmethatsamedesiretoconnectpeopletoJesus. As Iconcludethefirsttwoyearsofservice as yourDistrict President, andreflect on thewhirlwind that this hasbeen, I lookwith great anticipation tothefuture.I’velearnedenoughtoknowthat there’s still plenty to learn. I’vemadeafewmistakesalongtheway,andamgrateful for thepatience that folkshavehadwithme.Ican’ttellyouwhatthefutureholds,butIcantellyouwhoholdsmyfuture,andyours!It’sthesameJesusthattouchedmylifesomanyyearsago,first in thewatersofbaptism,andsubsequently in somanyways I’ve losttrackandcouldn’tpossiblycountthem!This is theOnewhoholds the keys toeternallife.ThisistheOnewhoforgivesoursins,healsourwounds,bindsupthebrokenhearted,andhasplansforeachofourlives—individually.HowcouldwenotdesiretoconnectpeopletoHim? Muchofthisnextyearwillbespentequipping, empowering and engagingpeople to connect people to Jesus!That’sHiscallonmy life.Butthat’sHiscallonyourlifetoo.JesusspeaksthesewordstoeachofusfromJohn15:“YoudidnotchooseMe,butIchoseyouandappointedyoutogoandbearfruit—fruitthatwilllast!”Maywebebearersofthatfruit aswework together to connectpeopletoJesus!
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RecentlyDistrictPresidentGregWaltonandItouredtheCommunityGardenatPeaceLutheran-Decatur,GA.TheCommunityGardenresultedfromteamwork:Peaceprovidedthelandandwater;arearesidentspurchasedtable-topgardenstotend.Excesscropgoestofeedthoselessfortunate.Nowthechurchandcommunityareconsideringawalkingtrailforexerciseandmeditation. Duringthesummer,Peacehostedaneighborhoodfunday.PastorVicBeltonwasinhisofficewhenhehearda knock on the door.
“Heymister,”saidoneoftheyoungboyswhohadcomeforthesummerfun,“canyougivemeajuicebox?“ Beltonreplied,“No—ifIgiveyouoneIwillhavetogiveeveryoneajuicebox.”Whentheyoungvisitorpointedout,“They’renotasking,Iam,”Beltonopenedthedoorandescortedtheboytotherefrigerator. Wide-eyed,theboylookedaround,andasked,“What’sthat?”
Effectively Reaching Out to Others With the Love of Jesus
Beltonreplied,“Youmeanthecross.” “Yeah,what’sitfor?” Beltonqueried,“Haveyouever
heardofJesus?” “Yeah,youmeanthebabyandMaryandthedonkeystory—butwhataboutthecross?” Beltonquietlyandgentlysatasidehisscheduletodothatwhichwasappointedforhimtodo:tellthisyoungboyaboutJesus.Theboyfinishedhisjuiceboxandranbackoutsidetoplay,butsoonwasbackknockingonthedoortoask:“CanyoutellmesomemoreaboutJesus?” HewasinvitedinsideandjoinedBeltoninhisofficeforabitmoreofthestory. Itmightbesaidthattheboycametoplaybuthestayedtopray.Ihopethatthisstorywarmsyourheartandremindsyouthatitcanbethesmallestthingsthatopenbigdoorsofopportunityforustoshareourfaith.IalsohopeitremindsyouwhoseservantyouareandhowtosetasidewhatwearedoingtodowhatGodhasappointedfortheday.” n
Itaughtoutreachandreconciliationforthefirstinthesameworkshopwhen,inSeptember,KingofKings-Jasper,GA,hostedatrainingeventforleadershiptobecomemoreeffectiveinoutreach.Participantsspent3.5hourslearninghow to create natural relationshipsandconversationsusingquestionsandshortcommentstospeakcasuallyofJesus. “Ourgrouplearnedhowtosharetheirfaith--it’seasierthanIthought,”
PastorVicBelton,Peace/DecaturintheCommunityGarden
MISSIONMOMENTby Doug Kallesen
Executive Director Mission & Outreach
saidoneoftheparticipants. “NoteveryonehasaneasytimesharingtheirfaithbutIlearnedthatitis‘my’witnessofwhoJesusisto‘me,’”
saidDonnaKnocke. Inrelivingthewitnessingstoriesofmylife,Idiscoveredthatseveralofthemledtoreconciliationfortheindividualbeingwitnessedto.Thiswasan‘ahha’momentforme
thatmakesourwitnessevenmorepowerfulwhenthepasthurts,failuresandsinsofsomeone’slifecanbeandarereconciledrightthenandthere,byGod’sgrace.Theyfindouttheyareforgivenandfreed,trulyrightwithGodandempoweredtobeatpeacewithallthepeopleoftheirlife. TheworkshopwasbornoutofameetingbetweentheDistrictandKingofKings,ayoungmissionchurchthatisadaughtercongregationofTimothyLutheran-Woodstock.Rev.ErnieKnocheservesthecongregationinretirement.Severaloftheleaderssharedtheneedtoknowhowtoconnectwiththecommunityandhowtosharetheirfaith. Thistrainingisavailableforchurchesandschoolsandistailoredtotheneedsofthecommunityandministry. n
District Outreach Executive Doug Kallesen (lower left) and Pastor Ernie Knoche (upper right) with leadership of King of Kings-Jasper, GA, at a recent seminar.
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WhattakesplaceatNationalandDistrictConventionsprovesthattheLWMLismorethancollectingmitesandhavingbusinessmeetings!It’sNOTjustfortheolderladiesofthecongregation!It’saboutservingtheLordwithgladness,onmanylevels,inmanywaysandinmanydifferentcapacities.Whatachallengeforallofusaswegoaboutourdailylives.
TheEvangel,theDistrictLWMLquarterlynewsletter,iselectronic!Everymembercanreceiveitdirectlytotheiremailaddress.Societiesandchurchesmaysubscribeandprintcopiesforthosewithoutemail. TosubscribeatnocostemailKarenGottatkarengott@bellsouth.netwithyourname,emailaddress,churchandzoneinformation.Thesubjectlineshouldread:Subscribetothee-Evangel. TheEvangelisalsopostedatwww.flgalwml.com.
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Fitch Affirms AA Rating
For Thrivent FitchRatingshasagainaffirmedThriventFinancialforLutherans’AA(VeryStrong)ratingwithastableoutlook.TheagencycitedThriventFinancial’sstrongmarketfranchise,goodprofitabilityinrelationtosurpluslevels,andsoundriskadjustedcapitalization. “TheaffirmationisyetanothersignofourongoingstrengthandstabilityandreflectsFitch’shighlevelofconfidenceinourorganization,”saidRandyBoushek,chieffinancialofficerforThriventFinancial.“Intimesofeconomicuncertainty,weareproudtobeabletocontinuetoserveourmemberswell.” FitchalsocitedThriventFinancial’sstronglifeandannuitybusinessesaswellasimprovedoperatingearningsandinvestmentincomeasotherreasonsfortheaffirmation.TheAA(VeryStrong)ratingisthethird-highestofFitch’s19categories. ThriventFinancialforLutheransisanot-for-profit,Fortune500financialservicesmembershiporganizationhelpingapproximately2.5millionmembersachievefinancialsecurityandgivebacktotheircommunities.ThriventFinancialanditsaffiliatesofferabroadrangeoffinancialproductsandservices.Asanot-for-profitorganization,ThriventFinancialcreatesandsupportsnationaloutreachprogramsandactivitiesthathelpcongregations,schools,charitableorganizationsandindividualsinneed.Formoreinformation,visitwww.thrivent.com.
IfyouareaeligibleThriventMember,youhaveprobablyreceived(orwillsoonreceive)aletterinthemailregardingyourabilitytoselecttherecipientsofyour“ChoiceDollars.”ThisisarelativelynewprogramwhereThriventallowseligiblememberstodesignateorganizationstoreceivetheir“ChoiceDollars.”ThereareavarietyofLutheranorganizationstochoosefrom,includingyourcongregationandtheFlorida-GeorgiaDistrict.
Togetstarted,simplyregisteratthesitehttps://www.thrivent.com/thriventchoice/tocheckyour
eligibility,signuportoselecttherecipientsforyour“ChoiceDollars.”Alternatively,youcancall800-847-
4836andstate“ThriventChoice”togetmoreinformationortomakeyourselections.Visitthewebsiteat https://www.thrivent.com/thriventchoice/program/
Thrivent Members Help Choose Where Charitable Choice Dollars Go
Thisyearisprovingtobeafantasticopportunityformetonotonlysee,butalsoactivelyparticipatein,thefullscopeofLWML.NowI’mlookingforwardtotheDistrictRetreat,ClotheYourselfinLove,9-30–10-2. ToseetheLWMLinactionatthe“national”levelisnothingshortofawe-inspiring.That’sLWMLinthebroadestsense–everywomanoftheLCMS.TheFall2011LutheranWoman’sQuarterlyhasfullcoverageofthePeoriaConvention,andmoreinformationisavailableatwww.lwml.org.TheFlorida-GeorgiaDistrictLWMLsenttwoYoungWomenRepresentativestoPeoria,SuzyEberle,Georgia,andKristenWilkinson,Florida.Hereiswhattheyhadtosayabouttheexperience: Suzy Eberle:ThebestthingwaslearningaboutLWMLcircles.Aslongasyouaremeetingforadevotionandcollectingmites,youcanbecomeacircle.ThatmademethinkabouttheBiblestudygroupsinmychurch.Iftheywouldcollectmites,ourgivingcouldgrowmuchfaster!Lookatgroupsinyourchurch.Iftheydon’talready,encouragethemtosayadevotionalandstartcollectingmites. Mynextfavoritethingwashearinggrantrecipientstalkabouthowtheyusedtheirmoney.Asapastgrant
By Patricia Aamoth, LWML District VP Communications
LWML in Action Across USA ... Awe-Inspiring Sight
recipient,Icanappreciatehowjustalittlebitofmoneycanbestretchedtogosofar.Onthenationallevel,itwasamazingtoseetheeffectthesegrantshadontheworthycauses.ItremindedmeofJesusfeedingthe5,000asthemoneydonatedseemedtogofivetimesfurtherwiththeeffortsoftheseorganizationsandGod’shand. Inthisdiverseworld,it’stimefortheLWMLtobecomediversewithage,ethnicity,background,andskill. Kristen Wilkerson:MyweekendstartedwiththeGiftsfromtheHeartservantevent.EachquiltdonatedtotheOrphanGrainTrainwasapieceofart.Aswepackedthe“welcomekits,”ourboxesreachedtheceilingoverandover.ThefirsteveningweattendedanincredibleworshipledbyPastorKenKlausofLutheranHourfamewhotalkedaboutwhatitmeanstoliveontheedgeforJesus.WeshouldbestandingontheedgesharingthetruthofChrist’sresurrectionwiththeworld. Therestoftheweekendwasacontinuationonthattheme.AteveryturnIaskedmyself,“HowamIlivingontheedge?HowdoIgetclosertotheedge?WhydoIrunfromtheedge?”ItwasasoulsearchingweekendandbecauseoftheworshipandfellowshipIexperienced,ItrulyfeelthatmyfaithgrewandtodayIspendmoretimeontheedge!!
District LWML President Marilyn H. Treanor (left) enters the Convention with Kristen Wilkerson (center) and Suzy Eberle (right).
Lutheran Hour Ministries Regional ConferencePlanned for OrlandoJanuary 13-14, 2012LutheranHourMinistries’RegionalOutreachConferenceshelpempowerourwitnessforChrist,makingusbetterequippedtoshareJesuswithaworldinneedoftheSavior.ROC-OrlandowillbeattheDoubletreeResortandwillfeatureLutheran Hour speakerRev.GregSeltz;Rev.RobertNewton,presidentoftheCalifornia-Nevada-HawaiiDistrict;practicalbreakoutsessions;translationofmainstageeventsandanentiretrackofworkshopsinSpanish;age-appropriatetrainingeventsforchildrenandteens-andmuchmore. www.lhm.org
Mr. Daniel J. Reichard hasservedasLCEF Vice President fortheFlorida-GeorgiaDistrictsinceJanuary2010.Danhasmorethan30yearsofexperienceinfinanceandaccountingpositions.Hehasheldseniorfinancialpositionsinthemanufacturingandindustrialservicesindustries.DanhasaBachelor’sDegreeinAccountingandanMBAinFinance.Inaddition,heisbothaCertifiedPublicAccountant(CPA)andaCertifiedManagementAccountant(CMA).DanleadstheLCEFTeamwithaservantheart,groundedinsoundfinancialexperienceandwiththisoperatingphilosophy:
v TreatPeopleLikeYouWanttobeTreated (Matthew7:12)
v DotheRightThing (Deuteronomy6:18)
v Give100% (Proverbs3:27)
v HaveFun (Psalm126:2)
v MaintainBalance (James2:22)
Mrs. Mary Byrd, Loan Consultant,hasjustcelebrated25yearsofservicewithLCEF.MarybringsavastknowledgeofLoanOperationswithextensiveexpertiseinguidingcongregationsthroughtheloanprocess.Sheisavailabletoconsultwithyourleadershipindeterminingwhichofourloanproductswillmeettheneeds
10 11LUTHERAN CHURCH EXTENSION FUNDMary Byrd Honored
For Milestone in Service
Lutheran Church Extension Fund
JOURNEYOOOFDISCCCOOOOVERRR
YRYY
JOURNEY O F DISC
OVERYRY
Order online at www.cph.org/discovery
or call 1-800-325-3040.
Summer Travel MayBe Ending, but the Journey Continues
Lutheran Church Extension Fund
Round out summer travel plans by taking your
congregation on a Journey of Discovery, a spiritual
stewardship.
Developed by Lutheran Church Extension Fund in
cooperation with Concordia Publishing House and the
LCMS Department of Stewardship, this Bible study
resource leads congregation members on a stewardship
journey that helps bring out their true giving spirit.
supplemental items—including videos to introduce
make the process engaging and exciting. Suggested
events provide opportunity to build a stronger sense of
Christian community.
Order your complete kit (item S00322WEB) for $59.99.
Daniel J. Reichard
Meet the Lutheran Church Extension Fund Teamoftheministryandwillwalkwithyourteamthroughcompletion.
Mrs. Chyrl Durling, Administrative Assistant Financial Services,joinedtheFlorida-GeorgiaDistrictStaffinMarchofthisyearintheFinancedepartmentservingastheBookkeeper.Chyrlwillcontinueto work with congregation’streasurersandfinancialsecretarieswithdocumentingtheremittanceoffundstothedistrict,whileservingastheAdministrativeAssistantforLCEFandtheFinance-AdministrationDepartment.
Mr. John Elliott joinedthe Florida-GeorgiaDistrictinSeptemberof2010asthe Business Manager,fillingtheroleupontheretirementofMr.DonLauher.Johnbringsmorethan20yearsofexperienceintechnology,operations,insuranceandfinance.HehasanMBAandaBSdegreeinComputerSystems.WithJohn’sextensivefinancebackgroundheisavailabletoassistcongregationswiththeirfinancialreporting,providingguidanceinthecompletionandmaintainingoffinancialrecordkeeping.
Mrs. Kathy KeenebeganwithLCEFinJuneof2006astheAdministrativeAssistantforthe
Florida-GeorgiaDistrict.ShenowservesastheAdministrative Services Consultant, workingwithchurchestomatchLCEFMinistry&InvestmentServiceswithministryopportunitiesintheircongregationsandcommunities. n
The Missionof LCEF
The mission of LCEF is to support the church in fulfilling its mission of sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ by being a Christ-centered servant partner of the Lutheran Church- Missouri Synod, ensuring that funds and services are available now and in the future. LCEFaccomplishesthismissionthroughInvestments, Loans & Services. Ifyouareseekingtoexpandyourministry,lookingforsomefinancialguidanceorsimplyhaveaquestion,amemberoftheFlorida-GeorgiaLCEFTeamisavailablebyphone(877457-5556,ext4),email(seebelow)ortomeetwithyourleadershipteamtodiscussopportunitiesavailablethroughourpartnership.WeareheretoserveChristbyservingyou. n
Mary Byrd
Chyrl Durling
John Elliott
Kathy Keene
LutheranChurchExtensionFundcongratulatesMaryByrdon25yearsofservice! Mary,LCEFLoanConsultantwiththeFlorida-GeorgiaDistrict,wasrecentlyhonoredatadinnerheldatthehome
ofVicePresident–LCEFDanielJ.andAndreaReichard.Staff,familyandfriendsenjoyedaneveningcelebratingherquarterofacenturyinministrywithLCEF. Reichardexpressedhisappreciation,“MaryisanintegralpartofLCEFanditsmission,aswellastheministryoftheFlorida-GeorgiaDistrict.Withher25years,shebringsawealthofexperience:17yearsofSt.Louisloanoperationsandeightyearsoutinthefield. “Byhavingthisbackground,MaryprovidesauniqueinsightforourCustomers,LoanCommittee,andtheentireLCEFTeam.Indeed,sheisablessingtoallandisMUCHappreciated.ToherIsay,welldone,good&faithfulServant!” WhenByrdsharestheministryofLCEFwithsomeoneunfamiliarwithLCEF,thefirstthingshetellsthemis,“LCEFistheonlyplacewhereyourinvesteddollargoestohelpbuildanLCEFchurchorschool.Yourlocalbankcannottellyouwhatyourinvestmentsaregoingtobeusedfor.” Byrdsaid,“ItisverydifficulttositinabeautifulnewsanctuarythathasbeenfundedbyanLCEFloanandnotbeinaweoftheinvestmentsmadebypeopleinthepewthatmaketheloanpossible.” ShesaidthatoneofherfavoriteLCEFexperiencesisrelatedtotheloanatSt.Paul-PeachtreeCity,GA:thesamechurchandloanthatstartedLCEFPresidentRichRobertson’sinvolvementwithLCEF. “IwasaloanofficerinSt.LouisandifLCEFreceivedaninvitationforachurchdedicationfromaloanwehadfunded,theloanofficerwouldattendthededicationandpresenttheLCEFdedicationplaque,”Byrdsaid. “IwasfortunateenoughtoattendthededicationforSt.Paul’smultipurposebuildingandschool.But,beforeImadethetrip,thegreatestthinghappened:thechildrenofthatschoolsentthank-youletterstoLCEF.Intheirownwords,theywroteabouthowthankfultheyweretohavethisnewschool.Itooksomeoftheletterswithmetothededicationandreadthemtothecongregation. “ThatistherealreasonwhyIlovemyjob,andtherealreasonwhyLCEFexists.” PresidentGregWaltonsharedthathefirstmetMarywhen,asaparishpastor,hewouldapproachheratconferencesaskinghertobringtheLCEFstampprogramtoGeorgia.HeaskedReichardtoreadforhimfromRomans16:6,whichstates,“GreetMary,whoworkedveryhardforyou.” Waltonnotedthat“MaryhasindeedbeenahardworkerfortheFlorida-GeorgiaDistrict,”andprayed“God’sblessingsonheraswecelebrateher25thAnniversary,andlookedforwardtomanymoreyearsofherservicetoourLordandHisChurch!” n
Florida-Georgia District - Region 1
The largest geographic sector of the District, Region 1 encompasses all of the State of Georgia and approximately the upper third of the State of Florida. Representing Region 1 on the District Board of Directors are Rev. Frank Marshall of Jacksonville, FL, who recently retired as pastor of St. Paul-Jacksonville; Jean Weinrich, a member of All Saints-Blairsville, GA; and Bill Gaik, a member of Trinity Lutheran-Toccoa, GA.
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REGION 1 NEWS
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MembersandguestsofTrinityLutheranChurch-Summerfield,FL,gatheredtodedicatethenewsanctuaryonFebruary27.Rev.Dr.GerhardMichaelJr.,presidentemeritusoftheFlorida-GeorgiaDistrict,wastheguestpreacher. Trinitywasorganizedin1997.Thecongregation’scommunicantmembershipis“about700,”saidPastorMarkAbram,“andtheaverageSundayattendanceismorethan550.” Thenewsanctuary,whichhasseatingfor700people,wascompletedatacostofjustunder$3million–“some15%undertheoriginalestimatesprovidedin2008whenthecapitalcampaignfirstbegan,”Abramnoted.Theoriginalsanctuary,whichwasbuiltin2000,nowservesasthefellowshiphall/ministrycenter. Trinityisservedbyitsfull-timeSeniorPastorAbramandanumberofretiredpastorsinthecongregation.In2010,Trinityaddedaparishnursetothestaff,Dr.DorisBranson.n
Trinity-Summerfield Dedicates New Sanctuary
FAITH LUTHERAN SCHOOL- MARIETTA, GA, honored Joan Trinklein (left) as she celebrated 45 years of ministry at the school. She served as first-grade teacher for 30 years, then after her retirement, as the school librarian for 15 years. She currently serves on the Board of School Ministry. She was presented a quilt, with each square made by a different class in the school. “Praise God for faithful servants like Joan Trinklein,” said Faith Principal Jack Hibbs (right).
When Trinity-Summerfield, FL, celebrated New Member Sunday on March 20, 42 new members (shown in photo below) were received, including 15 people who joined the congregation by adult confirmation (photo at far left).
AnewchurchisbeingplantedinWestAtlantabyWestGeorgiaMinistries. OnJuly4,WestGeorgiaMinistriessponsoredaboothatHunterParkinDouglasvilletobenefitvictimsoftheyeartornadoesthatinAprilrippedthrough25Georgiacounties.GiftcardsweredonatedbyLowes’andKroger.LedbyPastorRobertMaulella,thegroupoftwodozen--includingchildren--participatedinshiftstohandoutred,whiteandblueballoonsandtattoosalongwithpensandpadsandtotakeprayerrequestsandsharetheloveofJesus. AccordingtoMaulella,WestGeorgiaMinistriesmembersmeetinhomesaccordingtothemodelinActs2:42.Theyintendtolaunchtheirfirstserviceinanewfacilitysometimeinearly2012. “ThevisionofWestGeorgiaMinistriesisthetransformationofthepeopleofWestGeorgiaintoUp,InandOutFollowers,”Maulellasaid,notingJesus’wholelifewaslivedinbalancingthreerelationships:“Up”withtheFather,“In”withthecommunity(Hisdisciples)and“Out”totheWorld. Formoreinformationvisitwww.WestGAMinistries.com.
New Church Plant in West Atlanta
GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH AND SCHOOL-Winter Haven installed new staff members Debbie Garbrecht, ECE Interim Director; Amber James, music teacher; Kathy Schelp, first grade teacher.
Grace staff celebrating ministry anniversaries included Pastor Charles Reich-15 years; Jeff Wittcop-35 years; Debbie Gaylord-10 years; Bonnie Seckel-20 years.
REGION 2 NEWS
Florida-Georgia District - Region 2
Region 2 is the only one to share borders with the District’s other three regions as well as with the Atlantic Ocean. Representing Region 2 on the District Board of Directors are Rev. Brian Kneser, pastor of Woodlands Lutheran-Montverde, FL; Karen Smith, a member of Peace-Okeechobee, FL; and Jon Brazee, a member of Christ Lutheran-Cocoa Beach, FL.
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LutheranChurchoftheCross(LCC)-PortCharlotte,FL,heldanopenhouseandribboncuttingforitsnewestministry,LutheranChildDevelopmentCenter(LCDC)onSaturday,July9. Thisministrywillbeforthree-andfour-year-oldchildren.MarjorieBateman,FoundingDirectoroftheLCDC,cuttheribbonwithCharlotteCountyBoardofCommissionersChairmanBobStarr.LCCPastorKennethRedmannpresidedovertheceremonywithprayersandthankingallthoseinthecommunityandthechurchwhoassistedinthepreparationandplanning. SpecialguestsincludedByronBeaberandTimByrne,FinancialAssociates,ThriventFinancialforLutheransFoundation;DwayneLeininger,PresidentofLCC,andWarrenMiller,Executor,MillerEndowmentfortheAdvancementChristianEducation. Aftertheribboncuttingeveryonewasinvitedtovisittheclassroomsandplaygroundarea.Forthoseparentswhowereinterestedinenrollment,Batemanandothersansweredanyandallquestions.Snackswereprovidedalongwithabounceobstaclecourseandballoonsforthechildren. KarlaKemerlingwasinstalledastheLCDCpermanentdirectoronSunday,July17,atthe10:15amservicewiththeFlorida-GeorgiaDistrictPresidentRev.GregWaltonofficiatingandproclaimingtheWord.n
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New members joining Hope Lutheran-Plant City recently were (front, l-r) Lorrie Daniell and her children Wyatt and Isibeal, who were both baptized during the service; Maggie Workley; Susan Reid; JoAnne & Richard Hoag; Ron Wagner (back, l-r) Hope Pastor Dean Pfeffer; Keith Schmidt. Absent from photo is Barbara French, who joined the congregation at
Hope Plant City Welcomes New Members
the Wednesday evening Living Hope contemporary worship service. During a late June worship, Hope members Todd and Cathie Warner were commissioned for their service as part of a medical mission to Guatemala the week of July 7-14. The Warners served in Quetzaltenango (about three hours from Guatemala City), assisting with medical missions and Vacation Bible School activities.
Florida-Georgia District - Region 3
Region 3 covers the lower southwestern sector of Florida, with much of its area bordering the Gulf of Mexico. Representing Region 3 on the District Board of Directors are Rev. Jim Guelzow, pastor of Messiah-Tampa, FL; Jeff Richards, a member of Hope Lutheran-Bradenton, FL; and Maggie Bowles, a member of Peace-Naples. FL.
REGION 3 NEWS
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Messiah Lutheran-Tampa, FL, partnered with its neighbor, Northwest Community Church, on Sunday July 24, to host Boarders for Christ. “These guys put on a great showcase of their God-given skateboarding talents all while sharing their faith with everyone who gathered,” reported Abby Moss, Messiah’s Family Life Minister. “Members of both churches and people from the community were awed by these young men’s talent and more importantly, their message of how God called them out of a life of sin and into His marvelous light. It was a great example of how God can use any gift or ability to His glory and how the Christian Church can work together to reach the lost.” n
MESSIAH TAMPA HOSTS
SKATEBOARDERSFOR CHRIST!
SouthwestFloridaCircuitMiddleschoolstudents and their friends came togetheron June11atMarco IslandMiddleSchoolforsomeB.A.S.I.C.[BrothersAndSistersInChrist] Trainingonwhat itmeans tobeaservant. TheeventwasinspiredbytheSynod’schallengetopickaSaturdayinJunewheretheteenswouldservethelocalcommunity.CoordinatorswereFaithRattei,DCO,DirectorofChristianOutreachatMarco Lutheran-MarcoIsland;RebeccaDuport,DCE,FamilyLifeMinisteratZion-FortMyers;andKamiJoMogelvang,DCE,onstaffatGrace-Naples. Before the youth cleaned lockers,classrooms,windowsandoffices, theydida ‘prayerwalk’ through the school. Afterlunch,thegrouptraveledtoGrace-Naplestopackmilitarycarepackagesusingitemstheycollectedinadvancefromtheircongregationsandfamilies.
Middle School Servant Event Offers “B.A.S.I.C. Training”
According to the three planners,theyouth looked toDaniel from theOldTestamentforinspiration.ExplainedRatteiCONFIRMTHISISWHOTHEEMAILCAMEFROM,“ManypeoplearefamiliarwiththestoryofDanielinthelion’sden.Whatmanypeopledon’tknowisthatDaniel’slionsdenepisodetookplacelaterinhislife.“InDanielchapter1,Danielandhisfriendswere probably around the same age astheteensattheservantevent.Inthefirstchapter, the ‘basic’ traininghe receivedfromhis family, community anddirectlyfromGodpreparedhimtobeconfidentthathecouldsticktothedietplanGodrequiredofhimandstillserveunderapagankingincaptivity. “Theseyouthtodayalsofacedecisionseveryday as towhat theywill orwon’tparticipate inbecauseofGod’sdirectionintheirlife.Theseteenssharedthattheyhadsaid‘no’toputtinggraffitionaschoolorusingfoullanguagebecausetheyknewGodwouldnotwantthemtodothat.JustlikeDaniel,theydon’tknowtheexactresultoftheirchoices,buttheycanbeconfidentthat theyaredoingwhatGodwants forthem…andthat’sallthatmatters.”n
Lutheran Child Development Center Opens in Port Charlotte
SouthFloridiansfromBrowardandPalmBeachCountiesjoinedmembersofSt.PaulLutheranChurch&Schoolto“CelebrateFreedom”onSunday,September11,atime
ofhealingandremembranceonthe10thAnniversaryof9/11. Amongthoseparticipatingintheopeningceremony,whichincludedamomentofsilenceandtheplayingofTaps,wereSt.PaulLutheranSchoolbandfortheplayingoftheNationalAnthem;BocaRatonHighSchoolJROTCColorGuard;U.S.CongressmanAllenWest;BocaRatonDeputyMayorandSt.PaulmemberSusanHaynie;St.PaulSeniorPastorJ.R.Jones;severalcityrepresentatives;andBocaHelpingHandsExecutiveDirectorJamesGravilos. “CelebrateFreedom”featuredamessagetentforsendingencouragementandthankstomembersoftheUSmilitary;theshowingofavideoonthe9-11memorialinasettingconducivetoreflection;children’sactivities;foodandrefreshments;liveentertainment;acraftfair.
16 17
Florida-Georgia District - Region 4
Region 4 covers the lower southeastern sector of Florida, with much of its area stretching along the Atlantic Ocean and down into the Keys. Representing Region 4 on the District Board of Directors are Rev. Stephen Wipperman, pastor of Our Savior-Lake Worth, FL; Diana Geiger, a member of Trinity Lutheran-Delray Beach, FL; and Nancy Volz, a member of Our Savior-Plantation, FL.
REGION 4 NEWS
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St. Paul-Boca Hosts “Celebrate Freedom”
Shepherd of the Coast Has Record Enrollment
Nowinitseighthacademicyear,ShepherdoftheCoast-FortLauderdalewelcomed84studentsinKindergartenthrougheighthgrade--anincreaseof24studentsoverlastyear. Thisisthehighestfirst-dayenrollmentasShepherdoftheCoast.Overall,weeschoolisat78%ofcapacityinconfigurationofgrades.NewtothestaffthisyearisTimothyGuelzow,whojoinedShepherdoftheCoastasAssistantPrincipalanduppergrademathandartteacheraswellas7/8gradehomeroomteacher.Guelzow,whohasservedLutheranschoolsinWinterHaven,LakeWorth,andDelrayBeach,andhiswifeLynnhavefourgrownchildren. ShepherdofCoasthasaddedbandtoitscurriculum,whichisopentostudentsingrades5to8.n
Jesuscallsusto“lovetheleast.”Inverysimplewords,HegivesthegreatprinciplesofChristianliving.WearesetfreeinChristtoloveourneighbor;LovetheLordyourGodwitheverythingyouhave Loveyourneighborasyourself. Thosewordshavetakenonnewmeaningformeafterafour-dayvisittothewesternhalfoftheislandofHispaniola,alandthatweknowsimplyasHaiti.Itwasashorttwo-hourflightfromFortLauderdale. Inthatbrieftime-span,however,welefttheveryclean,organized,safe,well-governedUSofAandenteredalandthatseemstobede-finedbychaos…quiteliterally,chaos. Itisasocietywhere,forthevastmajorityofthecitizenry,housingisatent,amealisasometimeevent,childbirthisinapollutedstream,medical care isunheardof,education isnon-existent, clothing isoutofarubbishheaporawastepileoutsideofarichman’shouseandastreetsidevendor--ofwhichtherearethousandsuponthousands--canturnaprofitofmaybeadollar-a-day. FromPortauPrincetoCapHaitiantoLeoganetoJacmelandinbe-tween…hovelsforhomes,garbageoneveryroad…yettheChurchisthere,theBodyofChrist,puttingitsarmsaroundthesewhoareindeedtheleastinourWesternHemisphere. I returnedwith this singular thought. Iwould invite our Florida-GeorgiacongregationsandschoolstojointheBodyofChristalreadyinHaitiwiththeirownloveandassistance. ManycongregationsandschoolsinourDistrictarealreadyinvolvedinministrythatreachesacrossthespanoftimeandcultureandwhichputsarmsoflovearoundthese“leastones”whoareourhemisphericneighbors.Therearemanyopportunitiesforothersnotyet involved.CheckoutthewebsiteforLCMSWorldRelieforgooglesearchtheLu-theranChurchinHaitiortheEvangelicalLutheranChurchinHaiti. AndthePentecostSpiritwillleadyou!n
INASMUCH Some Reflections
Following a Visit to HaitiBy Rev. David Mueller, District Human Care Advisory Council
Sharing information…Seeding development of Human Care ministry
AnumberofyearsagoIwasstunnedwhen President Gerhard Michael, Jr.,reportedthatforthefirsttimeinFlor-ida-Georgiahistory,baptizedandconfirmed membership had de-clineddespitethestates’growingpopulation. Since then the situation hasworsened.We are reflecting thereality of our Synod where na-tionally80%ofcongregationsareplateauedordeclining. Good pastors, church work-ers andmembers faithfully wor-ship,teachandserve.Atthesametime, society has become moresuspiciousandcynicaltowardthechurch.There ismuchactivity incongregations but there is oftenagoodamountoffrustrationanddiscouragement while worshipnumbersshrinkandmembershipgrows older. Perhaps this iswhyour District passed a conventionresolutionto“expandtheinvolve-ment for revitalization throughTCN (Transforming Churches Net-work)”directingthat“50%ofthecon-gregations be engaged in a revitaliza-tionprocessbythe2015convention.” So,what arewemissing?What isgoingon?Whatcanbedone? A number of lessons have beenlearned as TCN andmany others seekto answer thosequestions. Veryoftenchurches have turned their focus and
attention inward toward themember-shipandhavelostsightofthecommu-nity. Churches have experienced “mis-
siondrift”asunintentionallyactionsaretaken that serve themembership andtheirpreferences,desiresandneedsal-mostexclusively.WeareoftenstuckinsomeunbiblicalassumptionsabouttheroleofpastorsandlaypeopleinspiteofLuther’s teaching on vocation and the“priesthoodofallbelievers.” Infollowingtheconventionresolu-tion,ourDistrictsoughttoaddressthisproblem initially by “jump starting” aturn-around process through a TCNweekend consultation. At first, theseconsultationshavehadmixedresultsaswe learned what to do and what not to do.Yetthroughthisweekend,andtheimportant elements of pastoral learn-ingcommunitiesandcoaching,wehaveseensomeveryencouragingresults. Congregations have transformedfrominwardlyfocusedministrytoanin-tentionallyoutwardfocus.Churchesarediscovering that when that happens,theyget theirneedsmetas they seektobeservants to those in theirneigh-borhoods.Alongthewaytheyarealsoseeingtheirfaithgrowandtheseedsoffaithbeingplantedinthosetheytouch.
Putanotherway,membersseektheWord and Sacraments more often astheyputtheirfaithintoactionthrough
serviceandtheybringothersintocontact with the Word throughtheir works of love and service.YoungandoldarebeingbaptizedandmorepeoplearegivingpraisetoGod. Andwearestill learning.BothTCN and our District aremakingchanges as we listen, learn andadapt.Pastors,members,church-es and parochial schools faceunique situations requiring cus-tomizedapproaches.Wearetran-sitioning to adapt our approachdependingontheneeds,sizeandresourcesofa congregation.Thestartingplacemaybeverydiffer-entforeachministry. Nomattertheage,size,orre-sourcesofthechurch,thegoalisthesame:revitalization.To“revi-talize”means(1)Togivenewlifeto(2)Togivenewvitalityorvigor
to. As followers of Jesus Christ,practically speaking, thatmeansgrow-inginourfaithandfaithfulnesstoGod
Florida-Georgia Focusing on Revitalization Ministry By Rev. Ron Biel, Transforming Churches Network, Co-Chair for Florida-Georgia District
Church members seekthe Word and Sacraments
more often as they puttheir faith into action
through service and they bring others into contact
with the Word throughtheir works of love
and service. Young and old are being
baptized and more people are giving praise to God.
through Word and Sacrament and in-tentionally being salt and light to thepeoplearoundus. It istobe likeJesuswhose ministry was “telling the goodnews…anddoinggood”(Acts10:36-38).Indeed,GodourSaviordesires“allmentobesavedandtocometotheknowl-edgeofthetruth.”(1Tim2:4). To learnmore about revitalizationcontact: Rev. Ron Biel, 352-399-5015,[email protected],561-542-4472,[email protected].
U.S. Congressman Allen West, left presents St. Paul Senior Pastor J.R. Jones with a flag that had flown over the Capitol building in Washington, DC.
University,thethirdvicepresidentofTheLutheranChurch–MissouriSynodandamuch-publishedauthorofbothscholarlyand popular works.More than five
millionofMaier’s books arenowinprintin20languages.Maier is also the author of250-plus scholarly articlesand reviews in professionaljournals. Maier lectureswidely,appea rs f requent l y onnationalradio,television,andnewspaper interviews, and
hasreceivednumerousawards.Hehasalsopennedsevenchildren’sbooksandhostedsixvideoseminarsdealingwithJesus, St. Paul, the early church, andcurrentChristianity.VisithisWebsiteatwww.paulmaier.com. TheConstantineCodexwaspublishedinJuneof2011byTyndaleHouse.
Dr.PaulMaierintroducedtheworldtoDr. JonathanWeber in best sellers ASkeletoninGod’sClosetandMorethanaSkelton.NowWeber returns ---witharcheologistwife Shannon --- in TheConstantineCodex. HarvardProfessorJonathanWeberis enjoyinga seasonofpeacewhenashocking discovery thrusts him backintothenationalspotlight.Whiletouringmonasteriesin Greece, Jon andShannon uncoveran ancient biblicalmanuscript containingthelostendingofMarkandan additional bookof the Bible. If provenauthentic,thecodexcouldforeverchangethewaytheworldviewstheholyWordofGod.
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Where more than half the residents hail from Florida-Georgia District Congregations.You might meet some old friends there, and for sure, will make some new ones!
This 4’x8’ stained glass image of Jesus is in the lobby of Lutheran Haven’s nursing home.
Discover Lutheran Haven Retirement Center.
4 Independent Living Cottages4 Assisted Living Facility4 Skilled Nursing Facility4 Home Healthcare
A ministry of the SELC District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod,
Lutheran Haven has been a provider of retirement services for more than 60 years.
For more information, please call or write:Mrs. P.J. Summersgill • Lutheran Haven
2041 West State Road 426 • Oviedo, FL 32765Oviedo is a suburb of Orlando, FL.
Visit us on the web at www.LutheranHaven.org(407) 365-2224 Toll Free (800) 272-5676
call us about our short term guest house rental program
OnthebanksofLakeMichigansitsConcordiaUniversityWisconsin,whereparishnurseseachyeartoshareideas,concerns,prayers.AstheFlorida-GeorgiaDistrictRepresentative,Iattendthesemeetingsandeducationalsessionswhichactasanawakeningorrenewalofourcallingtoserveinourcongregationsaswellasreachouttootherparishnursesandpastors.Weallembracethe“body,mind,spirit”inournursingroll.WealldependontheHolySpirittoguideusandprepareusforthe work we are to do. The2011gatheringbrought20womenfromdifferentstates,Lutheranchurches,backgrounds.Butonenursestoodoutlikeabeaconinaworldofchaos--RaedaMansourfromChristmasLutheran-Bethlehem,Palestine,whereChristiansrepresentabout2%ofthepopulation.Sheworkswithherpastor,MitriRaheb,andjustcompletedherfifthyearasaparishnurse.TheyhaveignitedtheSpirit-ledflameofhopeandeagernessnottojustsurvivebuttocelebratelivinga
Parish Nurses Share Powerful MinistryA special report by Joyce Van Matre, RN, BS, CRRN, CDMS, CCM, the Parish Nurse at Hope Lutheran-Plant City, FL
“faith-full”dayeveryday!AndtheylovinglysharethiswiththeirMuslimneighbors,offeringhealtheducationclasses,afitnesscenterwithanindoorpool,andschoolopportunitiesopentoall children. RaedaisassistinganotherchurchinNablus,Palestine,tobeginaparishnurseprogram. Dr.MarciaSchnorr,CoordinatoroftheLCMSParishNursingProgram,hasbeenleadingthisministryformorethan20years.IthascontinuedtogrowandmakeadifferenceincongregationsallovertheU.S.andabroad. AreyouanRN,longingtoserveasamissionaryshortterm?“MercyMedicalTeams”islookingforvolunteerswithbigheartsandwillinghandstoserve.Tolearnmore,contactJacobFieneat800-248-1930,ext.1278. Hasthisbitofinformationonparishnursingpeakedyourinterest?Wanttoknowmore?Myfunctionasadistrictrepresentativeistopromote,support,andeducatepastorsand
churchesabouthealthministries/parishnursing.Pleasecontactmeat813-545-4318orRichjoy65@tampabay.rr.com
Joyce Van Matre
New Paul Maier Book Envisions Discovery of Lost New Testament Scriptures
As theWeberswork to validatetheir find, it soonbecomes clear thatthere are powerful forceswhodon’twantthecodextogopublic.Whenit’sstolen en route to America,Jon and Shannon are sweptintoadeadly race tofind themanuscript and confirm itsauthenticity before it’s lost
forever.Aside from fascinatingdetails and engrossings t o r y t e l l i n g , T h eCon s tan t i n e Codexincludes an open, r igorousdebatebetweenDr.WeberandamoderateleaderofIslamthatcould serveas anexample forreal-worldengagements. MaieristheRussellH.Seibert Professor ofAncientHistory atWesternMichigan
Lutheran Life2840 NW Boca Raton Blvd. #205Boca Raton, FL 33431-6634
NON-PROFITU.S. POSTAGE PAIDBOCA RATON, FLPERMIT NO 1928
WCanine Companion Encourages Shut-In to Attend Worship AsvisitationelderatFirstLutheran-Inverness,FL,RonFullertonmadeahabitofcallingononeofthechurch’sshut-ins,a95-year-oldwomannamedMaeWitt.ItbecameaweeklyhabittovisitwithMaeandbringherCommunion. DuringoneofthesevisitsMaebegantocryandtoldRonaboutalittledogshehadtogiveuptomoveintotheassistedlivingfacilitywhereshenowlives.ThinkingshemightenjoyavisitfromtheirpetDachshund,Gretchen,RonandhiswifeSuebroughtthedogwiththemontheirnextvisit. Maewaselated!Shewassotakenwiththelittledogthatshe
proclaimed,“IfIcansitwithGretchen,Iwanttocometochurch.” Maeisinawheelchair,sogettinghertochurchisnoeasytask.ButRonandSuefeltifshewasmotivatedtogo(shehadbeenontherollsforyears,butneverattended),theywouldmaketheefforttogetherthere. Overthenexteightmonths,
Ronpickedherup--literallyliftedherfromher chair into thecar--withGretchenintow,anddroveofftochurch.NowMaesitswithGretcheninherlap,bothsereneasrosebuds.MaehasseldommissedaSundaysinceherfirstvisitwithGretchenlastfall. GretchenisquiteaspectacleatFirstLutheran.Thechurch’ssmallcrowdofyoungpeoplelovecatchingaglimpseof“God’sDog”(printedonalittlejacketGretchenwearstochurch),asdothemore“senior”members. AccordingtoPastorThomasBeaverson,MaegetsarealsenseofGod’sloveatchurch,withoneofHiscreatedcreaturessittingquietlyinherlap.AsforBeaversonhimself,heconcludes,“WhoamItosaywhattoolGodwillusetodrawsomebodyintoHispresence?”n
Editor’s note: This story was written by Susan and Ron Fullerton’s niece Denise Marie Siino, a resident of Northern California.At left — Gretchen with Mae Witt and Ron Fullerton at First Lutheran-Inverness worship service.Above — Gretchen … God’s Dog at First-Inverness.
