The Messenger is a monthly publication of Iowa District West of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. It includes news from all over the District and its Ministry Partners.

As a result of a very significant Santa Ana wind event, several devastating wildfires have been burning in multiple areas in Southern California. Thousands of homes and other structures have burned, and unfortunately there have been fatalities and injuries.

Several of our PSD congregations and schools are in or near the fire areas, with some having to evacuate. As of this point, we are not aware of property damage to churches and schools but have been told some members and student families have lost their homes. We will provide more details to our district as we receive them. Please be in prayer for our brothers and sisters affected by these terrible fires.

Checks can be sent to:

Pacific Southwest District – LCMS
16355 Laguna Canyon Rd. #300
Irvine, CA, 92618
Memo: SoCal Wildfire Relief

God gives His church pastors and church workers for the sake of the Gospel. Parents/grandparents, pastors, professional church workers, Sunday school teachers and others in your congregation help influence children to consider serving the church in these sacred and joyful vocations. Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Since church work is rooted in Baptism and a lifetime of hearing the Word, SAS encourages young people to consider church work vocations primarily through their continued and faithful involvement with their congregation.

Living Wisely in an Unwise World
The three weekly themes are based on James 1:5. They are as follows:
Week 1: "Following God's Wisdom"
Week 2: "Using Time Wisely"
Week 3: "Becoming Money Wise"

Faithful Stewards of God's Grace
The three weekly themes are based on 1 Peter 4:10. They are as follows:
Week 1: "Receiving and Using God's Gifts"
Week 2: "Serve One Another"
Week 3: "Good Stewards of God's Grace"

Includes Bible studies, sermon materials, newsletter articles, bulletin messages, PowerPoints, promotional materials, etc.

**PLEASE NOTE** If you are not a member of an Iowa District West LCMS congregation, please contact Roger Curtis at IDW or Ron Chewning at 248-644-6150 for permission to use.