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The Lutheran Beacon Let your light shine . . .
WWW.SELC.LCMS.ORG Published by the SELC District of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod MAY 2015
He is Risen – We Will Rise!
He Lives – We Live!
by Rev. Dr. Carl Krueger, SELC District President, Emeritus
SELC
Showing Everyone
Life in Christ
Showing Everyone
the Love of Christ
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
The SELC District Convention was a wonderful experience ofcamaraderie and fellowship, cooperation and support, up-lifting sermonsand worship experiences ... and we completed the work that needed tobe done.
The volunteers of Zion LC, Clark, NJ demonstrated heartfelt hospitality,tireless attention to every Convention attendees’ needs, and providedfantastic foods for us to enjoy.
It was of special significance that Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison, LCMSPresident, and Rev. Dr. John Wohlrabe, LCMS 2nd Vice-president, andRev. John Vieker, special assistant to dr. Harrison, participated in all fourdays of the Convention.
I thank all the people of Zion for hosting this Convention. I thank all thoseSELC individuals who served our District over the last three years sinceour last Convention. And, I thank the Triune God for the amazing out-pouring of his Blessings on our District, our Congregations, ourProfessional Church Workers, and all our willing volunteers.
I thank you, and I thank God, for the privilege of serving as your DistrictPresident these past eighteen years.
Here is the list of those who were elected at our 2015 SELC DistrictConvention.
SELC BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President: Rev. Andrew Dzurovcik, Zion, Clark NJ
1st Vice President: Rev. Wally Arp, St. Luke, Oviedo FL
2nd Vice President: Rev. Chris Cahill, Christ the King, Lodi OH
3rd Vice President: Rev. Chris Ongstad, Holy Cross, Alsip IL
Secretary: Rev. John Telloni, St. John, Massillon OH
Treasurer: Mr. Robert Lange, Zion, Norridge IL
Financial Secretary: Mr. Larry Schultz, Concordia, Macungie PA
BOD Pastoral Rep: Rev. Paul Biber, St. Lucas, St. Louis MO
BOD Pastoral Rep-Mission Focus: Rev. Ron Meyr, Faith "Viera", Rockledge FL
BOD Lay Rep: Mrs. Milly Kwiatkowski, Holy Trinity, Parma OH
BOD Lay Rep-Mission Focus: Mr. Don Roegge, St. John, Hazleton PA [MORE ELECTION RESULTS ON PAGE 3]
RELATED RESOURCESwww.selc.lcms.org - Personal Stewardship
Community: Neighborliness”Family: Parental Stewardship”
FOSTERING FRIENDSHIPby Rev. Thomas Soltis, EM , SELC Stewardship Director
Christian stewardship includes the management of human relationships. Fostering friendship is an important aspect. “A friend loves at all times.” (Prov. 17:17)
TO BE A FRIEND . . .. . . first of all . . . make up your mind to be a friend.
. . . pray for power to cultivate and nourish friendly relationships.. . . don’t wait for friendship to come from others; be the first to extend it.
. . . be a friend to yourself; it’s hard to befriend others when you hate yourself.. . . strive to be a source of comfort and encouragement to others.
. . . express your appreciation for admirable accomplishments and the good others have done.. . . be careful about what you say and how you say it; words can uplift or degrade relationships.
. . . accept others as they are; better yet, accept them in spite of who they are. . . . bury your pride by practicing honest humility.
. . . be yourself without hypocritical pretense.. . . nourish an understanding heart and forgiving nature; everyone stumbles now and then.
. . . put your shoulder to another’s wheel to help achieve a goal.. . . radiate a warm spirit of good will anchored with the enduring, God-pleasing values of life.
. . . be a source of strength to someone weary and worn. . . . most of all . . . imitate the loving friendship of Jesus; be a friend for Jesus’ sake.Jesus, Our Perfect Friend
Reflecting upon friendship, Jesus said: “Greaterlove has no one than this, that he lay down his lifefor his friends.” (John 15:13) Jesus laid downhis life as the perfect sacrifice for our sins. Redeemed, we will enjoy his friendship forever.“... What a Friend we have in Jesus; All our sinsand griefs to bear ... Can we find a friend sofaithful Who will all our sorrows share? ... Are weweak and heavy laden, Burdened with a load ofcare? . . . In His arms He’ll take and shield thee;Thou wilt find a solace there.” (Hymn #770; The Lutheran Service Book)
Friendship QuotesA friend in need is a friend indeed.
(Latin Proverb) The only way to have a friend is be one.
(Ralph Waldo Emerson)Reprove your friend in secret; praise him openly.
(Syrus)If you would be loved, love and be loveable.
(Benjamin Franklin)A friendly smile is worth a million dollars and
doesn’t cost a cent. (Wilbur Nesbit)Your real friends tell you when your face is dirty.
(Sicilian Proverb) Friendship consists in forgetting what one givesand remembering what one receives. (Dumas)
Befriend a Child with Praise Teach children the beauty and value of friendshipby being a sincere friend and extending friendlyexpressions of positive reinforcement. When achild has accomplished something worthwhile,verbally express your appreciation with praise. Ways to Say It> Great!> You’re super-special.> Fantastic! > I’m proud of you.> Awesome!> You’ve brightened my day.> Bravo!> You mean the world to me. > Velmi Dobre!
Biblical Examples of Friendship
Abraham & Three Visitors (Genesis 18:1-7)Ruth & Naomi (Ruth 1:16-18)
David & Jonathan (1 Samuel 20)
[continued from Page 1]
More Election Results of our 2015 SELC District Convention
LUTHERAN HAVEN BOARD OF TRUSTEES, OVIEDO FL
Circuit Pastoral Representatives
Rev. Wally Vinovskis, Concordia, Macungie PA —Eastern Circuit
Rev. George Hansell, Grace, Lakewood OH —Central Circuit
Rev. Luke Jacob, Pentecost, Racine WI —Western Circuit
Rev. Wally Arp, St. Luke, Oviedo FL -- Southern Circuit
District Layperson Representative
Mrs. Ardyne Kirn, Resurrection, Crown Point IN
CIRCUIT VISITORS (COUNSELORS)
Eastern—Rev. James Douthwaite, St. Athanasius, Vienna VA
Central—Rev. Kenneth Ballas, Calvary, Parma OH
Western—Rev. Luther Bajus, Zion, Norridge IL
Southern—Rev. Brian Roberts, St. Luke, Oviedo FL
SELC appointee to the 2016 LCMS Convention Nominating Committee
Thelma (TJ) Myers
2016 LCMS Convention Delegates:
Eastern: Rev. Steven Bocklage, St. John, Emporia VA -- Pastoral
Mr. Larry Schultz, Concordia, Macungie PA -- Layperson
Rev. Curtis Stephens, St. John, Hazleton PA — Alternate Pastoral
Mrs. Joan Sitler, Zion, Clark NJ —Alternate Layperson
Central: Rev. John Telloni, St. John, Massillon OH — Pastoral
Mr. Matthew K. Berent, Sts. Peter & Paul, Sharon PA —Layperson
Rev. Kevin McLeod, Resurrection, Malvern OH—Alternate Pastoral
Milly Kwiatkowski—Alternate Layperson
Western: Rev. Paul Biber, St. Lucas, St. Louis MO -- Pastoral
Mr. William Hale, St. John, Granite City IL — Layperson
Rev. David Corson, Jacob's Well, St. Louis MO — Alternate Pastoral
Mr. Dan Geyer, Pentecost, Racine WI --- Alternate Layperson
Southern: Rev/ Wally Arp, St. Luke, Oviedo FL — Pastoral
Mrs. Kathy Sinninger, Holy Cross, Lake Mary FL — Layperson
Rev. Mark Moreno, Hope, Melbourne FL — Alternate Pastoral
Ms. Leslie Heumann, Faith Viera, Rockledge FL -- Alternate Layperson
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Rev. Ballas & Lois lead closing choral blessing
Revs. Krueger, Ongstad, and Dzurovcik keep meetings moving on
Ordination of Rev. Dzurovcik as District President
Thanks to Rev. Chris Ongstad for 18 years of service as secretary
Reflections on Our Most Recent SELC District Convention
by Pastor Ken and Lois Ballas
With the Paschal/Easter feast still echoing in our earsfrom joyful worship, robust singing and diverse music, trulyinspiring preachers and guest speakers and doubleopportunities for being strengthened in our baptismal faiththrough the sacramental gift of Christ's holy eucharisticmeal (and perhaps with names as Bradac, Rafaj, Kovac,Marcis and Carl Krueger, Jr. in mind), those present at the2015 Clark Convention were privileged to witness yetanother “seamless transition” with the election andinstallation of our new SELC District President, AndrewDzurovcik, pastor of Zion, Clark, NJ (the concludingmemorial service also reminded us to thank God for thelong-time faithful service of Zion's beloved pastor “Pastor“K” and the Joseph Kucharik family).
Though initially a challenge for us not to allow ourreflections to become a boringly sketchy recital of actualconvention minutes (which is the responsible prerogativeof our faithful and unassuming retiring recording secretary,Pastor Chris Ongstad), herewith are a few “snippets” ofour randomly chosen personal impressions.
Present for the entire convention was LCMSPresident, Dr. Matthew Harrison along with a number ofother affable synodical representatives. President Harrison(who also installed “Pastor Andy”) later graciously praisedour non-geographic SELC church family as small in sizebut full of heart. En route to an always anticipated mealbreak, Dr. Harrison was casually overheard quietly payingan honest (and richly deserved) compliment to our nowdistrict president emeritus Krueger regarding the mannerin which he skillfully had been navigating this conventionalso through a host of agenda items.
We found our synodical president's greetings andcomments easy to listen to. His brief reminder of what theLord has allowed our church body also to be part of on aglobal scale (certainly reason for thanksgiving to God)reminded us that although there surely remains much forus to do here at home also in being more aware ofexpressed and unexpressed inner feelings and assortedpains of trained church workers and congregations, ourwork as His redeemed children should ever reflect a “bothand” rather than an “either or” mentality of those who havebeen given the mind of our Brother-Savior Jesus Christ (1Cor. 2:16' Phil. 2:5ff).
[continued on Page 5]
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Introducing new churches to the District
Sharing meals and conversation
Special thanks to the Zion ladies who fed us
Newest Pastor sign the SELC by-laws
[Ballas-continued from Page 4]
Many of the informative and inspiring mission-related presentations called to our minds our ownadopted missionary, Jacob Gaugert, now serving inTogo, West Africa who surely desires and deserves ourongoing prayers and financial support.
Reminiscent of the Early Church in Acts (whereprayerful consensus often overrode putting everythingto a vote in conducting the business of the Church),there exists also in our SELC District a system of“checks and balances” by which we are led to realizethat not everything that appears be personally importantnecessarily be “cast in stone” as brothers and sisters inChrist wisely and lovingly commented on the relativemerits of certain proposed resolutions that came beforethe assembly.
Perhaps our singular regret stemmed from ourinability to spend even more time getting to meet andknow (in addition to the selfless members of our trulyoutstanding Zion host congregation!) not only honoredconvention guests but also all first-time delegates andtheir families. Presence of several younger families andtheir precious small children cheered our heartsregarding the promised future of the Lord's Church onearth prior to His return. Whether age 8 or 88, ourbeloved SELC District individuals and congregations areall an equally important part of His blood-bought familyof believers in carrying out His unfinished mission to anotherwise dying world.
Although we may have all at times entertained thenotion that we may be too small to continue as a districtin today's Church and world, it became repeatedlyapparent that such negative thinking is not borne of theHoly Spirit. By the grace of God, images of our being a“sinking ship” simply do not square well with who wereally are as beloved redeemed children of our powerfuland loving God and who He has recreated us to be.Forgive us, Lord, for ever thinking that any and all Spirit-driven, Gospel-centered Christians, however small innumber, are no longer capable of carrying out Yoursaving will on earth by serving one another in our parishfamilies and through them our respective communitiesand even to the ends of the earth (Matthew 28:18-20;Mark 16:15; Luke 24:45ff.; John 20:21; Acts 1:8). Truly“He Is Risen! --- We Will Rise! He Lives! --- We Live!”
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No One is Indispensable ... But Everyone Is Neededsubmitted by Rev. Jeff & Dianne Harter (Sts. Peter and Paul, Sharon PA)
I have to admit that certain verses seem a little bithypothetical to me sometimes. Romans 8:28 is one of those verses. “And we know that for thosewho love God all things work together for good,for those who are called according to hispurpose.” I believe it is true. But it has been hardfor me to see the specific ways in which Godworks in and through difficult situations. Recently,that verse became very real and relevant to me. In late November I entered the cardio-vascularunit of Sharon Regional Hospital through theemergency room. According to my cardiologist,my heart was in failure and could stop at anyminute. I spent five days in that unit. Then onDecember 8 I went in again for surgery on the 9th.I was in the cardiac unit until December 23,recuperating from a seven hour open heart valvereplacement surgery.
Sts. Peter and Paul’s in Sharon wasalso deeply affected by my situation.From December 8 through the 2nd
Sunday in Lent they had no pastor.Reverend Ed Kucera graciously offered to preachthe sermons, institute Holy Communion and leadthe prayers on Sunday mornings. But the bulk ofthe worship services were led by the Elders. TheElders, choir director, secretary, and chairman,under the guidance of Pastor Kucera, preparedand wrote the worship services, and carried outall the ministry and business of the church duringthat time. The home bound and sick memberswere visited. Sunday school and Bible classescontinued. Meetings were held, bulletins andnewsletters were printed. And the congregationhad beautiful and meaningful Christmas Day andAsh Wednesday services without a pastorpresent!
Through this experience, the members of Sts.Peter & Paul and I have come to a fuller
appreciation of the meaning of Romans 8:28. Ibelieve that God worked through thesituation not only by sustaining thecongregation, but by causing it to growbeyond what many would have thoughtpossible. One of the congregation’s Elders said
it well, “We had to do things a little differently, butthat is not as important as the fact that the Wordcontinued to be preached.” He went on, “Themembers pulled together, demonstrated patience,and supported one another so that this ministrywould not be interrupted. I believe we have grownin faith and are closer together because of thisexperience.” Lately there has been a lot of discussionregarding what constitutes a healthy
congregation. I would suggest that ahealthy congregation is not necessarilyone that has lots of money and lots ofpeople. Rather, I think a healthycongregation is one in which themembers are actively involved inlearning and growing and sharing theirfaith, and in supporting the Church’sministry. As we consider what the churchneeds in order to be healthy and grow, believingand proclaiming the crucified and risen Christmust be of first importance. Does the churchneed money? Does the church need people? Ina sense, yes. But no amount of money or peoplewill make a congregation strong and healthy.Jesus changed the world with only 12 people!And affluent congregations with thousands ofmembers have disappeared! A number of people have asked me how ourcongregation continued to carry out Christ’sministry as it did while I was sick. I’m not surehow to answer that, except to say that God did it.Throughout my ministry here, the Lord has beenat work helping the members to grow in theirawareness of three key principles: 1) We are nota social club, but a Christian congregation; 2) theOffice of the Keys belongs to the people, to becarried out under the leadership of the pastor; 3)ministry begins in the church but should neverend there. We have many times also consideredtwo important questions: 1) What is Christ doingthrough us that would lead him to keep thischurch open rather than spit us out of mouth? 2)If this church were suddenly gone, would thecommunity around it miss it? [continued on Page 7]
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Pictured: Martha Moyer, KathyBort & Carolyn Nicholas. Notpresent - Marlene Crowl.
[HARTER-CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6]
During my illness and recovery, the memberssimply put into practice what they had learnedfrom those three principles and two questions.That is all. Initially there was some nervousnessamong some of the members. But as the weekswent by, more and more people volunteered. Wewere never short of lay readers, ushers, greeters,and singers in the choir and praise team. Usingmaterials that I had provided them earlier, as wellas materials from past worship services, the choirdirector and secretary put together the worshipservices for Sundays, as well as the Christmasprogram, Christmas Eve & Day, and New Year’sDay services. On Ash Wednesday and the 2nd
Wednesday evening of Lent, services were heldwithout a pastor, and our chairman led thecongregation in discussions on repentance &forgiveness, and then on the history andsignificance of Lent. From this experience, the congregation and Iwere reminded of a number of things. 1) TheChurch belongs to Christ and is built on Him, it isnot our organization. 2) God can work in anysituation in ways that we can neither predict norimagine. 3) In the church no one is indispensable,but everyone is needed. 4) We need not fear thatwe might make a mistake, because God forgivesand can use even our mistakes to do his work. 5)All God expects of us is to trust in His power andlove as the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and toremain faithful to Scripture and the Confessions.6) Even if things seem to be out of control, Godcontinues to be in control of all things. 7) Goddoesn’t expect us to do great things for him, heonly asks that we humbly trust him to do greatthings through us. Finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t express deepappreciation from my family and I to Sts. Peterand Paul Lutheran Church, the SELC District, thepastors of the Central Circuit, President CarlKrueger, and many others throughout our synodfor the support, prayers and financial assistancewe have received during this difficult time.
God bless you all!!
Pillows For Hospiceby Harvey Moyer
The women of Resurrection LC in Malvern OHhave been busy working on“ear pillows” this winter.
Hospice of Carroll Countyexpressed a need for thepillows as they help providecomfort for their patients. [agreat addition to daily lifewhenever you have to be inbed for a long period oftime and want to enjoy sidesleeping without getting bedsores around the ear area, which can occur whenresting in the same position for a prolongedperiod of time.]
NOTE: It’s that time of the year when ourBeacon becomes a two month issue.
June & July and August & September will be combined.
This is your newsletter . . . Articles & Photosare welcome! Send submissions to:
Email: [email protected]
Deadlines
June/July issue — May 12th
August/September issue — July 12th
Balance of the year — the 12th of each month
Thanks for your cooperation . . . Gail Peterson
Did you know ...
You can get up-to-the-minute news and view The Lutheran Beacon in full color at:
www.selc.lcms.org
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SPIRITUAL FELLOWSHIP RETREATby Colleen Pohlod
St. John LC, Massillon, OH hosted it’s ninth annual spiritual fellowshipretreat in Sugarcreek, OH in March. Twenty nine people attended, representingthese Ohio sister congregations: St. John-Massillon; Christ the King-Lodi; St.Mark-Steubenville; Resurrection-Malvern, Pastor Ken & Lois Ballas (CentralCircuit Visitor) from Calvary-Parma, and the Pohlods’ (former members.) andtwo friends from Hope in Sunbury.
This year’s theme was “The Vine Speaks and Gives Life to the Branches”.Pastor Telloni led an opening devotion, which was followed by the hymn“Children of the Heavenly Father”. As is the custom for these retreats, PastorTelloni led the group in a Lectio Divina reading of scripture. This is a devotionalreceiving of the Word of God; John 15:1-17. The Author of scripture is speakingto us directly. Verse 16: You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointedyou that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so thatwhatever you ask the Father in my name, He may give it to you. Abide meansto stay, to remain. We abide in our abode. Where is our abode? Our abode isin Jesus. And that your fruit should abide…..Are you abiding in Christ? In Hiswords? In His commands? When we bear fruit, fruit of Faith, we abide in Him!When we ask, we are asking for His will. The grafting of branches to the vine,abiding. The vines are intertwined; you cannot be alone in the vineyard. Youmust remain attached to the vine. Those who don't abide can die. Branchesneed pruning so they stay strong; so they can bear fruit again. God does thisto keep us strong and attached to Him!
What is this fruit that God wants from us? Certainly Galations 5:22-23. Theessence of being a disciple is being a follower. Following Jesus. You’rebecoming like the one you follow. You bear Jesus into the world. A discipledoesn't just project Jesus. A disciple lives Jesus, presents Jesus, beingChrist-like. Bearing fruit is Christ likeness. Where do we see Christ and Hislove? God’s Word nourishes us. The vine has the nourishment; the branchesget their food from the vine. We are fed in the sacraments: Baptism and HolyCommunion. We take Him in through the sacraments. ABIDING IS RECEIVING!Together as the body of Christ, when we abide in Him, we are stronger, we beargood fruit which is being like Christ.
In the second session of the day, Pastor Cahill presented “Listening to theVine”, as we thoughtfully considered the sweet grapes, blessings, from God thatwe receive and how our lives are affected. What about the sour grapes wesometimes chew on? Sometimes those sour tastes come from previousgenerations. Can we make them sweeter? Then there’s the shriveled grapesthat can suck the joy out of our lives. As sinners, we gravitate towards these andask ourselves, “if only this, or that…then I’d be happy”. Can we change this?The Lord can make a shriveled grape plump again. The vine has an “open tap”with healing, flowing water to receive! What about the sweet love of Jesus?Without Him, we can do nothing. ABIDE IN HIM. Christ’s love trumps all ourneeds. Focus on the Word. LISTEN. His gifts are so great! By His grace, we arestill the apple of His eye!
The Spirit-filled day concluded with a closing service of Word andSacrament. Hymns: Chief of Sinners Though I Be, O Blessed Spring, and Go,My Children, With My Blessing. The readings were from Psalm 80:7-19,Galatians 5:16-25, John 15:1-8. THANKS to Pastors Telloni and Cahill for theirleadership, and to members of SJLC Vision Team who planned this retreat:Mary Foulks, Betty Minch, Frank & Mary Kay Pershing, Cal Shunk, VirginiaCole, & Rev. John Telloni.
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Why Charitable Christian Planning Reflects our Faith
The opportunity to include charitable giving in the estate planning of U.S. citizens is largelyoverlooked by the vast majority of people in our nation. When they pass property from onegeneration to another, those who take advantage of remembering charitable organizations notonly give their families a firsthand example of generosity that makes the world a better place forsucceeding heirs, they literally pass on a legacy that extends the Biblical calling to be a blessing.
Statistically, only 8% of U. S. estates that are documented include a charitable gift. The SELCDistrict hopes to put the idea of charitable planning in the forefront of the minds of Christianpeople. It is expected that more people with baptismal faith should include charitable causes thatalign with their highest values if the idea was ‘top of mind’ or more prevalent when they completedtheir plans.
We hope that more people will continue to do in their death what they have done during theirentire lives; namely share love with family members and support the work of the Lord. But suchgiving must be planned while one is able to plan. If a person waits until they are no longer ableto make their own decisions or until they die, charitable planning is not likely to happen.
Among the benefits of charitable gift planning are conserving taxes, assuring principal andincome for family members and providing the joy that comes with fulfilling the Great Commissionand living outside of self, even in ones entry into eternal peace.
Charitable gift planning involves the spiritual stewardship process of looking at a person’seconomic situation with a trained guide who shares your faith and helps you discern relevantoptions, and then supports you and your advisors to identify the opportunities and planningoptions that work best. Contrary to popular myth, a person can witness their faith and supportministries without disinheriting their family.
Christians worship a God who justifies a place of first priority in their lives. The congregationsand ministry organizations we support can be considered at the same priority level as ourfamily/heirs. These entities will assure that the future of the Christian faith will be stronger for ourchildren’s children.
In charitable gift planning, you will discover useful options that can bring blessings to yourhome; including beneficial options to avoid tax traps with qualified retirement account plans.
Learn more from Robin Paris, CDE, Gift Planning Counselor, and our partner, the LCMSFoundation. We can walk you through the gift planning process confidentially.
Robin E. Paris, CDE, Gift Planning Counselor
Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 780 N. Sun Dr., Lake Mary, FL 32746
407-333-0797, Ext. 1103; Cell: 937-477-9713
This is what I do: I don't look back, I lengthen my stride, and I run straight toward thegoal to win the prize that God's heavenly call offers in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13b
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LWML Mission Updatesby Sharon Roegge
One of the two remaining grants is Jesus Our Savior Lutheran Schools – Winnebago Tribe– Nebraska. The grant will be used to reach hearts for Jesus by funding two part-time NativeAmerican instructional assistants and purchasing curriculum needed for students of theWinnebago Tribe in Nebraska. The schools are unable to finance fully the cost of additional staffand curriculum needed to enhance learning for Native American students. The schools hope isto reach hearts for Jesus through academic excellence and Christian outreach. As yet this grantof $58,553 has not been paid.
The other grant is for Preparing Leaders for a Diverse World – Concordia College in Selma,Alabama. The grant is for material and recruitment of students for undergraduate and seminaryclasses. It will also help in establishing the seminary program and expansion of the teachereducation program that will serve the African American and other minority populations, preparingthem for fulltime ministry and leadership in the church. Preparing African American and otherstudents as leaders in the Church, in parishes, schools, daycare centers, and outreach ministriesis vital for reaching the ever-increasing diverse world with God’s Word. To date this grant of$50,000 has not been paid.
God has blessed our LWML Mission - we have not only met our $1,830,000biennium goal but has exceeded it as well. The final figure was $19,178.96! Nationaldoes pay out the grants as they receive enough money for those selected in order of votesreceived but rather as the agencies send in their request for when they need to disperse themoney. District sends the grant money in the order of the number of votes received.
The thirty-33 proposed LWML Mission Grants can now be found on the LWML website. Goto www.lwml.org, on the home page under 2015 Des Moines Convention click on ‘Learn More’,scroll to the last item on the page, click on Proposed Mission Grants for the 2015 ConventionBallot. There is a very diverse list of grants that those who are delegates will be able to vote forthe 2015-2017 Biennium. Also at the top of the home page, you can click on MISSIONS and thenMission Grants to see the breakdown on the 2013-2015. That is also where you can findinformation about this biennium’s grants under Mission Grant Resources.
LWML SELC GRANTS
THANKS BE TO GOD! I have now been able to send Acts 1: 8 Mission Society, our grant #2,their check for $3,000. Thanks to all of you who rallied with mites to make this possible. To reachour goal of $15,000 we will need $600 per month from now until March 31, 2016. The tworemaining grants are: Family of Christ Lutheran Church for a new satellite mission about 14 milesnorth of their present campus in Tampa, Florida and Grace Lutheran Church in Lakewood, Ohio,for hand bells, etc. to enhance their worship.
We’ll see you soon ...
LWML 36th Biennial Convention
Thursday, June 25th – Sunday, June 28th, 2015
For up-to-date information, visit www.lwml.org/events-2015-des-moines
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HELLO CLEVELAND!!!
ROCK SOLID
SELC District “Luther League” Youth Gathering
2015
What do bowling, service, go-karts, great food, friends, campfire,worship, laser tag, Bible study, roller skating, and rock and roll all have in
common? They will all be coming together in Cleveland, Ohio July 24-26 atROCK SOLID 2015, the 2015 Luther League Gathering.
The theme verse for this summer’s Luther League Gathering is Psalm18:2,
The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
Join us at Calvary Lutheran in Parma, Ohio July 24-26. Be there as wefocus on the ROCK SOLID promises of a ROCK SOLID God. Join in as weserve God by serving others. Build relationships and make new friends aswe Show Everyone Life in Christ. Worship God for being our solid rock andfortress. There will be plenty of food, fellowship, and fun as we join together
in service, study, and so much more.
Ask your pastor or youth leader about ROCK SOLID 2015! Informationpackets will be sent shortly. Don’t wait! Don’t Hesitate! Sign up now!!!
Come to Cleveland in July, it won’t be the same without you!
ROCK SOLID 2015
REGISTRATION FORM ON FOLLOWING PAGEFILL IT OUT AND RETURN PROMPTLY
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2015 Luther League Convention Registration
ROCK SOLID Calvary Lutheran Church, Parma, Ohio
July 24-26, 2015
Hotel Information
Comfort Inn
6191 Quarry Lane
Independence, OH 44131
216.328.7777
216.524.0403
Luther League Groups are responsible for booking and paying for their own hotel accommodations.
Use the group identification of LUTHER LEAGUE to receive the group rate of $82.99 per night.
Youth Name Age T-Shirt Size (adult sizes only)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Counselors
1
2
Total
Attending
Total
Registration
Amount
Convention Registration Fees (Hotel NOT included)
$100/ person by June 28, 2015
$110/ person between June 29-July 19
No refunds. Substitutions Permitted.
Checks payable to Calvary Lutheran Church
NOTE Luther League 2015 on the Memo Line
Send Registration Form and Check To
2015 Luther League Convention
Calvary Lutheran Church
6906 West Pleasant Valley Road
Parma, Ohio 44129
PLEASE MAKE A COPY FOR YOUR RECORDS
CHURCH NAME/CITY/STATE: ____________________________________________________
