january 11, 2012 - making a difference newsletter

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Weekly Newsletter from Lutheran Church Charities

TRANSCRIPT

January 11, 2012 In This Issue

Featured StoriesDisaster Response

Ministry NeedsMission OpportunitiesInternational Ministry

LCC Ministry ResourcesTim's Pick of the Week

Upcoming EventsHow To Keep LCC Serving

Tim's Pick of the Week

LCC has many resources

available to congregations,businesses, and individuals.

Click here to visit our website andlearn more

Pastor Lintvedt of Beautiful Savior O'Fallon,Illinois Appeals for Vehicle for Single Mom withPuppet Ministry Karen Anders and her son, Timothy, provide manyblessings to congregations around the Midwestthrough their puppet ministry. Recently the vanthey use for their ministry, as well as everydayuse, failed and can't be repaired. Pastor VernonLintvedt of Beautiful Savior where the Andersattend has asked LCC to help find a replacementvan. This van will help Karen and Tim continuetheir ministry without interruption. If you have avehicle that could bless this family and ministry orknow someone who does, please call the LCCoffice at (866) 455-6466 for details on making thedonation. LCC allows full Kelley Blue Book value for your charitable donation.

Reverend Bruce Ray of Lutheran Day Nursery inChicago Needs Washer and Dryer for the Ministry Reverend Bruce Ray of the independent Lutheran DayNursery in Chicago contacted LCC for help with aspecific need for a washer and dryer. He writes... My name is Rev. Bruce Ray and I am Executive Director ofLutheran Day Nursery, a 100 year old ministry in Chicagothat provides affordable childcare and early childhoodeducation to at-risk families. We are currently in desperateneed of a new washer and dryer to wash sheets andblankets and one of my staff recommended that I contactLutheran Church Charities. Please let me know if LCC maybe able to assist us in promoting our needs. Thank you. If you have a washer and/or dryer that are in good workingorder and would like to help meet this need, please contact the LCC office at (866) 455-6466 and ask for Dianna Bonfield or email [email protected]

Trinity Urbana Mission Team Reports from Haiti

Earlier this week LCC received pictures fromSydney Kessa, our in-country Coordinator, ofthe Trinity Lutheran Urbana MissionTeam arriving in Haiti. The team from Trinityreturned to Jacmel Haiti this week. Their firsttrip to Haiti was last year. This team has beenvery supportive in the building efforts in thetown of Beaudouin near Jacmel and thisweekend they will celebrate the dedication ofthe new homes and church that have been

built there. Trinity's work this year includes working on finishing the new Guest House

LCC connects needs with resources,working with more than 400

congregations to help Christians"Make a Difference in People's Lives

and in God's Kingdom"To meet our staff, click here

For more information about LCC andits human care ministry, please

contact LCC staff at:LCC@LutheranChurch Charities.org

More...

Ministry Quicklinks

Newsletter Archive /

Printable Format

Bible Classes

Daily Devotions

Prayer Requests

To Donate

Ministries We Support

"Send a Spoken Prayer"

LCC's "Send a Spoken Prayer"e-Card site is available.

To learn more, Click Here

and working with the children at the church and nearby school. Keep this team in yourprayers. Another team from Luther Memorial Shorewood, Wisconsin isscheduled to depart for Haiti this weekend as the Trinity team heads home. If you wouldlike to schedule a mission trip to Haiti through LCC, please contact Dona Martin at (866)455-6466 or [email protected] for all the details. Click here forphotos from this trip Click here to donate to Haiti Relief

LCC Passes RV Donation Through to On The EdgeMinistry

The Neely family, Durnice, Ruby and their son,Mike, recently donated a 32' Pace Arrow byFleetwood RV to LCC. We had word that OnThe Edge Ministry could benefit from just sucha vehicle. On Saturday, January 7, formermissionary, founder and President of On theEdge Ministry, Howard Robbins, who is also aLERT trained volunteer who serves on the St.John Wheaton team, received the RV.Howard first worked with LCC on disasterresponse when he served on a team thathelped with flood recovery in Cedar Rapids,

Iowa. This past fall he completed the LERT basic training at St. John. The RV donatedby the Neelys will be refitted to provide sleeping quarters for volunteers.

Pastor Kenety Gee of Chatham Fields LutheranChurch Thanks Donors for Supporting ChicagoUrban Children's Choir

The following note of thanks was received byLCC this week. Your donations continue tomake a difference and they are muchappreciated. Pastor Gee writes... As we begin 2012; we at Chicago UrbanChildren's Choir thank everyone for yourprayers and support. God is blessing us. As ayoung choir we had two successful events lastyear. One was our very first concert. Thevenue; Chatham Fields Lutheran Church was

full and people generously made donations to our pleasant surprise. Then on November23, 2011, we were invited by the City of Chicago to sing at the city's annual ChristmasTree Lighting Ceremony at Daley Plaza with our City Mayor Rahm Emanuel and otherdignataries, including Mr. Santa and Mrs. Claus in the crowd. Our Mission statement: The Chicago Urban Children's Choir seeks to ignite the fullpotentials of youths from diverse backgrounds through the transformative power of musicand to inspire a spirit of discipline and personal excellence. As we go into this new year we want to let everyone know that we are available to singat your church. We are also looking congregations with Children/youth choir to partnerand perhaps do appearances together. Please consider inviting the Chicago Urban Children's Choir to your church sometimesthis year and we will be glad to join you in worship. Please contact Pastor Kenety S. Geeof Chatham Fields Lutheran Church: [email protected] or (773) 723-3661. Thank you somuch and may the blessings of the Lord continue to be with you and your ministry. Rev. Kenety S. Gee

Join Our Mailing List!Click here to join our

mailing list and receive freeemail daily devotions

Pastor Marky Kessa, President of LutheranChurch in Haiti Makes Special Request toReplace Vehicle and Repair Worship Space Late last night LCC received an urgentrequest from our friends and ministry partnersin Haiti. Reverend Paul Touloute, President ofthe Southern District of Haiti, has toreplace or repair his vehicle that has brokendown. The cost to replace transportation forPastor Touloute is $4000. Reverend Gergens Edouard serves in theNorthern District of Haiti. His church isworshiping in an aircraft hangar that is in needof repairs. It will take $2000 to repair the facility where they worship every Sunday andhave prayers and Bible study throughout the week. It will also allow them to fix musicalinstruments. President Kessa writes, "...please if you could help that will be a blessing forthe ELCH." Click here to donate for car replacementClick here to donate for church repairs

LCC Staff and Comfort Dog Magic Highlight LERTat St. John Wheaton Time and Talent Fair

LCC was invited to the Time and Talent Fairat St. John Wheaton last Sunday tohighlight the LERT ministry there. St. Johnhosted a LERT training last October andlaunched their team. Tim Hetzner, Tim Kurth,and Dianna Bonfield along with Rich andDona Martin with K-9 Comfort Dog Magicattended the event. Many ministries wererepresented at the fair as Pastor Scott Bruzek

and the staff of St. John encourage members to become involved at church and in thecommunity.

Pastor Doug Swanson Requests Rent Assistancefor a Member Pastor Doug Swanson of St. John Lutheran Church inDarien, Illinois is seeking rental assistance to help a member ofthe congregation stay in her apartment. We praise God thatregular employment has recently been obtained but will notbegin in time to cover January's rent, leaving her at risk of losingher apartment. The church has already contributed $150 of the$950 necessary to cover this month's rent. Any assistance thatcan be offered would a true blessing of the New Year. Click here to donate

Outpouring of Prayers and Financial Support forLittle Meagan Seals Family Continues Into theNew YearDonations for Family Still Being Accepted To date more than one hundred donations from 16 states coast to coast have beenreceived by LCC, combined, and used to purchase the special wheelchair, stationarychair and special iPad the Seals received just before Christmas... or forwarded dollar fordollar to Lord of Life in Elburn, Illinois so the Seals can pay some of Meagan'smedical bills and expenses.

Curt Berg (left) Director of Care Ministries, and SeniorPastor, Rev. Phil Ressler at Lord of Life, joyfully showthe most recent check received last week as a resultof Lutheran Church Charities' appeal. Members of the congregation will be taking the checkto the Seals later this week. LCC will continue tracking the ongoing story ofmiracle baby Meagan and posting updates here.

Tara, one of the LCC staff K-9 Comfort Dogs, had anexciting and memorable day visiting the Seals familyand little Meagan on Tuesday. Meagan, to theamazement of her mother Luellen, reached out on herown to touch and pet Tara. This simple action broughttears to LuEllen's eyes as it is unusual for Meagan toreach out like that. Not only that but it happened againlater in the visit. The whole family enjoyed the visit fromTara accompanied by LCC staffer Marie Payes. Thevisit ended with Meagan's sisters, Madison and McKenzie, playing ball with Tara on thefront lawn while Meagan rested in her mother's arms. Click here to donate for Meagan's ongoing care

Click here for Meagan's Facebook page

Reverend Robert Rahn of Lutheran HeritageFoundation Seeks Support for Sudanese Seminary Reverend Robert Rahn of Lutheran Heritage Foundationis seeking support for a Lutheran seminary in Sudan. Heexplains... The Lutheran Heritage Foundation, sponsor of the ConcordiaLutheran Institute for the Holy Ministry(CLIHM), Yambio, SouthSudan, is looking for help to cover travel expenses for volunteerpastors who serve on the seminary faculty from Finland, Kenyaand Tanzania . They do not have a way to generate support fortheir travel as do pastors here in the U.S. Our first volunteergoing over is Rev. Art Bolstad and he will be there for threeweeks. He personally is covering most of his own expenses.The second need is for help to cover the monthly stipend of the20 students who will be in the seminary program. This is tohelp sustain their families while they are attending theseminary. We provide them with a modest $75 per month and it amounts to $750 for tenmonths for each student and for the 20 students that means $15,000 for each year. Wetry to fund this outside of the regular budget of the Evangelical Lutheran Church ofSudan/South Sudan for which we provided $100,000 in 2011. CLIHM is hosting its thirdgroup of students who will be in training for the next four years. Anyone interested inserving as a faculty member can e mail Rev. Rahn, LHF Founder, [email protected] for more information. Click here to donate

Donations of LW Hymnals Pouring in to New SongAurora But More Are Needed

Steve Noland of New Song Aurora iscoordinating the collection of used LutheranWorship Hymnals to be shipped to SouthAfrica. The goal is to supply every LutheranChurch in that country with hymnals. As ofthis week over 1300 books have beencollected but Steve hopes to fill a shippingcontainer...that's as many as 15,000 hymnals.If your church has made the switch to LSBand is looking to dispose of your old copies ofLW, please contact Tim Kurth at LCC as weare assisting with donations. He can be

reached at (866) 455-6466 or email [email protected] you for helping bring Lutheran Worship to all of South Africa!

Pastor Hicham Chehab Requests Help for WomanNeeding Dental Work Pastor Hicham Chehab of SalamFellowship is asking for support to provide amember of his congregation with desperatelyneeded dental work. He writes... A refugee who has been attending SalamArabic Fellowship for four years needs dentalwork. We found a Lutheran dentist who gaveus a big discount. But we still need around$300 to cover the cost of the basic medicalmaterial used. Please show the love of Christby supporting the dental work for this lady. Click here to donate

Comfort Dog Update K-9 Chapel Talk Immanuel Palatine

Over 300 students at Immanuel LutheranChurch and School in Palatine,Illinoisenjoyed visiting with the K-9 ComfortDogs on January 4, 2012. The students werealso treated to having their former teacherLynn Buhrke do the chapel message for them.It was an interactive message based on theGood Samaritan. Five Comfort Dogs where atImmanuel to meet with the students. Inattendance were LCC staff Dona Martin withHowe, Lynn Buhrke with Chewie, TranettaMcComb with Star, Deb Kinne with Ladel,Becky Staehlin and Lynn Marino with JoJo.

K-9 Comfort Dog Handlers Trained at St. Matthew HawthornWoods On Monday, January 9 LCC staff membersRich and Dona Martin along with PresidentTim Hetzner trained 17 people as K-9Comfort Dog handlers. St. Matthew hasComfort Dog Ladel and this training addedmore people to the list of those qualified towork with her. Every church that receives anLCC K-9 Comfort Dog also gets thiscomprehensive handler/caregiver training. Ifyou would like to learn more about having an LCC K-9 Comfort Dog permanently placedin your congregation as a tool for outreach ministry, contact Tim Hetzner at (866) 455-6466. Click here to schedule a K-9 Comfort Dog visit

Donate to the K-9 Parish Comfort Dog Ministry

Items Free for the AskingLCC works THROUGH churches and is not a Direct Service Ministry. To requestan item on our "Free for the Asking" list please contact your Church and ask thatthey call us (866-455-6466) requesting an item. Arrangements will then be madeto connect the item with you. If you are not a member of a Christian Church thenplease call LCC to place you in contact with one of our LCMS churches who canassist you.

Immanuel Lutheran Church inPalatine

has over 1000 slightly-used T12 bulbs available free.The bulb specifics are 48"F40T12/CW fluorescent. They are available because Immanuel has changed bulbs andballasts to support more energy efficient T8 bulbs. Contact Immanuel's church office(847) 359-1549 if interested in stopping by to pick-up bulbs. Bulbs are available on a firstcome, first served basis until gone or the end of January, whichever comes first.

2904 G.E. Microwave, 4 cu ft oven cavity, 500 watts, wood grain cabinet2903 Twin Bed Extra Long Mattress and Box Spring (No soil - like new), goldenoak entertainment center 46"W x 20"D x 64"T - TV opening 35 1/2", 92" Sofaand 72" love seat (tan and black)- Houndstooth pattern2902 (2) boxes and (1) can of assorted sockets and socket set pieces, paintroller, (2) hack saws, (1) grease gun, mason's hammer, claw hammer, hatchet,Army cot replacement canvas, (2) caulking guns, tube of acrylic caulk, (2) smallmeasuring tapes, 10' measuring tape, 36" pry-bar, 16' motorized measuringtape, router, 16" laser level, scoup shovel, manual week wacker, extension polefor paint rollers, (2) tubes lithium grease, (1) socket set, universal joint socket set,one drill chuck, small level and (2) small sets of assorted sockets and drivers2901 computer desk with hutch - storage above with area for keyboard andmonitor, one drawer, adjustable shelves2900 Plastic Children's chairs with metal legs for kids (14" high). (30) Gold and(11) Dark Gold in color

Click here for the full list of Items Free for the Asking

To OFFER an item for this section, or to get a Receipt for an item you have donated,CLICK HERE for the NON-MONETARY DONATION FORM

Do More Than "Make A Wish" - Make A Differencein the Name of ChristReceive full Kelley Blue Bookvalue for your IRS charitablededuction as your car is givento a family in need and neversold by LCC LCC regularly receives requests for vehiclesto help families in need. We cannot keep upand are hoping that you will consider donatingyour vehicle through LCC to meet theseneeds. Any car, van, or SUV in good workingorder will be gladly accepted and passed through to people in need. You'll get the fullvalue of your car for charitable donation credit. We cannot overstate the need forvehicles. If you have a working car or van please consider donating it to LCC for one of thesefamilies. All vehicles that are donated to LCC go directly out to families or individualsthrough our congregations. NO vehicles are sold. Here are some of the most recentrequests, but we have others that are still waiting for some word...

Faith Lutheran Church in Bay City, Michigan Seeks Car forDisabled Man Van Needed for Jesendys Hygiene Ministry Member of New Song, Aurora in Need of Car Pastor in Need of Van for Outreach Ministry in Chicago Cargo Van or Pick-up Truck Needed for Food Pantry at ZionLutheran Church Cars Needed for Immigrant Families Cars Needed for Liberian Refugee Families

Click here for the complete page listing the needs

If you have a vehicle to donate, please [email protected] or call 866-455-6466

First LERT Trainings Scheduled for the New Year

St. Philip Lutheran Church at 1609Pfingsten Road in Glenview, Illinois is hostingLERT training on Wednesday, January25 from 5:30 pm until 9 pm. Registration anda light dinner will begin at 5:30 pm followed bya three hour class from 6-9 pm. Immanuel Lutheran Church at 950 Hart

Road in Batavia is hosting a LERT training. Be sure to mark your calendars forSaturday, February 11th from 8:30 am until Noon. Registration and a lightbreakfast will begin at 8:30 am followed by a three hour class from 9 am until Noon. Click here to register for the LERT training Registration is $20 and helps cover the cost of the training materials, meal, and theLERT Safety Vest, which is required to be worn in a disaster response situation.Registration can be paid by credit card online at time of registration or by cash or checkat the door. This training will prepare team members for credentialing and will focus onthe safety, work, and ministry of Lutherans as Early Responders. Click here to register for LERT training For more information, call Dianna Bonfield at 866-455-6466 or [email protected]

Families in NeedHelp Make A Difference

Pastor and Family in Desperate Need of Vehicle -Consider Donation Today

Pastor Stephane Kalonji of Zion on Winston Avenue inChicago has asked LCC to make an appeal for a reliablecar for him and his family. He is in desperate need of avehicle that will serve his ministry and his family. If you havea car you are thinking of donating, please consider passing itthrough LCC for Pastor Kalonji. Call the LCC office at (866) 455-6466 and we'll walk youthrough the process of donating a car. You'll get full KelleyBlue Book value of your car for charitable donation credit.

Urgent Request to Support Family SufferingThrough Devastating Loss

On Tuesday, December 13, the followingrequest came to LCC from Cynthia on behalfof her sister (names are withheld to respectthe family's privacy): Dear Lutheran Church Charities, It is with a sad heart that I request assistancefrom your organization. My sister has lost heronly child to a sudden and unexpected

suicide. She was 30 years old with three children (ages 7, 5, and 1 year) and ahusband. She loved the Lord with all her heart, but succumbed to post-partumdepression and severe physical pain caused by a botched surgery. At hermemorial, there were more than 500 people in attendance and five of them cameup to witness that she was the one who helped them to find the Lord. My sister was in Maryland at the time of her daughter's death. She works as anover the road truck driver. The company she works with paid for her to travel forthe funeral. Unfortunately, when she returned to work, the company took out all themoney she owed in one lump sum leaving her with about $200 to live on for fourweeks. The apartment she is living in is threatening eviction for lack of December'spayment and several late charges. We are unable to help as my husband was out of a job for seven months. Sincemy niece's death, I have been taking care of her three children and we are in theprocess of moving. I am asking for any assistance you could give.

Click here to support this family in a very difficult time.

Disaster Response

LCC Receives Note of Grateful Thanks fromTexas Family Affected by Wildfires The following thank you note arrived in ouroffices from a family helped by your generousdonations for those affected by the Labor Daywildfires in Bastrop, Texas. They write... Dear Lutheran Church Charities,Thank you so much for your incrediblegenerosity after losing our home in the LaborDay Bastrop wildfire. We have been soblessed by the community that hassurrounded us, both near and far. Our prayersand heartfelt thanks to you. Click here to donate for those recovering from the fires

Immanuel Joplin Seeks Specialized Volunteers

Trent Davis, Director of Disaster Response at ImmanuelJoplin, is looking for volunteer teams with very specificskills to help with projects slated from December throughFebruary. Team registrations have tapered off but there arefive projects underway where more volunteers are needed.Trent writes... The Lord has blessed us with the ability to get 5 decentsized projects under roof before the weather has gotten toonasty here, so we have lots of interior work; electrical,plumbing, HVAC, drywall, painting, cabinets and trim that

need to be or will need to be done but we have very few teams committed fromDecember-February any help that you can stir up would be greatly appreciated.

Click here for more information or to register your team

With LCC CARE CARDING You CanMAKE A DIFFERENCE in a Tangible Way So many people want to help the people ofJoplin, Missouri in a meaningful way - but arenot sure what to do. Here is an opportunity toprovide Mercy and Compassion and Help to anindividual or family right now! Click here for more information If you are unable to do a CARE CARD butwould like to contribute to the purchase of giftcards, click here to donate.

Other Stories Still Seeking SupportPastor Kevin Hahn of Good Shepherd, Frankfort Seeks Housing for Single Momwith Three ChildrenDCE Roy Wm Heflin from St. Paul Boca Raton, Florida Urgently Needs BrainSurgeryIranian Refugee Family Faces EvictionUrgent Request from Pastor Hicham Chehab for Iraqi Convert Facing EvictionConcordia Selma President Tilahun Mendedo Seeks Support for "Feeding HisLambs" Program in Ethiopia Please Help The Haitian Lutheran Mission Project Feed Haitian Orphans Lord of Life LaFox Invites Others to Join Them in Supporting HaitianOrphanage Pastor Marky Kessa's Wife Attacked by Robbers Death of Single Mom Leaves Family Needing Vehicle and Financial Support Iraqi Refugee Family Facing Eviction Pastor Bill Stroup Seeks Support for Single Mom

Ministry NeedsHelp Make A Difference

Short-term Missionary Hannah Kiefer SeeksAssistance for One-year Service

In June 2011, Hannah Kiefer, of Bonfield, Illinois, wascommissioned by The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod'sInternational Ministries to serve as a short-term, GEOmissionary. For one year, she will teach English at theConcordia English Center in Macau, and help with weekly Biblestudies and outreach events there. Hannah writes... Will you partner with me in sharing Christ's love with the peopleof Macau? Please prayerfully consider helping support my yearof missionary service. The total cost will be approximately$27,000 and will cover everything from training and visa costs tohousing and food. Funds are currently at $4,664 and I hope to

continue to find churches and individuals who will partner with me in the missionGod has set before us.

Hannah is the daughter of Pastor John and Sandy Kiefer of Zion Lutheran Churchin Bonfield, Illinois, and graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University in May 2011with a B.A. in English and a minor in Business Administration. Click here to support Hannah

English New Testaments Needed for SalamOutreach to StudentsRequest from Pastor Hicham Chehab, Salam ArabicFellowship, Missionary, POBLO- Chicago

Salam Arabic Fellowship needs paperback English copiesof the New Testament for the student ministry at College ofDuPage and Morraine Valley Community College. NIV, orother modern translations are preferable. Our student ministry has given out more than 300 copies ofthe Bible to college students over the past four years, not tomention tracts and Christian books. God's Word sowsseeds of faith in the hearts of people and would neverreturn empty! At this time we are looking to give awaycopies of the New Testament only. We have found that tobe the most effective outreach to the students.

If you have copies of the New Testament to donate contact LCC at 866-455-6466 oremail [email protected] Click here to donate for the purchase of New Testaments

LCC in need of Video Editors for Missions

Lutheran Church Charities receives frequent requests fromministries and missionaries asking for help producing shortvideos on their mission or ministry. Although LCC has all theequipment and a studio, we simply do not have the stafftime to do all the editing jobs that are asked of us. If youhave the skills and would like to volunteer to help amissionary or someone working to go on the mission fieldtell their story we would like to talk with you. Anyoneinterested in volunteering for projects is asked to pleasecontact Dana Yocum, Tim Kurth, or Tim Hetzner at

[email protected]

Items Available to a Ministry

Item 2906 - 28 Oak stained pine pews withburgundy removable pew cushions. Each pew is 16ft long, can be moved as one piece or detached andmoved as 8 ft sections. Pews in the Sanctuary arein fairly good condition but show their age.Additional pews in choir loft not so good conditionas well for spare parts if wanted. Recipient may takeall or whatever they can use. Pews are availableuntil February 15th after which they will be junked.If interested please contact LCC at 866-455-6466

2900 Plastic Children's chairs with metal legs for kids (14" high). (30) Gold and(11) Dark Gold in color2897 Risograph GR 3750 printer (black & white printing only)2881 (22) Lutheran Worship Hymnals (Blue) located in Hampshire, Illinois 2879 72" x 72" Sauder Oak wall unit 2873 Savin 3350 Duplicator

Click here for the full list of Items Available to a Ministry

To OFFER an item for this section, or to get a Receipt for an item you have donated,CLICK HERE for the NON-MONETARY DONATION FORM

Carly Stevens,Executive DirectorMOST Ministries

Mission Opportunities Help Make A Difference

New Believers, New Starts in Cambodia!

George & Shary Frahm (pictured) are LCMSMissionaries recently commissioned atImmanuel Lutheran Church inPalatine. Through this commissioning,Immanuel is partnering with the Frahm's inproviding support for their Cambodian mission.Together, we are seeking other congregationsthroughout the LCMS to join in this effort tosupport the "Angels Dormitory project in

Phnom Penh, Cambodia." Click here to read more

Short Term Mission OpportunitiesMOST Ministries

Lutheran Church Charities endorses MOST Ministries as avaluable partner in Proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ inworks of service to others in places throughout the world. Wehave worked with MOST in the past and endorse and supportthis ministry. If you are interested in Short Term Missionopportunities, please click here to find out what currently isavailable. Or you may go directly to their website atwww.MostMinistries.org We thank God for the ministry andpartnership of MOST Ministries and encourage those who areinterested to be involved with them in serving others. Thank you,Tim HetznerPresident, Lutheran Church Charities

COME LORD JESUS, BE OUR GUEST ...You recognize this prayer written by MartinLuther ...Come Lord Jesus, be our guestAnd let thy gifts to us be blessed. AmenIf we really mean this prayer and want Jesusto be our Guest - wouldn't we feed him also?

Consider becoming a part of LCC's individualchallenge and FEED THE INVISIBLE GUEST- AND MAKE HIM VISIBLE program to helpfeed the hungry.

Click here for more details | Click here to donate now Click here for a Bulletin Insert

International Ministry

Scholarship a Child inMyanmarBecause of your Donations Twoof 10 Students have ReceivedScholarships Click here if you would like to make adonation to help one of these young students

Here are Ways to Help Our Ongoing Haiti ReliefEfforts

Physical Needs Latrines for the Lutheran schools - $500 Water Filters- School Version - $185- Home Version - $35Building Homes and Hope in HaitiShoes - $5Motorcycles for Pastors - $1,000Support College Students Volunteering in Haiti- $150Goats - $50 eachGeneral Disaster Response Donations

Spiritual NeedsStaff Workers in the Tent Cities - $200 a

monthBibles in French - $6 eachLuther's Small Catechism in Creole - $5 eachSee Through the Scriptures manuals in French - $2 each

Developing ProjectsRadio Ministry - click here to learn moreHosting Haitian Christian Music Group for U.S. Tour - click here to learn more

Christian Education Projects in the Philippines

Help the Lutheran Church of the Philippines(LCP) move toward establishing 100 newchurch and school ministries by the year 2017to reach more people with the saving gospelof Jesus Christ! Rev. James Cerdenola is theLCP President. Read more... Click here to donate

LCC Ministry Resources

Tim's Pick of the Week

The Christian Atheistby: Craig Groeschel Does your belief in God impact your life? If theanswer is no, you may be a Christian Atheist. AChristian Atheist is someone who believes in God,but lives like He doesn't exist--you believe in God,but worry all the time, or you believe in God, buttrust money more. In The Christian Atheist CraigGroeschel shares from his own journey of growingup in a "Christian" household, but the most thatfaith required was to attend church several times a

year. When Groeschel discovered that the real key to faith is intimacy with God,everything changed. Discover a powerful, intimate relationship with God for yourself andyou'll never be the same.

Looking to be in an in-depth Bible Study?Does Your Church Want to Host a Study? Your Small Group? Over 150 weeks of In-Depth Bible Studies available on DVD

Tim Hetzner, President of Lutheran ChurchCharities, has led over 40 Biblical StudiesTrips to the Middle East over the past 30years. Learn his insights into the Biblical Text,the Culture and Customs of the People, theHistory and Archeology of the land - butMOST OF ALL - discover the MIND-METHOD-MANNER and MINISTRY of ourLord Jesus Christ. All Courses are available on DVD and also on

the Internet. Become a host site for Word Among Us Studies and find Answers in theBible for Life's Many Difficulties and Questions! For more information and registration, Click Here... To find out more information contact Tim Hetzner at 866-455-6466 or email [email protected]

Hot Dog Cart and Grill Available for MinistryEvents Thanks to Thrivent and Generous Donors

Thanks to the generous contributions of LCC donors and a grant from The NorthwestCook County Thrivent Branch, LCC has acquired a commercial grade food service cartand a large gas grill. Both of these are mounted on trailers and can be picked up to beused by your church for picnics, festivals, and other events where food is served. LCCplans to use this food prep equipment as part of our disaster response in order to feedvolunteers and victims of disaster. When there is no disaster related activity the cart andgrill are available for churches and schools in the Northern Illinois District. If you wouldlike to use one or both of these for an upcoming event, please contact LCC or clickbelow to complete a request form. LCC always looks for ways to resource your ministryin unique and creative ways. Click here to fill out a reservation form

Ministry Resources Available to Congregations Looking for Ways to Share the Mercy andCompassion of Christ to Those in YourChurch and Community? How to Conduct a Successful Mission Fair Click here to learn more about

these and other MinistryResources available from LCC

LCC Staff and Comfort DogsAvailable for Church Functionsand School Chapels!

Click here to learn more!

Servant at Heart - Online Christian BusinessDirectory

Looking for a Christian business?

Lutheran Church Charities has an online ChristianBusiness Directory, Servant@Heart.

This online directory allows: - Christians businesses to advertise their serviceswithout cost. - Christians looking for employment a place to post theirresume

- Christians with job openings a place to post those opening - Others to seek out Christian businesses and employees

Click here to learn more

Faith Led Feet - An Opportunity to Put Your Faithin Action

Lutheran Church Charities has created a new page,"Faith LedFeet", on our web site that will help Christians who are involvedin activities for a charitable cause as an expression of their faith tospread the word. Click here to read more.

LCC Emergency Assistance Fund

LCC gets requests daily concerning people who need assistance,and it is increasing because of the current economic times we areliving in. LCC works through our churches to provide assistance by makingthe need known - and dollar per dollar we give the money to achurch to help the family or individual. However, we receive somerequests that are emergencies, and money is needed that day orthe next day and we can't always get the need out in our weeklyemail newsletter first.

Would you consider making a gift to our LCC Emergency Assistance fund so thatwhen these emergency needs occur we can help (through our churches) quicker? This isan important way for the Body of Christ to share the Mercy and Compassion andProclamation of Christ. To contribute please click here Thank you for continuing to Make A Difference! Tim Hetzner

Annual Ski Retreat for High School Youth Groups in January

January 13-15, 2012 Kalahari Resort Wisconsin Dells Ski, snowboard or tubing at Cascade Mountain. Music, great speakers and lots of fun. NEW for2012: a Family Retreat component. For more information please contact Debra via email [email protected] or call her at 815-784-5141..

Immanuel Dundee Hosts Special Event on Identity Theft

Identity Theft and YOUThursday, January 19, 2012Immanuel Lutheran Church (Luther Hall)310 E. Main StreetEast Dundee, IL 60118Time: 7:00 p.m. Cost: FREE Immanuel Dundee welcomes one of the area's leading experts on Identity Theft (IDT) to speak

about the leading crime in the United States. The presenter has spoken to many businesses and groups in the surrounding area. Everyone thinks of IDT as being only financial, there are actually six major areas of IDT. Learn how you can protect and defendagainst this devastating crime.

Lord, Teach Us To Pray WorkshopPassing on Vibrant Faith - Luke 11:1

Saturday, January 28, 2012St. Matthew Lutheran Church24500 N. Old McHenry RoadHawthorn Woods, Illinois PASSING ON VIBRANT FAITH - LUKE 11:1 is an intentional effort to assist the people ofGOD in your congregation to better comprehend, articulate, enunciate and reach out to others withthe saving faith with which they have been blessed. The Holy Spirit, working through the Word of God, generates saving faith in Jesus Christ as theSavior from sin and to eternal life in heaven. The goal of the workshop is to assist those who attendto engage their family members and others in their congregation to be about the mission of our Lordintentionally in their community. For additional information including the workshop schedule, or to register please click here.

4th Annual Voice of Care Benefit Concert

March 31, 2012 Hyatt Hotel 1400 Corporetum DriveLisle, Illinois You are invited to an evening of music and dance. Live music provided by The New Invaders - www.NewInvaders.com - Playing the bestof the 60's

Tickets: $30 Price Covers: Appetizers, desserts and refreshmentsSilent Auction: held to raise additional funds for the future of Voice of Care - In Christ with person developmentally challenged! For more information or to order tickets, click here.

Upcoming Events - Click Here for a complete listing of Upcoming Events

How To Support Lutheran Church Charities

All contributions go dollar per dollar to the causes listed in this newsletter.

If you would like more information on how to help or if you have items to share please [email protected] or send contributions to LCC, 333 West Lake Street, Addison, IL60101or contribute at our web site at http://www.LutheranChurchCharities.org or call us for credit carddonations at LCC's office at (866) 455- 6466