Looking for a fun, affordable, and Lutheran VBS program?
Check out “River of Life” from the Lutheran Heritage Foundation, a week-long VBS curriculum highlighting five favorite Bible stories featuring water: creation, Noah and the ark, the crossing of the Red Sea, Jonah and the baptism of Jesus. The curriculum uses craft materials most churches have readily available, and best of all, the program is […]
Schools Connecting Through Social Media
Schools Connecting Through Social Media
In the “information age,” social media outlets have become a favorite way to share pictures and news. For organizations, social media tools can also give a glimpse of culture and personality; that is, a quick look at a Facebook page can provide a sense of what it’s like to be “part” of that organization. Our Mid-South District Lutheran Schools have certainly caught on to this notion and they are making the most of the opportunities that social media provides.
Facebook is the tool of choice for our Lutheran schools. Nearly all of our elementary schools in the Mid-South District have a presence on Facebook – and they do an amazing job of keeping those pages updated with current information and wonderful pictures. November and December were especially busy months, with numerous posts from Thanksgiving and Christmas programs and student outreach projects. Parents love to “like” and share these pictures with friends and family, giving others a look at the vibrant life of their child’s Lutheran school. In the Mid-South District, Lutheran elementary school Facebook pages have a combined 6,286 “likes” – that’s an impressive number of connections being made!
Hats off to our Lutheran Schools and Early Childhood Centers on their outstanding social media efforts. Together, they provide an exciting and inspiring look at Lutheran education in the Mid-South District.
Immanuel Lutheran School Is Taking LCEF’s Young Investors Club to the Next Level
Immanuel Lutheran School Is Taking LCEF’s Young Investors Club to the Next Level
When Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) introduced a new investment option for kids in 2013 called the Young Investors (Y.I.) Club, the Mid-South District responded with much excitement. But one ministry embraced the program with an exceptional amount of enthusiasm. Immanuel Lutheran School in Memphis saw the Y.I. Club as an opportunity not only for teaching kids about managing financial gifts, but also for fellowship and leadership.
Lutheran Schools Week
Lutheran School Week
January 25-31, 2015
Across Arkansas, Tennessee and southern Kentucky, young minds are growing and lives are being touchedby Christ through the impact of our Lutheran Schools. Did you know?…
2015-19th Regular Convention-LCMS
The 19th Regular ConventionMid-South District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
Memphis, TN
***OFFICIAL NOTICE and MAILING*** download documents
Friday, June 26, 2015 (mid-afternoon) to Sunday, June 28, 2015 (mid-afternoon)
NOTICE TO ALL CONGREGATIONS:
Please remember the following deadlines to submit nomination ballots and convention resolutions:
NOMINATION BALLOTS FOR DISTRICT PRESIDENTDeadline: FEBRUARY 26, 2015
To be sent to the Mid-South District SecretaryReverend Lane ReuterMid-South District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod1675 Wynne RoadCordova, TN 38016
NOMINATION BALLOT FOR CIRCUIT VISITORS & NOMINATION FOR DISTRICT SECRETARYDeadline: MARCH 26, 2015
To be sent to the Mid-South District PresidentReverend Dr. Roger PaavolaMid-South District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod1675 Wynne RoadCordova, TN 38016
OVERTURES TO BE PRESENTED TO THE DISTRICT CONVENTIONDeadline: MARCH 26, 2015
To be sent to the Mid-South District PresidentReverend Dr. Roger PaavolaMid-South District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod1675 Wynne RoadCordova, TN 38016
Learn more dowload the below documents:
***OFFICIAL NOTICE and MAILING***
2015-19th Regular Convention-LCMS
The 19th Regular ConventionMid-South District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
Memphis, TN
***OFFICIAL NOTICE and MAILING*** download documents
Friday, June 26, 2015 (mid-afternoon) to Sunday, June 28, 2015 (mid-afternoon)
NOTICE TO ALL CONGREGATIONS:
Salem Lutheran Ministries of northwest arkansas
Salem Lutheran Ministries of Northwest Arkansas
Salem Lutheran Church, an Anglo congregation in Springdale, AR, has been blessed through a growing partnership with a Latino mission congregation, Cristo Para Todos. Under the leadership of Rev. Tardeli …
Rev. David Hormann
Welcome Rev. David Hormann – Executive Director for Missions and Ministry
Grace and Peace to you, in Christ Jesus! I am David Hormann. I come to serve here as a man with a past – past experiences, joys, hurts and life. Some answers were learned; definitely a lot of questions still unanswered. My past began in Millington Tennessee; the place of my birth and my earliest memories. Life continued with a sojourn to Minnesota when I was still a youngster. Life there did include bitter winters, but also a time of learning from great women and men of God at Trinity Lutheran Church and School in Waconia and Lutheran High School in Mayer. My experiences and times in the blessings of our Lutheran schools formed me be a δοῦλος Χριστοῦ – servant of Christ . For that I am eternally grateful. During that time, precisely the fourth grade, I met my future bride, Cindy. Our first date was in our junior year of high school. We were married in 1984. God blessed us with two incredible sons. We all worked in the family excavating business; yep I was a grave digger and septic installer. And life was great. Forty acres, chubby children, respect in the church and community, seats on various boards and great responsibilities were our life. Then there was a new pull, a pull that moved us all to Saint Louis for seminary. Our eldest son was not pleased. Maybe some of you can relate.
Madagascar Technology Task Force
Funding Goal Surpassed! Thank You for Support and Prayers!
Dear Friend of the Mid-South District,
It is with great joy and thanksgiving that I share with you that the “Madagascar Technology Task Force” campaign surpassed its $8,000 funding goal. …
Festival of Hope 2014 – Trinity/HOPE
Festival of Hope – 2014
Trinity/HOPE’s second annual Festival of HOPE was a great success!
God blessed the day with blue skies and beautiful weather although a little chilly to enjoy all the festivities including a Superhero 5K, Corn Hole tournament, kids games, face paintings, great food and outstanding musicians. Sponsors and vendors rallied to participate and to really make the day special. Our goals to increase awareness of our mission work and raise money to feed the children were met and succeeded all while everyone truly seemed to have a fantastic time.
We raised enough money to provide over 10,000 meals for the children in our schools. The Festival of HOPE involved a lot of wonderful volunteers who came with servant hearts. It was a great way to take the church outside the formal walls of the church building and interact one on one with the people in the community. Most of the musicians were all affiliated with local churches such as Rhythm City and Emmanuel who shared their amazing talent. Thank you for donating your time and talent while spreading the Gospel. If you would like to learn more about Trinity/HOPE or to make a donation, please visit our website at www.trinityhope.org.
contributed by:: Denise Gudlin
trinityhopehaiti
65th anniversary of his ordination – Reverend Norman Groteluschen
65th anniversary of his ordination – Reverend Norman Groteluschen
SAVE THE DATE – Sunday, October 26
RSVP BY OCT. 13
On Sunday, October 26, we will honor our dear friend, shepherd and pastor — Reverend Norman Groteluschen — on the 65th anniversary of his ordination into the ministry with a dinner at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 5296 Park Avenue, Memphis.
The dinner, open to all friends and family across the District, will begin at 5PM, and will feature highlights from Pastor Groteluschen’s Spirit-filled, fruit-bearing ministry. After the dinner, we will join in the sanctuary for an observance of the Reformation at 6:30PM, with Pastor Chuck Neugebauer as the proclaimer.
Concordia Plan Services-2015 Health Plan Updates
Concordia Plan Services – update
Concordia Plan Services continually evaluates the products and services that we offer including the services available through our vendor partners. After careful consideration, we’re happy to announce that Fidelity was…
Prepare for Circuit Forums
It’s Time to … Prepare for Circuit Forums
It is time to begin your congregation’s preparations for the 2016 convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
It all starts close to home with preparations for a circuit forum, soon to be scheduled by your circuit visitor. The forum will handle 2015 district convention business and matters related to the 2016 Synod convention. An official voters meeting of your congregation prior to the circuit forum will be required.
Four Essential ItemsThe following four items should appear on the agenda of your voters meeting:• Designation of two representatives to attend the circuit forum• Nomination of candidates for circuit visitor for the 2015–2018 triennium• Participation in the triennial process for determining the Synod’ priorities• Election of your congregation’s delegates to your district convention
More Information to ComeWatch for the next four postcard mailings. Each will provide helpful information regarding one of these agenda items. For now, be sure to identify an appropriate date to hold your congregation’s meeting.
More info at www.lcms.org/convention/postcardmailings
New Testament Course – Rev. Kenneth Taglauer – June 14-July 19, 2014 Grace Lutheran Church
Mid-South District Deacon Program – New Testament Course – Rev. Kenneth Taglauer – June 14-July 19, 2014 – Grace Lutheran Church
Course Description
This course is to acquaint students with the general doctrinal contents and a broad outline…
“Free to Serve” AR Region Youth July 3 – 6, 2014
“Free to Serve”
July 3 – July 6 for Jr and Sr High Youth
Hosted by Christ Lutheran Church, Little Rock AR We will be serving the community of Little Rock thru service projects and aiding in Tornado Relief throughout the weekend while spending time in…
Central Arkansas Tornado Relief – Memorial Day Weekend Servant Event Update
Volunteers Help With Central Arkansas Tornado Relief During Memorial Day Weekend
This past Memorial Day weekend was the initial servant event for our District congregations (and others from around Synod) to help families in the communities of Central …
Cheryl Geyer named 2014 LEA Distinguished Lutheran Early Childhood Teacher
Cheryl Geyer named 2014 LEA Distinguished Lutheran Early Childhood Teacher
Cheryl Geyer was selected to receive Lutheran Education Association’s 2014 Distinguished Lutheran Early Childhood Teacher award. Ms. Geyer is kindergarten teacher and early childhood department leader at Christ the King Lutheran School in Memphis, Tenn. She has also been honored as WREG Television Teacher of the Week in 2013.
Cheryl earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in early childhood education from Concordia University Chicago. She has previously served Lutheran schools in Illinois, Indiana, Texas, and Arizona. She has spoken extensively at teachers conferences and written regularly for Lutheran schools. Cheryl was selected by the Early Childhood Network Leadership Team.
In support of Cheryl’s nomination, one of Ms. Geyer’s colleagues said, “Cheryl is a true professional who makes a difference with children, adults, and Christ the King Lutheran School. Her guidance is motivating to all. She allows Christ to rule her life, and it exemplifies into every aspect of Christ the King [Lutheran School].
Treasurers’ Workshop – REGISTER NOW!
Treasurers’ Workshop
Please respond by January 3, 2015
REGISTER NOW!
Please mark your calendar to attend one of the Mid-South District Workshops. The Presenter for Treasurer’s morning session will be Mr. Charlie Rhodes, Executive Director of…
Statement Regarding Parsonage Allowance Court Case
November 2014
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 …
Concordia Seminary: Upcoming Multi Ethnic Symposium
Concordia Seminary: Upcoming Multi Ethnic Symposium
We will come together again January 27 – 28, 2014 as “Communities of Hope” to explore how ethnic communities confess that hope through diverse cultural expressions, as we celebrate both the differences among us and the unity of the faith that we share.
We foresee another good mix of theology and practice and of sharing common concerns and conversations across the spectrum of issues that can provide important opportunities for growth as the Body of Christ. May God bless our witness to our crucified and resurrected Savior so that all families of the earth will receive His blessing of salvation!
Please go to http://www.csl.edu/resources/continuinged for additional information and presenters.
Concordia Plan Services and IRS “Use-or-Lose” Rule
CPS helps explain IRS new rule on FSA
Concordia Plan Services (CPS) has developed talking points (here) to address the recent notice from the U.S. Department of Treasury and the IRS that modifies the “use-or-lose” rule for health flexible spending (FSA) arrangements. For the first time, at the employer’s option, employee’s participating in health FSAs will be allowed to roll over – instead of forfeiting – up to $500 of unused funds remaining at year-end if the employer elects to offer this new option. Employers electing the roll over option will have to have their cafeteria plan documents updated. Note, this new rollover is an alternative to the optional grace period (of up to 2.5 months); an employer cannot offer both a grace period and the rollover.
For more information about this modification, click here. Our team is here to help and serve you. General questions can be answered by our Call Center Representatives toll-free at 888-927-7526. For specific questions, contact our Personal Spending Account specialists, Diane Mottert at extension 6807 or Jason Williams at extension 6806.
Concordia Health Plan (CHP) Members
Website Dedicated to Helping Concordia Health Plan (CHP) Members
Concordia Plan Services (CPS) has created a website dedicated to helping Concordia Health Plan (CHP) members better understand the Affordable Care Act (ACA), or health care refor…
Impact District Sunday
“IMPACT Sunday” Is October 20
As announced in a recent letter to Mid-South District Pastors, Sunday, October 20 has been set aside as “IMPACT Sunday.” On this day, we will ask our congregations to share materials that introduce the District’s IMPACT p…
CARE-VAN 2013
CARE-VAN
November 15-16, 2013 will be the collection dates for Lutheran World Relief contributions through the Mid-South District CARE-VAN project.
LWR Challenge
LWR is challenging Lutherans across the U.S. to donate 500,000 quilts to send to peop…
Faith Lutheran Preschool
Faith Lutheran Preschool Receives Accreditation
NLSA Mid-South District representative Tom Geyer presented Faith Lutheran Preschool Directors, Dina Foshee and Ann Lipe with their National Lutheran Schools Accreditation certificate. Faith Lutheran Pre…