New ELS Video Link Installments

Three new installments of the ELS Video Link on DVD have been mailed to all pastors in our synod to share with their congregations. Our newest foreign mission in Seoul, South Korea, our home mission in Rogers, Minnesota, and the mission work we do together as a synod are the subjects of these videos. Since 1998 over thirty installments of the Video Link have been produced, highlighting home missions, each of our foreign mission fields, evangelism, youth, synod conventions and many other topics. The programs are designed to link all members of the ELS by showing the important work we do together.

01-09 FL Mission Rally

Christ Lutheran Church in Port St. Lucie, Florida hosted the fall Florida ELS Women’s Mission Rally on November 11, 2006. Eighty-eight people attended the rally. Host pastor, the Rev. Charles Keeler, began the day with a devotion based on the theme, “The Promise is for You and Your Children.”

The Rev. Edward Bryant delivered the morning presentation on Christian Education, which especially teaches children that they are granted forgiveness of sins through Jesus. The choir from Christ Lutheran sang “I Am Jesus’ Little Lamb.”

After the lunch, the group heard organ and handbell music played by Mr. George Lillegard and the Christ Lutheran members.

During the business meeting it was resolved that the individual officers of each congregation be the nomination committee. The ladies resolved to disburse a total of $3,887.57 to Cross-Stitch, LSA, and Seminary students.

The Rev. Steven Petersen spoke in the afternoon about the children of the ELS foreign missions in Peru, Chile, India, and Korea. The pastors of the Circuit sang a hymn after the presentation. The next rally is planned for March 17, 2007 at New Life Lutheran Church in Sebring, Florida.

PHOTO 1: Officers of the women’s groups in the Florida congregations.

PHOTO 2: The Rev. Steven Petersen showing slides of mission children.

PHOTO 3: The Rev. Edward Bryant speaking about LSA

PHOTO 4: Christ Lutheran Handbell Choir

01-16 Trinity 150th

Trinity Lutheran, West Bend, WI Celebrates 150 Years of Grace

On October 22,2006 Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church and School celebrated it's 150^th Anniversary under the theme: "150 Years of Grace." More than three hundred members and guests gathered to worship and give thanks to God. The Rev. John Moldstad, President of the ELS, based his sermon on Hebrews 13:7-8 and encouraged the congregation to "Remember What Counts." Dinner and a program followed the service in the gymnasium.

Located just north of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the area around Trinity was settled in the early 1850s. The immigrants were mainly Pomeranians. Pastor Ludwig Habel, a free-lance missionary, organized Trinity in January of 1856. That same fall a teacher was obtained and classes began. The congregation worshipped in a log church until 1878, when the present church was built. A school was then conducted in the church basement until 1957 when a school building was added. Trinity had been a member of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod until 1972, when it joined the ELS. Rev. Paul Anderson served the congregation from 1972-1979. Pastor Kenneth Schmidt has served the congregation since 1979. Trinity has 415 baptized members.

PHOTO 02: Pastor Kenneth Schmidt and President John Moldstad.

PHOTO 03: Pastor Schmidt hands the old collection bags to ushers Dale Schrieben (left) and Scott Larson.

PHOTO 06: Martin Knuth (congregation president), ELS President John Moldstad, and Pastor Kenneth Schmidt.

Installation Service for the Rev. Daniel Larson

On Sunday, October 1, 2006, Rev. Daniel J. Larson was installed as Pastor of the Saude and Jerico Lutheran Churches of rural Lawler and New Hampton, Iowa. The 4:00 p.m. service was held at the Saude congregation with the Circuit Visitor, the Rev. Wayne Halvorson conducting the Rite of Installation and preaching the sermon. His message was based on Romans 1:1-7 using the theme: "The Positive Aspects of Working for the Lord of the Church." Fellow Pastors from the Circuit, the Reverends Harvey Abrahamson and Robert Harting also participated in the service with the laying on of hands and a blessing. Mrs. Nadine Schumacher of New Hampton was the organist for the occasion. Following the service, the ladies of the parish served a delicious meal that was enjoyed by all who attended.

Thoughts of Faith Presents Book to Mission Field

Kermit Traska, Director of Thoughts of Faith, presented copies of the book “In Jesus’ Name,” a book of sermons in honor of President emeritus Wilhelm Petersen, to people in the mission fields in the Czech Republic, Ukraine, and Latvia. From left to right are pictured with Mr. Traska: Mark Grubbs from the Czech Republic, Ugis Sildegs from Latvia and Oleh Yukhymenko from Latvia.