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From the president

By Rev. Ken Hennings President, LCMS Texas District

God has bless-ed the LCMS Texas Dis-

trict and its focus on reaching the many people in Texas with the Gospel. He has raised up several mission networks associated with the Texas District that engage in different mission activities. LINC Houston is one of those mission partners working in the Houston area and in other places of the United States.LINC Houston is involved in:→ planting new Word and

Sacrament ministries,→ mercy activities, → connections within Houston

communities, and → training. Each could be a story all by itself, but you can find out more about this mission partner by going to linchouston.org. In this article, I want to share a little about their training efforts so that you can un-derstand how God is using them to reach out with the Good News.Many immigrants coming to Hous-ton are looking for training in the Christian faith — even theological training. LINC Houston offers dif-

ferent levels of training to address these needs.The first level is disciple-ship training, when peo-ple learn more about faith in Jesus and how to share this faith with others. The courses provide oppor-tunities for people to put into practice what they are learning. LINC Hous-ton believes that the Holy Spirit will lead these stu-dents to incorporate their expanded understanding into their own lives — and the lives of the people they connect with through mercy activities.Another level consists of engaging in deeper theological training in hopes of raising up leaders to start a small-group ministry or a number of small groups. These might be for Bible study or to provide care for the needs of people and neighborhoods.Once leaders who show an ability to teach and disciple people in the faith are identified, LINC Houston then begins to prepare men to enter into seminary training through either the Ethnic Immigrant Institute of The-ology (EIIT) or the Center for His-panic Studies (CHS). These courses move deeper into an understanding of Lutheran terminology and doc-trine. Women can also be involved as they prepare for studies to be-come deaconesses of our Synod.

The men and women who enter into seminary training to become a pas-tor or deaconess receive on-going coaching and encouragement from LINC Houston leaders. While taking courses, most of these people contin-ue to serve among their groups. No matter what level of training a per-son is receiving, LINC Houston has an expectation that each will contin-ue to be discipled, grow in faith and be active in sharing their faith with others — and in training others to share their faith as well.God is forming many new Word and Sacrament ministries with faith-filled people who are excited and committed to sharing Jesus in the Texas District.

Disciple and theological training

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DistrictLCMS

Pictured are catalyst coaches who train others to seek the lost and make disciples who make disciples with Glocal Mission DNA at LINC Houston (for more information, go to glocalmission.org).

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TEXAS PARTNERS IN MISSION

By Lanny MooreDirector of Development

In March, I had the opportunity to participate in a “Six Pack” conference held in the Dallas

area. A “Six Pack” conference is a gathering of six Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod districts, Texas and the five that surround it — Kansas, Mid-South, Southern, Missouri and Oklahoma. Executive, finance, mis-sion and education staff have the opportunity to share, learn and dis-cuss important matters regarding mission and ministry in the various districts.For me, I was struck by the com-mitment, diligence and passion the people have for spreading the Gos-pel message, reaching the lost, disci-pling the saved and caring for God’s people. Among these six districts, the mission effort is alive and well — carrying out the Great Commis-sion found in Matt. 28:19-20.The centerpiece of the conference was discussion about lay ministry and how important it is in the mis-sion effort. The Rev. Dr. Birha-nu Ofgaa, General Secretary of the Ethiopian Evangeli-cal Church Mekane Yesus (EECMY), led the program, speaking on the importance of involvement of la-ity in the dramatic growth of Christian-ity in Ethiopia. The numbers are stag-gering: 95 million people among 80 ethnic groups, and

The importance of

LAY MINISTRY

more than 14 million protestants claiming to know Jesus Christ!Yet the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few (Luke 10:2). In the EECMY, there are almost 8 million members, but only about 3,500 pastors. How then does the Gos-pel message spread to those who have not heard the Good News? The answer lies in the number of evangelists and volunteers: almost 5.5 million! The laity are critically important in carrying out the Great Commission!You may be wondering, “Lanny, this is wonderful news, but what does that have to do with the Tex-as District and Texas Partners in Mission?” The mission effort to start 200 new congregations in the district by the year 2017 is the brief answer. However, there are

opportunities presenting them-selves in our churches and

communities where our prayers, resources and

evangelism are needed. Rom. 12:6-8 tells us to exercise the gifts we have been given — prophecy, service,

teaching, encourage-ment, giving, leadership and mercy.

I ask each of you to remember those who serve in the ministry — ordained, commissioned or laity — who have heard and heed-ed the call to serve. Lift them up in prayer. Help them whenever, wherever and however you can. I also ask you to actively look for opportunities to serve your congregation and community as we are “a chosen people, a royal priesthood ... that you may declare the praises of him who called you” (1 Peter 2:9 NIV).My family uses a simple math problem to help us remember God’s charge to Moses, who in-structed Aaron when he blessed the people of Israel: 4 x 6 = 24. This is the priestly blessing spo-ken to us by our pastors at the close of worship — Numbers (fourth book of the Bible), 6th chapter, 24th verse.This is my prayer for you:

“The Lord bless you and keep you;the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace!”

Conference attendees listen to a presentation by the Rev. Dr. Birhuan Ofgaa of the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus.

Rev. Dr. Birhanu Ofgaa

MAY 2016 / 3

Front of church

MISSIONS

By Rev. Jon BraunersreutherMission and Ministry Facilitator, Area D

Conceived in 2013 by three laymen — Alan Boehm, Robert Fait and Vic Grisbee

— LifeBridge Church, Sealy, is in-deed building a bridge to the Sealy community.It began as a small group of about 40 believers with a passion for reaching the many people in the area who are far from God. Follow-ing the initial leadership provided by pastors from CrossPoint, Katy, the Rev. Jonathan Brandenburg was called in 2014 as the congrega-tion’s first planter.Within the past year, the congrega-tion has purchased an abandoned restaurant and auction house. It has left the restaurant space intact for fellowship, while using the former auction area as a worship center.LifeBridge is determined to reach into the community and the space has proved to be a blessing in doing so. The congregation has developed a signature ministry called “After Dark,” in which it invites sixth- to

12th-graders from the Sealy area to the church for fun, food, games and just some time to, as its website says, “chill out.” Following “After Dark” is “After Life,” a time of mu-sic and a Gospel-centered message aimed at the young participants. Brandenburg reports as many as

Building a‘bridge’

150 kids are involved in this unique ministry.From a small band of 40, the con-gregation has grown to, at times, 130 in worship in the year-and-a- half that Brandenburg has been at work. The Holy Spirit continues to give the increase!

Worship area

“After Dark” ministry

Fellowship area

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HAPPENINGS

Revitalized!Outreach helps bring people back to St. Andrew

Upon its founding in 1956, St. Andrew Lutheran Church quickly grew to become one

of the larger LCMS congregations in the Houston area, typically hav-ing 250 or more in worship. Plant-ed in the newly developing Spring Branch area on the west side of Houston, St. Andrew was well-po-sitioned to take advantage of the area’s booming population.Over the years, however, and like many churches established in the “first-ring” suburbs, within a gen-eration the congregation plateaued and began to decline. It was doing all the right things, had excellent pastors and directors of Christian education and were blessed with dedicated and generous members, yet it wasn’t enough.At the same time, the once entirely Anglo population of the community changed to become more and more Hispanic with a smattering of other ethnic groups. Many of the mem-bers’ children started their families in even newer suburbs farther west. Add to that our culture’s growing apathy towards organized religion, and St. Andrew was looking at a short-term life expectancy.Today, however, there are once again 250 to 300 people worship-ing on the St. Andrew campus on any given weekend among three ethnically distinct LCMS-affiliat-ed ministries, plus another 80 to 100 people who come for weekly Family Nights, as well as a thriving

preschool ministry. St. An-drew recently completed a $700,000 building project to help accommodate the added ministry activity as something is going on al-most every day.What happened to bring all of that about? A master plan? A special program? One church consultant has ob-served five reactions that congrega-tions generally have when it comes to responding to their community’s changing demography:→ Hold out, in which a congrega-

tion chooses to stay the course, hoping that circumstances will change for the better.

→ Keep out, when the congrega-tion actually comes to fear the community it is in, and so takes on a fortress mentality.

→ Move out, which is the decision to relocate out of the community.

→ Close out, when a congregation essentially resigns and makes plans to shut its door permanent-ly.

→ Reach out, which is the con-scious decision by a congregation to intentionally adapt its ministry to the area’s changing demo-graphics.

(from “Transitional Communities and Multi-Congregational Churches,” Vol. 13, No. 4, by Ron Benefiel )

St. Andrew has cho-sen to reach out. A major step was taken in 2009 with the invitation to a newly formed Korean congrega-tion, Hilltop, to share St. Andrew’s facilities as well as join the LCMS. In addition, a Spanish-language ministry, Centro Familiar Cristiano, has formed on the St. Andrew campus with help from LINC Houston (Lutheran In-ner-city Network Coalition). None of this could have happened with-out the dedication of St. Andrew’s members and the active presence of the Holy Spirit. So St. Andrew does not hold itself up as a model of what to do, only an example of what can be done. And the reach-ing out continues!

From left, Deacon Jesus Santos, Rev. Mark Koch and Rev. Seungwoong Ok

Susan Brak was named Teacher of the Year by her colleagues at John C. Webb Elementary School, of the Navasota Independent School District (NISD), for the 2015-16 school year. She has taught for 32 years in the NISD and current-ly teaches kindergarten. She received a com-memorative plaque and special recognition. She is a member of Salem, Navasota (White Hall).

Teacher of the Year

HAPPENINGS

DE SOTO

MAY 2016 / 5

On March 10, Cross of Christ Lutheran Church hosted a concert featuring the Wind Symphony from Concordia University Chicago, conducted by Dr. Richard R. Fischer. Also welcomed were choral representatives from eight local churches to help perform a new composition. Zachary Zieschang, Cross of Christ minister of music, directed the combined choir and Wind Symphony in a world premiere of a new setting of “My Song is Love Unknown” by Michael Keller. The congregation welcomed 175 guests from the Dallas-Fort Worth area to the free concert and the sanctuary was filled with spectacular music for the evening.

Brothers Allan Piri and Colton Piri recently received the Eagle Scout rank. A special ceremony was held at Grace, Brownwood, during the Jan. 31 service. Scout leader Ron Piri, grandfather of the young men, conducted the ceremony. Allan and Colton were presented the Lutheran National Scout Certificate by the Rev. Curt Schneider and their Eagle Scout emblems were presented by their parents, Andrew and Laura Piri. Andrew is also an Eagle Scout.Allan constructed four wooden shelves for Good Samaritan Min-

istries of Brownwood. A senior at Early High School (EHS), he participated in football, basketball, baseball, track, FFA, 4-H and band. He was named to the Texas High School Coaches Association (THS-

CA) football All-State Academic Second Team.Colton painted the walls and installed new shelves and hooks for brooms and mops for the jan-itor’s closet at Good Samaritan Ministries. He is a sophomore at EHS, participating in basket-ball, baseball, tennis, FFA, 4-H, Kiwanis Club and band. He ex-hibited the Reserve Champion Swine of the Brown County Fair Association with the showing of his pig “Oinkers.”

A potluck dinner was shared after the service, with a specially-made cake shared by the family, as well as an exhibit table with Eagle Scout memorabilia received by Allan and Colton.

From left, Colton and Allan Piri.

Like father, like sons

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PRAISE THE LORD

DEVINE

ZION ENJOYS CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

On Sunday, March 13, Divine Savior Lutheran Church celebrated the installation of its newest pastor, the Rev. Randall Wehmeyer. Participating in the service were, from left, (front row) the Revs. Landan Schkade; Thomas Winter; Michael Newman; mission and ministry facilitator, Area C; Wehmeyer; Richard Mittelstadt; Ken Hennings, LCMS Texas District president; Mark Barz, vice-president, Area C; (back row) Vicar Cristian Morales; the Revs. David Brockhouse; Gary Martin (hidden); Ken Bunge; Odis Doyal and Robert Gentet. A catered meal and reception was held following the service.

On Sunday, March 6, the 100th anniver-

sary of Zion Lutheran Church, Mission Valley, was cel-ebrated with more than 200 people in atten-dance.The Rev. Ken Hen-nings, Tex-as District president, spoke during the worship ser-vice. The Rev. Leslie Judge is the current in-terim pastor.

The afternoon included displays of historical picture and LWML quilts, a walking tour,

portraits and bi-ographies of all

pastors who served Zion,

a worship service

from the early lita-ny, time capsules

from 1915 and 2015 and

a catered meal and program in

the fellowship hall.Everyone shared the joy of Zion fellowship.

Church started with 10 German families in 1915

MAY 2016 / 7

LUBBOCK

THINGS TO NOTE

On March 6, Christ Lutheran Church welcomed 38 new members into its family. They are, in alphabetical order, Rebecca Barrette, Caitlin Carlisle, DeAnna Carlisle, Jared Cookston, Kelsey Cookston, Ricky and Brenda Cookston, Hunter Elias, Don and Joyce Evans, Dean Foerster, Wallace and Denise Glab, Sara Guengerich, Scott and Annette Hall, Steven and Kay-la Hobratschk, Emily Howdeshell, Charlene Jennings, Helen Jensen, Josephine, Klattenhoff, Donna and Joseph Lorenz, Peggy Lorenz, Alvin Matak, Samuel and Stephanie Meyer, Gary and Sherry Odorizzi, John and Imogene Pearson, Zachary Smitherman and the Rev. Neil, Holly, Dean, Abigail and Aden Vanderbush.

On Feb. 14, St. Peter Lu-theran Church welcomed by baptism twin infants Paul and Elias Velazquez, who were born Nov. 5. Mother Desiree is holding Paul and father Paul is holding Elias. The Rev. Eric Stinnette is holding older sister Gracie.

GUN BARREL CITY

A very special baptism was held on some very special birthdays. Hudson Michael Dultz was baptized on Feb. 28 at Peace by the Rev. James Mueller. Hudson’s dad, Timothy, grandmother, Teri Mansfield, and great-grandfather, Lonnie Mansfield, celebrate their birthdays that same day. Pictured with Hudson are, from left, his parents Timothy and Randi Dultz, big sister Skylar, grandmother Teri and great-grand-parents June and Lonnie Mansfield.

HURST

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REJOICE

From a church plant that began in November 2014 at Vogel Intermediate School, Beautiful Savior changed locations in October 2015 to Ford Elementary School, which has higher visibility and traffic. Here on Feb. 28, the congregation host-ed a Texas chili/new-member reception to welcome its 10 newest members!

THE WOODLANDS

A great day in the life of Grace Lutheran Church took place Feb. 28 as new brothers and sisters in Christ were received by transfer, confir-mation and reaffirmation of faith. Shown with the Rev. Curt Schneider are, from left, Bob Bratcher, Deanna Quast, Billy and Jodi Thomas and their children, Trey and Emma.

BROWNWOOD

Nine new souls were received into membership at Good Shepherd on Feb. 28 — four of them by adult confirma-tion as new Lutheran Christians. The past 15 years, Good Shepherd has on average been blessed annually with adult confirmations consisting of more than five percent of the total number of Sunday worshipers. The pastor is the Rev. Craig Schinnerer.

AZLE

MAY 2016 / 9

REJOICE ALWAYS

GUN BARREL CITYThe Rev. Eric Stinnette and the congrega-tion of St. Peter Lutheran Church recently welcomed new members. They are:

MC ALLENOn Sunday, March 13, the Rev. Ruben Domin-guez of El Buen Pastor Lutheran Church baptized Briana Hernandez, Armando Ivan Quirin and Alexis Nieves Hernandez into the kingdom of God. They were brought by their parents and Godparents.

On Sunday March 6, Elaine Haass was baptized at Divine Savior. Pictured are, from left, her parents Lauren and Randolph Haass, elder Glen Felps, the Rev. Odis Doyal and sponsors Ryan Haass and Leslie Bales.

DEVINE

Mike and Debbie Jock were welcomed Dec. 20.

Michael and Hiromi Dahl were welcomed Feb. 21.

David Weaver, director of music was welcomed Jan. 24.

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TIES THAT BIND

These Lutheran friends of yours recently celebrated or will celebrate wedding

anniversaries of 50 years or more. All are members of LCMS Texas District congregations.

Good Shepherd, Cleveland Marion and Jean Sohl 53 years, May 4

Gethsemane, Houston Harold and Johnnie Kolkhorst 65 years, May 17

Fritz and Doris Warncke 55 years, May 27

Trinity, San Angelo Lee and Tresa Smith 50 years, Feb. 13

Roger, Sr. and Sally Howell 53 years, Feb. 23

St. Mark, Conroe Larry and Pamela Leblanc 52 years, April 4

Congratulations!

Ernest and Lillian Winkler were blessed with 70 years of marriage Feb. 27. Their church home is Immanuel, Temple.

Robert “Bob” and Mary Lou Riley celebrated 65 years of marriage Jan. 26. Their church home is Christ, Lubbock.

Eugene and Erma Niemtschk were blessed with 64 years of marriage April 27. Their church home is St. Paul, Thorndale.

Chuck and Clarist Iselt celebrated 62 years of marriage Feb. 19. Their church home is Redeemer, Austin.

Victor and Beth Lorenz were blessed with 53 years of marriage May 17. Their church home is Trinity, Klein.

Happy birthday!Faith Lutheran Church, Lampasas, held a potluck on Feb. 21 in honor of Lother Mat-thys’ 97th birthday. It was also the 31st birthday of his grandson, Josh Matthys. Joyful day!

MAY 2016 / 11

CELEBRATIONS

Send us your newsSend photos, stories and newsletters for The Lutheran Witness to:→ texmess@txdistlcms.org→ Texas Messenger, LCMS Texas District,

7900 E. Highway 290, Austin, TX 78724-2499

Please be sure all photos sent electronically are in color and 300 dpi (high resolution) JPEG files. Also, send your news to us well in advance, if possible.

For Lutheran Schools Week, Trinity Lutheran School had a baptismal chapel, where 15 people were welcomed into the Kingdom of God. The Rev. Chris Singer, head pastor of Trinity Klein, baptized 13 children and two parents. The children all attend Trinity Lutheran School and the parents are enrolled in the new members class. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

KLEIN

LUBBOCKOn March 5, Stephanie Meyer was baptized at Christ Lutheran Church. Pictured are, from left, The Rev. Neil Vanderbush, Stephanie and her husband, Samuel.

On Feb. 21, the Rev. David Quail, left, baptized Lori Rebecca Kockran,

the infant daughter of Vicar Kurt and Emily Kockran, shown here at the baptism.

CONROE ATHENSOn March 13, Al-lie Showah and her daughter, Alaska, were baptized at St. John by the Rev. Seth Da-vidson. God bless both of them as they grow in Christian love and knowledge.

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SCHOOL MINISTRY

Hoops galore near HoustonThe 2016 Lutheran Middle School Basketball Tournament (LMST) was held in the north Houston area Feb. 12-14, with Trinity-Klein Lutheran School, Spring; Salem Lutheran School, Tomball; and Concordia High School, Tom-ball serving as hosts. Twenty Lutheran schools from Texas participated in this 98-game event. There were 18 girls teams and 26 boys teams. Con-cordia, San Antonio, had the girls and boys champion. Congratulations! Preparations are already underway the next LMST, Feb. 17-19, 2017.

From left (front row) Andrew Oliver, Josh Hallenberger, Rhett Buell, Teddy Power, Brian Cooney; (middle row) Jack Buffington, Sean Flynn, Weston Bohne, David Wenthe; (back row) Assistant Coach Mike Tucker, Head Coach Brad Hamann, Assistant Coach Bobby Garza and Man-ager Rowen Schroeder.

Concordia, San Antonio boys first place

Trinity-Klein, Spring boys second placeFrom left, (front row) Bryce Corriston, Keegan Symons, Shane Brennan, Russell Matthew, Clayton Eaves, Brady Dill, Carter Jack-son; (back row) Coach Jeff King, Zach Sly, Mason Pilkington, Jazer Maldonado, Ned Newton, Travis Otte, Brandon Nelson, Brett Bien, Coach Steve Brennan and Coach Matt Holman.

Trinity-Klein, Spring girls second placeFront row, (from left) Madie King, Madison Cress-well, Sammie Stuhr; (back row) Head Coach Jim Kellerman, Abby Koehn, Melanie Garrison, Kier-sten Rich, Emily Engelbart, Katie Boone, Kaitlyn Gradoni, Coach Carlene Wolfram, Hannah Putman and Emma Kiel.

Concordia, San Antonio girls first placeSeated, Ava Christensen; standing, from left, Head Coach Lanny Merkord, Lindsey Nelson, Kayle Torres, Rachel Arredondo, Ansley Adams, Grace Buffington, Meredith Jett, Haley Day, Natalie Miket-inac, Melody Umsted, Taty Bass, Sophia Goldman and Assistant Coach Erin Brown.

MAY 2016 / 13

CAN-DO

By Pat FickCAN-DO Director

Seven summers ago, CAN-DO Missions began conducting vacation Bible school in a bush

village in Alaska called Chevak. It is located close to the Bering Sea, so traveling there involves taking a big jet from Austin to Anchorage, a smaller plane (about 40 seats) from Anchorage to Bethel, and a really small plane (nine seats) from Bethel into Chevak.Shortly after we arrived, we met a man named Morris Aguchak, who was very supportive of our efforts to share Jesus. He and his son Ozzy are amazing musicians and we ar-ranged times to jam together and sing praise songs to Jesus. During one of our praise times, he taught us a song called “Thank You Lord” that was his daughter Mary’s favorite song. He shared with us a very sad story that Mary died at the age of nine when a gun that every-one thought was empty fired acci-dentally. Oh, the grief that goes with losing a child so unexpectedly. If it wasn’t for the marvelous grace of God, it would be impossible to carry on after such a loss.We always look forward to traveling back to Chevak each summer! Last summer during one of our jam ses-sions, Morris shared with me that he wished he could take his music all over the world and tell everyone about Jesus and his amazing love that never fails us. For the past few years CAN-DO has been doing a music/drama tour during spring break. I asked Morris and Ozzy if they thought they might be able

to travel to the lower 48 and sing with us. His eyes lit up and he said, “Really, could we do that?” My reply was similar to Luke 1:37: “For noth-ing will be impossible with God!”As I am writing this article, Morris and Ozzy are with me in St. Louis, having an awesome time singing about Jesus, sharing His amazing, unfailing love and experiencing a dream come true! Morris has been praying for an opportunity to do

this for 28 years! He keeps remind-ing everyone to keep praying and to trust that God will answer in His time and in the best way!Do your dreams involve sharing Jesus? If so, be ready, for God will make a way for them to come true!

What’s your dream?

Donations for CAN-DO Missions are always welcome!Make checks payable to Concordia University Texas, with “CAN-DO Missions” in the memo line.

Send to: Concordia University Texas ATTN: CAN-DO MISSIONS 11400 Concordia University Drive, Austin TX 78726

Or call 512-313-4332 to donate via credit card.

Donations may also be made at can-do.concordia.edu

Top, the CAN-DO music/drama team at Ted Drewes, a popular frozen custard shop in St. Louis. Right, from left, Ozzy Friday and Morris Aguchak are shown with Joel Schildwachter, an CAN-DO team member in Alaska.

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UPBRING

Upbring.org

CHILDREN’S SERVICES→ Upbring Foster In Texas

1,900 children served through 14 offices statewide.

→ Upbring Adoption 201 children served in domestic and international adoption pro-grams.

→ Residential Treatment 348 girls, ages 11-17, served at Krause and New Life Children’s Centers.

→ Unaccompanied Children 2,107 unaccompanied immigrant children served in Corpus Christi, McAllen and El Paso.

→ Upbring BeREAL 22 foster youth provided housing in Austin and San Antonio; 90 served in New Orleans.

→ Trinity Charter Schools 2,059 students served on seven campuses during the 2014-15 school year.

COMMUNITY SERVICES→ Upbring Neighborhood

House, Lubbock 16,662 individuals served in 5,489 unduplicated Lubbock households — including 7,561 emergency assistance services provided for basic needs; 70.5 tons of food and hygiene products were distributed; 989 households provided utility assistance through CEAP; 1,281 residents were age 18 and younger. Total value: $1,144,159.

→ Upbring Health for Friends Clinic: 1,237 patient visits; 5,581 visits to HFFC’s 15 outreach clin-ics; more than 1,000 individual patients seen in 2015.

→ Upbring Head Start (opened fall 2015) 227 children, ages 3–5, served in Wharton, El Campo, Bay City and Palacios. Early Head Start programs pro-vided to 32 children up to age 3 in El Campo and Bay City.

DISASTER RESPONSE→ 1,500 individuals served through

Upbring Disaster Response (DR) in Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma.

→ Upbring DR helped coordinate more than 300 volunteers pro-viding more than 10,000 hours of service.

→ Upbring DR connected disaster survivors to more than $2.1 million in services and resources.

LSS SENIOR SERVICES→ About 1,000 older-adult residents

in LSS senior living options, rang-ing from independent living to skilled nursing and memory care in Brenham, Spring, Lubbock, Round Rock and Victoria.

Please note: During 2015, Upbring divested Wedgewood South, The Village at Gleannloch Farms and Copperfield Village to focus resources on Children’s Services. Kruse Village and Trinity Place Apartments remain programs of LSS.

27,691 people served in 2015

Faith in action in PenitasAlmost 10 years ago, a small group of Catholic sisters were drawn to serve an impoverished colonia near Penitas and established a nonprofit organiza-tion to help residents – Proyecto De-sarrollo Humano (PDH), which trans-lates to “The Human Development Project.” Today, the Proyecto Desar-rollo Humano Community Center, lo-cated in the middle of colonia Pueblo de Palmas, serves local families along with two neighboring colonias – Tau-rus and Salida del Sol. Since opening its doors in 2004, the center has blossomed by adding classrooms, an organic garden and a medical/dental clinic served by doc-

tors who volunteer on their days off to care for those who cannot otherwise afford health care. An additional building at the center holds a 10-computer media room, small library and an arts and crafts room. Families have the opportunity to take classes on parenting, nutri-tion, ESL, Zumba and more, and a volunteer-driven after-school tutorial program is provided for children from first grade and up.Kari Rogers, Upbring Community Services manager in South Texas, has established a meaningful part-nership with PDH and has developed collaborative programs to serve the children, adults and families living in the colonias. These programs include

a Girl Scout troop so that girls in the colonias can build social skills and self-confi-dence, and ongoing pre-and post-natal classes for parents. Looking ahead, Rogers will continue to seek out ways to collaborate with PDH to ensure colonia residents have access to the resources and

opportunities necessary for bright futures. Grant funds from the LCMS provide key support for Upbring’s work in the Rio Grande Valley.Upbring lifts up the good work of Proyecto Desarrollo Humano and the Missionary Sisters, who are putting their faith in action every day by serv-ing those in need.

Kari Rogers

MAY 2016 / 15

LUTHERAN FOUNDATION OF TEXAS

Where is your Red Book?By Larry P. OhlsChief Executive Officer A short time ago, we received a publica-tion from the former chairman of the LFOT Board of Di-rectors, Herb Noack. Herb is a retired partner of Turner, Dennis and Noack PC, an account-ing firm in Houston. The publica-tion addresses end-of-life issues that may be difficult to consider. Specific documents and plans can be a great benefit to family members who are left behind after a person passes away from this life on earth.Often it is assumed that if a person has a will that has been profes-sionally prepared by an attorney, they have completed all the steps necessary to address their end-of-life issues. The will is certainly a significant portion of the end-of-life preparation, but there are many

other issues that need to be consid-ered and documented in order to be completely prepared.A very practical suggestion is to have a single location where all crit-ical information is documented. No-ack’s firm calls it “The RED Book.” It should be prepared and reviewed on an annual basis to ensure that it remains current. Trusted friends and family members should be given a copy or know where the book is located.In the chart below are some of the issues that often are not con-sidered. Some of these can be time-consuming for friends and family members who are respon-sible for dealing with the estate settlement.This is not intended to be a com-plete or final list. It is intended to point out that many things need to be considered and document-

ed other than a will. Every person has situations unique to his or her life and final wishes. If it is import-ant to you, it should be addressed.Lutheran Foundation of Texas is an organization that can assist in planning and organizing these end-of-life issues.Contact us at 800-880-3733 or plannedgiving@LFOT.org, or visit LFOT.org.

LEGAL and FINANCIAL PRACTICAL SENTIMENTAL

• Will (current) • Location of: • Funeral or memorial:

• Power of Attorney ✓ Original wills ✓ Church

✓ Durable ✓ Certificates birth and marriage ✓ Pastor

✓ Medical ✓ Safe deposit keyw ✓ Hymns

• Beneficiaries designated ✓ Car titles and deeds ✓ Bible verses

✓ Retirement plans ✓ Cemetery lot document ✓ Pall bearers

✓ Life insurance ✓ Tax returns • Contact list

• Brokerage accounts ✓ Passport• Special personal property

list for distribution

• Bank accounts • User ID and passwords• Remains requested for

final resting place

• Credit/Debit cards • List of assets/liabilities

• Safe deposit box signees

• Charitable intents

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LUTHERAN OUTDOORS MINISTRY OF TEXAS

After 75 years…

MISSION UNCHANGEDBy Keith LundLOMT Executive Director As Camp Lone Star’s 75th anniver-sary approaches, we have been busy planning a celebration to be held at the annual barbecue (July 31) and collecting information that ‘tells the story’ of the ministry in this place, started in 1941 by the Lone Star Dis-trict of the Walther League.A trip to the LCMS Texas District archives proved that the goals and mission of Camp Lone Star have stayed the same since its inception and the words from historic conven-tion reports couldn’t be better than today’s! The following are state-ments taken from the 1970 Texas District Convention Workbook:“Emphasis continues in all pro-grams at Camp Lone Star on Bible study as part of what goes on. Strong, positive and distinct-ly “study,” yet it is not just a goal in itself, but the Word is infused through all the day. …This insepara-ble infusion of the love of God into life through the Camp experience is what Camp Lone Star is all about.”

“Seeing a need to enable retreats of youth and adults the whole year, instead of just in the summer, the Board of Directors of Camp Lone Star carried through a program of winterizing the existing facilities. Now groups of youth or adults use the camp the year around for a wide variety of reasons…congregational or youth retreats, officers planning retreats, family reunions (etc.).”“For camp is not a thing apart, but an extension of the congregations’ ministry to its people. Fun, yes, but not just fun. Rather the enjoyment of the freed Christian serious in learn-ing more and helping others. …Camp Lone Star dedicates itself to serving more people through being ever bet-ter equipped to be a place with a pro-

gram for people, where both camper and youthful staff have opportunity for Christian growth, witness and service not possible elsewhere.”

The Texas District’s response was a resolution in 1972 to urge congrega-tions to direct support to Camp Lone Star and outdoor ministry in the Texas District.We continue to ask for support for the ministry that takes place at Camp Lone Star, and we are For-ever Thankful for the past, present and promise of a blessed future to serve our Lord. Please mark July 31 on your calendar and join us at this year’s Camp Lone Star Barbecue and 75th Anniversary Celebration!

2016 LOMT study theme:

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glo-ry, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14

Upcoming events→ June 5-Aug. 5

Summer Camp (ages 5-18)

→ July 31 Annual Barbecue

→ Sept. 30-Oct. 2, Oct. 7-9, Oct. 21-23 Pre-Confirmation Retreats

→ Oct. 28-30 Father and Child Weekend

Contact usCamp Lone Star→ 2016 Camp Lone Star Road

La Grange, TX 78945

→ lonestar@lomt.com

→ 800-362-2078

Lutheran Outdoors Ministry of Texas→ P.O. Box 457

La Grange, TX 78945

→ lomt@lomt.com

→ 979-968-1657→ www.LOMT.com

T R U THRevealedJOHN 1:14

As facilities change and grow, our mission hasn’t changed. Read the history of Camp Lone Star in the 75th anniversary book, “In The Midst of God’s Creation,” coming soon.

MAY 2016 / 17

Expanding God’s Kingdom…

YOUR INVESTMENTSSUPPORT MINISTRY!

TEXAS CHURCH EXTENSION FUND

By Bill SiegristDirector of Marketing and Training

How are your investments being used? A different question ... how are your

Texas Church Extension Fund in-vestments being used? Ask the members of the churches represented on this page. These congregations are grateful for those who have made the decision to invest in the Texas CEF ministry. Since January 2015, $35 million in new loans have been approved. Your investments are making a dif-ference in their ministry!Here is our commitment to your

congregation and to you as a CEF investor … The mission of the Texas District Church Extension Fund is to extend God’s Kingdom by boldly and responsibly assisting congrega-tions to acquire land and buildings and by linking investors with con-gregations.Remember, tomorrow’s Church Extension depends on today’s in-vestments. For more information, contact Bill Siegrist (see below) about connect-ing your passions with the people of God throughout Texas.

Bill Siegrist→ 7900 E. Highway

290 Austin TX, 78724

→ 888-951-3478 or 512-646-1233

→ Bill@TexasCEF.org→ www.TexasCEF.org

Contact Church Extension Fund

Pilgrim Lutheran Church, Kilgore

Mission ValleyCamp Lone Star, LaGrange (new dorm)

Cibolo Midland

18 / TEXAS

LONE STAR DISTRICT LLL

An affiliated group is a group of men and/or women who wish to partner with Lu-

theran Hour Ministries in its out-reach efforts, locally and globally.What are the qualifications?› Affiliation with the LCMS or other

North American church bodies that are in fellowship with LCMS

› Actively engaged in outreach› Where possible, are using LHM

materials in their ministry efforts› Willing to support the goals and

objectives of LHM› Has applied for recognition as an

LHM Affiliated Group and re-ceived recognition from LHM

› Must complete a reapplication form and survey every three years

What are some examples of groups that may be affiliated with LHM?Local LLL groups, Bible/Sunday school classes, Men’s Network groups, womens’ groups, couples’ groups, congregations, LHM vol-unteer teams, Petal Pushers and similar groups, college groups, schools (including elementary and high school) and mission societies.

What are some of the benefits of affiliation?› Receive a 20-percent discount on

all materials ordered from LHM› Receive a 20-percent discount on

registration for LLL International conventions

› Be eligible to apply for grants from LHM to help fund local, re-gional or international outreach efforts

› Receive a 20-percent discount on Regional Outreach Conferences

› Receive LHM’s existing newslet-ters highlighting ideas and re-sources for community outreach

› Be able to submit stories for pos-sible inclusion in a special section of the Lutheran Layman newspa-per, pending approval

How does your group apply?› Application forms can be found

at lhm.org/affiliate or call 800.876.9880.

Partner with LHM

Our Savior Fellowship members are, from left, Jake and Wilda Oesch, Char-lene and Milton Martinson, Jan Brunette, Rudy and Dorothy Hunger, and Eloise and Rev. Bob Kuhlmann. Not pictured are Marilyn and Elmer Constien and Eva Flores.

Serving the needy in BrazilOur Savior Lutheran Church Fellowship, Rockwall (an affiliat-ed group), recently sponsored a pre-Lenten service meal as a fund-raiser for the Lone Star District LLL mission project in Brazil. With the help of a Thrivent Action Team grant, this group was able to send a donation to the Lone Star District LLL in support of the LHM minis-try center in Sao Paulo, Brazil.The LHM center in Brazil shares the Gospel in a variety of ways to reach people suffering from income inequality, insufficient education and lack of health care and other basic needs. These are vital min-

istry efforts in a country of nearly 200 million people. With the 2016 Summer Olympics to be held in Brazil, the center will have an even

greater opportunity to spread the Good News. For more information, go to lhm.org; click on “Global Ministries” and select “Brazil.”

MAY 2016 / 19

LUTHERAN WOMEN IN MISSION

Send LWML news and photos to Debbie Curry, District News editor, at districtnews@lwmltxdist.org

STAY CONNECTEDlwmltxdist.orgSend mites to:

Marcia Kubitz LWML Texas District Financial Secretary P.O. Box 288, Vernon, TX 76385

$333,541

$348,610Designed to Shine› LWML Texas District 2014-16 mite goal: $348,610

› Mites received through February: $333,541

› Mission grants paid through February: $183,078

Send thank offeringSocieties are encouraged to send a thank offering to the convention for the LWML endowments in thanksgiving for 75 years of Lutheran women in mission. An infor-mation sheet is available on the website.

ResolutionsSend any resolutions for consideration to Resolutions Committee Chairman Carene Baslee, 127 Sudderth, Early, TX 76802 or carene.baslee@brownwoodisd.org by June 12.

Linked by LoveThe spring issue of this im-portant newsletter is loaded with convention information, including full biographical information on nominees. Ask your zone president for a copy.

Proposed Bylaw amendments and mission grantsThese important items are available at lwmltxdist.org for consideration by societies. Members are encouraged to send their recommendations with delegates to the conven-tion.

Convention briefs

Time is NOW to attend conventionThe LWML Texas District con-vention is next month in Lubbock. Mission-minded, fun-loving women will be attending. Their desire is to study God’s Word, worship together, select mission grants and officers for the next two years and be inspired by the witness of others. They are also prayer warriors for each other, blessed in their friendships.

Many women in our church-es desire this too. Grasp this opportunity and invite someone to experience LWML activities at this convention.

Find all the information for reg-istering, getting a hotel room and

what to bring at lwml convention.com. If you don’t have internet ac-

cess, ask your president for the information mailed to her. It was

also published in the March issue of District

News. If you can’t attend, consider helping someone else. Please pray for all in at-tendance.

As sisters in Christ, we come together in convention. The time is NOW to celebrate God’s blessings! So, will you attend this year?

Cindy Steinbeck Ken Klaus

Convention speakersKeynote speaker Cindy Steinbeck, owner and operator of Steinbeck Vineyards in California, is a retired DCE and author of The Vine Speaks, Grapes of Grace and The Rock Speaks (CPH). She will share her passion for the vineyards and Scrip-ture in an in-depth study of Jesus’ words, “I am the vine.”The Rev. Dr. Ken Klaus, Lutheran Hour speaker emeritus, is the pro-claimer. He continues to write and

record sermons, daily devotions and Bible studies. Prior to his years as speaker, he served as pastor of Our Redeemer, Dallas. Friday evening’s worship service is open to the public.

20 / TEXAS

LUTHERAN WOMEN IN MISSION

Meet the candidates

Belinda Burmeister The Woodlands Golden Harvest Zone

Debbie Curry Centerville East Texas Zone

Betty Janssen Abilene Heart of Texas Zone

Gaye Lynn Krueger Kerrville North Alamo Zone

Nancy Beckcom Nederland Golden Triangle Zone

Patti Samsel Austin Capitol Zone

Frances Molitor Anderson Bluebonnet Zone

Corlis Norman Lubbock South Plains Zone

PRESIDENT VICE-PRESIDENT OF HUMAN CARE

VP OF ORGANIZATIONAL RESOURCES FINANCIAL SECRETARY

PASTORAL COUNSELOR

Rev. Dustin Beck Trinity, Corpus Christi Coastal Bend Zone

Rev. John Heckmann St. Paul, The Grove Sunshine Zone

NOMINATING COMMITTEE

Jerry AndersonEast Texas

Judy Dold Bayou City

Mary Ellen Embry New Horizon

Marlene Parker New Horizon

Andra SmithRed River

Michele Tate Dal North

Sherrie Whitehead Mid Coast