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,

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.

______________________________

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

Thank you all for your prayers and your support of this year’s Tending the Flame. It was a powerful, exciting, and uplifting event.

This morning at the prayer breakfast, Dr. Jonathan Blanke who teaches at the Japan Lutheran Seminary was with us to share the incredible work of this mission. Dr. Blanke is set and supported through LCMS World Mission. You can follow his story through the LCMS World Mission.

Directors of Christian Education Jennifer Hills and Barb Haar served as emcees throughout the weekend. They facilitated the Prayer Breakfast leading a time of prayer for mission both globally and locally.

The weekend was wrapped up with a celebration of the Lord’s Supper that gathered us as one family in Christ and sent us out as one District in mission. President Jon Diefenthaler was the preacher and he reminded us that “Mission is not a church project. Mission is not just a priority. It is a 24/7 way of life in which we get to be blessing people.”  He also said that for much of the people outside the church, scripted outreach is like junk mail and they won’t even open it. That is why we must be the church in the midst of life – sharing the One who life was given for the world.

There are so many people who assisted in making this event possible. Justin Gaines was the videographer who captured the event. Watch for a video summary. Andrew Kassouf and Joel Armes developed and led a wonderful teen event. Sirpa Quinn, Cathy Long, and Cindy Haupt from SED staff were ever present and helpful. Donna Lucas was put to work in a host of areas. And as people walked by and offered to help – we put them to work. Thank you all.

Nest year’s theme will address family and multi-generational mission and outreach opportunities. We look forward to welcoming Mary Manz Simon, Joel Dietrich, Victor Belton, Marilyn Sharpe, and Dien Taylor on July 29-31 in Richmond. And, lest I forget, Echelon will be back for the teen program and our very capable Child Ministry team has promised to return.  Mark the date – July 29-31, 2011.

And now, as God has blessed you, may you bless others in His name.

Sally Hiller
Tending the Flame
July 30-Aug.1
Holiday Inn Koger Center
Richmond VA

“Blessed to be a blessing.” The call of Abraham in Genesis 12 is our call today. We know the story, we live in the full confidence of the promise of Christ who has given us everything through his own sacrifice. We, who have been blessed by God, are the “blessing people.” What opportunities today will we have to bless another – to be the church to another?

This theme carried through Reggie McNeal’s presentations as well as others. Esther Johnson, a sophomore at Concordia-Nebraska and a member at Ascension, Landover Hills MD shared the story of how after she had to return to her home country of Liberia without the hope of remaining in the U.S. for college, her high school principal remembered her. And through that action, an answer to prayer, the door was opened for her to return and attend Concordia where she could be study to become a Lutheran teacher and share the Gospel message with children in her home country.

Joe Murchinson, a member of Our Savior, Laurel MD, founded Side by Side a non-profit group working with students and families in partnership with the local school. He shared the story of how the local faith community came together to be the church to a family in crisis.

The stories of being the church filled the day. Ed Reich, Messiah Charlotte NC, brought greetings from the Lutheran Laymen’s League and described the wonderful partnership LLL has with the District. Sarah Guldalian, Lutheran Hour Ministry, told of the new resources available for congregations and teens. She shared that the new Mission U, through LHM, was given birth through the SED Mission U program last year.

Conference gatherers had ample opportunity to attend workshops – more than 50 were offered. The workshops included topics such as developing a congregational prayer team, how to use demographics to understand who is living next door to the church, how to raise healthy young boys, sharing the faith, what the Bible has to say about sharing the faith, welcoming your neighbor – and the list goes on.

A special event in the Conference was the evening Festival of Mission and Music. Random Calling (St. Stephen’s music team) started this event and Echelon (a Christian music ministry who worked with the teen program) continued with music interspersed  presentations from SED missionaries. We heard about the new work being done in Baltimore, Northern Virginia, Richmond, Conover-Hickory, Bowie, and through the compassionate outreach of the Lutheran Mission Society. We were blessed with the ministry of the Liturgical Dance Team from Resurrection, Richmond VA. At the end, LCEF Vice President Steve Heemann and his assistant, Cindy Haupt, shared a bit about the partnership LCEF has with congregations and investors. And in a special drawing, Rev. Ken Fuehler became the recipient of a Kindle.

So much flooded the day – this is to give you a glimpse of what took place. I’ll send one more report – after Sunday’s prayer breakfast and worship service.

Sally Hiller
Tending the Flame
July 30-Aug.1
Holiday Inn Koger Center
Richmond VA

Bringing you greetings from Tending the Flame where more than 450 adults, children, and youth have gathered under the theme of Living Letters. Friday has been a full day with three workshop opportunities in addition to an evening mass event.

Random Calling, the music team at St. Stephen’s, Hickory NC opened the mass event with a time of music that shaped the evening. Rev. Dave Guelzow, pastor at St. Stephen’s and Chaplain for the event gathered us around the Living Letters theme of 2 Corinthians 3:1-3: “Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendation to you or from you? You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the livingGod, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.”

Picking up of that phrase God has “written on our hearts,” we have a calling, both Pastor Guelzow and Reggie McNeal encouraged us be Living Letters.

Teacher Marlys-Jean Natonick (Our Savior, Rehoboth Beach and St. John’s, Dover) shared her experience of teaching a conversational English class in China and the opportunities it presented to engage students in a conversation about faith – about the hope we have in Jesus Christ.

Deb Posey and Sylvia Shives brought greetings from LWML and highlighted the ways that LWML supports ministry with the District through its mites as well as through wonderful resources.

President Diefenthaler, greeting the assembly noted that we are “one District together in mission” and that we must address the challenge of being the church – being the hands and feet of Jesus so that the 75% who do not know will come to know Jesus as Lord.

Tending the Flame
July 30-Aug.1
Holiday Inn Koger Center
Richmond VA

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

Greetings from the Southeastern District, LCMS,

Only eight more days until we will be gathering in Richmond for Tending the Flame on July 30-August 1, 2010. We hope that you are as excited as we are about this Conference; in addition to Reggie McNeal, our Presenter, we will be offering five sessions of amazing workshops covering topics of prayer, witnessing, mission planting, faith-sharing, evangelism, and discipleship.  If you know of others who are interested in attending, please tell them to call our office at 703-971-9371 or 800-637-5723, ext. 207.

If you did not sign up for the Sunday morning prayer breakfast when you registered, there is still time to do so, just give me a call at the above number. The cost of the breakfast is $20 for adults and $10 for children.

President Jon Diefenthaler is planning a session for congregational presidents; if you are serving as the President of your congregation, please let me know so that we can forward additional information to you.

The address of the hotel is as follows:

Holiday Inn Select Koger Center
1021 Koger Center  Blvd.
Richmond, VA  23235-4756
804-379-3800

http://holidayinnkoger.com/

Conference registration opens at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 30 with the workshop sessions beginning at 1:00 p.m.
* Hotel check-in time is 4:00 p.m.; check-out time is 11:00 a.m.
* Each guest room is equipped with a small refrigerator and a microwave
* You do not need to pre-register for the various workshops; after checking in at our registration table in the lobby, at the appropriate time you can go directly to the workshops you wish to attend
* If you have youth, children, or infants who will be attending with you, their “program” rooms will be open at 12:45 p.m.  When you arrive on Friday, please check in with us at the conference registration table in the hotel lobby before taking your children to their respective room(s)
* There will be no special programs for the children and the youth on Sunday morning so that everyone will be able to attend the Worship service and Celebration of the Eucharist
* A schedule of the workshops has been posted on our website at http://www.se.lcms.org/top-menu/news.php?id=50
* Directions to the hotel are attached
* Some of the roads in this area are toll roads, so you should have a few quarters with you just in case you need them
If you have any questions about the conference, please feel free to contact me.

Cathy Long
Database Manager, Ext. 207

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