Dear Mission Prayer Partners,

Living Hope, Stafford is at a critical moment in the building-opening process. They are praying to be able to welcome children on Tuesday, September 7, which is the first day of school in their area. Being open to coincide with the start of school will make a tremendous difference in the ability to sustain and grow this new ministry.

As it is with many new construction projects, the list of what is yet to be done and the permits needed feels insurmountable. This is a call to prayer – specific, intentional prayer for this ministry that any obstacle that might be holding it back would be overcome in time for welcoming children.

I wrote to pastor Gary Rueter and asked him what we could specifically pray for. This is his response:

1)Clean water. Twice we have failed on our site to get water that is clear of particles. It’s now identified as a County system problem and a hydrant across the street from us will be opened and flushed until it flows clear. That should allow us to pass the water inspection on our property.

2) With clean water the fire sprinkler company can begin to complete the connections on its system and then begin the three or four days of tests to make sure everything is functioning.

3) At the same time the electrician needs to complete his task and to get the fire alarm panel installed and functioning.

4) Next the fire alarm company will come on the scene and program the system to operate correctly. We are told that can take them weeks (not days).

5) We also were informed yesterday that the bio-retention storm water management system must be totally functioning before we can get occupancy and it is barely begun. Monroe Excavating is responsible for the clean water and this bio-retention facility as well as bringing the playground area to grade and several other items. So prayers for Monroe, the electricians, and the sprinkler and fire alarm folks are definitely in order.

6) In the meantime three external doors need adjustment by the manufacturer to fit the hardware that we have (the doors were incorrectly shipped and they will not arrive on the scene until Sept 8, but should complete in one day.) We also have much touchup; caulking proceeds apace; and some siding is awaited to complete the outside.
Instead of being days from completion as we had been led to believe, we are more likely into weeks. At this point we are still holding to the Sept 26 dedication, but you can tell that is also in jeopardy.

Please begin fervent prayer on behalf of this ministry. Invite others to join you. Let us pray for the responses needed and the tasks completed so that Living Hope can welcome little children and their families next Tuesday.

Thank you for your mission prayers, they are making an eternal difference.

Closing Headline
10:02 am Prayers for the Harvest and Workers

Don’t forget to set your cell phones alarm/alert to 10:02 a.m. and pray for the Harvest and Workers. Luke 10:2 Jesus told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

Deaconess Sally J. HIller
Director of Congregational Outreach
Southeastern District

Hurricane Katrina

This weekend marks the 5 year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina when the lives of thousands in the Gulf Coast were turned upside down. While much has been accomplished over these 5 years, there is still much to be done. One blessing has been the absence of a damaging hurricane since 2005, but the recent Gulf Oil spill only added insult to injury for those still struggling to live in that area of the country.

One positive result of Hurricane Katrina was an awareness of the importance of “Being Prepared”. Many families now have emergency kits in their homes with a supply of food and survival items. Businesses, churches and schools have put together emergency plans. But there are still those who do not realize the importance of “Being Prepared”. While most of us have been spared from major disasters, others have had to deal with fires, floods, tornados, earthquakes, and mudslides. Homes, schools, churches, businesses have been badly damaged or destroyed. That is when we can step in with the love of Christ giving HOPE to those who have suffered losses.

As Christians, we can play an important roll in the recovery process when these disasters happen, if we are prepared. This ministry is best accomplished if you and your congregation have a plan to respond. On the Southeastern District website there are 6 modules that can be accessed which congregations can use to begin the process of “Being Prepared”. As we approach this 5th anniversary-as well as Hurricane Preparedness Month-please take the time to discuss your congregation’s preparedness with your pastor and leaders and plan to develop a plan for preparedness. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Deaconess Liz DeMik at the SED office, 800-637-5723 Ext. 215.

May God bless our ministries of care and compassion for our neighbor in their times of need.

Liz DeMik
_____________________________________

Emergency Response: Pakistan

As monsoon rains in Pakistan continue to cause widespread flooding that so far has killed 1,600 and affected nearly 14 million Pakistanis. Nearly six million people are now homeless because of the floods from monsoon rains that began in late-July. The floods have spread through four provinces, covering more than 50,000 square miles-including Pakistan’s agricultural heartland.

Right now, relief workers are rushing to get shelter, food and medical attention to flood victims. Hunger is also a major concern as so much of the country’s farmland has been destroyed and food prices continue to rise sharply.

LCMS World Relief and Human Care (WR-HC) is responding through its inter-Lutheran partner Lutheran World Relief (LWR), Baltimore. “This is the most effective and efficient way that aid and assistance can be brought to the people of Pakistan,” said Rev. Glenn Merritt, WR-HC director of disaster response. “Lutheran World Relief is actively engaged in meeting the needs in Pakistan through ACT Alliance.” ACT Alliance is a global coalition of churches and agencies engaged in development, humanitarian response and advocacy.

To make a gift that shares Christ’s mercy and helps those affected by the flooding in Pakistan, visit the LCMS World Relief web site, or call 888.930.4438, or mail donations earmarked for “Pakistan Flood Relief Fund” to LCMS World Relief and Human Care, P.O. Box 66861, St. Louis, MO 63166-6861.

How about an Orphan Grain Train “Undie Sunday?”

Destitute people around the world need the very basic necessities. Thousands of children in Nicaragua and Kyrgyzstan helped by Orphan Grain Train, Maryland Division, often do not have good underwear and socks. Often with only the shirt on their backs, it is difficult for them to obtain good clothes, not to mention: UNDERWEAR!!!

How can you help? Collect new underwear for Orphan Grain Train Maryland Division to send to needy people! Men’s, women’s, boy’s and girl’s-all sizes are needed. Announce an “Orphan Grain Train ‘Undie Sunday’” and offer a prayer that day for the people who will receive your gifts. Please send your boxes of new underwear to: Elfie Eberle, St. Paul Lutheran Church, 31 Rowe Boulevard, Annapolis, Maryland, 21401. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Elfie Eberle, Board Chair, at 410-544-1621 or email her.

Compassion and Mercy Outreach Blessing Stories from SED Congregational Websites

The “Sandwich Brigade”

At Our Savior, Rehoboth Beach DE, each Thursday a team of 5-6 people make and deliver 120-150 sandwiches to the Midway Soup Kitchen.

Back to School Bonanza

Jordan Lutheran, Apex NC partnered with Regal Theaters, local businesses, and a neighboring congregations to gather and distribute school supplies to more than 60 families and almost 200 students. Local schools provided supply lists for this project.

Shoes of Hope

Members from New Hope Missions (Mooresville NC), a daughter church of Holy Trinity, Statesville NC participated in a Shoes of Hope distribution with Samaritan’s Feet – a national & international ministry, based in Charlotte, which has the goal of providing 10 million shoeless people with new shoes, in 10 years. They had the privilege of washing feet, placing brand new socks, and tennis shoes on people who perhaps haven’t had new shoes ever in their life! While doing so, they witnessed to the love of God in Jesus.

Angel Food Ministries

Concordia, Hagerstown MD and St. Peter’s, Conover NC participate in a food distribution program whose goal is to provide food relief and financial support to communities throughout the United States. A box of food from Angel Food Ministries is both a bargain and a blessing! In addition to serving up boxes of groceries, the Good News is shared in conversations and in Gospel tracts that are placed in each food order.

Cookies for Kairos Ministry

At Messiah, Charlotte NC, members are busy making cookies for the Kairos ministry event at Evans Correctional Center. They are an expression of agape love and thousands are needed for the weekend event. Not only are they available for snacking, each inmate receives a gift of cookies each day. Thousands are consumed over the weekend! And more than 7000 dozen are baked for this event for a total of 84,000 cookies!

Lutheran Malaria Initiative

Malaria is a preventable and treatable disease that kills more than a million people a year, the majority of them children. As Christians we must not stand by and let this happen. That’s why LWR is working to make sure people have the knowledge and tools they need to prevent malaria.

The Lutheran Malaria Initiative is partnering with Nothing But Nets™

to bring Lutherans an exciting way to get involved in the fight against malaria! Just $10 buys an insecticide-treated bed net, delivers it to someone in Africa, and educates them on its use. Protecting people from malaria-infected mosquitoes is that easy: send a net, save a life. It’s something you can do right now. To donate go to LWR Malaria Initiative .

The Southeastern District (SED)

is a regional district of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. Connecting people with Christ, the 205 churches, 91 schools and 43 missions are located in Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Washington DC,Pennsylvania, North and South Carolina. The SED office is located in Alexandria VA.

www.se.lcms.org

Sally J Hiller
Executive Director for Congregational Outreach and District Operations
Southeastern District, LCMS
6315 Grovedale Drive
Alexandria VA 22310-2501

voice: 703.971.9371, Ext. 205 or 800.637.5723, fax 703.922.6047
web: www.se.lcms.org

Found this on YouTube and re-posted a few times by various individuals on Facebook. Pen, along with his partner Teller, are famous for their magic and also for their opinions about religion. Here Pen is commenting on his positive feelings about a man who gently but directly witnessed to him and gave him a pocket testament after one of his performances. He comments on his opinion of the importance of witnessing as an act of love if you really believe, and contrasts it with his perception of the silence of those who believe Jesus is the only way to the Father, and yet do not witness (he uses the term proselytize)  because they are afraid of “offending” the other person.  Interesting.

Please keep Pen in your prayers that the Holy Spirit will open his heart to the truth of the scriptures.

Faith Sharing Update

“Grandmom? What happens if somebody doesn’t know that Jesus loves them?”, asked Gavin. Pastor Black had just made an important point in his message on the Sunday that we visited at St. Paul, Glen Burnie MD and Gavin heard it. God invites us to share with others. He gives us the words to speak. And sometimes, we even get a holy nudge that moves us into sharing. The words are simple: “Jesus loves me.” The message is transforming. And the messenger – that would you and me – are blessed by God to be a blessing to others.

Today, I am remembering in prayer the 556,062 faith sharing conversations that members of Southeastern District congregations and schools have reported. It is my fervent hope that as the Holy Spirit continues the work of nurturing and growing faith in these lives that they will come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

I look forward to hearing from you, please send me an email about the many ways you are sharing Jesus with others. A few of my favorite summer reports follow.

St. John’s Lutheran Church of Conover has sent out two more short-term mission teams. These teams traveled to Deering and Arctic Village, Alaska, to lead Vacation Bible School programs in these two remote, native villages. The villages they flew to are in the extreme northern parts of Alaska and are only accessible by plane. LAMP (Lutheran Association of Missionaries and Pilots) was the co-sponsor of their trip.

St. Matthew, BelAir MD shares about Bob and Shirley who have worshipped with the congregation for the past six years. They watched the tremendous efforts of the church to help the victims of the Haiti and Chilean earthquakes and, as a result, were led to join the congregation.

Sharing a Cross, Rev. Rick Hase: While on vacation this summer in Ocean City, MD with my wife Donna we decided to go to visit the Outlets in Delaware. After shopping on this very hot day we were hungry and ready for a change of pace and so we headed to Crabby Dick’s Crab House. There at Crabby Dick’s we met Miriam, from Eastern Europe who served as our server that evening. During the course of the next two hours there was a lot of sharing once I ask about her home and her surprise that I recognized her accent. As I tried to get up she reached down and quickly helped me up showing her strength. I put my hand into my pocket pulling out my best looking Olive Wood Cross which I gave her explain that it was from the Holy Land and meant to remind her that Jesus Christ had come into this world for her and that he loved her and had died on the cross for her sin so that so might have eternal life. There was great joy in her eyes as I explained the cross to her and she said that she was a Christian and that this cross would mean a great deal to her being the highlight of her life in the United States. We then spent about 20 more minutes sharing our faith with each other before I told her about our Savior.

Mission Development Academy 4 About to Begin

Mission Development Academy begins a new season on September 11. If your congregation is interested in beginning a new ministry, taking the lead on starting a new mission, or developing a new mission outlook; then you may want to enroll in MDA. The purpose of MDA is to help a congregational team to understand the mission challenges and to develop the mission mindset needed to reach out with the Gospel. A session includes nine 3-hour Saturday morning webinars (9-noon) and a retreat. Session topics include:

· Ministry in the Emerging Culture
· Living in Vibrant Relationship with Jesus
· Focus on God’s Business
· Outreach, Evangelism, and Personal Sharing
· Local Demographics

If you are interested in learning more, contact Tina Jasion, Program Director of the Mission Development Academy.

Looking for Help in Developing a Congregational Evangelism Team?

Meet David and Deanna Allen and Marian Parker who are volunteers with The 72R–Partners-On The Road. The 72 is a ministry of LCMS World Missions, with a primary goal of equipping LCMS members for effective outreach ministry. David, Deanna, and Marian are The72 field representatives to the Southeastern District, and members of Redeemer, Fredericksburg, VA.

The 72 sends teams to partner with congregations, evangelism leaders, and staff members to accomplish specific outreach goals that have been identified by the congregation. Areas where The 72 can assist in equipping, encouraging and exciting your members include:

expressing their faith anywhere in a natural and non-confrontational manner
* discovering and using their spiritual gifts in ministry
* recognizing and reaching out to potential inactives
* beginning a small group ministry
* being outreach focused in all areas of ministry
* being able to visit neighborhoods asking for needs and prayer concerns
* reaching out to the community through “Side Door” events
* discovering ways to assimilate guests and members into the congregation
*
If you would like to find more information about this ministry, you can visit The 72′s Web site or contact Dave and Deanna directly.

Three Bible Class Resources:

Big Ways, Little Ways: 30 Ways – Big and Small – to Tell Others About Jesus

This booklet from Creative Communications for the Parish is a very friendly and a helpful tool. It begins with Jesus who died for our sins so that we may be forgiven, live in God’s love, be there for one another, and someday enjoy eternity. That’s it. That’s what we want to share with others. This little booklet has 29 suggestions for activities that one may do to share the Good News. From “wearing the Good News” to “remembering your Godchild” to “looking and listening for an opportunity”, these simple actions of faith will encourage you to share Jesus.

Mission from the Cross

If you are looking for a good Bible study for a Fall class, you might consider Mission from the Cross – Lay Reader’s Edition by Dr. Klaus Detlev Schulz. This book provides a contemporary look at mission, including crucial topics such as cultural anthropology, communication styles and linguistics, strategic and ecumenical issues, and much more related to what mission is and how mission is accomplished. In speaking of mission and our involvement in mission, Dr. Schulz writes: “All Christians are involved in mission after having received the good news of their reconciliation with God through Christ. They have the desire of sharing that wonderful news with others without selfishly protecting and withholding it from people who live estranged from God. Mission is the measure of the Church’s health.” Dr. Schulz is Associate Professor and Chairman, Department of Pastoral Ministry and Missions at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne IN.

Faith Talks: An Interactive Workshop for Sharing the Gospel

The Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) is pleased to offer a new resource for faith sharing. Faith Talk is an interactive faith-sharing guide and outreach training program. Faith Talk leads participants through a process of recognizing personal opportunities for faith-sharing, effective listening, and celebrating the encounters which God provides. The goal of Faith Talk is that each individual will be compelled to share the Gospel, pray for and recognize opportunities to do so, and then confidently live and speak the faith.

Mission U and Lutheran Hour Ministries

Where will you find brand-new materials to strengthen your daily witness? The answer is Mission U. this new online project from Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM) features a 21st century university theme with detailed curriculum, seminar-style presentations, expert speakers, in-class and on-line student interaction, and take-home study resources and practice. A course catalog of curriculum options gives congregations choices from which to tailor their own mission strategies.

Mission U originated as a joint partnership of the SED and LHM and is now taking on a new life. To learn more about Mission U, contact Sarah Guldalian or visit the website.

Final note: Tending the Flame DVDs of Reggie McNeal’s presentations are available for a donation of $5.00. Email Cathy Long if interested.

Sally Hiller
Executive Director for Congregational Outreach
Southeastern District, LCMS

Prayer Notes August 24, 2010

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ. Colossians 4: 2-3.

Dear Mission Prayer Partners,

It was only a moment but it happened – a Gospel connection. My husband and I were at Wendy’s for lunch. Once we received our meal, we bowed our heads and said out loud (not too loudly) the table prayer. We didn’t think much about it, we always give thanks before we eat. But someone else noticed it and she was moved to come to our table and mention that touched her that we would stop to say a prayer. Her eyes filled with tears and I asked her if we could pray for her. She leaned over and whispered “My husband has been dead for almost a year and I miss him.” I held her hand and in silent prayer, listed her up for strength and peace. She left thanking us for being unafraid to pray at Wendy’s.

Just a moment, an unintentional witness that touched the heart of another. It is for moments such as those that we are in constant prayer, asking God to somehow work through our imperfect witness so that another may be connected (again) with Him.

Do not grow weary, keep on praying. Our constant prayers for the sake of mission is opening doors for missionaries, new ministries, and new relationships. Keep on praying, you never know who will catch you.

During these next weeks, remember Circuit 4′s Mission Committee as they continue to work on a new African Immigrant Outreach effort in the Bowie-Crofton (MD) area. They are asking for specific prayers that the details with the hosting congregation will soon be completed, a mission developer is raised up, and that hearts will be opened as news about this new outreach is shared within the community.

Our Prayer Goals for 2010
Let us join our hearts and voices as we pray for:

Those who do not know Jesus Christ and the joy of His salvation for them.
The work of mission outreach teams, missionaries, and outreach efforts that will make a Gospel difference in our communities.
Boldness in each of our lives that we will regularly share the Good News of Jesus with others.
The continued growth in prayer partners for mission. (Our goal is 3000 pray-ers and a prayer team for each new mission.)
For 750,000 recorded faith-sharing events.
For the work and the people of the Convention of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod.

Thank you for your mission prayers, they are making an eternal difference.

Closing Headline
10:02 am Prayers for the Harvest and Workers
Don’t forget to set your cell phones alarm/alert to 10:02 a.m. and pray for the Harvest and Workers. Luke 10:2 Jesus told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

In Prayer
We pray with thanksgiving for the ministry and service of LCMS President Gerald Kieschnick and pray for God’s blessings and wisdom to be upon LCMS President-elect Matt Harrison as he prepares to take office on September 1, 2010.

Prayer Requests
Let Us Pray:

+ Dr. Dave Falkner, Principal at Concordia, Hyattsville MD is recovering from surgery.
+ Rev. Dave Betzner (Interim, Christ Community, Leesburg VA) recovering from oral surgery.
+ With thanksgiving to God who kept Rev. Don and Teacher Marcia Schaefer (Our Savior, Rehoboth Beach and St. John, Dover DE) safe during an auto accident.

Calls Pending

+DCE Nathaniel Brewer (Rancho Cucamonga CA) to Grace, Durham NC to serve as Director of Christian Education.

Calls Declined

+ Rev. James Wiggins (Peace, DC) to Faith, Mobile AL

Installation

+ Vicar Tom Roma was installed at Concordia, Conover on August 8.
+ Rev. Karl G. Schuler will be installed as Pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Woodbridge, VA, on 8/29/2010.
+ The Rev. Lawrence M. Eckart will be installed as Pastor on 9/12/2010 at Island Lutheran Church, Hilton Head, SC.

Transfer In

+ Rev. Arthur L. Gillespie, Emeritus, transferred from Atlantic District to Southeastern District.

SED Sunday is coming this Fall!
Throughout the Fall, members of the staff and the Board of Directors will seek opportunities to share with congregations through worship and Bible study our thanks for you and the creative partnership that enables us to be one district together in mission. If you are interested in having a speaker in your congregation, please contact Sally.

Position Available

First Lutheran Church, Huntingtown, MD is seeking a part/time youth director for our middle school and high school youth ministry. We are a growing congregation just south of Washington D.C and are committed to the youth of our congregation and their discipleship. We are looking for a Youth Director who is faithful in his/her own prayer, worship and fellowship life and wants to share his/her leadership gifts and talents through service in youth ministry. The position will be part/time (12 hours/week) to start. For further information and salary or to send in a resume, contact First Lutheran Church at 410-257-3030 or firstlutheran@flc-lcms.org or DCE Shawn Maassel at 301-332-9801.

Women of Faith Tickets Available!

First Lutheran Church of Huntingtown, MD  has a block of tickets for the upcoming August 27-28 Women of Faith conference (Over the Top.) We have 9 tickets left and are looking for individuals or groups who might be interested in attending!  The tickets are $89 for both the Friday and Saturday conference at the Verizon Center, Washington D.C. and include boxed lunches both days.  Please contact Shawn Maassel at 301-332-9801 if interested.

Southeastern District, LCMS
6315 Grovedale Drive
Alexandria, Virginia 22310
800-637-5723

Thank you for your ongoing support of Ablaze! for God’s Mission

Already 63% of pledges for Ablaze! for God’s Mission have been fulfilled. Thank you for this support of ministry, which enables new efforts to continue. As this newsletter is being prepared, LINC Baltimore is at work gathering school supplies for inner-city youth who are in need of these basic tools for education. Crossways Mission in Norfolk VA, who is in a corner storefront in Downtown Norfolk, has filled a prayer window with the petitions of people who both worship at Crossway and travel the downtown sidewalk. University Christian High School will open the school year with a new principal and a commitment to be accredited within two years.

Yet, this is the beginning, already Mission Developer Glenn Lucas is working with congregations, mission committees, and circuits to begin work in 5 new areas, such as Zion Praise Tabernacle an African Immigrant Ministry seeking to plant in the Bowie MD area. Currently, the creative partnership of the Southeastern District has begun 57 new ministries toward the goal of 100. Again, thank you for your contributions that are making this possible.

From LCMS President Rev. Dr. Gerald Kieschnick
to the members of the Southeastern District:

Dear President Diefenthaler, Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Grace and peace be with you, from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

On behalf of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod, I express sincere congratulations and thanks for your generous response to the Ablaze for God’s Mission campaign. Along with those of many others in our Synod, your gifts help fuel the fires of our Synod’s effort to reach lost people for Christ.

Through the generosity of many individuals and congregations, the Southeastern District has been and will continue to be able to support mission development in those local and regional locations most needful of such mission endeavors. In addition, LCMS World Mission will be able to support new mission endeavors across our nation throughout the world. Your gifts will not only help plant congregations and train and support leaders, but they will also encourage personal witness opportunities as people share their faith with those who have not yet heard the Good News of God’s love in Christ.

It is my prayer that your generosity will help inspire others throughout The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod to make sacrificial gifts to support mission outreach. It is evident that you have taken to heart St. Paul’s counsel to Timothy to …”fan into flame the gift of God…” (2 Tim 1:6a).

It gives me great joy to add a word of sincere appreciation for the efforts of the Southeastern District staff, especially District President Jon Diefenthaler, for tireless commitment to this worthy cause. Without such leadership the campaign simply would not have achieved the success which resulted from much prayer and selfless expenditure of time and energy.

Once again, thank you for your commitment and dedication to the Ablaze for God’s Mission effort. May our gracious Heavenly Father bless your gifts to extend His Kingdom and bless you richly for your participation in His mission.

Sincerely, in Christian love,
Dr. Gerald B. Kieschnick, President
The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod

Two Southeastern District Congregations Recognized at Synod Convention

At the 64th regular convention of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod, three congregations were recognized for participation in Fan into Flame (Ablaze! for God’s Mission). Two of the three were from the Southeastern District: Mountainside Lutheran in Linnville NC and Prince of Peace in Springfield VA.

Mountainside Lutheran Church: The congregation, with 54 baptized members, was formed only five years ago and uses a church building at Camp Linn Haven. Members far exceeded a Fan into Flame goal by raising $279,000, Zehnder said.

Together with its own funds, Mountainside recently received a $900 grant from the Fan into Flame campaign to help purchase a refrigerator/freezer for Volunteer Avery, a social-service agency that provides food to needy people in Avery County, according to the congregation’s website.  Donors can now provide perishable items for distribution through the ministry items it could not accept before.

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church: Members established a goal for themselves that each member should aim for seven critical events each year.  A critical event occurs when one member witnesses about Jesus, and the hope that is within him or her, to another person, so that person may encounter Christ. In Phase I of its Ablaze! fundraising effort, Prince of Peace reported it had recorded more 600 critical events and exceeded its goal of raising $185,000 to support Ablaze!

Phase 2 placed more emphasis on mission to our neighbors. To date, the congregation has raised $410,000 for Fan into Flame, and has focused on church planting, including an Ethiopian community,



Shalom!

Wow! What a Summer.  the Lord has provided many opportunities for
mission. I have been blogging regularly at www.aohe-dc.org but
newsletters have fallen between the cracks.  I have now caught up.  You
can read the newsletters by going to the blog and then to the
newsletters page, or by clicking on the links provided below.

May Newsletter

June Newsletter

July Newsletter

I seek your prayers, your participation, and your support.

In His name

Jerry Lucas
Mission Advocate, Apple of His Eye-DC
PO Box 351
Mount Vernon, Virginia 22121

www.aohe-dc.org
www.appleofhiseye.org
jerry@aohe-dc.org
On Twitter: @aohe_dc
On Facebook: aohe-dc

Southeastern District Dates to Note:

Regional Educators Conferences –
Oct. 14 – Concordia, Conover
Oct. 15 – St. Pauls, Glen Burnie MD

Professional Church Workers Conference  -
Oct. 19-21 – Ramada Plaza West Hotel, Ricmond VA

Regional Workshops for Church Treasurers and LCEF Volunteers
October 8, King of Glory, Williamsburg VA
October 9, Our Savior, Laurel MD
October 29, Grace, Summerville SC
October 30, Ascension, Charlotte NC

Northern Region Events
Attention worship leaders and worship teams. Christian recording artist, Don Wharton will be giving a concert at St. Paul Lutheran in Glen Burnie on Friday evening, September 10, 2010 at 7:00 pm, and then leading a worship team/praise brand retreat at St. Paul’s from 9-12 on Saturday morning, September 11, 2010. Please check out his website at www.donwharton.com  He has incredible gifts of musicality and storytelling which he blends with his amazing witness of God’s presence and protection.

For Pastors, Staff, Lay Leaders Spiritual Leadership in the 21st Century – Saturday, September 18 from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm.  Discover insights that will help you understand our changing world and lead you to deeper joy and a greater sense of purpose in supporting one another to accomplish God’s work in the world and in your community!  Featuring a special presentation on “Leadership by the Book,” blending the best of ministry and management principles in a unique model for the future.  Hosted by The Wellspring Center at The Lutheran Church of St. Andrew, 15300 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring MD 20905.  301-384-4394. Details and registration at are avialable at Wellspring Center.

For Women The Practical Pursuit of the Miracle Life – A Women’s Retreat Day – Saturday, October 16 from 9 am – 4 pm.  Stephanie Edwards, nationally-known broadcaster and Christian speaker will use story, music and scriptural study to explore how God calls each of us to the “miracle life” of fullness and joy, with inspiring tips to help women reach their boundless potential in Christ!  All women are welcome!  Hosted by The Lutheran Church of St. Andrew, 15300 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring MD 20905.  301-384-4394. Details and registration at www.mystandrew.org  Early bird discount til September 15!

For Teens/High School Youth - “Get Back Up Again” Teen Rebound Rally – Saturday, October 9 from 10 am – 4 pm.  Even if you slip up, you can always get back up again!  Live music, comedy, good food and stories of real-life “rebounds” that will inspire teens to soar higher than ever before! Featuring guest speaker Jay Gamelin of Ohio State Campus Ministry.  Come for fun and be inspired!  All high school-age youth invited – bring friends!   Hosted by The Lutheran Church of St Andrew, 15300 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20905. 301-384-4394. Details and registration at www.mystandrew.org. Early bird discount til September 15!

LINC-Baltimore is gathering school supplies to be distributed to Nazareth, St. Thomas, and Berea congregations in Baltimore MD. These congregations serve in areas of poverty. The gathered supplies are stored at the Lutheran Mission Society Office, located 601 Hammonds Lane, 21225 and arrangement for pick up will be scheduled. Contact Rev. Michael Johnson for additional information.

Drama Ministry Improvisation (Improv) Workshop Are you looking for new and fresh ideas for your drama ministry? Do you desire to create shows that will teach moral values and Biblical virtues, minister to a wide audience and excite your congregation? Do you want to learn how to act out parables and bring the Bible to life? If so, then this workshop is definitely for you! Peace Lutheran Church, Washington, D.C. is hosting a FREE 4-WEEK Improvisation Workshop for Drama Ministry. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your ministry. Do not have a drama ministry but interested in starting one? This workshop can help with that, too. Please don’t miss it!

Peace Lutheran Church – (202) 398-5503 or 5504
#15 – 49th Place, Washington, D.C. 20019

FREE 4-WEEK SESSION as follows:
Session 1 – Sunday, September 12, 2010
Session 2 – Sunday, September 19, 2010
Session 3 – Sunday, October 10, 2010
Session 4 – Sunday, October, 17, 2010
Begininning and ending time for each session is 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM.  Refreshments will be served.
For more information please contact Sherry Edmonds by email -  or by phone – 202.678.6952.  ALL are invited and encouraged to attend!

Southern Region Events

It Pays To Be Smart Our congratulations to Elizabeth Dzugan, daughter of Rev. and Mrs. Joe Dzugan, pastor at Grace, High Point, who won a new Toyota Scion xB on August 1 during the “Cool To Be Smart” festivities of the Business for Excellence in Education program for 2010 High School graduates who passed at least five Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate exams. Elizabeth graduated this year from the Guildford County’s Early College at Guilford College. In the Fall, Elizabeth will continue classes at Guilford (as a Junior) majoring in anthropology and French with a goal of working for the State Department as a foreign affairs officer.

St. John’s Lutheran Sends Out Two Mission Teams St. John’s Lutheran Church of Conover has sent out two more short-term mission teams.  These teams traveled to Deering and Arctic Village, Alaska, to lead Vacation Bible School programs  in these two remote, native villages.  The two teams left for Alaska on Wednesday, July, 21st and returned July 30.  The villages they are in the extreme northern parts of Alaska and are only accessible by plane.   LAMP (Lutheran Association of Missionaries and Pilots) is the co-sponsor of their trip.

Central Region Events

Resurrection, Richmond VA welcomed five persons who made public affirmation of their Baptism on August 1, 2010.

Judith Koucky, a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Falls Church VA has received the Donor of the Year award from Lutheran Fellowship Square. Judy Commits both time and funds to Fellowship Square, she edits the newsletter, Prime Times; serves on the Public Relations and Resource Development Committee; supports the organization’s work with regular donations; and has provided for Fellowship Square’s future with a planned gift. Judy is also a member of the Southeastern District Board of Directors.

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SED Calendar

2010

Sept. 16-19
SED Board of Directors Retreat

Sept. 17-19
Carolinas District LWML

Sept 18

AIM Festival Concordia Upper Marlboro
Wellspring: Spiritual Leadership in the 21st Century St. Andrew, Silver Spring

Sept 19
AIM Mission Sunday

Sept. 24-26
Chesapeake District LWML

Sept. 29-Oct.1
Circuit Counselor Meeting

Oct. 3
SED Mission Sunday

Oct. 5-6
Spiritual Life Team Richmond VA

Oct. 8
LCEF Volunteers: LCEF: A Perfect Fit
Congregational and School Treasurers: Puzzled about Church Finances? King of Glory, Williamsburg VA

Oct. 9
LCEF Volunteers: LCEF: A Perfect Fit
Congregational and School Treasurers: Puzzled about Church Finances? Our Savior, Laurel MD

Oct. 10
SED Mission Sunday

Oct. 14

Regional Teachers Conference Conover NC

Oct. 15

Regional Teachers Conference Glen Burnie MD

Oct. 17
SED Mission Sunday

Oct. 18-19
New Worker Richmond VA

Oct. 19-21
Fall PCW Conference Richmond VA

Oct. 24
SED Mission Sunday

Oct. 29
LCEF Volunteers: LCEF: A Perfect Fit
Congregational and School Treasurers: Puzzled about Church Finances? Grace, Summerville SC

Oct. 30
LCEF Volunteers: LCEF: A Perfect Fit
Congregational and School Treasurers: Puzzled about Church Finances? Ascension, Charlotte NC

Dec. 3-4
SED Board of Directors Alexandria VA

Dec. 23
Office closes at 4:30 for Christmas Alexandria VA

From the National LCMS Office

On September 11, 2010, President-elect Rev. Matthew Harrison, the Presidium, Officers, Boards and Commissions of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod will be installed. This will take place at 10 AM on the campus of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.

We pray for all who will be serving in these positions especially for President-elect Harrison and First Vice President-elect Rev. Herb Mueller. I am certain that this will be streamed so that those who are unable to attend in person may view in real time. When that information is available, we will post it.

www.se.lcms.org

Sally J Hiller
Executive Director for Congregational Outreach and District Operations
Southeastern District, LCMS
6315 Grovedale Drive
Alexandria VA 22310-2501

voice: 703.971.9371, Ext. 205 or 800.637.5723, fax 703.922.6047
web:  www.se.lcms.org

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ. Colossians 4: 2-3.

August 10, 2010
Dear Mission Prayer Partners,

“It is amazing that a poor human creature is able to speak with God’s high Majesty in heaven and not be afraid. When we pray, the heart and the conscience must not pull away from God because of our sins and our unworthiness, or stand in doubt, or be scared away. When we pray we must hold fast and believe that God has heard our prayer. It was for this reason that the ancients defined prayer as an Ascensus mentis ad Deum, ‘a climbing up of the heart unto God.’”

This quote from Martin Luther describes the wonderful relationship that God desires for us. I can neither earn nor deserve the grace I receive each moment of my life. What a blessing we have each received. It is that same blessing that I want others to experience and why, for me, finding ways to share this faith is so important.

I am giving thanks for the opportunities that presented themselves this day to share Jesus with another and to pray for them. We must hold fast in our prayers and believe that God hears them. It is this very task that we are called to be about as we pray for those with whom we share the Gospel and for each of the mission needs that are presented to us. Do not grow weary, for your prayers are making an eternal difference.

During these next weeks, please pray for Living Hope, Stafford VA. They are so close to opening. There are many smaller tasks that must be completed before they can get the use and occupancy permit. They had hoped to have students in a summer program by the first of July. Dedication and opening of the program will take place in October. Please pray for Rev. Gary Rueter and Director Lori Schneider as they continue to move forward with staffing this ministry and seeking enrollment. Pray that families will come forth and enroll their children. Pray for the workers that are needed to run such a program. Pray for the congregation that their work in outreach continues to move forward as they seek ways to be hands and feet of Jesus within the community.

As we focus on the start of the school year, lift up all our Lutheran schools: the workers, the students, and the students who will be coming. Pray that each day as they gather, the Spirit of God fills their hearts and minds with wisdom and understanding. Finally, pray that for each of these students and their families, faith is nurtured and a life-long relationship with Jesus the Savior is formed. We give thanks for the growth of University Christian High School in Conover NC and we look forward to celebrating Open Arms at Living Hope’s first day of school.

Our Prayer Goals for 2010

Let us join our hearts and voices as we pray for:
Those who do not know Jesus Christ and the joy of His salvation for them.
The work of mission outreach teams, missionaries, and outreach efforts that will make a Gospel difference in our communities.
Boldness in each of our lives that we will regularly share the Good News of Jesus with others.
The continued growth in prayer partners for mission. (Our goal is 3000 pray-ers and a prayer team for each new mission.)
For 750,000 recorded faith-sharing events.
For the work and the people of the Convention of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod.

Thank you for your mission prayers, they are making an eternal difference.

Praying through August

for the Mission of the LCMS

Reflect on the new future of the Synod, the work of congregations, missions, and schools. And for the success of our new structure.

Philippians 1: 3-6  Describe the “partnership” Paul speaks of to this congregation. How might this inform us as we “walk together” into mission and ministry in the future?

Pray
O Blessed Spirit, on the Day of Pentecost You came to call unto Yourself a pilgrim people. You entered into the hearts of those first believers, filled them with zeal and courage, and sent them into the world to proclaim the promise of the eternal Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. Down through the centuries You have blessed Your church as it has reached out to touch the hearts and lives of the people for whom Christ died. We come to You this day to ask Your continued blessing on the church. Where it is in error, correct it. Where it is in danger, protect it. Where it suffers from persecution, preserve it. Where it is weak, strengthen it. Where it is in conflict, give it unity. Where it prospers, grant Your blessing. Bless the work of pastors, teachers, evangelists and all those who go in Your name to bring Your Gospel to the entire world. Open the hearts and minds of those who don’t know You, that they may join with us in proclaiming You as Savior and Lord.

Lord, God, You have called Your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go, but only that Your hand is leading us and your love supporting us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

New Missions:
Ascension Hmong Mission
Emmanuel, Rockhill SC
Hispanic Mission, MD
Greater Hickory Hmong, NC
Lamb of God, MD
Point of Grace, NC
Hispanic Mission, Northern VA
Mekane-Yesus of MD
Crossway, Norfolk VA
LINC Baltimore
Jordan Mission, NC
Chinese, St Paul, VA
Bridge Hispanic Mission, NC
New Hope Missions, NC
Good Shepherd, VA
Good Shepherd CDC, VA
University Christian High, NC
New Kent Mission, VA

Emerging Missions:
Middletown DE
Hispanic, Baltimore MD
AIM, Bowie MD
LINC Metro DC
Embraced by Christ, Ladysmith VA
South Dulles VA
Christ Our Savior,
Camden SC
Etowah, NC

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The Southeastern District (SED) is a regional district of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.

Connecting people with Christ, the 205 churches, 91 schools and 43 missions are located in Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Washington DC, North and South Carolina. The SED office is located in Alexandria VA.

Closing Headline
10:02 am Prayers for the Harvest and Workers
Don’t forget to set your cell phones alarm/alert to 10:02 a.m. and pray for the Harvest and Workers. Luke 10:2 Jesus told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

Deaconess Sally J. HIller
Director of Congregational Outreach
Southeastern District
6315 Grovedale Drive
Alexandria VA 22310
800-637-5723
703-971-9371