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Table of ContentsGreat CommissionGreat CompassionHealthy CongregationsHealthy Workers2016 Christmas AppealChurch Extension Fund LLL/LWMLCongregation and School News Other Ministry NewsTheological ConferenceCalls and Roster UpdateCalendar of Events
©2016 Michigan District, LCMS, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan In Touch is published monthly by the Michigan District and inserted into The Lutheran Witness and distributed to subscribers 11 times a year. It is also available online at www.michiganintouch.com. Reproduction of articles is permissible with written permission of the Michigan District Communications Department and should give credit to Michigan In Touch. References to resources and websites for further information are included in Michigan In Touch for the potential use by individuals and congregations. Resources not associated with or published by The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod or Concordia Publishing House® may contain helpful programmatic information but may vary in doctrine from The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Please use discretion or consult your pastor on doctrinal issues. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is from the English Standard Version (ESV).
Rev. Dr. David P. E. Maier, PresidentDebby Fall, Editorial ManagerSeth Hinz, Web/Media Director
Michigan District, LCMS3773 Geddes RdAnn Arbor, MI 48105
Official Periodical of the Michigan District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri SynodDecember 2016, Volume 15, No. 11ISSN: 1538-8115 (print) ISSN: 2331-8619 (online)
michiganIN TOUCH
Jenna Szpara, DesignerElisa Schulz, Staff Writer/Copy Editor
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IN TOUCHmichiganDECEMBER 2016
A publication of the Michigan District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri SynodThe Lutheran Witness Michigan District, LCMS Supplement
continued on page 2
GREAT COMMISSION
Since I have written this, Lutheran Schools Week 2016 has come and gone, and many
students and teachers are once again moving into the winter months. The phrase “polar vortex” causes my heart to sink a bit thinking about the brutal cold these past few winters have brought, and a bit of dread set in, knowing that the next few weeks may be more of the same as the past few years. However, one blessing the cold provides is a welcomed treat called snow day!
I don’t know any teacher whose day doesn’t become instantly brighter when they get that early morning notification: “No school due to inclement weather.” An internal or external “happy dance” instantly follows. Throughout the years, I’ve developed sort of
White as Snowby Amanda Neumeyer
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GREAT COMMISSION
an equation that must be complete for this treat to be given. It goes something like this: Perfect Snow Commencement Time + Perfect Snow Accumulation Amount = Snow Day. The snow can’t come too early, for that will give the plows too much time to make roads clear and passable. The perfect amount of accumulation has to be enough (between four to six inches or more) to ensure cancellation. Extra variables such as winds and drifting are a welcome addi-tion to the equation. Although I’m sure these days can be a headache for parents (and maybe principals), teachers welcome this day off for rest and recharging.
Of course, there really is no perfect equation to make a snow day happen, just as we as teachers know there is no perfect equation to ensure teaching and learning is taking place in our classrooms. We can spend hours preparing an out-of-the-park lesson. We envision the lesson to be delivered perfectly. The students are excited, engaged, and cooperative. Unfortunately, all too often we know that this vision quickly diminishes when reality sets in, when the daily trials of life enter the equation and some-times the solution seems unreachable. Students come into our classrooms overloaded with unforeseen hardships. Whether it is trouble at home or relationships with peers, we don’t know what to expect or what will happen in our Lutheran school’s classrooms.
One thing that does remain constant is that we are all flawed, broken, and dead in sin. Isaiah 1:18 reads, “Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” Gratefully, like the snow that falls on a snow day, covering the dirt and dinginess of the roads and land, so too our sins have been washed clean through the blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ. He completed the perfect equa-tion through His sacrifice for us on the cross. His death on the cross has made us clean, new creatures by the work of the Holy Spirit and the faith planted in our hearts at Baptism. What a true blessing!
While celebrating Lutheran School’s Week, we enjoyed the warming fellowship and LIFE TOGETHER we have IN CHRIST, where we shared the wonderful message of God’s means of grace with our students, their families, and colleagues. No matter what flaws or difficulties we may be confronted with, or when the equation doesn’t seem complete, remember that we have His power to overcome it. He says, “Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you and you will honor Me” (Psalm 50:15).
Amanda Neumeyer serves as 7th grade teacher, Athletic Director, and Technology teacher at Christ, Stevensville.
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“Though your sins are like
scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” Isaiah 1:18
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“Pastor, I Messed up”
He came out of nowhere flashing his car lights behind me and blowing his horn. I stopped my car
and stepped out to see what he wanted. This young man in his late 20’s told me he needed to talk with me. I pulled over to the curve out of traffic. The first words he shared with me were, “I messed up.” I wasn’t sure what he had “messed up” so I asked him what he meant.
As he began to share the events within the past 45 minutes, I could smell it. I could smell the scent of alcohol on his breath. This had not been the first time he had come to me during the day in this condition. He wasn’t stagger-ing but he was drifting in his clarity. He began to share with me how he had arrived 10 minutes late to pick up his girl-friend and how upset she was with him. She was livid and began to insult him verbally and in the midst of the verbal barrage, he hit her. He claimed he had never hit her before as tears streamed down his cheeks. That wasn’t the worst of the event: this all happened in front of their children.
This unfortunate drama is still being reconciled. As I sought to listen to “Julian” and then find a way to
minister to him, I could recognize that the kingdom of darkness was working against him and in him. In the past, I had offered to help him get his G.E.D.; to get him into a treatment facility; I even agreed to provide premarital classes when he shared that he wanted to marry his girl-friend. None of those areas he took action on. I’ve had to
God’s Grace, Transformation, and Hope in the Mess by Christopher Bodley
work intentionally to discard frustration and resentment because he didn’t just jump into the solution I believed would change his life. I realized that our experiences were worlds away and yet I believe that the grace and power of God has an answer to this young man’s life.
What About us?I was brought into a relationship with Jesus through
baptism as an infant, and yet my transformation has been perpetual. My transformation is ongoing and I faced the question, “How often do we, who have known the love of Jesus a majority of our lives, easily dismiss those whose lives are dirty and have not been transformed?”
If God has placed us here as people who are to bring the kingdom of God into our spheres of influence, what does God need to transform in us? How does the Holy Spirit trans-form attenders into disciples? In what way do our minds need to be transformed? How do we, who are pushed to stay past one hour in our worship services, inconvenience ourselves by investing time in other people who won’t get fixed in 15 minutes? What is God’s end game of a transformed life?
“My transformation has been perpetual ... it is ongoing.”
4 December 2016
LittMirac
GREAT COMPASSION
Three years ago, Jennifer Garcia, a mother of five children, came to St. Paul Community, Pontiac after hearing from her brother that furniture,
dishes, clothing, and food were being distributed through the congregation’s Father’s Hands Ministry. Jennifer came weekly for bread and eventually attended Sunday worship services. She enrolled her children in the Sunday school and vacation Bible school programs, and a relationship budded between the church and her family. Jennifer sought Rev. Dietrick Gladden to perform her wedding. Soon afterwards, she and her fiancé, Manuel, became husband and wife.
Even though she only had a one percent chance of conceiving another child due to a medical procedure, Jennifer became pregnant. Many complications followed, and she was told she would lose the baby. After learning this, Jennifer prayed and attended worship services the following Sunday where she came to the altar for prayer and the laying on of hands. Soon after, Jennifer returned to her doctor for an ultrasound and, miraculously, the baby was OK! However, two months later, more problems came to light, one of which was the condition placenta previa. She was hospitalized for hemor-rhaging four times, ending with a lengthy hospital stay.
When Jennifer delivered her son prematurely by C-section, there was a high risk of death to both mother and child. Although little Victor was born healthy, Jennifer’s blood levels dropped severely, causing fainting spells which resulted in blood transfusions and the need to remain hospitalized. By God’s love and grace, both mother and son survived.
Victor Manuel Escobedo is a child whose very life is a true miracle from God. During the sacrament of Holy Baptism, while they were kneeling before the Lord, rays of sunlight streamed through the stained glass window right over Jennifer and little Victor, who was in his father’s arms. This was a power-ful moment as their infant son was surrounded by loving family and friends, some of which traveled all the way from Mexico to be a part of this tremen-dous event.
Rebecca Gladden is the wife of Rev. Dietrick Gladden of St. Paul Community Lutheran Church in Pontiac, Mich. She also serves as the congregation’s Executive Administrator.
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Father’s Hand Ministry is an Open Door for Little Miracles
Victor Manuel Escobedo is a child whose very life is a true miracle from God. During
the sacrament of Holy Baptism, while they were kneeling before the Lord, rays
of sunlight streamed through the stained glass window right over Jennifer and little
Victor, who was in his father’s arms.
by Rebecca Gladden
4 December 2016
michiganintouch.com 5
LittMirac
HEALTHY CONGREGATIONS
Imagine this scenario: A congregation’s council meets and the Board of Elders proposes a special musical
evening service, intended to reach the non-churched. The president’s response might be, “Great! Do it!” and then he moves on to other business.
Later, the music director, who wasn’t at the meeting, objects because he’s responsible for all musical programs and wasn’t consulted. Other questions arise: Is the date clear? What about the sanctuary? Who will provide for publicity? Take care of refreshments? Do set-up and clean-up? Follow up with attendees? Will we need ushers? Will we take offering—or not? Will there be a pastoral message? Should there be additional meetings to ensure coordination?
What Now?Answers to these questions need to be provided by all
of the “stakeholders,” that is: Elders, Communications, Stewardship, Sunday school, Choir, Outreach, and possi-bly others.
The Parish Council president must recognize all of the contributions required from every board, and initiate the necessary discussion(s) and cooperation required before moving to another topic.
The above example is quite simple when compared with topics like increasing outreach, or budgets, or staff-ing, etc. Does this remind you of your congregation?
The SolutionSo what is the solution for such a disconnect between
departments? Enter the notion of “cross-functional teams.”In many (most?) multi-department organizations there
is a tendency to favor and protect one’s department (or “turf”) against encroachment by other departments. This may be driven by personal reward, vanity, a “not-invented here” attitude, or similar motives. A likely outcome, however, is that the lack of inter-departmental coopera-
How to Achieve Meaningful Cooperation in Your Congregation by James Hanford
tion impedes, delays, and even destroys any program or project that crosses inter-departmental lines.
For decades this has been a problem in industry; individual departments have been labeled “chimneys” (also referred to as “silos”). The result often is that meaningful cooperation is not achieved unless a problem is pushed up the organi-zational hierarchy until upper-level managers broker an agreement. At a minimum, this takes time and may have other negative impacts. My employer’s answer was to orga-nize special teams comprised of personnel from all affected departments, dedicated first to the team and secondly to their department; this was literally a new paradigm.
A New ParadigmI learned about cross-functional teams some 55 years
ago as a naval officer. The best example was when our ship received her “sailing orders” for an impending oper-ation. The captain called the entire wardroom together. When the operational objective(s) had been defined, he went around the table asking if each department was prepared, or what still needed to be made ready: Did each officer thoroughly understand what was required of his department? Did we have all the key personnel? Necessary training? Spare parts? Was all the ship’s equip-ment operating at peak efficiency? Ad infinitum.
Any organization comprised of multiple departments could benefit from cross-functional teams. And this certainly includes Lutheran congregations.
So who needs a “cross-functional team?” Answer: Your congregation does!
James Hanford is a former naval officer and a retired instrument panel design engineer from Ford Motor Company. A long-time member of Guardian, Dearborn, he has served on the Foundation as well as on the boards of Elders, Stewardship, and Publicity.
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HEALTHY WORKERS
by Debbie Kasper
There are changes in life I really like … a pay raise, weight loss, clouds moving out for sunshine and,
of course, a new seasonal flavor Latte at StarbucksTM. But I would also admit there are changes I don’t like … a challenging medical report, an unexpected car repair, a cancellation of a much needed dinner out. Welcome or unwelcome, we face change every day.
Change is a part of the world we live in. From the latest iPhone to transgender bathrooms, there is no such thing as a stagnant life in our world. We voted for a new president this year. People relocate. Online shopping has tripled. Terrorist attacks are becoming commonplace. Change is continuous.
Satan, the world, and our humanness would like our response to change to always be FEAR. We “knee-jerk” into action to maintain life in our comfort zone. We may speak as defeated victims. There is only one place to go to deal with fear: the Lord Jesus Christ. “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed (changed) by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2).
“Being Changed by the Unchangeable God” is the area of study at The Katie, which will take place April 21-23, 2017 in Bay City. Pastors’, vicars’ and deacons’ wives are invited to explore the most recent changes in our world, our reaction to change, and the Unchangeable God Who gives us forgive-ness, power, and peace. Zacchaeus, Samson, and the Pharisee and the tax collector are the scriptural accounts we’ll study. This year, we will also have sessions led by guest speakers: one on gender issues and one on Islam in our world today.
If you are the wife of a pastor, vicar, or deacon, please consider attending. If you are not, encourage your pastor’s, deacon’s, or vicar’s wife to attend. If it is a big change for you to come, please know that you will feel welcome; finances can be arranged for your weekend if needed, and a comfortable atmosphere for you to study
God’s Word will be provided.Registration for The Katie will
be open in January 2017. Visit michigandistrict.org for updates.
Debbie Kasper is married to Rev. Dr. Rob Kasper and is the mother of four adult children and five grand-children. She has taught in Lutheran schools for 25 years and continues to work with students on a part-time schedule. She enjoys presenting at MOPS and women’s groups. She is ecstatic to be part of “The Katie” because she has met many new friends at the retreat, experienced spiritual growth in the studies, and has had fun spoiling pastors’ wives for a weekend!
Attendees of The Katie 2015
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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I hope I am one of the first to wish you and your family a blessed and joyous Advent and Christmas season. I pray that the presence, peace, power, and praises of our God fill each of you as you prepare to celebrate the birth of our Savior in the coming days.
As I prayed about the theme for my annual Christmas letter to you, I felt compelled to share the following phrase. Have you heard it said that, “Before someone knows they have a friend in Jesus, they first must know what a friend they have in you?” Although this statement may not seem to make sense at first glance, I truly hope that, after reading the following, it will.
Our Michigan District is blessed to have congregations which daily minister to their members and meet the needs of those in the communities they serve. They have continued to respond to an ever-changing society. Our congregations have continually adapted to changing demographics, new and expanded forms of communication (social media), advances in technology, varying worship styles, etc. while maintaining our Biblical foundation, our subscription to the Lutheran Confessions, and the centrality of Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
With all that is trying to change and influence us, it is these few powerful and inspiring words that help to comfort, sustain, and propel us: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). Yes, it is this certainty, among an ever-changing environment, that has purposed our congregations in their efforts to continue to disciple the saved and reach the lost, and to do so without compromising our theology, confession, and practice. Praise be to God.
While we may think that our experience as LCMS Lutheran Christians today is unique, we also know that our forefathers embraced the same theological and Scriptural foundations that bear the truth of Jesus that is needed in our culture today. Throughout the generations, new and innovative missional ministries have been developed in order to help congregations prepare for, and meet, the spiritual and societal needs of their members and communities. We have adapted before, and we will continue to adapt in the future.
Rev. Mitch Vogeli from Chesaning, Michigan states it this way: “In our culture today, very few un-churched people start out looking for a church service. They are, however, longing for a place to feel cared for, and a place where they can care for others. And when they meet Jesus there, it all makes sense.”
Christmas Appeal 2016
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday
and today and forever.Hebrews 13:8
8 December 2016
Dear friends in Christ, my question to you is this: what can we do to-day to help others meet Jesus? The answer in part lies in what I shared in the beginning of my letter: “Before someone knows they have a friend in Jesus, they first must know what a friend they have in you.” With this statement challenging and shaping further discussion, I would like to share with you several of the missional ministries the Michigan District supports to help accomplish this in three different communities.
The first is Acts 2 Enterprise (A2E) - Detroit. This urban ministry led by Rev. Christopher Bodley has impacted the Detroit community for over three years through a variety of ways that, while meeting societal need, have also led and encouraged individuals and families toward developing a relationship with Jesus. Probably the most well-
known ministry of A2E is the Summer Sports Camps/VBS programs which impact hundreds of children in Detroit each year.
Other ministries of A2E are Soft Skills Employability Readiness programs, Technology Training and Availability, Neighborhood
Beautification, the purposeful development of Quality Indige-nous Leaders, Educational Programs and Mentoring, an annu-
al Urban Institute, and numerous Community partnerships, to mention a few.
Another is A2E - Flint. We have all heard of the extreme difficulties being experienced in the city of Flint during the past couple of years. Under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Bradley Yops, LCMS congre-gations in Flint and surrounding communities have partnered to help make a difference on Flint’s east
side. Franklin Avenue Mission is housed in the former Calvary Lutheran Church. Congrega-tional members gather several times a week to minister to the needs of the community in a variety of ways that clearly show community members they are loved and cared for while introducing them to Jesus.
The final example is that of A2E - Pontiac. In a commu-nity filled with crime, poverty, joblessness, and little hope for many, Rev. Dietrick Gladden,
A2E Sports Camps/VBS
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his wife Rebecca, and a faithful team of local missionaries continue to work daily at St. Paul Community Lutheran Church to make a major difference in the lives of community residents. The plethora of services provided to community members are far too many to list, but everything that they do is done to introduce Jesus into their lives. The continual growth of Pastor Gladden’s congregation is evidence of this.
We praise God for each of these above-mentioned Innovative Missional Ministries, as well as for numerous others that have already been developed or are being considered by Michigan District congregations. They are constructively helping their communities, while at the same time doing something even greater—introducing individuals to Jesus.
As you give thought to, and pray about, your annual Christmas-time gifting and make year-end giving decisions, I would like to ask you to consider a gift, or a longer-term pledge if you are open to doing so, to support Innovative Missional Ministry in the Mich-igan District. Your generous gift will continue to support minis-tries such as A2E in Detroit, Flint, and Pontiac, as well as others that will be developed through LCMS congregations in communi-ties throughout the District in the future.
I have included a response form on the next page for your use when sending in your gift and/or your pledge. The Michigan District Church Extension Fund is providing a 10% match to every gift given to our Here We Stand campaign. Your gift will receive that match. Thank you for helping others know what a friend they have in you, as together we help them learn what a friend they have in Jesus.
Merry Christmas,
Rev. Dr. David P. E. Maier, President Michigan District, LCMS
Franklin Avenue Mission Work Days
St. Paul Community, Pontiac VBS
P.S. Please pray about what you can do personally to help others learn what a friend they have in Jesus.
10 December 2016
Name(s): Address: City, State, Zip: Phone: Email: Home Congregation: City: Occupation and Employer: I wish to remain anonymous. Thank you.
Yes, President Maier, I/We would like to help.In consideration of my/our commitment to the Here We Stand campaign initiative of the Michigan District, LCMS, I/we hereby promise to contribute the amount indicated below:Pledge: Total year commitment $ Initial gift with this form $ Balance to be contributed $
I will fulfill my pledge: Annually Semi-Annually Quarterly OtherBeginning: , 20 (If initial gift is enclosed, write in today’s date. If not, please indicate first intended gift date)
*Please use my gift to support: Innovative Missional Ministry Professional Church Worker Scholarships Michigan District Endowment International Ministry Undesignated Gift to Here We Stand Campaign
Gifts can be in the form of: Cash/Checks Credit Card* Stocks Land/Property EFT/ACH (check one)
* If using a credit card, please provide the following information:
One-time credit card payment of $
OR Recurring Payment: Monthly Quarterly Semi-Annually Annually Other
MasterCard VISA Discover American Express Diners Club Exp. date:
Cardholder’s name: Card number:
Billing address (if different from above):
Signature Today’s Date: , 20
2016 Christmas Appeal Response and Commitment Form
(for individuals)
One-Time Tax Deductible Gift of: $1,000 $100 $ $500 $50 (other)
$250 $25
*If you desire to support more than one initiative, please mark the appropriate boxes. Your gift will be applied equally.
(OR)
Please remit form to:Development Department
Michigan District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod3773 Geddes Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
michiganintouch.com 11
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Alone. But Not Alone.
by Erik Schmidt
“You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle” (Psalm 56:8a ESV).
Grief makes no sense.I mean, of course grief makes sense, in that some-
thing so precious, so beautiful—something we just took for granted would always be there—was ripped away from us. We are not meant to be torn apart by sin, death and the devil, but we are. We are not whole, and so we grieve when we suffer genuine loss, because we become still less, with even less to hold onto in this fallen world. Another light goes out, and we are left in still more darkness; the world becomes a little less bright. So we cry, we rage, we hide, we shake, we avoid, we indulge, we run, we fight; we do whatever it takes to cope with this pain that is so impossible to cope with.
And therein lies the nonsense. Because we can’t cope with it. We can’t carry it. We can’t live with it. And yet, we can’t escape from it. It rends us, pierces us, impales us, and decapitates us. It rips our heart from our chest, tears out a chunk and then shoves that mortally wounded muscle back into our shattered rib cage.
And then we have to go on living, knowing we will never again be the same. We read books, we talk about it, we hear advice (we are given still more that we don’t hear because we can’t or won’t). We face it head-on, we avoid it at all costs, but none of it helps. Not really, because the one thing we want—the one thing we need—the one thing we can’t live without—can never be again, at least not in this life.
So we go on. Our grief fades with time, but this is not the same as getting “easier” or “better.” In fact, there is cruel irony in this, because the pain that makes it so hard to draw breath is the only real tie we have to what is lost. And as that pain fades, so, it feels, does that tie—which is a betrayal beyond reason.
Why should life get easier? Why should life go on?Why should I have to learn to live without what I
have lost?And this makes no sense, is incomprehensible, inexplica-
ble. Because grief is not objective or comparable, in any way. You cannot say one’s loss is easier or harder, better or worse than someone else’s, because you have no idea what they’re going through. The flip side of this is that there is no one who can possibly understand what you’re going through.
No one, save God. And because He does know, and because He defeated those great enemies of sin, death and the devil, our grief will one day be over.
Thus, we do not grieve as others who have no hope (ref. 1 Thessalonians 4:13). I believe this, and yet ...
And yet, I still grieve. We still grieve. With heads bowed, we grieve. With cheeks dampened by tears, we
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HEALTHY WORKERS
12 December 2016
&
WHY CEF?
PROVEN investment products, measurable results
DEDICATED Christian financial management since 1901
FOCUSED on funding the needs of Michigan District congregations
A Dialogue on Faith-Based Investing with CEFFaith and Finance is a series of discussions about the role CEF investments can play in the lives of Lutheran parishioners and congregations. In each installment, the CEF team addresses common questions about CEF and our financial products. If you would like to submit a question for consideration, e-mail us at [email protected].
Finance
Contact CEF today to
learn how CEF can help
with your investments.
Church Extension Fund • Michigan District of The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod
3773 Geddes Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105-3098 • www.mi-cef.org
Offices: 800-242-3944 • Interest rates anytime: 800-232-7313
Faith
Is Church Extension Fund a bank?
Although in many respects the activities of the Michigan Church Extension Fund (CEF) can make it seem like a bank, the answer to this often-asked question is: No, CEF is not a bank.
To help explain, we will need to turn back the clock to the year 1901 and the earliest days of Church Extension’s history, when a small group of clergy and laity conceived a plan for financing Lutheran mission church starts through affordable loans.
With that decision, a new ministry was born.
Officially, Church Extension was incorporated as a Church Trustee Corporation and was first named the Church Extension Board. Dollars were held in the accounts of individual Lutherans across Michigan to benefit and finance the construction of new Lutheran Church Missouri Synod churches and schools where the Gospel of Jesus was proclaimed. The Lutherans who invested in these new mission congregations were paid interest on the dollars loaned to construct the new church buildings. So for many, Church Extension seemed to be “like a bank,” and for many years was referred to by investors as “God’s bank.”
But, unlike a bank, individuals could not borrow from Church Extension and loans were designated for Lutheran churches only. Also, whereas banks offered their services to any individual, participation in this new ministry was limited to Lutheran families.
Q:A:
26th Edition
HOW SAFE IS THE CHURCH EXTENSION FUND?
With that bit of history as background, one might ask the question, “How safe is my money with Church Extension Fund?”
In response, CEF can point to the following facts:
Throughout our 115-year history, CEF has never failed to honor a withdrawal request—even during the Great Depression. Reserves continue to be more than sufficient to handle any significant withdrawal activity. CEF has continued their long tradition of security and safety with an exceptionally strong financial position, as compared to other types of financial institutions.
Having said that, there are certain risks to investing in the Church Extension Fund, all of which are disclosed in our Offering Circular. For example, since CEF is not a bank or credit union, they are not eligible to offer FDIC or SIPC insurance to their investors.
WHAT IS THE STRATEGY FOR THE FUTURE?
In the years to come, CEF will continue to maintain its very conservative approach to investing reserve dollars—that is, dollars not loaned to Lutheran entities. Additionally, except for a very small portion of the CEF Endowment Fund, none of the reserve will be invested in equities (e.g., the stock market).
Finally, it’s important to note that CEF continues to receive new investments daily from individuals who believe in our work, share in our mission and demonstrate their continuing confidence in Michigan Church Extension Fund.
CEF-0487_FF_Advertorial_26_V2.indd All Pages 10/17/16 1:38 PM
michiganintouch.com 13
&
WHY CEF?
PROVEN investment products, measurable results
DEDICATED Christian financial management since 1901
FOCUSED on funding the needs of Michigan District congregations
A Dialogue on Faith-Based Investing with CEFFaith and Finance is a series of discussions about the role CEF investments can play in the lives of Lutheran parishioners and congregations. In each installment, the CEF team addresses common questions about CEF and our financial products. If you would like to submit a question for consideration, e-mail us at [email protected].
Finance
Contact CEF today to
learn how CEF can help
with your investments.
Church Extension Fund • Michigan District of The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod
3773 Geddes Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105-3098 • www.mi-cef.org
Offices: 800-242-3944 • Interest rates anytime: 800-232-7313
Faith
Is Church Extension Fund a bank?
Although in many respects the activities of the Michigan Church Extension Fund (CEF) can make it seem like a bank, the answer to this often-asked question is: No, CEF is not a bank.
To help explain, we will need to turn back the clock to the year 1901 and the earliest days of Church Extension’s history, when a small group of clergy and laity conceived a plan for financing Lutheran mission church starts through affordable loans.
With that decision, a new ministry was born.
Officially, Church Extension was incorporated as a Church Trustee Corporation and was first named the Church Extension Board. Dollars were held in the accounts of individual Lutherans across Michigan to benefit and finance the construction of new Lutheran Church Missouri Synod churches and schools where the Gospel of Jesus was proclaimed. The Lutherans who invested in these new mission congregations were paid interest on the dollars loaned to construct the new church buildings. So for many, Church Extension seemed to be “like a bank,” and for many years was referred to by investors as “God’s bank.”
But, unlike a bank, individuals could not borrow from Church Extension and loans were designated for Lutheran churches only. Also, whereas banks offered their services to any individual, participation in this new ministry was limited to Lutheran families.
Q:A:
26th Edition
HOW SAFE IS THE CHURCH EXTENSION FUND?
With that bit of history as background, one might ask the question, “How safe is my money with Church Extension Fund?”
In response, CEF can point to the following facts:
Throughout our 115-year history, CEF has never failed to honor a withdrawal request—even during the Great Depression. Reserves continue to be more than sufficient to handle any significant withdrawal activity. CEF has continued their long tradition of security and safety with an exceptionally strong financial position, as compared to other types of financial institutions.
Having said that, there are certain risks to investing in the Church Extension Fund, all of which are disclosed in our Offering Circular. For example, since CEF is not a bank or credit union, they are not eligible to offer FDIC or SIPC insurance to their investors.
WHAT IS THE STRATEGY FOR THE FUTURE?
In the years to come, CEF will continue to maintain its very conservative approach to investing reserve dollars—that is, dollars not loaned to Lutheran entities. Additionally, except for a very small portion of the CEF Endowment Fund, none of the reserve will be invested in equities (e.g., the stock market).
Finally, it’s important to note that CEF continues to receive new investments daily from individuals who believe in our work, share in our mission and demonstrate their continuing confidence in Michigan Church Extension Fund.
CEF-0487_FF_Advertorial_26_V2.indd All Pages 10/17/16 1:38 PM
14 December 2016
LUTHERAN LAYMEN’S LEAGUE
LUTHERAN WOMEN’S MISSIONARY LEAGUE
LHM Celebrates JesusThe theme of the 2017 Lutheran Hour Ministries float at
the New Year’s Tournament of Roses Parade is Celebrate Jesus. The float commemorates and celebrates deep-rooted Christian and Lutheran legacies. It celebrates Jesus as the founder and perfector of our faith. He is in front, standing at a replica of the doors of All Saints’ Church (Wittenberg Castle) where Martin Luther posted the 95 Theses. The float also celebrates the 500th anniversary of the Reformation and connects our Lutheran heritage with the greater heritage of Christianity: Jesus Christ’s merci-ful and victorious presence, warmly welcoming all into God’s kingdom. Large church bells inscribed with Grace Alone, Faith Alone, and Scripture Alone ring out the message and call of our Savior, much like the church bells have done for centuries, inviting worshippers.
In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Lutheran Laymen’s League/Lutheran Hour Ministries, the float riders are Lutheran Hour Speaker Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz, Speaker Emeritus Rev. Ken Klaus, and Rev. Dr. Dale Meyer, President of Concordia Seminary
and Lutheran Hour Speaker (1989-2001). Joining them will be LWML President Patti Ross, celebrat-ing the 75th anniversary of the LWML.
Michigan congregations and lay persons wanting to support the float can do so by contacting Lou Marting at [email protected] or 949.770.8420 or 818.404.6447. Five thousand Petal Pushers® are needed to decorate Rose Parade floats. Please sign up at volunteer.petalpush-ers.org. Volunteers need to be 13 years or older. Seniors well into the near 90’s plus all types of groups (church, school, youth, fellowship, Boy/Girl Scouts) participate each year.
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It is the prayer of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League–Michigan District that each of you have a safe and blessed Christmas. As we remember the greatest gift of Love bestowed upon us by God the Father, let us also reach out in encouragement, generously sharing with others this gift of hope, life and everlasting love. Through His Son Jesus, we pray. Amen
And you will say in that day: ��i�e thanks to the ����, call upon his name, make known
his deeds among the peoples, proclaim that his name is
exalted.” Isaiah 12:4
National Lutheran Women’s Missionary League
Mission Grants2016-2018
Biennium MissionGoal: $235,000
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League
Michigan District
NEW ADDRESS FOR MITES: SANDRA MAYA 6600 CONSTITUTION AVE. #402 PORTAGE, MI 49024
Mission Goal for 2015-2017 Biennium: $2,000,000
Amount Received:
$ 1,359,059.11 Amount Needed:
$ 640,940.89
michiganintouch.com 15
Congregation and School NewsMesick Community Garden
For many years, the members of Faith, Mesick have collected food to support the local food pantry. In 2015 that idea was expanded to start a community garden to grow more food. There is a great need for this in this corner of Wexford County.
In 2016, thanks to grants, that idea expanded to include plots of land that community members could use to grow their own food. What could be a better use of some of the land Faith owned than feeding some of the hungry?
There were some challenges in 2016. The Department of Environmental Quality vetoed “Plan A” to expand the water system to cover more land. (“Plan B” did succeed.) Several people who were involved in the garden in 2015 had medical issues this year and couldn’t help, and the summer was unusually dry.
There also were some great rewards in 2016. The garden was planted in late May, even though Pastor Low was in the hospital getting a new hip. More than half the work of the year was done by community members. God sent such a yield (approximately 750 lbs.) that food was shared in three communities this year (Mesick, Buckley, and Pamona). Land that was used by commu-nity members probably produced another 250 lbs.
In addition to providing food, Faith also received significant local publicity. The local paper ran a story in the spring about the garden, and the local CBS affiliate had a piece on the garden in early July.
To date, no community member has started attending worship services because of the garden, but Faith has built a relationship with many. All the people of the Food Banks were very grateful. Also, during a mid-Septem-ber harvest, a lady stopped by and asked if she could buy some green tomatoes for a recipe she had. She said we made her day as she was given some free of charge. Events like this mark the church as caring for the people in the community.
The Community Garden of Mesick has increased the food supply in this area. It has also shown people that God works through His church to show people He cares about their needs.
St. Mark Celebrates 50th AnniversaryOne of the most fascinating aspects of celebrating an
anniversary is seeing the amazing things that God has done over the years. Under the theme “Renew a right spirit within us!” Saint Mark, Kentwood celebrated 50 years of blessing. Joining the members in celebration were Rev. Kenneth and Sue Hoehner, Rev. Dr. Rodney and Phyllis Otto, Rev. Thomas and Laurie Meyer, and current pastors Rev. Michael and Anne Wentzel and Rev. Donald Schoenback.
Stories were shared about the tireless work of found-ing pastor, Rev. Wayne Pohl, who walked every street in Kentwood to find unchurched people to invite and the adoption of a Vietnamese family and the challenge it was to help them to assimilate into the U.S. Dr. Otto shared the fact that his wife’s father made the first candle holders for worship. Rev. Schoenback commended the congregation for its value of Christian education, and Rev. Meyer reveled in the gracious care of his former Christ-Care group.
It was precious to witness all of the relationships that had been established through ministry and that had been forged in the fire of a life lived in faith. Rev. Hoehner’s sermon can be found at https://we.tl/87is461Nr4. A slideshow presenta-tion and videos can be found at https://we.tl/tDB6rW2Yr4.
In October, St. Matthew, Mancelona dedicated 48 quilts made by its Sew Sew ladies. The quilts will be distributed by the Department of Veterans Affairs in Gaylord. During the past two years, the ladies have made about the same number of quilts, giving them to the special needs people in the area and to the Pregnancy Center in Gaylord.
16 December 2016
In October, St. Michael Lutheran Church and School in Portage, Mich. celebrated its NLSA accreditation. Superintendent Bruce Braun presented the NLSA certificate to Principal Greg Johnson as part of that celebration service. To God be the glory!
We do the Planting, God Does the GrowingLast spring, Mrs. Gallagher’s first grade class at Trinity,
Bay City planted a community garden. They planted pota-toes, sweet potatoes, and gourds to see how God would grow them! Before school let out for the summer, they watered and weeded the garden. During the summer, parents, students, and a few members made sure the garden was watered and weeded. Once school began, the first graders, who are now second graders, invited the new first graders to help them. First they harvested the potatoes, which were shared with everyone who wanted some. Then they harvested gourds … all 535 of them! These were sold to purchase gardening gloves for next spring. Some were donated to the Good Samaritan Rescue Mission in Bay City, and the rest were used as decorations for the congregation’s Harvest Dinner in October. Students and teachers are eagerly making plans for next spring’s planting!
Michigan WitnessFor four days in August, Muskegon hosts the Unity
Christian Music Festival at Heritage Landing along the shores of Muskegon Lake. Over 55,000 people partici-pate in the singing and worship of our Lord. The festival draws many Christian musicians from across the country. This is a family event and many camp at one of the many State Parks or campgrounds around the area.
West Shore Lutheran School of Muskegon was a part of the landscape during those four days, providing informa-tion about the school and visiting with friends from other Michigan Lutheran schools around the state and Christian schools from around the world. Under the theme “Christ Lights the Way,” one member built a 5-foot lighthouse with a beacon in the tent display. Many West Shore gradu-ates met up with the teaching staff who worked the tent. It was a wonderful experience, complete with the outstand-ing sunsets on Muskegon Lake.
Scholarships Awarded by Council of Lutheran Women
The Council of Lutheran Women (CLW) has announced the recipients of this year’s scholarships for students preparing for church work. Seventeen seminarians and two Concordia University Ann Arbor (CUAA) students have been awarded scholarships. The announcement was made at the CLW fall meeting, hosted by the ladies of St. Peter, Eastpointe.
The speaker for the meeting was Anneke Burke-Kooistra, a native of the Netherlands, who shared a message of hope and miracles, telling the story of how her
Under the theme “My Quilt … My Life,” over 60 women gathered for a day of worship, reflection, and fellowship at Bethlehem, Lewiston. After lunch, they made individual quilt blocks that were put together for a friendship quilt commemorating the day.
Congregation and School News
Other Ministry News
The Council of Lutheran Women fall meeting announced the group’s scholarship recipients. Pictured from left: Council President Barbara Collins, scholarship recipients Anna Kruger and Sarah Koch, and Scholarships Coordinator Lucie Witte.
michiganintouch.com 17
Concordia University Takes Aim at College Affordability
With a mission to provide access to the “highest-value Lutheran Christian higher education possible,” on October 13, 2016, Concordia University announced the Luther Promise, an institutionally-funded scholarship guarantee that provides qualified undergraduate students between $16,000-$20,000 annually.
“Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor have a bold vision to be the Church’s school, equipping the faithful to make an impact for Christ in ways they never imagined,” explains Concordia President Rev. Patrick Ferry, Ph.D. “Coming at the commemoration of the 500th year of the Lutheran Reformation, this initiative marks a
family hid eight Jews in their home during World War II.The two CUAA scholarship recipients were special
guests and received their scholarships at the meeting. Anna Kruger received the Leona Meyer Memorial
Scholarship, which is named for the first CLW president. Kruger is a senior at CUAA majoring in Family Life. “This scholarship helps more than you know,” she said. “I belonged to a very strong youth ministry at my church (Grace, Monroe) and that is how I found my passion for youth ministry. At Concordia I began taking Family Life classes and my passion increased to working with the family as a whole, not just youth.”
Recipient of the John C. Streit Memorial Scholarship is Sarah Koch, a member of Peace Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne, Ind. She is a junior at CUAA majoring in Education with a concentration in special education. This scholarship is named for a longtime CLW pastoral counselor. “I’ve attended Lutheran schools my entire life. Both of my parents are Lutheran school teachers and I knew I wanted to follow in their footsteps and become a teacher. I worked at a camp for disabled children during the summer and that’s when I decided to become a special education teacher. I am very appreciative of this scholar-ship. It will help me reach my goal.”
The following seminarians (listed with their home congregations) have been awarded CLW 2016-2017 scholarships: Jakob Andrzejewski (Historic Trinity, Detroit); Joe Casiglia (Faith, Troy); Tyler Cronkright (Christ our Savior, Livonia); Ryan Duerr (Hope, Warren); Sam Fink (St. Luke, Ann Arbor); Richard Grunewald (Faith, Troy); Michael Hansen (St. Luke, Ann Arbor); Kevin Hohnstadt (Holy Cross, Warren); Dan Howard (Hope, Warren); Matthew Kusch (St. John, Fraser); Brian Muldowney (Historic Trinity, Detroit); Kirk Radford (Family of God, Detroit); Craig Rinkus (St. Paul, Royal Oak); Scott Salo (Hosanna-Tabor, Redford); Andrew Simpson (Faith, Troy); Timothy Smith (St. John, Fraser); and Nathan Spaulding (St. Peter, Macomb).
significant commitment to invest even more resources in our students, ensuring that lifelong Lutheran education is available to more students than ever before.”
Currently, Concordia University students receive on average $13,000 of institutional aid, according to univer-sity financial management sources.
To qualify for the Luther Promise, students must meet just one of four criteria:
• Member of a Lutheran congregation (any Lutheran denomination);
• Dependent of a Concordia University System alum-nus (any institution in the 10-school system);
• Dependent of a rostered church worker in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod;
• Graduate of a Lutheran high school. “A significant step toward achieving the goal of a faith-
based higher education for more students is removing the financial barriers,” shares Robert Nowak, director of Financial Aid. “Qualified students are eligible for a range of scholarship—between $16,000–$20,000, depending on high school cumulative GPA and ACT composite score.”
At the lower end, this means that a student with a 2.7 cumulative GPA and 19 ACT score is eligible for $16,000. At the upper end, a student with a 3.5 cumulative GPA and 30 ACT score is eligible for $20,000 annually. Undergraduate transfer students who meet the qualifying criteria are also eligible.
Complete information is available online at cuw.edu/luther-promise or cuaa.edu/luther-promise.
Concordia University is a nonprofit, Lutheran higher education community serving more than 8,900 students online, at two residential campuses in Mequon, Wis. and Ann Arbor, Mich., and at 10 satellite centers. The school is affili-ated with The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and is part of the Concordia University System, a national network of colleges. Learn more online at cuw.edu and cuaa.edu.
Rev. Patrick T. Ferry, Ph.D., president of Concordia University Ann Arbor and Wisconsin, announces The Luther Promise scholarship on Oct. 13 during the LEA Convocation in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
18 December 2016
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2017 Theological ConferenceOur Savior, Lansing
Sin continues to corrupt the world and everyone is inundated with confusing messages on sexual freedom, sexual orientation, gender identity, and dysphoria. What does a loving, caring God have to say to His creation in His liberating, life-giving Word, and how do we lovingly communicate the blessing of that truth?
These are the questions we will explore at the 2017 Theological Conference, which will be held at Our Savior, Lansing on Saturday, February 11, 2017. There will be four sessions presented by the following speakers:
• Rev. Dr. Todd A. Biermann, Senior Pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in Grand Blanc, Mich. He earned his D.Min. from Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind. with a focus on marriage and family relationships as guided by God’s Word.
• Dr. Angus Menuge, professor of philosophy at Concordia University Wisconsin and president of the Evangelical Philosophical Society.
Let’s Talk Male & Female
• Rev. John T. Pless, assistant professor of pastoral ministry and missions at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind., where he also serves as director of field education.
• Dr. Mark Seifrid, professor of exegetical theology at Concordia Seminary St. Louis, Mo.
The conference will begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 3 p.m. For more information and to register, go to michigandistrict.org/theological17.
michiganintouch.com 19
As People of Hope, we are thankful to have been chosen by God to be transformed by His grace. As God transforms us, we love what He loves, value what He values, and work where He is working. There is great need for transformation in personal lives, family life, and cultural and community life, and the church is uniquely situated to point to the transforming power of Jesus Christ, the Hope of the World.
Rev. Christopher Bodley is Missionary-at-large in Detroit for A2E for the Michigan District, LCMS and pastor of Bethany, Detroit.
continued from page 3
Interest Rates Tell Only One Part of the StoryInvestments through CEF don’t build business or industry. Our fund is used to finance the growth of LCMS churches, schools and ministries, right here in Michigan. It is the kind of investment that pays dividends beyond a simple spreadsheet.
So, while our interest rates have always been competitive – and we encourage you to compare them – we believe that the other side of the equation is at least as important. If you want your investment dollars used to support the causes you believe in – paying dividends that go beyond dollars for generations to come – our investment products represent a unique stewardship opportunity. A Christian Connection to All Generations
800-242-3944 | www.mi-cef.org
This is not an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy CEF securities. The offering of CEF securities is made solely by our Offering Circular. CEF will offer and sell securities only in states where authorized investments in CEF are not insured by the FDIC, SIPC or any other governmental agency – securities are subject to certain risk factors as described in our Offering Circular.
Look Beyond the Numbers Your investments support the causes you believe in.
CEF Look Beyond Numbers AD.indd 1 3/11/16 11:26 AM
God’s Grace
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grieve. With throats tight and chests crushed, we grieve. With silent pain and anguished groans, we grieve. With desper-ate screams and heavy brows, we grieve—yes, we grieve.
For my son, Daniel, I grieve. My joy, my heart, my passion still evade my grasp since he was taken from me, three years ago. Three years. The cruelty of the passage of time never ceases or eases. Three years makes me feel as though I have no right to hold onto my grief. Three
years makes me feel as though I need to move on. But three years without my son is impossibly cruel.
He has been gone half as long as he was alive. While his brother and sister grow; while other families with three children continue to live on together; while other dads get to laugh and play and hug and teach their children ... I grieve. Alone. And not alone. But also alone.
You, who grieve: you are not alone. You are, of course, alone. But also not alone.
As I said, grief makes no sense. Thank God, then, that it will one day be wiped away.
“Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come?” I said to him, “Sir, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. “Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes” (Revelation 7:13-16 ESV).
Rev. Erik R. Schmidt is the administrative pastor at Community Lutheran, Flat Rock. He also serves as a Circuit Visitor for the Downriver Circuit.
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continued from page 11Alone. But Not Alone.
20 December 2016
For more detailed information, visit michigandistrict.org/events.
Calendar of EventsCalls and Roster UpdateORDAINED
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A complete up-to-date listing of Calls and Vacancies can be found at michigandistrict.org, click on About.
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Calls AcceptedHeinecke, Gerald D. (Utica) to Prince of Peace, Buffalo, WYWillenbrock, William K. (Medford, NJ) to Faith, Whitehall
Change of StatusBrunworth, Todd J. (Grant) to Emeritus
Calls AcceptedBrazeal, Andrew (Candidate) to Trinity, UticaConway, Samantha (Zion, Bethalto, IL) to St. Paul, Ann ArborDent, Andrea (Cq. Concordia, Ann Arbor) to Trinity, JacksonFurr, Ruth (Holy Cross, Saginaw) to Peace, Arvada, COGrimm, Timothy (Concordia, Ann Arbor) to St. Paul’s, Centreville and St. Paul’s, ColonHambaum, Patricia (Candidate) to St. John, Bay CityHeins, Joseph (Trinity, Saint Joseph) to Christ’s Greenfield, Gilbert, AZLower, Joseph (Cq. Concordia, Ann Arbor) to Lutheran High School Assoc., Rochester HillsRasmussen, Sarah (Candidate) to Zion, Bay City
Change of StatusKernstock, Patricia (Trinity, Utica) to CandidateKohn, Dawn (St. John’s, Grand Haven) to CandidateNoel, Marie (St. Paul, Northville) to CandidateRudick, Annette (Immanuel, Bay City) to CandidateSievert, David (St. Lorenz, Frankenmuth) to Emeritus
Transferred out of DistrictHeins, Joseph (Trinity, Saint Joseph) to Pacific Southwest DistrictHempel, Ruth (Candidate) to English District
Transferred into DistrictConway, Samantha (Southern Illinois District) to St. Paul, Ann ArborWalsh, Kimber (Ohio District) to Redeemer, Jackson
Reinstated to the RosterHambaum, PatriciaKern, Heidi
Removed from the RosterNoack, ChelseaSchoenback, Cheryl
Called HomeDubke, Darwin
DECEMBER1 Parish Nurse Convocation Ann Arbor, Michigan6 Chaplain Gathering Frankenmuth, Michigan23 District Office Closed24 Christmas Eve25 Christmas Day26 District Office Closed30 District Office Closed (CEF Open)31 New Year’s Eve
JANUARY1 New Year’s Day2 District Office Closed6 Epiphany16 Martin Luther King Day30 Stewardship Training Trinity, Port Huron31 Michigan District Board of Directors Concordia University Ann Arbor
FEBRUARY9-10 Principals’ Snowtire Conference11 Michigan District Theological Conference Our Savior, Lansing16-18 FiveTwo StartNew BootCamp Immanuel, Grand Rapids18 Family Friendly Partners Network Faith, Grand Blanc20 President’s Day
MARCH1 Ash Wednesday4-5 State Basketball Tournaments28 Michigan District Board of Directors Concordia University Ann Arbor
APRIL9 Palm Sunday14 Good Friday16 Easter 21-23 The Katie Conference Bay City, Michigan23-25 Office Personnel Conference Frankenmuth, Michigan
