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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.
 May 7, 2008— YANGON, Myanmar: Word has come in from Myanmar (formerly Burma) that the staff at Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM)-Myanmar is safe, following the devastating cyclone last weekend. Lutheran Hour Ministries area counselor for Asia, Gunya Na Thalang, received an e-mail from an LHM-Myanmar staff member on Tuesday, May 6.
The message read, "Praise the Lord! The LHM-Myanmar director and her family are safe. Our houses are fine. Most houses around here are severely damaged. The LHM office is now closed for one week." She added that they are still trying to get in touch with others in the community.
 Please join us for our annual Golf Outing for SWD church-workers on Monday, June 23, 2008
at Rock River Hills Golf Club
Registration this year is only $35 per golfer and includes a cart and lunch. Lunch and prizes provided by our sponsors. Plan for a day of great golf and fellowship with church workers from around our district! Register online or by mailing in the registratino form contained in the flyer.
 Members of the community are needed to help save lives. A special marrow donor registration and blood drive will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2008 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Ebenezer Lutheran Church, 1127 S. 35th Street in Milwaukee. Leadership from The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod will join with leaders from Milwaukee’s Catholic Archdiocese to hold a special blessing ceremony upon those who attend the drive. The ceremony begins at 10 a.m. in the church sanctuary. Rev. Martin Dr. Bangert (English District vice president ) has cancer and will share his personal story. Flyer 
 Hurry! Many items must go! It's spring cleaning time and District office staff are clearing up clutter. That's good news if you or your ministry are in need of what we don't have room to store any longer. Items range from tables to VCRs. First come, first haul away. Click here for a current list of available items. Please call (414) 464-8100 or e-mail swd@swd.lcms.org to request an item or get more information. Pickup between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at 8100 W. Capitol Dr., Milwaukee.
 When you think of college students in Mexico on spring break what images come to mind? You probably picture students having fun and soaking up the sun on the beach. Well a group of eight college students, two recent graduates and two staff people from Madison’s Calvary Chapel campus ministry went to Mexico for spring break. It was anything but a typical vacation. We went on a mission trip to Saltillo, Mexico. The purpose of the trip was to help one of the local churches with some painting and VBS. (Click the read more link for a photo gallery.)
 The S.O.S. Center, located in Milwaukee's near west side, is sending out an S.O.S. of its own. So many individuals and families are coming to them for help—now they need your help! There are plenty of opportunities to put talents and treasures to use at this center: English as a second language (ESL) leaders, adult basic education classes, after school program helpers, Bible study, and general education development (GED) preparation leaders are all urgently needed. Please spread the word to your congregation and friends know that they can call Armita Harmon at (414) 449-9964, or try (414) 975-7373, if they can help in any way.
 As Easter is a time of new life and resurrection, it was an appropriate blessing for Rev. Chris Ikanih and Rev. Richard Boeck, along with the growing family of believers at Bethany, to welcome into the family of God 45 new souls (from babes in arms to adults) through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism. An additional nine persons were baptized the following Sunday, for a total of 54 new baptisms in a congregation that had been reduced to 15-20 worshippers and at the verge of closing just before Christmas.
 On Saturday, April 12, 2008, over 200 people attended a prayer breakfast for a "Summer of Peace and Hope in the City” held at Bethany Lutheran in Milwaukee’s inner city.
Pictured left to right: State Representative Jason Fields, Alderman and Common Council President Willie L. Hines, Jr., Rev. Chris Ikanih, and Dr. Howard Fuller (former MPS superintendent).
If you are a pastor, church musician, or anyone interested in the church’s worship, please join us for this enriching week of worship, education, and fellowship. There will also be workshops of benefit to church secretaries, Sunday school teachers, and other volunteers in the church, so please spread the word and tell others about this opportunity.
Nov. 5-7, 2008
Kalahari Resort, Wisconsin Dells
"Such confidence we have through Christ before God" - 2 Cor. 3:4 (TNIV)
 Lutheran Social Services, an affiliate of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS), is collecting furniture and other donations to set up over 30 apartments for refugee families from Burma arriving by the end of this summer. These families arrive with very few possessions, so donations will contribute significantly to their new lives in the United States. There is a need for twin/full size bed sets, dining tables with chairs, dressers, couches, coffee tables, lamps, vacuum cleaners and rice cookers.
 The Evangelgram is a monthly publication of LCMS World Mission. It contains useful information, resources, and news regarding outreach efforts in congregations throughout Synod.
The March 2008 edition (PDF) highlights a story about an Ablaze! outreach of First Immanuel, Cedarburg, that first appeared in the January/February 2008 South Wisconsin News. Mention is also made of the new SWD logo that represents the mission statement to make "bold witness" of the Gospel.
 On July 24-27, 2008, the International Lutheran Laymen’s League will hold its annual convention in Lexington, Ky.—the heart of bluegrass country. This event is expected to draw over 1500 Lutherans from across the U.S. and Canada.
 On Feb. 23, the Hispanic Business and Professionals Association (HBPA) presented Rev. Pedro Lopez a community enhancement award at their 2008 banquet. The award was given in recognition of his contribution to the community of Racine. Lopez is pastor of Primera Iglesia Luterana congregation in Racine and is also a board member of the HBPA.
 The International Friendship Center at the UW campus in Madison is always a beehive of activity. There are English conversation classes, Bible study groups, and special events—and sometimes an international student happens to stop in to use the phone. Please rejoice with us as you read more about how the Holy Spirit has been at work there recently!
Summer 2008 technology courses
June 23- August 15
Brochure
The South Wisconsin District in an effort to generate endowment and charitable gift planning recently received a $100,000 grant designed to generate thousands more in financial gifts to urban based congregations and inner city missions and ministries. Focusing on the great commission, these gifts will continue to build and uplift these congregations and support them in the work that they are doing to reach out to the lost in their neighborhoods.
By Gretchen Ficken, RN (St. Paul, West Allis)
Reprinted with permission from Nursingmatters
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Aly Urbanski, student, does her "Cleopas Walk" with Louvenia Potzner.
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A parish nurse is not just a nurse in a parish (congregation, synagogue, etc.), but a nurse who shows a concern for each member in a variety of ways. The parish nurse is a health educator, a resource to community services, a coordinator of volunteers, a health counselor, and a spiritual support sharing the Lord’s Word and praying with members....
One of my more exciting functions is in coordinating volunteer services among members. During this school year the pastors and I have developed “The Cleopas Walk” for eighth graders as part of their religion classes. As Cleopas walked on the road to Emmaus with Jesus after His resurrection, we have asked each eighth-grader to “walk” with a senior member of the congregation.
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Gift Mudzingwa (right) and his family hope to come to Madison so he can study computer systems.
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“My name is Gift Mudzingwa,” the letter begins. “I am 36 years old. I am a father of two small children—Nigel, 7 years old and Vimbai, 6 years old. My wife Miriam is 28 years old. I am writing this letter on suggestion of Chido Muzorewa, who you all know as Charles. He suggested that I write to all of you for assistance and help.”
 Last fall, Rev. Dr. Karl Barth decided it was time to fine tune the many short commentaries he had written over the years and put them together for publication. With the contemporary title “Just a Chip Off the Old Blog,” the book contains short essays on people, places and events written from 1998-2006.
“I know it isn’t a blog in the true sense of the word,” Barth said, “but I wanted the Christian community and other readers to gain a nugget or two that would be helpful for their spiritual journey.”
.jpg) Initial training for the 2008 campus missionary institute (CMI), will be held on the Concordia University Wisconsin campus June 12-17. CMI is the Lutheran Campus Mission Association’s in-depth learning opportunity to help workers and the ministries they serve develop and implement a strategic plan for outreach on a nearby college or university campus. CMI is sponsored by the Lutheran Campus Mission Association, an organization with ties to LCMS World Mission.
The Lutheran High School Association of Greater Milwaukee (LHSAGM) has selected Thrivent Financial for Lutherans to provide $20.5 million in financing for a new facility for Lake Country Lutheran High School. The loan officially closed in January, marking an important milestone for the $30 million building project already underway in Hartland. The loan is also the largest ever provided under Thrivent Financial’s 105-year-old lending program focused on Lutheran churches and institutions.
James R. Van Dellen, eighth-grade teacher and vice principal at Our Redeemer Lutheran School in Wauwatosa, is the 2008 Lutheran Education Association (LEA) distinguished Lutheran elementary teacher.
 From Jan. 14-25, Rev. Jeff Prewitt (New Hope, Neenah) and Rev. Yia Vang (Hmong Hope, Milwaukee) visited Chiang Mai, Thailand. Their purpose was to teach Thai and Laotian Hmong students who are studying to become mission pastors in Thailand and Laos.
A masters of science in education—educational technology is now available online and on campus through Concordia University Wisconsin. Learn how to facilitate 21st century learning, how to design engaging learning environments and how to prepare youth for Christian life in the digital world. CUW Lutheran teacher grants and Ministry Technology Mentor scholarships make this program very affordable to professional church workers. Brochure
June 19-21, 2008 • Holiday Inn • Manitowoc
Theme: e-GO maniacs
Click here for more information, including flyer, FAQs, housing policy, tentative schedule and group registration form. Also visit the SWD youth website. "So if we were crazy, it was for God. If we are sane, it is for you. Clearly, Christ’s love guides us" (2 Cor. 13-14a, God's Word to the Nations). We are ... equipping, enriching, encouraging, and empowering students.
 LCMS World Mission has short-term mission team opportunities available. Calling all LCMS congregations, universities, small groups, mission responders, families, and members to respond to the urgent need for more than 200 international short-term mission teams in the coming year. Could this be you or someone you know?
South Wisconsin District's older adult ministry committee  presents
The 11th annual
Cedar Valley gathering
May 13-14, 2008 • West Bend, Wisconsin
With all religions claiming to teach the truth, what makes Christianity any different? "A day with Dr. Maier" will answer that question at the LCMS South Wisconsin District 11th annual Cedar Valley gathering for older adults, May 13-14, 2008. Dr. Paul L. Maier will lead the retreat in "Looking at Christ’s clear credentials and the competition. Brochure (PDF) Register online
 Olivia Versteegh and Kalie McCaughn from Immanuel Lutheran School in Brookfield came to the District office to help load their books for the shipment to Nigeria with Gui Kasongo Kabeo (left), Mission Executive Rev. Daniel McMiller, and their teacher, Paul Gohde.
 This conference is designed to provide learning opportunities, but more importantly to immerse participants in Scripture-based experiences focused on mission and ministry with children.
The NATIONAL conference brings together the very best in youth ministry in the LCMS.
 The controversial new film The Golden Compass opened Dec. 7 in theaters across America. What are we to make of it? Click on the following link for a commentary offering background and guidance for Christian families. Commentary
Schools serve as an outreach to the community. Click here for the November 2007 Evangelgram—a monthly publication highlighting outreach efforts in LCMS congregations.
 By Susan Klagmann
Immanuel, Brookfield
A tap on the shoulder and my life changed. It was a June day when Rev. Dan Schneider tapped my shoulder and asked if refugee sponsorship might be something that would interest me. At Immanuel, Brookfield, I had just completed his Bible class on spiritual gifts and passions where I identified travel, language, culture, and children as my passions. I really didn’t believe I had a gift. That was five years and three sponsorships ago.
Photo: See Nay (back left) and Eh Ree spend a daunting day at the doctor's office with their children Eh Ku Soe, Pawei Nei Sur and Ehnay Blur Soe.
 Grace Place Lutheran Retreats provides a haven for Lutheran pastors, teachers, ministers of music and other professional church workers and their spouses through education, restoration and recreation. During the week-long retreat, you will learn new ways to be healthy, and enjoy rest and fellowship. The couple will walk away from the week renewed in body, mind, and spirit.
 In a history-making move, two LCMS members sitting on opposite sides of the political spectrum are campaigning together but running on two separate tickets for the Fifth Congressional District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.
 Actions and happenings from sessions of the 63rd Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod are summarized in these media releases. The convention met July 14-19, 2007, in Houston, Texas.
MTM new school members - get a free year of membership (certificates available, limited quantity).
MTM current school members - $200 grants (limited number available).
Thrivent Financial is sponsoring a faith and business forum at their Heartwood Conference & Retreat Center in Trego, Wis., on Aug. 22-24, 2007. The event is open to middle- and upper-management executives of nonprofit and for-profit organizations. The event is cosponsored and managed by Spirit in the Desert, a retreat center in Carefree, Arizona. PDF brochure
On May 13, there was great rejoicing and praising God for the outpouring of his Holy Spirit on his people of Hmong Hope Lutheran Church in Milwaukee.
The SWD youth ministry advisory cabinet has partnered with Concordia University Wisconsin and Maximum Potential Strategies.org. to bring servant based/experiential learning in the area of Christian leadership. This is completed through "The Christian Steward Based Leadership Continuum Project" that breaks out a program into three facets, based on age appropriate activities for youth from 14-24 years of age.
The August 2007 parenting event is being rescheduled for June of 2009.
Pique your imagination through training, support, encouragement, dynamic worship and music. Learn from nationally known speakers. Participate in breakout sessions featuring innovative children's ministry leaders. Engage in interactive displays. Plan now to attend!
We are at a time when 70 million Americans access the internet every day. It is more important than ever that your congregation or organization provide an interactive and vibrant internet presence. To assist member congregations and organizations in that effort, the South Wisconsin District is launching the "Active Internet Ministry" project. The project is designed to offer participating congregations and organizations the ability to operate a state-of-the-art internet presence with a limited budget across a broad range of technical abilities.
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