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WORKERS TOGETHER Monthly Newsletter of the LCMS Kansas District | www.kslcms.org
DECEMBER 2019
In This Issue President’s Office
• Calls and Vacancies • Pre-Lent Conference • November Board Report Summaries Now
Available • Prayer Requests • Making Disciples for Life Conference • District Calendar • December Staff Travel Schedule
Missions & Stewardship • Church Planting Exploratory Meeting • District Life Conference • Narrative Budget Guide Available
Education & Youth • Kansas District Youth Gathering Recap • LYF Teen Leadership Training • Apply Now! Lutheran Youth Representatives
Caring Ministry
• LERT News
Business Office • 2020 Congregational Commitments • 2019 Year-End Checklist • Lutheran Witness Billings
LCEF • A Note from Your DVP • Featured Program: Jumbo Note
Around the District
• Celebrations • Women’s Retreat—Holy Cross • Ministry Focus Grants Available • The Power of Partnerships
OUR MISSION is to support and encourage the members of the District in carrying out the mission Christ has given His Church.
Wishing you a blessed Advent and Christmas! Arise, O Christian people! Prepare yourselves today; Prepare to greet the Savior, who takes your sins away! To us by grace alone the truth and light were given;
The promised Lord from heaven to all the world is shown.
LSB 354
Above: A wreath adorns a window of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Alma
President’s Office Calls and Vacancies PASTORAL CALLS
• Rev. Joshua Hayes – Berthoud, CO to St. John, Palmer – accepted • Rev. Mark Lovett – Our Redeemer, Herington to Immanuel, Wichita – accepted • Rev. Craig Boehlke - Slidell, LA to St. Andrews, Wichita – pending • Rev. Chet Scherbarth – Atonement, Spring Valley, CA to St. Paul, Cheney – pending
PENDING ORDINATIONS AND/OR INSTALLATIONS – PASTORS
• Rev. Rocky Mease – Prince of Peace, Topeka, December 21 and 22 • Rev. Seth Meyer – Trinity, Winfield, January 12 (tentative) • Rev. Joshua Hayes – St. John, Palmer, January 19 (tentative)
CONGREGATIONS CALLING OR PREPARING TO CALL A FULL-TIME PASTOR
• Atchison, Trinity (associate) • Cheney, St. Paul • Clay Center, St. Paul (associate) • Elkhart, Christ • Ellsworth, St. Paul • Erie, Good Shepherd and Hepler, Immanuel • Lawrence, Immanuel • Shawnee, Hope (senior) • Topeka, Christ • Topeka, Faith (senior) • TIG Partnership (Trinity, Garden City; Immanuel, Lakin and Grace, Ulysses) • Wichita, Ascension (associate) • Wichita, Bethany • Wichita, St. Andrews
CONGREGATIONS CALLING A COMMISSIONED MINISTER • Trinity, Atchison – Principal • Bethany, Overland Park – Teacher • Trinity, Winfield – Principal • St. Paul, Leavenworth – Teacher
COMMISSIONED MINISTER CALLS – from the field • Teacher Rebecca Blessing – Faith, Las Vegas to Holy Cross, Wichita – pending
Index
Pre-Lent Conference
PASTORS: Have you registered yet for the annual Kansas District Pre-Lent Conference? If not, now’s the time to do it. The event is a great opportunity to get away from the daily routine to talk theology and connect with other pastors. The retreat will be held January 27–29 at the Spiritual Life Center in Wichita. Rev. David Scaer, Professor of Systematic Theology and New Testament at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, will address the Sermon on the Mount. The regular registration deadline is January 6, 2020. You can find a link to the registration form on the homepage of the Kansas District website.
Index
For weekly call updates, visit the Calls and Vacancies page of the Kansas District website. The list is updated every Tuesday (typically by 10 a.m.).
November Board Report Summaries Now Available
The November Board Report Summaries are now available on our website. You can find links on the homepage as well as our Board of Directors page. If you’re looking for news to share about the Kansas District with your church council, boards, or voters, we encourage you to take a few minutes to scan through the summaries.
A few highlights from this quarter’s summaries:
The Church Worker Care Committee is working on a congregational church worker care team manual, which is expected to be available in 2020.
Online giving will soon be available on the District website. The Board of Missions has recommended awarding $141,918 in 2020 mission
grants. The next meeting of the Board of Directors is February 7–8, 2020.
Index
Prayer Requests
This month, we ask that you keep in your prayers:
Those grieving the loss of loved ones, including
o Rev. Rick and Lois Rostek (Immanuel, Norton) and family at the death of Lois’s mother, Vera Hall, Nov. 24
o Rev. Perry and Susan Sukstorf (Redeemer, Olathe) and family at the death of Susan’s father, Robert John Berghel, November 14
o Family and friends of Rev. Stanley Ostgren, former Kansas District pastor, at his death October 27 o Rev. Charlie and Laura Adams (Faith, Ottawa) and family at the death of Laura’s father, Dale Vogt Sr.,
October 22 o Rev. Steve Wipperman and family (Peace, Andover) at the death of his father, Al Wipperman, October
26 o Rev. Aaron Wagner and family (Christ the King, Salina) at the death of Rev. William Meyer Schultz, Pr.
Wagner’s grandfather and former pastor of St. John, Oberlin, at his death October 14
Those celebrating births, including Rev. Tim and Jennifer McCall (Immanuel, Junction City; daughter, November 14); DCE Tyler and Gentri Tollefson (Lord of Life, Leawood; daughter, November 26); Rev. Tommy and Tori Presley (Zion, Chanute; son, November 26); and DCE Paul and Andrea White (Mount Calvary, Wamego; son, November 27)
Those dealing with ongoing and new health issues, including Rev. Jason Boetcher, Rev. Dave Meier*, Amira McCall and family, Tyler Tollefson, LeRoy Engelbrecht (father of BOD member Curt Engelbrecht), Judy May, Rev. Jeff Moore, Rev. Rick Rostek, Eva Fenker, Kerri Lynne Brown, Sarah Reichert, Dave Willingham, Richard Schotte, Rev. Bryan Drebes, and Noah Schultz
* Health update from Pastor and Sherry Meier: Following knee replacement surgery on Nov. 6, Dave had issues with his heart (AFib). The only way to correct the problem was through an ablation. During the ablation, he suffered a stroke, which has left him with a condition called verbal apraxia, an inability to communicate through speech or writing. He will continue physical and speech therapy into January.
Churches and schools on our Facebook prayer list in December: o Immanuel, Norton, this week o St. Paul, Jetmore, Dec. 9 o St. Matthew, Nortonville, Dec. 16
If you’d like to request prayers, contact Tami Lierz in the President’s Office at [email protected].
Index
Making Disciples for Life Conference
District Calendar
DECEMBER Dec. 2: 2021 District Convention Planning Meeting, District Office, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Dec. 3: District Lead Staff Planning Retreat, Retreat Center in Herington, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Dec. 5: Children and Family Life Committee Meeting, District Office, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Dec. 24–Jan.1: District Office closed for Christmas and New Year’s holidays
JANUARY Jan. 7: Church Worker Care Committee Meeting, District Office, 12 p.m.–3 p.m. Jan. 9–11: Making Disciples for Life Conference, St. Louis Jan. 17–18: District Youth Ministry Team Retreat, Retreat Center in Herington Jan. 18: Church Planting Exploratory Meeting, Trinity Lutheran Church, Shawnee Campus, 9–11 a.m. Jan. 20: Saints Alive After 55 Committee Meeting, District Office, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Jan.20–24: Synod Reconciler Training, St. Louis Jan. 21–24: 2019 Symposia Series, Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne Jan. 22: District Life Conference, St. John’s, Topeka, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Jan. 25: LERT Training Event, Salina, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Jan. 26–27: Circuit Visitors Conference, Spiritual Life Center, Wichita Jan. 27–28: Pre-Lent Conference, Spiritual Life Center, Wichita
You can find the full District calendar on the website HERE.
May the incarnation of our Lord bring you peace and joy
this Christmas and in the new year.
The Kansas District Staff
Index
December Staff Travel Schedule
President Justin Panzer December 10: Circuit 9 Winkel, Abilene December 17: Circuit 5 Winkel, Pittsburg December 21 & 22: Rocky Mease Installation, Prince of Peace, Topeka Rev. Dan Galchutt December 21 & 22: Rocky Mease Installation, Prince of Peace, Topeka Jim Bradshaw December 4: School Visit at Christ, Overland Park December 7–9: CONFEDEX, Tampa, FL December 18: School Visit at Trinity, Winfield
Index
NOVEMBER SCENES
Snapped between Dodge City and Offerle. (Jim Bradshaw)
Missions and Stewardship
Church Planting Exploratory Meeting
On Saturday, January 18, 2020, the Kansas District Church Planting Committee will host an exploratory meeting focused on Kansas City church planting at Trinity Lutheran Church in Shawnee from 9–11 a.m. The meeting will highlight possibilities, models, and funding resources for church planting and will include stories from those who have been part of a church plant. There is no fee for the event, but an RSVP would
be appreciated. If you plan to attend, please contact Janet Powell in the District Office at [email protected] or 785-357-4441 by Monday, January 13.
Index Life Ministry Conference Update The second annual Kansas District Life Conference will be held January 22, 2020, at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church (901 SW Fillmore St., Topeka). To register, contact Rev. Matthew Durance at [email protected], or call him at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church office, 785-747-2407. (If you’re among the first 50 to register, you’ll get a free “Eyes of Life” hat at the conference.) The event begins with check-in at 9 a.m., followed by Matins at 9:30. Speakers will include the Rev. Timothy Roth of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Humboldt, who will address the political phrase “Right to Life.” At 12:45, attendees can participate in the annual March for Life in downtown Topeka, which will provide an opportunity to learn more about the battle to defend life in our own state. Following the March for Life, participants will gather again at St. John’s for Vespers and will discuss strategies for speaking the fullness of the Word of God concerning our lives and “Life” itself. A conference flyer/bulletin insert is available on the Life Ministry page of kslcms.org.
Index
Narrative Budget Guide
Looking to try something different with stewardship discussions in your congregation? If so, check out our new Narrative Budget Guide, now available on the Congregational Stewardship page of kslcms.org. With a narrative budget, you show members how their gifts are being used and the difference they’re making, using stories and photos to highlight the connection between mission, ministry, and means in your congregation. The Narrative Budget Guide includes step-by-step suggestions, Scripture verses on stewardship, and a sample narrative budget.
Index
Education & Youth
Kansas District Youth Gathering (KDYG) Recap
On November 22–24, youth and youth leaders gathered in Wichita for the 2019 Kansas District Youth Gathering, “Priceless,” with special guests Rev. Dr. Ryan Peterson and the band Bread of Stone. Among the many highlights of the event were the service projects on Saturday. In what follows, Pastor Michael Ada (Beautiful Savior, Olathe) gives us an insider’s view of the impact of one of these projects. I’ve always believed that God puts you where He needs you, and Saturday was just another example of His providence.
Our group was assigned the Robert Dole VA hospital. We went to play games and talk with the veterans in the TLC (nursing home) unit of the hospital. When we first got there, we accidentally walked through the hospice entrance instead of the TLC unit. When we spread out through the units, the youth went around the nursing home, and I asked if I could spend some time in the hospice unit talking with the gentlemen there.
That night, when we talked about our highs and lows (which included the wonderful messages and the great band), everyone’s high was spending time with the veterans. They especially enjoyed the life lessons and the strength of these men who were going through such difficult times.
I, on the other hand, had gone to the hospice unit and talked with two men. The first gentleman was a vet who had served in Vietnam and was in his terms a “lucky” man, having survived a number of missile attacks. When I visited the second man, I asked him what he was up to, and the first thing he said was “contemplating what I’m going to do with the last two months I have to live.” Talk about putting things in perspective. In talking with this gentleman, I found that he’s a Christian now. He had spent time in the Jehovah’s Witness church but said that just didn’t work out. He finally landed in the Presbyterian church with his wife, who has since died of lung cancer.
Two things struck me about the visit. First, at the end of our visit he told me now he knows what he needs to do. It’s humbling to think that a simple conversation can have such a big impact on the rest of one’s life. Second, I had told him about my dad, who died two days before I was ordained as a pastor. This man, who was only months away from dying himself, reached out and patted me on the knee as a show of sympathy. I came so I could bring comfort to him, but instead he comforted me.
I have to admit I wasn’t thrilled at the thought of spending the afternoon in a nursing home, but I am so thankful for the time I spent with these great men. God certainly knew where we needed to be.
THANK YOU to the KDYG Planning Team! From left: Rev. Dennis Kootz (Trinity, Salina), Jamie Kootz (Trinity, Salina), Rev. Henry Blickhahn (Our Redeemer, Hutchinson), DCE Randi Petrik (Bethany, Overland Park), DCE Brian Amey (Holy Cross, Wichita), DCE Heather McCormick (Faith, Topeka), DCE Korey Danley (Christ, Overland Park) and DCE Ben Venteicher (Messiah, Hays).
Index
LYF Teen Leadership Training Institute The 2020 Lutheran Youth Fellowship (LYF) Teen Leadership Training will take place March 12–15, 2020 at the Pallottine Renewal Center (http://pallottinerenewal.org/) in north Saint Louis County. At this event, young people and adult leaders are encouraged in their faith and acts of witness and service. Youth then lead the training back in their home district, circuit, or congregation. This provides opportunities for leadership and encouraging others in their life in Christ and the Church. As we engage both district and congregational participation, we continue to build and support a network of teen and adult leaders in the Synod. The cost of the event is $375 per participant, which covers housing and meals at the Pallottine, the leadership training, and all Teen Leadership Initiative programming. Transportation is not included. Early registration is recommended as our space is limited at the center. Our 2020 Leadership Training will encourage and challenge young people to grow in their understanding and application of their baptismal faith in life’s vocations. REGISTRATION PROCESS FOR DISTRICT PARTICIPATION: Registration is open until March 1, 2020 at https://lcms.regfox.com/2020-lutheran-youth-fellowship-
training At least one adult should accompany each “group” of youth participants. An effective ratio, though not a
requirement, is two youth and one adult per district or congregation. We recommend no more than eight (four?) youth per one adult. This participation allows for adequate support and sharing in responsibilities to replicate the training back home.
LCMS Youth Ministry is available to make flight arrangements for those who are flying and will bill districts for those costs. We can also bill for registration after the event if helpful. Once your participants have been determined, please email Krista Miller at [email protected] to book your flight.
Index
Apply Now! Lutheran Youth Representatives
The Kansas District Lutheran Youth Representatives (LYR) program gives young people an opportunity to grow in faith and strengthen their leadership skills as they share the love of Christ with other youth. The representatives attend meetings of the District Youth Ministry Team (DYMT), help at events such as the Kansas District Youth Gathering, and visit churches, where they worship with the congregation and present Bible studies. Applications are available on the LYR page of kslcms.org. Materials are accepted at any time but are only reviewed twice a year, prior to DYMT meetings. The next meeting is January 17–18, 2020.
Index
NEXT KDYG: November 20–22, 2020 in Topeka
Caring Ministry
Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) News CALENDAR LERT Leadership Retreat (NOTE DATE CHANGE) Feb. 28–29, 2020 Kansas District Retreat Center, Herington Free Events “Assisting Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities During a Disaster” January 11, 2020 King of Kings Lutheran Church, 306 E Madison, Gardner, KS 9:15–11:15 a.m. Cost: FREE Presented by Jennifer Smith, Autism Specialist, and Mark Trivilino, MSW “Field First Aid and How to Use the Tools in the Trauma Bag” Feb 8, 2020 King of Kings Lutheran Church, 306 E Madison, Gardner, KS 9:15–11:15 a.m. Cost: FREE Presented by Rev. Andy Keltner, EMS, Firefighter Register for either of these events by contacting King of Kings, Gardner [email protected]. Please include your name, address, phone number and email address to register. LERT Basic Training January 25, 2020 Trinity Lutheran Church, 702 S 9th St., Salina, KS 67401 Registration at 8:30; training from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (form available on District website) Training provided by the Gardner LERT Team (A Team) Contact: Trinity Church Office 785-823-7151 or David Goldammer 785-826-7767;
[email protected] Cost: $35 - Lunch included
And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:8–14) Christ’s peace and joy to you this holy season and always, Donna Williams Kansas District Disaster Response Coordinator [email protected]
Index
Business Office 2019 Year-End Checklist/Fiscal Year End Information
The 2019 year-end checklist was mailed to congregations in October. The District will close its 2019 fiscal year on Wednesday, January 15, 2020. Anything received after that date from your congregation will be credited to the 2020 fiscal year.
To meet the standards for a not-for-profit corporation audit, we cannot credit any mission commitments/gifts received in our office after the 2019 fiscal year end is closed; congregations must meet this deadline. If you are sending a 2020 gift prior to January 15, please indicate that it is to be posted to 2020 so that we may credit it correctly for your congregation. The 2019 year-end checklist is also available on the Kansas District website under the Business Office tab in the “Frequently Requested” box.
Index
2020 Congregational Commitments
Each fall, congregations are given the opportunity to pledge mission support to Synod and the Kansas District for the upcoming year. This pledge information is beneficial to the District Board of Directors as they finalize the ministry plan and budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The pledges are also critical for the work of Synod; of every dollar received by the District, 28% is sent to Synod as unrestricted support. Mission pledge forms were mailed in September. You can submit your 2020 pledge form in any of the following ways:
• Email your form to [email protected] • Mail your form to LCMS Kansas District, 1000 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, KS 66604 • Fax your form to 785-357-5071 • Call Shannon Oldham at 785-357-4441 ext. 202
We appreciate your prayerful consideration of your 2020 pledge. The final deadline for submission is December 31.
Index
Lutheran Witness Billings
Billing statements for 2019–2020 Lutheran Witness subscriptions were mailed to subscribing congregations in October. Payment is due by December 31, 2019. Please include a remittance voucher with payment, noting the check is for Lutheran Witness subscriptions. Make checks payable to the LCMS Kansas District and send to LCMS Kansas District, Attn: Shannon Oldham, 1000 SW 10th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66604-1104.
*No additional additions or cancellations will be taken for this subscription year. You can, however, still make address changes. If you need to update an address on your subscription list, please contact Shannon Oldham at 785-357-4441, ext. 202 or [email protected] for a change form.
Index
LCEF
A Note from Your DVP
Dear Kansas District Members, New rates. New limits. We’ve been listening! We’re pleased to announce several exciting changes that went into effect October 1.
PartnerPLUS is a fixed-rate term note for those who wish to invest even more in the future of the LCMS and its Christ-centered ministries. Earn 2.5% on amounts up to $50,000 for the two-year term note and 3.0% on amounts up to $50,000 for the four-year term note. Available to LCMS individuals, organizations, congregations and Individual Retirement Account investments. Minimum of $500 to get started. ConnectPLUS is a fixed-rate term note for new LCEF investors who wish to earn a competitive interest rate while investing in the future of the LCMS and its Christ-centered ministries. Amounts up to $50,000 earn a 3% interest rate. It’s now available to congregations and Recognized Service Organizations. Minimum of $500 to get started. Five-Year Fixed-Rate Jumbo Note (our featured ad this month) at 3% is perfect for earning a steady rate of interest for the length of the term. Minimum to invest is $100,000 with no maximum. Available to LCMS individuals, organizations, congregations and Individual Retirement Account investments. Minimum of $500 to get started.
For more information, visit lcef.org. I pray that the Lord will continue to richly bless your work. Blessings,
Jeffrey Maltz [email protected] 785-230-4112 LCEF is a nonprofit religious organization; therefore, LCEF investments are not FDIC-insured bank deposit accounts. This is not an offer to sell investments, nor a solicitation to buy. LCEF will offer and sell its securities only in states where authorized. The offer is made solely by LCEF’s Offering Circular. Investors should carefully read the Offering Circular, which more fully describes associated risks. The State of Washington has adopted a regulatory position that currently prohibits residents of Washington State from opening a new investment unless they are already an LCEF investor and 18 years or older. PartnerPLUS is available to investors 18 and older. New money only. Rates as of Oct. 2019. Balance restrictions apply. Visit lcef.org for details.
Index
Featured Program: Jumbo Note
Around the District
Celebrations
Teacher Sally Niemann was commissioned and installed at St. Paul Lutheran Church and School, Leavenworth, on Sunday, November 17, 2019, by the Rev. Ed Mease, Pastor at St. Paul, and James Bradshaw, Kansas District education executive. Sally, now in her fifth year at St. Paul, recently completed the colloquy program through Concordia University, Nebraska.
Trinity Lutheran Church, Atchison honored Pastor Robert Ziegler for his faithful service on November 17. Pastor Ziegler has served Trinity, Atchison for 50 years, prior to which he served 10 years at Zion, Claflin. He’s pictured here with Jim Duitsman, chair of the congregation.
Holy Cross Women’s Retreat
MinistryFocus Grants Available
MinistryFOCUS, a grassroots organization in The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS), has established a loan repayment assistance program (LRAP) for rostered church workers of the LCMS carrying at
least $20,000 in educational loans. in 2019, MinistryFOCUS was able to award 29 grants. For more information and an LRAP application, go to http://ministryfocus.org/application/ or contact [email protected]. Applications are due December 31, 2019.
The Power of Partnerships Yes, Jayhawks and Wildcats CAN work together, especially when the motivation is sharing the Gospel. Pictured at right: Bruce Ansel (Immanuel, Lakin) and Jay Meyer (Trinity, Garden City) prepare to visit with pastors on their call list. Their churches, along with Grace, Ulysses, are part of the new TIG Ministry partnership in southwest Kansas. You can read more about church partnerships in the January Kansas edition of The Lutheran Witness.
Registration is expected to open in mid-December on the Holy Cross Lutheran Church website.
District Office Directory
President’s Office • Rev. Justin Panzer, President: [email protected], 785-357-4441, ext. 200 • Tami Lierz, Administrative Assistant: [email protected], 785-357-4441, ext. 200
Missions & Stewardship • Rev. Dan Galchutt, Assistant to the President for Missions & Stewardship: [email protected],
785-357-4441, ext. 222 • Janet Powell, Administrative Assistant (Missions): [email protected], 785-357-4441, ext. 223 • Shannon Oldham, Administrative Assistant (Stewardship): [email protected], 785-357-4441, ext. 202
Education & Youth • Jim Bradshaw, Assistant to the President for Educational Services: [email protected], 785-357-4441,
ext. 200 • Tami Lierz, Administrative Assistant (calls; rosters/stats; events): [email protected], 785-357-4441, ext. 200 • Janet Powell, Administrative Assistant (general school support): [email protected], 785-357-4441, ext. 223
Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) • Jeff Maltz, LCEF Vice President, Kansas/Oklahoma: [email protected], 785-357-4441, ext. 118
Business Office • Heather Williams, Business Manager: [email protected], 785-357-4441, ext. 204 • Shannon Oldham, Administrative Assistant: [email protected], 785-357-4441, ext. 202
Communications • Kris Bruss, Communications Specialist, [email protected], 785-357-4441, ext. 322
Mission Development Counselor • Rev. Dr. Brent Smith, Mission Central, [email protected], 703-713-2851
Retreat Center Reservations • Rev. Mark and Kristi Lovett: [email protected], 785-380-8291
District Archives • Mike Grau: [email protected]
