DISASTER RESPONSE UPDATE AND FUTURE RESPONSE PLANS

September 2, 2005 - Donations of women's and children's clothes shipped to Arkansas for distribution to victims of Hurricane Katrina. Received about 2000 lbs of clothes, household goods and toiletries. All items disbursed as needed.
Several thousand dollars were also collected by member congregations and disbursed in full directly to several families who were displaced. $250.00 of the funds were used for packing and shipping fees.

Future Disaster Planning

As this was the Lutheran Orthodox Church's first attempt at any disaster response since forming in 2004, we have learned from the experience and have made new plans to respond to similar events in the future. Our goal is to have as close to 100% of any funds received be disbursed to those in need with as little administrative costs as possible. One area that cost us more than expected was that of shipping items to affected areas. A network of LOC members is being developed to relay items one to another as quickly and effeciently as possible without the use of common carriers whenever possible. We are searching for a Director of Disaster Response who can coordinate these activities.

Nice Words About Lutheran Orthodox Church on Jack Van Impe TV program.

Televangelist Jack Van Impe made mention of The Lutheran Orthodox Church, The Lutheran Evangelical Protestant Church and 2 Bishops, Sam Guido and Nancy Drew on a recent program. He was excited to see that there were at least 2 Lutheran synods which preach accurately about The Rapture, and remain in harmony with both Holy Scripture and the teachings of Dr Martin Luther. Dr Van Impe's program is televised in 244 countries and many languages and reaches every country in the world. Thanks, Drs Jack and Rexella Van Impe for the kind words. We recommend your program to everyone.

New World Wide Outreach Ministry Established

The Lutheran Orthodox Church has established a new, transdenomintational worldwide outreach and ministry which invites clergy from all Christian denominations who agree with our purpose to join us in ministering to those in need without changing denominational affiliation. Please visit http://www.samguidoministries.com by clicking on the link found on our home page.

Ministers of The LOC

The Lutheran Orthodox Church, will continue to build on solid ground, little by little with the best qualified ministers, well screened, properly educated and unified in purpose. ALL MINISTERS MUST BE ORDAINED BY AN LOC BISHOP IN VALID APOSTOLIC SUCCESSION UPON APPROVAL OF THE LOC COUNCIL OF BISHOPS. This is our guarantee that the minister who represents this church is well qualified and not a 'mail order preacher'.

All Bishops of The Lutheran Orthodox Church were consecrated by The Presiding Bishop with co-consecrators from either The LOC or churches which share Full Communion with The LOC. 2 'Acting Bishops' have yet to have their ceremony performed but arrangements are being made.

Bishop Guido Addresses New York Theological Seminary

On March 22nd, 2007 Bishop Guido was invited to address the seminarians of New York Theological Seminary and perform the first ordination ceremony held there in the seminary's 100 plus years of existance. The address was very well received by the many students, alumnae, faculty, administration, visiting clergy and prospective students who were visiting during the school's Spring Open House.

PRESIDING BISHOP SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

We are preparing the 2008 speaking enagements for Presiding Bishop Sam Guido. Several new venues have been added to next season's speaking tour and will be announced upon confirmation of dates. To be included new in the next set of dates will be Trenton, NJ, Virginia Beach, Benton, Arkansas, New York City, Philadelphia, and Myrtle Beach, SC. A full schedule of dates and locations will be listed shortly. All speaking engagements are free of charge but tickets will usually be required as seating is limited in many venues. Freewill offerings are taken only to offset expenses.

Bishop Guido will touch on many subjects such as The End Times, Miracles, Family Relationships, The Truth and Accuracy of The Bible, False Prophets, Cults, Islam, and many other hot topics in his 'Random Thoughts' series of talks. The talks are suitable for all ages, and all are welcome to attend, no matter your denominational affiliation. The informative, entertaining and often humorous talks usually last 45 minutes to an hour, (communion is always offered), followed by musical entertainment(where available) and light refreshments and conversation.

It's always uplifting and encouraging and will leave you refreshed and spiritually recharged. Check this page for updates or schedule him in your church. Call the Lutheran Orthodox Church main office to schedule or send for more info.

Thousands gathered on Memorial Day 2008 at Veterans Memorial Park in Nazareth Pa for the Keynote Address delivered by Bishop Sam Guido of The LOC to the veterans of the United States Armed Forces and townspeople. The speech entitled 'The Greatest American Hero' was very well received and ended in a standing ovation honoring all the veterans who served our country. Copies of the speech are available on CD at no cost, upon request, as long as copies remain available. One CD per address please.

States and Countries where Lutheran Orthodox Churches and ministries operate
Pennsylvania, Michigan, S.Carolina, NJ, California, Ohio, Tennessee, Florida, Vermont, Minnesota, Arkansas, Indiana, Washington State Outside The United StatesSri Lanka, India, The Philippines, Uganda, Kenya (This list is under construction and not complete. More than one congregation exists in many of these areas. India is home to more than 20 congregations. Uganda home to many others, Pennsylvania has 6 plus, etc... )

Effective July 15th, The Lutheran Orthodox Church, inc has released the synods established in Uganda, Kenya as well as Sri Lanka to establish their own jurisdictions. They are no longer under direct supervision of the LOC World Headquarters and we welcome them as separate and equal church bodies in the Lutheran group of churches. May The Lord continue to richly bless our Brethren in those respective countries.