SWD bold witness mission emphasis: Lutheran Mission in the Dominican Republic By Rev. Larry Myers (Elm Grove Lutheran, Elm Grove)

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1 Sept./Oct IN THIS ISSUE Aftermath of Wisconsin floods page 3 Churches partner to build houses in Mexico Page 4 Wauwatosa ethnic folk fair Sept. 27 page 7 Santa Biblia: Sending the Word to Cuba page 9 Black ministry family convocation Page 15 State youth gathering Page 15 Visit our website at swd.lcms.org South Wisconsin District LCMS 8100 West Capitol Drive Milwaukee, WI ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED SWD bold witness mission emphasis: Lutheran Mission in the Dominican Republic By Rev. Larry Myers (Elm Grove Lutheran, Elm Grove) In the predominantly Catholic, Caribbean country of the Dominican Republic (DR), sociologist and educator Dr. Ricardo Santo went from church to church in search of peace, but found none. He sought forgiveness, but it seemed everywhere he turned he was told that he had to do something or give something first. One day he came into contact with a Lutheran mission. There he learned that forgiveness is free because of Jesus. He didn t have to do anything. He didn t have to pay anything. It s free because of the grace of our Lord, free because of the blood of Christ. Because of that message a mission church is beginning to emerge, a new, growing church body reaching out in bold witness of the Gospel. Beginnings Lutheran outreach in the Dominican Republic has its origins with the members of St. Michael Lutheran Church in Fort Myers, Fla., who became aware of the needs of people in the Dominican Republic when they began mission trips a few years ago to Santiago, their Dominican sister city. In 2003, St. Michael approached Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services in Watertown, which began providing training and resources for the Home of New Hope. This led to work with other local agencies, such as Dominican Childcare and MANIDI, to train workers in sharing Christ s love with children with disabilities. Their efforts also culminated in the building of a church and school in Palmar Arriba, north of Santiago. In the fall of 2004, LCMS World Mission, LCMS World Relief and Human Care (WRHC), Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, and the Central American Lutheran Mission Society (CALMS) signed an agreement to expand the work of St. Michael and Bethesda. This firstof-its-kind coalition sought to bring a collaborative approach to establishing full-time mission work in the DR Much of our work has to do with interactions with either the middle class or very poor people, said Barbara Below, WRHC director of social ministry organizations. We spend time in the homes of children of poor Representatives from the South Wisconsin District, LCMS World Relief and Human Care (WRHC), Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, and the Lutheran Mission in the Dominican Republic (DR) gathered in the DR July 7-11, 2008, to see and discuss needs and challenges of the mission. Seated are local Santiago mission team leaders (left to right): Carlos Becker (Evangelical Lutheran Church of Brazil), Danelle Putnam, Ana and Rev. Walter Ries, Jr. (also from Brazil) and Prof. Ricardo Santo. Standing: John Lewis (WRHC), Laura Wille (daughter of Pres. John Wille, Peace Corps volunteer in Honduras), SWD Pres. John Wille, John Meyer (LCMS Foundation), Allen and Shirley Piepenbrink (Grace, Menomonee Falls), Rev. Earl Bleke (Bethesda), Jacque and Dr. John Bauer (Bethesda), Rev. Larry Myers (Elm Grove), Tim Dittloff (SWD LCEF), Bob Gunerman (Elm Grove), Rev. Dan McMiller (SWD) and Barbara Below (WRHC). families who live in crowded conditions, with erratic electrical service, lots of unemployment and little education. This makes for a very challenging life for many parents. In 2005 the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Brazil provided a Spanish-speaking seminary graduate to serve as a full-time missionary. In the past three years Rev. Walter Ries, Jr., has managed to establish three more preaching stations in addition to Palmar Arriba one in Santiago and two in the area of Santo Domingo, the capital. Nearly 150 students attend school in the crowded Genesis School in Santiago. Bethesda expanded the need to assist in staff training at both private and governmentoperated homes for physically and mentally disabled children. Accordingly, through LCMS World Mission they contracted with Danelle Putnam, an American who had previously served with Rev. Dan McMiller s family in Panama. Putnam has been working with Ries for the past three years in building team ministry with him. Current status The DR effort has gained other partners in recent years. Mission Opportunities Short Term (MOST) Ministries of Michigan has been sending short-term mission project teams, and in November 2007 the South Wisconsin Rev. Walter Ries leads public worship at Palmar Arriba Wednesday evenings. District board of directors adopted the Lutheran Mission in the Dominican Republic as the District s foreign mission emphasis on a non-budgetary basis. As a part of the SWD s emphasis, select congregations were asked to step up and make financial commitments beyond their normal annual commitments to Synod. Such commitment includes a pledge for three years to support the Lutheran Mission in the Dominican Republic. So far, several congregations have committed themselves to the effort: Beautiful Savior, Mequon; Elm Grove, Elm Grove; Immanuel, Westfield; and St. John, Oconomowoc. First Immanuel, Cedarburg, has contributed some $21,000 to date. Others have expressed interest and are in the process of making a decision toward financial support. Congregations and schools have opportunities to engage in hands-on support by sending short-term mission support teams (when requested and The faithful gather for weekly worship on the school s rooftop. (Continued on page 8)

2 2 South Wisconsin News September/October 2008 THE PRESIDENT S CORNER Founding churches on new frontiers It dawned on me the other day as I was preaching at St. John s in Rev. John C. Wille Plymouth as part of their 150th anniversary that we have several congregations celebrating that anniversary this year. As I mentioned in the introduction to Sunday s sermon, things were much different in Wisconsin back in Wisconsin was being settled. For those who like historical trivia, the following happened during 1858: in January Mendelssohn s wedding march was played for the first time; John Brown raided Harper s Ferry; in March a patent was issued to Hyman Lipman for putting an eraser on top of a pencil; Abraham Lincoln said, A house divided against itself cannot stand ; Sept. 10, 1858 was the first recorded home run in major league history; in October Macy s Department Store opened its doors for the first time; and at least six congregations of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod are formed in southern Wisconsin. Those six are: St. Bartholomew, Brillion St. John, Plymouth St. John s, West Bend St. Stephen, Horicon Trinity, Potter Trinity, Reeseville The history of each of those congregations is something to celebrate and give thanks to our God for. Each of those congregations has been a blessing to the people whom they have served with the Gospel through the years. Each of those congregations is an important part of South Wisconsin District. I give thanks for their pastors, for their congregations, for their people, for their schools and for their church workers; and especially for the way in which the Gospel of our Lord Jesus is being held up by them in each community. But there is something else to think of: When was the last time that in one year six congregations started? I am not sure of the answer. I have been in South Wisconsin nearly 20 years, and the most new starts that I can remember in the same year is two. Certainly times where different in Wisconsin 150 years ago. Wisconsin was more frontier than settled. There were not nearly as many people then as today. But if it is true that the best way to reach the unchurched is to start a new church, then perhaps it is time to follow the lead of those who have gone before us. Perhaps it s a satellite start like First Immanuel, Cedarburg, is doing in Saukville, or like Brookfield Lutheran is doing on the near north side of Milwaukee. Perhaps it is reaching out to a whole new group of people as Rev. Kurt Zieman is doing in Random Lake in partnership with our deaf outreach. Perhaps it is a whole new congregation as is being talked about by several congregations along the I-94 corridor west of Milwaukee. Opportunities abound! Having been the pastor of a new mission start in Tomah and having helped with two other circuit supported starts in West Salem and Holmen, there is no greater joy than to witness what a newly created faith in Jesus as Savior means to someone who never enjoyed forgiveness before. It even catches a heavenly eye or two. Remember Jesus own words in Luke 15:8ff, Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Does she not light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin. In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents. The best way to reach the unchurched is to start a new church. It s time for us to get started. Why wait until November for the next South Wisconsin News? Subscribe to econnect, the president's monthly e-newsletter and get the latest news delivered to your inbox. swd.lcms.org/e-news Lutheran Special School sets goal to raise $1 million Lutheran Special School & Education Services (LSSES) began in 1958 as a small classroom for three cognitively disabled students. Twelve students and 15 years later, the school moved to and was supported by Concordia College. For the next 20 years, approximately 50 college students per year served in a classroom assisting the students in the program. In 1986 LSSES began operating independently, serving 12 students in a classroom at Milwaukee Lutheran High School. Now, on the eve of its 50th anniversary of serving children with special learning difficulties, LSSES is stepping up fund-raising to support the school s mission. The school s endowment has been named The Shepherd s Endowment and will be used to support the lost sheep who have special learning difficulties. Currently LSSES programs are funded through donations and grants by individuals, congregations, and organizations that value Lutheran education for all students, including those with learning difficulties. Fundraisers and awareness programs are also held throughout the year to generate the $500,000 needed annually to provide services. The ultimate goal is to have a $10 million endowment that would support the ministry 100 percent. Board and staff estimate this could take a decade or more to achieve. To jump-start the effort and the 50th anniversary of the school s services, board members and school supporters are aspiring to raise $1 million this year in the form of outright gifts, 3-5 year pledges and/or estate and planned gifts. No gift is too big or too small, said Michelle Wagner, director of fund development. A donation of $25 is just as significant as a $100,000 gift. When you have many people donating, the amounts add up and the students benefit. Until $10 million is raised, LSSES will work hard maintaining the current annual giving program. We look forward to the day when some or all of our work in fundraising can be channeled directly into our educational programs, adds Wagner. If you are interested in helping out in any way with the Shepherd s Endowment, please call (414) CALLS & V A C A N C I E S CONGREGATIONS CALLING PASTORS: Brown Deer St. Paul Milwaukee Chapel of the Cross Fond du Lac Hope (eval.) (eval.) Hartland Divine Redeemer Plymouth St. John (eval.) (senior) Poy Sippi Emmaus Madison Mt. Olive Sun Prairie Bethlehem PASTORS WHO ARE CONSIDERING CALLS: Mark Meier St. Peter, Muscoda/Christ, Highland to Emmaus, Poy Sippi Todd Peperkorn Messiah, Kenosha to Immanuel, Alexandria, VA PASTORS WHO HAVE ACCEPTED CALLS: Steven Billings Candidate to Trinity, Menasha Keith Knea Seminary candidate to St. Paul, Oconomowoc. Ordination/installation 9/14/08 at 2 p.m. PASTORS WHO HAVE DECLINED CALLS: Terry Ahlemeyer Faith, Green Bay to Mt. Olive, Madison Luther Brunette Carmel, IN to Divine Redeemer, Hartland John Dietz St. Paul, Butternut, WI to Emmaus, Poy Sippi A lofty Christian work: Luther on stewardship with Tim Maschke Sept. 30 The SWD stewardship task force invites you to Trinity-Freistadt, Mequon, on Sept. 30 for a 10:30 a.m. presentation by Rev. Dr. Timothy M. Maschke (Concordia University Wisconsin), followed by a noon lunch and fellowship. Please RSVP by Sept. 23 to Barb Slak, (800) or slak@swd.lcms.org. Urban church planting seminar Sept. 19 LCMS director for new church development Dr. Yohannes Mengsteab presents two seminars Sept. 19 at the District office in Milwaukee. The morning session is on urban church planting, followed by a program is for congregations interested in learning about becoming an Ablaze! covenant partner. Contact Tom Eggold at (260) or tom.eggold@lcms.org to make a reservation to attend one or both seminars. Lunch is provided. South Wisconsin District financial snapshot For the six months ending July 31, /31/08 7/31/07 Revenue $1,410,505 $1,439,215 Expenses 1,563,230 1,448,509 Loss -152,725-9,294 Income 7/31/08 7/31/07 Congregational support $1,137,040 $1,145,762 Decrease in income -8,722 For detailed information, go to swd.lcms.org and click on Ministry areas > Business office Published bimonthly by the South Wisconsin District The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod Volume 32, 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: NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2008 SUBMISSION DEADLINE OCTOBER 1 Send your news to: editor@swd.lcms.org

3 September/October 2008 South Wisconsin News 3 The aftermath of Wisconsin floods A great blessing that has come out of the flooding is that many people have assisted in helping and have come together to encourage and help one another. Rev. Paul Crolius St. Peter, Reedsburg Flooded Baraboo River and Main Street in Reedsburg The floods have ended, but the rebuilding goes on. After June rains that flooded much of the Midwest, several local members homes and some churches are still uninhabitable. Others are waiting for damage assessments to learn what losses may be covered by insurance or other assistance. Zion, La Valle, is in the Wisconsin Dells area. The church has no basement, so all the sewer water went into the worship area. Water covered the pews up to the seats and altar furnishings to a depth of 16 inches. So far the congregation has spent $43,000 in supplies and materials and used their own labor to make repairs. The parsonage was flooded from the basement up to the floor boards of the main level. All mechanicals need to be replaced in the parsonage. Members are worshipping with the congregation at St. Paul, La Valle, about seven miles to the north. Rev. Dr. Harald Tomesch is serving both congregations as vacancy pastor. Also near the Dells, Rev. Paul Crolius of St. Peter, Reedsburg, reported they had about a dozen families who had to evacuate their homes until the water receded. Some of the homes were a total loss. One farmer lost $50,000 worth of farm equipment. The church, Red Cross and the community have pulled together to help each other, and families have applied for federal assistance. Rev. Steven Voigt s congregation of Covenant, Milwaukee, is still suffering from the six feet of water in their basement that caused over $100,000 in damages to their electrical, heating and cooling systems. They are very grateful to Northwest Lutheran School for giving them temporary office and worship space. Now back in their own facility, they have learned that their insurance will cover all of the damages caused by mechanical failure. We praise and thank God that he has carried us through a difficult time, Voigt said. Throughout these past weeks, I encouraged our congregation to put this all in God s hands and trust that he will take care of it. And he has!! Bethlehem, Wales, was hit twice by the June storms. They will need to replace all drywall, carpeting and furnishings in the lower level of their church at a cost estimated at $200,000. Their insurance will not cover these expenses. A member s home from St. John, Sullivan, is a total loss due to the nearby lake water that invaded it. The family will need to rebuild. Another member who is a farmer estimates that 50 percent or more of his corn and mint crop is lost. Fields turned into lakes complete Directory Pella, Waupun, has aired church services on the radio since First broadcast via phone line to WBEV in Beaver Dam, the service now airs on WFDL 1170 AM Sundays at 8 a.m. with a taped replay at 11 a.m. Lutheran Radio Church Service, Sundays at 6 a.m. on WTMJ 620 AM. Listen live online at wtmj620am.com. The program alternates weekly between WELS and LCMS services. Mt. Olive, Milwaukee, Sunday services on WJYI 1340 AM at 9 a.m. Listen live at joy1340.com or download archived services at mtolivemke.org. Worship folders will be sent on request. A German radio program airs Saturdays at 4:30 p.m. on WJYI 1340 AM and live online at joy1340.com. Visit evangelischeandacht.org for details and archived sermons. 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 with jumping carp! Actual losses are unknown until the harvest is completed. The Lord has moved the hearts of many individuals and congregations to put their faith into action by contributing donations and volunteering to help. Gifts continue to be sent to the South Wisconsin District office for flood recovery assistance. A total of $12,000 was received as of mid-august. Lutheran World Relief & Human Care is coordinating their assistance with the District s. Donations received have also been generously supplemented by Thrivent Financial. All gifts will be distributed directly to the congregations for this disaster relief, for which they are very grateful. On behalf of flood victims from St. Peter, Reedsburg, Rev. Paul Crolius wrote,...a great blessing that has come out of the flooding is that many people have assisted in helping and have come together to encourage and help one another. People also in faith have powerfully witnessed to the great hope we have in Jesus... It is not too late to make a donation for affected LCMS congregations in our area. If you would like to send a gift, please make your check out to South Wisconsin District Flood Relief and mail it to the District office, 8100 W. Capitol Dr., Milwaukee, WI Q. How much money does the District provide for scholarships for church worker students this coming school year? How many students do we expect to have at the seminaries and other schools? Are the scholarships paid from the district budget or from other sources? Lauren Beale, member of Lamb of God, Pewaukee Your gifts are well-received: Hymnals arrive safely in Nigeria Many of you donated used hymnals, clothing, theological books, paraments and other articles to the South Wisconsin District s collection for the Lutheran Church of Nigeria (LCN) last November and December. We reported to you in January that the 40-foot container of 15,000 books and all the rest was on its way to Port Harcourt. Everything arrived safely and has by now been taken to the LCN seminary, where the items are being stored and distributed to the congregations. The people are overjoyed with the gifts! Thank you for assisting us and showing us great love in the light of the Gospel, said LCN President Rev. E.E. Ekanem in a letter. A majority of the distribution was accomplished on June 14, which was the seminary s graduation day. Ministers and lay leaders came to Obot Idim from many districts of the Lutheran Church of Nigeria for the commencement exercises. The family of Vicar Elijah Ndon, currently serving All Nations Lutheran mission in Milwaukee, incurred great personal expense to cover the cost of getting the shipment from the port to the seminary. We are indebted to them for their commitment to this effort. Elijah and his brother, Joshua, grew up in Nigeria and went to the LCN school. They know firsthand the needs of their people. In his letter, Ekanem pleads for more help as the needs of his church are very many. Please keep this church and its members in your prayers, and consider contacting LCMS World Mission at (800) if you are interested in making a direct donation to the Lutheran Church of Nigeria. Located on the West Coast of Africa, Nigeria is the seventh largest country on the continent, covering an area the size of North and South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin combined. It is the most populous country in Africa, estimated at more than 140 million people. Seminary library on the grounds of the Lutheran Church of Nigeria. NEW! Ask the District Have a question but don t know where to ask? Drop a line. Responses will be made individually and may appear online or printed in the next issue. Submit a question with your contact information to editor@swd.lcms.org. Or mail to: Editor, South Wisconsin District LCMS, 8100 W. Capitol Dr., Milwaukee, WI A. A total of $40, was distributed to 75 church work students (26 seminarians and 49 college students) for the school year. The South Wisconsin District LWML provided $15,000 with the balance coming from various foundations. This year was blessed over $24,000 was received from one foundation, which usually provides around $1,000 in scholarship funds.

4 4 South Wisconsin News September/October 2008 Five churches partner to build houses in Mexico By Rick Schmid (Immanuel, Brookfield) On June 19, 2008, two teams of missionaries left Immanuel, Brookfield, in five white vans with one goal in mind to go to Juarez, Mexico to build two houses with help from the organization Casas Por Cristo in El Paso, Texas. One team was made up of members from Immanuel; Lamb of God, Pewaukee; Divine Redeemer, Hartland; and Covenant, Milwaukee; the other team included members from Trinity-Freistadt, Mequon. We stayed at three churches on the way south, in Missouri, Texas and New Mexico. While in New Mexico we spent some team building time at White Sands National Park. On Sunday, June 22, we crossed the border into Mexico, where our home for the next five nights was to be the Rosa De Sharon church in Juarez. We started building early Monday morning and ran into some obstacles on both home sites. With the help of God and the Casas team leaders, we were able to overcome the problems and finish the houses by the end of the day Thursday, when we dedicated the houses to the families. Both families were overwhelmed by the love of God that brought missionaries from Juarez family receives a new home built by mission team members from Immanuel, Brookfield. Volunteers put finishing touches on one of the new homes. across the border to build a house for them. The team members felt blessed to be God s hands and feet in the process of bringing God s love to these families. On Friday, the teams headed back home, again staying at churches in Texas and Missouri on the way. This was an awesome experience. Immanuel will lead a team to Mexico again next year. We would like to encourage other churches in the area to join us. Participants need to be at least 14 years of age (8th grade graduate). Please contact Rick Schmid at rsjs@tds.net for more information. Also mark your calendar for Nov. 2 Immanuel will host its 6th annual Mexican Fiesta to raise funds for the 2009 trip. Nanette Hetzel, Hartford, and Marcia Arndt, Slinger, carry a load of sludge away from the home. Hartford members aid flood victims Twenty-two members of Divine Savior, Hartford, traveled to flood-stricken Jefferson County on Saturday, July 12. Armed with shovels, wheelbarrows, chainsaws and a good supply of strength and stamina to work, the group cleared sludge and brush that flood waters had washed up from Lake Koshkonong into the backyards of homes along the shore. They also cleared a road that led to other homes which were still under water. Serving God by serving others is part of the caring ministry at the church. At right: Hans Hermann, Garrett Goeller and Rebecca Scheunemann, all of Hartford, who filled many wheelbarrows full of brush to be carried away. Mt. Calvary, Milwaukee, dedicates school addition Sept. 14 Adopting the theme Giving thanks to Christ, our Head and Cornerstone, Mt. Calvary (2862 N. 53rd St., Milwaukee) will dedicate the new $2.5 million school addition Sunday, Sept. 14, Rev. Thomas Eggebrecht will lead the festival worship service at 9 a.m., followed by the dedication at 10:15 a.m., and tours and refreshments, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mt. Calvary congregation has given $709,275 through pledges and individual gifts to the building campaign. Private foundations, other Lutheran churches, individual donors (primarily former members and alumni) and matching gifts from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans have totaled another $1,028,471. In June, the church completed a second stewardship campaign for the building fund and members responded with pledges over the next three years totaling $420,000. To help Mt. Calvary prepare for your participation, please call the church office at (414) if you plan to attend the dedication. Mt. Calvary students help move desks and other items from the old classrooms into the new addition in July. More than 40 volunteers from the church and school helped in the effort.

5 September/October 2008 South Wisconsin News 5 AROUND THE DISTRICT AROUND THE DISTRICT AROUND Milwaukee area basketball leagues forming Lutheran church basketball leagues are forming now for the season, which begins in early December. For high school boys, contact Bob Zeman at bob@tighe-zeman. For high school girls, contact Alex Alonte at alex@alonte.net. For men contact Bill Grenke at wgrenke@dor.state.wi.us. Teams and leagues outside the greater Milwaukee area interested in participating in a state tournament at the end of the season in March are invited to contact Jim Richter at jrich@milwpc.com. Pomeranian nobleman speaks at Trinity-Freistadt On Friday, Sept. 5, Dr. Rudolf von Thadden, who grew up on his family s estate in Trieglaff, Pomerania, will speak at Trinity-Freistadt (Freistadt and Granville Roads) in Mequon at 7 p.m. He will share his experiences growing up in the manor, being driven from it by Russian soldiers in 1947, and how his faith helped him make the adjustment to starting over again with no possessions in West Germany. Von Thadden now works toward improving French, German and Polish relationships. In the 1840s before many of the old Lutherans emigrated to southeastern Wisconsin, they met at the family estate by invitation of Von Thadden s grandfather, Adolph, though he was fined for each of the illegal meetings. Hymns Triumphant with Mt. Olive choir and chamber orchestra in Waukesha All are welcome to attend a symphonic arrangement of hymns presented by the Mt. Olive, Milwaukee, senior choir and guests and the Concord chamber orchestra under the direction of Ralph Kohrs on Saturday, Sept. 13, at the Waukesha County Expo Center (1000 Northview Rd.). A free-will offering will be collected. The event is sponsored by VCY America. MLHS guild opens with association plans and Old Milwaukee The Milwaukee Lutheran High School guild will open its year on Tuesday, Sept. 16 at 12:15 p.m. in the high school library, 9700 W. Grantosa Dr. Tom Buck, executive director/ceo of the Lutheran High School Association of Greater Milwaukee will share the association s plans for the future. Parents, grandparents and alumni are encouraged to join guild members for fellowship, an inspiring devotion and an interesting program. Meetings begin with coffee and dessert. Ruth Smith will speak at the October guild meeting with A Glimpse into Old Milwaukee. She will discuss Milwaukee s German heritage and share photographs of downtown Milwaukee that show the German influence on the settlement. East Troy Grief Share recovery support group A new 13-session journey from mourning to joy begins Sept. 16 at Good Shepherd, East Troy. This is our third year of successfully helping individuals heal from the death of a loved one, said Kathy Saltzmann, parish nurse. This group is for any adult who has experienced grief from the loss of a family member, friend, or spouse. Grief Share meets twice monthly on scheduled Tuesdays from 6-8 p.m. at Good Shepherd, East Troy (1936 Emery St.). The group may be joined at any time. Call (262) for more information or visit griefshare.com. Mom to Mom parenting program in Brookfield Brookfield Lutheran will begin its fifth year of Mom to Mom on Wednesday, Sept. 17, Based on the Titus 2:4 model, Mom to Mom is a biblically based parenting program using the concept of older, more experienced women modeling and encouraging younger women in their walk as wives and mothers. All parts of the program work to accomplish the mission to educate, encourage, and equip women for the most important yet toughest job in all the world parenting and to foster growth not only in parenting skills but in wholeness as women intellectually, relationally, and spiritually. Sessions are held Wednesdays from 9:15-11:15 a.m. Childcare is provided. To register, visit goblc.org or call Cheryl Alles at (262) Equipped for Mission : Lay leadership training Church elders and other congregation leaders seeking to increase their skills for effective service in Christ s mission will want to attend the lay leadership training seminar Sept , at Elm Grove Lutheran. The seminar runs from 7 p.m. on Friday to 4 p.m. Saturday. Leader Rev. Harold Senkbeil will address the unique challenges of Lutheran ministry in post-christian culture, exploring how congregations can develop effective leaders, reach inactives, evangelize the lost, and teach the faithful. Cost is $35 per participant and includes snacks and beverages, continental breakfast and lunch Saturday. Registration forms are available at egl.org, or call the church office at (262) Eyer speaks on marriage On Sept. 23, the Lutheran Student Fellowship at UW Milwaukee will host Rev. Dr. Richard Eyer (Concordia University Wisconsin). Eyer, in his book Marriage is Like Dancing, addresses Christ s gifts within marriage, a much needed message in a culture which does not understand it. Eyer will discuss what God s gift of marriage gives that living together cannot, and what it means to lead in marriage. The presentation will be in the UWM Student Union Ballroom at 6:30 p.m. If you have any questions, please call (414) or visit lmcusc.org. Feast of Tabernacles explained at Elm Grove Elm Grove will host a 6:30 p.m. worship service on Monday, Oct. 13, the beginning of the eight-day Jewish Feast of Tabernacles. Steve Cohen, founder of Apple of His Eye Mission Society, will explain the meaning and application of Tabernacles. Tabernacles is one of three pilgrimage feasts in Judaism, when Jews travel to Jerusalem for the celebration. Quilt show at St. Paul, Brown Deer, Oct. 18 St. Paul, Brown Deer (8080 N. 47th St.), will have a quilt show on Saturday, Oct. 18, from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Luncheon will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. There will be a quilt display, gift boutique, bake sale and raffles. Special displays include a hankie collection, aprons through the years, handmade teddy bears and dolls and Hmong story quilts. Parish nurses meet Oct. 21 The next meeting of the SWD parish nurse network is Tuesday, Oct. 21 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hope, Fond du Lac. To add your name to the contact list and receive meeting notices, Sara Peters at sjmpeters@charter.net. Sheboygan Reformation celebration Oct. 26 The annual Reformation celebration will be held in Sheboygan on Sunday, Oct. 26. The event is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. at the Stefanie H. Weill Center for the Performing Arts, 826 N. 8th St., in downtown Sheboygan. SWD President John C. Wille will be the speaker. Special music provided by various groups will be included in the service, and area clergy will participate. The American Luther Association and Sheboygan area LCMS congregations are celebration sponsors. Elm Grove holds holiday fair Nov. 1 Elm Grove Lutheran will hold a holiday fair featuring baked goods, country kitchen and crafts, with an available lunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1. The church is located at 945 Terrace Dr., Elm Grove. Please enter and park in the west parking lot and follow signs. For further information call Marion at (262) Nov. 8 Reedsburg craft and bake sale St. Peter, Reedsburg (345 N. Pine St.), ends a yearlong 140th anniversary celebration with a craft and bake sale Nov. 8 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Booths will include several from St. Peter s, ladies aid, youth, a book fair, plus a huge bake sale. Crafters from the area and out of state have signed up to be part of the event. Lunch will be served in the cafeteria. For more information, call (608) , ext. 2, or the craft coordinator at (608) th anniversary of Our Savior, Whitefish Bay Our Savior, Whitefish Bay, will celebrate its 75th anniversary on Nov. 16. Dr. Dale Meyer of Concordia Seminary will be the guest preacher for the Divine Service at 9 a.m. Former Our Savior pastor Rev. Gary Wittmayer will help lead the service. A program and dinner will follow. For more information call the church office at (414) , or go to oursaviorwfb.org. 125th anniversary of Zion, Menomonee Falls Zion, Menomonee Falls, kicked off its 125th anniversary celebration in August with an outdoor service, family picnic and a nostalgic trip to old Zion on 21st and North Avenue. Zion has special events planned throughout the next year. The formal anniversary celebration featuring former Zion pastor Rev. William Otto will be held Dec. 14 with a meal to follow. For more information about the events or to be placed on Zion s mailing list, please contact the church office at (262) or visit zionschool.info. A Place of Refuge website is a place to get involved Whether you re looking for help for yourself or someone else facing a crisis pregnancy or you re looking to find a way to share Christ s love with women in this situation, A Place of Refuge Ministries new website aporonline.org is the place to go. Hotline and advocacy services, shelter information, news, service opportunities, secure donations and current needs lists are all available online. If your church or group is planning a fundraiser, contact Trish Kagerbauer at (414) and APOR will be happy to publicize it online. Anniversary Corner Birthdays (90, 95, 100 & above) SEPTEMBER 6 Russell Schultz, 90, St. Stephen, Horicon 8 Mildred Murphy, 95, Good Shepherd, Tomah 12 Walter Froemming, 90, St. Paul, Grafton 16 Esther Rutz, 100, St. John, West Bend 25 Ada Lowe, 90, St. Paul, Brown Deer OCTOBER 3 Marie VanHoosen, 90, St. Stephen, Horicon 9 Eleanore Morrissey, 103, Mt. Olive, Milwaukee 13 Lorenz Nitschke, 95, St. John, Horicon 14 Marjorie Faustmann, 90, Covenant, Milwaukee 16 Welthy Mueller, 95, St. John, North Prairie 17 Darwin Laack, 90, St. Paul, Cascade 18 Dorothy Seider, 90, St. Andrew, West Bend 21 John Persha, 95, St. Stephen, Horicon 23 Ruth Roman, 90, Mt. Olive, Milwaukee 31 Helen Marquardt, 95, St. Paul, Cascade Anniversaries (50, 55, 60, 65 & above) SEPTEMBER 5 George and Janet Magyar, 55, St. Stephen, Horicon Allen and Janet Schmidt, 55, Trinity, Wisconsin Dells Robert and Charlene Zarling, 55, St. John, West Bend 6 Don and Phyllis Ollie, 50, Trinity-Friestadt, Mequon Donald and Mary Schrank, 50, Christ Memorial, Milwaukee 9 Gordon and Dorothy Yadon, 60, Our Redeemer, Delavan 11 Byron and Betty Bilgo, 60, St. Paul, Cascade 12 John and Shirley Boeldt, 55, St. Paul, Cascade Richard and Janis Hunt, 55, St. Stephen, Horicon 17 Eugene and Ruth Broehm, 60, St. Peter, Hilbert Mervin and Elaine Dehn, 60, Grace, Omro 18 Alfred and Betty DeMarce, 65, St. Paul, Cascade 20 Harold and Helen Wendorf, 67, Zion, Glenbeulah 25 Robert and Carol Meyer, 60, Covenant, Milwaukee 26 Orville and Virginia Eggert, 66, Our Savior, Baraboo Merlynn and Dorothy Lovell, 55, Grace, Omro Harvey and Shirley Pagelsdorf, 55, St. Peter-Immanuel, Milwaukee Bruno and Bridgette Schmidtke, 55, St. John, West Bend OCTOBER 2 Larry and Shirley Parmelee, 60, Covenant, Milwaukee 3 Norbert and Sandra Hintz, 55, St. Paul, Cascade 4 Dave and Pat Engen, 50, Bethlehem, Wales David and Jean Martin, 50, Grace, Omro 10 Wayne and Joanne Polzin, 55, Our Redeemer, Delavan Donald and Lois Wright, 55, Mt. Olive, Milwaukee 11 Robert and Betty Rauen, 55, St. John, West Bend 16 Robert and Lillian Harder, 65, Berea, Milwaukee Marlen and Gloria Zirbel, 60, St. Stephen, Horicon 18 Paul and Grace Koch, 50, St. Stephen, Horicon 23 Dan and Ruth Martens, 65, St. Peter-Immanuel, Milwaukee 26 Norman and Edna Schroeder, 73, St. Stephen, Horicon 31 Douglas and Donna McKibbins, 55, St. Peter-Immanuel, Milwaukee Send us the names of people who will observe a November or December 2008 birthday (90, 95, 100, or above) or anniversary (50, 55, 60, 65, or above). Deadline is Oct. 1, Mail to: South Wisconsin News, 8100 W. Capitol Dr., Milwaukee, WI editor@swd.lcms.org.

6 6 South Wisconsin News September/October 2008 Fan into Flame update Fan into Flame is the national funding campaign in support of the international Ablaze! movement of LCMS World Mission. It will provide financial support to LCMS World Mission, LCMS districts, and congregations in their efforts to bring the Good News of Jesus to unreached and uncommitted people. The campaign was approved at the 2004 Synod convention to be conducted district by district through The overall goal of the campaign is $100 million in new mission dollars. As of July 29, 2008, $32,330,839 has been raised in total commitments to Fan into Flame. This amount reflects $13 million that has come in from all the Districts, and $19.3 million from individual donors. To date, $15 million actual cash receipts have been turned in and is at work in the mission fields of Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. LCMS congregations and districts share in the money raised for Fan into Flame. The fund distribution follows the outreach model of Acts 1:8. Congregations ( Jerusalem ) receive 15 percent of what is gathered, districts ( Judea ) receive 15 percent, LCMS National Missions ( Samaria ) receive 20 percent, and LCMS World Mission ( Ends of the earth ) 50 percent. Gifts collected are distributed for mission outreach each quarter. Listen to Cross osscurrents Sunday Mornings 5:30 a.m. WKTI TI 94.5FM Online at wkti.com New Holstein finds unexpected blessings by fanning the flame When Zion, New Holstein, was asked to participate in Fan into Flame, Rev. John Schenck wasn t sure that it was a good time to do so. The community of New Holstein was facing an economic crisis as a result of the closing of one of its major employers Tecumseh Products, maker of small engines and engine parts for lawn mowers and snow blowers and his congregation was already several thousand dollars behind on their budget. Yet, when Fan into Flame was presented at Zion s July 2006 voters meeting, the voters responded overwhelmingly to participate. They did so Jerusalem with the understanding that the effort was a special opportunity and privilege, not a requirement (2 Cor. 8:1-5), with participation only if God had blessed them as individuals to the point of being able to give over and above their regular offerings. Schenck approached leaders in his congregation leaders whom he believed to be mission-minded, not just financially blessed. He asked them to pray about what, if anything, they felt God was leading them to do. At the same time he asked them to consider being on the Fan into Flame committee, stating that those who serve should do so only if they will have already made their pledge or gift, no matter what the amount. The suggested financial goal for Zion was $25,000, but pledges totaled over $49,000. The congregation budget shortage was overcome dramatically as well, going from an almost $11,000 deficit at the beginning of December to a $6,000 surplus by the beginning of January. What a blessing the Fan into Flame emphasis has been! said Schenck as he reported on the unexpected success of his congregation s effort to support the Ablaze! movement. As members sent in their Fan into Flame commitments, the congregation s share of the donations has already amounted to $3,000 to be used for local mission and outreach projects. With the funds, the congregation s board of evangelism has printed Ablaze! Gospel contact cards which are placed in the pews. The board has also been sending letters to everyone who moves into New Holstein and nearby Kiel. When making calls they give out a copy of a book, All about Jesus, as well as a pamphlet about Zion. The board is planning to include similar materials in the communities Welcome Wagon baskets. Plans for this fall include hosting a witness workshop led by Lutheran Hour Ministries with a meal to be provided at no cost to participants. Members of the churches in Zion s circuit and immediate area are being invited. Zion s goal is to help all its members develop confidence and to challenge themselves to set a goal of sharing the basic Gospel message with at least four unchurched or uncommitted people a year for at least the next nine to ten years. Schenck sums it up, We are constantly seeking God s guidance, trusting that the Holy Spirit is helping us to speak, and at the same time he is working in the hearts of those with whom we speak, helping their hearts to be burning within them as the Scriptures are opened to them (Luke 24:32). Taiwan seminary worship service participants open the dedication ceremony with the blowing of rams horns. Taiwan seminary celebrates construction completion Ends of Recently China Lutheran Seminary (CLS) in Taiwan celebrated a day of thanksgiving as its new Theological Education and Church Resources Center building was dedicated. The seminary started as a small mission station, grew to a training center, and then became the present seminary. Located in Taiwan s bustling silicon valley of Hsinchu, Partially funded CLS offers master s programs through Fan into Flame, the building marks a significant stride forward in mission and theological education. The eight-story building in Hsinchu, Taiwan, is the larg- in Luther studies, divinity, and counseling; and a bachelor s degree in theology. The seminary has a student population of 400, eight full-time teachers, 35 part-time est project ever undertaken in the seminary s 40-year history. After a decade of planning and two years of construction, the L-shaped education and resource cen- the earth ter stands tall on the campus. International and local guests joined together in the 500-seat Luther Hall to worship and thank God for raising up more than 3,000 contributors. Taiwan church bodies, international missions, congregations, families, organizations, and many individuals (including children) donated or provided no-interest loans to see the construction through to completion. teachers, and a staff of 20. One hundred students meet on campus for their studies. The other 300 take part in a variety of extension programs, including Internet distance courses. In-person courses are also taught at 25 branch locations. CLS maintains a strong commitment to its roots in Lutheran Reformation theology while striving for a keen awareness of our own times, teaching and applying unchanging biblical truths to an ever-changing world. The seminary instills a passion for mission along with a gentle, kind, and respectful desire for dialog.

7 September/October 2008 South Wisconsin News 7 Opening up a small town to Christ: Outreach in Small Town, Wisconsin Saturday, Nov. 15, 2008 St. John, Portage (850 Armstrong St.) 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Enclose check payable to South Wisconsin District (note Evangelism Workshop ) and mail to SWD, 8100 W. Capitol Dr., Milwaukee, WI St. John, Plymouth, opens retreat facility Many factors in the church necessitate building a network for leadership training and mission support for rural/small town congregations. Dr. Ralph Geisler, director of the St. Paul Institute for Education (spife.org) in Concordia, Mo., will prepare you for this mission field. Registration costs $20 which includes continental breakfast, a box lunch and materials. Register online at swd.lcms.org/registration or mail the form below. The deadline is Nov. 3. For more information, call (800) , ext. 11. Name: Address: City, State, Zip: Daytime phone: address: Congregation and City: Last year St. John, Plymouth, expanded its ministry by acquiring a retreat facility. The Tree of Life Retreat is a seven acre site in the Kettle Moraine area. It is isolated within thousands of acres of state forest west of Plymouth, just south of Highway 23. This new resource for small groups offers an opportunity to discover silence and seclusion to allow God to be heard over the daily clamor of fast paced lives. The retreat center expanded from a small men s initiative at St. John, which in recent years participated in silent retreat opportunities. Now this small group ministry provides others a location for learning, reflection, fellowship and listening. To learn more visit treeofliferetreat.org or call (920) Fall singles retreat, Islam: What every Christian needs to know and do! Oct a.m.-3 p.m. Brookfield Lutheran (18500 W. Burleigh Rd.) What is the average Christian to think and do in response to the belief system of one of every people? Join presenter Tim Albers on a journey into the mind of both the Islamic terrorist and the peace-loving Muslim, and about speaking the truth in love. Cost is $10. Register by Sept. 28. Visit goblc.org or call (262) Good food, fun and fellowship: Ethnic folk fair coming to Wauwatosa Sept. 27 On Saturday, Sept. 27 (10 a.m. - 2 p.m.) the first ever Lutheran folk fair highlighting ethnic ministries in the South Wisconsin District will be held in the gym of Pilgrim Lutheran Church, 6717 W. Center St., Wauwatosa. The whole community is invited and both young and old will find something of interest. Representatives from the Hmong, Hispanic, English- and French-speaking African imm i g r a n t ministries will be on hand to share their various cultures through music, singing, ethnic food and cultural dress. Area congregations that sponsor specialized mission trips are also invited to publicize their activities. Check out display tables of the various ethnic ministries, enjoy the music, taste unique ethnic foods (Hmong egg rolls, Mexican tacos, African meat pies, etc.) and gain a greater appreciation of oneness in Christ. Each ethnic group will showcase their special culture during one-hour periods: a.m., Hmong culture; 11 a.m.- noon, English-speaking African immigrant culture; 12-1 p.m., Hispanic culture; 1-2 p.m., French-speaking African immigrant culture. Matching funds are being applied for through Thrivent Financial s C a r e Abounds in Community program. Proceeds from this event will benefit ethnic ministries sponsored by the South Wisconsin District. Other specialized ministry groups are invited to apply for participation. Financial sponsors are also welcome. For more information, contact the Pilgrim church office at (414) CLASSIFIED FOR SALE: Two cemetery lots in Wisconsin Memorial Park, Block 14, $1600 each or best offer. Call (863) FREE: Frontal and pulpit hanging paraments in several colors. Call Barb at (262)

8 8 South Wisconsin News September/October 2008 Lutheran Mission in the Dominican Republic (continued from front page) coordinated by the Lutheran Mission in the DR), receiving representatives to preach and speak about the Lutheran Mission, and enabling communication and understanding between students in the two countries. Prayer support is always encouraged as well. The Lutheran outreach effort in the Dominican Republic currently has two distinctive thrusts: 1) the development of a national Lutheran church body and 2) assisting developmentally disabled Dominican children and their families via staff training and spiritual education. Church planting The preaching station and school at Palmar Arriba are thriving and growing. More than 200 children attend classes at the Lutheran boarding school there during the academic year, and a group of about 50 regularly gather for public worship Wednesday evenings. A new preaching station has also been established at the Genesis School in Santiago, where some 150 children attend classes. Diamela Pascasio, the director, has great hopes for the school s efforts both in Santiago and in Palmar Arriba. Two other preaching stations have started in the area of DR s capital, Santo Domingo. Willy de la Rosa Gaspar coordinates the efforts in Las Americas, where area residents gather periodically in his home for worship, Bible study, and catechetical instruction. In the center of Santo Domingo a Bible institute has been established with emphases on Bible study, public worship, and con- gregational growth. Joseph de la Cruz coordinates the evangelism efforts of the local group that worships in the area. Both Gaspar (a dentist by trade) and Cruz (a native Haitian) began their formal vicarage year in August. If successful, they will be the first indigenous Lutheran pastors in the Dominican Republic. Pastor Ries directs and coordinates the theological education efforts of the mission. Human care outreach The Lutheran Mission in Dominican Republic has partnered with two local Christian non-profits, Dominican Childcare and 100,000th Braille book printed at Immanuel, Sheboygan One page at a time, Braille books have been produced at Lutheran Braille Work (LBW) Center #100 located at Immanuel, Sheboygan. One page at a time, from March 27, 1977, through June 17, 2008, they have produced 100,000 Braille books bringing the message of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ to individuals who are blind and vision impaired. Thousands of blind people throughout the United States and in many countries worldwide have read books printed at LBW #100. Currently there are 65 volunteers representing 11 congregations in Sheboygan, The local DR team includes (left to right) Willy Gaspar, Rev. Walter Ries, Diamela Pascasio (Genesis School director), Samon (a Haitian lay member in Santo Domingo), Danelle Putnam and Joseph de la Cruz. Gaspar and Cruz hope to be the first indigenous, ordained Lutheran pastors in the Dominican Republic. A second missionary is desperately needed as the work expands and grows. A Dominican Childcare staff member uses a Spanish-language Bible story book published by Concordia Publishing House. Kohler and Howards Grove, producing Braille copies of II Kings and the Gospel of John, part of the 37-volume complete Braille Bible distributed by Lutheran Braille Workers. Most of the volunteers work on one of the five teams that meet each week to produce the Braille books and a sixth team meets once a month to package the books for shipment and take them to the post office. Lutheran Braille Workers, Inc. provides Braille and large print materials without charge, with an invitation to contribute as able. Charitable giving is the only means of support for this ministry to the blind. MANIDI (the Association of Mothers of Children with Disability), to help share the Word of God with children and youth who have developmental disabilities and their families. These two organizations serve approximately 440 families in the Santiago area. Weekly they visit the homes of developmentally disabled children and youth and provide educational and rehabilitation services for them. In 2007 Danelle Putnam worked with Dominican Childcare in providing spiritual life training to 40 staff members for the purpose of sharing a Bible lesson with the children and a family member each week as they visit their home. This year Putnam is training MANIDI workers to do the same for the youth they visit weekly. She has also established a community-based Bible study group called Amigos de Jesus (Friends of Jesus). It includes mothers who have children with developmental disabilities and meets Greenfield Lutheran Rangers receive Solo Christos awards Two Lutheran Rangers at Our Father, Greenfield, recently received the Solo Christos Award. The award is the highest honor a Lutheran Ranger can receive. Earning the award involves a number of requirements such as writing a letter to a missionary, comparing Christian denominations, being involved in a service project with shut-ins, and learning the symbolism of the award. The Solo Christos Award is presented to Ben Dorow (left) and Daniel Fabrizius of Camp 9 by Rev. Karl Fabrizius. monthly. Through education and mentor programs, we can work with local leaders and schools to empower them to care for the disabled in a Christian manner, and care for their families and grow in faith, said John Lewis, LCMS World Relief and Human Care. The children that [we] work with are awesome. They just want to be loved and have the chance to grow and know Jesus. CONANI is the National Council for Children and Adolescents. CONANI has two large homes for disabled children. There are 140 children in the Santiago and Santo Domingo homes. Through Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services and IMPACT, in collaboration with CONANI, efforts are being made to establish a pilot project of group homes and family reintegration for the children. Conversations continue with CONANI regarding the formation of the project. There are some sad and heart rending stories, said President Wille. We visited one facility where several teenage boys were kept in a jail cell, behind bars. There were no beds. There were no toilet facilities. There were no clothes. There was only human filth, and tears in the eyes. Challenges and needs The local team members of the Lutheran Mission constantly emphasize that they need the prayers of their partners in the U.S. and in Brazil. The fact is, however, that they also need support in terms of monetary contributions and physical presence. As the mission work and opportunities continue to expand, they are being stretched beyond their limits. Of immediate need are: 1) funding to support the hiring of a local administrator to handle the logistics that constantly detract from one-on-one ministry; 2) funding to support calling and placing in service another fulltime, ordained expatriate missionary; 3) guidance and counsel as mission efforts expand so that the Lutheran Mis- sion will be truly indigenous; and 4) additional partners who will lend a hand both financially and physically. And sociologist Ricardo Santo? Following the SWD team s return from the Dominican Republic, he announced his Bob Gunerman tries his hand at baseball with residents of the CONANI home in Santiago. desire to study for the pastoral ministry. The Lutheran Mission will now have four theology students, one in Santiago and three in Santo Domingo. It may be that the group s presence in the DR helped convince Dr. Santo of the commitment of the Lutheran Mission and its partners. The challenges and the needs are great as the Lutheran Mission in the Dominican Republic continues its many outreach efforts. Congregations of the South Wisconsin District can play a key role as we use new and creative ways to assist this new national Lutheran church body that is still in its infant years. For more information about efforts of the Lutheran Mission in the Dominican Republic, see the January 2008 Lutheran Witness. Also visit misiondominicana.blogspot.com (maintained by Rev. Walter Ries, Jr.) and web.mac.com/ mercyforever (maintained by Barbara Below). If you are interested in hosting a PowerPoint briefing on the Lutheran Mission in the Dominican Republic, please contact Rev. Larry Myers ( ) or Peg Raabe ( ). To discuss how your congregation can make a financial commitment for the Lutheran Mission in the Dominican Republic, contact John Lewis ( ) with LCMS World Relief and Human Care. Lutheran Bible Translators take leave of absence In March, the South Wisconsin News reported Lutheran Bible Translator (LBT) Paul Schroeder left his recent post in Nigeria to seek medical treatment in the States. He and his wife, Wendi, returned to his family s home in Lafayette, Ind. with their two young sons, and Paul received treatment for reactive arthritis. Paul s health has improved enough to return to work, and he has the doctor s approval to return to Nigeria. But there were other things the family needed to consider as well. As a result, We have decided to take a leave of absence from LBT and from our assignment in Nigeria, Wendi said. Essentially we will be taking a step back from our responsibilities as active missionaries with LBT for at least 12 months. Their family now has moved to the Milwaukee area.

9 September/October 2008 South Wisconsin News 9 Santa Biblia: Sending the Word to Cuba Confessional Lutheran brothers and sisters are growing in their faith and numbers in Cuba, and people from the South Wisconsin District have a hand in that growth. Rev. Dr. Albert Garcia (Concordia University Wisconsin) visited several cities in Cuba from June He is the president of the Cuban Lutheran Fellowship (CLF) mission society. Garcia and Rev. Dr. Leopoldo Sanchez from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, conducted theological seminars for Lutheran and other evangelical students. Dr. Sanchez and I were very impressed at the spiritual and theological growth of the Bible study workshop in Cuba. students during our recent trip to Cuba, said Garcia. [T]his church could prove to be the salt and yeast for future evangelistic expansion in other Caribbean countries. Garcia received a request from Rev. Marcial Hernandez, president of Cuba s Iglesia Evangelica Libre (Evangelical Free Church), asking for more copies of the Bible that Sanchez and Garcia brought along and distributed. The students were overjoyed with this new Lutheran Heritage Foundation edition of the Holy Bible in Spanish with Luther s Small Catechism, questions and answers. The Bible is unique because a Spanish translation of Peitsch first full time resident pastor at Grace, Elkhart Lake Rev. Peter Peitsch was installed as the first full-time resident pastor of Grace, Elkhart Lake, on June 8, Grace was organized in 1960 as a daughter congregation of Zion, Glenbeulah. The two churches shared a pastor until earlier this year, when they agreed to dissolve their dual parish and call two pastors to serve them. Peitsch served most recently at Trinity, Waconia, Minn. He and his wife Clare have four children: Christian, Caleb, Madelyn and Marielle. Clare and Rev. Peter Peitsch Lehenbauer installed at Trinity-Freistadt Katie and Rev. Carl Lehenbauer On June 30, Rev. Carl W. Lehenbauer was installed as associate pastor of Trinity- Freistadt, Mequon. Guest preacher was Rev. Rob Mrosko of St. Paul, Decatur, Ill., where Lehenbauer served his vicarage. Johnson installed at Zion, Glenbeulah On July 6, Rev. Donald Johnson was installed at Zion, Glenbeulah. He previously served several congregations in Minnesota and, since 1990, at Sheboygan Lutheran High School. Johnson and his wife Virginia have three children, Nathan, Elisa and Micah. Rev. Donald and Virginia Johnson the catechism is included (see sidebar at right). Hernandez requested enough Bibles to place one into the hands of every evangelical pastor in Cuba. This means that not only will our Lutheran churches have quite a few copies for teaching, but every evangelical pastor in Cuba will receive a great gift and witness to our Lutheran heritage, Garcia said. This gift opens further doors to our work in Cuba. Garcia is working out details to assure the Bibles safe arrival in Cuba. Please pray that they find safe and quick passage to the eager students striving to share the pure Gospel of Jesus Christ in this country. If you would like to help CLF raise the needed $3,000 to send 3,500 Bibles to Cuba, gifts may be sent to Cuban Lutheran Fellowship, c/o Rev. Dr. Albert Garcia, 9149 N. Pearlette Ln., Brown Deer, WI CLF is a 501(c)3 nonprofit religious organization. Contributions are tax deductible. More information is online at cbnlf.org Luther s Small Catechism, translated into Spanish, has been published with the Holy Bible in a single volume by the Lutheran Heritage Foundation (LHF). Rev. Dan McMiller, SWD mission executive, first saw a need for the Bible with catechism when he was a missionary in Panama several years ago. When LHF Executive Director Robert Rahn approached him about possible translation projects, McMiller jumped at the chance to produce the combined volume. We d have the people s Bible, as Martin Luther called it, right here in one resource, McMiller said. When witnessing the faith and planting churches among Hispanics, he said, it is always very important that we have the Bible and the catechism there, side by side. Though traditionally many Hispanic people are Catholic, McMiller says there are large groups of unchurched Hispanics, and the Lutheran faith has much to offer them. Because Luther wrote the catechism for the common man with a limited education, the unchurched Latino, no matter his social status, understands it, he said. They appreciate the clarity, and the lights keep going on and on. Virtually all of the 11,000 Bibles printed in the first run have now been spoken for. If you would like to support a reprinting of these Bibles, gifts may be sent to the South Wisconsin District earmarked for Spanish Bible Translation (mail to 8100 W. Capitol Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53222). New Doxology pastoral training program includes Senkbeil installation Doxology, the Lutheran Center for Spiritual Care and Counsel, held its first training event at a retreat center in Oconomowoc, July Participants included thirty five pastors from fourteen states. During a service on July 13, Dr. Harold Senkbeil was installed as executive director for spiritual counsel. He joins Dr. Beverly Yahnke as a codirector of Doxology. Senkbeil served two congregations of the South Wisconsin District for more than twenty years before accepting a call in the spring of 2002 to Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind., as associate professor of pastoral ministry and missions. McVey installed at Good Shepherd, Stoughton On June 29, Rev. Todd McVey was installed as senior pastor at Good Shepherd by the Lake in Stoughton. McVey has served as Hospice Care director of community relations and previously at Calvary, Madison, as well as congregations in Omaha and St. Louis. McVey and his wife Laurie have three children, Jessica, Christen and Lucas. Rev. Todd McVey McMiller plays role in new Spanish Bible with Catechism The installation rite was conducted by Rev. Dr. Larry W. Myers of Elm Grove Lutheran and SWD fourth vice president. Peter Ledic of Messiah, Danville, Calif., conference chaplain, was the preacher for the occasion. Worshippers included the training seminar participants as well as members from Doxology s board of directors, board of advisors and guests from local congregations. Doxology is an LCMS recognized service organization offering advanced instruction in aptitudes and applied skills informed by both the classical biblical model of the care of souls and the insights of contemporary Christian psychology. Rev. Harold Senkbeil Doxology training has three parts: the gathering (pastors only), the encore (pastors and lay leaders) and the reunion (pastors and wives). Options for participating pastors include peer networking and personal consultation with either or both of the directors. Doxology will offer new training cycles in Minnesota and Illinois beginning in Details will be available at Rev. Jason Zirbel ordained in Waterford Rev. Dr. Robert Rahn (left), executive director for Lutheran Heritage Foundation, shows a new Spanish Bible to Rev. Dan McMiller, South Wisconsin District missions executive. Jason Zirbel was ordained into the LCMS pastoral ministry June 15 at St. Peter, Waterford. Zirbel was married at St. Peter s, where his wife Jeannette and daughters Haley and Carley were baptized. Zirbel served four years in the United Stated Rev. Jason Zirbel Marine Corps and worked as a machinist and carpenter. He completed his vicarage at Faith, Tullahoma Tenn., and has been called to Grace, Greenwood, Ark.

10 10 South Wisconsin News September/October 2008 Mission Lamp Lutheran Women s Missionary League News Here is what Lutheran Women in Mission are doing! See you there: Fall Retreat Oct , 2008 Manitowoc Young Women s Retreat Feb. 6-7 Fond du lac Indeed we have a mighty God: mite overage! At the close of the biennium, gifts for mission grants totaled $195,732.83! Received to date: $187, Memorials/ Celebrations: 4, Selle Interest: 3, Total $195, Overage for the biennium: $5, Mites for new biennium Needed by end of July: $8, Received $8, Shortage ($39.43) 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 ; afharmslwml@triwest.net VP, Human Care, Grants Linda Christensen ac88@mhtc.net VP, Communications Barbara Kurth barbtk4@juno.net Recording Secretary Linda Ault copi1kitty@aol.com Corres. Secretary Barbara Strenger barogst@peoplepc.com Financial Secretary (Receives all funds) Janis Mattson 3557 S. 43rd St. Greenfield, WI jmm11098@aol.com Treasurer (Pays all bills) Debbie Netz N9598 Winnebago Park Rd. Fond du lac,wi djnetz@charter.net Senior Counselor Rev. David Totsky tots_brkfld@yahoo.com Junior Counselor Rev. Brian Beardsley Berlin, WI From the president A strong woman What an exciting convention we had in June. I came away with new spiritual insights and a new direction for my life. At our Board of Director s meeting on the Friday of the convention, Pastor Busse used his opening devotion to remind us what a Christian woman is. She is strong in many ways. Strong in her future She trusts God to guide her through the days ahead and to provide a place for her in heaven. In John 14:1-3 Jesus tells us: Don t be troubled, believe in God, and believe in me. My Father s house has many rooms. If that were not true, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? If I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again. Then I will bring Jan Dankwardt you into my presence so that you will be where I am. Strong in her prayer life She puts aside time each day to meet with God and get to know Him better. In 1 Thessalonians 5:17 we are encouraged to Pray continually. Strong in her Bible study & Bible knowledge God s word always has new insights. We can have A-HA moments every time we open our hearts to the Word. God speaks to us when we faithfully read the Bible, and our faith and joy increase. Strong in her love for others Jesus tells us the story of the Good Samaritan who reached out to help someone along his way. It was someone who the Priest and the Levite passed by. This is what He wants us to do to reach out whenever He gives us the opportunity. We are His hands and feet and we are His face to the world. Strong in her health God has given us a body and He expects us to take good care of it. Living a healthy life style will help us not only physically but also emotionally and spiritually as well. He admonishes us to offer our body as a living sacrifice to Him. This is a spiritual way to worship. Strong in her joy So where does our joy come from? Nehemiah 8:10 tells us. Don t be sad because the Joy of the Lord will make you strong. Sin can destroy our joy; we need to confess it so our hearts and conscience can be free to praise God. Then, we can show our joy to the world. No one is always strong in every area. These are challenges we need to keep in mind. When you are struggling with something, take it to the Lord and He will provide you with the strength you will need to be confident, faithful, knowledgeable, caring, healthy and joyful. I ENCOUR- AGE YOU TO MAKE PERSONAL GROWTH IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS THE PRIORITY IN YOUR LIFE. There is nothing more important. The benefits of that relationship will be joy in your service and the ability to share your faith boldly. God s Blessings as you grow in Him, Jan. Look to the Hills God Reigns Portland convention 2009 Plan now to attend the LWML 33rd Biennial Convention in beautiful Portland, Oregon, where the host committee will roll out the purple carpet just for you! Set aside June 25 28, 2009, to join your LWML sisters in Christ to Look to the Hills God Reigns. What better place than Mt. Hood and its scenic surroundings to reflect on God s creation and the assurances we read in Psalm 121:1-2, I lift my eyes to the hills where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Begin making plans, reserve the date and encourage other LWML/ LCMS women (men and families are welcome, too) to journey with you to the beautiful Pacific Northwest. There is more information to come! Visit for details about the convention and the post-convention cruise to Alaska offered by Azumano Travel of Portland. Cabins are limited book your reservations now! See the website azumano.com/lwml for further details including what the different rooms/suites look like. District mite recipients receive more than $2 million over the years God has truly blessed us with giving hearts. As of the end of the biennium, it was discovered that with goals being reached since the inception of the SWD LWML, the moneys allocated to District grants passed the $2 million mark. Mites given for District grants, including excesses, has totaled $2,019, The total given for National grants during this time, including excesses, reached $693, That brings the grand total for giving to over $2.7 million. These figures have been based upon records accumulated by Linda Ault in addition to our giving records over the last two bienniums. May God continue to bless us as we continue to be a blessing to others. Submitted by Lorraine Koch, SWD LWML Treasurer Nine past presidents present at convention By displaying her princess basket, LWML National President Jan Wendorf reminded us that we are all daughters of the King, namely Jesus. Front (l to r): Joyce Kaestner, Esther Schoessow Bauers, Marlys Taege Moberg. Second row: Loretta Gabrilska and Anita Gaede. Third Row: Barbara Strenger and Edith Mossner. Back: Lauren Beale and Gerry Burkee. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE TO THE LORD. Rev. Jeffrey Corder from Mission Hills Lutheran Church in Waunakee spoke about the Gather part of the Go! Gather!! Glorify!!! Theme Friday night during the Convention. Nov/Dec Mission Lamp by Sept. 15 to: Lori Kleinschmidt, Editor 884 Fieldcrest Dr., Neenah, WI (920) mmlklein@sbcglobal.net Installation of new officers at convention 2008 From left: President Jan Dankwardt, VP Human Care/Mission Grants Linda Christensen, VP Communication Barbara Kurth, Treasurer Debbie Netz, Corresponding Secretary Barbara Strenger, and Junior Pastoral Counselor Brian Beardsley

11 September/October 2008 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 Encouraging words from outgoing President Carolyn Blum at the Convention: The Bible is good food, but not fast food. From Senior Counselor Rev. David Totsky: God is stronger than the challenges we face, and Isaiah 55:11 God s word will not return to him empty. Mission Lamp Vol. 58, No. 1 September/October 2008 Fall rallies emphasize mission speakers Zone 1 Metro-South Shore - Speaker: Deacon Gui Kasongo Kabeo from International Luth. Church of Zion, Oct. 27 with 6:30 coffee/dessert, program 7pm, held at Our Father Lutheran, 6025 S. 27th St., Milwaukee Zone 2 Metro-South - Speaker Susan Vang on Hmong Missions & Customs Oct. 5, 2-4:30 pm at Grace, 3030 W. Oklahoma Ave., Milwaukee Zone 3 Metro-SW - Speaker Norman Rose on Mission Central Wisconsin. Bible study led by Rev. Micah Wildauer Sept. 27, 9am at Beautiful Savior, Waukesha Zone 4 Metro West - Lutheran Folk Fair, Bible Study led by Rev. Harvey Lange Sept. 27, Reg./Brkfst 8:30am, Program 10am at Pilgrim Lutheran Wauwatosa Zone 5/6 NW & North - Theme:Turn Over a New Leaf with Bible study led by Rev. Benjamin Squires Sept. 27 8:30am Registration at Immanuel, Brookfield Zone 7 Metro North Shore - Speaker Armita Harmon from SOS Center, One Changed Mind Oct. 4, 8:30am at St. John s, Glendale Zone 8 Ozaukee/Washington - Speakers Roger & Alice Buck, Evangelistic Work & Life in Togo, Sept. 27, 9am at First Immanuel, Cedarburg Zone 9 Horicon - Speakers Norman & Betty Rose, Mission Opportunities, Bible study led by Rev. James Mallmann, Nov. 1, 8:30am-12noon at St. John s, Mayville Zone 10 West Bend/ Random Lake - Speaker Rev. Bryan O Connor (1pm) LuWiSoMo, Bible study led by Rev. Greg Laska, Oct. 15, 9am- 3pm at Immanuel, Town Scott/ Random Lake Zone 11 Sheboygan South - Bible study led by Rev. Dana Loney, Oct. 21, 6pm Registration/Supper at St. Thomas, Waldo Zone 12 Sheboygan Central - LWML Fall Rally Bible Study led by Rev. Bob Steele, Oct. 9, 6pm dessert, at Trinity Lutheran, Sheboygan Zone 13 Sheboygan North - Speaker: Martha Hill, Special Olympics International Global Messenger in China, Bible Study led by Rev. Ronald Peterson, Oct. 21, 6:15 Reg., 6:45 program at Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer, Sheboygan Zone 14 Plymouth - Speaker: Bev Lueder, MOST Puerto Rican Eyeglass Mission, Oct. 28, 7pm at St. Bartholomew, Brillion Zone 15 Winnebago -Ingathering & assembling supplies for Diaster Survival Kits for LCMS, Oct. 25, 8:45am Reg. at Peace Lutheran, Neenah Zone 16 Berlin - Speaker: Trish Kagerbauer on A Place of Refuge, Bible Study led by Rev. Bryan Fritsch, Oct. 28, 3pm Speaker, 6pm Bible study, at Grace Lutheran, Omro Zone 17 Marquette - Rep. from LAMP, Bible Study led by Rev. Franklin Giebel, Oct.25, 9am Reg., 9:30 Program at Immanuel Lutheran, Westfield Bask in the warmth of the Son this winter: Young Women s Retreat Feb. 6-7, 2009 Theme: Be Strengthened, Find Endurance, Learn Patience Featured speaker: Martha Hartwig will share how she is used by the Lord in spite of her limitations. Sunflowers are a very resilient plant. They can grow in very barren soil and challenging conditions. Birds peck at their seeds before the farmer can harvest them; yet they seek the warmth of the Sun at sunrise and follow the Sun until dusk. What can we learn from this flower in our life with Jesus? Is the flower still useful even though it is plain without beautiful petals or fragrance? We ask the Lord how can you use me I am plain, just a sunflower, I am worn down by the wind, rain and hail and the birds pick on me. Do we look to the SON for fulfillment Lord lead me. Do you have limitations, do you feel plain, do you have birds that irritate you, do you doubt you can do the Lord s work? In the Bible there are many stories of sunflowers that He used to do big things. It s not what you do that is important but answering the call to do the Lord s work. It s not our strength but His. Patience allows the Lord to use us in his time. Endurance is feasible when you hold His hand. Return home with strengthened and renewed friendships. Take home the joy of the Lord the gift that you are not alone and the realization that you can do the Lords work in spite of yourself! Seating is limited! Ages are welcome to the YWR. Additional information, as well as registration materials are coming. Zone 18 La Crosse - Speaker: Mary Schwenkhoff, MOST Eyeglass Clinic, Sept. 27, 9am-12noon, at St. Luke, Lyndon Station Zone 19 Southwest -Program: MOST Ministries Trip, Bible Study led by Rev. Kurt Klingbeil, Oct. 11, 10am, at St. Paul s, Hillpoint Zone 20/21 Madison North/South - Speakers: Norm & Betty Rose, Mission Central Wisconsin, Bible Study led by Rev. Alan Boeck, Oct. 25, 8:30 Reg. at St. John s, Portage Zone 22 Oconomowoc - Speakers: Norm & Betty Rose, Mission Central Wisconsin, Oct. 14, 6:30pm Reg., 7pm Program, at St. John s, North Prairie Zone 23 Watertown - Speakers:Ed & Wilma Rupprecht, LBT-Ministry to the Ogoja People of Nigeria, Oct. 11, 9-11:45am, at Good Shepherd, Watertown Zone 24 Janesville - Bible Study led by Dr. Thomas Feiertag of Concordia University, Oct. 15, 5:45pm Registration/ Meal, 7pm Program, at St. John s, Edgerton Zone 25 Beloit - Speakers:Norm & Betty Rose, LCMS Foreign Missions, Bible Study led by Rev. Harold Krueger, Oct. 15, 9:30am, at Trinity Lutheran, Beloit Zone 26 Kenosha - No Fall Rally Zone 27 Racine - Speakers: Norm & Betty Rose, Meet Your Missionaries, Oct. 4th, 8:30 coffee, 9am Program, at Grace Lutheran, Racine Ingathering/ Offering for Fall Retreat Ingathering: canned soups and vegetables, kid foods-cereal, crackers, baby food, cake mixes, peanut butter and jelly Offering: 75% to Hmong Ministry of Redeemer Lutheran Church, Manitowoc, WI and 25% to the SWD-LWML Endowment Fund for Female Church Work Students Servant Event: Cutting and sewing fabric to make tote bags and eyeglass cases for MOST ministries. Fri. 4:30-6pm or 8:30-10pm **Send checks for Fall Retreat to: LuAnn Roman 2654 N. 74th St. Wauwatosa, WI Mission grants for the biennium 1. LCMS Joint Seminary Fund Student Aid ($20,000) 2. Scholarships for Deaf Seminary Students & Deaf Children s Outreach ($8,000) 3. Church Work Student Grant (30,000) 4. Food & Clothing Co-op Assistance - Fort Wayne Seminary ($15,000) 5. Biblical Braille Production ($6,000) 6. Recruit Alaska Native Church Workers (LAMP-USA) ($20,000) 7. Bibles for Inner City Milwaukee Outreach ($5,000) 8. Cistern-Lutheran Church - Chiquimula, Guatemala ($1,098) 9. Trinity/Hope Hot Lunch for Haitian Schools ($5,000) 10. Scholarships for Unchurched at Lutheran Special School ($12,450) 11. Deaconess Intern Training Pilot Program - Sheboygan ($20,000) 12. Theological Education in Kazakhstan ($5,000) 2008 Fall Retreat Registration Name Address, City, State, Zip Telephone No. Congregation / City Zone No. Emergency Contact Name and Phone No. Attending: Friday Night Saturday Both Days Age (circle one) Minors attending without their parent or legal guardian will be sent a waiver form to fill out and return to the registrar. Registration Fee: If postmarked on or before Sept. 20th $35 If postmarked after September 20th $45 * Discount of $10 if High School age. ($25/$35) Registration Sub-Total $ Note: Walk-ins are not guaranteed space and/or materials. Meals: Saturday Breakfast Buffet: Scrambled Eggs, Ham, Bacon, Country Fried Potatoes, Toast and Fruit $9 $ Saturday Lunch: Chicken Normandy w/asparagus, Fruit $11 $ Note: Joining us for the meals helps keep the total Retreat cost down. Hotel Room: Up to 4 people per room $90 $ Please send all roommate registrations together in one envelope. Names of my roommates: Total Amount Enclosed: $ NOTE: Late registrants are not guaranteed a room. List any Special Needs (Physical, Dietary, etc.) Make Checks Payable to: SWD-LWML Fall Retreat Mail check and registration (with self-addressed stamped envelope if confirmation is desired) to: (see left**)

12 12 South Wisconsin News September/October SOUTH WISCONSIN LUTHERAN LAYMEN S LEAGUE PRESIDENT S REPORT Greetings in the name of our Risen Savior! Don t forget and mark you calendars for the SWD LLL District Conference and Educational Events at Concordia University, Mequon, Wisconsin on Friday and Saturday, September 19 and 20. To register go to our website End of Term The year was 1999, when I became LLL vice-president of the South Wisconsin District. The location was the Elm Grove Lutheran Church in Elm Grove, Wisconsin. When I was asked if my name could be placed in nomination, I agreed, thinking that being new to the District, there was no chance that I would be elected. I was wrong. Here it is nearly ten years later and I am ending my last term as the LLL District president. Several programs and projects were implemented and attempted There have been several changes during those past six years and credit should be given to the SWD LLL Board for their input and cooperation. Notable changes include a new SW LLL District website, District meeting locations were held in various parts of the South Wisconsin District, restructuring of the inactive and active Zones and partnerships with Milwaukee area LCMS churches to bring the Lutheran Hour to the eastern part of the state. A foundation was left for us by our SW District LLL predecessors and we have built on that foundation. Those that follow as new officers will continue to build on the foundation we have left for them. They will expand and improve on it. The Lord will continue to bless the efforts of the Lutheran Laymen s League. Ambassador of the Year Our LLL District Board approved the nomination of Victor Krahn as this year s Ambassador of the Year. Victor was recognized for his outstanding performance for the following reasons: Victor has been a Congregational rep/ambassador for his congregation since During this time he and his wife, Doris, have presented the League s programs and ministries whenever they could. Prior to becoming an Ambassador they had been attending rallies in the Sheboygan area. The past two years they have led the District in LHM Sunday contributions. They have been board members of their Zone on numerous occasions, and just celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary. Victor will be the South Wisconsin LLL s guest at this year s Annual International Convention in Lexington, KY. Please consider joining us and watching the Ambassador recognition program. New Officers Elected At its 91st International Convention in Lexington, Kentucky, the International Lutheran Laymen's League (Int'l LLL) elected Michael "Mick" Onnen to the post of president and Mark Dunlop to the position of financial secretary. Michael "Mick" Onnen of Davenport, Nebraska, was elected to a two-year term as president. Married and the father of three, he has served as international secretary, regional governor, and chairman, vice chairman, and member-atlarge of the Ministries committee. He has also served on the Policy Study and Resolutions committees. Onnen has been district president, vice president, special projects chairman, and development chairman. He is a former zone president, vice president, and development LHM Group Bible Study Available The LHM Group Bible Study has been sent to all the active groups. Live By the Spirit from Galatians 5: is this year's theme. Through your affiliation with League you can receive these yearly bible studies. There is no cost to you. If your group has not yet renewed, or you wish to become an active participant, call , ext.4106; e- mail lllgroups@lhm.org,or fax chairman. Onnen has been local club president and Ambassador. At St. Peter Lutheran Church in Davenport, he has held the positions of congregational chairman and elder. Onnen has served on LCMS district committees. He is general manager for a natural resources district and handles administration, budgeting, personnel, planning, and legislative matters. He holds a bachelor's degree and has received the Nebraska Land Improvement Contractor's Outstanding Accomplishments Award. Mark Dunlop of Des Peres, Missouri, was elected to the position of financial secretary for the Int'l LLL. He is a regional director for Mass Mutual Financial Group, was the founder of Plan to attend Designed Benefit Incentives, and is active in strategizing new products, sales, and training. He holds master's degrees and is a chartered financial consultant and life underwriter. Married, with four children, he has served the LLL as international treasurer and regional governor. He chaired the Ministries and Ministry Support committees, conducted leadership workshops, and served on various other committees. Dunlop was a district facilitator and was active in his zone and local club. On the district level, he was vice president, media chair, and league services chair. A member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Des Peres, he has church experience as elder, evangelism chair, and in financial matters. Plan to attend the South Wisconsin District LLL Conference September at Concordia University-Wisconsin. Check with your congregation s Ambassador for more information. Order or Print LHM s Bulletin Insert Now! LHM s free quarterly bulletin inserts provide ways for your congregation to share Christ s message of hope with people in your community and around the world through Lutheran Hour Ministries programs and resources. To print color or black and white copies of the bulletin insert visit lhm.org. To order printed copies of the bulletin inserts each quarter, call Ed Bieno elected Governor of Region 6 Edward Bieno of Stoughton, Wisconsin, was elected as governor of Region 6. The election took place at the International Convention in Lexington, Kentucky. He most recently served the LLL as district president in South Wisconsin for the past six years. He is executive administrator of the Stoughton Chamber of Commerce and received his education in Thorpe and Eau Claire. In the LLL, he has experience as district vice president, secretary, and Ambassador. A member of Good Shepherd by the Lake in Stoughton, he has been a church leader as elder and a member of committees. God s blessings to Ed as he begins this new venture in service to the Lutheran Laymen s League. International Convention of the Int'l LLL Encourages Attendees to Make a Stand for the Savior The 91st International Convention of the International Lutheran Laymen's League in Lexington, Kentucky, came to a close with several messages encouraging attendees to follow the convention theme of "Live by the Spirit" (Galatians 5:16) and make a stand for the Savior. Pastor Ken Klaus, Speaker of The Lutheran Hour, offered powerful and inspiring messages during the general session, The Hoffmann Society reception, a mini-retreat for men, and The Lutheran Hour Rally. "Being a Christian is not a spectator sport; following the Savior calls for courage and commitment," he said. "The Lord has entrusted us with the salvation story... we are people of Christ with the one and only message of hope that can forgive sins and save souls. 'Thus far, no further.' Here is where we make our stand." Lutheran Hour Ministries Executive Director Larry Lumpe outlined four areas of focus for Lutheran Hour Ministries moving forward: The Lutheran Hour radio program, the Woman to Woman radio program, International Ministries, and the new LHM Men's NetWork, which is scheduled to begin in January "We must work directly with laymen to help them grow in their faith and build their desire to serve the Lord, and thereby become a help to the pastors and professional church workers," he noted. Outgoing LLL President Jack Kidwell spoke of the need to address the steady decline in membership facing many volunteer organizations today. "You've heard throughout this convention, and seen it with your own eyes on Sundays, that men are increasingly absent from the Church today," he said. "I think this situation presents a real opportunity for Lutheran Hour Ministries... one that I believe we are addressing with the development of the LHM Men's NetWork." Share Hope: A Back-to- School Service Project for Students of All Ages I know what you're thinking: School supplies? But we just celebrated Independence Day! The fact is, many parents will start shopping for school supplies during the next few weeks, and Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM) has the perfect back-to-school service project for your class, youth group, or Sunday school class. As students are shopping for this year's school items, it is a great time to remind them that many children around the world cannot even afford basic school supplies. And that's not it. Many of these students have not heard about God's perfect gift of grace through His Son, Jesus Christ. Some have survived natural disasters and live in terrible conditions. These children desperately need to hear Christ's message of hope. During this year's back-to-school rush, get your church or school's youth together to fill Global Care Packages and send them to an approved collection site. LHM will send the packages to our ministry centers around the world where staff and volunteers add Christian literature in the native language, distribute the packages, and initiate a mission opportunity with those who need Christ. For more details, including a shopping list and step-by-step instructions, please visit or contact Jeanne Lawrence at Jeanne.Lawrence@lhm.org or

13 September/October 2008 South Wisconsin News 13 Greetings from Camp! By Terry Schmeckpeper Dear Mom and Dad, I m writing this postcard you said I had to write. Camp is awesome. My counselor is great. And the food is good too. We went canoeing today and I lost a shoe but don t worry I got it back. I met a new friend from our town. Well thats all. PS. The camp has a goat. He eats anything you give him. Can we get one? This post card was handed to me by a young man who asked if I would read it to see if it was OK to send. I read his card, smiled and told him what a great job he had done. I then asked him if I could share it with you and he said, sure as long as my mom gets it before the end of the week. Camp LuWiSoMo W5421 Aspen Rd. Wild Rose WI Phone: (920) Fax: (920) camp@luwisomo.org Web: My first summer here at camp has not been too different from that of this young man. Summer may be over but I am still very excited to be at camp. Camp LuWiSoMo is awesome. The summer staff was impressive as they worked with the kids to have a good time and experience God s love in new ways. The food is top notch (we have a chef you know). Like any adventure, we have had some excitement but all has turned out well. And I have made lots of new friends. I thank our Lord for the opportunity to work with all of you and... I thank you, for your support of camp and for providing the people and gifts that made that young boy smile from ear to ear as he told his little brother You gotta come here when you get old like me PS. We do have a goat, and a few other things for you to do when you are here. Come visit us soon! Thanks to our Summer Staff This is the team that worked long hours to provide the children and adults of the South Wisconsin District with, a better understanding of Jesus our Hero, quality summer programing and good friends to share the summer fun with. Feeding His Flock Campaign Update Total pledges received through July 1, 2008 total $876, Please continue to remember the camp in your prayers and prayerfully consider how you can help make this building project a reality. Events at Camp this Fall that will renew your soul. Joan Voigt, Development Assistant Luther Hostel offers a time for adults to relax at the scenic Krueger Retreat Center and explore and study God s word with other Christian adults. Golf Marathon. Sign up as a Golfer, Caddie or as a sponsor for the annual Golf Marathon. Have an enjoyable day on the golf course while helping to raise funds that support programs offered at Camp LuWiSoMo. Simply request sponsors and get your golf clubs ready. Prizes and refreshments will be provided. Confirmation Retreats are offered each weekend in October to reinforce your church s teachings with young Christians.. Fall Work Weekend Register to come to LuWiSoMo for a free weekend. Those who pre-register will be assigned job tasks such as mailings, cleaning offices, cutting wood and getting the camp ready for winter. Scrapbooking and Stamping Retreats. This year we will offer two opportunities! Mothers are encouraged to bring daughters for one weekend. The other weekend is strictly for diehard scrapbooking adults. Bring your photos and get your albums completed. Several hands on projects and new techniques will be lead by consultants. Kid s Christmas Camp. Summer is still half of a year away but Kids can still have fun at camp. Come enjoy this special season together with spiritual growth and fun activities at the Krueger Retreat Center. LuWiSoMo Receives a Challenge / Matching Grant Rev. O Connor, for the Feeding His Flock Committee Camp LuWiSoMo has received a new Matching Grant of $250,000 to be used toward the construction of a New Dining Hall. This news comes at the same time that the floor plans for the kitchen and dining hall are ready for Camp Board review. The current Feeding His Flock campaign has nearly reached the $900,000 plateau of gifts and pledges. A portion of those funds have gone to build phase #1-8 new youth cabins. It was calculated by our donor that the addition of $500,000 would be sufficient to build phase #2 - the new Dinning Hall. Our anonymous donor has gotten behind Camp in a big way by establishing a Major Gift / Challenge Grant. A challenge means we need to match the donors gift before July of 2011 and all additional monies be contributed by new donors or new gifts. Individual Gifts donated after July 15, 2008 will already count toward the challenge Grant. Those who have pledged or contributed prior to that date are asked to give prayerful consideration to an additional gift or renewed pledge that can be matched. Those who have not yet contributed now have an opportunity to double their gift from the start. What will it take you might ask. One way to break down the goal is something we ll call the Gideon approach. God directed Gideon to send all but 300 men home so that the people of God would know it was He not they who defeat their enemy. If 300 people made a 2 year pledge of just $835 we would go over the top and reach our goal. I challenge you to become a Gideon warrior so that God s goals for Camp LuWiSoMo can be accomplished. Upcoming Events at LuWiSoMo Luther Hostel Sept 8-10, 2008 Golf Marathon Sept 19, 2008 Confirmation Retreats Oct 3-5, 2008 Oct 10-12, 2008 Oct 17-19, 2008 Fall Work Weekend Oct 24-26, 2008 Chili Dinner Oct 26, 2008 Mother/ Daughter Scrapbooking & Stamping Retreat Oct 31-Nov 2, 2008 Women s Scrapbooking & Stamping Retreat Nov 7-9, 2008 Kid s Christmas Dec 5-7, 2008 Fellowship Retreat for Young Singles Jan 16-18, 2009 Women s Fabric Crafts Retreat Feb 20-22, 2009 Look! New Retreats! For a full calendar of events, visit luwisomo.org

14 14 South Wisconsin News September/October 2008 Rams Make Concordia Their Summer Training Camp Home By Jeff Bandurski The St. Louis Rams recently wrapped up their 2008 summer training camp at Concordia University Wisconsin, the first year of what university officials hope is a long-term deal. Training camp started on July 24 for nearly 180 Rams players, coaches, trainers and staff, with 20 morning and afternoon practices held on the University s new ProGrass turf athletic fields, along with a recently-installed grass practice field. Fan support from the local community was enthusiastic and higher than expected during the three weeks, as an average of 500 fans attended each practice. Nearly 2,000 people packed the stands and lined up around the track surrounding the football field for a 90-minute scrimmage on August 2. This has been a great experience, said head coach Scott Linehan. I realize we re in Packer country, but we ve had a number of Ram fans show up. The weather was indeed Cooler By The Lake during the camp s run last year portions of six practices had to be cancelled because of extreme heat and humidity in St. Louis. Concordia s new, $22 million, 360-bed Coburg Residence Hall was home to the players and coaches, with players housed two to a room. Players bicycled to and from practice, and coaches were provided golf carts to make access from the residence hall to the field easier. Many of the Rams, some who had never heard of Mequon, were surprised by the experience. This is definitely God s country, noted rookie David Vobora before the second-to-last practice. A 6-1 linebacker from Eugene, Oregon, Vobora was drafted in the 7th round. Autograph sessions were held after each practice, and players spent upwards of 20 minutes signing footballs, hats and souvenir programs. I want to say thank you to the people of Mequon for coming out and supporting us, said wide receiver Torry Holt. A 10-year veteran, Holt is one of quarterback Marc Bulger s favorite targets and the two will be counted on heavily to help improve a team that struggled to a 3-13 record a year ago. Linehan brought in legendary coach Dick Vermeil to attend two practices late in camp and address his team. Vermeil guided the 1999 Rams to a 13-3 record in his third season and a win in Super Bowl XXXIV, something Linehan would love to duplicate in his third season. This has truly been a positive experience for all involved, noted Concordia President Patrick T. Ferry. The team s last Rams starting quarterback Marc Bulger (10), an eight year veteran practice on Wednesday, August 13 started out under partly sunny skies, but the weather turned quickly and the skies opened up. That didn t deter a spirited bunch Save the date Your Concordia Family will be celebrating the 25th year on the Mequon campus. Family Weekend, September 19th and 20th: These events are designed to be Family Friendly. Go to for all the details. Homecoming 2008, October 4th: Homecoming will again highlight the Hall of Fame of 80 players who finished the final 20 minutes of practice in a steady downpour. Concordia was one of six sites looked at by a Rams advance team in May, and in fact was the final stop on a tour that included UW-Oshkosh, UW- Whitewater and UW-La Crosse among other schools. Induction of: Roger Laesch (1956), Jack Marchese (1989), Dan Schmitz (1992), Dr. William Smith (CUW Physician for Concordia), and Karen Steinbach (1990). Other events include alumni games, and much more. Stay tuned to the alumni events web page for all the details. Visit campus to see firsthand all the recent enhancements to campus and much more. For more information on the above events or any other questions, call Diana Raasch, Director of Alumni & Parent Relations, at For more information about Concordia University Wisconsin visit us on the Web at:

15 September/October 2008 South Wisconsin News 15 Convocation focuses Black ministry on radiating the flame By Herman and Sheila Strozier (Mission of Christ, Milwaukee) The 2008 Black Ministry Family Convocation offered a number of opportunities for the 350- plus attendees at the July 31-Aug. 3 event in Washington, D.C. The theme of the convocation was Radiating the Flame, taken from Jer. 20:9,... his word is in my heart like a flame. Lift up a vision Dr. Phillip Campbell, executive director of the LCMS board for black ministry services, set the tone at the opening service when he encouraged worshippers to lift up a vision... so that you can better see the radiating flame. Campbell asked everyone to be fitted with Kingdom glasses to see beyond past obstacles, animosity and disappointments. These things stand in the way of focusing on God s promises and plan for our lives. In a worship service led by Dr. McNair Ramsey, attendees were reminded of the importance of their little gospel light. Hostility, objection, lack of self control and obsession with the world are just some of the things that cause our flames to be extinguished. Ramsey encouraged everyone to stay in the world so our souls may be fed. He added that we need to be joyful, to pray continuously and to use our talents Keynote speaker Gilbert Hill, former Detroit police chief, actor and community leader to fan the flame and keep it burning. Pass the flame of leadership to youth Another way to keep the flame alive is to listen to and encourage our youth. Keynote speaker Gilbert Hill is a former police chief of Detroit, Mich., and played Inspector Todd in two Beverly Hills Cop movies. He believes that too often youth are made to feel that their ideas do not matter. Hill warned that when we won t listen to our youth, they will find an audience who will perhaps gang members or drug dealers. He challenged the audience to open their eyes, ears and minds to the young people of America and not deny them the opportunity to express themselves. We must recognize and cultivate their talents, work with them to correct their mistakes, and encourage them to be involved in the leadership of the church. We have to be open to change. While the sun may be setting on the Baby Boomer generation, there are bright flames on the horizon from young people, Hill said. We need to guide them through inspiration and leadership, and then step aside. We only have a chance if we give them a chance... The church is in the best position to mobilize an entire generation to radiate the flame. Vacant congregations can be Ablaze! In the workshop Vacant and Still Ablaze! Nikki Rochester (Berea, Baltimore, Md.) offered encouragement and support for congregations without full time pastors. She said that when the term vacancy is used, it is often associated with the church and not the pastoral office. This leads to people thinking of vacant congregations as being disengaged and in spiritual hiatus. The biblical reality is that no Christian congregation is ever without pastoral leadership, Rochester said. Jesus Christ, the Great Shepherd, has promised to always be with us. She challenged participants to change their way of thinking and to see the stats about pastoral vacancies as a reality check and motivator and to recognize and withstand the Workshop leader Nikki Rochester, said that vacant congregations still have leadership. Jesus Christ, the Great Shepherd, has promised to always be with us. side effects of the label vacant. At least half of LCMS congregations have 100 or fewer members. These congregations typically cannot afford the suggested clergy pay scale and are labeled as vacant. Rochester encouraged everyone to learn to appreciate who God calls us to be. She stressed that congregations can be ablaze with passion and zealous with commitment to share the good news of Jesus Christ even when the congregation has no called pastor. Keep on marching The next Black Ministry Family Convocation will be held in Houston, Texas, in Attendance was lower this year than previous years. Everyone was asked to share their convocation experience with their congregation and encourage others to attend the next convocation. We were also reminded that we must continue to keep the flame radiating and lift up the name of Christ in our own churches. It is essential that churches have effective communication with one another, share their struggles and ideas and focus on the Gospel in order to continue radiating the flame. Rev. Yohannes Mengsteab, national director of new mission field development for LCMS World Mission, said, "This convocation is... for mature Christians who have to grapple with hard questions, grasp God s truth, and lead the people like Moses and Aaron. If our light doesn t shine in the cities, he asked, who is going to bring the light of Christ to those in darkness? I'll keep on marching, we will keep on marching, until every city has the light shining, until every person sees the light of Jesus Christ.

16 16 South Wisconsin News September/October 2008 So if we were crazy, it was for God. If we are sane, it is for you. Clearly, Christ s love guides us (2 Cor. 5:13-14a, God s Word to the Nations ) Wisconsin youth gathering equips, enriches, encourages and empowers Nearly 200 youth and their leaders from around Wisconsin gathered June at the Holiday Inn in Manitowoc to discover what it means to be an E-Go manic. Houston Lutheran South Academy administrator Micah Parker served as keynote speaker throughout the event. A highlight of the event occurred Friday afternoon as all the participants converged on Manitowoc to share their faith through acts of service. Keynote speaker Micah Parker Grace, Menomonee Falls, youth with eyewear Youth from north and south Wisconsin change their view. House band Remedy Drive played throughout the gathering Special guest from Fort Wayne Down a lazy river at District waterpark day Over 335 people attended the South Wisconsin District youth and family day at Noah s Ark Waterpark in Wisconsin Dells on Friday, June 27, Attendees were from 20 churches in the SWD and one church from Aurora, Ill. Although the skies were cloudy most of the day, the weather didn t dampen anyone s spirits!. There was a brief downpour of rain right after lunch, but what s a little more water when you are already wet! S.O.S. summer camp goes to Miller Park The S.O.S. Center s camp counselors and their charges attended a Milwaukee Brewers game as one of their summer outings. The S.O.S. Center provides many services to adults and children including literacy services, adult basic education, English as a second language classes, after school tutoring, sewing classes, computer lab, and Bible studies. Located in Milwaukee s near west side, it serves the immediate community as well as people from all over the city. For more information, please call (414) Divine Redeemer joins S.O.S. VBS Divine Redeemer, Hartland, had the wonderful privilege of hosting children from the S.O.S. Center (46th & North Avenue in Milwaukee) for vacation Bible school. They ran their regular VBS program in the morning, then used Milwaukee Lutheran High School s bus to bring the kids out to Hartland. The kids ate lunch at Divine Redeemer and had free time to play on the playground and shoot basketballs. Big eyes were wide open as some children heard Bible stories for the first time. Wonderfully insightful questions were asked. Relationships were built, and interracial barriers were breached with the Holy Spirit at work! Divine Redeemer hopes to host S.O.S. Center kids again next summer.