PSD eNews – November 20, 2014
Transcription
PSD eNews – November 20, 2014
As the Pacific Southwest District our mission is to “Effectively resource congregations and schools to fulfill the Great Commission” PSD eNews – November 20, 2014 Serving the congregations and schools in Arizona, California, and Nevada New items highlighted in blue. Weekly Word “I will listen to what God the Lord will say; he promises peace to his people, his saints – but let them not return to folly. Surely his salvation is near those who fear him; that his glory may dwell in our land.” Psalm 85:8-9 PRAYER REQUESTS & PRAISE REPORTS Please send updated condition information to [email protected] Rev. Ramon Contreras took the oath to become a US Citizen at the offices of the Department of Homeland Security Citizenship and Immigration in Chula Vista on November 19. Congratulations Rev. Contreras! Rev. Rodger Gredvig, Peace Lutheran Church, San Diego, is scheduled to have a prostate biopsy a cystoscopy of the bladder. Depending on the results, he will have either a less radical TURP or a full radical prostatectomy. Rev. Gregory Otte, Emeritus suffered a heart attack on November 4 and has received three stents. Rev. R.J. (John) Perling requests prayers for successful continuing treatment for his heart and kidney. CONTINUED PRAYERS FOR: We pray for all congregations currently in the calling process. Ebola Outbreak –for those suffering from Ebola and for the safety of all who are treating them. Nigerian Girls - who were kidnapped and being held hostage Middle East Unrest – for those fighting against ISIS and the situation Israel Barbara Andrews, wife of Rev. Arthur Andrews – fighting cancer Rev. Bill Bartlett – fighting cancer Rev. Lenny Busch, brother of Rev. Lewis Busch – fighting cancer Rev. Steven Carlson - is fighting cancer and undergoing extensive medical testing Linda DeVore, wife of Rev. Greg DeVore – fighting cancer Michael Doyle, District Archivist - prayers for renewed strength and healing Rev. Gerald Gettis, under chemo treatment for multiple myeloma Sharon Giese, wife of Rev. Burton Giese, undergoing cancer treatments Rev. Loel Haak, sight and hearing difficulties, prostrate issues, Alzheimers Rev. Ron Howard – fighting cancer Jan Just – fighting cancer Rev. Ray Kibler –battling cancer; healing from debilitating severe peripheral neuropathy Ruth Koenig, widow of Rev. Wayne Koenig – battling liver cancer and heart issues Leeann Kotal, wife of Deacon Charles Kotal – fighting cancer Cookie Krueger – battling breast cancer Ruth Ann Krueger, wife of Rev. Dennis Krueger, Sr. – battling liver and lymph system cancer Rev. Jerald Lindemann – recovering from back surgery and memory loss Rev. Dr. Charles Manske – fighting cancer Deacon Dennis Nash – fighting stage 4 chest, lung, neck, and pancreas cancer Rev. Dr. James Rahn – fighting cancer Rev. Daryl Robarge – recovering from a stroke Debbie Robarge, wife of Rev. Daryl Robarge – recovering from a heart attack Deacon Larry Sanders – fighting cancer Rev. Eric Trickey – fighting cancer DISTRICT BUZZ Important information from the President’s Office. STAYING HEALTHY WORKSHOP – Kick off National Lutheran Schools Week by Staying Healthy Workshop. This year’s workshop, titled Staying Healthy in a Frenzied World: The Importance of Prayer, Humor and Exercise, is being held Saturday, January 24, 2015 at Christ the Cornerstone Lutheran Church, San Diego. Please join Rev. Ron Rehrer, Executive Staff member of the Pacific Southwest District, as he shares insights from his new book on how to stay healthy, through a variety of avenues. You will learn: healthy benefits of prayer; prayer forms; music as prayer; how humor strengthens the auto-immune system; why to add humor to your diet; easy exercises for the lazy; and why teachers don't exercise and why they should. The cost is $15.00 per person or $50.00 for groups of four or more. Registration is available online, through January 18, 2015. Click here for a workshop flyer. 2015 DISTRICT CONVENTION (UPDATE) - The 2015 Pacific Southwest District Convention “Chosen for this Moment” will be held on Wednesday, June 24 Friday June 26, 2015. The location is The Irvine Hotel at Jamboree Center. This hotel is formerly the Hyatt Regency, Irvine where past conventions have been held. Online registration will begin January 5, 2015. Information for the pastoral and lay voting delegates will go out in January. Questions or concerns, please call the District Office at 949-854-3232 or toll-free at 855-856-5350. Nominations: Nomination forms have been posted to the PSD website. On the home page click on District; you will then find instructions and form in the left hand District Buzz column. Letters regarding nomination procedures will be sent to all rostered workers soon. LIRS BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION - Linda Stoterau has been elected to serve as an LCMS representative on the Board of Directors for Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services. LIRS celebrates 75 years of ministry with and for Lutherans in the settlement of refugees from war torn and impoverished nations around the world. Headquartered in Baltimore, LIRS performs acts of mercy for people seeking safety and a new beginning often working through local congregations who welcome the stranger. EXPANDING THE CIRCLE: Regional Workshops for 2015 – The topic for the 2015 Expanding the Circle Regional Workshops will be Bereavement Education and Christian Care Giving. These workshops are open to all that are interested. Registration fee is $25.00 and includes continental breakfast, lunch, handouts and all the coffee you can drink. Please pre-register so we know how many attendees to plan for. Workshop dates: February 7, 2015 at Mt. Calvary, Phoenix; February 28, 2015 at Mt. Olive, Poway; and March 7, 2015 at Concordia, Cerritos. Click here for a registration packet. HOUSING ALLOWANCE RULING: Ruling Preserves Housing Allowance Exclusion - In 2013, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in the case of Freedom from Religion Foundation v. Lew had ruled that the exclusion from income of a housing allowance for ministers of religion under the Internal Revenue Code was unconstitutional. After the ruling an appeal was filed with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. Because of the importance of this ruling and the impact it could have on our plan members, Concordia Plan Services has been monitoring activity regarding the case. We're happy to announce that on November 13, 2014, the Court of Appeals reversed the decision of the District Court. Therefore, the housing allowance exclusion remains permissible. This is certainly good news for ordained and commissioned ministers of the LCMS. A copy of the opinion issued by the court can be found here. PICTURES WANTED – Send a picture of your church to the District office to help us decorate our conference rooms. Pictures can be sent electronically to Gail Kanneg at [email protected]. Please include the name and city of the church. Pictures may be current or from the past; color or black and white. Pictures received will be displayed on a rotation basis. Hard copy photographs (8 x 10) may also be sent to 1540 Concordia Drive East, Irvine, CA 92612, Attention: Gail Kanneg. 2014 REMITTANCE FORM – Thank you for your monthly support of District/Synod Missions and Ministry. For your convenience, the 2014 Remittance Form which can be sent with remittances to the District Office, is available on the PSD website using the Resources & Forms tab. Click here to download a copy. CONGREGATION REVITALIZATION - The 72®-Partners on the Road is a revitalization ministry that supports evangelism/outreach efforts by the congregation with a well-prepared, on-site visiting team that trains and leads the congregational members in doing evangelism and outreach. Information about this training ministry can be obtained from Al & Joy Axelson @ 480-836-7969. PSD JOB SITE – The PSD Job Site lists job opportunities at PSD churches and schools. The Job Site is published every other Thursday. Each new job posting will be listed for four weeks. To submit available job positions or to be added to the subscription list, please email [email protected]. IT’S A NEW DAY DEVOTIONAL BROADCAST – “It’s a New Day” is a brief broadcasted devotional that can be heard every day of the year. Our speaker is Reverend Richard Schumm, Emeritus. We invite you to join us each day, click here to access the “It’s A New Day” broadcast. NOVEMBER HEALTH NOTES: HOSPICE & PALLIATIVE CARE – November marks National Hospice/Palliative Care Month, a time to raise awareness about care for people coping with serious and life-limiting illness. Every year, more than 1 ½ million patients receive care in US hospices, which offer pain management, symptom control, psychosocial support, and spiritual care for them and family/friends. Click here to learn more. Your topic suggestions for future issues of HealthNotes are welcome please email Marla M. Lichtsinn, RN, MPA, FCN. AROUND THE DISTRICT Sharing what the Lord is doing within our Pacific Southwest District family. ANNOUNCEMENTS LHM ROSE PARADE FLOAT - The Lutheran Hour Ministries Float Committee is pleased to announce riders for the 2015 LHM Rose Parade Float entitled: "The Bible ...God's Story" The theme for the parade is “Inspiring Stories”. Float riders will include: • • • • • • Mr. Philip Krauss II, Chairman of the Board Int’l LLL Rev. Timothy Klinkenberg, Pastoral Advisor Int’l LLL Rev. Jonathan Thomas, LHM Float Committee Pastoral Advisor Dr. Kurt Krueger, President Concordia University – Irvine Rev. Roger Sonnenberg, Pastor Our Savior Lutheran Church, Arcadia CA Rev. Matthew Nolte, Pastor St Paul Lutheran Church, Agoura Hills, CA The Lutheran Hour Ministries float displays some of the best loved stories, which have inspired the faith of countless people throughout history. This year's float depicts an open Bible inviting viewers into the Word of God with inspiring stories of faith that leap forth from the pages. As these stories burst from the pages of the Bible, we pray that many will be drawn to these stories, which have shaped and inspired our faith. ADVENT DEVOTION: Home for the Holidays - These Advent Devotions for 2014 by Pastor Wayne Palmer take the reader on a nostalgic ride back to the days of Christmases past. Along the way he mines his own holiday memories, blends in contemporary scenarios, and adds a generous portion of Scripture. Home for the Holidays can be downloaded, customized and printed by clicking here. SERVICE & 500TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE REFORMATION Hello Church Leaders: In preparation for the 2017 500th Anniversary of the Reformation, one of the ideas is that we want to promote servant events. The goal would be able to highlight 500 servant events that are happening throughout the Pacific Southwest District. If you could send me the following information that would be great: Congregational Name; Contact; Servant Events and type of service (such as education, feeding the homeless, food distribution, etc.); Approximate date of the service project. This would be for any service events that occur in your congregation throughout the year. If you have any questions please so do not hesitate to ask. We are just getting an idea on what is happening now in your church....of course it might change by 2017. Blessings, Gilbert Fugitt, Ed.D, Dean of Students - Concordia University Irvine, [email protected] EVENTS TAIZE SERVICES - Our Savior Lutheran Church, Arcadia will be holding their annual Taizé Services during this upcoming Season of Advent in the upstairs Youth Room. These candlelit services are very Christ centered with a lot of musical chanting and silent prayer. The services are typically 30 minutes in length, however meditational music is played 10 minutes before and after each service. Following the Taizé services, worshipers are invited to join in public fellowship at the local diners such as CoCo’s or Marie Calendar, taking God’s joy out into the mainstream public. Services will be held at 7:00 pm on November 28, December 5, December 12, and December 19. For more information about LCMS Taizé worshiping, click here. CHRISTMAS POP-UP SHOP – On Saturday, November 29 St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Los Angeles will have their Christmas Pop-Up Shop in their fellowship hall. The event will feature select, unique, artisan made, hand-crafted objects by local artists and small businesses. There will be hourly raffles, live music, and crafts for the kids. Each purchase at the Christmas Pop-Up Shop lets you shop without guilt because the proceeds benefit local inner-city children in need. Help us reach our goal to bless over 100 families by donating a new, unwrapped top to this year’s toy drive. For more information call 323-445-0549. CONCORDIA CHRISTMAS CONCERT: Rose in Winter - Concordia celebrates the season with the music of Christmas. Choirs, handbells, and instruments combine in a beautiful setting surrounded by lights, trees, and garlands. Performances: 7:30 pm on December 6, 12 and 13. 3:00 pm on December 7 and 13. In the CU Center. Reserved seating for $25/$20/$15. Email [email protected] or call 949-854-8002 ext. 1526 or purchase online. PETAL PUSHERS® BEHIND THE SCENES PARTY - Pease join us for the Behind the Scenes Party! The Petal Pushers® Behind the Scenes Party will be held on Tuesday, December 30, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The location is the Rose Palace, 835 South Raymond Ave. Pasadena CA. For the map, click here. This is a non-alcoholic event with a wide array of foods. As guests of the Petal Pushers float committee, you’ll see this year's VIP float riders. The event provides attendees the opportunity to tour and view finished Rose Parade floats on the last night of decorating week. As you smell the beautiful aroma of thousands of freshly cut roses, you will see first-hand the work of the Petal Pushers®. Please purchase tickets early so that we can plan and serve you efficiently. Tickets can be purchased here. The price is $25 per person and $50 for the immediate family. To obtain additional information contact Dick Gast at [email protected] or call 949-458-0606. CONCORDIA KEYBOARD DAY - Saturday, January 17, 2015 for ages 12-18, at Concordia University. Scholarship Contests for both Organ and Piano in the afternoon, workshops in the morning. Three levels: Novice, Intermediate and Advanced. Organizers: Dr. Rachel Schrag, Dr. Carol McDaniel and Dr. Herb Geisler. For more information email [email protected]. HAITI MISSION TRIP - Join us this January 22-31, 2015 in Les Cayes, Haiti on our new exciting mission trip. We need hearts and hands to help build the Kingdom of God. Projects will be: construction and renovation of orphanage cabins; Vacation Bible School/feeding program; medical clinics; gardening and more! It will be a life changing experience! Contact Rev. Dr. S T Williams, Jr., St. Paul Lutheran, Los Angeles, at [email protected] or at 402-525-3395 for more information. LLL (LHM) ANNUAL CELEBRATION/RALLY - Please join us for the Grand Canyon District International Lutheran Laymen’s League (Lutheran Hour Ministries) Annual Celebration/Rally to be held on February 21, 2015 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm! The featured speaker is to be Dr. Micah Parker, a 1991 graduate Concordia University – Nebraska. This event is to be held at Apostles Lutheran Church, Peoria, AZ. A free will offering will be taken for lunch. Dr. Parker's mission is to: share how God can use an ordinary man and women to get through extraordinary circumstances; motivate others with humor and Biblical truth toward action in their relationship with Jesus Christ; and equip Christians of all ages to glorify God despite the challenges of this world. For more information about Dr. Parker, see his website at www.TrustGuyMinistries.com. A registration flyer will be available in January, 2015. Questions? Contact Denise Seaman at [email protected] or 480-883-8024. BEST PRACTICES FOR MINISTRY – Do you want to gain ideas of what to do next? Do you want to talk to others who have gone through the same things? Do you need encouragement at this crossroad in your life and ministry? Do you want to bring your whole team so you can be on the same page? In the spirit of the great commission convocation Christ Church Lutheran, Phoenix is offering this FREE conference, February 26-28, 2015 for a 4th year. All costs for the event are being donated or are being covered by the congregation. If you would like to donate to this cause you are welcome to do so. Participants are responsible for travel and lodging (if wanted they can house folks with church members). 470 people attended in 2012, 880 in 2013 and 1,200 were at the last conference. We’re growing so sign up early! We have gathered a “coalition of the willing” to offer almost 200 breakout sessions to help one another be and do the best we can for our Lord Jesus Christ. Our goal is to encourage because we love the local church, the unchurched and the LCMS. Click here for more information and to register. JR. HIGH DYG - Jr. High DYG returns to Concordia University next March. Whether you bring your confirmation class, the 6th, 7th, and 8th graders in your Lutheran school, your junior high or your middle school youth group, the annual Jr. High DYG (dating back to the mid-80's) is not to be missed. Here are the details early in the planning process: Dates - March 7-8, 2015; Theme – HIStory; Theme Verse John 15:26-27; Speaker - Pastor Bob Hiller. Watch for registration information along with a pre-event Bible study. If you have any questions, please contact: Timothy Potthoff – Jr. High DYG Coordinator [email protected]; Dave Rueter – Youth & Family Ministry Facilitator [email protected]. ADULT CHURCH CHORAL FESTIVAL - Adult Church Choral Festival to be held at Concordia University, Irvine, on Sunday, March 15, 2015 at 4:00 pm. Choirs will sing 3-4 mass anthems under the direction of Dr. Michael Busch, and will be given the opportunity to sing one anthem on their own, if they so desire. To inquire about participation OR to register for this event, please contact Dr. Carol McDaniel, associate professor of church music at Concordia: [email protected]. THE SUMMIT - The Summit is a single day youth event for 4th to 6th graders. Here are the early plans thus far: Date - April 18, 2015; Location - Crean Lutheran High School, Irvine; Theme – Troublemaker; Theme Verse: John 16:33. Further information will be posted here. CONCORDIA ELEMENTARY INSTRUMENTAL FESTIVAL - Saturday, April 18, 2015 at Bethany Lutheran Church, Long Beach for Grades 4-8; Beginning to Advanced Levels. Opportunities for Solo Instrument Adjudication and Large Group Ensemble playing. Morning to mid-afternoon. Co-sponsored by Concordia Instrumental Department and Bethany Lutheran, Long Beach. Guest Conductor, Dr. Jeff Held from Concordia, Irvine. Organizers/Coordinators: Mrs. Mara Widmann (Bethany) and Dr. Carol McDaniel. For more information email [email protected]. PARTNERS IN MINISTRY News and events from our LCMS partners in ministry CONCORDIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY, FORT WAYNE 2015 SYMPOSIA SERIES — The “Integrity of the Scriptures: Text and Canon” and “Culture: Friend or Foe?” are the themes to be examined at the 2015 Symposia Series, January 20-23 at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana. Schedule, speaker information and online registration for the Symposia Series and the Lenten Preaching workshop can be found here. The 30th Annual Symposium on Exegetical Theology will take place January 20-21. The 38th Annual Symposium on The Lutheran Confessions has a theme of "Culture: Friend or Foe" and will take place January 21-23. Those unable to be on campus for the series can watch via the internet by signing up for the Livestream Video option, also at www.ctsfw.edu/Symposia. This option allows viewers to watch live or later in the day as there will be immediate access to the archived presentations. Learn more about CTS at www.ctsfw.edu and the LCMS at www.lcms.org. For additional information concerning educational opportunities and events at CTS, please contact: Jayne Sheafer, CTS Director of Public Relations, at 260-452-2250 or [email protected]. WEEKLY LECTIONARY PODCAST - Providing valuable resources for the clergy and laypeople of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) is a task the faculty of Concordia Theological Seminary takes seriously. The latest offering from the faculty is a weekly Lectionary Podcast based upon the Gospel reading for the upcoming Sunday from the three-year lectionary. The podcasts will be posted every Tuesday on the Seminary’s Facebook, beginning November 25 with the reading for Advent 1. No login is required to view the podcast. The Seminary’s media site, is another excellent option for resource material. Items available include theological articles, course videos, chapel sermons and other resources for the good of Christ's Church. LUTHERAN CHURCH EXTENSION FUND YOU + LCEF = EMPOWERED MINISTRIES - An investment for NEW Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) investors, ConnectPLUS gives you the opportunity to join the powerful partnership between individuals and The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod ministries that are ensuring more people hear the life-saving Gospel message. As an LCEF investor, you help make funds available for loans and support services that empower ministries and rostered church workers to carry out their call. ConnectPLUS* features: 3% fixed rate on the first $5,000; Second-tier rate on balance over $5,000; $500 minimum to open; Two-year term; Additional investments of at least $25 allowed; For new investors 18 and older. Offer subject to change. Invest with ConnectPLUS today! Visit www.lcef.org or call 800-843-5233. NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER – Keep up-to-date on all the LCEF news from the Pacific Southwest District. Click here to read the November issue. Click here to get the newsletter sent directly to you each month. LUTHERAN CHURCH MISSOURI SYNOD LCMS CHURCH INFORMATION CENTER - Have a question about The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod? Do you need help navigating the LCMS website or finding resources for your church? The LCMS Church Information Center is here to help. The Church Information Center is open Monday through Friday from 7:45 am to 4:15 pm CT with trained staff who can answer your questions or put you in touch with the person who can. Next time you need an answer or resources, call the LCMS Church Information Center at 888-843-5267 or send an email to [email protected]. LCMS LIFE CONFERENCE - We’re taking a stand, speaking out on behalf of the 2,900 children who are aborted every day right here in America. And we’re counting on you to stand with us by attending the 2015 LCMS Life Conference. Where: Washington, D.C. When: Jan. 22-24, 2015. For more information go to www.lcms.org/events/lifeconference. LUTHERAN HOUR MINISTRIES ADVENT & CHRISTMAS RESOURCES Click here for Home for the Holidays Advent Devotions for 2014. Click here for The Christmas Journey, children’s story book Click here for What is Christmas? Click here for The Real St. Nick: Leader, Legend or Lie, single-session Bible study Click here for Joseph: Carpenter of Steel WITNESS BOOTH VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - 50 Petal Pusher® Witness Booth volunteer opportunities are available this year to provide a Christian witness at 3 locations: the Rose Palace, the Rosemont Pavilion and the Parade Route. This is to be at the time Petal Pushers® decorate and prepare for the roll out of the 2015 Lutheran Hour Ministries float entitled: “The Bible....God's Story.” Each year, Petal Pusher® Witness Booth volunteers have the opportunity to visit with many folks. They’ve been giving out 5,000 pieces of Christian literature yearly. Praise God! We are blessed to be a blessing ... and here’s your opportunity to be a blessing agent. You’ll be provided with Christian literature to share with the many visitors. As an extra incentive, you will be provided with a free ticket to the Behind the Scenes Party! For a schedule, map and to sign up, contact Lou Marting at [email protected]. PETAL PUSHERS - 5,000 Petal Pushers® are needed for our 65th Year of decorating Tournament of Roses Parade floats, including the Lutheran Hour Ministries float entitled "The Bible ...God's Story." The float displays some of the best loved stories, which have inspired the faith of countless people throughout history. It depicts an open Bible, inviting viewers into the Word of God, with inspiring stories of faith that burst forth from its pages. Please sign up here now to be a Petal Pusher® for the 2015 Rose Parade floats! Decorating starts Saturday, December 6 and continues through Wednesday, December 31. God’s Word will be proclaimed in the public square on 1/1/2015! Please keep this project in your prayers. BEHIND THE SCENES PARTY - Pease join us for the Behind the Scenes Party! The Petal Pushers® Behind the Scenes Party will be held on Tuesday, December 30, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The location is the Rose Palace, 835 South Raymond Ave. Pasadena CA. For the map, click here. This is a non-alcoholic event with a wide array of foods. As guests of the Petal Pushers float committee, you’ll see this year's VIP float riders. The event provides attendees the opportunity to tour and view finished Rose Parade floats on the last night of decorating week. As you smell the beautiful aroma of thousands of freshly cut roses, you will see first-hand the work of the Petal Pushers®. Please purchase tickets early so that we can plan and serve you efficiently. Tickets can be purchased here. The price is $25 per person and $50 for the immediate family. To obtain additional information contact Dick Gast at [email protected] or call 949-458-0606. LLL (LHM) ANNUAL CELEBRATION/RALLY - Please join us for the Grand Canyon District International Lutheran Laymen’s League (Lutheran Hour Ministries) Annual Celebration/Rally to be held on February 21, 2015 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm! The featured speaker is to be Dr. Micah Parker, a 1991 graduate Concordia University – Nebraska. This event is to be held at Apostles Lutheran Church, Peoria, AZ. A free will offering will be taken for lunch. Dr. Parker's mission is to: share how God can use an ordinary man and women to get through extraordinary circumstances; motivate others with humor and Biblical truth toward action in their relationship with Jesus Christ; and equip Christians of all ages to glorify God despite the challenges of this world. For more information about Dr. Parker, see his website at www.TrustGuyMinistries.com. A registration flyer will be available in January, 2015. Questions? Contact Denise Seaman at [email protected] or 480-883-8024. LUTHERAN HOUR MINISTIRES RESOURCES DAILY DEVOTIONS –Get devotions sent to your inbox by clicking here. MOBILE APP - To download the free Lutheran Hour app, click here. JC PLAY ZONE – A safe online play space for children ages 2-6 and their parents, click here. OUTREACH PLANNING REPORT - To receive your complimentary report, click here. NEEDS – REQUESTS - TOURS PSD eNews is not responsible for the contents, opinions or accuracy of the following items. FREE ALATR CLOTHS – Shepherd of the Hills, Rancho Cucamonga has altar cloths they would like to donate. They are designed to fit a 60” round altar and hang to a depth of about 10”. There is one for each season of the church year. Any interested church should contact [email protected], photos and more information can be sent. AUSTRALIA TOUR WITH CUI -The Concordia University Handbell Ensembles will spend 12 days ringing their way through the most beautiful venues in Australia. You are invited to join them, May 6-17, 2015 on the exclusive Companion Tour where you can: • Hear them in concert in Brisbane, Sydney, and Adelaide • Visit the Sydney Opera House and gorgeous beaches • Worship with fellow Lutherans in Adelaide • Tour the Barossa Valley in Adelaide Trip includes: Round-trip airfare; in-county transportation; hotel; breakfast daily and some dinners; sightseeing entrance fees and insurance. Final registration deadline: December 1 for $4499. Register here. Questions? Contact Faith McKinney at [email protected] or 949-214-3471. HOLY LAND TOUR – Travel with Rev. Harold & Joy Kallio (Emeritus, Lake Havasu City) who have 35 years-experience hosting foreign travel. The cost for February 2-11, 2015 tour is $2,997 and includes round trip air fare from New York, first class hotels and motor coach, breakfast and dinner daily and more. For complete information call the Kallios at 928-680-7784. ISRAEL-JORDAN TOUR WITH SINAI EXTENSION – May 22 - June 3, 2015 (June 7, includes Sinai Extension) - 12/16 Nights - $2499 + airfare. 4-5 star accommodations. Experience rich! Bible studies, walking tours, marriage renewal service in Cana, half-day archaeological dig, baptism renewal at Bethany Beyond the Jordan & a lot more. Tour hosted by Pastor Paul Frank, Hosanna Lutheran Church, Mesa, AZ, Click here for more information. Contact Richard Ross at 714-334-1252 for details. HOLY LAND TOUR - Pastor Toby Joeckel, First Good Shepherd, Las Vegas is leading his 4th trip to the Holy Land May 26-June 4, 2015. The cost for the 10 day educational tour is $3,800, which is all inclusive. If interested in learning more about this wonderful experience contact Pastor Toby at [email protected] or call him at 702-523-6210. CUSTOM FAITH-BASED TOURS - Christian tours at affordable prices for you and your congregation. Pastor and spouse travel for free. Germany, Israel, Greece, Turkey & more. www.Lutherantours.com Contact Richard Ross at 714-334-1252. SUBMISSIONS & SUBSCRIPTIONS INTERESTED IN SUBSCRIBING? Send an email to [email protected] with the words “subscribe” in the subject line. Please indicate whether you would like to subscribe to PSD eNews, PSD Job Site, or both. To unsubscribe, reply back to this email and put the words “Unsubscribe” in the subject line. SUBMIT SPECIFIC PRAYER REQUESTS to [email protected]. Prayer requests will be posted for 6 weeks, subject to updates. TO SUBMIT NEWS AND INFORMATION Email [email protected] (or simply reply back to this email) with the ‘who, what, when, where, and why’ of the news item. Items must be received by 2:00 PM Wednesday in order to be included in the next issue. The Pacific Southwest District will NOT sell, give or otherwise transmit your email address for any reason other than its intended purpose. God’s blessings to you, in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ! [email protected] Pacific Southwest District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod 1540 Concordia Drive East, Irvine, CA 92612, 888-773-5267