Then Caleb . . . said, "Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it."  But the men who had gone up with him said, "We are not able to go up against the people." Numbers 13:30-31

 

Caleb was one of the spies who spied out the Promised Land along with 11 others.  Only Joshua sided with Caleb and believed they could overcome. The other 10 did not think they should take the risk.  The Israelites rebelled. The result was 40 years in the wilderness for every day that they spied (14:34).  The 10 spies obviously did not want to go into the land they were sent to spy.  Why?  Scared?  Frightened?  Intimidated?  Where was their faith?

 

In 2013 we face many challenges.  There are a lot of changes going on in our society and and some of them we don't care for on the moral side of things but many love the technology changes that keep happening.  At the Synodical convention in St Louis this past July, the delegates used electronic voting devices versus the old days of handing out paper ballots. LCMS President Harrison was re-elected as delegates voted for the first time from their home.  It is a different day. It is 2013.  Do we want to do 1965 over again or do ministry in 2013?

 

Things keep changing and there are those who don't like change when it comes to church.  God's Word doesn't change but maybe how we do ministry may have to change or least give it a shot.  As someone once pointed out - not all change is bad.  In fact some of the changes in our lives were good.  Answer this question - "What was one of the best days of your life?" - Most people respond with their marriage or the birth of their children. Was that change?  Absolutely!  But it was a wonderful change.

 

There are parishes in our District that are getting old and declining.  Maybe it is worth it to become a Caleb in your congregation and encourage taking the risk of trying something rather than doing the same thing over and over again with the same results.  Maybe it works, maybe it doesn't.  Ultimately God just doesn't want us to just sit there - He has said, "Go!"

 

In the end Caleb was correct.  God directed them across the Jordan and the Promised Land became the land of Israel.  May God direct you and as you carry out our Lord's ministry in 2013.   Be a Caleb!

 

  

  

  

The impending Supreme Court decisions on same sex marriage underscore the importance of clear biblical teaching and winsome communication on matters of sexuality and marriage.

  

DOXOLOGY is sponsoring a major conference August 14 & 15 at the University of St. Mary of the Lake Conference Center in Mundelein, Illinois (Greater Chicago area).  Laity, pastors, and other church workers are welcome.

  

If you wish to learn more about this conference and/or register go to www.doxology.us.  If you have any questions, please contact either Dr. Harold Senkbeil, Executive Director for Spiritual Care hsenkbeil@doxology.us or byanke@doxology.us.                    

The Lutheran Fathers Conference is meeting on Tuesday, August 20th at 9:30 a.m. to about 3:00 p.m., at Zion Lutheran Church in Chippewa Falls.  We are studying Martin Luther's The Bondage of the Will as translated by J.I. Packer & O.R. Johnston.  In May we covered through page 61, please prepare pages 62-134--Chapters I-III.  There is no cost and prior attendance is not required.  These meetings are open to all pastors, laymen, and lay women.  If you have any questions or need directions, please contact the church office at 715-723-6380 or zionlutherancf@charterinternet.com.  Please come and join us!

  

  

  

  

                                      

There will be two Retirement Workshops offered again at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Wausau.

   

  Friday, October 18th - 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Saturday, October 19th - 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  

  

Concordia Plan Services (CPS) will be mailing employers their 2014 Concordia Health Plan (CHP) Choice materials the week of August 5th.

Once employers receive their packets they will have until September 16th to return their election choices to CPS.  This year's CHP Open Enrollment period will be September 23rd-October 25th.  All worker elections and Open Enrollment applications are due to CPS by October 25th.

 

The week of November 18th, Concordia Plans will mail every worker in the CHP a Summary of Benefits and Coverage confirming his/her 2014 elections.  This is to ensure that a requirement set forth by the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, or health care reform law, is fulfilled by December 1, 2013.  

  

Rev. Dan Kohn, District Counselor

  

Secondly, the average counseling situation is far more complicated than what is first presented by the client (i.e. "I have a drinking problem.") What is stated points to a potential addiction diagnosis. What is often interwoven are underlying issues that will also need clinical attention (i.e. depression, marital conflict, personality disorders, etc.). Three sessions will not effectively address all these issues. In the counseling world, there may be a need for a counselor with both a license in addictions and a license in mental health to be fully helpful.

The District office strives to keep you informed and provide easy access to information for your congregation, school, or for you personally. If there is something we can do to improve this publication, please feel free to drop us a note or give us a call and let us know.  Thank you!