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IN TOUCHmichiganOCTOBER 2015

A publication of the Michigan District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri SynodThe Lutheran Witness Michigan District, LCMS Supplement

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Table of ContentsFrom the PresidentGreat CommissionGreat CompassionHealthy WorkersChurch Extension FundHealthy CongregationsCongregation and School NewsSpecial RecognitionLLLCalls and Roster UpdateCalendar of Events

©2015 Michigan District, LCMS, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan In Touch is published monthly by the Michigan District and inserted into The Lutheran Witness and distributed to subscribers 11 times a year. It is also available online at www.michiganintouch.com. Reproduction of articles is permissible with written permission of the Michigan District Communications Department and should give credit to Michigan In Touch. References to resources and websites for further information are included in Michigan In Touch for the potential use by individuals and congregations. Resources not associated with or published by The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod or Concordia Publishing House® may contain helpful programmatic information but may vary in doctrine from The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Please use discretion or consult your pastor on doctrinal issues. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is from the English Standard Version (ESV).

Rev. Dr. David P. E. Maier, PresidentDebby Fall, Editorial ManagerSeth Hinz, Web/Media Director

Michigan District, LCMS3773 Geddes RdAnn Arbor, MI 48105

Official Periodical of the Michigan District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri SynodOctober 2015, Volume 14, No. 9ISSN: 1538-8115 (print) ISSN: 2331-8619 (online)

michiganIN TOUCH

Jenna Szpara, DesignerElisa Schulz, Staff Writer/Copy Editor

888.225.2111intouch@michigandistrict.orgmichigandistrict.org

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FROM THE PRESIDENT

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Responding to HostilityWith the Supreme Court’s ruling in June

on same-sex marriage, continuing pronouncements that remove “plaques” of the 10 Commandments from government buildings, a diminishing receptivity towards Christian values and morals, and what appears to be an increasing hostil-ity towards anything “Christian,” how should we live and respond as God’s redeemed people?

Answers in DanielI believe we can find some encouragement and

answers in Daniel 3, which is the historical account of what most of us remember as the “Three Men in the Fiery Furnace.” If you are familiar with the book of Daniel, you know that, at the end of Daniel 2, Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, seemed to be on the verge of becoming a follower and servant of the God of Israel. Daniel had been the only one who could tell Nebuchadnezzar what he had dreamt and

what the meaning of the dream was. (And remember that his explanation of the dream included the assur-ance of the coming judgment of God, the rock that would cover the whole earth and crush everything – including the statue of gold.)

At the end of the chapter, Nebuchadnezzar said, “Surely [Daniel], your God is the God of gods and the Lord of kings” (Daniel 2:47). But now it turns out that Nebuchadnezzar has a very selective memory. He conveniently forgets about God and the living stone that will one day fill the earth—the coming of the kingdom of God and God’s shattering judgment. There is surely a lesson for us here: we need to take the time to remember and be thankful for the many and continued blessings that God graciously pours out upon his redeemed people.

Nebuchadnezzar, in his quest to bring the many nations and cultures that he had conquered into ‘one

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FROM THE PRESIDENT

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nation,’ issued a command that all the people were to make a pilgrimage out to the plain of Dura, outside of the city of Babylon, where he had built a statue that was 90 feet tall and nine feet wide, made of solid gold. There they would see the most impressive gathering of leaders from all the peoples and cultures ever assembled. If all of that is not enough to compel people to bow down before the statue, then Nebuchadnezzar decreed that failure to comply meant that you would be thrown into a fiery furnace to be burned alive.

I suppose this vast gathering of countless peoples from all tribes and tongues would be a little bit like the opening ceremony of an Olympics—for people who have experienced something like that—except add to it that it’s to be a transcendent, religious experience. Then the music starts, and the people are highly motivated to bow down.

But, in the midst of this vast assembly, in an act that looks like either monumental courage or suicidal folly, three young men refuse to bend the knee. Nobody has much doubt about what will happen next, for these men had powerful enemies. “… at that time certain Chaldeans came forward and brought charges against the Jews” (v.8). These individuals had been placed under Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, and they’re probably consumed with jealousy. This is their chance to bring them down.

“Then Nebuchadnezzar in rage and anger … said to them, ‘Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the golden image that I have set up? Now if you are ready, at the moment you hear the sound of the horn, flute, lyre, trigon, psaltery, and bagpipe, and all kinds of music, to fall down and worship the image that I have made, very well. But if you will not worship, you will immediately be cast into the midst of a furnace of blazing fire; and what god is there who can deliver you out of my hands?’” (vv.13-15).

Not A Rhetorical QuestionOne wonders how soon it will before each of us is asked a question like this.

Please note that when Nebuchadnezzar asks the question, he’s NOT looking for information. He’s NOT looking for a name. It’s a rhetorical question. He’s just saying, “You better understand there is no escape. There is no way out. You are in my hands. You obey me or else.” This is the type of arrogance and hostility

that we are beginning to face in our own country. This is why I think it is important and instructive to under-stand and contemplate the response of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego.

To Nebuchadnezzar’s surprise, these three men don’t treat his question as a rhetorical question. “Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego replied to the king, ‘O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give you an answer concerning this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king’” (vv.16, 17).

Please note that their answer is truthful and respectful, but uncom-promising. They knew who they were—beloved of God—and Whose they were—God’s children. Their faith and confidence came from the only God with whom they regularly communed. The fellowship that they shared is also not only exem-plary, but indicative of the courage they demonstrated.

Our God is Able Now I want to pause here for a

moment, because this is a state-ment of remarkable faith. “Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king.” “Our God is able.” I don’t know if it’s possible for follow-ers of God to spend too much time reflecting on stories that teach this one truth: The God who saves us, the God you and I serve, the God who loves us, “our God … is able.”

Our God is able … to reconcile broken marriages; to liberate people from addiction; to heal damaged bodies; to forgive the darkest sin; to provide for the greatest need; to guide with supernatural wisdom; to lead, guide, and direct us when we, in faith, don’t compromise and deter-mine to follow God, speak the truth in love, and submit to his will …

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GREAT COMMISSION

by Mitch Vogeli

Restoring Hope in Chesaning

In 2013, after a year-long vicarage, Rev. Mitch Vogeli was called by Nativity, St. Charles to be its pastor.

With only 25 committed attending members, they were not sure they would have the ability to keep the doors open, but the support from the District gave them hope that they would manage their financial resources to keep following Christ’s Great Commission. They started look-ing for opportunities to share Christ’s love and message of salvation with the people in Chesaning. Their story can be found at michiganintouch.com/healthy-congrega-tions/helping-others-good-health. It is apparent that God is not done yet. A new type of compassion ministry is blos-soming in Chesaning, and this is the story of how it came to be, as told by Rev. Vogeli.

We see God working in a number of ways to allow Nativity congregation to proclaim the Gospel. It is wonderful to see how He has taken our willingness to share what we love to do, and made it a powerful connec-tion with His work in the Chesaning community.

Through community networks, we discovered that Trinity Methodist Church had developed a widespread food distri-bution that takes place once a month. When we approached them to find a way to help, we were received with great enthu-siasm. At first, a few

Nativity members got involved in the organization and food distribution, and they saw the power of sharing Christ with the people through caring acts and sincere concern. As they shared these exciting stories, more members began to volunteer and participate. Nativity has been involved

with the food distribution for almost a year, and now over 40 people are serving. There is a weekly pop can drive to provide financial resources. Nativity also commits a monthly amount from its budget to purchase meat for the food boxes. Caring for the community in this manner has established friendships that opened up doors for greater impact than we had ever imagined.

Broading Our ReachOn average, 225 families sign up each month for food.

This gave us a chance to get a clearer understanding of the needs of families in our area. Published statistics helped us realize the need for recovery ministry in the lives of these families.

Early in my tenure at Nativity, I asked Rev. Ed Doerner from Messiah Lutheran Church in Midland, Mich. to be my ministry coach. This wonderful relationship has provided great insight to determine future ministry design for Nativity. During a Messiah staff meeting, I spoke with Rev. Tige Culbertson about Restoration Fellowship, a ministry he had developed, and together we assessed how something like that might work in Chesaning. He explained that Messiah’s Restoration Fellowship messages are available via Livestream and recorded. I knew that would be a very valuable resource and applied for the CEF technology grant in order to get the equip-ment needed to present this message in Chesaning.

God opened yet another door to make this happen as I connected with a local Nazarene Church, which had renovated an indoor shopping mall as its ministry build-ing. The pastor there has a heart for recovery ministry and said he would let Nativity use the fellowship hall for its meetings. The large screen projection and sound

“This is a place where people support each other as we all depend on Jesus for our strength, wisdom, and direction.”

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GREAT COMPASSION

In celebration of 150 years of blessings to St. John’s, Grand Haven, the church leadership decided to

“get out of the building” and began planning “Detroit 2015,” a service opportunity for families. In June 2015, 56 people traveled to Detroit and helped serve meals, repair buildings, and distribute supplies. They wanted to do something, to show Christ’s love to a hurting commu-nity. Janice Korstange, the church secretary, tells us how the mission trip came together.

150 years ago, God brought together some faithful Lutherans in Grand Haven and established St. John’s Lutheran Church. Fifty years ago, God gave some members at St. John’s the vision to establish an Endowment Fund. Twenty-five years ago, God called Dan Karlin, a Lutheran school teacher, to Trinity, Utica, and grew in him a compassion for serving the poor and homeless. In 2005, LCMS Youth Ministry was teaching our youth to serve by providing servant events all over the country, and Dan Karlin established “Surf Detroit.” The following year, St. John’s Youth Board made a commitment to offer servant opportunities to our youth, and two adults and five youth went to “Surf Detroit.” In the years since, there were three more trips to serve in Detroit with the youth.

by Janice KorstangeDo Something

In 2014, in celebration of 150 years of blessings, the church leadership included a mission emphasis in its stra-tegic plan. Several boards collaborated to plan “Detroit 2015”—an opportunity for families to serve together for a fixed number of days. Endowment funds were provided to keep the costs down and allow purchase of food and supplies needed to distribute.

In 2015, the Holy Spirit moved 56 people (eight multi-generational families) to say “yes” to this calling, and several other people made large donations to underwrite the cost of the tour bus, hotel parking, meal expenses, and youth schol-arships. Many others were moved to support the mission effort by generously giving and organizing all the donations.

The result? Hundreds of people were served meals and prayed for, and two churches were assisted in completing fix-it-up projects so they can continue to serve those in need in their neighborhoods.

“If not us, then who?If not me and you?

Right nowIt’s time for us to do something

If not now, then when?Will we see an end?

It’s not enough to do nothingIt’s time for us to do something.”

© Matthew West, Do Something (from the album Into the Light), 2012.

4 October 2015

Pictured above and left, volunteers take time out to visit The Heidelberg Project, an outdoor art project in Detroit created in 1986 in part as a political protest when neighborhoods began to deteriorate after the 1967 riots. The area was described as looking like a bomb went off.

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In all, 15 sites received help and donations from St. John’s members. Visit facebook.com/pages/St-Johns-Lutheran-Church/138270166267 to view the trip photo gallery. Some of the charities served were: Babies R A Blessing; Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries (Genesis House III; Oasis); Fort St. Presbyterian Church, Detroit; Gifts For All God’s Children; Life Challenge of Southeastern MI; Project Compassion; Seedplanter Church & Ministries; Trinity Lutheran Church, Utica; Capuchin Soup Kitchen; Christian Guidance Center; Coalition on Temporary Shelter; Crossroads Soup Kitchen; I Am My Brother’s Keeper; NSO Tumaini Center; and Peace Lutheran Church, Detroit.Testimonials from Participants:

“… This experience reminded me that I can ‘do something’ wherever I am, not just Detroit, but wherever God plants me and with whomever I come in contact with.” – Patti Kooi

“… The experience humbled my own attitude … I realize that the only reason we are not in the same position as those we met in Detroit is that, by the grace of God, we were not born in that time and place. The fact that we are not in their place is NOT by our own doing.” – Bill Kooi

“[It was] an experience that helps you grow and changes you! What I didn’t expect, however, is how God used us to witness to many through our stay at the hotel—from the front desk staff to the valet staff (…) to the kitchen breakfast staff who hugged us and thanked us for coming to help, to the housekeeping staff in 20-something rooms who daily saw our mission statement and prayer posted on walls in our rooms, to sharing with other guests in the elevators and dining area who were curious as to why we were there … No matter who we are, where we are, or what we are doing, He is able to use us to teach others of His love.” – Ronda Chapman

“‘It’s not about what WE are doing; it’s about the people we are doing the work for, and in Whose name’— a loose quote zeroing in on my feelings about our trip. If not me, then who? If not now, then when?” – Carol Schmidt

“While much of what we read about Detroit focuses on the negatives and the decline of the city, we saw many positive changes taking place. (…) An impor-tant part of our trip was having our 11-year-old granddaughters with us. They got to see, first-hand, a different world they had never before seen. It was an experience for them that will hopefully influence their view of mission work in the future. (…) One can truly see the work of the Gospel in the lives of those we served; they now have HOPE.” – Harry Schmidt

“The simple task of making snow cones highlighted our time in Detroit … You could feel their feeling loved, and that felt good. We truly were blessed being a blessing. It made one realize how the small pleasures of life can have such meaning.” – Pastor Rodney & Phyllis Otto

“I went to Detroit ready to share my faith with others while serving them; little did I know that I would be the recipient of these things instead.” – Brenda Chapman

“Why did I go on the mission trip? I know that, according to Jesus, there are always going to be the poor and needy [Mark 14:7a]. I also know that God loves these folks that need help and died for them as much as He died for me. For me and many of the mission trip members, as well as for those who gave or helped in some way, we were not able to witness directly to too many of these people, but we were able to show our faith in Jesus and witness by helping these people, giving them a much needed meal or help in accordance to what James [3:14-17] says.” – Richard Rothe

God doesn’t stop here … He continues to have plans to use each of us to care for and change the world … to “do something.”

Janice Korstange is the secretary at St. John, Grand Haven.michiganintouch.com 5

6 October 2015

their attitude about life or were encour-aged because they were reminded that someone cares about them.

Many Lutheran schools combine their offerings with community service learning. They intentionally send capable students (usually high school or junior high) to rake leaves, clean debris, and connect with those in the community who need a friend and want to experience Jesus through interaction with his disciples. Many Lutheran schools have followed the lead of Valley Lutheran High School in Saginaw, Mich. by building a day around service with an emphasis on impacting their local community.

The money raised through chapel offerings matters! More importantly, Lutheran schools daily strive to show the love of Christ by meeting the needs of the community. Followers of Christ at any age can show compassion. Please keep Lutheran schools in your prayers as another year of learning, growing, sharing, and modeling the faith is underway. If you are a THRIVENT member, you could form an Action Team to assist your school in sharing Christ with the community and impacting the

hurting in an even more powerful manner. For more information, visit thrivent.com/making-a-difference/living-generously/thrivent-action-teams.

Bruce D. Braun is the Superintendent of Lutheran schools in the Michigan District, LCMS.

*Preliminary total as not all schools have reported their offerings yet.

There are certain numbers that stand out because they represent something important. The year 1776 reminds us of “The Birth of our Country,” and

9-11 prompts us to remember a tragic day in U.S. history. Michigan District Lutheran schools share the number 90,244, which represents the total amount collected in chapel offerings during the 2014-15 school year by 41 of our 78 Lutheran elementary schools.*

The amount of $90,244 was collected to make an impact not only on a “global scale”—like the over $18,000 collected to support Wheat Ridge ministries’ A Ban Against Neglect in

Ghana—but much more to support local organizations all across Michigan that impact the lives of residents in small and large communities. Local food banks, crisis pregnancy centers, cancer victims, and those serving a wide variety of physical and emotional needs were aided by local Lutheran schools extending a helping hand in their community.

2 Corinthians 9:7b says, “God loves a cheerful giver.” Lutheran congrega-tions with Lutheran schools seek to instill this core value in students as they continue on their journey to becoming good stewards as adults. Three impor-tant lessons shared in Lutheran schools about stewardship are:

• God loves a cheerful giver;• God gives us every blessing we have, including money. We

are care-takers; and• The blessings of God are used to help others. See the world

through a window, not a mirror.There are at least 90,244 methods God uses to work through

students and teachers at Lutheran schools in order to impact our culture positively. None of us knows for sure who had “only a meal” and who had a meal that changed

GREAT COMPASSION

by Bruce BraunNumbers Matter

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so they can buy themselves something to eat.” Jesus challenges their “culture of scarcity” as He directs the disciples, “You give them something to eat.”

You probably know the rest of the report from the Galilean countryside … more than 5,000 were fed with two fish and five loaves of bread, and “all were SATISFIED.” Everyone had ENOUGH. He, in whom “the fullness of God is pleased to dwell” (Col. 1:15-20), has chosen to come among us and pour Himself out for us on the cross (Phil. 2:5-11) so that we, His church, might be the “fullness of Him” in the world (Eph. 1:22-23).

Jesus is still challenging our “culture of scarcity.” May the Holy Spirit always keep our eyes seeking the Provider, not the provision; trusting in the Savior, not supply streams; resting in His completeness, not scram-bling in our inadequacies. And when we are called upon to “give them something to eat,” we will simply give whatever we have to Jesus as we give it to others, and trust Jesus to always be enough.

Rev. Dr. Robert E. Kasper serves as Assistant to the President - Congregation Mission and Ministries / Ministry Support for the Michigan District, LCMS.

“Never ____________ enough.” How might you fill in that blank? Think about it.Brene’ Brown, in her book, Daring Greatly, addresses

what she calls “our culture of scarcity.” “Never good enough,” “Never thin enough,” “Never smart enough,” are just a few examples that Brown lists from her research with hundreds of interviewees. Then she quotes Lynne Twist, from her book, The Soul of Money:

“For me, and for many of us, our first waking thought of the day is “I didn’t get enough sleep.” The next one is “I don’t have enough time.” Whether true of not, that thought of not enough occurs to us automatically before we even think to question or examine it. We spend most of the hours of our days of our lives hearing, explaining, complain-ing, or worrying about what we don’t have enough of … Before we even sit up in bed, before our feet touch the floor, we’re already inadequate, already behind, already losing, already lacking something. And by the time we go to bed, our minds are racing with a litany of what we didn’t get, or didn’t get done, that day. We go to sleep burdened by those thoughts and wake up to the reverie of lack … This internal condition of scar-city, this mind-set of scarcity, lives at the very heart of our jeal-ousies, our greed, our prejudice, and our arguments with life … ”

In the Gospel of Mark, Chapter 6 (also recorded in Matt 9, Luke 9 and John 6), the disciples of Jesus urge the Master to “send the people away …

HEALTHY WORKERS

by Robert Kasper

Always Enough …

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WHY CEF?

PROVEN investment products, measurable results

DEDICATED Christian financial management since 1901

FOCUSED on funding the needs of Michigan District congregations

A Dialogue on Faith-Based Investing with CEFFaith and Finance is a series of discussions about the role CEF investments can play in the lives of Lutheran parishioners and congregations. In each installment, the CEF team addresses common questions about CEF and our financial products. If you would like to submit a question for consideration, e-mail us at cef@mi-cef.org.

Contact CEF today to learn

how CEF can help with your

retirement investments.

Church Extension Fund • Michigan District of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod

3773 Geddes Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105-3098 • www.mi-cef.org

Offices: 800-242-3944 • Interest rates anytime: 800-232-7313

&FinanceFaith For most people, 30 days of living expenses could be

the minimum goal. For one thing, an emergency savings account equal to 30 days of living expenses will give you breathing room in case of something unexpected financially. It can happen to any of us at any stage of our lives.

Three to six months of living expenses is the range where you will have several months living expenses to give you more time during a financial setback and it also has the capacity to cover multiple emergencies. With 3-6 months put away you’d be able to deal with most surprises.

The conventional thinking is that savings capable of covering three months’ expenses works best for those with stable income sources, such as salaries or pensions, while six months is the better target for those with variable incomes.

No matter what the initial size of your emergency savings account, plan to keep adding to your ExtensionPlus investment through Church Extension Fund.

Our family recognizes the role CEF investments play in our stewardship mission, but how can we help others in our congregation see the importance of making the decision to invest with CEF?

First, thank you for your partnership over the years with Church Extension Fund. Like you, we understand that Biblical Stewardship applies to everything we have been given. Our time, our money, our God given gifts and abilities, our influence, it all comes from God. There are lots of stewardship verses that show us how we should act, but what you are describing is a great illustration of what a good steward does. Your decision to lead by example and partner with the Church Extension Fund through their investment products not only produces interest income to meet your needs, but also helps build up LCMS churches and schools right here in Michigan.

A:Q: Does Church Extension Fund offer an emergency savings account product?

Yes. In addition to many numerous smart investment and money management options to families like yours, CEF offers their ExtensionPlus Account. With a minimum $100 opening investment, ExtensionPlus comes with 24/7 access, free checking and great money-market-like rates. Other Lutherans use their ExtensionPlus for a vacation kitty, an escrow for property taxes or insurance payments.

CEF encourages every family to have an emergency savings account, but there are varying opinions as to how large an emergency savings account should be.

The specific size should always be based on a combination of individual needs and preferences.

We suggest a $1,000 emergency savings account as a starter fund in your ExtensionPlus—you get it built up

to this point, but then you keep adding to it quickly. Emergencies, after all, can hit quicker than you can

save money for them.

13th Edition

This is not an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy CEF securities. The offering of CEF securities is made solely by our Offering Circular. CEF will offer and sell securities only in states whereauthorized. Investments in CEF are not insured by the FDIC, SIPC or any other governmental agency—securities are subject to certain risk factors as described in our Offering Circular.

A:

Q:

WHY CEF?

PROVEN investment products, measurable results

DEDICATED Christian financial management since 1901

FOCUSED on funding the needs of Michigan District congregations

A Dialogue on Faith-Based Investing with CEFFaith and Finance is a series of discussions about the role CEF investments can play in the lives of Lutheran parishioners and congregations. In each installment, the CEF team addresses common questions about CEF and our financial products. If you would like to submit a question for consideration, e-mail us at cef@mi-cef.org.

Contact CEF today to learn

how CEF can help with your

retirement investments.

Church Extension Fund • Michigan District of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod

3773 Geddes Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105-3098 • www.mi-cef.org

Offices: 800-242-3944 • Interest rates anytime: 800-232-7313

&FinanceFaith For most people, 30 days of living expenses could be

the minimum goal. For one thing, an emergency savings account equal to 30 days of living expenses will give you breathing room in case of something unexpected financially. It can happen to any of us at any stage of our lives.

Three to six months of living expenses is the range where you will have several months living expenses to give you more time during a financial setback and it also has the capacity to cover multiple emergencies. With 3-6 months put away you’d be able to deal with most surprises.

The conventional thinking is that savings capable of covering three months’ expenses works best for those with stable income sources, such as salaries or pensions, while six months is the better target for those with variable incomes.

No matter what the initial size of your emergency savings account, plan to keep adding to your ExtensionPlus investment through Church Extension Fund.

Our family recognizes the role CEF investments play in our stewardship mission, but how can we help others in our congregation see the importance of making the decision to invest with CEF?

First, thank you for your partnership over the years with Church Extension Fund. Like you, we understand that Biblical Stewardship applies to everything we have been given. Our time, our money, our God given gifts and abilities, our influence, it all comes from God. There are lots of stewardship verses that show us how we should act, but what you are describing is a great illustration of what a good steward does. Your decision to lead by example and partner with the Church Extension Fund through their investment products not only produces interest income to meet your needs, but also helps build up LCMS churches and schools right here in Michigan.

A:Q: Does Church Extension Fund offer an emergency savings account product?

Yes. In addition to many numerous smart investment and money management options to families like yours, CEF offers their ExtensionPlus Account. With a minimum $100 opening investment, ExtensionPlus comes with 24/7 access, free checking and great money-market-like rates. Other Lutherans use their ExtensionPlus for a vacation kitty, an escrow for property taxes or insurance payments.

CEF encourages every family to have an emergency savings account, but there are varying opinions as to how large an emergency savings account should be.

The specific size should always be based on a combination of individual needs and preferences.

We suggest a $1,000 emergency savings account as a starter fund in your ExtensionPlus—you get it built up

to this point, but then you keep adding to it quickly. Emergencies, after all, can hit quicker than you can

save money for them.

13th Edition

This is not an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy CEF securities. The offering of CEF securities is made solely by our Offering Circular. CEF will offer and sell securities only in states whereauthorized. Investments in CEF are not insured by the FDIC, SIPC or any other governmental agency—securities are subject to certain risk factors as described in our Offering Circular.

A:

Q:

10 October 2015

HEALTHY CONGREGATIONS

The smaller congregation may well lack the musical and

personnel resources of its larger counterparts. No, it won’t be pull-ing off the “Hallelujah Chorus” on Easter — at least that’s not terribly likely. But that does NOT mean that the smaller church cannot have a vibrant choral ministry of its own.

First, understand that in Lutheran worship the choir is NOT there primar-ily to sing anthems. The choir instead plays a role as proclaimer of the Word of God. Yep, just like the pastor. And just like the congregation. Think of the choir, if you will, as fellow servants of the Word. They are there to have that Word resound in the ears of their fellow members of the royal priest-hood of the baptized in that place. But unlike the spoken sermon, the choir members assist in that Word being SUNG into the hearts and minds of God’s people. They lend their voices to the service of the Word of God so that through their mouths God would bring His unspeak-able comfort and joy to His people. Said most simply, choirs are chiefly concerned with proclamation, not prayer.

Second, the Lutheran choir is there to assist the congregation in the singing of the liturgy. Our hymnal, Lutheran Service Book, provides a whole slew of ways that choirs can assist the congregation in this. Here are some concrete examples: • Have the choir lead in the singing

of the psalm (simple tones that any choir can master are in the front of the hymnal; just sing them in unison).

• Have the choir teach some of the liturgical music (LSB 942–963). For Advent, for example, let the

Too Small to Have a Choir? by William Weedon

choir sing the “Kyrie” (LSB 944); for Lent, let them teach the congregation one of the “Agnus Dei” settings (LSB 962 or 963).

• Have the choir alternate with the congregation in the singing of the longer hymns, particularly the Hymn of the Day. Again, no need to sing in parts for this, although if there are enough people, that works very well too. As an example, look at the Hymn of the Day for Epiphany: “O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright” (LSB 395). It’s a great text, but it takes enormous energy to actually pull off well. What if the congregation sang the first stanza, the men

of the choir sang the second, the congregation sang the third, the women of the choir sang the fourth, the whole choir sang the fifth, and choir and congregation together sang the sixth? This gives the congregation the opportunity to hear (and read) the Good News, as well as to participate in proclaiming it!

Third, if you are starting (or restarting) a musi-cal program in the parish, don’t forget that the choir can consist of a single person: the cantor! All it takes is someone who can match pitch and is not afraid to sing out. Begin with the basics. When chanting, you are not really singing, but speaking on a pitch. The Psalms are easily mastered this way. When singing, always remem-ber that the music is servant to the words. The goal is that when finished, people proclaim: “What a great God we have!” not “What a super voice you have!”

Finally, if your choir is missing parts, remember that Concordia Publishing House and other publishers have a whole section devoted to unison, two-part, and three-part music! And if you haven’t yet discovered the resources on the Internet for learning parts, you’ll be amazed. Google is your friend!

Rev. William C. Weedon is the director of LCMS Worship, International Center Chaplain, and host of KFUO’s “Thy Strong Word” (11 a.m. Monday–Friday).

LCMS Rural & Small Town Mission supports and encourages rural and small town congregations in engaging their communities and growing together in Christ through Word and Sacrament. Learn more at lcms.org/rstm or facebook.com/lcmsrstm.

“... unlike the spoken sermon, the choir members assist in that Word being SUNG into the hearts and minds of God’s people.”

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michiganintouch.com 11

Congregation and School News Michigan District Congregations Get Ready for 2015 LWR Boxcar Loading

Congregations around the state have been sewing quilts, saving soap, taking freewill offerings, and assembling school kits, personal care kits, fabric kits, and baby care kits for the 2015 Lutheran World Relief Boxcar Loading. Fifteen locations, including the Michigan District Office in Ann Arbor, will be collection sites throughout the weeks leading up to the October 21, 2015, boxcar load-ing at Detroit and Grand Rapids train yards.

Headquartered in Baltimore, Md, Lutheran World Relief (LWR) is a ministry of U.S. Lutherans serving communities living in poverty overseas. Together with local partners, LWR provides lasting solutions to poverty, injustice, and human suffering. In 2014, $12.4 million dollars, 408,425 quilts, 88,705 school kits, 122,550 personal care kits, 16,564 fabric kits, 64,810 baby care kits, and 41,320 lbs. of soap were distributed to more than 571,480 people in 20 countries.

All Michigan District congregations are encouraged to participate in the ingathering this year. A detailed list of items to be collected, collection sites, dona-tion form, and maps to the train yard can be found at michigandistrict.org/events/lwr-boxcar-loading-2015.

Promotion materials for your congregation can be ordered through LWR directly at lwr.org or by calling 800.597.5972. If you have any questions, feel free tocontact Patricia Schuknecht, Michigan DistrictLWR Boxcar Coordinator, at info@hotshepherd.org or 517.552.7218.

In July, pastors Art Bode and Charles Burhop met with a group of people interested in worshipping in Saint Ignace. There were 11 in attendance. Worship began Sunday, August 16 at the Quality Inn on US 2. This group is interested in acquiring the foreclosed property, The Flame Restaurant, on US 2.

Practical Ideas for Community Outreach IIOctober 10, 2015

In late June of 2014, members of Messiah, Carrollton and Bethlehem, Saginaw met to discuss how the two churches could partner in community outreach activities. In the middle of the previous decade, when Messiah was promoting Michigan District’s Ablaze!, they had made a total commitment to the idea that the Lord had placed them there for the purpose of reaching neighbors with the knowledge of their Savior. At the end of the June meet-ing, the two congregations decided to host an event that would commit or re-commit other churches in the region to the task of reaching out in their communities.

The objective of this event was to energize laypeople to become involved in community outreach. Speakers for the first event were A2E Missionary-at-Large Rev. Christopher R. Bodley, Michigan District Ablaze! Coordinator and third Vice President Rev. David A. Davis, and Rev. Edward F. Doerner, senior pastor of Messiah, Midland. Eight congregations provided displays of their outreach efforts for participants to browse and glean ideas and information. The half-day workshop exceeded the planners’ expectations, bringing 14 different churches together, so they began planning the second event.

Practical Ideas for Community Outreach II will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2015 from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at Bethlehem, Saginaw. The upcoming event has a slightly different focus to help churches put together teams to make their own neighborhood outreach flour-ish. Each congregation is encouraged to send a pastor, lay leader, and three or more members who are committed to evangelism and outreach in their community.

Early registration is strongly encouraged to allow plan-ners the opportunity to prepare sufficient handout folders of supplemental information. The cost is $25 per team (ideally five). For more information, or to register, please call 989.753.7281 or send an email to Lenore Lemanski at llemanski19@yahoo.com.

12 October 2015

Special Recognition

Loon Lake Lutheran Retreat Center in Hale, Mich. is

“A Place Apart ” • Band/Sports Camps• Conferences• Family Retreats• Family Reunions• Men’s/Women’s Groups• Outdoor Education• Personal Sabbaticals• Quilting Retreats• Youth Groups

877.264.1004 LLLRC@centurytel.net

www.loonlakeretreat.org

Over 20 million people are trapped in various forms of slavery throughout the world today. The scale and cruelty of this hidden crime is unimaginable. Six Lutheran churches are working together with Michigan Abolitionist Project (MAP) to educate, connect, inspire, and activate teens and adults, youth, families, and churches to be A Voice For Hope to end this evil in our day through the power of the Gospel of Jesus. The churches include: Immanuel, Macomb; St. Peter, Macomb; St. John, Rochester; Shepherd’s Gate, Shelby Twp; Faith, Troy; and Trinity, Utica.

Together with MAP, Set Free promises to be a powerful, inter-active event that brings awareness to prevent and end modern slavery through community engagement, training, and creative initiatives. At the heart of MAP is the passionate response of volunteer abolitionists.

Suggitt InstalledRev. Christopher Suggitt was ordained and installed as

pastor of the dual parishes Good Shepherd, Caseville, and St. Paul, Linkville. A graduate of Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Ind., Suggit was formerly employed as a carpenter. He served his vicarage at Trinity Lutheran Church in Palo Alto, Calif., and was involved in campus ministry at Stanford University. Rev. Suggit and his wife, Kristen, have four daughters and reside in Pigeon, Mich.

Congregation and School News

They are business owners, college students, pastors, artists, stay-at-home-moms and dads, writers, teach-ers, lawyers, construction workers, hair dressers, and

more! People just like you are living proof that anyone can do something to prevent and help end human trafficking.

Set Free has something for the whole family. However, some sessions are for mature audiences and parental discretion is advised. These sections will be noted in the event program.

Plan now to attend the free event taking place October 16-17, 2015 at Immanuel Lutheran Church and School;

47120 Romeo Plank Rd; Macomb MI 48044. For more information, see the display ad on page 13 and visit michiganabolitionistproject.org/avoiceforhope.

Six Congregations Host Set FreeA Human Trafficking Awareness Event

Friday, October 16• 6p–7p Freedom Marketplace * – shop ethically made products – Coffee Café with live music – Interactive Exhibits (w/iEmpathize) – Food• 7p–8p Concert & Program led by Worship Arts Director Nathan Huse – Special guest 2015 Miss Michigan, Sierra Bognear – Powerful Survivor Testimonies

* Marketplace and Exhibits reopen 8p Friday, and 12:30p Saturday (w/lunch available)

Friday, October 16 | 6p–9p Saturday, October 17 | 9a–2p

Set Free is a powerful, interactive human trafficking awareness event. Over 20 million people are trapped in various forms of slavery throughout the world today. The scale and cruelty of this hidden crime is unimaginable. Multiple churches are working together to educate, connect, inspire and activate teens and adults, families and churches to be A Voice For Hope to end this evil in our day through the power of the Gospel of Jesus. Visit: www.aVoiceForHope.org for more info or to volunteer.

Saturday, October 17 • 9a–11a Freedom Marketplace * – shop ethically made products – Coffee Café with live music – Interactive Exhibits (w/iEmpathize) – Empowering Men | 9:30a • 11a–12:30p Distinguished panel of local experts: – Kelly Carter (Assistant Attorney General) – Meredith Reese (Vista Maria, VP of Treatment) – DSgt. Edward Price (MI State Police, Crimes Against Children) – Micheal Glennon (FBI Trafficking Task Force) – Joyce Haskett (Therapist, Trafficking Survivor)

• 11a–12:30p Empowering Teens (Educators/Youth Leaders Welcome)• 11a–12:30p Children’s Activities

Immanuel Lutheran Church 47120 Romeo Plank | Macomb, MI 48044

michiganintouch.com 13

Friday, October 16• 6p–7p Freedom Marketplace * – shop ethically made products – Coffee Café with live music – Interactive Exhibits (w/iEmpathize) – Food• 7p–8p Concert & Program led by Worship Arts Director Nathan Huse – Special guest 2015 Miss Michigan, Sierra Bognear – Powerful Survivor Testimonies

* Marketplace and Exhibits reopen 8p Friday, and 12:30p Saturday (w/lunch available)

Friday, October 16 | 6p–9p Saturday, October 17 | 9a–2p

Set Free is a powerful, interactive human trafficking awareness event. Over 20 million people are trapped in various forms of slavery throughout the world today. The scale and cruelty of this hidden crime is unimaginable. Multiple churches are working together to educate, connect, inspire and activate teens and adults, families and churches to be A Voice For Hope to end this evil in our day through the power of the Gospel of Jesus. Visit: www.aVoiceForHope.org for more info or to volunteer.

Saturday, October 17 • 9a–11a Freedom Marketplace * – shop ethically made products – Coffee Café with live music – Interactive Exhibits (w/iEmpathize) – Empowering Men | 9:30a • 11a–12:30p Distinguished panel of local experts: – Kelly Carter (Assistant Attorney General) – Meredith Reese (Vista Maria, VP of Treatment) – DSgt. Edward Price (MI State Police, Crimes Against Children) – Micheal Glennon (FBI Trafficking Task Force) – Joyce Haskett (Therapist, Trafficking Survivor)

• 11a–12:30p Empowering Teens (Educators/Youth Leaders Welcome)• 11a–12:30p Children’s Activities

Immanuel Lutheran Church 47120 Romeo Plank | Macomb, MI 48044

14 October 2015

especially when the outcome is unknown or the situation is evil or hostile.

“The God we serve is able;” but they don’t stop there. I want to look at another statement of devotion, because I think it’s one of the most powerful any human being has ever made in the Bible, and it is where our faith and trust in God need to be.

I’m sure these young men in summary fashion came to realize the door to every avenue of escape had been closed to them. But in the confidence of the God who is able, they said: “But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up” (v.18).

“But even if He does not … ”“Don’t be deceived. Our God can rescue us still,

Nebuchadnezzar. The God who drowned Pharaoh’s army and fell Jericho’s walls and dropped Goliath with a stone has lost none of his strength. Our God can rescue us still. But even if He does not, we have already decided our response. We’ve made up our mind. Even if He does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold that you have set up. We will march to our death singing hymns of praise to the only God we will ever serve and love.”

Brothers and sisters, this very same God who caused you into existence and gave you new life through the waters of Holy Baptism, and strengthens you in the Sacrament of the Altar, and daily feeds you through His Word, our God is able. Our God is able to answer our deepest prayers, to fulfill our fondest dreams. But the question before us today is this: What about when He does not?• Please remember Job, who refused to dishonor God

despite intense suffering day after day with no relief and no explanation, who says these amazing words: “Though He slay me, I will hope in Him” (Job 13:15).

• Think of Esther who, like these three young men, decided one day to confront a tyrant king for the people of God even though it could mean death. And she says, “I will go in to the king, which is not according to the law; and if I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16).I will speak here for myself and say that too often I

am used to, albeit thankful for, the ‘comforts’ I enjoy in this world. I also know that if I experience even a little difficulty in my faith life—or because of my faith life—I begin to ‘bend the knee’ to gods called self-absorp-tion and self-interest and self-pity. I think that “me” is a pretty common idol for us all. I believe that, with all that is taking place today, God is presenting us with an

opportunity, that He is renewing His call to us to be fully devoted followers of Christ. Jesus is our Savior but He is also our model, the one that we love, because He first loved us.

Jesus, the very Son of God, faced a day, an opportunity, once in the garden, where it’s as if he said, “Father; let this cup pass from me. Do not make me go through this. Spare me this ultimate suffering. You are able. Father, you are able.”

But then he said, “Not my will, but Your will be done, Father”(Luke 22:42b). Jesus was literally saying, “You’re able to spare Me, but even if you do not, I will not turn away. I will drink this cup to the last drop.” And on the cross, feeling the horror of the abandonment of the Father because of our sin, I wonder if Jesus thought the words of Job, “Though He slay me, I will hope in Him” (Job 13:15).

Because of Jesus’ completed work on Calvary’s holy altar and Easter’s open tomb, God is able … to forgive, to bless, to care, to continue to lead us through the greatest times of difficulty … and inevitably, to our eternal home with Him.

What if … ?Consider this question: Could it be that the grow-

ing hostility that we face towards biblical Christianity today is being used by God for our good? Could it be that through the difficulties we are, and will be, facing that God is calling us to be in the Word and to gather together for study and worship so that we can encourage one another to stand strong in the faith? Could it be that the witness we give will reach or encourage a few others … or countless thousands?

In the faith confidence of an all-loving God, and the supplied strength of the Holy Spirit, may we come to faith-fully confess: “Even when God does not bless in the way I think it should go, I will be His fully devoted follower. My confidence will be in the only true God, and my witness will be to speak the truth in love.”

By the way, if you continue to read the rest of Daniel 3, you will come face to face with another biblical truth: although we often hope that we will never have to suffer for our faith, that we will always be delivered ‘from the furnace,’ God often decides to deliver us ‘in the furnace.’ He will meet us there.

I look forward to the leading of our God who has clearly promised to never leave or forsake us … and to the encour-agement that we can give one another as we walk in faith and live in love. May God’s peace attend you.

Sincerely, from a fellow-journeyer and adventurer,

Pastor David P. E. Maier

continued from page 2Responding to Hostility

© Alex Workman/Lightstock, LLC

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB)

michiganintouch.com 15

LUTHERAN LAYMEN’S LEAGUE

The Russian ProjectThe void left by the fall of the Soviet Union has created

a new interest in spirituality. The Michigan District of the International Lutheran Laymen’s League is endorsing The Russian Project which involves supporting the work of Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM).

The LHM ministry center in Russia was established in 1993 and is located in St. Petersburg. LHM works closely with local partner churches. Outreach in Russia takes on a wide variety of forms—radio and television programming; website; print media; music, drama, and puppet performances; and prison and youth ministry. People who respond to the ministry are encouraged to enroll in the center’s increasingly popular Bible corre-spondence courses. Individuals who have questions or desire to be connected to a faith community are referred directly to pastors or volunteers in their area for follow-up. To promote outreach to youth, the ministry center in Russia is now producing a youth-oriented website which operates as a video-based Bible correspondence course. It also provides witness training to churches and laity through seven modules of Equipping the Saints evange-lism training workshops.

In April, the Michigan District LLL Convention voted to encourage vigorous prayer and financial support of the Russian Project. Congregations and individuals are invited to participate. For more information, visit lhmrussia.wordpress.com, lhm.org, or contact John Raffel at john.raffel@gmail.com or 616.894.2936.

2014 Stand Still Program in Prison

2014 Weekend with God Youth Conference in Russia

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continued from page 3Restoring Hopesystem make for an enjoy-able presentation of Restoration Fellowship’s messages. Rev. Culbertson also schedules times to present his message live, which adds a great personal touch. There is the opportunity to feel a part of a larger group, and that builds excitement and momentum for our small ministry.

Because of these meetings, we are making contacts with more people seeking recovery ministry in Chesaning; around 20 are in attendance now. We believe God is bringing these individuals and will continue to bring others into our fellowship. Excitement is developing as more and more people realize that this weekly meeting is an opportunity to come together and to be encouraged in their recovery journey. As a bonus, we have found that these meetings are not just for those recovering from major addictions, but also a place to gain strength and insight for any of life’s troubles and difficulties. This is a place where people support each other as we all depend on Jesus for our strength, wisdom, and direction.

Getting the Word OutTo let the community know this Restoration Fellowship is

available in Chesaning, we put flyers in the 225 boxes given out at the monthly food distribution. We also sponsored one of six free community movie nights this summer. This gave us a great deal of publicity and recognition: we were able to show a video of the ministry on the movie night, place advertising in all its written publicity, and were given special mention in community meetings. On the evening of our spon-sored movie, we were in the crowd, greeting and meeting people, and handing out information. The local newspaper, the Tri County Citizen, has also given us publicity through an article about our recovery ministry. (tricountycitizen.mihomepaper.com/news/2015-07-19/News/STC_church_establishes_new_recovery_fellowship_in_.html).

Members of Nativity have seen God use our willing-ness to care for the people of the Chesaning area through the food distribution that opened doors for our recovery ministry. We (pastor and people) have learned a valuable lesson: when we live with our hands wide-open to share with others, God fills them with the resources needed to bring His love and Gospel to our community.

Rev. Mitchell Vogeli is the pastor of Nativity, St. Charles and also a church planter in Chesaning. He served the LCMS for 30 years in various positions, including teacher, principal, and DCE. He decided to go to the seminary after spending three years assisting Rev. Paul Werner in planting Living Hope of the Bay in Ray, Mich. Rev. Vogeli and his wife, Teri, live in Chesaning.

16 October 2015

For more detailed information, visit michigandistrict.org/events.

Calendar of EventsCalls and Roster UpdateORDAINED

COMMISSIONED

A complete up-to-date listing of Calls and Vacancies can be found at michigandistrict.org, click on About.

onlineIN TOUCHmichigan

Content that Awakens ▪ Connects ▪ Challenges ▪ Inspirits

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Calls AcceptedHill, James M. (Mt. Clemens) to Associate Pastor, Christ Our Savior, LivoniaMann, Dennis C. (Monroe) to Immanuel, Monroe

Change of StatusEberhard, David (Harrison Twp.) to EmeritusDusheke, Keith H. (Marine City) to Non-CandidateMetcalf, James E. (Allendale) to EmeritusWenskay, Lee C. (Pigeon) to Emeritus

OCTOBER2-4 Church Extension Fund Conference Ypsilanti, Michigan10 LHM Free Outreach Seminar Lansing, Michigan10 Practical Ideas for Community Outreach II Bethlehem, Saginaw 11-14 All Pastors’ Conference Boyne Falls, Michigan13-20 LWR Boxcar Loading District Office, Ann Arbor16-17 Set Free Human Trafficking Awareness Event Immanuel, Macomb19-21 Children’s, Student, and Family Life Ministry Retreat Northwood University, Midland, Michigan21 LWR Boxcar Loading Detroit and Grand Rapids Railways27 Michigan District Board of Directors

NOVEMBER1 All Saints’ Day3 Election Day8 Youth Purity Gathering Our Savior, Lansing11 Veterans Day26-27 Thanksgiving Holiday DISTRICT OFFICE CLOSED

DECEMBER24-25 Christmas Holiday DISTRICT OFFICE CLOSED31 New Year’s Eve

JANUARY1 New Year’s Day DISTRICT OFFICE CLOSED6 Epiphany18 Martin Luther King Day19 Michigan District Board of Directors29-30 Pre-Retirement Conference Bay Valley Resort, Bay City, Mich.

FEBRUARY7-8 West Pastors’ Conference Doubletree, Grand Rapids, Mich.10 Ash Wednesday15 President’s Day

Calls AcceptedBahr, Joel (St. Mark, Kentwood) to St. Stephen, Horicon, WIGallagher, Megan (Trinity, Clinton Township) to Trinity, Bay CityHavrilcsak, Laura (Candidate) to Faith, Bay CityJanetzke, Kristen (Candidate) to St. John, RochesterJohnson, Paul M. (Zion, Abilene, TX) to St. Paul, TrentonLeeds, Ashley (Trinity, Muskegon) to Redeemer, BirminghamLynch, Andrea (Concordia, Ann Arbor) to St. Michael, PortageSchmidt, Alison (Concordia, Ann Arbor) to Trinity, Saint JosephTrent, Keith (Cq. Concordia, River Forest) to Peace, Saginaw

Change of StatusFuller, Lynne (Our Shepherd, Birmingham) to EmeritusHoch, Judith (Immanuel, Alpena) to EmeritusPifer, Christine (St. Thomas, Eastpointe) to CandidateSprow, Keith (Lutheran High North, Macomb) to EmeritusSturgess, Jacqueline (St. Thomas, Eastpointe) to CandidateThomas, Terri (St. Peter’s, Eastpointe) to Candidate

Transfer out of DistrictBahr, Joel (St. Mark, Kentwood) to South Wisconsin DistrictRoekle, Thomas (Saginaw Valley Lutheran High, Saginaw) to South Wisconsin DistrictRogers, Randall (Saginaw Valley Lutheran High, Saginaw) to Northern Illinois DistrictVicari, Matthew (Candidate) to South Wisconsin District

Transferred into DistrictCmeyla, William (Indiana District) as CandidateLeinberger, Elizabeth (Florida-Georgia District) to St. John, RochesterLeinberger, Timothy (Florida-Georgia District) to St. Peter, MacombMueller, Paul (Indiana District) to St. Paul, MillingtonSpeers, Chelsea (CNH District) to St. Matthew, HoltTopham, Jill (Northwest District) to Faith, Bridgeport

School OpeningsRochester Hills, Crown Preschool

School ClosingsEastpointe, St. Thomas Lutheran SchoolKentwood, St. Mark Lutheran SchoolRochester, Living Word Lutheran School and Early Childhood Center