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403(b) sweeping administration change begins Jan. 1, 2009
The revised IRS 403(b) regulations governing Tax-deferred Savings Plans and Tax-sheltered Annuities that go into effect on Jan. 1, 2009, will have a significant impact for all employers that have at any time offered a 403(b) to their employees. Depending on the employer’s ultimate decision and action, employees can be affected as well.
Articles of incorporation and bylaws
South Wisconsin District bylaws updated 8/1/09. 
Communion wine in jails - Wisconsin law
On Dec. 20, 2005, Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle signed Senate Bill 174 into law. The statute allows clergy members to bring small amounts of wine into a correctional facility and to distribute reasonable amounts of wine to inmates as part of a religious service.
2005 Wisconsin Act 67, see Section 4
Congregation constitution and bylaws guidelines
Congregations cannot become members of The Lutheran Church—Missouri synod until their constitutions and bylaws have been approved by a constitution committee of a District of the Synod. Any constitution or bylaw amendments must also have that approval before becoming operative. Click the "get resource" link below for the sample (PDF).
Congregation directory, April 2010
South Wisconsin District directory of congregations, April 2010
Congregation officers update form
To help us better communicate with the officers of your congregation, we would like you to fill out this form annually with the names and addresses of the chairpersons of the listed positions at your congregation.
Congregational commitment form
Congregation's mission and ministry commitment form for District and Synod.
Congregational gifts remitted
Form for mailed gifts for District and Synod mission and ministry. The "Get Resource" link below is for a fill-in PDF to type onscreen and print. For a plain form to hand write instead, click here.
Congregational personnel manual
Congregational Personnel Manual 2003 employee handbook section (Microsoft Word)
Congregational treasurer's manual
This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. "Get resource" goes to the manual on the LCMS website.
Convention 1997 proceedings
1997 District convention proceedings in PDF format
Convention 2000 proceedings
Convention 2003 proceedings
Convention 2006 proceedings
Convention 2009 proceedings
Convention 2009 workbook
Directory of congregations 2010
South Wisconsin District directory of congregations; also includes chaplains, vicars, schools, circuit counselors, staff and other organizations. April 2010
Electronic giving enrollment form
To schedule gifts for automatic withdrawal from your bank account, complete this PDF form and fax or mail it to the South Wisconsin District office. For best stewardship, we invite you to make your mission and ministry gift securely online. Visit the online giving page to learn more and begin creating your account.
Employment resource manual
The Employment Resource Manual for Congregations and Districts is intended to be used as a guide in performing the tasks necessary to provide adequate and effective management of the personnel working in the congregational setting or district office. Revised 2003.
IRS 403(b) regulation changes for all employers
On July 23, 2007, the U.S. Treasury Department and the IRS released final regulations for Section 403(b) of the Internal Revenue Code. These regulations affect the Concordia Retirement Savings Plan (CRSP) as well as individual contracts that church workers may have set up on their own with other companies (such as Thrivent, Fidelity, American Funds, etc.). The regulations are generally effective Jan. 1, 2009, with one exception related to 90-24 transfers between 403(b) plans which was effective Sept. 24, 2007.
IRS ruling on organist/choir director employment
The Internal Revenue Service issues Private Letter Rulings related to questions presented to the IRS by taxpayers. These Private Letter Rulings do not have the force of law, but do indicated the position the IRS takes on the question it is asked.
One such ruling issued in 1985 related to whether a church choir director was an employee of the church, or an independent contractor. In March 2010 the IRS issued another such ruling relative to a church organist with the same question, namely: Is a church organist an employee or a self-employed independent contractor?
LCMS group purchasing agreement
LCMS purchasing program link.
Luther on stewardship, Rev. Tim Maschke presentation
"A Lofty Christian Work: Luther on Stewardship" handout, presentation by Rev. Tim Maschke 9/30/08.
Mandatory reporting of child abuse
A 2004 Wisconsin law requires clergy to report suspected cases of child sexual abuse.
Pastor Self Evaluation Tool (SET)
All pastors are encouraged to update their Self Evaluation Tool (SET) every four years. If you need to update your SET, visit mns.lcms.org/cop.html. Once updated, please e-mail a copy to Karen Hauser and send a hard copy with your signature to the District president's office. If you need to update your Personal Information Form (PIF) please contact Karen by e-mail or phone (800) 793-3678.
Pastor Self Evaluation Tool (SET)
All pastors are encouraged to update their Self Evaluation Tool (SET) every four years. If you need to update your SET, visit mns.lcms.org/cop.html. Once updated, please e-mail a copy to Karen Hauser and send a hard copy with your signature to the District president's office. If you need to update your Personal Information Form (PIF) please contact Karen by e-mail or phone (800) 798-3678.
Planning a Lutherland study tour presentation (2007 fall pastors conference)
Salary suggestions 2011-12 spreadsheet
An interactive salary worksheet in Microsoft Excel format. Click here.
Salary suggestions and guidelines 2010-11
Compensation guidelines for 2010-11 designed to encourage fair compensation within the pastoral, teaching and related ministries. Includes daycare/preschool workers.
Salary suggestions and guidelines 2011-12
Compensation guidelines for 2011-12 designed to encourage fair compensation within the pastoral, teaching and related ministries. Includes daycare/preschool workers.
Salary guidelines
Step by step through a church building program
Student aid application form
Student aid application guidelines
Taxes and ministers 2010
Tax help designed for ordained or commissioned ministers. PDF document. 2010 edition, revised 10/10.
Vicar application and instructions
If your congregation will be applying for a vicar please go to mns.lcms.org/cop.html to download the vicarage application program and instructions. Completed applications must be sent to the District president’s office for processing.
What is marriage—A biblical perspective (2009 spring pastors conference)
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