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michigan
SEPTEMBER 2013
IN TOUCHA publication of the Michigan District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
The Lutheran Witness Michigan District, LCMS Supplement
Table of Contents
From the President
Great Commission Ministry
New Media
Great Compassion Ministry
Healthy Church Workers
Annual Report
Healthy Congregations
Congregation News
Special Recognition
LWML and LLL	
Calls and Roster Update
Calendar of Events
©2013 Michigan District, LCMS, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan In Touch is published
monthly by the Michigan District and inserted into The Lutheran Witness and distributed
to subscribers 11 times a year. It is also available online at www.michigandistrict.org/mit.
Reproduction of articles is permissible with written permission of the Michigan District
Communications Department and should give credit to Michigan In Touch. References
to resources and websites for further information are included in Michigan In Touch for
the potential use by individuals and congregations. Resources not associated with or
published by The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod or Concordia Publishing House®
may
contain helpful programmatic information but may vary in doctrine from The Lutheran
Church–Missouri Synod. Please use discretion or consult your pastor on doctrinal issues.
Rev. Dr. David P. E. Maier, President
Debby Fall, Editorial Manager
Michigan District, LCMS
3773 Geddes Rd
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Official Periodical of the Michigan District
of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod
September 2013, Volume 12. No. 4
ISSN: 1538-8115
michiganIN TOUCH
Jenna Szpara, Art Director
Seth Hinz, Web/Media Director
888.225.2111
intouch@michigandistrict.org
www.michigandistrict.org
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May We Never Forget by Rev. Dr. David P. E. Maier
Spoken about 150 years ago, the following words by
one of the most respected Presidents of the United
States of America recognized and exposed a current
problem that continues to plague our country. (His sug-
gested remedy, appointing a National Fast Day, should
also be given serious consideration.)	
“We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties
of heaven. We have been preserved, these many years,
in peace and prosperity. We have grown in numbers,
wealth, and power, as no other nation has ever grown.
“But we have forgotten God. (Emphasis mine) We
have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us ...
and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our
hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some
superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with
the unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient
to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace,
too proud to pray to the God that made us! It behooves
us, then, to humble ourselves before the offended Power,
to confess our national sins, and to pray for clemency
and forgiveness.” - Abraham L­incoln’s proclamation
appointing a National Fast Day, March 30, 1863.1
President Lincoln’s words are quite reminiscent of
Moses’s words to the children of Israel before they enter
the Promised Land in Deuteronomy 8:6-20. Although
I would encourage you to read the citation fully, here
are some selected verses: “10
When you have eaten and
are satisfied, you shall bless the Lord your God for the
good land which He has given you. 11
Beware that you do
not forget the Lord your God by not keeping His com-
mandments and His ordinances and His statutes which I
am commanding you today; 12
otherwise, when you have
eaten and are satisfied, and have built good houses and
lived in them, 13
and when your herds and your flocks
multiply, and your silver and gold multiply, and all that
you have multiplies, 14
then your heart will become proud
and you will forget the Lord your God ... 17
Otherwise,
you may say in your heart, ‘My power and the strength of
my hand made me this wealth.’18
But you shall remember
continued on page 3
FROM THE PRESIDENT
©iStockphoto.com/adisa
2 September 2013
The Church has played an integral role in shaping
who you are, what you believe and how you live.
Thanks to the ongoing support of your parents and
theirs, it has been your guiding light. Now, you have
your own family, your own career, your own hopes,
dreams and goals. And today, the future of the Church
has never been more important.
For generations the groundwork has been laid.
Now, it’s time for the next generation to carry on by
investing in CEF financial products and help fund
ministry growth — locally and across Michigan.
Embrace the future, enjoy competitive interest
earnings and build on your Church and
your faith.
To learn how your investment through CEF
can benefit your family and your church, call
800-242-3944 or visit us as www.mi-cef.org
And light the way forward.
passed
the torch.
This is your opportunity to carry on.
	
  
Contact CEF today to learn
how CEF can help with your
retirement investments.
Church Extension Fund • Michigan District of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod
3773 Geddes Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105-3098 • www.mi-cef.org
Offices: 800-242-3944 • Interest rates anytime: 800-232-7313
This is not an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy CEF securities. The offering of CEF securities is made solely by our Offering Circular. CEF will offer and sell securities only in states where
authorized Investments in CEF are not insured by the FDIC, SIPC or any other governmental agency—securities are subject to certain risk factors as described in our Offering Circular.
800-242-3944 • www.mi-cef.org
WHY CEF?
PROVEN investment products,
measurable results
DEDICATED Christian financial
management since 1901
FOCUSED on funding the needs of
Michigan District congregations
They’ve
michigandistrict.org/mit 3
the Lord your God, for it is He who is giving you power
to make wealth...” (NASB).
These verses are a perfect passage to apply to our
beloved US of A. God was telling Israel through Moses
— and us today — NOT TO FORGET Him when they
have entered the land and enjoyed its rich stores and
bounty, and have had plenty to eat, and have experienced
His protection and blessing.
Please remember that until they entered the Promised
Land, the Israelites depended on God to provide every-
thing. He provided the food, the guidance, the leadership
of Moses, and the moral code. God had made everything
possible and He was warning the Israelites not to forget
all that He had done and was still doing.
But what happened? Abundant stores of food would
lead to satisfaction. Satisfaction would lead to com-
fort. Comfort to security, seemingly a result of their
hard work.
Comfort, security, and satisfaction would lead to
Israel forgetting God. Forgetting God meant no longer
remembering Him in their daily thoughts and the daily
affairs of life.
Forgetting God would lead to a disregard of His Word
and His commands. Having no regard for His Word and
commandments has continually led to the disintegration
of nations and societies.
Does this at all sound familiar?
Let me be more specific and at the same time share a
warning that comes from clear lessons of history.
Dr. J. D. Unwin (1895-1936), a British scholar, social
anthropologist, and an expert on cultures, spent seven
years of his life studying the birth and death of the 86
major societies and civilizations in the world throughout
history. In his landmark book, Sex and Culture, published
in 1934, he shares his discovery of the same pattern of
prosperity and then disintegration consistently showing
up in all of them. Each society or national power fell
because of one thing — a breakdown of the family and
morality. What’s interesting is that Unwin had no reli-
gious convictions and applied no moral judgments.
Here is the general track that EACH of these civili-
zations followed: during the early days of each society,
premarital and extramarital sexual relationships were
strictly prohibited. Great creative energy was associ-
ated with the inhibition of sexual expression, causing the
culture to prosper. Much later in the life of the society,
its people began to rebel against the strict prohibitions,
demanding the freedom to release their internal passions
and do whatever they wanted.
As the morals weakened, the social “energy” abated.
This resulted in the eventual decay or destruction of the
civilization. When a man is devoted to one woman and
one family, he is motivated to build, save, protect, plan,
and prosper on their behalf. However, when his sexual
interests are dispersed and generalized, his effort is
invested in the gratification of sensual desires.
Dr. Unwin concluded: “Any human society is free
either to display great energy, or to enjoy sexual free-
dom; the evidence is that they cannot do both for more
than one generation.”
Edward Gibbon (1737-1794) wrote about one of the
great civilizations in history – the Roman Empire. He
listed five reasons for the fall of Rome in his book,
The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire (published
in 1776):
	
1.	 The decay of religion—faith fading to form and los-
ing its power, resulting in moral collapse.
2.	 The rapid increase of divorce and breakdown of
the family—which is the basis of human society.
3.	 The mad craze for pleasure—sports and fun
became increasingly important and more and more
exciting and brutal.
4.	 Higher and higher taxes—to compensate for higher
spending.
5.	 The building of huge armaments—for protection
from outside enemies…when the real enemy lies
within.
Dr. Bill Bright (1921-2003, founder of Campus Cru-
sade for Christ) once stated, “The level of America’s sins
today would have astounded even ancient Rome, whose
own moral decay resulted in her self-destruction.”
Psalms 33:12 says, “Blessed is the nation whose God
is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance”
(NIV).
Well, God was at one time very important to this nation.
Yet, revisionist historians continually emphasize over
and over again that the United States was not founded
on Christian principles. That is totally untrue! It is a
lie ... poppycock … baloney! That is revisionist history
at its best (or worst) and it is being promulgated by our
educational system and in the media.
But, did you know that it has been proposed that the
Bible directly contributed to nearly one-third of our
founding fathers’ expressions and writings? Listen to
some of their quotes:
James Madison, the Chief Architect of the Constitu-
tion once said, “We have the future ... upon the capacity
of each ... of us to sustain ourselves according to the Ten
Commandments of God.”
Benjamin Franklin said, “Whoever shall introduce
into public affairs the principles of ... Christianity will
change the face of the world.”
FROM THE PRESIDENT
continued from page 1
continued on page 4
4 September 2013
John Adams said, “Suppose a nation in some distant
region should take the Bible for their only law book ...
What a Utopia, what a paradise would this region be.”
This quote from John Adams is highly instructive
as we consider what is happening in the United States
today, “Our constitution was made only for a moral and
religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the govern-
ment of any other.”
He also said, “The destiny of America is to carry the
gospel of Jesus Christ to all men, everywhere.”
President George Washington said, “It is impossible
to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible.”
Many more quotes can be found in Oz Guinness’book,
A Free People’s Suicide: Sustainable Freedom and the
American Future, InterVarsity Press, c.2012.
Alexis de Tocqueville (1805-1859), a Frenchmen that
toured around the United States in 1831 to observe our
institutions because of the great energy, creativity, and
blessing that the world took note of as characteristics of
the United States, shared this observation:
“I sought for the key to the greatness and genius of the
America in her harbors; in her fertile fields and bound-
less forests; in her rich mines and vast world commerce;
in her public school system and institutions of learning. I
sought for it in democratic Congress and in her matchless
Constitution. Not until I went into the churches of Amer-
ica and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I
understand the secret of her genius and power. America
is great because America is good, and if America ever
ceases to be good, America will cease to be great.”2
We would do well to remember Proverbs 14:34:
“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to
any people” (NIV).
The December 1991 edition of “Time Magazine” con-
cluded with this commentary: “For God to be kept out of
the classroom or out of America’s public debate by ner-
vous school administrators or over-cautious politicians
serves no one’s interest. That restriction prevents people
from drawing on the country’s rich and diverse religious
heritage for guidance, and it degrades the nation’s moral
discourse by placing a whole realm of theological rea-
soning out of bounds. The price of that sort of quaran-
tine, at a time of moral dislocation, is — and has been
— far too high. The courts need to find a better balance
between separation and accommodation, and Americans
need to respect the new religious freedom they would
gain as a result.”
A few decades earlier, in 1949 I believe, the editors of
“LIFE” magazine stated: “The worst enemy of western
civilization faces in not communism! The worst enemy is
within our civilization. The heart of it is secularism. A
blunter word is Godlessness!”
Godlessness is at the root of the disintegration of any
people or nation. But, please note that Godlessness is not
atheism! Godlessness is to live without regard for God,
His will, and His plan. Godlessness is to not think about
God in our daily thoughts and to marginalize Him in our
everyday life.
How guilty are we?
Although 65 percent of Americans say they consider
the Bible to be the Word of God, few have any sense of
right and wrong. Jesus said: “You hypocrites! ... These
people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far
from me” (Matthew 15:7-8 NIV) and Isaiah 5:20 says,
“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil ...” (NIV).
We have the increase of senseless, violent murders and
gang killings in urban areas. Life has been devalued, and
I don’t doubt that this is, in some regard, the direct result
of the millions of abortions that have taken place in the
United States. Then, at the end of June of this year, the
Supreme Court strikes down DOMA, the Defense of Mar-
riage Act, and legitimizes homosexual “marriage.” Cou-
ple that (no pun intended) with the ever increasing rate
of divorce, which leads to the disintegration of the family
continued on page 22
Michigan District, LCMS
The world is
changing, our lives
are changing ... How will WE respond?
Theological Conferences on
ChurCh, State
&
Culture
2014 Theological Conferences on
Church, State, & CULTURE
February 15	 Faith, Troy
February 22	 Messiah, Midland
March 1	 Holy Cross, Jenison
Guest Speakers: Rev. Dr. Korey Maas
	 Rev. Dr. Dale Meyer
	 Rev. Dr. Joel Lehenbauer
Register Online at
www.michigandistrict.org
or call 888.225.2111 ext 234.
continued from page 3
Bottomlefttotopleft:©iStockphoto.com/peterspiro/Veni/fotorvr/PEDRE/
nautilus_shell_studios/BrianAJackson
michigandistrict.org/mit 5
GREAT COMMISSION MINISTRY
Such is Life
He did not even notice that I was watching. He was
just one little boy doing an ordinary household
chore in a Haitian-sort-of-way. I love when I can just
observe without being intrusive on the event unfolding!
The chore was to dispose of the family’s trash by the
seashore. The two five-gallon buckets of gross, smelly
gunk was more than any little boy should be expected to
carry, but nonetheless, this was his job.
“Necessity is the mother of invention” is a common
saying, and, in Haiti, inventions of necessity abound.
The boy had somehow come upon a tiny two-wheel
bicycle. The seat was long gone, as well as the tire that
once was on the front rim. The handle of each bucket
was draped over one of the handlebars, while the bottom
of the buckets just barely missed dragging on the ground.
Over bumpy road and through uneven grass and areas of
mud, he came ‘porting’his load.At first glance, I thought
the buckets were filled with charcoal and that the little
boy was trying to sell his
goods to make a few pen-
nies. It was not until the
heavy buckets up righted
the bicycle that I saw him
remove the buckets and
carry them the last few
feet to a “suitable” place
for dumping. He made
sure each bucket was
completely empty and then he found an old insole of a
shoe to “clean” the outside of one of the buckets that
had gotten too dirty. That chore being done, he returned
to his one-tire bicycle, remounted the buckets onto the
handlebars, and, with a joyful little sidekick in his step,
he headed back for home. He never looked my way. He
was just intent on doing what he had come to do.
I am not sure why scenes like this intrigue me. Perhaps,
it is just learning more about how poor Haitians live their
everyday lives. Perhaps, it is because I marvel at what
chores little ones in Haiti are required to do. Perhaps, it
is because complaining is not part of the equation.
There are so many sightings of God at work in Haiti
… many that bring me great joy. I was in my car on the
side of the road waiting for traffic to clear. I noticed three
little royal blue, gingham plaid uniformed girls nearby.
One of them broke out into a grin, waved and then
shouted the word “Blan!” (white) when she caught sight
of me. I greeted them with “Bon swa!” (Good afternoon)
by Nora LèonPraying to Make a Difference
Ongoing Mission Work
Nora Lèon’s work in Haiti has inspired ongoing
mission work of her home congregation, Holy
Cross, Jenison. For over 15 years, Holy Cross has sup-
ported the First Lutheran Church and School in Les
Cayes and the Children of Israel Orphanage. Lèon is
the administrator of a scholarship fund that Holy Cross
established in 1998 to support children attending the
school. This program raises $10,000 annually to pro-
vide tuition, books, clothing, and whatever is needed
by the children. She also makes arrangements for Holy
Cross mission trips, which are held every two years.
“Nora is an amazing blessing, not just to the people
of Haiti, but to their friends in the US who desire to
show love and care for people in great need,” says Pas-
tor Bill Wangelin of Holy Cross. “Our congregation
has been richly blessed by Nora’s witness, her example,
and her testimony to God’s power and the faith of the
Haitian people. We pray that God will continue to bring
mutual blessings to everyone involved.”
After the devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake in
2010, which killed over 220,000 people, Lèon lived
with several orphans in tents on a soccer field in the
middle of Les Cayes until buildings were repaired.
Although the mission team of 40 people from Holy
Cross and surrounding churches had to cancel their trip,
the funds that were sent in advance were converted into
emergency relief aid, which Lèon helped distribute.
She has since moved into a home and the orphans have
moved into their new residence halls.
More recently, Lèon and her husband have been
involved in developing a school and orphanage on a
small island off the coast of Les Cayes called Ile-la-
Vache. In 2011, Holy Cross members Pat and Dave
Myers opened a second hand store in Jenison called
“Bless The Orphans” (www.blesstheorphans.org).
This store has become a center for Haiti mission activ-
ity with proceeds going to the ongoing support of the
orphans on Ile-la-Vache.
michigandistrict.org/mit 5
Haitian children enjoying mango,one
of Haiti’s most important exports.
Haitian Orphanage
6 September 2013
The Need
Facebook alone has 1.11 billion monthly active
users1
. Over the course of the past two or three years,
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest have
increasingly become visual-driven networks, where
pictures are the new headline — sometimes it’s all
people see regarding a particular story.
Newsfeeds stack up with photos and graphics
all subtly committed to memory. Without positive,
encouraging messages and imagery, imagine where
the winds of secular society could guide our thoughts
and potentially our actions.
There is a great need for a strong Lutheran pres-
ence online. We have a God-given message to share,
a voice in times of trouble. We must commit to pro-
ducing positive messages of hope; encourage people
to dig deeper, to get past the visual; and consistently
share the Gospel message.
Dedicated Resources
Commitment to this cause means dedicating per-
son power. We need all hands on deck: managers,
writers, photographers, programmers, and videogra-
phers adjusting the sails, pointing back to the arms of
our loving, risen Christ.
Loving, Organized Guidance
An organized effort will produce a steady stream of
uplifting content that floods into the social networks.
Varied content from photos, written words, graphics,
to videos will ensure that the message reaches people
where they are and never becomes white noise.
We are not aiming to control the wind, the constant
pressures of secular society. We aim to adjust the
sails, providing Christian context, encouragement,
and guidance for godly living in a world captivated
by sin.
1
http://newsroom.fb.com/Key-Facts
New Media
and they came bolting towards me. Without hesitation,
all three pairs of hands reached through my open car
window and 30 little fingers ruffled with delight through
my hair, which feels so very different from their own.
They giggled with glee. Just as quickly, they continued
on their way, leaving me with a happy heart!
Other sightings touch the deep places of my soul like
witnessing a tragic accident coupled with the loving
response of “good Samaritans.” The livelihood of poor
Haitians is so fragile. One accident like this could easily
result in a family with no food to eat at the end of the day
or worse. Those “first responders” know all too well that
their help was not just a nice thing to do, but it was vital!
Ministry in Haiti
In 2003, three friends and I founded Caribbean Chil-
dren’s Foundation. When traveling to Haiti, we fell in
love with the children. To best serve them, I moved
to Haiti in 2004. Our organization adopted the motto
“Praying to make a difference … one child at a time!”
Initially, we promoted orphan sponsorships, but it soon
became clear that the needs in Haiti were many. We now
have the following programs and projects that include:
•	 Orphan sponsorships,
•	 Tuition assistance programs and feeding programs
for students,
•	 Academic reward goat program,
•	 Medical care for critically ill children,
•	 Agriculture and fishing projects to promote self-
sufficiency, and
•	 Orphanage and school construction projects.
Periodically, I am in various parts of the USA participat-
ing in fundraisers or making presentations. If you are inter-
ested in learning more about the mission field in Haiti, the
Caribbean Children’s Foundation, or being part of a mis-
sion team, I’d be happy to visit your church, Bible class,
Sunday school, VBS, organization, or place of employ-
ment. Please contact me at caribbeancf@juno.com.
Nora Léon is a member of Holy
Cross, Jenison. After working for 21
years with seniors, Léon answered
God’s call to serve as a missionary in
Haiti where she works full time with
poor and orphaned children. Léon
also serves as president of the Carib-
bean Children’s Foundation. She is
married to Gerson, a Haitian, and together, they share
the passion of helping children who would have no hope
for the future if someone does not advocate for them.
Check out Nora and the ministry on Facebook, search for
Caribbean Children’s Foundation.
For more stories, like the one above, follow Nora’s blog at
http://norainhaiti.wordpress.com.
“Catamaran sail and sky” © 2007 Mary-Lynn, used under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share
Alike license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/.
Adjusting Sails in
a Click to
Share Culture
michigandistrict.org/mit 7
GREAT COMPASSION MINISTRY
Wrapped in Love
Andrea Salid, a 74-year-old mother of seven, found
her home severely damaged when Typhoon
Bopha swept through her village in the southern Phil-
ippines in December 2012. Fierce winds blew the roof
completely off of her house and destroyed most of her
belongings. “Salamat” (meaning thank you) was spo-
ken again and again by Salid as she told Lutheran World
Relief (LWR) worker Lauren Bauer that she would use
her quilt to cover herself at night. More than 800 people,
many with stories like Salid’s, gathered at the distribu-
tion center where Bauer was assisting to receive quilts,
baby care kits, and personal care kits.1
Labor of Love
This would not have been possible, in such short order,
had hearts and hands that share the Good News of Christ
through their labors of love been still. Last fall, 150 youth
and adult volunteers from Michigan filled six railroad
containers with 122.5 tons of items including 412,710
quilts, 539,898 kits, and 91,122 lbs. of soap which were
distributed to more than 720,000 people in 23 countries.
Through a new partnership with the United Nations
Humanitarian Response Depot (UNHRD), LWR plans
Wrapping Love Around the World
2013 Michigan District LWR Boxcar Loading
by Patricia Schuknecht
to position quilts and kits near disaster-prone areas for
timely distribution following an emergency. Pre-stock-
ing resources in a Philippines warehouse allowed for
quick dispersal following more recent emergencies in
Southeast Asia. LWR will be able to store materials in up
to five additional UNHRD hubs located in Italy, Malay-
sia, Ghana, the United Arab Emirates, and Spain. LWR’s
2013 goal for quilts alone is to send 500,000 worldwide.
LWR Ingathering and Boxcar Loading
This coming fall, members of Michigan District con-
gregations, from all walks of life, will once again join
forces for the annual ingathering of everyday items most
of us take for granted. These individuals and groups have
been busy fundraising, purchasing, gathering, sewing,
and packaging quilts and care kits for the 2013 LWR
Boxcar Loading that will take place on Wednesday,
October 16, 2013 at the Conrail Yard, 2975 Livernois,
Detroit, Mich. Prior to the event, 14 collection locations
throughout Michigan and Northern Ohio will pack boxes
filled with quilts, new soap, and kits into vehicles and
then transport them to the train yard. Once there, they
will be loaded into railroad shipping containers, soon to
make their way to Maryland before being shipped to dis-
tribution points worldwide.
Patricia Schuknecht has coordinated the Michigan
District LWR Ingathering and Boxcar Loading for 13
years and states, “It is a great privilege to be able to
continue coordinating this wonderful task.” She cur-
rently serves as office manager at Heart of the Shepherd,
Howell. She and her husband, Steve, have five children
and seven grandchildren.
1
From the story, “Salamat,” (www.lwr.org) written by Lauren Bauer,
Lutheran World Relief’s Creative Services Project Manager.
Visit www.michigandistrict.org/events/lwr-boxcar-loading-2013 for in-
gathering locations and information on what items are being collected.
For more information on Michigan District efforts, please contact
Pat Schuknecht at 517.552.7218 or pat@hotshepherd.org.
Order LWR promotional materials for your congregation at www.lwr.org.
Andrea Salid received two LWR quilts and a
personal care kit at a distribution for families
affected by Typhoon Bopha in the Philippines.
8 September 2013
My 85-year-old mother states that she does not
want to move into a retirement home. She loves
the old house that she has meticulously maintained,
tending her beautiful gardens and pouring love into both
for 60+ years. As a family, we see her point. Would she
have a deck with awning that overlooks the woods in a
retirement home? Would she be able to enjoy the out of
doors and rake the gumballs from her driveway or swing
in the breezeway in a retirement home? Would she have
enough room to house all her children, grandchildren,
and great-grandchildren when they come to visit in a
retirement home? Would she be able to take all her furni-
ture to a retirement home? Would she have the strength
and fortitude to move after all of these years? Why would
she want to move?
None of these questions are new. There have been a
plethora of articles and research written and conducted on
the subject of aging. But when the time comes and these
questions arise in your family, you may be forced to take
a good hard look at the options, memories, and needs,
and search out assistance in making hard decisions.
An Aging Lutheran Community
The average age of members in The Lutheran Church–
Missouri Synod is 68 years old according to an article
published in The Lutheran Witness. According to Pew
Research Center, there are 10,000 baby boomers reach-
ing the age of 65 every day, and this rate will continue
for the next 17 years. What is the church, as a Christian
intergenerational organization, doing in the critical area
of adulthood and aging?
A Proactive Family Life Program
What if the church did not have to rely on commu-
nity agencies, or out-source all services for its aging
population? Concordia University Ann Arbor’s (CUAA)
Family Life program sees the need for workers in God’s
kingdom to serve this population – within that Christian
intergenerational organization and agencies. The Family
Life team is very interested in adding a “major” to its
Family Life program to assist the church and the com-
munity in this area and is being proactive!
Last winter, 10 very influential, highly qualified profes-
sionals in the field of adulthood and aging gathered at CUAA
to explore and discuss what the needs are for this population.
Some of the questions explored included:
•	 How could professionals with a career in Family
Life as a Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE),
by Jennifer Freudenburg
Senior Adult Services Family Life Educator
Adulthood and Aging
with a concentration study in adulthood and aging,
affect the church?
•	 What does a Family Life graduate working as a
CFLE need to know (in addition to the core curricu-
lum) to be prepared for the responsibilities of work-
ing with Senior Adults and their families?
•	 What skills does a graduate need prior to beginning
their work in the church and community with senior
adults and their families?
•	 What critical contents for new classes would need to
be offered in order to prepare Family Life students
for working with the adulthood and aging population?
New courses being considered include: Psychology
of Aging; Science of Aging; Delivery Models of Ser-
vices for the Aging; Cultural Competencies and Assess-
ment Skills with Older Adults; and Supporting Families
through Final Transitions.
Would you welcome a CFLE from Concordia Univer-
sity to walk alongside you to help your family or congre-
gation? The Family Life program at CUAA is following
God’s lead to help assist the jewels of our generation! To
God be the glory.
Jennifer Freudenburg is the Project Manager for the
Concordia Center for the Family.
Within its distinctly Christian environment and its academic com-
munity dedicated to excellence, Concordia University Ann Arbor
serves as a liberal arts university of The Lutheran Church—Mis-
souri Synod, preparing men and women for a life of service in the
church and in the world. Visit them online at www.cuaa.edu.
©iStockphoto.com/absolut_100
michigandistrict.org/mit 9
HEALTHY CHURCH WORKERS
“Then comes the devil, who baits and badgers us on all
sides, but especially exerts himself where the conscience
and spiritual matters are concerned. His purpose is to
make us scorn and despise both the Word and the works
of God, to tear us away from faith, hope, and love, …
these are snares and nets; indeed, they are the real ‘flam-
ing darts’ that are venomously shot into our hearts, not
by flesh and blood but by the devil.” (Luther’s Large
Catechism, the Sixth Petition)
IT’S A BATTLE DOWN HERE!
The devil, the father of lies, is at work along with
the sinful world and our own sinful flesh. He is
deceiving in the way he operates. It is important to STAY
AWAKE! We must daily realize that we are poor, miser-
able sinners who are not immune to the devil. We need to
be on guard. It takes daily discipline to be vigilant, alert,
and watchful to avoid danger. Our routines in life need to
be prioritized so that God remains number one.
WE ARE EQUIPPED FOR THE BATTLE!
Ephesians 6 clearly shows how God has provided His
children with the armor for this battle. We are robed in
the blood of Christ the Lamb and together, as the com-
munion of saints, can offer support and encouragement
to one another. God provides us with the belt of truth,
breastplate of righteousness, gospel of peace, shield of
faith, helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit …
THE WORD OF GOD! God has given us HIS WORD
to meditate upon and to empower us to stand strong! In
his book, Grace Upon Grace: Spirituality for Today, Dr.
John Kleinig tells of the “hearing heart” that we need to
Standing on Guard
Three Truths to Help us Remain Vigilant in
Spiritual Warfare by Daniel Ramthun
develop daily so as to receive God’s grace. He states,
“In Luke 8:15, Jesus emphasizes the need for ongoing
hearing. He connects fruitful hearing with meditation on
the Word … the hearer should take hold of the Word and
keep it in the heart.”1
GOD IS OUR GUIDE AND OUR GUARD
God is the guide and giver and we are the followers
and the receivers of His grace. Creating and abiding by a
regular routine of reading His Word will foster an envi-
ronment for our hearts to be receptive to His Word and
His guidance. By the power of the Holy Spirit working
through His Word in our lives, we will be alert, watchful,
and avoid danger!
Consider your life. Is it time to eliminate some of the
“stuff” that gets in the way of your devotional time? We
all have different rhythms and routines that fit our per-
sonalities and lifestyles; so let’s determine to make use
of God’s Word and grace in our words and actions as we
pray, “Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy
name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as
it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and for-
give us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass
against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver
us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and
the glory forever and ever. Amen.”
Rev. Daniel W. Ramthun is the pastor at St. Stephen,
Detroit and the pastoral associate at Guardian, Dearborn.
He has been in the teaching and pastoral ministry for 30
years and has enjoyed seeing God’s grace at work in his
life and the lives of those to whom he ministers. He has
been married for 30 years to his college sweetheart, Linda,
who is a second grade teacher at Guardian. They have
been blessed with three children: Kelsey, Kyle, and Katey.
1
John W. Kleinig, Grace Upon Grace: Spirituality for Today, (St. Louis:
Concordia Publishing House, 2008) 113.
2013 All Pastors’
Conference - October 6-9
This fall, pastors will gather
in Boyne Falls, Mich. under
the theme, “They Devoted
themselves to ... ,” based
on Acts 2:42. Dr. John Kle-
inig will be the keynote pre-
senter and help pastors dive
into Spiritual Disciplines.
More information at
www.michigandistrict.org/
apc13
©iStockphoto.com/Massonstock
©iStockphoto.com/jawphotosjawphotos
10 September 2013
In Other News
A Life Adventure
Igraduated from the seminary when I was 28 years
old. I was called to a wonderful congregation in a
small town. My wife and our three children loaded up
the vehicle shortly after the Call service and set out on
the beginning of what was to become a life adventure!
I can remember attending circuit meetings and District
events, meeting many brother pastors much older than
myself. And admittedly I thought they were, well, old.
I wondered if congregations would be interested in call-
ing older pastors. After all, their children were grown
and married with families of their own. How long before
some of them retire? I was under no delusion that I knew
it all, being a recent seminary grad, but I did think at the
time that I perhaps was a bit more up-to-date with things
than some of these older men I met, a bit more savvy!
What I’ve Learned
And now, almost 30 years later, I am one of those older
pastors! Interestingly, in the September 2012 issue of
The Lutheran Witness, it was noted that over 50 percent
of our active pastors are over age 50.
As one of these “older pastors,” who, Lord willing,
hopes to have many, many exciting and productive years
ahead of me serving as an active pastor, I’ve learned a few
things over the years along with my brothers in the ministry.
•	 I’ve learned humility and dependence. I am weak,
He is strong. My strength comes from the Lord.
•	 I’ve learned the vital importance of having my daily
devotions of Scripture reading and prayer. I need this
private and personal time with the Lord every day.
•	 I’ve learned to be a more effective self-starter each
and every day. I strive to use my time wisely and
efficiently and be faithful to the Lord and the people
He has placed in my care.
•	 I’ve learned compassion. Over my years in minis-
try I’ve come to know people in many difficult and
heart-wrenching situations. It has been a privilege
to be able to minister to them and be there for them.
•	 I’ve learned to have fun and get along with people
of all ages … from the children, youth, college stu-
dents, and adults in all stages of this thing we call life
to my oldest members who are in their sunset years.
•	 I’velearnedtohaveasenseofhumoraboutmyself,about
life, and about being a pastor! Life is way too short!
•	 I’ve learned how technology can be used to enhance the
spoken Word, the liturgy, and music in a worship service
… even using multi-media and PowerPoint for sermons.
by John Brooks
50+ and Still
Growing
•	 I’ve learned about empowering laypeople to serve,
to use their God-given gifts and talents, and not
thinking I have to do it all.
•	 I’ve learned about how to be faithful to God’s
unchanging Word in a rapidly changing society, and
the importance of meeting people wherever they are
at in their faith walk.
•	 I’ve learned how to develop and deliver a sermon
that holds attention and relates to what my people
are experiencing in life.
•	 I’ve learned a few people skills over the years, some,
at times, admittedly by mistake. I am by no means
perfect. But, I pray I’ve learned from my mistakes,
that people will forgive me for my mistakes, and that
I will keep on learning from my mistakes!
•	 I’ve learned about how to work with multiple staff
in a congregation. We are a team. We are serving the
Lord together, but as the pastor I am the one who is
to be an encourager to them, to be their friend, to
respect them, and to love them.
•	 I’ve learned over the years that we are living in an
increasingly godless and immoral society and world.
I am called to be God’s spokesman to my people, to
remind them of what God’s Word says over what the
world says, and to encourage them to walk closely
with the Lord and raise their children with a strong
faith foundation.
•	 I understand the value of continuing education and
make an effort to either read interesting resources
that relate to ministry or attend events that help me
continue to learn.
I’m Still Learning
As an older pastor, I still have something to share with
God’s people. I’ve learned a few things over the years.
And I’m still learning! I’m still growing in my faith walk
and in the skills the Lord is giving and empowering me!
Rev. John W. Brooks is pastor at St. James, Montague.
He is an avid wilderness canoeist and is also working
toward his second degree Black Belt in TaeKwonDo.
John Brooks enjoying the outdoors.
michigandistrict.org/mit 11
An accounting of the mission and ministry through the Michigan District, LCMS
by its congregations.
Fiscal year ending January 31, 2013
Dear Friends in Christ,
In grateful response to God’s
grace and empowered by the
Holy Spirit through Word and
Sacraments, the mission of
the Michigan District of The
Lutheran Church–Missouri
Synod is vigorously to make
known the love of Christ by
word and deed within our
churches (congregations),
communities, and world.
Our congregations are filled to overflowing
with people of HOPE! Our living hope, indeed
our joyful and confidant life and witness to the
world, comes from the transforming power of
the Gospel and the resurrected Christ who
has graced us with an inheritance that can
never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for
ALL who believe in Him as Savior and Lord.
(1 Peter 1:4). This living hope inspires our
dependence on, devotion to, and commitment
to the Word of God, worship, prayer, and each
other and moves us to take the love of Christ
to our family, friends, neighbors, community,
and the world in word and deed.
Michigan District, LCMS
People of Hope ...
Vigorously Making Known
the Love of Christ
Michigan District
Board of Directors
(2012-2015)
President
Rev. Dr. David P. E. Maier
1st Vice President
Rev. Mark D. Brandt
2nd Vice President
Rev. Donald O. Neuendorf
3rd Vice President
Rev. David A. Davis
4th Vice President
Rev. John M. Duerr
Secretary
Rev. David H. Reed
Treasurer
Mr. William H. Young
Metro East Region
Rev. Norman A. Koy
Ms. Natalie A. Haupt
Mr. Stephen R. Boergert
Mr. Williard C. Ducharme
West Region
Rev. Craig L. Bickel
Mr. Richard C. Krueger
Mrs. Ruth E. Martin
Mr. John C. Raffel
North & East Region
Rev. Paul D. Theiss
Mr. James C. Anderson
Dr. Dale D. Gust
Mr. Larry A. Bauermeister
Metro West Region
Rev. Paul M. Moldenhauer
Dr. Harvey M. Schmit
Mrs. Chris Chauvin
Mr. Duane A. Renken
Mission Vision
Last summer, at the end of June, delegates attending the Michigan District Convention
gathered under the theme of IMAGINE … Living as God’s Forgiven and Forgiving
Family – highlighting the third of our Synod’s three emphases: Witness, Mercy, and
Life Together. Throughout the next three years, this theme will be a guiding influence
over the mission and ministry that we as Michigan District congregations conduct in
Life Together.
What follows is REALLY a brief and unique accounting of the continuing grace of
God at work in our midst … in the many conferences that were held … to the arrival
of Rev. Chris Bodley to establish the A2E Urban Ministry Initiative in Detroit … and
everything in between … like the resurgence of Concordia University Ann Arbor
under the leadership of Concordia University Wisconsin. In support of this resurgence,
the Michigan District gifted $1.2 million to Concordia, Ann Arbor.
May God continue to lead, guide, and bless us! May we as God’s family in our Life
Together continue to pray that God would not only bless what we are doing, but that
He would lead us to do what He wants to bless.
Sincerely,
Rev. Dr. David P. E. Maier
President
Michigan District, LCMS
12 September 2013
Stories of Hope!
Lastyear,210youthfromalloverMichigangathered
on Concordia University Ann Arbor’s campus for
the Junior High Youth Gathering. The theme “In
His Image” was a reminder to youth that they are
free to live and love in His redeemed Image. On
Saturday morning they lived out the image of God
through servant events. Groups spread out to over
a dozen locations across Washtenaw County to
serve food, assist with clean-up projects, help the
needy, assist in missions, and serve in other ways.
In late January through February 2012, the
Michigan District welcomed over 1,200 people
to the Theological Conferences on Apologetics.
The Lord certainly blessed the participants with
a greater assurance of their salvation, but also with
the confidence, capacity, capability, and courage to
defend what they believe. Through the use of God’s
inspired Word, other historical evidence, and practical
application, God graciously planted many seeds that
we pray will bring forth a rich harvest of courageous,
confessing Lutheran believers. Distinguished presenters
included Rev. Dr. Paul L. Maier, Dr. Adam S. Francisco,
and Rev. Dr. Robert D. Newton.
Inspiring speakers encouraged professional church workers
and laity at convention and conferences. Themes and
topics included: Imagine … Living as God’s Forgiven and
Forgiving Family, Joy-filled Ministry in a Discouraged World,
Go … Teach!, Tech in the Early Childhood Classroom, Digital
Learning in the 21st Century, Holding up the Prophet’s
Hand, Mission U, Grace Place Wellness, and Confirmation.
In October, pastors prayed over one another at the All
Pastors’ “First of All, Pray” conference (pictured left).
Acts 2 Enterprise (A2E), led
by missionary-at-large Rev.
Christopher Bodley, is a
strategic and holistic urban
outreach initiative. It is a
catalyst for renewing the
hearts, minds, and spirits of
children and families in Detroit.
Since February 2012, A2E Leadership Workshops
have provided LCMS urban pastors, laity teams,
and ministries an opportunity to come together
to identify critical issues and expand their vision
to partner with community agencies, faith-based
ministries, non-profit organizations, and schools
in addressing the needs and challenges of serving
the community. Currently, 19 congregations will,
with Christ, work towards revitalizing communities
while continuing their mission in Word and
Sacrament ministry.
Mission and Ministry of the
Michigan District, LCMS
Conferences
Youth
Apologetics
A2E
michigandistrict.org/mit 13
“I constantly thank God for
the blessings He has given
me through the support of the
Michigan District, LCMS over
the past four years at Concordia
University Ann Arbor and years
to come as I attend Concordia
Seminary, St. Louis.”
Aaron Mol
Michigan District Student Aid
Recipient
The District utilizes
its Facebook page
( f a c e b o o k . c o m /
milcms) as a conduit
for discussions on
new media technology
and communication
strategies. Discussions
are open to the general public and follow a weekly topic
ranging from social media strategies to website design
tactics and more. The live discussions are automatically
archived to the Facebook page for further reading by
conversation participants and interested parties.The District Office hosts monthly free
live webinars for professional church
workers and lay leaders throughout
the state and beyond. The hour-long
presentations cover topics such as:
school board membership, service
as an elder, effective governance
models, strategic planning,
stewardship, missions, and more.
Through unrestricted gifts and The Future is Now campaign
funds, the following Missions were supported in 2012:
St. Thomas, Ann Arbor (Freedom Township Mission)
St. Thomas, Eastpointe (Harper Woods multi-site)
Christ The King, Flint (Flint Tri-Circuit Deaf Mission)
Faith, Grand Blanc (North Oakland Satellite)
Grass Lake, Grass Lake (Grass Lake Mission Start)
Light of Christ, Marysville (Mission Subsidy)
Cross & Resurrection, Ypsilanti (Dundee/Tecumseh Mission)
Trinity, Utica (Journeys)
St. Charles, Nativity (Chesaning Mission Start)
Lutheran City Ministries, Detroit (Family of God Mission)
St. Matthew, Holt (Rehoboth Lutheran Church)
Trinity Sudanese, Lansing (Sudanese Ministry)
Messiah, Midland (Restoration Fellowship and
Coffee Shop Outreach)
St. Paul, Pontiac (St. Paul, Pontiac)
St. Michael, Richville (Hmong Ministry)
Faith, Troy (Hamtramck Bengali & Arabic)
“Studying to be a deacon has greatly
impacted my life. I’m getting into God’s
Word, understanding the history and
what it means to me, and then able to
teach that to other people.”
Deacon Jack Mosher
Zion, Petoskey
Nineteen new students began their
deacon training in 2012. Learn more at
www.michigandistrict.org/deacons.
Webinars
SocialMedia StudentAid
Missions
Deacons
SchoolsIn classrooms across the Michigan
District, teachers help children build a
secure future by teaching them about
a God who loves them unconditionally,
created them to be His Children through
Baptism, and offered a plan of restoration
through Christ Jesus. Today, over 16,000
students are being equipped to pursue
excellence in
academics, use
their spiritual gifts
and talents, and
apply their faith
throughout their
lives to spread the
Gospel and enrich
their communities.
14 September 2013
Support for National and International Ministries
For the fiscal year ending January 31, 2013, the Michigan District remitted $1,903,724 to Corporate (national)
Synod, which represents 40.5% of the District’s unrestricted gifts from congregations. The 35 districts of the Synod
contribute approximately $16 million of undesignated revenue to Corporate Synod annually in support of national
and international mission and ministry. The balance of the $65 million 2012/13 budget of Corporate Synod comes
primarily from restricted gifts and sales of materials and services. The Program Budget Summary for Corporate Synod
indicates that 56% of the undesignated revenue is allocated directly to Programs of the Synod (including 14% for
missions and 28% for education).
Allocations of the budgeted use of undesignated revenue for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2013 are as follows:
International Missions 10%
National Missions 4%
Pastoral Education 6%
University Education 22%
Communications 11%
KFUO 3%
Ecclesiastical Services and Commissions 9%
Officers and Administration 18%
General and Administrative 17%
Michigan District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
Summary of Financial Activities For the Year Ended January 31, 2013
Support, Revenues, and Gains
District Congregations (District and Synod)......
District Congregations (District use only)..........
Other Gifts...........................................................
Investment Income.............................................
Program Fees and Other Income.......................
Total Support, Revenues, and Gains..................
Expenses
Synodical Budget*..............................................
Program Services
Missions.....................................................
Congregation Ministry Facilitators...........
Christian Care............................................
Lutheran Schools......................................
Youth Ministry............................................
Loon Lake Lutheran Retreat Center.........
Other Congregation Program Services....
Communications.......................................
Student Aid................................................
Worker Care...............................................
Ecclesiastical and Program Administration
Administration...........................................
Convention................................................
Development.......................................................
District Properties and Depreciation.......
Total Expenses.....................................................
4,703,723
227,968
523,187
385,947
942,914
6,783,739
1,858,224
1,503,264
423,340
137,377
315,576
36,893
106,258
188,934
301,028
1,420,820
412,323
749,989
175,444
208,859
222,791
8,061,120
Change in Net Assets .................................. (1,277,381)
Ecclesiastical and
Program
Administration 17%
Missions 19%
Other 23%
Synodical Budget 23%*
Revenue
Program Fees and
Other Income 14%
Investment Income 6%
Other Gifts 8%
District Congregations
(District use only) 3%
District Congregations
(District and Synod) 69%
S
upport
Gains
and
Revenue
Expenses
Information is taken from the audited financial statements of the Michigan District, LCMS. Copies of the audit report, which include all integral parts of the
financial statements, are available from the District Office.
*The Michigan District sent 40.5% of its unrestricted cash receipts from congregations to national Synod during the fiscal year. The numbers on the financial
statements reflect adjustments based on pledges from congregations and to the Synod as required by Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
Pro
gram Ser
vices
Student Aid 18%
(including CUAA support)
michigandistrict.org/mit 15
50th
Anniversary
CELEBRATE WITH US
SUNDAY 9/29/13
Campus Tours 1:00-2:30 p.m.
Refreshments 4:30 p.m.
Program 2:30-3:00 p.m.
CUAA Past, Present and Future
Worship Service 3:30-4:30 p.m.
with Alumni Choir
For questions or more information, visit: www.cuaa.edu
OR
Contact Sue Kratko at: president@cuaa.edu or 734-995-7331
16 September 2013
HEALTHY CONGREGATIONS
Peacemaking in our Congregationsby Richard Marrs
Three steps of Admonition
Ilike to ask Christians if they are familiar with Mat-
thew 18. Most biblically knowledgeable Christians
respond, “That is the chapter about what we are sup-
posed to do if our neighbor sins against us. Jesus teaches
us to follow the three-step process of going to them indi-
vidually, then with one or two others, and then, if they
still won’t listen and confess their sin, to tell it to the
church.” We are often quite good at remembering these
three steps of admonition.
But then I follow up with the question, “What else is
in Matthew 18?”
People are normally stumped. We remember the three
steps, but not the rest. And the rest of Matthew 18, the
context of the three steps (which are actually only three
verses in a 35-verse chapter), is incredibly important.
Comparing Billions to Thousands
The rest of the chapter includes Jesus teaching about
humility, the Parable of the Lost Sheep, and the author-
ity of the church to bind and loose sins. The chapter ends
with Jesus’ emphasis on horizontal forgiveness between
Christians, as he teaches Peter to forgive “seventy-seven
times” and then blesses us with the Parable of the Unfor-
giving Servant. In that parable, the first servant owes
his master 10,000 talents (probably of gold). This was
a HUGE amount. When the Queen of Sheba presented
her exorbitant gift to King Solomon (1 Kings 10:10), it
was only 120 talents of gold. Dr. Jeffrey Gibbs notes in
the Concordia Commentary on Matthew that it would
take the first servant at least 1,000 years to pay off such a
debt. Yet, his gracious master forgives the debt entirely.
Then the first servant comes across a fellow servant who
owes him money — 100 denarii — about three months’
wages (perhaps equivalent to $10,000 for us today). This
is a significant amount of money, yet it pales in com-
parison to what the first servant owed, like comparing
billions to thousands.
Forgiving Horizontally
When we Christians find ourselves in conflict with
others, it is often over something significant. In church
it may be whether or not to continue funding a particular
ministry as stewardship revenues decline, a harsh snub
by someone in another family, or a business deal that has
gone sour with a fellow member. Yet, we are called by
our Lord Jesus to love everyone, even those we are in
conflict with.
Even if someone has sinned against us in some signifi-
cant way, their sin still pales in comparison to what our
Lord Jesus has forgiven us.
When we realize the scope of what Jesus has done to
forgive us for “billions” and to vertically reconcile us to
His Father, then it should always be possible for us to
forgive our fellow humans horizontally for “thousands.”
We can use sincere, explicit, Gospel-focused language to
seek reconciliation (e.g., “I’m sorry that I said what I did.
Would you please forgive me?”).
May our Lord grant us the grace to show His forgive-
ness through our forgiveness of others.
Rev. Dr. Richard W. Marrs is the Associate Professor of
Practical Theology, Dean of Faculty, and Tennis Coach
at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Mo. Prior to coming
to the seminary, he served at Immanuel Lutheran Church
in Junction City, Kan. His prior experience includes
being a professor of psychology and counselor at both
St. John’s College in Winfield and Concordia University
Chicago, Riverforest, Ill. He and his wife, Laura, have
two adult daughters and a son-in-law.
LCMS Rural and Small Town Mission supports and encourages
rural and small town congregations in engaging their communi-
ties and growing together in Christ through Word and Sacrament.
Learn more at www.lcms.org/rstm.
photobyJohnBrooks
michigandistrict.org/mit 17
Congregation News Little Dresses for Africa
This past spring, Immanuel, Macomb prayed bless-
ings over 153 pillowcase dresses which were donated to
Little Dresses for Africa (www.littledressesforafrica.org).
Immanuel’s LWML took on this mission as another oppor-
tunity to make a difference in the lives of families. 
LWML member Carol
Soulard says, “We pray
to God that each girl who
receives a dress not only
knows they are clothed
physically, but more
importantly clothed in
the love of Jesus daily!”
Lead Pastor Greg
Griffith says, “Our core
values at Immanuel
include Missions and
Families, and here we
strive daily to make a dif-
ference in the lives of oth-
ers. Our community isn’t
focused on doing church, rather on being the church,
changing lives one life at a time as God gives us oppor-
tunity.” 
Pastor Greg also noted: “I am reminded of when Jesus
sent His disciples to go out and try to catch fish again,
they returned with 153 fish … notice the number of
dresses that were made, this isn’t a coincidence, it is God
at work in our world.”
Through Little Dresses for Africa almost 2 million
dresses have been delivered to 43 countries in Africa and
countries in crisis including Honduras, Guatemala, the
Philippines, Cambodia, Mexico, and Haiti. Dresses have
also gone to theAppalachian Mountains and South Dakota.
Dresses are shipped or delivered by mission teams
and travelers and then distributed through orphanages,
churches, and schools to plant in the hearts of little girls
that they are WORTHY!
For more information, please contact Pastor Greg
Griffith at ggriffith@immlutheran.org or 586.286.4231.
Brick By Brick
Each year, Trinity, Conklin’s Board of Missions and
Evangelism Committee consider options for its annual mis-
sion project. In 2012, they chose to build a home for two
families. Working through Food for the Poor they received
insight into the great need for food and housing in Haiti.
“House in Haiti – Brick by Brick” began with a model
house made out of foam board, and as money came in, the
bricks (sold for $10 apiece) were applied to the outside
of the model home. The model was displayed in the nar-
thex where members could watch the progress. Donation
jars were set up around the church for loose change. The
most basic necessities of life – food, shelter, and clothing
– were also needed by the two families. The final offering
for the mission project totaled $9,134.55 which covered
$6,400 for the home and an additional $2,734.55 for food.
When the congregation initially began the project,
they thought it would take two years, but with praise,
thanksgiving, honor, and glory to God, they saw their
mission accomplished in just one year!
The excitement and satisfaction of this project is only
the beginning. Plans are being made for a member to
travel to Haiti to meet the families and see firsthand what
the Lord has done, brick by brick.
Rev. Scott Benjamin, pastor of Resurrection, Detroit (back left) and Rev.
Todd Seaver, pastor of Holy Cross, Toledo serving the small English Dis-
trict congregation Holy Child, Detroit (right), with members of Holy Child
who were received into membership at Resurrection on Palm Sunday.
In June, St. Paul, Bay City received six new members; one by adult
Baptism; two by adult Confirmation; two by reaffirmation of faith, and
one by transfer.
18 September 2013
Through the assistance of a Michigan
District mission grant, St. Thomas, Ann
Arbor opened Freedom Child Care Center
as a way to connect with its community
and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. St.
Thomas, the oldest congregation in the
Michigan District, purchased property on
a paved road – an old golf course club
house – to house the center. The minis-
try has been open for a year and has re-
cently gained state approval to increase
its capacity from 15 to 20 children. Jo
Andersen and daughter, Grace, (left)
joined St. Thomas after connecting with
the church through Freedom Child Care.
Her son, Ivan, (not pictured) received
Holy Baptism.
This past summer, women and children, ages 5-80, gathered at
Trinity-Saint James, Munger to make 18 fleece baby blankets for 19
year-old Aja Mills to take with her on a mission trip to Shaanxi, China.
The group offered prayers for strength, endurance, and joy for their
service that day and also for the infant girls who would receive these
gifts of love. Mills served two weeks at an orphanage and gave the
blankets to abandoned and orphaned baby girls.
Rev. Larry Loree, Jr. dedicated prayer shawls made by women of Holy
Ghost, Monroe. During visitations, Loree gives the prayer shawls to
shut-ins and hospital and nursing home patients.
Holy Cross, Saginaw welcomed 33 new members last spring. Pictured
with Rev. James F. Krueger are proud parents, siblings, and fiancés –
many of whom were already members of Holy Cross. 2012 has been a
great year with a large number of adult and infant baptisms. Praise God
for the way He continues to enlarge and bless His Church on earth!
In partnership with POBLO International Ministries, All Nations, Troy
has added 15 new members to its congregation. All 15 recently im-
migrated to the United States.
POBLO assisted them with
basic needs such as furniture
and transportation. The new
congregants were instructed
in Luther’s Small Catechism
before they were received into
membership at All Nations. We
rejoice together as we witness
Christ moving and working in
the lives of these individuals!
St. Paul, Bay City’s high school age leadership team, Young Believers
in Christ, organized a servant event at a nearby cemetery. About 75
members were involved in the cleanup.  
Nativity, St. Charles welcomed 22 new members in June. Elder Larry
LaBelle gave each of the eight new member families a loaf of bread
to remind them of Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life. Nativity is served
by Rev. Dr. Robert J. Schultz, interim pastor, and Vicar Mitch Vogeli.
New members were welcomed at St. Paul, Millington
michigandistrict.org/mit 19
Special Recognition
In June, Rev. Douglas M. Adams was installed as sole pastor at Trinity,
Berrien Springs. Adams is a graduate from Concordia University Ann
Arbor, Mich. and Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Mo. Adams previously
served St. Paul’s, Hillsdale and Immanuel, Britton. He and his wife, Robyn,
have five children. Adams is pictured (front center) with circuit pastors.
In July, Rev. Mark R. Doede was ordained as a Specific Ministry Pastor
(SMP) at Historic Trinity, Detroit and will serve as vicar of Our Shepherd,
Birmingham. Doede is a student at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Mo. He
and his wife, Janice, have 13 children and reside in Southfield. Doede is
pictured (5th from left) with pastors from area congregations including Rev.
Dr. John L. Heins, (center) former president of the Michigan District, LCMS.
In June, Rev. Eric I. Ekong (front center) was ordained into the ministry
and installed as senior pastor at Trinity, Jackson. Ekong is a graduate
of Concordia University Ann Arbor, Mich. and Concordia Seminary,
St. Louis, Mo. His grandfather, Jonathan Udo Ekong, founded The
Lutheran Church of Nigeria in the 1930s and his father, Rev. Hosea J.
Ekong, serves as a pastor at Victory Lutheran Church in Youngstown,
Ohio. He and his wife, Linda, have five children and reside in Jackson.
ORDINATIONS
INSTALLATIONS
In June, Rev. Michael L. Heiden was
installed as the associate pastor of Im-
manuel, Macomb. Heiden is a graduate
of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Mo. His
main responsibilities will be to connect
anyone that comes on campus to ministry
and help attenders and members take
next steps in their faith life. He is also the
primary preacher and planner for contem-
porary and interactive worship venues,
and will be overseeing young adult minis-
try. Heiden is pictured here with his wife,
Joy, and his daughter, Amelia.
In June, Rev. Aaron M. Richert (front center) was installed the associ-
ate pastor at St. John, Fraser. Richert previously served as vacancy
pastor at Cedar Crest, White Lake and Lutheran High School North-
west in Rochester Hills. He and his wife, Becky, have three children
and reside in Sterling Heights. He is pictured here with circuit pastors
including his father, Rev. Cary M. Richert (3rd from right).
Rev. David P. Schmidt (front, second from left) was installed as senior
pastor at St. Paul, Royal Oak. Schmidt graduated with a Masters of
Divinity from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Mo. in 2005. Prior to
coming to St. Paul, he served as associate pastor at St. John, New
Boston for eight years. He, and his wife, Jennifer, were married in
May 2010. Schmidt is pictured here with circuit pastors.
In June, Rev. Timothy M. Verity was installed as
the Intentional Interim Pastor at Trinity, Reed City.
Verity and his wife, Janet, were warmly welcomed.
Throughout his time as an Intentional Interim, Verity
will learn about Trinity’s history and will offer encour-
agement and guidance as it moves toward calling its
next pastor.
Jean Thomas was honored for 41 years of teaching as
she retired from St. Peter, Hemlock. Over the years,
Thomas has worked with musical groups, coached, and
served on numerous District conference committees
and on accreditation teams. In 2005, Thomas received
the Crystal Apple Award from the Saginaw News and
was involved in coaching the FIRST LEGO League Team.
RETIREMENTS
The members of St. Paul, Bay City cel-
ebrated the closing of the school year with
a special recognition upon the retirement
of two faithful servants. Kathy Eisman
(left) was honored for 27 years in the
teaching ministry. She served congrega-
tions in Kentucky, Ohio, and Missouri as
well as in Hemlock, Mich. and Midland,
Mich. before coming to St. Paul. Recog-
nition and thanks also went to Carolyn
VanCise (right) who more than ably served
as interim principal for the past two years.
20 September 2013
transformed
Communities
strongChanged
LIVes famILIes
We are in the business of serving people. it’s something
we’ve been doing as two separate organizations for 120
years. and during that time, we’ve learned a lot about
human nature and how to care for people regardless of
their age or circumstance.
over the years, the way in which we deliver our services
has changed; but the reason we provide it hasn’t. We
want to pour into the lives of the people we serve —
individuals, communities, congregations and more — so
they emerge stronger than ever, with a renewed sense of
hope and purpose.
today, we are proud to announce this exciting new era
that combines the very best of both worlds.
it’s Wellspring Lutheran Services.
Wellspring Lutheran Services
Coming october 2013
Lutheran Child & family service of michigan
989.686.7650 | www.lcfsmi.org
Lutheran Homes of michigan
989.652.3470 | www.agingenriched.org
michigandistrict.org/mit 21
LWML
LLL
GRANT #4 Fort Wayne Food Co-op:
Karen Fuelling, Director of the Food and
Clothing Co-op writes:“The Food and
Clothing Co-op at Concordia, Fort Wayne,
plays a vital role by helping students feed and clothe them-
selves and their family members while they prepare for full
time church work. The Co-op continues to serve the needs
of the student families as it has for 35 years…. Because of
the LWML Mission Grant you provided for us, in the past
fiscal year, which is July to June, we were able to purchase
MORE THAN 40,000 pounds of produce. You also helped
provide over 2,475 dozen eggs and over 4,200 gallons of
milk. We purchased 3,000 pounds of ground beef and over
1,600 boxes of cereal. We purchased 3,059 pounds of dia-
pers and 3,106 pounds of toilet paper and paper towels.”
St. Louis Food Bank: Laura Moehlman, Operations
Supervisor of Enrollment Mgmt says: “I want to extend a
special word of thanks on behalf of Concordia Seminary,
St. Louis, and our students for your continuous support
through grant monies in order to assist with the daily oper-
ations of our Food Bank…. You are indeed partners with us
in the Gospel to help provide necessities for our students
and their families here at Concordia Seminary.” And a note
from one of the families: “Dear LWML Michigan District,
Thank you so much for your generous financial support of
the Seminary Food Bank. Your support is truly a blessing to
the students and their families (like us). Thank you. Merrit
& Veronica Demski.”
GRANT #11 Their grant proposal states: “Worship for
Shut-Ins ministers to not only the homebound and infirmed,
but also to those who may not know Jesus Christ as their
Savior” and “it takes outside sources to support this min-
istry costing $1,265 weekly [for broadcasting].” Executive
Director Ken Schilf states in his letter: “I sincerely thank
you on behalf of our viewers in your district that so rely on
your program to be spiritually fed. Furthermore, I have had
letters and conversations with viewers, who have come to
know Christ as their Savior because of Worship for Shut-
Ins. Praise the Lord!”
As we can see from the above, our mighty MITES are
working and are appreciated. Keep up the good work!
Women in Mission - A Brief Look at two of our Grants
Please mail your Mites to:
Glory Drum
PO Box 5305
Warren MI 48090
Michigan District, LWML new website address: www.LWMLmichigan.org
Philip Krauss II Elected Vice Chair
Philip Krauss II of Westland was
re-elected recently to a two-year
term as vice chair of the Interna-
tional Lutheran Laymen’s League
(Int’l LLL) Board of Directors.
Krauss is program developer at
Marygrove College, where he
had previously been director of
enrollment. He has experience in
finance, recruitment, counseling,
and admissions and has previously served the Int’l LLL
as a regional governor and committee chair as well as a
district chair, board secretary, and ambassador. Krauss is
the chair for the 2014 Int’l LLL Conference in Detroit.
Nearly 11,000 contributing members of the Int’l LLL/
Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM) voted in the recent
election to fill the open positions on the Int’l LLL Board
of Directors. The elected members were installed in July.
Philip Krauss
The International Lutheran Laymen’s League (Int’l LLL) is the governing body
for Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM), a Christian outreach ministry supporting
churches worldwide in its mission of Bringing Christ to the Nations ― and
the Nations to the Church. LHM produces Christian radio and TV program-
ming for broadcast, as well as Internet and print communications, dramas,
music, and outreach materials, to reach the unchurched in more than 30 coun-
tries. LHM’s flagship program, The Lutheran Hour, is the world’s longest-
running Christian outreach radio program. It airs weekly on 1,400 stations.
2014 LLL/LHM Conference
Plans are being made for the 2014
International Lutheran Laymen’s
League/Lutheran Hour Ministries
(Int’l LLL/LHM) International Out-
reach Conference in Detroit next July.
The conference is scheduled for July 23-27 at the Detroit
Marriott at the Renaissance Center, 400 Renaissance
Drive, Detroit. Hotel reservations can be made by call-
ing 313.568.8000. Lutherans from across North America
and various parts of the world where LHM has an active
ministry will be gathering at this conference for four days
of worship, inspiration, fellowship, and sharing.
The conference will feature Rev. Gregory Seltz, a
Michigan native and current Lutheran Hour Speaker.
Workshops motivating Christians for outreach and
inreach will be featured along with family night, the
conference banquet, and Lutheran Hour rally. Additional
details will be provided in upcoming months.
Volunteers are needed to help with the event. If
you’re interested in attending or helping out at the con-
ference, contact committee chairman Phil Krauss II at 
happykrauss@msn.com.
22 September 2013
and society, and you wonder what the future will be like.
Ted Koppel said, “We have actually convinced our-
selves that slogans will save us: ‘Shoot up, if you must,
but use a clean needle.’ ‘Enjoy sex whenever and with
whomever - just use protection.’NO. The answer is NO,
and not just because it isn’t cool or smart or because you
might end up dying in an AIDS ward, but NO, because
it is wrong. Because we have spent 5,000 years as a
race of rational human beings trying to drive ourselves
out of the primeval slime by searching for the truth and
moral absolutes. In its purest form, truth is not a polite
tap in the shoulder. It is howling reproach. What Moses
brought down from Mt. Sinai were not The Ten Sugges-
tions.” ABC Nightline Moderator, Ted Koppel, at Duke
University, Durham, North Carolina, giving the 1987
commencement address.
During the darkest time of Israel’s history, the period
of the judges, the end of the book concludes with what
six words? Do you know? “… everyone did as he saw
fit” (Judges 21:25 NIV) or “everyone did what was
right in his own eyes” (NKJV).
WE have forgotten God today. Way too often WE
have forgotten God. God, during the founding years of
this nation and for a century or more afterwards, was
the focal point and the foundation of America. It is obvi-
ous now, however, that we in the United States have for-
gotten God. We were once a thankful people. But in so
many regards we have lost the truth of what the Apostle
Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 4:7, “For who makes you
different from anyone else? What do you have that you
did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you
boast as though you did not?” (NIV).
The only way for the USA to stop this downward spi-
ral is to return to God. That will only happen when
God’s people, when churches, not only take a stand in
their community against the things that are wrong that
cause the downward spiral, but also demonstrate a love
and compassion for every sinner, and are involved in
the community endeavoring to help folks, especially the
down and out. It has been proven and acknowledged that
the most effective social work done in America today is
done by faith-based organizations. Churches that have
soup kitchens, clothes closets, English as a Second Lan-
guage classes, etc. and truly care for people are making a
transformational difference.
Friends, God is calling us to return to Him; or let me
use the biblical word, REPENT. We must heartily and
sincerely repent of our own sin and of our own com-
plicity in the downward spiral of our nation. Turning to
the only true God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, may He
help us to understand and remember that we are so bad
that God’s Son had to die for us to set us free, and so
loved by Him that He did it with joy. Jesus, “for the joy
set before him endured the cross” (Hebrews 12:2 NIV).
Full, free, and final forgiveness is ours as a gift from God
through faith in Jesus. And with that forgiveness comes
God’s power through our connection with Jesus. In His
strength, we can change individually, personally. In His
strength we can work to change our nation with His love.
By grace, “You are the salt of the earth…You are the
light of the world” (Matthew 5:13-14 NIV). God invites
and empowers us to take up our calling.
As God’s freed and forgiven people may we, remem-
bering that “if the Son makes you free, you will be free
indeed” (John 8:36 NASB):
Return to the importance of Scripture — Scripture
and the correct study of it must become a priority within
the walls of the church and homes and from there taken
out into the world.
Return to the priority of prayer — Prayer unlocks
the power of God on the Church. The people of the
church must make it a priority in their lives as well as in
the life of the church. I am convinced we need to spend
more time praying together. We won’t be able to do
anything significant in the world until we humbly come
before God in prayer, and beseech “Him who is able to
do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think”
(Ephesians 3:20 NASB) to help us as families, churches,
communities, and as a nation return to Him.
Return to the importance of Evangelism — We have
been given the privilege of carrying on the mission and
ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ who said, “For the Son
of Man has come to seek and to save that which was
lost” (Luke 19:10 NASB).
Knowing that all people are loved by God and desper-
ately in need of what only He can give — forgiveness,
new life, renewal, salvation — we must consistently
present this Good News, the Gospel, to people in our
families, churches, communities, and around the world
in word and deed.
The crucified and risen Lord Jesus – the lover of all
mankind, the Redeemer of our lives, desires to freely
bestow and continually give of His love and blessings
to those who believe, to those who know His voice and
follow Him.
Forgiven, freed, empowered may we, therefore, not
only be hearers of the Word, but doers as by God’s call-
ing and grace we heed His words in Micah 6:8, “He has
showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the
Lord require of you? To act justly, and to love mercy and
to walk humbly with your God” (NASB).
David P. E. Maier
1
The Collected Words of Abraham Lincoln, ed. Ray Basler, vol. 6, p. 156)
2
Democracy in America. Alexis de Tocqueville, published in 1935; as quoted
from www.joyclubusa.com/detocqueville.htm.
continued from page 4
michigandistrict.org/mit 23
Calls and Roster Update
Calls Accepted
Boerger, Paul M. (Flint) to Lamb of God, Flint
Creeden, Anthony M. (Westland) to Bethlehem, Lakewood, CO
Erickson, James D. (Associate Pastor, Immanuel, Alpena) to Senior Pastor,
Immanuel, Alpena
Fandrey, James E. (Clinton Twp.) to Grace, Wood River, NE
Ferry, Charles D. (West Bloomfield) to Mission Developer, The Lutheran
Church–Missouri Synod, St. Louis
Hooper, William (St. Louis, MO) to Christ, White Cloud
Johnson, Randy L. (New Buffalo) to St. John’s, Cheboygan
Khan, Amer M. (Administrative Pastor, All Nations, Troy) to Associate
Pastor, All Nations, Troy
Khan, Khurram M. (Associate Pastor, All Nations, Troy) to Senior Pastor,
All Nations, Troy
Peterson, Russell A. (Hales Corners, WI) to Trinity, Sturgis
Peterson, Ryan R. (Wildwood, MO) to Asst. Professor of Theology and
Campus Pastor, Concordia University Ann Arbor
Seaver, Todd A. (Toledo, OH) to Holy Ghost, Monroe
Change of Status
Doenges, Joseph C. (St. Clair) to Non-Candidate
Reusch, Jon W. (West Bloomfield) to Emeritus
Stahlhut, Steven C. (Linden) to Emeritus
Transferred Out
Meyer, Mel M. (South Bend, IN) to Indiana District
Rippy, Sean L. (Boise, ID) to Northwest District
Reinstated to Roster
Gorlitz, Larry R. (St. Cloud, MN)
Resigned from Roster
Becerra, Roberto A. (Sawyer)
Sgambelluri, Carlo A. (West Branch)
Called Home
Goltz, Gordon K. (Emeritus)
Rudow, Eugene C. (Emeritus)
Ruhl, Lorne C. (Emeritus)
Voorhees, David L. (Emeritus)
Congregations Added
Blissfield, Blessed Savior
Pontiac, St. Paul
Calls Accepted
Arrick, Mary (Candidate) to Green Bay Lutheran School Association,
Green Bay, WI
Barth, Rachael (Concordia, Mequon) to Immanuel, Alpena
Britton, John (Lutheran Church of St. Luke, Itasca, IL) to Trinity, Port Huron
Fischer, Melinda (St. Luke, Clinton Township) to St. Paul, Troy, IL
Furr, Ruth (Concordia, Seward) to Holy Cross, Saginaw
Grannis, Kristy (Non-Candidate, Minnesota South District) to Open Arms,
Belleville
Hildebrand, Laura (Candidate) to Christ, Stevensville
Jenicek, Rebecca (St. Matthew, Washougal, WA) to Messiah, Holt
Johnson, Andrea (Zion, Bethalto, IL) to St. Peter, Macomb
Krc, Mary (Concordia, Seward) to Holy Cross, Saginaw
Looker, Paul (Lutheran High Northwest, Rochester Hills) to Lutheran High
School Association of Greater Detroit, Rochester Hills
McCollister, Allison (Candidate) to St. Paul, Northville
Newton, LaRayne (Candidate) to St. Michael’s, Richville
Oechsner, Bryan (Lutheran High North, Macomb) to Mt. Rainier High
School, Tacoma, WA
Pehlke, Todd (St. John, Merrill, WI) to St. John, Rochester
Pidsosny, Mary (Non-Candidate) to St. Peter’s, Eastpointe
Schlak, Stephanie (Concordia, Ann Arbor) to Lutheran High Northwest,
Rochester Hills
Scott, Aaron (St. John’s, Glendale, WI) to Concordia, Redford
Scott, Amy (Grace, Menomonee, WI) to St. Matthew, Walled Lake
Unger, Daniel (St. John, Fraser) to Lutheran High North, Macomb
Vogeli, Mitchell (Commissioned Non-Candidate) to Nativity, Saint Charles
(Ordained)
Weiss, Theodore (Grace, San Mateo, CA) to Immanuel, Sebewaing
Zeddies, Brooke (St. John, New Boston) to Messiah, Independence, MO
ORDAINED
COMMISSIONED
Change of Status
Beethe, Ivan (Trinity, Conklin) to Candidate
Beringer, Daniel (Immanuel, Sebewaing – serving Christ the King) to Emeritus
Bresemann, Linda (St. Lorenz, Frankenmuth) to Emeritus
Burmeister, Nathaniel (St. Luke, Haslett) to Non-Candidate
Eisman, Kathleen (St. Paul, Bay City) to Emeritus
Elmshauer, Laura (Trinity, Clinton Township) to Candidate
Gallagher, John (Trinity, Muskegon – serving West Shore) to Emeritus
Gioe, Louise (St. Lorenz, Frankenmuth) to Emeritus
Michael, Patricia (Trinity, Berrien Springs) to Emeritus
Mueller, Robert (Peace, Saginaw) to Emeritus
Odinga, Ardith (Holy Cross, Saginaw) to Emeritus
Schmitt, Kristine (St. Paul, Lapeer) to Emeritus
Siefker, Dorothy (St. Paul, Northville) to Emeritus
Stordahl, Jean (Trinity, Muskegon – serving West Shore) to Emeritus
Taggart, Linda (St. Thomas, Eastpointe) to Emeritus
Thomas, Jean (St. Peter, Hemlock) to Emeritus
Thompson, Judy (St. Peter’s, Eastpointe) to Emeritus
Vanick, Edward (St. Thomas, Eastpointe) to Emeritus
Wiersig, Christine (St. Paul’s, Farmington – serving Concordia, Redford) to
Emeritus
Transfer out of District
Arrick, Mary (Candidate) to North Wisconsin District
Baringer, Todd (Trinity, St. Joseph) to Mid-South District
Beethe, Ivan (Candidate) to North Wisconsin District
Fischer, Melinda (St. Luke, Clinton Township) to Southern Illinois District
Kumm, David (Christ the King, Sebewaing) to Ohio District
McDaniel, Jennifer (Macomb, St. Peter) to Pacific Southwest District
Oechsner, Bryan (Lutheran High North, Macomb) to Northwest District
Pickelmann, Jonathon (St. John’s, Midland) to South Wisconsin District
Robbins, Nathan (Concordia, Ann Arbor) to Texas District
Wallace, Jeffery (Christ, Stevensville) to Indiana District
Zeddies, Brooke (St. John, New Boston) to Missouri District
Transferred into District
Grannis, Kristy (Minnesota South District) to Open Arms, Belleville
Jenicek, Rebecca (Northwest District) to Messiah, Holt
Nash, Patricia (Indiana District) as Non-Candidate
Sankey, Thad (Nebraska District) to Concordia, Ann Arbor
Schumacher, Joshua (Pacific Southwest District) to Concordia, Ann Arbor
Weiss, Rebecca (California-Hawaii-Nevada District) as Candidate
Weiss, Theodore (California-Hawaii-Nevada District) to Immanuel,
Sebewaing – serving at Christ the King, Sebewaing
Resigned from the Roster
Beach, Sharon
Called Home
Grueber, Susan
Reitmeyer, Royce
A complete up-to-date listing of
Calls and Vacancies can be found at
www.michigandistrict.org, click on About.
24 September 2013
For detailed event information,
please visit www.michigandistrict.org/events.
SEPTEMBER
2	 Labor Day
	 Office Closed
10-11	 Circuit Counselors Conference
	 Peace, Ann Arbor
12	 Webinar - Spiritual Disciplines*
15-18	 Deacon Conference
	 Arcadia, Michigan
23-26	 IIM Conference
	 Hillsdale, Michigan
OCTOBER
4-6	 Church Extension Fund Fall Conference
	 Lansing, Michigan
6-9	 All Pastors’ Conference
	 Boyne Falls, Michigan
11-13	 Lutheran Adult Gathering
	 Mackinac Island, Michigan
16	 Webinar - Mission & Outreach*
18-20	 Confirmation Retreat
	 Arcadia, Michigan
21-23	 Michigan/Ohio DCE/FLD Retreat
	 Maumee Bay, Ohio
24-26	 LEA Convocation
	 Milwaukee, Wisconsin
25-27	 Confirmation Retreat
	 Arcadia, Michigan
NOVEMBER
7	 New Church Worker Conference
	 Ann Arbor, Michigan
8-9	 Family Friendly Partners Network #3 Event 6
	 Guardian, Dearborn
13	 Webinar - Communications*
28-29	Thanksgiving
	 Office Closed
DECEMBER
12	 Webinar- School Mktg & Enrollment Education*
24-25	Christmas
	 Office Closed
JANUARY
1	 New Years Day
	 Office Closed
Calendar of Events
* The District Office hosts monthly free live
webinars for professional church workers and lay
leaders throughout the state and beyond. The hour-
long presentations cover topics such as: school board
membership, service as an elder, effective gover-
nance models, strategic planning, stewardship, mis-
sions, and more. For more information or to register,
visit www.michigandistrict.org/webinars.
Michigan In Touch Online!
Check out Blogs, Pictures,
and Videos online at
www.michigandistrict.org/mit.
Content that:
Awakens, Connects, Challenges, and Inspirits!
MICHIGAN DISTRICT
LCMS
PEOPLE OF HOPE
Loon Lake
Lutheran
Retreat Center
in Hale, Mich. is
“A Place Apart”
•	Youth Groups
•	Men’s/Women’s Groups
•	Family Reunions
•	Quilting Retreats
•	Outdoor Education
•	Band/Sports Camps
•	Conferences
877.264.1004
LLLRC@centurytel.net
www.loonlakeretreat.org

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September 2013 | Michigan District, LCMS Supplement

  • 1. michigandistrict.org/mit 1 michigan SEPTEMBER 2013 IN TOUCHA publication of the Michigan District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod The Lutheran Witness Michigan District, LCMS Supplement Table of Contents From the President Great Commission Ministry New Media Great Compassion Ministry Healthy Church Workers Annual Report Healthy Congregations Congregation News Special Recognition LWML and LLL Calls and Roster Update Calendar of Events ©2013 Michigan District, LCMS, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan In Touch is published monthly by the Michigan District and inserted into The Lutheran Witness and distributed to subscribers 11 times a year. It is also available online at www.michigandistrict.org/mit. Reproduction of articles is permissible with written permission of the Michigan District Communications Department and should give credit to Michigan In Touch. References to resources and websites for further information are included in Michigan In Touch for the potential use by individuals and congregations. Resources not associated with or published by The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod or Concordia Publishing House® may contain helpful programmatic information but may vary in doctrine from The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod. Please use discretion or consult your pastor on doctrinal issues. Rev. Dr. David P. E. Maier, President Debby Fall, Editorial Manager Michigan District, LCMS 3773 Geddes Rd Ann Arbor, MI 48105 Official Periodical of the Michigan District of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod September 2013, Volume 12. No. 4 ISSN: 1538-8115 michiganIN TOUCH Jenna Szpara, Art Director Seth Hinz, Web/Media Director 888.225.2111 intouch@michigandistrict.org www.michigandistrict.org 1 5 6 7 9 11 16 17 19 21 23 24 May We Never Forget by Rev. Dr. David P. E. Maier Spoken about 150 years ago, the following words by one of the most respected Presidents of the United States of America recognized and exposed a current problem that continues to plague our country. (His sug- gested remedy, appointing a National Fast Day, should also be given serious consideration.) “We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of heaven. We have been preserved, these many years, in peace and prosperity. We have grown in numbers, wealth, and power, as no other nation has ever grown. “But we have forgotten God. (Emphasis mine) We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us ... and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with the unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us! It behooves us, then, to humble ourselves before the offended Power, to confess our national sins, and to pray for clemency and forgiveness.” - Abraham L­incoln’s proclamation appointing a National Fast Day, March 30, 1863.1 President Lincoln’s words are quite reminiscent of Moses’s words to the children of Israel before they enter the Promised Land in Deuteronomy 8:6-20. Although I would encourage you to read the citation fully, here are some selected verses: “10 When you have eaten and are satisfied, you shall bless the Lord your God for the good land which He has given you. 11 Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God by not keeping His com- mandments and His ordinances and His statutes which I am commanding you today; 12 otherwise, when you have eaten and are satisfied, and have built good houses and lived in them, 13 and when your herds and your flocks multiply, and your silver and gold multiply, and all that you have multiplies, 14 then your heart will become proud and you will forget the Lord your God ... 17 Otherwise, you may say in your heart, ‘My power and the strength of my hand made me this wealth.’18 But you shall remember continued on page 3 FROM THE PRESIDENT ©iStockphoto.com/adisa
  • 2. 2 September 2013 The Church has played an integral role in shaping who you are, what you believe and how you live. Thanks to the ongoing support of your parents and theirs, it has been your guiding light. Now, you have your own family, your own career, your own hopes, dreams and goals. And today, the future of the Church has never been more important. For generations the groundwork has been laid. Now, it’s time for the next generation to carry on by investing in CEF financial products and help fund ministry growth — locally and across Michigan. Embrace the future, enjoy competitive interest earnings and build on your Church and your faith. To learn how your investment through CEF can benefit your family and your church, call 800-242-3944 or visit us as www.mi-cef.org And light the way forward. passed the torch. This is your opportunity to carry on.   Contact CEF today to learn how CEF can help with your retirement investments. Church Extension Fund • Michigan District of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod 3773 Geddes Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105-3098 • www.mi-cef.org Offices: 800-242-3944 • Interest rates anytime: 800-232-7313 This is not an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy CEF securities. The offering of CEF securities is made solely by our Offering Circular. CEF will offer and sell securities only in states where authorized Investments in CEF are not insured by the FDIC, SIPC or any other governmental agency—securities are subject to certain risk factors as described in our Offering Circular. 800-242-3944 • www.mi-cef.org WHY CEF? PROVEN investment products, measurable results DEDICATED Christian financial management since 1901 FOCUSED on funding the needs of Michigan District congregations They’ve
  • 3. michigandistrict.org/mit 3 the Lord your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth...” (NASB). These verses are a perfect passage to apply to our beloved US of A. God was telling Israel through Moses — and us today — NOT TO FORGET Him when they have entered the land and enjoyed its rich stores and bounty, and have had plenty to eat, and have experienced His protection and blessing. Please remember that until they entered the Promised Land, the Israelites depended on God to provide every- thing. He provided the food, the guidance, the leadership of Moses, and the moral code. God had made everything possible and He was warning the Israelites not to forget all that He had done and was still doing. But what happened? Abundant stores of food would lead to satisfaction. Satisfaction would lead to com- fort. Comfort to security, seemingly a result of their hard work. Comfort, security, and satisfaction would lead to Israel forgetting God. Forgetting God meant no longer remembering Him in their daily thoughts and the daily affairs of life. Forgetting God would lead to a disregard of His Word and His commands. Having no regard for His Word and commandments has continually led to the disintegration of nations and societies. Does this at all sound familiar? Let me be more specific and at the same time share a warning that comes from clear lessons of history. Dr. J. D. Unwin (1895-1936), a British scholar, social anthropologist, and an expert on cultures, spent seven years of his life studying the birth and death of the 86 major societies and civilizations in the world throughout history. In his landmark book, Sex and Culture, published in 1934, he shares his discovery of the same pattern of prosperity and then disintegration consistently showing up in all of them. Each society or national power fell because of one thing — a breakdown of the family and morality. What’s interesting is that Unwin had no reli- gious convictions and applied no moral judgments. Here is the general track that EACH of these civili- zations followed: during the early days of each society, premarital and extramarital sexual relationships were strictly prohibited. Great creative energy was associ- ated with the inhibition of sexual expression, causing the culture to prosper. Much later in the life of the society, its people began to rebel against the strict prohibitions, demanding the freedom to release their internal passions and do whatever they wanted. As the morals weakened, the social “energy” abated. This resulted in the eventual decay or destruction of the civilization. When a man is devoted to one woman and one family, he is motivated to build, save, protect, plan, and prosper on their behalf. However, when his sexual interests are dispersed and generalized, his effort is invested in the gratification of sensual desires. Dr. Unwin concluded: “Any human society is free either to display great energy, or to enjoy sexual free- dom; the evidence is that they cannot do both for more than one generation.” Edward Gibbon (1737-1794) wrote about one of the great civilizations in history – the Roman Empire. He listed five reasons for the fall of Rome in his book, The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire (published in 1776): 1. The decay of religion—faith fading to form and los- ing its power, resulting in moral collapse. 2. The rapid increase of divorce and breakdown of the family—which is the basis of human society. 3. The mad craze for pleasure—sports and fun became increasingly important and more and more exciting and brutal. 4. Higher and higher taxes—to compensate for higher spending. 5. The building of huge armaments—for protection from outside enemies…when the real enemy lies within. Dr. Bill Bright (1921-2003, founder of Campus Cru- sade for Christ) once stated, “The level of America’s sins today would have astounded even ancient Rome, whose own moral decay resulted in her self-destruction.” Psalms 33:12 says, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance” (NIV). Well, God was at one time very important to this nation. Yet, revisionist historians continually emphasize over and over again that the United States was not founded on Christian principles. That is totally untrue! It is a lie ... poppycock … baloney! That is revisionist history at its best (or worst) and it is being promulgated by our educational system and in the media. But, did you know that it has been proposed that the Bible directly contributed to nearly one-third of our founding fathers’ expressions and writings? Listen to some of their quotes: James Madison, the Chief Architect of the Constitu- tion once said, “We have the future ... upon the capacity of each ... of us to sustain ourselves according to the Ten Commandments of God.” Benjamin Franklin said, “Whoever shall introduce into public affairs the principles of ... Christianity will change the face of the world.” FROM THE PRESIDENT continued from page 1 continued on page 4
  • 4. 4 September 2013 John Adams said, “Suppose a nation in some distant region should take the Bible for their only law book ... What a Utopia, what a paradise would this region be.” This quote from John Adams is highly instructive as we consider what is happening in the United States today, “Our constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the govern- ment of any other.” He also said, “The destiny of America is to carry the gospel of Jesus Christ to all men, everywhere.” President George Washington said, “It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible.” Many more quotes can be found in Oz Guinness’book, A Free People’s Suicide: Sustainable Freedom and the American Future, InterVarsity Press, c.2012. Alexis de Tocqueville (1805-1859), a Frenchmen that toured around the United States in 1831 to observe our institutions because of the great energy, creativity, and blessing that the world took note of as characteristics of the United States, shared this observation: “I sought for the key to the greatness and genius of the America in her harbors; in her fertile fields and bound- less forests; in her rich mines and vast world commerce; in her public school system and institutions of learning. I sought for it in democratic Congress and in her matchless Constitution. Not until I went into the churches of Amer- ica and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great.”2 We would do well to remember Proverbs 14:34: “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people” (NIV). The December 1991 edition of “Time Magazine” con- cluded with this commentary: “For God to be kept out of the classroom or out of America’s public debate by ner- vous school administrators or over-cautious politicians serves no one’s interest. That restriction prevents people from drawing on the country’s rich and diverse religious heritage for guidance, and it degrades the nation’s moral discourse by placing a whole realm of theological rea- soning out of bounds. The price of that sort of quaran- tine, at a time of moral dislocation, is — and has been — far too high. The courts need to find a better balance between separation and accommodation, and Americans need to respect the new religious freedom they would gain as a result.” A few decades earlier, in 1949 I believe, the editors of “LIFE” magazine stated: “The worst enemy of western civilization faces in not communism! The worst enemy is within our civilization. The heart of it is secularism. A blunter word is Godlessness!” Godlessness is at the root of the disintegration of any people or nation. But, please note that Godlessness is not atheism! Godlessness is to live without regard for God, His will, and His plan. Godlessness is to not think about God in our daily thoughts and to marginalize Him in our everyday life. How guilty are we? Although 65 percent of Americans say they consider the Bible to be the Word of God, few have any sense of right and wrong. Jesus said: “You hypocrites! ... These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me” (Matthew 15:7-8 NIV) and Isaiah 5:20 says, “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil ...” (NIV). We have the increase of senseless, violent murders and gang killings in urban areas. Life has been devalued, and I don’t doubt that this is, in some regard, the direct result of the millions of abortions that have taken place in the United States. Then, at the end of June of this year, the Supreme Court strikes down DOMA, the Defense of Mar- riage Act, and legitimizes homosexual “marriage.” Cou- ple that (no pun intended) with the ever increasing rate of divorce, which leads to the disintegration of the family continued on page 22 Michigan District, LCMS The world is changing, our lives are changing ... How will WE respond? Theological Conferences on ChurCh, State & Culture 2014 Theological Conferences on Church, State, & CULTURE February 15 Faith, Troy February 22 Messiah, Midland March 1 Holy Cross, Jenison Guest Speakers: Rev. Dr. Korey Maas Rev. Dr. Dale Meyer Rev. Dr. Joel Lehenbauer Register Online at www.michigandistrict.org or call 888.225.2111 ext 234. continued from page 3 Bottomlefttotopleft:©iStockphoto.com/peterspiro/Veni/fotorvr/PEDRE/ nautilus_shell_studios/BrianAJackson
  • 5. michigandistrict.org/mit 5 GREAT COMMISSION MINISTRY Such is Life He did not even notice that I was watching. He was just one little boy doing an ordinary household chore in a Haitian-sort-of-way. I love when I can just observe without being intrusive on the event unfolding! The chore was to dispose of the family’s trash by the seashore. The two five-gallon buckets of gross, smelly gunk was more than any little boy should be expected to carry, but nonetheless, this was his job. “Necessity is the mother of invention” is a common saying, and, in Haiti, inventions of necessity abound. The boy had somehow come upon a tiny two-wheel bicycle. The seat was long gone, as well as the tire that once was on the front rim. The handle of each bucket was draped over one of the handlebars, while the bottom of the buckets just barely missed dragging on the ground. Over bumpy road and through uneven grass and areas of mud, he came ‘porting’his load.At first glance, I thought the buckets were filled with charcoal and that the little boy was trying to sell his goods to make a few pen- nies. It was not until the heavy buckets up righted the bicycle that I saw him remove the buckets and carry them the last few feet to a “suitable” place for dumping. He made sure each bucket was completely empty and then he found an old insole of a shoe to “clean” the outside of one of the buckets that had gotten too dirty. That chore being done, he returned to his one-tire bicycle, remounted the buckets onto the handlebars, and, with a joyful little sidekick in his step, he headed back for home. He never looked my way. He was just intent on doing what he had come to do. I am not sure why scenes like this intrigue me. Perhaps, it is just learning more about how poor Haitians live their everyday lives. Perhaps, it is because I marvel at what chores little ones in Haiti are required to do. Perhaps, it is because complaining is not part of the equation. There are so many sightings of God at work in Haiti … many that bring me great joy. I was in my car on the side of the road waiting for traffic to clear. I noticed three little royal blue, gingham plaid uniformed girls nearby. One of them broke out into a grin, waved and then shouted the word “Blan!” (white) when she caught sight of me. I greeted them with “Bon swa!” (Good afternoon) by Nora LèonPraying to Make a Difference Ongoing Mission Work Nora Lèon’s work in Haiti has inspired ongoing mission work of her home congregation, Holy Cross, Jenison. For over 15 years, Holy Cross has sup- ported the First Lutheran Church and School in Les Cayes and the Children of Israel Orphanage. Lèon is the administrator of a scholarship fund that Holy Cross established in 1998 to support children attending the school. This program raises $10,000 annually to pro- vide tuition, books, clothing, and whatever is needed by the children. She also makes arrangements for Holy Cross mission trips, which are held every two years. “Nora is an amazing blessing, not just to the people of Haiti, but to their friends in the US who desire to show love and care for people in great need,” says Pas- tor Bill Wangelin of Holy Cross. “Our congregation has been richly blessed by Nora’s witness, her example, and her testimony to God’s power and the faith of the Haitian people. We pray that God will continue to bring mutual blessings to everyone involved.” After the devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake in 2010, which killed over 220,000 people, Lèon lived with several orphans in tents on a soccer field in the middle of Les Cayes until buildings were repaired. Although the mission team of 40 people from Holy Cross and surrounding churches had to cancel their trip, the funds that were sent in advance were converted into emergency relief aid, which Lèon helped distribute. She has since moved into a home and the orphans have moved into their new residence halls. More recently, Lèon and her husband have been involved in developing a school and orphanage on a small island off the coast of Les Cayes called Ile-la- Vache. In 2011, Holy Cross members Pat and Dave Myers opened a second hand store in Jenison called “Bless The Orphans” (www.blesstheorphans.org). This store has become a center for Haiti mission activ- ity with proceeds going to the ongoing support of the orphans on Ile-la-Vache. michigandistrict.org/mit 5 Haitian children enjoying mango,one of Haiti’s most important exports. Haitian Orphanage
  • 6. 6 September 2013 The Need Facebook alone has 1.11 billion monthly active users1 . Over the course of the past two or three years, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest have increasingly become visual-driven networks, where pictures are the new headline — sometimes it’s all people see regarding a particular story. Newsfeeds stack up with photos and graphics all subtly committed to memory. Without positive, encouraging messages and imagery, imagine where the winds of secular society could guide our thoughts and potentially our actions. There is a great need for a strong Lutheran pres- ence online. We have a God-given message to share, a voice in times of trouble. We must commit to pro- ducing positive messages of hope; encourage people to dig deeper, to get past the visual; and consistently share the Gospel message. Dedicated Resources Commitment to this cause means dedicating per- son power. We need all hands on deck: managers, writers, photographers, programmers, and videogra- phers adjusting the sails, pointing back to the arms of our loving, risen Christ. Loving, Organized Guidance An organized effort will produce a steady stream of uplifting content that floods into the social networks. Varied content from photos, written words, graphics, to videos will ensure that the message reaches people where they are and never becomes white noise. We are not aiming to control the wind, the constant pressures of secular society. We aim to adjust the sails, providing Christian context, encouragement, and guidance for godly living in a world captivated by sin. 1 http://newsroom.fb.com/Key-Facts New Media and they came bolting towards me. Without hesitation, all three pairs of hands reached through my open car window and 30 little fingers ruffled with delight through my hair, which feels so very different from their own. They giggled with glee. Just as quickly, they continued on their way, leaving me with a happy heart! Other sightings touch the deep places of my soul like witnessing a tragic accident coupled with the loving response of “good Samaritans.” The livelihood of poor Haitians is so fragile. One accident like this could easily result in a family with no food to eat at the end of the day or worse. Those “first responders” know all too well that their help was not just a nice thing to do, but it was vital! Ministry in Haiti In 2003, three friends and I founded Caribbean Chil- dren’s Foundation. When traveling to Haiti, we fell in love with the children. To best serve them, I moved to Haiti in 2004. Our organization adopted the motto “Praying to make a difference … one child at a time!” Initially, we promoted orphan sponsorships, but it soon became clear that the needs in Haiti were many. We now have the following programs and projects that include: • Orphan sponsorships, • Tuition assistance programs and feeding programs for students, • Academic reward goat program, • Medical care for critically ill children, • Agriculture and fishing projects to promote self- sufficiency, and • Orphanage and school construction projects. Periodically, I am in various parts of the USA participat- ing in fundraisers or making presentations. If you are inter- ested in learning more about the mission field in Haiti, the Caribbean Children’s Foundation, or being part of a mis- sion team, I’d be happy to visit your church, Bible class, Sunday school, VBS, organization, or place of employ- ment. Please contact me at caribbeancf@juno.com. Nora Léon is a member of Holy Cross, Jenison. After working for 21 years with seniors, Léon answered God’s call to serve as a missionary in Haiti where she works full time with poor and orphaned children. Léon also serves as president of the Carib- bean Children’s Foundation. She is married to Gerson, a Haitian, and together, they share the passion of helping children who would have no hope for the future if someone does not advocate for them. Check out Nora and the ministry on Facebook, search for Caribbean Children’s Foundation. For more stories, like the one above, follow Nora’s blog at http://norainhaiti.wordpress.com. “Catamaran sail and sky” © 2007 Mary-Lynn, used under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/. Adjusting Sails in a Click to Share Culture
  • 7. michigandistrict.org/mit 7 GREAT COMPASSION MINISTRY Wrapped in Love Andrea Salid, a 74-year-old mother of seven, found her home severely damaged when Typhoon Bopha swept through her village in the southern Phil- ippines in December 2012. Fierce winds blew the roof completely off of her house and destroyed most of her belongings. “Salamat” (meaning thank you) was spo- ken again and again by Salid as she told Lutheran World Relief (LWR) worker Lauren Bauer that she would use her quilt to cover herself at night. More than 800 people, many with stories like Salid’s, gathered at the distribu- tion center where Bauer was assisting to receive quilts, baby care kits, and personal care kits.1 Labor of Love This would not have been possible, in such short order, had hearts and hands that share the Good News of Christ through their labors of love been still. Last fall, 150 youth and adult volunteers from Michigan filled six railroad containers with 122.5 tons of items including 412,710 quilts, 539,898 kits, and 91,122 lbs. of soap which were distributed to more than 720,000 people in 23 countries. Through a new partnership with the United Nations Humanitarian Response Depot (UNHRD), LWR plans Wrapping Love Around the World 2013 Michigan District LWR Boxcar Loading by Patricia Schuknecht to position quilts and kits near disaster-prone areas for timely distribution following an emergency. Pre-stock- ing resources in a Philippines warehouse allowed for quick dispersal following more recent emergencies in Southeast Asia. LWR will be able to store materials in up to five additional UNHRD hubs located in Italy, Malay- sia, Ghana, the United Arab Emirates, and Spain. LWR’s 2013 goal for quilts alone is to send 500,000 worldwide. LWR Ingathering and Boxcar Loading This coming fall, members of Michigan District con- gregations, from all walks of life, will once again join forces for the annual ingathering of everyday items most of us take for granted. These individuals and groups have been busy fundraising, purchasing, gathering, sewing, and packaging quilts and care kits for the 2013 LWR Boxcar Loading that will take place on Wednesday, October 16, 2013 at the Conrail Yard, 2975 Livernois, Detroit, Mich. Prior to the event, 14 collection locations throughout Michigan and Northern Ohio will pack boxes filled with quilts, new soap, and kits into vehicles and then transport them to the train yard. Once there, they will be loaded into railroad shipping containers, soon to make their way to Maryland before being shipped to dis- tribution points worldwide. Patricia Schuknecht has coordinated the Michigan District LWR Ingathering and Boxcar Loading for 13 years and states, “It is a great privilege to be able to continue coordinating this wonderful task.” She cur- rently serves as office manager at Heart of the Shepherd, Howell. She and her husband, Steve, have five children and seven grandchildren. 1 From the story, “Salamat,” (www.lwr.org) written by Lauren Bauer, Lutheran World Relief’s Creative Services Project Manager. Visit www.michigandistrict.org/events/lwr-boxcar-loading-2013 for in- gathering locations and information on what items are being collected. For more information on Michigan District efforts, please contact Pat Schuknecht at 517.552.7218 or pat@hotshepherd.org. Order LWR promotional materials for your congregation at www.lwr.org. Andrea Salid received two LWR quilts and a personal care kit at a distribution for families affected by Typhoon Bopha in the Philippines.
  • 8. 8 September 2013 My 85-year-old mother states that she does not want to move into a retirement home. She loves the old house that she has meticulously maintained, tending her beautiful gardens and pouring love into both for 60+ years. As a family, we see her point. Would she have a deck with awning that overlooks the woods in a retirement home? Would she be able to enjoy the out of doors and rake the gumballs from her driveway or swing in the breezeway in a retirement home? Would she have enough room to house all her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren when they come to visit in a retirement home? Would she be able to take all her furni- ture to a retirement home? Would she have the strength and fortitude to move after all of these years? Why would she want to move? None of these questions are new. There have been a plethora of articles and research written and conducted on the subject of aging. But when the time comes and these questions arise in your family, you may be forced to take a good hard look at the options, memories, and needs, and search out assistance in making hard decisions. An Aging Lutheran Community The average age of members in The Lutheran Church– Missouri Synod is 68 years old according to an article published in The Lutheran Witness. According to Pew Research Center, there are 10,000 baby boomers reach- ing the age of 65 every day, and this rate will continue for the next 17 years. What is the church, as a Christian intergenerational organization, doing in the critical area of adulthood and aging? A Proactive Family Life Program What if the church did not have to rely on commu- nity agencies, or out-source all services for its aging population? Concordia University Ann Arbor’s (CUAA) Family Life program sees the need for workers in God’s kingdom to serve this population – within that Christian intergenerational organization and agencies. The Family Life team is very interested in adding a “major” to its Family Life program to assist the church and the com- munity in this area and is being proactive! Last winter, 10 very influential, highly qualified profes- sionals in the field of adulthood and aging gathered at CUAA to explore and discuss what the needs are for this population. Some of the questions explored included: • How could professionals with a career in Family Life as a Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE), by Jennifer Freudenburg Senior Adult Services Family Life Educator Adulthood and Aging with a concentration study in adulthood and aging, affect the church? • What does a Family Life graduate working as a CFLE need to know (in addition to the core curricu- lum) to be prepared for the responsibilities of work- ing with Senior Adults and their families? • What skills does a graduate need prior to beginning their work in the church and community with senior adults and their families? • What critical contents for new classes would need to be offered in order to prepare Family Life students for working with the adulthood and aging population? New courses being considered include: Psychology of Aging; Science of Aging; Delivery Models of Ser- vices for the Aging; Cultural Competencies and Assess- ment Skills with Older Adults; and Supporting Families through Final Transitions. Would you welcome a CFLE from Concordia Univer- sity to walk alongside you to help your family or congre- gation? The Family Life program at CUAA is following God’s lead to help assist the jewels of our generation! To God be the glory. Jennifer Freudenburg is the Project Manager for the Concordia Center for the Family. Within its distinctly Christian environment and its academic com- munity dedicated to excellence, Concordia University Ann Arbor serves as a liberal arts university of The Lutheran Church—Mis- souri Synod, preparing men and women for a life of service in the church and in the world. Visit them online at www.cuaa.edu. ©iStockphoto.com/absolut_100
  • 9. michigandistrict.org/mit 9 HEALTHY CHURCH WORKERS “Then comes the devil, who baits and badgers us on all sides, but especially exerts himself where the conscience and spiritual matters are concerned. His purpose is to make us scorn and despise both the Word and the works of God, to tear us away from faith, hope, and love, … these are snares and nets; indeed, they are the real ‘flam- ing darts’ that are venomously shot into our hearts, not by flesh and blood but by the devil.” (Luther’s Large Catechism, the Sixth Petition) IT’S A BATTLE DOWN HERE! The devil, the father of lies, is at work along with the sinful world and our own sinful flesh. He is deceiving in the way he operates. It is important to STAY AWAKE! We must daily realize that we are poor, miser- able sinners who are not immune to the devil. We need to be on guard. It takes daily discipline to be vigilant, alert, and watchful to avoid danger. Our routines in life need to be prioritized so that God remains number one. WE ARE EQUIPPED FOR THE BATTLE! Ephesians 6 clearly shows how God has provided His children with the armor for this battle. We are robed in the blood of Christ the Lamb and together, as the com- munion of saints, can offer support and encouragement to one another. God provides us with the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, gospel of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit … THE WORD OF GOD! God has given us HIS WORD to meditate upon and to empower us to stand strong! In his book, Grace Upon Grace: Spirituality for Today, Dr. John Kleinig tells of the “hearing heart” that we need to Standing on Guard Three Truths to Help us Remain Vigilant in Spiritual Warfare by Daniel Ramthun develop daily so as to receive God’s grace. He states, “In Luke 8:15, Jesus emphasizes the need for ongoing hearing. He connects fruitful hearing with meditation on the Word … the hearer should take hold of the Word and keep it in the heart.”1 GOD IS OUR GUIDE AND OUR GUARD God is the guide and giver and we are the followers and the receivers of His grace. Creating and abiding by a regular routine of reading His Word will foster an envi- ronment for our hearts to be receptive to His Word and His guidance. By the power of the Holy Spirit working through His Word in our lives, we will be alert, watchful, and avoid danger! Consider your life. Is it time to eliminate some of the “stuff” that gets in the way of your devotional time? We all have different rhythms and routines that fit our per- sonalities and lifestyles; so let’s determine to make use of God’s Word and grace in our words and actions as we pray, “Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and for- give us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.” Rev. Daniel W. Ramthun is the pastor at St. Stephen, Detroit and the pastoral associate at Guardian, Dearborn. He has been in the teaching and pastoral ministry for 30 years and has enjoyed seeing God’s grace at work in his life and the lives of those to whom he ministers. He has been married for 30 years to his college sweetheart, Linda, who is a second grade teacher at Guardian. They have been blessed with three children: Kelsey, Kyle, and Katey. 1 John W. Kleinig, Grace Upon Grace: Spirituality for Today, (St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 2008) 113. 2013 All Pastors’ Conference - October 6-9 This fall, pastors will gather in Boyne Falls, Mich. under the theme, “They Devoted themselves to ... ,” based on Acts 2:42. Dr. John Kle- inig will be the keynote pre- senter and help pastors dive into Spiritual Disciplines. More information at www.michigandistrict.org/ apc13 ©iStockphoto.com/Massonstock ©iStockphoto.com/jawphotosjawphotos
  • 10. 10 September 2013 In Other News A Life Adventure Igraduated from the seminary when I was 28 years old. I was called to a wonderful congregation in a small town. My wife and our three children loaded up the vehicle shortly after the Call service and set out on the beginning of what was to become a life adventure! I can remember attending circuit meetings and District events, meeting many brother pastors much older than myself. And admittedly I thought they were, well, old. I wondered if congregations would be interested in call- ing older pastors. After all, their children were grown and married with families of their own. How long before some of them retire? I was under no delusion that I knew it all, being a recent seminary grad, but I did think at the time that I perhaps was a bit more up-to-date with things than some of these older men I met, a bit more savvy! What I’ve Learned And now, almost 30 years later, I am one of those older pastors! Interestingly, in the September 2012 issue of The Lutheran Witness, it was noted that over 50 percent of our active pastors are over age 50. As one of these “older pastors,” who, Lord willing, hopes to have many, many exciting and productive years ahead of me serving as an active pastor, I’ve learned a few things over the years along with my brothers in the ministry. • I’ve learned humility and dependence. I am weak, He is strong. My strength comes from the Lord. • I’ve learned the vital importance of having my daily devotions of Scripture reading and prayer. I need this private and personal time with the Lord every day. • I’ve learned to be a more effective self-starter each and every day. I strive to use my time wisely and efficiently and be faithful to the Lord and the people He has placed in my care. • I’ve learned compassion. Over my years in minis- try I’ve come to know people in many difficult and heart-wrenching situations. It has been a privilege to be able to minister to them and be there for them. • I’ve learned to have fun and get along with people of all ages … from the children, youth, college stu- dents, and adults in all stages of this thing we call life to my oldest members who are in their sunset years. • I’velearnedtohaveasenseofhumoraboutmyself,about life, and about being a pastor! Life is way too short! • I’ve learned how technology can be used to enhance the spoken Word, the liturgy, and music in a worship service … even using multi-media and PowerPoint for sermons. by John Brooks 50+ and Still Growing • I’ve learned about empowering laypeople to serve, to use their God-given gifts and talents, and not thinking I have to do it all. • I’ve learned about how to be faithful to God’s unchanging Word in a rapidly changing society, and the importance of meeting people wherever they are at in their faith walk. • I’ve learned how to develop and deliver a sermon that holds attention and relates to what my people are experiencing in life. • I’ve learned a few people skills over the years, some, at times, admittedly by mistake. I am by no means perfect. But, I pray I’ve learned from my mistakes, that people will forgive me for my mistakes, and that I will keep on learning from my mistakes! • I’ve learned about how to work with multiple staff in a congregation. We are a team. We are serving the Lord together, but as the pastor I am the one who is to be an encourager to them, to be their friend, to respect them, and to love them. • I’ve learned over the years that we are living in an increasingly godless and immoral society and world. I am called to be God’s spokesman to my people, to remind them of what God’s Word says over what the world says, and to encourage them to walk closely with the Lord and raise their children with a strong faith foundation. • I understand the value of continuing education and make an effort to either read interesting resources that relate to ministry or attend events that help me continue to learn. I’m Still Learning As an older pastor, I still have something to share with God’s people. I’ve learned a few things over the years. And I’m still learning! I’m still growing in my faith walk and in the skills the Lord is giving and empowering me! Rev. John W. Brooks is pastor at St. James, Montague. He is an avid wilderness canoeist and is also working toward his second degree Black Belt in TaeKwonDo. John Brooks enjoying the outdoors.
  • 11. michigandistrict.org/mit 11 An accounting of the mission and ministry through the Michigan District, LCMS by its congregations. Fiscal year ending January 31, 2013 Dear Friends in Christ, In grateful response to God’s grace and empowered by the Holy Spirit through Word and Sacraments, the mission of the Michigan District of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod is vigorously to make known the love of Christ by word and deed within our churches (congregations), communities, and world. Our congregations are filled to overflowing with people of HOPE! Our living hope, indeed our joyful and confidant life and witness to the world, comes from the transforming power of the Gospel and the resurrected Christ who has graced us with an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for ALL who believe in Him as Savior and Lord. (1 Peter 1:4). This living hope inspires our dependence on, devotion to, and commitment to the Word of God, worship, prayer, and each other and moves us to take the love of Christ to our family, friends, neighbors, community, and the world in word and deed. Michigan District, LCMS People of Hope ... Vigorously Making Known the Love of Christ Michigan District Board of Directors (2012-2015) President Rev. Dr. David P. E. Maier 1st Vice President Rev. Mark D. Brandt 2nd Vice President Rev. Donald O. Neuendorf 3rd Vice President Rev. David A. Davis 4th Vice President Rev. John M. Duerr Secretary Rev. David H. Reed Treasurer Mr. William H. Young Metro East Region Rev. Norman A. Koy Ms. Natalie A. Haupt Mr. Stephen R. Boergert Mr. Williard C. Ducharme West Region Rev. Craig L. Bickel Mr. Richard C. Krueger Mrs. Ruth E. Martin Mr. John C. Raffel North & East Region Rev. Paul D. Theiss Mr. James C. Anderson Dr. Dale D. Gust Mr. Larry A. Bauermeister Metro West Region Rev. Paul M. Moldenhauer Dr. Harvey M. Schmit Mrs. Chris Chauvin Mr. Duane A. Renken Mission Vision Last summer, at the end of June, delegates attending the Michigan District Convention gathered under the theme of IMAGINE … Living as God’s Forgiven and Forgiving Family – highlighting the third of our Synod’s three emphases: Witness, Mercy, and Life Together. Throughout the next three years, this theme will be a guiding influence over the mission and ministry that we as Michigan District congregations conduct in Life Together. What follows is REALLY a brief and unique accounting of the continuing grace of God at work in our midst … in the many conferences that were held … to the arrival of Rev. Chris Bodley to establish the A2E Urban Ministry Initiative in Detroit … and everything in between … like the resurgence of Concordia University Ann Arbor under the leadership of Concordia University Wisconsin. In support of this resurgence, the Michigan District gifted $1.2 million to Concordia, Ann Arbor. May God continue to lead, guide, and bless us! May we as God’s family in our Life Together continue to pray that God would not only bless what we are doing, but that He would lead us to do what He wants to bless. Sincerely, Rev. Dr. David P. E. Maier President Michigan District, LCMS
  • 12. 12 September 2013 Stories of Hope! Lastyear,210youthfromalloverMichigangathered on Concordia University Ann Arbor’s campus for the Junior High Youth Gathering. The theme “In His Image” was a reminder to youth that they are free to live and love in His redeemed Image. On Saturday morning they lived out the image of God through servant events. Groups spread out to over a dozen locations across Washtenaw County to serve food, assist with clean-up projects, help the needy, assist in missions, and serve in other ways. In late January through February 2012, the Michigan District welcomed over 1,200 people to the Theological Conferences on Apologetics. The Lord certainly blessed the participants with a greater assurance of their salvation, but also with the confidence, capacity, capability, and courage to defend what they believe. Through the use of God’s inspired Word, other historical evidence, and practical application, God graciously planted many seeds that we pray will bring forth a rich harvest of courageous, confessing Lutheran believers. Distinguished presenters included Rev. Dr. Paul L. Maier, Dr. Adam S. Francisco, and Rev. Dr. Robert D. Newton. Inspiring speakers encouraged professional church workers and laity at convention and conferences. Themes and topics included: Imagine … Living as God’s Forgiven and Forgiving Family, Joy-filled Ministry in a Discouraged World, Go … Teach!, Tech in the Early Childhood Classroom, Digital Learning in the 21st Century, Holding up the Prophet’s Hand, Mission U, Grace Place Wellness, and Confirmation. In October, pastors prayed over one another at the All Pastors’ “First of All, Pray” conference (pictured left). Acts 2 Enterprise (A2E), led by missionary-at-large Rev. Christopher Bodley, is a strategic and holistic urban outreach initiative. It is a catalyst for renewing the hearts, minds, and spirits of children and families in Detroit. Since February 2012, A2E Leadership Workshops have provided LCMS urban pastors, laity teams, and ministries an opportunity to come together to identify critical issues and expand their vision to partner with community agencies, faith-based ministries, non-profit organizations, and schools in addressing the needs and challenges of serving the community. Currently, 19 congregations will, with Christ, work towards revitalizing communities while continuing their mission in Word and Sacrament ministry. Mission and Ministry of the Michigan District, LCMS Conferences Youth Apologetics A2E
  • 13. michigandistrict.org/mit 13 “I constantly thank God for the blessings He has given me through the support of the Michigan District, LCMS over the past four years at Concordia University Ann Arbor and years to come as I attend Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.” Aaron Mol Michigan District Student Aid Recipient The District utilizes its Facebook page ( f a c e b o o k . c o m / milcms) as a conduit for discussions on new media technology and communication strategies. Discussions are open to the general public and follow a weekly topic ranging from social media strategies to website design tactics and more. The live discussions are automatically archived to the Facebook page for further reading by conversation participants and interested parties.The District Office hosts monthly free live webinars for professional church workers and lay leaders throughout the state and beyond. The hour-long presentations cover topics such as: school board membership, service as an elder, effective governance models, strategic planning, stewardship, missions, and more. Through unrestricted gifts and The Future is Now campaign funds, the following Missions were supported in 2012: St. Thomas, Ann Arbor (Freedom Township Mission) St. Thomas, Eastpointe (Harper Woods multi-site) Christ The King, Flint (Flint Tri-Circuit Deaf Mission) Faith, Grand Blanc (North Oakland Satellite) Grass Lake, Grass Lake (Grass Lake Mission Start) Light of Christ, Marysville (Mission Subsidy) Cross & Resurrection, Ypsilanti (Dundee/Tecumseh Mission) Trinity, Utica (Journeys) St. Charles, Nativity (Chesaning Mission Start) Lutheran City Ministries, Detroit (Family of God Mission) St. Matthew, Holt (Rehoboth Lutheran Church) Trinity Sudanese, Lansing (Sudanese Ministry) Messiah, Midland (Restoration Fellowship and Coffee Shop Outreach) St. Paul, Pontiac (St. Paul, Pontiac) St. Michael, Richville (Hmong Ministry) Faith, Troy (Hamtramck Bengali & Arabic) “Studying to be a deacon has greatly impacted my life. I’m getting into God’s Word, understanding the history and what it means to me, and then able to teach that to other people.” Deacon Jack Mosher Zion, Petoskey Nineteen new students began their deacon training in 2012. Learn more at www.michigandistrict.org/deacons. Webinars SocialMedia StudentAid Missions Deacons SchoolsIn classrooms across the Michigan District, teachers help children build a secure future by teaching them about a God who loves them unconditionally, created them to be His Children through Baptism, and offered a plan of restoration through Christ Jesus. Today, over 16,000 students are being equipped to pursue excellence in academics, use their spiritual gifts and talents, and apply their faith throughout their lives to spread the Gospel and enrich their communities.
  • 14. 14 September 2013 Support for National and International Ministries For the fiscal year ending January 31, 2013, the Michigan District remitted $1,903,724 to Corporate (national) Synod, which represents 40.5% of the District’s unrestricted gifts from congregations. The 35 districts of the Synod contribute approximately $16 million of undesignated revenue to Corporate Synod annually in support of national and international mission and ministry. The balance of the $65 million 2012/13 budget of Corporate Synod comes primarily from restricted gifts and sales of materials and services. The Program Budget Summary for Corporate Synod indicates that 56% of the undesignated revenue is allocated directly to Programs of the Synod (including 14% for missions and 28% for education). Allocations of the budgeted use of undesignated revenue for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2013 are as follows: International Missions 10% National Missions 4% Pastoral Education 6% University Education 22% Communications 11% KFUO 3% Ecclesiastical Services and Commissions 9% Officers and Administration 18% General and Administrative 17% Michigan District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod Summary of Financial Activities For the Year Ended January 31, 2013 Support, Revenues, and Gains District Congregations (District and Synod)...... District Congregations (District use only).......... Other Gifts........................................................... Investment Income............................................. Program Fees and Other Income....................... Total Support, Revenues, and Gains.................. Expenses Synodical Budget*.............................................. Program Services Missions..................................................... Congregation Ministry Facilitators........... Christian Care............................................ Lutheran Schools...................................... Youth Ministry............................................ Loon Lake Lutheran Retreat Center......... Other Congregation Program Services.... Communications....................................... Student Aid................................................ Worker Care............................................... Ecclesiastical and Program Administration Administration........................................... Convention................................................ Development....................................................... District Properties and Depreciation....... Total Expenses..................................................... 4,703,723 227,968 523,187 385,947 942,914 6,783,739 1,858,224 1,503,264 423,340 137,377 315,576 36,893 106,258 188,934 301,028 1,420,820 412,323 749,989 175,444 208,859 222,791 8,061,120 Change in Net Assets .................................. (1,277,381) Ecclesiastical and Program Administration 17% Missions 19% Other 23% Synodical Budget 23%* Revenue Program Fees and Other Income 14% Investment Income 6% Other Gifts 8% District Congregations (District use only) 3% District Congregations (District and Synod) 69% S upport Gains and Revenue Expenses Information is taken from the audited financial statements of the Michigan District, LCMS. Copies of the audit report, which include all integral parts of the financial statements, are available from the District Office. *The Michigan District sent 40.5% of its unrestricted cash receipts from congregations to national Synod during the fiscal year. The numbers on the financial statements reflect adjustments based on pledges from congregations and to the Synod as required by Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. Pro gram Ser vices Student Aid 18% (including CUAA support)
  • 15. michigandistrict.org/mit 15 50th Anniversary CELEBRATE WITH US SUNDAY 9/29/13 Campus Tours 1:00-2:30 p.m. Refreshments 4:30 p.m. Program 2:30-3:00 p.m. CUAA Past, Present and Future Worship Service 3:30-4:30 p.m. with Alumni Choir For questions or more information, visit: www.cuaa.edu OR Contact Sue Kratko at: president@cuaa.edu or 734-995-7331
  • 16. 16 September 2013 HEALTHY CONGREGATIONS Peacemaking in our Congregationsby Richard Marrs Three steps of Admonition Ilike to ask Christians if they are familiar with Mat- thew 18. Most biblically knowledgeable Christians respond, “That is the chapter about what we are sup- posed to do if our neighbor sins against us. Jesus teaches us to follow the three-step process of going to them indi- vidually, then with one or two others, and then, if they still won’t listen and confess their sin, to tell it to the church.” We are often quite good at remembering these three steps of admonition. But then I follow up with the question, “What else is in Matthew 18?” People are normally stumped. We remember the three steps, but not the rest. And the rest of Matthew 18, the context of the three steps (which are actually only three verses in a 35-verse chapter), is incredibly important. Comparing Billions to Thousands The rest of the chapter includes Jesus teaching about humility, the Parable of the Lost Sheep, and the author- ity of the church to bind and loose sins. The chapter ends with Jesus’ emphasis on horizontal forgiveness between Christians, as he teaches Peter to forgive “seventy-seven times” and then blesses us with the Parable of the Unfor- giving Servant. In that parable, the first servant owes his master 10,000 talents (probably of gold). This was a HUGE amount. When the Queen of Sheba presented her exorbitant gift to King Solomon (1 Kings 10:10), it was only 120 talents of gold. Dr. Jeffrey Gibbs notes in the Concordia Commentary on Matthew that it would take the first servant at least 1,000 years to pay off such a debt. Yet, his gracious master forgives the debt entirely. Then the first servant comes across a fellow servant who owes him money — 100 denarii — about three months’ wages (perhaps equivalent to $10,000 for us today). This is a significant amount of money, yet it pales in com- parison to what the first servant owed, like comparing billions to thousands. Forgiving Horizontally When we Christians find ourselves in conflict with others, it is often over something significant. In church it may be whether or not to continue funding a particular ministry as stewardship revenues decline, a harsh snub by someone in another family, or a business deal that has gone sour with a fellow member. Yet, we are called by our Lord Jesus to love everyone, even those we are in conflict with. Even if someone has sinned against us in some signifi- cant way, their sin still pales in comparison to what our Lord Jesus has forgiven us. When we realize the scope of what Jesus has done to forgive us for “billions” and to vertically reconcile us to His Father, then it should always be possible for us to forgive our fellow humans horizontally for “thousands.” We can use sincere, explicit, Gospel-focused language to seek reconciliation (e.g., “I’m sorry that I said what I did. Would you please forgive me?”). May our Lord grant us the grace to show His forgive- ness through our forgiveness of others. Rev. Dr. Richard W. Marrs is the Associate Professor of Practical Theology, Dean of Faculty, and Tennis Coach at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Mo. Prior to coming to the seminary, he served at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Junction City, Kan. His prior experience includes being a professor of psychology and counselor at both St. John’s College in Winfield and Concordia University Chicago, Riverforest, Ill. He and his wife, Laura, have two adult daughters and a son-in-law. LCMS Rural and Small Town Mission supports and encourages rural and small town congregations in engaging their communi- ties and growing together in Christ through Word and Sacrament. Learn more at www.lcms.org/rstm. photobyJohnBrooks
  • 17. michigandistrict.org/mit 17 Congregation News Little Dresses for Africa This past spring, Immanuel, Macomb prayed bless- ings over 153 pillowcase dresses which were donated to Little Dresses for Africa (www.littledressesforafrica.org). Immanuel’s LWML took on this mission as another oppor- tunity to make a difference in the lives of families.  LWML member Carol Soulard says, “We pray to God that each girl who receives a dress not only knows they are clothed physically, but more importantly clothed in the love of Jesus daily!” Lead Pastor Greg Griffith says, “Our core values at Immanuel include Missions and Families, and here we strive daily to make a dif- ference in the lives of oth- ers. Our community isn’t focused on doing church, rather on being the church, changing lives one life at a time as God gives us oppor- tunity.”  Pastor Greg also noted: “I am reminded of when Jesus sent His disciples to go out and try to catch fish again, they returned with 153 fish … notice the number of dresses that were made, this isn’t a coincidence, it is God at work in our world.” Through Little Dresses for Africa almost 2 million dresses have been delivered to 43 countries in Africa and countries in crisis including Honduras, Guatemala, the Philippines, Cambodia, Mexico, and Haiti. Dresses have also gone to theAppalachian Mountains and South Dakota. Dresses are shipped or delivered by mission teams and travelers and then distributed through orphanages, churches, and schools to plant in the hearts of little girls that they are WORTHY! For more information, please contact Pastor Greg Griffith at ggriffith@immlutheran.org or 586.286.4231. Brick By Brick Each year, Trinity, Conklin’s Board of Missions and Evangelism Committee consider options for its annual mis- sion project. In 2012, they chose to build a home for two families. Working through Food for the Poor they received insight into the great need for food and housing in Haiti. “House in Haiti – Brick by Brick” began with a model house made out of foam board, and as money came in, the bricks (sold for $10 apiece) were applied to the outside of the model home. The model was displayed in the nar- thex where members could watch the progress. Donation jars were set up around the church for loose change. The most basic necessities of life – food, shelter, and clothing – were also needed by the two families. The final offering for the mission project totaled $9,134.55 which covered $6,400 for the home and an additional $2,734.55 for food. When the congregation initially began the project, they thought it would take two years, but with praise, thanksgiving, honor, and glory to God, they saw their mission accomplished in just one year! The excitement and satisfaction of this project is only the beginning. Plans are being made for a member to travel to Haiti to meet the families and see firsthand what the Lord has done, brick by brick. Rev. Scott Benjamin, pastor of Resurrection, Detroit (back left) and Rev. Todd Seaver, pastor of Holy Cross, Toledo serving the small English Dis- trict congregation Holy Child, Detroit (right), with members of Holy Child who were received into membership at Resurrection on Palm Sunday. In June, St. Paul, Bay City received six new members; one by adult Baptism; two by adult Confirmation; two by reaffirmation of faith, and one by transfer.
  • 18. 18 September 2013 Through the assistance of a Michigan District mission grant, St. Thomas, Ann Arbor opened Freedom Child Care Center as a way to connect with its community and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. St. Thomas, the oldest congregation in the Michigan District, purchased property on a paved road – an old golf course club house – to house the center. The minis- try has been open for a year and has re- cently gained state approval to increase its capacity from 15 to 20 children. Jo Andersen and daughter, Grace, (left) joined St. Thomas after connecting with the church through Freedom Child Care. Her son, Ivan, (not pictured) received Holy Baptism. This past summer, women and children, ages 5-80, gathered at Trinity-Saint James, Munger to make 18 fleece baby blankets for 19 year-old Aja Mills to take with her on a mission trip to Shaanxi, China. The group offered prayers for strength, endurance, and joy for their service that day and also for the infant girls who would receive these gifts of love. Mills served two weeks at an orphanage and gave the blankets to abandoned and orphaned baby girls. Rev. Larry Loree, Jr. dedicated prayer shawls made by women of Holy Ghost, Monroe. During visitations, Loree gives the prayer shawls to shut-ins and hospital and nursing home patients. Holy Cross, Saginaw welcomed 33 new members last spring. Pictured with Rev. James F. Krueger are proud parents, siblings, and fiancés – many of whom were already members of Holy Cross. 2012 has been a great year with a large number of adult and infant baptisms. Praise God for the way He continues to enlarge and bless His Church on earth! In partnership with POBLO International Ministries, All Nations, Troy has added 15 new members to its congregation. All 15 recently im- migrated to the United States. POBLO assisted them with basic needs such as furniture and transportation. The new congregants were instructed in Luther’s Small Catechism before they were received into membership at All Nations. We rejoice together as we witness Christ moving and working in the lives of these individuals! St. Paul, Bay City’s high school age leadership team, Young Believers in Christ, organized a servant event at a nearby cemetery. About 75 members were involved in the cleanup.   Nativity, St. Charles welcomed 22 new members in June. Elder Larry LaBelle gave each of the eight new member families a loaf of bread to remind them of Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life. Nativity is served by Rev. Dr. Robert J. Schultz, interim pastor, and Vicar Mitch Vogeli. New members were welcomed at St. Paul, Millington
  • 19. michigandistrict.org/mit 19 Special Recognition In June, Rev. Douglas M. Adams was installed as sole pastor at Trinity, Berrien Springs. Adams is a graduate from Concordia University Ann Arbor, Mich. and Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Mo. Adams previously served St. Paul’s, Hillsdale and Immanuel, Britton. He and his wife, Robyn, have five children. Adams is pictured (front center) with circuit pastors. In July, Rev. Mark R. Doede was ordained as a Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP) at Historic Trinity, Detroit and will serve as vicar of Our Shepherd, Birmingham. Doede is a student at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Mo. He and his wife, Janice, have 13 children and reside in Southfield. Doede is pictured (5th from left) with pastors from area congregations including Rev. Dr. John L. Heins, (center) former president of the Michigan District, LCMS. In June, Rev. Eric I. Ekong (front center) was ordained into the ministry and installed as senior pastor at Trinity, Jackson. Ekong is a graduate of Concordia University Ann Arbor, Mich. and Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Mo. His grandfather, Jonathan Udo Ekong, founded The Lutheran Church of Nigeria in the 1930s and his father, Rev. Hosea J. Ekong, serves as a pastor at Victory Lutheran Church in Youngstown, Ohio. He and his wife, Linda, have five children and reside in Jackson. ORDINATIONS INSTALLATIONS In June, Rev. Michael L. Heiden was installed as the associate pastor of Im- manuel, Macomb. Heiden is a graduate of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Mo. His main responsibilities will be to connect anyone that comes on campus to ministry and help attenders and members take next steps in their faith life. He is also the primary preacher and planner for contem- porary and interactive worship venues, and will be overseeing young adult minis- try. Heiden is pictured here with his wife, Joy, and his daughter, Amelia. In June, Rev. Aaron M. Richert (front center) was installed the associ- ate pastor at St. John, Fraser. Richert previously served as vacancy pastor at Cedar Crest, White Lake and Lutheran High School North- west in Rochester Hills. He and his wife, Becky, have three children and reside in Sterling Heights. He is pictured here with circuit pastors including his father, Rev. Cary M. Richert (3rd from right). Rev. David P. Schmidt (front, second from left) was installed as senior pastor at St. Paul, Royal Oak. Schmidt graduated with a Masters of Divinity from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Mo. in 2005. Prior to coming to St. Paul, he served as associate pastor at St. John, New Boston for eight years. He, and his wife, Jennifer, were married in May 2010. Schmidt is pictured here with circuit pastors. In June, Rev. Timothy M. Verity was installed as the Intentional Interim Pastor at Trinity, Reed City. Verity and his wife, Janet, were warmly welcomed. Throughout his time as an Intentional Interim, Verity will learn about Trinity’s history and will offer encour- agement and guidance as it moves toward calling its next pastor. Jean Thomas was honored for 41 years of teaching as she retired from St. Peter, Hemlock. Over the years, Thomas has worked with musical groups, coached, and served on numerous District conference committees and on accreditation teams. In 2005, Thomas received the Crystal Apple Award from the Saginaw News and was involved in coaching the FIRST LEGO League Team. RETIREMENTS The members of St. Paul, Bay City cel- ebrated the closing of the school year with a special recognition upon the retirement of two faithful servants. Kathy Eisman (left) was honored for 27 years in the teaching ministry. She served congrega- tions in Kentucky, Ohio, and Missouri as well as in Hemlock, Mich. and Midland, Mich. before coming to St. Paul. Recog- nition and thanks also went to Carolyn VanCise (right) who more than ably served as interim principal for the past two years.
  • 20. 20 September 2013 transformed Communities strongChanged LIVes famILIes We are in the business of serving people. it’s something we’ve been doing as two separate organizations for 120 years. and during that time, we’ve learned a lot about human nature and how to care for people regardless of their age or circumstance. over the years, the way in which we deliver our services has changed; but the reason we provide it hasn’t. We want to pour into the lives of the people we serve — individuals, communities, congregations and more — so they emerge stronger than ever, with a renewed sense of hope and purpose. today, we are proud to announce this exciting new era that combines the very best of both worlds. it’s Wellspring Lutheran Services. Wellspring Lutheran Services Coming october 2013 Lutheran Child & family service of michigan 989.686.7650 | www.lcfsmi.org Lutheran Homes of michigan 989.652.3470 | www.agingenriched.org
  • 21. michigandistrict.org/mit 21 LWML LLL GRANT #4 Fort Wayne Food Co-op: Karen Fuelling, Director of the Food and Clothing Co-op writes:“The Food and Clothing Co-op at Concordia, Fort Wayne, plays a vital role by helping students feed and clothe them- selves and their family members while they prepare for full time church work. The Co-op continues to serve the needs of the student families as it has for 35 years…. Because of the LWML Mission Grant you provided for us, in the past fiscal year, which is July to June, we were able to purchase MORE THAN 40,000 pounds of produce. You also helped provide over 2,475 dozen eggs and over 4,200 gallons of milk. We purchased 3,000 pounds of ground beef and over 1,600 boxes of cereal. We purchased 3,059 pounds of dia- pers and 3,106 pounds of toilet paper and paper towels.” St. Louis Food Bank: Laura Moehlman, Operations Supervisor of Enrollment Mgmt says: “I want to extend a special word of thanks on behalf of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, and our students for your continuous support through grant monies in order to assist with the daily oper- ations of our Food Bank…. You are indeed partners with us in the Gospel to help provide necessities for our students and their families here at Concordia Seminary.” And a note from one of the families: “Dear LWML Michigan District, Thank you so much for your generous financial support of the Seminary Food Bank. Your support is truly a blessing to the students and their families (like us). Thank you. Merrit & Veronica Demski.” GRANT #11 Their grant proposal states: “Worship for Shut-Ins ministers to not only the homebound and infirmed, but also to those who may not know Jesus Christ as their Savior” and “it takes outside sources to support this min- istry costing $1,265 weekly [for broadcasting].” Executive Director Ken Schilf states in his letter: “I sincerely thank you on behalf of our viewers in your district that so rely on your program to be spiritually fed. Furthermore, I have had letters and conversations with viewers, who have come to know Christ as their Savior because of Worship for Shut- Ins. Praise the Lord!” As we can see from the above, our mighty MITES are working and are appreciated. Keep up the good work! Women in Mission - A Brief Look at two of our Grants Please mail your Mites to: Glory Drum PO Box 5305 Warren MI 48090 Michigan District, LWML new website address: www.LWMLmichigan.org Philip Krauss II Elected Vice Chair Philip Krauss II of Westland was re-elected recently to a two-year term as vice chair of the Interna- tional Lutheran Laymen’s League (Int’l LLL) Board of Directors. Krauss is program developer at Marygrove College, where he had previously been director of enrollment. He has experience in finance, recruitment, counseling, and admissions and has previously served the Int’l LLL as a regional governor and committee chair as well as a district chair, board secretary, and ambassador. Krauss is the chair for the 2014 Int’l LLL Conference in Detroit. Nearly 11,000 contributing members of the Int’l LLL/ Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM) voted in the recent election to fill the open positions on the Int’l LLL Board of Directors. The elected members were installed in July. Philip Krauss The International Lutheran Laymen’s League (Int’l LLL) is the governing body for Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM), a Christian outreach ministry supporting churches worldwide in its mission of Bringing Christ to the Nations ― and the Nations to the Church. LHM produces Christian radio and TV program- ming for broadcast, as well as Internet and print communications, dramas, music, and outreach materials, to reach the unchurched in more than 30 coun- tries. LHM’s flagship program, The Lutheran Hour, is the world’s longest- running Christian outreach radio program. It airs weekly on 1,400 stations. 2014 LLL/LHM Conference Plans are being made for the 2014 International Lutheran Laymen’s League/Lutheran Hour Ministries (Int’l LLL/LHM) International Out- reach Conference in Detroit next July. The conference is scheduled for July 23-27 at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center, 400 Renaissance Drive, Detroit. Hotel reservations can be made by call- ing 313.568.8000. Lutherans from across North America and various parts of the world where LHM has an active ministry will be gathering at this conference for four days of worship, inspiration, fellowship, and sharing. The conference will feature Rev. Gregory Seltz, a Michigan native and current Lutheran Hour Speaker. Workshops motivating Christians for outreach and inreach will be featured along with family night, the conference banquet, and Lutheran Hour rally. Additional details will be provided in upcoming months. Volunteers are needed to help with the event. If you’re interested in attending or helping out at the con- ference, contact committee chairman Phil Krauss II at  happykrauss@msn.com.
  • 22. 22 September 2013 and society, and you wonder what the future will be like. Ted Koppel said, “We have actually convinced our- selves that slogans will save us: ‘Shoot up, if you must, but use a clean needle.’ ‘Enjoy sex whenever and with whomever - just use protection.’NO. The answer is NO, and not just because it isn’t cool or smart or because you might end up dying in an AIDS ward, but NO, because it is wrong. Because we have spent 5,000 years as a race of rational human beings trying to drive ourselves out of the primeval slime by searching for the truth and moral absolutes. In its purest form, truth is not a polite tap in the shoulder. It is howling reproach. What Moses brought down from Mt. Sinai were not The Ten Sugges- tions.” ABC Nightline Moderator, Ted Koppel, at Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, giving the 1987 commencement address. During the darkest time of Israel’s history, the period of the judges, the end of the book concludes with what six words? Do you know? “… everyone did as he saw fit” (Judges 21:25 NIV) or “everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (NKJV). WE have forgotten God today. Way too often WE have forgotten God. God, during the founding years of this nation and for a century or more afterwards, was the focal point and the foundation of America. It is obvi- ous now, however, that we in the United States have for- gotten God. We were once a thankful people. But in so many regards we have lost the truth of what the Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 4:7, “For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?” (NIV). The only way for the USA to stop this downward spi- ral is to return to God. That will only happen when God’s people, when churches, not only take a stand in their community against the things that are wrong that cause the downward spiral, but also demonstrate a love and compassion for every sinner, and are involved in the community endeavoring to help folks, especially the down and out. It has been proven and acknowledged that the most effective social work done in America today is done by faith-based organizations. Churches that have soup kitchens, clothes closets, English as a Second Lan- guage classes, etc. and truly care for people are making a transformational difference. Friends, God is calling us to return to Him; or let me use the biblical word, REPENT. We must heartily and sincerely repent of our own sin and of our own com- plicity in the downward spiral of our nation. Turning to the only true God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, may He help us to understand and remember that we are so bad that God’s Son had to die for us to set us free, and so loved by Him that He did it with joy. Jesus, “for the joy set before him endured the cross” (Hebrews 12:2 NIV). Full, free, and final forgiveness is ours as a gift from God through faith in Jesus. And with that forgiveness comes God’s power through our connection with Jesus. In His strength, we can change individually, personally. In His strength we can work to change our nation with His love. By grace, “You are the salt of the earth…You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:13-14 NIV). God invites and empowers us to take up our calling. As God’s freed and forgiven people may we, remem- bering that “if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36 NASB): Return to the importance of Scripture — Scripture and the correct study of it must become a priority within the walls of the church and homes and from there taken out into the world. Return to the priority of prayer — Prayer unlocks the power of God on the Church. The people of the church must make it a priority in their lives as well as in the life of the church. I am convinced we need to spend more time praying together. We won’t be able to do anything significant in the world until we humbly come before God in prayer, and beseech “Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20 NASB) to help us as families, churches, communities, and as a nation return to Him. Return to the importance of Evangelism — We have been given the privilege of carrying on the mission and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ who said, “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10 NASB). Knowing that all people are loved by God and desper- ately in need of what only He can give — forgiveness, new life, renewal, salvation — we must consistently present this Good News, the Gospel, to people in our families, churches, communities, and around the world in word and deed. The crucified and risen Lord Jesus – the lover of all mankind, the Redeemer of our lives, desires to freely bestow and continually give of His love and blessings to those who believe, to those who know His voice and follow Him. Forgiven, freed, empowered may we, therefore, not only be hearers of the Word, but doers as by God’s call- ing and grace we heed His words in Micah 6:8, “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (NASB). David P. E. Maier 1 The Collected Words of Abraham Lincoln, ed. Ray Basler, vol. 6, p. 156) 2 Democracy in America. Alexis de Tocqueville, published in 1935; as quoted from www.joyclubusa.com/detocqueville.htm. continued from page 4
  • 23. michigandistrict.org/mit 23 Calls and Roster Update Calls Accepted Boerger, Paul M. (Flint) to Lamb of God, Flint Creeden, Anthony M. (Westland) to Bethlehem, Lakewood, CO Erickson, James D. (Associate Pastor, Immanuel, Alpena) to Senior Pastor, Immanuel, Alpena Fandrey, James E. (Clinton Twp.) to Grace, Wood River, NE Ferry, Charles D. (West Bloomfield) to Mission Developer, The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod, St. Louis Hooper, William (St. Louis, MO) to Christ, White Cloud Johnson, Randy L. (New Buffalo) to St. John’s, Cheboygan Khan, Amer M. (Administrative Pastor, All Nations, Troy) to Associate Pastor, All Nations, Troy Khan, Khurram M. (Associate Pastor, All Nations, Troy) to Senior Pastor, All Nations, Troy Peterson, Russell A. (Hales Corners, WI) to Trinity, Sturgis Peterson, Ryan R. (Wildwood, MO) to Asst. Professor of Theology and Campus Pastor, Concordia University Ann Arbor Seaver, Todd A. (Toledo, OH) to Holy Ghost, Monroe Change of Status Doenges, Joseph C. (St. Clair) to Non-Candidate Reusch, Jon W. (West Bloomfield) to Emeritus Stahlhut, Steven C. (Linden) to Emeritus Transferred Out Meyer, Mel M. (South Bend, IN) to Indiana District Rippy, Sean L. (Boise, ID) to Northwest District Reinstated to Roster Gorlitz, Larry R. (St. Cloud, MN) Resigned from Roster Becerra, Roberto A. (Sawyer) Sgambelluri, Carlo A. (West Branch) Called Home Goltz, Gordon K. (Emeritus) Rudow, Eugene C. (Emeritus) Ruhl, Lorne C. (Emeritus) Voorhees, David L. (Emeritus) Congregations Added Blissfield, Blessed Savior Pontiac, St. Paul Calls Accepted Arrick, Mary (Candidate) to Green Bay Lutheran School Association, Green Bay, WI Barth, Rachael (Concordia, Mequon) to Immanuel, Alpena Britton, John (Lutheran Church of St. Luke, Itasca, IL) to Trinity, Port Huron Fischer, Melinda (St. Luke, Clinton Township) to St. Paul, Troy, IL Furr, Ruth (Concordia, Seward) to Holy Cross, Saginaw Grannis, Kristy (Non-Candidate, Minnesota South District) to Open Arms, Belleville Hildebrand, Laura (Candidate) to Christ, Stevensville Jenicek, Rebecca (St. Matthew, Washougal, WA) to Messiah, Holt Johnson, Andrea (Zion, Bethalto, IL) to St. Peter, Macomb Krc, Mary (Concordia, Seward) to Holy Cross, Saginaw Looker, Paul (Lutheran High Northwest, Rochester Hills) to Lutheran High School Association of Greater Detroit, Rochester Hills McCollister, Allison (Candidate) to St. Paul, Northville Newton, LaRayne (Candidate) to St. Michael’s, Richville Oechsner, Bryan (Lutheran High North, Macomb) to Mt. Rainier High School, Tacoma, WA Pehlke, Todd (St. John, Merrill, WI) to St. John, Rochester Pidsosny, Mary (Non-Candidate) to St. Peter’s, Eastpointe Schlak, Stephanie (Concordia, Ann Arbor) to Lutheran High Northwest, Rochester Hills Scott, Aaron (St. John’s, Glendale, WI) to Concordia, Redford Scott, Amy (Grace, Menomonee, WI) to St. Matthew, Walled Lake Unger, Daniel (St. John, Fraser) to Lutheran High North, Macomb Vogeli, Mitchell (Commissioned Non-Candidate) to Nativity, Saint Charles (Ordained) Weiss, Theodore (Grace, San Mateo, CA) to Immanuel, Sebewaing Zeddies, Brooke (St. John, New Boston) to Messiah, Independence, MO ORDAINED COMMISSIONED Change of Status Beethe, Ivan (Trinity, Conklin) to Candidate Beringer, Daniel (Immanuel, Sebewaing – serving Christ the King) to Emeritus Bresemann, Linda (St. Lorenz, Frankenmuth) to Emeritus Burmeister, Nathaniel (St. Luke, Haslett) to Non-Candidate Eisman, Kathleen (St. Paul, Bay City) to Emeritus Elmshauer, Laura (Trinity, Clinton Township) to Candidate Gallagher, John (Trinity, Muskegon – serving West Shore) to Emeritus Gioe, Louise (St. Lorenz, Frankenmuth) to Emeritus Michael, Patricia (Trinity, Berrien Springs) to Emeritus Mueller, Robert (Peace, Saginaw) to Emeritus Odinga, Ardith (Holy Cross, Saginaw) to Emeritus Schmitt, Kristine (St. Paul, Lapeer) to Emeritus Siefker, Dorothy (St. Paul, Northville) to Emeritus Stordahl, Jean (Trinity, Muskegon – serving West Shore) to Emeritus Taggart, Linda (St. Thomas, Eastpointe) to Emeritus Thomas, Jean (St. Peter, Hemlock) to Emeritus Thompson, Judy (St. Peter’s, Eastpointe) to Emeritus Vanick, Edward (St. Thomas, Eastpointe) to Emeritus Wiersig, Christine (St. Paul’s, Farmington – serving Concordia, Redford) to Emeritus Transfer out of District Arrick, Mary (Candidate) to North Wisconsin District Baringer, Todd (Trinity, St. Joseph) to Mid-South District Beethe, Ivan (Candidate) to North Wisconsin District Fischer, Melinda (St. Luke, Clinton Township) to Southern Illinois District Kumm, David (Christ the King, Sebewaing) to Ohio District McDaniel, Jennifer (Macomb, St. Peter) to Pacific Southwest District Oechsner, Bryan (Lutheran High North, Macomb) to Northwest District Pickelmann, Jonathon (St. John’s, Midland) to South Wisconsin District Robbins, Nathan (Concordia, Ann Arbor) to Texas District Wallace, Jeffery (Christ, Stevensville) to Indiana District Zeddies, Brooke (St. John, New Boston) to Missouri District Transferred into District Grannis, Kristy (Minnesota South District) to Open Arms, Belleville Jenicek, Rebecca (Northwest District) to Messiah, Holt Nash, Patricia (Indiana District) as Non-Candidate Sankey, Thad (Nebraska District) to Concordia, Ann Arbor Schumacher, Joshua (Pacific Southwest District) to Concordia, Ann Arbor Weiss, Rebecca (California-Hawaii-Nevada District) as Candidate Weiss, Theodore (California-Hawaii-Nevada District) to Immanuel, Sebewaing – serving at Christ the King, Sebewaing Resigned from the Roster Beach, Sharon Called Home Grueber, Susan Reitmeyer, Royce A complete up-to-date listing of Calls and Vacancies can be found at www.michigandistrict.org, click on About.
  • 24. 24 September 2013 For detailed event information, please visit www.michigandistrict.org/events. SEPTEMBER 2 Labor Day Office Closed 10-11 Circuit Counselors Conference Peace, Ann Arbor 12 Webinar - Spiritual Disciplines* 15-18 Deacon Conference Arcadia, Michigan 23-26 IIM Conference Hillsdale, Michigan OCTOBER 4-6 Church Extension Fund Fall Conference Lansing, Michigan 6-9 All Pastors’ Conference Boyne Falls, Michigan 11-13 Lutheran Adult Gathering Mackinac Island, Michigan 16 Webinar - Mission & Outreach* 18-20 Confirmation Retreat Arcadia, Michigan 21-23 Michigan/Ohio DCE/FLD Retreat Maumee Bay, Ohio 24-26 LEA Convocation Milwaukee, Wisconsin 25-27 Confirmation Retreat Arcadia, Michigan NOVEMBER 7 New Church Worker Conference Ann Arbor, Michigan 8-9 Family Friendly Partners Network #3 Event 6 Guardian, Dearborn 13 Webinar - Communications* 28-29 Thanksgiving Office Closed DECEMBER 12 Webinar- School Mktg & Enrollment Education* 24-25 Christmas Office Closed JANUARY 1 New Years Day Office Closed Calendar of Events * The District Office hosts monthly free live webinars for professional church workers and lay leaders throughout the state and beyond. The hour- long presentations cover topics such as: school board membership, service as an elder, effective gover- nance models, strategic planning, stewardship, mis- sions, and more. For more information or to register, visit www.michigandistrict.org/webinars. Michigan In Touch Online! Check out Blogs, Pictures, and Videos online at www.michigandistrict.org/mit. Content that: Awakens, Connects, Challenges, and Inspirits! MICHIGAN DISTRICT LCMS PEOPLE OF HOPE Loon Lake Lutheran Retreat Center in Hale, Mich. is “A Place Apart” • Youth Groups • Men’s/Women’s Groups • Family Reunions • Quilting Retreats • Outdoor Education • Band/Sports Camps • Conferences 877.264.1004 LLLRC@centurytel.net www.loonlakeretreat.org