Each article title is listed in the Index below and linked to the location of the article in this document. After each article there is a link, “Index”, which takes you back to the Index. So, you can scroll down and read each article or pick and choose from the Index. We welcome your comments/suggestions, sent to Shannon Oldham at shannon@kslcms.org.

Index

President’s Office

Call Updates

In Our Prayers

Toward a Vision for the District-Part 4

District Office Holiday Hours

District Calendar Educational Services

Meet the District Staff Events

2016 National Youth Gathering

Teen Fellowship Retreat Early Childhood Educators Conference

Mission & Stewardship

2016 Support for District and Synod

Lutheran Hour Ministries Webinars

Guinea Prayer Requests Renewal In Wellness

Core Needs Survey FAQ’s

Caring Ministry Lutheran Early Response Training

Business

Lutheran Witness Billing Information Year-End Checklist & Close Date 2016 Salary Guidelines Now Available Cap Your CHP Rates for 2017!

LCEF

LCEF Investment and Loan Rates

Ministry is Growing

Miscellaneous

Standing in the Harvest Fields

Christmas is Coming, the Goose is Getting Fat

New blog from LCMS Synod leaders

Lutheran Bible Translators Offices Dedicated

District Office Contact Information

President’s Office

Peter K. Lange, President: kspres@kslcms.org, 785-357-4441 or 800-357-4421 ext. 200 Tami Lierz, Assistant: tami@kslcms.org, 785-357-4441 or 800-357-4421 ext. 200

Educational Services Jim Bradshaw, Educational Services: jbradshaw@kslcms.org, 785-357-4441 or 800-357-4421 ext. 200 Tami Lierz, Assistant: tami@kslcms.org, 785-357-4441 or 800-357-4421 ext. 200

Missions & Stewardship Caring Ministry

Rocky Mease, Chaplain: rmease@kslcms.org, 316-993-0746 Business Office

Debbie Crites, Business Manager: debbie@kslcms.org, 785-357-4441 or 800-357-4421 ext. 204 Shannon Oldham, Assistant: shannon@kslcms.org, 785-357-4441 or 800-357-4421 ext. 202

Lutheran Witness Subscriptions Shannon Oldham: shannon@kslcms.org, 785-357-4441 or 800-357-4421 ext. 202

Retreat Center Reservations Shannon Oldham: shannon@kslcms.org, 785-357-4441 or 800-357-4421 ext. 202

Communications – Workers Together, District Email List, Website Shannon Oldham: shannon@kslcms.org, 785-357-4441 or 800-357-4421 ext. 202

Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) Jeff Maltz, LCEF Vice President, Kansas/Oklahoma: jeffrey.maltz@lcef.org, 785-357-4441 ext. 118 or

800-357-4421 ext. 118 Curt Loupe, Administrative/Promotions Director: cloupe@kslcms.org, 785-357-4441 or 800-357-4421

ext. 100 Index

Call Updates

Calls Accepted Rev. Ron Gloe, Wichita, KS to Immanuel/Wichita, KS, Ordination and Installation January 10 Rev. Martin Albrecht, an SMP pastor to Faith/Topeka, KS, Installation January 10 Rev. Adam Reichart, Immanuel/Hoxie, KS to Calvary/Council Grove, KS, Installation Dec. 6th Rev. Bryan Drebes, Bethany/Overland Park to Pacific Hills Lutheran/Omaha, NE Rev. Jason Boetcher to Trinity Family of Faith/Basehor, KS, Installation January 31 Rev. Jon Bruss at St. John/Topeka, called to change current status to senior pastor, Installation

Nov. 29th

Calls Pending

Rev. Dan Ramsey, Zion/Chanute to Peace/Andover Calls Declined

Rev. Justin Panzer, Faith/Abilene to Emmanuel/Kingfisher, OK Index

In Our Prayers

Daughter of Rev. Dean & Betty Von Stroh, Peace, Andover – health concerns Betty Von Stroh – health concerns Rachel Davis, daughter of Rev. Clark Davis – kidney issues Daughter of Rev. Erv and Sharon Daugherty Rev. Dick Kaczor – healing from a stroke that has left him unable to communicate Rev. Charlie Scott – prayers for healing Luvina Scott, mother of Rev. Charlie Scott – called to Glory Rev. Paul Krause, father of Rev. Tom Krause – Alzheimer’s & in a care center in Winfield Rev. James Judson and family – son Samuel Mary Frakes, wife of Rev. Jeff Frakes - grieving since Rev. Frakes was called to Glory Mother of Rev. Randy Weinkauf – health concerns

Index

Toward A Vision for the Kansas District – Part 4 by Rev. Peter K. Lange, President, LCMS Kansas District

Dear Workers Together in the LCMS Kansas District, In this fourth and final installment of my initial thoughts “Toward a Vision for the Kansas District,” I’d like to share some musings about The Great Commission in Kansas.

Though I have concerns about the label, I am definitely a “missional” Lutheran, if by that we mean a Christian whose New Man in Christ cannot help but “show forth the praises of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Pet 2:9).” If that’s what we mean by the term missional—and what else could we mean?—then all Christians and pastors and lay people are missional! Granted, some may be more gifted, or experienced in mission work than others. Some might find it easier than others to devote more time and energy to reaching out to those who don’t know Jesus Christ just like others find it easier to devote more time and energy to developing and delivering good sermons, or visiting the sick and homebound. But each of these aspects of the Ministry is ultimately about Jesus and the chief article of the Christian faith—the article of Justification—that we are saved by grace alone, through faith in Jesus Christ alone, on account of His merits alone. But I believe that, sadly, many in our church have set up an unhelpful false dichotomy which is really more about mission strategies and tactics, rather than about some who care for lost souls, and others who don’t. And there’s room for more than one set of strategies! Granted, there are perhaps some, more than others, who need to be encouraged toward good works in the area of reaching out to the lost. Just like there are fine Christian brothers and sisters who need, some more than others, to be encouraged toward good works in Christian stewardship, or defending the unborn and those who can’t defend themselves, and so forth. But let’s be careful not to set up two classes of Christians, when a true and living faith cannot help but tell everyone what He has done, even if that faith dwells in a quiet and shy individual, or in a small, declining community. I’m also a confessional Lutheran in at least three senses of the word: First, I confess Jesus before men, as Jesus said in Matthew 10: “Everyone who confesses me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven.” Second, at my ordination, and again at each installation, and in fact every day of my life, I subscribe the Lutheran Confessions as contained in the Book of Concord of 1580. Third, more than leaving those confessions on the shelf like a dusty old confirmation Bible, I strive (however imperfectly) actually to confess the Lutheran Confessions—second only to the Holy Scriptures which are “the only infallible rule of faith and practice.” I confess the Lutheran Confessions, with my mouth, in my preaching and teaching and daily life. And I understand them to be “a true exposition of Holy Scripture and a correct exhibition of the doctrine of the Evangelical Lutheran Church.” In these senses I am a confessional Lutheran. And just like I don’t believe that the term missional should apply only to one group in the LCMS, so also I want to be charitable, and to start from the premise that all Lutheran pastors and lay people are, or want to be confessional in this threefold sense of the word. And yet, just like with the term missional, I acknowledge that some find it easier than others to articulate this as a priority. Some are more knowledgeable in this regard, or more gifted to teach the faith as confessed in Scripture and the Confessions. Some are perhaps more zealous to confess pure doctrine in the face of social pressure. So I urge my brothers and sisters in Christ, in the Kansas District, to shun all divisive talk about missional and not missional, or missional and confessional and to put the best construction on each other’s attitudes and motivations. Let’s talk with one another—about missions and about all the things that Christ has commanded us to teach as we go and make disciples. In summary, let’s keep in the forefront that our work together in the District is always about Jesus… Jesus, as He is confessed by the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. And let’s take very seriously the fact that the Kansas District is a geographical subset of this great church body known as The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. But, even more importantly, that all of us in the Kansas District are united together through our Baptism into Christ. We are united together in the body of Christ, to share in His righteousness and holiness and love… and to work together harmoniously as each part does its work (1 Cor 12; Eph 4). Thank you for taking the time, these past few months, to read and consider with me these thoughts for the Kansas District. And thank you for the privilege you have given me, of serving as your District President.

Index

District Office Holiday Hours

The LCMS Synod office has set the following schedule for the upcoming Christmas and New Year holidays. The Kansas District office will follow the same schedule as Synod: Christmas Eve, December 24 – District office closed Christmas Day, December 25 – District office closed Monday, December 28 – District office closed Tuesday, December 29 – District office closed Wednesday, December 30 – District office closed New Year’s Eve, December 31 – District office closed New Year’s Day, January 1 – District office closed

Index

District Calendar

Dec 3: Professional Church Workers Conference Team - District Office Dec. 24-25: District Office Closed Dec. 28-31: District Office Closed Jan. 7: Children’s & Family Life Committee - District Office, Topeka Jan. 8-9: District Youth Ministry Team retreat - Herington Jan. 9: Kansas District Adult Singles Committee - Herington Jan. 16: Adult Education Committee - District Office, Topeka Jan. 17-18: Circuit Visitors – Wichita Jan. 18: District Office Closed Jan. 18-20: Pre-Lent Retreat - Wichita Jan. 24-30: National Lutheran Schools Week: Life Together Jan. 29-30: Board of Directors - District Office, Topeka Feb. 7: Lutheran Schools Committee - District Office, Topeka Feb. 8-9: KAIRS Conference - Topeka Feb. 12: Professional Development Committee - District Office,

Topeka Feb. 26-27: Teen Fellowship Retreat, Herington Mar. 24: District Office Closed at 2:00 PM Mar. 25: District Office Closed Apr. 11-13: District DCE Retreat - Herington May 6-7: Board of Directors - District Office, Topeka May 30: District Office Closed June 12-17: District Youth Summer Camp - LVR, Colorado July 4: District Office Closed July 9-14: LCMS Synodical Convention – Milwaukee July 16-20: LCMS National Youth Gathering - New Orleans July 17-19: Saints Alive After 55 Retreat July 29-30: Board of Directors - District Office, Topeka July 30: Early Childhood Educator Conference - Trinity, Atchison Sep. 5: District Office Closed Sep. 15-16: District Principal’s Conference - Topeka Oct. 3-5: Pastor’s Conference - Manhattan Oct. 5-7: Educator’s Conference – Manhattan

You can find the full District event calendar at the District website, www.kslcms.org.

Index

Meet the District Staff Events

Tuesday, February 9: (evening), Circuit 6 – Faith, Topeka

Saturday, February 13: (morning) Circuits 7 and 8 – St. Luke’s, Manhattan

Tuesday, February 23: (evening), Circuit 4 – Messiah, Emporia

Thursday, February 25: (evening), Circuits 1 and 2 (North ½) – St. Paul, Leavenworth

Saturday, February 27: (morning) Circuit 16 – Holy Cross, Dodge City

Tuesday, March 1: (evening) Circuits 10 and 11 – Holy Cross, Wichita

Saturday, March 5: (morning) Circuits 9 and 12 – Christ the King, Salina

Tuesday, March 8: (evening), Circuits 3N/3S & 2 (South ½)– Bethany, Overland Park

Saturday, March 12: (morning) Circuit 15 – Immanuel, Norton

Index

2016 National Youth Gathering – Save the Date!

What: LCMS National Youth Gathering When: July 16-20, 2016 Where: New Orleans Your Kansas District Coordinators for the 2016 Gathering are: Arleata Harmon Kate Luckemeyer Risen Savior, Wichita St. John, Ellinwood Arleata@RisenSavior.net dce@stjohn-lutheran.org

Arleata and Kate are planning for bus transportation, a Pre-Gathering Servant Event, Pre-Gathering Activities and the Kansas District Event. So plan to leave for New Orleans a few days before the Gathering begins! For more details, visit the LCMS National Youth Gathering website at www.lcmsgathering.com. You can also visit the Kansas District NYG website at kseducationalservices.yolasite.com/national-youth-gathering.php.

Index

Teen Fellowship Retreat

“Stand Strong.” Is this what you hope your young people can do as they leave the immediate care of their families and their local church family? If so, register them to be a part of the 2016 Teen Fellowship Retreat to be held at the District Retreat Center in Herington, February 26-27, 2016. This event will help train your youth to stand strong in their faith as they face the challenges thrown at them in today’s society. In addition, this event will contain leadership training pieces for our young people. The cost for the event is $40 per person. To register for the event go to www.kslcms.org, under Event Links on the homepage.

Index

Early Childhood Educators Conference in 2016

Index

2016 Support for District and Synod

Every fall congregations are given the opportunity to pledge mission support to Synod and the Kansas District for the upcoming year. In 2014, 27.8% of all congregational mission support received by the District was sent on to Synod as unrestricted support. Mission commitment pledge forms for 2016 were mailed to all congregations in September. This information is most beneficial to the District Board of Directors as they finalize the District Ministry Plan and Budget for 2016. You may send in your mission pledge form any of the following ways: 1) Mail your form to Kansas District LCMS, 1000 SW 10th Ave, Topeka, KS 66604. 2) Email your form to shannon@kslcms.org. 3) Fax your form to 785-357-5071. 4) Call Shannon at 800-357-4421 ext. 202. To communicate the mission, goals and services of the Kansas District and share how your pledge dollars are utilized, we provided in the mailing two pie charts detailing the breakdown of income and expenses of the Kansas District for 2014. Go to the district website, www.kslcms.org – click Publications–Resources at the top of the page and look under the heading Business Office –District. Please feel free to download and/or copy this charts for your congregational use. If you have any questions, or if we can be of service to you in the area of stewardship, please contact Jeff Maltz at 800-357-4421 ext. 118 or jeffrey.maltz@lcef.org.

Index

Lutheran Hour Ministries Webinars

Archived Webinars Index

Guinea Prayer Requests

For the very positive and encouraging conversations that are ongoing between the Kansas District and the LCMS Office of International Mission regarding our district’s support of God’s Mission in Guinea

For the newly reappointed Guinea Task Force—Pastor Joel Hiesterman, Pastor Jim Bender, Teacher Ashley Jensema, Mr. Ken Jorns, and Mrs. Kathryn Schultz—and for all who have served on the Task Force in years past

For all Lutheran missionaries in Guinea, past and present, including Tim and Beth Heiney, Jack and Cathy Carlos, Tim and Heidi Norton, Andrea Herman, Jon and Sharon Oetting, and Dr. Kristen Schmalz

Index

2016 Core Needs Survey FAQ’s

Frequently Asked Questions What is the Church Worker and Spouse Core Needs Survey (CNS)? The Core Needs Survey (CNS) is a tool to collect reliable data on physical, emotional, relational, financial, intellectual, vocational, and spiritual wellness in an anonymous, objective, and comprehensive process in order to provide focused solutions and resources that are effective, solid and needed as a pathway to prevention or as recuperative family health. Who is conducting the survey? The Kansas District, LCMS, is partnering with Concordia Plan Services, the LCMS Office of National Mission, and the Concordia University Center for the Family (at Ann Arbor, Michigan), to assess the core needs of church worker families in the Kansas District. Why are church workers being asked about their health and wellness? As a District, we are constantly witnessing physical, emotional, relational, financial, intellectual, vocational, and spiritual fatigue that is overwhelming our church workers and their spouses. The Kansas District cares about the baptismal wholeness of church workers and their families and wants to discover specific needs of church workers in Kansas, so that we can better walk beside you in wellness. You and your family matter to the Kansas District! Who should take the survey? All church workers and spouses.

Who is a church worker? A church worker is anyone, full time or part time, who is given a salary for service in the advancement of the mission of the local congregation and/or Lutheran school. What about church workers who are single? Church workers, who are single, are extremely valuable and important to the body of Christ! We recognize that some of the joys, but also challenges and stresses, are different for those who God has given the gift of singleness from those whom he has given the gift of marriage. You matter, and your needs matter. As a District, we desire to continue to walk beside you in wellness. Why are you interested in our spouses? We desire to enrich and support church workers and their spouses in a better way by clearly understanding their marital, parental, and spiritual needs. Your spouses are important to the Kansas District! When and where can I take the survey? All church workers and spouses are being invited to attend regional gatherings throughout the District in February/March, 2016, to get to know the new District President and district staff. The Kansas District cares about its workers and families and desires the opportunity to get to know the workers of the Kansas District. Everyone is encouraged to bring along a laptop or a tablet to complete the assessment at that time. As of October 1, the following dates/locations have been scheduled for these designated circuits:

Tuesday, February 9 (evening) Circuit 6 – Faith, Topeka Saturday, February 13, (morning) Circuits 7 and 8 – St. Luke’s, Manhattan Tuesday, February 23 (evening), Circuit 4 – Messiah, Emporia Thursday, February 25 (evening), Circuits 1 and 2 (North ½) – St. Paul, Leavenworth Saturday, February 27, (morning) Circuit 16 – Holy Cross, Dodge City Tuesday, March 1, (evening) Circuits 10 and 11 – Holy Cross, Wichita Saturday, March 5, (morning) Circuits 9 and 12 – Christ the King, Salina Tuesday, March 8 (evening), Circuits 3N/3S & 2 (South ½)– Bethany, Overland Park Saturday, March 12 (morning) Circuit 15 – Immanuel, Norton

What if I am unable to attend my region’s event? Plans are being made to help everyone complete the survey. What are you going to do with data? The primary goal is to walk with you, encourage you, support you, and bring resources to you. Logistically, data will be collected, cleaned, and analyzed by the Concordia University Center for the Family (at Ann Arbor). The core needs that workers and spouses in the Kansas District express will be presented to the Kansas District Board of Directors mid-year in 2016. The District Worker Wellness Committee can then create an action plan for on-going support and care. Collective results of the survey will later be shared. The data collection is anonymous. All input received will be treated with utmost confidence. Responses will only be reported as a group. Why should I participate? We desire wholeness for you, as a child of God. You are deeply loved by your Creator. He has called you to serve our Lord Jesus Christ and the people in Kansas entrusted to your care and keeping. As a District, we desire to walk with you, encourage, and support you and your household. Please speak by completing the assessment. Encourage other church workers and their spouses to respond as well! Questions? Contact…

Rev. Rocky Mease – rmease@kslcms.org Jim Bradshaw – jbradshaw@kslcms.org

Index

Lutheran Early Response Training by Executive Chaplain Rocky Mease, LCMS Kansas District

On October 17th and 24th, the first Lutheran Early Response Training (LERT) occurred in Kansas. We had

one session at St. Paul, Clay Center and another at King of Kings, Gardner. Approximately 40 individuals were

trained on how to effectively and safely respond to a disaster in our communities. We have tentatively planned

to do our third training February 6, 2016 at Trinity, Garden City.

LERT is an all day Saturday event where local congregations arrange meals and provide a photographer to

take pictures for ID’s. The cost is only $35.00 per person, with $10.00 of this is to cover LERT manual, LERT

vest and the ID. The remaining $25.00 is to cover cost of lunch and

helping a local congregation’s LERT program get started.

The LERT training covers the following topics:

LCMS Disaster Response and Christian Care

From Congregational Preparedness to Addressing Needs

Engaging in Community Response

Volunteer Safety and Equipment

If your congregation is interested in participating in an upcoming LERT training, please contact Rocky Mease at 316-993-0746 or rmease@kslcms.org.

Index

Lutheran Witness Billings Information

Billing statements for the 2015-2016 Lutheran Witness subscriptions were mailed on October 7, 2015. Payment is due by December 15, 2015. Please include a remittance voucher with payment, noting the check is for Lutheran Witness Subscription. Make checks payable to the Kansas District LCMS and send to: Kansas District LCMS Attn: Shannon Oldham 1000 SW 10th Avenue Topeka, KS 66604-1104 No additional additions or cancellations will be taken for this subscription year. You can however still make address changes. If you need to update an address on your subscription list, please contact Shannon Oldham at 800-357-4421 ext. 202 or shannon@kslcms.org.

Index

Year-End Checklist & Fiscal Closing Date

The year-end checklists were mailed out with the 3rd quarter congregational statements. Just a reminder the district will close its 2014 fiscal year on Thursday, January, 15, 2016. Any receipt received after that date will be credited to the fiscal year 2016 for your congregation. In order to meet the standards for a not-for-profit corporation audit, we cannot credit any 2015 mission gift received after the close of our fiscal year, so please work to meet this deadline. If you are sending any 2016 gift prior to January 15, please indicate that the gift is for 2016 so that we may credit it correctly for your congregation.

Index

2016 Salary Guidelines Now Available

Kansas District LCMS Salary Guidelines have been finalized and are available now on the District website. The District Board of Directors just approved the base salary for 2016 in the amount of $31,903 to use with the guideline packet. To access the resource go to www.kslcms.org, click Publications-Resources at the top of the page, look under Business Office-District on the right side of the page, click on 2016 Salary Guidelines.

Index

Cap Your CHP Rates for 2017!

Concordia Plan Services is offering a rate increase cap of 4.9% on the 2017 Concordia Health Plan for all

employers who commit to supporting wellness by submitting the name and contact information of a wellness

champion for their organization. Employers need to submit their champion information on the Be Engaged!

letter by December 31, 2015 to secure their rate cap for 2017.

Having a wellness champion will be essential to supporting health and wellness at a local level. A wellness champion is an ambassador within your organization who helps promote and encourage health and wellness among the staff. When selecting a champion, look for someone who has a heart for those who serve in ministry and is passionate about wellness, committed to building a culture of health, and has a sincere desire to make positive changes in the culture.

For more information contact Concordia Plan Services at 888-927-7526 Index

LCEF Investment and Loan Rates

LCEF Interest Rates LCEF Loan Rates – Personal and Ministry Loans Personal Investments Ministry Investments

Index

Lutheran Church Extension Fund – Ministry is Growing

Index

Standing in the Harvest Fields

Over 160 pastors and lay leaders gathered on Nov. 5–7 at the Kansas City Airport Marriott just outside

Platte City, Mo., for the 2015 National Rural & Small Town Mission (RSTM) Conference. Among conference

participants were President Lange and several pastors from the Kansas District.

Excitement, faithfulness, hope and commitment were the words of the day at the fourth synod-wide

conference. According to RSTM Director Todd Kollbaum, “I was so very enthused and encouraged by this

group of pastors and lay leaders. They know and understand the great value that rural and small town mission

and ministry is to the Church. We gathered to celebrate the joy that is rural and small town ministry and to

consider the challenges and great opportunities in that setting. They are eager to do whatever they can to

impact their communities and the world with the wonderful Good News of Jesus.”

In attendance were congregational leaders from coast to coast and all points in between. Over the course of

three days, the attendees were impacted by inspirational plenary speakers, practical sectionals, time together

in worship and study of the Scriptures, and time for attendees to encourage and support each other.

In keeping with the theme of “Standing in the Harvest Fields,” those in attendance considered such matters

as Christ’s presence in rural and small town areas, the roles of pastor and congregation together and within

the community, and carrying out ministry with patient perseverance in an impatient world.

Rev. Dr. Ken Klaus led the Bible study that grounded the entire conference in Scripture, and focused on

the need for Christians to take a stand in the world today.

Chaplain Craig Muehler explored how congregations can reach out in service to God where he has

called us in rural America.

Rev. Dr. Lucas Woodford discussed living for such a time as this and the mission of the Church today.

A huge variety of breakout sessions were well received, as participants explored such topics as

outreach, later-life ministry, youth, family life and much more.

On the heels of this wonderful conference, plans are being made for the 2016 National Rural & Small Town

Mission Conference. After a very positive response to our conference setting, the conference will again be held

at the Airport Marriot, with the theme of “Mission at Home: Standing Where You Are Planted.”

Thank you to everyone who attended the 2015 National conference. Rural & Small Town Mission looks forward to seeing you next year. To keep up to date with developments regarding the 2016 conference, go to lcms.org/rstm or contact the RSTM office by emailing rstm@lcms. org or by calling 888-463-5127.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Contributed by LCMS Rural & 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 so that we can share it with others, please email Amy Gerdts at amy.gerdts@lcms.org. Learn more about us at www.lcms.org/rstm ,by calling our office at 888-

463-5127, by email at rstm@lcms.org or “like” us on our facebook page at www.facebook.com/lcmsrstm.

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Christmas is Coming, the Goose is Getting Fat by Jan Borst, Kansas District Child and Family Life Committee

And often is the time for newlyweds’ first spat.

You are allowed to groan at my attempt at a little humor (and as my family would say, “VERY little!”) and I

certainly am no poet. But the words about the first spat actually are true. What do I mean?

It’s simple, really. Things are going along as well as can be expected during that first year of marriage and

now the holidays approach. Both he and she have their expectations – most likely unspoken – about how they

will be celebrated. Presumptions are made about continuing life-long family traditions: where and when the

family gathers; when to worship; when to open Christmas gifts; what favorites to prepare and feast upon; and

so on. Her family and his each have long-standing customs and each of our couple may blithely expect they

will continue. She thinks they will go to her parents’, attend the late night candlelight service, return ‘home’ for

wine and presents. He presumes they will stay in their apartment and travel to his parents’ home Christmas

afternoon and join his siblings, in-laws and the young nieces and nephews for a huge mid-afternoon meal.

Hmmm – trouble brewing?

Add to the mix a few more complications. First, geography. Where does everyone live? Nearby enough to

spend time easily with both sets of in-laws? Or, is one set near and one far? Is major travel required? Hmmm.

Second, what are the expectations of the in-laws? Will the world end for one mother if all her children, their

spouses and grandchildren are not with her Christmas Eve? Or have the in-laws become flexible (and realistic)

over the years and actually celebrate the week-end before or after Christmas with as many of the family as can

come, thus allowing the young families to build Christmas Eve and Day traditions of their own? Some alternate

Thanksgiving with Christmas each year to accommodate their ever-growing family tree. Hmmm. And

sometimes the day of the week upon which Christmas falls is the deciding factor for work and travel schedules.

Finally, if the couple already has a child, well, who knows? Let the new grandparents come to them!

In a perfect world couples would sit down and talk about all this months before the holidays and come to

some compromises about where, when, and how to celebrate, respecting each other’s desires and traditions

and those of their parents. But more so, this is a good time to imagine and plan for all their future holiday

seasons by begining to create their own unique wheres, whens and hows.

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New blog offers insight from The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod leaders

The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod (LCMS) announced it has a new online resource for getting the inside scoop on happenings in the Synod. The LCMS leader blog provides insight and perspectives on the Synod’s various ministries, as ministry leaders share their thoughts, ideas, reflections and outlook on the Synod’s efforts. Those efforts include Gospel-centered mercy and human care at home and abroad, disaster response, domestic and international mission and many other ministries. Readers can engage ministry leaders directly with questions and comments about specific blog posts. Posts can be shared online, downloaded and printed. Readers have options to follow the entire blog, specifics topics and ministries, and individual ministry leaders. Automatic leader blog updates are available through the Synod’s Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feed, which delivers notifications and summaries to your desktop, Web browser and mobile apps. The LCMS has over 2.1 million members in 6,105 congregations and more than 6,000 pastors. It has two seminaries, 10 colleges and universities, and its congregations operate one of the largest Protestant parochial school systems in America. The church has relationships with and active mission work in nearly 80 countries. In the last three years, the Synod has awarded more than $15 million through more than 600 domestic and international grants for development and disaster response around the globe.

Visit the blog today at lcms.org/leaderblog for the latest perspectives from LCMS leadership. Index

New Lutheran Bible Translators International Offices Dedicated

October 25 was a day of celebration for the staff and missionaries of Lutheran

Bible Translators (LBT), highlighted by the dedication of our new international

offices on the campus of Saint Paul Lutheran High School in Concordia, Missouri.

God provided a beautiful fall day as people gathered for Reformation services at

St. Paul's Lutheran Church, led by Rev. Dr. Jeffery Moore and Rev. Rich Rudowske,

director of international program ministries for LBT. Rev. Kenety Gee, senior

pastor at Chatham Fields Lutheran Church in Chicago, delivered a message that clearly demonstrated the

powerful impact Bible translation has on peoples' lives. Growing up in Liberia, he first learned about Jesus

Christ from missionaries serving with LBT. "Who could say," he commented, "that one of those who read a

Bible translated by LBT would be here today preaching to you?"

The service was followed by a procession to the new LBT offices, where Rev. Dr. Lee Hagen officially

dedicated the building to the glory of God. A reception and office tours offered people the opportunity to meet

LBT missionaries and learn more about the organization.

The day ended with the annual Celebrate the Ministry dinner, with LBT Executive Director Dr. Mike

Rodewald as the featured speaker. LBT staff worked diligently to plan for this day, but it was support from St.

Paul's, Saint Paul Lutheran High School, and the community that made it possible. We are deeply appreciative

of the warm welcome we have received during these past months of transition and look forward to building

even stronger relationships as we partner to bring God's Word to those in need of His saving grace. For more

information about LBT visit www.LBT.org or call 660-225-0810.

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