Category: News

Higher Things welcomes the Rev. George F. Borghardt as our new Conference Executive!

Pastor Borghardt serves as Assistant/Youth Pastor at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Conroe, TX. For the last two years, he has served as the Internet Services Executive for Higher Things.  If it’s been on our website, he was watching our webmaster and programmer Stan Lemon put it there!

This past year, Pr. Borghardt served as the FOR YOU Asheville Conference Chairman. He was last seen skipping through Ridgecrest following the closing Divine Service proclaiming the FOR YOU conferences, “DONE! DONE! DONE!”

You’re not done at all, Pastor Borghardt.  We have more work for you. As Conferences Executive for Higher Things, Pr. Borghardt will be overseeing and planning for the future of all HT conferences.  To prepare for that task, he wants to hear ideas and feedback from the those who attended conferences this year and in past years. You can email him HERE.

Having trouble viewing the website? Can’t download a file? Missing your Reflections emails? We know and we apologize!

HT recently moved it online content to a new server as well as update key internal web software. That move, while necessary for HT’s continued growth, has resulted in a number of problems across the Internet Services board. Please be patient! Our Webmaster is working day and night behind the scenes to bring back all the online joy you’ve come to know and love from Higher Things. With the Conferences this week and last week, we’re running full steam to keep things working.

Thanks for your patience and understanding as we continue to grow and expand to serve you better than ever online!

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email me! We should have everything straightened out soon!
Rev. Mark Buetow
HT Interim Internet Services Executive

The readings and reflections of the Trinity Season continue to fill our ears with the wonderful gifts of Christ. The teachings of Jesus fill our ears, pointing us to His death and resurrection for our sins and the holy means of grace in which that forgiveness comes to us. We also meditate upon the commandments and the Lord’s Prayer in these Reflections. To download the Reflections in a printable booklet format, click here.

The main body of this season’s Reflections was written by The Rev. Gregroy Schultz, pastor of St. Peter Lutheran Church, Campbell Hill, Illinois.

[The pictures FOR YOU are coming.  Return and reread this article soon!]

by Rev. Rich Heinz

It doesn’t get better than this! Harry Potter fans abound, reading and discussing their new tome. Youth (and adult leaders) continue to learn tons each day. And teens are singing liturgy and Lutheran hymns on buses because they think it is fun!

Every morning this week, check myHT for an update of the previous day’s “blog” about For You on myHT and the Higher Things main page.

WORSHIP

Daily Matins continues to be our starting point. I can’t go on enough about the amazing worship that the Lord gives here! We are truly invigorated by Christ’s Word, and the musical responses to that Gift are of the highest caliber –and youth recognize that!

Great hymns and straightforward liturgy are sung here. And you find people walking down halls humming the Magnificat, singing “Oh Love, How Deep,” and discussing the sermons they have heard!

WORK

Today I was introduced to the attendees in the announcements that preceded the plenary catechesis. I spoke a little about myHT and encouraged use of the site, input for desired topics, and an invitation to authors.

I also was one of the staff on hand for the HT Retreats, Lock-Ins and Internet breakaway. There again, our intentions for the coming year, and an invitation to add your talent to myHT were given.

I want to interject an omission from Day One. As late as it was, I forgot to write about Pastor Todd Wilken on Tuesday. Pastor Wilken is the host of KFUO Radio’s Issues, Etc. Check out this cool Lutheran talk radio, which can be downloaded and listened to at http://kfuoam.org/ie_main.htm . Issues, Etc. regularly provides quality discussion about faith and life. And Pastor WIlken has done the same for us.

PLAY

A United States map has appeared near the registration desk, with the invitation to use a sharpie marker to pinpoint your hometown. Dots appear all over the nation – as well as post-it notes declaring the presence of groups from Canada, Sweden, and Australia!

This evening, about a thousand people in red T-shirts emblazoned with Christ crucified descended upon the minor league baseball park of the Saint Paul Saints. Dinner was served, and we watched a movie on the scoreboard’s screen as God decided to cool us off in the rain.

The rain stopped, however, and we enjoyed a leisurely paced game, getting more time to visit with new and old friends.

WORSHIP

Vespers was prayed this afternoon, with Pastor Scott Stiegemeyer from Concordia Theological Seminary preaching. He gave us our quote of the day: “Sin is like manure on a baloney sandwich: it doesn’t matter if you just got a little bit on a tiny corner!”

Tonight, after the ball game was over and the park was closing, Evening Prayer was sung. There was simple beauty, with a flute to accompany our united voice, along with a soloist for a few items. Pastor Borghardt preached yet another great homily.

At the last “Amen,” we departed in peace, filing to our buses to head back to the dorms. Tonight seems to be a little more quiet, as people are simply drained from multiple late nights (mornings?)

PS

I am absolutely thrilled to be returning to my wife and son tomorrow night! And at the same time, it will be sad knowing that I won’t see many of these friends for a year, from the crazy Bethel, DuQuoin, IL guys with their innocent antics, to our great Internet Services staff, to everyone who loved my “Vader was framed” T -shirt, to the countless volunteers that have invested thousands of “man hours” to make this conference the success that it is!

Rev. Rich Heinz is Senior Pastor of St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church & School in Lanesville, IN. He is the editor of myHT, and a first time participant and breakout speaker for a Higher Things conference.

Dear Group Leaders,

With just TWELVE DAYS TO GO before the Asheville Higher Things FOR YOU Conferences, we are being swamped with a number of similar questions.  This email should answer most of those questions FOR YOU.  Group leaders should make sure all the adults with their group are familiar with this information before leaving for Asheville.  

We’re really getting excited to see everyone next week and want to make everything run as smoothly as possible.  If you have additional questions, please check the conference website.  A lot of information has recently been added in the options in the left-hand column!

In Christ,

Pr. George Borghardt
2007 Asheville FOR YOU Conference Coordinator

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DIRECTIONS
For directions to Ridgecrest, click HERE.

MAPS
HERE is a campus map of the Ridgecrest Conference Center in case you do!

PARKING
There is both bus and car parking at the Ridgecrest site.

CHECK-IN PROCEDURE
No more than two adults per group should check-in at conference Registration. Registration check-in is located in Pritchell Hall. When you pull into Ridgecrest, you’ll see a giant white building with pillars. It’ll say, “Ridgecrest” – that’s Pritchell hall! That’s where you go to register your groups! After checking in with the Conference Registrar, you will verify your group’s housing assignment and receive room keys. You will also be given your group’s conference handbooks, meal cards, T-shirts and any further information.

HOUSING
Housing assignments have been sent out.  If you have not received the assignments for your group, please contact housing@higherthings.org.

REGISTRATION HOURS
Regular check-in hours will take place on Monday, July 30 between 1:00 and 6:00 p.m.  If your group (or a designated leader) cannot arrive between those hours on Monday, you will need to notify the Registrar to make arrangements for your group to check in.  Regular Registration will open again on Tuesday morning at 8:00 a.m.  Unless prior arrangements have been made, groups should not expect to check-in before 8:00 a.m.

RED v. BLUE
Now that registrations are finalized, we will be assigning groups to either the RED or BLUE groups.  This division is primarily to accommodate the large number of people we have for meals and some catechesis sessions.  Congregational groups will be kept together in the RED and BLUE groups.  Don’t worry, there will be plenty of opportunities for the RED and BLUE groups to do things together!  You will find out which group you are in when you check in.

REGISTRATION CHANGES
For the sanity of our Registrar and Housing Manager, we have frozen the user side of the online registration.  ALL registration and housing changes from this point forward must go directly through them.  Email Registrar@HigherThings.org or Housing@HigherThings.org if you have any registration or housing changes that need to be made.

INTERNET ACCESS
Internet access is available in a number of areas on the Ridgecrest campus.  The specific locations are listed in your conference book.

PLEASE DO NOT SEND CHECKS OR FORMS BY MAIL – At this late date, they will not arrive in time!!  Please notify the Registrar and bring them to Asheville with you.

TRAVEL PRAYERS
Some congregations like to incorporate special sending or travel prayers before their youth leave for the conference.  Our conference Chaplains have provided some prayers for you to use HERE.  Our conference’s hymn is “O Love, How Deep” (LSB #544) if you’d like to use that in your services as well.

WHAT TO BRING?
Appropriate clothing (please dress modestly; also, some people like to dress up for the Divine Services), light jacket or sweater, comfortable shoes for walking, catechism, Bible, notebook, pen, camera, snacks, umbrella, bug spray, sunscreen, a flashlight, and spending money.  I strongly suggest:  WATER, WATER, and MORE WATER.

Lodging at FOR YOU is generally dormitory style. Linens (sheets, blanket, pillow, towel and washcloth) are provided. Rooms are normally NOT equipped with items such as soap, shampoo, cups, blowdryers, refrigerators, phones, televisions, microwaves, alarm clocks, or hot tubs.

All meals in the cafeteria during the conference are included in your registration fee. If you come a day early or stay a date late, two meals (supper/breakfast) on campus are included in that fee as well.  There is a pizza and ice cream shop on site for those who want a late night snack.

LAST MINUTE QUESTIONS?
Next week, our staff will be at FOR YOU in Minneapolis!  We will be pretty focused on what’s going on up there, but we will get to your questions as fast as we can.  Please be patient – especially on Monday and Tuesday (8/23-24).  There is a pretty comprehensive FOR YOU FAQ on the web page.  Check it out! 

I am looking forward to seeing y’all in Asheville in twelve days!!

In Christ,

Pr. George Borghardt
2007 Asheville FOR YOU Conference Coordinator

With just ONE WEEK TO GO (!!!) before the first of the 2007 Higher Things FOR YOU Conferences, we are being swamped with a number of similar questions.  This information should answer most of those questions FOR YOU.  Group leaders should make sure all the adults with their group are familiar with this information before leaving for Minneapolis.  

We’re really getting excited to see everyone next week and want to make everything run as smoothly as possible.  If you have additional questions, please check the conference website.  A lot of information has recently been added in the options in the left-hand column!

In Christ,

Sandra Ostapowich
2007 Minneapolis FOR YOU Conference Coordinator

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ARRIVAL/DIRECTIONS
Upon arrival in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota area, please make your way to Middlebrook Hall at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis campus, just east of downtown Minneapolis. The Minnesota travel information page of the conference website lists modes of transportation into and within the metro area and provides directions to campus. Many of you may want to print out the Minneapolis campus map to aid you, especially with parking below until you receive your conference workbook.

Light Rail/MetroTransit
Groups flying into the airport and taking light rail to campus can follow the instructions on the conference website.  You will arrive on campus at the Wiley Hall bus stop and should proceed across the courtyard to Middlebrook Hall.

Cars
Those arriving by car should take Riverside Avenue to 22nd Avenue and approach the Middlebrook entrance on the South side. There is a drop-off zone right in front of the building for cars only. 

Drivers must get a temporary parking permit from the parking attendant standing outside Middlebrook Hall so that you can park in the parking lot near the building (Lot #C-95) during registration. Your temporary permit allows you to park in this lot for up to 30 minutes. Higher Things has received permission for our guests to park in this lot during the designated registration hours on Monday and Tuesday only.

Buses
Groups arriving via bus should come up Riverside Avenue and turn north onto 21st Avenue, and then right onto 4th Street South. Turn into the parking lot on the north side of Middlebrook Hall. Leaders registering for their group should follow the sidewalk from the bus lot towards the foot-bridge to Middlebrook and around to the South side of the building to enter the registration area.

Bus drivers must get a temporary parking permit from the parking attendant standing outside Middlebrook Hall who will give instructions on where to park near Middlebrook while the group’s leaders are registering. Your permit will be good for 30 minutes and drivers should stay with the bus. Higher Things has received permission to park in this lot during the designated registration times on Monday and Tuesday only. 

MAPS
Check-in registration will take place at Middlebrook Hall.  Click HERE for a map showing its location and to get driving directions.

HERE is a map of the entire University of Minnesota’s Minneapolis campus.  HERE is a close-up of Middlebrook Hall on that map.  Most conference attendees (about 2/3) will be housed here.  The remaining 1/3 will be staying in Centennial Hall, seen HERE.

Worship at the conference will take place in Ted Mann Concert Hall, across the street from Middlebrook Hall.

Plenary sessions will be in Willey Hall, and catechesis sessions will be in Anderson Hall and Blegen Hall.  And on Wednesday night, July 25, we will be taking over Coffman Memorial Union, seen HERE.

PARKING
Higher Things has reserved on-campus parking passes for those groups who have registered for them. Groups who have not registered for parking passes will need to find their own parking spaces and abide by campus parking regulations. Spaces may be available in the hourly- and daily-rate parking decks at the current rates. Campus parking is at a premium and there are limited spaces in each facility, even during the summer. The University police strictly enforce meters and parking rules.

At Registration/Check-In, there where be an area where groups who ordered them will receive a permit or keycard for your designated parking area and a map indicating its location. You are only allowed to park in the lot designated FOR YOU by  your permit. If by chance your designated lot is full, please contact Parking and Transportation Services at 612-626-7275 (7am-5pm M-F) for further instruction, and let them know you are with the Higher Things conference. 

CHECK-IN PROCEDURE
No more than two adults per group should go through the check-in process in Middlebrook Hall. Registration Check-In is located in Middlebrook at the eastern end of the long hallway on the  south entrance (follow the signs – you won’t be able to miss it). After checking in with the Conference Registrar, you will verify your group’s housing assignment, receive parking passes and instructions. You will also be given your group’s conference handbooks, meal cards, T-shirts and any further information. Room keys will be distributed at the residence hall reception desks once you have been checked in with the Registrar.

REGISTRATION HOURS
Regular check-in hours will take place on Monday, July 23 between 1:00 and 6:00 p.m.  If your group (or a designated leader) cannot arrive between those hours on Monday, you will need to notify the Registrar to make arrangements for your group to check in.  Regular Registration will open again on Tuesday morning at 8:00 a.m.  Unless prior arrangements have been made, groups should not expect to check-in before 8:00 a.m.

RED v. BLUE
Now that registrations are finalized, we will be assigning groups to either the RED or BLUE groups.  This division is primarily to accommodate the large number of people we have for meals and some catechesis sessions.  Congregational groups will be kept together in the RED and BLUE groups.  Don’t worry, there will be plenty of opportunities for the RED and BLUE groups to do things together!  You will find out which group you are in when you check in.

REGISTRATION CHANGES
For the sanity of our Registrar and Housing Manager, we have frozen the user side of the online registration.  ALL registration and housing changes from this point forward must go directly through them.  Email Registrar@HigherThings.org or Housing@HigherThings.org if you have any registration or housing changes that need to be made.

INTERNET ACCESS
Internet access is not available on the UMN campus.  There are a few spots of free public access on or near the campus, but registrants will not have internet access in their residence halls or in the computer labs.

PLEASE DO NOT SEND CHECKS OR FORMS BY MAIL – At this late date, they will not arrive in time!!  Please notify the Registrar and bring them to Minneapolis with you.

TRAVEL PRAYERS
Some congregations like to incorporate special sending or travel prayers before their youth leave for the conference.  Our conference Chaplains have provided some prayers for you to use HERE.  Our conference’s hymn is “O Love, How Deep” (LSB #544) if you’d like to use that in your services as well.

WHAT TO BRING?
Appropriate clothing (please dress modestly; also, some people like to dress up for the Divine Services), light jacket or sweater, comfortable shoes for walking, catechism, Bible, notebook, pen, camera, snacks, umbrella (both locations are known to have sudden downpours in the summer), spending money.

Lodging at FOR YOU is dormitory style. Linens (sheets, blanket, pillow, towel and washcloth) are provided. Rooms are generally NOT equipped with items such as soap, shampoo, cups, blowdryers, refrigerators, phones, televisions, microwaves, alarm clocks, or hot tubs.

All meals during the conference are included in your registration fee. If you come a day early or stay a date late, two meals (supper/breakfast) on campus are included in that fee as well.

These and many other questions are answered on the FOR YOU FAQ page!

It is with great joy that I get to inform you that Jason Sander and Lynea Theiss entered the estate of Holy Matrimony on July 7th at 4:00pm during the Office of Vespers celebrating at St. Mark Lutheran Church in beautiful Conroe, TX. Lynea helps out with Internet Services and keeps the bytes moving by helping with content and other various tasks. Jason is one of Pastor Borghardt’s youth group assistants, and an all around stand-up guy. These two love-birds are rumored to have met at a Higher Things related workshop up in Texas. Be sure to extend your own greetings to this lovely couple this summer at “For You” in North Carolina.