Ashkan, on the left, enjoyed a camping trip last fall with his newfound American friends.

The international student ministry at Luther Memorial, Shorewood, is a ministry of friendship and hospitality that welcomes internationals to the Milwaukee area. This gives them the privilege of sharing the gospel message.

Ashkan, a University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee student from Iran, shared some of his experiences of how the Luther Memorial family has made him feel welcome.

Recently, the District office has received several phone calls inquiring about where people can attend Spanish worship services in the area. We are happy to be able share that Oklahoma Avenue Lutheran Church, Milwaukee, now conducts bilingual weekly Sunday services and offers Spanish Bible studies on Saturday evenings.

On Tuesday, March 6, 2012, Lutheran Student Fellowship at UWM hosted a debate between Concordia University Wisconsin’s Dr. Angus Menuge, professor of philosophy (pictured far right), and University of Wisconsin Milwaukee’s Dr. William Bristow, professor of philosophy (pictured left foreground), on the question of whether or not science can point to God.

The first allocation of a $9,000 grant from LCMS World Relief and Human Care has been given to the South Wisconsin District’s French African Immigrant Mercy and Evangelism (FAIME) project. This ministry is under the direction of Rev. Gui Kasongo, pastor of a newly chartered congregation, International Lutheran Church of Zion, Milwaukee.

Please save the date!  Rural and Small Town Mission exists to support and encourage congregations in rural and small town settings in their work to engage their communities with the love of Christ. In partnership with the South Wisconsin, North Wisconsin and Minnesota North Districts, RSTM invites your congregations to join us at Shepherd of the Hills, Onalaska, on Saturday, July 14 at 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. for the Engaging Rural Communities event. We are thankful to the members of Shepherd of the Hills who are ready to host this event at their facilities for professional and lay leaders.

Reserve the date on your spring calendar for this year’s gathering at Cedar Valley in West Bend! The District’s older adult task force welcomes all to come for a day of fellowship and learning under the topic, “Understanding the Future of the Church.”

Information & registration brochure 

LCMS Rural and Small Town Mission (RSTM) recognizes that while the work to which God has called congregations is the same, the context in which that work is carried out can be very different—even in rural America. To assist the many rural and small town congregations in the Midwest, our South Wisconsin District is sponsoring an Engaging Rural Communities event along with the North Wisconsin and Minnesota districts at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Onalaska, Wis on July 14, 2012. The tentative schedule begins with registration at 8 a.m. and concludes at 3 p.m.