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

Aly Urbanski, student, does her "Cleopas Walk" with Louvenia Potzner.

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.

Gift Mudzingwa (right) and his family hope to come to Madison so he can study computer systems.

“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.”