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DONATE ONLINE!
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For your
convenience, you may now make a gift to the Atlantic District online.
Please visit our website often for news
about the Atlantic District and its ministries. |
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| |   Welcome to the E-Communique, the official e-news magazine of the Atlantic District.
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Letter from the President
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 BUDGET BUSTERS and WHO PUT THE "WORK" in CHURCH WORK
OK, what's up with the summer of '11? A torrential Sunday rain, an earthquake, and a torrential Sunday hurricane - is it just me or are we being picked on? Even as our parishes have lost two or three Sundays over the winter to "snow days" during weekend blizzards, now we're losing a couple of Sundays in the summer to "rain days."
Those of us long enough in the tooth know what these are - they're Budget Busters. Offering first Sunday - $3,427.12. Offering second Sunday - $132.49. Those cautious cash flow counters, our congregational treasurers, in league with the financial secretaries, are quick to tell us that many, many people don't make up that offering when they're at home.
Of course we begin by thanking God that life and limb are spared, that parishioners and community members are not suffering, and that facilities hold up under the strain.
Click here to read full article.
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| 2011 Witness in the Public Square | |
This year at the annual Witness in the Public Square Luncheon we will be having a special focus - the 10 year anniversary of the September 11 attack
on the World Trade Center.
As we remember those terrible events we seek to see God's grace and healing at work. To that end, we have chosen honorees whose presence that day enabled them
to be used by God in unique ways.
Chaplain Stephen Unger of the FBI will be honored as a first responder.
Mr. Harrison Oellrich who escaped the towers will represent the survivors.
Mr. Lee Ielpi of the Tribute Center, whose son gave his life in the attack, and
Miss Jennifer Adams also of the Tribute Center, will represent the victim's families.
Please mark your calendars for Tuesday October 18th and join us for what we know will be a moving and memorable event. To receive your invitation, please contact Carol Mittelstaedt at:
(914) 337-5700 x 6 or carolmittelstaedt@ad-lcms.org
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Engage Special Issue: Remembering 9/11
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Click here to go to the Atlantic District website and download a copy of this very special issue of Engage.
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Interfaith Council Community 9/11 Commemoration
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Sunday, September 11, 2011 at 3 PM
The Reformed Church of Bronxville
180 Pondfield Road, Bronxville N.Y., 914-337-6776
Click here for flier and details. |
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LSSNY Announces Upcoming Symposium
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 Ignite Your LIFE...Aging with Purpose and Passion is a symposium being developed for persons interested in being intentional about planning for the future stages of their lives. It will take place on Sunday, September 18, 2011 from 2:00PM to 5:00PM at Long Island Lutheran Middle and High School and promises to be an interactive forum with engaging, expert speakers who will inspire and motivate participants to look to the future with a renewed sense of purpose and joy.
For more detailed information about the symposium we encourage you to go to the website www.igniteyourlife.info.
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| JYE: Save the Date! | |
The Junior Youth Experience is back!
Mark your calendars now: May 18th & 19th
Cost: $80 (or $100 if staying for TWO nights)
Theme: Live Loved!
Stay tuned for details...
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| Connect to the AD Facebook Page | |
 Does your church have a facebook page? Make sure you connect with the Atlantic District page and stay connected online!
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| From Task Force 6- Communications: Announces Mini-Grants | |
The Communications Task Force (TF #6) would like to help congregations and ministries communicate better with mini-grants of $500 to $1,000. We have money allotted for several grants in the 2011 Budget Year.
Are there ways in which your congregation or ministry would like to better communicate within your community or with your neighborhood and the world? Would a small grant help get things started? Send your communications or technology-related inquiry by November 30th to Kristen.Schulz@ad-lcms.org.
Our hope is that congregations and ministries will apply for these small funding or pro bono assistance opportunities to better communicate the Gospel of Hope. Please let us know what you need!
Rev. Dr. Robert Hartwell
Chair, TF 6-Communications
Pastor Village Lutheran Church
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| From Task Force 7- Church Worker Wellness | Living & Serving Gracefully Series
We are continuing with the series of articles written by John Eckrich, MD who is the Executive Director of Grace Place Retreats. Click here for the latest in the series.
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District Congregations News & Events
| See all the latest congregational news and congregational events from Atlantic District congregations, including:
- St. Luke, Dix Hills -- Upcoming Events
- Resurrection, Flushing -- 75th Anniversary
- St. Paul, Monroe -- Choir Robes Available
- True Light, Manhattan -- Matthew Staneck Begins Vicarage
- CFAN, Manhattan -- LHM Produces Videos about The Stoop
- Resurrection, Garden City -- Cafe Ablaze on Sept. 24th
- St. Matthew, Albany -- Korean & Urdu Missions
- SonRise, Pottersville -- New Pastor & Name Change
- Trinity, Bronx -- New Pastor Installed
- St. Mark's, Hudson -- New Pastor Installed
- Village, Bronxville -- Rally Day Weekend Events
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ATLANTIC DISTRICT LUTHERAN WOMEN'S MISSIONARY LEAGUE
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 SERIOUSLY...WALK ON WATER??That's the topic for the Atlantic District LWML Annual Retreat at Tuscarora. Based on Matthew 14:22-33. Discovering our "calling" to serve, daring to step out of the boat, and keeping our eyes on Jesus. The date is October 14-16, 2011. Join us as we welcome nationally acclaimed speaker and humorist, Jan Struck as our retreat leader! You may wish to visit her website at: www.struckwithlaughter.org. Retreat registration materials are available on the Atlantic District LWML website. You may access the website by going to: www.adlwml.org then click on "retreats". Come join your sisters in Christ for a weekend of worship, fellowship and fun!
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ATLANTIC DISTRICT MISSION GOAL 2010-2012
Here's an update on our Mission Grants for the 2010-2012 Biennium:
MISSION GRANTS PAID (2010-2012 BIENNIUM):
MG#1 - Blessed Are You Among Women - $1,500
MG#2 - Building Young Women of the Faith - $4,000
MG#3 - Christian Children's Books for Marshallese Children - $6,000*
MG#5 - Bilingual VBS at the Life Church - $3,000*
MG#6- Art and Music Enrichment Classes (LCCNH)- $1000*
MG#7- Open the Doors and See All the People- $1,250*
*Paid or ready to be paid
(MISSION GRANT #4 SonRise-Mill Neck Outdoor Mission to Special Needs Children -Rescinded by requestor)
NEXT MISSION GRANTS TO BE FUNDED:Mission Grant #8 - Let the Children Come - Let the Children Sing - $4,000 This grant will provide formal training in music to Inner-City (Detroit, MI) at risk girls and boys (grades 3-8). They will also learn about God's saving grace and his love for them. We are educating, uplifting and supporting our youth with the goal being to raise up church musicians for the future. Sponsored by Mary Smith, LWML Member. We need $3,407.15 in mite donations to pay Mission Grant #8. Mission Grant #9 - Seminary Student Tuition Assistance Matching Grant - $5,000 The grant funds will be used for Seminary Student Tuition Assistance in a 1:1 match by The LCMS Joint Seminary Fund through the generous gifts of individual donors, family foundations, congregations and corporations. The funds will be distributed to Concordia Seminary (St. Louis) and Concordia Theological Seminary (Ft. Wayne). Sponsored by Rev. Dr. Glen D. Thomas, Executive Director, Board for Pastoral Education - LCMS. Thank you for your continued support of the Atlantic District LWML. Your generous mite box donations assist in spreading the love of Jesus to a lost and dying world. In order for us to meet our mission goal for the 2010-2012 biennium, it is important to send in your mite donations on a regular basis. No amount is too small! Please send them to: Mrs. Virginia Wirsing 4 Garden Lane Yaphank, NY 11980 Top of Page
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Multicultural Alpha Seminar
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Alpha Training Seminar
Equipping New York pastors to run the Alpha Course
in their unique cultural settings
October 1, 2011
9 am to 2 pm
Immanuel Lutheran Church, Whitestone
Click here for detailed flier.
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| NJ JAM 2011: Contemporary Worship Conference Coming Again this Fall! | |
Mark your calendars now for Nov. 19, 2011 because NJ JAM 2011 is in the works! Our theme this year is Fixing our Eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2) and our purpose will be to encourage and equip the Church of today in worship through practical, hands-on workshops.
The New Jersey District's day-long contemporary worship workshop conference will offer even more speakers and learning opportunities than last year. So far, we've confirmed more than 25 workshops. Plus, we'll unveil a new Scripture-based contemporary worship planning website.
Check the NJ JAM website in upcoming days for more workshop information and to register. Most of all, get this on your calendars now! Contact Elaine Schleifer at the NJD office or Claire Partlow for more information.
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AD Pastors' Wives Retreat
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The 2011 Full District Retreat is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 28 & 29th with additional day, Sun. Oct. 30th if desired. The Retreat will be held at the Conference Center at Koinonia in Highland Lake, NY. The Keynote Speaker will be Ruth Koch, and her presentation will be on "Keeping the Sabbath" in our busy lives. Ruth is a mental health educator and is trained in social work and counseling. She has written Prepare to Serve for LWML and A New Song: Planted by the Streams of Water, a woman's Bible study devotional. Ruth is the widow of LCMS pastor, David Koch, and was with us several years ago with "Humor in the Parsonage."
The cost of the two day retreat is being subsidized by a grant from LCMS Ministerial Wellness; one overnight and 3 meals is $90.00 for a double occupancy room. If attendees wish to stay over Sat. night, it is an additional $20.00 and includes dinner on Sat. and breakfast on Sunday, (quite a bargain!) There are also scholarships available, just contact Judy Benke (914-365-6365, ext. 7308 daytime) to request a scholarship.
Registration brochures have been mailed and deadline for sending in registrations is Oct. 1st. Registrar is Amy Lecakes, who can be reached at 518-382-2658. If you didn't receive the registration brochure, please contact the District Office at 914-337-5700, ext. 2, and Kris Schulz will mail one to you.
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Lutheran Hour Ministries Hosts Regional Outreach Conference
|  Are your congregation members ready to be inspired, energized and equipped to share God's love, nurture their families and witness to the community? Lutheran Hour Ministries invites people throughout the Northeastern United States to its upcoming Regional Outreach Conference (ROC) in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to be held at the Lancaster Host Resort and Conference Center Oct. 7-8.
The roster of expert speakers for ROC-Lancaster includes Rev. Greg Seltz, Speaker of The Lutheran Hour; Rev. John Nunes, President and CEO of Lutheran World Relief; Rev. Kirk Dueker, Associate Pastor at Hope Lutheran Church in Greece, New York; Rev. Barry Keurulainen, Senior Pastor at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Cabot, Pennsylvania; Dr. Douglas Rutt, LHM's Director of International Ministries; Rev. Dr. Mark Larson, LHM's Director of United States Ministries; and more. Breakout sessions will cover a variety of outreach topics to reach today's culture, including workshops on leading a missional movement, using technology and testimony to share the Good News, sharing the Gospel with various generations, family ministry as outreach and more. The conference will also include a concert by LOST AND FOUND, a five14 witnessing-training track for teens and outreach-themed activities for younger kids.
To register for ROC-Lancaster, click here or call 1-800-876-9880. Top of Page |
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Holy Land Tour - Hosted by Concordia College, NY
| Dates: January 24 - February 2, 2012
Cost: $2,499
Click here for detailed information and registration form.
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Miracle of Christmas - Hosted by Concordia College, NY
| Dates: December 8 - 9, 2011
Click here for detailed information.
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Concordia College, NY Hires New Program Director
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Concordia College recently announced the hiring of Dr. Stephanie Squires as Program Director for its new Master's Degree in Childhood Special Education.
Click here for full article.
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The Lutheran Care Network - Upcoming Events
|  Castle Staff Services, a division of The Lutheran Care Network, introduces a new support group for adult children of elderly parents.
The Support Group will cover topics such as: When should I take over the finances? How do I stop Dad from driving? How do I know when it's time to take Mom out of her home? What happens after an Alzheimer's diagnosis?
The Support Group will meet at the offices of Castle Staff Services located at 94 West Main Street, Suite 202, Bay Shore, NY. The meetings will be held on the 4th Wednesday of the month (Sept. 28th is the next meeting) from 7 PM to 8:30 PM. Please call the Director, Colleen Lindblad, at 631-421-2857 for more information.
Lutheran Legacy Luncheon will take place on Tuesday, September 27th at the Bonefish Grill, on Rt. 9 in Poughkeepsie from noon to 3 PM. This luncheon will honor Chares S. North, Pres. and CEO of the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce and Michael H. Graham, retired VP of M & T Bank for their inspiring efforts to the development and continued growth of the Lutheran Care Center. Tickets to the luncheon are $75.00 and may be obtained by contacting Danielle Marxer at LCC, 845-494-6529, or Judy Benke at 914-365-6365, ext 7308. All proceeds of this luncheon will benefit the residents of the Lutheran Care Center.
The Lutheran Care Network announces the Inaugural Meeting of the Metro Region Association of Congregations. The meeting will be held on Saturday, Oct. 1st at Lutheran Church of Our Saviour, 132 Jefferson Ave., Mineola, NY from 10 AM to 11:30 AM. Updates on the TLC Network will be given as well as plans for the future. The Association will strengthen the mutual support between TLCN and the Lutheran Community. A description of the benefits and services we can offer to each other may be obtained by contacting Judy Benke at 914-365-6365, ext 7308. All Lutheran churches in the Metro area are welcome to attend, just RSVP to Judy at the number listed.
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Koinonia Fall Retreats
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For more information: www.koinoniany.org
Healthy Congregations Weekend
Date: November 4-6, 2011
A series of 6 workshops designed to help congregational leaders model and promote life-enhancing behaviors within the church. The first two workshops are: "Creating Healthy Congregations" & "Healthy Congregations Respond to Anxiety and Change." An introduction to "Systems Theory" and "Systems-thinking" will follow. The presentations will include leader-directed conversation on materials, small group discussion, and videos. Also enjoy relaxing, the outdoors, and Sunday worship.
Thanksgiving Retreat
Dates: November 23-25, 2012
Your family is invited to share in fun and fellowship as we focus on our many blessings. Housing is at the Conference Center or Retreat Cabins. The retreat includes time to enjoy the 1200 acres as well as worship, relaxation, and, of course, a traditional Thanksgiving dinner together.
Advent Retreats (I, II, III, And IV)
I - November 25-27, 2011 III - December 9-11, 2011
II - December 2-4, 2011 IV - December 16-18, 2011
Advent is the special time of year as we take time-out to prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of the Christ Child and reflect on the significance in our lives of this special season. Enjoy hikes, hayrides, crafts, music, and all sorts of fellowship for adults and youth throughout the weekend. Register soon, these weekends fill quickly!
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MLHS Alumni Weekend
|  All Graduates and Faculty & Staff Members are invited to join us on Saturday, September 24, 2011 for a fun-filled day of reunions and reconnections!
We're putting together a variety of events for all Martin Luther Alumni, from tours of the school and a dinner reception to the Alumni of the Year presentations, athletic competitions and more!
Click here for detailed invitation and registration form.
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From the Lutheran Counseling Center
| | Click here to read an article from LCC about the importance of monitoring your child's television habits.
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LWR Boosts Response to Crisis in Africa
| "As the number of people in danger of starvation continues to increase in East Africa, Lutheran World Relief is working with partners on the ground to carry out an immediate and long-term crisis response.
'With more than 12 million people now at risk of starvation, LWR and partners are acting now to reach people in need,' says LWR president John Nunes."
Click here for full article. |
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Joplin, MO Church Provides Hope in Tragedy's Aftermath
| | Although Immanuel Lutheran Church was damaged during Joplin's tornadoes, that didn't stop the congregation from opening their doors and hosting a Vacation Bible School program for their community. With the help of a special donation from Concordia Publishing House, the VBS program shared the Gospel message with 157 children last month.
Click here for full article and photos.
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L.A.P. and Mission Training Center Fall 2011 Courses
| Click here for full article and course descriptions.
Click here for detailed course information.
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Donald Meisner Book Published By CWC
| Donald Meisner's book - KEYS TO REVELATION: Messages in Letters, Symbols, and Patterns was recently published by the Concordia Writer's Cooperative (CWC), a division of Concordia Publishing House (CPH) as a "Print on Demand" book. It is the outgrowth of 40 years of teaching Revelation to college students and church groups.
For more information and ordering instructions, click here.
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| Save the Date |
~ Check the calendar on the Atlantic District website for the latest events ~
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Sponsored in part by:
and
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This is an e-mail from the Atlantic District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.
If you would like to submit an article for publication in the E-Communique, please send it via email to Kristen Schulz @
Thank you and God's Blessings!
Atlantic District LCMS
171 White Plains Road
Bronxville, NY 10708
www.ad-lcms.org
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