ships, from family, friends and community to all nations. So Zechariah prays that our feet be

guided into the way of peace.

Prayers for peace need to be on our hearts daily, a yearning deep in our soul. In Advent we pray, Lord Jesus, come. Come, with peace, with well-being and health, with protection and safe-ty. Stir our hearts, and move our feet in the ways of peace. At Christmas we give thanks for the dawning of the Most High in the birth of the Christ and pray we walk in the ways of the Prince of

Peace.

I ask you to join me in praying for peace as we approach the holy days of Christmastide. Let us pray for feet being led into the ways of peace, for leaders dedi-cated to peace-making and the healing of political divisions. Let us pray for peace in the world, peace in our schools and malls and places of work. Let us pray for peace in our neighborhoods and communities, in our homes

and in our hearts.

By the tender mercy of our God,

the dawn from on high will break upon us,

to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,

to guide our feet into the way of peace.

(Luke 1:78-79)

These words from the Gospel of Luke are part of what we know as the Benedictus or the Song of Zechariah (1:68-79). Filled with the Holy Spirit, Zechariah speaks these words of prophecy at the birth of his

son John.

Zechariah first blesses the God of Israel for remembering his covenant of old and for raising up a mighty savior. Then he blesses his son, calling him the prophet of the Most High. The child, seeing the dawn from on high, would come to be known

for his wild clothing, strong call to repentance, and the baptizing of people for the forgiveness of

their sins.

But I am struck by the last line of these words from the Bene-dictus: to guide our feet into the way of peace. In this sea-son of Advent we hear about God’s mission to bring reconcili-ation and peace to a broken and sinful world. At Christmas we celebrate the birth of the Prince

of Peace.

Yet we hear almost daily of an-other shooting in a school or a massacre at a mall or movie theatre. We hear of continuing conflicts on the global scene, the testing of rockets, the fear of nuclear weapons, continuing wars, the destabilization of ma-

jor regions of the globe.

Peace in the Holy Scriptures is rooted in the Hebrew word sha-lom and means not only the absence of conflict but health, well-being, wholeness, safety in all our relationships. Peace comes from God and is a gift in the Good News of Christ. In Christ we receive the gift of peace through the assurance of

the forgiveness of sins.

But the gift of peace is not a private possession, the gift is relational. Peace is intended for the whole world, all our relation-

From the Bishop

CENTRAL STATES SYNOD, ELCA

21 N. 12th St., Suite 210

Kansas City, KS 66102

Voice: 913-948-9701

Toll-free: 866-915-3548

Fax: 913-948-9707

www.css-elca.org

Inside this issue:

MAKING CHRIST KNOWN

December 2012/January 2013 Number 228

Rev. Dr. Gerald Mansholt

Bishop Hanson greeting, ELCA Good Gifts .................... page 2 Bethany College, Fund Appeal ........................... page 3 Year-end Giving, Disaster Response .................... page 4 Area Ministry Visits, Mission Endowment Fund ......... page 5 Webinar, Reports, PMA .. page 6 LSTC, LCM ..................... page 7 Rural Ministry Conf., Concert, Companion Synod ........ page 8 Women’s Triennial, Crossings, ‘Message from Mary’ .... page 9 Around the Synod ......... page 10 Parishes in Transition ... page 11 Partner Support, Global Links ... ...................................... page 12

Inserts/Flyers: LPG; 2013 Prayer List; Women’s Triennial; LTSS; Vladivostok 20th Anniversary; Certification School; ‘listenUp’

MAKING CHRIST KNOWN — December 2012/January 2013

2

In the Synod Office …

Bishop The Rev. Dr. Gerald Mansholt gmansholt@css-elca.org

Bishop’s Associates Rev. Len Dale ldale@css-elca.org

Rev. Dr. Janice Kibler jkibler@css-elca.org

Rev. John Kreidler jkreidler@css-elca.org

Assistant to the Bishop Mr. Dan Glamann dglamann@css-elca.org

Support Staff Ms. Dawne Bockelman dbockelman@css-elca.org

Ms. Sandy Van Tuyl svantuyl@css-elca.org

Deployed Staff Ms. Joyce “JP” Palmer Director Lutheran Planned Giving 816-204-5181 jcpalmer49@aol.com

Ms. Paula Kitt Mission Investment Fund, ELCA 913-486-4801 paula.kitt@elca.org

Employee Assistance Pro-gram (EAP) provided by

CIGNA. Go to www.cignabehavioral.com

for more information.

Making Christ Known A publication of the Central States

Synod

Published monthly by the Central States Synod, ELCA. Deadline for submission of materials is the 15th of the month for the subse-quent issue. News may be di-rected to Dan Glamann, Email: dglamann@css-elca.org. Permission is granted to ELCA congregations and members to reproduce any portion of this newsletter.

The ELCA Good Gifts catalog offers many

different ways to honor friends and loved ones with gifts that will go on to make a difference in the world. With more

than 50 different giving options -- from alpacas to water wells -- there's

something for every-one on your list. The

catalog is also a great resource for your con-

gregation. Use the ELCA Good Gifts Fair

Planning Guide to help get your congre-

gation started. You can also find special cards to announce to your loved ones the ELCA

Good Gift that you have made in their

honor.

In an unexpected arrival, God makes a home with us, full of grace and truth. With long-foretold mercy, God comes to save.

We rejoice with you in the wonder of Jesus' birth,

Mark Hanson Presiding Bishop Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

3

MAKING CHRIST KNOWN — December 2012/January 2013

Alternative Gift Market a success!

Bethany's eleventh annual Alternative Gift Market was held on Friday and Sat-urday, Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 in the Levin Room of Pihlblad Memorial Union. This

year the Market raised $2,864.85.

The market is part of Alternative Gifts Inter-national, an interfaith agency that raises funds for global gifts through nationwide gift markets and individual donors. Shop-pers learned about numerous charitable projects and chose to which they want to contribute. In return, they received an orna-ment as a token of appreciation. Instead of a traditional present, they can give the ornament to let the recipient know a chari-table donation has been made in their

name.

“The Alternative Gift Market is a wonderful tradition on our campus,” said Campus Pastor Noni Strand. “Students learn about the needs of people around the world and can contribute their efforts to strengthen communities to be more self-sustaining. At the same time, we offer an alternative way to give during the holidays: investments in these communities, rather than just more

stuff.”

The ornaments are handmade by Betha-ny’s freshmen seminar classes. The stu-dents select an organization to support, learn about the cause, and host a booth at the market. A bazaar of handcrafted items, home-baked goods, artisan breads, jewel-ry, and knitted items is also available at the market, with proceeds going to Alternative

Gifts International.

The market also carries a featured artisan ornament. This year, On the Pot of Salina donated ceramic ornaments painted by artist Julie Cates that were exclusively designed for Bethany’s market. She and her sister, Robin, were inspired by the

Alternative Gift Market message of shar-

ing peace and love in the world.

“The world’s issues may seem over-whelming so people don’t know where to start helping. This is a great way to do something to make a difference,” says Cates. “It’s neat to use our artwork and

talents for this kind of project.”

The global mission of Alternative Gifts International is to send authentic, life-giving gifts to a needy world - gifts that build a partnership with people in crisis and that protect and preserve the earth's endangered environment - to nourish and sustain a more equitable and peaceful global community. For more information,

visit www.alternativegifts.org.

The paint-your-own pottery studio On the Pot was opened in 2002 in downtown Salina, Kansas, by sisters Julie and Robin Cates. With tools, techniques, and clas-ses, everyone from experienced painters to beginners can “get their creative on” at On the Pot. Learn more at

www.paintourpot.com.

Changed by Love, Sent in Love to Serve

Shaping the Church for God’s Mission The Central States Synod Mission Fund Appeal

December 1, 2012 starts the fourth phase of the appeal,

“The Gifts of Sustaining Light”

Thank you to all who have pledged and supported the appeal so far. Those names can be found on the Central States Synod website.

The fund appeal has received over $989,190 to date in gifts and pledges.

Because of this generosity the Changed by Love, Sent in Love, to Serve: Shaping the Church for God’s Mission Fund Appeal is already at work:

Inspiring and Equipping People to be a part of what God is up to in their Every-day Lives by supporting campus ministry

Igniting Spiritual Renewal by supporting: Iglesia Luterana de La Resurreccíon in Garden City, Kan.; Oromo worshipping community in Kansas City, Mo.; Laotian Wor-shipping Community in Olathe, Kan. in partnership with Churchwide (the ELCA); and also assisting Hollis Renewal Center with its outdoor ministry

Building Bridges Across the Differences that Divide Society by supporting global connections that give expression to the faith we confess through the ELCA Malaria Campaign

In 2013 we look forward to investing in more ways into God’s preferred future for our synod.

BY STEPHANIE MCDOWELL, DIRECTOR OF

COMMUNICATIONS

Artisan ornaments, painted by Julie Cates of Salina’s On the Pot. All proceeds from the Market benefit Alternative Gifts International.

MAKING CHRIST KNOWN — December 2012/January 2013

4

CHICAGO (ELCA) - In a historic visit, leaders of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and a delegation of church leaders representing The Lutheran World Federation traveled together Nov. 30-Dec. 1 to areas of the United States impacted by

storms produced from Hurricane Sandy.

Eleven leaders of the ELCA and The Lutheran World Federation met with about 200 ELCA members, pastors and residents, partic-ularly in New Jersey and New York, who suffered loss from the storms in mid-October. The leaders surveyed the destruction and damage of ELCA church buildings and residential homes. More than 10 ELCA church buildings were severely damaged, and thou-sands of ELCA members are still displaced and/or rebuilding after the storm, which caused an estimated $50 billion in damage along

the northern U.S. Atlantic coast.

The Rev. Mark S. Hanson, ELCA presiding bishop, called the pas-toral visit historic. The “dividing walls that have separated the Lu-theran church bodies throughout the world are gone,” and the federation and ELCA are working in tangible fellowship. He said the visit also indicates that the Lutheran churches in Africa, some among the fastest-growing in the global church, are standing on their own to come to the United States to express their care and

solidarity.

“The delegation embodies the presence of the whole of The Lu-theran World Federation with its 143 member churches in order to bring a word of comfort to those suffering and a message of hope for those rebuilding their lives,” wrote the Rev. Martin Junge in a Nov. 27 letter to Hanson. Junge is general secretary of The Lu-theran World Federation, a global communion of 143 member churches in 79 countries worldwide. The ELCA is the commun-

ion’s only member church from the United States.

“Through their physical presence the (communion’s) delegation wishes to support the ELCA as it sets out to respond to the spiritu-al and material challenges resulting from Hurricane Sandy,” Junge

wrote.

“Indeed, there is no church so big, so old, (and) so well-resourced that it would not heavily depend on the love, care and solidarity of others. Conversely, there is no church so small, so young and with so scarce resources that it would not have gifts to share with oth-ers. We wish the accompaniment of the (communion’s) delegation to be an embodiment of these relationships of reciprocity and mu-tuality that are constitutive of the gift of being churches in com-munion, and for which The Lutheran World Federation stands,” he

wrote.

Representing the communion was the Rev. Elisa Buberwa, bishop of the Northwestern Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania; the Rev. Cindy Halmarson, bishop of the Saskatche-wan Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada; and

the Rev. Dr. Veikko Munyika of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia. The church in Tanzania shares a companion relation-ship with the ELCA Metropolitan New York Synod, and the church

in Namibia is in relationship with the ELCA New Jersey Synod.

READ MORE

Photo credit: AP

Lutheran world leaders visit U.S. areas marred in Hurricane Sandy's wake ELCA NEWS SERVICE — DECEMBER 4, 2012

There is still time to make your year-end gift to support the mission and ministry of the Central States

Synod and the ELCA.

Click the image at the left for more information from Bishop Mansholt and to make your online donation.

Thank you for your continued partnership in God’s Mission.

5

MAKING CHRIST KNOWN — December 2012/January 2013

Be sure to visit the Central States Synod web page for

Book of Faith

Mission Endowment Fund Update BY BETH DEHAVEN (PRINCE OF PEACE, SPRINGFIELD) FOR THE COMMITTEE

Did you know that the median indebtedness for a semi-narian at graduation is $45,000? Scholarship Grants and Semi-

nary Debt Retirement Grants from the CSS Mission Endowment Fund (MEF) provide some relief to the seminarian or first call pastor so that they can better focus on their studies and ministry. In September, 2012, the MEF Committee awarded $18,000 in Scholarship Grants for Seminari-ans and over $7,000 in Debt Retirement Grants for First-Call Pas-tors. Following are a few of the thank-you notes received:

Thank you, thank you to the CSS Mission Endowment fund for my grant. This is such an unexpected gift and truly appreciated.

Blessings, Cherri Jestmore Congregation: Atonement, Overland Park, Kan. Working toward Associate in Ministry (Lay roster of ELCA)

Please convey my deep thanks to all on the committee, and perhaps especially to donors or their families who make this blessing possible. The $1000 grant sent to my student account at Luther is a gift in ways that extend far beyond the tangible/financial.

Thank you for keeping me and all seminarians in your prayers.

Tim Meyer Congregation: Reformation, Wichita, Kan. Luther Seminary

To the Mission Endowment Fund; the people of the Central States Syn-od; and the bishop and staff of CSS

THANK YOU … I was not anticipating additional support from the syn-od after my graduation and ordination, especially since all of my debt from school is on a credit card! That card gets closer to being paid off each month. You are helping make school debt LESS of a deciding factor in how we serve. THANKS!

Blessings and Hope, Gordy Sandquist, pastor Olsburg/Walsburg Parish, Olsburg & Leonardville, Kan. Graduate: Luther Seminary

For additional information about the CSS Mission Endowment Fund, in-cluding links for donations and grant application form, go to www.css-elca.org/mef.html

Area Ministry Visits 2012-13

The Bishop has planned a series of Area Ministry Visits for the fall of 2012 and spring 2013. Most dates are set — locations and additional details will be forthcoming, but please mark your calendars now and save the dates.

Upcoming Visits: Area Ministry 10—Jan. 13-14 Christ, Webster Groves, Mo. Area Ministry 9—Jan. 20-21 St. Paul, Lohman, Mo. Area Ministry 1—Jan. 26 Our Savior, Brewster, Kan. Area Ministry 2—Jan. 27-28 St. John, Russell, Kan. Area Ministry 4—Feb. 1-2 First, Manhattan, Kan. Area Ministry 7— Feb. 6 & 9 Immanuel, Kansas City, Mo. Area Ministry 5— Feb. 17-18 Gloria Dei, Wichita, Kan. Area Ministry 6 — Feb. 24-25 Our Savior, Topeka, Kan. Details have been forwarded to each of the Area Ministries. Con-gregational lay leaders are invited and encouraged to participate. Please contact the host congrega-tion for specifics.

MAKING CHRIST KNOWN — December 2012/January 2013

6

Upcoming Webinar – Prepare Us to be a Sanctuary The Pacific Violence Prevention Institute is presenting “Prepare Us to be A Sanctuary,” a 5-part webinar online training program for pastors, youth directors, and other adults working in religious communities to create a safer and more supportive space for their youth. All webinars are at 7:00

p.m. (CST) The dates are:

January 9: Recognizing Bullying Behavior in your Community

January 16: Recognizing and Responding to Social Constructs that Contribute to Bullying Behavior

January 30: Promoting Ally Behavior

February 6: Supporting Victims on Bullying and Harassment

February 13: Putting Information into Action: Creating Effective Pro-gramming for Youth.

Registration information on participating in this webinar will be circulated throughout the CSM & LSS networks. Information about the on-line train-ing program can be found at www.pvpi.org/onlinetraining.

What does it mean to be a PMA? THIS MONTH BY SID HOSE, PMA

As this Christmas season ap-proaches it reminds me of past holiday seasons. In particular, I remember Christmas 1989 and not because it was so wonderful but, rather, because it was the worst Christmas of my life.

Prior to 1989 my business career had gone very well but in that year I ran into some difficulties that I could not handle on my own. While I had been a faithful church member for over 25 years, I was not deeply involved with the Lord. However during this period I asked the Lord for help and put my life in his hands.

By early 1990, I was fortunate enough to have landed a good po-sition and, thankful for the Lord’s help, I was a changed person and became much more faithful than I had been in the past. By the time my career brought us to Kansas City in 1995, I was pretty sure I wanted to be involved in working for our Lord when I retired.

I was certified as a Parish Ministry Associate in early 2008, right after my retirement. I was given an op-portunity to serve as the acting pastor at Friends Home Lutheran Church in Savonburg, Kan., and I have been in that position since July 2009.

We all have God-given gifts that we should use not only in our per-sonal and professional lives, but also to help the church to spread God’s word in any way we can.

Best wishes for a blessed Christ-mas and New Year.

For more information about the Parish Ministry Associate Program, please visit http://css-elca.org/for-leaders/parish-ministry-associate-program/ or call the synod office.

Time for Annual Reports By Sandy Van Tuyl, Administrative Assistant

Anticipated Mission Support 2013 is coming fast and you are probably in the process of getting your congregational budgets prepared. Your synod is no different. We depend on your generous giving to help all of us do ministry that each cannot do by themselves. Completing this form helps us prepare in a responsible way for the coming year. If you do not know the exact figures,

please send your best estimate.

If you need another report form please contact to Sandy Van Tuyl svantuyl@css-elca.org.

Please return completed forms to the same email or mail to the office.

Congregational Annual Reports (Parochial Reports) Due Feb. 15, 2013 Forms will mailed out to congregations with your 2013 password at the top. To complete the report go to www.elca.org/ELCA/Forms.aspx . In the 2nd column (congregations) click on Congregational Report Forms A and C (password required) and Congregation Leader-ship Directory (Form B) (password required). Note: the synod office now has these pass-

words, each congregation should be receiving them shortly.

If you have questions or need your password, contact Sandy Van Tuyl svantuyl@css-elca.org. Completion of this report helps to provide accurate information on all congrega-tions of the ELCA and is the constitutional responsibility of the called pastor of the congre-

gation. Thanks for your participation.

Rostered Leaders Annual Reports to the Bishop Due Feb. 15, 2013 All rostered leaders under active call, on leave from call, retired, or on disability are re-quired to complete this report. Click here to complete this report online or go to https://www.elca.org/ELCA/Forms.aspx in the first column click on Rostered Leaders Report to the Bishop Forms and choose the appropriate status. Please send this report to

(Continued on page 11)

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MAKING CHRIST KNOWN — December 2012/January 2013

What’s UP with Campus Ministry? THIS MONTH BY PR SHAWN NORRIS, LUTHERAN CAMPUS MINISTRY, KANSAS UNIVERSITY

What places are special to you? Allen Field-house? Snyder Stadium? A cove at Lake of the Ozarks? A garden in your backyard, or a park in your neighborhood? The places in our lives can have powerful memories at-tached to them. Memories of great games and great talks, great vegetables and great walks in the woods. Some of these places become holy ground for us, spots where we experience the presence of God. Even un-expected places can become holy, though I’m still not sure what to think about the “I worship at Allen Fieldhouse Tshirts”.

Lutheran Campus Ministry at KU is in our 7th location in the last 50 years. Each of our homes has powerful memories for alumni, parents, and friends. A pig roast in the ground, a wedding, the death of a son, a Taize service, a Each of our homes has been holy ground, a place where students have ex-perienced the presence of God in wine and words.

LCM at KU is moving into our new, permanent home in January. This is a great chance to think about what makes a place special--what makes holy ground? There is a great Biblical ambivalence: Jacob marks the spot where he wrestles with an angel, but ‘will God indeed dwell on the earth? Even heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you, much less this house that I have built!’ (I Kings 8:27).

At KU we look forward to making our new home a place of welcome, and pray that it will be holy ground for students, faculty, and staff. We’re thankful for all of you who have helped campus ministry throughout the Central States Synod provide a home away from home (and holy ground) for stu-dents. Thank you.

[Ed. Note: for updates and progress reports, visit www.kulutherans.org/]

“LIKE” CENTRAL STATES SYNOD!

CLICK HERE

Westwood House — New Home for Lutheran Campus Ministry, KU

February Seminary Sampler

The Seminary Sampler is a three-day visit event (February 17-19) designed to give prospective stu-dents a "taste" of LSTC life. Here, they will have the opportunity to discern with other prospective stu-dents 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 fi-nancial 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/

MAKING CHRIST KNOWN — December 2012/January 2013

8

St. Olaf Band to Perform in Overland Park The St. Olaf Band, dubbed “one of America’s preeminent bands” by The New Yorker, will perform at Atonement Lutheran Church as part of its 2013 national tour. The concert will take place on Thursday, January 31, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. at Atonement Lutheran Church, 9948 Metcalf Ave., 66212. The concert is free for all students, $10 for adults and seniors and group rates (10+) are available. Tickets are available on the night of the concert and in

advance at stolaftickets.com or by calling 1-800-363-5487.

The St. Olaf Band’s national tour will feature a repertoire that includes two original works. One is from a recent St. Olaf graduate named Jonathan Bartz titled “The Valley of the Dry Bones” and another from the maestro himself, Dr. Tim Mahr, titled “Imagine, If You Will”. Other works include the second movement of Maslanka’s Symphony No. 5, “Savannah River Holiday” by Ron Nelson, Sinfonietta by Leos Janácek, Adoramus te, Chiste by Quiri-

no Gasparini.

Founded in 1891, the St. Olaf Band is an ensemble noted for superb musicianship. Under the leadership of conductor Timothy Mahr, the St. Olaf Band performs the very best com-positions and transcriptions for symphonic band, producing an exciting, crowd-pleasing

style.

Timothy Mahr, St. Olaf Band conductor and professor of music at St. Olaf College, is a nationally recognized composer with more than 60 works to his credit, including The Soar-ing Hawk, for which he received the ABA/Ostwald Award. Mahr has guest-conducted a number of professional and award-winning ensembles, including the United States Air Force Band and the United States Army Field Band, as well as intercollegiate and all-state bands in over 25 states. He is the principal conductor of the Minnesota Symphonic Winds, a featured ensemble at the 2008 Midwest Clinic, the largest international band conference

in the world.

Watch video and listen to audio of the St. Olaf Band and learn more about the ensemble,

current members and conductor at www.stolaf.edu/music/stolaf_band.

Companion Synod Sunday, Papua New Guinea Don’t forget that Epiphany is the season to remember our Compan-ion Synod Churches in Papua New Guinea and in Eastern Russia. Sunday, February 3

rd has been

designated Companion Synod Sunday for the Kate (pronounced Caw-Tay) district of the Evangeli-cal Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea (ELCPNG). On that Sun-day congregations are encouraged to lift up our Companion District in Papua New Guinea. If it does not work to do so on that Sunday, you are welcome to choose another Sunday during the Epiphany Sea-son to do so. Please visit the Com-panion Synod Packet under the Ministries section of the CSS-ELCA Web Site for more infor-mation and resources for worship on that Sunday. Special Offerings for Papua New Guinea can be ear-marked for the communications project that the Central States Syn-od is funding for the Kate District, ELCPNG, or to help fund the Com-panion Synod visit to the Kate Dis-trict in 2013 for the purpose of par-ticipating with them in a Steward-ship Conference.

We have a number of people who have been on Companion Synod visits to both Papua New Guinea and to Russia. If you are looking for a speaker for a Companion Synod Sunday, please check the synod website for names and con-tact information.

Wartburg Theological Seminary’s 32nd

Annual Rural Ministry Conference is being held on March 3

rd-5

th, 2013. This year’s focus is “Food and

Faith.” The Rural Ministry Conference outreach is continuing to grow and has become an ecumenical conference for those working in small town and rural parishes throughout the Midwest.

For more information and to register online, go to www.ruralministry.com. To view/download a brochure, click FOOD AND FAITH.

9

MAKING CHRIST KNOWN — December 2012/January 2013

Central States Women’s news BY SUSIE BORGSTROM, PRESIDENT

A Message from Mary BY MARY HUNT, PMA

It is a holy season. A time of holi-day parties. A time to give thanks for the Christ who came remind us of to whom we belong and cele-brate that wonderful gift. It is also a time when domestic violence erupts around us. We are remind-ed so graphically because of the terrible acts that occurred in Kan-sas City recently. A young moth-er’s life ended abruptly. Her ‘significant other’, a football player with the Kansas City Chiefs, ended his life as well.

But, domestic violence is not con-fined to the young among us. Old-er adults who seem to be clumsy and fall, or bump into doors are often being abused. But their per-ception that domestic violence as a social stigma may prevent even an admission that a spouse or com-panion has been abusive.

Alcohol consumption contribution, uncontrolled outbursts of temper, perceived slights are contributors to the awful things that may occur. And the ‘abuser’ uses the excuse, “Your actions made me do it!” So the person being abuse is blamed for what has happened.

We can be alert to unexplained bruises, to frequent ‘falls’, to per-sons who seem to have a lot of ‘bad luck’, be it a woman or a man. We can show our concern. Suspected abuse can be called to the attention of domestic violence workers or social services who work with older adults.

All of us have a right to life without violence, especially as we age. No one ‘deserves’ to be hit, to be pushed or harmed. God gave us eyes to see and ears to hear and mouths to report the abuse of oth-ers.

Everyone deserves the peace of the Christchild’s birthday. Every-one.

Crossings Seminar 2013

January 20-22, 2013 Belleville, Illinois

Good News We Don't Want to Hear Preaching to a Skeptical World

Learn to use Law-Gospel Distinction

Practice Analyzing Biblical Texts Discover God Talk in Secular Culture

Free for Seminary Students — Tuition: $150 (includes hotel and meals)

Register at www.crossings.org/conference

MAKING CHRIST KNOWN — December 2012/January 2013

10

Around the synod . . . AROUND THE SYNOD

ONLINE Want to know more about what’s

going on “Around the Synod?” For stories and pictures of various min-istries around Central States Syn-od, please visit http://css-elca.org/

ministries/around-the-synod/

And PLEASE feel free to share your stories too!

Oh for crying out loud! Biblical Siblings: blessing or curse?

15th Annual LYO Lock-In February 16-17 — Wilson, Kan.

Where? Wilson Jr/Sr High School Gym Who? 7th to 12th graders — 1 adult for every 7-10 youth attending Cost: $15 ($25 after Feb. 1)

The event starts at 9 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 16 and finishes up by 9 a.m. Sunday. Bring a snack to share, sleeping bag and pillow (if you want to sleep), and a desire for fun and excitement!

For more information, contact Diane Wagner at djwag@stciweb.com or 785-658-5212 or DOWNLOAD FLYER | DOWNLOAD REGISTRATION.

ListenUp

The Kansas City Lutheran Youth Coalition (KCLYC) is partnering with

Church Innovations Institute for a day focused on teaching teenagers and parents to listen to one another and God.

All middle school and high school youth are invited to attend with at least one parent. Families will work together to learn how to make God's word a part of their everyday lives. And, they will work on improving communica-tion skills with each other. Families will take time to learn how to make the

study of God’s word a regular part of their family lives. Pat Ellison from

the Church Innovations Institute in Minneapolis will be our guest. And, there will be sessions on improving listening in situations with parents and teens. This is an interactive event that utilizes social media, online polling, videos, cell phones, and tablet technology to connect with participants.

#ListenUpKCLYC or Follow KCLYC on facebook!

COST: $5 per person; $15 family max; FREE for members of sponsor-ing congregations (Holy Cross, Advent, Immanuel, Salem, Atonement, Martin Luther)

DATE: Saturday, January 26, 2013—9 a.m.-3 p.m.

LOCATION: Holy Cross Lutheran Church (7851 W. 119th St., Overland

Park, KS 66213) SIGN-UP: www.tinyurl.com/ListenUpKCLYC --Register by January 22

QUESTIONS: Contact info@holycross-elca.org

Snacks, beverages and lunch are provided at no additional cost! For more information, please see the flyer at the end of this newsletter.

Concordia Choir (Moorhead, Minn.) In Concert

Hear one of the nation’s finest college choirs perform Monday, February 25 at 7:30 PM in Village Presbyterian Church. Tickets; $25 Preferred Seating; $20 Adults; $10 Students. Tickets available at Village Presbyterian Church, online at ConcordiaTickets.com, by calling 800-838-3006 or at the door. René Clausen conducts the 76-voice a cappella choir in several spirituals and hymns plus some new dramatic Clausen arrangements. Visit www.TheConcordiaChoir.org today for complete concert information!

POSITION OPENING

Director of Congregational Life Advent Lutheran Church

Olathe, Kansas

The Director of Congregational Life serves to develop and administer ministries to adults that stem from Advent’s purpose statement and mission directives, espe-cially Inspiring Lives of Faith and Chal-lenging our faith community to grow in discipleship. The goal of Congregational Life is to provide resources and experienc-es to inspire lives of faith through invita-tional outreach, and to challenge and equip current members to more fully par-ticipate in their personal lives of faith and

service as followers of Jesus Christ.

This is a part-time (20 hours) position. For more information contact Pr. Susan Lang-hauser at 913-681-2074 or CLICK HERE

for a full position description.

11

MAKING CHRIST KNOWN — December 2012/January 2013

SYNOD CALENDAR

December 1 Candidacy Committee — Synod Office 7 Mission Endowment Fund Committee — Synod Office 17 Staff Retreat — Hollis Renewal Center 24-25 Christmas Holiday — Synod Office Closed 31 New Year’s Holiday — Synod Office Closed

January 1 New Year’s Holiday — Synod Office Closed 13-14 Area Ministry 10 Visit — Christ, Webster Groves, MO 20-21 Area Ministry 9 Visit — St. Paul, Lohman, MO 21 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day — Synod Office Closed 23 Interim Pastors Meet — Synod Office 25 Synod Council Executive Committee — Synod Office 26 Area Ministry 1 Visit — Our Savior, Brewster, KS 27-28 Area Ministry 2 Visit — St. John, Russell, KS

Parishes in the Call Process (a) intentional interim/interim (b) developing congregational profile (c) interview phase (d) call pending

Area Ministry 3 Peace Parish: Belleville/Courtland/ Norway/Scandia, (c)

Area Ministry 4 Axtell, Salem and Onaga, New Hope (b)

Area Ministry 5 Derby, Cross of Glory (c) Eureka, Christ — part-time (a) Hutchinson, Zion — part-time (a) Wichita, Good Shepherd (a)

Area Ministry 6 Topeka, First—associate (a)

Area Ministry 7 Belton, Lord of Love (a) Overland Park, Atonement (a)

Area Ministry 9 Camdenton, Our Savior (c) Cole Camp, St. Paul (b) Russellville, Trinity (a)

Area Ministry 10 St. Charles, Hope — associate (c) St. Louis, St. Thomas-Holy Spirit (c) Sullivan, Peace — part-time (a)

svantuyl@css-elca.org rather than to Bishop Mansholt’s email.

If you have questions, contact Sandy Van Tuyl svantuyl@css-elca.org.

And last but not least….

Mayo Health Care Assessment - Due April, 2013 $150 to do Paperwork? Yes!

If you have ELCA-primary health coverage, take the 2013 Mayo Clinic Health Assessment on the EmbodyHealth web portal at www.elcaforwellness.org January 1 – April 30. Every-one that does the Assessment earns $150 in their personal wellness account to offset out-of-pocket medical costs. Plus if you log into the web portal or participate in some of the

offered programs you can earn up to an additional $350.

If enough of us (65% of those covered) complete the Assessment before April 30 the con-gregations and ministries participating will receive a 2% discount on the health contribu-

tions paid on your behalf.

Instructions for taking the Assessment are available in the Understand My Benefits section

at www.elcabop.org.

In 2012 we saved an estimated $36,000 — over 65% of our members which are covered took the Assessment!

(Continued from page 6)

¡Bienvenidos a Facebook en Español! Por favor, conectarse y “Me Gusta” a nuestra nueva página en español de Facebook: Sinodo de los Estados Centrales

Welcome to Facebook in Spanish! Please connect with and "like" our new Spanish-language Face-book page: Sinodo de los Estados Centrales

MAKING CHRIST KNOWN — December 2012/January 2013

12

December 2012

Hurricane Sandy: ELCA provides and receives aid — In the wake of the devastation in the U.S. from the storms spawned by Hurricane Sandy, the ELCA is for the first time receiving interna-tional aid from The Lutheran World Federa-tion. Through ELCA

Disaster Response, this church is also providing relief to the storm-damaged areas of the U.S. and the Caribbean. Read more at

www.ELCA.org/Sandy-aid and www.ELCA.org/Sandy-response.

Video: Bishop Hanson responds to Hurricane Sandy — Promis-ing "a shared commitment to restore communities," ELCA Presid-ing Bishop Mark Hanson offers words of hope and action to "rebuild lives, congregations and communities" damaged by the deadly

storm. Watch the video at: www.ELCA.org/Hanson-video.

Israel: ELCA, others request a review of U.S. military aid — Concerned about the deteriorating conditions in Israel and the oc-cupied Palestinian territories and the commitment for a just peace, the Rev. Mark Hanson, presiding bishop of the ELCA, and other U.S. Christian leaders are urging Congress to conduct an investiga-tion into possible human rights and weapon violations by the gov-

ernment of Israel. Read more at www.ELCA.org/investigation.

Germany: In the footsteps of Martin Luther To celebrate the ELCA’s 25th anniversary and in anticipation of the Reformation’s 500th anniversary, there are several opportunities next year to combine a trip to Germany with learning about our Lutheran heritage. Read more at www.LivingLutheran.org/

Lutherland.

A week for global ecumenical unity, Jan. 18-25 An annual event in the global ecumenical movement, the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity will be Jan. 18-25, 2013, in the northern hemisphere. For worship resources and materials that can be

adapted for local settings, go to www.ELCA.org/Christian-unity.

Kit helps your congregation fight malaria The ELCA Malaria Campaign is supporting the efforts of 11 com-panion churches in Africa. If your congregation would like to raise awareness and funds for the ELCA Malaria Campaign, please check out the new Congregation Action Kit. You can download it

here: www.ELCA.org/malariacampaign.

Apply now to be an ELCA Young Adult in Global Mission Young adults (ages 19-29) are invited to apply to serve for a year in an international program in Argentina and Uruguay, Jerusalem/West Bank, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mexico, Central/Eastern Eu-rope, Southern Africa and the United Kingdom. See

www.ELCA.org/yagm.

Global Links shares highlights from ELCA.org, LivingLutheran.com and other churchwide websites of ELCA ministry and connections

in other countries.

GlobalGlobalGlobal Our partners in Eastern Russia need our support BY PR. GARY TESKE, COMPANION SYNOD TEAM CHAIR

The Central States Synod has received a request from Bishop Schaude of the Lutheran Church of the Urals, Siberia and Far East of Russia to provide funding for one of the pastors in Eastern Rus-sia, Rev. Lapochenko of Arsenyev. Rev. Lapochenko and Rev. Manfred Brockman are the only ordained pastors serving among the 9 congregations in the Far East of Russia. Rev Lapochenko not only serves the congregation in the city of Arsenyev located just north of Vladivostok, but provides Pastoral support to other area congregations including Ussurisk. The group from the Central States Synod met Pastor Lapochenko on its visit to Russia in late September and he is indeed a key leader in the work of resurrect-

ing the Lutheran Church in the far east region of Russia.

This request comes not just from the congregation of Arsenyev, or even Dean Manfred Brockman, but has the approval of Bishop

Schaude and the Synod Con-sistory (Synod Assembly) of the Synod of the Urals, Sibe-ria and the Far East. It is regarded as a key project in providing the leadership needed for the Lutheran Church in Russia, and the cost is about $800 per month in U.S. dollars. St. John Lu-theran Church in Russell, Kan. has already sent in fund-ing for nearly two months, and we have tentative com-mitments from synod congre-gations for two more months,

so the synod is well on its way to being able to give an affirmative response to this appeal from one of our partner churches. Please consider whether your congregation would be willing and able to commit to funding one, or maybe even two months’ worth of this vital project for our spiritual CoSyns in the far east of Russia. The Synod of the Urals, Siberia and the Far East is actually asking for a three year commitment. If you are able to commit to providing funding for 3 years, that would be ideal. However, if you can only commit for 2013, please do so, and we will move forward in faith, trusting that each year God will raise up congregations to provide this much needed support for our partners as they slowly resurrect a church that Lenin and Stalin and their successors did their best

to stamp out.

If you hear God calling you to be a part of the support of Pastor Lapochenko, please contact the synod office, or Pastor Gary Tes-

ke at gteske@tlclawrence.org, or at 785-843-4150.

PARTNERS IN THE GOSPELPARTNERS IN THE GOSPEL

Bishop Otto and Bridget Schaude

Y

Lutheran Planned Giving Arkansas-Oklahoma & Central States Synods

December 2012

Lutheran Planned Giving Joyce "JP" Palmer

Director/ELCA Regional Gift Planner 9911 N. Hawthorne Ave. Kansas City, MO 64157 Phone: 816-204-5181

E-mail: jcpalmer49@aol.com

ELCA Lutheran Planned Giving is a service to ELCA congregations and individuals to help them plan for themselves, loved ones and the work of the

Lord, by providing education and consultation in the area of stewardship of accumulated assets.

All services are available without cost or obligation.

ELCA congregations have permission to reproduce this insert for newsletters, bulletins or other congregational use.

You May Be A Willing Witness

needs that emerge each day, it is our challenge to provide gifts that will have a lasting impact on future generations. We become Willing Witnesses by investing in the church a portion of the financial resources with which we have been entrusted to use during life. Through this action, we witness to our faith and support ministry organizations we care about. The purpose of Lutheran Planned Giving is to serve you in charitable financial planning for today and for your future. At the same time, LPG wants to help you advance the work of the church in ways that are important and meaningful to you.

Are you a Willing Witness? If yes, have you had an opportunity to notify the office of Lutheran Planned Giving so that we may recognize your caring vision. Do you want to learn how to leave a legacy to ministry? Contact Joyce “JP” Palmer, our LPG Director, for a confidential conversation regarding your planned giving questions and needs.

Have you included a gift from their estate to go to one or more of the ministries of the ELCA? If you have, you are a Willing Witnesses. Legacy gifts that provide lasting support to the ministries of the church chosen by you, the donor, express your passions and commitment. Legacy gifts, planned estate gifts, may take such forms as: A bequest of a specific dollar amount or a percentage of the

estate A primary beneficiary designation on a life insurance policy A remainder interest of a retirement plan or IRA A “Payable on Death” designation of a savings account or

certificate of deposit A remainder interest in a charitable life income annuity/trust A remainder interest in a revocable living trust. Other property gifts which will ultimately go wholly or partially to

the church To ensure that Oaks Indian Mission, a congregation, synods, Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, Lutheran Family & Children’s Services, Camp Tomah Shinga, Bethany Home, Bethany College, Hollis Renewal Center, Lutheran Campus Ministry and churchwide ministries will remain strong and responsive to the

FEBRUARY 2013 February 3 Seeds of Faith Parish: Peace Lutheran Albert, Kan.; Emmanuel Lutheran Hoisington, Kan.; First Lutheran LaCrosse, Kan.; and Hope Lutheran Rush Center, Kan. February 10 Trinity Lutheran Hays, Kan. Immanuel Lutheran Kansas City, Mo. Zion Lutheran Phillipsburg, Kan. Faith Lutheran Oberlin, Kan. Lutheran Senior Services St. Louis, Mo. February 17 Trinity Lutheran Topeka, Kan. Salem Lutheran Axtell, Kan. Greenleaf-Waterville Parish: Trinity Lutheran Greenleaf, Kan. and St. Mark Lutheran Waterville, Kan. February 24 Assaria Lutheran Assaria, Kan. Unity Lutheran Bel-Nor, Mo. Lord of Love Lutheran Belton, Mo. Hollis Renewal Center Bonner Springs, Kan.

JANUARY 2013 (Dec. 30) Lutherans on the Plains Parish: Sharon Lutheran Sharon Springs, Kan.; Our Savior Lutheran Brewster, Kan.; and Bethany Lutheran Weskan, Kan.; Christ the King Lutheran St. Peters, Mo. January 6 Peace Parish: Ada Lutheran Courtland, Kan.; Amana Lutheran Scandia, Kan.; American Lutheran Belleville, Kan.; and Our Savior Lutheran Norway, Kan. January 13 First Lutheran Dorrance, Kan. Everest -Robinson Parish: Zion Lutheran Everest, Kan. and Upper Wolf Lutheran Robinson, Kan. Zion Lutheran Ferguson, Mo. January 20 St. Andrew Lutheran Columbia, Mo. Holy Cross Lutheran Creve Coeur, Mo. Redeemer Lutheran Desoto, Mo. Community Lutheran Eagle Rock, Mo. January 27 Reformation Lutheran Wichita, Kan. Prairie Winds Parish: Trinity Lutheran Abilene, Kan. and Faith Lutheran Junction City, Kan. United Evangelical Lutheran Cole Camp, Mo.

MARCH 2013 March 3 Garfield Lutheran Garfield, Kan. St. Martin Lutheran Kansas City, Kan. Zion Lutheran Hollenberg, Kan. New Hope Lutheran Onaga, Kan. Bethany House of Studies Kansas March 10 Bendena-Lancaster Parish: St. John Lutheran Bendena, Kan. and St. John Lutheran Lancaster, Kan. St. Mark Lutheran Atchinson, Kan. Zion Lutheran Beloit, Kan. Kansas Ecumenical Ministries Lawrence, Kan. March 17 Concordia Lutheran Concordia, Kan. Falun-Salemsborg Parish: Falun Lutheran Falun, Kan. and Salemsborg Lutheran Smolan, Kan. Peace Lutheran New Cambria, Kan. March 24 Our Savior Lutheran Jefferson City, Mo. Prince of Peace Lutheran Kansas City, Kan. St. John Lutheran Kensington, Kan. Our Savior Lutheran Jefferson City, Mo. Lutheran Ecumenical Representative Network March 31 Grace Lutheran Osage City, Kan. St Andrew Lutheran Poplar Bluff, Mo. St. Mark Hope and Peace Lutheran Kansas City, Mo. Kan. State Campus Ministry Manhattan, Kan.

APRIL 2013 April 7 Advent Lutheran Olathe, Kan. Trinity Lutheran Otis, Kan. Hope Lutheran Rolla, Mo. Lutheran House of Studies Lawrence, Kan. April 14 Laotian Ministry Olathe, Kan. Overland Park Lutheran Overland Park, Kan. St. John Lutheran Russell, Kan. Chinese Ministry Creve Coeur, Mo. April 21 St. Matthew Lutheran Butler, Mo. Our Savior Lutheran Camdenton, Mo. Cross of Glory Lutheran Derby, Kan. Christ Lutheran Eureka, Kan. Metro Lutheran Ministry Kansas City, Mo. For all of the PMAs and participants at the PMA Convo this coming week April 28 St. Mark Lutheran Olathe, Kan. Atonement Lutheran Overland Park, Kan. St. John Lutheran Pittsburg, Kan. United Emmanuel Lutheran Russell (Milberger), Kan.

PRAYING FOR ONE ANOTHER — CENTRAL STATES SYNOD Please include these congregations and ministries in your Sunday prayer petitions.

JUNE 2013 June 2 For all of the participants at Synod Assembly in Overland Park, Kan. this coming week June 9 New Gottland Lutheran McPherson, Kan. Elim Lutheran Marquette, Kan. St. Paul Lutheran Nevada, Mo. Missourians to Abolish the Death Penalty St. Louis, Mo. June 16 Peace Lutheran Joplin, Mo. Trinity Lutheran McPherson, Kan. Our Saviour Lutheran Mulvane, Kan. Blue Ridge Trinity Lutheran Raytown, Mo. St. Louis Campus Ministry St. Louis, Mo. June 23 Gloria Dei Lutheran Kansas City, Mo. Lutheran Church of the Resurrection Prairie Village, Kan. Salem Lutheran Lenexa, Kan. Lutheran Church of the Atonement Florissant, Mo. June 30 Prairie Faith Parish: St. John Lutheran Ellis, Kan.; Our Redeemer Lutheran Ness City, Kan.; Bethlehem Lutheran WaKeeney, Kan.; Emanuel Lutheran WaKeeney, Kan.; Immanuel Lutheran WaKeeney, Kan.; and Zion Lutheran WaKeeney, Kan.

MAY 2013 May 5 Trinity Lutheran Kirkwood, Mo. Hosanna! Lutheran Liberty, Mo. Messiah Lutheran Lindsborg, Kan. Immanuel Lutheran Brauersville) Cole Camp, Mo. May 12 Living Lord Lutheran Lake St. Louis, Mo. Olsburg-Walsburg Parish: Olsburg Lutheran Olsburg, Kan. & Walsburg Lutheran Leonardville, Kan. Denmark Lutheran Lincoln, Kan. St. Paul Lutheran Lohman, Mo. May 19 Good Shepherd Lutheran Lawrence, Kan. Bethany Lutheran Lindsborg, Kan. Gloria Dei Lutheran Lucas, Kan. First Lutheran Manhattan, Kan. Kansas University Campus Ministry Lawrence, Kan. May 26 Trinity Lutheran Lawrence, Kan. Good Shepherd Lutheran Manchester, Mo. Peace Lutheran Manhattan, Kan. Trinity Lutheran (Pyrmont) Stover, Mo. Lutheran School of Theology Chicago, IL.

JULY 2013 July 7 Lutheran Church of the Living Christ Florissant, Mo. Iglesia Luterana de la Resurrección Garden City, Kan. St. James Lutheran Church Garden City, Kan. Trinity Lutheran Great Bend, Kan. July 14 St. Paul Lutheran Galatia, Kan. St. Paul Lutheran Glasco, Kan. Zion Lutheran Hanover, Kan. St. John Lutheran Hanover (Lanham), Kan. Good Shepherd Lutheran Hazelwood, Mo. July 21 St. Mark Lutheran Great Bend, Kan. Good Neighbor Parish; St. Paul Lutheran Herrington, Kan. and Hebron Lutheran Burdick, Kan. Peace Lutheran Hollister, Mo. July 28 St. James Lutheran Kansas City, Mo. Our Savior Lutheran Topeka, Kan. St. Mark Lutheran Emporia, Kan. For all of the participants at the CSS Women’s Convention at Bethany College, Lindsborg, Kan.

AUGUST 2013 August 4 Children’s Memorial Lutheran Kansas City, Mo. Ruskin Heights Lutheran Kansas City, Mo. St. John Lutheran Bird City, Kan. Lutheran School of Theology St. Louis, Mo. August 11 Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran St. Ann, Mo. All Saints Lutheran Blue Springs, Mo. Scherer Memorial Lutheran Chapman, Kan. Missouri Christian Leadership Forum Jefferson City, Mo. August 18 Martin Luther Lutheran Lee’s Summit, Mo. St. Paul Lutheran Cole Camp, Mo. Bethany Home Lindsborg, Kan. Kansas City Oromo Mission Kansas City, Mo. August 25 Bethany Lutheran Webster Groves, Mo. Kent Memorial Lutheran Sunrise Beach, Mo. First Lutheran Topeka, Kan. Hillside Community Lutheran (AWC) Spring Hill, Kan.

PRAYING FOR ONE ANOTHER — CENTRAL STATES SYNOD

Please include these congregations and ministries in your Sunday prayer petitions.

OCTOBER 2013 October 6 St. Mark Lutheran Clayton, Mo. Bethesda Lutheran (Page City) Winona, Kan. Trinity Lutheran Russellville, Mo. October 13 St. John Lutheran Wellington, Kan. St. Paul Lutheran West Plains, Mo. Peace Lutheran Washington, Mo. Interfaith Partnership St. Louis, Mo. October 20 Kaw Prairie Community Lenexa, Kan. Bethel Lutheran St. Louis (University City), Mo. Peace Lutheran Sullivan, Mo. Camp Tomah Shinga Junction City, Kan. October 27 First Lutheran St. Joseph, Mo. St. Philip Lutheran St. Louis, Mo. Emmanuel Lutheran Stuttgart, Kan. St. Paul Lutheran Tescott, Kan. Missouri Churches United in Christ Springfield, Mo.

SEPTEMBER 2013 September 1 Resurrection Lutheran Haysville, Kan. Emanuel Lutheran Hutchinson, Kan. For all Lutheran Campus Ministry Sites in CSS during Campus Ministry Month September 8 Christ Lutheran Wichita, Kan. Excelsior Lutheran Wilson, Kan. American Lutheran Smith Center, Kan. Oaks Indian Mission Oaks, Okla. September 15 Andover Lutheran Windom, Kan. Good Shepherd Lutheran Liberal, Kan. Wartburg Seminary Dubuque, Iowa September 22 Good Shepherd Lutheran Wichita, Kan. Immanuel Lutheran Wilson, Kan. MOSAIC Omaha, Nebr. September 29 Christ Lutheran Webster Groves, Mo. Marion Hill Lutheran White City, Kan. Gloria Dei Lutheran Wichita, Kan.

NOVEMBER 2013 November 3 St. Paul Lutheran Valley Falls, Kan. Good Shepherd Lutheran Washington, Kan. St. Paul Lutheran Wichita, Kan. Humanitri St. Louis, Mo. November 10 Salem Lutheran St. Francis, Kan. Holy Trinity Lutheran St. Louis, Mo. Zion Lutheran Hutchison, Kan. Family of Christ Lutheran Imperial, Mo. November 17 First Lutheran Shawnee Mission, Kan. Messiah Lutheran Springfield, Mo. St. Thomas-Holy Spirit Lutheran St. Louis, Mo. Resurrection Lutheran St. Louis, Mo. November 24 Sedgewickville Parish: Sargent’s Chapel and Sedgewickville Lutheran Sedgewickville, Mo. St. Mark Lutheran Cape Girardeau, Mo. Trinity Lutheran Chesterfield, Mo. Bethany College Lindsborg, Kan.

DECEMBER 2013 December 1 Faith Lutheran Prairie Village, Kan. Immanuel Lutheran Salina, Kan. Peace Lutheran Salisbury, Mo. Hope Lutheran St. Charles, Mo. Lutheran Family and Children’s Services St. Louis, Mo. December 8 Holy Cross Lutheran Overland Park, Kan. St. Paul Lutheran Peabody, Kan. Redeemer Lutheran Salina, Kan. Friends Home Lutheran Savonburg, Kan. December 15 Hope Lutheran St. Charles, Mo. St. John Lutheran Salina, Kan. Christ & Trinity Lutheran Sedalia, Mo. Our Savior Lutheran Salem, Mo. December 22 Prince of Peace Lutheran Springfield, Mo. Gethsemane Lutheran St. Louis, Mo. Zion Lutheran Hollenberg, Kan. December 29 For all the ministries of Central States Synod, ELCA

PRAYING FOR ONE ANOTHER — CENTRAL STATES SYNOD

Please include these congregations and ministries in your Sunday prayer petitions.

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Ninth TriennialGathering

JULY 24–27, 2014

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JULY 24–27, 2014

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JULY 24–27, 2014

Ninth TriennialGathering

JULY 24–27, 2014

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WOMEN OF THE ELCA TRIENNIAL GATHERING LOGO

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Ninth TriennialGathering

JULY 24–27, 2014

Ninth TriennialGathering

JULY 24–27, 2014

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JULY 24–27, 2014

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JULY 24–27, 2014

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WOMEN OF THE ELCA TRIENNIAL GATHERING LOGO

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It’s an inspiring weekend for mothers, daughters, sisters and best friends you call sisters.

Ninth Triennial Gathering July 24–27, 2014 Charlotte, North Carolina

of many generations

Experience enriching workshops, stirring worship, engaging Bible studies and much more! Enjoy a variety of optional tours to learn about Charlotte and the surrounding area.

Don’t miss this time together with Lutheran women from all around the world. The memories of those I met and who now are Facebook friends keeps the spirit of Christian love fresh, uplifting and just plain fun. Don’t look back and wish you were there....be there!

Mary Dixon, Colleyville, Texas

Start saving now! You can’t afford to miss the powerful messages that will revitalize your spirit and lift your soul.

For more information visit womenoftheelca.orgor call 1-800-638-3522 ext. 2730

Anniversary Celebrations in Vladivostok on September 28-30, 2012:

“20 years after the Restoration of St. Paul’s Church”

Where does one begin? The best way would be with this:

30 honored guests from all over the world came and among them were the following — four Bishops: Otto Schaude and his wife,

of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Urals, Siberia and the Far East; Gerald Mansholt and wife Anita from the Central States

Synod, a companion synod to the Provost of the Far East; President Hyun-Sub Um, from the Lutheran Church in Korea, a companion

church to the Provost of the Far East; and Milos Klatik, from the Lutheran Church of Slovakia, which at one time provided us a Vicar;

two representatives from German Embassies: Ambassador Wolf Grundies from Moscow and Ambassador Gerhard Thiedemann and

his wife from Pyongyang , North Korea; Pastor Olli-Pekka Lassila from Finland, who was the former consultant for the Far East for the

Lutheran World Federation and helped us very much; Pastor Karl-Heinz-Schell from Peking, China; Pastor Otto Pfingsten from Ger-

many, who “discovered” St. Paul’s Church even before Provost Brockman did; Professor Dr. Ulrich Plueddemann and his wife from

the South African Synod of the Lutheran Church of the Cape; Church Music Director Henner Schwerk from Germany, who has

blessed us with magnificent Organ Concerts; Torsten Griess-Nega , a German entrepreneur and sponsor; Andreas Loquai from Ger-

many who is an upright Lutheran and a manufacturer of wooden art, who gifted us with two wood panels with wording from Psalm

127; and Nicolas Dautricort from Paris, France, who played fantastically Bach Solo Sonatas and Partitas for us . There were many

others as well and you can find the entire list at www.luthvostok.com . We also received many greetings from all over the world. In the

course of 20 years of continuous life and work we have won many friends and partners.

As a result of the international character of the guests we had, we were able

to hear the Gospel for the Festival Divine Service in eight different lan-

guages: Russian, German, English, Korean, Chinese, Finnish, Slovak, and

Afrikaans. The President of our Synod, Jewgenij Filipoff brought greetings.

Bishop Otto Schaude preached with Psalm 84 as his text and spoke absolute-

ly impressively about “Joy in the Living God”, a joy that is a positive counter-

force to the dreary and stupid society of this world. “The joy of the Lord is your

strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). These words, which were used in days gone by

as a greeting by the members of the Brethren in Russia, have helped many

people endure this country. It is so fitting that so many of the greetings we

received wished us “happiness” and “music”. The first word was often missing

in unhappy Russia and the second word is dearly loved in Russia. (Perhaps

this is so because the first word was often missing.)

We opened our exhibition “The History of St. Paul’s in Vladivostok from

its beginning to Present” on September 28th. This is a masterpiece by our

own Ludmilla Pedjasch and Nelly Sadowa. At the same time our own Irina

Barsegowa compiled a booklet entitled, “The History of the Resurrection

and Restoration of the St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church of Vladi-

vostok.” She used local sources and the diaries of Manfred Brockman to

compile a continuation of the booklet “A Short Historical Summary of the Ori-

gins and Life of the Lutheran Church in the Far East” written by N. von Hauffe

in the year 1924.

Lothar Deeg, of St. Petersburg, introduced the English translation of his

book, “Kunst and Albers Vladivostok”. That evening we had the first Or-

gan concert given by Church Music Director Henner Schwerk. He had

previously played at St. Luke’s Church in Arsenjeff on September 26th.

On the morning of the 29th we had an excursion narrated by Professor Nelly Mis and entitled

“German Vladivostok”. That evening we had the big Festival Concert in St. Paul’s with choir

and orchestra.

The big reception on September 30th in St. Paul’s Church was without a doubt the high point

of our Celebration, because it was so lively and communicative. Even now we are hearing an

enthusiastic echo: how many encounters between so many people from different nations and

cultures. It was especially interesting to observe the encounter between the South Korean con-

sul (whose wife was dressed in traditional costume) and the President of the Lutheran Church in

Korea and the German Ambassador to North Korea (Photo below right). There was a lot of

discussion about the situation of Christians in North Korea.

The Celebration continued with the traditional German Cultural Days which continued until

October 9th. This included a lot of music. A high point this year was the playing of French violin-

ist Nicolas Dautricourt from Paris. He played the Solo Sonatas and Partitas of Bach for our

listening pleasure. This was quite exceptional for all music lovers. We also had an

evening of music provided by the Polish Society.

And so this year we had the pleasure of not only introducing Germany, but also of

introducing her two neighboring states, with which she has shared a very difficult

history. We really are on the path to European Cultural Days in Vladivostok.

One can see from the many pictures, how many people streamed into our church.

Even our church service had an increase in attendance. We are the spiritual, cul-

tural and human center located in the middle of the city.

We can’t forget the meeting for the youth who are students who met in the Goe-

the lecture hall on October 5th. They also were at St. Paul’s Church on Octobers

6th for our traditional Lectures on Philosophy. This year the topic was “Cultural Expansion in the Russian Far East: 20 Years in

the Making: The Lutheran Church as Meeting Place for the Cultures.” It was quite impressive how much information Philosophy Pro-

fessor Jelena Sergejewna Grischina knew about Lutheran theology and how she valued its thinking and ethics. She discussed critical

thinking, differentiation, explanation and humbleness, “Where is the healthy middle class?” She said, “We need to start with Ethics, if

we want make progress with each other.” and there is some value to what she said.

We want to thank everyone who participated in these substantial and spirited days. We also thank all of our sponsors.

Manfred Brockman, Pastor of St. Paul’s Church in Vladivostok

Provost for the Russian Far East

PS: The celebration has an addendum. The delegation from our American compan-

ion Church, the Central States Synod, used this opportunity to also visit other con-

gregations of the Provost of the Far East. They visited St. Mary’s Congregation in

Ussurijsk, St. Luke’s Congregation in Arsenjeff and the St. John’s Congregation in

Chabaroffsk. At St. John’s the pastor of their partner congregation, Pastor Gary

Teske from Trinity Lutheran in Lawrence, Kansas, brought greetings and presented

the congregation with a photo album and a valuable Communion Set. The photo

(right) shows Congregational President Tatjana Filobok, Chabaroffsk, and Pastor

Gary Teske, Lawrence.

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AND YOU’LL NEVER BE THE SAME!

What Makes our Youth & Family Ministry Certification School So Successful?

• WeprovideasafeChristiancommunityforstudents.

• Ourtrainingoffersnewandinnovativeapproaches,combining solid theological education with cutting-edge ministry basics (basedonmorethan30yearsofresearch).

• Ourteachingmethodsutilizeavarietyoflearningstylesto engage students.

• Studentsprepareawrittenministryplan,providingtheir congregation with a clear vision for ministry to young people and their families.

• Weprovideongoingnetworkingwithourstudentsviablogging and social media so that the learning and support never ends.

What the Experts are SayingThe director of research for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Dr. Ken Inskeep, evaluated our program during a six year effort led by the Vibrant Faith/Wartburg Seminary team. In his findings, Dr. Inskeep confirms what our students have said for more than15years–thatourprograminspires,energizesandequips youth and adults to live a vibrant faith in Jesus Christ. Dr. Inskeep concluded that:

• Theschoolpositivelyaffectsthelivesofyoung people and helps them visibly grow in their faith.

• Theteachersaswellastheideas/concepts presented are of the highest quality.

• Studentscontinuetobenefitbybecomingpartofa networking group and receiving ongoing support.

• Youth&FamilyMinistryCertificationSchoolshelpleaders serve the congregation’s young people more effectively. In fact, those who have participated in the program believe they are much stronger leaders as a result.

Ifyouarereadytotransformyourministry,contactJimLaDouxat877.693.7196orjladoux@vibrantfaith.org to find out where a certification school is taking place near you.

Source: Bishop’s Initiative for Developing Ordained Leaders Review Questionnaire for Certification School Attendees, ELCA, 2009 Prepared by Research and Evaluation, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, 2009

Survey of Certification School Attendees. Impact of Certification School on Youth Ministry (average scores with 1 ‘strongly disagree’ to 4 ‘strongly agree)

Very significant impact on how I lead youth ministry

Very significant impact on understanding of youth ministry