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DONATE ONLINE!
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to the Hurricane Sandy Recovery Fund 
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 | |
O Jesus, Very Light of Light
A blessed Epiphany to you in the shortened version we will enjoy in this early-Easter 2013! Hear the words of the ancient hymn:
O Jesus, very Light of Light/Our constant star in sin's deep night/
Now hear the prayers Your people pray/Throughout the world this holy day
We Lutherans love to sing, to make our hearts merry even as we send the devil packing with our songs of love and devotion to the Potentate of Time, our God our Help in Ages past, our Hope for years to come. See what I did there? I put together a couple of "headers" from songs you love to sing - Crown Him with Many Crowns and O God our Help.
But don't listen to me - we have composers and arrangers among us in the Atlantic District who carry on that strong tradition of bringing the message of salvation through poetry imbedded in music. I bring them to your Epiphany attention: Ralph and Dorothy Schultz, Amanda Husberg, Pastor John Fleischmann, and Stephen R. Johnson come to my mind immediately.
Interestingly, they're among us with their abundant gifts from stem to stern of our district - John on the Island, Amanda in the City, Stephen in the Mid-Hudson, and Ralph and Dorothy in the Capitol Region. Very cool in a distributive way!
And so we turn to Hymn 403 in The Lutheran Service Book, "O Savior of Our Fallen Race." The words have some durability behind them. We're told that "the song Christe Redemptor is a medieval plainchant, mode 1, a Latin office hymn from the sixth century. The setting in the Lutheran Book of Worship, 1978, is one of the few examples were the tune is proper to the text. There are many different forms of both text and tune. The translation in the Lutheran Book of Worship by Gilbert Doan is made from the original, and the tune is the one found in the Sarum Breviary."
Fine. Who didn't know that? However, only in 2002 did Stephen R. Johnson bring into the world the tune called "Putnam," which adorns the words of the ancient plainchant in The Lutheran Service Book. The Johnson family, Stephen and wife Mary Johnson, and their two daughters Mary and Margaret, are part of the family of God shepherded by Jon Ellingworth at The Lutheran Church of Christ the King in Pawling. The tune "Putnam" has everything to do with the Johnson home in Mahopac, in the heart of the Putnam Valley!
At any rate, the melody is wonderful, and has become the most favored for Christe Redemptor in the past decade. You can find it used for LSB Hymn 874, "O Splendor of God's Glory Bright" as well. There, however, the words have been with us for centuries longer, having originally been penned by a personal friend, Bp. Ambrose of Milan back before the year 400 AD.
Without meaning to offend, but being conscious of context, I have arranged Stephen Johnson's great melody to a hip-hop beat for urban usage. Oh, yeah!
Let's make 2013 a song of love to our Lord of Light!
Today, as year by year its light/Bathes all the world in radiance bright/ One precious truth outshines the sun:/Salvation comes from You alone!
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The Atlantic District Cares - Rebuilding Lives in Christ
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How to Access Disaster Relief Resources, News and Information
Please visit the Atlantic District website at www.ad-lcms.org for a link to adcares.org where you will find a list of local resources and congregations that are being used as hubs for receiving, storing and distributing disaster relief goods. You will also find a list of full-service sites with information about applying for emergency social and economic assistance and several Brooklyn and Queens locations where anyone in need can get food, water and blankets.
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Advent 2012 Engage!
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Click here to view the latest edition of Engage!
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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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Happy Birthday to the following AD Pastors... |
January 2013 Birthdays
Rev. George Kirkup 1/2
Rev. John Fleischmann 1/3
Rev. Robert Wittler 1/7
Rev. Paul Koehn 1/10
Rev. Gordon Rakow 1/12
Rev. Charles Byer 1/15
Rev. James Zwernemann 1/15
Rev. Joel Janzow 1/17
Rev. David Dietsche 1/21
Rev. Norbert Folwaczny 1/23
Rev. Herbert Kern 1/27
Rev. William Vangor 1/29
(We apologize if we've missed any of our Pastors birthdays. Please contact the District office to let us know.)
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Congregational News and Events | |
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Atlantic District LWML
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Mission Grant Update
Praise God! We have paid our first four mission grant of the biennium and are very close to funding our fifth grant. Let's keep momentum going through this season of giving and into the new year.
Here are the Mission Grants for the 2012-2014 biennium. This month, Mission Grant #5 and #6 will be 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
3. Wrap Around Program - "Covered by Grace" $2,400.00
4. Courageous Dads! $600.00
This project is a dual-site Confirmation program being led by Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church - The Bronx, New York (TELC). With meeting opportunities on Wednesdays at TELC and Sundays at the Webster Avenue Projects (1130 Webster Ave., Bronx, NY), this program offers underprivileged children in the Bronx community the opportunity to gather and learn about the faith while receiving healthy foods and enjoying open discussion about their lives. By meeting "on/off-site," the youth have a chance to receive the benefits of classes leading to Confirmation, as many are unable to travel during the school week. Through their attendance in Sunday Worship and their participation in classes, the students will have an opportunity to confirm their faith and become young members of the congregation. Currently there are 21 students in the program. The mission grant funds will be used to purchase confirmation robes and gifts along with a copy of the Holy Scriptures to be given to each student in honor of their achievement. Also, the grant would be used to purchase a portable projector and screen to be used in class and in "youth gatherings" at both locations. This will encourage the students to invite friends, furthering the mission of our Lord and the sharing of His beautiful Gospel.
5. Food, Fun & Faith: A Confirmation Adventure $1,300.00
This project is a dual-site Confirmation program being led by Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church - The Bronx, New York (TELC). With meeting opportunities on Wednesdays at TELC and Sundays at the Webster Avenue Projects (1130 Webster Ave., Bronx, NY), this program offers underprivileged children in the Bronx community the opportunity to gather and learn about the faith while receiving healthy foods and enjoying open discussion about their lives. By meeting "on/off-site," the youth have a chance to receive the benefits of classes leading to Confirmation, as many are unable to travel during the school week. Through their attendance in Sunday Worship and their participation in classes, the students will have an opportunity to confirm their faith and become young members of the congregation. Currently there are 21 students in the program. The mission grant funds will be used to purchase confirmation robes and gifts along with a copy of the Holy Scriptures to be given to each student in honor of their achievement. Also, the grant would be used to purchase a portable projector and screen to be used in class and in "youth gatherings" at both locations. This will encourage the students to invite friends, furthering the mission of our Lord and the sharing of His beautiful Gospel.
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!
Please submit your mite donations to: June Deebrah
4513 Carpenter Ave.
Bronx, NY 10470
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"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. |
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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.
Want to serve as a Young Adult Volunteer (YAV) at the 2013 Gathering? Apply NOW!
LCMS Youth Gathering YAV Online Application Closes Dec. 31
The application process for a key group of LCMS Youth Gathering volunteers closes at the end of December. Young Adult Volunteers (YAVs) are aged 19-25 on July 1, 2013. YAVs serve with interactive learning centers, workshop speakers, servant events, dome events, hotel life and other components of the Gathering program. While serving, YAVs meet and connect with hundreds of other Lutheran young adults.
YAVs are financially responsible for their Gathering registration ($295), travel expenses and food costs. The registration fee covers housing, selected meals during training and other materials.
For more information and to apply, visit www.lcmsgathering.com/yav. |
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Choir Fest Invitation |
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED
On Thursday, January 31st at 7pm over 300 students from Lutheran elementary and high schools in the greater New York area are participating in a Choir Festival in conjunction with the Concordia College Tour Choir, under the direction of Dr. Jason Thoms, Concordia College - New York. The concert is being held at Long Island Lutheran Middle and High School in Brookville.
For more information please contact: Lori Lee Joerz, Director of Church and Alumni Relations
Concordia College, 171 White Plains Rd., Bronxville NY 10708
LoriLee.Joerz@Concordia-NY.edu, 914-337-9300 x2157 |
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News from Wheat Ridge Ministries
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News from Marlene Lund, executive Director at the Center for Urban Education Ministries - click here for the most recent newsletter.
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National LCMS Campus Ministry Conference
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Meet us in St. Louis!
January 3-5, 2013
Click here to learn more...
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Mileage Rate Change
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Changing on 1/1/2013, IRS has increased the standard business mileage rate to 56.5¢ per mile (from 55.5¢ in effect since 1/1/12). The new rate apply to mileage reimbursements paid to an employee on or after January 1, 2013 with respect to transportation expenses paid or incurred by the employee on or after January 1, 2013.
The rate used for charitable deduction purposes, set by statute rather than IRS, remains at 14¢ per mile.
Please share this information with your staff. As usual, contact me if you have any questions concerning this change. (914) 337-5700 x3 or at: peter.labenberg@ad-lcms.org
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LuHi to help the Andrew Grene School in Haiti!
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We're doing it again! LuHi is making plans to move forward with our third LuHi Meal Packing Event on April 11 - 13, 2013. It is our goal to "up the ante" and pack 400,000 meals. This would bring our three year total to over 1,000,000 meals packed.
If you would like to participate or sponsor this event, please contact Jane Lottes at 516.626.1700 x549
www.luhi.org - and go to the April 2013 calendar |
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Mission House Opens at Immanuel Whitestone
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Koinonia Mission House at Evangelical Immanuel Lutheran Church, Whitestone, provides worry-free, comfortable, safe and convenient housing for ministry, mission or church agency-related groups, families or individuals, who need a place to stay in New York City, while they go about the Lord's business; sharing the Good News of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Koinonia House is fully furnished. The house is open year round and is air-conditioned in the summer and fully heated in the winter. There is no set cost-it is free of charge-and can accommodate from 14 to 40 (utilizing the adjacent Fellowship Hall for large groups). Free will offerings have been made by some guests. These gifts have been re-invested in the Mission House projects, while tithing toward our church Mission Board for outreach. In this way the House serves a dual mission purpose.
All that is asked of those interested in spending time at Koinonia House is a letter from a Pastor or, if no pastor is available, a lay leader. Interested parties should contact the Immanuel office at 718-767-5656 and can visit www.immanuelwhitestone.com for a link to Koinonia Mission House. A website is currently under construction that will include additional information about using the facility including what to bring, what is allowed and what there is to do in the area. It will also allow online booking arrangements.
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LCEF Student Internship Program |
Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) is pleased to announce the new Student Internship Program for the national office in St. Louis, Mo. Three paid internships will be offered, one each in the areas of Information Technology, Marketing, and Lending & Real Estate Management, beginning with the summer of 2013. More information, job descriptions and application forms are available at lcef.org. The deadline for applications is February 8, 2013. For questions, contact Becca Jones, LCEF Sr. Vice President-Marketing & Customer Support, at 800-843-5233 or Becca.Jones@lcef.org. |
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LSA Gift Card Drive | |
LSA Gift Card Drive for SANDY Relief
In late November, the Lutheran Schools Association launched a Gift Card Drive to assist 113 school families who were severely impacted by Superstorm Sandy. Many of these lost homes to fire or flooding and had to move in with relatives or friends while others suffered other devastating losses. Local Lutheran schools were asked for cash donations or $50 gift cards to Target, VISA or American Express - and our request was shared with schools around the country, thanks to the ELEA and the LEA. In less than a month, LSA raised $5,650.00 in cash and gift cards, including 40 cards donated by the Queens Chapter of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. And then, more good news! Within a few weeks another $2,640.09 was received from eight schools, including two LSA members and six "sister" schools located in Illinois, Maryland, Oregon and Pennsylvania.
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Concordia College Openings | |
Concordia College-New York, a small private, Liberal Arts College located in the beautiful suburb of Bronxville, NY, invites applications for two Spring 2013 Faculty openings in:
(1) SPECIAL EDUCATION/GENERAL EDUCATION FACULTY (CHILDHOOD), MASTERS PROGRAM
(1) EDUCATION FACULTY (EARLY CHILDHOOD), UNDERGRADUATE TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAM
Concordia engages and nurtures a diverse student body in a value-oriented, liberal arts education for lives of service to church and community. See our website, www.concordia-ny.edu, for more information about the College.
Qualified and interested applicants should submit a letter of interest, curriculum vita and three letters of recommendation to:
Kathleen Clarke, Director of Human Resources:
Email: kathleen.clarke@concordia-ny.edu.
Screening of applicants will begin immediately.
Official transcripts will be required of finalists only.
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Lutheran Counseling Center |
Click here to read the newsletter.
Emergency Contact Information for Lutheran Counseling Center (LCC) during aftermath of storm. Click here for more information.
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New Spanish Bible Available Soon from LHF
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A new edition of the Spanish-language Bible (bound together with Luther's Small Catechism) will be available in early 2013 from the Lutheran Heritage Foundation in Macomb. The new Bible will be the Reina Valera Contemporánea (RVC) edition, an easier-to-understand version well suited to Hispanic ministry in the United States. As with all LHF publications, the Spanish Bible with Small Catechism is available at no charge to those who need them. For those who are able, a suggested donation of $5-$10 per book covers printing and shipping costs and helps LHF continue its mission of translating and printing Lutheran materials. Interested parties are encouraged to pre-order their Bibles by e-mailing info@LHFmissions.org or calling LHF at (800)554-0723.
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| LFL Renewal for Life Director |
Lutherans For Life, headquartered in Nevada, Iowa, is seeking a Renewal For Life (RFL) Director. RFL, in cooperation with local pastors, seeks to identify and develop Life Teams and Life Team Leaders within congregations across the country. Such Life Teams will educate members about all issues related to the value of life from conception to natural death. The director will manage all aspects of Renewal For Life including recruiting, training, marketing and supervising. BA/BS is required along with supervisory experience. Travel up to 25%. Please see the attached job description for more information or contact Lutherans For Life at 888.364.LIFE or info@lutheransforlife.org.
Click here for more information.
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Lutheran Malaria Initiative | |
Fight Malaria with the "Save A Life" gift set. Click here for more information.
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 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.
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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:
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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 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
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