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NJ District Pastor Join CTS Faculty

Thu, 16 May 2013 16:04:00 -0400

The Concordia Theological Seminary community is pleased to welcome two new members to our faculty and ordained staff.

The Rev. Brian Crane has joined the staff as an Advancement Officer. Crane (CTS 2007) most recently served as pastor of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Hilbert, Wisc. “I am deeply honored and humbled to have been called to serve as an Advancement Officer for CTS. After having the privilege of serving as a parish pastor, I can now share the mission and vision of the seminary with the people and congregations of our Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod,” said Crane.

“It has been said our Lord works in mysterious ways, and indeed He does. What an honor to have my classmate and friend, Rev. Brian Crane, back working at the seminary. He is a faithful servant of our Lord and His Church and I am certain his service to the seminary will prove to be an abundant blessing to the church at large,” commented the Rev. Jon Scicluna, CTS vice president for Resource Development.

The Rev. Dr. John Reynolds (CTS 1998) is the newest member of the CTS faculty and will serve as an assistant professor of Pastoral Ministry and Missions, and director of Vicarage. Reynolds comes to the seminary from Randolph, N.J., where he served as pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. “I am deeply humbled and honored to accept the call to serve at CTS. My 15 years of parish experience, including four years as a circuit counselor and my advanced studies in pastoral care and counseling, will assist me as I help to form future pastors," offered Reynolds.

“We are very thankful to have two current needs at CTS, the teaching of pastoral counseling and the administration of the vicarage process, met by Dr. Reynolds. His advanced training in counseling and his pastoral experience will be a blessing to our students," said Dr. Charles Gieschen, CTS academic dean.

Please keep these men in your prayers as they continue to serve Christ and His Church by forming servants in Jesus Christ who teach the faithful, reach the lost and care for all.

LWML May Convention Update

Thu, 16 May 2013 15:48:00 -0400

Freshen Up! Splash on a sweet smelling aroma of God’s mercy and grace as we prepare to receive our guests at the 35th Biennial LWML Convention in Pittsburgh, PA, June 27-30, 2013. We ask God’s guidance that His plans will be our plans. Be sure to send in your registration before the deadline. Convention Logo Polo Shirt mail orders need to be postmarked no later than May 15, 2013. The postmark deadline is June 1, 2013, to be able to pick up your shirt at the convention.

The winter edition of the Lutheran Woman’s Quarterly contains all the information you will need. If you are a worker, you must WAIT until you get your worker assignment and discount coupon before you register. Continue to check your district website for the latest updates and The Water Cooler, the newsletter of the Host Districts.

“He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for His name’s sake” (Psalm 23: 2-3).

Better Know a Congregation: St. John's-Bloomfield

Fri, 10 May 2013 14:51:00 -0400

Saint John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church
216 Liberty Street, Bloomfield, NJ 07003

Year Founded: 1896

Current Pastor: The Rev. Dr. David P. Rowold, Phd (Serving since 2003)

Surrounding Community: Bloomfield is a suburb of Newark and the church is located in the southern portion of town, closer to the city. The area immediately around the church is occupied by Bloomfield College, a rapidly expanding Liberal Arts College (once a Presbyterian Seminary), and the downtown area of Bloomfield, which the town has been struggling to revitalize for over a decade.

Special Ministries and/or Outreach Focus: Saint John’s started a Clothing Thrift Store in 2009 to provide quality clothing at no or very low cost to people in need (most items are under $6). The parish partners with the Bloomfield Church on the Green in maintaining a Food Pantry in the community and works closely with Lutheran Social Ministries of New Jersey to provide school backpacks in the fall, Christmas gifts in the winter, Easter baskets in the Spring, and flood buckets in the summer. It also runs a VBS program every summer that draws over a two dozen children from Bloomfield and the surrounding communities (less than half of which have a direct connection with Saint John’s). In addition, our Men’s Club has been an active in undertaking community beautification/restoration projects for the town of Bloomfield.

Unique Contribution to the New Jersey District: Saint John’s is one of the oldest congregations in the District. It was started by a group of Lutherans who first worshiped in their homes, then a store-front, and finally in their own building. Over its history it has served the District in many ways as host to District-wide events, site of numerous LWML Rallies and Zone Meetings, and by providing delegates to several Synodical Conventions. Our Pastor is currently the Circuit Counselor for Circuit #2 and has just volunteered to serve as District Archivist (a position long vacant); in addition he just completed his PhD in Liturgical Studies at Drew University.

Get to Know More: St. John's Lutheran Church Website

Facebook Page: St. John's Lutheran Church on Facebook

Shore 2 Recover

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 12:57:00 -0400

From Debbie Houlihan, Disaster Response Coordinator for Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (Point Pleasant, NJ)

Hurricane Sandy had the power to rob people of many things, but she could not take away the resilient spirit of a woman living in Point Pleasant Beach.

Recalling the days surrounding Sandy's landfall, Toni Pecunia shares, "Like most of the people who evacuated their homes, my two daughters and I thought we would return to our home the next day to resume our normal lifestyle. Sadly, we returned three days later to a scene of widespread destruction with boats in the road, trees down, and our home filled to a height of 4-1/2 feet with contaminated water. A friend of ours came over and pumped out the water only to have it return within hours. My sister drove out from Pennsylvania with a generator and 80 gallons of gas, and as soon the water was pumped out again, we began the clean-up.

"We made a fire pit in the driveway and opened our home to my daughters' friends. By the end of the week, my neighbor, my sister, and I were caring for 19 girls. People found out what we were doing and brought us hot meals, paper products and toiletries. They supported our efforts until after Thanksgiving."

After her outreach ended, Toni enjoyed the solitude for a day or two before deciding to launch "Shore 2 Recover," a non-profit organization created to assist with recovery efforts. "I just decided that I needed to help," said Toni. "People liked what we were doing, and so did I. I enjoyed the feeling of making someone smile through some of the toughest times they've ever experienced." What started out as a humble expression of concern for others has blossomed into an amazing rebuilding effort. They've collected and distributed building supplies, cleaning supplies, gift cards, and household goods to hundreds of families in need from Union Beach down to Ortley Beach.

Toni has gratefully accepted a $500 Visa gift card from the New Jersey District towards her own rebuilding expenses, and 15-$100 Visa gift cards to distribute through her "Shore 2 Recover" hurricane relief organization.

Better Know a Congregation: Good Shepherd-Point Pleasant

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 10:14:00 -0400

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
708 Ocean Road, Point Pleasant, NJ

Year Founded: 1952

Current Pastor: Rev. Christian L. Schonberg

Special Ministries & Outreach Projects: "Friendly Seniors" workshop (current projects include making blankets, mats, and pillows for families in need; making bird feeders and bird houses for shut-ins; and creating memory books and memory bears for hospice patients).

Unique Contribution to the New Jersey District: Helping to coordinate Sandy Relief efforts in the greater Point Pleasant area - including delivery of gift cards, "Feet on the Street" Soup Mission, distributing Flood Buckets, and helping with home repairs.

Get To Know More: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Website

National LCMS Youth Gathering Updates

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 13:36:00 -0400

From the Gathering Coordinator for the New Jersey District, Alicia De Sena:

I am happy to share with you the details for the NJ District Event in San Antonio. I really wanted to get this to you earlier, but we were having some challenges finding a venue that could accommodate about 600 people.

Six-hundred people? Well, as you may or may not know, we are combining our event with the Atlantic (NY Area) and Northwest (Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, & Washington) Districts. The event will give our youth the opportunity to meet new friends from across the river AND across the country. Since we are having our event on July 4th, we are having a Texas BBQ dinner with music, games and everyone will get a special event t-shirt. Registration forms for this event and payment are due no later than May 10th.

Also, please mark your calendar for May 17th @ 7pm for a Hug Pin Making/Social Outing for the 10 churches attending the Gathering from New Jersey. We will get together at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Westfield. Since light refreshments will be served, please RSVP by May 10th with how many will attend. As we will be making hug pins for the District booth, please bring clothes pins and any supplies to make them. Our friends from Fair Lawn will also help us make some cooler than normal Hug Pins.

The District Booth will be Prayer Nails again so if you have already collected nail polish by then, please go ahead and bring whatever you have. Our Redeemer-Fords will be driving down and has offered to transport our supplies. Our Booth Coordinator, Chrissy Sereda will be organizing the schedule for the District Booth. Last Gathering, every church took a shift and had a great time. We hope you'll all step in to work the booth again.

See you soon!

Better Know a Congregation: Luther Memorial-Blackwood

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 10:28:00 -0400

Luther Memorial Lutheran Church
401 Erial Road, Blackwood, NJ

Year Founded: 1959

Current Pastor: Rev. Dennis W. Bottoms, serving since September 2001

Surrounding Community: Primarily residential, densely populated, largely Roman Catholic, racially mixed. Located in Gloucester Township which is one of the largest geographic townships in Southern New Jersey.

Special Ministries & Outreach Projects: In partnership with the IHOC (Interfaith Homeless Outreach Council) Luther Memorial houses and provides meals for two full weeks each winter for homeless men of the area; Lutheran Social Ministries of NJ; Narcotics Anonymous (two groups); food pantry.

Unique Contribution to the New Jersey District: Pastor Bottoms has served as Circuit Counselor for Circuit 5 of the New Jersey District since 2006; he is also a pastoral teacher in the Leaders and Learners program. A former pastor, the Rev. William Klettke, served four terms as New Jersey District President. Mrs. Suzanne Bottoms is on the District Pastor's Wives Committee, which hosts annual retreats and works to connect women serving with their husbands in ministry.

Get To Know More: Luther Memorial Lutheran Church Website

Better Know a Congregation: Trinity-Morris Plains

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 10:22:00 -0400

Trinity Lutheran Church - Morris Plains, NJ
131 Mountain Way, Morris Plains, NJ

Year Founded: 1947

Current Pastor: Rev. David Behm

Surrounding Community: Morris Plains describes itself as "the community of caring." It has a small-town feel, while being close to urban centers. There is a growing Indian immigrant population.

Special Ministries & Outreach Projects: The congregation is going through a transition phase. Along with their new pastor, the congregation and its leadership is working on how best to reach out to and connect with their community.

Unique Contribution to the New Jersey District: Trinity is centrally located in New Jersey, and as such, many district-wide events are hosted by the congregation - most recently, the "Day With the President" event for congregational presidents to meet with the NJ District President. Having the facility, space, and volunteer hosts for these events is a great blessing.

Get To Know More: Trinity Lutheran Church Website

Better Know a Congregation: Holy Trinity-Somerset

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 10:02:00 -0400

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church - Somerset, NJ
1640 Amwell Road, Somerset, NJ

Year Founded: 1950

Current Pastor: Rev. Andrew Dinger

Surrounding Community: Central New Jersey; Rapidly changing demographics within the last 15 years have changed from a predominately born-and-raised community to a rapidly growing community of Indian immigrants. We have nearly as many non-Christian houses of worship in Somerset as Christian.

Special Ministries & Outreach Projects: Somerset Community Garden (the first community garden in Franklin Township); Early Childhood Music Education in partnership with Faith Center for the Arts.

Unique Contribution to the New Jersey District: Ethnically diverse congregation reflective of her community.

Get To Know More: HTL Website, HTL Facebook Page

Peacemaking in Our Parishes

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 09:26:00 -0400

I like to ask Christians (pastors, seminarians and laypeople) what is in Matthew 18. Most biblically knowledgeable Christians respond: “That is the chapter about what we are supposed to do if our neighbor sins against us. Jesus teaches us to follow the three-step process of going to them individually, then with one or two others and then, if they still won’t listen and confess their sin, to tell it to the church.” We American Christians are often quite good at remembering these three steps of admonition. But then I follow up with the question, “What else is in Matthew 18?” People are normally stumped. We remember the three steps, but not the rest. And the rest of Matthew 18, the context of the three steps (which are actually only three verses in a 35-verse chapter), is incredibly important.

The rest of the chapter includes Jesus teaching about humility (“whoever humbles himself like this child”), the Parable of the Lost Sheep and the authority of the church to bind and loose sins. The chapter ends with Jesus’ emphasis on horizontal forgiveness between Christians, as he teaches Peter to forgive “seventy- seven times” and then blesses us with the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant. In that parable, the first servant owes his master 10,000 talents (probably of gold). This was a HUGE amount. When the Queen of Sheba presented her exorbitant gift to King Solomon (1 Kings 10:10), it was only 120 talents of gold. Dr. Jeffrey Gibbs notes in the Concordia Commentary on Matthew that it would take the first servant at least 1,000 years to pay off such a debt. Yet his gracious master forgives the debt entirely. Then the first servant comes across a fellow servant who owes him money — 100 denarii — about three months’ wages (perhaps equivalent to $10,000 for us today). This is a significant amount of money, yet it pales in comparison to what the first servant owed, like comparing billions to thousands.

When we Christians find ourselves in conflict with others, it is often over something significant. In church it may be whether or not to continue funding a particular ministry as stewardship revenues decline, a harsh snub by someone in another family or a business deal that has gone sour with a fellow member. Yet we are called by our Lord Jesus to love everyone, even those we are in conflict with. Even if someone has sinned against us in some significant way, their sin still pales in comparison to what our Lord Jesus has forgiven us. When we realize the scope of what Jesus has done to forgive us for “billions” and to vertically reconcile us to His Father, then it should always be possible for us to forgive our fellow humans horizontally for “thousands.” We can use sincere, explicit, Gospel-focused language to seek reconciliation (e.g., “I’m sorry that I said what I did. Would you please forgive me?”). May our Lord grant us the grace to show His forgiveness through our forgiveness of others.

~Contributed by Rick Marrs (Concordia Seminary) for RSTM

LCMS Rural and Small Town Mission (RSTM) supports and encourages rural and small town congregations in engaging their communities and growing together in Christ through Word and Sacrament. If you have a good idea for outreach or a story you’d like to share with us so that we can share it with others, please contact us via email. Learn more about us online at the LCMS website or by calling Amy at 888-463-5127.

LWML Convention Updates

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 09:12:00 -0400

Let it Pour! Can you recognize your showers of blessings? Praise and thank God for the sacrifice of His Son, who redeemed us with the cup of blessing that makes us thirst no more. We ask His blessing on all our plans as He is the One who executes them. We continue to pray for all our leaders that as the time draws near for the convention, our best qualities shine the brightest. Convention Logo Polo Shirt mail orders need to be postmarked by May 15, 2013. The postmark deadline is June 1, 2013, to be able to pick up your shirt at the convention.

It’s time to get your convention registration in. If you are a worker, you must WAIT until you get your worker assignment and discount coupon before you register. The winter edition of the Lutheran Woman’s Quarterly contains all the information you will need for the convention. Check your district website and The Water Cooler, the newsletter of the Host Districts, for the latest updates.

“For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants” (Isaiah 44:3).

K-9 Comfort Ministry Team Visits New Jersey

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 09:41:00 -0400

On Wednesday, March 13 Deaconess Tiffany Manor and her K-9 Comfort Ministry team from Lutheran Church Charities in Addison, Illinois brought joy and smiles to those affected by Hurricane Sandy at the Jersey Shore.

The three lovable golden retrievers, Luther, Zeke, and Bekah, and three young college women on Spring Break, Janelle, Sarah, and Marissa, started their day with the breakfast crowd at St. Paul's Relief Center in Bay Head. Once breakfast was finished, they headed over to the Point Pleasant Manor Hotel in Point Pleasant where 30 people are displaced from their homes.

They finished up the day at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Point Pleasant where they visited with members of the Friendly Senior Connection, many of whom were also affected by Sandy.

Hotel Owner Serves Community

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 09:37:00 -0400

While searching for families displaced from their homes by Hurricane Sandy, we made our rounds to hotels in Point Pleasant and found a business with a heartbeat. This business is the Mariner's Cove Motel located on Broadway in Point Pleasant Beach, and the resounding heartbeat originates from it's manager Raj Patel. Since 2002, Mr. Patel and his family have lived year around in a portion of the motel located directly behind the front desk. Like all dwellings in the area, the Mariner's Cove took on some major flooding due to Sandy. The whole first floor of the motel, including their living space, was under five feet of water.

With no electricity, his business in ruins, and his personal belongings out at the curb, Mr. Patel opened his second story rooms to any homeless soul the police dropped off. The area was without power for 20 days, but he was able to give them candles, blankets, and a roof over their heads at a time when they were in dire need. He shares, "I had to help them. They had no money, nowhere to go, and it was such a critical situation for them." By November 17th, he began to get some FEMA funding for the rooms, and it helps him pay his bills. Now, five months after the Hurricane came ashore, the heart of this business is still beating stronger than ever. When FEMA denies his clients further funding, he lets them stay free of charge until they can find a place to go. An older man living off a meager Social Security check stays at the motel for sweeping the parking lot a few times a week.

When faced with the suggestion that he is a hero, Mr. Patel humbly explains, "My father owns this family business, and I have insurance. I will eventually be back on my feet, but these people are finding it hard to stand right now financial-wise and health-wise. Most of them have lost their homes and their jobs due to the hurricane, and they're still not able to live properly." When asked if he experienced anything positive through this disaster, he shared, "I realized how much I love being in this country. I was raised in India and I still visit from time to time, but seeing how everyone has been bringing all the food and supplies to the people stranded here has made me really appreciate this country."

Mr. Patel is making progress in getting his motel back up and running fully before the Summer season begins. He was given a $500 VISA gift card towards his expenses from the New Jersey District as recognition for being such a blessing in the lives of others.

Easter Basket Outreach to Sandy Victims

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 09:35:00 -0400

On Palm Sunday, members and friends from Good Shepherd Lutheran Church handed out over 100 assorted Easter baskets to families in Point Pleasant Beach, Bay Head, and Brick who had been affected by Hurricane Sandy. Each basket contained the Resurrection Story, a $25 gift card, a chocolate cross, and assorted Easter novelties and candy.

The LCMS New Jersey District supplied gift cards for this outreach endeavor, thanks to many generous donations to the district's Disaster Relief Fund.

While they still have a long way to go to reach a level of normalcy, homeowners appreciated that they were still in the hearts and minds of others five months after Hurricane Sandy made landfall and tossed them into darkness. What better time than Easter to point them to the Light of the World, their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ?

2013 Spring Education Conference

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 14:24:00 -0400

The 2013 Spring Education Conference is scheduled for Thursday, April 18 (8:30am to 2:30pm) at Somerset Hills Lutheran Church & Gentle Shepherd Preschool in Basking Ridge, NJ. Download a registration form here.

We are very excited that the Lutheran Educator Association is coming to NJ to present part of their leadership institute. Jonathan Laabs, executive director of LEA, and Julie Klopke, an administrator and speaker for LEA, will be coming out from Chicago to do 3 of our sessions. We are also blessed to have talent within our district to make a well-rounded conference for all of our church workers and their staff.

For Pastors and DCE’s who have asked for help with confirmation instruction and how to have a better relationship with your school ministry there are workshops for you. Teachers and administrators we have workshops that meet the state training requirements. Those who wanted to know how to better tell the Gospel story to little ones and integrate it throughout your day we have a session for you as well. Our district has made it affordable for us to attend and has given us the chance to gather and share.

Come and learn about the new curriculum from CPH for Infants through Kindergarten. Scholastic will be there to share their new teaching resources, webinars, and guidelines for the new core standards.

We are excited and pray that you are as well. We look forward to seeing all of you on April 18 at Basking Ridge. Please encourage all staff members at your congregation's school to attend!

Communications Survey

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 15:31:00 -0400

Think we can do more to better communicate with the pastors & workers, congregations and laypeople of the New Jersey District? Please take 5 minutes to complete this 10-question online survey that will help us serve you!

The survey is anonymous - no personal information will be collected unless you choose to share it with us.

Click here to take the survey.

Thank You!

Join Lutheran Hour Ministries for Outreach Conferences in 2013

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 13:35:00 -0400

So many people in today’s world are becoming spiritual wanderers—who often discover little purpose for their lives, little hope for a future and no one to turn to for real comfort and strength in times of trouble. In this world characterized by dizzying change, God has called us as Christians to join Him in His mission and challenged us to make His message of hope known in today’s post-Christian culture. But how do we leave our comfort zones so that we can be empowered to share His message with others without fear?

Providing Christians with the necessary tools to witness effectively is why Lutheran Hour Ministries unveiled its Regional Outreach Conferences (ROC) to more than 2,000 attendees in 2011 and is hosting eight more events throughout 2013. These dynamic events are all about getting the Word out—the Gospel, that is. Encourage your congregation members to attend so they can learn to use their God-given gifts to share the Gospel with hurting people in ways that are culturally relevant and effective.

“As a Christian, it is not just about running the race at the final day; it’s about how you train,” says Rev. Gregory Seltz, Speaker of The Lutheran Hour radio program. “We want to empower you and give you skills so that you will be ready for the opportunities that God is going to send your way. God is going to send people who need to hear the Good News into your life … Will you be ready?”

Each conference features multi-media, prominent outreach speakers, hands-on witnessing opportunities, small- and large-group discussions and information-packed breakout sessions covering a variety of outreach topics that reach today’s culture. There will also be fun and engaging activities for adults and kids, live worship music and powerful ministry tools to enrich and inspire attendees to share the love of Jesus, our spiritual ROCK, with people in their world.

The 2013 ROC series kicked off with back-to-back conferences in California in February/March, but six more conferences are scheduled throughout North America this summer and fall. The conferences are located in cities that appeal to individuals and families wanting to stay for a few extra days:

July 5-7: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canad Inns Destination Centre Fort Garry
Aug. 2-4 (Tending the Flame at the ROC): Richmond, Virginia, Holiday Inn Koger Conference Center
Aug. 9-10: Cleveland, Ohio, Holiday Inn Westlake
Sept. 6-7: Nashville, Tennessee, Millennium Maxwell House Hotel
Oct. 18-19: Omaha, Nebraska, Omaha Marriott
Nov. 15-16: Houston, Texas, Sugar Land Marriott Town Square Hotel

Depending upon location, the conference registration fee varies between $69 and $89 for adults, $39 to $49 for students in Grades 8-12, $19 to $29 for children in Grades K-7 or $200 to $225 for a family. Special lodging rates are also available for an additional cost. For more information, visit www.lhm.org/roc.

LCMS Convention-themed Bible study

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 13:32:00 -0400

In preparation for this summer’s 65th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), a special Bible study that relates to the convention theme, “Baptized for This Moment,” is now available.

Prepared as five lessons, this study is particularly appropriate for congregational or group use during the Lent or Easter seasons. The study’s five lessons include “Baptized,” “Repent and Be Baptized,” “Baptized for Witness,” “Baptized for Mercy” and “Baptized for Life Together.”

The study examines Baptism as it is explained in Scripture and explores what it means to be born of the water and Spirit; the repentance, joy and security that are ours as baptized children of God; and how each of us is baptized to bear bold witness to Christ, baptized to be about acts of mercy for our neighbor, and baptized to live joyfully in our life together.

“Use this study to dive into God’s Word,” said LCMS President Matthew C. Harrison in the study’s foreword. “Learn from it. Ponder it. Rejoice in it. The Lord blesses, and I’m confident that He will work your study of His Word for good.

“And as He does, He will prepare for us all to go forth together, confident in our bold witness to the Gospel, certain in our works of mercy, and joyful in our life together. Truly, we are baptized for this moment!”

The Rev. Timothy Pauls of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Boise, Idaho, authored the study.

To download the full text of the Bible study, click here or visit http://www.lcms.org/convention/biblestudy.

The 2013 national convention will be held July 20-25 in St. Louis.

New Missouri Synod report offers ‘framework’ for addressing immigration

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 13:27:00 -0400

Raise the subject of immigration and be prepared for a spirited debate. Christians who hold to the Scriptures can have varying personal and political views about the best ways to compassionately care for and serve those who come to live in the United States from other countries. A new report, “Immigrants Among Us,” by The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s Commission on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR) offers theological guidance from a Lutheran perspective for thinking through immigration issues and some practical guidance for ministering to immigrants.

“The great strength of ‘Immigrants Among Us,’ in my view, is its theological grounding and orientation,” said the Rev. Dr. Joel D. Lehenbauer, executive director of the CTCR, who oversaw the development of the report. “The report seeks to encourage and stimulate serious reflection and discussion about what it means to show Christ-like love to our immigrant neighbors, and to do so in ways that are consistent with Christ-centered theological principles rooted in Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions.”

A resolution brought to the Synod in convention in 2007 petitioned the CTCR to research the historical and theological foundations relevant to immigration and provide guidance to LCMS congregations for ministry to immigrants, including the potential difficulty of caring for undocumented people or other immigrants in ambiguous legal situations. Because time constraints prevented consideration of the resolution during the convention proceedings, the CTCR was later asked to take on the assignment. The resulting report, which is available in English and Spanish, was approved by the CTCR in November 2012 and published earlier this month.

Although the report does not present an “official position” of the LCMS regarding immigration, it does offer a helpful resource for Christians considering the challenging issue of immigration. The report discusses:

+ a Lutheran theological approach for thinking about immigration issues and engaging with a congregation’s or individual’s immigrant neighbors.
+ the Christian’s twofold responsibility to love the neighbor and obey civil authorities,
+ how Christians carrying out various God-given vocations approach their responsibilities on behalf of the neighbors God has placed into their lives, and
+ a pastoral framework for ministering to undocumented immigrants in certain situations.

It also includes eight case studies that engage real-life issues and offers guidelines for church workers interacting with immigrants in their churches, schools or communities.

“It was a privilege to serve as the lead drafter of ‘Immigrants Among Us,’ working alongside members of the CTCR and with partners such as Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) in the process of reflecting and writing on a sensitive and timely issue affecting many neighbors, both immigrants and citizens,” said the Rev. Dr. Leopoldo Sánchez, associate professor of Systematic Theology and director, Center for Hispanic Studies, at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis and primary drafter of the report. “Because immigration always has a human face, the strength of the report lies in its particular attention to the role our neighbors, and our God-given vocations through which we serve them, play in our thinking about immigration law and immigrant neighbors.”

“‘Immigrants Among Us’ calls us to ground our thinking and our actions in understanding immigrants as our neighbors, whom God commands us to love,” said Linda Hartke, president and CEO of LIRS, which welcomes refugees on behalf of the LCMS and other Lutheran denominations in America. “We are grateful to the LCMS through the CTCR for this invitation to Lutherans to study, pray and discern together pathways forward in the complex and challenging topic of immigration in the United States.”

To download a copy of the report, visit www.lcms.org/ctcr.

Tee Up for Mites

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 10:21:00 -0400

Click here for more information about the "Tee Up for Mites" Golf Tournament taking place prior to the LWML Convention.

The tournament will take place on Wednesday, June 26 at Hickory Heights Golf Club in Bridgeville, PA.