A Mom2Mom Sale will be held on Saturday, April 10 in the St. Lorenz, Frankenmuth school gym from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. The entry fee is $2. Table rentals are available at $15 each. This includes 6-foot table, space around table, and large item area. For more information or to reserve a table, please contact Coleen Hetzner at 989.652.0295. - posted 3/11/10

Christ Our Savior, Livonia has 12 sets of VHS only tapes, 7 workbooks, resource CD/DVD, multimedia resource kit, campaign manual, and other material from Rick Warren's 40 Days of Community, Better Together that can be donated. For more information contact Jim Matusicky at jmatus@yahoo.com. - posted 3/2/10

FREE Riso supplies (you pick up or pay postage): St. Paul, Ann Arbor has supplies remaining from a Riso duplicating machine no longer in use that cannot be returned to the manufacturer. Available: two full boxes of master rolls (#S-4250, Z type 30), three full boxes + half box of blue ink cartridges (Z type ink), three full boxes of black ink cartridges (Z type ink). For more information, contact the church office at 734.665.9117 or info@stpaulannarbor.org. - posted 3/2/10

Mount Calvary, Detroit has many used items available including library books, a music series with CDs, accelerated reading books, desks/chairs, K-2 curriculum, old computers, pianos, and other assorted items. These items are available to anyone interested. For more information, contact the church office at 313.527.3366. - posted 3/2/10

FREE! Kingdom OneTouch cassette tape duplicating machine (and expander). High speed copies three cassette tapes from one master. You will need to pick the item up yourself or pay for delivery. If you are interested, please contact Rev. Dr. Paul R. Naumann at St. Michael, Portage at 269.327.7832. posted 2/22/10

Historic Trinity of Detroit has 42, 6 foot, padded pew cushions available free for pick-up. For more information, call 313.567.3100 or 800.268.3058. - posted 2/16/10

Lost: 2 pectoral crosses that were last seen at the All District Pastors' Conference in October, 2009. They are very valuable and the owner would appreciate their return. Please contact the District Office at 888.225.2111 if you have any information. - posted 2/16/10

Free Resource. A small group study guide for The Manhattan Declaration is available at www.fflinchrist.org/Resources.htm. - posted 2/16/10

The Commission on Worship has announced its first ever Lutheran Songwriters' Conference to be held at St. John Lutheran Church in Ellisville, Missouri on April 22-23. This conference is being held in order to learn from and encourage LCMS songwriters to develop sacramental and scripture-based songs for use within our church body. The program will include witness, testimony, and conversations from established LCMS recording artists, songwriters, and worship leaders who continue to shape the musical life of our congregations. A grant from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans will provide full scholarships for 35 participants who register online by March 10. The scholarships cover all conference costs, including travel, lodging, and meals. For details about ideal candidates for the conference, how to apply, and a list of LCMS artists who will be presenting, go to www.lcms.org/songwriter.

The Prayerfully Consider Campus Visit will take place at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne on March 24-27. If you have questions about the possibility of serving in the LCMS or would like more information on the possibility of serving as a pastor or deaconess, please consider attending. There is no fee for the visit and on-campus meals and housing will be provided free of charge. For additional information or to register online, please go to www.ctsfw.edu/pcv. Also at that site, you will find a downloadable poster that pastors and congregations can use to advertise this special opportunity.

Concordia Theological Seminary will be holding a Confirmation Retreat April 16-18. The retreat will be led by Rev. Brian Mosemann, Dean of Students at CTS. This Confirmation Retreat is for youth who are currently receiving confirmation instruction and will be a time to learn, rejoice, worship, and take part in other fun activities. The retreat fee is $100 and includes on-campus housing and meals. For additional information or to register, please email Retreats@ctsfw.edu.

Concordia Seminary, St. Louis will soon be starting a new Ethnic Immigrant Institute of Theology (EIIT) cohort. The seminary will accept up to 30 registrants with a registration deadline of April 30, 2010 with classes beginning in September 2010. The EIIT program is offered for students of different ethnicities and nationalities who are spreading the Gospel in their own communities. Students who enroll in the EIIT program at Concordia Seminary will be able to work from their homes, taking on-line courses taught by the same seminary professors who teach the M. Div courses. While students are enrolled, they will have a mentor who is encouraging them as well as opportunities to discuss what they are learning with professors and fellow students. Individuals who are interested in enrolling need to complete the Leadership Advancement Process (LAP), a Christian Doctrine exam, and Old and New Testament exams. For more information about the EIIT program at Concordia Seminary go to www.csl.edu/Academics_EIIT.aspx.

Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne will be holding three organist workshops. The first workshop titled, "Beginning Improvisation," will be held June 14-18. The second workshop, titled, "Organist Primer," will be held June 21-25. The third workshop, titled "Level 1," will be held July 12-16. The workshops are for both new and experienced organists. For more information or to register online please call 260.452.2224, e-mail OrganWorkshops@ctsfw.edu, or got to admissions@csl.edu.

Remember the great Bible Study at District Convention led by Dr. Reed Lessing? He will be back in the Michigan District this summer leading a class titled "Amos: Restore the Roar!" This continuing education course sponsored by Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, will be held June 28 through July 2 at Our Savior, Grand Rapids. Cost is $125 for laity and retired pastors; $225 for active pastors. Breakfast and lunch included. Free housing is also available on a firstcome-first-serve basis. For more information, contact Pastor North Sherrill at 616.581.8353 or 7580pinepark@att.net. To register contact Concordia Theological Seminary Continuing Education at 260.452.2279 or continuinged@ctsfw.edu.

Do you have a child, friend, nephew, niece, or grandchild at Concordia University Ann Arbor? Would you like to show your love and appreciation to them? For $15, Concordia Guild Members will volunteer their services to bake a cake or arrange a fruit basket, or send balloons and flowers to your student on their birthday, Valentine's Day, or any other special occasion. 100% of the money will go toward the Concordia Guild Church Worker Scholarship Fund and your loved one gets a special treat! For more information, or to place an order, contact Susan Grese at 734.995.7397 or greses@cuaa.edu.

It's time to break free! New Crew Youth Ministries is proud to present Tool Time 2010 at Concordia University Ann Arbor. This year's theme is "PRISON BREAK" based on the text from John 8:34-36 where Jesus says, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." Tool Time provides an opportunity for Junior High students to spend a weekend developing the tools they will need to be God's light in the world wherever their paths may lead them. The entire weekend is run by Concordia students who, through worship, games, skits, testimonies, music, food, and so much more, use their personal life experiences to not only connect with the youth, but to help them develop a closer relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Junior High Tool Time is March 12-13, 2010. Cost: $45 per student. Can't join us for Tool Time? Schedule a lock-in today! Contact New Crew by email at newcrew@cuaa.edu or by phone 586.246.7463 (Adam Steinbrenner, President) or 248.854.8297 (Jackie Walsh, Communications Chair).

Potential candidates for Church work are invited to Concordia University Ann Arbor for its Exploring Church Vocations from 9:00 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, March 16. Participants will learn from current pastors, teachers, deaconesses, and family life directors about how God stretches His servants into the roles He has for them. Program directors and a seminary admissions counselor will be available for personal academic counseling about how to move toward a life of service in the Church. The program is open to high school juniors and seniors, university students, and candidates for a second career in ministry. After a complementary lunch, all will be invited to stay the afternoon for the University's Conference on Spirituality and the Arts: Creative Adaptation. Registration to explore church vocations is available online at www.cuaa.edu or by calling 888.734.4237.

A Lutheran Educator's Tuition (LET) Grant is now being offered by Concordia University Ann Arbor (CUAA) to all educators serving in schools affiliated with The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS). The value of the LET Grant is approximately 15 percent of the regular per-credit tuition rate and goes into effect in Session 1 of the spring 2010 semester. For more information about the graduate programs available to all educators, visit www.cuaa.edu/educator. To be considered for the LET Grant, download the application available at www.cuaa.edu/Graduate/5406.html. To contact the Office of Graduate Admission, call 734.995.7521 or e-mail graduate.admissions@cuaa.edu.

Master's Program Start-ups offered by Concordia University Ann Arbor will begin a new cohort in January 2010 for the Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction (MSCI) will be offered on Concordia's campus, Coldwater, Farmington Hills, Kalamazoo, and Monroe. Master of Science in Educational Leadership (MSEL) will be offered at all locations except Concordia Campus. For more information, visit www.cuaa.edu/graduate or contact Gary Neumann, University Representative, Office of Graduate Admission at 734.995.7593 or neumag@cuaa.edu.

If you are an alumni of Concordia University, Ann Arbor and have not updated your records in a while, please take a moment to reconnect. Please send your full name as well as current address, daytime and evening phone numbers, email address, the year you graduated and whether or not you have received any university correspondence or publications to: alumni@cuaa.edu.

SAVE THE DATE: The Michigan District Jr. High Youth Gathering is scheduled for August 6-8, 2010 at Concordia University Ann Arbor. This year's theme is "All About Nothing" based on Romans 8:38-39, "For I am convinced that … [nothing] will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." All youth entering grades 7-9 in the fall of 2010 are welcome to participate. More information will be coming soon and registration materials will be available on the District's website beginning the end of February. If you have any questions, contact Gathering Chairman, Kristin Hardy, at hirtke@yahoo.com. Hope to see you all there!

"thESource" is an excellent resource for your ministry. It's free and intended to be downloaded and used. Check it out at www.youthESource.com.

Ongoing Ambassadors for Christ Events

Ongoing Ambassadors for Christ (OAFC) will celebrate its 40th anniversary in June of 2010 with its annual Summer Training and an alumni reunion. A recognized service organization of the LCMS, OAFC has touched the lives of over 36,000 youth and adults who have learned to share Jesus in a simple way during its 40 year history. Many have become pastors, teachers, DCEs, and committed lay members of our local congregations because of their experiences in OAFC. Now we need to find you! OAFC alumni are encouraged to register on the Alumni page at www.oafc.org/alumni.html. Alumni interested in helping to plan the 2010 reunion may contact OAFC staff member Dan Barz and alumnae Tammy Granner Mackie at alumni@oafc.org or call Dan at 269.429.7521.

Regional Meetings
Saginaw/Bay City/Flint/Thumb area are held on the third Tuesday of each month at 10:00 a.m. Contact Eric Steinke at ericdce@yahoo.com for location.

Grand Rapids area meets bi-monthly for a lunch meeting. Please contact Rick Krueger at rick.krueger@messiahgr.org for date, time, and location.

The "Downriver" churches meet at 8:30 a.m. on the 2nd Thursday of each month at Panera Bread in Southgate for a very informal round-table discussion.

Adrian/Jackson/Ann Arbor areas - contact Tim Wells at familylife@stjohnsadrian.org.

Youth Woker Summit - If you are a youth worker, you'll want to keep these dates open for the Summit: May 3-6. More information soon...

The Lutheran Music Program hosts its 2010 Lutheran Summer Music Academy which will take place June 20 to July 18, 2010 on the campus of Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. More than 150 young people from throughout the U.S. come together each summer for this rigorous musical study and performance program in a supportive environment. LSM seeks to foster musical excellence in a caring community for high school band, orchestra, choral, and keyboard students from all faith backgrounds. For more information on the Lutheran Summer Music Academy or the Young Musicians Partnership, visit www.lutheransummermusic.org or contact the organization's national offices in Minneapolis at 888.635.6583 or by email at lsm@lutheransummermusic.org.

The Common Cup Coffee Shop (University Lutheran Church, Ann Arbor) provides live entertainment every Friday at 8:00 p.m. These Friday night events are free and open to the public. The Common Cup Coffee Shop is located at 1511 Washtenaw Avenue, Ann Arbor. All shows start at 8:00 p.m. and are FREE! More information can be found at www.commoncupcoffee.com or by calling 734.327.6914.

Camp Concordia News!!! Upcoming events include: April 23-24 Chili Cook Off/Spring Fling /Camp clean-up weekend; June 12 Camp Golf Outing; Synodical Servant Events (June 13-18 - Day Camp Outreach to Montcalm area youth and June 27- July 2. Much needed work projects at camp); and in conjunction with Holy Cross, Belding's "Rock The Hilltop" event on July 24, Swen & Dean will be at the camp's Summer Celebration on July 25. For a complete list of camp opportunities or more information, visit www.campconcordia.com or email director@campconcordia.com. March 31 is the deadline to save $50 on a week of camp.

The Lutheran Choralaires will be providing music for the Lenten midweek services at various Lutheran churches throughout Lent and Holy Week. They will be at St. Peter, Macomb (March 10); Grace, Redford Township (March 17); St. John, Fraser (March 24); and Historic Trinity (April 2 - Good Friday). You can find worship times and other information at www.lutheranchoralaires.org or by sending an email to lutheranchoralaires@gmail.com.

Rev. Roosevelt Gray, Jr., Director of Mission Services, Michigan District, LCMS will conduct a People Friendly Church Workshop on Saturday, March 13, at Bethany, Detroit. Rev. Gray writes: "God's Church is always a welcoming place for His people and strangers. This 'People Friendly' workshop will help congregations focus on some of the little things they can do to greet people with pleasure and hospitality in our congregations … Come, learn and grow in the greatest pleasure ever given humanity, witnessing and telling the story about a God who loves, welcomes, and receives all through His Son and His Church. Learn what it means to be a "People Friendly Church" - Inviting - Welcoming - Assimilating new people into the body of Christ." The sessions begin at 9:00 a.m. and conclude at 2:00 p.m. A continental breakfast will be available and lunch will be served. Please register as soon as possible but no later than Tuesday, March 9 by calling the church office at 313.885.7721.

Christ the King, Southgate will be holding a concert featuring the Choir and Strings of the Lutheran High School of Saint Charles County, Missouri. The concert will be performed at the 5:00 p.m. on March 13. The program will include pieces by Hans Leo Hassler, Jean Berger, Jackson Berkey, and Keith Hampton. A free will offering will be received at the end of the service. For more information call the church office at 734.285.9695 or visit www.ctk-church.org.

Immanuel, Bridgman will host the simulcast of "Dave Ramsey LIVE" on Saturday, March 13 from 1:00 - 6:00 p.m. This Total Money Makeover Seminar is $15 per person or $20 per couple. Advance tickets are required and can be made by calling 269.465.6031. Light refreshments will be provided.

Daryl Smith, from Voice of the Martyrs, will be speaking at Trinity, Clinton Township on Saturday, March 13 at 10:00 a.m. Refreshments are being provided courtesy of Trinity’s Stephen Ministry. For more information, please call the church at 586.463.2921 ext 111.

Faith, Grand Blanc is hosting the "Ultimate Date Night" with Jay & Laura Laffon on Saturday, March 13 at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 per person in advance/$32 for a four-pack in advance/$12 per person at the door. For more information, visit www.ultimatedatenight.com or call the church office at 810.694.9351.

The instrumental ensembles of St. Lorenz, Frankenmuth will offer the special performance, "Let Every Instrument Be Tuned for Praise" on Sunday, March 14 at 4:00 p.m. A new work for wind ensemble, by Jonathan Mueller, former Director of Parish Music at St. Lorenz, will be premiered. The concert is free and open to the public. A freewill offering will be gathered. For more information, contact Dr. Scott Hyslop, Director of Parish Music at 989.652.6141 or shyslop@stlorenz.org.

Guardian, Dearborn's annual "Disability Awareness Sunday" will be held on Sunday, March 14 in both the 8:00 and 11:00 a.m. services. Pre-service music will be provided by Mr. George Osius, an accomplished musician, using his one good hand. The scripture readings will be read by Miss Chris Schumacher, utilizing her Braille Bible. Everyone is invited. Guardian is handicapped accessible. For more information, contact Bob Dickhudt at BobISM@att.net.

The Detroit Lutheran Singers invite you to attend their Spring 2010 concerts presented on Sunday, March 14 at 3:30 p.m. (St. Michael, Wayne) and at 7:30 p.m. (St. James Episcopal Church, Birmingham). They will also perform on Sunday, March 21 at 3:30 p.m. (St. Paul, St. Clair Shores) and at 7:30 p.m. (Faith, Livonia). Tickets are $10 (adult) and $7 (seniors and students) and are available at the door. For more information, visit www.detroitlutheransingers.com.

What do the Jewish Passover and Jesus' last supper have in common? Sergio Danon, with Jews for Jesus, will answer that question as he presents "Christ in the Passover" at Cross of Christ, Bloomfield Hills on Wednesday, March 17 at 6:45 p.m. For more information, call the church at 248.646.5886. All are welcome!

Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, will be presented by Our Shepherd, Birmingham on Friday, March 19 and Saturday, March 20 at 8:00 p.m. No tickets are required and a freewill offering will be taken. The production will also take place at the Clawson Performing Arts Center on Saturday, March 27 at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $7 for the 2:00 p.m. program and $10 for the 8:00 p.m. This is the 16th year the congregation has presented this full-length musical featuring a cast of 57. The musical is intended for all ages. For more information and senior/student ticket rates, contact Bonni Mittelstadt at 248.770.1806 or bonnimittelstadt@mac.com or Stacy Carlson at 248.249.2596 or staceycarlson@comcast.net.

St. Mark, Flint is having a Mom-to-Mom Sale on Saturday, March 20 from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Vendor space is still available. Table rental is $20 for one or two for $35. Rack space is $5 a rack. Large items are $1 each item. If you are interested in participating, please contact Maida Demo at 810.513.3615 or sevonmr@yahoo.com.

Trinity, Clinton Township will have a time of resource sharing and encouragement for DCOs and others serving in outreach ministries on Tuesday, March 23 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Please plan to bring resources you've discovered and/or updates on what you're doing. For more information contact Sue von Fange at 586.463.2921.

Hope, Warren will be presenting a new Passion Play, "The One Whom He Loved," at 7:00 p.m. on March 25 and 26. Join Hope for a dramatic look at Jesus' life from the perspective of the Apostle John, with moving music. Free tickets are required for admittance. To reserve a ticket call the church office at 586.979.9055.

The Wind Symphony and Jazz Band of Lutheran High School South, St. Louis will perform a concert at Christ Our Savior, Livonia on Friday, March 26 at 7:30 p.m. The Wind Symphony and Jazz Band, conducted by John Miller and Matthew Janssen are on their annual spring tour which brings the groups through Missouri, Indiana, and Michigan. The 65 member Wind Symphony will perform such works as Malcolm Arnold's English Dances for Band, On an American Spiritual by David Holsinger, and Highlights from West Side Story by Leonard Bernstein. The Lutheran South Jazz Band will also perform the sounds of some classic jazz greats like Count Basie, Duke Ellington, and others. Please contact Matthew Machemer for more information at 734.522.6830 ext 103. A freewill offering will be collected.

You are invited to join Faith, Bridgeport at its "Last Supper Living Dramatization" on Saturday, March 27 at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday March 28 at 3:00 p.m. A freewill offering will be taken and refreshments will be served. For more information, contact the church office at 989.777.2600.

St. Luke, Ann Arbor will host the Ann Arbor LWML Zone Spring Rally on March 27 from 9:30 until noon. Women are invited to hear Carly Stevens of MOST Ministries speak on the water purification project in Nicaragua. The cost is $5 and an item for hygiene kits in rural villages. Lunch will be served.

Gifts For All God's Children will be holding Easter Fairs on March 27th at A.L. Holmes Elementary, Bethany, Redemption, and East Bethlehem Lutheran Churches in Detroit. Volunteers are needed to paint faces, decorate eggs, serve lunch, help with games, etc. If you would like to volunteer please contact Jo at 248.340.0861 or jszamzow@comcast.net. At the fairs, Easter baskets will be given out to preschool through teen age children. If you would like to donate items for the baskets or help assemble them please contact Carlyn Roth at 586.978.9349 or rothjc@wowway.com.

St. Michael, Richville's Passion Drama will take place on March 31, April 2 and 3 from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. This drama is a live presentation of the last hours of Jesus Christ by a cast of 100 people. It is an outdoor docu-drama so please dress for the weather. For more information, contact Diane Karst at 989.652.2384.

Grammy and Dove award winning singer/songwriter, Cynthia Clawson, will be performing at St. Thomas, Eastpointe on April 16 at 7:00 p.m. General admission tickets are $15. For more information, please contact the church office at 586.772.3370.

On April 17, St. Luke, Ann Arbor will be hosting a free event titled Practical Strategies: A Toolbox for Home, School and Church with Barbara Newman, national speaker and consultant on special needs for CLC Network. The sessions will highlight Autism Spectrum Disorders and ideas for children with a wide-variety of disabilities. For more information contact Carly Parker at 734.971.0550 or cparker@stlukeaa.org.

Vivo Sinfonietta, a spring concert will be held at the University Lutheran Chapel, Ann Arbor on April 17 at 7:00 p.m. The concert will feature the world premiere of Spring Strains for solo soprano and chamber orchestra by Vivo Sinfonietta's Composer in Residence, David Biedenbender. Following the concert, an Afterglow including Q & A with conductor Brett Koval Luginbill and composer David Biedenbender will be held at the Common Cup. Tickets are $15 or $5 for students and will be available at the door. For more information please go to www.vivoa2.com.

Living Water, Whitmore Lake MOPS will host its annual Sisterhood Spring Tea on April 18 from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. at Barnstormer banquet facility in Whitmore Lake. Dr. Kathy Koch will present Miracles Matter: Be Who You Are Supposed To Be. An auction and elegant full buffet luncheon will follow. Tickets start at $15 each. To make a reservation, please contact Nancy Deeb at 734.646.1429. Dr. Koch will also be giving a free presentation entitled How am I Smart? A Parent's Guide to Multiple Intelligences at Whitmore Lake High School Auditorium on April 19 at 7:00 p.m.

Faith, Troy will be hosting the "Iron Sharpens Iron National Men's Equipping Conference" on Saturday, May 22. Men ages 13 and older are invited to attend. Keynote speakers will include Johnny Parker and Carey Casey. Pre-registration tickets for groups are as low as $39. Student tickets are $29 per person. For more information or to register contact Vision4Men at 810.625.0291 or go to www.vision4men.org.

Trinity, Traverse City is hosting a trip to Germany - September 16-26, 2010. The trip is based on the "Steps of Martin Luther" and includes the Passion Play in Oberammergau. For more information or to join Trinity, contact Jan Johnson at 231.499.8091 or jjohnson1610@yahoo.com.

The Deacon & Specific Ministry Pastors (SMP) Training Program with instructor Dr. Ron Jahnke will be offering the Christian Caregiving seminar on Saturday, January 9, February 6, and March 13 at Holy Cross, Warren. The purpose of this seminar is to provide students with knowledge, skills, and tools to "carry each other's burdens" within the context of the Christian faith tradition, and thereby "fulfill the law of Christ." Several of the objectives are: 1) outline the components of a care giving visit; 2) learn the fundamentals of providing Christian Care; 3) describe personal and professional boundaries. This course prepares students to make shut-in calls, hospital calls and to support those going through the grieving process. The cost for three sessions is $250. For more information or to register, please contact Chris Brown at 810.220.1798 or email chrissbrown282@yahoo.com.

The Deacon & Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP) Training Program with instructor, Dr. Jim Boldt will be offering the Old Testament seminar on Saturday, January 23, February 27, and March 27 at 8:00 a.m. at St. John, Rochester. This is one of the pre-seminary courses required for those interested in the new Specific Ministry Pastor Program (SMP) which is offered by the Michigan District. This seminar is designed to be a "survey" of the Old Testament. It will serve as an introduction to the Bible, its history, the various versions, and the basic principles to follow when interpreting it. Special emphasis will be placed on the Pentateuch and the other early historical books of the Old Testament, particularly with regard to Israel's history from Abraham through the exile and the return. The Old Testament Messianic Prophecies will be highlighted as well. The cost for three sessions is $250. For more information on the Deacon & Paraprofessional Training Program, please contact Chris Brown, Registrar, at 810.220.1798 or email chrissbrown282@yahoo.com.

The Deacon & Pre-SMP Training Program will be offering the seminar on Doctrine II on Saturday, March 20, April 10, and May 1, at 8:00 a.m. at Trinity, Davison. The instructor is Dr. Bob Schultz. This is one of the required pre-seminary courses offered by the Michigan District for those interested in the new Specific Ministry Pastor Program (SMP). The student will review Law and Gospel, and then discuss growth in Christ, the sanctified life, good works, living in baptism and Holy Communion, life in the church, the position of other denominations and religions, and the joy of eternal life. The cost for three sessions is $250. For more information, contact Chris Brown, Registrar, at 810.220.1798 or email chrissbrown282@yahoo.com.

Faith, Troy will be holding a couples retreat from March 12-14 at the Thomas Edison Inn in Port Huron. The registration fee is $110 per couple. The theme of this year's retreat is "Love never fails." For more information, contact the church office at 248.689.4664. Online registration is available at www.faithtroy.org.

Deacon Matthew Steffen will be the guest speaker at Hope, Warren's Men's Retreat on Friday and Saturday, March 12 and 13. His topic is "Wounded Healer" which will help men cope with stress, worries, and relationships. Matt is formerly from Hope, Warren and currently serves Camp Restore at Recovery Assistance, Inc. helping with the rebuilding damaged caused from Hurricane Katrina. Men, including young men of confirmation age, are invited to attend. The cost is $40 which includes three catered meals and a retreat shirt. For registration or more information, please contact Marv Schaible at marvschaible@comcast.net or 586.573.7370 by Sunday, February 28.

Grace Place Lutheran Retreats and the Grace Place Shepherd Society of Michigan are offering a retreat for Michigan professional church workers and spouses. Retreat dates are August 2-6 at Mission Point Resort located on beautiful Mackinac Island. Registration fee is $360 per couple. To register go to www.graceplaceretreats.org and click on available retreats, or call Annette Woehlke at the Grace Place office at 314.842.3077 for more information. The retreat is limited to 20 couples.

LLL Southeast District is continuing to coordinate efforts for sponsoring 10:00am Sunday Lutheran Hour Broadcasts (created by Lutheran Hour Ministries in St. Louis) on 560AM in the Metro-Detroit area. Since the Michigan Southeast District of the Lutheran Laymen's League is covering a large portion of the cost, your church can be announced as co-sponsor at the beginning of each broadcast for $125.00 per week. This is a valuable ministry reaching the "not-yet-Christians" and "shut-ins". Please contact Marv Schaible 586.573.7370 for more information. Or send checks to Art Miller; 447 Fern Court; Monroe, MI 48161.

The Annual Meeting of Project Compassion Ministries will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 21 at Huntington Woods, Huntington Woods. Agenda includes elections, review of 2009, and ministry plans for 2010. All are welcome and congregations are especially encouraged to send representatives. The meeting will also recognize two individuals: Mr. Tom Shulz (volunteer support) and Mr. Vince Passaiaqua (Mario's Restaurant in Detroit). Rev. Gerald Grimm will also be recognized upon his February retirement as Executive Director. Lite refreshments will be served. For more information, visit www.projectcompassion.net or call 313.897.7470 or 800.626.9622 or email projcompassion@aol.com.

Project Compassion Ministries Annual Spring Benefit Concert will be held on Sunday, April 25 at 4:00 p.m. at Outer Drive Faith, Detroit. Participating choirs include The Billy D. Brooks Memorial Lutheran Choir, the New Mighty Inspirations, and the Mosaic Singers along with others. Tickets are $10 at the door, $8 in advance. Seniors over 62 and full time students are also $8. Children under 12 are free. To purchase tickets or for more information, contact PCM at 313.897.7470 or 800.626.9622 or projcompassion@aol.com.

Wheat Ridge Grants

Wheat Ridge Ministries is offering financial assistance to Lutheran congregations that are supporting and encouraging the health and wellness of church leaders by providing sabbatical experiences for pastors and other full-time professional church workers in the congregation. Any Lutheran congregation developing a sabbatical plan for a pastor or other church worker within the grant guidelines may apply. The maximum amount per grant is $7,500 per congregation and the congregation must match the grant amount provided. During the pilot phase of this grant, up to ten grants will be available annually and no more than one grant will be provided to a congregation. The grant is to be used specifically for sabbatical experiences for professional church workers. Congregations interested in applying for a Wheat Ridge Sabbatical Resource Grant can visit www.wheatridge.org (Grants) to review the requirements and determine whether the grant is appropriate for their needs and to download a grant application. Any questions may be referred to the Wheat Ridge office at 800.762.6748. Grant Applications are currently not being accepted.