wfn.org | [LCMSNews] New family-ministry network

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	February 5, 2004 ................... LCMSNews -- No. 10

	Family network forms to link workers,
	provide resources for family ministry

	A new Lutheran Family Ministry Network (LFMN) is being formed to
help family-ministry practitioners stay in touch and to help LCMS
District and Congregational Services -- Family Ministry develop
resources for them, says Rev. Jeffery Schubert.

	Schubert, director of LCMS District and Congregational Services
-- Family Ministry, said that the new association comes after surveys
and visits he has made throughout the Synod which point to the need for
such a network.

	Family ministers want to network to share ideas, resources and
things that work, Schubert said in a letter last month to 1,700 LCMS
family practitioners, in which he invites them to become charter members
of the network. And, they want someone to provide a wide variety of
services, support and encouragement.

	Schubert said that LFMN members, whose annual membership fee is
$325, will have an array of benefits that far exceed the cost,
including:

	* opportunities to network through video conferences, electronic
chat rooms and national conferences;

	* an electronic family-ministry bulletin;

	* free participation in local Marriage Enrichment weekend
retreats, counselor training in LCMS Family Ministrys Prepare-Enrich
program, on-site ministry consultation and strategic planning, and
books, kits and other helps;

	* integrated support services;

	* discounts on family-ministry resources;

	* access to LCMS Family Ministrys files and archives; and

	* a forum to discuss family-ministry certification in the Synod.

	Schubert said that those who are not members of the network
would pay for such benefits on an a la carte basis, and may incur fees
for service.

	For instance, Schubert said that the usual $1,000 per-day fee
for service for a Marriage Enrichment facilitator would be waived if the
planner of the event is an LFMN member.

	Membership in the new network is open to anyone. Those who did
not receive the Family Ministry mailing and are interested in joining
may contact Schubert at LCMS Family Ministry, 1333 S. Kirkwood Road, St.
Louis, MO 63122-7295; (800) 248-1930, Ext. 1716;
jeffery.schubert@lcms.org.

	******************************

	If you have questions or comments about this LCMSNews release,
contact Joe Isenhower Jr. at joe.isenhower@lcms.org or (314) 996-1231,
or Paula Schlueter Ross at paula.ross@lcms.org or (314) 996-1230.

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