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Amen 2008

August 06th, 2008

Thank You!

Posted At: 8:55pm by Bloghardt
As we in Higher Things continue to bask in the glow of three Christ-centered "Amen" conferences, it's time to take a moment and thank all the people who taught, worked, preached, and sang at our conferences this year. 

This list is by no means comprehensive.  As is always the case, all the laity who volunteered and taught, are all members in good standing of Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod congregations.  And all the preachers, teachers, and chaplains are rostered members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.

So, thank you.  Thank you for your preparation.  Thank you for your time.  Thank you for giving up sleep and for consuming large amounts of caffeine and sugar to stay awake.  Most of all, thank you for making this year's conferences our best yet!

We'll see you at Sola!

In Christ,

Rev. George F. Borghardt III
Conference Executive
Higher Things, Inc.



Amen - Poconos
Rev. David Kind Chaplain/Preacher University Lutheran Chapel Minneapolis, MN
Mr. Chris Loemker Organist/Choir Director Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church Freeburg, IL
Rev. George Borghardt Preacher St. Mark Lutheran Church Conroe, TX
Rev. Larry Nichols Preacher Our Redeemer Lutheran Church Smithfield, RI
Rev. Mark Buetow Preacher Bethel Lutheran Church Du Quoin, IL
Rev. Eric Andrae Preacher First Trinity Lutheran Church Pittsburgh, PA
Rev. Christopher Esget Preacher Immanuel Lutheran Church Alexandria, VA
Rev. Marcus Zill Preacher St. Andrew's Lutheran Church Laramie, WY
Rev. George Borghardt Plenary Teacher St. Mark Lutheran Church Conroe, TX
Rev. Mark Buetow Plenary Teacher Bethel Lutheran Church Du Quoin, IL
Rev. David Fleming In-Depth Teacher Our Savior Lutheran Church Grand Rapids, MI
Rev. James Gier In-Depth Teacher Mount Calvary Lutheran Church Excelsior Springs, MO
Rev. Gifford Grobien In-Depth Teacher Emmaus Lutheran Church South Bend, IN
Rev. David Kind In-Depth Teacher University Lutheran Chapel Minneapolis, MN
Mr. Stan Lemon In-Depth Teacher Redeemer Lutheran Church Oakmont, PA
Rev. Thomas Messer In-Depth Teacher Peace Lutheran Church Alma, MI
Rev. Kurt Onken In-Depth Teacher Messiah Lutheran Church Marysville, WA
Mrs. Sandra Ostapowich In-Depth Teacher Mount Olive Lutheran Church Loveland, CO
Rev. Jay Reinke In-Depth Teacher Concordia Lutheran Church Williston, ND
Rev. Eric Andrae Breakaway Teacher First Trinity Lutheran Church Pittsburgh, PA
Rev. Leonard Astrowski Breakaway Teacher Grace Lutheran Church Fairgrove, MI
Rev. Dr. David Balla Breakaway Teacher Trinity Lutheran Church West Chicago, IL
Rev. Duane Bamsch Breakaway Teacher Evangelists Lutheran Church Kingsbury, TX
Rev. Mark Buetow Breakaway Teacher Bethel Lutheran Church Du Quoin, IL
Rev. Dave Dodge Breakaway Teacher Our Savior Lutheran Church Union City, MI
Rev. John Drosendahl Breakaway Teacher Peace Lutheran Church Goldsboro, NC
Rev. Dr. Carl Fickenscher Breakaway Teacher Concordia Theological Seminary Fort Wayne, IN
Rev. Joseph Fisher Breakaway Teacher Pilgrim Lutheran Church West Bend, WI
Rev. Robert Franck Breakaway Teacher Mount Olive Lutheran Church Duluth, MN
Rev. Gifford Grobien Breakaway Teacher Emmaus Lutheran Church South Bend, IN
Rev. Kevin Johnson Breakaway Teacher Holy Cross Lutheran Church Carlisle, IA
Rev. Dr. Jonathan Naumann Breakaway Teacher Redeemer Lutheran Church Oakmont, PA
Rev. Larry Nichols Breakaway Teacher Redeemer Lutheran Church Smithfield, RI
Mr. Landon Reed Breakaway Teacher Zion Lutheran Church Tomball, TX
Rev. Jay Reinke Breakaway Teacher Concordia Lutheran Church Williston, ND
Rev. Kent Schaaf Breakaway Teacher All Saints Lutheran Church Charlotte, NC
Rev. Stephen Schumacher Breakaway Teacher Bethany Lutheran Church Naperville, IL
Dr. Jim Tallmon Breakaway Teacher Our Savior Lutheran Church Winchester, WV
Dcs. Jennie Waters Breakaway Teacher Concordia University - Chicago Chicago, IL
Rev.Marcus Zill Breakaway Teacher St. Andrew's Lutheran Church Laramie, WY
       
Amen – St. Louis
Rev. D. Richard Stuckwisch Chaplain Emmaus Lutheran Church South Bend, IN
Kantor Richard Resch Organist Concordia Theological Seminary Fort Wayne, IN
Mr. Timothy LaCroix Choir Director Concordia Lutheran High School Fort Wayne, IN
Rev. George Borghardt Preacher St. Mark Lutheran Church Conroe, TX
Rev. Joel Fritsche Preacher Concordia Seminary St. Louis, MO
Rev. Mark Buetow Preacher Bethel Lutheran Church Du Quoin, IL
Rev. Richard Heinz Preacher St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church Lanesville, IN
Rev. Jeffrey Gibbs Preacher Concordia Theological Seminary St. Louis, MO
Rev. Bruce Keseman Preacher Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church Freeburg, IL
Rev. William Cwirla Preacher Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Hacienda Heights, CA
Rev. George Borghardt Plenary Teacher St. Mark Lutheran Church Conroe, TX
Rev. Mark Buetow Plenary Teacher Bethel Lutheran Church Du Quoin, IL
Rev. Paul Beisel In-Depth Teacher Concordia Lutheran Church Warsaw, IL
Rev. Jeffrey Bloom In-Depth Teacher Immanuel Lutheran Church Lincoln, NE
Rev. Allen Braun In-Depth Teacher Mount Hulda Lutheran Church Cole Camp, MO
Rev. Kirk Clayton In-Depth Teacher Zion Lutheran Church Mascoutah, IL
Rev. Marcus Mackay In-Depth Teacher Peace Lutheran Church Hastings, NE
Rev. Klemet Preus In-Depth Teacher Glory of Christ Lutheran Church Plymouth, MN
Rev. William Cwirla In-Depth Teacher Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Hacienda Heights, CA
Mrs. Sandra Ostapowich In-Depth Teacher Mount Olive Lutheran Church Loveland, CO
Rev. William Snyder In-Depth Teacher Holy Cross Lutheran Church Emma, MO
Rev. Jon Bakker Breakaway Teacher Zion Lutheran Church Mount Pleasant, MI
Rev. Michael Brockman Breakaway Teacher Christ Lutheran Church Hutchinson, KS
Dcs. Emily Carder Breakaway Teacher Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Brandon, MS
Rev. Steven Cholak Breakaway Teacher Concordia Theological Seminary Fort Wayne, IN
Rev. Tyler Hauptmeier Breakaway Teacher St. Peter Lutheran Church Summerfield, KS
Rev. Richard Heinz Breakaway Teacher St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church Lanesville, IN
Rev. Jim Holowach Breakaway Teacher Christ Lutheran Church Jackson, MS
Rev. Philip Houser Breakaway Teacher Lamb of God Lutheran Church Omaha, NE
Rev. Bruce Keseman Breakaway Teacher Christ our Savior Lutheran Church Freeburg, IL
Rev. Scot Kinnaman Breakaway Teacher Concordia Publishing House St. Louis, MO
Rev. Richard Kolaskey Breakaway Teacher Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church Dillsboro, IN
Rev. Paul McCain Breakaway Teacher Concordia Publishing House St. Louis, MO
Rev. Alan Miller Breakaway Teacher Peace Lutheran Church Glidden, IA
Rev. Michael Monterastelli Breakaway Teacher First Lutheran Church Lufkin, TX
Rev. Mark Mumme Breakaway Teacher Zion Lutheran Church Hardwick, MN
Dcs. Pam Nielsen Breakaway Teacher Concordia Publishing House St. Louis, MO
Rev. Jeffrey Pautz Breakaway Teacher St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church Freeman, SD
Rev. Rick Sawyer Breakaway Teacher Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Brandon, MS
Rev. Scott Schilbe Breakaway Teacher Christ Lutheran Church Rochester, MN
Rev. Eric Tessaro Breakaway Teacher Trinity Lutheran Church Springfield, MO
Rev. Clayton Vail Breakaway Teacher Bethlehem Lutheran Church Altamont, IL
Rev. Glen Wurdeman Breakaway Teacher Advent Lutheran Church Zionsville, IN
       
Amen – Irvine
Rev. William Cwirla Chaplain/Preacher Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Hacienda Heights, CA
Dr. William Heide Organist St. John Lutheran Church Orange, CA
Mrs. Audrey Mink Choir Director St. John Lutheran Church Orange, CA
Rev. George Borghardt Preacher St. Mark Lutheran Church Conroe, TX
Rev. Korey Maas Preacher Concordia University - Irvine Irvine, CA
Rev. Mark Buetow Preacher Bethel Lutheran Church Du Quoin, IL
Rev. Joel Shaltanis Preacher St. Paul's Lutheran Church Pomona, CA
Rev. Steven Mueller Preacher Concordia University - Irvine Irvine, CA
Rev. Brent Kuhlman Preacher Trinity Lutheran Church Murdock, NE
Rev. George Borghardt Plenary Teacher St. Mark Lutheran Church Conroe, TX
Rev. Mark Buetow Plenary Teacher Bethel Lutheran Church Du Quoin, IL
Rev. Dr. James Bachman In-Depth Teacher Concordia University - Irvine Irvine, CA
Prof. Mark Brighton In-Depth Teacher Concordia University - Irvine Irvine, CA
Rev. Charlie Mallie In-Depth Teacher Zion Lutheran Church Tomball, TX
Rev. Dr. Steven Mueller In-Depth Teacher Concordia University - Irvine Irvine, CA
Rev. William Cwirla In-Depth Teacher Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Hacienda Heights, CA
Mrs. Sandra Ostapowich In-Depth Teacher Mount Olive Lutheran Church Loveland, CO
Prof. Mark Siegert In-Depth Teacher Concordia University - Irvine Irvine, CA
Rev. Prof. Scott Ashmon Breakaway Teacher Concordia University - Irvine Irvine, CA
Dr. Susan Bachman Breakaway Teacher Concordia University - Irvine Irvine, CA
Rev. Dan Bremer Breakaway Teacher Grace Lutheran Church Grand Island, NE
Rev. Tim Eaton Breakaway Teacher Christ the King Lutheran Church Newbury Park, CA
Rev. Dr. Korey Maas Breakaway Teacher Concordia University - Irvine Irvine, CA
Rev. Ian Pacey Breakaway Teacher Catalina Lutheran Church Tucson, AZ
Rev. Jeremy Rhode Breakaway Teacher Faith Lutheran Church Capistrano Beach, CA
Dr. Christine Ross Breakaway Teacher Concordia University - Irvine Irvine, CA
Rev. Prof. Greg Seltz Breakaway Teacher Concordia University - Irvine Irvine, CA
Rev. Wiley Smith Breakaway Teacher Christ the King Lutheran Church Redlands, CA
Rev. Marcus Zill Breakaway Teacher St. Andrew's Lutheran Church Laramie, WY
Rev. Grant Knepper Breakaway Teacher Zion Lutheran Church Hillsboro, OR
Rev. Brent Kuhlman Breakaway Teacher Trinity Lutheran Church Murdock, NE
Mr. Stan Lemon Breakaway Teacher Redeemer Lutheran Church Oakmont, PA


Edited on: August 07th, 2008 7:48 am
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Posted in Amen 2008

June 02nd, 2008

Amen Bible Studies

Posted At: 6:11pm by Stan Lemon

Are you going to this summer's Amen Conference? If so, Higher Things has prepared four bible studies that you and your youth group can use to get ready for the conference. They're available from our Catechesis page, or you can click on the links below to download them in PDF format.



Edited on: June 02nd, 2008 6:11 pm
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Posted in Amen 2008

May 01st, 2008

"Amen for a Day" Registration Opens!

Posted At: 4:23pm by Sandra Ostapowich

Once again, Higher Things is excited to announce that we are providing an opportunity for adults to visit our conferences this summer. Many people want first-hand information about our organization and our conferences. Here's your chance to find out for yourselves!

Individuals may pre-register to attend one day of a conference for $50 if pre-registration forms and payment is received by June 15, 2008. You will be notified by June 20, 2008 if your form has been received and will be given specific information about parking, check-in, etc. Walk-in guests will be accepted at the conference Information table for a fee of $60 per day.

"Amen for a Day" registration will allow you to personally experience an entire day's worth of conference activities.

You will receive admission all catechesis sessions, worship services, and entertainment events for that day (meals and housing will be on your own), as well as a conference T-shirt and a 1-year subscription to Higher Things magazine.

Please download the "Amen for a Day" Pre-Registration Form and mail it to the Conference Registrar at the address printed in the form by June15, 2008. Questions? Email conferences@higherthings.org or call 1-888-HT-CONF08.

Edited on: May 01st, 2008 4:42 pm
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Posted in Amen 2008

March 30th, 2008

The Last Day!

Posted At: 1:08am by Sandra Ostapowich

Not THE Last Day, but the last day to register for the 2008 Higher Things "Amen" conferences has arrived!

Gather up your registration information and fees, get online, and get your group registered TODAY!  After Sunday, March 30, all new registrations must be handled and approved directly by a member of the registration and housing staff.  For groups already registered, after April 1, cancellations are non-refundable and cannot be credited toward your group's final balance, and substitutions may only be made for people of the same gender and category (youth/adult). 

Final balances are also due on April 1.  If it seems like that came up quickly, please remember that we extended the registration period but we cannot extend the payment schedule as well. Deposits can still be accepted via online payment through PayPal, but the final balance must be paid by check or money order.  Please send all registration checks to the address below:

Higher Things Registrations
PMB #4304
2525 Broadway
Everett, WA 98201

If you have any last minute questions about the conferences (this year's or in general), check out the Frequently Asked Questions at our website.

Even if you don't have a group going to a conference from your church, you can help to provide some financial support for the conferences.  Higher Things Conferences have a number of important expenses that can be underwritten by one or multiple donors. Some of the needs we have are:

  • Scholarships for CCV (Christ on Campus Volunteer) registrations so that starving college students don't have to pay any registration fees (even discounted ones). These young adults work HARD at the conferences and provide invaluable help for all the staff and other volunteers.
  • Conference T-shirts for all registrants. We anticipate this expense to cost about $12,000 total. These shirts are a great way for kids to take home a souvenir of their week, and provide great opportunities for them to confess their faith and what they learned when they wear them at home!
  • Magazine subscriptions. This year, Higher Things is providing each registrant with a 1-year subscription to Higher Things: Dare to be Lutheran magazine.  Value $10,000 total.

Other questions about the conferences can be directed to conferences@higherthings.org.  Specific questions about registration can be sent to registration@higherthings.org and housing concerns should be sent to housing@higherthings.org.  Or, you can just call 1-888-HT-CONF08.

We also ask everyone to please keep the staff, volunteers, group leaders and especially the youth who are preparing to attend this summer's conferences in your prayers in the months and weeks ahead.

"Our Paschal Lamb, that sets us free, Is sacrificed.  O keep the feast of freedom gallantly; let alleluias leap: Alleluia, Alleluia! Alleluia! Again, sing alleluia, cry aloud: Alleluia! Amen!

Let all our deeds, unanimous, confess Him as our Lord Who by the Spirit lives in us, the Father's living Word. Alleluia, Alleluia! Alleluia! Again, sing alleluia, cry aloud: Alleluia! Amen!"

(LSB #473, verses 1 and 3)



Edited on: March 30th, 2008 1:39 am
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Posted in Amen 2008

March 01st, 2008

We Heard You!! 2008 Conference Registration Extended!

Posted At: 11:39pm by Sandra Ostapowich

While the available spots at all three Amen conferences have been filling up faster than ever, we've also been deluged with emails and calls asking us for extensions on turning in registrations and deposits.  It seems that Lent and Easter sneaking up on us so early this year has made getting youth groups organized about as difficult as nailing Jell-O to a tree.

We've decided to extend registration through the week following Easter - groups now have until March 30 to register!  You will continue to be able to download registration forms and register online at www.amen2008.org for nearly another month.  This also allows groups who were having trouble being decisive (you know who you are!) to decide to attend one of the three Amen conferences this summer.

So why should you take advantage of this extension and send your youth to one of the 2008 Amen Conferences?

WORSHIP - Conferences provide many opportunities for youth and chaperones to participate in our best possible expression of traditional, Christ-centered, Lutheran worship. Three times a day, services are conducted from the Lutheran Service Book by LCMS pastors. The preaching and singing at Higher Things conference is an amazing thing to behold. Smaller groups are also invited to pray the service of Compline together each night before lights-out. Youth really come to appreciate the liturgical traditions of our churches when they are taught why we do what we do, so materials and opportunities to learn about our historical worship practices will be provided for groups both before and during the conferences.

WORK -"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young," St. Paul tells Timothy (1 Tim. 4:12). How can young people "Dare to be Lutheran" if they don't know what it means to be a Lutheran in this world? Catechesis (religious instruction) at Higher Things conferences is known for being fairly intense - come prepared to learn! Many people today don't think youth are capable of learning about doctrinal issues, or that they're even interested in doing so. We have found just the opposite to be true! At our conferences, youth have many, many opportunities to learn more about their faith and its uniqueness in the Christian world. Sectional workshops are offered on a variety of subjects of interest to young people to help them understand and express a faithful perspective when talking to their friends, teachers, and families. Catechetical speakers at Higher Things conferences are pastors or laity in the LCMS.

PLAY - One of the reasons youth come to conferences is to meet other Lutherans from around the world. Higher Things conferences incorporate many fun activities as an integral part of the week! Each site we visit offers new and very different ways for youth to enjoy themselves and get to know each other - baseball games, karaoke, laser tag, hiking, square dancing, bowling, and improv comedy have all been some of the ways we've had fun at past conferences. We also schedule some free time so that groups can have an opportunity to have fun together during the week as well.

 

For more information about the conference you can...

  1. Visit our official conference website at www.amen2008.org.
  2. Email us at conferences@higherthings.org.
  3. Call us toll-free at 1-888-HTCONF-08.  If one of our operators is not standing by for your call, leave a message and your call will be returned within a day.

Higher Things dares to be Lutheran, meaning that we don't hide our uncompromising emphasis on the Gospel and all that Christ has done for us. Youth tell us again and again that they love Higher Things conferences because they get to spend four days immersed in hearing the about their Savior and their Christian faith.  Don't miss this additional, extended opportunity to attend one of the conferences this summer!

In Christ,


Sandra Ostapowich
2008 Amen Conference Coordinator
Higher Things, Inc.



Edited on: March 02nd, 2008 12:54 am
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Posted in Amen 2008

February 21st, 2008

Conference Math

Posted At: 12:16am by Sandra Ostapowich

With just nine days remaining in the regular registration period, two-thirds of the 2008 Higher Things conferences are more than fifty-percent to capacity!  Both the Amen - St. Louis and Amen - Irvine conferences are half full.

There's still room at all three conferences, but more and more groups are registering each day!  Register your group now!

Please call 1-888-HTCONF08 or email conferences@higherthings.org with any questions.



Edited on: February 21st, 2008 12:21 am
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Posted in Amen 2008

February 14th, 2008

Happy St. Valentine's Day!

Posted At: 6:00pm by Sandra Ostapowich
Have you visited the new Amen 2008 website yet?  Go to www.amen2008.org and check it out!

No doubt you've got all sorts of questions about the conferences by now.  We've (hopefully) anticipated a lot of them with our FAQ page about the Amen 2008 conferences.  If you still have questions after perusing this list, feel free to contact us at conferences@higherthings.org.

With just over two weeks left during the regular Registration period, things are really starting to get busy.  Our Registration-o-Meter has practically begun to spin in the last few days! 

We have met the preferential registration numbers for the Amen - Irvine conference, so I'm pleased to announce that everyone is welcome to register for that conference now!

And fortunately for everyone registering at the last minute, it's also Leap Year.  This means you have one entire extra day to get your Registrations completed...and there is still room at all three Amen conferences in the Poconos, St. Louis, and California.  Remember that registrations are not considered completed until your group's deposit is received by Higher Things.  Register online today and pay your deposit with a credit card through PayPal for the fastest processing of your group's registration.

I look forward to seeing you all this summer!

In Christ,


Sandra Ostapowich
2008 Amen Conference Coordinator
Higher Things, Inc.



Edited on: February 14th, 2008 6:04 pm
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Posted in Amen 2008


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