Honoring 50 Years of Music Service

On May 18th, 2008 Christ Lutheran Church in Platte Woods honored Mrs. Ilene Behnke for her 50 years of service as parish organist. The celebration included a cake reception, a gift of a crystal cross and a plaque presentation.

The Christ Lutheran Weekday School Choir sang three songs for Mrs. Behnke during the celebration. The Weekday School Choir also sang a piece during worship service with the Adult Choir. Mrs. Behnke played piano for the Weekday School Choir for many years. She continues to play organ monthly for regular worship services.

Pastor T.C. Arnold presents a plaque to Mrs. Ilene Behnke honoring her 50 years of service as parish organist.

Adam’s Army

by Linda Kueck

Adam was a young and very talented sound technician at Timothy Lutheran Church, Blue Springs, Mo. There was one rehearsal left in the youth musical production. Adam’s headset had stopped working the night before. I was surprised to find him sitting calmly, with the headset on, when I reached the sound board area. “Adam, I thought your headset wasn’t working. Did you find another one to wear?” Without blinking an eye, he replied, “No. Same ones. Last night, when I said my prayers, I asked God to fix them.” The one thing that can stop me in my tracks, is the simple faith of a child or teenage youth. Adam fully expected God to take care of his headset. That headset worked all three nights of performances. I shared that story with many people, all of whom smiled and realized we all should have that kind of faith. This wasn’t a one time thing for Adam. It was how he lived.

Adam is the oldest of five children. He has two sisters and two brothers. Adam grew up playing and doing all the things that little boys do. He loved soccer and was always involved in church activities. He was in a dance troupe and was a great role model for his younger siblings.

Adam and I were the sound technicians for our youth musical group, LYFe-Lights. In February of 2003, after running sound three nights for a challenging LYFe-Lights production, Adam went for a check-up with his doctor. He was diagnosed with leukemia. He was three weeks away from turning 13.

What transpires from here, no one could have ever imagined. After catching our breath from this shocking news, we created “Adam’s Army - Prayer Warriors Fighting Against Leukemia.” Adam’s aunt kept the army updated through e-mails on Adam’s progress and what we needed to pray for concerning Adam and the doctors. We set up tables at church, so people could write messages to him for his birthday and recovery. We wore Adam’s Army bracelets and t-shirts. Adam even had a blanket on his bed at the hospital with Adam’s Army on it.

God provided bone marrow donors for Adam through his siblings. A bone marrow transplant was done. There were times when he felt so sick, and yet, he said it helped him knowing his army was praying for him everyday. He inspired all of us.

God pulled Adam through, and a year later, he was back at church to share his faith story, along with his confirmation classmates, and be confirmed. He spoke of how God had given him two donors, when others have none. He reflected on how much time his parents spent with him during his illness and recovery. He talked about our minister coming to visit him at the hospital and at home. He remembered sometimes being scared, but how quickly it would subside, because he could feel God’s presence with him. He said he wasn’t afraid to die. His concern was for his parents, siblings, and others.

Through an agency that grants dreams to kids, Adam and his family flew to England to see the castles. Adam loved castles, and he took in every detail of that trip. Not long after his castle trip, Adam’s leukemia returned. Once again, Adam’s Army put on their armour and got ready to fight a second battle. Once again, he received a bone marrow transplant. The transplant went well. No one expected VOD.

VOD is the acronym for veno-occlusive disease. It’s a disease affecting the liver. VOD is a complication that occurs in up to 25% of bone marrow transplantations. There was a one per cent chance Adam would get this. As news spread, Adam’s Army began to grow larger. Adam’s Army stretched into Canada, over to Arizona, and across the ocean to Germany.

Stories of Adam’s faith were shared, and others’ faith grew because of it. The Holy Spirit was everywhere. We could see it and feel it. I would walk across the street from my place of work and visit Adam at the hospital. I kept him updated about what was happening with the sound at church, even though he couldn’t converse with me. When I would leave, I’d always tell him I’d see him later and that I loved him.

On Monday, May 23, 2005, Adam got to go home to his Savior. He was fifteen years old. I can’t begin to express how strong the Holy Spirit was at his funeral service. Three adults shared stories about Adam’s faith. We heard over and over how he lived his life as a witness for Christ, even from his hospital bed. On two different occasions, Adam had shared with me and another adult friend these thoughts. “I don’t want to die, but this is how I look at it. If I get well, I’ll be with my family and friends. If I don’t, I’ll be with Jesus in heaven. I figure it’s a win-win situation.”

Perhaps you think the story ended when Adam went to heaven. Oh, no. God had other ideas!

Because of the amount of blood transfusions that are required for this disease, Adam’s sister came up with the idea of having a blood drive in Adam’s memory. The first year was so successful, it’s now an annual event. Every year in June, Adam’s Army works together with the Red Cross to put on this lifesaving drive for others who need it. Each year the number of donations gets higher, and each year Adam’s story is told to new people.

From that tiny seed, which was planted at his baptism, and the guiding hands of his parents to nurture his faith through the years, Adam’s faith shines on.

For those of us who shared life with him, his impact on us is immense. Work is in progress on a web site for Adam’s Army to reach even more people and help other families, who have loved ones with leukemia. One person’s faith combined with the Holy Spirit can work miracles beyond anything we may be able to comprehend. Roy Lessin wrote “The Impact of One Life,” which was read at Adam’s funeral. It says, “When a stone is dropped into a lake, it quickly disappears from sight - but its impact leaves behind a series of ripples that broaden and reach across the water. In the same way, the impact of one life lived for Christ will leave behind an influence for the good that will reach the lives of many others.” How true this was of Adam’s life and his faith.

There is yet one more miracle in all of this for Adam. When he was in fourth grade, he heard a missionary speak. From that time forth, Adam said he wanted to be a missionary when he grew up. He talked of it often. Well, God made sure he was a missionary, and from the way the future looks, Adam is going to be a missionary for a long time. Adam’s confirmation verse is Psalm 27:1. “The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid?”

Adam lived his faith and loved his Lord. May those of us here keep Adam’s candle burning, so the Holy Spirit can give us the faith and strength to carry the light, love, and the news of salvation to all who will listen.

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Lutheran Senior Services

Devine

Gundermann

Herzfeld-Kimbrough

Lutheran Senior Services executive Joan Devine elected vice chair for coalition on culture change

As director of performance improvement for Lutheran Senior Services (LSS), Joan Devine works to create homelike environments at each of the organization’s 19 senior communities. With her recent election as vice chairperson of the Missouri Coalition Celebrating Care Continuum Change, she now also acts as an advocate for culture change throughout the long-term care industry.

The coalition — or MC5 as it is more commonly known — champions the spread of “resident-centered care” in Missouri retirement communities. This new philosophy offers seniors a wider range of options in managing their own care, abolishing long-held “institutional” practices like rigid scheduling.

“Our goal is to create home for our residents,” says Devine. “As a sponsor of MC5, LSS has been very supportive of my efforts, and has really put all its resources to work in making sure that the move toward resident-centered care is the top priority at each of our communities.”

As participating communities continue to report upturns in resident satisfaction, MC5’s ranks have swelled. Working closely with MC5 chair (and assistant state ombudsman) Julie Ballard, Devine is tasked with helping the rapidly expanding organization cement its identity.

“Our first goal is to define what we can do to support communities as they work on their own personal journeys,” Devine says. “So much of the message of culture change isn’t going to come from MC5. It’ll come from our partners in the community. We want to help them find their voice, and let them tell their own stories as they go along.”

In her own organization, Devine is seeing enthusiasm for resident-centered care snowball. “Excitement is starting to mount,” she says. “People are starting to go off and initiate new projects, and it’s terrifically encouraging.” In fact, one LSS community will be spotlighted for its strides toward deinstitutionalization at MC5’s annual conference this June.

Rev. Vern Gundermann named to the Lutheran Senior Services board of directors

In 1996, Rev. Vern Gundermann served on the board of directors for the Lutheran Charities Foundation (LCF), which later divided into two new organizations: Lutheran Senior Services (LSS) and the Lutheran Foundation of St. Louis. Today, after 18 years of service to St. Louis’s Lutheran community, Rev. Gundermann is beginning his first term as a boardmember for LSS — one of the groups he helped to create.

“LSS is a pace-setter in providing wholesome, continuous care for older adults,” he said. “I look forward to helping LSS work proactively, both in the industry and in the Lutheran community, to serve seniors from all walks of life.”

Rev. Gundermann has been a longtime mentor to many on the LSS executive team; his addition to the board has been greeted with universal enthusiasm. “Rev. Gundermann brings a unique blend of insight and experience to our board of directors,” said LSS President John Kotovsky. “We are very grateful for his gifts of leadership skills and his heart for serving others.”

A graduate of Concordia Seminary, Rev. Gundermann spent 15 years as pastor of Concordia Lutheran Church in Kirkwood. During his time there, he oversaw the construction of the Concordia Center for the Christian arts and focused the parish’s youth and older adult ministries. He also served on the board of directors for the Lutheran Foundation. Though retired from that post, he recently coordinated that organization’s 20th anniversary celebration, which filled the ScotTrade Center with well-wishers.

Today, Rev. Gundermann serves as chaplain for the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod’s International Center. He is also heavily involved with a mission society of local Lutheran churches which supports missionaries in East Africa. A founding member of the Pastoral Leadership Institute, Rev. Gundermann sits on the boards of a number of other organizations, including Lutheran Family & Children’s Services and Kirkwood’s Youth in Action program.

Among the goals he’s set for his term with the board, Rev. Gundermann looks forward to interacting with local and state government to extend the influence of the LSS ministry. “Being creative about how we care for the older adult population means offering useful support to legislative bodies,” he said. “By keeping our elected officials informed about senior issues, we give energy and strength for positive legislation.

Counselor and educator Ciby Herzfeld-Kimbrough joins Lutheran Senior Services board of directors

Ciby Herzfeld-Kimbrough, the newest member of the Lutheran Senior Services (LSS) board of directors, could be a poster child for that organization’s ideal of an active retirement.

A counselor specializing in developmental disabilities, Herzfeld-Kimbrough currently teaches three online courses for the University of Phoenix. She holds leadership positions on a number of mental health boards, including a children’s clinic she helped found in Nigeria. And now, she is bringing her years of education and experience in psychology to bear in service of LSS residents.

“As people age, it can be a frightening process,” Herzfeld-Kimbrough said. “Giving up your independence can be very traumatic. For some, and it’s something they need help dealing with.”

Herzfeld-Kimbrough started her professional career as a third and fourth grade teacher at Bethel Lutheran School, where she developed a special rapport with her developmentally disabled students. This led her to positions as a counselor and intervention specialist with Ferguson and Florissant schools. She has also been social science instructor at Washington University, Southern Illinois University and St. Louis University.

“Mrs. Herzfeld-Kimbrough brings a welcome perspective to our leadership team,” says John Kotovsky, LSS president. “Her commitment to education and her insight into personal motivations make her a valuable addition to our organization, and we all look forward to working with her.”

“I’m truly amazed at the kind of growth there’s been in the industry and at LSS in particular,” says Herzfeld-Kimbrough. “Nationally, this organization is at the front of the class thanks to its commitment to service. Their care is given with the intent of serving, which is how it should be…I’m looking forward to serving as one of LSS’s chief advocates.”

LHSS Students Selected to Missouri Scholars Academy & Missouri Fine Arts Academy

Two Lutheran South students have been selected to attend prestigious summer college programs in Missouri in June.

Marielle Counts, who just completed her sophomore year, will participate in the annual Missouri Scholars Academy at the University of Missouri-Columbia, June 8-28. As one of 330 students, she will be a guest of the State of Missouri, the City of Columbia, and the University of Missouri.

Emily Kozlowski, who just completed her junior year, was selected to attend the Missouri Fine Arts Academy sponsored by Missouri State University in Springfield, MO. The Fine Arts Academy is a three-week residential program for 100 of Missouri’s artistically talented students.

Emily Kowlowski (left) and Marielle Counts (right)

Literacy Week at Green Park Lutheran School

Green Park Lutheran School ended the 2007-2008 school year by celebrating Literacy Week.  Pirates, prose, and poetry came together to inspire students to read and write. 

Principal Dan Dueck kicked off the week in costume posing as Pirates of the Caribbean character, Jack Sparrow.  During the Scholastic Book Fair, Green Park families met a challenge to raise over $300 which was matched by Scholastic Books for children’s charities.  Mr. Dueck visited each classroom posing as the popular Disney character to deliver the news. 

Author Bill Myers hamming it up during the kindergarten, first, and second grade writing workshop.

GPLS Principal Dan Dueck posing as Captain Jack Sparrow, hanging out with a "friend" from the science lab.

Author Bill Myers hamming it up during the kindergarten, first, and second grade writing workshop.

Visiting authors Byron von Rosenberg (I Don’t Want to Kiss a Llama!), Steve Murrie (Every Minute on Earth), Bill Myers (My Life as a Supersized Superhero), and Lola Schaefer (Arrowhawk) conducted age-appropriate writing workshops for the K-8 students.   Readings by the authors and book signings highlighted each day.

Byron von Rosenberg taught students how to use humor and rhyme when they write.  Steve Murrie talked about how to get a book published and what was happening in the world as each minute passes.  Bill Myers took students through the steps of creating a plot web and how to use imagination.  Lola Schaefer talked about the importance of quickly introducing a problem for a character to solve, her passion for nature, and later conducted a teacher workshop on implementing writing craft hierarchy in the classroom.   

Author Lola Schaefer signing her books with kindergarten students.

Several authors shared how their faith impacted their writing and how faith strengthened them to overcome obstacles.  Bill Myers conducted the school’s chapel and talked to the students about thinking Christianity was boring during his younger years.  He related the impact of a friend challenging him to start saying “yes” to God.  That was the beginning of his remarkable journey into writing books, movies and performing as a voice character in the popular radio series “Adventures in Odyssey”.   Myers is currently working on several projects for adults and children in Los Angeles where he resides. 

Literacy Week at Green Park Lutheran School was such a hit that students wanted to write their first book.  As Martin Luther so aptly demonstrated, mastery of the written word can only help our Christian young people be more successful in spreading the Word. 

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Southwest Missouri Storms

Severe storms with heavy rain, hail, high winds and tornadoes swept through southwest Missouri on Saturday, May 10. Heaviest hit were the counties of Barry, Jasper and Newton. There were 16 fatalities in Missouri associated with these tornadoes and more than 200 injured. In Newton County, where 14 of the fatalities occurred, the tornadoes ripped through primarily rural areas where people received little or no early warning. Latest damage reports for Newton indicate 124 homes destroyed.

Pastor Bill Doubek, First Lutheran, Neosho, Mo., has been ministering to the needs of his impacted members and others in the community. Doubek also serves as chaplain for the County Sheriff’s Department and the Neosho Police Department.

Three members of First Lutheran homes were completely destroyed or significantly damaged. Even more tragically, the 21-year-old grandson of a member was killed while serving as a storm spotter.

Doubek has requested, and is receiving, financial assistance from LCMS World Relief and Human Care. He is aware that LFCS is available for additional financial assistance if needed.

LFCS met with the county emergency response manager and encouraged the community to keep in mind the long-term recovery issues/needs that will occur.
Please continue to lift in prayer Pastor Doubek and all those impacted by this significant disaster. This community has experienced floods, ice storms, and tornadoes over the past 15 months and is truly in need of the help and hope available through Lutheran Disaster Response and LCMS World Relief and Human Care.

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2008 Flood News

We have not heard of any LCMS congregations or memebers affected by the flooding.  Volunteer efforts would be coordinated by local towns.  If/when we hear that Lutheran Family and Children Services, Lutheran Disaster Response or World Relief is coordinating anything, an update will be posted.

Gov. Blunt's Faith-Based Initiative
Offers Tools to Prepare Missourians for Emergency Response

Linked below are the introductory brochures and registration forms for the upcoming 2 day symposia on congregational disaster preparedness.  These are being offered at various locations across the state and have 3 basic goals for congregations:

 

1.  Individual and family disaster preparedness

2. Congregational Continuity of Operations Planning (COOP)

3. Introducing congregations to various ways they could develop a focused disaster related ministry

Over the past 3 years Missouri has incurred the highest number of federally declared disasters in the country.  Currently we are experiencing record setting flooding in the Northeast part of the state.  I strongly encourage every Lutheran congregation in the state to send at least one representative to these symposia and bring the information back to their congregation for consideration.

Some of these are happening very soon. Check the schedule.

Jim Eckrich, LCSW

Director, Regional Operations

and Disaster Services

Lutheran Family and Children's Services of MO

314-787-5100

314 -754-2726 direct

Explanation Brochure

Schedule as of 6/12/08

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Full District Staff Listing

Anniversaries

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