New Pastor at Peace Lutheran

The second day of the new year saw a new pastor installed at Peace Lutheran Church, rural Jefferson City. Pastor Erik Gernander, the third full time pastor to serve at Peace, was installed in an afternoon vespers service that included hymns, Bible readings, prayers, and a rite for inducting Pastor Gernander into office. The women of Peace Lutheran provided a meal following the service.

The sermon for the occasion, entitled “The Ministry Is the Ministry of Reconciliation,” was delivered by Pastor Stephen Schmidt of Faith Lutheran Church, Litchfield, Illinois.

A number of ELS and WELS pastors from around Missouri attended and took part in the laying on of hands. Pastor Richard Waters of Faith Lutheran Church, Carthage, Missouri, served as liturgist during the service and conducted the installation. Playing the organ was Mr. Paul Junkans, who also is brother-in-law to Pastor Matt Brooks, the outgoing pastor of Peace.

Peace Lutheran has completed remodeling work on its church building and fellowship hall, a project begun in 2002, and plans a dedication service on May 1 of this year.

Spring Mission Rally Held in Vero Beach, Florida

Grace Lutheran Church in Vero Beach, Florida hosted 110 people who came to the Spring rally of the Florida ELS Women’s Mission Society meeting. The Rev. John Petersen, host pastor, opened the March 12th rally with a devotion concerning God’s gift of life.

Mr. Paul Snamiska, Administrator for WELS Lutherans for Life, addressed the issue of stem-cell research stating that using embryonic stem-cells destroys life, whereas using adult stem-cells does not take life. The Grace Bell Choir played a music selection and the attendees watched the video “God Knew Your Name.”

March Lowry and Mickey Murphy sang “Whiter Than Snow.” In the business meeting, Grace Berg was elected Vice President and Barbara Wolkens was elected Treasurer. A total of $1,256.26 was given to Cross-Stitch and $1,189.26 was given to WELS Lutherans For Life. Next Rev. John Petersen spoke about his recent trip to Plzen, the Czech Republic. Vicar Schmeling closed the rally with a devotion about spreading God’s Word to all nations. The Fall meeting will be at Trinity Lutheran Church, Sebastian, Florida on November 5, 2005.

Faith, Oregon, Wisconsin celebrates 25 years.

The Silver Anniversary service of Faith Ev. Lutheran Church in Oregon, Wisconsin was held the first Sunday after Easter (April 3, 2005), reflecting how Faith was officially organized on that same Sunday in 1980. Professor James Korthals preached on 1 Peter 1:3-9 under the theme “Celebrate Your Faith!” A special anniversary choir sang four selections under the directorship and accompaniment of Rev. Richard Lehmann, with one selection sung with the Sunday School (“The First Song of Isaiah”).

Two special banners for the celebration were created by member Jody Olah. Prof. em. Fred Bartel played organ and his wife Grace played the chello.

After the service, founding member Rick Waldshmidt narrated a slide show of the history of Faith Lutheran Church. A wonderful pot-luck dinner was served by the members of Faith.

Four of Faith’s six pastors were present and took part in the worship service:” Craig Ferkenstad (1980-1982, now pastor at St.Peter, MN, and secretary of the E.L.S.); John Moldstad (1990-1993, now president of the E.L.S.); James Korthals ( 1994-1997, now professor of church history at Wisc. Lutheran Sem); and Richard Lehmann (1997-2004, now pastor at Janesville, WI). Other pastors of Faith were Paul Peterson (1983-1988, +2004) and Greg Haugen (1988-1990, now pastor at Waterloo, IA). Congregation President Sean Stake announced to the worshippers that after a five-month vacancy Rev. William Mack would soon be moving to Oregon and installed as its seventh pastor.

Youth Honors Choir

Plans are underway for a great week of music and fellowship at the ELS Summer Honors Choir Camp. The camp will take place on the Bethany campus from June 19 - 23, 2005 during the annual ELS Convention. Past camps have provided young musicians with an excellent choral experience PLUS a great amount of fun! The week will include:

1. Group work with wonderful Lutheran choral music
2. Classroom experiences in music fundamentals and history
3. Performance opportunities
4. Supervised recreational activities including movies, swimming, shopping, etc.

Thanks to a generous grant from the ELS Board for Education and Youth, the tuition for the entire camp is reduced to just $175 per camper. Tuition covers all instruction, music, recreational fees, housing in the dorms, and meals.

In addition, the ELS Board for Education and Youth will provide $100 to any ELS student traveling more than 400 miles to attend the Honors Choir Camp. Simply note on your application that you qualify for this travel benefit and the $100 will be subtracted from your balance due.

For more information and application materials, please contact Lois Jaeger at Bethany Lutheran College, 1-800-944-3066 extension 365 or email ljaeger@blc.edu.

World Needs Fund Offering

An offering on Mother’s Day, May 8, 2005. A wonderful way to show our love for Jesus and help relieve pain and suffering.

Bethany Lutheran College Seeks Director of Athletics

Bethany Lutheran College, a Christian, coeducational, residential liberal arts college owned and operated by the Evangelical Lutheran Synod, invites applications for the position of DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS.

Responsible for Intercollegiate Athletic Program; coaching staff; facilities; compliance with NCAA rules/regulations; promotion and fundraising.

Job description available at http://www.blc.edu/faculty/jobs/. Master's Degree in related field preferred; four years experience in field; two years supervisory experience. Knowledge of/commitment to NCAA compliance. Must be member of Evangelical Lutheran Synod (ELS) or Wisconsin Evangelical Synod (WELS) or willing to join.

Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. Completion of a successful interview required. Review of application materials begins May 16; continues until position is filled. Finalists required to complete Management Application Form and submit official transcripts.

Send cover letter, résumé, three current professional references:

Paulette Tonn Booker
AD Search Committee
Bethany Lutheran College
700 Luther Drive
Mankato, MN 56001

3rd annual CONFESSIONAL CHRISTIAN WORLDVIEW SEMINAR, June 26-July 2, 2005.

This is a 7-day seminar helping Christians understand how popular cultural and religious trends conflict with the biblical worldview. Participants can come for the whole week or just for a day. Prices start at $379 for the full week with daily and nightly rates available as well. There are also special discounts for teachers and for students. Continuing education units are available for teachers as well.

Topics this year include:

• The Biblical Worldview
• God's Purpose in Science
• Darwinism
• Church vs. State
• Islam
• Postmodernism
• Pantheism
• The New Polytheism
• How Christianity Changed the World

Presenters: Pastor David Jay Webber (St. Sophia Lutheran Seminary), Prof. Allen Quist (BLC), Dr. Ryan MacPherson (BLC), Dr. Mark Braun (WLC), Dr. Gene Edward Veith, Attorney John Eidsmoe, Dr. Alvin Schmidt, and Dr. Angus Menuge.

For more information go to www.schwancenter.org or call toll free: 800-577-4848.