October November 2013 voice web

The Missouri District OnlineRegular Online Items installations and ordinations celebrations anniversaries obituaries calendar and

resources wwwfacebookcomMissouriDistrictLCMS

In this issuePage 3 - Backpack ProgramPage 5 - New members at Faith DexterPage 9 - A Transformational SummerPage 16 - Prayer Shawls

V O I C EPublished by the Missouri District of The Lutheran ChurchmdashMissouri Synod

The of Missouri

Appreciation continued on page 6

Missouri District LCMS660 Mason Ridge Center Drive Suite 100 St Louis MO 63141-8557

Non-profit OrgUS Postage

PAIDSt Louis MO

Permit No 4434

molcmsorg

Oct

ober

N

ovem

ber

2013

RefoRmation RemembeRed

Clergy appreciation month is a special time that a congregation sets aside each year to honor its pastor(s) and his family for their hard work and sacrificial dedica-tion You might consider a special service of affirmation a potluck event or planting a tree in his honor The sky is the limit This event is usually scheduled in October but can be held at any time that is convenient for the church

More ideasbull Ask your pastor how he is doing Be genuine and sincere What has he been working on lately What has he been enjoying bull Send him a thank you card bull With his permission start a prayer group that will commit to regularly praying for him Ask him

for specific prayer requests (and make sure you honor his trust and confidentiality with what he shares with you)bull Invite the pastor and his wife over to your house for lunch or dinner Play board games afterwards Hersquoll be encouraged by the time of rest and his wife will enjoy not having to cook bull Remember the pastorrsquos wife Send her cards befriend her ask her to go shopping or for a walk with you She can feel alone and ldquodifferentrdquo from others in the congregation because she is married to the pastor bull Bring a meal to him This could be a hot lunch during the week or a supper for him and his family It doesnrsquot have to be fancybull Is his car in working order If not do you know how to

Itrsquos that iconic time again for Lutherans as images abound Reformation Day Oct 31 Ninety-five Theses and the Castle Church door in Wittenberg with all that followed And a lot followed driven by theology to be sure but by other factors as wellmdashpolitics personalities and more because thatrsquos how life goes Nearly 500 years later the episode looms large as we gear up to remember

Lutherrsquos theses started as typical university fare posted on that erarsquos version of an in-house bulletin board offered for debate to prove their worth with rough edges knocked off in the process But word got out and the German lands were abuzz Luther hit a nerve with front-burner issues Indulgence-sale economics the contrition-repentance approach and poor pastoral practice from Rome on down all grabbed headlines but behind these are issues of sin and grace

From just another ldquomonkish squabblerdquomdash Romersquos mistaken estimate mdash events exploded until Luther found himself before Emperor Charles in what one historian called ldquothe hinge of historyrdquo a turning point for faith and authority ldquoUnless I am convinced by Scripture or by clear reason helliprdquo Luther declared ldquoClear reasonrdquo is no precursor of later rationalism but rather as Luther explained a conscience a mind bound by the Word of God Method matters How a reader unpacks Scripture shapes both the message and a Christianrsquos mind

As a professor of biblical theology Luther was obligated not simply to repeat what others had said but to contribute to a growing body of knowledge But a newly minted professor has nothing in the can so to speak Luther knew well the standard method dialectic (discussion) using logical arguments a timeworn approach based on Aristotle if hellip if hellip therefore hellip So if God makes no mistakes and if God gives the Law and says keep it (or else) therefore hellip Ergo (therefore) was the operative word But this gave no peace Instead logic brought a sense of impossible obligation (The Law does work)

But as Luther scrambled to do lectures he hit upon an alternative approach using Renaissance humanismmdashnot modern secular humanism but a revival of the liberal arts with an emphasis on language texts and history Grammar told him ldquorighteousnessrdquo was not a quantity he amassed but a quality God gave in Christ not because of (ergo) but in spite of how I ammdashthe German dennoch or ldquoneverthelessrdquo Christ loves Thatrsquos undeserved mercy Grace

A month before his Ninety-five Theses Luther did himself one bettermdashwell two bettermdashwith his Ninety-seven Theses aka the ldquoDisputation Against Scho-lastic Theologyrdquo Luther junked the old method ldquoIt is only without Aristotle that one becomes a theologianrdquo and ldquoAristotle is to theology as darkness is to lightrdquo

Luther pressed for change in the university with ldquoreformationrdquo meaning cur-riculum reform ergo logic is out and a new method of biblical study is in And here lies a lesson the foundation is key and method matters Luther did not shy away from the new but evaluated assessed and then used the approach because sin and grace because life through faith came clear A reason to remembermdashand celebrate

Robert Rosin Prof of Historical TheologyConcordia Seminary St Louis

Coordinator for Theological Education in EurasiaLCMSmdashOffice of International Mission

CleRgy appReCiation month

From t he president rsquos desk

Page 2 OctoberNovember 2013

mo

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sorg

President Ray Mirly

tension in the ChuRChTensions exist in many aspects of life There

is a tension between needing an income and unhappiness with a personrsquos employment Some desire an excellent education but donrsquot have the financial ability to attend school A congregation desires a pastor but believes it is unable to finan-cially support one Tensions are a normal part of life arenrsquot they

In this issue of The Voice of Missouri I would like to address a tension that exists in many con-gregations There is a tension between clergy and non-clergy Many of these occur due to

unfulfilled expectations Laity want a pastor who is 30 years old and married with two beautiful

well-behaved children It is expected this pastor will minister effectively to children high school youth young adults singles married retired and a host of other demographic groups Of course he must deliver exceptional interest-ing relational sermons with good Law and Gospel and with relevant applica-tion to all members in 10 minutes (or less)

Members also want their pastor to be available when needed day or night Pastors are expected to preach against the sins of others but deep down hearers hope he will not preach a sermon that has law applicable to the sin or sins with which they are struggling They want their pastor to bring in many new members but they do not want changes that might encourage people of their community to consider joining their congregation

On the other hand pastors want all the members of their congregation to attend church every Sunday They also long for every child to attend the Christian day school Sunday school vacation Bible school and eventually junior confirmation class They may even be passionate to personally go out into the community to touch the lives of residents with the love of God in Christ Jesus but want those who come into the congregation to imme-diately be mature Christians and committed followers of Jesus Christ

Heaven is not found here on earth Lay members are not perfect Pastors are not perfect The expectations of lay members are not always holy Likewise the expectations of pastors are not always holy Because of member expecta-tions not aligned with the pastorrsquos and vice versa tensions develop Tensions can also arise because a group of lay members or lay leaders have expectations different from other members within the congregation We draw lines in the sand that heighten tensions When we do tempers become short arguments develop attendance declines and finances are inadequate

A body is healthy when all of its members work in harmony with each other A congregation is healthy when all its members work in harmony with each other A Christian congregationrsquos harmony comes about through its unity with Christ We are one in Christ Jesus our Lord He is the head We are His body

Brothers and sisters in Christ ldquowe are all one in Christ Jesusrdquo In 1 Cor 1214-15 St Paul writes ldquoFor the body does not consist of one member but of many If the foot should say lsquoBecause I am not a hand I do not belong to the bodyrsquo that would not make it any less a part of the bodyrdquo He continues ldquoBut as it is God arranged the members in the body each one of them as he chose If all were a single member where would the body be As it is there are many parts yet one bodyrdquo (1 Cor 1218-20)

Paulrsquos conclusion is this ldquoBut God has so composed the body giving greater honor to the part that lacked it that there may be no division in the body but that the members may have the same care for one another If one member suffers all suffer together if one member is honored all rejoice togetherrdquo (1 Cor 1224-26)

He must deliver exceptional interesting relational

sermons with good Law and Gospel and with relevant

application to all members in ten minutes (or less)

pResidentrsquos pRayeR list

Please join me in prayer this month

Pray that the Holy Spirit gives receptive hearts to the Gospel to all the children attending Sunday school and confirmation classes

Ask God to protect the men and women of the United States Armed Forces

Pray that God will bless all efforts in this district to start new missions and ministries especially the efforts underway in Branson Columbia Jackson Kansas City St Louis and Springfield

Pray that God guide and direct the work of the District Board of Directors the four Service Boards and district committees

Praise and thank God for the bountiful rain excellent crops as well as to provide for the farmers who lost crops due to storms the wet spring floods or summer drought

Praise and thank God for the Gospel Lordrsquos Supper and Holy Baptism

Pray God to bless President Harrison and First Vice President Mueller as they carry out their duties on behalf of The Lutheran ChurchmdashMissouri Synod

Pray God to bless the men and women enrolled in LCMS universities and seminaries preparing for full-time service in the church

Pray God to bless you in your personal management of time abilities and finances

Pray God to create a right spirit within each of us

Pray God to bless the ongoing efforts of congregations and individuals within the district planting new congregations

Ask God to bless the service of the lay leaders currently serving in Missouri District congregations

A congregation is healthy when all its members

work in harmony with each other

Think then of your congregation in this way ldquoFor the congregation does not consist of one member but of many What if one member of the congregation should say lsquoBecause I am unique I do not belong to the entire bodyrsquo (1 Cor 1214-15) ldquoBut as it is God arranged the members in the congregation each one of them as he chose If all were a single member where would the body be As it is there are many members yet one congregationrdquo (1 Cor 1218-20)

Paulrsquos conclusion is this ldquoBut God has so composed the congregation in such a way that there may be no division in it but that the members may have the same care for one another If one member suffers all suffer together if one member is honored all rejoice togetherrdquo (1 Cor 1224-26)

Delegates from the Missouri District who attended this yearrsquos Synod convention Thank you for your service

Dist r ic t News

Page 3The Voice of Missouri

molcm

sorg

Come lift high the CRossldquoLift High the Crossrdquo is a favorite Lutheran hymn St Stephen Lutheran

Church Liberty Mo held an open house on Sept 15 to celebrate its new sanctuary There were refreshments and guided tours

The new sanctuary seats 330 people offers a state of the art sound system has a beautiful view overlooking the west side of Liberty and at the center of the sanctuary is a seven foot cross suspended above the altar

St Stephenrsquos building is modern in style but built with the same missionary spirit of the founding church members The congregations feels blessed to serve the community

St Stephenrsquos is very excited about the new facility but that is all it is without friends and family

St Stephenrsquos is located at 205 North Forest Avenue on the east side of 291 Hwy near the inter-section of 291 Hwy and Kansas Street in Liberty Mo

Come and join St Stephenrsquos ldquoLift High the Crossrdquo

For more information visit wwwststephenslibertyorg

Concordia Publishing House 3558 S Jefferson Ave St Louis announces its annual Warehouse Salemdashthe largest sale of the yearmdashon Saturday Nov 2 from 8 am to noon

For one day only excess inventory from the nonprofit Christian publisher is sold at deeply reduced prices Sale items include Bibles curricula music adult and childrenrsquos books boxed greeting cards and church resources at savings of up to 75 percent

Concordia Christian Books and Gifts located in the Concordia Publishing House building offers its own savings during the Warehouse Sale Customers save 20 percent on nearly every item in the store Store hours during the sale are 8 am to 2 pm

bonus foR eaRly aRRival If you arrive before the tent opens you can pick

up a colored and numbered line sticker at the event (one per person) to be eligible for the Warehouse Sale Line Gift Certificate drawing that will take place 10 minutes before the tent opens Line Gift Certificates are redeemable in the tent only from 8 am to noon

Concordia Publishing House and Concordia Christian Books and Gifts are located at 3558 S Jefferson Ave south of Interstate 44 and north of Interstate 55 Free parking is available on Miami Street east of Jefferson For more information about the Warehouse Sale call 314-268-1303 For more information about the Concordia Christian Books and Gifts Sale call 314-268-1268

ConCoRdia publishing house annual WaRehouse sale

baCkpaCk pRogRam ReCeives gRantHoly Trinity Lutheran Church St Clair Mo applied for and received a $7000

development grant from The Lutheran ChurchmdashMissouri Synod (LCMS) The congregation

requested this grant to help support the Weekend Food Backpack program This program began in 2009 and has grown to 130 food backpacks per weekend of the school year Holy Trinity Lutheran Church is looking forward to working with teachers from the St Clair Elementary School Edgar Murray Elementary and the Franklin County Special Education Coopera-tive School to resume the program for students in the 2013-14 school year

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church is one of the some 6200 member congregations of the LCMS a biblical confessional witness-oriented Christian denomination with 23 mission baptized members Through acts of witness and mercy the church strives to make known the love of Jesus Christ around the world In the last five years the LCMS has provided more than $64 million for domestic and interna-tional development efforts

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church founded in 1963 exists to invite all people into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ Learn more at htlcsitecom

Dist r ic t News

mo

lcm

sorg

The 2013 Lutheran Summer Music Academy (LSM) was held at Luther College in Decorah Iowa from June 23 to July 21 These students from the Missouri District were chosen to participate in the program

Austin Betts of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in St Louis Mo Alexandria Betts of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in St Louis Mo Margaret Mueller of Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Chesterfield Mo Emily Robinson of Glendale Lutheran Church in Glendale MoFounded in 1981 the mission of Lutheran Music Program is to transform lives and

connect people through faith and music Lutheran Music Program offers programs for young people that teach and celebrate the extraordinary musical heritage of the Lutheran church as inspired by the words of Martin Luther ldquoNext to the Word of God music deserves the highest praise The gift of language combined with the gift of song was given to man that he should proclaim the Word of God through Musicrdquo

In doing so Lutheran Music Program trains and inspires the next generation of musicians for the church

Our largest program is the Lutheran Summer Music Academy amp Festival (LSM) a four-week residential camp for talented high school musicians Music and worship are at the center of our intentional supportive community

Lutheran Music Programrsquos national offices are located year-round in Minneapolis Minn and LSM has rotated its location among various Lutheran colleges Since LSM began in 1982 more than 4000 students have attended Hundreds of these alumni have pursued careers in music education church music and performance

LSM 2014 will be held June 22 to July 20 on the campus of Luther College in Decorah Iowa Extending Mission through Partnerships

Lutheran Music Program has developed two partnerships for congregations and colleges that want to join in our mission of supporting young musicians as they grow in their musical gifts and in service to the church These partnerships represent Lutheran congregations and higher education institutions across the country

The Young Musicians Partnership (YMP) encourages congregations to set up local scholarships for youth interested in attending the Lutheran Summer Music

Academy In return students in ldquopartnerrdquo congregations receive an exclusive 10 percent tuition discount plus matching dollars for churchrsquos scholarship This part-nership includes nearly 90 congregations nationally

The Collegiate Partnership brings together colleges and universities that join LSM faculty and staff to encourage our students to consider studying music at Lutheran institution LSM prepares students through our pre-college training and performance program and Lutheran collegesuniversities enhance their recruitment efforts by acknowledging their work when they reach those institutions Now more than 23 schools have established collegiate scholarships exclusively for alumni of LSM at those colleges and universities

For more information about Lutheran Summer Music or the Young Musicians and Collegiate Partnerships please visit wwwlutheransummermusicorg call director of admissions Sue Olstad at 612-879-9555 or email solstadlutheransummermusicorg

Peace Lutheran Church in South County will again offer the St Louis community an opportunity to celebrate the birth of Jesus by re-creating one of Christianityrsquos oldest traditions the Boarrsquos Head Christmas Festival

It has been almost 500 years since the Reformation and although the Word of God has remained steadfast individual churches still go through changes For the past 18 years the Boarrsquos Head Christmas Festival has been presented in the chancel of Peace Lutheran Church the chancel that has been there since the early 1960s However the 19th presentation will be the last in that chancel as Peace is in the process of building a new sanctuary which will be ready for the 20th anniversary of the Boarrsquos Head Festival in 2014 Although change can be sometimes stressful it is also sometimes necessary And change is always manageable because we have the assurance that God is always in control He has blessed Peace Lutheran Church for more than 60 years and we know He will continue to bless our efforts

In 2013 the members of Peace will come together for the 19th time to rejoice in Godrsquos gift of a Savior His daily blessings will be proclaimed in rich music through three vocal choirs and various instruments His glory will be symbolized in visual splendor The telling of the tra-ditional Christmas Nativity story will be woven throughout the medieval Christmas Festival King Wenceslas beefeater guards lords ladies jesters knights servants and peasants will feast together as the community of believers The feastrsquos steward will again present King Wenceslas with the boarrsquos head symbolizing the defeat of sin death and the devil by our Savior The baker with his ldquofiggyrdquo pudding will remind us of the richness of all the gifts from God

Free tickets for the 19th Year Celebration of the Boarrsquos Head Christmas Festival will be available starting at 8 am Friday Nov 1 by calling the church office at 314-892-5610 The Festival is Dec 5 6 7 and 8 at 730 pm with an additional service at 4 pm on Dec 8

More information is available by clicking on the Boarrsquos Head Tab at wwwpeacelutheranstlorg Peace Lutheran Church is located at 737 Barracksview Road 63125 in South St Louis County

peaCe lutheRan ChuRCh CelebRates 19 yeaRs of the boaRrsquos head ChRistmas festival

From left The shepherds here portrayed by Zach Kreitler and Jason Stevens wonder in amazement at the angelsrsquo message about the birth of Christ

missouRi distRiCt musiCians attend 2013 lutheRan summeR musiC aCademy

seminaRy guildThe next meeting of the Seminary Guild is Friday Oct 11 The theme ldquoA Time

for Everything A Time for Preparationrdquo continues We will attend the Seminary Community Chapel Service at 915 am The chorus will treat us to a short concert after Then we will proceed to Koburg Hall for brunch followed by the Rally Day Speaker Professor Jeffrey Kloha

New members are always welcome to join us achieve the goal of helping students One of the groups the guild sponsors is the Seminary Wives Association This group is active in helping families with meals support retreats and Bible studies If you would like to attend the October meeting send a check in the amount of $10 payable to Seminary Guild Alice Kastens Treasurer 5101 Kings Park Dr St Louis MO 63129

Dist r ic t News

molcm

sorg

musiC at st paul JaCksonMusic at St Paul Jackson begins its 2013-14 season with an organ concert featuring David Baskeyfield This event begins

at 4 pm Sunday Oct 6 at St Paul Lutheran Church in Jackson 223 Adams St Jackson MO 63755 David Baskeyfield the guest organist is the winner of the first prize and audience prize at the St Albans International

Organ Competition 2011 Following success in a number of earlier competitions (first prize audience prize Miami Inter-national Organ Competition 2010 first prize Mader Memorial Organ Competi-tion LA 2010 second prize Dublin International Organ Competition 2011 first prize Rodland 2011 and first prize and audience prize AGO National Competition in Organ Improvisation 2011) he launched a performing career encompassing both interpretation and improvisation He was most recently a finalist in the improvisation competition at St Albans 2013

Currently a doctoral student at the Eastman School of Music under David Higgs and William Porter Baskeyfield read Law at Oxford as organ scholar at St Johnrsquos College studying with John Wellingham and David Sanger Between Oxford and Eastman he spent a year as organ scholar of Christ Church Cathedral and St Patrickrsquos Cathedral Dublin Some recent and upcoming recital engagements include Washing-ton National Cathedral National City Christian Church St Thomasrsquo 5th Avenue Kingrsquos College Cambridge St Albans Cathedral St Gilesrsquo Cathedral Edinburgh Birmingham Town Hall St Bavo Haarlem Chartres Cathedral and St Sulpice A recording project with Priory is planned to take place this year tentatively comprising lesser-known works of the French symphonic school at the Cavailleacute-Coll organ of St Eacutetienne Caen

Aside from solo performance Baskeyfield is active as an accompanist and continuo player As an outgrowth of his interest in classical organ improvisation he has taken to accompanying silent movies recent engagements have featured The Phantom of the Opera (1925) and Nosferatu (1922) Prone to occasional bouts of wanton self-indulgence on Wurlitzer organs he has given theatre organ recitals in Rochester NY and Worcester Mass He has been broadcast a number of times on American Public Mediarsquos Pipedreams playing repertoire and improvisations

Contact the church at 573-243-5360 mpalischstpauljacksoncom or wwwstpauljacksoncom for more information

faith lutheRan dexteR WelComes neW membeRsFaith Lutheran Church Dexter Mo is delighted to announce that it received new communicant members this fall Nine

baptized members confirmed their faith in Christ Jesus after receiving instruction in our Lutheran Confession of the Christian faith from Lutherrsquos Small Catechism

The new confirmed members are CeCelia Meyer John Fortner Patty Kelsey and Alexis May Kathy and Rilee Jones Susan Barber and Don May Evie Fortner was received into membership by transfer from St Johns Lutheran Church Sparta Ill Four new members were received by Affirmation of Faith John and Dorothy Barrett Mark Meyer and Robin Stanfield

We thank God for sending His Spirit working through Word and Sacrament to create and sustain faith in Godrsquos great promises that are all yes in Christ Please pray for the congregation and especially the new members that all remain faithful followers of Christ and set their hope on nothing less than His Kingdom and His righteousness

Front row from left John lsquoButchrsquo Barrett Robin Stanfield Dorothy lsquoDottyrsquo Barrett Rilee Jones Kelsey May Alexis May CeCelia Meyer and Mark Meyer Back row John Fortner Evie Fortner Kathy Jones Pastor Justin Sponaugle Patty May and Don May

AnnuAl Turkey And SAuSAge dinner

Sunday Nov 17

11 am to 5 pmImmanuel Lutheran Church

115 S Sixth St Saint Charles Mo

Adults - $10 Children - $5

(5 to 10 years old)

Zion lutheRan ChuRCh2500 N 21st St

St Louis MO 63106

haRvest home festival

Worship Service 1030 amDinner Noon to 130 pm

Sunday Nov 10 Dinner reservations no later than

Nov 5 to 314-231-0382

AnnuAl Pork SAuSAge dinner

Sunday Oct 201130 am to 530 pmSt Paul Lutheran Church

150 W Highway D New Melle Mo

Adults - $10 Children (6-12) - $5

(under 6) freeCountry Store Fresh sausage

baked items and craftsCarry-outs available

For more information call 636-828-5616

64Th AnnuAl SAuSAge And

SAuerkrAuT dinner Our Redeemer Lutheran Church 9153 E Milton Overland Mo

Sunday Oct 20 1130 am to 5 pm

Door price $950 Adults $475 (5-12)

Meal includes drink and dessert Bazaar items available -

quilts and crafts

Com mu n icat ions

New SubscriptionChange of Address FormThe Voice of Missouri is provided free of charge to all Missouri DistrictndashLCMS

congregation member households Check with your church office to have your address added or changed If you are not a Missouri District congregation member and wish to receive a copy forward the completed form below to The Missouri DistrictndashLCMS Attn VOICE Subscriptions 660 Mason Ridge Center Drive Suite 100 St Louis MO 63141-8557 or send the same information by email to movoicemolcmsorg

Please use this form for a change of address as well as a new subscription Please send a new subscription Please remove my name from your subscription list Please change my address to the one listed below

(I have also provided my old address)

Name

Church Name and City

Current Address

City State ZIP

Old Address

City State ZIP

Telephone ( ) email

PresidentRev Dr Ray Mirly 314-590-6200RayMirlymolcmsorg

Assistant to the President ndash MissionsCongregational Services Rev Dr Stuart W Brassie 314-590-6205StuartBrassiemolcmsorg

Assistant to the President ndash School MinistryDennis Gehrke 314-590-6209DennisGehrkemolcmsorg

Vice President ndash Lutheran Church Extension FundDennis A Klussman 314-590-6207DennisKlussmanlceforg

Assistant to the President ndash Financial Planning and ControlPeter Krege 314-590-6200PeterKregemolcmsorg

Assistant to the President ndash Family Life and Youth MinistryCongregational HealthRev Gene Wyssmann 417-766-2183gawyssmannhotmailcom

Financial SpecialistRuth Ann Grebe 314-590-6213RuthAnnGrebemolcmsorg

Publications SpecialistVoice EditorJennifer Krupp 314-590-6219JenniferKruppmolcmsorg movoicemolcmsorgEducation SpecialistMartha Schellin 314-590-6215MarthaSchellinmolcmsorg

Pastoral Support SpecialistDonna Seipp 314-590-6206DonnaSeippmolcmsorg

Office and Human Resources ManagerKaren Siegel 314-590-6210KarenSiegelmolcmsorg

Events SpecialistSue Thompson 314-590-6217SueThompsonmolcmsorg

missouRi distRiCt staff

Who aRe WeThe Missouri District consists of 299 congregations The Vision Congregations of the Missouri DistrictmdashLCMS partnering as one church united in

doctrine ready equipped and acting to fulfill the Great Commission in their unique setting with their unique people

The Mission The Missouri DistrictmdashLCMS is to serve and encourage congregations to fulfill the Great Commission and promote unity of the true faith

Subscribe to receive The Voice electronically

at molcmsorg

A bimonthly publication produced under the guidelines of the Board of Directors of The Missouri DistrictmdashLCMS 660 Mason Ridge Center Drive Suite 100 St Louis MO 63141-8557

editoR JennifeR kRupp

Editorrsquos email movoicemolcmsorgPresidentrsquos email raymirlymolcmsorgDistrict website httpmolcmsorg

Address changes Send them to or call them into your church office or use the form on this page

Advertising policyIt is the policy of The Voice of Missouri to accept advertising only from entities of or affiliated with the LCMS Advertising must pertain to ministry-specific servicesScripture All Scripture in The Voice of Missouri is from the English Stan-dard Version (ESV) unless otherwise noted

Submissions When submitting an article to The Voice emails sent to movoicemolcmsorg are strongly preferred

Please furnish sharply focused original photographs JPEGs GIFs or TIFFs may be emailed at 300 dpi at 5x35rdquo size

Submission deadline First day of month preceding publicationUpcoming deadlines and themes

Nov 1 DecJan Christmas - How does your congregation school organization etc observe Christmas

Jan 6 FebMarch Auxiliary organizations (different than RSOs) LHM and LWML

denotes online only issue

Photos will not be returned Identify all photo subjects (left to right front to back) what they are doing name and date of event depicted why sub-ject is there include suggested caption Please do not write on the back of a photomdashwrite on a label and then affix it to back of photo Get permis-sion from the people in your picture(s) before submitting Submis-sion of pictures implies approval

the voiCe of missouRi

Appreciation continued from page 1

mo

lcm

sorg

fix it or do you know a professional who could fix it at a discounted pricebull Ask him when his last day off was Pastors donrsquot get a Sabbath on the Sunday like you do But they still need to take one on a different day of the week Encourage him to be faithful in obeying Godrsquos command to honor the Sabbathbull Invite the pastor and his wife to go out with you and other couples Keep in mind that they live on a budget Fun ideas include a picnic in the park a bicycle ride bowling a drive to a nearby town for ice cream or watching a video (with popcorn) togetherbull Raise the idea of the church sponsoring the pastor and his wife to attend an annual pastors retreat or conference Meeting and sharing with other pastors can be a time of

great strengthening spiritual refreshment and renewed passion for his ministry bull When you benefit from a sermon (are refreshed enjoy a laugh understand a Bible passage in a new way) tell him or drop him a note Be specific about how God has used his work or his ministry in your lifebull Organize a party for him after church Order a cake have congregation members write notes of appreciation to him collect donations for a giftbull How are you talented What are you good at doing Consider how you can share this gift with him (ie baking sewing mechanics yard work) bull Ask God to give you specific guidance and direction of other ways that you can encourage and befriend your pastor

Kirk Mueller 11645 Benham Road St Louis MO 63136-6112 314-704-4389

Email KirkMuellerlcmsorg

Research shows that upon your death it will take 13 years or more years to replace you as a giving unit at your congregation

Have you ever considered continuing your annual giving to your congregation or favorite ministries through a Family Endowment Fund

Th is could be funded during your lifetime or at your death It will continue your giving long after you have gone home to heaven

For more information please contacthellip

a family endoWment fund

Kirk Mueller

L L L a nd Dist r ic t News

the missouRi distRiCt lutheRan laymenrsquos leaguetoolbox tools foR ChRistians

God has given each and every one of us a mission ldquoTo do Godrsquos willrdquo Is your toolbox fully equipped or are you missing a few important tools Are your toolbox tools bright and polished or dull and rusty Whether at work or play every day there are evangelism opportunities for sharing Christ

Do you feel comfortable being a Christian witness during times of crisis Can you recognize and identify with a person to connect with his or her heart to witness in a brief encounter Do you know the importance of being Spirit-led to be an effective witness Are you willing and currently using your toolbox tools in doing your part of sharing the Gospel with family friends neighbors co-workers who long for answers love and meaning in their lives If not why Resources are available

Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM) can provide you with the tools and training to confidently accept your mission of reaching people with the real news of Jesus Christ Contact LHM via the internet at wwwlhmorg telephone toll-free 1-800-876-9880 Monday through Friday 8 am to 5 pm (CST) via email lh_minlhmorg or write Lutheran Hour Ministries 660 Mason Ridge Center St Louis MO 63141

No one person or organization can reach the worldrsquos entire unreached population on its own but Lutheran Hour Ministries wants to partner with LCMS individu-als and congregations to reach out together The Lord makes an impact through Lutheran Hour Ministries by calling upon the ministry to give individuals and congregations here in the United States and around the world the resources and encouragement needed to proclaim Christrsquos name

Through the power of the Holy Spirit Lutheran Hour Ministries shares the Gospel through ministry programs such as The Lutheran Hour ndash longest-running Christian outreach radio program International Ministries ndash ministry centers in more than 30 countries proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ using a variety of culturally appropriate venues and media with local staff working hand-in-hand with dedicated volunteers and church partners Menrsquos NetWork ndash Christ-cen-tered web-based ministry designed to equip and motivate men to greater levels

of commitment leadership and service as they become stronger disciples of Jesus Christ MISSION U - witnessing-training courses trains lay people to share the Gospel in the 21st century at various levels on diverse topics Regional Outreach Conferences (ROC) - lively conferences feature leading speakers on ministry to encourage and equip Godrsquos people to be mission-minded witnesses for Jesus Christ ROCs are designed to empower you to live every day in the joy of the Gospel five14 - witnessing-training program specifically designed to equip and inspire teenagers to share Jesus with their peers JCPlayZone - safe online website play space for children ages 2-6 and their parents and others

Lutheran Hour Ministries is calling our communities our country and our world back to God and is ready to meet the challenges by bringing ldquoThe message of Hoperdquo in Jesus Christ to millions of people (both locally and abroad) who desperately need to hear it Lutheran Hour Ministries continues to explore new media and to expand its use of others to serve congregations as a partner in Godrsquos mission

Choose a tool from the LHM Christian toolbox to help you in your witness ldquoTo do Godrsquos willrdquo Please pray for Godrsquos continued blessing on the mission and work of Lutheran Hour Ministries as it reaches out into our local communities and the world that desperately needs to know Jesus God answers prayers Please prayer-fully consider giving a gift to Lutheran Hour Ministries and become a part of the mission of ldquoBringing Christ to the Nations and the Nations to the Churchrdquo

Jim Harms Missouri District LLL President

neW bible study available by Rev gRegoRy seltZ

Lost Books Ever wondered if some texts were intentionally excluded from the Bible and why The Menrsquos NetWork looks at why some ancient writings failed to make the cut for inclusion why other texts most definitely met the standard and why others including those ldquogospelsrdquo found in the last century came up short

Find the answers in the Lost Books study at wwwlhmmencom Questions or comments Contact jack1422mchsicom

molcm

sorg

Website foR the missouRi distRiCt lll wwwlutheransonlinecommissouridistrictlll

ninth annual ChRistmas CountRy ChuRCh touR

The Ninth Annual Christmas Country Church Tour Dec 19 and 20 from 3 to 9 pm are dates to mark on your calendar This is the ninth Annual Christmas Country Church Tour to be held in Perry Cape Girardeau and Bollinger Counties You will experience riding through beautiful rolling hills as you travel to more than 20 country churches decorated for the Christmas season

German caroling will be held on Friday at 6 pm at Concordia Lutheran Church in Frohna

You will be greeted by members of each church as refresh-ments will be served

Maps and descriptions will be available at churches on tour

As always you may begin your tour as far north at Zion Lutheran Church Longtown on US Highway 61 or south at Pocahontas Zion and St Johnrsquos Lutheran just off State Highway C

For more information about the tour contact Janet Fiedler at 573-833-6188 or janetfiedler45gmailcom or visit wwwimmanuelnewellsorg and click on events

Educat iona l Ser v ices

mo

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students begin neW sChool yeaR Thousands of LESA Lutheran school students in the St Louis area are settling

into new routines and lessons Students at St Paulrsquos Des Peres Green Park and Salem Affton smiled and posed for photos on their first day back

Most schools began the new year with opening chapel services at St Markrsquos Eureka senior students led the way for their preschool chapel buddies Early childhood students at CCLSrsquos Kirkwood campus began the new year with story-time at Trinity St Charles and Salem Affton students got down to business setting up lockers and starting new assignments

More than 7000 students attend LESA member schools in the St Louis metro area For enrollment and scholarship information visit wwwmetrolutheranschoolsorg

lesa appoints inteRim diReCtoR foR 2013-14 sChool yeaR

The St Louis-based Lutheran Elementary School Association (LESA) has appointed Lutheran educator Laura Montgomery to serve as Interim Director Edu-cational Resources Division for the 2013-14 academic year

Montgomery replaces Deb Schmich who retired in July after eight years of service and more than four decades in Lutheran education

Montgomery a 2011 Van Lunen Fellow will direct and oversee professional development curriculum development student services technology resources and infrastructure resources for the education organization which serves more than 30 Lutheran elementary and high schools in the St Louis Metro Area

ldquoAt this time of transition we feel very fortunate that God has blessed the LESA ministry and mission with Laurarsquos leader-ship and servant heartrdquo said Sue Nahmensen LESArsquos Chief Executive Officer

Before joining LESA Montgomery served as principal of Abiding Savior Lutheran School in south St Louis County A graduate of Lutheran High School South Montgomery holds a Masterrsquos in Educational Administration from Lindenwood University and a Bachelorrsquos in Early Childhood amp Elementary Education from University of Missouri-Saint Louis She earned her Colloquy (Lutheran teaching certi-fication) from Concordia University Chicago Montgomery is also a past Fellow (2011-12) of the Van Lunen Center for Executive Man-agement in Christian Schools based at Calvin College in Grand Rapids Mich

bReW in the lou to benefit lesa sChools pRogRams

St Louis-based Lutheran Elementary School Association (LESA) and the St Louis Brewerrsquos Guild present ldquoBrew in the Lourdquo Saturday Oct 19 from noon to 5 pm at Koburg Hall at Concordia Seminary 801 Seminary Place St Louis MO 63105

ldquoBrew in the Lourdquo will showcase St Louisrsquo best beer wine coffee and good eats Proceeds benefit the Lutheran Elementary School Association

Jeff Bernthal KTVI FOX2 and KPLR CW11 will serve as Master of Ceremonies

Festivities include the Waterloo German Band and other live entertainment arts and craft vendors and special food exhibits

Wristbands are $50 each and include tastings for beer wine and coffee along with a commemorative glass

Varying levels of sponsorships are available for the ldquoBrew in the Lourdquo event as well as foodbeverage vendor opportunities

For more information or to purchase a wristband please call 314-268-1525 or visit wwwlesastlorg

Waterloo German Band

Jeff Bernthal Master of Ceremonies

Laura Montgomery Interim Director Educational Resources Division of LESA

First-graders at Green Park have fun with chalk on their first day back

St Markrsquos Eureka students walking their chapel buddies to opening services

Trinity St Charles first-grader Avery Payne works on a writing assignment

St Paulrsquos Des Peres students Sophie Lindeman and Benjamin Long strike a pose on their way to class

CCLS preschool teacher Beth Kiessling starts the new school year with a story

Salem Affton fifth-grader Katherine Mattson shows her new locker to Principal Robert Keller

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immanuel WentZville pRinCipal Chops loCks foR ChaRity

Students at Immanuel Lutheran School in Wentzville celebrated the start of school with an opening chapel service and new ldquodorsquosrdquo for two of their favorite administrators

Principal Allison Dolak and Preschool Director Shirlee Nolting decided to kick off a new year of service by chopping their locks for charity The ldquoproceedsrdquo from the cuts will go to Children with Hair Loss a non-profit that provides free hair replacement services to children affected by illness or serious accidents

Immanuel Lutheran School serves students of all faiths from preschool through eighth grade Immanuel is located at 632 E Highway N in Wentzville

a tRansfoRmational summeRWhile many students were busy playing sports or hitting the swimming pool one

St Louis student spent her summer not only continuing to learn but also giving to others Emma Page a fifth grade student at St Paulrsquos Lutheran School in Des Peres took this past summer to learn how to sew

While many may consider sewing to be a lost art Emma took to it with ease with the help of her grandmother Carol Page Carol comes in every summer to spend two months with her grandchildren

It was Emmarsquos plan from the beginning to make pillowcases after reading an American Girl book about a girl who made pillowcases and donated them She wanted to do the same

Emma and her mother Beth Page researched St Louis Childrenrsquos Hospitalrsquos website and dis-covered it accepted pillowcases and provided the instructions to complete them Emma and her grandmother worked on the pillowcases throughout the summer

First they selected the fabric and the trim making sure the pillowcases would be for boys and girls of all ages Then the work of trans-formation to pillowcases began by cutting and sewing the pieces together

They set up an assembly line with Emma cutting out the pattern and sewing while Grandma ironed the seams They spent many hours together over the course of the summer and in the end were able to donate 15 pillow-cases to St Louis Childrenrsquos Hospital

Kimber Wilcox a Special Events Project Coordinator from Childrenrsquos was presented with the completed pillowcases at the end of the summer When asked why she wanted to learn to sew Emma replied ldquoI liked the idea of taking something and transforming it into something elserdquo

She went on to say that sewing is like that ndash taking a piece of fabric and making it into anything you want She also made pajamas for herself and an exchange student who lives with them Emma knew from the beginning she wanted to make something for others Her mom credits this dedication to giving and service to her school St Paulrsquos Lutheran ldquoMolding caring servant leaders in everything they do and instilling the desire to give to othersrdquo

It was a unique and fun summer project ndash learning a new talent spending time with family and serving others ndash and transformational in more ways than one Emma has already declared that she would like to do it again

For 163 years St Paulrsquos Lutheran School located at the intersection of Ballas Road and Manchester Road in Des Peres has created a legacy of providing excellent Christian education for children ages 6 weeks through eighth grade

St Paulrsquos is committed to sharing Christrsquos love and providing an environment and opportunity for students to develop their God-given potential spiritually academi-cally physically emotionally and socially as they strive in their mission toward develop-ing caring servant leaders Visit us at wwwstpaulsdesperesorg

abiding savioR lutheRan sChool WelComes inteRim pRinCipal

The students at Abiding Savior Lutheran School St Louis started their school year with a new but familiar face at the helm Dr Joseph Bordeaux will serve as Interim Principal for the year as the church and school conduct a nation-wide search to call a new leader

Dr Bordeaux is no stranger at Abiding Savior Lutheran School He was called to St Louis from the east coast to help start Washington Lutheran School from which Abiding Savior Lutheran School developed Located on the corner of Kerth and Butler Hill where Orchid Terrace now sits Dr Bordeaux served for seven years as the original principal of the school His wife Betty was the original Director of Early Childhood

Since his original call to ASLS Bordeaux has enjoyed a respected career in both K-12 and collegiate administration His experience includes teaching and adminis-trating at Lindenwood University a second calling to Washington Lutheran School for three years and then a move across the country to serve as Dean of the School of Education at Concordia University in Irvine Calif He returned to St Louis in retire-ment but has since served as Interim Principal at St Paul Lutheran in Des Peres Mo

Bordeaux continues to lend his talents by leading seminars for the National LCMS school administration to train Interim Principals for Lutheran Schools He also currently serves as the Chairman of the Board for the Lutheran Association for Special Education

Assisting Bordeaux as an Interim Assistant Principal is Abiding Savior Lutheran Schoolrsquos Director of Early Childhood Mrs Beverly Gruenwald Principals at Lutheran schools serve as called leaders much as a pastor does for a church The church will lead a nation-wide search for a new principal which reviews certified Lutheran administrators and teachers There are more than 2000 Lutheran schools worldwide including K-12 and 10 Concordia universities Lutheran schools are currently ranked top in the Nationrsquos Report Card as reported by the National Assess-ment of Educational Progress (NAEP)

Dr Joseph Bordeaux

Fa m i ly Li fe a nd Yout h

fall JunioR high RetReat oCt 18-20 at Camp WindeRmeRe

spRing 2014 JunioR high RetReat maRCh 28-30 foR the Whole laW is fulfilled in one WoRd

ldquoyou shall love youR neighboR as youRselfrdquoGalatians 514

Based on the Ten Commandments the 2013-14 Junior High Retreats are focused on Gal 514 around the theme ldquoLOVE is the Wordrdquo

The registration deadline is Monday Oct 7 by 3 pmRev Greg Bearrs is the presenter for our weekend-long retreats this year Greg is

a church planter and the founding pastor of LakePointe Lutheran Church Greg his wife Kristi and their four children live in Hot Springs Ark where they started LakePointe Greg is a lifetime Lutheran committed to helping leaders grow and make an impact in their respective communities He is a nationally known speaker who has presented at the National LCMS Youth Gatherings You can follow Pastor Greg on Twitter Pastor_Greg or go to wwwlakepointefamilycom for more information

The band for the retreat will feature a new form of the band previously known as ldquoParallax Viewrdquo called The Relentless Project

Who can go Youth Youth primarily in grades six seven and eight Adult counselors Approximately one for each seven youth (male counselors for male youth and female counselors for female youth)

enCouRage youR youth to invite theiR unChuRChed fRiends Who

paRtiCipate in youth gRouphttpswwwregonlinecomregistercheckinaspxeventid=1272467

Looking for a great youth ministry leadership opportunity Peer Ministry Training (PMT) is an opportunity to come together with high school youth and youth counselors who want to learn additionalintentional skills in counselingdisci-pleship to serve in their youth ministry ndash in their congregation their school their community and their family The Missouri District Family Life and Youth Board invites you andor your youth to Peer Ministry Training Feb 14-16 2014 at the Sojourn Retreat Center Dittmer Mo or at Heitrsquos Point in Lincoln Mo

This yearrsquos Peer Ministry Training consists of Peer Ministry Training 1 (offered at both locations) The entry level course is designed to teach participants

Quality training in caring skills Commitment to growth in faith and values Christian service to other people Welcoming others Listening with care How to ask questions Help bring the hope of Christ into the lives of their peers

Peer Ministry Training 2 (only at the Sojourn Center) This is the follow-up course to Peer Ministry Training Participants must have been through PMT 1 The focus of PMT 2 is

Learning how to validate others How to deal with sensitive issues Discovering our spiritual gifts Learning to share our faith and personal faith stories

Our training teams will be led by Rev Gene Wyssmann assistant to the district president for Family Life and Youth Ministry and Rev Mark Martin and Christina Stackle members of the Missouri District Board for Family Life and Youth The members of the teaching teams are certified instructors in Peer Ministry

Your cost for the entire weekend is $75 per person The actual cost for the training is more than $200 per person which includes staff materials housing and meals However the Missouri District Board for Family Life and Youth Ministry is providing funds to pay the balance per person for youth and counselors

Medical forms should be brought to the training and NOT sent to the district office with your registration

Please duplicate forms as needed Call us at 314-590-6217 or email SueThompsonmolcmsorg for more information Information is also on our website at httpmolcmsorg

Registration suggestionA team of two or three youth and an adult leader is ideal Individuals who come

alone may find themselves missing the support needed to grow together and support one another at home

Bring your Bible and supplies to take notes plus recreational and personal needs You can bring items for evening activities like table games cards etc Sleeping arrangements at Heitrsquos Point are ldquocamp stylerdquo on bunk beds You need to bring sleeping bags and towels since these are not provided

Peer Ministry Training is an out-standing experience with great trainingleadership teams and great youth and counselors coming together to learn grow and serve Share this opportunity with everyone in your youth ministry

peeR ministRy tRaining

peeR ministRy tRaining (pmt) RegistRation foRm

Yes I want to attend Peer Ministry Training

Name

Address

City State ZIP

Phone ( ) Email address

Male Female T-shirt size Small-2XL (Youth Only) Grade Age I am registering for Peer Ministry Training 1 Peer Ministry Training 2 at Heitrsquos Point or Sojourn Center Congregation Name and City Mail registration form and $75 fee (please make checks payable to the Missouri District) to Missouri District LCMS ndash Peer Ministry Training 660 Mason Ridge Center Drive Suite 100 St Louis MO 63141-8557

Questions Please email SueThompsonmolcmsorg Registration and $75 fee (payable to the Missouri District) is due by Feb 1 2014

mo

lcm

sorg

L eadersh ip Tra i n i ng

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send me st louis tRaining and eventsFor more information about Send Me St Louisrsquo services training opportunities

or volunteer management resources visit its website at wwwSendMeStLouisorg or contact Hannah Shanks by phone at 314-678-0015 ext 3 or email Hannahsendmestlouisorg

Community Meeting 1 Lutheran Foundationrsquos New Strategic Funding PlanOct 1 2013 ndash 830 amLutheran Hour Ministries 660 Mason Ridge Center Drive St Louis MO 63141Join with other leaders to learn about Lutheran Foundationrsquos recently updated strategic funding plan and impact on our philanthropic efforts over the next five yearsThree community meetings will be offered each of which will present the same information Organizations only need to attend one of these meetingsWe ask that no more than two people from the same organization attendRegistration is limited to 75 peopleCommunity Meeting 2 Lutheran Foundationrsquos New Strategic Funding PlanOct 1 2013 ndash 3 pmLutheran Hour Ministries 660 Mason Ridge Center Drive St Louis MO 63141Community Meeting 3 Lutheran Foundationrsquos New Strategic Funding PlanOct 2 2013 ndash 830 amCRAVE Coffee House 3500 Caroline St St Louis MO 63104 In-Depth Meeting Services to Ex-offenders and Their FamiliesOct 29 2013 ndash 3 pmCRAVE Coffee House 3500 Caroline Street St Louis MO 63104This workshop will provide in-depth information about the Services to Ex-offenders and Their Families funding focus area and strategies for submit-ting a strong funding request to Lutheran Foundation of St Louis The session will cover the funding focus arearsquos goals Impact Areas and recommended outcomes Participants will also learn about developing a quality logic model

In-Depth Meeting Christian Volunteerism and Congregation OutreachOct 30 2013 ndash 830 amLutheran Hour Ministries 660 Mason Ridge Center Drive St Louis MO 63141This workshop will provide in-depth information about the Christian Volunteerism and the Congregation Social Service Outreach Ministry funding focus areas and strat-egies for submitting a strong funding request to Lutheran Foundation of St Louis The session will cover the funding focus areas goals Impact Areas and suggested outcomes Participants will also learn about developing a quality logic model

In-Depth Meeting Older Adults Maintaining IndependenceOct 30 2013 ndash 3 pmLutheran Hour Ministries 660 Mason Ridge Center Drive St Louis MO 63141This workshop will provide in-depth information about the Older Adults Main-taining Independence funding focus area and strategies for submitting a strong funding request to Lutheran Foundation of St Louis The session will cover the funding focus arearsquos goals Impact Areas and suggested outcomes Participants will also learn about developing a quality logic model

In-Depth Meeting Supporting Foreign-Born PopulationsOct 31 2013 ndash 830 amCRAVE Coffee House 3500 Caroline St St Louis MO 63104This workshop will provide in-depth information about the Supporting For-eign-Born Populations funding focus area and strategies for submitting a strong funding request to Lutheran Foundation of St Louis The session will cover the funding focus arearsquos goals Impact Areas and suggested outcomes Participants will also learn about developing a quality logic model

maRRiage lsquoinsuRanCersquo What if your church could provide marriage insurance for couples seeking to get

married Thatrsquos right provide marriage insurance to the one man and one woman desiring a lifelong union Considering the fact that the average couple is going to spend more than $30000 on the wedding marriage insurance is a great investment But the investment is not about money itrsquos about time By investing 25 to 30 hours of time over six months and following six simple steps marriage insurance can raise any couplersquos chances of success from a mere 50 percent to more than 98 percent

While the divorce rate in the United States hovers around 50 percent with your marriage prep couples can decide to divorce-proof their marriage Marriage is not simple fate or odds like flipping a coin The choices made in the time of preparation make that big of a difference

Godrsquos blessing for holy marriage is not about getting married in church by some pastor but itrsquos seeking Godrsquos presence in Jesus Christ and following His direction in His Word Guess what It works

Here are the steps for this successful marriage insurance program 1 Teach them to pray together Some studies show that couples who pray together

have a 99 percent success rate Marriage at its heart is a spiritual institution 2 Live in separate households before marriage Cohabitation is a cancer on the

institution of marriage Statistically it is a trial divorce More than 90 percent of cohabiting relationships fail

3 The couple should be over the age of 20 Couples under 20 have a dismal track record of success Besides waiting shows a strong ethic of commitment and strengthens the marriage union

4 Put in place a six-month waiting period used for solid preparation including a commitment to sexual abstinence

5 Use a marriage preparation inventory like Zoe (wwwzoescorecom) with at least three advising or mentoring sessions Consider training successfully married couples as mentors or advisors Studies show that when steps 3 and 4 are in place the marriage is essentially inoculated against divorce for seven years

6 If one of the partners is divorced make sure that all avenues of reconciliation have been pursued an appropriate amount of time for recovery has occurred (18 months) and recovery activities have been pursued (divorce-care programs)

Irsquove been using these steps for more than 15 years now and have designed a program around them It works I suppose I canrsquot say it any simpler than that Everything you need is available for free at wwwclcoporg Click the ldquoministriesrdquo tab and look under ldquomarriage and familyrdquo Go ahead and download these materials Have a good look at what a marriage insurance policy looks like

One of the most rewarding moments in ministry for me comes when I see the look of fear and insecurity change in a couplersquos eyes to a look of confidence and security in the wonderful divine institution of marriage By following these simple steps and committing time to learning the skills of a lifelong love couples will experience the joy wholeness and healing God intends for marriage

Contributed by the Rev Jeff Meyers Christ Lutheran Church 11720 Nieman Road Overland Park KS 66210 913-345-9700

LCMS Rural and Small Town Mission supports and encourages rural and small town congregations in engaging their communities and growing together in Christ through Word and Sacrament If you have a good idea for outreach or a story yoursquod like to share so that we can share it with others please contact email Amy Gerdts at amygerdtslcmsorg Learn more about us at wwwlcmsorgrstm call our office at 888-463-5127 email rstmlcmsorg or ldquolikerdquo us at wwwfacebookcomlcmsrstm

kitChen sink WoRkshops - save the dateSaturday Feb 1 2014 Faith SpringfieldSaturday March 8 2014 St Paul JacksonSaturday March 22 2014 King of Kings ChesterfieldSaturday April 5 2014 Timothy (North

Campus) Blue SpringsEach workshop runs from 9 am to noon with registration beginning at 830 am

Concord ia Sem i na r y St L ou is

httpplannedgivingcsledu bull 1-800-822-5287

REDUCE YOUR 2013 TAXES

With an IRA gift

Did you know that you can reduce your taxes for 2013 by making a gift fromYOUR IRA TO CONCORDIA SEMINARY

Recent legislation permits individuals who are 70 frac12 to roll over up to $100000 from their IRA to charity free from federal income tax Better yet an IRA rollover gift qualifies for your 2013 required minimum distribution permitting you to lower your income and taxes for this year while helping the Seminary

Contact us to learn more about how you can redirect IRA income to Concordia Seminary helping further our mission and enjoy valuable tax savings this year

Copyright copy 2013 Crescendo Interactive Inc

On Friday Sept 6 at 11 am Concordia Seminary St Louis began its 175th academic year with a special worship service in the Chapel of St Timothy and St Titus on the seminary campus Dr Dale A Meyer president of Concordia Seminary served as preacher

The incoming class is comprised of 137 students including all those newly enrolled in residential and distance programs 67 residential MDiv students three residential alternate route students seven deaconess students seven EIIT (Ethnic Immigrant Institute of Theology) students 24 SMP (Specific Ministry Pastor Program) students and 12 CHS (Center for Hispanic Studies) students

Concordia Seminaryrsquos Graduate School has 17 new students four MA (Master of Arts) students eight PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) students and five STM (Master of Sacred Theology) students

The 24 new SMP students received vicarage assignments during the opening service as well

In addition three new faculty members were installed Rev Benjamin Haupt as Director of Library Services and Assistant Professor of Practical Theology Rev David Johnson as Director of Musical Arts and Associate Professor of Practical Theology and Rev Todd Jones as Director of Resident Field Education and Assistant Professor of Practical Theology

Current faculty and staff members were installed in new positions Dr Charles Arand as Dean of Theological Research and Publication Dr Wallace Becker as Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program Rev Jason Broge as Curriculum Design Specialist Rev Tony Cook as Director of Curriculum Design and Development and Continuing Education Dr Jeffrey Kloha as Provost Mr Michael Louis as Executive Vice President Dr Richard Marrs as Director of the Master of Divinity and Alternate Route Programs Dr David Maxwell as Director of the Graduate School and Dr Paul Robinson as Dean and Marshal of the Faculty

For more information please contact communicationscsledu or call 314-505-7379 New students at Concordia Seminary St Louis on Sept 6

mo

lcm

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137 neW students WelComed to seminaRy at opening seRviCe

Lutheran Womenrsquos Missionary League

molcm

sorg

RefoRmation ndash should We CelebRateWhen I found out the theme for this article I thought oh my how can I write

about teaching and celebrating reformation my husband is not a pastor and Irsquom not a teacher The more I thought about it the more I became excited I thank God for using leading and filling Martin Luther with the Holy Spirit He was so deeply troubled that even the thick monastery walls were no help in giving him peace for all his fasts whippings vigils and penances Then he turned to the Bible Luther knew that God is a forgiving and loving God and wrestled and searched the scrip-tures for the answer There it was ndash grace alone Luther then translated it so it could be shared by everyone

What a wonderful blessing we have knowing that we have the gift of forgive-ness and itrsquos free through faith ndash no paying for it or depending on our friends and relatives to pay for us

Irsquom going to confess something When I was in high school my chemistry teacher caught me doing something in the hallway that I shouldnrsquot have been doing and I lied about it He was an older teacher and I thought I could convince him that he didnrsquot hear or see what I did He took me aside and shared with me that he believed in always telling the truth and being as honest as possible and as a result could sleep well at night That night I didnrsquot sleep a wink I wrestled with what he told me all night The guilt was tearing me up First thing the next day I went to talk to him I apologized for what I had done and to this day have tried my best not to lie That was such a small thing I had to wrestle with compared to Martin Lutherrsquos tremen-dous troubles It was wonderful to know that I was forgiven not only by my teacher but also by my Lord and Savior I am forgiven and go on with my life knowing I am cleansed God will forgive me no matter what because of what He earned for me on the Cross I donrsquot have to rely on my good deeds I donrsquot have to rely on anyone else There He is ndash Christ alone

When celebrating Reformation we shouldnrsquot dwell on the negative things that happened in the past but dwell on the amazing grace that has been delivered to us There are so many people in the world who donrsquot know about that amazing grace that God offers us and are carrying around so much baggage and wrestling with it Through LWML as Christian women of faith we have such a fantastic opportunity to share this message of grace hope and forgiveness to others all over the world through Bible studies missionaries clothing meals quilts food mites etc Ephesians 28-9 says ldquoFor it is by grace you have been saved through faith and this not from yourselves it is the gift of God not by works so that no one can boastrdquo What a great reason to celebrate

pResidentrsquos penning thank

you foR making me a ChRistian

I love my Bible Several years ago I purchased the Concordia NIV Self-study Bible I

especially like this Bible for the study notes included to help the reader with more in-depth meditation on indi-vidual verses And of course I love my Bible for the words of forgiveness the words of redemption and the words of life through Jesus my Savior

But I also love my Bible because of the treasures Irsquove slipped inside the pages down through the years I have bookmarks of all kinds greeting cards and notes carefully placed there for safe keeping hellip they are my treasures

As I sat down to write this article I came across a hand-made card my son Daniel gave me From the look of his artwork I would say he was about 8 years old when he gave his dad and me this very simple card The front of the card read ldquoThank You for Making Me a Christianrdquo and inside was a solitary cross and signed ldquoFrom Danielrdquo My son is now 16 years old tall with broad shoulders and a deep voice He just started his junior year at Saxony Lutheran High School

I witnessed Daniel visiting with other students and some of the teachers when he didnrsquot know I was watching I had some proud mommy moments and I would like to take the credit for the person he is becoming but the truth is I didnrsquot make Daniel a Christian God did His father and I made sure that he was baptized as a baby we took him to church and we sent him to Lutheran schools but it was the Holy Spirit that has introduced him to Christ and made him a Christian

As Christian mothers and fathers we want to teach our children about Jesus Through the mission work of the LWML let us help all mothers and fathers educate their children in the most important lessons of this life life eternal through Jesus Christ

wwwMissouriLWMLorg wwwlwmlorg

Karen Drury

CounseloRrsquos CoRneR by gRaCe

thRough faith

ldquoFor it is by grace you have been saved through faith ndash and this not from your-selves it is the gift of God ndash not by works so that no one can boastrdquo (Eph 28-9 NIV)

Every year when I begin my confirma-tion classes I like to start with one simple little question How are you saved As you might imagine I get all kinds of different answers ldquoYou need to come to churchrdquo

ldquoYou need to be good and help other people outrdquo ldquoYou need to read and know the Biblerdquo A lot of what I hear confirms the fact that we as sinful human beings want to think that we can somehow have a hand in our own salvation

This error that we have to do something in order to be saved is one that has persisted throughout the gen-erations and unfortunately is still with us today One way that I work to move my kids away from this kind of thinking is to have them memorize the above passage from Ephesians This persistent little error is also why it is imperative that we continue to teach and preach the truth of Scripture There is only one way to heaven and that is through Christ Jesus Our salvation is not about what we do but instead it is all about what Christ has already done for us through his life death and resurrection

I donrsquot know about you but I thank God that my salvation does not depend on anything that I do because I know for sure that I would figure out a way to mess it up We can never be good enough do enough good works or be religious enough to make ourselves worthy to stand in the presence of God What a great comfort and blessing is it to not only know but to share with others the truth of our salvation We are saved by grace through faith in Christ Jesus and that is Godrsquos gift to us To Him be the glory

Rev David Moore

2013-2015 Primary TargetsNurturing Faith in Christ

We are committed to helping every woman find personal opportunities in her daily life and in her congregation to be nurtured in faith in Jesus Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit to discover her unique gifts and value in Godrsquos family

Making Our Mission Meaningful

We challenge and equip women of all ages stages ethnicities and experiences to make a meaningful difference in the lives of hurting helpless and unbelieving people at home and throughout the world

Recording Secretary Myra Weber

Wersquore making plans for you tohelliphelliphellip Carry His Light at the

24th Biennial Lutheran Womenrsquos Missionary League Missouri District Convention To be held at the Kansas City Expo Center Watch for more details in The Voice ldquoLet your light shine before me that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heavenrdquo Matt 516

Mark Your Calendarshellip June 20-22 2014

Sharing EncouragementWe believe that women value the friendship support and encouragement from other women and strive to offer warm welcoming opportunities for women to grow in faith and relationships as sisters in Christ

A n nou ncements

peRsonnel Changes mdash oRdained

Graduates InstalledAbel Breenna (RF rsquo13) to Immanuel

Rolla 8413 by S KamprathChrismer Emma (S rsquo13) to Child of

God St Peters 82513 by C MizelCollier Cody (S rsquo13) to Immanuel

Wentzville 81113 by J AuringerConkling Stephanie (B rsquo10) to Child of

God St Peters 82513 by C MizelGersman Abby (Colloquy RF rsquo12) to Immanuel

Wentzville 81113 by J AuringerGray Shelly (Colloquy RF rsquo13) to Immanuel

Perryville 81813 by T HandrickHente Ellen (S rsquo11) to Immanuel

Perryville 81813 by T HandrickKeane Kimberly (RF rsquo13) to Zion St

Charles 81013 by M RoulandMartin Dawn (S rsquo13) to Lutheran High School

South St Louis 82613 by R MirlyNelson Rebecca (colloquy S rsquo13) to Saint Paul

Lutheran High Concordia 81813 by P MehlPatton Cara (RF rsquo13) to Lutheran

ChurchmdashMissouri Synod St Louis 9913 by M Harrison

Persich Danielle (M rsquo13) to Immanuel Perryville 81813 by T Handrick

Salzberg Elizabeth (S rsquo13) to Immanuel Jefferson City 72813 by J Schanbacher

ResignedRemoved from RosterOldre Alicia (Zion St Charles) 7913

DeceasedRivers Ronnie (emeritus) 5113

Transferred from Other Districts Bartel Terri (SW) to non-candidate 81113Dehne Jill (SI) to St Paul Jackson

81113 by J ShawDreessen Jean (SI) to emeritus 8113Duensing-Werner Audrey (KS) to Concordia

Kirkwood 8413 by S SeidlerGomez Elin (TX) to Lord of Life

Chesterfield 9813 by M BelowHohnstadt Steven (SO) to Calvary

Kansas City 81113 by B Bereuter Kusel Mark (CNH) to Trinity Alma

82513 by F HertwigLunak (nee Zeddies) Brooke (MI) to Messiah

Independence 81813 by S PatschkeLunak Robert (TX) to Messiah

Independence 81813 by S PatschkePitman Bethany (NI) to Lutheran High

School South 82613 by R MirlySchroll George (IN) to Immanuel

Wentzville 81113 by J AuringerSteffens Pamela (RM) to St Paul St

Joseph 81513 by D MooreTarr Grace (PSW) to non-candidate 61713Tietz Joan (IE) to candidate 6613Verner Elizabeth (PSW) to non-

candidate 52213Wegner Daniel (AT) to Lutheran High School

North St Louis 82313 by K GoldenWilshek Gail (SW) to candidate 61013Wright Lisa (RM) to Salem Florissant

81813 by A FilipekYochum Lawrence (IE) to St Johnrsquos

Arnold 91513 by J Schultz

Changes Within DistrictBusseau Craig (Good Shepherd Columbia) to

Immanuel Higginsville 81113 by M JaussCharlton Kaitlyn (Immanuel Higginsville) to

River Roads St Louis 81113 by A SchenkDomsch Allison (non-candidate) to

Immanuel Olivette 81113 by R KargErnstmeyer Dr Craig (Saxony Lutheran High

School Jackson) to Lutheran High School of St Charles County St Peters 81113 by A Schade

Flenner Lorraine (St Paulrsquos Concordia) to St Paul Farmington 81113 by J King

Golchert Kent (Immanuel Rolla) to Immanuel Rosebud 71413 by A Kotila

Jorgensen Steven (candidate) to Pointe of Hope Blue Springs 81813 by B Hetzel

Krato Kimberly (Our Redeemer Overland) to Grace Chapel Bellefontaine Neighbors 81813 by N Ruback

Leible Deanna (St Paul St Joseph) to St Paul Jackson 81113 by J Shaw

Montgomery Laura (Abiding Savior St Louis County) to Lutheran Elementary School Association St Louis 91913 by D McBurney

Scheller Sara (Grace Chapel Bellefontaine Neighbors) to Immanuel St Charles 81113 by A Schade

Schroeder Bobby (St Johnrsquos Ellisville) to St Johnrsquos Arnold 71413 by J Schultz

Shaw Joy (Springfield Springfield) to St Paul Jackson 81113 by J Shaw

Shudy Amy (candidate) to St Paulrsquos Sedalia 72813 by J Freeman

Candidate Status Bayless Ashley (Concordia Publishing

House St Louis) 72613Fish Cynthia (Immanuel Rolla) 8113Generally Amber (Our Savior Fenton) 8113Kassebaum Tina (LCMS World

Mission St Louis) 7312

RetiredBrown Kathryn (Salem Affton) 6113Hartman Kenneth (Trinity

Jefferson City) 8113Mangels Verlin (Saxony Lutheran

High School Jackson) 6113Otten Carl (Immanuel Rosebud) 61513Otto Arlo (Ascension St Louis) 2112Schlesselman David (Lutheran High School

of St Charles County St Peters) 7113Schmich Deborah (Lutheran Elementary

School Association St Louis) 8113Steffens Allyn (Immanuel Perryville) 8113

Transferred to Other DistrictsCooksey Robert (Christ Community

Kirkwood) to NEB 73113Halter Lois (Abiding Savior St Louis

County) to ND 81913Hohnstadt Rebecca (Immanuel

Lockwood) to MI 81613Loomis Megan (LCMS Office of National

Mission St Louis) to SE 9313Stahlecker Brianne (St Paul St

Joseph) to NEB 71913

mo

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OrdinationsInstallationsAnderson Luke (SL rsquo13) ordained Immanuel

ndash Fairmont MN 6413 by W Daul installed Associate Pastor St Matthew ndash Leersquos Summit MO 81113 by R Mirly

Broge Jason (ordained Webster Gardens Webster Groves MO) 81813 by J Christiansen installed Curriculum Mgr Distance Education Concordia Seminary St Louis MO 9613 by D Meyer

Elfe Chad (SL rsquo13) ordained and installed Associate PastorMissional Planter New Beginnings Pacific MO 8413 by R Mirly

Engle Tristan (SL rsquo13) ordained St Paul Concordia MO 7713 by L Hagan installed Trinity Park Hills MO 8413 by A Wollenburg

Genthner Glenndon (FW rsquo13) Dept of Defense Navy Personnel Command Millington TN ordained SUNY Maritime Ft Schuyler New York City NY 72813 by D Taylor installed Chaplain US Navy Active Duty 72813 by M Schreiber

Hopkins Theodore (SL rsquo11) ordained Concordia Maplewood MO 82413 by R Rall installed teacher Lutheran HS South St Louis MO 82613 by R Mirly

Kohn Elden (SL rsquo13) ordained and installed Zion Macon MO 71413 by R Mirly

Larson Mark (SL rsquo13) ordained and installed Assistant PastorWorker Priest Holy Cross

(Deaf) St Louis MO 81113 by R MoodyWilliams Jonathan (FW rsquo13) ordained

Village Ladue MO 7713 by K Golden officially transferred to the Lutheran Church of Australia 9513 by M Harrison

Transferred to Our DistrictBernet Ernest (TX) candidate status 7113Ehrhard Jacob (NI) installed Trinity New

Haven MO 81113 by K GoldenGreene John (SE) installed teacher Grace

Chapel Bellefontaine Neighbors MO 81813 by N Ruback

Haupt Benjamin (FG) installed Dir of Library Services Concordia Seminary St Louis MO 9613 by D Meyer

Jones Todd (MDS) installed Dir of Resident Field Education Concordia Seminary St Louis MO 9613 by D Meyer

Meggers David (NI) installed Associate Pastor Concordia Kirkwood MO 8413 by S Seidler

Meyer Michael (RM) Manager Disaster Response Ofc National Mission LCMS St Louis MO 81913 by M Harrison

Schaefer Henry (NOW) emeritus status 9513

peRsonnel Changes mdash Commissioned ministeRs of Religion

Calling CongRegations

For Sole PastorsAlma TrinityBelleOwensville Mount CalvaryZionBourbon ConcordiaCole Camp Trinity Cape Girardeau (Egypt Mills) TrinityRepublic HopeRichmond Faith Rockville Zion St Louis Ascension ndash called Rev Matthew

Clark of Waterloo IL (accepted)St Louis Christ in the City St Louis St Trinity ndash called Rev David

Lewis of Hernando MS (accepted)Vandalia St JohnWashington FaithPastors Considering CallsEllul Gary (St Paul Jonesburg) to Our

Redeemer Marlette MI (declined)Froiland Brandon (Christ Platte Woods) to

Glory of Christ Plymouth MN (declined)Greene Frank (King of Kings Kansas City)

to St Markrsquos Tucker GA (declined)Jameson John (St Markrsquos Eureka)

to Trinity Ironwood MIJohnson Jeremiah (Faith Richmond) to

Grace Dodge Center MN (declined)Johnson Jeremiah (Faith Richmond) to Glory

of Christ Plymouth MN (accepted)Koester Kevin (Mount Calvary Belle

Zion Owensville) to St Paul (associate) Brookfield IL (accepted)

Lessing Reed (Concordia Seminary St Louis) to St Michael Fort Wayne IN (accepted)

Rathje John (Christ in the City St Louis) to Concordia University Ann Arbor MI (accepted)

Seban Timothy (St Paul Des Peres) to Associate Pastor Beautiful Savior Plymouth MN

Thieme Brian (Trinity Columbia) to St Johnrsquos Ladysmith WI (declined)

Served by Intentional Interim Pastor or Interim PastorGlencoe St Paul (Rev Robert Lange)Grandview Holy Trinity (Rev Dr Rick Foss)Mexico St John (Rev Mike Gallagher)PocahontasShawneetown ndash Zion

Trinity (Rev Virgil Kelm)St Louis Epiphany (Rev Dr Martin Haeger)St Louis County Immanuel

Chapel (Rev Ron Jansen)Slater Peace amp St Paul (Rev Douglas Dubisar)

For Senior PastorKansas City Holy Cross ndash called Rev

Brent Kuhlman of Murdock NEOverland Our RedeemerSt Louis Historic Trinity ndash Rev

David Marth retiringSt Louis County Christ Memorial ndash

Rev Gregory Smith retiringFor Associate or Assistant PastorCrystal City Immanuel Ellisville St John Oakville Faith St Charles ImmanuelVacant on Hold ndash But Being ServedAshland Family of ChristBethany HopeCenter TrinityElk Prairie (Rolla) PeaceIsabella FaithKnob Noster FaithMemphis St PaulMilan PeaceOak Grove Shepherd of the ValleyPrinceton ImmanuelSt James St JohnSt Louis Holy SacramentSt Louis St PaulSarcoxie TrinityShelbyville Mount HopeSweet Springs Christ

donations soughtA Fun Way to Give Needed Help TriviaBingoSilent Auction and Supper

Saturday Nov 16 at Webster Gardens Lutheran Church Christian Friends of New Americansrsquo benefit supports the sharing of Christrsquos love through English classes sports after school tutoring home Bible study and leadership formation classes furniture distribution medical care and more for St Louisrsquo refugeesimmigrants Can you andor your favorite organization contribute a silent auction item or theme basket

Contact Carol at 314-517-8513 or buckmancalaolcom or visit wwwcfna-stlorg for more information

A n nou ncements

We RemembeR

molcm

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Bed amp BreAkfAST

Quiet Nature Retreat on 23 Acres

Private Eight Acre Fishing LakeNear Hermann Mowoodmerektisnet

Woodmerecabinmembersktisnet

573-252-4136

Members - Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church

Gulf ShoreS AlA

beAchfront condo

for renTThree bedroom two bath fully

equipped kitchen washerdryer

indoorndashoutdoor pools hot tub

tennis court exercise sauna golf

fishing childrenrsquos attractions nearby

reduced rATe for Voice reAderS

Members of The Lutheran Church

of Webster Gardens

Call 314-843-6063

1 Ronnie Rivers who passed into glory May 1 2013

On Saturday Oct 12 come visit the 1800s at an historic log cabin home and farmstead in Frohna and watch the pioneer ways come alive You will experience first hand many of the tasks and skills that the pioneers depended on for survival Watch the blacksmiths shape and mold metal the broom makers with their tools help make a rope split fence rails stir some apple butter wash clothes in a wooden wash tub help with some quilting watch a farrier shoe a horse cook in a dutch oven take a ride in a horse-drawn wagon do some cross-cut sawing learn about shooting a muzzleloader buy accessories for your period clothing and devour a freshly popped bag of kettle corn

Explore the heritage and customs of the German immigrants who settled here in 1839 to make East Perry County Mo their home

There will be music on stage a silent and oral auction a pumpkin contest more than 60 crafters with unique and beautiful handmade crafts pastries and fresh baked bread fresh canned vegetables

homemade pie and of course quarts and pints of kettle cooked apple butter for you to take home

This is a family friendly event so invite everyone to join you for the day Itrsquos a treat to be in a truly picturesque original old-fash-ioned setting that is free for your enjoyment

A free-will donation will be taken at the gate The Saxon Lutheran Memorial is a non-profit organization and the festival is its major fundraiser for the preservation and maintenance of its 15 buildings on site It is owned by Concordia Historical Institute

New things to look for this year include an oral auction featuring items made from the SLM site or council members This will specifically raise money for a building expansion planned for the Visitor Center The expansion includes a new kitchen handicap accessible restrooms storage area and larger lobby For more information please call 573-824-5404 The address is 296 Saxon Memorial Drive Frohna MO 63748

Saturday October 12 9 am ndash 4 pm

Donations can be made and sent to Saxon Lutheran Memorial 296 Saxon Memorial Drive Frohna MO 63748

Contact the curator for more informationPhone 573-824-5404 Email slmlyndaattnet Web wwwsaxonlutheranmemorialorg Friend us on Facebook

Connecting Generations Sharing Faith

1800rsquos demonstrations

blacksmith apple butter cooking quilting

butchering cross-cut sawing shingle making spinning horse amp buggy rides cider pressing

broom making cooking soap bread baking

Activities for the day p Schnitzelbank Skit p Musical entertainment p Attendance prizes p Hand-made crafts p Delicious food p Guest speakers p Horse and buggy rides p Silent auction

We invite you to join us for this grand celebration and fun family day Gather your friends and bring them all to enjoy the beauty of fall while taking a walk back in time Everyone will have a great experience filled with treasured memories

There is no charge for the event or parking however an opportunity to make a free-will donation

for continued preservation will be offered

This event is sponsored by Thrivent Financial with matching funds

Back Again Silent Auction Featuring many specialty items

Saxon Lutheran Memorial Annual Fall Festival

freSh cAfeTeriA STyle Pork

SAuSAge dinner Sunday Oct 20 11 am to 5 pm

Peace Lutheran Church 737 Barracksview Road

(frac12 Mile West of Telegraph and I-255)

Mashed Potatoes - Gravy - Sauerkraut - Green Beans

- Applesauce - Dessert

Adults $10 Children (5-12 yrs) $5

under 5 free

Carry-outs and bulk sales available

For information call 314-892-5610Sponsored by Peace Lutheran

Menrsquos Club and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans 30663

Distr ic t Ne ws

Page 16 OctoberNovember 2013 The Voice of Missouri

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The Prayer Shawl Ministry is a vital mission work project of Trinity Lutheran Church Cape Girardeau Mo

Women of the congregation and friends gather each Wednesday for fellowship and to pray as they knit or crochet shawls for individuals Several times a year the prayer shawls are blessed in a church service and then

bestowed on the ill people grieving or individuals with difficulties in life

More than 400 prayer shawls have been lovingly knitted or crochetted and nearly 300 have been dis-tributed to individuals in the last four years Christian material accompanies each prayer shawl delivered

All glory be given to God for so richly blessing this ministry

For more information on forming this mission work in your congregation contact Carol Schmidt or Patti Beard at Trinity Lutheran Church 100 N Frederick St Cape Girardeau MO 63701 573-335-8224

RetuRn to Bethlehem ndash 21 yeaRs and still going stRongThis year marks the 21st year that Lord of Life Lutheran Church and Preschool in Chesterfield Mo has presented a very special gift to the surrounding communities A

living drama surrounding Jesusrsquo birth called Return to Bethlehem The first few productions were both inside and outside However due to the unpredictable Missouri weather and having to chase down sheep that had gotten out of their corral at 2 orsquoclock in the morning the whole production is now inside

Although this event is done in December planning is year round and recruiting begins in September It takes more than 100 people from characters props scenery food costume entertainment etc to produce this drama One of the most difficult tasks is recruiting expectant and new parents to volunteer themselves and their newborn to play the roles of Mary Joseph and Baby Jesus We have been very fortunate to a have had a newborn acting as Baby Jesus in all our performances There are many church members who have participated in every production since the beginning Cecil the donkey has also appeared in ever performance Several members have had their children portray Baby Jesus and are now in adult roles Some even have their grandchildren performing Many of the men stop shaving after Halloween and allow their beards to grow lending more authenticity to their roles Many of the various musical groups that perform in the sanctuary before the beginning of the tour have returned year after year

For many Return to Bethlehem is a labor of love an expression of faith and a chance to present the true meaning of the Christmas season

For Return to Bethlehem the fellowship hall is transformed into the narrow streets of the Bethlehem marketplace Visitors to the city are presented with a souvenir shekel and given an ancient family name so they may register for the census and enter the city As they walk through the narrow streets they experi-ence ancient sights sounds and smells They will interact with the shopkeepers soldiers and town-folk all in period costumes as they talk about daily life and the rumors about a baby born in a stable This amazing tour of Bethlehem culminates with a visit to the lowly stable where the Christ child and His parents can been seen

Come Return to Bethlehem and enrich your Christmas experience with the emotions and splendor that settled over the city with the birth of a tiny baby named Jesus It is an experience not soon forgotten

This yearrsquos presentations will be Friday Dec 6 from 6 to 8 pm and Saturday and Sunday Dec 7 and 8 from 2 to 5 pm

The free walking tour takes approximately 15 minutes and begins every four minutes The tour is for all ages inside and is wheelchair and walker accessible Free-will offerings will be given to several charities Again this year we are asking visitors to bring a can of food which will be given to the Circle of Concern Food Panty Last year we donated almost 500 cans

For more information call 636-532-0400 or go to wwwlordoflifelcmsorg Lord of Life Lutheran Church and Preschool is located at 15750 Baxter Road at the corner of Baxter Road an Clarkson Road Chesterfield MO 63017

blessing of the pRayeR shaWls

Rev Nathan Burgell blesses 65 prayer shawls

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