Nebraska Lutheran Reporter

It's a New Year! Do you know where you are going? James, the no-nonsense preacher of the New Testament, bluntly spoke by the Spirit's inspiration about such going, "Now listen, you who say, `Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year, carry on business and make money.' " (James 4:13) James quickly retorts, "Why, you don't even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." (James 4:14)

Now, don't those words make you want to say, "Happy New Year"? Entering a new year amidst the threats of terrorism, uncertain troop time in Iraq, and a constantly changing global marketplace, as well as all the personal, family and community things that can nag at us, do make the New Year uncertain at best. James is right. It's not surprising, since his words aren't mere human opinion. They are God's inspired words. And James was further led by the Spirit of God to announce, " . . . you ought to say, `If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.' " (James 4:15) And it is the Lord's will to be with those who have been called into faith in the name of Jesus who lived, suffered, died, rose and ascended to provide an eternal destiny.

Christians know where they are going. Right before His death and resurrection, Jesus said that He was going to prepare a place for them in His Father's house of many mansions. This means that no matter what 2004 brings, Jesus gives His Christians confidence for the future. Paul, another inspired speaker of God's Word, said it like this, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28) Christ will be our leader in 2004! Thanks be to God! . . . President Russ Sommerfeld

Congregational Revitalization

The Nebraska District announces "Revitalization," a new tool to assist congregations in their journey of ministry and mission. Pastors, lay leaders and congregational members will walk through the two-step process together to gain a focus on where God would have them put their energies as they move into the future under the gospel of Jesus Christ. For more information or to see if your congregation could benefit from this process, contact Pastor Tom Mroch, tomm@ndlcms.org, or Pastor Rich Boring, richb@ndlcms.org, at the District Office, 1-888-643-2961. Space in this pilot project is limited, so contact them soon.

2004 Synod Convention

The official nominating ballots for the offices of President, First Vice President and other Vice Presidents have been mailed to every LCMS congregation and are due back to the Office of the Secretary of Synod absolutely no later than March 10. The deadline for the submission of overtures to the 2004 convention is March 6. An early deadline of February 6 is recommended for submission of overtures to facilitate their inclusion in the Convention Workbook. Overtures should also be sent to the Office of the Secretary of Synod. The LCMS will meet in convention July 10-15 in St. Louis.

Dr. Neil Sandfort Retires

Assistant to the President in Education and Youth Ministry, Dr. Neil Sandfort, retired from his position at the end of 2003. Neil served the Lord and the members of the Nebraska District faithfully in this position for over 20 years. The staff and Board of Directors of the Nebraska District pray God's richest blessings on Neil and his family as they move into new ministry opportunities. Neil will continue to serve the District in this position on an interim basis.

Camp Luther Projects Completed

Over the past months, a number of projects have been completed at Camp Luther. The camp's grounds have been cleaned up and a new devotional trail with scripture signs and benches has been developed. Additions and improvements to the climbing wall have been done, as well as some new boats purchased for the waterfront area. Plan to visit the camp and see these projects funded through the generous donations of several individuals and groups. Contact Camp Luther for information on camping opportunities at 1-402-352-5655 or www.campluther.org.

Crossways Workshop

All are invited to attend a Crossways International Workshop hosted by Holy Savior, Lincoln, Feb. 2-6. This workshop will provide an opportunity for participants to experience a step-by-step journey through the complete biblical narrative using Crossways materials. Register before Jan. 23 to avoid late registration fees. Contact Jennifer Mesiarik at Holy Savior for more information or for registration materials, 1-402-434-3325 or jmesiarik@holysaviorlcms.org.

Board of Directors Meets

The Nebraska District Board of Directors took the following action in its meeting Friday, Dec. 5:

Ratified Constitutions and Bylaws of Redeemer, David City, and Messiah, Lincoln.
Ratified the appointment of Rev. Phillip Vance, Fremont; Kimberle Dyer, North Platte; and Jerry Heinauer, Gretna, to the Board of Directors of Lutheran Family Services.
Granted Dr. Neil Sandfort a peaceful release from his call as Assistant to the President for Education and Youth ministries.
President Sommerfeld recommended that the Board of Directors issue the call to Commissioned Teacher/Principal Stuart Tietz of Faith Lutheran School in Lincoln, to serve as Assistant to the President for Education and Youth Ministry. The Board requested a review of the recommendation of Mr. Tietz in light of the fact some in the Nebraska District remain offended by the 1989 action of the Board of Regents of the Fort Wayne Seminary to remove the late Seminary President Robert Preus. Mr. Tietz served with the seminary Regents from 1989-1995. After further review, the recommendation may be resubmitted.
Approved a $4,903,399 operating expense budget and a $110,205 capital expense budget for resourcing the Synod and the mission of Nebraska District congregations, schools, missions and ministries. The budget includes special focus on the goals of the Nebraska District as established by the Board of Directors, which are:
- Intentional support and encouragement of congregations and schools for mission and ministry
- Supporting and equipping the saints - laity trained for ministry
- Biblical stewardship
- Communication with vision and purpose
The Board was also led by the Lord to place a focus on seeding new missions, church worker scholarships and revising its grant process for existing ministries. By approving this budget, the Board is projecting an operating deficit of $425,256 for 2004, but is confident that the Lord can provide "through the generosity He can work in the hearts of His people." The Board carefully took note of trends of giving to the Lord and His mission by Nebraska District congregations. They gave thanks for the generosity the Lord works among His people and expressed concern for Nebraska District congregations that are not giving to support the Synod and District mission. The Board also received a thorough report on several "funding for Synod" proposals, and discussed the available information on the proposal to be placed before the 2004 Synod Convention by Synod's Board of Directors.

"Igniting Congregations"

Representatives from 23 LCMS congregations met with Synodical President Gerald Kieschnick at King of Kings, Omaha, Nov. 14-15 to discuss worship attendance growth in their congregations and across Synod. President Kieschnick referred to a survey indicating only 20 percent of Americans are in church on any given Sunday. These 23 congregations committed to mentoring four other congregations by sharing their expertise in worship attendance growth and creating events for these mentored congregations to network and encourage one another.

Concordia, Shanghai, China Tour

Concordia International School in Shanghai, China, is offering a 15-day tour of Shanghai and surrounding areas of China in May of 2004. The tour offers first-hand experience in China and participation in a unique ministry of the LCMS. During the tour, participants will travel, worship, study, experience history and perform light service. Through this tour, travelers will have the unique opportunity to experience community, ministry and history. The tour price includes a gift to Concordia's ministry. The registration deadline is Feb. 1. More information is available at www.ciss.com.cn.

CALL INFORMATION

ORDAINED MINISTERS

Calls Accepted

Rev. Burt Garwood (StL'99), associate, Holy Savior, Lincoln, to associate, King of Kings, Omaha

Calls Declined

Rev. Brad Birtell (StL'92), St. John, Columbus, to Immanuel, Lincoln

Rev. Steve Heinsen (StL'96), associate, Christ, Norfolk, to Trinity, Amherst

Rev. Harold Hintzman (StL'75), Faith, Humboldt, to St. John, Wakefield

Ordinations/Installations

Rev. Duane Fahr (StL'91) as pastor, First Trinity, Bloomfield, Nov. 22

COMMISSIONED MINISTERS

Calls Accepted

Susan Krieger (S'82), teacher, Christ, Phoenix, Ariz., to teacher/admissions counselor, Concordia, Seward

Placements

Aline Kitten (CQ CU'03), lay teacher, Trinity, Grand Island, to called teacher, Trinity, Grand Island

Michele Synovec (CQ CU'03), lay teacher, Trinity, Fremont, to called teacher, Trinity, Fremont

Other Transactions

Eunice Brandt (S'70), reinstated to teacher roster, Christ, Norfolk

Curtis Green (Sp'84), candidate to resigned

Brenda Sunderman (S'74), reinstated to teacher roster, Christ, Norfolk

Coming Events

Wheat Ridge Seeds of Hope Award Dinner, Happy Hollow Country Club, Omaha, Jan. 17

Spring Pastors' Conference, Holiday Inn, Kearney, Feb. 2-3

Junior High Retreat, Camp Luther, Schuyler, March 19-20

Nebraska District LLL Convention, Arapahoe, March 19-21

Junior High Retreat, Camp Comeca, Cozad, March 26-27

Principals' Conference, The Leadership Center, Aurora, April 15-16

LFS Partners in Caring Church Worker Day, North Platte, June 14

Grace Place Retreat, Aspen, Colo., June 21-26

LCMS Convention Delegate Caucus, Concordia University, Seward, June 5

Circuit Counselor Retreat, Benedict Center, Schuyler, Sept. 13-14

Anniversaries

Grace, Neligh, 75th, April 18, with a special service at 10:30 a.m.

Calvary, Lincoln, 75th, May 22-23, with an open house on May 22 and fellowship, a celebration service with guest speaker Gary Thies at 9:30 a.m. and a 12:30 p.m. lunch on May 23. Contact the church office for more information, 1-402-476-1567 or info@ecalvary.org.

St. John, Columbus, 125th, July 11, with former pastor Rev. Thomas Wink as guest preacher at a 10:00 a.m. worship service.

Good Shepherd, Fremont, 50th, July 17-18, with a special worship service featuring Dr. Dale A. Meyer July 18 at 2:00 p.m.

St. Paul, Kenesaw, 100th, July 25, with guest speakers Dr. Dale A. Meyer and Rev. John Diener and a noon meal. Call 1-402-752-3240 to register for the meal.

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