The Lutheran Beacon Let your light shine . . . WWW.SELC.LCMS.ORG Published by the SELC District of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod MAY 2016
St. John (Cudahy WI) Celebrates Slovak Heritage Celebrating Our Life in Christ by Rev. Carl Krueger St. John, Cudahy WI is celebrating 110 years of Ministry! Founded in 1906 by Slovak Immigrants, St. John “kicked-off” this Anniversary observance year with English/Slovak Communion Worship Services led by the “last-remaining-100% Slovak Heritage-full-time-active- Slovak-Pastors”, and a Slovak menu dinner. At the turn of the 20th Century, Slovakia was ruled by the Hungarian Empire, and subjected to political, social, and religious oppression and persecution. The United States was seen as the land of freedom and opportunity. Slovak men made their way to the Milwaukee area Happy Mother’s Day and found work at the Patrick Cudahy Meat Packing Company May 8th slaughtering and processing beef and pork. The men worked long hours, saved money, then sent for their wives and families. Almost every Slovak adult packed their Slovak Bible and their Slovak Hymnal. First, families found homes, then they sought to establish a Church. “The Slovak Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Unaltered Augsburg Confession, St. John the Baptizer” was founded October 1906, with the city of Cudahy established the same year. The Pastor of a near- by German Lutheran Church provided pastoral care and worship services, along with visiting Slovak Pastors from Chicago IL and Whiting IN. To obtain their own Pastor from the Seminary, St. John needed to join the Slovak Evangelical Lutheran Church (SELC). Some St. John members refusing to join the Synod, left St. John and formed Dr. Martin Luther Evangelical Lutheran Church. All worship services at St. John were conducted in the Slovak language, until a weekly English worship service was added to the Remember those who schedule in 1920’s. Weekly English and Slovak worship services sacrificed for our freedom May 30th were conducted through 1978 by the resident Called Pastors, who were all of Slovak heritage and familiar with the Slovak language. In 1979, a Pastor was Called who was not Slovak, with the assumption that Slovak worship services would be stopped. [continued on Page 3] The Stewardship of Teamwork by Rev. Thomas Soltis, SELC Stewardship Director Teamwork Teamwork in the Church Teamwork produces the harmony and beauty of One characteristic of growing churches is the music. Consider an opera production involving teamwork of members accomplishing the will of conductor, musicians, singers and stage hands, Christ. Compared to an orchestra, Christ is the each performing their individual duties. When composer; the pastor, the director; the members, done well according to the genius of the the musicians. Functioning together in harmony, composer, the resulting sounds delight the ear. they produce beautiful music to the glory of God. Should some performers refuse to cooperate in 1 Cor. 12:12 compares the Christian Church to fulfilling their specific tasks, the result is noise the human body with each part functioning in instead of music. In sports teamwork is essential. behalf of the others. The brain, heart, lungs, Basketball players, functioning together stomach, mouth, eyes, ears, arms. fingers, legs, harmoniously like poetry in motion, win games. etc. - amazing teamwork! St. Paul writes. Now you Without the teamwork of fellow players, Lebron are the body of Christ and each of you is a part of James of the Cleveland Cavaliers would have it. (1 Cor. 12:27) There should be no division in the difficulty maintaining his claim to fame. body ... its parts should have equal concern for Teamwork in the Family each other. (1 Cor. 12:25) Love should be the Teamwork helps produce happy families. Family binding factor. Jesus commanded, A new stability and tranquility is enhanced when family command I give you: Love one another. As I have members fulfil their specific responsibilities. In loved you, so you must love one another. By this their role as providers, parents should wisely use all men will know that you are my disciples, if you their time, talents and resources as good love one another. (John 13:34-35) The world quickly stewards. Proper money management is notices loving teamwork in action. essential. Wasted, misspent money coupled with Church Team Players Differ enormous credit card debt disrupts marital and Congregational team players individually differ family tranquility. Children should be assigned from one another. Their talents, personalities, duties to help them gain a sense of responsibility, education, interests, experiences, etc., vary. This belonging and the satisfaction of accomplishment. is an asset since the functions within a Allowances? Yes - if they are connected to the congregation are multi-faceted, involving worship, performance of family chores and duties. Money education, stewardship, evangelism, missions, from allowances or outside jobs should be theirs charitable endeavors community service, to personally manage. Parental suggestions, fellowship, etc. Every church member should however, regarding banking, church support and engage in a personal church activity. Studies have money management will help ensure future shown that if a new member is not incorporated financial stability. Selfishness is a killer of stability. into the framework of church activity within six Family members, caught up in a Me-Me-Me mind months, the member will lapse. New members set, upset domestic peace. Husbands, wives and should be incorporated as team players in the children, who unselfishly offer themselves in stewardship of the Church as quickly as possible. service to each other, nurture tranquility. The Help should be given to make them aware of their example of Jesus, the perfect servant, should be specific spiritual gifts and talents. a family’s inspiration for a What Can I Do for You? mind set. Jesus said, I am among you as A resource to accomplish this is Spiritual Gifts. one who serves. (Luke 22:27) The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve. (Matt. 20:28) RESOURCE TO HELP INCORPORATE The word, “stewardship”, means manager/caretaker. It is the responsibility of each MEMBERS INTO CHURCH ACTIVITIES family member to be a caretaker of the family www.selc.lcms.org through unselfish, loving teamwork. Stewardship - Pastoral Helps SPIRITUAL GIFTS
2 [St. John, Cudahy-continued from Page 1]
However, Pastor Carl Krueger, “learned enough Slovak” to conduct the Communion Liturgy in Slovak once a month and on holidays; and with the dedicated assistance of Ted and Anna Sidlik (life-long members and Slovak Congregation leaders), weekly Slovak worship continued until 2007. Three Pastors led the Anniversary Worship Services on April 2 and 3. *Rev. Luther Bajus, Pastor of Zion, Norridge IL, and multi-termed Western Circuit Counselor and SELC District First Vice-president. *Rev. Andrew Dzurovcik, Pastor of Zion, Clark NJ, and the SELC District President. [Both Rev. Bajus and Rev. Dzurovcik possess a “100% Slovak heritage”.] *Rev. Matthew Vesey, Pastor of St. John, Cudahy since 2011. A Slovak-menu dinner was offered Sunday afternoon, featuring chicken paprikash, halusky/kapusta (dumplings/cabbage), polish sausage, and kolachi – plus other food and dessert items. More than 150 people enjoyed the dinner fellowship. Psalm 100:4,5 was chosen as the text for St. John’s 110th Anniversary under the theme: Celebrating Our Life in Christ. An “official” 110th Anniversary Event is planned for Sunday, October 16, 2016.
3 Rev. George Daniel Plvan Celebrates 60th Ordination Anniversary
In a ceremony of thanksgiving and praise, the congregation of St. John the Baptist Lutheran Church of Emporia, VA, celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Ordination into the Office of the Holy Ministry of Rev. George Daniel Plvan. The celebration took place on Sunday, January 17, 2016 and was performed by Pastor Stephen F. Bocklage. George Daniel Plvan was ordained on Sunday, January 22, 1956 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Cleveland, OH now located in Parma, OH. The bi-lingual service was conducted by Pastors Leopold Jarosi and George Vojtko. Pastor Vojtko delivered the sermon, based on 1 Timothy, 1:12, "I thank my Lord Jesus Rev. Stephen Bocklage & Rev. George Plvan Christ for having considered me faithful, putting me into the ministry." Pastor Jarosi, who had baptized and confirmed George Plvan conducted the Rite of Ordination. A dinner was held in the church auditorium after the worship service. Those present were invited to the reception hosted and sponsored by the congregation’s Lutheran Ladies League. As a part of the celebration of the anniversary of Rev. Plvan, a number of congratulatory letters from former Vicars and from the children of Rev. and Mrs. Plvan were read. At the conclusion of the service, which was broadcast over Emporia radio station WEVA, Rev. Plvan addressed the congregation speaking on highlights of his six decade ministry. These included a year teaching at Emmanuel Lutheran College and Seminary in Greensboro, NC.; ministry from 1956 to 1970 at St. John the Baptist Lutheran Church, Emporia, VA; and ministry at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church and School from 1970 to 1994. During the ministry of George Plvan in Emporia the congregation relocated and built the church, educational wing and fellowship hall on US 58 Emporia west. While a pastor at Holy Trinity in Garfield, NJ, he supervised the internship\vicarage of 17 men from the seminaries who were preparing for ministry in The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod. He also served as Interim Pastor of churches without pastors in Yonkers, NY, Dickson City and Hazleton, PA and Clark, NJ. Following his retirement and return to south side Virginia he served as Interim Pastor at King of Glory LC, Williamsburg, VA; Nazareth LC, Hopewell, VA; and Grace LC, Chester, VA. Vera and George Plvan were married on January 13th at Zion Lutheran Church in Chicago, IL by Pastor John Bajus. Their wedding message was delivered by the bride's brother, a classmate of George Plvan, Pastor Joseph Fabry. Their marriage was blessed with four children, Faith, Joy, Daniel and Grace. The Plvans reside in Emporia where they continue to serve the Lord and worship Him as members of St. John The Baptist Lutheran Church.
It’s that time of the year when our Beacon becomes a two month issue. June & July and August & September will be combined.
This is your newsletter . . . Articles & Photos are welcome! Send submissions to:
Email: [email protected] Cell Phone: 954-401-8452 Please submit articles as separate attachments in the Deadlines program you write in. [e.g. Word Perfect, Word, etc.] th June/July issue — May 12 Photos should be submitted as separate attachments August/September issue — July 12th [preferably .jpg format – not integrated into your article.]
th Balance of the year — the 12 of each month Ed. Gail Peterson
4 The Year in Review and Looking Forward by Rev. Andrew Dzurovcik, SELC District President “May you live in interesting times” is a phrase that has been used in movies and TV shows, and, of course, by politicians throughout the world. The origins of that saying are varied, mostly Chinese. Let me use that quote as well. A year ago our Zion Lutheran Church congregation in Clark, New Jersey, hosted the SELC District convention. I was elected president of our beloved district after serving 21 years as a vice-president. Trust me, being a VP is easier. We have had a very interesting and busy year. Allow me to bring you up to date on just a few of our activities in our congregations. At the moment we have 10 congregations calling church workers (pastors, assistant pastors, and vicars): Zion, Clark, NJ; Resurrection, Crown Point, IN; St. Matthew, Norton, OH; Family of Christ, Tampa, FL; Faith, Viera, FL; St. Luke's, Oviedo, FL; St. Lucas, St. Louis, MO; SS, Peter & Paul, Sharon, PA; St. Stephen, Dickson City, PA; and Redeemer, Manchester, NJ. St. John, Bound Brook, NJ and St. Paul, Raritan, NJ are working on becoming a dual parish. Our SELC District General Church Workers Conference & District Board meeting is being held at Pentecost Lutheran Church, Racine, WI, (April 18-21). The LCMS Council of Presidents is meeting April 22-28, including the placement of pastors, vicars, and deaconesses from our St. Louis and Fort Wayne seminaries. Our SELC District Lutheran Women's Missionary League (LWML) will be meeting in convention at Family of Christ, Tampa, FL, May 20- 22. Lutheran Haven Board meeting in Oviedo, FL, May 23-24 May 27-30 – meeting in St. Louis, MO, for all serving on committees for the synodical convention to be held in Milwaukee, WI, July 8-14. Certainly these are interesting times. We encourage your participation in the events in which you are involved in; but most of all we encourage your prayers that the work of the church may continue to give glory to God and be of service to His people and His world.
89th SELC District “Luther League” Youth Gathering – June 30–July 3rd, 2016 Theme: “In the Beginning” Motto: “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” (Rev. 22:13) Host: St. Paul Lutheran Church, Whiting IN by Tim Hasko Beginnings can be fun. Beginnings can be scary. From our first steps, to starting high school, getting our driver’s license, heading off to college…life is full of beginnings. Come join us in Whiting, IN as we learn about the One who IS the beginning, and has been there for all of our beginnings. What better place to come together with youth from all over the district than Whiting IN, the place where the Luther League began in 1927! Join us for fun, fellowship, servant events, Bible study, and local attractions. Start planning to attend now! Registration materials will be available shortly. Group at 2013 Convention
5 The Lodge at Lutheran Haven Is Open by Diane Leining
The Lodge, a Memory Support Environment, opened its doors on March 29th. It is located in what was our Early Childhood Center a few years ago. Several residents have moved in and are enjoying a specialized environment that has been developed with the needs of individuals with memory impairment in mind. Our household allows residents to maintain a level of independence while relying on the safety and security of a residential environment with a professional staff and has been designed to maximize the quality of life of the individuals we serve. We offer: semi-private rooms to accommodate 26 residents that allow both privacy and companionship, programming and environmental design that encourages residents to be out of their rooms and interacting with others, an environment that minimizes the cacophony and disruption of competing forms of media and noise, an indoor walking circuit and a beautiful outdoor healing sensory garden path to get out and interact with nature, and a staff specifically trained to manage the actions exhibited by some who have memory loss and to be respectful in directing the resident to appropriate activities or location. Wilma Valentine our Resident Care Director explains that we pleasure in helping to give purpose to the lives of our residents doing so with dignity, stability and joy. We let them make the choices for their daily routines in a calm and soothing environment. We are very fortunate here at the Haven to get to know our resident’s life stories and we cater to their needs and fondest memories. We meet the residents at their level and go to where they are. If you would like more information on The Lodge, please contact our Admissions Coordinator, Tonie Walker at 407-365-3456 or Wilma Valentine our Resident Care Director at 407-365-3108.
OTHER HAVEN NEWS…
ALL GONE!! All of the cottages in our oldest area of Independent Living are gone in order to get ready for The Landings our two story apartment homes building. Construction will begin in the next several months. This building will also feature a commons area with a restaurant, spa, clinic, library etc. that will also be available for all residents living at Lutheran Haven. Call our Marketing Department for The Landings information at 407542-1637 or 1-800-272-5676.
6 Dr. Doug’s Disaster Corner By Doug and Nona Schipull, SELC–DDRCs
The time for summer road trips is upon us. We are planning a road trip to the SELC–LWML convention in Tampa, FL, this May. We are going to visit Nona’s family on the way to the convention and Doug’s family on the way back.
Our topic for this article is what kind of “Go-Kit” do we need in the car for emergencies. The web site, www.ActforAmerica.org, Mar. 25, 2016, posting, gives us some ideas to think about. 1) Carry a wet wash cloth in a zip lock bag. You can put this over your mouth and nose to help avoid smoke inhalation in case of fire.
2) Keep a backpack with the survival essentials in your car. This will help you grab all the survival items at one time if you have to abandon your car.
3) Carry a few energy bars. This will give you something to eat if it takes a while for rescuers to find you.
4) Carry a small flash light. This will provide light during the night and can signal rescuers of your location.
5) Carry a whistle. A whistle sound carries a long distance and is a unique signal for rescuers to key in on.
6) Carry an up-to-date first aid kit. This kit should include large cloth pieces or cloth strips to help stop bleeding if you are hurt in an accident.
7) Carry an extra bottle of water. If it takes time for rescuers to find you, the extra water will help you survive.
8) Carry Aleve 12 Hours pain killer (or any other non-aspirin pain killer). If you are injured in an accident, the pain killer can help you survive by managing the pain to keep you alert until the rescuers arrive.
9) Carry a cell phone battery charger. Make sure that your cell phone is charged when you leave home and that you can recharge the cell phone from the car’s electrical system.
7 Spiritual Fellowship Retreat Brings Six Congregations Together
by Rev. John Telloni The Vision Team of St. John’s, Massillon, OH, hosted the annual Spiritual Fellowship Retreat at the Dutch Valley Restaurant in Sugarcreek on Saturday, April 9th, with a full schedule of worship, presentations, Bible study, great conversation, and fellowship. 33 brothers and sisters in Christ representing six congregations – St. John’s, Resurrection of Malvern, Christ the King of Lodi, Calvary of Parma, Holy Cross of North Canton, and Hope of Sunbury – considered this year’s theme: “Spiritual Survival Kit: 10 Essentials for the Journey,” led by Pastor John Telloni of Massillon and Pastor Chris Cahill of Lodi. The retreat got off to a good start with a Service of Word and Sacrament, with Pastor Telloni delivering a meditation on the first essential, “Nutrition,” focusing on God’s means of grace as our food for the journey through the wilderness of this world – an unlimited supply to nourish and strengthen our faith in the crucified and risen Christ, the Bread of Life and the Living Water. The other nine essentials presented by the “Tag Team” of Cahill and Telloni, with biblically-based spiritual twists and turns of phrase, were: Hydration, Sun Protection, Inflammation, Illumination, Insulation, Accommodation, Navigation, Restoration, and Renovation. A good combination of audio and visual aids and Christ-centered illustrations made for interesting presentations and free-flowing discussion, along with our friendly pastors’ usual banter and humor mixed in with helpful insights. The prayer and hope is that participants were well-fed and equipped with their “Survival Kit” for their lifelong journey of discipleship in Christ for the good of His Kingdom, both locally and at-large! The Sugarcreek venue has been an excellent one for this event, in fact this year was 10th annual retreat, with a large meeting room with comfortable furnishings and a luncheon dining area completely separated from the large and popular upstairs restaurant. A continental breakfast and buffet lunch, with refreshments through the morning and afternoon, were provided by the Dutch Valley staff. Many thanks to Pastors Telloni and Cahill for their leadership, and to the members of St. John’s Vision Team for their planning and efforts (Rev. Dr. Michael Bennett, Mary Foulks, Larry Meyer, Betty Minch, Frank and Mary Kay Pershing, and Cal Shunk). If you are interested in the material developed for this retreat as a possible retreat/seminar theme or 10-week Bible study in your congregation, we believe that our pastor leaders would be willing to offer this topic for wider use.
8 BITS & PIECES
Chili Champions Crowned Rev. John Perling and family on by Tim Hasko the death of his father, Rev. R. It may have been cold outside, but the John Perling, who passed away fellowship hall of Pentecost Lutheran Church was hot and spicy on Saturday, on Monday, March 21st, 2016. He served January 16th. Seven different chili’s were faithfully as pastor at Mt. Calvary Lutheran entered into the first ever Chili Cook-off. Church in Beverly Hills, CA since 1973. For $7.50, each “judge” received a dixie Our thoughts and prayers are with the cup to sample all seven chili’s, a judging Perling family during this difficult time. token to vote for their favorite chili, and a bowl to eat as much chili as they desired This note is to inform you of once all the votes were in. Official chili the announced retirement of cook-off rules were applied, and each crock brother-pastor John Mashek pot was surrounded by a poster-board cylinder to help anonymize entries. Each from active ministry after 21 contestant provided four quarts of chili, and years of faithful service to the youth group provided shredded cheddar God's Redeemed people at St. Matthew, cheese, chopped white onions, sour cream, Norton (formerly Barberton), OH. Brother ketchup, oyster/soup crackers, and corn Mashek's last service as pastor of St. chips. Matthew’s is Sunday, April 24. The seven different chili’s offered a variety of tastes, from mild to spicy, some with beans and some with meat only, and one chicken chili. The women of Resurrection Lutheran Church, in Malvern, Ohio, along with the After all the votes were tallied, the following help of our Youth Sunday School class, Chili Champions were crowned: completed 15 fleece lap blankets for the Shari Kinney – 1st patients of Carroll County Hospice. P l a c e ; D a n The supplies for this Geyer, 2nd Place, project were paid a n d N o a h through our B a r c l a y , 3 r d congregation's place. Mission Fund. At the Special thanks to all of our contestants for time the blankets providing a truly tasty night of fun and were delivered, the fellowship: Noah Barclay, Robert Barclay, staff at Hospice was Dan Geyer, Cindy Honore’, Shari Kinney, preparing Easter and Kathy McGregor. baskets for their patients and were excited The event raised over $600 to help defray to be able to include the blankets. costs of attending the National Youth Gathering in New Orleans and Luther League Youth Gathering in Whiting, IN.
9 www.lcmsfoundation.org 800-325-7912 Ext 1684
Why Charitable, Christian Planning Reflects our Faith
by Robin Paris, SELC District Gift Planning Counselor
Most U.S. citizens overlooked the opportunity to include charitable planning in their estate and financial plans. When property is passed from one generation to another, those who take advantage of remembering charitable organizations not only give their families a firsthand example of generosity that makes the world a better place for succeeding 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. Our ministry hopes to put the idea of charitable planning in the forefront of the minds of our members and supporters. It is expected that more people with baptismal faith should include charitable causes that align with their highest values if the idea was ‘top of mind’ or more prevalent when they completed their plans. Sadly it isn’t. We hope that more people will finish their lives like they lived it, remembering to support the work of Christ’s Kingdom and remembering to bless their families. But such giving must be planned while one is able to plan. If a person waits until they are no longer able to make their own decisions or until they die, charitable planning is not going to happen. Among the benefits of charitable gift planning are conserving taxes, assuring principal and income for family members and providing the joy that comes with fulfilling the Great Commission and living outside of self, even in ones entry into eternal peace. Charitable gift planning involves the spiritual stewardship process of looking at a person’s economic situation with a trained guide who shares your faith and helps you discern relevant options, and then supports you and your advisors to identify the opportunities and planning options that work best. Contrary to popular myth, a person can witness their faith and support ministries without disinheriting their family. Christians worship a God who justifies a place of first priority in their lives. The congregations and ministry organizations we support can be considered at the same priority level as our family/heirs. These entities will assure that the future of the Christian faith will be stronger for our children’s children. In charitable gift planning, you will discover useful options that can bring blessings to your home; including beneficial options to avoid tax traps with qualified retirement account plans. Learn more from Robin Paris, our SELC District Gift Planning Counselor, and our partner, the LCMS Foundation. We can walk you through the gift planning process confidentially. You can reach Robin at 937-477-9713, or you may email her at [email protected].
10 A Word of Encouragement to District Congregations and Fellow Pastors by Pastor Ken Ballas, EM
It is ever fitting for Christians to seek and share the comfort of the Easter Gospel message also long after the passing of each paschal Easter feast. Scriptural promises regarding divine comfort would not be in our Bibles a). if comfort were not needed, and b). if divine comfort and forgiveness were not readily available. How many uses of the noun or verb “comfort” can you count in 2 Corinthians 1:3-7? Blessed be the God and Father of our [living] Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our afflictions, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort also. If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted it is for your comfort which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. Our hope for you is unshaken; for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort. The purpose of this article is clearly not to explore why some churches are “growing” while many others are declining (“plateau-ing” does not for long appear to be a realistic alternative). May I suggest instead we briefly reflect on a tiny detail in this year's Gospel reading for Easter 3 in John 21:9 – mention of a charcoal fire on the shore of the Sea of Tiberias (Galilee) graciously used by our risen Lord in preparation of breakfast for seven student-disciples become apostles. In addition to the Lord's feeding His “boys” breakfast that memorable morning (after also inviting them to add some of “their own” fish which He had permitted them to catch), a soggy Simon Peter must have experienced, in seeing those charcoal embers, an immediate flashback to yet another charcoal fire. Mentioned only by the evangelist John, that first charcoal fire was at Caiaphas' palace courtyard back in Jerusalem that chilly evening only a few weeks earlier around which Peter, warming himself in the presence of others, also vehemently denied ever knowing his teacher and loving Lord (John 18:18). Rather than draw what would have been a most uncomfortable parallel between these two occasions (Jesus never says, “Peter, does this fire remind you of anything?”), in order to restore a now fully forgiven Peter our Lord instead three times places that mercurial student-disciple back on what proved to be a highly effective team of under-shepherds who courageously proclaimed Christ's saving Gospel message to an unbelieving and at times hostile world. Whether privileged to find ourselves today part of a large or small family of believers, let us continue to pray for and support one another as we all worship a common Lord who loves us equally. Presently struggling congregations can honestly be praised for having faithfully helped untold numbers of blood-bought men, women and children remain faithful to their Christian Baptism all the way to the portals of heaven. At the same time we should also thank God that He has blessed currently larger parishes with a variety of outreach ministries and schools praying that they not grow weary in continuing to do those things which, under the guidance of the Spirit of God, are obviously working. In light of the world population as a whole in which His Church often remains a minority, the Savior's words in Luke 12:32 apply to all of us: “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you (all) the kingdom (and all the blessings that such a promise of our Lord entails). Truly none of us is ever really all alone as our merciful God promises to give us all His Spirit's gift of joy and contentment in both the best and most trying of circumstances!
11 It’s Time For Tampa!
Mind, Body, Spirit-Fit to Witness Friday, May 20th through Sunday May 22nd, 2016
Submitted by Laura Bergmann, SELC LWML District President IT’S TIME FOR TAMPA!-Our 2016 SELC District LWML Convention in Tampa , Florida is fast approaching. The convention is being held at Family of Christ Lutheran Church, 16190 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33647, phone: (813) 558-9343. The theme of the Convention is “Mind, Body, Spirit-Fit to Witness” and is based on 2 Corinthians 5:20: “We are ambassadors for Christ, God making His appeal through us.” There are three attendance goals for this Convention: 1. That at least two attendees from every SELC congregation come to the Convention, 2. That more Pastors from the District attend and participate, and 3. That all the churches in the Southern Circuit send Pastors and at least 5 representatives. The cost of registration for the entire Convention is $100 per person. Registration fees include meals on Friday evening; Saturday breakfast, lunch, and dinner; and Sunday breakfast and lunch; speaker fees; and other necessary Convention expenses. Registration envelopes must be postmarked by Friday, April 22 to qualify for this registration fee. A late registration of $125 will be charged for registrations postmarked April 23 or later. The registration fee for a one day registration (Saturday only) is $75 and includes three meals, including the Saturday evening barbecue. All registration materials must be postmarked by May 7. Registrations Form should be mailed to Sharon Roegge, LWML SELC Treasurer, 656 West Oak Lane., White Haven, PA 18661. Checks should be made payable to LWML SELC District. Registration fees do not include hotel charges. You must make your own hotel arrangements and pay the hotel directly. The official Convention Hotel is Marriott Springhill Suites Tampa North, 5396 Primrose Cir., Tampa, FL 33647. Phone: (813) 558-0300. The website is www.marriott.com\tpanp Please ask for the SELC LWML Convention block of rooms for $119 per night. This special rate applies from Thursday night, May 19, 2016 through Sunday night, May 22, 2016. All rooms are suites with two queen beds and a pullout couch. The special rate of $119 per night is only good for rooms booked by April 21, 2016, the reservation deadline. If you make your reservations after April 21, you will be charged the regular rate of $179 per night if rooms are still available. This hotel was chosen because it has the following amenities: 1. Free hot breakfast daily 2. Free high-speed and wireless, or hardwire Internet access in lobby and guest rooms 3. Business center 4. Heated outdoor pool 5. Fitness room open 24 hours 6. Coin operated guest laundry 7. 2.3 miles from the church (five minute drive) 8. Free parking 9. Approximately 25 minutes from Tampa Airport (no hotel airport shuttle) Please fill out the Travel and Lodging Form and return it to Sharon Roegge. Please indicate your travel information, whether you will need transportation to and from the Tampa Airport, and whether you will need transportation daily between the Marriott and Family of Christ Lutheran Church. Gifts from my Heart will be for The Spring of Tampa Bay, a women and childrens shelter. Please bring new linens and baby items. The facility has requested twin size sheets and pillowcases, washcloths and towels, onesies, socks, bibs, clothes for young children, and children’s books, as well as Walmart and Target gift cards. There will also be an offering for Lutheran Haven during the Convention. [continued on Page 13]
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There is a lot to see in the Tampa area before or after the Convention. Busch Gardens is only about 15 minutes from the church. St. Petersburg Beach and Clearwater have beautiful white sand beaches on the Gulf of Mexico. Tarpon Springs, west of the church, is a Greek community with sponge diving tours. The Tampa Electric Manatee Visitors Center is 45 minutes away on I-75 S., and there are Manatee tours on the Crystal River, about one hour away. Cockroach State Park is located near Ruskin, an area of mangroves and swampland. The American League baseball team, the Tampa Bay Rays, plays in St. Petersburg. Contact the Tampa Area Chamber of Commerce for more information on these and other activities in the area. Please fill out the Medical Release and Treatment Form and return it to Sharon Roegge. Make sure this form is completely filled out. Two forms that should be brought to the Convention are the 2016 Convention Credentials Form and the Mite Walkathon Pledge Sheet. The Credentials Form should be completely filled out and signed by the Society President and home Pastor. We are having a Mite Walkathon during our District Convention. The Walkathon will take place right on Family of Christ Lutheran Church property. The one half mile path is level and flat and goes through the church’s nature trail, and is easily accessible. It gives new meaning to the phrase “See you later, alligator!” (Ha Ha, just kidding.) You are encouraged to find sponsors for your walk in support of our 2016-2018 Mission Grants. Your sponsors are encouraged to support you in your walk, rather than in the distance that you walk. All proceeds will go toward Mites. Please bring the money that has been pledged for your walk with you to the Walkathon. The special Mite Walkathon Offering will be presented and dedicated at this Convention. Don’t forget your walking shoes! Please wear any LWML T-shirt of your choice. It is our goal to have everyone participate in the Mite Walkathon. If you have questions on the Convention, please contact District President Laura Bergmann at (219) 838-5177, or email her at [email protected]. For Convention Registration Fee questions, contact Treasurer Sharon Roegge at (570) 443-9250 or email her at [email protected]. The 9 page set of Convention Registration Documents is available from your Pastor, or from Laura Bergmann, if you do not already have a set. These sets may be duplicated. Also available in the April issue of The Lutheran Beacon. We hope to see everyone at the Tampa Convention.
Surprise! Get Ready for Albuquerque, Not Salt Lake City LWML 75th Anniversary June 22nd through June 25th, 2017 After months of negotiations with the 2017 Convention center, the tourist bureau and downtown hotels in Salt Lake City, the LWML Executive Committee was unable to reach agreements in order to sign contracts for the 2017 National LWML Convention. The decision was made to change the site of our 2017 National Convention to the Albuquerque Convention Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The dates of the Convention remain the same: June 22 through June 25, 2017. The Convention programming will go on as planned as we celebrate the LWML’s 75th Anniversary. More information will be forthcoming.
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by Sharon Roegge, LWML SELC Treasurer ‘Providing Hope for Detroit – Acts 2 Enterprise (A2E) is this month’s featured LWML Mission Grant. A2E is a strategic and holistic urban outreach of the Michigan District LCMS, based on the work of Jesus and His disciples in the early church which is recorded in Acts. They are striving to help in a city with a depressed economy, high unemployment and poverty, and gang violence. Their goal is for the churches of Detroit to reconnect with communities, evangelizing the city with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Rev. Christopher Bodley is using an approach shared by Paul in 1 Thessalonians 1:4- 8. That approach is ‘Immersion in the Culture’…we lived among you, ‘limitation of God’…you became imitators of us, Invitation to Join’ …you became a model, and Impact the Region’…your faith in God has become known everywhere. Rev. Bodley has had 20 years of experience in urban ministry. The programs will engage the community in educational opportunities-after school computer classes improving reading and life skills, and Biblical teaching including sharing the Gospel. This grant is for $100,000. For more information on this and other LWML Mission Grants, go to www.lwml.org and click on missions. SELC District Mission Grants-I’m happy to report that we have reached our goal and even exceeded it by $222! PRAISE GOD! Our 4th and final grant was for Grace Lutheran Church in Lakewood, Ohio which was for $2,500. This grant will be used for part of a set of brass hand bells. Grace has been successful in bringing Oriental, Hispanic, Eastern European, and African American individuals, who have an interest in this music ministry, into their congregation. We will be selecting our new mission grants at our convention May 20-22 at Family of Christ in Tampa, Florida. The Time is NOW to bloom where you’re planted! The Lord plants His people; prayerfully reflect how the Lord entrusted you with His gifts and talents to give Him glory, in every aspect of your life. Thus, showing everyone life in Christ by showing everyone love in Christ.
At the end of March, LWML is only slightly under budget at the midway point of our biennium. Two deposits already posted in April have put us over the halfway amount of our $2,000,000 goal. REJOICE!
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Luther League News
Facebook: SELC Luther League
Twitter: @SELCLL Spring 2016
Micah from CUW closed the evening with a devotion centering on Philip and Frozen Fun Leads to Faith the Ethiopian Eunuch. Philip befriended the Ethiopian Eunuch who helped him and Fellowship understand the Scriptures he was reading. Western Circuit Ski Trip – “You’ve got a friend in me.” John 15:13 The rest of the night was spent playing What do you do in Wisconsin when its 10 in our lives. He encouraged us to board games, hanging out in the youth degrees outside with 10 below zero wind support each other during the weekend, room, playing video games, and eating chills? Go skiing, snowboarding, or make new friends, renew old ones, and every junk food known to man. tubing, of course! The SELC Western enjoy our time together. In the morning, Pentecost served a Circuit youth met on Feb. 13 & 14 at delicious breakfast of eggs, sausage, Wilmot Mountain for some frozen fun. oatmeal, cereal, fruit, and Racine’s Groups from St. Louis, MO; Crown signature Danish pastry: Kringle. Trevor Point, IN; Racine WI; and Concordia from CUW reminded us in our closing University WI attended. Whether you devotion that Jesus is our best friend. were a first time skier or a ski-veteran, While other friends may let us down or all the youth enjoyed a chilly day on the be unavailable, Jesus is always there and slopes. For those who preferred tubing will never leave us. to skiing, a separate hill with several tubing lanes and a conveyor system After opening devotions, our energetic The 9:00 a.m. worship service closed made for an exciting day. group was turned over to the CUW YMIN with the hymn “God Be With You Till We team for mixers and icebreakers. The After a day on the slopes, the group Meet Again”, a long-standing Luther youth wore themselves out playing traveled to Pentecost Lutheran Church League tradition. Trainwreck, Dodgeball, and our own in Racine, WI for a spaghetti dinner. version of the Hunger Games (kind of As we said farewell to our friends, new Opening devotions were kicked off by like flag-football). and old, we were reminded of our theme Ian Barclay, a Chaplains Assistant in the for the weekend: US Army, who was home for the Later in the evening, Kangaroo Court weekend. We explored the friendships raised over $400 for missions and the “Greater love has no one than this: to lay of Elijah and Elisha, Naomi and Ruth, scholarship fund. Luther Leaguers were down one’s life for one’s friends.” John and David and Jonathan. Ian reminded fined for cheesy winter hats, tardiness, 15:13 us what friends are; what friends do for and not knowing the lyrics to classic rock songs, among many other offenses. each other; and how God has put friends
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East Retreat The annual Luther League Eastern Circuit Winter Retreat and Conference took place on President's Day weekend, which was also Valentine's Day weekend. The theme was Friends & Lovers, Brothers & Sisters. Eighteen youth and five chaperones attended from churches in New Jersey. After many years of the winter retreat being hosted at Camp Bernie in Port Murray, NJ, this year was the first time the retreat was hosted at the Fellowship Deaconry facility in Liberty Corners (Basking Ridge), NJ. Youth stayed at the Youth Center where most activities took place. Activities included banner making, skits, scavenger hunt, Bible studies and devotions, Family Feud, and Kangaroo Kourt presided over by "Judge" Andy Dzurovcik. Fines collected from Kangaroo Kourt raised $140.00 for the bike, and playing with toy cars. Vitor is Luther League Scholarship Fund. Everyone grateful to God for Him helping us, and who attended was pleased with the facilities, Vitor would like us to pray for him that and the food was fantastic! Next yesr's he keeps his faith in God strong. Joao LCMS National retreat will likely be held at the Fellowship Paulo is in his 6th year of school. His Deaconry again. favorite subject is math, and his dream is to Youth Gathering be a Veterinarian. He also loves to play soccer. Joao Paulo thanks God for having his The next LCMS Youth Gathering will be family with him at the Holy Trinity Institute, July 16-20, 2016 in New Orleans, LA. The and Joao Paulo would like for us to pray that theme for the 2016 LCMS Youth God continues to take care of his family. If Gathering, In Christ Alone¸ is based on you are interested and want to help support the Apostle Paul’s book to the the Luther League’s Mission, you can mail a Philippians. The 2016 theme selection check of any amount to: process began by first considering the Pentecost Lutheran Church LCMS’ triennial theme, ‘STAND’, in preparation for the upcoming 500th year Attn: SELC Luther League Missions Fund celebration of the Reformation in 2017. For more information, visit 2016 LCMS 2213 Coolidge Avenue National Youth Gathering: The Berti Family Racine, WI 53403 The SELC Luther League Mission has www.lcmsgathering.com been focused on the Berti Family. In You can make checks payable to SELC 2013 during our Chicago Gathering, we District Luther League. Your SELC District coordinators for decided to start sponsoring Vitor, the the gathering is Rev. Mark Moreno youngest of the five Berti children. The and Jenna Geyer, please contact next summer during our Florida them with any questions or to just Gathering in 2014, we decided to also let them know you are going! If start sponsoring Vitor’s second-to-oldest you have youth interested, but brother Joao Paulo. The two brothers don't know how to pull it together, live at the Holy Trinity Institute in Brazil please reach out to Rev. Moreno at with their mother and two other [email protected] or call brothers Daniel and Leonardo. These 321-242-1610. brothers also have a sister that was adopted by a close family relative when the Berti Family started living at the Also, for those groups going, our special Holy Trinity Institute. Vitor is a little boy SELC event will be dinner at the ACME th that loves spending time with his Oyster House 6 PM on July 19 . brothers and mother. He loves helping with the yard work at home, riding his
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