Before the end of this Thanksgiving Holiday weekend, I wanted to sit down and put keyboard to pixel, to give thanks for the many of you who are sharing the Gospel of peace with friends and strangers around the world. One of the great joys of living in the Northern Virginia/Washington D.C. area is that the Lord has brought the whole world here. Increasingly that can be said of the Southeastern District and many areas throughout the United States. Therefore, when we share the Gospel within our neighborhoods we are really doing World Missions twice. Once to the immigrants who live among us and again as they pass that good news on to family and friends in their home countries.

One such Northern Virginia ministry is taking place between the covenant partners in the Hispanic ministry: Grace Lutheran Church of Woodbridge and Prince of Peace and St. Johns of Springfield. They have called Pastor Pedro Lopez to serve as a “Circuit Rider” with a goal of reaching the large and growing population of Spanish speaking families in Circuit 9. Pastor Lopez works within the existing programs at each of these congregations with the hope that they will develop and grow to be ministries with leaders stepping forward to be trained in outreach  from within the programs .

Last Tuesday I observed the effort Pastor Lopez is supporting at Grace, Woodbridge. Grace has been reaching out to the Hispanic day laborers in their area for some time through a weekly meal. The meal evolved into ESL classes and Bible Study and now includes worship time as well. Tuesday over a hundred Spanish speaking individuals participated. Many of the children and young adults are fluent at various levels in both English and Spanish while the majority of the family elders have limited English and primarily speak Spanish. I did speak to a lady from Ethiopia who was also there to improve her English and take part in the worship and fellowship, so not all of the participants are Hispanic.

The evening began with songs, prayers, and a homily in English and Spanish. Then everyone is broken into groups with instruction tailored to their level of ability in English. With the support of many volunteers from the congregation, all went smoothly, including the registration of several new students. Those children already fluent in English were provided care, bible study,  and entertainment. The children are also encouraged by the Pastor and group leaders to support and pray for their family members as they learn a new language in order to open up employment opportunities. After the classes, most of the families returned to the sanctuary for more songs, prayers, and a benediction. One of the strengths of this program is the opportunity it provides for the whole family to worship and learn together.

Although Pastor Lopez has only been working in the area for about one month, already the Spirit is busy at work through his presence and many people are asking for Word and Sacrament services. It is Pastor Lopez’s pattern to begin with Bible study and then to raise up local members of the community to become the leaders and with his and the local pastor’s counseling , take the training that may eventually lead to ordination. Please pray that these new leaders can be identified soon as the Spirit’s timetable for this mission is on fast forward.

Me? Although I did want to see the program at Grace in operation, I was also there to get Pastor Lopez’s computers working. We set up a local area network connection and printing at the church and his home. One of his laptops was a little more of a problem, but an installation of LINUX (my favorite OS) took care of the issue. I was also privileged enough to go with Pastor Lopez to call on a family who is trying to establish a Hispanic restaurant and catering service. The chicken mole and chicken del Campo was an excellent recommendation for their success. While we were visiting, a young couple whom Pastor Lopez had been counseling made the decision to get married. So the word will go out to friends and relatives near and far of the joy around the new family and along with that news some will hear other news, possibly for the first time, of saving grace, through faith, for Christ’s sake.

Jerry

Editor

Editor’s note:

How could I have missed this one!   Anyway,  from not too long ago:

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November 9, 2009

The Baby is Here!

Yes, even with a planned date, Zane took his time in coming. Late Wednesday night (after our last Tuesday evening session) he arrived. All is well. Sarah, Justin, and Zane are enjoying life outside the womb…and to God be all glory for the amazing gift he has given Sarah and Justin.

Resources on the WEB

Breakthrough Media has wonderful resource ideas for communicating Christmas opportunities. You may want to check them out for this as well as other resources.

Here’s a site to check out: Global Media Outreach. This is through Campus Crusades, so you have to filter the “decision theology’ responses. Work your way through, amazing things are happening. People are receiving a clear Gospel message. In addition, once they click on a response, they are sent to an appropriate responder who communicates with them regarding their response, their questions, and the love of Jesus for them.

Great Advent and Christmas Outreach Activities are shaping up.

Here are just a few:

Good Shepherd, Olney MD hosts Bethlehem Market Place for the 12th year.Visited by more than 600 people each year, the interactive play is a journey to the Bethlehem village of over 2000 years ago on the night of Jesus’ birth. More than 100 members of the congregation, 60 of them in full costume, are involved in the presentation.

Trinity, Norfolk VA has participated for the past 14 years in Norfolk’s Grand Illumination Parade. Trinity students have portrayed the only Nativity unit in the parade. Bystanders always cheer them on! It’s a great way to keep Christ in the celebration of Christmas – even in a parade!

Holy Cross, Ashland VA participated in the community parade on Sunday. Last we heard, they were wrapped up as presents and handing out tape. I look forward to hearing about their adventures and even sharing a picture or two with you.

Crossway, Norfolk VA is also walking in the parade. Although they experienced flooding in their new facility, they are not going to let it dampen their spirit as they share the Gospel in this community event.

Jordan Mission, Apex NC joins the march, although in the Apex Parade. I’m looking forward to getting a report back (and pictures) to see what witness has been made and if there were faith-sharing conversations in the journey.

Pastor Mike Merker writes of a wonderful opportunity that Jordan Mission has:

Christmas Eve at Beaver Creek
Where did you say your church meets for worship services? That is a common response I hear from people who ask questions about Jordan. What has been wonderful is the profound impact our location has had on keeping us focused beyond ourselves. Gathering for worship in a theater is a constant reminder that God is larger than any building. The true church are those who by faith trust in God’s promise of salvation. This Christmas Eve, Jordan will hold worship services while the theater is active. It will be a great witness to our community of our faith life. Beaver Creek’s manager met with Pastor Mike last week and worked out details for how people can join us for worship Christmas Eve at Beaver Creek on December 24.

A Little Door Knocking Evangelism
Rally Day Evangelism at Our Savior Lutheran, Winchester, VA: Two weeks before our scheduled Rally Day, a group of eager evangelists gathered in the fellowship hall to pick up quantities of door knob flyers announcing the kickoff of a new Sunday school year and celebratory picnic. The weather forecast was not ideal, scattered showers all day. But God’s work cannot be stopped by a little rain so we persevered. Armed with a prayer and umbrellas the group dispersed into the local neighborhoods to distribute the flyers. As we parked curbside on the start of our distribution route the drizzle had stopped and only a damp breeze was left as a reminder. The overcast sky and mild temperatures turned out to be a blessing as we hiked through the hilly neighborhoods hanging flyers on every door. It was a great experience for all, enjoying the satisfaction of reaching out to the community inviting them into our ranks, and the encouraging words from some of the people we met along the way reinforced the knowledge that we were on the right track for God. Thanks be to God that He empowered us through the Holy Spirit to reach out to the community with the Gospel of Christ!

Faith Sharing Moments

More than 350,000 faith-sharing events have been recorded throughout the District. As you participate in community events, welcome guests to your congregation, or simply find yourself in the midst of a faith conversation – take time to send a message so that it may be used as encouragement for another.

Jack Simon, a member at Bethlehem, Aiken SC writes that he witnessed his faith to Fritz, Mary and Elizabeth Schultz who are unbelievers this past week in Aiken, S.C. He invited them to come to church with him and is praying for them.

As you gather to give Thanks to God this week, there will be those in your homes and at your table who do not have a vibrant relationship with the Lord – perhaps they do not any relationship with him. Take time – even if it is a family member – to share what God is doing in your life and the daily difference it makes.

Change in Location

The January 9th TLO Broadcast will be live from Messiah Lutheran in Germantown MD. This is a change of location from St. Andrew’s, Silver Spring.

The February 13 Broadcast will be live from Trinity, Richmond VA.

____________________________________________

Quick Links:

On-line Recordings:

Session I
Session II

Tuesday Evening Web Office Hours: 7 pm – 9 pm

Web Office

Mission U Website

Mission U WebOffice Dates:

Tuesday, November 24

Tuesday, December 8

Tuesday, January 12
Tuesday, January 26

Tuesday, February 9
Tuesday, February 23

Tuesday, March 9
Tuesday, March 23

Tuesday, April 13

Tuesday, May 11

Thank you for being Ablaze! For God’s Mission in our Southeastern District and our Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod!

Your partnership in this funding effort has made it possible for our District to support 23 additional mission projects in 2009.  Many more opportunities for outreach are emerging as congregations and circuits seek new areas and new people for sharing the Gospel.

Rev. Pedro Lopez, Hispanic Mission to Circuit 9 Congregations is actively sharing the Gospel and building small groups at Grace – Woodbridge, Prince of Peace-Springfield, and St. John-Franconia. Circuit Congregations participating in this outreach effort have covenanted with time and 2% of their budgeted funds. In addition, a District Ablaze! grant of $50,000 has been granted for this first year.

I am grateful as well that this same campaign has yielded other forms of generous support for the Ablaze! movement.  To support this work there are more than 2,000 Mission Prayer Partners.  The recording of more than 357,000 faith-sharing moments, moreover, has helped to push our Synod over the 10 million mark on the way the 100 million goal.

Yet this is just the beginning of what God can do as we make ourselves available for the work of mission and outreach. In this week of Thanksgiving, I am giving thanks to God for your mission heart and generous spirit. To God be the glory. Thank you for your partnership in this effort, God is blessing our efforts.

Jon Diefenthaler, District President

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New missions funded through Ablaze! for God’s Mission.

Northern Region
Cecil County, Perry MD
Virtual Classroom, BLS, Towson
LINC, Baltimore MD
Mekane-Yesus, Silver Spring
Lamb of God, Landover Hills
Hispanic, Landover Hills MD

Central Region
New Life, Upper Marlboro MD
Hispanic.-Circuit 9 Missionary
Chinese-St. Paul’s, Falls Church
Leesburg Open Arms, Leesburg
Good Shepherd, Midlothian VA
Good Shepherd Early Childhood
Crossway, Norfolk VA
New Mission, New Kent VA

Southern Region
Jordan, Western Wake NC
Epiphany, Greenville NC
New Mission, North High Point
Emmanuel, Rock Hill NC
Point of Grace Cornelius NC
Open Door, Weddington NC
Hispanic-Catawba County, NC
New Hope MIssion, Mooresville

The AFGM Report

As of November1, 2009 pledges totaling $5,827,188 have been made towards the AFGM effort and currently 56% of the promised commitments have been fulfilled. This is wonderful. Already these funds are at work making an eternal difference. Note the list of ministries that are being supported with these funds. In 2009, $400,277.00 was released to support these mission efforts. In addition, almost $400,000 has been given for circuit designated mission work.

Circuit Ablaze Funds Enable New Outreach Efforts

What new opportunities are Circuits funding? These are some of the examples of Circuit Ablaze grants at work:

$750 Circuit 15 Peace Officers Ministry, Point of Grace, Cornelius
This support will be used to reach out and minister to the law enforcement community in Cornelius NC. Recognizing that divorce rates, suicide, and domestic violence is high among those who serve in law enforcement, Point of Grace is developing an active ministry of outreach in this specialized area. One of the projects will be to make available a Bible that has a special introduction explaining how law enforcement is a ministry to the community. Mission Vicar Frank Rufatto, a former police officer, is helping to shape this ministry.

$4,538.89    Circuit 13W Jordan Lutheran Mission, Western Wake County, NC
Jordan Lutheran is a new mission outreach effort of the congregations in Circuit 13 West. Currently, Rev. Mike Merker is the mission developer on site for this new mission which is now holding worship services in the Beaver Creek Movie Cinemas in Apex. The funds from this grant will be used to support a full-time Music Director.

$2,000     Circuit 9 Bethany Lutheran Cub Scout Pack 95
This Circuit Ablaze grant will enable Bethany, Alexandria VA to organize a scouting experience for immigrant children and through this reach families with the Gospel.

$24,000    Circuit 12 Crossways, Norfolk VA
This grant will provide rent for one-year for the ministry space in downtown Norfolk for this new mission. It will be a place for office and worship as well as a community center throughout the week.

$10,000    Circuit 9 Ladysmith Mission
This grant provides new start resources for the new church being planted in Ladysmith VA, a daughter church of Redeemer, Fredericksburg.

$677       Circuit 13W Jordan Mission
Sharing and telling the story of a new mission outreach involves many forms of media. These funds will be used for publicity.

$5,000    University Christian High School
Concordia -Conover, partnering with LeNoire Ryhne University and circuit congregations is beginning new Lutheran High School. During these first two years, the campus will be housed at Concordia School, Conover. These funds will help with start-up costs.
Ablaze! for God’s Mission Circuit Funds Available

Funds are available for circuit congregations and circuits for start up resources for new mission work. Guidelines and applications are on the SED website under initiating new mission: grants and reports.

The following list are available funds

Circuit 1: $13,146.18
Circuit 2: $29,245.99
Circuit 3: $9,692.66
Circuit 4: $13,090.12
Circuit 5: $7,437.50
Circuit 6: $8,580.26
Circuit 7: $5,458.59

Circuit 8: $4,222.14
Circuit 9a: $35,604.85
Circuit 9b: $12,578.75
Circuit 10: $10,124.37
Circuit 11: $18,919.98
Circuit 12: $45,513.94

Circuit 13e: $3,950.30
Circuit 13w: $7,539.08
Circuit 14: $20,365.78
Circuit 15: $11,388.25
Circuit 16: $3,226.69
Circuit 17: $13,937.69
Circuit 18: $3,528.45
Circuit 19: $15,303.13

November 23, 2009

This is a monthly newsletter sharing events in the Southeastern District.  The events listed here are sponsored or hosted by district congregations.  If you have an event that you would like to post in the December newsletter please email sjhiller@se.lcms.org

Faith Sharing events are growing. On our way toward reaching people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, members of congregations and missions are sharing their stories. More than 357,000 events have been reported. In the news from around the circuits, you will see examples of faith sharing events. They are written so that you may join in giving thanks for the incredible work of God among us, to pray for all who are hearing the Gospel for the first time, and to be encouraged in your work of sharing the Gospel.

To share your stories and/or to report faith sharing events, contact Sally Hiller at sjhiller@se.lcms.org.

Northern Region Events

First Lutheran, Odenton Md is expanding and in their growing they will continue to be home to the food distribution portion of the Christian Assistance Program. Last year, records showed that over 4,700 individuals were provided food assistance. This ministry of compassion will have improved space for their operations.

For the 12th year, the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Olney, Maryland, will present “Bethlehem Marketplace” on Saturday, December 5, from 7:00-9:00 PM and again on Sunday, December 6, from 4:00-7:00 PM. Visited by more than 600 people each year, the interactive play is a journey to the Bethlehem village of over 2000 years ago on the night of Jesus’ birth.

More than 100 members of the congregation, 60 of them in full costume, are involved in the presentation. The continuous guided tours through the “town” take 30 minutes, ending with music and carol singing in the sanctuary.

The church is located at 4200 Olney-Laytonsville Road in Olney, MD. There is no charge for admission but donations are appreciated. For more information, call the church office at 301-774-9125.

Central Region Events

Norfolk’s Grand Illumination Parade, Nov 22.
Trinity, Norfolk VA students have portrayed the only Nativity unit for the last 14 years.  Bystanders always cheer them on! It’s a great way to keep Christ in the celebration of Christmas – even in a parade!

Chrismon Tree Trimming, on the lawn and in the sanctuary, Dec 4. Trinity, Norfolk VA students decorate a large handmade tree on the lawn, as well as the two sanctuary trees, with Chrismon ornaments, on the first Friday evening in December.  Open fires for roasting hot dogs and marshmallows are included as well as hayrides through the neighborhood.

Rally Day Evangelism at Our Savior Lutheran, Winchester, VA
Two weeks before our scheduled Rally Day, a group of eager evangelists gathered in the fellowship hall to pick up quantities of door knob flyers announcing the kickoff of a new Sunday school year and celebratory picnic. The weather forecast was not ideal, scattered showers all day. But God’s work cannot be stopped by a little rain so we persevered. Armed with a prayer and umbrellas the group dispersed into the local neighborhoods to distribute the flyers. As we parked curbside on the start of our distribution route the drizzle had stopped and only a damp breeze was left as a reminder. The overcast sky and mild temperatures turned out to be a blessing as we hiked through the hilly neighborhoods hanging flyers on every door. It was a great experience for all, enjoying the satisfaction of reaching out to the community inviting them into our ranks, and the encouraging words from some of the people we met along the way reinforced the knowledge that we were on the right track for God.  Thanks be to God that He empowered us through the Holy Spirit to reach out to the community with the Gospel of Christ!

Southern Region Events

“Come and See” was the theme for a three-day series of events held by the Blind Outreach Center of Abundant Life Lutheran Church – Charlotte, NC.  Rev. David Andrus, director of the synod’s Lutheran Blind Mission, was the speaker for the events which ran from August 9th through 11th.  On Sunday evening, August 9th, members from circuit churches, both sighted and blind, gathered for worship to: “Come and See …where Jesus stays (John 1:35-39) – Where Jesus chooses to meet His people.”

On Monday evening, the theme for worship was “Come and See… the goodness of the Lord (John 1:45-46) – The good gifts that the Lord brings to His church.”  Included in that service was a special “blessing of the guide dogs” that serve members of our blind community.  Then, on Tuesday, Aug. 11 at 7 PM, the theme was “Come and See… the blessings of the Lord (John 20:24-29) – How to be a blessing to those who have not yet seen Him.” Rev. Andrus presented a blind outreach workshop designed to equipped Christians to reach the blind and visually impaired with the gospel.

Various demographics put the percentage of sight impaired who are churched at around 6%.  The blind among us could be considered a mission field in themselves.  Abundant Life’s Blind Outreach Center is one of more than 50 that Rev. Andrus’ ministry has raised up throughout the U.S. and Canada.  Abundant Life may be unique in that the blind and visually-impaired have been involved in all aspects of the church ministry, including leadership, since it was started back in 2001.  At the very beginning,  church bulletins came in three flavors – big, little and bumpy (large print, regular and braille).

Having the braille so that she can participate in liturgy and song is one of the things that Meredith Stone appreciates about her new church.  Meredith  was first diagnosed with a brain tumor at age 11, which brought about a rapid decline in her vision.  Now, at age 28, she sees only colors and shadows.  The braille bulletins have been a blessing to her, since she and her mother first came to Abundant Life via the “Come and See” series.  Both she and her Mom are now active members.

From the District Office

New Prayer Resources on the web. The website now includes new and updated prayer resources for personal and congregation use. Please share this link with your congregation prayer ministry team.  http:/www./se.lcms.org/prayer/prayer-ministry-resources.php

From the National Office

MARK YOUR CALENDAR . . . YOUTH MINISTRY 2010 SYMPOSIUM . . . “What’s Your Worldview?” . . . January 8-10 at the J.W. Marriott Hotel at the Galleria in Houston Texas.  Subject:  Helping youth develop a Christian worldview.  George Barna notes that only  9% of American adults have a Christian worldview and would be able to answer Jesus’ question, “Who do you say that I am.”  If we’re going to change that, we need to start with our youth.  Adam Francisco, faculty member at Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne and author of  One God, Many Gods and Faith on the Edge: The Quest for Spirituality, will help us understand what a worldview is and Brad Alles, Lutheran High School teacher from Milwaukee and popular youth speaker, will help us explore how youth develop a Christian worldview.  Craig Oldenburg will again lead us through a process for practical application in local settings.  Mark your calendar now to attend this very challenging growth opportunity.

Grace Place Lutheran Retreats is pleased to announce three special retreats for your pastors and teachers and their spouses for 2010.

1.   Grace Place in the Rockies:  June 21-25, 2010.  Stonebridge Inn
Snowmass at Aspen, Colorado.  Leaders:  Dr. and Mrs. John Eckrich & Dr. David and Kathy Ludwig.   Open to all pastors, teachers and spouses. Limited to 15 couples.   Cost: $360 per couple.

2.   Grace Place in Wisconsin:   July 26-30, 2010.   Heartwood Conference Center, Trego, Wisconsin.  Leaders:  Dr. and Mrs. John Eckrich & Dr. David and Kathy Ludwig.  Open to all pastors, teachers and spouses.  Limited to 25 couples.  Cost:  Thrivent member – $225 per couple; Non-member – $360 per couple.

3.   Grace Place for Single Church Workers:  September 1-5, 2010.  Retreat House at St. Benedict’s Trappist Monastery, Snowmass, Colorado.  Leaders: Dr. John Eckrich & Rev. Dr. Mel and Dr. Mary Jacob.  Limited to 21 singles. Cost: $360 per person.

Register at www.graceplaceretreats.org  or call (314)842-3077)

An Advent God – An Advent People is a series of sermons for the season of Advent. Written by Southeastern District pastors, they have been prepared as a resource for you during these days when we are so mindful that God comes to us with a precious gift and sends us out to share that gift with another. If you have not seen these messages, you will find them on the district website under Ablaze Resources or click here Advent Sermons

SED Mission News – newsletter
An electronic copy of the monthly newsletter was emailed to our list of church secretaries and office contacts. This month’s newsletter features urban ministry efforts. You can download this newlsetter from our website under publications at
http://se.lcms.org/left-menu/publications.php. If you would like us to print copies for the congregation, contact us at vedwards@se.lcms.org and let us know how many copies you would like.

Let Us Pray:
+ Clara, wife of Rev. George Naumann  (emeritus St. John, York PA) and mother of Rev. Terry Naumann (Peace, King George VA)
+ Karen, wife of Rev. Steve Updegrave (Trinity, Lexington Park MD) who is undergoing tests
+ We give thanks for the faithful life and witness of Principal Wilmer G. Kuske (Emmanuel, Asheville NC) who was gathered into the Lord’s arms on Nov. 3, 2009.
+ for Rev. Tich Luu (Lutheran Church of the Cross, Rockville MD) and his family as they remember the life of his brother Thien Tich Luu.

District Sponsored Event:

Jan 9: TLO Broadcast: Mission U, part 3

Feb. 13: TLO Broadcast: Mission U, part 4

Please note: District Office Hours

Our current hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 P.M. We use the answering machine when we have a staff meeting, devotions (Wednesdays at 12:30) and during the lunch break (11:45-12:30).

Our Office will close at 3:00 on Wednesday, November 25 for Thanksgiving and will re-open at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, November 30.

At Christmas, we will close at 3:00 on Wednesday, December 23 and reopen at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, January 4.

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

Editors Note:

You can also find this post at the Apple of His Eye website:

____________________________________________-

What would happen if 80% of your members intentionally invested two hours a month for the express purpose of reaching lost people in your community?  The Apple of His Eye has developed a simple plan for you that will bring specific results:trance music mp3 1) your members will actively share their Faith  2) their friends will hear the Gospel 3) God’s Word will not return void. Download the free PDF here and join in the movement of intentionally reaching out to the lost.

Scheduling a Speaker (Resources):

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We are here to serve your church!

The call to the church is to make disciples of all nations, including The Lost Sheep of the House of Israel. Most Christians today have Jewish friends and acquaintances through work, school and even inter-marriage. Sadly, the majority are stymied in sharing their faith.

Our role as a mission society is to help your congregation go and grow in their personal witness so that others will come to faith in Jesus as Messiah. Since 1996, we have a positive track record in fulfilling that role as a Recognized Service Organization of the LC-MS. We are here to serve YOU!

November 18, 2009

Dear Friends,

Last week the rains of Ida and the storms that followed caused chaos in many areas of the Southeastern District. In checking with congregations in the Tidewater area and on the Eastern Shore, I learned that damage was not as severe as it might have been. Indeed many people expressed thanks to God for the blessing of safety in the storm.

While a number of individuals in our congregations experienced minor challenges, three reports of greater need have surfaced. This afternoon I spoke with Rev. Carlos Hernandez of LCMS World Relief and am working with them for funds to assist in the recovery.

Crossway Mission is a storefront ministry in downtown Norfolk at ground level.  The mission was relocated to a new site and the members were busy moving in and getting it ready for their first worship service. It was flooded. Pastor Utton writes:
“It appears the flood waters went through both the front and side doors of the church.  I can’t quite tell how high the water was inside the church, but I don’t think it got that high.  All of the damage was done to items that were on the floor in cardboard boxes – mostly books,papers, etc.  The carpet is being dried by industrial dryers and dehumidifiers and it appears to be doing a really good job drying the space.  My big concern is mold, but there’s not much else we can be doing right now.  The owners are not taking any responsibility for the flood damage because their insurance doesn’t cover it, neither does the insurance that the church provides.  The agent that is connected to the church insurance said he might be able to do something about the books and a friend is looking into possibly some help from Thrivent with that.   But as of now, all costs are on Crossway’s shoulders and it looks like it will be about $1000 to cover the equipment rentals.   Fortunately we didn’t loose a single piece of electrical equipment including our A/V and computers.”
(Pastor Utton’s personal library were the books in the boxes.)

Mr. Gary Tutt is the custodian at Trinity Lutheran Church and School in Norfolk VA. During the rains and the floods, the Tutt’s lost electricity. (Electricity was out for several days in portions of Norfolk.) The Tutt’s wanted to stay in their home and so used candles to provide light. One of the candles tipped and caught the house on fire. The house burnt to the ground. They have lost everything and have been placed in a hotel by the Red Cross.

Ms. Chris Blaser is a member of Christ Lutheran, Norfolk VA and a single mom of two children. I received the following note about her need: “We have one family at Christ that had 2.5 feet of water in her home.  At this point the landlord is replacing the carpet and they should be back in about 2 weeks.  She doesn’t know how much  damage to their furniture etc. at this time.  She does not have renters insurance.”

These are difficult and emotional days for the Tutt and Blaser families. This feels like a set back for the mission although, I understand that Pastor Utton is already at work posting thoughts on the 10 lessons learned from a flood. I am thankful for the work of LCMS World Relief and that they stand ready to partner with congregations and individuals with support in the recovery effort.

Individuals and congregations of the District may also assist. If you would like to make a contribution to the recovery effort of these three needs, you may send a contribution to the Southeastern District, 6315 Grovedale Drive, Alexandria VA 22310.

I invite you to remember these families and the mission in prayer. Thank you for your partnership as together we work to connect people with Christ.

Deaconess Sally J Hiller
Southeastern District, LCMS

November 12, 2009,

This communication is sent by Joseph B. Davis of AIM-SED to share notices and information from AIM Congregations and Ministry Partners.

There are some wonderful things happening in AIM that I would like you to be aware.

AIM UPDATE:

The 22nd AIM General Fellowship is scheduled to take place on this Sunday, November 15th, 2009 (3rd Sunday) with the Saints of Lamb of God Lutheran Church, MD. @ 4pm.  Please come in full attendant and on time.

EVENTS

Bethany AIM:

Miracle Prayer Line -every night @ 9pm – 10pm   Tel. 712-429-0690   pin. 812275 #.   You all are welcome to dial in and experience the wonderful working power of God.

New Hope International Lutheran Church- Laurel, MD

The entire month of November is our “Mission Emphasis Month” here at New Hope. Dr. Diefanthaler, SED President, will be our first guest speaker on Sunday, November 1, during our regular worship service. Other outstanding speakers in the field of Missions are also lined up for the rest of November. The entire month of November is filled with awareness activities to mobilize our congregation and resources for God’s mission around the world and at home. Everyone is invited to worship with us each Sunday and be challenged. For indeed, “The harvest is truly plenteous, but the laborers are few, let us come together and pray to the Lord of the harvest that He may send forth laborers into the harvest fields” (Matthew 9:37-38).

I encourage you to please read your email regularly.  Please direct all questions, concerns and announcements to davis301@cox.net

Joseph B. Davis
Secretary General
AIM-SED/LCMS

Media Contact: Emily Sollie, 410-230-2802, 443-220-3269 cell, esollie@lwr.org

Baltimore, November 12, 2009 – Lutheran World Relief is working to respond to the needs of the people of El Salvador following the recent heavy rains that caused floods, landslides, and widespread devastation.

The extensive flooding caused 108 landslides, destroyed 208 houses, damaged 1,835 houses, affected 18 bridges, and has claimed 140 lives. El Salvador’s president has declared a state of national emergency as the country appeals for help from the international aid community.

“The floods have displaced thousands of people who are now in desperate need of food and water. LWR’s goal is to reach people with these supplies as quickly as possible,” says Michael Watt, LWR’s Regional Director for Latin America.

LWR is supporting the relief efforts of two local partners who are distributing food, potable water and hygiene supplies to 300 families affected by the floods. In addition, LWR will continue to work with fellow members of the Action by Churches Together (ACT) International global aid alliance to assess needs on the ground.

More funding is needed for a comprehensive response to this disaster; to donate, please visit www.lwr.org; call 1-800-LWR-LWR-2 (597-5972) or mail a check or money order to Lutheran World Relief, PO Box 17061, Baltimore, MD 21298-9832 USA, designated for “Central America Disaster.”

INTERNATIONAL DISASTERS:

Editors:  When listing organizations receiving donations for aid to survivors of major disasters outside the United States, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, please include:

Lutheran World Relief, www.lwr.org, 1-800-597-5972

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WHO IS LWR? Lutheran World Relief, an international nonprofit organization, works to end poverty and injustice by empowering some of the world’s most impoverished communities to help themselves. With partners in 35 countries, LWR seeks to promote sustainable development with justice and dignity by helping communities bring about change for healthy, safe and secure lives; engage in Fair Trade; promote peace and reconciliation; and respond to emergencies. LWR is headquartered in Baltimore, Md. and has worked in international development and relief since 1945.

Lutheran World Relief is a ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS), individuals and parish groups in international relief, development, advocacy and social responsibility.