South Wisconsin News

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.

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.

Rev. Randy Raasch chairs the 2009 SWD convention during the president's election.

Delegates at the 52nd South Wisconsin District convention elected Rev. Randolph Raasch (First Immanuel, Cedarburg) to a second term as first vice president on June 7, 2009.

In that role, Raasch acknowledges challenges associated with shrinking District financial resources but also savors the success generated by two promising trends: first, he is encouraged by recent SWD endeavors to reach an increasingly urban and diverse population, noting the turnaround at Bethany, Milwaukee, and the ministry among Hispanics and Hmong. Second, he points positively to the increased use of District resources by congregations who want to enhance their efforts to reach others with the life-saving message of the Gospel.

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.

The final session of the South Wisconsin District convention on Tuesday, June 9, 2009, featured presentations and discussions of resolutions responding to Blue Ribbon Task Force on Synod Structure and Governance (BRTFSSG) proposals.

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.

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.)

Fifteen Lutheran Church Extension Fund outreach event grants available to South Wisconsin District organizations in 2008. Each grant is worth up to $1,000. LCEF is a nonprofit ministry of the LCMS whose fiscal year end operating results are put back into mission and ministry. All South Wisconsin District congregations, schools, and ministry organizations are eligible. The application deadline is March 15, 2008.    Application form

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.

Fan into Flame update: "Judea"

Rev. Jeff Corder provides the following update on mission efforts in Waunakee:

“Even thought this winter has been dreadful, the Gospel seeds that you have helped us plant in Waunakee are bearing fruit. Thanks to your partnership with us in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we currently have ten adults in our explorers class (adult confirmation). Seven of them are new to the Lutheran faith, and three are simply taking a refresher course. Several other families are in the process of transferring into our congregation. Even though the snow has caused us lots of headaches and worn us out, the Lord’s promise of new life is blossoming right before our eyes.

Fan into Flame update: "Samaria" and "Ends of the Earth"

Chaplain Kurt Taylor especially enjoyed sharing Christ with Kyrgyzstani orphans.

Rev. Kurt Taylor is a CUW graduate and served in the South Wisconsin District prior to moving to the Michigan District. Now at St. John, New Boston, MI, Taylor also serves with the Michigan Air National Guard. He recently returned from a four-month mobilization and deployment with the United States Air Force in Kyrgyzstan. He shares his experiences in his own words.

“Kyrgyzstan is a former Soviet nation, bordered by Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and China.... While the mission of our base is to get fuel, people, and cargo to Afghanistan, my mission as chaplain was to get Christ to as many people as possible.

Jim Burkee

By Sarah Holtan (Concordia University Wisconsin)

Jim Burkee, the Republican Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW) professor running for the Fifth Congressional District seat, will remain a candidate in the race despite the departure of his Democratic co-campaigner.

Jeff Walz announced publically the decision to end his campaign Dec. 28, 2007. He cited the primary reason as the time commitment needed in order to keep pace with the expectations of the members of the congressional district.

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.

Paul and Wendi Schroeder with sons Joshua and Moses.

Lutheran Bible Translator (LBT) Paul Schroeder is back in the United States for medical evaluation after being diagnosed with reactive arthritis. Reactive arthritis is a form of arthritis that, in addition to joints, can affect the eyes. Typically it is triggered by an infection. Schroeder was first hospitalized and treated for dysentery, sepsis, and typhoid, but when he returned to Ekumtak, his village, he found that hip pain kept him from walking.

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.”

Three students from the South Wisconsin District are included in the 99 new pastoral formation students and eight new deaconess formation students who enrolled at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, this academic year. The students are Gabriel Frusti (St. Paul, Grafton), Brian Liermann (St. John, Fredonia) and Brett Matz (St. Paul, Brown Deer).

Gabriel Frusti

Brian Liermann

Brett Matz

Curtis Dorsey is vicar at Trinity, Howards Grove

Two students received calls to be pastors and two students received vicarage (internship) assignments in the LCMS during Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, chapel service Oct. 26, 2007. The South Wisconsin District received Curtis Dorsey as a master of divinity vicar to Trinity, Howards Grove.

Concordia Seminary invites the public to share in the next call day on Tuesday, April 22, 2008. Approximately 117 students who will serve as vicars next year will receive their assignments during a 3 p.m. worship service. Those unable to attend may listen to the services via the seminary’s website (csl.edu).

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.”

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.

The Lutheran High School Association of Greater Milwaukee’s 34th annual Lutheran band camp at Camp LuWiSoMo in Wild Rose was held from July 29-Aug. 4, 2007. Eighty-seven students from grades five through nine had exciting opportunities for musical, social and spiritual growth.

Eighteen people recently learned about missionary life at free Lutheran Bible Translators seminar. Some were curious about what’s involved, other participants were already committed, all felt the call to serve, get information and answers. Participants commented, “I got a real taste of what I, as a missionary, might do... what training is like, what day to day life is like... not just photos and videos.” “Being able to spend time talking and visiting with real live missionaries was priceless.” “A lot of sharing and honest answers... no sugarcoating.”

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.

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.

New Hope Lutheran Church in Neenah has continued to grow in many areas of ministries since its restart in 1988 as a mission church.

“Say it loud, I'm a Lutheran and I'm proud!” are the words of Paulina as she wears her “Confirmed Lutheran” sweatshirt and walks around her neighborhood sharing the love of Jesus with everyone in sight, including storefront ministers of which there are some 600 in Milwaukee's inner city. But as far as Paulina is concerned, Mission of Christ is where it's at because of its conservative approach of Grace Alone, Faith Alone and Scripture Alone.

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.

An idea exchange opportunity for congregational evangelism leaders For all those unable to attend either of the previous two sessions in Milwaukee and Oshkosh, here is another opportunity for you to join fellow evangelism leaders to share ideas on how to further God's kingdom.

When and where?

Sunday, April 10, 2005
Christ Lutheran Church
3816 S. 12th St., Sheboygan
2:00 - 4:00 p.m.