| JESUS CALLING ~ Devotions for Every Day of the Year Sarah Young I AM YOUR LORD! Seek Me as a Friend and Lover of your soul, but remember that I am also King of Kings--sovereign over all. You can make some plans as you gaze into the day that stretches out before you. But you need to hold those plans tentatively, anticipating that I may have other ideas. The most important thing to determine is what to do right now. Instead of scanning the horizon of your life, looking for things that need to be done, concentrate on the task before you and the One who never leaves your side. Let everything else fade into the background. This will unclutter your mind, allowing Me to occupy more and more of your consciousness. Trust Me to show you what to do when you have finished what you are doing now. I will guide you step by step, as you bend your will to Mine. Thus you stay close to Me on the path of Peace. Proverbs 19:21; Luke 1:79 Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will be established.
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OUR STEWARDSHIP OF HIS RESOURCES
District Mission Support Trends
2014 2015 2016
Total Budget
$1,100,000 $900,000 $ 900,000
Budgeted Income $366,667 $300,000
$ 300,000
through 4/30
Actual Income $ 315,145 $287,249 $ 264,759
through 4/30
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|  COMMUNICATION REQUEST! One service "This Ministry That We Share" provides is an opportunity for congregations to communicate their activities with other congregations in the Southern District. We welcome your notices regarding upcoming events of your church as we can then pass these on to others. |
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DATES FOR 2016
May 19-21
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Heartland DCE Conference
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Concordia University, Nebraska |
May 21-22
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Retirement Celebration for Rev. Siegfried Kunz |
Immanuel Lutheran Church Bossier City, LA |
| June 4 9AM-1PM |
Outreach Workshop |
Church of the Pines Waveland, MS |
| June 12 3 PM |
Ordination and Installation of Ival Toepke |
Faith Lutheran Church Madison, AL |
| June 26 |
Ordination and Installation of James D'Entremont |
Good Shepherd Lutheran Gulf Breeze, FL |
July 9-14
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66th Synod Convention Upon This Rock: Repent, Confess, Rejoice Matthew 16:18 |
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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October 17-18
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Southern District Newcomers' Orientation
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Mission Center Slidell, LA |
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| 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 |
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NEW TO THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT
The Southern District welcomes its new vicars and pastors who were called to serve among us during last week's call services! They are:
Vicar Luke Watt - Lutheran Church of Vestavia Hills, Birmingham, AL
Vicar John Engwall - Lamb of God, Slidell, LA
Logan Landes - Assistant Pastor - Grace, Destin, FL
Ival Toepke - SMP Pastor - Faith, Madison, AL
James D'Entremont - Deferred Pastor - Good Shepherd, Gulf Breeze, FL
Pictured below, left to right: President Kurtis D. Schultz, Vicar John Engwall, Teffanie Engwall, Pastor Logan Landes, and Lydia Landes.
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| ~MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES~ Celebrating the Ministry of Pastor and People 60th ~ Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Shalimar, FL Rev. Ray Angerman, Pastor On May 29, 2016, a Celebration will be held to recognize the congregation's membership in the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod on May 24, 1956. Articles of incorporation were drawn up on July 18, 1957. |
| LWML GULF STATES DISTRICT "Direct my footsteps according to your Word" Psalm 119:133, was the theme for the 36th Biennial Lutheran Women's Missionary League (LWML) Gulf States District Convention that met at Courtyard by Marriott Hotel and Conference Center, Gulfport MS, from April 29-May 1, where 137 LWML members and guests from all over the state of Alabama, a small section of Mississippi, and the Florida panhandle were in attendance. Convention hosts were members of the Magnolia Zone, With Ginny Hermetz serving as Convention Chair. Judy Lessmann, LWML Gulf States District President from Scottsboro, AL opened the convention on Friday evening, followed by a processional of officers, past presidents, and participating clergy. A communion service led by Rev. J Mark Kuehnert, Jr. followed. Saturday opened with a procession featuring banners from each of the 6 zones in the Gulf States, a presentation of colors by the color guard from the See Bee Navy Battalion, and greetings from the Chief of Police of Gulfport, MS, and Rev. Dr. McNair Ramsey, Emeritus, 2nd VP of the LCMS Southern District. Convention business included adopting a total mission goal of $58,000 to support the 10 mission projects chosen. Balloting for officers resulted in the following elections: 2nd Vice President-Jackie Morris, Pensacola FL; Recording secretary-Vicky Southern, Elberta, AL; Treasurer-Diane Plotz, Athens, AL; Jr. Counselor-Re. R. Daniel Carlson, Birmingham, AL; Nominating Committee-Maggie Johnson, Chairman, Montgomery, AL; Betty Alms, Elberta, AL; and Jean Caldwell, Tuscaloosa, AL. Saturday Bible Studies were led by Rev. Dr. Kevin Wendt, Grace, Destin, FL. Speakers were Rev. Rudy Schaser, Merle Goldknick, Jan Struck, along with entertainment by Linda Bailey. The next LWML Gulf States District Convention will be held in the Birmingham area in April of 2018. Photo on left: Merle Goldnick, Bea Daily, Dorothy Goldnick Photo in center: Alice Butler, Judy Lessmnn Photo on right: Ginny Hermetz, Convention Chairman   
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| LWML LOUISIANA-MISSISSIPPI DISTRICT CONVENTION The women of the LWML Louisiana-Mississippi District convened in Houma, LA, for their 38th biennial convention on April 22-24. They met under the theme of "Bountiful - Sow, Nourish, Reap." Convention participants engaged in a service event of making fleece tied blankets, worship and Bible study based on the convention theme, business sessions, and fellowship. The ladies also shared gifts from their hearts - fabric kits and food.
The LA/MS District was honored to have President Patti Ross as their special guest and representative from the National Executive Board.
Convention business included adopting a $55,000.00 mission grant goal for the 2016-2017 biennium, as well as adopting seven mission grants to receive funding. Delegates also elected new members to the LA/MS District Executive Board: Anita Granger (President); Linda Turner (Vice President of Mission Grants); Rita Salathe (Vice President of Christian Life); Gilda Dominigue (Secretary); Andrea Ferguson, Laura Lips, and Delores Stringfellow (Nominating Committee).
A banquet on Saturday evening featured music by the choir from Concordia College Alabama. These fine musicians shared their amazing God-given gifts during an uplifting performance.
The convention was an inspiring and uplifting weekend, whereby attendees were refreshed and renewed for service to Christ.
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LAITY ARE WELCOME! CONTACT PASTOR TIM SCHUTT AT pastor@alcs.org FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE WORKSHOP, HOTEL AND RESTAURANT INFORMATION. |
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Outreach Workshops
Scheduled on the following dates:
June 4, Church of the Pines - Waveland, MS 9 AM - 1 PM
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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~ CALLED TO SERVE ~
Rev. Jerry McNamara - Ascension, Daphne, AL - Pending
Rev. George Borghardt - Immanuel, Bossier City, LA - Pending
Rev. Andrew Abraham - Lamb of God, Slidell, LA - Pending
Rev. Blair Clark - Trinity, Summerfield, FL - Pending
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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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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)
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. 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)
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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| EARLY CHILDHOOD CONFERENCE The 40th Annual Early Childhood Conference will be held at Concordia University Chicago on Friday, August 5, 2016, from 8 AM to 3:30 PM. The conference is co-sponsored by CUC College of Education and the College of Graduate and Innovative Programs/Division of Innovation & Outreach. For the most up-to-date information, visit CUChicago.edu/ecc. PLEASE SHARE THIS INFO WITH YOUR SCHOOLS/EDUCATORS! |
ANCHORS AWAY!!
Time to hold your cabin on the next Southern District Cruise ~ Jan. 30, 2017!!
Early reduced deposit deadline has now passed. A deposit of $300 per cabin now applies. Please register ASAP at this secure link mcgcruise.com/SDLCMS5night.
Please remember that the ship is controlled by capacity, so register now to assure a cabin. Also, remember that a single person can share a cabin with another. Just let Ginger know if you are interested in a cabin mate.
Ginger Kramp is happy to assist with any and all questions. You can contact Ginger 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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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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