Mortgage Burning in Ohio

On Sunday February 27, 2005 Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church celebrated a mortgage burning ceremony at the morning service followed by a reception. This was a mortgage held on the parsonage. We give glory to God for the blessings He has showered upon our congregation and thank Him for guiding our congregation.

Pastor John Merseth

Mission Festival in Illinois

With the number of Muslims increasing in the United States, and particularly in the Chicago area, St. Timothy Lutheran Church of Lombard, Illinois hosted a Mission Festival based on "Sharing the Truth in Love to Muslims." The presenter was Pastor Pieter Reid, a WELS missionary to Indonesia. He, his wife Marlys, and his four children are all spent approximately ten years in Indonesia. They have been withdrawn from Indonesia for their safety.

Pastor Reid presented both a Bible Class and a special presentation in the church service. His wife Marlys also provided keen insight into their experiences.

The picture of the work in Indonesia is a picture of a church suffering under persecution, but growing nevertheless. The word of God works powerfully when their are opportunities to present it. The presentation noted a number of common obstacles to witnessing to Muslims, not only overseas, but also in our own neighborhoods. Showing the love of Christ through sincere friendship is of key importance, as well as expressing the gospel message of Christ as our true redeemer, and the only Savior from sin and death.

The Church is Alive with the Sound of Music!

The Lutheran Church has always been known as the "singing church." However, on the Sunday afternoon of March 6th, Pinewood Lutheran in Burlington, MA hosted in concert the award winning chamber ensemble: Bala Brass. One of Pinewood's members, Mr. Tom Otto, is the trombonist for this rising brass quintet. After the morning service and a light luncheon, Bala Brass gave a concert for the congregation and friends in appreciation of Pinewood's providing them practice facilities. The highlight of the concert was a world premier brass work written by Robert Bradshaw entitled: "Right then. Same time tomorrow?" Bala Brass will feature this work when it competes in the 2005 International Trumpet Guild Conference in Bangkok, Thailand this summer.

The concert was well-attended with everyone going home humming tunes from the unique pieces that were performed. More importantly, Christians used their skills to the glory of God and for the enjoyment of their fellow believers.

Colloquy of Jong-In Kim

Pastor Jong-In Kim was colloquized into the ELS on April 16, 2004. He attended our Bethany Seminary for two years. His wife’s name is Mi Sung, and they have two children.

Youth Honors Choir

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

1. Group work with wonderful Lutheran choral music

2. Classroom experiences in music fundamentals and history

3. Performance opportunities

4. Supervised recreational activities including movies, swimming, shopping, etc.

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

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

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