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By Jackie Bussert
July 2010
 That was a bumper sticker some years back, and the sentiment still lives on in radio and Internet among tongue-in-cheek misanthropes who don't want to be bothered by the needs of people.
Could someone say that about a Lutheran congregation? We hope not; Lutheran congregations are noted for their charity. Taking Lutherans as a whole, they operate the second largest system of charitable ministries among non-profits in the U.S., second only to Catholic Charities.
We genuinely like to show compassion when there are hurting people in the world. What we have not always done as well is combine compassion with proclamation – provides charity to both body and soul. Jesus shows us a balanced approach that feeds both the earthly hungers of hurting people and offers them the bread of life that is nothing less than Jesus himself.
Tim Hetzner, from Lutheran Church Charities, will take us into a deeper look at what Scripture says about compassion and the model of Jesus Christ in the district president's annual Mission Convocation.
Originally set to take place in June, the tornadoes in central Illinois caused a rescheduling. The convocation for pastors and human care ministry leaders will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 8, 9-3 at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Schaumburg. If you can attend, we'd love to see you there.
If you can't attend, why not urge your pastor to be there. All the details and registration are on the NID website at www.ni.lcms.org or call 888-708-5267. It's free. The name of the event is: How to Share the Compassion and Proclamation of Jesus Christ in Ways that Don't Cost Money.
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