Thanks for Hosting
The women of Bethany Lutheran in Luverne, Minnesota, hosted the annual women's mission rally on October 26, 2013. Presentations were made by Nick and Kerry Laper on Gift of Life in the country of Ukraine, Dr. Michael Smith on ELS home missions, and Rev. Paul Fries on world mission work. Over $10,000 in offerings were gathered for Cross-stitch projects.

Ringing in Praises for our Heavenly King!
On Sunday, November 24, 2013, the hand-bell choir from Parkland Lutheran, Tacoma, Washington, played for The Evergreen Lutheran School System (TELSS) Choral Festival. Rev. Alex Ring serves as the choir's director.

Installation of Pastor Luplow
Rev. Jeff Luplow was installed as pastor of St. John's Lutheran in Frankenmuth, Michigan, on November 10, 2013. Circuit 3 Visitor, Rev. Paul Schneider of Midland, Michigan, performed the rite of installation. Pastor Luplow joined the ELS in 2008.

Doctorate Conferred
We wish to acknowledge the doctorate earned by our New Testament exegetical professor at our Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary. Rev. Michael Smith recently was awarded a Ph.D. in biblical studies from Trinity, Newburgh, Indiana. Congratulations, Dr. Smith!

Note on Synod Giving
First, we would like to thank all of our congregations and individuals for gifts toward the Gospel work we have agreed to do together as a synod. Your regular offerings for the ELS enable us to plan and implement projects and activities for the growth of Christ's kingdom. Also, at this time of the year, we want to remind all that we are in a position to meet our stated goal of $750,000 for congregational contributions in 2013. As previously adopted, any gifts beyond $725,000 have been slated for direct use by our Board for Home Outreach (home missions and evangelism).

Baptism of Caspian
The students of Jesus Lambs at Peace Preschool in North Mankato, Minnesota, were on hand to witness the baptism of fellow student Caspian on Monday, November 25. Caspian had learned about baptism in the classroom and had told the pastor he would like to be baptized. Rev. Tim Hartwig serves as pastor at Peace Lutheran.

News on Missions
- Our newest home mission, Divine Mercy Lutheran Church in Weatherford/Hudson Oaks, Texas, has now secured a local middle school as the site for its opening worship scheduled for January 26, 2014. If you would like more information about Divine Mercy go to http://www.divinemercytx.com.
- In the month of January, we are anticipating the ordination of fourteen Indian pastors for use in the LMSI. The seminary level instruction over the years has been provided to twenty men on behalf of four ordained pastors.
- The national church in Chile continues to take on greater responsibility. The church now has three active seminary students and three pre-seminary students. Also English-as-a-Foreign-Language classes in Linares have resulted in new members for that congregation.

Ottesen Museum
The ELS Ottesen Museum invites you to its third annual Christmas Open House. This year's theme is "An Asian Christmas," highlighting the Christmas customs of our sister churches in India and Korea. Take this opportunity to learn to sing traditional Christmas carols in Korean and Telugu like our brothers and sisters in Asia. Try some Korean and Indian Christmas treats. Get a taste for Asian style Christmas decorations. You may even be in for a few surprises. The Open House is Tuesday, December 10, 2013 from 2:30 through 5:30 pm at the Ottesen Museum: 4 Browns Court in Mankato, Minnesota.

Resignation and Appointment
Mr. Steven Buelow has resigned from the Committee for Communication. We thank Steve for his past service. The president has appointed Rev. Daniel Hartwig to fill out the remainder of the one-year appointed term.

Come Follow Me
The newest outreach movie from the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, Come Follow Me, is now available. The movie focuses on Peter's tumultuous life as a disciple of Jesus. Copies can be ordered through Northwestern Publishing House.

Bible Class at Abiding Word
On Sunday, November 17, President Moldstad addressed the members of Abiding Word Lutheran in Bowling Green, Ohio. Abiding Word is currently in a vacancy situation and is being served by Rev. Carlton Sielaff.

President's Schedule
December 2-3 - Doctrine Committee
December 3 - Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary Graduation
December 5 - Assignment Committee
December 8 - Call meeting at English, Cottonwood, Minnesota
December 9-12 - Interchurch meetings in Tucson, Arizona
December 10 - Ottesen Museum Open House
December 12 - Synod Review Committee
December 13, 3:30 - Bethany Lutheran College Midyear Graduation
January 9 - Centennial Committee
January 21 - Planning & Coordinating Committee
January 22-23 - Board for Youth Outreach
January 30-31 - Board for Home Outreach
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