|
Fellowship
Outreach
Learning
Leadership
Organization
Worship
|
Join in for Lutheran singles lunches at 12:45 p.m. after church services are over. To sign up for lunches call Linda at (414) 299-9127 and leave name and telephone number by the Satruday before so reservations can be made at the restaurant. Separate checks will be requested at the restaurant.
Read the full article for a list of lunch dates and locations, Bible studies and other singles events.
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 
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.
 James Jerome Farrelly, 75, passed away unexpectedly on Oct. 16, 2009 in Sheboygan, Wis.
Jim was born Jan. 28, 1934 in Dovrey, Minn., the son of William and Mary Farrelly. Jim attended grade school and high school in Wadena, Minn. He was president of the first graduating class of the lay ministry program at Concordia College in Milwaukee and was the first to receive a diploma from that program in 1963.
Rev. Roberto Muñoz, New York City LCMS pastor and missionary-at-large to the theater district, was a guest at the South Wisconsin District office Sept. 16. He and his wife visited with the staff and treated them to a brief glimpse of his new film currently in production entitled, “Under Jakob’s Ladder.”
 “Under Jakob’s Ladder” is the third full-length motion picture with a Christian message that Muñoz has produced and directed. It is a story based on factual accounts of Christian persecution in Soviet Russia’s detention camps during the Stalin era. Inspired by the life of a real man named Jakob Seel, this movie is based on his experience living under Soviet rule around the Second World War. It is a wonderful witness to the spread of the gospel message amidst the suffering of the church at that time in history.
 The second annual Lutheran ethnic folk fair, held at the gymnasium of Pilgrim, Wauwatosa, on Sept. 26, has come and gone. It proved to be “bigger and better” than last year’s event with an increased attendance. About 400 people enjoyed even more activities and musical presentations this year. The five ethnic groups represented—English- and French-speaking African immigrants, Chinese, Hispanic and Hmong—each presented music and provided delicious food from their cultures.
The second Saturday of each month has been dedicated to provide stewardship learning opportunities at the District office. These learning sessions began in September 2007. Since then, over 25 percent of the congregations within the District have participated. Sessions includesa review of the current learning community of “Faith Aflame: Stewardship 360 Degrees,” followed by time to learn about a specific stewardship topic. Brochure 
Every day we hear about the H1N1 flu virus on the news, in the paper or around the water cooler. But have you really given the possibility of the virus hitting your congregation any thought, and made contingency plans for dealing with it? Read further for some suggestions.
 |
|
Rev. Chris Ikanih and his wife, Joy, visit with Rev. Christian O. Ekong (right), national president of the Lutheran Church of Nigeria.
|
Rev. Christian Ikanih was pleased to be able to take his wife and children on a mission trip to Nigeria this summer. They visited his homeland, which gave them an appreciation for life on both sides of the globe. Wherever Pastor Ikanih goes, he always brings God's Word along with him. His suitcase was full of Lutheran publications that he was eager to leave behind with those who would read them.
 Kids who have experienced a traumatic event need to be assured that they are safe and supported. Often emergency service personnel will give these children a stuffed animal to provide some immediate comfort. Read how the VBS students at Prince of Peace, Racine, are reaching out to others with the "Kid-to-kid" project.
This is an age of the “stimulus” package. We as Christians remember the ultimate "package" was given to us by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This stimulates us to “go forth and teach all nations.”
These days we look for others to do the “heavy” work, often hiring someone else to do the hard labor. We live in a time of “working smarter not harder.” and At some point we decided more should come from less. Missions are hard work and hard labor—balanced by the joyous fulfillment of seeing men, women and children brought into the arms of Jesus Christ for eternity through the power of the Holy Spirit. We need to be on constant guard against complacency, always willing to spread the Gospel to the lost, searching for new ways to reach out and teach.
|
A Lutheran delegation from Congo meets with SWD staff and local leaders.
|
Individuals and area congregations have been involved on a daily basis with mission work to Africa. They were reaching the Africans in the Congo more intimately than imagined. Vicar Gui Kasongo was taking his materials and seminary education from
weeknight classes at the District office and translating them for the benefit of men in congregations in a remote province of the Congo. Seminary education here was being leveraged, not only by Kasongo but also other students who were passing their instruction to loved ones thousands of miles away in Nigeria, Ghana, Thailand, Cambodia and Laos.
Now a new LCMS program is bringing live satellite education to 400 locations in Africa and Asia. Read more to learn how you can get involved.
 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 contact Chuck Kiehl, mission advocate, 8100 W. Capitol Dr., Milwaukee, WI 53222 Phone: 414-464-8100 or e-mail kiehl@swd.lcms.org.
Barnabas (Son of Encouragement) was an exemplary model of discipleship, mentoring, and encouragement. To assist congregations in the South Wisconsin District with missional discipleship, SWD staff members are available to help your congregation set up Barnabas clubs. The clubs are a way of growing disciples and encouraging others to grow in faith, as stewards, and to reach out to tell the Gospel.
Barnabas clubs are a unique way of engaging members in living new lives as disciples and stewards in the Kingdom.
Trinity Lutheran Church in Rochester, Minn., has a ministry called "TLCare" that offers hospitality to those receiving medical care at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. TLCare now has lodging to offer LCMS brothers and sisters at no cost. The small apartment is located on the edge of the Mayo campus and is available first come, first served. For more information, please contact Jennifer Jurgensen, tlcjennifer@charterinternet.com or call Trinity at (507) 289-1531.
Get up, get up, it’s out of here...home run!
That is exactly how the SWD stewardship “All Star” event played out…a homerun! The event was held at the South Wisconsin District office Tuesday, July 14, the same night of the Major League All Star game. There were 50 men and women in attendance, including pastors, laypersons, school administrators and financial counselors.
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.
 The South Wisconsin District office often receives phone calls asking how someone interested in a specific ministry pastor (SMP) program might begin his studies. Most answers about the SMP program of the two seminaries may be found online at lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=13117.
In the SWD we are interested in connecting specific ministry pastors to specific missions. First, the needs of a particular mission are identified. Do they need a pastor regularly trained in residence or a specific ministry pastor?
With the recent mobilization of over 3,400 members of the 32nd Brigade and the 732nd in Tomah (with Pastors Doug Fleischfresser and Gene Henke, LCMS chaplains) the stress on military members is rising.
The military has resources available to all military members, whether they are active duty, National Guard or Reserve. To see some of these resources, visit militaryonesource.com. For emergency purposes, Military OneSource has a tollfree number that is operational 24/7, (800) 342-9647.
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.
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.
LCMS President Gerald Kieschnick answered questions on June 8 from the District convention delegates. One delegate asked how other church entities can emulate the successes of both the LCMS World Relief and Human Care and the Fan into Flame efforts. Kieschnick responded, “We continue to need to tell the story. There are lots of great things that are happening…. Our problem is being able to reach the people in the pew.” He stressed the need to communicate the good work already being done and working together in a collaborative fashion.
To change or not to change . . . that was the question at hand in Session II of the South Wisconsin District convention as delegates reviewed and discussed the LCMS Blue Ribbon Task Force on Synod Structure and Governance. The task force, appointed by President Gerald Kieschnick in 2005, is currently presenting its twenty tentative proposals for restructuring the LCMS to district conventions throughout the Synod. Rev. Robert Greene, task force chair, summarized each proposal and then responded to questions and concerns expressed by the delegates.
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.
March 24-26, 2011
Duke Energy Center
Cincinnati, Ohio
The theme for the 2011 LEA convocation in Cincinnati - the city of bridges - is Crossing Over.
National Lutheran Youth Workers Conference
July 16-19, 2009
The possibility of a swine flu epidemic or pandemic could be on the horizon but the facts aren’t all in yet. LCMS World Relief and Human Care is offering the following articles in an attempt to stem the tide of false information or even panic in communities and churches.
Please go to the official Centers for Disease Control website for the most updated and accurate information, cdc.gov/swineflu. A recent press briefing transcript and audio recording (MP3) are also available.
Check the LCMS World Relief disaster news website for daily postings,
Church professionals retreat
November 8-10, 2009
Best Western Hotel & Conference Center
Lake Geneva, WI
Annual before school in-service
"Building Better Brains"
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
8:30 am - 11:30 am
Hales Corners Lutheran Church
A new mission field update newsletter about mission happenings in the Dominican Republic has been launched, and the first issue just arrived. The South Wisconsin District is a mission partner with LCMS and Bethesda Lutheran Homes in this mission field, and we are glad to share this newsletter. Please take a look at the news from their corner of the globe. If you’d like to receive it in your own mailbox, send an e-mail to drlutheranmission@gmail.com. DR Mission Field Update
Ministry Technology Mentor Project (MTM) - Specializing in online technology training for Lutheran educators - spring and summer classes
Congratulations to the 2009 recipients:
Early Childhood - Tammy Horton, St. Paul's, Oconomowoc
Elementary - Roxanne Gerlach, St. Paul's, Oconomowoc
Secondary - Kevin Hasseldahl, Racine Lutheran High School
Administrator - Duane Graf, St. Paul's, West Allis
These recipients were recognized at a dinner on March 1.
 A man we’ll call Eric showed up at the SOS Center recently needing help. Eric and his family live in urban Milwaukee, but the women of rural St. John, Brown’s Corners were able to reach out to this family in need in a special way.
 Ministry Technology Mentor Project (MTM)Specializing in technology training for the Lutheran classroom and school.
 DIRECTed serves as a "Professional Learning Community" experience for leaders in early childhood ministries. Each workshop is either four or three weeks in length led by a Concordia University professor and/or field practitioner. Weekly readings, practical applications and a one-hour conference call connect participants with lively discussion and helpful learning insights. Each four week workshop is $100 per person plus materials. Each three week course is $75 per person plus materials. Participants receive six hours of CEU upon completion of each four week workshop and five hours of CEU upon completion of each three week workshop.
More information - class dates, description, brochure and more.
(From President Kieschnick’s e-news)
Last month, I received the final 2008-09 enrollment statistics for our Concordia University System schools, along with comparisons with last year and four years ago. Some of the news is positive. For example, the total headcount at CUS schools is up by 32.6 percent since 2004, thanks to a 158.4 percent increase in the number of graduate students. However, there is a challenging statistic that I call to your attention: The number of students preparing for church-work careers has declined by more than 25 percent since 2004, from 2,729 to 2,034.
 Thousands of families* throughout Wisconsin each year experience firsthand the reality of our nation’s ongoing conflict against terrorism as loved ones serving in the Armed Forces are sent overseas to places once unfamiliar and unknown. Congregational ministries of care and support can help these families and their loved ones make it through the anxious times of separation that a military deployment brings. It is not always easy, however, to know just how to reach out to these families in ways that are helpful. Military deployments present challenges for congregations just as they do for the families themselves.
 Declining membership and challenging finances have led a number of congregations to look at ways to turn around these trends. One solution is to enter into a “learning community” program resourced by the trained leaders from the South Wisconsin District. It has been adapted from the LCMS Revitalization process to more specifically suit the needs of our District. It's being called the "Three R’s of Rejuvenating Churches."
 After Jesus washed his disciples’ feet (John 13:5), he said (verse 15), “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”
Jesus was a servant, and so are you! You already serve God in your homes, churches and communities. The South Wisconsin District will soon be giving you and your congregation additional opportunities to serve Jesus as VIPs. (“VIPs” are “Volunteers in Personal Service.”)
As a child I spent a lot of time on my grandparent’s farm in Northwestern Iowa. Each week consisted of hard work, grocery shopping on Saturday and church at St. John’s Lutheran every Sunday. I can still hear my grandfather enthusiastically singing the hymn "Onward Christian Soldiers" as I sat beside him. I could always tell that it meant something more to him than many of the other songs by his robust voice.
 What a Way is an initiative to encourage active recruitment and retention of church workers as an integrated part of the LCMS culture and lifestyle in our congregations.
At 94 years old, Walter Buescher recently saw an ad from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis in the South Wisconsin News that triggered an “I remember when” moment.
|
Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Mo.
|
Walt remembers being present at the dedication of the seminary on a hot, humid day in 1926. “I was a boy of about 12 years old,” he recalls. “About 30 train cars brought people from all over the country to the dedication. It was beastly hot and attendees consumed bottles of soft drinks that were served from tank cars. That farmland area west of St. Louis had no trees or grass,” he said.
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.
 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.
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.
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.
|