St. John's Lutheran ChurchWarrenton, MO: 03/24/17

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PUBLISHED BY THE MISSOURI DISTRICT OF THE LUTHERAN CHURCH—MISSOURI SYNOD March 24, 2017

LERT Volunteers Deploy to Assist in Storm Recovery

Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) volunteers from Western Missouri deployed to assist in work in Oak Grove on March 10 and Smithville on March 12. The volunteers assisted in clearing trees and other debris in yards. They also assisted in demolition work on homes. The LERT teams have connected with local emergency response coordinators and may assist in additional work in those communities as needed. Plans are underway to provide additional LERT training courses across the district. The recent storms have once again highlighted the need for training more LERT teams throughout the state. If you would like more information about LERT training or if your congregation would be interested in hosting training, please contact District Disaster Response Coordinator, Rev. Charles Schultz ( pastorschultz@att.net).

Abiding Savior Lutheran Students Honor Local "Superheroes"

Students at Abiding Savior Lutheran School thanked their community's "superheroes" March 15 during a special ceremony at the school's campus, 4353 Butler Hill Rd., in south St. Louis County.

The event honored seventeen police officers, firefighters and paramedics from nearby departments, including St. Louis County Police and the Lemay and Mehlville fire protection districts. About 215 students participated in the tribute, which included a video message, "Thank You" posters, bible verses and standing ovations for each officer. The students also prepared 400 care packages – filled with water bottles, candy, snacks and tissues – for the officers to bring back to their departments. The celebration coincided with Abiding Savior Lutheran School Spirit Week. Read more . . .

Missouri District Hosts Parish Nurse Convocation

Parish nurses from across Missouri and Southern Illinois attended the Missouri District Parish Nurse Convocation on March 14 at the district office. President Lee Hagan led the morning Bible study and Dr. Bruce Hartung led the closing devotion. The group also heard presentations from Rev. Gene Wyssmann of the District staff, Deaconess Kristina Paul from Salem Lutheran Church in Affton and long-time leader in older adult ministry, Rev. Walt Schoedel, pastor emeritus of Concordia Lutheran Church in Kirkwood. The convocation provided opportunity for the parish nurses to dialogue and consider ways to provide on-going support. District Parish Nurse Representative Carol Broemmer planned the convocation with assistance from Carla Hagan of Timothy Lutheran Church in St. Louis. If you would like more information about parish nursing, please contact the district office and we will connect you with Carol Broemmer. Carla Hagan will be one of the presenters at our upcoming Mission Summit on June 3 at Concordia Seminary and will present on the topic of "Medical Care and Community Outreach."

Announcements/Other News

Missouri District Begins Search for Mission Executive

Rev. Dr. Stuart Brassie will retire from his service with the Missouri District on June 30, 2017. Dr. Brassie has served the district since 1997. A search process has begun to replace Dr. Brassie in the position of Assistant to the President for Congregational and Mission Services. The position will focus on supporting congregations in mission and revitalization efforts. Candidates for the position should have a minimum of five years parish or field missionary experience and demonstrated leadership in congregational revitalization efforts and strategic planning. Nominations (including self-nominations) can be made online by CLICKING HERE or more information or to request the position description, please contact Michelle Christ ( michelle.christ@mo.lcms.org or 314-590-6210).

LASE Designer Bag Auction to Help Children with Special Education Needs

The St. Louis-based Lutheran Association for Special Education (LASE) will host one of its most popular annual fundraisers, "Let's Get Purse-onal, An Evening of Purses and Paris", Friday, April 7, from 7 to 9 p.m., at The Edge of Webster, 359 Marshall Avenue, in Webster Groves .

This year's event will feature more than 150 new and gently used designer bags from some of the biggest names in fashion, including Coach, Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Kate Landry, Vera Bradley, Brahmin, Nine West, Tignanello and others. Guests can also bid on additional purses, jewelry, scarves and other accessories.

All proceeds will benefit children with special education needs served by LASE in Lutheran schools located in St. Louis and St. Charles.

General tickets are $30/person, or $240 for a reserved table of eight. Admission includes a catered selection of appetizers and desserts, as well as signature cocktails and other beverages. Reservations are required and seating is limited. Tickets can be purchased online at
http://lutheranspecialed.auctionreg.org/registration

For more information, contact LASE at 314-268-1234, or visit www.lutheranspecialed.org under Events.

Missouri District Mission Summit – Save the Date – June 3, 2017
The Missouri District will be hosting a Mission Summit next year at Concordia Seminary in partnership with LCMS Office of National Mission, Concordia Seminary, Lutheran Hour Ministries, Lutheran Church Extension Fund and Send Me St. Louis. The summit will feature Lutheran Hour Speaker, Rev. Greg Seltz presenting the keynote address. There will also be practical sessions and inspirational presentations to equip congregational leaders for reaching out to their community. Mark your calendars and plan to be there!

St. Paul Lutheran Celebrates 100 Years
St. Paul Lutheran Church, 101 East Dent St., Ironton, MO will celebrate their 100th anniversary on May 21, 2017.
Missouri District President Rev. Dr. R. Lee Hagan will be the guest speaker at a 10:00 a.m. service followed by lunch. Email Pastor Jim
Rogers at rogersjim1947@gmail.com

2017 Educator's Retreat

Grace Place Wellness is pleased to announce a get-away weekend designed just for Lutheran teachers and their spouses, August 11 - 13, 2017 at scenic Innsbrook Resort, an hour west of St. Louis, MO. Refresh, renew and prepare for another school year by learning the secrets to a healthy, vibrant, and joy-filled ministry. It's your turn to experience the Grace Place Wellness Retreat enjoyed by over 8,000 LCMS rostered workers and spouses.

A registration fee of $100 covers the cost of all lodging, meals and the wellness retreat program. Saturday afternoon is entirely free time to enjoy the amenities at Innsbrook.

We have 16 spots available for this retreat. First come, first serve. Registration is now open at www.graceplacewellness.org For more information, please call Beth McAnallen at 314-842-3077 or email bmcanallen@graceplacewellness.org