News from council of presidents
Prayer requests 

 News from council of presidents' February meeting

• The Council of Presidents (COP) meeting began Saturday, Feb. 16, 2008 in St. Louis. Dr. Kieschnick led a Bible study, part 4 of “keeping the main thing the main thing” based on Bible passages used in Synod convention resolutions related to the witness of Synod (Leviticus 19:33-34, Is. 49, Matt. 28:19-20, Luke 24:32, 45-49, John 4:35, John 20:21, Acts 1:8, 2:42-47, 4:12, I Corinthians 9:18-23; 2 Cor. 3:2-3, Eph. 4:11-16, I Tim. 2:3-4). 1926-2007 Resolutions were referenced with discussion by the COP members. A continuing discussion on "worship" was led by District President (DP) John Brunner around the main question for the day "does our worship style reflect who we are and what we are trying to accomplish?" Dinner that night was hosted by the Kieschnicks at their home.  
   
• Sunday began with worship at local congregations. During council business previous minutes were approved, 18 pastors (colloquy, EIIT, and seminary graduates), and 18 vicars were placed (regular, DELTO/SMP, HIT). A survey on intentional interim ministry to find out who is who is using them in their districts with any questions about them (training programs, list of all these trained with which group, self declared IIMPs) was conducted. After lunch, 46 commissioned ministers were placed. Dr. Kieschnick reported his travels, meetings, updated us through a special guest on Fan into Flame (pledged $28M, received over $15M, checks handed out to many districts, and a check for some $38,200 was received by South Wisconsin. That money is now in our Fan Into Flame account for missions. President Kieschnick also encouraged use of consecrated stewards in congregations of the districts; gave us some information on professional church worker compensation and indebtedness, specifically, about 1 in 5 professional church workers is struggling to make ends meet each month, with the average indebtedness of that number at $45,000 (NOT including home mortgage). As you can imagine, this seriously impacts ministry, worker health and other aspects of service to the Lord.  
   
• Monday. Council business (reinstatements, joint COP/faculties meeting for April with placements, convention action committee report, COP manual report, Transleadership Inc. survey). Ted Kober spoke about internet addiction(s) and its impact on professional church workers and congregations; gave a glimpse of new resources being produced by Ambassadors of Reconciliation (AOR) for this concern. AOR provides seminars for congregations, winkels, and pastors conferences and we may want to discuss this further. This is not only a very prominent, progressive problem, but has tremendous potential for evil. After lunch, Dr. Lane Seitz of the clergy call and roster committee reported on changes in forms, etc. and ongoing studies being done related to his committee’s work. The afternoon concluded with a presentation about the consecrated stewards (LCEF) program, "based on need of giver to give, not on need of church to receive" by Art Scherer. 
   
• Tuesday. Discussion of "specific ministry pastor" led by DPs Michael and Schumacher, with review of preliminary documents on admission sequence, partnership covenant for participation in SMP program, pastor supervisor position description, admission criteria, (working drafts). After lunch Dr. Will Sohns led a report/discussion on "Congregation—Synod—Church" (booklet mailed to all pastors with Convention Workbook in 2007, and available for download at lcms.org). Discussion centered around the background of Synod, the reason for task force (Dr. Kieschnick's cover statement in booklet) and questions like "What is Synod? What is DNA? How it is organized? How it functions?" Theological principles (Acts 15, first constitution of Synod, January 2008 Reporter), Bible study on Acts 15, I Cor. 12 necessary to get to why Synod was formed; and then discussion on this question: Are these principles really applied in each congregation, board of directors, etc. in our Synod? How, or how not? Why, or why not? Referenced for reading and study were: Walther’s Theses on Duties of Ev. Synod, CTCR Mission of God, 1992. Discussion continued around the question: for what reason today do we need a Synod? (shared common values [theological confession, values, held accountable by those who share our confession, work together, mutual help in times of trouble, joy, etc. prayers of church behind him-Paul], sharing gifts, mission of God?)  
• Wednesday. Blue ribbon task force for structure and governance (BRTFSG) plans and timeline were presented. This includes leadership interviews by a consulting firm, drafts of preliminary proposals, report of the BRTFSG to the church in June/July of 2008, discussion at the theological convocation in St. Louis, August 18-20, further discussion with each district board of directors in the fall, 2 hours at each District convention during 2009, 2010 delegate caucuses in December 2009, January/February 2010, feedback at all these meetings, and then the 2010 Synod convention, Houston, Texas, July (9), 10-17, which includes two extra days at the front end to consider and decide this one matter. All pastors, congregations, circuits, etc. are invited and encouraged to study this for discussion and feedback. Theme is "One People: Forgiven." All delegates, DPs, VPs and 5 board of directors members meet in regional caucuses December 2009 to February 2010) and will need to be prepared to attend and willing to attend that meeting also. The theological convocation will feature worship at Old Trinity in St. Louis, a keynote address by Dr. Sam Nafzger, presentation by DP Bob Newton, and discussion at tables facilitated by COP members. The convocation will begin with lunch on Monday. Dr. Loren Kramer will hold orientation on Monday morning. At close, Dr. Kieschnick will speak. We then concluded with council business, which included information on recognized service organizations [300], Synod bylaws regarding them, and the role of DPs related to their "review" and beginning of their status; commissioned minster placement process was reviewed and given by Dr. Hartwig. Executive session. We thanked the committee of 5 and the committee of 4 for their faternal discussions and reconciliation achieved and asked them to move forward toward further reconciliation regarding the "Baue report" on delegate exceptions prior to the 2007 Synod convention. Also reported from all 35 districts were: congregations calling sole pastors 329; calling assistant/associate pastors 77; calling senior pastors 45; total 451; non-calling vacancies 431; total vacancies: 882; candidates being requested at this time 136, with 240 estimated as being available from the seminaries.

Much peace and many blessings!

President John C. Wille
South Wisconsin District 

Prayer requests

Please keep in your prayers/petitions:

• Lisa McMiller, wife of Rev. Dan McMiller as she recovers from surgery
• Gail Groth, wife of Rev. David Groth as she under goes cancer treatments
• The son of Attorney Walter Tesch as he is hospitalized
• Rev. Marv Ahlborn and family on the death of his wife Helen

Some things to consider
Prayer requests 

 Some things to consider

1. New business manager: If you have read South Wisconsin News or the new e-news, you know that we have a new business manager, Debra Novak. She comes to us with a strong financial/accounting background. Initial indications are that she will do a fine job. 
    
2. Candidate calls: Deadline for congregations requesting candidates from seminaries is March 1. Reports are that this is another larger class for placement. However, this is the last large class for a while. 
    
3. Financials: My commitment is to make sure that every dollar given is spent with integrity. Every dollar that we receive from congregations comes from people who work hard, who love God, and who brought their gifts to the altar from God’s blessings. 
    
4. President’s e-news: If you haven’t done so, you may subscribe to the monthly e-news through the SWD website. The e-news is published by the 20th of each month and sent to pastors, school administrators and others by request. The goal is to keep everyone informed regarding our mission efforts as well as to let people know how we are spending the precious mission dollars that are forwarded to us. Part of the monthly e-news is the call updates and a prayer list. I am asking that the prayer list be shared and held up as it not only contains prayer requests for those who are ill but also ministry challenges. Articles from the e-news may be copied for Sunday bulletins, monthly newsletters etc so that God’s people know what’s happening in South Wisconsin. 
5. Partnership breakfasts: As Monty Python says, this is something completely different. The first partnership breakfast was held Tuesday, Feb. 5. There were 53 in attendance on site, 21 watched live on the webcast. If you would like to see it, the video is on the SWD website. A second partnership breakfast is set for May 6, with John Kieschnick, formerly pastor of Gloria Dei, Houston, and author of The Best Is Yet to Come. If you would like to attend, please contact Barb Slak at the District office. Breakfast is provided. 
    
6. "As the Father has sent me, I send you." It's part of the vision for SWD. We are called to "Bold witness to the Gospel of our Lord Jesus." The Father sent his Son into the world to die for the world. The Father sent his Son into the world to save the world. The Father sent his Son into the world to bring light into the darkness. Jesus sends us into the world to bring light, to bring salvation and forgiveness, and to those around us know what a loving and kind Savior we have. It is our calling. It is part and parcel with being faithful. Not long ago in a discussion with a group from one of our congregations, a pastor was criticized because he dared to bury someone who was not a member of that congregation. Come to find out that the man who was buried was instructed by the pastor, ministered to by the pastor; but his name was not on the membership rolls. At that point we "chatted." If membership is the goal, then the church is nothing more than a country club. We are called upon by our Savior to take the message out of the church, past the front doors, to where people are. Jesus says to us, "As the Father has sent me, I send you." 
    
7. SWD international mission project: You may have heard that the Dominican Republic has been designated by our board of directors as our international mission. Work in the Dominican Republic began when Bethesda was invited to help the developmentally disabled in that country. From that work sprang the vision of establishing a Lutheran church body there. We are now part of that, along with Bethesda, Lutheran World Relief/Human Care, the Lutheran Church of Brazil, Central American Lutheran Mission Society and LCMS World Missions. There will be opportunities for Sunday schools, VBS, ladies groups, Bible classes, etc. to adopt and support various aspects of this mission effort. There will also be opportunities for mission trips to the Dominican Republic. 
    
8. SWD missions: Good things are happening with our cross-cultural mission efforts. Under the leadership of Rev. Dan McMiller we are currently in discussions with several non-LCMS pastors about the very real possibility that they and their congregations will become part of us. There is discussion about a new mission start on the far east side of Milwaukee where re-gentrification is underway. In some parts of the east side/third ward, condos are selling for $500K to $1 million. Farther north in the Brady/Farwell area a new culture of young east-siders is emerging, along with some retirees who are moving back. In addition, there are several circuits actively discussing the possibility of beginning a new mission in their area. 
    
9. A theological convocation set for Aug. 18-20 in St. Louis will deal with principles that undergird the formation and structure of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. "Congregation—Synod—Church" will be the general theme for the convocation, sponsored by the commission on theology and church relations (CTCR), working with the council of presidents (COP). The convocation is supported by a grant from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. The convocation participants will include 100 parish pastors and laity selected by the presidents of the Synod's 35 districts and chosen primarily from the delegates to the 2007 Synod convention. Also participating will be the members of the COP, the CTCR, Synod officers, the LCMS board of directors, seminary and university presidents, representatives from the two seminary faculties, the commission on constitutional matters, representatives from the Synod's auxiliaries and corporate entities, the blue ribbon task force on funding the mission, and the blue ribbon task force on synodical structure and governance. 
    
10. Congregational financial intentions update: The top ten congregations for 2007 are Our Redeemer, Wauwatosa, Brookfield Lutheran, St. Paul, Grafton; St Paul, West Allis; Trinity-Freistadt, Mequon; St. Paul, Sheboygan Falls; St John, Plymouth; St. Peter, Reedsburg; Good Shepherd, Watertown; St. Paul, Janesville.
    The top congregations per communicant: Hope, Milwaukee; Brookfield Lutheran; Lamb of God, Pewaukee; Living Word, Jackson; Mission of Christ, Milwaukee; St. John, Horicon; Mission Hill, Waunakee; St. John, Sullivan; Our Savior, Janesville. The following circuits are at 100% plus of their commitments: 1, 2, 4, 7, 9, 11, 12, 16, 17 19, 21, 24, 26 and 27. That is 14 of our 27 circuits! Thank you!

Much peace and many blessings!

President John C. Wille
South Wisconsin District 

 

Prayer requests

Please keep in your prayers/petitions:

• Rev. Gary Ruckman and his family on the death of his mother 
• Gail Groth, wife of Rev. David Groth, as she under goes cancer treatments
• Rev. Larry Myers as he recovers from surgery 
• Rev. Dr. Edwin Suelflow as he recovers from knee replacement surgery
• Rev. Joe Fisher as he recovers from being ill 
• Don Druckrey, a former administrator of LCFS, recovering from leg amputation surgery 
• Moua Vang,  was accepted into the Ethnic Immigrant Institute of Theology (EIIT) program  

Some things to consider
Prayer requests
Dates to remember
Various updates

Some things to consider

Not much has changed since the Green Lake pastors' conference at the end of October. Here is part of my president's report presented during the conference...

Progressive and vibrant models for mission and ministry

• Mission is the primary purpose of the church: There is a lot happening with mission in the South Wisconsin District. There are great stories about what our Lord is accomplishing through our efforts to proclaim his saving message of forgiveness and life. Make sure that you hear what Rev. Dan McMiller has to say about our renewed efforts to engage the city of Milwaukee with Jesus; especially our efforts to create a new mission society, a vision narrative written by the pastors and leaders involved in urban ministry, and an effort to begin work on the east side of the Milwaukee where regentrification is underway.
• When I served in Central Illinois, Rev. George Beiderweiden was often heard saying that it was his belief that God blesses the church in like manner as it reaches out to the lost. That is my firm belief as well. That is why mission and outreach is the centerpiece, the focal point of all that we are doing.
• The unchurched statistics for Wisconsin are staggering. The best way to reach the unchurched is to start a new church.
• We have been talking about holding a special one day SWD missions conference to highlight what we are doing in missions. The date has not been set. I had hoped to pull this together for spring 2008; but I am not sure about that yet. The plans are to let pastors and people meet and greet those involved in our SWD missions. It will be a one day event with a special keynote speaker. I am going to pull together a committee to help get this done.

Ministry

• Ablaze! Revitalization replaces Refocus: This past week in a joint effort between Rev. Tom Eggold who is the coordinator for "Great Lakes Urban Ministry" and our "Center for US Missions," an effort began here in SWD for Ablaze/Revitalization. Leaders from various parts of the LCMS came together here in SWD to learn the process and to help kick off this process in SWD. Five Milwaukee congregations (Emmaus, Chapel of the Cross, Mission of Christ, Bethlehem, and Covenant) have asked to be part of this process. The purpose is to help congregations stop their slide toward death and be revitalized in mission/outreach. All of our called workers in the office have been trained in this process. As we move forward with this and as time allows, other congregations will be able to move into this process. This means that our involvement in Refocus will end by Jan. 1, 2008.
• Schools: Because of the staff reductions mandated by the budget crisis, there was realignment in the office of school superintendent. Gary Janetzke was tasked with administering the education aspect of SWD. Along with his other responsibilities, that is no small task especially in light of the 63 preschools, 61 elementary schools and 6 high schools in SWD. To lighten the burden and to make sure that schools receive the attention and support that they need, we have contracted four, part-time regional school administrators. They are Roger Laesch, Gene Ladendorf, Denny Vierk and Dave Jording.
• Human care: Because of our desire to have a great impact on our outreach efforts in the city of Milwaukee, Jim Farrelly has been re-tasked a bit and is now helping to coordinate the various mercy ministries in the city with resources.

Growing discipleship

• "Consecrated Stewards": Tim  Dittloff has taken stewardship under his wing. It's not just about getting more dollars in the offering plate. Rather it is a process to help God's people grow in discipleship so that they better understand how their whole life is a stewardship to be consecrated to Him. Dittloff has a cadre of pastors trained in “Consecrated Stewards” that can help lead the process in your congregation.

Leadership development

• As you may know, I have been a student in “Pastoral Leadership Institute” (PLI). Some may have mixed feelings about that organization; but I can tell you from personal experience that it has been a blessing to me and my ministry. Others in SWD can attest to that same thing from their own perspective. If you would like to know more about it, you can talk with me or one of the many in the District who have been students in PLI.
• We have been in general discussions with the Northern Illinois District to host some sort of joint leadership training seminar. But that is only in the talking stages at this point.

Church worker wholeness

• The ministerial health committee meets monthly. We discuss issues and troubles that are plaguing called workers and congregations. Each month the need to address this for called workers is emphasized again and again. Ultimately, I would like to have someone on the District team who is trained in church worker wellness. You know as well as I do how the demands of the office, the stress, that accompanies what we do weighs heavily. Sometimes—too often—pastors and called workers act out their stresses in unhealthy ways.

One very important area where we need your help: We are looking for a person to fill the role of business manager for the South Wisconsin District. The job description includes experience with accounting and budgets, an understanding of church structure, working with the various boards/committees, ability to work with staff, working with congregational treasurers regarding tax and budget issues. If you know of someone who might be interested in working at this level, please pass his/her name along. Contact Tim Dittloff at (414) 464-8100 or (800) 793-3678. 

To close I want to thank each one of our pastors for your faithfulness to our calling to be His representative in the congregation where you serve. You are an important part of our Lord's Kingdom, an important link in our witnes to this state where we live. Remember the words of St. Jude, "Be merciful to those who doubt, snatch others from the fire to save them."

Much peace and many blessings!

President John C. Wille
South Wisconsin District 

 

Prayer requests

Please keep in your prayers/petitions:

• Rev. Ferdinand Timler, retired, suffering from cancer and heart trouble 
• Rev. Robert Zick, St. John, Fredonia, recovering from back surgery
• Mrs. Arline Gumz, wife of Rev. Bernard Gumz, deceased, recovering from hip surgery
• Rev. Earl Bleke, chaplain, Bethesda Lutheran Homes, Watertown, recovering from cancer surgery
• Rev. Robert McMiller, father of Rev. Dan McMiller, struggling with cancer
   

Dates worthy of note

• Nov. 2 — CUW board of regents
• Nov. 5 — Finance committee
• Nov. 6 — Execs strategic planning
• Nov. 8 — Board of directors
• Nov. 12-19 — Council of presidents and Lutheran Church Extension Fund fall conference, Dallas 
   

Various updates

SWD executive team contacts:

• Missions and evangelism: Rev. Dan McMiller
• Human care: Jim Farrelly
• Youth/family/schools: Gary Janetzke
• Lutheran Church Extension Fund: Tim Dittloff
• Stewardship: Tim Dittloff
• LCMS Foundation and estate planning: John Meyer
• Business office: Ralph Klevenow (interim business manager); Herman Strozier

Some things to consider
Prayer requests  
Dates to remember  
Various updates

 Some things to consider

• During the past several months our urban leaders which includes pastors, DELTO (Distance Education Leading to Ordination) as well as EIIT (Ethnic Immigrant Institute of Theology) students and others have been working on an urban vision for Milwaukee. Bob Gleason of Brookfield Lutheran has been the coordinator of the process. On Thursday, Sept. 26, that vision and vision narrative was presented to a select group of pastors and leaders from suburban congregations. At the gathering we discussed how suburban congregations, both pastors and people, can provide "competencies" to help the urban congregations engage the city with the Gospel. Our goal is to resource the pastors and congregations in the city so that the lost can be reached. Much more will be heard about this in the future. Dan McMiller will share the urban vision.
• Good things are going on in the city. Rev. Chris Ikanih, our missionary-at-large to urban Milwaukee, continues to reach out to various groups of immigrant peoples. Specifically he is talking with an immigrant Nigerian group and a Hispanic group who are interested in learning more about Lutheranism. Please keep Chris and his outreach in your prayers! 
• Good things are happening on the financial front as well. While the statement of activities isn’t finished for September quite yet, the congregational intentions report is. The good news is that as of Sept. 30, 2007 we have received 97.9% of those intentions to date. My first reaction is: WOW! My second reaction is: Thank you! We thank our gracious Lord and we thank his gracious people!
• We are beginning work on the 2008 SWD budget. As you know because of the financial challenges of the past, we were forced to reduce our synodical intentions from 38 percent to 10 percent in 2007. However, in the budget 2008 we are beginning our move back to a healthier support of our synodical work. Budget 2008 will designate 15 percent of congregational receipts for Synod. That is not something that we can accomplish without everyone’s help. The dollars that we disperse for mission and ministry throughout SWD and then send on to the LCMS come from the people in our parishes. So I appeal for your help as we move forward in this endeavor. I am asking that every congregation prayerfully consider increasing their intention to SWD. My suggestion is that every congregation considers increasing their commitment by 10 percent for 2008. That will help us to honor our intention to increase our commitment to Synod, and to fund more mission activity.
• Dan McMiller and I have been talking about holding a special one day missions conference in spring 2008 to highlight what we in SWD are doing in missions. The date has not been set. The plans are to let pastors and people meet and greet those involved in our SWD missions. It will be a one day event with a special keynote speaker. Let us know what you think.
• If you would like me to come to your circuit winkel, please call and we will get it on the calendar.
• One very important area where we need your help: We are looking for a person to fill the role of business manager for the South Wisconsin District. Job description includes experience with accounting and budgets, an understanding of church structure, working with the various boards/committees, ability to work with staff, working with congregational treasurers regarding tax and budget issues. If you know of someone who might be interested in working at this level, please pass his/her name along. Contact Tim Dittloff at (414) 464-8100 or (800) 793-3678.

I want to thank each one of our pastors for your faithfulness to our calling to be His representative in the congregation where you serve. You are an important part of our Lord's Kingdom, an important link in our witnes to this state where we live. Remember the words of St. Jude, "Be merciful to those who doubt, snatch others from the fire to save them."

Much peace and many blessings!

President John C. Wille
South Wisconsin District

Prayer requests

Please keep in your prayers/petitions:

• Mrs. Eunice Hinz, wife of Rev. Thomas, retired, recovering from surgery; 
• Mr. James Farrelly, District office, recovering from cataract surgery; 
• Rev. Arthur Senn, retired, recovering from heart surgery; 
• Mrs. Asenath Dobratz, wife of Rev. Wayne, St. Stephen, Watertown, recovering from surgery; 
• Family of Mr. Mark Droegemueller, SWD board of directors on the death of his mother, Ruth; 
• Family of Rev. James Cumming and his wife, Margaret on the death of her mother. 
• Family of Rev. Chris Ikanih on the death of his brother.

Dates to remember

• Oct. 15 — New Workers’ Orientation.
• Oct. 16 — Secretaries workshop and parish nurses
• Oct. 18-19 — Upper Midwest DP’s meet in Burnsville
• Oct. 21 — 100th anniversary of St. Paul, LaValle 
• Oct. 29-31 — Pastors’ conference at Heidel House, Green Lake
• Nov. 2 — CUW board of regents
• Nov. 5 — Finance committee
• Nov. 6 — SWD execs strategic planning
• Nov. 8 — Board of directors
• Nov. 12-19 — Council of presidents and LCEF fall conference, Dallas

Various updates

• SWD executive team contacts
  • Missions and evangelism: Dan McMiller 
  • Human care/older adult: Jim Farrelly
  • Schools, youth and family: Gary Janetzke, with regional superintendents Gene Ladendorf, Roger Laesch, Dennis Vierk, and David Jording
  • Lutheran Church Extension Fund: Tim Dittloff
  • Stewardship: Tim Dittloff
  • LCMS Foundation and estate planning: John Meyer
  • Business office: Ralph Klevenow (interim business manager); Herman Strozier
• SWD office updates:
  • Undoubtedly most will rejoice along with those of us in the office to know that our automated “phone system from purgatory,” as Bill Wagner called it “phone jail” has been replaced. We are back to a real human being answering incoming calls to SWD. You will recognize the voice! The voice of SWD is Arleen Johnson. She is now at the front desk. Please greet her with a smile!
  • Karen Hauser, a member of Trinity-Freistadt, is the new adminstrative assistant to the president. Karen joined our team Monday, Oct. 8. Her duties include making sure that the president knows which way is up, and to harass pastors about updating their PIF/SETs. Seriously, Karen is currently somewhere in the learning curve as she becomes acquainted with all of us. So please greet her when you call and let her know how glad we are that she is with us!

Prayer requests  
Dates to remember  
Various updates 

Prayer requests

Please keep in your prayers/petitions:

• Rev. Peter Schmidt, Beautiful Savior, Waukesha, recovering from eye surgery.

Dates to remember

• Sept. 4, 2007 — Circuit counselors’ meeting, District office
• Sept. 6-12, 2007 — Council of presidents, St. Louis 
• Sept. 21, 2007 — Wheat Ridge wellness day, Brookfield 
• Sept. 29, 2007 — SWD fall fiscal conference, Milwaukee Lutheran High School 
• Oct. 5-6, 2007 — Mother/daughter church planting seminar. Fond Du Lac
• Oct. 29-31, 2007 — SWD pastors’ conference, Heidel House, Green Lake
• Nov. 13-15, 2007 — Council of presidents, Dallas
• Nov. 22, 2007 — Thanksgiving

Various updates

• SWD executive team contacts
  • Missions and evangelism: Dan McMiller 
  • Schools, youth and family: Gary Janetzke, with regional superintendents Gene Ladendorf, Roger Laesch, Dennis Vierk, and David Jording
  • Stewardship: Tim Dittloff
  • Human care/older adult: Jim Farrelly
  • Business manager: vacant
• Consecrated stewards is an LCEF stewardship effort aimed at the educating people as total stewards. For more information contact Tim Dittloff.
• Business manager: We are looking for a person to fill the role of business manager for the District. Job description includes experience with accounting and budgets, an understanding of church structure, working with the various boards/committees, ability to work with staff, working with congregational treasurers regarding tax and budget issues. If you know of someone who might be interested in working at this level, please pass his/her name along.
• Fall fiscal conference, Saturday, Sept. 29 at Milwauke Lutheran High School: This is something completely new. It’s a day set aside to discuss the SWD budget, stewardship resources, salary guidelines, the latest from Concordia Health Plans, fiscal responsibility both at the congregational and District levels, as well mission opportunities both in SWD and elsewhere. Mark it on your calendar. Pastors and congregational leaders are encouraged to attend. For more information click here or contact the District office.
• SETS/PIFS: Pastors: if you haven’t updated your SET or your PIF lately, now is the time to do so. Please get the new SET CD from Arleen Johnson and the PIF that needs to be updated by hand and returned to Arleen.
• Fan Into Flame update: Most of the congregations who involved in FIF are well on their way to completing the process. A continuation committee is being formed. If your congregation would still like to get involved, please contact Peg Raabe at the District office. She will send you the materials. 
• THANK YOU! I want to thank all our SWD congregations and pastors who have honored your financial commitments to our District. The dollars that are shared are valued highly, and used in the work of extending our Lord’s kingdom. The response has been fantastic!
• 2008 SWD budget: You may remember that to balance our 2007 SWD budget, a deep reduction was made in our commitment to our national work. However, we made the commitment to get back to where we were previously. That begins with the 2008 SWD budget. We are increasing our percentage for national work from 10 percent to 15 percent. In the coming years that percentage will continue to grow.
• From Dr. LeRoy Hass for consideration at circuit winkels: "A Prescription for Emotional Health: Regular Doses of Metanoiade." Negative emotions often burden us and interfere with good relationships. Positive emotions can be good for us and enhance our relationships. A cognitive theory of emotions will be used to highlight the relationship between our cognitions (thoughts, beliefs) and emotions. "The anger triad: An outline of the biblical portrayal of anger":
  • God's righteous anger toward we humans
  • Our own anger toward God and neighbor
  • Others' anger toward us and God

Something to consider  
Prayer requests  
Dates to remember  
Various updates  
LCMS convention update

Something to consider

The term “walking wounded” is familiar to most everyone. These days it’s a term used especially for those who are involved with athletics. With football season upon us, a team that fields the “walking wounded” is a team that has been devastated by injuries. There are sprained ankles, twisted knees, and dislocated fingers; all of which need attention. But such injuries don’t keep athletes off the fields. They may limp, their fingers may be taped together, but they are still out on the field playing. Playing hurt is part of the game of football. In most sports only those with the worst injuries are exempt from playing. In most sports injuries are to be expected. Injuries are part of the process. Athletes are expected to play through the pain. Athletes are expected to play even though they are injured.

The term “walking wounded” can also be applied to us. We are walking wounded. Such things are to be expected as we move through this life just as they are to be expected on a football team. The difference is: football is just a game. Life is much more important. Life can be much more painful. The struggles of life have left their marks upon each us. We bear the scars left over from facing various temptations. Relationships have failed. Children have disappointed us. Merchants have cheated us. Even fellow Christians have let us down. We may not actually walk with a limp, but at times we have limped along because we have been wounded spiritually or injured emotionally. What someone has said has cut deeply into heart. What someone has done causes so much emotional pain. What we have done; what we have said causes us untold spiritual heartache. Emotionally we may be running on empty. Spiritually we may be in need of healing and renewed strength. And yet we have to get out of bed and face the world every day.

When tempted to complain of weariness, consider Jesus. When on the verge of losing heart, consider Jesus. Look at what he endured for us. Remember how determined he was. By his strength and by his love we are able to be the same. Things may not always make sense to us, but we can be confident that God knows where he is leading us. Remember what the prophet Jeremiah writes, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” We may not always have the strength to stand on our own two feet, but have God on our side who is all-powerful. We may not always feel loved, but we have the assurance that we are indeed loved. Someone no less the sinner than King David reminds us in Psalm 103: “As high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him.”

We may not see it with our eyes; we may not understand it with our brain. But by God’s grace we believe it and we know it in our heart. That is the result of faith that has been taken to a higher level. St. James writes in his Epistle, “You know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” Perseverance is understands that God cares. God cares so much that he gave his Son into death to rescue us from the curse of our sin. Perseverance understands that while at times we might be the walking wounded, we are not walking alone. God himself walks with us. God himself carries us when we cannot carry ourselves. 

Prayer requests

Please keep in your prayers/petitions:

• Rev. Leonard Payton, St. John, Horicon, recovering from surgery; 
• Rev. Kenneth Roever, emeritus, recovering from surgery – please pray that this surgery might improve Ken’s overall health and reduce his pain; 
• Mrs. Asenath Dobratz, wife of Rev. Wayne, St. Stephen, Watertown, who has been hospitalized; 
• Mrs. Lois Huff, mother of teacher Sharon Bellin, Concordia, Sturtevant, who is undergoing cancer treatment;

Dates to remember

• Sept. 4, 2007 — Circuit counselors’ meeting, District ffice
• Sept. 7-12, 2007 — Council of presidents, St. Louis 
• Sept. 21, 2007 — Wheat Ridge wellness day, Brookfield 
• Sept. 29, 2007 — SWD fall fiscal conference

Various updates

• SWD executive team contacts for schools and stewardship: There has been some question whether or not SWD has a schools executive—WE DO. The schools exec is Gary Janetzke; and Tim Dittloff has taken stewardship under his wing with LCEF’s “Consecrated Stewards.” It’s the way that we have organized to make the best use of our resources.
• SWD fall fiscal conference: This is something completely new. It’s a day set aside to discuss the SWD budget, stewardship resources, salary guidelines, the latest from Concordia Health Plans, fiscal responsibility both at the congregational and District levels, as well mission opportunities both in SWD and elsewhere. Mark it on your calendar. Pastors and congregational leaders are encouraged to attend. More information will be available shortly.
• SETS/PIFS: Pastors: if you haven’t updated your SET or your PIF lately, now is the time to do so. Please get the new SET CD from Arleen Johnson and the PIF that needs to be updated by hand and returned to Arleen.
• Fan Into Flame update: Most of the congregations who involved in FIF are well on their way to completing the process. A continuation committee is being formed. If your congregation would still like to get involved, please contact Peg Raabe at the District office. She will send you the materials. 
• We thank all the congregations and pastors who have honored their financial commitments to the LCMS convention. The response has been fantastic!
• From Dr. LeRoy Hass for consideration at circuit winkels: "A Prescription for Emotional Health: Regular Doses of Metanoiade." Negative emotions often burden us and interfere with good relationships. Positive emotions can be good for us and enhance our relationships. A cognitive theory of emotions will be used to highlight the relationship between our cognitions (thoughts, beliefs) and emotions. "The anger triad: An outline of the biblical portrayal of anger":
  • God's righteous anger toward we humans
  • Our own anger toward God and neighbor
  • Others' anger toward us and God

LCMS convention update

• The best place to find accurate information regarding the convention is at lcms.org. There is also a link to information at our SWD website.
• Convention theme: “One Message: Christ” set the tone for the convention. 
• Among the resolutions adopted at convention: a new model for alternate route for ordination, expansion of the boards of regents for the Concordia University system and seminaries, adoption of pulpit and altar fellowship with the AALC, a two-thirds resolution empowering the council of presidents to call for a special convention to address structure, as well as a resolution addressing the relationship of the LCMS board of directors and the committee for constitutional matters (7-02a).
• All in all, this summer’s convention was one of the better and less contentious of recent memory. It was an example of what can happen when we understand that the devil is the enemy; and that our focus is the harvest of sinners.
• As District president I want to thank all our delegates for their dedication and faithfulness; and for the spirit of togetherness that was displayed both at our breakfasts and on the convention floor. Thank you all!!!