#LoveThyNeighbor

Love for life

Can you guess how many bags there are here? 60! That's 60 shopping bags FULL of nonperishable food items and hygiene products for the guests at the Women and Children's Center Homeless Shelter, donated by the generous congregation at  Ascension Lutheran Church & School , Tucson, AZ. The guests at the shelter said, "Our hearts are overflowing with praise to God for you and the wonderful blessing you are to us and those we serve. May God richly reward you for your kindness."

All we need is love

See how they love one another. Living Water Lutheran Church, San Diego, CA has been moving its Worship Service once a month from Sunday 8:45 a.m. to Saturday 5 p.m. Gil and Marge Thiesse can no longer meet the morning drill to make the early time. Gil will turn 100 in October of this year. Marge is trailing by a few years. Since Living Water cannot offer a second worship time, the rest of the congregation changes their schedules once a month so this couple can be part of the worship community.

In our schools

Award-winning students

Congratulations to the students who made the second quarter honor roll at Bethesda International Academy, Chicago, IL. Additionally, recognition was awarded for the second quarter top Khan Academy students! These students completed every grade level in eSpark and are now enrolled in Khan Academy. Khan Academy is also a personalized program. The students who complete eSpark are now studying Arts and Humanities at a higher level.

In our churches

Welcome!

Rev. Curtis Binz was welcomed as the Vacancy Pastor at West Portal Lutheran Church and School.

Guest speakers enrich Confirmation classes

In confirmation class at Hope Lutheran, Hastings, MN, students are looking at the gifts God has given us, and how they can be used in the world to glorify Christ. To see this in action, they invited a panel of guests who work in various secular realms (medical, business, manual labor, teaching, technology) to speak about how they serve God by helping others and using the gifts they've been given. Next week, they will listen to a panel of Concordia University, St. Paul students, currently studying in various ministry fields, to explore different ministerial vocations. It's not about one being better than the other, but God using each of us to "find our fit' in serving in the church and world.

Scout Sunday

February 5 was Scout Sunday at Hope Lutheran, Hastings, MN. The Scout Law says that a "Scout is Reverent" and Scouts of all ages promise to do their "Duty to God." We certainly see that evident in these young men of faith. In addition to recognizing the Scouts at Hope, three Scouts were recognized that have earned the religious emblem award. Ben and Josh earned the "God and Me" award, and Sam earned the "God and Church" award. Congratulations boys!

Oh, L.A.S.S.I.E., Where Are You?

Servant Retreats

ENGLISH DISTRICT YOUTH RETREAT

Theme: You Are the Light!

All English District Youth! We are looking forward to seeing you this summer at one of two events: Medina, OH, July 13-16, 2017 or Lincoln, NE, July 20-23, 2017. We will have the opportunity to worship, serve, study and hang out together! Register online. 

Young adult voices needed!

Concordia Theological Seminary (CTSFW), Fort Wayne, IN is seeking college-aged singers (age 18-25) to sing Bach Cantata 137, "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty" for a special Sunday observance of the Presentation of the Augsburg Confession, June 25, 2017. Singers need not be enrolled in an academic program. The choir and soloists will be selected by audition. The choir will be directed by CTSFW Kantor Kevin Hildebrand.

The choir will sing at two downtown Fort Wayne congregations of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod on the morning of June 25. Modeled after Bach's practice in Leipzig with the choir alternating between St. Thomas and St. Nikolai churches, the choir will sing at the early morning service at newly-renovated Emmanuel Lutheran Church and the late morning service at historic St. Paul's Lutheran Church. The cantata will be performed in English translation, accompanied by a professional chamber orchestra.

Those interested in auditioning need to submit an application, a recommendation and an audio or video audition. Click here for complete information on the submission process. Deadline for application is April 1.

Calls received

Rev. Dr. William Henry Frederick Lehmann Jr., 90, of Vancouver, Washington, was called to his eternal rest on Tuesday, February 7, 2017. He was born September 15, 1926, to William and Muriel Lehmann in Darfur, Minnesota. He was the second oldest of eight children. 

 

Pastor Lehmann Jr., was ordained July 15, 1941. He served St. Martini in Chicago, Illinois, from 1951-1954; St. John in Wilmette, Illinois, from 1954-1957; and as a professor at Concordia Teachers College in River Forest, Illinois, from 1957-1993. He served as vacancy pastor for several Lutheran congregations in the Chicago area. He went on emeritus status in 1993. In retirement, he served parishes including St. Peter's in Medford, Oregon; Zion Emmanuel in Odessa, Washington; Lamb of God in Wasilla, Alaska; and Borrego Lutheran Church in Borrego Springs, California. He is survived by his wife, Carol, and their children: Rev. William (pastor at St. Peter's, Medford, Oregon), Liesa, Ruth, Anne (principal at Grace, Pocatello, Idaho), Amy, Margaret, and Gretchen; and 7 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one daughter, Ann Louise.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February, 18, 2017, at 11 a.m., at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 16001 NE 34th Street, Vancouver, WA 98682. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to: Friends of the Carpenter, 1600 W 20th St., PO Box 65358, Vancouver, WA 98665.

 

Dear Friends,

Please read our newsletter for the month of February.  God's blessings to you all.

 

Love in Christ,

 

Rev. Ted & Rebecca Krey, Esther, Matthias, Natalia, and Evangeline

It has been a year-and-a-half since we came here to Papau New Guinea (PNG), and what we have learned is that if it were not for your prayers and support we would not be able to effectively perform the work of extending the reach of God's Kingdom in this place. God will certainly build his church where and when He pleases, and through you He is doing amazing things here in PNG. I hope to keep you informed as to what is going on. In the meantime, keep praying to God that "Thy will be done; Thy kingdom come."

The Ritzman Family