january 6, 2010 - making a difference newsletter
DESCRIPTION
Weekly Newsletter from Lutheran Church CharitiesTRANSCRIPT
January 6, 2010 In This IssueFamily of Five Loses
Everything in FireBilingual Bibles NeededYour Donations Make A
DifferenceThanks to Your Generous
SupportNew Year Greeting from
HaitiCar Needed for Arabic
Outreach MinistryWoman in Need of Car
for WorkLutheran High School
Needs BusWidow and Five Children
Need AssistanceGod's on the Go in Ghana
Mission Church inAlabama Needs 50 LSB
HymnalsReturning Pastor in Need
of CarChurch Organist Needs
CarSingle Mother Needs
TransportationGermany TripItems NEEDED for a
Ministry...Invisible
Church VolunteerCentral-September
MeetingHow To Support LCC
Prayer WallPost a prayer, orpray for others!
LCC's only appeal once a year to keep our doors open! Not Too Late to Donate!
Click here to donate
Lutheran Family of Five Loses Everything in FireRequest from Pastor Mike Gudgel, St.Matthew Lutheran Church, Lemont Screams of terror were heard shortly after the firstworship service on Sunday morning at St. Matthew inLemont. A young mom had just received a phone callfrom her husband and heard the horrific news: theirhouse was on fire. Every member of the family wasfine, but their house and most of their belongings were
destroyed. The mom is an active member of ourcongregation and serves part-time as ourcustodian. Her three daughters, ages 6, 5, and2 were overcome with grief, especially at thethought of losing their Christmas presents.Their father is a union electrician and has beenout of work for over a year. The congregationhas stepped in to help with their immediateneeds but the losses are tremendous. Any typeof financial assistance for this family would be
greatly appreciated. Click here to read an article about the fire in the Herald-NewsClick here to donate
Need for Bi-Lingual Biblesfor Outreach to MuslimCollege StudentsRequest from POBLO MissionaryHicham Chehab
Dear Friends,College years are times of transformation. So weneed to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with thelost at such a pivotal stage in the lives of People.
POBLO-Chicago's student ministry is reaching out to Muslims at Community Colleges.
Pictured Left to Right: Rev. Bob Schaffer,Helmut Mueller
Back Row: John May, Chuck Schild, GaryKessler, Rev. Guillermo Jerez,
Front Row L to R: Kathy Claudia Franz(friend of the Walkers) the donor, Donna
Meyer, LCC Staff member Dianna Bonfield
LCC's Prayer Wall
LCC connects needs withresources, working with
more than 400congregations to help
Christians "Make aDifference in People's Lives
and in God's Kingdom"To meet our staff, click here
For more information aboutLCC and its human care
ministry, please contact LCCstaff at:
More...
Ministry Quicklinks
Newsletter Archive/ Printable Format
Bible Classes
Daily Devotions
Prayer Requests
To Donate
Ministries We Support
Join Our MailingList!
To Unsubscribe:Enter your e-mail
address above, and youwill be sent instructions.
Thank you.
More Bibles and Evangelism material are needed.
Please consider donating to this cause so that we can answer the call for the Mission ofGod.
In God's PeaceHicham
Click Here to Donate Now
Your Donations Make A DifferenceEarly Saturday morning, LCC volunteers RayBogaert, Mike Kinyon, Rev. Guillermo Jerez,Gary Kessler and LCC Staff Member DiannaBonfield met up with Lou and Ann Rundio topick up a sofa/bed donation from Ann'sparents, Fred and Ann Bartlett. This donationwill benefit Project LARRI.
Later Saturday morning, another crew ofLCC volunteers loaded a donation offurniture and household items from theWalker estate that benefited the family of asingle mom and Project LARRI, whichserves the victims of flood of fall 2008.
On Thursday, December 31st, LCC received adonation of medical equipment from Dr. Lynn Clark andher husband, Jerry Kattke, that will be used for MedicalMissions.
On Tuesday, January 5th, LCC volunteersRay Bogaert, Steve McKay, Rev. BobSchaeffer and Tony Laramie made a pick upof furniture and household items. Thesedonations will benefit a family from Mt OliveLutheran Church in Rockford and familiesserved by Project LARRI.
LCC Announces
"Send a SpokenPrayer"
LCC's "Send a SpokenPrayer" e-Card site is
available.
To learn more, Click Here
Thanks to Your Generous Support, We Were Able to ProvideAssistance to the following:
St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Chicago - Soup Kitchen FundSt. Paul Lutheran Church, Addison - Widow with 5 Children inNeed FundLord of Glory Lutheran Church, Grayslake - Single Mom EvictionFundChatham Field Lutheran Church, Chicago - Single Mother EvictionFundSt. Paul Lutheran Church, Addison - Rent Assistance FundBethlehem Lutheran Church, River Grove - RehabilitationAssistance FundSt. Paul's Lutheran Church, Chicago Heights - Kenya OrphanageFundImmanuel Lutheran Church, Glenview - Housing FundEbenezer Lutheran ChurchPrince of Peace Lutheran Church, Palatine - Homeless Motherand Son Assistance Fund
New Year Greeting from Pastor Isaac in Haiti Greeting to you in the name of our Lord andSavior Jesus Christ. I Hope with God you arewell. My family and the children are fine. Wehope to see a year where God provides for ourneed every time. So, we are happy to thanksHim for giving us the opportunity to see thisNew Year. I hope that the New Year will bringto us: Joy, Love, Health, Protection and Peace.The children, the Christians and I, want to wishyou a Happy New Year 2010 with Jesus Christ.May this New Year brings us a new vision, andhelp us share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. May God bless our sponsors and donors andall of the members of their families. Pastor Isaac Click here to donate
Car Needed for Arabic Outreach MinistryRequest from POBLO Missionary,Hicham Chehab Dear Friends, Could you please spread the wordthat we need a small car for the ministry that wouldsave gas? We are doing more than 150 miles aday, and it would make a difference if it is a smallcar. If you have a car to donate please contact LCC at866-455-6466 or [email protected].
Woman in Need of Car for WorkRequest from Pastor David Hudak, St. PeterLutheran Church, Schaumburg A woman served by our Car Care Connection small group is in needof a replacement for her car. The transmission repairs that it needswill cost more than the car is worth and she is without funds foreither the repairs or the replacement. She needs a vehicle in orderto continue working. Any help you can provide will be greatlyappreciated. If you have a car to donate please contact LCC at 866-455-6466 or [email protected].
Lutheran High School Needs Bus to TransportStudentsRequest from Chris Schoenleb, Principal Faith Lutheran High School, Crystal Lake is in need of a MFSABbus. A new law signed by Gov. Quinn, which goes into effect July1, 2010, will no long allow schools to use 11 to 15 passengernonconforming vans to transport students to school activities.Thus we are in need of a vehicle which meets safety standards. If you have a bus or need any additional information pleasecontact Chris Schoenleb, Principal 815-459-9305 or email [email protected].
Partial Need Met - Sudden Death of Father LeavesWidow and Five ChildrenDianna Bonfield delivered asecond check to PastorZimmerman for the family.Thank you to all who havedonated to this continuing need. Request from Pastor JamesZimmerman, St. Paul LutheranChurch, Addison, Illinois
Update from Pastor Zimmerman:I have met with the widow. The family's home is in foreclosure. There is no healthinsurance or income. They are in desperate need of $10,000 to stabilize their situation.
We have a family at St. Paul in great financial need. The husband (53 years old) diedvery unexpectedly of a heart attack. The wife is left alone with 5 children all under theage of 12 and all with various special needs. The family has been members at St. Paulfor over 20 years.
We would appreciate any assistance you are able to provide for this family. Click here to donate
Pictured: Dianna Bonfield, Bill, Gary, Rev. Walter Otten, Tim Hetzner
God's on the Go in GhanaHelp Provide the Biblical Study Books needed in MissionField
Ghanaian Seminary Students at Ft. WayneSeminary Need Books for the LutheranChurch in Ghana Gary and Bill (names being withheld forprotection), training to be Lutheran Pastors atthe Ft. Wayne Seminary, met with LCC staffmembers to describe their ministries in Ghanaand ways we can assist them. Their primaryrequest was for books so that they can set upa second training library in Ghana. TheLutheran Church in Ghana has a seminarywith a library, and they are looking to create asecond library location so pastors andChristian leaders in the country do not have to travel to Accra, the capitol of Ghana, todo their study and research. They are in desperate need of well-trained pastors andleaders - there are over 25,000 members of the Lutheran Church in Ghana and only 50pastors, with an additional 40 "evangelists" or lay ministers. They fear religious"pluralism" in their country and want well trained leaders to combat a pick-and-chooseapproach of people's beliefs and practices between Lutheranism, other Christianchurches like Presbyterian and Pentecostal, Islam and even some tribal beliefs.
They are looking for donations of books or moneyso they can purchase books for the library. Thebooks they are looking for include The Book ofConcord, Luther's Catechism, Commentaries fromConcordia Publishing House, any books oncounseling, marriage, history, liturgy, etc. Theywould also like a copy of Logos Bible Software. Click here for a complete list of the requestedbooks. While at the LCC office they received alaptop computer, printers, cross and communionware from Bethesda Lutheran Church inChicago, plus some books and other donations. Please contact LCC at 866-455-6466 or email
[email protected] if you have any of these books to donate. Click here to donate for the purchase of books While in our office, Bill (name being withheld for protection) filmed a short testimonialdescribing an after school outreach ministry to children and their families in Ghana. Manyof the children being reached by this ministry are Muslim. Click here to view the video
Partial Need Met - Single Mother of TwoNeeds $1,500 to Avoid EvictionPastor Kenety Gee receives check from Vida Johnston. Thank you to all who have donated to this continuing need. Request from Pastor KenetyGee, Chatham Fields LutheranChurch, Chicago
Unemployment has finally hit this family. She isa single mother of two beautiful young schoolage girls. She's hard working and has activelybeen in search of employment since she losther job over six months ago. Through savingsand temporary jobs here and there and helpfrom family members she has been able to keepa roof over her family's head. But she's fallenbehind with her rent and is in urgent need of$1,500. She wants to keep her children stable and would absolutely love to avoideviction because she knows that will affect how the children perform in school. Could youplease put out a word on your widely read weekly publication to see if there are peopleout there who are willing to help keep this mother and her children stable by keeping theroof over their head. Click here to donate
Partial Need Met - Single Mother of Two NeedsShort Term Rent AssistanceDianna Bonfield delivered acheck to Pastor Zimmerman. Thank you to all who havedonated to this continuing need. Request from Pastor JamesZimmerman, St. Paul LutheranChurch, Addison, Illinois
We are working with a single mother and hertwo children. They are members of St. Paul.She is recently unemployed and needs $1,200.00 of rent assistance as a bridge until herpublic aid begins.
Any assistance for this family will be greatly appreciated.
Click here to donate
Mission Church in Alabama Needs 50 LSBHymnalsRequest from Rev. Tilahun Mendedo, FaithLutheran Church, Mobile, Alabama Christmas Greetings from Mobile! God has blessed us byhaving a church plant in Citronelle and West Mobile Alabama.The brothers in Citronelle are in need of 50 LSB (LutheranService Book) Hymnals. If anyone has the new hymnals todonate to this mission church it would be a great blessing. To donate hymnals contact LCC at 866-455-6466 or [email protected] Click here to donate for the purchase of the hymnals. Eachhymnal costs $23.00.
Returning Pastor in Need of a CarRequest from Pastor Tom Johnson, St. PaulLutheran Church, Melrose Park, Illinois
I would like to request a car for Pastor Eric Klemme (pictured below).He is a former Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod pastor in the processof returning to the roster of the LCMS. He is a member and iscurrently involved in emerging church ministry for Saint Paul. He is in
desperate need of a car, so that he can carryout this ministry effectively, as well as simply get around Chicago(get groceries, go to Church/meetings . . .) without having to be aburden upon someone for a ride. If anyone has an old car theyare not using, or a vehicle they can no longer drive due to healthreason it would be a great blessing to Pastor Klemme and St.Paul. If you have a car to donate please contact LCC at 866-455-6466
or email [email protected]
Help Needed to Prepare Donated EyeGlasses for Haiti Mission TripRequest from Susan Gross, HaitianLutheran Mission Project, ChristLutheran Church, Orland Park and TimHetzner, President, Lutheran ChurchCharities
HELP!!! First we would like to thank all who are makingit possible to bring eye glasses to Haiti as part of ourmission trip in March 2010. We have a favor to ask. Ifanyone knows of an EYE GLASSPROFESSIONSAL/OPTOMOTRIST who will help us getthe prescriptions read on the glasses we have collectedwe would greatly appreciate the help. We will be washing and sorting these eye glasses after the first of the year ourselves butwe need people who are able to read the glasses and label them before we can packthem for the trip. If several people volunteer it can be done without asking too much ofjust a few. Please consider asking your local eye doctor to help us with this. If you are able to help read the prescriptions of these glasses please call LCC at 866-455-6466 or email [email protected]
Van Needed for Faith, StickneyRequest from Pastor Guillermo Jerez, FaithLutheran Church, Stickney, Illinois
Last Friday, the transmission on the van that we use for churchtransportation went out. The cost of repairing the van is morethan it is worth. A van is important to the congregation as itallows us to pick up families for church. It is also thetransportation that is used to reach out in our community, pick updonations and volunteer for service projects. Our congregation isa poor Hispanic congregation and the van we had was God'sblessing to us through LCC which we appreciate with all ourhearts. With optimism to keep going and proclaiming the love ofGod, we need your help to find a replacement van.
If you have a van to donate please contact LCC at 866-455-6466 or [email protected]
Family of Four Needs Van- Father DisabledRequest from Pastor Brian Truog, CrossLutheran Church, Yorkville, Illinois
Through our community outreach program we have come in contactwith a family in need from Plano, Illinois. This is a family of four.The husband is disabled due to cerebral palsy and unable to work.The wife works part-time in a doctors' office. Their eldest son goesto Wabaunsee Community College and the youngest son is inelementary school. The vehicle they have now is in poor condition -probably unsafe to drive - and has no heat. A vehicle is important to them because everyfew months they have to drive to the hospital in Chicago for the husband's doctorsappointments. The wife would like to go to school and be certified in the medical field,but is unable to afford that. It would probably be best for them to have a van, but I don'tthink that is absolutely necessary. The donation of a reliable van would be such ablessing to this family. Please contact LCC at 866-455-6466 or email [email protected] if youhave a vehicle to donate.
Church Organist Needs CarRequest from Vacancy Pastor Jim Bauman,Faith Lutheran Church, Carpentersville,Illinois
The organist of Faith, Carpentersville, who is a single motherwith a daughter that has ongoing and severe medicalproblems, is in need of an automobile. Her present car is inneed of repairs too expensive to consider. At present theorganist is unable to come to church for services because oflack of transportation. Playing at our church is an important part of a very small totalincome. Please contact LCC at 866-455-6466 or email [email protected] if youhave a vehicle to donate.
Single Mother of Five in Need of ReliableTransportationRequest from Linda Arnold, Director ofCare Ministries, Trinity Lutheran Church,Lisle, Illinois
We have a single mother of five in need of a vehicle. Shelost her job two months ago. She currently is driving an oldvan with 140K miles on it. We've helped her by repairingsome problems that prevented it from passing emissionstesting but she really needs something more reliable ratherthan continuing to spend money to fix what she has. Shealso needs to be able to transport six people. If she couldreceive a donated van that would be such a blessing forthis family.
Please contact LCC at 866-455-6466 or [email protected] if you have a vehicle to donate.
Form YourClass Now!
Cover to Cover -Year 1St. Matthew, HawthornWoods
Still Accepting Reservations For Germany Trips in2010 Join Tim Hetzner this summer fora trip to Germany, Austria andother central European sites,including the world-famousOberammergau Passion Play!
Tim will be leading two trips, one in Juneand one in August. Both will include seatsto the Oberammergau Passion Play,performed every 10 years since 1633!
Dates:
June 14-23August 12-21
To learn more about the trips, or to see avideo about the Oberammergau Passion Play, go to the Lutheran Church Charities website.
Can You Help LCC Find Free Warehouse StorageFor Our Ongoing Ministry?In order to be able to respond to disastersswiftly, it is imperative that we operate in a stateof preparedness. To be able to do that, it isimportant that we have our vehicles andequipment stored in a location and environmentthat will enable us to move quickly.
For the other parts of our ministry, we need:
Work space for our volunteers that is aclimate controlled environmentHas short term storage space for donations till they can be picked up in a fewdays.A space large enough where we can drive in and store our Disaster responseRV and trailers for immediate DEPLOYMENT.A cargo bay allowing us the ability to load semi-trailers would also be nice anduseful feature.
If you know of someone who owns or has available warehouse space that isn't beingcurrently used, please contact Tim Hetzner at Lutheran Church Charities. We understandthat use of the warehouse would not be permanent and that the owner would have thefull rights to regain their facility if it was to be rented or sold. LCC would carry theinsurance on the space we are using. Please contact Tim Hetzner, President of LCC at(866) 455-6466 if you know of someone. This would be a tremendous Help in meetingthe increased demands LCC faces. Help us to continue to - by the Grace ofGod - Make A Difference in People's Lives and in God's Kingdom!
Looking to be in a Bible Study?Does Your Church Want to Host aStudy? Your Small Group? Indicate YourInterest Here
St. John, Country ClubHillsSt. Paul, MattesonCover to Cover -Year 2Trinity, LansingThe Gospel of JohnSt. Paul, ThorntonPhilippiansLord of Life, LaFoxSt. Paul, WinfieldJamesTrinity, HuntleyPueblo, ColoradoJonahShepherd of the Hills,Onalaska, WisconsinProverbsSt. Luke, Itasca
Register Online - Click Here
Looking to Host a Bible Study?
WORD AMONG US BibleStudiesLutheran Church Charities In-
Depth Bible Studies - WORD AMONG US - Maybe your Solution!
Free for Congregations!If you wouldlike to be ahost site clickhere IF you wouldlike to join anexisting class -click here If you wouldlike to take a course by internet - Click here Short-Format Courses
James: 5-week coursePhilippians: 5-weekcourseJude: 1-week courseJonah::3-week courseProverbs: 10-weekcourseKnow that GodExists: 1-week courseEsther: 5-week course
Long-Format Courses
Cover To Cover: A JourneyThrough The Bible60-week courseThe Gospel of John31-week courseApocalypsis Jesu Christus: The Book of Revelation30-week course
For more information and registration, Click Here... To Find out more information contact Tim Hetzner at 866-455-6466 or email [email protected]
LCC Staff and Comfort Dogsavailable for Church Functions andSchool Chapels!
For more information on scheduling LCC and the K-9 ParishComfort Dogs for an event or chapel at your church, contact LCCat 866-455-6466 or email [email protected]
To help support the growing Ministry of theComfort Dogs click here...
To find out information on how yourcongregation can get one of the LCC K-9Parish Comfort Dogs Click here Click here for some Photo Albums showingsome of the many places the dogs havebrought comfort.... And click here for the DogBlog, featuring "Tara's Twitter"
Other Stories Still Seeking Support
Assistance Needed for Funeral Expenses for CHurch Worker's FamilyUpdate from Haiti: Thank You - Your Donations Continue to Feed ChildrenHomeless Single Mother and Son Need AssistanceMinister to the Missionaries in West AfricaSingle Mother of Two Facing EvictionEducation for Orphans in KenyaHelp Train Pastors in EthiopiaLCMS Pastor Starts Orphanage in EthiopiaFamily in Need of Car and Short Term Rent AssistanceVoice of Care Handicapped MinistriesMission to Haiti - Eyeglasses Needed
Items Available to a MinistryLutheran Books of Worship (copyright 1978)10 bin sorter with stapler Collator series 300/400 with corner stapler2600 upright Rippen piano, model Cantabile, serial # 1944162590 Black Steel Advent Wreath with plastic electrified candles2589 Pulpit (Lamb of God design)2587 Altar: black square tube steel with marble facing - with Trinity symbol2532 - 1 Cassette Player, 1 remote foot switch & head phones
For More items, click here to view the latest updates on our DONATE Web Page...
Items NEEDED for a Ministry
A larger lawn tractor or ATV with a plow blade or snow blower equipment inworking or repairable conditionA heavy duty pickup truck with or with out plow equipment, in working orrepairable condition
If you have items to donate contact LCC at 866-455-6466 or [email protected]
New 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.
2672 - 4 bxs (18 cards/bx) Christmas Cards by SunriseGreetings
2639 - Hammond Spinet Organ with a set of8 foot pedals Dual key board w/organ bench, cherry wood color (pictured)
2626 - Wurlitzer Funmaker Deluxe Organ(pictured)
2621-2625 - Conference Tables - dark walnutveneer 96" by 44" (pictured)
2620 - Dark walnut Wurlitzer Organ (25yr old). Has arhythm box, foot pedals, synchronization, with bench
For More Items Available, click here to view the list on our DONATEpage...
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
Vehicles Needed to Help Individuals andMinistriesAll vehicles that are donated to LCC godirectly out to families or individualsthrough our congregations. NOvehicles are sold.
Photo: Jennifer's daughter had medical needs thatrequired a vehicle with a Lift. This donated van helped
to meet that need Here are some of the most recent requests, but we have others are are still waiting forsome word...
Car Needed for Arabic Outreach MinistryCars Needed for Immigrant FamiliesSingle Mother Needs Car for Work
Click here for the complete page listing the needs
If you have a vehicle to donate, please [email protected] or call 866-455-6466
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. Amen
If 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 help feedthe hungry.
Click here for more details | Click here to donate now | Click here for a Bulletin Insert
Tim's Pick of the Week
Power of Desperation By Michael Catt
What could be good about being broken? Michael Catt,innovtive pastor and executive producer of hit films Facingthe Giants and Fireproof, finds treasure at rock bottom inThe Power of Desperation, a book for anyone who hasever cried out for God's strength in life's moments ofabsolute weakness: "Maybe you are feeling alone,immersed in a time of darkness. I've got good news: God ison the verge of getting you alone with Him, so He can getthe 'you' out of you and fill you with Himself." Throughbiblical and modern stories of incomplete people whoseonly path to victory is through total surrender, Catt introduces yet another breakthroughconcept worthy of widespread personal application. Discover the power of desperation.
Job Seekers and Employers - Connect Online!Christians contact us frequently who are looking foremployment - either because the company they are withhas downsized, closed or has had layoffs. If you arelooking for people to hire and would like to consider afellow Christian for a position, please check herewww.servantatheart.org. Job seekers can post their resumes, and employers canpost job openings. Access to Expanded Job Listingsthrough National Labor Exchange...
Servant at HeartLutheran Church Charities' On-Line Christian BusinessDirectoryLooking for a Christian business? Lutheran Church Charities has an on-line ChristianBusiness Directory called Servant@Heart. This on-line directory allows:
Christians businesses to advertise their services without cost. Others to seek out Christian businesses.
Each member of the directory has their church and pastor identified in their listing.
Search at ServantAtHeart.org to find Christian businesses or to have your businesslisted. You can also go to www.LutheranChurchCharities.org or call (866) 455-6466.
It is the people of God working together that fully allows God to build for His Kingdom!
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] send contributions to LCC, 333 West Lake Street, Addison, IL 60101or contribute at our web site at http://LCC.LutheranChurchCharities.orgor call us for credit card donations at LCC's office at (866) 455- 6466