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GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD!

Redeeming Grace Mission Church in Rogers has been given approval from the Board for Home Missions to begin kindergarten next fall.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

Family of Rev. Juul Madson who is now in the church triumphant.

Family of Vangeleen Wiederhoeft, the mother of synod treasurer Keith Wiederhoeft, who is now in the church triumphant.

The Grace Lutheran Church in Piedmont, MO, and others affected by the recent flooding and storms.

Lois Halvorson undergoing experimental cancer treatment.

For the Home Mission in Farmington, MN, conducting worship services.

DEDICATION INVITATION: Redeeming Grace Lutheran, Rogers, MN, will dedicate its new building on April 27. Events for the day include: Service of Word and Worship at 10:00 a.m. with special music by the King of Grace Hand Bell Choir, followed by a lefse and cookie coffee; afternoon concert at 2:30 p.m. featuring Elaine Stindt, harpist, and the duet, “In His Service”; Dedication Service at 3:30 p.m. with special music and choirs, followed by dinner.

An “ELS School” and an “LSA School”: As synod members have become increasingly aware of the features that define “LSA schools,” the question has arisen regarding the distinction between them and our existing ELS schools. The members of the Board for LSA recognize the need for understanding in this important area. Clearly, our synod continues to be blessed with extremely qualified and dedicated Christian teachers who are dedicated Christian teachers who are dedicated to teaching students in a Christian environment. The Board for LSA assures synod members that much good teaching is going on in our ELS Christian day schools. When the Board for Lutheran Schools of America was created, it was intended for this board to serve all our schools. It continues to serve all the schools, teaching professionals, and school administrators of our synod just as it always has, but with the availability of an array of greatly expanded consulting services. All schools of our synod-both those existing and those to be newly formed-will continue to be “ELS schools.” An ELS school which chooses to also become an “LSA school” will be one that has changed its curriculum as defined within the list of fifteen “Strategic Elements.”

THE SYNOD GROWS: We are accustomed to thinking of ourselves as a small synod and such we are in fact. When one compares our synod today, however, with what it was in 1918 when it was organized, one is simply amazed by the remarkable growth we have enjoyed since that time. Remember, if you will, that at the time of the reorganization in 1918 our “little synod” numbered only 13 pastors and 11 congregations, comprising a total membership of about 1,000 souls. Bear in mind also that this was the total picture; that we had no schools for higher education., and no other property aside from that owned by the individual congregations themselves…The Lord has richly blessed us with growth. The synod has grown from the 1000 souls to approximately 21,500. The list of pastors has grown from the original 13 to about 175. In additions we are now involved in supporting missions in 8 foreign countries. We are, however, still a small church body. But size is not the most important factor to consider! More important is the fact that our teaching remains faithful to the Word of the Lord! Jesus says, “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” John 8:31-32.

COLLAGE OF MISSION PHOTOS: A library of mission photos is now available online. Several thousand photos from our missions in Peru, Korea and India are available for use on church websites, bulletin boards, newsletters, classrooms, etc. The photos may be downloaded by following this link: www.conradfries.com/elsmissions Please click on "Request Username" and a username, password and directions will be emailed to you. If you have any questions, email Pastor Paul Fries: blcpastor@iw.net

TREASURER’S UPDATE: Through the month of March the members of the ELS gave $156,744 to the Lord’s work. This is $31,000 short of the projected January-March 2008 budget.

“…The one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Galatians 6:8b -10).