News & Events

February 15-16 – Higher Things, Trinity, Sheboygan

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February 15-16, 2020

“The Beautiful Life”

Trinity Lutheran Church
824 Wisconsin Ave.
Sheboygan, WI

God’s love gives every human life worth and purpose. His work of creating, knitting together in mother’s womb, proclaims all human beings special. His labor of redeeming, becoming incarnate as an embryo and incapacitated by crucifixion, proves all human beings precious. His activity of calling, making temples from sinful bodies, pronounces all human beings priceless.

His grace – not anyone’s age, appearance, or ability – provides sanctity and significance. We may receive every neighbor, even the least of these, as gifts and privileges. We get to declare it with courage and demonstrate it with compassion. Life issues like surprise pregnancy or terminal diagnosis mean much more than political controversies or personal choices. The Gospel of Jesus Christ brings joy and hope, comfort and healing right where the world pressures to use death as a solution. Join us in Sheboygan for the annual Higher Things retreat with Pastor Michael Salemink from Lutherans For Life. We’ll explore speaking His truth, showing His love, and sharing His life in a better way than abortion and embryo experiments!

Picture the sanctuary filled with teenagers, eager for the organ to begin the opening lines of the liturgy or their favorite hymns, listening intently as they learn how their Lutheran faith applies to their lives and relationships, and laughing as they horse around playing games and getting to know other youth from the area. That’s a glimpse of what will happen at this Higher Things Youth Retreat!

Cost:  $50 per person

Contact:  Rev. John Berg
920-458-8246

or Tana McKenna
Higher Things Retreat Coordinator
retreats@higherthings.org or (888) 482-6630

Register via online registration here.

Click here to download the Registration and Information Packet

February 8 – Adventures with Dr. Jean

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An Early Childhood Conference  –  “I Am A Child Of God”

February 8, 2020
7:30 AM – 3:00 PM

Elm Grove Lutheran Church
945 Terrace Dr.
Elm Grove

Presenter:  Dr. Jean Feldman

Topics for the Day

  • I Am A Child Of God
  • Transition, Tips and Tricks
  • I Like You There’s No Doubt About It

Registration

$50 per person – Early Bird Registration through January 15

$65 per person – January 16-February 1

ONLINE REGISTRATION

FLYER

March 28, 2020 – Bible Bowl, Bowler, WI

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The 2020 Bible Bowl Competition to be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Bowler, Saturday, March 28, 2020.

WHY DO IT?  It is one great way for youth to study the Word of God on their own and in groups.

BIBLE BOWL:  Competition of teams (3 or 4 players) in verbal quiz format. Also an individual, written competition.

TOPIC:    “Judges”   (The English Standard Version will be used.)

WHO:    7th through 12th graders from churches throughout North and South Wisconsin Districts.

Form teams in your church – no limit of (4) person teams per church; limit of three (3) person teams per church.

2020 Group Event Information    ♦    2020 Group Registration    ♦     2020 Rules    ♦  2020 Post Bible Bowl – Camp Luther

Questions?

 Rev. Mark R. Palmer

St. Paul Lutheran Church

PO Box 577

Bonduel, WI 54107

 Phone:  715 758 8559 or 715 853 5225

Email:  m.palmer@stpaulbonduel.com

Winter Conference

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Winter Conference Update

It has been decided to retool and re-purpose the previously named Passionate Believers Conference; as such it will not be held in 2020. Please watch for future information on this to-be-named, next generation conference slated for winter of 2021.

We appreciate your understanding and look forward to supporting lay leadership and the ministry they carry out by providing meaningful conference content, presentations, and discussion opportunities.

March 28 – CLECT, District Office

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CLECT – Certificate of Lutheran Early Childhood Teaching

September 21, 2019
and
March 28, 2020

9 AM – 4 PM

South Wisconsin District
8100 W. Capitol Dr.
Milwaukee, WI  53222

WHO
Early childhood educators (infant to grade 3) serving in LCMS early childhood centers or schools that are looking to learn more about LCMS beliefs and how to incorporate them into the classroom.

COST
$100 per participant
Includes lunch and the book “Right from the Start: A Parent’s Guide to the Young Child’s Faith Development” by Shirley Morgenthaler.

QUESTIONS
Contact Chris Cody, cody@swd.lcms.org, 414-464-8102

ONLINE REGISTRATION
Register by 9/6/19

 

 

 

Firm Foundations 2019/2020

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August 16, 2019   ♦   November 1, 2019   ♦   February 7, 2020

Martin Luther High School
5201 S. 76th St.
Greenfield

Cost:   $60 – includes all three dates and materials

August 16 – ACES – Speaker:  Sara Daniel, Saint Aemilians
8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.  (no lunch)

Schedule

Title:      Trauma Informed Schools

This training is an introduction to the model of trauma informed care that Saint Aemilians has developed over the past seven years and has implemented across a variety of school environments.

Participants who attend this training will be able to:

  • Describe the prevalence of adverse experiences and the scope of their impact.
  • Define and respond to behavior from a trauma informed perspective.
  • Describe how trauma affects the brain and influences development, behavior and learning.
  • Identify factors that enhance the capacity for positive relationship for students who have adverse experiences.
  • Describe how purpose, belonging and safety enhance client well-being.
  • Identify techniques that enhance caregiver capacity and connect them to client outcomes.
  • Identify action steps to create a trauma sensitive school environment for all students.

November 1 – PBIS – Speaker:  Dr. Fred Johnson, Ed. Resources Services

Title:  Proactive Discipline for Reactive Students

This seminar is designed to assist staff to differentiate between typical and atypical student behavior patterns and to establish practical proactive discipline strategies that incorporate Restorative Discipline Practices and PBIS. Participants will also learn how to implement classroom plans that utilizes the RTI 3-Tier Model and meets “Best Practices in Classroom Management”.

February 7, 2020 – ALERT – Speaker:  Brad Spicer, Safe Plans

AlerT (Assess, lockdown, evade, resist, Tell) Active Threat Defense training. Our training program will focus on Threat Assessment, Active Shooter Defense and Response, as well as address the need for All-Hazards preparedness.

Deadline to register is August 7.

Office Services Assistant — South Wisconsin District Office

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The South Wisconsin District office of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is currently seeking an Office Services Assistant.

The ideal candidate for this hybrid position will be expected to work with the executive staff to ensure clear and concise social media communication, maintain development and donor databases, and to assist in the coordination of district workshops, conferences, and conventions. This is a full-time position. Résumés and letters of interest should be sent to reske@swd.lcms.org or mailed to:

South Wisconsin District—LCMS
c/o Paul Reske
8100 W Capitol Dr
Milwaukee, WI 53222

The job description can be viewed here.

Life Essay Contest Winner, Lutherans For Life of WI

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Jacob Kohlmeier, a senior at Milwaukee Lutheran High School, son of James and Laura Kohlmeier, has won the 9-12 grade division essay contest for Lutherans For Life of Wisconsin. Jacob wrote about why Christians should respond to the sanctity of life which is under attack across the world today. He said, “The Lord has ordained and caused the formation of every human life, and we as a part of God’s creation are not permitted to act as though we are God and decide which of his created beings are allowed to live and to fulfill their part in his plan.”

Lutheran students throughout the state were invited to enter life-affirming essays that centered around different life issues such as adoption, abortion, and the value of life at all ages.

Jacob will receive an award certificate and a check for $150 from Lutherans For Life of Wisconsin.  For more information on the next essay contest, please email LFLofWIessay@gmail.com

Flood Relief

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“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you”
(Isaiah 43:2, ESV).

FLOOD RELIEF
The South Wisconsin District Office of Mission and Human Care will be sending volunteer disaster relief teams to Midwest communities in the coming weeks. More information will be forthcoming, but financial help is needed now to support the many families, towns, cities and churches that have flooded.

We are currently receiving monetary donations to assist in the flood relief efforts happening in Nebraska, Missouri and Iowa. 100% of the donations received by the SWD will be used to provide recovery and restoration supplies, support LCMS distribution centers in impacted areas, give emergency relief grants to families and churches, and send volunteer teams.

Your assistance will help a lot of people so please consider donating to the SWD Disaster Relief/Mercy Care fund through an online donation or mailing your gift to:

SWD Disaster/Mercy Care
8100 W. Capitol Dr.
Milwaukee, WI 53222

If you would like more information, have questions or would like to make a corporate contribution please contact Rev. Jonah P. Burakowski at (414) 464-8101 or at burakowski@swd.lcms.org.

2019 Herb Kohl Educational Foundation Teacher Fellowship Award Recipients

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The South Wisconsin District is proud to join with the Wisconsin Council of Religious and Independent Schools (WCRIS) in celebrating 2019 Herb Kohl Educational Foundation Teacher Fellowship Award Recipients Deanne Boyce (St. Paul Lutheran School, Grafton) and Natalie Doherty (Hales Corners Lutheran School). Only 14 private school teachers from throughout the State of Wisconsin were selected for this prestigious and highly selective award.

Deanne and Natalie will each receive $6,000 and $6,000 for each of their schools. They will be recognized at regional receptions in April. Herb Kohl will attend each ceremony to present the awards, along with WCRIS Board members and staff.

Join us in congratulating Deanne and Natalie as well as in thanking God for their continued service in the Lutheran teaching ministry!

2019 LEA Distinguished Lutheran Early Childhood Teacher

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Congratulations Dauna Werner! Dauna was selected to receive Lutheran Education Association’s 2019 Distinguished Lutheran Early Childhood Teacher Award. Ms. Werner teaches 3 PreK classes at St. Paul Lutheran in Grafton, Wis. She was selected by LEA’s Early Childhood Network leadership team.

Dauna graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, both from Concordia University Wisconsin. She is also a graduate of the School Leadership Development Project (SLED). Previously, she taught at three other Wisconsin schools.

In support of Dauna’s nomination, one parent said, “One day while we were driving home from school, [my son] stated that he had forgotten to tell Mrs. Werner something. We proceeded to asked him what it was, and he answered, ‘That I love her.’ This is evidence of the trusting relationship she builds with each child to allow them to grow and flourish.”

Dauna’s principal also commented. “When walking into Dauna’s classroom, you will find a room that is full of positive learning opportunities. Dauna’s friendly and engaging attitude endears her to her young students. Her classroom embodies our motto of being ‘Focused on Excellence…Centered on Christ.’ Dauna inspires her students to ‘give things a try,’ and activities are modeled through learning strategies that bring about success. She leads a team of three teachers and five aides in our PreK program.”

Ms. Werner’s pastor adds, “This past summer, Dauna went on a mission trip to Cambodia to work with Crossing Cambodia. The trip with five others, including myself, focused on sharing the love of Jesus and to work with street children and Crossing Cambodia’s staff. While overseas, I lost my voice and became ill. Dauna, knowing the importance of Christian devotions, stepped up without being asked and led us in devotions and prayer time. Her words from God’s Word were timely, uplifting, and helpful on this journey.”

Dauna says of her mission, “Raised in a Christian home of educators, God began nurturing my gifts to work with children at an early age. Helping my parents work in their classrooms, I learned firsthand what it meant to be a servant leader. As a child’s first formal classroom teacher, parents look to me for guidance as they begin their educational journey with their child. My classroom is centered on Jesus Christ as our Savior and friend. I pray that the children and families under my care will grow to know Jesus and see how he is an important part of their everyday lives.”

Educators of the Year 2019

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CONGRATULATIONS

From left – Deanne Boyce, Elizabeth MacGillis, Jonathan Balsman, Jennifer Leinss, Chris Cody

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2019 Educators of the Year

Administrator
Jennifer Leinss
Blessed Savior Early Childhood Center, New Berlin

High School
Jonathan Balsman
Living Word Lutheran High School, Jackson

Elementary
Elizabeth MacGillis
St. John Lutheran School, Plymouth