L Heureux joins SWD as new school executive in July

Transcription

1 July/Aug passionate believers...changing life IN THIS ISSUE Emmaus, Milwaukee, becoming a flagship page 3 Jeske: 10 good things seniors can do page 4 Welcome new church workers to SWD page 7 Upcoming events page 8 Around the District Page 9 West Bend mission teams, camo quilts and VBS volunteers Page 16 Visit swd.lcms.org Land dedicated for Dominican Republic mission First group home to be started God is also opening doors for this ministry among disabled children and their families. Our newly-organized foundation, Good Shepherd Lutheran Homes, is coming to be a reality, said Danelle Putnam. At the end of April, we held our first board of directors meeting in Santiago. It was exciting to come together for the first time as we mercifully seek to help marginalized people with disabilities to come to know and trust our Lord Jesus Christ and be forgiven by him. The Amigo de Jesus club in Palmar Arriba held their first meeting May 8, This group reaches out to children and youth with disabilities and their families through Bible studies and activities in the community. Praise God for such a great start for this new group, and for We are celebrating the first steps towards a new church in Las Americas, said Missionary Rev. Ted Krey from the Dominican Republic. Sunday, May 9, 2010, was a landmark day for the mission. Chairs overflowed beyond the space that the tent could accommodate, and extra benches were brought out of the nearby house as well. Over 100 people arrived for an evening dedication service which was held on a piece of property recently purchased for the building of a the wonderful involvement of the youth and adults from the church in Palmar Arriba who embraced this mercy ministry in their community, Putnam said. Lord willing, this group will be essential for the start up of our first group home this October, which is to be located in Palmar Arriba itself. The mission is partnering with Bethesda Lutheran Services and Communities, Watertown, drawing from their expertise to help in establishing this first group home for LCMS in the Dominican Republic. future church in Los Americas. Vicar Willy Gaspar preached a beautiful sermon about how God s life Insurance is faith in Jesus and his forgiveness for all, regardless of age, wealth, political status, family or job. Afterward the land was dedicated in the name of the Triune God, as a place of worship for the community. L Heureux joins SWD as new school executive in July South Wisconsin District LCMS 8100 West Capitol Drive Milwaukee, WI ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED At the May board of directors meeting a call was extended to Mark L'Heureux of Loveland, Colo., to be the South Wisconsin District superintendent of schools. He has been led to accept the call, and together with his family will be moving to the Milwaukee area in July. Most recently L Heureux served as the administrator of Immanuel Lutheran School in Loveland. Before that he served as a teacher in a Lutheran school in Florida, and in the Iowa East District as a principal and part-time education executive. He received a BS in education and MA from Concordia University in Seward, Neb. L Heureux and his wife Kathy have four children Ellie, Noah, Jack and Bowen. I am excited for what Mark brings to our staff and to SWD and our schools, said President John Wille. I am looking forward to hav- Mark L Heureux ing him as a partner as we engage this post-church culture in which we live. 64th LCMS Convention set for July in Houston More than 3,000 Lutherans are expected to attend the upcoming 64th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS). Meeting under the theme ONE People Forgiven at the George R. Brown Convention Center July in Houston, the convention serves as the principal legislative assembly for the church body and includes opportunities for worship, inspiration, and fellowship. LCMS conventions are held every three years. The convention s voting delegates represent some 6,200 congregations (Continued on page 2)

2 2 South Wisconsin News July/August 2010 THE PRESIDENT S CORNER Dreaming the Father s Pentecost dream The words of the Prophet Joel Rev. John C. Wille have been bouncing around in my thoughts of late, specifically the words from Joel 2: And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. We know the story of Pentecost: the sound of the rushing wind, the Father pouring out his Spirit, the tongues of fire on the head of each disciple, each speaking the story of salvation in a different language. We know the reaction of the people: amazement, suspicion and skepticism; but then ultimately a huge number of newly baptized believers. The New Testament Church was born. The first Christian congregation founded. Part of the reason that the Pentecost event has been on my mind is that I am reading a book by a Jewish rabbi, Ed Friedman. The book is A Failure of Nerve: Leadership in the Age of the Quick Fix. At one point early in the book Friedman talks about leaders who had burned out, leaders who had been thrown off course by complaints, leaders who were bogged down, leaders who had forgotten to lead. His word of counsel at them was: You have to get before your people and give an I have a Dream speech. In the next paragraph he writes, Most of those who followed through with what I had suggested found that the chaos in their group soon waned. True, those are the words of a Jewish rabbi who didn t know the Gospel message, who never stood at the foot of the cross for forgiveness; but we have. We know the reason for the Son s sacrifice. We know the Father s words from the book of Joel about dreaming dreams and seeing visions. It s more than interesting to note that Peter uses the words of Joel in Acts 2 as the introduction to his Pentecost sermon. Do you think that as Peter and the other disciples baptized person after person that day that they were beginning to understand the dream that Joel speaks of? Eventually Peter did. Remember Peter s words in Acts 10: I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right. Now flip to today. Do we share Peter s passion which is defined at the cross and focused on the lost? Peter could have seen the crowds gathering as a threat; but he recognized the opportunity. Do we? If not, could it be that we have been thrown off the course which our Lord set on the day of Pentecost? Could it be that we have gotten so bogged down in the day to day troubles that beset us that we have forgotten the heart of God that sent his Son to the cross? Could it be that we have become so wrapped up in being right that we have forgotten to dream the dream, forgotten to own the vision of Revelation 7? Could it be that our Lord has positioned us in this time and this place for the same reason that Peter is where he is on the day of Pentecost? Remember the last words the lesson from Joel 2: And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved (Joel 2:32). Look around your community. What do you see? Who do you see? Do you see what the Father sees? Lost people for whom the Son was born and crucified? Lost people for whom the Son lives like those who stood before Peter? What does the Father see as he looks at your congregation? A people bogged down by conflict, a people wrapped up in themselves, or a people overflowing with the Father s heart for the lost? It is time for us to dream the Pentecost dream. It s about being passionate believers changing life. Passionate about our vocation as the people of the Father. Passionate about the Gospel. Passionate about reaching the lost. Changing life, changing the way that we engage our community because we live in a post-church world that no longer considers the church a pillar of society. Changing life, changing the way that we interact with our neighbors, letting them see that the Gospel of our Lord Jesus makes a difference in the way that we live and in the way that we treat people. Changing life as only the Gospel has done in us, as only the Gospel can do through us. Can you see the destination? John writes of a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb (Revelation 7:9). Dream the Father s Pentecost dream! 64th LCMS Convention (continued from front page) throughout the United States. The 2010 convention business will include the election of officers, boards, and commissions, and the consideration of dozens of resolutions. Significant issues coming before the convention include: Election of the president, five vice presidents, secretary, and other Synod officers Recommendations to reorganize the LCMS system of structure and governance, including the elimination or consolidation of some of the church s boards and commissions that oversee various departments and ministries Response to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America s 2009 Churchwide Assembly action allowing for the ordination of practicing homosexual pastors in committed relationships Commendation of the documents: The Creator s Tapestry: Scriptural Perspectives on Man Woman Relationships in Marriage and the Church and Church Relations in the 21st Century A proposal for the LCMS to become a participant in the Lutheran Malaria Initiative A number of inspirational special events also are planned, including an opening worship service that will include the participation of more than a dozen Houstonarea LCMS congregations of various social, cultural, and ethnic settings; an update on conditions and relief efforts in Haiti; and highlights of mission in action across the Synod. For the first time, LCMS members from across the nation will be signing up to pray for the Synod, the convention and the convention process during a round-the-clock, seven-day prayer vigil beginning with the convention s opening event on July 11. Col. Jeffrey Williams, a NASA astronaut who recently returned to earth after a sixmonth tour of duty aboard the International Space Station and a member of Gloria Dei in Houston, will offer official greetings to the convention delegates and other attendees also on Sunday, July 11. Convention attendees include 1,218 voting delegates and some 400 advisory delegates, pastors, teachers, other professional church workers, or lay members representing the 2.4 million members of Synod congregations, missionaries, and representatives of overseas partner churches. Convention business sessions will be streamed live online at lcms.org/convention, and convention news also will be shared at lcms.org/reporter and via the South Wisconsin District website at swd.lcms.org. CALLS & V A C A N C I E S CONGREGATIONS CALLING PASTORS: Beloit Messiah Beloit St. John Franklin Risen Savior Glendale St. John (eval.) Horicon St. John Milwaukee Grace PASTORS WHO ARE CONSIDERING CALLS: Paul Photenhauer, Bethel, Westmont, IL to Peace, Neenah Jason Reed, St. John, Mattoon, WI to Messiah, Beloit PASTORS WHO HAVE ACCEPTED CALLS: Brady Finnern, St. John, North Prairie to Messiah, Sartell, MN Aaron Kangas, Trinity, Beloit to Holy Trinity, Bristol, VA Dan Kelm, Salem, Orange, CA to St. John, Portage David Lieske, Emeritus to Zion, Town Center Adam Scheblein, Our Savior, Cavalier, ND to Immanuel, Sheboygan PASTORS WHO HAVE DECLINED CALLS: Mark Mischnick, Hope, Land O'Lakes to St. John, Horicon PASTORS WHO HAVE RETIRED: John Lescow St. Paul, West Allis (6/30/10) Wille Little St. Peter-Immanuel, Milwaukee (6/30/10) Kenneth Loehrke Pella, Waupun (5/3/10) Wayne Schroeder Our Redeemer, Wauwatosa (6/30/10) PASTORS CALLED TO GLORY: Raul Aleman Emeritus (5/17/10) Paul Dietz Emeritus (6/3/10) Raymond Fechner Emeritus (5/16/10) Milwaukee Holy Ghost (eval.) Neenah Peace North Prairie St. John (eval.) Racine Primera Iglesia Racine Holy Cross Waupun Pella CANDIDATES PLACED: David Benning Immanuel, Brookfield Dustin Krystowiak Immanuel, Madison Michael Nielsen St. James and St. Paul, Necedah and New Miner Steven Vera Bethlehem, Sun Prairie VICARS ASSIGNED: Dale Blanchard Triune, Sharon Joshua Conradt St. Peter, Waterford Christopher Davis Grace, Menomonee Falls Jason Duley Trinity, Howards Grove Travis Orr St. Paul, Union Grove Travis Sherman St. Peter, Arlington Christopher Stout Luther Memorial, Shorewood South Wisconsin District financial snapshot For the four months ending May 31, /31/10 5/31/09 Revenue $891,264 $931,987 Expenses 793, ,886 Net income 97,459-36,889 5/31/10 5/31/09 Congregational support $584,338 $659, congregational receipts compared to 2010 intentions increase/decrease -91,311 For detailed information, go to swd.lcms.org and click on Ministry areas > Business office Published bimonthly by the South Wisconsin District The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod Volume 34, Number West Capitol Drive, Milwaukee, WI (414) In Wisconsin, (800) Fax: (414) swd@swd.lcms.org Visit our website at swd.lcms.org Production Manager... Barbara Balwinski The South Wisconsin District of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod connects, resources and equips God s people for bold witness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. NEXT ISSUE: SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2010 SUBMISSION DEADLINE AUGUST 1 Send your news to: editor@swd.lcms.org

3 July/August 2010 South Wisconsin News 3 Emmaus is on its way to becoming a Lutheran flagship for Milwaukee Emmaus, once the flagship of mission growth for Milwaukee, is now showing signs of becoming a flagship of mission outreach once again. Pictured at right is the 2010 confirmation class with their teacher, Vicar Dennis Harmon on Sunday, May 16, On the same day, Emmaus welcomed Marcia Hamile-Goins as the new school administrator. This is just one example of the awakening happening at Emmaus, which is home to a community center, day care, school and food pantry not to mention a congregation filled with visitors seeking spiritual care. When Harmon entered the South Wisconsin District s Specific Ministry Pastor program (SMP) and was placed in the Emmaus ministry, one could hardly dream of the changes that would take place at the church. In 2009, when Dr. Gerald Fair was added to the team, the school grew from 95 children to 168 children. Building plans are now on the drawing board as enrollments are expected to top 240 students in the fall. Fair soon embraced the school by entering Synod s colloquy program for teachers, taking select courses through SWD s SMP program. Realizing the importance of connecting students with Sunday worship, the music of the school is also being integrated into the worship setting. Dr. Barry Ward, eighth grade teacher, was once choir director for Marquette University s gospel choir and is now leading Emmaus school choirs. He is choral leader of more than 20 students through music that is winsome and full of the gospel. Ward is also a student in the pre-smp colloquy program at the District office. Standing with Vicar Dennis Harmon (in back) of Emmaus, Milwaukee, on Sunday, May 16, is the 2010 confirmation class (left to right): Lloyd Johnson, Avery Johnson, Micaila Ingram, Keely Biami, Amanda McMillian and Kiera McMillian. Moreover, all new teachers and staff play some kind of role in the congregation and become members as part of the strategy to rebuild Emmaus from the roots on up. Emmaus, once a leading mission in the district, now is regaining confidence to be a flagship for the present generation in mission for Christ. Thousands of Disney DVDs distributed to District schools Robin Mueller, administrative assistant for schools, prepares over 3500 Disney DVDs for distribution to Lutheran schools in the South Wisconsin District. The videos will be used as awards and incentives for students. The DVDs were obtained through the efforts of Dr. Ronald Schmeling who serves as coordinator for the Two Tunics program of Immanuel, Brookfield. The Disney DVDs were supplied to the Two Tunics ministry by New Threads of Hope, a nonprofit organization that receives allocations of excess new clothing and household items for distribution to the needy from local retailers. Veterans Affairs approves Missouri Synod logo for veterans graves The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) approved the use of the trademarked logo cross of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod on government headstones and markers at graves of U.S. veterans. The LCMS cross is No. 38 on the list of Available Emblems of Belief for Placement on Government Headstones and Markers (cem.va.gov/ hm/hmemb.asp). It joins No. 6, the Lutheran cross, which features a version of Martin Luther s seal with a cross enclosed in a heart. No graphics are permitted on government-furnished headstones or markers other than the 41 approved emblems of belief, the Civil War Union Shield, the Civil War Confederate Southern Cross of Lutheran Special School graduates head for Milwaukee Lutheran Honor and the Medal of Honor insignias. There s always been a wide selection of crosses that you could use, but having an option that specifically denotes the LCMS is especially significant, said Chaplain Mark Schreiber, director, LCMS World Mission, ministry to the Armed Forces. We rejoice with LCMS veterans and their families that this option to give testimony to their faith for generations to come is now available. To request the LCMS logo on tombstones or markers, go to cem.va.gov and download VA Form ; Application for Standard Government Headstone or Marker. Families who wish to add the LCMS cross logo to headstones or markers already in place must request replacements from the VA using this same form. (Please note: While the VA has approved the use of the logo, the LCMS logo option will not appear on the form until the government s next update in Those interested in requesting the logo may write in No. 38 when filling out the form.) SUBSCRIBE TODAY Are you getting your copy of the South Wisconsin News? For $5 per year you can have it delivered to your door. Make your check payable to South Wisconsin District and mail to 8100 W. Capitol Dr., Milwaukee, WI Name Address City, State, Zip On May 28, 2010 five students graduated from the self-contained classroom at Lutheran Special School: Kuvina Hickles, Kayla Schaeffer, Cheyenne Smith, Jessica Steeger, and Emmanuel Tarr. The graduates will all be attending Milwaukee Lutheran High School in the fall. We wish them God s blessings as they begin new chapters in life, walking in light as God s special chosen people, said Judy Schultz, administrator. Pictured left to right are Cheyenne, Kayla, Jessica and Emmanuel. Subscribe to the monthly econnect and get the latest news delivered to your inbox: swd.lcms.org/e-news

4 4 South Wisconsin News July/August 2010 Debut luncheon set for October, 2010 Alive group provides opportunities for women to connect Women of the South Wisconsin District have an opportunity to come together for a luncheon that s designed to lift their spirits and link them together in ministry. The Alive group was formed for just that purpose. On Saturday, Oct. 23, 2010, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Alive will host their first luncheon for women across the state. Alive is cosponsored by the Women s Leadership Institute (WLI) of Concordia University Wisconsin and is helping to carry out its mission to connect women within the LCMS and build networks for ministry among them. You re all invited! said cofounder Karen Lippert. The purpose of the Alive group is to foster relationships between women from churches all over the area. Through our luncheons and other events we hope to create a way for women to exchange ideas, encourage each other, and grow in their walk with the Lord. By networking with other women, we believe they ll be able to see the bigger picture of what God is doing through women in the church at large. The theme of the debut luncheon is Love, laugh, learn, lead! and the speaker is Amy Meyer from Christ Memorial, Madison. Meyer is the wife and partner in ministry of Rev. Jeff Meyer. She delights in watching the Lord work in the lives of their four daughters, ages 12 to 21, and she enjoys leading a mom to mom Bible study, praying with Moms In Touch and speaking to various women s groups. Meyer is on staff at her church part-time as the life group leadership director. The luncheon is meant to be informative, as well as inspiring. We will explore how much God loves us, said Meyer. We will talk about the importance of laughter and what threatens to steal our joy. We will learn about the importance of listening to God and others. And we will focus on who you are leading and what kind of an impact you are making in the lives of those around you. The Alive group hopes to provide another opportunity in the spring to bring women from the South Wisconsin District together again. Fellow cofounder Ruth Berg has worked with women s ministries for years and sees the benefits of gathering women together. It s exciting, she said. Women draw a lot of strength from giving support and encouragement to each other. It s not in our nature to go it alone. We know we need each other. If you re involved in LWML or any other women s ministry at your church, you re going to want to come. Invitations will be mailed out in August and registration begins at that time. If you would like to receive an invitation, please Ruth Berg at rhberg2002@yahoo.com with your name and address. For more information about the Women s Leadership Institute, or to subscribe to their newsletter, visit wlicuw.org. Alive invites you to: LOVE LAUGH LEARN LEAD! Saturday, Oct. 23, a.m. 1:30 p.m. Lake Country Lutheran High 401 Campus Dr., Hartland Cost: $20 Enjoy lunch and fellowship, followed by keynote speaker Amy Meyer. rhberg2002@yahoo.com with your name and address to receive an invitation and be put on the Alive mailing list. Teams compete head to head answering trivia questions at Concordia, Sturtevant. Are you smarter than a fifth grader? Church and community turn out for Sturtevant trivia night How many times have you heard, Are you smarter than a fifth grader? Concordia Lutheran School, at 8500 Durand Ave. in Sturtevant, recently posed the question to the parents of their students, church members and the community when preparing for their first Eagles trivia night based on the popular television game show of the same name. The response came from over eighty people in attendance, as teams of eight competed against each other in ten different categories. The categories ranged from common school subjects and current events to biblical knowledge. Donations for prizes were received from multiple area businesses and families in and around Racine. The win- ning team received an assortment of gift cards and other family-friendly prizes. Funds raised that evening were designated to curriculum enhancement and classroom academic improvements. Concordia considers the donations and funds raised to be a blessing in these difficult economic times. Planning is underway for Trivia night...take two as a way to connect with the community and continue to bring new families into church and school membership. Concordia celebrates 40 years in Christian education this year and has served over 600 graduating alumni, prepared by 65 faithful Christian educators. Racine Lutheran ladies guild awards scholarships The Racine Lutheran High School ladies guild awarded $500 scholarships to freshmen Diana Meyer and Savannah Larsen. Each year, the guild awards several scholarships based on academic performance and service. These are applied toward tuition at the school. Students were required to be in the top ten of the class academically. The finalists were selected on the basis of their involvement in and service to school, church and community. The scholarships were awarded at a volunteer appreciation banquet April 27. The ladies guild raises funds for the school and provides many vital services. For further information, please contact the school at (262) Racine Lutheran ladies guild scholarships were awarded to Diana Meyer (Guild Memorial Scholarship) and Savannah Larsen (Margaret Sawinski Memorial Scholarship). Burlington quilters supply Orphan Grain Train Women from Our Savior, Burlington, recently shipped 210 quilts with Orphan Grain Train. Quilts are also made for Lutheran World Relief and other charities, totalling 400 to 500 annually. Piecing and other preparation work is done at home. Then the quilting group of about six to eight women meets one day a week to assemble the quilts.

5 July/August 2010 South Wisconsin News 5 Seniors get active and learn take-home tips at Cedar Valley gathering Fabulous spring weather, attention-getting speakers, beautiful surroundings, homestyle cooking and best of all, great fellowship what could be better? A record attendance of 109 (which is all the meeting room can hold) enjoyed this year s Gathering at Cedar Valley on May 19 at the Cedar Valley Retreat and Conference Center near West Bend. For the sixth year in a row, Rev. Jeff Dorth from St. John, West Bend, started the day. This year he got everyone involved in table conversation focused on activities among Lutherans that don t make sense to others, and vice versa. Who better to ask than seasoned Lutherans? Rev. Mark Jeske of Time of Grace ministry (timeofgrace.org) shared two presentations that day plus a fireside chat with 50 guests the night before. His talk about Lutherans Today just before lunch raised some awareness and concerns about how demographic changes are causing the evaporation of German Lutherans, especially in cities and rural towns. If we just sit and fret about what to do, someone else will fill the void. Lutherans gaze in the rear view mirror way too much, Jeske said. Look through the windshield! He called for flexibility and making an effort to form relationships with others who are not like us, following our Lord s command to be his witnesses. Dr. Lois Mueller, who teaches physical education, coaches and serves as chair of the health and human performance department at Concordia University in Mequon, brought some lively activity to the meeting room after lunch in spite of the tight space. She demonstrated ways we can grow and connect our brain cells by doing unfamiliar body exercises. As an example, try drawing the number 6 in the air with your finger while writing your name in the air with your toes and see how hard your brain has to work! Chair exercises and other brain games Rev. Mark Jeske, an accomplished pianist, demonstrates how a traditional Lutheran hymn can get jazzed up for some of today s worshippers and still carry the same message. Dr. Lois Mueller demonstrates brain challenges and chair exercises. kept everyone awake and ready for the rest of the afternoon. Another suggestion is to make your next walk by yourself or with a group a prayer walk by praying for the people or places you pass along the way. Mueller has learned that by doing this life is enriched not only physically but also spiritually. Seniors can do amazing things, as Jeske pointed out in his second presentation. A 60- year-old man in prison whose name was Paul had learned by that age to accept the role God gave him preparing those who would come after him to carry on the work of the church. Moses became a shepherd in the desert at the age of 70 and at 80 he stood in front of Pharaoh, in spite of his objections and felt disabilities. The widow Anna didn t sulk, but prayed and waited patiently for the consolation of Israel and at the age of 80 God let her see her Savior. Sarah and Abraham, the apostle John, and many others did not ever say, I m no good no more! Seniors today shouldn t say it either. Jeske listed ten good things seniors can do: Jeske repeats presentation in Reedsburg this October The SWD older adult task force will offer a similar gathering later this year at the Voyageur Inn & Conference Center in Reedsburg on Oct. 4. Rev. Mark Jeske of Time of Grace ministry will repeat his Lutherans Today and God s Amazing Seniors presentations. Rev. Mark Meier, pastor at Emmaus in Poy Sippi, will begin the day with a devotional Bible study, and Rev. Ron Riemer will talk about a Christian's GPS. It is hoped that this location will be more accessible to those in the western portion of our district. Please watch this publication and the swd.lcms.org website for updated information on this event, or call Peg Raabe at the District office, (414) Cedar Valley participants get moving after lunch. 1. Make children feel important. 2. Use your accumulated assets to bet on the ministries that excite you. 3. Transmit the values you have learned to others. 4. Use your time to pray. 5. Clap and cheer for the next generation that will take your place They will feel empowered by you! 6. Write your family history; there is a full library of data in your brain. 7. Do a genealogy before that knowledge perishes. 8. Collect pictures and label them. 9. Witness to your faith in your pain and losses; it helps you to travel lighter. 10. Decide to love your life no matter in what play on earth God has cast you. A wine and cheese fellowship before dinner was provided by Tim Dittloff and Barb Slak courtesy of Lutheran Church Extension Fund. June Richter and Bonnie Sprengler made lovely hand-quilted centerpiece mats to adorn the tables in the dining room. They were given away in a drawing after dinner. A beautiful pot of geraniums provided by Midge Wangerin was also given away. By 6:30 everyone traveled toward home with memories of a great day! Racine Lutheran graduates excel Racine Lutheran High School held its graduation exercises on May 19. Alyssa Roberson and Andrew Rosenberg were co-valedictorians and Nicole Roeder was salutatorian. Our students traditionally have high academic achievement, said Principal Randy Baganz. An outstanding 84 percent of this year s graduates were honor roll students, with 45 percent being academic award winners (3.5 grade point average for three quarters). One-third were members of the National Honor Society. Academic performance makes Racine Lutheran stu- dents very attractive to colleges, Baganz said. Many of our graduates have received scholarships and grants, at last count, climbing past $650,000. Scholarships included awards from Cardinal Stritch, Carroll, Carthage, Concordia, DePaul, Loyola, MSOE, Trinity International, University of Wisconsin and Wisconsin Lutheran. Over 90 percent of our graduates go on to college, technical school or the military, added Baganz. We re proud of their scholastic achievement and also their character they will do great things in life. Eighty-four percent of Racine Lutheran High School s 2010 graduates are honor roll students.

6 6 South Wisconsin News July/August 2010 Parish nurses from 14 states attend 18th annual Concordia conference for parish nurse and congregational health ministries The LCMS parish nurse district representatives met at Concordia University Wisconsin in Mequon, June 1-2, Twenty of the 35 district representatives were in attendance. Carol Lueders- Bolwerk, CUW director of parish nurse and congregational ministries is hostess each year for this event. Dr. Marcia Schnorr from Rochelle, Ill., is the parish nurse coordinator and Maggie Karner is the LCMS director of life and health ministries. Each year relationships grow between many of the district representatives. Joys and frustrations are shared; ideas and encouragement are given. The 18th annual Concordia conference for parish nurse and congregational health ministries was held following the district rep meeting. The pre-conference was led by Dr. Ralph Geisler on rural ministries. Almost 90 parish nurses from 14 states attended. There were two keynote speakers, Rev. Randy Raasch (First Immanuel, Cedarburg) presented Christ, Be My Leader. He was followed by Rev. Dr. Kevin Voss (director, Concordia Bioethics Institute) speaking on Bioethical Issues in Parish Leadership. Racine Lutheran High School hosted its annual academic bowl for Racine Christian, Concordia, St. John and Trinity Lutheran schools. The academic bowl gives middle school students an opportunity to challenge themselves mentally. They can use their academic gifts in a fun, yet competitive, setting. Events for individual competition included a spelling bee, history projects, a paper airplane flying contest, and a poetry/writing assignment. School teams also participated in a quiz bowl event. More than 100 students competed for ribbons and medals in the various categories. Winning teams in the popular quiz bowl were Breakout sessions included exercise ministries, legal ramifications for parish nurses, mission outreach, congregational disaster preparedness, health of professional church workers and many more. The South Wisconsin parish nurse group was also active in the conference, offering their help at the registration table. Two mission outreach projects include collecting cards for female inmates for the correctional institution in Fond du Lac. Last year over 5,000 Christian cards were collected. If you are interested in donating cards, please contact Jean Lange at Hope, Fond du Lac. The second effort supports Sherman Park, Milwaukee, in their outreach to youth. Crayons for Christ brought donations for school supplies for parish nurse Joanie Kolton to distribute. Flip flops were also donated for their vacation Bible school. If anyone is interested in attending South Wisconsin parish nurse networking meetings, the next meeting will be held at St. Paul, West Allis. Gretchen Ficken will host that meeting on Oct. 19, 2010, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please RSVP to Ficken at (414) or johngret@ticon.net. Pictured are the LCMS parish nurse representatives who attended the conference at Concordia University June 1-2. Front row (left to right): Sandy Burris (LCMS World Relief and Human Care), Patty Criscenzo (New Jersey District), Maggie Karner (LCMS World Relief and Human Care). Second row: Mary Dries (Eastern District), Joyce Polster (Texas), Carol Lueders Bolwerk (CUW and South Wisconsin), Jamie Spikes (LCMS parish nurse council), Cynthia Rutan (Northwest). Third row: Mary Scott (Minnesota North), Janet Hitzeman (Indiana), Flo Murray (Minnesota South ), Marcy Schnorr (LCMS parish nurse coordinator), Sue Neff (English), Catherine Lick (Michigan). Back row: Ronda Anderson (Iowa-East), Tricia Osterberg (North Wisconsin), Mary Hume (Kansas) Karen Hardecopf (Northern Illinois), Julie Neff (Ohio), Carol Broemmer (Missouri), Hope Knight (Oklahoma) and Dianne Thompson (Montana). Academic bowl challenges middle schoolers Racine Christian for the seventh and eighth grade division and Trinity for the fifth and sixth grade division. Winners of the spelling bee were Madeline Michael of Trinity for grades 5-6 and Andrea Weise of Trinity for grades 7-8. Taking first place in the airplane contest were Bodie Reinders of Trinity for grade 5, Jessie Barker of St. John for grade 6, Cal Martin of Trinity for grade 7, and Zac Cunningham of Trinity for grade 8. Congratulations to all students on a job well done! Racine Lutheran High is located at 251 Luedtke Ave. Visit racinelutheran.org or call (262) for more information. As the director of parish nurse ministries at Concordia University Wisconsin, Lueders- Bolwerk promotes, supports and educates nurses and others about parish nursing and health ministries. An introductory class will be offered on Tuesdays in September and October from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, carol.lueders.bolwerk@cuw.edu. Quiz bowl teams from Trinity Lutheran and Racine Christian compete at Racine Lutheran High School, led by moderator and history teacher Nick Gasau. Donna J. Streufert Women s Leadership Award winners The selection committee of the Women s Leadership Institute has chosen its three winners of this year s prestigious Donna J. Streufert Women s Leadership Award. They are Sarah Schultz (primary winner), Megan Genskow, and Mandy Kearns. These young women, nominated by faculty or staff members for their Christ centered and enthusiastic leadership both on and off campus, were recognized by the Women s Leadership Institute at its third biennial national conference held in Milwaukee from April 16-18, Donna J. Streufert bestowed the awards on these young women at a banquet attended by over 170 women from all over the country. They received monetary awards as well as certificates. These three talented young women join eight previous women from Concordia University Wisconsin as recipients of this award and have shown initiative and enthusiasm in their chosen activities. Islam: Coming to your neighborhood? Cynthia Khan, director of ethnic ministries for People of the Book, an LCMS ministry to Muslims, is available to speak to congregations or other groups on various facets of Islam. Because of Christian missionaries working in her native country of Pakistan many years ago, she is a third-generation Christian whose journey brought her to Michigan 15 years ago. Her presentation/workshop topics range from her personal testimony to the basics of Islam, the agenda of Muslims for North America, Islam on university campuses and cultural awareness. For more information, Khan can be reached at (248) or ckhan56@yahoo.com.

7 July/August 2010 South Wisconsin News 7 CHURCH WORKER NEWS Student assignments from Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne Vicar Dale and Katherine Blanchard, Triune, Sharon Vicar Travis and Heather Orr with son William, St. Paul, Union Grove On April 27, 2010, call day at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, A Place of Refuge Ministries in Milwaukee was doubly blessed with the assignment of two deaconess candidates. Dawn Gibson and Katie Willman each received one-year calls to serve at Refuge House. Each is finishing her internship, Gibson at Refuge House and Willman at Lutheran Children and Family Services in Indianapolis, Ind. Their combined service at Refuge House begins July 1. Gibson will serve Refuge House as program manager and Willman as the onsite manager. This arrangement allows a broader range of gifts to be used in serving residents while also offering the church at large the opportunity to put the abilities of these deaconesses to use in other ministries. Congregations interested in considering either Gibson or Willman for part-time ministry may contact APOR for further information at (414) or aplaceofrefuge@aol.com. Pastoral calls and vicarage assignments at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis On April 27, pastoral calls were issued to 111 students at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. In addition, 88 students received assignments to serve as vicars. Vicars placed in the South Wisconsin District are Christopher Davis, Grace, Menomonee Falls; Jason Duley, Trinity, Howards Grove; Travis Sherman, St. Peter, Arlington. Pastoral placements are David Benning, Immanuel, Brookfield; Dustin Krystowiak, Immanuel, Madison; Michael Nielsen, St. James and St. Paul, Necedah and New Miner; Steven Vera, Bethlehem, Sun Prairie. Deaconess intern Candy and Joel Brassfield, Sheboygan County Chaplaincy, Plymouth Vicar Christopher and Kelly Stout, Luther Memorial, Shorewood A Place of Refuge doubly benefits from call day Deaconess candidates Katie Willman and Dawn Gibson will both serve part-time at A Place of Refuge Ministries in Milwaukee. Vicar Joshua Conradt, St. Peter, Waterford Big brothers honor Pingel s 25 years in ministry Rev. Allen Pingel was honored for 25 years in the Lutheran ministry on June 13 with a worship service at St. Mark, Milwaukee, led by his three ordained minister brothers. The service highlighted the nobleness of the pastoral profession, but focused more on Pingel s own modest preference to share the message of redeeming faith in Jesus Christ. I want to hold onto the good, avoid every kind of evil, and look forward to the coming of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who called me into this ministry 25 years ago, Pingel said. He is the one who is faithful, and he, Jesus Christ, will do it. My story can become your story when you believe in his story. Rev. Richard Pingel of Pender, Neb., provided the sermon, while Rev. Dennis Pingel of Beloit and Rev. James Pingel of Sun Prairie led the scriptural readings. Allen Pingel, the youngest of the four brothers, graduated from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis and Crane commissioned as Army Reserve chaplain On March 28, 2010, Rev. Brian Crane of St. Peter, Hilbert, was commissioned as a U.S. Army Reserve chaplain. District President Rev. John Wille conducted the commissioning during the morning worship service at St. Peter. Crane took his military oath of office on March 6, 2010, and is assigned to the 432nd Civil Affairs Battalion in Green Bay. As chaplain, Crane provides pastoral care to the soldiers and family members of the battalion. He conducts Rev. Brian Crane worship and provides educational opportunities for the unit, such as suicide prevention training. He also counsels soldiers individually and offers them support, especially during times of transition or crisis. Crane has been warmly received by the battalion. The battalion had not had a chaplain for nearly 20 years. Already he has had many opportunities to minister to service men and women. Crane attended Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind. He was ordained and installed as pastor of St. Peter, Hilbert, on Sept. 16, He and his wife Tabitha have one daughter, Annika, who turns nine in July. was ordained in Manitowoc on June 9, He served in both South Dakota and Monroe, Wis. before coming to St. Mark s congregation in From left to right are Pastors Dennis, James, Allen and Richard Pingel.

8 8 South Wisconsin News July/August 2010 UPCOMING EVENTS Is your congregation ready for a disaster? Congregational disaster response training When a disaster occurs, God often opens doors for his church to do ministry not only among its own members, but also in its community. It is wise to have plans in place in order to be prepared for such an event. LCMS World Relief and Human Care has put together a training workshop that the District s disaster response team is trained to teach. Two of these congregational workshops will be held this summer. The first one will be Saturday, July 24, at Bethlehem, 470 N. Oak Crest Dr., Wales, Another will be held Saturday, Aug. 7, at St. John, 207 E. High St., Edgerton, Both run from 9 a.m. until noon. Online registration is available at swd.lcms.org/registration, or you may call Peg Raabe at the District office, (414) to register. Lutheran early response team training Two opportunities for training to become a certified member of the District s Lutheran early response teams (LERT) have been scheduled. The first will be Saturday, July 31 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Bethlehem, 470 N. Oak Crest Dr., Wales, The same workshop will also be held Saturday, Sept. 11 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St. John, 207 E. High St., Edgerton, If a disaster should happen, these teams would be put on call and may be asked to deploy in 72 hours or less to respond to the disaster. Online registration is available at swd.lcms.org/registration, or you may call Peg Raabe at (414) to register. District CISM team sharpens skills for schools The South Wisconsin District critical incident stress management (CISM) team will be sharpening their skills when they participate in the course Responding to a School Crisis. In the past the team has responded to a variety of school crisis situations. However, the course will help, especially newer members, with new and additional skills in dealing with faculties and students in District schools. The course will be taught at the South Wisconsin District office, Aug from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. An invitation to participate in the two day, 13 hour training, is also extended to District educators. School principals, guidance counselors and teachers working with disaster plans in their schools are invited to attend. The course includes topics such as Crisis at School: the Need for CISM, Rapid Assessment for Crisis Teams, Group Intervention, NIMS for Schools, and others. Cost for the training is $76 for the first school representative. For additional staff members from the same school, the cost is $55. The registration fee includes a continental breakfast and lunch for both days plus all materials. A certificate of completion will be awarded from the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation. The registration deadline is Aug. 2. For more information contact Rev. Bill Wagner at (608) or w3inbeloit@aol.com. Registrations can be made online (swd.lcms.org/registration) or with the form below. CISM School Crisis Training Register by Aug. 2, 2010 Name Address Phone School City Position Please enclose check for $76 made out to South Wisconsin District CISM training, and mailed to 8100 W. Capitol Dr., Milwaukee, WI If you have any questions, contact Peg Raabe at (414) or raabe@swd.lcms.org. Good food, good fun and good fellowship Annual ethnic folk fair Do you like ethnic foods? Cultural variety? Fellowship, learning and fun? Plan on attending the third annual ethnic folk fair at Pilgrim s gym (6717 W. Center St., Wauwatosa) on Saturday, Sept. 25 from noon to 4 p.m. Visit displays of the Hmong, Hispanic, Chinese, French- and English-speaking African ministries in our District. Taste the Hmong egg rolls, Mexican tacos, African meat pies, Chinese spring rolls and more. Dine in or take home! Where else can you go to enjoy such a variety of cuisine all in one place? Learn about their customs, dress and music. Make new friends among the family of God. One thing everyone there will have in common, and that is oneness in Christ! Our Redeemer one of five schools recognized nationally by NLSA Wauwatosa school receives exemplary status Our Redeemer Lutheran School, Wauwatosa, was recently named as one of five outstanding Lutheran schools in the nation when it was awarded exemplary status for the academic year by the National Lutheran Schools Association (NLSA) national accreditation commission. On March 7, 2010, the award was presented to Our Redeemer during special worship services. As Eva Frank, a member of the NLSA committee, presented the award she praised the staff, congregation, parents and students, and reminded everyone that, with high honor comes great responsibility. After being reaccredited by NLSA in fall of 2009, Our Redeemer was nominated for exemplary school consideration. In order to be nominated for exemplary status a school must comply with NLSA standards, demonstrate innovative leadership through best practices, and express the willingness to share their best practices with other Lutheran schools nationally. NLSA exemplary schools must provide evidence that they are: Christ-centered and service driven. Our Redeemer participated in thirteen service projects and community outreach events such as collecting In addition, new this year will be a mission presentation by Dr. Victor Raj, mission professor and assistant director of the Institute for Mission Studies at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. His presentation, donations and supplies for A Place of Refuge and the Milwaukee Rescue Mission, cleaning the grounds at Camp LuWi- SoMo, and sending Bible Listening Sticks to military families. Able to document an outstanding record of student preparation and academic success. Iowa Basic test scores at Our Redeemer are well into the 90 percent. Local high schools Christian Witnessing in the New America, will precede the folk fair beginning at 10 a.m. You won t want to miss it! See you at the fair! (Visit swd.lcms.org for video highlights of last year s fair.) The ethnic folk fair at Pilgrim, Wauwatosa, is fun for all ages. Eva Frank (right) presents the NLSA exemplary status award to Our Redeemer Principal Mary Irish. report excellence in academics, leadership, and behavior from Our Redeemer graduates. A positive perception exists in the community regarding the school. Letters from and interviews wits city officials and neighboring business leaders expressed appreciation for the students attending and graduating from Our Redeemer. The school supports the satisfied stakeholder. Stakeholders are passionate about their experiences at Our Redeemer and thankful for the entire school program. The school demonstrates innovative leadership through best practices. Our Redeemer s best practices include: studentled conferencing, data day, expanded programming, teacher to teacher mentoring program and enhanced professional assessment cycle. Mary Irish, principal at Our Redeemer said, Being named a leader among Lutheran schools requires us to take more responsibility for servanthood and continuous improvement. We are never good enough, but we are blessed to be a blessing. In the year ahead, Our Redeemer, along with the four other nationally recognized Lutheran schools, will be highlighted at a conference in Houston, Texas, as well as in an LCMS synodical publication. Receiving exemplary status is indicative of years of hard work and innovation by past and present teachers and administrators at Our Redeemer, Irish said. God has richly blessed us and we look forward to sharing all of the best practices that are occur at Our Redeemer with fellow Lutheran schools across the country.

9 July/August 2010 South Wisconsin News 9 AROUND THE DISTRICT Recharge with special summer worship series at Mt. Olive, Milwaukee Summer is a time for relaxing, a time to unwind, sit back, rest, take a break, collect and recharge for the opportunities and circumstances that lie ahead. Breaking from the traditional summer shutdown of activities, Mt. Olive, Milwaukee, has added a special summer worship series on Wednesday evenings. The series focuses on how God recharges us. And what better day to do this than on Wednesday right in the middle of the week when recharging is needed most! God communicates his message of salvation to everyone through the BIBLE (Basic Instruction Before Leaving Earth), encouraging, empowering and refreshing us as we see his plan at work in our lives. This worship series will focus on the Gospel readings assigned for each Sunday to explore how God recharges us. Topics will include how God recharges us when he forgives us so we can forgive others, when he helps us prioritize our lives, and when he sends us someone in need. This series will also include a variety of different musical styles from gospel to jazz, from traditional to contemporary. Drama, video and other forms of media will enhance the time together, each as its own way to proclaim God s Word. The series is not intended to replace weekend Divine services, but was created to offer more time to learn and grow in God s Word. The focus will continue to be on what Mt. Olive has done for the past 116 years preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ as the means of salvation, allowing him to work through us as his children. A number of different preachers help lead the study of God s Word including Rev. Dr. Daniel Paavola (Concordia University Wisconsin), Rev. Marc Engelhardt (Reconcile Church), Rev. Jon Van Sliedrecht (First Immanuel, Cedarburg), Chaplain Ryan Rupe (U.S. Coastguard), Rev. Mark Wangerin (Mt. Olive) and Vicar George Lessmann (Mt. Olive). The summer worship series begins at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays through August 11. Each evening will conclude with a time for fellowship in the courtyard. Visit mtolivemke.org/recharge for the most up-to-date information. St. Mark s old-fashioned ice cream social Overwhelmed by the heat? You can always count on St. Mark, Milwaukee, to share your saving grace. On Sunday July 18, St. Mark s fifth annual old-fashioned ice cream social returns from 1-4 p.m. with a variety of affordable desserts to help you cool off. Savor with your neighbors such classic cold treats as pie or brownie ala mode, root beer floats and single dip cones. Or display your creativity and make your own sundae from an assortment of toppings, including hot fudge, caramel, whipped cream, strawberries, bananas, cherries and pecans. Coffee and homemade bakery will also be available for sale. St. Mark s is located at 550 N. 95th St., Milwaukee. For more information call (414) New Lutheran school opening in Westfield Lutheran Hour speaker preaches at Milwaukee s German Fest July 25 Lutheran Hour Speaker Rev. Ken Klaus will preach at Milwaukee's 30th annual German Fest on Sunday, July 25, 2010 in the Marcus Amphitheater at the Henry W. Maier Festival Park. The worship service begins at 10:30 a.m. Admission to the German Fest grounds after the worship service is free for all attendees. The south gate will open at 10 a.m. for entry to the service. Singers from area churches who would like to join the mass choir are welcome to participate. A requirement is that they attend at least one of the rehearsals for the choir on July 6 and July 13 at 7 p.m. at the Bavarian Inn, 700 W. Lexington Blvd., Glendale. Some of the area German choirs will rehearse songs and music for the liturgy at their practice sessions leading up to German Fest. For more information contact Ron Kabitzke, (262) Attendance at German Fest Protestant worship services, held on alternate years from the Catholic mass, has been low and it may be eliminated please participate this year and help keep this tradition alive. Mom to Mom parenting in Brookfield Brookfield Lutheran will begin its seventh year of Mom to Mom on Wednesday, Sept. 15, Based on the Titus 2:4 model, Mom to Mom is a biblically based parenting program using the concept of older, more experienced women modeling and encouraging younger women in their walk as wives and mothers. All parts of the program work to accomplish the mission to educate, encourage, and equip women for the most important yet toughest job in all the world parenting and to foster growth not parenting skills but wholeness as women intellectually, relationally, and spiritually. Sessions are held Wednesdays from 9:15-11:15 a.m. Childcare is provided. To register visit brookfieldlutheran.org and follow the community link to Mom to Mom or call Cheryl Alles at (262) In August 2009, two families pooled their resources and bought the old high school in Westfield with the vision of opening a Lutheran school. They formed Ministry Initiative of Westfield, Inc., a not-for-profit corporation designed to establish new ministries and assist existing ministries. Their first mission is Resurrection Lutheran School. Located at 314 S. Thomas St. in Westfield, Resurrection will serve students in grades K-12. Classes will be in a one room school arrangement, with multiple grades in each classroom. With over 50 children on the interest list, plans are to open this fall. Cash donations and band instruments are needed, along with volunteers to help with building repairs and renovation. For information or to make a donation, please call Rev. Richard Sunderlage at (608) or (608) ; or rsunder@maqs.net; or write to N th Ave., Adams, WI Directory Lutheran Radio Church Service, WJYI 1340 AM Sundays at 7 a.m. and online at lutheranrcs.com. The program alternates weekly between WELS and LCMS services. Pella, Waupun, WFDL 1170 AM Sundays at 8 a.m. with a taped replay at 11 a.m. St. Paul, West Allis, WJYI 1340 AM Sundays at 8 a.m. Services are live at splcwa.org. Call (414) for audiotape or CD. Trinity-Freistadt, Mequon, services Sundays at 8:45 a.m. are streamed live at worship.trinityfreistadt.com. Messiah, Ripon, WRPN 1600 AM Sundays at 9 a.m. Mt. Olive, Milwaukee, WJYI 1340 AM Sundays at 9 a.m., archived services at mtolivemke.org. German radio program, WJYI 1340 AM Saturdays at 4:30 p.m. Visit evangelischeandacht.org for details and archives. Send listings for internet and radio worship services and other programming to editor@ swd.lcms.org or mail to Communications, South Wisconsin District, 8100 W. Capitol Dr., Milwaukee, WI WJYI 1340 AM can be heard online at joy1340.com. Anniversary Corner Birthdays (90, 95, 100 & above) JULY 5 Mary Williams, 90, Our Redeemer, Delavan 12 Dorothy Wruck, 95, Trinity, Wautoma 24 Sylvia Hermann, 90, Pella, Waupun 25 Harold Wendorf, 90, Zion, Glenbeulah AUGUST 8 Millard Gerndt, 90, St. Paul, Brown Deer 10 Esther Marks, 90, Grace, Omro Anniversaries (50, 55, 60, 65 & above) JULY 2 Leo and Sarah Lucht, 55, St. Paul, La Valle Paul and Carol Uetzmann, 60, Our Redeemer, Delavan 15 William and Florence Sengbusch, 60, St. Peter-Immanuel, Milwaukee 19 Edwin and Elizabeth Stieg, 69, Mt. Olive, Milwaukee 28 Rev. Waldo and Ruth Werning, 65, Our Redeemer, Wauwatosa AUGUST 2 Harvey and Phyllis Gaatz, 74, Trinity, Wautoma 6 Eugene and Shirley Schedler, 55, Mt. Olive, Milwaukee 12 Rev. Harold and Ruth Krueger, 60, Gloria Dei, Lake Geneva 13 James and Darlene Reinke, 55, Luther Memorial, Sheboygan 20 Darrell and Sally Foell, 50, Shepherd of the Hills, Pewaukee 27 Richard and Diane Pierce, 50, St. Paul, Brown Deer Send us the names of people who will observe a September or October 2010 birthday (90, 95, 100, or above) or anniversary (50, 55, 60, 65, or above). Deadline is Aug. 1, editor@swd.lcms.org. Mail: South Wisconsin News, 8100 W. Capitol Dr., Milwaukee, WI Annual church workers golf outing Aug. 2, 2010 Rock River Hills 3000 Main St., Horicon Plan for a day of great golf and fellowship with church workers from around the District. Cost is $40 per golfer for 18 holes, including cart and lunch. Check-in is at 8:30 a.m. with a 9 a.m. shotgun tee-off. Register by July 23. Name Address Phone Organization Position Please enclose check for $40 made out to South Wisconsin District and mail to 8100 W. Capitol Dr., Milwaukee, WI If you have any questions, contact Peg Raabe at (414) or raabe@swd.lcms.org.

10 10 South Wisconsin News July/August 2010 Mission grant update for biennium: The books officially close on June 30 for the biennium. At the time of publication of the Mission Lamp, there are two projects yet to be funded, Grants # 11 and #12. By the time you read this, the outcome will be known regarding Grants #11 and #12, and we will be looking forward to the grants of the new biennium, Please pray for grants and the great causes they are used for. Sept./Oct. Mission Lamp by July 5th to: Lori Kleinschmidt, Editor 884 Fieldcrest Dr., Neenah, WI (920) mmlklein@sbcglobal.net But watch for the contact details for a new editor, hopefully coming soon. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President Jan Dankwardt jan.dankwardt@yahoo.com VP, Human Care, Grants Linda Christensen lchris24620@gmail.com VP, Communications Barbara Kurth barbtk4@juno.com Corres. Secretary Barbara Strenger barogst@att.net Renewal Committee Chairman Jean Kruse djkruse4@aol.com Treasurer(Pays all bills) Debbie Netz djnetz@charter.net Senior Counselor Rev. Brian Beardsley (O) Watch for new officers to be printed in the next issue! Mission Lamp Lutheran Women s Missionary League News Here is what Lutheran Women in Mission are doing! From our president Take time for personal prayer about service The time is approaching for the election of officers for societies and zones. When asked to serve, the easy answer is to pass it off, thinking this is something that you are not able to do, or that someone else will do it. God may have chosen YOU for such a time as this. We need leaders to step forward now. When asked to serve, I encourage you to consider something different this year. Instead of giving an immediate reply, consider answering with the following statement: I ll pray about it and let you know soon. As Christians, prayer it is one of our most important duties. We should bring everything to God in prayer. Take the question to the Lord and see what it is that HE wants you to do. (Our will to do His will-from the LWML Pledge). Spend some time in prayer seeking His will for your life. Is He calling you to serve? Are you hearing and listening to His call? God is seeking willing women to answer that call. As women walking in faith who want to serve the Lord joyfully, we can begin a new journey of trust in Him by saying, Yes, I ll try, with God s help. Be assured that there are many women available to mentor new volunteers. The mentors happily and prayerfully train new servants. For those of you that will be following a new leader, try to make this time of service a joyful time. Pray daily for the new leader, offer your help, and let her know that you appreciate the things she is doing. Positive statements and actions build up the Body of Christ and the LWML. Let us all move forward with new enthusiasm, because God is a God of Joy. Consider the words of Isaiah, Here I am send me! God s blessings on your service for Him! Serving Him Joyfully, Jan Dankwardt, President Ref eflections on Por ortland Missions! That s what LWML is all about. At the Portland Convention we had the opportunity to hear from both career missionaries as well as Lay Assistants and Deaconesses, that have benefited from LWML mission grants. The theme around each one seemed to be the same, Human Care. Each missionary expressed the need to meet the physical needs of the people while ministering to them spiritually. We heard about mission work here in North America, specifically Canada, to the Native American Tribes from Vicar David Sternbeck. Their program centers around worship, music, bible study and children s programs. Vicar Sternbeck and his group shared their music during one of the offering times. Missionaries Michelle Hoeppner, and Danelle Putnam spoke about the opportunities and needs in Asia and the Dominican Republic. The mission work in the Dominican Republic with the developmentally disabled is one of the newer undertakings of the LCMS World Mission. (cont. on next column) See you there: Fall Retreat Oct. 15 & 16 Manitowoc Holiday Inn National news release: April 28, 2010 LWML offers free subscription to daily devotions The Lutheran Women s Missionary League is now offering a new option for personal devotions through a free web-based subscription! All eleven of the new Mustard Seed sets will be the basis of these daily devotions, as one Mustard Seed is shared each day at your address. The LWML hopes this opportunity will be a valuable tool in providing a quiet time with the Lord. When do you find time for personal devotions? God promises that time spent daily in His Word will sustain, encourage and nurture our faith. We often allow our schedules to interfere with our treasured time with the Lord and struggle to make our quiet time with God a high priority. Subscription to the daily Mustard Seed devotion is just a click away. Go to Click Resources on the left hand navigation bar of the home page and click on Devotions to go to the Mustard Seed page. Follow the instructions provided to subscribe for the free daily devotions. (Please note that your information will remain secure and will not be shared.) Hundreds of women and men have already taken advantage of this opportunity since the mid-april 2010 launching of the service. Subscribe today! Please remember LWML in your estate plan. Our legal name is: Lutheran Women s Missionary League. LWML news releases are archived at under News link. Contact: Edie Norris, Public Relations Director LWML Office Lutheran Women s Missionary League PO Box St. Louis, MO edielwml@gmail.com (800) 252-LWML (5965) Gran ant t #8 recipien ecipients expr press thank hanks The following are parts of a letter that Linda Christiansen, VP of Human Care and Mission Grants, dated March 1, 2010 from the Children s Christian Concern Society (CCCS) in Topeka, KS. This is regarding Grant #8: Cistern for the Lutheran Church in Chiquimula, Guatemala. It was interesting as although we explained to them that it takes at least two years, and we told them it was on the ballot, they kept writing, asking when the funds would come. So it was such a joy when I could write and tell them the funds had come. Last week, we were able to send the funds to Guatemala with Nury De Milian the Chr. of the CCCS Committee who was making a presentation at Trinity Lutheran Church in Roselle, Illinois. So I am happy to announce that the funds are in Guatemala. Thank you. They now know that after I told them they were funded, the promises were kept. Tiburcio Giron was one of the first students at the boarding school in Zacapa, Guatemala from the village of Gualan. He became a Pastor and has been the first Lutheran Pastor in Chiquimula, Guatemala. The cistern was to provide clean water at their new church which is being built. I do not have a picture, but we hopefully will be going to Guatemala still this year and will be able to go to Chiquimula. Then we can send one. The oldest child of Pastor Giron and his wife, Carmelina, Jose, is a student at the Lutheran Home for Students in Zacapa. That is exciting as since the CCCS began in 1968 we are now having second generations working. When we were missionaries there and CCCS began there were seven missionaries, and now everything is being done by the national church and the CCCS has 16 projects. The CCCS is truly a miracle. It is people like you who keep it growing. Please thank members of the South Wisconsin District for the gift for Emanuel Lutheran Church. What a blessing your gift will be to the Giron family and members of the church. Blessings in Christ, Edie Jorns, Director of Projects CCCS Reflections on Portland 2009 cont. Deplorable conditions and inhumane treatment of these people has led to this important mission opportunity. As with many mission sites, the country has severe poverty and the government can t meet the needs of its people. May God richly bless these missionaries and the people whose lives they touch. Financial and prayer support is critical to these programs. For further information on how to help, contact LCMS World Missions in St. Louis. Debbie Netz, District Treasurer

11 July/August 2010 South Wisconsin News 11 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, Whom shall I send? And who will go for us? And I said, Here I am, Send me! Isaiah 6:8 Mite shortage: $12, as of May 31, 2010, but within reach! Mission Lamp Vol. 60, No. 4 July-Aug Acts 1:8, theme verse for retreat Plan to attend the Fall Retreat on Friday and Saturday October 15 and 16 at the Holiday Inn in Manitowoc and you will go on a Mission Grant Journey. There will be a list of the grant recipients voted upon at the District Convention June 18 and 19. During the typical sessions allowed for a keynote speaker, presentations on three of the grants will occur. There will be the usual Bible study, singing, and fellowship along with some new adventures. Continue to watch the SWD- LWML web site at swd-lwml.org for more information. The registration form will also be available there. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth, Acts 1:8. Gifts from the Heart Ingathering: Peter s Food Pantry, Manitowoc. Please bring such items as boxes of cereal, peanut butter, noodles, and canned goods. Offering: This will be divided with 3/4 of the amount collected going to Hmong Ministry/Bibles and Camp Biloxi. The other 1/4 collected goes to the SWD-LWML Scholarship Fund. The Fall Retreat Committee Vaunie Weaver, Chairman Are you good at typing, proofreading, graphics? The SWD-LWML Mission Lamp is in need of an editor. The work mainly involves proofreading articles from officers and other members and committees. Being available to regularly check is also a plus. The communications department is looking at some different ways of sending news to our members efficiently. Please pray about it and contact President Jan Dankwart at jan.dankwardt@ yahoo.com if interested. Tentative schedule for Fall Retreat Friday, Oct. 15, 2010: 4:00-6:30 pm Check-in, Registration, dinner on your own 6:45 pm Gathering Music 7:00 pm Program begins Opportunities for participation in a Servant Event and fellowship. Saturday, Oct. 16, 2010: 6:30-8:00 am Breakfast featuring All American Buffet of scrambled eggs, pancakes, choice of meats and potatoes 7:30-8:15 am Gathering music 8:30 am Morning session begins 11:45 am Lunch: Grilled chicken breast sandwich on a croissant, chips and a pickle. (Marketplace will be open during this time) 1:10 pm Afternoon session begins 3:00 pm Program ends Fall Retreat Registration form Name Telephone No. Address, City, State, Zip Congregation/City Zone No. Emergency Contact Name & Phone No. Attending Friday Saturday Both days Age (Circle One) I am a minor attending without a parent or legal guardian & need a waiver form to fill out and return to registrar Registration Fee: If postmarked on or before September 1st $40.00 Late Registration if postmarked after September 1st $50.00 Note: Late Registrations are not guaranteed a room *Discount of $10.00 if High School Age ($30/$40) Registration subtotal $ Note: Walk-ins are not guaranteed space and/or materials. Meals: Saturday breakfast buffet: $10.00 Sat. Lunch: Grilled Chicken Breast Sandwich, Potato Chips, Pickle Spear, Garnish, and Beverage $13.00 Note: Joining us for the meals helps keep total Retreat cost down. Hotel Room w/2 double beds: $ Up to 4 people per room Please send all roommate registrations together in one envelope. Names of my roommates: Any special needs: Large Print Deaf Interpreter Please describe below: Physical Dietary Website: swd-lwml.org Total amount Enclosed: $ Make checks payable to: SWD-LWML Fall Retreat Mail check and registration (with self-addressed stamped envelope if confirmation is desired) to: Bonnie Wilkum Woodside Lane Kiel, WI Phone: ( ) Bonnie.Wilkum@kohler.com More Fall Retreat Details: Bible Study: We will enjoy uplifting and insightful Bible study. Bring your Bibles if you would like. Refunds: After the published registration deadline has passed, last minute refunds will be given only under extreme circumstances beyond the control of the registrant, at the discretion of the District Executive Committee (EC) after the retreat. Requests for refunds must be written and presented to the district president for Executive Board decision with 2 weeks of the retreat. Directions to the Holiday Inn, Manitowoc: Located at the intersection of I-43 and US Highway 151 (Exit 149). Address: 4601 Calumet Avenue Manitowoc WI Telephone: (920) Amenities: Indoor Pool, Whirlpool, Fitness Center Website: Remember all the things you can do for your society, your zone, and your district Please read our President s column in this issue and consider what you might be able to do at the different levels of LWML. There are many resource materials to help officers and other leaders. It only takes a spark to get a fire going! LWML has a solid foundation of past leaders and officers that are available to help struggling societies. The faith keeps us strong and calls us to new adventures with the help of Jesus, our Savior. I continue to learn new things with each issue, but feel with family, home church commitments, and a job search for over eight months, I need to step down. Lori Kleinschmidt, Editor

12 12 South Wisconsin News July/August On May 1st of this year Mr. William (Bill) Brakebush was called to his heavenly home, to continue in his work of thanking and praising the Lord, for all he had been given here to enjoy on earth. He was a very caring, sharing person in all of his activities, Congregation, Civic, Business and outreaches. He was one of the originals that got "Orphan Grain Train" on the right track, to do the great things that it has been able to accomplish, worldwide. Because of his dedication, and the support of his family and their business, the Wisconsin division of the Grain Train is second only to the Nebraska headquarters division. Bill served as our division's leader from the beginning and was part of the board of the National organization as well. Because Bill Brakebush, Wisconsin s Orphan Grain Train director, called Home. of his love for the program, the facilities, trailers, drivers and other personnel were always available for the Train. We will miss Bill. Because of his foresight, he involved members of his family, his wife Nancy was always at his side at meetings and conventions. Thus the Wisconsin division of the Train will continue to be run as before, with Westfield and Brakebush Bros. as it's headquarters. His daughter Cathy, has assumed the role of Chairperson and will be assisted by Nancy. Linda is still on the line for any and all info that any may require. So please keep them and the Train on your prayer list. Cathy Robinson is at : cathy@brakebush.com, N4993 6th Dr., Westfield, Wi Linda is at ext The WI. Division is also on the national site: SOUTH WISCONSIN DISTRICT LUTHERAN LAYMEN S LEAGUE 70TH ANNUAL DISTRICT CONVENTION AUGUST 20-21, 2010 Voyageur Inn and Conference Center, 200 Viking Dr. Hwy H, Reedsburg, WI Ph or The theme for this year s Conference is Spirit Driven. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. 2 Tim. 1:7. Featured speaker Bruce Wurdeman, Executive Director Lutheran Hour Ministries. Prior to being named Executive Director, Wurdeman held the position of LHM s Director of United States Ministries for 18 months where he oversaw the production of The Lutheran Hour and Woman to Woman radio programs, seasonal television specials and print materials. Ed Bieno, Gov. of the SWD-LHM will also be sharing info about the ministries of LHM. Cut out registration below and mail to: Roger Fisher, 1450 Park St. S, La Crosse, WI For more info: You are to make room reservations and payment directly with the Voyageur Inn, or by mail at the address above. Rooms are $79 single or double. NAME: NAME: ADDRESS: PHONE NUMBER: ADDRESS: HOME CHURCH: Number Amount Total Friday fish dinner $12.00 $15.00 $10.00 Registration Includes breaks & $25.00 Late after Aug 1 Make Checks Payable to SWD LLL Total Enclosed For a receipt, please send stamped, self addressed envelope. Breaking News At German Fest in Milwaukee Sunday, July 25th at 10:30 AM Looking for a Bible Study? For small group or family bible study, check out those available online or on DVD at Join him and the German choir from the area for an inspiring worship service. Free admission for all attendees to the 10:30 a.m. Protestant Church Service in the Marcus Amphitheater on the south end of the German Fest grounds. How We Got The Bible By: Dr. Paul L. Maier As God's written Word, the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments are the source of His revelation to man. Stuff They Didn't Teach Me In Sunday School... About Genesis! The first DVD of the series. Now available- Sunday school lessons that are more scripturally nutritional than ever! Challenge of Islam: What is Islam? By: Sam Shamoun To the Western mind, the faith and practice of Islam are often a profound mystery. In recent years, this religion has emerged as a prominent -- yet misunderstood -- belief system. Listen as Sam Shamoun, an Arab- Christian, unveils some of the mystique surrounding this religion first preached by Muhammad.

13 July/August 2010 South Wisconsin News 13 Come to LuWiSoMo for family weekend Aug by Javan Wehmeier, camp development team Programming at Camp LuWiSoMo in Wild Rose has been limited for However, the development team has been busy planning activities and fundraisers to benefit the camp. Various camp boards are also working to bring programming back for the summer of The campground is open and available for use throughout the summer. Other camp facilities are also available for rent. Church groups, families and individuals are welcome to utilize the wonderful facilities available on the LuWiSoMo property. Details about these and other activities are available online at luwisomo.org. If you don t have internet access, please contact the District office at (414) for additional information. Family weekend Mark your calendar for family weekend activities, Aug , K fun walk and 10K competitive run The chicken barbecue is a staple of family weekend. Friday, Aug. 13 golf outing at Waushara County Country Club, Wautoma; all you can eat fish fry Saturday, Aug. 14 5K/10K walk and run, Brakebush chicken barbecue, silent auction, worship service, fireworks Many volunteers are needed to assist during the weekend. If you or your family would be able to help with the festivities, please contact Carl Brakebush at quackers1@ maqs.net or (608) T-shirts LuWiSoMo T-shirts and hoodies are available for purchase online at luwisomo.org. Please consider supporting camp with the purchase of a new It only takes a spark T-shirt. Order by July 26. Thrivent Choice Dollars is a new program that will allow eligible Thrivent members to designate donations to various charities. If you are an eligible Thrivent member you will be receiving a mailing that will allow you to designate certain charities to be recipients of your donation. Please consider designating Camp LuWiSoMo as your charity recipient. Congregational representatives are needed! We are looking for members from each District congregation to step forward and become advocates for LuWiSoMo. These volunteers will be contacts for getting camp information out to churches and schools. Prayerfully consider this opportunity to assist in LuWiSoMo s ministry. There are more than 200 congregations in the District, but fewer than 50 advocates. In addition, please consider making a donation to this ministry for young people. Your donation will enable us to nurture the Christian values that are so important for our children, and it will allow them to appreciate God s creation as they g r o w spiritually, physically and emotionally through t h e i r camp experience. Gifts may be directed to the District office or through the LuWi- SoMo website. The May golf outing at Meadows of Six Mile Creek in Waunakee and the June outing at Kettle Hills in Richfield were very successful and raised funds to cover some of the ongoing facilities costs at camp. Thank you to all who came to support camp and enjoy fellowship and fun. Pictured are foursomes from Mt. Olive, Milwaukee.

14 14 South Wisconsin News July/August 2010 Groundbreaking Events Part of Concordia University Wisconsin s School of Pharmacy Class of 2014 was on hand to take part in official groundbreaking ceremonies on May 14. Seventy students will begin classes this fall as a $12-13 million building is constructed on campus. A record 802 students graduated on May 15 (photo below), which featured The Rev. Dr. Karl Barth, President Emeritus, South Wisconsin District, as commencement speaker. Teaching the Word Workshop For more information about Concordia University Wisconsin visit us on the Web at: Teaching the Word Workshop, August 2-4, 2010 is presented by the Concordia Bible Institute and Concordia University Wisconsin. It is a 1, 2, or 3 day experience to be held on the lakeshore campus of Concordia University Wisconsin in the Friends of Concordia Room. Designed for educators as well as those desiring an in-depth intensive study of Scriptures, this workshop features CUW faculty on topics such as Teaching the Truth About Origins of the World from the Old and from the New Testaments, Biblical Poetry, The Bible s Song of Songs, Silent Witnesses: How Church Buildings Preach, Hymns: Backdrop of Eternity, Starting a Mission and Avoiding Financial Dependencies, The Challenge of African Immigrants in Mission, Health Care Reform from a Biblical Perspective, Revelation 7: Feast and the Future, Teach as He Taught: The Evidence of the Imago Dei, Matthew 24, Literal Views of the Future, and Revelation 6: Symbolic Views of the Future. Our speakers include Concordia Theology Department staff as well as Rev. Dr. John Saleska, Rev. Dr. Dan McMiller, Rev. Chris Ikanih, and Mr. Brad Alles. Cost is $75 per day to audit with a $5 per day discount for Early Bird registration of July 1. It is $1305 for three graduate credits. Some scholarships are available upon request. Fees include speakers, materials, meals, snacks, and meeting rooms. For more information, contact Bonnie Treloar, bonnie.treloar@cuw.edu, ,

15 July/August 2010 South Wisconsin News 15

16 16 South Wisconsin News July/August 2010 West Bend mission team challenges: God has made the appointment. Will you keep it? St. John, West Bend, invites its members and the members of other area churches to participate in one of the many missionary teams they sponsor each year, including: Mexico to build homes for the poor Guatemala to work in a school and minister to families Russia to run an English language day camp Alaska to put on a VBS and witness to youth India to work and witness with orphans New Orleans for the National Youth Gathering and street evangelism Milwaukee to support and assimilate African immigrants/vbs The goal of these missionary teams is to build up local leaders in an effort to reach the not-yet Christians. The teams support other local Christians (teachers, pastors, and church members), walking alongside them in their ministries. Work is a key aspect of all missions. However, the real goal is to share Christ on a daily basis in casual situations. We take a subtle approach with our evangelism as we eat, shop, and talk with local people in the places they are most comfortable. At the same time, we show God s love in practical ways through things like English lessons, warm clothing, water purification, home building and improvements, medical supplies and vitamins, and with gifts, computers and technology. One of the tenets of being a good missionary is Don t do for people what they can do for themselves. At St. John s, we make a real effort to avoid becoming Santa Claus missionaries. We want to avoid the trap of taking over the tasks for the locals, as though we know better. Instead our missionaries focus on the five L s : look, listen, learn, laugh, and love God s children, wherever they may be. Because of God s great love for us, we are called to missions with humility. Like one beggar telling another where to find a nourishing meal, we share the truth and love of Christ with others. To learn more, contact Alan Lull at (262) or alull@stjohnswestbend.org. You can also view mission videos online at stjohnswestbend.org. Support troops in summer workshops Camo quilts for the deployed Pilgrim, Wauwatosa, has become the satellite site for a special project in support of U.S. troops in the Middle East. The camo quilt project began in April of 2006 in Plymouth. Linda Wieck was asked by her son-in-law to create a small quilt for him out of camouflage fabric and cotton batting. His fellow soldiers in his unit wondered if they could buy one. Wieck rushed to make 48 quilts by the timed they deployed. Over 4,000 have been created by volunteers with monetary donations from numerous people and organizations. A blog has been started to share their story and update the public on opportunities to help and keep abreast of the news, camoquiltproject.blogspot.com. Pilgrim s LWML organization will oversee this venture in the Milwaukee area. The group has been able to purchase equipment needed to pin, sew, iron, trim and bind these special quilts. An order of 600 quilts has been received in Plymouth. Youth groups to retirees, men and women are encouraged to join one or more workshops this summer. For more information contact Ruth Mueller at (414) or ram53213@sbcglobal.net. If you plan on attending on a Saturday, please bring a bag lunch. Pilgrim s ministry center is located at 6717 W. Center St. Wauwatosa. July schedule: Wednesday, July 7, 1-4 p.m.; Tuesday, July 20, 6:30-9 p.m.; Saturday, July 17 and July 31, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.. August schedule: Wednesday, Aug. 4, 1-4 p.m.; Tuesday, Aug. 17, 6:30-9 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 14 and Aug. 28, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. St. John volunteers build a house in four days for a family in Anapra (left and upper left) and lay floor tile in the sanctuary at San Lucas during their trip May 25-June 3, The servant events are part of Ysleta Lutheran Mission s ministry in 12 communities in the border region around El Paso, Texas and Juarez, Mexico. Ysleta is a recognized service organization of the LCMS. VBS volunteer opportunities Volunteer opportunities still are open to assist with evening vacation Bible school at Beautiful Savior, 3205 N. 85th St., Milwaukee, from July Needed are craft, decorating and cooking helpers as well as people to assist with distribution of VBS door hangers after services on Sunday, July 11 (note date change). VBS begins with a dinner at 5:15 and ends by 8:15. Please contact Pam Reit at (414) or preit@beautifulsaviorlc.com for more information. For other volunteer opportunities, please check Get Involved link the District website at swd.lcms.org or contact the volunteer coordinator at volunteer@swd.lcms.org; or (800)