The Seminary Sampler is a three-day visit event designed to give prospective students a "taste" of LSTC life. Here, they will have the opportunity to discern with other prospective students a call to ministry and how LSTC might be the place for them. Information given will include meeting students, faculty and staff, an introduction to our programs, a tour of LSTC and the surrounding neighborhood, possibilities for financial assistance, and much more. Housing, most meals, and some travel reimbursement are available. For more information contact Scott Chalmers at 773-256-0727 or schalmers@lstc.edu.
http://www.lstc.edu/prospective-students/visit/sampler/
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Called and gathered by God in baptism,
we walk together with Christ |
God & Golf
LOMC invites you to
God and Golf
August 19-21, 2013
Overnight at LOMC
Golf at Silver Ridge Course
Russ’s speaking, and a movie
Accommodations are free as a gift from LOMC.
$20 per day for food
$35 per 18 holes of golf with cart
Full or partial scholarships available including golf.
No Golf? Just come and enjoy nature.
Registration
Register by contacting registrations@lomc.orgor 815-732-2220
Download a flyer/registration form
Schedule
Monday
11 AM Golf course registration
11:30 Golf start/Individual scoring
5:30 PM Dinner at LOMC
6:30 PM “Golf and God” by Russ Senti
Evening R&R, fellowship, and nature
Tuesday
7 AM LOMC Continental Breakfast
11 AM Golf Course Registration
11:30 AM Golf start/Best Ball
5:30 PM Dinner at LOMC
6:30 PM Golf Movie, “Seven Days in Utopia”
Wednesday
7:00 AM LOMC Continental Breakfast
8:30 AM Golf Start
Find out more at http://lomc.org/events/2g/
The Thanksgiving Tree
LMM One Year to Live Retreat
Lutheran Men in Mission invite you to a One Year to Live retreat
Luther Park
Chetek, WI
January 11-13, 2013
Men of ALL AGES yearn for real friendships and a closer relationship with Christ.
Join us and be…
- Adventurous and courageous
- Genuine and spiritual
Look forward to…
- Banding together and being challenged
- Examining your life and making decisions
Be prepared for a spiritual boot camp.
This 44-hour event is not for the faint of heart!
2013 Grant Application
Greetings:
It is again time to apply for grants from the Social Ministry, Justice, and Advocacy Committee.
The committee has $6,000 available in 2013, which is the same amount as 2012. Due to budget constraints, this is less than in prior years, and the goal of our committee is to provide at least some assistance to approved grant applications. It is our prayer that in future budget years we can again provide more as the church is an important visible link to our communities.
Please be aware of the deadline and the requirements that are different from past grants. We know being good stewards of God's grace requires two written reports and in separate documents pictures of your projects in action. The deadline for the grant requests is March 31, 2013 so that the committee can make determinations at our 2013 April meeting.
Ellen Davis, SMJA Committee Chair
Paraments Available
First Lutheran Church, Decatur recently replaced their paraments and would like to share the ones as pictured with a congregation who could use them.
Each design has three pieces:
Wall Hanging / Pulpit Hanging: 18”W x 66”L
Stoles: 5”W x 94”L
Altar Valance: 26ó”W x 26”óL
You are welcome to go the church and look at them or call the church office for further information
217.423.7783
Synodically Authorized Ministry RETREAT
Outreach, Mission, and Ecumenism
Presenter: Rev. Jean DeVoll-Donaldson
Assistant to the Bishop/Director of Evangelical Mission
On Jan. 1, 2008, Pastor Jean DeVoll-Donaldson was called as Assistant to the Bishop for the
Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod and, as the role was eventually called, a Director for Evangelical
Mission (D.E.M.) deployed through the Congregational and Synodical Mission (CSM) Unit of the
ELCA, with a focus on mission done in and through congregations, and stewardship. On May 15,
Pastor Jean began to serve as temporary and very part time D.E.M. for the Central/Southern IL Synod, in support of renewal processes for Trinity, Kankakee and the New and Renewing Congregations Committee.
In 2002 Pastor Jean was called into the A-OK Synod to serve at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Bentonville, Arkansas
Pastor Jean also serves as an active member of the ELCA/CSM Renewing Congregations and
Transformational Ministry Team.
Educational Background: B.S., major: Psychology; minor: Biology,1987; Licensure—Secondary Education, Biology, 1987; M.S.Ed., Biology, 1993; post graduate certification for licensure in School Administration, 1998; M.Div. at the Lutheran School of Theology (LSTC), 2002. Family data: Jean is married to John, who is disabled with Multiple Sclerosis. Together they have seven children—one a daughter, Alex, is still at home—and 14 grandchildren.
In addition to those completing the program of study to become a Synodically Authorized Minister, we are inviting a limited number of recognized Synodically Authorized Ministers who wish to earn continuing education credit, individuals who wish to begin the program of study to become a SAM, and rostered leaders.
WHEN: Saturday, October 6, 2012 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Light lunch will be provided.)
WHERE: Synod Office / 524 S Fifth St / Springfield, IL
Registration Form
Presenter: Rev. Jean DeVoll-Donaldson
Assistant to the Bishop/Director of Evangelical Mission
On Jan. 1, 2008, Pastor Jean DeVoll-Donaldson was called as Assistant to the Bishop for the
Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod and, as the role was eventually called, a Director for Evangelical
Mission (D.E.M.) deployed through the Congregational and Synodical Mission (CSM) Unit of the
ELCA, with a focus on mission done in and through congregations, and stewardship. On May 15,
Pastor Jean began to serve as temporary and very part time D.E.M. for the Central/Southern IL Synod, in support of renewal processes for Trinity, Kankakee and the New and Renewing Congregations Committee.
In 2002 Pastor Jean was called into the A-OK Synod to serve at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Bentonville, Arkansas
Pastor Jean also serves as an active member of the ELCA/CSM Renewing Congregations and
Transformational Ministry Team.
Educational Background: B.S., major: Psychology; minor: Biology,1987; Licensure—Secondary Education, Biology, 1987; M.S.Ed., Biology, 1993; post graduate certification for licensure in School Administration, 1998; M.Div. at the Lutheran School of Theology (LSTC), 2002. Family data: Jean is married to John, who is disabled with Multiple Sclerosis. Together they have seven children—one a daughter, Alex, is still at home—and 14 grandchildren.
In addition to those completing the program of study to become a Synodically Authorized Minister, we are inviting a limited number of recognized Synodically Authorized Ministers who wish to earn continuing education credit, individuals who wish to begin the program of study to become a SAM, and rostered leaders.
WHEN: Saturday, October 6, 2012 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Light lunch will be provided.)
WHERE: Synod Office / 524 S Fifth St / Springfield, IL
Registration Form
Trede Scholarship Available Synod-wide This Year
The Herman Trede and Esther Trede Memorial Scholarship for the school year 2010-2011 is available this year to any student that is a member of a congregation in the Central/Southern Illinois Synod who is attending a Lutheran College, University, or Theological Seminary.
The Trede Scholarship was established in 1988 and is administered through the congregations of Peace Lutheran, Steeleville and St. John, Bremen.
Under the regulations of the scholarship it is made available synod-wide if there are no applicants from Peace, Steeleville or St. John, Bremen.
Students may request an application by writing to: Peace Lutheran Church, 303 N. Mulberry Street, Steeleville, Il 62288-1522 or by email at peacelutheran1@gmail.com.
Applications must be returned by September 1, 2012.
The Trede Scholarship was established in 1988 and is administered through the congregations of Peace Lutheran, Steeleville and St. John, Bremen.
Under the regulations of the scholarship it is made available synod-wide if there are no applicants from Peace, Steeleville or St. John, Bremen.
Students may request an application by writing to: Peace Lutheran Church, 303 N. Mulberry Street, Steeleville, Il 62288-1522 or by email at peacelutheran1@gmail.com.
Applications must be returned by September 1, 2012.
It's not too late!
It’s not too late to register for classes this fall at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago! Have you ever wanted to deepen your understanding of the Bible? Did you ever wish you knew more about what Luther really believed? Would you like to understand more clearly the teachings of Islam? If you answered yes to any of these questions, there are classes at LSTC for you.
If you cannot travel to the Chicago campus our online classes may be the thing for you. This fall we are offering two courses: Pentateuch and Wisdom Literature and Greek I. Online courses are a wonderful way to not only immerse yourself in theological study but they also provide a wonderful forum for the exchange of ideas between faculty and students.
The fastest growing program at LSTC is the Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MATS), a really flexible program that lets students take classes in Bible, history, theology and a variety of other disciplines. This program is designed primarily for those who seek continuing education, professional development or simply want to understand their faith on a deeper level.
Unlike the Master of Divinity, this degree does not lead to ordained ministry, so the application process can be completed in a much shorter time. If you are interested in registering for classes this fall, or have any questions about online education, please contact Dr. R. Scott Chalmers, Director of Admissions, schalmers@lstc.edu, 773-256-0727.
A Training: God’s Care For Congregations in Times of Crisis
God’s Care for Congregations in Times of Crisis is a training designed to help congregations respond effectively to crisis situations. In times of crisis and disaster, a well-prepared congregation can be a source of strength and compassion for those who have been affected. The format used in Illinois is a half-day training event, consisting of a PowerPoint presentation, group discussion based on vignettes and support manuals for congregations.
Training Objectives:
- Recognize the need to be prepared for crises and disasters.
- Understand how individuals and communities typically respond to crises and disasters.
- Develop an appreciation for how compassionate and competent response can improve crisis outcomes.
- Develop next steps for increasing each participating congregation’s capacity to respond to crises and disasters.
Each participating congregation receives a God’s Care manual, which outlines basic crisis concepts and provides resources such as checklists and forms for implementing a response team. It would be helpful if prior to registration, participants have secured the support of their pastors/congregations.
The God’s Care training was developed and refined by Rick Armstrong, a Lutheran pastor, and Ann Eissfeldt, a Lutheran school psychologist, in Florida. Their experience with disasters, such as hurricanes and various internal congregational crises, led them to develop a training and a manual designed to help congregations prepare for times of crisis.
Please join us on Saturday, May 12, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Springhill Suites, located at 8101 West Higgins Road, in Chicago. You may register in advance by contacting Joy Medrano, Lutheran Social Services of Illinois, 847/635-4653, or at Joy.Medrano@LSSI.org. Registration is $10 per person and can be paid either by check or cash the day of the event.
This event is sponsored by Lutheran Disaster Response, Lutheran Child and Family Services and Lutheran Social Services of Illinois.
Registration for Lutheran Day 2012 Is Open
As in previous years, you will join Lutherans from across the state in study, prayer and action for greater justice and compassion in Illinois. There will be a workshop session in the morning, which will be followed by a gathering at the Capitol, where participants will join together for a prayer service in the Capitol Rotunda and pray for elected officials.
The Paul Simon Courage in Public Service Award will also be presented. This year the award will be presented to the Illinois National Guard. This award was developed to recognize a public official from Illinois who exemplifies the late Senator Simon’s commitment to developing just, compassionate and responsible public policy.
Lutheran Day is sponsored by Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI), Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois, Lutheran Advocacy–Illinois, Advocate Healthcare and Mosaic. For more information, contact Joy Medrano at LSSI at 847/635-4653 or Joy.Medrano@LSSI.org.
To equip the saints
“To equip the saints for the work of ministry,
for building up of the body of Christ” Ephesians 4:12
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Photo after worship at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Arenzville, March 25, 2012
Front row: Marilyn Copenhaver (President, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Mount Vernon), Ron Copenhaver (Prince of Peace Lutheran), Cindy Kiesow (Prince of Peace Lutheran), Judy Settle (Prince of Peace Lutheran).
Back row: Wes Hendricker (President, St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Arenzville), Pastor Cindy Krause (St. Peter’s Lutheran), Bishop John Roth, John and Gloria Hill (Prince of Peace Lutheran).
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On Sunday, March 11, 2012, St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Arenzville, and the Men’s Group of St. Peter’s Lutheran voted to gift to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Mount Vernon, $50,000 and $20,000, respectively, for mortgage debt reduction. This $70,000 constitutes roughly half of Prince of Peace Lutheran’s remaining mortgage debt. The two checks were handed to representatives of Prince of Peace Lutheran at the close of worship at St. Peter’s Lutheran on March 25, 2012. Have you ever heard of such a gift? Who are these churches?
St. Peter's Lutheran has existed more than a century longer than Prince of Peace Lutheran. St. Peter’s Lutheran is an open country church, just north and slightly west of the town of Arenzville, population 409 (2010 census). The congregation has been worshiping together at that site since 1850; you get there by turning west onto a country road from the hard road between Arenzville and Beardstown.
In the course of God’s constant faithfulness to the congregation, St. Peter’s Lutheran has repeatedly adapted to changing and challenging circumstances. The Wartburg Synod, which was organized in 1877 to serve the needs of German-speaking congregations in the largely English-speaking General Synod, was organized at this Arenzville church; yet within 40 years, in response to the needs of younger members and to the misgivings about the use of the German language created by World War I, the congregation transitioned to English speaking. Their stately, nearly 100-year-old church building was utterly destroyed in 1971 by a fire set by arsonists, and the congregation regrouped in a new building. An electrical fire took the congregation’s free-standing Parish Hall in May 2008, destroying the congregation’s Sunday School classrooms; the congregation turned this into an opportunity to replace them with enhanced Sunday School and youth facilities as an expansion of the current church building. Less than a year after that second fire, St. Peter’s Lutheran was rocked by the sudden and unexpected death of Pastor Deena Laird; again, the congregation regrouped and drew upon the promises and power of God.
For many years, both lay leaders and pastors of St. Peter’s Lutheran have taught and lived the truth that we are given life so that by the grace of God we may be generous with what God as gifted us with. In the words of the venerable Bethel Bible Series, we are “blessed to be a blessing.” In addition to providing for God’s work locally and beyond through the regular stewardship of the individuals and families at St. Peter’s Lutheran, outreach and ministry are expanded by income from church ground, including a 240-acre farm left as a bequest to the congregation, farmed by the Men’s Group.
Still, a gift of this sort to a sister congregation is a new venture in faith for St. Peter’s Lutheran.
The people of St. Peter's Lutheran have a heart for ministry to and with children and youth, and it moved them that Prince of Peace assumed its current mortgage debt out of a vision to engage the young people of Mount Vernon. In addition, St. Peter’s Lutheran recognized that the financial ability of Prince of Peace Lutheran to call a pastor will be significantly improved when the burden of their mortgage debt is lifted.
Mount Vernon is a small city with a population of slightly more than 15,000 residents. It is at the intersection of Interstates 57 and 64, 175 miles from Arenzville. Prince of Peace Lutheran sits on the south side of Broadway, the busy, four-lane road into Mount Vernon, about a mile from Broadway exit on I-57/64. The setting is ripe for renewal.
Prince of Peace Lutheran came into being in 1966. The congregation built its sanctuary in 1967. Prince of Peace Lutheran grew rapidly in its first decade, reaching its highpoint in average worship attendance in 1980. Gradual decline in attendance, with ups and downs along the way, followed for the next 25 years. It was within this 25-year period that the congregation sought to reach out to the community in a dramatic way with a Family Life Center.
In 1994, Prince of Peace Lutheran embarked on a building expansion plan to provide a Family Life Center suitable for Christian education classrooms, recreation, fellowship, and community activities. Sadly, though, Pastor Charles Luttinen, who spearheaded the building expansion effort, succumbed to cancer and died in 1995, as construction was underway.
Valiant efforts by succeeding pastors and lay leaders of Prince of Peace Lutheran to attend to the spiritual life of the congregation and to the debt load were followed by a significant internal conflict in 2005 that resulted in the congregation decreasing by half in a matter of months.
Today, Prince of Peace Lutheran is a relatively small band of believers with a conviction that God is calling them anew to their gospel-driven mission to young people and adults in Mount Vernon. This past year has been a good year at Prince of Peace Lutheran in terms of stabilizing numbers and lifting spirits. These surprising gifts from St. Peter’s Lutheran Church and St. Peter’s Men’s Group give Prince of Peace Lutheran not only a financial boost toward the day when Prince of Peace Lutheran can again call a pastor; the gifts also assure those at Prince of Peace Lutheran that they are not alone in their efforts at congregational renewal – that they are indeed joined in the body of Christ with those whose love for the Lord extends also to them.
In her letter of appreciation to the people of St. Peter’s Lutheran, Prince of Peace Lutheran Council President Marilyn Copenhaver writes, “We feel as though we have been uplifted and joined together through the love of Christ with those we have never met … We look forward to many years of friendship in Christ with you and all our many ELCA congregations.”
A special notice from LSTC’s Youth in Mission program
Hello Friends!
The Youth in Mission office here at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago would like to announce an extension of the application deadline for this summer’s Serving Christ in the World Program. We will now be accepting applications until March 16, 2012. Please forward this information to any youth or youth directors who may be interested!
Serving Christ in the World: June 16-30, 2012
Current high school sophomores and juniors are invited to apply for this life-changing program, which guides its participants in exploring ways to live out their faith in the world. Participants will be challenged as they discover their leadership skills and explore their gifts for service through workshops, class sessions, worship, small group discussions, and site visits. Program participants will also travel to Mexico for a multicultural immersion experience. For more information please consult the attached brochure, or check us out on the web at www.lstc.edu/yim/. Applications are now being reviewed on a rolling basis. All application materials must be received no later than March 16, 2012.
Please encourage youth you know to apply!
Please join us when Youth in Mission hosts Recess on TUESDAY MARCH 6 (the Tuesday after Reading Week). Come and enjoy some treats and learn about our summer employment opportunities!
Blessings,
Katie Deaver
Youth in Mission Assistant
Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago
1100 E. 55th Street
Chicago, IL 60615
Phone: 800-635-1116 ex. 725
The Youth in Mission office here at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago would like to announce an extension of the application deadline for this summer’s Serving Christ in the World Program. We will now be accepting applications until March 16, 2012. Please forward this information to any youth or youth directors who may be interested!
Serving Christ in the World: June 16-30, 2012
Current high school sophomores and juniors are invited to apply for this life-changing program, which guides its participants in exploring ways to live out their faith in the world. Participants will be challenged as they discover their leadership skills and explore their gifts for service through workshops, class sessions, worship, small group discussions, and site visits. Program participants will also travel to Mexico for a multicultural immersion experience. For more information please consult the attached brochure, or check us out on the web at www.lstc.edu/yim/. Applications are now being reviewed on a rolling basis. All application materials must be received no later than March 16, 2012.
Please encourage youth you know to apply!
Please join us when Youth in Mission hosts Recess on TUESDAY MARCH 6 (the Tuesday after Reading Week). Come and enjoy some treats and learn about our summer employment opportunities!
Blessings,
Katie Deaver
Youth in Mission Assistant
Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago
1100 E. 55th Street
Chicago, IL 60615
Phone: 800-635-1116 ex. 725
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