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August 2016 | Volume 23 | Issue 8
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church and Academy | Davie, Florida
Principal’s Corner
Church Directory
Seminarian Spotlight
Stewardship
Bible Studies
Calendar
Birthdays and Anniversaries
Mission
LWML News
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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07
08
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HISTORIC NEW ACADEMIC YEAR FOR GLORIA DEI ACADEMY
Starting this August 15, the Gloria Dei Lutheran Academy will incorporate a Classical Lutheran Education model as prescribed by the Consortium for Classical Lutheran Education ( www.CCLE.org )Fully accredited nationally, the Gloria Dei Academy will begin the process of accreditation through the Consortium for Classical Lutheran Education.
Why a Classical Education? Wisdom, eloquence, and virtue—these are the goals, that is, the fruit, that a classical education cultivates within its students. The ancients knew that education should be about more than “basic skills” and mere competency. A good education transformed, elevated, and refined the mind and the soul.
For thousands of years, the classical arts of learning were the standard for education. These arts were timeless and proven because they focused on the timeless and proven. The Good, the True, and the Beautiful were the objects of this sort of education. Eloquent confessors and wise leaders were its results.
Our communities badly need just these sort of men and women. In an endless pursuit of the latest educational dogma, most of our schools no longer have the capacity to judge what is Good, True, and Beautiful, much less teach it. In forsaking the soul for the mind, they have forgotten how to educate both.
Classical Education is a return to excellence in teaching, curriculum, and expectations. Can you settle for anything less for your child?
Why Lutheran Education? The first “Lutheran” schools were formed for the precise purpose of offering a classical education to a broader segment of the population than had ever been offered before that time. Martin Luther and the early reformers urged the local governments to set up schools patterned after the ancient academies of the Greeks and Romans teaching the seven liberal arts of grammar, dialectic (logic), rhetoric, aesthetics (music), empirics (astronomy), mathematics, and geometry. These schools became the model for the famous German “gymnasium” and the English “public schools” that set the standard for excellence in education well into the twentieth century.
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Unfortunately, this heritage may come as a shock to many Lutherans! Many of our Lutheran schools (the Lutheran parochial school system is the second largest such school system in the United States) have forgotten this heritage or cast it aside in favor of the latest and greatest in education theory. Today, many Lutheran schools, just like so many of our public and private schools seem to presume that no educational paradigm or book that predates 1950 could possibly be relevant to education today.
But this rich heritage and tradition of classical Lutheran education has not been lost. Indeed, the CCLE is dedicated to its preservation. A handful of Lutheran schools and homeschools across the country are restoring this tradition to their classroom.
What are the Liberal Arts?
There are seven liberal arts: grammar, dialectic (logic), rhetoric, aesthetics (music), empirics (astronomy), mathematics, and geometry. The first three make up what is known as the trivium, literally the three-fold way. The remaining four make up the quadrivium. This is a natural division to make between them because the first three all emphasize the study of language and thinking. The remaining four concern some form of or are centered on mathematics.
This was the course of study for any “educated” man (or even woman) from age 7 to age 21. Upon completion, the student was ready for a more specialized graduate study. All of the liberal arts have a place in a K through 12 education today, but the trivium is central for a school that teaches classically. Grammar, logic, and rhetoric are not simply subjects as we use that term today to describe history, literature, or science. They describe a systematic approach to learning with the goals of wisdom and eloquence.
Why teach Latin?
A student with a thorough training in Latin grammar is equipped to master English and learn any foreign language, especially those derived from Latin such as Spanish and French. However, the study of Latin offers students more than language skills.
Latin also forms the mind, teaching exactness in observation, judgment, and expression. Every lesson in Latin is a lesson in grammar and logic. These skills are essential to the fast pace of our technological and ever-changing society and cultivate agile and creative minds.
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Classical and Lutheran education can be defined simply as the liberal arts with Lutheran catechesis. The liberal arts cultivate the student’s mind and character with academic rigor, formative content, and tools for learning. Lutheran catechesis addresses matters of the child’s soul through the Holy Scriptures, Lutheran confessions, Lutheran liturgy, and Lutheran hymnody. With the Seven Liberal Arts and the Small Catechism’s Six Chief Parts, classical and Lutheran education teaches for two kingdoms: an earthly kingdom and a heavenly kingdom.
Teach them, first of all, the Ten Commandments, the Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, always presenting the same words of the text, so that those who learn can repeat them after you and retain them in the memory….When those whom you are instructing have become familiar with the words of the text, it is time to teach them to understand the meaning of those words.”
Above all things, let the Scriptures be the chief and the most frequently used reading-book, both in primary and high schools, and the very young should be kept in the gospels. Martin Luther
WHAT IS CLASSICAL AND LUTHERAN EDUCATION? BY: CHERYL L. SWOPE, M.ED. ((BOARD OF DIRECTORS, CONSORTIUM FOR CLASSICAL LUTHERAN EDUCATION))
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What are the Seven Liberal Arts?
The Seven Liberal Arts include the three arts of Language (Trivium) and the four arts of Mathematics (Quadrivium). “Liberal” derives from the Latin word for “free,” as these arts were designed so free men could think about great ideas for the noble service of others. In contrast, the “servile” arts prepare a child solely for menial labor. The liberal arts enable an individual to live, to study, to think, and to serve others in any vocation.
The Arts of Language: The Trivium (3)
Grammar—all that is foundational in language
Grammar includes learning letters, reading, spelling, identifying parts of speech, writing with beautiful penmanship, crafting sentences and paragraphs, and developing a rich vocabulary. Grammar is taught by imitation – copying excellent writing of others, reading and hearing good literature, and by studying Latin. Latin teaches English grammar and English vocabulary. The disciplined study of the inherently ordered Latin language strengthens the child’s mind while giving the child an understanding of his great literary heritage. For thousands of years, Greek has also assisted in teaching the arts of language.
Logic – analysis of language
Analytical thinking, discernment, and argumentation comprise Logic. The student of Logic learns to identify false statements and illogical premises, whether in his own thinking or in the assertions of others. Logic helps to order a student’s mind and prepare him for public discourse. Taught in the child’s early years with the simple cause and effect of consequences, such as those found in Aesop’s fables and in family life, formal Logic is taught as the child’s mind matures.
Rhetoric – eloquence, beauty, and persuasion with language
Taught from the earliest years with modeling of clear speech and complete sentences, Rhetoric enables the child to write and speak with eloquence. Ancient Roman orator Quintilian urges the use of excellent speech even with very young children (Institutio Oratoria, Book One). When parents and teachers read great literature aloud, they bring beautiful examples of language to their children. As the child masters the foundational and analytical elements of language, instruction in formal Rhetoric becomes part of his classical curriculum.
The three Arts of Language enable the child to master language for the very Lutheran purpose of service to his neighbor in love.
The Arts of Mathematics—The Quadrivium (4)
Sometimes neglected in today’s applications of classical education, the Quadrivium seeks to strengthen the child’s mind and cultivate in him an appreciation for the patterns and order of the world in which he lives. In the Quadrivium, as with the Trivium, the teacher’s purpose is to incline the child toward that which is significantly Good, True, and Beautiful.
This approach to the Mathematical Arts contrasts with the commonly heard, starkly utilitarian question, “If I will never use this in my daily life and if I will not need this to ‘get a job,’ why must I learn it at all?” Instead, the Quadrivium teaches foundational content with a formative impact on the student himself. The Mathematical Arts – far more than isolated bits of knowledge – command an historically strong presence in the classical curriculum as follows:
Arithmetic – number
Music Theory – number in time
Geometry – number in space
Astronomy – number in space and time
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What Are the Six Chief Parts?
Martin Luther in his Small Catechism divides the teaching of the historic Christian faith into Six Chief Parts:
The Ten Commandments
The Apostles’ Creed
The Lord’s Prayer
The Sacrament of Holy Baptism
Confession
The Sacrament of the Altar
As the child learns each part with explanation, he learns statements of the Lutheran faith.
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PRINCIPAL’S CORNER Last night when I got home from school I settled out by the pool with my kindle to read and give the dog time to stretch her legs in the backyard. After awhile my husband called out from inside the house wanting to know where the dog was. I set aside my reading and walked around to the side of the house. The gate was open, and Poochie was standing just outside seemingly asking, “What took you so long?” I laughed, called her back into the yard, and shut the gate. Had I started by checking the gate when I first went out, things would have been much simpler, and Barry would not have been worried.
At the Academy right now, we are preparing for the school year to hopefully avoid worry and complications. The handbook has been reviewed. Staff has been trained in the school crisis management plan and has renewed CPR/first aid training. Curriculum has been checked and re-checked. Schedules have been established. Classrooms are being set up. We are eagerly anticipating the first day of school and the arrival of students.
Philippians 3:20 reminds us, “We eagerly await a Savior . . . the Lord Jesus Christ.” As we prepare for the arrival of students, we remember that we also prepare for the arrival of Jesus. He is the reason we are here. He is the one we share in all we do and say. He is the one who blesses our efforts in His grace and mercy. He is the one who is with us in all things. We look forward to the time when we will see Him face to face, and we share that eagerness with our students and their families.
As you prepare for the coming school year, keep in mind the most important way to avoid worry and complications. Keep your eyes on Jesus, the Savior we eagerly await.
Sharon Vonada Interim Principal, Academy
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By donating just $80.00, a sponsored child will receive a backpack and food to take home with them every weekend for an entire year. These children are not far away; they are right here in our community at Davie Elementary. And, Yes! You can sponsor more than one child!
Interested? Make checks payable to “Gloria Dei” and designate “Blessings in a Backpack” in the memo section of the check. Checks can be placed in the donation box in the Narthex or in the offering plate. Need more information? Contact JoAnn Schweiger (954) 600-9150
Gloria Dei is collecting school supplies for children whose families may not be able to afford all the things on their supply list for the upcoming school year. With all the “Back to School” sales going on it should be easy to purchase several items for just a few dollars. The suggested list is below and a collection box is in the narthex. The collected School supplies will be donated to families with children at Gloria Dei Academy as well as Davie Elementary.
HIGHLIGHTERS
INDEX CARDS
RULERS
WASHABLE MARKERS
CONSTRUCTION PAPER
BACKPACKS (NON-ROLLING)
DRY ERASE MARKERS
DRY ERASE ERASERS
HAND SANITIZER
COLORED PENCILS
24 COUNT BOX OF CRAYONS
STUDENT SIZE SCISSORS
MARBLE COMPOSITION BOOKS
#2 PENCILS
PENCIL SHARPENERS & ERAS-ERS
WIDE RULED NOTEBOOK PAPER
POCKET FOLDERS
BOXES OF TISSUE
GLUE BOTTLES, GLUE STICKS
PLASTIC PENCIL BOXES
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On May 26th, we had an Ice Cream Social – with toppings! – with families who
wanted to learn more about AHG. While parents cha ed, the girls: learned how to
fold American flags, made Thank You cards for our local Fire Fighters, played an AHG
memory game, and learned how to set up a tent.
A er a quiet summer, we held our annual planning mee ng on July 21st. We
developed our calendar for the year and filled some of the leadership posi ons with
volunteers. Star ng September 1st, we will be mee ng on the first and third
Thursdays. We will also have some sort of a fun Troop Ac vity or Service Project
each month. Some of the planned ac vi es are: hiking at Tree Tops Park, Camping
at Markham Park, a Waterways Clean‐up, and a Daddy‐Daughter Dance! We will
also be helping with Blessings in a Backpack.
The troop will par cipate in a couple of parades throughout the year and we’ll
let you know about those so you can come out and show your support!
We are looking forward to a wonderful and exci ng year of faith, service, and
fun and we thank you for all of your support.
Please spread the word about your troop. If anyone is interested in more informa on, they can contact Jim or Debbie MacGregor at 785‐207‐3796 or send an email to [email protected] or email Darla Schulte at [email protected].
The Blessing of the Prayer Shawls at the 10:45am Divine Service on Sunday, July 24, 2016
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Connecting our Families with a new Family
Directory! We are creating a new directory! This project will require some volunteer effort. If you would be willing to learn more about this exciting project, please contact the church office, 954-475-0683 or [email protected]
YES! I would be willing to learn more about: Publicizing our directory event. Contacting our families Helping with portrait appointment sign ups Greeting our families during photography
The dates for pictures will be October 12-15, 2016
To schedule your portrait appointment please go to the following website:
https://www.securedata-trans14.com/ap/gloriadeilutheranchurch4/index.php?page=10
You may also make an appointment after each service or by contacting the church office at 954-475-0683 or [email protected]
Each family photographed will receive a free 8x10 portrait and church directory.
SEMINARIAN SPOTLIGHT: THE BLANKEN FAMILY
To my Brothers and Sisters in Jesus Christ,
Grace, mercy, and peace to you from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
It is with joy that I am writing to you, now that we are finally approaching the end of Summer Greek. The toiling has not been in vain, and the labor is almost finished. This next week will be translating 1 John (Chapters 1-3) which is the prelude to our final exam. I look forward to finally getting my hands on the text and actually practicing exegesis.
Besides Greek, I have now received my schedule for the next year. The following are the classes that I will be taking this upcoming fall:
Gospels 1 – Prof. David Scaer, Prof. Charles Gieschen, Prof. William Weinrich
Field Education 1 – Prof. John Pless
Liturgics 1 – Prof. Paul Grime
Dogmatics 1 – Prof. Roland Ziegler
Bibliography & Technology – Rev. Robert Roethemeyer
New Testament Greek Readings – Prof. Charles Gieschen
Of all the classes that have been assigned to me, I am most excited for Gospels 1 and New Testament Greek Readings. This is simply for the fact that I will finally be applying the skills that I have learned over the past weeks. Up to this point, we have not been able to see the forest for the trees (per se), but now the skills will finally be helpful in the big picture.
As for Annie, she begins teaching at St. Paul’s on August 16th, with meetings the week before school starts. She’ll be teaching part-time 4th Grade (Science, Math, Handwriting, and Spelling), 1st Grade P.E., and part-time teacher aiding for the elementary grades. Everyone at the school and church have made us feel welcome.
We were thrilled to share our latest baby news with you in a special video message. Evelyn Natalie Blanken has brought us such joy already from the womb. Annie can feel her moving, and we can see her kicking from the outside now, which is amazing. Both Annie and baby Evelyn continue to be healthy, and we thank God for that blessing.
As always, we miss you all. We are still hoping to see you at Christmas if possible. Everything will depend on when the Lord has ordained for Evelyn to be born. I am constantly thinking of you and am praying for your needs which are fulfilled in Christ.
May God bless you always, Alex & Annie
Please keep Alex and Annie Blanken in your prayers as Alex begins classes at Concordia Theological Seminary. Their new address is: 5609 Old Dover, Apt. 6, Ft. Wayne, IN 46835
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“Thanks be to God for His inexpressible gift” (2 Cor. 9:15)! This is St. Paul’s exclamation upon hearing the Corinthian church’s response to the preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and his request for support for the Church in Jerusalem. The Christians in Corinth heard and received God’s mercy in Christ, and they responded to St. Paul’s call to support Christians in Jerusalem with a collection. The Corinthian’s joy filled Jerusalem’s need.
This is the reality of stewardship. Because of God’s generosity in the giving of His Son to die on the cross for us, we are to be generous with all that we receive from Him. What do we receive? Everything. All that we are and all that we have is the Lord’s. He is the creator and the giver. We are His creatures and those who receive what He gives.
It sounds easy. And it is. But then again it isn’t. Stewardship is easy because it God’s work. Through what God gives, we give to others. Through what God gives, we support the work of the church for the life of the world. He gives; we receive. And like our generous Father in Heaven, we, as His children, use what He gives to us to love and serve others.
But stewardship is also difficult. That is because it goes against our natural inclination to think that what I have is mine to do what I want with. This is our sinful nature. It is our selfishness and our greed. How can we who have been given everything—life, food, clothing, house, home, forgiveness, divine sonship, an eternal inheritance—be so stingy with what we give to the church, the place where we hear about and receive all that God gives us and does for us? We are all guilty of this kind of thinking. And the only godly response is to repent and trust in the Gospel.
For if God has given you His own Son, will He not give you all things? Yes. He will. This is His sure and certain promise. God provides for His people. He provides everything we need for this body and life and for the life that is to come.
The church is a mercy place. It’s a place where God’s mercy in the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ, is given and received. For we who believe in Christ, it means forgiveness, life, and salvation in the face of sin, death, and the power of the devil. Here in the church we inhale God’s mercy in Word and Sacrament, and exhale this same mercy in love and service to our neighbor. And that is an enduring, joyful thing to do. Our joy fills our neighbor’s need because His joy filled ours (Heb. 12:2). Thanks be to God for His inexpressible gift!
LCMS Stewardship Ministry http://www.lcms.org/stewardship
WORD ON STEWARDSHIP
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If you are grieving the loss of a friend or family member, you are facing many deep emotions. It may be difficult to untangle them all. Here are some basic suggestions on ways to face grief from a healthy outlook. Understand that each circumstance is different and each person will approach grief from a unique and personal perspective. Even with this in mind, we think you will find these suggestions helpful.
Acknowledge and understand your own grief.
Allow your grief to be recognized by others.
Feel free to grieve in your own unique way.
Tell your story to others (the honest account of your loss).
Learn life’s lessons through your loss (becoming more humane, compassionate).
Commit to the journey, long or short, that leads back to the point where you can live with optimism and hope.
Share the comfort you have received with others in need.
Trust God and cling to Him. Bring all your questions and feelings honestly to Him.
Grief recovery is not simply feeling better. It is the ability to find joy in life again. It is to treasure the memory of loved ones, to miss them, and to live better because of the time in your life that you spent with them.
Grief is not an enemy or a sign of weakness. It is a sign of being human. It is the cost of loving someone. It is inevitable that during such a loss we would be deeply impacted, shocked, or wounded by it. Grief is the manner or process in which we work through this loss.
There is a goal in the grieving process. The emotions are seeking to reorganize themselves to cope with the loss and to reestablish healthy relationships.
GRIEFSHARE
HEALTHY GRIEVING
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BIBLE STUDIES
Please join the women of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary
League
1st and 3rd Saturdays at 9 a.m.—11 a.m
for Breakfast/Bible study We will meet in the chapel.
All women are invited!
Joyful Hearts Women’s Bible Study Meets on Wednesday
9:30 a.m. in the chapel.
All women are welcome!
PASTOR POULOS LEADS THE FOLLOWING BIBLE STUDIES
Sunday mornings, 9:30 a.m. "Bible Foundations!" Why we believe what we believe!
Wednesday Nights, 8:00 p.m. - 8:45 p.m. "Christianity 102:”
The Lutheran Difference
Monday Night Bible Study meets each Monday in the chapel at 7 p.m.
They are studying “A Longer Look at the Lessons”
Delve deeper into each week's three Scripture readings with “A Longer Look at the Lessons.” This Bible study is based on the lectionary in the Lutheran Service Book, and provides information about the readings and their contexts.
For more information please contact Elaine Carstens 954-587-8394
Men’s Breakfast and Bible Study Every Saturday 8 a.m.in the Fellowship Hall, Followed by Bible Study in Room 32 Hot Breakfast $4.00 For more info contact Bruce Caruso at 954-962-4186
Augus t 2016Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2 2pm-Prayer Shawal
3 9:30am-Joyful Hearts—Women’s Bible Study 10:30am-4pm Thrift Shop Open
4 5 6 8am-Men’s Breakfast & Bible Study 9am LWML Breakfast & Bible Study 9:30am-1:30pm Thrift Shop Open
78am-Divine Service 9:30am-Sunday School 10:45am-Divine Service
8 9:30am-1:30pm Thrift Shop Open 7pm-”A Longer Look at the Lessons” Bible Study
9 10 9:30am-Joyful Hearts—Women’s Bible Study 10:30am-4pm Thrift Shop Open 7pm Divine Service 8pm-Christianity 102
11 7pm Gloria Dei Academy Parent Orientation
12 13 8am-Men’s Breakfast & Bible Study 9:30am-1:30pm Thrift Shop Open
14 Academy Sunday 8am-Divine Service 9:30am-Sunday School 10:45am-Divine Service
15 First Day of School– Gloria Dei Kind.—6th Gd. 9:30am-1:30pm Thrift Shop Open 6:30pm-School Board Meeting 7pm-”A Longer Look at the
166:30pm-Church Council
17 9:30am-Joyful Hearts—Women’s Bible Study 10:30am-4pm Thrift Shop Open 7pm Divine Service 8pm-Christianity 102
18 19 20 8am-Men’s Breakfast & Bible Study 9am LWML Breakfast & Bible Study 9:30am-1:30pm Thrift Shop Open
218am-Divine Service 9:30am-Sunday School 10:45am-Divine Service
22 First Day of School- Gloria Dei Early Childhood 9:30am-1:30pm Thrift Shop Open 7pm-”A Longer Look at the Lessons” Bible Study
23 24 9:30am-Joyful Hearts—Women’s Bible Study 10:30am-4pm Thrift Shop Open 7pm Divine Service 8pm-Christianity 102
25 26 27 8am-Men’s Breakfast & Bible Study 9:30am-1:30pm Thrift Shop Open
28 8am-Divine Service 9:30am-Sunday School 10:45am-Divine Service
29 9:30am-1:30pm Thrift Shop Open 7pm-”A Longer Look at the Lessons” Bible Study
30 31 9:30am-Joyful Hearts—Women’s Bible Study 10:30am-4pm Thrift Shop Open 7pm Divine Service 8pm-Christianity 102
BIRTHDAYS August / September 2016
*Noah Lehman 8/5
Gary Von Alven 8/5
Ava Schumas 8/6
Adeline Uriano 8/6
Lisa Cameron 8/9
Melanie Grimmett 8/11
Ethan Josephs 8/11
Nicholas Starkie 8/11
Barbara Reitsma 8/12
Debbie Dell 8/13
*Lena Preus 8/13
Fran Fletcher 8/16
John Woodrum 8/18
Kelly Watkins 8/18
Casey Gifford 8/19
Wil Gifford 8/19
Alison Rubin 8/21
Millie Paterson 8/22
Alex Harbar, III 8/24
Peggy Janzer 8/24
Eleanor Steinberg-Ryan 8/24
Adoline Northrup 8/24
Bob Brave 8/26
Robert Travers 8/26
Emilie Malinowski 8/27
Max Elam 8/27
Charlotte Sessa 8/28
Karem Munsey 8/28
Ronald Cusumano 8/29
Jacqueline Bernhardt 8/30
Casey Larsen 8/30
Steve Cochell 9/1
Rob MacGregor 9/1
Gary Paynter 9/1
Aletha Scirrotto 9/1
Ashlynn McLeod 9/2
Elaine Carstens 9/3
John Heckman 9/4
Cheryl Walters 9/4
Jim Upson 9/5
Kathy Woodrum 9/7
Celeste Estrada 9/8
James Gilchrist 9/8
Samuel Kern 9/9
Jay Nelson 9/9
Doris Roberts 9/11
Jason Schulte 9/11
Wilma Bishop 9/12
Vita Celi 9/12
Brock Kern 9/12
Marcia Gomulka 9/13
Darla Schulte 9/13
Bob Hauck 9/14
Meta Hollingsworth 9/14
Chris Marhenke 9/14
*Missionary Family
ANNIVERSARIES August / September 2016
Gary and Pat Von Alven 08/04
Bob and Lori Hines 08/04
Decker and Joan Lee 08/07
Ronald and Jennifer Cusumano 08/10
Sam and Donna Croup 08/12
Robert and Elsie Kohler 08/13
Ken and Nancy Hughes 08/14
Harry and Anne Pope 08/15
Stanley and Karen Stenzel-Nowicki 08/15
Ainsworth and Millicent Patterson 08/19
Michel and Cindy Conner 09/03
*Missionary Family
AU
GU
ST2016
1. for safe travels and a smooth tran-sition for the Hoff family, new careermissionaries to Prague.
2. for language acquisition for the Hoff family so that the Rev. Clint Hoff may begin the work of caring for the English-language congregation at St. Michael’s and assisting in planting Czech Lutheran churches.
3. that the Lord would bless the work of Globally Engaged in Outreach (GEO) missionary Gabriel Fickenscher as she teaches English to Czech Lutheran clergy. By learning English,clergy are able to take advantageof more theological educationopportunities.
4. that the Lord would open doors to schools and congregations around Prague so that LCMS missionaries might use English as a way to proclaim the Gospel to more people.
5. for Benjamin Helge, who will transition to a career missionary and oversee the work of GEO missionaries in the region. Ask God to grant himwisdom and strength as he cares forthe GEOs and plans opportunitiesfor sharing the Gospel.
6. for GEO missionaries Sean Bakerand Freeman and Susan Rohlfing. Theyare joining Benjamin in the workthat he is doing in Havířov-Šumbark,Czech Republic, in conjunction withthe Silesian Evangelical Church of theAugsburg Confession (SECAC).
7. that the relationship between the LCMS and the SECAC may continue to grow so that our two church bodies can better work together to proclaim the Gospel.
8. for the Rev. James Krikava, regional director for Eurasia, that Godwould grant him strength, healthand wisdom as he plans the overallstrategy for proclaiming the Gospelin this part of the world.
9. for the Rev. Rex and Linda Rinne, as they serve missionaries throughout the region. Rex is the pastoral carefacilitator for the region, and Lindahelps to care for the wives and chil-dren of missionaries.
10. for the new church plant in Havířov-Šumbark, that people wouldbe brought to faith and the Churchwould grow.
11. for the Rev. Craig and Paula Donofrio, that they may transition toPrague safely and show an aptitudefor learning the Czech language.Craig will be serving as communica-tions director for the region, as wellas filling in where needed with Wordand Sacrament ministry.
12. for Richard Sovitzky, business manager for Eurasia, that God wouldgrant him endurance and wisdom ashe stewards the resources grantedto this region.
13. for the English-speaking congregation of St. Michael’s in Prague, that they would bestrengthened through Word andSacrament ministry.
14. for the families of all mission-aries serving in the Czech Republic,that they would be strengthenedas they face a new culture anddifferent customs.
15. that all missionaries in the region would have safe travels as they head to Wittenberg, Germany, for their regional team meeting. Thisgathering is a time of professionaldevelopment, corporate worshipand strategic planning.
Pray For Us CalendarThese prayer requests were submitted by coworkers in the Lord’s mission. Congregations and individuals are invited to copy these pages for newsletters or other distribution. Download at lcms.org/prayforus or call 888-843-5267 to request a copy.
Remember God’s work in the Czech Republic as you pray:
CZECH REPUBLIC — AUGUST 1–15 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) began its relationship with Lutherans in the Czech Republic in 1992. Over the years, the LCMS has given grants, sent short-term teams and provided missionaries to share the Gospel and participate in various outreach ministries.
INVOLVEMENT IDEAS• Visit lcms.org/missionarysupportand search for “Germany” or the “Czech Republic” to learn about and support the LCMS missionaries currently servingin those countries.
• The LCMS and the SelbständigeEvangelisch-Lutherische Kirche are partnering to minister to the Middle Eastern asylum-seekers flooding into Europe. Visit blogs.lcms.org/2015/synod-walks-with-german-partner to read a Reporter article about this life-changing work.
• Learn more about work in these twocountries at lcms.org/germany and lcms.org/czechrepublic.
The Rev. Craig and Paula Donofrio will live in Prague, where Craig will serve as communications director for the Eurasia region.
PHOTOS: LCMS COMMUNICATIONS/ERIK M. LUNSFORD
16. for wisdom and guidance as the missionaries meet during the regional team meeting in Wittenberg, Germany, to plan the work of proclaiming the Gospel throughout the region.
17. with thanksgiving that DOX-OLOGY sent one of its fellows for the missionaries’ professional develop-ment and spiritual health. Ask the Lord to bless their time with the Rev. Mark Barz, who will be serving as retreat chaplain.
18. for the children of the missionaries. As they participate in vacation Bible school during the team meeting, pray that they would build friendships and find strength in one another.
19. with thanksgiving for the use of the Old Latin School’s beautiful chapel, and for many opportunities to worship together during the team meeting.
20. for our German partner church body, the SELK, that its leaders would be given wisdom and guidance as they seek to serve the migrants and refugees in their midst and proclaim the Gospel to them.
21. for the Rev. Jordan Tomesch, who was recently called from the seminary to serve as a missionary to migrants in Germany. Pray for him as he learns Farsi and Arabic.
22. that Jordan’s support raising would go swiftly, and that the Lord would prepare the hearts of those he will serve.
23. for the work of the Rev. Dr. Christopher Ahlman, as he travels around the region as a theological educator, that his work would help to strengthen partner church clergy and laity.
24. for all LCMS families stationed at military bases in Germany, especially those without an LCMS chaplain, that they would be strengthened through the Word and Sacraments provided by Christopher as he travels to bases.
25. for the work of Trinity LutheranChurch in Frankfurt-am-Main, Germany, which serves the English-speaking expatriates there with Word and Sacrament and equips them go into the world with the saving message of the Gospel as they move for work- related reasons.
26. for the Rev. Dr. Wayne Braun, pastor of Trinity, and his wife, Linda, that they would be equipped to meet any challenges to their work.
27. for Kendra McNatt, director of Christian education at Trinity, that she would be strengthened for her work with the “third-culture kids” of the congregation.
28. that the children and youth of Trinity would be upheld by the Gospel as they face many unbelieving peers.
29. that all Christian refugees and converts to Christianity living in asylum homes in Germany would be kept safe from persecution at the hands of Muslim refugees.
30. for Kristin Lange, managing director of the International Lutheran Society of Wittenberg, that she would have many opportunities to share the true message of the Reformation with Wittenberg residents and visitors from all over the world.
31. for the Rev. David and Lois Mahsman, as their service comes to a close. Give thanks for their years of service, and pray for their transition back to the United States.
AU
GU
ST2016
MISSIONARY & PERSONNEL BIRTHDAYSDownload the prayer cards of missionaries and other personnel from lcms.org/prayercards.
Aug. 2 Steven Nurre, Asia;Beth Ritzman, Papua New Guinea
Aug. 3 Roger James, Sri Lanka
Aug. 4 Britt (Anderson) Odemba, Kenya
Aug. 6 Michael Kersten, Hong Kong
Aug. 7 Gary Schulte, Togo
Aug. 8 Richard Schuller, Puerto Rico
Aug. 9 Joyce Erber, Ghana
Aug. 10 Susan Frerking, Southeast Asia
Aug. 11 Cynthia Schumacher, Ghana
Aug. 13 Rachel Powell, Dominican Republic
Aug. 14 Elizabeth Ahlman, Germany
Aug. 15 Edmund Auger, Latin America;Rebekah House, Asia;Mark Rabe, Ethiopia
Aug. 16 David Mahsman, Germany;Kelsey Schlund, Mexico
Aug. 17 Jen-Yi Paul, Taiwan
Aug. 18 Julia Lutz, Papua New Guinea;Steven Winkelman, Asia
Aug. 20 Jonathan Clausing, Kenya
Aug. 21 Dee Dee Wasmund, South Korea
Aug. 22 Robin Wildauer, Togo
Aug. 26 Patrick Frerking, Southeast Asia
Aug. 27 Sean Baker, Slovakia;Maggie Oliver, Taiwan;Elizabeth Warren, Dominican Republic
Aug. 28 Douglas Thompson, Ghana
Aug. 29 Michael Ritzman, Papua New Guinea
MILITARY CHAPLAINS WITH BIRTHDAYS IN AUGUST: Chaplain Timothy Oswald, Norfolk, Va.; Chaplain Glen Wurdeman, Fort Carson, Colo.; Chaplain Aaron Bell, Gulfport, Miss.; Chaplain Gregory Todd, Washington, D.C.
Remember God’s work in Germany as you pray:
GERMANY — AUGUST 16–31 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) began working with the Selbständige Evangelisch-Lutherische Kirche (SELK), our partner church in Germany, in 1972. The two church bodies regularly work together to share the Gospel and bear Christ’s mercy to the least of these.
The Rev. David Mahsman serves as crucifer in the Festival Dedication Service before the dedication of the International Lutheran Center at the Old Latin School on May 3, 2015, in Wittenberg, Germany.
16
Dear Family of Gloria Dei,
We are happy to announce the birth of Andreas Robert Preus, born July 25, 2016 at 12:54am. He was baptized on Sunday, July 31, 2016. Weighing in at 8lbs. 5oz., 21 in., he is a healthy little boy and is getting lots of attention from his older siblings.
As far as our departure plans are concerned, the paperwork process is moving along smoothly. We are currently waiting for the baby's passport, which should arrive within the next two weeks. After that, we will apply for his dependent visa, and then will be all set to relocate to the Dominican Republic! If all continues without delay we anticipate a late September departure.
We are so thankful to finally have Andreas here - mother and baby healthy and well - so we can get on with our mission work in Latin America. Thank you for your continued prayers and support. We appreciate it more than we can say!
In Christ,
Pastor David and Jenny Preus and Hans, Rebekah, Rolf, Lena, Søren, Leif, and Andreas
www.lcms.org/preusThe Latest on Zika...
While the Center for Disease
Control (CDC) will give you
up-to-date and accurate infor-
mation regarding Zika in gen-
eral, it will also keep close tabs
on trends in the United States.
The World Health Organiza-
tion (WHO) will give you
much of the same information,
but it will concentrate on the
entire international scene as it
works closely with the United
Nations to develop and mass
produce (God willing) a vac-
cine against Zika. Here is a
helpful website:
http://www.who.int/
mediacentre/factsheets/zika/en/
Meanwhile, the LCMS Office
of International Mission is
completely on top of the epi-
demic. You may access an offi-
cial letter to missionaries here:
http://www.lcms.org/
missionaries
As you can imagine, we’ve
been following the develop-
ments on the Zika epidemic. If
you, too, are looking for the
latest, I recommend the fol-
lowing website: https://
www.cdc.gov/zika/
¡Feliz Día de la Independencia! Dear friends, welcome to our June/July newsletter! St. Louis has been hot and humid.
Very hot. Very humid. I’m trying not to notice it too much, though, since we will soon be
living in a semi-tropical region. Besides, it couldn’t be much hotter than St. Louis, right? I
certainly hope that all of you are having a nice and peaceful summer. May God grant you
peace and quiet, safe travels visiting family, and true rest in God’s Word! We invite you
to continue following our journey!
“Citizens of Heaven” It is strange to think that my family and I will be expatriates. That word sounds too much
like “ex-patriot,” which we will never be. We will always be proud to be Americans. And
yet the same Word of God applies to us there as here. God has established all earthly au-
thority to reward those who live peaceably and punish those who do evil. Romans 13:1
says: “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority ex-
cept from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.” Yes, there are many
freedoms I will miss. And yet, call it
irony or a distinct blessing from God,
the invitation stands for us Lutheran
missionaries to teach courses on the
life of Christ at the local public ele-
mentary school in Palmar Arriba.
Imagine that! As we are losing reli-
gious liberties here in America, oppor-
tunities abound overseas. But don’t put
too much stock in (lack of) religious
liberty. No government, no matter how
good or bad, can give us the true free-
dom of gospel, by which the Holy
Spirit assures us that for Jesus’ sake
our debts have been paid, and we have
a home with our Father in heaven. Peace of conscience comes from having sins forgiven.
Our conscience is free for as long as we are members of Christ’s Church.
Such freedom is not protected by laws and SCOTUS rulings. Jesus says
in John, chapter 19, “My kingdom is not of this world.” And St. Paul
says: “Our citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20). We have reason
to be optimistic! What a privilege it is to share our Christian freedom
with fellow citizens in the Dominican Republic!
~Mission and Mercy~ The Preus Family in the Dominican Republic
In our June 2015 Gloria Dei Congregational meeting, we formally adopted the Rev. David Preus family as our missionaries to the Dominican Republic.
Reflections from home...by Jennifer We are starting to prepare for our departure again, even as we excitedly anticipate the
birth of baby #7. The countdown is on again with baby’s mid-July due date fast ap-
proaching and soon after, God-willing, our departure to Christ’s mission field in the Do-
minican Republic! Our plan is that once baby is born, we will immediately begin the
paperwork process including acquiring (apostilled) birth certificate, passport, and finally
his visa, after which we can book our flight to Santiago. Barring any unforeseen US and
DR government consulate delays, this should take about two months from his birth date.
In the meantime, we are all doing well. The
kids are busy with summer activities—still
some light homeschooling along with VBS,
swimming lessons, and extended playing hours
with the longer summer days. David is working
diligently pounding out pages of his disserta-
tion—making steady progress to be sure. Jenny
is maintaining the home-front and beginning to
sort and pack again for the move. That
“nesting” phase of preparing for baby has been
unique this time around since our family will
be making its first international move so soon
after his birth. And so we wait patiently, we pray, and we prepare as best we can for the
many changes ahead, ever confident that
our welfare is in the loving hands of our
Heavenly Father who knows our physical,
mental, and spiritual needs better than we
do!
One blessing about living at missionary
housing for this long is that we have been
able to meet many other missionary fami-
lies who are passing through during their
home visits, orientation, or support-
raising period. It is very encouraging to
meet so many other pastors and families
who will be bringing the good news of
Jesus, our Savior, to people all over the
world. I am so looking forward to getting
settled in our new home and church!
Prayer Requests
Give thanks for the work
that is already being done in
the Dominican Republic by the
grace of God.
Pray for the pastors, deacon-
esses, and the entire missionary
team currently working in the
Dominican Republic, along
with their families.
Pray for the Preuses as they
await their departure to the
Dominican Republic, and espe-
cially for Jenny and the baby.
Pray for mission and mercy
to abound in the Dominican
Republic and throughout the
world.
Support Our Work
Share this Newsletter with
friends and family.
https://www.facebook.com/
Preus.Dominican and check out the Latin American
facebook page at:
https://www.facebook.com/
LCMSLAC
Support our mission work
financially. (See bottom right.)
¡Vaya con Dios! Go with God! Thank you for your continued prayers and support. We hope you enjoy
your summer, and we ask you to stay with your missionary family as we get closer to our
departure the Dominican Republic!
In Christ’s love,
Rev. David Preus
To support our work financially, you may send a tax-deductible gift to:
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
P.O. Box 66861
St. Louis, MO 63166-6861
Make checks payable to The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod or LCMS. Include
“Preus-Dominican” in the memo line. Gifts can also be given securely online through
the LCMS website at www.lcms.org/preus.
An update from your missionaries serving
our Lord in Spain
Lehman Family Newsletter
Well, things have been very busy for us
over the last couple of months! Thanks be to God! The Lord continues to bless our
family and the Iglesia Evangélica
Luterana Española (IELE) (the
Evangelical Lutheran Church of Spain)
with His immeasurable blessings!
We met as a church body in the first week
of June for our annual Foro (A yearly
meeting of the members and supporters of
IELE). This was a truly wonderful
meeting, and I am very encouraged about
the future here in Spain!
As for an update on the family…the kids
have made it to summer vacation! They
worked very hard during the school year, and Christine and I could not be more
proud of how far they have come with the
Spanish language, adjusting to a new
place, making friends, and being examples
of the church in their community. It hasn’t
always been easy or smooth, but they have
really hit their stride!
The kids have also become huge fans of, as
we now call it, football. They were quite
disappointed when Spain got knocked out
of the Euro 2016 soccer tournament, but
A picture from the Foro in Madrid.
Jonah with his inseparable friend
and classmate, Felix.
In our June 2015 Gloria Dei Congregational meeting, we formally adopted the Rev. Adam Lehman family as our missionaries to Spain.
How to Contact
and Support
Pastor Lehman Blog:
www.staticadventures.wordpress.
com
Follow on Facebook:
Like the page
“To Spain, With the Lehman
Family”
Email:
Giving Page:
www.lcms.org/lehman
You may support my work with a
tax-deductible gift on my Giving
Page (listed above), or with a
check payable to “The Lutheran
Church—Missouri Synod.” Be sure
to include “Lehman-Spain” on the
memo line, and send to:
Mission Central,
40718 Highway E-16
Mapleton, Iowa, 51034
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To have your name added or
removed from the newsletter
mailing list, simply send an email to [email protected]
and include either “ADD” or
“REMOVE” in the subject line.
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they have certainly acquired a love and
appreciation for “the beautiful game,” which is
an extremely important thing for children
growing up here in Spain!
All in all things are going very well for us. We
would like to thank you for your continued
interest in our family and our mission here in
Spain, and for taking the time to read this
newsletter. Between newsletters I will be
posting quick updates and pictures on our
blog and on our Facebook page. Thank you for
all of the support. We could not be here
proclaiming the good news of Jesus without you!
Prayer Requests Please continue to keep me and my family in
your prayers. It is truly a great blessing to
know that you are praying for us. And please
know that we pray for you every day.
Please also continue to keep our friends and
fellow missionaries Pastor David and Shelee
Warner in your prayers.
Please pray for your brothers and sisters of the
Iglesia Evangélica Luterana España. They
are encouraged to know that the unity of the
church, and her prayers, extend beyond borders and oceans!
Please pray for pastors and seminarians here
in Spain, that the Lord would use them to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ
crucified for the forgiveness of sins, without
fear or hesitation. That the Word would go out
boldly, and that the Holy Spirit would work
through that Word to create faith in many.
I pray that the Lord will bless and keep you as
well. Thank you for your continued love and
support. What a blessing you are. The peace of
Christ be with you.
Your servant in Christ,
Pastor Adam Lehman
21
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML)
The Florida-Georgia District Convention Registration is now open! CONVENTION DATES
September 30—October 2, 2016
HOTEL PGA Na onal Resort and Spa,
400 Avenue of the Champions, Palm Beach Gardens, FL
ROOM RATES $120 per night for up to 4 people; other rates depend on the view.
Junior Suites are $180 and 2 Bedroom
The registra on informa on is in the summer Evangel (www.flgalwml.com).There are also copies are available on the purple table in the hallway.
Registra on (post marked by August 15) $180.00 Late Registra on (post marked by August 30) $205.00
We need you!If you would like to volunteer to help hostess, set things
up and/or take things down and to be the face of the LWML from the Gold Coast Zone at the convention then
please see the sign up sheet for each day of the convention on the bulletin board above the purple table,
or contact Gayle Caruso at 954-815-6117 or [email protected].
DISTRICT CONVENTION GIFTS FROM THE HEART
We will be collecting the items below to take with us to the district convention in September. All collected items can be
put in the box by the purple table in the hallway. Thank you for your support of the L.W.M.L.!
First Care Women’s Clinic Baby Closet – Wish List (New items only please)
Onesies (Newborn through 12 months)
Infant gowns Socks and booties Diapers, diapers,
diapers!! (Sizes newborn, 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5)
Wipes to go with the diapers!
Formula Bibs
Sleepers Bottles
Pacifiers
Nail Care Sets Hooded Towels
Diaper rash ointment Diaper Bags
Clothing through 24 months Waterproof
changing pads Receiving blankets
Crib sheets Baby Wash
Lotion Powder
Shampoo Infant toys and books
23
YOUR COMPREHENSIVE SOURCE FOR NEWS, INFORMATION & TRUTH...Issues, Etc. is a radio talk show hosted by LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken and produced by Lutheran Public Radio in Collinsville, IL. You can listen to what you want when you want at www.issuesetc.org and on the new Lutheran Public Radio mobile app.
www.LutheranPublicRadio.org
www.worldvieweverlasting.com
www.whatdoesthismean.org
The owners of these businesses and professional services provide this monthly
newsletter at no cost to Gloria Dei families.
Please contact them and make use of their services or products.
7601 SW 39th St. Davie, Florida 33328
