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"The Savior"
By: Pastor Ken Klaus
Speaker of The Lutheran Hour®
Lutheran Hour Ministries |
 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him. John 3:17
In Buffalo, New York, there is a bus driver named Richard Lucas.
Not so long ago, around 6:30 a.m. on a Monday morning, Lucas was driving his route. That was when he noticed smoke coming from the back of a two-family home.
Lucas stopped his bus, left the passengers, ran to the house, banged on the door, and awakened the folks who were inside sleeping.
Ten people were saved.
Then, after everyone was safe and sound, Lucas went back to his bus and drove his route.
The blaze caused about $80,000 in damage to the home and is still under investigation, Interim Fire Commissioner Garnell W. Whitfield Jr. said some people had called 911 to report the fire, but it was Lucas who actually did something.
You might almost say Lucas was a hero -- or -- a savior.
Of course, there are some differences between Richard Lucas and Jesus Christ.
Mr. Lucas did a noble thing, but it didn't cost him but a bit of his time. Jesus' sacrifice cost Him everything, including His life. Mr. Lucas saved ten people, Jesus has saved untold millions. When Richard Lucas was done, he was able to pick up his life again. When Jesus was finished with His work, His abused and lifeless body was laid in a borrowed tomb.
Yes, there are differences. The ten people whom Lucas saved will someday die, but anyone who is saved by Jesus will live forever.
Now I'm not trying to put down Richard Lucas or minimize the work of many other folks who have tried to do something right and noble.
No, I give thanks to them.
On the other hand, I am encouraging everyone to join me in thanking, praising, serving, and obeying the Savior who made the sacrifice which can save the world.
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National LCMS Youth Gathering Generates $42 in New Orleans |
We Believe," the 11th triennial National LCMS Youth Gathering, will contribute some $42 million to local revenues here, according to figures released by the city's convention and visitors bureau.
The Gathering, which is the Synod's single largest event, brings together young people between the ages of 14 and 20 to spend time in worship, learning and service. Final attendance figures for this year's event show 25,000 young people, chaperones, volunteers, guests and staff in attendance.
The Youth Gathering took place July 17-21 in New Orleans.
"The New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau is honored to work with [the] LCMS to host their 2010 National Youth Gathering," said Jennifer Day, director of communications and public relations for the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau. "This is such a special meeting for New Orleans. Of course, there are the economic benefits such a large group brings to the city, with thousands of hotel rooms booked, countess meals consumed and souvenirs purchased.
"But our relationship with [the] LCMS runs much deeper, with attendees rolling up their sleeves to participate in over 100 service projects. By connecting directly with members of our community and unique culture, we hope to have contributed to an unforgettable Gathering and in return to have fostered a new generation of visitors for years to come." (Click here to read the entire article.)
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PAIRS Couples Communication Skills Workshop - August 2010 |
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PAIRS Essentials, a Couple Communication Skills Class, offers dating and married couples the opportunity to improve their relationship skills in three Saturday morning sessions, August 7, 14 and 28 from 8:45 a.m. to 12:15. Learn the attitudes, emotional understandings, and behaviors that nurture and sustain healthy relationships.
Sponsored by the Bay Area Healthy Marriage and Fatherhood Initiative and a grant from the California Healthy Marriages Coalition, the ten hour program is being presented at Christ Lutheran Church, 2370 Harbor View Dr., Martinez. Cost is $10 per couple, and includes one 70-page Participant Book per person. For more information or reservations call Phillip Kohlmeyer at 925-586-2575 or email phillip333@gmail.com (Click here for bulletin insert for the Martinez workshop.)
The same program is offered on Thursday evenings in Concord at First Lutheran Church, 4000 Concord Blvd, on August 12, 19, and 26 from 6:30 to 9:45 p.m. (Click here for bulletin insert for the Concord workshop.)
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| Share The Scoop Women's Event - Tickets Now Available |
(Click on image to reach official website.)
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Ladies you are warmly invited on Saturday, August 28th from noon to 4:00 PM to the 3rd Annual SHARE THE SCOOP!
Location: Grand Theater
15 Central Street
Tracy, CA 95376
Phone: 209-831-6TKT
INVITE A FRIEND! This is a one-day event dedicated to Christian outreach for all women!
Keynote Speaker, Terri Johnson has been described as, "one of a kind." Her real-life applications will make you realize God is still in the business of miracles and you'll be instantly connected. Her ability to communicate God's Word with power and passion will change your life!
The day includes, speakers, Christian Music, Fellowship and Ice Cream!
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| Redwood Christian Park Men's Retreat - Register Now! |
 Register now for the annual Men's Retreat at Redwood Christian Park to be held September 17-19. (Above link also provides ability to pay online via PayPal.)
Speaker: Tim Klinkenberg
Theme: The Honest Masculine Faith -- 7 days a week. Focusing on how we live authentically and winsomely in our present world (work week). Focuses of attention would be on the world we live in and are a witness to (UnChristian by Kinnaman) and resisting the effemination (is that a word?) of our faith.
Check-in at Redwood Christian Park begins at 4:00 PM Friday afternoon. Worship and welcome begins at 7:30 PM. A Friday evening meal is available for all registered guests 6:00 to 8:00 PM. On Saturday, Bible studies, special sessions, Church breakouts, food, fun and fellowship are all included in the day's activities. Retreat ends 11:00 AM Sunday morning. 5 meals are included in the price: 1 Friday evening, 3 Saturday, 1 Sunday morning. We recommend that you bring your own sleeping bag, pillow and towel. (Click here for retreat brochure.) For additional information, contact Rod Thompson of Rev. Mike Lange.
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CCLC Presents: Worship & Divine Service Seminar - September 18 - Chico, CA |
(Click on image for bulletin insert)
 | What: A seminar that contrasts historical worship settings, Lutheran Divine Service and praise services
When: September 18, 2010
Where: Redeemer, 1344 Hawthorne Ave., Chico, CA 95925
Registration: 8:00 - 9:00 AM
Seminar Time: 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM (lunch provided)
Who Should Attend: Everyone in your church should know the genesis of the Divine Service and how it contrasts with praise-style services. Sessions include
sections on service settings (OT & NT), liturgy
(formal or not), music (teaching or emotion), communion (sacrament or remembrance) and adiaphora (indifferent church practices). The seminar is packaged in three sessions using embedded music.
Speaker: Gene White, CCLC lay instructor
Additional Contact Information:
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Church Extension Fund - More Than A Lender - Issues for These Times
By: Adriene Iverson
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 This week I will continue the theme of addressing the issues surfacing for our congregations and schools during these tough economic times. The question I want to address this week is, "For what purpose will CEF approve a line of credit?"
As the summer months are upon us, I have had a number of conversations with congregations looking to obtain a line of credit. Here at CEF, we approve lines of credit strictly for cash flow purposes. We don't have an equity loan product, similar to what you might have on your personal home, which could be drawn upon for any purpose.
For many of our school ministries, summer months bring little or no tuition income yet some of the expenses, especially those associated with the building, remain fixed. On top of that, oftentimes revenue receipts are uneven throughout the year, and some expenses are paid annually. It is exactly for these type of situations that CEF offers a line of credit. It is strictly for cash flow purposes to help smooth out cash inflows and outflows.
Two financial reports provide key information when considering a line of credit. First, the Balance Sheet tells you whether your issue is one of cash flow or working capital. If cash on hand is enough to cover all of the accounts payable plus all restricted funds, you probably have a cash flow issue. If cash is not sufficient to cover those items, the issue is one of working capital, and the congregation's leadership needs to develop a strategic financial plan to build reserves.
The second report, a 12-month cash flow projection, lays out cash flows for the year. It will illustrate cash inflows and outflows by month, and of course, the net effect to cash at the end of the year should be break-even or positive. A cash flow statement is required for any line of credit application. Included on the cash flow form is estimated draws and repayments on the line of credit.
This report must be updated monthly and is used throughout the life of the line of credit to make sure line of credit draw requests and repayments are being done as projected. It can serve as a red flag for any congregation (whether they have a line of credit or not) about future cash issues, well before the issue actually surfaces. This allows for time to act proactively as opposed to reactively.
If your congregation or school needs some assistance in this area or any other financial area, please feel free to CEF at 866-452-6739 or email cnhcef@pacbell.net.
AUGUST RATE CARD
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CHURCH EXTENSION FUND JOB OPENING
The CNH District Church Extension Fund (CEF) is seeking an experienced banking executive to direct its operational and lending activities. The Vice President Operations and Lending of the CEF manages the day to day operations of CEF, including planning, accounting and financial functions oversight, marketing and promotion, loan underwriting and consultation, and client services. Reporting to the CEO, the position manages accounting, communications and support staff; reports financial results to and participates on the Finance Committee and maintains bank and Lutheran Church Extension Fund relationships. The full position description is available at cnhcef.org.
Qualifications
- BA degree with a major in business administration or a related field
- 5-10 years minimum banking operational and commercial lending experience
- FIS Horizon banking software experience is a plus
- Active leadership in a LCMS church is a plus
If you meet the qualifications, please submit your resume and cover letter to: Donald Busse, President, CNH District Church Extension Fund, 2772 Constitution Drive, Suite B, Livermore, CA 94551 don@cnhcef.org
The primary mission of the CNH District Church Extension Fund is to provide funds to assist member Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod congregations with loans for sites and facilities in the Church's program of expansion; for the renovation and improvement of existing facilities; and for the refinancing of capital indebtedness. A secondary mission of the CEF is to motivate individuals and congregations to support the loan program through investments in CEF.
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(For more events not listed here, please also see the CNH District Calendar located on the CNH District website.)
- August 2, 2010 - CEF Loan Committee - District Ministry Center, Livermore, CA
- August 28, Share The Scoop, Noon - 4:00 PM, Grand Theater, Tracy, CA
- August 29, 2010 - 50th Anniversary - Messiah Lutheran, Ewa Beach, HI, 4:00 PM
- September 10, 2010 - CNH Board of Directors - District Ministry Center, Livermore, CA
- September 7 - 9, 2010 - DCE Retreat
- September 17, 2010 - CEF Board & Committee Meetings - District Ministry Center, Livermore, CA (updated)
- September 18, 2010 - CCLC Seminar - Redeemer, Chico, CA
- October 12 -14th, 2010 - CNH District Pastors' Conference, Carson Valley Inn, Minden, NV
Details of the above events can be found on the "Upcoming Events" section of the CNH District website.
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| Blurbs, Bumps & Bonus |
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NEW LCMS president-elect assures church mercy shall continue: Rev. Matthew C. Harrison, president-elect of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS), assures the church that the LCMS will continue to reach out with mercy even in the wake of the church body's restructuring. "While restructuring mandates many changes for our church and we don't know exactly what will happen, LCMS World Relief and Human Care is still here," said Harrison, the former World Relief and Human Care (WR-HC) executive director who was elected president July 13 by delegates at the Synod's 64th Regular Convention in Houston. "We want World Relief and Human Care's many faithful supporters to know this for certain: Our vision for being merciful and being Lutheran will continue and even expand." (Read the entire news release. . .)
NEW Calvary Lutheran Church in San Lorenzo has need of a keyboardist for our 10:45 contemporary service. If interested contact Pastor Jim Bothwell at 510-278-2555.
NEW Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, is pleased to invite prospective students and their guests to attend Contemplate ... to be held October 7-9, 2010 on the Seminary campus. Designed for those who are college age or older, the structured visitation event provides an effective means for learning more about life in the Concordia Seminary community and the preparation that leads to service as a pastor, missionary, chaplain, or deaconess in The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. Paired with a current student, participants will attend chapel and observe classes on Friday. Sessions will focus on the spiritual and personal aspects of the decision-making process, as well as provide opportunities for presentations on the academic program, resident field education, vicarage and internship years, financial assistance, and housing. The second Contemplate... event of the academic year will take place on March 10-12, 2011. There is no charge to attend Contemplate ..., and all meals and lodging are provided free of charge. Round-trip transportation to Concordia Seminary from the airport is provided. For more information, contact the admissions office at 1-800-822-9545 or admissions@csl.edu.
Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, alumni, spouses, and widows are cordially 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 will include 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 about the reunion, contact alumni relations at 314-505-7370 or alumni@csl.edu.
Messiah Lutheran Church of Ewa Beach, Hawaii, will celebrate their 50th anniversary on August 29, 2010. Join us for a special service at 4:00 P.M. along with a meal following the service. For more information email Rev. Robert Brown at rbrown3618@yahoo.com or by phone: 808-358-5776.
Thrivent Financial - Help Someone You Know Change Careers ... for Good! Financial representatives are dedicated to helping Lutherans protect and provide for their families, achieve their financial goals, and give back to their communities and congregations. Help us help others by nominating someone to be part of the nation's leading fraternal benefit society today. Please contact Amy Sarmento by e-mail at Amy.Sarmento@Thrivent.Com or call 916-796-0041 to nominate a candidate, apply yourself or learn more, or visit www.thrivent.com/careers. Do you know someone interested in a career where they can:
- Make a difference in people's lives?
- Manage their own schedule?
- Experience personal-and financial-rewards?
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is growing! We're looking for financial representatives in Northern California and Northern Nevada who are:
(Accounting Survey) The Lutheran Accounting Research Committee is researching and will be developing criteriato help our churches and schools become fiscally responsible and financially healthy through consistent accounting standards and reporting. A survey was recently mailed to all treasurers regarding this subject. Please pass the survey on to your treasurer or another appropriate person, fill it out and return it in the envelope provided. The survey will let the committee know what financial systems you use, what internal and external accounting support you use, and what support you need that will help improve fiscal stewardship for your church/school/mission. Please return the completed survey by August 1, 2010 indicating the kind of support you need and provide a contact person's name, title, address, email address, and phone number so they can contact that person for additional/follow up information. Additional copies of the survey are available on the CEF Website http://www.cnhcef.org, click on Lutheran Accounting Research Committee, Survey Questionnaire. Please mail your completed survey to: Lutheran Accounting Research Committee CNH District, 2772 Constitution Drive, Suite B, Livermore, CA 94551.
Bethel Grace Lutheran Ministries (465 Woolsey, San Francisco, CA 94134) is looking to hire an assistant director/administrator for our church's after-school program for the community. The position is part-time, $12/hour, 15-20 hours/week. The program is focused mainly on tutoring students with homework, but we also play games, have music, and share from the Bible with students. The program starts August 23 rd. Click here for detailed information about the position. Along with your resume, please submit an explanation of why you desire to work in this position as well as the qualities and skills you personally posses that make you a good candidate. A separate reference page with two to three references who can attest to your abilities in the above specifications is also required. Please submit all application materials to bethelgracelutheranministries@yahoo.com
We Have A Sesquicentennial Coming! 150 Years for the CNH District LCMS! A sesquicentennial opportunity! How many of these come our way in a lifetime?! We hope in coming issues of this newsletter and elsewhere to provide further information about the history and share thoughts and possible plans for this historic celebration. We would also invite our readers to let their interests and ideas - perhaps even willingness to help on a task force planning what we can do? - be known to the district archivist. Email Rev. Karl Wyneken at Wyneken@sbcglobal.net. You may also mail your information to him at: 6289 N. Colonial, Fresno, CA 93704. Phone: 559-439-8530
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| New Prayer Requests |
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Congregations: The CNH District office staff has a practice of remembering in prayer the congregations and ministries of our district during devotions on Wednesday mornings. This week the staff is praying over the following churches and we invite you to join us in remembering them in prayer: Mt. Olive, Folson, CA; Trinity, Georgetown, CA; Grace, Grass Valley, CA; Foothill Mission, Jackson, CA; First, Placerville, CA.
Calls:
Rev. John Gross, Mammoth Lakes, Mammoth Lakes, CA, has accepted a call to Zion, San Luis Obispo, CA, as pastor.
Rev. Larry A. Miller, First, Helena, MT, has declined a call to Trinity, Gardnerville, NV, as pastor.
Rev. Clint Lutz, Good Shepherd, Healdsburg, CA, has declined a call to Peace, Monroe, WA as pastor.
People:
Update on Joel Koerschen: After undergoing surgery to have a left ventricular assistant device (lvad) implanted in his heart, Joel has recovered to the point that he is now outfitted with mobile battery packs enabling him to take supervised walks. He is on the list to o receive a heart transplant. His wife, Carolyn, has created a blog in Carepages, to provide current information about Joel's condition. You can access his page at http://www.carepages.com/carepages/newheart4joel
Rev. Gregory Young and family, Peace, Fresno, CA on the passing away of his mother.
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If you have a specific "district" prayer request that you wish to add to our weekly new prayer requests, please let us know by sending an email to Rita Konda at the district office: rita@cnh-lcms.org, or phone the District office at 925-245-4000.
(Click here for Ongoing Prayer Concerns. . .) | |
