People of Hope ... Vigorously Making Known the Love of Christ

Michigan District, LCMS
Weekly E-newsletter | August 24, 2021
Top Story
Lutheran Schools in the Pandemic and Beyond
Challenge, struggle, difficult, exhausting … these are some of the words we heard from educators as they moved through last school year. Opportunity, perseverance, faith, blessed … these are also words our educators shared as they recognized the way God was moving through our Lutheran schools during a year unlike any other … Read more.

Prayer Requests
Luke, grandson of Chuck and Diane Strohacker (Emeritus), who underwent successful brain surgery ... Pastor Tony Sikora (Hope, DeWitt), who continues to be hospitalized in ICU with Covid ... This week's congregations, schools, and ministries: St. Paul, Centreville; Lutheran High North, Macomb; North Dakota District, Minot, ND; St. Paul, Hale; Zion, Auburn.

District News
BOARD OF DIRECTORS FALL
LISTENING FORUMS
Four Dates and Locations including a Zoom Option
In preparation for the upcoming Convention, the Michigan District Board of Directors will be hosting four listening forums this fall. The Board would like to hear from attendees regarding (1) what you believe are the biggest challenges of our district right now; (2) what problems your congregation is facing right now; (3) what you think we need in the next district president; among other things. For more information and to register, click here.
CARES ACT – STUDENT DEBT REPAYMENT SURVEY
Concordia Plan Services is taking a survey FOR EMPLOYERS on Student Debt Repayment. Please consider submitting responses at https://concordiaplanservice.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3elzXzb4m6YwFoi through August 31, 2021.
2022 CHP TOWN HALL WEBINAR
With the Concordia Health Plan Employer Election Period open through September 3, CHP participating employers are reminded to make elections for 2022 by September 3. Information for Employers on Open Enrollment and various changes is available through a 2022 ALL District Town Hall recording, available at https://concordiaplans-1.wistia.com/medias/qu2rhcafa0.
DEACON/MAP CONFERENCE REGISTRATION DEADLINE
September 12-14, 2021 | Camp Arcadia
This conference will explore how you can be merciful to yourself as your Father is merciful to you. Registration deadline is August 25 (tomorrow!). For more information and to register, click here.
"Can I Get an Amen?"
When Christians gather together for worship there is a horizontal dimension to it. In other words, not only are we communicating with God in the vertical dimension of hearing His Word and giving Him our praise, thanks, and prayers, but we are also communicating with each other within the sanctuary. In some traditions, the people communicate with the preacher by shouting out, “Amen!” Read more.
TEACHING VACANCIES
Teaching vacancies still need to be filled in our Lutheran schools, from preschool to high school. To view the list, click here.
Other News and Events
FREE "TAKE HEART!" RETREAT FOR PASTORS
September 27-29, 2021 | Plymouth, Ind.
The “Take Heart!” respite retreat is an advanced, continuing education experience intended to provide respite, rest, and renewal for pastors who have been worn out by the pandemic and its challenges to ministry. For more information and to register, click here.
"SOUND OF SCRIPTURE" WORKSHOPS
“Sound of Scripture” workshops are designed for volunteer lay readers, Bible classes, parents, and teens who wish to enhance their skills reading God's Word aloud. For more information, contact Dr. Barbara Laughlin Adler, Emerita Professor, Concordia University Ann Arbor, at barb.adler@cuaa.edu
OKTOBERFEST
Zion, Petosky | September 11, 2021
Zion, Petoskey is hosting its annual Oktoberfest on Saturday, September 11, from 4-8 p.m., featuring a delicious smorgasbord dinner, live music by Pine Lake Winds, a Wurzel biergarten (craft root beer from Northwoods Soda Co.), games and activities for all ages, and a silent auction. Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit the Nehemiah Project, Petoskey’s homeless shelters. Tickets are free-will donation and can be reserved at www.zionlutheranpetoskey.org or by calling the church office at 231.347.3438. 
BASIC TRAINING IN TRANSITIONS
Begins the week of October 12, 2021
Do you desire to become a more effective transitional leader and agent of the Gospel? Are you considering intentional interim ministry as a possibility for your future? Do you want to learn what is necessary to help a congregation move forward from being “stuck?” This training is for both pastors and lay leaders who seek to serve effectively in changing times. Coordinate with your District President for his blessing and encouragement. Basic Training in Transitions is offered in three phases. Phases 1 and 3 are online while Phase 2 is a residential week at one of three locations in February or April. For more details, go to Basic Training in Transitions.
SEPTEMBER VISUAL FAITH BULLETINS NOW AVAILABLE
Visual Faith Ministries invites you to use and share its Visual Church Year - September Children's Bulletins and Sermon Notes for Lectionary Series B with your church and families. Visual Faith artists this month are Kim Gilman, Andrea Kilpatrick, and Pat Maier. You can download these FREE resources and more here.
Did you know?
The Michigan District Here We Stand (HWS) Campaign has raised over $3.87 million for Innovative Missional Ministry. These funds help provide support for ministries such as Benton Harbor Lutheran Outreach which provides food for families in need through its Mobile/Drive-by Food Truck. There are 19 weeks left in the campaign. Will you help us provide support for these life-saving ministries? Visit herewestand.michigandistrict.org to donate.
E-Classified
KRETZMANN COMMENTARY APP
Mark Smith and Kathleen Brade, members of Christ Our King, Saline have created an app for iOS and Android devices that contains Paul Kretzmann's classic Lutheran commentary. The Pop Comm app (short for Popular Commentary) is completely free with no ads or annoyances. To learn more, click here.