• Marta Luna to Be Commissioned September 25
• Convocation September 24
• Plan a Craft Fair for your congregation
• Did you know?
• Our Champions

Lutheran Latino Ministries

Vision:
Share the gospel - make disciples

Mission:
• Provide preaching
• Train church leaders
• Encourage congregations to engage in human care outreach
• Connect people and resources for gospel outreach

Values:
• Christ is the center of all we do
• Compassion
• Diligence
• Faithfulness to God's Word
• Good stewardship of time and resources
• Education

No registration fee ~ Lunch included
An offering will be received to support Circuit Rider Missionaries

See below for program information. Registration form attached.

Trinity Lutheran Church
5520 NE Killingsworth
Portland, Oregon

Northwest District President Rev. Paul Linnemann
will be the speaker.

All deaconesses are invited to attend and participate.

A door offering will be received
to support the Circuit Rider Missionary Program
of Lutheran Latino Ministries

We've all heard of a "win-win" situation. I'd like to inform you of a QUADRUPLE WIN opportunity! Since 2005, my husband Dan and I have been traveling to Guatemala. We began with a vacation there in 2005, when we visited the ancient Mayan ruins at Tikal, the UNESCO heritage site of Antigua, and the city of Livingston on the Caribbean coast. We fell in love with the friendly, generous, hospitable people and with the entire country itself, where vibrant colors abound.

Our subsequent trips took us back to visit four Lutheran schools there, where we helped fund two computer labs, brought Spanish books and school supplies for a Lutheran school library and helped repair and renovate one of the small Lutheran churches. We have been overwhelmed by the Guatemalan Christians' ardor and zeal for Christ and His message of hope that will bring people, especially youth, into the church where, instead of belonging to gangs, they can belong to the Body of Christ. During one of my solo visits, I was also able to make contact with several women's weaving cooperatives. These women are often the sole support of their families and use the earnings from the sale of their weavings and beaded jewelry to help educate their children and provide them with much-needed health care.

I will be returning to Guatemala in late September for 16 days to visit some of these women's groups. The FIRST WIN is the opportunity to return to Guatemala and renew contacts with the women there. The SECOND WIN is the ability given the Guatemalan women to sell their crafts to help support themselves and their children. The THIRD WIN is the chance to offer you these often one-of-a kind hand-crafted items; the FOURTH WIN is the benefit to our Lutheran Latino Ministry program from profits.

9:30-10:00 Registration and Fellowship
10:00-10:15 Welcome and introductions (Pam Bridgehouse, President LLM)
10:15-10:30 Opening Devotion (Pastor Miguel Luna, LLM Circuit Rider Missionary)
10:30-11:15 Session I: Youth Issues (Keyla Luna and Youth Panel)
11:15-12:00 Session II: Relationships: Basis for Ministry (Sara Cardona, Pam Bridgehouse)
12:00-1:00 Lunch/Fellowship
1:00-1:45 Session III: The Role of Spanish Language Ministry (Pastor Luna & others)
1:45-2:00 Break
2:00-2:45 Session IV: Lutheran Latino Ministries Business Meeting
2:45-3:00 Closing Devotion (Pastor Luna)

Information on resources for outreach to Latino people will be on display.
No registration fee ~ Lunch included

Individual Champions – 2011
[listed in alphabetical order]

Louise Bandick
Rev. Erhart & Anita Bauer
Ann Beckwith
Fred and Pam Bridgehouse
Chris and Laurie Curry
Erin Ferre
Herman and Vernice Goschie
Jeanette Heidtbrink
Rev. Mark & Miriam Hoelter
Myrtle Jaech
Donna King
Fred & Eunice Kramer
Chuck & Pat Kunert
Holger and Sondra Latt
Sharon Lighthill
Art and Vernette Linnemann
Rev. Rex & Bonnie Longshore
Dan and Judy Lorenz
Dr. & Mrs. Timothy Martin
Rev. Ty & Sharon Miles
Rev. Ken & Jetta Ollek
Daniel Parshall
Eunice Porter
Sarah Randall Cid
Rev. Dell & Judy Schomburg
Gordon & Beverly Schumacher
Pat & Sharon Shaver
Gary & Diane Simon
Rose Stenersen
Wayne Tonack
Irene Willig
Noma Wolf
Paula Yandell

Champion Congregations - 2011
[listed in alphabetical order]

Ascension Lutheran Church - Portland, OR
Bethlehem Lutheran Church VBS - Lebanon
Hope Lutheran Church - Woodburn
Peace Lutheran Church - West Salem
St. John Lutheran Church - Salem
Trinity Lutheran Church - Mt. Angel
Trinity Lutheran Church - Oregon City
Trinity Lutheran Church - Portland

Champion Groups and Organizations - 2011
[listed in alphabetical order]

Ascension LWML - Portland, OR
Holy Cross LWML - Portland OR
Lutheran Women in Mission – Tillamook, OR
LWML of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church – Portland, OR
Northwest District LCMS - Portland, OR
St. John LWML - McMinnville, OR
St. John Adult Bible Class - Salem, OR
Trinity Ladies Aid – Mt. Angel, OR
Oregon District LWML

LLM Member Congregations
Ascension Lutheran Church – Portland, OR
St. John Lutheran Church – Salem, OR
Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church – Portland, OR
Trinity Lutheran Church – Portland, OR
Calvary Lutheran Church – Stayton, OR
Trinity Lutheran Church – Mt. Angel, OR
Grace Lutheran Church – Molalla, OR
Trinity Lutheran Church – Oregon City, OR
Hope Lutheran Church – Woodburn, OR

Become a Member Congregation

Congregations may become voting members of LLM by submitting a resolution, passed by their Voters Assembly signed by an elected officer of the congregation, to participate in furthering the Gospel of Christ among Spanish-speaking and Latino people. Send a copy of the resolution signed by your congregation chairman to Lutheran Latino Ministries. Member congregations are entitled to send two voting delegates to each meeting. Financial support is appreciated but not required. We suggest the following text for your letter:

• The US Census Bureau reports that by 2050 Latinos will make up 30% of the population.
• One in four children in the United States is Latino.
• The mission field has come to us.

In response to these facts, and in obedience to Jesus' Great Commission to "make disciples of all nations, baptizing them ...and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you," Lutheran Latino Ministries (LLM) provides the only Spanish-language Word and Sacrament ministry in the Northwest District of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod.

Did you know?
• Lutheran Latino Ministries is a network of LCMS congregations and individuals, started by lay people who wanted to share the gospel of Christ with the growing number of Spanish-speaking people in the Northern Willamette Valley.
• Lutheran Latino Ministries is a 503(c)(3) corporation. Lutheran Latino Ministries is not an official part of the LCMS or the Northwest District of the LCMS
• As a Recognized Service Organization, having met strict standards of mission and outreach, is an auxiliary organization affiliated with, but having no financial relationship with the LCMS.

Did you know?
• The cost of a modest salary, benefits (health care and federal requirements), communication, and transportation for the missionary pastor and deaconess, amounts to nearly $7,000 per month.
• Regular monthly contributions from congregations and individuals amount to just under $4,000 per month.
• Without increased regular support the Circuit Rider Missionary Program that has resulted in a number of baptisms and confirmations, and regular preaching and teaching of God's Word , will have to be drastically reduced.
• If an additional 120 congregations, organizations, or individuals would commit to a monthly gift of $25 the income would match the expenses and the ministry could be maintained at its current level.

In response to these facts Lutheran Latino Ministries is asking congregations and individuals to commit to regular monthly support in any amount. As your congregation prepares the budget for the coming year, please consider LLM as part of your missions/outreach giving.

Did you know?
• You can arrange a monthly contribution through your bank's online bill paying feature.
• You can send a monthly contribution.
• You can name LLM as beneficiary of part or all of your life insurance benefit.
• Direct your Thrivent Choice Dollars to Lutheran Latino Ministries
• All contributions to LLM are tax deductible.

Now you know. What will you do in response to these facts and Jesus' command to make disciples of all nations?

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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

We greet you in the name of our coming Christ, with grateful heart for your generous response to our Pentecost funding appeal. Cristo para todos, Christ for all, is made possible in this area through your generous support. As a result of your gifts, the immediate crisis in funding the ministry has been alleviated. There still are major challenges in 2010 and beyond.

There has been a renewed effort to bring the story of the LLM Ministry to congregations and members of Lutheran Churches in Portland and Southwest Washington. The following are examples.

Sunday visits have been made to Calvary Lutheran Church in Stayton and Redeemer Lutheran Church in Tillamook. Pastor Luna was able to provide the sermon in Tillamook. In both congregations there were presentations by Latino members served by Pastor Luna. Two of the presenters were teenagers. Here are quotations from their remarks.

“I listened to Pastor Miguel’s sermon and I understood it. It made me interested in the Bible and I began to read it. I found out how much I had been missing. I became more and more active in the Church. I was confirmed last summer.
Obdulla, a teenager from Woodburn

“Lutheran Latino Ministries is a group that reaches out to Latinos with the Word of God...I want to thank Latino Ministries for bringing my family into the church.” Maria, a teenager from Mt. Angel

“Since I have been attending church I feel spiritually full. [The Luna’s] are now part of my family. When I first came to Oregon I felt very empty; I missed my family in California so much. Since I met the Luna’s they are like family to me.”
Marisol, Mt. Angel

“We like that they call us and visit us and invite us. We go with them to the church and they teach us about God...We are comfortable with them. They help us.”
Eufemia, Mt. Angel

On November 15 Pastor Luna and Marta, Pastor Dennis Boren, Pastor Jim Springle, and 9 members of Ascension Lutheran Church in Portland, made a mission trip to share Bible stories, crafts and God’s love with people of Guatemala, living near Marta’s hometown. Pastor Luna made the trip despite suffering minor injuries in an auto accident several days before the trip.

Presentations have been made to two circuit pastor’s conferences. Additional circuit visits are being planned.

Please consider participating in this ministry to Latino people in some or all of the following ways.

• Pray for God’s continued blessing on the ministry.
• Ask your congregation to invite LLM to participate in a Sunday service, Bible class, or organization meeting.
• Ask your congregation to provide a special gift to the ministry and/or include it in the annual budget. A growing number of congregations are doing so,
• Include a gift to LLM in your year-end gifting plans. Upon request we will provide Thrivent Giving Plus 2009 forms. Forms are also available online.
• Include LLM in your estate plans. Your financial advisor, attorney or insurance agent can assist you with arrangements.
• If you are an online shopper there are a variety of stores that will provide a small donation to LLM for each purchase made. Contact www.goodsearch.com for information. Enter “Lutheran Latino Ministries” as the charity you want to support. By using www.goodsearch.com for your internet searches, LLM will receive one cent for each legitimate search.

During the coming holiday season as we meditate on the great Good News “for unto you is born this day in the City of David, a Savior, Christ the Lord,” may the Lord move us all to share that Good News of Christ with everyone – Christ for All – Cristo para todos.

Your Servant in Christ,

Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ

We returned from our Mission trip to Guatemala last night.
We had memorable experiences in Christ.
We greatly appreciate your prayers for our volunteer missionary group because for some of them it was their first time and for others it was their second time volunteering for this mission. They put all their energy in order to push forth this wonderful event in where we shared the Word of Jesus Christ with the children and adults in four different places in the Santo Tomas de Castilla area: La Repegua, El Mich, El Manantial, and La Cocona.(rural area) Our group experienced great and wonderful experiences in the length of the nine days we were there.

Attendance VBS Guatemala Noviembre (November)17-20 de 2009.
Lugares(place) Niños(children)
[approximately] Adultos (adults)
[approximately] Pr.Genis’s Report*
[most accurate count]
La Repegua: Pr.Gustavo 121 31 167
El Mich : Pr. Noe 252 77 345
El manantial :Pr. Oscar 71 13 102
La Cocona: Pr. Adelfio 109 46 170

total 553 167 784

*Pastor Orlando Genis gave a report to his church on Sunday, November 22 on the attendance of the VBS event, which was 784. His report is the most accurate because
we were unable to count some people and that is reason the total attendance numbers are higher. The important thing is that we shared God’s message of love and salvation with others.

This morning [Wednesday] I received a phone call from Pr. Orlando Genis who wanted to know if we had arrived safely. Please pray that the seeds we planted in the hearts of many children and adults will grow so that they may not depart from the love of God.

The annual Hispanic Ministries Convocation was presented on Saturday September 26 at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Portland. Some 30 people participated.
The day opened with devotion by Pastor Miguel Luna followed by a video presentation on the history and activities of Lutheran Latino Ministries. Members of Trinity –Portland and Trinity-Mt. Angel shared testimonies with the group about how they came to the church through the ministry of Pastor Miguel and Marta Luna and those who assist them in the four congregations they serve as Circuit Rider Missionaries. Following lunch, two teenage girls shared their testimonies. The group then divided into small groups to explore and discuss visions and possibilities for outreach to Latino people from their own congregations. The Convocation closed with a devotion by Ralph Petersen.
The generous offerings were matched in part by a grant from the Southwest Portland Chapter of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. All support for the Circuit Rider Missionary Program is gratefully received and appreciated.

Convocación de Ministerios Hispanos

La convocación anula de Ministerios Anuales se llevo acabo el Sábado 26 de Septiembre en la iglesia Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church en Pórtland. Unas treinta personas participaron.
El día comenzó con una devoción por el Pastor Miguel Luna. Esto fue seguido por una presentación en video sobre la historia y actividades de Lutheran Latino Ministries. Miembros de Trinity-Portland y Trinity- Mt. Angel compartieron sus testimonios con el grupo sobre como conocieron la iglesia a través del ministerio del Pastor Miguel y Marta Luna y eso que la asisten en las cuatro congregaciones a las que sirven como Misioneros de Circuito. Después del lonche, dos jóvenes también compartieron su testimonio. El grupo luego fue dividido en grupos pequeños y exploraron y platicaron sobre diferentes visiones y posibilidades para acercarnos más a la gente Latina de sus congregaciones.
Las ofrendas generosa fueron igualadas por un otorgamiento d el capitulo de el suroeste de Pórtland par a Thrivent Financial para Luteranos. Todo el apoyo para el programa de Misioneros de Circuito es recibido con agradecimiento y apreciación

Marta Luna Continues Deaconess Studies

In September Deaconess Intern Marta Luna traveled again to St. Louis, MO for a week of intensive study. In November she will travel to Houston where the next course is being offered. In January and again in the spring she will return for more courses. She is scheduled to complete her studies in the spring of 2011.
As she is studying, Marta continues her work of evangelism, teaching, and human care ministries among the people in the four congregations served by her and her husband, Pastor Miguel Luna.
Please continue to hold Marta in your prayers as she balances family, studies, and work.
Estimated cost of the remainder of her studies is $24,000. The cost of her first two semesters was graciously covered by the Northwest District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod from a special fund administered by the Department of Expanding Ministries. We are currently investigating the possibility of supporting the cost of Marta’s studies through the Seminary’s “Adopt a Student” program.

Marta Luna continua sus
estudios de Diaconiza

En septiembre la diaconiza interna Marta Luna viajo de nuevo a St. Louis, MO para una semana intensa de estudio. En Noviembre va a viajar a Houston donde su próximo curso va a estar disponible. En Enero y otra vez en la primavera va a regresar para mas cursos. Esta pronosticado que termine sus estudios en la primavera de el 2011.
Así como estudia, Marta continua sus trabajos en el evangelismo, ensenado, y en el ministerio del cuidado humano entre las personas de las cuatro convocaciones al las que ella sirve junto a su esposo, el Pasto Miguel Luna.
Por favor continúen orando por Marta, en el trabajo de balancear a su familia, estudios, y trabajo.
El costo estimado para lo que queda de sus estudios es 24,000. El costo de sus primeros dos semestres fue cubrido por el Distrito de el Noroeste de Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod de un fondo especial administrado por el departamento de Extender los Ministerios. Ahora estamos investigando posibilidades de cómo cubrir los estudios de Marta a través del programa “Adopt a Student” (Adopten a un Estudiante).

Five Confirmed at Hope – Woodburn

Five people were confirmed during a bilingual service at Hope in Woodburn, OR on September 6. They will continue to worship at the Spanish-language services there. All five are active in the life of the church.
Congratulations!

Cinco personas se juntaron con la congregación Hope Lutheran en Woodburn, OR el 6 de septiembre en un servicio bilingüe. Todos son activos en la vida de la congregación y continuan asistiendo al servicio en Español ofrecido allá. ¡Felicitaciones a todos!

Mission Guatemala in November

In November a team from Ascension Lutheran Church – Portland/Gresham will go to Guatemala carrying the message of Jesus’ love. They will present Bible Schools in several locations in the area of Puerto Barrios, Marta Luna’s home town. In addition to the Gospel message they plan to take Bibles (prepared at the LWML Convention last June) and food.
Last year they planned to minister to some 80-100 children but were blessed with the opportunity to share the Good News with about 250 children – more than double their anticipated blessing. About one third of those children had never heard of Jesus before.
Please pray for a safe and fruitful journey for the saints from Ascension – Portland, guided by Pastor Miguel and Marta Luna. If you wish to contribute toward the cost of the journey or materials, please contact Ascension Lutheran Church, 1440 S.E. 182nd Portland, OR 97233.

En noviembre un grupo de la iglesia Ascension Lutheran en Portland/Gresham va a Guatemala llevando el mensaje del amor de Jesús. Van a presentar escuelita Bíblica en varios lugares alrededor de Puerto Barrios, la ciudad del nacimiento de Marta Luna. Llevarán Bíblias (preparados a la Convención nacional del LWML en junio) y comida para compartir con la gente.
El año pasado prepararon para enseñar a unos 80-100 niños pero más que 250 niños llegaron a las clases – más que doble el número anticipado. De los niños que se les presentaron, la tercera parte nunca han oído de Jesús antes de las clases.
Por favor, que oren por un viaje seguro y un tiempo bendito para los santos de la iglesia Ascension, guiados por el Pastor Miguel y Marta Luna. Si quieren enviar una ofrenda en apoyo de este viaje misionera, pueden contactar a la Iglesia Ascension, 1440 S.E. 182nd Portland, OR 97233 o platicar con los Luna.

El Pastor Carlos Hernandez
visita a Trinity – Portland

Friend of Lutheran Latino Ministries, Rev. Carlos Hernandez, will be in Portland on October 24 to train Latino members of Trinity in how to contact and visit people who live in the neighborhood around the church. The purpose is evangelism through establishing friendship and trust between the church members and the people. Please pray for a successful time of training, and that the Kingdom of God might be extended as a result of this work.
Amigo de Lutheran Latino Ministries, el Rev. Carlos Hernandez estará a Trinity- Portland el 24 de octubre para enseñar a los miembros Latinos como contactar y visitar a la gente en el vecindario de la iglesia. El propósito es el evangelismo por medio de establecer amistad y confianza entre los miembros y la gente. Por favor, que oren por un tiempo exitoso y que extendiera el Reino de Dios por medio de esta obra.

Has Your Congregation Become A Member of Lutheran Latino Ministries?

In order to become a member of Lutheran Latino Ministries your Voters Assembly resolves to support the work of the ministry. No financial support is implied, but is greatly appreciated if you should decide to provide it. Member congregations are entitled to send two voting members to each meeting of Lutheran Latino Ministries.
Simply send a letter on your church letterhead signed by your congregation Chairman stating that your congregation has resolved to become a member congregation. Send the letter to Lutheran Latino Ministries, P.O Box 293 Mt. Angel, OR 9736 and begin participating in the decision-making process for the ministry as your delegates attend the quarterly meetings.

Thank You to Our Donors

Lutheran Latino Ministries thanks all those congregations and individuals who responded to our Pentecost Funding Appeal. Your gifts have helped to continue the Circuit Rider Missionary Program that is steadily bringing Christ to the people and the people to Christ. We want to thank those congregations that are including Lutheran Latino Ministries in their budget for the coming year.

Beverly Hohman
Art Linneman
Rev. Del and Judy Schomberg
Dwaine Brandt
Donna King
Erwin & Lillian Nickodemus
Harvey Peeke
Women of Calvary - Stayton, OR
Steve and Kris Kramer
Trinity Lutheran Church - Mt. Angel
Rev. Mark Hoelter
Carolyn Stucky
Harriet Gibson
Margaret Franklin
Rosemary Knox
Donna Boswell
Rev. Ty and Sharon Miles
Raymond and Eleanor Brown Margaret Franklin
Jan Kluth
Immanuel Lutheran Church at Havillah, Tonasket WA
Brian and Connie Adams
Sheryl Maier
Ruth Petersen
Rev. George & Terry Putnam
Wray Jacobs
St. Johns Womens League – Portland, OR
Wayne Tonack
Rev. Joel Brauer
St. John Lutheran Church - Salem, OR
Ascension Lutheran Church – Portland, OR
Grace Lutheran Church - Ashland, OR
Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church – Portland
Holy Cross Lutheran Church – Spokane, WA
Hope Lutheran Church – Woodburn, OR
Trinity Lutheran Church – Mt. Angel, OR
Brian and Connie Adams
Ed Brandt