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Information and News of Importance
Shared with You Monthly from the Eastern District, LCMS
| June 2013 |
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An estimated 1,200 delegates and an additional 200 non-voting advisory delegates will be among those gathered in St. Louis July 20-25 for the 65th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod. 28 voting delegates and 4 non-voting advisory delegates from the Eastern District will attend the convention. The triennial national convention is the Synod's principal legislative assembly. Charged with the responsibility to consider and vote on various resolutions and leadership choices, delegates represent the more than 1.7 million confirmed members in almost 6,200 LCMS congregations in 35 districts across the United States.
The theme for the 2013 Convention is Baptized for This Moment, taken from Peter's Pentecost sermon as recorded in Acts 2:38-39: "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to Himself."
Much of the business of the Convention results from the work of nine floor committees, whose members prepare and present resolutions crafted from various overtures in addition to coordinating the nomination, registration and election processes.
Among the LCMS national leadership positions to be filled at Convention are: First Vice President; five regional Vice Presidents; and many other offices. The very important presidential election will take place before the start of Convention, a procedure that is one of several changes to go into effect in 2013. Electing five Regional Vice Presidents is another change, as is the selection of candidates for the First Vice President position.
Election of the Synod President will take place electronically (via the Internet only) during a four-day period - June 22-25 - by each LCMS congregation/parish's two voting delegates to it's respective 2012 district convention. If no candidate receives a majority of votes, the candidate with the least number of votes will be dropped from the ballot and a second vote will be taken one week later.
Two weeks before the start of the convention - on July 6 - the Synod secretary will share the results of the election first with the candidates, and afterward, with the public. The candidate receiving the majority of votes will become president-elect of the Synod. The three candidates for president are: Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison; Rev. Dr. David P.E. Maier; and Rev. Dr. Herbert C. Mueller Jr.
Elections in the upcoming LCMS National Convention will expand the church body's Praesidium from five to six - a full-time First Vice President who works out of the St. Louis headquarters and five Regional Vice Presidents. In the past, Vice Presidents Two through Five were elected by Convention delegates with no regional requirements. Effective with the 2013 Convention, the LCMS has been divided into five regions, each to be represented by a Vice President elected by the delegates for those geographic boundaries. Our Eastern District is part of the East-Southeast Region - Region Five, which also includes the New England, Atlantic, Ohio, New Jersey, Southeastern, Florida-Georgia, and Southern Districts as well as congregations in Ontario and Quebec, Canada. SELC and English District congregations belonging to the region in which they are geographically located.
East-Southeast Region nominations for Vice President are: Rev. Dr. David Buegler, OH; Rev. Dr. Jon Diefenthaler, VG; Rev. Dr. Robert Kuehn, GA; Rev. Dr. Gerhard Michael, FL; and Rev. Dr. Dien Taylor, NY, NY.
Please keep the election of the Synod President in your prayers this month.
Next month's issue of Enews will include my observations of what will be significant topics for discussion and debate at the July Convention.
God's peace,
Rev. Dr. Chris Wicher, President
Lutheran Church Missouri Synod Eastern District
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DELEGATE INFORMATION AND DATES
Delegates to the Synod Convention in July are required
to attend one of the following 90-minute orientations.
Christ, Forest Hills PA, June 8 @ 10 a.m., 400 Barclay Ave, 15221
Christ, (Freemansburg) Bethlehem PA, June 9 @ 4 p.m., 302 Main Street, 18017
2013 LCMS CONVENTION INFORMATION
Current information regarding the 2013 LCMS Convention can be found under "What's New" at www.lcmsed.org. Currently posted information includes the proposed schedule, the convention workbook, Eastern District delegate information and the first issue of Today's Business (which can be downloaded by clicking http://lcmsed.org/diyFiles/Todays_Business_FirstIssue_2013.pdf
2013 LCMS NATIONAL OFFERING
All LCMS congregations have received information regarding ways to participate in the 2013-2016 LCMS National Offering. As you are aware, there are a number of ways that your congregation can handle your special congregational offering. If you choose to have your offering hand carried by your circuit delegate, to be collected during the planned special worship service, please forward that check, made out to the "Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod" with "2013 National Offering" written in the memo line, to the Eastern District Office, 5111 Main St., Williamsville, NY, 14221. The Eastern District Office will then deliver your check to your delegate.
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Your 2013 LCMS CONVENTION DELEGATES
The following people are your Eastern District Delegates to the 2013 LCMS Convention to be held July 20 to 25, 2013 in St. Louis, MO. If you would like to communicate your thoughts regarding the business of the convention to either your pastoral or lay delegate, you are encouraged to do so! Delegate contact information should be secured from their home congregation as listed (delegate phone and email information is not printed here since this is a web based document and privacy is not ensured).
Circuit 1: Rev. Chris Agne, St. Luke Lutheran Church, Cheektowaga, NY
Circuit 1: Mrs. Sandra Walker, Lutheran Church of Our Savior, Buffalo, NY
Circuit 2: Mrs. Claire Carlson, Salem Lutheran Church, Buffalo, NY
Circuit 2: Rev. Ed Fehskens, Faith Lutheran Church, Elma, NY
Circuit 3: Rev. Travis Grubbs, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Gowanda, NY
Circuit 3: Ms. Vera Langhans, Salem Lutheran Church, Springville, NY
Circuit 4: Rev. Bruce Donley, St. Michael Lutheran Church, Akron, NY
Circuit 4: Mr. Mark Christensen, Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Middleport, NY
Circuit 5: Rev. Matt Sorenson, Grace Lutheran Church, Niagara Falls, NY
Circuit 5: Mr. Jim Brese, First Trinity Lutheran Church, Tonawanda, NY
Circuit 6: Ms. Becky Grunder, Redeemer Lutheran Church, Auburn, NY
Circuit 6: Rev. Rich Mokry, Trinity Lutheran Church, Utica, NY
Circuit 7: Ms. Kay Gerlach, Faith Lutheran Church, Penfield, NY
Circuit 7: Rev. Carl Prostka, St. John's Lutheran Church, Farmington, NY
Circuit 8: Mr. Keith Frieling, Hope Lutheran Church, Rochester, NY
Circuit 8: Rev. Clayton Zuber, Epiphany Lutheran Church, Avon, NY
Circuit 9: Rev. Ron Breight, Christ Lutheran Church, Forest Hills, PA
Circuit 9: Mr. George Moore, St. John Lutheran Church, Morrisdale, PA
Circuit 10: Mr. Ron Hietsch, Mount Olive Lutheran Church, Beaver Falls, PA
Circuit 10: Rev. Michael Podeszwa, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Freedom, PA
Circuit 11: Mr. Terry Miller, Zion Lutheran Church, Pittsburgh, PA
Circuit 11: Rev. Eric Andrae, First Trinity Lutheran Church, Pittsburgh, PA
Circuit 12: Rev. Tom Engler, St. Mark Lutheran Church, Ridley Park, PA
Circuit 12: Mrs. Susan Bell, Christ Memorial Lutheran Church, Malvern, PA
Circuit 13: Rev. Kristian Bjornstad, Peace Lutheran Church, Scranton, PA
Circuit 13: Mr. Bradley Dreier, Our Savior Lutheran Church, Mt. Pocono, PA
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YOUR 2013 LCMS CONVENTION STAFF/ADVISORY DELEGATES
Rev. Dr. Chris Wicher, President, Eastern District, LCMS
Mr. Bob Foerster, Staff Delegate, Eastern District, LCMS
Mr. Walter Grzyb, Advisory Delegate, Eastern District, LCMS
Rev. David Bernard, BoD Delegate, Eastern District, LCMS
Mr. Erv Brese, Advisory Delegate, Eastern District, LCMS
Mr. Karl Meyer, Advisory Delegate, Eastern District, LCMS
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Calls Accepted
Nancy Jankowski (Assistant Principal, Emmanuel Lutheran School, Southeastern District) to Principal, Hope Lutheran Church and School, Levittown, PA.
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Pastor Peter Vogeler at the passing of both his wife DeAnna and his brother in Amarillo, Texas.
Pastor Hans Andrae
Lyle Heggemeier, recovering at home from bypass surgery
Pastor Don Loos
Pastor Don Muller
Please continue to remember all those affected by Hurricane Sandy and the tornadoes in Oklahoma.
The election process for the 2013 LCMS Convention.
The committees and workers of the 2013 LWML National Convention in Pittsburgh, PA and the increased numbers of volunteers before and during this convention.
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50th Anniversary of Ordination
Rev. Dr. David Belasic
Trinity Lutheran Church
146 Reserve Rd
West Seneca, NY
Monday, June 17th 7-9 p.m.
Members of Trinity (West Seneca, NY) invite you to an evening of thanks and praise to our Lord upon the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Ordination of Rev. Dr. David Belasic (June 16, 1963). Pastor Belasic has served as: Assistant to the President of our district, President of the Eastern District, Author, Vacancy Pastor for numerous churches, President of Lutheran Church Extension Fund, and over the past 24 years he and his wife Joy have been members of Trinity.
Please join us. There will be a brief devotion, worship and prayer time followed by time for visiting, sharing, remembering and enjoying refreshments, etc.!
Come! Celebrate! Thank God with us all!
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Pastor Corey Eckstrom (Christ Lutheran, Interlaken, NY) is looking to connect with someone in our District who is a facilitator for Prepare/Enrich. If you have gone through the facilitator training, please contact Corey via email at coryecks@aol.com or phone at 607.591.5919. Thank you!
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Lutheran Church Charities is making a SPECIAL APPEAL for assistance in light of the tornado devastation in Moore, Oklahoma. Click here for more information. http://tinyurl.com/pt44h89
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The recent tornadoes in Oklahoma brought devastation and brokenness to so many. However, in Revelation 21:5 Jesus promises, "Look, I am making everything new."
An amazing truth we see in Scripture is that God often invites us to help in that restoration process as we meet the needs of others. Many of our Eastern District congregations want to provide support to the victims of the recent Oklahoma tornadoes but are struggling to determine the needs and the appropriate avenues to demonstrate that support.
The Eastern District has arranged for your congregation to partner with your brothers and sisters of First Trinity (Tonawanda, NY). First Trinity is collaborating with Messiah Lutheran Church in Oklahoma City. Pastor Mark Muenchow and the people of Messiah are assessing needs and distributing merchant gift cards to both those in their congregation and in the community at large who are in need of assistance. We would be happy to forward your generous support to the same place, or return them to you for distribution to your partners in the area.
A form for your use may be downloaded from the Eastern District web site, www.lcmsed.org. Click on the "What's New" button on the bottom left hand corner of the home page.
For more information contact Rebekah Freed at First Trinity at
716-835-2220.
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| Register for Confirmand Camp Today!!! | | |
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Join kids from your area for an awesome camp
experience at Pioneer!
Confirmand Camp Week #1
June 23-28, 2013
Led By Rev. Tom Lutz, St. Paul, Eden
Confirmand Camp Week #2
June 30-July 5, 2013
Led By Rev. Paul Pollex, Ontario, Canada
Visit our website: www.pioneercamp.org or
call 716-549-1420 to register
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Martin Luther Church in Punxsutawney has the following paraments they would like to donate to a church that has need of them.
Green:
Bookmark (lectern) 3 ½ x 34
Pulpit 18 x 35 ½
Superfrontal (altar) 73" x 31" (9" drop)
White:
Bookmark (lectern) 3 ½ x 35
Pulpit 17 ½ x 35 ½
Superfrontal (altar)
71 ¾ " x 44 1/3 " (12" drop)
If you are interested or have any questions, please email Pastor James Kusko at jameskusko@hughes.net
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Electronic organ with pedal board and multiple keyboards; useful at home or small worship space; contact Winston Moeller of St. John Lutheran Church, North Tonawanda, NY (716) 692-0627.
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"Fill UP" 35th Biennial LWML Convention Pittsburgh, PA June 27-30, 2013
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FILL UP!!! It's time to "Drink deeply from His Word, Glorify the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and Share His overflowing love." Pray for safe travel as we gather to participate and experience a life changing opportunity to serve in whatever function and wherever we are called. Don't be late for the Opening Worship with the Rev. Dr. Dien Ashley Taylor, Proclaimer. Our awesome God leads the LWML to Pittsburgh, PA, to be Quenched! by the Water. Don't miss this once in a life time opportunity. You will be blessed.
"The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let the one who hears say, 'Come!' Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life" (Revelation 22:17).
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| Regional Outreach Conferences This August | | |
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Lutheran Hour Ministries' Regional Outreach Conferences (ROC), which are being strategically held around the U.S., will be in Richmond, VA (August 2-3) and Cleveland, OH (August 9-10). Mission specialists will share practical tools so attendees and congregations will become better prepared to reach people of various generations, cultures and worldviews. Featured guests include: Rev. Greg Seltz, Lutheran Hour Speaker; Keynote Speaker: Rev. Dr. Mark Zehnder Senior Pastor, Director of Ministries King of Kings Lutheran Church Omaha, NE; and Worship Music Leader: Kip Fox Singer/Songwriter/Guitarist. For more information and to register, visit: www.lhm.org/roc/default.asp
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Annual Congregational Convention Assessment
Attn: Church Treasurers - The Annual Congregational Convention Assessment has been mailed to you. This assessment is based on the most recent Statistical Report submitted by your congregation. If you have not received your billing, or have a question regarding your assessment, please contact Barbara Sigafoos, Business Manager, at 716-634-5111 ext. 18.
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With The Lord Begin Thy Task | | |
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President Wicher has written a series of devotions to be used at the beginning of church meetings this year. A devotion has been written for each month, September - July, and are available on the District web site, www.LCMSED.org, under "What's New". Copies will also be sent to everyone on our email list.
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A complete list of ordained workers celebrating a birthday or anniversary during the month of June can be found here.
In addition, we would like to recognize our Commissioned Workers. If you would like to be included in our list of birthdays, please send that information to the District Office at MaryEllen.Sima@lcmsed.org.
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2012 Eastern District Salary Guidelines Now Available | | |
The 2012 revised edition of the Eastern District Ministerial Health and Salary Guidelines is now available in the "Congregational Resources" section located in the "Members Area" of the Eastern District website (www.lcmsed.org).
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Submissions for the Eastern District weekly "e-Communicator" and the monthly "e-News" are welcome. If you would like to share a congregational event via the weekly "e-Communicator" or monthly "e-News", please submit a brief description of the event, in print ready form at least one week prior to the event, to Diana Zubrzycki at diana.zubrzycki@lcmsed.org.
Due to space limitations, submitted pieces will be published for a limited time period. The editor reserves the right to edit for length and clarity.
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| In This Issue |
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Message 
President Wicher's Vision of "Breaking New Ground for the Mission of Jesus Christ" has three priorities:
Foster healthy leaders; Promote Kingdom growth; and Deepen discipleship.
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Devotional Calendar
We pray this week for:
Tuesday
La Santa Cruz Church
Buffalo, NY
Pastor Javier Florez
Wednesday
Lutheran Church of Our Savior
Buffalo, NY
Pastor Bob Spilman
Thursday
St. John Church & Preschool
Depew, NY
Pastor Galen Purpura
Friday
St. John Church & Preschool
Orchard Park, NY
Pastor Nate Hartke
Saturday
Our Military and
Hospital Chaplains
Sunday
Eastern District Board of Directors
and Circuit Counselors
Monday
St. Luke Church
Cheektowaga, NY
Pastor Chris Agne
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Upcoming Eastern District Events
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June 7 Pioneer Golf Benefit, Diamond Hawk Golf Course, Cheektowaga, NY
June 8 Synod Delegate Orientation, Christ, (Forest Hills), Pittsburgh, PA
June 9 Synod Delegate Orientation, Christ, (Freemansburg), Bethlehem, PA
June 27-30 National LWML Convention, Pittsburgh, PA
July 20-25 Synod Convention, St. Louis, MO
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President Wicher's Vision for the Eastern District:
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"Healthy leaders vigorously equipping God's people to promote Kingdom growth"
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| Contact Information | Rev. Dr. Chris Wicher, President Robert Foerster, Asst to the President Chris.Wicher@lcmsed.org Bob.Foerster@lcmsed.org
5111 Main Street, Williamsville, New York 14221
www.lcmsed.org
716.634.5111
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