Beautiful weather greeted 56 guests to the Cedar Valley Conference Center for the “Gathering” on Wednesday, May 16, all anticipating a day in the country setting, focusing on “Understanding the Future of the Church.” No one left disappointed—or hungry!

Make plans today to attend the annual Church Workers Golf Outing this summer on August 13! Once again it will be held at the Rock River Hills Golf Club, 3000 Main Street in Horicon.

Reconstruction work has begun on Capitol Drive in Milwaukee between 60th and 84th Streets, including in front of the District office. Through the end of July, Capitol Drive is open only on the southern side of the roadway with one lane of traffic in each direction. Northbound 81st Street is closed, preventing access to the building's parking lot from Capitol Drive. Alternate routes are suggested by approaching from the north via 84th Street or Appleton Avenue to Hope Avenue and then south on 81st Street to the District office. Map

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.

Join us for fun, fellowship and an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet!
Friday, June 15, 2012

New in 2012.....   Quadzilla - four lane water dragway - head-first, mat racing ride that accelerates riders through enclosed, braided and twisting tunnels.

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  (RSTM) 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.

This seminar June 21-22 will assist the second year teacher (as of next fall) in the development of a professional development plan (PDP), as required for renewal of the Wisconsin State license under Wisconsin Statute PI 34.

The instructor will assist beginning teachers in writing a reflection of their first year experience, selecting two teaching standards for their plan, writing goal statements, and planning activities to carry out their plan.

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.

1. Grace Place in Ohio: April 30-May 4, 2012. Salt Fork State Lodge and Conference Center, Cambridge, Ohio.
2. Grace Place for Single Clergy and Church Workers: June 18-22, 2012. Stonebridge Inn, Snowmass, Colo.
3. Grace Place in the Rockies for Pastors and Wives: June 25-29, 2012. Stonebridge Inn, Snowmass, Colo.
4. Grace Place in Michigan for Pastors, Teachers, Spouses: July 23-27, 2012. Boyne Mountain Resort, Boyne Falls, Mich.
5. 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.

Since June 2010, the FCC prohibits wireless microphones in the 700 MHz band. That band is reserved for “public safety” use, such as police, fire, and emergency services.

Is your church legal? There is one area that your church operations may not be legal, and your church may not be aware of the reason. It has to do with modern technology. These days, many  churches use wireless microphones throughout their facilities for the spoken word and for musical presentation. Think of wireless microphones as miniature radio stations, with a transmitter and a receiver.

Will you or someone in your congregation be receiving care at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.? Trinity Lutheran Church in Rochester offers their TLCare ministry to out of town medical guests. They strive to serve people in many ways such as prayer support, a homemade meal, a visit from one of our caring members, free parking in their lot, a comfortable place to go between appointments and more. An apartment (no cost) within walking distance of the Mayo Clinic is also available on a first-come, first-served basis for LCMS congregation members. For further information, please contact Jennifer at  (507) 292-0439 or Pastor Otte at (507) 289-1531.