David J. Bueltmann, 61, has been CID president since Previously he served as vicepresident.

Transcription

1 The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod cid-lcms.org July/August 2003 Top Five Nominations for CID President In This Issue... Nominations for President From the President s Desk Chicken Dinner and Auction... 2 Trinity Auburn Expansion Vicars and Candidates Placed.. 3 CID Students Honored New Members Convention Nominations LLL Convention Issues for the Convention Pastors Wives Retreat Official Notices LCMS Youth Gathering Volunteer Teacher of the Year.. 6 Rev. Daniel Smith Installation.. 6 CEF Awards Mission Grants... 7 DCEs Recognized for Training.. 7 Call Day Services CID Extension Fund Form Bible Study The top five nominees for Central Illinois District President are Vernon L. Betterman, David J. Bueltmann, Wayne P. Hoffman, Mark A. Miller and Geoffrey L. Robinson. Congregations and pastors received nominating forms. The top five nominees that agree to run are placed on the ballot. Additional nominations may be made at the convention, provided the person nominated agrees to run. Vernon L. Betterman, 61, is senior pastor of St. Peter-East Peoria. He is currently a member of the CID Board of Directors and has been a delegate to three synodical conventions. He has served as an Air National Guard Chaplin, Army National Guard Chaplin, East Peoria Police and Fire Commission, LSS Board and State Police Chaplin District 8. David J. Bueltmann, 61, has been CID president since Previously he served as vicepresident. He has been a pastor, a teacher and has served on various boards at Immanuel- Springfield. He has served in various District capacities including circuit counselor, youth, nominations, public relations and evangelism committees, LWML counselor and editor of the CID Lutheran Witness supplement. He served as Synodical delegate in 1992 and Outside activities include Bethesda Lutheran Home Board, OAFC Board, Kiwanis Board, DeWitt County Mental Health Board, Lutheran High School Board, wrestling, soccer and baseball coach. Wayne P. Hoffman, 55, is currently pastor of Our Savior-Springfield. Previous churches are Zion, Bridgeville, PA and St. John-Lansing. In the Eastern District he served as circuit counselor, LLL Zone pastoral advisor and Synodical Convention delegate. While in Northern Illinois, he was pastoral advisor to the Lutheran High School. In CID he has worked on the Education Committee, Communications Committee, Lutheran High School pastoral advisor and chairman for the CID 150th Synodical Anniversary worship service. He was Bridgeville Volunteer Fire Department Chaplin and now serves on the Sangamon County-Springfield Prevention of Family Violence Committee. Mark A. Miller, 47, is senior pastor of St. John-Pekin. Previous churches served were in Nebraska and Minnesota. He served as LWML pastoral advisor in Nebraska and LLL zone pastoral advisor in Minnesota. He also served as circuit counselor in Minnesota. In CID, he has served as First Vice-president since 2000 and on the missions commission, convention committees, evangelism committee and chairs the Board of Directors. Outside activities have included the Laurel NE School District Aids Policy Committee in 1988 and presently the Peoria Area Civic Chorale. continued on Page 2

2 2 The GatePost July/August 2003 Top Five Nominations for CID President (continued from Page 1) Geoffrey L. Robinson, 49, is pastor at Bethlehem-Altamont. Previous parishes were in Arkansas and Kansas. He served as circuit counselor, youth representative and LWML Zone counselor in Kansas. In CID he has served as Assistant District Secretary and then District Secretary beginning in He has served on convention floor committees, Stewardship Committee, including the chairmanship, the Mission Commission, Rural Ministry Commission and Congregational Life Committee. He serves as an Adjunct Professor in Science at the Vandalia Correctional Center for Lakeland Community College and as Adjunct Professor in Philosophy of religion, Logic and Ethics at the Vandalia Extension Center for Kaskaskia College. He is also an Illinois State Police Chaplin. Detailed biographies and position statements will be available to delegates from the nominations committee at the Convention. The president is selected by majority vote. If no one receives more than 50% on the first ballot, the candidate receiving the fewest votes is dropped from the ballot and the voting continues until a candidate receives a majority. From the President s Desk Pray for Missions and Finances Our District Convention may be in session by the time you read this. A major concern for the Convention and the District Board of Directors is the loss of income to the district budget. Many congregations are experiencing difficulties in funding because of less income and added expenses, especially in health care for workers. What can we do? George Barna reported on May 19 that church revenues are down in the past 12 months. One reason may well be the decline in the proportion of people who tithe. Based on his latest research: 1) the proportion of Christian adults who tithe dropped 62%, 2) only 6% of Christian households tithed in 2002, 3) the groups most likely to tithe are over 55, college graduates, evangelicals, Republicans, conservatives, and residents of the south. Another study has shown that only 2.6% of a Christian s income is given to the Lord. The District has had to cut about $450,000 from the 2002 budget. The District receives its funding from the generous gifts of God s people in our congregations. The amount given by our congregations has decreased for a number of reasons. The recession has affected many people. There is a higher rate of unemployment today. We can understand why some are having financial difficulties. There may be other reasons. CID has a heavy financial commitment to do mission work at our university campuses and mission stations. We are committed to reach out to the Hispanic population in the Quad Cities and other parts of our District. We are reaching out in prison ministry. We are grateful to the many congregations who have been able to maintain or even increase their giving. Unfortunately, it appears we will have to do some cutting. Take a look at the book of Malachi, especially 3:8-10: Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. But you ask, How are we to return? In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse the whole nation of you because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this, says the Lord Almighty, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessings that you will not have room enough for it. As we ponder the concerns that we have, remember how the Lord provided for Elijah, the widow and her son during the drought. God can care for us in the midst of difficult times. Let us take our concerns to the Lord in prayer. Ask God to help our missions to expand and help us in solving our problems. Let us encourage each other in doing what we can to extend God s kingdom here so that more people can hear about Jesus and His sacrifice for the sins of the world. Camp Holds Chicken Dinner and Auction Camp CILCA Outdoor Ministries will be hosting the 5th Annual Chicken Dinner/Quilt Auction on Sunday, August 31. The meal will be served from 11:30 to 2:00 p.m. with the quilt auction to begin at 2:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the door at a cost of $6.00 for adults and $4.00 for children aged Please join us for a wonderful afternoon of food, fun and fellowship. The beach will be open from 1-5 p.m. and camping for the weekend is available. For more information or to donate a quilt for the auction, please contact the camp office at (217) We are still seeking more donations of quilts for the auction.

3 Telling The Good News About Jesus 3 Trinity Auburn Expansion and Remodel Project Trinity Auburn plans to start a remodeling and expansion project in June to enhance community outreach and increase space for its bursting at the seams Sunday school and Vacation Bible School programs. The 7,000 sq. ft. expansion also will provide facilities for Christian education, fellowship ministries and give the church a new multi-use room that can be partitioned into individual classrooms. Plans include improving accessibility for people with disabilities and making the church entrance more inviting and attractive. Vicars and Candidates Placed Vicars and pastoral candidates were assigned and called to CID congregations at the Spring services at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN. Jim Bandy, Congregation President; Mark Marshall, Capital Funding Services Vice President, Congregation Services; and Rev. Richard Harre, Church Pastor. The congregation is exploring the possibility of using the new addition for a before-andafter school care program. We ve looked at needs in our community and this seems to be one, said Rev. Richard Harre, pastor of this congregation, now in its 50th year of ministry. We want to do more outreach and provide more comfortable, quality surroundings for more young people to take part in our Christian education programs. To help make Trinity s vision a reality, the congregation partnered with Capital Funding Services (CFS), the capital fundraising arm of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. A ministry of the Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF), CFS helps congregations and agencies raise funds to build and to retire burdensome debt. The Biblically-based stewardship campaign accomplished more than fund raising, the pastor said, It helped us think about how God has gifted us, how God has sacrificed for us and how we respond. Harre said, CFS was definitely a benefit to our congregation. Two CID Students Honored Two CID students were among 25 graduates honored by Concordia University, NE, with Outstanding Student Awards based on exceptional performance in their field of study during commencement exercises May 10. Jeff Matzke and Candice Suttie, graduates of Springfield Lutheran High School, were recognized for excellence in Geography and Theatre respectively. Approximately 260 graduates received degrees at the commencement. New Members at Good Shepherd Bloomington The new members of Good Shepherd Lutheran Bloomington joined through Adult Confirmation, Adult Baptism and Infant Baptism. Good Shepherd is a mission congregation of the Central Illinois District. Rev. Chad Lueck and the members thank their fellow brothers and sisters in the district for their continued prayers and support. Vicar Kurt C. Klingbeil of Marion, WI, was assigned to Trinity Casey. Vicar Clarence O. Rogers III of Mesa, AZ, was assigned to Good Shepherd Sherman and Vicar Kevin C. Wendorf of Cottage Grove, MN, was assigned to Concordia Geneseo. Darrell L. Debowey of Hudson, OH, was called to Immanuel Springfield and Michael J. Poynter of Cincinnati, OH, was called to St. Peter Thawville and Trinity Onarga. Pictured are Vicars and Pastor candidates from Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN. Front row: Kevin C. Wendorf, Shawn Klingbeil, Jeri Rogers, Rachel Poynter, Jon Debowey, Candice Debowey and David Debowey. Back row: President Bueltmann, Kurt C. Klingbeil, Clarence O. Rogers III, Michael Poynter and Derrell Debowey New members recently received by Good Shepherd Bloomington. Good Shepherd is a mission congregation. The Rev. Chad Lueck is pastor.

4 4 The GatePost July/August 2003 Convention Nominations Report The 54th Regular Convention of the Central Illinois District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod will be held July 6-8, 2003, at Northfield Inn Suites & Conference Center, Springfield, Illinois. Regular updates on the convention, including election results, will be posted on the District website: cid-lcms.org. In order to assist the pastors and congregations of the Central Illinois District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod with their preparations for the upcoming Convention the nominations committee is providing the following preliminary report: The procedures for the nomination of the District President, as stipulated in the CID handbook (1994 edition) Bylaws 2.39 and 2.40a, have been followed. Those nominated include (in alphabetical order): President Vern Bettermann David J. Bueltmann Wayne Hoffmann Mark A. Miller Geoffrey Robinson Listed below are individuals who have informed the nominations committee of their willingness to serve if elected to other offices or positions of the district. Secretary Clergymen James Stuenkel Kent A. Umbarger Assistant Secretary Clergymen Theodore Gall* Rick Milas Treasurer Laymen John Rodenberg Robert Peterson Financial Secretary Laymen Michael Kurecki W. Ronald YaDeau* Board of Directors Parish Pastors Vern Bettermann* Daniel Bishop Paul Droegemueller Rollie Meyer Joseph Murphy Donald Pritchard* Geoffrey Robinson Karl Weber Parish Teachers Ronald Krohse* William Krueger* Patrick Leopold Daniel Yagow Laymen Kurt Bickes Roy Burris J. R. Davidsmeyer* Leslie Fyans* Robert Jahns Herb Krueger Raymond Stuckemeyer Greg Mills Nominations Committee for the 2006 District Convention Parish Pastors Daniel Bishop Richard Salcido David Speers J. Kevin Wykoff Parish Teachers William Krueger Charles Lowell Martha Milas Larry Urban Laymen Leslie Fyans Herb Krueger Raymond Stuckemeyer Gary Wachtel Congregational Constitution Committee Clergymen (at least one a parish pastor) Brock Abbott Michael Mohr Robert Woods J. Kevin Wykoff* Layman (must be an attorney) Jonathan Hurst Jimmie Oakes Church Extension Fund President Walter Karloski* Vice President Kenneth Emme* Carol Schmidt Secretary/Treasurer Carol Radtke* Trustee Laymen Loren Ehling* Danny Maglitz Scott Park Chris Shroyer Ministers of Religion (O)rdained (C)ommissioned Steven Gallo (O) Charles Olander (O) Wray Offermann* (O) Stephen Rensner (C) LCMS Nominations David J. Bueltmann Mark A. Miller *denotes incumbent According to Bylaw 2.46c., the final report on nominees shall contain pertinent information concerning the specific experience and qualifications of each candidate for the office in question. The final report will be sent to all delegates after the necessary information has been received by the secretary of the nominations committee.

5 Telling The Good News About Jesus 5 LLL Convention The Central Illinois District will host the 86th International Convention of the International Lutheran Laymen s League, July 17-20, at the Peoria Civic Center. John McBride, Chairman of the Convention Committee, says the Central Illinois District of the Lutheran Laymen s League is hard at work preparing for the best-ever Convention. The 86th International Convention is drawing people from around the world to become energized for the great work our Lord has entrusted to us. It is a time for worship, planning, sharing and renewal for people from all walks of life; a coming together of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Thursday evening the convention will open with the occasion of receiving both His Word and His precious Body and Blood as we gather for the Divine Service. Saturday evening the arena will overflow with God s message of salvation in Scripture and song as all who attend God s Grace In Peoria...A Celebration Event will be taken on a journey of faith through the Christian life and experience. This exciting service will feature Scripture readings and brief meditations interspersed with some of the greatest hymns of the Church, including The Church s One Foundation, A Mighty Fortress, and Crown Him With Many Crowns. The Rev. Ken Klaus, Speaker for Lutheran Hour Ministries, will give a longer meditation. The Friday combined luncheon for men and women will feature well-known Pastors Wives Retreat dramatist, musician, speaker and author, Dr. Jeffery E. Burkart, presenting a dramatic retelling of the Parable of the Sower in music and drama. Dr. Burkart, is the author of the book The Hidden Prince, and has produced many other books for the LLL as well as music for the LWML. Friday and Saturday breakfast speakers include Phyliss Wallace, Rev John Nunes, Dr. Oswald Hoffman and Dr. Robert and Mrs Gonzalez. The Friday evening LLL Family Night is loaded with fun and inspiration. The evening will begin with a root n-toot n country buffet. Motivational speaker, Ken Davis and friends, will perform. Following Ken Davis and Friends, a concert will be given by Echelon. Friday afternoon seminar speakers will present seminars to help us grow in faith and provide ways we can be of service to others: Dr. Paul Maier: Christianity Defending the Faith Dr. Reed Lessing: Defining Judaism A key that Clarifies the Bible Dr. Roland Miller: Discovering Islam Sharing Christ The Rev. Art Simmons: Equipping the Saints for Evangelism Ruth Koch: Christian Conflict Resolution Dr. Richard Bimler: Live a Healthy and Happy Life in the Lord! The Annual CID Pastors Wives Retreat will be October 3-4 at Camp CILCA with the theme being To Be Content. Elaine Bickel from Millington, MI, is the speaker and the Bible Study leader. Plan now to attend. Issues the Convention Will Face Sixteen overtures were submitted to the 54th Regular Convention of the Central Illinois District, by District boards, circuits, circuit forums and congregations. Overtures submitted to the Missions, Evangelism and Human Care Committee encourage the support of the ministry of Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois and to continue the Tell the Good News About Jesus in every congregation. The Theology and Administration committee will consider overtures dealing with David Behnke, Wallace Shultz, a Synodical Commission on Constitutional Matters decision, Biblical dissent, proposed changes in the 2007 hymnal s wording of the Nicene Creed, joint pastoral conferences, fellowship and witnessing of the Gospel at public events. The Education, Communications and Congregational Life Committee will review overtures regarding the Lutheran Laymen s League. The Stewardship, Finance and Church Extension Committee will consider proposals regarding church worker educational debt, Concordia Retirement plans spousal survivor benefits and the use of CID mission offerings. The various committees review the overtures, hear anyone who wishes to comment on them and revise them, if necessary, before they are presented to the Convention as resolutions. A committee may recommend an overture be declined. However, the Convention can call up the overture for consideration. The resolutions are considered and debated at the Convention and may be amended. One pastor s wife stated last year I can think of many reasons not to attend, but I need this retreat. We all need this retreat to help equip us in our role as pastors wives!

6 6 The GatePost July/August 2003 National LCMS Youth Gathering Goes Live Official Notices Calling Congregations: Casey Newton Christ St. Luke Immanuel Charleston San Jose Delavan St. Paul Lexington St. Paul Pana Trinity Good Shepherd Calls Accepted: Rev. John Frahm, St. Paul Pana to Gloria Dei Virginia, MN Rev. Marvin Lorenz, Christ- Delavan/St. Luke-San Jose to St. Paul-Latimer, IA Rev. Joseph Murphy, Our Redeemer Eureka, IL, to Concordia Evansville, IN Rev. Thomas Phillips, Zion New Holland to Christ Jacksonville Vacant Non-Calling Congregations: Altamont Zion Bluffs Trinity Candidates: Michael Poynter (Ft. Wayne) to St. Peter Thawville & Trinity Onarga Darrel Debowey (Ft. Wayne) to Immanuel Springfield Vicars: Nathan Woolery (Ft. Wayne, winter) Trinity Pekin Clarence Rogers III (Ft. Wayne) Good Shepherd Sherman Kevin Wendorf (Ft. Wayne) Concordia Geneseo Kurt Klingbeil (Ft. Wayne) convertible Trinity Casey Mark Junkin (St. Louis) Grace Paris Troy Roenfanz (St. Louis) St. Paul Decatur Non-Calling Congregations: Immanuel Cissna Park (Served by Rev. Carl W. Janssen) Grace Dietrich (Served by Rev. G. Fortkamp) Epiphany Dunlap (Served by Rev. D. Handrich) St. Paul Sigel (Served by Rev. G. Fortkamp) With the 2004 National LCMS Youth Gathering little more than one year away, adult leaders and youth participants can prepare to go Beyond Imagination online as the official Gathering Web site opened in late April, The Web site, found at serves as the primary location for Pre-Gathering information ranging from registration and housing concerns to program information, interactive visitor polls and downloads of important Gathering resources Gathering participants can download the Gathering logo, read more about the Gathering theme development, even purchase Gathering merchandise and planning resources at the Gathering site. Jane Haines has been selected as the Lutheran Volunteer Teacher of the Year for the CID. Jane is a member of Trinity- Urbana where she has been teaching Sunday School for over 30 years. Nominators refer to Mrs. Haines dedication to her children over the years. Jane has been an example to her fellow Sunday school teachers as well as the entire congregation through her life of service. The Parish Education Committee of our District administers the process to identify an individual in Central Illinois as the Lutheran Volunteer Teacher of the Year. The process involves individuals and The Gathering site will be updated regularly as new planning emerges. One of the most important features of the site is registration. Online registration is the preferred method of Gathering registration and will be available to participants in late Summer The Youth Ministry Office will receive registration for the Gathering no earlier than October 22, The National LCMS Youth Gathering will happen July 24-28, 2004, in Orlando, Florida. Registration is $225 per participant. Lutheran Volunteer Teacher of the Year Rev. Daniel Smith Installation congregations submitting nominations and supporting letters of recommendation. The members of the Parish Education Committee then review the nomination materials and select the award recipient on the basis of the submitted information. Nine applications were submitted this year. Unfortunately, not all applications fulfilled the requirements of the nomination process. Nominees not selected for recognition of this award may be nominated in succeeding years. The Parish Education Committee encourages all congregations to individually and publicly recognize and thank volunteers throughout the congregation for their generous service to the work of the church. Daniel Smith was installed as pastor of Mt. Calvary Galesburg on Sunday, March 30. Back row: Robert Woods, Pablo Dominguez, Paul Pett and Ken Wegener. Front row: Les Dumer, Karl Weber, Dan Smith, President Bueltmann and Dan Olson.

7 Telling The Good News About Jesus 7 CEF Awards $14,500 in Mission Grants The April 2003 meeting of the Church Extension Fund Board of Trustees awarded the following Mission and Outreach Grants: Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church Decatur ($700) for support of Stephen Ministry Program. CID High School Youth Gathering Committee ($3,000) for Servant Event Day. St. Paul Lutheran Church Sadorus ($4,000) for Noah s Ark Preschool Outreach. Trinity Lutheran Church Peoria ($1,300) for Angel Fire Servant Event. Camp CILCA Cantrall ($500) for Camp CILCA Bible project. Immanuel Lutheran Campus Ministry Charleston ($1,000) CD Outreach project. Trinity Lutheran Church Bloomington ($1,500) Chicago Mission trip. Peace Lutheran Church Thomasboro ($2,500) Back to the Streets outreach project. Call Day Services During Call Day services on April 8, 2003, at Concordia Seminary St. Louis, 87 pastoral calls and 117 vicarages for students were announced. Those assigned in the Central Illinois District, pictured with the District President, are from left, Troy Roenfanz, Amy Roenfanz, Mark Junkin and Rev. David Bueltmann. Two DCEs Recognized for Training Scott Rauch, Director of Christian Education (DCE) at Trinity Peoria, and Chuck Bahn, DCE at Trinity Bloomington have completed a 14-month leadership training program through the Karpenko Institute for Nurturing and Developing Leadership Excellence (KINDLE). Rausch was recognized in worship on February 23, KINDLE equips DCEs to develop Christ-like leaders by recruiting and fostering lay leaders. KINDLE is an independent foundation named to honor Dr. William Karpenko II, Director of Church relations at Valparaiso and a pioneer in the formation of DCE ministry in the LCMS. CENTRAL ILLINOIS DISTRICT CHURCH EXTENSION FUND INVESTMENT FORM 5/1/03 PO Box 7003, Springfield, IL / 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 2.00 $25 1 Year 2.50 $100 3 Year 3.25 $100 5 Year 4.00 $ Months 2.25 $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)

8 Bible Study The District Convention is about to start. There are various conclaves reported in Scripture where the Church acted to elect a leader or decide a theological or practical question. Read Acts 1:15-26 What was the purpose of the meeting? On what basis does Peter say they need to take action? How do they select Matthias? is a small pebble or stick. It is the word used when the soldier s cast lots for Jesus garment. The lot fell on Matthias. The word has the sense of receiving one s portion and is related to the word that means inheritance. Scholars have long debated the exact method of selection. What preceded the vote? What is their request? Read Acts 15:1-29 The Jerusalem Council What question needed to be resolved? Who were the opposing parties? What event does Peter refer to in verse 7? See Acts 10:24-48 What is most important? Verses What does it mean, putting on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear? Romans 2:17-24; Romans 3:23; Galatians 5:1 While Peter refers to his experience, what does James use to prove the point? Verses The quote is from Amos 9:11-12 What is the final decision? 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 September/October Issue: July 20th, 2003 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