|
|
|
DONATE ONLINE!
| CLICK BELOW TO DONATE NOW
to the Hurricane Sandy Recovery Fund 
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
| |
ALL YOU NEED IS...
Of course, the correct answer is "love." So sang the mop-topped swing kings of teen-time tunes, the Beatles, back in the day. As I journey around our congregations and ministries here in New York, though, the deeper I delve, the more I get a different answer pretty consistently. What do you think it is?
Click here to continue reading.
|
|
The Atlantic District Cares - Rebuilding Lives in Christ
| |
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.
|
|
Festival of Workshops
| |
SAVE THE DATE!
March 9, 2013
9:00am-4:00pm
Concordia College, Bronxville NY
Registration materials available by February 11, 2013
Please visit our website for more information!
|
|
Save the Date!
| |
Save The Date!
A Luncheon Honoring Regional and National Leaders
For their Contribution to Missions
The New York Athletic Club
Tuesday, October 21, 2013, 11:30 a.m.
|
Deacon Thomas W. Cusanelli is Named Sandy Recovery Coordinator
| |
Thomas Cusanelli will serve as the Atlantic District's Sandy Recovery Coordinator, a staff position that was created to orchestrate long-term, Sandy-specific relief and rebuilding programs. Working with the District's Disaster Response Coordinator, Rev. Derek Lecakes, Cusanelli will organize volunteers, resources and services to effectively deliver assistance to people in need in storm-damaged sections of southern New York.
"Many of the congregations in the District have been engaged in separate volunteer recovery efforts, which have been wonderful. In the near future, I would like to be able to bring these resources together so that we can use them strategically to fulfill the District's recovery vision," says Cusanelli. "I will also be working with the Bishop and Pastor Lecakes on long-term plans to create the Circle of Hope Ministry that will entail establishing a community center and a church plant in the underserved areas in Far Rockaway."
Cusanelli is a Deacon and a member of St. Luke's, Dix Hills. He has applied to the Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP) program and eventually would like to serve at St. Luke's. He was graduated cum laude with a BS from Fordham University then went on to earn a Juris Doctor degree from Brooklyn Law School. Prior to practicing law, Cusanelli served as a captain in the New York Police Department. Before his current appointment with the Atlantic District, he was a trial attorney at GEICO Staff Counsel.
A widower, he has three children, Michelle, Thomas and Paul, and lives in Deer Park, NY.
Deacon Cusanelli can be reached via email at ADSandyRecovery@gmail.com. Additional news and information about Sandy Relief Efforts, including a list of resources and phone numbers, can be found at www.adcares.org
|
|
TCN Hinge Event
| |
PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
Task Force 2, Transforming Congregations and Leadership is sponsoring a "HINGE" event focusing on "Building Bridges to Your Community." It will be held Saturday, April 27, 2013, 9:00AM-3:00PM at Christ Lutheran Church, 1500 Western Ave, Albany, NY 12203
WHAT IS A "HINGE" EVENT?
A Hinge Event is where people who are passionate about seeing the Kingdom of God grow in their community come together to experience how to:
- Open new doors to their community
- Release their creative genius as God's people
- Discover the 8 Hinge Factors for Church Transformation
- Connect with others on the same journey
- Begin a new Life Cycle for their church
Registration Information to follow
|
|
|
|
| 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... |
February Birthdays
Rev. Paul Sauer 2/7
Rev. Allan Fjordbotten 2/11
Rev. Kenneth Doka 2/12
Rev. Dr. LeRoy Leach 2/12
Rev. William Meyer 2/15
Rev. Steven Roth 2/16
Rev. Robert Rose 2/17
Rev. Gerald Coleman 2/18
Rev. Dr. Thomas Green 2/21
Rev. William Terjesen 2/24
(We apologize if we've missed any of our Pastors birthdays. Please contact the District office to let us know.)
|
|
Congregational News and Events
| |
|
|
Sandy Recovery Mercy Mission
|
We Continue our Sandy Recovery Mercy Mission at PS43 in Far Rockaway, Queens.
Lutheran Church Charities, Addison, Illinois brought a group of "Comfort Dogs" to PS43 in Far Rockaway on January 28th. They were awesome-what a ministry! Many of the children are still in the thick of post-Sandy recovery, e.g. no heat/hot water, etc. PS43 serves 1,100 families and approximately 1,800 students.
To see the whole story, please go to: http://adcares.org/?p=333
|
|
Concordia College Special Event
|
1st Annual Clippers Against Cancer Golf Outing
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
11:30 a.m. Registration & Lunch | 1:00 p.m. Shotgun Start |
5:30 p.m. Dinner, Awards, & Prizes
Pelham Bay Golf Course, NY
Click here for more information.
|
| Two LCMS Congregations Recognized by LSSNY |
Two LCMS Congregations to be Recognized
by Lutheran Social Services of New York
on March 7, 2013
Christ Assembly Lutheran Church of Staten Island and St. Peter's Lutheran Church of Brooklyn will be recognized by Lutheran Social Services of New York for their courage, perseverance and continued ministry after the devastation of Hurricane Sandy at the Eighth Annual President's Awards Dinner on March 7, 2013. Please consider joining us to support and honor these faithful congregations for witnessing to and living out Gospel values daily.
This year's Awards Dinner theme, A Thousand Faces, commemorates the agency's excellence in service since 1886. Need has many faces. This festive celebration will feature the vital ministry of these churches and the LIFE (Lutheran Initiative for Enrichment) Services of the agency that have grown to touch the lives of more than 25,000 persons annually. This premier social event will take place at Terrace on the Park, Queens, where attendees will enjoy fine dining, fellowship, and entertainment from 6-9pm.
Churches of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America that will be recognized include:
St. Barnabas Lutheran Church of Howard Beach
St. James Lutheran Church of Gerritsen Beach
Trinity Lower East Side Lutheran Parish of Manhattan
St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Coney Island
St. John's by the Sea of Long Beach
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Roosevelt
Other prestigious award recipients include:
Jennifer Jones-Austin, CEO/Executive Director of Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies (FPWA)
Kenneth Curtin, Deputy Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Peter Gudaitis, President of National Disaster Interfaiths Network (NDIN)
Since 1886, Lutheran Social Services of New York has provided high-quality services for children, families, and individuals, especially those who are most vulnerable and in need of assistance. The agency's outreach and vision continue to be enhanced by its ministry partners. Today, Ronald S. Drews, President & CEO, together with the members of the Board of Directors, provides the comprehensive oversight for the agency's staff, mission, and operations.
|
| Deadline Information for the LCMS |
Click here for a PDF containing information from the LCMS
|
| Southeastern District Event |
April 18-20th of 2013, the South East District will be hosting the Worship Arts Leadership Institute (WALi) East's first Engage Worship Conference at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Richmond, VA!
Click here for more information. Click here for the flyer.
|
| TCN Newsletter |
Click here for a copy of the newsletter.
|
| St. John, Sayville Event |
St. John's Handbell Festival Concert takes place
Saturday, March 2, 2013 at 7:30 pm. This annual event features 10 bell choirs from churches throughout Suffolk County performing massed bell choir works based on hymn tunes and spirituals under the direction of guest conductor, Eileen Laurence. The concert's (new) location is at
Gospel Community Church, 138 Greeley Avenue, Sayville NY
A free will offering will be received with proceeds going to the Long Island Council of Church's emergency food bank. Information: 631 589 3202.
|
| Atlantic District LWML |
Mission Grant Update
Praise God! The Atlantic District LWML is ready to pay our fifth mission grant of the biennium, Food, Fun & Faith: A Confirmation Adventure. We are about half way there in raising funds for Mission Grant #6, so please keep sending in those mites!
Here are the Mission Grants for the 2012-2014 biennium. This month, Mission Grant #6, Food, Fun & Faith: A Confirmation Adventure, 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
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
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
Mites Collected to Date: $17,629.66
Balance Needed: $58,370.34
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
"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 in the winter edition of the Lutheran Woman's Quarterly, or 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.
|
|
2013 National Youth Gathering
| |
We are only a few months away from the
2013 LCMS National Youth Gathering in San Antonio, Texas!
-- March 1, 2013 - Final day for regular registration. If you are not registered by this date, you must plan on adding $50 per person to the registration fee (from $295 to $345). -- Early April 2013 - A Hotel deposit is due (more information to come Early Spring) -- May 1, 2013 - Registration closes. Full payment is required by this date for express registration. If you are not fully paid at this point, you must pay "on-site" in San Antonio upon arrival. Also, we are having our FIRST PRE-GATHERING EVENT! Click here for a flyer for the event, which will take place on Sunday, February 10, 2013 - 4PM at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Bronx, New York (2125 Watson Ave. Bronx, NY 10472). All are invited to join for this wonderful time together.
|
|
Mileage Rate Change
| |
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
|
|
Lutheran Counseling Center
| |
To school leaders and partners in ministry with LCC,
Lutheran Counseling Center is offering free parent seminars for schools to help parents identify and deal with their children's insecurities and behavioral issues as a result of Sandy and other disasters. Please click here for flyer. Please share this flyer with school leaders you may know or other agencies that have parent groups. If you are interested in setting a parents' seminar at your school, please contact LCC at 516-741-0994 or 1-800-317-1173. Thank you.
|
|
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 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
|
|
|
|
|
