[m-m-online] January 19, 2007

[Minister to Minister online]

CONGRATULATIONS TO...

THE FAMILY OF DOUG RATHGEBER (St. John, Beaumont) as they celebrate the 
birth of their second grandson, born on January 7, 2007.  Charles 
William Rathgeber was born at 7 lbs. 15 oz. and was 20.5 inches long.  
He is the son of Paul and Jackie Rathgeber, members of Lamb of God, 
Humble.   Please rejoice with Pastor Rathgeber and his wife, Karen, as 
they celebrate this special gift from God!

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MINISTRY CALLS

P A S T O R S

Accepted

Brad Beckman, Grace, Arlington, TX to Faith Lutheran Church & School, 
Lincoln, NE


Undecided

Jeffrey Schubert, LCMS Corporate, St. Louis, MO to Memorial, Katy, TX
Kenneth J. Bersche, Zion, Vernon, TX to First, Lufkin, TX
James Menke, Holy Cross, North Canton, OH to Trinity, Waco, TX


C O M M I S S I O N E D   M I N I S T E R S

Undecided

Peter Bergman, Candidate to DCE, Family of Faith, Houston


Designated - Accepted

Kayla Cowan, Concordia University, Austin to DCE, Immanuel, Temple

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DISCERNMENT FOR INTENTIONAL INTERIM MINISTRY EVENT

"Do I have the experience, the leadership gifts, and the calling to 
Intentional Interim Ministry?"

To assist in answering this question, the Texas District will sponsor a 
24 hour meeting for interested pastors to be held in Waco, TX in 
February, 2007.  The gathering will begin at 1:00 pm on Monday, February 
12 and end at Noon on Tuesday, February 13.

This Discernment Event is specifically designed to identify personal and 
pastoral gifts needed for this rewarding ministry, and to help a pastor 
become aware of the professional and lifestyle challenges involved.  In 
the process a pastor will also work with District staff to discern 
whether they can affirm and use his gifts for Intentional Interim Ministry.

The registration cost is $125.00 and may be completed online.  Go to the 
Texas District home page (txdistlcms.org) and click Interim Ministry 
Discernment Event.  This event will be held at the Fairfield Inn and 
Suites, 4257 North I-35 in Waco, TX.  Reservations for accommodations at 
the hotel will be done by each participant by phoning 254-412-2535.  
Cost per person per room is $84/night plus tax.

Questions?  Call John Hirsch at 1-800-951-3478 or (cell) 512-769-6736 or 
send e-mail to jhirsch at txdistlcms.org.

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2007 THEOLOGICAL CONVOCATION

The 2007 Pastors Theological Convocation will be held again this year at 
the Omni Austin Hotel Southpark in Austin on Mon.-Wed., April 16-18.  
The theme for this year's convocation is "Living the Theology of the 
Cross in a Pluralistic World: Being Confessional and Missional."  This 
theme reflects the tension that we Lutherans live in today.  How do we 
as confessional Christians remain such while also living Christ's 
mandate to be missional and bring the message of salvation to all peoples?
   
Rev. Dr. Paul Robinson from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, will begin 
the conference with a historical presentation and discussion on the 
meaning of the theology of the cross.  This will be followed by 
presentations and discussions led separately by Rev. Dr. Robert Schmidt, 
Emeriti, Concordia Portland, Oregon, and Rev. Dr. Art Scherer, former 
Southeastern District President, on living out this ministry under the 
cross.  The conference will be completed by Rev. Dr. Dean Wenthe, 
President, Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne, on how the 
seminaries of the LCMS are preparing pastors to live in this tension of 
being confessional and missional.

For, 1) a conference schedule, 2) to register and 3) to access some 
readings that would be beneficial for the conference, go to the Texas 
District's web page and click 2007 Theological Convocation on the center 
menu.  Registration is available online.  However, this registration 
does not register you for a room at the hotel.  You will need to do that 
separately by calling the Omni Austin Hotel Southpark at 512-448-2222.  
Each year we have someone who waits too long to get the reduced room 
rate, so reserve your room when you register for the conference, soon.

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KEEP TRACK OF ABLAZE! TEXAS

 >  A new video will be added by Wednesday of each week!  Six video 
segments are now available for viewing:

    * Introducing Ablaze! Texas - Segment 1 - December 4, 2006
    * Growth All Around - Segment 2 - December 15, 2006
    * All Wrapped Up - Segment 3 - December 20, 2006
    * All Nations Christmas Celebration - Segment 4 - December 27, 2006
    * Reaching Young Adults - Segment 5 - January 3, 2007
    * Launching a New Church - Segment 6 - January 10, 2007
    * One-to-One Catechesis - Segment 7 - January 17, 2007

  (view the videos by clicking here <http://www.txdistlcms.org/ablaze/>)
 
 >  New weekly "reflections" are available (these are weekly thoughts 
for faith sharing and faith growing)
 
 >  What can you do?

    * Keep updated on Ablaze! Texas
    * Share the site with others
    * Share your faith sharing stories

All the Ablaze! Texas resources can be seen by clicking here 
<http://www.txdistlcms.org/ablaze/>.

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MARK YOUR CALENDARS...

Early Childhood Educator's Conference
February 1-3, 2007 | Hyatt Regency DFW, Texas

Interim Ministry Discernment Event
 February 12-13, 2007 | Fairfield Inn and Suites Waco North, Waco, Texas

The Theological Convocation

April 16-18, 2007 | Omni South, Austin, Texas


Synodical Convention
July 14-19, 2007 | George Brown Convention Center, Houston, Texas

Professional Church Workers Conference
November 18-20, 2007 | Redeemer, Austin, Texas

For more information on Texas District events visit the District's 
website at  www.txdistlcms.org <http://www.txdistlcms.org>.