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Entries from
July 2008
 Ministry Technology Mentor Project fall program information is now available. A new class being launched this fall may be of interest to DCEs, DCOs, and pastors—EDG 814, "Educational Ministry in the Digital World." Dr. Bernard Bull will teach this class. Two popular courses will be taught face-to-face on the Concordia University Wisconsin campus this fall.
 Sept. 30-Oct. 1, 2008Ramada Inn, Stevens Point
The annual retired pastors retreat is hosted by the North Wisconsin District this year with the theme "Generation to Generation." It is based on Luke 1:50, “His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation." Presenter Rev. Dr. Charles Mueller will talk about what it means to be a generation, that generations are always in motion, and how generations are meant to minister to and through each other. Former NWD president, Rev. Arleigh Lutz, will lead Bible study sessions. Cost is $69 per person ($79 for a single room) and includes program, breaks, one night's lodging and three meals. Register by Sept. 12. Brochure 
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.
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Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Mo.
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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.
 During the week of June 30 to July 3, eleven teens and their pastor, Rev. Allen Behnke from Bethlehem, Wales, set out each day to serve. Cooperating Congregations of Waukesha County, A Place of Refuge’s Resale Shop and the S.O.S. Center in Milwaukee were on the receiving end of their Christian love.
 "What a blessing the Fan into Flame emphasis has been!" said Rev. John Schenck as he reported on the unexpected success of his congregation’s effort to support the Ablaze! movement. When Zion, New Holstein, was asked to participate, Schenck wasn’t sure that it was a good time to do so. What he didn’t know was how God was planning to move the hearts of the congregation's members.
 On behalf of the flood victims from St. Peter, Reedsburg, Rev. Paul Crolius sent a letter of thanks for the prayers and gifts of God's people of the South Wisconsin District. "We praise God for the living hope that we have in Jesus and also for the love and encouragement from others," he wrote. " A great blessing that has come out of the flooding is that many people have assisted in helping and have come together to encourage and help one another. People also in faith have powerfully witnessed to the great hope we have in Jesus..."
It is not too late to make a donation to the South Wisconsin District to be directly applied to affected LCMS congregations in our area. To date over $8,000 has been raised, and many groups offered to help with clean up and repair. See " Rain and floods deluge the District" for details.
 Oct. 2-3, 2008 • Hawthorn Inn & Suites, Oshkosh“For such a time as this” (Esther 4:14)
These are unique and challenging times for Lutheran Schools. The Lord has called school administrators and faculty to be leaders “for such a time as this.” Gary Janetzke, SWD congregational services executive for youth, family and schools, will lead participants through a process that will enable school staffs to discover and live out focused lives based on their individual callings.
Long-term recovery from flooding in Wisconsin will take many months. However, it is not too late to register with FEMA. It may be just the asset you need for your family's recovery. Call FEMA today, (800) 621-FEMA. Don't be confused with the term SBA loan. It may or may not apply to you, but this registration allows you entrance into receiving possible help from FEMA. Over 35,000 have registered from the Wisconsin counties with federal disaster declarations. Already $40 million has been given out in approved assistance. The deadline is Aug. 13, so there is still time to apply.
Working through government agencies and community-based organizations, organizational and planning meetings for long-term recovery continue to take place in communities throughout the thirty counties, and long term recovery committees are being formed at the local level to drive the recovery efforts. If you know of someone who may need help, call "211" for assistance. They will be able to connect you with agencies that can help. If you are unable to access 211 from a cell phone, you can call (608) 246-HELP.
"The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock" (Matthew 7:25).
After June rains that flooded much of the Midwest, many local members' homes and some churches are still uninhabitable. Others are waiting for damage assessments to learn what losses may be covered by insurance.
Would you like to help? Monetary donations will be directed to congregations most in need. Please make checks payable to "South Wisconsin District—LCMS," and note "WI Disaster Relief" on the memo line. Give online
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