Sydney Kessa distributing personalhygiene items in a tent city in

Thomassique, Haiti

November 30, 2011 In This Issue

Featured StoriesComfort Dog Update

Families in NeedDisaster Response

Ministry NeedsMission OpportunitiesInternational Ministry

LCC Ministry ResourcesTim's Pick of the Week

How To Keep LCC Serving

Tim's Pick of theWeek

LCC has many resources

available tocongregations,

businesses, andindividuals.

Click here to visit our websiteand learn more

Pastor Marky Kessa's Wife Attacked by Robbers Reverend Marky Kessa, President of the Lutheran Church of Haiti, reports that his wifewas attacked by robbers when returning from dropping off American missionaries in PortAu Prince. He writes...

We give thanks to God in all circumstances,God is always with us. Yesterday morning my wife went to Port-au-Prince, drove a group of Americanmissionaries who were at Jacmel for oneweek, where they served a lot. My wife, on herway back to Jacmel around 4 PM, she wasattacked by two robbers with gangs, they tookher wallet with everything inside, driverlicense, blank checks, money, her chain, herbracelet, her wings, and other things. But wegive thanks to God for his protection. My wifeshe is safe, please pray for us.

We give thanks to God once again 26 people received Christ this morning at bothservices at the church. Rev. Marky Kessa

Notice, even in the midst of this trauma, Pastor Kessa is quick to mention that 26 peoplereceived Christ as the Christian Church in Haiti continues its explosive growth. LCC iscollecting donations to replace the money that was lost in the robbery. LCC is constantlyassessing the security concerns in Haiti and making adjustments as necessary. Thesafety of our volunteer teams is of paramount importance to us. Click here to donate to replace money lost to robbers

Iranian Refugee Family Faces EvictionRequest by Rev. Hicham Chehab, Pastor, Salam ChristianFellowship & Missionary for Chicagoland Lutheran MuslimMission Association (CLMMA)

Bashir (pictured) and his family will face eviction at the endof this month if they cannot pay their rent ($890). Bashir isin his early twenties. He is a hemophiliac and will receivedisability benefits in a month or two that will help his familypay the rent. The family has been attending Salam sincethey came to America a year ago. Bashir was baptizedunto the Lord in early October and he is leading others toChrist. Please help this family in need Click here to donate

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than 400 congregations to helpChristians "Make a Differencein People's Lives and in God's

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LCC@LutheranChurchCharities.org

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Remember Us Last to Keep Us First to Serve

Why 12/31? Because Lutheran ChurchCharities is committed to never putting ouroperational needs BEFORE our Mission tobring the Mercy, Compassion, Presence andProclamation of Jesus Christ to those who arein need. Once a Year, and Only Once a Year, we askyou who have acted out your faith in reachingout and serving those in need to "Rememberus Last". LCC's 12/31 "Remember us Last"

appeal allows us through your donations to ensure that every dollar given to a specificneed throughout the year goes entirely to that need. Our "Dollar in Dollar out" approachinsures that no administrative costs are taken from a donor's specific gift. All of our Pass-Through Donations of food, clothing, cars, etc. go out free of charge to those in needthrough our churches. With your support this past year we were able to serve thousands who were in need!Click here to see what your generosity has done this year So after you have given to those in need thisCHRISTmas Season, "Remember us Last" sothat we can be first to serve in 2012. Thankyou for your faithful support and prayers. Youhave Made a Difference! To God be All Glory! Click here to donate to the 12/31 Appeal

LCC in need of Video Editors for Missions

Lutheran Church Charities receives frequent requestsfrom ministries and missionaries asking for helpproducing short videos on their mission or ministry.Although LCC has all the equipment and a studio, wesimply do not have the staff time to do all the editingjobs that are asked of us. If you have the skills andwould like to volunteer to help a missionary or someoneworking to go on the mission field tell their story wewould like to talk with you. Anyone interested involunteering for projects is asked to please contact DanaYocum, Tim Kurth, or Tim Hetzner at

LCC@LutheranChurchCharities.org

"Send a SpokenPrayer"

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

available.

To learn more, Click Here

Short-term Missionary Hannah Kiefer SeeksAssistance for One-year Service

In June 2011, Hannah Kiefer, of Bonfield, Illinois, wascommissioned by The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod'sInternational Ministries to serve as a short-term, GEOmissionary. For one year, she will teach English at theConcordia English Center in Macau, and help with weekly Biblestudies and outreach events there. Hannah writes... Will you partner with me in sharing Christ's love with the peopleof Macau? Please prayerfully consider helping support my yearof missionary service. The total cost will be approximately$27,000 and will cover everything from training and visa costs tohousing and food. Funds are currently at $4,664 and I hope to

continue to find churches and individuals who will partner with me in the missionGod has set before us.

Hannah is the daughter of Pastor John and Sandy Kiefer of Zion Lutheran Churchin Bonfield, Illinois, and graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University in May 2011with a B.A. in English and a minor in Business Administration. Click here to support Hannah

Salem Blue Island Receiving Donations for FireVictims

Late last week a devastating apartment building firein Blue Island, Illinois left 20 families homeless andwithout most of their belongings. The people ofSalem Lutheran Church in Blue Island areaccepting donations of winter coats, winter clothes,food, gift cards, furniture and bedding. These itemscan be delivered to the church during regularbusiness hours Tuesday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 3p.m. Those wishing to drop off donations outside of

these hours can call Carol at the church to schedule a time. Steve Kuehner, an Elder at Salem, is coordinating relief efforts for the families affectedby the fire. Salem is located at 12951 Maple Avenue in Blue Island 60406. All donationsare to be delivered directly to Salem as LCC is not collecting items or coordinating anydeliveries. Call Carol at (708) 388-1830 with questions or to schedule adrop-off.

Refugees from Iran and Iraq Enjoy ThanksgivingDinner at St. Matthew Hawthorn Woods

The annual Thanksgiving Dinner hosted bySt. Matthew Hawthorn Woodswelcomed special guests from Iran and Iraq.Reverend Hicham Chehab brought fifteenrefugees to the dinner. A volunteer mom anddaughter who arrived late to the dinner didn'tknow about the group. But it turned out themom works with refugees and was fluent inArabic! Another God appointment that madeThanksgiving all the more special. The Daily

Herald did a full story on the dinner and the refugees who attended. Click here to read the story

Devotion Series - Guidance The three-part devotion series entitled"Guidance" begins tomorrow. Click here to sign up for our freeonline devotions Click here for our archive of DailyDevotions

Immanuel Joplin Announces Fixed Schedule forVolunteer Recovery Teams

Trent Davis, Director of Disaster Response forImmanuel Joplin, has announced theestablishment of a regular weekly work schedule ofTuesday through Saturday. Groups are welcometo work on Sundays and Mondays but are asked notto plan starting or finishing work on those days as theywill not have support of Immanuel staff, no access totools, direction or guidance. This schedule allows thestaff at Immanuel to establish routines that promote

the long term sustainability of the recovery effort. Trent is encouraging teams to workwithin the Tuesday to Saturday window when establishing start and end days for theirtrips to Joplin. In rare cases exceptions will be considered but with an expected five yeartimeframe for recovery work Immanuel is concerned about avoiding burnout for their staffand appreciate volunteers' understanding. The team at Immanuel will take a break from December 19-25 and willnot be hosting any volunteer teams on these dates. If you would like to bringa team to Joplin in 2012 please click below and register. The rebuilding of Joplin isexpected to take as much as five years and volunteers are vital to the ongoing effortsthere. Click here to volunteer in Joplin, Missouri

Four Homes of Mercy - Bethany IsraelServing the poorest of the poor in the Name ofChrist

Four Homes of Mercy is a Christian run home for theemotionally and physically disabled children (many ofwhom are orphans) and adults in the poor area ofBethany Israel - the very location where Jesus alwaysstayed when he came to Jerusalem (home of Lazarus,Mary and Martha, and Simon the Leper). They rely ondonations to keep their doors open so that they can serve

their residents in the Name of Christ. LCC received a Christmas greeting from FourHomes showing the work that is being done. Click here to read their Christmas Greeting If you would like to help the efforts of the Palestinian Christian run Four Homes of Mercyin Bethany - you can contribute online by clicking here or by sending a check toLutheran Church Charities and marking the donation Four Homes of Mercy.

Immanuel Joplin Seeks Specialized Volunteers

Trent Davis, Director of Disaster Response at ImmanuelJoplin, is looking for volunteer teams with very specificskills to help with projects slated from December throughFebruary. Team registrations have tapered off but there arefive projects underway where more volunteers are needed.Trent writes... The Lord has blessed us with the ability to get 5 decentsized projects under roof before the weather has gotten toonasty here, so we have lots of interior work; electrical,plumbing, HVAC, drywall, painting, cabinets and trim that

need to be or will need to be done but we have very few teams committed fromDecember-February any help that you can stir up would be greatly appreciated.

Click here to register your team

Comfort Dog Update K-9 Comfort Dogs Visit Grace Lutheran Church in WesternSprings Grace Lutheran Church in WesternSprings invited the K-9 Comfort Dogs totheir Women's Club meeting on Monday nightNovember 28, 2011. The dogs were greetedwith warm enthusiasm and pets from all. DonaMartin, on staff at LCC, brought Comfort DogOlympia and spoke about the K-9 ComfortDog ministry. Rich Martin from LCC spokeabout other ministries within LCC. LynnBuhrke and K-9 Chewie and TranettaMcComb and K-9 Star (pictured with women'sclub members) also visited and spoke about their involvement with the ministry. Click here to schedule a K-9 Comfort Dog visit

Donate to the K-9 Parish Comfort Dog Ministry

Your Donations Make A Difference Darlene Havard of Jesendys Hygiene Ministry Thanks Volunteers A group of volunteers came out before Thanksgiving to help pack hygiene kits forJesendys Hygiene Ministry. Director Darlene Havard writes:

I would like to say thanks to the manyvolunteers that came out to packagepersonal hygiene kits on November 12,2011 with Jesendys Hygiene Ministry.The volunteers worked with greatenthusiasm and energy. I reallyappreciate the children who were therelearning and supporting a good cause. The personal hygiene kits will bedonated to organizations who will

distribute the kits to individuals who are less fortunate than others. Theorganizations receiving the kits are Walk in Ministry of Hope in Downers Grove,Repeat Boutique in Wheaton, Sharing Connections Furniture Bank in DownersGrove and other Church Ministries. These organizations will receive 300 hygienekits each. Thanks to our Volunteers the packing was a success and all 1200 kits wereproduced. We could not have done this without GOD'S Grace that blessed yourhearts and hands. Thank you. Sincerely, Darlene Havard, Founder of Jesendys Hygiene Ministry

Turkeys Feed 75 Through HaitianMinistry in Chicago Rev. Jean Bingue stopped by the LCC officeto pick up a check and six whole frozen 20pound turkeys and enough other fixings toprepare a Thanksgiving Dinner for 75 peopleof the Haitian ministry on Thanksgiving Day. Your Donations Provided Thanksgiving Meals for Families in Need

LCC received the following thank you from FaithLutheran Church in Mobile, Alabama: First giving honor, praise, and thanks to our Lord andSavior Jesus Christ who makes all things possible, onbehalf of the pastor, Rev. Michael A Johnson and theEvangelism Committee here at Faith Lutheran Church,Mobile, Alabama with your financial support we wereable to provide the Salvation Army here in the city ofMobile, Alabama enough food to prepare approximately100 to 150 Thanksgiving Meals for those in need. Again,thanks for all you and your organization do to help reachout to the needy all over the world. May God continue tobless your effort to bless others.

LCC Assists Ministries to ObtainNeeded Resources LERT Teams from Immanuel Freeportand Trinity Lisle are outfitting a DisasterResponse unit for their teams. Recently LCCwas able to assist them with acquiring someof the equipment and disaster supplies theyneed for just handling cost and shared fuelcharges. LCC was also able to assist Dr.Susan Busse with supplies for MedicalMissions.

Families in NeedHelp Make A Difference

Death of Single Mom Leaves Family Needing Vehicle andFinancial SupportPastor Patrick Boomhower of Trinity Lombard has asked LCC to help afamily in crisis

Iraqi Refugee Family Facing EvictionRequest by Rev. Hicham Chehab, Pastor, Salam Christian Fellowship &Missionary for Chicagoland Lutheran Muslim Mission Association(CLMMA)

Pastor Bill Stroup Seeks Support for Single MomRequest by Rev. Bill Stroup, St. John's Lutheran Church, Algonquin

Pastor Kalonji of Zion Chicago Seeks Assistancefor Trip HomeRequest from Pastor Stephane Kalonji, Zion Lutheran ChurchWinston, Chicago

Pastor Stephane Kalonji of Zion on Winston Avenue inChicago has received word that his younger brother inPretoria, South Africa is gravely ill. The situation is dire andPastor Kalonji is asking for assistance to purchase airfarehome to be with his brother. Pastor writes... I come, asking that LCC consider publicizing my plea forhelp. My 33 year-old brother, Pitshou Kalonji, was recentlydiagnosed with lymphoma cancer. While treatments at firstseemed to work, things have changed in the past fewdays. He has completely lost the use of his legs, hiscondition is fast deteriorating and doctors have said he

only has a few weeks to live. I ask for help so I can travel to Pretoria, South Africa,where my brother lives and spend a few days with him. Thanks so much, in advance, foryour help in publicizing this! A round trip ticket to South Africa will cost approximately $1400. Please consider a giftthrough LCC to assist Pastor Kalonji at this difficult time for his family. As with all ourappeals, one hundred percent of every dollar will go to this need. Click here to donate.

Urgent Request from Pastor Shehab for IraqiConvert Facing EvictionRequest by Rev. Hicham Chehab, Pastor, Salam ChristianFellowship & Missionary for Chicagoland Lutheran MuslimMission Association (CLMMA)

An Iraqi convert from Islam, and who suffersfrom a disability, is facing eviction the end ofNovember. Pastor Hicham Chehab is makingan urgent request for assistance for the $921needed to prevent the eviction. He writes... "The payment will resolve the current concernas this refugee has now qualified for section 8(subsidized housing) and his part-time job willpay enough to cover future expenses goingforward. His radical Muslim ex-wife has

instigated the Muslim community against him and he is ostracized by Muslims inChicagoland. Please help a new brother find love and compassion after he left hiscommunity for Christ." Click here to donate

Car Urgently Needed for Single Mom in PalatineRequest from Pastor Tom Acton, Immanuel Palatine

Pastor Tom Acton from Immanuel Palatine hascontacted LCC on behalf of a single mom who lost her carin an accident that was not her fault. She explains toPastor Acton... I have no vehicle at all to drive to my clients or for my kidsto school, activities etc. I've run out of rental car time. I'veborrowed cars here and there and rode my bike mostly,now with the weather, I'm really in a bind. I'm just gettingback to work, after being out of work for almost 2 years.My funds are not where they had been.

If you know someone who has a car they might donate LCC will give full Kelley BlueBook value credit for the donation and we will process the car through for this singlemom. Contact the LCC office for details on how to donate your car at (866) 455-6466.

Pastor Walk of Nazareth Chicago Seeks Positionfor Church Custodian

Pastor Kermit Walk of Nazareth in Chicago hascontacted LCC on behalf of their custodian, Al Debinski,who is concluding his service to Nazareth and seekinga part time position with another church. If your churchis in need of custodial help, Pastor Walk has asked thatyou contact Al at (708) 655-9703. He has servedNazareth for 15 years. Pastor Walk refers to him as his'right hand man' and is willing to provide a reference, ifneeded. Pastor Walk can be reached at (708) 946-1383.

Disaster Response

With LCC CARE CARDING You CanMAKE A DIFFERENCE in a Tangible Way So many people want to help the people ofJoplin, Missouri in a meaningful way - but arenot sure what to do. Here is an opportunity toprovide Mercy and Compassion and Help to anindividual or family right now! Click here for more information If you are unable to do a CARE CARD butwould like to contribute to the purchase of giftcards, click here to donate.

Alabama Recovery Continues - Volunteers StillNeeded

Reverend Ed Brashier, Southern DistrictDisaster Response Coordinator, has sent usan update on the progress of recovery inAlabama. Click here to read

Click Here to Donate to Disaster Relief inAlabama

Click Here to Volunteer in Alabama

Vehicles Needed to Help Individuals andMinistriesAll vehicles that are donated toLCC go directly out to familiesor individuals through ourcongregations. NO vehicles aresold.

LCC has received numerous requests fromchurches for vehicles for families in need ofreliable transportation. The need for cars andvans to provide a means for getting to work,school and medical appointments has neverbeen higher.

If you have a working car or van please consider donating it to LCC for one of thesefamilies. All vehicles that are donated to LCC go directly out to families or individualsthrough our congregations. NO vehicles are sold.

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

Faith Lutheran Church in Bay City, Michigan Seeks Car forDisabled Man Van Needed for Jesendys Hygiene Ministry Member of New Song, Aurora in Need of Car Pastor in Need of Van for Outreach Ministry in Chicago

Cargo Van or Pick-up Truck Needed for Food Pantry at ZionLutheran Church Cars Needed for Immigrant Families Cars Needed for Liberian Refugee Families

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

Other Stories Still Seeking SupportFamily Facing Eviction because Landlord is being Foreclosed Family of Five Lost Home - Need Financial Assistance Support the Chicago Urban Children's Choir Help Fund Eagle Scout Project to Benefit St. Matthew Chicago Elevator Repairs Needed at St. John's, Chicago

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.

2900 Plastic Children's chairs with metal legs for kids (14" high). (30) Gold and(11) Dark Gold in color2898 Black & Decker Car Vac 12 Volt Model # 9510. Powerful, Convenient, andDurable. On/Off Switch. Tested and works great. The Car Vac has a plug whichfits most 12 Volt Cigarette Lighter Sockets, a 16 foot cord with convenientstorage area, Permanent reusable and washable filter bag, Durable one piecebowl, Also comes with all original parts: 1 Crevice Tool and 1 Upholstery Nozzle2894 (1) older sewing machine in cabinet 2893 (2) dining room light fixtures; (3) hall light fixtures, (4) bathroom lightfixtures2886 (6) new still in the boxes LUMARK, MOTION ACTIVATED, Motion Sensors,Installs to one or more existing lights, adjustable settings, 3 in 1 * MotionActivated * Night time on * Standard Floodlight Applications: Wide AreaCoverage Cooper lighting LMS240W White

Click here for the full list of Items Free for the Asking

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

Ministry NeedsHelp Make A Difference

English New Testaments Needed for SalamOutreach to StudentsRequest from Pastor Hicham Chehab, Salam ArabicFellowship, Missionary, POBLO- Chicago

Salam Arabic Fellowship needs paperback English copiesof the New Testament for the student ministry at College ofDuPage and Morraine Valley Community College. NIV, orother modern translations are preferable. Our student ministry has given out more than 300 copies ofthe Bible to college students over the past four years, not tomention tracts and Christian books. God's Word sowsseeds of faith in the hearts of people and would neverreturn empty! At this time we are looking to give awaycopies of the New Testament only. We have found that tobe the most effective outreach to the students.

If you have copies of the New Testament to donate contact LCC at 866-455-6466 oremail LCC@LutheranChurchCharities.org Click here to donate for the purchase of New Testaments

Items Available to a Ministry

Reed Organ AvailableTen stop antique reed organ available to acongregation. The instrument, of solid oakconstruction, and lovingly waxed and polished, hasbeen in the same family since it was built in the late1800's.

Although modest in volume by today's standards, itmight well serve a smaller congregation in providingsupport for its liturgy and hymnody.

Currently in storage for the last several weeks, thisorgan, operated by mechanical bellows usingpedals, has been played until recently. A bench isincluded.

2900 Plastic Children's chairs with metal legs for kids (14" high). (30) Gold and(11) Dark Gold in color2897 Risograph GR 3750 printer (black & white printing only)2881 (22) Lutheran Worship Hymnals (Blue) located in Hampshire, Illinois 2879 72" x 72" Sauder Oak wall unit 2877 1930 Cable Nelson baby grand piano

Click here for the full list of Items Available to a Ministry

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

Carly Stevens,Executive DirectorMOST Ministries

Mission Opportunities Help Make A Difference

New Believers, New Starts in Cambodia!

George & Shary Frahm (pictured) are LCMSMissionaries recently commissioned atImmanuel Lutheran Church inPalatine. Through this commissioning,Immanuel is partnering with the Frahm's inproviding support for their Cambodian mission.Together, we are seeking other congregationsthroughout the LCMS to join in this effort tosupport the "Angels Dormitory project in

Phnom Penh, Cambodia." Click here to read more

Short Term Mission OpportunitiesMOST Ministries

Lutheran Church Charities endorses MOST Ministries as avaluable partner in Proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ inworks of service to others in places throughout the world. Wehave worked with MOST in the past and endorse and supportthis ministry. If you are interested in Short Term Missionopportunities, please click here to find out what currently isavailable. Or you may go directly to their website atwww.MostMinistries.org We thank God for the ministry andpartnership of MOST Ministries and encourage those who areinterested to be involved with them in serving others. Thank you,Tim HetznerPresident, Lutheran Church Charities

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. AmenIf 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 helpfeed the hungry.

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

International Ministry

Help President Marky Kessa of Lutheran ChurchHaiti and Family Acquire a Refrigerator

Imagine 15 people living under one roof andfeeding everyone without having a refrigeratorto store food. That is the reality that PastorMarky Kessa and his family face each day inHaiti. We would like to lessen his burden andget him a refrigerator. The cost of arefrigerator is $950.00. Please prayerfullyconsider helping with this need. Click here to donate

Scholarship a Child in MyanmarBecause of your Donations Two of 10 Students haveReceived Scholarships

Strict regulations in Myanmar (formerlyBurma) make it difficult for children to advanceto a University education. Without specializedschooling outside of the inadequate publicschool system most poor children never getthe chance for higher education which can lifttheir family out of poverty. The National Lutheran Church ofMyanmar is trying to change this and needsyour help to sponsor children in the 11th

grade (the final step prior to University). Because of your generous donations twochildren have already received scholarships. LCC received the following email from Rev.Charles Edwards:

Greetings from Myanmar. In our church there are many students but in grade 11(entrance control by the government directly) there are 10 students. They are veryclever but they are from the very poorest families. Their parents can not supportthem due to their poverty. Our church is trying to give scholarships but we are alsofacing and struggling for finical difficulties. Two months ago Lutheran ChurchCharities(LCC) gave scholarship to 2 students and they are now studying hard.Our church decided to send a prayer request to all our connections. Please prayfor them. Our church believes that through your faithful prayers God will certainlyhelp them in wonderful ways. Again, please pray for them. Blessings. Rev. Charles Edwards, Pastor

Click here if you would like to make a donation to help one of these young students

Here are Ways to Help Our Ongoing Haiti ReliefEfforts Physical Needs Latrines for the Lutheran schools - $500 Water Filters- School Version - $185- Home Version - $35Building Homes and Hope in HaitiShoes - $5Motorcycles for Pastors - $1,000Support College Students Volunteering in Haiti - $150Goats - $50 eachGeneral Disaster Response Donations

Spiritual NeedsStaff Workers in the Tent Cities - $200 a monthBibles in French - $6 eachLuther's Small Catechism in Creole - $5 eachSee Through the Scriptures manuals in French - $2 each

Developing ProjectsRadio Ministry - click here to learn moreHosting Haitian Christian Music Group for U.S. Tour - click here to learn more

Christian Education Projects in the Philippines

Help the Lutheran Church of the Philippines(LCP) move toward establishing 100 newchurch and school ministries by the year 2017to reach more people with the saving gospelof Jesus Christ! Rev. James Cerdenola is theLCP President. Read more... Click here to donate

LCC Ministry Resources

Tim's Pick of the Week

Timeless Truths in Twelve Words or Lessby: Les Stroh Timeless Truths in Twelve Words or Less is a book youwill keep close at hand and turn to often. Every pagecontains a "timeless truth" and a story or illustration bornout Les Stroh's more than 40 years as an educator,trainer, executive, manager, consultant and entrepreneur.These 39 Timeless Truths are set in beautifulphotography and include questions that will help youreflect upon and integrate each Timeless Truth.

Looking to be in an in-depth Bible Study?Does Your Church Want to Host a Study? Your Small Group? Over 150 weeks of In-Depth Bible Studies available on DVD

Tim Hetzner, President of Lutheran Church Charities,has led over 40 Biblical Studies Trips to the Middle Eastover the past 30 years. Learn his insights into theBiblical Text, the Culture and Customs of the People,the History and Archeology of the land - but MOST OFALL - discover the MIND-METHOD-MANNER andMINISTRY of our Lord Jesus Christ.

All Courses are available on DVD and also on the Internet. Become a host site for WordAmong Us Studies and find Answers in the Bible for Life's Many Difficulties andQuestions! For more information and registration, Click Here... To find out more information contact Tim Hetzner at 866-455-6466 or email atWAU@LutheranChurchCharities.org

Hot Dog Cart and Grill Available for MinistryEvents Thanks to Thrivent and Generous Donors

Thanks to the generous contributions of LCC donors and a grant from The NorthwestCook County Thrivent Branch, LCC has acquired a commercial grade food service cartand a large gas grill. Both of these are mounted on trailers and can be picked up to beused by your church for picnics, festivals, and other events where food is served. LCCplans to use this food prep equipment as part of our disaster response in order to feedvolunteers and victims of disaster. When there is no disaster related activity the cart andgrill are available for churches and schools in the Northern Illinois District. If you wouldlike to use one or both of these for an upcoming event, please contact LCC or clickbelow to complete a request form. LCC always looks for ways to resource your ministryin unique and creative ways. Click here to fill out a reservation form

Ministry Resources Available to Congregations Looking for Ways to Share the Mercy andCompassion of Christ to Those in YourChurch and Community? How to Conduct a Successful Mission Fair Click here to learn more about

these and other MinistryResources available from LCC

LCC Staff and Comfort DogsAvailable for Church Functions andSchool Chapels!

Click here to learn more!

Servant at Heart - Online Christian BusinessDirectory

Looking for a Christian business?

Lutheran Church Charities has an online Christian BusinessDirectory, Servant@Heart.

This online directory allows: - Christians businesses to advertise their services without cost.

- Christians looking for employment a place to post their resume- Christians with job openings a place to post those opening - Others to seek out Christian businesses and employees

Click here to learn more

Faith Led Feet - An Opportunity to Put Your Faithin Action

Lutheran Church Charities has created a new page,"Faith LedFeet", on our web site that will help Christians who are involvedin activities for a charitable cause as an expression of their faith tospread the word. Click here to read more.

LCC Emergency Assistance Fund

LCC gets requests daily concerning people who needassistance, and it is increasing because of the currenteconomic times we are living in.

LCC works through our churches to provide assistance bymaking the need known - and dollar per dollar we give themoney to a church to help the family or individual. However,we receive some requests that are emergencies, and moneyis needed that day or the next day and we can't always get theneed out in our weekly email newsletter first.

Would you consider making a gift to our LCC EmergencyAssistance fund so that when these emergency needs

occur we can help (through our churches) quicker? This is an important way for the Bodyof Christ to share the Mercy and Compassion and Proclamation of Christ. To contribute please click here Thank you for continuing to Make A Difference! Tim Hetzner

Festival of Christmas Carols

Saturday, December 3, 2011 at 7:30 pm Zion Lutheran Church1107 S. Book Road Naperville, Illinois The Choirs of Zion (Naperville), Divine Shepherd (Bolingbrook), and St. Matthew(Lemont) Lutheran Churches will celebrate the season Saturday, December 3,7:30 p.m., with their 3rd Annual Festival of Christmas Carols, held this year atZion Lutheran Church, 1107 S. Book Road, Naperville. A 25 minute pre-programconcert will be given of organ and piano at 7:00 p.m.

Light refreshments will be served following.

Festival of Christmas Carols

Sunday, December 18, 2011 at 4:30 pm Concordia Lutheran Church3144 South Home Avenue Berwyn, Illinois In December of 1223, Francis of Assisi instituted the living manger in Greccio,Italy since pilgrimages to Bethlehem posed great risks while the Turks were incontrol of the Holy Land. Concordia Lutheran Church located at 3144South Home Avenue in Berwyn, Illinois will continue this tradition bypresenting a Live Manger on Sunday, December 18th at 4:30 P.M. In costume,children of the Sunday School and Little Lambs Preschool will tell the story of

the true meaning of Christmas as they have for more than 20 years. Weather permitting, an infant from the congregation will portray baby Jesus. A variety of animals from Friendly Farms inDeKalb, Illinois will be available for petting. Mary has been known to ride to the outdoor stable on a real donkey. Hotchocolate and cookies are served, free to all who attend. Everyone is invited to join in singing carols as the story of theSavior's birth unfolds. On Sunday, January 8th at 10 A.M. the Live Manger will be performed indoors for the celebration of Epiphany and TheThree Kings' gift-bearing visit to the Christ Child. Their journey guided by the Star of Bethlehem. In between, the church will observe the birth of Jesus with special services on Christmas Eve at 4:00 P.M. and 10:00 P.M.The former will be a Contemporary Family Service and the latter a traditional Candlelight Service. On Christmas Day, thereis worship at 10:00 A.M. If you would like more information about Concordia Lutheran Church and its programs, visit its web site atwww.concordiaberwyn.org, e-mail them at concordia.berwyn@sbcglobal.net, or call 708-484-9784.

Annual Ski Retreat for High School Youth Groups in January

January 13-15, 2012 Kalahari Resort Wisconsin Dells Ski, snowboard or tubing at Cascade Mountain. Music, great speakers and lots of fun. NEWfor 2012: a Family Retreat component. For more information please contact Debra via emailat registrar@walcamp.org or call her at 815-784-5141..

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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.org or send contributions to LCC, 333 West Lake Street, Addison,IL 60101or contribute at our web site at http://www.LutheranChurchCharities.org or call us for credit carddonations at LCC's office at (866) 455- 6466