Welcome To The Pacific Southwest District

SOMETHING NEW - Text NEW to each newsletter

FOR THIS WEEK - An event happening this week:

February 8, 2010 – February 14, 2010

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS

Mike Doyle—District Archivist, for healing of the blood disease he has contracted.

Janet Gager (Daughter of Cal & Doris Fiege) – For continued healing/recovery during chemo treatments and other medical issues.

Rev. Dr. Ozzie Waech (98)—first District Secretary of Evangelism and Stewardship, and his wife, Marion (89), for healing as they are in declining health. They reside at the Inland Christian Home in Ontario, CA.

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS

Gavin Ambrose – for healing for Gavin and prayers for the Holy Spirit’s comfort and peace for his parents Heather and Chris.

Bob Pratt – the husband of Ellen Pratt, District Office School Ministries Staff Assistant, who has undergone triple bypass heart surgery.

Rev. Tom Bunnett – emeritus, Pray for his recovery from surgery at Mayo Hospital in Phoenix. He sends his deepest thanks for all the prayers on his behalf.

Gail Ann Cochran – for healing and relief from chronic pain

Sharon Ehrman – being treated for metastasized lung cancer. Pray for healing and peace as she undergoes radiation and chemo.

Clyde Elliott – husband of Marie and vicar at Concordia, Cerritos, receiving treatment for a recurrence of cancer. Pray for healing, comfort and peace.

Pastor Robert Faga, emeritus – prayers for strength and healing as he is recuperating at home after very serious quintuple bypass surgery.

Kurt Harms - LCEF promotional coordinator for Southern Nevada, is battling leukemia. Pray for healing and patience.

Carita Lindemann, wife of Rev. Dave Lindemann, Scottsdale, recovering from knee replacement surgery.

Rev. Tim Muller - former pastor at Messiah, Buena Park, recuperating following heart surgery. Pray for healing and peace.

Henry Nieman – retired pastor from Holtville, and member of Shepherd of the Hills in Yuma, is recovering from hip surgery. Henry fell and is facing many weeks of rehab.

Pastor Norman Ott - emeritus, Mesa Arizona, for healing after hip replacement surgery.

Rev. Art Patscheck, Emeritus - continue to pray for healing.

Esther Trahms – wife of Pastor Vern Trahms, emeritus, who fell in December and broke her left hip and wrist.

FOR THE PEOPLE OF HAITI and the relief teams that are helping with the many people who are injured and homeless.

Please send updated condition information to karene.cargill@psd-lcms.org

DISASTER RELIEF FOR HAITI

FROM THE PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND MEDIA RELATIONS DEPARTMENT OF THE LUTHERAN CHURCH-MISSOURI SYNOD

Re: One place for all the LCMS news regarding our response in Haiti

Just a note to let you know we have created a link on the LCMS home page where visitors can go to find all the latest news about our response to the Haiti earthquake. When you go to www.lcms.org just click on the Haiti Update banner near the top of the home page. We are collecting links to WR-HC, World Mission, Reporter, secular news coverage, photos, video, etc. there. The shortcut URL to this page is www.lcms.org/help. We hope you visit often and we hope you find this a helpful to find news for your use.

LETTER FROM LCMS WORLD RELIEF AND HUMAN CARE

Greetings in the name of Jesus! As we write you, LCMS teams are working in Haiti and the Dominican Republic to determine how best our church can continue to assist the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Haiti (ELCH) to help suffering congregations and communities as quickly and as efficiently as possible. Since the earthquake, these teams have been assessing needs, securing emergency supplies, and providing medical and pastoral care. Team members recently met with Rev. Marky Kessa, president of the ELCH (an LCMS partner church), and visited devastated cities.

Over the weekend, an LCMS World Relief and Human Care Mercy Medical Team (MMT) returned to the United States from a hospital in Jimani near the Dominican Republic and Haiti border where volunteers treated a flood of earthquake survivors. Since the hospital was operating with extremely limited supplies and medicines, each of the 13 team members took along 100 pounds of needed items. They worked tirelessly in 12-hour shifts. A second MMT is preparing to depart later this week, and yet another team of medical volunteers is in the works. Please visit www.lcms.org/mercyteams for updated information, to volunteer, or to donate supplies.

LCMS World Relief and Human Care (LCMS WR-HC) also is working closely with Orphan Grain Train to ship food into the Dominican Republic for distribution along the border and further into Haiti as transportation becomes feasible. Please know that LCMS missionaries based in the Dominican Republic have been outstanding in their organization of aid and are fantastic partners on the ground.

At this time, the greatest needs are for financial donations and some material goods. Information on ways to give to LCMS WR-HC Haiti earthquake relief follows below. For a list of needed material goods, please click here. As we continue to get reports from the LCMS assessment team, we will share that information so that you, your disaster response teams, and congregations can discuss how best to respond with us in LCMS relief efforts.

We also ask that you join with us in prayer, asking that our Lord bring comfort and peace to those suffering in Haiti, that He give strength and wisdom to those bringing aid, and that He make generous the hearts of those who would send gifts from their homes and churches.

To give online, visit www.lcms.org and click on “Donate Now” at the top of the page. To send a check, please make your gift to LCMS World Relief and Human Care, write “Haiti earthquake relief” in the memo line, and mail to:

LCMS World Relief and Human Care

P.O. Box 66861

St. Louis, MO 63166-6861

To make a credit card gift by phone, please call toll-free 1.888.930.4438.

To learn about Mercy Medical Teams, please visit: www.lcms.org/mercyteams

FROM JOHN NUNES, PRESIDENT OF LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF On Monday, January 25, LWR’s first shipment of health kits and layettes arrived in Haiti. We are grateful to our partner Church World Service for helping expedite this process. And we are planning even more shipments. You can help by making quilts and kits. These immediate supplies provide much-needed relief to the people of Haiti, but we are also keeping our eye on Haiti’s future. LWR is making long-term plans to help the people of Haiti rebuild their lives, especially those in rural areas who are left particularly vulnerable because most aid is concentrated in the capital city. And even communities that did not sustain physical damage in the quake need support, since they are now dealing with an influx of people leaving the destroyed capital, putting a strain on their already limited resources. You’re making quilts and kits to provide immediate relief, and you’ve made financial gifts to support both immediate and long-term efforts in Haiti. But you’ve told us you still want to do more. We know you’re been praying for those in Haiti. Now you can also show your care and support by sharing your prayers through LWR’s “Prayers for Haiti” board. Lutheran World Relief and our brothers and sisters in Haiti are blessed by your tremendous support and generosity.

LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF MORE THAN DOUBLES FINANCIAL COMMITMENT TO HAITI RELIEF Lutheran World Relief increased its financial commitment to Haiti relief efforts to $2.25 million, up from an initial pledge of $1 million. The Rev. John Nunes, LWR’s president and CEO, said the increase is “thanks to the overwhelming generosity of U.S. Lutherans in the face of this disaster.” LWR is working with partners on the ground to ensure people have food, water and shelter. LWR has also sent a shipment of health kits and layettes, and is mobilizing more resources for future shipments. LWR partners active on the ground include Action by Churches Together members Lutheran World Federation, Church World Service, Norwegian Church Aid and Christian Aid. LWR is also planning for a longer-term response of at least three to five years, focusing mainly on underserved rural areas outside Port-au-Prince. The earthquake also affected many of these areas, and even those communities that did not sustain damage in the quake will be strained by the anticipated migration of hundreds of thousands of people leaving the Port-au-Prince area. “LWR is known for being in it for the long haul – remaining with affected communities long after the media and other aid agencies have moved on. We were already working in Haiti before the quake, and we will be walking with these communities for years to come as they work to rebuild their lives.” To donate to the relief effort, please visit www.lwr.org, call 1.800.597.5972, or mail a check or money order to Lutheran World Relief, PO Box 17061, Baltimore, MD 21298-9832 USA. You can also make an immediate $10 donation by texting “LWR” to 40579.

LWR ADVOCATES FOR ADDITIONAL U.S. SUPPORT TO HAITI RECOVERY On Friday, January 29, Lutheran World Relief and a coalition of humanitarian and advocacy organizations submitted a letter to President Obama requesting a $3 billion emergency supplemental bill for long-term relief and development in Haiti. The letter asserts LWR’s belief that “As the response to the immediate humanitarian crisis begins to decrease, the U.S. and the international community must support a massive, Haitian-led reconstruction and transformation effort designed to support the goal of a democratic, equitable and productive society.” LWR’s Acting Director for Public Policy and Advocacy, Annalise Udall Romoser, explains, “While contributions from individuals are crucial for immediate relief efforts to move forward, a significant government contribution is also essential for long-term relief and development in Haiti. The letter highlights the importance of immediately planning for long-term development in Haiti and allocating adequate U.S. funds to carry out these plans. It also underscores the importance of coordinating not only with the Haitian government but also with other countries committed to relief and development in Haiti. Romoser notes, “Whatever amount the Administration requests will need to be approved by Congress. We hope that U.S. citizens will encourage their members of Congress to appropriate generous funds for a full recovery in Haiti.”

The U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES is requesting physicians of specific specialities to deploy with the National Disaster Medical Assistance teams to Haiti. The need is for trauma surgeons, orthopedists, anesthesiologists, and others with experience in treating crush injuries. Volunteers must be able to serve for at least 2 weeks, and be willing to live and work in spartan conditions. Preference will be given to physicians who are Creole or French speakers, and to those currently credentialed through the Medical Reserve Corps in their home state, or the ESAR-VHP program (Emergency Services Advanced Registration of Volunteer Health Personnel). These volunteers will need to be credentialed as temporary federal employees and will need to be able to provide credentialing paperwork as soon as asked. Credentialing normally takes about a week. Volunteers with these clinical skills should contact Michala Koch at Michala.Koch@hhs.gov. Not everyone who wishes to help will necessarily be deployed, and those without the requisite skills may not receive a direct response. For medical professionals wishing to help in this way in future relief efforts, please take a few minutes to learn about the Medical Reserve Corps, identify your local unit, and register to become part of the corps. To do so, visit www.medicalreservecorps.gov. This is the channel through which medical volunteers are deployed immediately following an event, and only those registered beforehand are likely to be deployed.

Mike Nevergall

Assistant Director

Lutheran Disaster Response

Bringing Help and Hope...

Phone: 773.380.2748

Fax: 773.380.2493

Visit us on the Web at LDR.org

Are you on Facebook? Join the cause.

CTS STUDENTS, FACULTY ASSISTING IN HAITI As aftershocks continue and the death toll in Haiti rises to over 150,000, members of the Concordia Theological Seminary community are there to assist in the healing of both body and soul. There is a deaconess intern, a M.Div. student and a member of the CTS faculty who are in Haiti, each on a different mission. Deaconess Intern Alyssa Stone has been serving in La Cayes, Haiti, for several months. Recently, she was able to send a communication to friends and family in the States letting them know she is safe and to relate what she is experiencing. “There is so much structural damage and little to no money to rebuild. The psychological damage is severe as people await more devastation. We need medical supplies, medical personnel, equipment to rebuild and the manpower to help in that rebuilding,” explained Alyssa. “Most of all, we need prayer for healing and peace.” Photos and a report from Alyssa may be found at www.ctsfw.edu. Blaise Marin, a first-year student at the seminary, is a native of Haiti. Blaise experienced several tension-filled days right after the earthquake as he waited for messages from family members. He is now in Haiti and has learned he lost an uncle, has an aunt who has been critically injured, but did find out his father is unharmed. We await new updates from Blaise. Dr. Douglas Rutt, Associate Professor of Pastoral Ministry and Missions at CTS and former Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) World Mission Area Secretary for Latin America, is also on the ground in Haiti. He is part of a special assessment team sent by LCMS World Relief and Human Care. The LCMS news service reports, “The team, accompanied by Evangelical Lutheran Church of Haiti President Rev. Marky Kessa and four Haitian pastors, trekked toward Port-au-Prince. The team tentatively plans to take medical supplies and tents requested by President Kessa into devastated Port-au-Prince, where thousands of homeless Haitians are living on curbsides.” The seminary plans to send a group of students and faculty members to Haiti just as soon as they can receive clearance from the authorities. For updates on the work of the seminary in Haiti and to learn how to donate to the relief effort, go to www.ctsfw.edu/supporthaiti.

PSD NEWS AND UPCOMING EVENTS

Interim Ministry 2010 Workshops

Training for Intentional Interim Ministry (IIM) is open to all church workers to gain insights, skills, resources and practical information for their congregational ministry. This course is a basic requirement for those seeking to serve in Intentional Interim Ministry in the PSD or CNH districts.

The course involves five workshops and includes reading assignments, field work and case studies. The cost is $345 to cover books, materials, the 200 page basic notebook, and lunches. Southern California training sessions will meet at the District Office from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. AZ training sessions will be held at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Tempe. Many who have taken the course but do not intend to pursue IIM have found the training very beneficial for their ministries.

SERIES		IRVINE, CA DATES
SESSION 1		Tues. October 20, 2009
SESSION 2		Tues. November 17, 2009
SESSION 3		Tues. February 2, 2010
SESSION 4		Tues. March 2, 2010
SESSION 5		Tues. April 20, 2010

LAY LEADERSHIP TRAINING 2010

Courses are open to all members of congregations in the Pacific Southwest District-LCMS who are interested in specific ministries that would be of value for the following

roles in the congregation:

… certified deacon or parish ministry assistant

… elders

… leadership

… care-giving and prayer ministry

… teaching Sunday School, Bible Classes, VBS

… evangelism and assimilation

… music and worship

… personal enrichment

… other areas will be added

Stand alone courses are offered to equip members for their interest or gift areas to assist and serve their Lord in their congregation. There will be more specific information regarding the program soon. You may contact Duane Rohmaller, Director of Lay Leadership Training at pswroh@aol.com

ONLINE CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE COURSE

Pacific Southwest District Lay Ministry Training will offer a Christian Doctrine course in an online format! If you can use an internet browser, send an E-mail, and watch a video, the entire course (except text book reading) is now available. Class interaction is done on your time schedule, through a discussion that is part of the program. Dr. Stephen Mueller, professor and dean of Christ College at Concordia Irvine is the instructor, and Rev. Dustin Parker, pastor at Concordia Cerritos, is the mentor for the discussion group. A minimum of ten students are needed to start the course with a limit of fifteen. Some spots have already been filled. The course is 10 weeks in length, broken into manageable segments. For more information, please contact Rev Dustin Parker at Cerritos.pastor@gmail.com

ARIZONA

WEST VALLEY, PHOENIX - Evangelism & Assimilation

Dates/Time: Begins Saturday January 30 through March 6 2010 from 8 - 11 AM

Location: Apostles Lutheran Church, 7020 W. Cactus Road, Peoria, AZ

Instructor: Mark Hanchett

Textbooks: Books are required for the course. To RSVP and for additional instructions, please contact Karen Wilson at E-mail: kw9408@cox.net

CALIFORNIA

NORTH SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA - Teaching the Faith

Dates/Time: Begins Thursday, January 7, 2010 from 6 - 9 PM

Ends: Thursday, February 11, 2010

Location: Faith Lutheran Church, 700 E. Bobier, Vista, CA

Instructor: Rev Christ Deknatel

ORANGE COUNTY – Teaching the Faith

Dates/Time: Begins Thursday, January 28 through March 11, 2010 from 7 - 10 PM

Location: Light of Christ Lutheran Church, 18182 Culver Drive, Irvine, CA

Instructor: Ed Stelling, Lutheran Educator and missionary with Lutheran Bible Translators in Liberia, West Africa

RIVERSIDE/SAN BERNARDINO COUNTIES - Care-Giving

Dates/Time: Begins Tuesday, January 12 through February 16, 2010 from 5:30 - 8:30 PM

Location: Messiah Lutheran Church, 7070 Palm Avenue, Highland, CA

Instructor: Paul Schmidt, Deacon

RIVERSIDE/SAN BERNARDINO COUNTIES - Old Testament

Dates/Time: Begins Tuesday April 6 through May 11, 2010 from 5:30 - 8:30 PM

Location: Messiah Lutheran Church, 7070 Palm Avenue, Highland, CA

Instructor: Rev. Dr. John Juedes

SAN DIEGO COUNTY - Evangelism & Assmilation

Dates/Time: Begins Friday, January 8, 2010 at 6 PM .

Classes will be held at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church on Mondays from 6-9 PM on February 1, 8, 15, 22.

Location: Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1370 Euclid Avenue, San Diego.

Instructor: Rev. Dave Weber

SAN GABRIEL VALLEY - Teaching the Faith

Dates/Time: Begins on Tuesday, February 2 through March 23, 2010 from 7 - 9 PM

Location: Historic First Lutheran Church, 808 N. Los Robles Avenue, Pasadena, CA

Instructor: Rev. Christopher Schaar

SANTA BARBARA/VENTURA COUNTIES - Teaching the Faith

Dates/Time: Begins Saturday, January 9, 2010 from 8 - 11 AM Last Class is on February 13, 2010

Location: Peace Lutheran Church, 71 Loma Drive, Camarillo, CA

Instructor: Rev. Robert Hiller

JR. HIGH DISTRICT YOUTH GATHERING – MARCH 6-7, 2010 - Plans have begun for the 2010 Junior High district youth gathering! Registration forms are now available on-line (HERE). Current information will be posted at www.psdyouth.net. If you have any questions please feel free to contact the 2010 Program Coordinator: Jonathan Swisher. Dates: March 6th - 7th, 2010 (Saturday-Sunday); Theme- Live it Loud; Theme Verse- Psalm 98:4 KJV "Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise; Location: Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa

DISABILITY MINISTRY TASK FORCE MEMBERS NEEDED Do you want to help our PSD congregations, schools, ministries and members reach out to and include people with disabilities and their families? Ideally, the Task Force would include people with disabilities and those who support them, professional church and school workers, consultants, and community advocates. Also, if you have related expertise in education, medical care, building design, law, finance, or spiritual life supports, please consider being an advisor. The Steering Committee of the Task Force requests interested individuals be considered for appointment by President Stoterau to serve a 3-year term beginning in 2010. Contact Rev. Steve Leinhos, 949.600.6122 steve.leinhos@mailblc.org, Mrs. Marla Lichtsinn, 714.968.4040 mmlichtsinn@socal.rr.com, or Pastor Tom Rogers, 949.830.1460 pastortom@abidingsavior.com.

CELEBRATING OUR SCHOOLS

The final opportunity to attend a SCHOOL BOARD WORKSHOP led by Paul Brandt will be held on Saturday, Feb. 13^th at Lamb of God Lutheran School in Las Vegas. This is a not to be missed opportunity for School Board members, School Administrators, and Pastors. The feedback from those who have attended over the last 3 – 4 months has been really great. Please contact Kim Violette in the School Ministries office for more details kim.violette@psd-lcms.org. Hope to see you there!

PLACEMENT OF COMMISSIONED MINISTERS

Is your congregation and school looking for a new teacher? The number of Commissioned Ministers available for placement is 340. If you are seeking a new graduate from the Concordia University System, go to this website http://cus.lcms.org/ComMinPlaFeed/ to access the universal placement form.

The Art Gallery in School Ministries is currently displaying original artwork created by the students at Pacific Lutheran High School in Torrance, CA. Thank you for loaning these items for everyone to admire for the next few weeks.

PARTNERS IN MINISTRY ANNOUNCEMENTS

In the event of a major disaster in Southern California, like in Haiti, HAM RADIO may be the only communications available to our churches and schools. Ham radio does not rely on local phone lines or cell phones which would most likely be disabled. The I-LERT Task Group has established a ham radio network throughout Southern California, Northern California, Nevada and Arizona. This network needs more operators. If you are a licensed ham radio operator or would be interested in gaining your ham license, you can contact Charles Campbell at ccampbell_sv@q.com The ham radio broadcast captured by a ham operator (link below) in Florida is typical example of the need we would have for communications in the event a disaster like Haiti happens here in Southern California. The ham operator in Haiti was able to reach a ham station in Florida who was then able to phone patch the Haitian with his family in the US. The anxiety of the family here in the US was greatly relieved to know he had survived and was well. I encourage you listen to the recorded conversation on this link:

http://www.southgatearc.org/news/january2010/haiti_phone_patch_video.htm

The news article on CNN describes the need for ham radio during disaster recovery.

http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/01/20/haiti.amateur.radio/

If you have any questions or wish additional information, please contact Jerry Reichman at the District Office 949.854.3232 ext. 210.

God is calling…your church is calling…where will you go in 2010? It’s the perfect time to start looking into OPTIONS FOR A SHORT-TERM MISSION TRIP THIS SUMMER through LCMS World Mission. There is a great need for teams to serve in the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia this summer to lead English language camps. To search our opportunity database, visit www.lcms.org?2870. If you would like to learn more about last year’s English camps in Eurasia, read an article from “The Reporter” at www.lcms.org?14225 or view a Picasa photo album here. Additionally, there is a need for short-term teams to serve in Thailand. For more information on all available short-term service opportunities, please visit www.lcmsworldmission.org/service. If you know of an individual looking for a short-term service opportunity, volunteers are needed for theological education in Uganda, teaching conversational English in India, and coordination of short-term mission teams in Peru.

UNDIE SUNDAY The California-Arizona-Nevada Division of ORPHAN GRAIN TRAIN, INC. is holding their second gathering of new undies on Sunday, February 14, 2010 with the very capable help of the Pacific Southwest District LWML. Please gather undies and socks for men, women, girls and boys and bring them with you to church in February. The LWML ladies will bring them to their March District meeting in Ontario.

CLH CENTER FOR SPIRITUALITY AND AGING: “WORDS AND MUSIC TO LIVE BY: CREATIVITY AND SPIRITUAL CARE.” February 24, 2010, Walnut Village Retirement Community, Anaheim, CA. Musician presenter Judith-Kate Friedman, founder of Songwriting Works™ and Psalms, Songs and Stories™ shares principles and practices of music composition and performing with seniors. This lively and inspiring workshop demonstrates the power of music to heal and to connect people spiritually. For details email csadirector@frontporch.net, call 714.239.6267or see www.spiritualityandaging.org

Concordia Seminary, St. Louis will host a one day LAY BIBLE INSTITUTE on Saturday, March 20, from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on the topic of Muslim outreach. This workshop will be led by Dr. John Loum, director of the Ethnic Immigrant Institute of Theology (EIIT), who has worked among Muslims in Europe, Africa, and the United States for more than 20 years. Participants will be provided with a unique perspective on one of the fastest growing religions in America. One year ago, the Pope publicly recognized Islam and the Muslims by stating, “There are more Muslims in the world than Roman Catholics.” This public acknowledgment has reinvigorated the Muslim community in its outreach efforts. Consequently, Muslims in America have been approaching Christians of all backgrounds with the full intent of conversion. Countless Christians are embracing Islam each year in America. This constitutes a dilemma and has serious implications for the Christian faith and the proclamation of the Gospel. The sessions will include various topics on Islam and what you need to know about your Muslim neighbors, co-workers, or even the Muslim your child may date in the future. All denominations are welcome to this workshop. The cost for the Lay Bible Institute is $20, plus $6.50 for an optional lunch ticket in the Seminary’s dining hall. To register or for more information, contact Continuing Education and Parish Services at 314.505.7486 or ce@csl.edu.

CAMPUS VISIT PLANNED FOR THOSE CONSIDERING SERVICE TO THE CHURCH Do you have questions about the possibility of serving in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod? Would you like more information on the possibility of serving as a pastor or deaconess? Then attending the SPRING PRAYERFULLY CONSIDER CAMPUS VISIT, March 24-27, 2010, on the campus of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana, is the place to start. “We realize considering a vocation in service to the church brings with it many questions. That’s why we offer our campus visits, to give prospective students the opportunity to immerse themselves in the seminary community for a few days,” commented Rev. Tom Zimmerman, CTS Director of Admission. “During that time they will worship with us, meet with faculty and students, learn about financial aid options and see what the Fort Wayne area has to offer.” There is no fee for the visit. On-campus meals and housing are also provided free of charge. For additional information or to register online, please go to www.ctsfw.edu/pcv. Also at that site, you will find a downloadable poster that pastors and congregations can use to advertise this special opportunity at CTS. You may also feel free to call 260.452.2155 to speak with our Admission staff.

The Garuna (Grace) Foundation is coordinating a MISSIONS TRIP TO THAILAND AND CAMBODIA THIS JUNE 10TH - JUNE 22ND, 2010. The group will visit Lutheran churches and ministry sites in Bangkok, Chiang Rai & Phnom Penh. There will also be time to visit sites of historical and cultural interest such at Buddhist temples, Angkor Wat and the Killing Fields. Please contact Rev. Jeff Ehlers for more information at j.ehlers@yahoo.com.

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS & CONFERENCES

Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Winnetka is opening up its ANNUAL WINTER RETREAT for others this year. The retreat is at Saint Andrew's Abbey in Valyermo, California, on the weekend of February 12-14. The theme: "The Beatitudes - Joy for the Journey" will be led by the Reverend Kenneth Frese. Each person is enabled to hear each of the Beatitudes spoken directly to him/her and his/her life situation St. Andrew's Abbey is a Benedictine monastery located in a beautiful setting in the high desert at the foot of the mountains, offering a spiritual oasis in the midst of our busy and hectic lives. Cost: double room - $165 per person; single room - $240. To register or to get more information contact Cliff Horn (registrar) at 818.885.7202.

The CONCERT HANDBELLS OF CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY IRVINE with Resound! and soloists presents a “Lovely” Valentine’s Day concert Sunday, February 14, at 4:00 pm at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 5545 Alessandro Blvd., Riverside, 951.682.7613 . Preparing for a tour in May to Hungary and Austria to work with youth and community, CUI Concert Handbells performs a wide range of sacred and secular works, old and new, from classics to popular, unique hymn settings to modern original works, change ringing, full ensemble, solo, and quartet, appealing to all ages and tastes, concluding with their unique hands-on audience participation sing-along. Children are especially intrigued by the visual and aural energy of the performance. Directed by Dr. Herbert Geisler and coached by Nancy Jessup, these ringers have performed to high acclaim in 27 states and provinces across the U.S. and Canada as well as 11 Asian and European nations. A free-will donation will be gathered.

"MINISTERING GRACE TO THE ELDERLY" will be the subject matter of a presentation at the Wildwood Canyon Villa (retirement and memory care center) in Yucaipa on February 16^th 8:30 -10 a.m. by Rev. Gregory Robertson. One CEU is being offered for administrator certification for RCFEs by Assisted Living Facilities of the Inland Empire (ALFIE). Robertson is the Associate Pastor of Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Riverside and the Administrator of Mountain View Terrace, a Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE) in Redlands, CA. Wildwood Canyon Villa is at 33951 Colorado St., Yucaipa, CA 92399. Please RSVP at 909.446.0405. Contact Pastor Robertson for more information 909.792.3405.

CONCORDIA HANDBELL INVITATIONAL CONCERT SERIES 2010, Concert #1 Saturday, February 20, 4:30 pm, at Concordia University Center for Worship and the Performing Arts, 1530 Concordia West, Irvine. Concordia’s Concert Handbells and Spirit Bells are joined by ringers from Glendale High School; Mater Dei High School; Faith Lutheran High School Las Vegas; The Tintinnabulists from Will C. Wood High School, Vacaville; Cornelia Connelly High School, Anaheim; Lutheran High School of Orange County. Each ensemble performs its own music and then all join in a mass ring directed by Dr. Herbert Geisler. Tickets: $8 general/$6 students and seniors available at the Music Office, 949.854-8002 Ext. 1526. Information: 949.854.8002 Ext. 1526 or <handbells@cui.edu> or see the Concordia handbell web site at http://web.mac.com/hgeisler/iWeb/Concordia%20Handbells/Welcome.html

HISTORIAN RETURNS FOR 10TH SEMINAR Dr. Paul Maier, famed author, professor of ancient history, ordained minister and biblical scholar, will present his tenth annual seminar at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 2145 S. Coronado Drive, Sierra Vista, AZ. Saturday, February 20th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. The title of his presentation is: HOW WE GOT THE BIBLE. The cost is $15 per adult and $8 for students. Participant can bring a sack lunch or go out for the one hour lunch break. Beverages and coffee snacks will be provided. Reservations are required. Contact Char Behnke: 803.6810; or email: charbehnke@cox.net.

THE POWER OF WE Married? Dating? Engaged? This workshop is for you! Come Saturday, February 20^th, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM – in the Fellowship Hall. 8:30 to 9:00 AM, coffee, donuts and fellowship. Childcare and Lunch will be provided. Suggested free-will donation of $10 per couple. Hope to see you there! Immanuel Lutheran Church, 802 E. Chapman Ave., Orange, CA.

You are cordially invited to the GRAND CANYON LLL DISTRICT CELEBRATION AND RALLY "TELL HIS STORY OF HOPE" with Pastor Ken Klaus, Speaker of The Lutheran Hour. This event is to be held on Saturday February 20, 2010 from 9 AM - 3 PM. A delicious complimentary lunch will be served with a free will offering for Lutheran Hour Ministries. The location is Risen Savior Lutheran Church - 23914 S. Alma School Rd Chandler, AZ. RSVPs are requested by 2-10-10 at 480.802.1008.

On Sunday, February 21 at 7:00 PM St. John’s Lutheran Church will present THE UNIVERSITY CHOIR AND ORCHESTRA from Azusa Pacific University. This nationally acclaimed group will again perform their annual Orange County performance at St. John’s. The group of over 100 performers will perform contemporary choral and instrumental music. This concert is the sixth in St. John’s 2009-2010 Concert Series. The sanctuary is located at 185 S. Center St. in downtown Orange. There is no charge, but a freewill offering will be taken. Childcare is available for children under age 5. For more information, please call 714.288.4400.

Mountain View Lutheran Church cordially invites you to the 25TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF PASTOR THOMAS LAMPELLA’S ORDINATION. Join us Sunday, February 21, 2010 at 4 p.m. at Mountain View Lutheran Church, 9550 West Cheyenne Avenue Las Vegas, NV 89129. Dinner will follow the service. Please RSVP to castepanek@cox.net by February 1, 2010.

DAVE AND BARB ANDERSON CONCERT at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 1611 E. Sycamore Ave., El Segundo, CA on Friday, February 26^th at 7:00 PM, Free admission. Familiar gospel songs, choruses, praise & worship music, hymns, children’s songs – all in one concert! Dave and Barb and five others survived a crash in the Bering Sea in 1993. The story has been heard by millions of people on ‘Focus on the Family’ and the Christian TV networks. You might want to visit: therescuestory.com before you attend the concert! Dave and Barb Anderson were married in 1975 and have since presented over 5,000 concerts in churches, schools, nursing homes, conferences, conventions, mission stations, and military bases all over the United States, Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, India, Nepal, Malaysia, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Israel and throughout Scandinavia – they’ve been doing this for over 35 years! The Andersons helped to start the contemporary worship movement within the Lutheran Denomination and Dave is the Founder of Lutheran Youth Encounter. Everyone is welcome!

HEPHATHA LUTHERAN CHURCH, ANAHEIM HOSTS MEN’S NIGHT OUT - Friday night, February 26, 2010, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. - Enjoy a men’s night out with a classic John Wayne film, grilled meat, muscle cars, Harley’s, classic cars, and lively discussion. This is a night designed by regular guys for regular guys. Meet at the Fellowship Hall. Cost is $5.00 per person to defray the cost of food. For more info go to www.hephatha.net Hephatha Lutheran Church is located at 5900 E. Santa Ana Canyon Rd in Anaheim. For more information or register for these events, please contact Pastor Arthur Andrews at 714.637.0887 ext. 156 or e-mail at pastorarthur@sbcglobal.net

Christ Lutheran, Costa Mesa will be hosting an “EQUIPPING TO SHARE” SEMINAR on Saturday, February 27, 2010, 8:30 AM – 3:00. A continental breakfast will be available, beginning at 8:30 a.m. The workshop will conclude by 3:00 p.m. A nominal fee ($10 per person) will cover all materials, lunch, and related expenses. We are trusting that the Spirit will bring many and that all will be empowered to enthusiastically witness the gospel that leads to faith and salvation. The Seminar will focus on: ....motivation and our commission as Christ’s witnesses; .…getting prepared to share the hope that you have; .…reaching the community and connecting others to the church; .…understanding the spiritually lost; .…sharing the Gospel message in understandable terms. Please RSVP by Tuesday, February 23 to Deb Line, 1dline@christcm.com. To access support materials, the following links will take you to the Lutheran Hour Ministries web page where you can find publicity materials, logos, etc. http://www.lhm.org/equipping/beforeets.htm http://www.lhm.org/equipping/workshops.asp

Faith Lutheran Church & Schools in Vista is sponsoring the 5TH ANNUAL WADE TWYMAN MEMORIAL GOLF BENEFIT on March 20, 2010 at Castle Creek in Escondido. The benefit honors Wade Michael Twyman, a young man that attended and graduated from Faith Lutheran Church & Schools. Wade went on to join the Army in January 2003 and was killed in action during Operation Iraqi Freedom in March 2005. All proceeds from this event go to the Faith Lutheran School Tuition Fund Program. Over the last four years this benefit has raised $40,000 with an aggressive goal in 2010 of $17,000. If you can join us on Saturday March 20, 2010 as a golfer, or are interested in donating a service for the raffle or sponsoring a service person please call Buck Eilers at 1.800.860.9039.

RESOURCES & REQUESTS
(PSD Enews is not responsible for the contents, opinions or accuracy of the following items)

NEW LENTEN SERIES OFFERED BY CONCORDIA SEMINARY Dr. Dale A. Meyer, president of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, recently released a Lenten series for use in the parish. The series is titled “Life Together”—based upon Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s classic book, Life Together—that describes in challenging ways what it means to be the body of Christ in community. Bonhoeffer wrote the book about seminary life, and Concordia Seminary has been studying it as a campus community, but his insights apply to congregational life in both modern and postmodern times. Please contact the Seminary’s Technology Services department at 314.505.7231 with any questions.

CUSTOMIZE YOUR 2010 LENTEN DEVOTIONS Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod Pastor and Chaplain Vern Gundermann takes the reader alongside Jesus as He completes His earthly mission in His Father's service. Everywhere Jesus went—whether along a dusty back road or a paved city street—what stood front and center for Him was the cross. And it was against those rough timbers that He—the Christ, God's “anointed one”—would ultimately find Himself nailed. Click here to see sample pages (PDF) To customize for your congregation and download, click on: http://www.lentendevotions.net/printenglish_step2.asp.

Concordia Publishing House releases a new book for children to let them know, GOD LOVES YOU. “It’s a perfect book for little ones to let them know of God’s great love for them,” says Ken Liszewski, manager of books for CPH. God Loves You is available from Concordia Publishing House at www.cph.org or by calling 1.800.325.3040. This book about God’s love is available in hardback or the smaller paperback version. Not only does it fully explore God’s love for His children, God Loves You introduces children to the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Concordia Publishing House (CPH) announces the release of a new devotional in its Blessings & Prayers devotional line. BLESSINGS & PRAYERS FOR CAREGIVERS encourages and equips caregivers in their service with the ever-present source of hope and strength, Jesus Christ. Blessings & Prayers for Caregivers is available at www.cph.org or by calling 1.800.325.3040. The devotional, designed to slip into a pocket or purse, includes brief prayers, short devotions, hymns, and Scripture passages.

Oberammergau TOURS in 2010

Attention Churches – Is your congregation planning to sponsor a trip to Oberammergau in 2010 for the Passion Play? If so, please consider listing your information in the PSDenews. Please provide your church name and city, dates for travel, a contact person and phone number or email, and the deadline for signing up. Submit your information to PSDenews@psd-lcms.org in Arial font size 10 in paragraph form.

Hosted by TIM KLINKENBERG AND WILLIAM HEIDE (both from St. John’s, Orange.) Luther sites and Oberammergau Passion Play: June 17-29, 2010. $3,590 per person, round trip LAX. All “four star” hotels, air-conditioned coach. Trip includes Luther sites (Eisenach, Wartburg castle, Erfurt, Eisleben, Wittenberg), Leipzig & Dresden, Prague, the Alps, and the Oberammergau Passion Play. Contact William Heide for more information: bheide@stjohnsorange.org or 714.288.4434.

REV. TOM AND MIRIAM KRAUSE of Overland Park, KS are hosting an “Oberammergau Passion Play and Reformation Tour” September 4-13, 2010, and invite you to join them. Imagine Tours and Travel, a wonderful Christian principled tour company led by friends Rick and Amy Ricart, provides an itinerary and cost for this trip that is excellent! Check their website, www.ittworld.com. Note that the cost from Kansas City is $3995, plus tips and taxes. Please contact us with any questions. Addresses are: E-mail: tommirkrause@gmail.com or miriamk@kc.rr.com, or phone: 913.906.9976 (home) or 913.638.8271 (cell).

GLORIA DEI, ESCONDIDO is hosting a trip to the Passion Play of Oberammergau and an 11 day in the Steps of Martin Luther tour on September 2-12, 2010. If you have dreamt of seeing the Passion Play of Oberammergau, it is not too late to book. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to relive the last week in the life of Jesus. This is your special chance to experience the Passion Play in its majestic setting in the picturesque village of Oberammergau, nestled in the Bavarian Alps. The cost of the tour is $4069.00 from Los Angeles, CA and the deadline to sign up is August 1, 2009. Richard and Wanda DeGraffenreid will be your hosts. Our tour company of 59 years is Nawas International. For more information you may contact Wanda at 760.743.2478 or email office@gdlc.sdcoxmail.com.

GOOD SHEPHERD- Menifee is hosting a trip to Oberammergau including The Steps of Luther Tour. This 11 day trip with professional tour directors and first class accommodations at selected hotels begins August 5^th. For more information contact Ruth at 951.672.6675 or email to ruth@goodshepherdmenifee.com.

OBERAMMERGAU AND LUTHERLANDS IN 2010 You are invited to join retired district president Loren Kramer and his wife Arlene on a 15 day tour leaving on September 15, 2010. This will be the fourth time that the Kramers will lead a tour to the world famous Passion Play held every 10 years to commemorate the escape of the little village during the time of Black Plague. They will be traveling with Educational Opportunities Tours, the largest organizers of Passion Play travel over the last 36 years. The September departure date is designed to avoid the larger crowds of mid-summer. Included in the Lutherland portion will be visits to Augsburg, Koburg, Erfurt, Eisleben, Wittenberg and much more. A Rhine cruise will also be featured. To request a brochure with more information and prices please contact the Kramers at lorenkramer@sbcglobal.net Or phone 949.240.9751.

LutherTours http://www.christiantravelplanners.com/Oberammergau-Travel is pleased to announce our current list of tours including the performance of the Passion Play 2010. All tours include guaranteed seats to the performance of the Passion Play 2010 in Oberammergau, Germany. This marks the 5^th decade LutherTours has provided outstanding group tours to view the Passion Play. We invite you to join one of our existing tours (new tours are added to our website regularly) or we will create a unique tour itinerary especially for you and your church or group. We extend our FREE TRAVEL offer to those with a group of at least 10 members! Call LutherTours Toll Free 866.777.1517 or email info@luthertours.com for the latest tours and information. SAVE $550 OFF TOUR PRICE when you CONFIRM BY NOV. 15^TH.

ISRAEL & GERMANY- September 8-19, 2010

“In the Footsteps of Jesus” a pilgrimage to the Holy Land and the Passion Play, Oberammergau, Germany. Click here to view the itinerary

http://www.christiantravelplanners.com/attachments/128_Web%20Brochure.pdf

Other tours

7 CITIES OF THE REVELATION, GREECE, & THE ISLAND OF PATMOS TOUR, May 19-31, 2010. Cost: $3,250, all inclusive, including airfare with British Airways. Rev. Dr. Michael Middendorf, professor of New Testament, Concordia University, Irvine, will be our on-site teacher. Concordia University is offering course credit for this study tour as an option. This tour is sponsored by EDUCON Travel, a not-for-profit travel agency created for the purpose of offering Bible-based tours. The $500 deposit deadline for this low-fare has been extended to November 16, 2009. Please call Pastor Richard Ross (St. Luke's, Westminster, CA) for more information at 714.334.1252. Please visit our website: www.educontravel.com

DISTRICT OFFICE CHAPEL PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK: 2.8.10 – 2.14.10

Ascension Church, Preschool & School, Tucson, AZ

Catalina Church, Tucson, AZ

Community of Christ Mission, Tucson, AZ

Good Shepherd Church, Child Dev. Center & School, Menifee, CA

Chapel of the Cross Church & Preschool, Mission Hills, CA

First Evangelical Church, Preschool & School, Monrovia, CA

Trinity Church, Montclair, CA

St. John’s Church, Preschool & School, Montebello, CA

Faith Church, Moorpark, CA

Grace Korean Church, Moreno Valley, CA

Our Savior’s Church, Henderson, NV

SUBMIT SPECIFIC PRAYER REQUESTS to karene.cargill@psd-lcms.org. Please specify whether you would like your request published in our weekly e-newsletter and/or on our web site, or if you prefer only to be prayed for during chapel at the District Office.

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TO SUBMIT NEWS AND INFORMATION Email PSDenews@psd-lcms.org (or simply reply back to this email) with the who, what, when, where, and why of the news item in the text of your email in plain text or Arial font size 10 in a paragraph form. News & information received in an attachment or in a standard press release format may not get published in the eNews in a timely manner. Items must be received by 5:00 PM Wednesday in order to be included in the next issue.
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God’s blessings to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!

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Pacific Southwest District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
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