WORKERS TOGETHER Monthly Newsletter of the LCMS Kansas District | www.kslcms.org

July 2019

In This Issue President’s Office

• Calls and Vacancies • LCMS National Convention News • Prayer Requests • New Worker Orientation August 9 • District Calendar • July Staff Travel Schedule

Missions & Stewardship • Congregational Partnership Meeting Scheduled • KansaSEED Hosting International Lutheran Deaf

Association Convention in Topeka • Now Accepting Education Loan Repayment

Grant Applications • Immanuel, KC, Hosts Every One His Witness

Workshop Education & Youth

• District Youth Ministry Survey Open Through July

• 2019 Worker Conference Registration Opens August 1

• LAST CALL: Early Childhood Conference • Youth Ministry Updates: Fall 2019 • SLED 18 Cohort Graduates

Caring Ministry

• Summer Parish Nursing Newsletter Available • LERT News • LAST CALL: Saints Alive After 55 Event

Business Office

• 21 Students Receive District Scholarships • Overdue Notice: Convention Assessments • The Lutheran Witness: Time to Subscribe

LCEF

• Note from the District Vice President • Featured Program: ConnectPLUS

Around the District

• Installations • Worker Milestones • August Workshops • Upcoming Anniversary Celebrations • Reader Responses: “Joy:fully Lutheran” Hymns

OUR MISSION is to support and encourage the members of the District in carrying out the mission Christ has given His Church.

But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me …” Ah, the art projects. And the songs. And the stories. And the prayers and worship. All geared toward spreading the Gospel among the children in our communities. For all of you who are involved in Vacation Bible School this summer, we wish you the Lord’s blessings on your efforts!

President’s Office Calls and Vacancies PASTORAL CALLS

• Rev. Kurt Letcher – Zion, Edgerton, Ohio to Zion, Newton – pending • Rev. Jay Hobson – Good Shepherd, Erie & Immanuel, Hepler to Shepherd of the Hills, Skiatook, OK –

accepted • Rev. Aaron Wagner – Zion, Alva, OK to Christ the King, Salina – pending • Rev. Shaun Daugherty – Hong Kong to St. Andrews, Wichita – declined

PENDING ORDINATIONS AND/OR INSTALLATIONS – PASTORS

• Rev. Mark C. Wood – Christ Memorial, Houston, TX to Our Saviour, Kansas City – Aug. 25

CONGREGATIONS CALLING OR PREPARING TO CALL A FULL-TIME PASTOR • Atchison, Trinity • Atwood, Redeemer • Chanute, Zion • Cheney, St. Paul • Ellsworth, St. Paul • Newton, Zion • Palmer, St. John • Salina, Christ the King • Shawnee, Hope • Topeka, Prince of Peace • Wichita, Ascension • Wichita, Bethany • Wichita, Immanuel • Wichita, St. Andrews • Winfield, Trinity

CONGREGATIONS CALLING A COMMISSIONED MINISTER • St. Paul, Cheney – Teacher • Trinity, Winfield – Teacher • Trinity, Atchison – Teacher • Hope, Shawnee – Teacher • Bethany, Overland Park – Teacher

COMMISSIONED MINISTER CALLS – from the field • Teacher Shawna Spiehs – Linn Lutheran to Trinity, Utica, MI – accepted • Teacher Shawna Spiehs – Linn Lutheran to Trinity, Winfield – declined • Teacher Calah Stichler – Hope, Shawnee to Trinity, Bend, OR – accepted • DCE Angel Gillespie – St. Paul, Bourbonnais, IL to First, Paola – accepted • Teacher Candidate Laurie Reed – Missouri District to Trinity, Atchison – pending • Teacher Candidate Laurie Reed – Missouri District to Trinity, Winfield – declined • DCE Lisa Hellyer – Lord of Life, Leawood to LeadaChild Director of Engagement and Outreach – accepted • Teacher Katrina Celmer – St. John, Fraser, MI to Hope, Shawnee – accepted; installation Aug. 18 • Teacher Candidate Debbie Coughlin – CUNE to Christ, Overland Park – accepted

Index

For weekly call updates, visit the Calls and Vacancies page of the Kansas District website. The list is updated every Tuesday (typically by 10 a.m.).

LCMS National Convention News

The 67th LCMS National Convention will take place this month, July 20-25, in Tampa, Florida. The Kansas District will be represented by 32 voting delegates (one ordained and one lay member from each of our 16 circuits), one ordained and one commissioned advisory member, three District staff members, and a member of the Board of Directors. We thank all the members of the Kansas District contingent listed below for their willingness to serve the Lord and His Church at the convention and pray for their safe travel to and from the event. Rev. Brian Stark, Trinity, Holton Adam Goodpasture, Trinity, Atchison Rev. Ed Mease, St. Paul, Leavenworth Andrew Heskett, Trinity Family of Faith, Basehor Rev. Perry Sukstorf, Redeemer, Olathe Tim Reaman, Trinity, Shawnee Rev. Andy Keltner, Christ Our Savior, Louisburg Ed Bruns, King of Kings, Gardner Rev. Edward Hosch, Messiah, Emporia James Bauck, Zion, Vassar Rev. Tony Fields, St. Paul, Coffeyville Bruce Weber, Immanuel, Hepler Rev. Jon Bruss, St. John’s, Topeka Kevin Frederickson, Redeemer, Lawrence Rev. Richard Rikli, Immanuel, Linn Stanton Uffman, Zion, Linn Rev. Chris Vossler, Trinity, McFarland Dr. Bruce Schultz, St. John, Alma Rev. Justin Panzer, Faith, Abilene IN OTHER NEWS Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison was reelected to a fourth term as president of the LCMS. We wish him the

Lord’s blessings as he leads the Synod in the new triennium.

Between now and the convention, President Harrison will be narrowing the field of candidates for LCMS first vice-president, which currently includes Kansas District President Peter Lange, to a slate of five individuals. The election of first VP is tentatively scheduled for Sunday, July 21, at 2:10 p.m. (EST).

The first issue of Today’s Business, which includes proposed convention resolutions, standing rules, and

the convention schedule, is now available online. Additional issues will be published daily at the convention.

Interested in watching the convention? You can access the livestream link on the National Convention page

of the Synod website.

Index

Ira Walker, St. John, Lincolnville Rev. Scott Snow, Holy Cross, Wichita Beth Orstadt, Ascension, Wichita Rev. William Wingfield, Calvary, Wellington Curt Engelbrecht, Trinity, Wichita Rev. Russell Bonine, St. Paul, Haven Timothy Givan, Our Redeemer, Hutchinson Rev. Christopher Craig, Bethlehem, Sylvan Grove Brian Bitter, Zion, Downs Rev. Rick Rostek, Immanuel, Norton David Kruse, Trinity, Colby Rev. Randall Jahnke, Holy Cross, Dodge City Milton Brune, Grace, Liberal Rev. Edward Kettner (Advisory Ordained) Sarah Kuske (Advisory Commissioned) Rev. Peter Lange (District President) Rev. Paul Tessaro (Kansas BOD Member) Rev. Dan Galchutt (Kansas District Staff) Jeff Maltz (LCEF Kansas and Oklahoma)

Prayer Requests

This month, we ask that you keep in your prayers:

Those grieving the loss of loved ones, including the families and friends of Johanna (Pool) Beard, daughter of Rev. John Pool, at her death May 7, and Daniel Grimm, brother of Rev. Bob Grimm (St. John, Alma), at his death June 26.

Those dealing with ongoing and new health issues, including Grier Panzer, LCMS First Vice-President Herb Mueller, Kerri Lynne Brown, Minnesota South District President Rev. Lucas Woodford, Sarah Reichert, Dave Willingham, Richard Schotte, Noah Schultz, and Rev. Bryan Drebes

Those affected by recent natural disasters, for continued help in their time of need

Synod leaders and convention delegates, for safe travel and God-pleasing deliberations at the LCMS convention this month

Churches and schools on our Facebook prayer list: o St. Paul, Clay Center (church and preschool; this week) o Immanuel, Junction City (church and ECC; July 8) o Our Redeemer, Herington (church and preschool; July 15) o Ascension, Wichita (Tyler and Maple campuses); Ascension Lutheran Preschool; Open Arms Child

Development Center (July 22) o Faith, Derby (church and school; July 29)

The District staff prays every Monday for those on our prayer list. If you’d like to request prayers, contact Tami Lierz in the President’s Office at tami@kslcms.org.

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New Worker Orientation August 9

On Friday, August 9, the District staff will host an orientation program from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to welcome new workers and introduce them to the District and its services. All church workers who have joined the Kansas District since last summer’s orientation in August are being invited to attend. Letters with event details will be mailed this week.

To register: By Monday, July 29, please phone Shannon Oldham at 785-357-4441, ext. 202, or email her at shannon@kslcms.org.

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District Calendar

JULY July 1: Campus Ministry Meeting, District Office, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. July 2: Junior High Rallies GoToMeeting, 10–11:30 a.m. July 2: Older Adult Task Force, Hutchinson, 1–3 p.m. July 3: Koinonia Task Force Meeting (#3), District Office, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. July 4: Independence Day; District Office closed July 11–15: National Youth Gathering, Minneapolis, MN July 18–21: International Lutheran Deaf Association (ILDA) Convention, Topeka, KS July 20–25: LCMS National Convention, Tampa, FL July 21–23: Saints Alive After 55 Gathering, Spiritual Life Center, Bel Aire July 22: District Office closed for maintenance July 27: Early Childhood Conference, Zion Lutheran, Chanute, 8:30 a.m.–4:15 p.m. July 31: Professional Development Council Meeting, District Office, 1–4 p.m.

AUGUST August 1–3: Board of Directors Meeting, District Office August 9: New Worker Orientation, District Office, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. August 10: Adult Education Committee, District Office, 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m. August 20: Congregational Partnerships Meeting, District Office, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. August 20: Church Worker Care Committee GoToMeeting, 9 a.m.–noon August 26: Youth Task Force GoToMeeting, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. August 26: Pastors Conference Planning GoToMeeting, 1–3 p.m. August 29: Educators Conference Planning Meeting, Bethany, Overland Park, 12–2 p.m.

You can find the full District calendar on the website HERE.

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July Staff Travel Schedule

President Peter Lange July 10-15: National Youth Gathering, Minneapolis, MN July 18–25: LCMS National Convention, Tampa, FL

Rev. Dan Galchutt July 14: Preaching in Meade July 18–25: LCMS National Convention, Tampa, FL

Jim Bradshaw July 2: Older Adult Task Force, Hutchinson July 10-15: National Youth Gathering, Minneapolis, MN July 21-23: Saints Alive After 55, Wichita July 27: Early Childhood Summer Conference, Chanute

Missions and Stewardship

Congregational Partnership Meeting Scheduled On Tuesday, August 20, a small group of pastors and missions executives will gather at the District Office for an all-day meeting focused on congregational partnerships. The group discussion is expected to yield promising ideas and best practices for partnerships, which will then be compiled as a resource for congregations. “All of the invited participants bring significant wisdom and experience that will help us accomplish our goal,” said Rev. Dan Galchutt, Assistant to the President for MIsisons and Stewardship. “I pray that the Lord will bless our efforts to help the many congregations that will be considering partnerships in the next few years.” The August 20 meeting responds to Kansas District Resolution 18-01-04: “To Prioritize New Models and Resources for Small, Struggling and/or Isolated Congregations.” That resolution directs the District to give special attention to new ministry and funding models and encourages circuits, pastors, and laypeople to discuss options with the Missions and Stewardship executive. If you’d like to start that conversation in your congregation, contact Rev. Galchutt at dangalchutt@kslcms.org or 785-357-4441, ext. 222.

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Travels in June: LCMS district education executives gathered June 26-28, 2019, at the annual GOSPEL Conference in Worcester, MA, which focused on church worker wellness. LCMS Kansas District Education Executive Jim Bradshaw served as the conference Bible study leader.

KansaSEED Hosting International Lutheran Deaf Association Convention in Topeka

KansaSEED, the Kansas District’s Deaf Ministry organization, is hosting the 2019 International Lutheran Deaf Association (ILDA) Convention in Topeka July 18-21. The convention will be held at the Capitol Plaza Inn under the theme “God Above Gold” (Psalm 119:127) and will include workshops, worship, devotions, and fellowship. ILDA, established in 1971, works to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ among deaf and hard-of-hearing people through mission work in the U.S. and around the world. The organization’s members are primarily from deaf congregations of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod, where worship is conducted in American Sign Language, as well as deaf members of hearing churches that provide ASL interpreters.

For more information about the ILDA convention, visit the ILDA website. Questions about the event may be directed to Sara Hale at Kansas.seed@gmail.com, 785-408-6862 (TEXT ONLY) or 785-246-5058 (VP).

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Now Accepting Education Loan Repayment Grant Applications

The LCMS Kansas District provides grants to rostered church workers to help them repay college and/or seminary education loans. All rostered synodical graduates, as well as those who have completed the colloquy program, who are currently working in the Kansas District are eligible for the first 10 years after graduation or ordination to apply for this grant. The 2019 grant application is now available on our website. You can access the form under the “Quick Links” on the homepage or on our grants and scholarships page. The application deadline is August 31, 2019. Applications should be sent to the attention of Heather Williams at the District Office, 1000 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, KS, 66604 or via email at heather@kslcms.org. Grants will be processed and awards announced by the end of September. The policy of the LCMS Kansas District is for education loan grants to be applied to educational debt that rostered workers have incurred, whether in the form of federally subsidized loans, commercial loans or even credit card debt for books needed to enter ministry. The grant is awarded to help reduce total indebtedness, not to make payments in advance or to reduce the amount of currently scheduled payments.

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Immanuel, KC, Hosts Every One His Witness Workshop

On June 15, over 50 people gathered for a special Every One His Witness workshop in Kansas City at Jesus El Buen Pastor Lutheran Church. People from Immanuel, Kansas City, Kansas, were also in attendance. The event, organized by the Missouri District and Kansas District, was the first Every One His Witness workshop conducted in Spanish, with Pastor Donaldo Sonntag from Mexico, Missouri, serving as the event facilitator. The workshop was a great success. In the words of one participant, “I learned that we ought to be witnesses of Christ and proclaim the word of Christ to all the world. That world includes all people, but we start with family and friends.”

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Education & Youth

District Youth Ministry Survey Remains Open Through July

On Monday, June 3, a District-wide survey was launched at the request of the 10-member Youth Ministry Taskforce (YMTF). The task force was appointed by LCMS Kansas District President Peter Lange to “assess the youth ministry needs of LCMS Kansas District congregations.” Their work will help direct the District in extending youth ministry assistance to all congregations of the Kansas District.

This survey is live at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/85F66PR. Please complete the survey as soon as you can. The 19-question survey, which takes only 15 minutes to complete, will remain open through the month of July. If you’ve already completed the survey, thank you! If you have questions about the survey, please email them to YMTF Chair Rev. Mike Ada (Beautiful Savior, Olathe) at pastorada@bslcks.org or DCE Brian Amey (Holy Cross, Wichita) at BDAmey@holycrosslutheran.net.

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2019 Worker Conference Registration Opens Next Month

Make plans now to attend the 2019 Pastors and Educators Conferences at Bethany Lutheran Church in Overland Park!

Accommodations have been arranged with the Hampton Inn (10591 E Metcalf) at a rate of $109 + tax/night. Registration information will be available on the District website August 1.

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LAST CALL: Early Childhood Conference

This is your final opportunity to register for the 2019 Kansas District Early Childhood Conference, to be held Saturday, July 27, at Sonshine Preschool and Childcare Center, Zion Lutheran Church, Chanute. You can find a brochure with program details and a registration form in the “Quick Links” section of the homepage of kslcms.org.

CONFERENCE SPEAKERS

Index

Beth Toland Allen County Community College “Addressing School Readiness with Best Practices”

2019 Pastors Conference “The Joyful Word” (John 15:11) October 7–9 Keynote: Rev. Dr. William Weinrich on the writings of John

Educators Conference “JOY: Jesus, Others, Yourself” (Neh. 8:10) October 9–10 Keynote: Lutheran Family Services of Iowa

Kelly Heiskell Lamar R-1 School District, MO Brain development as related to attachment relationships, nutrition, and experience

Shake It Up!

Youth Ministry Updates: Fall 2019

Junior High Rallies | September 27–28 | Timber Lakes (Williamsburg) and Shepherd’s Staff (Rexford) Students who will be in grades 5–9 this fall are invited to attend one of the District’s Junior High Rallies this fall, where the focus will be on the theme “Change.” Bible studies based on Paul’s missionary journeys will address a list of “tough” changes (divorce, death, cancer, etc.) and how we are to deal with change. Ultimately, it’s about who we are in Jesus, who is a changeless God. District Youth Gathering (DYG) | November 22–24 | Hyatt, Wichita The 2019 DYG, for high school youth and adult leaders, will take place in Wichita this year. The theme of the event is “Priceless,” based on Romans 5:8. Rev. Ryan Peterson from Concordia University, Ann Arbor, is the scheduled speaker, and Bread of Stone will once again serve as the gathering band. Watch for more details in August.

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SLED 18 Cohort Graduates

The LCMS School Ministry recognized graduates of the School Leadership Development (SLED) cohort on Wednesday, June 19, at a service at the LCMS International Center in St. Louis. Congratulations to two LCMS Kansas District educators who completed SLED 18: Whitney Holle (St. John, Alma; back row, left side of altar painting) and Daniel Gibson (Hope, Shawnee; back row, left of crucifix and candle).

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Caring Ministry

Summer Parish Nursing Newsletter Available

The summer quarter Parish Nurse Ministry newsletter is now available on the Parish Nursing page of kslcms.org. In this quarter’s issue: Tips for caregivers Parkinson’s Symposium at Faith Lutheran, Topeka, September 13 Information on mission trips, educational opportunities, and resources

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Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) News Donna Williams, District Disaster Response Coordinator

Kansas District LERT teams have been very busy in the wake of tornado damage in the Basehor/Linwood area. Here’s the latest from the LERT Kansas District Facebook page (June 30): We finished our 24th project this morning. There have been 2,150 Lutheran hours volunteered to this disaster. We have had LERT team members from congregations in Concordia, Hays, Lincolnville, Newton, Topeka, Ottawa, Paola, Gardner, Basehor, Olathe, Shawnee, Overland Park, and Lutheran Church Charities from Illinois. What a great response! God is good! [Click HERE for a video recap from Lutheran Church Charities.] Due the heat, we are taking a break until the temperature cools down (maybe in September?). We have four projects remaining, and the owners are agreeable to wait until the heat breaks this fall. Thanks and blessings to all who have volunteered!

Click HERE for a more detailed recap, and remember to keep an eye on Facebook (as well as kslcms.org) for updated information on events in the Kansas District.

Kansas District LCMS LERT Kansas District Lutheran Early Response Team – Northeast KS

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” and I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8

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LAST CALL: Saints Alive After 55 Event July 21–23

Saints Alive After 55, an older adult ministry of the Kansas District, is holding its annual gathering July 21–23 at the Spiritual Life Center in Wichita. The theme of this year’s event is "The Timeless Blueprint for Witness," based on 1 Peter 3:15–16. Rev. Rick Hathaway, retired pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Winfield, will serve as keynote speaker. Additional speakers for the event include Mary Hume, Kansas District parish nurse representative, and Jeff Crane, branch manager for Orphan Grain Train in Wichita. Rev. Robert Nestler, retired pastor from Faith Lutheran in Topeka, will serve as Bible study leader, and Rev. Quentin Nuttmann of Our Redeemer in Hutchinson will lead the closing service. For more information, fees, and a registration form, visit the Saints Alive page of the Kansas District website.

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Business Office 21 Students Receive District Scholarships

The Kansas District Scholarship Committee has awarded $41,700 in scholarships to 21 students who are preparing for church work vocations. The amount awarded this year increased 64% over last year’s awards by the grace of God through the generous gift of the Doris Meyer Scholarship Fund. This fund will have a lasting impact on Kansas District church work students and seminarians for many years to come!

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Overdue Notice: Convention Assessments

Assessments for the 2019 Triennial Synod Convention were due July 1. If your congregation missed the deadline, please send assessments ASAP to the LCMS Kansas District, Attn: Shannon Oldham, 1000 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, KS, 66604-1104. If you have any questions, please contact Shannon at 785-357-4441, ext. 202, or shannon@kslcms.org.

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The Lutheran Witness: Time to Subscribe!

It’s time to subscribe to The Lutheran Witness, the LCMS’s flagship publication! LW subscription packets are being mailed to Kansas District congregations the week of July 8.

Every month, The Lutheran Witness brings you news, stories, and essays that aim to encourage you in your faith, clarify God’s Word, keep you informed, and maybe spark a question or two. If you subscribe through your congregation, your issue also includes a Kansas District insert, which brings you news about LCMS people and places right here in Kansas.

If you have questions about subscriptions, contact Shannon Oldham at 785-357-4441, ext. 202, or shannon@kslcms.org.

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LCEF

Note from the District Vice President

Dear Kansas District Members,

The Lutheran Church Extension Fund is blessed with strong investors and faithful borrowers. That partnership, along with the continued blessings of our Lord, has allowed the LCEF Kansas District to make available $16,000 in Outreach Ministry Grants this year to congregations, schools and other LCMS organizations within the Kansas District.

Applicants for Outreach Ministry Grants were encouraged to target individuals, families, or neighborhoods with inventive ministries. I’m pleased to report that we were able to award 27 grants in support of various ministries across Kansas, for projects including Vacation Bible School, community celebrations, service events, and more. We wish the grant recipients the Lord’s blessings on their outreach activities.

Blessings,

Jeffrey Maltz jeffrey.maltz@lcef.org 785-230-4112 lcef.org

Featured Program: ConnectPLUS

Around the District

Installations

Rev. Kevin Peterson was installed as pastor of Zion Lutheran Church, Independence, June 9, 2019. Pictured from left, (front row) the Rev. Bruce Kristalyn, Rev. Jay Hobson, Peterson, District President Rev. Peter Lange, Rev. Jonathan Scheck; (back row) Rev. Anthony Fields, Rev. Timothy Roth, Rev. Ted Cook, Rev. Michael Apfel and Rev. Don Copley.

On Sunday, June 16, Mr. Harmon Butler was installed at St. John Lutheran Church and School, Alma as the new principal/teacher (middle school science and math). Rev. Robert Grimm and Jim Bradshaw, Kansas District Assistant to the President for Education & Youth, installed Butler. Butler and his wife, Julie, come to Alma from Baton Rouge, LA, where he served as principal/teacher.

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Worker Milestones

August Workshops

Concordia Summer Workshop De-coding the Apocalypse: Study of the Book of Revelation | August 5–7 | St. Peter’s, Humboldt Presenter: Dr. David J. Peter, Professor of Practical Theology, Concordia Seminary

The title of the last book of the Bible is translated as “Revelation,” but its original title was “Apocalypse,” literally meaning “the unveiling.” The purpose of this book of the Bible is to unveil the purposes of God in human history. For many people, however, it remains seemingly veiled as an obscure, mysterious, and confusing book because it is written in coded language. This study will look at the most significant coded symbols of the book and the keys to their interpretation.

The cost of the workshop is $140; register on the event page by July 25. For more information, contact Pr. Timothy Roth at pastor@stpetershumboldt.org.

Rev. James Peterson was ordained and installed June 23 at First Lutheran Church, Phillipsburg. From left: (front row) Rev. Justin Hildebrand, Rev. Michael Schmidt, Peterson, District President Rev. Peter Lange, Rev. Michael Brockman, Rev. Paul Warneke; (back row) Rev. Dave Hutson, Rev. Rick Rostek, Rev. Mark Boxman, Rev. Robert Alexander, Rev. Joel Heisterman, Rev. Kenton Abbott, and Rev. David Kahle.

Double anniversary: Pastor Bruce Kristalyn celebrated the 30th anniversary of his ordination with members of Grace, Iola June 9. The congregation also celebrated the 10th anniversary of their building.

On June 30, St. Paul Lutheran Church, Clay Center, released DCE Jeremy Pera (center) from his call following 40 years of service at St. Paul. St. Paul pastor Rev. Paul Tessaro and congregational president Gary Stenzel also recognized Pera for his 47 years of service in Lutheran education as a teacher and a director of Christian education. Pera, who currently serves on the Kansas District Board of Directors, also served schools in Rocky River, OH, and Glencoe, MN.

2019 Worship Conference “Restoring Sacramental Lutheran Piety” Saturday, August 17 | 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m. $25, lunch included St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Topeka is hosting its third annual Worship Conference to provide continuing education and conversation for pastors and church musicians. Congregation members are also encouraged to attend if they find it useful to their learning.

The keynote speaker for this conference is Dr. Joseph Herl, assistant professor of music at Concordia University Nebraska, where he teaches courses in music history, music theory, and church music. He is the author of the book Worship Wars in Early Lutheranism: Choir, Congregation, and Three Centuries of Conflict and is also known for his choral and organ compositions as well as his contributions to the Lutheran Service Book.

For more details about the workshop, including a schedule, presentation description, and registration procedures, visit the event page on the St. John’s website.

Questions? Contact Kantor Bethany Johnson at bjohnson@stjlcms.org.

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Upcoming Anniversary Celebrations St. Paul's Lutheran School in Cheney, Kansas, is celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2019! A reunion and celebration will be held in the Family Life Center at 5:00 p.m. on August 10. If you’d like to attend, please contact the church office at 316-540-0115. Everyone is invited as we celebrate 125 years of children growing in Christ at St. Paul's Lutheran School!

Immanuel Lutheran Church (Hermansberg) in Bremen, Kansas, will celebrate its 150th anniversary on August 10 and 11, 2019. The theme of the anniversary celebration is drawn from the hymn, “O God, Our Help in Ages Past” (LSB 733). The Saturday afternoon service will be at 4 p.m., with Rev. Delton Stohs as the guest pastor. A confirmation alumni supper will follow the service. The Sunday morning service will be at 10 a.m. with Concordia Seminary, St. Louis President Dr. Dale Meyer as the preacher. A meal will be served following the service. The Sunday afternoon service will be at 3 p.m., with Kansas District President Rev. Peter Lange as the guest preacher. We thank God for all His Blessings. To Him be the Glory!

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Reader Responses: “Joy:fully Lutheran” Hymns In the months leading up to the LCMS convention, we asked readers to identify hymns that say: “Joy:fully Lutheran.” You might have seen some of those responses in The Lutheran Witness in June/July. The whole list appears here. Thanks to everyone who contributed! He Is Arisen Glorious Word masterfully captures the reconciling work of Christ, the simultaneous un-barring of heaven and barring of hell, the destruction of the devil, the victory over death, and the life we receive from Him as the Word made flesh.

—Rev. Sean Kilgo

With High Delight Let Us Unite —President Peter Lange

God’s Own Child, I Gladly Say It

— Emily Bradshaw

I Know that My Redeemer Lives — Nancy Taylor

The Te Deum is indeed joyfully Lutheran. Starting with praise, worship, majesty, fellowship, the Triune God—King of glory, Comforter, Father of an infinite majesty—it then flows into Jesus humbling himself to be born, overcoming death, opening the kingdom of heaven to believers, sitting at the right hand of God, and the declaration of faith that Jesus will return again. The concluding verses emphasize prayer, redemption, and trust. Thanks to my Lutheran heritage, I can sing the entire Te Deum from memory.

— Bev Sparks

Thy Strong Word fully and faithfully expresses our confidence in the enduring Word of God.

— Rev. Michael Schmidt Crown Him with Many Crowns Plus, a verse that is not in the LSB: Crown Him the Lord of years, The Potentate of time. Creator of the rolling spheres ineffably sublime. All hail, Redeemer, hail! For Thou has died for me; Thy praise shall never, never fail Throughout eternity.

— Brenda Piester Dear Christians, One and All, Rejoice

— Bethany Johnson Hark, the Voice of Jesus Crying

— Mary Schmidt

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District Office Directory

President’s Office • Rev. Peter K. Lange, President: kspres@kslcms.org, 785-357-4441, ext. 200 • Tami Lierz, Administrative Assistant: tami@kslcms.org, 785-357-4441, ext. 200

Missions & Stewardship • Rev. Dan Galchutt, Assistant to the President for Missions & Stewardship: dangalchutt@kslcms.org,

785-357-4441, ext. 222 • Janet Powell, Administrative Assistant (Missions): janet@kslcms.org, 785-357-4441, ext. 223 • Shannon Oldham, Administrative Assistant (Stewardship): shannon@kslcms.org, 785-357-4441, ext. 202

Education & Youth • Jim Bradshaw, Assistant to the President for Educational Services: jbradshaw@kslcms.org, 785-357-4441,

ext. 200 • Tami Lierz, Administrative Assistant (calls; rosters/stats; events): tami@kslcms.org, 785-357-4441, ext. 200 • Janet Powell, Administrative Assistant (general school support): janet@kslcms.org, 785-357-4441, ext. 223

Business Office • Heather Williams, Business Manager: heather@kslcms.org, 785-357-4441, ext. 204 • Shannon Oldham, Administrative Assistant: shannon@kslcms.org, 785-357-4441, ext. 202

Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) • Jeff Maltz, LCEF Vice President, Kansas/Oklahoma: jeffrey.maltz@lcef.org, 785-357-4441, ext. 118

Communications • Kris Bruss, Communications Specialist, kbruss@kslcms.org, 785-357-4441, ext. 322

Lutheran Witness Subscriptions • Shannon Oldham: shannon@kslcms.org, 785-357-4441, ext. 202

Retreat Center Reservations • Rev. Mark and Kristi Lovett: retreathouseherington@gmail.com, 785-380-8291