OCTOBER 2020

Heart of the Reformation “First, there is a black cross in a heart that remains its natural color.

This is to remind me that it is faith in the Crucified One that saves us. Anyone who believes from the heart will be justified (Romans 10:10).”

From Martin Luther’s explanation of his seal Letter to Lazarus Spengler, July 8, 1530 (see more)

Image above: Trinity Lutheran Church, Holton, KS

In This Issue President’s Office

• Calls and Vacancies • COVID-19 Update: Leading in a Time of

Pandemic: Cacophony or Silence? • Calm in the Chaos: “Together We Pray” • Invitation to Pastors: Educator Conference

Keynotes • Pastors Conference Update • Prayer Requests • District Calendar • October Staff Travel Schedule

Missions & Stewardship • 2020 Reformation Offering • New Partnership Project Resource • Stewardship Under the Cross Webinar

Education & Youth

• Educators Conference Update • Preschool Job Opening in Topeka • Early Childhood Center Earns Accreditation

• Principals Gather for Conference • Register Now for KDYG • On the Radar: LCMS Youth Gathering • CFLC Recommends: Devotions on the Small

Catechism Caring Ministry

• LERT News Business Office

• Concordia Plans: Open Enrollment • Lutheran Witness Billing • 2021 Congregational Commitments

LCEF

• A Note from Your DVP • Featured: Connected by Christ

Around the District

• St. John, Alma Celebrates 150 Years • Upcoming Events • Green and Gold Days Recruitment Event

OUR MISSION is to support and encourage the members of the District in carrying out the mission Christ has given His Church.

WORKERS TOGETHER Monthly Newsletter of the LCMS Kansas District | kslcms.org

President’s Office Calls and Vacancies PASTORAL CALLS

• Rev. Jacob Heine – Christ The Rock, Rockford, IL to Faith, Topeka – accepted • Rev. Philip Wolf – St. John, Purdy, MO to Christ, Wathena – pending • Rev. Anthony Fields – St. Paul, Coffeyville to Immanuel, Honey Creek, MO – pending • Rev. Joe Barlau – Redeemer, Seymour, IN to Faith, Abilene – pending • Rev. Martin Lee, IIM, Lawrence to Faith, Ottawa – pending • Rev. Tim Wells – Cross of Christ, Aurora, NE to T.I.G. Partnership (Garden City, Lakin, and Ulysses) –

declined • Rev. Ryan Wendt – Christ the King, Billings, MT to Hope, Shawnee – declined • Rev. Dave Jacob – Military Chaplaincy to Christ, Wathena – declined

PENDING ORDINATIONS AND/OR INSTALLATIONS

• Rev. Michael Hofmann at St. Paul, Clay Center – installation October 18 • Rev. Jacob Heine at Faith, Topeka – October 24

CONGREGATIONS CALLING OR PREPARING TO CALL A FULL-TIME PASTOR

• Abilene, Faith (sole) • Erie, Good Shepherd and Hepler, Immanuel (sole) • Herington, Our Redeemer (sole) • Herington, Immanuel (Shady Brook) and Herington, St. John’s (Lyon’s

Creek; sole) • Mission and Shawnee, Trinity (associate) • Ottawa, Faith (sole) • Scott City, Holy Cross (sole) • Shawnee, Hope (senior) • T.I.G. Partnership (Trinity, Garden City; Immanuel, Lakin; and Grace, Ulysses; associate) • Wathena, Christ (sole)

CONGREGATIONS CALLING A COMMISSIONED MINISTER

• None at this time

COMMISSIONED MINISTER CALLS – from the field

• DCE Randi Petrik – Bethany, Overland Park to Family of Christ, Colorado Springs, CO – declined

And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the

stature of the fullness of Christ …

EPHESIANS 4:11-13

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For weekly call updates, visit the Calls and Vacancies page of the Kansas District website. The list is updated every Tuesday (typically by 10 a.m.).

COVID-19 UPDATE: Leading in a Time of Pandemic: Cacophony or Silence?

The following article, written by Rebeka Garcia Cook, is the third in a series of pandemic-related wellness pieces offered by members of the Kansas District Church Worker Care Committee.

What is your church’s response to COVID-19? Some church leaders receive multiple, conflicting opinions from their congregations. Others receive little or no feedback and are left to make decisions on their own. Cacophony or silence. Leadership is never an easy task. But leading during a pandemic – an ongoing crisis – is even more challenging. The two scenarios above are common; they are both fueled by the same mixture of fear, confusion, and a desire to control the uncertain. One is like a drought and the other like a flood. The water is absolutely needed, but too much or too little is devastating. When the congregation is silent, the leader is left to navigate every decision alone. The leader is tasked with leading without the benefits of the body of Christ around him to give context, expertise, or input. The leader is expected to have all the answers. On the other hand, when the congregation generates a cacophony of opinion, the leader is besieged by those who have gifts and wisdom but offer feedback in such abundance that the advice is overwhelming and unusable. Cacophony or silence. Drought or flood. Both miss the mark. Both miss the beauty of the body of Christ working together in unity to navigate the pandemic. Leaders need the body, and the body needs its leaders. If you are in either of these situations, recognize the situation is not ideal (confession) and make a change (repent). You are a beloved child of God brought to lead during this time, and you are not alone. The people in your church are the ones God has positioned with you for this time also. You need them. You are in this together. Together you are the body of Christ in a specific place. Rebeka Garcia Cook Executive Coach, Pastor’s Wife | Trinity, Mission and Shawnee

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Calm in the Chaos: “Together We Pray”

We’ve just started Month 2 of “Together We Pray,” our collective effort to join together in prayer during the pandemic. To the left is a September verse that seemed to strike a chord on Facebook, featuring reassuring words that many of you probably remember learning years ago.

You can get the whole collection of prayers on our website on the Together We Pray page. (Note that the prayers have a new home, but we still have a link on the Coronavirus Resources page.)

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Invitation to Pastors: Educators Conference Keynotes

The Educators Conference welcomes pastors to attend the October 12 and 13 keynotes by Ted Kober of Ambassadors of Reconciliation. The sessions are all virtual, allowing you to take advantage of this great opportunity without leaving your home or office. The sessions, described below, are relevant to all our workers, not just educators. Note that attending these sessions does NOT take the place of the Pastors Conference but is an additional opportunity for growth. For $20, you may register for the following three online sessions:

Monday, October 12 – 9:00-10:15 a.m. Keynote I: Clothed as a Child of God – Baptismal Identity Our own perspective of our identity and self-worth directly impacts how we treat others around us. That self-image is revealed in conflict. Remembering whose we are as Baptized children of God equips us to be clothed in Christ in all that we do. Monday, October 12 – 2:30-3:45 p.m. Keynote II: Clothed in Community – Built on the Rock Children of God do not exist in isolation. Together, we make up the body of Christ. Built on the Rock, we are called to dwell in Christ, the living Word. The more connected we are to our Head, the more our community reflects our being clothed in Christ. Tuesday, October 13 – 9:00-10:30 a.m. Keynote III: Clothed to Disciple Others – Living the Baptized Life We disciple others as we live the Baptized life, by confessing our sins and forgiving as God through Christ has forgiven us. Christian educators not only teach about confession and forgiveness, they live it, thereby teaching through example and application. To register, email Tami Lierz at tami@kslcms.org NO LATER than noon on Friday, October 9. You will then receive a link via email for each of the three sessions. You will also be invoiced.

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Pastors Conference Update

Pastors Conference October 4-6, 2020 | Junction City (Marriott) Event changes have become common in 2020, and our upcoming Pastors Conference is no different. Our previously scheduled keynote speaker, Rev. Dr. Lucas Woodford, will not be able to join us in October due to a health issue. We pray for a speedy recovery for Dr. Woodford and give thanks that Rev. Dr. Rick Marrs has agreed to step in and deliver the keynote addresses. Dr. Marrs is associate professor of Practical Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis and a member of the board of advisors for DOXOLOGY. He will address two topics: worker wellness and his recently published book, Making Christian Counseling More Christ Centered. For more details, visit the conference webpage. As a reminder, we will be following Geary County guidelines at the conference. Masks will be required where 6’ of social distance cannot be maintained. Meals will be boxed. Opening worship is at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, October 4 at Immanuel Lutheran (630 S Eisenhower Dr.). If you have any questions about the conference, please contact Tami Lierz (tami@kslcms.org)

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Prayer Requests

This month, we ask that you keep in your prayers:

Those grieving the loss of loved ones, including

o The family of Steve Vandemark, former principal in the Kansas District, at his death September 25 o Rev. Mark Wenzelburger and family at the death of Pastor Wenzelburger’s mother, Barbara, June 3,

and father, Edward, September 20 o The family of Richard Schotte, member of the Kansas District Board of Directors, who was called to his

eternal rest August 31 o Jim and Joanna Bradshaw and family at the death of Joanna’s brother, Matthew Gehrt, August 30 o Rev. Michael Brockman and family at the death of Pastor Brockman’s father, Virtus, August 29 o Rev. Aaron Schnelle and family at the death of Pastor Schnelle’s father, former Kansas District pastor

Rev. Paul Schnelle, on August 25 o The family of Rev. Alvin James Bruenger, former Kansas District pastor, who was called to glory

Aug. 12 o Teacher Laurie Reed and Rev. Marty Reed and family at the death of Laurie’s brother, Kevin,

August 1 o Teacher Mark Schotte and family at the death of Jan Schotte August 8

Those dealing with recent or ongoing health issues, including Nick Adams, Tim Lavrenz, Oklahoma

District President Rev. Barrie Henke, Diane Harries, Rev. Richard Andrus, Rev. Dave Meier, and Judy May

Those celebrating births, including Pastor Timothy and Marie Roth, who welcomed a daughter September 17

Those affected by the coronavirus, including our Synod, districts, congregations, schools, and organizations; government leaders, health care workers, and other essential workers; and those dealing with isolation, illness, loss, or unemployment

For our LCMS missionaries, including Rev. Gary and Stephanie Schulte and Rev. Jacob Gaugert, that they’ll

be able to resume the full scope of their work of preaching, teaching, and caring for others in the mission field.

Churches and schools on our Facebook prayer list in October:

o Zion, Claflin and St. Peter, Holyrood, October 5 o Grace, Hill City, October 12 o Zion, Offerle and Our Redeemer, Kinsley, October 19 o Trinity, Leavenworth, October 26

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In Jesus’ name we pray . . .

In Jesus’ name we pray …

District Calendar (Find the full District calendar on the website HERE.)

OCTOBER

2-3 Junior High Rally, Shepherd’s Staff, Rexford, KS 2 Constitution Committee Meeting, District Office, 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. 4-6 Pastors Conference, Junction City 6 Circuit Visitors Conference, Junction City 6 Board of Missions Meeting, Junction City, 3:30-5:30 p.m. 8 Board of Directors Meeting, Zoom, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 8 Educators Conference Planning Committee, 3:30-4:30 p.m. 12-13 Educators Conference, Zoom 15 Board of Education and Youth Meeting, Zoom, 10 a.m.-noon 16 Board of Caring Ministry Meeting, Zoom, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 26 Board of Stewardship Meeting, Zoom, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 26 Board of Administration, Zoom, 1:30-3:30 p.m. 27 Executive Council, Zoom, noon-1 p.m. 29 President’s Council, District Office, 1-5 p.m. 30 Board of Directors Meeting, District Office, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

NOVEMBER 6-7 LCMS Foundation Advocates Training, District Office 8 Children’s and Family Life Committee Meeting, 4-5:30 p.m. 9 Convention Planning Meeting, District Office, 12-3 p.m. 12 Worker Conference Planning Committee Meeting, District Office, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 12 Partnership Advisory Group Meeting, ZOOM, 2-3 p.m. 13 Professional Development Committee Training, District Office 14 LERT Leadership Team Meeting, Zoom, 9-11 a.m. 15-19 LCMS Council of Presidents Meeting 21 Kansas District Youth Gathering (virtual) 25 District Office closes at 2 p.m. for Thanksgiving Holiday 26-27 Thanksgiving Holiday; District Office closed

October Staff Travel Schedule

President Justin Panzer Oct. 4-6 Pastors Conference, Junction City Oct. 6 Circuit Visitors Meeting, Junction City Oct. 15 Circuit 7 Winkel, Clay Center Oct. 18 Rev. Michael Hofmann Installation, St. Paul, Clay Center Oct. 24 Rev. Jacob Heine Installation, Faith, Topeka

Rev. Dan Galchutt Oct. 4-6 CV Meeting/Pastors Conference, Junction City Oct. 6 Circuit Visitors Meeting, Junction City Oct 6 Board of Missions Meeting, Junction City Oct. 11 Stewardship Sunday, First, Plainville Oct. 11 Circuit 15 Forum, Immanuel, Hoxie Oct. 24 Rev. Jacob Heine Installation, Faith, Topeka

Jim Bradshaw Oct. 4-6 Pastors Conference, Junction City Oct. 7 School Visits to St. Paul, Cheney and Faith, Derby Oct. 14 School Visit to Good Shepherd, Marysville Oct. 26-28 Regional Education Executives Meeting, St. Charles, MO

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Convention Reminder

Nominations for elected office and delegate forms are due November 30. For forms, visit the convention webpage

at ksclsm.org.

ON THE ROAD IN SEPTEMBER

Directors of Christian Education (DCEs) from Kansas and Missouri gathered at Christ Lutheran Church in Overland Park for their monthly cluster meeting September 10. DCEs meet regularly for mutual fellowship, study and conversation.

Missions and Stewardship

2020 Reformation Offering

2020 has been a tough year for many people. What better time to ramp up our efforts to share the hope, strength, and comfort that comes from a life in Christ?

That’s what the annual Kansas District Reformation Offering is all about—rallying support to make this work possible. A few ways to get involved:

• Prayers. Please pray for congregations, workers and fellow LCMS Kansans who are actively engaged in mission work, that God would bless their efforts to share the love of Christ.

• Gifts. Contributions to the Reformation Offering will support mission work in Kansas (e.g., church planting, evangelism training, specialized ministries). Gifts may be mailed to the LCMS Kansas District, 1000 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66604-1104 or given online on our Donate page.

• Ideas. If you have an idea for mission outreach in Kansas, contact Rev. Dan Galchutt, Assistant to the President for Missions and Stewardship, at dangalchutt@kslcms.org or 785-357-4441.

Pastors/Congregations: Materials for promoting the offering are available at kslcms.org on our new Kansas District Offerings page. You can click the link here or look in the Quick Links section of the homepage. Thank you for your help in getting the word out!

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New Partnership Project Resource

We’ve just posted a new resource on our Partnership Project webpage: a one-page overview of the partnership planning process. The document, developed by The Partnership Project advisory group, highlights key questions that potential partners should ask as they move through four stages: Reflect, Assess, Plan, and Implement. “The Partnership Project is a blessing to our churches starting to think or talk about partnership ministry,” said Rev. Rich Boring, Nebraska District missions executive. “The Partnership Planning Process sheet asks good questions to start the discussion should we consider partnering with another ministry. Answering the questions help move to the next step. One of the next steps would be to go to The Partnership Project website. There are great resources with Bible studies to help guide the congregation as they seek to partner with another ministry.” Boring notes that the Nebraska District circuit visitors and vice presidents will be discussing this material at their October meeting.

If your congregation is interested in learning more about partnerships, contact Rev. Galchutt at dangalchutt@kslcms.org. He’d be happy to point you to resources or make a visit. If you’re interested in hearing a first-hand account of the partnership process, check out the September RSTM webinar on partnerships featuring Pastor Tom Schlund, senior pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Algona, IA, and Pastor Thomas Cowell, associate/partnership pastor at Trinity and St. John’s, Burt, IA. You can find the webinar on the RSTM Archives page of lcms.org.

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Stewardship Under the Cross Webinar

On Tuesday, October 27 from 7-9 p.m., the Kansas District will be hosting a webinar with Pr. Heath Curtis for pastors and laypeople interested in ways to improve stewardship in the local congregation. The FREE webinar is open to the first 10 congregations that sign up with a pastor and 2-3 laypeople; groups should participate in the webinar in the same location (i.e., the local congregation). Pr. Curtis will be presenting on stewardship and allowing time for pastors and laypeople to interact with the material and one another. Please RSVP to Shannon Fender at shannon@kslcms.org with the names of those who will

be attending from your congregation. The link will be sent out a few days before the webinar. If you have any questions, contact Rev. Dan Galchutt at dangalchutt@kslcms.org . We hope you’ll make use of this opportunity to benefit your congregation and grow in your stewardship.

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Education & Youth

Educator Conference Update

Educators Conference October 12-13, 2020 |VIRTUAL

Attention, Registrants: Materials for the Educators Conference, including a schedule and links to all Zoom sessions, are being emailed to registered participants Friday, October 2. If you do not receive this information, contact your school principal or check with Tami Lierz (tami@kslcms.org; 785-357-4441, ext. 200). We encourage you to read all the information and check your technology in advance so you’ll be ready to roll when the conference begins.

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

Monday, October 12 9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. Keynote 1 10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Sectional A 1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. Sectional B 2:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. Keynote 2 4:00 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. Sectional C CONFERENCE OFFERING REMINDER Due to the virtual conference format, designated conference offerings should be made payable to the LCMS Kansas District, with District Church Worker Care Fund in the memo, and mailed to the District Office at 1000 SW 10th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66604. You can also donate your offerings online on the District website.

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Preschool Job Opening in Topeka

Prince of Peace Preschool in Topeka is seeking a part-time teaching assistant to help with preschool (ages 3-4) and pre-K (ages 4-5) classes. If you love working with young learners and are able to work in Topeka (or know someone who fits the bill), contact Preschool Director Amy Hoytal at 271-0913. You can find a job flyer with more information on the Prince of Peace website.

Tuesday, October 13 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Keynote 3 (begins with morning prayer) 10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Sectional D 1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. Sectional E 2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Business Meeting (required)

PRESCHOOL JOB

OPENING

Early Childhood Center Earns Accreditation King of Kings Lutheran Church and Open Arms Child Development Center in Gardner, Kansas was awarded with National Lutheran School Accreditation September 13. Kansas District Education Executive Jim Bradshaw presented the five-year certificate to Open Arms Director Angela Thrasher (center) and Assistant Director Shonda Williams.

Principals Gather in Topeka

School leaders gathered in Topeka September 17-18 for the annual Kansas District Principals Conference. The conference featured keynote speaker Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, who presented “Connecting the Dots: Families, Churches & Schools.” Pictured above (from left): President Justin Panzer, Heidi Goehmann, Harmon Butler, David Rindt, Becky Hillman, Chris Francik, Cindy Hammons, Rev. Dan Galchutt, Dr. Steven Hobus, Terry Harries, Jane Limback, David Beikmann, Sue Kleber, Nancy Jankowski, Sharon Fries, and James Bradshaw.

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Register Now for KDYG

All senior high youth of the Kansas District are invited to join us for this year's Kansas District Youth Gathering Saturday, November 21. Registration is now open on the KDYG page of the Kansas District website. This year's Gathering is all digital! Our theme is "Clearer Vision" from Hebrews 12:1-2. Join us as we walk through what it means to have our eyes truly fixed on Jesus Christ, the author and perfecter of our faith, and run with perseverance the race marked out before us with our band, Bread of Stone, and our speaker, Pastor Scott Giger. Visit the event page for registration information, a link for ordering t-shirts, and a schedule. If you have any questions about registration, please contact DCE Heather McCormick at dceheather@faithlutherantopeka.org.

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On the Radar: LCMS Youth Gathering

The next LCMS Youth Gathering is in 2022, but the information is starting to roll out now! Save the dates, and bookmark the Kansas District webpage for updates.

CFLC Recommends: Devotions on the Small Catechism John Buttenhoff, Children’s and Family Life Committee

October brings us cooler temperatures, fall colors, and Reformation Day, which celebrates the day Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the Wittenberg church. As Lutherans, we’re very grateful for the steps that Martin Luther took to help us understand that we are saved by grace, not by works, so that we all may live with that peace and not be worried about if we’ll ever be good enough to get to heaven. Luther penned many things, but one book that we as Lutherans use as much as anything he wrote is the Small Catechism. It’s a mainstay if you’re a Lutheran, used as a teaching tool for our children to help them learn and understand the Lutheran faith. This month, the Children’s and Family Life Committee decided to focus on the Small Catechism, and with that in mind, we’ve chosen to feature Devotions on the Small Catechism (CPH). If you’re like me, you may have trouble finding a good devotion book that can keep you going and that helps you in your personal walk with Christ and also has a bit of a Lutheran background.

Devotions on the Small Catechism is about a 75-day daily devotional. It takes you through each part of the Catechism a small portion at a time. Each day you get a little bit of the Catechism and “What does this mean?” which most of us will recall from Wednesday-night study as kids. It also goes a little deeper each day into what Luther says about each part, which was very interesting for me, as it gives a little more background about why Luther believes what he does about each part of the Catechism. Each devotion also includes a personal situation that helps tie in the devotion to your daily life. If you haven’t been through the Small Catechism, I would suggest you get a copy of that along with this book and go through them together. If you’ve already gone through this devotional or would like some other books that address the Small Catechism, we have a few alternative resources that are also really good.

• Luther’s Small Catechism: A Manual for Discipleship, John T. Pless • Luther’s Small Catechism with Explanation, Visual Edition • Praying Luther’s Small Catechism, John T. Pless

If you start this book soon and work through it daily, you’ll finish around Christmas, just in time for someone to buy you another one. Being grounded in Luther’s Catechism and in the word of God will help you in your daily walk with Christ and will also help you as a parent to lead your kids and be able to explain your faith to them and why you feel as you do about your faith.

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Caring Ministry

Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) News Donna Williams, Kansas District Disaster Response Coordinator | ksddrc@gmail.com

DISASTER RESPONSE UPDATES IOWA Work is ongoing in the wake of the August derecho. In the words of a veteran responder, “This is the worst damage I have ever seen.” Our prayers continue for those affected and the volunteers serving in Iowa.

Chainsaw operators and other volunteers are still needed. Following are the contacts:

• Jason Koepnick IED LERT Chainsaw Coordinator (his wife Joy is helping coordinate jobs): 319-360-0780

• Daniel Sanchez Camp Director of Camp Iodiseca; also on District Staff and Assistant DDRC: 319-389-0120. Has some rooms available and parking for RV’s and trailers; centrally located and open roads; camp also has extensive tree damage.

LOUISIANA AND ALABAMA Groups are moving east across country to lend a hand in the aftermath of hurricanes Laura and Sally. Contacts for Louisiana and Alabama are:

• Sulfur, LA: John Ketterer, DCE: 586-945-3856 • Southern Alabama & Florida panhandle: Rev. Ed Brashier: 205-296-

3714 There is a need for LERT-trained volunteers and LERT teams in these areas. Most of the work is chainsaw operations and support, although there are many other volunteer opportunities. IMPORTANT NOTE: DO NOT TRAVEL TO ANY OF THESE SITES UNTIL YOU HAVE CONTACTED THE APPROPRIATE COORDINATORS! They are the only people who are fully in the know regarding the day-to-day needs in their areas. ON THE CALENDAR 2020 Kansas District Pastors Conference October 4-6, 2020 Courtyard Marriott, Junction City, KS DDRC will be onsite Monday, Oct. 5 LERT Leadership Team Zoom Meeting November 14, 2020, 9-11 a.m. Watch for an email with the agenda and the login link. I have to admit, as I’ve watched the news, fielded emails and talked with DDRC’s in the areas affected by the hurricanes and other devastating storms, I have, at times, felt helpless and restless. I sit at my desk and I read emails from colleagues and responders who are on the front lines of relief and recovery efforts, and I want to be there. I just want to load my gear and go! But I know that God has me right where he needs me. I have a job to do in my corner of the world. It may not be with my chainsaw in hand, in the throes of active hands-on work, but it is work He has given me, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to encourage, organize and pray on behalf of my brothers and sisters who are working to restore hope to those affected. Indeed, God places His people strategically in the places where their gifts are best employed. When my turn comes to deploy, I will be ready to say, “Here am I. Send me!” Grace and Peace, Donna Williams Isaiah 6:8

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LERT Leadership Team Retreat February 26-27, 2021 Kansas District Retreat Center Watch your email for an agenda and details. (If you are currently on the Leadership Team list and wish to either be removed or suggest someone else to serve in your place, please let me know.)

Business Office Concordia Plans: Open Enrollment

Open enrollment for 2021 benefits with Concordia Plan Services is November 2 through November 20. Workers can enroll in a 403(b) retirement savings plan, supplemental life insurance, and health, dental and vision benefits. Benefit enrollment for workers will continue to take place within their personalized portals at ConcordiaPlans.org. Be on the lookout for a postcard mailing followed by an email from Concordia Plan Services early in October.

It will contain information about the portal, benefits and enrollment. Open enrollment is also a great time to check dependent information and update beneficiaries. Concordia Plan Services also encourages members to log in to their portals regularly to access new and important benefit solutions and to take advantage of useful retirement calculators. Remember, the deadline for open enrollment for 2021 benefits is Friday, November 20!

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Lutheran Witness Billings Billing statements for 2020-2021 Lutheran Witness subscriptions will be mailed to all subscribing congregations by October 9, 2020. Be sure to watch your mail for the statements! Payment is due by December 31, 2020. Include a remittance voucher with payment, noting the check is for Lutheran Witness subscriptions. Make checks payable to the LCMS Kansas District and send to:

LCMS Kansas District Attn: Shannon Fender 1000 SW 10th Avenue Topeka, KS 66604-1104

*No additional additions or cancellations will be taken for this subscription year. You can, however, still make address changes. If you need to update an address on your subscription list, please contact Shannon Fender at 785-357-4441, ext. 202 or shannon@kslcms.org for a change form.

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2021 Congregational Commitments

Every fall, congregations are given the opportunity to make a commitment to support our joint work in the Kansas District and the Synod for the upcoming year. This information is beneficial to the District Board of Directors as they finalize the ministry plan and budget for the upcoming fiscal year. We appreciate your prayerful consideration of your 2020 commitment! Congregational commitment forms were mailed to congregations at the end of September, along with an updated “Mission and Ministry” document and 2020 budget summary. You can find all those documents in digital form on the District website on the District Resources page. Please submit your 2020 form by the end of the year (January 15 at the latest) in any of the following ways:

• Email your form to Shannon Fender at shannon@kslcms.org, or call her at 785-357-4441, ext. 202 • Mail your form to LCMS Kansas District, 1000 SW 10th Ave, Topeka, KS 66604 • Fax your form to 785-357-5071

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LCEF A Note from Your DVP

Dear Kansas District Members

In the face of difficult circumstances resulting from the current global crisis, Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) wants to assure you that our commitment to our LCEF family remains steadfast and uncompromising.

LCEF has employed numerous financial tools to help our borrowers, including several specifically put in place by our COVID-19 Response Team. Needs are unique. So are the remedies. And we continue to look for more. Please contact me directly to discuss all options at jeffrey.maltz@lcef.org or 785-230-4112.

LCEF is also blessed to partner with The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) to provide financial assistance through our Synod’s Soldiers of the Cross program to church workers in crisis situations. Our LCEF funds, administered by each LCMS district office, will help ordained or commissioned ministers and laity serving congregations, schools and Recognized Service Organizations who find themselves with immediate unmet financial needs stemming directly or indirectly from the spread of the pandemic. To learn more about this program here in the Kansas District, visit the Coronavirus Resources page at kslcms.org.

LCEF’s ability to assist ministries and workers during these turbulent times is made possible through the blessing of many faithful investors. Through the decades, our investors have helped ministries build, grow and flourish. But our partnership is truly made for such a time as this. Thanks be to God for our investors.

“God is our refuge and strength, a present help in trouble. Therefore, do not fear!” (Psalm 46:1-2) Blessings,

Jeffrey Maltz jeffrey.maltz@lcef.org 785-230-4112 www.lcef.org IF YOU WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMATION ABOUT LCEF’S INVESTMENTS AND LOANS PLEASE CALL YOUR DVP JEFFREY MALTZ AT 785-230-4112/jeffrey.maltz@lcef.org OR VISIT LCEF.ORG. LCEF is a nonprofit religious organization; therefore, LCEF investments are not FDIC-insured bank deposit accounts. This is not an offer to sell investments, nor a solicitation to buy. LCEF will offer and sell its securities only in states where authorized. The offer is made solely by LCEF's Offering Circular. Investors should carefully read the Offering Circular, which more fully describes associated risks. LCEF StewardAccount®access features provided through UMB Bank n.a. Neither LCEF nor its representatives give legal, accounting or tax advice. Consult your tax advisor as to the applicability of this information to your own situation. UMB Bank serves as the custodian of the LCEF IRA/HSA.

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Featured: Connected by Christ

Around the District

St. John, Alma Celebrates 150 Years

St. John, Alma celebrated its 150th anniversary September 5-6, with the theme, “2020 Vision: It’s Still About Jesus.” President Justin Panzer, at left with Pr. Bob Grimm, preached for the celebration and assisted with drive-up communion—a special adaptation in this unusual year. Since St. John was founded, 2355 souls have been baptized, 1830 souls have confessed Christ in confirmation, 952 have been given Christian funerals, and 593 marriages have been blessed at the altar. Thanks be to God!

Upcoming Events OCTOBER Circuit Reformation Festival Sunday, October 25 | Immanuel Lutheran Church, Wichita Guest Preacher and Lecturer: Rev. Dr. Carl Fickenscher, Professor of Pastoral Ministry and Missions, Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne Divine Service at 4 p.m.; banquet at 5:30 p.m.; lecture at 6:15 p.m. Contact: Rev. Geoff Boyle, pastor.boyle@gmail.com. For more details, see the event page on the Grace Lutheran Church website.

Circuit 8 Reformation Service and Presentation Sunday, October 25 | St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, Manhattan Guest Preacher and Presenter: Rev. Dr. Gregory P. Seltz, Executive Director of the Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty Worship at 2 p.m.; presentation at 3:30 p.m. Contact: Circuit Visitor Rev. Larry Boye, larryboye@hotmail.com

NOVEMBER Grace, Liberal: 75th Anniversary Sunday, November 8

Grace Lutheran Church in Liberal, Kansas, is celebrating its 75th anniversary November 8 with a worship service at 10:30 a.m., followed by a meal and celebration. Kansas District President Justin Panzer will be the guest preacher. Visit www.gracelutheran-ks.org for information or call 620-624-5900.

Index

Green & Gold Days Recruitment Event

ST. LOUIS, Sept. 21, 2020—College students and men and women considering a second career in ministry are invited to participate in Concordia Seminary, St. Louis’ virtual Green & Gold Days event, set for 2–4 p.m. (CST) Saturday, Nov. 14. Green & Gold Days normally are full-day events that provide a quick opportunity for prospective students to visit campus and see all the Seminary offers. While usually these are in-person visits, the November event will be held online because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“Green and Gold Days are opportunities for participants to learn more about financial aid, housing and other essential information any incoming student will want to know,” said Director of Ministerial Admissions Rev. Bill Wrede. “A highlight, even online, remains a panel discussion with current students about their experiences and insights. We will pack a lot into our two hours together and will follow up with individual appointments.”

A link to join the event will be provided to registrants before Nov. 14.

The event is free, and the registration deadline is Nov. 11. Interested participants can learn more and register at csl.edu/greengold. For more information, contact Enrollment at admit@csl.edu or 800-822-9545.

Individual visits also can be scheduled. Learn more at csl.edu/visit.

About Concordia Seminary Concordia Seminary, St. Louis provides Gospel-centered graduate-level theological education for pastors, missionaries, deaconesses, scholars and other leaders in the name of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS). To learn more, visit csl.edu.

District Office Directory

President’s Office • Rev. Justin Panzer, President: kspres@kslcms.org, 785-357-4441, ext. 200 • Tami Lierz, Administrative Assistant: tami@kslcms.org, 785-357-4441, ext. 200

Missions & Stewardship • Rev. Dan Galchutt, Assistant to the President for Missions & Stewardship: dangalchutt@kslcms.org,

785-357-4441, ext. 222 • Janet Powell, Administrative Assistant (Missions): janet@kslcms.org, 785-357-4441, ext. 223 • Shannon Fender, Administrative Assistant (Stewardship): shannon@kslcms.org, 785-357-4441, ext. 202

Education & Youth • Jim Bradshaw, Assistant to the President for Education and Youth: jbradshaw@kslcms.org, 785-357-4441,

ext. 200 • Tami Lierz, Administrative Assistant (calls; rosters/stats; events): tami@kslcms.org, 785-357-4441, ext.

200 • Janet Powell, Administrative Assistant (general school support): janet@kslcms.org, 785-357-4441, ext.

223 Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF)

• Jeffrey Maltz, LCEF Vice President, Kansas/Oklahoma: jeffrey.maltz@lcef.org, 785-357-4441, ext. 118 Business Office

• Heather Williams, Business Manager: heather@kslcms.org, 785-357-4441, ext. 204 • Shannon Fender, Administrative Assistant: shannon@kslcms.org, 785-357-4441, ext. 202

Communications • Kris Bruss, Communications Specialist, kbruss@kslcms.org, 785-357-4441, ext. 322

Mission Development Counselor • Rev. Dr. Brent Smith, Mission Central, brent.smith@lcms.org, 703-713-2851

Retreat Center Reservations • Shannon Fender, Administrative Assistant: shannon@kslcms.org, 785-357-4441, ext. 202

District Archives • Mike Grau: archives@kslcms.org