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The father said to his servant, 'Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his finger and shoes on his feet, and bring the fatted calf...'" (Luke 15:22-23a)
We usually refer to this story as the parable of the prodigal son. Let me suggest that it might well be called the parable of the prodigal God. A prodigal is one who is extravagant, lavish, or unrestrained. That describes the father in the parable, who is God. His love knows no limits, His forgiveness knows no boundaries, His joy knows no restraint - prodigal love.
We see this in the relationship of the father to the son. He was approachable. The son said, "Father, give me the share of the estate that falls to me." The father's response was immediate: "All that I have is yours." Then he let him go. He
didn't chase him. He didn't even try to change his mind. He knew that love possesses only what it releases. God lets us go, because he did not create puppets. Note that the father does not step in to save his son from reality in the far country. He allowed the shame and degradation.
When the son finally decided to come home, the Father welcomed him. He didn't rebuke him. He didn't set conditions on acceptance. He just said, "Welcome home!" Look at the extravagant blessing the father gave to his son to welcome him. He threw a party. The best robe can mean the father's own robe, or the robe kept for the honored guest, or the son's former robe. The ring (maybe symbolic of the filial bonds no failure could break) a symbol of the father's power. Finally, he put shoes on his son's feet. Slaves didn't wear shoes, only sons. "Kill the fatted calf" meant a time for celebration. God has prepared a table for us. It is always by mercy and love of God that we are able to sit at the banquet table and feast. You and I will never come to the point where God owes us any thing, all because of His prodigal love.
Thank you, God that You love us just as we are. Give us grateful hearts for Your mercy. Help us that we may never presume Your love. In Jesus' name. Amen
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OUR STEWARDSHIP OF HIS RESOURCES
District Mission Support Trends
2013 2014 2015
Total Budget
$1,100,000 $1,100,000 $ 900,000
Budgeted Income $ 1,100,000 $1,100,000
$ 900,000
through 12/31
Actual Income $ 972,002 $ 922,035 $ 911,618
through 12/31
FIGURES FOR 1/31 WILL BE AVAILABLE IN THE FEB. 15 ISSUE OF TMTWS
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| IT'S TIME...FOR 2016 CONVENTION DEADLINES! Three important LCMS Convention deadlines are rapidly approaching for your congregation. Your congregation should have received your congregation's nominations packet. If a ballot has been lost or spoiled, a duplicate ballot must be obtained from the Office of the Secretary in sufficient time to meet the Feb. 9 deadline. * Feb. 9 -- President and First Vice-President nominating ballots must be received by the Synod's auditor by this date. * Feb. 9 -- Regional Vice-President, Board of Directors, and Mission Board nominating ballots must be received by this date by the Office of the Secretary of the Synod. *Feb. 20 -- Overtures (Proposed convention actions) are due to be received by the Office of the President for inclusion in the 2016 Convention Workbook by this date. |
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DATES FOR 2016
February 8
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Southern District's 134th Birthday
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| February 13 9 AM - 1 PM |
Outreach Workshop
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Good Shepherd Lutheran Gardendale, AL |
| February 20 9 AM - 1 PM |
Outreach Workshop |
Jehovah Lutheran Church Pensacola, FL |
| February 20, 2016 9 AM to 3:15 PM |
Lands of the Bible Seminar Dr. Paul L. Maier SOLD OUT |
Redeemer Lutheran Church Fairhope, AL |
| April 22, 23, & 24 |
LA-MS District LWML Convention |
Houma, LA |
| April 29, 30 & May 1, 2016 |
Gulf States District LWML Convention |
Courtyard by Marriott, Gulfport, MS |
July 9-14, 2016
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66th Synod Convention Upon This Rock: Repent, Confess, Rejoice Matthew 16:18 |
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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 "AND THE AWARD GOES TO..." MARION KENNEDY! The Southern District's 'Oscar Awards' were held on Saturday, January 23 at the Mission Center to honor Marion Kennedy, long-time District Administrative Assistant to the President, as she retired after 28 years. Although Marion has many accomplishments, her primary claim to fame in the Southern District is her faithful, successful service with District Presidents Rev. Orv Mueller, Rev. Richard Meyers, and Rev. Kurtis Schultz. Marion is well known for her phenomenal memory and her  kind, compassionate nature. Throughout the years, Marion has helped countless pastors, congregations, educators, and many more as she survived Hurricane Katrina, 3 moves with the District Office, 3 District Presidents, and many and varied office staff! MARION, YOU WILL BE MISSED! |
| IN TRANSITION: CALLING CONGREGATIONS Trinity - Gadsden, AL Christ the King - Natchitoches, LA St. Stephen - New Orleans, LA Lamb of God - Slidell, LA Trinity - Panama City, FL St. Paul's - Decatur, AL Immanuel - Bossier City, LA Ascension - Daphne, AL |
Outreach Workshop 1
Intro To Outreach & Planning
Your congregation can reach people in the harvest and see your church grow with new people coming to faith!
What Is This?
In this Workshop you and your congregation will learn how to reach people in fun, effective, simple, practical, and doable ways and see people come to faith, baptism, and discipleship in the local congregation. Pastor Eric Johnson draws on his experience as a church planter to show you how they reached people in the community, resulting in 125 adult baptisms and 167 children baptized into Christ and His church over a 3 year period.
The Details
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When: Saturday, Feb. 13
Where: Good Shepherd, Gardendale, AL.
Time: 9am till 1pm with a "working" lunch.
Cost: $5 to help defray cost of lunch. $5 due at time of workshop, either cash or check
RSVP: Please RSVP to your church office.
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| HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SOUTHERN DISTRICT!! On February 8, the Southern District turns 134! The District was "born" on Feb. 8, 1882 at Zion Lutheran Church, New Orleans, LA. It was made up of 13 congregations in Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. By 1906, the Southern District had 90 congregations, and it was in that year that 62 of the congregations became the Texas District. In 1948 the Florida-Georgia District was formed, leaving 62 congregations and preaching stations in the Southern District. In 1963, 54 Black congregations of the Synodical Conference Mission Program merged into the Southern District of the LCMS. Some of our New Orleans churches predate the formation for the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, namely, St. Paul (1840), Trinity (1847), and Zion (1847). The Southern District is also home to the Synod's only Historic Black College, Concordia College Alabama in Selma. The Southern District is home to many Lutheran schools, from pre-schools to high schools. God has truly blessed the Southern District in its mission of bringing people to Christ throughout its long and rich history! |
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Outreach Workshops
Scheduled on the following dates:
- Feb. 13, Good Shepherd - Gardendale, AL.
- Feb. 20, Jehovah - Pensacola, FL.
Workshop cost is $5 per person for lunch. All other materials are provided free of charge. Contact Rev. Eric Johnson (985.796.7175) for details.
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LWML LA - MS DISTRICT CONVENTION
Save the Date for the LA-MS District LWML 2016 Convention!
Houma,Louisiana
April 22, April 23, & April 24,2016
Hosted by the
New Orleans Zone
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LWML GULF STATES DISTRICT CONVENTION
The LWML Ladies of the Magnolia Zone will be hosting the
36th Biennial LWML Gulf States
District convention on April 29,30, & May 1, 2016 at the Courtyard by Marriott, Gulfport, MS. The theme is "Direct my footsteps according to your " Psalm 119:133
Ginny Hermetz of Gulfport is serving as Convention Chairman, Canaan Herkamp as Registrar, and Ellen Garnett, Treasurer.
Rev. Rudy Schaser, director of 'With God's Little Ones", is the keynote mission speaker. Jan Struck, Humorous Interrupter with "Struck with Laughter" will also be part of the program.
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500TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE REFORMATION 
There are a lot of great resources for you to use with your congregation as we prepare for the 500th Anniversary celebrations of the Reformation in 2017. If you haven't already checked out this site, be sure to visit it!
Visit this site!
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2016 LCMS National Youth Gathering -- In Christ Alone
July 16-20, 2016
2016 will come more quickly than any of us realize! Be watching for important information regarding this opportunity for the Southern District Youth to come together with others as a community of God's people!
For additional information contact DCE Curtis Wiese -- Good Shepherd - Shalimar, FL, email: familylifeminister@gslcshalimar.org cell: 785-220-1512.
DCE Curtis is serving as the NYG Southern District Coordinator.
You may also go to the Southern District web site at www.southernlcms.org or
LCMS at www.lcms.org for more information.
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| CANDIDATES AND VICARS FOR SPRING PLACEMENT
This spring St. Louis and Fort Wayne Seminaries will have candidates and vicars available for placement.
Candidates Vicars
St. Louis - 79 St. Louis - 65 Fort Wayne - 52 Fort Wayne - 41 |
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WE LIFT UP IN PRAYER. . .
The family of Rev. Robert Aumann (Emeritus - Slidell, LA) as he has entered the Church Triumphant. Rev. Aumann most recently served at Good Shepherd - Slidell, LA. He is survived by his wife and son, Rev. Brad Aumann (St. Paul-Picayune, MS) A Service of Remembrance was held Jan. 23 at 3:00 PM at Good Shepherd - Slidell, LA.
The family of Mrs. Ruth Thies (Emeritus - Huntsville, AL) at her passing in Huntsville, on Jan. 29, 2016. Mrs. Thies taught in Lutheran schools for 15 years. She is preceded in death by her husband Rev. John Thies, who before his retirement served at St. Mark's - Elberta, AL. She is survived by sons Rev. Daniel (Eternal Trinity-Milton, FL), Rev. David (St. Paul-Rockford, IL, and Dr. Andrew Thies. Services will be Feb. 6 at 11 AM at St. Mark's - Elberta, AL.
Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die;..."
John 11:25 (NIV)
These brothers and sisters in Christ coping with cancer:
Rev. Jerry Conley (Emeritus - Marianna, FL)
Rev. Jack Betz (Emeritus - Miramar Beach, FL)
Mrs. Gloria Moritz, widow of Rev. Victor Moritz (Emeritus - Metairie, LA)
Rev. Sidney Ponseti (Emeritus - Baton Rouge, LA)
Rev. Ed Rogers (Emeritus - Ozark, AL)
Mrs. Doris Taglauer, wife of Rev. Jim Taglauer (Emeritus - Folsom, LA)
Rev. Bill Wise (Emeritus - Destin, FL)
These brothers and sisters in Christ coping with various health issues:
- Mrs. Melodie Rupp, wife of Rev. Bob Rupp (Emeritus - Pensacola, FL)
- Mrs. Rosemary Hollibaugh, mother of Rev. Karl Hollibaugh (Lamb of God - Slidell, LA)
- Mrs. June Ring, mother of Rev. Marcus Ring (St. Paul - Shreveport, LA)
- Rev. Rev. Michael Shannon (Faith - Shreveport, LA)
- Rev. Rory Hermann (Good Shepherd - Gulf Breeze, FL)
- Rev. Brandon Simoneaux (Christ Our Savior - Harvey, LA)
- Mrs. Agnes Belknap, wife of Rev. Bob Belknap (Zion - New Orleans, LA)
- Rev. Dr. James P. Brown (Emeritus - Pensacola, FL)
- Dr. J. B. Marshall (Concordia College Alabama Board of Regents member)
- Rev. Dr. Edgar Homrighausen (Emeritus - Lacombe, LA)
May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed. Thessalonians 2: 16-17
(NIV)
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FYI - -
Don't forget to submit your Congregational Mission Pledges to the Southern District! Also, please send the updated form of newly elected Congregational Officers to the Southern District Office! We keep updated information for use in our communications to congregations, so it's very important that the information is correct.
Click here to go to linkClick here for link Click here for link |
ANCHORS AWAY UPDATE !
Due to the majority vote at District Convention, the 2017 District Cruise has been changed to a 5 Day Cruise. If you are currently registered for the 7 Day option you will be contacted before any changes are made. It is possible to attend both if you choose as there is just one day in between.
Ginger Kramp is happy to assist with any and all questions. Please register ASAP, R
egistration information is available online at
mcgcruise.com/SDLCMS5night
ANCHORS AWAY!
Time to hold your cabin on the next Southern District Cruise ~
Jan 22, 2017. At the request of many, we are sailing to Belize, Roatan and Cozumel. We realize it seems early, but an agreement was reached for smaller deposits with early registration. Further registration information is available online at
https://secure.jotform.us/form/50815449083155.
You may also contact Ginger Kramp with questions at
ginger@mcgeheecruise.com
or
618-662-2117.
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2016 HEARTLAND DCE CONFERENCE
DCEs and other parish professionals who are interested in enhancing the intentionality and effectiveness of Christian education in the church are invited to attend the 2016 Heartland DCE Conference at Concordia University, Nebraska from May 19-21. Keynote speakers include Dr. Thom Rainer, Thom and Joani Schultz and Dr. Phil Schwadel. Registration is $100. Go to www.cune.edu/heartlandDCE for more information.
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FOUNTAINBLEU STATE PARK - MANDEVILLE, LA DATES-- MAY 20, 21, AND 22 (FRIDAY, SATURDAY, SUNDAY) 2016 COST -- $20 PER CHILD FOR ALL 3 DAYS. MEALS AND SNACKS WILL BE PROVIDED. THE CHILDREN WILL BE DIVIDED INTO AGE GROUPS FOR APPROPRIATE ART AND GRIEF THERAPY SESSIONS. THE ACTIVITIES ARE DESIGNED TO HELP CHILDREN IDENTIFY THEIR FEELINGS WHICH MAY BE ASSOCIATED WITH GRIEF. THE ACTIVITIES WILL ALSO HELP CHILDREN TO EXPRESS THEIR FEELINGS AND WILL HELP TO PROVIDE TOOLS FOR THEM SO THEY CAN CONTINUE TO WORK THROUGH THEIR GRIEF IN A POSITIVE AND HEALTHY WAY. SPONSERED BY HOSPICE FOUNDATION OF THE SOUTH CAMELLIA CITY KIWANIS LOUISIANA HOSPICE & PALLIATIVE CARE-HAMMOND FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL 985-643-5470 |
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THE GIFT OF GENEROSITY-Electronic Giving
A definition of generous includes this phrase:
Freely sharing valuable things.
Freely sharing
. . .no strings attached. . .no tit for tat. . .nothing expected in return.
Valuable things: your child. What is more valuable than a life of someone you love beyond measure? As we reflect on this message, remember
Those Who Don't Yet Know Jesus. Your continued support for the mission and ministry of the Southern District is requested.
If you need a convenient way to make regular offerings, we encourage you to look into our electronic online giving options.
Visit
here or contact Ronnie Giaise
at the Southern District office for more information --- r.giaise@southernlcms.org.
Illustration by Patti Miller, Member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fairhope, Alabama.
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