57th Regular Convention News - Central Illinois District - Lutheran ...

CENTRAL ILLINOIS DISTRICT1850 North Grand Avenue WestSpringfield, IL 62702-1626Engaging Rural Communities EventReaching Rural America for Christ —Let us go to the small towns… Mark 1:38Engaging Rural Communities events aregeared for single and dual parishes in ruraland small town settings. Ideally, a pastor andthree to four lay leaders will examine theircommunities and consider ways in whichthey can serve those unique needs.Participants will identify personal andcongregational assets they have in place andmake plans for utilizing resources to engagetheir respective communities.Many congregations today are concernedabout shrinking membership and fewerchildren and families in worship. There isno “one size fits all” solution. Howevercongregational leaders will be encouraged asthey see new opportunities for engaging theircommunities and are filled with hope forthe future.As a participant you will:• Learn about your community (your church will receive free demographics study)• Identify congregational assets• Consider new ways to engage your community• See how rural congregations have hope for the future• Develop action plans for community engagement• Identify challenges and opportunities facing your congregation.$25 registration fee per person (limit of 50 participants).Saturday, October 6, 20128 a.m. – 3 p.m.St. Luke Lutheran ChurchSan JosePresenter: Rev. Dr. Lee HagenInterim Director, LCMS Rural andSmall Town Mission, Concordia, MORegister with Amy Gerdts by email at amy.gerdts@lcms.org or call (888) 463-5127 or(660) 463-9400. Visit www.lcms.org/rstown for more information.The GatePost for The CentralIllinois District of theLutheran Church—Missouri Synodis published 3 times per year.It is a supplementto congregational newsletters.Submit all articles to the Editor:Glenn Goeres1850 North Grand Avenue WestSpringfield, IL 62702-1626Email: ggoeres@cidlcms.orgLayout and Design by:Deverman AdvertisingPekin, IllinoisPrinting and Distribution by:Martin GraphicsChampaign, IllinoisDeadline forJanuary 2013 Issue:November 20, 2012Communications CommitteeRev. Dr. Rodger Abatie, ChairmanRev. David Bueltmann, AdvisorGlenn Goeres, EditorJim DevermanShawn HoffmannRev. Dr. Wayne HoffmanBarry Locher