The Newsmagazine of the Florida-Georgia District LCMS August/September 2020

Reaching Many in 2020 for Jesus! embrace change! CAPSULES District Calls Accepted 7/12/20 — Ms. Brenda Arden (C) as Principal LUTHERAN Jefrey Jensen accepted pastoral call to King of Kings/Jasper, GA Abiding Savior/Gainesville, FL Michael Duchene accepted the senior pastor call to Peace/Naples, FL 8/1/20 — Rev. Jefrey Jensen (O) as Pastor King of Kings/Jasper, GA LIFE Transferred Out of FLGA to Other Districts 8/2/20 — Ms. Beth Leech (C) as Teacher Lutheran Life is the official 6/22/20 — Ms. Claire Fuhler (C) to Missouri Faith/Eustis, FL newsmagazine of the Florida- 6/26/20 — Mr. Nathan De Young (C) to Nebraska 8/2/20 — Mr. Timothy Leech (C) as Principal Georgia District of the Lutheran 7/1/20 — Mr. Matthew Chilman (C) to Pacific Southwest Faith/Eustis, FL Church —Missouri Synod. 7/3/20— Rev. Benjamin Schroeder (O) to North Wisconsin 8/2/20 — Ms. Dineen Rottmann (C) as Teacher 7/7/20 — Ms. Crystal Jones (C) to SELC Faith/Eustis, FL The Mission of the Florida- 8/2/20 — Ms. Sharon Wallace (C) as Principal Georgia District is to serve, 7/15/20 — Mr. Ronald Pawlitz (C) to Missouri 7/23/20 — Ms. Cassandra Moore (C) to Texas St Paul/Peachtree City, GA assist, and encourage 8/5/20 — Mr. Luke Beck (C) as Teacher congregations in the ministry Transferred Into FLGA from Other Districts Grace Jacksonville, FL of Jesus Christ. People of 5/19/20— Rev. Manfred Poeppel (O) from Easter 8/9/20 — Mr. James Essig (C) as Principal the Florida-Georgia District 5/22/20 — Rev. Stephen Schafer (O) from Southeastern First/Clearwater, FL are equipped, empowered, 6/3/20 — Ms. Brenda Arden (C) from Indiana engaged in the Master’s 6/18/20 — Mr. Michael Glowinski (C) from Kansas FLGA District Status Changes business … connecting people 6/23/20 — Ms. Dineen Rottman (C) from Northern Illinois 6/30/20 — Mr. Jon Wareham (C) from Active to Candidate to Jesus. Lutheran LIFE is 7/2/20 — Rev. Alemu Sernessa (O) from Ohio 6/18/20 — Mr. Austin Dukes (C) from Active to Candidate designed to inform LCMS 7/15/20 — Ms. Sharon Wallace (C) from Wisconsin 6/18/20 — Ms. Erica Dukes (C) from Active to Candidate church and school members of 7/19/20 — Rev. Gary Siefert (O) from Northwest the activities, personalities and Emeritus resources offered by the Synod Initial Placements of Ordained/Commissioned Ministers 5/31/20 — Rev. Craig Mathews (O) from Active to Emeritus and the District. 6/28/20 — Rev. John Kyle Concordia/STL to Grace/St Petersburg, FL 7/31/20 — Rev. Karl Galik (O) from Active to Emeritus Lutheran LIFE may also provide 7/12/20 — Rev. Kyle Will Concordia/STL to Epiphany/Lake Worth, FL 8/9/20 — Ms. Sarah Duffy Concordia/Seward to Grace/Winter Haven, FL Removed from the Roster a forum for Lutherans to 6/8/20 — Rev. Dennis Glick (O) Resigned from Roster express their views and ideas 9/27/20 — Mr. Jacob Roggow Concordia/Seward to Zion/Fort Myers, FL on a wide range of topics. Called to Glory Lutheran LIFE is published Installations of Ordained/Commissioned Ministers 5/21/20 — Rev. Manfred Poeppel (O) as Interim Pastor 5/25/20 — Ms. Margorie Meier (C) bimonthly. News items and Shepherd of the Coast/Fort Lauderdale, FL photos are encouraged. Please 6/19/20 — Mr. Timothy Mirly (C) as Principal Closed send scanned photos as a Redeemer/Stuart, FL 5/16/20 — Lakeside Preschool/Venice, FL JPG attachment rather than 7/8/20 — Rev. Michael Duchene (O) as Pastor embedded in your emails. Peace/Naples, FL Or mail your photo print in a good quality resolution to our address below. Advertising is welcome and encouraged; rates and information are available ONE BODY, MANY PARTS from Lutheran LIFE’s office. Theme for September Virtual Event PRESIDENT’S CONFERENCE PRESIDENT’S The Fall President’s You’ll also see fun and useful in your ministry Equipt Conference (PEC) informative videos and work. will be held virtually words of encouragement Keynoter, Donna September 24-26, 2020. from ministry partners Snow, a frequent speaker Registration opens across the country. for the LWML, will be on August 15th. A $50 Lunch is scheduled for leading us in the Word registration fee — and noon each day to allot time and sharing some Lutheran Life Publishing: your unique email for lunch on your own. impassioned stories. 971 SW Pepperidge Terrace address — gives you Breakouts will be available Finally, laugh Boca Raton, Florida 33486 access to the entire starting at 1 pm. With so with The Skit Guys David Kinnaman is president of flgadistrict.org/lutheran-life/ event as well as to many to choose from, you’ll — who have a steller the Barna Group approximatley 90 have no trouble finding reputation for writing E-Mail photos, news, address breakout sessions. something to attend. and performing hilarious corrections or deletions to: Here’s what you can Be sure to check the list and poignant acts [email protected] expect: ahead of time so that you and have traveled the John List , Editor • The Equip Mall will won’t have to make any last world performing at open daily, one hour minute decisions! events, churches, and Florida Georgia-District LCMS before the General • Saturday, 9/26 Only — conferences. Lutheran Ministries Center Session. Log on and During the 10 am General Think about 5850 T.G. Lee Blvd, Suite 500 visit our exhibitors Session, there will be a live planning to gather safely Orlando, FL 32822 who will have exciting as a group – in your Toll-Free: (877) 457-5556 Q&A session with President products to view, along Walton and David Kinnaman church, fellowship hall, Speaker Donna Snow has been www.flgadistrict.org with drawings to enter from the Barna Group. This teacher’s lounge or a a frequent guest of the LWML and games to play. is sure to be an informative classroom or even your Greg Walton • The General Session discussion. gym and participate District President will begin at 10 am on The Barna Group is together virtually while Mark Brink Thursday 9/24, and using a large screen. School & Youth Ministries a leading research and Peter Meier at 9 am on Friday and communications company Laugh together! Be Mission & Outreach Saturday. During these that works with churches, in the Word with one Laura Zirbel sessions, you will nonprofits and businesses another! Those who Finance/Administration hear from President ranging from film studios to aren’t comfortable in a Jay Wendland Walton, watch our main financial services. He’ll be group are certainly able LCEF District VP Rusty Huseman speakers and celebrate sharing abundant research to participate from home. ministry anniversaries. The Skit Guys will provide Legal Counsel data that will be extremely great comic relief PEOPLE CAPSULES Concordia Seminary President Emeritus Dale Meyer Honored with Festschrift

Although many festivities may be canceled due to professor of homiletics, media personality, COVID-19, that didn’t stop faculty, staff and friends from church leader and pastor — each reflecting his honoring ­— and completely surprising — Concordia singular focus to “let the Gospel lead” in all Seminary/St. Louis, MO President Emeritus Dr. Dale A. things. Meyer. In recognition of his contributions to the church The book was edited by Dr. Travis Scholl, and his recent retirement from service as Concordia’s 10th managing editor of Seminary Publications, and was published by the Concordia Seminary Press. “It was an amazing thing to see this collection come together, from so many different pastors, scholars and leaders who have worked with Dr. Meyer, even a sermon from the late, great The Rev. Dr. Oswald Hoffmann,” Scholl said. “I, for one, count it an honor to have worked with Dr. Meyer in various ways over the years, to learn from his generous churchmanship, and to be blessed by his life and ministry centered in the Gospel.” The festschrift is divided into three sections: Essays: This section contains both scholarly and collegial articles written by friends and colleagues that reflect Meyer’s professional life and ministry. Anatomies of a Sermon: This section includes three of Meyer’s sermons accompanied by commentary from fellow homileticians on the Seminary faculty. Sermons: This section contains sermons from president, a festschrift, or honorary volume colleagues that encompass Meyer’s time at Lutheran of essays titled Let the Gospel Lead: Essays Hour Ministries and at the Seminary. & Sermons in Honor of Dale A. Meyer, was “This was the last thing I would have expected. I presented virtually to Meyer July 2 via Adobe don’t think I deserve it,” said Meyer, after receiving Connect. the festschrift. “Diane and I have been talking these Friends and colleagues who contributed to last weeks … She and I separately said the same the anthology span the years of Meyer’s tenure thing, that during these years, we just tried to do

PRESIDENT’S CONFERENCE PRESIDENT’S as speaker of The Lutheran Hour radio program our duty, like in Jesus’ parable. Sometimes we got to his service at the Seminary. They also include it right and sometimes we botched it. But the great fellow leaders in higher education, the church thing about the Seminary and this faculty is that and ministry. we’re so collegial. We can argue, but it’s always Topics covered in the volume encompass about the Word and the Gospel. I hope all of you his vocational interests as classics scholar, know about the love that Diane and I have for the Seminary and all of you.” 

Collette Irwin-Knott Named Interim President During Valparaiso University’s Transition Colette Irwin-Knott, a retiring as a partner in the University as President Business Journal recognized 1981 graduate of Valparaiso firm in 2014. She worked Emeritus, continuing active her as a “Woman in the Lead  University, has been named closely with educators fundraising efforts and for Financial Services.” Interim President-Elect throughout Indiana on assisting in presidential effective September as the hundreds of school and transition matters. board of directors for the library projects involving Ms. Irwin-Knott is university continues their the issuance of municipal a member of both the nationwide search involving bonds. She has been an University’s Board and a transition process to instrumental leader at local, the presidential search replace retiring President state, and national levels committee. She has also Mark Heckler. Ms. Irwin- of public finance, and has been active in ministries Knott has had numerous represented independent assisting inner-city teenage professional and social financial advisors at the youth in Indianapolis. Her affiliations in financial federal level as regulations interests have also included services including chairing were developed for this the arts and serving on the several committees. She industry. Board of the Indianapolis spent her career in the After 12 years of Public Library Foundation. field of public finance with leadership, Heckler is Among her many HJ Umbaugh & Associates stepping down but will professional and charitable in Indianapolis, Indiana, continue to lead the activities, the Indianapolis three Recognizing the Past

Maybe you’ve heard it said, “We are Jesus gave us what we call “the golden as we living in crazy days.” Maybe you’ve rule” in Matthew 7:12, “So whatever said it yourself! It almost seems like you wish that others would do to you, an understatement. do also to them, for this is the Law and Many people thought politics the Prophets.” would take center stage in the latter Our world continues to struggle to Look to part of 2020. Political name calling has operate under the standard of God’s certainly been overshadowed by an Word. This, of course, is the result of even greater threat. our sinful nature. We find many ways to Many thought 2020 was a year to stretch the Word to conform with our the Future gain clarity. Turns out it still could way of thinking. be an excellent time to gain clarity, When people assert their rights especially in regard to our faith and over their own safety, or over the values. Think about how people have safety of others, we have lost sight of found new ways to spend family time, important values. Jesus taught us the to educate children, to stay in touch value of our neighbor in the Parable of with neighbors, and even to worship the Good Samaritan. John told us, in together. Is it ideal? Certainly not! his first epistle, that if we say we love Though it is truly amazing to see God, yet hate our brother, we are liars. how resilient people can be and how It is really not an option. we can learn to adapt to strange circumstances.

change! embrace Many are seeing life in 2020 with Few people have not had their life 20/20 vision. For some, they have somehow interrupted by the pandemic learned that we must not take our which continues to wreak havoc on our freedoms for granted. Others are nation, much less the world. And the learning that the world is bigger than cry goes up, “How long?” When will just “me,” and what I want, when I this end? want it. Some have chosen not to learn Like the little child on a road trip, at all, hoping life will return to what I find myself asking at times, “Are we they consider normal. there yet?” How long must we endure In this “new normal” it is clear this time? Yet, as we look back in that we must think differently. history, as difficult as these days are, Interestingly, the Bible has a lot to it isn’t the first time our world has say about how we choose to live in endured hardship. Echoing in my mind the world, and many of these words are the words from Ecclesiastes 1:9, seem to have direct application to “What has been will be again, what has the days in which we live. In 1 John been done will be done again; there is 3:16 he wrote, “This is how we know nothing new under the sun.” what love is: Jesus Christ laid down The other day I heard Billy Joel His life for us. And we ought to lay singing the song, “We Didn’t Start the down our lives for our brothers [and Fire.” It goes through a whole list of sisters].” Love is the fulfillment of the names and happenings, presumably law, Paul tells us in Romans 13. In fact, covering events in Joel’s own lifespan Paul writes in Galatians 5:14, “For the up to the time the song was written. whole law is fulfilled in one word: ‘You As I listened to the song it was not shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” intended as a social commentary on our four LIFE LNES

current circumstances, but it certainly As a nation we don’t travel the way His love for us in Jesus, who bore seemed to fit. We are seeing the world we once did. We don’t shop the way the trauma of our sin and death so change right before our very eyes in we once did. We don’t spend leisure we could live forever. It’s a picture dramatic ways. The truth is, the world time the way we once did. We don’t of the length God goes to for each of has always been changing, one day at interact with our friends the way we us. And day by day He’s stretching a time. once did. And regardless of whether us and teaching us, preparing us for Tragedy and illness have always your church is open yet or not, we an eternity that will blow our finite been with us. Every generation has don’t worship the way we once did. minds! dealt with some unusual and tragic No one chose any of these The winds of change, like the circumstance, many through our own circumstances, but we are better fall, come upon us quickly. As nature actions and fault. Whether it was a able to handle them when we work moves into a new season, so God has plague, an assassination of a leader, together to figure it all out even when moved His Church into a new season. mass extermination, war, inflation, we are socially distanced. Just take He is calling us not to membership in housing crunch, or pandemic. a look at the articles in this issue a church, but to discipleship as His Nothing is new under the sun! If you of Lutheran Life and see how our Church. wait long enough, things will change! awesome God is still at work among Embrace the change all around While there’s nothing new under and through His people! See how us and use it to grow, keeping your the sun, the things we are currently some of our pastors, congregations eyes fixed on Jesus through it all. Our experiencing may be new to us, and and schools are embracing change! future is fixed on Jesus! He’s the one require us to change and adapt if we Years ago I learned that if I want to give us clarity in 2020 and into the change! are to grow. Here’s what I’ve learned to move forward, but keep looking future. I can’t think of a better hope — change is inevitable, growth is back, I eventually run into a wall. to build on, especially when the days optional. Often we resist change. We It’s not wrong to long for the past, seem crazy!  like things the way they once were. however, we cannot live there. To We like things to be comfortable and do so is to miss out on what God is familiar. Change can cause us to react doing among us right now. in ways we don’t intend. Our God never misses an The truth is, nothing stays the opportunity to teach and same, but how we respond to the bless His children. changes and challenges all around us While we may not Embracing can help define who we are becoming. fully understand or I have often said we cannot change appreciate it, God will His Peace,EG the past, but we can help determine use all circumstances for GR our future by the choices we make. His glory. Paul reminds During this pandemic time a question us, “And we know that for to answer is how will you respond those who love God all things work to the changes coming at you daily. together for good, for those who are It’s not a question of if changes are called according to His purpose.” coming, they are already here! That’s each of us. Even in the midst How can we grow, especially in of change, we can look confidently our faith, in the midst of continual to the future, knowing that God has change? a good plan for His children. He has In the past six months I, along with a record of bringing order out of numerous others, have experienced a chaos — just see Genesis 1. He has plethora of changes. How about you? already demonstrated the depth of five These are very challenging times for the church in the world and the United States of America. We have a global pandemic of COVID-19 that calls for sheltering in place, social and physical distancing, and quarantine for those who have been exposed. This has meant that the church, the people of God, have had to adjust in the way we wor- ship, study, and serve one another. This is just one facet of what makes this time so inter- esting. There are a few other things happening that are also challenging our life together as the people of God. Consider this comparison to the four horsemen of the apocalypse in Revelation 6. We have the horseman that Tbrings death and disease. Another horseman generates so- cial unrest and protests perceived racial injustice and po- lice brutality. The third delivers attendant social needs for food, housing, and provision because so many people are unemployed. The final one highlights the economic crisis of the fluctuating financial markets around the world and the loss of equity in housing and retirement funds. This is not a one to one reference from the Revelation, but I hope you get the picture! What makes this time so stressful in the urban core context of our highly populated city ministries is that all these issues will come galloping in at once with their re- lentless need for attention and accommodation. In more suburban and rural communities there may be one or two of them but seldom will all four be manifest and come through the door, in person, by e-mail, over phone lines or in social media all at the same time. Each must be addressed and for the worker in the urban core setting it is exhausting and requires constant prayer, clear focus, and courage to stand as others are shrinking. Each calls for prayer and an appropriate proc- lamation and administration of the Gospel of our Lord the and Savior Jesus Christ. It is this element that makes the request of assistance from the church unique and distinc- tive. It is the activity in which, even amid the other needs, the people of God can find refreshment and relief. For example, rural and suburban communities may URBAN experience the economic crisis of job loss but will prob- ably not experience the COVID-19 crisis or the protesters shouting in the street. These communities may face some EMBR ACE level of human suffering as homelessness and hunger in- crease because people have lost their jobs. This will be an attendant part of the economic crisis. But seldom in by Victor Belton the middle and upper middle-class context of the average Lutheran congregation will all these issues demand atten- Mission Facilitator tion at the same time. Florida-Georgia District The distinguishing mark of ministry in the urban con- text is that all these things are happening at once and Atlanta, Georgia comprise a “perfect storm” that the pastor and the body of Christ must address. This understanding has led us to [email protected] interview some Lutheran pastors in the urban core in an attempt to discern how the Lord is blessing the people of the church to be creative as they deal with the conver- Black & Brown Americans gence of these issues. Pastors that serve in the urban core contexts of the experience deadly stress cities of Atlanta and Miami were interviewed to help us understand how they and their members are doing in this as a worldwide pandemic time of pandemics within pandemic. This is a brief report on what creative things they are doing in these times. I collides with violent racism. also inquired about ministries — and how the ministers are dealing with the social needs and unrest. I also want- Events reinforce the role of the church ed to know how they are coping with the crush of issues in the community to help the poor in this time. and underserved. There were some things that were common to the ex- periences of most of the pastors to whom I spoke. They all indicated how much more work it is to virtually stream six or utilize ZOOM worship in an online context. The pastors This somewhat mirrors the experience of the Rev. EMBRACE URBAN THE have had to update their skill sets overnight to become Stephen Wiggins, Sr. of Christ/East Point, GA. Pastor proficient with preaching and teaching their members on- Wiggins shares, “the pandemic forced us to go to the next line. Most found it very challenging, but all have had a level in terms of us now having virtual worship. Vacation modicum of success in making the turn. In fact, each of Bible School, Bible Study and even regular meetings have the pastors was grateful for the way their members have all been online. Both worship numbers received ministry in this new way. and offerings have increased and we are Take, for example, Holy Cross/North Miami, FL aware that we are serving people in at whose pastor is the Rev. Dennis Bartels. COVID-19 has hit least seven states.” the ministry hard. There are eight families with members Pastor Wiggins is using the preach- who have recovered, five currently ill, five funerals have ing platform along with Bible studies been conducted and three staff members have been or are with open discussion to deal with the currently ill with the virus. Prayer is much in order. challenges presented by the current Stephen Wiggins Pastor Bartels has conducted two social unrest pandemic. The killing of graveside funerals and one inside the George Floyd in Minneapolis, MN, Rayshard Brooks in sanctuary with six people in atten- Atlanta, GA and Ahmaud Arbery in Brunswick, GA along dance. The virtual services take about with the recent deaths of Rev. C. T. Vivian and Congress- eight hours each to put together and man John Lewis have opened the doors for conversation are uploaded to YouTube for people to regarding social justice, equitable policing, and equality. watch. Of course, while all this is occur- These events reinforce the role of the church in the com- ring the regular weekly sermons, Bible Dennis Bartels munity to help the poor and underserved. studies and pastoral care issues contin- Another aspect of ministry in the urban core of ue — and demand attention. You can see how this is an Atlanta is represented by the Rev. Joseph Song and extremely challenging time for many pastors in the urban Stepping Stone Ministry/Perry, GA for the homeless. core context. Pre-pandemic activity included “The good news is that the number of people view- study on Wednesday and Friday ing Holy Cross’s services is four times as many as would with worship on Saturday. Each be present in church on any given Sunday,” Bartels states. of these gatherings included “One Sunday there were more than 1,000 views of the ser- serving food, giving away vice. People from all over the country tuned in as well as socks, clothes, and toiletries. some from other nations. This is a blessing because more Now some congregations are people are engaged with the Gospel of Jesus Christ online afraid to allow Stepping Stone than would ever have been reached in the church building” to use their facilities, but Pastor Most ministries are concerned about how to engage Song knows the ministry must Joseph & Sharon Song people when restrictions are released and worship in go forward because lives are the church’s sanctuary can resume. Pastor Bartels shares, being saved both in time and eternity. “Some people will never come back to worship. They will Since the pandemic shut-down the third week in continue to engage online.” He knows of one person who March, Pastor Song and his wife Sharon have continued has not been in the church building in 15 years but has not the Saturday ministry in a parking lot. This includes a missed a single Sunday online. This pandemic has church- brief prayer and message. Afterwards, food is shared. It es reaching out with the Gospel and in new ways with the is important to maintain the social distancing even when Word of God. distributing masks, socks, toothbrushes and food. The city I was very surprised to find that one of the minis- of Atlanta mandates that no more than nine people may tries in our District never stopped in-person worshipping assemble at any one time. and question the extreme response of leadership to the This has become a very trying time for the homeless COVID-19 pandemic. The Reverend Luis Santana of St. because the protesting crowd has now been added to the

Matthew/Miami, FL expressed skepticism regarding the s numbers citing all the misinformation and confusion sur- next page rounding how to best respond to the pandemic. Pastor Santana and his members believe that there are a lot of games being played with the numbers to help receive fed- eral funding. At St. Matthew they practice social distancing “to the letter.” There is no sharing of the peace or fellow- ship after worship. Sanitizer, masks, and gloves are pro- vided at the entrance and cups are available in the event someone brings coffee to share. There are some younger members of St. Matthew sick with COVID-19 who are re- ceiving pastoral care. Offerings are stable as people give both by mail and in person. The people of St. Matthew appreciate that the chaos and confusion being perpetuated on the street is not perpetrated by most of the protestors. The looting and violence seem to be more a phenomenon involving white people as perpetrators rather than black protestors. There is intentional prayer for first responders and an apprecia- tion of them as the first line of defense against bad actors in the neighborhood. Stepping Stone has been meeting in parking lots during the pandemic

seven COVID-19 pandemic. “This brought an immediate and sig- Another interesting aspect of the COVID-19 pandem- nificant drop in attendance,” Song explains. “It may well be ic in urban core settings is that “giving” has remained that the homeless do not want to be out in the open during consistent — or even increased. Giving has shifted from the protests, so they make it their business to stay out of in person to online through members bank accounts, public view.” CashApp, PayPal or other online platform. Pastors expect It is interesting that the Center for Disease Control has revenue and consecrated giving to continue when the said that the Atlanta Mission for the homeless is the safest pandemic is past. This is one of the new practices that place to be in metropolitan Atlanta. The homeless are not members now follow. being widely impacted by the virus. God is indeed gracious Some of the pastors I spoke with have members who because the homeless do not have insurance and many are elderly struggle a bit with technology. They are not would perish on the street if the virus were to breakout able to easily set up online contributions — and prefer among them. to make their church offerings through traditional meth- Pastor Song has noticed, “Flexibility is a key to success ods. They either mail their offerings to the church or in uncertain times.” He is beginning to use ZOOM to teach drop an envelope off at the office. The members receive Bible study to the brothers staying in the Atlanta Mission. communication by mail once a week. The bulletin, a ser- Some who are living on the street and under bridges can mon transcript, church announcements and other infor- also access the teaching by phone but do not have video. mation is distributed to members who do not want to Pastor Song prays for the body of Christ to remember those leave the house or are uncomfortable leaving the house in need in this time and to continue to be generous in for fear of contracting the virus. Some congregations pro- reaching out and sacrificial in giving. vide an online worship folder in a .pdf format that can be Pastor Adam Ellsworth at Grace/Atlanta, GA (the downloaded in advance to make it easier to follow and mother LCMS church for Greater Atlanta) is also one of participate in the liturgy and hymns. the leaders of All Nations Society Atlanta A new experience for the saints at Rivercliff/ (ANSA). ANSA seeks to minister to Dunwoody, GA is taking the time to make a reservation for the needs of immigrants in Clarkston, a seat at church. The Revs. Jeff Jordan and Jacob Berlinski Georgia. Half of Clarkston’s residents are provide worship experiences for members online, but in foreign born and hail from more than 50 addition to the livestream broadcast, they allow space in countries across six continents and the the sanctuary for those who feel comfortable to worship city proudly proclaims itself as “the Ellis in the sanctuary. They even leave a couple of spaces open Adam Ellsworth Island of the South.” for visitors should the Lord send a few. Pastor Ellsworth leads a team that does grocery de- liveries to those in need in Clarkston — visiting, sharing the Gospel and praying with clients. Pastor Adam appreci- ates that in this pandemic time ANSA must be fluid in their ministry and be prepared to stop and go as restrictions are eased. “ANSA seeks to provide computers for families who have more than one child but only one computer,” Ellsworth explains. “While families are These two children have a sheltering in place and children computer contributed and are learning online it is a hard- delivered by Pastor Ellsworth ship to have only one computer and the ANSA Organization in the house. We are seeking assistance with this project and appreciate donations of laptops that are no longer being used. We also greatly appreciate cash donations. I invite you to contact me at [email protected].” According to Ellsworth, urban pastors often suffer Rivercliff makes preparations for for those who from a high rate of burnout — a state of emotional, physi- wish to attend corporate worship cal, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and pro- longed stress. It occurs when you feel overwhelmed, emo- tionally drained, and unable to meet constant demands. “This pandemic has pushed that rate even higher. It seems to take twice as long and twice the amount of energy to do anything in ministry because of all the consideration that is demanded. I never thought I would have to figure out whether or not to have church according to the restrictions imposed by the governor or mayor. Navigating all this is difficult, he concludes.” Jacob Berlinki Jeff Jordan Wilton Heyliger eight Pastor Jordan is praying that we, Lutheran Christians, ‘the least of these’ serving the homeless, hungry, widows, EMBRACE URBAN THE grow in our desire for the Sacrament of Holy Communion. orphans, and immigrants. Lutherans are not racist or prej- “The incarnational presence of Christ in the Lord’s Supper udiced any more than others in the general population. makes us want to get back to coming together as the body So why are we, in general, not preaching or going out and of Christ,” Jordan says. “The Supper is both a hope for the advocating for these causes? future and a reminder of the current need for ministry I have four reasons why we may not be participatory at with what is happening in the United States.” this time. The Rev. Dr. Wilton Heyliger of Incarnate Word/ First, we all truly sin and fall short of the glory of God. Tucker, GA has been streaming service online through The good that we would do we do not, but the evil we Facebook for a while and now also uses ZOOM. Divine would not is what we often do. Service is a staple for Dr. Heyliger. It is the lifeblood of the Second, Lutherans are very cerebral and must have church so even when streaming he continues to use the clearly defined goals and objectives. The Black Lives Mat- historic liturgy to edify the members of Incarnate Word. ter movement is about Black lives but is also about dis- “Liturgy and the Confessions provide a place of stability mantling the system and overthrow of the criminal justice during the changes and fluctuations of this current time. system and we are unclear if supporting the injustice will The word of God remains and endures forever,” he offers. also support the other agendas. Consequently, we are very Those dealing with serious issues in these very trying careful. times pointed to the fact that as the people of God, the Third, Lutherans are realistic about the fact that there Body of Christ in the earth, we cannot concentrate on the is evil in the Kingdom of the Left. When the righteous rule Four Pandemic Horsemen introduced earlier. Instead we good men rejoice. We are very careful about making judge- maintain our focus on the Fifth Horseman who comes as ments regarding the faith and life of our political and social King of all Kings and Lord of all Lords with power, author- servants and would rather support them as encouraged by ity, dominion, and promise. We focus on the promise of Romans 13. life and provision the comes from faith in the Gospel of Finally, Lutherans look for Jesus and His agenda to be our Lord Jesus Christ and we cling with tenacity to His clearly expressed in our activity. The socio-political land- promises. We do not allow the needs of people to guide scape in the United States is so polluted with the doctrines, our behavior as if the King has established them in author- preferences, and traditions of the leaders that Jesus and ity but as the people of God we are careful to reject the fear His agenda of love and community has been lost in the that looms all around us and receive the mantle of leader- background so we will not participate because we view it ship our Lord has given. as a distraction from our prime directive to seek and save Pastor Santana said it this way, “This is a very confus- the lost. ing time for people because there are so many voices and So this, my friends, is a snapshot of how our congre- confusing messages. Christians should be ready for what- gations in the urban core and first ring, old suburbs are ever comes and not be so fearful. Leaders should show a coping in the time of pandemic within pandemic. It is ab- certain degree of courage and be an example to the peo- solutely exhausting because all the issues hit us at once ple. I know it is dangerous. Be cautious but not fearful.” and pastors in urban minstry are quite often the only staff An interesting point I want to make . . . there is not member, with at times a part-time administrative assistant. much attention being given to the protests in the street These ministers must bear the entire load of helping peo- regarding the injustice of racism, the killing of African- ple respond faithfully to each of the issues in a Biblical, Americans and the hesitant or missing prosecution of confessional and personally edifying manner. those involved resulting in the initiative to defund and When we think we have the issue of worship during demilitarize law enforcement. A consideration for why that the pandemic solved, in comes someone being evicted, may be is that even in the urban core settings we are very someone who has lost their job, someone whose spouse much a middle-class church that does not participate in has been unfaithful because they had too much time on that way in social injustice issues. their hands, someone who is grieving the loss of a loved Lutherans are not lazy. one from the virus or by other means, or someone who Lutherans are not uncaring. We have our ministries to needs food or other assistance. Sometimes it is someone who is simply tired and needs to rest for a moment and be reminded the Jesus lives victorious and because He lives we will live also and have the power to face today and all of our to- morrows. Sometimes the one in need is the pas- tor or other worker so please do not hesi- tate to call your brother and sister in urban core settings with that kind of support and encouragement in the Word of God. 

Editor’s note: The Rev. Dr. Victor J. Belton is a graduate of Concordia/New York and received his Master of Divinity from Concordia Seminary/St. Louis. In addition to his work for the FLGA District in the area of missions, he served as pastor of Peace/Decatur, GA for 27 years, Concordia University/New York for 3 years and served 12 years on the LCMS Board of Directors. He is a sought-after speaker Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse nationwide. He an be reached at email: [email protected] nine I think it is safe to say that we in other. We knew that the “civility” to stop us but didn’t succeed. the Florida-Georgia District Lutheran of this year’s presidential contest The church fought right back Church—Missouri Synod, know what was going to be non-existent and at Satan as we moved our worship Paul is referring to in I Corinthians that the price tag of this election from our sanctuaries into virtual when we hear our conference would be like none before. settings — like Youtube and theme. But what about the world We knew that the Olympics Facebook. Now there was an even around us? We all know how small this summer were going to be a greater presence of the Gospel in our LCMS world is . . . and many great distraction from the heat of our world other then just keeping times we like to live in that world politics and a great opportunity that message in our sanctuaries. only because we are comfortable. to cheer on our athletes who Here at Hope/Plant City, FL, We are safe in our world. have sacrificed so much. members began to worship much We can talk with others in our Many of us in the District were like they did in the early church Iworld and use our “vocabulary” looking forward to attending the — in their homes, surrounded by with our alphabet soup of acronyms Passion Play in Oberammergau, family and friends. Our members (LWML, LCMS, CPH etc). Germany in September and the began to share our worship service We know what all those letters Presidents Equip Conference in links with their friends and even represent. But guess what? There is Orlando, FL. Lots of plans. Lots of worship together as they would exciting things to look watch together. The Word of the

by Dean Pfeffer Senior Pastor Hope Lutheran Church Embracing the Future, Plant City, FL Winter Haven Circuit Visitor [email protected] While Preserving the Past!

forward to as we ushered Lord was spreading. God was a big, beautiful world that our Lord in 2020. Then we heard the brakes taking what Satan thought would created and calls us to enter with screeching to a complete stop! destroy the church and giving His His Gospel message to Connect New words entered our people the strength and gifts to People to Jesus! And He uses each vocabulary like “Coronavirus” (also use it to God’s glory! We saw this of us no matter what our position known as COVID-19) and “social happening in homes across our in His church, as the parts of the distancing.” And here is where the District and across our Synod. body with our various gifts given plot thickens. We saw what was No, the Gospel was not by His Holy Spirit, to go into our happening in China and Europe contained to brick and mortar but communities with His message of and suddenly we found ourselves our message and our members were love and grace. But especially in in the same situations. Work from deployed during the shutdown. these days, with the news that He home orders, social distancing, At Hope, we saw the will never leave us or forsake us. guidelines for handwashing etc. were opportunities God was giving us We all know that 2020 has been all put in place right here at home. through all that was happening a year like none before! I can’t think Then businesses started shutting and responded saying, “Here am I of anyone saying, “let’s do 2020 all down. Then, Satan had his field day send me!” During the shut down, over again it was so much fun!” We as churches started shutting down. some of our members saw our entered this year, knowing that Ah yes, in Satan’s twisted mind, he online worship as that opportunity there would be an election like none has won the war! “The churches to invite friends and neighbors cannot preach to join them for worship. Others the Gospel. I would simply hit the forward button won!” But just with the link to worship and invite like Easter, Satan others to join us for online worship. thought he won Hope’s Missions and Outreach and then came team took the opportunity as the blow . . . Satan their Lenten dinner was cancelled lost again! He lost and the food purchased, to again because the make and deliver meals to our Gospel cannot homebound and senior members. be stopped. The As a result of our efforts at the leaders tried to Florida Strawberry Festival and stop Paul, but our Annual Turkey Supper, Hope did not succeed. donated funds to the Plant City They tried to stop YMCA to help support their summer John, Peter and camp, gave financial assistance to the others and our Hispanic ministry to purchase did not succeed. groceries and needed items for their Satan tried members, and provided $4,500 in Pastor Dean Pfeffer leading worship via YouTube ten support to the United Food Bank EMBRACE RURAL THE of Plant City for emergency food purchases. While Hope annually supports the Food Bank — this was over and above our annual assistance. Plus, Hope’s Missions & Outreach Team provided lunch for the volunteers at the Food Bank, as did my wife and I for several weeks. Then our world made an abrupt turn to the civil unrest in our nation, which has put many on edge. Most of our communities were faced with demonstrations and outrage

Plant City’s Downtown District

bring a spirit of unity and community connect them to Jesus. to Plant City. Together we pastors, Hope Lutheran Church of various ethnicities, shared and is just one example of prayed together for peace in our so many in our Florida- Plant City, FL Mayor Rick Lott community and peace in our nation. Georgia District that has We prayed that the members would been blessed with leaders come to see racism as idolatry and of mission, ministry and over the death of George Floyd in seek God’s forgiveness for our vision to reach into our Minnesota. Thankfully, due to the injustices. We are looking forward communities with the leadership of our community and towards a possible mass event Gospel in both word and the proactive response of Mayor Rick (when the COVID-19 situation deed. Together we see Lott, Plant City did not face what allows for such gatherings) to bring how God has made us one was threatened or planned. Rumors our community further together. body in Christ, with many were flying, Facebook posts were In addition, we at Hope work parts to do the ministry calling for action. It was said that He has called us to do. a pallet of bricks was mysteriously So where do we delivered at the congregating point. go from here? Downtown merchants were The answer is simple. boarding up their business — as To our knees with our if a hurricane was approaching! eyes lifted to God. As the Businesses were closing early. Even Psalmist tells us, “I lift Hope postponed a re-opening my eyes to the hills. From training meeting due to what was where does my help come? being said the night of June 2nd My help comes from the for the safety of members that Lord, who made heaven would be traveling through what and earth.” (Psalms 121) was anticipated as the “riot zone.” As we continue through the Mayor Lott’s response to all that pandemic and civil unrest and was being said was simple, “what do political robocalls and political they want?” So, he sat down with the Sharon Moody mudslinging, let us keep our eyes protest leaders to talk. His face to lifted up to the hills. Because the face, one on one honest discussions closely with the Plant City Black only way we will get through all have opened the door for more Heritage Foundation and its of this is not by might and not by discussion and regular peaceful, President, Sharon Moody who runs strength but by the help of our lawful protests in our community. “Lots of Hugs Summer Reading Lord who gives us the victory We as Pastors (committee of Camp” on our campus. This gives through our Lord Jesus Christ.  area senior pastors) have been us the opportunity to share the working together with Mayor Lott love of Jesus with the students and and others in the community to staff on our campus every day and eleven South Florida Congregation Embraces

the midst of a global them to our YouTube channel. One adult bible classes, worship planning, pandemics, protests and of our goals was to include as many youth fellowship and Bible studies, and social distancing, leaders members as possible in our services to even a congregation assembly have had to figure out help create the community connection new systems for ministry even though we were not physically and how to connect with together. People recorded themselves people in safe ways. This, doing the readings, singing songs, and of course, is complicated speaking responses and these videos by the constant change were woven into the worship. St Paul/Weston’s new interactive app in COVID-19 counts and There were more than 80 videos by Subsplash launches this month trying to evaluate what is perceived to included in our Easter Worship service be safe, the polarizing political views alone. Our office staff created PDF INinvolved, and local leader’s expectations versions of our bulletin and other meeting which differ from state-to-state, printed handouts and these were were moved into this system of county-to-county and even city-to-city linked to the video and on a new web communication. The normal Bible throughout our FLGA District. page created for livestreaming (www. study that Pastor Scott Henze would stpaulweston.com/ lead on Sunday morning started livestream). meeting on Thursday night, and then Another system that the recording of the study premiered by Jeremy Becker was created was to help on YouTube on Sunday morning. A Youth & Family Ministry Director St. Paul Lutheran/Weston, FL streamline our online web page was also created to host these Chairman, FLGA District giving options. We moved studies for people who might want to Youth Ministry Council to a new platform through go back and catch up on missed lessons. [email protected] Subsplash Giving that has (www.stpaulweston.com/biblestudy). the lowest transaction The biggest thing we knew we fees available at just over needed to continue to do was connect At St. Paul/Weston, the first step 2%. We created training videos to help and communicate with people. Besides was to continue to provide a connection people sign up for the online giving, the worship services online and Bible to worship even though we were not able and within a few weeks people had studies and meetings through Zoom, to meet in person. Thankfully, we had moved into a new system of “giving the office staff created a system of been live streaming our worship services online” or mailing their contribution calling, e-mailing, texting, letter since February of 2015. We quickly envelopes into the office each week. writing, and follow up with members transitioned from leading worship live, Zoom also became a daily used and those who were connected with to pre-recording services and uploading ministry tool as our staff meetings, our worship online. Members, who found they had more time while being at home, volunteered to call on other members to check in with them and pray with them. Staff — working from home — continued to reach out with people to let them know they were prayed and cared for. As closure restrictions in Southeast Florida’s Broward County began to loosen a bit, Pastor Scott worked with staff and leadership of the congregation to put together a plan for phasing us back to in-person corporate worship. These documents were shared with the congregation so that they would be aware of the plans and know how we were working hard to come back St Paul/Weston members created a virtual zoom singalong of Halle, Halle, Hallelujah — together — but also to do it in the safest the exuberant anthem with the traditional Caribbean melody with a strong, spirited piano accompaniment. Some familiar faces on the zoom are Pastor Billy Brath (a son of the possible way. congregation now with LCEF working nationwide) along with the Hartners, pastor emeritus Phase 1 included short communion at St Paul/Weston. That’s the Beckers (upper right) and Jeremy on the bongos bottom row. services for small groups that were held outside. We are currently in twelve Technology, Expands Outreach EMBRACE SUBURBAN THE

Phase 2 which includes the Phase 1 Communion services outside and Worship at 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. inside our sanctuary with limited numbers in socially distanced seating configurations. In coming back to worship, we knew that we needed to limit the number of people in our space. Through our Breeze Church Management System, we created sign up for worship that tracked who was attending and how many spaces were left to sign up for each worship time. We also are working to implement two new systems that will help us in our ability to socially distance well and communicate with the congregation. The first platform is called Perfectly Distanced (https://www. Clockwise, from upper left — Tim & Savannah Hawkins enjoy Pastor Scott Henze’s sermon from their desktop computer. The Gersteneckers — Charles, Andrea & Sofia participate in a St. Paul/ perfectlydistanced.com/). Alex Akar Weston Zoom session. Melinda and Jim Battani in virtual worship. Heidi and Frank Weinitz join (St. Paul Weston member) and business Weston’s worship from Puerto Rico. partner Johnny Ghibril reached out to us with a new platform they developed to help business adhere to socially distancing policies. They believed that they could easily adapt this platform to work for churches where people will sign up for a service and then, through the application, check in once they arrive on campus before worship at which time ushers and staff can send a text message to let them know when they can enter the building. This system will help people from lining up outside the sanctuary and possibly crowding the entrance upon arrival at worship. When our Pastor Scott Henze conducts a small-group adult Bible class via Zoom this summer. worshiping in person population increases to our socially distanced capacity, we plan to implement this have an automated notification sent At St. Paul/Weston we’re application to help maintain safety of with a link to the bulletin when people enthusiastic about this “new those coming to worship. arrive on campus for worship. This app normal” while keeping all our We are also very excited to go was also created with Subsplash, so our FLGA District congregations’ live with our new St. Paul Weston online giving application will also be ministries in prayer.  App (available in August on Google synchronized into the app. Play, Amazon, and Apple App Store) Editor’s note: Jeremy Becker can While none of us know how and when be reached via email at jbecker@ which will help keep St. Paul members things will return to full capacity, we know stpaulweston.org. Videos and connected. The app will include an that God created us to be in community documents about St. Paul/Weston’s interactive prayer wall, archived (and reopening can be reviewed at http:// with each other and we are thankful that stpaulweston.com/reopen/ soon live-streaming) worship services in the midst of all that is going on, there (video and audio), member directory, has been technology available for us to stay activity calendar, sign-up links, check- connected with each other and even reach ins, Bible reading programs, group beyond geographical limitations to connect messaging and more. We will also be people to Jesus — even those who are able to send push notifications to the distant from the congregation. groups people subscribe to and even thirteen Recently, someone asked for my read scriptures of hope and prayed children of God. They helped others thoughts as a Black man about the with the recipients. out of compassion for their neighbor current racial tensions in the news. I A month later I received a request whatever color they were. This color replied, “I look at the light at the end for help from another family that blindness of compassion was the of the tunnel instead of the darkness.” heard about our outreach. I turned message I proclaimed in a sermon The darkness is our nation’s history to a member of the church, Kim on back June 7th titled, Your Life of racism, slavery, segregation and VanSant, to use some donated gift Matters. I expounded on Galatians inequality. Lately, the court of public cards to purchase some groceries to 3:26 where St. Paul declares, “There opinion, the rush to judgement, the deliver to them. When Kim returned is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor Rdisrespect for authority, the rioting, to the church after making the free, male or female for you are all looting and the civic unrest fuel by delivery the light of Christ was on her one in Christ.” Every human being media sensationalism make it difficult face. She was beaming with delight matters because Jesus was willing to to see anything but the gloom. over being able to bring joy to others be arrested, brutally treated, mocked Moreover, efforts to maintain in such hard times. for his ethnicity and deprived of social distance during the COVID-19 It is the care given pandemic seems to put us even to people in need during further out of arms reach of any the pandemic that has by Tony Durante brightness at the end of the tunnel. been light for me as our Senior Pastor And yet, as the pastor at Our Savior world seems to have Our Savior Lutheran Church Lutheran Church in Plantation, fallen into deep dark Plantation, FL Florida, I had an opportunity last pit of unrest. It is an [email protected] June to see light — a light that shines illumined monument in the darkness. to how in Christ (if not The mother of a confirmand in in America, if not in my parish asked me back in May if our historical statuary) Black lives breath on the cross for each of us so I knew of people in the community matter. Most of the recipients of the that “whoever believes in him will not who may be struggling due to the groceries were Black. However, they perish but have everlasting life” (John economic impact of the public health matter to us not because they are 3:16). restrictions. There were. So, she Black but because they were fellow This salvation, this freedom organized the other families of the human beings in need. No one made from slavery to sin and death. This confirmation class in purchasing non- perishable grocery items and they personally but safely delivered them to Seeing the Light Shine the addresses I provided of people in deliveries because they knew the is the light we receive in these dark need. The effort resulted in the light recipients were Black. They did not days from Christ, whatever our of Jesus being brought to ten families know or care. Indeed, the deliverers race, ethnicity, sex or socioeconomic in our area as our confirmands also themselves were a diverse group of status. Nevertheless, St. John wrote Black, Brown, Hispanic and White in his gospel, “The light shines

Marley & Kai-Zoe Fellows helped prepare messages Elliott and Lucius Morales help load groceries s of encouragement for the bags being delivered. s fourteen THE SUBURBAN EMBRACE SUBURBAN THE

in the darkness but the darkness we remember how were just as evil Black woman and White woman has not understood it” (John 1:5). before Christ forgave us. reaching across the racial divide The destructive rage and anger we Therefore, when we see the and hugging one another just see being displayed in the daily cross that so brutally tortured and as Christ reaches out and takes demonstrations are a sign that asphyxiated our Lord, we do not people of all color into His loving there are many in our nation who tear it down, deface it or erase the arms.  are missing the light at the end of testament of His love. Instead we the tunnel. Sadly, they only see the remember it differently. We see the darkness, the history, the racism cross as a reminder to forgive as we and the injustice and not the light, have been forgiven. We see it as our the gospels, the anti-racism and emancipation from slavery to sin. We justification we have in Christ. The see it as our salvation. We see it as light of Christ I see is that He suffered the light. While it is hard to justify in the darkness of bondage, the anti- some monuments that remind so many Semitism and the injustice on the of the darker moments in American cross. history, perhaps as we forgive the And yet He forgives us. wrongs of the past we can remember We are the light of the world not what the symbols and images only because we give groceries to our represent differently, now that we have neighbor but because we forgive them the light of Christ. as Christ has forgiven us. One of the Today, because members of my most memorable articles I ever read church decided to reach across racial in the Concordia Seminary Quarterly barriers and the six feet of social Journal was one about forgiving and distance to show their compassion to forgetting. The author said we don’t their neighbors in need, I find new actually forget when we forgive. We monuments of how far we have come remember what happened differently. in our nation. When Kim VanSant Instead of remembering an injustice, came back from making her grocery we remember that Christ let us punish delivery she told me how the woman Him for what was done to us. Instead at the home asked to give her a hug. in Pandemic Times of remembering our victimization, we Knowing the epidemiological risk remember that Jesus has empowered they were both taking by doing so, Kim VanSant used donations and us with the authority to pardon the the two embraced anyway. So, let gift cards to purchase groceries and deliver them to community wrongdoer in his Name. Instead of this be the living statue — the light — members in need. remember how evil others are to us, that we remember in the darkness, a

Elliott and Lucius Morales help load groceries Some of the Bible verses Kai-Zoe Fellows creates Marley Fellows designs some of s affixed to the delivery bags s special wording for the bags s the messages for the delivery bags fifteen Miami Weaves Successful Unified, Integrated Christian Curriculum

Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 13:13 this congregation. By the mid-90’s complete trust in the Pastor. Pastor — These three things will remain Holy Cross was very diverse with 46 and Principal both have trust in the forever. They are faith, hope, and different birth countries represented. People. People have trust in the love. And love is the greatest of them. By the year 2000, North Miami was Pastor and Principal. People trust one In 1 Peter 4:8 we read Above all, 75% Haitian and today, it is close to another. love each other deeply, because love 90% Haitian. In fact, our school was At Holy Cross, both our church covers over a multitude of sins. so diverse, by the time my youngest and school leadership follows Christ. daughter Kimberly was We truly try to live out the saying — in the second grade, she WE are the church together, it begins believed she, like the rest of with Respect — showing respect by Dennis Bartels her classmates, was black. for people regardless of their race, Pastor In the midst of such ethnicity or religion, setting aside Holy Cross rapid change, one verse has presumptions and embracing the North Miami, Florida served as a guiding post in humility necessary to understand one [email protected] my ministry . . . another. It is important that we show To the weak I became weak, respect to and treat everyone the to win the weak. I have same. WE do it through: become all things to all Loving Sacrificially. As a country, we have become people so that by all possible means Jesus gathered the disciples increasingly heterogenous, I might save some — 1 Corinthians together and said this in “The way to represented by more than 500 ethnic 9:22. be first is to put yourself last and be groups and growing. As we become As a ministry, we have learned a servant to the others” — Mark 9:35. a more diverse perfect union, “WE” that in order to remain viable, we You demonstrate love by serving, the Church, the Body of Christ, have have to be willing to adjust with the by being a servant. This is best a unique opportunity to serve and demographics around us. While the exemplified by an amazing school proclaim — to love those around us. fundamental truth of the Gospel staff, most who have been with us for If we as the Church wish to thrive, message would never change, our more than 15 years. The staff goes we cannot be threatened by diversity, liturgy and delivery of the Gospel above and beyond to demonstrate instead, we need to be intentional would have to change so that we the love of Christ to our students and about looking at all of the ministry might reach some. their families. opportunities that God has set before One of our guiding truths is that we Loving Mercifully. us. have cultivated a community that is Romans 3:25 informs us that all have You may be asking yourself, what rooted in the love of Jesus and seeks sinned and come short of the glory does a farm boy from Iowa know to model that love in our interactions of God. There is not one who is about diversity? Well, truth be told, with one another. To do that we without need of God’s mercy. As a when I first arrived at Holy Cross in have built an amazing team in which ministry we strive to love one another 1986, I didn’t know much. North the Pastor has complete trust in with grace and mercy, recognizing Miami was 80% Caucasian as was the Principal and the Principal has that offenses are often born out of

School Principal Holy Cross’s Gospel Choir is comprised Holy Cross student leaders during an Sherry Mackey of more than 20 students assembly celebrating Black History Month

six teen H UT-UTRA EB ACE EMBR AL MULTI-CULTUR THE

Holy Cross student dancers perform during an Above — reading buddies Caleb assembly celebrating Black History Month Young (8th grade) reads with K5 student Tristan Bagwandeen

At left — Margy Riefkohl and Shannon Papillion embrace Black History Month misunderstanding rather than — Revelations malice. 7:9-10. In times of conflict — like The bottom what we have seen recently line is that this is nationwide — we seek to teach all about having one another with patience, relationships kindness and mercy. with each other Gaining an understanding of the and it begins with culture. We have recognized the a relationship Holy Cross student dancers perform during an on- campus assembly celebrating Haitian Flag Day richness of culture and diversity with God. The and have looked for opportunities question we try to celebrate culture. to ask daily is how do we build a bridge Here at Holy Cross, we of love, within our Christian community celebrate Black History Month spanning out to the community at large? in our school and church and What we do know so far is that we begin also Haitian Flag Day. We don’t by knowing the community and trying to ignore race, but we work hard meet their needs? By trying in all ways to embrace it. We have a Gospel to connect people to Jesus, so they can Choir and we are blessed with an have a relationship with Him. amazing School Praise team and It’s all about relationships. It’s sign language team that help to all about people. It’s all about loving share God’s love to all. We look people. It always has been! for opportunities to have difficult I sincerely believe this . . . Holy conversations surrounding race to Cross Lutheran Church and School happen in a positive way — not in in North Miami, Florida is not only a an accusatory tone, rather as an glimpse into the future of what the opportunity for reconciliation. We American church will look like, it’s also also do a weekly food distribution a glimpse of what Heaven will look like. that has been well received by  Margy Riefkohl and Arashel the community. We know we still Charles enjoy a walk have a long way to go but we try through a Homestead, FL to do it all with humility. farm during a field trip. After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude Nationalities Represented in Holy Cross that no one could count, from Lutheran School North Miami, FL every nation, tribe, people and Canadian language, standing before the Puerto Rican Dominican Taiwanese throne and before the Lamb. They Haitian Guyanese Venezuelan Chilean were wearing white robes and German American Ethiopian African American were holding palm branches in Jamaican Panamanian Chinese Myanmar their hands. And they cried out in Trinidadians Israeli Bahamian Burmese a loud voice: “Salvation belongs Tobagonians Spaniard Nicaraguan Peruvian to our God, who sits on the Grenadian Brazilian Cuban Indian throne, and to the Lamb.”

seventeen Reflections on COVID-19 and God’s Mission During the past month, it was my sharing their faith with family at the privilege to give the topic for each of dinner table, during at-home lessons our five Regional Pastor’s Conferences. and study, and on Zoom gatherings. We Instead of meeting in person, we met have discovered digital discipleship! using the now-familiar Zoom format. God has used the Pandemic to disrupt Here are some key points from that the status quo and to help us discover presentation that I want to share with how to be the church in our homes and you. communities. The Missio Dei. What We Know. Missio Dei is a fancy Latin term for “the Even in this time of uncertainty, there mission of God.” It’s not complicated. are some things we know for sure. Read God’s mission or purpose ever since and listen to God, Romans 8:28. What Adam and Eve sinned, is to reclaim does God tell you about Himself? About God has pushed us out of our and reconcile lost sinners to Himself. you? How have you seen God work sanctuaries into worship in our homes for good during this time of and neighborhoods pain and disruption? will be more appreciated than ever We know that pastors in the coming months. However, by Peter Meier and church leaders and don’t give up worshiping at home Executive Director of members have been working either! Continue your family worship, Missions and Outreach hard during these months. individual time with the Lord, on-line The church is meeting on- Florida-Georgia District worship and Bible study. Pastors and line. Pastors have prioritized [email protected] leaders will look for ways to continue worship and pastoral care. and improve on-line worship as an Phone calls and emails have open door for those who cannot or will connected members. Social- not gather in the building. We who have been infected with sin’s distanced visits, drive-by celebrations, 3) Give Generously. Times of crisis deadly virus are the objects of God’s and community service projects have bring forward generosity from God’s passionate, healing love. He desires to kept us purposefully occupied. We have people. Our thoughts and attention save us all. discovered new creativity in serving our turns to others. How have we reached Let God Himself tell you about His neighbor. out to help and bless during these past mission. Read the following scriptures: We know that the mission of weeks? Right away we may think of 1 Timothy 2:4; John 3:16; Luke 19:10; God continues even during “shelter finances, which is an important part 2 Peter 3:9. What is God telling you in place.” This has not been the time of discipleship. Cash offerings in the about His heart? What is God saying to to push the pause button. Instead, plate will probably fade while on-line, you about yourself? How would you we have worked overtime to figure digital giving will provide on-going describe God’s mission based on what out how to carry out God’s God says here? mission under challenging Missio Dei is not only what God circumstances. desires and what God has done. God actually invites us to partner with Him The New Normal. in His mission. Read and listen to God: Is there such a thing as “normal” Genesis 3:15; Genesis 12:2-3; Matthew anymore? The status quo has 28:18-20; John 20:21; Acts 1:8. What been disrupted. We have learned does God tell you about Himself? About to live our lives with care and you? About your purpose or mission? concern for others, as well we Note that the word mission, missio, for ourselves. Church does not, actually means “to be sent.” God sends and will not look the same in Jesus… Jesus sends us! the coming months and beyond. The pandemic and the Missio Dei. What can we expect? and sustainable gifts for God’s mission. Our mission partnership with God As we think about what’s ahead, During these months with no on-site is lived out where we live, work, and reflect on these five points: worship, some churches have struggled play. In our daily lives, we have the 1) Pray Intentionally. Continue financially. God’s mission continues opportunity to follow Jesus, to live and to pray regularly for your pastor, and our generosity helps move the share His love. The pandemic has not church and school staff, for your family kingdom forward in our communities. changed this. and neighbors, for health providers, How else have we expressed generosity, Many have observed, “COVID-19 community safety, government leaders, in response to God’s daily mercies? has made every home a chapel!” While mission workers and all those other How have we cared for one another, we have not been able to gather for prayers that you’ve been bringing to giving of our time and creativity to worship in our churches, God has God’s throne. Pray for a vaccine and love others in Jesus’ name? For those pushed us out into our homes and a cure for this coronavirus, and for who are hurting and suffering loss our neighborhood. We are no less the other serious sicknesses that plague. generous action brings healing and church there! In fact, many have One thing we’ve learned in these past hope, and opens the door for Christian discovered new ways to share Jesus’ months is that more people are praying witness. The stories of generous love love with new people during this than before. That’s a good thing! during these times are inspiring! As we time. Many have discovered the joy of 2) Worship Daily. Gathering daily experience God’s grace, let’s keep with others in corporate worship our generosity flowing! eighteen Reflections on COVID-19 and God’s Mission Don’t Give In To 4) Think Creatively. Visionary leadership looks beyond the Pandemic Fatigue! responding to the immediate challenges of the pandemic to Are you experiencing pandemic fatigue? Here are some things that can help. development and implementation of a plan for mission action in our communities. From large in-church Pray regularly. Join a small-group prayer chain — by email, phone, text, gatherings, we quickly “pivoted” to Facebook group, zoom or by other ways. Pray daily if not more often. in-home worship. From in-person small groups and classrooms, we discovered Whine a little. It’s okay . . . take your distress to God. Things are changing daily video gatherings. How will we “do church” and “be church” in the coming — from COVID counts to how we interact with family, friends and neighbors! months? While traditions are valuable, We aren’t able to experience congregational fellowship or personal interactions they are not vital to the mission. What like we used to. Lay your complaints before God and ask Him to “renew a right is tradition and what is required? How spirit within me” and ask for his strength. can we innovate for the sake of those not-yet-connected to Jesus? How can we creatively align our ministries with Bring fun back into your life. For me this had to rise to the top of the list. I the Great Commission and Great needed to do more than walk my dog, ride my bike, jump in my pool. All the Commandment? movie channels on TV began to get old and I soon tired of binge-watching 5) Engage Significantly. We series I hadn’t experienced originally on television. I began to read more. Get have learned that the church is not a creative while remaining responsible. Get your pastor to come over and grill building. The church is the people of God, scattered and gathered. Pastors and chill with his family. You can remain six-feet apart while enjoying a cold beer have an important and some quality food out on the patio. If it’s hot and raining, engage in a pool role, but do volleyball game or squirt gun fight. He needs this as much as you do! not fill every role. Who are Trust more biblically-centered news sources. This is a hard one in today’s the ones in our churches who volatile political climate. Turn off those channels that make your blood pressure are not engaged rise or pushes you toward depression. Don’t let the daily COVID counts or significantly? approaching tropical storms drive you down. Many pastors, DCEs and Teachers Many churches are doing daily podcasts on Facebook, Instagram or YouTube. These are usually have figured Pray for the five billion short, inspirational and a great way to launch your day. A quick soundbyte of out the digital unreached people world because important global news informs you without ruining your week. high school or college students came to their rescue. Continue to worship. There is no reason to miss a week of worship now — Our churches will be stronger and will more than ever before! Seriously, you don’t have to confine yourself to Sunday develop more leaders if we look to morning. Some weeks I enjoy my online virtual worship at 4 o’clock in the involve every generation in significant ministry. afternoon in my quiet family room while it’s too hot to be outdoors. Some The Lord has often used disruption churches have reopened corporate worship very responsibly. Take advantage and pain to advance His Kingdom of the flexibility of worshipping both at home and at your home church. I’ve beyond the limits set by man. Read the even worshipped with friends nationwide — enjoyed a sermon delivered by a story of Moses, of Gideon, of Jonah, college buddy or former vicar preaching across the country. It’s fun! of the ordinary believers in the book of Acts. Persecution resulted in the advance of the Kingdom beyond where Check in on others. Our board of elders divvied up our congregation’s the apostles were ready to venture (Acts directory and we regularly check in to see how our congregation family is doing 8). A vision of unclean animals opened and then we report to our pastor. We find out who needs help with grocery the door to Gospel proclamation to the shopping or transportation. We pray with them and if we can’t reach them by unclean Gentiles (Acts 10-11). Closed doors in Asia brought the Gospel to phone we send a quick e-mail. Our elderly members aren’t the only ones who Europe (Acts 16). appreciate the contact . . . some of our young families offer names of people The Missio Dei remains. The five we can add to our prayer list. A simple errand can be hugely appreciated. billion unreached peoples remain. Comfortable ways will always beckon Remember who is Lord. Jesus is king. Whichever side of the political spectrum us – and hold us – back. What new, creative and often uncomfortable you are on, it’s important to remember that Jesus is Lord of all and He’s got the ways is God moving His Church – you whole world in His hands. Don’t forget that! My pastors continue to remind me and me – to accomplish His mission? of that. Rather than getting caught up in politics and being divisive, focus on In what ways is He challenging and building bridges and winning souls for Jesus. Ask questions. Spread love. Listen moving you to live love and to share to the people in your life who care.  Jesus where you live, work and play? Let 2020 be remembered as the year we reached many for JESUS!  ­— JL nineteen Donations Surpass Mission Goal! LWML Adapts During the COVID Crisis

As with many groups, the LWML capability for online donations to the members will be attending remotely. FLGA District is learning new ways LWML FL-GA website. Did we meet I’m’ confident there will be a future to go about the Lord’s business our mission goal for 2018-2020? opportunity to merge these enormous during these COVID-19 days. We No…donations surpassed the goal! mission-driven groups into one have been doing online board successful event. It will still and executive committee be an awesome opportunity meetings for several years, but to come together, even if we by Pat Powell Asthis year we will conduct the are apart. Registration opens Vice President business of our 37th Biennial Communications soon for this unprecedented Convention remotely. LWML FLGA District conference. By registering Ballots will be or have been Saint Petersburg, Florida you’ll have online access mailed to our delegates, as [email protected] to hear David Kinnaman, they will elect a new District President of Barna Group President, Vice President speak; to laugh with “The Skit Mission Grants, Vice President Guys” and to journey with Spiritual Growth, Financial Secretary, The Lord is faithful! Donna Snow in her sessions “Leading and a Junior Pastoral Counselor. We thank God for the blessings we with God’s Word.” The delegates will also vote on received in the past two years: the In addition, speakers and bylaw changes, and select mission honor of being able to help in the breakout leaders from around the grants for the 2020-2022 biennium. Lord’s kingdom through our mission country will join us on this new You might think we would have had grants, and to serve him in LWML. adventure. The best news is that difficulty in raising enough funds Our outgoing officers will be missed, registration is only $50 per person! for our 2018-2020 mission grants. but we have a promising group on the Yes, these are strange days. But Churches have closed their doors, impending ballot. we know God holds us in the palm and many of our societies have not While we were disappointed not of His hand. We need not be anxious met since February. However, the to be able to participate in person about anything. Keep up on LWML US Mail is still a reliable way of at the Florida-Georgia President’s FLGA District news at https:// sending donations, and we added the Equip Conference, many of our flgalwml.com. 

Virtual Classes & Dorm Meetings May Be The New Normal. Campuses Struggle With Less Physical Activity as Students Hibernate in Dorms “Hybrid” is the buzz word this year on campus. some money and taking remote classes from there. Universities throughout the nation are offering remote However, change and challenge are nothing new for classes and “hybrid” experiences to students who will have our campus ministries,” he concludes. “No matter the both in-person and online interactions with campus and landscape of campus — whether it be physical or virtual — one another. That’s the word from The Rev. Jay Winters, the campus ministries of the Florida-Georgia District will pastor at University Lutheran at Florida State University. be reaching out to students and connecting them with the “One of our students who is taking the position of rich grace of Jesus.”  Resident Assistant is even having dormitory floor meetings virtually — even when students will be just yards away from one another, separated by walls,” he says. “One of the challenges of campus ministry has always been to decrease the level of “disconnectedness” that students feel and invite them into community with one another and with God. That challenge is even more necessary and palpable now as many students consider not even returning to the towns of their universities — Gainesville, Estero, Tallahassee — in favor of saving

twenty COACHING St. John’s Lutheran Church by the always relationship based. Yes this is very different and gas station is a church that has recently The pandemic hasn’t changed a thing. may seem awkward. But give tried to “re-open” for in person worship Sure what the church does may be limited yourself grace to experiment. services. The past few months have been and maybe all there is for you is a screen. Always assume viewers a struggle. They tried Facebook live but Yet it still comes down to a relationship. don’t know you or your that was a choppy video feed. They had It also helps a lot if what people are church. This is your moment trouble finding volunteers to record the viewing inspires not only faith but also to introduce and define video and even more trouble finding the enthusiasm to share the link and say yourselves. “Hi, I’m Pastor someone to edit the video. They really “you’ve got to watch this!” Schultz. You’re watching St. John’s didn’t even have the equipment. Lutheran by the gas station Well, fast forward four months and in Middletown Florida. We Sthey post a video of their Sunday are all about loving Jesus service to YouTube. Implementing by loving our town. So we At first they were getting feed, cloth and tutor our a healthy number of views per neighbors here who are in week. Sometimes even higher than Critical Outreach difficult times in their lives. in person worship was before! We’d love you to be a part Yet reality is setting in. Online During a Pandemic of making a difference with “views” have gradually decreased us in the name of Jesus.” since Easter. They had hoped that Keep it very short opening back up would bring and crisp. Your long back the people. But that isn’t by Scott Gress time members won’t happening. People are just not Lutheran Counseling Services mind hearing that coming back as they had hoped. Leadership Coach over and over. In fact St. Johns is now seeing only Florida-Georgia District it may help them to 20-25% of the people in the pews. [email protected] know what they can say LEADER They continued the online service about their church in but the views have dropped to their relationships with maybe another 10-15%. Thankfully people. the financial giving is manageable for What does this mean? How does that Do you expect viewers to now but with these worship numbers the happen? While it’s tempting to jump into find you and reach out to you? future is uncertain. Plus this pandemic solutions, the coaching leader would begin If you don’t have and provide isn’t going away any time soon. with the end in mind. contact information and First, who are you as a multiple platforms to connect church? What is your purpose? then probably not. But if you are One very short phrase. What are really interested in connecting you about? Why are you online? and bringing them closer to Why should anyone bother to Jesus you will always utilize tune in to another “episode” of facebook, instagram, twitter, your worship service or Bible email, phone number and study or other presentation? Why website information. You will would anyone text or email the likely also invite them to sign up link to a friend (the relationship) for free resources, participate and say, “you’ve got to watch in some activity or initiative that you are this”?! It probably won’t be doing to make that difference! Do you have simply a video recording of the something on the calendar? Why or why regular worship service. Sitting not? Carve out a way for viewers to not in a pew is very different than only watch but take that next step. Make sitting in an easy chair with an it as easy as possible. Keep saying it. Be a Outreach seems out of the question. ipad. But that’s for another article. broken record. Multiply that information But is it really? The first impression is that So first ask, who is your audience? on your digital platforms. Follow up with since people are afraid to come to church Who do you assume you are talking to? phone calls and email replies quickly and and even our members are not “tuning Long time members? Those who know invite them to the next step. Pass on the in” then our options are zero. We’ve never you personally? That’s likely if you don’t name to another socially winsome person been here before. introduce yourself or say something who can connect with them as well. Or have we? about the church and ministry or forget So you see. It’s not so new after all. It Think for a minute. What’s the one to include contact information. Yet if you comes down to relationships, pandemic or thing that outreach and engagement have hope to meet new people, they aren’t not. It has always been about intentionality always been about? going to keep viewing if they don’t know valuing people because that’s what Jesus What have we always talked about? who you are, what you are, why you are has done for us on the cross.  That’s right, the personal touch and what’s you are doing that makes a founded upon a personal relationship. difference! Don’t television shows often Rev. Scott Gress is called by Lutheran Counseling Services as an independent Study after study for decades has proven bring the viewer “up to speed” about contractor in the areas of leadership training, that it’s all about a relationship. Outreach, what happened in the previous episode? consulting and coaching. The Coaching evangelism, participation all comes down Then make the mental shift, look into Leader Podcast is also available on iTunes to a personal relationship with someone the camera and speak to the stranger and his YouTube page. Christian Leadership they know, like and trust. Then out of you hope will be a friend. Talk to them Training course is available at scottgress. teachable.com. You can contact Scott through that relationship comes dialogue about personally. If you have a live stream and email [email protected] or his blog page faith, how Jesus has made a difference, the viewer can text questions or answers scottgress.com or at 561-542-4472. then inviting them to church or a church live, then invite them to do so. Interact. activity and more dialogue afterward. It is Invite them to interact. Be intentional. twenty-one THREE WAYS TO SUPPORT THE CHURCH

Loans

For over 40 years, LCEF has been the financial partner for the FINANCIALLY STRONG LCMS. We customize loans in ways that banks can’t for rostered THROUGH OUR INVESTORS church workers (RCWs), congregations and Recognized Service Organizations (RSOs). We structure loans to fit you or your ministry BORROW perfectly. We understand LCMS ministries like no other lender can.

We wouldn’t be able to help support Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) ministries without the faithful support of our 60,000 investors.

This strong and stable base means the important Ministry Support Services role Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) plays in supporting the LCMS will continue long into LCEF helps LCMS ministries define opportunities, design solutions the future. Our mission is to ensure you have the and align resources that propel the Kingdom forward. We resources available to fulfill your call for God’s glory. discover with you where God is leading and, with your leaders,

We do that in three ways: loans, ministry support SUPPORT design creative and relevant solutions for what is ahead. services and investments.

60,000 INVESTORS

$1.65 BILLION LOAN PORTFOLIO Investments

When you invest with LCEF, you not only earn a competitive $1.95 BILLION IN TOTAL ASSETS interest rate — your investment also goes to work for the Church. Our investments make funds available to equip LCMS pastors,

Numbers as of April 30, 2020. INVEST churches, schools and organizations to fulfill their call of sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

LCEF is a nonprofit religious organization; therefore, LCEF investments are not FDIC-insured bank deposit accounts. This is not an Jay Wendland offer to sell investments, nor a solicitation to buy. LCEF will offer and sell its securities only in states where authorized. The offer is District Vice President made solely by LCEF’s Offering Circular. Investors should carefully read the Offering Circular, which more fully describes associated DISCOVER THE POSSIBILITIES. risks. View current rates at lcef.org. The primary owner on the account must be 18 years or older. The State of Washington has Florida-Georgia District VISIT LCEF.ORG OR CALL 800-843-5233. adopted a regulatory position that currently prohibits residents of Washington State from opening a new investment unless they 407-258-5041 are already an LCEF investor. Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee (MB.0006057). Loans made or arranged pursuant to a California [email protected] Law License 6037619. Lutheran Church Extension Fund-Missouri Synod. 10733 Sunset Office Drive, Suite 300, St. Louis, MO 63127- 1020. (NMLS #3444). For more information on LCEF’s lending license go to lcef.org/state-disclosures. THREE WAYS TO SUPPORT THE CHURCH

Loans

For over 40 years, LCEF has been the financial partner for the FINANCIALLY STRONG LCMS. We customize loans in ways that banks can’t for rostered THROUGH OUR INVESTORS church workers (RCWs), congregations and Recognized Service Organizations (RSOs). We structure loans to fit you or your ministry BORROW perfectly. We understand LCMS ministries like no other lender can.

We wouldn’t be able to help support Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) ministries without the faithful support of our 60,000 investors.

This strong and stable base means the important Ministry Support Services role Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) plays in supporting the LCMS will continue long into LCEF helps LCMS ministries define opportunities, design solutions the future. Our mission is to ensure you have the and align resources that propel the Kingdom forward. We resources available to fulfill your call for God’s glory. discover with you where God is leading and, with your leaders,

We do that in three ways: loans, ministry support SUPPORT design creative and relevant solutions for what is ahead. services and investments.

60,000 INVESTORS

$1.65 BILLION LOAN PORTFOLIO Investments

When you invest with LCEF, you not only earn a competitive $1.95 BILLION IN TOTAL ASSETS interest rate — your investment also goes to work for the Church. Our investments make funds available to equip LCMS pastors,

Numbers as of April 30, 2020. INVEST churches, schools and organizations to fulfill their call of sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

LCEF is a nonprofit religious organization; therefore, LCEF investments are not FDIC-insured bank deposit accounts. This is not an Jay Wendland offer to sell investments, nor a solicitation to buy. LCEF will offer and sell its securities only in states where authorized. The offer is District Vice President made solely by LCEF’s Offering Circular. Investors should carefully read the Offering Circular, which more fully describes associated DISCOVER THE POSSIBILITIES. risks. View current rates at lcef.org. The primary owner on the account must be 18 years or older. The State of Washington has Florida-Georgia District VISIT LCEF.ORG OR CALL 800-843-5233. adopted a regulatory position that currently prohibits residents of Washington State from opening a new investment unless they 407-258-5041 are already an LCEF investor. Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee (MB.0006057). Loans made or arranged pursuant to a California [email protected] Law License 6037619. Lutheran Church Extension Fund-Missouri Synod. 10733 Sunset Office Drive, Suite 300, twenty-threeSt. Louis, MO 63127- 1020. (NMLS #3444). For more information on LCEF’s lending license go to lcef.org/state-disclosures. NATIONALSYNODNEWS FLORIDAGEORGIA Daniel Preus Named Interim Seminary President

In early June, the Board of Regents of Board of Regents. His Indiana, Minnesota, Illinois, Concordia Seminary/ St. Louis, MO steady demeanor and Colorado and Missouri. He named the Rev. Dr. Daniel Preus interim pastoral heart will serve was director of Concordia President. He began his new role on July the seminary well as we Historical Institute from 1 and will continue serving until a new continue our work forming 1995 to 2001 and of Luther president takes office. pastors, missionaries, Academy, an organization “The seminary is blessed to have Dr. deaconesses, scholars and devoted to promoting Preus agree to serve us once again,” said leaders … during this time confessional Lutheran the Rev. Todd A. Peperkorn, chairman of of transition.” theology, from 2005 to 2012. the CSL Board of Regents. “Daniel is a Preus has served, Preus and his wife, Linda, distinguished churchman with 40 years of at various times, as the live in St. Louis. They have parish service, making him well acquainted first, third, fourth and three sons, two daughters with the needs of future pastors. He is fifth vice-president of and 10 grandchildren. very familiar with Concordia Seminary:  the LCMS. He also has He literally grew up on campus and, more served congregations in recently, served for nine years on our

On March 20, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) Commission on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR) unanimously endorsed “Communion and Covid-19” (CC19), an opinion on certain Holy Communion practices during the coronavirus The latest issue of Lutheran pandemic. Church Extension Fund’s The Addendum was written, in part, as a response to Interest Time magazine an anonymous document circulated within the Synod is now available! This issue titled “Communion in Homes During Times of Crisis: focuses on Lutheran art Scriptural and Confessional Principles” (CIH). The CIH and architecture and is document was evidently written and/or endorsed by an interesting read about pastors who are now advocating and practicing online how art and architecture home Communion services in their congregations and serves our churches. It is who intend to continue the practice. The article is at Hunter Keslar available on the website https://blogs.lcms.org/2020/ctcr-releases-addendum- interesttime.org.  to-communion-and-covid-19-opinion/ 

The Holbrook family has been waiting to baptize their sons since the initial COVID-19 outbreak in early March. Pastor Tony Durante invited them to attend the virtual live-streaming service at Our Savior/ Plantation, FL on July 5th and Jason, a student in Our Savior’s pre- school, and his brother Jackson were baptized — masks and all! 

twenty-four FLORIDAGEORGIA Out and About in the District send your news & photos to [email protected] Thrive/Estero Returns to In-Person Worship With Clever Protocol Video

The video reminds members and guests to refrain Hunter Keslar Wyatt Baggett from hugs and handshakes during COVID protocol. Thrive/Estero, FL has created an online reservation system for worshippers who are comfortable returning to in-person services. They produced a clever video, available on Thrive’s YouTube channel, giving protocol instructions for participation. Two members of Pastor John Roth’s creative worship team, Hunter Keslar, Thrive’s worship director and campus minister, and Wyatt Baggett, their audio/visual technical arts director, wrote and produced it. Thrive has returned to corporate worship for a several weeks now, and, according to Roth, “those who attended were refreshed by the Above — Hunter fellowship and the gathering. Keslar explains the “We realize for some people this is not the right time to gather in person and we fully respect registration process their decision. Our online worship has been well required for in- received and we are working on improvements person worship all the time — such as adding a second video At left — Pastor John camera.” Thrive is meeting on the southeast Roth conducts virtual corner of South Tamiami Trail/US-41 & Estero Parkway Win Estero — in Suites 1, 2 & 3 of the worship from his iPad Estero Ridge Plaza. “For those who miss the gathering together and are ready, we are just asking that they make a reservation so we can adequately prepare seating and follow the protocol we’ve established for safety.” 

twenty-five Kyle Will Ordained & Installed at Epiphany/Lake Worth, FL

From left — Jay Winters, Kyle Will, Gregory Walton, Jacob Roedsens. Participants removed their masks for the photo. At left, President Walton installs Kyle Will.

Pastor Kyle Will was both The Rev. Dr. Gregory Walton, FL- School with joy and honor. My family ordained and installed on July 12, GA District President performed the and I have been richly blessed.” 2020 at Epiphany/Lake Worth in a ordination and The Rev. Jay Winters, The Rev. Jacob Roedsens, Circuit 4 o’clock festival worship that took FLGA District Secretary preached. Visitor and pastor of Our Savior/Lake great care in practicing COVID-19 Winters was Kyle Will’s pastor at Worth, FL served as lectionary. guidelines, including propped-open University/Tallahassee, FL in under- The theme for worship was sanctuary doors, hand sanitizer, graduate school. Ephesians 3:7 — “Whereof I was made worship folders on a table (rather than Will is a Tallahassee native. He a minister, according to the gift of the handled by ushers), and seating that and his wife, Amy, met in middle grace of God given unto me by the held to the six-foot social distancing school and began dating in high effectual working of His power.” rules. school. They both studied music at Organist Jane Illsley offered Paul Florida State University and during Manz’s “Praise to the Lord” prelude their freshman year, Amy asked that led into the processional hymn. him to join the “German Christmas Pastor Jay Winters sermon service choir” at University/ underscored and expanded on Tallahassee where Winters is Kyle’s student years at Florida State pastor. University. “I had not been involved in church “How many times do I have to for years,” Will explains, “I didn’t tell you?” was Winters’ theme and he even know what a ‘Lutheran’ embellished on some of Kyle’s stranger was!” He started attending the habits as a college student. Winters Wednesday night college group has a history with Will —­ preaching and eventually church regularly for Kyle’s confirmation, officiating his on Sundays. He quickly became a wedding to his wife Amy, baptizing member involved in a leadership his son August, and now preaching for program. It was there that he felt his ordination and installation. Pastor the call to serve in ministry. Winters drew a line between the “Amy and I graduated, got Gospel text for the ordination — John married, and moved to St. Louis 21 where Jesus tells Peter to “follow for “summer Greek” at the Me” and the text for Trinity Sunday, seminary— all during the month the day that Kyle was confirmed, of May 2014! We experienced so Matthew 28 — “I will be with you much during our seminary journey always, even to the end of the age.” but our biggest adventure began The sermon ended with the blessing when we welcomed our son, “may God grant you the assurance of August (at left), in May, 2018. knowing that no matter how many “I look forward to shepherding times you go to Him and say ‘Lord do Epiphany Lutheran Church and you love me?” He will say, ‘I do.’”  twenty-six Tim Mirly Joins Redeemer/Stuart, FL as Principal

Tim Mirly has big shoes to fill — following Jim Essig’s retirement at Redeemer Lutheran School/Stuart, FL, Mirly was installed as school principal on Sunday, July 19. He was joined by his wife, Lisa, and children Micah and Grace (above). Mirley was installed by Pastor Stan Allen, Associate Pastor/SMP and Senior Pastor David Albers, Mirly served for 28 years at St. Paul/ Jackson, Missouri, a Missouri Synod congregation founded in 1893. Mirly has a reputation for excellence in education as well as school spirit — as evidenced in his cheerleading photo above. 

Brenda Arden Installed as New Preschool Director at Abiding Savior/Gainesville Brenda Arden was installed as the new Preschool Director at Abiding Savior/ Gainesville, FL on July 12th. She and her husband, Michael, come to the District from St. James/Lafayette, IN, where she had been on staff. Pictured and masked are (from left) Pastors James Rockey, Amazing Grace/Oxford, FL; Alan Struckmeyer, Abiding Savior/Gainesville, FL, Brenda Arden, Aimee Dierks, Director Amazing Grace Early Learning Center. 

twenty-seven Pastor Tony Durante invited the As Hope/Plant City, FL re-opened St Paul/Boca Raton FL installed newly sworn in Plantation Police for worship on Sunday, June 14th, their new vicarage couple, Joseph & Officer, Josh Slattery and his family their Spanish ministry, under the Emily Reineke on Sunday, August 2. to attend Our Savior/Plantation leadership of Rev. Miguel Sanabria, Jr. Pastors Steve Carretto and Andrew FL’s livestream service on July 26th. received a special gift from one of their Kubowicz brought them forward for Durante offered prayers for Josh members. As the congregation entered a virtual “laying on of hands” at the as he begins his work protecting for worship, each was given a special conclusion of both Sunday services. the Plantation community. Officer mask specially made by member Maria The congregation was asked to virtually Slattery is pictured with his wife Victoria Arango. Members wore their reach out and join in the welcome and children with Pastor Durante masks with pride and thanks for her prayer. Joe is a Concorida/Chicago following the service. Durante, a very special gift. undergraduate and Emily a Concordia/ former law enforcement officer with Pictured are Hope’s Sr. Pastor, Rev. Wisconsin graduate. She’ll be a reading the Delray Beach Police Department, Dean Pfeffer, Spanish Ministry Pastor, specialist and teach in the school. Joe continues to serve as a chaplain for Rev. Miguel Sanabria, Jr, and Maria was assigned by Concordia Seminary/ them.  Victoria Arango as she presents masks Saint Louis, MO.  to the pastors. 

Trinity/Fort Lauderdale, FL Jan Withers retired at the end of July member Roger Earl Johnson has been following 34 years of service at Our a member for about eight years — but Savior/Plantation, FL. Withers began has been a lifelong Lutheran. He joined working at OSL as a pre-kindergarten the United States Airforce in March, teacher in 1986. Then after 11 years 1962 and was trained as an Aerospace in the classroom, Pastor Walter Ground Equipment mechanic. He Volz convinced her to became the worked on aircraft equipment.Johnson congregation’s administrative assistant. also spent time in the Michigan She served in this role for another 23 National Guard until retiring at age years. She will continue working in the 60. He and his wife moved to Florida. church office in a part time capacity as His wife the visitor coordinator. She is shown on passed away the Plantation campus with Pastor Tony in 2009. In Durante, Our Savior’s senior pastor. 2013 he met  his second wife and they were married in June of 2014. She passed away this past June and Roger is ready for his next assignment from the Lord. As a tribute to his military background and for the love of his two marriage partners, he erected this flag on Trinity’s campus this summer. Trinity is located in the heart of Fort Lauderdale — in an urban area Michael Duchene was installed at Peace/Naples, FL on July 8th. Circuit that is rapidly growing and attracting Visitor Richard Browning officiated. Mike transferred to the FLGA District from young professionals. The congregation the Michigan District where he was the pastor at Saint Trinity Evangelical / is being shepherded by Intentional Clarkston. Previously Duchene served as associate pastor of Shepherd of the Interim Pastor David Kehret.  Desert/Scottsdale, AZ and intentional interim at Grace/Merritt Island, FL. He and wife, Susan, arrived to the Fort Myers area in June.  twenty-eight Benefits From LCEF Services Savior of All/Cartersville, GA Breaks Ground For New Community Fellowship Center On Sunday July 19, 2020 a celebratory groundbreaking service was held at Savior of All/Cartersville, GA, for an addition to the original church and Sunday School building built in 1995. It has been a long and winding path with the FLGA District and LCEF providing support and guidance along the way. In late 2012 and early 2013 Rev. Dr. Max Biesenthal, VP of Ministry Support for LCEF, facilitated the congregation’s leadership team through the first Vision Path Planning Process — a Pastor Michael Zwemke conducts a “socially distant” program sponsored by LCEF. groundbreaking ceremony for Savior of All/Caretersville, GA That followed with a special committee reviewing Savior of All’s Mission and creating a Vision long-term Site Plan. Dan Reichard, and other factors presented a real Statement that was adopted in August former FLGA District Vice President challenge. A small Capital Campaign of 2013. for LCEF and Greg Beste, an architect Team was formed to raise awareness In September of 2013 the mortgage in the FLGA District, facilitated this of the opportunities and to secure on the original church building was development process. pledges for the new building. paid off early and the congregation A special Facilities and Grounds The plan that was approved will continued to accrue the amount of the Committee was formed to take provide for a Community Fellowship mortgage payment in an LCEF Steward information from the Site Plan and the Center that is approximately 4,000 Account for a future building. Strategic Plan. sq. ft. containing a large fellowship/ That same month the Church One area that was a high priority multipurpose room, a kitchen, storage Council started the process of was the need for more space for space, and restrooms. The project is developing a long-term Strategic special events, such as dinners, targeted for completion in late spring Plan for the congregation, which was receptions, the annual yard sale, and of 2021. The Rev. Michael Zwemke approved in February, 2014. meeting space. conducted the ground-breaking In March, 2014 the LCEF A committee was formed to service. Rev. Frank Martin, the first Architectural Advisory Committee had develop concepts for a new building. Pastor for Savior of All, came in from the first of a series of meetings with The location of Savior of All’s current Michigan to be part of the celebration. the leadership team for developing a building, new code requirements 

Above from left, Mr. Timothy Leech Michelle Barbieri (at right) is Redeemer/Stuart, FL, recognized was installed as Principal, his wife, a daughter of the congregation of Deacon Joe Lamoureux’s 25 years in Beth, as 6th grade and middle school St. Paul/Boca Raton, FL and her the ministry at a July worship service. English teacher and Dineen Rottman parents were charter members. School Joe is pictured with wife, Marge, as 3rd grade teacher at Faith/Eustis, Principal Jim Richards Left) and Pastor during the congregation’s coffee FL on Sunday August 2. Mr. Leech Steve Carretto present her with the hour before they cut the cake.  was formerly Principal of Lutheran Cross of Christ upon her retirement in High School of Heartland in Grand appreciation of her 26 years of service Island Nebraska. Pastor Marc Kappel to the school. The school’s yearbook installed them.  was dedicated to her this year. 

twenty-nine Woodlands Celebrates With Outdoor Worship Pastor Joshua Pettit, Woodlands/ Montverde, FL, is having second thoughts about his COVID-unfriendly clerical collar for outdoor worship. The congregation returned to outdoor worship with lawn chairs. Far right — The Rev. Milan Weerts kept his attire a little more climate friendly.  June Food Distribution Tops 5,000 in Fort Myers Zion/Fort Myers, FL served more than 5,000 persons “We had planned to host a churchwide one-day service when it partnered with the United States Department of project to benefit seniors in our community,” she said. “God Agriculture Farmers to Families food box distribution in answered that prayer mightily. He provided an opportunity June. The congregation joined with Senior Friendship to serve not just for one day, but for the entire month of Centers and GA Foods as it hosted eight dates on which a June!” “fresh food combination” box was offered free, one box per Fenn reported that 2,240 boxes serving 1,534 household, to Lee County residents. households with 5,072 members were distributed. 120 The boxes contained meat, fruit, vegetables and dairy households also accepted Zion devotional materials. products. Two hours were set aside for the distribution, The effort generated coverage on a local television but demand was so great that for three weeks straight the station. program distributed 280 boxes within 75 minutes. Zion also responded to the pandemic with volunteers The effort was part of the federal Coronavirus Food sewing more than 1,000 masks at of the start of June. Assistance Program, which purchased approximately $1.2 These were offered free of charge to community and Zion million of agricultural products between May 15 through members as well as friends. One member reported his June 30 from American producers impacted by the closure neighbors drove the 20-mile round trip to the church to of restaurants, hotels and other food service businesses. That each get a free mask. food was packaged into family-sized boxes, then transported In mid-March, Zion combined their regular four services to distribution sites. each weekend into two online worship broadcasts and a Zion served as a June distribution site. Volunteers Sunday morning drive-in service. The Oasis contemporary loaded the boxes from “truck to trunk,” so recipients could service is broadcast at 5 pm Saturday, with a traditional practice physical distancing by remaining in their cars. service aired at 9:30 on Sunday morning. The drive-in According to Chris Fenn, chairperson of Zion’s Independent service has been held on the front lawn, as weather permits, Town Elders Ministry, 32 of the 42 volunteers were members starting at 11 am Sunday.  of Zion.

Above — Volunteers move a box of fresh food “from truck to trunk” during a “Farmers to Families” food distribution day in June. At right, DCE Tim Richter, youth and family minister loads fresh food boxes for delivery. thirty Jefrey Jensen Installed at King of Kings

Rev. Jefrey Jensen was installed on August 1st at King of Above right, participating clergy are Pastors Ernie Knoche, Kings/Jasper/Talking Rock, GA (above) by The Rev. Dr. Ray Borchelt, Jeff Jordan, Jefrey Jensen, Greg Walton and Gregory Walton, President of the FLGA District. Daniel Brammeier. 

Lutheran Pastor Todd Jenks Augments National Hymn Three new hymn verses address three turbulences currently affecting our nation: the pandemic, racial discrimination, and civil division Todd A. Jenks, Siegfried August Mahlmann was born in Leipzig, Germany on May 13, 1771. He studied law in the university and, after travelling throughout Europe, bought a book store in Leipzig in 1802. From 1805 to 1816, he edited the Zeitung fur die elegante Welt, a German magazine, and from 1810 to 1818 wrote for the Leipziger Zeitung, a daily regional newspaper in Leipzig and western Saxony, Germany. It was an important publication of the workers’ movement and today remains the only local newspaper in Leipzig. In addition to more serious poems, Mahlmann wrote a number of folk songs still popular with German children. His collected poems have been published several times. In his early life, he served as private tutor to several young noblemen. He died at Leipzig, December 16, 1826. He is credited with the lyrics for verses 1 and 5. The music composition is attributed to Henry Carey. The melody used is the same as that of the national anthem of the United Kingdom, God Save the Queen. The song served as one of the de facto national anthems of the United States before the adoption of The Star-Spangled Banner as the official U.S. national anthem in 1931. Editor’s note: Verses 2 through 4, Lyrics by Todd A. Jenks, and may not be used without express written consent of the author — who has granted permission to all congregations and ministries of the LCMS for use when including written credit in print. The Rev. Todd Jenks is pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ames, Iowa, email: [email protected]  1) God bless our native land; 3) Lord, spare us from the sin 5) So shall our prayers arise Firm may she ever stand That thinks we’re better than To God above the skies; Through storm and night. Our fellow man. On Him we wait. When the wild tempests rave, We were all made by you, Thou who art ever nigh, Ruler of wind and wave, To love each other true, Guarding with watchful eye, Do Thou our country save So that in all we do, To Thee aloud we cry: By Thy great might. As one we stand! God save the state!

2) Lord, heal us from disease! 4) Lord, curb the selfish pride To you alone we plead, That leads us to divide As illness lurks. And tear apart. May you with mercy pure Lead us to work as one, Reach out and send a cure, To stand forever strong, That we may rest secure Hand in hand, arm in arm; In Christ’s strong work. Christ in our hearts! thirty-one Lutheran Life NON-PROFIT Florida-Georgia District U.S. POSTAGE PAID Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod BOCA RATON, FL 5850 T. G. Lee Blvd., Suite 500 PERMIT NO 1767 Orlando, FL 32822-4410

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Georgia Congregation Benefits From LCEF Services “In late 2009, life. With eight children it was a the congregation great opportunity to show them the by Jay Wendland purchased nine importance of saving for their future FLGA District Vice President acres of land several and for their college years.” Lutheran Church miles north of Perry. With seven grandchildren, the Extension Fund Through a loan with Lehenbauers have found plenty jay.wendland@lcef. Lutheran Church of opportunities to gift them with Extension Fund Young Investors (Y.I.) Club accounts (LCEF), we were able as Christmas presents. Lehenbauer to build Phase One believes there are three good reasons Every Friday for the entire of our new facility which consists of that it’s important to invest with LCEF. history of Christ/Perry, GA, the a sanctuary, fellowship hall, kitchen, • #1, your money is being used to congregation fund Lutheran has hosted a churches and community meal. schools that This weekly proclaim Jesus dinner, known Christ. as “Thee Lord’s • #2, rates Table,” provides a are competitive delicious home- and sometimes cooked meal and better than other is open to all. institutions. On average, 85 • #3, this is people show up a wonderful each week. opportunity “The for parents to congregation is encourage their very focused on children in a outreach and mindset for the it was that way next generation from early on,” — to set aside said Rev. John and have a rainy- Lehenbauer, day fund and senior pastor. The John and Renee Lehenbauer Family prepare for the There wasn’t future. a lot around Through Perry 13 years ago — just farmland Sunday school rooms and offices.” faithful investors like the as far as the eye could see. Since In addition, their partnership Lehenbauers, LCEF is able to help then, Perry has blossomed — as has with LCEF extended to two projects strengthen Lutheran organizations the congregation. The Lord blessed completed by Laborers For Christ and rostered church workers through them with steady growth, as Christ’s in 2012 and 2018; advice from the low-cost loans and ministry support worship attendance grew from an Architectural Advisory Committee in services. To learn more about LCEF, average of 64 in 2009 to 106 in 2018. 2014; and a Consecrated Stewards contact me for more information “It was a long journey to get to campaign in 2014. at (407) 258-5041 or via email: jay. where we are now. In our 13-year This was not Lehenbauer’s first [email protected].  history, we have worshipped in a encounter with LCEF. “My wife and I funeral home, school gymnasium and have been investors all of our married store front,” Lehenbauer continued.