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Wednesday, May 16, 2012
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Times have changed! “Mission work” used to be understood only as something that “other people” do for us by venturing out to distant lands, preaching the gospel to people we only see in photographs. Today we need only to go out our front door to see a world of cultures and a society in general that is in great need of the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ alone!
Not only is mission work changing in “where” we do it; it is also changing in “how” we support it and “who” does it. The South Wisconsin District, one of 35 geographical regions in the U.S. that make up The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, is privileged to be a part of this important work, lending our support to over 30 different congregational and special ministries. It's exciting to realize that in this way we can extend ourselves and share our Lord and his love with so many more people. It's as if you and your church are right there at each mission location offering the love of Jesus through the people of God who are going where you and I cannot go.
Your mission offerings are an important element in allowing these good things to happen. We thank you! Take a look at some of the mission and ministry projects (PDF) that are especially in need of your prayer and support right now. If you have any specific questions that we can answer for you, please give our missions office a call at (414) 464-8101.
See our online giving information for pledges and gifts - available for organizations and individuals.
Together we are seeing the mission field surrounding us and, in bold witness of the gospel, we are impacting our changing and diverse communities. By God’s grace, we are, “Passionate believers… changing life!"
Times have changed! “Mission work” used to be understood only as something that “other people” do for us by venturing out to distant lands, preaching the gospel to people we only see in photographs. Today we need only to go out our front door to see a world of cultures and a society in general that is in great need of the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ alone!
Not only is mission work changing in “where” we do it; it is also changing in “how” we support it and “who” does it. The South Wisconsin District, one of 35 geographical regions in the U.S. that make up The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, is privileged to be a part of this important work, lending our support to over 30 different congregational and special ministries. It's exciting to realize that in this way we can extend ourselves and share our Lord and his love with so many more people. It's as if you and your church are right there at each mission location offering the love of Jesus through the people of God who are going where you and I cannot go.
Your mission offerings are an important element in allowing these good things to happen. We thank you! Take a look at some of the mission and ministry projects (PDF) that are especially in need of your prayer and support right now. If you have any specific questions that we can answer for you, please give our missions office a call at (414) 464-8101.
See our online giving information for pledges and gifts - available for organizations and individuals.
Together we are seeing the mission field surrounding us and, in bold witness of the gospel, we are impacting our changing and diverse communities. By God’s grace, we are, “Passionate believers… changing life!"
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President's office
Best Western Riverfront Hotel, La Crosse
April 16-18 2012
The 2012 spring pastors' conference will be held Apr. 16-18 at the Best Western Riverfront Hotel in La Crosse. The theme for the conference is the "Rightly Ordered Call" with presenters Dr. Joel Lehenbauer and Rev. Dan McMiller. The conference begins with registration and worship at Faith (1407 Main St., La Crosse), then moves to the Best Western (1835 Rose St.).
Monday, January 09, 2012 :: 2974 Views :: 0 Comments :: Announcements, Missions, Evangelism, Schools, President's office, Lutheran Church Extension Fund, Events, Stewardship, Business
Feb. 25, 2012
Divine Redeemer, Hartland
The “Passionate Leaders" conference is for pastors, principals, teachers and leaders of our congregations and schools. The day will provide learning and interaction with Synod representatives, District staff, and other mission leaders. You will gain many resources throughout the conference to "Multiply, Magnify, and Maximize" your ministries!
Cost is $25 per person or $75 per "church." Fee includes presenters, materials and lunch.
Brochure  • Register online
Back by popular demand after several years hiatus, the South Wisconsin District held a workshop for church and school administrative assistants. On Nov. 30, 2011, the first Wednesday of Advent and a busy day for all, 50 administrative assistants gathered for a few hours at the District office in Milwaukee. Some of the women have been serving their congregations and/or schools for many years and a few have just begun their service.
The theme for Jan. 9-10, 2012, annual pre-Lenten retreat is "Not on Our Plans, His Plan." The retreat will take place at the Holiday Inn, Manitowoc. The presenter is Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Gibbs, professor of New Testament Studies at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Mo. He brings extensive pastoral experience as well as a wealth of scholarship to the series, which is based on Matthew’s Passion narrative, as author of the Concordia Commentary Series commentary on Matthew. The series will include sermon and worship resources for the six weeks of Lent, Passion Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Deadline for registration is Dec. 16, 2011. Register online • Flyer/mail in registration 
Grace Place has taken 4500 LCMS pastors, teachers, and spouses through an integrated health program, encouraging body, mind, spiritual and financial well-being. All retreats are heavily underwritten, making participation affordable to all. Retreats run Monday afternoon through Friday at noon.
- Grace Place in Ohio: April 30-May 4, 2012. Salt Fork State Lodge and Conference Center, Cambridge, Ohio.
- Grace Place for Single Clergy and Church Workers: June 18-22, 2012. Stonebridge Inn, Snowmass, Colo.
- Grace Place in the Rockies for Pastors and Wives: June 25-29, 2012. Stonebridge Inn, Snowmass, Colo.
- Grace Place in Michigan for Pastors, Teachers, Spouses: July 23-27, 2012. Boyne Mountain Resort, Boyne Falls, Mich.
- Grace Place in Indiana for Pastors, Teachers, Spouses: July 30-Aug. 3, 2012. Swan Lake Resort, Plymouth, Ind
DOXOLOGY: The Lutheran Center for Spiritual Care and Counsel, is a LCMS RSO offering training in advanced skills for pastoral care. This continuing education experience draws from the insights of contemporary Christian psychology as well as the longer heritage of the cure of souls. Doxology’s advisory board includes recognized Lutheran leaders from five church bodies and three continents. Executive directors are Dr. Harold Senkbeil (experienced parish pastor and seminary professor) and Dr. Beverly Yahnke (professor of psychology, Concordia University Wisconsin).
The program includes ten days of intensive instruction and peer learning spread over three separate events held in conference retreat settings: 1) The Gathering (pastors only); 2) The Encore (pastors and lay leaders); and, 3) The Grand Reunion (pastors and wives). Each enrolled pastor is eligible to receive up to five hours of individual consultation/mentoring for his personal or professional growth.
 Professional Church Workers' Conference
November 3-4, 2011
Kalahari Resort and Convention Center, Wisconsin Dells
Theme: "Celebrating Christ in a Constantly Changing World" I Peter 2:9
Grace Place Retreat for professional church workers
July 11-15, 2011
Trego, WI
Grace Place Wellness Ministries is an exceptional program and getaway for pastors, teachers and administrators of Lutheran schools. Grace Place Wellness Ministries is equipped to offer a special “pause point,” a time of self and career reflection, whole-health education and a renewed personal platform on which to grow in ministry.
The Radisson Paper Valley Hotel will be the site for the SWD spring pastors' conference. We will convene on Monday, May 9 through Wednesday, May 11, 2011. The two speakers for this conference are LCMS Synod President Matthew Harrison and Dr. Arthur Scherer.
 Passionate leaders conference
Feb. 26, 2011 • 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Lake Country Lutheran High School, Hartland
The conference is for pastors, teachers and congregational leaders. The day will provide learning and interaction with Synod representatives, District staff, and other mission leaders. You will gain many resources to "Multiply, Magnify and Maximize" your ministries. Agenda
Passionate leaders conference
Feb. 26, 2011 • 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Lake Country Lutheran High School, Hartland
The conference is for pastors, teachers and congregational leaders. The day will provide learning and interaction with Synod representatives, District staff, and other mission leaders. You will gain many resources to "Multiply, Magnify and Maximize" your ministries. Agenda
Jan. 10-11, 2011, is the date for the pastor's pre-Lenten retreat to be held at the Best Western Lakefront Hotel in Manitowoc. The theme this year will be "Amos: Restore the Roar," presented by Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing, associate professor of Exegesis, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. The series will include sermon and worship resources for the six weeks of Lent, Passion Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Deadline for registration is Dec. 15, 2010.
Register online • Flyer/mail in registration
The 2010 South Wisconsin District fall pastor's conference will be held at the Holiday Inn in Manitowoc on Monday, Oct. 25 through Wednesday, Oct 27. The theme of the conference is "The Pastor as Disciple."
The 2010 spring pastors' conference will be held at the Olympia Resort and Conference Center in Oconomowoc. The theme for the conference is "Healthy Pastors Out of the Box." The presenter, Jim Galvin, is an organizational consultant specializing in strategy, change and leadership development for faith-based nonprofits. To prepare for the conference, please read Leadership and Self-Deception, the 2010 edition, put out by the Arbinger Institute. You can find it on Amazon.com or order from any bookstore. Olan Mills will take photos for a new SWD pastor pictorial directory.
Immediately following the conference, a pre-retirement seminar is being held at the Olympia resort.
 SWD congregational leadership conference
“Making use of our God-given gifts”
March 13, 2010 • 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Lake Country Lutheran High • Hartland
At the conference learn and interact with…
- Concordia Plan Services representatives
- Church Mutual representatives on ways to reduce risk and liability in your congregation
- “Mission leaders” within the SWD and the world; learn how you can help these efforts
- District staff and the resources they provide
- Forms of congregational governance
- How to engage more people in ministry
April 14, 2010 • Locations in Oconomowoc and Milwaukee
Concordia Plan Services and the SWD are conducting two pre-retirement workshops for professional church workers and their spouses to help them better understand the process of planning for retirement. These introductory workshops will include information on budgeting and finance, retirement income, envisioning retirement lifestyle, health concerns, where to live and what to do with your time in retirement.
Jan. 11-12, 2010, is the date for the pastors' pre-Lenten retreat to be held at the Best Western Lakefront Hotel in Manitowoc. The theme this year will be "Jonah: The Survivor Series," presented by Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing, professor of exegetical theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. The series will include sermon and worship resources for the six weeks of Lent, Passion Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Deadline for registrations is Dec. 4, 2009.
Register online • Flyer/mail in registration
Basic education for the practice of intentional inteirm ministry is a six-month program in three sequential phases.
Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Mo.
Phase I – Nov. 2-6, 2009
Phase III – April 19-23, 2010
Alaska Mission for Christ is prayerfully seeking someone with a heart for serving others and for reaching people with the Gospel to fill the position of missionary to southwest Alaska. The successful applicant will creatively coordinate and facilitate mission outreach in an area of Alaska the size of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. He will work with volunteers and local residents to share the Gospel through relationships in mostly small isolated rural villages. While interest in native languages is encouraged, English is the mode of communication for the missionary. The Alaska Mission for Christ is a nonprofit corporation organized and directed by the churches of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod in Alaska. For more information see alaskamissionforchrist.org or contact Todd Roeske at (907) 259-5115.
The report of the Blue Ribbon Task Force on Synod Structure and Governance is now posted on the LCMS website. It may be accessed and downloaded at lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=15930. It may also be accessed by clicking on the “Walking Together” link on the LCMS home page at lcms.org. You are invited to distribute this information to all interested parties, especially to those who have been invited to the regional gatherings to review the contents of this report.
Struggling financially, Camp LuWiSoMo is shutting down during the winter months. In a recent letter one of the Camp board members wrote, “Rather than have President Wille act alone, the camp board decided that it was necessary to suspend operations at the camp for a period of six months.”
The suspension of day to day operations will begin Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009 and continue through April 30, 2010.
Pastoral health goes beyond working out and eating well. As redeemed Christians, we deal with many things in pastoral ministry that affects our physical, mental and spiritual lives. At the fall pastoral conference Dr. Bruce Hartung and Dr. Daniel Preus will be sharing things that affect our health as individuals and within our congregations. Sign up now for the fall conference at the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel in Appleton Nov. 2-4, 2009.
October is designated Pastor Appreciation Month. Every church recognizes the important work that their pastor does, but it can be hard to know how to show appreciation. The ministerial health board of the South Wisconsin District has put together some bulletin inserts for your church to help you celebrate your pastor during October (and throughout the year!).
Following are links to four bulletin inserts (PDF files), one for each Sunday in October.
The 2009 fall pastors' conference will be held Nov. 2-4 at the Radisson Papter Valley Hotel in Appleton. The theme for the conference is "Healthy Pastors." The main presenters are Rev. Dr. Bruce Hartung, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis and Rev. Dr. Daniel Preus, Luther Academy director.
 The SWD’s new adopt-a-student program gives you an opportunity to assist and encourage students to continue in their studies for the ministry. Your charitable gift will make a difference by providing immediate debt relief for students and their families. You may offer a one-time gift or provide support over a defined period of time. It is a meaningful and wonderful way to support spreading the Gospel. Your gift will benefit a student based on financial need, commitment to the ministry and academic eligibility. For more information, please call (414) 464-8100 or e-mail swd@swd.lcms.org.
A simple guide provided by Concordia Health Plan Services
- Call Cigna Behavioral Health at (866) 726-5267 (24 hour toll-free hotline specifically for Concordia Plans).
- Visit the Cigna Behavioral Health website at cignabehavioral.com.
- Click on "Login to access your benefits."
- Login with the word LCMS at the bottom left hand corner. This will help you understand the benefits and support available through Concordia Plans.
- Click on "Find a provider" to find a therapist or psychiatrist in your area.
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Rev. Randy Raasch chairs the 2009 SWD convention during the president's election.
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Delegates at the 52nd South Wisconsin District convention elected Rev. Randolph Raasch (First Immanuel, Cedarburg) to a second term as first vice president on June 7, 2009.
In that role, Raasch acknowledges challenges associated with shrinking District financial resources but also savors the success generated by two promising trends: first, he is encouraged by recent SWD endeavors to reach an increasingly urban and diverse population, noting the turnaround at Bethany, Milwaukee, and the ministry among Hispanics and Hmong. Second, he points positively to the increased use of District resources by congregations who want to enhance their efforts to reach others with the life-saving message of the Gospel.
Gathering under the theme "With Unveiled Faces: Reflecting the Lord's Glory," based on 2 Cor. 3:18, South Wisconsin District delegates voted to:
- adopt a goal of 50 mission starts in five years based on five priorities -- focus the Gospel on the unchurched; be locally supported and supervised; partner with other congregations, the district, and the Synod for additional support and accountability; not require high financial investment of any one entity; and be self-supporting in a short period.
The final session of the South Wisconsin District convention on Tuesday, June 9, 2009, featured presentations and discussions of resolutions responding to Blue Ribbon Task Force on Synod Structure and Governance (BRTFSSG) proposals.
Convention election results for president, vice presidents, secretary, board of directors, covention nominations, Concordia University Wisconsin board of regents and Camp LuWiSoMo board of directors.
Rev. Dr. John Wille was re-elected as LCMS-South Wisconsin District President on June 7, 2009 at the District convention. Wille has served as president for the past three years and was elected for a second term in office.
Pictured left to right are Rev. Mark Meier, Rev. Daniel Torkelson, SWD President John Wille, LCMS President Gerald Kieschnick, Rev. Randy Raasch and Rev. David Paape.
You may know that over half of the world’s population is Asian. But did you know that greater growth in Christianity is being seen there than in any other one part of the world?
In February of this year, President John Wille and Rev. John Mehl, LCMS World Mission regional director for Asia, signed a partnership agreement that reminds us as a District to fulfill our responsibility to support international mission work. The newsletter (click "read more") highlights the need to be attentive to Asian outreach as well as all of our global mission opportunities.
The May 13, 2009, president's partnership breakfast for pastors addresses "Helping souls caught in the porn trap: Insights on the morphology and treatment of the pornography pandemic." Porn’s toxic impact on congregation members is overwhelming. Everyone has heard statistics: $13.3 billion spent in 2006 in the U.S.; over one million pornographic websites with 260 million pages as of 2003. Dr. Bev Yahnke and Dr. Hal Senkbeil outline pornography’s neurological, emotional and spiritual effects while suggesting informed pastoral responses designed to help people struggling with these pervasive temptations.
 Pastors are invited to the next president's partnership breakfast from 8-10 a.m. on Feb. 17, 2009. Dr. Karl Barth and Dr. LeRoy Hass will present, "Law and Gospel Preaching."
 The 2009 South Wisconsin District Spring pastors' conference will be held at the Lake Geneva Grand Resort from April 20-22, 2009. The theme is "Christ Have Mercy: How to Put Your Faith into Action." The main presenter will be Rev. Matthew Harrison, director of LCMS World Relief and Human Care. Other highlights will be a Bible study on Luke 24:36-49 and an exegetical study on marriage, and pastoral practice toward couples living together led by Rev. Don Stein. There will be a panel discussion on synodical restructuring. Schedule ♦ Register
 Thanks to all of you who responded to the Professional Church Workers conference evaluation survey. Your input will be valuable to the 2011 PCW planning committee. Congratulations to Rev. Bryan Osladil who won the drawing for a free overnight stay at the Kalahari.
  Photographs have been posted online from the Nov. 5-7, 2008, professional church worker conference held at the Kalahari Resort and Conference Center in Wisconsin Dells. Click on any photo to open and begin a slide show. Check out other albums on the Photo gallery page under the News & events menu.
 The Pre-Lenten Pastors and Wives Retreat is being held at the Best Western Lakefront Hotel in Manitowoc Jan. 5-6, 2009. The purpose is to provide pastors the opportunity to prepare for the Lenten season with ideas for Lenten outreach and Bible studies, providing helps for Lenten, Holy Week, and Easter sermons and worship. The presenter is Dr. Harold L. Senkbeil, co-executive director of Doxology: The Lutheran Center for Spiritual Care and Counsel; former pastor of Elm Grove Lutheran, Elm Grove; and adjunct professor at Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne, Ind.
The 52nd convention of the South Wisconsin District-LCMS will be held June 7-9, 2009, at Concordia University Wisconsin, Mequon, under the theme “With unveiled faces” (2 Cor. 3:18).
Nominations
A call for nominations was mailed to congregation presidents, pastors, schools and other commissioned ministers at the end of October. Instructions and official forms are posted online at swd.lcms.org/convention.
The Oswald Hoffmann School of Christian Outreach (OSHCO) and Concordia University—St. Paul (CSP) plan to establish a chair/professor of discipling ministry added to the professorship of mission now served by Dr. Eugene Bunkowske. OSHCO and CSP are eager to add "ministry aflame" to the LCMS Ablaze! effort to strengthen their pastoral ministry for discipling of God's people for their ministries and mission. OHSCO and CSP President Bob Holst and Director Mark Press invite pastors to contact Dr. Mark Press of OHSCO ( press@cusp.edu or 800-333-4705) to receive information and an invitation to a banquet Oct. 28, 2008, which is also for lay members. They are establishing the Waldo Werning Endowed Chair of Discipling Ministry and Mission. You are encouraged to attend. The banquet at the Brookfield Country Inn & Suites Oct. 28 begins with a reception at 6:30 p.m., follwed by dinner at 7 p.m. It will conclude by 8:30 p.m.
To help celebrate Clergy Appreciation Month, and to thank pastors for their partnership in ministry, Concordia University Wisconsin is hosting an appreciation breakfast. Please join us on Wednesday, Oct. 15 for coffee fellowship beginning at 7:30 a.m. followed by a hot breakfast and short program. You will also have an opportunity to join us for chapel if your schedule allows and tour some of the new facilities. In addition, you will receive a thank you gift for attending. To help planning, please contact Jen Duecker at (262) 243-4541 by Oct. 10 to reserve your spot.
By Rev. John C. Wille
The much anticipated event has taken place. From noon Monday to noon Wednesday we met at the Airport Marriott in St. Louis. Leaders from across the LCMS were there. The ideas presented and discussed there are now on the table to be discussed throughout the LCMS ( lcms.org/lcmsfuture).
Our SWD representatives at the convocation were Rev. Dan Torkelson of Clyman, Teacher Gene Ladendorf, and Dr. John Jaeger, a member of Faith, La Crosse, as well as myself as District president. (Torkelson spoke at Pilgrim, West Bend, on Sept. 27.)
 Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, through whom alone we have forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation!
News of the weather-related calamities in your district deeply saddens me and your brothers and sisters at the International Center of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. The property damage that has occurred is significant. The human toll of the aftermath of the devastation is even greater. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Nov. 5-7, 2008
Kalahari Resort, Wisconsin Dells
"Such confidence we have through Christ before God" (2 Cor. 3:4, TNIV)
For details, schedule, lodging, registration and more, click here!
During call day services on April 22, 2008, at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, 134 pastoral calls, 147 vicarages and nine deaconess assignments for students were announced. Those assigned in the South Wisconsin District, pictured with wives and the District president are, from left, front row, Carl Lehenbauer, Katie Lehenbauer, Guy Roberts, Emily Roberts, Jessica Bell, Aaron Bell, President John Wille; middle row, Aaron Kuehn, Erica Bobby, Jennifer Edwards, Lauren Engelhardt, Carrie Donaldson, David Herald; back row, Samuel Bobby, Eric Edwards, Marc Engelhardt and Robert Donaldson.
The 2008 South Wisconsin District spring pastor's conference will be held at the Manitowoc Holiday Inn April 7-9, 2008. The theme for the conference is "One God, two kingdoms, many callings: The importance of Lutheran doctrine for an election year." The main presenters are Dr. Dale Meyer, president of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, and Dr. Uwe Siemon-Netto, director of the Center for Lutheran Theology and Public Life. Other topics of interest will be the introduction of Doxology, the new Revitialization process for congregations; an exegetical study on marriage; as well as important reports from the District. Room reservations must be made directly with the Holiday Inn by calling (920) 682-6000 by March 17, 2008, to receive the conference rate. Don't miss this opportunity to glean valuable information and enjoy the fellowship of worshiping and socializing together.
Schedule • Register online • Instructions
Event photo gallery
 President John Wille invites South Wisconsin District pastors to attend a series of special breakfasts held quarterly. The breakfasts will focus on issues including stewardship, discipleship, outreach and missions. The goal of these events will be to connect, resource and equip pastors as leaders of God's people to be bold witnesses in these areas of faith life.
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