The South Wisconsin District connects, resources and equips God's people for
bold witness of the
Gospel of Jesus Christ.
In this issue:
• From the president
• Missions & evangelism
• LCMS Foundation
• Schools, youth & family
• January financials
• Pastor calls & vacancies
• Prayer list
 
South Wisconsin District
The Lutheran Church—
Missouri Synod
8100 W. Capitol Dr.
Milwaukee, WI 53222
Web: swd.lcms.org
E-mail: swd@swd.lcms.org
(414) 464-8100
In Wisconsin, (800) 793-3678
Fax: (414) 464-0602
 

The President's e-Newsletter is sent monthly to pastors and school administrators in the South Wisconsin District and to others upon request.
Subscribe

Click the icon below for the January financials (PDF).
 
Congregations calling 
  • Glenbeulah - Zion
  • Hartland - Divine Redeemer (senior)
  • Madison - Mt. Olive (evaluating)
  • Menasha - Trinity
  • Milwaukee - Gospel (evaluating)
  • Plymouth - St. John (evaluating)
  • Poy Sippi - Emmaus
  • Stoughton - Good Shepherd by the Lake
Pastors considering a call
  • Donald Johnson - Sheboygan Area Lutheran High School to Zion, Glenbeulah (2/12/08)
  • Todd McVey - Candidate, Madison to Good Shepherd by the Lake, Stoughtoon (4/28/08)
  • Larry Miller - Helena, MT to Mt. Olive, Madison (4/28/08)
Pastors accepting a call
  • Craig DuBois - St. John, Plymouth to Africa Renewal Ministries, Texas (4/14/08)
  • John Kelling - St. Paul, Brown Deer to St. Peter, Lebanon (4/1/08)
  • Peter Peitsch - Waconia, MN to Grace, Elkhart Lake (4/14/08)
  • Sean Smallwood - St. Matthew, Calgary, AB to Lamb of God, Pleasant Prairie (2/4/08)
  • Karl Wellnitz - St. Paul, Beecher, IL to Christ, West Bloomfield ( 4/14/08)
  • Alexander Whitfield - Canton, MI to Brookfield, Brookfield (4/2/08)   
Pastors declining a call
  • David Gehne - Trinity, Racine to Trinity, Menasha (3/31/08)
 

Seminary candidates placed

  • Samuel Bobby - STL to Messiah, Beloit (4/22/08)
  • Robert Donaldson - STL to St. John, West Bend (4/22/08)
  • Eric Edwards - STL to Christ the Life, Waukesha (4/22/08)
  • Roger Erdman - FW to Good Shepherd, Oshkosh (4/22/08)
  • Carl Lehenbauer - STL to Trinity, Mequon (4/22/08)
  • Guy Roberts - STL to St. John, West Bend (4/22/08)  
Vicars assigned 
  • Christopher Amen - FW to Luther Memorial Chapel, Shorewood
  • Aaron Bell - STL to Good Shepherd, Watertown
  • Eli Davis - FW to St. Peter, Waterford
  • Paul Doellinger- FW to St. Paul, Union Grove
  • Marc Engelhardt - STL to Brookfield, Brookfield
  • David Herald - STL to St. Peter, Arlington
  • Aaron Kuehn - STL to Grace, Menomonee Falls
Prayer list

Please keep in your prayers/petitions: 
  • Rev. Kenneth Wieting and his family on the death of his father Norbert Wieting
  • Rev. Dr. Robert Maschke and his family on the death of his father Rev. Robert Maschke
  • Rev. James Keuch and his family on the death of his father- in- law
  • Rev. Jim Link on successful surgery for heart valve replacement
  • Rev. Albert Garcia and his family on the death of his mother-in-law
  • Rev. Thomas Hinz and his family on the death of his wife, Eunice
  • Rev. Don Stein’s father as he is dealing with serious health problems
  • Rev. Don Stein’s father-in-law as he recovers from surgery for cancer
  • Rev. Martinho Sander as he undergoes a surgical procedure on his heart
  • Prayers for the Hmong Outreach ministry, thankful for the five baptisms in the month of March, that the Holy Spirit would work in the hearts of the Hmong Outreach members to have the courage to boldly share their faith with those they come in contact with, and for Pastor Blong and his family as they face the challenges in serving the Lord

Short-term mission opportunities: LCMS World Mission has an urgent need for more than 200 international short-term mission teams. Could this be you or someone you know?
Rev. Dan McMiller
Missions and evangelism
 
John Meyer
Gift planning
 
Gary Janetzke
Schools, youth and family
APRIL 2008
 

Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Having just returned from a week and a half in St. Louis and then at Fort Wayne, I am once again amazed at how our churchbody works. Yet amid all the frustrations that we sometimes bring upon ourselves, there are the bright shining moments. That is highlighted by the placement services at both of our seminaries.

Sitting first at the vicar assignment at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, then at the placement services for both St. Louis and Fort Wayne, it’s amazing how young many of the graduates appear. Vicars are always a little more unproven, while the candidates appear a little more composed. Watching the newly assigned candidates and their wives opening their first call documents, reading them with a twinkle of excitement in their eye is a blessing. They have not been "weathered" by the stress or the demands of the ministry.

It's good to consider that look of excitement in their eyes. Far too often we pastors feel the stress and forget the privilege we have to serve God as we serve his people. Far too often God's people vent their frustrations at their pastor and forget what a blessing they have received from God in the gift of a pastor.

Listen to the way in St. Paul describes the role of pastor. Look at the group that pastors are listed with. Ephesians 4:10, "He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe. It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ."

If you are a church member, please take the time to thank God for the pastor that he has given to your congregation. Also, let the pastor know how much you appreciate what he does for the Lord's kingdom and for you. It's important to note here that pastors are far from perfect. Like all other human beings pastors are sinners in need of forgiveness; in need of a kind word of encouragement.

If you are a pastor— or for that matter a professional church worker—sometime this week take a moment or two and reflect on the high calling that our God has given you through his church. There is no higher office on this earth than that of "pastor." It's an awesome responsibility and an awesome blessing. When the demands of the calling press you down, remember the words of Paul in 2 Corinthians 3:5, "Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, who has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life."

Whether we serve in or we are served by the pastoral office, it's time to cherish the gift of the pastoral ministry as our God has given it to us. What a great blessing our God gives us in the men who serve in Word and Sacrament ministry! I thank my God for each of you!

President John C. Wille, SWD
District office spring cleaning giveaway—FREE STUFF 
Hurry! Many items must go! It's spring cleaning time and District office staff are clearing up clutter the week of April 28-May 2. That's good news if you or your ministry are in need of what we don't have room to store any longer. Items range from wooden desks and folding tables to cabinets and computer monitors. Click here to see what's currently available. First come, first haul away. Please call (414) 464-8100 or e-mail swd@swd.lcms.org to request an item or get more information. Pickup between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at 8100 W. Capitol Dr., Milwaukee.
Tune in May 6 for live webcast of president's partnership breakfast  
President John Wille invites South Wisconsin District pastors to attend a series of special breakfasts held quarterly. More than 50 pastors gathered at the first event in February, and over 80 will be present May 6 from 8-10 a.m. for Rev. John Kieschnick's presentation from his book and ministry series, The Best is Yet to Come. For those not able to attend, the program will be broadcast live beginning approximately 9 a.m. Visit the partnership breakfast web page to test your browser (the free Flash Player is required) and watch archive video of Josh Ficken's February talk. Click "Live Broadcast" from the swd.lcms.org Home menu during the event. Join in with your questions using the chat window.
 
The breakfasts focus on issues including stewardship, discipleship, outreach and missions. The goal of these events is to connect, resource and equip pastors as leaders of God's people to be bold witnesses in these areas of faith life. The president’s partnership breakfasts are sponsored by the District Lutheran Church Extension Fund program.
Worship conference: Institute on liturgy, preaching and church music July 22-25, 2008
While planning your summer activities, please consider the third triennial national worship conference sponsored by the LCMS Commission on Worship. This gathering entitled the Institute on Liturgy, Preaching, and Church Music will be held at Concordia University Nebraska in Seward from July 22-25, 2008 with the theme of “Sing to the Lord a New Song.”

If you are a pastor, church musician, or anyone interested in the church’s worship, please join us for this enriching week of worship, education, and fellowship. There will also be workshops of benefit to church secretaries, Sunday school teachers, and other volunteers in the church, so please spread the word and tell others about this opportunity.   Read more 
S.O.S. Center puts out an S.O.S.
Volunteers urgently needed
The S.O.S. Center, located in Milwaukee's near west side, is sending out an S.O.S. of its own. So many individuals and families are coming to them for help—now they need your help! There are plenty of opportunities to put talents and treasures to use at this center: English as a second language (ESL) leaders, adult basic education classes, after school program helpers, Bible study, and general education development (GED) preparation leaders are all urgently needed. Please let your congregations and friends know that they can call Armita Harmon at (414) 449-9964, or try (414) 975-7373, if they can help in any way.  Read more 

Volunteers wanted to convert bowling alley to music room
St. Martini Lutheran School in Milwaukee (1500 S. Cesar E. Chavez Drive) is undergoing a remodeling project to create a music room out of what used to be part of their bowling alley. The new music room will serve a number of needs, but will be a particular blessing for the Milwaukee area Hispanic music ministry. The work will be done by a crew of volunteers under the direction of Brian Keller, who has proven skills in this area. Help for this project is requested, and two Saturdays have been chosen to do the work: April 26 and May 10, 2008. They are hoping for as many volunteers as possible.  Read more

Man sows the seed; God reaps the harvest
Inner city congregation witness 45 Easter baptisms
As Easter is a time of new life and resurrection, it was an appropriate blessing for Rev. Chris Ikanih and Rev. Richard Boeck, along with the growing family of believers at Bethany, Milwaukee, to welcome into the family of God 45 new souls (from babes in arms to adults) through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism. An additional nine persons were baptized the following Sunday, for a total of 54 new baptisms in a congregation that had been reduced to 15-20 worshippers and at the verge of closing just before Christmas.   Read more
Pray for a summer of peace and hope!
On Saturday, April 12, 2008, over 200 people attended a prayer breakfast for a "Summer of Peace and Hope in the City" held at Bethany in Milwaukee’s inner city. Several city and state dignitaries were among the group. There are many, many people who are looking for answers to the unrest in the City of Milwaukee, and fervently hope for a peaceful summer. Let us all pray that efforts like this, led by Rev. Chris Ikanih and others, will lead urban families to find the peace and the hope they are looking for at the foot of the cross and in the Word of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!  Read more 
Left to right: State Representative Jason Fields, Alderman and Common Council President Willie L. Hines, Jr., Rev. Chris Ikanih, and Dr. Howard Fuller (former MPS superintendent).

KFC>KGC: A new self-perception
By Michael Ruhl (from the Center for US Missions "Mission Moments" newsletter)
The mirror is a marvelous thing. It gives us a "picture of ourselves" — a visual image of how we look. There are times when the image of ourselves, which we see in the mirror, is pleasant and attractive, perhaps after several months of a rigorous weightloss program or a new wardrobe for that special event in our lives. Like the legendary Narcissus gazing at his reflection in a pool of calm water, some people actually fall in love with their own reflection.  Read more    Subscribe     Website  

Preparation makes all the difference 
Our preparation in life can mean the difference between success and failure. Preparation of a well, thought-out estate plan is also extremely important. A well planned will or trust can avoid many problems and will properly provide for your family and express your love for the Lord. If you are thinking of preparing a will or rewriting your will, contact John Meyer, gift planning counselor for the South Wisconsin District, for more detailed information regarding the writing of Christian wills. He is located at 8100 W. Capitol Dr., MIlwaukee, WI 53222. His phone number is (800) 793-3678.
Lutheran schools day at Miller Park
Saturday, May 10, 2008 • 2:45 p.m.
Milwaukee Brewers vs. St. Louis Cardinals 
Tickets for Lutheran schools day sold out very fast this year. Over 1,100 people will be attending on May 10. A pregame professional church workers softball game will be played at Helfaer Field.

Student financial aid available
If you have members in your congregation who are attending any of the Concordia Universities or the Seminaries, please encourage them to apply for financial aid through the District. Application forms can be downloaded from the District website under Resources. The deadline to submit applications is May 15.
What a Way 
"What a Way" is an initiative to encourage active recruitment and retention of church workers as an integrated part of the LCMS culture and lifestyle in our congregations. What a Way has a dual focus: To rebuild active recruitment and retention of church workers as an integrated part of the LCMS culture and lifestyle at the local congregation level.
… to make a difference!
… to serve the Lord!
… to serve others!
… to use your gifts!
… to go to work!
… to live your life!

For more information, visit whataway.org.
State Youth Gathering June 19-21, 2008
Earlybird registration price extended to June 1! Visit the District website for a youth gathering flyer, FAQ, housing policy, tentative schedule and registration information. If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to contact Poppy Elshaug, (262) 673-5140 or poppydivslc@netwurx.net.
SWD Youth & Family Day at Noah's Ark Waterpark, Wisconsin Dells
June 27, 2008
The youth and family day special event ticket includes one regular all-day park admission and an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet. And it’s offered to you at a price less than what you could go for yourself! Cost is $27 for adults and $23 for children 12 and under. Come as a family or with your church group. Read more • Order form (PDF)
Professional Church Workers’ Conference
November 5-7, 2008 ♦ Kalahari Resort, Wisconsin Dells
Reggie McNeal is the keynote speaker and Rev. Dr. Dale A. Meyer is the main worship speaker. A tentative schedule is available online. Conference registration information and room reservation information will added as available.

The President's e-Newsletter is sent monthly to pastors and school administrators in the South Wisconsin District and to others upon request. Click here to subscribe.

The contents of this newsletter may be freely copied and reproduced. Please share the information with your staff, leaders and membership.