On the Twelfth Day of Christmas

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1 The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod cid-lcms.org January/February 2002 In This Issue... From the President s Desk Board of Directors Summary... 2 What is Normal Pastor s Questions Actions Canton s Growth Sharing Faith Campus Ministry Deaf Ministry On the Twelfth Day of Christmas Christ s Church celebrates the Epiphany. In the Eastern Church this day marked the Baptism of Jesus. In the West, Epiphany marked the visit of the wise men from the East to the Christ Child. Epiphany is the Greek word that means, to make known or to appear. For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men (Titus 2:11). As early as the Fourth Century the feast became associated with the appearance of Christ to the gentiles (non-jews). Epiphany was sometimes called the Gentile s Christmas, celebrating that, Now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ (Ephesians 2:13). Epiphany has a mission emphasis. We are all products of the missionary efforts of Christ s Church. At some time in our family histories, here or in the old country, a Christian proclaimed the Gospel and through the working of the Holy Spirit your ancestors received forgiveness and salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. As Christians we want to make known the love of God in Jesus Christ to those around us and in far off places through the church. This issue of The GatePost focuses on a few of the missions the people of the Central Illinois District support to proclaim the Gospel to people in Illinois. Prison Ministry Official Notices Institute on the Ministry... 7 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men (Titus 2:11). Bible Study

2 2 Missions The GatePost January/February 2002 From the President s Desk Are we as committed to Missions today as we have been in the past? Maybe you are wondering why I ask that question. How many of our congregations have a full-blown mission festival each year? How many congregations are actively reaching out to the lost in their community? In Acts 1:8 we are told to be witnesses in Jerusalem, its all Judea, Samaria, and the world. It also says we will receive the power to do this when the Holy Spirit comes upon us. It means we are to be about mission work in the area where we live, in the area around us (circuit/ district), and throughout the world. In order to support missions, we probably should know what we are supporting. Mission Festivals help make people aware. Another idea to help inform people about missions is to have a brief five-minute talk about missions once a month. This could cover missions of the L.L.L., L.W.M.L., the District, or Synod. On the district level we have many mission projects including campus Rev. David J. Bueltmann, President ministry, prison ministry, and deaf ministry. If we had more resources, we would like to become more involved in Hispanic ministry and ministry among the African-Americans. We can all invite a friend, neighbor, fellow worker, or relative to come to church with us. This would involve us in outreach. How difficult can it be to reach out and tell people around us about Jesus and His love for us? May the Lord bless our efforts as we get more involved in Missions. CID Board of Directors Minutes Summary For the October 23, 2001 Board Meeting Mr. J.R. Davidsmeyer reported that there were about ten congregations that were interested in applying for the Schwann s grant this year. The Board of Directors approved constitutional changes for a number of congregations. The board approved a motion to encourage congregations to use their upcoming 2002 CID Circuit Convocations to promote evangelism under the theme, Tell the Good News about Jesus. Dr. Ron YaDeau reported that about one out of every six congregations in the district is behind in their district commitments. The responsibility and development of the district web site was assigned to the Communications Committee by the Board of Directors. Rev. Reimnitz reported that a Family Life Seminar Gathering is being planned for the Fall of Rev. Carl Cross was approved to be a member of the Stewardship commission. Mr. Glenn Goeres reported that the school directories are out and in the mail and he also reported that ninetytwo people attended the Sunday School Teachers Workshop. The Board of Directors went on record by resolution in support of the actions of the Central Illinois District Church Workers Conference in regards to the resolution that they passed concerning President Gerald Kieschnick and Rev. David Benke (see District Pastors... on Page 3). Bueltmann Preaches at German Mission Service President Bueltmann preached at a Mission Festival at St. Philipp s Church in Gifhorn, Germany on November 25th. The church normally has people in worship on Sunday. One hundred and twenty people overflowed the sanctuary as visitors from neighboring churches came. The service began with a 10-member brass band. There were hymns, prayers, Scripture lessons, choirs, band (guitars, saxophone, and drums). The confirmation class put on the OAFC skit Jesus is Coming in German. After a noon meal featuring about 8 different kinds of soups with bread, Rote Grötze (kind of gelled berries with Vanilla Sauce), came the coffee and time for people to visit with one another. In the afternoon a more informal service was held. The pastor had some opening remarks and thanked the participants, especially the two guest speakers. President Bueltmann gave a 20 minute presentation about the history of OAFC and what they would be doing this summer when OAFC comes to the area. Then the host pastor, Markus Nietzke, led a Bible Study, followed by Pastor Markus Müller talking about and showing slides of humanitarian aid he was involved in White Russia. Interspersed were prayers, songs, special music, and a skit by the youth group. All of this concluded by 4 p.m. at which time various cakes and coffee were set out for all to enjoy.

3 Telling The Good News About Jesus 7 Concordia Seminary Offers Institute on the Ministry Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, invites prospective students and their guests to its 2002 Institute on the Ministry. The Institute will take place Thursday, March 7, through Saturday, March 9, on the Seminary campus. All prospective students, college age or older, and their guests are invited to attend this event designed to give them greater familiarity with the Concordia Seminary community and the preparation which leads to service in the pastoral ministry of The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod. Participants will attend classes, worship with the Seminary community in The Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus, tour the campus, meet students and professors and hear presentations on academic offerings, financial assistance, housing, resident field education, vicarage and the admission process. Wives, fiancées, and girlfriends are especially encouraged to participate in the special bus tour of the area on Friday afternoon and the Women's Information Session on Saturday morning. Past participants have indicated that the Institute was extremely helpful for them in the overall decision-making process. Many come to the Institute and are just beginning to consider the opportunity to serve our Lord as a pastor, missionary or chaplain, commented Rev. Glen Thomas, vice president for seminary relations at Concordia Seminary. Others have already made application and plan to enroll. Our goal is to provide for our guests as much helpful information as is possible and to answer questions they may have. The Institute begins with registration Thursday afternoon, March 7. Formal activities associated with the event will conclude on Saturday, March 9, at noon with brunch. There is no charge to attend the Institute, and all meals and lodging will be provided free of charge. Those arriving by airplane, bus or train, will be provided transportation to Concordia Seminary, and from the Seminary upon completion of the Institute. Concordia Seminary To register for this event or to receive additional information, call the Seminary s Admissions Office at or at admissions@csl.edu. More specific information, including a registration form, is available in the Admissions Office section of the Seminary s Web site CENTRAL ILLINOIS DISTRICT CHURCH EXTENSION FUND INVESTMENT FORM 1850 North Grand Avenue West, PO Box 7003, Springfield, IL Mr. Mark J. Werner, Manager, 217/ The enclosed $ investment in CID-CEF should be issued as follows: TERM *RATE MINIMUM Flexible 3.00 $25 1 Year 4.25 $100 3 Year 4.50 $100 5 Year 4.75 $ Months Variable $5000 *RATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE. PLEASE CALL TO CONFIRM CURRENT INTEREST RATES. Individual Ownership - Name Joint Ownership - Name(s) (As joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in common) Minor Owner- Adult as custodian for Child (Under the Illinois Uniform Gifts to Minors Act) Address City State Zip Phone Interest Check Semi-Annually Accumulate Interest and Add to Note Balance Social Security or I.D. Number Signature CERTIFICATION: Under penalties of perjury, I certify (1) that the number shown on this form is my correct taxpayer identification number and (2) that I am NOT subject to backup withholding under the provisions of section 3406(a)(1)(C) of the Internal Revenue Code. Apply Loan For Benefit of Lutheran Church. (Allow three weeks for delivery of note)

4 6 The GatePost January/February 2002 Reaching Those in Prison Official Notices: Calling Congregations: Altamont-Immanuel Flora-Faith Effingham-St. John (Sr. Pastor) Sadorus-St. Paul El Paso-Trinity Winchester-Christ & Arenzville-Immanuel Calls Accepted: Robert Alexander, Trinity, Blackwell, OK to Good Shepherd, Clayton, IL Steven Becker, Trinity, Freistatt, MO to St. Paul, Strasburg, IL Warren Miller, St. Paul, Sadorus, IL to St. John, Arnold, MO Did You Know... the Central Illinois District has 152 Pastors 4 Vicars 47 Emeritus 470 Teachers 13 DCE s 3 Deaconesses Our Lord God is compassionate to all. Jesus showed special concern for the poor, the hungry and the sick. Therefore, it should not be surprising that He mentions in Matthew s Gospel that it is good and noteworthy when His church also ministers to prisoners. Again in the Book of Hebrews, we are encouraged to Remember the prisoners, as though in prison with them. We thank God that He has opened the doors of jails and prisons in our Central Illinois District so incarcerated men and women can be visited with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Our prison ministry starts with the many Lutherans who work as police officers, teachers, etc., who come into contact with inmates everyday. There are faithful parishioners who visit family members and friends in jail or prison and share the Gospel. Lutheran inmates share their faith in Jesus and the truth of God s word with other inmates. Some of our C.I.D. members have gone into jails and prisons as volunteers, as mentors or have accompanied various visitation teams. Some churches have sponsored visitation teams of their own, like Galesburg-Mount Calvary. Congregations like Taylorville-Trinity support their pastor, the Rev. Rodney Bloomquist, to conduct regular Bible Studies at nearby correctional centers. Rev. Lawrence Saeger has for many years conducted services at the nearby Vandalia Remember the prisoners, as though in prison with them New Windows for Immanuel Lutheran Church Correctional Center. The Rev. Stephen Southward and the Rev. Charles Olander continue to bring the Gospel to prison inmates on behalf of our Central Illinois District through our Board of Missions. The Women s Missionary League has donated many Bibles, books and devotionals that are distributed in jails and prisons. Lutheran Social Services of Illinois sponsors several ministries to inmates. The Lutheran Laymen s League, in addition to broadcasting the Lutheran Hour (which is heard in many of our prisons), mails correspondence Bible studies and devotions. How can you be a part of prison ministry? You already are through your congregations mission gifts to the Central Illinois District. How can you be more involved? Encourage further financial support from the L.W.M.L., the L.L.L. and mission giving to our district by members of your congregation. You might consider organizing a special jail or prison ministry or visitation team in your church. The district office can give you some ideas and technical assistance. Pray for those who are in prison and for those who are ministering to them. Pray that God would send laborers into His harvest and that God s word not be bound but be preached to all who sit in darkness including the jails and prisons of the Central Illinois District. Immanuel Lutheran Church, Augsburg, recently put in new windows. The old windows had obscured glass in them. If anyone is interested in the obscured glass for window replacements, please contact the church for information. Call (618) or ilcaugsburg@juno.com.

5 Telling The Good News About Jesus 3 Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Good Shepherd Lutheran Church began as a mission of the Central Illinois District in The congregation was chartered on February 19, They worshiped at various places around Bloomington-Normal until they moved into their $2.1 million building on August 28, What is Normal? What is Normal? (based on Romans 12:2) is the theme to be conveyed in a variety of ways at the Central Illinois District s Senior High Youth Gathering, July 11-14, 2002, in Normal, IL. The Gathering, hosted at Illinois State University, Normal, IL, will provide youth (presently in 8-12th grades) and adults the opportunity to celebrate and deepen their relationship in Christ. Servant event experiences for all participants and major speakers and breakout session leaders are planned. Two major concerts will feature Lost & Found and Ten Shekel Shirt. Bible study, devotional and worship opportunities and fun fellowship activities complete the weekend. The cost for this major district event is $ per person and includes all program, housing, and food costs. Registration packets are available now and are being sent to all CID churches. Registration officially opens February 1 with early registration due by March 31. Registration will officially close April 30. Over 300 participants are expected so please don t wait to register. For more information please call Christy Malinowski, DCE at Christ Lutheran Church, Normal, at The congregation now has 220 baptized members (165 are communicants.) Good Shepherd has canvassed their neighborhood once a year for the last three years. They also hosted a neighborhood Open House in October Their Child Development Center has space for 18 young souls with expansion possible. They serve as a polling place, meeting place for a neighborhood association and in 2002 plan to be the home of a Cub Scouts group. They maintain a church web site and have procedures in place to call on visitors to their congregation. In response to concerns raised by Atlantic District President Behnke s participation in the Prayer for America Service, participants at the Central Illinois District Church Workers Conference (Oct ) passed by a large majority a resolution supporting a resolution by the Wyoming District Pastors Conference to clarify the fellowship issues involved. Request for Clarity regarding Participation in Joint Services by District and Synodical Officials WHEREAS, the pastors of the Wyoming District have unanimously adopted a resolution requesting the answering of certain questions by the President and Praesidium of the LCMS pertaining to recent events cited in the attached documents (cf. resolution of Oct. 3, 2001 Wyoming District Pastors Conference); and WHEREAS, the same concerns have been raised among the clergy and congregations of our Central Illinois District; therefore be it Resolved, that we, an official conference Bloomington - Good Shepherd They moved to a second service two years ago. Good Shepherd s mission developer and first Pastor was Rev. Clarence Mankin. The current Pastor is Rev. Chad Lueck (home church - Pilgrim, Decatur) who has been Good Shepherd s Pastor since January Good Shepherd Lutheran and its members thank the District and its congregations for their support. District Pastors Question Actions of the pastors of the Central Illinois District, join with our brothers in the Wyoming district in requesting: a) the answers to the same questions which they have raised, b) that such a response be forthcoming by February 1, 2002, and c) that this response be made available synodwide. Passed by majority vote on October 16, Pastor Arthur Baisch, Conference Chairman Pastor Stephen Gillet, Secretary The Wyoming resolution asks 13 questions seeking clarification about the event, what has been said about the event and whether participants in the event violated Scripture, the Lutheran Confessions and the Synodical Constitution and Bylaws. The Southern Illinois District and South Dakota District Pastors Conferences have passed similar resolutions.

6 4 The GatePost January/February 2002 Grace Canton s Growth Creates Challenges The steady growth of Grace Lutheran Church, Canton, IL, has presented a tremendous challenge for the congregation started as a preaching station in Eight people attended first meeting of the congregation that now has 115 members. The congregation has outgrown their current church building, which has also developed serious structural problems. Additionally, there is no handicap access and extremely limited parking. In the fall of 2001, the congregation purchased six, acres of ground on the east edge of Canton, near two major commuter routes to Peoria. A master plan for using the new land is divided into several stages, each to be completed as need and resources dictate. Phase One is designed as a multi-purpose facility divided in half with the east half serving as a sanctuary with seating for about 120 worshippers, and the west half serving as a fellowship hall. Two classrooms are included in the plan, with the hope that a Preschool would be opened in those rooms. The Phase One plan also calls for a kitchen and office space. The building would be fully handicap accessible and would offer parking for cars. Grace Lutheran has also been working with Laborers For Christ, and hopes to use their services in constructing the new building. Even with these cost-cutting measures, however, the current estimate for the building still puts the price tag at around $800,000. The congregation, in the midst of a pledge drive, had hoped to receive around $100,000 in pledges from its members. Grace is slowly and cautiously moving ahead, trusting that the Lord will richly provide more than we are able to comprehend. Pastor Clarence Mankin and members of Holy Cross, Bartonville, began the mission Canton - Grace Lutheran in Canton. Pastor Robert Breitbarth, the first full-time pastor, led Grace from preaching station to congregation. Grace Lutheran Church was officially chartered as a congregation of the Central Illinois District April 14, Pastor Kirk Clayton arrived at Grace in July of Average worship attendance has grown steadily to 52 members a week. Grace, Canton, is the only LCMS congregation in all of Fulton County. Are We Ready To...? By Joel Cluver, CID Missions & Evangelism God s Word, the Bible says it... we believe it and accept it... but are we prepared to give to everyone who asks us to give the reason for the hope that we have... do this with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15) It is not always easy for us to share our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ with others. Maybe we share our faith with others as a Sunday school teacher at church... or we share it at home with our children or grandchildren. But, are we ready to share our hope in Christ with our friends, relatives and neighbors? Lord, lay some soul on me today and love that soul through me! How can we share our faith and share the hope of Christ in us? That hope is the greatest of all news! We are sinners but God loves all people. He sent His son Jesus Christ to die for our sins. Jesus Christ rose from the dead. He has conquered sin, Satan and death. Whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life! We can share our faith and the hope we have in Christ by not being afraid of what others say or think. We are ambassadors for Christ representing the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who ask you to give the reason for the hope that you have. Here s how we might start: 1. Being faithful in the hearing of God s word (worship and Bible study), that we might be strong in the faith and ready to share our faith. 2. Identifying the friends, relatives and neighbors who are unchurched and may not know Christ as their Savior from sin. 3. Praying for these people. Pray that God might lead them to see their sinfulness and Christ as their Savior. 4. Getting to know these people better. Develop a stronger, closer relationship with them. Help them, care for them, and love them! 5. Inviting them to worship, Bible study or church activities. 6. Giving them a Christian tract, cassette tape, or video. Tell them about Jesus Christ. Share the Good News that we re sinners but Christ is the Savior from sin! It is a privilege to share our faith. Yes, we are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that we may proclaim the praises of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. (1 Peter 2:9) For LCMS Tell the Good News About Jesus information go to: For the LCMS Evangelism resource catalog go to:

7 Web Page for Interpreters New support for Deaf Ministry is available! LCMSterps offers those who serve in Lutheran interpreted ministries a meeting place to discuss issues relating to interpreted ministries. LCMSterps is a forum where Deaf ministry personnel may discuss language, culture, ethics, and technical aspects of serving Deaf people in a hearing church. LCMSterps is for those serving in Lutheran congregations as pastors, Sign Language interpreters, and other staff. Deaf people who participate in a Lutheran congregation with interpreters, alumni of the Church Interpreter Training Institute, and students of American Sign Language desiring to understand issues in church interpreting are invited to log on. To join this LCMSterps send an to LCMSterpssubscribe@yahoogroups.com requesting that you be added to the member list. Please include information about yourself, your church affiliation, and your interest in deaf ministry. Telling The Good News About Jesus 5 Proclaiming the Gospel on College Campuses By Pastor Milas Universities are wonderful places for students to prepare for future careers, but university campuses are also places where the faith of students can be greatly tested. For instance, the politically correct attitudes of many universities; the temptations of our secular society that are often amplified on college campuses; the truth claims of other religions; the mindset of the world that the cross of Christ is foolishness. These and other challenges can and sometimes do lead students away from Christ. The campus ministries of our church encourage students to remain faithful to Christ Jesus. At our campus ministries students grow in faith through the means that our Lord gives His Holy Word and Sacraments. Students can discuss important matters with their campus pastor, learn through Bible studies, and take part in various activities. Our campus ministries further work to prepare students for future service in the church. Besides strengthening the faith of Lutheran students and recalling those who are straying from the faith, our Whittenberg Center - ISU Campus campus ministries also reach out to unchurched students both those of our nation as well as those from other countries. In our District we have full-time campus ministries at Western and Eastern Illinois Universities, Illinois State University, and the University of Illinois. We thank God for the work of these ministries as they reach out with the Gospel of Jesus Christ on the campuses of Central Illinois. Eyes That Hear: CID Deaf Ministry I m Pastor Tom Phillips, serving Zion Lutheran Church in New Holland, and also Central Illinois Deaf ministry. I ve been ten years in parish ministry, beginning work with the Deaf just last summer. As pastor for the Deaf, I work with CID s two Deaf congregations: Christ Lutheran in Jacksonville and Joy of Jesus Lutheran in Peoria. My call extends beyond these three congregations to supporting Deaf ministry throughout CID, including interpretation ministries and other special situations. Eyes that hear clearly describes the Church s work among the Deaf. As the parent of a Deaf child, I wrestled How shall they believe in one of whom they have not heard? Three years ago, I began to learn American Sign Language because I wanted my daughter to know the Savior. Now that I have come to know many Deaf individuals, my heart yearns to reach out to others. I welcome invitations to speak with groups on Deaf ministry. If you have questions about Deaf ministry or wish me to make contact with Deaf individuals, you may reach me at: Pastor Tom Phillips PO Box 199 New Holland, Illinois (217) (voice or TTY) CID_Deaf@hotmail.com Signing for the Deaf

8 Into the hands of the church Jesus gave the task of preaching repentance and forgiveness in His name to the nations (St. Luke 24:47). There could be nothing more needful for the benefit and blessing of a lost and wandering world of sinners than this mission and message. For two thousand years the Christian church has been absorbed by this work, and the Lord of this Church has brought in one soul at a time by means of His Word of promise and hope in Christ Jesus. 1. Who controls this mission? (Isaiah 55:5,11; Joel 2:28-29, Acts 2:47b [As far as providing the success]). Elaborate on the answers so that they are not generic. 2. What controls the mission? Romans 1:16; Matthew 28:19 [What two things has the Lord determined will be disciple-makers?]; Romans 10:17 [What creates faith?]; Acts 6:7, 12:24, 19:20 [How well did DOES this work?] 3. For whom is this mission and its benefits meant? (Matt. 28:19; Mk. 16:15; Acts 1:8) 4. Its result? (Is. 9:2; Jn. 1:9-13) During the Epiphany Season one can find a strong outreach/ world-wide mission ( the Gospel for all the world ) theme in the Gospel readings. A star leads Gentile wise men to the world s Savior. They have seen a great Light! Take a look at these upcoming lessons and see if you can draw some inferences and conclusions that engender and focus on a mission frame of reference. Of course, this all will be Christ centered! Epiphany Matthew 2:1-12 1st Sunday After the Epiphany Matthew 3: nd Sunday After the Epiphany John 1: rd Sunday After the Epiphany Matthew 4: th Sunday After the Epiphany Matthew 5:1-12 The Transfiguration Matthew 17:1-9 Collect for Epiphany O God, by the leading of a star You once made known to all nations Your only-begotten Son; now lead us, who know You by faith, to know in heaven the fullness of Your divine goodness, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. The Rev. Mark A. Miller, Senior Pastor St. John s Ev. Lutheran Church, Pekin, Illinois Bible Study The Communications Committee for The Central Illinois District of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod publishes The GatePost semimonthly. It is a supplement to congregational newsletters. Submit all articles to the Editor: Rev. Robert L. Bruer 3303 E. Maryland Decatur, IL rbruer@juno.com Layout and Design by: Deverman Advertising Pekin, Illinois Printing and Distribution by: Martin Graphics Champaign, Illinois Deadline for March/April Issue: January 25th, 2002 Communications Committee Rev. Rodger Abatie, Chairman Rev. Robert Bruer, Editor Jim Deverman Lisa Dippel Joel Fletcher Rev. Wayne Hoffman Glen Goeres, Advisor Dan Reynolds, Web Master Mike Smith