Making A Difference NewsletterDecember 30, 2009

December 30, 2009

In This IssuePfizer Management Team

Sponsors Family forChristmas

Need Met! Help YoungMan Get His Life Back in

OrderNeighborhood GroupSponsors Family for

ChristmasYour Donations Make A

DifferenceGod's on the Go in Ghana

Mission Church inAlabama Needs 50 LSB

HymnalsReturning Pastor in Need

of CarUpdate from Haiti

Single Mother of TwoFacing Eviction

Family of Four Needs Van- Father DisabledBilingual Bibles

Germany TripWarehouse Space NeededNew Bible Study Classes

Church VolunteerCentral-September

MeetingUpcoming Events

How To Support LCC

Prayer WallPost a prayer, orpray for others!

LCC's Prayer Wall

LCC's only appeal once a year to keep our doors open!Click here to donate

Pfizer Management Team Sponsors Family forChristmas

The Wisconsin State Management Team of PfizerPharmaceuticals in Schaumburg decided to sponsor afamily in need this Christmas. This is the third year thatthe team has sponsored families instead of exchanginggifts. Tom Hensley, team leader, delivered the presents toRev Bob Schaeffer in Rockford for distribution to thefamily.

Need Met! Because of your generous donations, this needhas been met!Help Young Man Get His Life Back in Order

Request from Pastor Roger Gallup,Bethlehem Lutheran Church, River Grove,Illinois

A younger man that is a member of Bethlehem is currently apatient at Elgin State Hospital and is looking to enter into a drug& alcohol rehab program run by Lutheran Social Services ofIllinois in Elgin. He needs $300.00 for a deposit to enter theprogram. Can you consider helping this young man get his lifeback on track?

Neighborhood Group SponsorsFamily for Christmas

A group of neighbors in Palatine got together to provideChristmas presents for a single mother and her three children.Tom Hensley dropped off the presents at the LCC offices inAddison which were picked up later that day by the mother.

Thank you. Your caring and generosity demonstrated theCompassion of Christ to this family.

Pictured: Dianna Bonfield, Bill, Gary, Rev. Walter Otten, Tim Hetzner

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

For more information aboutLCC and its human care

ministry, please contact LCCstaff at:

LCC@LutheranChurchCharities.org

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LCC Announces

"Send a Spoken

Your Donations Make A Difference Thank you to LCC Volunteers Rev. DennisSchlecht and Bob Waterman who picked upan LCC vehicle from BC Autobody inWheaton on December 23rd. A special thankyou to Mr. Steve Chester and BC Autobody forthe donation of parts and repair services tokeep this LCC vehicle on the road andserving!

God's on the Go in GhanaHelp Provide the Biblical Study Books needed in MissionField

Ghanaian Seminary Students at Ft. WayneSeminary Need Books for the LutheranChurch in Ghana Gary and Bill (names being withheld forprotection), training to be Lutheran Pastors atthe Ft. Wayne Seminary, met with LCC staffmembers to describe their ministries in Ghanaand ways we can assist them. Their primaryrequest was for books so that they can set upa second training library in Ghana. TheLutheran Church in Ghana has a seminarywith a library, and they are looking to create asecond library location so pastors andChristian leaders in the country do not have to travel to Accra, the capitol of Ghana, todo their study and research. They are in desperate need of well-trained pastors andleaders - there are over 25,000 members of the Lutheran Church in Ghana and only 50pastors, with an additional 40 "evangelists" or lay ministers. They fear religious"pluralism" in their country and want well trained leaders to combat a pick-and-chooseapproach of people's beliefs and practices between Lutheranism, other Christianchurches like Presbyterian and Pentecostal, Islam and even some tribal beliefs.

They are looking for donations of books or moneyso they can purchase books for the library. Thebooks they are looking for include The Book ofConcord, Luther's Catechism, Commentaries fromConcordia Publishing House, any books oncounseling, marriage, history, liturgy, etc. Theywould also like a copy of Logos Bible Software. Click here for a complete list of the requestedbooks. While at the LCC office they received alaptop computer, printers, cross and communionware from Bethesda Lutheran Church inChicago, plus some books and other donations. Please contact LCC at 866-455-6466 or email

LCC@LutheranChurchCharities.org if you have any of these books to donate. Click here to donate for the purchase of books While in our office, Bill (name being withheld for protection) filmed a short testimonialdescribing an after school outreach ministry to children and their families in Ghana. Manyof the children being reached by this ministry are Muslim. Click here to view the video

Prayer"

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

available.

To learn more, Click Here

Mission Church in Alabama Needs 50 LSBHymnalsRequest from Rev. Tilahun Mendedo, FaithLutheran Church, Mobile, Alabama Christmas Greetings from Mobile! God has blessed us byhaving a church plant in Citronelle and West Mobile Alabama.The brothers in Citronelle are in need of 50 LSB (LutheranService Book) Hymnals. If anyone has the new hymnals todonate to this mission church it would be a great blessing. To donate hymnals contact LCC at 866-455-6466 or emailLCC@LutheranChurchCharities.org Click here to donate for the purchase of the hymnals. Eachhymnal costs $23.00.

Sudden Death of Father Leaves Widow and FiveChildrenPartial Need Met- Dianna Bonfielddelivered a check to PastorZimmerman for the family. Thank youto all who have donated to thiscontinuing need. Request from Pastor JamesZimmerman, St. Paul LutheranChurch, Addison, Illinois

Update from Pastor Zimmerman:I have met with the widow. The family's home is in foreclosure. There is no healthinsurance or income. They are in desperate need of $10,000 to stabilize their situation.

We have a family at St. Paul in great financial need. The husband (53 years old) diedvery unexpectedly of a heart attack. The wife is left alone with 5 children all under theage of 12 and all with various special needs. The family has been members at St. Paulfor over 20 years.

We would appreciate any assistance you are able to provide for this family. Click here to donate

Returning Pastor in Need of a CarRequest from Pastor Tom Johnson, St. PaulLutheran Church, Melrose Park, Illinois

I would like to request a car for Pastor Eric Klemme (pictured below).He is a former Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod pastor in the processof returning to the roster of the LCMS. He is a member and iscurrently involved in emerging church ministry for Saint Paul. He is in

desperate need of a car, so that he can carryout this ministry effectively, as well as simply get around Chicago(get groceries, go to Church/meetings . . .) without having to be aburden upon someone for a ride. If anyone has an old car theyare not using, or a vehicle they can no longer drive due to healthreason it would be a great blessing to Pastor Klemme and St.Paul.

Sue Gross stoppedby the LCC office topick up a check for

Food for Haiti

If you have a car to donate please contact LCC at 866-455-6466or email LCC@LutheranChurchCharities.org

Update from Haiti: Thank You - YourDonations Continue to Feed Children LCC Received the following update from Susan Gross,Haitian Lutheran Mission Project, Christ Lutheran Church,Orland Park:

Dear Friends of Pastor Isaac I wanted to let you know that we justgot an email from the director of theFeeding Program that was started inthe Village Schools in Pastor Isaac'sJeremie District. He wanted to make sure we thankedall those who helped get this feedingprogram started and all those whosponsor the program on a regular schedule. The Village people are so thankfulthat they have shared some of their stories with the director who has passedthem on to us. In the Village of Beaudouin a boy named Nikelson Jules left for school onemorning which was a 10 kilometer walk, at 5PM the teachers were concernedthat the boy never arrived at the school so some village people went looking forhim. They found him lying in the dirt between his home and the school too weakto go any further. They did not say how long it had been since the boy had eatenbut the director said the boy's mother is no longer worried about sending him toschool because she knows he will be fed now.

In the Village of Moron a similar situation took place with achild named Elizaire Fenel. His school was 6 kilometersaway but he only made it part way when someone foundhim unconscious and took him to his Godfathers home 4kilometers from home. His family too is grateful that whenhe returns to school he will be fed a nutritious meal once aday. As plans for our mission trip to Haiti progress we are excitedthat we will be able to visit these Village Schools and seefor ourselves the change that Trinity Hope has brought to

these children.

Click here to donate

Help Needed to Prepare Donated EyeGlasses for Haiti Mission TripRequest from Susan Gross, HaitianLutheran Mission Project, ChristLutheran Church, Orland Park and TimHetzner, President, Lutheran ChurchCharities

HELP!!! First we would like to thank all who are makingit possible to bring eye glasses to Haiti as part of ourmission trip in March 2010. We have a favor to ask. If

anyone knows of an EYE GLASSPROFESSIONSAL/OPTOMOTRIST who will help us getthe prescriptions read on the glasses we have collectedwe would greatly appreciate the help. We will be washing and sorting these eye glasses after the first of the year ourselves butwe need people who are able to read the glasses and label them before we can packthem for the trip. If several people volunteer it can be done without asking too much ofjust a few. Please consider asking your local eye doctor to help us with this. If you are able to help read the prescriptions of these glasses please call LCC at 866-455-6466 or email LCC@LutheranChurchCharities.org

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

Last Friday, the transmission on the van that we use for churchtransportation went out. The cost of repairing the van is morethan 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 van to donate please contact LCC at 866-455-6466 or emailLCC@LutheranChurchCharities.org

Assistance Needed for Funeral ExpensesFor Church Worker's FamilyRequest from Pastor David Mumm,Concordia Lutheran Church, MachesneyPark, Illinois

My Administrative Assistant and her family are mourning thedeath of her uncle. He died in Rockford on Saturday afternoon.The family has no resources to cover the $1,300.00 funeralexpense. As you can imagine this is very difficult on the entirefamily. Any help that can be found would be appreciated.

Click here to donate

Single Mother of Two Needs $1,500 toAvoid EvictionRequest from Pastor Kenety Gee, ChathamFields Lutheran Church, Chicago

Unemployment has finally hit this family. She is a single motherof two beautiful young school age girls. She's hard working andhas actively been in search of employment since she lost her jobover six months ago. Through savings and temporary jobs hereand there and help from family members she has been able tokeep a roof over her family's head. But she's fallen behind withher rent and is in urgent need of $1,500. She wants to keep herchildren stable and would absolutely love to avoid evictionbecause she knows that will affect how the children perform inschool. Could you please put out a word on your widely read weekly publication to see ifthere are people out there who are willing to help keep this mother and her childrenstable by keeping the roof over their head. Click here to donate

Family of Four Needs Van- Father DisabledRequest from Pastor Brian Truog, CrossLutheran Church, Yorkville, Illinois

Through our community outreach program we have come in contactwith a family in need from Plano, Illinois. This is a family of four.The husband is disabled due to cerebral palsy and unable to work.The wife works part-time in a doctors' office. Their eldest son goesto Wabaunsee Community College and the youngest son is inelementary school. The vehicle they have now is in poor condition -probably unsafe to drive - and has no heat. A vehicle is important to them because everyfew months they have to drive to the hospital in Chicago for the husband's doctorsappointments. The wife would like to go to school and be certified in the medical field,but is unable to afford that. It would probably be best for them to have a van, but I don'tthink that is absolutely necessary. The donation of a reliable van would be such ablessing to this family. Please contact LCC at 866-455-6466 or email LCC@LutheranChurchCharities.org if youhave a vehicle to donate.

Church Organist Needs CarRequest from Vacancy Pastor Jim Bauman,Faith Lutheran Church, Carpentersville,Illinois

The organist of Faith, Carpentersville, who is a single motherwith a daughter that has ongoing and severe medicalproblems, is in need of an automobile. Her present car is inneed of repairs too expensive to consider. At present theorganist is unable to come to church for services because oflack of transportation. Playing at our church is an important part of a very small totalincome. Please contact LCC at 866-455-6466 or email LCC@LutheranChurchCharities.org if youhave a vehicle to donate.

Single Mother of Two Needs Short Term Rent

AssistanceRequest from Pastor James Zimmerman,St. Paul Lutheran Church, Addison, Illinois

We are working with a single mother and her two children.They are members of St. Paul. She is recently unemployed andneeds $1,200.00 of rent assistance as a bridge until her publicaid begins.

Any assistance for this family will be greatly appreciated.

Click here to donate

Single Mother of Five in Need of ReliableTransportationRequest from Linda Arnold, Director ofCare Ministries, Trinity Lutheran Church,Lisle, Illinois

We have a single mother of five in need of a vehicle. Shelost her job two months ago. She currently is driving an oldvan with 140K miles on it. We've helped her by repairingsome problems that prevented it from passing emissionstesting but she really needs something more reliable ratherthan continuing to spend money to fix what she has. Shealso needs to be able to transport six people. If she couldreceive a donated van that would be such a blessing forthis family.

Please contact LCC at 866-455-6466 or emailLCC@LutheranChurchCharities.org if you have a vehicle to donate.

Continuing Need for Bi-Lingual Bibles for Outreachto Muslim College StudentsRequest 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 material are needed.

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

In God's PeaceHicham

Click Here to Donate Now

Attention LCC Volunteers and Others WhoServe our Lord by Volunteering

IRS Mileage deduction rates for 2010

The IRS has published the 2010 mileage rates that canbe claimed as a deduction if you use your car forvolunteer service

14¢ per mile for automobile use in providingservices to a charitable organization;(same rateas 2009)16.5¢ per mile for automobile use for medical reasons16.5¢ per mile for automobile use for moving.

www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=216048,00.html

IRS Tips for Year-EndDonationsClick Here to read valuable tips from the IRS regarding year-end charitable contributions.

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!

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.

Can You Help LCC Find Free Warehouse StorageFor Our Ongoing Ministry?In order to be able to respond to disastersswiftly, it is imperative that we operate in a stateof preparedness. To be able to do that, it isimportant that we have our vehicles andequipment stored in a location and environmentthat will enable us to move quickly.

For the other parts of our ministry, we need:

Work space for our volunteers that is aclimate controlled environmentHas short term storage space for donations till they can be picked up in a fewdays.A space large enough where we can drive in and store our Disaster responseRV and trailers for immediate DEPLOYMENT.A cargo bay allowing us the ability to load semi-trailers would also be nice and

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

useful feature.

If you know of someone who owns or has available warehouse space that isn't beingcurrently used, please contact Tim Hetzner at Lutheran Church Charities. We understandthat use of the warehouse would not be permanent and that the owner would have thefull rights to regain their facility if it was to be rented or sold. LCC would carry theinsurance on the space we are using. Please contact Tim Hetzner, President of LCC at(866) 455-6466 if you know of someone. This would be a tremendous Help in meetingthe increased demands LCC faces. Help us to continue to - by the Grace ofGod - Make A Difference in People's Lives and in God's Kingdom!

Looking to be in a Bible Study?Does Your Church Want to Host aStudy? Your Small Group? Indicate YourInterest 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 wouldlike to take a course by internet - Click here Short-Format Courses

James: 5-week coursePhilippians: 5-weekcourseJude: 1-week courseJonah::3-week courseProverbs: 10-weekcourseKnow that GodExists: 1-week courseEsther: 5-week course

Long-Format Courses

Cover To Cover: A JourneyThrough The Bible60-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 atWAU@LutheranChurchCharities.org

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 LCC@LutheranChurchCharities.org

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

Homeless Single Mother and Son Need AssistanceMinister to the Missionaries in West AfricaSingle Mother of Two Facing Eviction Education for Orphans in KenyaHelp Train Pastors in EthiopiaLCMS Pastor Starts Orphanage in EthiopiaFamily in Need of Car and Short Term Rent AssistanceVoice of Care Handicapped MinistriesMission to Haiti - Eyeglasses Needed

Items Available to a MinistryLutheran Books of Worship (copyright 1978)10 bin sorter with stapler Collator series 300/400 with corner stapler2600 upright Rippen piano, model Cantabile, serial # 1944162590 Black Steel Advent Wreath with plastic electrified candles2589 Pulpit (Lamb of God design)2587 Altar: black square tube steel with marble facing - with Trinity symbol2532 - 1 Cassette Player, 1 remote foot switch & head phones

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

Items NEEDED for a Ministry

A larger lawn tractor or ATV with a plow blade or snow blower equipment inworking or repairable conditionA heavy duty pickup truck with or with out plow equipment, in working orrepairable condition

If you have items to donate contact LCC at 866-455-6466 or emailLCC@LutheranChurchCharities.org

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.

2672 - 4 bxs (18 cards/bx) Christmas Cards by SunriseGreetings

2639 - Hammond Spinet Organ with a set of8 foot pedals Dual key board w/organ bench, cherry wood color (pictured)

2626 - Wurlitzer Funmaker Deluxe Organ(pictured)

2621-2625 - Conference Tables - dark walnutveneer 96" by 44" (pictured)

2620 - Dark walnut Wurlitzer Organ (25yr old). Has arhythm box, foot pedals, synchronization, with bench

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

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

Items NEEDED for a Family Single mom with two little boys need the following items:

Dining room table and chairsA bedroom set (full size mattress and box spring)Misc. Kitchen itemsFive year old son in need of clothes size 6, size 12 for shoes/socks

If you have items to donate contact LCC at 866-455-6466 or emailLCC@LutheranChurchCharities.org

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 for

some word...

Car Needed for Arabic Outreach MinistryCars Needed for Immigrant FamiliesSingle Mother Needs Car for Work

Click here for the complete page listing the needs

If you have a vehicle to donate, please contactLCC@LutheranChurchCharities.org or call 866-455-6466

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 Jesusto be 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

How Jesus Ended Up in theFood Court: Seventy-SevenDevotional Thoughts You NeverThought About Before By Doug Mendenhall

Doug Mendenhall has learned how to ask good questionsWhere would God go for a vacation? What if the devil hadto update his hymnal? Who says the prodigal son didnthave fun? Which NFL team is # 1 in the Bible? How doyou pray for the Easter bunny? Since the summer of 2000Doug has written a weekly newspaper column with twogoals in mind. First, to help experienced Christiansrediscover old jewels of truth from a new angle, so that they shine brightly even in jadedeyes. Second, to avoid using churchy words and a preachy tone of voice. Dougs wifesays hes just weird. Maybe shes right, but Doug doesnt see why writing about somethingas aweinspiring as divinity, humanity and eternity should be placid, predictable or tepid.This book contains 77 of his favorite Soul Food columns from the first five years. I hopethey feed your soul, he says, even if they give you a touch of heartburn from that extrapinch of spice. Everyone will enjoy this collection of Christian parables, stories andmusings sprinkled with humor and leavened with a love for the Word.

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

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!

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

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 contactTimHetzner@LutheranChurchCharities.orgor 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