The Mission of the Kansas District Deaf Ministry Task Force is to encourage and expand deaf ministry in Kansas.

Chairman: Pastor Mark Eichler, Faith Lutheran Church, Emporia
Members: Rev. Mark Eichler, Chair; Ernie & Nila Haefner; Glenda Haefner, Deb Hale; David & Sarah Hale; Wilma Philips; Kathy Weidner; Esther Zimmerman; Peggy Gott; Tami Peckham; Rev. Mike Herzberg; Rev. Paul Tessaro
District Staff: Rev. Mark Frith

Summary of Activities

1. Annual Deaf Ministry Workshop
In the Fall of each year, a congregation of the District hosts a day-long workshop. In the past, a two-part workshop was held. A portion of the workshop focused on how hearing congregations can reach out to the deaf. A second portion of the workshop focused on how the deaf can reach out to the deaf. More recently, the workshop has been a "Witness Workshop for the Deaf and Friends." the them has been to encourage the deaf to reach out and witness to their deaf friends.

2. Create a network of churches and ministries who are reaching out to the deaf with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. A chat-room was established on the internet allowing churches and those individuals who are doing "deaf ministry" to share ideas, to offer support and encouragement to each other, and be a place where questions might be answered by others. It has not been maintained because it was not being used. Currently, a couple of times a year a Deaf Ministry Task Force meeting is held, allowing for this networking to occur, as well as to plan the annual Deaf Ministry Workshop.

3. A matching-funds challenge grant has been established to support deaf ministry in Kansas. A generous gift was given to fund this challenge. Gifts given to the Kansas District Deaf Ministry Fund will be matched, until a limit of $10,000 has been matched.

Upcoming Event
Midwest International Lutheran Deaf Association (ILDA) Region Retreat
When: August 6-8, 2010
Host: Prince of Peace Lutheran Church for the Deaf
Where: Trinity Lutheran Church of Lake Johanna, Arden Hills, Minnesota
Theme: "Joined to Christ We Bear Fruit" John 15:15
Cost: $20 Registration Fee (after July 6, $30) - $30 for Meals (Friday supper & reception, Saturday lunch, Sunday lunch) - $25 for Saturday banquet - $10 for optional Mill City tour
Make checks payable to: Prince of Peace/Midwest ILDA
Send registration form & check to:
Marlys Aspnes
Attn: Prince of Peace
3245 New Brighton Rd
Arden Hills, MN 55112
Questions? Contact Ron Aspnes at popmwilda@aol.com.

Lodging: $63 + tax per night - MAKE YOUR OWN RESERVATIONS
Days Inn
2550 Cleveland Ave N
Roseville, MN 55113
Phone: 651-636-6730
FAX: 651-636-5966
Give Room Code MWIL when calling to make your reservations.

Links

Deaf Lutheran Mission Society: www.deafjesus.org
Deaf Institute of Theology: www.deafleaders.org
LCMS Deaf Ministry: www.LCMSdeaf.org