PassionateBelievers. A publication of the South Wisconsin District of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod

Transcription

1 PassionateBelievers A publication of the South Wisconsin District of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod Summer 2016 Chalo! Meet me in Milwaukee - pg. 4 Chalo! - pg. 6 Reflections on the road - pg. 8 Bible Study Built on the Rock - pg. 10

2 Summer 2016 / South Wisconsin District LCMS Together in Ministry From the President South Wisconsin District LCMS / Summer 2016 Passionate Believers Volume 6, Issue 3 Summer 2016 In this issue: 3 From the President 4 Meet me in Milwaukee 5 Do you remember when? 6 Chalo! 8 Reflections on the road 10 Bible Study Built on the Rock 12 District News 14 Around the District & Upcoming events 16 Celebrations On the cover: The many colors of India are worn by the Indian families who are coming to learn more about their Savior, Jesus Christ, in their new homes in the U.S. Read about how these seeds are planted on page 6. Our Mission/Vision Confessing Christ for the Next Generation 1. This is our time to be distinctly Lutheran. 2. This is our time to plant new congregations. 3. This is our time to honor our vocation. 4. This is our time to embrace our communities. Our core values Discipleship Diversity Community Excellence Integrity Passionate Believers is a quarterly publication of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod congregations within the South Wisconsin District. It shares stories about our partnership in the Gospel and how we work towards maximizing, magnifying, and multiplying the ministry that is done with and through local congregations. If you would like to submit ideas, stories or news for the next publication, please send them to editor@swd.lcms.org by September 1, Congregations receive specified quantities at no cost. An individual subscription sent to your address is $5 per year. To subscribe, call the District Office at ext. 11, or mail check to South Wisconsin District LCMS 8100 W. Capitol Drive Milwaukee, WI (Wisconsin only) Web site: swd.lcms.org The LCMS National Convention July 9-14! To be held at the Wisconsin Center in downtown Milwaukee! The Opening Divine Service with Holy Communion will begin at 7:30 p.m. (with pre-service music at 7 p.m.) on Saturday, July 9, in Halls A and B, located on the 3rd floor of the Wisconsin Center. Following Matins on Sunday morning at 8 a.m., the first official business session of the convention will begin at 8:45 a.m. in Halls A and B. Visitors to the convention are welcome and not required to register. Questions? Call the District office, As we meet... Rev. Dr. John C. Wille District President Brothers and Sisters in Christ: When we think about church we often focus on the local congregation; and that is proper because the church is nothing more than the people of God gathering before an altar and pulpit so that we might receive the gifts that our Lord shares with us through Word and Sacrament. But the church is larger than merely one congregation. In The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) there are some 6,000 self-governing congregations that have banded together in a common confession of faith; 212 here in South Wisconsin. This July those 6,000 congregations will send their representatives to the synod convention here in Milwaukee. It s been 45 years since the synod convention met in Milwaukee. To serve as the host district is both a responsibility and a great blessing. To be part of the LCMS is also a great blessing and responsibility. The LCMS's constitution clearly outlines those blessings and responsibilities under the heading of Objectives: The Synod, under Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions, shall 1. Conserve and promote the unity of the true faith (Eph. 4:3 6; 1 Cor. 1:10), work through its official structure toward fellowship with other Christian church bodies, and provide a united defense against schism, sectarianism (Rom. 16:17), and heresy; 2. Strengthen congregations and their members in giving bold witness by word and deed to the love and work of God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and extend that Gospel witness into all the world; 3. Recruit and train pastors, teachers, and other professional church workers and provide opportunity for their continuing growth; 4. Provide opportunities through which its members may express their Christian concern, love, and compassion in meeting human needs; 5. Aid congregations to develop processes of thorough Christian education and nurture and to establish agencies of Christian education such as elementary and secondary schools and to support synodical colleges, universities, and seminaries; 6. Aid congregations by providing a variety of resources and opportunities for recognizing, promoting, expressing, conserving, and defending their confessional unity in the true faith; 7. Encourage congregations to strive for uniformity in church practice, but also to develop an appreciation of a variety of responsible practices and customs which are in harmony with our common profession of faith; 8. Provide evangelical supervision, counsel, and care for pastors, teachers, and other professional church workers of the Synod in the performance of their official duties; 9. Provide protection for congregations, pastors, teachers, and other church workers in the performance of their official duties and the maintenance of their rights; 10. Aid in providing for the welfare of pastors, teachers, and other church workers, and their families, in the event of illness, disability, retirement, special need, or death. As I write this, the first issue of Today s business is online. Looking at it you will see that there are resolutions that touch upon every aspect of our lives together, as LCMS Lutherans. You may not be a delegate to this summer s convention, July 9-14, but you can come and listen as a guest. This is your church. This is our church. Most important, this is our Lord s Church, entrusted to our care. What confession, what church will we pass on to our descendants? The decisions made this summer will impact our life together as LCMS Lutherans. Every decision ought to be measured by our commitment to our Lord and His Word. Our confession of the faith dare not be compromised. The words of the Apostle come to mind: We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5) Christ Jesus is our Rock. We are built on Him. May our Lord bless this convention as we remain faithful to Him, His Word, and our Confession! Rev. Dr. John C. Wille, President, South Wisconsin 2 Passionate believers... confessing Christ for the next generation maximizing, magnifying, multiplying ministries 3

3 Summer 2016 / South Wisconsin District LCMS Together in Ministry Together in Ministry South Wisconsin District LCMS / Summer 2016 By Rev. Mark Wangerin, Mount Olive Lutheran Church, Milwaukee Meet me in Milwaukee! The 66th Convention of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod will be held July 9-14, 2016, in Milwaukee at the Wisconsin Center. This is the first convention to be held in Milwaukee in 45 years. The last convention to meet in Milwaukee took place at the Milwaukee Auditorium in Avenue). Pre-service music will begin at 7:00 p.m. You are cordially invited to attend the opening service. The service is a powerful witness to the Word and the Gospel of Christ. A mass choir from area congregations will participate. Visitors are also welcome to attend any of the business sessions of the convention as well. A tentative schedule for the convention is posted on the convention website. In addition to the regular business meetings of the convention, delegates will also have the opportunity to participate in several special events. An evening reception will be held on Monday, July 11, at Concordia University Wisconsin in Mequon. Tuesday evening events include alumni gatherings and a special service at historic Trinity Lutheran Church in downtown Milwaukee (just blocks from the convention center). The South Wisconsin District will play an important role at this summer s convention as the host district for the convention. Approximately 200 volunteers from district congregations as well as area congregations of the English and SELC districts will serve in a variety of roles throughout the convention. A convention planning committee consisting of the district staff and pastors and church workers from throughout the district has been hard at work since the conclusion of last summer s district convention. The key roles these district volunteers provide include welcome and hospitality, information, and registration, as well as individuals responsible for the setup and takedown of the convention facility, plus ushers and altar guild personnel needed for the opening worship service. Over 25 pages will also cover the convention floor. It is a privilege for the South Wisconsin District to serve as the host district for this year s convention of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. It is also our prayer that the Lord would continue to bless the mission and ministry of our synod as we work together and serve in His Church. For more information on the convention please visit the official website: lcms.org/convention. The official synod website for the convention states: The national convention of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod shall afford an opportunity for worship, nurture and inspiration, fellowship, and the communication of vital information. The convention is the principal legislative assembly, which amends the Constitution and Bylaws, considers and takes action on reports and overtures, and handles appropriate appeals. It establishes general positions and policies of the synod, provides overall program direction and priorities, and conducts business in order to provide responsible service for and on behalf of its members (lcms.org/convention). The convention also elects officers and board and commission members for the synod. Since the 2013 convention, the president of the synod has been elected by a lay and pastoral delegate from each congregation of the synod prior to the convention. The convention itself will elect the first vice-president, five regional vice-presidents, and the secretary of the synod, as well as members of the board of directors, other boards and commissions of the synod, and the boards of regents of the synod s educational institutions. The major business before the convention is contained in the Convention Workbook which is 480 pages long this year. It contains the reports of the synodical president, official boards and commissions of the church as well as overtures from synodical congregations, districts, and circuit forums. Overtures are a means for members of the synod to address concerns and express ideas for the furtherance of the work of the synod. The overtures this year have been assigned to 18 floor committees which will deal with specific areas. These floor committees include: National Witness, International Witness, Mercy, Life Together, Theology & Church Relations, Seminaries, University Education, Parochial Schools, Finance, Stewardship: Funding the Mission, Structure & Administration, Ecclesiastical Supervision & Dispute Resolution, Routes to Ministry, Church & Culture, Reformation, Family Youth & Young Adults, Preaching & Church Worker Continuing Education, and Worker Wellness. As can be seen from this listing, a wide variety of subjects and issues will be addressed by the convention. Floor committees met in St. Louis the last weekend in May to formulate resolutions for the convention. They will also meet on the days immediately prior to the convention in Milwaukee to respond to suggestions received following their preliminary meetings. The convention workbook is available online at the convention website of the LCMS. The proposed resolutions will also be posted online as soon as they are available. Besides the business of the synod, the convention will also offer opportunities for worship. The opening divine service of the convention with Holy Communion will take place on Saturday, July 9, at 7:30 p.m. at the Wisconsin Center in downtown Milwaukee (403 W. Wisconsin Do you remember when? The last time that LCMS had their national convention in Milwaukee was July 9-16, It was held at the Milwaukee Arena. Many LCMS faithful will remember that those were difficult days for us. The largest number of resolutions submitted concerned church relations, particularly altar and pulpit fellowship with The American Lutheran Church, and our involvement with the Lutheran Council in the USA. By God's grace, we have left those years behind us. It is always good to look back and remember how God has brought us through, and that His Word and promises will always be with His people! Below (l to r): Rev. George Rode, Dr. Jacob Preus (then LCMS president) and Dr. August Suelflow. Above, Dr. Robert Preus (r) with two unidentified men. 4 Passionate believers... confessing Christ for the next generation maximizing, magnifying, multiplying ministries 5

4 Summer 2016 / South Wisconsin District LCMS Together in Ministry Together in Ministry South Wisconsin District LCMS / Summer 2016 Chalo! By Rev. Peter Kelm, South Wisconsin District Missions Executive children (Priya and her two brothers), she eventually took a very bold step: she got rid of her husband s altar and gods, vital to his puja, or worship, in the home. He wasn t happy. In return, he tossed out the Bible and the cross and left home for a while, travelling back to see his family. And then God showed up, in an amazing way. As he travelled, Priya s dad was seriously injured when a train literally ran over his legs. The injuries were so severe that the doctors said he only had a 10% chance of survival. Priya s mom rushed to the hospital and never stopped praying. God answered her prayer. And her husband saw this event as evidence that Jesus is oh, so real! Over the next three months as he recovered, he learned about Jesus as he read the Word! Chalo (CHELL-oh) seems like a perfect name for this Godblessed ministry. Meaning Go! in Hindi, it captures what God has been calling His people to do for years, now, in Waukesha County. Of all the reasons to celebrate this ministry to Indian immigrants, perhaps the greatest is the cooperation among God s people for a common goal. POBLO (People of the Book Lutheran Outreach), a ministry focused on reaching Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs, initiated the work in Rev. Khurram Khan recruited Praveen Manuel, whom he met at an Indian restaurant where Praveen was working in Waukesha. Praveen was very familiar with Lutherans, having been brought to faith by a Lutheran uncle in India. (More on that story later!) Soon Praveen and his wife Priya were connected with Pastors Roger Heintz and Alexander Whitfield at Brookfield Lutheran Church (BLC). As the Manuels got to know the dozens of Indian families in their Waukesha apartment complex, they became known as Christ-followers who cared. They offered help to those families through ESL and sewing classes. Many of the Indian women don t have work permits, and their husbands work long hours. The classes at BLC gave them an opportunity to learn about American culture and Jesus in a welcoming environment. Praveen and Priya Manuel Fast-forward several years. As the number of Indian families involved at BLC activities (including several cultural awareness seminars) has increased, so has the number of those families who want to learn more about Jesus. Today, there are monthly Bible classes for men and women. Many attend worship. The number of Indian kids involved in BLC s VBS has grown steadily more than 70 this year! Recently, a friend that Senior Pastor Rob Mrosko has been working with asked him to choose a Christian name for him. A young woman, Nivi, volunteers at BLC, helping with their website. In the last year, as BLC has taken more and more ownership of this outreach ministry, they discussed with POBLO an important transition: bringing Praveen and Priya permanently on staff at BLC. Pastor Mrosko approached Pastor Khan about his idea. POBLO was thrilled! Their goal is to initiate ministries that local congregations can then expand and multiply. The transition has meant that Praveen and Priya no longer travel throughout Wisconsin giving information about their ministry and POBLO, but it has provided them with much more time to focus on their local mission field. As I ve seen this ministry develop over several years, I ve been amazed at how God is blessing the work. But as I ve gotten to know Praveen and Priya better, I m not surprised at all, because God has been working in their lives in miraculous ways for years. Priya grew up in a family in India where dad was a Hindu and mom was a Christian. Dad allowed mom to worship Jesus, but insisted that the children be brought up Hindu. He had his family altar in the home. And Priya s mom had her Bible and cross. Though she prayed fervently for her But the story didn t end there. The family s new-found Christian faith led to persecution in their hometown. Priya and her brothers were pulled from school because of threats. Eventually, they moved near the home of Priya s mom, where Christians were accepted. Praveen s story is no less amazing. Growing up as a Hindu, he had a faithful uncle who was a Lutheran Christian. That uncle shared Jesus with Praveen who wasn t too interested! But one week after that conversation, Praveen had a dream that included a bright cross. He knew the cross meant Jesus, so back to his uncle he went. That uncle explained the Gospel to him, and through that Word Praveen was brought to faith. In fact, his entire immediate family was baptized! But God wasn t done doing miracles in Praveen s life. That same uncle encouraged him to try to get a visa to study at a Bible college in the U.S. But Praveen s application was missing nearly everything that seemed to matter for getting a visa to the U.S.: no money in the bank, no superior English language score, no real reason A school bus is ready to take the children back home after their day at VBS. to let this young Indian man into the U.S.! But an embassy worker saw his desire to learn more Scripture, and against all common sense, gave him the visa. Praveen travelled to the U.S., eventually met Pastor Khan, and the rest is history! Praveen and Priya were married in the traditional Indian way...their marriage was arranged by their families! And God has certainly blessed their lives together, including the gift of a son, Aaron. What does the future hold for this ministry at Brookfield Lutheran Church? Only the Lord knows. But the foundation of friendship and Gospel that has been established will not crumble. Yvonne Gerth, a long-time Lutheran educator who has been brought on to help part-time with this ministry noted that Satan will continue to attack, as he has, when new ministries like this reach new people with the Gospel. But we all know that his attacks are ultimately futile, as God is clearly in control. My prayer is the Lord will continue to bless this ministry and bring more and more to faith in Christ. I also pray that more and more congregations will step out in faith and Chalo! BLC Pastor Rob Mrosko teaches Bible classes to Indian students. 6 Passionate believers... confessing Christ for the next generation maximizing, magnifying, multiplying ministries 7

5 Summer 2016 / South Wisconsin District LCMS Together in Ministry Together in Ministry South Wisconsin District LCMS / Summer 2016 By Dr. Chris Cody, South Wisconsin District Schools, Youth and Family Executive would be a great church worker encourage them! Above all else, do what the Lord instructs us to do in Luke 10:2 He told them, The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. 3. Teachers and principals are on the front lines. Reflections on the road Planning committee meeting at Faith Lutheran School in Appleton for the 2018 North/South Teachers' Conference. O ne of my primary goals during this first year as Education Executive was to visit each one of our early childhood centers, elementary schools and high schools. In hindsight, perhaps this was a bit ambitious, considering there are 33 free standing early childhood centers, 54 elementary schools and 6 high schools in South Wisconsin District. However, by the end of May I will have visited, in some capacity, all but one (Redeemer Christian Preschool, Manitowoc). Many of these days have been spent on the road, visiting multiple schools during a day. While the visits themselves were short-twenty to thirty minutes each--the time on the road was not, and this provided ample time for reflection on the state of our schools in South Wisconsin. Here are a few of them. 2. The work is great, but the workers are few. There is no denying the statistics that the baby boomer generation is retiring in great numbers. I have had the pleasure to be at a number of retirement services and recognitions this year. I have been able to thank so many of our professional church workers for their service to the Lord in the teaching ministry. However, I have also seen the tremendous shortage that we are facing in filling these roles. Across our Synod, 40% of our administrators will retire over the next 5 years. Where will this next generation of leaders come from? Our schools, churches, and parishioners need to be proactive about identifying the next generation of all church workers. If you feel a young man or woman During some of my visits, I had the opportunity to lead faculty devotions. These devotions usually focused on the idea that the faculty and staff are on the front lines. The faculties and staffs of those in our District deal with a myriad of issues, from the slightly annoying problems to the life altering issues. Students come to school while dealing with major life issues, such as divorce, death, incarceration, and much more. Armed with the love of Christ, our teachers work to make the students feel safe and loved. Yet, after taking care of the kids and families in their midst, who takes care of our teachers? Working on the front line can have physical health, financial, spiritual, and emotional health consequences. Our schools, churches, and parishioners should be compelled to ensure the wellbeing of their church workers. So, after a year of traveling to the schools in our District, I am confident. I am confident that God s word does not return to him to empty (Isaiah 55:11). I am confident that the Lord will raise up future church workers. I am confident that our students are leaving their schools knowing that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:38-39). Junk Box Wars with the Milwaukee North grade schools (Grafton, Cedarburg, Glendale, Freistadt and West Bend) at Living Word High School in Jackson. 1. The Gospel message is alive and well, but so is the devil. Our school leaders and teachers are committed to sharing the Gospel at every opportunity. As the number of unchurched students in our schools continues to rise, our churches and schools are reaching out with the Gospel message. Some of the best stories I can recall from my time on the road deal with students who were baptized after learning about Jesus for the first time in a Lutheran school or of families who joined a church after a teacher/principal/pastor intentionally spoke with them about the love of Christ. Of course, the devil is always on the prowl looking for someone to devour, and our Lutheran schools are not exempt from this. The temptations that pre-adolescents and adolescents faced a generation ago are even more devious in this generation, as they feel safe behind the security of a computer screen. Pastor Martinho Sander leads the Holy Week chapel devotion at Blessed Savior Lutheran Pre-School, New Berlin. 8 Passionate believers... confessing Christ for the next generation Pastor Jeffrey Mortenson officiates in the dedication of a new addition at Concordia Lutheran School at Faith, Sturtevant graduation service at St. Peter-Immanuel Lutheran School in Milwaukee. maximizing, magnifying, multiplying ministries 9

6 Summer 2016 / South Wisconsin District LCMS Bible Study Bible Study South Wisconsin District LCMS / Summer 2016 By Timothy Maschke, DMin, PhD, Concordia University Wisconsin Built on the Rock Many of us recall the image of the home on Lake Delton being swept away by the flood waters of the summer of The newspaper stated: LAKE DELTON Floodwater from days of rainstorms washed out an earthen dam and sent a 245-acre lake rushing into the Wisconsin River Monday, ripping homes from the shore and sending them floating downstream. Built on a Rock That scene reminds me of Jesus s warning in His Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 7: What is Jesus' point in those two verses? The two previous verses (Matthew 7:24-25) give a completely different perspective. Again, what is Jesus point? Here in Wisconsin we also have our famous House on the Rock tourist attraction near Spring Green, which draws thousands of visitors each year to see the unique architectural and entertaining complex. Whether or not you ve visited that site, what makes it a popular attraction? Upon This Rock Our Lutheran Church Missouri Synod s convention theme is upon this rock from Matthew 16. The context is Jesus conversation with His disciples in the area of Caesarea Philippi (Matthew 16:13-19; Mark 8:27-29; Luke 9:18-20). When I visited the region of Caesarea Philippi in Israel several years ago, I walked near a cave and shrine dedicated to the Greek deity related to nature, Pan (thus the present name, Banias) and several other pagan gods. On a stone escarpment are incised several niches in praise of Pan and his priests, with one memorable inscription: Pan is the lord (Greek, Pan ton kyrion). It struck me that as Jesus and His disciples walked around that expansive pagan shrine that the question would logically arise regarding Jesus Himself. Read Matthew 16:13-19 and then answer the following: What was the substance of Jesus question? Who did people think Jesus might be? (See John 1:19-21 and Matthew 11:13-14) How does Peter boldly confess the truth of Jesus identity? When Jesus says, Upon this Rock I will build My church, what did He mean? How is Peter s confession a solid rock upon which we can build our faith? Our God is a Rock There are over fifty Bible passages that speak of God as a Rock. Let s look at a few of them to see what truths they convey. Photo: Patrick Strain (Yahoo.com) Read the following selections from the Psalter. What does the image of God as a Rock convey in each of these verses? Psalm 9:9 Psalm 31:3 Psalm 91:2 Psalm 94:22 Read the following. What hope or assurance does the fact that God is a Rock give us as believers? 2 Samuel 22:3 Psalm 18:2 Psalm 19:14 Psalm 27:1 Psalm 62:2 Psalm 89:27 What makes the image of God as a Rock in those verses a comforting message? Christ is Our Rock Paul calls Christ our Rock (1 Corinthians 10:3). Let s look at several other New Testament verses about the Rock. Read the warning and promise in Psalm 118:22. Describe how Jesus (Matthew 21:42; Mark 12:10; Luke 20:17) reiterated and emphasized this message of Psalm 118:22. How do Jesus words apply to us today? Read the prophecies in Isaiah 8:14 and 28:16. Now notice how Paul (Romans 9:30-33) understood this verse. How do these ideas apply to us today? Read how Peter uses both the Isaiah verses and Psalm 118 in 1 Peter 2:4-10. (See Acts 4:11, too.) Peter was addressing Christians suffering under persecution. This is a situation in which we may soon find ourselves, just as our brothers and sisters in other parts of the world are already being persecuted. How does Peter draw us into these passages with additional promises and encouragements? The Grotto (cave) of god Pan (Banius) and the temples and ritual courtyards around it in Caesarea Philippi. ( How do Peter s words apply to us today? A Solid Foundation Your faith has a solid foundation when it is based upon the revelation of Jesus. Paul says that the foundation is Jesus (1 Corinthians 3:11). Paul also says that Jesus is our cornerstone or keystone and the apostles and prophets serve as the foundation upon which we can build. Read Ephesians 2: What does that say about our relationship with each other as members of Christ s church? Our Church is Built on the Rock Several hymns in our Lutheran Service Book speak of the Rock and Foundation of our faith. Use one of them as a concluding prayer for you and for our church. The LSB hymn 645, Built on the Rock the Church doth Stand, by the famous Danish Lutheran hymn writer, Nikolai F.S. Grundtvig ( ), translated by Carl Doving ( ), and set to the tune by Ludvig Lindeman, captures the comfort and strength of knowing our church is on solid ground. Similarly, The Church s One Foundation, LSB 644, by Samuel J. Stone ( ) was set to music by Samuel S. Wesley ( ) and assures us of Christ s strength for our future. Closing Prayer: Gracious God, You have provided us with a solid foundation for our faith in your Word and Sacraments. Enable us by the power of Your Spirit to continue to grow in that faith and share that message of salvation through Christ, our Rock and Refuge, with all we meet. In His name we pray. Amen. 10 Passionate believers... confessing Christ for the next generation maximizing, magnifying, multiplying ministries 11

7 Summer 2016 / South Wisconsin District LCMS District News District News South Wisconsin District LCMS / Summer 2016 Photo credit: Eric Schad/Concordia University Wisconsin First Bethesda College students graduated May 14 Heart to Heart Multicultural Event, held on April 16 Over 135 men, women and children originating from 26 Wisconsin cities and representing 7 different nations gathered to rekindle friendships, share hugs, and enjoy their differences while uniting as one to praise God. As Missouri Synod Lutherans they reflected on Matthew 28:19-20, the command given us by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Under the theme Make Disciples of all Nations... GO! Rev. Jeffrey Mueller from Berea Lutheran Church, was joined by Rev. Faivneng Her from Hmong Hope Lutheran, Rev. German Novelli- Oliveros from Grace Lutheran, Rev. Gui Kasongo from The International Lutheran Church of Zion and Gospel Lutheran, and Rev. Don Hougard from Benediction Lutheran in this multicultural worship service. Throughout the service, as well as the meal featuring various ethnic dishes, and the culturally rich entertainment that followed, attendees were made aware of their unity in Christ regardless of their diverse backgrounds of origin. LWML South Wisconsin District Heart to Heart Leader Lucia Segovia-Novelli, Deaconess Intern Christiana Ewert from Berea Lutheran, and LWML SWD Heart to Heart Sister Kou Thao, with youthful energy, helped attendees unite in laughter, dancing, and singing to make for a joy filled morning. One very uplifting reason to celebrate was the presentation of a grant by President Judy Paulson to Rev. Dr. Chris Ikanih of Bethany Lutheran Church in Milwaukee. Rev. Dr. Ikanih and wife Joy Ikanih led in praising God for the Graduates include (back row, from left) Kristen Van Handel, Thomas Scandrett, Christopher Brandt, Claire Chalupka; (front row, from left) Rachel Hoffman, Alec Shafer, Mary Cate Neff. The first class from Bethesda College, a unique, twoyear program designed specifically for students with developmental disabilities, graduated alongside Concordia University Wisconsin students on Saturday, May 14, at 1:30 p.m. on the University s campus in Mequon. Seven students with developmental disabilities received a Certificate of Applied Learning. This post-secondary program the result of a partnership with CUW and Bethesda Lutheran Communities is the only one in Wisconsin that blends the best practices of a nationwide service provider for people with developmental disabilities with the learning environment and resources of an accredited university. Read more at: Deaconess Intern Christiana Ewert, Heart to Heart Leader Lucia Sergovia Novelli, and Heart to Heart Sister Kou Thao. blessings bestowed upon Bethany through the Mites given by LWML women across all of the South Wisconsin District. The grant will allow the congregation at Bethany to continue reaching out to the surrounding community in the love of God sharing the life giving Word. Rev. Harmon installed at Hope, Milwaukee L to R front: Pastors Elijah Ndon, LeRoy Hass, Steven Voigt, Pres. John Wille, Dennis Harmon. L to R back rows: Pastors Andrew Steinke, Dennis Hipenbecker, Jon Leider, Jeffrey Mueller, Eric Skovgaard, Peter Kelm, Richard Raabe and David Paape. On Sunday afternoon, May 22, Rev. Dennis Harmon was installed as pastor of Hope Lutheran Church in Milwaukee. Pastor Harmon, an SMP graduate, is no stranger to urban ministry in Milwaukee, as he previously served as Pastor of Emmaus. Rev. Andrew Steinke delivered the sermon, encouraging Pastor Harmon to eat this scroll of God s Word as God had called Ezekiel to do. Rev. Dr. John Wille installed Pastor Harmon, and a large collection of pastors from urban and suburban ministries joined in the laying on of hands. Special music included the choir from Mission of Christ in Milwaukee, and a liturgical dance also focused the hearers attention on our gracious God. Pastor Harmon and his wife, Armita, are excited about this next chapter in their ministry! CSL Vicar Assignments to our District Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, has placed two Vicars to serve in the South Wisconsin District during the school year. They are Andrew Coop (MDIV), Vicar to Trinity Lutheran Church, Howards Grove, and Adam Kosberg (MDIV), Vicar to Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Freistadt. Pre-Lent Retreat Featuring Reed Lessing Set for January 2017 A one-day pre-lent retreat on the book of Job, led by the Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing and sponsored by the South Wisconsin District, will be held at Pilgrim Lutheran Church in West Bend on Monday, January 9, Participants will explore nine sermons that dig deeply into Job s central message, plus six adult Bible class lessons that further address the book s major topics and themes. Those who attend will come away with sermon manuscripts, textual notes, and orders of service for midweek services. The cost of the retreat is $25 which includes refreshments and lunch. Contact retreat coordinator Rev. Christopher Seifferlein, pastor@emmanueladell.org for more information or to pre-register for the event. Around the District District placements from CTS-Fort Wayne L to R: Stephanie Jennings, Jonathan Jennings, President Wille, Elle Konetzki, Jesse Gullion, Ethan Spira Concordia Theological Seminary (CTSFW), Fort Wayne, Indiana, have placed these students in our South Wisconsin District: VICARS: Jonathan Jennings, Luther Memorial Chapel, Shorewood, Ethan Spira, St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Janesville, DEACONESS INTERN: Elle Konetzki, St. Peters Lutheran Church, Arlington, and CANDIDATE: Jesse Gullion, pastor, Christ The King Lutheran Church, Racine, and Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Racine. Also placed into our District by CTSFW is Deaconess Judith Wierman, to serve at Bethesda Lutheran Communities in Watertown. Rev. Robb installed as LINC executive Front (l to r): Pastors C. Ikanih, F. Reaman, N. Lewis, K. Johnson, J. Robb, D. Mathers, T. Wink, R. Meyer, D. Hougard. Back:Pastors A. Steinke, D. Harmon, D. Czaplewski, M. Junkans, R. Dominic, P. Kelm, (Crucifer), R. Goodwin, S. Voigt, A. Boerst, A. Meyer, A. Ikanih, Vicar C. Kogutkiewicz. On Sunday, April 17, Rev. Joe Robb was installed as Executive Director of LINC-Milwaukee. He will work with LINC- Houston, an LCMS RSO, that has nearly a dozen urban ministries all over the country. LINC s goal is to help plant and re-plant LCMS churches in the city. His ministry is supported by individuals, local LCMS congregations, the English District and the South Wisconsin District. Already, Pastor Robb has collaborated with Pastor Afam Ikanih with a plan to plant an LCMS ministry among the formerly incarcerated on the south side of Milwaukee. For more information on his ministry, please contact him: jrobb@lincmilwaukee.org. 12 Passionate believers... confessing Christ for the next generation maximizing, magnifying, multiplying ministries 13

8 Summer 2016 / South Wisconsin District LCMS Around the District District News St. Paul, Grafton's 2016 Confirmation class And Jesus said to them, Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men. A medical mission opportunity is being organized for those who are interested, working with MOST Ministries, a Recognized Service Organization (RSO) of the LCMS which fosters our Synod s mission and ministry. The tentative plan is to go to Guatemala in early March 2017, with exact location and dates to be finalized this July. Size of team: about 6 to 10 medical (at least 2 MDs or 1 MD and 1 PA, plus RNs and any other specialist in the medical profession) and 1 or 2 laypersons to assist. Cost: about $2,300 per person on average to Central America. It helps if people can bring some supplies like blood pressure equipment, thermometer, glucometer, etc. Schedule: leave on a Friday or Saturday and arrive back home the following Saturday p.m. No commitments are required now, but please contact Carol Claybaker at c904c@hotmail.com, or Peg Raabe in SWD Missions at ASAP if interested or for further information. Top Row l-r: St. Paul Senior Pastor Scott Kruse, Joseph Willman, Nikolas De- Mars, Kara Nelsen, Rachel Schulteis, Samuel Kudra, Director of St. Paul Youth Ministry Ryan Hansen. 3rd Row: Brendan Krawzik, Ashley Fryjoff, Leah Gall, Anastasia Albers, Jacob Aleknavicius. 2nd Row: Samuel Aria, Quinn Natale, Joshua Schultz, Jake Brennan, Sage Wojdyla, Sophie Swiertz. 1st row: Mya Masse, Josie Pollack, Kendra Dowe, Grace Gierach, Alyson Rautmann. > Family Emergency StewardAccount Prepare for the unexpected. 2.0% 2.5% * It's Fish Boil time, Sept. 17 in Hartford It's Fish Boil time! Join us at Divine Savior, Hartford, for our 36th Annual Fish Boil! Saturday, September 17 from 3 until 7:30 pm. Menu of boiled fish, potatoes, vegetables, coleslaw, rye bread, dessert, and beverage. Enjoy the fun and delicious taste of a Door County Fish Boil without the long drive. Call or go to for current prices; check us out on Facebook. Proceeds support various community organizations. See you at 3200 Hwy. K South at E. Monroe Avenue, Hartford; near the big white water tower! Bob and Dolores Wendorf celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on April 14. They are members of Our Savior in Whitefish Bay. And because this editor forgot to list them in the spring issue, we get to share this lovely picture of the happy couple! God's continued blessings to you, Bob and Dolores! Upcoming events LCMS Convention, Wisconsin Center, Milwaukee National Youth Gathering, New Orleans August September Early Childhood Literacy Festival, CUW SWD Church Workers Golf Outing, Horicon Hills 1.0% ARKreations Photography.) Technical College s third Youth Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Boot Camp, are pictured in Racine Lutheran High School s Industrial Arts lab. The educational institutions have partnered to help respond to the industry s need for qualified CNC workers Mark 1:17 On Sunday, May 1, 2016, 21 students professed their faith in Jesus Christ and embarked upon a special journey in the Church through the Rite of Confirmation. Congratulations and blessings to the St. Paul 2016 Confirmation Class! (Photo by Racine Lutheran High School 2016 graduates Michael Gray and Hezekiah McCoy, who recently completed Gateway July Fishers of Men New Worker Orientation, Distirct Office Firm Foundations, Martin Luther High School NLSA Training, District Office Administrators' Conference, CUW 14 Passionate believers... confessing Christ for the next generation 2-year term * OR 4-year term > PartnerPLUS With Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF), your invested dollars are empowering Lutheran Church Missouri Synod ministries in Kingdom work. LCEF offers investments for everyone, from babies to grandparents. Invest today! For rates and details, visit lcef.org or call A fixed-rate term note for existing LCEF investors. 3.0% * > ConnectPLUS A fixed-rate term note for new LCEF investors. 3.5% * > Young Investors (Y.I.) StewardAccount Where saving money is fun... and helps others learn about Jesus. *Restrictions apply; visit lcef.org for details. Diana Raasch District Vice President South Wisconsin District diana.raasch@lcef.org LCEF is a nonprofit religious organization; therefore, LCEF investments are not FDIC-insured bank deposit accounts. This is not an offer to sell investments, nor a solicitation to buy. LCEF will offer and sell its securities only in states where authorized. The offer is made solely by LCEF s Offering Circular. Investors should carefully read the Offering Circular, which more fully describes associated risks. ConnectPLUS is not available to investors in Ohio or Pennsylvania. StewardAccount access services are offered through UMB Bank n.a. May 2016

9 SOUTH WISCONSIN DISTRICT LCMS 8100 W CAPITOL DRIVE MILWAUKEE, WI Nonprofit Org. US Postage PAID Milwaukee, WI Permit No Celebrating... Send us names of people who will observe a noteworthy October, November or December birthday (90, 95, 100 or above) or wedding anniversary (50, 55, 60, 65 or above). Deadline is September 1, them to editor@swd.lcms.org, or mail to Passionate Believers, 8100 W. Capitol Dr., Milwaukee, WI Birthdays July 4 Doreen Thusius, 90, Our Redeemer, Delavan 5 Elfriede Terdenge, 90, St. Paul, Brown Deer 9 John Yunker, 100, Trinity, West Allis 10 Elfriede Helm, 95, Bethlehem, Sheboygan 12 Betty Alexander, 90, Living Christ, Madison 18 Glenn Dohrmann, 90, St. Paul, Grafton 23 Warren O'Neill, 95, Pilgrim, West Bend 23 Rosa Korth, 90, Bethlehem, Sheboygan 24 Elizabeth Techtman, 95, St. John's, West Bend 29 Violet Hilpertschauser, 95, Bethlehem, Sheboygan August 4 Lon Nanke, 90, St. Paul, Grafton 5 Doris Cram, 90, St. Paul, Grafton 8 Robert Plamann, 95, St. John's, West Bend 12 Edna Schroeder, 101, St. Stephen, Horicon September 3 Anna Schmidt, 90, St. Stephen, Horicon 7 Jean Rogahn, 90, St. Paul, Grafton 16 Melva Riemer, 90, St. Bartholomew, Brillion 24 Adele DeVries, 95, Calvary, Princeton 26 Elda Uttech, 95, St. John's, West Bend 28 Jeanette Voller, 105, Our Redeemer, Delavan 29 Otto Kohlwey, 90, St. Paul, Grafton 30 Harry Tuinstra, 90, Calvary, Princeton Wedding Anniversaries July 1 Bill & Georgia Robedeau, 55, St. John's, West Bend 2 Paul & Carol Uetzmann, 66, Our Redeemer, Delavan 8 Melvin & Elaine Waack, 55, Zion, New Holstein 9 David & Susan Mews, 50, St. Paul, Grafton 16 Rev. Dennis & Pam Sundell, 50, St. Martin, Chilton 23 Thomas & Billie Peterson, 50, St. Paul, Grafton August 4 William & Joan Grunwald, 60, St. Paul, Grafton 8 Lloyd & Lorraine Gartman, 69, Trinity, Town Wilson 11 Hilbert & Arlene Klawither, 65, Zion, Burnett 11 Bill & Mardelle Wuerger, 60, Living Christ, Madison 13 Ernst & Doris Koepke, 50, St. Thomas, Waldo 19 Donald & Shirley Wert, 69, Trinity, West Allis 24 Clifford & Sheralyn Deckert, 65, Bethlehem, Sheboygan 24 Kenneth &Vivian Janke, 60, St. Paul, Grafton 25 Duane & Judy Padden, 60, Living Christ, Madison 27 James & Barbara Baka, 50, Beautiful Savior, Mequon 27 Ron & Ann Deschner, 50, Our Redeemer, Delavan 28 Howard & Elaine Greening, 68, St. Paul, Brown Deer September 1 Kenneth & Gloria Woock, 60, St. Stephen, Horicon 1 Donald & Roberta Ruhkick, 60, St. Paul, Grafton 1 Harold & Joan Schroeder, 65, St. Paul, Brown Deer 3 James & Shirley Bublitz, 66, St. Paul, Brown Deer 3 Ken & Mary Barrett, 50, St. John's, West Bend 8 Andy & Marcia Anderson, 60, Living Christ, Madison 8 Fred & June Vorlop, 55, Our Redeemer, Delavan 9 Bob & Karen Michaels, 55, Calvary, Princeton 9 Hugh & Patricia Burling, 55, St. Paul, Grafton 17 Paul & Mary Fluhr, 50, Zion, New Holstein 17 Robert & Danna Hoffmann, 50, St. Paul, Grafton 17 Marvin & Shirley Thimmig, 50, Zion, New Holstein 17 Walter & Faith Sonnabend, 50, St. Bartholomew, Brillion 18 Harold & Lois Wilke, 67, Messiah, Ripon 22 Roger H. & Sandra J. Fischer, Jr., 60, Bethlehem, Sheboygan 22 Joe & Lois Lewinski, 60, St. John's, West Bend 24 John & Janice Boudnik, 50, St. Paul, Grafton 24 Elmer & Marge Niehoff, 50, Trinity, West Allis 29 Gerald & Marlis Boldt, 60, St. John's, West Bend 30 Roland & Orgenia Weisser, 55, St. John's, West Bend