1. PREVENTION AND ENRICHMENT

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1 The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod September 2011 Family Life Ministry Convocation 2011 October 8, 2011 Redeemer, Peoria, IL In This Issue... From the President s Desk Page 2 Youth Bible Bowl Results Page 3 Upcoming Events Page 4 CID Missions Page 5 8 CID Board of Directors Meeting Summary Page 9 Names in the News Page 10 Official Notices Page 10 Church Extension Fund Form Page 11 Outreach and Revitalization Assistance Page 12 You are invited to attend a dynamic event for church professionals, lay ministry leaders, and all families of our CID congregations on October 8, 2011, at Redeemer, Peoria, IL. This focused event will equip participants to strengthen families in their lives together so that they can better serve each other and share the Gospel of Christ. This convocation will equip participants to equip families in the areas of marriage, parenting, faith at home, resource management, human sexuality, and the nonnuclear family. Family ministry is a lens through which the church views her intentional ministry to and with families from cradle to grave for the purpose of building stronger relationships with: God, family, and others in the home, throughout the church and into the community. Family Ministry is essentially about helping persons live according to the purposes and promises of God (Deuteronomy 6). It can be seen as a three-fold perspective: 1. PREVENTION AND ENRICHMENT (in the home) The church supports the ministry OF families through equipping, training, strengthening and resourcing parents to intentionally be the primary agents in the faith formation of their children. This would be called home-centered and church-supported ministry. 2. SUPPORT (in the church) The congregation provides a community for caring relationships to develop across the ages. The church nurtures the formation of faith-families and their connections WITH one another through various settings and opportunities. This includes intentionally facilitating relationships that cross generational lines. 3. OUTREACH (in the community) The church equips and supports Christian families to be an intentional channel of meaningful service to God and to others. This is the Great Commission being lived out THROUGH family. Would you like to become equipped to build up your own family or the families of your congregation? If so, our Family Life Convocation Committee is already praying for you. We want to help you strengthen family life. We pray that God will use this convocation to help your families serve each other better and share the Gospel of Christ!!! For more information or to register, call the CID office at (217) or visit Living in Christ Equipping the Church Strengthening the Family

2 2 The GatePost September 2011 From the President s Desk Opportunity For Mission Jesus said, Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19) This issue of The GatePost focuses on the Mission Opportunities we have as a part of the Central Illinois District. We are about Telling the Good News about Jesus. Our missions not only involve what you are doing in your congregation, but the various missions in our District: mission outposts, campus ministries, prison ministries, Hispanic ministry, Camp CILCA, and a variety of other opportunities you will read about in this issue. We also have been working with the Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church for a number of years, encouraging them in their endeavors and assisting financially with their projects. How can we as members of congregations in the Central Illinois District better carry out the mission God has given to all of us? As a backdrop for our prayers, thoughts, and suggestions, let us take a look at the church of the first century. After Christ s ascension, the disciples were somewhat in a quandary. Jesus was no longer visibly present, but they still had work to do. The disciples were Christ s witnesses then even as we are today. Jesus said, Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19) The book of Acts tells how their hearts were on fire to share Christ with their world. Remember when Peter and John were told not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus? They boldly declared, We cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard. (Acts 4:19-20) Now it is our turn as laity and professional church workers to work together to accomplish the mission God has given to us. As we pray, think, and discuss ways of doing this work, remember what Dr. Al Barry (former President of our Rev. David J. Bueltmann, President beloved Synod) said, Get the message straight, Missouri! Get the message out! There is much confusion in our world about religion. Many people think it really does not make any difference what a person believes as long as you are sincere. Some say, We are all trying to get to the same place. It does not make any difference which road we take. If it did not make any difference what people believe, why do you think Christ left the glories of His heavenly mansions to come to earth to suffer and die on a cross? Was He just looking for something to do? Christ did all that because it does matter. Without His life, death, and resurrection, none of us would have any hope of getting to heaven. That is why it is important to get the message straight. We also need to get the message out and do it now! Look at the first chapter of Mark s Gospel and notice how many times he uses the word immediately. Look through the book of Acts and you cannot help but get excited about telling the Good News about Jesus. All of us need to get the enthusiasm that Peter and John had. God has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. That should excite and motivate us to be about our Father s business. I pray that God will give each of us excitement to proclaim God s Word faithfully and that we will have the joy of seeing people s lives changed through the power of the Gospel. President David Bueltmann

3 Telling The Good News About Jesus CID Youth Bible Bowl Results The 13th annual Central Illinois District Youth Bible Bowl took place on Sunday afternoon, April 3, 2011, at Springfield Lutheran High School. 12 teams from five circuits participated by answering questions about the Lives of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Genesis 12-35). Pictured left to right: Aidan Tibben, Trinity, Danville, IL; Rev. Andrew Yeager, CTS Admission Counselor/Christ Academy Director; Jared DeBlieck, Christ Academy Proctor/2nd year CTS Seminarian, Zion, East Moline, IL; and Timothy Wilcoxen, Christ Academy Proctor, Trinity, Roanoke, IL. Christ Academy High School 2011 Christ Academy High School 2011, held June 19 July 2 at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN, was a two-week summer conference for high-school aged men considering the Holy Ministry as a possible vocation. The conference included catechesis, liturgical and spiritual formation and theological reflection, all which took place in a community of peers who shared in a common zeal for the treasures of Christianity. At this formative conference, youth discovered the theology of Word and Sacrament. Opportunities for fellowship and fun included field trips, participation in capture the flag, and other recreational activities, which were great counterparts to the depth of spiritual reflection and underscored the joy of the entire experience of Christ Academy. For more information visit, The championship team for the third year in a row came from St. Matthew s Lutheran Church in Milan, Illinois. Team members were Jakob Dodd, Joshua Teggatz, Hanna Dodd, Lilah Flichinger, and Andrew Henniges. Their record was 6-1. Second place went to the team from St. John s Lutheran Church in Buckley, with a record of 3-2. Team members were Dalton Cowan, Charlie Russell, Kyle Luhrsen, and Jonathon Derby. Third place went to the senior high team from Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Altamont (also 3-2). The A team from the Lutheran Church of St. John, Quincy, took fourth place (4-2). The quizmasters this year were Mr. Glenn Goeres, assistant to the President of the Central Illinois District LC-MS in the area of The winning team from St. Matthew s Lutheran Church, Milan (left to right) Lilah Flickinger, Joshua Teggatz, Andrew Henniges, Jakob Dodd, and Hanna Dodd. education, and Pastor Mark Eddy of Zion, Taylor Ridge, the Bible Bowl coordinator. Pastor Chris Decker of Cissna Park (and others) served as judges and time-keepers, and some parents served as score-keepers. The CID Parish Education Committee was in charge of registration, refreshments, and set-up/clean-up. Thanks to all, and to Springfield Lutheran High School (for the use of their facilities), and to the many parents and youth workers who spent long hours in their home churches to prepare the young people for the Bible Bowl. Special thanks to all the young people who studied so hard and to their churches who supported and encouraged them throughout the Circuit and District Bible Bowls. The Bible Bowl is open to junior and senior high youth from any congregation in the Central Illinois District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. Circuits who would like to start a Bible Bowl are encouraged to contact Pastor Mark Eddy of Zion, Taylor Ridge, the Bible Bowl coordinator, or Mr. Glenn Goeres at the Central Illinois District office. Next year s Bible Bowl will cover some part of the New Testament. God willing, the topic will be announced in October. Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and keep it! (Luke 11:28) Candidates Assigned to the CID Candidates from Concordia Theological Seminary who were recently assigned to the Central Illinois District: Vicars Assigned M. Douglas Peters, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Sherman, IL William J. Shupe, Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Moline, IL Pictured left to right: Alicia and William Shupe; Rev. David Bueltmann, President, Central Illinois District; Phillip and Amanda Callahan; and Heather and M. Douglas Peters. Candidates Assigned Phillip J. Callahan, Peace Lutheran Church, Thomasboro, IL

4 4 The GatePost September 2011 Upcoming Events CID-LWML Fall Retreat (October 21-22, 2011) The Central Illinois District-Lutheran Women s Missionary League (CID- LWML) will hold its annual Fall Retreat the weekend of October 21st and 22nd at Camp CILCA. The theme is You Are Treasured, based on Deut. 14:2: the Lord has chosen you to be his treasured possession. This retreat will be using materials from Treasured, a women s retreat written by Deb Burma. Burma was one of the featured presenters at the recent National LWML Convention in Peoria, IL. Friday s evening activities will include dinner, Bible Study, Evening Prayer Service, music, lots of time for fun and fellowship. Saturday s activities will begin at 9:00 a.m. with Bible Study and the day will be filled with lots of time for sharing, fellowship, music and enjoying the beauty of Camp CILCA. The registration fee is $45 and includes lodging, meals and materials. There will also be an ingathering to collect used eyeglasses to be distributed to several organizations. Look for more information in the CID-LWML s Fall Clarion and/or at the Zone Fall Rallies. For more information, contact Mary Denham at (217) or at marydenham@ymail.com. Pastors Wives Retreat (October 28-29, 2011) The annual Pastors Wives Retreat will be held on October 28-29, 2011, at the Camp CILCA Christian Growth Center. The speaker will be the Rev. Dr. Wilfred Karsten, pastor of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Moline. His topic will be My Friend, the Hymnal at Home, in the Church, and around the World. He will also speak about his mission work in Sri Lanka. This should be an informative retreat, learning how our LSB Hymnal is a magnificent devotional resource. Plan to attend. Watch for registration information in the mail. (Congregations, encourage your pastor s wife to attend this much needed Retreat by paying her registration fee of $40.) Activities at Springfield Lutheran High School The night of September 23 is Trivia Night! Call LHS at (217) , ext 128, for more information and to reserve a table! The Foundation For Excellence will host Dr. Paul Maier for a series of lectures on Saturday, October 22, from 9:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. Box lunches will be served. Call (217) , ext 120, for more information. On Wednesday, November 2, Lutheran High will have an Open House for 8th graders and their parents, from 7:00 8:30 p.m. with tours beginning at 6:30 p.m. Come for a presentation by administration, faculty, parents, and students. Anyone considering attending Lutheran High School is welcome at the Open House. Lutheran High Sundays Lutheran churches in the Springfield area began hosting Lutheran High Sundays this summer and will continue through next school year. If your congregation would like to schedule a Lutheran High Sunday, please contact Curt Fischer at FischerOne@msn.com or (217) Guest preachers, speakers, music, and food can be part of the LuHi Sunday experience. Rural & Small Town Mission Rural & Small Town Mission (RSTM), Concordia, MO, under LCMS World Mission continues to provide extraordinary mission service for rural and small town congregations working as a donor based ministry. Stories like the one in RSTM s last quarterly newsletter featuring the Highway 200 Regional Partnership of rural North Dakota show the RSTM dual focus. That dual focus is: (1) conducting Rural Regional Mission Partnership Retreats on a congregational site and (2) providing mission outpost equipping events for rural circuits and congregations. Some of the other equipping events available through Rural & Small Town Mission include Congregational Planning, Elder Training, Plant a Rural Church, and Planning Rural Retreats. Be sure to watch for all the upcoming Rural Retreats this year! Rural & Small Town Mission also collaborates with the district s Rural & Small Town Task Force to equip and train leaders to encourage and reinforce rural and small town congregations to serve as outposts in their communities. Learn more through our Web site at or contact Missionary-Catalyst Dr. Ralph Geisler at Rural & Small Town Mission-Saint Paul Institute for Education (RSTM-SPIFE), Concordia, MO, (888) or ruralmission@spife.org

5 Telling The Good News About Jesus 5 CENTRAL ILLINOIS DISTRICT MISSIONS Our Congregations and People Supporting and Furthering the Good News of Jesus Christ in our District Your District Mission Dollars at Work The mission dollars your congregation gives to the district makes possible these important ministries of our District: A) NEW CHURCH STARTS 1. Risen Savior Lutheran Church, Buffalo Between Springfield and Decatur 2. Tree of Life Lutheran Church, Decatur Began October 31, Christ The King (Cristo Rey) Lutheran Church, East Moline Hispanic ministry in the Quad Cities 4. Grace Lutheran Church, Canton Only LCMS church in Fulton County 5. Faith Lutheran Church, Monticello Began October 31, Redeemer Lutheran Church, Peru New church restart, April Our Savior Lutheran Church, St. Joseph East of Urbana B) SPECIAL MISSIONS Deaf, Developmentally Disabled, Prison 8. Christ Lutheran Church for the Deaf, Jacksonville Also serves students from Illinois School for the Deaf 9. Joy of Jesus Lutheran Church for the Deaf, Peoria Also, Bible Study and worship at several other CID locations 10. Ministry among the Developmentally Disabled Serving spiritually the developmentally disabled throughout CID 11. Lincoln Correctional Center, Lincoln 12. Logan Correctional Center, Lincoln 13. Pittsfield Work Camp, Pittsfield 14. Western Correctional Center, Mt. Sterling 15. Green County Work Camp, Roodhouse C) CAMPUS MINISTRY 16. University of Illinois, Champaign 17. Eastern Illinois University, Charleston 18. Illinois State University, Normal 19. Western Illinois University, Macomb D) FOREIGN MISSION 20. Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia Assisting a new church in a country which was formerly part of the Soviet Union

6 6 The GatePost September 2011 CENTRAL ILLINOIS DISTRICT MISSIONS How does the CID spend the money your congregation sends to the District? Where does the District s money come from? The CID 2011 Budget is $2,585,220. The estimated total revenues are $2,256,230. Of that expected Revenue, $2,000,000 is anticipated (we pray our congregations are able to send in their promised pledges) as mission giving from the 156 congregations in our District District Income From Congregations Mission Dollars Promised to CID by Our Congregations $2,000,000 How These Mission Dollars Are Spent: CID gift to LCMS World Missions $ 552,000 CID gift to both LCMS Seminaries 30,000 CID gift to the Latvian Lutheran Church for Missions 44,000 In addition, our CID churches typically give $50,000 a year or more to Latvian mission projects directly. CID Mission Support 1,012,420 Our new mission churches, campus ministry, work among the deaf, developmentally disabled, and for prisons. Camp CILCA Ministry 27,000 Evangelism Outreach 45,250 Total Mission and Outreach Disbursement $1,710,670 $1,710,670 of the $2,000,000 given by our CID congregations goes directly for Synod and District missions and outreach. This is 85% of the congregational gifts going directly for Synod and District missions and outreach or 85 cents of every mission dollar being spent for mission work. The other 15% (15 cents) is used for preparing CID students for full-time church work, services to support and serve our CID congregations in areas of congregational life, stewardship, education, and for building and administration costs. Sometimes we may have difficulty thinking much further than our local congregation. We see all the needs and the shortage of funds. What can we do? We do need to give thought to missions beyond our local church. We need to keep our focus on missions, locally and with the District and Synod. We thank all our CID churches for supporting missions. Our partnership in missions reminds us of St. Paul s words, thankful for your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. (Phil. 1:3-5) God has many important projects (and new missions we should start) to accomplish through us as we work together. We are partners with Him and each other in doing His work! A big thank you for your mission dollars sent to the District to make our missions possible! How do CID mission dollars help? Missions dollars are used in various ways throughout CID missions which rely on the money to support and run their mission. Grace, Canton, and Our Savior, St. Joseph, share what CID mission dollars mean to their congregations: Grace Lutheran Church, Canton First of all, without mission dollars Grace, Canton, would not be able to support a Pastor (Pastor Ken Serr). Grace has been blessed over the last two years with some growth, bringing the true Word of God to the city of Canton and all of Fulton County. Grace has adopted a budget that has set aside money for seeking new people in the community and showing where Grace is located. One project is new signage. Another project is to be involved with a company who provides unchurched names in the area for visits and to invite them to worship at Grace. The LCMS presence in Fulton County through Grace Lutheran is the only LCMS church at this time. Without funding from CID, Grace could not exist. Our Savior Lutheran Church, St. Joseph Simply stated, without the mission support from the congregations of the CID, there would not be an LCMS church for St. Joseph and the surrounding community. Our Savior began worshiping on December 24, 2006, in the Music Room of St. Joseph Middle School. In October of 2010, the congregations of the CID made it possible for Our Savior to have a visible presence in the community by providing a building for the family of Our Savior. Our Savior currently has 45 in membership with a prospect list of 10 families with more to come. One outreach tool in use is a mailing service that sends a Welcome Card to all new residents. A member of Our Savior then handdelivers a Welcome bag to their home. The mission funding supplied by the CID congregations aids Our Savior in sharing Jesus Christ with the community.

7 Telling The Good News About Jesus 57 Outreach To Hispanics It was recently reported by a local newspaper that the Hispanic/Latino community is the largest and fastest growing minority group in Rock Island County. They represent 10.3 percent of the total population. It was previously reported that as many as 90% are unchurched. Many claim to be Roman Catholic but do not attend a church, nor do they know Jesus as Savior or the Bible. Pastor Pablo Dominguez has been working among the Hispanics in the East Moline area for about eight years. His church, Christ the King (Cristo Rey) Hispanic Lutheran Church, makes available the truths of God s Word through divine worship, Sunday School, Bible studies and various activities. It is slow work, but recently another young family came in search of a place to worship. They finished adult confirmation studies, were confirmed in the faith, and are very eager to study God s Word and to reach out to family and friends with the lifesaving Gospel. Their lives have been changed through this ministry. Cristo Rey is dependent upon the Central Illinois District for mission dollars. They are so very thankful for them. Without these mission dollars the work among the Hispanics could not continue. Many would not have the opportunity to know Jesus and His Word. Muchas Gracias (many thanks) to all within the CID who faithfully support the mission work in the District including Cristo Rey. Your dollars are truly helping to save souls for Christ! Bendiciones (blessings)! CID Pastor Goes to Prison Even though Rev. Charles Olander, Zion Lutheran Church, New Holland, is a parish pastor, he has done a lot of time in prison. Twenty-eight years at Logan Correctional Center in Lincoln and twenty-seven years at Lincoln Correctional Center. At these two prisons, he has been conducting prison ministry on behalf of you, the Central Illinois District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. Over the years, countless men and women have heard the Word of God proclaimed, have repented, and have come to faith in Christ Jesus, or have been renewed in their faith by the Holy Spirit. Some of the transformations that have occurred are amazing former gang members with tattooed hands folded in prayer, prisoners alive in Christ rather than dead in their sins and addictions, and tears in the eyes of hardened criminals when they confess their sins and hear the love and forgiveness of Christ in absolution. Many, many inmates have told Rev. Olander how much Lutheran Services, Bible stories and counseling sessions have meant to them. They look forward every week to hearing the Gospel, and they continually ask Rev. Olander to thank you, the men and women of the Central Illinois District, for your prayers and cards, and for providing the support needed for me to bring the Gospel to them. Visiting Jesus in prison that s what Jesus said as recorded in Matthew s Gospel; to the extent that you did it to the least of these, you did it unto Me. May God bless you for your mission gifts. Thank you for your continued support. New Church Started on Reformation Sunday Faith Lutheran Church, Monticello, had its first Service on October 31, Since that first service, 94 people have joined the congregation and Sunday services usually have 60, 70, or more people in attendance. Faith is in the process of calling a full-time pastor and looking for church property as they worship in donated office space. Retired Pastor Tom Cruikshank has been serving Faith several days each week since the church s beginning.

8 8 The GatePost September 2011 CENTRAL ILLINOIS DISTRICT MISSIONS Campus Ministry The CID provides valuable resources to enable campus ministry at many central Illinois universities to serve the needs of young adults, faculty, and staff of the campus community. Immanuel Lutheran Church s ministry to Eastern Illinois University is an outstanding example. This year of 2011, marks the 85th year Immanuel has been reaching out to the campus community at Eastern. Immanuel has also added outreach in recent years to Lakeland Community College campus. In addition, Immanuel has been fortunate to touch many lives through the only intentional International Student Ministry in Charleston. The CID partnership has allowed Immanuel to be effective in reaching out with the Gospel as young people have joined the church by Holy baptism at Immanuel and reconnected in active faith life through Immanuel Lutheran Campus Ministry. Many young adults have joined in Bible study and service ministry has grown tremendously in recent years. Our active student fellowship and connection with the local congregation fosters supportive Christian relationships in ministry. These relationships encourage students to come into the presence of God in Word and sacrament empowering them to be strong disciples of Jesus Christ! Immanuel continues to serve members of the campus community so they may chart their life course with Christ, equipping them to lead in the church and witness their faith both now and in the future. Many Immanuel Lutheran Campus Ministry alums continue their ministry impact as they take rolls of leadership within the church after they leave Charleston. Stay Connected with Campus Ministry What happens when you don t let a Lutheran campus ministry know about your collegebound student? The student will: A) Find another campus ministry on his/her own. B) Go with a friend. C) Risk disconnection with the church and with Jesus and assume the church doesn t care. The most likely answer is C. Please help the Central Illinois District serve the spiritual needs of your student who attends the University of Illinois, Illinois State University, Eastern or Western Illinois University. Share the student s information (student name, address at school, address at school, home congregation name) directly to the following CID campus ministry. University of Illinois Rev. Rick Milas, rmilas@uiuc.edu University Lutheran Church 604 E. Chalmers, Champaign, IL Eastern Illinois University Mr. Greg Witto, gpwitto@eie.edu Rev. Kenneth Hoover Immanuel Lutheran Church 902 Cleveland Ave. Charleston, IL Illinois State University Rev. William Jensen Wittenberg Lutheran Center 201 S. Main, Normal, IL wittenberg-isu@juno.com Western Illinois University Rev. Michael Burdick St. Timothy Student Center 303 N. Clay St. Macomb, IL lutheran@macomb.com

9 Telling The Good News About Jesus 59 Board of Directors National Lutheran School Accreditation Meeting Summary National Lutheran School Accreditation At its regular meeting on May 24, 2011, the Central Illinois District Board of Directors: Received report on vacancies throughout the Synod (259 calling, 578 non-calling). CID is receiving four pastoral candidates and five vicars from recent Seminary Call Days. Approved constitutional revisions for nine congregations. The Church Extension Fund is no longer pursuing investing in Mortgage Interest Pool through LCMS Foundation. Board accepted Stewardship Commission recommendation for a 2% increase in base salary for compensation guidelines for to keep up with inflation and in recognition that the base salary has not increased in the previous three years. Illinois Department of Employment Security (and US Department of Labor) is still pursuing Unemployment Tax investigations regarding several NID Lutheran High Schools despite the court case from Metro East Lutheran High School being adjudicated in favor of the school. The three Illinois Districts will continue to monitor IDES action in these matters. Mission congregations continue progress. Peru had 77 in attendance for Easter. Monticello will charter on June 5 with 78 members. Mahomet will be closing June 19. Mission plant in Olney is still in the planning stages. Congregational contributions are approximately $65k below anticipated. We have some reserves, but those are rapidly depleting. We pray that God will lead us to support the work He has given us to do and to look at what work we are doing as a District that will need to cease. We are a month behind in our contributions to Synod. A special report will be prepared by the Treasurer and sent to each congregation. A correction was noted to the recent Lutheran Witness article that CID has not reduced its pledge to the Synod. CID has been blessed to give over and above its pledge in previous years. The 20% reduction noted in the Lutheran Witness reflects that we gave that much over and above our pledge last year. (NLSA) is a process of self evaluation followed by a visit of objective observers to confirm the school s quality based on national standards and assures ongoing improvement. It is a completely voluntary process that is available for every school operated by a single congregation, by an association of congregations, or by a Recognized Service Organization of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod or the Lutheran Church Canada. NLSA is a national, rigorous accrediting process designed to evaluate schools on the basis of their unique purposes as Lutheran schools. It helps schools evaluate not only their academic quality, but especially the spiritual dimension of the school. NLSA is supervised by the National Accreditation Commission, made up of representatives from the various participating districts of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod and the Lutheran Church Canada. Three CID schools having completed their selfstudy process and their NLSA site visits this spring have been recommended by the CID School Accreditation Commission (CIDSAC) for accreditation by the National Accreditation Commission. All three of these schools are seeking re-accreditation, having already been accredited for several years. Danville Lutheran School, Danville Our Savior s, Springfield Zion, Lincoln Our Savior s Lutheran Church & School, Springfield The national meeting took place in early August, at which time all three of our recommended schools received accreditation. Several CID schools are in the self-study process for NLSA accreditation. Some will be scheduling NLSA site visits in the school year. Those in the process include: Concordia, Peoria St. John, Buckley St. John, Mattoon Lutheran School Association, Decatur Lutheran High School, Springfield Trinity, Springfield Finally, the list of schools currently accredited by NLSA and working through their school improvement plans includes: Altamont Lutheran Interparish School, Altamont Trinity, Bloomington St. John, Champaign Bethel, Morton

10 10 The GatePost September 2011 Official Notices Names in the News O R DA I N E D Incoming Rev. Mark Anderson, STL graduate to Bethel, Morton Rev. Donald Antor, STL graduate to Salem, Salem Rev. Thayer Benson, MNN to Associate at Redeemer, Peoria Rev. Kevin Bueltmann, STL graduate to St. John, Green Valley Rev. Kurtis Bueltmann, NID to Faith, Monticello Rev. Phillip Callahan, FTW graduate to Peace, Thomasboro Rev. Gene Haug, SD to St. Paul, Manito Within CID Rev. Mark Gruden, Ascension, Washington, to non-candidate status Rev. Mark Nelson, Associate to Administrative Pastor, Trinity, Peoria Rev. Troy Roenfanz, St. Paul, Decatur, to LSA, Decatur Transfer Out Rev. James Bettermann, Trinity, Peoria, to St. John, Lexington, KY Rev. James Link, EM CID to EM IN Rev. Delton Nac, EM CID to EM IN Rev. Micheal Strong, EM CID to Zion Evangelical, Farmersville (SID) Called to Glory Rev. Carl Janssen of Watseka June 11, 2011 Rev. Donald Kirchner of Clinton May 17, 2011 C O M M I S S I O N E D Incoming Megan Genskow, Concordia, Nebraska, to LSA, Decatur Michelle Seris, Concordia, Chicago, to teacher at LSA, Decatur John Zilm, Concordia, Nebraska, to LSA, Decatur Andrew Monkemeyer, Concordia, Chicago, to teacher at Concordia, Peoria Paul Thompson, Metro East, Edwardsville, to principal at Concordia, Peoria Mark Ploss, Franklin, IN, to principal/teacher at St. Peter, St. Peter Katherine Mueller, Concordia, Chicago, to teacher at St. Paul, Milford Lowell Timm, New Haven, IN, to principal at Danville Lutheran School Lynette Hoyum, FL/GA to teacher at Bethel, Morton Julie Klinge, Concordia, Nebraska, to teacher at St. John, Buckley W ithin CID Sarah Koch, LSA, Decatur, to Director of Children s Ministry at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Decatur Transfer Out Don Duensing, Lutheran High, Springfield, to principal at Christ Our Rock Lutheran High School, Centralia N O N - C O M M I S S I O N E D Alissa Mercier, Our Savior s, Springfield, to teacher/principal at St. John, New Berlin Jennifer Sperry to director/teacher at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Preschool, Galesburg Brenda Voightman to art teacher at Lutheran High, Springfield C O N G R E G AT I O N S Disbanded Ascension, Washington July 10, 2011 (formerly E. Peoria) Chartered Faith, Monticello June 5, 2011 Calling Faith, Flora Trinity, Peoria (Associate) Geraldine Jeri Bidner of Immanuel, Osman, has been selected as the 2011 CID Volunteer Teacher of the Year. Jeri has been teaching preschool and kindergarten Sunday School for 56 years. Reverend William E. Duey is celebrating his 50th year in ministry this year. In addition to serving in the Spanish missions in Guatemala, he served at Our Redeemer in Dallas, TX, and as an interim pastor at several congregations in the Northern Illinois District. Pastor Duey has served in the Central Illinois District congregations of St. Paul, Decatur; St. Paul, Mattoon; and Mt. Calvary, Galesburg. He is currently serving as an interim pastor at Trinity in Dwight, IL. Pastor Marvin Matzke officially retired in December, 2010, after spending over 61 years as a pastor. Forty-eight of those years were spent in serving several congregations in the Central Illinois District, including St. Paul, Chapin; Trinity, El Paso; and Christ, Normal. Ms. Kristen Strom, daughter of Pastor Terry and Sandy Strom (Trinity, Urbana), will be serving in Turkey as a research/ development assistant. Her term of service will begin August 31, 2011, and will end September 5, Who is the longest serving CID worker? In 1970, the Central Illinois District recognized the need to assist pastors and congregations in serving and ministering to persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. To assist with serving people with special needs, the CID called Deaconess Linda Schaefer. Forty one years later, Linda still does this important work for these special people needing to learn about their loving Savior. Joy in Jesus is evident on the faces of those who receive the Good News. Without the District s mission support, they would not have this opportunity.

11 ? CID Trivia 1) True / False: The late president Arthur Kuehnert was born in Illinois. 2) Who served as the secretary for the Camp CILCA association in the 1960 s? 3) There have been 15 pastors who have served as CID President. Not all are listed here, but of those who are, which is the correct sequence? a) Brand, Heyne, Schuecke, Mueller, Kuehnert, Kuhn, Haak, Bueltmann b) Brand, Heyne, Schuecke, Mueller, Haak, Kuehnert, Kuhn, Bueltmann 4) Which current CID pastor has a dog named Moses? 5) True / False: Christ, Waverly, was at one time a member congregation of the Southern IL District. 6) Sweet Pete, the Exegete was the nickname for which Springfield professor? 7) Which CID congregations have the same name as the community in which they are located? Answers: 1) False Oklahoma 2) Betty Schumacher 3) b 4) Dan Smith, Galesburg 5) True 6) Lorman Peterson 7) St. Peter, St. Peter; Salem, Salem; and Mt. Zion, Mt. Zion Telling The Good News About Jesus 11 What s New at Church Extension The Central Illinois District Church Extension Fund is thrilled to announce that it is now possible for you to receive your interest income directly through your checking account. No longer is there a possibility of losing your check in the mail. No longer will there be the possibility of losing your check before you can cash it. No longer will you need to go out in the snow or rain to cash your check. Your income check will always be there on time. If this is an opportunity you are interested in, please contact Dave Rohe or Susan Bachmann at (217) to obtain a Direct Deposit form and return it with your voided check. Please allow two weeks for processing. CENTRAL ILLINOIS DISTRICT CHURCH EXTENSION FUND, INC. INVESTMENT FORM 7/18/ North Grand Avenue West, Springfield, IL (217) cef@cidlcms.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). Enclosed $ investment in CID-CEF should be issued as follows: TERM % RATE* MINIMUM Flexible 0.50 $25 (Passbook Savings Account) 1 Year 5 Year $100 $1,000 3 Year 6 Months $100 $5,000 Interest Check Semi-Annually (if over $25) Accumulate Interest and Add to Note Balance *RATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE. PLEASE CALL TO CONFIRM CURRENT INTEREST RATES. Individual Ownership - Name (print) 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 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.) USA PATRIOT ACT of October 26, 2001, says we must verify the identity of any person seeking to open an investment account with us. We will follow this law by obtaining picture identification of all new investors. Therefore, if you are a new investor, please include a photocopy of your drivers license or other state issued photo identification. The protection of our customer s identity and confidentiality is CEF s pledge to you. We proudly support all efforts to protect and maintain the security of our investors and our country.

12 Glenn Goeres 1850 North Grand Avenue West Springfield, IL Assistance For You and Your Church in Outreach and Revitalization Consultation The Central Illinois District wants to support our congregations in placing a greater and a growing emphasis on an evangelistic ministry that will assist them to tell the Good News about Jesus Christ (Outreach). Our Central Illinois District wants to help our plateaued and declining churches to move forward in serving Christ s people in their congregation and the people of their community. A Revitalization Process provides a consultation team of respected CID pastors to spend a weekend at your church. Following this consultation, two years of follow up and working with your church monthly or more is provided at no cost to the congregation. How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Romans 10:14, 15a, 17) For more information contact the Mission & Evangelism Executive, Rev. Joel Cluver, at (217) or jcluver@cidlcms.org. The GatePost for The Central Illinois District of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod is published 3 times per year. It is a supplement to congregational newsletters. Submit all articles to the Editor: Glenn Goeres 1850 North Grand Avenue West Springfield, IL ggoeres@cidlcms.org Layout and Design by: Deverman Advertising Pekin, Illinois Printing and Distribution by: Martin Graphics Champaign, Illinois Deadline for January 2012 Issue: November 20, 2011 Communications Committee Rev. Dr. Rodger Abatie, Chairman Rev. David Bueltmann, Advisor Glenn Goeres, Editor Jim Deverman Shawn Hoffmann Rev. Dr. Wayne Hoffman Barry Locher