Shalom!

During our Miami outreach we (Alan Butterworth, Steve Cohen, Marilyn Smith, and Jerry Lucas, along with others who joined us from time to time) handed out nearly 4,500 Gospel tracts. We had dozens of conversations with Jews and Gentiles who did not know that Messiah has come, or had lost contact with their church and their faith. Many people have initiated ongoing dialogs with Alan Butterworth, the local Apple of His Eye contact in South Florida, and more may develop as time goes by.

We assisted Pastor Mark Wessling of Faith Lutheran Church in Hialeah to re-initiate their door-to-door efforts in the neighborhood around the church by inviting the neighborhood to Holy Week services. At lunch the Lord arranged that we meet two Spanish speaking Sephardic Jewish men who were very helpful with our lunch orders and who will continue in dialog about the Messiah. We spent some time at Florida International University where Alan Butterworth, a lawyer before he started work as a full time missionary, started a dialog that will be continuing with a Jewish law student there. It seemed like the Lord was affirming what we were doing, because there were several witness opportunities with Jewish people who were open to talking about the Gospel that happened when we were not in “official” outreach mode during the week.

We visited the outdoor Holocaust museum at South Beach and spent the evenings on the street with restaurants a couple of blocks from the beach there handing out tracts and talking to people until the Coconut Grove Art Festival opened. At the Coconut Grove Art Festival we continued to hand out fliers and to engage in dialog when the Lord opened that door. Once when I was talking to a vendor at the festival who had asked who we were and how we were different from the Jews for Jesus people who were also there, one of the Jews for Jesus came up and hugged me and thanked me for being there. The main differences are that we are a recognized Service Organization of the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod, We are made up of both Jews and Gentiles, We “target” both Jews and Gentiles, and that we engage in dialog when possible instead of concentrating mainly on handing out tracts (I was amazed at how many we did hand out).

We attended services at Bet Hesed Messianic Congregation Friday night and at the local LCMS congregation that that both Alan Butterworth and Steve Cohen had been members of, Gloria Dei on Sunday. The pastor Darrell Stuehrenberg was very courteous, and two of the parishioners, Michael and JoAnne (a Jewish couple) joined us on Monday for our last day of outreach.

Pray that the Lord will use the tracts and the conversations to allow people to question their doubt and seek the answer in the scriptures and in dialog with the witnesses that God will put in their path.

To find more information, go to http://aohe-dc.org.

Jerry Lucas

Apple of His Eye Mission Advocate, Washington DC

703-582-1198

lucasjs@verizon.net

http://aohe-dc.org

http://sedablaze.org

February 24, 2010

Dr. Dale Meier is the featured speaker at the Spring Regional Professional Church Workers Conference. He will speak on “Living Lutheran Theology in a Post-Church Culture: Sola Fide (Faith Alone)” We are holding two separate one-day PCW Conferences this Spring: one in Cary, North Carolina and the other in Silver Spring, Maryland on April 12 and on April 13. You will find additional information on the website.

Are you a Living Letter?
In what ways are you God’s message in this time and place? Join us at Tending the Flame, Living Letters on July 30- August 1 to celebrate the joy we have in being Living Letters. Reggie McNeal will share with us how others read us and how we as church, may indeed let the message shine through our actions. A dynamic youth program featuring Echelon will be offered simutaneously. And of course, our children’s program is back. Check out last year’s wrap up and don’t forget to register now.

Hearts For Jesus Project

Each year the schools in our district support a Hearts for Jesus project with their chapel offerings. This year students have an opportunity to make an incredible difference in the lives of children in Flahn Town Village, Liberia where there children need a school. Since the civil war there has been no school in this region, so about 150 or more children in fifteen surrounding villages have no means to an education.

Working together we can make a difference – an eternal difference as we provide for Lutheran education in this area that is about 90 miles from Monrovia, the capital of Liberia. With a united effort, our chapel offerings from the Southeastern District can raise the $10,000 needed to build a school.

Please send your Hearts for Jesus check to the Southeastern District.

Northern Region Events
Benefit Concert for Haiti, Ascension Landover Hills MD on Saturday, March 6, at &:00 P.M. Free will offering for Lutheran World Relief will be matched by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. The concert will host musical performances by: The Jon Lewis Combo – original contemporary Christian music; Ascension Lutheran School children; The Bowie State Gospel Ensemble; Lamb of God Lutheran Church Choir; and C. Anthony Bush and Friends – Gospel-Jazz pieces.

To God be the Glory, and may each of these new members grow and flourish in the faith walk with Jesus.The Holy Spirit is showing the saints of First St. John’s that he is working through them.  Primarily through the ministry, ideas, and work of vicar, James Driskell, First St. John’s received nine adults into membership in the Transfiguration Service (Feb. 14). Then today, the 1st Sun. in Lent ( Feb. 21)  five children 5 children were baptized. Who says the Spirit can’t move in an “old” inner city church!

Central Region Events

ONE4ONE SUNDAY , King of Glory, Williamsburg VA
A One4One campaign is in full swing. During the season of Lent, the congregation of King of Glory has made a commitment to each pray for 5 unchurched or non-Christian people that they know, and between now and Easter invite them to a church event.

On Transfiguaration Sunday 265 people made a commitment to pray and invite people. That means that between now and Easter 1,325 people will be lifted up in prayer asking the Spirit of the Lord to lead them to hear His message of salvation and believe! It also means that 265 people will be invited to a church event on or before Easter. Praise the Lord! May the Lord bless this effort with courage and commitment.

Help for Haiti in Circuit 9
Prince of Peace in Springfield VA is planning a mission trip to Haiti from 18 -23 March 2010 they partnering with Nursing School at George Mason University. Planning for another mission team for June 2010 is underway.  Prince of Peace is also sponsoring an UNO Pizzeria fundraiser.

Meals for 144,000 Haitians Packaged – Over 700 people of all ages participated in a Stop Hunger Event at Prince of Peace in Springfield last weekend. Members from St. John’s Alexandria, Grace in Woodbridge, Our Saviors Way in Ashburn were some of the many congregations from circuit 9 to help fill the bags with rice, soy, vegetables and a scoop of vitamins. Each bag feeds a family of six. The rice bags were boxed and loaded on trucks ready for shipment and are expected to arrive in Haiti in time for the March mission team to help distribute them.

Expanding “Hope” in Virginia Beach, Va.
When growing Hope Lutheran Church decided to tackle a challenging remodeling and building project, Rev. Mark Nieting “strongly encouraged” the Virginia Beach, congregation to participate in the Laborers For Christ program.

Laborers For Christ are a ministry of the Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) that helps LCMS congregations take on their own construction projects and build within their budgets.

“I absolutely wanted this congregation to enjoy the wonderful experience of Laborers For Christ,” Nieting said. When Laborers worked for Nieting’s previous congregation, Emmanuel Lutheran in Asheville, N.C., that experience proved so positive that three congregation members joined Laborers – and the pastor joined the ranks of Laborers boosters.

Today, eight Laborers couples and Hope Lutheran volunteers are building a new fellowship hall and remodeling the church’s old fellowship facility into a “kids’ kingdom” for young children and expanded space for the church’s popular youth ministry. The congregation hopes to finish the project by mid-summer.

The church also looked to LCEF for construction loan support and to LCEF’s Capital Funding Services for help with a capital stewardship campaign. “Our campaign was so successful, we shifted gears and actually built a bigger project,” Nieting said. “We were so blessed by the campaign.”

Since Laborers For Christ was founded in 1980, the ministry has helped congregations complete more than 780 “building for eternity” projects. To learn more about Laborers For Christ, visit www.lcef.org/services/laborers_for_christ.

Southern Region Notes

Get Your Blaze On!
From Coalition for Lutherans in Black Ministry. Plan now to gather in the North Carolina area (site T.B.A) on March 12-14, 2010 under the theme:  “Get Your ‘Blaze On!!” .  Expect to see new faces as we seek to engage ALL PEOPLE in Black Ministry! Contact Sherry Edmonds  (sedmo27421@aol.com) for more information.

Bridge Hispanic Mission – Hickory NC
It is fascinating to watch a space shuttle launch into space.  Each launch is an impressive feat of energy, calculation, and preparation.  Millions of details and dollars all culminate when the countdown reaches zero.
3 . . . 2 . . . 1 . . . Liftoff!

The comparison is exaggerated, but twice a year The Bridge has its own version of a launch as we begin a new semester of outreach.  Volunteers recruited and trained.  Meetings completed.  Students invited, registered, and evaluated.  Curriculum developed and photocopied.  Facilities confirmed and materials prepared.

And it all culminates on a Thursday night at St. Stephens Elementary School:  Several levels of English classes begin and 5 small groups of Kids Connect are organized.  50 volunteers arrive early to welcome 40 Hispanic adults and 40+ kids.  There are dozens of people to direct and hundreds of details to coordinate.

Yet as chaotic as launch night can be, there is always a great sense of excitement and anticipation as we witness God’s faithfulness in drawing together so many people to a place where they can experience his compassion and hear his word.

On January 21, we launched into our third semester of outreach.
·      Please pray that the Hispanic families would experience God’s love though the volunteers.
·      Pray that the volunteers would develop great relationships with kids and adults.
·      Pray that God would use these relationships to open doors for his Good News to be shared!

From the National LCMS Office

Orphan Grain Train Aiding Haiti.  Recently, the Orphan Grain Train, in cooperation with LCMS World Relief and Human Care has shipped over 500,000 “Kids Against Hunger” meals to Haiti.  Cash donations of any amount will help the survivors in that beleaguered country.  Checks may be sent to Orphan Grain Train, PO Box 1466, Norfolk, Nebraska 68702-1466.  Please write “Haiti” on the memo.

Also, Orphan Grain Train, Maryland Division, is planning to ship a 40 foot container to Haiti as soon as possible!  We need clothing sorted and packed from churches, in addition to health kits and crutches, canes, and wheelchairs.  If you are able to help, please contact Elfie Eberle at or Ron Phipps. Thank you for your support and helping send Relief for Human Need Worldwide!
CAMPUS VISIT PLANNED FOR THOSE CONSIDERING SERVICE TO THE CHURCH

FORT WAYNE, IN (CTS)-Do you have questions about the possibility of serving in The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod?  Would you like more information on the possibility of serving as a pastor or deaconess?  Then attending the spring Prayerfully Consider Campus Visit, March 24-27, 2010, on the campus of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana, is the place to start.

There is no fee for the visit.  On-campus meals and housing are also provided free of charge.  For additional information or to register online, please go to www.ctsfw.edu/pcv. Also at that site, you will find a downloadable poster that pastors and congregations can use to advertise this special opportunity at CTS. You may also feel free to call 260-452-2155 to speak with our Admission staff.

Greetings from Grace Place Lutheran Retreats.  I ask that you remind single clergy and educators in your District of the special Grace Place Retreat for Single Clergy and Teachers to be held at the spectacular Retreat House of St. Benedict’s Monastery in the Colorado Rockies in Aspen Valley, September 1-5, 2010.

This is the fourth annual Singles Retreat held at St. Benedict’s and it provides single church workers with a wonderful “pause point” in ministry to reflect, restore and rejuvenate, focused on body, mind and spiritual health.  Our interest is keeping healthy church workers healthy.  The retreat center is easily accessible by car, train and air near Aspen, Colorado.  Cost $360 per person covers room, meals and all retreat expenses.  Leaders:  John D. Eckrich, M.D., Exec Director of Grace Place,  and Drs. Mel and Mary Jacob of Orlando, Florida.  Visit the Grace Place Website:  www.graceplaceretreats.org or call Annette:  (314)842-3077.

CELEBRATE CONCORDIA SUNDAY, APRIL 18
Concordia University System colleges and universities are a special gift to The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. It has been said many times but it’s worth repeating: A church body that teaches is a church body in mission!

April 18 has been designated as Concordia Sunday, a day to celebrate our colleges and universities.  They help prepare individuals to serve the church as pastors, teachers, directors of Christian education and outreach, deaconesses, lay ministers, and directors of family life ministry and parish music. They also prepare individuals to serve the community as Christian leaders in business, education, nursing, pharmacy, and numerous other professions.

LCMS congregations are encouraged to celebrate Concordia Sunday.  This special day highlights the importance of a Christian education in a Lutheran context. It can encourage youth to consider serving in positions that benefit both the LCMS and society. It is also a special time for congregations to pray for the continued blessings of our Heavenly Father for ongoing ministry that proclaims Jesus Christ as the Lord of Life

Free Resources – Click here to request free materials to use in celebrating Concordia Sunday.

DCE Interns and Deaconesses Seeking Ministry Placements
Did you know that a ‘bumper crop of DCE interns and Deaconesses are seeking ministry placements? If you are interested in more information about DCE interns, contact Tim.Rippstein@CUNE.edu. The DCE Intership Site Cordinator at Concordia, Nebraska.

Contact Concordia Seminary, St. Louis Rev. Robert Hoehner:  for Deaconess placements. Deaconesses serve in congregations and schools by teaching, visitation, counseling, youth ministries, family ministries and other caring ministries. They are also equipped to serve with compassion in health care institutions, and older adult care ministries.  Our deaconess candidates have received an M.A. in Deaconess Studies, after completing two years of post-graduate academic coursework, six quarters of field education, and one year of internship.

Annual Benefit Breakfast Expressions of Abundance: Hope Springs Eternal! March 10

Expressions of Abundance Hope Springs Eternal!
Wednesday, March 10  – Marriott Key Bridge, Arlington, VA

Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSS/NCA) cordially invites you to a benefit breakfast celebrating more than 90 years of Lutheran service in our communities. Hear inspiring, personal stories of triumph over adversity and how your support of LSS/NCA’s mission has made a difference in the lives of our neighbors in need. LSS/NCA programs include Foster Care & Adoption, Refugee resettlement & Immigrant Services, Disaster Preparedness & Response, and Youth Haven Camps for children and teens affected by HIV/AIDS.

Breakfast is provided free of charge; contributions will be welcomed.  For more information and to RSVP, contact Summer Parrish at LSS/NCA at (703) 698-5026, ext. 138 or . We look forward to seeing you!

HearUSA will provide a free hearing screening for Concordia Health Plan members with diabetes in the month of March, 2010. Call 1.800.442.8231

VBS curriculum includes Dominican Republic mission project
Concordia Publishing House’s 2010 vacation Bible school curriculum, “Planet Zoom,” provides a hands-on opportunity for children to become more involved in God’s mission. The curriculum’s featured mission concept, “Project: Dominican Republic,” is a joint project of LCMS World Mission and LCMS World Relief and Human Care. The mission project encourages vacation Bible school participants to give offerings and supplies to share God’s love with our brothers and sisters in Christ in the Dominican Republic.

The proceeds from offerings given by children attending vacation Bible schools across the country will help build two Lutheran church buildings, purchase musical instruments and Christian resources, and purchase medicine and medical supplies for children with disabilities.

For more details on Project: Dominican Republic, and to view a brief video about mission work in the Dominican Republic, please visit www.lcms.org/vbs.

The “Planet Zoom” curriculum is available for purchase on the Concordia Publishing House Web site or by calling 1-800-325-3040.

Learn  about how LCMS missionaries in the Dominican Republic are responding to the earthquake in Haiti.

Summer Conference: Tending The Flame

Start planning now to attend this summers conference with Reggie McNeal. This three day event if full of informative sessions lead by Dr. Reggie McNeal, exciting workshops, and time for ministry celebrations. Cick for more information
The Southeastern District (SED)

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

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



A simple reminder that we will have Office Hours on the web for Mission U on Tuesday evening, February 23, 2010. Join us at http://lsportal.breeze.net/sedt at 7:00 until 9:00.

This is an opportunity to ask your outreach questions, seek resources, and speak with others involved in sharing the Good News of Jesus.

Lutheran Hour Ministries’ Sarah Guldalian and SED’s Sally Hiller serve as your hosts.

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.

Let us continue to pray for our brothers and sisters in Haiti including rescue workers for God’s guidance as well as touching the hearts of others for donations.

EVENTS

Bethany AIM –  Alexandria Va
Global 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. If you are unable to join us live on the line, there is still an opportunity to submit your prayer request(s).  Simply go to http://www.lucasjs.com/sedcongregationsablaze/?pageid=1460 and fill out the form and click submit. Thanks for your participation.

New Hope International Lutheran Church- Laurel, MD

Presents The Glorious Lamps International of Philadelphia Live in Concert!!!
Date:  Sunday, February 21, 2010
Venue:  Our Savior Lutheran Church. 13611 Laurel-Bowie, MD  20708
Time: 6:00 p.m.

Featuring also:
Minister Elizabeth Alicia Kallon
Pastor Elenora Mouphouet
Sister Mardea Junius
The New Hope Intern’l Lutheran Church Choir
Our Savior Lutheran Church Choir, etc.
Admission: Free!!!  (A free benefit concert – but please bring a special free-will love offering to support the Buchanan orphanage project – Liberia, west Africa).

When the song of the angels is stilled, When the star in the sky is gone, When the kings and princes are home, When the shepherds are back with their flock, The work of Christmas begins: To find the lost, To heal the broken, To feed the hungry, To release the prisoner, To rebuild the nations, To bring peace among others, To make music in the heart.”

- Rev. Dr. Howard Thurman

Participating in God’s mission in the world, doesn’t have to lead to an ethnic quagmire over race, said the Rev. John Nunes of LCMS World Relief and Human Care. “Race is an artificial category; it is about grace and not race,” he said at the second annual multi-ethnic symposium.

Nunes told more than 120 clergy and lay leaders, who came from ethnic and urban missions from around the country, that it is important to reframe the conversation. Essentially the dialogue must move from “the hermeneutics of suspicion to the hermeneutics of understanding” or as Martin Luther would point out, “putting the best construction” on cross-cultural communication, Nunes said.

During the 2-day symposium at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, there were many opportunities for small-group discussions.

A few times, the table talk questions became more important than the answers. What holds us together? Overwhelmingly it is “our strong theological and biblical position,” many said again and again. What theological contributions come to our church from ethnic communities? “We think with our hearts and not so much our heads. Differences should be celebrated,” others said.

How is the message going to be locally expressed? There is not just one way to present the Gospel and worship our God. It’s a risk-taking task, we have ahead of us, said the Rev. John Schmidtke. “We must reach the lost and encourage the saints,” he said.

But there is avoidance to overcome. “Many times we fail at communication,” said the Rev. Dr. Samuel Gomez. The common ground becomes elusive in intercultural communication – the search remains for a path to meaning and truth. The disconnect still happens when there is a struggle for money and resources as ethnics are left on the back burner.

In fact, at the upcoming synodical convention in July, only two of the 120 ethnic minorities gathered would be delegates from their congregations. Perhaps this is the reason why the theory of inclusiveness is rarely lived out in culture and race. Yet our DNA only differs .012 in genetic material. “A cell attracts what it needs with many binding sites to nurture and grow,” said the Rev. Eloy Gonzalez.

“We must maximize our giftedness to reach our broken world,” said the Rev. Dr. Don Johnson in representing Native American missions. “We must give up on holding on to past paradigms, but transform and use them for a new purpose.”

Now is the time for a covenant of action at the synodical convention for strategic planning and significant support ethnic and urban missions. “We don’t know our neighbors,” said Janis McDaniel, a regional president of Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. By 2050, about 75-80 percent of the U.S. population will live in urban areas, which will consist of between 30 to 69 mega cities. “It is time to bring people together, pray and find resources for leadership,” she said.

There is a need for the ministry of reconciliation, said the Rev. James Wiggins. “Why are you all here? You are sons and daughters of God and love reigns.” With structural and systemic challenges and power-sharing issues inside the institution – synod’s days may be numbered. Author George Barna would estimate about three decades are left if mission planting fails. But it can succeed.

“God is doing a new thing,” Rev. Aurelio Magarino said. The president of the National Lutheran Hispanic Conference urged his listeners to take the risk and move beyond barriers. “Change yourself,” he said.

Yvette Moy

Chairman Hispanic Mission Development Board of Northern Virginia

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 living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.

2 Corinthians 3:2-3

Looking to leave the snow behind?
Join us for Tending the Flame’s “Living Letters” July 30-Aug1 in Richmond VA.  How are we living letters of the Gospel in the interactions of our days? Reggie McNeal, noted author and speaker, presents on being the missional church. Echelon will be working with the Conference teen program. Our incredible Child Ministry team is preparing an extraordinary children’s program. Check this link for a reminder of last year’s event. Registration information is available on line.

We Reached the Goal!
Thank you for your partnership in the Ablaze! for God’s Mission Funding Campaign that has now surpassed the goal of $6,000,000. Your generosity will enable the work of the Gospel in more than 23 new communities. President Jon Diefenthaler shares his thanks in this video message.

Let Us Pray:
Rev. Paul Nelson, emeritus recovering from surgery
Rev. Ken Schwengel, emeritus, recovering from recent hospitalization
Maya, 11 month-old granddaughter of Rev. Rick Hase, emeritus (St. Paul, Glen Burnie MD). Maya is in John’s Hopkins Children’s Intensive Care Center.
Rev. Herb Walther, emeritus (Grace, Durham), recovering from a stroke.
Rev. David Voss (Nazareth, Hopewell VA) recovering from illness.

Timothy, son of Rev. Tom Clocker (Redeemer, Hyattsville MD) who was with teammates when one of the members suddenly died. We remember the family and friends of this student at Bowie High School (MD) and lift up all who are providing grief counseling at the school.

Eleanor Muhly, wife of the late Rev. Edward Muhly, was gathered into the Lord’s arms on Dec. 24.

Ma Fatu Bah Putu, (age 75), mother-in-law of Rev. Suah Deddeh (Lamb of God, Landover Hills MD) who was gathered into the Lord’s arms on Saturday, January 30, 2010 in Laurel, MD.

Calls
+ Rev. Bob Stevens (Our Savior, Hickory NC) to serve as pastor to St. Paul’s, Holtville CA.

Calls Accepted
+ Rev. Charles Long (New Hope, Chesterfield VA) to Grace, LaPlata MD

Emeritus
+ Rev. James A McDaniels, 2/1/2010
+ Rev. Dr. Richard T. Hinz, Associate Pastor, Prince of Peace, Springfield, VA 7/1/2009

District Calendar 2010

Feb.

20 MDA: Mission Models On-Line
23 Mission U Office Hours On-Line
March

5-6 SED Board of Directors Alexandria VA
7-14 National Lutheran School Week
9 Mission U Office Hours On-Line
13 Pre-convention Make-up Meeting Alexandria VA
13 MDA: Evangelism On-Line
13 Baltimore Area Schools Servant Event Towson MD
15-16 Exec Team Meeting Alexandria VA
23 Mission U Office Hours On-Line

April

10 MDA:Developing A Mission On-Line
12 Spring Regional PCW Meeting Cary NC
13 Spring Regional PCW Meeting Silver Spring MD
13 Mission U Office Hours On-Line
16-18 Pastors Wives Retreat Richmond VA
23-24 MDA Retreat
29-30 Multi-Cultural Task Force Meeting
29-30 Circuit Mission Advocate Meeting

May

5-6 Circuit Counselor Meeting Virginia Beach
11 Mission U Office Hours On-Line
17-19 Lutheran School Funding Academy
21-24 LCMS Convention Floor Committees St. Louis MO
25-26 Spiritual Life Task Force Richmond VA

June

4-5 SED Board of Directors Alexandria VA
6-14 District-wide Pre-Convention Meetings

July

9-17 LCMS Convention Houston TX

July 30-Aug 1

Tending the Flame Richmond VA

Sept.

16-19 Carolinas District LWML
24-26 Chesapeake District LWML

LCMS Convention Prayer for the Month of February
We thank You, dear Father, for our sisters and brothers in Christ who are working on our behalf, both behind the scenes and in the forefront of the convention.  In particular, we pray for our President, Gerald, his staff, the convention committee, those who will serve on floor committees, and all delegates.  Bless their efforts for Your glory and for the good of Your body, the church.  Give them wisdom, strength, health, patience, and joy in their service.  May your Spirit renew and refresh them.  We thank You for their willing hearts and their faithfulness to You.  We hold in prayer also those who will serve at the hotels and in the surrounding Houston community, especially workers who may not know You as Savior and Lord.  May the words and actions of all who participate in the Convention convey appreciation, grace, and kindness.  Provide opportunities and give all the courage to share Good News of Your love with them.   In the precious Name of Jesus we pray.  Amen.

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)


February 9, 2010
Dear Friends,

The rising predictions of snowfall for these next two days is astounding. Already congregations and schools are struggling with closings and snow removal and most importantly, the pastoral care of members and their neighborhoods. As you continue to work your way through this winter of special challenge, don’t overlook the opportunity to reach out to a neighbor, check in with the elderly, and be a kind driver.

The District Office generally follows the Federal Government (DC Offices) with regard to opening and closing. We are currently closed (Monday and Tuesday) and will post messages on the homepage if we are closed. If you are also trying to reach us but not getting through to someone, extension 309 has a regularly updated phone message about the status of the office.
Mission U Continues – See You On Saturday   Sarah Guldalian will join us on Saturday for the fourth session of Mission U. We will be broadcasting live from Trinity Lutheran, Richmond VA. You won’t want to miss Session 4 of Mission U. Join us as we discuss witnessing tactics and dialogue to avoid so we do not alienate those around us. We’ll learn to determine the proper time for sharing our faith. We’ll also learn what to do about missed opportunities and how to move forward after conversations gone wrong. And, crucial to gaining confidence in our witness, we will improve in the area of responding to objections. Session 4 will provide answers to tough questions, as well as an opportunity to practice  responding to these questions. We will alaso learn to utilize apologetics towards deeper sharing. Join us on line, Saturday, January 9, at 9:00 a.m. at http://breeze.lsportal.net/sedm . Contact Cathy Long for additional information about connecting. Haiti Update Individuals, congregations, and school children are stepping forward to participate in the recovery efforts of Haiti. Such an extreme disaster will require a long-term partnership to recover, rebuild, and restore. I am hearing a new phrase surfacing in the midst of this crisis: legitimate organizations. We are blessed to be able to support three different legitimate Lutheran agencies: LCMS World Relief, Lutheran World Relief (LWR), and Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR). You can be certain that your donations will be used to their fullest to provide disaster relief and recovery.

Our Lutheran agencies are providing resources that offer opportunities for all of us to participate. Financial donations are needed to assist with an immediate need for medical resources and supplies. In addition, health kits, layettes, and meals can involve members of your congregation, school, and community in hands on projects. Also, a number of our congregations are preparing to send teams to assist with the recovery effort. Individuals participating must have completed a number of disaster response training programs. You can learn more about the opportunities to prepare for volunteering and mission trips at

Finally, I am excited about the notes I am picking up about what is happening throughout the District. Circuit 9 congregations will be preparing more than 100,000 meals. At least one response team is preparing to go to Haiti in late Spring. Choirs from Bowie State College, Ascension Lutheran School, Lamb of God, and C. Anthony Bush will hold a special benefit event (after the snow). Lutheran schools in the greater Baltimore area are working on a special project and will gather in March to assemble the project and remember in worship all who have felt the impact of this terrible event.

Yes, all around us I see the heart of Jesus overflowing in the actions of his people. It is exciting – to God be the glory! Please send your stories and pictures and let us share them with others.

Check out these legitimate Lutheran agencies for Haiti relief:
To volunteer, get updated information, or donate supplies, contact: LCMS World Relief.
Orphan Grain Train has wonderful hands-on projects and they are working with LCMS World Relief.
Lutheran World Relief also has a number of hands-on projects: quilts, health kits, and layettes are needed for the relief effort.

A final note: if you are sending a check, be certain that you note it is for Haiti Relief.

Dear Lazarus Project Partners,

I hope that you have all bookmarked www.lazarusprojecthaiti.org and are reading the daily updates from Debbie Berquist from Haiti. She has been our rock in this disaster and has been able to help so many people. We are blessed to have her there.

Be sure to visit the website today to see the interview with Nick Dixon of CHCH News in Hamilton, Canada, Debbie’s home town!

Media attention is beginning to wane as time passes, but we will continue to serve the people of the Lazarus Project long after Haiti has left the news and the last reporters have gone home. We are in this for the long haul and we appreciate your participation with us to help the children, teachers and staff of the Lazarus Project rebuild their homes, communities and lives in Haiti!

Thank you for your continued prayers and donations.

Marni

Mission U on February 13
You won’t want to miss Session 4 of MISSION U. Join us as we discuss witnessing tactics and dialogue to avoid so we do not alienate those around us. We’ll learn to determine the proper time for sharing our faith. We’ll also learn what to do about missed opportunities and how to move forward after conversations gone wrong. And, crucial to gaining confidence in our witness, we will improve in the area of responding to objections. Session 4 will provide answers to tough questions, as well as an opportunity to practice responding to these questions. We will also learn to utilize apologetics towards deeper sharing.

We Reached the Goal!
Thank you for your partnership in the Ablaze! for God’s Mission Funding Campaign that has now surpassed the goal of $6,000,000. Your generosity will enable the work of the Gospel in more than 23 new communities. President Jon Diefenthaler shares his thanks in this video message.

Let Us Pray:
Rev. Paul Nelson, emeritus recovering from surgery
Rev. Ken Schwengel, emeritus, recovering from recent hospitalization
Rev. David Voss (Nazareth, Hopewell VA) tests and recovering
Eleanor Muhly, wife of the late Rev. Edward Muhly, was gathered into the Lord’s arms on Dec. 24.
Calls Accepted
+ Rev. Charles Long (New Hope, Chesterfield VA) to Grace, LaPlata MD
Installation
Rev. Dr. Frank Ciampa as associate Pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Aiken on Sunday, February 14th

District Sponsored Events
Feb 5-6: LCMS Convention Pre-Meeting, Atlanta
Feb 6: Circuit 1 Disaster Preparedness Training
Feb 9: Mission U Web Office Hours (7:00 pm – 9:00 pm)
Feb 11-12: School Administrators Meeting, Virginia Beach VA
Feb. 13: TLO Broadcast: Mission U, part 4
Feb 23: Mission U Web Office Hours (7:00 pm – 9:00 pm)
Feb 25: Early Childhood Conference, Clayton NC
Feb 26: Early Childhood Conference, King George VA

Mar 5-6: SED Board of Directors
Mar 7-14: National Lutheran School Week
Mar 9: Mission U Web Office Hours (7:00 pm – 9:00 pm)
Mar 23: Mission U Web Office Hours (7:00 pm – 9:00 pm)

Apr 12: Professional Church Workers Conference, Resurrection-Cary NC
Apr 13: Professional Church Workers Conference, St. Andrew – Silver Spring MD
Apr 13: Mission U Web Office Hours (7:00 pm – 9:00 pm)
Apr 16-17: Pastors Wives Retreat, Roslyn
Apr 29-30: Circuit Mission Advocate Meeting
Apr 29-30: Multicultural Task Force Meeting

May 5-6: Circuit Counselors
May 11: Mission U Web Office Hours (7:00 pm – 9:00 pm)
May 17-19: Funding Academy for Schools

June 4-5: SED Board of Directors

July 9-17: LCMS Convention
July 17-21: National Youth Gathering
July 30, 31, August 1: Tending the Flame, Living Letters

Mark your Calendars!  Tending The Flame July 30-August 1, 2010 in Richmond VA
The Tending the Flame conference features Reggie McNeal, author of Missional Renaissance, as well as workshops, missions fair, youth and children’s program and fellowship with people throughout our district. Registration Information ia available on line.

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

www.se.lcms.org

Sally J Hiller
Executive Director for Congregational Outreach and District Operations
Southeastern District, LCMS
6315 Grovedale Drive
Alexandria VA 22310-2501
voice: 703.971.9371, Ext. 205 or 800.637.5723, fax 703.922.6047
web:  www.se.lcms.org