WHAT MATTERS... February 20, News from Your Synod and Ministry Partners

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1 WHAT MATTERS..... February 20, News from Your Synod and Ministry Partners South-Central Synod of Wisconsin, ELCA/ 6401 Odana Road / Suite 20 / Madison, WI / (608) / Forgiveness and the Journey of Healing Friday, March 16, 7:00 pm You are invited by: Our Savior s Lutheran Church Located at: 550 Lincoln Drive, Sun Prairie Dr. Robert Enright has been called the forgiveness trailblazer by Time magazine is often introduced as the father of forgiveness research because of his 32-year academic commitment to researching and implementing forgiveness programs. He is the author and editor of seven books and 150 publications centered on social development and psychology of forgiveness--the 20-step Process Model of Forgiving. His latest endeavors include forgiveness education in various world communities so that students begin to learn about forgiveness, which may aid their resilience as they confront and overcome serious injustices against them now and into adulthood. Dr. Enright is a professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a licensed psychologist, and co-founder of the International Forgiveness Institute, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the dissemination of knowledge about forgiveness and community renewal through forgiveness. Parking adjacent to the church with zero grade entrance mobility friendly and hearing assistance devices available. God s work. Our hands. Sunday is Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018 As members of the ELCA, we believe we are called, gathered and sent into the world to embody the good news of Jesus' death and resurrection called into relationship with God, gathered together as a community of believers and sent into the world to love and serve our neighbors. 1 Corinthians, Chapter 12, reminds us, "Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord, and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good." On "God's work. Our hands." Sunday, we join together to use our various gifts in service to our communities this is work you do every day, sharing the love of Christ with all of God's people. Save the date and visit ELCA.org/dayofservice for updates to our resources. We look forward to working together on "God's work. Our hands." Sunday.

2 Recommended Reading/Event by Synod s Racial Equity Ministry Team! April 4, 11, 18 Louise Erdrich s The Round House explores cultural differences and divisions we see within Wisconsin communities, as well as efforts to close those gaps. Capturing the story of a 13-year-old Chippewa boy, Joe Coutts, who witnesses the trauma of a sexual assault on his mother, the vision of Wisconsin Reads The Round House is to provide diverse audiences access to an important story of how sexual assault impacts a Native American family and its surrounding community. To reach our goal of enhancing youth literacy as well, Wisconsin Reads The Round House also includes two companion read programs geared toward young audiences with Erdrich s book of poems Jacklight and her children s novel The Birchbark House. Please see the Wisconsin Reads The Round House website for events taking place in Baraboo, Hayward/LCO, Marshfield, Rice Lake, Waukesha/Milwaukee, Madison, and West Bend. And don't forget to "like" Wisconsin Reads The Round House: An NEA Big Read on Facebook! There are a wide range of events associated with this project, including discussion groups, literary fests/readings, and cultural events. Jo Teut, our Diversity Specialist, will be hosting and facilitating a three-part discussion in Madison on the following dates: April 4, :00-1:00 pm (Part One) April 11, :00-1:00 pm (Part Two) April 18, :00-1:00 pm (Part Three) Participants will receive an electronic copy of the book. However, participants will also be able to request a copy from their local library or purchase their own copy if desired. To participate in this three-part book discussion, please register by April 2nd, Registered participants will receive reminders, information about accessing the book, and location details. South Central Wisconsin Synodical Women s Organization Women of the ELCA 2018 April Conference Spring Gatherings Barneveld Conference - 4/7 at St. John s Lutheran Church in Richland Center, 479 South Park St. Registration beginning at 8:30, program at 9 am about Tutapona Ministry, followed by lunch. Cost $5 for lunch. Beloit Conference 4/7 at Central Lutheran Church, 100 W. Rollin Street, Edgerton, 8:30 to 12:30. Theme is Women of God Walk in Light to Love and Serve. Offering will go to medical supplies in Cameroon in western Africa. Coordinator is Marge Johnson, East/West Conference 4/14 at Lake Edge Lutheran Church, 4032 Monona Drive, Madison. Registration beginning at 8:30, lunch after morning program. Elkhorn Conference 4/14 at St. Luke s Lutheran Church in Rome, W1956 Main St., Sullivan. Registration beginning at 8:30 am, program about UPVIM (United for a Better Life), followed by a salad luncheon at noon. Southwest Conference 4/14 at St. John s Lutheran Church in Boscobel. Registration & brunch at 9 am, program follows of History of Aprons & Fill Your Cup presented by Suzanne Bartels. Bring your favorite apron. In-kind gifts will be collected for Family Advocates, a Grant County women s shelter. Baraboo Conference 4/21 at Zion Lutheran in Rock Springs. Registration beginning at 8:30, lunch after morning program. Monroe Conference - 4/21 at Wiota Lutheran Church in South Wayne. Registration beginning at 9:30, Meeting at 10 am, Lunch at noon with entertainment by The Junction Jammers. Cost $5

3 Lutheran Social Services Milwaukee Offices on the Move! A note from Rev. Jim Holmberg, Director of Church Relations, LSS Foundation LSS and the LSS Foundation are moving to the Summit Place office park in West Allis, WI in March A smaller footprint outside of the downtown area allows for some operational cost savings while still keeping us near many of the clients and partners we serve. We are excited to join many other Wisconsin-based organizations including some great nonprofit organizations in this new location. Our phone numbers will remain the same. Congregation Newsletter Editors Thank you to all congregations who send us your newsletters. Please change the address since we will be moving at the end of February. You may also use Attn: Rev. James Holmberg New Office Location: 6737 W. Washington St. Suite #2275 West Allis, WI Keep Your Leaders Connected to Synod News, Learning Events and Resources! As you elect new council members at your annual meetings, please send us their addresses so that we can add them to the What Matters distribution! Of course, ask them first! Send them to Synod Communicator, Deacon Vicki Hanrahan at vickih@scsw-elca.org and she will add them before the next issue of What Matters is ed. Thank you! PASTOR LEADERSHIP SEMINAR FOR ALL AREA CLERGY The Samaritan Center of Southern Wisconsin, announces a Pastor Leadership Seminar for all area clergy. The Seminar's goal is to improve leadership skills for today's ministry. Clergy present case studies of challenging situations in their churches, which require their leadership. Participants then receive peer feedback for fresh perspectives. Some readings, specifically focused on pastoral leadership will be discussed. A Family Systems Theory Model will also be utilized. The agenda for the group includes case leadership presentation and book discussion along with other topics determined by the participants. The leadership seminar will be led by Dan Feaster, executive director and pastoral counselor of the Samaritan Counseling Center. Sessions will be held on Wednesdays once a month, from 11 AM -2 PM (working lunch) April through November for a total of eight sessions. Fee for the leadership group is $300. Some possible topics might include: How do I deal with difficult members? What are some effective ways of resolving conflict without being victimized? How do I continue to pastor when I am running out of energy or becoming discouraged? How can I better accept my limitations as a person? How do I deal with my emotions when ministering in tragic situations? How do I develop cooperative leadership strategies with my co-pastor? What do I do when I am leading but few are following? How do I survive in a system, which is consuming me? How do I retire from a vocation? For more information or to register contact: Dan Feaster, Samaritan Counseling Center Phone: ext dfeaster@samaritancounselingcenterwi.org

4 LEADERSHIP EDUCATION & DEVELOPMENT DAY! SATURDAY, MARCH 10-8:30 am - 3:30 pm Early Bird Registration Ends Feb Register Soon to save! On-line Registration is Open! Location: First Lutheran Church 612 North Randall Avenue, Janesville Are people in your congregation concerned -- and confused -- about the refugee crisis and the immigration crisis? Are they struggling with how best to welcome the strangers in our midst in the name of Christ? As Lutherans, we have always been at the forefront of understanding the refugee experience and welcoming refugees; we have always related to the immigrant experience. Sign up for workshop # 17 Refugee Resettlement in an Era of Uncertainty and Hostility to have your questions answered. Or check out 28 other workshops to choose from: 5 Reasons Why You Should Attend: KEYNOTE by Rev. Ruben Duran ELCA Director for New Congregations and a dynamic and motivational speaker! Identity, Mission & Evangelical Resistance Baptismal Implications for Christian Witness and Congregational Vitality in Today s Changing World Worship and Message about Living in Our Baptismal Promise by Bishop Mary Froiland Get equipped! 29 workshops to choose from including: How to Be an Effective Council President Teaching Love & Courage Through Congregational Community How Congregations Can Become Agile and Innovative in Sharing the Gospel Helping Congregations Lead Through the Additional Mental Health Crisis in Our Communities Connect with SCSW Ministry Teams, visit displays with helpful information, connect with Bishop Mary, Synod Staff, Pastors, Deacons and Lay leaders from congregations across our synod! Be inspired! What you learn from and share with others during workshops and networking may inspire each other to let your light shine! For a list of workshops and session times to help plan your day, see the event website by clicking the link:

5 On-line Registration is Open: Send us Your Baptism/Font Photos by April 1! Walking in our Baptism is the synod s theme this year for our events. To that end, we are asking all congregations to send us one picture of a baptismal font and if your pastor is baptizing a child of God, even better! (Please get parent s permission to use the photo). Please them to Robyn Zimmerman at the synod office by April 1 to be included in media presentations at Synod Assembly. .jpgs to robynz@scsw-elca.org. IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL CONGREGATIONS: THERE WILL NOT BE AN INGATHERING OF GHM KITS AT SYNOD ASSEMBLY THIS YEAR. Due to a number of logistical challenges, we will not be holding an ingathering of GHM Kits at Synod Assembly this year. What Should You Do With Your Kits? We know that the GHM Hospice and Newborn Kits are a favorite ministry for many congregations, so if you choose to continue it, here are details that we hope you find helpful. If your congregation has assembled GHM and/or LWR kits throughout the year, following is a list of suggestions regarding the transportation of the GHM and LWR kit ministries. Global Health Ministries: Hospice and Newborn kits (10 to 15 of the same type of kits to a box) can be mailed or delivered to GHM, 7831 Hickory Street NE, Minneapolis, MN Bandages: the bandages in small boxes, no bigger than about 12 x 18 inches and use least expensive surface rate when shipping to GHM. For more information on the contents of the kits, visit: Lutheran World Relief Health Kits: Madison Area Lutheran Council organizes an ingathering for Lutheran World Relief Kits called the "LWR Boxcar Loading." They typically take place on a Saturday in October from 7:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon at the Wisconsin Southern Railroad Yard, 1890 E. Johnson Street, Madison. You can plan to take your kits there and they will be transported for you to the appropriate destination. For more information on the contents of the kits, visit In addition, we are asking congregations to instead, focus their energies and financial offerings on the Campaign for the ELCA and the Million Dollar Mission Jar Challenge.

6 Million Dollar Mission Jar Challenge What Is Your Congregation Doing? Some Congregations Are Making This Their Lenten Offering This Year A Great Idea! At our 2017 Synod Assembly, our synod launched the Million dollar Mission Jar Challenge to raise money in support of the Campaign for the ELCA. Target Date: March 31 Remember to be included in the celebration at Synod Assembly, please send your Million Dollar Mission Jar Challenge offerings to the synod office by March 31. Make payable to South-Central Synod of Wisconsin and IMPORTANT: put MISSION JAR CHALLENGE in the memo or on the remittance form. If every member of our congregations gave $1/day for the ELCA, together, we could raise 1 million dollars toward the Campaign goal of raising $198 million dollars in support of churchwide ministries across the United States and around the world! This year s emphasis is on global mission and together, generosity of ELCA members and congregations have accomplished amazing things. We have developed new programs with international women, young adults and people living with disabilities, heighted our support of long-running programs like ELCA World Hunger and ELCA New Congregations and successfully completed the ELCA Malaria Campaign and much more. Thank you for your continued support of these programs. What can you do to help with the Million Dollar Mission Jar Challenge? How can you personally participate and support? Create your own jar and decorate with the Million Dollar Mission Jar Challenge insert. Inserts can be found here: Place the jar in a space where it will be seen: a kitchen counter, dining room table, night stand, etc. Be reminded each time you see the jar to pray for families and communities near and far and consider how just a dollar a day will change lives. Fill the jar! When you are ready, remove the insert and tell us where you would like to designate your offering. You can divide it or give to one initiative...this is where your heart and your hands meet. You ll need to convert your coins to a check and send it to the synod office at the address on the front of the form by March 31, 2018 to be counted in this year s challenge. Congregations can roll this out congregation-wide using the ideas found on the synod website: Thank you to our congregations that have already sent in their offerings. We will accept offerings throughout the year; however, if you want your offering to be included in the total that we will celebrate at our Synod Assembly this year, please send your offering to the synod office by March 31. Send it to: South-Central Synod of Wisconsin, ELCA/6401 Odana Road, Suite 20/Madison, WI

7 The Wartburg College Castle Singers and Kammerstreicher Concert at Grace (Dodgeville) March 17-7:30 pm The Wartburg Castle Singers will appear in concert at Grace Lutheran Church in Dodgeville on Saturday, March 17 at 7:30 pm. Dodgeville native Jacob Tews conducts Kammerstreicher, a chamber string ensemble. The group s musical repertoire runs the gamut from classical to contemporary and even popular music. Similarly, the 35-voice Castle Singers, under the direction of Nicki Bakko Toliver, performs everything from Byrd to the Beatles. Each ensemble will perform individually, and will also collaborate on several numbers. The concert is a part of the ensembles 2018 international concert tour which will take them through Germany, Norway, Sweden, and Iceland. The concert, which is sponsored by Grace Lutheran Church, is open to the public, with free-will donations accepted. Wartburg is a selective liberal arts college of the Lutheran Church (ELCA), nationally recognized for community engagement. The college s 1,527 students come from 55 countries and 30 states. Wartburg is dedicated to challenging and nurturing students for lives of leadership and service as a spirited expression of their faith and learning. Grace Lutheran Church is located at: 1105 N. Bequette Street, Dodgeville, WI Saturday, April 28-10am- 3:30pm / Optional Overnight Retreat Friday, April 27 beginning 7pm For schedule, information and to register: All groups heading to the 2018 ELCA Youth Gathering are invited to join us for a day (or overnight) of fellowship, learning, and worship as we prepare for our Gathering experience. We will also have intentional breakout sessions where adult leaders can learn more about the Gathering and ask questions to prepare groups for the best possible experience in Houston. Special Guests We are excited to be welcoming AGAPE* and Joe Davis to join us. AGAPE* (Dave Scherer) has inspired hundreds of thousands of people from Brooklyn to Bosnia with his relational ministry "Hip Hop Outreach." Combining rapping, dancing, storytelling and his fluency in Spanish, AGAPE* connects with his listeners in a way that they really "get it". He has recorded 10 albums and recently published a book entitled Agap-ology. Many young people saw him perform on the main stage of the 2015 ELCA Youth Gathering at Ford Field where he was a featured performer. His ministry was also featured in a ABC documentary about people tackling food insecurity in America. These days you can find him at Luther Seminary where he works part-time as the Christian Public Leader coordinator. He is also a Qualified Administrator of the Intercultural Development Inventory. Learn more at: Joe Davis is a nationally touring writer, speaker, and performer based in Minneapolis, MN. He is the frontman of emerging soul, funk, and spoken word ensemble, The Poetic Diaspora, and the co-founder and Artistic Director of H-Cubed: Harrison, Healing, and Harmony, a monthly event series centered on healing through the arts. As a student and educator, he has served as teaching artist at dozens of high schools and universities and is currently the Artist-in-Residence at Luther Seminary, pursuing a masters in Theology of the Arts. Learn more at:

8 Registration is still open and you can find that information and SO MUCH MORE online at Need help? Have questions? Wondering what to do now that you are registered? Contact Synod Coordinator, Jason Xiong, at or (608) , ext. 339 or (608) All the information you need such as timelines, forms, meetings, and more can be found on the synod website. Visit: Important timelines to watch: March 1, Synod Bus Deposit Due April 28, SCSW Synod Pre-Gathering Lutherdale May 15, Final Registration Deadline & Synod Bus Final Payments Due The Next High School Rise-up Night is Sunday, March 4, pm-8pm Location: East Koshkonong Lutheran Church 454 E. Church Road, Cambridge High School Rise Up Nights are an opportunity for youth to gather from across our synod. Each evening is from 6pm-8pm and includes dinner, ($3/person donation is suggested). Come as often as you are able. These events are open to EVERYONE in our Synod who is in high school and/or going to the 2018 ELCA Youth Gathering in Houston, Texas. March Theme: Gathering For Justice (For more information on the themes, visit: Please RSVP via Facebook or to Rev. Brenda Lovick at pastor.brendalovick@gmail.com. Unite to End Racism - April 4 & 5 - Washington, DC Join Bishop Mary Froiland on the Bus! The Wisconsin Council of Churches invites you to join a transformational journey, beginning this April. WCC is sponsoring bus departures from four cities to events taking place in Washington DC on the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Unite to End Racism is both a rally and a call to action, organized by the National Council of Churches with partners the National African American Clergy Network, Conference o f National Black Churches, Sojourners, Franciscan Action Network, Churches Uniting in Christ, and Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, and its member communions. For more information and/or to register:

9 When you support ELCA World Hunger, you are supporting life-giving work of providing microloans to start businesses, animal husbandry, clean water through the building of water wells and so much more. Put this date on your calendar and let s all ride together to end hunger! We will be posting links to posters and bulletin inserts to help you communicate this ministry opportunity in your congregations keep an eye on What Matters for these tools! HOLD THE DATE! JUNE 9, 2018 SOUTH-CENTRAL SYNOD OF WISCONSIN STEEPLE TO STEEPLE RIDE FOR HUNGER Bishop Election Survey Results There will be a bishop election at the 2018 Synod Assembly. Information can be found at: To foster a fair, impartial process, please do not contact the synod office with anything regarding the election of our next bishop. Please contact Co-chairs Rev. Nancy Raabe or Jason Xiong at scswbishopelection2018@gmail.com or Vice President Robin Cherwinka at cherwinka@tds.net ( ). RIDE STARTS AND STOPS AT ALL SAINTS LUTHERAN CHURCH (FITCHBURG) Registration is Open! Last year, the ride raised over $4,000 for ELCA World Hunger. We hope to continue the success of this ride so that all who are hungry are fed! Communications about the election will be sent from the Bishop Election Task Force directly. If you wish to receive these mailings, sign up at: The Results of the Bishop Election Survey are in from the ELCA churchwide office - You can View them here: The hope of the Bishop s Election Task Force is that this summary will clarify expectations and direction for the synod as it looks to elect a new bishop. Women Touched by Grace April and November Women Touched by Grace is a spiritual renewal program for women pastors serving congregations. Offered by The Benedict Inn Retreat & Conference Center in Beech Grove, Indiana, the program is an opportunity for women pastors to live in a Benedictine monastic setting and to form community through five ten-day retreats. (2 retreats/year for 2.5 years). The retreats help establish a rhythm of prayer and engage in spiritual disciplines. They also involve developing peer support and mentoring relationships. Deacon Judy Nolde has been part of the planning team (as was Assistant to the Bishop Rev. Heather Apel, IN-KY Synod) which was successful in receiving a Lilly Endowment grant to generously underwrite the program and travel costs. Please contact Judy if you have questions at judynolde@sbcglobal.net To apply, visit The deadline for applying is April 20, 2018.

10 DO YOU WONDER HOW YOUR ELCA OFFERINGS ARE USED? Two companion resources by the ELCA Answer Where Does My Offering Go? This is a reminder that the ELCA has developed a wonderful video with accompanying flyer, Where Does Your Offering Go? that can be used in your congregations to tell the story of how your congregation s generosity is shared with the larger church. A portion of every congregation s generosity is shared with the larger church through Mission Support. This is one way we are Christ s church together for the sake of the world. Bishop Mary sent a letter to all congregations in October to please prayerfully consider increasing your Mission Support to the synod by ½ to 1% for 2018 as we faithfully reach out with the Gospel message through the synod and beyond. You Can Download the video, Where Does Your Offering Go at Watch it in your congregations and view it with your finance committees and councils as budget decisions are being made. Visit the ELCA website for a downloadable infographic sheet that provides the narrative in an easy-to-understand format. We know you ll find these resources helpful! These are great resources to use at your annual meetings, with your council and for stewardship events! You can also download the synod s narrative budget here: Narrative Budget.pdf

11 Congregations Are Invited to Host a Lutheran Social Services Sunday - March 4, 2018 or Any Sunday! A Time to Celebrate How Your Congregation's Support of LSS Helps Change Lives When people give their time and resources to help others, they want and deserve to know how their support is used. That's the idea behind LSS Sunday, held annually on the first Sunday in March. It's a special day when members of your congregation can learn about and celebrate how their support for LSS changes lives in communities close to home and all around Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. March 4, 2018, is the official date for LSS Sunday; however, your church can host LSS Sunday on any Sunday you choose. We offer a complete set of resources for pastors, including videos, sermon helps, prayers, bulletin inserts and hymn suggestions. It's easy to register for LSS Sunday: simply complete and submit the online registration form found here: If you have any questions before you register, please contact Rev. Jim Holmberg via at: james.holmberg@lsswis.org Sharing Makes Us Stronger: Multi-Staff Church Event Tuesday, April 10, :45 am - Noon Luther Memorial Church (Madison) For several years now, ELCA churches in our synod that have multi-staff pastoral leadership have met annually to bring together their staff members for fellowship and to learn from each other. The event focuses primarily on time for each staff role to meet with others in similar roles as a group and share ideas and best practices. Past groups included: administrative assistants/secretaries; music; children, youth and family; custodian; bookkeeper; visitation/home bound/care; lead pastors; associate pastors; etc. Your church staff is invited! This year the event is: Tuesday, April 10 at Luther Memorial, 1021 University Ave., Madison. Schedule: 8:45 am Coffee and Refreshments 9:15 am Morning Prayer with Bishop Mary Froiland 10:00 am Breakout session with each staff role 11:30 am Reconvene for Large Group Reflection and Closing Please RSVP at office@luthermem.org or by Tuesday, April 3 with your congregation name and staff member names and roles, so we can plan for space accordingly. The River of Struggle: Black Life in the Americas - Part 3 March 11 The Secret of Joy: How the Struggle Continues St. Matthew s New Life Church Cottage Grove Road, Madison 4:00-6:00 pm Featured Speaker: Rev. Stephen Marsh Rev. Stephen Marsh serves as co-pastor of Lake Edge Lutheran Church and is engaged as a community organizer, activist, writer, and speaker. Originally from the Chicago area, Stephen graduated from Northwestern University with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Political Science. He went on to graduate from Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Ohio with a Masters of Divinity. He also attended Makumira Theological College in Arusha, Tanzania. He has served parishes in

12 Queens, New York; Chicago, Illinois, and Brooklyn, New York. He served as an Assistant to the Bishop and later as the Bishop of the Southeast Michigan Synod of the ELCA, located in Detroit. Rev. Marsh was a lead writer for Rooted in the Gospel, an African-American Spiritual Experience and is a published writer for The Lutheran magazine. If won t take you long to understand that he has a passion for social justice. Thank you to New Life for hosting these Racial Equity Ministry events and their efforts to record the events for a coming webpage where the events will be accessible for congregations to utilize. Racial Equity Ministry team members will be happy to come to a congregation to lead a discussion related to the events recorded. No registration required Just come! This event is sponsored by the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin Racial Equity Ministry Team. This team was created as an outcome of the resolution that was passed at our 2017 Synod Assembly and is working diligently to help you to lift up matters of Racial Equity in your congregations. Please do put these events on your calendar and invite others to join you in becoming more educated on issues of racial justice. Together we will do God s work of loving our brothers and sisters. RETIRED ROSTERED LEADERS TO GATHER MARCH 15 - St. Luke s (Middleton) The next gathering of SCSW Retired Rostered Leaders will happen on Thursday, March 15, 2018, at St. Luke's Lutheran Church, 7337 Hubbard Avenue, Middleton. The plan looks like this: 9:30 am Gather for refreshments and conversation 10:00 am Worship 10:30 am Presentation/conversation led by Rev. Steven Marsh, Lake Edge Lutheran, Madison 11:50 am What's next--announcement and updates 12:00 am Lunch together In order to have plenty of refreshments and lunches, please contact Chuck Larson at clarson.chuck@gmail.com or (414) The 2018 Synod Assembly will happen May 5-6 at Kalahari Resort & Convention Center in Wisconsin Dells. A signification action item is election of the synod s next bishop as Bishop Mary has announced her resignation. According to the synod constitution, retired clergy rostered in the synod can elect 10% of their number to serve as voting members. This will be an action item for the group at the next meeting on March 15. If you wish to serve or are open to serving as a voting member or wish to nominate someone to serve, the group needs to know. Either come to our gathering or Chuck Larson if you will not attend the March meeting. Practical Ministry: Visitation Class Starts March 3 - Still Time To Register! I am taking this class because I want to find out if God has given me the gifts for home visit ministry. I also just want to learn how to be a helpful presence with people who are suffering from loss or health issues or troubling circumstances. I think this is a growth edge for me and might be for many others. I hope those that feel this way will take the class too as I think it could be life changing! ~ Vicki Hanrahan, Our Savior s (Sun Prairie) Dan Feaster is a pastor and the executive director and psychotherapist with the Samaritan Counseling Center of Southern Wisconsin. He holds a master of social work and doctorate degree in pastoral counseling and is a licensed clinical social worker and substance abuse counselor with 35 years of experience. He agreed to teach this class because he is passionate about pastoral care ministry. Goals of the class are to help people understand the importance of and reflect theologically on visitation ministry. To develop a greater understanding of the needs and challenges people experience in their lives and various resources available to minister to their needs. Finally each participant will discern their strengths and gifts in providing visitation ministry.

13 Class schedule: Saturday mornings, 9:00 am - Noon Dates: March 3, 17, 24, April 7, 14 Location: Trinity Lutheran Church, 1904 Winnebago Street, Madison First time students: To sign up for a class, fill out a registration form, have your pastor sign it and send it with a check for $85. (Registration fee is $25 and Class Fee is $60) Future classes taken will require just the class fee. Mail to: South-Central Synod of WI, 6401 Odana Road, Suite 20, Madison, WI Forms and course descriptions are available at: Or they are available by contacting Barb Zimmerman at , or scswdiakonia@gmail.com One Year to Live Men's Retreat - March Pine Lake Camp (Waupaca) Crossways is thrilled to host the One Year To Live Men's Retreat again this spring. This retreat is for men of all ages who yearn for real friendships and a closer relationship with Christ. Join us and be adventurous and courageous, genuine and spiritual. Look forward to banding together and being challenged as you're guided to examine your life and make decisions about how you are going to live it. Cost: $190 before February 18, $205 after *Men ages or in seminary have a discounted rate of $125 ($110 before Feb. 18) REGISTER ONLINE by MARCH 2nd (visit crosswayscamps.org/adult-retreats to register) For more information visit us online at or call our administrative office at ! Register on-line here: Upcoming Speaking Event Organized by the Ecumenical Peace Working Group of Wisconsin When: Saturday, April 7 th, 2018 Time: 10 am - 11:30 am Who: Sister Simone Campbell, Executive Director of NETWORK. She will be speaking about what she is seeing and hearing in her travels, why compassion and love can be a basis for policy choices, and the immorality of excessive Pentagon spending. Where: To be determined. NETWORK, a Catholic leader in the global movement for justice and peace, educates, organizes and lobbies for economic and social transformation. Members of the Ecumenical Peace Working Group of Wisconsin include: Bonnie Block, Sister Maureen (Mo) McDonnell, Sister Reg McKillip, Father Jim Murphy, Bob Mutton, Paula Rogge, Fred Trost, Rev. Jerry Folk. PREPARE/ENRICH TRAINING PROGRAMS PREPARE/ENRICH is a customized couple assessment completed online that identifies a couple's strength and growth areas. Based on a couple's assessment results, a trained facilitator provides feedback sessions in which the facilitator helps the couple discuss and understand their results as they are taught proven relationship skills. Many pastors and congregations use this for Pre-Marital counseling. The next training will be held on Wednesday, from 9-4:00 p.m. Cost of the training seminar is $195. Registration deadline is two weeks prior to the program. For more information contact: Dan Feaster, ext. 200 or dfeaster@samaritancounselingcenterwi.org. Prepare Enrich Training Dates: March 7, 2018 May 2, 2018 August 15, 2018 October 17, 2018 PREPARE/ENRICH UPDATE Trainings - If you have been previously trained in the Prepare/Enrich Customized Version and would like to attend a refresher class contact Dan Feaster. You can attend any of the training dates for $50

14 Christ Lutheran Church (Stoughton) Invites You to Huge Garage Sale! Friday and Saturday, March 9 & 10 HUGE Garage/Bake Sale/ Raffle/Silent Auction of the season at Christ Lutheran! A gym, 6 classrooms and hallway full of stuff! FOOD FOR SALE IN THE MANNA CAFÉ! Meatballs and Mashed Potatoes and more! 700 County Hwy. B - Stoughton Friday, March 9 9 a.m. 5 p.m. Sat., March 10 9 a.m. 2 p.m. PUBLIC IS WELCOME! This event is a fundraiser for the CLC Youth Mission trip to Baton Rouge. Positions in Our Synod We are happy to help promote your positions. Please submit 100 words or less to Deacon Vicki Hanrahan, Synod Communicator, vickih@scsw-elca.org Please notify Vicki when the position has been filled so that we can keep this list current. Thanks! St. James Lutheran Church in Verona, Wisconsin Seeks a Part-time (40%) Director of Youth Ministry St. James is a growing congregation that has recently expanded its facilities to create more space for these ministries. The Director will mainly be responsible for youth group programming and mission trips for grades Candidates should ideally have experience working with youth, strong communication skills and a willingness to grow. This position is salaried. Please visit this link to see the complete job description. Interested applicants should provide a resume and cover letter to office@stjamesverona.org or by mail: St. James Lutheran Church ATTN: Pastor Peter Narum, 427 South Main Street, Verona, WI (01/30/19) Bethel Horizons Camp and Retreat Center, Seeks Full-time Property Manager This 49 year old ELCA camp is seeking a full-time Property Manager to help care for and maintain the 548 acres and facilities of Bethel Horizons. Join a staff of 8-10 full time staff that provide the support and programming for Bethel Horizons. Compensation will be commensurate with education and experience. Respond with a cover letter, resume and 3 references by February 15, 2018 to Eric Knueve, Bethel Horizons, Dodgeville, Wisconsin, at ericknueve@bethelhorizons.org. Link to the job description is at (01/16/18) Lutheran Social Services Seeking Help - Do YOU have a Gift for Helping Others? Part-time work available helping children and adolescents with special needs in Green County learn independence and social skills. Must be 18 years old or better. Requires previous experience, paid or unpaid, and a Caregiver s Background Check. Would be interviewed by the family as family is employer; paid by CLTS waiver via direct deposit. Please contact: Emily Klunick, service coordination with Lutheran Social Services to indicate your interest, experience, availability and best time to contact. Thank you! Emily s phone: ; eklunick@lsswis.org. (12/12/17) Part-Time Secretary per week needed for St. Paul's in Waterloo. Position provides secretarial services to support the pastor and ministries of St. Pauls. Experience with Microsoft Programs preferred (Outlook, Office Word & Publisher). Please send resume and cover letter to StPauls.mutualministry@gmail.com. (12/19/17) Lutheran Church of Peace (Platteville) Youth and Family Ministry Coordinator Needed To develop and strengthen the youth of the church in their faith, relationship with God and knowledge of the Bible through fellowship, milestones of faith and service/mission work. Responsibilities include; coordinating youth activities, Sunday school curriculum, Organize planned activities such as youth group, Christmas program, milestones of faith (including confirmation assistant), mission trip and fundraisers. Develop and monitor the Youth and Family Ministry Budget. Previous experience working with youth preferred. Position is hours per week. Please send a letter of interest with a resume to 1345 N. Water Street Platteville, WI (11/29/17)

15 Organist/Pianist - St. Michael s (Hustisford) Seeking an organist/pianist for our 9 AM Sunday morning worship service. Please contact Council Chair, Glen Falkenthal, (10/17/17) Part-Time Youth and Family Ministry Director New Hope Lutheran Church (Blanchardville / Hollandale) Seeking an individual gifted in working with youth and who values cross-generational learning and social opportunities to coordinate faith formation for youth and families. We are looking for an individual who has a heart for sharing God's love with all people. The desired candidate will work with the pastor, staff, and volunteers to plan and carry out faith formation experiences for youth and their families. Experience working in a church setting or in education is helpful. This position is 15 hours/week and while hours are mostly flexible, work on Wednesday evenings and Sundays is required. A full job description is available at newhopelutheran.info (10/12/17) The Congregational Life Associate - First Evangelical (Beaver Dam) The Congregational Life Associate will be responsible to support, advocate for and develop a ministry with members of the church to nurture faith and a spirit of Christian community. General responsibilities include the development of a long-term vision and philosophy of cross generational ministry, promote youth ministry and communicate with families, support fellowship and service events, work as a team member with other leaders in the church and bridge activities, facilitate mission trips, and manage budgets for our youth. To apply go to their website at for an application or call Pastor Joy Mortensen-Wiebe for more information. (09/26/17) Part-time Piano Player/Choir Director St. Paul (Mayville) St. Paul, Mayville is seeking a part-time piano player to accompany and direct our adult choir. This is a flexible part-time position which would require some Sunday commitment. To inquire further, please contact the church office at stpaulmayville@gmail.com. (12/1/16) Pianist/Contemporary Worship Music Leader - Christ Lutheran - Stoughton Christ Lutheran Church in Stoughton, WI is seeking a pianist to play weekly for our contemporary worship service through May 7, This position will also include one weekly rehearsal with the praise band. We are looking for someone to be a part of a team of musicians. Position is open immediately. Pay is based on $25/hour, but is negotiable. Please lkunz@clcstoughton.org Contact: Linda Kunz, Christ Lutheran Church, 700 County Road B, Stoughton, WI Website: (11/22/16) Wisconsin Council of Churches Employment Opportunities Reconciled in Christ Synod One of the resolutions that we passed at synod assembly re-affirms us as a Reconciling in Christ Synod. If your congregation would like to acknowledge this in your communications, you will find this to be the official logo. If you would like assistance with the process of becoming a Reconciled in Christ congregation, please contact Bishop Mary at the synod office. maryf@scsw-elca.org or call At-A-Glance Future Synod Events: Please see the Congregational Events page on the Synod s EVENTS page of the website for more events that will be hosted by congregations of our synod. Thanks! March 3 - Diakonia Practical Ministry Class - Trinity (Madison) March 10 - LEAD First Lutheran Church (Janesville) March 11 - SCSW Racial Equity Ministry Learning Event - St. Matthew s New Life Church (Madison) March 15 - Retired Rostered Leaders Gathering - St. Luke s (Middleton)

16 March 17 - Diakonia Practical Ministry Class - Trinity (Madison) March 24 - Diakonia Practical Ministry Class - Trinity (Madison) April 7 - Diakonia Practical Ministry Class - Trinity (Madison) April 14 - Diakonia Practical Ministry Class - Trinity (Madison) Saturday, May 5 & Sunday, May 6 Synod Assembly 2018 Kalahari, Wisconsin Dells Saturday, June 9 - Steeple to Steeple Ride for Hunger! For a listing of more synod-wide events, visit: Updates on Congregations in the Call Process and Rostered Leader Updates Call process and roster changes are updated on the synod website monthly. Please keep these congregations and rostered leaders in your prayers. Link: PRAYERS Ministry Partners: Dr. Arden Mahlberg, The Integral Psychology Center (ASSIST Program) in Madison Rev. Ramie Bakken, ELCA Region 5 Coordinator in Black River Falls Pastors and Congregations in our Synod: Rev. Larry Engel and members of Five Points Lutheran Church in Blue River Rev. Charles Koester and members of St. John Lutheran Church in Boscobel Neighboring Synods: Bishop Pedro Suarez and the congregations of the Florida-Bahamas Synod, ELCA Churchwide Partners: Ms. Annette Roman, Controller, Office of the Treasurer at the ELCA Lutheran Center, Chicago, IL Ms. Sierra Ronning, Program Assistant Youth Gathering Communication and Administration, Domestic Mission at the ELCA Lutheran Center, Chicago, IL We give thanks at this time for the ministry of those who celebrate their anniversary of Ordination during this coming week: Rolf Olson, February 21, 1960, Retired in Sun Prairie, rolfandtrudy@gmail.com We give thanks at this time for the ministry of those who celebrate their anniversary of Commissioning: Anita Grue, February 25, 2007, Retired in Sun Prairie, anita51_98@yahoo.com May these ministry leaders continue to be blessed for service! Receive exciting stories of our ministry together, timely news updates and invitations to learning and ministry opportunities in the synod. The synod staff s hope is to reach everyone in the pews with What Matters and Walking Together: Faith for Our Journey. Sign up online for synod e-news today!

17 Like Us on Facebook and you ll share in awesome ministry by congregations in your synod, share great ideas and be inspired with selected scripture from your synod staff. South-Central Synod of Wisconsin Remember, when you see this symbol, this is a news item that should be put in your congregational newsletters! Thanks for your partnership. Share your news. If you have something you would like considered for publication in What Matters, send it to Communications & Event Manager, Deacon Vicki Hanrahan, at vickih@scsw-elca.org. Visit our website: Following Jesus, who commanded his followers, Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another, and believing that all persons are created in the image of God, the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin, ELCA, strives to be fully inclusive for all. This synod welcomes people of every race, background, age, political affiliation, economic and social status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and mental and physical ability, while striving to enable all people to participate fully in the life and work of the church and its expressions.