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

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,

Living Letters in Motion!

The District office is filled with the activity of preparing materials, gathering supplies, and packing boxes for this weekend’s event.

A few final notes for you:
* Registration begins at 11:00 on Friday morning.
* Dress is business casual.
* An offering will be received on Sunday morning. The ministry will be announced at the Conference.
* Workshop schedule is posted on the website. Agenda & Workshops
* A special lunch session with President Diefenthaler has been scheduled. The topic is a sharing of the actions of the LCMS Convention.

The Child Ministry Team gathered last week to prepare sessions. Laura Kmitch and Martha Spinosa return to the program. Esther Johnson, new this year is a sophomore at Concordia – Nebraska and desires to be a Lutheran educator.

Don’t forget the bookstore. LVS will once again provide wonderful resources for congregation, family, and personal use.Check out their assortment of books and gift ideas.

LCEF Booth – Be certain to check out the resources at the LCEF booth and speak with Steve about stewardship ministry.
Don’t forget to register for a spectacular door prize.

Echelon  – Fresh from the National Youth Gathering, Echelon joins the teen program to lead the music and to share their faith story.

Teens will participate in a local servant event on Saturday.

Plan to Visit the Lutheran Malaria Initiative Table

Many wonderful displays will be available for your browsing. Be certain to check out LMI.

One of the already frequently asked questions I am receiving in the aftermath of the 2010 LCMS Convention in Houston is , “Will Ablaze continue?” The answer is a resounding “yes.” The Convention, in fact, adopted a solid resolution to this effect.

Under the Ablaze! banner, the Southeastern District is being richly blessed by God. The number of faith-sharing moments that have been tabulated to date is approaching 600,000, and we are more than halfway toward our goal of 100 new mission starts. Surrounding these missions are more than 2000 mission prayer partners.

My proudest moment at the Convention, moreover, was the fact that two out the three congregations that received special recognition for their participation in the Ablaze! fundraising effort were from the SED. (pictured above)

Even more encouraging was the Convention’s overwhelming endorsement (1080-33) of the Lutheran Malaria Initiative (LMI). LMI not only aims to mobilize all Lutherans in the US in the global fight against a disease that kills one million people worldwide each year. It provides a unique opportunity for us to bear witness to the Jesus that so many in our culture long to see.

In my view, the uncertainty and the challenges created by the sweeping leadership and structural changes of the Convention dare not distract us. The Lord of the Church, after all, is Jesus Christ. The mission opportunities that God has given to our congregations must remain our focus.

Dr. Jon Diefenthaler, President
Southeastern District, LCMS

Thursday, July 22, 2010

The Final Report – at least from this writer. I am certain that your newsletters will be filled with stories and pictures that show a Gathering filled with the discoveries and experiences of your youth. This has been an excellent event.

I wanted to leave last thoughts with you about being green! Not green with envy, not green with environmental concerns – just green. You would think there would be plenty enough green with all those bright green backpacks traveling throughout the city. But no, the folks from the Lutheran Malaria Initiative provided each participant with the same beautiful bright green color in a t-shirt. So, 25,000 times 2 we were blessed until our vision became quite green.

Kids care. We know that. Their hearts are moved to compassion and generosity and the realization that 25,000 people will die every nine days of malaria is astounding. One youth gathering’s worth of population every nine days. They care about this. And they care that our church cares and wants to do something about it.

The 64th Regular Convention of the LCMS adopted a resolution to support and participate in the Lutheran Malaria Initiative. Youth at the National Gathering are responding as well. Their response will help to stop malaria as they get involved in the fight against it. This initiative is about protecting people from malaria-infected mosquitoes by sending a net to save a life. It is that easy.

In an unprecedented collaborative effort with Lutheran World Relief, the United Nations, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, we will work together to crush the powerful hold of this disease that claims more than one million lives a year.

Your teens are coming home ready for action – they were sent from We Believe with a command: Go and Look. Go and Listen. Go and Live – live in the sharing of Jesus in word and deed. I look forward to the many ways  youth will take the message of this gathering and continue growing in the faith and in living lives that are actively engaged in sharing Jesus whether through the Lutheran Malaria Initiative, telling their friends about what they believe, or serving the community and congregation.

Thank you for your prayer support on behalf of all our youth and counselors. I know this was not the only event that teens participated in this summer. You will have an opportunity to learn more in the next SED newsletter.

God bless. I hope to see you in two weeks at Tending the Flame.

Sally Hiller

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Greetings from New Orleans where the LCMS National Youth Gathering is taking place. Tuesday has been a gorgeous day here in the city. As I make my way to the Convention Center, I am giving thanks for the long line of buses that waits to take thousands of teens to early morning servant events. It is incredible to see the work that is being done here in the local area. Nearly 100 different locations have been identified, locations where young people will be painting, repairing, visiting in nursing homes and special needs centers, helping local parks and areas ‘go green’ with environmental clean-ups.

In addition to going out for servant events, youth assembled, made, gave the following contributions:
·      3,000 personal care kits for area shelters and community organizations
·      1,000 units of blood for southeast Louisiana hospitals
·      400 fleece blankets
·      50 haircuts for Locks of Love
·      125 baptismal banners for local churches
·      3,000 pounds of non-perishable food items for Second Harvest Food Bank
·      200 batches of play dough for local preschools and Boys & Girls Clubs
·      2,000 thank-you notes for local oil spill recovery workers

The day ended with an incredible worship service. The service was filled with the music of a choir and band consisting of youth from our congregations. It was powerful, moving, and majestic. Rev. Dean Nadasy, 4th Vice President of the LCMS was the preacher for the service and his message connected with the teens. Drawing participants through the theme of We Believe, the worship service presented the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ in every way: visually, musically, dramatically and as powerfully in the sermon. Communion was a celebration of the forgiveness we have in Christ Jesus and the hope he gives for
tomorrow.

With energy and excitement, participants left this worship for their last night at We Believe. (How is it that they have so much energy?)

By the way, it was heartwarming to have young people stop by the booth, notice the name of the District and say “That’s us!”

Until tomorrow -

Sally Hiller

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Monday at the Gathering found participants in the routine of this event: short night of sleep, Bible study, servant events, food, workshops, exhibit hall, food, sports, music, food, mass event, evening events, food.  Yes, all this work does make one hungry and everywhere you look there are green backpacks in line. But they do more than stand in line.

Listening in to the conversation reveals the hearts of people who love the Lord. They are talking about texting a prayer request to the prayer hot-line, or the Jesus-painter at the mass event. Another conversation may be about the Bible study presentation while the next is about weeding gardens at the servant event site.

There are so many ways for youth and adults to participate in the Gathering that it is easy to fill the day. My days are spent in the District Booth Exhibit area with Donna Lucas and Chuck Hiller who are assisting our District effort. More than 70 groups have lingered long enough to play the boomwhackers and video-tape their song. We estimate that at least 800 are stopping by during the day between “boomwhacking” a song picking up one of the 1000 bars of soap (daily)  that we have to contribute to the care kits that youth are making. While there, we get to learn a bit more about them – where they are from, what parts of the gathering they are enjoying, and what is impacting them. It is an amazing event overflowing with Christ-centered energy.

I am reminded, especially as I talk with the leaders who are working their way through the exhibit hall, that these wonderful volunteers have given up work and vacation time to spend 5 (and for many 7 or more) days (24-hour days) with teens. This is a gift of love that shows a passion for serving the Lord through the ministry of young people. Lift them up in your prayers. This will be the day when some extra prayer energy will be much appreciated.

One important prayer note. DCE Chris Henze (Concordia, Conover) fell and has broken some bones. He is currently in the hospital. His group is in the very capable hands of their counselors: David and Amy. Please lift up Chris in your prayers for God’s healing in his body. Remember David, Amy, and the Concordia team as they continue to experience the Gathering – but in a very new and unexpected way.

I will be sharing more – tomorrow – so, until then -

Sally Hiller

Monday, July 19, 2010

”

“Engage the world – get your Bible out of neutral” so began the encouragement from the American Bible Society to the 25,000 plus teens, adults, and volunteers who are gathered in New Orleans for the 11th triennial LCMS National Youth Gathering. Shaped around the theme of “We Believe”, the gathering has developed a 5-day program that engages participants in getting out of neutral. Youth are involved in events that are challenging them to look deeply into Scripture, to know and understand what “we believe”, to put to work the words of the Gospel.

This is actually the largest gathering of SED members that we have. There are more than 1000 teens, adults, and volunteers from the District here in New Orleans. Last evening, 590 met for dinner in Michaul’s – a Cajun-style food event.

On Saturday evening, participants were directed to the Gospel of John (9:1-41) telling of the man born blind – healed by Jesus. We experienced the First Article of the Creed – the creation of the world. This was powerfully done in music, drama, visual media, and in the words of all the various speakers who addressed the gathering. Teens were encourage to send a text message and receive Bible readings that would come to them over the next 7 days.

On Sunday morning, 3000 runners participated in a 5K run while many others were preparing to go out for the first day of servant events. Smaller group Bible studies and workshops took place throughout the day.

Of course, the exhibit area was open all day. One of the special features of this area (where Districts, the Concordia colleges, and church agencies are located) is that Districts are working with the National office to provide health kits for use in New Orleans. The goal is that youth will visit the District booths and gather the materials needed to make 3,000 bags.

While we have bars of soap at our booth, we also have a musical activity with “instruments” called boomwhackers. All to say, we are getting to meet wonderful young people from across the nation.

The mass event last evening was very touching as speaker Kellie Stocker shared the story of her daughter, who at age 18 was tragically killed in car accident. She shared: because of Christ – his life for us – we have tomorrow and we can believe that no matter what storms may come our way today, God is with us. During the event, we were reminded of the incredible destruction of Hurricane Katrina to the area and were able to learn from three who shared their experiences. Teens were also encouraged to text their prayer requests to a number where a team of prayer warriors would receive the petitions and lift them up in prayer.

I will be sharing more – tomorrow – so, until then -

Sally Hiller

Saturday, July 17, 2010

This is the final daily note about The 64th Regular Synod Convention of the LCMS. As you might imagine, we moved through the remaining business at a healthy pace this morning. President Diefenthaler’s committee took the floor and we worked through resolutions to amend the Synod’s bylaws regarding recognition of altar and pulpit fellowship with “small, formative or emerging confessional Lutheran church bodies” (3-04) as well as Resolution 3-07 which calls for the preparation of Bible studies that respond to the question “How to read the Bible” in light of the culture we live and current trends in interpretation.

Resolution 5-05A “To support Pastoral Formation”, which speaks to the 12 themes for pastoral education as identified by Synod’s Board for Pastoral Education, was adopted.

In Resolution 1-11, delegates voted to appoint a Hispanic ministry strategist.

Committee 8 presented a resolution authorizing an audit of the outgoing boards and administration to insure that designated gifts and specific ministry funds were appropriately transferred as the new structure takes shape.

President Kieschnick closed the convention with his highlights and final thoughts quoting from St. Paul in his letter to the Philippians: ‘I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy and every one of my prayers for all of you because of your sharing in the Gospel from the first day until now.  I am confident that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.’

These are appropriate words to leave with. It will be important in these next weeks – next three years, that we thank God with joy for the ministry of President Kieschnick and his staff. They have served faithfully and well. And it will be equally important to surround President-elect Harrison and his staff as they begin this new time in the story of the LCMS.

For those of you who will be attending the Tending the Flame Conference in two weeks, President Diefenthaler will be holding a workshop entitled: “What does this mean? Reflections after the Convention.”

As I am writing this, the Opening Worship/major event for WE BELIEVE, the National Youth Gathering is completed and this event is fully engaged! We have a few more than 1000 SED teens, adults, and event volunteers participating in the Gathering. I will continue with brief daily updates through the end of the Gathering on Wednesday afternoon.

So – until tomorrow -

Sally Hiller

Friday, July 16, 2010

Dear Friends,

What a full day this was. Friday, the last full day of the Convention found ta change in the pace of the agenda. President Kieschnick kept the momentum of bringing resolutions to the floor, the debate on the resolution, and the time allotted to each moving forward. Recognizing that there was much to be done on this day, he invited the delegates help in staying focused on the work to be done.

Many resolutions were brought to the floor. A complete review of them can be found on the Synod website. It was obvious in the debate, in the amending, and most especially in the voting, that our beloved Synod does not have unity. Many key resolutions were passed or defeated by a slim voting majority. Voters completed their work on electing the various Board members.

Friday was a day to give thanks to God for the work of those in the military chaplaincy and to recognize and thank all who serve our country through the Armed Forces. A very touching media presentation, and more importantly, stories told by three of our military chaplains had the delegates to their feet in applauding with thanks.

I suppose it wouldn’t be fair to tell you about our breakfast. This was the last one. But more  important than the food, was the opportunity to have Vice President-elect Herb Mueller with us. He shared his first thoughts about the changes in his life and the commitment he has to serving God and the Synod in this new role. Both he and President-elect need to be daily lifted up in our prayers. They have been called to a mighty task.

As I reflect on what stands out most about today, I am so very thankful for our delegation who is working diligently to consider each action on the floor. I am amazed at the incredible service provided by the hotel and convention center staff who patiently care for us. And I give thanks for the faith-sharing events that have taken place throughout this event. God’s work continues – in the voting, in the serving, and in the sharing of His Name – His Word.

One more half day to go. Until tomorrow-

Sally Hiller