The Deacon and Pre-SMP Training Program with the instructor Dr. Bob Schultz will be offering the seminar on Office of the Ministry on Saturday, October 27, November 17, and December 22 at 8 a.m. at Trinity, Davison. Office of the Ministry is a study of the history and the various forms of the Biblical office of the Ministry, specifically of overseers, pastors, deacons, and other church workers. This seminar will discuss responsibilities of a church worker, how to work within staff relationships, the limitations of the various offices, and the character of those who serve in the ministry. The cost for three sessions is $300. For more information on this training or to register, please contact Chris Brown, registrar, at 810.220.1798 or chrissbrown282@yahoo.com. For more information regarding the Deacon Program, visit www.michigandistrict.org/deacons. 

SAVE THE DATE - Retirement: The Ecstasy and the Agony!, a pre-retirement planning conference for professional church workers will be held on Saturday, February 9 at Faith, Troy. This conference, sponsored by the Michigan District Commission on Ministerial Growth and Support, is for all professional church workers and their spouses as they prepare for their future retirement (whether it be three, five, or 10 years down the road) and their next stage of ministry. For more information, please click here.

On Sunday, September 16, The Historic Trinity Cathedral Ministry Red & Blue Line will hold special Downtown Worship services. All Metro Detroit Area Police Officers, Sheriffs, Federal Agents, Boarder Patrol Officers, Fire Fighters, Homeland Security Persons, and EMS persons, active and retired, are invited to participate. Persons are encouraged to wear their uniforms. On Tuesday, September 18 the Historical Society of Michigan will hold an Archival Workshop. Limit is 40 participants. To register, contact Sara Schultz at 517.324.4370 or schultz@hsmichigan.org. On Sunday, September 23, a Lutheran Legacy Sunday will be observed. Over 130 congregations can trace their roots to Historic Trinity. All Metro Detroit churches are encouraged to enter a church banner. Former Michigan District, LCMS Presidents, Rev. Dr. C. William Hoesman and Rev. Dr. John L. Heins will make presentations. A reception will follow in the Huegli Auditorium. For more information on these events, visit www.historictrinity.org.

Faith, Troy is hosting Citizens in Action Seminar on Thursday, September 20. If you want to preserve traditional values, limit government's increasing involvement in every aspect of your life, and make an impact in Michigan, this is the eye-opening seminar you will not want to miss. To RSVP send an email to ctv@ctvmichigan.org or call 248.689.4713 ext. 455 by Tuesday, September 18.

On Saturday, September 22, Family of Christ, Comstock Park in cooperation with Tiki Light/Brown Dog Productions invites you to attend "One Family," a musical celebration of the love of God that binds us to Him and to one another. The event will begin at 6 p.m. and features three musical teams, Carpenter's Cross, Altar*d Life, and RevelAsians. For more information, visit www.mynewfamily.org.

FAQ Lutheran Fellowship, Auburn Hills will meet at 7 p.m. on Sunday, September 23 at the Honey Tree Grille on the North East corner of Crooks and Auburn Roads. Please pray that God's Word will transform the lives of those He brings to hear of the love of Christ. For more information, visit www.faqauburnhills.com. All are welcome.

The first ever St. Peter's, Eastpointe "Kinderfest Celebration" was held on July 4, 1893. Since then, this annual event, which means "Children's Festival" in German, has been providing wholesome family fun to the community. This year's Kinderfest will be on Saturday, September 22 from noon - 6 p.m. Highlights include games, prizes, German food and beverages, a live German band, large inflatable rides, a rock climbing wall, dunk tank, the Kona Ice truck, and more. For more information, call 586.777.6300.

St. Andrew's, Memphis will be hosting a seminar on the history of the Lutheran Reformation. The event will include an overview of the Articles of Confessions as contained in the Book of Concord. The presenter will be Rev. Anthony Voltattorni of Bethlehem, Standish. Prayerfully consider attending this one-time seminar on Saturday, September 22 beginning at 8 a.m. and closing at 12:10 p.m. For more information, contact the church office at 810.392.2392..

On Sunday, October 21, Christ Our Savior, Livonia's members, in culmination of the year-long 35th anniversary celebration, will hold services of Praise and Thanksgiving at 8:30 and 11 a.m. Rev. Ralph G. Schmidt, founding pastor, will be the guest preacher. A reception will follow the late service. Visit www.christoursavior.org or email info@christoursavior.org for more information.

In conjunction with the Writer's Conference on October 26 and 27, the Great Lakes Chapter of the American Christian Fiction Writers will welcome Timmy Boyle, and his style of UPstanding Comedy to Redeemer, Jackson. This evening of Christian comedy begins at 7 p.m. on Friday, October 26. Cost is $15/person or $50/family (four tickets). Tickets must be purchased in advance. You can purchase tickets for Friday evening or learn more about the writer's conference by contacting Peggy Bennitt at bennitt49@yahoo.com or 517.529.3924.

Other Ministries

A Stephen Ministry Workshop will take place at Cross Of Christ, Bloomfield Hills on Saturday, September 22. Stephen Ministry is a proven system of training and organizing people in your congregation to provide quality Christian care to those experiencing tough times. Pastors want to provide that care, but cannot do it alone. Stephen Ministry offers effective and biblical solutions. For more information, or to register, visit www.stephenministry.org/workshop or call 314.428.2600.  

Sponsored in part by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, lutherancolleges.org, is holding information evenings on Tuesday, September 25 at Zion Lutheran in Ann Arbor (ELCA) and on Wednesday, September 26 at Valley Lutheran High School in Saginaw, Mich. There is no charge and no need to pre-register. Students who attend will receive four application fee waivers to use at our Lutheran colleges and universities.  

Attention Senior Adults! The 28th Annual Walther League and Young Adults Reunion will be held on Saturday September 29th from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Bavarian Inn Lodge in Frankenmuth, Mich. Come and join others for food, fellowship, etc. The program speaker will be Elaine Bickel, humorist, author, lecturer, motivational speaker. This year the Walther Leaguers and Young Adults will have an opportunity to provide financial support for the fund to maintain the Mausoleum honoring CFW Walther in St. Louis, Mo. The funding will be in honor of Irene Bronner and in memory of Wally Bronner who have been heavily involved in prior reunions. Reservations can be made by sending your check for $18.50/person to Elna Kempff, 2252 Mallard Dr., Reese, MI 48757 or call her at 989.868.9921, preferably by September 22. When making reservations please include a list of names (maiden names where applicable) and addresses. 

Concordia University Ann Arbor would like to invite all Lutheran teachers to attend a Graduate Information Night on Wednesday, October 3 at 6 p.m. Learn more about the nationally accredited graduate programs offered within the School of Education. To accommodate the busy teacher's lifestyle, courses are available online or the traditional seated format. Teachers in Lutheran schools are also eligible for a 25% discount on all graduate courses within the School of Ed. Next session begins October 28. For more information, visit www.grad.cuaa.edu, email graduate.admissions@cuaa.edu, or call 734.995.7521.    

Congregations across Michigan are preparing for the 2012 LWR Boxcar Loading on Wednesday, October 17. Download a file containing collection sites by clicking here. Items being collected include: Quilts, new soap, fabric kits, personal care kits, school kits, and baby care kits. Please note: NO CLOTHING is being collected. Leading up to the boxcar loading, a trailer will be stationed on the Michigan District office from October 10-16 to accept donations. For more information, click here.

The Detroit Lutheran Singers begins its 46th season of promoting excellence in the performance of sacred choral music with two concerts on Sunday, October 21. They will perform at 3:30 p.m. at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 13667 W. Highland Rd., Hartland and at 7:30 p.m. at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 39020 Five Mile Rd., Livonia. Tickets are $10 ($7 for seniors and students over 12). The program includes J.S. Bach's double choir motet, "Singet den Herrn." For more information, visit www.detroitlutheransingers.com.

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