|
|
|
DONATE ONLINE!
|
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. |
|
|
| |  Welcome to the E-Communique, the official e-news magazine of the Atlantic District.
Please ! |
Letter from the President
|
The stated theme for the 2012-13 Academic Year of Concordia University, Bronxville, is "We the People." In an election year, what a great thought! From the foundations of civilization, our Greek and Roman forebears brought for the ideas and ideals of the polis, city, which was to be dealt with by the civitas, the civilized ones, the citizens, who dealt with the res publica, the public things in the republic; and those who were so self-referential, had so little on the ball that they couldn't participate, were called idiota - idiots, while the masters of public life, which was considered sacred, in the polis, the city, were called by the highly revered name politicians. Reversal of fortune, anyone? Click here to read more...
|
Witness in the Public Square
|
Save The Date! 
A Luncheon Honoring Regional and National Leaders For their Contribution to Missions The New York Athletic Club Monday, October 15, 2012, 11:30 a.m. 2012 Honorees
Mrs. Pam Tebow Pro-Life Advocate and Women's Speaker Dr. Viji George President of Concordia College, New York Mr. Frederick G. Kraegel Chairman of the Board, Valpariso University and Concordia Plan Services For additional information, including ticket and table reservations, please contact Carol Mittelstaedt at the Atlantic District LCMS, 914-337-5700, Ext. 6, or carol.mittelstaedt@ad-lcms.org |
|
|
|
| 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!
|
Happy Birthday to the following AD Pastors... |
September Birthdays
Rev. James Roy - 9/04
Rev. Raymond Cummings - 9/05
Rev. Robert Duchow - 9/09
Rev. Brian Noack - 9/12
Rev. James Jaekel - 9/15
Rev. Paul Wildgrube - 9/17
Rev. Thomas Nowak - 9/18
Rev. Patrick Bayens - 9/19
Rev. Charles Bell - 9/23
Rev. Gordon Johnston - 9/27
Rev. Henry Koepchen - 9/27
Rev. Luther Kriefall - 9/30
(We apologize if we've missed any of our Pastors birthdays. Please contact the District office to let us know.)
|
|
Transforming Churches Network |
Save the Date
Transforming Churches Network
Hinge Event
Saturday November 10th at
Our Savior, Colonie in upstate New York
9am to 3pm
Wouldn't it be fantastic if all our churches were enthusiastically and effectively reaching unchurched and unbelieving people with the Gospel?
Find encouragement to shift the focus of a local church off of its own organization and on to the effective living out of the Great Commission. But wait!--there's more. Pastors, leaders and people of passion can address these issues and find out "what more" is offered at a Hinge Training Event in our district.
Plan to bring a group from your church and get excited together.
|
| Congregational News and Events | |
|
|
Diaconate Training Program Graduation
|  The 'Celebration of the Eucharist on the Occasion of the Graduation of the Diaconate Class of 2012' was held on July 28, at The Ralph C. Schultz Chapel of the Sommer Center for Performing Arts at Concordia College, NY. Click here to read more... |
|
2013 National Youth Gathering | |
The 2013 LCMS National Youth Gathering "Live Loved" is taking place in San Antonio, TX from July 1-5, 2013. Rev. Matthew Gonzalez serves as our District Coordinator.
Please send any questions that you have to: Pastor@trinitylutheranbronx.org.
|
| News from "The Reporter" | |
"Pioneering housing in Brooklyn continues to open doors" article featuring information on the Nehemiah Plan with quotes from Sonia Holder and the Barnes family, Dr. David Benke and Nicole Ridley, new head of Lutheran Housing Support Corp. Click here to read more.
Top of Page
|
|
ATLANTIC DISTRICT LUTHERAN WOMEN'S MISSIONARY LEAGUE |
God's Woman: Outside In & Inside Out
That is the theme of this year's annual LWML retreat at Tuscarora in Mt. Bethel, Pa, which will be held October 12-14. The theme is based on Psalm 16:9: "Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure".
Our retreat leader this year is LWML immediate past president, Jan Wendorf!
We will again be blessed with Dr. Jean Boehler as our music leader.
Please plan on attending this always popular and highly praised weekend of worship, fellowship and fun.
For information and registration forms, you may log on to www.adlwml.org. Or, you may contact Lynette Taylor, Retreat Chairman at: taylorlr59@aol.com.
"Quenched by the Water"
This is the theme of the 2013 LWML Convention in Pittsburgh, Pa. What's so special about this convention, well, our Atlantic district is one of the six districts who are hosting it! This is a chance of a lifetime to become involved in a "life-changing" event. It has been said, "Once I attended an LWML convention, I was hooked for life".
You have the opportunity to participate in the workings of this convention. Worker forms and all registration information for this convention can be found on the Atlantic District LWML website at: www.adlwml.org. Workers will be offered a discount on their registration! For information, please see the AD LWML district website, or you may contact Deborah Graybosch at deblwml@gmail.com.
*************************************************************************************
Mite Update
The Atlantic District LWML is very close to paying the second mission grant of the biennium, Helping in the Midst of Disaster.
Here are the Mission Grants for the 2012-2014 biennium. This month, Mission Grant #2 is highlighted.
1. "Train a child in the way he should go" Prov. 22:6 $2,000.00
2. Helping in the Midst of Disaster $3,000.00
This grant is to assist Lutherans Capital Area Relief Effort (Lutherans CARE) in assisting people in the midst of disaster. Lutherans CARE would be poised to partner with any local congregation in setting up a base of operations for volunteers to utilize to be the hand of God extended to those in need. Lutherans CARE has the experience and volunteers to guide local churches in the midst of assisting in the aftermath of a disaster. We are sharing the love of Christ when people most desperately need it in Word and deed. The grant funds will purchase equipment that could be transported to a local church and setup by Lutherans CARE volunteers (generator, portable shower, shovels, wheelbarrows, pry bars, lights and large pots). They would provide shelter for relief volunteers that are coming to assist after a disaster. These funds are just one part of the plan. The remaining funds are being sought from individual donors and churches.
3. Wrap Around Program - "Covered by Grace" $2,400.00
4. Courageous Dads! $600.00
5. Food, Fun & Faith: A Confirmation Adventure $1,300.00
6. Young Women of God on the Move $5,000.00
7. Women of Christ Too $1,800.00
8. Trinity Community Outreach $800.00
9. Operation Barnabas $2,500.00
10. Community Garden Outreach $5,000.00
11. Bilingual VBS at THE LIFE Church $3,000.00
12. Meet Them where They Are $6,500.00
13. Grace Lutheran Church Food Pantry $3,600.00
14. Arts in Mission-NY (AIM) www.artsinmissionny.org $3,845.00
15. Food Pantry of Trinity Lutheran Church, Glen Cove, NY $1,500.00
16. Reaching the Unreached with Gospel Message $2,755.00
2012-2014 Total Mission Goal $76,000
In order for us to meet our mission goal for the 2012-2014 biennium, it is important to send in your mite donations on a regular basis. No amount is too small!
___________________________________________________________________
Jump in with Both Feet! Make a commitment! Give it your all! Take the leap of faith! Decide to attend the 35th Biennial LWML Convention in Pittsburgh, PA, June 27-30, 2013. It will be a splashing experience. The Convention Goal Statement: Quenched by Christ's redeeming grace I am empowered by the Holy Spirit to be a wellspring of the Father's love.
The Objectives: The Convention attendees will:
Glorify the Father, Son and Holy Spirit
Drink deeply from His Word
Share His overflowing love
Pray that God will guide you in your decision. Start on your action plan and volunteer by completing the Call for Workers form. Order a Convention Shirt early so that you can wear it to spout excitement as you entice others to test the water.
More details are on your district website. Download the Call for Workers and Convention Shirt order forms and share them with others. Check out The WaterCooler, the newsletter for the Host Districts for the latest info!
"The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way" (Psalm 37:23).
Top of Page
|
|
Grants for Regional Youth Activities Now Available | |
Under the direction of the Atlantic District Board of Directors, the District Task Force on Parish Education and Youth (Task Force #5) has set aside $2000 in its 2012 budget for the purpose of providing financial support for youth events and activities on a regional basis.
These grants for regional youth activities are designed to encourage collaborative planning and regional youth gatherings, connecting youth and youth leaders from various congregations in each vice presidential region.
The grant money would be released in two phases. Half of the allocation ($250) would be released after the first three parts of the application are submitted and approved by the Task Force. The balance of the grant ($250) would be released after the event is completed and the last three sections of the application are submitted.
Questions about the Regional Youth Grants can be addressed to Tom Roemke at: troemke@nycap.rr.com 518/669-0790
Click here for the Application Form.
|
|
National LCMS Campus Ministry Conference
| |
Meet us in St. Louis!
January 3-5, 2013
Click here to learn more...
|
| Lutheran Social Services - Oktoberfest | |
Lutheran Social Services of New York's first annual Oktoberfest, which will be held on Tuesday, October 2, 6-9:00pm at the Brooklyn Brewery, 79 North 11th Street, Brooklyn.
Click here to learn more.
Top of Page
|
| New Life School Graduation | |
"The New LIFE School, established in 2006 and located on Eagle Avenue in the Bronx, works with children who have specialized learning and social/emotional needs. The New LIFE School is not only a school; it is a family." Click here to continue reading...
Top of Page
|
| Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Representative Visit | |
A SPECIAL INVITATION TO VISIT WITH
Rev. Bill Wrede
Director of Admissions
CONCORDIA SEMINARY ST. LOUIS
September 25 - 27, 2012
You are invited to meet with Rev. Bill Wrede, Director of Admissions at Concordia Seminary, to discuss preparation for the pastoral ministry and deaconess studies. Below you will find the itinerary for the visits to your area. Please call Rev. Wrede at 314-505-7221 or email him at wredew@csl.edu for an appointment.*
Tuesday, September 25
Our Savior's Lutheran Church
63 Mountain View
Colonie, NY 12205
518-459-2273 9:00 am-1:00 pm
Saint Paul Lutheran Church
21 Still Road Monroe, NY 10950
518-346-1958 4:00-8:00 pm
Wednesday, September 26
Long Island Lutheran School
131 Brookville Road
Brookville, NY 11545
516-626-1700 10am-2:00 pm
Redeemer Lutheran Church
4360 Boyd Avenue
Bronx, NY 10466
718-324-1288 4:00-7:00pm
Thursday, September 27
Concordia College - New York
171 White Plains Road
Bronxville, NY 10708
914-337-9300 9:00am-2:00pm
Top of Page |
|
Servant Event Group Hosts VBS
|
During the week of July 9-13, thirty-seven members of a youth organization, CHAOS (Christians Hyped About Our Savior) from North Carolina visited our metropolitan area and conducted a Vacation Bible School at three LCMS churches: Immanuel in Whitestone, Christ Assembly on Staten Island, and Emanuel in Corona. These events generated great enthusiasm at each location. Sixteen students attended the VBS at Immanuel, over sixty students attended sessions at Christ Assembly, and fourteen students participated in the sessions in Corona.
The VBS project at Emanuel, Corona is part of a program to re-energize a dormant congregation. Other projects at this church include a food pantry and ESL classes for the community. For further information, please contact Frances Arevalo at 347-835-1081 or Anita Reinert at 718-229-1988.
|
|
Concordia Theological Seminary
| |
FORT WAYNE, IN (CTS)- Lands of Luther Tour If you are looking for an opportunity to learn more about Martin Luther and the formation of the Lutheran Church, there is no better way than to travel to Germany, November 26-December 6, 2012, with Concordia Theological Seminary President, Dr. Lawrence R. Rast Jr. as your host. Cost for the 11-day trip is $2,479/per person, including round trip airfare from Chicago and accommodations at first class/select hotels. Consider joining us on this trip to the lands of Luther-an opportunity to grow in knowledge and faith in Christ and appreciation to God for all of His gifts. For additional information click here or phone 877-287-4338.
|
|
Alumni Day at Martin Luther School | |
Save the Date! October 13, 2012 is Alumni Day! Click here to learn more.
|
|
LutherHostel 2012 | |
LUTHERHOSTEL '12 SET FOR OCTOBER
LutherHostel 2012 will be held Oct. 6-9 on the campus of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. LutherHostel is an event designed to provide growth in biblical knowledge and understanding, fun, and fellowship, and a chance to gain helpful insights for daily living. It is offered for adults age 55 and older.
The theme for the event is "One King-Two Kingdoms: Living as a Christian American." The main presenter will be Dr. Joel Biermann, professor at Concordia Seminary.
The LutherHostel fee is $325 per person, which includes all meals and refreshments for the event. Housing is available on campus (on a limited basis for an additional cost) or in nearby hotels. The registration deadline is Sept. 7.
For more information about LutherHostel, contact the Seminary's office of continuing education and parish services at 314-505-7486 or ce@csl.edu. |
|
Mayo Clinic Visit Information
| |
Will you or someone in your congregation be receiving care at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota? Trinity Lutheran Church of Rochester offers their TLCare ministry to out of town medical guests. We strive to serve people in many ways such as prayer support, a homemade meal, a visit from one of our caring members, free parking in our lot, a comfortable place to go between appointments, and more. An apartment (no cost) within walking distance of the Mayo Clinic is also available on a first-come, first-served basis for LCMS congregation members.
For further information or to let us know how we can serve you, please contact tlcare@trinitylutheranchurch.org or call (507) 218-1531.
Please note the change in contact information if you have contacted Trinity previously.
Calls and emails will be answered within a day or two.
|
| Film about Lutheran Pastor Now on DVD | |
"Under Jakob's Ladder', a movie about a Lutheran pastor imprisoned for his faith in the Soviet Union, is now being released on DVD. The main character is Jakob Seel, who acted as both pastor and teacher of his Ukrainian village. He was part of the so-called Germans from Russia. Talk to most Lutherans and you'll find they didn't even know this group of Lutherans existed... This people group has persevered through some hard times since they first arrived in the Slavic territories at the invitation of Catherine the Great.
The movie follows the story of Jakob's imprisonment during Stalin's Soviet purges in the 1930s. He is betrayed by a neighbor after he prays at a funeral. Jakob is caught in the middle of what turns out to be a deadly game of chess with his opponent as the atheist head of a Soviet prison.
The movie was written and produced by Rev. Roberto Munoz, a Lutheran pastor himself. "This story is ultimately about forgiveness and how only God can be trusted to give us hope," says Munoz.
CubeCity Entertainment is teaming up with distributor Bridgestone Multimedia to bring the award-winning film out on DVD. The release date is set for September 1st. To find out more about the DVD, visit the film website: http://underjakobsladder.com/
|
|
Lutheran Counseling Center |
HEALING FROM TRAUMATIC STRESS
By: Janet A. Siry, LCSW, LCC Psychotherapist
Each day we wake up to news of tragedy in our family, community, the nation or the world. We hear about a shooting incident, devastating storms, car accidents, murders, wounded soldiers or the breakout of war. Perhaps the tragedy occurs closer to home--loss of a loved one after a long illness, a sudden death by accident or suicide, a tragic fire or financial reversals. The loss of a parent, spouse or child may be so overwhelming that we believe we cannot move forward with life.
Traumatic events can cause severe emotional responses including unpredictable emotionality, flashbacks of the event, anxiety attacks and/or physical responses such as headaches, nausea, or heart palpitations. Whether one is affected directly or indirectly, an assessment by a licensed mental health professional is essential to help in processing the numerous issues related to these extreme stressors. Withdrawal, depression or extreme changes in personality should be treated in order to prevent continued traumatization and to lessen long term psychological damage so that healing can begin.
Children affected by trauma may show changes in behaviors and routines. Caregivers may observe regression to previous habits such as thumb sucking or bedwetting. These changes may also include unexplained emotional outbursts, problems at school, a preoccupation with tragedy, extreme withdrawal or intense anxiety. While these are all normal short term responses to tragedy, children and adults may need the help of a professional mental health therapist to determine constructive ways to move forward in their own lives.
Anniversaries of traumatic events may trigger upsetting memories. The first time that survivors experience holidays or special events without their loved one may be particularly difficult. Interpersonal relationships may be strained.
It is important to remember that there is no one standard response or pattern of behavior for all. Some people respond immediately to traumas and others may have delayed reactions of many months or years later. Certain factors affect the length of recovery time including the intensity or degree of the loss, the individual's ability to concentrate during emotionally challenging situations and other previous incidents of trauma.
During times of stress, our lives may seem overwhelming. Our loved ones may worry about our emotional stability. If you are concerned with the mental health of another person, the best course of action is to consult with your doctor or a mental health therapist to ascertain a course of action to help this person recover. Be an effective listener with your loved one, offering consolation rather than advice.
*Contact Lutheran Counseling Center at 516-741-0994 or 1-800-317-1173 or e-mail us at HYPERLINK "mailto:Center@lccny.org" Center@lccny.org for more information or to set an appointment at any site. Visit our website at HYPERLINK "http://www.lccny.org" www.lccny.org .
|
|
Lutheran Malaria Initiative | |
Lutheran Malaria Initiative program staff, Hilaire Zon from West Africa shared that the most recent LMI program in Mali had some surprising results. Since 2006 the percentage of children under 5 years old sleeping under a bed net has increased from 27% to 99%. Households owning at least one bed net jumped from 66% to 99% and pregnant women sleeping under a bed net the previous night went from 31% to 86%. All of these changes are directly related to the programming of LMI and its partners.
Please consider Holiday gifts to the LMI campaign through your church, through LIMM, or directly to www.lutheranmalaria.org. All of us together CAN help to change history and eradicate deaths in Africa from malaria by 2015.
|
| Save the Date |
~ Check the calendar on the Atlantic District website for the latest events ~
|
|
Sponsored in part by:
|
|
|
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 at: kristen.schulz@ad-lcms.org
Thank you and God's Blessings!
Atlantic District LCMS
171 White Plains Road
Bronxville, NY 10708
www.ad-lcms.org
|
|
|
|
|
