What Does the District Mean to Me?

Transcription

1 Special CID Issue The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod cid-lcms.org September/October 2002 What Does the District Mean to Me? In This Issue... District Mission President s Desk Hispanic Ministry Board of Directors CID Missions Human Care Ministry A member of a Lutheran Congregation could spend their whole life not knowing he is a member of a district. Members know they belong to the Lutheran Church- Missouri Synod because that is on the sign in front of their church. There is no such indication of district membership. The district may be visible when the District President comes to preach or speak, when there is a vacancy and calling process, or if one is elected a delegate to the district convention. However, most of the work the district does for the members is not visible to them. It is not done secretly but outside the realm of a member s world, just as playgoers are unaware of the behind the scenes work about sets, lights, and make-up unless something goes wrong. So most members do not see the daily work that they participate in through the Central Illinois District. The purpose of this special issue of The GatePost is to acquaint you with the work of the Central Illinois District on behalf of the people and congregations of the District. Education Office Student Aid Circuit Convocations District Budget Stewardship Congregational Life Commission Attendance & Giving Extension Fund s CFS Investment Form Bible Study The Mission Statement of the Central Illinois District The purpose of the Central Illinois District, as a corporate body, is to respond to the Great Commission of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (Matt. 28) which is to make disciples of all nations. The congregations of the District carry out this command by electing, calling, appointing and employing District personnel whose function, in part, is to advise and assist the congregations of the District in the use of their God-given resources to fulfill this mission and ministry both within their locality and throughout the world. To accomplish this purpose such personnel of the Central Illinois District serve the members of the congregations of the District in their ministry of worship, witness, nurture, stewardship, and fellowship and assist them in establishing and maintaining missions and ministries beyond the structure of their congregations.

2 2 The GatePost September/October 2002 From the President s Desk The President s Responsibilities I am asked at various times what I do. A large variety of things are done on a daily basis. Obviously, the President needs to be the spiritual leader of the district. Whenever I speak, I want to convey a message from God s Word as well as speaking about a certain topic. Thus, I spend time studying the Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions. The main areas that consume my time include the telephone, mail (including ), writing articles, meetings, and making up call lists for congregations. Besides these, there is much paper work to be completed for the Synod. We try to keep accurate records on each Pastor, DCE, Deaconess, teacher, or lay minister. The Synod reminds us when we have not done our work properly. The telephone and mail keep me informed of what is happening throughout the District. This could include working with circuit counselors about calling congregations and call process status. This can be a pastor calling to talk about some concerns and setting up a meeting. It can be a church member who has a problem he or she would like to discuss. Sometimes other district presidents call about some information they need. I receive phone calls pertaining to the auxiliaries of the District. There are many other categories; but I have listed the most common. Articles are written for The GatePost, my President s Newsletter, for some meetings and for special occasions. Letters are written for recommendations to a variety of places and for celebrations. There are also replies to various inquiries that come to the office. Meetings take up much of my time. As much as possible, I encourage congregations to work with their circuit counselors; but many times I meet together with the circuit counselors. When a congregation becomes vacant, I try to meet with the congregations to share with them what takes place during a vacancy. I have been making a concentrated effort to meet with each circuit each year. Rev. David J. Bueltmann, President The Board of Directors of the District meets every other month, with the Presidium meeting prior to each meeting. The Synodical Council of Presidents meets for 4 days three times during the year. Call lists take considerable time. I go through information on hundreds of pastors in deciding who should be on what call list. This is done carefully with much prayer. I will go through the papers several times before I pass the information on to a congregation. There are times I changed my mind about placing someone on the call list for a variety of reasons. It definitely takes much quiet time and prayer. Besides, I am a part of many celebrations, anniversaries, ordinations, and installations. I have many Sundays filled; but am always willing to help out when there is no one else to fill in for vacations or vacancies. My wife and I also enjoy visiting various parishes when we have the opportunity. I see my position as encouraging in working with the Pastors and Congregations of the District and doing our work of telling the Good News about Jesus. We study the Word and then share it with others. I look forward to these times when pastors can take me aside, if needed, to share some concerns. Each month we meet as a staff and meet individually as needed to work on different projects.

3 Central Illinois District Board of Directors Telling The Good News About Jesus 3 The Central Illinois District Board of Directors, as a whole, is charged with the responsibility of handling for the District all matters pertaining to missions, evangelism, parish education, youth ministry, finance, stewardship, and student aid. In between District conventions, they set the yearly budget and programming for the district activity. The Board of Directors is comprised of the following: the District President, the District Vice-presidents, the Secretary, Treasurer, Financial Secretary, four parish pastors, four laymen, and two parish teachers of the Lutheran elementary or secondary schools. Also the advisory members of the Board shall be Administrative Assistants to the President, the Business Manager, and the Assistant Secretary. The Board of Directors for President Rev. David J. Bueltmann Vice-President Rev. Mark Miller, St. John s, Pekin Vice-President Rev. Michael Strong, Trinity, Springfield Secretary Rev. Geoffrey Robinson, Bethlehem, Altamont Treasurer Mr. Herbert Krueger, St. John s, Champaign Financial Secretary Mr. Ronald YaDeau, Pilgrim, Decatur Parish Pastor Rev. Rick Milas, University, Urbana Parish Pastor Rev. Donald Pritchard, Zion, Pleasant Plains Parish Pastor Rev. Kent Tibben, Trinity, Danville Parish Pastor Rev. Vernon Betterman, St. Peter, East Peoria Layman Mr. John Rodenburg, Trinity, Springfield Layman Mr. J.R. Davidsmeyer, Springfield Layman Mr. Edwin Wetzel, St. Paul, Mattoon Layman Dr. L.J. Fyans, Our Savior s, Springfield Parish Teacher Mr. Ron Krohse, St. John s, New Berlin Parish Teacher Mr. William Krueger, St. John s, Green Valley Advisory Board Members Assistant Secretary Rev. Ted Gall, St. John s, Effingham Business Manager Mr. Mark Werner Administrative Assistant Rev. Joel Cluver Administrative Assistant Mr. Glenn Goeres Administrative Assistant Rev. Wesley Reimnitz Central Illinois District Begins New Hispanic Ministry in East Moline, Moline, Silvis, and Rock Island God is opening doors! Upon recommendation of the Central Illinois District Mission Commission, the Central Illinois District Board of Directors called a full-time pastor for Hispanic ministry in the Quad Cities. The Rev. Pablo Dominguez of Monterey, Mexico, has already accepted this call. Plans are under way for Pastor Dominguez and his family to move from Mexico to East Moline in August. Pastor Dominguez is a member of the Lutheran Church in Mexico. (We are in fellowship with the Lutheran Church in Mexico.) He is an ordained Lutheran pastor who graduated from the Hispanic Institute of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO. His father and brother are also Lutheran pastors. By 2010 the number of Hispanic people in the United States is expected to reach 40 million, making it the nation s largest minority group. Officially the 2000 Census lists 13,000 Hispanics on the Illinois side of the Quad Cities. It is estimated that 90% of these people are unchurched. God is allowing us to be part of an exciting new ministry in the Central Illinois District. Pray that God will bless the word and sacrament ministry of Pastor Pablo Dominguez! Thank you to all our Central Illinois District congregations for your mission dollars to make this and all our missions possible!

4 4 The GatePost September/October Central Illinois District Missions! Your church s mission dollars make possible 17 different Missions conducted under the direction of the Central Illinois District Mission Commission. Missions currently funded are: Christ Family Lutheran Church, Mahomet 25 people are part of this mission in this bedroom community 10 miles west of Champaign. Presently they are without a pastor but they are planning their future and considering various means of outreach to their community. East Moline Colona Peoria Canton Normal Macomb Bloomington Mahomet Lincoln Champaign Mt. Sterling Decatur Jacksonville Pittsfield Charleston Grace Lutheran Church, East Moline (Our new Hispanic ministry) Pastor Pablo Dominguez has accepted the call and will probably be installed in August or September. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Bloomington Good Shepherd currently numbers over 200 people. They are worshipping in a brand new building near the Bloomington Airport. Pastor Chad Lueck is helping this church reach out with Christ to his community. Grace Lutheran Church, Canton They are currently worshipping in a 150 year old building and are looking elsewhere for a facility until they are able to build on a site they have recently purchased. Rev. Kirk Clayton serves the 100 members and people of the community. Beautiful Lutheran Church, Colona They number over a 100 members who are reaching out into their community with the Good News of Jesus Christ who saved them from sin. Rev. David Anderson serves this congregation. Christ Lutheran Church for the Deaf, Jacksonville; Joy of Jesus Lutheran Church for the Deaf, Peoria Pastor Tom Phillips serves the Central Illinois District two days a week as head of our District Deaf Ministry. The Jacksonville congregation numbers about 20 members and the congregation at Peoria has about 15 members. Additional ministry is given where needed throughout our district. Prison Ministry The District has many people in congregations who are involved in volunteer jail and prison ministry. However, we do have two workers (Rev. Charles Olander and Rev. Stephen Southward) employed by the District to serve as volunteer chaplains at the Lincoln Correctional Center, Lincoln; the Logan Correctional Center, Lincoln; the Pittsfield Correctional Center, Pittsfield; and the Western Correctional Center, Mount Sterling. Captive prisoners are hearing the Good News about Christ the Savior that indeed can set one free! Lincoln Developmental Center, Lincoln Deaconess Linda Schafer, serves the Developmentally Disabled in Lincoln and elsewhere in our District. Phoenix Area Lutheran Mission, Decatur (PALM) This ministry reaches out to inter-city children with monthly activities and Bible stories. Campus Ministry The Central Illinois District values the souls of our college students by providing for them numerous facilities and full time workers in campus ministry. We have full time campus ministries at the University of Illinois, Champaign, Rev. Rick Milas; Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, Rev. Douglas Fleischfresser & Mr. Greg Witto, Director, YAM; Western Illinois University, Macomb, Rev. Michael Burdick; and Illinois State University, Normal, Rev. Dymann Jirovec. Our church workers in these ministries preach and teach the Good News of Christ our Savior and are there to counsel and help our young people during these important years of their lives. If you would like more information on any of these ministries, you may contact them directly or contact at the district office, Rev. Joel Cluver, or any member of the Central Illinois District Mission Commission.

5 Telling The Good News About Jesus 5 Human Care Ministry The purpose of the Central Illinois District Human Care Committee is: To provide information and education that will encourage Lutherans to care for those in need. In this sin filled world, people hurt from countless things: abortion, immorality, violence, divorce, alcoholism and drug abuse, pornography, gambling, etc. The Central Illinois District Human Care Committee would like to assist our congregations in areas of human care. Rev. Joel Cluver, Administrative Assistant for Evangelism & Missions Should We Start New Missions In the Central Illinois District? One of the most effective and economical ways to reach lost people for Jesus Christ is through the start of new mission Churches. To do so takes qualified workers and dollars. As qualified workers and dollars become available and when existing congregations feel led by God to explore new mission work in their area... here is a suggested list from the Central Illinois District Mission Commission that might lead to further study, prayer and maybe action: Bloomington Normal... New Congregation Another LCMS church is needed in these growing communities where more than 50% of the population is unchurched. Peoria... New Congregation We would like to begin a new church to serve the spiritual needs of 30,000 African-Americans in Peoria. This ministry or an additional ministry could later begin similar work in Springfield, Decatur, and other areas in our District. East Moline - Quad Cities... New Congregation We are now beginning a new congregation among the officially 13,000 Hispanic people living in the Quad Cities area (unofficially as many as 27,000 Hispanic people). In addition several other areas of our district have a sizeable Hispanic population where ministry is needed. Champaign Urbana... New Congregation These are cities with growing populations that may need an additional church (or additional churches in the surrounding nearby communities) to reach many unchurched people. Explore new Church possibilities in CID cities of sizeable populations, which currently do not have an LCMS Congregation or those who need an additional Church. Some possibilities may be Monmouth (serving other communities in western Illinois), Springfield, Chillicothe, Rantoul, the Danville area, Bloomington (Hudson, Leroy, Downs), Monticello, Peoria, Olney, Effingham, Marshall (Terre Haute), and Champaign (Saint Joseph). Nursing Home Ministry Calling a pastor as Chaplain to serve the spiritual needs of numerous nursing homes. He would encourage and train lay people in our district to be involved in nursing home ministry in their own areas.

6 6 The GatePost September/October 2002 Education Office Even though I have been in this office for just over a year, I have often been asked the question, Just what do you do as the education executive? Christian education is a serious undertaking in the Central Illinois District. Most of our congregations operate various volunteer education programs: Sunday school, VBS, midweek school, confirmation instruction, Bible classes for various ages, etc. In addition, 47 congregations are involved in the operation of 26 full-time elementary schools and three high schools. Finally, CID churches operate 28 early childhood programs preschools and child care centers. Sharing Christ with children is and should be a high priority. Several CID congregations are presently considering starting a preschool or elementary school. The Central Illinois District assists congregations in the area of Christian education. To implement this assistance the position of Administrative Assistant to the President in Education is filled by a full-time, called District executive who serves as the Executive Secretary for the CID Commission on Education Services. In this capacity, the education executive also works with committees reporting to the education commission Parish Education Committee, Continuing Education Committee, and the CID Early Childhood Consultant. My primary responsibility is to serve as the superintendent of LCMS schools in our District. This requires that I am familiar with the schools their needs, their joys, and their challenges. To do this, I visit each program, spending time in the classrooms, talking with teachers and administrators, and meeting with pastors of the sponsoring congregations. It is an uplifting blessing for me to observe the dedication and skill demonstrated by our professional Lutheran educators. I serve as a resource for the teachers, administrators, and education boards of our District parishes. This may take many forms personal counseling, advice to boards and committees, assist in planning for various educators conferences, and guidance to schools involved in the National Lutheran School Accreditation process. Working with the Parish Education Committee, I serve as a resource in the planning for volunteer teacher training workshops as well as a resource for materials for Sunday School and VBS programs. A very important part of my responsibilities is the assistance given to congregations seeking to obtain synodically trained educators for our schools plus commissioned workers for the special ministries in many parishes. I develop candidate lists for Lutheran teachers, Directors of Christian Education, Directors of Family Ministry, and similar special education ministries offered in CID congregations. To do this task requires the cooperation of education executives in all our LCMS districts. In CID alone, I have files for over 500 educators and DCE s. Some of these individuals are considering calls to other districts while CID congregations are extending calls to workers and asking them to move to CID. My office has the responsibility of keeping track of this call activity. Professional Lutheran educators are in high demand in many congregations, but the pool of available synodical teachers is not as great as it once was. Not too many years ago it was unusual to find a school in our District that had a teacher who was not a graduate of one of the schools in the Concordia University System. That has become a little more commonplace today. Reluctance of young people to consider the teaching ministry, increasing demands and expectations of the Lutheran teacher, and the failure of many congregations to provide adequate salary and benefits packages to teachers have resulted in an increase in the contracting of teachers who are not on the roster of Lutheran teachers. Without teachers who have been trained to be Lutheran teachers, who understand the uniqueness of a Lutheran school, it will be increasingly Glen Goeres, Administrative Assistant for Education difficult to maintain schools that are truly Lutheran. Fortunately, there are many educators in our schools that are actively involved in the Lutheran Teacher Colloquy Program. This program, offered in CID through Concordia, River Forest, provides the theology coursework component normally received by graduates of the Concordia schools. Our District provides some financial assistance to teachers enrolling in this colloquy program. Teachers who have participated in colloquy classes speak very highly of the instruction they received and the benefits it brought to their classroom teaching. Finally, the education office of our District maintains a library of video resources available to all CID congregations and schools. These video materials, along with some print materials, are available on loan for no more cost than return postage. Many of our churches and schools make use of this material to supplement educational programs for their members and communities. Yes, Christian education is available in many forms throughout the Central Illinois District. Please keep all of these agencies regularly in your prayers. Also consider giving your personal thanks to a teacher in your congregation, whether that is a full-time teacher in a Lutheran school or a dedicated member of your Sunday school teaching staff. Don t forget those DCE s, youth volunteers, and others who share their time and the Lord s love with children in your congregation.

7 Current News Official Notices Calling Congregations: East Peoria-Ascension Jacksonville-Our Redeemer Mason City-Christ Morton-Bethel Osman-Immanuel Springfield-Immanuel Winchester/Arenzville- Christ/Immanuel Calls Accepted: David Allen, Missionary-at-large, Mahomet to Loda-Immanuel Pablo Dominguez, Escobedo, Mexico to Missionary-at-large, Moline William Emrick Mt. Calvary, Antwerp, OH, to Sadorus-St. Paul Telling The Good News About Jesus Holy Cross-Golden s 150th Anniversary Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church, Golden, IL, celebrated its 150th Anniversary. Organized in 1852 as Immanuel Lutheran Church in the country near Golden, IL, it was also known as South Prairie Church. Anniversary services were held June 23 under the theme Lift High the Cross. Pastor Wm. Uffenbeck, pastor , conducted the 8:30 a.m. morning service. Dr. Dale Meyer, professor at Concordia seminary, St. Louis and former Lutheran Hour speaker, preached at the 2:30 p.m. service. This fall Pastor Kent Wartick, son of the congregation, will conduct the fall Mission Festival service. Pastor Leroy Westphal, son of a former pastor, conducted the April 28 service. Twenty-two pastors have served the congregation. Five buildings have been used, beginning with a log house in 1852, purchased for $ A Methodist minister first served the original 14 families. Wishing to be faithful to the teaching of the Lutheran church, these German immigrants sought the services of an Illinois Synod pastor. They joined the LCMS in Golden was part of a dual parish with St. Paul s-bowen from 1938 to It is again a dual parish with Bowen. They had a parochial school until 1935 when a Sunday school was started instead. Pastor Mark Eddy currently serves the congregation. Pastor Theodore C. Gall Installed at St. John s Lutheran Church Effingham Pastor Theodore C. Gall was installed as Senior pastor at St. John s Lutheran Church, Effingham, IL, on June 2nd. Pictured below are the area pastors who participated in the worship service. Mitchel Schuessler, Ferrin- Bethlehem to Altamont-Immanuel Correction: In the last issue Pam Norris was misidentified as Pat Naus as the new parish nurse at St. Pual-Chenoa. Harold M. Olsen Mr. Harold M. Olsen of Springfield passed away June 5, Mr. Olsen served on the Board of Directors for the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod in St. Louis from He was a lawyer for the Central Illinois District of the Lutheran Church- Missouri Synod and the Central Illinois District Church Extension Fund and served many congregations in the Central Illinois District. He had served on the Board of Directors for Camp CILCA from Front row, left to right: Rev. Lester Bischoff, Pastor Gary Fortkamp, Shelbyville Circuit Counselor, Pastor Michael Mohr, Grace, Strasburg, Pastor Theodore C. Gall, Pastor Ronald C. Simmons, Immanuel, Shobonier. Second row: Pastor Dan Smith, Good Shepherd, Newton; Pastor Keith Pereira, Christ, Waverly; Pastor Steven Becker, St. Paul, Strasburg, Pastor Michael A. Koschmann, Immanuel, Riverton, Rev. Robert J. Backhus (Former Pastor of St. John s, Effingham); Pastor Glen Strohschein, St. John, Chatham; Rev. Kevin Wykoff, Our Redeemer, Lawrenceville. Third row: Pastor Bob Jensen, Holy Trinity, Springfield; Pastor Geoffrey Robinson, Bethlehem, Altamont; Pastor Paul McGhghy, Faith, Sullivan; Pastor Emeritus, Richard Krenzke; Rev. Wesley Reimnitz and Rev. Dr. Wayne Hoffmann, Our Savior, Springfield

8 Current News The GatePost September/October 2002 Fall Visitation at Concordia Seminary Concordia Seminary-St. Louis invites potential students and their guests to attend its 2002 Fall Visitation Weekend, October 10-12, on the Seminary campus. The weekend is designed for those college age and older. It provides an effective way to learn more about life at the Seminary and the preparation that leads to service as a pastor, missionary or chaplain. Visitors will have the opportunity to worship in the chapel, visit classes and tour the campus. Participants also will hear presentations on academic offerings, financial assistance, housing, resident field education, vicarage, and the admissions process. An Employment and Community Information Fair is scheduled Friday night. Employers and representatives from area schools, reality offices and other organizations will be on hand to inform and answer questions. Call Day at Concordia Seminary St. Louis During Call Day services on April 23, 2002, at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, 81 pastoral calls and 101 vicarages for students were announced. Those assigned to the Central Illinois District, pictured with wives and the district president. A special women s information session Saturday morning is beneficial for wives, fiancees and girlfriends who attend the weekend. A bus tour of the community Friday morning after chapel includes stops at points of interest. There is no charge for the Fall Visitation Weekend. All meals and lodging are provided. Free round-trip transportation is available from the airport, bus or train stations. For more information, call the Admissions Office at , admissions@csl.edu, or write to Admissions Office, Concordia Seminary, 801 DeMun Ave., St. Louis, MO Information and a registration form are available form the Seminary s Web site at The registration deadline is October 5, VBS at St. John-Effingham From left, first row, Morgan Hamilton, Joe Arthur, Sarah Arthur, Lori Niemtschk, Bobby Niemtschk, Charlotte Bueltmann and District President David Bueltmann; second row, Gaylord Spilker, Pam Spilker, Ryan Fehrmann, Rebecca Fehrmann, Alissa Bueltmann and Keith Bueltmann. Camp Cilca Golf On Thursday, September 19, at 12 p.m., the Railside Golf Course in Gibson, IL, will host the Camp CILCA Whippoorwill Golf Fundraiser. All proceeds will go towards the betterment of Camp CILCA Lutheran Boys & Girls Camp. The cost is $39 and includes greens fee, cart, dinner & prizes! The location this year is the challenging Railside in Gibson City, a links style course with beautiful but deadly greens. The format : 4 man scramble with foursomes teamed by the organizers to promote fellowship and even teams (we can team you with one friend if you like). To register, send your name, address, phone number, handicap or 18 hole average score. Make checks payable to: Lutheran Golf Fundraiser, Trinity Lutheran Church, Box 295, Casey, IL children attended VBS at St. John-Effingham June workers were involved. One-half the $ offering went to ARC Community Services. 5-6 graders took a field trip to the agency that focuses on helping and employing the developmentally disabled. DCE Larry Brandt served as ringmaster for the week. Registration will be at a maximum at 92 participants. Registration deadline: Tuesday, September 10, For more info, call (618)

9 Anniversary On September 29, 2002, Trinity- Decatur will celebrate its 75th anniversary with a special service at 3:00 p.m. The Rev. David Bueltmann, President of the Central Illinois District will preach. There will be a catered dinner at 5:00 p.m. Reservations are required. A free will offering will be taken. Board of Directors Minutes Summary from the May 28, 2002 Meeting President Bueltmann reported that Pablo Dominguez had accepted the call to be the Hispanic Missionary in the Quad Cities. President Bueltmann also reported that Rev. Mark Miller, Rev. Mike Strong, Harold Bender of Quincy, and Rev. Reimnitz will be meeting at a convocation on August 5-7 in Arizona led by Ted Kobber to deal with the New York Yankees Stadium event. The constitution and by-laws of St. Paul s Lutheran Brimfield was approved by the Board of Directors. Rev. Reimnitz reported that the Worship Committee will have a worship conference at Trinity-Peoria on September 28, Rev. William Emrick Installed at St. Paul Lutheran Church Sadorus Seed Money Kip Hoech, a son of Immanuel-Springfield, will be ordained at his home church Our Savior s-palm Springs, CA November 10, Kip and his wife Ivy will leave for Kyrgyzstan in March. Kip will work among the Dungan People, Chinese Muslims, in this former Soviet Republic. Pastor Wayne Hoffman presents a check for seed money to Kip and Ivy Hoech for their work with the Dungan People in Kyrgyzstan. Their children Noah and Kayla are also pictured. Telling The Good News About Jesus Installation of Rev. William Emrick as the new pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Sadorus, IL. The date of the installation was June 16th. Pastor Emrick is married to Anna Marie. They have two children, Joseph age 15 and Clara age 7. His previous congregation was in Antwerp, OH. He is a 1986 graduate of Concordia, Ft. Wayne. Front row, left to right; Lynn Podoll, Immanuel, Boradlands, William Emrick, newly installed at St. Paul in Sadorus; Scott Kozisek, St. Paul in Dorans (Mattoon). Back row, left to right: Don Ehlers, counselor of the Champaign circuit and vacancy pastor at St. Paul, Sadorus; Michael Ruhlig, Immanuel, Tuscola; Kenneth Martin (emeritus). Mr. Goeres reported that Janice Heiden received the volunteer teacher of the year award. Mr. J.R. Davidsmeyer reported that the Schwann s foundation gave grants to five congregations in the Central Illinois District. The Board of Directors resolved to establish a Central Illinois District Student Aid Endowment Fund and to begin communication and promotion of this fund to Central Illinois District constituents, and to request financial support from the Clara & Spencer Werner Foundation for development efforts. The Board of Directors also resolved to make a capital expenditure not to exceed $15,777 for district office carpet replacement. October 14, :30-8:30 p.m. Radisson Hotel 10 Brickyard Drive, Bloomington, IL Schedule of Events 6:15 p.m. Registration Begins 6:30 p.m. Financial Aid Seminar 7-8:30 p.m. Lutheran College Fair, Reception and Hors d Oeuvres College Fair The National Association of Lutheran Colleges is sponsoring a college fair. Admissions Representatives will be available to answer questions regarding admission, academic programs, student life, housing and financial aid. All families attending the Lutheran College Fair will receive an application fee waiver applicable for admission to one Lutheran college listed on the fee waiver (up to a $40 value!). Please visit and for more information on our Lutheran colleges and universities.

10 Current News The GatePost September/October 2002 Ongoing Ambassador for Christ Team Visits Germany An International Travel Team of Ongoing Ambassadors traveled in Germany for three weeks, June 12 to July 3. They served 14 congregations in the SELK church body that is in fellowship with the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. The team served churches in Celle, Zehlendorf, Berlin and Gifhorn. The team also had the opportunity to take a tour of Wittenburg, where the Reformation began with Luther s nailing of the 95 Theses. Ten high school and college youth have been selected to serve with a leadership team of four. Here is a list of the entire team: 1. Pastor Tom Moyer Executive Director of OAFC 2. President David Bueltmann President of the Central Illinois District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod 3. Deaconess Intern Kim Bueltmann Currently serving in Gifhorn, Germany 4. Miss Pam Rudick OAFC leader, member of Salem, Homewood, IL 5. Paul Elliott, 20 Member of St. John, Champaign, IL, student at Concordia, River Forest, IL 6. Donine Fink, 21 Member of Our Redeemer, Quincy, IL, student at Concordia, River Forest, IL 7. Carolyn Guengerich, 18 Member of St. John, Green Valley, IL, student at Concordia, Mequon, WI 8. Martin Herzberg, 16 Member of Divine Savior, Shepherdsville, KY 9. Elliott Lutz, 20 Member of St. John, Green Valley, IL, student at Concordia, Irvine, CA 10. Martin McGoey, 18 Member of Trinity, St. Francis, MN 11. Jon Moyer, 18 Member of Trinity, Springfield, IL, student at Concordia, Mequon, WI 12. Jacob Mueller, 16 Member of St. John s, New Minden, IL 13. Anneliese Ploetz, 18 Member of Salem, Springville, NY 14. Peter Reimnitz, 16 Member of Trinity, Springfield, IL The Lutheran Women s Missionary League of the Central Illinois District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod has provided major funding for this mission trip. Ongoing Ambassadors for Christ is a recognized service organization of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. OAFC was organized in 1970 in Brownsdale, MN, to equip youth to: 1. Witness to all about Jesus Christ as the Lord and Savior from sin. 2. Invite the unchurched to the congregations we serve. 3. Train other youth and adults to share their faith with confidence. There are 20 active OAFC groups across the nation that hold monthly weekends from Friday through Sunday in their local area. In July a National Summer Training is held. This year s gathering will be at Trinity Lutheran Church in St. Francis, MN. The International Travel Team s trip to Germany is the first overseas excursion since 1976 when Pastor Fred Darkow, the founder of OAFC took a team to Hong Kong and the Philippines. For more information about Ongoing Ambassadors for Christ please go to call Pastor Thomas E. Moyer, Executive Director of Ongoing Ambassadors for Christ, at (217) , or oafcexec@oafc.org. Lutheran Women s Missionary League Plans Fall Rallies Fifteen Fall Zone Rallies are planned for September One of three speakers and District representatives will speak at the rallies that also include Bible studies. Pastor Rick Milas, University Lutheran Church in Champaign, is one presenter. Most of his ministry has been spent in campus ministry. Recently, he and three other campus pastors were asked to share ideas with two Russian Lutheran pastors in Novosibirsk, Siberia, as they begin work among university students in their country. Kim Bueltmann is finishing her deaconess training. She is the daughter of CID President David Bueltmann and his wife Charlotte. Kim has spent the last two years as a deaconess intern at St. Philipp s Lutheran Church in Gifhorn, Germany. She will be commissioned and installed as a Deaconess on September 8 at St. John- Champaign. She will serve as the Director of Family Ministry. Peg Seitz has participated in five trips to Canada to teach Vacation Bible School for LAMP. Recent trips include teaching missionary children in Cameroon, West Africa, and working for Lutheran Bible Translators in Guatemala. She recently accepted the position as Development Associate for Lutheran Bible translators. Her duties include encouraging donor support, writing grant proposals and chairing the mission project committee of LBT.

11 Telling The Good News About Jesus 7 CID Board of Directors Establishes Student Aid Endowment Fund At its May 28, 2002 meeting, the Central Illinois District Board of Directors established a Student Aid Endowment Fund to maintain and, hopefully, increase on-going financial support of CID church-work students. Presently, CID has nearly $500K of permanently restricted funds maintained for generating scholarship aid. New gifts and bequests would enhance the CID s ability to increase support, given the rising costs of education. Greater support would also provide an encouragement to future students to seriously consider careers in professional church work. For more information on this fund or how to include it in your gift and estate plans, please call Mark J. Werner at (217) or ceflcms@eosinc.com. CID Student Aid Statistics Due to the generous annual support of the Werner Foundation, Seider Charitable Trust and the LWML, the Central Illinois District has been privileged to provide significant scholarships over the years for students preparing for church-work careers. Shown below is a summary of the grants awarded during the academic year. No. of Students Amount Concordia Seminary-St. Louis, MO 8 $34,500 Concordia Seminary-Ft. Wayne, IN 7 $32,500 Concordia University-Mequon, WI $13,500 Concordia University-Portland, OR 1 $ 2,500 Concordia University-River Forest, IL 28 $41,000 Concordia-St. Paul, MN 1 $ 2,500 Concordia-Seward, NE 14 $21,000 Colloquy Scholarships 30 $ 9,150 Total 103 $156,650 Are You Having A Circuit Evangelism Forum Convocation? The Central Illinois District Evangelism Commission (also known as the Tell The Good News About Jesus Committee) is encouraging all of our circuits to hold a circuit Convocation around Reformation time. We want to tell people in our communities who don t believe in Christ as their Savior that God loves them and sent Jesus Christ to suffer, die, and rise for them! To help our people tell the Good News about Jesus, have a Sunday afternoon circuit forum! The suggested schedule is: 2:00 p.m. Worship 3:00 p.m. Evangelism Workshop 4:00 p.m. Evangelism Workshop 5:00 p.m. Fellowship Dinner The Central Illinois District Board of Directors passed a resolution encouraging all of our circuits to sponsor such a Forum Convocation Workshop this fall. It is a great opportunity to worship, fellowship, and provide some training workshops to help people Tell the Good News about Jesus. The Central Illinois District will give a $250 grant for each circuit Convocation Forum. The Central Illinois District Evangelism Committee has prepared a packet of resource information (includes worship services and suggested workshops). These packets were distributed at the recent Church Workers Conference in Moline, IL. Anyone desiring one of these packets may contact Rev. Joel Cluver at the Central Illinois District office.

12 8 The GatePost September/October 2002 District Budget Source of All Funds Congregations 2,270,000 80% Other 201,000 7% Reserve Funds 219,385 8% Student Aid etc. 140,000 5% Total 2,830, % Use of All Funds Synod Missions 1,152,667 41% Student Aid 155,200 5% District Missions 827,625 29% Congregational Services 454,534 16% Admin./Office Bldg. 143,868 5% District Adminis. Services 96,595 3% Total 2,830, % How Congregation s Mission Dollar is Used Synod Missions 1,152,664 51% District Missions 827,625 36% Congregational Services 200,000 9% Admin. Office 60,000 3% District Adminis. Services 29,711 1% Total 2,270, %

13 Stewardship Christian Stewardship is managing all God s resources that have been entrusted to us in such a way as to accomplish God s purpose with them. It is the recognition and the fulfillment of personal privilege and responsibility for the managing of the whole life in accordance with the will of God. The Stewardship commission seeks to: Help the people of God understand that stewardship originates and centers in God s actions and, therefore, stewardship centers on the cross and our total response to Christ. Help the people of God be motivated, to make use of their time, talents, and resources in every part of their life to fulfill God s purpose for their existence on earth. Help the people of God share their material blessings in carrying out the Great Commission in their home church, the district, and the synod. Some examples in which the commission carries forward these goals are: Equip pastors and congregations in year-round stewardship emphasizes. Offer training and development skills in the congregations in stewardship. Develop stewardship programs and offer suggestions to pastor and congregations. Promote the recruitment of professional church workers. Develop the compensation guidelines of the district for professional church workers. Congregational Life Commission The Congregational Life Commission of the District serves the congregations and professional workers in their ministries of worship, nurture, and fellowship. The Commission maintains a liaison and cooperation with auxiliary and other service organizations recognized by the district. Typically, they are organizations such as LLL, LWML, and On-going Ambassadors for Christ. Other areas that are goals of the Commission: Worship, to develop a continuing understanding and love for our Lutheran heritage. Developing loving and caring ministries to households of various Christian lifestyles. Encourage and assist congregations in family life ministries. Encourage and assist congregations in establishing and maintaining youth ministries. Assist singles ministries. Assist congregations with vision planning, goal setting, and general strategic planning. Some examples in which the Commission carries forward these goals are: The Worship Committee holds worship seminars on various themes concerning the worship life of the congregation. Telling The Good News About Jesus 9 Rev. Wesley Reimnitz, Administrative Assistant for Stewardship & Congregational Life The Youth Committee assists congregations with LCMS National Youth gathering, conducts an annual District Jr. High Lock-in, directs a Sr. High gathering, provides congregations with assistance in maintaining and growing the youth program. Develops family life seminars such as the Family Life Seminar in September 2002 in St. Louis. The District Singles Committee hosts a summer retreat in the summer of each year at Camp Cilca. Every three years a Great Commission Convocation focuses on the various parts of a congregation s life and family life. The next Great Commission Convocation will be November 8, 2003, at the Prairie Capital Convention Center, Springfield, IL. Often, the Congregation, in looking at its ministries, wants to develop new ministries or update methods of providing ministry to members or to the community. The commission provides assistance in developing vision statements, setting goals, and strategic planning. Under the direction of the District President, the Commission, with the Stewardship Commission, develops and sponsors the Presidential Visitation to congregations and pastors once every three years.

14 10 The GatePost September/October 2002 Stewardship & Worship: Attendance and Giving Slanted to the Lutheran perspective. A national church research center (Barna Inst.) collected some interesting research statistics for all churches in the United States for Giving in 2001 Highest giving by American averaged at a plus $3,000 per year. The average American gave about $760 per year. Giving by an unbeliever or an atheist to a charity average about $125 per year. The American donator in the +$3,000 per year were people committed strongly to their cause, high belief in the church they were attending in what they believed. Attendance The top three reasons a person attended a Christian Church in the United States during 2001 was: 1. Strong belief system. The church strongly confessed, believed, taught, and practiced what the Word of the Lord has stated. 2. Friendly. The Local church cared for one another and those who came to visit or came into contact with local church member. 3. Sermons. Sermons, which related the Lord s directives from His Word in a good law/gospel fashion to which the hearer could easily apply in their lives. Age Groups Attending and Giving The 50+ group share these common characteristics about American Christians: They are highest percentage of Americans attending church on a regular Sunday basis. They are highest percentage of giving in the +$3,000 per year giving. They have a strong belief system in word and sacrament ministry. The under 35 age group They attend church about half the time of the 50+ Group. They give about 40% ($1,200) of the 50+ group. The common characteristics in the above figures are: Strong Belief system. The church believes, teaches, confesses, and lives all of God s truths, love, mercy, and grace as found in God s Word. God s people are in the Word... studying, believing and living in His love and grace. Giving (time, talent, and money) to the Lord s work comes from the two points just mentioned. People committed to the Lord give in joyful response to what God has done for them through Christ Jesus and to carry forward the Lord s work in the local congregation, the district, and the synod. Lutheran Church Extension Fund s Capital Funding Services Since it was founded in 1992, the Lutheran Church Extension Fund s Capital Funding Services (CFS) has helped Central Illinois District ministries raise funds to expand and is celebrating CFS s 10th anniversary. From left: (front row) Mark Marshall, Vice President Congregation Services; Field Consultant Ernie Heinecke; Senior vice President Rev. David P. Schmidt; From left: (back row) LCEF President Merle Freitag; Dave Kuerschner, Vice President, Agency Services; Field Consultant Rev. Don Sandmann; Field Consultant Hal Chase; Field Consultant Mike Skamfer; Field Consultant Erich Helge; Wade Janssen, Senior Consultant, Agency Services; Field Consultant Joe Johnston Jr.; Marketing Communication Manager Tim Voss; and Field Consultant Paul Arbesman.

15 Telling The Good News About Jesus 11 Church Extension Fund MISSION The mission of the Central Illinois District (CID) Church Extension Fund, Inc. (CEF) is to make funds and services available to congregations for building efforts in support of The Great Commission. VISION The congregations and members of the CID will view CEF as their preferred lender and investment provider, promoting an environment of ownership and district partnership. SHAREHOLDERS $ Service: We will joyfully serve CEF shareholders as working for The Lord. (Colossians 3:23) 1. Congregations and agencies of the CID (Borrowers) 2. Members/constituents of CID Congregations (Investors) 3. CID Constituents (BOD, OAFC, LWML, LLL, etc.) CORE VALUES OF CEF BOARD AND STAFF Integrity: We will perform with honesty and be accountable to each other and to CEF shareholders (Psalm 7:8) Excellence: We will perform with excellence and will do our utmost to fulfill the mission of CEF. (Philippians 4:8-9) Compassion: We will listen and respond to CEF shareholders needs because we endeavor to share a Christ-like compassion. (Mark 6:34) Mark Werner, Business Manager & Church Extension Fund CENTRAL ILLINOIS DISTRICT CHURCH EXTENSION FUND INVESTMENT FORM 6/1/02 PO Box 7003, Springfield, IL (217) ceflcms@eosinc.com The mission of The Church Extension Fund, Inc. is to make funds and services available to congregations for building efforts in support of The Great Commission (Matthew 28). The enclosed $ investment in CID-CEF should be issued as follows: *RATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE. TERM *RATE MINIMUM Flexible 3.00 $25 1 Year 3.50 $100 3 Year 4.35 $100 5 Year 5.00 $ Months Variable $5000 Individual Ownership - Name (print) PLEASE CALL TO CONFIRM CURRENT INTEREST RATES. Joint Ownership - Name and/or Name (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 Congregation Interest Check Semi-Annually Accumulate Interest and Add to Note Balance Social Security or I.D. Number Signature Apply Investment for Benefit of Lutheran Church towards meeting its supporting investment requirement: 25% of loan. 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. (Allow two weeks for delivery of note)

16 12 Bible Study When the question of supporting district, synod or missions here or overseas, someone will say, We are hardly meeting our needs here, or There are people around here to help. It is a way of saying, Let s keep the money at home. How do we by God s grace support and extend His Kingdom? Acts 1:8; 1 Peter 2:9; Luke 10:2; 1 Corinthians 9:14; Galatians 6:6. What does Paul say about our concern for others? Philippians 2:4; 2:21; Acts 11: What did the Church in Antioch do? Acts 13:1-3 How did the Macedonian churches respond to the needs of other saints in Jerusalem? 2 Corinthians 8:1-7 How does Paul suggest they prepare for the collection? 1 Corinthians 16:2 What is the benefit of regular giving? What is proportional giving? What encouragement is there as we give to the Lord s work? 2 Corinthians 8:14; 2 Corinthians 9:8; Ephesians 3:20. The hymn Lord of Glory, You Have Brought Us speaks of the grace of Christian giving. Grant us hearts, dear Lord, to give you Gladly, freely, of your own. With the sunshine of your goodness Melt our thankless hearts of stone Till our cold and selfish natures, Warmed by you, at length believe That more happy and more blessed Tis to give than to receive. Wondrous honor you have given To our humblest charity In your own mysterious sentence, You have done it all to Me. Can it be, O gracious Master, That you deign for alms to sue, Saying by your poor and needy, Give as I have giv n to you? Yes, the sorrow and the suff rings Which on ev ry hand we see Channels are for gifts and off rings Due by solemn right to you; Right of which we may not rob you, Debt we may not choose but pay Lest that face of love and pity Turn from us another day. O Lord God Almighty, since you bless your servants with various and unusual gifts of the Holy Spirit, grant us grace to use them always to your honor and glory; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. 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 November/December Issue: September 25th, 2002 Communications Committee Rev. Rodger Abatie, Chairman Rev. Robert Bruer, Editor Jim Deverman Lisa Dippel Joel Fletcher Rev. Wayne Hoffman Glenn Goeres, Advisor Dan Reynolds, Web Master Mike Smith