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MARTIN LUTHER'S PRAYER
FOR TRUE PREACHING AND RIGHT LIVING
Almighty and everlasting God, we pray in the name of your dear Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. First, send a spiritual kingdom and a blessed gospel ministry. Give us devout and faithful preachers who communicate the wealth of your divine word in truth and clarity. Graciously guard us against divisions and heresies. Do not focus on our ingratitude, by which we have long deserved that you take your word away from us. Do not punish us as severely as we deserve. Rather let harm come to us, but do not deprive us of your precious word. Again we ask you to give us thankful hearts that we may love your holy word, prize it highly, hear it reverently, and improve our lives accordingly. And so may we not only understand your word rightly but also meet its demands by our deeds. May we live in accordance with it and day by day increase in good works. Thereby may your name be hallowed, your kingdom come, and your will be done. Amen.
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OUR STEWARDSHIP OF HIS RESOURCES
District Mission Support Trends
2015 2016 2017
Total Budget
$900,000 $900,000 $900,000
Budgeted Income $150,000 $150,000
$150,000
through 02/28
Actual Income $139,133 $112,352 $135,953
through 02/28
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| SPIRIT OF SOUTHERN SUBMISSIONS  Remember that submissions for the March/April issue of SOS are due by March 15. The preferred means for receiving submissions is by email (sos@southernlcms.org). Please send photos as JPEG files, attached to the email. Congregational news that is received but exceeds space in the printed SOS will be published on the "Around the District" blog of our website. Thank you for sharing your news! (click on image for the current issue) |
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UPCOMING EVENTS
| March 26, 2017 |
Installation of Rev. Dr. Tilahun Mendedo
Executive Development Officer
Lutheran Bible Translators |
Grace Lutheran Church
Mobile, AL |
| April 28-30, 2017 |
Louisiana-Mississippi LWML
District Retreat |
Rosaryville Spirit Life Center
Pontchatoula, LA |
| July 7-10, 2017 |
SAVE THE DATE!!
Sr. Youth Retreat |
Blue Horizon Camp
Panama City Beach, FL |
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GERMANY AND THE REFORMATION
500TH ANNIVERSARY TRIP
Have you always wanted to visit Germany and see the places where the Reformation began? This year, in the 500th anniversary of the Reformation's beginning, join us as we travel to sites like Wittenberg, where Luther taught as professor and posted the 95 Theses; the Wartburg Castle, where he translated the New Testament into German for all to read; Eisleben, where Luther was born; and many more! Led by LCMS pastors Robert Roegner of St. Louis and Derek Waffel of Pascagoula, MS, the trip is from
July 8 to July 15, 2017
. For more information see the attached brochure, or contact Pastor Waffel at
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LCMS Worship's
Institute on Liturgy, Preaching and Church Music
July 25-28
, 2017
at Concordia University Chicago
This triennial event offers pastors, church musicians, and all who are passionate about the Church's worship an opportunity to be refreshed in Word, song, and prayer together with opportunities to grow in skills that enhance the joy of the people of God in the reception of His gifts. This year's Institute takes its cue from the upcoming Reformation anniversary with the theme:
The Just Live by Faith-Make This Plain in Sermon, Service, Song.
In addition to three keynote addresses, we'll have opportunity for daily study of the Word (featuring CUC President Dr. Daniel Gard), daily prayer services, two Divine Services (with new arrangements of Setting Five by Jacob Weber and Jonathan Kohrs with LCMS President Matthew Harrison preaching the opening service and Dr. Gard the final one), a concert by the National Lutheran Choir from Minneapolis, a hymn festival featuring the hymns of Martin Luther, numerous breakout sessions for pastors and church musicians plus many others on general worship topics, and exhibitors with all kinds of wares and services.
Registration will open mid-March via the Synod's website. Meanwhile, for more information, contact the LCMS at 888.the.lcms (
843-5267
) or
infocenter@lcms.org
.
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| IN TRANSITION: CALLING CONGREGATIONS St. James - Gonzales, LA Grace - Huntsville, AL
Trinity - Monroe, LA
St. Paul's - Cullman, AL
Christ the King - Natchitoches, LA
If your congregation has extended a call, or had a call returned, please remember to notify the Southern District office.
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~ CALLED TO SERVE ~
Rev. Kurtis Bueltmann (Faith-Monticello, IL) to Grace-Huntsville, AL ~ Declined
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| ~MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES~ Celebrating the Ministry of Pastor and People Anniversary of Ordination Rev. Jimmy McCants, Mt. Calvary, Mobile, AL ~ 1982-2017 ~ 35 Years Rev. Edward Brashier, Camp Restore ~ 2002-2017 ~ 15 Years Rev. David Greene, First, Crowley, LA ~ 2002-2017 ~ 15 Years Rev. James Reeves, Prince of Peace, Laurel, MS ~ 2002-2017 ~ 15 Years Rev. Stephen Schrader, Prince of Peace, Ft. Payne, AL ~ 2002 - 2017 ~ 15 Years Rev. Aubrey Watson, Holy Cross, New Orleans, LA ~ 2002-2017 ~ 15 Years Rev. Daniel Koyn, Holy Trinity, Covington, LA ~ 2007-2017 ~ 10 Years |
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CONCORDIA COLLEGE ALABAMA ALUMNI AND FRIENDS
Dear Alumni and Friends,
The weekend of May 11-14, 2017 is rapidly approaching. The deadline for sending in your various fees is even closer. Keep in mind that all are asked to submit the dues of $35.00 whether you plan to attend or not. We hope and pray that you are planning to attend all the activities and will send your payments accordingly.
I am asking all of the Alumni/Friends Chapters to submit their gifts to the Association and thereby to Concordia College Alabama on or before May 12th, 2017. All other fees you are asked to send to me, or
Mrs. Gracie Hollins,Treasurer on or before April 1st, and no later than the 15th, of April 2017. Please go to Concordia College Alabama web and give a little of your precious time to the Alumni Association bar and you will be given all the activities for the weekend so identified. A brief summary is given here. Would you please share the information with all those in your area who are graduates and friends of the college?
To those chapters that I know are diligently working to make your fundraiser a success, blessings to you. I am praying that all will go well and that you will have excellent support from those who love our institution.
Below is the information that you will find on the web of www.ccal.edu:
1. Thursday May 11 -- at 6:00 P.M. Graduates/Family Banquet Julius & Mary Jenkins Center (400 are planned for) 6:00 P.M.
2. Friday May 12 -- arrival of Alumni and Friends
A. Dedication of new location of Dr. Rosa J. Young Museum at 1:30 to 2:30 P.M. West Campus
B. Graduation Exercises, Practice, and Walk Through 4:00 P.M.
C. Alumni/Friends Working Reception: Graduates free: All others $10.00. Lehman Center at 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. (The future enhancement of CCAL) (150 expected to attend)
3. Saturday, May 13th -- 2017 Alumni/Friends Breakfast $5.00. The time is 8:00 A.M. to 9:15 A.M.
A. Graduation Exercises in the Julius/Mary Jenkins Center 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 Noon. The class of 1967 will participate. All the Pastors are invited to attend the graduation exercises and to bring their individual red stole and robe.
B. Graduation Reception: Place to be determined. It may beheld in the Lehman Center.
C. Alumni/Friends Business Meeting: Kreft Center Theater 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M.
D. Planning to travel to Montgomery for arrival at 5:00 P.M.
E. Cruise Snack food and open bar 5:00 P.M. to 8:30 P.M. $45.00
F. Dinner and fellowship at Mrs. Lucinda Moseley's home 9:00 P.M. to 11:00 P.M.
G. Return to Selma.
4. Sunday, May 14th -- Breakfast on your own.
A. Worship at Trinity Lutheran Church Selma, AL, 1900 Marie Foster Street. Rev. Steven Washington is the Pastor.
B. Bible Class at 9:45 A.M.
C. Worship Service at 11:00 A.M.
D. After Worship Reception sponsored by Trinity Lutheran Church -- Trinity Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall.
E. Closing of the 2017 Alumni/Friends gathering. Please help us to plan well by sending in your fees and contributions!
Please pray for our work together and blessings on your work and travel to and from the gathering. The Lord be with you.................
Sincerely in His service
Rev. Dr. McNair Ramsey, President CCAL
Alumni/Friends Association
176 Deep Woods Circle
Valley Grande, AL 36701
Mrs. Gracie Hollins, Treasurer
1712 Broad Street
Selma, AL 36701
C/O Concordia College Alabama
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INSTALLATION OF REV. DR. AARON C. KRETZSCHMAR
February 26 was a day of great celebration as Rev. Dr. Aaron C. Kretzschmar was installed as the Pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Decatur, AL. Pastor Kretzschmar and his family, previously of St. John's Lutheran Church in La Porte, IN, will now be serving in ministry with the St. Paul's family, and we thank and praise God for choosing this man to be our new shepherd.
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ST. JUDE'S BY THE SEA - GULF SHORES, AL
St. Jude's By The Sea, Gulf Shores, AL. special event for the "snowbirds" was "A Pleasure Island Luau!" Dressed well to host the special lunch, games, and trying to answer questions about the Gulf Shore area plus appropriate "Island Prizes" were Rev. Deral Rollings, SJBTSGS long time pastor, his wife Jean & daughter Elizabeth, and long-time members, Rev. Harold Hoeferkamp with his wife, Ellie, pictured below.
St. Jude's By the Sea is creating a "Prayer Garden" adjacent to the church's main entrance. Rev. Deral Rollings along with "snowbird" associate member, Rev. Robert Krueger stand in the arched entrance. Memorial gifts to SJBTSGS from families of members as well as "snowbirds", many of whom are also "associate members" given in memory of family members and "snowbird" members who are with the Lord. The garden is being planted with flowers, and completing the garden, is a bench for people to come and remember loved ones.
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IN HIS SERVICE!
Teens and adults from Immanuel Lutheran Church, Pensacola Florida join other area Lutherans for Camp Dixie Lutheran Ministries work day.
Immanuel Lutheran Church, Pensacola Florida youth assisting with monthly chicken dinner at Camp Dixie Lutheran Ministries, Elberta, AL
Men from Immanuel and Redeemer Lutheran churchEs in Pensacola, Florida meet monthly to study God's Word and the Lutheran Confessions.
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Home From the Heart
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Gulf Breeze, Florida held its mission festival Sunday on January 15th with guest speaker Rev. John Welge, from
Food for the Poor.
Food for the Poor is an interdenominational Christian charity that helps poor people throughout Latin America by providing them with new houses, water pumps for villages, goats to families and it feeds millions of poor people every year. Members were challenged to reach out and help those less fortunate. Mission chairman Carolyn Kassulke challenged members of Good Shepherd to the
"Great Kindness Challenge". The challenge was to build a "Home from the Heart" during the month of February. The cost was $3,600. She constructed a small model house to represent their progress. Each wall of the house along with each side of the roof equaled $600. Each Sunday Mrs. Kassulke showed the model and its progress. The members more than met the challenge. $4,350 was raised for
Food for the Poor enabling them to not just build a new house but also provide 2 water wells for 2 villages and 2 goats for 2 families. It was a wonderful challenge and response to Christ's love and call to help others.
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Celebrate the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation in Germany
Join Pastor Keith and Diana Ringers on an Enchanting Rhine and Reformation Tour Nov. 11-20, 2017.
Fly to Amsterdam and board a luxurious river cruise ship for five days down the Rhine and Rhine Gorge, stopping at Cologne, Koblenz, Mainz, Worms, Speyer, and Heidelberg. Then spend four days on the land tour visiting Wartburg Castle, Erfurt, Eisleben, and Wittenberg. The guest speaker on this EO faith based trip is Lutheran pastor, Rev. Keith Loesch,
founder and past director of the Wittenberg English Ministry in Germany. For more information, click here for a brochure or contact Keith Ringers
at
dringers@gulftel.com
This is the Ringers' third trip with EO (Educational Opportunities), the Holy Land in 2016 and the Footsteps of St. Paul cruise in 2013 and they recommend this travel company highly.
Thank you!
Diana Ringers
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/enchanting-rhine-and-reformation-tour-with-rev-keith-diana-ringers#eotours |
| "The Greatest of These Is Love"
LWML Retreat
The Louisiana-Mississippi LWML District is sponsoring a weekend retreat on
April 28-30 at Rosaryville Spirit Life Center in Ponchatoula, LA. The theme for
the retreat is "The Greatest of These is Love". Pastoral Counselors Pastor Bill
Vogt and Pastor David Hartung will lead participants through the many aspects
of love as found in Scripture and show how we can reflect them in our lives.
There will be opportunities for fun and relaxation as well.
Cost of the retreat is $64.00-$190.00. Full details, including a registration form are available on the retreat page of our LA-MS website. You may also contact your
LWML Society President for the
registration form and where to send it. All registrations should be in by March
31, 2017. Please click here for a printable flier.
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37th Biennial Convention of the LWML
"Jesus Christ Above All"
June 22-25, 2017
Join us as we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the LWML!
Click here for a PDF of the convention registration form.
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Southern District Senior Youth Gathering
July 7-10, 2017
Panama City, Florida
Mark the dates on your calendar now!
Information will be released soon with theme and costs
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STEWARDSHIP OF OUR CONGREGATIONS PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
-- MARCH 2017
The basic Concept, Project Plan, and BOD approvals are in place. Just this past week, district leadership encouraged and supported the Stewardship of Our Congregations Initiative actions to preserve and grow our Lutheran presence in communities district-wide. Here are a few details . . .
We are moving forward to assemble the prototype effort and begin contacting candidate host (large/growing-stable) and satellite (small/declining) congregations. Current actions include drafting a project brochure and developing a set of pithy surveys to help Regional VPs, BOD, Circuit Visitors and Stewardship Advocates recruit candidate congregations. Information brochure and surveys will communicate shared principles and terms such as . . .
- Congregational identity . . . Connected multi-point parishes, never consolidated or combined.
- Worship culture . . . Key to connecting with like congregations, includes communion practice, style of worship, and ministry context.
- Partnership desire . . . Willingness to partner and participate with other congregations.
- Congregations self-describe/self-identify as growing, stable, declining.
- Components of congregational ministry will include Word and Sacrament ministry (worship service, sermon, communion), Education (Bible study, confirmation), and Pastoral care.
For more information on the Stewardship of Small Congregations initiative to include interest in participating in the effort, please contact Stewardship Team members Pastor Tony Ramsey or Don Panzenhagen using contact information on the District Stewardship Who We Are web page.
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Getty Music Worship Conference
September 18-20, 2017
Nashville, TN
Sing! A conference for pastors, musicians, and leaders to reform and encourage congregational singing.
This conference exists to help pastors, musicians, and leaders build a Biblical understanding and creative vision for the congregational singing in their churches. Bringing together speakers and artists from many traditions and walks of life, our desire is to encourage churches towards a deeper, more dynamic view of theology, artistry and mission in congregational singing.
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WE LIFT UP IN PRAYER. . .
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. David Robatzen (Lutheran Church of the Resurrection - Pensacola, FL)
These brothers and sisters in Christ coping with various health issues:
- Mrs. Melodie Rupp, wife of Rev. Bob Rupp (Emeritus - Pensacola, FL)
- Mrs. June Ring, mother of Rev. Marcus Ring (St. Paul - Shreveport, LA)
- Rev. Michael Shannon (Faith - Shreveport, LA)
- Rev. Rory Hermann (Good Shepherd - Gulf Breeze, FL)
- Rev. Brandon Simoneaux (Christ Our Savior - Harvey, 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)
- Rev. Bernard Ansorge (Ascension - Huntsville, AL)
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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SUMMER SERVICE OPPORTUNITY
We are currently seeking out people who love Jesus and can help teach an English Bible Camp (similar to a
VBS) in Poland this summer. Does that sound like you?
There are ten congregations ready to reach out to the children of their neighborhoods with the Gospel. Most of these children do not know the Good News of Jesus, and through these camps, they learn about Jesus and in turn tell their parents. And the local Lutheran congregation can follow up with these families after the camp is done. These camps make a lasting difference in these communities!
We are looking for teams of 5 to serve
July 18-31 or
August 1-14, 2017. Teams can come from one congregation or school, or individuals can apply and be placed on a team. Team members raise support to cover the cost of the trip, which is about $1100 and includes all costs while in Poland.
This opportunity is not limited to those who have formal teaching experience, so please invite a friend!
Serving Christ Together,
Anne Gonzalez,
DCE
Manager, Short-term Mission Training & Engagement
The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
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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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