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 July 26, 2010 – August 1, 2010

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CONVENTION NEWS

 

 

 

For Saturday, July 10, 2010   http://www.lcms.org/ca/www/enews/messagetext.asp?MsgId=8879

For Sunday, July 11, 2010   http://www.lcms.org/ca/www/enews/messagetext.asp?MsgId=8881

For Monday, July 12, 2010   http://www.lcms.org/ca/www/enews/messagetext.asp?MsgId=8892

For Tuesday, July 13, 2010   http://www.lcms.org/ca/www/enews/messagetext.asp?MsgId=8897

For Wednesday, July 14, 2010  http://www.lcms.org/ca/www/enews/messagetext.asp?MsgId=8899

For Thursday, July 15, 2010   http://www.lcms.org/ca/www/enews/messagetext.asp?MsgId=8904 

(Taken from LCMS Weekly Summary 7/16/10)

 

For “Red Chair” videos from LCMS Convention  www.lcms.org/redchair or www.youtube.com/thelcms 

 

LCMS JOINS LUTHERAN MALARIA INITIATIVE  Convention delegates overwhelmingly adopt resolution to combat malaria.  For more information go to Lutheran Malaria Initiative.

 

Check out more coverage of the 2010 Synodical Convention by visiting our website at www.psd-lcms.org

 

REV. MATTHEW C. HARRISON, PRESIDENT-ELECT OF THE LUTHERAN CHURCH—MISSOURI SYNOD (LCMS), HAS NAMED THE FOLLOWING TO NEW POSITIONS, EFFECTIVE SEPT. 1:

Dr. Albert B. Collver III, director of Church Relations—assistant to the president. Collver is currently serving as executive pastoral assistant, LCMS World Relief and Human Care.

Rev. Jon D. Vieker, senior assistant to the president. Vieker is currently serving as assistant director, LCMS Commission on Worship. 

Barb A. Below, assistant to the president. Below is currently serving as director of social ministry organizations, LCMS World Relief and Human Care. She is the first woman to serve on the executive-level staff for an LCMS president. 

 

                                                                                                           

PRAYER REQUESTS & PRAISE REPORTS

 

Michael Doyle – District Archivist, for healing of the blood disease he has contracted.

Sharon Ehrman – wife of Deacon Steve Ehrman at Christ’s Greenfield, Gilbert, AZ.  Pray for healing as Sharon is undergoing more testing as she fights cancer.

Pastor Gerald Gettis – Alleluia/Student Ministry ASU, Tempe, AZ – Pray for God’s speedy recuperation and healing.

Pastor Ray Kibler – Grace, Ventura, CA.  Continue to pray for strength and healing as he is undergoing chemotherapy.

Rev. Keith Lonsberry – Emeritus.  For complete and rapid healing after having surgery on his vocal cords.  He is presently undergoing radiation treatments. 

 

 

Please send updated condition information to karene.cargill@psd-lcms.org   

 

 

STUDENT AID for 2010-2011      

Student Aid Guidelines for the Pacific Southwest District Grants and the two forms needed to apply for aid are now available on the PSD website.  Please go to http://www.psd-lcms.org/resources/default.htm#student   Both forms must be completed and received by the District office no later than August 3rd for grant consideration. If you have any questions, please contact Barbara Farley at 949.854.3232 ext 201.   Thank you for your patience. 

 

 

PSD NEWS AND UPCOMING EVENTS

 

LAY LEADERSHIP TRAINING 2010 – Now available on the PSD website http://www.psd-lcms.org/lay_leadership/Default.htm

 

INTENTIONAL INTERIM MINISTRY TRAINING SCHEDULE 2010 – 2011  –  http://www.psd-lcms.org/interim_ministry/Default.htm

 

PSD OUTDOOR MINISTRY IS HOSTING A WEEK OF CAMP AT CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY CONFERENCE AND RETREAT CENTER (FORMERLY ARROWHEAD LUTHERAN CAMP) AUGUST 1-6, 2010.  We had so much fun last summer hiking, sleeping in teepees, making crafts, eating great food, learning about Jesus, making lasting friendships and enjoying our time in God’s beautiful creation.  We hope you will join us this summer!  We have camps for ages 5-17.  Online registration is now open.  Visit www.outdoorministry.org to get more information and to register.  Looking for a way to serve this summer?  We are in need of volunteers to help with summer camp!  Do you love to hike?  Can you do dishes?  Can you shoot a bow and arrow?  Even if you said no to these, we would still love your help.  We are in need of trail guides, tent camp leaders, game coordinators, craft supervisors, campfire leaders, lifeguards, kitchen help, and counselors. Volunteers can register online as well, just click on the volunteer tab on the left column of the home page.  Summer Camp volunteer dates are July 30th-August 7th.  Can’t commit to a whole week?  We will find a place for you for a day or two.  Need more information or have questions?  Send us an email info@outdoorministry.org. 

 

FALL PASTOR’S CONFERENCE
OCTOBER 4-8, 2010

You should have already received information announcing this year’s conference which will be October 4-8 AT SEA!  We will be cruising aboard a Carnival ship setting sail from Long Beach at 5:30 pm on Monday, with ports of call at Catalina on Tuesday and Ensenada on Wednesday. Thursday will be at sea.  The ship returns to Long Beach at 8:00 am Friday.  Conference sessions will be each morning, plus afternoon sessions on Thursday.  The conference theme is — Drawn in Changing Tides.  We are pleased to have as our speakers:  Dr. Robert Newton, Dr. Mike Gibson and  Dr.Scott Rische.  More information will be sent to each church soon, along with registration materials.  If you have not yet contacted Mary Kolb to make cabin reservations for our Conference Cruise, please do so quickly.  Over 100 cabins are already confirmed. There are two cabin categories already sold out, 4B and 6D, so please cross those off the flyer.  We have some additional cabins in 6E at $349 which is not listed on the flyer.  If you are a single clergy, or your wife cannot join you, please try to find a fellow pastor to share the cabin, if not the price is 200%.  Some congregations have gotten members to make reservations which helps the planning committee control conference costs.  The ship holds several thousand so encourage all your members and friends to call Mary and make reservations (they do not have to participate in the conference sessions).  Reservations can be made with Mary over the phone 727.733.3498.   She can answer any concerns you have concerning the cruise ship, ports, passports, etc.  We hope all pastors and their spouses (active or retired) can join us on this inspirational conference cruise.  If you have conference questions please contact Lowell Kindschy at:  lowell.kindschy@gmail.com or 805.688.8938.

THE MINUTES AND PROCEEDINGS FROM THE 2009 PACIFIC SOUTHWEST DISTRICT EQUIPPING CONFERENCE AND CONVENTION http://www.psd-lcms.org/home/2009_PSW_District_Convention_Proceedings_Minutes[1].pdf

PSW DISTRICT DIRECTORY   http://www.psd-lcms.org/resources/default.htm#directory   Corrections should be directed to Karene Cargill at karene.cargill@psd-lcms.org

 

CONGREGATIONAL GUIDELINES FOR THE CARE OF PROFESSIONAL CHURCH WORKERS – 2010 Revision 2 (AKA Salary Guidelines) http://www.psd-lcms.org/resources/Letter%20for%20Congregational%20Guidelines%200510-Rev%202%20complete.pdf

 

 

CELEBRATING HIS PEOPLE – rejoicing together for what the Lord is doing within our Pacific Southwest District family. If you would like to share a PRAISE-worthy announcement within the PSD, submit the info to PSDenews@psd-lcms.org

DR. JACOB YOUMANS, Director of the DCE Program at Concordia Texas, will be coming to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Orange on the weekend of August 7th & 8th. Jake, formerly the Family Minister at St. Paul’s, is the author of the new book Talking Pictures: How to Turn a Trip to the Movies into a Mission Trip (Tri-Pillar Publishing). Jake will be preaching at all worship services at St. Paul’s on Saturday Aug. 7th at 7PM, and on Sunday Aug. 8th at 8AM, 9:30AM, 11AM, & the new ENGAGE service at 6PM. There will be opportunities to chat with Jake and purchase signed copies of his new book. Be sure to mark your calendars and join us! For more information, please contact St. Paul’s Lutheran Church at 714.637.2640. (1250 E. Heim Ave., Orange, CA 92865). Jake’s book, Talking Pictures, examines the power of movies in our culture and explores effective ways we can use any movie as a way to start conversations about our Christian faith.  For more information and to purchase online, please visit www.tripillarpublishing.com.

CELEBRATING OUR SCHOOLS

 

PSD STUDENTS AND EDUCATORS IN THIS YEAR’S CHAPEL TALKS   “Making Disciples”, the 2010-11 edition of Chapel Talks from LCMS School Ministry, includes several Chapel Talks written by our own Susan Brandt, teacher at Shepherd of the Desert, Scottsdale, AZ, and Carolyn Sims, principal at Abiding Savior, Lake Forest, CA.   Click here to take a look and purchase your own copy.  We are proud of these gifted educators!

 

GRANTPARENT LUNCHEON  The Third Annual Grantparent Sponsor Luncheon took place on Thursday, May 27th.  35 people were in attendance, including five students, many sponsors, school principals, and board members.  It was a wonderful and touching event.  This past year, 52 students were sponsored at four of our district’s urban schools and there were 32 Grantparent sponsors for 2009-2010.  Now is the time to consider being a Grantparent sponsor for the 2010-2011 school year!  Click here for the latest Grantparent News.  Contact Anna Preus at anna.preus@psd-lcms.org for more information about the Grantparent Mission Project.

 

PARTNERS IN MINISTRY ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

IMPORTANT NEWS FROM CONCORDIA PLAN SERVICES  As the summer winds down, many employers will be asking for the Concordia Plans rates & changes for 2011.  Below is a high-level summary for distribution.  The 2011 booklets and employer rates will be sent to employers enrolled in any of the Concordia Plans in the next few weeks.  The Concordia Plan Services Web site is updated for CHP rates by Zip Code http://www.concordiaplans.org/2011Quoting/SearchRatesE.aspx with the 2011 rates.

What’s New in 2011?

·         No rate change for:

·         Concordia Retirement Plan (CRP)

·         Concordia Disability and Survivor Plan (CDSP)

·         Voluntary plans – AIP and Supplemental Life

 

·         CHP active member rates increase 9.9% for all options; less in very limited areas

·         Medical inflation and regulations associated with health care reform causing costs to rise across the board, industry trends are 10%-15%

·         To maintain “grandfathered” status, CPS restricted from making benefit changes that could reduce increase

 

·         Enhanced Benefits:

·         Medical – 100% hospital charges for hip and knee replacement and spine surgery at Blue Distinction Center of Excellence (applies to Options A-E)

·         Dental – cost of preventive care will not apply to $1,500 annual maximum

·         Dental – access to more in-network providers with CIGNA Radius Network
(Does not apply to HMO options)

·         Hearing Discounts – copay for comprehensive audiometry testing will be $49, down from $59.  Fixed discounted prices for digital hearing aids increase slightly.

 

·         Changes in Compliance with Health Care Reform:

·         Lifetime maximums on health coverage eliminated

·         Dependent children covered to age 26 regardless of marital or student status, unless eligible for other employer-sponsored coverage; special enrollment opportunity for 2011.

·         Pre-existing condition restriction no longer applies to children under age 19

·         Personal Spending Account provisions:   

·         HSA PSA excise tax for under-age-65 distribution for non-qualified expenses increases from 10% to 20%

·         Over-the-counter (OTC) Rx require doctor’s written approval – FSA PSA and HSA PSA

 

·         Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) enhanced flexibility:

·         Can pair with all CHP options, except an HMO     

·         Funding methods allow worker or employer to pay first, in addition to both at the same time through shared payments (50% or 80%)

·         Design options for employers to choose reimbursable expenses
(i.e., Rx drugs, deductible, coinsurance, copays)

·         Administrative change – rename plan options:
     Original Name         New Name     Clarification
       Options Blue HSA   HDHP             IRS qualified high-deductible plan
       Options Blue HRA   Option E         Hybrid plan

 

Any eligible employers that are not enrolled in Concordia Plans can call us for rates & information about their location.  

Ralph C. Simon, LUTCF, LTCP
Benefit Consultant
Phone: 314-885-6722 * Fax: 314-885-6772
Email: ralph.simon@concordiaplans.org

 

UPCOMING EVENTS AT CONCORDIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY, FORT WAYNE, IN  Opportunities abound on the Concordia Theological Seminary campus:

August 1 -  First Sunday Brunch

September 12 – Opening of the 165th academic year

October 1-2 - Lutheranism & the Classics

October 21-23 - Prayerfully Consider Campus Visit

November - Holy Land Tour Planned

For additional information concerning all events, please go to www.ctsfw.edu, or phone 260.452.2100.

 

HAITI, SIX MONTHS LATER  Six months after Haiti’s devastating 7.0 earthquake, Lutheran World Relief (LWR) remains hard at work assisting those who are still dealing with its aftermath and will be for years to come.  Learn more at http://www.lwr.org/news/index.asp  (From LWR News Release 7-12-10)

 

DISCERNMENT FOR INTERIM MINISTRY WORKSHOP AT CONCORDIA SEMINARY, ST. LOUIS on September 28-29, 2010.  The registration cost is $200. On-campus housing is available for $40 per night for a single room; $25 per person per night for a shared room. To register or for more information, contact continuing education and parish services at 314.505.7486 or e-mail ce@csl.edu. More information on Intentional Interim Ministry in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is available at www.interiministrylcms.org.  

 

ON THE EDGE CONFERENCE is for high school students who are thinking about or wondering about a professional career in church work. This very exciting day-long conference will be held at Concordia University, Irvine, on Saturday, October 2, 2010. For those that may wish to stay overnight, please contact School Ministries at the District Office for arrangements.

Click here for the Registration Form
Click here for the Medical Release Form
Click here for the On The Edge poster
Click here for the Pastors and DCE email information

2011 ALUMNI REUNION SCHEDULED FOR JUNE 7-9, 2011  Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, alumni, spouses, and widows are invited to attend the Annual Alumni Reunion, which will be held June 7-9, 2011, on the Seminary campus. The event is open to graduating classes from years ending in a “1” or “6.”  Invitations to the 2011 alumni reunion will be sent in February, which includes a registration form and information concerning area accommodations. Registration forms will also be available for download from the Seminary’s website at www.csl.edu.  For more information, contact alumni relations at 314.505.7370 or alumni@csl.edu.      

 

 

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS & CONFERENCES

 

Come on up to MT CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH IN CREST PARK on Saturday, August 28th for a day of  FELLOWSHIP THROUGH MOTORCYCLES & MUSIC in the San Bernardino Mountains near Lake Arrowhead. The Mt Calvary Victory Ride is a family event for Motorcycle Riders, their families and all who enjoy motorcycles, music and great fellowship.  More info @ http://www.mtcalvaryvictoryride.org

 

Concordia University Irvine announces its 21ST ANNUAL EAGLE GOLF CLASSIC. This year’s tournament will be held on Friday, October 1st at the Tustin Ranch Golf Club. Will Abiding Savior Lake Forest be able to hold on to their title from last year’s victory? Sign up your Church Teams today! To find out more visit our website at www.cui.edu/golf for tournament and registration information.

 

RESOURCES & REQUESTS
(PSD Enews is not responsible for the contents, opinions or accuracy of the following items)

 

IN-DEPTH ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS TEENS ARE ASKING   Youth have questions—God’s Word has the answers.  Life’s Big Questions, God’s Big Answers, written by Brad Alles, not only answers some of those questions, but also lets teens know that asking questions is a good thing. To order this book, visit cph.org or call 1.800.325.3040 for more information.

 

 

INTUITIVE NEW CHURCH MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE SIMPLIFIES MINISTRY  Concordia Technology Solutions, a division of Concordia Publishing House, announces Church360º, a new Church Management Software that makes church management simpler than ever. For more information or a free, no obligation demonstration of Church360º, please call 1.800.325.2399.  Learn more at www.church360.org

 

Concordia Seminary Press has released its newest book, The American Mind Meets the Mind of Christ.  The book, edited by professor emeritus and former director of the Institute for Mission Studies, Robert Kolb, features nine essays by Joel Biermann, Tony Cook, Reed Lessing, David Lewis, Dale Meyer, Joel Okamoto, Paul Robinson, Leo Sánchez, and David Schmitt.  Perfect for summer reading or small group discussion, the book costs $14.99 and is available for purchase at the Concordia Seminary bookstore, www.amazon.com, and by contacting theological research and publication at sempress@csl.edu or 314.505.7117.  For more information, including excerpts, visit www.concordiatheology.org.

 

Concordia Publishing House releases two new products from the Concordia Art Library: the Lutheran Service Book Icons DVD and the Bulletin Photography DVD. These new resources will help you add beautiful images to bulletins, presentations, Web sites, and newsletters in seconds.  Order either or both DVDs by visiting cph.org or call 1.800.325.3040.

 

 

Oberammergau TOURS in 2010

 

 

REV. TOM AND MIRIAM KRAUSE of Overland Park, KS are hosting an “Oberammergau Passion Play and Reformation Tour” September 4-13, 2010, and invite you to join them.

E-mail: tommirkrause@gmail.com or miriamk@kc.rr.com, or phone: 913.906.9976 (home) or 913.638.8271 (cell).

 

GLORIA DEI, ESCONDIDO is hosting a trip to the Passion Play of Oberammergau and an 11 day in the Steps of Martin Luther tour on September 2-12, 2010.  The cost of the tour is $4069.00 from Los Angeles, CA and the deadline to sign up is August 1, 2009. Richard and Wanda DeGraffenreid will be your hosts. Contact Wanda at 760.743.2478 or email office@gdlc.sdcoxmail.com.

 

OBERAMMERGAU AND LUTHERLANDS IN 2010 You are invited to join retired district president Loren Kramer and his wife Arlene on a 15 day tour leaving on September 15, 2010. To request a brochure with more information and prices please contact the Kramers at lorenkramer@sbcglobal.net  or phone 949.240.9751.

 

LutherTours  http://www.christiantravelplanners.com/Oberammergau-Travel is pleased to announce our current list of tours including the performance of the Passion Play 2010. We extend our FREE TRAVEL offer to those with a group of at least 10 members! Call LutherTours Toll Free 866.777.1517 or email info@luthertours.com for the latest tours and information. SAVE $550 OFF TOUR PRICE when you CONFIRM BY NOV. 15TH.

ISRAEL & GERMANY- September 8-19, 2010   A pilgrimage to the Holy Land and the Passion Play, Oberammergau, Germany.  Click here to view the itinerary

http://www.christiantravelplanners.com/attachments/128_Web%20Brochure.pdf

 

 

Other tours

 

HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGE a little off the beaten path – December 2-11, 2010.  Hosted by Pastor Matt Richardt.  Cost is around $2500 or less, depending on number of people.  For itinerary and other information contact Wanda at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Escondido.  760.743.2478,  office@gdlc.sdcoxmail.com. You may also visit our website at: www.oyeoflittlefaith.org under the events page and view the itinerary.

 

TOUR OF HOLY LAND IN ISRAEL  December 27, 2010 to January 5, 2011. Join Carl and Tina Simmons from Faith Lutheran Church in Hesperia, CA as your hosts.   Visit www.alpha2omegatravel.org/simmons for more information. In addition, Craig and Carolee Stiffler will host a springtime tour of The Holy Land from March 27 - April 5, 2011. Visit www.alpha2omegatravel.org/stiffler for more information.

 

 

DISTRICT OFFICE CHAPEL PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK: 7.26.10 – 8.1.10

 

Mountain View Church, Apache Junction, AZ

Hope Church, Bisbee, AZ

Grace Church, Black Canyon City, AZ

Good Shepherd Church, Downey, CA

Messiah Church, Downey, CA

First Church, El Cajon, CA

Grace Church, El Centro, CA

Hispanic Mission Society, El Cajon, CA

Iglesia Luterana Alfa y Omega, El Centro, CA

First Evangelical Church, El Monte, CA

Christ Church & Little Lamb’s Ministry, Boulder City, NV



SUBMIT SPECIFIC PRAYER REQUESTS to karene.cargill@psd-lcms.org. Please specify whether you would like your request published in our weekly e-newsletter and/or on our web site, or if you prefer only to be prayed for during chapel at the District Office.

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God’s blessings to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!

psdenews@psd-lcms.org  
Pacific Southwest District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
1540 Concordia Drive East, Irvine, CA 92612, 888-773-5267