Charles Kiehl joins SWD as mission advocate

Transcription

1 May/June 2009 IN THIS ISSUE Krey joins Dominican Republic team page 3 Gift Planning Services coming to SWD Page 4 LCMS World Mission in Asia Page 5 Church worker news Page 6 Cedarburg makes plans for Fan into Flame funds page 7 Around the District page 8 Visit our website at swd.lcms.org 57 inmates baptized at the County Correctional Facility-South Gospel light breaks through prison walls At any given time there are hundreds of souls locked up in the County Correctional Facility- South in Franklin (formerly known as the House of Correction). During the course of a year, the names and faces change as some are released and others come in through those guarded doors. How do they spend their time there? What do they do as they prepare to face the world again? For 104 years, our District has been involved in Lutheran ministry to these souls. Over the years, the way we minister to them has changed. Currently we have two part time chaplains who spend time with the inmates by means of numerous classes and individual contacts. Some of the classes are Bible studies. Some of the individual contacts have led to further study and instruction in the Lutheran faith. The Word is planted and the Spirit brings faith to life through 52nd District convention set for June 7-9, 2009 Slate of candidates announced William Kilps Larry Myers Daniel Schneider The District committee on convention nominations has released the list of candidates for District offices. Candidates for office of District president There are five ordained ministers on the slate of candidates for the office of District John Struve John Wille president. They have received the highest number of votes and have accepted the nomination. Biographical information is in the convention workbook, along with statements of their hopes for the District. The number of nominations received is in parentheses. these encounters. So much so that in a worship service on March 29, 21 inmates were baptized. April 11, another 36 baptisms were witnessed. Rev. Roger Heintz of Brookfield Lutheran Church in Brookfield, officiated at these baptisms. After theses men had publicly renounced the devil and all his works and ways, and confessing their faith in the worlds of the Apostles Creed, the inmates approached the waters of baptism answering the questions, What is your name? and, John Wille (52) Larry Myers (2) Daniel Schneider (2) William Kilps (1) John Struve (1) Vice-president Central East Region Rev. Larry Myers (5) Additional nominations for this office have been requested. Northeast Region Rev. Randolph Raasch (14) Rev. Darrel Bergelin (5) Rev. Robert Zick (3) Southeast Region Rev. Allen Behnke (4) Rev. Daniel Torkelson (3) Rev. Thomas Wink (3) Do you want to be baptized into this Christian faith? And each one gave their name and said, Yes! some of them weeping for joy at being counted as a child of God. As one of these services was coming to a close, one of the young men just baptized asked if he could address the assembly of some 100 inmates. This man was a Muslim. As he opened the book of Koran that he was holding, he began to read a portion of it out loud. Then he closed the book and slammed it down on the table. Pointing to it he exclaimed, This is a lie! Then he spoke of the emptiness and frustration he had felt, always being (Continued on page 3) WATCH ONLINE The convention will be broadcast live on the Internet Visit swd.lcms.org/ convention for an agenda and to tune in. West Region Rev. Donald Stein (3) Rev. Michael Hylton (3) Rev. Mark Meier (2) Rev. Dennis Schueler (2) District secretary Rev. David Totsky Rev. Todd Peperkorn Board of directors Three ordained ministers elect one from each region: Northeast (six-year term) Rev. Ronald Pederson Rev. Darrel Bergelin Southeast (six-year term) Rev. Todd Peperkorn Rev. Daniel Torkelson (Continued on page 2) South Wisconsin District LCMS 8100 West Capitol Drive Milwaukee, WI ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Charles Kiehl joins SWD as mission advocate At the end of March Charles Kiehl joined the South Wisconsin District staff as mission advocate, a development/ advancement position. SWD received a grant of $100,000 from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Charles Kiehl Foundation to help fund such a position. After a thorough search, Kiehl was offered the position and accepted. Among his responsibilities are raising awareness of LCMS and SWD mission projects, and helping to raise the funding so vital for those projects. That includes funding for District and Synod mission projects, said President John Wille, as well as congregational mission projects. When Chuck comes to introduce himself to you, please give him a warm Christ-centered welcome. Kiehl is again a member of Bethlehem, Sheboygan, after living in Wisconsin Rapids where he attended Immanuel and St.Luke s with his wife Sandy and daughter Chrystal. Chrystal is a currently a junior in college studying in Melbourne, Australia. Kiehl comes to SWD with What is a mission advocate? By Charles Kiehl 32 years experience in the furniture industry, working in sales and marketing as a manufactures representative for Broyhill, Millennium, and La-Z-Boy. First and foremost I would like to thank the Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Foundation for the grant that makes the new mission advocate position possible. The grant is part of its $4 million Charitable Gifting Initiative program. As a mission advocate I will work to inform individuals and groups about the many options available to support mission work both in local congregations and the church at large. By focusing on bringing more resources to the various missions of the South Wisconsin District, we will help to bring suburban and rural congregations together to support (Continued on page 2)

2 2 South Wisconsin News May/June 2009 THE PRESIDENT S CORNER Convention CALLS & V A C A N C I E S (continued from page 1) Unveiled faces Writing this article our South Wisconsin District convention June 7-9 is still seven weeks away. But with each passing day it gets that much closer. Much planning is underway. Much Rev. John C. Wille hard work has gone into preparing for our 2009 convention. Overtures have been submitted. Meals planned. Nominations have been tendered. Committees named. Arrangements have been made for the speakers and special visitors. The theme has been selected: With unveiled faces Reflecting the Lord s glory. It s based upon 2 Corinthians 3:18, We, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. That passage and that theme were selected because we live in a world where people veil their faces. Think of the women of Afghanistan who wear burkas that cover them from head to toe. Terrorists hide their faces to protect their identities. Muslim women wear veils to hide all but their eyes. We think that such practices are unusual, foreign. We wonder why other cultures would do such a thing. But we do much the same, except perhaps in a more subtle way. We hide our sins from each other and from God. We hang our heads in shame because we don t want people to look us in the eye when we have done something wrong. We sometime try to hide from ourselves under the veil of some drug. We cover over our vulnerability with a false bravado which keeps others away. We distance ourselves from those who love us because we are afraid to let people in too close. That s why the passage of 2 Corinthians 3:18 and the theme, With unveiled faces Reflecting the Lord s glory have been chosen for this summer s convention. That passage takes us to the heart of the Gospel, and to the heart of what our Lord Jesus does for us sinners. That passage takes us to the heart of God himself, and to what he wants for our lives. We see the heart of God in the Virgin birth, in the suffering and crucifixion of his Son. We see the heart of God at the empty tomb of Easter. We experience the heart of God at the baptismal font, and at the Communion rail. Paul tells the Ephesians, Because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions it is by grace you have been saved (Ephesians 2:4). Through the cross and the tomb, through Word and Sacrament God changes us inside and outside inside filled with faith, outside the veil of sin is lifted. We can rejoice in a way that all can see there is something different about us. The veil has been lifted. As Moses face reflected the glory of God, so our faces reflect that glory. We live in his presence. We live in his grace. It is time that we once again let those around us see the grace of our God reflected in the glimmer in our eye, the friendly smile on our face, in the kindness and compassion of our tender care for all. It is time for us to be passionate believers changing life. Time for us to not merely to use this wonder passage for a convention theme; but for the theme of our lives. It is why Jesus died, why Jesus rose, and why Jesus called us to be his own. Mordecai s words to Esther are also spoke to us, Who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this? (Esther 4:14). Let them see Jesus in your actions. Let them hear Jesus in your words. Let them feel Jesus in your tender touch. West (three-year term, to fill a vacancy) Rev. Mark Meier Rev. Thomas Reeder, Jr. One commissioned minister elect one to represent the combination of regions: Southeast and West (six-year term) Michael Oldenburg Karl Sattler Five laypersons elect one for each position indicated: West (six-year term) Jay Jaehnke Robert Pulley West (three-year term, to fill a vacancy) Marshall Gruening Timothy Mielcarek Northeast (six-year term) David Eberhardt Judith Paulson Central East (six-year term) John Powers Mark K. Bahr Southeast (six-year term) Linda Ault Greta Martin Nominations for other elected positions Nominations for circuit counselors appear in the convention workbook. Information about Camp LuWiSoMo board of directors nominations will be printed in Today s Business, the daily news and information update provided during the District convention. District committee on convention nominations Two ordained ministers elect one from each region: Southeast (six-year term) Rev. Thomas Chryst Rev. Daniel Feldscher Northeast (six-year term) Rev. Bryan Osladil Rev. Joseph Fisher Three commissioned ministers elect one from each region: Northeast (six-year term) Robert Eberhart Jeffrey Wegner Southeast (six-year term) Dennis Vierk Peter Lorenz (Continued on page 5) CONGREGATIONS CALLING PASTORS: Beloit St. John Fond du Lac Hope Madison Mt. Olive Muscoda/Highland St. Peter/Christ Sheboygan Immanuel (eval.) PASTORS WHO ARE CONSIDERING CALLS: Glenn Lucas Training Center for U.S. Missions, Concordia University, Irvine, CA to Mt. Olive, Madison PASTORS WHO HAVE ACCEPTED CALLS: Nathan Meador Zion, Staunton, IL to St. John, Plymouth PASTORS WHO HAVE DECLINED CALLS: Steve Hulke Redeemer, Marquette, MI to Mt. Olive, Madison Scott Kruse Peace, Antigo, WI to St. Peter/Christ, Muscoda/ Highland CANDIDATES PLACED: Ronald Riemer Immanuel, Westfield Marc Engelhardt Brookfield, Brookfield Eric Kolonich Redeemer, Manitowoc (associate) VICARS ASSIGNED: Phillip Borntrager St. Peter, Waterford Kyle Krueger Luther Memorial, Shorewood Erick Neider Grace, Menomonee Falls Steven Summerlot St. Paul, Union Grove Subscribe to econnect, the president s monthly newsletter and get the latest news delivered to your inbox. swd.lcms.org/e-news South Wisconsin District financial snapshot For the two months ending March 31, /31/09 3/31/08 Revenue 521, ,656 Expenses 481, ,755 Income/(Loss) 40, ,099 3/31/09 3/31/08 Congregational support 302, ,746 Decrease in income -192,123 For detailed information, go to swd.lcms.org and click on Ministry areas > Business office Mission advocate (continued from front page) work within the inner cities. We will link cultures together so that members of Hmong, African immigrant, and Hispanic communities can hear the precious Good News. This is an exciting and challenging time to build partnerships among individuals, groups, and congregations within the South Wisconsin District. It is our prayer that these connections and partnerships will provide long-term support of work done in local congregations as well as in many ministries within the District. I want to work with you to provide resources for today and for the future. Building long-term support will lead to financial stability for missions, congregations and the District. This in turn benefits the next generation of people we reach with the message of God s never-ending love. The mission field is changing; the world is coming to our doorstep. Not only is this a great opportunity to teach others about the Gospel, but we can also touch the lives of our new neighbors in the way that Jesus commands us to love one another, prayerfully reaching out, extending hands in friendship, understanding and love. Whether new neighbors are Asian or African immigrants, Hispanic, Deaf or Muslim our Savior died for all. Please continue to prayerfully support these missions, and if you would like to get more involved please contact me at kiehl@swd.lcms.org or call the District office at (800) or (414) God is providing a great opportunity to grow in faith and love through the mission outreach of the SWD; Thrivent has provided the grant to get started. I ask you for your help and your prayers for both the missions and my work with your congregation. Published bimonthly by the South Wisconsin District The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod Volume 33, 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: JULY/AUGUST 2009 SUBMISSION DEADLINE JUNE 1 Send your news to: editor@swd.lcms.org

3 May/June 2009 South Wisconsin News 3 Missionary Ted Krey joins team in Dominican Republic The South Wisconsin District is a partner in mission with LCMS World Mission and Bethesda Lutheran Homes of Watertown. The goal of this ministry is to plan and grow a dynamic, healthy, confessional, Gospel-proclaiming, independent national Lutheran church body in the Dominican Republic. The team of missionaries minister to and equip for service families with members who have developmental disabilities or other special needs. The following ministry summary recently came from their newsletter from the field. Read more online at swd.lcms.org. New Dominican Republic missionary Rev. Ted Krey was installed on Feb. 28, Left to right: Rev. Ted and Rebecca Krey, Danelle Putnam, Ana and Rev. Walter Ries. Rev. Ted and Rebecca Krey are the newbies in the Dominican Republic (DR) mission field, arriving in January For the past seven years, Krey served in the area of church planting and theological education in Venezuela. Krey s wife Rebecca joined him in Canada following their wedding in June 2008, and they are expecting their first child. The Kreys have been welcomed to the field by co-missionaries Danelle Putnam and Rev. Walter Ries Jr., the first LCMS missionaries to be placed in the DR. Both have been serving there since Much of Putnam s work has been focused on developmental disabilities outreach. Working with local institutions and organizations that support families with developmentally disabled children, Putnam has been helping to provide training for workers and seeking ways to include spiritual care in the lives of children with disabilities and their staff. Prior to her work in the DR, she spent six years serving in Panama. Ries came to the DR after his graduation from the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Brazil in Over the past three years he has been working to plant seeds for a national church and also to build up national leaders, including two current vicars, Willy and Joseph. Ries wife Ana, also of Brazil, joined him following their wedding in January Together, these missionaries are working to establish the first Lutheran congregations in the country, and to establish a theological education program to train future pastors, deacons and deaconesses, with an emphasis on integrating work with the developmentally disabled into these congregations. Currently there are seven confirmed Lutherans in the DR, all at the mission site in Santo Domingo. Mission plants, Bible clubs, and other programs are ongoing in four other areas including Santiago, Palmar Arriba, Las Americas and Licey. DR mission team prayer requests Pray for us this year as we work in five different parts of the country, seeking to teach those who respond to hearing the Gospel. For our growing Dominican mission team for love and understanding as we learn to work together. For the new Sunday school in Las Americas. For the developmental disability ministry in CONANI and Amigos de Jesus. For the continued development of the deaconess program. For the many classes across the country (Romans, Christian doctrine, confirmation classes) For safety in travel as we are on the road often. People of the Book Lutheran Outreach: It s time to seize the moment On March 24, 2009, 21 interested church workers and lay people from our area came to the SWD office to hear Rev. Gary Rohwer and Rev. Karrum Kahn talk about how the LCMS People of the Book Lutheran Outreach (POBLO) of Dearborn Heights, Mich., brings the news of a loving God to Muslims all over the world. Millions of immigrants to the United States are Muslim, Hindu or Sikh. For most of them, it is their very first time living around Christians and being in close proximity to Christian churches. POBLO s efforts towards friendship, hospitality and meeting social needs fosters an environment in which they can experience Christ s love, study the Word of God in their own language, prepare for baptism and potentially become members of LCMS congregations. Khurram is POBLO s executive director. Born in Pakistan, Khurram was raised in a Christian home where his grandfather had converted from Islam to Christianity. For over 14 years he worked as a materials engineer with an American oil company in Saudi Arabia. In 1995 he joined POBLO as a missionary. Under his leadership, POBLO has grown to an outreach mission society throughout North America and has started mission fields in northern India, Pakistan and Afghanistan, reaching out to Muslims as well as Hindus, Sikhs and other groups with the Gospel. POBLO partners with, trains, assists and helps circuits, congregations and LCMS districts do ethnic ministry. The POBLO presentation s purpose was to describe its mission in detail and to instill an enthusiasm for this ministry. It is hoped that a partnership with POBLO will soon be formed and a ministry support team will be in place, made up of mission minded and entrepreneurial laity as well as one or two local pastors. If you would like to know more about POBLO and the partnership the South Wisconsin District is forming with them, please contact Rev. Dan McMiller, SWD missions executive, at (414) Gospel light breaks through prison walls (continued from front page) unfulfilled and questioning the Islamic faith. Having been exposed to the faith of our chaplains, Afam Ikanih and Patrick Batom, and other Christian volunteers and inmates, he began to find peace from his guilt and release from doubt as he learned of his loving God and Savior, Jesus Christ. At the end of his testimony, he opened his Bible to 1 Timothy 2:5, For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. He is my Savior, he concluded. That is why he came to the chapel that day to be baptized. Wille honored with Doctorate of Divinity By Sarah Holtan (Concordia University Wisconsin, Mequon) Add doctor to the list of titles held by South Wisconsin District President John Wille. First he became a reverend of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, then president of the District and now he has become a Doctor of Divinity (D.D.). Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW) bestowed the honorary doctorate upon Wille May 16 in the R. John Buuck Field House in Mequon. The faculty at CUW nominated and selected Wille for this degree. Wille is no stranger to receiving awards, yet he considers the role of pastor to be his highest honor. Probably the greatest honor is being called a pastor, he said. I think that s the highest title a person can have in the church, other than being a Christian first. The degree is awarded to an individual who is a member of the clergy and has demonstrated significant contributions in the area of leadership or service to the LCMS. Wille has been District president since He admits the presidency is challenging at times but cannot turn the clock back to do things differently. I make it my goal to do what s right right for the church, right for the congregations, right for God s people. That s the priority. Dealing with matters in congregations is one of his greatest challenges. Pastors are sinners, too. We struggle with the same things that people in the pews struggle with... They are human beings who need forgiveness and God s love like everybody else. The District faces other pressing issues, according to Wille. Probably one of the big ones is getting people to work together. We re doing better, I think, getting congregations to work together in partnership to get something done with the Kingdom. One of our great Lutheran strengths is the fact that we have a lot of [independent congregations]. Everybody wants to be independent. The congregation is supreme; however, sometimes that s also our greatest weakness. Wille s willingness to work through these issues is seen in his motivation to juggle many diverse projects. They all go back to changing people s lives with the Gospel. Changing people s lives with the Gospel gives them a new value for human life, so it affects the way in which we look at conception and abortion, when life begins. Touching people with the Gospel affects their values for marriage, things that aren t acceptable, alternate lifestyles, he said. Missions work has a special place in his heart, though limited resources and changing demographics can be an obstacle to mission outreach. The culture is changing around us. The fastest-growing demographic in the state of Wisconsin is not Germanic, it s not white. It s Hispanic and African immigrant. The difference between now and 150 years ago is the Gospel is already here. The question is whether we are going to share it with the new immigrants, he said. Some of the biggest challenges are within the church, for us to get outside our four walls... Just because we ve always done it a certain way doesn t necessarily mean we always have to do it that way. Wille was nominated for the degree by Rev. Dr. Timothy Maschke, director of CUW s preseminary program and a professor of theology. Maschke describes Wille as a worthy man, a church man in a lot of ways. He s genuine in his presence. Maschke added, He s just a nice guy! Wille received the doctorate degree during CUW s May 16 commencement ceremony. A Christian focus is one piece of advice he has for students graduating during the worst recession in two decades. Just don t give up. Keep working at it. Whether it is going back to school to get a further degree or a job. These are tough times for everybody right now. It s just the good Lord testing, to get us back to our values. Wille admits he doesn t have much free time, but reading, golfing, and canoeing in the Boundary Waters are among his hobbies. Sometimes I joke I used to have a life and someday I will again.

4 4 South Wisconsin News May/June 2009 Gift Planning Services coming to the South Wisconsin District With the departure of John Meyer from the LCMS Foundation, there has been a void in servicing congregations and their members in the area of Christian estate planning and charitable giving options. After reviewing a number of strategies to fill this void, the South Wisconsin District has entered into an agreement with Gift Planning Services of Eau Claire. This organization and its leaders have a long history of serving congregations and districts within the LCMS. Gift Planning Services is led by Jennifer Nohelty and Ron Smith of Altoona, Wis. Both individuals have done a number of charitable gifting programs for congregations within Synod. Nohelty founded the company in She truly believes in helping people maximize what the Lord has given them to manage! Smith was a gift planning counselor for the LCMS Foundation until December Currently Smith serves the North Wisconsin and Northern Illinois Districts as a gift planner. Over the next few months Gift Planning Services will lead training that can be done right in the congregation. The first session is scheduled for May 16, 2009, at St. Peter, Reedsburg. The training will follow the new District theme for stewardship of Expanding stewardship horizons for today and tomorrow. The stewardship needs of South Wisconsin District congregations are diverse. In many congregations with schools, the need for funds can be devastating. In many urban congregations, and in some rural congregations, the ability to survive rests on endowment funds that were established years ago when the sanctuary was full. Now as members have moved away and the seats in the sanctuary are mostly unoccupied, the congregation creeps along just a member or two away from closing its doors. South Wisconsin District staff assists and resources congregations in becoming better stewards of the gifts that God has provided. We help pastors and lay leaders to lead a change in the understanding of what it means to be a steward in the congregation. This assistance comes in the form of personal visits to congregations, public seminars and written communication. Our newest team member Chuck Kiehl (see related story on front page) will help your congregation and its members identify immediate gifts that can be put toward the mission and ministry needs in the church. He will complement the work of stewardship learning communities, the well received Consecrated Stewards efforts, and the work of Gift Planning Services. If you have any questions about the stewardship services and resources that can be put to use in your congregation, feel free to contact the District stewardship coordinator, Tim Dittloff, at (414) When Lutheran Special School & Education Services (LSSES) added an art therapy program a few years ago, it was used mostly in one-onone situations. This school year, the art therapy program took a different turn in group sessions. When fourth grade teacher Katrina Schroeder of Mt. Calvary, Milwaukee, wanted her class to work better together, she summoned help from LSSES. Lutheran Special School & Education Services Art therapy teaches students to work together Listening, talking and taking turns. That s what we wanted the class to improve on, said Ruth Seider, licensed art therapist with LSSES. Any time students can learn to express themselves differently, it improves their learning. To accomplish the task, Seider came up with six different art experiences one for each week of the program. The first week the class made a talking stick. These have been used by American Indian tribes for centuries as a way of designating who had the right to speak in group discussions. The students used the talking stick in the same way. It was a lesson to learn to respect each other when other people are speaking a challenge because there were 21 students, Seider said. Another project was a group mandala, where students created a drawing together. Each student had to move around the circle and work in each other s space. According to Seider it demonstrates that we depend on everyone to bring something into the world. The most challenging assignment came when the class cut apart a famous painting, tried to copy the pieces and then put it back together. They compared their replicas to the original. This demonstrated that we all see things differently, Seider said. Once they get past the fear of not being perfect, it opens a whole world of possibilities. It gives them a way to see creative solutions for problems and makes them more open to other outcomes. Seider said she could see improvement each week, especially in the students who were self-conscious in the beginning. They were more open with expressing their ideas, seemingly because the class respected what they had to say. LSSES programs are funded independently from any organization or congregation. LSSES is grateful to the Lorenz Family Foundation for funding this project.

5 May/June 2009 South Wisconsin News 5 Deaf immersion experience at Divine Savior, Hartford Deaf culture and ministries for the deaf were highlighted on March 22 at Divine Savior, Hartford. Morning services conducted by Rev. William Palmer, missionary-at-large to the deaf in eastern Wisconsin, included ASL signing in addition to the spoken word. A highlight of the service was a presentation by the deaf choir from Emmanuel, West Allis. Joel Mankowski, American Sign Language studies clinical instructor at UW Milwaukee, presented an inside look at deaf culture. Divine Savior member Brenda Lerner, who is studying to become a certified ASL interpreter, signs the 10:45 a.m. Joel Mankowski worship service on the second and fourth Sundays. Japanese exchange student baptized in Sheboygan Eri Sarah Yahiro, daughter of Yoichi (Tobinga) and Sachiko Yahiro of Fukuoka, Japan, was baptized by Rev. Christian Gugel at Good Shepherd, Sheboygan. Yahiro is a foreign exchange student living in Sheboygan with Brad and Patti Jo TenHaken, who are also her sponsors. She attended a Christian high school while in Japan and will return there for one more year. While in Sheboygan, she is a student at South High. Yahiro would like to further her education at a Christian college and become a translator. She regularly worships with the TenHakens at Good Shepherd, and when Gugel spoke with Eri about her faith, he eventually instructed her. She sought permission from her parents to be Rev. Christian Gugel and Eri Yahiro baptized, which they granted. Yahiro was baptized and received her first communion on March 15. She commented that her father is now beginning to read the Bible. LCMS World Mission: These are the Asia Times In February, President John Wille and Rev. John Mehl, LCMS World Mission regional director for Asia, signed a partnership agreement that reminds us as a District to fulfill our responsibility to partner with LCMS World Mission. Did By John and Susan Mehl (john.mehl@lcms.org) SERVICE TRIP Ted [Rev. Theodore Engelbrecht, missionary to Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Indonesia] and John [Mehl] spent part of Holy Week on a service trip to a rural area with members of Church of All Nations (our Lutheran congregation in Hong Kong). We were doing a follow-up on water projects. There are 700 villages in the county in which we worked and only 300 have running water. Bringing running water to villages is part of the human care work done by congregations and schools in Asia and the U.S. We also distributed health kits and taught proper hygiene. I am guessing that you didn t know there are seven steps to proper hand-washing. (Don t forget your finger-pits.) Service trips such as this provide opportunities to can show Christian love to those in need, and it gives the opportunity to answer the often asked question, Why do you do this for us? RESURRECTION DAY We were somewhat surprised to see the Sunday cover of the PostMagazine in the South China Morning Post which declares boldly, Christ has risen. The structure on the cover is the entrance to the Forbidden City in Beijing, and instead of a portrait of Mao, you can see Jesus. The text at the bottom says, Jesus of Nazareth now has more followers on the mainland than the Communist Party. The tolerance of growing Christianity is complex. The magazine article indicates that there is less worry that Christians are going to revolt, but rather will help. It is also known that the huge numbers of the volunteers who raced to help with the aftermath of last year s devastating earthquake in Sichuan province were Christians. This includes LCMS World Mission and LCMS World Relief. you know that greater growth in Christianity is being seen in Asia than in any other part of the world? The newsletter below highlights the need to be attentive to Asian outreach as well as other global mission opportunities. A professor is quoted in the article as saying that it has taken a long time for trust to develop between the government officials and Christians. He said, Many meetings have taken place over the years between imprisoned pastors and their police jailers and this has bred a closer understanding. There is power in the Word. The article claims that there are as many as 125 million Christians in China today. This is an amazing number, but we can t forget that the total population of China is 1.33 billion. PRAYER REQUESTS Pray for all those who bear witness to the Resurrection of Christ, even if in chains. Pray for those who bring help to those in need. Ft. Wayne and St. Louis Seminary call days assign new workers Convention (continued from page 2) Central East (three-year term, to fill a vacancy) Sherry Scheid Dennis Wallinger Three laypersons elect one from each region: Northeast six-year term) Ronald Kabitzke Jeff Behrens Southeast (six-year term) Mark Droegemueller Christa Hegland Central East (three-year term, to fill a vacancy) Michael Milbrath Timothy Warnke Concordia University board of regents One ordained minister (three-year term): Rev. William Otto Rev. John Berg One commissioned minister (three-year term): Mark M. Bahr James Braun Two laypersons (threeyear term): Position I Susan Groth Joshua Schroeder Position II Robert Seefeld William Zick Norbert Oesch Matthew Harrison Special guests Rev. Dr. Norbert Oesch (Pastoral Leadership Institute executive leader) will preach at the opening memorial service and present two Bible study/reflections, as will Rev. Matthew Harrison (executive director of LCMS World Relief and Human Care). Rev. Dr. Gerald Kieschnick will bring his president s report the convention and will preach at the closing worship service. Overtures submitted for convention A number of overtures were submitted covering a variety of issues, including: proposed Synod restructuring and congregational representation, the convention nominations, homosexuality and others. Floor committees made up of convention delegates drafted resolutions based on these overtures. Resolutions are posted at swd.lcms.org/convention and will be distributed in Today s Business. Vicarage/deaconess internship assignments took place April 20 at Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne, Ind. Those serving in South Wisconsin are pictured with SWD President John Wille (left to right): Kimberly Krueger, Kyle Krueger (vicar, Luther Memorial, Shorewood), Steven Summerlot (vicar, St. Paul, Union Grove), Lisa Summerlot and Phillip Borntrager (vicar, St. Peter, Waterford). Not pictured: Erin Jones (deaconess intern, chaplaincy ministry, Plymouth). During call day services on April 22, 2009, at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, 122 pastoral calls, 98 vicarages and four deaconess assignments for students were announced. Those assigned in the South Wisconsin District, pictured with spouses and the District president are, from left, front row, Dawn Gibson (deaconess intern, A Place of Refuge Ministries, Milwaukee), Joelle Neider, Jennifer Kolonich, Rev. John Wille; second row, Erik Neider (vicar, Grace, Menomonee Falls) and Eric Kolonich (associate pastor, Redeemer, Manitowoc). Not pictured is Marc Engelhardt (pastor, church planter, Brookfield, Brookfield). There is still time to sign up! Join us for the trip of a lifetime to experience the Passion Play of Oberammergau, Germany in Our tour will also stop at: Normandy Lucerne Paris Innsbruck Strasbourg Munich Travel dates: July 23 August 3, 2010 Hosts: Dr. & Mrs. Ron Meyer; Pastor & Mrs. Bryan O Connor; Pastor & Mrs. Wayne Schroeder For info, call or wayne-bev@sbcglobal.net

6 6 South Wisconsin News May/June 2009 CHURCH WORKER NEWS St. Paul, West Allis, honors Jim Dittman On Sunday, May 31, 2009, St. Paul, West Allis, will honor Jim Dittman for 25 years in the Lutheran teaching ministry. He will be recognized at the 8 a.m. worship service that morning followed by a brunch and special program. The morning will culminate in a golf outing at the Preserve at Deer Creek in New Berlin with Dittman as guest of honor. Dittman has taught 20 of his 25 year at St. Paul following a five-year call to Walther Memorial, Milwaukee. He has taught seventh and eighth grade and recently became the school s computer and technology coordinator. He also teaches seventh and eighth grade Spanish and pre-algebra. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he has coached basketball, volleyball and track. Dittman s favorite Bible passage that he uses to guide his life is from Colossians 3:17, And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Please contact the school office at (414) for more information if you are interested in attending any of the planned events. Rajek installed at Mt. Calvary, Janesville On March 29, 2009, Rev. Cory J. Rajek was installed as the new pastor at Mt. Calvary, Janesville. SWD President John Wille installed Rajek in front of over 200 congregational members, family, friends and fellow pastors. A dinner reception followed to welcome Rajek and his family into the congregation. Rajek is the first pastor installed at the Mineral Point Avenue location. The installation of former pastor Rev. R. Thomas Colgrove took place 18 years ago at the church s prior location on Washington Street. Along with his wife Jennifer and two daughters, Emily and Alexis, Rajek came to Janesville from Augusta, Wis. He was ordained in 2001 and served three other congregations, two in Iowa and one in Augusta. Schubert installed at Divine Redeemer, Hartland Rev. Jeffery Schubert was installed Feb. 15, 2009, as executive pastor of Divine Redeemer, Hartland. Schubert served in St. Louis on the LCMS Board for District and Congregational Services (DCS) staff since 1998, first as director of family ministry, and then as executive director since February Previously, he was director of youth and family ministry for the South Wisconsin District ( ), after serving as pastor of Trinity- Freistadt, Mequon, and Faith, Lincoln, Neb. He is a 1981 graduate of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. He and his wife, Judy (a registered orthopedic nurse), have two grown children, Christin and Joseph. Divine Redeemer has more than 2,600 baptized members, with average weekend worship attendance exceeding 800. Its school enrolls 300 students through eighth grade. Judy and Rev. Jeff Schubert

7 May/June 2009 South Wisconsin News 7 Seminary Hosts EIIT and DIT students during urban leadership seminar Three representatives from the South Wisconsin District attended an urban leadership seminar hosted by Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, on March They were Moua Vang, a student from the Ethnic Immigrant Institute of Theology (EIIT), Patricia Hycnar from the Deaf Institute of Theology (DIT), and her mentor, Rev. John Reinke, missionary-at-large for the deaf in the District s west region. A total of 24 students heard presentations on outreach, pastoral and deaconess preparation and cultural affairs. This seminar did address quite a wide range of topics including leading families in the context of urban ministry, as well as cross-cultural, said Dr. John Loum, EIIT director. The wide representation of EIIT students is a testimony to how Concordia Seminary in the 21st century is tackling theological education through modern technology. Front row, left to right: Khai Lee, Moua Vang, Soun See, Linda Desrosiers, Patricia Hycnar; second row: Greg Desrosiers, Saron Woldehaimanot, Lusienie Fofana, Vincent Paul, Dietrick Gladden, Dr. John Loum, Valbrune Saintelus; third row: Rev. John Reinke, Rev. Matthew Tooman, Justin Jean Francois, Rev. Daniel Bartley, Augustus Soko, Mercidieu Auguste, Negro Prevalus. EIIT is a specialized program of theological education and formation for effective pastoral and deaconess leadership within immigrantbased churches. DIT provides an alternative route to ordination for deaf and hard of hearing LCMS members. The seminar is one of three residential seminars that EIIT and DIT students are required to attend prior to program completion. For more information on EIIT, call (314) or eiit@csl.edu. For more information on DIT, call (314) or signschool@csl.edu. Fan into Flame campaign tops $44.1 million By Paula Schlueter Ross SOS Center treats after school students to family fun day On Saturday April 4, 2009, SOS Center (Struggle of Survival/Strength of Savior, Milwaukee) and volunteer students from Concordia University in Mequon invited the families of their after school program students to a family fun day. It was an all-day event at which these families could meet the volunteers assisting their children with after school help. Over 25 after school kids and 20 volunteers shared a day of food and fun. A hearty breakfast of pancakes, bacon and sausage started the day, compliments of Mr. and Mrs. Darrel Wood. Breakfast was followed by a devotion with lots of singing and musical instruments. Games followed before lunch, provided by the SOS Center, Mr. and Mrs. Keith Konen and Mary Todd- Krueger. The afternoon started out with separate male and female group discussions. Then a movie, outdoor games and more worship, songs and praise dancing were enjoyed. The songs and music reached high decibel levels that set off the fire alarms! The kids and parents enjoyed the day so much that we are considering doing it once a month beginning in August, and open it up to all kids in the community, said Armita Harmon, SOS Center director. It s a good way to minister to the kids. A special guest was Charles Kiehl, South Wisconsin District s new mission advocate. He stopped in to learn more about SOS and its ministry programs for which Harmon and all the volunteers work tirelessly. President John Wille also sent greetings, We have so much to get done for our Lord s Kingdom here in South Wisconsin... so many that haven't heard the Gospel message of forgiveness, so many who haven t felt the loving touch of those who know him as Savior. The SOS Center is an important part of what we can accomplish together in the city. Thanks Armita! Thanks to each of you for your passion for this ministry! For more information on how you can help support this vital work, please contact Chuck Kiehl at (414) or (800) Above all, please remember the SOS Center in your prayers. With funding from its $1 million-plus Fan into Flame effort which exceeded its goal by 715 percent, netting the congregation a return of $150,000 First Immanuel, Cedarburg, plans to train members for outreach, fund adult day care programs, provide financial assistance so that unchurched families can send their children to the congregation s school, and organize and fund overseas mission trips. Fan into Flame, the synodwide campaign to raise $100 million for new Ablaze!- related mission projects, has received $44,185,311 in gifts and pledges, as of Feb. 20, Ablaze! is the initiative of the LCMS and its partner churches worldwide to share the Gospel with 100 million people unreached or uncommitted to faith in Christ by 2017, the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. Authorized by the Synod s 2004 national convention, the Fan into Flame funding campaign is slated to run through the July 10-17, 2010, convention in Houston, although many of those who have made pledges are expected to honor them after that date. With just over 16 months left and the campaign nearly halfway toward its goal planners and others who have been involved in the effort say they are pleased with its progress. Ten LCMS districts have completed Fan into Flame campaigns, 16 are involved now, and several others are planning to start them. Even if the total falls short of the $100 million goal, the campaign still will have raised awareness about mission-centered stewardship and raised an unprecedented amount of money for God s mission worldwide, according to Jeffrey A. Craig-Meyer, who oversees the fundraiser as associate executive director of development services with LCMS World Mission. Perhaps best of all, he noted, those funds already are being used by congregations, districts, and LCMS World Mission for evangelistic efforts such as financing mission trips, planting congregations, reaching out to immigrants, sharing the New Testament with American youth, and calling missionaries for service both within and outside of the United States. Each congregation and district that contributes to the campaign receives back a portion of the funds they collect. These 15 percent distributions received four times a year are to be used for new, Ablaze!-related outreach projects.

8 8 South Wisconsin News May/June 2009 AROUND THE DISTRICT St. John, West Bend, celebrates 150th anniversary St. John, West Bend, is in the midst of its 10- month long 150th anniversary celebration. During its history St. John s has called 34 pastors, with the longest-serving pastor being Rev. Edward Hoyer from 1883 to As a feature of its celebration year the congregation has scheduled five previous pastors to preach on the following dates, with the years served at St. John s in parenthesis: May 24, Rev. Kevin Jones ( ); June 28, Rev. Blair Clark ( ); July 26, Rev. Dan Kelm ( ); Aug. 23, Rev. Arlo Nau ( ); Sept. 27, Rev. Robert Hoehner ( and ). The anniversary year closing celebration on Oct. 4 will be a community-wide service at Washington County Park Pavillion, with LCMS President Gerald Kieschnick as guest preacher. MLHS guild helps your garden grow You can support Milwaukee Lutheran High School and have a beautiful garden. Purchase as many $10 certificates you would like from the members of the MLHS ladies guild. Then take the certificates to Shady Lane Greenhouses at W172N7388 Shady Lane, Menomonee Falls. You pay the normal purchase price for plants and MLHS receives 25% for every coupon redeemed. Certificates will be available at the May 26 meeting. For more information, call (262) May 26 is the annual spring luncheon/donation day in the cafeteria of the high school. Lunch is at 12:30 p.m. followed by the program, Free to Fly presented by Karen Lippert. Using Scripture and her unique sense of humor, Lippert shares the reality of each stage of the butterfly, as well as the cautions and hopes connected with them. Tickets are $7 and may be purchased from guild members or call (414) A section of the parking lot in front of the gym will be reserved for the event. Chaplaincy picnic in Plymouth July 12 Come up nort into the wilderness You are cordially invited to the seventh annual chaplaincy fund-raising picnic on Sunday, July 12, 2009, at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth. Picnic entertainment includes the Clauson Family Music Show, a variety of country, rock and roll, bluegrass, Gospel and comedy. 10:30 a.m. Worship service led by Rev. Tom Fleischmann 11:30 Brats, hamburgers and hot dogs, sweet corn with all the fix ns plus dessert and beverage; Culver s custard for purchase 12:30-4 p.m. Displays and hands-on demonstrations by Gander Mountain of Sheboygan 12:30-2 Stage music show by members of the Clauson Family 1 p.m. Sheboygan Co. Sheriff Dept. K9 demonstration 2 p.m. Bingo This event is the Sheboygan County chaplaincy ministry s major annual fundraiser to enable bringing God s Word to the residents of Sheboygan area nursing homes and assisted living centers. This ministry is supported solely by donations. Your tax-deductible donation entitles you to all picnic activities and food. Trinity, Menasha, hosts Bible Bee The Shelby Kennedy Organization introduces the first national Bible Bee, a motivating Bible memory competition for children and youth from 7 to 18. The goal is to build godly character in young people by calling them back to the lost discipline of Scripture memorization. Most people are familiar with the Scripps National Spelling Bee, where youth compete annually in the nation s longest-running educational contest. While it is certainly beneficial for our children to The Clauson Family will perform at the July 12 chaplaincy picnic in Plymouth. If you are unable to attend and would like to send a donation, or preregister, please mail to: Chaplaincy Ministry P.O. Box 351, Plymouth, WI Funds are supplemented by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. For more information, visit sheboygancountychaplaincy.org. commit the spelling of words to memory, imagine how much more life-changing it will be for them to memorize the Word of God! Local Bible Bee contests will be conducted throughout the United States on Saturday, Sept. 12,2009. Trinity, Menasha, will host a local contest. To learn more, call Juliet Colby at (920) or e- mail julietcolby@aol.com. One hundred finalists from each of three age categories will then advance to the national Bible Bee for a two-day, world-class competition which will be held in Washington, D.C., on Nov Interested contestants and their families may find out more about the Bible Bee competition at biblebee.org. The Bible Bee will distribute more than $260,000 in prize money with $100,000 being awarded to the first-place winner of the top age bracket. The long-term vision of Bible Bee competition is to equip children and youth to be bold ambassadors for Jesus Christ to the next generation. A Place of Refuge Ministries holds LifeWalk June 13 This year s LifeWalk will take place June 13 at Luther Memorial Chapel & University Student Center (3833 N. Maryland Ave., Shorewood). Participants will enjoy fun, family friendly activities including continental breakfast, entertainment, children s activities and lunch. The highlight of the event is a 1.5 mile walk in beautiful Shorewood. All events are free, but participants are asked to find individuals, church groups and/or businesses to sponsor their participation in the walk. Registration, breakfast and activities begin at 9 a.m. and the walk starts at 10:30 a.m. with lunch to follow. To register and obtain a sponsor sheet please call (414) or register and download a sponsor sheet at aporonline.org. All funds raised will benefit pregnant women and their children served by A Place of Refuge Ministries of South Wisconsin. A Place of Refuge provides advocacy services for women in need and Refuge House, a shelter for pregnant women. Supplemental funds are provided by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Our Redeemer golf outing Our Redeemer, Wauwatosa, will hold its fourth annual golf outing Saturday, June 13, at Fairways of Woodside golf course in Sussex. The event begins with an 8:45 a.m. shotgun start and includes continental breakfast and lunch. There will also be a putting contest, silent auction, drawings for prizes, and a social hour. Visit orlsgolf.com for details. Register by May 31. Proceeds support the school endowment fund and 5K room expenses. Sept. 26 set for second Wauwatosa ethnic folk fair Pilgrim, Wauwatosa, will host an ethnic folk fair this fall, making it the fair s second annual appearance. With the success they enjoyed their first time around last year, Sept. 26 promises to be an enjoyable event for all ages. New this year will be a multi-cultural fashion show and other surprises. The fair runs from noon to 6 p.m. in the school gym located at 6717 W. Center St. in Wauwatosa. Anniversary Corner Birthdays (90, 95, 100 & above) MAY 1 Dorothy Stehling, 90, St. John, West Bend 3 Dorothy Scharine, 90, Our Redeemer, Delavan 14 Lorraine Delling, 90, Pilgrim, West Bend 16 Rachel Sparr, 90, Pella, Waupun 22 Evelyn Baaske, 90, St. Stephen, Horicon 24 Marie Taylor, 95, St. John, West Bend 27 Pearl Weiss, 95, Trinity, Wautoma 31 Florence Radtke, 90, Calvary, Princeton JUNE 1 Hattie Thom, 95, Mt. Olive, Milwaukee 3 Harvey Gietzel, 90, St. Stephen, Horicon 6 Gwendolyn Mueller, 90, Elm Grove, Elm Grove 15 Almo wilkins, 90, Our Redeemer, Delavan 16 Alice Kramer, 90, Pella, Waupun Violet Schmeling, 90, Mt. Olive, Milwaukee 23 Verna Jones, 95, Grace Omro Ethyl Ohmann, 90, St. John, West Bend 29 Wilbert Marten, 95, Pilgrim, Wauwatosa Neoma Miller, 95, Grace, Omro Anniversaries (50, 55, 60, 65 & above) MAY 1 Kenneth and Eileen Sellnow, 55, St. John, Mayville 1 Leland and Ardell Townsend, 55, St. John, Mayville 6 Jerry and Lorraine Block, 65, St. Paul, Cascade 7 Donald and Ruth Bockmann, Trinity, West Allis 8 James and Janet Frank, 55, Pilgrim, Wauwatosa 9 Ernst and Nancy Schuchardt, 50, Elm Grove, Elm Grove 14 Robert and Beverly Mueller, 60, Trinity, West Allis Miles and Luella Protzmann, 60, St. John, West Bend Hilmer and Arlene Zastrow, 60, St. Peter, Lebanon 15 Harold and Loretta Fritz, 55, Trinity, Wautoma 21 Jack and Marilyn Ferris, 60, Grace, Omro Erwin and Eleanor Gohr, 60, Berea, Milwaukee 23 Delmar and Lois Schmidt, 50, St. Stephen, Horicon 29 Al and Esther Raasch, 67, Calvary, Princeton Dale and Shirley Rindfleisch, 55, St. John, Mayville JUNE 2 Edgar and Genevieve Kanzenbach, 69, St. Stephen, Horicon 6 Bruce and Esther King, 50, Our Redeemer, Delavan Charles and Marlene Knueppel, 50, St. Stephen, Horicon Ken and Gladys Troedel, 50, St. John, West Bend 8 Russel and Norma Schultz, 68, St. Stephen, Horicon 13 Ralph and Carol Kohrs, 50, Mt. Olive, Milwaukee Don and Lani Niese, 50, St. Andrew, West Bend 14 Fred and Barbara Kurth, 50, Elm Grove, Elm Grove 17 Gene and Betty Altpeter, 60, Elm Grove, Elm Grove 18 Harvey and Marie Buchta, 60, St. John, Mayville Raymond and Gladys Hron, 60, St. John, West Bend Stony and Dorothy Steinbach, 60, St. John, Mayville 19 Lou and Ruth Jaeger, 55, St. Paul, Cascade 20 Harlan and Pat Hahn, 50, Trinity, Reeseville Herbert and Dorothy Rudolf, 50, St. John, West Bend 24 Robert and Joyce Kickbusch, 50, Pilgrim, Wauwatosa 25 LeRoy and Pauline Biscobing, 60, St. Paul, Brown Deer 26 Robert and Bernice Boettcher, 55, St. John, West Bend Mark and Donna Rodd, 55, St. John, West Bend 27 Joseph and Anita Los, 68, Pilgrim, Wauwatosa Send us the names of people who will observe a July or August 2009 birthday (90, 95, 100, or above) or anniversary (50, 55, 60, 65, or above). Deadline is June 1, Mail to: South Wisconsin News, 8100 W. Capitol Dr., Milwaukee, WI editor@swd.lcms.org.

9 May/June 2009 South Wisconsin News 9 UPCOMING EVENTS Church worker golf outing July 13 Mark your calendar now and plan to attend this year s SWD golf outing for professional church workers on July 13, Please watch the swd.lcms.org website for more details, or call Peg Raabe at (414) Youth and family day at Noah s Ark Waterpark Friday, June 26 It s time to think summer for the annual SWD day at Noah s Ark Water Park in Wisconsin Dells. Your price of $27 for adults and $23 for children 12 and under includes a one-day unlimited use pass and an allyou-can-eat lunch buffet. This is a great savings over the regular admission price! New for 2009 is Curse of the Crypt a haunting new adventure. Order passes for your family or group by June 12. For more information, visit swd.lcms.org/registration or call Robin or Herman at (414) Parish nurses celebrate 10 year anniversary On Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2009, the SWD parish nurse network will celebrate their 10th anniversary. This special meeting will be held at the District Office beginning at 10:30 a.m. All parish nurses are welcome as well as any individuals interested in congregational health. More details will be sent out and posted on the District website soon. Racine Lutheran High hosts academic bowl Racine Lutheran High School recently hosted an Academic Bowl. Participating elementary schools were Concordia, Racine Christian, St. John and Trinity. The goal of the academic bowl is to give middle school students an opportunity to challenge themselves. They can use their academic gifts in a fun, yet competitive, setting. Events for individual competition included a spelling bee, paper airplane flying contest, Sudoku, art, and eight different writing divisions. School teams participated in a quiz bowl Women s Leadership Institute announces 3rd biennial national conference April 16-18, 2010 The Women s Leadership Institute of Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW) will host its third biennial national conference April 16-18, 2010, at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center in Milwaukee. Participants will explore various aspects of communication under the theme, Listening, Linking, Leading: From Words to Action based on Exodus 4:12, Now go. I will help you speak and I will teach you what to say. Featured speakers will include Dr. Jean Garton, Benton, Racine quiz bowl teams from Concordia and Trinity compete, led by moderator and history teacher Nick Gasau. Ark., as keynote, along with plenary speakers Dr. Bernard Bull from CUW and Dr. Carol McDaniel from Concordia University Irvine, Calif. Karen Lippert, a parish coordinator of women's ministries, will lead the Bible studies, and CUW President Patrick Ferry will conduct the Sunday worship. In addition, 15 sectional presentations will explore a variety of topics related to leadership, communication and priorities. A new feature will be preconference schools for in-depth, Brookfield resident joins LCMS World Mission as business manager for Africa Coral Rose has joined the missionary team of LCMS World Mission as regional business manager for Africa. Rose will be based in Pretoria, South Africa, and will travel throughout the continent, supporting the work of missionaries, partner churches and mission projects in countries like Guinea, Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Togo and Uganda. Rose earned a bachelor s degree in business education with an emphasis in accounting from Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Ind., and previously held accounting, analyst and project management positions at communications, manufacturing, consulting and nonprofit organizations. More recently, she earned a master s degree in religious education from Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minn. In Africa, LCMS World Mission works to address the needs expressed by emerging and partner church bodies. This often entails providing leadership training for laypeople and future pastors. LCMS World Mission also works with other churches to meet immediate physical needs of people and begin human care initiatives. Learn more about LCMS World Mission s work in 23 African countries at lcmsworldmission.org/africa. event. More than 100 students competed for ribbons and medals in the various categories. Winning teams in the popular quiz bowl were St. John s for the seventh and eighth grade division and Racine Christian for the fifth and sixth grade division. personalized training in speaking and writing. The speakers and writers schools, under the leadership of noted speaker Ruth Koch, Denver, Colo., and highly respected author and editor, Dr. Jane Fryar, St. Louis, Mo., will be offered April 13-16, 2010 at the conference site. Conference registration will open in June Consult the WLI website (wlicuw.org) for additional information or contact Bonnie Treloar at bonnie.treloar@cuw.edu or (262) The Lutheran Hour local broadcast guide City Station Day Time Chicago WGN 720 AM Sunday 6 a.m. Hartford WTKM FM Sunday 7:30 a.m. Hartford WTKM 1540 AM Sunday 7:30 a.m. Plymouth WJUB 1420 AM Sunday 5 p.m. West Bend WBKV 1470 AM Sunday 10 a.m. Woman to Woman City Station Day Time Milwaukee WGLB 1560 AM Saturday 7 p.m. Lutheran Radio Church Service changes station, time Effective March 1, 2009, the Lutheran Radio Church Service airs at 7 a.m. Sundays on JOY 1340 AM (WJYI) in Milwaukee. Lutheran Radio Church Service was aired on WTMJ radio since Feb. 19, 1928, making it one of the longest continuously running free religious programs to have originated on only one station in the history of broadcasting. It is produced and sponsored by Milwaukee area congregations of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod and the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. Changing economic times have forced the program to begin paying for its air time. An operating budget equal to the cost of supporting the weekly 25- minute program on WTMJ is beyond the means of Lutheran Radio Church Service Inc. An agreement with JOY has made it possible to continue broadcasting Lutheran Radio Church Service affordably. The Lutheran Radio Church Service committee encourages listeners, congregations and others to support their efforts to ensure the future of this broadcast. Please send donations to Lutheran Radio Church Service, P.O. Box 501, Brookfield, WI Sermon audio is archived online at Directory Send listings for LCMS worship services and programs to editor@ swd.lcms.org or mail to Communications, South Wisconsin District, 8100 W. Capitol Dr., Milwaukee, WI Listen to WJYI 1340 AM online at joy1340.com; WTMJ 620 AM at wtmj620am.com. Lutheran Radio Church Service, Sundays at 6 a.m. on WTMJ 620 AM 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. 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. CLASSIFIED FOR SALE: Stackable, molded (dark brown) chairs for sale, very good condition. $3 each or best offer. Call St. Mark, Belgium, (262) FOR SALE: Almay and Gaspard chasubles (large), gothic style, appliquéd Christian symbols with matching stoles and cinctures in blue, purple, cream, gold and green. Lightweight, excellent condition, pictures available. $175 each. Call (920) or kfrankenberg2000@ yahoo.com. SUBSCRIBE TODAY Are you getting your copy of the South Wisconsin News? For $5 per year you can have it delivered to your door, sent to students away at school, shut-ins, or former members of the District anyone who wants to keep in touch with LCMS happenings in southern Wisconsin. Make your $5 check payable to South Wisconsin District and mail to South Wisconsin News, 8100 W. Capitol Dr., Milwaukee, WI Name Address City, State, Zip

10 10 South Wisconsin News May/June 2009 Mission Lamp Lutheran Women s Missionary League News Here is what Lutheran Women in Mission are doing! National Convention Portland, OR June 25-29, 2009 Fall Retreat Oct , 2009 Lake Geneva Mission grant education for : 5. Biblical Braille Production: $6,000 This grant is used to supply God s Word by means of over 1, 714 volumes of Braille absolutely free. The cost of one Bible is approximately $144 and both sides of the paper is used. Bibles are mailed to 103 countries. DISTRICT OFFICERS President Jan Dankwardt jan.dankwardt@yahoo.com VP, Servant Resources Judy Paulson judykay1@ix.netcom.com VP, Gospel Outreach/ Christian Life Florence Harms fharmslwml@triwest.net VP, Human Care, Grants Linda Christensen ac88@mhtc.net VP, Communications Barbara Kurth barbtk4@juno.com Recording Secretary Linda Ault copi1kitty@aol.com Corres. Secretary Barbara Strenger barogst@att.net Financial Secretary (Receives all funds) Janis Mattson 3557 S. 43rd St. Greenfield, WI jmm11098@aol.com Renewal Committe Chairman Jean Kruse djkruse4@aol.com Treasurer(Pays all bills) Debbie Netz djnetz@charter.net Senior Counselor Rev. David Totsky tots_brkfld@yahoo.com Junior Counselor Rev. Brian Beardsley (O) revbr@centutytel.net From our President What is the soul? During the Lenten Season, our church did a study about Jesus and His relationships with people. His command to us is to love everyone, but most important is to love Him. In Mark 12 we are told, The most important command is this: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, ALL YOUR SOUL, all your mind, and all your strength; and, the second command is like it, Love your neighbor as you love yourself. There are no commands more important than these. So, what exactly is your soul? I always thought of my soul as the part of me that loves Jesus and will leave the rest of me when I go to Heaven. My soul includes my entire God given characteristics and surrenders my will to the Father. Therefore, God wants all of your will! In His Word, you can begin to Jan Dankwardt learn about loving God with your whole heart. Spend some time reading and really digesting His word. Listen as he speaks to your heart. The Lord will want you to surrender your will to him. Are there any doors that you would not want him to open? Are there any persons or situations in your life that you are not willing to totally give over to the Lord s will? A man named Philip Doddridge, who lived during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries wrote a prayer that was included in his book, The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul. (Andover, Mass.: Flagg and Gould, printers, 1831) I this day do, with the utmost solemnity, surrender myself to thee. I renounce all former lords that have had dominion over me; and I consecrate to thee all that I am, and all that I have; the faculties of my mind, the members of my body, my worldly possessions, my time, and my influence over others; to be all used entirely for thy glory, and resolutely employed in obedience to thy commands, as long as thou continues me in life.to thee I leave the management of all events, and say without reserve, Not my Will but Thine be Done. God s blessings as you consider if you have really given it ALL to Him, Jan. YWRs to go to Portland in June and a special honor for past H2H leader Victoria Ohde Susan Vang and a member from the Pacific Northwest District have been chosen to exclusively man the H to H booth at the convention. They were chosen because they are shining examples of women who have gone back to the districts and connected. They will engage the women at the convention. MANY NATIONS, ONE GOD-PRAISING GOD IN DIFFERENT CULTURES On Saturday, March 7, our Heart to Heart Sisters Committee, headed by Joy Ikanih, blessed us with a Multicultural Day of Worship and Praise at Bethany Lutheran Church in Milwaukee. Pastor Vang opened with prayer and the Hmong youth, dressed in their native clothing, sang a beautiful song of praise for us. The opening song was Ntawm Tus Tswv Yexus Lub Npe, which translated to English means, In the Name of Jesus. Many of the songs sung by the different groups were very similar to the praise choruses that we sing at our LWML events. Rev. Dan McMiller told us that the LWML is a positive vibration in the church. The Efik/Ibibio youth also sang special songs for us: Lion esien Judah: The Lion of Tribe of Judah, Mama Christ Obong: I love Christ, Oh Jehovah: We Will Worship Jehovah, Afo mondi otor: You are Worthy to be Praised. The Yoruba, Ibo and Efik/Ibibio languages that were represented all originated from the country of Nigeria. Pastor Jon Leider, who has been working with multicultural groups for many years, reminded us in his message that The Lord s Word is Beyond Cultures. He opened with the Bible reading in English from Matthew 6:31-33 and Galatians 3:26-29, and then the readings were spoken in French, Spanish, Hmong, Efik, Yoruba and Ibo languages. He told us, Stewardship and missions go hand in hand. Without stewardship, missions cannot take place, and without missions, stewardship is meaningless. What did I like the best? I guess it was when the people from the different cultures came down the aisle singing and dancing as they brought their offerings forward for the Lord. What a joy to share in that time together and praise our God. We also sang, What a Friend we Have in Jesus, in the different languages. The men and women, in native dress, were a picture of diversity. Some of the husbands and wives wore similar colors. Especially intriguing was the method of how the women s hats were wrapped. There is a special way to do it and that is passed down through the generations. After our time of worship, we were invited to join them for food and fellowship. There was so much food that it would be impossible to try all of it. We had different kinds of rice and noodles, beef and chicken with vegetables, goat, several kinds of fish, salads and desserts and they even made turkey and dressings for the less adventurous among us. We enjoyed the fellowship and found out more about the different ways we do things. Many pictures were taken and I will be sharing them with you on the website. Please check it out and see what a great time we had. The Heart to Heart Committee is hoping to do this again. I would really recommend that you give it a try. It is a wonderful experience. God blessed the day with everything that was needed for a successful outcome. We thank Joy and her Heart to Heart Committee, Sarah Adetiba, Yong Vang, Lea Kasongo, Ijeoma Nchekwaram, Esther Ndon, and Francisca Ikanih. They gave us much to be thankful for as we praised our God together. Submitted by Jan Dankwardt, Joyful Participant Victoria lives in Brookfield and attends Elm Grove Lutheran Church. She is the mother of three children who attend Elm Grove Lutheran School. She is 39 years old and has done some traveling aroecause her mother is from the Ukraine. She is interested in learning about different cultures and speaks German. She is fairly new to LWML and is following in the footsteps of her mother and grandmother. As a Young Woman Representative, she hopes to find out more about what happens to the mites that we collect in our little boxes. Victoria s hope is that God will give her the strength to be joyful and that she will be able to do her tasks with gladness while raising happy, respectful children that love Jesus. Jennifer Koch (pictured in March/April 2009 issue of Mission Lamp) Jennifer Koch is a member at Divine Savior Lutheran Church in Hartford but she lives nearby in Slinger. Jennifer is working full time and is studying for a further college degree. She is an active member of the Women s Guild of her church. Jennifer joined the Women s Guild/LWML because this is the group that actually does something more than just talk. Jennifer is not afraid to share her beliefs with her fellow workers. Society has made religion taboo in the work place, but she believes it is important to let others know where she stands and help them find Jesus as well.

11 May/June 2009 South Wisconsin News Theme:Go! Gather! Glorify 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 Mites: Mem/Cel.* Selle int: As of 2/28/09 *Memorials & Celebrations $61, , , $65, But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. Mark 12:42 (NIV) Mission Lamp Vol. 59, No. 3 May/June 2009 Gathering! Heart to Heart Sisters Sarah Adetiba (L), and Joy Ikanih (R) recently led a cross-cultrual event at Bethany Lutheran Church in Milwaukee. Joy is a very busy servant of the Lord. She serves alongside her husband, Rev. Dr. Christian Ikanih, with the good people of Bethany Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She is the proud mother of five children. Although Wisconsin is now home, Joy s home country is Nigeria. Joy started the Bethany branch of the LWML with 30 women! Joy is a leader in her district for ethnic women and at this cross-cultural event in her district. She met current, national LWML president, Jan Wendorf. Joy is passionate about Bible study and praying and teaching women and children. She is a prayer warrior and believes this is the critical work of the church and prays for ministries in churches, families and communities. She also serves as a diagnostic teacher with the Milwaukee Public School system-a position she has held since she came to this country in She became a Lutheran in 2002 through a family friend. We are so delighted to have the heart and talent of such a woman as Joy. Note: In case you were wondering, Nigeria is also a country where there is persecution of Christians. Please pray for our brothers and sisters who live under extreme danger because of their faith in Christ and because they uphold the cause of Christ. Sarah is active in the Lord s service at Hope Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Her husband is a deacon studying with the EIIT, which is a pastoral training program through the Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. Sarah and her husband have grown children in college. Sarah is a nursing student and works in a hospital. Her home country is Nigeria. She is passionate about Bible study for women and sings in the choir for worship. Sarah participated in H2H in her district, which began through the leadership the South Wisconsin District, and of Heart to Heart Sister Susan Vang following her involvement in the Tampa H2H Sisters program at the national convention in Since then, Joy Ikanih and Sara Adetiba have become active in the H2H program in their district. This is a beautiful example of exactly what we dreamed would happen as a result of the exposure to the LWML that ethnic women leaders of our church would receive by participating in the National H2H program. We are grateful for the passion for the Lord s work that these talented and gifted women share with us as we labor in the mission and message Jesus gave us. We are grateful for the Lord s servant, Sarah. Pray for her. National mite update Although exact numbers are not yet available, it has been noted that LWML national treasurer, Helen Miller, is confident that the national goal of $1.7 millon for the biennieum will be met or exceeded. Please watch for updates on the national website: Praise the Lord for his mighty mites! District mite update As of the end of Feb., the total was $65, which gave us an overage of $ See the panel at the top of this page for a specific breakdown which includes memorials and the Selle Fund interest. Lutheran Folk Fair invitaion Pilgrim Lutheran Church, Wauwatosa extends an invitation to LWMLers to attend their Lutheran Folk Fair on Sat., September 26th from 12 noon to 6 PM, held in their gymnasium. Zone boards may wish to choose another date for fall rallies, so they are able to attend the folk fair. Note new deadline Please submit your articles for the July/August issue by: May 5th, 2009 to: Lori Kleinschmidt 884 Fieldcrest Dr. Neenah, WI mmlklein@sbcglobal.net The deadlines for future editions of Mission Lamp will be on the 5th of the month of the oddnumbered months. Looking ahead to the future: For the September/October issue, the deadline will be July 5th, Thank you in advance for your cooperation. The 2009 Fall Retreat will be at the Marriott Milwaukee West, Waukesha, WI October 16th & 17th, 2009 Come to the Fall Retreat and learn that it s not about us, it s all about Him. Theme: Now Go! Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say. Exodus 4: 12 God gives us the tools we need to perform the tasks He wants us to carry out. As God gave Moses the staff with which he would perform miraculous signs, He has given each one of us unique gifts and talents that He wants us to use in service to Him. The Holy Spirit gives us the words to say when witnessing to others. God has called some very special people from all over the United States, who want to Raise the Level of Mission Awareness in our LCMS. From Brookfield, WI, the Lord has called Norman and Betty Rose. They are serving as volunteer Mission Presenters in the state and will tell the rest of the story in the Mission of our Lord Jesus. Mr. Rose is a graduate of Concordia College Milwaukee and Concordia Teachers College River Forest. He taught in a Lutheran school in Texas and in the public schools of Milwaukee. He is also a retired school administrator. Last year, Mr. Rose served as a short-term missionary in Macau, China, teaching at the LCMS Concordia English Center. What a blessing that LCMS World Mission and this couple work together to provide prayer support and stewardship gifts to send more and more missionaries to spread the Word of the gospel. Come and join us for wonderful Christian fellowship as we study the Bible, sing praises to our Lord, participate in servant events, and share with our sisters in breakout sessions. YW retreat summary Martha Hartwig, a long-time LWML member, was the Young Women s Retreat speaker. She shared personal life experiences, and how God continually worked through them. God pushed Martha out of her comfort zone enough for her to realize that He always weaves blessings into frustrations. Karen Lippert, our breakout speaker, spoke on the topic, Tests of our Lives. Tests are a part of life and God wants us to pass them, and often He gives us a re-test. She emphasized that God is more interested in our character than in our comfort. God does not waste a hurt. Two van loads of baby items were collected for New Beginnings Pregnancy Care Center in Fond du Lac through the Ingathering. There were 177 ladies in attendance. Submitted by Beth Kettner Thank you A big thank you to President Jan Dankwardt for her many contributions to this issue. There are so many women doing so many things in our district. There is a great mission focus and the excitement to work for the Lord is very evident. Thanks also to the retreat organizers and convention chairs. National convention goers: Please journal your experiences so they can be shared in future issues! And take pictures too! Serving Him with Gladness, Lori Kleinschmidt

12 12 South Wisconsin News May/June Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM) Global Care Packages St. Paul Lutheran Church and School, Grafton, Wisconsin, celebrated Lutheran Hour Sunday in March. Thanks to the students and staff at St. Paul Lutheran School, St. Paul Sunday School, and the children who attended summer Vacation Bible School. Over $1,000 was received to purchase school supplies for the poor in third world countries. Fifty-five school bags have been filled with school supplies, toys, and Gospel materials. (The Gospel materials are those distributed by local LHM staff and volunteers where LHM has ministry centers.) Along with the gift of these school bags, $ was donated for postage to ship the bags to needy children around the world. Over the past decade, LHM has distributed more than a quarter of a million care packages to children in need in 20 countries around the world, including the United States. Many congregations and schools have been blessed by sharing in this ministry. Your prayers and financial support help LHM to spread the Gospel message to many places around the world. Pastor Kent Wendorf of St. Paul's Lutheran Grafton, WI. leads Petal Pushers worship service Witnessing The Good News of Jesus! Few opportunities in this life are more meaningful than the power of a shared experience, particularly when people who first meet as total strangers become bonded in the process. Each donning the distinctive theme sweatshirt, Petal Pushers are the largest and most recognizable volunteer float- decorating group in the Tournament of Roses Parade. Petal Pushers have many opportunities for Christian witness. Precious time spent decorating floats, rubbing elbows, and communicating Christ s Love sends Petal Pushers home with a virtual photo album of memories, and a fresh infusion of spirit brought by volunteering and the desire to return. May God continue to bless the Gospel outreach efforts of the Petal Pushers and Lutheran Hour Float Committee. Mission of the Lutheran Hour Float To provide a Christian witness and hope in Jesus Christ to the unchurched, who view the float in person and through the media Perhaps you will be among the Petal Pushers next year! Visit our website at for information on the 2010 float. Bringing Christ to the Nations The Lutheran Hour radio program shares the Savior s story of salvation. Sponsored completely by individuals who wish to share the joy of Jesus, the broadcast has, for over 75 years, brought Christ to the nations and the hearts of hurting humanity. Today s traditional radio transmission, large print, and Braille editions are now being complemented by offerings available through the web and via Podcast downloads.the Lutheran Hour can be downloaded as an MP3 format or heard anytime at Sunday s XM satellite roadcast, channel 170 (1:00 PM EST) assures that no person or place in North America is beyond the reach of the Gospel message of Jesus Christ. womantowomanradio.com Int l LLL Proposal for Biennial Conventions A few of the frequently Asked Questions and Answers Q: I have heard some talk about possible changes to the international convention in the future. What is being proposed? A: There is a resolution on the ballot this summer in Greensboro to adopt biennial international conventions beginning with the 2010 international convention in Omaha, Nebraska. Beginning in 2011, regional conferences would be held in place of the international convention in off years. Q: Why is a move to biennial international conventions being proposed? A: The participation in our international conventions has dwindled to just over 1,000 people the past several years. As the mainstay of LLL leadership continues to age and younger generations are not inclined to join organizations for long-term leadership roles, the Int l LLL Board of Governors has discussed new ways to reach more grassroots supporters and be better stewards of ministry resources. Q: Is cost the deciding factor in proposing a move to biennial international conventions? A: While cost is indeed an important factor in this proposal, the main reason is to bring our meetings closer to the grassroots, making them more accessible to the younger working class, attempting to reach more people with the excitement of Lutheran Hour Ministries, offering greater exposure to the ministries, and providing outstanding training and motivation to all.

13 May/June 2009 South Wisconsin News 13 Camp is Calling You! When was the last time you were at camp? Or maybe you have never been here? This is your summer. This is the place God has set aside for you. Come, bring your children, be refreshed and built up in Christ who strengthens us. All Staff Reunion! Camp LuWiSoMo W5421 Aspen Rd. Wild Rose WI Phone: (920) Fax: (920) Web: The Camp is calling out to all past staff too. Everyone who has worked at camp, summer staff, office staff, directors and maintenance staff, housekeepers and kitchen staff will be included. Join us for a weekend of memories, reconnecting, growing and rejoicing in God s Word. May are the dates with the majority of activities on Saturday. Come for the weekend or just the day. Spouses and family are welcome and activities will be planned for them throughout the weekend. There is no cost for the program and regular rental rates apply for lodging and meals on camp. Contact elizabeth@luwisomo.org or call the office (920) to register. Bring stories and pictures to share. Contact anyone you know who was at LuWiSoMo so they don t miss out! Grow and relax this Summer Vacation! Enjoy the Luwisomo Campground Upcoming Events at LuWiSoMo God in Nature Retreat May SIT Basic Training May 22-24, 2009 Staff Training May 27 - June 5, 2009 All Staff Reunion May 29-31, 2009 SIT Basic Training II June 5-7, 2009 SummerCamp begins with Joyful Hearts June 7, 2009 Jr Basic and KinderCamps begin June 12-14, 2009 Summer Youth Camps begin June 14, 2009 Summer Servant Events begin June 20, 2009 Wolf River Rafting Trip June 26-28, 2009 The registrations are coming in for summer camp and this looks to be a Perfect summer! Don t panic if you missed the early deadline, we have a few spaces left and thanks to new gifts to camp, some scholarship money is again available. Those spots won t be there forever though, registration will close one month before the week you choose. Give us a call or visit the web page to get started. It is time to sign up! Don t forget Family Day August 14-16, 2009 For a full calendar of events, visit luwisomo.org

14 14 South Wisconsin News May/June 2009 Acclaimed author and conservative thinker to give commencement speech on May 16 Concordia University Wisconsin s spring commencement will be highlighted with a speech by author and conservative thinker Dinesh D Souza. Graduation will take place on Saturday, May 16 on the university s Mequon campus beginning at 1:30 p.m. D Souza s recent book, What s So Great About Christianity, is a comprehensive answer to a spate of atheist books Dinesh D Souza that have denounced theism and Christianity. His other notable books include: What s So Great About America; The End of Racism; and the 1997 book Ronald Reagan: How an Ordinary Man Became an Extraordinary Leader. Investor s Business Daily has called D Souza one of the top young public-policy makers in the country. The New York Times magazine named him one of the most influential conservative thinkers and Newsweek cited him as one of the country s most prominent Asian Americans. We are thrilled to present Dinesh D Souza as our May graduation speaker. His thoughtful and inspiring message as a Christian apologist affirms Concordia s mission to prepare our students for Christian service and testimony beyond the classroom, says Dr. Randall Ferguson, Assistant Vice President of Academics for Student Success at Concordia. TEACHING THE WORD WORKSHOP This workshop is a 1, 2, or 3-day experience designed for educators currently in the field as well as those desiring an in-depth intensive study of the Scriptures. Current themes are ex-plored by Concordia University Wisconsin faculty and adjunct staff. Supervision is available for those desiring to take this workshop for CUW credit. REGISTRATION INCLUDES meeting rooms, honoraria, materials, lunches, snacks, beverages. FOR MORE INFORMATION on this or other Bible Institute events, contact Bonnie Treloar, , or bonnie.treloar@cuw.edu. Presented by The Concordia Bible Institute and Concordia University Wisconsin Mon., Aug. 3 Wed., Aug. 5, :00 am 4:00 pm on the lakeshore campus of Concordia University Wisconsin, Mequon PRESENTERS Rev. Dr. John Saleska Rev. Dr. John Oberdeck Dr. Mary Hilgendorf Prof. Sarah Holtan Rev. Dr. Dan Paavola Rev. Dr. Kevin Voss Dr. Bernard Bull Rev. Dr. Tim Maschke Dr. Angus Menuge Dr. Gary Locklair Dr. Roland Ehlke Mr. Brad Alles SPECIAL FEATURE These are challenging days for Lutherans. We are expected to stand by our faith and defend it among those who would seek to destroy it. Our young people are asking us, Why do you believe? In these post-modern days, it s no longer enough to say you believe because that s what your parents taught you. Tuesday is a fullday portion of this workshop will address the issue of APOLOGETICS AND THE WORLD VIEW. Dr. Kenneth T. Kosche was honored on April 18 with a Reunion Concert and Roast to celebrate more than 30 years of conducting Kammerchor, the university s touring choir. During that time, Kosche published more than 300 compositions for choir, organ and handbells. All proceeds from the event, which drew a large number of Kammerchor alumni, will go to the Kosche Endowment to benefit the CUW Music Department. Photo by Diana Raasch REGISTRATION INFORMATION COST: $60 per person per day to audit; $1200 for 3 credits; $915 for current Lutheran educators seeking graduate credits; some scholarships available. TEACHING THE WORD WORKSHOP Name Address City, State, Zip Phone Seeking Credits? (Circle one) YES NO Auditing? (Circle all that apply) Mon, Aug 4 Tues, Aug 5 Wed, Aug 6 Mail the registration form by July 25th. Early Bird discount before July 9th ($5 off for each day attending). Please include payment with your registration. Checks can be made payable to Concordia University Wisconsin with CBI on the memo line. Receipts are available upon request. Mail to: Concordia University Wisconsin, N. Lake Shore Dr., Mequon, WI For more information about Concordia University Wisconsin visit us on the Web at:

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16 16 South Wisconsin News May/June 2009 St. John, West Bend, holds SchoolWalk for diabetes St. John, West Bend, hosted a SchoolWalk for the American Diabetes Association to kick off their celebration of National Lutheran Schools Week on Monday, March 2, Although temperatures were in the teens, students braved the weather to walk with the city mayor, police officers, firemen, newscasters, a state representative and two Klement sausages from the Milwaukee Brewers. Best of all, students had the opportunity to demonstrate their care of others, and so they did. They raised $7,674 for the American Diabetes Association. Meet your fellow servants at the District office If you attend the District convention in June, you undoubtedly will be served in one capacity or another by Karen Hauser. She is administrative assistant to President John Wille and works with convention registration, nominations and exhibits. Raised in Germantown, Hauser attended Trinity-Freistadt Lutheran School. Her children also attended Trinity, and had Karen Hauser the same fifth grade teacher that she did! She graduated from Germantown High School where her three oldest sons now are students. Joshua is a senior, Jordan a junior and James is a freshman. Jonathon is in seventh grade. Since her children are all involved with sports, Hauser spends much of her free time attending their games and events. She also helps them show dairy cattle through their involvement with 4-H. Other hobbies include teaching second grade Sunday school, reading, gardening and playing volleyball and baseball. Having worked for 25 years as the insurance manager at an optical company, Hauser is happy to be in a Christian environment now with daily devotions and the freedom to talk with coworkers about faith matters and to pray with them. She also enjoys working with District pastors. It s easy to take pastors for granted when the only role you see them in is at your church, Hauser said. Here at the District office I can see the many other roles they play, and I ve developed a greater respect for them as fellow Christians serving the Lord. Can you help at convention? Assistance with packing and loading technical equipment is needed immediately after the close of the District convention at Concordia University Wisconsin in Mequon on Tuesday, June 9. Twelve people are asked to help with the major packing and loading from noon until approximately 4 p.m. under the direction of technical director Todd Boettcher. Three or four individuals may be asked to stay until the tasks are completed by early evening. (The more volunteers, the less time it will take!) Lunch and/or dinner is provided. Please contact Carolyn Blum, volunteer coordinator, at volunteer@swd.lcms.org or Barbara Balwinski at (414) for more information; or fill out a volunteer application form swd.lcms.org under Get involved. Thanks for volunteering your time and talents to further the Lord s kingdom! Mequon K-8 students Jump Rope for Heart During National Lutheran Schools Week the first week of March, the Kindergarten through 8th grade at Trinity-Freistadt, Mequon, participated in Jump Rope for Heart. It was a fun day of fellowship and exercise. The children jumped rope, jumped through hoops, walked on monster feet and skis, played hopscotch, and more. In addition, students raised $3,398 for the American Heart Association. We are so thankful that God blessed us with healthy hearts and we were glad that we could help others whose hearts are not so healthy! Lutheran Youth Fellowship reps meet in St. Louis March 12-15, the annual meeting of the Council of Lutheran Youth Fellowship Representatives (CLYFR) gathered in Saint Louis, Mo. Lutheran Youth Fellowship is the LCMS student leadership organization. Eighteen districts were represented at CLYFR CLYFR participants receive leadership training led by the six-member LYF executive board. Participants are equipped to teach the model to other youth in their home district. The 2009 training topic Teen Focus Training challenges youth to examine the roles they can play in the church, to share their faith story with unbelievers, and to stay focused on God both now and as they graduate from high school. CLYFR provides leadership development for teens, and is led by teens. Jessica Bordeleau, LYF coordinator for the youth ministry office, states, By equipping and enabling youth to lead, they learn valuable leadership skills and recognize that God has called youth to work as a valuable part of the church community now not just when they grow up. For information about sending youth to CLYFR 2010, congregations can contact the District office. To learn more visit lcms.org/ youth, or call (800) , ext Karl Roeske, adult leader, Abby White and Brian Jackson, all from Cedarburg, represented the South Wisconsin District at CLYFR 2009.