April 14, 2010 - Making A Difference Newsletter

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Weekly Newsletter from Lutheran Church Charities

Transcript of April 14, 2010 - Making A Difference Newsletter

Page 1: April 14, 2010 - Making A Difference Newsletter
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Photo courtesy of LCMS World Reliefand Human Care

April 14, 2010 In This Issue

Update on HaitiHaiti Donation Drop Off

Sites NeededHelp LCC Provide

Materials and Training inHaiti

Service Project in IndianaLoving People to ChristFire Destroys Apartment

Complex in DownersGrove

Churches Host FreeClinics

Lutheran Church WorkerNeeds Medical Assistance

and CarStress Debriefing at

Valparaiso University,Indiana

Comfort Dog UpdateBible Study Travel

OpportunityVehicles Needed

Stories Still SeekingSupport...

Tim's Pick of the WeekUpcoming Events

How To Support LCC

Prayer WallPost a prayer, orpray for others!

LCC's Prayer Wall

Update on Haiti

The following is our latestreport from Haiti from RevGlenn Merritt, DisasterResponse Director for LCMSWorld Relief and Human Care -whom LCC works in partnershipwith:

Permanent housing is desperately needed!With thousands of people living in tents andthis being the rain and storm season in Haiti -those living in tents will be once againdisplaced! There are 100 homes ready for

shipment, stacked and secured at the assembly location in Houston. There are another30-40 homes ready to be picked up in Denver and moved to Houston.

Pres. Kessa has asked that containers be filled with good sorted clean clothes, tools,food and water. Also, there is a desperate need for children's shoes and sandals eventhe little plastic or rubber ones. The manager of one refugee camp with over 660 childrentold me that kids are sick and dying every day simply because they do not have shoes.Cuts on their feet are becoming infected and worms are entering their bodies through thecuts. Together, I know we can meet this need for shoes and simple topical antibiotics.

I just returned from my 5th visit to Haiti and inmany ways the situation is more drastic thanright after the earthquake. Desperation anddespair are beginning to set in especially withthe rainy season. I saw with my own eyeschildren suffering and dying, adults crying andweeping, men and boys willing to do anythingfor a few dollars or some food.

I also saw materials and goods that OGT(Orphan Grain Train) shipped being used and distributed, some of which LCC provided.They need more tools (shovels, picks, hammers, screw drivers, etc) to continuerebuilding as well as supplies like nails and screws. Also needed are 5 gallon pails andgas cans. LCMS World Relief and Human Care is willing to partner with OGT and LCC.Together we can meet the need. LCC and OGT are the very best partners we could askfor. Both of you can mobilized people to mercy in a moment's notice. Thank you!

Click here to donate to the Haiti Relief Fund

Click here to view the photo gallery of the Medical Mission Trip

Click here to read all of the updates from Haiti

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LCC connects needs withresources, working with

more than 400congregations to help

Christians "Make aDifference in People's Lives

and in God's Kingdom"To meet our staff, click here

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LCC Looking for Haiti Drop Off Sites

Would you consider Making A Difference in Haiti and helpingyour community do the same?

If you or your church/school/ministry/organizationwould like to be a drop off site for our collection ofitems to be shipped to Haiti, please click here to fillout the form.

LCC is looking to secure collection sites this nextweek. We are looking for dates starting in May andrunning through June. LCC will be staggering thecollection site dates so that not all locations will bethe same week. Some may want to do this duringtheir summer week of VBS or last week of school.

Whatever works best for your church/school/ministry/organization.

What does it mean to be a collection site? Being a collection site means that you arewilling to:

1. Provide space in your facility for people in your church and community to dropoff items (only those that we are collecting) for a 5-7 day period. No less than 5days, no more than 7 days!

2. You are willing to provide volunteers to make sure that the items are properlysorted, boxed and labeled. They will then be picked up by LCC or loaded directlyinto a container that will be dropped off at your location.

3. You are willing to advertise in the community. LCC will provide you with all theinformation and guidance you need to have the maximum outreach impact forthis project and for your church or ministry.

4. Pray! Pray for the people in Haiti and pray for the Mercy and Compassion ofChrist to go forth with the items being shipped - that they are tools that God willuse through our Lutheran Churches in Haiti.

LCC, along with OGT (Orphan Grain Train) and LCMS Human Care and World Relief,will take care of all the details and the arrangements to get the donations to our LutheranChurches in Haiti to be distributed to those in desperate need.

By God's Grace and Mercy - TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE - in people's lives and God's Kingdom!

List of items that are being collected:

1. Clean Summer Clothing. Tee Shirts, lightweight pants and shorts. NO WINTERITEMS! (Remember where they are going!)

2. Shoes - all sizes. Children's shoes and sandals even the little plastic or rubberones.

3. Socks4. Underwear (new)5. 5-gallon pails and gas cans6. Tools. shovels, picks, hammers, screw drivers, nails, screws etc.7. Basic medical supplies.8. Dishwashing liquid9. Antibacterial ointment

10. Washcloths11. Soap12. Deodorant13. Individual packets of disinfectant wipes14. Toothbrushes15. Toothpaste16. Band-aids17. First aid ointment

CLICK HERE to see pictures taken of people served on Tim's last trip to Haiti - TheEYES of Haiti

Click here to donate to the Haiti Relief Fund

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LCC's "Send a SpokenPrayer" e-Card site is

available.

To learn more, Click Here

Help LCC Provide Biblical Materials and Training for HAITIThere are so many needs in Haiti - food, clothing, housing, etc but an even greater need(not to be replaced with the physical needs) is spiritual help and support! Jesus did both -and so must we. The door for the proclamation of the Gospel has never been greater inHaiti. I witnessed this myself when I was there less than a month ago. One of the toolsto help those serving in our churches in Haiti is resource material and training on how topresent the Gospel Story with the use of pictures. This is why Lutheran Church Charitiesand Crossways International are partnering with the Evangelical Lutheran Church Haiti(Rev Marky Kessa) to provide materials and training to Pastors and Lay Leaders in ourChurches in Haiti. Could you help us sponsor these training seminars and materials forour church workers in Haiti? Below is a sample of one of the Witnessing Tools that canbe used with those who cannot read. They are less than .75 each. The cost to send apastor or lay person - transportation, food, lodging - for the three days is only $40. Please consider SPIRITUALLY helping equip those in Haiti to share the Gospel of JesusChrist and New Life that we have in Him! Thank you.

Click here to donate

The Divine Plan Witnessing Tool

This eight-frame pictogram has been used in manysettings to explain "The Divine Plan: from Creation toChrist" to people in all walks of life, including those whocannot read. The perfect spiritual conversation starter, TheDivine Plan is a highly portable, self-contained fold-outevangelism tool, with notes on the reverse side of each

panel explaining the meaning of each picture. Use it to show and explain God's plan ofsalvation for humanity-and then let your hearer(s) take a copy with them to showsomeone else.

Expands to 19-1/2" by 3-3/4".Folds up into a single-frame unit measuring 2-1/2" x 3-3/4" which can be carriedin a bill-fold or pocket.Comes in its own protective envelope.Additional, detailed notes explaining how to use this evangelism tool are alsoincluded with each order.

Although it Has Been 18 Months - 800 FamiliesAre Not in Their Homes

Consider a Service Project in Indiana - Help Flood FamiliesRebuild

Wouldn't it be great to help flood familiesrebuild while staying in a beach house on LakeMichigan? Well now you can!

It has been 18 months since the tri- countyarea of North West Indiana flooded. Theflooding affected 22,000 families, many loosingeverything including their homes. A tremendousamount of recovery work has been completedbut there are still 800 families waiting to getback into their homes. Project LARRI(Lakeshore Area Regional Recovery of Indiana) is in need of volunteers to help with therecovery efforts. They have five facilities that can house up to 150 volunteers, one beinga beach house on Lake Michigan that can house 30 volunteers.

Click here to read the rest of the story

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Loving People to Christ - Holy Cross, Portage, IN Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Portage, IN, willhost an Outreach Seminar on Saturday, April 24 from9:00 am - 2:00 pm. The guest presenter will be TimHetzner, President of Lutheran Church Charities. Theseminar will include training for Congregational DisasterPreparedness.

The cost is $10 per person or $25 per congregationalgroup of three or more. The registration deadline is April21st. For more information or to register, call 219-763-6343. Holy Cross is located at 5402 U.S. Highway 6,Portage (between Swanson and County Line Roads).

Fire Destroys Apartment Complex in DownersGrove33 People Lose Everything

Request from Rev. John Prohl, Immanuel Lutheran Church,Downers Grove, Illinois

Early Monday morning, April 5th, a fire destroyed the 16-unitDowners Belmont Apartments in Downers Grove. The apartmentbuilding itself was gutted and left completely uninhabitable. 33residents were living in the complex. We thank God that therewere no injuries but most of the families lost everything. Onlyone family has renter's insurance. Immanuel is reaching out tothe families to help them with their immediate needs. We areasking for donations to purchase gift cards that can bedistributed to the families so that they can replace clothing andpersonal items. Thank you for your generosity as we minister tothese families during their time of need.

Click here to donate

Click here to read news story

Churches Host FreeClinics with TouchedTwice United

Through a simple free clinic model, Touched Twice United is empowering churches tomeet the healthcare and spiritual crisis of America. Each event provides a newopportunity to:

Reach hundreds of your neighbors in needRun a clinic with volunteers on a $0 budgetShare the Gospel by living it out

Two Clinics are currently scheduled, Saturday, April 24th at Trinity Lutheran Church,1101 Kimberly Way, Lisle, IL 60532 and Saturday, May 1st sponsored by Kendall Caresat Plano High School, 704 West Abe Street Plano, IL 60545-1167.

At the Clinics, volunteers provide:

Medical Screening and School PhysicalsDental ScreeningVision ScreeningFoodClothingHair CutsJob Hunting Help

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Healing PrayerFamily PhotosCompanionship and Much More!

Both Clinics rely on volunteers to provide services and help as advocates to shepherdguests and their families through the clinic experience. More information about the clinicsand volunteer opportunities is available on the clinic websites:

Click here to visit the Trinity Lisle websiteClick here to visit the Kendall Cares website

For more information on Touched Twice United, visit www.touchedtwiceunited.org

Lutheran Church Worker in Need of MedicalAssistance and Car

Request from Pastor Randy Duncan, LivingWord Lutheran Church, Plymouth, Michigan

I am writing to request assistance for our Vicar/Pastoralassistant. He is in the SMP program at Ft. Wayne Seminary. Heand his wife have 5 children. They do cross-cultural ministryworking with Middle-Eastern refugees and others, inner-cityoutreach, as well as co-lead Jr. High ministry. The church paystheir health insurance and he raises his own support to live. Hehas two pressing needs. The congregation is helping but theseneeds are beyond our ability to provide.

1. They need a minivan. Their current van can no longer be repaired.With the number of miles that they travel for ministry they are in need ofreliable transportation.

2. Their 16-year-old son and 14-year-old daughter need orthodontiawork, some of it quite extensive. Their insurance does not coverorthodontics.

They are looking for an Orthodontist who is willing to work with them and allow anextended payment plan or monetary assistance so that the children can get the workdone that they need.

Any assistance for this committed Christian family that will allow them to continue servingwould be a tremendous blessing.

Click here to donate

If you have a minivan to donate please contact LCC at 866-455-6466 or [email protected]

Stress Debriefing at ValparaisoUniversity, IndianaOn Monday, April 12th, Comfort Dog Fuerst assisted in a stressdebriefing at Valparaiso University in northwest Indiana. Fuerstand his handler, Rev. Tim Engel, are part of a Lutheran CrisisResponse Team. Team members met with University studentsin the aftermath of the death of one of the University's campuspastors.

Many of the students miss their pets while they are at schooland were immediately drawn to Fuerst as a source of comfort intheir time of grief. He lowered their anxieties and lifted theirspirits, which greatly helped with the stress debriefing. CampusPastor Jim Wetzstein was grateful to the team for giving thestudents the opportunity to visit with Fuerst.

Fuerst has been on staff at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Portage, Indiana, sinceFebruary 2009.

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New Barriers in an Ancient LandConcordia University Texas is offering a FilmProduction/Communications course in Bethlehem incooperation with Dar al Kalima Lutheran College.Non-students (18 or older) and older adults can beincluded in the trip. Travel dates are August 6through August 16, 2010.

Click here for details and contact information

Tim Hetzner Speaking at LWMLSpring Rally for Zone 8 on April 17th On Saturday, April 17th, Tim Hetzner will be the speaker at theLWML Zone 8 Spring Rally at St. John Lutheran Church, Lombard.The topic is Outreach Opportunities....sharing Christ.

Click here to view the flyer

Employment Opportunity

Business Manager Position- St. Paul Lutheran Church inMelrose Park, IL is looking for a business manager of thecongregation and school. The responsibilities include managingfinancial and human resources. Experience with MicrosoftWord, Excel and Outlook required. 3-5 years experience inAccounting required. Experience with ACS Technologiessoftware preferred.

An understanding of the culture of a Christian parish andChristian character are essential. For daily administrativepurposes, the position is under the supervision and is

accountable to the Senior Pastor. He or she will coordinate the fulfillment ofresponsibilities with the congregation's Treasurer and Board of Directors, which jointlyhold responsibility for overseeing his or her work.

Please contact Pastor Tom Johnson if you are interested at [email protected](708) 343-1000, ext. 241.

Dianna Bonfield Speaker at LWML Zone 10 SpringRally

On Saturday, April 10th, LCC staff members,Dianna Bonfield and Marie Payes along withLCC Comfort Dog Tara attended the Zone 10LWML Spring rally at St Mark's LutheranChurch in St. Charles. Dianna was the speakerat the rally and spoke on the Comfort DogMinistry and Disaster Response.

At the last NID LWML Convention, LutheranChurch Charities was awarded a grant topurchase, outfit, and equip trailers for disasterresponse. LCC volunteers Chuck and Phyllis

Schild brought the LCC Disaster Response Trailer to the meeting and hosted a tour. Theladies of the LWML Zone 10 had the opportunity to see and hear about how their mitesare making a difference in the lives of disaster victims and assisting our LERT (LutheranEarly Response Teams) volunteers to serve people and God's Kingdom.

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Comfort Dog Ministry Update

K-9 Chapel Talk St. Luke Montgomery

LCC Comfort Dogs Howe, Tara and Tilliejoined that students and teachers at St. LukeLutheran School in Montgomery onWednesday, April 7th. After Pete Imlahchallenged the students to share the love andcompassion of Jesus Christ with a world thatso desperately needs Him, the LCC K-9Parish Comfort Dogs visited classrooms.

St. Peter's Morrison Mission Fair

LCC Comfort Dogs Tillie and Fuerstrepresented Lutheran Church Charities' K-9Parish Comfort Dogs at the Mission Fair hostedby St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Morrison onSaturday, April 10th. Pete Imlah shared withfolks about the many different missionopportunities through Lutheran ChurchCharities, and Dan and Karen Fulkerson cameover from Portage, Indiana to share with folkswhat K-9 Comfort Dogs Fuerst and Prince aredoing through Holy Cross Lutheran Church.

LCC Thanks Denise Goelitz of Kitten KaPoodle Mobile PetGrooming

For providing free grooming for LCC's ComfortDog, Star. Denise operates a mobile groomingshop. She services clients in a 20 mile radiusof Elgin.

First time clients receive $5.00 off withanother $5.00 off for each additional animalgroomed.

Call 224-678-8767 or [email protected]

Thank you Denise, for taking care of Star!

Help LCC Purchase a Much Needed TruckLCC continues to supply food, clothing, furniture,and other needed items to families in need throughour churches. In the past we have done most of thiswith donated vans and trailers. As the needsincrease, this is becoming too costly to operate. Wealso need a truck to pickup items for DisasterResponse. We would like to purchase this truck tomore efficiently do this.

One of our volunteers has a 2003 Ford Rockport

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box truck that they are willing to sell to us at a great price. The truck has less than thirty-thousand miles on it and we can have it for $10,000. This would be such a help for us inour ongoing ministry of non-cash items! Could you help us purchase this truck. LCCdoes not believe in going into debt so we will only purchase this if we can raise themoney. Can you help us in our ever expanding ministry of helping those in need with theMercy and Compassion of Christ through churches! Thank you for all your support!

To donate click here

Thanks to Your Generous Support, We Were Able to ProvideAssistance to the following:

St Matthew Soup Kitchen, ChicagoPastor Hicham to Lebanon to see father, Trinity RoselleSt Paul Harvard Fire FundCroon-Elias FundApartment Complex Fire Fund - Immanuel, Downers Grove

Help Pastor Hicham See His Father, Who is Dyingin Lebanon

Hicham came to the United States from Lebanon five yearsago to serve the Lord as a Lutheran missionary to theIslamic community. He has not been able to return home tovisit his family. He has received word that his father is veryill and is asking to see him before he dies. Hicham is hisonly son. He would like to take his wife and son with him,his son was very young when they left and Hicham wantshim to see his grandfather. Travel is expensive; it will cost$5,000 to make the trip to Lebanon. The family does nothave the financial resources for the trip. Please prayerfully

consider if you are able to help this faithful servant return home to see his father. Thankyou for your Mercy and Compassion for this Servant of the Lord.

Click here to donate

Items Needed by Ministries

We have received the following requests for items needed by ministries:

washing machine and two stovescouch, dresser

If you have items to donate please contact LCC at 866-455-6466 or email us [email protected]

Tools Needed for LCC North Campus

LCC is in need of the following tools. This is a great opportunity to clean out yourbasement or check out the garage sales! If you have any of these tools to donate pleasecall 866-455-6466 or email [email protected]

wire feed welder w/out gasmechanic's assorted wrenches, sockets,ratchetselectric or cordless sawzallsaw horsesbench grinderfour and a half inch hand grinderhammer drillbelt sander and/or palm sanderjigsaw

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4' levelstackable tool chestsrouter and bitsassortment of plierspipe wrenchescordless drills10-inch cutoff sawassorted drill bitscutting torchesstick welder, welding helmet and/or handheld shield8ft-10ft step ladderbar clampssmall drill pressriding lawn mower

Join Dr. Paul Maier and Tim Hetzner "In the Steps of St. Paul" Tour CruiseA Journey Through Biblical Greece & Turkey (includingGreek Island Cruise) - May 23 - June 6, 2010

Dear Friends and Travel Alumni,

By popular request, here's the "In the Steps of St. Paul" tour,and the best one yet, since it will take place in perfect springweather and features a seven-day Aegean cruise. While theenclosed brochure tells it all, here are a few comments on theitinerary.

After Alitalia flies us to Rome and Athens, we embark on amotor coach tour of Greece, stopping first at Marathon, the battlefield where the heroicGreeks turned back the Persian invasion in 490 B.C. -- and provided the name foreverything from endurance runs to gasoline! At Delphi that night, we'll stay at a hotel witha huge swimming pool that overlooks the Gulf of Corinth. You'll never forget Delphi or itsmuseum and spectacular ruins.

Meteora will be something else again; monasteries incredibly perched atop huge columnsof rock. Then on to Paul's Second Mission Journey when we visit Philippi, one of hisfavorite congregations, to which he addressed his famous New Testament letter. Thenwe'll turn back to Thessalonica and Berea, both prominent locations in the Book of Acts,as you well know. Skirting Mount Olympus - where we'll not reverence Zeus and hisdysfunctional family (!) - we'll return to Athens.

Click here to read more about this Bible study travel opportunity

Wycliffe Missionary Family Needs Car While onFurlough

Chris and Sue Ladish are missionaries with Wycliffe BibleTranslators. They are serving in Ouagadougou, BurkinaFaso working among the Koromba people. They will behome on furlough in July. They are in need of a full sizecar or mini-van that they can use for six months.(July-January 2011) They will be responsible for insurance, gasand regular maintenance, and will be using the car to visittheir sponsoring congregations in the Midwest.

If you have a vehicle that they can use please contact LCC at 866-455-6466 or [email protected]

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Mother and 5 Children in Need of CarRequest from Deaconess Lauren Olsen, St.John's Lutheran Church, Union, Illinois

We have a family with 5 children in the home, one in college. Thefather is a Union Electrician, out of work since 2008. Right now themother and father are separated. They lost their home to foreclosure.The mother is looking for work out in our area. Currently the motherand children are living with her parents and sharing cars between

them (her and her parents) so that she can transport her children to school and look for ajob. She has some promising job opportunities, but needs transportation. If anyone has acar or van to donate to this family it would be such a blessing as they put their life backtogether.

If you have a vehicle to donate please call LCC at 866-455-6466 or [email protected].

Van Needed for Faith, StickneyRequest from Pastor Guillermo Jerez, FaithLutheran Church, Stickney, Illinois

The transmission on the van that we use for churchtransportation has gone out. The cost of repairing the van ismore than it is worth. A van is important to the congregation as itallows us to pick up families for church. It is also thetransportation that is used to reach out in our community, pick updonations and volunteer for service projects. Our congregation isa poor Hispanic congregation and the van we had was God'sblessing to us through LCC which we appreciate with all ourhearts. With optimism to keep going and proclaiming the love ofGod, we need your help to find a replacement van.

If you have a vehicle to donate please call LCC at 866-455-6466 or [email protected].

Donated Van for Salam Fellowship Needs PaintJob

Request from Hicham Chehab,Acting Pastor, Salam ArabicFellowship; Missionary, POBLO-Chicago

Glory be to God, Salam Fellowship is booming.More people are coming from all overChicagoland within a radius of 50 miles.

However, most of the attendees are refugees who need transportation. God provided a15 passenger van that works well, but needs a painting job that costs around $ 1600. Ihope that you will be able to support this project.

Click here to donate

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Malaria Initiative`Malaria Initiative' is a non-profit corporation formed by Susan Busse M.D., ThomasHesselink M.D., and John Peterson, to bring spiritual and medical treatment to thosesuffering from Malaria, working with Lutheran Church Charities.

A treatment of acidified sodium chlorite at a cost of lessthan $00.01 USD. per dose has proven to be verypromising in preliminary laboratory and field trials. Wehave been working in Uganda, Sierria Leone, Ethiopia,and Ghana to improve our working relationship in thesecountries to further the treatment of Malaria using thisparticular treatment. Our goal is to spread the Message ofChrist and bring a useful and inexpensive treatment forMalaria; Malaria being the number one infectious killerworld wide.

We are currently working at gathering more scientific datafrom sites that have Malaria patients, to track them alongwith their progress, and to document the results of thetreatments so we can publish in medical journals. We aresupporting a PhD. student doing thesis work at WesternMichigan University on this promising treatment.

Malaria Initiative is looking to get help financing the above stated goals so they maytravel to train personnel and fulfill all our commitments. The three principals have takenno payment for their services, all have volunteered their services and funded much of thecosts out of pocket along with donations from generous donors.

Visit their web site: www.malaria01.org or E-mail: [email protected] Click here to view a video about this project

Click here to donate

Continuing Need forBilingual Bibles forOutreach to Muslim CollegeStudentsRequest from POBLO MissionaryHicham Chehab

Dear Friends,College years are times of transformation. So weneed to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with thelost at such a pivotal stage in the lives of People.

POBLO-Chicago's student ministry is reaching out to Muslims at Community Colleges.More Bibles and Evangelism materials are needed.

Please consider donating to this cause so that we can answer the call for the Mission ofGod.

In God's Peace,Hicham

Click Here to Donate Now

Still Accepting Reservations For Germany Trips in2010 Join Tim Hetzner this summer fora trip to Germany, Austria andother central European sites,including the world-famousOberammergau Passion Play!

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Form YourClass Now!

Cover to Cover -Year 1St. Matthew, HawthornWoodsSt. John, Country ClubHillsSt. Paul, MattesonCover to Cover -Year 2Trinity, LansingThe Gospel of JohnSt. Paul, ThorntonPhilippiansLord of Life, LaFoxSt. Paul, WinfieldJamesTrinity, HuntleyPueblo, ColoradoJonahShepherd of the Hills,Onalaska, WisconsinProverbsSt. Luke, Itasca

Tim will be leading two trips, one in Juneand one in August. Both will include seatsto the Oberammergau Passion Play,performed every 10 years since 1633!

Dates:

June 14-23August 12-21

To learn more about the trips, or to see avideo about the Oberammergau Passion Play, go to the Lutheran Church Charities website.

Looking to be in a Bible Study?Does Your Church Want to Host aStudy? Your Small Group?

Indicate Your Interest Here

Register Online - Click Here

Looking to Host a Bible Study?

WORD AMONG US BibleStudiesLutheran Church Charities In-

Depth Bible Studies - WORD AMONG US - Maybe your Solution!

Free for Congregations!If you wouldlike to be ahost site clickhere

If you wouldlike to join anexisting class -click here

If you would like to take a course by internet - click here Short-Format Courses

James: 5-week coursePhilippians: 5-weekcourse

Long-Format Courses

Cover To Cover: A JourneyThrough The Bible

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Jude: 1-week courseJonah::3-week courseProverbs: 10-weekcourseKnow that GodExists: 1-week courseEsther: 5-week course

60-week courseThe Gospel of John31-week courseApocalypsis Jesu Christus: The Book of Revelation30-week course

For more information and registration, Click Here... To find out more information contact Tim Hetzner at 866-455-6466 or email [email protected]

LCC Staff and Comfort Dogsavailable for Church Functions andSchool Chapels!

For more information on scheduling LCC and the K-9 ParishComfort Dogs for an event or chapel at your church, contact LCCat 866-455-6466 or email [email protected]

To help support the growing Ministry of theComfort Dogs click here... To find out information on how yourcongregation can get one of the LCC K-9Parish Comfort Dogs Click here Click here for some Photo Albums showingsome of the many places the dogs havebrought comfort.... And click here for the DogBlog, featuring "Tara's Twitter"

Other Stories Still Seeking Support

Single Mother of Three Needs Car and Financial AssistanceVolunteers Needed for Repairs at Concordia College, Selma, ALJJ's FundUpdate and Urgent Medical Request from C.C. HowellSt. John's Cancer Victim and Family Needs Help with Medical BillsGod's on the Go in GhanaLutheran Family of Five Loses Everything in FireSudden Death of Father Leaves Widow and Five ChildrenHelp Train Pastors in EthiopiaLCMS Pastor Starts Orphanage in Ethiopia

Items Available to a Ministry2726 (97) Lutheran Book of Worship (CPH 1982)2716 (81) Children's books2687 School Library Books2686 (10) junior executive style desks2570 10-bin sorter with stapler Collator series 300/400 with corner stapler2527 60+ sparton Foam Soap dispensers for bulk soap2198 Schulmerich Quadrabell carillon2193 (60) 1941 Lutheran Hymnals (good condition)

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2192 (129) Lutheran Worships 19822051 (150) Worship Supplements2050 (110) The Lutheran Hymnal 1941 Synod edition2026 (50) Lutheran Book of Worship Hymnals (green)

For More items, click here to view the latest updates on our DONATE Web Page...

New Items Free for the AskingLCC works THROUGH churches and is not a Direct Service Ministry. To requestan item on our "Free for the Asking" list please contact your Church and ask thatthey call us (866-455-6466) requesting an item. Arrangements will then be madeto connect the item with you. If you are not a member of a Christian Church thenplease call LCC to place you in contact with one of our LCMS churches who canassist you.

2741 6 coats (5 - men's L, XL Spring & Fall) & 1 ladies small winter2741 Outdoor round patio table (4 ft. diam.) with 2 chairs and umbrella2738 (7) Large Print Hymnals2737 (3) Large Print Blue Lutheran Worship liturgy books2729 Pfaff Sewing Machine (in cabinet)2728 Student Desk2725 Approximately 150 Canvas Laptop bags with business logo on the side.(SBP Strategic Business Partners)

For More Items Available, click here to view the list on our DONATE page...

To OFFER an item for this section, or to get a Receipt for an item you have donated,CLICK HERE for the NON-MONETARY DONATION FORM

Vehicles Needed to Help Individuals andMinistriesAll vehicles that are donated to LCC godirectly out to families or individualsthrough our congregations. NOvehicles are sold.

Photo: Jennifer's daughter had medical needs thatrequired a vehicle with a lift. This donated van helped to

meet that need. Here are some of the most recent requests, but we have others are are still waiting forsome word...

Truck Needed for Sexton at First Saint Paul's, ChicagoSingle Mother of Three Needs Vehicle for WorkHaitian Ministry Needs Car for Family of FiveLutheran High School Needs Bus to Transport StudentsReturning Pastor in Need of a CarFamily of Four Needs Van- Father DisabledCars Needed for Immigrant Families

Click here for the complete page listing the needs

If you have a vehicle to donate, please [email protected] or call 866-455-6466

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COME LORD JESUS, BE OUR GUEST ...You recognize this prayer written by MartinLuther ...

Come Lord Jesus, be our guestAnd let thy gifts to us be blessed. Amen

If we really mean this prayer and want Jesus tobe our Guest - wouldn't we feed him also?

Consider becoming a part of LCC's individualchallenge and FEED THE INVISIBLE GUEST -AND MAKE HIM VISIBLE program to help feed

the hungry.

Click here for more details | Click here to donate now Click here for a Bulletin Insert

Tim's Pick of the Week

Congratulations, Truth Tag

Inspiring and colorful Truth Tag set is a fun way tocarry a Scripture verse with you; a shiny, plasticizedbookmark, 2.25" x 5.5" with matching 2.25" x 1.25"tab, or "tag" for your key ring; bold contemporarygraphic design and high glossy finish. An affordableChristian gift or prize for any occasion! (Be sure tokeep one for yourself, too.) Attach a Truth Tag toyour luggage, briefcase, backpack or zipper-pull. Featured Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11For I know the plans I have for you...plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you afuture and a hope.

Job Seekers and Employers - Connect Online!Christians contact us frequently who are looking foremployment - either because the company they are withhas downsized, closed or has had layoffs. If you arelooking for people to hire and would like to consider afellow Christian for a position, please check herewww.servantatheart.org. Job seekers can post their resumes, and employers canpost job openings. Access to Expanded Job Listingsthrough National Labor Exchange...

Servant at HeartLutheran Church Charities' Online Christian BusinessDirectoryLooking for a Christian business? Lutheran Church Charities has an on-line ChristianBusiness Directory called Servant@Heart. This on-line directory allows:

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Christians businesses to advertise their services without cost. Others to seek out Christian businesses.

Each member of the directory has their church and pastor identified in their listing.

Search at ServantAtHeart.org to find Christian businesses or to have your businesslisted. You can also go to www.LutheranChurchCharities.org or call (866) 455-6466.

It is the people of God working together that fully allows God to build for His Kingdom!

Spirit of Life ChorusThe 100 voice SPIRIT OF LIFE CHORUS will present its Spring 2010 concert series , "We've WalkedWith God"...Celebrating 20 Years of Music with the Spirit of Life Chorus.

The celebratory concert will feature some of the best praise music we have sung over 20 years;selections from Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, patriotic music including a salute to ourArmed Forces, and at the conclusion of the concert, an original arrangement of the stirring andinspirational, "I'll Walk With God."

The musical selections are typical SPIRIT in style. They are spiritually uplifting, motivating, and exciting! Our musical goalis to bring each member of our audience just one step closer to God, one step closer to HIS presence in our lives.

So join us for this these concerts as we stand in HIS presence and sing HIS praises.

The Spirit of Life Chorus is a 100+ member ecumenical Christian concert chorus performing in church sanctuaries andauditoriums throughout northern Illinois. Since 1990, SPIRIT has had a solid, musical reputation of dynamic concerts withstrong emotional appeal performed from the heart of each member. "SPIRIT" style music is presented with a joyousdedication to bringing the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ to all who listen.

Click here for more information about the Spirit of Life Chorus

The following is the schedule for the remainder of our concert series:

ROSELLE: Sunday, April 18th at 4:00 pmTrinity Lutheran Church405 South Rush StreetRoselle, 60172

LOMBARD: Sunday, April 25th at 4:00 pmChrist The King Catholic Church1501 Main StreetLombard, 60148

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS: Sunday, May 2nd at 4:00 pmFaith Lutheran Church431 South Arlington Heights RoadArlington Heights, 60056

40 Days of Purpose - What on earth am I here for?Beginning Sunday, April 11thThe Lutheran Church of Saint Luke410 S. Rush St.Itasca, IL 60143

Beginning April 11th, St. Luke, Itasca, will be presenting "The Purpose Driven Life" by RickWarren. Over the course of 40 days, we'll explore God's amazing plan for you - both here

and now, and for eternity. Knowing God's purpose for creating you will reduce your stress, focus your energy, simplifyyour decisions, give new meaning to your life, and, most importantly, prepare you for eternity.

For the convenience of families with young children, small groups with a babysitter at the house to help with the childrenwill be available. Six other groups are meeting throughout Itasca on different days/times of the week as well. Each week,a portion of the DVD presentation will be shown, followed by a discussion about what was heard and read.

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A copy of the book The Purpose Driven Life is available for purchase Saturdays and Sundays after services at Saint Lukefor a donation of approximately $6-$10.

For more information email Pastor McReynolds at [email protected].

Immanuel Lutheran School PalatineEducation Foundation Fundraiser"An Evening of Culinary Delight"

Friday, April 16th - 6 pmThe Meadows Club2950 W Golf Rd.Schaumburg, IL

Don't miss this special event as several renowned chefs will be cooking their favorite dishes for you toenjoy! Our guest will be Pastor Roger Sonnenberg (click here for Pastor Sonnenberg's bio), who holds a Master ofDivinity degree from Concordia, St. Louis, and is the pastor of a large church in Arcadia, California, as well as a lecturerthroughout the U.S. on marriage and family relations. He will speak on the value of a Christian education.

In addition to a great dinner, there will be an auction and dancing to the Bruce Blanck Quartet. The event will beheld at the Meadows Club in Schaumburg on Friday, April 16. Join us for cocktails at 6:00pm with dinner at7:00pm. There will be a room reserved for children where they will be supervised and treated to games, a special movie,and snacks! The funds raised will go to support the programs at Immanuel Lutheran School Palatine, as well as helpmore children receive a Christian education through tuition assistance.

For ticket information contact [email protected]

Voice of Care Recreation MeetingSaturday, April 17th - 2:30pm - 5:00pm (light supper at4:30)St. Peter Lutheran Church43W301 Plank RoadHampshire, IL 60140

People with all abilities are invited to learn about Special Needs/Handy Camp atWalcamp Outdoor Ministries. Come play games, do a craft and watch a slide show

of Voice of Care camps.

Contemporary Easter MusicalSaturday, April 17th at 5:00 pmImmanuel Lutheran Church200 North Plum Grove Rd.Palatine, IL 60525

Saturday, April 17, the Rejoice Singers will present the contemporary Easter musical I'VESEEN JESUS at the 5:00 service. In this musical, Jesus is talking to us today as clearly as Hedid to His first disciples.

Click here for more information

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Spirit of Life Chorus Spring Benefit ConcertSunday, April 18th - 4 pmTrinity Roselle405 S. Rush StreetRoselle, IL

On Sunday, April 18, at 4 p.m., Spirit of Life Chorus will present a benefit concert at Trinity Roselle tohelp raise money for the start-up costs for Trinity's "See to Read-Read to See" Eyeglass Clinics that

Trinity will begin in June. Thrivent for Lutherans will be providing matching funds. Come and enjoy an afternoon of music,fun, and fellowship as Spirit presents a heartwarming concert with patriotic songs, praise songs, and selections fromJoseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat. Trinity is located at 405 S. Rush Street, Roselle. Admission is free, a free-will offering will be taken, and lightrefreshments will be served following the concert. Come and share in the joy of bringing the gift of eyeglasses and sightaround the world. Contact Sonya at 630-894-3263 with any questions.

Moody Chorale at St. John's, LaGrangeSunday, April 18th at 7:00 pmSt. John's Lutheran Church47th Street and Brainard AvenueLaGrange, IL 60525

The Moody Chorale, conducted by Gerald H. Edmonds of the Moody Bible Institute inChicago, will be performing on Sunday, April 18, 2010 at 7:00 PM at St. John's LutheranChurch, LaGrange, IL.

Founded in 1946, the Moody Chorale has long been established as one of the leadingcollegiate choral organizations in the United States specializing in sacred music. Its purposeis to minister the Word of God through music, leading men and women in the worship of ourCreator and Redeemer. The ensemble's repertoire includes a broad range of music chosenfrom all periods of music history. A free-will offering will be accepted at the concert. For

information call St. John's Lutheran Church at 708-354-1690 or visit our website at www.sjlagrange.com

Murder Mystery Dinner Fundraiser for the Reeves FamilySaturday, April 24th, 6:45 pmSt. John's Ev. Lutheran Church & School300 Jefferson StAlgonquin, IL

What: Murder Mystery Dinner Fundraiser for the Reeves Family

Why: To raise funds for Algonquin resident and church member Dan Reeves. Dan is now and has been battling brain cancer for many years.In addition to the funds raised, Thrivent Financial will match $1600 in funds raised. Theme: Pasta, Passion and Pistols When: Saturday April 24th @ 6:45pm Where: St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church & School 300 Jefferson St Algonquin, IL Cost: Adults and children 10+ - $15.00/Children under 10 - $5.00 Tickets can be purchased at St. John's after church services or call St. John's @ 847-658-9300.

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It's Time for Worker Bee at Walcamp!Saturday, May 1st, 8:30 amWalcamp Outdoor Ministries32653 Five Points Rd.Kingston, IL 60145

Don't miss annual spring clean up day at Walcamp Outdoor Ministries. Help us get the camp readyfor another summer of fun by volunteering for our annual clean-up day! Families, individuals, youth groups, school groups all welcome!Know anyone who needs volunteer hours for high school or confirmation credit? To register, or for more information, please contact Walcamp by calling 815-754-5141 or [email protected]

Annual Heartland Blood DriveSunday, May 2nd, 8 am - 12:30 pmSt. John's Ev. Lutheran Church & School300 Jefferson StAlgonquin, ILActivity Center

Registration is available through St. John's Lutheran Church Office at 847-658-9300 oronline at www.heartlandbc.org

Walcamp Annual Golf Outing and DinnerSaturday, May 15th, 11:00 amSt. Andrew's Golf and Country Club2241 Route 59West Chicago, IL 60185 Registration begins at 11 am, with lunch following Tee times begin at 12 noon Space is limited; only 40 golfers! Gifts for all golfers!

Dinner and evening program begin at 5:00 pm in the Trophy Room. For information on being a sponsor for this event, or to register, please contact the Walcampoffice by calling 815-754-5141 or email [email protected]

Ethnic Pentecost and Choral Worship ServiceSunday, May 23rd at 3:00 pmMt. Greenwood Lutheran Church10901 S. Trumball Ave.Chicago, IL 60655

In celebration of Pentecost, LWML and One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism committee will be havingan ethnic Pentecost and choral worship service on Sunday, May 23, at 3:00 P.M. at Mt. GreenwoodLutheran Church, 10901 S. Trumbull Ave., Chicago. A catered dinner will follow. Pastors and laypeople from several congregations will be participating and Rev. Stephane Kalonji from ZionWinston will preach the sermon. Praise dancers, contemporary music singers and musicians, pluschoirs will participate.

Dinner reservation deadline will be Friday, May 14. Cost per person will be $10.00. Make the check payable to Janet

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Hasler and forward to Unit 2 East, 15727 S. Ravinia Ave., Orland Park, IL 60462.

Upcoming Events - Click Here for a complete listing of Upcoming Events

Spirit of Life Chorus Please see article fordates

Please see article for locations

40 Days of Purpose - What on Earth am I here for? Beginning SundayApril 11th

St. Luke, Itasca

Immanuel Lutheran School Education FoundationFundraiser"An Evening of Culinary Delight"

Friday, April 16th6 pm The Meadows Club, Schaumburg

Voice of Care Recreation Meeting Saturday, April 17th2:30 pm

St. Peter Lutheran Church, Hampshire

Contemporary Easter Musical Saturday, April 17th5 pm

Immanuel Lutheran Church, Palatine

Moody Chorale Sunday, April 18th7 pm

St. John's, LaGrange

Loving People to Christ Saturday, April 24th9 am - 2 pm

Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Portage, IN

Murder Mystery Dinner Fundraiser Saturday, April 24th6:45 pm

St. John's, Algonquin

Worker Bee at Walcamp Saturday, May 1st, 8:30am

Walcamp Outdoor Ministries, Kingston

Annual Heartland Blood Drive Sunday, May 2nd8 am - 12:30 pm

St. John's, Algonquin

Walcamp Annual Golf Outing & Dinner Saturday, May 15th11 am

St. Andrew's Golf & Country Club, WestChicago

Ethnic Pentecost and Choral Worship Service Sunday, May 23rd3 pm

Mt. Greenwood Lutheran Church, Chicago

How To Support Lutheran Church Charities

All contributions go dollar per dollar to the causes listed in this newsletter.

If you would like more information on how to help or if you have items to share please [email protected] send contributions to LCC, 333 West Lake Street, Addison, IL 60101or contribute at our web site at http://LCC.LutheranChurchCharities.orgor call us for credit card donations at LCC's office at (866) 455- 6466