The 57th Regular Convention of the

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1 The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod October th Regular Convention News In This Issue... From the President s Desk Page 2 CID Convention Coverage Pages 3 7 Lutheran Older Adult Retreat Page 8 Parish Nurses Network Page 9 Official Notices Page 10 Church Extension Fund Page 11 Engaging Rural Communities Page 12 The 57th Regular Convention of the Central Illinois District, Lutheran Church Missouri Synod opened Sunday evening, July 8, 2012, with a powerful worship service hosted by Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Sherman. The opening choir anthem, accompanied by trumpet, boldly proclaimed that God is Our Refuge and Strength. Over 300 voices then joined together to praise and acknowledge our God as Lord everlasting. Throughout the Worship Service, during hymns, liturgy, and prayer, the sanctuary was filled with a unified chorus that resounded with the heavy bass which reflected the large number of male voices present. LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison gives communion to Pastors and lay persons at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Sherman, Illinois. The message was delivered by the Synodical President, the Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison. He preached on the Convention s theme of, Scripture Alone, Grace Alone, and Faith Alone. More specifically, he reminded all present of the importance of Pointing to Christ. Through scripture alone, the law points for the need for Christ and the gospel points to what Christ has done for us. The Rev. Dr. Harrison pointed to Ephesians 2:8 and the fact that by grace alone, we have been saved through faith none of it our own doing. Likewise, by faith alone we grab onto Christ s work and his gifts. He concluded by urging all to continue to point to Christ with the Gospel for all in this world to see. Learn more about the Convention on Pages 3 7.

2 2 The GatePost October 2012 From the President s Desk My Punctured Earlobe Hi, I m Mark Miller and I ve recently been elected President of the Central Illinois District. If I m unknown to you, well, I have three years to make your acquaintance and you mine. But, this whole thing is not about me. As I recently told the Board of Directors, this is not MY church I m not leaving behind MY congregation and this has not become MY District. The Lord Jesus is the head of the Church. It is His body. He suffered and sacrificed Himself for it, and I am His most humble slave. Slave means that I am not my own; for you see, I was bought at a price a rather hefty price at that. Nothing less than the life of the Son of God would do to purchase the life of this sinner. Nothing less than the victory of His resurrection would be able to supply this transgressor with a victory of my own. Our focus is always on Him! Jesus is the Master and what He says goes. He doesn t speak in unclear tones or in mystic vocabulary. In fact, as the Word of God made flesh He embodies the will of the Father. He condescends to our level and in conversation, by sermon and parable, He makes known to us things of which we would otherwise remain ignorant. By earthly means and through human lips the Son of God gives us the lowdown on heavenly realities. He specializes in the truth and words of life. Dead men have no interest in matters physical or spiritual. Dead men rot and not by their own effort. It comes natural and it is more a matter of what happens to them rather than any choice they made or action they pursued. Yet, when the Gospel is proclaimed in all its beauty to those laid prostrate by the Law, then, dead men s bones rise up to form a living and unstoppable army for the Lord. I am formerly one of those dead men, but now alive in and by Christ Jesus. Yes, His Word is not only directive but predominately it dispenses exactly what dead men need new life. That new birth, too, like the birth of our own flesh, of our mothers, is not of our doing. It happens to us. We don t make it happen. That new birth and life is a gift of God, lest any man should boast. We are His servants, yes even slaves. We have no will of our own. Our own selves belong completely to another. Our lives are gifts from this benevolent Master. All that we have is actually the possession of Someone else. We are accountable to Him above all others. Yet, such servitude is not, nor ever has been, a burden. Luther pointed out the paradox of the Christian My prayer is that as I embark on this new adventure in His Church among His congregations for His people I might do all things well that in those same things our Lord always has preeminence and receives all glory for the sake of the Gospel that has saved us all and gives us life. life when he said that we are truly free, servant to none, yet at the same time we are bound, servant to all. In another vein, our service is never a burden when our God is the Lord. We are spurred on, not by sharp prods or hot pokers or leather whips, but rather our service flows from His service to us. The service of His Son is, without question, the highest and best sacrifice wherein He gave completely of Himself. His generosity and pity, the whole of His undeserved love, is the motivation for our deeds of thanksgiving done to His glory. This is what moves us to full and free service to Him by all we are and have. A biblical illustration from an installation sermon delivered years ago, by the Rev. David Anderson, (presently of Dubuque, Iowa, and my former vicarage supervisor), employed a Levitical precept [Exodus 21:6] to underscore the joy of service to a kindly King. If, when a Hebrew slave was to go free in the seventh year, Rev. Mark A. Miller, President he wished to stay with his master, he would be brought before the judges, placed up against a doorpost, and a hole would be bored in his ear with an awl. Then he could stay and serve. The prime motivation for submitting to this act was that he loved his master. The result was that he voluntarily became a lifelong servant in that household. I recognize that the Office of the Holy Ministry exists, and is meant, to render diligent service. The tools are Word and Sacrament, nothing more and nothing less. Furthermore, our Master is beyond benevolent and we are willing to stay in His service forever. Yet this office of President is a strange creature. It is of human origin [nowhere is it commanded in Scripture], but it exercises ecclesiastical prerogatives and performs churchly functions and duties. So, first of all, still I am answerable to my Lord! I must render true and willing service as He directs. I made a vow and promise before the convention that I would serve, even as I have as a pastor for nearly thirty years, in obedience to the Scriptures and our Confession. I take that promise seriously! Secondly, I have been placed into service for the benefit of church workers, schools, and congregations. That too must play into the whole picture of my faithful service to the Lord. However, it s most likely that, publically, you will hold me to account sooner than He will. My prayer is that as I embark on this new adventure in His Church among His congregations for His people I might do all things well that in those same things our Lord always has preeminence and receives all glory for the sake of the Gospel that has saved us all and gives us life. Pastor Mark A. Miller

3 Telling The Good News About Jesus CENTRAL ILLINOIS DISTRICT CONVENTION JULY 8-10 SPRINGFIELD, IL District Offices Filled Rev. Mark A. Miller, President Rev. Kent Tibben, First Vice President Rev. Daniel Bishop, Second Vice President Rev. Rick Milas, Secretary Rev. Michael Mohr, Assistant Secretary Mr. John Myers, Jr., Treasurer Mr. Robert Dalton, Financial Secretary Newly elected District officers left to right Second Vice President Rev. Daniel Bishop, President Rev. Mark Miller, and First Vice President Rev. Kent Tibben. Elections The first election of the Convention was for District President. The four nominees were Rev. David Bueltmann (incumbent), Rev. Mark Miller, Rev. Dr. Daniel Olson, and Rev. Donald Pritchard. After a third ballot, a majority was attained. The Rev. Mark A. Miller was elected as the 16th President of the Central Illinois District. Nominations for Vice President of CID, East Region, were Daniel Olson, Terry Strom, and Kent Tibben. After two ballots, Rev. Kent Tibben was elected. Nominations for Vice President of CID, West Region, were Daniel Bishop, Mark Eddy, and Wes Reimnitz. After two ballots, Rev. Daniel Bishop was elected. The Convention then chose Rev. Kent Tibben as the First Vice President and Rev. Daniel Bishop as Second Vice President for the Central Illinois District. Newly Elected CID Board of Directors Clergy Teachers Rev. Daniel Olson Rev. Donald Pritchard Rev. Bruce Scarbeary Rev. James Wright Mr. Daniel Cluver Mr. Paul Thompson The Rev. Mark Miller (President Elect) addressed the Convention and communicated his willingness to serve the CID as its next District President. Rev. Miller pointed to Christ as our ultimate leader and also thanked Rev. Bueltmann for his service and example as District President. Convention attendees give a standing ovation to outgoing President David Bueltmann after serving for 17 years as the District s President. To God be the Glory. Installations Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison, Synodical President, installed Rev. Mark Miller as the new President of the CID, saying I charge you in the presence of God to preach the Word fulfill your ministry. Rev. Miller replied, I will. Rev. Miller then installed the newly elected Vice Presidents of CID, First Vice President Rev. Kent Tibben and Second Vice President Rev. Daniel Bishop. Laymen Mr. Wayne Dietrich Mr. Matt Puttman Mr. Harold Olsen Mr. Ray Stuckemeyer Rev. Miller next installed the Circuit Counselors and then installed Rev. Rick Milas (Secretary), Rev. Michael Mohr (Assistant Secretary), Rev. John Myers, Jr. (Treasurer), Mr. Robert Dalton (Financial Secretary), and newly elected members of the Board of Directors for the CID and Board of Directors for the Church Extension Fund. Convention attendees give a standing ovation to outgoing President David Bueltmann.

4 4 News The GatePost October 2012 Convention News Opening Devotions Convention Expresses Thanksgiving to Mrs. Charlotte Bueltmann The Rev. Larry D. Troxel started the Convention s first full day with an opening devotion. The theme was based on 1 Corinthians 1:26-2:5 and was entitled, The Wonder of God s Grace, Demonstrated in His Church. Then Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison (Synodical President) welcomed and blessed those who have newly entered into the ministry. CID President David Bueltmann opens Convention. Rev. Troxel opened the second day, with a devotion based on Hebrews 13:7-8. He spoke to the message, Remember Those Who Spoke God s Word to Us, and reminded the Convention to imitate the faith of those who led us and came before us, for their faith points to Jesus. Witness, Mercy, Life Together Video Presentation Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison, Synodical President, gave a video presentation outlining the Synodical emphasis of Witness, Mercy, and Life Together. Topics within the video included: Witness: Emphasis on missions and evangelism both within the United States and globally. Mercy: Emphasis on disaster response and showing care and concern for God s people within the United States and globally. Life Together: Emphasis on living the Christian life together, including emphasis on ethnic outreach, servant events, youth ministry, campus ministry, and school ministry. Question & Answer Session Rev. Dr. Harrison conducted a question and answer session with the delegates present at the Convention. Among the topics discussed: Synodical restructuring, HHS mandate, Specific Ministry Pastor program, stewardship, Lutheran Malaria Initiative, Evangelism, and the Pastoral office. A request came from the floor to recognize Mrs. Charlotte Bueltmann for the years of support for her husband during his presidency as well as support and service to the CID. Mrs. Bueltmann received a standing ovation. Electronic GatePost Option Rev. Dr. Rodger Abatie, pastor at Trinity, Pekin, addressed the Convention on behalf of the Communication s Committee asking both pastors and lay delegates to communicate with their home congregation members about utilizing the availability of the Electronic GatePost. He urged people to receive the District s newsletter through their by visiting the CID Web site at to sign up to receive The E-GatePost. Presentations The Convention also received presentations from: Dr. Cameron MacKenzie presentation of Convention Essay Enoch Peterson on Turkey Dian Jones, Lutheran Malaria Initiative Representative Rev. David Mahsman, Wittenberg Project Pam Spilker, District LWML Representative Roger Garlisch, District LLL Representative Todd Burmeister, CPH Representative Report from Credential s Committee 124 Pastoral Delegates present 128 Lay Delegates present 33 Advisory Delegates present 18 Staff present 25 Guests present

5 David H. Goldhammer Award News Telling Merle Glick was awarded the 2012 David H. Goldhammer Award for outstanding service to the CID Church Extension Fund (CEF) at the 2012 CID Convention in Springfield. This award is to recognize those who have made extraordinary contributions to Church Extension. This year s winner, as District Treasurer was also responsible for the District Savings and Loan Fund and began those duties in From his basement and with the help of his wife, Barbara, he managed all the church contributions to District and the many member investments in the Fund. This was done with a hand crank adding machine and a manual typewriter. Merle Glick (center) from Trinity, Pekin, receives award for years of voluntary service from Dave Rohe (left), Executive Director of the CID Church Extension Fund, and Kim Kleinschmidt, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for CEF. During Mr. Glick s six years as District Treasurer a volunteer position that compared to full-time employment he was also employed full-time at Caterpillar. Fifty years ago, the Church Extension Fund was quite small compared to what it is today. However, our recipient was heard to say, The money just keeps rollin in. CEF has grown from very modest beginnings to a fund today of over $40 million. With the help of God and this faithful servant, the seeds were planted and nourished. The Good News About Jesus 5 Memorial Service Rev. David Bueltmann led a time of remembrance for those pastors and commissioned ministers (teachers) who were called to Glory since the last CID Convention: Rev. William Adam, 1/24/2011 Rev. David Bessinger, June 2012 Rev. Reinhold Dierks, 10/29/2011 Rev. Gerald Freudenburg, 2/14/2010 Rev. Ernest Gerike, 9/13/2010 Rev. Arthur Goldberger, 10/7/2011 Rev. Everett Grese, 5/12/2009 Rev. Carl Janssen, 6/11/2011 Rev. Robert Jensen, 12/7/2011 Rev. Philip Kaufmann, 7/2/2010 Rev. Donald Kirchner, 5/17/2011 Convention Recognizes Outstanding Volunteer Sunday School Teachers Glenn Goeres, speaking on behalf of the Parish Education Committee, recognized the recipients of the Outstanding Volunteer Sunday School Teacher award for the past three years. THE 2010 AWARDEE: Debra Snyder of Our Redeemer, Eureka Debra has served in the field of education at Our Redeemer for over 30years, helping her pastor develop a curriculum for confirmation age students. She has worked with struggling students on a one-on-one basis during the week. Her nominator states, She demonstrates a passion for the Word of God, as well as devotion and dedication to the Christian education of our youth. THE 2011 AWARDEE: Jeri Bidner of Immanuel Lutheran, Osman Jeri s nominators share that She has taught with great patience over five decades of little ones how they are saved by grace through faith. Her interest in her preschool aged students does not stop once they move onto other classes. She takes time to communicate with them as they continue to grow in God s Word. THE 2012 AWARDEE: Patty Henschen of Concordia, Springfield Patty has taught for over four decades, 16 of those at Concordia. She teaches Sunday School to a special group of people from the Bethesda home, some of them have become members of Concordia as a result of Patty s efforts. One nominator shared, Through the Holy Spirit God equips us with everything we need to do His work. Patty has demonstrated through the years this quiet Spirit, these fruits, as she has taught God s Word to her students. Her dedication to her students is amazing working with them in her class, sitting with them during church services, assisting the members going up for communion, and visiting them when they are sick. She truly loves her students and they love to come and be a part of her class and learn of the love of God with her. Rev. Paul Koschmann, 12/21/2011 Rev. Aloyius Majewski, 12/3/2010 Rev. Edward Meyer, 1/15/2011 Rev. Glenn Renken, 12/18/2010 Rev. Erwin Ruhlig, 6/3/2010 Mrs. Rachel Poynter, 4/28/2010 Ms. Gayle Sablotny, 12/3/2010 Mr. Ralph Nitz, 3/10/2011 Oh Lord, we praise and thank You for these servants and the their faith. We remember that their faith points to You. To You Oh Lord be all glory and praise! The CID Communications Committee sends special thanks to Rev. Chris Nitzel for the use of his electronic devices during the Convention.

6 6 The GatePost October 2012 Resolutions MERCY COMMIT TEE RESOLUTIONS Resolution: To amend District bylaws VIII and X (R ) Summary: The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod adopted changes to its bylaws at the 2010 Convention. The Central Illinois District adjusted its Handbook to reflect these changes. Passed: Yes: 197 No: 4 Resolution: To adopt Portions of the CID Handbook (R ) Summary: The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod adopted changes to its bylaws at the 2010 Convention. The Central Illinois District adjusted its Handbook to reflect these changes. Passed: Yes: 199 No: 7 Resolution: To commend the Roman Catholic Church for its stance on religious freedoms and defense of the rights of the unborn Summary: That the CID publicly express gratitude to the Roman Catholic Church for defending the religious freedom of God s people and defending the sanctity of the life. Likewise standing together with the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod in defending 1st amendment rights in opposition to the HHS mandated. Passed: By verbal consensus. Resolution: To embrace mission and ministry emphasis (R ) Summary: That the CID submit the mission and ministry emphasis of Witness, Mercy, Life Together for consideration as the continued mission and ministry emphasis for the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod for the Triennium. Passed: Yes: 199 No: 6 Motion: Motion made and seconded for the CID Convention to consider Overture , which would be to memorialize Synod to direct Concordia Publishing House to put the 1986 translation of Luther s Small Catechism into the public domain. Defeated:Yes: 74 No: 138 The Convention chose not to consider Overture at this time. Resolution: To amend synod bylaw concerning the Commission on Constitutional matters (R ) Summary: The resolution clarified how the commission would examine previously submitted amendments and how amendments are submitted to the commission for review. See resolution R on page-19 for details. Passed: Yes: 208 No: 7 Resolution: To amend the constitution of the Central Illinois District LCMS (R ) Summary: The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod adopted changes to its bylaws at the 2010 Convention. The Central Illinois District adjusted its Handbook to reflect these changes. Passed: Yes: 208 No: 8 Resolution: To amend the bylaws of the CID (R ) Summary: The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod adopted changes to its bylaws at the 2010 Convention. The Central Illinois District adjusted its Handbook to reflect these changes. Passed: Yes: 208 No: 9 Resolution: To set limitation of terms for the Praesidium (R ) Summary: That the CID limits the District praesidium (District President and Vice Presidents) to three (3) three-year terms, totaling 9 years. Likewise, that the term limitations go into effect as of the beginning of the time of service for all officers following the 2015 District Convention. Passed: Yes: 116 No: 113 After the vote, questions arose regarding the need for a simple majority or 2/3 majority in order for this resolution to pass. It was revealed that a simple majority was sufficient. The narrow margin between the two options then resulted in a motion to rescind this resolution. The motion to rescind the resolution was defeated and the resolution remained approved. WITNESS COMMIT TEE RESOLUTIONS Resolution: To require uniformity of practice with regard to Word and Sacramental ministry Summary: That the CID in convention memorialize the Synod to develop a plan so that all men who are currently engaged in Word and Sacrament ministry without being publicly called to or placed in the office of the ministry, be enrolled in the Special Ministry Program (SMP) or cease from all forms of Word and Sacrament

7 Resolutions Telling The Good News About Jesus 7 ministry by the end of Likewise that the men enrolled in the SMP be called deacons, not pastors, until they fully complete the SMP program. Passed: Yes: 199 No: 22 Resolution: To affirm the God-given Form of Marriage Summary: That the CID affirms all that God s Word says about marriage, sexual activity, and child rearing. Further, that it is resolved that CID commend Catholic Charities of Illinois for refusing to certify couples who are living in sin to be foster parents and encourage other Christian agencies to do the same that children can be raised in the type of family which God created and condones. Likewise, that this resolution be forwarded to the Governor of Illinois, the Legislature, administrators of the social service agencies, and the President of the United States. Passed: Yes: 223 No: 2 Resolution: To oppose HHS mandate Summary: That the CID in convention express its opposition to the HHS mandate and petition the United States Senators from Illinois to oppose the HHS mandate and introduce/support legislation prohibiting it. Likewise, that the laity and church workers of CID also be encouraged to oppose the HHS mandate and communicate their opposition to their congressional representatives. Passed: Yes: 212 No: 1 Resolution: To encourage all CID congregations to receive the District visitors for the fall 2012 through 2013 Every Congregation Visit Summary: That the congregations of CID be encouraged to set aside time allowing representatives of the District to visit. Passed: Yes: 183 No: 20 Resolution: To promote Biblical stewardship and resources throughout the CID. Summary: The CID identify programs which promote Christian Stewardship, encourage and educate congregation members, and encourage CID members to give of their time, talents and treasures. Passed: Yes: 191 No: 13 Resolution: To adopt campus ministry as a mission and ministry emphasis. Summary: That the Synod adopt Campus Ministry as one of its Mission and Ministry Emphases for the next triennium. Passed: Yes: 200 No: 10 LIFE TOGETHER COMMITTEE RESOLUTIONS Resolution: To Restore balance to the composition of the LCMS Board of Directors. (R ) Summary: That the CID memorialize the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod in convention to amend bylaws so that the membership to the Board of Directors would be changed in following ways: four minister of religion (instead of 2)-ordained elected at-large by the Synod in convention. Also that two laypersons elected at large by the Synod be deleted. Passed: Yes: 153 No: 43 Resolution: To give thanks for Family Life Committee (R ) Summary: That the CID give thanks to God for the work of the Family Life Committee in fulfilling the directive of the 2009 District Convention as well as thanks to the Family Life Committee for their work. Moreover, that the congregations are encouraged to make use of the resources gathered by this Committee. Passed: Yes: 190 No: 7 Resolution: To rescind Synodical resolution 3-08A (2004 Convention) Summary: That the congregations of CID reject the teaching/ doctrine/practice of women exercising authority over man as expressed in Res. 3-08A (The Affirmation of the Conclusions of the 1994 CTCR Report: The Service of Women in Congregation and Synodical Offices), which communicates permission for women to serve in the roles of elder, chairman, and vice-chairman of a congregation. Likewise, that the CID urge the 2013 Convention of the Lutheran Church to rescind Resolution 3-08A of the 2004 Convention. Passed: Yes: 163 No: 36 Rev. Harrison interviewed by WCIS-TV Springfield.

8 8 The GatePost October 2012 Did You Know? Did you know 80% of all our churches in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod have their membership and worship attendance plateaued or declining? 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 District Revitalization Process (Refreshing congregations) provides Rev. Joel Cluver of our Central Illinois District office to assist your congregation monthly for up to two years. This service is provided to our Central Illinois District congregations at no cost! For more information, contact Rev. Joel Cluver, Mission, Evangelism and Stewardship Executive at (217) or jcluver@cidlcms.org or contact Rev. Mark Miller, CID President, at (217) Lutheran Older Adult Retreat LOAR, Lutheran Senior Services of Missouri and the Southern Illinois District will hold the biennial Lutheran Older Adult Retreat on April 24 & 25, 2013, at Pere Marquette Lodge near Grafton, IL. The keynote speaker for the 24th will be the Reverend Doctor John Nunes, CEO & President since 2007, of Lutheran World Relief. He leads staff in seventeen countries in working to end poverty, injustice and human suffering. While working on his doctorate at Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago, John served as Pastor of Bethany Lutheran Church in Oak Park, IL, and served as Professor of Theology at Concordia University, Chicago. Dr. Nunes is the author of Voices from the City: Issues and Images of Urban Preaching. He was born in Jamaica, grew up in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, and currently lives in Baltimore, Maryland, with his wife Monique and their youngest son, John Jr. Monique is an administrator for Baltimore Lutheran School. John will speak on the retreat theme: Shining Where God Leads You. The Bible Study leader on Thursday afternoon will be the Reverend Gregory P. Seltz, speaker of the Lutheran Hour since February The Lutheran Hour, the flagship ministry for St. Louis-based Lutheran Hour Ministries, is the world s longest-running Christian radio broadcast and currently airs on more than 1,400 traditional radio stations across North America, as well as online and over the American Forces Network. Prior to joining Lutheran Hour Ministries, Pastor Seltz was Director of Cross-Cultural Ministry Center and Professor of Theology at Concordia University, in Irvine, CA. He previously served as Executive Director of Life s Journey Ministry in Manhattan, NY. Seltz was founding pastor of the first new Lutheran mission start in New York City in more than 40 years (Church For All Nations-LCMS). He started a mission church in Dallas, TX, and served as pastor of a large congregation in Tampa, FL. He and his wife, Marie Yvette, have one daughter, Devin. Workshops will be held on Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning by guest workshop leaders. During the two days, 16 workshops will be held and the participants may attend four of them. For more information, call Mary Preuss at (618) or visit Installations Rev. Stephen Mueller (left) was installed as pastor of Concordia Lutheran Church, Geneseo, on June 17, Rev. Michael Heidle (right) was installed as pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Danville, on August 4, 2012.

9 Telling The Good News About Jesus 9 Parish Nurses Establish a Network Mission U - Lutheran Hour Ministry Course Sharing the Gospel in a Digital Age Saturday, October 20, a.m. 3 p.m. Central Illinois District Office 1850 N. Grand Avenue West, Springfield Presenter: Rev. Mark Frith Mission Executive, Kansas District LCMS In section one, we will identify our message and our audience when sharing information digitally. We will discuss mechanisms for Gospel proclamation throughout the years and why social media is so important. Section two focuses on the popularity of social media for families, individuals and churches. We will recommend social media venues and discuss witnessing goals while utilizing them. You will learn about the advantages of Facebook and how to use it in this capacity. Section three focuses on how to utilize both Twitter and YouTube for Gospel proclamation. In section four, we will discuss blogs, texting and using Skype. We will also look at creating a vision for social media use in the church and how to craft our message appropriately. $10 per person registration cost includes materials and lunch (limited to first 50 to register). Make check payable to and send to: Central Illinois District 1850 N. Grand Ave. West Springfield, IL Note on check: October 20th Workshop The first gathering of CID-LCMS Parish Nurses was held on Saturday, July 14, 2012, at the Central Illinois District Office in Springfield. Five nurses attended the meeting, along with Glenn Goeres who serves the CID as its Education Executive. After introductions, a conversation was held related to parish nurse ministries in each particular congregation represented. There was discussion of team ministry, the role of the nurse in terms of reporting, oversight, and receiving direction, the need for resources, documentation concerns, and the need for better education/information sharing about what parish nurses can bring to a ministry. It was widely agreed upon that most/many pastors in our District have little knowledge of what parish nursing could do for their ministries. Ways to remedy that were discussed. Kim Meyer, CID Rep for Parish Nursing, will pursue having a display table and information at the October Pastors Conference. She also plans to attempt getting on the program to present at a future pastors conference. Some successful, specific ministries were shared: new baby visits that include a gift bag from the church, prayer shawls, a card ministry CPH Warehouse Sale for those bereaved, shut-in visits, a birth ministry, Vial of Life program, physical assessment and referral, spiritual care, prayer... the possibilities are endless and are limited only by the needs of your parishioners and the resources of time, talent, and finances. There were two nurses present who are salaried. The other three nurses volunteer their gifts and talents. One of those three is fairly inactive but is searching for ways to revive the parish nurse ministry in her church. While the style of service looks different for all of us, none of it is unimportant. Future meeting dates and locations were discussed, along with the possibility of including a topic specific educational component into each gathering. The meeting closed with a devotion/meditation, The Hands of Jesus. Resources and information will continue to be shared through an network as well as the CID Web site. To find out more about this network, contact Kim Meyer at kimmeyerrn@hotmail.com or Glenn Goeres at ggoeres@cidlcms.org. Concordia Publishing House (CPH) will hold its annual Warehouse Sale the largest sale of the year on Saturday, November 3, from 8 a.m. to Noon in St. Louis, MO. For one day only, excess inventory from the nonprofit Christian publisher will be sold at deeply reduced prices. Sale items will include Bibles, curricula, music, adult and children s books, boxed greeting cards, and church resources at savings of up to 75%. Concordia Christian Books and Gifts, located in the Concordia Publishing House building, will offer its own savings during the Warehouse Sale. Customers could save 20% on nearly every item in the store. Store hours during the sale will be 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. For those who arrive before the tent opens, they can pick up a colored and numbered line sticker at the event (one per person) to be eligible for the Warehouse Sale Line Gift Certificate drawing that will take place 10 minutes before the tent opens. Line Gift Certificates will be redeemable in the tent only from 8 a.m. to Noon. Concordia Publishing House and Concordia Christian Books and Gifts are located at 3558 South Jefferson Avenue, south of Interstate 44 and north of Interstate 55. Free parking is available on Miami Street, east of Jefferson. For more information about the Warehouse Sale, call (800) For more information about the Concordia Christian Books and Gifts Sale, call (314)

10 10 The GatePost October Christ Academy Official Notices O R DA I N E D Incoming Rev. Daniel Eggold, IN to Our Savior, Springfield Rev. Michael Heidle, F/G to Immanuel, Danville Rev. Jonathan Huehn, NID to Christ, Normal Rev. Matthew Synnott, STL Seminary grad to Trinity, Peoria Within CID Rev. Dan Fienen, Immanuel, Danville, to emeritus Dr. Wayne Hoffman, Our Savior, Springfield, to emeritus Rev. Stephen Mueller, St. James, Quincy, to Concordia, Geneseo Dr. Thomas Radtke, Trinity, Springfield, to emeritus Transfer Out Rev. J. Jeffrey Baxter, candidate to TX Dr. Joseph Hughes, St. Paul, Sadorus, to KS Rev. J. Derek Riddle, Christ/St. Luke, Delavan/ San Jose to MI Dr. John Wohlrabe, Concordia, Geneseo, to emeritus to SW Called to Glory Rev. David Bessinger, St. Paul, Mattoon, on June 5, 2012 Emmett Bartens, a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Newton, IL, was one of the participants in Christ Academy High School, which took place on the campus of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN, June 17- June 30, He is pictured with Rev. Andrew Yeager, Director, Christ Academy High School. The two-week academy is an annual event for high-school-aged, young men who would like to learn more about their Lutheran faith and the pastoral ministry. Highlights of the week included classes with seminary professors, the opportunity to shadow local pastors, daily worship in Kramer Chapel, TinCaps baseball game and a trip to Cedar Point Amusement Park. For more information about Christ Academy High School, visit or call (260) Lutheran High School, Springfield Anyone interested in helping to build a square foot of a Lutheran High School? Lutheran High School in Springfield is offering folks the opportunity to purchase one square foot of their planned addition for $160. That s what each square foot of the new computer lab, music complex, additional classrooms and creation of office space will cost. Everything in the old Quad, the temporary structures, needs to be replaced, said Curt Fischer, Senior Administrator. That s what goes into the new building. Steve Zielke, Principal of the school, agreed, It s time for them to go, but we need to replace the offices and facilities the old buildings house. Mark Gerberding, Board Vice Chair and Campaign Chairman, is positive about this second phase of the fund drive. We raised a hair under one million dollars in phase one, and if we can raise between $250,000 and $500,000 in phase two, we can begin asking for construction drawings, he said. Anyone interested in helping with the project, please contact the school at (217) and ask for any of the men mentioned above. Stay Connected with Campus Ministry Please help the CID 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: Birthday Celebration Mrs. Madonna Johnson, member of St. Paul, Sadorus, celebrated her 102nd birthday last spring. On Mother s Day, she was presented with paper flowers made by the children at Noah s Ark St. Paul preschool. University of Illinois University Lutheran Church Rev. Rick Milas 604 E. Chalmers Champaign, IL rmilas@uiuc.edu Eastern Illinois University Immanuel Lutheran Church Mr. Greg Witto, gpwitto@eie.edu Rev. Kenneth Hoover 902 Cleveland Ave. Charleston, IL Illinois State University Wittenberg Lutheran Center Rev. William Jensen 201 S. Main Normal, IL wittenberg-isu@juno.com Western Illinois University Immanuel Lutheran Church St. Timothy Student Center Rev. Michael Burdick 303 N. Clay St. Macomb, IL lutheran@macomb.com

11 Telling The Good News About Jesus 11 Zion Student, Teacher Win State Historical Society Awards Both Anna Sielaff, seventh grader at Zion Lutheran School in Lincoln, and her history teacher, Steve Schumacher, won awards from the Illinois State Historical Society at the 2012 Illinois History Symposium held at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center in Peoria. Steve Schumacher, history teacher and principal at Zion Lutheran School, received the Olive Foster Teacher of the Year award from the Illinois State Historical Society, presented by Happy Dean, chairman of the society s Education Affairs Committee. Sielaff received the Historical Society s War of 1812 Student Scholarship for her history fair project entitled How Did the Edwards Trace Influence the Eventual Settlement of Central and Southern Illinois? Her exhibit tells a significant story about the settlement of the Illinois Territory in the years before statehood and during the International conflict that has come to be known as the War of 1812, noted State Senator David Koehler (46th District) in presenting Sielaff her award. Schumacher was presented with the Olive Foster Teacher of the Year Award which recognizes teachers for their outstanding contributions to the study and teaching of state and local history. Recipients actively promote Illinois history in their schools and communities, using resources of local historical societies, museums, the historical society and related organizations. Anna Sielaff, seventh grader at Zion Lutheran School, received an Illinois State Historical Society award presented by State Sen. David Koehler, second from left, for her history fair project on Edwards Trace. With Sielaff are her parents, Don and Jan Sielaff. Schumacher has taught history at Zion Lutheran School for 21 years, and oversees the bi-annual school history fair. Projects from the school s fair often progress to regional and state competition. Schumacher also serves as the school s principal. CENTRAL ILLINOIS DISTRICT CHURCH EXTENSION FUND, INC. INVESTMENT FORM 8/20/ 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 CENTRAL ILLINOIS DISTRICT 1850 North Grand Avenue West Springfield, IL Engaging Rural Communities Event Reaching Rural America for Christ Let us go to the small towns Mark 1:38 Engaging Rural Communities events are geared for single and dual parishes in rural and small town settings. Ideally, a pastor and three to four lay leaders will examine their communities and consider ways in which they can serve those unique needs. Participants will identify personal and congregational assets they have in place and make plans for utilizing resources to engage their respective communities. Many congregations today are concerned about shrinking membership and fewer children and families in worship. There is no one size fits all solution. However congregational leaders will be encouraged as they see new opportunities for engaging their communities and are filled with hope for the future. As a participant you will: Learn about your community (your church will receive free demographics study) Identify congregational assets Consider new ways to engage your community See how rural congregations have hope for the future Develop action plans for community engagement Identify challenges and opportunities facing your congregation. $25 registration fee per person (limit of 50 participants). Saturday, October 6, a.m. 3 p.m. St. Luke Lutheran Church San Jose Presenter: Rev. Dr. Lee Hagen Interim Director, LCMS Rural and Small Town Mission, Concordia, MO Register with Amy Gerdts by at amy.gerdts@lcms.org or call (888) or (660) Visit for more information. 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 2013 Issue: November 20, 2012 Communications Committee Rev. Dr. Rodger Abatie, Chairman Rev. David Bueltmann, Advisor Glenn Goeres, Editor Jim Deverman Shawn Hoffmann Rev. Dr. Wayne Hoffman Barry Locher