here

michigan
SEPTEMBER 2014
A publication of the Michigan District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
The Lutheran Witness Michigan District, LCMS Supplement
IN TOUCH
Photo courtesy of Edward Riojas, The Bay City Times/Mlive.com Archive
Great commission ministry
Hosting an
Art Gallery
“T
by Leonard Astrowski
hat’s very interesting. I’d love to see it.” So the
conversation turned.
We had been discussing many things: politics, weather,
where to find the best enchilada, cigars, the pros and
cons of various pieces of motorcycle gear, books read,
things written, and finally my vocation as a pastor. This
last topic, naturally directed our exchange toward where
I am privileged to serve as a pastor: Grace Evangelical
Lutheran Church in Fairgrove, Michigan.
To be a pastor of that church is a great blessing and
bestows upon me many privileges. Near the top of that
list is my being able to discuss the artwork that graces the
walls of that Holy Place where God Himself comes to be
among His people. The artwork, which is simple house
paint on plywood (to ensure durability), is in a word:
sublime. The artist, Mr. Edward Riojas of Our Savior,
continued on page 8
michigan
IN TOUCH
Rev. Dr. David P. E. Maier, President
Debby Fall, Editorial Manager
Official Periodical of the Michigan District
of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
September 2014, Volume 13. No. 8
ISSN: 1538-8115 (print)
ISSN: 2331-8619 (online)
Mike Beens, Art Director
Seth Hinz, Web/Media Director
©2014 Michigan District, LCMS, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan In Touch is published
monthly by the Michigan District and inserted into The Lutheran Witness and distributed
to subscribers 11 times a year. It is also available online at www.michiganintouch.com.
Reproduction of articles is permissible with written permission of the Michigan District
Communications Department and should give credit to Michigan In Touch. References
to resources and websites for further information are included in Michigan In Touch for
the potential use by individuals and congregations. Resources not associated with or
published by The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod or Concordia Publishing House® may
contain helpful programmatic information but may vary in doctrine from The Lutheran
Church—Missouri Synod. Please use discretion or consult your pastor on doctrinal issues.
Michigan District, LCMS
3773 Geddes Rd
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
888.225.2111
[email protected]
www.michigandistrict.org
Table of Contents
1
2
3
4
10
10
11
11
12
12
Great Commission Ministry
Great Compassion Ministry
Healthy Congregations
Healthy Church Workers
LLL
Congregation News
School News
Special Recognition
Calls and Roster Update
Calendar of Events
www.michiganintouch.com
1
Great comPASSION ministry
Faith Leads to Deeds on Behalf of
the Vulnerable and Defenseless
by Laura Kurella
achel (not her real name) shoved her cell phone in
her pocket, but continued to stare at the two
telephone numbers scribbled on a piece of paper given
to her by a classmate who found her crying in the girl’s
bathroom at school. One number was to a local abortion
clinic, the other to a pregnancy help line. She was totally
uncertain as to which number to dial. The decision was
hers, yet weighed so heavy on her heart that she was paralyzed by fear. She considered the odds against her: 17
years old, pregnant, and, besides her recently widowed
father, she was completely alone. New home, new school,
new everything, and now ... this.
Filled with deep regret, she tried to pray, but the words
just would not come. The guilt stopped her. She crumpled up the paper, as she knew one call would lead to
death for her unborn child and the other to life. If she
chose life, how would she ever be able to tell her father?
He was already grieving the loss of her mother, his wife.
Would he be angry? Would he make her put the baby up
for adoption?
What if she chose death? The
justifications raced through
her mind. “How would I even
be able to care for a child? Who
would help me know what to do?
How could I go through the excruciating pain of childbirth? Babies
need diapers, formula, clothing …
everything I would not be able to
provide.”
She knew she had to make a
decision. She retrieved the phone from her back pocket,
smoothed the scrap of paper, and dialed. After two rings,
a woman with a peaceful voice answered, “Pregnancy
Helpline. How may I assist you?”
Rachel took a deep breath, and for the very first time
thought, “Maybe, just maybe, I can do this,” and began
to talk.
Help for Life
“It’s easy for us to say that we’re in favor of ‘Life,’”
said Trinity, Sturgis member Amy Sarkkinen, “but if we
don’t do anything to help those who are struggling with
this issue, then we’re not helping.”
2
September 2014
photo courtesy of Laura Kurella
R
Trinity, Sturgis member Amy Sarkkinen coordinated this year’s
Lutherans For Life “Diaper Shower,” an annual event held to collect
items for those in need who choose “Life!”
“I think a Diaper Shower could be a great way to take
our beliefs and put them into action,” said Sarkkinen,
who served as coordinator of the month-long “Diaper
Shower” that Trinity threw to collect much-needed items
for the local Pregnancy Helpline center.
Each year, Lutherans For Life of Michigan (LFLMI)
sponsors an annual Statewide Diaper Shower event in an
effort to raise both awareness and support for those who
support life.
“It is a wonderful program,” said St. Joseph County
Michigan Pregnancy Helpline Director, Vicky Strang.
“We are extremely grateful for Trinity’s donations,
which numbered hundreds of much-needed diapers this
year along with other baby items. Their level of generosity directly impacts how much we can provide to our
community. Like other pregnancy centers, our focus is
not only assisting those who are expecting, but also those
who are already parents.”
“We offer free pregnancy tests,” Strang continued,“but
we also offer an incentive program that creates a way
continued on page 9
Healthy Congregations
The Little Church
that Could ...
and Did
B
by Dick Salzwedel
ethel, Grandville is a small church with an average
attendance of around 50 members on any given
Sunday; but being small does not mean you cannot reach
out to the community, spreading the Word that our real
independence came from Jesus Christ.
Awareness is Key
About five years ago, Bethel recognized that many
people use its parking lot for Grandville’s annual Fourth
of July parade and decided it was an excellent opportunity to spread the Word of God to a large number of
people. Members started out by putting Bethel Lutheran
labels on 300 bottles of water, which were given to the
nized a German dinner night, with bratwurst cooked in
beer as the main course and other members bringing in
their own favorite German dish. The turnout was great.
It was hard to believe that dinner was completed and
everything labeled in only an hour’s time—a wonderful
experience and great fellowship.
Ready … Set … Go!
During the parade, Bethel provided free parking, use
of the restrooms, a room for nursing mothers, tents for
shade along the parade route, and a tour of the church
for anyone who wanted one. Given away were over 300
bags of popcorn, 500 bottles of water, 650 hot dogs, 500+
Life Books, and hundreds of VBS invitations, along
with many verbal invitations to come to church. Fifteen
people signed up to receive a Bible and Vacation Bible
School information. Bethel received a bit of free publicity via the Facebook post of a dog rescue group because
of its dog drink station.
In less than 3 hours, the Good News was spread to
perhaps as many as 1,000 people by “the little church
that could.”
Dick Salzwedel has served on many different church
boards at St. Mark, Kentwood, Thrivent Financial
of Kent County, and presently is chairman of Bethel,
Grandville. Although semi-retired he remains president
of Grand General Insurance Agency.
occupants of vehicles entering the parking lot, along with
an invitation to come to church. This simple outreach
has grown each year and it also unexpectedly brought
members closer together as they worked together on this
outreach opportunity.
Organizing the Effort
Bethel planned to give out 650 free hot dogs, 500
bottles of water, popcorn, and many of the 1000 Life
Books provided by the Gideons. There was much work
to be done: the water and the Life Book all needed to
have special Bethel Lutheran labels.
Money seems to be a problem for many special projects, but not this one. Donations from organizations and
individual members of the church kept the cost minimal,
about $40. It was also supported by member volunteers,
who did much of the work. One Bethel member orgawww.michiganintouch.com
3
Healthy church Workers
Committed to Student Preparation
by Curt Gielow
D
uring the summer months the
campus of Concordia University Ann Arbor (CUAA) transforms
from a bustling student body scurrying between classes to a frantic period
of summer camps, construction projects, and facilities updates.
The historic old dilapidated barn
on the corner of Geddes Road and
Earhart Road has been renovated to
a beautiful red and white metal-sided
barn now serving as a billboard for
university identification as well as
the storage space for lawn equipment
and miscellaneous things that belong
in a barn. The CUAA name appears on two roof sides
while a large Cardinal mascot image faces the new football field to the east.
The new Pro-Grass synthetic football field, completed
in July, will now host all CUAA Cardinal home football games as well as soccer matches for the men’s and
women’s soccer programs. The first football game will
be held September 6, 2014 against Trinity International
University. A formal dedication of the field will be held
prior to the game. Everyone is invited to attend.
As reported in previous editions of this communication, two major projects on the campus continue in the
planning and fundraising phases. A significant remodeling and expansion of the Kreft Center for the Arts is
being planned and fundraising to match another donor
gift from Dr. and Mrs. Kreft is underway.
A very significant expansion of our gymnasium to
a much larger field house is also being planned. This
expansion will more than double the available building
4
September 2014
space and include a locker room, a weight room and exercise facility for athletes and students, a second basketball
floor (to allow intermural and athletic practices), as
well as more classrooms and office space. The classrooms will assist in lessening the growing congestion of
classroom spaces as the enrollment grows. We will also
begin a new academic program in Athletic Training as an
undergraduate major, with the idea that it can grow to a
master’s program in this field.
Please keep the university in your thoughts and
prayers. We are committed to preparing students for
service to Christ in the church and the world. Stop in for
a visit anytime.
Curtis C. Gielow has served as the chief executive
officer of the CUAA campus since its merger with
Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW) in July 2013.
Centenarian
Rev. Louis W. Grother
Called Home
R
ev. Louis W. Grother was born
in Paducah, Kentucky on July
10, 1914. He was the son of Rev.
William Grother and his wife Helene
née Loeber. She was the greatgranddaughter of Rev. G. H. Loeber
of Perry County Missouri, one of the
founders of The Lutheran Church–
Missouri Synod. Rev. Grother,
graduate of Concordia Seminary St.
Louis, Missouri, began his ministry in 1938 at St. Paul’s Lutheran
Church in Chicago, Ill. In 1939, he
was joined in marriage with his grade
school sweetheart Ruth née Budde.
In 1949, Rev. Grother was called
to Zion, Kalamazoo where he officially retired in 1979, yet continued
to serve the congregation until 1984.
In addition to his years of service at
Zion, he initiated campus ministry at
Western Michigan University, was a
chaplain for the Kalamazoo Police
and Fire Departments, and began
Zion’s radio ministry that continues
to reach out to southwest Michigan.
Rev. Grother served with care and
compassion for over 60 years as he
led chapel services at the largest
mental health institution in Michigan,
Kalamazoo Psychiatric Hospital. He
continued to preach there weekly
until a few weeks prior to his death.
Rev. Grother was known for
his ease of conversation, sense of
humor, making hospital calls, and
letter writing—including maintaining an 18-year correspondence with
killer, John List. He was a recipient
of the Irving S. Gilmore Lifetime
Achievement Award in 2011 in recognition of his benevolent manner,
dedication to the destitute, and commitment to treating all people equal.
On July 12, 2014, Rev. Louis W.
Grother, age 100, was called to his
heavenly home. He was preceded in
death by his wife, Ruth (1914-2003).
Rev. Louis W. Grother (1914-2014)
They have two children, William
and Mary, four grandchildren, and
nine great grandchildren.
How can we talk about heaven?
It is so beautiful there is no way to
describe it. But maybe this story will
help: a young girl was blind from
birth. As a teenager, her mother
found a doctor who said he could
perform a surgery that would give
her sight for the first time in her life.
After the surgery, they were ready
to take off the bandages, to find
out whether she could see or not.
Her mom wanted to wait until late
at night, fearing the light would be
overwhelming. They went outside
where there were no streetlights
and slowly took off the bandages.
The young girl looked up at the
sky, and the first light to reach her
eyes were stars in the night sky.
With tears streaming down her
face, she exclaimed, “Mother, why
didn’t you tell me the world was so
beautiful?” Her mom said, “There
was no way I could explain it—you
had to see it for yourself !” And so
it is with heaven—so beautiful but
indescribable. You have to see it to
understand!
–Rev. Grother’s favorite story to share in
funeral sermons. Contributed by colleague
Rev. Timothy Seeber.
www.michiganintouch.com
5
Faith&
2nd Edition
Finance
A Dialogue on Faith-Based Investing with CEF
Faith and Finance is a series of discussions about the role CEF investments can
play in the lives of Lutheran parishioners and congregations. In each installment,
the CEF team addresses common questions about CEF and our financial
products. If you would like to submit a question for consideration, e-mail us at
[email protected].
Q:
A:
Q:
A:
6
September 2014
How does CEF use my money?
Invested dollars are used first to fund mortgages, which support the
expansion of LCMS churches and other ministries throughout the Michigan
District. Remaining cash reserves are invested primarily in government
agencies’ securities, CDs, and highly rated corporate bonds.
Is my investment in CEF safe?
Investments at CEF cannot be covered
under the FDIC insurance program
because Church Extension Fund is a
ministry, not a bank. Your investment is
backed up by mortgages on loans made
to churches. In addition CEF maintains a
strong capital ratio well above the typical
banking requirements. No investor has
lost any of their investment dollars in
CEF’s 113 year history.
Q:
A:
Q:
A:
Q:
A:
Q:
A:
How often are investment interest rates set?
Investment interest rates are set monthly, based
on regional and national rates published by the
Bank Rate Monitor™. View all investment rates
online at www-mi-cef.org or call our Interest
Rate Line at 800-232-7313.
Will the interest rate go up if I increase
the principal amount invested?
Interest rates on Church Extension Fund Term
Notes are determined by the time period of the
investment, not on the dollar amount invested.
CEF does offer investment product with rates
that are tiered based on dollar amounts such
as the Dedicated Savings Accounts and
ExtensionPlus, a money market-like account.
See all of CEF product offerings online,
www.mi-cef.org/invesments.
What is the difference between Lutheran Church
Extension Fund and the Michigan District Extension Fund?
The Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) is headquartered in St Louis, Missouri,
and is Synod’s Church Extension Fund. The Michigan Church Extension Fund (CEF)
is the main source of Capital Funding for the Michigan District and is headquartered
in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Does CEF report interest earnings to the Internal Revenue Service?
Yes. All CEF investors will be issued a year-end statement and Form 1099-INT
showing the reportable interest.
WHY CEF?
PROVEN investment products, measurable results
DEDICATED Christian financial management since 1901
FOCUSED on funding the needs of Michigan District congregations
Contact CEF today to learn
Church Extension Fund • Michigan District of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod
how CEF can help with your
3773 Geddes Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105-3098 • www.mi-cef.org
retirement investments.
Offices: 800-242-3944 • Interest rates anytime: 800-232-7313
www.michiganintouch.com
7
Great commission ministry
continued from front cover
Mercy Seat and the carvings which adorned
Solomon’s Temple (2 Chronicles 3 and 4)?
Art communicates complex truths in a way
that language cannot.
Well Done Art Teaches
Photos courtesy of Edward Riojas, The Bay City Times/Mlive.com Archive
Grand Rapids, based this work on the Martin Schalling
Hymn "Lord Thee I Love with All My Heart" (Lutheran
Service Book, 708). Known as The Resurrection
Polyptych, the artist uses color and scale to capture the
essence of the hymn and Revelation, Chapter 7. It is beautiful, and it is big. The piece consists of several panels
that begin in the Narthex, extend along the wall from
the entrance of the Nave to the Chancel, and end behind
the Altar with three panels depicting the Holy Trinity
(Jesus being the largest and closest to the Altar). The
work simply takes one’s breath away, because the artist
has immersed you in it. Those who encounter it for the
first time are at first awe-struck by its size and beauty and
then, almost universally, reach for their cameras (yes,
we have found a salutary use for cell-phones in church).
The artwork communicates visually what takes place
during the Divine Service. It is, if you will, a window
into heaven.
The Purpose of Art in Church
That’s what art, especially church art, is supposed
to be. Art translates realities that are often not easily
defined into a realm that can be captured by our senses.
How wonderful that the reality of the saints enjoying
the unending feast of the Lamb is depicted for us as we
partake of that same Lamb in the foretaste of the feast to
come. How powerful it is to be able to explain to visitors that what we celebrate here results in just that: Saints
who, with joyful eyes, see the Son of God’s glorious face.
Art has been used in this way for a very, very long
time. Do you remember the carved Cherubim over the
8
September 2014
Unfortunately, all too often art is an afterthought in churches. It can be expensive. Art
can be subjective and contentious. Churches
with budgets already stretched thin are often
left with blank off-white walls ready to be
filled with a potpourri of well-intentioned but
disunified pieces. As time passes, the blank
walls are slowly covered with individually
selected pieces that are ill-equipped to reflect
the glory of what occurs in the Sanctuary.
On the other hand, well done art communicates. For centuries illiterate people learned,
in part, by what they saw on the walls of their
churches. You may recall the great altarpieces, carved pulpits and reredos, and walls covered
with scenes from the life of Christ. We readily board
airplanes to see such things. Many of our churches were
once painted with images of the Holy Spirit overhead,
or with angels poised above the Altar heralding the One
who brings peace to His people on Earth. These angels
remained proclaiming God’s glory until modern sentiments covered them with the ubiquitous off-white. Well
done art is one of several sensory elements that reflect
the reality born by the Word and grasped by faith (which
is why we do, and should, obsess about things such as
hymnody).
Well done art teaches. What do these symbols represent? Why did the artist (or hymn writer) include that item
(or use that word)? Art begins discussion. Art extends
discussion. Art invites thoughtful reflection. Art invites
study. Any serious art student must study the religious art
of past ages, just as any serious musician must study the
Great comPASSION ministry
And then from death awaken me
That these mine eyes with joy may see,
O Son of God, Thy glorious face,
My Savior and my fount of grace,
Lord Jesus Christ, my prayer attend,
my prayer attend,
And I will praise Thee without end. (LSB 708 v. 3b)
works of Johann Sebastian Bach. So powerful was Bach’s
musical proclamation of the Gospel that in some circles
he is called the “Fifth Evangelist.” Art of the church
that is well done confesses (as in the case of Bach’s
music, which is without parallel in its beauty, power, and
confession of Christ). The artwork that adorns the walls
of Grace is clearly and powerfully Christian. Although
I cannot see it from the perspective of an unbeliever, so
clear is its confession in paint that I cannot fathom how
anyone could interpret it as anything other than Christian.
The deeper you look into the elements of the images, the
deeper you are drawn into the truth of Scripture. We are
able to “read” the walls that point us clearly and beautifully to Jesus Christ—the Word Incarnate, the Word made
manifest, the Word made alive in flesh.
“Come see our artwork.” The conversation continues.
Not everyone comes. But everyone, when the conversation turns to art, hears of our polyptych (series of four or
more panels). They also hear of what it represents—they
hear of Who it represents. They hear of the Christ who
gives life to the dead.
Isn’t that, finally, what this discussion is all about?
Rev. Leonard A. Astrowski, Jr. is pastor of Grace,
Fairgrove.
continued from page 2
to earn points, which are given for completing study
programs on various subjects including pregnancy, nutrition, religion, and childcare. The points are then used to
purchase premium items at the center and the program
is open to both expectant mothers and parents with children up to the age of two.”
Rev. Russell Peterson, Trinity’s administrative pastor,
said that the Church is compelled by God’s Word to
speak and act on behalf of those who are vulnerable and
defenseless. “Taking part in a project such as this, one
that puts our faith into action in our community, is not
only a great way to express our beliefs, but also make a
positive difference in the lives of those who cannot help
themselves.”
Trinity’s Diaper Shower ran from Mother’s Day through
Father’s Day and collected hundreds of diapers and baby
care products. The statewide total was 29,015 diapers
reported by 28 congregations who held diaper showers
for pregnancy crisis centers in their communities.
To learn more ways you can support Life, visit www.
lflmi.org.
Laura Kurella is an administrative assistant to the
pastors at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sturgis, Mich.
http://www.trinitylutheransturgis.com
The 2014 Lutherans For Life National Conference
theme is Matters of the Heart and will take place
October 24-25, 2014 at St. Matthew, Grand Rapids.
Its aim is to help people better understand that LIFE
issues are not political issues, but spiritual issues that
have been politicized. These issues touch people’s very
souls. They challenge their faith. Come and learn about
effectively engaging the culture for LIFE with the
Gospel of Jesus Christ. See the connection between this
message of forgiveness and hope on issues like abortion
and assisted suicide. The conference offers great speakers, wonderful workshops, and life-affirming fellowship.
For more information, or to register, visit www.lutherans
forlife.org/conference.
St. Matthew, Grand Rapids
www.michiganintouch.com
9
LLL
Congregation News
Sharing Special Moments Across the Miles
LLL Camp Arcadia Retreat
There is still time to register for the 69th annual Lutheran
Laymen’s League Lutheran Hour Ministries Arcadia
Retreat set for September 4-7, 2014 at Camp Arcadia set
on 110 acres of lakefront and woodland property, nestled
in northwestern Michigan dune and orchard country.
This year’s retreat will feature Rev. Dr. Thomas R.
Ahlersmeyer, former president of Concordia University
Ann Arbor, as speaker and lecturer. Dr. Ahlersmeyer
currently serves as senior pastor of Holy Cross Lutheran
Church and School in Fort Wayne, Ind. Chaplains are
Rev. David Schmidt, pastor of St. Paul, Royal Oak, and
Rev. Trevor Sutton, assistant pastor at St. Luke, Haslett.
The schedule includes a variety of social and spiritual
experiences, including Vespers and Matins. There are
invigorating lectures and activities designed to bring
the retreater closer to God. The camp facilities include
a basketball court, tennis courts, baseball/soccer field, a
low ropes course, a Craft Shop, Nature activities, hiking
trails, shuffleboard courts, and an expanse of unbroken
shoreline for exploring and enjoying.
Other highlights of the retreat include discussion groups,
a golf outing, a softball game, memorial service, talent
night, and afterglow. The retreat closes with a spirited
Sunday worship service followed by a farewell brunch.
All laymen are welcome to attend. Membership with
Lutheran Hour Ministries is not required, but encouraged.
For more information, or to register, call 231.889.4361.
David Marasus will again be
serving as music program
coordinator at the 69th
annual Lutheran Laymen's
League Lutheran Hour
Ministries Arcadia Retreat,
which is set for September
4–7 at Camp Arcadia.
10
September 2014
When Baptism arrangements were made for infant
Walter Eagan Brakora, grandparents Betsy (and Dave)
French, members of Christ Our King, Saline, hoped for
all of their children to be in attendance. Unfortunately, the
chosen godparents were currently living in Costa Rica and
unable to attend. When asked, Rev. Thomas Schroeder
graciously allowed the use of technology. Pictured is
Bethany French holding an iPad to Skype godparents,
Russell and Catherine French, into the blessed event.
Walther League and Young Adults Reunion
The 30th annual Walther League and Young
Adults reunion will be held on September 27, 2014
at the Bavarian Inn Lodge, One Covered Bridge Lane,
Frankenmuth. Fellowship time begins at 11 a.m. A buffet
chicken dinner is scheduled for noon and the program
closes at 3 p.m. Come and join us for food, fellowship,
merriment, and reminiscing.
The program will be based on Wheat Ridge Ministries.
Many years ago, Walther Leaguers distributed Wheat
Ridge Christmas seals within their congregations and
collected funds in support of the TB Sanitarium in
Colorado. Since tuberculosis has diminished, Wheat
Ridge Ministries has emphasized new services. President
of Wheat Ridge Ministries, Dr. Richard Herman, and
Senior Vice-President Brian Becker will share the
vital link between Walther League and Wheat Ridge
Ministries.
Send your reservations and check for $20/person ,
payable by September 18, to:
Elna Kempff
3352 Mallard Drive
Reese, MI 48757
or, call Elna at 989.868.9921. Please
include the list of names and addresses with maiden names where applicable.
School News
Special Recognition
Over 38,000 Arrive at Summer Bible Camp
The Rickshaw was a common form of transportation in
India and has special significance to Mission India and
the 2014 Hearts for Jesus campaign. Mission India sees it
as a picture of India’s past and for the Michigan District,
it is a symbol to children in its schools and early childhood centers who raised over $40,000 so that children in
India could attend a summer Bible Camp. The net result
of this effort made it possible for over 38,000 thousand
children to attend one of the Mission India Bible camps
to be either introduced to Jesus for the first time or learn
more about Him. We are thankful that God continues to
give Lutheran schools opportunities to ensure heaven is
full and hell empty come Judgment Day.
Superintendent of Michigan District Schools, Dr. Bruce Braun, presents
the Hearts for Jesus check to Jennifer VanderMeulen of Mission India.
Christian Named 2014 Principal of the Year
The Michigan District, LCMS Lutheran Principals
have recognized Bob Christian of Immanuel, Macomb as
2014 Principal of the Year.
Christian recently retired after 39 years in Lutheran
education, the last 34 years invested at Immanuel. He
was recognized by his peers not only for his leadership at Immanuel, but for his
service to Macomb County.
Christian has been involved
as treasurer of the Macomb
County Principals, served as a
coordinator for joint purchases
through Hospital Purchasing
Service, and was actively
involved in professional development for school administrators. He also was active in
Immanuel’s music ministry and could often be found
singing or enhancing worship with his wife Lynn. They
have been blessed with three adult children.
Colleague Joel Neumeyer shares: “Bob faithfully led
Immanuel for 34 years. His passion, faith, and kindness helped him develop bonds with students, families,
and staff that will continue to last for years to come. His
ministry at Immanuel has truly blessed countless people
and he will be tremendously missed. We know he will
enjoy his retirement as he spends time with his wife, kids,
and grandkids. Well done, good and faithful servant!”
Special Recognition
Llewellyn Installed at
Hubbard Lake
In July, Rev. Joseph J. Llewellyn
was installed as the new pastor of
St. Paul, Hubbard Lake. Vacancy
Pastor, Rev. David Spaeth, served
as Liturgist and Rev. Dennis Neigh
of Good Shepherd, Ossineke and
Faith, Harrisville served as Lector.
The sermon was given by Rev. Alan
Eisinger of Holy Cross, Warren.
Circuit Visitor, Rev. Jason Mandley
of St. John, Hillman, was the Officiant. Other pastors came to give
their blessings. After the service, a
dinner was given to honor and celebrate Rev. Llewellyn.
Front row: Deacon Allan Kersten, Rev. Jason Mandley, Rev. Joseph Llewellyn, Rev. Earl Elowsky,
Rev. James Erickson. Center row: Rev. Barton Gray, Rev. David Spaeth, Rev. Dennis Neigh, Rev.
Paul Reudiger, Rev. Andrew Loesel. Back row: Rev. Joshua Kettlesen, Rev. Jack Ferguson, Rev.
Alan Eisinger, Rev. Richard Rossow
www.michiganintouch.com
11
Calls and Roster Update Calendar of Events
ORDAINED
Calls Accepted
Gnewuch, Carl M. (Birmingham) to Prince of Peace, Springfield, VA
Hahn, Daniel A. (Sebewaing) to St. John’s, Pittsburgh, PA
Johnson, Russell D. (Nashville, IL) to St. Luke, Clinton Twp.
Northend, William A. (Grand Blanc) to Faith, Sonoma Valley, CA
Schilke, Stephen E. (Bay City) to IIP, Faith, Port Huron
Schroeder, Martin L. (Mason) to IIP St. Paul, Glen Burnie, MD
Sutton, A. Trevor (Assistant, St. Luke, Haslett) to Associate, St. Luke, Haslett
Walsh, Jeffrey B. (Associate, St. Paul, Flint) to Senior, St. Paul, Flint
Wentzel, Michael W. (Ann Arbor) to St. Mark, Kentwood
Change of Status
Clemons, Daniel F. (Newberry) to Emeritus
Eilers, Gregory J. (Port Hope) To Emeritus
Lubeck, Thomas M. (Livonia) to Emeritus
Roper, R. William (Jackson) to Emeritus
Tosien, Carl F. (Hemlock) to Emeritus
Resigned from Roster
Fanning, Corliss A.
Knoerr, Rodney H.
Called Home
Grother, Louis W.
COMMISSIONED
Calls Accepted
Bobowski, Ben (Concordia, Mequon) to Our Savior, Lansing
Chester, Thomas (St. Mark, Kentwood) to St. Luke, Haslett
Grim, Rebecca (St. John, Port Hope) to St. John-Emmanuel,
Monroeville, IN
Kratz, Joshua (Lutheran High North, Macomb) to Holy Cross,
Fort Wayne, IN
Noelker, James (Concordia, Mequon) to Lutheran High School
Association – Lutheran High School, Westland
Prusak, Kathleen (Holy Ghost, Monroe) to St. Luke, Clinton Township
Wascher, Erin (Concordia Chicago) to St. Lorenz, Frankenmuth
Change of Status
Beringer, Gloria (Christ the King, Sebewaing) to Emeritus
Christian, Robert (Immanuel, Macomb) to Emeritus
Dressler, Ronald (Bethlehem, Saginaw) to Emeritus
Garcia, Adan (St. Paul, Flint) to Non-Candidate
Fechik, Carol (Trinity, Paw Paw) to Emeritus
Gierach, Raymond (Lutheran High North, Macomb) to Emeritus
Hoerauf, Karen (St. John, Fraser) to Emeritus
Paselk, Renate (St. Peter, Macomb) to Emeritus
Riske, Ralph (Zion, Auburn) to Emeritus
Sohn, Miriam (Our Savior, Lansing) to Emeritus
Strohacker, Charles (Christ, Stevensville) to Emeritus
Volz, Karen (St. Lorenz, Frankenmuth) to Emeritus
Wagner, Erin (St. John, Fraser) to Non-Candidate
Westendorf, Karen (Trinity, Utica) to Emeritus
Wilke, Nancy (St. Michael’s, Richville) to Emeritus
Transfer out of District
Abraham, Caleb (St. Peter, Hemlock) to Florida-Georgia District
Abraham, Emily (St. Peter, Hemlock) to Florida-Georgia District
Grim, Rebecca (St. John, Port Hope) to Indiana District
Hauser, Arlene (Emeritus) to South Wisconsin District
Hauser, Ronald (Emeritus) to South Wisconsin District
Kratz, Joshua (Lutheran High North, Macomb) to Indiana District
Scheele, Dean (St. Paul, Bay City) to Minnesota South District
Wrege, Thomas (Trinity, Utica) to Texas District
Transfer in to District
Bird, Terry (Missouri District) to Trinity, Saint Joseph
Crawford, Jolene (California Nevada Hawaii District) to St. Michael’s,
Richville
Called Home
Straub, Carl
A complete up-to-date listing of Calls and Vacancies can be found at
www.michigandistrict.org, click on About.
SEPTEMBER
8-9
14
17-19
23-26
26-27
A2E Urban Institute
Bethany, Detroit
Deacon Conference
Camp Arcadia
Circuit Visitors Retreat
Cadillac, Michigan
Intentional Interim Ministry Conference
Hillsdale, Michigan
Family Friendly Partners Network #3 Event 9
Hosanna-Tabor, Redford
OCTOBER
3-5
3-5
12-15
17-19
28
Church Extension Fund Fall Conference
Ypsilanti, Michigan
Confirmation Camp I
Camp Arcadia
Professional Church Workers Conference
Dearborn, Michigan
Confirmation Camp II
Camp Arcadia
District Board of Directors
Ann Arbor, Michigan
NOVEmBER
6
New Church Worker Conference
Ann Arbor, Michigan
December
24 -26Christmas
Office Closed
January
1-2
New Years Day
Office Closed
For detailed event information,
please visit www.michigandistrict.org/events.
michiganonline
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12
September 2014

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