SOMETHING NEW - Text NEW to each newsletter

FOR THIS WEEK - An event happening this week:

March 8, 2010 – March 14, 2010

 

 

 

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS

 

 

For the family of Rev. Jim Hallmann — who went home to Jesus on Tuesday, March 2 after a scuba diving accident.   The memorial service for Rev. Hallmann will be held on Sunday, March 7th at 3:00 p.m. at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 701 N. Sanderson Ave., Hemet, CA.

 

Rev. Richard Widmann – praise to God for his recovery from surgery for an Aortic aneurysm and for his wife, Eileen who also is recovering from a hip replacement surgery.  Both are back at their San Diego home.

 

FOR THE PEOPLE OF CHILE AND HAITI and the relief teams that are helping with the many people who are injured and homeless.

 

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS

 

Rev. Steve Carlson and family, First, Manhattan Beach —for comfort and peace at the death of their oldest son, Tom, in an auto accident.

Mike Doyle—District Archivist, for healing of the blood disease he has contracted.

Sharon Ehrman — being treated for metastasized lung cancer. Pray for healing and peace as she undergoes radiation and chemo.

Family of Vicar Clyde Elliot — as they mourn the passing of Clyde.

Janet Gager (Daughter of Cal & Doris Fiege) — for continued healing/recovery during chemo treatments and other medical issues.

Kurt Harms —LCEF promotional coordinator for Southern Nevada, is battling leukemia. Pray for healing and patience.

Rev. Ray Kibler — he is currently undergoing testing to confirm or rule out bone cancer.

Pastor Mitchell Prifogle, emeritus, Las Vegas, — has hospice care at his home.

Rev. Dr. Ozzie Waech (98)—first District Secretary of Evangelism and Stewardship, and his wife, Marion (89), for healing as they are in declining health. They reside at the Inland Christian Home in Ontario, CA.

 

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

 

DISASTER RELIEF

 

The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, working cooperatively through LCMS World Mission and LCMS World Relief and Human Care in St. Louis, and other U.S. and international partners, is striving to serve the ongoing needs of the people of Latin America affected by these recent devastating natural disasters. For up-to-the minute news of the LCMS response to the earthquakes in Haiti and Chile and to contribute, visit www.lcms.org.

 

TO DONATE:

LCMS WORLD RELIEF AND HUMAN CARE - To give online, visit www.lcms.org and click on “Donate Now” at the top of the page.  To send a check, please make your gift to LCMS World Relief and Human Care, write “Haiti earthquake relief” in the memo line, and mail to:

LCMS World Relief and Human Care

P.O. Box 66861

St. Louis, MO 63166-6861

To make a credit card gift by phone, please call toll-free 1.888.930.4438.

To learn about Mercy Medical Teams, please visit: www.lcms.org/mercyteams

 

LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF - You can help by making quilts and kits.  You can also show your care and support by sharing your prayers through LWR’s “Prayers for Haiti” board.   To donate to the relief effort, please visit www.lwr.org, call 1.800.597.5972, or mail a check or money order to Lutheran World Relief, PO Box 17061, Baltimore, MD 21298-9832 USA. You can also make an immediate $10 donation by texting “LWR” to 40579.

PSD NEWS AND UPCOMING EVENTS

 

Interim Ministry 2010 Workshops

 

Training for Intentional Interim Ministry (IIM) is open to all church workers to gain insights, skills, resources and practical information for their congregational ministry.  This course is a basic requirement for those seeking to serve in Intentional Interim Ministry in the PSD or CNH districts.

 

The course involves five workshops and includes reading assignments, field work and case studies. The cost is $345 to cover books, materials, the 200 page basic notebook, and lunches.  Southern California training sessions will meet at the District Office from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM.  AZ training sessions will be held at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Tempe.  Many who have taken the course but do not intend to pursue IIM have found the training very beneficial for their ministries.

 

SERIES

 

IRVINE, CA DATES

SESSION 5

 

Tues. April 20, 2010 

 

 

 

 

LAY LEADERSHIP TRAINING 2010

 

Courses are open to all members of congregations in the Pacific Southwest District-LCMS who are interested in specific ministries that would be of value for the following

roles in the congregation:

… certified deacon or parish ministry assistant

… elders

… leadership  

… care-giving and prayer ministry

… teaching Sunday School, Bible Classes, VBS

… evangelism and assimilation

… music and worship

… personal enrichment

… other areas will be added

Stand alone courses are offered to equip members for their interest or gift areas to assist and serve their Lord in their congregation. There will be more specific information regarding the program soon. You may contact Duane Rohmaller, Director of Lay Leadership Training at pswroh@aol.com

 

 

ONLINE CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE COURSE

Pacific Southwest District Lay Ministry Training will offer a CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE COURSE in an online format!  If you can use an internet browser, send an E-mail, and watch a video, the entire course (except text book reading) is now available.  Class interaction is done on your time schedule, through a discussion that is part of the program.  Dr. Stephen Mueller, professor and dean of Christ College at Concordia Irvine is the instructor, and Rev. Dustin Parker, pastor at Concordia Cerritos, is the mentor for the discussion group.  A minimum of ten students are needed to start the course with a limit of fifteen. Some spots have already been filled.  The course is 10 weeks in length, broken into manageable segments.  For more information, please contact Rev Dustin Parker at Cerritos.pastor@gmail.com

 

ARIZONA

 

PRESCOTT VALLEY, ARIZONA - Leadership Skills

Dates/Time:      Begins on Saturday, March 6 and the following dates on March 13, 20, 27 and on April 3 and 10, 2010 from 3- 6 PM

Location:         Trinity Lutheran Church, 3950 N. Valorie Drive, Prescott Valley, AZ

Instructor:         Rev. Tim Blau

 

CALIFORNIA 

 

NORTH SAN DIEGO COUNTY - Leadership & Ethics

Dates/Time:      Begins Thursday, February 25 through April 1, 2010 form 6 - 9 PM

Location:         Faith Lutheran Church Community Life Center 2nd floor, 700 E. Bobier, Vista, CA

Instructor:         Rev. Chris Deknatel

 

NORTH SAN DIEGO COUNTY - Old Testament

Dates/Time:      Begins Monday, April 12 through May 17, 2010 from 6 - 9 PM

Location:         Faith Lutheran Church Community Life Center 2nd floor, 700 E. Bobier, Vista, CA

Instructor:         Rev. Michael Abram

 

ORANGE COUNTY – Teaching the Faith

Dates/Time:      Begins Thursday, January 28 through March 11, 2010 from 7 - 10 PM

Location:         Light of Christ Lutheran Church, 18182 Culver Drive, Irvine, CA

Instructor:         Ed Stelling, Lutheran Educator and missionary with Lutheran Bible Translators in Liberia, West Africa

           

RIVERSIDE/SAN BERNARDINO COUNTIES - Old Testament

Dates/Time:      Begins Tuesday April 6 through May 11, 2010 from 5:30 - 8:30 PM

Location:         Messiah Lutheran Church, 7070 Palm Avenue, Highland, CA

Instructor:         Rev. Dr. John Juedes

 

SAN GABRIEL VALLEY - Teaching the Faith

Dates/Time:      Begins on Tuesday, February 2 through March 23, 2010 from 7 - 9 PM

Location:         Historic First Lutheran Church, 808 N. Los Robles Avenue, Pasadena, CA 

Instructor:         Rev. Christopher Schaar  

 

 

DISTRICT DIRECTORY NEWS…We plan to update the PSW District Directory soon, but it has been delayed due to the lengthy process of converting to a new database (which is what we use to generate our directory).  We will be sending out requests to pastors and congregations for updated information when our new database is in place (hopefully very soon).  In the meantime, we are making two of the updated sections of the directory available to you as pdf files:  the listing of Regions & Circuits, and the listing of the current PSW Board of Directors.  These files can be found in the PSW District Directory section on the Resources & Forms page of our District web site, www.psd-lcms.org.  If you have any questions or comments, please contact Karene Cargill at karene.cargill@psd-lcms.org.

CELEBRATING OUR SCHOOLS

NATIONAL LUTHERAN SCHOOLS WEEK begins this Sunday March 7th and runs through March 13th.  This week’s theme is “Securing Each Child’s Future – For a Life of Service” based on 1 Corinthians 12:5.  Please join with us as we thank our great GOD for all of His gifts through Lutheran Schools!  For the Administrators and Teachers who model Jesus every day and for the students and families that walk through the doors daily.  We give GOD the glory and praise for the lives of service that are being lived out in our Lutheran Schools!

 

CONGRATULATIONS TO TYLER POLASEK, SENIOR AT CREAN LUTHERAN SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL!  Tyler was named one of two Fall 2009 CIF Spirit of Sport Award Winners.  This award recognizes student athletes who “…have demonstrated the 16 principals of Pursuing Victory with Honor, operating standards of CIF and its 1,494 member schools statewide, are active in school and community service, and exhibit leadership qualities regardless of athletic ability.”  CIF Executive Director Marie Ishida says, “The award seeks to recognize student-athletes who have showcased the great sportsmanship, the purest form of competition.  These recipients understand that a positive attitude and teamwork should exist throughout sports, and they realize that winning at all costs is not really winning.  The same spirit they show in athletics carries over into all aspects of their lives.”  To read the full press release go to http://www.cifstate.org/media/release/pdf/SOS%20rel%20F09.pdf

 

The gifts supporting the HEARTS FOR JESUS district project are starting to arrive in School Ministries.  No one could have predicted what an important mission project this would be for the country of Haiti when it was chosen in the fall of 2009.  Giving Gardens, sponsored by Wheat Ridge Ministries and Hope Seeds, Inc., support the distribution of climate and cultural appropriate seeds, training, planting and harvesting of seeds to plant gardens in Haiti and other countries around the world.  See the project information and order materials at www.wheatridge.org.  Click on the “Giving Gardens” logo on the right.  Everyone in the district is invited to participate and we ask that churches, youth groups, Sunday school classes and individuals participate in this worthwhile project.  You can contact School Ministries for more information.  We currently have received $1,200 toward the district goal of $30,000.

 

CONGRATULATIONS!   A hearty congratulation to Salem, Orange and St. John’s, Orange for being named NLSA Exemplary Schools!  At the NLSA National Accreditation Commission meeting in August, 2009, a total of 101 schools were accredited for the first time or re-accredited. Five of those schools were nominated for exemplary school consideration.  Each nominated school was required to provide additional supporting data to demonstrate their spiritual purpose and high degree of academic quality. A validation team visited each school to verify their eligibility for this special recognition. At the LEA Conference last week it was announced that five schools have been awarded Exemplary Status for the 2010-11 school year.  Please join us in celebrating and praising God with Phil Duerr and the faculty/staff at Salem and Randy Einem and the faculty/staff at St. John’s for this high honor and their hard work at being “best practice” schools within the Pacific Southwest District.  To God be the Glory!

 

FUNDING ACADEMY II   We are excited to announce that Funding Academy II will be held at Christ, Costa Mesa, on April 15 – 16.  This event is a partnership of National Lutheran School Ministry and LCEF and the Pacific Southwest District School Ministries.  Those attending the Academy will drill deeper into funding issues and explore “hot topics” relative to 21st Century Lutheran schools.  Sessions include Marketing, Financial Potholes and Patches, Hot Topics: Staffing, Funding, Keeping Your School Open, Fiscal Leadership, Using Data- Demographic Information, and Successful Annual Campaigns.  Attendance at Funding Academy I is not a prerequisite!  More details will be sent to school administrators next week as well as posted on the School Ministries website www.pswcic.org.  (Also note: The PSD will host another Funding Academy I in the fall of 2010!)

 

PARTNERS IN MINISTRY ANNOUNCEMENTS

THE APPLE OF HIS EYE Friendship Tea is now available for your church.  A special PDF flyer for churches to download and share with the ladies group giving all the details about Nancy Cohen and the offering of the Tea. Please click here  Call Lisa now for best choice of dates: 636.326.4040 ext 2.

INTER-LUTHERAN EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM (I-LERT) is presenting TWO WEBINAR TRAINING with Rev. Kevin Massey, Director of ELCA Disaster Response.  They are:

Tuesday, March 9, 2010, 10:00 a.m. or 4:00 p.m.  DISASTER 101  (Deadline to register:  Friday, March 5th)

Saturday, April 24, 2010, 1:00 p.m.  DISASTER SPIRITUAL CARE TRAINING  (Deadline to register:  Wednesday, April 21st)

To register of either of these webinar training sessions, call LDR Coordinator Tempie Beaman at 323.299.0729  or email tbeaman@lss-sw.org

 

UPCOMING EVENTS AT CONCORDIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY, FORT WAYNE IN:
March 9: Spring Luncheon with Dr. Carl Fickenscher on “Law and Gospel for Each and Every Day”; 12:00 p.m. in Luther Hall

March 21: Schola Cantorum presents Passion Choral Vespers on, at 4:00 p.m. in Kramer Chapel. 

March 24-27, 2010:  Prayerfully Consider Campus Visit – register online, www.ctsfw.edu/pcv.

April 11, 2010: Easter Choral Vespers with the seminary Kantorei at 4:00 p.m. in Kramer Chapel. 

April 13: Election of officers and preparation of auction baskets for Lutherfest; 1:00 p.m. in Luther Hall

April 16, 2010: Fifth Annual Lutherfest. 

April 16-18, 2010 Confirmation Retreat  “Baptism:  Wash Before You Eat,” register at Retreats@ctsfw.edu.

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

 

AMORE (Arizona Ministers of Religious Education) will be meeting 10:00am, Thursday, March 11 at Epiphany Lutheran Church, 800 W. Ray Rd., Chandler, AZ.  For more information, contact John Hollmann, St. Luke Lutheran Church, 480.969.4414

CONCORDIA SEMINARY TO HOST FIFTH ANNUAL LECTURE IN HISPANIC/ LATINO THEOLOGY AND MISSIONS  The Center for Hispanic Studies (CHS) at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, will host its fifth Annual Lecture in Hispanic/Latino Theology and Missions, to be held Thursday, March 18, at 7:00 p.m. in the Seminary’s Clara and Spencer Werner Auditorium. Dr. María Teresa Dávila, assistant professor of Christian ethics at Andover Newton Theological School, Newton, Mass., will be the guest speaker.  All events during this week are free and open to the public.  The theme for this year’s lecture is “Unión, Reunión y Comunión: Latino/a Religious Diversity and the Wager of Ecumenical Communion.”  A Spanish worship service will open the events on Monday, March 15, at 7:00 p.m. in the undercroft room of The Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus.  CHS will also host a Latino Movie Night (Noche de Cinema) on Wednesday, March 17, at 7:00 p.m. in Werner Auditorium.  The public is invited to attend all CHS events.  For more information, contact the Center for Hispanic Studies at 1.800.67.9833 or chs@csl.edu.

 

THE PASSION ACCORDING TO ST. JOHN TO BE PERFORMED AT NEXT BACH AT THE SEM CONCERT  The Passion According to St. John as set to music by Johann Sebastian Bach will be performed Sunday, March 21 at 3:00 p.m. in Concordia Seminary’s Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus, in Clayton, Missouri, by The American Kantorei, with Dr. Robert Bergt conducting.  The dramatic oratorio by Bach sets forth the Biblical and historical passion and death of Jesus Christ. The public is invited to attend. For more information concerning Bach at the Sem or to be added to the Bach at the Sem mailing list, contact Concordia Seminary, 801 Seminary Place, St. Louis, MO 63105; 314.505.7362; or e-mail bach@csl.edu

 

LCMS PRESIDENT DR. GERALD B. KIESCHNICK will read excerpts and sign copies of his new book Waking the Sleeping Giant on March 30th at 6:00p.m. at the Concordia Historical Institute, located at the LCMS International Center (1333 South Kirkwood Rd., St. Louis, MO 63122). People in our church body have a right to know what’s in the head and heart of the president of their church body,” The Rev. Dr. Gerald B. Kieschnick says. “And with this book, I have the opportunity to share some of who I am, and what I’m called by God to do in a way that hopefully provides a combination of history, present diagnosis, and a prescription for the LCMS.”  Learn more and order Waking the Sleeping Giant by calling 1.800.325.3040 or visiting cph.org <http://cph.org> .

SEMINARY TO HOST BRUNCH AT THE SEM  Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, will host Brunch at the Sem on Easter Sunday, April 4, and on Mother’s Day, May 9, in Koburg Hall on the Seminary campus. Brunch will be served from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  The price for adults is $22; children (4-10 yrs.) are $5.00; and children 3 and under are free. Cash, checks, MasterCard, Visa, Discover, and American Express cards are accepted. Space is limited. For reservations, call 314.505.7369.

 

CONCORDIA SEMINARY TO HOST DAY OF HOMILETICAL REFLECTION  Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, will host its 8th Annual Day of Homiletical Reflection on Wednesday, May 5, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. in the Seminary’s Clara and Spencer Werner Auditorium. The event is designed for pastors, students involved in homiletical education, and others interested in the proclamation of the Gospel in today’s world. The registration fee for the Day of Homiletical Reflection is $25.  The Rev. Dr. Paul Scott Wilson, professor of homiletics at Emmanuel College in Toronto, will speak on “Preaching as Speaking for God.”  For more information, contact the Office of Continuing Education and Parish Services at 314.505.7486; ce@csl.edu; or visit the Seminary’s Web site at www.csl.edu.

 

SEMINARY TO HOLD LAW ENFORCEMENT CHAPLAINCY WORKSHOP  Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, together with Peace Officer Ministries, Inc. (POM), will host “Christian Law Enforcement Chaplaincy—Theology and Practice,” on May 24-28 on the Seminary campus. The workshop offers unique accredited training for chaplains, peace officers, and pastors, focusing on effective Christian ministry to and through law enforcement. Key principles that participants can expect to take away with them after attending the workshop include: understanding law enforcement as vocation (God’s calling); distinguishing and properly applying Law and Gospel and God’s Two Kingdoms within a law enforcement context; addressing practical, legal, historical, cultural, and missiological considerations; employing Christian stress management and officer spiritual survival strategies; and identifying characteristics of a competent Christian chaplain. The Department of Homeland Security Course Component fulfills DHS Guidelines. Registration cost is $340. This includes four breakfasts, five lunches and three dinners, plus CEUs for full participation. Limited on-campus housing is available on a first-come first-served basis. Housing is dormitory style with shared bathrooms and showers. Rooms are on the second floor and are not handicapped accessible. Rates are $30 per night for single or couple and $17.50 per night for a shared room. For more information, contact the Office of Continuing Education and Parish Services at 314.505.7486, ce@csl.edu; or visit the Seminary’s Web site at www.csl.edu for a downloadable brochure.

 

CTS TO OFFER SUMMER 2010 ORGANIST WORKSHOPS  Church organists of all abilities will have the opportunity to improve their skills during workshops offered this summer at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana.  The workshops are for organists who are already playing, whether they are experienced veterans or new organists recently drafted into helping in their parish.  Workshops being offered this year are:  Beginning Improvisation—June 14–18, 2010 - This workshop is for organists who would like to begin or review basic ideas in the art of improvisation.  Demonstrations by the instructor, as well as hands-on experience by the students, will be of prime importance.  Organist Primer—June 21–25, 2010 - This beginning workshop is designed for organists who do not use pedals, who use only one foot, or who wish to lean more of the basics of service playing. It will include instruction about fundamental music understanding and organ vocabulary.  Level I—July 12–16, 2010 - This workshop focuses on service playing, hymnody, church year, music for weddings, funerals and discussion about the pastor/musician relationship. This level is designed for organists who have taken the Primer Level or are using both feet in their playing.  For complete workshop descriptions, instructor information and to register online please go to www.ctsfw.edu/organist. For additional information, please e-mail OrganWorkshops@ctsfw.edu or phone 260.452.2224.

CONCORDIA SEMINARY TO HOST VOCATIO FOR HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH  Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, will host a visitation event in June for high school youth. On June 19-24, the 12th annual VOCATIO will be held on the Seminary campus. The event is designed to identify, inform, and encourage youth with respect to church work vocations.  Vocatio provides a unique opportunity for high school youth to participate in Bible study, worship, prayer, and discussion. Additionally, youth will be able to gain college and Seminary information pertaining to a variety of church work vocations.  Participants will have the opportunity to participate in a Servant Event. Past events have included work at St. Louis area congregations and the Saxon Lutheran Memorial. They will also have the opportunity to attend an event in the St. Louis area such as a St. Louis Cardinals’ game or the Muny outdoor musical theater.  A $50 registration fee to attend Vocatio is the only charge for youth, in addition to travel costs. All activities, meals during the event, and on-campus lodging are provided at no cost to participants. Scholarships are available to ensure that travel costs do not prevent youth from attending. Vocatio registration is limited to high school youth entering 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade.  For more information on Vocatio, or to request a registration form, contact the Admissions Office, Concordia

                                                               

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS & CONFERENCES

 

THE BREAKING BARRIERS CHRISTIAN MARTIAL ARTS PRESENTATION is coming to St. Pauls in Orange!   Reverend J. Brown, an LCMS pastor in Fort Wayne, IN and a 7th degree black belt, will be here to give his nationally-renowned presentation that combines the excitement of martial arts with the powerful message of the Gospel. This inspirational performance uses brick-and board-breaking methods to covey solid Biblical principles that strengthen and impact our lives. The Breaking Barriers presentation at St. Pauls Lutheran Church is on Sunday, March 7th at 6:30 PM (the ROCK service) and on Monday, March 8th at 8:30 AM for a special St. Pauls Lutheran School chapel to kick of National Lutheran Schools Week.  Pastor Brown will also be the guest speaker at St. Pauls worship services on Sat. March 6th  (7PM) & Sun. March 7th  (8AM / 9:30AM / 11:00 AM), to share an uplifting message for Lutheran Schools Week. (St. Pauls Lutheran Church, 1250 E. Heim Ave.,Orange, 714.637.2640). For more information on Breaking Barriers, please visit www.sinbusting.com.

TWO CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY HANDBELL EVENTS:

Bells to Hungary!  Concordia University Irvine Concert Handbells and Spirit Bells present a DINNER-CONCERT celebrating their upcoming Hungary-Austria tour in May on Saturday, March 13.  Dinner at 5 pm, concert at 7 pm at Christ Lutheran Church, 760 Victoria Street, Costa Mesa (Dinner reservations requested at 949.854.8002 x1526)  This informal concert will include a wide variety of light-hearted, serious, and sacred music that everyone can enjoy, showing all the musicianship that handbells can do including a hands-on demonstration involving all the audience.

The CONCERT HANDBELLS OF CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY IRVINE With Resound! and soloists presents a Concert Sunday, March 21, at 7:00 pm celebrating their upcoming Hungary-Austria Tour at Salem Lutheran Church  1211 North Brand Blvd.  Glendale, CA, 818.243.3193.  Preparing for a tour to Hungary and Austria to work with youth and community in Lutheran churches and schools, CUI Concert Handbells performs a wide range of sacred and secular works, old and new, from classics to popular, unique hymn settings to modern original works, change ringing, full ensemble, solo, and quartet, appealing to all ages and tastes, concluding with their unique hands-on audience participation sing-along.  Children are especially intrigued by the visual and aural energy of the performance. Directed by Dr. Herbert Geisler and coached by Nancy Jessup, these ringers have performed to high acclaim in 27 states and provinces across the U.S. and Canada as well as 11 Asian and European nations.  They perform for thousands regionally and on tour throughout the year, this May traveling to Missouri, Illinois, Nebraska, and Iowa. Free-will donation.  

 

Faith Lutheran Church & Schools in Vista is sponsoring the 5TH ANNUAL WADE TWYMAN MEMORIAL GOLF BENEFIT on March 20, 2010 at Castle Creek in Escondido.  The benefit honors Wade Michael Twyman, a young man that attended and graduated from Faith Lutheran Church & Schools. Wade went on to join the Army in January 2003 and was killed in action during Operation Iraqi Freedom in March 2005.  All proceeds from this event go to the Faith Lutheran School Tuition Fund Program. Over the last four years this benefit has raised $40,000 with an aggressive goal in 2010 of $17,000. If you can join us on Saturday March 20, 2010 as a golfer, or are interested in donating a service for the raffle or sponsoring a service person please call Buck Eilers at 1.800.860.9039.

 

The Christus Chorus of Concordia University, St. Paul, Minnesota, will present “THE LIGHT SHINES IN THE DARKNESS,” A CONCERT OF SACRED MUSIC exploring the light of Christ and our reflection of it now and to eternity at Risen Savior Lutheran Church, Chandler, AZ on Sunday, March 28 at 7:30pm.  The 32-voice choir, under the direction of Dr. David L. Mennicke, will perform a wide variety of styles, from classical literature to hymns, contemporary pieces, spirituals, and gospel music. The choir is grateful for the opportunity to perform some of the great music of the Church and to witness through music as an expression of faith. This free event is open to the public, and a freewill offering will be taken to support the choir’s music ministry.

 

TWO EVENTS AT HEPHATHA:  Join us on April 17, from 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. for a great meal, great camaraderie, and a great speaker. Our morning MEN'S BREAKFAST AT HEPHATHA is known for its excellent speakers, relevant topics, and down-to-earth discussion. The special guest will be well-respected Coach and speaker -- Dr. Micah Parker. To learn more about Dr. Parker, please visit his website at www.trustguyministries.com The suggested donation is just $5.00 per person to help defray the cost of food. Spots are limited. To get register or get more information, please visit our website at www.hephatha.net, e-mail us at pastorarthur@sbcglobal.net, or contact Hephatha's church office at 714.637.0887 ext. 156.  Hephatha Lutheran Church in Anaheim is also sponsoring the “WITHOUT A DOUBT” APOLOGETICS CONFERENCE on Sunday, May 16. The conference begins at 10:30 a.m. and concludes at 7:00 p.m. We’ll have three gifted communicators, a thoughtful panel discussion on the tough questions of faith, a tasty dinner and lunch option all on one great day. Our special guests include: Dr. J.P. Moreland, Kenneth Samples, and Gretchen Passantino Coburn. This is a special day dedicated to better equip the saints, and answer questions about Christian apologetics.  The suggested donation is $10.00 suggested donation.  To get more information, contact Hephatha Lutheran Church at 714.637.0887 ext. 156 or visit our website at www.hephatha.net

  

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Tehachapi will celebrate its 50TH ANNIVERSARY on Sunday, May 2nd with a special worship service at 11:00 a.m. featuring District President, Larry Stoterau as guest preacher, and a catered dinner at 2:30 p.m. at the Jacobsen Middle School in Tehachapi.  To make a reservation to attend the dinner, please call the church at 661.822.6817 or e-mail Pastor Daniel Alsop at goodsheptehachapi@att.net.

 

RETREAT – BISHOP, CA JUNE 7-10, 2010  Will you be left behind?  End times and Millennialism presented by Dr. Lawrence Rast, Jr., Professor of Historical Theology, Academic Dean at Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne Seminary.  The popularity of books like Left Behind have raised questions about what will happen before, during and after the Second Coming of Jesus. This class will provide practical answers to those questions.  This four day course will include classroom sessions each morning, while providing afternoons for golfing, hiking and fishing.  The high eastern sierra mountains provide a majestic and beautiful backdrop for biblical study and restful reflection.  Trails are numerous and rainbow trout streams and lakes are plentiful.  LCMS pastoral guides will lead anyone to plentiful opportunities.  The cost of this retreat is $150.00.  Site Coordinator:  Rev. Kenton A. Puls, Grace Lutheran Church, 711 North Fowler Street, Bishop, CA. 760.872.9791 or glcbishopca@schat.net.  For registration http://www.ctsfw.edu 

BEGINNING YOGA CLASSES are offered weekly at Faith Lutheran Church Community Life Center on the property of Faith Lutheran Church in Vista.  One-hour classes meet every Thursday at 4:00 pm and 5:30 pm. Classes are designed for beginners, but all levels are welcome.  We want to provide all levels of yoga students, a Christ-centered place to practice Hatha yoga. Classes open with a devotional followed by a brief meditation. Yoga basics and proper alignment in postures are taught to establish a foundation of safety.  Classes end with a final relaxation.  Participants will need a yoga mat and a towel.  Wear comfortable clothing and practice on an empty stomach. Please arrive early. A free-will offering will be asked.  For questions or more information, contact: faithyoga@gmail.com

 

The Federal Communications Commission has banned the use of all wireless microphones that operate in the 700mHz range. This ban is part of the removal of television broadcast frequencies for us only by emergency vehicles. Churches are encouraged to check their wireless equipment. There will be fines and/or criminal charges for anyone who uses these microphones after June 12, 2010.  Here is the FCC’s link:  http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/wirelessmicrophones/

 

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

 

AVAILABLE: One dark, oak hymnboard (36” x 18”) with 6 slots for hymns and cluster of grapes on the bottom plus a box of numerals. Silver Communionware with six trays, tray cover, and two bread plates with cover, plus small silver individual chalices. Chrome Communionware with two trays and cover; 14 Confirmation robes and two black acolyte robes. If interested, please contact Mike Doyle, the District Archivist, at 909.985.5948 or e-mail him at mikedoyle@adelphia.net.

CONCORDIA PUBLISHING HOUSE RELEASES BEHOLD THE LAMB: AN INTRODUCTION TO CHRISTIAN SYMBOLISM   The Christian church uses dozens of signs and symbols to teach and support the faith; however, the number of people who know what all of these symbols mean may be smaller than the church would like. To help young (or even seasoned) church-goers learn more about the church’s history in symbols, Concordia Publishing House (CPH) presents Behold the Lamb: An Introduction to Christian Symbolism, a book about the signs and symbols used to teach and support the faith. Behold the Lamb features Biblical and liturgical text with concise explanations to help readers understand what each symbol means and how the church has used it. Simple explanations and colorful illustrations make it appropriate for young readers. This 48-page, hardback book is $8.99 and can be found at cph.org.  

 

Congregations in the Southern California area: Concordia University Irvine’s theatre department is currently producing their next show, House of Blue Leaves, directed by Professor Tony Vezner. As a component of the production they are in need of a couple quality projectors. Ideally, the projectors should be networkable, 2000+ ANSI lumens, and DLP certified. Due to budgeting, free-will donations of the projectors would be appreciated. The projectors would need to be made available to the theatre department from March 11th through March 29th. If you are able to help with this, please contact Jared Snyder via e-mail at its@psd-lcms.org, or by calling (949) 854-3232 ext. 209. Thank you in advance!

 

CONCORDIA PUBLISHING HOUSE PROVIDES 900 STORY BIBLES FOR CHILDREN IN APPALACHIA   Concordia Publishing House (CPH) is devoted to sharing the Good News of Jesus and so are its customers. With more than 900 children’s Bibles donated, the company announced the “overwhelming success” of its 2009 “simply CHRISTmas” giving campaign. The campaign, which operated under the banner of Concordia Gospel Outreach, invited customers to contribute $5 gifts to provide copies of the new Hear Me Read Bible to children in West Virginia.  The donated books will be distributed by the Appalachian Mission Partnership (AMP), a ministry of the (LCMS) Ohio district. The Hear Me Read Bible is a collection of the acclaimed Hear Me Read Series written by Dr. Mary Manz Simon and will be available for purchase at www.cph.org in the early summer of 2010. Hear Me Read is a recognized children’s line that specifically supports language development and literacy.  For more information about Concordia Gospel Outreach, the evangelism ministry of Concordia Publishing House, and to donate to other campaigns that provide Gospel resources to meet specific needs, visit www.concordiaoutreach.org.

 

Do you serve, or would you like to serve, Spanish-speaking people in your community with the Gospel? Or are you planning a mission trip to Central or South America? If so, the LUTHERAN HERITAGE FOUNDATION (LHF) has a free resource that will soon be available to you:  the Spanish edition of the Holy Bible, bound with Luther's Small Catechism.  To pre-order copies, visit the LHF website at www.LHFmissions.org/Spanish_Bible_Poll, where you can also take a poll to help LHF decide how many copies of the Bible/catechism to print, in what version, in hardcover or soft cover.  LHF's materials are provided at no charge to those who need them.

 

There’s a longing in everyone for something more—something that goes beyond the mundane and transitory into the quest for spiritual truth. Gene Edward Veith, the Culture Editor of World Magazine and Professor of literature, invites readers on his journey through liberal theology, fundamentalism, even Buddhism, before he discovered the way of the evangelicals, those now known as Lutherans in his new book.  “The spiritual life has to do with recognizing God’s work—what He accomplished on the cross and what He continues to accomplish in people’s lives,” from chapter one of the newly revised SPIRITUALITY OF THE CROSS from Concordia Publishing.

 

Oberammergau TOURS in 2010

 

Attention Churches – Is your congregation planning to sponsor a trip to Oberammergau in 2010 for the Passion Play?  If so, please consider listing your information in the PSDenews.  Please provide your church name and city, dates for travel, a contact person and phone number or email, and the deadline for signing up.  Submit your information to PSDenews@psd-lcms.org in Arial font size 10 in paragraph form.

 

Hosted by TIM KLINKENBERG AND WILLIAM HEIDE (both from St. John’s, Orange.)  Luther sites and Oberammergau Passion Play: June 17-29, 2010.  $3,590 per person, round trip LAX.  All “four star” hotels, air-conditioned coach. Trip includes Luther sites (Eisenach, Wartburg castle, Erfurt, Eisleben, Wittenberg), Leipzig & Dresden, Prague, the Alps, and the Oberammergau Passion Play.  Contact William Heide for more information:  bheide@stjohnsorange.org  or 714.288.4434.

 

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. Imagine Tours and Travel, a wonderful Christian principled tour company led by friends Rick and Amy Ricart, provides an itinerary and cost for this trip that is excellent!  Check their website, www.ittworld.com.  Note that the cost from Kansas City is $3995, plus tips and taxes. Please contact us with any questions. Addresses are: 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. If you have dreamt of seeing the Passion Play of Oberammergau, it is not too late to book. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to relive the last week in the life of Jesus. This is your special chance to experience the Passion Play in its majestic setting in the picturesque village of Oberammergau, nestled in the Bavarian Alps. 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. Our tour company of 59 years is Nawas International. For more information you may contact Wanda at 760.743.2478 or email office@gdlc.sdcoxmail.com.

 

GOOD SHEPHERD- Menifee is hosting a trip to Oberammergau including The Steps of Luther Tour.  This 11 day trip with professional tour directors and first class accommodations at selected hotels begins August 5th.  For more information contact Ruth at 951.672.6675 or email to ruth@goodshepherdmenifee.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. This will be the fourth time that the Kramers will lead a tour to the world famous  Passion Play held every 10 years to commemorate the escape of the little village during the time of Black Plague. They will be traveling with Educational Opportunities Tours, the largest organizers of Passion Play travel over the last 36 years. The September departure date is designed to avoid the larger crowds of mid-summer. Included in the Lutherland portion will be visits to Augsburg, Koburg, Erfurt, Eisleben, Wittenberg and much more. A Rhine cruise will also be featured.  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. All tours include guaranteed seats to the performance of the Passion Play 2010 in Oberammergau, Germany. This marks the 5th decade LutherTours has provided outstanding group tours to view the Passion Play. We invite you to join one of our existing tours (new tours are added to our website regularly) or we will create a unique tour itinerary especially for you and your church or group. 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

“In the Footsteps of Jesus” 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

 

7 CITIES OF THE REVELATION, GREECE, & THE ISLAND OF PATMOS TOUR, May 19-31, 2010. Cost: $2,300, not including airfare to Athens, Greece. We have 4-seats left. Rev. Dr. Michael Middendorf, professor of the New Testament, Concordia University, Irvine, will be our on-site teacher. College level course credit for this study tour is an option.  This tour is sponsored by EDUCON Travel, a not-for-profit travel agency created for the purpose of offering Bible-based tours. Please call Pastor Richard Ross (St. Luke's, Westminster, CA) for more information at 714.334.1252, or visit our website: www.educontravel.com

 

EXPERIENCE ISRAEL JULY 9-18  Linda K. Miller, M.A., DCE, Faith Lutheran Church, Hesperia is leading a tour to Israel. Linda has traveled extensively in Israel, leading many tours each year. She has worked on the archaeological excavation at Sussita, for the past five years, and is presently co-authoring “A Guided Journey.” Cost: $3300.00 includes airfare, hotels, guiding fees, land transportation, all entrance fees, breakfast and dinners. For further information contact Linda at 760.985.3540, linda@alpha2omegatravel.org, or Felipe Sanchez at 760.508.2521, felipe@alpha2omegatravel.org You can also visit the following website for further information: www.alpha2omegatravel.org  Alpha 2 Omega Travel is sponsored by Gemm Travel, a Christian travel agency, located in Jerusalem, Israel. 

 

DISTRICT OFFICE CHAPEL PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK: 3.8.10 – 3.14.10

 

Grace Church, Black Canyon City, AZ

Living Water Church, Buckeye, AZ

St. John Evangelical Church, Bullhead City, AZ

First Church, Palmdale, CA

El Redentor Church, Panorama City, CA

Ethiopian Chariot International Church, Pasadena, CA

Faith Church, Pasadena, CA

Historic First Church, Pasadena, CA

Mt. Olive Church, Pasadena, CA

Redeemer Church, Perris, CA

Lamb of God Church, Preschool & School, Las Vegas, 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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