G o d s W o r k. O u r H a n d s.

Transcription

1 G o d s W o r k. O u r H a n d s. Newsletter of the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin, ELCA INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Bishop s Message 1 F E B R U A R Y MESSAGE FROM BISHOP BURNSIDE Bishop s Message cont. Special Worship! Bishop s Initiative Youth & Family Certification School And God Said It Is Good Offering Update Mission Tables Being Created Endowment Fund Update God s Work. Our Hands. Feature San Jose Beloit What s New for 2010? Board of Pension IRS Mileage Rate EVENTS & RESOURCES LYO s Excellent Adventure LMM Retreat Synod Assembly LEAD Companion Synod Youth Exchange Call Process Update Ecumenical Advocacy Healthy Congregations Pews Available Synod Calendar 12 Join Us For Remembering a special worship and reception featuring the photography of Mary Kay Baum Thursday, February 18 at Noon in the Synod Office see page 2 LEAD EVENT March 13! See page 9 What a beautiful home...i ve always longed to live in a place like this, Always dreamed of a room in your house, where I could sing for joy to God alive! Birds find nooks and crannies in your house, sparrows and swallows make nests there. They lay their eggs and raise their young, singing their songs Psalm 84 The Message Remember? Dorothy never forgot home. Dorothy in the Land of Oz. Dorothy from ramshackle tornado ripped plains. Dorothy torn away but ever remembering, always seeking home. And the home she remembered was Kansas... somewhere over the rainbow. On a wall in our home is a watercolor painting that my sister and I had commissioned as a gift for my mother and father for their 50th wedding anniversary. The painting is of the home where we grew...the house where my mother was born and lived all her life, where my father ripped out walls and built new ones, painted and patched the place where one family lived for over 100 years. I look at that painting and remember home. Now the house is for sale. Ancient travelers making their way to Jerusalem s Holy Temple sang their pilgrim song: How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of Hosts! My soul longs, indeed it faints for the courts of the Lord...Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young...happy are those who live in your house Photo by Mary Kay Baum Could it be that St. Augustine longed even more feverishly than they, for home? His words betray the human heart s pining: Our hearts are restless, Lord, until they find their rest in you. Home. And there Ruth, clinging to her widowed mother -in-law cried, Don t ask me to leave you, wherever you go, I will go, where you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God, wherever you die, I will die. Home. When he had had enough of hog heaven, the hungering son prepared a speech that began like this: Father, I am no longer worthy of being called your son And rehearsing it over and over through his cracked lips, step by step toward the home he remembered, his father saw him still a long way off and filled with love and compassion he ran an old man s dash to embrace and kiss his boy all the way home. A season named Lent approaches soon and it comes to call us to remember home. The first invitation of this season, the first Come home! begins like this: Remember. You are dust and to dust you shall return. This is home?

2 Bishop s Message continued Page 2 Home there, in the dust of the earth? No; not there in ash and dust, nor in wind swept plains, neither in houses that will be sold or towns from which we depart nor distant lands where we awaken to dreams changed to nightmares. Do you remember Jesus words? (John gives them to us in this 14th chapter). Trust in God, trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? Remember home. For Christ s sake, + Bruce Your Bishop ELCA Increases Financial Support to Relief Efforts in Haiti International Disaster Response of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America increased its initial financial commitment to support relief efforts in Haiti to $600,000. Following the devastating Jan. 12 earthquake in Haiti, the ELCA made an initial financial commitment of $250,000 to the disaster. The church said it would advance another $500,000 based on member giving. The Rev. Rafael Malpica Padilla, executive director, ELCA Global Mission, said the $600,000 commitment is based on "a strong and generous response" by ELCA members. The figure could soon be increased to more than $1 million, pending the continuing response of members, he said. In addition, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans will match $1 for every $2 donated by Thrivent Financial members, up to $1 million total for the potential of generating $3 million," according to a news release from Thrivent. The funds will be directed to ELCA (International) Disaster Response, LWR, LCMS World Relief and Human Care, and the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod's Committee on Relief. Financial contributions to support relief efforts in Haiti can be made at or by calling Congregations can also send donations via the synod office. Indicate Haiti on remittance forms. Remember A Very Special Worship - Please Join Us! Come and worship through the lens of Rev. Mary Kay Baum s camera. As a person who has young-onset Alzheimer s disease she advocates for prevention and early treatment. Fatigue and over-stimulation are daily parts of her journey, but she finds that walking the land helps her experience God through her surroundings in the here and now. Photo by Mary Kay Baum Each weekly worship beginning Thursday February 18 th at 12 noon at the synod office will be a chance to remember and experience the gifts of Word, Sacrament, Singing, Praying, and Fellowship all centered around one of Mary Kay s photographs. Our address is: 2909 Landmark Place, Suite 202, Madison Thursday February 18 th Mary Kay Baum will be at the synod office for a reception and a chance to view some of her works at 1:00 pm immediately following the weekly brown bag lunch.

3 Bishop s Initiative: Youth & Family Ministry Certification School Page 3 The Bishops Initiative for Raising Up Future Leaders will be holding another round of certification school from July 2010 to March After six years of the Bishops Initiative, an independent study has shown positive effects on the Initiative s goals: raising up leaders and increasing the effectiveness of home and congregational ministry. Certification School was reported to be the most effective and meaningful piece of the multi-faceted initiative. With that in mind, the six synods have decided to sponsor another year of Youth and Family Ministry Certification School with a NEW FORMAT to include more students. All congregations in the South-Central Synod are invited to send a church leader to learn innovative techniques for increasing faith formative practices in the church and home. Outcomes for Certification School Equip lay leaders and clergy with a foundational knowledge of effective youth and family ministry practices. Nurture the faith and spiritual lives of participants in the school. Create an ongoing learning community of youth and family ministry leaders. Create an ongoing support network of youth and family ministry leaders. Deepen the theological understandings of the participants. Equip lay leaders and clergy to teach the basics regarding effective youth and family ministry practices. Build a church culture dedicated to effective practices in vibrant faith formation. Cory Hamilton Assistant to the Bishop Youth & Family Ministry Bishop s Initiative for Raising up This year s certification school will be an opportunity for every youth and family leader in the synod to participate. In previous years, the commitment included one full weekend every month in order to meet the criteria for certification. The six synod certification school will be using a new format including online study and local synod class time. This is to allow participants to attend the school without giving up valuable time in their congregation, other job or home. The full schedule for the year can be found on the Synod Website but the following is a quick synopsis of what the year s commitment will include: July 18-23, 2010 Adventure Immersion Week at Lutherpoint Bible Camp in Grantsburg, WI Sept. and Oct Class time at synod office or local congregation (no overnight commitment) November 19-21, 2010 Weekend event for long-range planning at Imago Dei Village in Clintonville, WI December 2010 Off for Holidays January 2011 Online Development and Relational Ministry Classes (10 hours) February 2011 Online Milestones, Leadership and Culture Classes (10 hours) March 18-20, 2011 Small Group Presentations and Graduation at Pine Lake Camp in Waupaca, WI Cost for Certification School 2010 will be $2, 500 per student. The synod will contribute $1, 500 per student from generous grants given by The Siebert Foundation and Vibrant Faith Ministries. This leaves a cost of $1,000 for the congregation and participant (please talk with the synod coordinator or bishop if additional scholarships are needed). Applications and detailed information are available online or by request. Please send applications to the synod office attention Cory Hamilton, synod coordinator for the Bishops Initiative.

4 And God Said It Is Good Special ELCA Offering Page 4 As of the end of December $38, has been given for the And God Said It Is Good ELCA special offering. Thank you to the following congregations for participating so far. Advent-Madison All Saints-Fitchburg Argyle-Argyle Atonement-Beloit Barneveld-Barneveld Bethany-WI Dells Bethel-Madison Bethlehem-Brodhead Bethlehem-Edmund Blanchardville-Blanchardville Brooklyn-Brooklyn Burke-Madison Castle Rock-Fennimore Central-Edgerton Christ-Lancaster Christ-Spring Green Covenant-Stoughton Cooksville-Evansville Deerfield-Deerfield Dekorra-Poynette Evangelical-Mount Horeb Faith-Janesville First-Beaver Dam First-Platteville First-Whitewater Five Points-Blue River Grace-Cambridge Grace-Darlington Hope-Mineral Point Hollandale-Hollandale Jefferson Prairie-P. Grove Lakeview-Madison Luther Memorial-Madison McFarland-McFarland Midvale-Madison New Heights Parish-Black Earth Our Savior s-iron Ridge Our Savior s-sun Prairie Peace-Belmont Peace-Cobb Perry-Mount Horeb Primrose-Belleville Redeemer-Rio Spring Prairie-DeForest St. John-Berry-Black Earth St. John-Johnson Creek St. John-Leland-North Freedom St. John s-madison St. John s-prairie du Sac St. Paul-Mayville St. Mark s-madison St. Martin s-cross Plains St. Paul-Beloit St. Paul-Mazomanie St. Paul s-liberty-deerfield St. Peter s-fennimore Sugar Creek-Elkhorn Trinity-Arkdale Trinity-Blanchardville Trinity-Madison Vermont-Black Earth West Blue Mounds-Blue Mounds Williams Bay-Williams Bay York Memorial-Blanchardville Many thanks to these congregations for their support of the ELCA through this special one time appeal. After sending the first check for $20,000, thanks to all the congregations that have participated, the Synod received these letters of gratitude from the ELCA. We are including them here and hope you will share them with your congregations. Thank you for your note of good news in a world that needs it, and at a time that makes it special with the coming birth of Jesus and His coming into our hearts. Please pass on our gratitude to Bishop Burnside and all the synod staff, and to all those who are still working on "And God Said It Is Good," in support roles and leadership roles, for through them God is working to bring about this good news. We praise God for you. I'll see you in my prayers, Ed Kruse Director for Stewardship ELCA Good indeed! God is great! I want to send you this quick note of appreciation for the check from your special appeal for ELCA Churchwide ministries called 'And God Said It Is Good." What a marvelous gift at this end of the Advent season and in anticipation of our Christ and Saviour. You surely have lifted our spirits at this time! It does indeed bring us new hope during this challenging time. We will be recording this gift in our Vision for Mission Fund category. I'm sure others will want to send their thanks to you, but I wanted to send this immediate response to let you know we have received the check and have appreciatively deposited it. Gary Brugh ELCA Budget Director Office of the Treasurer, ELCA

5 Mission Tables Being Created Written by: Blake Rohrer Page 5 Our church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, understands itself as being claimed, gathered and sent for the sake of the world. We are called to be engaged in evangelical mission: witnessing to the good news of God in Jesus Christ, and working to alleviate poverty and build justice and peace. This work should be at the heart of all we do. On January 31, we will be forming three new mission tables to strengthen our synod s effort to accompany our congregations and leaders, so that every congregation can be a growing center of evangelical mission. The term table is intentional, reminding us that we gather around our Lord s table, where we are fed, equipped, and then sent to be engaged in God s mission in the world. The three tables will be: Mission Strategy Table focus on our overall missional strategy and theology in the synod Mission Support/Stewardship Table focus on building the resources for mission New and Renewing Evangelizing Congregations focus on new congregations and renewing existing congregations Rev. Blake Rohrer Assistant to the Bishop Director Evangelical Mission Outreach The initial members of these tables will be lay and clergy from across the synod. Please pray for the work of these tables. And, as you and your congregation seek to grow in evangelical outreach where God has placed you, please contact me to see how we can better partner together for the sake of the world! Endowment Fund Update Written by: Rev. Dean Kirst, Endowment Committee Our Savior s Beloit Begins Web Cast Video Our Savior s Lutheran Church in Beloit is a congregation of the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin. With a membership roster of 2100, they average 310 people in worship every weekend. A while back, Pastor Erik Jelinek wanted to take the congregation further into the computer age and reach out to unchurched people through better computer technology. The obstacle of course was money. How would they finance a high definition camera and a new laptop with the appropriate programming? Pastor Erik reviewed his resources and submitted an application to the Synod Mission Endowment Committee for assistance with funding. In May 2009, the endowment committee approved Our Savior s request and assisted to fund this project along with six other projects from our synod. Today, the congregation at Our Savior s has been able to purchase the camera, the laptop and the software. They have begun filming their first five-minute web-cast video and will have it on the World Wide Web very soon. The goal is to update the video every two weeks. They are calling it a Faith Step Video and hope that it will work as a vital evangelism tool for their congregation and community. To find their video, you can go to the church web site at In February, they will have a specific tab on the web site that visitors will click labeled Faith Step Videos. In March 2010, you can begin to look for information about Requests For Proposals for your congregation s upcoming project. Begin to consider how you might implement exciting ministry and make use of this valuable financial resource in our synod.

6 God s Work. Our Hands. Feature Page 6 Lutherans and Presbyterians Sign Covenant of Support for San Jose in Beloit What a wonderful celebration at Parroquia Luterana San Jose Beloit, WI, Sunday, January 10! The Presbyter of Milwaukee, Rev. Gregg Neel, and our Bishop Bruce Burnside signed an ecumenical agreement of support for this exciting Latino Lutheran congregation under development. Around 100 Latino congregants including oh, so many bright eyed children, celebrated this act of cooperation in a worship remembering the visit of the wise men, those pagans of other religions and different cultures, who came to worship the Lord Jesus, the King of kings. For at least six years this Latino community of faith has struggled, and now, finally this past year it is flourishing in its own church building, with its own Latino identity, and embracing the Lutheran tradition as well as understanding the Presbyterian tradition as well. They face a challenge but a reality, immigrants from different countries and religious backgrounds, coming together to worship the Lord of all. Our South-Central Synod of Wisconsin is fortunate to have ties that are strengthening with our Presbyterian sisters and brothers. Rev. Neddy Astudillo, an ordained Presbyterian pastor, currently serves as the developer for San Jose, under the supervision of our Director for Multicultural and Ethnic Ministries, Rev. Pedro Suarez. We share this as a wonderful example of God s work. Our hands! February2010

7 What s New for 2010? Board of Pensions Health Assessment Changes The 2% discount is changing for 2010: The percentage needed to earn the discount is 65% (down from 75%). The window for earning the 2% discount is January 1 April 30, although the assessment remains open until September 30. Synods (and employers within a synod), seminaries and churchwide ministries reaching 65% participation by April 30 will earn a 2% discount on all 2010 health contributions (retroactive to January 1, 2010). The discount is now "all or nothing," meaning synods, seminaries and churchwide ministries not reaching 65% by April 30 will receive no discount on 2010 health contributions. Page 7 Reminder... the health assessment needs to be taken every year. How the 2% discount benefits you: By earning the 2% discount, employers will offset this year's 2% increase in the cost of 2010 health contributions. In the process, employers will be helping employees earn their own financial incentives in the form of personal wellness credits $150 for completing the assessment, and the opportunity to earn $300 more for completing follow-up activities. Why should you take the assessment? The 2% discount was first offered in 2008 to encourage and reward employers for their efforts to communicate the value of taking the health assessment to their employees. Taking the health assessment helps create healthy church leaders who are equipped to enhance the lives of others. This will ultimately create a healthier ELCA community. Healthier leaders with new energy for ministry may potentially result in fewer health claims, smaller increases in health contributions and more resources for ELCA ministry. NEW MILEAGE RATE The Internal Revenue Service has issued the 2010 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes. Beginning on Jan. 1, 2010, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be: 50 cents per mile for business miles driven 16.5 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations For additional information please refer to the IRS webpage.

8 WORKSHOPS, EVENTS & RESOURCES Page 8 LYO s Excellent Adventure is BACK! May 7, 2010 Mark your calendars for May 7, The LYO Synod Youth Board will be hosting its second installment of the Excellent Adventure! LYO s Excellent Adventure is an overnight lockout for high school students from around the synod. The adventure will begin at 7 pm Friday May 7 th and conclude at 7 am on Saturday May 8 th. We will travel by bus to many locations in the Madison area taking tours, playing games, sharing stories, and having a GREAT time! This year s adventure will include some of the following stops: Laser Ultra- Zone, Movie and The I-Max Theater, Fast Forward Roller Rink, Glow in the Dark A Local Park, Tour of Babcock Ice Cream The University, Tour and Air Local Radio Station, Scavenger Hunts and Other Activities Along the Way WHAT: LYO s Excellent Adventure WHEN: Friday May 7 th to Saturday May 8 th WHERE: All around the Madison Area (The location for pick-up and drop-off will be determined soon but will be in the Madison area.) WHO: All Senior High youth and friends from around the Synod are invited WHY: To share in fellowship and have a GREAT NIGHT OUT! Lutheran Men in Mission - One Year to Live Retreat May 21-23, 2010 Mackenzie Environmental Education Center, Poynette, WI For more information about One Year to Live, go to Read previous participants' comments at The retreat flyer and registration information will be posted on men's ministry page in the near future. Registration cost: $175 per person includes lodging, meals and retreat. Space is limited. Feel free to contact Lon Buss at (608) or londebbuss@charter.net. if you have any questions. Where Will God s Love Take You? S y n o d A s s e m b l y J u n e 5-6, Registration materials will be coming out soon for the annual synod assembly. This year the assembly will be on Saturday and Sunday, June 5-6, at the Kalahari Resort in the Wisconsin Dells. Our keynote speaker will be John Nunes, the President of Lutheran World Relief. For your budget and planning purposes, registration fees are $175 if registered by March 25, and $195 after March 25. Overnight rooms are $109 per night for a guest room (up to four people per room) and include waterpark passes.

9 WORKSHOPS, EVENTS & RESOURCES We Are An Offering March 13, :30 a.m.- 3:15 p.m. Keynote Speakers: Bishop David defreese Page 9 Hosted by: St. Luke s Lutheran Church Middleton, WI L E A D 2010 Bishop Bruce Burnside Leadership Education and Development LEAD is a day of inspiring presentation and informative, engaging workshops designed for congregational lay leaders and pastors. Workshops will address our whole life stewardship from a variety of perspectives Session 1 Workshop (11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.) Debt & Discipleship: A Pilgrim s Primer - Connie Kilmark Why All Thriving Congregations Do Annual Response Programs - Ed Kruse Church Treasurers & Administrators - Phil Blohm Biblical & Theological Foundations for Creation Care-Rev. Neddy Astudillo Opening the Conversation - How Congregations Engage in the Book of Faith Initiative - Rev. Jeff Wild & Panel Preparing Bible Study: Engaging Mark 8: Rev. Dr. James Bailey & Carol Pulsfus Reading Between the Lines: Transforming Bible Stories Into Drama-Rev. Mark & Karla Jensen Ministering to Your Students While They Are Away-Brent Christenson Come & See: Sharing Christ With Men of All Ages - Lon Buss * Mike Broll, LMM Schedule: 8:30-9:00 Registration/Refreshments 9:00 Keynote-Bishop defreese 9:50 Stretch Break 10:00 Keynote-Bishop Burnside 10:30 Break/Refreshments 11:00 Worship-Rev. Sara Yotter 11:45 Lunch and/or Workshop 1 1:00 Lunch and/or Workshop 2 2:15 Workshop Session 3 3:15 Depart Session 2 Workshops (1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.) One Size Does Not Fit All: The Reasons We Give-Rev. Sara Yotter When God Speaks, Do You Too? - Bishop David defreese Capital Campaigns 101- Phyllis Wiederhoft How to Thrive in Retirement-Ryan Jones God s Standard or Gold Standard-An Overview of Book of Faith Studies in Proverbs-Jacqui Shanda & Stacey Gallman-Schroeder Exploring the Book of Faith by Telling Its Stories-Don Falkos Vibrant Faith Practices Between Home & Congregation - Brett Christensen Your Building as a Green Tool for Ministry - Pat Dever Session 3 Workshops (2:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.) Generational Giving-Millenials, Generation X, Boomers and More - Rev. Sara Yotter Why All Thriving Congregations Do Annual Response Programs-Ed Kruse, Director of Stewardship, ELCA That You May Be Well- Phil Blohm The Third Leg of the Stewardship Stool-Rev. Larry Westfield, Lutheran Planned Giving of Wisconsin Financial Independence: It is Women s Work-Carol Johnson, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Using Book of Faith Resources in Combination-Muriel Arms, AiM, Director of Christian Education, Our Savior s Sun Prairie Reading Scripture, Contemplating Biblical Art - Rev. Peter Fribley Expressing the Book of Faith-Rev. Marsha Swenson Asset Mapping for Youth & Family Ministry: Amazing Ministry with Limited Resources - Cory Hamilton

10 WORKSHOPS, EVENTS & RESOURCES Companion Synod Youth Exchange to India 2010 Our South-Central Synod will be taking its first Companion Synod Youth Exchange Trip in 2010! As we look to broaden our connections with the NELC (Northern Evangelical Lutheran Church - India) Bishop Burnside s vision is to see high school youth from our synod travel with him to India for a two-week cultural immersion experience. If you have a student that would represent the synod well and be able to share his or her experiences in an effective way upon their return, this may be a great opportunity for your congregation. The trip to India would take place from Dec. 27, 2010 until approximately Jan. 10, It would include immersion into everyday life in India as well as seeing what the Lutheran Church looks like in other countries. Visits may include schools, hospitals, churches and historical sites, such as the Taj Mahal. This trip would require the ability to miss a small amount of school at the beginning of The trip will be attended by Bishop Burnside, synod youth, and 2-3 additional adults. It will also require being able to attend meetings over the course of the year to build a community prior to departure and to ensure that all documents and international travel issues are properly managed. Each student wishing to attend must be nominated by their congregation (pastor must fill out nomination form) and submit an individual application. Applications will be screened by the Bishop and a three person steering committee. The trip will be filled on a first come, first served basis. Applications will be accepted from Jan. 15 th through May 15 th, or until 12 qualified applicants have been accepted. Individual criteria for each applicant can be found on the pastoral nomination form as well as the individual application. The cost for this trip is estimated at between $2,500 and $3,000. The estimated cost for a return visitor from India will be the same. It is important to make sure that we are clear about the intentions to support a cultural trip for our brothers and sisters in India as well as traveling ourselves. This trip will be an amazing connection to our Companion Synod! Applications and Pastoral Nomination Forms can be downloaded from the synod website after January 19, 2010 on the Events tab or can be mailed out upon request. Make sure to get your student s information turned in so they can be included in this once in a lifetime experience. Any questions can be directed to Bishop Burnside or Cory Hamilton, Assistant for Youth and Family Ministry.

11 Call Process Update - Congregations Seeking Pastors Page 11 In study process: Luther Memorial/Madison (Associate) McFarland/McFarland St. Paul/Mayville St. Peter/Cassville & Zion/ Bagley Ecumenical Advocacy Days Interviewing Candidates: Bethlehem/Brodhead Christ/DeForest Immanuel of Lebanon/ Watertown St. John/Johnson Creek St. John s/evansville Please keep these congregations in your prayers. Recommending Candidates None at this time In Transition: Luke Smetters from LSTC to Wiota/South Wayne Call Process Forms from the ELCA Faith/Vocation/Rostered- Leadership/Call-Process/Call- Process-Forms.aspx The theme is "A Place to Call Home: Immigrants, Refugees and Displaced Peoples". Worship, study and dialogue with hundreds of people of faith at the annual Ecumenical Advocacy Days. Then join others as they go to Capitol Hill to advocate for our members of Congress to remedy these global injustices. The 2010 conference will be held March in Crystal City, Virginia just outside Washington, D.C. For more information, go to Healthy Congregations Workshop To Be Held at Covenant-Stoughton A Healthy Congregations Workshop offers an opportunity for clergy and lay leaders to become better stewards of the congregation in their care. Using the creative materials developed by Dr. Peter Steinke participants will develop the confidence to provide quality leadership to their congregation in these anxious times. This 12 hour workshop will be offered at Covenant Lutheran Church 1525 N. Van Buren Street Stoughton, Wisconsin on four consecutive Tuesdays April 13, 20, 27, May 4. Sessions will begin at 10:00 a.m. and conclude at 2:00 p.m. Cost is $425 which includes all materials and a light lunch. The cost will be adjusted for more than one person attending from the same congregation. For more detailed information about this workshop led by Rev. Jerry Tews and to indicate your desire to attend please go to The workshop is limited to 15 participants. Church Pews Available to any ELCA Congregation Messiah Lutheran Church in Madison has 20 pews at 15'6" long and 2 pews at 12' long, available at no cost to any ELCA Congregation. These pews are solid oak with floor mountings. They have padded seats, book racks, envelope holders and are in good condition. Contact Tim Martinson at (608)1887 or martinsontim@gmail.com or call the church office at (608)

12 F E B R U A R Y South-Central Synod of Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Church in America 2909 Landmark Place, Suite 202 Madison, WI Phone: Fax: scswoffice@scsw-elca.org Visit our website: SYNOD STAFF: Rev. Bruce Burnside bruceb@scsw-elca.org Bishop Rev. Dr. James Bailey jimjudybailey@q.com CCL Kim Eighmy kime@scsw-elca.org Lay School Cory Hamilton coryh@scsw-elca.org Asst. to Bishop Vicki Hanrahan vickih@scsw-elca.org Program Asst. Marilon Krebs marilonk@scsw-elca.org Admin. Asst. Wayne Pinnow waynepinnow@charter.net Finance Rev. Blake Rohrer blaker@scsw-elca.org Asst. to Bishop Rev. Pedro Suarez pedro@scsw-elca.org Asst. to Bishop Rev. Sara Yotter saray@scsw-elca.org Asst. to Bishop The South-Central Synod of Wisconsin of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is a church deeply and confidently rooted in the Gospel of God s grace. We exist, in partnership with the churchwide organization, to assist congregations and members to: Worship God through Word and Sacrament and through lives of prayer, praise and thanksgiving; Nurture one another in the Word of God and grow in faith and commitment to Jesus Christ; and Give our life joyfully in witness and service. SYNOD CALENDAR The South-Central Synod of Wisconsin Newsletter God s Work. Our Hands. is published times per year. Correspondence and articles can be ed to the Synod office by the first Friday of each month. vickih@scsw-elca.org or sent via mail to Vicki Hanrahan, SCSW, 2909 Landmark Place, Suite 202, Madison, WI January 23 Synod Council Meeting 8:00 a.m. January 26 Book of Faith Leadership Team at Synod Office 10:00 a.m. January 31 Mission Table Meeting at Vermont Lutheran Church, Black Earth February 18 Remember Lenten Worship at Synod Office - All Are Welcome! 12:00 noon February 18 Special Mary Kay Baum Reception after Worship in Synod Office 1:00 p.m. February 19/20 Lay School of Ministry Classes February 20 Lay School Completion Ceremony & Reception Following 11:00 a.m. February 23 Lutheran Campus Ministry Meeting in Whitewater 6:00 p.m. FUTURE DATES in 2010 TO HOLD: March 13 LEAD St. Luke s Middleton (8:30-3:15 p.m.) 8:30 a.m. March 19 Candidacy Committee at Synod Office 8:30 a.m. March 19/20 Lay School of Ministry Classes March 23 Executive Committee Meeting at Synod Office 8:00 a.m. March 27 Synod Council Meeting 8:00 a.m. April 16/17 Lay School of Ministry Classes April 28 Executive Committee Meeting at Synod Office 8:00 a.m. May 1 Synod Council Meeting 8:00 a.m. May 21/22 Lay School of Ministry Classes June 5-6 SYNOD ASSEMBLY Kalahari Resort & Convention Center-Wisconsin Dells June 17 Executive Committee Meeting at Synod Office 4:00 p.m. June 17 Synod Council Meeting 6:00 p.m. October Bishop s Conv0cation - Abbey Resort, Fontana FUTURE SYNOD ASSEMBLIES May 14-15, 2011 Madison Marriott West, Middleton May 5-6, 2012 Kalahari, Wisconsin Dells