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OUR MANNER OF LIFE
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President Kurtis
D. Schultz |
"Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ"
(Philippians 1:27a)
As Christians our manner of life springs from a well of inner conviction about who God is and who we are. What kind of heart attitude - or manner of life, as Paul puts it - would be appropriate for us to embrace
, as ones who have received the gospel of Christ? I would like to suggest that high on our list of desirable attitudes should be a grateful heart.
The Scriptures show us the unfortunate contrasts in the attitudes of God's people. The nation of Israel, jubilant at one moment because of their deliverance from slavery in Egypt, is murmuring against God only a short time later. The workers in the market place are overjoyed to have found a day's work in the vineyard. By the end of the day, however, they feel the owner has treated them unfairly. In both cases the people of God have enjoyed God's deliverance, God's love, and God's provision. Regrettably, they lack a grateful heart. It is woefully easy for us to forget all the good gifts that God has given us. We have a unique ability to center our minds on the negative and concentrate on what we don't have.
What is the route away from this angry, accusing manner of life? We need look no further than the Psalms. The psalmist writes,
"The Lord is faithful in all his words, and gracious in all his deeds. The Lord upholds all who are falling, and raises up all who are bowed down" (Psalm 145: 13b,14). When we are assailed by thoughts that accuse God, we need to remember the gifts and the grace of God that have always filled our lives. Praising God will help to lift us out of the pit we dig in our times of self-pity. Somehow remembering and rehearsing who God is helps us to remember who we are - beloved children of a loving and gracious Father. Join me my beloved brothers and sisters in say "Praise God from whom all blessings flow!"
Prayer: Lord, you have always provided for all that I have needed. Grant me a grateful heart, a heart that is always ready to acknowledge your goodness and love. Amen.
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UPDATE: BATON ROUGE AREA FLOODING
Camp Restore Baton Rouge has now been established at Trinity Oaks. District DDRC Rev. Ed Brashier, known simply as Pastor Ed to volunteers, has been working with Pastor David Buss, Trinity - Baton Rouge, in coordinating volunteer work teams. As Director of Shepherd's Heart Disaster Response Ministry, Pastor Ed has 30 years of experience in disaster response. If you wish to volunteer, contact DCE Nick Butcher at nick@camprestore.org.
"FAMILY TO FAMILY" will be available as families are identified who can be matched to a congregation or family willing to provide support and encouragement to a family in the affected area. If your congregation or a family or individual would be interested in this, please contact Kathy Wendling at
krlw33@hotmail.com. She will be compiling a list of interested congregations and families with the idea of pairing them when the time is right.
There is still a need for donations -- Pastor Ed has requested
Gatorade and Trail Mix!!
These can be delivered to the Southern District Office at 100 Mission Dr., Slidell, LA Monday through Thursday, 8 AM to 5 PM.
 
  
Old photos destroyed by mold
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ANCHORS AWAY! 
Ministerial Assistance Program
During this
Conference Cruise the Southern District MAP services continue for all attending this
Cruise Conference. Rev. Dr. Rick Armstrong will be with us for "conversation and consultation." While at this conference you may contact Rick to schedule time to talk. You can contact him on his room voicemail
Cabin #9222 or put a note under his door or talk to him when you see him.
Before this
cruise conference you can also schedule a time ahead by calling 407-644-4692 or email him at
rarmstrong@LCSFL.com
Many have asked:
Who are the Presenters? It will be Jock and Gail Ficken from PLI.
Come and be inspired and re-energized.
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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 $916,667 $750,000
$750,000
through 10/31
Actual Income $687,176 $734,888 $665,903
through 10/31
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| SPIRIT OF SOUTHERN SUBMISSIONS  Remember that submissions for the November/December issue of SOS are due by November 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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DATES FOR 2016
| November 11-13 |
Jr. Youth Gathering |
Twin Lakes Camp
Florence, MS |
| November 12-13 |
70th Anniversary Celebration |
St. John's Lutheran Church
Hattiesburg, MS |
| November 13 |
Installation of Rev. Joe Arthur
3:00 p.m. |
Zion Lutheran Church
Bogalusa, LA |
| January 30, 2017 |
Southern District Conference Cruise |
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| IN TRANSITION: CALLING CONGREGATIONS Christ the King - Natchitoches, LA Grace - Huntsville, AL
St. Paul's - Decatur, AL
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~ CALLED TO SERVE ~
Rev. Kurtis Bueltmann, Faith, Monticello, ILL to Grace, Huntsville, AL ~ Pending
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| ~MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES~ Celebrating the Ministry of Pastor and People 70th Anniversary ~ St. John Lutheran Church, Hattiesburg, MS Nov. 12-13 Rev. John Karle, Pastor |
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SOUTHERN DISTRICT NEWCOMER ORIENTATION
The Southern District welcomed its newest pastors, vicar, and spouses with a Newcomers' Orientation on October 17 and 18. The day and a half event provided the newcomers with information pertinent to their mission in the Southern District as well as an opportunity to get to know the Southern District staff, enjoy fellowship, and of course good food! May God bless you in all that you do!
Back, left to right: Rev. Dr. Mark Koch (Immanuel, Bossier City, LA), Rev. Bryan Jones (Grace, Many, LA), Rev. Ival Toepke (Faith, Madison, AL), Rev. Patrick Fertitta (University, Tuscaloosa, AL), Rev. Dr. John Reynolds (Trinity, Gadsden, AL), Rev. Ralph Hough (Ascension, Daphne, AL), Lidiya Tesfahun, Rev. Craig Boehlke (Lamb of God, Slidell, LA), Jennifer Boehlke
Front: Carolyn Koch, Ruth Jones, Elsa Toepke, Valerie Reynolds, Rev. Dr. Alemu Katiso (Concordia College AL), and Vicar Luke Watt (Vestavia Hills, Birmingham, AL) |
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JR. YOUTH GATHERING
"MEN IN BLACK: RATED R FOR RECONCILIATION"
1 John 4:4-6
This year there will be only ONE gathering in a central location.
November 11-13 @ Twin Lakes Camp and Conference Center, Florence, Mississippi
Registration will open September 5th.
Early Bird Registration is Sept. 5-19 -- $99/participant
Sept. 20-Oct. 24 will be $105/participant
Presenters will be the Rev. Tim Schutt and Rev. Greg Manning
Information will be continually updated on the Southern District website and through publications.
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| Promo video for Jr. Youth Gathering |
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CONSTITUTION UPDATE INFO
Steps to Revise/Amend a Constitution
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A copy of the revised or amended constitution is sent to Rev. Robert Belknap,
Chairman of the Constitutions Committee.
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Also send a copy to the Southern District office- attention: Ronnie Giaise.
- The Constitutions Committee reviews the submitted constitution and corresponds directly with the congregation regarding any suggestions for revision.
- Once the discussion is complete between the committee and the congregation and the committee approves their amended or revised constitution, Pastor Belknap recommends to the Board of Directors that the constitution be approved.
- District Secretary, Rev. Keith Ringers, notifies the congregation that the constitution is approved by the Board of Directors.
Any questions regarding this process can be directed to the Southern District office.
Thank you for your attention to the details of this important process!
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WE LIFT UP IN PRAYER. . .
The family of Rev. Clifford Hellmers (Emeritus-Vestavia Hills, Birmingham, AL) at the death of his mother, Esther Hellmers on Oct. 26.
Deacon Myron Allenstein (Holy Spirit-Gadsden, AL) and family at the passing of his daughter, Christie.
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. Dr. James Holowach (Christ - Jackson, MS)
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. Rod Pasch (Open Arms - Slidell, 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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High School/Youth Group Opportunity!
Lutheran Bible Translators Contest
Make a video promotion/advertisement for Lutheran Bible Translators
You can use information on our website, Facebook, snapchat (lbt.org), or even email our staff.
Videos should be no longer than five minutes.
Creativity is encouraged, having fun with the project is a must!!
Neon LBT T-Shirts will be given as prizes to all participants for each group, for each winner of the following category:
1-Best Picture
2-Best Information
3-Best Humor
4-Best Acting
5-Best Music
6-Staff Favorite
7-Best Costumes
This is a national contest, and we hope to have participants from all over the USA. Please have your video in the mail (or sent) by Jan 1, 2017. Viewing will take place following Jan 10th, and winners will be picked and contacted by Feb 21st, 2017. We would prefer video submissions on disc (test playability first please), a flash drive, or the online service 'dropbox' and shared with us (questions on that can be emailed to
tim.bain@lbt.org).
If mailed, please send to Lutheran Bible Translators, Tim Bain 205 S MAIN ST BLDG 5, CONCORDIA, MO, 64020-9669 United States.
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REGARDING THE EMAIL TMTWS@SOUTHERNLCMS.ORG
For quite a long period of time, we were unable to access this website. Because of this, we missed many of the emails sent to us with suggestions, comments, or articles for TMTWS.
We sincerely apologize for this and regret any inconvenience this has caused. We now monitor the email address regularly, so we do encourage you to submit articles, photos, suggestions, and comments via this account!
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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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