ROCKY MOUNTAIN DISTRICT

Transcription

1 51 ST CONVENTION ROCKY MOUNTAIN DISTRICT LUTHERAN CHURCH MISSOURI SYNOD JUNE 14-16, 2018 MARRIOTT COLORADO SPRINGS, CO SECTION I PAGE

2 SECTION I CONTENTS 3 Convention Forward 4 Offering Letter 5 Hotel Information 7 Area Restaurants 8 Map of Meeting Area 9 Speaker Introduction, Rev. Dr. Greg Seltz 10 Handouts for Rev. Dr. Greg Seltz 12 Essayist Introduction, Rev. Dr. Brent Smith 13 Handouts for Rev. Dr. Brent Smith 15 District Missions Exhibitors 16 Convention Exhibitors SECTION I PAGE 2

3 CONVENTION FORWARD 51st District Convention Greetings Dear Sisters and Brothers in Jesus Christ, our Lord! Several folks have stated the question, where did the time go? Yes, it has been three years and time again for our 51st Rocky Mountain District Convention of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. This will be a wonderful opportunity again to gather for Worship, Bible Study, Learning, and how we in each our congregations, circuits, and areas of the District are working in the harvest fields. Once again, I am reminded by definition of Webster s Dictionary of a Convention as a large meeting of people who come to a place for usually several days to talk about their shared work. What is wonderful about our Convention and the other thirty-four District Conventions of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod is we gather around the Word of God. God s Word is the norm, source, and authority of all things. We rally around the Word made flesh, Jesus! Being rooted in the Word makes our gathering truly a wonderful celebration. We glory in the cross of Jesus where He takes upon Himself our sins. The death and resurrection of Jesus is where He takes on our death to give us life. The apostle Saint Paul wrote to the Romans 6:3-4 (ESV) do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? We were buried therefore with Him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in the newness of life. The 51st Convention of the Rocky Mountain District is truly a gathering around His Word where each congregation, circuit, and region are working in the fields by Declaring His Glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the people! (Psalm 96:3 ESV), the Theme for this convention! This is our time to gather and Praise the Lord for the opportunities set before us to do just that Declare His Glory! I look forward in coming together again with all of you; but this time at the Marriott Hotel located at 5580 Tech Center Drive, Colorado Springs, Colorado. The Lord bless and keep you and safe travels! I am... In Christ's love and service, Rev. Allen D. Anderson, President The Rocky Mountain District-LCMS Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! (Psalm 46:10) SECTION I PAGE 3

4 OFFERING LETTER Greetings in the Name of our merciful Lord, Jesus Christ. As we gather for the 51st Convention this also grants us a wonderful opportunity to share our blessings by being able to Declare His Glory in the mission and ministry work of our District. Our prayer is to contribute toward two of our District supported mission and ministry opportunities. The Rocky Mountain Board of Directors in the March 19th meeting passed a resolution to ask each congregation of the District to reach out by a special convention offering. This offering would be given toward our National Missions, which also happens to be a District Gospel Gap Mission as well. That mission is St. Andrews Lutheran Church in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Pastor Adam DeGroot is the National Missionary for this congregation. His wife Melissa is a deaconess and they have a son Knox. The second mission is our International Mission in the country of Belize. Pastor Duane Meissner is the missionary. He and his wife Elizabeth have four children Marcie, Maverick, Ayana, and Abigail. The support for Belize is with the Office of International Mission of the LCMS building on the work of the Belize Mission Society and the Rocky Mountain District. Together this mission and ministry is made possible along the coast of Belize. Both of these missions are partnered with the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. These missions are a blessing to the people as they proclaim God s Word and Administer His Sacraments. The opportunity to Declare His Glory is tremendous and to tell of His marvelous works! These ministries are a true blessing! Thank you for lifting up these missions and missionaries in your prayers! Thank you for sharing these opportunities with your congregations. Thank you for supporting these two ministries in a special offering during the 51st Rocky Mountain District Convention. I am... In Christ's love and service, Rev. Allen D. Anderson, President The Rocky Mountain District-LCMS Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! (Psalm 46:10) SECTION I PAGE 4

5 HOTEL INFORMATION A brilliant travel experience awaits at Colorado Springs Marriott. Take time to unwind in our comfortable and contemporary rooms and suites. Feel free to connect to our complimentary Wi-Fi to stay in touch with loved ones. In the morning, fuel up at our all-day restaurant, featuring a stylish outdoor patio with fire pits and breathtaking mountain views. During downtime, keep your exercise routine intact at our fitness center and pools. Whether you're in town for business or pleasure, Colorado Springs Marriott provides the comfort and convenience you're seeking. ARRIVAL INFORMATION Check-in: 4:00 PM Check-out: 12:00 PM DINING OPTIONS IN HOTEL Ascent Restaurant & Bar Take your taste buds to new heights at our restaurant, serving American cuisine with a modern twist. Elevate your experience in North Colorado Springs by reserving a table on our outdoor patio, where you can enjoy striking views of the Rocky Mountains. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner Dress code: Casual Lobby Bar Lobby Bar; Serving food and drinks. Open for lunch and dinner Parking Complimentary on-site parking SECTION I PAGE 5

6 HOTEL INFORMATION DIRECTIONS 5580 Tech Center Drive Colorado Springs, CO Colorado Springs Airport Hotel direction: 16 miles NW This hotel does not provide shuttle service Estimated taxi fare: $50 (one way) Start on E. Drennan Rd. Turn right on S. Powers Blvd. Turn left on E. Fountain Blvd. Merge onto I-25 North toward Denver/Manitou Springs. Take the Rockrimmon Exit, number 148. Make a left at the stop light at the bottom of the exit, onto Rockrimmon Blvd. Make a left on Tech Center Drive, immediately after passing a gas station. The hotel driveway will be on the right Denver International Airport Hotel direction: 81 miles SW This hotel does not provide shuttle service Estimated taxi fare: $195(one way) Start out going north on Pena Blvd. Take the E-470 toll way South/E-470 S. exit 6A toward I-70. Merge onto E-470 S. (Portions toll). Take the I-25 exit 1A toward Colorado Springs/ Denver. Merge onto I-25 S. via the exit on the left toward Colorado Springs. Take the Rockrimmon Road exit, number 148. Go straight at the light, then make a right on Rockrimmon Blvd. Turn left on Tech Center drive, immediately after passing a gas station. The hotel driveway will be on the right at 5580 Tech Center Drive. Transportation Front Range Shuttle frontrangeshuttle.com Colorado Springs Shuttle coloradoshuttle.com SECTION I PAGE 6

7 AREA RESTAURANTS Ai Sushi and Grill 3.6 Miles BJ s Restaurant and Brewhouse 1.5 Miles Bonefish Grill 1.5 Miles Chipotle Mexican Grill 1.5 Miles Cowboy Star Restaurant and Butcher Shop 1.5 Miles Glacier Homemade Ice Cream & Gelato 1.5 Miles Hacienda Colorado Mexican Restaurant 1.5 Miles Il Vicino Wood Oven Pizza and Brewery 1.5 Miles Keva Juice 1.5 Miles Noodles & Company 1.5 Miles Nothing Bundt Cakes 1.5 Miles Over Easy A Daytime Eatery 1.5 Miles Panera Bread 1.5 Miles Phantom Canyon Brewing Co. 6.5 Miles Salsa Brava 1.5 Miles Smashburger 1.5 Miles The Omlette Parlor 5.0 Miles The Pita Pit 1.5 Miles Tokyo Joe s 1.5 Miles Zio s Italian Kitchen 2.2 Miles SECTION I PAGE 7

8 MEETING ROOM MAP SECTION I PAGE 8

9 GUEST SPEAKERS REV. GREGORY P. SELTZ, PhD EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR LUTHERAN CENTER FOR RELIGIOUS LIBERTY (LCRL) Rev. Seltz is the executive director for the Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty. The Center provides input, education, advice, advocacy, and resources in the areas of religious liberty, Life, and marriage seeking to engage in discussions in D.C. to establish partnerships and resources in our nation s Capitol for the sake of our Churches, Schools, Universities, and Seminaries. Prior to his work in Washington D.C., he served as Speaker of The Lutheran Hour radio program, Lutheran Hour Ministries flagship Christian outreach radio program with over 1 million listeners airing on more than 1,800 stations across North America. He has also served as served as the Director of the Cross-Cultural Ministry Center, professor of Theology at Concordia University in Irvine, California, as well as Executive Director of Life s Journey Ministries, an urban, not-for-profit evangelism ministry in Manhattan, New York. Rev. Seltz holds a bachelor s degree in New Testament-Biblical Languages from Concordia University in Ann Arbor, Michigan, plus a Master of Divinity in Systematics--New Testament and a Master of Sacred Theology in Systematics and a PhD in Theology and Culture, from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. He also was awarded the Doctor of Divinity degree from Concordia University Irvine for his urban work in Dallas, NYC, and Los Angeles, launching churches in the city as well as training over 75 candidates for LCMS-urban Ministry in the United States. He and his wife, Marie Yvette, have one daughter, Devin. SECTION I PAGE 9

10 SESSION 1 HANDOUT THE HEAVENS DECLARE THE GLORY OF GOD AS DO WE! Psalm 19; Luke 19:39-41 God is love. God is the source of beauty. God is the source of life and salvation. We are recipients of all of His gifts by grace through faith. To live by faith is to live in the glory of that beauty, that love, that life. Surrounded by the beauty of creation and the even clearer beauty of salvation by Grace through Jesus Christ, Christians are resourced for life a life of mission and ministry as they abound in His grace for others! 1. God is the essence of beauty, the source of love, the fountain of righteousness. (19:1-4) 2. God doesn t just display His glory.he puts it to work for those He loves! (19:5-6) 3. There s a grammar to beauty, to glory, to life! (19:7-8) 4. There s a relationship to beauty, to glory, to life! (19:9-14) 5. The Lord will have His say.thank God! (Luke 19:39-41) 6. His Word will not return void.putting the grammars of Creation and Culture to work for the sake of the Gospel (Acts 17)! 7. Let His Word go forth.spread the wealth around!! (Romans 5:20 - The Gospel is never a zero sum game!) SECTION I PAGE 10

11 SESSION 2 HANDOUT THE CROSS/RESURRECTION OF JESUS GLORY PERSONIFIED, RECEIVED TO BE SHARED Galatians 6:14; Hebrews 12:1-3 The beauty of God s creation declares His power. The complexity of God s creation declares His wisdom. But, the cross of Jesus Christ clearly declares the infinite capacity of His love which is the center of all beauty, wisdom, and life, now and forever. In Jesus, God s glory is personified. By faith, we get to live person lives of grace to others in His name. In Christ, there is a mindset, a motivation, and a mission that gives purpose to the things of today, and an eternal life for all who believe! 1. As wonderful as nature is, the stars are, the glory of man.there is nothing more beautiful than the salvation of humanity through the Cross of Jesus. 2. It s the only deconstructing message that saves! 3. It s more than a message, it s a purpose for living, a mission 4. Goal of being human.receiving, growing in, and reflecting the glory of Christ for others. 5. Philippians 2 Here s the mindset 6. Hebrews 12 Here s the motivation 7. Galatians 6/2 Cor. 5:17-20 Here s the mission! SECTION I PAGE 11

12 GUEST SPEAKERS REV. DR. BRENT SMITH MISSION DEVELOPMENT COUNSELOR MISSION CENTRAL The Rev. Dr. Brent Smith started serving as mission development counselor at Mission Central on Nov. 1, Mission Central was launched in 2003 to help support missionaries and mission projects around the world. As mission development counselor, Smith works to inform congregations and their members of the LCMS national and international mission work, while also connecting people with opportunities to support missionaries and projects with prayer, encouragement and voluntary giving. In addition, he advocates for regional mission opportunities spearheaded or coordinated by their respective LCMS districts. Brent and his wife Jennie as well as their children Zachary (17), Katelyn (15), and Sophia (12) are based in Omaha, Nebraska. He grew up on a farm outside Imperial, Nebraska, and worked in public accounting. He has also served in various positions in the church. He was sent to work as business manager in Central Asia ( ) and then later spent six years as an evangelistic missionary in Russia before being called to as executive staff in the role of regional director for the Eurasia region based in Germany ( ). His Doctorate degree focused on strategies for working as Christians in Muslim-majority contexts. Most recently, he served three years based near Washington D.C. in the LCMS Southeastern District as executive director for mission development ( ). SECTION I PAGE 12

13 Triennium Quick Facts: (July 2015-Dec 2017) 626 Divine appointments with individuals 87 Missionary Families Housed Overnight 342 Group Mission Events on the road 98 Volunteers 250 Mission Events at Mission Central 12,500 Visitors for Mission Events 115 Meals for Groups 5 per week stop to pray in Wayside Chapel This triennium a Creation Theater was dedicated for service in the Lord s mission to tell the story of Creation, especially to the school children who visit Mission Central. A wonderful family donated over 25 life-like animals from Africa, North America, and Canada. Mission Events start in the Creation Theater with stadium seating and then move into the Barn with artifacts from missionaries all over the world that remind us why it is so urgent and important to send missionaries to tell all people everywhere about Jesus! SECTION I PAGE 13

14 Visit the updated Website: Schedule of events and visiting missionaries Downloadable content for each missionary Prayer Calendar Make Online Donations and much, much more... On November 1, 2016 the Lord provided another helper. After 16 years of international missionary service and three years of mission work on the East Coast near Washington D.C., Brent Smith returned to work with Mission Central. Like Gary, Brent hosts mission events at Mission Central and spends most of his time on the road raising mission awareness at the invitation of the many people and congregations who are not normal. We praise God for the thousands of individuals and congregations that provide the majority of support for over 100 missionaries. 100% of every gift continues to go 100% to the missionary s account. Through people like you we received the largest amount of donations in December 2017 ever in the history at Mission Central. This is God at work and comes at the perfect time because the number of called Missionaries has almost doubled over the this triennium to 137 plus spouses and children and, as you know, we are called to help them raise ALL of their support. Thank you for your faithful partnership with Mission Central! SECTION I PAGE 14

15 ROCKY MOUNTAIN DISTRICT MISSIONS EXHIBITORS We are pleased to welcome the following missions within the Rocky Mountain District as exhibitors to the 50th Convention of the Rocky Mountain District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. These missions are supported through the sister congregations of the district and their mission offerings. Please take time during the convention to greet and get to know these organizations. Christ in Belize Mission Meet Rev. Duane Meissner, missionary sent to Seine Bight, Belize by International Missions of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. Along with the support of his spouse, Elizabeth and their three children, soon to be four, Pastor Meissner is engaging the local community with the Gospel of Christ. Additionally, Pastor Meissner is working with and building off of mercy work that has been done in the country for over a decade by Lutheran organizations such as the Belize Mission Society. St. Andrew Lutheran Church Albuquerque, NM The mission of Saint Andrew Lutheran Church Plant is to preach the Gospel and meet the needs of the people in Southwest Albuquerque, and beyond, with Word and Sacrament Ministry. SECTION I PAGE 15

16 EXHIBITORS We are pleased to welcome the following exhibitors to the 51st Convention of the Rocky Mountain District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. Please take time during the convention to greet and get to know these organizations. Bethesda Lutheran Communities Watertown, WI Chime Master Concordia Plan Services St. Louis, MO Concordia Publishing House St. Louis, MO Concordia Seminary St. Louis, MO Concordia Theological Seminary Ft. Wayne, IN Concordia University Irvine, CA Concordia University Seward, NE Concordia University Mequon, WI & Ann Arbor, MI Denver Society of Creation Denver, CO Disability Ministry Task Force RM District Lutheran Church Extension Fund St. Louis, MO bethesdalutherancommunities.org chimemaster.com concordiaplans.org cph.org csl.edu ctsfw.edu cui.edu cune.edu cuw.edu denversocietyofcreation.org lcef.org Lutheran Bible Translators Aurora, CO Lutheran Church Missouri Synod St. Louis, MO Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountain District LCMS Foundation LCMS Ministry of the Armed Forces Lutheran Heritage Foundation Macomb, MI Lutherans for Life Denver Denver, CO Salt of the Earth Communities Salzido Press Denver, CO lcms.org lfsrm.org lcmsfoundation.org lcms.org/ministry-to-the-armed-forces lhfmissions.org lutheransforlife.org rm.lcms.org/ministries/disabilityministry-task-force peacelutheran.net/salt-of-the-earthcommunities/ SECTION I PAGE 16